V-Day parade to unveil advanced weapons 08:12, August 21, 2025 By Zhao Lei ( China Daily A news conference on V-Day military parade preparations is held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, Aug 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] A number of the Chinese military's advanced weapons are set to be unveiled at the upcoming V-Day parade on Sept 3, representing the latest achievements in the armed forces' modernization efforts, according to a senior military official. Major General Wu Zeke, a senior officer from the Central Military Commission's Joint Staff Department and deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group for the Military Parade, told a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday that all of the hardware to be displayed has been domestically developed and built, and has been in active service. "It will be a comprehensive debut of our new-generation weaponry since the National Day parade in October 2019," he said. China will stage a grand military parade on Sept 3 to celebrate 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 will be the country's 19th military parade since the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949 and the second V-Day parade. During the first part of the parade, troops members of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force, as well as China's militia and reserve service will line up in formations along Chang'an Avenue in Beijing, and they will be reviewed by President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. The second part of the 70-minute celebration event will consist of shows of flags, processions of troops and ground-based hardware, and a flyby of aircraft. The majority of hardware to be shown at the parade will be new models, ranging from main battle tanks to fighter jets, Wu said. Unmanned platforms, counter-drone equipment and cyberspace operations apparatus will also be highlighted, including new types of combat drones, directed-energy weapons and electronic jamming instruments, he said. Wu added that to display the PLA's strategic deterrence prowess, a group of new hypersonic, missile-defense and intercontinental ballistic missiles will be displayed at the parade. "These weapons feature a high level of information and automation capabilities and represent our efforts to adapt to the development trends of science, technology and modern warfare, and will show our strength that will win future wars," Wu said. He added that a total of 45 marching soldier units, land weaponry groups and aircraft squadrons are set to take part in the parade. Many military units involved in the event have a long history that can be traced back to the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, he said. Another aspect of the parade is that it will be the first time for the Aerospace Force, Cyberspace Force, Information Support Force and Joint Logistics Support Force to take part, Wu noted. Major General Xu Guizhong, an official of the PLA Central Theater Command and deputy head of the command's parade organizing headquarters, said that organizers have been using the parade training to enhance troops' fighting spirit, hone their operational skills, and help them become familiar with new weapons. "We have used a positioning service based on China's Beidou Navigation Satellite System and intelligent assessment tools to facilitate the troops' training, and that has proved very useful and efficient," Xu said. Commanders have asked troops to make full use of this precious opportunity to strengthen their awareness and capabilities regarding joint operations, according to Xu. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Maria Novella Rossi: Understanding China through journalism 10:59, August 21, 2025 By Claire Ding, Yu Ying ( People's Daily Online Spring in Rome is a season of golden sunlight, gentle breezes, and pleasant warmth, creating a fitting backdrop for our meeting with journalist and sinologist Maria Novella Rossi. As a reporter at RAI, Rossi has dedicated her career to covering Chinese culture, with a strong belief in journalism's role in fostering intercultural understanding. Rossi's love for China began with a personal interest in Taoism, which led her to study Chinese philosophy in Italy. Between 1984 and 1986, she deepened this passion through academic studies in Chinese philosophy and literature at the Beijing Language Institute, known today as Beijing Language and Culture University. "It was an unforgettable experience," she recalled, "not only for my work, but also for my life." Maria Novella Rossi (Photo/Patrick Shead-Simmonds) Rossi officially joined RAI in 1999, where she has focused extensively on reporting about China. There was a lot of curiosity about the Chinese people, their culture, and the country as a whole, she explained. However, she also highlights the challenges of accurate reporting, noting that Western media coverage of China is often riddled with cliches, many of them stemming from journalists who have never set foot in the country. The cultural and geographical distance also makes it difficult to show an authentic image of Chinese culture and people. For Rossi, respect and knowledge are essential foundations for cultural dialogue. "You cannot offer an accurate judgment on other cultures without understanding them," she insisted. "Journalists need to dig deeper, judge less, and explain more," she said, adding that journalists and intellectuals carry the great responsibility of building bridges between East and West. Rossi's mission extends beyond daily reporting. She has also led documentary projects focusing on the Chinese diaspora in Italy. One such series, which she produced 10 years ago, highlighted personal stories of Chinese actresses, entrepreneurs, and engineers living in Italy. She is currently preparing a new project that will explore major tourist and UNESCO heritage sites in both countries, for example, the Colosseum in Italy and the Great Wall in China. Reflecting on contemporary China, Rossi describes it as a technologically advanced country. Visits to leading tech companies like Huawei in Shenzhen and Alibaba in Hangzhou left her impressed by the country's rapid development. She is particularly struck by advancements in AI, robotics, and digital finance. She noted, in China, almost everything can be done through WeChat, from booking a restaurant to paying taxes or buying a flight ticket. In today's world, where social media has accelerated the spread of misinformation, Rossi believes that journalism must stay grounded in ethics, credibility, and truth. It's essential to deliver quality information, protect freedom of expression, and uphold professional standards, she emphasized, noting that journalists play a vital role in helping people understand the world and in promoting cultural exchange. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chengliang) RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PEOPLE Magazine and Great Place To Work named Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) one of its 100 Companies That Care on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The "health plan with a heart" ranked No. 98 on the national list, joining organizations like The Wonderful Company, Edward Jones and The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated. It marks the second time since 2023 that IEHP has earned the designation for its mission to "heal and inspire the human spirit." PEOPLE Cares Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) earned a spot on PEOPLE Magazine and Great Place To Works 100 Companies That Care list for the second time since 2023. The health plan with a heart ranked No. 98 on the list. (PRNewsfoto/Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)) "We are honored to be featured on PEOPLE's Companies That Care list," said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. "This recognition is a testament to our team's commitment to our mission, vision and values and unwavering dedication to serving our members, providers and community." PEOPLE's annual list spotlights companies that go above and beyond to recognize their employees, uplift the communities they serve, and strive to make the world a better place. To earn this spot, IEHP surpassed rigorous benchmarks by establishing itself as one of the best companies to work for in the country. "At IEHP, we recognize that the way we engage with our employees mirrors how we serve our communities," said Supriya Sood, Chief People Officer. "To be recognized by PEOPLE Magazine is a reflection of how deeply we value our people and the culture that we've built together." The globally recognized publication partners with Great Place To Work to compile the highly competitive list, and honorees must employ at least 10 U.S. employees and be Great Place To Work Certified, a designation IEHP earned for the fifth year in a row in June. The Companies That Care list is assembled using data from employee surveys submitted for Great Place To Work consideration. More than 3,600 team membersover 90% of IEHP's workforcecompleted this year's survey, with 88% surveyed in agreement with the following: "Taking everything into account, I would say IEHP is a great place to work." Results also showed that 96% of those surveyed believe IEHP is a physically safe place to work, and 95% said IEHP has special unique benefits, treats people fairly regardless of their background, and has a strong work-life balance. "Businesses are vital pillars in the communities where they operate," said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work, in an press release announcing this year's list. "Caring for your people and your community isn't something you do after you build a successful business; it's how to make your business successful." Learn more about IEHP at iehp.org. For a list of employment opportunities and benefits offered, head to careers.iehp.org. About IEHP With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans, the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid public health plan in the country, and for the fifth year in a row, certified as A Great Place To Work. Founded in 1996, IEHP supports more than 1.5 million Riverside and San Bernardino County residents enrolled in Medicaid or IEHP DualChoice (those with both Medi-Cal and Medicare). As of 2024, IEHP also offers Covered California plans, further ensuring health care access for even more IE residents. Today, IEHP has a robust network of quality doctors throughout our two counties and nearly 4,000 team members who are fully committed to the vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health. To learn more, go to iehp.org. SOURCE Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) We feature a curated selection of some of the biggest, most important, and fascinating news thats making waves online What really happened at Sengkang Green Primary School? The Ministry of Education's (MOE) timeline tells a troubling story. (Photo: Google Earth) Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) has released a full timeline of the bullying case at Sengkang Green Primary School, showing how verbal taunts escalated into threats and retaliation. The situation began with slurs and exclusionary behaviour, eventually leading to prank calls and death threats. The school responded with suspensions, a caning and a comprehensive safety plan. The timeline also revealed that the affected student had used racial slurs, complicating the narrative. MOE stressed its commitment to fair discipline and student well-being. Officials urged parents to avoid inflaming tensions online and instead work with schools to support healing. The case has prompted broader conversations about bullying, accountability and the role of digital platforms in education. More on MOE's statement on the Sengkang Green bullying case here. Temasek Holdings is considering a major restructuring that could redefine how it manages its $434 billion portfolio. The plan would divide the firm into three distinct investment platforms: one for domestic assets like Singapore Airlines, another for overseas investments, and a third for fund-related holdings under Seviora. This move aims to sharpen executive focus, enhance operational efficiency and improve long-term returns. Although Temasek reported a record-high net portfolio value in March 2025, its ten-year annualised shareholder return remains at 5 per cent, trailing global benchmarks. The proposed restructure would streamline its current model, which allocates responsibilities by asset class and geography, and may elevate key executives to lead the new divisions. Potential candidates include Lim Ming Huan, Tony Tan, and Nagi Hamiyeh, with an announcement expected soon. If implemented, this could be one of the most transformative changes in Temaseks history. More on Temasek mulling a major overhaul here. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code If you were sentient in 2007, it was hard not to be aware of the Amanda Knox story. A British exchange student named Meredith Kercher was raped and murdered at the student apartment in Perugia, Italy, that she shared with three other girlstwo Italians and an American. The American, Amanda Knox, and Knoxs boyfriend of eight days, Raffaele Sollecito, were held for questioning. Under questioning, Knox confessed, implicating Patrick Lumumba, the Congolese owner of the cafe where she worked part time, by saying she and Sollecito had been in the room when Lumumba killed Kercher. Although she retracted her statement the next day, all three were arrested. However, Lumumba had a tight alibi and, two weeks later, was released without charge. At the same time, the Italian police detained Rudy Guede, a drifter and small-time criminal with a history of sexual assault, leaking a lurid theory that Knox, Sollecito, and Guede had indulged in a drug-fueled sex game with Kercher that went wrong, resulting in Kerchers death. All three were arrested. The combination of sex, drugs, and an attractive young female (alleged) villainess sent the mediaespecially the Italian and British tabloidsinto overdrive. Guede stood trial and was convicted of Kerchers murder only a month after his arrest, but Sollecito and Knox languished in jail for another two years before having their day in court. In 2009 they were both found guilty of murder and sentenced to 25 and 26 years, respectively. Two years later, the verdicts were overturned on appeal, but in 2014, the convictions were reinstated until the pair were finally exonerated the following year by Italys highest court. The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, a new series out now on Hulu, attempts to follow the ins and outs of all these legal reversals, hence the title. It is based largely on Knoxs 2013 memoir Waiting to Be Heard, and a disclaimer at the start of each episode mentions that the show privileges her point of view, a stance underlined by Knoxs credit as an executive producer. Another executive producer is Monica Lewinsky, who knows all about being a photogenic young woman at the center of a media firestorm splashing details of her sexual history over every front page and evening news broadcast as she loses any expectation of privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The voice that remains unheard in the series, as in the trial and its aftermath, is Kerchers. Her family retained a dignified silence during all the court proceedings and has made no comment on the show beyond her sister saying, Our family has been through so much, and it is difficult to understand how this serves any purpose. Given that the series represents Knoxs version of events, it is hard to say if any deviations from reality represent an actual departure from the truth or just an overly faithful adherence to Knoxs partisan version, but in any case, we herein attempt to discover whats fact and whats fiction in this undeniably twisted tale. Did Knox Confess Under Coercion? In the show, Amanda is questioned, then is released, then voluntarily returns for further questioning three days after Merediths murder has been discovered, after the police say they want to clear up a few details with her. Completely unaware that she is a possible suspect and believing the police when they say she is just a witness, she is happy to cooperate. Advertisement When she gets to the police station, she is made to wait for hours, then questioned by several Italian detectives simultaneously. Although her Italian is rudimentary, she isnt offered a interpreter and so doesnt understand many of the questions put to her. Nor does she have a lawyer because, having led a sheltered existence as a middle-class American, she has a remarkably trusting attitude toward the authorities, assuming that since shes innocent, she doesnt need one. The police ignore guidelines and fail to record the interview. Advertisement Amanda is subjected to techniques designed to confuse and demoralize her, both physicalsuch as not letting her go to the bathroom even when she needs to change a tampon, keeping her awake without food for several hours, and even hitting herand psychologicalsuch as lying to her about evidence, making her doubt her own version of events, and suggesting she is having false memories. Worn down and desperate to make it stop, Amanda tells the police she saw her employer and friend Patrick kill Meredith. Advertisement Advertisement In a 2016 interview with Nightline, Knox said that this questioning lasted 53 hours, during which time she changed her story from maintaining she had spent the night with Sollecito in his apartment to asserting she had been in the girls apartment when Kercher was killed. This was because the police told me that I had amnesia and that I better remember the truth, she said. And so what they were forcing me to consider was that my memories that I hadthat I had spent the night with Raffaelewere wrong. Furthermore, she alleged, I was hit on the back of the head, I was yelled at. Police were coming in and out of the room, telling me that I was a liar. Advertisement Advertisement Then, earlier this year, she told the Atlantic, They lied to me: We have hard evidence placing you at the scene of the crime that night. We know you were there. Like many people, I had assumed that the police were bound by some code of ethics to tell the truth. I could not fathom that they would, or even could, lie to me. All of thiscompounded by the bullying, exhaustion, promises, and threatsreshaped my sense of reality, and made it hard to know what was true and what wasnt. Advertisement Knox was contacted in prison by Saul Kassin, a psychologist and an expert in false confessions, who told her that isolation, bullying, nitpicking of memories, long interrogations, the refusal of food and bathroom breaks, and deception were established techniques for eliciting false confessions. He drew a comparison with the treatment of the Central Park Five, five teenagersfour of them Black, one Latinowho were questioned by police over several hours without parents or lawyers present, similarly operating under pressure from top brass for a quick conviction and a media pack baying for blood, with the boys ultimately falsely confessing to being involved in the assault and rape of a white female jogger in Central Park.* And indeed the scenes of Knoxs questioning in the series very much recall the interrogation scenes in When They See Us, Ava DuVernays disturbing dramatization of that other infamous miscarriage of justice. Advertisement Advertisement In 2019 the European Court of Human Rights supported Knoxs version of events, finding that her human rights had been violated during the interrogation due to a police failure to provide legal assistance and an independent interpreter, and ordered Italy to pay Knox damages. However, the court also found that there was insufficient evidence to conclude that she had sustained inhuman or degrading treatment. Advertisement Did Knox Recant Her Statement? After Amanda confesses, she is allowed to go home and go to sleep. When she wakes up, she is able to remember the events of the night of the murder more clearly and writes them down in a note she gives to the police in a desperate attempt to recant her accusation against Patrick. Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, it was Knoxs accusation of Lumumba that did the most to undermine her case. He brought a civil suit for slander, which was tried concurrently with her murder charge and heard by the same jury. The dubious confessions were not admissible in the murder trial, but they were admissible in the civil case, so the jury was able to hear them. Even after the murder conviction was overturned, Knoxs slander conviction remained. Following the ECHRs ruling that her interrogation had not been properly conducted, Italys high court ordered a new trial to consider the slander verdict. There was only one piece of evidence: the four-page handwritten letter Knox had given to the police the day after she was released from questioning. Advertisement Advertisement In it, she says, In regards to this confession that I made last night, I want to make clear that Im very doubtful of the verity of my statements because they were made under the pressures of stress, shock, and extreme exhaustion. But she doesnt actually withdraw the accusation, writing only, In these flashbacks that Im having I see Patrik as the murderer, but the way the truth feels in my mind, there is no way for me to have known, because I dont remember FOR SURE if I was at my house that night. The slander appeal failed, and the conviction remains. While Knox and Sollecito suffered years of imprisonment for a crime they didnt commit, with Knox being demonized in the court of public opinion by prosecutorsshe recalled that they characterized her using words like dirty, witch, murderer, slanderer, demon, depraved, impostor, promiscuous, succubus, evil, pervert, dissolute, and psychopathLumumba, who would not have been dragged into the whole affair were it not for Knoxs blurting out his name, lost the business he had built up and ultimately left Italy for Poland. Advertisement Advertisement At the beginning of 2025, Lumumbas lawyer noted that Knox had never offered to make financial amends to Lumumba and had never really apologized for blowing up his life. However, in 2024, Knox had offered an apology of sorts, saying, I am very sorry I was not strong enough to resist the pressure of the police and that he suffered for it. For Americans, the whole episode had uncomfortable echoes of the unfortunate tradition of a white woman trying to get herself out of trouble by putting the blame on a Black man. Was the DNA Evidence Really So Badly Handled? In its depiction of Knox and Sollecitos first trial, the series shows the prosecutions DNA expert testifying that a knife found in the murder flats cutlery drawer had traces of Merediths DNA on the blade and Amandas DNA on the handle. The other supposedly damning evidence was a bra fastener that had all three defendants DNA on it, as well as the victims. Advertisement Advertisement But by the time of the 2011 appeal trial, a damning video of the polices evidence gathering at the crime scene has emerged, and two independent experts completely refute the original trials DNA evidence by revealing a truly astonishing lack of rigor in the evidence collection and thus a high likelihood of contamination. As physical proof linking Amanda and Raffaele to the crime scene is very thin on the ground, this comprehensively undermines the prosecutions case. Advertisement Advertisement This is in fact what happened. In the first 2011 appeal, the judge was influenced by the testimony of two independent DNA experts from Sapienza University in Rome. One testified that there were several times when forensic police entered the crime scene without wearing protective masks or hair caps and that they often used plastic bags, rather than paper, to wrap evidence, heightening the risk of contamination. Another expert maintained that there wasnt enough of a DNA sample on the knife blade to attribute it to Kercher with certainty and that the original testing did not meet international standards. Advertisement As for the bra clasp, it was not collected from Kerchers room until 46 days after her body was discovered. During this period, the clasp was moved to different locations around the room, with video showing police officers not following proper procedures in their handling of it, using nonsterile gloves, failing to change gloves after touching a surface or item, and dropping it on the floor. Were Kercher and Knox Friends or Frenemies? The early part of the series depicts Meredith and Amanda as being good friends, hanging out and having fun like normal student roommatestalking about boys, smoking pot, putting on makeup together, laughing as they walk around Perugiabut when questioned by the police, Merediths British friends say she didnt like Amanda that much and was angry with her for not doing her share of the cleaning and for bringing random hookups to the house. One of the two Italian roommates confirms this view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, only Kercher and Knox would know how close they actually were. They were certainly friendly enough to go to a chocolate festival together and, the week before the murder, to the concert where Knox met Sollecito. However, Knox undermined her own account of a close friendship during her initial trial. When asked if she ever thought about the victim, she responded by saying: In the end, I knew her for a month. And first of all, Im trying to get on with my life. But even if there were some friction over fairly routine domestic irritations between roommates, it is hard to believe that they would drive Knox from being a somewhat ditzy 20-year-old with no history of criminality, let alone violence, to, as the prosecutions video reconstruction alleged, repeatedly banging Kerchers head against a wall and trying to strangle her. No motive was ever established beyond the prosecutions unsubstantiated assertion of a drug-and-sex-induced frenzy. In the month since the new season of South Park began airing, the infamous animated show has somehow become even more depraved, and I mean that as a compliment. (Consider this a fair warning: Please stop reading now if youre squeamish or a snowflake.) In Wednesday nights episode, Sickofancy, creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker continue their all-out satirical assault on the Trump administration, and once again the series takes no prisoners. At one point, South Parks version of President Donald Trump suggests inserting a (very real) trophy gifted to him by Apple CEO Tim Cook up the anus of Trumps boyfriend, Satan. By the episodes end, we even see one longtime character forced into a new role as the presidents cum rag. Hey, if I had to be subjected to this image, you do too. Just three episodes into the shows 27th season, its become more evident than ever that no other series on television is taking on the MAGA movement like South Park. Its juvenile and outrageous depiction of Trump and his acolytes has made headlines across the world and led to a renewed boom in cultural relevance for the long-running show, but for good reason: No other work of television is stooping this low or getting down in the muck where this White House thrives. This is the perfect crass series for this McDonalds-ordering, UFC fighthosting, Kid Rockassociating administration and our Grab em by the pussy convicted felon of a president. Sure, every episode this season has featured countless jokes about Trump having a micropenis, but the message behind the vulgarity is really quite simple: If youre more disgusted watching this comedy than you are reading the news, then you just might be less human than the crudely animated residents of South Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate We Officially Have the New SNL of the Trump Era Read More Wednesdays episode begins with a continuation from the prior episode and its spoof of the mask-wearing ICE agents detaining scores of immigrants across the U.S. Now, like many in the agricultural sector, its Randy Marshs turn to suffer the fallout of a federal raid on the marijuana farm to which he decamped his family a few seasons back. Those are my Mexicans! Randy shouts as the Latino workers at his Tegridy Farms business are rounded up into vans. Feeling lost, Randy turns to two important figures in his life. The first is Towelie, the weed-smoking (and intentionally stupid) towel character that Stone and Parker introduced way back in Season 5 to mock all the outlandish things they could get away with. An avid marijuana enthusiast, Towelie has become something of a sidekick to Randy in recent seasons during the Tegridy Farms storyline, and now its up to this valiant duo to save the business. To do so, Randy reaches out to another voice who has become central to his life: ChatGPT. The A.I. language unit is more than happy to parrot kind and obsequious words back to Randy as it suggests ways to brainstorm some new business models. The resulting company is pure, perfect A.I. gobbledygook. Tegridy Farms is now Techridy, an A.I.-powered marijuana platform for global solutions that promises to be a platform for innovation, reimagine supply chain resilience, and design new pathways for the global infrastructure, among other nonsense. And were able to do it all with just one Mexican! Randy boasts. (Together, Randy and Towelie raid an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility to recruit said worker.) Advertisement Advertisement Theres just one catch: Randy and Towelie need to take a page out of Elon Musks book and start microdosing the horse tranquilizer drug ketamine to boost their focus and creativity. These tech guys do just one little spray in their nose once a day, Randy assures Towelie. Its just a micro amount of ketamine to give their minds the edge to work with A.I. Of course, the microdosing soon turns to macrodosing, as Randy and Towelie cant help but snort the drug from an inhaler every few seconds, prompting Randy to fall repeatedly into the stupors known as K-holes. Advertisement Seeking a change in drug classification of marijuana at the federal level, Randy sends Towelie to Washington to lobby Trumpbut hes in busy company. Outside an Oval Office decorated with (again, very real) new gold fixtures, scores of people are shown lining up each day to lavish Trumpian praise on the president and present him with gifts. Mr. President, you have so many great ideas. Your leadership is truly beyond anything we have ever had in this country, and you definitely do not have a small penis, one Florida official says, before gifting him with a silver-plated model of a space shuttle. Also in line are Cook, a Qatari official holding a gold model of Trumps new plane, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg with a bejeweled VR headset. Another great day of getting presents! Trump exclaims to Satan right as he strips naked to reveal the small penis all the sycophants had assured him he did not possess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as in real life, the D.C. of South Park is now a menacing place. Because the Comedy Central show can animate an episode with astonishing speed, we see several shots of Towelie visiting Union Station, the Supreme Court, and the Capitol, where dozens and dozens of service members can be seen on the streets. Outside the White House, there is even a military parade taking place. And in a particularly dystopian (but perhaps not too far-fetched?) vision of the future, Trump has had iconic statues of Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln altered to feature his own face (andsigh, yespenis). Towelies nightmare, though, is truly complete only after Randy, seeking to bribe the president, offers him up as a special gift to Trump. If you have to have sex with yourself again, the minion version of J.D. Vance squeals to his boss, I can bring your cum rag! Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, the K-holes become too much for Randy, and hes forced to admit to his wife, Sharon, that theyre deeply in debt and need to sell the farm. But not only is she relieved (she and the kids never wanted to be there in the first place); she also coaxed this exact result out of Randy by studying the singsong, sycophantic way in which ChatGPT communicates with users, imitating it, and prodding him to hang up his farmers boots once and for all. Advertisement After lampooning the widespread institutional capitulation to Trump, then going after one of his most abhorrent signature policies, the show does something even more daring in this episode: It goes after the kiss-ass culture around the presidentone that repeatedly tells us not to trust our lying eyes or pesky consciences. So often during the past few months of chaos and cruelty, Ive found myself feeling like Randy spinning out on his farmhouse balcony. Is this really happening? I cant help but wonder. Sometimes, it truly feels as if only you are experiencing this, or as if youre going crazywhich is precisely why this episode hits so hard. It pierces the bubble of the A.I. hype machine that has seemingly enveloped every company on earth, and it easily pops the Trump bubble too, with a reality check that only Stone and Parker could deliver. Randy may be out of his mind, but watching South Park is the sanest Ive felt in months. Passive DIVERSIFIED Real Estate & Income PRIVATE EQUITY FUNDS DENVER, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brent Guyor, CEO, today announced that Ironton Capital's Medium Term Income Fund has surpassed $25 million as of Monday, Aug 18, 2025. "Ironton Capital is ecstatic to have reached this significant milestone in approximately one year since the launch of the MTI2 fund," said Mr. Guyor. Ironton is known for their disciplined, risk-conscious approach to building and managing private equity portfolios. Their focus is on creating stable, long-term investment opportunities for accredited investors seeking consistent performance across market cycles. Ironton Capitals Medium Term Income Fund2 (MTI2) Has Reached $25Million "Our team is pleased with the strong continued investor interest in the MTI Fund, which proves that its steady nature of consistent, strong returns is highly desirable for a wide range of investors," Mr. Guyor continued. Before founding Ironton Capital, Lon Welsh built and exited several successful businesses, including one of Colorado's largest independent real estate brokerages. His extensive background in market analysis and hands-on leadership informs Ironton's investment strategies, emphasizing transparency, diversification, and thoughtful capital deployment. Together with the Ironton team, Lon continues to guide investors through complex markets with a clear-eyed focus on wealth preservation and resilient returns. Lon Welsh, Founding Partner, added, "While our growth funds already helped accredited investors add investment-grade real estate into their portfolio, in these volatile markets, they needed a place to park their cash that was completely non-correlated from the stock market or real estate to better diversify their portfolios so we created MTI as an alternative that even beats out CD and Bond returns." Because of the tremendous response for the MTI Fund, Ironton initiated annual 3rd Party audits as of the 2024 inception year. The 2024 Audit of MTI was recently completed and Ironton is very pleased with both the financial statements, and for the thorough, yet smooth audit process. Audited 2024 Financial Statements for the MTI Fund are now available to all current and prospective LPs. The entire Ironton Capital team extends its sincere appreciation to its investor family for their continued trust, support and partnership. This next phase of growth reflects the strength of the community and the integrity of its relationships. "While investing is our passion, we have found that true fulfillment has always come from the familial bond with our team and investors as together we foster growth in our communities. Your confidence fuels our passion," the team stated. Learn more about the Medium Term Income Fund and Ironton Capital at irontoncapital.com/mtinews MTI OVERVIEW Ironton Capital's MTI has been designed for discerning investors seeking key investment features including: principal protection, liquidity access, an attractive yield, market independence, counter-cyclical protection, rigorous underwriting framework, solid operational backbone with dependable servicing and an experienced tactical team. 11-13% Projected Annual Return Quarterly Dividends, paid consistently since 2016 Non-correlated with stock market or real estate Diversified across 25k+ medical receivables FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT MTI Snapshot $25M+ deployed since 2024 $3M+ earned by investors Sponsor's Snapshot $300M in investor capital deployed since 2016 in investor capital deployed since 2016 $1.6B collateral processed, and $1.25B collateral still outstanding collateral processed, and collateral still outstanding $64M+ earned by investors $35M+ investor redemption requests This proven model provides a compelling opportunity for investors seeking to optimize returns while maintaining financial flexibility and protecting principal. Learn More at: IrontonCapital.com/mtinews About Ironton Capital IrontonCapital.com helping accredited investors retire earlier through passive investing. Press Contact: Lon Welsh (720) 707-3753 https://irontoncapital.com/ SOURCE Ironton Capital https://sputnikglobe.com/20250821/hungary-ready-to-host-russia-us-ukraine-summit-guarantees-security-for-all-participants-1122657611.html Hungary Ready to Host Russia-US-Ukraine Summit, Guarantees Security for All Participants Hungary Ready to Host Russia-US-Ukraine Summit, Guarantees Security for All Participants Sputnik International If needed, we are here, and we will provide fair and safe conditions at any time. We would be happy to host such peace talks if we can help ensure the success... 21.08.2025, Sputnik International 2025-08-21T07:05+0000 2025-08-21T07:05+0000 2025-08-21T07:05+0000 world peter szijjarto viktor orban hungary russia budapest us treasury white house https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/11/1119396915_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_a5b028980d75107bcf5abaed716291a4.jpg Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with Fox News, did not rule out the possibility of a Russia-US-Ukraine summit being held in the Hungarian capital. According to sources, the White House is allegedly considering Budapest as the priority location for the trilateral meeting.According to Szijjarto, Budapest is a credible location because Hungary offered to host negotiations for both Russia and Ukraine right after the conflict began, and continued to extend the invitation.Szijjarto also called Hungarys ability, under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, to maintain a respectful dialogue with both Russia and the US a huge and unique achievement, despite the "tremendous pressure" it has faced. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/us-russia-agree-on-security-guarantees-for-ukraine---witkoff-1122636966.html hungary russia budapest 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 peter szijjarto, viktor orban, hungary, russia, budapest, us treasury, white house https://sputnikglobe.com/20250821/russia-backs-istanbul-2022-security-guarantees-rejects-other-ideas---lavrov-1122658265.html Russia Backs Istanbul 2022 Security Guarantees, Rejects Other Ideas - Lavrov Russia Backs Istanbul 2022 Security Guarantees, Rejects Other Ideas - Lavrov Sputnik International Russia supports the principles of security guarantees agreed upon in Istanbul in 2022, while all other proposals are futile ventures, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. 2025-08-21T10:29+0000 2025-08-21T10:29+0000 2025-08-21T10:46+0000 world russia sergey lavrov istanbul moscow ukraine donald trump https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/06/1e/1122366123_0:0:3248:1827_1920x0_80_0_0_b09981d889df002936dabe938d27d92b.jpg In essence, Europe is proposing foreign intervention on part of Ukrainian territory, which is absolutely unacceptable for Moscow, the Russian Foreign Minister stressed.Ukraine's position indicates that Kiev wants to undermine the US efforts for a settlement, while Moscow is closely cooperating with Washington on this track to address the root causes of the crisis, Lavrov added.Significant progress has been made at the Russia-US summit in Alaska in terms of defining the parameters of the Ukrainian conflict settlement, Lavrov said.Ukraine is clearly showing that it is not interested in a sustainable and long-term settlement of the conflict, Lavrov added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250821/hungary-ready-to-host-russia-us-ukraine-summit-guarantees-security-for-all-participants-1122657611.html russia istanbul moscow ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia supports, security guarantees, russian foreign minister sergey lavrov https://sputnikglobe.com/20250821/ukrainian-suspect-in-nord-stream-sabotage-arrested-in-italy--german-prosecutors-1122658387.html Ukrainian Suspect in Nord Stream Sabotage Arrested in Italy German Prosecutors Ukrainian Suspect in Nord Stream Sabotage Arrested in Italy German Prosecutors Sputnik International Ukrainian citizen Sergei K., who is suspected of coordinating sabotage on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines in 2022 was detained in Italy, the German prosecutor's office said on Thursday. 2025-08-21T11:21+0000 2025-08-21T11:21+0000 2025-08-21T11:21+0000 world italy ukraine nord stream 2 europe russia nord stream pipeline nord stream 1 nord stream https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/1d/1101347558_0:63:1200:738_1920x0_80_0_0_92adc02f32428ca312139dddc359fd1c.jpg The arrest was made on August 21, 2025, based on a European arrest warrant issued by Germanys Federal Court. According to the prosecutor's office, Sergei K. is accused of complicity in organizing the explosions, unconstitutional sabotage, and destruction of infrastructure. He is believed to have been part of a group that placed explosive devices on the pipelines near Bornholm in September 2022. The operation involved using a sailing yacht rented with forged documents, which left Rostock before the explosive devices detonated on September 26, causing significant damage to the pipelines. Once extradited from Italy, Sergei K. will face a judge in Germany for further proceedings.The Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines, built to deliver gas under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, were hit by explosions in September 2022. Russia considers the explosions of the two pipelines an act of international terrorism. There are no official results of the investigation yet, but Pulitzer Prize-winning US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh published a report in February 2023, alleging that the explosions had been organized by the United States with the support of Norway. Washington has denied any involvement in the incident. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250525/saxon-pm-calls-for-reviving-nord-stream-to-resume-talks-with-russia-1122128297.html italy 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 german prosecutors, nord stream 1 and nord stream 2 gas pipelines, coordinating sabotage There have been 15 different winners through three legs of the 2025 Buckeye Stallion Series for freshman filly pacers. The only horse to claim a repeat victory thus far, Eyes Up, will go for her third series win on Thursday, Aug. 21 as Eldorado Scioto Downs hosts four $20,000 USD divisions of the fourth leg as part of an 11-race card. Owned by Harry and Darlene Alltop of Urbana, Ohio, Eyes Up is one of 11 winners from prior legs of the Buckeye entered in Thursdays fourth round. She won a division in each of the first two legs at Northfield Park and was a runner-up in the third leg at Urbana. Shes a nice little filly and was easy to break, said trainer Deborah Swartz. She was a little lazy starting out, but the more we went with her, the more she just started going. After leaving from the trailing post seven in the Aug. 4 leg at Urbana, Eyes Up was in fourth place and more than four lengths back of the leader at the halfway mark. She rallied to the lead as the front-stepping filly broke stride at three-quarters before being overtaken by Stride For Stride en route to finishing second by 2-1/4 lengths. She had to come from the back and just had a little trouble, but she raced well, said Swartz. Looking to rebound from that second-place finish, Eyes Up will leave from post seven in Thursdays fourth leg at Scioto. She is the 3-2 favourite on the morning line in the second division. Dan Noble returns to the sulky after guiding the Lather Up-Dazzling Rockette filly in each of the first three legs. Noble is a Swartz favourite, as he has also driven Ready Russell from her stable to a three-for-three start in the Ohio Sires Stakes for freshman colt trotters. Danny teaches them, which is what we like. Hes really good with babies, said Swartz. Eyes Up has hit the board in four of her five starts, with two wins and two seconds, and her lifetime best of 1:54.4 came in the second leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series. While getting a somewhat difficult post draw for Thursdays eight-horse race, Swartz believes her trainee has a legitimate shot of being the first to cross the finish line yet again. She doesnt have to be on the front end, she said. Knowing Danny, hell let the dust settle early on and then leave with her. Thats usually what he does. But shes a pretty game little filly. Shes all heart, and shes really come a long way for us. Seaside Angel, the 2-1 second choice, will leave next to Eyes Up from post six with Jeremy Smith in the bike. The Downbytheseaside-Band Of Angels filly won a division in the second leg of the Buckeye in 1:55.1 and posted a third-place finish in the third leg. Trained by Ron Steck, she posted a lifetime-best 1:54.3 with Chris Page in a race at Scioto on July 11. Page is set to drive 5-2 third choice Odds On Catherine for trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. Another Downbytheseaside filly out of Miss L A, she has three runner-up finishes in six starts this season and will leave from the rail. Each of the other three divisions feature three winners from prior legs. Mingle In Dingle (Cameron McCown) is the 6-5 morning line favourite in the first division, which also includes Jamie Amanda (Chris Page), City Of Fear (Trevor Smith) and Fire Country (Tyler Smith), each of whom has won a division in a prior leg. Mingle In Dingle has yet to win a Buckeye race this season, finishing second in the third leg after placing third in the second leg. The Dancin Yankee-Sebring Blue Chip filly is trained by Brian Brown. Morgan Jr. trainee Jamie Amanda is the 3-1 second choice. The Downbytheseaside-Omen Hanover filly took a first-leg victory in a lifetime-best 1:56.4 and has two wins and one second in four seasonal starts. Fire Country, a winner in the third leg, opened with 7-2 odds and will leave from the rail. Second-leg winner City Of Fear has 12-1 morning line odds and will leave from the far outside. Madetorockette (Brett Miller) is the early 8-5 favourite in the third division. Trained by Jim Arledge Jr., the Pet Rock-Standing Danette filly posted a victory in the opening leg in 1:57.2 and later recorded a lifetime-best 1:54.3 in winning a division of the Ohio State Fair Stakes as a 32-1 longshot with Miller in the sulky. She has not hit the board in either of her other two seasonal starts, however. Third-leg winner Shes As Well (Dan Noble) is the 3-1 second choice. The Well Said-Asadvertised filly is trained by Dustin Pfeifer. Also a winner in the third leg, Standerosa (Tyler Smith) has been assessed at 9-1 odds. A daughter of The Panderosa-Still Standing, she is trained by Tye Loy. Second-leg winners Queen Valerie (Page) and Rhodena Blue (Miller) and third-leg winner Atom Heart Mother (Aaron Merriman) are in the fourth division with 2-1 morning line favourite Odds On Dividend (Jeremy Smith). A Downbytheseaside-Rose Run Ultimate filly trained by Virgil Morgan Jr., Odds On Dividend has three seconds and one third in four seasonal starts. All three of her runner-up finishes have come in the Buckeye Stallion Series. She will leave from post two next to 3-1 second choice Bad Girl Up (Dan Noble) at the rail. Bad Girl Up is a Lather Up-Bad Girls Club filly trained by Ron Potter with a season-best finish of third in three starts. Atom Heart Mother is listed at 9-2 odds and will leave from the far outside. Queen Valerie and Rhodena Blue will leave side by side from posts five and six, respectively, with morning line odds of 6-1 and 8-1. First-race post time at Scioto on Thursday is 5:45 p.m. (With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association) Believeincaptain crushed his competition by 10 lengths to go seven-for-seven in his young career in Michigan Sire Stakes action for rookie pacing colts on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center. The Allen Sisco-trained Believeincaptain was never in danger, putting up :29.1, :58, and 1:27.3 fractions in front, and he stopped the clock in 1:59 with driver Kody Massey in the bike to take the second of two $15,806 splits for his division. Eleanors Knight (LeWayne Miller) took the place cheque over Captain Butch (Tim Roach). Believeincaptain, a son of Captain Victorious-Believeincarrie, has now earned $69,590 for owners Oldford Racing LLC and Allen Sisco Stable LLC. He paid $2.10 to win. Driver/trainer Lewayne Miller won a pair of Michigan Sire Stakes races to go two-for-three in stakes competition. In the first of two $15,181 divisions for two-year-old filly trotters, Millers Westwinds Yahtzee ($2.40) carved out fractions of :31.4, 1:03.1, and 1:34.4 and cruised to victory by 4-1/4 lengths in a time of 2:04.1. Weezabouttofindout (David Lake) was second, with Smooth Is Fast (Roach) well back in third. Westwinds Yahtzee, a daughter of Celebrity Pegasus-Keep The Cash owned and bred by Samuel Eicher, has now won four straight starts since her place finish on debut. Miller won again in the first $15,431 dash for two-year-old filly pacers with Lady Victorious ($2.60), who went all the way with fractions of :31.1, 1:02, and 1:33 in a 2:03 mile. She was 4-1/4 lengths clear of Cocktail Of Dreams (Charles Taylor) in second, followed by Maize N Boo (Roach). Lady Victorious, a Captain Victorious-Arts Meme mare, has won five of six lifetime outings for owner Rockylanes. Miller's final entrant of the day, Eleanors Knight, was a runner-up to Believeincaptain, making Millers overall record to four wins and one second in five starts over the first two days of the three-day race week. What Ma Says ($4.20) took the other rookie colt pace division in 2:02.3, with Lake aboard the son of Captain Victorious-Pv Miracle Mary for trainer Kent Hess and owner Marjorie Deshetsky. Super Girl Power ($32.40) scored in 2:06.1 in the other group of two-year-old filly pacers. Lake piloted the Bondi Hanover-Running In Heels filly for owner Eugene Schrauben and trainer Marvin Craft. In the second freshman filly trot tilt, Republican Dream ($9) tallied her second straight victory with a 2:10.3 performance, driven by Don Harmon. Krista Harmon conditions the daughter of Global Republic S-Gourmandise Dream and shares ownership with Don Harmon. Powerful Ending ($23.40) dominated the first $15,056 division for rookie male trotters in 2:06. John Moody steered the Musical Rhythm-Powerful Mission gelding for trainer Kevin St. Charles and owner ECS Racing LLC. Banjo Mar ($3) made it a sweep of the colt trot divisions for sire Musical Rhythm, as the gelding out of Shady Lady Mar won in 2:13 for driver Taylor, trainer Ed Brown, and owner William Marquis. Massey led all drivers on the day with three winners. Harmon, Lake and Miller each had two. Racing resumes with a special Thursday, Aug. 21 in at Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center with a first race post time of 1 p.m. (With files from Northville Downs) - Fukushima's Second Wetland to be Recognized for International Importance - FUKUSHIMA, Japan, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aizuwakamatsu City, Koriyama City, Inawashiro Town, and Fukushima Prefecture have cooperated to see Lake Inawashiro registered under the Ramsar Convention. As of July 15, 2025, the process has been concluded to place Lake Inawashiro on the list of registered wetlands of international importance under the convention. This makes it the 54th such location in Japan and the second after Oze, in Fukushima Prefecture. The registration was officially awarded on July 26 (Sat.), during the Ramsar Convention's 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15 of the Ramsar Convention), held in the Republic of Zimbabwe, Africa. - Summary of the Registration Registered name: Lake Inawashiro Local municipalities: Aizuwakamatsu City, Koriyama City, Inawashiro Town Area: 10,960 ha Status of preservation: Preserved as part of Bandai-Asahi National Park Status of registration: 54th in Japan, 2nd in Fukushima Prefecture, following Oze - Summary of COP15 of the Ramsar Convention Period: July 23 (Wed.)-July 31 (Thu.) *Local time Venue: Victoria Falls, Republic of Zimbabwe Award ceremony and more: PR and other undertakings for Lake Inawashiro were conducted during side events etc. held by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment on July 26 (Sat., local time 13:30-, Japan time 20:30-). Afterward, discussions were held with the Ramsar Convention's Secretary General, and registration certificates were awarded to the three municipalities, as well as the prefecture. Participants: Aizuwakamatsu City Director of Citizen Affairs, Koriyama City Director of the Environment, Inawashiro Town Department Chief and Advisor for the Department of Financial Planning, Fukushima Prefecture Department of Nature Conservation Director, and others. What is the Ramsar Convention? The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, aiming to conserve wetlands and waterfowl habitats. In order to balance conservation with the lives and livelihoods of local people, it champions "wise use" of wetlands, valuing exchange, nurturing relevant skill sets, education, participation, and raising awareness. Lake Inawashiro was recognized for its connection with local ecosystems and its value as a migration spot for waterfowl, which led to its registration. Photo: Lake Inawashiro/Urabandai Lake photo contest award winners: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108780/202508073368/_prw_PI1fl_Fl9M572R.png Lake Inawashiro's traits Lake Inawashiro is the 4th largest lake in Japan, and with its rich aquatic habitat, it is known as home to many wild birds and aquatic plants. Shallows are particularly widespread on the northern shore, and the lake's wide area and significant depth lead to the water temperature decreasing less in winter, which in turn means the lake does not freeze. Due to this, it is a valuable spot for ducks and swans to winter. Further, Lake Inawashiro and its surroundings are home to 197 different species of fauna, including 111 species of birds. As for flora, over 100 species of aquatic plants grow here, and it is also the largest national habitat for fringed water lilies. A total of 705 species of ground plants have been confirmed on the lake's shores, making this an important location for conserving biodiversity in the region. The lake water is used for hydroelectric power, irrigation, and supplying both Aizuwakamatsu City and Koriyama City with water. Additionally, the inflowing rivers create multiple sand beaches near the river mouths, creating the distinctive "hakusha seisho" (white beach, green pine trees) vistas represented by Tenjinhama Beach and others. This beautiful natural view makes it one of Fukushima Prefecture's more major tourism destinations, as well as a site for swimming in the lake and other water-related activities. The lakeside is used as a camping site and also contributes greatly to developing the regional economy. Future plans With registration under the Ramsar Convention completed, the prefectural government and local municipalities anticipate not only growing awareness about the conservation of Lake Inawashiro's environment, but an increase in visitors due to greater international renown, as well as bringing visitors to the lake for educational purposes, both as part of schooling and beyond it. Going forward, the prefectural government will join forces with local municipalities and various relevant groups to ensure that Lake Inawashiro's beauty and bounty are preserved for the future, treating the lake as the priceless prefectural treasure that it is. Other materials: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108780/202508073368/_prw_PI2fl_xTD6di5U.png Photo (receiving the registration certificate at COP15): https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108780/202508073368/_prw_PI3fl_x6FE7mlY.png Photo (Lake Inawashiro PR etc.): https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108780/202508073368/_prw_PI4fl_5hTN7QZ1.png SOURCE Fukushima Prefecture Department of Conservation By Jody Godoy (Reuters) -The chairman of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission warned Apple, Alphabet, and other technology companies on Thursday that efforts to comply with British and European digital content laws could violate U.S. law if they weaken privacy and data security protections for American users. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson expressed concerns about the EU Digital Services Act, and the UK Online Safety Act, which are aimed at cracking down on illegal and harmful online content, and the UK Investigatory Powers Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Foreign governments seeking to limit free expression or weaken data security in the United States might count on the fact that companies have an incentive to simplify their operations and legal compliance measures by applying uniform policies across jurisdictions," Ferguson said. The letters are part of a broader Trump administration effort to push back on foreign regulatory requirements. On Tuesday, U.S. officials said Britain had dropped its demand for Apple to provide a "backdoor" that would have enabled access to American citizens' encrypted data. Earlier in August, Reuters reported that the U.S. had instructed its diplomats in Europe to lobby against the Digital Services Act. Ferguson called tech giants Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, as well as smaller companies including X, Signal and Slack to meet with him and discuss how they plan to balance U.S. compliance with competing pressures from abroad. (Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York) 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: Angolan President Joao Lourenco (L) greets UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (R) during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Japan. Africa has everything it takes to become a "renewable superpower," UN head Antonio Guterres said Thursday, as he called for greater investment in green energy across the resource-rich continent. Guterres spoke at a three-day development conference in Japan attended by African leaders, where Tokyo is offering itself as an alternative to China as African nations reel from a debt crisis exacerbated by Western aid cuts, conflict, and climate change. "We must mobilize finance and technology, so that Africa's natural wealth benefits African people, we must build a thriving renewables and manufacturing base across the continent," Guterres said at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). "Green power in Africa lowers energy costs, diversifies supply chains, and accelerates decarbonization for everyone." China has invested heavily in Africa over the past decade, with its companies there signing deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars to finance shipping ports, railways, roads, and other projects under Beijing's Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative. But new lending is drying up, and developing countries are grappling with a "tidal wave" of debt to both China and international private creditors, the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, said in May. African countries have also seen Western aid slashed, in particular due to President Donald Trump's dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Guterres warned in his speech in the Japanese port city of Yokohama that "debt must not drown development" and that Africa needed increased concessional finance and greater lending capacity from multilateral development banks. He also urged greater investment in climate solutions. "Africa has everything it takes to become a renewable superpower, from solar and wind to the critical minerals that power new technology," he said. Attendees at TICAD included Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Kenyan President William Ruto. Ruto said on social media platform X that Kenya was in talks with Japanese automaker Toyota for the provision of 5,000 "e-mobility vehicles" as part of the country's "commitment to clean energy." In his opening address at the forum on Wednesday, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a plan to train 30,000 people in artificial intelligence in Africa over three years and to study the idea of a Japan-Africa Economic Partnership. Before the meeting kicked off, Ishiba also announced a vision for a distribution network that links African and Indian Ocean nations. Both Tinubu and Ramaphosa, speaking on X, said they wanted a shift from aid to investment partnerships. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Machine learning software helps agencies make important decisions, such as who gets a bank loan or what areas police should patrol. But if these systems have biases, even small ones, they can cause real harm. A specific group of people could be underrepresented in a training dataset, for example, and as the machine learning (ML) model learns that bias can multiply and lead to unfair outcomes, such as loan denials or higher risk scores in prescription management systems. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science (SCS) created FairSense to help developers address unfairness in ML systems before the harm occurs. Currently, most fairness checks look at a system at a specific point in time, but ML models learn, adapt and change. FairSense simulates these systems in their environments over long periods to time to measure unfairness. "The key is to think about feedback loops," said Christian Kastner, an associate professor in the Software and Societal Systems Department (S3D). "You might have a tiny bias in the model, like a small discrimination against a gender or race. When it's deployed, the model produces an effect in the real world. It discriminates against peoplethey get fewer opportunities, less money or end up in jail more often. And then you train the system on the data influenced by that model, which might amplify the bias over time. "So it might be small in the beginning, but because it has an effect in the real world and then the model learns from that again, it could become a vicious cycle where the bias grows." In "FairSense: Long-Term Fairness Analysis of ML-Enabled Systems," SCS researchers explored how fairness changes as these ML systems are used over time. They focused on testing these systems in a dynamic environment rather than a static state. To use FairSense, developers provide information about the machine learning system, a model of the environment it will be used in and the metric that indicates fairness. For example, in a bank, the system could be software that predicts applicants' creditworthiness and makes loan decisions. The environment model includes relevant information from the applicant's credit history and how credit scores might be affected, and the fairness metric could be the parity between different groups of people approved for loans. Along with Kastner, the team included S3D's Yining She, a doctoral student, and Eunsuk Kang, an associate professor. Sumon Biswas from Case Western Reserve University also participated in the research, which the team presented earlier this year at the International Conference on Software Engineering. "We simulate how the fairness might change over a long period of time after the system is deployed," She said. "If we observe an increase in unfairness over time, the next step is identifying the core factors affecting this fairness so the developer can address these issues proactively." Since ML-enabled systems are deployed in varied and complex situations that aren't always predictable, FairSense can capture and simulate that uncertainty in the environment model. In loan lending, for example, credit score updates and new loan applicants are uncontrollable and could affect how the system behaves over time. FairSense's simulation generates a wide range of possible scenarios based on these variables and allows developers to identify factors, such as credit score thresholds or other parameters, that could have the most significant impact on long-term fairness issues. "A lot of the software we build can negatively affect people," Kang said. "The systems we build have societal impact. The people who build these systems should be thinking about the issues that may arise over time, not just right now. "When you build and deploy the system, what potential bad things could happen down the road? I hope that reading papers like this one will encourage software developers to think more broadly about potential harms caused by the systems they create and proactively address these types of issues before they are deployed into the real world." Researchers plan to expand FairSense's work to continuously monitor the fairness of ML systems and to develop a tool to explain how these systems can become unfair. More information: Yining She et al, FairSense: Long-Term Fairness Analysis of ML-Enabled Systems, 2025 IEEE/ACM 47th International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE) (2025). DOI: 10.1109/ICSE55347.2025.00159 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: Rhagovelia water strider showing fans. Credit: Victor Ortega-Jimenez/UC Berkeley A collaborative team of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Ajou University in South Korea has revealed that the unique fan-like propellers of Rhagovelia water striderswhich allow them to glide across fast-moving streamsopen and close passively, like a paintbrush, ten times faster than the blink of an eye. Inspired by this biological innovation, the team developed an insect-scale robot that incorporates engineered self-morphing fans that mimic the agile movements of Rhagovelia bugs. This study highlights how form and function of a biological adaptation shaped by natural selection can enhance the locomotion and endurance of both water striders and bioengineered robots without incurring additional energy costs. An automatic fan enhances interfacial motion Rhagovelia water striders are unique among water striders because these millimeter-sized semiaquatic insects use specialized fan-like structures on their propulsion legs that enable rapid turns and bursts of speed. "I was intrigued the first time I saw ripple bugs while working as a postdoc at Kennesaw State University during the pandemic," said Victor Ortega-Jimenez, an integrative biologist now at the University of California, Berkeley, a lead author of the study. Ortega-Jimenez had previously studied the jumping performance of large Gerridae water striders from unsteady waters, but Rhagovelia bugs were different. "These tiny insects were skimming and turning so rapidly across the surface of turbulent streams that they resembled flying insects. How do they do it? That question stayed with me and took more than five years of incredible collaborative work to answer it." Until now, it was believed that these fans were powered solely by muscle action. However, a study published in Science reports that Rhagovelia's flat, ribbon-shaped fans can instead passively morph using surface tension and elastic forces, without relying on muscle energy. "Observing for the first time an isolated fan passively expanding almost instantaneously upon contact with a water droplet was entirely unexpected," said Dr. Ortega-Jimenez. This remarkable combination of collapsibility during leg recovery and rigidity during propulsion allows the bugs to execute sharp turns in just 50 milliseconds and move at speeds of up to 120 body lengths per second, rivaling the rapid aerial maneuvers of flying flies. Rhagovelia insectswater striders often referred to as ripple bugsmaneuver agilely in turbulent streams. When their motion is slowed down, the operation of the fans on their feet can be seen. These fans open passively in water within ~10 milliseconds and allow the bugs to propel themselves along the surface and corner sharply. As they move the fans produce vortical wakes in the water, similar to the vortices produced by the wings of flying insects. Credit: Victor Ortega-Jimenez/UC Berkeley Collaboration is key When Dr. Ortega-Jimenez joined Georgia Tech in 2020, after leaving KSU, he presented the project and preliminary observations on Rhagovelia bugs to Dr. Saad Bhamla, who became fascinated and eager to explore it further. It was Dr. Bhamla who brought Dr. Je-Sung's group into the collaboration, opening new possibilities to integrate biology, physics, and robotics into the project. "I saw a real discovery hiding in plain sight. Often, we think science is a lone genius sport, but this couldn't be farther from the truth. Modern science is all about interdisciplinary teams of curious scientists working together, across borders and disciplines, to study nature and engineer new bioinspired machines," said Dr. Bhamla. This interdisciplinary effort, integrating experimental biology, fluid physics, and engineering design, continued for more than five years. Engineers at Ajou University created a bioinspired, insect-scale robot with self-morphing fans that mimic those of Rhagovelia. They improve insect mobility and maneuverability on the water surface. Credit: Ajou University Rhagobot is born: The next generation of water strider robots Creating an insect-sized robot inspired by ripple bugs was a major challenge, particularly because the microstructural design of the fan remained a mystery. The breakthrough came when Dr. Dongjin Kim and Professor Je-Sung from Ajou University captured high-resolution images of the fan using a scanning electron microscope, so they were able to uncover the solution to this puzzle. "We initially designed various types of cylindrical-shaped fans, which we generally think what hair looks like," said Dr. Dongjin Kim, a postdoctoral researcher at Ajou University and also a lead author of this study. "However, the functional duality of the fanrigidity for thrust generation and flexible for collapsibilitycould not be achieved with cylindrical structures. After numerous attempts, we overcame this challenge by designing a flat-ribbon-shaped fan. "We strongly suspected that biological fans might share a similar morphology, and eventually discovered that the Rhagovelia fan indeed possesses a flat-ribbon micro-architecture, which had not been previously reported. This discovery further validated the design principle behind our artificial flat-ribbon fan. "With these insights they were able to decode the structural basis and function of this natural propulsion system and recreate it in a robotic form. The result was the engineering of a one-milligram elastocapillary fan that deploys itself, which was integrated into an insect-sized robot. This microrobot is capable of enhanced thrust, braking, and maneuverability, validated through experiments involving both live insects and robotic prototypes." "Our robotic fans self-morph using nothing but water surface forces and flexible geometryjust like their biological counterparts. It is a form of mechanical embedded intelligence refined by nature through millions of years of evolution. In small-scale robotics, these kinds of efficient and unique mechanisms would be a key enabling technology for overcoming limits in the miniaturization of conventional robots," said Professor Je-sung Koh, a senior author of the study. The study not only establishes a direct link between fan microstructure and aquatic locomotion control, but also lays the foundation for future design of compact, semi-aquatic robots that can explore water surfaces in challenging, fast-flowing environments. The ripple bug's fan structure, which rapidly collapses and reopens as it enters and exits water, has revealed an unprecedented biomechanical dualityhigh flexibility for rapid deployment and high rigidity for thrust. This duality addresses longstanding limitations in small-scale aquatic robotics, such as inefficient stroke recovery and limited maneuvering capacity. Sketching vortices and waves on water It is well known that during propulsion, non-fanned water striders (e.g., those of the Gerridae family) generate characteristic dipolar vortices and capillary waves when stroking their superhydrophobic legs on the water. In contrast, fanned Rhagovelia bugs produce a distinct and complex vortical signature with each stroke, closely resembling the wake produced by flapping wings in the air. "It's as if Rhagovelia have tiny wings attached to their legs, like the Greek god Hermes," said Dr. Ortega-Jimenez. "Future research is needed to determine whether ripple bugs can similarly produce lift-based thrust with their fan-like structures, in addition to drag-based propulsion." This possibility is intriguing, because evidence suggests that whirligig beetles and cormorants generate hydrodynamic lift for swimming propulsion via their hairy legs and webbed feet, respectively. In addition to these vortices, Rhagovelia bugs also produce symmetrical capillary waves during leg propulsion, which appear to aid in thrust generation, along with strong bow waves that form at the front of the body. Standing against turbulent waters Natural streams pose a real challenge, especially for tiny animals that live and move at the interface. Ripple bugs, roughly the size of a grain of rice, must navigate highly dynamic, wavy, and turbulent waters, while escaping predators, catching prey and finding mates. The relative levels of turbulence that these insects endure daily far exceed what we typically experience during airplane turbulence. Surprisingly, twenty-four-hour monitoring of these bugs in the lab revealed their remarkable endurance. "They literally row day and night throughout their lifespan, only pausing to molt, mate, or feed," said Ortega-Jimenez. These unsteady conditions found in streams also represent a significant difficulty for designing interfacial micro-robots capable of moving effectively across such unpredictable waters. "When designing small-scale robots, it's important to account for the specific environment in which they will operatein this case, the water's surface. By leveraging the unique properties of that environment, a robot's performance and efficiency can be greatly enhanced. The Rhagobot, for instance, can travel quickly along a flowing stream thanks to its intelligent fan structure, which is powered by surface tension and the drag forces from the water surface," said Jesung Koh. Finally, these discoveries could have wide-ranging implications for bioinspired robotics, particularly in the development of environmental monitoring systems, search-and-rescue microrobots, and devices capable of navigating perturbed water-air interfaces with insect-like dexterity. More information: Victor M. Ortega-Jimenez et al, Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adv2792. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adv2792 Journal information: Science 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: Color of precursor solutions during air exposure for (a) 0 min, (b) 20 min, (c) 40 min, (d) 60 min and CMYK analysis of (e) control, (f) H2Pc and (g) SnPc precursor solutions. Credit: Advanced Functional Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202510256 Researchers have long been searching for alternatives to lead-based perovskites for use in electronic devices due to concerns about toxicity and performance limitations. Tin-based perovskites offer a promising solution, but they also present their own challenges, particularly the instability caused by tin oxidation and the difficulty of forming defect-free films. In this study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, scientists developed a new strategy to enhance the performance and stability of tin-based perovskite transistors by incorporating porphyrin-like additives. The research team focused on two additives: HPc and SnPc, both belonging to the phthalocyanine family. These molecules are renowned for their strong chemical stability and ability to interact with metal ions. When added to perovskite precursor solution, they help suppress the oxidation of tin ions and improve overall film quality. As a result, the transistors exhibited significantly higher charge mobility (up to 4.40 cm V s) and improved resistance to environmental degradation. The additives also increased grain sizes and reduced defects, which are critical for efficient charge transport. In addition to improving transistor performance, the devices also demonstrated fast and stable photomemory behavior. When exposed to light of different wavelengths, the transistors can maintain their memory state even after extremely short pulses (as short as 0.001 seconds). This nonvolatile memory effect opens exciting possibilities for neuromorphic computing, where devices mimic the way the human brain processes and stores information. "This work demonstrates how molecular engineering can unlock new functionalities in emerging materials," said Prof. Chu-Chen Chueh, the study's corresponding author. More information: ChiaHsun Nieh et al, Enhancing Charge Transport and Fast NonVolatile Memory in 2D TinBased Perovskite Transistors through Porphyrinlike Additives, Advanced Functional Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202510256 Journal information: Advanced Functional Materials RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Linden Creek , a luxury interior design and home staging firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, announces the opening of its newest franchise location, serving Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas of the Piedmont Triad. This expansion marks the company's continued growth into key residential markets across the Southeast. Linden Creek expands to Winston-Salem and Greensboro, NC The Piedmont Triad location will be led by franchise owner Tesia Lambert, who brings a blend of business expertise and hands-on design experience to the role. With a degree in business administration and a background in house flipping and renovations, Lambert has long been drawn to the way thoughtful design transforms how people feel in a space. "I've always gravitated toward beautiful spaces, so I finally gave myself the permission to follow my passion into design," Lambert said. "Staging is about creating balancewhen a room feels right, buyers naturally want to linger. That connection can make all the difference in how quickly and successfully a home sells." Linden Creek provides interior design and home staging services that support faster sales and stronger market outcomes. The company partners with real estate agents, builders, and homeowners to prepare properties for listing through a process that focuses on layout, scale, and visual clarity. Each project is guided by the firm's commitment to practical, client-centered design solutions that align with buyer expectations. With this addition, Linden Creek now operates in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Charlotte, and Lake Norman, North Carolina; Princeton and Morristown, New Jersey; New Hope, Pennsylvania; Sarasota, Florida; Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia. New locations in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Jacksonville, Florida are scheduled to open this month, with Greenville and Charleston, South Carolina and Austin, Texas launching soon after. Total investment to open a Linden Creek franchise is $227,225$637,075. For more information, visit: https://linden-creek.com/franchise . ABOUT LINDEN CREEK Founded in 2017 by Alisa Sparks, Linden Creek is a luxury interior design and home staging firm headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 2024, the company launched its franchise program, expanding its network of design professionals and allowing them to serve prominent communities throughout the country with innovative staging techniques and highly personalized design services. MEDIA CONTACT Lily Powell [email protected] SOURCE Linden Creek Brazos County commissioners have until Tuesday to hit a narrow, moving target that will impact the pocketbooks of every property owner in the county. The commissioners held the eighth and final workshop on the proposed FY 2026 budget and tax rate Wednesday where they were presented with tax rate options and budgetary cautions. According to Marci Turner, first assistant county auditor, the no-new revenue (NNR) rate the rate which would bring in the same revenue from properties taxed in Fiscal Year 2025 and FY 2026 is $.387683 per $100 of property valuation. The voter approval rate the highest rate the county can set without getting voter approval is $.423059. The current rate is $.419700. On Aug. 28, the commissioners are scheduled to set the budget and proposed tax rate, which will fall between the NNR and the voter approval rate. Any corrections to the proposed budget must be made by Aug. 29. The commissioners will vote on the budget and tax rate Sept. 9 and it will go into effect Oct. 1. Setting the tax rate could be impacted by current legislation being considered in the special session of the state Legislature. Currently, there is a 3 1/2% cap which sets the limits between the NNR and the voter approval rate. A proposal that has passed the Senate and is now before the House would lower the cap, thus the NNR, to 2 1/2% below the voter approval rate. Brazos County Budget Officer Nina Payne told commissioners that the proposed FY 2026 general fund budget is $270,055,215, which is an increase of $2,408,449, or 1%, compared to last years adopted general fund budget. Even with an increase, Payne said the county will need to use $15,097,591 from the general fund balance, or reserves, to fund the proposed general fund budget. Another factor impacting all governmental budgets in the county is the high rate of litigation settlements, or tax rate disputes, with the Brazos County Central Appraisal District. We had a record number this year of litigation lawsuits that were resolved and resulted in reductions in appraised value on our tax rolls between July of last year and July of this year of $128 million, Turner said. If you look at the chart, you will see that this is exponentially more than what we have on a normal annual basis. We have run for the last four years somewhere between $8 million and $15 million and prior year value loss this year, its 10 times that. So, if Ive been anywhere and missed $128 million valuation, Id be looking for a new job, Commissioner Bentley Nettles commented. Turner pointed out that the central appraisal district is its own entity and not governed by the county. Turner explained that normally property valuations go up about 6%. In 2023, they went up 15% and in 2024 they rose 18%, which likely accounts for a lot of the litigation. She also noted that the central appraisal district still has $2.8 billion in pending litigation, some of which dates to 2018. That makes it really hard to predict a tax rate thats going to generate the revenue to cover the budget that weve voted for, Nettles said. Acting County Judge Kyle Kacal said the issues with the central appraisal district were addressed in a meeting with the major taxing entities in the county. We did have a conversation, which, to my discretion, was one of the first between the city of Bryan, Bryan ISD, College Station, College Station ISD, and the county of Brazos, with the appraisal district, trying to figure this out. Since that meeting, we will have monthly reports and quarterly conversations from this point going forward, so this does not ever happen again, he said. Commissioner Chuck Konderla noted that the litigation settlements are actually good news for the businesses and taxpayers who filed protests. I dont look at that as a loss like, Oh, I was entitled to your money for this county. I see it as the county has made calculations based on revenues that were projected, and those have been greatly reduced through the successful property challenges, to which I say to the taxpayer congratulations. I dont like how it infers an entitlement upon the taxpayers dollars, he said. According to a chart presented by Turner, if the county adopts the no-new revenue rate, the average home valued at $394,931 with a homestead exemption would see a tax decrease of $31.92 for the year. If the county passes the voter approval rate, there would be an increase of $107.79 for the year. Edge vision + multimodal, multi-model orchestration deliver real-time, hyper-personalized support at the bedside BERKELEY, Calif., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, LookDeep introduced aimee, the first hospital-ready agentic AI platform that creates situational awareness and empathetic support live, at the bedside. Today, the company is sharing a deeper technical look at the architecture powering this breakthrough in hospital care. Smart Hospitals Extend Systems. Agentic Hospitals Start with People. LookDeep logo aimee logo Smart hospital initiatives connect devices and dashboards, sometimes adding sensors and computer vision. But connecting a toaster to WiFi never created a smart home, and ubiquitous connectivity in hospitals won't deliver on its promises either because the model frames staff and patients as endpoints. aimee reverses that model and generates new context by perceiving what's happening in the room, creating structured data from the physical world, and acting on it in real time. By engaging directly with patients and staff first, then orienting technology around their needs, aimee's people-first, agentic architecture unlocks a step-change in what care teams can accomplish. "Too often, by looking to automate, AI in healthcare tries to eliminate decisions made by clinicians. The largest impact will instead come from equipping clinicians with the information to make the right decisions at the right moment," said Sendhil Mullainathan, Peter de Florez Professor of EECS; Professor of Economics at MIT. "That's what LookDeep does so well provide data streams directly from the physical world so clinicians have the right context window when caring for patients. It cleverly takes patterns we know work and repurposes them to a setting where they've rarely been applied. With aimee, the result feels both transformative and inevitable: even today's methods can improve care, and future advances will only deepen the impact." Key Capabilities Architected for Continuous AI Improvement aimee was built anticipating the relentless pace of AI. Edge AI uses LookDeep's peer-reviewed models, while orchestration layers allow both LookDeep-built and partner foundation models to be swapped in without reintegration. Temporal sequencing captures what happens before, during, and after each moment, so improvements at any layer translate into more accurate and responsive behavior without disrupting workflows. aimee was built anticipating the relentless pace of AI. Edge AI uses LookDeep's peer-reviewed models, while orchestration layers allow both LookDeep-built and partner foundation models to be swapped in without reintegration. Temporal sequencing captures what happens before, during, and after each moment, so improvements at any layer translate into more accurate and responsive behavior without disrupting workflows. Physical AI Powered by Multimodal Perception and Models aimee perceives through multiple senses vision, audio, and language processed primarily at the edge for privacy and speed. These streams are orchestrated across multiple specialized models, whether for conversation, deeper technical analysis, or summarization. By linking these modalities, aimee has a broader and deeper context to inform what it means and how to respond. aimee perceives through multiple senses vision, audio, and language processed primarily at the edge for privacy and speed. These streams are orchestrated across multiple specialized models, whether for conversation, deeper technical analysis, or summarization. By linking these modalities, aimee has a broader and deeper context to inform what it means and how to respond. Selective Memory Layers Personalize and Protect Beyond perception, aimee retains only what matters. Empathy cues and personal motivators stay with her to strengthen patient connection, while clinically significant concerns are flagged for staff. Everything else is discarded making interactions deeply personal while protecting privacy. Beyond perception, aimee retains only what matters. Empathy cues and personal motivators stay with her to strengthen patient connection, while clinically significant concerns are flagged for staff. Everything else is discarded making interactions deeply personal while protecting privacy. From Integration to Agent Collaboration Interoperability no longer means funneling everything through one system. aimee natively supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and other agent-to-agent standards, enabling traditional and advanced collaboration with nurse-call systems, RTLS devices, and peer AI agents. In the future, aimee could automatically hand off to a home-care agent at discharge ensuring continuity where silos once created risk. "AI in the Bay Area evolves at breakneck speed that pace isn't slowing, and we keep up with it so hospitals don't have to," said Narinder Singh, LookDeep co-founder & CEO. "We engineered aimee to 'plug and cooperate' edge vision for privacy, multi-model orchestration for flexibility, and open standards for future-proofing. Hospitals can stay focused on care while we ensure the technology keeps racing ahead." Try It Today or Build with It Interactive demo rooms are now open at aimee.lookdeep.ai. Hospitals, device makers, and digital-health developers can apply for LookDeep's Early-Access Partner Program, which provides SDKs, reference integrations, and co-development pathways for new agentic scenarios. About LookDeep Health LookDeep Health is transforming hospital care with aimee the first AI-native platform for patients and the care team that sees, hears, and responds in real time. aimee combines computer vision, audio understanding, and natural language to deliver proactive safety, efficiency, and human connection Ever Present for Every Patient. Our peer-reviewed, multi-model, multimodal agentic AI platform powers virtual sitting, nursing, and medicine that integrate seamlessly with today's systems, enabling hospitals to better care for acute patients whether at the bedside or beyond. Built for the pace of healthcare's future, LookDeep helps hospitals elevate outcomes, strengthen their workforce, and lead in the next generation of care. Learn more at lookdeep.health. MEDIA CONTACT Kebra Shelhamer [email protected] 918-260-6552 SOURCE LookDeep Health The ex-chief of Bar Nunn Fire Department pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft and another count of official misconduct as part of a plea deal on Thursday morning. Prosecutors and Robert William Hoover agreed to three to five years in prison all suspended for three years probation and a $500 fine for the offenses on top of paying back the more than $10,500 in damages he caused the department. Hoover admitted to embezzling thousands of dollars from a Bar Nunn Fire Department Fill the Boot fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the summer of 2024. Judge Catherine Wilking, whos presiding over the case, is not required to abide by the agreement if she finds it unfit following a presentence investigation, which she ordered on Thursday morning. Hoover was also accused of other impropriety, including selling his personal Polaris RZR to the fire department well above market value signing his own name on both sides of the title transfer and using a fire department credit card for a litany of personal purchases, including Christmas lights for his home and a vacuum. We wanted to ensure restitution would be paid, Assistant District Attorney Brandon Rosty said when asked why the state agreed to probation. He also noted Hoovers limited criminal history. The charging affidavit noted Hoover was convicted of grand larceny in 1999, but that charge was reduced to a misdemeanor. Within the town of Bar Nunn, both Mayor Peter Boyer and interim fire Chief Eugene Zahara said community reaction to Hoovers offense was less than they anticipated. Boyer said he was expecting a high volume of public comment but hadnt seen anything come up in town council meetings. People know about it, but I just dont know if people just really dont care about it at this point either, Zahara said. Locally in Bar Nunn, they just want to make sure that they have a fire department thats going to respond to their needs. A slap in the face On Wednesday evening, Zahara said he was so focused on moving on that he wasnt even aware his predecessor was set to plead the next morning. His style of moving on seems to be focused on three things: Recruiting new firefighters and bringing those alienated by Hoovers actions back into the fold. Zahara was tagged as the interim fire chief in the wake of Hoovers dismissal and faced the unenviable task of bringing the department back together. It split the department pretty much in half. When I took over, I had eight volunteers left on the department. Since then, four of them have returned, Zahara said. And then now were up to 20. During Hoovers regular operating time, Zahara estimated the staff of the department to be around 15 or 16. Hes also working on getting certifications and trainings through the fire academy in Riverton, which offers pretty much free structural fire training opportunities to rural firefighters. Im just looking for other avenues to help [the city] out ... Fire department history is that theyre just drains on cities and towns because they dont bring any money in, Zahara said. So the way to change that is making sure that we have fire inspectors that can do the inspections, making sure we have plans reviewers so were not putting that out of the town ... Theyve been subcontracting some of that stuff out. And if we can bring that back into the fire department, as well as our wildland fire deployment stuff like we can actually be a use to the town. After all that, Zahara said he hasnt concerned himself with what happened before he was chief. The way Ive found to get over an incident like that, especially a slap in the face to the fire department and to the community, is to forget the past and move into the future, Zahara said. Facts of the case The affidavit filed in the case details a three-month-long investigation conducted by the Natrona County Sheriffs Office that began with a tip from Bennett Mayer, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper. Mayer is also a volunteer firefighter in Bar Nunn. Mayer told sheriffs Cpl. Ken Jividen, who signed the affidavit, another firefighter informed Mayer that Hoover congratulated the department in a business meeting for raising around $7,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the departments annual Fill the Boot fundraiser. Receipts from the donations which Jividen said he was provided only showed $4,667 went to the charity. The $7,000 figure was backed up by business meeting notes obtained by Jividen. Mayer told Jividen that during the fundraiser, Hoover personally collected funds by driving between fundraiser sites and collecting the cash in a tote that was in the back of Hoovers truck. Jividen said during the course of his investigation, he discovered that the cash was counted at varying points in the homes of Hoover and his daughter. Another firefighter told Jividen the only people permitted to handle the money were Hoover, his daughter and his son-in-law. That firefighter also told Jividen that Hoover sold his Polaris RZR 800 to the fire department for $5,500, that most of the materials necessary for the fundraiser like shirts, signs and stickers were provided by the Muscular Dystrophy Association and that there honestly should be no reason whatsoever that $7,300 shouldnt have been donated. Court papers indicated that Jividen obtained the RZRs title and noted Hoover signed it as both the buyer and seller. The document also was not notarized. A department captain disagreed with Hoover regarding the sale of the vehicle and a representative of a powersports vehicle dealer estimated the value of the RZR which Jividen found to be in less than good condition to be between $3,500 and $4,000. Jividen wrote in the affidavit that Hoover also made purchases on a fire department credit card for items like Christmas lights and vacuums through Sams Club and Walmart, both online and in-store. Authorities alleged that after Hoover became aware of the investigation into a misappropriation of donated and fire department funds, he paid the fire department $200 by check for accidental use of the credit card, and, on Nov. 15, drafted a bill of sale for the RZR that he had already been paid for. Multiple items paid for by the fire department credit card were found in the homes of Hoover and his family, according to court papers. THE week saw 18,038,406 shares traded on the First Tier Market, an increase of 636.87% on the previous weeks total of 2,447,969 shares crossing the floor. The value of the shares traded was up 272.12% to $76,633,818.45 from the previous weeks value of $20,593,956.82. Massy Holdings Ltd (MASSY) was the volume leader for the week with 96.77% of the market activity or 17,455,994 shares traded, followed by Angostura Holdings Ltd (AHL) with 0.99% of the market activity or 177,759 shares traded. ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Malorie Thorson (Thor-son), a 20-year-old college student from Waverly, representing Wright County, was crowned the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way in an evening ceremony Aug. 20 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Thorson will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for the nearly 1,800 Minnesota dairy farm families. She is the daughter of Andrew and Colette Thorson and attends South Dakota State University. Ten county dairy princesses from throughout Minnesota competed for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way title. Alexis Hoefs (Hay-fs) of New Prague, representing Le Sueur County, and April Klaphake (Claw-paw-key) of Sauk Centre, representing Stearns County, were selected as runners-up. Hoefs, Natalie Clemenson (Klem-en-sun) of Zumbrota, representing Goodhue County, and Nicole Hauschildt (Haw-shelt) of Zumbro Falls, representing Wabasha County, were named scholarship winners. Lauren Steffl (Stef-el) of Sleepy Eye, representing Brown County, was named Miss Congeniality. Throughout her year-long reign as Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Thorson will make public appearances to help connect consumers to Minnesota's dairy farm families. She will work to bring dairy to life through conversations, classroom visits and various speaking engagements about the nutritional benefits of dairy and dairy farmers' continual commitment to environmental sustainability. Thorson's first official duty as Princess Kay will be to sit in a rotating cooler in the Dairy Building (located at the corner of Judson Avenue and Underwood Street) to have her likeness sculpted in a 90-pound block of butter the first two days of the Minnesota State Fair Thursday, Aug. 21, and Friday, Aug. 22. Minnesota artist and butter sculptor Gerry Kulzer will be carving Princess Kay and the finalists. Other finalists are scheduled to have their likenesses sculpted as follows: Saturday, Aug. 23 : Alexis Hoefs , New Prague , representing Le Sueur County , , representing Sunday, Aug. 24 : Lauren Steffl , Sleepy Eye , representing Brown County , , representing Monday, Aug. 25 : Paige Frenchick , Manannah, representing Meeker County , Manannah, representing Tuesday, Aug. 26 : Monica Evers , Kellogg , representing Wabasha County , , representing Wednesday, Aug. 27 : Natalie Clemenson , Zumbrota , representing Goodhue County , , representing Thursday, Aug. 28 : Heidi Montag , Sauk Rapids , representing Benton County , , representing Friday, Aug. 29 : Nicole Hauschildt , Zumbro Falls , representing Wabasha County , , representing Saturday, Aug. 30 : April Klaphake , Sauk Centre , representing Stearns County , , representing Sunday, Aug. 31 : Haylie Wielenberg , Long Prairie , representing Todd County Throughout the fair, Princess Kay and the other finalists will make appearances near the Butter Sculpture Booth in the Dairy Building. Princess Kay's Facebook page and Instagram will provide regular updates and photos of each completed butter sculpture. Princess Kay candidates are judged on their general knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills and enthusiasm for dairy. Midwest Dairy sponsors the Princess Kay program, which is funded by dairy farmers through their promotion checkoff. About Midwest Dairy Midwest Dairy represents 3,600 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to build dairy demand by inspiring consumer confidence in our products and production practices. We are committed to Bringing Dairy to Life! by giving Consumers an Excellent Dairy Experience and are funded by farmers across a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit MidwestDairy.com, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube. CONTACT Sara Grasmon Bellmont Partners Public Relations [email protected] 320-522-0483 SOURCE Midwest Dairy 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. INDIA is saying in no uncertain terms that it is independent in the fullest sense of the wor ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations seek to accelerate therapeutic innovations, advance computing technologies, and prepare the future workforce KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SpaceX's 33rd commercial resupply services (CRS) mission, funded by NASA, is slated to launch no earlier than 2:45 a.m. EDT on Sunday, August 24, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission will carry critical research and supplies, including a diverse array of investigations sponsored by the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. During this mission, the ISS National Lab continues its commitment to enabling space-based research that brings value to humanity and supports the development of a robust and sustainable economy in low Earth orbit. The investigations launching include biomedical and physical science research, technology demonstrations, and student-led projects, showcasing the breadth of innovation made possible through access to the orbiting laboratory. ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations on this mission include the following: Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine will study engineered liver tissue containing blood vessels in microgravity. Originating from NASA's Vascular Tissue Challenge, this project could advance tissue engineering in space to support future organ replacement for patients on Earth and beyond. for Regenerative Medicine will study engineered liver tissue containing blood vessels in microgravity. Originating from NASA's Vascular Tissue Challenge, this project could advance to support future organ replacement for patients on Earth and beyond. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will evaluate whether induced pluripotent stem cells divide faster in space, which could accelerate regenerative medicine breakthroughs. This project builds on multiple investigations from this research team over the years and could further in-space manufacturing capabilities to produce stem cell-based therapies for heart disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and more. over the years and could further in-space manufacturing capabilities to produce stem cell-based therapies for heart disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and more. ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Axiom Space is partnering with Red Hat, a leading provider of open-source solutions, to validate edge computing technologies through the Red Hat Device Edge platform. Real-time data processing capabilities in orbit will be paramount to scaling R&D and manufacturing on future space platforms. Multiple student-led projects aim to prepare the space workforce of tomorrow. One project is from the annual Genes in Space competition , in which students in grades 7-12 propose genetics-related investigations to be done on the space station. The project aims to use bacteriophages as therapeutic agents to combat potential microbial infections in space. Additionally, the Higher Orbits Go For Launch! program will send multiple experiments from students in Florida , Michigan , Pennsylvania , Texas , and Virginia . These investigations reflect the growing demand for space-based R&D and the expanding role of the space station as a platform for innovation. The ISS National Lab is proud to support these efforts, pushing the limits of science and technology in space to benefit life on Earth. To learn more about the science launching on this mission, visit our launch page . Download a high-resolution image for this release: Space Station Resupply Mission About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory: The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website . As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page . International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) 1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955 321.253.5101 www.ISSNationalLab.org SOURCE International Space Station National Lab Its 11 p.m. on a late July Wednesday, and The Maverick King of Clubs is packed with twentysomethings, many of them dressed in their faux-cowboy finery: flannel shirts, Daisy Dukes and cowboy boots and hats. A throng of young people stacks two and three deep at the bar waiting to order dollar draft beers and $3 well drinks as the DJ lights up the dance floor with chart-topping hip-hop-infused country hits from Morgan Wallen, Walker Hayes and Beyonce. Welcome to Wildcat Wednesdays, the one night a week that Tucsons legendary country music nightclub invites college-age revelers to live their 21st-century version of Urban Cowboy. But while many may look like their parents generation when it comes to the fit, the vibe and the high-octane music lean more countrified Footloose. Drink specials lure them in, but its the opportunity to get their country on that keeps them coming back week after week, said longtime General Manager Karen Markovich. We have a lot of girls that come here and it gives them a chance to dress up in that look with their cowboy hats and their white boots, she said. Maverick bartender Briana Strevay said Wildcat Wednesdays are big with the younger crowd largely because the price point is really good for them. Our drink prices are way more affordable, and thats what college kids are looking for, is to get drunk for as little (money) as you can, Strevay said. Markovich said The Maverick launched Wildcat Wednesdays two or three years ago, following the lead of country bars nationwide that have dedicated college theme nights. But while some bars limit the theme nights to the school year, The Maverick keeps its going year-round. Even in the summertime, Wildcat Wednesdays bring a crowd of young people to the rust-red wooden building at 6622 E. Tanque Verde Road that the club has called home for 23 of its 63 years. It has that homey feel where everybody knows the bartenders and the bartenders know them, said 23-year-old Tucson native Jordan Pacheco, a Maverick regular since she turned 21. She feels a familial connection to The Maverick, where her parents met around 1996, she said. The couple married in 1999. For some of us, this is the way we grew up, Pacheco said, but (country) is also a fad with our generation right now. Fad or not, the young people turning up on Wednesday nights are grabbing a White Claw or High Noon and hitting the dance floor, boot-scootin in formation to nearly every song, Markovich said. They love line dancing, and its amazing to me that theyll play one song and everybody on the dance floor knows how to dance to that one line dance with that song, Markovich said. And then (the DJ) will play another song and therell be a totally different line dance and everybody knows it. During the school year, the crowd leans more California cool a sea of blonde-haired women in white cowboy boots and wannabe cowboys in jeans, boots and worn ball caps. In the summertime, the crowd is all local, including some real-deal working cowboys from Tucsons rural pockets. Its just this thing thats taken off and its just fun, Markovich said. Every Wednesday, we have a photographer that comes out and takes photos and we post them on social media. Markovich said Wildcat Wednesdays during the summertime are not as busy as the school year, but they still attract crowds. We tend to stay strong even in the summer because (with) the college students being gone, all the bars downtown are much slower, Markovich explained. For some reason, everybody comes over here in the summer. Theres just something about The Maverick youre never going to get anywhere else, Stevay said. Which could explain why Isabelle DeSimone, 28, drives in from Sierra Vista. DeSimone, who loves dancing, experienced her first Wildcat Wednesdays last March and found a space where she could express herself. She said the thing thats kept her coming back is the mixed-aged crowd that has a similar passion. I drive an hour and 20 minutes to get here and I would say I come here three to four times a month, but its getting more frequent, DeSimone said. I enjoy the fusion of country with other music genres. I want to be able to actually dance to music, so Teddy Swims and Jordan Davis and a lot of these newer country artists are who I prefer. Marana resident Christian Skydell, also known as DJ Bokchoy, said the Maverick is his go-to bar. You walk in and its not like youre a nobody; they treat you like family, Skydell said. Derek, who runs the place, is hands down the best and its just got this very human feel. Its a $40 Uber ride each way. I can take a $4 Uber to (the Marana country bar) Whiskey Roads, but Id rather come here. The Maverick is the only country bar in Tucson that offers a dedicated college night, but two others are also popular with the college crowd. Whiskey Roads at 7401 N. La Cholla Blvd. in the former Foothills Mall is Tucsons biggest country nightclub and restaurant. The 15,000-square-foot club that originally opened in a smaller space across the street in 2019 has $4 you call cocktails and domestic beer along with karaoke on Thursday nights. Details at whiskeyroadstucson.com. On most nights, Cowpony Bar at 6510 E. Tanque Verde Road hosts live music, but on Saturday nights, DJ RecklessRod is known to bring the party; one employee described it as legendary. Cowpony Bar is Tucsons oldest country dive bar and oldest country bar; it opened in 1952, 11 years before The Maverick. Details at cowponybar.com. If country music isnt your thing, we found a few bars outside the usual college suspects that are worth a night on the town. Sky Bar at 536 N. Fourth Ave. shakes things up on Thursdays with its theme nights. DJ KO will spin tunes to match the weekly theme starting at 7 p.m. every Thursday. Theres no cover and drinks are two-for-one; skybartucson.com. Nothing gets the party started like some Bad Bunny. The Nugget at 2617 N. First Ave. hosts reggaeton nights from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, when you can dance the night away to your favorite reggaeton artists like Rauw Alejandro or Daddy Yankee. They also have deals on tequila and Mexican beers; facebook.com/thenuggettucsonaz. Closer to the UA, Agave House, 943 E. University Blvd., is bringing back its popular Friday night Latin Night starting on Aug. 22. You can sing along to Bad Bunny while sipping a giant margarita with your friends; agavehousetucson.com. At downtowns hyper-hip rooftop bar Playground, 278 E. Congress St., DJ Impeccable and DJ God Body Ra man the turntables from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, playing R&B hits while you drink cocktails and eat food curated by the Hub; hubdowntown.com/play ground-rooftop. The Jackrabbit Lounge at 2000 N. Oracle Road is a retro cocktail lounge offering live music on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring a wide array of genres from jazz to bluegrass and covers of 80s and 90s hits. Check out their monthly variety show, and enjoy drag and burlesque performances, live music, comedy, and even juggling acts. Or, put on your best 70s fit and dance all night at their disco parties. Stop by on Thursday Karaoke nights for $5 well drinks, as well as $5 green tea, white tea, and jello shots. thejackrabbitlounge.com. Hotel Congress keeps the good vibes going all weekend with live music shows and DJ dance parties. The iconic downtown venue at 311 E Congress St. kicks things off with Tempo every Thursday night on the plaza. Experience the eclectic and experimental sounds of DJ Walters The Don. Up and coming DJs are encouraged to show off their stuff. If youre a fan of house and R&B beats, Fridays are Nightshade on the Plaza. Led by Mother Tierra, you can get down to house, hip hop and current hits. Saturdays are stacked with music and parties. 10 p.m. 2 a.m. is Late Night on the plaza, and Sounds by Posi is spinning popular hits and reggaeton tunes. Inside, in Club Congress, youll find Phenomena with DJ Walters The Don, an experimental mix of house and pop that has something everyone can dance to. For refreshment specials, you can sip on a $3 PBR, a $4 Truly, or a $5 Mexican candy shot. hotel congress.com. Turn back time with throwback hits at the Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave. Fridays and Saturdays are DJ dance nights, with themed goth nights, 90s nostalgia, and 80s favorites. Dont miss their monthly burlesque show, or their Creepy Tiki Sundays, complete with classic monster movies; surlywenchpub.com. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Unisex safe and gentle touch-up delivers instant, mess-free gray coverage for busy professionals, beauty lovers and anyone on the go CORONA, Calif., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- No Gray, a Developlus brand, is proud to announce that its Quick Fix Instant Root Touch-Up has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 CEW Beauty Awards for Best Hair Color. It's one of the industry's most prestigious honors celebrating excellence in innovation. No Gray Quick Fix CEW Award Finalist The CEW Beauty Awards attract thousands of entries from top global brands, with finalists chosen by a panel of professionals, experts, and influencers. This recognition highlights No Gray Quick Fix's standout combination of performance, convenience, and thoughtful design in the hair color category. 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Unisex Appeal made for both women and men seeking quick, natural-looking results. Formula & Benefits: Botanical Ingredients infused with Aloe Vera and Rosemary Leaf Extract to nourish the scalp. Frizz Control + Color Fill tames flyaways and fills sparse spots with buildable coverage. No Harsh Sprays or Powders features a built-in brush/comb applicator for targeted, controlled use. Gentle & Safe designed for everyday use without irritation or residue. Shades Available: Light Brown, Brown, Dark Brown, Black Where to Buy: Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, HEB, WinCo, Discount Drug Mart and online at Walmart.com, Target.com, and Amazon.com. MSRP $9.99 Learn more about how Quick Fix can fit into your care routine at https://no-gray.com/products/no-gray-quick-fix/ About No Gray No Gray creates smart, mess-free and multi-use gray coverage solutions designed for real life. No Gray helps users cover grays quickly, naturally, and confidently, wherever and whenever they need it. About Developlus Developlus is a third-generation family-owned hair care products company based in Southern California, founded in 1991 by Ann & Dave Agrey. Leaders in color and formula development Developlus manufactures on-site to ensure every product meets their quality standards. The vast majority of Developlus' products are Vegan Certified, while all products are made in the USA, Cruelty-Free. All new products and reformulations are made for Vegan Certification as they strive to make the best products for consumers and the planet, focusing on environmental sustainability. Website: No-gray.com Instagram: nograyofficial Facebook: nograyquickfix High-resolution images, product samples, and additional press materials available upon request. SOURCE DEVELOPLUS, INC. 7News Spotlight: Aug 24 This is either a case of an Australian mother accused of an unthinkable crime, or a woman unjustly stripped of her freedom, family and voice for 8 years. This Sunday 7News Spotlight speaks exclusively to an Aussie mum accused of the unthinkable. Did Lisa Cunningham kill her seven-year-old stepdaughter Sanaa, or was her death a medical tragedy? In her first on-camera interview, Cunningham speaks candidly from inside a maximum-security prison in Arizona about the devastation of losing her family and the impact of eight years incarceration without trial. Lisa said, Its always been such a mystery to us why it is easier to believe that we tried to slowly kill her with this bizarre, delayed death torture story than it is to simply accept the fact that she entered into the early onset period of serious mental illness. The alleged killer details the final 10 months of her stepdaughters life, a time in which prosecutors claim she and her husband, Germayne, subjected Sanaa to abuse that ultimately caused her death. The exclusive story also features never-before-seen family videos and text messages that prosecutors claim prove their case, texts that Lisa says dont tell the full story. If you look at our lives from a distance and you go through our messages and the way we communicated with each other, you are going to form your own opinions, Lisa said. Reporter Ashlee Mullany said: The story of Lisa Cunningham is confronting whichever way you look at it. This is either a case of an Australian mother accused of an unthinkable crime, or a woman unjustly stripped of her freedom, family and voice for eight years. I covered Lisas first court appearance after her arrest in Arizona almost a decade ago and what should have been her temporary holding cell has become her home for all these years, without conviction. The wheels of justice turn slowly, but this has been an agonisingly long wait for answers. Lisa is adamant she has nothing to hide and wants to share her story with Australia. Sydney, Perth 8.00pm on Seven and 7plus Melbourne, Brisbane 11.00pm on Seven and 7plus Adelaide 10.30pm on Seven and 7plus Australians in Film / Screen Australia: 2025 Untapped participants Five emerging creatives to be mentored by leading international writers and directors. Australians in Film and Screen Australia have announced the five emerging creatives selected for the Untapped 2025 Development Lab, the second stage of their talent development initiative. They are: Melody Chen (NSW) Jessica Trinity Fisher (QLD) Meaghan Palmer (VIC) Ramon Samson (QLD) William Sebastian Turner (WA) It follows four open-access online masterclasses for all eligible applicants, featuring candid conversations with acclaimed creatives Megan Park (My Old Ass), Michael Shanks (Together), Ryan OConnell (Special), and Jet Wilkinson (The Chi). Each participant will receive tailored mentorship, creative feedback, and professional development support from leading international writers and directors. From our first Untapped cohort in 2021 to today, the results speak for themselves, said Peter Ritchie, Executive Director of AiF. Kalu Ojis stunning debut feature Pasa Faho, developed through the program, had its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival last weekend. Im thrilled to announce the next round of exceptional Untapped 2025 Development Lab recipients. None of this vital work to inspire and empower the next generation of Australian filmmakers would be possible without the visionary support of Screen Australia, along with VicScreen, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, and Screenwest, and other industry partners. Together, we are building tangible pathways for emerging creatives to succeed. Harry Avramidis, Senior Manager, International and Business Development of Screen Australia said, This years Untapped 2025 Development Lab recipients continue to exemplify the depth and distinctive vision of Australias early career creative talent. Collaborating with Australians in Film and our industry partners to empower new and bold Australian voices is always enriching, and we look forward to championing Melody, Jessica, Meaghan, Ramon, and William as they set solid foundations for long, rewarding careers and embark on bringing these authentic stories to the world. Melody Chen (NSW) Penny Loafers logline: (dramedy series): Nineteen-year-old Penny Wu wakes up in the body of her finance bro older brother, Daniel, one week before his death. As Penny stumbles through his life and uncovers the dark truth behind his accident, she must also grapple with painful questions about their relationship, her fractured family, and what it truly means to live a life of her choosing. Melody Chen is a Chinese-Australian writer based in Gadigal Land/Sydney. Her work combines offbeat humour with vulnerability to tell stories about queer identity, inherited trauma, and the Chinese diaspora. In 2022, Melody was one of 12 screenwriters selected for the Australian Writers Guilds inaugural First Break program. She has since worked as a notetaker and contributor on a diverse slate of projects for companies such as Goalpost Pictures, See-Saw Films, and Screen Australia. As a playwright, Melody took part in ATYPs Fresh Ink National Mentoring Program in 2023, and CAAP x STCs Playwrights Lab in 2024. Melodys surreal black comedy drama pilot, Penny Loafers, was the runner-up in the 2025 AWG Emerging Writers Awards and is currently in development. Jessica Trinity Fisher (QLD) Home Body logline: (dramedy series): After an agoraphobe accidentally kills her estranged sisters criminal ex-boyfriend, the sisters must confront their differences in order to keep their deadly secret buried. Jessica Trinity Fisher is a writer/director based in Meanjin/Brisbane. She recently graduated from Griffith Film Schools Masters Program. She has written and directed several short films, with her latest, The Funeral Planner, selected for the 2024 St Kilda Film Festival and awarded Best Queensland Short Film at the 2024 Brisbane International Film Festival. Jess was also awarded a Directors Placement at the International Filmmaking Academy in Bologna, Italy. She previously worked for The Screenwriting Life Podcast with Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna, and was selected to take part in Screen Queenslands 2024 Channel Lab: Short Cuts Initiative to develop her award-winning web series, Ruff & Ruby. More recently, Jess was shortlisted for the Australian Writers Guilds 2025 Emerging Writers Awards. Meaghan Palmer (VIC) Daddy logline: (dark comedy series): Thirty-something Mona returns to her small town to await the impending death of her very Catholic father, a doctor who was accused of abusing a child patient. She and her estranged siblings are forced to face each other as well as the shame and speculation from their former friends, while waiting for Daddy to just die already. Meaghan Palmer is a screenwriter and filmmaker based in Naarm/Melbourne. She has a Masters in Film from the VCA and an Advanced Diploma in Screenwriting from RMIT. Her short Tasty won an Australian Directors Guild Award, the My Queer Career award at Mardi Gras Queer Screen and was selected at BFI Flare, Toronto Inside Out, Austin, The Iris Prize and was nominated for a Best Screenwriter Award at Austin. Meaghan has worked in various writers rooms while her night job is owning and operating queer nightclub party, Thursgay for the last thirteen years, a natural progression after DJ semi-retirement. Ramon Samson (QLD) Mano Po logline: (drama feature): After being diagnosed with early-onset dementia, an isolated Filipino-Australian piano teacher sets out on a cross-country road trip to reconcile with his estranged daughter. Accompanied by a young caretaker who pushes him to confront his past, their journey forces him to rethink what family means and how to make amends while theres still time. Ramon Samson is a Meanjin/Brisbane-based Filipino-Australian writer, director, and editor, and one of the youngest graduates of the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), earning his Masters in Directing at 22. His short film I Remember You premiered at the Byron Bay International Film Festival and later screened in Perth and Montreal. His short film, The Detention Kid, was shortlisted for Tropfest, and A Film By had its premiere at the Pierre Cardin Musical Film Festival. Currently, Ramon works as an editor in animation, with credits on Australian series Kangaroo Beach and Vegesaurs, as well as adult animated comedies YOLO: Rainbow Trinity (Adult Swim) and Universal Basic Guys (Fox). William Sebastian Turner (WA) Flooded Mine logline: (thriller feature): Two listless Perth friends short-sighted plan to rob their weed dealer on the eve of a road trip across Australia goes awry when they accidentally kill the dealer, putting their dreams of a new life in Melbourne at risk. Boorloo/Perth-based William Sebastian Turner worked as a lawyer before pivoting to filmmaking writing, directing, and producing short films in Australia, Denmark, England, and the US, including the short Tidevand and web series Not Quite It. William received his MFA in Filmmaking from Columbia University, where his thesis film, Esperance to Fremantle, was honoured as a Jury Select. The short had its Australian premiere at FlickerFest before screening internationally and eventually winning two WA Screen Culture Awards. Williams feature script, Flooded Mine, was recognised as a Faculty Select at Columbia and his pilot, Heir Apparent, received the Phil Johnston Comedy Teleplay Award. William aspires to create character-driven films that land somewhere in the grey area between comedy and thriller, while championing Western Australian stories that can speak to a wider audience. Four Corners: Aug 25 More than $100 million has vanished in a financial scandal at the heart of the federal governments disability housing program. Mondays Four Corners is Empty Promises reported by Jessica Longbottom and produced by Lesley Robinson. More than $100 million has vanished in a financial scandal at the heart of the federal governments disability housing program. One enterprise lured in more than 500 Australians with the promise of glittering high returns and social good, only to be exposed as one of the countrys most audacious investment scams. Investors were told their money would help tackle the disability housing crisis while earning government backed, fixed returns. Instead, $78 million is alleged to have disappeared into a web of failed projects, luxury cars, gambling sprees and offshore ventures. This week on Four Corners, reporter Jessica Longbottom reveals the cracks in the governance of Australias disability housing market and exposes systemic regulatory failure. The governments Specialist Disability Accommodation program, part of the NDIS, was meant to transform lives, but it was handed to a poorly regulated private sector. Four Corners investigates how the program, marketed as an ethical investment, has turned into a feeding ground for property sharks and led to streets of vacant homes across the country. The program asks: is this once in a generation opportunity at risk of collapse amid fraud, waste and shattered trust? Monday 25 August at 8.30pm on ABC. Great Australian Road Trips: Aug 21 Steph and Claudia take a road trip from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Tonight on Great Australian Road Trips Steph and Claudia embark on a road trip from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island. Claudia and Steph begin their South Australian adventure in a city they both love arty Adelaide. After meeting up with theatre director Mitchell Butel at the citys Pride Walk, they hit the road to the Bavarian town of Hahndorf, Australias oldest surviving German settlement. It is the perfect spot for a pit-stop: a beer and a pretzel. They continue to McLaren Vale, home to almost 90 cellar doors, making it one of the biggest wine regions in Australia. Steph has organised a catchup with Karl, the senior cultural custodian of the area. For the past two years, he and his partner Claire have begun regenerating the cultural landscape of his ancestors in the Willunga Basin. Claudia and Steph even get to do a bit of regenerating themselves. Onwards to Cape Jervis at the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, where our duo board the ferry to Kangaroo Island, home to koalas, 8 bandicoots, 9 echidnas, 10 and you guessed it kangaroos. Steph and Claudias first stop is a sand dune system known as Little Sahara, where they swap their car for a wilder set of wheels a dune buggy! Then, they cruise across the island to Seal Bay, the only place on Earth where you can see Australian sea lions at close quarters. Finally, it is onto the south-western tip of Kangaroo Island to Remarkable Rocks, the perfect place for our hosts to reflect on their remarkable South Australian journey. 7:30pm Thursday on SBS. Nostalgia Week: Nancy Cato, a pioneer remembers the magic Nancy Cato fronted two ground-breaking children's TV shows in the 1960s, but her own story is far more profound and filled with wonder. Nancy Cato was hosting on GMV6 Shepparton before she had ever watched television. As the stations hostess she presented a childrens show, another show aimed at women, local ads and nighttime voice-overs. After being spotted by Reg Ansetts wife, Joan, she was hired for the brand new ATV-0 Nunawading and their ground-breaking childrens show, The Magic Circle Club. Nancy was there on opening night in 1964, when variety show This Is It featured Diana Trask. I was in (basement dressing room) the tunnel waiting to go on. I made a fool of myself, because I was so naive and such a country kid. I waved Hello, Mum! to my mother on camera. Brian Naylor, who was a dear friend of mine, told me You dont do that in professional television,' she tells TV Tonight. Theyd never heard me speak. It had already been a remarkable road for Cato, the daughter of a Swan Hill dentist, born without hearing. A wonderful woman in Swan Hill came to my school, because I couldnt speak. She observed me, and told my parents later that what she observed was that I was a little show off, and I loved entertaining everybody! So she put me on the stage every year in the Shakespearean festival. I was a Page, and I had to bring the crown. My first words on stage were, Thy crown, Sire!' she remembers. The whole town hall erupted because theyd never heard me speak! It was actors Patricia Kennedy and Wynn Roberts, recording radio plays in Swan Hill, who coaxed her into professional acting, with Kennedy even allowing her to live with her in Melbourne. The Magic Circle Club in 1965 was Australias first fantasy show for children. Devised by John Michael Howson and Godfrey Philipp (who became producer / director) it centered aound fairytales, pantomime, music, dance and song. Earning the princely sum of $11 a week, Cato would open the show with a story from the magic book. I can still remember saying, We really should knock that naughty clock that says its time to go. It goes so fast. Our time has passed, and we must end our show. So be good girls and boys all day, and (sings) Well Be Back Tomorrow' In its Magic Forest of characters were Fee Fee Bear (John Michael Howson), Mother Matilda Hubbard (Fred Tupper) and characters portrayed by Ernie Bourne, Colin McEwan, Gael Dixon, Bunney Brooke and the beloved Fredd Bear (Tedd Dunn, ATV0s costume designer). Fredd Bear was a real bear to me Tedd and I didnt know each other terribly well, but when he was in that bear suit, and I say this without a hint of humour, Fredd Bear was a real bear to me, she explains. I loved Fredd Bear with all my heart, and the chemistry between us was extraordinary. I think that was a huge part of the success of Magic Circle Club, apart from all of the magic and so on. The chemistry really spoke to the children, because they also believed that Fredd was a real bear. The show attracted thousands of fan mail and led to live appearances -but drama would follow when Cato fell from a makeshift rainbow as part of the set to the studio floor below. The structure collapsed and I went straight through it and fell on my back and couldnt move. I was in hospital for months, and the prognosis was that I would never walk again. So I was a paraplegic. The cast were instructed not to come and visit me It was a devastating, potentially career-ending accident. There was no OH&S in those days and employee support was negligible. I was alone a lot in the hospital, as my parents lived in Swan Hill. I didnt get any visits from any of the management, she reveals. The truth is the cast were instructed not to come and visit me because of insurance. They were shit scared that I would sue the life out of them. I had nothing like that in my head at all. I was going to walk again. The show continued without her, with Liz Harris taking over the host role. Eventually we settled it was less than peanuts, but to me it was a fortune because I was on $11 a week. After months in hospital she recuperated at home in Swan Hill, slowly learning to walk again. I got on my feet, and Magic Circle Club had stopped at that point. Id like to think it was because the ratings fell. Im sure thats not true. It might have been too much money, any number of reasons. John Michael and Godfrey Phillips got together with the ABC and started Adventure Island, and they contacted me to see if Id be interested, she continues. The first few episodes of Adventure Island I was on crutches still, just really getting strength in my legs, when I was on the front cover of TV Week with the Pussycat (pictured top). Adventure Island would enjoy a much longer run than Magic Circle Clubs three seasons, with many of the cast making the leap to ABC. Tedd Dunn would remain as ATVOs wardrobe master, but Howson, Ernie Bourne, Colin McEwan and Liz Harris (now as a human character in a fantasy) were jined by Brian Crossley, Jack Manuel and more. Cato would again open the storybook tale, on rare occasions visiting the island in person, transporting herself with a click of her fingers. Proving so popular with the childrens audience, the show won Logie Awards. But Cato admits to preferring the ATVO series. I didnt have as much to do in Adventure Island, and I was so committed to Magic Circle Club that it felt a bit different for me. Her departure from the show in 1968 was the point of some conjecture. As she recalls, there were lines of miscommunication. I had what I thought was a manager, and it was arranged that I was going with Colin McEwan overseas to England. I thought Id like to see if I could have a go at British television. My manager just led me along She maintains her manager never told producers she was leaving. I didnt want to go up to the control box and say, Hey, Im leaving the show. That was a managers job. But he didnt ever do it. So in my last episode, they had to re-record the opening and closing and get Sue Donovan in -who was a wonderful replacement, she acknowledges. I went off with them all thinking that I was an arsehole. My manager just led me along and didnt do a single thing to help me. Tragic for me. Sue Donovan, mother of Jason, would remain with the show as its new presenter, to much success. Godfrey and I met years, some years later. He came to see me, and we forgave each other for ignorance of the situation, and it was lovely that was all healed. So Magic Circle ended with the falling off the rainbow, and then Adventure Island ended with my manager not telling them that I was leaving. In the UK she auditioned for legendary British show Blue Peter, but the BBC could not cope with her Australian accent. She returned to Australia to start a Childrens Travelling Theatre before starting a family and stepping out of the limelight. Yet if being a pioneer in Childrens Television was not remarkable enough, Cato had kept a secret -never telling her colleagues she was lip reading the whole time. The only people I ever told were actors on stage, because I did some productions at the Little Theatre. I told the fellow actors who had a cue for me not to turn their back on me. That was about it. But no one in the television studio. Because the minute you tell people, they scream at you or ignore you, Cato explains. I cant remember if this was a fact, but I imagine that I thought I wouldnt get any work if I told people. Catos performing career may have ended but she would continue in advocacy, living and working amongst isolated Indigenous communities and in 1995 opening Prahrans Chapel Off Chapel arts venue. The council didnt know what to do with the old church, so I called it Chapel Off Chapel. They brought me in as a manager. It was my concept entirely. I was thrilled it was giving a lot of unknowns a chance. Hundreds of Australian artists earned their stripes at the venue, performing new and original works and going on to lifelong careers. For Cato, its priorities were a constant battle with local council. They hated me. I used to give them the space for next to nothing because I thought thats what a council should do: support struggling artists. We had some amazing artists It became the home of televisions Live at the Chapel concerts. More than 80 international and local artists have since given intimate concerts before its stained glass windows, including Foo Fighters, Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Coldplay, Noel Gallagher, Crowded House, Jet, Jimmy Barnes, Midnight Oil, The Veronicas, Jessica Mauboy, You Am I, and more. We had some amazing artists. My Friend the Chocolate Cake were just so fabulous. Tommy Emmanuel was one of my favourites. Johnny Farnham came but I wasnt starstruck. We were just all doing our job. Were there crazy times too, given rock industry was merging with cabaret artistes? Yes, but I managed it. If you want the bath water, youve got to take whatevers in the bathroom. More recently Cato has written a one-woman show Bea OK with Tony Taylor, with a reading on the West End. She is readying to read excerpts to local aged care residents, is learning to swim, and remains active on social media where she regularly posts on justice for victims of Robodebt. Nancy Cato has no hesitation in this article publishing her age. Ill be 86 in December, she smiles. Im not precious about that, because I dont believe in old age, per se. Thats a physical concept. Im too spiritually-minded about things like that. I had a father who was wonderful, but he said to me, Dont ever get beyond yourself and my feet were very firmly planted with a very wholesome, hearty country girl upbringing in Swan Hill. Photos: Nancy Cato, ABC, TelevisionAU For many residents of central Asian countries, Russia remains the only realistic option to earn a living abroad, given a lack of opportunities back home. A shared language, familiar bureaucracy and established migration networks made this a natural transition following the collapse of the Soviet Union. But is Russia still the safe haven for central Asian migrant workers it once was? Increasingly, the answer seems to be no. From tightened checks to rising xenophobia, migrants from the former Soviet countries say life in Russia has become harder than ever. The turning point came on March 22, 2024, when an attack on Crocus City Hall, a large concert venue near Moscow, killed at least 145 people and injured more than 550. The assault was claimed by ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), a violent extremist group based in Afghanistan and linked to the extremist "Islamic State" group. The trial involving 19 suspects began on August 4, 2025, in Moscow and is being held behind closed doors. Four individuals, identified as Tajik citizens, were allegedely the gunmen at the event, the other 15 people are charged as accomplices. At least 145 people were killed in a terror attack on Crocus City Hall in March 2024 Vyacheslav Prokofyev/picture alliance/dpa/TASS The attack sparked outrage, feeding anti-migrant sentiment in Russia , with central Asian workers bearing the brunt of public anger. New restrictions and increased pressure Following the March 2024 attack, Russian authorities began conducting frequent checks on foreign workers from April, scrutinizing their legal status and compliance with migration laws. Minor violations could result in hefty fines or immediate deportation. Many migrants report being stopped on the street for document checks, sometimes for no apparent reason. Even leaving the country briefly could lead to being added to a deportation list without explanation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other parts of Russia, have introduced bans on migrant workers working in food service, retail, passenger transport and as couriers the primary sources of employment for immigrants. Over the past year, different types of jobs have been added to the list and employers who violate the bans can be fined large amounts. Deportation rules have been relaxed so that it is easier to send migrants out of the country. Starting in April 2024, Russia conducted large-scale raids targeting "illegal migrants," with the peak in the summer. Over six months, Russian law enforcement detained and expelled around 86,000 foreign citizens, double the number during the same period in 2023, according to Russian human rights organization Memorial. Roughly 17,000 of them were Tajik citizens, compared to 11,000 deported in all of 2023. Being a migrant in Russia today Some migrants have lost work entirely or have been forced into informal employment. Speaking to DW on the condition of anonymity, one Tajik worker explained, "I used to work in warehouses, drive taxis, and deliver for marketplaces in Russia. I arrived in 2016 after finishing school and found it like a second home, just with more opportunities. The situation has changed abruptly. Now I'm limited to construction. Every day there are new restrictions. It feels like we are no longer wanted here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nuriya, 23, is finding life in Russia increasingly harsh. "I worked long hours in various low-paid jobs, including at Ozon [a major online retailer], where I went two months without pay," Nuriya, who didn't want to use their full name for privacy reasons, said. "Most of my earnings went to rent and food, leaving almost nothing for my family." Even basic services, like visiting a doctor, were stressful. Through contacts, she moved to Qatar, where she feels more respected and receives her wages on time. Russia feeds, then starves With 45% of its GDP coming from Russian remittances in 2024 the largest proportion anywhere in the world according to the World Bank Tajikistan is uniquely vulnerable to this kind of pressure. Any tightening of migration rules in Russia threatens not just individual workers but the backbone of Tajikistan's entire economy. Nearly half of Tajik GDP comes from Russian remittances. Imago Images/TASS/Y. Aleyev Reduced migration and lower remittance flows are expected to slow economic growth, with the World Bank projecting GDP growth to drop from 8.4% in 2024 to 6.5% in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The large-scale return of labor migrants will inevitably increase unemployment in Tajikistan and strain an already overheated job market," says Maqsud Aripov, a Tajik economist and public policy analyst currently teaching at the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in China. "With few employment opportunities available particularly in rural areas, the influx of returnees will oversupply the labor market, push more people into informal work, and raise the risk of social unrest. This is a big signal for Tajikistan to immediately rethink its migration policy." Aripov Maksud argues that Tajikistan should respond swiftly and comprehensively, focusing on job creation, boosting domestic production, and rethinking its migration flows, as the large-scale return of citizens requires national-level economic and labor planning rather than solely relying on Russias actions. Political factors behind the crackdown Parviz Mullodzhanov, a political scientist from Tajikistan, highlights the domestic political dimension behind Russia's tightening of migration policy. He argues that this shift is largely driven by internal political changes and the growing influence of certain populist groups. "The Russian authorities increasingly rely on so-called 'Z-patriots' and nationalists, for whom anti-migrant rhetoric is central. Since these groups are among the most vocal supporters of the war in Ukraine, their political weight has grown, and they are now actively pushing for a complete overhaul of the labor migration system, one that would impose much stricter control over migrants," Mullodzhanov says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the expert notes, moving to such a model would likely require the introduction of a visa regime with central Asian countries, something Moscow cannot afford for geopolitical reasons. "While both sides would suffer from such restrictions, in the long run Russia stands to lose more. Cutting labor migration would increase social tensions and risks of instability in central Asia. On the other hand, it could ultimately reduce Moscow's leverage in the region, leaving Russia at risk of losing influence over central Asian states." Mullodzhanov concluded. Edited by: C. Schaer GLENDALE, Calif., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 12th Annual NoHo CineFest proudly returns this summer, transforming Glendale into a hub for independent cinema from August 2831, 2025. Hosted at the state-of-the-art LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale, the festival will present over 100 films from around the world, alongside interactive panels, filmmaker Q&As, and networking events that bring together creators, industry professionals, and passionate film lovers. North Hollywood CineFest North Hollywood CineFest This year's lineup showcases the bold and diverse storytelling that NoHo CineFest is known for. Feature highlights include the neo-noir The Novel directed by Kellen Gibbs, the edgy drama That Creep from the Bar Last Night directed by Michael Coppola, and heartfelt family-centered stories such as The Ashes of a Dream by Joseph Nuzzolo and Designed by Preeti by Gayatri Everitt Bajpai. The festival's short film program is equally dynamic, featuring New York standouts like Meatball by Alexandra Robinson, The Spanish Lesson by Simone Stadler, and Forked by Sarah Goeke, as well as Los Angeles gems such as Two Breaths by Kateryna Kurganska, Brotherly Blood by Alejandra Lopez, and Shaba Daba by Tony DeNiro. With its reputation for championing fresh talent, NoHo CineFest continues to provide a vital platform for emerging voices in independent cinema. "NoHo CineFest has always been about creating a space where filmmakers and audiences connect in meaningful ways," said Gustavo Sampaio, Festival Director. "In 2025, we're expanding our reach with more international selections, interactive panels, and special showcases like our Live VR Theater, which offers audiences an immersive experience into the future of storytelling." Beyond screenings, festival-goers can look forward to panel discussions with industry leaders, filmmaker Q&As, and exclusive networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration and inspire the next wave of creators. The LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale will serve as the festival's hub, pairing cutting-edge technology with gourmet dining for an elevated festival experience. Tickets & Passes: Now available at www.nohocinefest.com. Audiences are encouraged to purchase early to secure their spot at one of Los Angeles' premier independent film events. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of storytelling and discover the next generation of filmmakers at the 12th Annual NoHo CineFest! Press Contact: Gustavo Sampaio Festival Director, NoHo CineFest (305) 205-3888 [email protected] www.nohocinefest.com SOURCE North Hollywood CineFest LAS VEGAS, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The inaugural Oktoberfest Downtown Las Vegas (Oktoberfest DTLV) will transform East Fremont Street into a two-block, open-air bier hall from FridaySunday, September 1921, 2025. Entry is free, with a $10 wristband required to purchase or consume alcohol. The pedestrian takeover stretches Las Vegas Blvd to 7th Street, marking the first time the corridor will close end-to-end for a Bavarian-meets-Vegas festival. Oktoberfest Downtown Las Vegas Oktoberfest Downtown Las Vegas Beginning Thursday, August 21 at 10:00 AM PT, Wristband Bundles (which include festival Biermarks, the event's currency) go live at OktoberfestDTLV.com. Pre-ordering a bundle scores a free wristband; on-site wristbands are $10. "Bavarian bones. Vegas voltage. This is a tradition reimagined for the streetgames, brats, and steins by day; DJs and dancing by night," said Oktoberfest Co-Founder and CEO Dan Hill. "It's Bavarian tradition with Fremont Street flaira new Las Vegas legend in the making." A Street-Level Eruption Across two blocks, guests can expect street food, a wide selection of bier, Bavarian-themed contests, and DJs after darka true day-to-night takeover where "the street becomes the bierhall." Biermarks: The Festival Currency Oktoberfest DTLV runs on Biermarksfast and built for crowd flow. 1 Biermark = 16 oz pint 2 Biermarks = 34 oz stein refill Preloading Biermarks keeps lines moving and steins flowing. Venues along Fremontincluding El Cortez, Commonwealth, Cheapshot, Park on Fremont, Eureka, and Lucky Daywill feature exclusive Biermark menus with German-inspired cocktails and downtown flair. Wristband Bundles (On Sale Aug 21 @ 10:00 AM PT) Wristband to drink: Free with any Biermark bundle (otherwise $10 on site) Sample pricing: 1 Biermark + wristband = $10 4 Biermarks + wristband = $38 ($9.50 each) 6 Biermarks + wristband = $55 ($9.16 each) 8 Biermarks + wristband = $70 ($8.75 each) Other options: Commemorative stein bundles (from $50) and VIP Bundles with access to exclusive events inside Cheapshot and Commonwealth (from $140). Dates & Location When: FridaySunday, September 1921, 2025 Where: Fremont Street Las Vegas Blvd 7th Street Entry: Free; wristband required to buy/consume alcohol Bundles: On sale 10:00 AM PT, Thursday, August 21 at OktoberfestDTLV.com About Oktoberfest Downtown Las Vegas Oktoberfest DTLV is a new, street-scale celebration of Bavarian culture reimagined through the Fremont lensBavarian Bones, Vegas Voltage. With steins clashing, brats sizzling, and thousands dancing shoulder-to-shoulder, it's Prost! Vegas! brought to life over two neon-lit blocks. Press & Media Inquiries: Dan Hill 801-633-5984 [email protected] Web & Bundles (Aug 21 @ 10:00 AM PT): OktoberfestDTLV.com SOURCE Oktoberfest Downtown Las Vegas Charm of the Silk Road: Congolese artist moved by colors and spirit at Yulin Grottoes in Gansu, NW China 13:21, August 21, 2025 By Wu Yuyangyang ( People's Daily Online Upon first arriving at the Yulin Grottoes in northwest China's Gansu Province, Congolese artist Kalama was deeply moved by the exquisite artistic creations and brilliant color techniques of ancient Chinese craftsmen. He admitted that this feeling was much like stumbling unexpectedly into a realm of spiritual connection while on a journey of seeking and understanding oneself. The guide noted that the murals are filled with traces of blended Eastern and Western techniques, easily discernible with a close look. For Kalama, the Silk Road has never been merely a route for transporting goods between the East and West, but rather a window for knowledge sharing between civilizations. Then, how to continue this sharing? Kalama smiled and said, "Perhaps just as we're doing nowretracing this road." (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) The RARE BEAUTY x TAJIN Cheek & Lip Set Drops Today, August 21 Only While Supplies Last HOUSTON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Two fan-favorite brands known for bringing bold flavor and vibrant color to everyday life are joining forces for an unexpected and vibrant collaboration. Rare Beauty, founded by Selena Gomez, and the iconic seasoning brand Tajin are launching the Rare Beauty x Tajin Cheek & Lip Set, a limited-edition beauty collection that adds a bold pop of color to your makeup routine with Tajin-inspired hues. Launching August 21st, exclusively on Sephora.com and RareBeauty.com, this set will be available for a limited time only, while supplies last. Rare Beauty x Tajin Drop Bold New Collab Inspired by Tajins Hues Rare Beauty x Tajin Drop Bold New Collab Inspired by Tajins Hues "This collab is a celebration of what makes us uniqueour culture, our energy, and the moments that bring us together," said Selena Gomez. "Just like Tajin, these shades bring boldness, warmth, and a spark of joy to every occasion." Inspired by the iconic colors of Tajin Clasico Seasoning and Tajin Chamoy Sauce, this vibrant set includes two Rare Beauty full-size exclusives: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Chamoy (deep red brown) Rare Beauty's bestselling blush now in a shade that delivers a spicy flush of color, blending seamlessly for a radiant finish. (deep red brown) Rare Beauty's bestselling blush now in a shade that delivers a spicy flush of color, blending seamlessly for a radiant finish. Positive Light Luminizing Lip Gloss in Clasico (rich terracotta with copper and gold shimmer) A brand-new shade that leaves lips drenched in glass-like shine and hydration with a prismatic shimmer. "As a brand that celebrates the uniqueness of our fans, we're thrilled to see Tajin's signature colors, and the joy of sharing, come to life in such a fresh and unexpected way," said Luis Alfaro, Head of Marketing for Tajin USA. "This collaboration with Rare Beauty goes beyond colors. It's about the values we share: confidence, authenticity, creativity, joy, and the power of bringing people together. It's our way of inspiring fans to express themselves boldly and freely. Just like we say: My Way to Tajin It." As part of this partnership, Rare Beauty is also proud to support Tajin's meaningful philanthropic efforts with a donation to the Escuela Nacional de Ceramica (National School of Ceramics), an organization dedicated to preserving and elevating Mexican artistry and craftsmanship, as well as The Rare Impact Fund which supports organizations that expand access to mental health services for young people. The Rare Beauty x Tajin Cheek & Lip Set retails for $30 and features: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Chamoy 0.25 fl. oz. | 7.5 ml Positive Light Luminizing Lip Gloss in Clasico 0.11 fl. oz. | 3.3 ml PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS: 100% Cruelty-Free, Vegan & Paraben-Free Dermatologist Tested Suitable for Sensitive Skin Noncomedogenic While the products channel the signature warmth and vibrancy of Tajin, the set is purely inspired by the color cues of Tajin Chamoy Sauce and Tajin Clasico and is not edible or has a flavor profile. Don't miss your chance to add these one-of-a-kind products to your beauty routine once it's gone, it's gone! ABOUT RARE BEAUTY Founder and creator Selena Gomez believes everyone is unique and rare. But today, too many people feel trapped by unrealistic expectations of beauty that are impossible to achieve. Rare Beauty is about celebrating who you are and what makes you different. We use makeup to shape positive conversations around beauty, self-acceptance, and mental health. Not only do we want everyone to feel good about themselves, we want to help them feel more authentically connected to one another and feel less alone in this world. Rare Beauty is available at Sephora, Sephora inside Kohls, Blush-Bar and RareBeauty.com. ABOUT TAJIIN Industrias Tajin is a market leader in both Mexico and the United States in chili products, in addition to being one of the most important brands in producing and commercializing products derived from chili worldwide. Today, it has a presence in more than 65 countries around the world. Tajin was founded in 1985, surprising consumers with the perfect blend of mild chili peppers, lime, and sea salt. In 1993, Tajin made its first export to the United States, and Tajin International Corporation was established in Houston, TX, from where all commercial activity of the brand in the U.S. is managed. The brand arrived in Central American and European markets in 2006. For more information visit www.tajin.com. SOURCE Tajin USA The Nam Thuan Logistics centre is located in Tay Ninh province (formerly part of Long An) near Ho Chi Minh City, covering nearly 11.5 hectares. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Atsushi Nakajima, CEO of Mitsubishi Estate, emphasised that the launch of this project is a significant milestone in the groups development journey. Two years ago, we decided to invest in warehouse development at Nam Thuan Industrial Park. This is also the first overseas project under the Logicross brand, a brand that, for over a decade in Japan, has been synonymous with high quality, sustainability, and modern logistics infrastructure, he said. We are very proud that Vietnam is the first country where the Logicross brand has expanded internationally. With its robust economic growth, strategic geographic location, and highly skilled workforce, we see tremendous potential in Vietnam. Choosing Vietnam for this important step was therefore a natural decision for us. We are committed to supporting the growth of Vietnams logistics industry and contributing to the countrys overall economic development, he added. This marks Mitsubishi Estates first logistics project in Vietnam, representing a strategic move to introduce the Logicross brand to the global market. The companys second project in the country, Logicross Haiphong, is currently under development in northern Vietnam and is scheduled for completion in September. The total investment for the two projects is estimated at 13.5 billion yen (about $94.4 million). Notably, both projects aim to achieve green certification for sustainable development upon completion. Vietnam is currently experiencing rapid economic growth and industrialisation, driving significant demand for modern logistics facilities. Logicross Nam Thuan has been developed based on the four core values of the Logicross brand, safety, convenience, functionality, and flexibility. Eco-friendly designs inspired by nature have been applied to common areas and lobbies, enhancing the working environment for employees. The project features three single-story warehouse blocks with a minimum leasable area of around 3,000 square meters to accommodate a wide range of tenants. One of the warehouses has been specially designed with a two-way loading and unloading system, suitable for complex logistics operations such as cross-docking. As a Japanese real estate developer, Mitsubishi Estate prioritises the use of high-quality equipment and materials from Japan, raising the overall standard of the project. In addition, Logicross Nam Thuan has obtained LEED BD+C certification from the US Green Building Council, thanks to its environmentally friendly design that incorporates LED lighting, water-saving fixtures, and energy-efficient solutions. Since August, the project has actively commenced leasing activities and has already attracted strong interest from many enterprises. Logicross Haiphong is strategically located in the Haiphong port area, the largest international trade gateway in northern Vietnam. The project sits within the Dinh VuCat Hai Economic Zone, home to large-scale industrial parks attracting investment from Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and the United States. The area also benefits from advanced transport infrastructure, with convenient connections to Hanoi and the Vietnam-China border via modern expressways. The Haiphong project will consist of two warehouse blocks equipped with elevated loading docks, designed to support high-value-added logistics activities. Currently, Mitsubishi Estate is developing and managing more than 50 logistics facilities across eight countries and territories, primarily in the US. The group plans to continue expanding its global logistics network, aiming to establish a modern logistics ecosystem worldwide. Mitsubishi Estate entered Vietnam in 2010, established a subsidiary in Ho Chi Minh City in 2019, and opened a representative office in Hanoi in 2020. In Vietnam, the company has partnered with major players such as CapitaLand and Becamex Tokyu to develop office towers and residential projects in major cities. With extensive experience across diverse real estate sectors, Mitsubishi Estate has invested more than 100 billion yen (around $680 million) in Vietnam to date. The group will continue to leverage its global strengths and step up strategic investments in logistics, housing, and office development. Mitsubishi Estate launches Logicross Hai Phong - a milestone in logistics evolution Mitsubishi Estate broke ground on its second Logicross project, Logicross Hai Phong, in Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park on November 19. The signing of an MoU between Dunamu, the operator of South Koreas largest cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, and MB Bank took place last week, marking a collaboration to develop the digital financial ecosystem and move towards establishing the first digital asset exchange in Vietnam. Vietnam has huge potential with over 20 million people owning digital assets, trading volumes exceeding $800 billion, and ranking fifth in the world for investment flows into blockchain assets, said Oh Kyoung-suk, CEO of Dunamu. When this potential combines with Upbits model, it will create an opportunity to build not just an exchange, but the entire digital financial infrastructure of Vietnam. The agreement between Dunamu and MB is set against the backdrop of efforts to bring digital assets into a legal framework, especially as the National Assembly has passed the Digital Technology Industry Law, which will come into effect in 2026. Accordingly, Dunamu will provide technology and operational expertise for Upbit while also supporting MB in building systems, investor protection mechanisms, and developing high-quality workers. Dunamu is currently the third-largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, processing over $1.1 trillion in total trades and managing assets exceeding $11 billion. The total trading volume of cryptocurrency assets in Vietnam is projected to have reached $120 billion last year, with one in every five Vietnamese owning digital or cryptocurrency assets, according to Chainalysis. Truong Gia Binh, chairman of FPT, stated that Vietnam currently holds a unique geopolitical position in the world, having established comprehensive strategic partnerships with 12 leading countries. Only two countries worldwide have software companies generating over $1 billion in revenue India and Vietnam. Vietnam needs to assert its sovereignty over the blockchain space, just like all developed countries. We are also building emerging financial centres, not just with fiat currency but also with crypto, Binh said. I believe Vietnam is at a golden moment for the development of blockchain and crypto as we move towards officially recognising cryptocurrencies and preparing to launch an exchange. According to the Ministry of Finance, more than one exchange will be permitted to trade digital assets during the trial period. In addition to having a capital contribution requirement of $400 million, the licence for providing cryptocurrency trading market organisation services also demands a more in-depth examination of the shareholder structure. Some 65 per cent of the capital must be owned by institutions. The foreign ownership ratio is capped at 49 per cent. Trung Phan, chairman of 1Matrix Company, noted that centralised exchange (CEX) models currently account for more than 99.7 per cent of the total global trading volume, equivalent to about $261 billion each day. In contrast, decentralised exchanges (DEX), despite offering significant benefits in terms of security, only account for around 0.3 per cent, or $761 million. The primary reason remains the issue of the legal framework. While the DEX model does not meet the minimum e-verification standards, CEX exchanges, despite having various compliance issues, still ensure basic e-verification standards. The market-making methods of CEX also adhere to more transparent rules compared to DEX, Trung noted. According to data from VASPnet, over 70 countries and territories have issued regulations or granted licences to CEX, while no country has yet licensed a DEX to operate entirely in a decentralised manner. Dr. Nguyen Trung Thanh, CEO of TrustKeys Web3 SocialFi platform, believes that Vietnam has never had such a strong position and opportunity as it does now to develop the cryptocurrency market. Startups need a clear policy that does not hinder innovation so they can develop with confidence, he said. I am fully confident that Vietnam can become a strong centre for innovation in this field, provided there are transparent and clear legal corridors that facilitate the development of cryptocurrency startups, attract foreign investors, and open up to a global presence. According to Statista, Vietnams digital asset market is projected to reach $2.9 billion in 2026, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 21.5 per cent. Data from the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Asset Association indicates that the global population owning digital assets stood at approximately 562 million in 2024. Vietnams market size is expected to hit $2.9 billion by 2026, maintaining a CAGR of about 21.5 per cent. More than one exchange will be allowed to trade digital assets during the initial trial period, Photo: Shutterstock Irene Guarnieri, chief content officer, Meta Earth We have developed a modular blockchain that operates faster, more cost-effectively, and without the congestion often seen in traditional monolithic chains, thanks to our multi-layered architecture. Our mission is built on three pillars. Firstly, through our tokenomics, we are creating an unconditional basic income model. Every new user who registers our decentralised ID (MEID) receives one MEC token, automatically staked to generate lifetime rewards, with additional rewards available for completing certain tasks. Next, the MEID offers secure on-chain identity verification without revealing personal information, ensuring users retain full ownership of their data while establishing a decentralised KYC framework to bridge Web3 and Web2. Thirdly, we promote sustainability by enabling developers to create roll-ups that track carbon emissions, paving the way for future reward mechanisms and carbon credit trading. Vietnam is one of the most dynamic countries in the digital space, and we are proud to have a strong node here with an engaged network community. Vietnam was among the first to join our 40-node global network, which spans 40 countries, and we aim to grow to 200 nodes, one for every country. Phan Duc Trung, chairman Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association Vietnam is now facing a massive opportunity to elevate digital asset trading platforms that meet various international standards. The advantage comes from the serious participation of major technology and financial corporations such as Techcombank, Vingroup, Viettel, and FPT. These enterprises have demonstrated their capability to implement complex technology projects, possess modern digital infrastructure, strong ecosystems, and experienced engineers in fields such as fintech, digital banking, and e-wallets. This is a crucial foundation for building a robust digital asset trading platform. However, unlike traditional financial products, blockchain and digital assets change rapidly, requiring in-depth knowledge not only in technology but also in legal matters and risk management in a decentralised environment. Purely banking or fintech experience is not sufficient. If corporations want to participate substantially, they need to build a specialised team comprising blockchain engineers, digital finance experts, legal technology advisors, and cybersecurity specialists. During the research process, we have analysed various models of cryptocurrency exchanges in different countries and regions worldwide. However, there is no perfect or absolutely optimal management model. Each country builds its own strategy, depending on management needs and specific economic-political context. Many international standards have been carefully studied and selected to be integrated into the new legal framework, drawing from advanced models such as those of Thailand or Singapore. Therefore, instead of debating which country to emulate, what is more important at this time is how Vietnam can actualise those principles in the most suitable way for the domestic context. Mai Trong Hieu, CTO, Ekotek To succeed with the future internet era of Web3, businesses cannot simply follow trends. They must have deep knowledge and vision. If the current Web2 era is based on centralised platforms like Google, Facebook, or e-commerce platforms, where data and control belong to the operating company, Web3 marks a transition to a decentralised ecosystem based on blockchain. Web3 introduces the concept of tokenisation, transforming all digital assets into tradable and verifiable units similar to physical assets. This turns customers from passive consumers into active participants, co-creators, and even co-owners. For Vietnamese businesses, the opportunity lies in designing products and services to build a true community where everyone shares value. Web3 paves the way for a more transparent and fair business model. But for it to truly succeed, projects need to focus on solving real-world problems instead of chasing the cryptocurrency frenzy. Businesses should start by identifying shortcomings, increasing customer loyalty, to data security, and then strategically apply Web3 to create superior solutions and sustainable value. GM Vietnam 2025 kicks off new digital asset era The launch of GM Vietnam 2025 marks a major step in Vietnams rise as a regional digital asset hub, amid the rollout of the National Blockchain Strategy, Digital Technology Industry Law, and a growing influx of international capital. Vietnams legislative breakthrough on digital assets With legal clarity on digital assets now in place, Vietnam is poised to draw in global capital. Tran Huyen Dinh, chairman of the Fintech Application Committee under the Vietnam Blockchain Association (VBA) discussed with VIRs Hoang Oanh how the new law could reshape fintech, blockchain, and investor confidence. Digital assets now on a legitimate footing Vietnams robust regulatory framework for innovation, particularly in terms of digital assets, is expected to create prospects for foreign fundraising and nurture a forward-looking environment for the digital economy. Vietnam Blockchain Association rebrands to embrace digital assets The Vietnam Blockchain Association (VBA) has changed its name to the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association, marking a pivotal step in redefining its strategic mission and positioning amid the countrys growing digital economy. The US tariffs on Vietnamese imports now sit at 20 per cent. However, it would surprise me if this is the end of the story. My take on what plays out from here is formed from a few merging timelines and paths Vietnam has found itself travelling over the last few years, and these will combine to determine what happens in the coming months. Alex Crane, managing director at Knight Frank Vietnam Immediately, we can take a view on other Asian nations and consider that Vietnams reciprocal tax rate is comparable to our peers, loosely meaning we remain as competitive as we were before the tariffs took effect. In essence, our regional competitors for manufacturing, tourism, and services are in the same position as they were before. The well-known strategic advantages of Vietnam such as labour, location, and investment policies have therefore not changed to a great extent. What happened across various sectors of the real estate market in the second quarter, between the tariff announcement and the US signing an executive order for the deal with Vietnam, was interesting. I wrote some thoughts for VIR in April. The first was that Chinese manufacturers would slow down, which did not happen, at least in the immediate term. Our data shows 35 per cent of major industrial land transactions in H1 originated from China, with US firms at 27 per cent. That said, decisions to move manufacturing and supply chains are years in the making, and so there may be some lags to deal with completions we have not yet seen, but in Q2 around 400 hectrares of land was absorbed, almost double from 2024, which is a positive indicator for the time being. I also thought that the residential sector might be seen as a safe haven against equities (volatile at the time) and gold (expensive or even unavailable), and residential sales in Q2, almost triple that of Q1, would suggest that was correct. I also shared my belief that multinational companies would slow down on new budget approvals for projects/relocations briefly. This did happen, but it has also just as quickly come back as time moved on, which signals that perhaps inertia, on balance, is worse than the potential tariff impact. Significant shifts There is no doubt the hit ran deep in a few areas of our market. Furniture and garment manufacturing, so heavily exposed to the US, bore the brunt of uncertainty, but also peaked in a rush of orders. In addition, what is yet to be seen is the longer-term impact of transshipment and how manufacturers will accommodate this. But let us not forget that the transshipment topic is not new, and many firms have been actively preparing for this before the tariff announcement. This brings us to the positioning of the Vietnam manufacturing economy and investment climate before the tariffs were announced. The Vietnamese government has long been proactively encouraging a pro-business environment, particularly in manufacturing. The influx of foreign firms and growth of local firms capability over the past 20 years is obvious. More recently, we have seen more sophistication in the local market with higher quality international capital providing new industrial parks and ready-built facilities, easing the barriers to entry that were experienced before 2016 when the markets really started to move in terms of international standards. After the US-China trade conflict from 2018, industrial land pricing surged 8-15 per cent compound annual growth rate until 2022, which would always be difficult to sustain and would damage competitiveness. Since then, growth moderated to 2-5 per cent, which I consider to be far more sustainable and better to encourage new investment. This rationalisation of the market and pricing has balanced the narrative for both manufacturers and large investors in industrial real estate, hopefully providing a more stable base. Other areas where there has been significant investment by the government include infrastructure, which supports all real estate asset classes. The improvement in roads, ports, metro lines and airports in the last few years is outstanding, even if sometimes a little delayed. This underpins other directives by the government, including the streamlining of governmental departments and provincial mergers, which investors will see with positivity. Reforms to land and real estate law and adding incentives to support high-tech and supporting industries alongside encouragement for small businesses and the broader private sector to support GDP growth is encouraging for a multitude of sectors. Notably, the Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi office markets came into 2025 on the back of record years. Commercial occupiers, as quickly as they paused to take stock of tariffs, have committed again to proceeding with headcount growth and a requirement for more office space. At the top, Vietnam has broadened its connectivity to global markets, and moves to establish international finance centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang will be a boost to financial employment and broader real estate development, albeit in the longer term. Effectively, we are entering the period of these new tariffs with a tailwind from 2025, coupled with new paths for economic growth, while retaining the US as an important partner, and better legal frameworks and government policies and processes to encourage higher quality investment into the country. Bumps in the road This brings us to what is going to happen next and what may encourage further investment. Real estate assets do not blip like the stock market, as it is too slow of an asset class to do so. Shocks like the tariff announcements, as serious as they are, generally do not derail most investor or corporation views over the longer term. Doing business in Vietnam is not a short-term decision, and whilst reforms will make entry smoother, investors will still factor in such shocks and be braced for long-term presence here. The real positive note from this episode is that our clients, for the most part, seem capable of riding the bumps. This perhaps could not have been said in 2016-2018, particularly when the industrial market was still so nascent. Looking honestly at the industrial and logistics segment, and it is easy to get caught up in the good headlines we have to say that the warehousing side of industrial development has really underperformed compared to what many had expected. We previously outlined this at the end of 2023, showing this again is not a direct impact of tariffs, but earlier challenges from the pandemic. This has been further disrupted supply chains from geopolitical issues in Europe and the Middle East, and, led by the US, a shift away from just in time delivery to holding more inventory. The good news is that just before the tariffs were announced, activity for warehouses had just started to signal a turnaround. I believe that, with Vietnams improved position in the global marketplace, the continued improvements to infrastructure and export procedures, which improve operators costs, the momentum may shift back again positively in 2026, barring any more unforeseen challenges. Indeed, earlier this year, some large warehouse space was committed by Asian e-commerce companies. Maybe this is also an indicator that the future of the warehousing market may be more resilient if it were less weighted on US performance. The larger concerns for the real estate sector are similar to those pre-tariffs. Affordability of housing is widely reported and faces challenges derived from land prices being too high to allow for lower-cost development. This is also an issue in the office market. Ho Chi Minh City has no new B-grade offices planned in downtown areas, which is a direct result of land and construction costs being too expensive to allow returns for more modestly priced buildings. They are simply not viable for developers, much like social and affordable housing. Further, consumer sentiment is key in the retail sector and hospitality, where one may argue that retail sales prices and hotel room rates are already significantly more expensive than, say, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. This may be supported by tourism in terms of performance, but bottlenecks of available land in downtown areas are keeping a limit on supply, and thus keep occupancy and operation costs higher for operators. What is encouraging is that the tariff shock might have helped clarify focus and intent on faster reforms and government processes. Streamlined development approvals, land pricing mechanisms, greater land access, better transparency of ownership, planning and process, and long-term infrastructure planning are now moving faster. Streamlined approvals and better infrastructure are not just quick responses; they are structural tailwinds implemented over several years. I believe, with a few exceptions, various asset types of real estate will follow this positive trajectory. Real estate heats up with major deals Driven by mounting liquidity pressures and strategic repositioning, Vietnams real estate market witnessed a marked increase in large-scale asset transfers during the first half of the year. Real estate M&A: from nascent recovery to sustainable growth After a period of relative dormancy, Vietnams real estate dealmaking market is demonstrating a significant recovery in 2025. Vietnam sees $786 million in July M&A across key sectors Vietnams merger and acquisition (M&A) market saw strong activity in July, with deals spanning multiple key sectors. The Vietnam Livestock Association is calling for stronger policies to protect local dairy farmers. Photo: baodautu.vn On August 18, the Animal Husbanry Association of Vietnam (AHAV) sent an official document to the ministers of Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Environment and Health, suggesting a series of measures to strengthen domestic raw milk production and protect local dairy farmers. According to the AHAV, unlike developed economies, livestock in Vietnam is not only about food security but also the livelihood of millions of farmers. This dual nature should be seen as a strategic advantage. The dairy development program,e from 2000 to 2020 already proves that Vietnam can build a competitive dairy industry based on local resources, combining large-scale corporate farms with household-scale dairy farming. This hybrid model produces strong growth, placing Vietnam among the fastest growing dairy producers in the region. The market has become too hot, in the words of industry insiders, with a proliferation of brands and products, coupled with a surge in imported milk ingredients. This influx has overwhelmed local supply, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish product quality while simultaneously depressing the growth of domestic herds. Household dairy farmers, once the backbone of the sector, are under severe strain, with traditional dairy hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Vi, and Moc Chau seeing herd reductions and, in some cases, outright collapse. In Ho Chi Minh City alone, the dairy cow population has plunged by more than 50 per cent. The association warns that unless policy is adjusted, Vietnam's dairy strategy will be impossible to achieve. It has laid out four policy priorities. First, Vietnam must leverage its domestic strengths, including fresh milk and agricultural by-products, while minimising imports of inputs that could be produced locally. Second, a national school milk initiative using only fresh milk should be launched, following successful examples from other countries. Such a scheme would improve child nutrition and create a stable demand driver for domestic dairy. Third, technical standards must be revised to clearly differentiate fresh milk from reconstituted milk, ensuring consumers are informed and producers can compete fairly. Finally, all dairy producers should be required to source a minimum percentage of their inputs from domestic fresh milk. The association notes that this is common even in developing countries such as the Philippines, where a 1995 law obliges processors to buy at least 5 per cent of raw milk from local farmers, with tax incentives for exceeding this quota. At a conference on August 5, association chairman Nguyen Xuan Duong revealed that local fresh milk currently covers only 38-40 per cent of national demand, with the rest reliant on imports, largely powdered milk for reconstitution. This undermines both nutritional quality and the viability of Vietnam's dairy value chain. He warns that without strong policy intervention, the industry will not meet the target of 60 per cent self-sufficiency in fresh milk by 2030. Vietnam currently has only 3.3 dairy cows per 1,000 people, far below regional peers such as Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, and not aligned with its agricultural potential. Duong proposed a dual-track model combining high-tech corporate farming with professional household farms of 30-50 cows. This would optimise rural labor communities, utilise agriculture by-products, and distribute value more widely. Data underscores the urgency. After rapid growth of 15.4 per cent annually between 2010 and 2015, the national herd growth slowed to 1.9 per cent annually from 2015 to 2020 and further collapsed to 0.4 per cent from 2020 to 2024. The sector is now at risk of missing the 2025 target of 500,000 dairy cows, with the herd standing at only 330,000, equivalent to 65 per cent of the plan. Fresh milk production tells a similar story. Growth slowed from 17.7 per cent annually in 2010-2015 to 6.7 per cent in 2015-2020, and only 3.3 per cent between 2020 and 2024. Without corrective action, the 2030 goal of producing 2.6-2.8 million tonnes of fresh milk, ensuring 25-26 kilograms per capita and 60 per cent self-sufficiency, will remain out of reach. PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortis Capital Advisors is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Risemint, an independent wealth management firm founded by Bryce Johnson. Since its inception in 2019, Risemint had grown from zero assets under management to over $120 million prior to merging with Fortis Capital. This new partnership positions Risemint to take the next step in its evolution by leveraging Fortis Capital Advisors' experienced team of specialists to deliver an enhanced level of personalized wealth management solutions for families and businesses. "Among the many characteristics that made this partnership ideal is our shared commitment to continuously investing in and improving our service offerings," said Bryce Johnson, Founder of Risemint. "Our firms share a forward-looking vision and a dedication to upholding the highest standards in both service and outcomes. We will never rest on past successesour clients deserve a partner who evolves and improves year after year." Rob Hagg, Chief Sales & Growth Officer at Fortis Capital Advisors, added: "We are thrilled to welcome Bryce and Risemint into the Fortis family. Bryce's proven ability to grow his business while maintaining an unwavering commitment to client outcomes aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we are positioned to deliver even greater value and a more robust set of resources to his clients." Bryce Johnson brings a distinguished background to the partnership, holding an MBA in Finance from the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business. He served for a decade as a lead portfolio manager at two Denver-based firms before launching Risemint in 2018 with a mission to provide meticulous, investment-centric portfolio management. Over the past five years, his approach has helped attract, retain, and grow a loyal client base. Through the partnership, Fortis Capital Advisors will provide comprehensive back-office administrative support, enabling Bryce to focus on his dual role as both portfolio manager and primary client relationship managera role he has already received strong positive feedback on from clients. "Our success is directly tied to the success of our clients," added Johnson. "With Fortis as a partner, I'm confident we are entering our most promising chapter yet." About Risemint Based in Evergreen, Colorado, Risemint is an independent wealth management firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals. The firm provides personalized investment strategies and hands-on guidance tailored to each client's unique needs. Risemint is committed to building lasting relationships through trust, transparency, and a client-first approach. About Fortis Capital Advisors Fortis Capital Advisors offers financial advisors a comprehensive platform with the tools and resources needed to grow their practices. Backed by over 100 years of combined experience, their team provides tailored asset management solutions to help clients achieve their goals. Investment advice is offered through Fortis Capital Advisors, LLC, 7301 Mission Road, Suite 326, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208, an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Additional Information about Fortis Capital Advisors, LLC is available on the SEC's website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. SOURCE Fortis Capital Advisors Except it is actually way over 2 million Ukes killed in action and plus several million more simply put, gone forever It is now easily at 30+ Ukraine Soldiers die to every 1 Russian Curse the West for starting this war WtR Wales Air Ambulance says A55 base will help reach more patients Wales Air Ambulance has confirmed plans to close its bases in Caernarfon and Welshpool and establish a new site in central North Wales by 2026. The charity says the move, centred near the A55, will allow it to reach more patients in North and Mid Wales and introduce overnight cover in the region for the first time. Across 2023 and 2024, the service was unable to attend 551 emergencies in North and Mid Wales between 8pm and 2am. In Flintshire, there were 98 life or limb-threatening emergencies that would have benefited from the service, but on 89 occasions crews were unavailable. Wales Air Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Sue Barnes, described the figures as heartbreaking and unacceptable. She said: Each emergency involves at least one person in a life or limb-threatening situation, so these figures are both heartbreaking and unacceptable. That is why we are undertaking an improvement to our service that will provide us with more opportunities to save additional lives. The charity says its crews in Caernarfon and Welshpool were significantly underused. Between 2023 and 2024, there were 199 days when the Caernarfon base did not attend a patient and 163 days for Welshpool, compared with 28 in Dafen and four in Cardiff. Research found that the location of Caernarfon and Welshpool made it harder to use rapid response vehicles when helicopters were unavailable, due to poor surrounding road networks. An independent review recommended combining current resources into a single new base near the A55, with two teams operating by road or air. One will run from 8am to 8pm, and the other from 2pm to 2am. Welshpool-based medic Dr Stuart Gill said: One of the most frustrating elements for us clinicians is knowing that theres an emergency we cant get to. Frequently, this happens with critically ill or injured patients in North and Mid Wales. Through the planned service changes, we expect to significantly improve attendance for those people we are currently missing. Caernarfon medic Dr Mark Knights said: We have very expensive, highly capable resources, and we want them to be used as much as possible for the people who need them. The service improvement will allow us to reach more people and save more lives. Captain James Grenfell of Gama Aviation said the new set-up would be a game changer, adding: We want to take the service to the next level in North and Mid Wales in a bid to save more lives, which is why we do what we do. Dr Barnes acknowledged concerns from communities near the closing bases, but said: I can wholeheartedly reassure you that this is not about losing or reducing a service; this is about improving what we already have particularly for those in North and Mid Wales. Our Charity would never do anything to cause people, and their loved ones, future harm. The exact location of the new North Wales base has not yet been confirmed. Wrexham students celebrating outstanding set of GCSE results Students across Wrexham are celebrating today after receiving their GCSE results. At St Josephs Catholic and Anglican High School over 40% of all grades issued were either an A*or A. More than 30% of students achieved five or more of these top grades. Among the many success stories, twenty pupils achieved the exceptional feat of securing 10 or more A* or A grades Lena M (9 A*s 5 A); Bliss H (8 A*s 6 A); Emilia P (11 A*s 2 A); Leonardo F (5 A*s 8 A); Amy A (5 A*s 8 A); Ffion G (4 A*s 9 A); Ceri R (4 A*s 9 A); Kai Wei C (2 A*s 11 A); Louisa R (9 A*s 3 A); Aria P (8 A*s 4 A); Kacper M (5 A*s 7 A); Emma D (5 A*s 7 A); Iesu F (3 A*s 9 A); Chloe J (3 A*s 8 A); Estella E (8 A*s 2 A); Sandra H (6 A*s 4 A); Hanna T (4 A*s 6 A). Special recognition goes to the schools highest achievers: Jakub J 15 A*s and 1 A grade Alise B 12 A*s and 2 A grades Emilia P 11 A*s and 2 A grades Keilah G 10 A*s and 4 A grades Headteacher Mr Chris Wilkinson said:We are incredibly proud of all our pupils and their exceptional achievements. These results are not only a reflection of individual talent and determination but also of the strong community of care, aspiration, and learning that we foster here at St Josephs. Congratulations to each and every one of our pupils receiving results today you have done yourselves and our school proud. The GSCE class of 2025 leaves behind a legacy of success and inspiration for future year groups to follow. Indeed, the year 10 pupils have their first taste of success today as they also receive the results of the public examinations they sat in the summer term. Chair of Governors, Mr Roy Dolan added: This years GCSE results are a tremendous affirmation of the schools continued commitment to excellence in education. We applaud the hard work of the pupils, the support of families, and the dedication of staff who go above and beyond every day. Students at Ysgol Bryn Alyn are celebrating another year of record-breaking GCSE results. Every pupil will be leaving the school with five qualifications with over 80% of pupils having achieved five or more GCSEs at A* to C and with a third of pupils being awarded A* / A grades. Standout performances were seen in Spanish, Drama, Religious Education, Music, ICT and Art. Notable outstanding performers included, but were not limited to: Cerys Dolan, Joseph Williams, Logan Millington, Liam Hartley, Libby Tomlinson, Bella Roberts, Dylan Tombs, Max Williams, Harri Parlour, Mali Owen, Megan Roden, Rhys Sutton, Gabriel Thomas, Lily Borgerson Mrs. Slinn, Headteacher at Ysgol Bryn Alyn, said: I am incredibly proud of the school community and delighted that our wonderful pupils have achieved such fantastic results. Our staff work very hard to ensure pupils have all the support they need to succeed, and these results reflect that commitment. Mr. Will Beddoes, Head of Year 11, added: YBA ensures that every pupil feels safe, valued, and supported throughout their educational journey Ysgol Y Grango has also announced a set of fantastic GCSE results, with an increase in the number of top grades awarded across a broad range of subjects. Headteacher, Ms V Brown, said: We are absolutely delighted with this years GCSE results. Our students have shown determination, commitment, and resilience, and it is a real privilege to celebrate their success. The outcomes are a testament to the collective efforts of our diligent students, dedicated staff, supportive governors, and our fantastic families. The results have provided students with a solid foundation for the next stage of their journey, whether that is enrolling on sixth form courses, securing apprenticeships, or places at college. We are confident they will make the most of every opportunity afforded of them. Congratulations! Miss B Edwards, Head of Year 11, has had the honour of the leading the Class of 2025 for the last four years and stated: It has been a pleasure to work with such an exceptional and talented year group. Their positive attitude and hard work have truly been rewarded by this brilliant set of GCSE results. Thank you to all the parents and carers for the support they have provided throughout the time their children have been at Ysgol Y Grango and we wish our students every success with the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Well done! Chair of Governors, Mrs S Jones added: On behalf of the governing body, we would like to express how immensely proud we are of the achievements of our students and staff. These accomplishments are not only a reflection of academic success, but also of the supportive, caring and aspirational environment we foster for all of our students at Ysgol Y Grango. Congratulations and very best wishes for the future. At Ysgol Clywedog staff and students are celebrating an outstanding set of GCSE examination results. Among the many successes were some exceptional individual achievements, including: Jess Barter 7 A*, 2 A, Distinction, and a Level 7 in Psychology Rama El Hussain 3 A*, 3 A, 3 Distinctions, Grade 9 in Arabic, and Level 7 in Psychology Aiden Hendry 2 A*, 5 A, 1 B Harry Milne 1 A*, 6 A, 3 B Headteacher Simon Ellis praised the cohort, saying: This group of Year 11 students really focused on their studies and they have been duly rewarded with some excellent examination results. Deputy Headteacher Miranda Cookson added: Im so pleased that so many of our students can now move confidently on to the next stage of their education or chosen career path. Whether they are joining our partners at Coleg Cambria or continuing their studies at sixth form, we wish them every success for the future. Head of Year Mrs Owen also paid tribute to the pupils determination: To see so many happy faces today is fantastic. These outstanding grades are a testament to the effort our students put in attending after-school classes and revision sessions their dedication has truly paid off. At Ysgol Rhiwabon pupils are celebrating an excellent set of results which coincide with the 450th anniversary of the founding of the school. The Class of 2025 has displayed some outstanding individual achievements, including: A rise in the number of students securing A*/A grades across all their subjects. A significant increase in the highest grades in Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Mathematics. Impressive achievements in Art and French with half the cohort achieving A/A*. Student of the Year Awards for Ysgol Rhiwabon learners studying courses in college. The majority of learners achieving a higher pass in the Skills Challenge Certificate, evidencing their cross curricular skills. Mrs Ferron-Evans, Headteacher, commented: Our students, supported by their families, have worked very hard to secure success and we are delighted to see their results. Every year I am impressed with the way school staff support these outcomes and they deserve a special mention for working tirelessly to secure this success. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, students and parents for their contribution to the incredible amount of hard work and dedication evident across such a wide range of studies and skills. The grades achieved provide certainty and opportunity for the future. As Ysgol Rhiwabon students move forward with results which enable our young people to further their studies, or to enter the world of work, as confident and successful individuals. We wish them continued success and happiness in the future. Staff and pupils at the Maelor School Penley are celebrating another year of impressive GCSE results, with students achieving excellent outcomes across a wide range of subjects. Notable top performances come from William Ye, who achieved A* across all subjects and a Distinction in Additional Maths, Jessica Rowley, who achieved A*, 2A and a Distinction in Additional Maths, Sophie Hughes with 6A*, 3A and a Distinction in Additional Maths, Kai Benson who achieved 6A* and 3A, Seren Cubley who achieved A* and 4A. Headteacher Mrs Leanne Eyre said: I am incredibly proud of our pupils and the results they have achieved this year. Their resilience, determination, and commitment to learning have truly paid off, and these results reflect both their talent and their hard work. I would also like to thank our staff, who have gone above and beyond to support and inspire our learners. We look forward to seeing our young people continue to flourish in the next stage of their education. Darland School is celebrating another year of exceptional GCSE results, with every year 11 student achieving qualifications in English and Maths. Science remains a flagship department, with 100% of students securing A*-C grades in Biology and Physics, and 96% in Chemistry. In English, 84% of students earned A*-C, and 73% met that benchmark in Maths. Creative and applied subjects also thrived, Art (95%), PE (86%), and French (77%). The majority of students also earned nine or more GCSEs at grade C or above. Several students achieved particularly notable results: Aadhya Gupta: 13 GCSEs at A*-A grades. Lucy Collins, Bryony Jones, Libby Shelmadine: 12 A*-A grades each. Bryony will study Maths, Chemistry and PE at Colleg Cambria; Libby heads to Bishop Heber for Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Biology. Lexi Shaw: 11 A*-A grades; will study Biology, Chemistry, Maths and French at Castell Alun. Harvey Roberts, Lucy Syrett, Alfie Gaunt-Evans: 10 A*-A grades each. Harvey goes on to study Maths, Chemistry, Law and Physics. Lucy goes on to study Biology, Chemistry and Maths, both at Colleg Cambria. Alfie goes on to study Maths, Physics, Philosophy and Art at Kings School. Megan Davis, Aimee Bennion, Iwo Rozbicki: 9 A*-A grades. Megan will study Law, Biology, Psychology and English Literature at Colleg Cambria Deputy Headteacher Andrew Clarkson emphasized the strategic vision behind the results: These achievements are not accidental. They come from a clear vision, relentless dedication, and belief in our young people. Success belongs to every student and every member of our staff who walks beside them. Assistant Headteacher Lisa Easton added: Our results reflect a school that cares deeplynot just about grades, but about each individual child. Our students leave not only with qualifications but with confidence, values, and a sense of purpose. At Rhosnesni High School, staff and students were in a celebratory mood this morning. More than 200 teenagers received GCSE results at Wrexhams largest 11-16 school. A number of the schools academic high-flyers achieved A* or A grades in the majority of their subjects. Amongst Rhosnesnis top performers were Alfie Brown, Rhys Cunningham, Tibo Da Silva, Eira Davies, Kayden Harry, Amie Jones, Erin Jones, Eve Jones, Iolo Jones, Nadia Parr, Callum Platt, Jack Poynton, Evan Roberts, Joshua Smith, Maddie Szewczyk and Kajetan Widerski. Theyve all worked exceptionally hard, which has led to more examination success, said Headteacher Andy Mr Brant. However, its essential that I thank our staff and parents for everything theyve done over the past 5 years. We talk a lot about teamwork and the power of practice. As much as these young people deserve everything theyve achieved, it wouldnt be possible without committed teachers and hugely supportive parents. Its a day for us all to be really proud; proud as one big team. Deputy Headteacher, Sally Williams echoed Mr Brants remarks, highlighting that, With so many of our students achieving A* or A grades in the core subjects, its inevitable that many will go on to study traditional academic subjects at Sixth Form or college. But we also know that many of our students have been accepted onto excellent vocational courses in the local area, mainly because of the established links weve had in place for several years. Chair of Governors, Peter Dodd, added proudly, This year group has delivered more top grades in demanding subjects, such as mathematics, than we have ever seen before. However, every pupil has been successful in their own individual way. As always, Id like to thank our staff and parents for everything theyve done. Most importantly, the governing body would like to congratulate each and every Year 11 student today. Best of luck for the future! Mr Brant concluded: For the seven years that Ive been the headteacher of Rhosnesni, one of the best parts of the job is watching our many young people enjoy and celebrate their exam success. Well done, everybody. Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education said, On behalf of Wrexham Council Id like to say llongyfarchiadau to all our GCSE learners receiving their results today. Your hard work and determination are commendable. Whether your results met your goals or not, remember this is just one step in your journey. We wish you every success in your next steps be it further education, apprenticeships, or work. We are proud of your achievements and wish you well for the future. Deputies are investigating a hit-&-run incident in Lemmon Valley last weekend that missed two people, but killed their dog, while on a walk. Washoe County deputies say the incident happened at approximately 9:30 p.m., near Chickadee Drive and the intersection of Deodar Way in Lemmon Valley. Deputies say a dark-colored SUV was heading west toward Lemmon Drive when it appeared to intentionally hit the couple, but instead, the car missed the two people and killed their 11-year-old dog. The victims describe the suspect car as a dark-colored SUV with blue license plates, possibly registered in Nevada. Currently, no additional suspect information is available. Deputies are asking anyone with surveillance video of the area to contact the Washoe County Sheriffs Office Detectives Division at (775) 328-3320. Reference case number WC25-3986. You can also call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. A jury has convicted a Sparks man of Battery with the Use of a Deadly Weapon and Domestic Battery in connection with a violent incident involving his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. 48-year-old Moises Duran-Bonilla, was arrested by Sparks Police in May 2024 after officers responded to reports of a physical altercation. According to the Washoe County District Attorney's Office, the victims had returned from a date to find Duran-Bonilla waiting for them. Following a verbal argument with his ex-girlfriend, Duran-Bonilla punched the woman in the head several times and stabbed her new boyfriend three times before fleeing in his truck. Officers located and arrested Duran-Bonilla shortly after. A black folding knife and bloody clothing were found in his truck. Deputy District Attorney Jocelyn Ostomel prosecuted the case. Duran-Bonilla's sentencing is scheduled for October 8 before Judge Egan Walker. GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During the spring, SKF, together with the design agency NORD ID at NORD DDB, launched an updated brand identity. That update has now earned a rare double win in the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award. "Red Dot is an international mark of excellence in design and business," says Daniel Sjostrand, Head of Brand at SKF. SKF and NORD ID have been recognized with two Red Dot awards for SKF's refreshed identity marking their first-ever double win. The honors include one award for the SKF Display font and the coveted 'Best of the Best' for the entire brand update. The Red Dot Design Award is considered one of the world's largest and most respected competitions celebrating outstanding design, with winners selected through a rigorous process that recognizes only the most exceptional work. "We started this journey to become even more SKF, with a visual expression that matches our history, knowledge, and the value we bring to the world. The result is a bold identity that reflects our hundred-year history of innovation while also pushing for the future we envision. To now have it recognized with two Red Dot awards is a great testament to that," says Daniel Sjostrand, Head of Brand at SKF. For over a century, SKF has been a leader in products and solutions that reduce friction. The new brand strategy, also developed with NORD DDB, builds on this legacy to close the gap between SKF's global impact and public perception, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and industry leadership. Inspired by the brand's 117-year-old logo, originally hand-painted by an employee and celebrated as a pioneer in design circles ("SKF's logo a milestone in commercial design"), the refreshed brand identity further highlights SKF's innovative heritage with a great emphasis on movement. "We were struck by how SKF's 1908 logo felt both modern and progressive. Its magnetism feels as visionary today as a century ago. Rather than create something new, we optimized it for the digital agepreserving its character while expanding it into a complete typeface. The result is an identity that reflects SKF's renewed image while ensuring its heritage and strong personality will continue to thrive," says Martin Andersson, Design Director at NORD ID. The new identity immediately created excitement in the design/business/industry-communities after being launched during 2025. "The updated brand reflects the business SKF has become, helping the company to further stand out in the industry, attract more customers, and drive profitable growth. From a business perspective, we are building favourability among current and potential customers, employees, investors, partners, and beyond," says Per Nilsson, Director Group Communication, SKF. The award ceremony takes place on November 7th later this year at the Konzerthaus in Berlin, Germany. About the Red Dot Design Award: To appraise the diversity in the field of design in a professional manner, the award breaks down into three disciplines: the Red Dot Award: Product Design, Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design and Red Dot Award: Design Concept. Each competition is organised once every year. Source: https://www.red-dot.org/about-red-dot/red-dot-award About SKF new identity SKF, one of Sweden's largest industrial companies and global bearing manufacturers, has giving the brand a little TLC in the shape of an update to better emphasise its core expertise in innovation and optimise its identity for digital contexts. In collaboration with the design agency NORD ID at NORD DDB, SKF has returned to its visionary beginnings, mining its original logo, created in 1908, for inspiration. SKF future-proofing its identity by reinvigorating a 117-year-old logo | SKF Aktiebolaget SKF (publ) For further information, please contact: Press Relations: Karin Markhede, PR-manager, +46 707 58 87 30; [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-s-new-brand-identity-recognized-with-two-awards-in-prestigious-design-competition,c4221057 The following files are available for download: Washoe County Sheriffs Office deputies arrested two people on Wednesday after a 3-year-old child was found alone near Oakbrook Court and Oakbrook Lane in Cold Springs. Around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, deputies responded to a report of a child walking alone in the area, wearing only one shoe and without a guardian. A concerned citizen who found the child contacted the Sheriffs Office and returned the child to their residence before deputies arrived. When deputies attempted to speak with the childs parents on Tuesday, they did not answer the door. On Wednesday, deputies made contact with 36-year-old Amber Luck and 48-year-old Jeremy Dalebout, both residents of Cold Springs. After an investigation, Luck was arrested on a charge of child abuse or neglect, and Dalebout was arrested on a charge of providing false statements to obstruct a public officer. The child is safe, according to the Sheriffs Office. The Washoe County Sheriffs Office asks the public to continue to be advocators and protectors of children in our community, the office stated. The Washoe County Sheriffs Office is drawing attention to the dangers of illicit fentanyl in an online Facebook post marking National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. According to the post, the day preserves the memory of people lost to fentanyl overdose or poisoning, whether they were unsuspecting victims, experimenting with the drug, or struggling with substance use disorder. The post states that the day also acknowledges the devastation caused by illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, and seeks to increase awareness to prevent public health crises, self-harm, addiction, and death. The Sheriffs Office emphasized its ongoing role in combating the epidemic, saying, We released our powerful 20-minute documentary in April, exposing the deadly impact of fentanyl on individuals, families, and our community. The piece is still relevant today and unfortunately will continue to be as we combat this dangerous epidemic. The post adds, Were not just raising awarenesswere fighting back, with prevention and awareness. Inside our Detention Facility, were providing treatment, support, and second chances to break the cycle of addiction. The documentary can be viewed below. (The Washoe County Sheriff's Office contributed to this story.) JERUSALEM (AP) Israels military said Wednesday it will call up 60,000 reservists ahead of an expanded military operation in Gaza City. Many residents have chosen to stay despite the danger, fearing nowhere is safe in a territory facing shortages of food, water and other necessities. Calling up extra military reservists is part a plan Defense Minister Israel Katz approved to begin a new phase of operations in some of Gazas most densely populated areas, the military said. The plan, which is expected to receive the chief of staff's final approval in the coming days, also includes extending the service of 20,000 additional reservists who are already on active duty. In a country of fewer than 10 million people, the call-up of reservists is the largest in months and carries economic and political weight. It comes days after hundreds of thousands of Israelis rallied for a ceasefire, as negotiators scramble to get Israel and Hamas to agree to end their 22 months of fighting, and as rights groups warn that an expanded assault could deepen the crisis in the Gaza Strip, where most of the roughly 2 million inhabitants have been displaced, many areas have been reduced to rubble, and the population faces the threat of famine. Gaza City operation could begin within days An Israeli military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity in line with military regulations, said troops will operate in parts of Gaza City where they haven't been deployed yet and where Israel believes Hamas is still active. Israeli troops in the the city's Zeitoun neighborhood and in Jabaliya, a refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, are already preparing the groundwork for the expanded operation, which could begin within days. Though the timeline wasn't clear, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Wednesday that Netanyahu has directed that the timetables ... be shortened for launching the offensive. Gaza City is Hamas military and governing stronghold, and one of the last places of refuge in the northern Strip, where hundreds of thousands are sheltering. Israeli troops will be targeting Hamas vast underground tunnel network there, the official added. Although Israel has targeted and killed much of Hamas senior leadership, parts of Hamas are actively regrouping and carrying out attacks, including launching rockets towards Israel, the official said. Netanyahu has said the war's objectives are to secure the release of remaining hostages and ensure that Hamas and other militants can never again threaten Israel. The planned offensive, announced earlier this month, comes amid heightened international condemnation of Israel's restrictions on food and medicine reaching Gaza and fears that many Palestinians will be forced to flee. Its pretty obvious that it will just create another mass displacement of people who have been displaced repeatedly since this phase of the conflict started, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. Associated Press journalists saw small groups heading south from the city this week, but it's unclear how many others will voluntarily flee. Some said they would wait to see how events unfold, with many insisting that nowhere is safe from airstrikes. What were seeing in Gaza is nothing short of apocalyptic reality for children, for their families, and for this generation, Ahmed Alhendawi, regional director of Save the Children, said in an interview. The plight and the struggle of this generation of Gaza is beyond being described in words. Some reservists question the war's goals The call-up comes amid a growing campaign by exhausted reservists who accuse the Israeli government of perpetuating the war for political reasons and failing to bring home the 50 remaining hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The hostages' families and former army and intelligence chiefs have also expressed opposition to the expanded operation in Gaza City. Most of the families want an immediate ceasefire and worry that an expanded assault could imperil the surviving hostages. Guy Poran, a retired air force pilot who has organized veterans campaigning to end the war, said many reservists are spent after repeated tours lasting hundreds of days and resent those who haven't been called up. Even those that are not ideologically against the current war or the government's new plans don't want to go because of fatigue or their families or their businesses, he said. Hamas-led militants started the war when they attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing roughly 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. Israel has yet to respond to a ceasefire proposal Arab mediators and Hamas said this week that the militant group's leaders had agreed to the terms of a proposed 60-day ceasefire, though similar announcements have been made in the past that didn't lead to a lasting truce. Egypt and Qatar have said they are waiting for Israels response. Egypts foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, spoke by phone Wednesday with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the proposed ceasefire in the hopes of winning Israels acceptance, the Egyptian foreign ministry said. During the call, Abdelatty urged Israel to put an end to this unjust war by negotiating a comprehensive deal and to lay the foundations for a just settlement of the Palestinian cause, according to the Egyptian government. An Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak to the media said Israel is in constant contact with the mediators in an effort to secure the hostages' release. Netanyahu has repeatedly said he will oppose a deal that doesn't include the complete defeat of Hamas. Also Wednesday, Israel gave final approval to a controversial settlement project east of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank. The development in whats called E1 would effectively cut the territory in two. Palestinians and rights groups say it could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state. Gaza's death toll rises At least 27 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 were wounded Wednesday at the Zikim crossing in northwestern Gaza as a crowd rushed toward a U.N. convoy transporting humanitarian aid, according to health officials. The majority of casualties were killed by gunshots fired by the Israeli troops, said Fares Awad, head of the Health Ministrys ambulance and emergency service in northern Gaza. The rush toward the trucks and the stampede killed and injured others. The dead included people seeking aid and Palestinians guarding the convoy, Awad told the AP. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. More than 62,122 people have been killed during Israel's offensive, Gazas Health Ministry said Monday. The ministry 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 it said women and children make up around half of them. In addition, 154 adults have died from malnutrition-related causes since late June, when the ministry began counting such deaths, and 112 children have died from malnutrition-related causes since the war began. This story was corrected to reflect that the Jabaliya refugee camp is not in Gaza City. ___ Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel, and Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press reporter Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Officials lowered the alert level for a volcano near Alaskas largest city to normal Wednesday, which they said indicates that Mount Spurr is quiet months after showing signs of activity that raised the possibility of an eruption. Over the past few months, signs of unrest at the 11,070-foot (3,374-meter) volcano near Anchorage have gradually decreased, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, which added that no ground deformation has been detected since March. The observatory characterized the near-term chances of an eruption as extremely low. It said small earthquakes continued to occur more frequently than before a period of unrest began in early 2024, and that volcanic gases were still being released. But the center said this is normal for volcanoes where magma has moved upward but has not erupted. Minor gas emissions and a slightly higher number of small earthquakes could persist for many months to several years, the observatory said. Mount Spurr is one of 53 volcanoes in Alaska that have been active within the last 250 years. The volcano has two main vents: the last known eruption from the summit vent was more than 5,000 years ago, while there were eruptions from the Crater Peak vent in 1953 and 1992, the observatory has said. In October, the observatory raised its alert status for Mount Spurr from green, or normal, to a yellow advisory status when an increase in seismic activity became pronounced and a ground deformation was spotted in satellite data. In March, the observatory said it had measured significantly elevated volcanic gas emissions" from Mount Spurr and said signs indicated an eruption was likely, though not certain, in the weeks or months ahead. That prompted Anchorage's mayor to encourage residents to be prepared in case of an eruption that could produce ashfall in the city. Anchorage is about 80 miles (129 kilometers) from the volcano. Volcanic ash is angular and sharp and has been used as an industrial abrasive. The powdered rock can cause a jet engine to shut down. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) The Texas House on Wednesday approved redrawn congressional maps that would give Republicans a bigger edge in 2026, muscling through a partisan gerrymander that launched weeks of protests by Democrats and a widening national battle over redistricting. The approval came at the urging of President Donald Trump, who pushed for the extraordinary mid-decade revision of congressional maps to give his party a better chance at holding onto the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections. The maps, which would give Republicans five more winnable seats, need to be approved by the GOP-controlled state Senate and signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott before they become official. But the Texas House vote had presented the best chance for Democrats to derail the redraw. Democratic legislators delayed the vote by two weeks by fleeing Texas earlier this month in protest, and they were assigned round-the-clock police monitoring upon their return to ensure they attended Wednesdays session. The approval of the Texas maps on an 88-52 party-line vote is likely to prompt Californias Democratic-controlled state Legislature this week to approve of a new House map creating five new Democratic-leaning districts. But the California map would require voter approval in November. Democrats have also vowed to challenge the new Texas map in court and complained that Republicans made the political power move before passing legislation responding to deadly floods that swept the state last month. Texas maps openly made to help GOP Texas Republicans openly said they were acting in their partys interest. State Rep. Todd Hunter, who wrote the legislation formally creating the new map, noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed politicians to redraw districts for nakedly partisan purposes. The underlying goal of this plan is straight forward: improve Republican political performance, Hunter, a Republican, said on the floor. After nearly eight hours of debate, Hunter took the floor again to sum up the entire dispute as nothing more than a partisan fight. Whats the difference, to the whole world listening? Republicans like it, and Democrats do not. Democrats said the disagreement was about more than partisanship. In a democracy, people choose their representatives, State Rep. Chris Turner said. This bill flips that on its head and lets politicians in Washington, D.C., choose their voters. State Rep. John H. Bucy blamed the president. This is Donald Trumps map, Bucy said. It clearly and deliberately manufactures five more Republican seats in Congress because Trump himself knows that the voters are rejecting his agenda. Redistricting becomes tool nationwide in battle for US House The Republican power play has already triggered a national tit-for-tat battle as Democratic state lawmakers prepared to gather in California on Thursday to revise that states map to create five new Democratic seats. This is a new Democratic Party, this is a new day, this is new energy out there all across this country, Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said on a call with reporters on Wednesday. And were going to fight fire with fire. A new California map would need to be approved by voters in a special election in November because that state normally operates with a nonpartisan commission drawing the map to avoid the very sort of political brawl that is playing out. Newsom himself backed the 2008 ballot measure to create that process, as did former President Barack Obama. But in a sign of Democrats stiffening resolve, Obama Tuesday night backed Newsoms bid to redraw the California map, saying it was a necessary step to stave off the GOPs Texas move. I think that approach is a smart, measured approach, Obama said during a fundraiser for the Democratic Partys main redistricting arm. The incumbent presidents party usually loses congressional seats in the midterm election. On a national level, the partisan makeup of existing districts puts Democrats within three seats of a majority. Trump is going beyond Texas in his push to remake the map. Hes pushed Republican leaders in conservative states like Indiana and Missouri to also try to create new Republican seats. Ohio Republicans were already revising their map before Texas moved. Democrats, meanwhile, are mulling reopening Marylands and New Yorks maps as well. However, more Democratic-run states have commission systems like California's or other redistricting limits than Republican ones do, leaving the GOP with a freer hand to swiftly redraw maps. New York, for example, cant draw new maps until 2028, and even then, only with voter approval. Texas Democrats decry the new maps In Texas, there was little that outnumbered Democrats could do other than fume and threaten a lawsuit to block the map. Because the Supreme Court has blessed purely partisan gerrymandering, the only way opponents can stop the new Texas map would be by arguing it violates the Voting Rights Act requirement to keep minority communities together so they can select representatives of their choice. Democrats noted that, in every decade since the 1970s, courts have found that Texas legislature did violate the Voting Rights Act in redistricting, and that civil rights groups had an active lawsuit making similar allegations against the 2021 map that Republicans drew up. Republicans contend the new map creates more new majority-minority seats than the previous one. Democrats and some civil rights groups have countered that the GOP does that through mainly a numbers game that leads to halving the number of the states House seats that will be represented by a Black representative. State Rep. Ron Reynolds noted the country just marked the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Acts passage and warned GOP members about how theyd be remembered if they voted for what he called this racial gerrymander. Just like the people who were on the wrong side of history in 1965, history will be looking at the people who made the decisions in the body this day, Reynolds, a Democrat, said. Republicans hit back at criticism Republicans spent far less time talking on Wednesday, content to let their numbers do the talking in the lopsided vote. As the day dragged on, a handful hit back against Democratic complaints. You call my voters racist, you call my party racist and yet were expected to follow the rules, said State Rep. Katrina Pierson, a former Trump spokesperson. There are Black and Hispanic and Asian Republicans in this chamber who were elected just like you. House Republicans frustration at the Democrats flight and ability to delay the vote was palpable. The GOP used a parliamentary maneuver to take a second and final vote on the map so it wouldn't have to reconvene for one more vote after Senate approval. House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced as debate started that doors to the chamber were locked and any member leaving was required to have a permission slip. The doors were only unlocked after final passage more than eight hours later. One Democrat who refused the 24-hour police monitoring, State Rep. Nicole Collier, had been confined to the House floor since Monday night. Some Democratic state lawmakers joined Collier Tuesday night for what Rep. Cassandra Garcia Hernandez dubbed a sleepover for democracy. Republicans issued civil arrest warrants to bring the Democrats back after they left the state Aug. 3, and Republican Gov. Greg Abbott asked the state Supreme Court to oust several Democrats from office. The lawmakers also face a fine of $500 for every day they were absent. This story was first published on Aug. 20, 2025. It was updated on Aug. 21, 2025 to correct that the partisan makeup of existing districts puts Democrats within three seats of a majority, instead of that Republicans control the U.S. House by three votes. Riccardi reported from Denver. John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, and Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report. Doctors at the Renown Transplant Institute completed their first live donor kidney transplant surgery on August 11. As we've reported, the Institute opened in December. On Wednesday, Renown Regional Medical Center held a celebratory press conference for the surgeons and the whole team, as well as giving flowers, both literally and figuratively, to the donor and recipient. Before this institute, patients in need of a transplant in the Reno area would have to travel either to Las Vegas or completely out of the state, which could leave families with a huge financial burden. "It is absolutely incredible that we are standing here now saying that a kidney transplant is possible in northern Nevada," said Joseph Ferreira, Founder of the Nevada Transplant Institute, and President and CEO of the Nevada Donor Network. With the first surgery, a Reno mother donated one of her kidneys to her daughter Lanie. "It was a lot of mountains and valleys," said Melanie Davis, mother and kidney donor. "A lot of emotions. A lot of tears have sown the seeds that have bloomed into this beautiful day." This has been a struggle the family has been dealing with for some time. Lanie Hope Smith's kidney issues started when she was just four years old. "They originally said that I wasn't going to regain function again," Lanie said. "But I actually got air flown to Oakland Children's Hospital and I was there for two months, and they gave me dialysis there, and I actually regained function." She was able to keep the function going for 14 years, but her kidney was starting to reach end stage disease. Renown was handling the treatment, but she was having to look elsewhere for the transplant. "So, I already knew Renown as my home base, and then I tried to go to Mayo Clinic for the transplant in Arizona, and I was on their list for five and a half years," Lanie said. "But it just wasn't moving forward." Since Renown updated its facilities, Hope Smith, now 23 years old was able to get a surgery here at home. "We're so grateful to have been chosen to be the first living donor transplant in northern Nevada," Davis said. Lanie says she can't thank her mom enough for everything. "She gave me life, and then she gave me a second opportunity at life, and I try to be as grateful as I can to her," she said. While there's a long road to recovery, Lanie says there is already one life changing benefit. "I have not produced urine in three and a half years and now I'm going like a race horse," she said during the press conference. Both of them said they owe much praise to Renown and its staff. They said the hospital was essentially a second home, but they both referred to the team as a family. Davis, who experienced lots of health issues throughout her life, was still deemed healthy enough to donate a kidney. She wants people who may second guess donating to a loved one based on past health issues to still get checked just to see. The Six-Week Program Provides Networking and Mentorship for Veteran-Owned Companies TYSONS, Va., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans in their transition from service to success, is proud to announce its Veteran Entrepreneur Program's August 2025 cohort. The six-week accelerator program for veteran-owned businesses begins with a three-day in-person seminar in Bentonville, Arkansas. The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes Announces Veteran Entrepreneur Program August 2025 Cohort The program brings together veteran-owned companies from across the country to participate in networking events, roundtable discussions and one-on-one mentorship. Participants gain expert guidance from seasoned business leaders on business development, marketing and brand strategy, communications and investor pitching. "As we welcome the August 2025 cohort, The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes continues to celebrate the resilience and determination of veteran entrepreneurs," said Terry Williams, retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. and Director of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program at the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes. "The discipline, adaptability and leadership veterans bring from military service make them uniquely equipped to overcome challenges and drive innovation in their businesses. We're proud to support their journey to success." The program is free of charge for participants. The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes does not take equity in the businesses. Veterans and military spouses who own or lead companies that are interested in upcoming cohorts are encouraged to apply here. The August 2025 cohort includes: Portiv Founded by U.S. Army veteran Andy McIndoe , Portiv is a mobility infrastructure company that is creating a network of FAA-compliant vertiports for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft. The company utilizes proprietary software to identify, build, and manage these dual-use vertiports, which serve both military and civilian needs across rural America. Portiv prioritizes safety with integrated drone-threat mitigation systems and utilizes quantum charging technology for autonomous operations and sustainable power solutions. Founded by U.S. Army veteran , Portiv is a mobility infrastructure company that is creating a network of FAA-compliant vertiports for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft. The company utilizes proprietary software to identify, build, and manage these dual-use vertiports, which serve both military and civilian needs across rural America. Portiv prioritizes safety with integrated drone-threat mitigation systems and utilizes quantum charging technology for autonomous operations and sustainable power solutions. R. Riveter Founded by military spouse Lisa Bradley , R. Riveter is a mission-driven handbag brand providing flexible income opportunities for military families. Each bag is handmade by a nationwide network of military spouses, helping them build careers despite frequent relocations. Featured on Shark Tank and recognized by major media outlets, R. Riveter combines American craftsmanship with a powerful mission to support and uplift the military community. Founded by military spouse , R. Riveter is a mission-driven handbag brand providing flexible income opportunities for military families. Each bag is handmade by a nationwide network of military spouses, helping them build careers despite frequent relocations. Featured on and recognized by major media outlets, R. Riveter combines American craftsmanship with a powerful mission to support and uplift the military community. 4MAS Grooming, Inc. Founded by U.S. Navy veteran Marrico Simpson , 4MAS Grooming is revolutionizing the grooming industry with high-quality tools and products designed for the diverse needs of barbers and clients. While committed to serving the unique grooming needs of the African American community, 4MAS creates solutions that work for all hair types and appeal to professionals and consumers worldwide. With a mission to redefine barbering standards, the brand continues to innovate, recently expanding into AI-powered tools and premium hair care essentials. Founded by U.S. Navy veteran , 4MAS Grooming is revolutionizing the grooming industry with high-quality tools and products designed for the diverse needs of barbers and clients. While committed to serving the unique grooming needs of the African American community, 4MAS creates solutions that work for all hair types and appeal to professionals and consumers worldwide. With a mission to redefine barbering standards, the brand continues to innovate, recently expanding into AI-powered tools and premium hair care essentials. Raptor Dynamix Founded by U.S. Air Force veteran Joel Nelson , Raptor Dynamix is a deep tech company tackling complex challenges for defense, intelligence, scientific, and commercial sectors. Leveraging AI-driven solutions, the company enhances human decision-making, speeds response times, and advances autonomous system awareness. With an unwavering commitment to safety, mission success, and operational excellence, Raptor Dynamix sets the standard in technological leadership for space systems, multi-domain mission systems, and critical infrastructure. Founded by U.S. Air Force veteran , Raptor Dynamix is a deep tech company tackling complex challenges for defense, intelligence, scientific, and commercial sectors. Leveraging AI-driven solutions, the company enhances human decision-making, speeds response times, and advances autonomous system awareness. With an unwavering commitment to safety, mission success, and operational excellence, Raptor Dynamix sets the standard in technological leadership for space systems, multi-domain mission systems, and critical infrastructure. Rx Pharmacist, LLC Founded by former Public Health Service member Maryam Khazree, RxPharmacist is a leading national licensure preparation provider for high-stakes licensure exams. The company helps pharmacy professionals obtain licensure, secure employment, and maintain credentials. RxPharmacist offers clear, concise study materials that cover all essential content and help reduce exam stress. Originally focused on pharmacy, RxPharmacist now plans to expand its services to other allied health fields, including dentistry, optometry, and other doctoral-level professions. Founded by former Public Health Service member Maryam Khazree, RxPharmacist is a leading national licensure preparation provider for high-stakes licensure exams. The company helps pharmacy professionals obtain licensure, secure employment, and maintain credentials. RxPharmacist offers clear, concise study materials that cover all essential content and help reduce exam stress. Originally focused on pharmacy, RxPharmacist now plans to expand its services to other allied health fields, including dentistry, optometry, and other doctoral-level professions. TRINSEC 7 Founded by U.S. Army veteran George Hyek , TRINSEC 7 provides enterprise-level security solutions for families and small businesses, combining electronic security with cybersecurity for comprehensive protection. Starting with a security intelligence assessment, the company identifies vulnerabilities and maps the threat landscape. Positioned as a one-stop shop security provider, TRINSEC 7 offers everything from doorbell cameras to identity protection and advanced cybersecurity solutions. Founded by U.S. Army veteran , TRINSEC 7 provides enterprise-level security solutions for families and small businesses, combining electronic security with cybersecurity for comprehensive protection. Starting with a security intelligence assessment, the company identifies vulnerabilities and maps the threat landscape. Positioned as a one-stop shop security provider, TRINSEC 7 offers everything from doorbell cameras to identity protection and advanced cybersecurity solutions. Funky Chunky Founded by U.S. Army veteran Ryan Kuo , Funky Chunky, LLC is tackling the U.S. caramel corn market's lack of innovation and scalability. While big brands lag in creativity and small brands face production limits, Funky Chunky bridges the gap with bold flavors, improved packaging, and products designed for millennials and Gen Z, who value both taste and balanced eating. The company is on a mission to bring joy back to snacking through inventive caramel corn creations. Founded by U.S. Army veteran , Funky Chunky, LLC is tackling the U.S. caramel corn market's lack of innovation and scalability. While big brands lag in creativity and small brands face production limits, Funky Chunky bridges the gap with bold flavors, improved packaging, and products designed for millennials and Gen Z, who value both taste and balanced eating. The company is on a mission to bring joy back to snacking through inventive caramel corn creations. GROE Solutions Founded by Marine Corps veteran Alantheus Thompson, GroeFit is an AI-powered member management platform that helps gyms deliver a personalized experience for every client. By capturing and analyzing member data in real time, the software enables staff to engage proactively and build lasting relationships, boosting retention. Its integrated AI assistant, trAINers, supports staff training and engagement, keeping fitness and healthcare professionals motivated, skilled, and well-supported. Through partnerships with certification organizations, trAINers will also offer opportunities to earn professional development credits, fostering a more stable and efficient workforce. Since 2018, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program has supported the growth of more than 100 veteran-founded businesses. Through the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes and its network of investors, alumni have secured millions in startup funding, expanded connections with stakeholders, and gained invaluable mentorship from industry leaders. About The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes Founded in 2001, The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is a national nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their transition from service to success in civilian life. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has provided more than $55 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members and military families. PenFed Credit Union covers the salaries and administrative costs of The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, so more of your donation goes right to our programs. To learn more, please visit www.penfedfoundation.org. SOURCE PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes A$91.5m Institutional Placement - Kangankunde Final Investment Decision Approved Sydney, Aug 22, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lindian Resources Limited ( ASX:LIN ) has received firm commitments for a A$91.5 million, two-tranche placement (the "Placement") to new institutional investors. The institutional Placement was strongly supported with demand received significantly in excess of funds sought. Following the strategic partnership announced with Iluka Resources Ltd ( ASX:ILU ) (binding long term Offtake Agreement and debt funding) and successful institutional Placement for the target quantum, the Lindian Board has approved a Final Investment Decision ("FID") for main construction of Stage 1 of its world-class Kangankunde Rare Earths Project ("Kangankunde" or the "Project"). Highlights Successful A$91.5 million two tranche Placement with strong demand from new Australian and offshore institutional investors, significantly in excess of funds sought Placement issue price of A$0.21 per new share, representing a 6.7% discount to the last closing price of A$0.225 on Friday, 15 August 2025. Premium to the volume weighted average trading price ("VWAP") achieved: - 12.5% premium to the 5-day VWAP - 43.2% premium to the 15-day VWAP - 48.0% premium to the 20-day VWAP Final Investment Decision ("FID") has been declared by the Lindian Board for the full development of Stage 1 of the Company's Kangankunde Rare Earths Mine in Malawi, with first production scheduled in Q4 CY2026 Firm commitments secured from Australian and offshore institutional investors for a Placement of approximately 435.7 million new fully paid ordinary shares ("New Shares") at an issue price of A$0.21 per New Share to raise approximately A$91.5 million (before costs). Kangankunde is now fully funded to project completion and to first production Placement proceeds will also be applied to increase ownership of Kangankunde to 100%, complete engineering works for Stage 2 expansion along with a phased infrastructure rollout to support our Stage 2 expansion. Petra Capital Pty Limited acted as Sole Lead Manager and Sole Bookrunner to the Placement. The Placement of 435.7m New Shares comprises two tranches: - Tranche 1: approximately 139.8m New Shares to be issued under the Placement using Listing Rule 7.1 capacity - Tranche 2: approximately 295.9m New Shares subject to shareholder approval Set out in link below* is the Placement timetable for Tranche 1 and Tranche 2. Kangankunde: Stage 1 - FID & Fully Funded As highlighted in the Feasibility Study, Kangankunde is a long life (45 years Life of Mine "LoM", based on Ore Reserves), high-grade rare earths project (2.9% Total Rare Earths Oxide "TREO" LoM, 3.1% TREO Years 1-5), which will produce a premium saleable Monazite Concentrate at 55% TREO grade with no deleterious elements and low levels of radionuclides (uranium and thorium). Stage 1 of Kangankunde will deliver a conventional open-pit mining operation and simple gravity and magnetic separation flowsheet, with all permits in place for development and mining operations. Completion of Stage 1 will enable the plant to produce approximately 15,300 tonnes per annum of premium Monazite Concentrate. The Project economics are robust with a pre-tax NPV of A$1.18bn and internal rate of return (IRR) of 99%. The Stage 1 capital cost of ~US$40 million is now fully funded. With key site works already commenced, first production is targeted and on track for Q4 CY2026. Kangankunde: Stage 2 Expansion - Approved Mining Licence Expansion Stage 2 at Kangankunde is focused on a significant expansion of production capacity, leveraging the Project's large-scale mineral resource of 261Mt and the recent Mining Licence expansion approval. The potential increase to production is based on the expanded Mining Licence area from 900 hectare ("ha") to 2,500ha (increase of 1,600ha). The Feasibility Study identified the potential to expand production capacity to 50,000 tonnes per annum ("tpa"). Lindian will commission an expansion feasibility study to expand the production capacity above this target. Engineering works are underway to design an optimised modular production plan that will build upon the Stage 1 process plant and infrastructure. Importantly, the additional funds raised through the Placement will be directed towards Stage 2 expansion works, accelerating the expansion pathway. The Stage 2 expansion is further supported by Lindian's strategic partnership with Iluka. Iluka is granted a Right of First Refusal ("ROFR") for Stage 2 production expansion at Kangankunde for up to a further 375,000 tonnes (25,000tpa for 15 years), subject to Iluka providing a 50% debt funding offer for the expansion capital cost and agreeing to Lindian's revised commercial terms (such as pricing mechanisms), which provides a strong foundation for additional growth. Iluka's product entitlement is up to 31,000tpa of Monazite Concentrate (dry). Iluka Strategic Partnership - Stage 1 and Stage 2 Expansion The strategic partnership with Iluka Resources provides both near-term funding support and long-term offtake, and contracted revenue certainty with a floor price set above Kangakunde's cost of production. Under the binding agreements, Iluka has provided a US$20 million five-year construction loan to assist with Stage 1 development and entered into a 15-year offtake agreement for 90,000 tonnes (6,000tpa) of Monazite Concentrate feed for its Eneabba refinery in Western Australia, with an ROFR to extend for a further 15 years. Drawdown under the term loan facility is subject to completion by Iluka of its confirmatory due diligence, full form documentation, the project being fully funded, expenditure of required equity, and customary conditions precedent for a facility of this kind. Eneabba, which is partly funded by the Australian Government, will be Australia's first fully integrated rare earths refinery and will produce separated light and heavy rare earth oxides. The refinery is currently under construction; scheduled for commissioning in 2027 in line with commercial operations at Kangankunde. Lindian will also benefit from any realised price pass-through from any Government price support or floor price achieved at Eneabba. Lindian Executive Chairman, Robert Martin commented: "We are delighted with the support we have received from new domestic and international institutional investors for this Placement, with demand significantly in excess of funds sought. The demand at a large premium to our VWAP's and the quality of the investor base attracted, confirms to the market, the support and understanding that our Tier 1 Kangankunde Rare Earths Project now has in the global investment community. To be able to declare the Final Investment Decision sets Lindian on the pathway to being the world's next rare earths producer, a truly remarkable position for your Company to be in. We now have a very clear, fully funded and unencumbered pathway to first production. The Company now fully funded, will accelerate our already well-advanced pathways to production including finalising major contracts, placing orders for long lead time items, awarding services contracts and fast-tracking our larger Stage 2 studies. The Company would like to thank Frank Barila and the team at Petra Capital for the amazing effort they have put in bringing this transformational placement together. We would also like to thank our Australian legal advisors, Hamilton Locke, for their ongoing assistance as we reshape Lindian into a global rare earths producer, for their guidance and support during our negotiations with Iluka and for their support through this capital raise." *To view the Indicated Timetable, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/WYJWHK58 About Lindian Resources Limited Lindian Resources (ASX:LIN) is an Australian based company with world class rare earths and bauxite assets in Malawi and Guinea. Through the development of these assets, Lindian aims to become a globally significant critical minerals producer. The Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi is the cornerstone of Lindian's asset portfolio. The Project has attracted strong interests globally given that Kangankunde is financially viable at both forecast prices and at the low current spot prices for Neodymium ("Nd") and Praseodymium ("Pr"). Lindian will produce a premium monazite Concentrate at 55% Total Rare Earth Oxides ("TREO") grade with no deleterious elements with operating costs in the lowest cost quartile globally, establishing as one of the largest, most promising underdeveloped rare earths deposits in the world. The Kangankunde Project has access to good supporting infrastructure, strong community and government support and has all key licences and approvals in place to commence construction. Following the feasibility study, Lindian is now advancing project financing discussions with the aim to commence Stage 1 construction in 2025. In addition, Lindian also has bauxite assets in Guinea and Tanzania. Related Companies Supreme Court Declines Urgent Hearing on Plea Against MCD Stray Dog Notification 2 The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to urgently list a plea challenging the Municipal Corporation of Delhis notification on picking up stray dogs. The bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi turned down the request for an early hearing after a lawyer mentioned the matter. The application argued that MCD issued the notification despite the apex court having reserved its order earlier. On August 14, while reserving its order on an interim prayer seeking a stay, the court had remarked that the stray dog crisis in Delhi-NCR was largely due to the inaction of local authorities. A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria had reserved its decision in the matter. Earlier, on August 11, another bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed Delhi-NCR authorities to start picking up stray dogs at the earliest and relocate them to shelters. The court had also ordered the immediate creation of dog shelters and directed authorities to report progress within eight weeks. It further stated that once picked up, the dogs must remain in shelters and not be released on streets, colonies, or public spaces. The apex court had passed these directions while hearing a suo motu case initiated on July 28 following a rise in rabies cases, particularly among children, due to stray dog bites in the national capital. Bravo Brio Restaurants, the parent company of Bravo! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Bravo Brio Restaurants, the parent company of Bravo! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. According to Newsweek, the restaurant group said it filed for bankruptcy due to insurmountable pressures on the restaurant industry, including weak demand and rising costs of operation. In an announcement shared with Newsweek, the company said the bankruptcy filing was necessary to improve its financial position as it brings on a new investor. The Street reports Food First Global Restaurants, the restaurant chains first owner, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April 2020. Restaurant chain closing a dozen locations Despite a rebrand, popular restaurant chain Noodles & Company is planning to shutter over a dozen locations. In a company press release, Noodles & Company announced it will shutter between 13 to 17 locations this year. We are very pleased with the strong comparable restaurant sales and traffic performance we achieved during the first quarter despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, said company Chief Executive Officer Drew Madsen in the press release. Our momentum is being driven by our fully reimagined new menu that launched on March 12th, supported by increased marketing investment and a new brand strategy. Since the new menu introduction, comparable sales have increased by approximately 5% through April. While the company has plans to shutter locations, it also reported that same-store sales are up 4.4%. The restaurant chain also debuted a new menu earlier this year, reports QSR Magazine. The countdown is on for the return of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. The fan-favorite drink will return on Aug. 26, according to an announcement. In addition to the latte, several popular pumpkin spice items are returning to the Starbucks menu, including Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, and the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte. Starbucks at the grocery store Starbucks also has a lineup of Pumpkin Spice Coffees and creamers available on grocery store shelves. Heres a look at some of the offerings: Starbucks Iced Espresso Pumpkin Spice Latte: Inspired by the iconic and original Pumpkin Spice Latte, this ready-to-drink beverage is a combination of bold Starbucks Espresso with milk and enticing notes of pumpkin spice. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Chilled Coffee Drink: A seasonally inspired blend of spice, milk and arabica coffee in a ready-to-drink Frappuccino coffee beverage. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate A cold-steeped, custom blend of coffee with hints of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg flavor. Could more health-conscious drinks be coming to Starbucks? Starbucks is working on building an innovative new menu. According to Restaurant Dive, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said the coffee chain is working on a lineup of items that appeal to health-conscious customers. Niccol made the comments on the chains fiscal Q3 earnings call. The proposed menu items include premium coffee options, non-coffee drinks and artisanal food, Niccol said. Well lean into customer needs with upcoming tests of gluten-free and high-protein options to create food thats as artisanal as our beverages, Niccol said. SAN DIEGO, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's Labor Day holiday marks a peculiar time for the U.S. labor market. Uncertainty plagues many industries, with labor shortages on one hand and at the same time, businesses in other fields are experiencing cutbacks and layoffs. San Marcos High School students learn essential building skills as part of Warrior Village Project. Photo courtesy of MRA member Westlake Royal Building Products One area that appears to be consistently immune to these types of whipsaw fluctuations is the skilled trades workforce. For years, there has been a persistent and severe labor shortage, according to leading industry organizations like the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). By some accounts, the construction trade needs approximately 450,000 new workers this year alone. Even with some regional housing markets slowing down, the demand isn't expected to decrease anytime soon, especially given that one in five construction workers are 55 or older, meaning the labor need will only increase as older workers begin to retire. That's why getting young people interested in the trades as a future career path is an essential connection to make, says Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. Yet the U.S. educational system does not prioritize trade education as part of core curriculum at either the high school or higher education level. "Everyone can pretty much agree that housing is a major need in many areas of the country. It's also a massive business and career opportunity for workers looking to get into the trades," said Ramey. "Unfortunately, there is a real lack of focus to help young people not only understand how to get the skills they need, but to even consider it as a potential long-term career." Innovative programs filling the gap Innovative upstart programs in participating schools are beginning to change the situation. Supported by private companies such as MRA member Westlake Royal Building Products, the Warrior Village Project is a unique way to provide hands-on technical training to high school students by combining material support with practical education. The program, which involves San Marcos High School in San Marcos, Calif., San Pasqual High School in Escondido, Calif., and Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista, Calif., teaches students the basics of homebuilding. They gain real-world skills by constructing tiny homes that are then donated to help house homeless veterans. From the ground up framing, electrical, plumbing, roofingall the way to completionthe project gives these students a solid foundation in learning the residential construction industry. It's also a triple-win: students get hands-on trade skills training and participate in a confidence-building, feel-good experience, the community benefits from their skills and talents, and it's a way to give back to veterans in need. The Warrior Village Project helps close the gender gap by providing training to all interested students in a field that has traditionally been male dominated, providing a much-needed pathway for young women to enter the industry. The students also get to work with the latest building materials and products like the stone-coated metal roofing, 100 percent donated by Westlake Royal Building Products. The company's experts give their time to mentor and show the students how to properly install a metal roof on the project homes. Since 2019, Westlake has been involved in about a half dozen Warrior Village homes and nearly 60 students during that time have benefited from the hands on training the company has provided. For companies like Westlake Royal Building Products, getting young people interested in the trades and familiar with essential components like roofing is a major benefit. "There's a big need to show students there are other solid avenues and options that are available to them," said Tim Brown, Westlake Royal Building Products. "Students who participate in the Warrior Village Project get excited about being involved and achieving something significant, especially when they know their work is directly helping people in need. That hopefully inspires them to consider a career in the trades by opening their eyes to the long-term possibilities." About the MRA Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com. Contact: Darcie Meihoff, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), [email protected] or 971-998-3782 to request high-res images or additional information SOURCE Metal Roofing Alliance Brent Hinds, a founding guitarist for Mastodon, died on Aug. 20, 2025, after a motorcycle accident. Here, Hinds performs at Riot Fest 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images) Brent Hinds, former lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Mastodon, died Wednesday in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta, according to reports by Variety, Billboard and other media outlets. Hinds, 51, was an Alabama native and a founding member of Mastodon, a iconic band in the metal and hard rock worlds. He left the group in March after 25 years, eight studio albums and several award nominations. Although Hinds split with Mastodon was reportedly not an amicable one Hinds said he was kicked out via comments on Instagram the band paid tribute to him on Thursday on social media. We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident, Mastodon said in an Instagram post. We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom weve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many. Our hearts are with Brents family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyones privacy during this difficult time. RIP Brent." According to an Atlanta police report cited by Billboard, officers arrived on scene Wednesday around 11:35 p.m. and found a Harley-Davidson rider (presumably Hinds) unresponsive after a woman driving a BMW SUV failed to yield and hit the motorcyclist while turning left at an intersection. He was later pronounced dead on the scene. An investigation is ongoing, the police report said. Born William Brent Hinds in Birmingham, he was a 1992 graduate of Pelham High School. Hinds also attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham. Hinds parents and other relatives, many of whom live in the Birmingham area, issued a family statement on Thursday that said: We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Brent. To the world, Brent was a creative force a gifted musician, a storyteller, and a soul who poured emotion into every riff and lyric. But to us, he was so much more. He was warmth, laughter, and love. A constant light in our lives, and a presence that made every moment richer. Brents time with us was far too brief, but his legacy will live on in the music he created and the lives he touched. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will continue to echo in every note, every lyric, and every heart that felt his art. We are grateful for the love and support and ask that you give our family the space to grieve and honor his memory in peace. Hinds moved to Georgia in the 90s, seeking to jumpstart a music career, and founded Mastodon with bassist Troy Sanders, drummer Brann Dailor and guitarist Bill Kelliher. With that lineup, the band known for its thundering blend of stoner, sludge and progressive metal music released successful albums such as 2004s Leviathan, 2006s Blood Mountain, 2009s Crack the Skye, 2017s Emperor of Sand and more. Mastodon have gradually established themselves over the years as arguably the most important metal band of their generation, Revolver said in a 2017 profile, thanks to blisteringly intense live shows and an uncompromising run of albums." Mastodon earned six Grammy nominations during Hinds tenure with the group, including a 2018 win for Best Metal Performance with Sultans Curse. The band also received trophies from the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards, Metal Storm Awards and Danish Metal Awards. Hinds had performed with Mastodon in his home state over the years, playing at venues such as Furnace Fest and Iron City in Birmingham. In 2024, Matt Wake of AL.com listed Hinds among the 20 greatest guitarists of all time from Alabama, saying Hinds is lead guitarist for one of the best metal bands to rise up this century, Mastodon. Hinds playing in that Grammy-winning Atlanta band draws from his banjo-playing youth, metal gods like Black Sabbaths Tony Iommi and sludge icons The Melvins. Nick Johnston signed on with Mastodon in May, filling Hinds spot after the band played at the Tool in the Sand festival with YouTube guitarist Ben Eller. Brent Hinds, an Alabama native, spent 25 years as a member of Mastodon, an influential metal band. Here, Hinds performs with Mastodon in 2013 at the Klipsch Music Center in Indianapolis. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) Fans and fellow musicians mourned Hinds death and celebrated his career with comments on Mastodons Thursday Instagram post. Absolutely heartbreaking. Love and condolences to you all, said @nickhipa. Its very sad to see how his final days ended, but his legacy will be immortal, and if theres one thing we should be proud of, its that Mastodon never spoke ill of him or his legacy, said @matorivera. He will always be part of their history, and regardless of all their problems and conflicts in recent times, they never spoke ill of him or wanted to take advantage of the situation, always respecting his musical legacy. Much respect and condolences to all his friends and family. Rest In Power Brent Hinds, said @vveedian. I cant believe hes gone. So sad. So sorry for your loss. A one of a kind musician who has marked my life since I was 14 until Im now 35, said @littleguitars89. The soul is energy, and energy is not destroyed, it is transformed ... RIP Brent, said @angel_almeida_s. Jake Bongiovi (L) and British actress Millie Bobby Brown arrive for the premiere of Netflix's "Enola Holmes 2" at The Paris Theatre in New York City on October 27, 2022. (Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Millie Bobby Brown, the Stranger Things star, is now a mom. The 21-year-old star of the Netflix hit and her husband, Jon Bon Jovis son Jake Bongiovi, 23, have welcomed their first baby together through adoption. They announced the news on social media Thursday. This summer we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption, Brown posed on Instagram. We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy. The couple, who married in May 2024, first started seeing each other in 2021. The actress opened up about growing her family in March on the "Smartless" podcast. My mom actually had her first child at 21, and my dad was 19, Brown said. And you know, its been my thing since before I met Jake. Since I was a baby, I told my mom, like, baby dolls. I wanted to be a mom just like the way my mom was to me. In February, Brown revealed the couple had moved to a farm in Georgia. Brown, who plays Eleven on the hit Netflix series, told Vanity Fair she has a genuine love for farm life. The farm includes sheep, donkeys, cows, goats and more. 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. The sudden deaths of an Alabama husband and wife in a span of days has devastated their family. Johnny and Tammy Schmidthorst lived in Prattville but over the weekend Johnny suffered a heart attack, according to Joey Prusha, Johnnys brother. Tammy had tried to perform CPR on Johnny at their home but he could not be revived. Prusha paid tribute to his brother in a heartfelt message on Facebook saying he missed his bubba. I realize that dying is a part of life and it will hit everyone at some point but I just wasnt ready, Prusha said. I want my bubba back. Ill miss you man, I already miss you.. This is the hardest thing Ive ever had to do. You taught me so much but never taught me how to live without you. Tragedy would strike again two days later on Monday as Tammy was found dead at the couples home. We have sent Tammys body off for an autopsy, but many of us believe that Tammy actually died from a broken heart, Prusha told Rick Karle. The couple is survived by their sons, grandchildren and other family members. The ordeal has shocked the family which is now faced with handling the expenses associated with a double funeral. It could cost up to $25,000 to hold funerals for my brother and sister-in-law, Prusha told Karle. The last few days have been extremely difficult. A GoFundMe was started by Prusha seeking assistance in the burial of the couple and has already accumulated over $7,000 out of the $14,000 goal. As many of you may know, my brother tragically and very unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, August 16th from a massive heart attack, Prusha said. Unbelievably, we also lost his wife, Tammy on Monday the 18th. This is hitting us all extremely hard and we need help to bury them as they had no life insurance. Anything you are able to give would be greatly appreciated. A new report by an environmental group says that residents in Alabama and other states could be endangered by Trump Administration changes to hazardous air pollution regulations for the steel industry. The non-profit Environmental Integrity Project released a report called The Steel Industrys Hazardous Air Pollution, which says the Trump Administrations proposed delay or elimination of 2024 EPA hazardous air pollution control rules for the steel industry will threaten public health. One monitor at Drummond Co.s ABC Coke in Tarrant registered six-month average levels of benzene at the facility perimeter in 2022-2023 that were more than four times the chronic, long-term, health threshold identified in EIPs report. The report said ABC Coke in Tarrant was in non-compliance 2 quarters in the last three years, and in the last five years, was subject to four enforcement actions with $529,800 in penalties. Charlie Powell of Tarrant, founder and director of People Against Neighborhood Industrial Pollution in Tarrant, said pollution at the ABC Coke plant requires continuous monitoring. I started this group because I was concerned about the pollution from the two coke plants near the community I grew up in, Powell said. EPA was right to require these coke ovens to install new hazardous air pollutant monitors. And EPA is wrong now to tell them that the coke ovens dont actually have to start doing this monitoring. A coke plant heats coal at high temperatures to remove impurities and produces coke, used as fuel in the steelmaking process to reduce iron ore to iron. The report says potentially dangerous levels of toxic pollutants such as benzene and chromium have been detected at the fence-lines of plants in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. Its clear the steel industry needs common-sense rules to protect the health and safety of workers and the people who live downwind from plants, because of the dangerous chemicals they handle and release, said Jen Duggan, executive director of the Environmental Integrity Project. Instead, the Trump Administration is bending over backwards to delay industry compliance with EPA regulations that better control and monitor hazardous air pollution from the steel industry, a true betrayal of the workers at these plants and their families and communities nearby, she said. She said the need for oversight and regulation of the steel industry was illustrated last week when the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant southeast of Pittsburgh exploded, killing two workers and injuring at least 10. Clairton Coke Works had a record of violating the Clean Air Act, with 14 enforcement actions and nearly $10.7 million in penalties assessed over five years according to EPA data. Air monitors outside the plant have registered unhealthy levels of benzene, a carcinogen, at its perimeter, Duggan said. An air pollution monitor at the fenceline of the Clairton Coke Works detected a six-month average concentration of benzene in 2022-2023 of almost 26 micrograms per cubic meter eight times higher than a key public health threshold, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard threshold for long-term or chronic exposure, the report said. Several other steel industry plants have also registered potentially dangerous levels of the pollutants benzene and chromium, according to EIPs report. Benzene can cause blood disorders, harm the immune system, and is a known cancer-causing agent, with links to leukemia. Chromium, a heavy metal, can cause breathing problems, damage the male reproductive system, and cause ulcers. One form, hexavalent chromium, is a known carcinogen, with links to lung cancer. The report said theres a need for more monitoring and controls on these emissions, as would be required by 2024 EPA hazardous air pollution rules for the steel industry that the Trump Administration is attempting to put on hold. EIP and allies on August 6 filed a lawsuit to challenge the delays. The DTE Energy EES Coke Battery in Michigan, south of Detroit, had levels of benzene 13 percent above that threshold at its fenceline, the report said. Both of these plants have been hit with numerous enforcement actions over the last five years for violating the federal Clean Air Act (four at the Alabama facility, eight at the Michigan plant), according to EIPs report. In northern Indiana, an air monitor at U.S. Steel Gary Works registered levels of chromium at the facilitys fenceline in 2022 that were more than double the chronic health threshold identified in EIPs report. The U.S. Steel Granite City Works plant in Illinois had levels of chromium 45 percent higher than that threshold that year, and the Cleveland Cliffs Cleveland Works facility had levels a third higher. The U.S. Steel plants in Gary and Granite City are also chronic violators of the Clean Air Act, with seven enforcement actions over the last five years in Gary and one in Granite City the last five years. Local residents who live near these plants offer their views in the report. Weve got to demand a future with clean, sustainable steel that keeps our jobs and communities safe here in Northwest Indiana, said Terry Steagall, a retired steelworker and union activist in Gary, Indiana. EPAs decision to delay critical rules designed to protect us from toxic emissions perpetuates the unfortunate trend of treating the region as a toxic sacrifice zone for industry to poison the land, air, water, and people. The chronic pollution levels and violations at the steel industry plants illustrate the need for the Trump EPA to keep the 2024 hazardous air pollution control and monitoring rules in place, they said. This disheartening news of EPAs emissions monitoring rollbacks comes alongside the recent diagnosis of another cherished community member with cancer, said Germaine Patterson, a resident who lives near Clairton Coke Works in Western Pennsylvania. Any company that truly values the well-being of the community it operates in should see this added layer of protection as not just necessary, but the right thing to do. Air quality near plants is often dangerous to residents, they said. In Clairton and the Mon Valley, we already live with some of the worst air quality in the nation, and benzene from the steel industry is a major contributor to the toxic burden our bodies carry, said Qiyam Ansari, executive director of Valley Clean Air Now in Pennsylvania. Continuous air pollution monitoring is a public health necessity. Removing the requirement for monitoring means children, seniors, and people with respiratory or immune conditions will breathe harmful chemicals without knowing it. In effect, the rollback allows industrial polluters to operate without accountability. An Alabama Muslim advocacy organization is calling on state and federal law enforcement to investigate the death threats targeting Hoover city council candidate Tanveer Patel as hate crimes. Patel, who immigrated from India in 1990, said the Facebook comments, which included death threats, slurs and other hateful speech, were frightening and heartbreaking but maintains that hate will not win. One comment stated: How come were not allowed to just shoot and kill these people and get them out of our f****** country. Threats and intimidation targeting a Muslim candidate are not just attacks on one individualthey are attacks on democracy, inclusion, and the constitutional rights of all Americans, Alabama Council on American-Islamic Relations representative Britton OShields said in a statement. No one should be targeted for their faith or identity when seeking public office. We urge state and federal law enforcement to investigate these threats as hate-motivated crimes and to ensure the safety and dignity of the candidate and the broader community. So far, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato has condemned the attacks, the Hoover Police Department has opened an investigation and the FBI has been informed of the attacks. The FBI office in Birmingham issued only the following statement: The FBI neither confirms nor denies the existence of an investigation. This is not the first time this year that the advocacy nonprofit has stepped into Alabama politics. Earlier this year they invited Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) to visit a mosque after his Islamophobic comments that Democrats considering moving to Alabama would not be welcomed if they intend to, bring that Communist, Islamic atmosphere. In March, CAIR released a report finding that Islamophobia was at an all-time high nationwide. They received 8,658 complaints last year, up 7.4% over 2023. Despite the hateful rhetoric on Facebook, Patel has also garnered support. Thank you for your courage, Amer Sayyed commented under a Facebook video of Patel explaining her commitment to her faith. I have always admired you, Alane Barnes commented. Thank you for all your energy, sincerity and faith! Trail blazer, Noor G Aswad commented. Your story is incredible! Thank you for your willingness to serve, thank you for your bravery, and thank you for everything you will do for Hoover and our great state of Alabama, Rashmee Sharif commented. Patel, who is running against Robin Schultz for place 1, has a long list of accolades and community involvement. Shes the co-founder and former CEO of ConcertIDC, a Birmingham-based tech company, and also co-founded the Red Crescent Clinic of Alabama in Hoover, which provides free healthcare to over 700 uninsured patients annually. 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, the FBI Citizens Academy, among other organizations. 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 at a press conference on Tuesday. 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. This story was originally published on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. By Dennis Pillion, Inside Climate News WILSONVILLE, Ala.The people of Wilsonville arent about to let it happen to them, at least not without a fight. After seeing residents of nearby Bessemer, Alabama, get blindsided by a proposal for a massive data center, with little public disclosure and public officials silenced by non-disclosure agreements, Wilsonville residents sprang into action when word got out that a developer was looking to build a similar data center in their town. More than 100 Wilsonville residents packed the town hall for Monday nights City Council meeting to voice their objections to the proposed hyperscale data center in the small, riverside community of fewer than 2,000 residents about 25 miles southeast of Birmingham. The 3 million square-foot data center project wasnt on the agenda for Mondays council meeting, but people showed up anyway, 50 of them carrying red signs that read No Wilsonville Data Center. There werent enough signs, or chairs, for everyone as the overflow crowd spilled out into the hallway. Former Wilsonville Mayor Lee McCarty, who was in the crowd among the protesters, said the project, if it proceeds, would be extremely detrimental to the community. A lot of people live in Wilsonville because they want the country repose, McCarty said. They dont want gigantic power lines and water lines and traffic. They dont want a Walmart, much less one of these. Project planning documents obtained by Inside Climate News from a resident show the site would encompass 664 acres and contain 14 buildings, each 219,000 square feet, more than the size of a typical Walmart Supercenter. The residents say a data center that size would disrupt their peaceful community that includes multi-generational family farms and million-dollar waterfront homes on Lay Lake. All I know is, the people selling this land and the people brokering the deal, thats going to be their legacy, to potentially destroy a small town, Wilsonville resident Renny Stanhope said after the meeting. The Wilsonville data center project is just one in a series of new data center proposals sweeping the country. In Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, Iowa and elsewhere, data center projects are popping up, often in rural or low-income areas, leaving local residents to deal with noise pollution, air pollution, destruction of forest land and likely higher electricity costs due to massive demand. The Trump administration has announced plans to waive environmental rules and other regulations for data centers that might slow their development in the midst of an arms race for computing power to run AI systems. Alabama Power, which will likely provide electricity for the Wilsonville project, has already gotten approval to buy an existing natural gas plant for $622 million, increasing customer bills in anticipation of higher loads from data centers. In Wilsonville, Mondays council meeting lasted less than 15 minutes, including the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. After some brief council business, Mayor Ricky Morris said that there were no updates on the project, and that any future rezoning or annexation requests for the project would be on the council agenda. When we have something to discuss, it will be on the agenda, Morris told the crowd. The data center proposal came to light during the councils August 4 meeting, when a resident asked the council about the project on the outskirts of town. At that meeting, council members said they had been approached by representatives from NorthPoint Development, a Kansas City commercial real estate company involved in data center development, which inquired about annexing parcels of land into the town for a data center project. The project location includes land within Wilsonville town limits and land in unincorporated Shelby County. Annexing the land would put the entire footprint under the control of Wilsonville instead of the county, for zoning purposes, documents show. Council members said Monday they have not yet received a formal application for annexation. Weve had no other contact with them, they have not requested nothing, Morris said. So its just like it was last meeting. NorthPoint Development did not respond to requests for comment or to authenticate the document. During a brief public comment period, residents pressed the council members for any updates on the project, and asked whether either they or the mayor would pledge not to sign non-disclosure agreements, which have become common in data center development across the country. The council members did not make such a pledge, with Morris saying they could not promise that for legal reasons. He did not elaborate and declined to answer additional questions from Inside Climate News after the meeting. Our nonprofit newsroom provides award-winning climate coverage free of charge and advertising. We rely on donations from readers like you to keep going. Please donate now to support our work. Shelby County probate records show NorthPoint Development reached a two-year option on approximately 687 acres from Richard Cashio, a Birmingham steel industry magnate, on Feb. 27. The purchase price was not included in the document. Cashio did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The project would be located off of County Highway 61, alongside Lick Branch, a small Coosa River tributary. It would be located about 2.5 miles northwest of the Ernest C. Gaston Electric Generating Plant, a coal and natural gas-fired power plant operated by Alabama Power alongside the Coosa. According to the feasibility plan, the projected peak power demand is 1,008 megawatts, more than half of the maximum output from the Gaston Plant, which is 1,880 megawatts, according to Alabama Powers website. Running a 1008 MW data center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, would use 8.8 million megawatt-hours of electricity a year. Thats about half as much as all of Alabama Powers 1.3 million residential customers used in 2023, according to company filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The Wilsonville data center would use about 20 percent less power than the proposed data center in Bessemer, which would use 1200 megawatts at peak. The plan also states that developers need to verify volume of water available and capacity of wastewater treatment plant, as well as verify if the site is subject to air quality standards, and verify power source, location, substation size & location will be adjusted as needed. Coosa Riverkeeper Justinn Overton helped distribute signs at the meeting and share information on social media, and said the large turnout should send a message to the elected officials on the dais. Although there was not a lot of information shared tonight, our purpose was to apply gentle pressure and let them know how many people are watching and listening, she said. If the council approves the data center request, voter ire would take a while to reach them at the ballot box. According to a post on Wilsonvilles web site, the town will not host municipal elections this year, because the candidates for mayor and five council seats are all unopposed. Dennis Pillion is a reporter for Inside Climate News based in Alabama. He joined ICN in 2024 after 17 years working for Alabama Media Group, including nine as the statewide natural resources reporter. His work for AL.com and The Birmingham News, won numerous Green Eyeshade and Alabama Press Association awards for his coverage of environmental issues in Alabama. He was born and lives in Birmingham, Ala. Alabama State Rep. Jim Hill, a Republican from St. Clair County and a former judge, will not run for reelection next year. Hill is chairman of the Alabama House Judiciary Committee. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). A Republican lawmaker who fills the role of umpire and referee over some of the most contentious debates in the Alabama State House wont be running for reelection next year. Rep. Jim Hill of St. Clair County, longtime chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said he will not seek a fourth term. Hill, 75, said the physical demands of the job are one reason he is stepping away. I just believe its time for me to step back and let someone else do this job, said Hill, a former district court and circuit court judge in St. Clair County. Read more: Which Alabama state senators will not seek another term in 2026? What their fundraising tells us Its been a real good experience, made a lot of good friends, had a lot of really, really enjoyable times. But I think with the grandkids, with my back the way it is, I just need to step back and let someone else represent this area. House Judiciary Committee meetings have become must-see events for many of the lobbyists, reporters, state officials, and others who track legislation during the 15 weeks lawmakers are in session. The 15-member panel, made up of lawyers and former law enforcement officers, gathers Wednesday afternoons in the State Houses largest committee room to decide the fate of most of the bills that affect the criminal justice system. Republicans hold 10 of the seats because of their supermajority in the House. Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, a lawyer who often challenges his Republican colleagues in debate, said Hills experience as a judge has equipped him with the wisdom and temperament for a difficult job. But most importantly, he has an abiding concern for the law and doing things the right way, for making sure that things were vetted properly and fully, England said. Lawmakers presenting bills to the Judiciary Committee expect to face hard questions. But Hill makes sure they get a fair shake, England said. All the bills that came before the Judiciary, he gave everybody an opportunity - the sponsor, members of the committee, and people who were presenting - an opportunity to get their point across, England said. Oftentimes, he would put concern for doing it the right way and making sure that it was legally sound above partisan politics, England said. Matter of fact, he always did that. Hes just a good man. Hill has been an advocate for legislation protecting the ability of judges to make decisions based on circumstances unique to each case and defendant. For example, he sponsored a bill that allows judges flexibility in certain cases to decide how much prison time an offender must serve after violating their terms of probation. Cases certainly have similarity, but theres no such thing as a one size fits all, Hill said. Thats why you have judges. Hopefully, thats why we elect experienced lawyers to be judges, so that they can craft those orders and try those cases in a manner that ensures that people get a fair hearing and a fair trial. Hill plans to continue his law practice in St. Clair County. And he has one more year to serve as judiciary chairman. The Legislature will convene for its next regular session in January. All 140 seats in the State House are on the ballot next year. A new legislative term begins after the general election in November 2026. Jesse Watters hosts "Jesse Watters Primetime" on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP) Andy Kropa/Invision/AP The 2020 presidential election is history, but a legal dispute over Fox News reporting on President Trumps false claims of voter fraud is heating up. A motion for summary judgment by voting equipment company Smartmatic filed Tuesday in New York Supreme Court laid out in detail how phony allegations that it manipulated votes to swing the election to Joe Biden were amplified on Fox News. The motion also described how the Fox News Media hosts who are defendants in the suit the late Lou Dobbs, Jeanine Pirro and Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business were allegedly committed to helping Trump prove his fraud theories so he could remain in office. I work so hard for the President and the party, Pirro wrote in a text to Ronna McDaniel, then chair of the Republican National Committee. Pirro left Fox News in May to become U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Smartmatic is suing Fox News for $2.7 billion in damages, claiming that the networks airing of the false statements hurt the London-based companys ability to expand its business in the U.S. Fox News settled a similar suit from Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million in 2023. The motion alleged that on-air hosts repeated the fraud claims even though executives and producers were told they were false. The Fox News research department, known as the Brainroom, allegedly informed network producers that Smartmatics role in the 2020 election was limited to Los Angeles County and that the companys software was not used in Dominion voting machines, another false claim made on the air. Fox News maintains the networks reporting on President Trumps false claims were newsworthy and protected by the 1st Amendment. But part of the companys legal strategy has been focused on minimizing the damage claims. Fox News has asserted that any problems Smartmatic has experienced in attracting new business are rooted not in its reporting but in the federal investigation into the companys activities with overseas governments. Last year, Smartmatics founder, Roger Alejandro Pinate Martinez, and two other company officials were indicted by the U.S. attorneys office and charged with bribing Philippine officials in order to get voting machine contracts in the country in 2016. While the Trump camps assertions that the election was fixed were not believed throughout Fox News and parent company Fox Corp., the conservative-leaning network gave continued to give them oxygen to keep its audience tuned in, the motion alleged. The motion described a pivot that occurred on Nov. 8, 2020, when then-Fox News Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan asked Fox News Media Chief Executive Suzanne Scott to address the decline in the networks ratings after Biden was declared the winner of the election. The network also looked at research to evaluate why viewers were leaving. The conclusion reached based on performance analytics: give the audience more election fraud, the court document stated. Such thinking, the filing said, permeated the company, already in a panic over losing viewers to right-leaning network Newsmax. The upstart outlet saw a ratings surge after Bidens win due to its unwavering support of Trumps claims. Think about how incredible our ratings would be if Fox went ALL in on STOP THE STEAL, Fox News host Jesse Watters said in a text to his colleague Greg Gutfeld. Throughout November and December 2020, the three hosts named in the suit, Dobbs, Pirro and Bartiromo, repeatedly featured Trumps attorneys Rudolph Giuliani and Sidney Powell as guests. They spread the falsehoods that Smartmatic software was used in Dominion voting machines and altered millions of votes. Smartmatics work in Los Angeles during the 2020 election was meant to be an entry point for the company to expand its domestic business. The companys defamation suit claims that Fox News obliterated those efforts by presenting the false fraud claims. But Fox News believes that issues with Smartmatics $282-million contract with Los Angeles County could help advance its case. On Aug. 1, federal prosecutors filing a legal brief alleging that taxpayer funds from the county went into a slush fund held by a shell company to help pay for its illegal activities. Federal prosecutors handling the case involving Smartmatics business in the Philippines said they plan to detail similar alleged schemes out of L.A. County and Venezuela to show that the bribery fits a larger pattern. Fox News attorneys have filed a brief asking for county records that they believe will help bolster their case. The network is also expected to try to get the Smartmatic indictments in front of the court to raise doubts about the companys reputation. A Smartmatic representative said Fox News records request is a diversion tactic. Fox lies and when caught they lie again to distract, a Smartmatic representative said in a statement. Foxs latest filing is just another attempt to divert attention from its long-standing campaign of falsehoods and defamation against Smartmatic. The company added that it abided with the law in Los Angeles County and every jurisdiction where we operate. Smartmatics Tuesday court filing also included information that contradicted public statements Fox News made at the time. The document alleged that Fox News fired political analyst Chris Stirewalt and longtime Washington bureau executives Bill Sammon for their involvement in calling the state of Arizona for Biden on election night. The early call of the close result in the state upset the Trump camp and alienated his supporters. At the time, Fox News said Stirewalt departed as part of a reorganization and Sammon retired. But the motion said Rupert Murdoch himself signed off on the decision to sever Stirewalt and Sammon from the company in an effort to assuage angry viewers who defected. The motion cited a communication from Dana Perino, co-host of Fox News show The Five, describing a phone call with Stirewalt after his dismissal. I explained to him you were right, you didnt cave, and you got fired for doing the right thing, Perino said. Both Sammon and Stirewalt now work in the Washington bureau of NewsNation, the cable news network owned by Nexstar Media Group. _____ 2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A decade ago, Donald Trumps presidential campaign was still in its early stages after hosting a handful of rallies, none drawing more than 5,000 people. Ten years ago today, on August 21, 2015, the brash, twice-divorced, foul-mouthed New York businessman and TV celebrity turned to the heart of the Bible Belt, landing in Mobile, for what would become a defining moment in his political rise. That sweltering night, Trump emerged to the sound of Lynyrd Skynyrds Sweet Home Alabama, greeted by a roaring crowd at the aging Ladd-Peebles Stadium. It was the first of Trumps stadium-style rallies, which would define his political career for the next decade. If it rains, Ill take my hat off and prove once and for all, that its mine, he joked, patting his famously scrutinized hair. The crowd erupted. What followed was a chaotic, freewheeling speech that felt like part revival and part reality show. Trump touched on the same themes that still drive his political identity, including immigration, trade, and relentless jabs at political and media foes. At one point, he even compared the moment to a Billy Graham crusade. Alabama Republican U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions speaks during a political rally in support of Donald Trump (standing next to him) on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. file At the time, few Alabama politicians publicly aligned themselves with him. Then-U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions was called up on stage, and Trump placed the now-iconic red Make America Great Again cap on him that night. However, Sessions would not endorse Trump until six months later during a rally in Madison. Early endorsement Most GOP heavyweights were elsewhere, attending a Koch-backed summit in Columbus, Ohio, or gathering for the Alabama GOP summer lunch event in Talladega, with presidential hopeful Scott Walker as the keynote speaker. But one little-known Alabama lawmaker made an early endorsement. Barry Moore, a state representative from the Wiregrass, was the first person to take the stage. He had already held off on making endorsements following calls from the Rubio and Walker campaigns. After learning that Trump was coming to Mobile, and after reading the book, Art of the Deal, Moore decided to travel to Mobile for the rally. He arrived in an RV with other a few other state lawmakers when they were approached by Joe Freeman with the Trump campaign in Alabama. Freeman rushed up to the vehicles back window and inquired if anyone wanted to endorse Trumps presidential campaign that night. Heather and I made a quick prayer, Moore recalled. The weather wasnt great that day for an outdoor event. But the people were lined up and down the street. The guy just had a special appeal. Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia campaigns for U.S. Rep. Barry Moore on Saturday, March 2, 2024, during a campaign stop at Steele Creek Lodge in Satsuma, Ala. John Sharp/jsharp@al.com As Van Halens Jump blared through the speakers, Moore stepped onto the stage. I said, this has to be a good omen. It was so unique, the crowd was actually yelling Trump when Van Halen sings, Jump. Moore, now a U.S. congressman running for the Senate in 2026, is likely the only sitting member of Congress who publicly endorsed Trump that early. Political strategist Jonathan Gray, who also attended the rally, called Moores move bold. This was a decade ago now, and you have to put yourself in his shoes at that time, Gray said. He did that on faith. Jeff Sessions had a different target at that point. He wanted to be part of change. But there was nothing in it for Barry. He was just a guy. You got to give him credit where credit is due. Also providing warm-up speeches were three other GOP state lawmakers Tim Wadsworth, Jim Carns, and Ed Henry. We got in line to speak, and people were slapping us on the back, Wadsworth said. They were thanking us for having Trump there. Rallys evolution A large crowd fills the Ladd-Peebles Stadium's seats on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, for a political rally in support of Donald Trump's presidential campaign. file The rally itself almost did not happen at that scale. Trumps team, led by Corey Lewandowski, originally planned for a much smaller venue. As crowd estimates shifted, the expectations for the rally continued to get bigger. Former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill said the Trump campaign eventually called his office with concerns that 15,000 people were wanting to attend the rally. I said, there is only one place you can go if you do this in Mobile and that is Ladd-Peebles Stadium, he said. Within days, the venue changed twice. It moved from the convention center to the Mobile Civic Center, and then again to the 40,000-seat Ladd-Peebles Stadium, where Trump would draw his biggest crowd yet. Harolyn Fleming, left, sells pins to Donald Trump supporters as they wait in line outside Ladd-Peebles Stadium hours before the start of a rally in Mobile, Ala., on August 21, 2015. file photo Outside the rally, lines stretched around the stadium as people waited to get inside hours before Trump was to show up. Some attendees wore Trump wigs. In the stadiums parking lot were tailgates with people barbecuing before attending the rally. Colby Cooper, then-chief of staff to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, called it one of the greatest events Mobile has ever put on, aside from Mardi Gras. It was more than a political rally. It became a Southern spectacle and a turning point for Trumps campaign, Gray said. I dont think people looking back on the big picture of it understand the monumental difference it made at the time, he said. Trump coming at that time and being in the middle of the Bible Belt, it changed the race. Everyone talked about this guy from New York, this businessman with a foul mouth. He walked into the Bible Belt and he literally had people praying and chanting for him. He walked into the Bible Belt and took it over. No one knew how to combat him. That includes Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor. At the time, Trump had slowly ascended to the top of the Republican presidential polls with Bush in second. The two were trading barbs at each other, with Bush accusing Trump of not being a fiscal conservative. A super PAC tied to the Bush campaign paid for an airplane fly over the stadium with a banner criticizing Trumps fiscal positions on taxes. The banner was hard to see. But what wasnt hard to see, nor hear, was Trumps personal airplane doing a flyover above Ladd-Peebles Stadium as the large crowd began to cheer. The crowd size was it 15,000 or 25,000 or 30,000? remains a subject of debate more than a decade later. One thing is for certain, its not the largest crowd to attend a Trump rally in the U.S. or even in Alabama. The record, in Alabama, belongs to Cullman, which lured between 45,000 to 50,000 people to a field for a Trump rally in 2021. Sean Sullivan, a longtime radio talk show host for FMTalk106.5 in Mobile, faced some criticism with listeners after he said, in the days after the rally, that the crowd size was around 22,000 people. Its not like I was married to the 22,000 figure, Sullivan said. I said, Im not an expert at this (in counting crowd sizes). That was just my guess. I assumed that it was a heck of a turnout. Then there was a discussion from what happened (at the rally) to how far off the estimate was. The lingering debate over the crowd estimate was a preview of controversies to come. After Trump won the presidency, his 2017 inauguration crowd size became the subject of much debate as the White House sparred with the media. I didnt realize a standard was being set then, Sullivan said. People just told me, It was more than (my estimate). I was like, Ok. Maybe I just picked up on the (22,000 figure) and defended it for the fun of discussion. Trumps pre- and post-rally moments were selective, and few. He did not hold a post-rally news conference, even though the foyer inside Ladd-Peebles Stadium was set up to resemble a makeshift press conference. Merrill said that once Trump finished greeting the crowd, He was gone. I mean, he was gone. That was the end of it. Fallout There was a large contingent of national media at the stadium that day, and no indications of the Democratic Partys involvement or criticism about the rally. An ABC News report from the next day suggested that then-Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton was vacationing in the Hamptons. The report said that Clinton would likely soon take tough questions about her private email use dealing with governmental affairs while she was the Secretary of State under President Barack Obama. Trumps candidacy continued to ascend in the months to come. Clintons campaign also rose, although it was challenged by insurgent progressive Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders. Clinton, throughout 2016, was also dogged by the email scandal. The Trump Mobile rally would underscore the future presidents political identity, and one that helped regain his popularity ahead of being re-elected last November. He has held well over 330 rallies since the first major one in Mobile. Religion and politics The rally has also drawn comparisons to former Alabama Gov. George Wallace, the fiery segregationist politician who also ran for president and was adored by Southern conservatives. I dont Alabama had been on the forefront of a political race (since Wallace), Gray said. It also illustrated the rapid and evolving shift of evangelical politicians and voters, from strict adherence to conservative moral issues to those who are more supportive of a politician based on partisan ideology. Donald Trump greets supporters after his rally at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on August 21, 2015 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) Getty Images Wayne Flynt, a political and religious historian and professor emeritus at Auburn University, said Trumps campaign, which got rolling in Mobile, represented what he said is another turning point in American politics and Christianity. It certainly is one indication of a shift in fundamentalist religion, Flynt said. Henceforth, issues that conservative Christians have used for centuries as a measure of conservative religious values such as sexual purity, tithing, active church membership, renouncing use of alcoholic drinks, have become secondary to political ideology. Many self-described evangelicals now consider the primary evidence of Christian faithfulness to be political ideology and support of conservative candidates. Flynt said just as liberal Christians often ignored the past violations of Christian ethics while seeking the most liberal political candidates, its now conservative Christians who do the same for Trump, whom he calls without doubt one of the most amoral Presidents in American history. Truth is, both theological sides have rationalized political conduct for decades, yet more evidence of the slow but certain secularization of America. Mobiles aftermath President-elect Donald Trump in Mobile, Ala., for a rally after winning the 2016 election. The "Thank You" rally took place on Dec. 17, 2016, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. file photo In Mobile, the rally produced a sequel one of eight Thank you, America rallies held nationwide after Trumps election was held at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. In fact, the final rally before Trumps inauguration was held in Mobile on Dec. 17, 2016. That rally became a bit controversial after a large tree cedar tree was cut down in a public park and relocated to the stadium to be used as a massive prop. The fallout led to the resignation of Cooper, then-chief of staff, after he admitted to having the tree cut down. Trump has not returned to Mobile. He came to Pensacola in December 2017, to hold a rally in support of Roy Moores run for the U.S. Senate against then-Democratic opponent Doug Jones. Moore, facing controversy over a decades-old sex scandal involving teenage girls, lost the special election to Jones in a rare statewide win for the Democratic Party. Trump almost returned to Mobile in 2021, to give a speech outside the USS Alabama Battleship. However, the rally did not happen out of concerns from the Battleship Commission over the legalities of hosting a partisan event on the venues grounds. Stimpson, in a statement to AL.com, said he hopes Trump remembers his time in Mobile fondly. He said that visits from presidents and other national leaders gives the city an opportunity to showcase itself. When then-candidate Donald Trump visited Mobile 10 years ago, no one could have anticipated the influence he would come to have in American politics, Stimpson said. He credited Trump and his connection to Alabama with help in securing funding for the Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, which continues to evolve. As we continue working to advance projects of that scale, my hope is that Mobiles leaders can continue to leverage these critical relationships in Washington, said Stimpson, who is retiring from politics at the end of his term in November. Barry Moore, who hopes to continue serving in Washington after the 2026 election, said he has talked to Trump about the 2015 rally in Mobile during past encounters at Mar-a-Lago, the historic Palm Beach estate owned by Trump. No doubt about it, Moore said. It all started in Alabama. That day, that energy. Usually with political rallies, its the same people. This day was different. It was more populist and looked more like America, to me. There was all these people there, he had the celebrity status, and there was just something different about him. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is coming to Birmingham to talk about the presidential election she lost last year and promote her book about the campaign. Harris will appear at the Alabama Theatre on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. See more: These are the 12 Alabama counties where Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump Every ticket will include a copy of Harriss new book, 107 DAYS, published by Simon and Schuster, which tells the story of her campaign against Donald Trump after the withdrawal of President Biden in late July. Harris will talk about what she saw, learned, and what it will take to move forward, according to a news release about the event. With nuance, candor, and a unique perspective, Harris will lead a conversation about how we collectively chart a blueprint that sets an alternative vision for our country now, the news release says. LONDON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion") has dispatched its record-breaking ZT82J straight boom aerial work platform to the Port of Bristol, United Kingdom. With a working height of 82.3 meters, the ZT82J sets a new benchmark for the European market, offering advanced aerial work solutions for energy and infrastructure projects across the region. Zoomlion Delivers the Worlds Tallest 82.3-Meter Straight Boom Aerial Work Platform to the UK, Setting a New Record in Europe The ZT82J was procured by Hire Safe Solutions, one of the UK's leading access equipment rental companies. Known for strict safety standards and advanced equipment, the company recently took delivery of Zoomlion's ZT72J model, making this its second acquisition of a Zoomlion ultra-high aerial work platform within two months. This decision reflects the trust that global partners place in Zoomlion's quality, components, and service, which consistently align with the expectations of customers worldwide. As Zoomlion's latest breakthrough following its 68-meter and 72-meter models, the ZT82J redefines the global height record for straight boom aerial work platforms. It delivers a maximum outreach of 34.1 meters and addresses the industry's challenges in construction areas, including wide spans, complex working conditions, precise positioning, and limited space. The ZT82J incorporates Zoomlion's proprietary polygonal boom design, which reduces weight while improving stiffness, minimizes lateral deformation, and enhances stability. It combines off-road adaptability with maneuverability in confined spaces, while 21 advanced safety technologies provide real-time monitoring to ensure operations are safer and more efficient. By introducing equipment capable of operating beyond 80 meters, Zoomlion has filled a critical gap in the global aerial work platform market. The ZT82J provides a new solution for demanding projects across Europe, where efficiency and safety are paramount. Zoomlion's intelligent access equipment portfolio now ranges from 6 to 95 meters, representing the industry's most comprehensive range. Its equipment is used in more than 100 countries and has set multiple national and regional height records, reflecting the company's ongoing contributions to advancing global construction and industrial efficiency. The ZT82J is recognized for combining cutting-edge technology with robust design, bringing new levels of safety, performance, and reliability to clients. Its delivery further demonstrates Zoomlion's commitment to raising industry standards and supporting Europe's infrastructure and energy development with greater efficiency and safety. SOURCE Zoomlion FILE - This photo provided by the New York Mayoral Photography Office shows New York Mayor Eric Adams as he delivers remarks and marches in the 21st Autumn Moon Festival and 12th China Day Festival with Winnie Greco, right, Oct. 1, 2023, in New York. (Violet Mendelsund/New York Mayoral Photography Office via AP, File) AP New York City Mayor Eric Adams denied knowledge that a former top aide and campaign volunteer attempted to give a reporter cash hidden inside a bag of potato chips. On its website, The City newspaper said Winnie Greco handed reporter Katie Honan the opened bag of Herrs Sour Cream & Onion potato chips. Inside was a red envelope stuffed with cash, according to The City. The outlet, which stated it did not open the envelope or count the money, reported the incident to the city Department of Investigation. The DOI did not comment to The City. Adams campaign said Greco, who resigned as the mayors liaison to the Asian community last year, did not have a position with the campaign. Since she resigned as Adams director of Asian affairs last fall, Greco has occasionally been seen at Adams campaign events. Before her resignation, Greco had served as Adams longtime liaison with the citys Chinese American community. She was also a prolific fundraiser for Adams campaigns. In February of 2024, federal agents searched two properties belonging to Greco. Authorities didnt explain what the investigation was about, and Greco has not been charged with committing a crime, but she was a number of close aides to Adams who resigned or were fired amid the federal scrutiny. Following the alleged potato chip incident, Greco has been suspended from volunteer campaign activities, the campaign said. A campaign spokesman told The City that Adams was not aware of Grecos attempted payoff to the reporter. We are shocked by these reports, the spokesman said. Winnie Grecco [sic] holds no position in this campaign and has been suspended from all VOLUNTEER campaign-related activities. Mayor Adams had no prior knowledge of this matter. He has always demanded the highest ethical and legal standards, and his sole focus remains on serving the people of New York City with integrity. Greco told The City that she made a mistake and that the cash-filled envelope inside the potato chip bag was a culture thing. She then told the outlet to contact her attorney, Steven Brill. I can see how this looks strange, Brill told The City. But I assure you that Winnies intent was purely innocent. In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude. Winnie is apologetic and embarrassed by any negative impression or confusion this may have caused. Tainted by scandal, Adams is running for re-election as an independent. He will face Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the November election. A separate federal investigation into Adams led to a 2024 indictment accusing the mayor of accepting illegal campaign contributions and travel discounts from a Turkish official and others and returning the favors by, among other things, helping Turkey open a diplomatic building without passing fire inspections. A federal judge dismissed the case in April after the Justice Department ordered prosecutors to drop the charges, arguing that the case was interfering with the mayors ability to aid President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration. The Associated Press contributed to this report. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will now screen work, study, and immigration visa applications for anti-Americanism, according to a policy alert sent out Tuesday by the Trump administration. Immigration officers will be able to check if applicants have had any involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations, or whether there is any evidence of antisemitic activity, according to the updates text. USCIS has also expanded the types of benefit requests that receive social media vetting, and reviews for anti-American activity will be added to that vetting. Americas benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies, said USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser in a recent release. 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. Immigration benefitsincluding to live and work in the United Statesremain a privilege, not a right," he continued. The announcement did not define anti-Americanism, but the policy manual refers to a section of federal law about naturalization of people opposed to government or law, or who favor totalitarian forms of government, Reuters reports. Reactions and concerns The update has sparked several conversations online about what its text means and how it could be interpreted. The term has no prior precedent in immigration law and its definition is entirely up to the Trump admin, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, wrote in a post on X. McCarthyism returns to immigration law, he said, referencing a period in the 1950s, also known as the Red Scare, when U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy prosecuted left-wing individuals under little to no evidence that the U.S. government of the early 1950s was home to large numbers of Communists and spies for the Soviet Union. NEW: McCarthyism returns to immigration law, as @USCIS announces that it will begin screening applicants for immigration benefits for "Anti-America ideologies or activities." The term has no prior precedent in immigration law and its definition is entirely up to the Trump admin. pic.twitter.com/4uUzlOtmIe Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) August 19, 2025 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, Jane Lilly Lopez, associate professor of sociology at Brigham Young University, told the Associated Press. Thats really worrisome. FILE - Tina Peters, former Mesa County, Colo., clerk, listens during her trial, March 3, 2023, in Grand Junction, Colo. (Scott Crabtree/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel via AP, Pool, File) AP President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to enact harsh measures on Colorado if the state did not free a former county clerk from prison. Ex-Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, was sentenced in October to nine years in prison for a data-breach scheme spawned from the rampant false claims about voting machine fraud in the 2020 presidential race. Jurors found Peters guilty in August 2024 for allowing a man to misuse a security card to access to the Mesa County election system and for being deceptive about that persons identity. Trump said Peters is a brave and innocent patriot who should be freed because she is an old woman, and very sick. FREE TINA PETERS, a brave and innocent Patriot who has been tortured by Crooked Colorado politicians, including the big Mail-In Ballot supporting the governor of the State. Let Tina Peters out of jail, RIGHT NOW. She did nothing wrong, except catching the Democrats cheat in the Election. She is an old woman, and very sick. If she is not released, I am going to take harsh measures!!! Trump posted to his Truth Social account Thursday morning. At trial, prosecutors said Peters, a Republican, was seeking fame and became fixated on voting problems after becoming involved with those who had questioned the accuracy of the presidential election results. A one-time hero to election deniers, Peters has been unapologetic about what happened. Before being sentenced, Peters insisted that everything she did to try to unroot what she believed was fraud was for the greater good. Ive never done anything with malice to break the law. Ive only wanted to serve the people of Mesa County, she told the court. When Peters pressed on with claims no legal authority has corroborated about wireless devices and fraud software in voting machines, however, she drew the judges exasperation. Ballot recounts showed no discrepancies, he pointed out. In March, the U.S. Justice Department submitted a federal court filing in support of Peters fight to be freed from prison while she appeals a state court conviction for allowing Trump supporters to access election equipment. The federal agency said it was reviewing whether Peters prosecution was oriented more toward inflicting political pain than toward pursuing actual justice. But Colorado Chief Deputy Attorney General Natalie Hanlon Leh said that the government hasnt presented any evidence of potential wrongdoing. She asked Magistrate Judge Scott T. Varholak to reject the governments filing or at least strike the line suggesting political motivations. The Associated Press contributed to this report. In the book of James, Chapter 4, verse 6, it says, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Donald Trumps public image has always been portrayed as one that lacks humility and exhibits pride. The way the president discusses his accomplishments and highlights his successes is widely recognized, even among his supporters, as evidence that his is a massive ego. Couple that with a media that has been successful at force-feeding a false narrative concerning Trump that is widely accepted as accurate. However, for those with keen discernment, Trump is a man who, upon careful observation, reveals a humble side that forms the foundation of who he truly is. Trump is unlike his predecessor, Barack Obama, who was the quintessential narcissist, exuding an air of self-perceived greatness. Everything Obama has done and continues to do screams of unbridled conceit. Obama enters a room as if God Himself were making an appearance and about to impart eternal wisdom. Its not even what Obama says; its how he conducts himself. And what makes it worse are his devotees who genuflect accordingly. Trump, on the other hand, carries himself in a way that projects none of that and never has. For Trump, gatherings are celebrations of America, her history, her people, and a camaraderie that demonstrates a oneness of heart, mind, and patriotic spirit. Obama gatherings, on the other hand, were more of a worship service where the nation and half its people were preached at and denigrated, and racial division was instigated. Idolatry was encouraged by the idol himself, who favored telling us what God wants, rather than asking God what He requires us to do. One of the principal characteristics of humility is truth. Sixteenth- to seventeenth-century Catholic French priest St. Vincent de Paul, who dedicated himself to serving the poor, once said, Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying. De Paul believed that true humility is bound to truth because truth involves honesty, and even detractors would agree that no one is more truthful than Donald Trump. Unfortunately, Trumps brutal forthrightness is often misinterpreted as arrogance. If we are to grow into the fullness of who God created us to be, rather than viewing ourselves as demigods, as Obama did, an honest assessment of our true gifts, as well as our limitations, is necessary to develop as human beings and ultimately deepen our relationship with God. Another thing that Donald J. Trump lacks is pretense; what you see is what you get. Whats often seen as self-promotion is, in fact, a reaffirmation of Trump's view of the truth. He is a billionaire and a great businessman and negotiator, having overwhelmingly won two elections, most likely three -- these are facts, not fabricated fantasies like the ones America was subjected to from both Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Again, Vincent de Paul describes pride as nothing but lying. Why? Because pride distorts the truth, thinks more highly of itself than it ought, and denies reality, all of which is the essence of narcissism. If you compare Barack Obama with Trump, Obamas abilities were inflated and exaggerated. He convinced the masses that he was something he was not. To this day, Obama sees himself as the most intelligent and capable person to have ever walked Gods green earth. Despite being surrounded by so-called experts, his entire presidency was a facade. Barack Obama exaggerated his abilities, hid his weaknesses, and pretty much dismissed the need for any god other than himself. Lets not forget that it was Obama who had spent the last twenty or so years creating a world not as it is, but as he thought it should be. Trump, on the other hand, values America and its Constitution. Based on the team around him, its clear that the President is also well aware of his limitations. That was evident in his first term, too, when, to his detriment, he trusted those he should never have trusted. Even still, Trump relies on the experts he surrounds himself with, taking counsel and guidance from them on all his decisions, which is a sign of humble leadership. If unpretentiousness is truth, then Trumps verbalization of his successes is a sign of his diffidence. Trump often acknowledges the nations need for God, calls for prayer, and allows himself to be prayed over, all examples of a persons submissive attitude and reliance on God. Misconstrued by those who lack a smidgen of discernment, instead of Trump thinking he is God, after he was shot, the President verbalized his dependence on God when he said: Im supposed to be dead. Im not supposed to be here. But something very special happened. Lets face it. Something happened. Its an act of God. God spared my life for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again. It changed something in me. I feel even stronger. More recently, in his address to the nation, Trump said this: I want to thank everybody. And, in particular, God. I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East. God bless Israel and God bless America. If that doesnt smack of reverence, nothing does. Trumps statement was a public proclamation that, as a nation, we depend on God. Humility is not self-deprecation; its honest acknowledgement of our need for a power higher than ourselves. Trumps attitude is not off-putting; its refreshing. This is especially true after years of undeserved self-exaltation and liberal religiosity, where Democrat politicians profess faith, publicly walk with their families to church for a photo op, prayerfully take communion, and then support legislation that contradicts everything clearly outlined in Gods Word as forbidden. That sharp combination of extremist beliefs and fake Christianity effectively led many people astray. Yet, those who accept the hypocrisy of the Lefts idea of pseudo-Christian faith are often the first to criticize Trumps relationship with faith-based advisors and mock his open acknowledgment of Americas need for the guidance and protection from the Creator. For those who recognize a spiritual awakening and journey, its clear that this is precisely what Donald Trump has set out on. Willingly surrounded by people of faith, welcoming prayer even when the press is absent from the Oval Office, and always modestly acknowledging the nations need for God are all signs of a character trait that Trump is often not given credit for. Meanwhile, messianic Barack Obama walked around for eight years, receiving worship while disingenuously acknowledging his personal need for God, and never once was he accused of the smugness he exuded in place of perspiration; instead, Trump is. Now, amid the peace discussions with Putin, Zelensky, and world leaders, Donald Trump makes the most surprising statement of all his remarks thus far. Calling into Fox & Friends, he revealed that he hopes to negotiate a deal to end the war in Ukraine, saying, I want to get to heaven. Im hearing Im not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons. Unlike secularists Biden, Pelosi, and, of course, Barack Obama, who behaved as if his awesomeness was the key to heaven, Trump publicly acknowledged his inability to gain access to heaven. He also admitted his minuscule worth and demonstrated an unpretentious understanding that it is God alone who offers access to eternal life. All of which is truth, and therein is what sets Donald J. Trump apart as a genuinely humble man. Jeannie hosts a blog at www.jeannieology.us Image: White House/Molly Riley California Governor Gavin Newsom will talk to anyone to get his name in the news, including the free national weekly Patriot Neighbors. Editor Robin Itzler recently sat down with the soon-to-be-termed-out governor to discuss an array of issues, including his upcoming presidential campaign. Robin : Thank you for meeting with me in between your rallies supporting illegal alien gang members. Even ICE agents showed up at your August 14 event in Los Angeles. Gavin Newsom : Yes, we had a massive 100 people inside, and illegal aliens outside. Robin : Its been reported that many leftist rally goers are paid to attend. Gavin Newsom : Hmm, I will ask George Soros today when he and I have lunch. Image created using AI. Robin : Is the rally what brought you to Southern California? Gavin Newsom : That and looking for the $100 million raised in the FireAid concert for the January fire victims. Robin : Did you find the $100 million? Its reported that little to no money went to victims of the fire. Gavin Newsom : The money might be in the same place as the billions of dollars for the high-speed rail. I am looking for that money, too. Robin : Speaking of the January fires, more than structures were destroyed. By the six-month anniversary in early July, of the 800 rebuild permits requested from homeowners in the Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding areas, only 145 had been approved. Plus, you are talking about replacing single-family homes with low-income apartment buildings and dramatically changing the personalities of these communities that burned to the ground due to Democrat incompetence. Gavin Newsom : Yes! Arent I doing a great job? By the way, if you want to take my photo, let me put more gel on my hair. Robin : Governor, doesnt it concern you that Californians are leaving the state due to your incompetence? Gavin Newsom : Not really. Californians who are leaving are most likely pesky Republicans who believe in such ridiculous things as God and Judeo-Christian values, that parents should raise their own children, a childs birth gender shouldnt be changed, abortion is murder, illegal immigrants should be given citizenship, men can play in female sports, and homeless tents enhance parks. Adios, Republicanos! Robin : But you cant have a successful state economy without a strong middle class, and those are the folks leaving California! If you look at any communist country, they have the rich and poor but lack a middle class. Gavin Newsom : Oh, please! Look how well Venezuela is doing! Robin : Lets focus on California. As you travel the country, what statistics can you cite to make people want to elect you president? Gavin Newsom : Oh, there are a lot of great accomplishments I can tout. For instance, while the countrys unemployment rate is 4.2 percent, California leads the nation with 5.5 percent. Also, I am pleased that California has the highest homeless population in the United States. In 2024, we had one-quarter of the nations homeless population. And I am most proud that California has the highest income tax rate among our 50 states. Robin : But... Gavin Newsom : Please dont interrupt me as I highlight how California leads the nation. California also leads the nation with the most illegal aliens. And I am proud to add that within that number, there are many criminals and gang members that we are stopping ICE from apprehending. Robin : Can you really gerrymander the state more than its been? Currently, Republicans only have nine of 52 congressional districts, although we are 40 percent of the vote. Thats a paltry 17 percent of California House Republicans! Gavin Newsom : I want to make Californias representation in the House fairer. Thats why I would reduce the number of Republican representatives from nine to five. Who knows? It might get more Republicans to move out of the state! Robin : Does it bother you that President Trump and many others say theres empty space underneath your hair? Gavin Newsom : What about my hair? Does it look okay? Should I brush it? Robin : Your hair looks its usual gelly gook. Governor Newsom, do you really think you can win a national presidential election? Gavin Newsom : Of course, I can! First off, Republicans foolishly put out maps of the United States showing that the nation is mostly red. That might be true if you are just counting congressional districts, but many of those are small districts. Its a meaningless map because Democrats own the big cities. Second, most blue states have election integrity in the same way that Joe Biden had mental acuity. California is the blueprint for holding elections and then counting questionable ballots until you get the results you want. Robin : Sir, why are you admitting this? Gavin Newsom : Why not? Nothing has drastically changed since the 2020 election. Republican politicians or organizations foolishly announce that theyve removed x number of dead voters from the rolls, and you Republicans clap like seals. By the next election, we will find more dead people to vote. Or we will mail 20 ballots to a Democrats home with just two registered voters. Or we will give away free hamburgers on college campuses the day before Election Day and gather provisional ballots that we count weeks after the election. Or we let people vote as many times as they want. Best of all, we do not ask for proof of residency. However, I do have one major worry. Robin : What is it? Gavin Newsom : That the Republican Congress will pass, and President Trump will sign, an election integrity law making things the way they used to be: One day voting in local precincts with exceptions for the military, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship. The last thing I want is for California to hold honest elections! I can go on and on, but I must get to a meeting. A Chinese company wants me for their jeans commercial. Robin : Well, thank you for your time. Just know that I will do everything in my power to keep you from destroying America the way you have destroyed California. Gavin Newsom : Youre welcome. Are you going to take my photo? Does my hair look good? Wheres my comb? Do you have a mirror? Can someone get me a mirror? Robin M. Itzler is a regular contributor to American Thinker. She is the founder and editor of Patriot Neighbors, a free weekly national newsletter. Robin can be reached at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com. Rule by imported foreigners has been a method of imperial oppression in some corners of history. The account of Marco Polo is instructive on this, as he traveled throughout Asia, visiting many kingdoms and empires. He recounted his learnings of statecraft in his autobiography, The Travels of Marco Polo. He described the control of China (Cathay) by the Great Kublai Khan of the Mongol Empire (Tartars) by the employment of foreign governors. One particular nasty governor was the Muslim (Saracen) Achmath, chief viceroy to the Khan. He wrote: You will hear further on how that there are twelve persons appointed who have authority to dispose of lands, offices, and everything else at their discretion. Now one of these was a certain Saracen named Achmath, a shrewd and able man, who had more power and influence with the Grand Kaan than any of the others; and the Kaan held him in such regard that he could do what he pleased ... ... and ... This person disposed of all governments and offices, and passed sentence on all malefactors; and whenever he desired to have any one whom he hated put to death, whether with justice or without it, he would go to the Emperor and say: Such an one deserves death, for he hath done this or that against your imperial dignity. Then the Lord would say: Do as you think right, and so he would have the man forthwith executed. Thus when people saw how unbounded were his powers, and how unbounded the reliance placed by the Emperor on everything that he said, they did not venture to oppose him in anything ... ... and ... Moreover, there was no beautiful woman whom he might desire, but he got hold of her; if she were unmarried, forcing her to be his wife, if otherwise, compelling her to consent to his desires ... ... and ... Also he had some five-and-twenty sons who held offices of importance, and some of these, under the protection of their fathers name, committed scandals like his own, and many other abominable iniquities. This Achmath also had amassed great treasure, for everybody who wanted office sent him a heavy bribe. ... and ... In such authority did this man continue for two-and-twenty years. At last the people of the country, to wit the Cathayans [ed: Chinese], utterly wearied with the endless outrages and abominable iniquities which he perpetrated against them, whether as regarded their wives or their own persons, conspired to slay him and revolt against the government. Amongst the rest there was a certain Cathayan named Chenchu, a commander of a thousand, whose mother, daughter, and wife had all been dishonoured by Achmath. Now this man, full of bitter resentment, entered into parley regarding the destruction of the Minister with another Cathayan whose name was Vanchu, who was a commander of 10,000. They came to the conclusion that the time to do the business would be during the Great Kaans absence from Cambaluc ... ... and ... Its awful how lefties fear-monger about Social Security, but that doesnt mean its not in trouble. It is. We all know it is. Just not how the left portrays it. Its just groaning under its own weight and sooner or later, likely sooner, the Hill is going to have to tackle it. Being the pedantic, unoriginal cowards that they are, theyll likely look to the past for how to do it. Whats back there? Obama. Obama showed them how they might do it. Lets take a walk down memory lane. Your money, in the form of the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) and your life, in the form of the IPAB (Independent Payment Advisory Board, sometimes known as the death panel), are two 2010 agencies which are now dead, or about to be, thank God, but there is where our brave legislators will find their inspiration for how to fix Social Security, I am willing to bet. Why? Theres a very specific reason why a legislative scam as you will see in a moment. Lets review: In March & July 2010 two of the most sweeping pieces of legislation since FDR and LBJ were signed by Obama, creating the IPAB via ObamaCare, and the CFPB via the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform bill. Legislators buried these agencies so deep inside the federal leviathan that they could not simply vote to defund them. This was purposeful. So the only way to kill them, should they or the voters desire it, was to hope the Executive Branch would choose to kill them, or, as is the case with the IPAB, die of neglect. Thus insulated, they had a mandate from our brave Senators and Representatives: take the unpopular votes were too chickensh*t to take. They actually fixed it so the unelected bureaucrats would take the tough votes on, say, trimming Medicare for example, and then unless Congress voted to override them, their vote would stand. Pretty sweet scam, huh? No wonder they voted yea. It was a great deal if youre a legislator. They could point at the boards and say Wasnt us! It was the agency! And then rely on the hope that most of America would not read an article like this and then go on to blame the evil agencies and not the lousy legislators. So how, fifteen years later, are these agencies dead or gasping? A February 2018 Health Affairs piece entitled IPAB RIP described the scam, how it was supposed to work, and how, through serial neglect, the agency died, thank God: [Then] Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) included the idea that became IPAB in his Committees version of what eventually became the ACA. IPAB would be a 15-member body that would create a plan for Medicare cuts triggered by excessive growth in the programs per capita costs. IPABs recommendations would specify enough cuts to reduce program spending to growth levels set forth in the law. Congress would have the ability to accept the plan or create an alternative that saved an equal amount. Absent Congressional action, IPAB plan would become law. [Emphasis added.] [snip] As the new law provided, IPAB wasnt to make any recommendations until the Actuary for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) certified that projected Medicare spending, per capita over a five-year period, would rise to a level that exceeded targets established in the ACA. Each year, from 2013 through 2017, the Actuary completed its estimates and in no year did they exceed the targets. Thus, IPAB had nothing to do. Further, IPAB had no members. The President was to appoint its members based on recommendations from Congressional leaders. In 2013, the Congressional Republican leaders told President Barack Obama that they opposed IPAB (along with the entire ACA) and werent going to make any recommendations. The Obama administration itself hinted that it was looking at making appointments but never made any citing the lack of a need for members given the Actuarys estimates. And now [in February of 2018], without ever any members, staff, or even logo or website, IPAB is gone. Congress may be evil but theyre not stupid. Theyve learned from this. They will adjust and adapt so there arent unachieved/unachievable targets next time. And what of CFPB? Fauxcahontus, er, Senator Warrens brainchild? Thankfully its in its death throes. Via Fox Business: Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought was selected by Trump to serve as acting director of the CFPB, which he quickly attempted to dismantle. We got lucky and got an Executive Branch who chose to kill it. Vought was stopped, of course, by a judge, but its now received a favorable ruling on appeal and the dismantlement is at hand. Team Obama had been busy. The fundamental transformation from a nation of laws to a nation of men had been given structure. He told us it was coming. In a March 2009 New York Times interview he pledged that he would get all the pillars in place. Thank goodness, fifteen years later, those pillars are now nearly dust. But with Social Security bursting at the seams, its ripe for another one of these scams, so be ever vigilant. Image generated by AI. Ive long written about the darkly comic degradation of academia and the arts. My assertions were once controversial. No more. Now theyre common knowledge. In June of 2019 I wrote about academics Peter Boghossian, Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay who submitted 20 purposely lunatic leftist articles to academic journals, most of which were accepted for publication and praised, until they revealed their hoaxing to expose how leftist and unacademic those journals had become. One article was about canine rape culture in dog parks, which reflects human rape culture. For another, they just rewrote a chapter of Hitlers Mein Kampf in contemporary, feminist jargon. Another lauded paper was titled The Conceptual Penis. All, like Alan Sokals ground-breaking hoaxTransgressing the Boundaries: Toward a Transformative Hermeneutics of Gravitymade no sense but were loaded with pseudo-scientific leftist academic jargon. That left scientific, academic journal editors an uncomfortable choice: admit they werent smart enough to understand what those submissions said, or go with the nonsensical leftist flow, even if it made a mockery of academics and science. Now a straight, white poet who pretended to be a gender-fluid Nigerian named Adele Nwankwoyes, theres an obvious pun theresubmitted poems that were absolute nonsense to literary journals around the world. Some 30 of them published about 50 of his purposely nonsensical poems, which says a great deal about the state of art, particularly poetry, these days. Graphic: X Post My thinking was that, if the industry from small magazines to full-on publishing imprints could get away with showing a clear preference toward certain groups and, in that same vein, a clear bias against other groups, Barry, who hails from Vancouver, said. Then there was nothing to say that such power couldnt be abused in the future, whether it be to adhere to shifting trends or politics, or to discriminate against additional demographics, the poet continued. Such treatment would leave writers in a state of peril and anxiety, forever having to look over their shoulders while navigating their careers, he added. Amazingly, Shakespeares Cumslut is apparently still in publication, albeit with this editors note: Editors Note: In light of recent news, JAKE has updated the authors name and biography to reflect the values of his editorial process and the places where it disconnects from the authors. He believes removing it from the record would be problematic in archiving the mag, and sees artistic value beyond the cruel joke intended by Mr. Barry. Its a piece of satire, and JAKE took it as such. Even though the target was different than the author intended, JAKE knows the Author is dead anyways, and is free to interpret the comedy how he wants. Below is the poem as it originally appeared (at some point the code broke, but this is most reflective of the original manuscript). JAKE had also nominated the poem for Best of the Net, but has elected to remove it from the collection, as he doesnt wish to encourage others like Barry to talk down on their own process in the way he has. Suuuuure Jake knew it was satire. They were trash, Barry told Daily Mail of his work, adding, The worst part: every single poem got published. Chris Talbot, who uses they/them pronouns and is the editor of BK Magazine which published one of Nwankwos poems last year was reportedly infuriated upon learning of Barrys true identity. Theres a white cis man, Jasper Ceylon, pretending to be a host of marginalized individuals in order to get published as them, BK Magazine wrote on Instagram. He thinks it makes him clever and is trying to prove that publications will print anything as long as it comes from a marginalized person, the magazine further lamented. It appears Barry isnt trying to prove anything. The editors that accepted, praised and published his trash did it for him. Like Boghossian, Pluckrose and Lindsay, Barry has done a real public service. Hes exposed what passes for art these days is on a par with the paintings of Hunter Biden. True talentartistic meritdoesnt matter. Sexual/political identity does, even if a fourth grader would know its incomprehensible nonsense. Ill let Barry, who does write serious poetryhow else could he know how to write the kind of trash for which leftists would fall?--have the final word: In the end, I hope people will see from this that theres room for all types of writing and narratives in todays literary world, if only wed stop being so adversarial and moralistic about things, Barry said. Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. It is sad and humorous when rags like the NYT and WaPo, both of whom have campaigned and covered up for Democrats for decades while spreading lies about Trump and Republicans, think Fox News should pay damages for helping Trump. Documents Add Detail to Fox Hosts Desire to Help Trump Several of Fox Newss most prominent on-air news personalities made clear their desire to help Mr. Trump shortly before and after the 2020 presidential election, according to a tranche of court documents released on Tuesday in a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox Corporation filed by Smartmatic, a voting technology company. So how did Fox News pundits, journalists, and anchors help Trump? They basically covered stories that most of the media wouldnt. Most Fox reporters: Didnt spread the lies about Russian collusion. Didnt spread the lies about what Trump said in his Charlottesville speech. Didnt spread the lies that the Hunter laptop was Russian disinformation. Didnt cover up Bidens incompetence and didnt label truthful videos as deep fakes. Didnt spread the lies that Trumps tax cuts only helped the rich. Didnt cover up for all the crimes of Hillary and Joe regarding classified documents or the taking of kickbacks around the world for access. Didnt cover up for the FBIs and intelligent agencies corrupt actions as they targeted Trump and his supporters. Didnt ignore the estimated 300,000 children lost under Biden. The media and other Democrats claimed they cared about children separated from their parents during Trumps first term, but obviously they dont care. Didnt hide the part of the speech on January 6th where Trump said march peacefully and patriotically to the Capitol. Didnt hide the truth that Trump recommended to Pelosi a few days before January 6th to put thousands of National Guard troops at the Capitol but she declined; Pelosi could have stopped the whole thing if she took Trumps recommendation. Didnt hide the stories about how Trump achieved peace around the world. Instead of praising Trump for achieving peace, reporters at NPR essentially claimed that Trump is only trying to get other countries to flatter him. Most of the media, including NPR, heaped praise on the adults in the room, Biden, Obama, Sullivan, Blinken, and others, even though they made the world a much more dangerous place by building up Iran and Russia. NPR and PBS should not only have lost public funding, but they should lose their tax exempt status because they are essentially arms of the Democrat party. Here are some very current stories that a few brave outlets are reporting on, helping Trump, while most of the media intentionally ignores or downplays: It is a simple concept that people have only one principal residence; somehow, Adam Schiff, Letitia James, and Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook failed to comply, getting better loan rates on certain properties. Instead of focusing on fraud, the media is targeting Trump and acting like he wants to fire her for no reason: Who is Fed Gov. Lisa Cook and why is Trump calling for her resignation? A new report says the president might try to fire Cook, the first woman of color to sit on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. The mainstream is also ignoring that an illegal who cant speak English or read most road signs was given a commercial drivers license in California and Washington, and ended up killing three Americans in Florida. Few are reporting on the boy who was suspended for feeling uncomfortable undressing in front of a biological girl who was allowed to use the boys locker room. Theres barely a peep about the officer who was suspended in D.C. for cooking crime statistics and ignoring the number of arrests and decrease in crime since Trump sent in federal help. Instead they are focused on the lies that Trump is a dictator and a fascist. And this, where the Biden administration placed thousands of children with non-related people without vetting: Biden Admin Placed Over 11,000 Unaccompanied Immigrant Children with Unvetted Sponsors Heres a Fox story, about how both the Obama and Biden administrations debanked political opponents, just like they had the IRS target political opponents: Bank executives blow the whistle on how Obama, Biden admins pressured them to debank conservatives Mexico suddenly turned over 26 cartel members to the Trump administration, but Bidens open border policies made the cartels rich: Mexico sends 26 cartel members to U.S. in deal with Trump administration Surprisingly, this came from CBS. The media is essentially ignoring anything related to Bidens incompetence because they were complicit: DOJ Bombshell Shows That Biden Admin Ignored Critical Red Flags About Autopenned Pardons The Democrat media never reports on the truth that the climate is changing and has always changed, cyclically and naturally. Imagine what Trumps approval rating might be if the media werent campaigning for Democrat policies and seeking to destroy him everyday no matter how much they have to lie and cover up? Image generated by AI. One of Democrats favorite narrative buzz words is gun violence. Its nonsense, of course. Human beings commit violence not inanimate objects. Even Democrats havent descended to the depth of mental illness that would require them to write about fist violence, foot violence or knife violence, though theyre more common than gun violence. Still, a lot of guns are committing violence in the nations capital, which has caused Democrats to root against President Trumps enormously successful federalizing of DC law enforcement and to root for all kinds of criminal violence, presumably including gun violence. That isnt working out so well for them: CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten said Thursday on News Central that polls showed Americans trusted President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers on crime over Democrats. Enten said, 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. [skip] Enten added, Donald Trump is like Air Jordan towering over Joe Biden when it comes to their handling of crime. Look, in 2024, look at where Bidens net approval was on crime: way under water there, at minus 26 points. It was one of Bidens worst issues granted, pretty much every issue was one of Bidens worst issues. And again, look at where Donald Trump is: way, way, way above Joe Biden. What is that? Thats 27 points. Trumps obvious success in dealing with crime reveals Democrats dont have to allow it in their cities; its a choice. Graphic: X Post The US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, commonly known as the 9th Circus, remains the appeals court most overturned by the Supreme Court. They consistently go too far in going too far even for doctrinaire leftists. However, since the 2022 Bruen decision they have become a bit more circumspect where the Second Amendment is concerned. They just overturned Californias one gun a month purchase restriction: Graphic: X Post Judge Danielle Forrest wrote the majority opinion in the June 20, 2025, ruling, noting: California has a one-gun-a-month law that prohibits most people from buying more than one firearm in a 30-day period. The district court held that this law violates the Second Amendment. We affirm. Californias law is facially unconstitutional because possession of multiple firearms and the ability to acquire firearms through purchase without meaningful constraints are protected by the Second Amendment and Californias law is not supported by our nations tradition of firearms regulation. That was among the holdings of Bruen. Laws that have no foundation in Americas history and tradition of gun regulation are unconstitutional. That clear red line hasnt stopped blue states like California from enacting clearly unconstitutional laws. Before Bruen, the 9th Circuit was ready to uphold pretty much any California attempt to ignore the Second Amendment. Apparently no longer. For whatever reason, its a welcome change. Gun buy-back programs have long been touted as a means of getting guns off the street. Commonly, any gun turned in, even if its a rusty, non-functional lump that could never be used by criminals, or a potentially stolen gun, has been accepted with no questions asked. Those turning a gun in are rewarded with loaded debit cards or cash. Obviously, such programs are feel-good rather than do good measures, useless virtue signaling that has nothing to do with stopping crime. A Chicago lawsuit filed by one Twanda Willingham, the victim of a shooting, wouldnt normally make the news. That sort of thing is so common in Chicago its commonly ignored, but not this one. Willingham was apparently shot with a bought-back gun: Graphic: X Post FOX 32 reported Willingham was shot in August 2023 with a Glock 21 surrendered months earlier at a Chicago Police Department gun buyback. Willingham subsequently filed suit against Chicago, after it was discovered the gun had allegedly disappeared while in transit between the [location of the buy back event] and a nearby police stationjust blocks apart. It seems the gun was stolen by a Chicago cop and ended up in the hands of a 16-year-old boy who isnt talking. Further adding to the drama, the officer that was listed on those inventory records was later shot and killed by a fellow tactical team officer in what the police department labeled a friendly fire accident during a police pursuit. Just another day in Chicago. Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Laptops and tablets Portable tech items such as laptops and tablets are attractive to burglars, because they are light, easy to carry and quick to resell on online marketplaces. Laptops can also contain sensitive information, such as banking details and personal files, that may be associated with identity theft. When you're not using your laptop or tablet, keep it out of sight and not in an obvious location like your desk or living room table. Regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage device so that you don't lose your files in the event of a burglary. You can also install tracking software to help police locate your tech if stolen. Passports Passports (and other identity documents) are another, albeit less common item, that are stolen from homes. "Passports allow the offender to create a false identity that can be used to commit fraud," says Gordon. "They can help criminals open fraudulent accounts, apply for credit cards, or even enter a country illegally." It's important to safeguard your passport by keeping it in a secure location, like a locked safe or hidden drawer. Immediately report a stolen passport to the relevant authorities to protect yourself from potential identify theft or fraud. Mobile phones Mobile phones are easy to steal and sell on online marketplaces. They're highly portable and have a high resale value, making them an attractive target for burglars. They also contain a wealth of personal information, such as social media accounts, banking apps, and email access - all of which a criminal could use to commit extortion, identity theft, or fraud. "All too often, mobile phones are left on kitchen bench tops, dining tables, bedside tables and other easy-to-see places from windows," Gordon says. To reduce the risk of your mobile phone being stolen, keep it out of sight at home or keep it with you if you go upstairs or outside. If you're not using your phone, consider putting it in a secure locked drawer. It's essential to also take precautions against a stolen mobile phone being used to access your information, such as using strong passwords or biometric authentication methods, and remote tracking and wiping features. Power tools Burglars are aware of how valuable power tools can be. The CSA reports that 8,971 power tools were stolen from Victorian residences in the year ending March 2025, along with 8,398 non-power tools. This resulted in losses exceeding $15 million. Make sure to lock up any valuable tools in a heavy-duty toolbox with a strong padlock or a tamper-proof storage cabinet. As most tools are kept in garages, make sure your garage door is kept closed with a quality lock. Marking your tools with your ID and removing tool brand names will also help devalue the item, making it harder for thieves to resell. Online shopping orders "The growing popularity of online shopping may also be responsible for a rise in the theft of delivery items," Gordon says. Opportunistic thieves may follow delivery vans and grab deliveries from the front door with little idea of what they are stealing. Packages left unattended on doorsteps or in mailboxes are easy targets for opportunistic thieves. They can quickly grab the packages and flee the scene without drawing much attention. To prevent theft of online shopping orders, request that packages be delivered with a signature required for receipt. This ensures that someone is present to accept the delivery. Use the tracking services provided by shipping companies to monitor the status of your deliveries, so you know when packages are expected to arrive. If you can't be at home to accept your package, use secure delivery options like a parcel locker, local post office, or a trusted neighbour who can accept the delivery on your behalf. You can also install security cameras around your property to deter thieves and capture footage of any suspicious activity. Visible cameras can act as a deterrent, while recorded footage can be helpful for identifying suspects in the case of theft. The Smithsonian is, for most Americans, a storied museum, even though most have never visited. Brittanica provides background: English scientist James Smithson, who died in 1829 without having visited the United States, had stipulated in his will that his estate be used to create at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. The U.S. government was notified of the bequest in 1836 and by 1838, $508,318.46 was transferred. [skip] The cornerstone for the Smithsonian Institution Building was laid in 1847 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The building, known as the Castle, was inspired by Norman architecture and designed by James Renwick. It was completed in 1855. Smithsons remains were reburied in the Castle in 1903. The Smithsonian Institution, circa 2025, tells us about itself: The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Explore, learn, and be inspiredwherever you are! Perhaps, but certainly not whoever you are, particularly not if youre a Normal American expecting the Smithsonian to honestly and accurately educate about America, American culture, accomplishments and history. President Trump is one such Normal American, and NPR doesnt like that one bit: President Donald Trump on Thursday revealed his intention to force changes at the Smithsonian Institution with an executive order that targets funding for programs that advance divisive narratives and improper ideology, the latest step in a broadside against culture he deems too liberal. Trump claimed there has been a concerted and widespread effort over the past decade to rewrite American history by replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth, adding that it casts the founding principles of the United States in a negative light. That Nazi maniac Trump! Hes trying to turn the noble, bi-partisan Smithsonian into a MAGA propaganda mill! At American Thinker, we provide information and opinion readers cant normally find elsewhere, accurate, verifiable information that helps them to make up their own minds about the issues of the day. Via an Amy Curtis Twitter/X thread, X posts all, heres an opportunity for readers to make up their minds about whos right about the Smithsonian, Donald Trump or NPR? Former Democrat Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill is supposedly a moderate: Graphic: X Post, as are all following graphics... Lets see just how moderate she is: No, that doesnt seem leftist at all. Why would you think so? And did you know Alien was about working mothers? Hmm. Perhaps more like fictional Ripleys burden to survive against a monstrous alien? And did you know the Smithsonian has a novel view of Indiana Jones? Its a bit difficult for the hero and primary character of a movie to be scene stealing, and isnt confident righteousness what we expect in a hero, particularly one fighting fictional Nazis? Are confidence and righteousness solely characteristic of the 1980s? Sometimes a popular, entertaining movie is just a popular entertaining movie because it employs universal themes and the kinds of heroes that have inspired human beings for as long as theyve lived. Apparently not so for the Smithsonian. Earth Day at the Air and Space Museum? Nelson Mandela was a pioneering aviator, astronaut or rocket scientist? I didnt know that. I didnt know this either: What does a woman--who I'm sure is a fast, wonderful person--riding a fast motorcycle have to do with air and space, and why is she depicted wearing a full-face helmet? Is this because the Smithsonian staff is still wearing masks and wants everyone else to do the same? One would think a museum would be concerned with providing accurate information about the incredible world around us. Not so much: PoliMath accurately identifies a common Democrat tactic: projection. They politicize pretty much everything and when Normal Americans point that out, accuse them of being political. Yes. Yes it is: Ive never been to the Smithsonian, but if this brief selection of tweets is truly representative, it appears its just one more government agency full of leftist revolutionaries bent on resisting Normal Americans, fundamentally transforming America and as all good communists do, rewriting history in service of the current Democrat Party narrative. But that, AT readers, is for you to decide. Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Predictability is Gov. Brylcreem's middle name. So it should surprise no one that soon as another business announced it was pulling up stakes in California, its governor, Gavin Newsom, was right there to hurl abuse instead of ask himself where he went wrong. The company that already went bankrupt and closed every store across the country two years ago? Ok. https://t.co/lW43NTBeEc Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 20, 2025 Like a lot of retailers, Bed Bath & Beyond went bankrupt during the COVID lockdowns of which his state was the most enthusiastic practitioner. It was sold to another company, and that company is trying to rebuild it, with 300 new brick-and-mortar stores again, Now Newsom's mocking the company, which is trying to crawl out of that bankruptcy by confining itself to only the 300 most serious business prospects where it can flourish. California is in any not one of them. It's about par for the state's ruling Democrats. Remember this exchange, when Elon Musk announced that he would be moving his Tesla headquarters and operations to Texas after the state wouldn't end its lockdowns? According to SFGate.com: Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed Friday that his companys move to Texas was, in part, inspired by a California lawmaker's incendiary tweet to him. The tweet in question? Fk Elon Musk, from progressive California Assemblywoman Lorena S. Gonzalez. Remember when Chevron pulled out of the state in 2024? Newsom was weirdly quiet, although the Wall Street Journal reported that privately, he was in a rage. Seems he considered the pullout a surprise, and of course, a blow to his prestige. But if so, it was a surprise only to him. Chevron's pullout preceded this particular behavior from Newsom, according to the California Globe: Last year, the governor launched what the Washington Times characterized as a litigation-and-legislation blitz to antagonize the fossil fuel industry on behalf of the Democrats environmental base, shoring up his green energy credentials amid criticism that his administration has failed to walk the talk when it comes to ditching fossil fuels. The Democratic governor jumped on the climate lawsuit bandwagon by announcing that California has sued five major energy companies Exxon, Chevron, BP, ConocoPhillips and Shell, the Times reported, with Newsom arguing that their lies and coverups about fossil fuels have cost the state billions in damages from natural disasters and increased health care costs. Adding insult to injury, California Globe Editor Katy Grimes wrote Saturday, Newsom appointed Tai Milder his Oil Czar, to lead the states investigation into Californias perpetually high gasoline prices, which the governor blamed on price gouging. Except that the California Energy Commission (CEC) blamed high prices on refineries temporarily going out of commission because not enough oil was getting to them. Way to keep 'em coming back for more, ain't that right, Gav? It's groteque, bizarre behavior. Normally, when businesses announce plans to pull out, governors, or heads of state for that matter, fall all over themselves to get them to stay. Big companies provide high-income jobs, a huge tax base, and lots of knock-on jobs and growth from little businesses that sell and service them. The only example I've ever seen of a head of state doing the opposite, and mocking and insulting a company for wanting to get out was from Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, who was convinced his oil bounty would last forever, so he didn't need any private sector to try to keep happy, let alone keep at all. In one of his many televised addresses in Venezuela, I remember the abuse he hurled at the beer company Polar when it just wanted price controls for its inputs to end, around 2005. Now, the Bed & Bath executive chairman tried to help out Newsom by outlining where the problems were. And all he got were these insults. He told Sean Hannity of Fox News how insane it all was: Bed Bath & Beyond Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis pushes back on Gavin Newsoms attacks after the company announced it will not open any stores in California: "Well, I think the thing that was surprising to me was that I tried to articulate, in a non-aggressive way, exactly pic.twitter.com/Kh6979ACUA Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) August 21, 2025 It is insane, it's pure Chavismo, vile and completely unworthy of what the state deserves. It ought to be a harbinger of big changes to come in that horribly run blue state. Something's got to give. Image: Screen shot from Fox News video via X. One of my struggles as a self-declared decent person is the tug between my intellectual abhorrence of Islam and my response at a personal level when I see Muslim women walking about with their hair hidden under hijabs. I would never insult or belittle such women to their faces, and I would treat them with courtesy and respect. But I cant help but think that at some point, there might be so many hijabs walking around that we stand in real danger of being forced to submit to sharia law. We would have to look the other way as Islams indignities are visited upon women, gays, Christians, and Jews. Those were my thoughts yesterday at the supermarket. A mother and her preteen daughter, both wearing very handsome hijabs, were shopping there. The daughter was chattering happily to her mom, who was very attentive to the girl. In all, it was a sweet scene of familial love and affection. Only the hardest of hearts could disparage it. But immediately accompanying those benign thoughts were images of whats happening in Europe and the U.K., and what is now happening in isolated spots (Hamtramck) in the U.S.: Muslim immigrants who see no need to assimilate into the Western cultures they actually despise and whose laws they refuse to recognize or obey. (They are not like the Amish, another religious sect, who once chose to disobey certain English laws such as compulsory public education but did not resist them in a violent or contemptuous manner.) Then my mind reeled back to Jeffersons statement about a fundamental aspect of the American belief in freedom of religion: But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg. On the surface, since Muslims believe in one god, who somewhat resembles the Jewish god and Christian god, all should be well and good. But Jefferson presumed that a variety of beliefs would co-exist in the new republic, with none of them proclaiming supremacy or dominion over the others. That is not the case with Islam. The Quran often plainly proclaims Islams superiority over all peoples and all religions. It offers those whom it conquers three stark choices: die, convert, or submit. Submission, limited solely to Christians and Jews, entails living as heavily taxed and abused People of the Book. So we are entering a moment when we have to make a hard decision: Does Islam fit into Jeffersons observation about the promise of the First Amendment? Or do we see Islam as a threat as much of a threat to America as Marxism? Do we look the other way as more and more mosques become centers of hatred toward America and the West? What do we do if a Muslim-majority city or county insists on enforcing sharia law? I know that our laws and practices would clearly bar any municipality from enforcing sharia, but that would just be an official position. Given enough Muslim dominance in a locality, sharia could be informally enforced, just as it is now in the banlieues of Paris and certain English neighborhoods. And as in Europe, there would be plenty of dhimmi cops and judges who would look the other way in instances of male Muslims brutality or sexual trafficking. So what do we do about Islam? How do we reconcile our First Amendment ideals with our knowledge that we are facing a militant religion that presumes dominion over all aspects of life personal and political? I suggest that there are some legal things we can do to blunt Islams encroachment: Designate and investigate jihadist front organizations like CAIR as terrorist-supporting entities. Continue to heavily fine and prosecute such institutions as colleges and universities that promote antisemitism, which is a basic feature of Islam. Outlaw plural marriages and enforce that ban with heavy consequences jail time. (The plural marriage ban would apply to everybody, religious or not.) Refuse to award any legal status to plural wives in a Muslim marriage. The husband may claim only one wife and can request public assistance only for that one. Prosecute the honor killings of disobedient daughters as first-degree murder. No its their culture courtroom defenses. Be willing to shelter girls from their families if there is a plausible threat that they could be murdered for the sake of their families honor. Refuse to build foot baths on public property or officially set aside any part of a government entitys workday for prayer. (Private businesses can do as they wish in this regard.) Do not allow muezzins five-times-a-day call to prayer to disturb the peace of non-Muslim neighborhoods. Use already existing noise control measures against any sound that exceeds certain decibel levels. Refuse to allow Muslims to spontaneously disrupt street and sidewalk traffic with ostentatious mass prayers. This is in-your-face behavior that should be dissuaded by police enforcement of existing laws against blocking traffic. (This does not compare to, say, Catholic processions along public right-of-ways, where permission to close down a street has been asked for and granted.) Dont set aside any school days in recognition of Muslim holidays. If Christians Christmas and Easter are now winter break and spring vacation, Muslims cannot expect to have their religious holidays officially recognized. (If Muslims point to the Christmas holiday as government favoring Christianity, its simple to show that the day has devolved into an official secular holiday with no religious connotations.) Monitor Muslim websites and publications for inducement to commit illegal or seditious acts. At some point, well have to decisively begin treating Islam the same way we do Marxism: as an existential threat to our way of living and being. This means not being timid or reluctant in opposing it when the day arrives for us to choose between it and ourselves. Image: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. On the windswept tip of north-western Tasmania, at a place long known to the Palawa people as Kennaook, sits one of the worlds most important scientific time capsules. Since 1978, the Cape Grim Air Archive (CGAA) has been collecting and preserving some of the cleanest air on Earth. Today, this library of atmospheres offers an unparalleled record of how our planets atmosphere has changed over the past five decades. Cape Grim is no ordinary sampling site. Perched above the Southern Ocean, it lies directly in the path of the powerful Roaring Forties winds. These westerlies sweep across thousands of kilometers of open sea before reaching Tasmanias cliffs, carrying with them air that has been largely untouched by human activity. That purity makes Cape Grim one of the best places in the world to monitor baseline atmospheric conditions. Cylinders containing air samples in storage at the Atmospheric Research facility in Aspendale, Victoria. Credit: Wikimedia Commons The first air sample was drawn on 26 April 1978, stored in a high-pressure stainless steel cylinder. Four to six times each year, new samples have been added to the collection, creating a nearly unbroken atmospheric record. In the early years, many of the cylinders were recycled from World War II aviation oxygen tanks. These cylinders were originally used as beverage containers, before they were repurposed for storage of breathing oxygen on US military aircraft during World War II. Later, scientists switched to specially manufactured, electropolished vessels that could safely hold air at pressures up to 60 atmospheres. While the air is collected at Cape Grim, the cylinders themselves are stored at the CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research facility in Aspendale, Victoria. Today, the archive contains more than 170 samples spanning almost half a century. Each cylinder is a sealed snapshot of the air as it once was. Workers prepare repurposed beverage containers to aviation oxygen cylinders at a factory on February 1942. Credit: Shorpy The station measures all major and minor greenhouse gases; ozone-depleting chemicals; aerosols (including black carbon or soot); reactive gases including lower-atmosphere ozone, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds; radon (an indicator of changes to the land); solar radiation; the chemical composition of rainwater; mercury; persistent organic pollutants; and finally the weather. Measurement of these greenhouse gases have shown continuous increases in concentration since the mid-to-late 1970s. However, the concentration of some ozone-depleting substances, such as CFCs and halons, have been declining confirming the success of the Montreal Protocol in phasing out many of them. The CGAA has also helped extend the timelines for newly recognized compounds. For example, HCFC-133a, only directly measured since 2014, can be traced back through the archive to 1978. Measurements at Cape Grim have contributed significantly to global understanding of marine aerosols, including some of the first evidence that microscopic marine plants (phytoplankton) are a source of gases that play a role in cloud formation. With 70% of the Earths surface covered by oceans, aerosols in the marine environment play an important role in the climate system. The CGAA have also demonstrated the impact of human activity on the atmosphere. For example, CO has increased from about 330 parts per million (ppm) in 1976 to more than 400 ppm today, an average increase of 1.9 ppm per year since 1976. Since 2010 the rate has been 2.3 ppm per year. The isotopic ratios of CO measured at Cape Grim have changed in a way that is consistent with fossil fuels being the source of higher concentrations. These discoveries feed into global climate assessments, including reports from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and ozone assessments led by the UNEP/WMO. In fact, the Cape Grim Air Archive is widely regarded as the most extensive and valuable air archive in existence. Alongside stations at Mauna Loa in Hawaii and Alert in the Canadian Arctic, Cape Grim forms one of the three premier baseline monitoring sites in the world. As climate concerns deepen, the archive grows more valuable with every cylinder, allowing scientists to bridge deep history and offer a clearer picture of how humans are reshaping the air we breathe. References: # Cape Grim Air Archive, CSIRO # Kennaook/Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station. CSIRO # Forty years of measuring the world's cleanest air reveals human fingerprints on the atmosphere. CSIRO At the latest Made by Google event, the search engine giant has finally announced Gemini for Home, an all-new, more powerful AI assistant for your smart home devices. As the name suggests, the new upgrade for its smart home ecosystem products has a new assistant powered by Googles Gemini artificial intelligence. It will eventually replace the existing Google Assistant on Nest smart speakers and displays. Googles Gemini for Home assistant will provide hands-free control over various functions, including smart lights, audio playback, setting times, answering queries, and more. The company says the new assistant is both more powerful and easier to use than Google Assistant, which the company introduced nearly a decade ago. Gemini for Home is way better than Google Assistant at assisting with daily tasks In a blog post, Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer at Google Home & Nest, mentioned that Gemini for Home is way better at assisting with daily tasks. It utilizes the advanced reasoning, inference, and search capabilities of Geminis most capable AI models. Users will still use the hotword Hey Google to kick off their interaction with the new assistant. However, the interactions will be fundamentally new from what Google Assistant currently offers. The new assistant will work across all your smart home products and for every member of your family, as well as visitors. The company said that it will replace the rigid commands in Gemini for Home with more nuanced or complex requests. The new assistant can accurately respond to more complex requests, such as turn off the lights everywhere except my bedroom, or set a timer for perfectly blanched broccoli. Furthermore, the new assistant will be better at creating lists, calendar entries, and reminders. It will allow for more conversational interactions without the requirement for repeatedly uttering the Hey Google hotword. For example, you can use commands like How can I keep raccoons out of my backyard at night? or given weather, crowds and hotel prices, whats the best time of year to visit the Greek islands? Launching in October in both free and paid versions Google is planning to launch Gemini for Home in October and will replace Google Assistant with it over time. The company will offer the new assistant through an early access program with both free and paid versions. As of now, Google hasnt detailed the pricing of the paid plans. Google also teased a new speaker that could be powered by this new software. It appears that Gemini for Home is Googles response to Amazons generative-AI-powered Alexa Plus assistant. Amazons offering is already available in millions of households. Well have more details about Gemini for Homes exact launch timeframe later this year, so stay tuned for regular updates. Google initially launched the AI Mode in Google Search for the public in the US and India. In late July, the search titan rolled out the feature for users in the UK. Google is now expanding the availability of the AI Mode in Google Search to many more countries across the globe. Additionally, the company is introducing new agentic and personalized capabilities to this feature. Google has announced that it is expanding the AI Mode to as many as 180 new countries in the English language. The search engine giant plans to bring the AI mode to more language users and countries soon. Now you can use AI Mode to find restaurant reservations Talking about Google Searchs AI Modes new agentic capabilities, theres a new feature that allows users to find restaurant reservations. For example, users can now ask for a dinner reservation with their friends with multiple specific requirements. In the query, users can set preferences like party size, date, time, location, and preferred cuisine, and Google Searchs AI Mode will streamline this process. In the end result, users will then find a curated list of restaurant options and available time slots. Furthermore, the AI Mode will directly link to the booking page so people can finalize their selection. Google is rolling out the restaurant bookings feature to Google AI Ultra subscribers in the US at the moment. Ultra is Googles highest-end plan that costs $249.99 per month. Once a user proceeds with a query, the AI Mode will use the live browsing capabilities of Project Mariner. It will also use direct partner integrations for searches and the power of Knowledge Graph and Google Maps to help users find actions on the web. Google Search is working with partners like OpenTable, Resy, Tock, Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, Booksy, and many more. In the future, the same agentic tool will expand to local service appointments and event tickets. More personalized options and the ability to share asked queries Furthermore, Google announced that it will now provide US users participating in the AI Mode experiment with search results tailored to their preferences and interests. The search titan is starting with dining-related queries with this new feature. For example, if a user searches, I only have an hour, need a quick lunch spot, any suggestions? AI Mode will use their past conversations, along with places theyve searched for or tapped on in Search and Maps, to provide more relevant options. Finally, Google Searchs AI Mode is getting a new Share button. After searching for a query and finding answers, you can share conversations with links. This feature will allow your friends and family members to jump into the AI Mode response right where you left off. This is a handy feature if you are collaborating with people for something like planning a trip or a birthday party. For privacy, Google Search allows you to view the shared links and delete them at any time. After a disappointing launch of the Xperia 1 VII flagship earlier this year, Sony seems to be planning to launch a mid-range smartphone soon. The phone in question is the Sony Xperia 1 VII, the successor to last years Xperia 10 VI. Earlier, a database listing leaked a handful of model numbers of the upcoming mid-ranger for various regions. A new leak now suggests that Sony could change the design of the Xperia 10 VII, and follow that with more changes. Case maker suggests a design change for the Sony Xperia 10 VII With a few exceptions, Sonys Xperia handsets have gained a reputation for offering an identical design across different iterations. However, Sony could change the design of the successor to the Xperia 10 VI. A case maker on Amazon Japan has provided a handful of images of the exterior of the Xperia 10 VII. As seen in the photos, Sonys next mid-range Xperia model will have a horizontal dual primary camera setup at the rear. The phones predecessors, going back to the Xperia 10 II, have a vertical dual camera module. The original Xperia 10 from 2019 was the last in the series to flaunt a horizontal camera module. The rest of the design of the Xperia 10 VII seems to be similar to last years model. The front design of the phone in the photos appears unchanged. It still has significantly thick bezels on top and bottom, as compared to other mid-range phones from various brands, and narrow bezels on the sides. Heres what we know so far about the specs According to Sumaho Digest in April, the Sony Xperia 10 VII will feature a 6.1-inch full HD+ display like its predecessor. However, the phone could have an OLED screen panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. This will mark an upgrade over the 60Hz OLED panel on the Xperia 10 VI. The device will maintain the 21:9 aspect ratio of its predecessors, suggest the leaks. Under the hood of the Xperia 10 VII could be a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, which will be around 15 percent more powerful than the one on the predecessor. However, Sony could utilize a newer mid-range Snapdragon SoC to entice buyers. Lastly, the sources suggest that the new mid-range Xperia will feature a 50MP primary camera, 8GB of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery. Other features of the phone are still a mystery. Sony will reportedly launch the Xperia 10 VII in October this year. Sony introduced the Xperia 10 VI last May, making the successors release very late in comparison. We can expect the rumor mill will soon share more details about the new Sony mid-ranger, so stay tuned for regular updates. The Google Pixel 10 may be a week away for most people, but early impressions and early looks at the device are starting to make their way to the internet and reveal some interesting details, like the fact that the Always On Display features a stylish blurred background. Unlike the current version of the AOD on older devices, the Pixel 10 series doesnt serve you up a black screen with the time and date and your notifications. It actually shows you the wallpaper you have set for your device, but puts it behind that blurred visual style. Just like you might get from a slightly steamed-up or rain-covered window. Its safe to say that this has to do with the version of Android running on the Pixel 10 series. In addition to the type of panel its using. With that being said, this may not be something Google will push to the Pixel 9 or older Pixel devices. Even if they do end up with Android 16. The always-on display blurred background may not come to the regular Pixel 10 Although this is a feature that has popped up on a Pixel 10 series device, it appears to be one of the Pixel 10 Pro models. Images shared by AssembleDebug on X showcase what that blurred background looks like. As reported by Android Police, though, it doesnt seem this will be a feature that comes to the base model of Googles new phone. The regular Pixel 10 doesnt use an LTPO panel, and it has a more restricted refresh rate than the Pixel 10 Pro models. These differences could make adding the feature a hindrance to battery life. So, in the end, Google might not feel its worth the tradeoff. This hasnt been confirmed, of course, but it makes sense. One of Googles main selling points of the Pixel 10 and its Pro counterparts is the extended battery life. Google probably wouldnt want to do anything that could go against that. If this sounds like a feature youd like to have, you can pre-order the Pixel 10 Pro already, and it launches on August 28. The Pixel 10 Pro price starts at $999.99, and there are some pretty good promotions going on for it. For instance, Amazon will give you a $200 gift card. 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(Getty Images) (Natalia Lebedinskaia via Getty Images) We're nearing the end of August and start of September, and for those expecting a baby around now, this means your child could have the star sign Virgo. Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac and the astrological sign for those born between 23 August and 22 September. Celebrities who are Virgos include Prince Harry, Keanu Reeves, Zendaya and Beyonce. Alongside Taurus and Capricorn, Virgo is an Earth sign those born under an Earth sign are said to be grounded, have an affinity with nature and enjoy spending time outdoors. Other qualities associated with Virgos include being kind, hardworking, a good communicator and practical. If you want a name for your child that celebrates the time of year they were born, and gives a nod to some of the admirable qualities associated with Virgos, here's some inspiration. Baby name ideas for Virgos Ezra means 'help' or 'helper' and is the 38th most popular boys' name in England and Wales. (Getty Images) (Guido Mieth via Getty Images) Ezra Of Hebrew origin, Ezra means 'help' or 'helper', according to BabyCenter, an apt name for Virgos who are said to be kind and hardworking. The name has become increasingly popular in the UK in the past 10 years and is currently the 38th most popular boys' name in England and Wales, per the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. It is also given to a handful of baby girls each year, making it a more unusual gender-neutral choice. Autumn A nature name and a celebration of the new season, Autumn is derived from the Latin word 'autumnus' and means 'fall' or 'season of the harvest' per the naming site The Bump. Primarily used as a girls' name, Danielle Lloyd has a daughter named Autumn Rose and Stacey Solomon previously revealed it was among her top choices when she was pregnant with her daughter Rose. Emmeline Virgos are said to be loyal and hardworking, so names that mean 'diligent' and 'work', like Emmeline, could be an apt choice. Of French and German origin, Emmeline also means 'vigorous' and 'brave', according to the Bump. Probably the most famous bearer of the girls' name is the suffragette, Emmeline Pankhurst. Names with a similar sound and meaning include Amelia, which means 'industrious' and 'work' and Millie, which can mean 'strong in work'. Rowan A unisex name inspired by nature, Rowan is the 41st most popular name for boys in England and Wales. While a less popular female choice, it was also given to more than 80 newborn baby girls last year. Of Scottish or Irish origin, Rowan can refer to the tree of the same name, and also means 'little redhead', per naming site Nameberry. Hazel A nature-inspired name that has ties to the Virgo season hazelnuts usually ripen and are harvested in early autumn Hazel is of English origin and means 'hazelnut tree'. Currently the 75th most popular girls' name in England and Wales, it's risen 15 places since 2023 when it ranked at number 90. It's a top-ranking choice in the US too, where it's the 19th most popular name for girls. Actors Emily Blunt (and husband John Krasinski) and Julia Roberts both have daughters named Hazel. Actor Emily Blunt has a daughter named Hazel. (Getty Images) (John Lamparski via Getty Images) Emery Meaning 'industrious' or 'ruler', this unisex name with German and British roots, is the perfect choice for hardworking Virgos. A relatively unusual choice in the UK, just 10 boys and 13 girls were given the moniker in 2023, meaning it's a name that will help your child stand out from their peers. Wilder If you want an adventurous name for your newborn, Wilder has links to nature and the great outdoors. An unusual but not too 'out there' choice, Wilder is thought to be of German origin and means 'untamed', per The Bump. While it's a unisex choice, it is more commonly given to boys. Agnes The sign of Virgo is represented by the maiden or virgin, so you may like to choose a name that symbolises purity. Of Greek origin, Agnes means 'pure' or 'chaste', per Ancestry. In May, actor Amber Heard announced that she had welcomed twin babies and chosen the names Agnes for her daughter and Ocean for her son. Mercury The ruling planet of Virgo is Mercury, a planet associated with communication. Mercury also makes a strong and unusual name for boys and girls. The name originates from the Roman messenger God, according to Nameberry and it also has a link to music legend Freddie Mercury so is perfect for any Queen fans. Top UK baby names of 2024 Read more about baby names: An Alabama teacher has lauded the benefits of a new state law banning cell phones in school classrooms. Its magic, Tuscaloosa County High School 11th-grade history teacher Jonathan Buchwalter said in a TikTok earlier this month that reached nearly two million views. Across the U.S., thirty-three states have enacted legislation regarding school cellphone usage, amid a growing effort to restrict students smartphone access in schools, over concerns about mental health and academic attentiveness, according to Ballotpedia. Today, all of my students, 100% of them, took notes in my class, did their assignment, asked for help when they got stuck, and turned it in, and then when they were done, they talked to each other, he said. Buchwalter explained it was still early days, and a complete assessment of the legislation's impact could only be determined at the end of the school year. New cell phone laws have seen restrictions enforced across 33 states (Getty/iStock) I have been pulling my hair out for like, eight years. Has it been this easy a solution the whole time? Buchwalter asked his followers in the video. Just days before Buchwalter revealed the benefits in his classroom, two studies identified links between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and depression, anxiety, and insomnia in teenagers. Almost half of teens have admitted to being online constantly, according to 2024 data from the Pew Research Center. While 72% said they sometimes or frequently check their notifications from the minute they wake up. They're chemically addicted to their phones, Buchwalter said, adding, They cannot experience anything that isn't constant stimulation. As of July this year, 26 states Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Ohio, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia enforced a full ban or cellphone limit in classrooms. Other state departments, including the Connecticut Department of Education, the Kansas Department of Education, and the Washington Department of Education, have opted to create policies that limit classroom usage. Meanwhile, Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued an executive order encouraging districts to limit cellphones in schools. In Alaska, Colorado, and Minnesota, legislation requires K-12 public school districts to adopt policies around student cellphone use; however, the laws do not specify how the policies should be implemented. Back in February, the National Center for Education Statistics outlined the benefits of the bans. The latest School Pulse Panel data underscore that school leaders see cell phones as more than just a classroom distraction, said NCES Commissioner Peggy Carr. With 53 percent of school leaders reporting negative impacts of cell phone use on academic performance, and even more citing negative impacts on students mental health and attention spans, schools are facing a critical issue. Schools are responding with practical solutions, like banning or restricting phone use. An ancient cows tooth has revealed fresh details about the mysteries of Stonehenge that have baffled scientists for centuries. The new evidence has confirmed the link first identified by archaeologists and geologists in the 2010s between Stonehenge and two quarries in Wales, which are believed to be the sources of the Wiltshire landmarks legendary standing bluestones. In a discovery that has intrigued experts for more than a century, archaeologists found a cows jawbone in 1924 that had been carefully placed beside the south entrance to Stonehenge and dated it between 2,995 and 2,900BC. Researchers from the British Geological Survey (BGS), Cardiff University and University College London (UCL) have now used isotope analysis on the cows third molar tooth for clues about the animals diet, environment and movement. An ancient cows tooth has revealed fresh details about the mysteries of Stonehenge that have baffled scientists for centuries (Alamy/PA) The lead isotopes revealed composition spikes during the late winter to spring, pointing to a lead source that was older than the lead in the rest of the tooth, suggesting the cow originated from an area with Palaeozoic rocks, such as the bluestones found in Wales, before moving to Stonehenge. It marks the first time scientists have seen evidence linking cattle remains from Stonehenge to Wales, adding further weight to theories that cows were used in the transportation of the enormous rocks across the country. Following tests, the researchers concluded that the unusual lead signal was explained by lead stored in the cows bones being remobilised during the stresses of pregnancy, which meant there was a high chance the animal was female. Jane Evans, professor and BGS honorary research associate, said: A slice of one cow tooth has told us an extraordinary tale and, as new scientific tools emerge, we hope there is still more to learn from her long journey. Researchers have now used isotope analysis on the cows third molar tooth for clues about the animals diet, environment and movement (BGS/UKRI) Michael Parker Pearson, professor of British later prehistory at UCL, said: This is yet more fascinating evidence for Stonehenges link with southwest Wales, where its bluestones come from. It raises the tantalising possibility that cattle helped to haul the stones. The research paper, Sequential multi-isotope sampling through a Bos taurus tooth from Stonehenge, which assessed comparative sources and incorporation times of strontium and lead, was published earlier this month. Richard Madgwick, professor of archaeological science at Cardiff University, said: This research has provided key new insights into the biography of this enigmatic cow whose remains were deposited in such an important location at a Stonehenge entrance. It provides unparalleled new detail on the distant origins of the animal and the arduous journey it was brought on. So often grand narratives dominate research on major archaeological sites, but this detailed biographical approach on a single animal provides a brand-new facet to the story of Stonehenge. Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is accused of attempting to seek asylum in Argentina. Photograph: Andre Borges/EPA Brazilian police have claimed in court documents that they have found a document on the mobile phone of former president Jair Bolsonaro suggesting he had planned to flee to Argentina ahead of his judgment for allegedly plotting a military coup. The far-right populist is facing a jail term of over 40 years when Brazils supreme court convenes next month to decide whether he is guilty of conspiring to overturn the result of the 2022 presidential election, which Bolsonaro lost to his leftwing opponent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro denies the charges but some legal and political experts believe the weight of evidence means his conviction and a heavy sentence are virtually guaranteed. Related: US steps up efforts to help Bolsonaro avoid jail over alleged coup plot On Wednesday, federal police investigators filed a 170-page report to the supreme court claiming to have found a document that was saved on the ex-presidents phone in February 2024 two days after his passport was seized as a result of the coup investigation. In the report which was reviewed by the Guardian police said the document indicated he was planning to seek political asylum in Argentina, which is governed by his far-right ally Javier Milei. In my country of origin I am being persecuted for essentially political reasons and crimes, Bolsonaros alleged draft asylum request claims, describing the former president as a politically persecuted person. The undated and unsigned letter was addressed to the most excellent president of Argentina Javier Gerardo Miliei [sic]. It claimed Bolsonaro was facing imminent arrest something the asylum request said would be unjust, illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional. An Argentine government source told the Reuters news agency that Mileis office had not received a letter. Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 until the end of 2022, insists he hopes to challenge Lula in next years presidential election, despite having already been barred from running by the supreme court for spreading disinformation. He is currently living under house arrest in the capital, Brasilia, after the supreme court found he had violated a court order forbidding him from using social media. In their report to the supreme court, federal police alleged the letter indicated that Bolsonaro had planned to flee the country, in order to prevent the law being enforced. The accusation that Bolsonaro had planned to flee Brazil for Argentina came as federal police formally accused the ex-president and his congressman son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, of trying to interfere in Bolsonaros upcoming judgment by encouraging US officials to pressure the supreme court. A formal accusation is a prelude to charges being brought. The judgement is due to start on 2 September and end on 12 September. Eduardo Bolsonaro moved to the US in February and has spent recent months lobbying Donald Trumps administration with some success to pile pressure on Brazils supreme court justices and President Lulas government over his fathers trial. In July Trump slapped 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports in retaliation for what he called a witch-hunt against Bolsonaro and announced sanctions against Alexandre de Moraes, the supreme court judge presiding over Bolsonaros trial. Eight of Brazils 11 supreme court judges, including Moraes, have been stripped of their US visas, as have the wife and 10-year-old daughter of one of Lulas closest allies, the health minister Alexandre Padilha. Its really a political execution that theyre trying to do with Bolsonaro. I think thats terrible, Trump told reporters last week. In other developments on a dramatic day for Brazilian politics, Silas Malafaia, a powerful and wealthy evangelical pastor who is one of Bolsonaros most vocal cheerleaders, was questioned by police after flying back from Portugal to Rio. Malafaia, who is also being investigated by federal police over suspicions he too tried to influence the outcome of Bolsonaros trial, has now been banned from leaving the country, communicating with Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo and ordered to surrender his passports. The police report to the supreme court also exposed the foul-mouthed infighting that appears to be playing out between members of the Bolsonaro clan and key supporters in the lead-up to the conclusion of the ex-presidents judgment. In one WhatsApp exchange found on Jair Bolsonaros phone which was seized as part of federal police investigations Eduardo Bolsonaro reacts to an interview in which his father criticized him, writing in all capitals: Go and fuck yourself you fucking ingrate! In another message, from Malafaia to Jair Bolsonaro, the firebrand church leader attacks Eduardo Bolsonaro for publicly celebrating Trumps tariffs on Brazilian imports. Im sorry, president. This son of yours Eduardo is an inexperienced prick who is handing the nationalist discourse to Lula and the left ... a complete idiot. Im fuming! In a statement, Eduardo Bolsonaro criticised the police for leaking private, absolutely normal conversations. He called the move shameful and politically motivated. Polls suggest Lula has received a boost in the polls after Trumps attempts to pressure Brazils institutions, with more than 70% of Brazilians opposed to the US presidents actions and only 21% supporting them. Lucy Connolly received a 31-month prison sentence last October for posting a racist tweet on X Lucy Connolly was released from prison today. The 41-year old childminder received a 31-month prison sentence last October for posting a vile, racist tweet on X on the day of that summers Southport murders. She deleted her message three and a half hours later, after it had been viewed more than 300,000 times and reposted 940 times. Her case has become a cause celebre, gaining the attention of some of the most powerful figures around President Donald Trump. Some argue it is a perfect illustration of how free speech is being stifled in Britain under this Labour government and that we now live under a system of two-tier justice. Two issues should be separated, namely whether Ms Connollys prosecution does represent a novel assault on free expression and whether her sentence is appropriate. Laws on incitement are not new. Threatening language which is likely to provoke a breach of the peace has long been illegal. This principle has been enshrined in statute since 1936 and was part of the common law long before that. The rise of social media essentially creates a new public square, but speech there is not fundamentally different from a rant delivered on a street corner. Whether a given statement is lawful or not is a matter for the courts to decide. Ms Connolly should perhaps have tested whether what she posted was an act of incitement before a jury. But for whatever reason unlike suspended Labour councillor Ricky Jones, who called for the throats of far-Right protesters to be cut, but was acquitted by a jury she chose not to do so and pleaded guilty. It is possible that a jury may have taken a different view of the Connolly case, but we will never know. Free speech is indeed embattled in Britain. The police recording of so-called non-crime hate incidents is just such an instance and is a waste of police time which should be brought to a swift end. The authorities are much too ready to devote resources to investigating perfectly acceptable comments simply because they have caused upset. But the Connolly prosecution itself is not evidence of this. Despite being upheld by the Court of Appeal, the length of Ms Connollys sentence does however raise serious questions. Few women are ever imprisoned. At the end of June, there were 3,566 women incarcerated in England and Wales around 4 per cent of a total prison population of 87,334. Is it really credible that Ms Connolly deserved to be one of this very select group? Shoplifters and other thieves are routinely not prosecuted. Our prisons are so overcrowded that serious criminals are being released early to free up spaces. Shabana Mahmood has announced that the vast majority of foreign national offenders will not have to serve any of their sentence, provided they agree to being deported and not returning to the UK. Ms Connollys sentence, as those for many others associated with last summers disturbances, was an exemplary one to show that the courts would not tolerate this breakdown in order. The Prime Minister made clear his support for such a robust approach. A real test of whether we in the UK do indeed live under a two-tier system of justice will be when we see whether those arrested for supporting Palestine Action and other proscribed terrorist organisations will receive similarly stiff sentences. China has been installing solar panels at a blistering pace, far faster than anywhere else in the world, and the investment is starting to pay off (Associated Press/Ng Han Guan) Chinese officials recently unveiled plans for what they claim will be the world's largest solar farm, spanning an immense 610 square kilometres (235 square miles) roughly the size of Chicago on the Tibetan plateau. This ambitious project underscores China's blistering pace of solar panel installation, significantly outstripping global efforts, with these investments now beginning to yield tangible results. A recent study revealed the country's carbon emissions fell by 1 per cent in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, continuing a positive trend observed since March 2024. This suggests China's carbon emissions may have peaked considerably earlier than its government's 2030 target. However, as the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China faces the imperative to reduce these emissions far more drastically to contribute effectively to slowing global climate change. Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and author of the study, highlighted that achieving China's declared goal of carbon neutrality by 2060 would necessitate an average 3 per cent annual reduction in emissions over the next 35 years. "China needs to get to that 3 per cent territory as soon as possible," Mr Myllyvirta stressed. China's emissions have fallen even as it uses more electricity China installed 212 gigawatts of solar capacity in the first six months of the year, more than America's entire capacity of 178 gigawatts as of the end of 2024, the study said (Associated Press/Ng Han Guan) China's emissions have fallen before during economic slowdowns. What's different this time is electricity demand is growing up 3.7 per cent in the first half of this year but the increase in power from solar, wind and nuclear has easily outpaced that, according to Myllyvirta, who analyses the most recent data in a study published on the UK-based Carbon Brief website. Were talking really for the first time about a structural declining trend in Chinas emissions, he said. China installed 212 gigawatts of solar capacity in the first six months of the year, more than America's entire capacity of 178 gigawatts as of the end of 2024, the study said. Electricity from solar has overtaken hydropower in China and is poised to surpass wind this year to become the country's largest source of clean energy. Some 51 gigawatts of wind power was added from January to June. Li Shuo, the director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington, described the plateauing of China's carbon emissions as a turning point in the effort to combat climate change. This is a moment of global significance, offering a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak climate landscape, he wrote in an email response. It also shows that a country can cut emissions while still growing economically, he said. But Li cautioned that China's heavy reliance on coal remains a serious threat to progress on climate and said the economy needs to shift to less resource-intensive sectors. There's still a long road ahead, he said. One solar farm can power 5 million households A herder releases Tibetan sheep to graze at a solar farm in Hainan prefecture of western China's Qinghai province (Associated Press/Ng Han Guan) A seemingly endless expanse of solar panels stretches toward the horizon on the Tibetan plateau. White two-story buildings rise above them at regular intervals. Sheep graze on the scrubby vegetation that grows under them. Solar panels have been installed on about two-thirds of the land. When completed, it will have more than 7 million panels and be capable of generating enough power for 5 million households. Like many of Chinas solar and wind farms, it was built in the relatively sparsely populated west. A major challenge is getting electricity to the population centers and factories in Chinas east. The distribution of green energy resources is perfectly misaligned with the current industrial distribution of our country, Zhang Jinming, the vice governor of Qinghai province, told journalists on a government-organised tour. Part of the solution is building transmission lines traversing the country. One connects Qinghai to Henan province. Tibetan sheep graze at a solar farm in Hainan prefecture of western China's Qinghai province (Associated Press/Ng Han Guan) Two more are planned, including one to Guangdong province in the southeast, almost at the opposite corner of the country. Making full use of the power is hindered by the relatively inflexible way that China's electricity grid is managed, tailored to the steady output of coal plants rather than more variable and less predictable wind and solar, Myllyvirta said. This is an issue that the policymakers have recognised and are trying to manage, but it does require big changes to the way coal-fired power plants operate and big changes to the way the transmission network operates, he said. So its no small task. Diane Abbott advised Jeremy Corbyn against setting up a new political party, she said, over concerns it would struggle to get a foothold in Britain because of the voting system. Ms Abbott, who served as Mr Corbyns shadow home secretary when he was Labour leader, said she had spoken to him before its launch, and said it was not a good idea. Speaking at an event at the Edinburgh Book Festival, the current longest-serving female MP said: There were people around Jeremy encouraging him to set up a new party, and I told him not to. Its very difficult under first-past-the-post system for a new party to absolutely win. If it wasnt first-past-the-post, then you can see how a new party could come through, but I understand why he did it. Ms Abbott said she thought the party, formed by her long-time friend Independent MP Mr Corbyn (Islington North) alongside Independent MP Zarah Sultana (Coventry South), would outperform peoples expectations. It was launched last month, but is still without a formal name. She said she believed it would take advantage of a broader discontent with politics in Britain. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and then-shadow home secretary Diane Abbott during a visit to Finsbury Park Mosque in 2019 (Victoria Jones/PA She paid tribute to Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana but said: At this point in time, its difficult to see how a brand new party wins. However, I think Jeremys party is going to do a lot better than people think because a lot of people who are not necessarily terribly left-wing people, are a tiny bit disappointed about the way weve gone in the past year. The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington indicated her disappointment with the Labour Government. She had the whip withdrawn for the second time in two years in July, after she expressed a lack of regret about comments to the Observer in 2023 that suggested that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice, but not racism. However, she implied she would not join Mr Corbyns party. Ms Abbott said: Its a tricky state of play. I wouldnt have thought that youd have a Labour Government and theyd be cutting winter fuel allowance for the elderly and benefits for the disabled. She was also critical of the Governments proscription of Palestine Action and labelled the decision a complete disgrace. Diane Abbott in 1986 when she was Hackney North and Stoke Newington Labour election candidate (PA) What they are seeking to do is proscribe protest as such, she said. I mean, we all saw the pictures of the people in Trafalgar Square 500 people? Half of them over 60. Come on, these are terrorists? I think this is an attempt to bear down on (protest). She added her more than 40 years in Labour meant it was too late to leave it. She was elected to Parliament in 1987, and was the only black female MP in the Commons for a decade until Labours landslide under Tony Blair. In response to a question about whether she thought she would ever be accepted at the heart of the Labour Party, she replied: I think I am at the heart of the Labour Party, its other people who arent. Ms Abbott, whose book A Woman Like Me, was the subject of the interview in the Scottish capital by campaigner Talat Yaqoob, also told the audience of her anger at not being called by Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in the aftermath of racist comments by Conservative Party donor Frank Hester in 2024. She said she had stood during a Prime Ministers Question session more than 40 times to be called to speak, after Sir Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak and Sir Ed Davey had all spoken about the incident. Mr Hester was reported to have said Ms Abbott made him want to hate all black women and that she should be shot. The remarks brought widespread condemnation, including from Sir Keir, but she told the event her office was used to receiving racist abuse. Ive been an MP for 38 years, and custom practice in the chamber is if youre being talked about, you get called. Its just a courtesy. I was so shocked that I wasnt called. But I heard later from someone who had reason to know, that what happened was that Rishi didnt want me called, because (Hester) was a Tory donor and it would look bad for them, and Im afraid Keir Starmer didnt want me called because he wanted to milk the issue (for) political advantage, without mentioning me. She said Sir Keir had approached her after the questions session and asked what he could do to help. I said, Yes, you can restore the whip. And as if he hadnt heard, he said, Is there anything I can do for you? It was like he was deaf. And I said, Yes, you can restore the whip, and he realised I wasnt going to play that game and he went off. Elderly shelter dog who went viral in heartbreaking adoption video finally gets forever family Peanut, the senior pit bull who captured hearts worldwide in a viral video by lovingly offering her stuffed animals to everyone at a dog shelter in Florida, has finally found her forever family. Before the Humane Society of Broward County posted the video in July, the affectionate 7-year-old pup had been overlooked by potential owners, perhaps due to her age. However, in a Facebook post earlier this month, shelter staff revealed that a family, complete with a canine companion, arrived with intentions to meet Peanut. Peanut fell in love with her new family, staff said, and the adoption was complete. Peanuts story reminds us that the right family is always worth the wait, the staff wrote in a Facebook post showing her new family. Peanut, a 7-year-old pit bull, lovingly shared her "stuffies" with shelter staff (Humane Society of Broward County) Peanut initially arrived at the HSBO after being transferred from another shelter, and became instantly recognizable for her playful demeanor. The HSBC posted a video of Peanut and her stuffies in July to try and show potential adopters that the senior dog had a warm and gentle personality (Humane Society of Broward County) Peanut's new family includes a canine companion (Humane Society of Broward County) Shelter staff quickly discovered her passion for stuffed toys. Peanut went nowhere without her stuffies, and often clutched on to them for hours at a time as a source of comfort in the busy shelter. Her ever-growing collection included a hamburger, crocodile, lamb, and bone. Peanut spread joy by offering her plush toys to anyone who approached her kennel, staff said. She would even take one on potty breaks. However, despite her loving nature, Peanut remained overlooked. Peanut has been with us for some time, and we truly dont understand why, HSBC wrote on Facebook. She greets everyone at her kennel door with pure joy, always ready to make a new friend. The video changed everything, however, and staff even gave her a parting gift to help start her new life. Before leaving our shelter, she picked up one last toy from us, HSBC said. And she went straight to greet her new family and brother. More than half a million people in the Gaza Strip face starvation, destitution and death, the UN-backed hunger monitor said - Getty Images Famine has been declared in Gaza City for the first time by the international body responsible for monitoring world hunger. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) a globally recognised system for classifying the severity of food insecurity and malnutrition described the famine in Gaza as entirely man-made. The organisation had previously warned that famine is imminent in parts of Gaza, but had stopped short of making a formal declaration, citing a lack of hard data. However, it formally confirmed that famine was taking place in Gaza City, the last remaining major built-up area of the enclave and home to some 500,000 people, on Friday morning. The declaration, first reported by The Telegraph on Thursday, has marked the fifth time famine has been declared since it was established in 2004, most recently in Sudan last year. Antionio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, called the famine a man-made disaster and added that there should be no more excuses. This is not a mystery it is a man-made disaster, a moral indictment and a failure of humanity itself, he said on X. The confirmation has outraged Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government, who have consistently denied that famine is taking place in Gaza. In a statement, Israels prime minister said the report is an outright lie, adding that Israel does not have a policy of starvation. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said it firmly rejects the findings of the IPC report, specifically the claim of famine in Gaza City. In order to declare a famine, three strict criteria must be met: at least 20 per cent of households face an extreme lack of food, at least 30 per cent of children suffer acute malnutrition and two people for every 10,000 die each day because of outright starvation. The IPC stated that a famine is taking place in the Gaza Governorate, which comprises Gaza City, three surrounding towns, and several refugee camps, according to a briefing shared with its partner organisations and seen by The Telegraph. After 22 months of relentless conflict, over half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic conditions, characterised by starvation, destitution and death, the report said. It added that the famine is projected to expand to the governorates of Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of September on current projections. Another 1.07 million people more than half of Gazas population are already facing emergency levels of food insecurity, the second-highest level on the scale, the briefing added. The Telegraph contacted the Israeli government for comment. 2308 Acute food insecurity Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has faced international backlash over the situation in Gaza, with Israel announcing measures to let more aid into Gaza earlier this month. He insisted that hundreds of trucks had been allowed in and said that if Israel was implementing a starvation policy, then no one in Gaza would have survived after two years of war. Mr Netanyahu pointed to disturbing images of Evyatar David, a 24-year-old Israeli hostage who looked severely malnourished in a video released by Hamas. He said: The only ones who are being deliberately starved in Gaza are our hostages. Reacting to the report, Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, added: You know who IS starving? The hostages kidnapped and tortured by uncivilised Hamas savages. Israel has been under intense pressure to allow more food into Gaza - Anadolu Mr Netanyahu told troops on Thursday night that his cabinet had approved plans for a massive assault on Gaza City, despite international and domestic opposition. He also said he had ordered negotiations for the release of all hostages and an end to the war in Gaza on terms acceptable to Israel. I have come to approve the IDFs plans to take control of Gaza City and defeat Hamas. These two matters defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages go hand in hand, he added. Earlier this week, it was announced that call-up orders were being issued to 60,000 reservists of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) before the full-scale assault on the city. IDF soldiers are said to have established a foothold on the outskirts of the city after days of intensive bombing, and Palestinians are fleeing the area in large numbers. Israel has warned hospitals and aid organisations to prepare for mass evacuations ahead of the major offensive. 0608 IDF control of Gaza Today, defence minister Israel Katz warned Gaza City would be destroyed unless Hamas disarmed and handed over all hostages, warning the enclaves largest city could turn into Rafah and Beit Hanoun, areas already reduced to rubble in the conflict. He said: The gates of hell will soon open on the heads of Hamas murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israels conditions for ending the war. The IPC, whose 21 partner organisations include Save the Children, Oxfam and Unicef, has forecasted that food security in Gaza will continue to deteriorate between the middle of August and end of September. During this period, almost a third of the population nearly 641,000 people are expected to face catastrophic conditions, while the number of people in emergency will likely increase to 1.14 million, its report said. This has marked the first time a famine has been officially confirmed in the Middle East region, the briefing said, although the region has suffered hunger crises previously. It is only the fifth time a famine has been formally declared by the IPC, with the previous four all in sub-Saharan Africa. Israel has been under intense pressure to allow more food into the enclave, facing international criticism over its aid blockade, which has ebbed and flowed since the Hamas attacks on Oct 7 in which nearly 1,195 were murdered and 251 were taken hostage. It has repeatedly accused Hamas of hoarding aid intended for civilians in Gaza. Israels prime minister insisted that hundreds of trucks had been allowed in to Gaza - Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Gazas Hamas-run health ministry said on Thursday that 271 people had so far died from starvation in Gaza, 112 of them children. More than half of that figure has been in the last three weeks alone. In total, the Palestinian death toll from 22 months of war stands at 62,192, according to figures from the ministry. Mr Netanyahu defended Israels handling of the humanitarian disaster in the enclave last month, claiming there is no starvation in Gaza. We enable humanitarian aid throughout the duration of the war to enter Gaza otherwise, there would be no Gazans, he said. The famine declaration came as David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, signed a statement accusing the Israeli government of a violation of international law over its plans to press ahead with an illegal settlement that would divide the occupied West Bank. Britain and Israel have been at loggerheads ever since Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, announced that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state in September. On Thursday, Israels military said it had warned medical officials and international organisations to prepare for the planned evacuation of Gaza Citys residents before its ground offensive to occupy it. Officials were told that adjustments were being made to hospitals in southern Gaza to receive patients, a statement said. Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, US, on February 20, 2025 - Nathan Howard / Reuters There are opinion polls. And then, conversely, there are opinion polls. And it is better to trust the former more than the latter. When a polling organisation asks respondents which party they intend to support at the next election, the results are pretty unambiguous. Its a straightforward question with few, if any, qualifications and caveats to muddy the waters. But when respondents are asked how likely they are to support a party that doesnt yet exist and whose policies and leaders are still to be determined, it is reasonable to raise a sceptical eyebrow at the responses. Such is the case with the Ipsos survey that concluded that a fifth of the electorate would be either very likely or fairly likely to support the new party that may or may not be launched imminently and may or may not have either Zarah Sultana or Jeremy Corbyn or both as leader. A third of those who voted Labour at the last general election are reportedly in this camp, making life even more difficult for Keir Starmer and his government, especially since Labour only won a bare third of the vote a year ago, on a historically low turnout. Losing a third of its vote would reduce Labour support to a level not seen since 1918. Cue much celebration among the hard-Left supporters of the temporarily-named Your Party. We are apparently once more on the threshold of a full-blooded socialist revolution, as we were at various times in the last decade or so, right before the voters got a say and put the Conservatives back into office. So perhaps the peoples commissars would be wiser not to start preparing to hoist the Palestinian flag over Downing Street just yet. The familiar political narrative is that while Labour might lose support to its Left-wing rivals like Your Party and the Greens, the Conservatives main threat comes from Nigel Farages Reform UK. This is only partially true. Both Labour and the Conservatives began this parliament with a brooding foreboding about Reform, for both had ceded support to it. While Farages party won only 14 per cent of the vote last July, that 14 per cent had to come from somewhere, from someone. And Labour had never before in history secured a general election victory on so low a level of support. Since then, of course, support for Reform has risen to the upper twenties and lower thirties, leaving Labour languishing in second place in the low twenties and the Tories struggling in the mid-teens. Indeed, according to the polls, Labour has lost more support to Reform than the Conservatives have. This should not be all that surprising: the headline from the previous general election in 2019 was how decisively the Red Wall seats in the north and Midlands turned their backs on Labour. And despite having won virtually all of those constituencies back in 2024, Labour has yet to recover a large chunk of its traditional working-class vote, most of which has now pledged support to Reform. Were all familiar by now with the many reasons for this historically devastating disconnect between Labour and the very voters whose interests it was created to represent and promote in the first place: cuts to winter fuel allowances for pensioners, the retention of the two-child benefit cap and other various missteps in government are part of the story, but not a big enough part to explain why Reform won such a sizeable chunk of Labour support at the last general election. Put simply, Labour stopped talking about the priorities of the housing estates. It indulged in identity politics and sought to win the support of metropolitan types for whom climate change, intersectional feminism and the merits of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) were the only priorities that mattered. Meanwhile working-class communities, who fretted about immigration, the breakdown of families and the loss of job security, found themselves shouting into a void that, decades earlier, would have been filled by the Labour Party. Of course when its finally launched, the [Insert Name Here] Party will benefit from an initial surge in support, as these ventures often do, particularly among all those excitable teenagers who have been given the vote by this government, and among a middle-class activist base who fear that, for the first time in their lives (second time, after Brexit) they are not getting everything their own way in the public sphere. But it is more than likely that, once the dust has settled, and voters realise that the priorities of Corbyn and Co. strike a chord only with a limited, London-centric voter pool, they will struggle to reach the critical mass of support needed to turn votes into parliamentary seats. Farage and Reform have already reached that point. They may not maintain it between now and the next electoral test, but staying in prime position in the polls for a year is quite an achievement, and one that already frightens the two main parties. Particularly Labour. Starmer can choose to train all his fire on the nascent Left-wing party of his predecessor as Labour leader, and in truth he will have no choice but to do so when the time comes. But if there is a single party that threatens Labours hegemony in the long run, it is not Corbyns coalition of Marxist and Islamist clowns; it is Reform, whose appeal to traditional working-class voters will always outstrip the fashionable tofu Trotskyites and anti-Semitic Hamas supporters of Islington. Games of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from this years Strictly Come Dancing series due to unexpected medical reasons, it has been announced. Nairn, who played Hodor in the popular fantasy series based on the books by George R R Martin, said in a statement on Thursday that he was truly looking forward to the journey but has been forced to pull out ahead of rehearsals, just one month before the 2025 series begins on 20 September. He said: With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons. I was truly looking forward to the journey, and Im deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor. Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian. Last week, Nairn was revealed as the final contestant to join the 2025 edition of the BBC dancing show. He said at the time he was ready to rise to the challenge, calling it a surreal and wonderful opportunity. Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said in a statement: Weve absolutely loved getting to know Kristian in this short time, and he has all the makings of a brilliant Strictly Come Dancing contestant. Were incredibly sorry to lose him from this years series and we all wish him a speedy recovery. Celebrity contestants participating in the series include Love Island star Dani Dyer, ER actor Alex Kingston, YouTuber George Clarke and former England footballer Karen Carney. They are joined by rugby player Chris Robshaw, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Dutch footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. One 2025 celebrity whos sparked online backlash ahead of the new series is former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, who recently met US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks. Kristian Nairn has been forced to pull out of this years Strictly due to unexpected medical reasons (BBC) The social media personality befriended US President Donald Trumps number two on X/Twitter after claiming he had received death threats following a series of posts about the state of the UK. Skinner said on social media that its not far-right to be flying your flag and loving your country and complained it aint safe out there anymore in London, claiming the city is hostile and tense. Rachel McGrath wrote in an article for The Independent that Skinners casting doesnt feel right and questioned the BBCs decision to intentionally sign someone so divisive. She wrote: Strictly is now waltzing into another series with a controversy on its hands. And fans might be left wondering, whatever happened to the wholesome Saturday night show that was all about the dancing? You can read a full list of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing contestants here. Gavin Newsom vs Trump As Gavin Newsom attempts to cement his place as the likely Democratic candidate for the 2028 election, he is turning to a familiar playbook. The California governors social media account has been filled with a torrent of long rants in capital letters, AI memes of himself topless riding bears and a series of pithy nicknames for his political enemies. So far, it seems to be working. The 57-year-old has packed his communications department with Gen-Z advisers who are helping the Democrat Maga-fy himself by mimicking Donald Trump and riling up his Republican base in turn. The strategy has earned team Newsom ample news coverage and thousands of new followers but it is his success in triggering the Magasphere that has left him feeling the most smug. In one AI meme, shared by the governor, Mr Newsoms visage has been added to Mount Rushmore. In another his cartoonishly inflated muscles bulge from underneath his vest while he waves a star spangled banner. Gavin Newsom shared an AI image of himself on X Mr Trumps supporters, Tucker Carlson, Kid Rock and the late Hulk Hogan appearing in angel form, pray over the governor in another provocative AI image. DONALD IS FINISHED HE IS NO LONGER HOT, Mr Newsoms office declared on Aug14. FIRST THE HANDS (SO TINY) AND NOW ME GAVIN C. NEWSOM HAVE TAKEN AWAY HIS STEP. MANY ARE SAYING HE CANT EVEN DO THE BIG STAIRS ON AIR FORCE ONE ANY MORE USES THE LITTLE BABY STAIRS NOW. Abigail Jackson, the deputy White House press secretary, shot back, decrying the governor, who was evoking her boss, as very weird and not at all funny. Dana Perino, the Fox News host, who appeared to miss his ironic tone, earnestly advised Mr Newsom that if he wanted to run for president he needed to be a little more serious. Mr Newsoms team jumped on the criticism, with an all-caps post filled with name-calling, cheap attacks and bragging. The post read: Newsom post The governor has brushed off criticism of his brash new strategy, claiming he is issuing a wake-up call to Mr Trump. Im sort of following his example. If youve got issues with what Im putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns about what hes putting out as president, he said. Prior to his transformation to full-blown Maga antagonist, Mr Newsom had been creeping increasingly to the centre, launching a podcast where he hosted guests from across the political divide. Charlie Kirk, Steve Bannon and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have all appeared on his new show called This is Gavin Newsom. Mr Newsom speaks to Charlie Kirk on his podcast In March, Mr Newsom broke with his party to criticise the inclusion of trans athletes in womens sports. But his embrace of the Right-wing was short-lived and Democrats argue Mr Newsoms parody social media posts cast him as the official Republican opposition. The definition of insanity, as the old saying goes, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result, and its certainly different, Jason Ortiz, the Democratic strategist, said of the governors social media activity. Theres no question that a front on the battlefield is online, social media and to date there are few Democrats who have been able to use those tools effectively and to really get the kind of attention that the Right has been very good at capturing, he said. Mr Ortiz said Mr Newsoms strategy to fight fire with fire is generally a very positive thing. Another social media post by Gavin Newsom imitating Donald Trump His comments reflect a growing sentiment in the Democratic Party and its base that its politicians need to stop taking the high road. The big divide in the Democrats right now is not, you know, liberals versus establishment, or progressives versus liberals, its very much, are you a fighter or are you not? said Christopher Galdieri, a politics professor at Saint Anselm. Mr Newsoms Maga tweets show him as someone willing to put his head above the parapet and go tete-a-tete with his political rivals. Its a clear sign of ambitions about 2028 and I think hes banking on the idea that Democrats are going to be asking the candidates for president, whoever they might be, what did you do? How soon did you do it and how aggressive were you? But is this tongue-in-cheek approach a winning strategy outside the confines of the social media bubble? Tactic could backfire Mr Galdieri said this tactic could backfire if Democrats decide they do not want a Tweeter-in-chief. Jennifer Grygiel, an associate professor at Syracuse University who specialises in memes and social media, said she did not think being anti-Trump was a winning formula. Honestly, Gavin Newsom, the guy looks like hes a step away from a villain, Prof Grygiel said. Following Trump is a slippery slope for anyone who actually paints themselves or actually is authentically somebody whos trying to do something progressive. So taking on a Trumpian tone... I cant just see politicians memeing their way into office, they said. I think, for better or for worse, maybe he is emerging as something that is new, but maybe not necessarily better. A post by Mr Newsom on X mimics a post made by Mr Trump on May 16 Trying to outdo Mr Trump at being Mr Trump is a losing game, according to Amy Koch, a Republican strategist. I have seen people try to sort of mimic Trump or mock Trump. I just dont know that anybody can outdo Trump, even in like, the kind of outrageous funniness of it, so I dont think its going to be effective, she said. While Ms Koch said the social media shift might help Mr Newsom lock up the Democratic nomination for 2028, she did not think it would translate well to the electorate as a whole. I think that, in general for independents and centre-Right people, its just too much, she said. It will get old, it will get worn out, if its not already, and it wont work... in general people, just everyday people arent paying attention to Twitter. The number of UK visas issued to nurses from abroad has dropped by 80% over the past 12 months, Home Office figures have revealed. Health and Care Worker visas given to both main and dependent applicants also fell 77% in the year ending June 2025. There was a total of 182,553 work related visas granted over the same period - a 36% drop on the previous year, Home Office data published on Thursday shows. Just over 20,500 Health and Care Worker visas were handed to foreign workers in the year ending June 2025 down from 89,095 the year before. The number of visas issued to migrants in a Caring Personal Service occupation fell by 88% to 7,378. Nursing Professionals fell by 80% to 3,080 over the year, which the Government suggested was due to the end of the centrally supported nurse international recruitment programme and changes in demand for international staff. Further visa rules for care providers, workers and students were introduced by the Government earlier this year. Employers must prioritise hiring foreign carers already living in England before recruiting from overseas. Since April, care providers who wish to recruit staff from abroad have had to first prove that they attempted to employ someone already in the country who needs new visa sponsorship. The minimum salary required for Skilled Worker visas was also being increased in April, from 23,200 per year to 25,000 (or 12.82 per hour) to reflect the rise in minimum wage. New proposals that will mean care workers on sponsored visas will need to remain in the UK for 10 years before gaining the right to live and work here indefinitely. This is double the current requirement of five years. The Government hopes the measures would help "end the reliance on overseas recruitment" and bring down record levels of immigration to Britain. But health care professionals have warned the rules put more strain on a sector already struggling to retain workers. It comes as it was revealed the number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high while the backlog in cases has dropped below 100,000 for the first time in four years. A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12 month period since current records began in 2001. The number is up 14% from 97,107 in the year to June 2024, according to figures published by the Home Office. Of the claims, 39% were made by people who arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel. A researcher said there are several potential reasons for the rise in asylum applications. Nuni Jorgensen, from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said and increase in people smuggling and a larger numbers of people claiming asylum after arriving on visas could be partly behind the rise. "It is hard to know to what extent the repeal of the previous government's asylum policies has contributed, not least because those policies were never fully implemented and their impact was unclear, she added. The record level of applications comes as the backlog of people waiting for an initial decision on their claims dropped to 90,812 at the end of June. This is down 17% from 109,536 at the end of March and down 24% from 118,882 a year earlier at the end of June 2024. The total peaked at 175,457 at the end of June 2023, which was the highest figure since current records began in 2010. After battering North Carolinas Outer Banks with strong winds and waves, Hurricane Erin began to move away from the coast Thursday morning, though it spawned dangerous conditions that have shuttered beaches up the East Coast. Meteorologists cautioned that Erin has the potential to strengthen into a major Category 3 storm or greater when it peaks on Thursday, even though the storm is not expected to make U.S. landfall. Storm surge, or rising sea level leading to flooding, and tropical storm strength winds will continue wreaking havoc on the Outer Banks until at least Friday, the National Hurricane Center warned. Days after 130mph winds and torrential rainfall battered the Caribbean and left tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans without power, Erins outer bands brushed over the Outer Banks, closing beaches and several roads due to flooding. Authorities predicted that the biggest swells during high tide had the potential to cut off villages and homes in the Outer Banks, all while stirring up life-threatening rip currents and 20-foot-tall waves. States along the East Coast braced for impact, with beaches from the Carolinas to Cape Cod closing to protect swimmers from what the National Weather Service described as life-threatening surf and rip currents. Hurricane Erin churns of the East Coast of the US as communities close beaches and warn of surf impacts from the storm. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Ahead of Erins peak, officials in Virginia moved resources to Virginia Beach and other coastal areas to prepare for any potential flooding or damage from the outer bands of the hurricane. Storm surge flooding and tropical storm conditions were present Outer Banks area of North Carolina, forcing state Governor Josh Stein to declare a state of emergency. Lifeguards in North Carolina made more than 75 rescues from rip currents along the Wrightsville area coastline Monday, prompting a no-swim order through Friday, according to the Wilmington Star-News. Turn around, dont drown, the governor said. The storm surge will be accompanied by large waves, some up to 20ft high, and the possibility of flooding, according to the NOAA National Hurricane Center. NOAA added that tropical storm conditions are expected Thursday along the Virginia coast, with tropical storm force gusts likely along portions of the remainder of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts Thursday through early Friday. While the East Coast has so far been spared the cyclones full force, forecasters issued a slew of warnings, including life-threatening surf and rip currents for the U.S., Bahamas, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada throughout this week. Beaches, such as though in New York City, have been closed over fears of the storms impacts. (Getty Images) The storm continues to move north and to the east, though forecasters warn about how it will impact the mid-Atlantic and Northeast US. Pictured: People walk along the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. (Getty Images) The latest projections show Hurricane Erin moving away from the US as the week goes on. It's expected to lose strength by the weekend. (NOAA) New York City closed its beaches to swimming Wednesday and Thursday, and Governor Kathy Hochul ordered three state beaches on Long Island to prohibit swimming through Thursday. In Massachusetts, Nantucket Island could see waves of more than 10 feet later this week. The worst conditions were expected late Wednesday through Thursday as the eye of the storm is likely to be at the closest point to the coast, carving a path between the East Coast and Bermuda. Satellite imagery and reports from a U.S. Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicated that Erin is getting better organized, and slow strengthening is expected through Thursday night. Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, exploded to a ferocious Category 5 Saturday before being downgraded to a Category 3 early Sunday morning, then regaining strength again later in the day. Hurricane Erin moved away from the U.S. on Friday after battering North Carolinas Outer Banks and deluging other areas of the East Coast. The storm has weakened to a Category 1 as it continues to move towards Nova Scotia in Canada, having failed to make landfall in the U.S, according to The National Hurricane Center in Miami. Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 season, is expected to become a post-tropical storm later on Friday or Saturday morning as it continues to advance out to sea. Forecasters say that the strong waves and swells created by the storm could last for several more days. A National Hurricane Center map of Hurricane Erin's probable path (National Hurricane Center) Officials in Virginia moved resources to Virginia Beach and other coastal areas to prepare for any potential flooding or damage from the outer bands of the hurricane. Erin produced swells that impacted Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, Atlantic Canada, and the Bahamas during its journey up the edge of North America. Rough ocean conditions and dangerous rip currents were seen along virtually all of the North American East Coast from Florida northward. The National Weather Service issued tropical storm warnings for eastern North Carolina from Beaufort Inlet to Chincoteague, Virginia. The warnings included Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds in North Carolina. Surfers ride the waves amid Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, in the Atlantic Ocean at Lido Beach, New York (Reuters) Local officials in the Outer Banks reported that sections of Highway 12 the only road connecting the Outer Banks to mainland North Carolina were flooded and closed off, preventing travel off the island until the swells receded. Some residents and vacationers evacuated from the Outer Banks ahead of the storms approach, according to USA TODAY. Dare County officials who represent part of the Outer Banks ordered evacuations on Monday. As the hurricane passes by Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, the NWS predicts it could generate waves between 8 and 20 feet. Those waves could contribute to coastal flooding and erosion in the region. has weakened to a Category 1 as it continues to move towards Nova Scotia in Canada (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Residents in parts of Florida like Ponce Inlet were subjected to large waves generated by Hurricane Erin early on Wednesday morning. On Monday, thousands in Puerto Rico were left without power due to the storm. Erin began as a cluster of storms off the northwest coast of Africa before it spun into a tropical storm and then a hurricane. The storm is notable for reaching major hurricane status given to any storms that reach Category 3 or higher this early in hurricane season. According to the NHC, major hurricanes tend to form in the middle of hurricane season, usually in September through mid-October. The Iceland Eclipse festival spans 12 to 15 August 2026 (Iceland Eclipse/KARIM ILIYA) Looking for a unique way to look up at the 2026 solar eclipse? A festival in Iceland will host a four-day event, complete with music, fire ceremonies and science workshops. From 12 to 15 August 2026, the Iceland Eclipse festival, in the town of Hellissandur, will stage artists, technologists, scientists, and culture-makers. On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the surface of the Earth. With low light pollution in the wilderness beneath the Snfellsjokull volcano, both the eclipse and the Perseids meteor shower will likely be seen on site. According to experts, 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. IMPX and Secret Solstice, an Icelandic culture festival, have collaborated to host the no-trace event. In the lineup, global headliners and Icelandic acts such as Meduza3, Booka Shade, Nightmares on Wax and Cici will perform under Icelands midnight sun. Accommodation options for eclipse fans include tent passes, glamping and private rentals across the region. Ticket holders will also be encouraged to engage with Icelands elements through daily opportunities to walk, breathe, sweat, and listen. There are also nightly fire ceremonies, performances from medicine musicians, DJ lounges to recharge and interactive science workshops. Local voices include Ragnhildur Sigurardottir, who oversees conservation efforts of the Snfellsjokull National Park, and Kari Viarsson, who will share stories from Hellissandurs local art scene. Over 100 acts, speakers and visionaries are currently confirmed for the festival, but collaborators can apply to participate through to the end of the year. Over 100 acts, speakers and visionaries are currently confirmed for the festival (Iceland Eclipse) Icelandic Eclipse said it is inviting attendees to Dance, Learn, Connect, and Explore through music, ceremony, storytelling, and inspiring experiences. The festival added: While most events build toward a celestial moment, Iceland Eclipse begins with it. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast Irelands premier and deputy premier have welcomed clarity on the EU-US trade deal, which sees the US commit to capping tariffs on pharma goods at 15%. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the trade agreement represented a significant win for the EU while Tanaiste Simon Harris said it offered an important shield for Irish exporters. The EU struck a trade deal with the US on July 27, five days before Mr Trump said a 30% tariff would kick in for the bloc. The deal sees 15% tariffs on most EU goods including cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals entering the US. There are zero for zero tariffs on a number of products including aircrafts and aircraft parts, some agricultural goods and certain chemicals as well as EU purchases of US energy worth 750 billion dollars over three years. In the aftermath of the deal, it was not clear whether 15% would remain the rate for the pharma sector or be increased. The EU-US statement published on Thursday said that as of September 1, the US will apply a maximum tariff rate of 15% on generic pharmaceuticals, their ingredients and chemical precursors. The United States intends to promptly ensure that the tariff rate, comprised of the MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariff and the tariff imposed pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, applied to originating goods of the European Union subject to Section 232 actions on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber does not exceed 15%. Mr Harris, Irelands deputy premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, welcomed the assurances for the pharmaceutical and semiconductor sectors. We welcome clarity that the deal includes a single, all-inclusive 15% tariff on EU goods, Mr Harris said. We also now have assurance that this rate will extend to pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. This provides an important shield to Irish exporters that could have been subject to much larger tariffs pending the outcomes of Section 232 US investigations into these sectors. Mr Harris said this offered a first step to a more comprehensive and formal agreement with the US in the future. Our intention now is to see what other carve outs can be made in areas of interest for Irish exporters. Irish premier Micheal Martin said the statement brought greater clarity and certainty to what the EU-US agreement would mean in practice. This is especially important for enterprises that either import from or export to the US, he said. Given the scale of the pharmaceutical and semiconductor sectors in Ireland, it is important that the Joint Statement confirms that 15% is a ceiling that will apply to EU exports in these areas in all circumstances, including when the current US Section 232 investigations are concluded. While I have been clear all along that I do not support tariffs, this is a significant win for the EU. Given the significance of the airline sector to Ireland, a specific carve-out for aircraft and aircraft parts is also welcome. There are areas where further work remains to be done, including a potential carve-out for med-tech products and spirits. I hope this will be advanced as quickly as possible. We will continue to advocate for these sectors given their significant importance to our domestic economy. Paul Sweetman, chief executive of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, welcomed the joint statement as providing greater clarity to business on the future of the transatlantic trading partnership, worth over four billion dollars daily. The framework brings more certainty and allows for further work to grow our mutually beneficial economic relationship, he said. In supporting the US-Ireland and US-EU trading relationships into the future, we must also focus on enhancing competitiveness. Now is the time to make smart policy and investment decisions to deliver critical infrastructure projects, meet future skills needs, bolster our RD&I ecosystem, and secure Irelands position as a digital regulatory hub. AmCham will continue to work closely with the Irish Government, the US administration and our EU and US partners in growing investment on both sides of the Atlantic. The Government is considering scrapping compulsory English and maths resits at GCSE level. Pupils who fail these subjects at GCSE, aged 16, are made to resit them if they stay on for sixth form, since most jobs require passes in the two subjects. But the pass rate for GCSEs in English and maths fell to its lowest level in a decade on Thursday, driven by a surge in the number of children forced to retake them after failing last year. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, warned earlier this week that four in five white working-class children were failing to get the English language and mathematics skills required to succeed in life. She refused to rule out ditching compulsory resits earlier this month, instead saying that an independent review of the curriculum ordered by Labour would look at how best we can support 16- to 19-year-olds who dont achieve the right level in maths and English. The Telegraph can reveal that the review is expected to recommend replacing the current system. A Whitehall source said ministers would consider all options but that scrapping mandatory resits for English and maths GCSEs was likely to be on the cards. Options to replace resits could include testing pupils in stages or issuing driving licence-style certificates proving basic ability. Under the current model, pupils are required to resit their English and maths repeatedly until they achieve at least a grade 4 in the two subjects equivalent to a C in the grading system replaced in 2017. Just 23.1 per cent of pupils who retook their English GCSE this summer opened their results on Thursday to find they had passed, with the figure dropping to 18.2 per cent for maths. Experts are concerned that many schools and colleges enter pupils into English and maths resits in the November after they failed them at GCSE, leaving little time to improve. State schools are incentivised to enter pupils for resits because they can only take on failed pupils at sixth form if they promise to continue teaching the subjects after Year 11. One member of the review panel advising ministers said experts were considering a building block replacement to English and maths resits that would see pupils tested on fundamental skills in incremental stages instead of aiming to pass in a GCSE resit off the bat. But the panel member said colleges had become stuck in a flawed mindset that says if [pupils] just keep resitting enough times, one day theyll strike lucky. Its not about striking lucky. You will only get a grade 4 if you actually know enough and can do enough to meet that standard, they added. Others, including the head of the Royal Society, have called for mandatory resits to be replaced with a driving licence-style certificate showing pupils have basic skills in things like arithmetic and grammar that are needed to get on in life. Lee Elliot Major, a social mobility professor at the University of Exeter and a current adviser to the government on schools, said ministers should instead roll out a dual retakes system. This would enable schools to offer both the standard English and maths GCSEs for more academic pupils or alternative functional skills qualifications for lower-performing students, he told The Telegraph. But an interim report published in March by Prof Becky Francis, who is overseeing the independent assessment review, said poor resit pass rates were indefensible. She said study of maths and English should continue post-16 given the relationship between achieving grade 4 and access to future opportunities, but that there should be greater nuance in measures to ensure that as many learners as possible can achieve positive outcomes. The Telegraph has also seen a letter sent last month by Helen Hayes, a Labour MP and chair of the Commons education committee, calling on Prof Francis to rethink the current model and consider more practical and applied alternatives in mathematics for students unlikely to reach grade 4. The Government is likely to face pressure to prove it is not lowering standards for underachievers if it does decide to scrap the current resits model. However, the GCSE pass rate for English and maths is at its lowest level in a decade. Just 58.3 per cent of all pupils across the UK passed maths this year, down from 59.5 per cent in 2024 to reach the lowest level since 2013. Meanwhile, the pass rate for English dropped 1.7 percentage points to hit 60.2 per cent this summer, matching a previous low for the subject in 2016 and marking the worst result since 2004. DfE data shows white working-class children have some of the worst GCSE pass rates for English and maths GCSE. Only 35 per cent of white British pupils eligible for free school meals passed the two compulsory subjects last year. It means almost two-thirds or 57,000 white working-class pupils were forced to resit them this summer if they had not already dropped out of school altogether. Ms Phillipson told The Telegraph on the eve of GCSE results day on Wednesday that failure to ensure these children succeeded was holding Britain back. Its not just the life chances of those children that are being damaged its also the health of our society as a whole. Swathes of human capability and productivity lost, she said. Students celebrate their GCSE results in Liverpool last year - PAUL COOPER GCSE results day is an exciting moment for many pupils, as they prepare to embark on new studies and attend different sixth form colleges. But for others it can be a stressful time, with those missing out on their required grades facing difficult decisions about their next steps. To prepare parents and students for whatever happens on the day, we detail everything you need to know and how to appeal your results if needed. What time will GCSE results come out? Pupils are able to collect their results from around 8am on Thursday Aug 21, although times may vary across different schools. This year, some students in Manchester and the West Midlands will receive their results via the Education Record app. Students taking part in this pilot scheme will have their grades delivered directly to their phones from 11am on results day. If you are unable to collect your results in person on the day, you can usually arrange in advance for them to be sent to you via email or post. Alternatively, you can nominate someone to collect your results for you. They will need to take in a signed letter from you and a form of ID for themselves. What can parents do? Its not just a nerve-wracking day for students parents can also feel the pressure. After many days of revision, the mood swings, and the exams themselves, parents are very much part of the day. According to Bernadette John, the director of the Good Schools Guide, the best thing a parent or guardian can do is accompany their child to school to pick up their results. Quite often, children might want to go on their own or with friends. But I would say go with them and if anything has gone awry, get in and sort it out straight away, she advises. What are the GCSE grade boundaries? The numerical system first introduced in 2017 continues this year, with pupils awarded grades from one to nine in each subject. Grade 9 is above an A* Grade 8 is between an A and A* Grade 7 is an A Grade 6 is above a B Grade 5 is between B and C Grade 4 is a C Grade 3 is between a D and E Grade 2 is between E and F Grade 1 is a G Numerical grades were first used in 2017 for English Literature, English Language and Maths, while other subjects were awarded typical A* to G grades. Another 20 subjects introduced the system in 2018, followed by another 25 in 2019, and all subjects in 2020. The new grading system was designed by Michael Gove, the former education secretary. He said it would help refix the level at which people could recognise outstanding behaviour. It was part of a package of reforms, which included toughening up syllabuses and reducing coursework in many subjects. Can you get your grades remarked? If there is any doubt about the grade awarded, students can ask their schools and colleges to check for administrative errors and mistakes. If you think your grade may be wrong, speak to your school as soon as possible and ask them to check for you. The deadline to request a review of marking is Sept 26. What if you are still unhappy with your grades? If you are still unsatisfied after making in-school enquiries, your teachers can submit an appeal to the exam board on your behalf. Appeals can be made if procedures were not followed properly, the awarding organisation made an administrative error, or the school made an unreasonable exercise of academic judgment in the choice of evidence used to support your grades. If you are still unhappy with the outcome of an appeal, you can contact the examinations procedures review service (EPRS), which is provided by the exam board regulator, Ofqual. Alternatively, students will be offered the opportunity to re-sit their exams in the autumn. How do exam re-sits work? Most sixth forms and colleges will require at least a grade 4 (formerly a C) in Maths and English to proceed to A-level. If you dont achieve this, resits, which take place in the autumn, offer you a chance to rectify this, as well as improving your choice of sixth form institutions, further education, and even career choices. For all other exams, re-sits will take place during the usual exam period in the summer. Make sure to check with your school for precise re-sit options. What if I have to change school for sixth form? If you miss the grades to get into your chosen sixth form college or school, get in touch with them as soon as possible to find out if they will still accept you. Key pass grades in Maths and English will likely be the most important consideration, but some centres may be happy to take on students subject to further exam re-sits. Even if they will not admit you for the A-levels you wanted to take, they may offer you different subjects instead. If they still will not offer you a place, take a look at other institutions with lower entry requirements. Aimee Betro, an American woman, was recruited by her British lover to fly to Birmingham and carry out the killing An American woman who agreed to take part in a failed contract killing disguised in a hijab was acting out of infatuation or love, a court has heard. Aimee Betro has been jailed for 30 years for conspiracy to murder after being found guilty of attempting to shoot Sikander Ali at point-blank range outside his home in September 2019. The court heard that the 45-year-old had been recruited by her British lover to fly to Birmingham and carry out the killing. She was forced to flee when the semi-automatic 9mm pistol jammed, and returned in a taxi the following day to fire three shots at the property in a second failed attempt. Credit: West Midlands Police Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court found the 45-year-old guilty of conspiracy to murder as well as of possessing a self-loading pistol and fraudulently evading the prohibition on importing ammunition on Aug 12. Birmingham Crown Court heard that Betro, originally from West Allis, in Wisconsin, took part in a plot orchestrated by her lover Mohammed Nabil Nazir, 31, and his father Mohammed Aslam, 56, to attack a rival family. Wearing a white top, black cardigan and her hair in plaits in the dock on Thursday, Betro showed no emotion as Judge Simon Drew KC jailed her for 30 years, with concurrent sentences of six years for possessing a firearm and two years for evading the prohibition. Judge Drew said that while it was not clear when Nazir recruited Betro to take part in his revenge scheme, it appeared she was acting out of infatuation or love. Addressing Betro, he said: You were engaged in a complex, well-planned conspiracy to murder. You were prepared to pull the trigger and did so on two separate occasions. So far as you are concerned clearly you had a leading role. I accept that Nazir recruited you, but you were the gunwoman. You were the person who was prepared to fire the gun, as a result you showed that you were willing to carry out the killing yourself. In particular, Aslam and Nazir planned a revenge attack on Aslat Mahumad [Mr Alis father] and his family, and you were recruited to conduct what was intended to be an execution. Betros pistol jammed in a failed attack She returned in a taxi the next day to fire three shots at the property - West Midlands Police After the failed shootings, Betro returned to the US and went on the run, despite her mother Jeanne Johnson, 62, appealing in The Telegraph for her to hand herself in. She has nowhere else to go. Shes got to stop running, Mrs Johnson said. Betro was eventually detained in a dawn raid after being tracked to a rented one-bedroom flat on the outskirts of Yerevan, the Armenian capital, in July 2024. Aslam and Nazir had held a grudge against Mr Alis family after a violent dispute at his clothing store in Birmingham on July 21 2018. Seeking revenge, the pair flew Betro from the US to kill Mr Ali and his family, the court was told. Wearing a hijab to disguise herself, she stayed at a number of hotels in Birmingham, Derby, Brighton and London while in the UK. Aimee Betro and Mohammed Nabil Nazir, who has been found guilty of conspiracy to murder On the morning of September 7 2019, she attempted to shoot Mr Ali outside his house in Yardley before the gun jammed, the court heard. She returned the following day to carry out the second failed attempt before ordering the driver to take her to a McDonalds in Bordesley Green. In a text message sent to Aslat Mahumad, Mr Alis father, on Sept 7, she said: Stop playing hide and seek... Where are you hiding? She added: Stop playing hide n seek youre lucky it jammed. The next day she sent Mr Aslat another message, stating: You wanna rip me off? You wanna be a drug kingpin? Go look at your house. Ill show you about road, watch your back Ill be shedding blood soon skay yea. Hijab hitwoman Giving evidence, Betro claimed another American woman with a similar voice and footwear who knew Nazir and had booked taxis to her hotel was in fact the female wearing a hijab whose gun had jammed. The childhood development and graphic design graduate, who was caught on CCTV at the scene, denied all charges. Police have said there is no evidence that Betro, who was extradited from Armenia earlier this year, was paid by Nazir or his father to take part in the plot. In a photo shown to the jury, Aimee Betro was caught on CCTV wearing a hijab - West Midlands Police Betro told the jury that she was in love with Nazir. She said they had slept together at an Airbnb in London during one of two previous trips to the UK, and that she had flown to Manchester from Atlanta on August 22 2019 to celebrate her birthday with him. Nazir and Aslam were both found guilty of conspiracy to murder at Birmingham Crown Court in June last year. Defending Betro, Paul Lewis KC said she would find imprisonment in the UK hard because her loved ones are in the US and he urged the judge to give her credit for the 198 days she had spent on remand in Armenia awaiting. He said: She has apparently been a model prisoner on remand. She is likely to find incarceration particularly difficult because all her family and friends are in America and she has had very few visits except for her lawyers. Judge Drew added: So far as mitigation is concerned, I take into account your antecedent history, your age, the fact that you will serve some or all of your sentence in a UK prison, far away from home, and the contents of your letter in which you express remorse for your actions. Det Ch Insp Alastair Orencas of West Midlands Police said: This is a unique case which has involved a huge amount of work tracing the movements of Betro from her arrival into the UK, her subsequent failed attempt to shoot a man dead, and her departure from the UK. Its by luck that her attempt to kill her target failed, thanks to the jamming of her gun. An incredible amount of work went into building up a really detailed picture of her activities while in the UK. While she was passing herself off as a tourist, posting pictures and video of landmarks such as the London Eye while she was here, her real purpose was to commit murder. We worked really closely with partners such as the Armenian Government, (NCA), FBI, Crown Prosecution Service and Derbyshire Constabulary to bring Betro back to the UK to face justice. Id like to thank all of them for helping to achieve justice. Peace in Ukraine Twenty-six years ago a tall, stooping man in a maroon beret and a powerfully-built figure with hooded eyes in green camouflage stood opposite one another in a Balkan field. The taller of the two produced a hip flask. A conversation began. And an understanding was reached. Thus the last confrontation between Russian and British troops a stand-off over control of Kosovos Pristina airport was resolved without bloodshed. One of those men the British General Sir Mike Jackson, who in the run-up to the confrontation had warned his Nato superior about what was at stake, saying Sir, Im not going to start World War III for you is now dead. The second, colonel-general Viktor Zavarzin, is retired from the military and sits as a member of the Russian parliament. Britains General Sir Mike Jackson shakes hands with Russian colonel-general Viktor Zavarzin a stand-off over control of Kosovos Pristina airport in 1999 - Mladen Antonov/EPA/Shutterstock Now, British and Russian troops may soon find themselves in a high-stakes armed stand-off once again across what is Ukraines front line. If they do, how do those British forces offer a credible guarantee to Kyiv and secure any peace deal without really starting World War III? The peacekeeping paradox What is sure is that planning is already under way. With Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin seemingly moving slowly towards a peace deal for Ukraine, British military chiefs along with their French and American allies are laying plans for preserving the truce should they succeed. Details so far are scarce. Admiral Tony Radakin, the Chief of the Defence Staff, was presumably hammering them out with Americans when he flew to Washington this week. What is known is that the discussion is not about peacekeeping in the orthodox sense of neutral blue helmets holding the ground between two warring sides. Rather, says Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of war studies at Kings College London, it is drawn from the design of Nato itself: a tripwire force of Europeans whose deaths in combat would put Russia at war with the West, and thus provide a deterrent against invasion. Yet as a so-called reassurance force it will face many of the same dilemmas as both traditional peacekeepers and conventional war fighters. If it is to succeed, say veterans of previous peacekeeping operations, its planners must learn from the mistakes of the past starting with the basic question of what it aims to achieve? UN peacekeeping forces from Britain in Bosnia in 1992 - Peter Dejong/AP Will its commanders have the latitude to defuse crises as Gen Jackson did with his whisky? Or will impossible choices be pushed down to officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and even privates on the ground because politicians and diplomats find it convenient to fudge their mandate? Telling the soldiers exactly what theyve got to do is crucial, says Col Bob Stewart, a former British officer who commanded peacekeepers in Bosnia in the 1990s. But also theyve got to have flexibility. This is the conundrum. When can we fire? For Col Stewart, a veteran of one of the most high-profile and debated peacekeeping missions of the post-Cold War era, the mandate is the only means of giving the troops on the ground a clear sense of direction. They must have a mission, he says. [In Bosnia] I didnt have one for three months, so I made one up to save lives. That might not sound like a big deal, but for soldiers it is crucial. If you are going to send British soldiers into Ukraine, be bloody careful and sure about what you are asking them to do. Col Bob Stewart led peacekeeping forces in Bosnia in the 1990s - Steve Bent/ANL/Shutterstock The next problem, he says, follows on from the first. When can a peacekeeping force open fire? Can it open fire only to protect itself? Theres a real problem there, because that means it doesnt open fire to protect civilians. Can it open fire to protect human life? Being handed vaguely-worded mandates and inadequate rules of engagement have been blamed for some of the most notorious peacekeeping failures, including the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia a year later. The former saw an estimated 800,000 people slaughtered. The latter, 8,000, becoming Europes worst single post-war massacre. In the Ukrainian context, that means deciding whether British soldiers would stand aside while Russia re-invaded Ukraine, provided no bombs landed near their base, or enter the fight. Will Britons really kill Russians? No one seems to want to say this bluntly. Put the question to a Western official, and they will generally reply with something about how very the point of the deployment is to prevent such a clash from happening. But willingness to fight the Russians has to be the implication otherwise, theres no point in even talking about it, says Freedman. I think the British assumption would be that the first line of defence has to be Ukrainian. And the first, and the best, thing you can do is to keep on building up Ukrainian capabilities, which are now, in many ways, quite impressive. But if youre saying were behind them, theres no point unless you assume that if the Russians violated an agreement and aggressed again, they would have to reckon on fighting Western forces. Will there be enough of us? The coalition of the willing must, therefore, have a mandate to fight if necessary. And if it is to fight, it must have sufficient numbers of boots on the ground to win. But how many boots would that be? For every soldier deployed on a rolling operation, says Freedman, an army needs to have one in training and one coming out of deployment. For example, he points out, to keep a hypothetical 15,000 troop force on the ground would require a commitment of 45,000 men to the mission. No government has yet put a figure on the actual size of the force they want on the ground. Britain and France simply do not have the capacity to field a very large force, even with contributions from those other Nato and European allies willing to contribute. Other allies Australia has said it is considering involvement, and Japan has said it would play an as yet undefined role face similar limitations. Thats one reason why initial discussion of a Franco-British coalition of the willing deployment earlier this year came to nothing. They started to put something together without really having thought it through, says Freedman. And then as they started to think it through, they sort of saw it was dangerous. It was not credible, because you were talking about having large numbers of European troops on Ukrainian soil, which is actually quite a big commitment. The ideas sort of drifted away into more air power support and sea support, and its not clear how much weve moved beyond that. The America factor The missing piece of the jigsaw then was securing American buy-in, the ultimate source of credible deterrent. To address Trumps aversion to putting boots on the ground, Keir Starmer had suggested a backstop US aircraft based in neighbouring countries to provide air cover in the event of war. The White House was not interested when this was first floated earlier this year. But on Tuesday this week Trump revived the idea by saying he would be willing to help [the Europeans] with things, especially, probably by air. The final picture, then, may be of a relatively small European and British ground force in Ukraine, backed by a more serious air and naval contribution, and ultimately US missiles and strike aircraft deployed nearby. On the ground So, what will the troops have to plan for? The nearest thing the Russian-Ukrainian war has seen to peacekeeping was an unarmed observer mission from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) deployed to monitor compliance with the Minsk ceasefire agreements from 2014 onwards. It was a frustrating business, admits Alexander Hug, the Swiss diplomat and lawyer who led the special monitoring mission (SMM) between 2014 and 2018. Russian-led separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk were particularly brazen in simply refusing access to areas they did not want the monitors to see. But Ukrainians, too, had little trust for the mission. In 2017, a Ukrainian artillery commander gleefully showed me how he hid heavy weapons inside the zone that the Minsk deal said they should have been withdrawn from. His duty to protect infantry from Russian ceasefire violations outweighed the agreements of politicians, he reasoned. And because they knew that the OSCE was unarmed and had strict safety rules for its staff, both of the warring parties were able to control the missions movements simply by increasing the level of risk. Members of the OSCEs observer mission to Donetsk, Ukraine, in 2015 - Alexander Ermochenko/EPA/Shutterstock Stepping up shelling or mining of roads was an effective way to manipulate the observers without explicitly refusing to co-operate, says Hug. But the main problem was, and this should be a major lesson for anything that now comes to the fore when solutions are being discussed, there must be a mechanism through which violations will be processed, he says. The only task the OSCE had was to document, but there was no mechanism through which identified violations would see any follow-up. Even so, in the years during which the OSCE monitoring mission operated up to the 2022 full-scale invasion, violence in eastern Ukraine steadily declined, or was at least relatively contained. But it is impossible, admits Hug, to test whether that was a result of the SMMs presence. The tripwire The United Nations claims that two-thirds of completed peacekeeping missions have succeeded in preventing the outbreak of, or resumption of, a war a figure backed by a 2005 RAND Corporation report. But the principle of peacekeeping being a third, neutral force, accepted by both belligerents as an aid to keeping a peace that already exists requires a basic, even if reluctant, commitment by both sides to ceasefire. Should one or another party be determined to continue fighting, UN Blue Helmets often struggle to stop them. Dutch peacekeepers were unable to prevent Srebrenica. A UN Blue Helmet soldier carries a Tutsi child during an evacuation mission in Rwanda in 1994 - Abdelhak Senna/AFP/Getty Unifil, the long-running mission in southern Lebanon, is sometimes held up as a success, but could not stop Hezbollah rocket attacks, and was simply swept aside when Israel launched its most recent invasion last year. The reassurance force being discussed is meant to avoid those pitfalls. But it still presents enormous risks. Then youre not talking about peacekeeping, youre talking about a tripwire. I did that when I was a very young soldier in Berlin in 1970 to 1972, says Col Stewart. There was no way the British and American forces in Berlin would have been able to stop a Soviet attack, he adds. The deterrent was that by killing them, the Russians would be declaring war on the West. Fundamentally, tripwire operations mean making troops a hostage to fortune, he says. Thats why 15 years ago Polish foreign minister Radek Sikorski was known to brief journalists that a single US missile battery on its territory would be enough to secure Polands borders not because of the missiles, but because it would be manned by American soldiers. And the killing of a single US soldier would engage Americas entire might against whoever was behind it. Youre adding to Russias sense of risk, explains Freedman, about the hostage strategy. So its not the same as saying You can be sure, if the Russians did something terrible again, that we would act. What youre saying is Were creating a situation in which we are likely to act; we could act. And that is something that Putin would have to take into account. Avoiding the death spiral What is certain is that preventing inevitable confrontation from spiralling into conflict will require both a delicately crafted mandate, and highly motivated, trained and thoughtful soldiers. My instructions to my men in Bosnia were, if people are shooting at you, you have every right to shoot back, and you should if youre in danger. But just before you pull the trigger, think, is this going to make the situation more difficult or more dangerous than now, says Col Stewart. Thats why the soldiers have got to be well trained. Theyve also got to be trusted; trusted by the officers and the NCOs. I personally considered that every single one of my soldiers had the right to make a decision: he didnt have to turn around and ask his superior what to do. My worry is we now have got very limited men of that calibre, of the calibre to go in and be really thinking soldiers. And it is not just the senior officers that troops have to be able to trust. In that Balkan field 26 years ago, after Gen Jackson had stood talking to Zavarzin for a while, the Russian general confided the difficulties he was having with authorities in Moscow: I am hacked off with politicians. Gen Jackson, by then in possession of the inevitable glass of vodka, responded with: You too eh, Viktor? Barack Obama in Chicago, Illinois, on 5 December 2024. Photograph: Vincent Alban/Reuters Barack Obama waded into states efforts at rare mid-decade redistricting efforts, saying he agreed with California governor Gavin Newsoms plan to counter the new Texas congressional map by launching an effort to redraw his own states map and create more Democratic-friendly districts, calling it a responsible approach. I believe that governor Newsoms approach is a responsible approach. He said this is going to be responsible. Were not going to try to completely maximize it, Obama said at a Tuesday fundraiser on Marthas Vineyard in Massachusetts. Were only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers. Otherwise, this doesnt go into effect. Obama also called Newsoms strategy measured, as it only temporarily grants the California legislature the ability to redraw maps mid-decade. While noting that political gerrymandering is not his preference, Obama said that, if Democrats dont respond effectively, then this White House and Republican-controlled state governments all across the country, they will not stop, because they do not appear to believe in this idea of an inclusive, expansive democracy. According to organizers, the event raised $2m for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and its affiliates, one of which has filed and supported litigation in several states over Republican-drawn districts. The former House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Eric Holder, who served as Obamas attorney general and heads up the group, also appeared. The former presidents comments come as Texas lawmakers approved a plan to redraw the states congressional districts, passing a new map on Wednesday that fulfills Donald Trumps desire to tilt the US House map in his favor before the 2026 midterm elections. The vote was 88 in favor and 52 against. The map could give Republicans five new House seats in 2026 and took more than two weeks to pass, after Democratic state lawmakers staged a walkout over what they described as a a power grab. Several legislators traveled to states run by Democrats, and the protest ultimately set the stage for a redistricting battle now playing out across the country. Spurred on by the Texas situation, Democratic governors including Newsom have pondered ways to possibly strengthen their partys position by way of redrawing US House district lines, five years out from the census count that typically leads into such procedures. In California where voters in 2010 gave the power to draw congressional maps to an independent commission, with the goal of making the process less partisan Democrats have unveiled a proposal that could give that states dominant political party an additional five US House seats in a bid to win the fight to control Congress next year. If approved by voters in November, the blueprint could nearly erase Republican House members in the nations most populous state, with Democrats intending to win the party 48 of its 52 US House seats, up from 43. Related: Barack Obama praises Texas Democrats fight as they signal return to state A hearing over that measure devolved into a shouting match Tuesday as a Republican lawmaker clashed with Democrats, and a committee voted along party lines to advance the new congressional map. California Democrats do not need any Republican votes to move ahead, and legislators are expected to approve a proposed congressional map and declare a 4 November special election by Thursday to get required voter approval. Newsom and Democratic leaders say theyll ask voters to approve their new maps only for the next few elections, returning map-drawing power to the commission following the 2030 census and only if a Republican state moves forward with new maps. Obama applauded that temporary timeline. And were going to do it in a temporary basis because were keeping our eye on where we want to be long term, Obama said, referencing Newsoms take on the California plan. I think that approach is a smart, measured approach, designed to address a very particular problem in a very particular moment in time. The Associated Press contributed reporting Former President Barack Obama said he supports California Democrats' efforts to redraw congressional districts aiming to offset a similar move passed Wednesday by Texas Republicans. I wanted just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas, and take it to the voters and see what happens, Obama said on Tuesday in a rare political intervention and his first public comments expressing support for the push by California Governor Gavin Newsom. But I want to be very clear: Given that Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House that is effectively saying, Gerrymander for partisan purposes so we can maintain the House despite our unpopular policies, redistrict right in the middle of a decade between censuses which is not how the system was designed I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this. The Texas House of Representatives passed a new Trump-backed congressional map plan that would net the Republican party as many as five additional seats in next years midterms, potentially solidifying GOP control of Congress. The 88-to-52 vote occurred along party lines. It came after Democratic lawmakers in Texas temporarily fled to deny the statehouse a quorum, thereby temporarily halting the redistricting effort. Former President Barack Obama spoke out in favor of California Governor Gavin Newsoms response to redistricting in Texas by Republicans (Getty Images) Obama was one of several prominent Democrats who called those lawmakers to commend them for their efforts to protect democracy. 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. Despite their efforts, the GOP proposal passed. The Texas state Senate passed a similar map on Sunday, and the new map is expected to head to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk later this week. Trump urged the Texas GOP to redraw state congressional maps to gain more Republican seats (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) In July, President Trump said that he was urging the Texas GOP to redraw state congressional maps to gain more Republican seats, with the president later claiming the GOP was entitled to more seats in the state following his successful 2024 campaign there. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Republicans hold a single-digit majority and are facing an unfavorable electoral dynamic ahead of the 2026 midterms in November next year. To head off GOP efforts to preserve their majority by creating new districts, Democrats have been spurred into action. After the new map was passed in the Lone Star State, Governor Newsom of California posted on X about his counterpart: Congratulations to @GregAbbott_TX -- you will now go down in history as one of Donald Trump's most loyal lapdogs. He added: Shredding our nations founding principles. What a legacy. California Governor Gavin Newsom is leading the Democratic pushback to Republican efforts to create new GOP-leaning seats to hold onto the House of Representatives (Getty Images) Newsom is backing a plan in California to redraw congressional maps via a ballot measure in November; his party plans to shift five Republican-held districts to increase the number of Democratic voters in them in a direct response to Texas. The governor has said Californias new maps will be temporary, an approach Obama described as a smart, measured approach, designed to address a very particular problem in a very particular moment in time. Obama noted that, as the process must be voted on, Californians would have their say at the ballot box, unlike in Texas. The fact that California voters will have a chance to weigh in on this makes this act consistent with our democratic ideals, rather than in opposition to our democratic ideals, Obama said. Obama noted that, as the redistricting process must be voted on, Californians would have their say at the ballot box, unlike in Texas. (Getty Images) Were not going to act as if anything is normal any longer. Yes, well fight fire with fire. Yes, we will push back. Its not about whether we play hardball anymore, Newsom said at a virtual news conference with other Democratic leaders on Wednesday. Its about how we play hardball. And California has your back. In a later post on X, he wrote: Its on, Texas. Californias Supreme Court has already denied a Republican request to intervene on the Democratic Redistricting legislation. A one-page ruling reads: The petition for writ of mandate and application for stay are denied. Petitioners have failed to meet their burden of establishing a basis for relief at this time under California Constitution article IV, section 8. Newsoms press office, which has been on a tear over the past week mimicking Trump, asked on X: What do you call a lawsuit that gets tossed in less than 48 hours? and said they would retweet the best responses. The California legislature is expected to vote on the motion to put new maps on the ballot by the end of this week. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also indicated a readiness to engage in aggressive redistricting tactics, stating that Democrats in the state are prepared to fight fire with fire against Republican efforts. Her stance mirrors that of Newsom and mid-decade redistricting is also on the table. Despite existing state laws designed to ensure independent commissions and curb gerrymandering Hochul has expressed openness to such measures. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is also open to Newsom's approach to redistricting but the process would be different in her state (Getty Images) Earlier this month, when questioned on whether New York's Independent Redistricting Commission established to keep the process separate from the Legislature should be disbanded or altered to expedite redistricting, Hochul unequivocally replied: Yes. Im tired of fighting this fight with my hand tied behind my back, the governor continued. To think were going to do this with a purity test the reason were able to draw the lines is were Democrats and the majority of the people in this state elected us to be leaders. Republicans take over the Legislature? They can have at it. But until then, were in charge and were sick and tired of being pushed around. On Wednesday, after the news of that Texas redistricting had passed, Hochul posted on X: Game on. Some 13 unreleased Beatles tracks are to feature on a new fourth Anthology compilation to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of the first edition of the series in 1995. The three previous albums, which contain rarities such as demos, outtakes and live performances, were released alongside a book and documentary series called The Beatles Anthology, which will be remastered and streamed with a new ninth episode on Disney+ from November 26. Episode nine of the documentary series will show unseen behind-the-scenes footage of Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr coming together between 1994 and 1995 to make the Anthology collections. The new Beatles Anthology box set (Bruce McBroom/Apple Corps Ltd/PA) Anthology 4 will be released on November 21 in a new box set alongside remastered versions of Anthology 1, 2 and 3 by Beatles producer George Martins son Giles. An exact track listing has not been revealed, however there is no indication that the release will feature any completely unheard songs, with unreleased tracks thought to be unheard demos, session recordings and other rare versions of known Beatles songs. The 191-track set will be released on streaming platforms and in 12 vinyl LP and eight CD formats, and will include new mixes of Free As A Bird and Real Love, the singles from Anthology 1 and 2. The remixes of Free As A Bird and Real Love have been undertaken by their original producer, Electric Light Orchestra frontman Jeff Lynne, using de-mixed John Lennon vocals, while a remastered version of the original Free As A Bird video will be released on Thursday. The box set will include the original liner notes for the first three anthologies as well as a new set of notes on Anthology 4 by Beatles author Kevin Howlett, and an introduction compiled from 1996 interviews recorded with The Beatles close friend and adviser Derek Taylor. A 25th anniversary edition of The Beatles Anthology book, initially released in 2000, will also be released on October 14. Formed in 1960, The Beatles are the best-selling musical act of all time and one of the most influential groups in the world, having achieved 18 UK number one singles and 15 UK number one albums. Texas House passes Trump-backed map that could give Republicans five more seats in midterms The Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a new Trump-backed congressional map plan that would net the Republican party as many as five additional seats in next years midterms, potentially solidifying GOP control of the U.S. Congress. The 88-to-52 vote occurred along party lines. It came after Democratic lawmakers in Texas temporarily fled to deny the statehouse quorum to move forward with the redistricting effort. The state Senate passed a similar map on Sunday, and the new map is expected to head to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk later this week. In July, President Trump said he was pushing the Texas GOP to redraw state congressional maps to pick up more Republican seats, with the president later claiming the GOP was entitled to more seats in the state after his successful 2024 campaign there. Texas will be the biggest one, Trump said at the time. And thatll be five. The Texas House passed a Trump-backed congressional redistricting plan, potentially locking in five additional Republican seats for 2026 midterms, as blue states like California threaten to add more Democratic seats in response (REUTERS) In a late-night Truth Social post on Wednesday, President Trump lauded the efforts in Texas, saying, Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!! Everything Passed, on our way to FIVE more Congressional seats and saving your Rights, your Freedoms, and your Country, itself. Texas never lets us down. Florida, Indiana, and others are looking to do the same thing. More seats equals less Crime, a great Economy, and a STRONG SECOND AMENDMENT. It means Happiness and Peace. But Republicans, there is one thing even better - STOP MAIL-IN VOTING, a total fraud that has no bounds. Also, go to PAPER BALLOTS before it is too late - At one tenth the cost, faster, and more reliable. If we do these TWO things, we will pick up 100 more seats, and the CROOKED game of politics is over. God Bless America!!! In a late-night Truth Social post, President Trump lauded the efforts in Texas, saying, Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!! (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) The redistricting battle in the Lone Star State produced a number of unusual scenes, with more than 50 Democrats temporarily fleeing the state, then facing arrest warrants upon their return. As Democrats began to trickle back into the state in recent days, Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth remained on the House floor for days rather than sign a permission slip allowing members to leave only if they agreed to be shadowed by state law enforcement. Protesters chanted outside the House chambers during Wednesdays vote, where doors were locked to further prevent representatives from leaving the floor until the map plan got a vote. During the debate, Texas Republicans openly described the maps as a way to increase GOP fortunes, but denied accusations that the plan was racist and aimed at disenfranchising minority voters. Critics accused Texas Republicans of using rare mid-decade redistricting effort to water down power of minority communities in state (AP) "The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward: improve Republican political performance," State Representative Todd Hunter, who authored the bill creating the new map, said on Wednesday. Redrawing congressional district lines typically only takes place at the beginning of the decade, after the U.S. Census. Republicans in Texas believe that five districts currently held by Democrats can be redrawn to make the districts more favorable to conservative candidates. Democrats argue that the new proposed maps are racist and unlawfully divide Black and Latino communities to dilute minority representation. The GOP on Wednesday said the claim was unfair, noting that President Trump won a majority of Texas Latinos in the 2024 election. Texas lawmakers fled state to delay vote on redistricting effort, then faced arrest warrants from their colleagues (Getty Images) Across the country, Democrats have threatened to respond to Texass efforts with reciprocal redistricting in California and other blue states. Former President Barack Obama said he supports California Democrats' efforts to redraw congressional districts aiming to offset the move passed by Texas Republicans. I wanted just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas, and take it to the voters and see what happens, Obama said on Tuesday in a rare political intervention and his first public comments expressing support for the push by California Governor Gavin Newsom. But I want to be very clear: Given that Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House that is effectively saying, Gerrymander for partisan purposes so we can maintain the House despite our unpopular policies, redistrict right in the middle of a decade between censuses which is not how the system was designed I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this. Newsom is backing a plan in California to redraw congressional maps via ballot measure in November; his party plans to shift five Republican-held districts to put more Democratic voters in them. Were not going to act as if anything is normal any longer. Yes, well fight fire with fire. Yes, we will push back. Its not about whether we play hardball anymore, Newsom said at a virtual news conference with other Democratic leaders on Wednesday. Its about how we play hardball. And California has your back. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Republicans hold a single-digit majority and are facing an unfavorable midterm dynamic next year. Gwyn Samuels, previously known as James Bubb (PA Wire) A Metropolitan Police volunteer has told a court he "wanted to fulfil the fantasies" of a woman he is accused of raping. The 27-year-old, who was born a man named James Bubb but now identifies as a woman called Gwyn Samuels, would re-enact rape "scenes" with the alleged victim, but told jurors she consented to everything they did. The defendant, who began training in north London in 2020, would sometimes try police restraint techniques on the woman when they got home, but would not use full power, the court heard. Bubb is currently suspended from the force, and stands accused of raping two different people between 2018 and 2024. Giving evidence at Amersham Law Courts on Thursday, Bubb said the relationship with the woman "developed into a friends with benefits situation". Bubb said the woman wanted to try re-enacting rape and using knives during sex. "I wanted to fulfil her fantasies," the defendant said. "I would run the blunt end of a knife along her body. I always made it very clear that she could use her safe words. I was always acutely aware of her body language. "I'm not into rape fantasies, it's not something that has ever interested me. "I did not rape her. We had very clearly discussed before what the limits were." Asked if he had been manipulative during the relationship, Bubb said: "No, I wouldn't describe myself that way at all." Bubb, who said his early years were "troubled", was adopted at a young age, the court heard. After finishing his A-Levels, Bubb studied stage management at drama school, and starting training with the Met in 2020. Bubb changed his name in December 2024. "That's when I started fully living in my current identity," the police volunteer said. The defendant has denied one count of rape in relation to one complainant, and two counts of rape, two counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, one count of rape of a child under 13, and one count of assault by penetration in relation to the other complainant. The defendant, of High Street, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, denies all the charges, which are alleged to have taken place between January 1, 2018 and April 2, 2024. The trial continues. A sign for The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden exhibition inside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington DC on 1 August. Photograph: Annabelle Gordon/Reuters Amid the Donald Trump administrations heavy-handed review of Smithsonian museums, the Guardian has seen a document compiled by the White House that details examples of how the administration believes widely visited cultural institutions have overly negative portrayals of US history. The document, based on public submissions shared with the administration, points to what it says are problematic exhibits at seven different museums, including a Benjamin Franklin exhibit that links his scientific achievements to his ownership of enslaved people and a film about George Floyds murder that it says mischaracterizes the police. President Trump will explore all options and avenues to get the Woke out of the Smithsonian and hold them accountable, a White House official said. Until we get info from the Smithsonian in response to our letter, we cant verify the numbers of artifacts that have been removed because the Smithsonian has removed them on their own. Trump announced the initiative on Truth Social earlier this week, writing: 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. The seven museums that have so far been flagged for review include the National Museum of American History, the upcoming National Museum of the American Latino, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African Art, the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Museum of Asian Art. The administration argues exhibits at these museums focus excessively on oppression rather than American achievements. At the National Museum of American History, the document flagged the Presente! Latino history exhibition for allegedly promoting an anti-American agenda by examining colonization effects and depicting the US as stealing territory from Mexico in 1848. Related: Trump administration to review 19 Smithsonian museums to ensure exhibits are patriotic Examples from the document also shames the museums Benjamin Franklin exhibit for linking his scientific achievements to his ownership of enslaved people, and the Star-Spangled Banner display for focusing on American historical failures and controversies rather than celebrating national achievements. The National Portrait Gallery is being singled out for focusing on how the Chinese Exclusion Act and other racist immigration laws contradicted the Statue of Libertys welcoming message. The African art museum is targeted over the George Floyd film. And the Asian art museum is flagged for exhibitions for claiming to impose western gender ideology on traditional cultures. Last week, the White House budget director, Russ Vought, sent letters to eight museums demanding information about exhibits within 30 days and instructing officials to implement content corrections including replacing divisive language. The review follows similar Trump administration pressure on universities, which resulted in institutions paying hundreds of millions to the government and walking back diversity initiatives. Separately, the Smithsonian has already made changes to exhibits referencing Trump, removing all mention of his impeachments from a presidential power display at the American history museum in July, leaving only generic references to three presidents facing potential removal from office. The museum administrators clarified, however, that the removal was part of an update, and that the impeachment information was restored on 8 August. Its unclear, however, exactly which museums are under review. A letter from the White House to the Smithsonian Institution secretary, Lonnie Bunch, last week included a different list of museums: the museums of American history, natural history, African American history and culture, and the American Indian, along with the National Air and Space Museum, the American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, were all up for internal review. The Smithsonian Institution did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but the Guardian obtained a statement sent by Bunch, the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, to colleagues. The Smithsonian continues to appear in multiple news stories and social media posts, I have received questions and comments from many of you. The Smithsonian will always be shaped by scholarship and guided by our core values. While our collections may evolve to reflect new discoveries and insights, the intellectual honesty and the integrity of our research and collections will not change. Throughout our 179-year history, we have listened to and learned from our fellow citizens, as part of our mission to provide Americans with high-quality, factual content and world-class science. While we cannot know what future critiques will hold, I do know that I have the greatest faith in your ability to persevere and effectively represent an institution whose goal is simply to help a nation better understand its past, produce and convey the most accurate science and scholarship, and serve the greater good. David Smith contributed reporting The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the tor network without being observed or monitored you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. USS Jason Dunham, a naval destroyer ship, will patrol the waters off Venezuela - Drew Angerer/Getty Images Donald Trump has deployed three US warships to the waters off Venezuela to intercept drug cartel deliveries. Three Aegis guided-missile destroyers are expected to be deployed to the region as part of the US presidents effort to combat the drug gangs. The USS Gravely, the USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson are planned to be sent over the course of several months, according to a department of defence official. The move to assign navy assets to anti-narcotics missions comes as tensions between Mr Trump and Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan president, continue to sour. Earlier this month, the Trump administration offered a $50m reward for Mr Maduros arrest after accusing him of being one of the worlds largest narco-traffickers and working with cartels to flood the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. USS Sampson is one of the three ships being deployed - Fiona Goodall/Getty Images The warship deployment also comes after Mr Trump risked a diplomatic row with Claudia Sheunbaum, Mexicos president, by ordering the Pentagon to begin using military force against Latin American drug cartels. Mr Trump has pushed for using the US military to thwart cartels he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the US. Ms Sheinbaum previously rejected suggestions of US intervention on Mexican soil, saying: The United States is not going to come to Mexico with military forces. We co-operate and collaborate, but there will be no invasion; that is ruled out. We have stated this in all the calls. In February, Mr Trump designated Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, MS-13 in El Salvador and six criminal groups based in Mexico as foreign terrorist organisations. The empire has gone mad Washingtons accusing Venezuela of drug trafficking reveals its lack of credibility and the failure of its policies in the region, Yvan Gil, the foreign minister, said in a statement. He added: 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. On Monday, Mr Maduro said the US 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 Hugo Chavez, the president at the time, to incorporate volunteers who could assist the armed forces in the defence of external and domestic attacks. The empire has gone mad and has renewed its threats to Venezuelas peace and tranquillity, Mr Maduro said at an event in Caracas, without mentioning any specific action. Mr 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. South African students honored at send-off ceremony for Chinese government scholarships 14:27, August 21, 2025 By Karabo Mohamme ( People's Daily Online A celebratory send-off ceremony was held at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa on Tuesday evening to honor South African students awarded Chinese government scholarships for the 2025 academic year. The event highlighted the growing significance of educational cooperation and cultural exchange between China and South Africa. Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, congratulated the scholarship recipients and praised the long-standing partnership between the two countries. The scholarships have been awarded to 11 South African students under the Chinese government scholarship programs, with an additional eight students selected for the Academic Education Programs scholarship. The selected students have been admitted to top-tier Chinese universities and will pursue degrees in key areas such as cybersecurity, engineering management, biological sciences, and healthcarefields critical to South Africa's national development. Wu encouraged them to embrace the opportunity not only for academic enrichment but also for cultural exploration. He urged the students to immerse themselves in China's rich heritage, experience its natural beauty, and engage with its rapidly advancing society, including exposure to high-speed rail networks, digital payment systems, smart cities, and other cutting-edge innovations. "Your experience will prove that choosing to study in China is the right decision," Wu said, while also expressing his gratitude to South Africa's Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Basic Education for their continued partnership. He described educational cooperation as a cornerstone of the China-South Africa All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era and emphasized the role of these scholarships in fostering people-to-people ties and supporting the development of South African youth. Among the recipients, Thandazo Sithole shared her excitement and hope for the future. She said she had long aspired to contribute to the fields of innovation and technology and saw the scholarship as a gateway to realizing those dreams. She described the opportunity as being far more than academic. "We are not just going to China as students; we are going as ambassadors of our country," she said. "This is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new culture, learn cutting-edge skills, and gain new ideas that can help shape a better world." The Department of Higher Education and Training's National Skills Fund was represented by Deputy Director Sandisa Maqubela, who reflected on the strong ties with China dating back to 2012, when an agreement was signed to send South African students to study in China and Sweden. While acknowledging that the current cohort is smaller than in previous years, Maqubela stressed the department's commitment to expanding the program. "Pre-COVID, we had more than 50 students based in China," she said. "Our commitment is to increase the number of young South Africans who are keen to become part of the global economy." Maqubela also recognized China's contributions to global innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence, and expressed South Africa's intention to draw from China's experience and expertise. As the students prepare to embark on their academic journeys, the ceremony served as a celebration of not only their individual achievements, but also the deepening partnership between China and South Africa in the realm of education and skills development. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) Sir Keir Starmer has led further meetings with European allies to discuss deploying a reassurance force to Ukraine to ensure the countrys security against future Russian attacks. The meeting came in the wake of what he described as a historic summit in the White House on Monday, led by Donald Trump and attended by eight of Europes top leaders, including Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, to attempt to negotiate a peace settlement with Russia. Sir Keir had already confirmed that he is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a peace deal for the war-torn country. He has taken the lead in creating a coalition of the willing to help shore up Ukraines defences. Trump, meanwhile, has ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his commitment to a just and lasting peace (PA Wire) The prime minister had also pledged to increase UK defence spending, saying that "tyrants" like Russian president Vladimir Putin "only respond to strength". His initial promise to raise spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, with an aim to hit 3 per cent by the end of the next term, was quickly altered to five per cent in line with Nato promises in June. Relations with Russia are at their worst since the Cold War period, and military experts believe that European countries need to be prepared for conflict. But is the UK ready to put boots on the ground; and how do Britains armed forces compare now to 40 years ago, in 1984, when the UK was engaged in a stand-off with Russia? How strong is the UKs military? Earlier this year the Ministry of Defence released its latest figures on military equipment, accurate as of April 2024. The army increased its number of Challenger II Main Battle Tanks from 213 to 219 in the past year to April. Ministry of Defence figures show that the army also has some 128 Ajax armoured fighting vehicles, though an update from defence minister Lord Coaker suggests that only 91 of these are already in service, after years of delay. The UK also added four new F-35 fighter jets, also known as Lightning, bringing the total to 35 according to latest figures. The number of Typhoon jets (137), submarines (10), destroyers (6), and frigates (12) remained the same as the previous year. UK military capacity compared to the Cold War in ships, submarines, tanks, and war planes. (IISS/ Ministry of Defence / The Independent) In terms of personnel and ships, the UKs capacity is substantially lower than in 1984, primarily because the UK is in peacetime and equipment needs have evolved. Technology has evolved significantly since the 1980s, in particular when it comes to air defence and tanks. This means that some equipment will be fewer in number but of a much higher quality. While jet fighters of the 1980s were technologically advanced for their time, the newest aircraft are more akin to flying supercomputers. Submarines are designed to evade ever more complicated detection equipment and warships have to tackle missiles which travel several times the speed of sound. Yet the numbers can matter when engaged in direct combat, experts explain, since losses are all but certain. Some equipment is not in service, is on loan, or is due for repairs, said defence acquisition expert Stuart Young, a former engineer officer in the Royal Navy and visiting fellow at Cranfield University. The Challenger main battle tank is currently in service, and thats being upgraded, Mr Young explained. But the challenge is, as those go in to be upgraded, the number of main battle tanks is going to go down until they come back out of that upgrade cycle. Many of these supplies have not been updated in decades, meaning in some cases the UK is still relying on the same equipment built in the Cold War. In fact, the majority of the armys armoured fighting vehicles are from before the 1990s, and some come from as far back as the Sixties, according to a defence committee report in 2021 which called the lack of new acquisitions deplorable. The navy faces similar challenges. The oldest type-23 frigates are well over 30 years old now, and the replacement was due originally in around 2010. Those ships were designed for an 18 to 21-year life, Mr Young said. If Britain enters into war, it is not clear that the country will be able to get stockpiles and numbers to the levels needed in a timely manner. The UK has met and exceeded its Nato minimum defence spend of 2 per cent of total economic output, or GDP, with levels currently estimated at 2.3 per cent; and set to rise to 2.5 per cent from 2027. But James Black, assistant director at security research group Rand, said that Natos 2 per cent target was a politically derived number that was common in a post-Cold War setting. In the Cold War, countries were spending routinely a lot more than 2 per cent, spending three, four or five, he said. So we shouldnt think that 2 per cent is a magic number at which you are automatically spending enough money that you are well defended against all threats. Sir Keir has pledged his support to President Zelensky (PA Wire) Last year, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the governments first budget including an increase in defence spending to almost 3bn, clearly illustrat[es] our commitment to national security and ensur[es] we have a military force fit for the future. But some military experts fear that this is not enough, arguing that 3 per cent of GDP a 0.7 per cent increase of some 16.4bn a year is necessary to replenish stockpiles and prepare the UK for a possible allied conflict against aggressors such as Russia; while Trump has called for 5 per cent spending in Europe. With the impact of Ukraine and the general tightening of government spending, were in a catch-up situation. I think spending has to go up to 3 per cent or more, to actually give you the increase in capability needed to meet the increasing threat that we have at the moment, Mr Young said. At a NATO summit in June, the Prime Minister pledged to deliver a historic 5 per cent of spending on national security. This would mean increasing the defence budget to 3.5 per cent by 2035. Type 23 frigates like HMS Lancaster are coming to the end of their lives (PA) (PA) Sir Keir has confirmed that defence spending will meet 2.5 per cent by 2027, yet his target of 3.5 per cent has a longer timeframe of nearly a decade. But Mr Young said he believed that matching the 2.5 per cent promise wouldnt represent any material improvements for UK defence. Instead, Mr Young estimates that this figure will be just enough to play catch-up with stockpiles and demand. We havent invested in stockpiling missiles and ammunition and things like that, Mr Young said. In July, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence acknowledged that the armed forces have faced resource cuts in the past few years. We know we face serious challenges after years of hollowing out of our armed forces and our Strategic Defence Review will assess the threats we face and the capabilities needed to address them in order to secure our nations defences. The war in Ukraine has also hit the UKs military budget and supplies, along with other Nato members. The UK has pledged 7.8bn in military assistance to Ukraine since February 2022 and, like other allied countries, has even donated equipment directly from UK defence stockpiles including tanks and missiles. This means that equipment numbers could be even lower than shown in the official statistics, last updated in September 2023. As a result, if Britains defence forces receive an influx in capital, it could take four or five years to replenish supplies of equipment and weaponry, Mr Young suggested. The new armed forces minister [Luke Pollard] said we want to buy as much defence equipment from the UK as possible. Well, the UK doesnt have that capacity any more. Dwindling troop numbers Britains armed forces also have a big recruitment problem, exacerbated by budget cuts; which may present a challenge if forces are deployed. We need to increase recruitment, especially if we are looking at peacekeeping activities in Ukraine, which needs boots on the ground. The problems we had six months ago have just been exacerbated further by recent events, Mr Young said. The number of people in the armed forces is 45 per cent lower than it was in 1984, at approximately 180,000 personnel, according to the MoD at January 1 of this year. Within this, only 127,000 are full-time trained personnel, while approximately 53,000 are untrained or reserves. Training takes time, money and, most importantly, retaining personnel, Mr Young said. In the current job market, army pay is no longer competitive before even considering how many young people are willing to commit to the hours, lifestyle, and risk of military service. But Mr Young warned that the biggest problem may be the loss of expertise, as higher trained officials are abandoning the military for private sector jobs. In particular, the quality of accommodation and other resources for military families has been in decline, which he points to as a reason for older personnel with dependents leaving the military. Mr Young said the UK couldnt afford to lose these highly trained groups in the armed forces, especially as equipment becomes more and more technically complex. Weve got people leaving the armed forces because of the living and working conditions, so then youre losing expertise and talent as well, he says. So, switching on the tap today in terms of recruitment doesnt give you an instant solution. Its going to be another three or four or five years or more before you get the fully trained people that you need, and then youve got to retain them. Theyve now got skills which are attractive to civilian employees. The Uk relies heavily on its fleet of Eurofighter Typhoons, build by Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain. (Getty Images) Lessons from Ukraine: the long haul Rands Mr Black said Britain and other Nato members needed to be taking lessons from the war in Ukraine to improve longevity capabilities in combat. The war in Ukraine has exposed that a lot of Western militaries have been assuming that any high-end war against someone like Russia would be very lethal, but would also probably be very quick. A kind of short, sharp, horrible flurry of violence. And then the situation would be resolved. However, the ongoing war in Ukraine now three years long has shown that this assumption is flawed. And if Britain were to engage in a longer period of war, the armed forces are not prepared to last more than a few months, according to a defence committee report in February. Former committee chair Sir Jeremy Quin told MPs that the military was unable to devote sufficient training and resources to high-intensity warfighting. Mr Black warns that the existing focus on higher quality, complex machinery does not necessarily work for long combat, with challenges such as refuelling, rapid replacement and stockpiling. How do I replenish my stockpiles when Ive fired all my missiles or dropped all my bombs? And that is partly a military question but also an industrial question. Do we have the industrial base to rebuild in the first place? Ugandas president, Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for almost 40 years. Photograph: Abubaker Lubowa/Reuters Uganda has reached an agreement with the US to take in deportees from third countries who may not get asylum but are reluctant to go back to their own countries, according to Ugandas foreign ministry. The country will not accept people with criminal records or unaccompanied minors under the temporary arrangement, the Ugandan foreign ministrys permanent secretary said in a statement. He did not say whether Uganda was receiving any payment or other benefits and how many deportees it would accept. Uganda also prefers that individuals from African countries shall be the ones transferred to Uganda. The two parties are working out the detailed modalities on how the agreement shall be implemented, Bagiire Vincent Waiswa said. The government of the east African country is the latest to strike a deal with the US, which is seeking to expel millions of undocumented migrants, asylum seekers and foreigners with criminal convictions or more minor legal infractions on their record. In July, five migrants from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen and Cuba, who Washington said had been convicted of serious crimes, were flown to Eswatini, where they are now in a high security prison. The deportations are being challenged by a group of Swazi and southern African NGOs, with a high court hearing scheduled for Friday. Also in July, eight men from various countries were deported by the US to South Sudan, via Djibouti, where they were held for weeks in a shipping container. Meanwhile, more than 250 Venezuelans were repatriated to Venezuela after being sent to a notorious El Salvador prison in March without due process. Meanwhile, Rwanda has said it will take in 250 people deported by the US. The Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told the BBC they would be given workforce training, health care and accommodation to jump start their lives in Rwanda. Uganda is a US ally and has been ruled by the 80-year-old president, Yoweri Museveni, for almost 40 years. His political opponents are regularly sent to jail. On Wednesday, a Ugandan official denied that it had reached a deal with the US, saying that they did not have the facilities and infrastructure to accommodate immigrants. The denial followed a CBS News story on Tuesday that cited internal government documents, reporting that the White House had reached deportation deals with Honduras and Uganda. Godwin Toko, the deputy executive director of Agora, a Ugandan thinktank that promotes democracy and human rights said: Uganda doesnt have the cards, economically in terms of military power or in any other sense. But Uganda can then play a good boy for the US and this is one of the avenues that the Ugandan government uses to gain leverage. Related: Controversy is always good fodder: Ugandas cartoonists turn their pens on presidents provocative son Uganda has a record of accepting migrants and asylum seekers deported by other countries. Between 2015 and 2018, Israel sent about 1,700 Sudanese and Eritrean asylum seekers to the country. Uganda hosts nearly 2 million refugees and asylum seekers, most from other east African countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan. However, while Ugandas government and citizens are known for being welcoming to foreigners, Toko said that it has a bad track record of protecting people who have fled for political reasons. He said: God forbid that among the people being brought to Uganda there is a Kenyan dissident. I think Uganda will have no problem whatsoever handing that dissident over to the Kenyan government the next day. Or a South Sudanese dissident or any country that has a good relationship with Uganda. US Navy ship USS New Orleans catches fire while docked in Japan Dramatic footage shows a US Navy ship on fire while it was docked in Okinawa, Japan. The USS New Orleans went up in flames while it was moored close to an American military port on Wednesday (20 August) at approximately 5pm local time. Footage broadcast on news channel NHK shows multiple fire engines trying to extinguish the blaze by pumping water onto the main deck. Crews from both the US military and the Japan Self-Defense Forces were later sent out to try and tame the fire. The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) said that no injuries had been reported and that the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. An American woman disguised in a niqab whose gun jammed in a failed assassination plot has been jailed for 30 years. Aimee Betro tried to shoot shop owner Sikander Ali at point-blank range outside his home in South Yardley, Birmingham, in September 2019. Earlier this month jurors at Birmingham Crown Court found the 45-year-old graphic design and childhood education graduate guilty of conspiracy to murder, possessing a self-loading pistol and fraudulently evading the prohibition on importing ammunition. Betro, who is originally from West Allis, Wisconsin, but lived in Armenia until earlier this year, took part in a plot orchestrated by co-conspirators Mohammed Aslam, 56, and his son Mohammed Nabil Nazir, 31, to attack a rival family. Aimee Betro checking into a Birmingham hotel before she took part in the failed assassination plot (West Midlands Police) Betro showed no emotion as Judge Simon Drew KC jailed her on Thursday for 30 years, with concurrent sentences of six years for possessing a firearm and two years for evading the prohibition. He said: You went beyond simply reaching an agreement to kill and, in reality, you did intend to kill Mr Ali. It is only a matter of chance that Mr Ali wasnt killed. You were engaged in a complex, well-planned conspiracy to murder. You were prepared to pull the trigger and did so on two separate occasions. Betros three-week trial heard that she met Nazir online in late 2018 and then communicated with him on Snapchat before flying into the UK on Christmas Day. She told the court she slept with Nazir at an Airbnb in London before returning to the US in January 2019. Betro in Birmingham following the attempted shooting (West Midlands Police) On a two-week follow-up visit in May 2019, Betro told the court she did not see Nazir, instead visiting a friend in Birmingham and staying at someone's house in the middle of England to take care of their dog. Records show that she landed at Manchester Airport on a flight from Atlanta on August 22 2019, 16 days before the attempted killing of Mr Ali. Betro was caught on CCTV at and near the scene of her failed attempt to shoot Mr Ali, who fled in his car after her gun jammed. She had waited in a Mercedes car for around 45 minutes for Mr Ali to arrive, then used a burner phone to send Mr Alis father messages reading Where are you hiding? and Stop playing hide and seek, you are lucky it jammed. Security camera footage also captured Betros return to the scene hours later, when she aimed three shots through two windows at Mr Alis family home. The damaged Mercedes was later found dumped, leading to the discovery of a black glove with Betros DNA on it. Betro told the court she had flown into the UK to celebrate her 40th birthday and knew nothing of any shooting or plot by the time she returned to the US. She also claimed that the woman caught on CCTV wielding a gun and recorded booking taxis was another American woman known to Nazir, who had a similar voice and footwear. Nazir was jailed for 32 years in November 2024 for offences including conspiracy to murder, and Aslam was sentenced to 10 years. The men, both from Derby, denied any wrongdoing but were convicted after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. Addressing Betro, Judge Drew said: So far as you are concerned, clearly you had a leading role. I accept that Nazir recruited you, but you were the gunwoman. You were the person who was prepared to fire the gun. As a result, you showed that you were willing to carry out the killing yourself. Furthermore, this was a conspiracy to murder more than one person." Defending, Paul Lewis KC said Betro would find custody in the UK difficult, and he urged the judge to give her credit for the 198 days she had spent on remand in Armenia awaiting extradition before her trial. He said: She has apparently been a model prisoner on remand. She is likely to find incarceration particularly difficult because all her family and friends are in America and she has had very few visits except for her lawyers. Addressing Betro, Judge Drew said: I take into account your antecedent history, your age, the fact that you will serve some or all of your sentence in a UK prison, far away from home, and the contents of your letter in which you express remorse for your actions. A would-be assassin who flew to the UK only for her gun to jam during an assassination attempt while she was disguised in a niqab will be sentenced on Thursday. Aimee Betro, 45, was found guilty of conspiracy to murder, possessing a self-loading pistol and fraudulently evading the prohibition on importing ammunition after a three-week trial which ended last week. The graphic design and childhood education graduate tried to shoot Sikander Ali at point-blank range outside his home in Measham Grove, Yardley, Birmingham, shortly after 8pm on September 7 2019. CCTV captured Betro in Birmingham following the attempted shooting (West Midlands Police/PA) Judge Simon Drew KC will sentence Betro, who is originally from West Allis in Wisconsin but lived in Armenia until earlier this year, at Birmingham Crown Court. Jurors at her trial heard she took part in a plot orchestrated by co-conspirators Mohammed Aslam, 56, and his son Mohammed Nabil Nazir, 31, who were sentenced for their part last year, following a feud with Mr Alis father, Aslat Mahumad. Nazir was jailed for 32 years in November 2024 for offences including conspiracy to murder while Aslam was sentenced to 10 years. Prosecution counsel Tom Walkling KC said revenge was the motive after Nazir and Aslam were injured during disorder at Mr Mahumads clothing boutique in Birmingham in July 2018, which led them to conspire to have someone kill him or a member of his family. Mr Walkling told Betros trial that she met Nazir, who lived in Derby, on a dating app in late 2018 and then communicated with him via Snapchat before flying to the UK on Christmas Day of the same year. Aimee Betro checking into a Birmingham hotel before she took part in the failed assassination plot (West Midlands Police/PA) She told the court she slept with Nazir at an Airbnb in London before returning to the US in January 2019. Records show Betro landed at Manchester Airport on a flight from Atlanta on August 22 2019, two weeks before the attempted killing of Mr Ali. Betro was caught on CCTV at and near the scene of the failed attempt to shoot Mr Ali, who fled in his car after the gun jammed. Security camera footage also captured her return to the scene hours later, when she aimed three shots through the front windows of Mr Alis family home. Betro told the court she flew into the UK to celebrate her 40th birthday and knew nothing of any shooting or murder plot by the time she returned to the US. She also attempted to explain away evidence against her by claiming the woman caught on CCTV wielding a gun and recorded booking taxis was another American woman known to Nazir who had a similar voice and footwear. A US woman disguised in a niqab whose gun jammed during a failed assassination plot in Birmingham has been jailed for 30 years. Aimee Betro flew to the UK before she tried to shoot Sikander Ali at point-blank range outside his home in Measham Grove, Yardley, Birmingham, shortly after 8pm on September 7 2019. Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court found the 45-year-old graduate guilty of conspiracy to murder as well as possessing a self-loading pistol and fraudulently evading the prohibition on importing ammunition, on August 12. The jury of six men and six women deliberated for almost 21 hours before returning its verdicts, two of which were by an 11-1 majority. Betro, who is originally from West Allis in Wisconsin, but lived in Armenia until earlier this year, took part in a plot orchestrated by co-conspirators Mohammed Aslam, 56, and his son Mohammed Nabil Nazir, 31, to attack a rival family. Wearing a white top, black cardigan and her hair in plaits in the dock on Thursday, Betro showed no emotion as Judge Simon Drew KC jailed her for 30 years, with concurrent sentences of six years for possessing a firearm and two years for evading the prohibition. He said: You went beyond simply reaching an agreement to kill and, in reality, you did intend to kill Mr Ali. It is only a matter of chance that Mr Ali wasnt killed. Aimee Betro checking in to a Birmingham apartment before the failed assassination attempt (West Midlands Police/PA) You were engaged in a complex, well-planned conspiracy to murder. You were prepared to pull the trigger and did so on two separate occasions. Prosecution counsel Tom Walkling KC told Betros trial that she met Nazir, who lived in Derby, on a dating app. Judge Drew said that while it was not clear when Nazir recruited Betro to take part in his revenge scheme, it appeared she was acting out of infatuation or love. Both men were jailed last year by the same judge for their part in the bungled assassination plot, which was the culmination of a long-running feud with Mr Alis father, Aslat Mahumad. Mr Walkling said revenge was the motive after Nazir and Aslam were injured during disorder at Mr Mahumads clothing boutique in Birmingham in July 2018, which led them to conspire to have someone kill him or a member of his family. Judge Drew said: Im quite satisfied that was the motive and motivation for what took place in September of 2019. Aimee Betro is seen on CCTV in Birmingham following the attempted shooting (West Midlands Police/PA) In particular, Aslam and Nazir planned a revenge attack on Mr Mahumad and his family, and you were recruited to conduct what was intended to be an execution. Betros three-week trial was told she met Nazir online in late 2018 and then communicated with him on Snapchat before flying into the UK on Christmas Day of the same year. She told the court she slept with Nazir at an Airbnb in London before returning to the US in January 2019. During a two-week follow-up visit to Britain in May 2019, Betro told jurors she did not see Nazir at all, instead visiting a friend in Birmingham and staying at someones house in the middle of England to take care of their dog. Records show the graphic design and childhood education graduate landed at Manchester Airport on a flight from Atlanta on August 22 2019, two weeks before the attempted killing of Mr Ali. Betro is caught on pub CCTV placing her in the area around the time of the attempted shooting (West Midlands Police/PA) Betro was caught on CCTV at and near the scene of the failed attempt to shoot Mr Ali, who was able to flee in his car after the gun jammed. The would-be killer, who had waited in a Mercedes car for around 45 minutes for Mr Ali to arrive, then used a burner phone to send Mr Alis father messages reading Where are you hiding? and stop playing hide and seek, you are lucky it jammed. Security camera footage also captured her return to the scene hours later, when she aimed three shots through two front upstairs windows at Mr Alis family home. The damaged Mercedes was later found dumped, leading to the discovery of a black glove with Betros DNA on it. Betro told the court she flew into the UK to celebrate her 40th birthday and knew nothing of any shooting or plot by the time she returned to the US. Mohammed Nabil Nazir was jailed for his part in the plot at Birmingham Crown Court last year (West Midlands Police/PA) She also attempted to explain away evidence against her by claiming the woman caught on CCTV wielding a gun and recorded booking taxis was another American woman known to Nazir who had a similar voice and footwear. Nazir was jailed for 32 years in November 2024 for offences including conspiracy to murder, while Aslam was sentenced to 10 years. The men, both of Elms Avenue, Derby, denied any wrongdoing but were convicted after a trial also held at Birmingham Crown Court. Addressing Betro, Judge Drew said: So far as you are concerned clearly you had a leading role. I accept that Nazir recruited you, but you were the gunwoman. You were the person who was prepared to fire the gun, as a result you showed that were willing to carry out the killing yourself. Furthermore, this was a conspiracy to murder more than one person. Defending Betro, Paul Lewis KC said she would find custody in the UK difficult because her loved ones are still in the US and urged the judge to give her credit for the 198 days she had spent on remand in Armenia awaiting extradition before her trial. He said: She has apparently been a model prisoner on remand. She is likely to find incarceration particularly difficult because all her family and friends are in America and she has had very few visits except for her lawyers. Speaking to Betro, Judge Drew said: So far as mitigation is concerned, I take into account your antecedent history, your age, the fact that you will serve some or all of your sentence in a UK prison, far away from home, and the contents of your letter in which you express remorse for your actions. Cruel hoax prompts Villanova University students to shelter in place after false active shooter reported on campus Terrified students fled an open-air event at Villanova University in Pennsylvania and barricaded themselves inside campus buildings because of an ultimately unfounded active shooter warning on Thursday. Police were in the process of clearing university buildings on Thursday evening when Villanova President Rev. Peter Donohue announced in a public statement the shooting was a false alarm. Mercifully, no one was injured, and we now know that it was a cruel hoax there was no active shooter, no injuries, and no evidence of firearms present on campus, Donohue wrote. While that is a blessing and relief, I know todays events have shaken our entire community. Campus officials later said an anonymous report of an active shooter in the law school had triggered the initial alarm on campus. The campus is all clear, reads an update on the university website. You no longer need to shelter in place. Officials said a prior warning of an active shooter on campus at Villanova University was in fact a cruel hoax (AP) It was an absolute stampede, a Villanova law student named Allison told NBC Philadelphia of the scene at the university before the all-clear was given. It was a very nervous experience. State police, as well as local and federal law enforcement, had responded to the reports of a shooter on campus, according to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. The hoax took place on the final day of the universitys law school orientation. Students initially got an emergency alert around 4:30 p.m. local time of a shooter on campus and were told to shelter in place. A campus notice advised the public to avoid the law schools Scarpa Hall. Students and parents got alert about possible active shooting around 4:30 p.m., prompting pandemonium as visitors fled outdoor Mass event (AP) The alert went out as visitors and students were attending an outdoor Mass. Social media video from campus showed people running in panic in an outdoor area as word spread a shooting had taken place. GovernorShapiro vowed to prosecute those responsible for the false report of a shooting on campus. I've directed [the Pennsylvania State Police] to work alongside their partners and use every tool at our disposal to find the person or people who called in this fake threat and hold them accountable, Shapiro wrote on X. I know today was every parent's nightmare, and every student's biggest fear. I'm profoundly grateful no one was hurt, and thankful to all members of law enforcement who ran towards reports of danger to keep Pennsylvanians safe. Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin could meet for the first time in six years in the hope of ending the Ukraine war - but it remains unclear just where the two leaders will come face-to-face. The White House is in the process of selecting a location for the potential meeting, that has been championed by the US president Donald Trump. A warrant against the Russian president by the International Criminal Court means destinations are limited to countries that are not signees of the Rome Statute. It remains unclear whether Trump will attend a meeting with Zelensky and Putin (AFP/Getty) Trump explained to Fox News radio host Mark Levin: "They are in the process of setting it up, before casting doubt on whether he would even attend such talks. "Now I think it would be better if they met without me. ... If necessary, I'll go. When asked how he balanced the interests of all the parties involved, Trump 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 Zelensky is being planned. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told state media on Tuesday 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. Here are the potential destinations where a summit between Putin and Zelensky could take place: Budapest, Hungary The Hungarian prime minister has criticised sanctions against Putin; the country continues to buy oil from Russia (AP) The White House has said they are considering Budapest as a potential venue for talks having spoken to Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban. This wouldnt be the first time Budapest has been a key destination for talks between Russia and Ukraine. In 1994, then US president Bill Clinton met with Russian president Boris Yeltsin and Ukraines leader Leonid Kravchuk. At the time, Ukraine was given assurances of territorial integrity from the US, Russia and the UK that meant little when Putin launched an assault 20 years later. Maybe Im superstitious, but this time I would try to find another place, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on social media. Orban, who remains Putins closest ally in Europe, has long advocated to open up negotiations with the Russian leader. It has been confirmed that the isolation-based strategy has failed, he said on Tuesday after a meeting with the European Union. It has been confirmed that there is no solution to the Russia-Ukraine war on the frontline; only diplomatic efforts can bring a solution. Geneva, Switzerland Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis has said that the country would receive Putin despite being a signatory of the International Criminal Court (AP) Switzerland, famous for its neutrality, has said they would be ready to host Putin for any peace talks on Ukraine, despite being a signatory of the ICC. Foreign minister Ignazio 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. French president Emmanuel Macron has mooted Geneva as a potential location for Ukraine peace talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a meeting between President Trump, Zelensky and European leaders in Washington. Istanbul, Turkey Erdogan and Putin spoke about Ukraine on Wednesday (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) A senior Trump administration official said that Istanbul had also been mentioned as a potential venue for the two leaders to meet, as Talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations have previously taken place in the city. On Wednesday, Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan spoke with Putin on the phone to discuss Ukraine and the outcome of Putin's summit last week, according to the Kremlin. Moscow, Russia While meeting with Trump, Putin reportedly suggested the rather unlikely location of Moscow for talks with Ukraine. However, both Zelensky and the US were unsurprisingly quick to reject the idea. Minsk, Belarus Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenkos spokesperson has said Minsk is ready to mediate a possible meeting between Russia and Ukraine. Bordering Russia and Ukraine, Belarus has maintained close ties with Putin. The countrys relationship with Ukraine has deteriorated since the start of Russias full-scale invasion. Where did Zelensky and Putin last meet? The Normandy Format Summit was the first and last time Putin and Zelensky met (AFP/Getty) Ukraines leader and his Russian counterpart have not met in person since 2019, when they met in Paris to discuss an end to fighting in the Donbas region. The Normandy Format Summit, arranged by French, German, Russian and Ukrainian diplomats, took place in Zelenskys first year in office after he became president earlier that year. Agreements were made to disengage troops from areas of the Donbas region by the end of March 2020 and a roadmap was agreed for elections in occupied regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, with plans to reintegrate the territory back into the rest of Ukraine. But following the talk, the two countries continued to disagree on issues relating to the war-torn region. A drone and missile attack on western Ukraine overnight that hit targets including a US-owned electronics plant proved that Vladimir Putin is trying to avoid peace talks, warned Kyiv. The aerial assault was one of Russia's biggest this year and came as Moscow objected to key aspects of proposals that could end the war it started in February 2022. Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, saying it was carried out as if nothing were changing at all. The signals from Russia are simply, to be honest, indecent, he told Ukrainians in his nightly presidential address. Firefighters in Lviv on Thursday (AP) A US electronics plant near the Hungarian border was struck, according to Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. The Flex factory is one of the biggest American investments in Ukraine. At the moment of impact, 600 night-shift workers were on the premises, and six were injured, Mr Hunder added. Russian attacks on Ukraine since it launched its invasion have damaged property belonging to more than half of the chamber's roughly 600 members, he said. The message is clear: Russia is not looking for peace. Russia is attacking American business in Ukraine, humiliating American business, Mr Hunder said. Russia's defence ministry said the strikes targeted enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. It claimed the attack hit drone factories, storage depots and missile launch sites, as well as areas where Ukrainian troops were gathered. Russia has repeatedly denied targeting civilian areas of Ukraine. In Lviv, one person was killed and three were injured as the attack damaged 26 residential buildings, a nursery school and administrative buildings, regional head Maksym Kozytskyi wrote on Telegram. The regional prosecutor's office said three Russian cruise missiles with cluster munitions struck the city. Moscow has shown no signs of pursuing meaningful negotiations to end the war, Mr Zelensky said. He urged the international community to respond with stronger pressure on Moscow, including tougher sanctions and tariffs. Plans for security guarantees will become clearer by the end of next week, Mr Zelensky said, by which time he expects to be ready to hold direct talks with Mr Putin for the first time since Russias full-scale invasion. Donald Trump discussed the war with Putin in Alaska last week before hosting Mr Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on Monday. A damaged residential building in Lviv (Reuters) Mr Trump questioned Putin's commitment to ending the war, saying the Russian leader talks nice and then he bombs everybody. Russia has fired nearly 1,000 long-range drones and missiles at Ukraine since Monday's White House talks, according to Ukrainian tallies. European countries are discussing how they can deploy military assets to deter any post-war Russian assault on Ukraine, but the Kremlin will not accept the deployment of any troops from Nato countries, and Russias foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that making security arrangements for Ukraine without Moscow's involvement was pointless. Putin is ready to meet with Mr Zelensky to discuss peace terms, Mr Lavrov said on Thursday, but only after key issues have been worked out by senior officials in what could be a protracted negotiating process because the two sides remain far apart. US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who also serves as Mr Trump's national security adviser, held a conference call on Thursday with his European counterparts to discuss the options. Final details must still be worked out, but European countries would provide "the lion's share" of any forces involved in security guarantees for Ukraine, a source familiar with the matter said. That echoed vice-president JD Vance's comment on Wednesday that Europe would need to shoulder "the lion's share" of the costs of the operation. Mr Trump has said he will not deploy US troops in Ukraine but has left the door open to other US military involvement, including air support. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report Courtesy of Prime Madelyn Cline as Heather Mulgrew and KJ Apa as Jack in 'The Map That Leads to You'. The Map That Leads to You brings viewers wanderlust, heartbreak and all of the life that happens in between. Prime Videos newest vacation romance is based on the late J.P. Monningers 2017 novel by the same name. The book follows Heather as she and her two college best friends, Constance and Amy, enjoy a trip around Europe following graduation before they start the next phase of their life. On an overnight train, Heather meets Jack, her polar opposite: she prefers a plan and has a cushy finance job waiting for her in New York City, while Jack maintains a go-with-the-flow attitude on his travels, using his grandfathers journal as a guide. Their whirlwind romance takes them across Europe, through the highs and lows of their time together, including the sweet, tender moments and arguments about their clashing philosophies on life. All the while, Jack has a secret that will turn both of their worlds upside down. The movie adaptation, which premiered Aug. 20 on Prime Video, stars Madelyn Cline as Heather, KJ Apa as Jack, Sofia Wylie as Connie (Constance in the book), Madison Thompson as Amy and Orlando Norman as Jacks friend, Raef. In order to bring the story to the screen, the filmmaking team made some big adjustments to the characters and plot. Here are all the differences between The Map That Leads to You novel and the Prime Video film. Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Map That Leads to You! In the movie, Heathers mom is out of the picture Courtesy of Prime Madelyn Cline as Heather Mulgrew in 'The Map That Leads to You'. In the movie, Heather is raised by a single father, portrayed by Josh Lucas. In one scene, she explains to Jack that her mom was an architect, though she wasnt sure if that was still her job because she left her family when Heather was 10. Her mom got a job in a new city and made periodic visits, phone calls and wrote letters until the communication ultimately stopped. However, in the book, Heathers parents are still together. She frequently receives phone calls from both of her parents throughout the book, including her mother, who is occasionally referred to as her Mom-a-saurus. In the book, Heather and her friends graduate from Amherst College Lucia Faraig/Prime Madelyn Cline as Heather Mulgrew, Sofia Wylie as Connie and Madison Thompson in 'The Map That Leads to You'. Its a small change, but in the film, Heather and her friends Amy and Connie graduated from college in Boston before embarking on their European adventure. However, the book starts with the friends graduation from Amherst College, located in Amherst, Mass., approximately two hours away from Boston. In the movie, Heather is from Texas Courtesy of Prime Madelyn Cline as Heather Mulgrew and KJ Apa as Jack in 'The Map That Leads to You'. Heather specifies that her family is from Texas in the movie. Toward the end of the film, she returns back home months after Jacks mysterious disappearance to spend the holidays with her dad and family. In the book, Heather is from New Jersey, where her parents still reside, just a train ride from her new home in N.Y.C. In the book, Heather and Jack meet on a train to Amsterdam Courtesy of Prime Madelyn Cline as Heather Mulgrew and KJ Apa as Jack in 'The Map That Leads to You'. Jack and Heathers meet-cute on the train is similar in the movie and the book, but takes place in different locations. In the movie, they meet on an overnight train from Paris to Barcelona when Jack asks Heather to hold his backpack before hoisting himself up onto the luggage rack above her seat to rest. During their conversation, they talk about life and books, including Heathers love for Ernest Hemingway. In the book, they are on an overnight train to Amsterdam, which shifts the events of their travels and what the new group of friends get up to on the tail-end of their European adventure. In the movie, Jack is from New Zealand Courtesy of Prime KJ Apa as Jack in 'The Map That Leads to You'. In the movie, Jack is from New Zealand, where Apa hails from. Toward the beginning of the film, when Heather and Jack are outside the club, he tells her that hes from New Zealand and has been traveling and going with the flow. Later, when Heather is talking to her dad on the phone in Rome, she confesses that she met someone during her travels, a guy named Jack from New Zealand who is following his great-grandfathers journal. At one point, when Heather asks about whether or not he works to afford travel, Jack says he tries not to work and does odd jobs, including scrubbing the deck on boats, working at a supermarket, cleaning cars and assisting a medium. He later tells Heather that he was just like her, double-majoring in economics and statistics, and at one point, had a job like hers. However, in the book, Jack is American. He grew up in Vermont, where his grandfather had a farm, and was raised by his parents, with whom he has a strained relationship. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a communications degree and pursued journalism when he got out of college, working as a reporter for a small newspaper in Wyoming. In the book, Jack is following his grandfathers journal Courtesy of Prime 'The Map That Leads to You'. In a small detail change in the movie, Jack is following his great-grandfather Russells journal written post-WWII. The handwritten and illustrated journal contains pages upon pages about his travels, including passages about special locations that Jack later travels to by himself, as well as adventures he replicates with Heather and her friends. In the book, Jack is following his grandfather Vernons journal, though it was still written post-WWII. In the movie, Amy clearly gets robbed of her belongings Courtesy of Prime 'The Map That Leads to You'. In a turning point for Heather, Connie and Amys trip across Europe, Amy gets robbed of all of her belongings after a night out. On the train to Barcelona, she meets a guy named Victor on the train and the two hook up. He invites Amy and her friends to a club at a warehouse in Barcelona and Jack arrives with his friend, Raef, who is interested in Connie. Amy goes to a house party with Victor and the next morning, its revealed that he stole all of her belongings. Heather, Connie and Amy along with Jack and Raef go on a hunt for the house party and eventually find Victor at a hostel. They break into the room and recover all of her belongings, as well as around 5,000 cash, which they use to extend their trip around Spain. In the book, Amy loses her belongings after a night out, but doesnt initially remember all of the details or tell her friends. She cuts her trip short and returns back to the United States while Heather and Connie continue their trip around Europe. Later in the book, while on a girls' trip, Amy tells Heather and Connie the truth: that she thinks she was drugged by a man named Alfred and woke up on a boat with all of her belongings gone. In the book, Jack doesn't reveal that he had a health scare Courtesy of Prime KJ Apa as Jack in 'The Map That Leads to You'. In the movie, Jack tells Heather candidly that he had a health scare previously, which is what inspired his travels. In the book, even though Jack is at times tired or ill, he doesnt tell Heather that he had a scare. However, during a conversation with her, he tells a story about his old co-worker Tom from the newspaper who wanted the same thing as Jack to be a journalist. Then he discovered a lump above his collarbone, was diagnosed with cancer and died nine months later. This affected Jack deeply and made him question his mortality. Raef later reveals to Heather that Tom wasnt a real person. Jack was referring to himself and would call his condition Old Tom. In the movie, Heather extends her trip to spend more time with Jack while Amy and Connie go on their own travels Courtesy of Prime Madelyn Cline as Heather Mulgrew and KJ Apa as Jack in 'The Map That Leads to You'. After Heather, Connie and Amy extend their trip through Spain with Jack and Raef, the friend group all go their separate ways. Amy goes to hike the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Connie and Raef go on a trip to learn how to make wine. While Heather is set to go back home to start her new job, Jack convinces her to cut into her buffer time before she moves into her apartment and extend her trip to continue their travels, bringing them to Rome. In the book, Amy makes the decision to go home after all of her belongings go missing in Amsterdam. Connie and Heather go to Berlin together, where Jack surprises Heather after an argument. Instead of the group of five traveling together through Spain, Heather and Connie enjoy several days in Berlin and Raef asks Connie to go to a jazz festival in Malaga, Spain. Heather and Jacks travels are then extended across the wider breadth of Europe. In the book, Heather and Jack travel to more countries Courtesy of Prime KJ Apa as Jack in 'The Map That Leads to You'. After the group splits up following their joyride through Spain on Victors dime, Jack and Heather extend their time in Europe, traveling through Spain, Portugal and Italy. In Spain, they go to Donostia-San Sebastian and attend Festival of San Fermin in Pamplona for the "running of the bulls" where he injures his shoulder and has to go to the hospital. They travel to Porto, Portugal, next before they end their trip in Rome, where they plant an olive tree in a grove together after he reveals that he will be going back to N.Y.C. with her. In the book, Jack and Heathers travels extend even further. After Berlin, they travel to Poland, Prague, Switzerland and Italy. Their travels end in Paris, where they meet back up with Connie and Raef. One day, Jack and Raef disappear for the day while Heather and Connie enjoy their time together. At one point during the trip, rather than planting an olive tree in Italy, they plant a European ash tree in the Jardin du Luxembourg after dark with locks of their hair. Unfortunately, in both the book and movie, Heather and Jacks trips end in the same way Jack agrees to go to N.Y.C. with Heather and ultimately ditches her at the airport, leaving her to travel back alone while he ghosts her. In the movie, Heather receives a letter from Jack at Connie and Raefs wedding Courtesy of Prime Madelyn Cline as Heather Mulgrew in 'The Map That Leads to You'. After Jack leaves Heather at the airport and doesnt go back to N.Y.C. with her, Heather starts her new life and job in the city. As she does in both the book and movie, Connie gets engaged to Raef with their wedding set for the following spring in Barcelona (in the book, its in Paris). In the movie, during the wedding, Heather asks Raef if he has heard anything from Jack. He takes her to a room and lets her know that Jack never RSVPd, but sent a gift and a letter for her, which was only to be given to her if she asked about him. In the letter, Jack says vanishing at the airport was unforgivable and watching her board the plane by herself was the hardest thing. He said he felt that he had no choice and that he lied to her about how sick he was and that he was afraid his cancer would come back. He said that he couldnt ask her to watch him die, so he had to leave, and hoped she would find happiness. In the book, its Raef who tells Heather that Jack is sick. When they are sharing a dance at the wedding, Raef confesses that he kept a secret from Heather and Connie in Paris, when he and Jack disappeared for the day, they were at the hospital. Jack was sick before he traveled to Europe, and his symptoms reappeared. Heather then leaves the wedding to go to the Jardin du Luxembourg to dig up the tree they planted together. When she digs it up, she discovers a letter buried with the tree written from Jack to her that shared that he was sick and dying. In the book, Heather finds Jack at a festival in Bulgaria Courtesy of Prime Madelyn Cline as Heather Mulgrew and KJ Apa as Jack in 'The Map That Leads to You'. In the movie, after discovering that Jack is sick, Heather leaves Connie and Raefs wedding in Barcelona to go to Santa Pau where Jacks grandfather wrote about a spring festival. It was described in a ripped out page of his journal that they discovered together. Heather arrives at the festival and is enveloped in the group of people dancing. In the crowd, she finds Jack and the two embrace. He tells Heather that he cant give her a future, but she says that she doesnt need him to. They confess their love for each other again and begin to kiss amid the celebration. In the book, Heather has Jacks grandfathers journal, not just the singular page, and remembers the first entry in the journal is from the Surva Festival in Batak, Bulgaria. She travels to Bulgaria for the festival in hopes of finding Jack, but doesnt initially find him during the celebrations she thought she saw him with a woman, but he disappeared into the crowd. While eating at a restaurant, Jack walks by the window, and she runs after him. Their eyes finally meet amid the crowd of people, and they embrace and share a kiss. Jack tells Heather that his leukemia came back, and he found out the results while in Paris. Much like the movie, in the book, Heather and Jack enjoy their time at the festival, embracing one another in the wake of the tragic news. Read the original article on People August 21, 2025: Since Vladimir Putin took control of Russia over twenty years ago, he has sought to recreate the Soviet Unionnot only its socialist government with him in charge but also the territory it once controlled. He began with Ukraine, which proved far more challenging than anticipated. The invasion of Ukraine triggered crippling economic sanctions and a collapsing Russian economy. To address this crisis, Putin realized strong measures were necessary. Drawing on his KGB background, he enlisted many friends and associates from those days to serve in his new government. Russia is increasingly becoming a full police state. New laws reinstate many of the arbitrary powers once held by Soviet police and intelligence officials. While post-Soviet Russia remains a democracy in name, elected officials are restoring the surveillance and control capabilities their Soviet predecessors relied on. The primary vehicle for implementing this new police state is the FSB, the successor to the Cold War-era KGB. This organization is regaining many of its Soviet-era powers and personnel. Before the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, the KGB was the most powerful organization in the country, operating as a law unto itself as long as it focused on keeping the Communist Party in power. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the KGB lost much of its influence but did not disappear. It was fragmented into several organizations, with the FSB, a counterintelligence agency with police powers, as the main successor. The SVR, responsible for overseas espionage, was another. Since the late 1990s, the FSB has been steadily reclaiming its Cold War-era authority and personnel, including control over the border police and various specialized technical organizations. While this pleases the law-and-order community, it alarms Russians who recall the KGBs role as the primary enforcer of the communist dictatorship. The FSBs expanded powers allow it to operate with near impunity, reminiscent of the communist era. The FSB now directly controls over 100,000 personnel and has authority over many more in other government departments, including the national police force. The Communist Party has been replaced by an oligarchy of wealthy men who amassed fortunes through business acumen, corruption, outright theft, and personal ties to Putin. In effect, this group is a more efficient version of the Communist Party bureaucrats who ruled and terrorized Russians for 70 years. While less lethal than their communist predecessors, the new elite is no less intolerant of criticism. The KGB gained most of its power just before World War II, after dictator Joseph Stalin purged much of the army leadership to prevent a potential military takeover. The KGB became a powerful state secret police, combining the roles of the FBI, CIA, and more. It was omnipresent, tasked with keeping the communist leadership in power, and maintained a network of informants within the military. When Stalin died of natural causes in 1953, Nikita Khrushchev and close Communist Party associates assumed control. One of their first acts was to execute the head of the KGB, Lavrentiy Beria, a Stalin loyalist responsible for large-scale massacres within the Communist Party and KGB. Less ruthless KGB officers were promoted to lead the organization. Until the Soviet Unions collapse in 1991, the KGB remained at the top of the social, political, economic, and legal hierarchy. In the late 1980s, reformers like Mikhail Gorbachev rose to power with the support of senior KGB officials who recognized the need for change. The KGB, a relatively small group compared to the military and Communist Party, was prepared to survive the next revolution, as their tsarist predecessors had survived the 1917 Revolution. The KGB endured, and its successors are now being rewarded for their loyalty and effectiveness in addressing terrorism, corruption, and crime. While the FSB has regained control of the border police, this force is a shadow of its Soviet predecessor. During the Soviet era, the KGB maintained 200,000 border troops, equipped with armored units, naval ships, and combat aircraft. These forces served functions similar to the United States Coast Guard and Border Patrol but with far greater power and nearly twice the personnel. The 25,000 sailors in the Maritime Border Guards (MBG) answered only to the head of the KGB. A lieutenant commanding an MBG patrol boat could order any Russian warship to halt and arrest its captain, a key function to prevent mutiny or defection by Soviet Navy or merchant fleet personnel. Smuggling was a minor issue, as Russian currency was worthless abroad, and few Soviet products were valuable or compact enough to smuggle profitably. Moreover, much of Russias coastline lies in Arctic waters, with the remainder bordering other communist nations. The MBGs primary task was preventing Russian citizens from fleeing, a criminal offense that filled prisons with those caught attempting to escape. MBG personnel were carefully selected. Although two-thirds were conscripts, they were chosen from the most reliable Slavic candidates and received special benefits and privileges for serving three years instead of two. These benefits extended into civilian life, marking them as loyal government supporters worthy of job assignments and other privileges. With only a quarter of personnel replaced annually due to the three-year term, the MBG maintained high levels of training and effectiveness. Less than a third of the 25,000 MBG sailors served on ships crews; the majority worked in support roles on land, guarding MBG bases, monitoring suspicious foreign merchant ships, and surveilling Russian personnel suspected of disloyalty. Today, the Russian Coast Guard oversees far more than the coast, though Russia no longer restricts emigration as severely. The FSB continues to rely on conscripts for many low-level security roles. As in the Soviet era, being drafted into the FSB is an attractive prospect for young Russian men. Excelling in roles such as guarding nuclear weapons or other critical assets marks individuals as candidates for further opportunities within the security services. Many Russians are troubled by the FSBs ultimate purpose. The KGB was known as the Communist Partys primary protector. The FSB is increasingly seen as the enforcer for wealthy oligarchs who leveraged KGB connections and powers after the Soviet collapse to seize state-owned assets. The current Russian government behaves more and more like the autocratic rulers Russia has endured for centuries. The FSB acts as a palace guard, not as public servants. The United States is deploying three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela as part of President Trump's effort to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels, a White House official confirmed to CBS News on Wednesday, confirming a report by the Reuters news agency. The USS Gravely, the USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson were to depart for the region over the next few days, the official said. A Defense Department official confirmed to The Associated Press that the military assets had 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." The USS Gravely patrols the Red Sea in a December 2023 file photo. / Credit: U.S. Central Command The deployment of U.S. destroyers and personnel comes as Mr. Trump pushes 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. Mr. Trump has also pressed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to cooperate more on security than her predecessor, specifically by more aggressively pursuing Mexico's cartels. But she has drawn a clear line when it comes to Mexico's sovereignty, rejecting suggestions by Mr. Trump and others of any intervention by the U.S. military. Mr. 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 terror designation is normally reserved for groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, which 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. 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 world's largest narco-traffickers and working with cartels to flood the U.S. with fentanyl-laced cocaine. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures next to first lady Cilia Flores on arrival at the Capitoli, house of the National Assembly, for the presidential inauguration, in Caracas, Jan. 10, 2025. / Credit: FEDERICO PARRA/AFP/Getty The press office of Venezuela's government did not respond to a request for comment from the AP on the deployment of the U.S. destroyers. But without mentioning the ships, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, in a statement on Tuesday, dismissed the Trump administration's drug-trafficking accusations against Venezuela. "Washington's 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." 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 Venezuela's 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. The U.S. offered a $15 million reward for his arrest at the time. Trump sounds off on potential security guarantees for Ukraine War rages on in Ukraine, Gaza as Trump administration seeks ceasefires Trump civil fraud case $527 million penalty thrown out Late summer and early fall are prime months for visiting wildflower fields across the Southern United States. Even as the peak spring blooms fade, trails from Tennessee to Georgia come alive with asters, goldenrods, and other hardy wildflowers. Whether youre chasing waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, or peaceful forest hikes, these trails offer a mix of natural beauty and nearby attractions to make your outdoor adventure unforgettable. Great Smoky Mountains National Park The park boasts over 1,500 species of flowering plants more than any other North American park. While spring offers the most vibrant displays, late summer and early fall still present opportunities to witness wildflowers such as goldenrods and asters. Locations: Tennessee & North Carolina Trail suggestion: The Alum Cave Trail offers a moderate hike with rewarding views and occasional late-season blooms. Best time to visit: Late August to early September Other nearby attractions: Dont miss Clingmans Dome, the parks highest point with a panoramic observation tower, or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, perfect for scenic drives. If youre looking for waterfalls, head to Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls. Finally, Cataloochee Valley is known for wildlife watching, particularly elk. Over 1,500 flowering plants call the Great Smoky Mountains National Park home. Image: Facebook Gorges State Park Known for its rugged terrain and high biodiversity, Gorges State Park is home to rare flower species like the endangered Oconee bell. The parks varied elevation and microclimates support a range of wildflowers blooming into the fall. Location: North Carolina Trail suggestion: The Rainbow Falls Trail leads to one of the parks most iconic waterfalls, with wildflowers lining the path. Best time to visit: Early September Other nearby attractions: For even more hiking, visit the nearby Pisgah National Forest, and be sure to check out Brevard, NC, also known as the Land of Waterfalls, with numerous cascades to explore. Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a scenic drive with numerous access points to trails featuring late-blooming wildflowers such as goldenrods and asters. Locations: Virginia & North Carolina Trail suggestion: The Linville Falls Trail is a moderate hike that offers opportunities to spot wildflowers and enjoy panoramic views. Best time to visit: Late August to early September Other nearby attractions: For unbeatable views, make your way up Grandfather Mountain and step onto the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Breathtaking mountain views, colorful wildflowers, and butterflies what more do we need? Image: Facebook Chattahoochee National Forest This expansive forest offers a variety of trails where late-season wildflowers, including purple asters and goldenrods, can be found. Location: Georgia Trail suggestion: The Appalachian Trail section through the forest provides access to several wildflower-rich areas. Best time to visit: Early September Other nearby attractions: While in the area, visit Amicalola Falls, the states tallest waterfall, and Anna Ruby Falls, which can be reached via a picturesque hike. If youre looking for panoramic views, Brasstown Bald is Georgias highest peak, or head to Track Rock Gap to explore ancient petroglyphs. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park The Cumberland Gaps diverse ecosystems support a range of wildflowers, with late-season blooms adding color to the landscape. Locations: Kentucky, Tennessee & Virginia Trail suggestion: The White Rocks Trail offers a moderate hike with opportunities to see late-blooming wildflowers and enjoy expansive views. Best time to visit: Early September Other nearby attractions: For a dose of history, visit Hensley Settlement for a tour of a historic mountain community, Wilderness Road State Park for historical exhibits, the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum, or the Abraham Lincoln Museum to learn about the presidents early life. Where there are wildflowers, there are butterflies! Image: Facebook Wildflower Spotting Tips Look for asters & goldenrods: These hardy blooms often continue into late summer and early fall. Check trail elevations: Higher elevations may have delayed blooming seasons, extending the wildflower displays. Use local resources: Consult park visitor centers or local hiking groups for current bloom reports and trail conditions. Time to lace up your hiking boots! ********** To stay in the know on the best of the South, subscribe to our daily emails! Have you ever left a hotel without swinging by the front desk? Maybe you were rushing for an early flight, or you simply assumed everything would be handled automatically. Many travelers do it, and some dont even remember the last time they formally checked out. But that nagging thought lingers: Is checking out just a polite tradition, or does skipping it actually matter? Most people know theyre supposed to check out, but the reality of what happens if you dont is less obvious. Do hotels care? Are there repercussions you need to know about? Or is the entire process just a courtesy that keeps operations moving smoothly? Heres what really goes on when you walk out without checking out, and why that tiny stop at the front desk can make a bigger difference than you think. The Hidden Risks of Auto-Billing Image via Getty Images/SolStock When you leave without checking out, most hotels will simply process your bill electronically, charging the card they have on file. In many cases, this goes smoothly, but the convenience comes with risks. Billing mistakes like minibar sensors misreading an item, a restaurant tab recorded under the wrong room, or an overlooked parking feeare easier to resolve in person than after youve flown home. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau even notes that travelers disputing credit card errors have limited time to act, which means catching mistakes before you leave is far simpler than chasing them later. Why Checkout Matters for Hotel Operations Beyond your wallet, checking out has practical benefits for the hotel staff and future guests. When you notify the front desk or use the mobile checkout feature, housekeeping knows the room is free and can turn it around for someone else. If youve ever been grateful for an early check-in after a long flight, that smooth handoff likely depended on another guest confirming their departure. Skipping this step might not earn you a penalty, but it leaves staff guessing and can slow down the chain reaction that keeps hotels running efficiently. The Truth About Keycards Image via Getty Images/Maudib Another overlooked detail is the keycard. While its true you wont be fined for keeping one as a souvenir, hotels often recycle cards to cut down on waste. More importantly, myths about keycards storing personal or credit data are just that, myths. They dont hold your identity or financial information, so returning them is less about safety and more about courtesy and sustainability. Dropping it off takes seconds, but it helps the property reduce plastic use. Modern Checkout Options and Late Fees Modern hotels also give travelers flexible options to wrap up their stay. Mobile apps, lobby kiosks, or even express checkout boxes allow you to review your bill without a full conversation at the desk. If you need extra time in your room, though, its important to remember that late checkout policies vary. Some chains, like Hyatt, openly list hourly fees or member perks for extended stays, and those charges apply whether you check out formally or not. Ignoring checkout altogether wont erase them; it just means youll discover the fees later on your credit card statement. New Transparency Rules for Hotel Fees Image via Getty Images/Mixmike One final consideration is the growing crackdown on junk fees in the travel industry. As of May 2025, U.S. hotels are required to disclose mandatory costs, such as resort or facility charges, upfront. While thats a win for transparency, it doesnt eliminate the possibility of other small add-ons slipping onto your bill. Taking a few minutes at checkout to review your folio ensures that what you agreed to pay is exactly what you leave with, no hidden extras tacked on after the fact. In the end, skipping checkout probably wont ruin your trip, but it also doesnt save you much time. By confirming your departure, you protect yourself against mistaken charges, help staff turn rooms more quickly, and leave with the peace of mind that everything has been squared away. For something that takes less than five minutes, its a simple step that can make the end of your stay smoother for you and for the next traveler walking through the lobby doors. The U.S. has added a powerful amphibious squadron to a previously revealed deployment of three Navy destroyers nearing Venezuela as part of a major counternarcotics operation. Two officials familiar with the deployment, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Reuters news agency that three Navy warships the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale could be stationed off the coast of Venezuela as early as Sunday. Together, the ships are carrying 4,500 service members, including a 2,200-strong Marine expeditionary unit. The Pentagon has not publicly disclosed the mission, but sources told the news agency that the move aligns with a broader Trump administration s aims at addressing threats to U.S. national security from specially designated narco-terrorist organizations in the region. Speaking about the possible use of U.S. military personnel in Venezuela, the White House said that the deployment underscores Trumps pledge to use every instrument of American power from sanctions to military force to stop narcotics from reaching U.S. soil. Cracking down on drug cartels is a pillar of Trumps domestic and foreign policy. Earlier this year, the administration formally designated Mexicos Sinaloa Cartel, Venezuelas Tren de Aragua and several other groups as global terrorist organizations. The move gave U.S. agencies expanded authority to target cartel finances, logistics, and leadership. Last month, the Trump administration designated the Cartel of the Suns which U.S. prosecutors allege is run by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking members of his regime as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity. The designation raises the possibility that the cartel could become a direct target of U.S. military action if chosen so by Trump. The administration also raised 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. In response to the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, Maduro announced Monday that his government will activate a special plan to mobilize more than 4.5 million militia members across Venezuela to defend national sovereignty. 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 during a televised event, flanked by senior commanders. He said the mobilization is needed to counter what he described as extravagant, bizarre, and outlandish threats from the United States. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Preble), USS Halsey and USS Sampson under way in the Arabian Gulf. Reacting to news from the United States, Maduros allies convened an extraordinary virtual summit of the countries that make up the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, ALBA, where they condemned Washingtons military deployment in Caribbean waters. In a statement issued after the meeting, Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Saint Lucia warned that the U.S. military deployment in Caribbean waters, disguised as counter-drug operations, represents a threat to the peace and stability of the region and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. During the meeting, Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel voiced support for Maduro, saying he is the target of Washingtons disinformation campaign lauched with hostile intentions in mind. We also denounce, with equal firmness, the false accusations made by the United States government against President Nicolas Maduro, which seek to associate himwithout foundation or evidencewith criminal organizations linked to illicit drug trafficking, Diaz Canel said. This is, once again, the type of maneuver imperialism resorts to when it harbors aggressive intentions against sovereign states, when it is unable to stifle the spirit of resistance of the people, and when it needs a fraudulent pretext to justify its actions. In Washington, meanwhile, officials are not ruling out the possibilty that the increased U.S. Navy presence in the Carabbean could eventually translate into a military intervention inside Venezuela. 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, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt after being asked by a McClatchy reporter on the chances of a boots on the ground operation taking place indisde the South American . 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. The amphibious squadron will operate alongside three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers the USS Sampson, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Gravely which are designed to counter threats from the air, land, sea and even undersea simultaneously. The destroyers arsenal centers on a 96-cell vertical launch system that can be loaded with a mix of weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles for long-range land attacks, standard missiles for air and missile defense, and ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) missiles for undersea warfare. By adding amphibious vessels, the task force gains expanded land capabilities, particularly the ability to quickly deploy Marines into coastal zones. Heres a closer look at the ships: USS San Antonio: Commissioned in 2006, the San Antonio is the lead ship of its class of amphibious transport docks and the first Navy vessel to integrate advanced stealth features. Designers minimized its radar cross-section by enclosing antennas inside masts, recessing equipment, and reshaping the anchor pocket. The ships primary mission is to embark, transport and land Marines with their equipment and supplies. Its ability to deploy forces rapidly makes it a key asset in operations near hostile shores. USS Iwo Jima: A Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 2001, the Iwo Jima carries both symbolic and operational weight. Named after the iconic World War II battle, its keel holds the Medal of Honor citation of Captain Jacklyn H. Lucas, one of the youngest recipients of the award. With a full-length flight deck capable of supporting helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft, the ship functions much like a small aircraft carrier. It can deploy Marines by air and sea, coordinate large-scale missions and sustain prolonged operations. USS Fort Lauderdale: The newest of the three, the Fort Lauderdale is a transitional vessel that blends San Antonio-class features with innovations intended for the Navys next-generation amphibious warfare ships. Commissioned in 2022, it is the first Navy ship named after the South Florida city. By Scott Murdoch SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia's prudential regulator has cautioned that the country's banking system is facing increasing risk of cyberattacks as a result of escalating geopolitical tensions. Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) chair John Lonsdale said the regulator would increase its work with the country's banks in the year ahead to combat the potential for more cyberattacks. APRA, in an annual report, did not identify countries it believed could be behind the cyberattacks. "Operational systems in financial institutions are increasingly vulnerable to technology outages and malicious cyber-attacks," Lonsdale said in the report. "The risk environment for cyberattacks could worsen further in the context of escalating geopolitical tensions." APRA said the growing use of artificial intelligence was also an emerging risk the banking sector faced. A report released by National Australia Bank last year found more than two-thirds of Australians had been affected by a cyberattack or data breach. APRA established its first geopolitical risk team in 2024 to identify potential threats to the country's banking system. (Reporting by Scott Murdoch in Sydney; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Sonali Paul) By Ricardo Brito and Luciana Magalhaes BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazilian ex-President Jair Bolsonaro drafted a letter to Argentine President Javier Milei to request political asylum, federal police said on Wednesday. The letter had been saved on Bolsonaro's cell phone in February of last year, two days after his passport was seized, according to police. It was unclear whether it had been sent to Milei. An Argentine government source told Reuters that Milei's office had not received a letter. The document was part of the final police report that formally accused Bolsonaro and his son, Eduardo, of working to interfere in an ongoing legal process in which the former Brazilian president is on trial for plotting a coup. The trial is set to start in September. The police also found an audio from Bolsonaro asking Martin de Luca, a lawyer for U.S. President Donald Trump's Trump Media & Technology Group and video-sharing platform Rumble to review a social media post that Bolsonaro was preparing last month with compliments toward Trump. "The audio attributed to Jair Bolsonaro demonstrates that the former president acts in a subordinate manner to the interests of foreign agents," the police report said. Bolsonaro was put under house arrest this month after Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes found the former president failed to comply with restraining orders imposed on him for allegedly courting Trump's interference in the case. Legal representatives for Bolsonaro did not immediately respond to requests for comment. De Luca said in a statement on Wednesday evening that he had been targeted for "standing up to Alexandre de Moraes" and that his correspondence was routine legal guidance. "Offering feedback on a short public note or transmitting a public court filing is entirely ordinary. Yet these routine actions are now twisted into conspiracy theories," de Luca said. In a post on X, the younger Bolsonaro, a Brazilian congressman who moved to the U.S. and has been advocating in Washington on behalf of his father, said his work in the U.S. was never aimed at interfering in any ongoing legal process in Brazil. Trump has referred to Bolsonaro's trial as a "witch hunt" and called it grounds for a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, while the U.S. Treasury targeted Moraes with financial sanctions. Rumble has been suspended in Brazil since February after a decision from Brazil's Supreme Court, which said the social media platform did not comply with court orders. The firm is suing Moraes before a U.S. court, together with Trump Media. In a Supreme Court decision based on the police report, Moraes gave Bolsonaro's lawyers 48 hours to clarify his repeated failure to comply with the restraining orders and his flight risk. Last year, The New York Times published security footage that showed Bolsonaro had spent two nights at the Hungarian embassy in Brasilia. Moraes later closed an investigation into whether he sought asylum, citing lack of evidence. (Reporting by Ricardo Brito in Brasilia and Luciana Magalhaes in Sao Paulo; Additional reporting by Leila Miller in Buenos Aires; Writing by Andre Romani; Editing by Kylie Madry and Stephen Coates) Idaho Department of Correction; Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Bryan Kohberger complaint NEED TO KNOW Bryan Kohberger, 30, is accusing the staff at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution of denying him food replacements with his meals He does not provide examples but is a vegan, and wrote in a July 31 complaint "the nutritional standard is not being upheld unless I receive my full tray" Kohberger has filed five formal complaints in his three weeks in prison, claiming he is being sexually harassed and threatened, and requesting transfer to a new cell block Bryan Kohberger filed two complaints in his first two days in the J-Block at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. The first, filed on July 30, requested a transfer to another section of the prison, and the second, submitted the following day, accused staff of depriving him of food. "I have on several occasions not received all items of food on my tray," Kohberger wrote on July 31 in a handwritten complaint obtained by PEOPLE and first reported on by the Idaho Statesman. He went on to write that when he brought the issue up during meal service, he did not receive any replacements as requested and that no one even contacted the kitchen. Kohberger is a strict vegan likely the reason he's requesting these replacements and the Idaho Department of Corrections (IDOC) does offer a vegan alternative for inmates at all meals. KYLE GREEN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock Bryan Kohberger "The policy book confirms items missing which are pointed out during service will be replaced," Kohberger wrote. He continued: "I wish to, without exception, receive these replacements." Kohberger then closed out his complaint by writing: "The nutritional standard is not being upheld unless I receive my full tray." 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. Kohberger has already submitted five formal complaints in the three weeks since he has been in the custody of the IDOC. In one, he complained of being sexually harassed and threatened by his fellow inmates. Kohberger accused one inmate of saying "I'll b--- f--- you" and another of stating that "the only a-- we'll be eating is Kohberger's." The guard on duty at that time wrote in an incident report that he did recall vulgar comments from inmates which were directed at Kohberger on the date and time in question, but because he could not identify the individuals responsible, the complaint was closed out by prison officials. It is unclear if the complaint has been resolved; a spokesperson for the IDOC did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. instagram(2) Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle; Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen After filing his initial complaint seeking a transfer, a prison official wrote that the J-block is "generally a fairly calm and quieter tier." Kohberger received a sentence of four lifetimes in prison after admitting he murdered four students at the University of Idaho: Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. All four were found brutally stabbed to death on Nov. 13, 2022 at their off-campus home in the town of Moscow. Investigators still are not sure what connection Kohberger may have had with the Idaho students, nor his motive for the crime. Read the original article on People California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed into law a contentious congressional redistricting plan, as state Democrats seek to counter a Trump-backed effort to add to the GOP's House majority by redrawing Texas' congressional maps. The new map which still needs to be approved by voters would shift five of California's Republican U.S. House seats to be more favorable to Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections. The legislation easily passed the Democratic-led Assembly and Senate on Thursday. After Newsom's signature, it will be added to the ballot on Nov. 4 for the voters' final say. That election is likely to be expensive and unpredictable, given how quickly the effort has come together and how little time there is between the state Legislature's actions and voters starting to have their say. California Democrats insisted they had no choice but to undertake the new maps after President Trump intervened in Texas and asked Republican lawmakers to redraw the districts to preserve the GOP's razor-thin majority in the U.S. House. Following Newsom's declaration that he would redraw California's maps, several other states said they would undertake similar efforts. "They fired the first shot, Texas. We wouldn't be here had Texas not done what they just did," Newsom said during a signing ceremony Thursday. "We're neutralizing what occurred [in Texas] and we're giving the American people a fair chance." Although California Republicans have denounced the redistricting plan as a "tit-for-tat strategy," the state's Democrats on Thursday touted that the effort is different from Texas since it ultimately needs approval from the state's voters. "In California, we will do whatever it takes to ensure that voters, not Donald Trump, will decide the direction of this country," Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said. "This is a proud moment in the history of this assembly. Californians, we believe in freedom. We will not let our political system be hijacked by authoritarianism, and today, we give every Californian the power to say no. To say no to Donald Trump's power grab and yes to our people, to our state and to our democracy." California responds to Texas' redistricting The Republican-led Texas House on Wednesday approved the new congressional maps after a two-week delay when Democrats left the state to deny a quorum to bring the measure to the floor. The measure now goes to the Texas Senate, where it is likely to pass. Shortly after the Texas House passed the maps, Newsom posted to social media: "It's on." When Texas first launched its redistricting effort, Newsom had vowed to redraw the Golden State's congressional districts to counter the Lone Star State's plan and neutralize any potential GOP gains. Newsom who is widely seen as a possible 2028 presidential contender sarcastically congratulated Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott on X, saying, "You will now go down in history as one of Donald Trump's most loyal lapdogs. Shredding our nation's founding principles. What a legacy." Mr. Trump late Wednesday congratulated Texas Republicans for advancing the new maps, writing on social media that "Everything Passed, on our way to FIVE more Congressional seats and saving your Rights, your Freedoms, and your Country, itself." He also encouraged GOP-led Indiana and Florida to take on redistricting. The relatively rare mid-decade redistricting gambit comes as both parties prepare to face off in 2026 and has major implications nationwide. Republicans have a narrow majority at the moment, and Democrats winning back three seats in the 2026 midterms could be enough to flip control of the chamber if the lines used in the 2024 election were still in place. Redistricting in red states could change that dynamic significantly, however, and with it the impact of the final two years on Mr. Trump's second term in office. Texas and California are the two biggest redistricting battlegrounds, but Mr. Trump has pushed similar efforts in GOP-led Indiana and Florida, and New York Democrats have floated redrawing their House map. The Republican-led state of Missouri could also try and redraw a Democratic district in the coming weeks, and new maps are also expected in Ohio, where a redraw brought about by state law could impact some of the red state's Democratic members of Congress. Earlier this week, former President Barack Obama acknowledged that he was not a fan of partisan gerrymandering, but he backed Newsom's redistricting plan anyway at a fundraiser in Martha's Vineyard and on social media, calling it a "smart, measured approach." Less than 24 hours before California's scheduled vote, Newsom joined a press call with Democratic party leaders, urging support for his state's redistricting effort. "This is about taking back our country," Newsom told reporters. "This is about the Democratic Party now punching back forcefully and very intentionally." A draft congressional map unveiled by California Democrats late last week would heavily impact five of the state's nine Republican U.S. House members. It would redraw Reps. Doug LaMalfa and Kevin Kiley's Northern California districts, tweak Rep. David Valadao's district in the Central Valley and rearrange parts of densely populated Southern California, impacting Reps. Ken Calvert and Darrell Issa. And some more competitive Democrat-held districts could be tilted further from the GOP. There's no guarantee that Democrats will win in all five newly recast districts. California Republicans push back against redistricting Democrats hold large majorities in both chambers of California's state legislature. But some legal hurdles still lie ahead, and Republicans in the state have pushed back against the redistricting plans. Unlike Texas, California has an independent redistricting commission that was created by voters earlier this century. To overhaul the current congressional map, a constitutional amendment would need to be passed by a two-thirds vote in California's Assembly and Senate and be approved by voters in the fast-moving fall election. On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court denied a GOP attempt to stop the mid-cycle redistricting. California Republicans had legally challenged Democrats' efforts, claiming the state's constitution gives Californians the right to review new legislation for 30 days. But Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero said they "failed to meet their burden of establishing a basis for relief at this time." The GOP legislators who filed the legal challenge told CBS News the ruling is "not the end of this fight," vowing to keep fighting the redistricting plan in the courts. In a phone interview with CBS News on Wednesday, California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, a Republican, condemned Newsom's redistricting efforts. "This whole process is illegal from the beginning and violates the current California Constitution," Jones said. "The voters spoke with a loud voice in 2008 and 2010 that they were taking this process out of the politicians' hands and putting the responsibility into an independent commission." Democrats faced a flurry of questions from Republican lawmakers during hearings this week on the alleged lack of transparency in the drafting of these maps and the financial implications of the Nov. 4 special election. "If we're talking about the cost of a special election versus the cost of our democracy or the cost that Californians are already paying to subsidize this corrupt administration, those costs seem well worth paying at this moment," said Democratic state Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan. Democratic lawmakers and Newsom have repeatedly emphasized that these redistricting efforts would not get rid of the independent commission and that the new maps he's hoping to put in place will be the lines used through the 2030 election. The commission would go back to drawing the state's congressional maps after the 2030 census, according to Newsom, who says this is only being done as a response to Mr. Trump and Texas' redistricting. That notion was rejected by Jones, who said: "Growing up, I was taught two wrongs don't make a right, so no, it is not justified." Fire burning in one of the tallest trees in the world, Oregon crews trying to extinguish it Celtics star Jaylen Brown's father faces attempted murder charges Newsom signs bill putting new California congressional maps on November ballot Delta Air Lines is letting its customers and employees decide where the airline will fly next summer. The airline announced its first-ever Route Race contest Wednesday in which Deltas loyalty program and SkyMiles members, as well as Delta employees, get the opportunity to vote and choose a European destination the airline will add to its summer 2026 schedule. Beginning August 25th through August 29th, SkyMiles members and Delta employees can vote using the Fly Delta App for one of the three European destinations Sardinia, Malta, and Ibiza for next summer. Delta will announce the winning destination within 30 days after voting closes. Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Im - Delta Airlines Airbus A350-900. MORE: Summer travel security essentials: Smart locks, AirTags and more SkyMiles Members and Delta people are at the center of everything Delta does. The Route Race is a celebration of their influence, giving our community a voice in where they want to fly next and inviting them to help shape Deltas global network, said Paul Baldoni, Delta's senior vice president of network planning. The destinations where Delta flies are more than just dots on a map theyre gateways to culture, connection and possibility, and this is a chance for our Members and employees to bring one of them closer." Describing the three destinations, Delta said Sardinia, Italy, is a slower-paced but adventurous option with natural beauty, history and food. Malta was described as the escape that blends centuries of history with sunny Mediterranean charm. Ibiza was pitched as the global capital of nightlife with its world-famous DJs, beach parties and laid-back beach bars. Delta currently flies to more than 300 destinations. This summer, the airline said it operated its largest-ever transatlantic schedule. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, on Capitol Hill on May 16. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images file) Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett, the longest-serving member of Texas' congressional delegation, announced Thursday that he will retire instead of run for re-election if new congressional district boundaries aren't rejected in court after state Republicans carved up his Austin-area home district in new maps. While Austin is divided into two districts represented by two Democrats, Doggett and Rep. Greg Casar, the new map combines those two districts to make one heavily Democratic seat and another more around San Antonio that leans Republican. While Doggett, 78, had been telegraphing for weeks that he planned to seek re-election for the blue seat in Austin, setting up a generational clash with Casar, 36, he's now on course to retire, instead, unless a court intervenes. "If this racially gerrymandered Trump map is rejected, as it should be, I will continue seeking reelection in Congressional District 37 to represent my neighbors in the only town I have ever called home," Doggett said in a statement. "If the courts give Trump a victory in his scheme to maintain control of a compliant House, I will not seek reelection in the reconfigured CD37." "I wish Congressman Casar the best," Doggett concluded. Doggett just hit his 30th year in the House and his 52nd in Texas politics. He has held important posts on the powerful Ways and Means Committee and other House committees with oversight over the economy and the federal budget. Doggett was also the first Democratic member of Congress to call on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race last year, doing so in early July, as his party raged over Biden's poor debate performance in late June. Before he won his House seat in 1994, Doggett was a state Supreme Court Justice and a member of the state Senate. In 1979, he was one of the dozen "Killer Bees," a nickname for the Democratic state senators who banded together to deny Republicans the minimum number of lawmakers required to conduct legislative business, also known as a "quorum," a move that stymied Republican attempts to change the rules for presidential primaries in the state. More recently, Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled the state this month to delay the GOP-backed redistricting law pointed to the "Killer Bees" in discussing the long history of quorum-breaking in the state. While Doggett has been a respected member of the delegation for decades, Republicans' decision to redraw congressional maps in hope of padding their majority in Washington created an awkward situation for him and Casar, who leads the Congressional Progressive Caucus despite having served less than two full terms in Washington. Doggett has spent weeks publicly cajoling Casar to run in the new 35th District, the redrawn district near San Antonio that President Donald Trump carried by about 10 percentage points last year. In an interview Wednesday on CNN, Doggett said he hoped Casar wouldn't "surrender [his district] to Trump." "I think the appeal that he's carried around the country with Bernie Sanders, of appealing to disaffected Americans, particularly in Texas, disaffected Latinos, would be an important message to deliver there, and I hope we won't see that kind of conflict that Republicans are always trying to encourage, where Democrats fight each other rather than fighting Trump," he added. Casar has fiercely criticized the GOP's new congressional map, but he hasn't publicly weighed in about the possibility of a primary against Doggett in the same way. And this week, a handful of Texas Democrats, including former gubernatorial nominee Wendy Davis and former state Rep. Glen Maxey, wrote an op-ed in The Austin Chronicle calling on Doggett to "pass the torch to protect the progressive movements future," warning that "ending the congressional career of an exceptional young congressional leader like Greg Casar would unavoidably cast a shadow over Doggetts otherwise shining legacy." Many pundits assert that Russia maintains the initiative in Ukraine and is poised for victory. One American university professor insisted that the United States, the West, and Ukraine have been defeated and will not prevail. Russian officials agree, claiming that Ukraine will eventually be defeated. Additionally, some U.S. policymakers have concluded that Russia holds all the cards. Not surprisingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin boasted that Russia is decisively winning in Ukraine, stating, It is obvious what is happening at the moment. Russia has the strategic initiative along the entire contact line. He continued, We have reason to believe that we are set to finish them off. Ukrainians need to realize what is happening in the combat zone. Andrei Kartapolov, head of the defense committee in the Duma, Russias lower legislative chamber, followed Putins comments with threats, warning that if Ukraine does not accede to Russias maximalist demands in peace negotiations, Ukrainian leaders would be forced to heed the language of the Russian bayonet. To better understand the state of the war and Russias battlefield performance, this analysis asks: How successful has the Russian military been in achieving the Kremlins objectives? What factors have contributed to this outcome? To answer these questions, this assessment examines several indicators of Russias battlefield performance: the relative rate of advance of Russian forces, the size of Russian territorial gains, the scope of equipment losses, and fatality and overall casualty rates. The evidence suggests that Russia has largely failed to achieve its primary objectives and has suffered high costs. First, Russian forces have advanced an average of only 50 meters per day in areas such as Kharkiv, slower than during the Somme offensive in World War I, where French and British forces averaged 80 meters per day. Russian rates of advance have also been significantly slower than during offensives such as Galicia in 1914 (1,580 meters per day), Gorizia in 1916 (500 meters per day), Belleau Wood in 1918 (410 meters per day), Leningrad in 1943 (1,000 meters per day), and Kursk-Oboyan in 1943 (3,220 meters per day). Even Russias rate of advance in parts of Donetsk Oblast, averaging 135 meters per day, has been remarkably slow. Second, Russias seizure of approximately 5,000 square kilometers of territory in Ukraine since January 2024 has been minimalamounting to less than 1 percent of Ukrainian territoryand has occurred mainly in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv Oblasts. Russias marginal gains are particularly noteworthy whencompared to its conquest of 120,000 square kilometers during the first five weeks of the war and Ukraines recapture of 50,000 square kilometers in the spring of 2022. Third, Russia has lost substantial quantities of equipment across land, air, and sea domains, highlighting the severe materiel toll of its attrition campaign. Since January 2024, for example, Russia has lost approximately 1,149 armored fighting vehicles, 3,098 infantry fighting vehicles, 300 self-propelled artillery pieces, and 1,865 tanks. Notably, Russian equipment losses have been significantly higher than Ukrainian losses, with ratios ranging from 5:1 to 2:1 in Ukraines favor. Fourth, Russian fatalities and casualties have been extraordinary. Russia is likely to reach the 1 million casualty mark in the summer of 2025a stunning and grim milestone. As of now, approximately 250,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine, with over 950,000 total Russian casualties, a sign of Putins blatant disregard for his soldiers lives. For historical context, Russia has suffered roughly five times as many fatalities in Ukraine as in all Russian and Soviet wars combined between the end of World War II and the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Moreover, Russian fatalities in Ukraine (in just over three years) are 15 times greater than those in the Soviet Unions decade-long war in Afghanistan and 10 times greater than those in Russias 13 years of war in Chechnya. Russias poor performance is likely due to several factors: the Russian militarys reliance on dismounted infantry and mechanized forces to capture Ukrainian territory, its failure to use operational fires in a coordinated way to enable maneuver, and Ukraines effective use of defense-in-depth strategies. For the United States, increased sanctions on Russia and continued U.S. and European military assistance to Ukraine would likely raise the costs for Moscow of a protracted war and could facilitate peace talks. The rest of this analysis is divided into three sections. The first examines Russian objectives and the Russian way of war in Ukraine. The second section analyzes four indicators of Russian military performance: the average rate of advance, the amount of territory seized, the amount of equipment destroyed, and total fatalities and casualties. The third section provides broader implications. The White House - Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images The lives of important people are fascinating. From royals and presidents to sporting legends and pop stars, we're consistently intrigued by the ins and outs of their everyday lives. Even something as mundane as grocery shopping can seem interesting when it's being done by the rich and famous. And, if you've ever wondered who's in charge of that department for the President of the United States, the short answer is the Navy. As much as we'd love to run into a president at the grocery store, unsurprisingly, they don't need to bag vegetables or wait in lines like the rest of us. And it isn't just any old intern that's sent out to run such an errand. All of the food in the White House is provided by the Presidential Food Service, which is made up of culinary specialists assigned by the Navy. As former First Lady Michelle Obama once explained on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," the first family orders groceries from the specialists whenever they want something, and they're later sent a presidential bill for the expense. The family can get virtually any item, no matter how hard it is to find. The orders are mainly placed with approved suppliers, but there are designated shoppers who go to farmer's markets and grocery stores too. Read more: The Most Iconic Snack In Every State Who Cooks For The President? A White House chef holding two plates of food - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images The shoppers tend to visit a number of different places at varying times so that they remain unnoticed, and they try to buy things they think the family might randomly crave in order to avoid unnecessary trips (via People). Of course, everything is screened and then prepared by the White House chefs, who cook to the family's tastes and follow any requests. Interestingly, the chefs are not members of the Navy but rather are hired directly by the first lady, though in more recent times the position of head chef has been carried through administrations. The Presidential Food Service and the White House chefs are pretty much always on call, and they have to be extremely flexible. For example, Richard Nixon banned soup from state dinners, George W. Bush liked unique and rich pizza toppings, and President Trump's favorite breakfast is very specific. They also need to be hyper aware of anything that could make the president sick. But for the family, it's a pretty sweet deal though we wouldn't like to foot that grocery bill any time soon. The system has been in place since as far back as 1880, and little changes when the president is away from Washington, D.C. The Presidential Food Service is led by a director, who works with the Secret Service to feed the president even when they're travelling. The specialists make sure the president is always cared for in the culinary department whether that means organizing an intricate dinner or just making sure they get their favorite late-night snack. Read the original article on Tasting Table. A July 11 post in a Hoboken, New Jersey, parenting group on Facebook pointed to a frustrating trend: "Our utility bill is more than double what it was last month. ... Anything we can do about it?" The post had several dozen replies and most of the commenters said their home utility bills had also risen dramatically. On the campaign trail a year ago, President Trump vowed, "Under my administration, we will be slashing energy and electricity prices by half within 12 months at a maximum, 18 months," but this year has seen energy prices rising in several states. Residents and governors in five East Coast states are blaming electric supplier, PJM Interconnection. The company is the largest grid operator in the U.S., serving 13 states and 65 million customers. In New Jersey, energy prices increased on June 1, causing a 17-20% jump in residential customers'utility bills. The utility company PSE&G told its New Jersey customers they should expect to see a higher monthly bill of about $183 for the average customer, an increase of $27. PSE&G attributed the price hike to "an increase in energy demand combined with the need for new power generation," which it said "has driven higher supply prices." As a utility, PSE&G pointed out that it doesn't earn a profit on the electric supply, so "these costs are passed through directly to customers." PJM says it is experiencing a rapid increase in energy demand, driven by the power requirements of artificial intelligence, data centers, electrification and a resurgence in U.S. manufacturing. In its latest forecast, PJM forecast a growth in energy demand of 5% over the next 10 years. "We don't have enough newer, more reliable energy sources," said Alex Ambrose, a policy analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective, a nonpartisan think tank. Ambrose says that renewable sources like wind, solar, and battery are the cheapest and fastest forms of energy to bring online and faults PJM for its reluctance to bring clean energy into the grid: "PJM is also keeping older coal gas plants running, even if they are uneconomical and more expensive." But in an op-ed in NJ Spotlight News, the company blamed a shortfall of energy on "state and federal decarbonization policies and some economic pressures" for closing fossil fuel-based power plants in New Jersey. PJM also said it has a queue of 63 gigawatts of projects enough to power more than 47 million homes waiting to be connected by 2026, and an "overwhelming majority" of those projects are renewables. Rising utility bills likely an issue in New Jersey governor's race Energy Secretary Chris Wright is starting to worry that high energy prices could hurt Republicans at the ballot box. In a recent interview with Politico, he blamed Democratic policies for "pushing prices up right now," but conceded the political reality that Republicans may suffer in the next elections. "Who's going to get blamed for it? We're going to get blamed because we're in office," he said. New Jersey is poised to be among the first to test the issue in the governor's race this November. "Affordability is the number one issue in this race, and rising energy prices are also at the top of everyone's mind," Ambrose told CBS News. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor, in July released a statement accusing PJM of "mismanagement" of the grid: "PJM has refused to plug clean, cheap power like solar into the grid, while giving preference to coal and oil." And earlier this month, her opponent, Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli, wrote in a post on X about "Rebecca in Highland Park," whose electric bill he said had tripled, "to more than $1000." "Why? Because Trenton Democrats, with the approval of my opponent Mikie Sherrill, shut down six electricity generation plants around the state, stopped burning natural gas, and didn't expand our nuclear capabilities in South Jersey," Ciattarelli said. "We can look at how folks are going to vote in this upcoming election, as a reflection on how they're feeling about the country at large," says Ambrose, "This affordability problem is not going away." A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll earlier this month found that 26% of voters blame the utility companies for price hikes, 19% blame Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, and 10% say that energy producers are at fault. Murphy is not running for reelection due to term limits. "Utility bills directly impact elections," says Rob Gramlich, president of Grid Strategies, a D.C.-based energy consultancy firm. Gramlich pointed to the most infamous example of this, the California recall election in 2003, prompted in large part by the state's energy crisis. It cost Democrat Gray Davis the governorship and handed it to Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. Gramlich indicated he expects energy prices to remain high for the foreseeable future, predicting that "two years from now, we're going to see a lot more policy discussion about it." Rainbow crosswalks in Florida painted over Welcome to New Orleans Maryland Gov. Wes Moore calls Trump D.C. National Guard deployment "unconstitutional" Getty Images (2) The Jersey Shore: Family Vacation cast cant believe Vinny Guadagnino has found a connection. In Us Weeklys exclusive sneak peek of the Thursday, August 21, episode of MTVs reality show, Vinny, 37, continues to spend time in Jamaica with a new friend named Eileen. As he begins playing an innocent game of patty cake, some of the cast cant believe what they are witnessing. Vinnys date ideas are definitely, like, preschooly, Deena Nicole Cortese shares. Who knows? He might pull her hair next and run after her like someone does on the playground. The Cast of MTVs Jersey Shore Then and Now: Nicole Snooki Polizzi, Vinny Guadagnino and More When Vinny tries to play a new game he calls bunny bunny, Angelina Pivarnick cant believe what shes seeing and hearing. Vinny will never get laid if he keeps it up with this patty cake and bunny bunny, she says in a confessional. Its, like, a little cringe honestly. After capturing video of Vinnys antics, Angelina, 39, shares the footage in a group text. What comes next are honest reactions fans come to expect from the Jersey Shore crew. Vinny lives up to his name, Mike The Situation Sorrentino says. He is the biggest chooch that ever chooched. (Chooch is a term the cast has used to describe a fool or a stubborn person.) Pauly D adds, I feel like our work here is done. We found this guy love. Before anyone gets too confident that Vinny has found a match, the self-proclaimed guido admits he may be enjoying a little too much alcohol on the trip. When I drink liquor, I just start acting, like, crazy, he says before playing Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners in honor of his new friend. You never know where my mind is going to go when you mix a little alcohol into it. Vinny has been open about his journey into finding love. For three seasons, he searched for a girlfriend on the MTV reality show Double Shot at Love. Which TV Shows Are Renewed in 2025-2026? Get the Status of Your Favorite Series More recently, the Jersey Shore cast put on a dating game show for Vinny while they were on vacation in Jamaica. During the event, Vinny who has previously confessed to being a mamas boy was introduced to Eileen. Everyone knows Im single. Im perpetually single, Vinny told Page Six in May 2024 before clarifying that hes still hopeful hell find something a little more serious soon. Jersey Shore: Family Vacation airs on MTV Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET. Eurovision organisers have announced that the Austrian city of Vienna has been selected as host city for next years Song Contest. The news comes after Austrias JJ was crowned the winner of the 2025 contest with his song Wasted Love following a nail-biting showdown with Israels delegate Yuval Raphael. Austrias win meant their country would become hosts for the 70th edition of the annual competition. A statement from the European Broadcasting Union said that the 2026 contest will be held at the countrys largest indoor arena, Wiener Stadthalle. Several Austrian cities were in the running to host, including Graz, Innsbruck and Oberwart. Vienna was chosen following a competitive city bid process that examines facilities at the venue, local infrastructure and the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists from around the world, amongst other criteria, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said. Austrias host broadcaster ORF said it deemed the city not only the most attractive in terms of infrastructure and logistics but also economically. It will be the third time the competition has been hosted in Vienna following Udo Jurgenss win with Merci Cherie in 1966 and after Conchita Wurst won with Rise Like a Phoenix in 2015. The first and second semi-final will take place on 12 and 14 May while the grand final will be on 16 May. Six further dress rehearsals will take place that same week, with more details set to be revealed in the coming weeks and months. Austria won Eurovision for the third time in 2025 after singer JJ emerged victorious (AFP via Getty Images) A list of participating countries for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest will also be announced later this year. Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest said: The EBU is thrilled that Vienna has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Viennas reputation as one of the most musical cities in the world, and its location in the heart of Europe, makes it the perfect host city for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. Vienna will hoist the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest (APA/AFP via Getty Images) The 2025 competition unfolded under a cloud of controversy due to Israels participation, with 72 former contestants calling for the countrys ban from the contest. After the public votes were added to the jury points for each country, Israel appeared to be on track to win the contest. But Austrian-Filipino artist JJ, full name Johannes Pietsch, secured a late-stage victory after topping the leaderboard with 436 points. He might already have been familiar to UK viewers before competing as he appeared on The Voice back in 2020. Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics in Toronto on Feb. 25. (Kevin Sousa / Getty Images) The father of Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was arrested and accused of stabbing a man early Wednesday evening in Las Vegas, authorities said. Officers were called to the 1500 block of South Buffalo Drive at 5:42 p.m. PT and found "a male suffering from several stab wounds," Las Vegas police said in a statement. That victim was taken to a hospital and listed in critical condition, police said. "The suspect was stopped a short distance away from the scene and detained," the statement said. Quenton M. Brown, 57, was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder. FBI headquarters in Washington, DC [Getty Images] The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that it had arrested a Texas woman who fled to India after being accused of killing her six-year-old son, Noel Rodriguez Alvarez. Cindy Rodriguez Singh, who was added to the FBI's "10 Most Wanted" list in 2023, was charged with capital murder and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. FBI Director Kash Patel gave "credit to tremendous field work, law enforcement partners, intelligence operatives" for her arrest, as well as officials in India, where she was apprehended. Ms Singh fled the US in 2023, two days after police in Everman, Texas, performed a wellness check on Noel, who had not been seen since the previous October. During the check in March 2023, Ms Singh said her son was in Mexico with his biological father. Two days later, however, Ms Singh boarded a flight to India with her husband and six other children -- but not Noel. Authorities issued an Amber Alert for him soon after. Patel said in a post on X that it is believed she had "not been back to the United States since". Witnesses had told police Rodriguez Singh was abusive toward the boy, CBS News, the BBC's US partner, reported. Texas authorities charged Ms Sigh with capital murder in October 2023 and the following month a federal arrest warrant was issued for her apprehension. The FBI offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to Ms Singh's arrest. A year after he disappeared, the city of Everman named a playground in Noel's honour. A Nevada mother is pushing for transparency after her son attended a pool party, was reported missing, and was found dead in the pool the next morning. Christina Todd-Dunn said her son, TayShaun Todd, hardly partied, knew how to swim and was a good kid. On June 18, the 20-year-old ended up dead in a Las Vegas pool at a home where police had allegedly shut down a party and searched the premises. Todd-Dunns son left for the party on June 17, and when a friend of his told Todd-Dunn he couldnt find the 20-year-old, she panicked and went looking for him. Despite asking police to search the home where the party was held, her sons body wasnt found until the next day, Todd-Dunn said. TayShaun Todd, 20, went to a party in Las Vegas the night of June 17, 2025. The next morning, he was found deaad in a pool. The house where the party was held is a two-story home with a pool located in the backyard, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY. A 27-year-old man was taken into custody just before 4 p.m. on June 18 in connection with the illegal party, according to the documents. He has been charged with operating as a professional promoter without a valid license and engaging in business without a promoter license, the records show. Police decline to comment The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has declined to comment on the case and hasnt said how Todd ended up in the pool. According to his mother, authorities told her they think he mustve returned to the site of the party after they searched the house, then fallen into the pool somehow. Todd-Dunn previously told USA TODAY that her son did not know the man who hosted the party. She added that her sons death couldve been prevented, and that police failed to act quickly enough and search the home thoroughly. She has filed a complaint with the police departments internal affairs department, she said, which can take up to 90 days. If yall (police) did (drop the ball), just say that, she told USA TODAY on Aug. 15. We shouldve handled it differently. I dont want what happened to me and my family to happen to another family. When questioned about the handling of the case, Las Vegas police directed USA TODAY to fill out a request for public records and documents. When requesting the police bodycam footage from that night, USA TODAY received a price quote ranging from $1,170 to $1,759 for making a copy of the footage, as well as $63 per 911 call. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer speaks to reporters at the US Capitol on Monday, August 18, 2025. - J. Scott Applewhite/AP/File House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said his goal is to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein quickly once the Justice Department starts turning them over Friday, but stressed they want to be careful not to do anything that could harm victims. Were going to review (them) and well work as quickly as we can. You know, this is sensitive information. We want to make sure we dont do anything to harm or jeopardize any victims that were involved in this, but were going to be transparent. We were doing what we said we would do. Were getting the documents, and I believe the White House will work with us, he told reporters on Capitol Hill. When pressed by CNN on why the committee would not immediately release the files since DOJ was instructed by the House subpoena to redact victims identities and other sensitive information, Comer responded, I cant imagine very many scenarios where we would further redact anything. Usually we have concerns over over-redaction. So were just going to see what they send us and well go from there, he said. Comer added that he was still expecting that the committee would receive records on Friday. Earlier in the week, a spokesperson for the committee suggested it might be a more involved process to release the material. 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. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Hurricane Erin battered North Carolina's Outer Banks with strong winds and waves that flooded part of the main highway and surged under beachfront homes before the huge storm slowly began to move farther away from the East Coast early Thursday. Tropical storm conditions were still evident in parts of the Outer Banks and along the coast of Virginia, according the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters warned that large waves would likely cause significant beach erosion and block some roads. As Erin's outer bands brushed the Outer Banks, water poured onto the main route connecting the barrier islands and a handful of stilted homes precariously perched above the beach. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island remained closed Thursday, after officials shut it down Wednesday evening as the storm surge increased and waves rose. Ocracoke Island's connection to its ferry terminal was also cut off. Highway 12 completely submerged north of Hatteras Village, as seen by webcams from NCDOT. The next two high tide cycles will likely bring more severe overwash than what we've seen so far this evening. pic.twitter.com/ihNOsFfZUA NWS Newport/Morehead (@NWSMoreheadCity) August 21, 2025 Many tourists and residents evacuated the Outer Banks ahead of the tropical storm conditions, but some, like 96-year-old Carol Dillon, stayed behind. Dillon has never fled from a storm, she said. "I have a three-story house. So if it got that high, I'd definitely be dead," she told CBS News national weather correspondent Rob Marciano. Dillon has owned the Outer Banks Motel for seven decades. She's been fighting against the eroding shoreline since 1955, she said. But now her buildings are up against a national park and can't be rebuilt any farther back. "We could wash away completely," she said. Asked what can be done to protect the motel, she said, "We pray a lot." Forecasters predicted Erin would peak Thursday and said it could regain strength and once again become a major hurricane, Category 3 or greater, as it moves northeast over the Atlantic. Sea water from Hurricane Erin surges under the Cape Hatteras Motel in Buxton, N.C., in the Outer Banks, on Aug. 20, 2025. / Credit: Allen G. Breed / AP Erin affecting more of the East Coast Elsewhere on the East Coast, beaches remained closed to swimming Thursday in New York City. Some others in New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware were also temporarily off-limits. Widespread, moderate coastal flooding was forecast for low-lying areas of Long Island and parts of New York City. Off Massachusetts, Nantucket Island could see waves of more than 10 feet this week. In Bermuda, residents and tourists were told to stay out of the water with rough seas expected through Friday, forecasters said. Erin has become an unusually large and deceptively worrisome system, with tropical storm-force winds continuing to spread some 320 miles from the storm's center early Thursday, according to the hurricane center. It remained a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of around 105 mph. The hurricane center on Thursday was also watching two tropical disturbances far out in the Atlantic that could develop into named storms in coming days. With thousands of miles of warm ocean water, hurricanes known as Cape Verde storms are some of the most dangerous that threaten North America. Climate scientists say Atlantic hurricanes are now much more likely to rapidly intensify into powerful and catastrophic storms, fueled by warmer oceans. Trump responds after New York court tosses $527 million civil fraud penalty What to expect from a potential California redistricting special election Powell addressing Jackson Hole forum as pressure mounts for interest rate cut Erin is moving away from the United States but dont breathe a sigh of relief just yet: The massive hurricane is still churning up the Atlantic Ocean, keeping dangerous conditions in place for more than 1,000 miles of the East Coast. Hurricane Erin has been a major disruption for coastal communities this week especially North Carolinas Outer Banks even without making landfall. Its stirred up life-threatening rip currents that prompted dozens of rescues and sent rushing water and sand over coastal roads from the Southeast all the way up through Massachusetts. Erin could keep pushing the ocean onto coastlines through at least Friday. The hurricane made its closest approach to US soil Wednesday night as it skirted just 200 miles from the Outer Banks. It brought serious coastal flooding that has eroded beaches and shut down parts of the highway linking the barrier islands. Erins northeast turn away from the US began early Thursday and it was accelerating away from the coast as of Friday morning. Heres what to expect from Erin next and what mark its already made. Coastal flood threats arent over as dangerous seas expand Erin is a Category 1 hurricane tracking northeast, away from the East Coast. Its tropical storm-force winds reached nearly 575 miles from end-to-end Thursday morning, making Erin larger than 90% of tropical systems that have roamed the same part of the Atlantic at a similar strength, according to the National Hurricane Center. By Friday morning, the storms wingspan had an even bigger reach. All tropical storm and storm surge warnings for the US were discontinued late Thursday. Erin delivered tropical storm-force wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph to much of the Outer Banks early Thursday morning and some 45 mph gusts to coastal Virginia and Maryland. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Bermuda. As Erin moved farther north, the hurricane teamed up with high tide and sent flood waters rushing into coastal areas from South Carolina all the way up the coast into New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon before tidal flooding prompted several road closures and water rescues in Atlantic City and Wildwood. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer said the states Emergency Operations Center has been activated in response to flooding. Crews are staged and readybut we need you to do your part. Stay off the beaches tonight and keep clear of flood-prone roads, Meyer said in a social media post Thursday night. The rip current risk also remains high through Friday for most of the East Coast. An elevated risk will likely persist at least through the weekend. More than 70 people were rescued from rip currents in North Carolina this week, before Erins closest pass. Some of these rips are pulling six to eight people out at a time, Wrightsville Beach ocean rescue director Sam Proffitt told CNN, describing the conditions as very strong and dangerous. Proffitt noted the volume of water moving and funneling out is so intense, it really doesnt matter how good of a swimmer you are. Many popular beaches up and down the East Coast including in North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, New York and New Jersey have restricted swimming this week as a result. North Carolina bore the brunt of Erin North Carolina remains under a state of emergency after Erin sent large waves crashing into the coastline impacting seaside homes and businesses and spurred significant coastal flooding in its Outer Banks Wednesday. Evacuations were ordered ahead of the hurricane for parts of the Outer Banks, including the Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. The North Carolina Ferry System evacuated over 2,200 people and 1,100 cars from Ocracoke Island on Wednesday alone. Officials had warned earlier in the week that the regions Highway 12 the slim, scenic stretch of road connecting the barrier islands could become completely inaccessible. They were correct. Still images from DriveNC.gov traffic cameras show water standing on NC-12 after it flowed over the protective dunes. The camera is north of Hatteras, North Carolina. - North Carolina DOT Highway 12 was closed as of Thursday morning after sand, water and debris covered sections of the roadway overnight. The force of the hurricane-whipped ocean breached and flattened sand dunes designed to protect the roadway in parts of Hatteras and Ocracoke, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Crews are working to clear the highway, but the transportation department had no estimate on when it would reopen as of Thursday afternoon. On Friday, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein will travel to Dare County, where Hatteras Island is located, to assess the damage Erin caused, according to a Thursday news release. Will Erin have a successor? Erin will lose steam as it heads for the northern Atlantic and enters more hostile atmospheric conditions this weekend and could be a tropical storm by Sunday a far cry from the violent Category 5 hurricane it was for a time last weekend. Erin became one of the fastest rapidly intensifying storms in Atlantic history after it strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 5 in just 24 hours. Hurricanes are rapidly intensifying more frequently as the oceans and atmosphere warm in a world polluted by fossil fuels. Odds are Erin wont be the last rapidly intensifying Atlantic hurricane of the season last year had nine. The next few days could see more tropical systems develop in Erins wake. An area of showers and thunderstorms near the Caribbeans Leeward Islands has a high chance of forming into at least a tropical depression this weekend, according to the NHC. Where it goes from there isnt clear, but early indications are it may take a curve similar to Erin. Another area of stormy weather over the open tropical Atlantic has a medium chance to develop into a short-lived tropical depression by the end of the week. CNNs Dianne Gallagher, Alisha Ebrahimji, Amanda Musa, Rebekah Riess, Michael Yoshida, Jordan D. Brown, Sara Smart and Omar Jimenez contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com August 21, 2025: Two months ago Ukraine launched a surprise drone attack on five Russian air bases located all over Russia. The farthest target was over 4,o00 kilometers from Ukraine. The three target airbases were located near the Arctic Circle; another was near the Pacific coast and the last two were in Siberia and near the Mongolian border. Russia believed these bases were too far from Ukraine to be attacked. The bases contained the last 120 long range bombers Russia possessed. These aircraft were not produced any more. If some were lost, there would be no replacements. It took Ukrainians nearly two years to plan what they called Operations Spider Web. Ukraine infiltrated trucks carrying crates containing drones into Russia. Most of the drivers were Russian who were paid well to drive these trucks to remote locations where they had orders to leave the trucks and take local buses or trains home. After that drone operators based in Ukraine or Ukraine friendly areas of Russia took control of the drones and launched them. After that the Artificial Intelligence software in each drone used visual sensors to spot and home in on their targets. This operation destroyed 41 aircraft, which was more than a third of Russia's heavy bomber fleet. After that attacks by the remaining bombers on Ukraine were rare, especially when it was discovered that the Ukrainians were prepared to go after and disrupt these attacks and frequently destroy the bombers. After that Russia relied mostly on ballistic missiles. Ukraine had also become more adept at intercepting these. The Ukrainians developed new techniques that enabled the U.S. Patriot missile to regularly interest the fastest Russian missiles that everyone believed could not be intercepted. Russia continued to use these missiles, but in large numbers during an attack to overwhelm the Ukrainian defenses. These attacks often succeeded, but at huge cost to the Russians who often spent as much as $3 million for an Iskander or $6 million for KN23 missiles. Russia has used over 700 Iskanders in one attack to ensure the defenses were overwhelmed. Thats an attack costing over $2 billion to destroy a target costing much less. The KN23 is imported from North Korea and is also regularly intercepted. Russian heavy bombers also used long range Kh-103 cruise missiles against Ukrainian targets, These are similar to the Americans Cruise Missile but cost much more at over $12 million each. So far this year Russia has used about 500 cruise and ballistic missiles against Ukrainian targets. Most of these were intercepted or failed before they reached the target. This did not discourage the Russian, who were at last inflicting some damage on Ukrainian targets. Most of those targets were now economic targets that were less likely to have missile defenses. So far in the war few targets have been hit but the NATO nations providing Ukraine with these systems have gained a lot of experience in using these weapons against modern missiles. That means if the United States is ever at war with China their missile defenses will be much more capable. Hurricane Erin drifted away from the U.S. mainland on Thursday afternoon after making its closest approach off the North Carolina coast, but it was still unleashing powerful waves and rip currents, threatening beachfront homes and flooding roads as authorities urged people to stay out of the water. Erin, a large Category 2 hurricane, made a turn to the northeast and was picking up speed as it pulled away. It should gradually weaken to a post-tropical cyclone by Saturday, but not before making an impact on most of the Atlantic coast up to southeastern Canada, forecasters said. By 11 p.m. ET, the National Hurricane Center said Erin was passing between New England and Bermuda. The agency noted that Erin remained a "very large system," and was forecast to move over the western Atlantic through early Friday before passing south of Atlantic Canada on Friday and Saturday. The hurricane center had warned that roads in the low-lying barrier islands would become impassable, with waves of 15 to 20 feet crashing ashore. Major flooding was forecast at more than a half-dozen tidally influenced locations along the mid-Atlantic coast, including at Duck, North Carolina, around the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, and at Lewes, Delaware, as the storm surge from Erin flowed into communities. The National Weather Service said flooding at some of these locations would pose a "significant threat" to property and life, necessitating evacuations. On Chesapeake Bay at the Bay Bridge Tunnel, the tide is forecast to reach 6 feet high, which could cause extensive flooding, presenting a threat to property and life, weather service records show. The severe flooding would extend inland, inundating waterfront and shoreline homes and businesses and requiring some areas to be evacuated. Yarely Hermosillo Facebook Yarely Hermosillo NEED TO KNOW Yarely Ashley Hermosillo, an Arizona-based influencer, died on Aug. 15 at age 27 after she was struck by a stray bullet while in her car from an alleged road rage incident Hermosillo was remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a beautiful soul whose light touched everyone who knew her in a GoFundMe page to raise money for her family Her husband mourned his wife during a Wednesday, Aug. 20 press conference Yarely Ashley Hermosillo, an Arizona-based influencer, died on Aug. 15 at age 27 after she was struck by a stray bullet from an alleged road rage incident while in her car. Days after her death, her husband, mother, and sister paid tribute to her memory during a press conference held by the Glendale Police Department on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Her husband, Daniel Salgado, tearfully began the family's remarks, saying, "It hurts to lose your other half, but when it happens in front of you and you can't do nothing, it's a different type of hurt." "Yarely's life was just beginning," he said. "We just moved into our new apartment. Her social media career was beginning to take off, and that was taken from her. You asked anybody who knew Yarely, they would tell you she was a glue to the family. She was a jokester. She was that caring person you could call when you needed somebody to be with, she would drop everything just to be with you. And she was, she was an amazing cook." "I feel for my son when he goes to sleep at night and doesn't get to cuddle with her," he continued in reference to the couple's 4-year-old son. "When we go for a walk, he waits to see his mommy coming out of the house, as she always would." Salgado then thanked the law enforcement, before speaking directly to his late wife: "Yarely. We miss you, and I pray you get the justice you deserve for this avoidable, malicious act." The content creator was known on social media for her cooking and lifestyle content, regularly posting to her Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts for her over 300,000 fans across her platforms. In a GoFundMe created to raise money for the late influencers family to cover funeral expenses and the cost of raising her young son, Hermosillo was remembered as 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, the tribute continues. Yarelys greatest joy in life was being a mother, and she poured her heart into caring for her little boy. 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. Jesus Preciado Dousten, 33, was arrested on Aug. 16 in connection to the influencers death following an intensive investigation by the Glendale Police Departments Homicide Unit, Sergeant Bryan Hoskin told PEOPLE. Yarely Hermosillo/TikTok Yarely Hermosillo According to police documents obtained by PEOPLE, Dousten has been charged with second degree murder, aggravated assault, misconduct involving weapons, and endangerment. He is being held on a $1 million bond, Hoskin said. Per police documents, which cited traffic footage, footage from a nearby gas station, and the testimonies of several witnesses, Dousten was driving a pickup truck and allegedly entered a verbal dispute with another driver of a pickup truck on the passenger side of his vehicle while stopped at an intersection. As the argument progressed, the driver alleged to police, Dousten displayed a black semi-automatic handgun, pointed toward the driver side of his truck, and yelled you want some of this in Spanish. Dousten then allegedly fired the gun out of the driver side of his truck before driving off. Per police, Hermosillo, who was sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle to the left of Doustens at the time the firearm was shot, sustained what appeared to be a single gunshot to her right eye. 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. Hermosillos partner and mother, both of whom were in the car at the time of the incident, told police that they had recently picked Hermosillo up from work the night of the incident. After she was struck by the bullet, Hermosillos partner said, he immediately drove her to a nearby hospital, where police say she died later that night. Police documents also confirm that Hermosillos young son was in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. Using police databases and cell phone records, police tracked Dousten to an apartment complex where he was arrested at 10:43 p.m. the night after Hermosillos death. Police say they had located the gun he allegedly fired at his friends residence earlier in the day. According to police records, Dousten has been convicted for several crimes over the last decade, including resisting arrest in 2022 and attempted theft of means of transportation in 2024. Dousten has a preliminary hearing at Maricopa County Superior Court on Aug. 26. Read the original article on People LOS ANGELES Officials looking for the husband of a woman found dead last week in Californias Angeles National Forest believe he may have fled to Peru. Sheylla Cabrera, 33, of Lancaster, north of Los Angeles, was reported missing Aug. 12 to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Deputies found security video of her husband, Jossimar Cabrera, 36, dragging a large object in a large piece of material from the apartment complex where they lived with three young sons, the sheriff's department said Tuesday. Sheylla Cabrera with her husband, Jossimar Cabrera. (NBC Los Angeles/Telemundo) Officials believe foul play was involved in Cabreras disappearance, and Jossimar Cabrera has been named a person of interest. The Mexican and Peruvian consulates were alerted regarding Cabrera, and investigators later learned he had fled the United States. On Saturday, the three Cabrera children were found safe and taken into protective custody in Peru, the sheriff's department said. Meanwhile, a search for Cabrera was launched in Angeles National Forest. On Saturday morning, the Montrose Mountain Search and Rescue team reported spotting "an object similar to the material that was seen being taken away by the person of interest over the side of an embankment" in the forest, the sheriff's department said. That material contained Sheylla Cabrera's body, it said. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office will determine the official cause of death. NBC Los Angeles obtained video that showed a man struggling to carry something large and bulky wrapped in a blanket across the apartment complex. Neighbors told the station that they had reported Sheylla Cabrera missing and that she had confided in them that her husband was physically abusive. Neighbors canvassed the apartment complex and found the video mentioned by law enforcement. The video was recorded around 4 a.m. Aug. 10, they said. I never had any interaction with the husband. He always seemed, like, mad all the time, Mario Sanchez told the station. Sheylla Cabreras parents told the station they spoke to their daughter on Aug. 9, when she said she was going to take her children and leave her husband. News outlet RPP Noticias in Peru spoke to Jossimar Cabrera's lawyer, who said it was not his client in the video, which he said was edited and was not dated or time-stamped. The sheriffs department said it will present a case to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office to consider filing murder charges against Cabrera and to secure his return to the United States. The DAs office said the case will be presented to prosecutors Thursday. Jossimar Cabrera is currently believed to be in Peru, pending further investigation needed to bring him to justice, the sheriffs department said. Yarely Hermosillo. (via Facebook) An online content creator was killed in Arizona on Friday when a gunman fired in a random direction during an argument between the drivers of two other vehicles, Glendale police said. Yarely Ashley Hermosillo, 27, who described herself as a reels creator online and has 144,000 followers on Instagram, was not the target of the gunfire at around 11:45 p.m., police said. She was a passenger in a vehicle and was struck after a driver "fired a shot in a random direction" after people in two cars exchanged words on eastbound Camelback Road, police said. Jesus Preciado Dousten, 33, was arrested Saturday and is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, misconduct involving weapons and endangerment. Police said in an affidavit that Dousten, driving a GMC pickup, pulled out a black handgun, said "You want some of this?" in Spanish during the argument and fired. Hermosillo was shot in the right eye, police wrote in the document. She was pronounced dead at 1 a.m. Saturday, police said. Witnesses reported that Dousten seemed obviously intoxicated, police said in the report. Family members tearfully recalled the pain of losing a loved one who was shot in front of them. I will never forget my moms screams when I arrived at the hospital, sister Cryshan Lopez said at a news conference Wednesday. Hermosillo was the mother of a 3-year-old son, and her social media career, which involved cooking, was starting to take off, her family said. She was full of dreams, plans and goals for her future all of which were taken from her in such a cruel and senseless way, Lopez said. Our family is heartbroken beyond words. Dousten has what police described in a report as an extensive criminal history, including a road-rage incident in Phoenix in June in which he was accused of punching another driver in the face. He has 2016 and 2024 convictions for attempted theft of means of transportation, a 2022 conviction of unlawful flight from law enforcement and a 2022 conviction of resisting arrest and criminal trespass, according to court documents. He was being held in lieu of $1 million bail, police said. Online court records did not list an attorney for him Wednesday evening. Police said that nothing that occurred in the argument between drivers was itself criminal and that it was "a brief verbal exchange." "Why the suspect chose to fire the weapon remains unknown," police spokesman Jose Miguel Santiago said. Israeli soldiers prepare tanks on August 18, 2025, near the Gaza Strip's northern border. - Elke Scholiers/Getty Images As the earliest stages of a massive assault on Gaza City take shape, Israel is calling up tens of thousands of reservists to take part in the impending military operation. The takeover and occupation of the largest city in northern Gaza, which Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said was one of the last Hamas strongholds, will require the military to bring in 60,000 more reserve troops and extend the service of another 20,000. Those plans have sparked growing condemnation both internationally and domestically over fears that the spiraling humanitarian and hunger crisis in Gaza will worsen and that the lives of the remaining hostages will be further at risk from an expanded military operation. The Israeli military is already on the outskirts of Gaza City, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Wednesday, in what he described as the first steps of the larger operation. Meanwhile, the Israeli military also said it has begun warning medical officials and international aid organizations in northern Gaza to plan for mass evacuation and displacement of the Palestinian population ahead of the planned Gaza City takeover. The forced evacuation of the healthcare system risks worsening an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis gripping the besieged territory. An Israeli military official told CNN that there will be several steps before Israeli ground forces move into the city. It is partially encircled by Israeli troops, the official said, and some forces are already operating in the area of Zeitoun, west of the city center. The IDF has begun preparing for the citys evacuation by sending in more tents for displaced Palestinians, but evacuation warnings have not yet been issued. When Israels security cabinet first approved the takeover of Gaza City, Israeli officials estimated the plan could take five months or more. But on Wednesday, Netanyahu instructed the military to shorten the timeline. After nearly two years of war, and with no end in sight amid the next major operation, Israels military chief warned of the added burden on the troops, many of whom have been called up multiple times to fight in Gaza. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told the security cabinet earlier this month that the military faced attrition and burnout, but his concerns were dismissed as Netanyahu and his coalition partners pushed ahead with the new war plans. A new survey from the Agam Labs at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem suggested that approximately 40% of soldiers were slightly or significantly less motivated to serve, while a little more than 13% were more motivated. The findings underscore the stark reality facing Israels military, which could face limits to its manpower, especially as polls have repeatedly shown an overwhelming majority of the country supports an end to the war. A picture taken on August 18, 2025, shows tents housing displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. - Omar al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images Military leaders have called for the government to draft ultra-Orthodox men into service to supplement the beleaguered troops. But the vast majority of the ultra-Orthodox community has refused to serve, and at their demand, the government is pushing a broad exemption to mandatory military service. That this political debate is happening in the midst of war has only stoked the anger of many of those who serve. After the security cabinet approved the new operation, a small reservist organization in Israel renewed calls for soldiers to decline military orders to serve. Your children do not know how to refuse on their own, because it is difficult. It is almost impossible, Soldiers for Hostages said on social media earlier this month. Other reservist organizations have not publicly advocated for open refusal, which is more likely to be a private decision not to serve. The IDF does not publish the numbers or percentages of reservists who do not show up when called. A death sentence for the hostages Avshalom Zohar Sal has served more than 300 days in Gaza on four different deployments. His last deployment ended only one month ago, and he is no longer willing to return to the front line, especially to an operation in Gaza City Im a little in shock that were still talking about this war that was supposed to end a long time ago, Zohar Sal told CNN. He says the doubts, that began creeping in a year ago, have only grown stronger and other members of his unit have the same worries as him. I think this decision is a death sentence for the hostages, he said. The government talked and said all the time that were talking about two missions for this war: to return the hostages and to defeat Hamas. Now its like telling us, theres only one goal, which I believe is not achievable: to destroy Hamas. And even this wont destroy Hamas. The Israeli military has a relatively small active-duty force, comprised mostly of conscripts. To continue fighting what has become the countrys longest war ever, Israel has to rely on reservists. But its not clear what percentage will answer a new round of calls to serve inside Gaza once again, especially after the military chief warned the operation could endanger the soldiers and the hostages. Defrin, the military spokesman, tried to address those concerns Wednesday, saying at a press conference that the IDF uses intelligence and many other capabilities to protect the lives of the hostages. But all he could promise was that well do our best not to harm the hostages. Reserve call-up notices are mandatory for many, but after sending numerous reservists into Gaza multiple times, the military has shown little willingness to punish or prosecute those who decline or otherwise avoid the call. Former IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, who led the military during the 2006 war with Lebanon, predicted not all the reservists would show up for duty. I believe that some of them will stay home, he told CNN at a protest by Air Force reservists earlier this month. The war is over a year ago, said Halutz, describing the current plan as having no logic. The retired general was careful not to call on Israelis to refuse to serve, but he encouraged reservists to act according to his conscience, to his set of rules. Netanyahu promised more than a year ago that the worst of the fighting would be over by now. He told CBS in an interview in February of last year that once Israel invaded Rafah in southern Gaza, the intense phase of the fighting is weeks away from completion, not months, weeks away from completion. Now, 18 months later, Netanyahu says a new operation is the fastest way to end Israels longest war. But that operation also targets a city that is home to more than a million people, many of them already displaced from other parts of Gaza. More than 22 months since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks, over 2 million people in Gaza have been struggling with severe hunger, disease and displacement amid Israels siege. Cases of child malnutrition have tripled across Gaza in less than six months, according to the United Nations, as humanitarian workers urged Israel to lift severe restrictions on aid entering the besieged enclave. Nearly 1 in 3 children are malnourished in Gaza City, said Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UNs agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) in what he called a a man-made, preventable starvation. Netanyahus government have repeatedly denied that starvation is rife in the enclave. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Israel launched strikes on Gaza City overnight as it moved forward with a new offensive in the Palestinian enclave despite international condemnation and mounting domestic protests. Explosions rocked neighborhoods in the city on Thursday, after Israel said its military had entered the first stages of a planned assault that includes calling up 60,000 reservists. The operation has sent civilians fleeing once again, intensifying fears about the starvation crisis unfolding in the territory. Israel also carried out strikes on Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, and Deir al-Balah in the center of the territory on Thursday. Video from Deir al-Balah showed people running away from a large plume of smoke. The expanded campaign also throws into question ceasefire talks, after Hamas said it had accepted a new proposal. Israel's defiance of global pressure has led to growing tensions with its allies, and it enters the Gaza City campaign while clashing publicly with major Western powers. "I have come to approve the IDFs plans to take over Gaza City and defeat Hamas," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Thursday video statement. "At the same time, I have instructed to begin immediate negotiations on the release of all our hostages and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel." He added, "These two things defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages go hand in hand." Hamas did not issue an immediate response to Netanyahu's statement. Smoke rises Thursday after an Israeli strike in Gaza City. (Dawoud Abu Alkas / Reuters) Palestinians rush to escape after Israeli strikes on tents where displaced Palestinians live in Deir al-Balah. (Anadolu / Getty Images) Effie Defrin, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, said Wednesday that Israel would "intensify the strikes on Hamas in Gaza City, the political and military stronghold of the terror organization." Defrin said the military would issue evacuation orders to minimize civilian casualties. The military said it had begun to notify "medical officials and international organizations in the northern Gaza Strip in order to prepare for the evacuation of the population to the southern Gaza Strip." For Palestinians who have faced repeated displacement, there is a sense of weariness. In Gaza City, Riad Ashkantana said there were "no safe spaces" in the enclave. "Last time, I was displaced to the south, but this time theres no possibility for me to move, because our displacement is death lets face it with honor next to our homes," he told the Reuters news agency. "There is no safety anyway. Israel is letting us go south, but theres no safe spaces." A view of a destroyed camp that houses displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah. (Ali Jadallah / Anadolu via Getty Images) Hospitals and aid groups say they are under increasing pressure. "The humanitarian system is collapsing day by day," Ahmad al-Shawa, the director of the umbrella group Palestinian NGO Network, told NBC News. "We have almost nothing in our warehouses to deliver to the people," he said. The United Nations body for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said that nearly 1 in 3 children in Gaza City were now malnourished. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told reporters in Geneva that children in Gaza are "extremely weak" and that "many will simply not have the strength to undergo a new displacement." He criticized Israel's restrictions on aid. "It is a manufactured and fabricated famine. It is deliberate. Food has been used as an instrument of war," he said. And the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza said Thursday that that two people had died due to malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 271 since Israel launched its assault on the besieged enclave. Israel has repeatedly denied that widespread starvation is taking place. Hamas said earlier this week that it had accepted a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators, but Israel has yet to say whether it will accept the deal. An Israeli tank moves on an area near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, on Monday. (Maya Levin / AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been publicly making the case for pressing ahead with military action. In a 40-minute sit down with the Triggernometry podcast, Netanyahu rejected allegations from human rights groups that Israel was carrying out a genocide in Gaza, telling the podcast those claims were a fraud. "If we wanted to commit genocide, we would have done it in one afternoon. We have the capacity, but we dont do that," he said. Netanyahu said that he was aware Israel had "work to do" to win over people across the West, citing young people in particular. "We Jews have been fighting and losing the propaganda war for about 2,500 years. Whats different now is that were winning the ground war," he said. In recent days his diplomatic approach has involved a war of words with the leaders of Australia and France over their decisions to recognize a Palestinian state. A child is seen among devastation after Israeli strikes on a camp sheltering displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah. (Ali Jadallah / Anadolu via Getty Images) In an interview with Sky News Australia on Thursday, Netanyahu said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses "record is forever tarnished by the weakness that he showed in the face of these Hamas terrorist monsters." Earlier in the week he labeled Albanese a "weak politician" who had "betrayed" Israel, sparking backlash. And French President Emmanuel Macrons office pushed back in a statement this week against claims that its decision to recognize a Palestinian state had fueled a rise in antisemitism, saying they were "erroneous, abject, and will not go unanswered." The diplomatic spats stand in stark contrast to President Donald Trump's continued backing for the U.S. ally. In his podcast interview, Netanyahu highlighted that American support. "I think weve been very fortunate to have a leader in the United States who doesnt act like the European leaders," he said. The rural Kentucky judge who was allegedly gunned down in his chambers last year by a local sheriff possibly ran a scheme by which he demanded sexual favors from women to get them out of trouble, an accuser claims. Tya Adams told News Nation she would attend sex parties for District Court Judge Kevin Mullins and his friends in the small rural town of Whitesburg in exchange for money or to get offenders out of trouble. Adams told NewsNations "Banfield" that Mullins had warned her to keep quiet about what was taking place. Ex-sheriff Accused Of Shooting Judge In Chambers Says State Skirted Law, Should Toss Murder Case: Report District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was killed by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, in his judge's chambers, authorities said. She said she felt she couldnt say no because she feared retribution from 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. Read On The Fox News App "That was just a given," she added. "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." It wasn't immediately clear if Adams had a criminal history or if CPS was familiar with her. Sarah Davis, a former deputy at the Letcher County jail, told the news outlet she had never seen anyone initiating sex, but that the stories she heard were "nasty and sickening." Victims Outraged After Ohio Judge Releases Man Charged In Multiple Cleveland Assaults Judge Kevin Mullins, sitting at his desk dressed in a suit, hands his phone over to Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines shortly before being shot dead in his own chambers. An accuser said the judge demanded sexual favors from women. "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." She described the lockup as a "brothel" where staffers had sexual encounters with each other and with inmates. Mullins invited Davis to a sex party once, but she said she declined. "I was raised better than that," she said. Mullins, 54, was shot and killed in a Sept. 19, 2024, attack inside his chambers, allegedly by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines. Stines, who is no longer a sheriff, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Video footage of the shooting captured Stines shooting Mullins as he sat at his desk. The sheriff, the judge's longtime colleague and friend, allegedly continued to fire after Mullins fell to the floor. A Kentucky State Police trooper and former Letcher County Sheriff's deputy, a friend of Mickey Stines, tries to calm Stines down during questioning. The two men had eaten lunch together hours earlier with a group, authorities said. At a preliminary hearing, Kentucky State Police Det. Clayton Stamper testified that Stines attempted to call his daughter on his phone, then on Mullins' phone. Stines' daughter was stored in Mullins' contacts, The Associated Press previously reported. Original article source: Kentucky judge killed in chambers accused of trading sexual favors for influence at wild parties ATLANTA (AP) Lawyers for a Spanish-language journalist who has been held in federal immigration detention since June argue in a court filing that the government is retaliating against him for his news coverage and is holding him in violation of his constitutional rights. Local police in DeKalb County, just outside Atlanta, arrested Mario Guevara while he was covering a protest June 14, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement took custody of him a few days later. He is being held in an immigration detention center in Folkston, in southeast Georgia, a five-hour drive from his family in suburban Atlanta. A petition filed in federal court late Wednesday says the government is violating Guevara's constitutional rights to free speech and due process. It argues that he is being punished for filming police, which is legal, and that he is being subjected to unlawful prior restraint because he's unable to report while in custody. The filing asks the court to order his release so that he may rejoin his family and community and pursue his constitutionally protected journalistic activities. The filing names Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and top ICE officials. Accusations that Mario Guevara was arrested by ICE because he is a journalist are completely FALSE, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in an emailed statement. The Department of Justice declined to comment. Guevara's work as a journalist Guevara, 47, fled his native El Salvador two decades ago because he had suffered violence and harassment there for his work as a journalist. He has continued to work as a journalist since arriving in the Atlanta area. He attracted a large following while working for years for Mundo Hispanico, a Spanish-language newspaper, before starting a digital news outlet called MG News a year ago. He frequently arrives on the scene where ICE or other law enforcement agencies are active, often acting on tips from community members. He regularly livestreams what hes seeing on social media. McLaughlin, the DHS spokesperson, said Guevara was placed in deportation proceedings because he is in the country illegally. His lawyers have said he is authorized to work and remain in the U.S. A previous immigration case against him was administratively closed more than a decade ago. He has a pending visa petition and is eligible for a green card, the court filing says. He was livestreaming video on social media from a No Kings rally protesting President Donald Trumps administration when Doraville police arrested him. Video from his arrest shows Guevara wearing a bright red shirt under a protective vest with PRESS printed across his chest. He could be heard telling a police officer, Im a member of the media, officer. He was standing on a sidewalk with other journalists, with no sign of big crowds or confrontations around him, moments before he was taken away. Police charged Guevara with unlawful assembly, obstruction of police and being a pedestrian on or along the roadway. His lawyers worked to get him released and he was granted bond in DeKalb County, but ICE had put a hold on him and he was held until they came to pick him up. DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling on June 25 dismissed the charges, saying video showed Guevara was generally in compliance and does not demonstrate the intent to disregard law enforcement directives. The sheriffs office in neighboring Gwinnett County announced June 20, once Guevara was already in ICE custody, that it had secured warrants against him on charges of distracted driving, failure to obey a traffic control device and reckless driving. Gwinnett County Solicitor-General Lisamarie Bristol announced July 10 that she would not pursue those charges. An immigration judge last month set a $7,500 bond for Guevara, but that order has been put on hold while the government appeals it. Criticism of Guevara's arrest and detention His arrest and continued detention have been decried by journalism and press freedom groups, as well as by some public officials in Georgia. His adult children have been vocal in calling for his release. Mr. Guevara is a pillar of the Hispanic community in the Atlanta area, and his relationships with the Hispanic community, law enforcement, and civic and religious organizations allow him to serve as a bridge between various stakeholders in his community, Wednesday's court filing says. The government's arguments during his bond hearing in immigration court and subsequent filings in that case have relied almost exclusively on Mr. Guevara's reporting as justification for his continued detention, the filing says. The government's filings detailed several occasions when Guevara had recorded or livestreamed law enforcement activities and posted videos that included undercover agents and their vehicles online, arguing that he's a danger to the community. His lawyers counter that livestreaming, recording and publishing videos of law enforcement activity in public even if those videos identify officers and their vehicles is protected by the First Amendment. They also note that all charges against Guevara had been dismissed and he hasn't been convicted of any crimes during his two decades in the U.S. The petition was filed in Brunswick by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Georgia, the University of Georgia law school's First Amendment Clinic and Guevara's individual attorneys. Last Updated on August 21, 2025 by Matt Staff This list looks at 20 key figures who played major roles during the war, whether in government offices, on the battlefield, or behind closed doors. Understanding who they were and what they did offers a clearer picture of the past and how the world unfolded. Their stories are a reminder that history often turns on the choices of a few. Here are 20 historical figures who shaped the course of World War I. 1. Archduke Franz Ferdinand via getarchive.net His assassination was the spark that set off the powder keg that was WWI. It set a domino of alliances into motion, plunging Europe into war. His untimely death forever tied a personal tragedy to a global catastrophe. 2. Gavrilo Princip die_nameless_/via reddit.com Gavrilo Princip was the young nationalist who made the fatal shot that triggered the war. His act of radicalism shows how one individuals actions can ignite a massive geopolitical war. 3. Kaiser Wilhelm II zero_portrait/via reddit.com Germanys last emperor believed in building up the military and expanding the empire, which pushed other countries away and made enemies feel threatened. His unpredictable actions and strong support for Austria-Hungary helped lead Europe into war. 4. Woodrow Wilson stayfluggy98/via reddit.com At first, President Wilson wanted the U.S. to stay out of the war, but in 1917, he decided to join to help protect democracy. After the war, he pushed for ideas like the League of Nations, which changed how countries worked together. 5. Georges Clemenceau via picryl.com Clemenceau, known as The Tiger, was a strong and determined leader for France during the toughest times of the war. He helped keep the country focused and motivated, even when things looked bad. At the peace talks after the war, he pushed for harsh terms to make sure Germany couldnt attack France again. He believed Germany should be punished for the damage it caused, and he wanted to protect France from future danger. 6. Raymond Poincare kyno1/via reddit.com The President of France during the wars outbreak, Poincare, championed preparedness and close ties with Russia. Though less prominent later, his early leadership helped solidify Frances united front against German aggression. 7. Marshal Joseph Joffre userdeleted/via reddit.com Joffre was Frances commander-in-chief during the critical early months of the war. His leadership at the First Battle of the Marne halted the German advance and saved Paris from capture. 8. Marshal Ferdinand Foch dukeofwellington/via reddit.com Foch became Supreme Allied Commander in 1918, in charge of bringing together British, French, and American forces. He worked hard to make sure the Allies were united and fighting with a clear plan. His leadership during the Hundred Days Offensive helped break through German lines and push them back. These attacks eventually led to Germanys defeat and the end of the war. 9. Marshal Philippe Petain userdeleted/via reddit.com Petain became a national hero for his leadership at Verdun, one of the longest and deadliest battles of the war. He focused on keeping soldiers spirits up and made sure they didnt stay on the front lines too long by creating a rotation system. This helped prevent exhaustion and boosted morale. His calm and caring leadership earned the respect of both the troops and people back home. 10. General John J. Pershing i_love_lucja_1738/via reddit.com Pershing was the leader of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. He believed that U.S. troops should fight as their own army instead of just helping British or French forces. This decision gave America a stronger role in the war. Under his leadership, U.S. soldiers played an important part in key battles during the final year. His efforts helped turn the tide and gave the Allies the boost they needed to win. 11. Newton D. Baker merchantking83/via reddit.com As U.S. Secretary of War, Newton D. Baker was in charge of getting the country ready for war after the U.S. joined in 1917. He helped set up the draft and made sure soldiers had the training, equipment, and supplies they needed. He worked closely with General Pershing to send American troops overseas in an organized and effective way. Thanks to his efforts, the U.S. military was able to grow quickly and make a real difference in the war. 12. Lord Kitchener supidusername69/via reddit.com Kitchener was Britains War Minister at the start of World War I and played a big role in building up the army. He helped organize recruitment and was responsible for getting thousands of men to join the fight. His face appeared on famous posters with the words Your country needs you, which became a powerful symbol of duty and patriotism. 13. Vladimir Lenin wholesome-vietnamese/via reddit.com Lenin returned to Russia in 1917, during a time of revolution and unrest. He led the Bolsheviks in taking control of the government and quickly made big changes. One of his first moves was to sign a peace treaty with Germany, which ended Russias involvement in the war. This allowed him to focus on building a new communist government. His decisions not only changed Russias future but also affected the rest of the war in Europe. 14. Manfred von Richthofen cascadiana88/via reddit.com Manfred von Richthofen, known as the Red Baron, was Germanys most famous and feared fighter pilot during World War I. He was credited with 80 confirmed kills in the air, making him the top ace of the war. His skill and bravery made him a legend, both to his allies and his enemies. 15. Wilfred Owen swishswooshswiss/via reddit.com A British soldier and poet, Owens works captured the psychological trauma of trench warfare with haunting realism. Killed in action just days before the Armistice, he remains a voice of his generation. 16. Fritz Haber jecinci/VIA reddit.com Fritz Haber was a chemist whose work on nitrogen helped create fertilizers that boosted food production around the world. But during World War I, he also used his knowledge to develop deadly chemical weapons, like poison gas. His work shows how science can be used for both helpful and harmful purposes. 17. General John Monash via wikimedia commons An Australian commander known for precision and planning, Monash led some of the most successful Allied offensives in 1918. His modern tactics are credited with shortening the wars final phase. 18. Winston Churchill via picryl.com Churchill was in charge of the British Navy at the start of World War I. He came up with the idea for the Gallipoli campaign, hoping to defeat the Ottoman Empire and open up a new front. But the plan didnt work, and it ended in heavy losses. After the failure, Churchill stepped down and even served briefly on the front lines. 19. General Frederick Maude via getarchive.net General Frederick Maude was a British commander who led troops in the Middle East during World War I. In 1917, he captured the city of Baghdad, which was a major victory for the Allies. His success gave Britain more control in the region and weakened the Ottoman Empires hold on the area. 20. General Aleksei Brusilov via romanovempire.org General Aleksei Brusilov led a major attack in 1916, known as the Brusilov Offensive. It was one of the most successful operations of the entire war and caused huge losses for Austria-Hungarys army. His strategy surprised the enemy and gave the Allies a much-needed boost. Want to see more military content? Check out 25 Vintage Photos From The First World War, or take a look at 35 Vintage Photos From World War 2. Finally, if you want to see the war years in color, check out The War Years Reimagined: Colorized Photos From the Vietnam War. As Hurricane Erin grazed U.S. East Coast, we've already seen the large waves and coastal flooding in North Carolina's Outer Banks, but this large storm's trek northeast has also pushed ocean swells high onto beaches along New York's Fire Island and the Jersey Shore. Our meteorologists have a full rundown of where Erin is now, where it's headed today and when you can expect the peak of impacts. If youre in any of the risk areas along the East Coast we hope youre staying safe and wed love for you to send us your photos and video of Erins impacts in your areas. Text us at (404) 793-7182, include your name, where your photos or video were taken and any other info youd like us to share. (02:54 p.m. EDT) Erin Seen From Mount Washington From meteorologist intern Hayden Marshall: Looking south from Mount Washington, New Hampshire (elevation: 6288 feet), you can see the anticyclonic motion of high-level cirrostratus clouds as they traverse east toward the coast. Anticyclonic, or clockwise, motion around the top of a tropical cyclone can indicate efficient ventilation of the tropical cyclone and spreading of air aloft. Erins eye is just over 500 miles from Mt. Washington. (02:29 p.m. EDT) From New Jersey To Nantucket From lead editor Jenn Jordan: Hurricane Erin is kicking up wind and waves up and down the East Coast. Footage shows rolling surf in Brant Beach, New Jersey: As far north as Nantucket, Massachusetts, high tide is experiencing the Hurricane Erin effect: (02:15 p.m. EDT) Find Out When High Tide Happens Next A man stands on a dock and looks out at the ocean during a hurricane From managing editor Sean Breslin: Theres another high tide coming this evening for the East Coast, and that likely means more flooding for vulnerable areas. NOAA has a great website where you can look up each spot along the coast and get useful tidal information check it out here. (02:01 p.m. EDT) Big Waves In Maryland From senior writer Chris DeWeese: Were now seeing some impressively large waves stirred up by Hurricane Erin off the coast of Maryland. This footage was captured this morning in Ocean City, where the beaches are closed due to dangerous rip currents and high surf. (01:42 p.m. EDT) Sea Turtle Nests Washed Away Some sad news from the Outer Banks, where the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol showed how waves from Hurricane Erin have washed away multiple sea turtle nests. The group says state conservation guidelines prevent them from digging up the nests, plus North Carolina doesnt have the facilities to house them all. Volunteers are monitoring the nests, and theyve asked the public to stay away because the turtle eggs still have a shot at surviving the washout. (01:24 p.m. EDT) A Note About The Nothing Storm From lead editor Jenn Jordan: This week, Ive heard a lot of talk about how Hurricane Erin is turning out to be a whole lot of nothing. From grocery checkout clerks to hosts on the radio, everyone seems a little disappointed that Erins impacts arent a more widespread concern for parts of the U.S. Allow me to get on my soapbox. This is a good thing. Advances in forecasting technology allowed our meteorologists and those at the National Hurricane Center to track this storm for nearly two weeks. Among other things, that means: Residents had all the information needed ahead of time to avoid panic. Local governments could make smart decisions about evacuations. The impacts being felt now (and there are impacts) were largely expected and prepared for. Were also not out of the woods yet. Today will likely be Erins most impactful day for parts of the East Coast, as the system makes its closest pass to the states. So keep an eye on our coverage and maintain that cautious optimism! (12:54 p.m. EDT) Striking Drone Footage From The Outer Banks As we continue to look at Erins impacts from every angle, this drone footage from North Carolina puts into perspective the teetering edge the Outer Banks is on right now. (12:28 p.m. EDT) Sebastian, We Hope The Fish Are Biting Today A man sits on a bench on a dock with fishing lures to his left and right, looking at the ocean From managing editor Sean Breslin: Because lets be honest, this is not exactly ideal fishing weather. (12:00 p.m. EDT) Erins Winds Take Down Trees In New Jersey This street in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, was shut down this morning, after strong winds from Hurricane Erin town down multiple trees and power lines. Crews were working to clear the debris in the borough, about 12 miles outside of New York City. (11:40 a.m. EDT) Enjoy This Beautiful Weather But Stay Out Of The Water From senior writer Chris DeWeese: Rip currents from Hurricane Erin remain a danger along much of the East Coast today, and New York City has once again closed its beaches to swimming for the day. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also ordered several state beaches on Long Island to prohibit swimming through the day. Several New Jersey beaches will also remain off limits. As New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said earlier this week, "Enjoy the shore, enjoy this beautiful weather but stay out of the water." (11:10 a.m. EDT) One Lone Rodanthe House Resisting Erin From producer Carmen Molina: Rick Shaftan, a Rodanthe, North Carolina resident, provided live coverage via his social media accounts earlier today, sharing his perspective of the rough tide from Hurricane Erin beating this home, which is among several on the verge of collapse. (10:49 a.m. EDT) Virginia Beach Surfing Competition Suspended Surfers from dozens of countries wont be getting in the waters off Virginia Beach to compete today. The annual East Coast Surfing Championships called off todays heats because of Hurricane Erin. This video from the First Street Jetty shows why organizers want everyone to stay out of the water. Crews took down the competition setup along the beach yesterday, with plans to rebuild it on Friday and get back to the competition. (10:26 a.m. EDT) Massive Hurricane Erin As Seen From Space From digital meteorologist Caitlin Kaiser: NOAAs GOES East Satellite captured a striking view of Erin from above as it began to pull away from the East Coast this morning. The hurricane is expected to speed up while taking a northeastward curve today. Though the storm is forecast to gradually weaken, it will bring dangerous high surf and life-threatening rip currents to the East Coast through the weekend. (10:00 a.m. EDT) Morning Update On Closures Along NC-12 North Carolina transportation officials say multiple sections of this crucial highway in and out of the Outer Banks are closed this morning. They shared this update in a Facebook post: Current road conditions: Kitty Hawk No issues, minor blown sand, roadway is passable. Pea Island Some overnight overwash and deep blown sand on roadway. Section closed. Buxton North End Overwash occurred most of last night and during this morning's tide. Sand and standing water on roadway. Section closed. Hatteras Major overwash with dune breaches at yesterday high tide. Deep sand, water, and debris covering the roadway. Section closed. Ocracoke Major overwash. Large sections of the protective dune are flat. Section is closed. Rodanthe Significant overwash on several secondary sections. (09:39 a.m. EDT) How Close Was Erin? From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: It turned out, Erins center came as close as 200 miles east-southeast of Hatteras, North Carolina, as of 2 a.m. ET today. But given Erins tropical storm force winds were up to 480 miles wide, it is bringing tropical storm conditions to coastal North Carolina and the Virginia Tidewater today, not to mention coastal flooding, high surf and rip currents along the East Coast. A hurricane especially one this large doesnt have to make landfall to be impactful. (09:20 a.m. EDT) Massive Swells At Popular Florida Pier A Florida meteorologist shared some impressive sunrise video of huge ocean swells crashing onto Juno Beach. The waves popped out a few boards of the Juno Pier, which remains open right now. (09:00 a.m. EDT) Another High Tide From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: Were at another high tide along the East Coast and, as you can see in the graphic from the National Weather Service below, there are three more high tides after this morning where coastal flooding is expected in the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina. This evenings high tide is the one where flooding may be greatest from North Carolina to the Jersey shore, as northeast winds from soon departing Hurricane Erin keep pushing water to the coast. (08:44 a.m. EDT) Will NC-12 Hold? A front-end loader clears a road of sand while floodwaters cover it From managing editor Sean Breslin: Thats the million-dollar question along North Carolinas Outer Banks. The highway known as NC-12 is a lifeline for locals, vacationers and emergency responders alike. It spans about 150 miles, connecting the islands of the Outer Banks, but stretches of it have been destroyed by hurricanes of previous years. Last night, about a 48-mile stretch of the highway was closed due to storm surge between Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Village. (08:40 a.m. EDT) Welcome To Day 11 Of Erin From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: This "Cabo Verde" storm already made quite a voyage. It's 2,941 miles away from where it first became a tropical storm 10 days ago near Cabo Verde. (08:16 a.m. EDT) Sun Rises On East Coast From senior writer Chris DeWeese: Early risers along the East Coast are posting photos to social media of a pretty spectacular sunrise, courtesy of Hurricane Erins moisture. This photo from Charleston, South Carolina, was just posted by meteorologist Joey Sovine. (07:47 a.m. EDT) Imagine Being On This Ferry From managing editor Sean Breslin: Keeping in mind that this is all the way up near the Rhode Island coast, check out how this boat was jostled by large waves yesterday evening: (07:34 a.m. EDT) Buoy Shows 44.9 Foot Wave Height From Hurricane Erin From senior writer Chris DeWeese: Hurricane Erin is a huge storm capable of producing some giant waves. Many of these waves will remain unknown and unrecorded, but there are plenty of buoys out in the Atlantic capable of picking up data to give us some sense of whats going on out there. Keep an eye on buoy 41001, located 150 nautical miles east of Cape Hatteras, which recently reported significant wave heights of 44.9 feet. As senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman explains, since "max wave heights" are usually 2x the sig. wave heights....there could be up to 90-foot waves well offshore! by Austin Bay August 21, 2025 In November 2022, I wrote an essay titled "Peace With Vladimir Putin Is A Delusion." Three years of attrition warfare later, that title states August 2025 truth. Since February 2022, Russia has likely suffered over 1 million military casualties? But megalomaniac Putin, committed to recreating the Russian Empire, will still break any Ukraine peace or ceasefire deal he signs -- and he'll break it at the strategic-narcissistic moment he reckons shattering the deal won't result in his own violent death. Only evident and exercised coercive power checks a strategic narcissist. If Russian oligarchs feel the pain, economic sanctions might eventually topple Putin, in the form of a 9-millimeter bullet to the skull or a drone smashing his private rail car. Economic sanctions, however, only work if the sanctioning state has the economic superiority, the political influence and the military power to penalize violators and enforce the sanctions until ... Russia's powerful feel the pain. The U.S. has all three capabilities. Dominating economic power -- $27.7 trillion GDP. Influence? Look who showed up at Trump's White House Aug. 18. Europe's economically dominant nations plus Finland and the EU's and NATO's senior officials. What I call "NATO+ Europe" (Austria and Switzerland are in the mix) has a GDP around $26.5 trillion. Even if India balks, Japan and South Korea won't. Trump has economic and political lines of operation to paralyze Putin's economy. (Lo and behold he's reunited NATO. Just ask Secretary General Mark Rutte.) Which brings us to military power. Putin counted on a three-week war. The war has exposed Russian military incompetence at the tactical and operational levels and boggling defects in Russian weapons. When Putin arrived in Anchorage Aug. 15, Trump met him on the runway. Then a B-2 bomber with stealth fighter escorts flew over in formation. A salute? Yes, but also a clue. American B-2s took out Iran's nukes. The deeper message: Trump will use lethal force. Trump doesn't want to. He wants to stop the human slaughter, wherever he can. He especially wants to end the killing in what he calls the world's most dangerous war. Why is Russo-Ukraine the most dangerous? Russia still has the world's largest stockpile of nuclear weapons. During the Cold War, the USSR (Russian Empire in communist garb) had megatons of nukes and never used them. Why? The NATO Treaty's Article 5 stated the political consequences waging war in Europe. The glib call it The Three Musketeers Clause -- one for all and all for one. The musketeers are fiction. Article 5 made a serious commitment in a very real nuclear-armed world. NATO members agreed "that an armed attack against one or more of them ... shall be considered an attack against them all." Each member would then take "action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain" NATO security. The enemy had to attack a member's territory or member "forces, vessels or aircraft" operating "in or over" NATO territory. Actions backed the words. U.S., Britain and France stationed soldiers in West Germany, on the Soviet Union's axis of attack. In the mid-1970s, I served in a U.S. Army armored unit deployed in the primary invasion route from East Germany to the Rhine River. We called ourselves human trip wires. On the ground and in the way, soldiers deployed by nuclear-armed democracies assured other NATO members that Britain, France and the U.S. would fulfill their Article 5 commitments. The Kremlin never risked it, not in Europe. But in February 2014, Putin risked it, with his attack on Crimea. He violated the Budapest Accord of 1994, which traded Ukrainian nukes for territorial integrity. A month later, Vlad annexed the peninsula. Trump says no U.S. soldiers in Ukraine. France and Britain indicate they are willing to put military units in Ukraine -- boots on the ground. Poland is building Europe's most powerful mechanized force. Good. Time for Free Europe to defend Free Europe. The U.S. will provide airpower and reinforcements. The U.S. still has five brigades in Europe. The U.S., Ukraine and the key European nations indicate that if a peace deal emerges, Ukraine will receive what is called "Article 5-like" security guarantees. What is that? Is it Article 5-Lite? The better question is what constitutes a violation of Ukraine's Article 5-like guarantee? To really give peace a chance -- and convince Putin Russian violations will be swiftly and harshly penalized -- that question requires detailed answers backed by evident military preparations. Rumi is a pop star and demon slayer who embodies hair goals. (Netflix) Enter scene: The bathroom. A mom stands behind her daughter, both of them staring at the mirror. A brush in hand, elastics up her wrist, the mom works tirelessly to create a braid on her daughter that emulates the strength and power of a demon slayer. She's only mortal, but she knows the pressure is on: She's trying to sculpt her little one's hair to look like the KPop Demon Hunters heroine whose long, voluminous lavender braid is the style of the summer. Mom does her best. Rumi's animated after all. That still hasn't stopped young girls from wanting to re-create her look in real life. Since its June 20 release, the animated film about a fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x, made up of Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong) and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo) has become a record-breaking sensation for Netflix. Its the most-watched animated movie in the streamers history and No. 2 on its all-time most popular list with 210.5 million views. The soundtrack has exploded too, dominating four of the top five spots on the Billboard Global 200, led by the anthem Golden. The fiercely stylish and ultra-talented characters, who lead double lives as demon hunters, have sparked an online beauty phenomenon, where fans, cosplayers and hairstylists are re-creating the trios bold looks. The breakout favorite is Huntr/x frontwoman Rumis purple do high-swept, thick, rope-like braid thats dramatic enough to whip around in battle. Jinu and Rumi in a scene from KPop Demon Hunters. (Netflix) (NETFLIX) Google Trends data for July shows that rumi hairstyle spiked +1,360% following KPop Demon Hunters release, and it was the top trending hair tutorial. People also searched the term dragon braid, a style (also known as pull-through braid) that resembles the mythical creatures scales, more than ever before in the same time period. On TikTok, there are seemingly endless Rumi braid tutorials, showing kids and women of all ages (as well as the occasional male) copying her coif, most set to the soundtrack songs. Animated characters have long influenced hair trends think Elsas blond braid in Frozen, Cruella de Vil's black-and-white bob or Moanas natural waves. But KPop Demon Hunters marks a shift: It isnt from Disney, yet its reaching a broad mainstream audience, including parents and kids who may not typically follow K-pop or anime. With its blend of female empowerment, demon-slaying fantasy, music that takes you up, up, up and cool characters viewers want to embody, the movie has become a pop culture powerhouse in its own right this summer. Larger-than-life I mean, who doesnt love a big, bold hairstyle like that? Ryan Terhune, a content creator who goes by @GingerSnark, tells Yahoo. She re-created the look for a video with 9.9 million views on TikTok and another 9.3 million on YouTube. Something so cartoony and larger-than-life was incredibly fun to bring off the screen and into reality. Terhune demonstrated the hairdo using both Dutch and dragon braid styles. For Dutch, which is closest to Rumis look in the back, you start by bumping up the hair in the front, then take three strands and cross the outer ones under the middle ones as you braid down, adding more sections of hair as you get to the end. It results in a braid that sits on top of the head. The dragon method is fuller and involves multiple ponytails. You start with one small section in the top center, weaving two strands around and behind it, creating a second. Fluffing up the front as you go, Terhune splits the first ponytail, flips the second one through and then brings the halves back together. You add more sections of hair as you plait, similar to the Dutch style, fanning out the pieces of the braid for volume. For wannabe demon slayers with extra-long tresses, Terhune recommends switching off the shoulder youre braiding over so that the look falls straight down your back. Ryan Terhune a hairstyle, fantasy and pop culture content creator shows off her Rumi 'do. (Courtesy of Ryan Terhune) Terhune has had a few similar videos like one inspired by Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton go viral. However, I was definitely pleasantly surprised by how much everyone seemed to like this one, she says. She says styling her strands to mimic Rumis took about 30 minutes to complete: 25 for the braid, and five more to accessorize it with gold jewelry. (The redhead opted not to color her entire head purple.) Making hair tutorials based on the Huntr/x trio has netted her more than 20 million views across her social media channels. Terhune also filmed how-tos for Miras and Zoeys hairstyles. The former is chest-to-waist locks with two high pigtails (in a raspberry pink onscreen), while the latter is twin braided buns with microbangs. Each style took five to 10 minutes for Terhune to pull together and brought in 111K and 204K views on TikTok to date, respectively. A third video, showing how to achieve all three looks, netted another 1.1 million views on TikTok. KPop Demon Hunters is about Zoey, Rumi and Mira, who use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. (KPop Demon Hunters/Netflix) (KPop Demon Hunters/Netflix) Rumi hair makeovers have also been an especially popular activity for moms and children to do together, which is the case for Southern California-based Dee Castle and her 5-year-old daughter. My daughter loves watching KPop Demon Hunters, so when we saw Rumis hairstyle, we just knew we had to try to re-create it, she tells Yahoo. Their attempt doing the dragon style took 40 minutes and a lot of patience, says Castle, whose TikTok has been watched 1.4 million times. The tricky part was getting the details right while still making it comfortable [for my daughter], she says. Once I got into it, it was just fun, and seeing her light up when she looked in the mirror made it worth every second. Castle views the experience as both a creative outlet and a bonding moment just like watching the film together. [My daughter] was completely captivated, especially by the music and, of course, Rumi, she says. I loved how the film combined action with the energy of K-pop; it was entertaining for both of us. And honestly, seeing how inspired she was afterward made me appreciate it even more. It sparked her imagination, and thats how the whole hairstyle re-creation came about. Dee Castle's handiwork resulted in one happy girl. (Courtesy of Dee Castle) Other TikTokers have gotten creative beyond imitation. A woman made a Rumi wig out of yarn and another copied it with a balloon. A character nearly a decade in the making Seeing this unfold online has been a hair-whipping joy for KPop Demon Hunters codirectors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans. The films concept grew from the South Korean-born Kangs desire to celebrate and explore her heritage and that same influence was woven into Rumis striking visual design. We were inspired by Korean traditional hairstyles, which incorporate a lot of braiding of the hair, codirector Maggie Kang tells Yahoo. With Rumi, We explored ways to modernize a braided hairstyle fit for a K-pop icon, she continues. A big braid worn at the top of her head felt stylish and striking and as a nod to our anime influences, we made her hair lavender and her braid super long, as long as we could make it, so that it could whip around as she fights off demons. Girls love to watch them and copy them. (Netflix) (NETFLIX) Kang points out that Rumis tresses are tied with a daenggi, a traditional Korean ribbon, another detail layered into her look. The overall style isnt just about aesthetics; it also reflects her arc as a pop star grappling with identity. Rumi is a character with secrets who keeps things hidden and is closed off, so it felt right for her to wear her hair up and tight rather than loose and free, Kang adds. The pop slayer character has been nearly a decade in the making. Kang has said that nine years ago, she was created for story artist Radford Sechrists Plastic Walrus comic. They came up with her name and her signature hairstyle together, and Kang later molded the concept into the Huntr/x leader. Fun fact: The character Rumi was created for @radsechrists Plastic Walrus project. We came up with the name and her signature braid. Loved this design so much I plucked her out and made her the mc of KPop. Loved the name so we named our daughter Rumi. @radsechrist first designs pic.twitter.com/YatNhzoKoK Maggie Kang (@maggiemkang) June 6, 2025 The name stuck with Kang so much that she used it for her own daughter: Rumi Oak, who voiced Young Rumi in the movie. For Appelhans, seeing Rumi's influence spread beyond the screen feels surreal, especially as the team aimed to show a more grounded, less glamorous side of the girl group. The fact that Rumi's choo-choo train pajama pants have [also] entered the zeitgeist is pretty great [too], Appelhans tells Yahoo. "It's cool to see our costumes and visuals be received as legit. Why Rumis hair hits different While the filmmakers didnt set out to launch fads, they view it as an unexpected bonus. Above all, we wanted Rumi's design to be iconic and larger-than-life, Appelhans says. Cosplayers do amazing work to re-create their favorite characters, so we just focused on making Rumi an incredible character with a bold look. We knew if the audience fell in love with her, they'd find a way to bring her look to life. He adds, It's been awesome to see them do exactly that. Rumi battles a demon in KPop Demon Hunters. (Netflix) (NETFLIX) Plans are being made to capitalize on the movies sleeper success with rumors of sequels and stage shows and its headed to theaters with a sing-along release set for Aug. 23 and Aug. 24. But the films impact is already spreading beyond Netflixs playbook. A lot of comments on these viral videos talk about how the Huntr/x trio is inspiring Halloween costume ideas, especially for groups of friends. These tutorials may be more relevant than ever come October. Surprisingly, Spirit Halloween says Rumis high-swept power braid isnt something it is re-creating for sale this season. Not for this year, a spokesperson tells Yahoo. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Mercedes Vega. (Erika Pillsbury) A Tennessee man charged in the brutal murder of an exotic dancer in Arizona has remained in an out-of-state jail for two months on an unrelated probation violation, baffling attorneys who question why he has not been extradited to Maricopa County. Jared Gray, 25, is one of three defendants charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Mercedes Vega, whose burned, beaten body was found in a car west of Phoenix in 2023. But unlike his two co-defendants, Gray is not awaiting trial in a Maricopa County jail. He is nearly 2,000 miles away, in Catoosa County, Georgia, where he has been incarcerated under the name Jarred Gray since his arrest in June on a probation violation connected to a 2022 theft charge that he pleaded guilty to, records show. Gray's probation was revoked last month, and he was ordered to serve the rest of his five-year sentence on the theft charge behind bars, a court order shows. It is not clear how much time is left on that sentence. Nor is it clear why he has not been extradited to Arizona. A spokesman for the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office declined to comment, saying it does not provide extradition information because of security concerns. The Maricopa County Attorneys Office, which is prosecuting the case, referred NBC News to the sheriffs office. In response to an email seeking information about Grays extradition to Arizona, Travis Jordan, his attorney in the probation case, said: Unfortunately, your email below is the first news Ive heard as to Mr. Grays extradition status and I have no information relating to it. According to Deanna Reisman, the chief assistant district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, which includes Catoosa County, the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office placed a hold on Gray, allowing authorities in Arizona the chance to take him into custody before his release on the probation charge. Reisman was not sure how much time they have to make that arrest, nor did she know whether officials in Maricopa County have sought Gray's extradition. Her office typically becomes involved in the process only when a defendant fights extradition. Most do not, she added. "Arizona can secure his presence in their courts for their charge(s) despite the defendant serving a sentence in Georgia," she wrote in an email. The Catoosa County Sheriffs Office did not respond to requests for comment. Gray was charged with first-degree murder in Vegas killing on June 20, two days after he was arrested on the probation violation. Because he is still in Georgia, he has not been arraigned on the charge, and court records in Maricopa County do not list a lawyer who can speak on his behalf. Stara Roemer, a former prosecutor in Dallas County, Texas, who is not involved in the case, said that if she were handling Vegas murder prosecution, she would want Gray extradited immediately. I wouldnt want to risk anything going sideways, she said, noting that it is not unheard of for people in Grays situation to be released by accident. Howard Snader, a longtime criminal defense attorney in Phoenix who is also not involved in the case, said: "I dont understand why they wouldnt him back here as quickly as possible. It's a high-profile, brutal, horrific homicide." Grays co-defendants in Vega's killing, Cudjoe Young and Sencere Hayes, were indicted last month on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, arson, armed robbery, conspiracy and theft. Hayes, 22, was charged with an additional count of hindering prosecution. They pleaded not guilty. Authorities have not identified a possible motive. Vega's family have said they believe the killing was intended to silence her. Three years before her murder, Vega was robbed at gunpoint outside her Phoenix apartment building, and she later identified Young, 29, as the masked assailant, police records show. Vega was scheduled to testify on April 17, 2023, the day she was found dead, her mother said. Authorities have not said how the three defendants are connected, but all have ties to Chattanooga, Tennessee, according to an affidavit in support of an arrest warrant for Gray. Investigators have cited evidence connecting Young to the car that Vegas body was found in, according to the affidavit, while fingerprints link Gray and Hayes to the murder, it says. Top U.S. and European defense officials spent much of this week privately discussing possible military options in Ukraine that would bolster the Eastern European countrys protections against Russia as part of a broader peace agreement. But the alliances top military officials appeared to emerge without a concrete proposal -- at least not one they were willing to discuss publicly. Gen. Dan Caine, President Donald Trumps top military adviser and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, invited several of his European counterparts to dinner at his home at Fort Myer in Virginia on Tuesday evening. The discussion continued Wednesday online with a briefing by Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the top U.S. commander in Europe, who also serves as head of NATO forces, officials said. The talks were aimed at providing military options that Trump and other political leaders in the NATO alliance could use to guarantee Ukraines security as part of a peace deal between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy has aggressively sought security guarantees from the alliance to ensure Russia would not attack again. "The Chiefs of Defense developed military options to support negotiations to bring a lasting peace to Europe," said Joseph Holstead, a Joint Staff spokesperson. "These options will be presented to each nations respective national security advisors for appropriate consideration in ongoing diplomatic efforts. Planning and communication will continue as negotiations evolve." MORE: Trump's met with Putin and Zelenskyy. What's next for Russia-Ukraine peace talks? United Kingdom officials have said previously that Great Britain and France are prepared to lead a multinational force in Ukraine, but it was not clear how many troops would be involved, from which countries, or what exactly the troops would do. Win McNamee/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and other European leaders at the White House on Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. On Tuesday, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the possibility of NATO-backed security guarantees as a breakthrough, noting that the U.S. was now working at pace with 30 or so other countries, which he called a coalition of the willing, to help Ukraine. These guarantees will ensure that if there is a peace, if there is a deal, then we hold to it and there isn't further conflict, Starmer said in a video post on X. Likewise, Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, said the security guarantees will ultimately help achieve any ceasefire in the three-year war. "If you bring in good security guarantees, this allows Zelenskyy some options as well to work with Putin so he can settle this conflict, and I think w'ere on a path to do that," Kellogg told Fox Business on Tuesday. But along with any commitment of troops, details on these possible security guarantees remained elusive Wednesday, as several officials said the discussions were still in the early stages and would need to become part of a broader political discussion going forward. According to one person familiar with the discussions, NATO troops sent to Ukraine would be focused primarily on training Ukrainian troops, not participating in military operations against Russian forces. Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, told ABC News Live on Wednesday it was unlikely that NATO would cobble together a security agreement that would be acceptable to both Ukraine and the Europeans and to Russia. What you may get is a ceasefire, perhaps even an armistice, a more formal ceasefire that would require NATO security or European security guarantees to Ukraine to ensure that Russia does not restart the war, Daalder continued. MORE: NATO aircraft scrambled amid overnight Russian drone strikes on Ukraine The Pentagons top policy official, Elbridge Colby, told allies at the Tuesday night meeting that the U.S. plans to play a minimal role in any Ukraine security guarantees, Politico reported. In a statement, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson confirmed Colby's attendance, saying he was there to relay guidance from the president and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. "At the event, Under Secretary Colby focused on ensuring the discussion reflected President Trumps statements on the matter, particularly emphasizing President Trumps remarks earlier in the day," she said. NATO officials struck an optimistic tone Wednesday following meetings with their counterparts, while avoiding discussing specifics. NATO has faced important times before, said Col. Martin L. ODonnell, a spokesperson for Grynkewich and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, in a statement following the meetings. And these have only made our Alliance Stronger, he added. Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO military committee, said members confirmed their support for Ukraine during the meeting Wednesday. The priority continues to be a just, credible and durable peace, he wrote. For his part, Trump has said only that he wont send ground troops and suggested the U.S. could help with air assets. President Trump has been clear that the U.S. will not be sending boots on the ground, but may be willing to help in other ways, a White House official told reporters on Wednesday. Beyond that, is it not in the national interest to negotiate these issues in public, the official added. -ABC News Aicha Elhammar and Luis Martinez contributed to this report. Lawyers for Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia asked a federal judge in Nashville on Tuesday to dismiss a criminal case against him, arguing in a filing that the indictment handed down by the Trump administration amounts to a "vindictive" and selective prosecution. The 35-page filing was submitted Tuesday to U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw in the Middle District of Tennessee. It comes just two days before Abrego Garcia is slated to be released Friday from federal custody, where he was detained on human smuggling charges in May, immediately after being returned to the U.S. from El Salvador at the end of a months-long court fight. Both Crenshaw and U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes had determined that Abrego Garcia was eligible to be released from criminal custody pending trial, though Holmes agreed to stay his release for 30 days, at the request of Abrego Garcia's attorneys, who cited fears that he would be detained and immediately deported. Crenshaw, for his part, said in a 37-page ruling that the Justice Department "fails to provide any evidence that there is something in Abregos history, or his exhibited characteristics, that warrants detention." Federal Judge Extends Arguments In Abrego Garcia Case, Slams Ice Witness Who 'Knew Nothing' U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Marco Rubio sit nearby as President Trump meets with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office on Apr. 14, 2025. Bondi at the time said it was "up to El Salvador" whether Abrego would be returned to the U.S. He also poured cold water on the government's repeated allegations that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, a notion he described as "fanciful." Read On The Fox News App It's unclear whether Crenshaw will intervene and grant the motion to dismiss, filed late Tuesday. But it comes as Abrego Garcias case has remained at the center of a months-long legal maelstrom, one that critics argue has allowed the Trump administration to test its mettle on immigration enforcement and its ability to slow-walk or evade compliance with federal courts. The request by Abrego Garcia's attorneys focuses squarely on the criminal indictment and investigation brought in the Middle District of Tennessee, which stems from a 2022 traffic stop in the state. His lawyers argued Tuesday that the timeline of the investigation and the incitement show the "extreme lengths" the administration has gone to in order to "make a criminal case" against their client. But Abrego Garcia's case is deeply complicated, involving dueling, but inextricably intertwined civil and criminal cases that have played out over roughly six months in separate federal courts, across two continents, and in dozens of status hearings before various judges. Any next steps in the case will therefore be fraught with political backlash. Already, Friday will bring to a fore key deadlines in both the civil and criminal cases involving Abrego Garcia: His expected release from U.S. custody in Nashville at the end of a 30-day stay, will set into motion the restrictions on his removal that were imposed in a separate court order handed down by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland last month. That order requires him to be transferred from Nashville to the nearest ICE detention facility in Maryland. Lawyers told the court they plan to escort him via private security, amid concerns about compliance from the Trump administration, as his family's lawyers acknowledged to Fox News Digital in an interview last month. ICE officials are also required to give Abrego Garcia 72 hours notice of the country of removal before they begin deportation proceedings, Xinis said in her order. Maryland Immigrant Wrongly Deported To El Salvador Must Return To Us, Supreme Court Rules Abrego Garcia's case has prompted the firing or resignation of at least three government officials at DHS and the Justice Department, including the abrupt resignation of Ben Schrader, a former federal prosecutor and former chief of the criminal division for the U.S. Middle District of Tennessee. Schrader resigned from his position at DOJ on the same day that the Justice Department secured the indictment against Abrego Garcia. His lawyers used the Hail Mary court filing this week to spell out, in careful detail, the timeline of the civil lawsuit and the Justice Department's criminal investigation into Abrego Garcia, which kicked off while he was still detained in El Salvador, they noted. "Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been singled out by the United States government," his lawyers said Tuesday. "It is obvious why." The new filing recounts, in extemporaneous detail, the history of the Trump administration's actions in Abrego Garcia's nearly six-month legal saga, which has spanned two continents and multiple federal courts making his case among the most high-profile immigration battles to date in Trump's second term. In the motion to dismiss, lawyers for Abrego Garcia ticked through the timeline of his removal from the U.S. in March, in Trump's first wave of deportation flights to El Salvador, as well as his eventual return months later. They detailed the timing of when the Justice Department began its probe into Abrego Garcia, and when they secured a federal indictment against him. They argued that the timing shows the criminal case was brought by the Trump administration "for avowedly vindictive reasons," and, in their view, as a means of retaliation after Abrego Garcia's family filed a lawsuit in Maryland challenging his removal. Judge Presses Trump Doj On Abrego Garcia Deportation; Answers Leave Courtroom In Stunned Silence The wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, stands with demonstrators as they rally in support of Garcia outside federal court during a hearing in Greenbelt, Maryland. Abrego Garcia was returned to the U.S. in May months after Xinis, the Maryland judge presiding over the civil case, ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the U.S . a ruling upheld by the Supreme Court in April. The government's lack of candor and continued stonewalling prompted Xinis to threaten potential contempt proceedings earlier this year. Upon his return to the U.S. in May, Abrego Garcia was immediately slapped with two charges of human smuggling stemming from the 2022 traffic stop, prompting fresh concerns about the government's next steps. "We have heightened, ongoing concerns about the Trump administration's compliance with any and all those involved" in the case, Chris Newman, an attorney who represents Abrego Garcias family, told Fox News Digital in an interview last month. Abrego Garcia's lawyers noted Tuesday that, in their view, the government "responded not with contrition, or with any effort to fix its mistake, but with defiance." "A group of the most senior officials in the United States sought vengeance: they began a public campaign to punish Mr. Abrego for daring to fight back, culminating in the criminal investigation that led to the charges in this case," his lawyers said in the Tuesday filing. "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," they added. "This case results from the governments concerted effort to punish him for having the audacity to fight back, rather than accept a brutal injustice." His lawyers urged Crenshaw to move quickly to dismiss the indictment. The motion to dismiss the criminal case comes just days before Abrego Garcia is slated to be released from federal custody on Friday, after both U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes and Crenshaw agreed to grant the 30-day stay requested by Abrego Garcia's legal team. Abrego Garcia To Remain In Us For Now, Doj Agrees Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi attend a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Mar. 24, 2025. Trump officials, for their part, have said they will immediately seek to take Abrego Garcia into ICE custody and begin removal proceedings to a third country. They told Xinis' court last month that the handoff would likely occur at the federal detention center where he is currently being held. In the filing, lawyers noted the difficult burden of proof that the defense must satisfy, under the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure, in order for a court to dismiss an indictment based on "selective or vindictive prosecution," as their filing asks of Judge Crenshaw. "Those motions are infrequently made and rarely succeed," they noted. "But if there has ever been a case for dismissal on those grounds, this is that case." Original article source: Abrego Garcia lawyers file motion to dismiss criminal charges from Trump DOJ, citing 'vindictive' prosecution By Summer Zhen and Rae Wee HONG KONG/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Wealthy Asian families and family offices are ramping up their cryptocurrency investments, driven by the bullishness around digital assets, increased mainstream adoption and favourable regulatory developments in key markets. Wealth managers said they are receiving more enquiries, cryptocurrency exchanges have seen trading volumes surge and crypto funds are in huge demand as high-net-worth Asian investors seek more exposure. "We raised over $100 million in just a few months, and the response from LPs has been encouraging," said Jason Huang, founder of NextGen Digital Venture, referring to Limited Partners that represent high net-worth individuals. Huang launched a new long-short crypto equity fund, the Next Generation Fund II, in Singapore in late May, after winding down his first fund last year, which returned 375% in less than two years. "Our investors - mainly family offices and internet/fintech entrepreneurs, recognise the growing role of digital assets in diversified portfolios, he said. Swiss investment bank UBS said some overseas Chinese family offices plan to raise their crypto exposure to around 5% of their portfolios. "Many second- and third-generation individuals of family offices are starting to learn about and participate in virtual currencies," said Lu Zijie, head of wealth management at UBS China. The surging interest comes on the back of strong cryptocurrency returns and favourable regulatory developments in the United States under President Donald Trump, such as the recently approved GENIUS Act. Bitcoin prices have been hitting record highs this month, surpassing $124,000. Hong Kong's recent passage of its stablecoin legislation has also fuelled a wave of crypto enthusiasm. "The momentum has definitely built, and I think it's a function of just general maturity of the asset class," said Saad Ahmed, head of Asia Pacific at crypto exchange Gemini. Wealth managers said the mindset among Asian clients has changed from merely wanting to have a small allocation to digital currencies a few years ago to now embracing it as a must-have in portfolios and exploring tools to optimise returns. "Last year, they (family offices) started to dip their feet into bitcoin ETFs...now they have begun to learn the difference of holding a token directly," said Zann Kwan, chief investment officer at Singapore-based Revo Digital Family Office. Lighthouse Canton, a Singapore-based wealth manager, said some more sophisticated family offices have started adopting market-neutral strategies, such as basis trades and arbitrage. Giselle Lai, associate investment director for digital assets at Fidelity International, said investors are increasingly treating bitcoin as a "portfolio diversifier" to hedge macro uncertainties, given its low correlation with stocks and bonds. Cryptocurrency exchanges have also benefitted from increased trading demand. The number of registered users at Hong Kong's HashKey Exchange surged 85% year-on-year by August 2025, the firm said. Total trading volumes at South Korea's three major exchanges grew 17% so far in 2025 over the same period of 2024, with average daily trading volumes rising more than 20%, according to research platform CryptoQuant. (Reporting by Summer Zhen, Rae Wee; Additional reporting by Gu Li; Editing by Vidya Ranganathan and Jacqueline Wong) California Democrats passed a trio of redistricting bills Thursday, a day after Republicans in the Texas House passed new maps of their own. Taken together, the package of bills backed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will ask voters to replace the states current congressional maps with new ones aimed at netting Democrats five US House seats. California lawmakers framed their redistricting push as a response to Texas, where Republicans lawmakers are advancing new congressional maps at the behest of President Donald Trump. The Texas Senate could pass their new district lines, which Republicans hope will give the party an additional five US House seats, as soon as Friday. Were giving the American people a fair chance, Newsom said during a signing ceremony Thursday. Because when all things are equal, were all playing by the same set of rules, theres no question that the Republican party will be the minority party in the House of Representatives next year. While the Texas maps will take effect once theyre signed into law, the proposed California maps could still be rejected by voters. The legislative package approved by California lawmakers calls for a November 4 special election in which voters will be asked to consider a proposed constitutional amendment to override the lines drawn by the states independent redistricting commission. California voters took the power to draw congressional maps away from lawmakers in 2010. California Republicans have long acknowledged that their best chance of blocking the redistricting effort is by defeating it at the ballot box. A coalition of gerrymandering opponents and Republican leaders has already started to form to defeat the initiative, known as Proposition 50, in November. State and national Democrats are also preparing to defend the initiative. The plan from Democrats initially included a trigger to only take effect if another state engaged in mid-decade redistricting, but that provision was removed on Thursday, one day after the Texas state House passed new GOP-drawn congressional maps. Nick Miller, communications director for Speaker of the California state Assembly Robert Rivas, said in a statement that because Texas Republicans have voted, the trigger language is no longer necessary. In Texas, meanwhile, the state House on Wednesday evening approved new congressional maps an 88-52 vote on party lines that came two days after the Democrats who had fled the state, denying the House a quorum for 15 days, returned to Austin. The redistricting plan was initially expected to pass the Republican-dominated state Senate Thursday, but the Senate adjourned Thursday without voting on the bill. State senators will reconvene at 10 a.m. CT Friday. Democrats are seeking to gain five seats in California, while Republicans are eyeing five additional seats in Texas. The state Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a challenge from California Republicans who filed a lawsuit earlier this week requesting an emergency injunction to stop the redistricting effort on the grounds that the legislature didnt give voters enough notice. Republicans on the panels objected to the cost of the proposed special election, which a bill analysis estimated as likely in the low hundreds of millions of dollars. Democrats countered that the cost was worthwhile to counter Texas plan to redraw its congressional maps at the behest of President Trump. They also compared the November vote to the cost of Republicans failed attempt to oust Gov. Gavin Newsom from power in 2021. The costs are going to be just as much as the failed recall that your party placed on Governor Newsom, Democratic state Sen. Sabrina Cervantes said. The cost this election is going to cost, is as much as the new ballroom that President Trump is going to build at the White House. Is that fiscally responsible? Whats next in Texas? The Texas state Senate is reconvening Friday morning, and it is expected to approve the redistricting plan that cleared the House on Wednesday night. That would send the measure to Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts desk to be signed into law. House Speaker Dustin Burrows said in a statement the new maps passage has ushered in a new chapter of Republican unity. House Democrats gave up their only legislative mechanism to slow the redistricting plan Monday, when members who had fled to Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and other blue states returned to the state Capitol, allowing the House to establish the two-thirds quorum required under its rules. However, those Democrats vowed Wednesday night, minutes after the chambers vote, to wage a legal battle against the new congressional maps. This fight is far from over, said state Rep. Gene Wu, the House Democratic leader. Our best shot is in the courts. As the special session continues, lawmakers will also consider legislation to impose penalties or punishments for legislators who willfully absent themselves during a session, according to a statement from Abbott, who added the item to the agenda Wednesday. People look on at a protest during a session as Democratic lawmakers begin returning to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on August 20, 2025. REUTERS/Sergio Flores - Sergio Flores/Reuters What are national Democrats saying? Former President Barack Obama endorsed Newsoms redistricting push during a speech Tuesday night, saying that while he opposes gerrymandering, he believes the California Democrat has been responsible in his approach. Ive had to wrestle with my preference, which would be that we dont have political gerrymandering, Obama said, according to excerpts of his remarks at a National Democratic Redistricting Committee event shared with CNN. But what I also know is that if we dont respond effectively, then this White House and Republican-controlled state governments all across the country, they will not stop. Democrats held a press call Wednesday in which speakers connected the redistricting push in California to the partys broader efforts to push back against the Trump administration. Gov. Newsom didnt care whether folks would clutch their pearls when he decided to fight fire with fire and level the playing field against this craven, power-hungry White House, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said. His fight is a game changer, a national moment for Democrats to show up for all voters. CNNs Molly English contributed to this report. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Rachel More, Matthias Williams and Giulio Piovaccari BERLIN/MILAN (Reuters) -A Ukrainian man was arrested at a holiday bungalow in Italy on Thursday on suspicion of coordinating attacks on three Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022, marking a breakthrough in an episode that sharpened tensions between Russia and the West. Described by both Moscow and the West as an act of sabotage, the explosions largely severed Russian gas supplies to Europe, prompting a major escalation in the Ukraine conflict and squeezing energy supplies on the continent. No one has taken responsibility for the blasts and Ukraine has denied any role. The arrest comes just as Kyiv is engaged in fraught diplomatic discussions with the United States over how to end the war in Ukraine without giving away major concessions and swathes of its own territory to Russia. "Politically we are firmly on Ukraine's side and will continue to do so," said Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig when asked if the arrest would affect Berlin's ties to Kyiv. "What is important for me is that Germany is a country of laws and crimes in our jurisdiction are fully investigated." An official in the Ukrainian president's office said he could not comment as it was not clear who had been arrested. The official reiterated Ukraine's denial of any role in the blasts. The suspect, identified only as Serhii K. under German privacy laws, was part of a group of people who planted devices on the pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, a statement from the prosecutor's office said. He and his accomplices had set off from Rostock on Germany's northeastern coast in a sailing yacht to carry out the attack, it said. The vessel had been rented from a German company with the help of forged identity documents via middlemen, it added. Authorities acted on a European arrest warrant for the suspect, who faces charges of collusion to cause an explosion, anti-constitutional sabotage and destruction of important structures. Carabinieri officers arrested him overnight in San Clemente in the province of Rimini on Italy's Adriatic coast, where he was supposed to spend a few days with his family. "Once his presence had been verified, the Carabinieri surrounded the bungalow and launched a raid, during which the man surrendered without resistance," a statement by the Carabinieri said, adding the suspect was 49 years old. A police official told Reuters the suspect was arrested because, when providing documents at a hotel check-in, an alert flagging he was wanted popped up at the police headquarters, which dispatched a Carabinieri police patrol. MYSTERIOUS BLASTS In September 2022, one of the two lines of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was damaged by mysterious blasts, along with both lines of Nord Stream 1 that carried Russian gas to Europe. Moscow, without providing evidence, blamed Western sabotage for the blasts, which cut off most Russian gas supplies to the lucrative European market. The U.S. denied having anything to do with the attacks. Denmark and Sweden closed their investigations in February 2024, leaving Germany as the only country continuing to pursue the case. The Washington Post and Germany's Der Spiegel magazine have previously said the team that carried out the attack was put together by a former Ukrainian intelligence officer, who has denied involvement. In January 2023, Germany raided a ship that it said may have been used to transport explosives and told the United Nations it believed trained divers could have attached devices to the pipelines at about 70 to 80 metres deep. The boat, leased in Germany via a Poland-registered company, contained traces of octogen, the same explosive that was found at the underwater blast sites, according to the investigations by Germany, Denmark and Sweden. German media reported last year that Germany had issued a European arrest warrant against a Ukrainian diving instructor who allegedly was part of the team that blew up the pipelines. Citing unnamed sources, several outlets reported that German investigators believed the man, last known to have lived in Poland, was one of the divers who planted explosive devices on the pipelines. Successive Ukrainian governments had seen the pipelines as a symbol of, and vehicle for, Russia's hold over European energy supplies that Kyiv argued made it hard to act against Moscow ever since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering Europe's deadliest conflict in 80 years, in which analysts say more than 1 million people have been killed or injured. (Reporting by Rachel More, Philippe LeroyBeaulieu, Sarah Marsh, Giulio Piovaccari, Gavin Jones, Thomas Escritt, Tom Balmforth, Stine Jacobsen; writing by Matthias WilliamsEditing by Gareth Jones and Philippa Fletcher) WASHINGTON Vice President JD Vance raked in $4 million for the Republican National Committee during his jaunt to the United Kingdom last week, adding more cash to the GOP pot ahead of next years midterms, The Post has learned. The VP met with several RNC donors living overseas as he traveled across Britain, including stops in the Cotswolds and Scotland, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Federal rules allow Americans living or travelling abroad to contribute to political organizations and campaigns. Vice President JD Vance speaks during a meeting with Britains Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House in Kent, England, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. AP The UK trip was the latest fundraising sojourn Vance has made since being tapped as RNC finance chair in March. The veep previously raised money in Houston, Dallas, Manhattan, Atlanta, Nashville, San Diego, Nantucket, Jackson Hole, and Big Sky, Montana. Vances first big donor dinner was held in New York City where tickets ran as high as $250,000 per head, The Post previously reported. He then raked in $3 million at his fundraiser in Nantucket last month. Those close to the White House believe Vances RNC post, an unprecedented position for a vice president to hold, will boost him in his near-certain bid for the GOP presidential nomination in 2028. Trump told reporters Aug. 5 that Vance was the most likely heir to the 45th and 47th presidents Make America Great Again movement. U.S. Vice President JD Vance plays golf at Trump Turnberry golf course, during his holiday, in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain, August 14, 2025. REUTERS Last year, President Trump won an historic election victory, taking back the White House and helping Republicans regain control of the Senate and retain control of the House, Vance said in a statement at the time of his appointment. But to fully enact the MAGA mandate and President Trumps vision that voters demanded, we must keep and grow our Republican majorities in 2026. During his visit, Vance also spoke to British officials and successfully convinced the UK to drop its demand to access personal cloud data storage, which could have impacted the privacy of American citizens. On Aug. 8, the 41-year-old went trout fishing with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in England ahead of a discussion of US-UK relations, Gaza and Ukraine. A Michigan couple held in a Mexican jail for a month over a timeshare dispute at a Cancun resort claim the judicial system was weaponized against them. Paul, a Navy veteran, and Christy Akeo were released in early April after being arrested soon after their plane touched down in Cancun in early March. They allege Palace Resorts LLC began a secret lawfare campaign against them after they disputed more than $100,000 in credit card charges, according to a lawsuit filed by the couple in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court on Friday. The New York Post, which first reported on the lawsuit, said the couple had bought timeshares for the resorts' Cancun location starting in 2016. The couple were wholesale customers and would resell the resort bookings to others, according to the lawsuit. The terms of the Akeos agreement with Palace Resorts changed in November 2021, and after, the resort claimed the couple breached their membership, the suit says. Paul and Christy Akeo of Michigan, who were held in a Mexican jail for a month over a timeshare dispute at a Cancun resort, claim the judicial system was weaponized against them (U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division) The resort later went back on bookings the Akeos had set up for others, so the couple successfully disputed the credit card charges since the product or services had not been received, according to the suit. Everything came to a head this past March when the couple was arrested by Mexican authorities at the Cancun International Airport after the resort accused them of fraudulently disputing the credit card charges, court documents obtained by The Independent show. The couple spent a month in a maximum security prison in Quintana Roo, separate from each other, where they slept alongside drug dealers and violent criminals, according to the documents. The conditions in the prison were deplorable, with no working shower and no flushable toilet, the Akeos alleged. Lindsay Hull, Christys daughter and Pauls stepdaughter, told the New York Post her mom lost 25 pounds in her first two weeks in prison because the food she was given had fish in it, even though she told the prison she was allergic. The couple was eventually taken to court and told by their lawyer and Michigan Congressman Tom Barrett, who went to Mexico to help get them home, they needed to sign a settlement that included a non-disclosure agreement to get out of prison, according to court documents. Palace Resorts coerced the Akeos under duress to affix their signatures on the agreement, while next to men carrying machine guns, the Akeos claim. Its not fair that my parents are not able to speak about their story, Hull told the New York Post. They deserve to advocate for themselves. President Donald Trump sent Michigan Congressman Tom Barrett to Mexico to help get the Akeos home (Tom Barrett/X) The resort has rejected the Akeos claims through attorney David Orta, who said, per the New York Post, that his client will defend against them and otherwise take appropriate legal action to enforce the Palace Companys rights. Mr. and Mrs. Akeo have unfortunately proceeded with additional litigation against the Palace Company and affiliated entities and individuals in violation of the parties resolution of their disputes, Orta said. The Independent has reached out to the resort for comment. Two German fighter jets were dispatched to Romanias border with Ukraine on Tuesday in response to Russian attacks in the region. Moscow targeted Ukrainian ports on the Danube River, according to Romanias Ministry of National Defense. However, no intrusions from Russian forces were detected during the German mission. The close cooperation with Allies throughout the enhanced Air Policing Missions strengthens Romanias defense capability and contributes to NATOs deterrence and defense posture on the eastern flank, Romanias Ministry of National Defense said in a Wednesday statement. Despite these escalations, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Monday warned NATO leaders against deploying troops in Ukraine. Earlier this month, Russia hit civilian infrastructure in Ukraines Ismail region near Romania. Defense officials deployed two Romanian F-16 fighter jets in response to the assaults close proximity. In recent weeks, NATO leaders have increased pressure on the Kremlin as its war with Ukraine continues past its three-year mark. European leaders met with President Trump at the White House this week alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an attempt to solidify peace in the region. Last week, Trump also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss an end to the conflict. But Moscow has continued its attacks on its neighbor. On Monday, Putin ordered a major overnight attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure followed by a Wednesday drone strike on Okhtyrka, which injured 14 people including a family with young children. Both offensives also caused widespread fires. In total, more than 60 drones and a ballistic missile were used, Zelensky wrote in a Wednesday post on social media, with accompanying footage of the damage. All of these are demonstrative strikes that only confirm the need to put pressure on Moscow, the need to impose new sanctions and tariffs until diplomacy is fully effective, he added. Trump has refrained from sanctioning Russian trading partners but has remained adamant about ending the war. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Entrepreneur Joe C. Wen donated $30 million to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Nursing amid federal funding cuts. The money would be used to support the nursing school's research, programming, and innovation. Additionally, the $30 million donation follows the freezing of more than $300 million in federal grant funding for scientific research to the university by President Donald Trump's administration. $30 Million Donation to UCLA School of Nursing In the July 31 announcement, the U.S. Department of Justice and Trump administration officials called the cut a "heavy price" for the university's reported failure to respond to reports of antisemitism and bias. A spokesperson for UCLA, Aaron Hilf, said on Tuesday that some school researchers were significantly impacted by the federal cuts. However, he declined to provide more details about the situation. The latest donation also marks the largest in the nursing school's 76-year history and will be used to support its four academic health care programs. These are known to serve roughly 600 students, including baccalaureate candidates seeking entry-level professional nursing roles and doctoral degree learners pursuing practice and innovation, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. The donation will also assist further the school's research, which officials said had previously resulted in advances in both evidence-based nursing and technology. In a news release, Wen said that the money will have an immediate and profound impact on communities in Southern California. The UCLA's program was founded in 1949 and is home to the first undergraduate nursing program west of the Mississippi. It was also the first in California to confer a master's of science in nursing degree. Helping Medical Professionals UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk said the commitment represents both an acknowledgment of the importance of nurses and a farsighted vision of nursing's future. He called nurses the backbone of health care as they are often the first and last person people see, Newsroom reported. He said Wen's extraordinary gift plays a vital role in helping these professionals as it expands the school's ability to educate the next generation of nurse leaders and faculty. It would also help fulfill UCLA's mission to improve lives through education, service, and innovation in health. Wen's donation comes after billionaires Shirley and Walter Wang of JM Eagle Inc. agreed to donate $25 million to UCLA Health in April. The money would allow the center to offer help to people living with gastrointestinal disorders by taking a holistic approach and looking at disorders in a variety of ways, as per the Los Angeles Business Journal. Originally published on parentherald.com SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised "heroic" North Korean troops who fought for Russia in the war against Ukraine, in a meeting with officers of the army's overseas operation, state media KCNA said on Thursday. Kim "highly appreciated their feats of leading the combat units of our armed forces, which participated in the operations to liberate the Kursk Region of the Russian Federation, to victory," KCNA reported. North Korea has dispatched more than 10,000 troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine and is believed to be planning another deployment, according to a South Korean intelligence assessment. Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the strategic partnership treaty in June last year, which includes a mutual defence pact. Ahead of Putin's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Kim spoke to Putin by telephone and reaffirmed full support for Moscow. Earlier, Kim paid tribute to North Korean soldiers killed during the war with Ukraine, covering their coffins with flags and resting both of his hands on them in a rare public display. "Ours is a heroic army ... Our army has fully demonstrated its unique qualities. Such a result has cemented its appellation and reputation as the most powerful army in the world," Kim said, according to KCNA. (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Sandra Maler) By Dan Peleschuk and Anastasiia Malenko KYIV (Reuters) -Russia targeted a U.S.-founded electronics manufacturer near Ukraine's border with the European Union in a major air attack on Thursday as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy sought U.S. support to bring Russian leader Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. The overnight attack, which included 574 drones and 40 missiles, was one of the largest of Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbour, now in its fourth year. One person was killed and 22 were wounded, most of them in the attack that damaged storage facilities at the electronics manufacturer in Ukraine's far-Western Zakarpattia region, authorities said. "It was a regular civilian business, supported by American investment, producing everyday items like coffee machines. And yet, it was also a target for the Russians," Zelenskiy wrote on X. "This is very telling." Mukachevo mayor Andriy Baloha said the damaged enterprise belonged to the U.S.-listed company Flex Ltd. The corporate headquarters of the company, a global technology, supply chain and advanced manufacturing solutions partner, is in Austin, Texas and its registered office is in Singapore. The company employed thousands of the area's residents, Baloha said. Flex, which grew from a family firm founded in Silicon Valley in 1969, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In Ukraine's western city of Lviv, the attack killed one person, wounded three others and damaged 26 homes, said Governor Maksym Kozytskyi. Authorities in southeastern Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region also reported damage to businesses, homes and gas lines. Two industry sources told Reuters a key gas pumping facility had been attacked, without giving a location. Russia said Putin had repeatedly said he was ready to meet Zelenskiy but that Ukraine was trying to undermine Trump's efforts to resolve the conflict and its leader was illegitimate. The defence ministry in Moscow said it had struck Ukrainian energy and airfield infrastructure as well as military industrial facilities overnight, and captured another frontline village - Oleksandro-Shultyne, Russian news agency RIA reported. Ukraine said it had hit a Russian oil refinery, a drone warehouse and a fuel base. Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports. SECURITY TALKS U.S. President Donald Trump met both Zelenskiy and Vladimir Putin over the past week in pursuit of a diplomatic end to the fighting but has acknowledged that his Russian counterpart may not want to make a deal. Zelenskiy urged Trump to react firmly if that was the case. "We are ready. But what if the Russians are not ready?" he said in comments released on Thursday. "If the Russians are not ready, we would like to see a strong reaction from the United States." U.S. and European military planners have begun exploring post-conflict security guarantees for Ukraine, according to U.S. officials and sources, but the path to peace remained uncertain. A defence ministry source in Turkey, which has opposed sanctions on Russia while also giving military help to Ukraine and joining a "Coalition of the Willing" to help it with post-conflict security, said peace was still far off. "It is necessary to first secure a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, then determine the framework of a mission with a clear mandate, and clarify the extent to which each country will contribute," the Turkish source said on condition of anonymity. The Kremlin said Putin had discussed Ukraine with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, when Moscow also said attempts to resolve security issues without Russian involvement were a "road to nowhere". On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was ready for an honest talk about security guarantees for Ukraine and accused Ukraine's European backers of 'adventurism' by excluding Moscow from their discussions. Russia, which denies targeting civilians, has used missiles and drones to strike Ukrainian towns and cities far from the front lines throughout the war. Thousands of civilians, the vast majority of them Ukrainian, have been killed since Moscow's full-scale invasion of February 2022. More than a million Russian and Ukrainian soldiers are estimated to have been killed or wounded. (Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; Writing by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, Tomasz Janowski, Philippa Fletcher) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is immediately pausing the issuance of all worker visas for commercial truck drivers, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday. "The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers," Rubio said in a post on X. The administration of President Donald Trump has taken a series of steps to address concerns about foreign truck drivers who do not speak English. Trump in April signed an executive order directing enforcement of a rule requiring commercial drivers in the U.S. to meet English-proficiency standards. Earlier this week, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has launched an investigation into a crash on a Florida highway that killed three people. The crash involved a driver who was an Indian national and did not speak English or have legal authorization to be in the United States, according to Florida and U.S. officials. Harjinder Singh has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and police said he attempted to make an illegal U-turn through an Official Use Only access point blocking traffic and causing the fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of three people in a minivan that struck the truck. Florida officials took custody of Singh in California to return him to the state to face charges. A lawyer for Singh could not immediately be identified. While the English-proficiency standard for truckers was already longstanding U.S. law, Trump's executive order in April reversed 2016 guidance that inspectors not place commercial drivers out of service if their only violation was lack of English. Duffy has said that failing to adequately enforce driver qualification standards poses serious safety concerns and increases the likelihood of crashes. FMCSA said in 2023 that about 16% of U.S. truck drivers were born outside the United States. Last month, Reuters reported that Mexican truck drivers in the border city of Ciudad Juarez have begun studying English in efforts to comply with the Trump order. (Reporting by Jasper Ward and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Bhargav Acharya and Matthew Lewis) (STR/AFP via Getty Images) North Korea built a secret missile base just miles from the Chinese border, likely housing missiles capable of hitting the mainland U.S., the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) revealed in a Wednesday report. The base, which has not been declared to exist by Pyongyang, is located in North Korea, roughly 17 miles from their shared border with China and likely housing multiple Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) capable of reaching the US mainland and beyond, according to a CSIS analysis of open-source data. North Korea has operated 15 to 20 such bases to bolster its nuclear arsenal and has repeatedly threatened the West and its allies with strikes should it ever perceive a threat to its national security. Current assessments are that during times of crisis or war, these launchers and missiles will exit the base, meet special warhead storage/transportation units, and conduct launch operations from dispersed pre-surveyed sites, the report reads. (RELATED: Chinese Illegal Gets 8 Years For Shipping Weapons To North Korea) An unidentified mobile rocket lancher is displayed during a military parade marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung, in Pyongyang on April 15, 2017. (ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images) The base began construction around 2004 and became operational around 2014, according to CSIS analysis. The base is capable of moving missiles and launch vehicles stored inside the base to their pre-surveyed launch sites in the event of an attack. North Korean ICBMs are known to have a maximum range of 15,000 kilometers, according to the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. North Korea is estimated to have around 50 nuclear weapons in total, and the fissile material to make 70 to 90 more, according to the Arms Control Association in June. Pyongyang has aggressively tested its ballistic missile arsenal to deter the West, especially South Korea, its sworn enemy for nearly 80 years. China has been a long-standing ally of North Korea since the end of the Korean War in 1953, signing a mutual defense treaty in 1961. However, China has been less outwardly enthusiastic about Pyongyangs nuclear ambitions, even supporting United Nations sanctions against the nation for proliferating weapons of mass destruction. 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. An Ohio family crashed on a North Carolina highway on Aug. 15, killing the parents and seriously injuring two of their children, according to officials and a family statement. Donald and Maria Nunney were pronounced dead after they crashed on Interstate 40 in Orange County, North Carolina, shortly after 1 p.m. local time on Aug. 15, Christopher Knox, first sergeant for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), confirmed to USA TODAY. Donald was driving and Maria Nunney was a passenger in a Honda Odyssey traveling east on I-40 when the vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway. The van struck several small trees and traveled down an embankment before colliding with a large tree, Knox said. A 15-year-old and 9-year-old were also in the car, and they were hospitalized with injuries after the crash, Knox said. A GoFundMe page for the family said the couple's 15-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son "are healing from major trauma and injuries." Knox said officers do not know why the family was in the area, and the crash is under investigation. Couple who died in crash had four children together, family says Maria Nunney's brother, Sandro Galindo, wrote in a GoFundMe post that the couple shared four children: a 19-year-old son, an 18-year-old son, a 15-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. The two younger children, who were involved in the crash, were still hospitalized with injuries as of Aug. 20, but are expected to make a full recovery, Galindo said. "Maria and Donald were more than amazing and loving parents. They were also a devoted son and daughter, siblings, caring teachers, and friends," the GoFundMe page reads. "They gave so much of themselves to their students and their community." Galindo added, "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." NC car crash victims were teachers in Ohio Donald and Maria Nunney were both teachers in Cleveland, Ohio, Jon Benedict, communications officer for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, told USA TODAY in a statement. Donald Nunney was a teacher at Joseph M. Gallagher School, a pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade school in Cleveland. Maria Nunney was a teacher at Wilbur Wright School, another elementary school in the district, Benedict said. "We have had additional counselors and resources on hand to support the student and staff communities at the many schools impacted by their loss," Benedict said. "Out of respect for the familys wishes, thats all were prepared to say at this very difficult time, other than to say that our hearts are with them at this tragic moment." Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said in a statement on social media that he is extending condolences to the Nunney's family. "The impact of their work extended far beyond the classroom, shaping young minds, inspiring future leaders, and touching countless hearts across our city," Bibb's statement reads. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ohio teachers killed in NC crash, 2 children hospitalized Pentagon officials are enraged by a Washington Post report they say jeopardizes the safety of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his family by disclosing sensitive security details. The report, dubbed a Washington Post exclusive and headlined "Hegseths expansive security requirements tax Army protective unit," cites unnamed "officials" who insist Hegseth is straining the agency tasked with protecting him because of "unusually large personal security requirements." "The sprawling, multimillion-dollar initiative has forced the Armys Criminal Investigation Division, or CID, the agency that fields security for top Defense Department officials, to staff weeks-long assignments in each location and at times monitor residences belonging to Hegseth's former spouses, the officials said," the Post reported. "Army CID has faced significant staffing and budgetary shortfalls for years, but new demands since Hegseths arrival in January have put added pressure on the agency." Hegseth Abruptly Pulls Pentagon Officials From 'Globalist' Aspen Conference The article noted that Hegseth requires additional resources because of a "large blended family" with homes in several locations, "a rise in politically motivated violence as the nation has become more splintered" and a bomb threat "made against his home in Tennessee." The Washington Post report also revealed the state where Hegseths second wife currently resides, noted that "CID security assignments can entail accompanying the children to school and walking the perimeter of the homes," and criticized the secretary of defense for taking his family to a Washington Nationals baseball game. Read On The Fox News App "We attempted to get the Washington Post to remove sensitive details about the security of Secretary Hegseth's wife, children, and extended family, citing obvious security concerns and the potential for threats to increase after its publication. There is no justification for the Washington Post to publish this information about them," Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told Fox News Digital. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell blasted the paper for putting "lives at risk." "In the wake of two assassination attempts against President Trump, ICE agents facing a 1,000% increase in assaults, and repeated threats of retaliation from Iran for striking their nuclear capabilities, it's astonishing that the Washington Post is criticizing a high-ranking cabinet official for receiving appropriate security protection, especially after doxxing the DHS Secretary last week," Parnell wrote on X, referring to a previous report that revealed the residence of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. "Any action pertaining to the security of Secretary Hegseth and his family has been in response to the threat environment and at the full recommendation [of] the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID)," Parnell continued. "When left-wing blogs like the Washington Post continue to dox cabinet secretaries security protocols and movements, it puts lives at risk." Dan Lamothe, the Washington Post reporter who wrote the story, responded to Parnell on social media. "It is flatly false that The Washington Post doxxed anyone," he wrote. "There's also a public service in documenting how badly under strain this important, no-fail Army mission is, according to numerous professionals with knowledge of it." Tulsi Gabbard Accuses Washington Post Reporter Of 'Actively Harassing' Odni Staff Pentagon officials are enraged by a Washington Post report they say jeopardizes the safety of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his family by disclosing sensitive security details. Department of Defense assistant press secretaries Riley Podleski and Jacob Bliss expressed similar disdain. "How do these reporters sleep at night? @PeteHegseth is not only the Secretary of Defense but a father. This article, in addition to being false, puts him and all of his children at risk," Podleski wrote. Bliss wrote, "The scum at the Washington Post published details about @SecDefs security in the name of journalism. They arent holding anyone accountable theyre putting numerous lives and families at risk." Deputy Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez called for reporters involved to face "severe punishment." More than two dozen paragraphs into the lengthy story, the Post report noted that the CID said "Hegseth did not request the additional coverage," and featured a statement in which Parnell called Hegseths protection "appropriate" and said that when the press scrutinizes "cabinet secretaries security protocols and movements, it puts lives at risk." Hegseth Tears Up Red Tape, Orders Pentagon To Begin Drone Surge At Trump's Command U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth takes a question from a reporter during a news conference at the Pentagon on June 22, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., called on the FBI to probe who spoke to the Post. "WaPo just doxxed sensitive info about @SecDefs SECURITY DETAIL. This isnt journalism, its a national security threat. Im calling on @FBIDirectorKash & @FBIDDBongino to open an official FBI investigation into the leakers and the hacks who printed it," Luna wrote. "TREASON wont hide behind a press badge." The Washington Post did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "The Washington Post withheld several sensitive details gathered in the course of reporting this article, including the size of Hegseths protective details and the precise locations where they are assigned," the Post noted in the report. Fox News Digitals Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report. Original article source: Pentagon officials blast Washington Post for putting 'lives at risk' with report on Pete Hegseths security CORECTS TO PEOPLE, NOT POLICE - People shelter behind a wall on the Villanova University campus in Villanova, Pa., on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, where an active shooter was reported. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) False reports of active shooters at Villanova University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Thursday led to panic and temporary lockdowns at the two campuses as they kicked off their fall semesters. In Pennsylvania someone called 911 at about 4:30 p.m. reporting a shooter in a Villanova law school building with at least one wounded victim. Students received texts from the school's alert system saying ACTIVE SHOOTER on VU campus. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. The school's president later said it was a hoax. Today, as we are celebrating Orientation Mass to welcome our newest Villanovans and their families to our community, panic and terror ensued, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue said in a statement. Mercifully, no one was injured and we now know it was a cruel hoax. About four hours earlier, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga locked down its campus, telling students: Possible active shooter in the University Center or Library. Run. Hide. Fight. More info forthcoming. After multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI responded alongside local fire and emergency crews, the lockdown was lifted less than an hour later. School officials said there was no evidence of any threat. At Villanova, where new student orientation was underway and classes begin next week, a call came in reporting a man with an AR-15-style weapon, Delaware County spokesperson Michael Connolly said in a statement. There were also multiple calls with gunshot-like sounds in the background, and about 30 minutes after the initial call, someone called to report a gunshot wound. The initial report sent police scouring the campus and even had some law enforcement officials suggesting they believed there was a shooter. I know today was every parents nightmare and every students biggest fear, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on the social platform X. Shapiro told state police to use all tools available to find the person or people who called in this fake threat and hold them accountable. Courtenay Harris Bond was walking near the law school with her husband and son, a freshman, when word spread of the supposed shooting. Really tough way to start freshman year at college, she said shortly after getting the all-clear to leave the bookstore where the family spent the lockdown. Villanova is a private Catholic university in the Philadelphia suburbs. It borders Lower Merion Township and Radnor Township at the center of the citys wealthy Main Line neighborhoods. The Augustinian school got extra attention this year as the alma mater of new Pope Leo XIV. ___ Casey reported from Boston, and Ramer from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press journalists Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Mingson Lau and Tassanee Vejpongsa in Villanova; Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed. A rainbow crosswalk in Orlando, Florida, that was part of the citys Pulse Memorial was painted over by the state late Wednesday night. The memorial honored the 49 people fatally shot by a gunman at the Pulse LGBTQ nightclub in 2016, in what was the largest mass shooting in the country at the time. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer criticized the removal of the crosswalk on social media, calling it a cruel political act. We are devastated to learn that overnight the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue, he wrote. This crosswalk not only enhanced safety and visibility for the large number of pedestrians visiting the memorial, it also served as a visual reminder of Orlandos commitment to honor the 49 lives taken. Dyer added that the crosswalk adheres to safety standards and was actually installed by the state. It was created in 2017. Brandon Wolf, one of the Pulse shootings surviving victims, said the removal was a desecration of the deceased victims memories. In the dark of night, they came to erase our show of solidarity, our declaration that we will never forget, Wolf wrote on X. The cowards who feel threatened by our lives should feel lucky they didnt have to bury the ones they love then watch the state come & desecrate their memory. Gov. Ron DeSantis commented Thursday afternoon on X. In response to a video of Democratic state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith criticizing the rainbow crosswalks removal, DeSantis wrote: "We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes." A rainbow crosswalk is installed on West Esther Street next to Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 11, 2017. (Todd Stewart / Orlando Sentinel via Getty Images file) The state Transportation Department and DeSantis' office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The crosswalks removal follows a directive last month from President Donald Trumps transportation secretary, Sean Duffy. On July 1, Duffy sent a letter to all 50 states, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, about roadway safety that stressed consistent roadway markings that are free from distractions. In a social media post that same day, Duffy shared the letter along with a message taking direct aim at rainbow crosswalks, which are typically intended to symbolize LGBTQ Pride. Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks, he wrote. Political banners have no place on public roads. Im reminding recipients of @USDOT roadway funding that its limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. Its that simple. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, on Capitol Hill in February. (J. Scott Applewhite / AP file) WASHINGTON Conservative firebrand Rep. Chip Roy said Thursday he is running for Texas attorney general in 2026, jumping into a crowded Republican primary field to replace Ken Paxton. Roy, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, has been a thorn in the side of President Donald Trump; Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.; and the House GOP leadership team. A former attorney and top aide to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Roy first came to Congress in 2019. In his campaign launch video posted Thursday, Roy, 53, warned the Texas of our dreams, our families and our forefathers is under assault, blaming radical Democrats and George Soros, open border politicians, and faceless corporations and the Chinese Communist Party. Today, we draw a line in the sand, he said. Roy joins several other Republican candidates in the race for attorney general after Paxton announced a bid against Sen. John Cornyn in 2026. Roy has repeatedly voted against big funding bills and has railed against the ballooning national debt and deficit spending. In one of his more memorable speeches, Roy, in November 2023, took to the House floor and berated his own GOP leadership, asking colleagues to name one thing that Republicans had done since taking back control of the House that January. I want my Republican colleagues to give me one thing one! that I can go campaign on and say we did. One! Roy exclaimed. Anybody sitting in the complex, you want to come down to the floor and come explain to me one material, meaningful, significant thing the Republican majority has done besides, Well, I guess its not as bad as the Democrats. He was one of a handful of Republicans who backed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over Trump in the 2024 presidential primary. And he initially was opposed to Trumps big beautiful bill earlier this year before eventually voting for it, saying he helped secure changes, including eliminating clean-energy subsidies. In 2021, after Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, Roy broke with Trump and GOP leaders when he voted to certify the results of the 2020 election. That vote may well sign my political death warrant, but so be it, Roy said at the time. Since then, Trump has disparaged Roy on several occasions, calling him a RINO congressman who seeks cheap publicity and should face a primary challenge. In his campaign video, Roy briefly invoked Trump, saying he helped the president secure the border. Texans next attorney general must have a proven record of fighting to preserve, protect and defend our legacy, an attorney general unafraid to fight, unafraid to win, Roy said. Thats why I fought to secure our border and help President Trump deliver results. Roy joins a handful of other conservative rabble-rousers who are heading for the exits of Congress to run for statewide office a welcome development for Johnson and his team, who have struggled to corral votes from these Freedom Caucus members. Former Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Biggs is running for governor in Arizona, while Rep. Ralph Norman is running for that same post in his native South Carolina. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Freedom Caucus ally who also frequently bucked leadership, is also running for South Carolina governor. And former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who created headaches for leadership, resigned from Congress last November and is eyeing a bid for governor in Florida. Anchorage Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Convicted serial killer Robert Hansen. NEED TO KNOW Robert Hansen was a serial killer who confessed to murdering 17 women in Alaska Hansen was a local bakery shop owner who was eventually given the nickname the "Butcher Baker" Hansen died 11 years ago, in 2014, while serving his 461-year sentence for the murders Robert Hansen, who was given the name the "Butcher Baker," was a serial killer and rapist who killed at least 17 women. He abducted, rape and killed women by bringing them to remote locations and hunting them in the woods of Anchorage, Alaska, per The Washington Post. After more than 10 years of haunting the women of Alaska, Hansen was finally caught in 1983. At the time of his arrest, Hansen was only charged with the murders of four women, but he later confessed to killing 17. He was sentenced to 461 years in prison and died on Aug. 21, 2014, from natural causes. He was 75. Although Hansen was eventually arrested, it took investigators over 10 years to look into the disappearances of several women. Some critics of the investigation have noted that the delay in finding Hansen could be due in part to most of his victims' identities as sex workers and vulnerable teenagers. In 1983, the tide turned when he abducted then-17-year-old Cindy Paulson, she escaped and purposely left evidence in Hansen's car that gave a substantial lead to the FBI and police. Her story became the centerpiece for the star-studded 2013 movie The Frozen Ground with Vanessa Hudgens, John Cusack and Nicolas Cage. Here's everything to know about the serial killer Robert Hansen and how he was caught after his 12-year killing spree. Who was Robert Hansen? Anchorage Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Police conduct a massive search on the Knik Flats for missing women in Alaska. Hansen, who was born in 1939, was raised in Iowa and had difficulty growing up because of a stutter and acne. Going back in my life ... I was ... I guess what you might call very frustrated, Hansen told police, according to the New York Daily News. I would see my friends and so forth going out on dates and so forth and had a tremendous desire to do the same thing." From the scars and so forth on my face you can probably see, I could see why girls wouldnt want to get close to me ... During my junior high or high school days I could not control my speech at all," he added. "I was always so embarrassed and upset with it from people making fun of me that I hated the word school. Before Hansen was detained for the murders in 1983, he had been arrested at least five times in 12 years. Hansen committed his first known criminal act in 1960 when he burnt down a school bus garage in his hometown of Pocahontas, Iowa, per the New York Daily News. He served 20 months in prison and was diagnosed with manic depression with periodic schizophrenic episodes, according to Dr. Robert McManmon in his later murder trial. In 1967, Hansen moved to Anchorage, Alaska, with his wife, Darla Hansen, and their two children, and he opened a bakery. Hansen continued committing crimes and was arrested twice in 1971 for the abduction and attempted rape of a housewife and for raping a sex worker. He pleaded guilty to the first offense and the second was dropped in a plea deal, leading him to serve six months of a five-year sentence, per All That's Interesting. Hansen is believed to have started his murder spree in 1972, but during that time, he was also arrested for larceny after trying to steal a chainsaw. He was sentenced to five years in prison but was released with time served two years later. Alaska's Assistant District Attorney Frank Rothschild later told The New York Times that at least three of his four convicted murders took place during the time that he would have been in prison had he served the full five years. In addition to his criminal exploits, Hansen also took an interest in hunting in Alaska, got his pilot's licence and bought a small plane. What did Robert Hansen do? AP/Shutterstock Robin Pelkey. Hansen is a convicted serial killer who eventually confessed to killing 17 women in the Alaskan wilderness. Authorities believe that he escalated to killing his sexual assault victims around 1971. Hansen was known to stalk a woman, who was often a teenager or sex worker, pick her up in his car and abduct her, according to USA Today. He would take his victims to remote places outside Anchorage via his car or sometimes by flying his small plane. From there, he would hunt his victims, rape them and murder them. Although Hansen eventually confessed to killing 17 women, he is believed to have raped or assaulted over 30 women, per The Washington Post. Police have also listed several other women who disappeared during this time who may have been Hansen's victims. The 17 known murder victims ranged in age from 16 to 41. Hansen's first victim is believed to be Celia van Zanten, an 18-year-old who was abducted while walking to a supermarket, per the Line-Up. Celia's body was later discovered in a remote park, and police later believed that Hansen was responsible; however, Hansen denied responsibility for her death and other women who weren't sex workers. The women Hansen admitted to kidnapping, assaulting and murdering included Mary Kathleen Thill, 22; an unidentified woman called "Eklutna Annie"; Joanna Messina, 24; Roxane Easland, 24; Andrea Mona "Fish" Altiery, 24; Sue Luna, 23; DeLynne "Sugar" Renee Frey, 22; Paula Goulding, 30; Teresa Watson, 22; Angela Lynn Feddern, 24; and Tamera "Tami" Pederson, 20. Authorities also believe that Hansen killed Megan Siobhan Emerick, 17; Lisa Futrell, 41; Sherry Morrow, 23; Robin Pelkey (formerly known as "Horseshoe Harriet" before she was identified in 2021), 19; and Malai Larsen, 28. Why did it take so long for the police to find Hansen? Paul Brown/Anchorage Daily/Tribune News Service via Getty Criminal investigators search for bodies along the Knik River in Alaska in April 1984. There were several reasons why investigators didn't immediately look into the disappearances of the local women and why they didn't think of Hansen as the perpetrator. Rothschild, the assistant district attorney who tried Hansens case, claimed to Fox News in 2020 that Hansen's victims were "hardly missed," as many of them weren't close with their families or had troubled pasts. In addition, Anchorage was bustling with construction workers, sex workers and drug dealers in the 1970s because of the development of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, per The New York Times. Anchorage at the time was perfect for someone like Robert Hansen, Rothschild told Fox News. It was a place for someone like Hansen to easily lure women into his grasp. ... [His victims] were all young women, mostly runaways, who really had no family support and were out in the world on their own. Most of them didnt even make it through high school. ... For many, this was a place for them to make money and survive. He added, "Hansen learned he needed to take women who werent easily believed or cared about by the community or police the same way. He thought like a hunter. Those factors also contributed to authorities allegedly not pursuing the leads of some of the women who reported their abductions and assaults if they escaped Hansen or if he let them go. "There just wasnt a drop of empathy for a rape victim. ... That always upsets me," Rothschild said. To make matters even more challenging, Hansen was a local business owner whom all the policemen knew from shopping at his bakery, Rothschild told A&E True Crime in 2019. Hansen portrayed himself as a dutiful husband and father and later claimed that his wife was unaware of his crimes. "He was a small guy, Rothschild recalled to Fox News. He came across as a little mild-mannered sort of fellow. You didnt initially have any sense of what he was hiding behind the mask." How was Hansen eventually caught? Anchorage Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Alaska State Troopers conduct the search of the Knik Flats for bodies of missing women on September 17, 1983. After terrorizing the surrounding areas of Anchorage for over a decade, Hansen finally came on the police's radar in 1983. In June of that year, Hansen abducted 17-year-old sex worker Cindy. He brought her to his home and later transported her to his plane, but she escaped while he was loading cargo, per the Alaska Daily News. Cindy made her way to a busy street, was rescued by a local driver and later reported her assault to the police. She accurately described Hansen and told authorities that she left her sneakers inside Hansen's car as evidence. Police brought in Hansen for questioning, but he claimed he had an alibi, denied the allegations and was later released. However, after police began discovering more bodies and learned more about the psychological profile of the killer, they issued a search warrant for Hansen's properties in October 1983. Police discovered jewelry that belonged to some of the women, potential murder weapons and a map with several "X" marks, per Newsweek. Hansen initially denied the murders before eventually confessing to the attacks. What was Hansen charged with? Anchorage Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Convicted serial killer Robert Hansen in Anchorage, Alaska. In October 1983, Hansen was officially arrested and formally charged with the murders of four women, whose bodies had been discovered. The following year, Hansen pleaded guilty to the murders of Sherry, Joanna, "Eklutna Annie" and Paula. He was also charged with the abduction and rape of Cindy. Although Hansen was only formally charged with murdering four women, he eventually admitted to murdering 17 women and worked with investigators to identify some of the sites where he buried the victims as part of his plea deal. What happened to Hansen? Federal Bureau of Prisons United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. After pleading guilty to the four murders and one abduction and rape in February 1984, Hansen was sentenced to 461 years in prison without the possibility of parole. He began his sentence at the United States Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Penn., before he was briefly transferred to Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Juneau, Alaska. After that, he lived the rest of his life at Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska. I wouldve wished every breath he took had an element of pain to it," Rothschild told A&E True Crime. "But heres how I thought about it heres a guy whose passion in life is going out into the wilderness and hunting, the great Alaska wild. Instead of being able to do that, he was put in a cell with no view of anything forget the mountains with rancid air and horrific people around him. That, to me, is supreme punishment. On Aug. 21, 2014, Hansen died from natural causes at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, per The New York Times. "On this day we should only remember his many victims and all of their families, and my heart goes out to all of them," Glenn Flothe, a retired Alaska state trooper who worked on Hansen's 1984 arrest, told Anchorage Daily News at the time. "As far as Hansen is concerned, this world is better without him." Read the original article on People by Barry Goldman Somebody screwed up. That much was clear. A batch of parts that was supposed to go through process A was instead sent through process B. The parts had to be scrapped. The job was delayed by several days. The customer was furious. The boss called in the manager who was in charge of the plant at the time of the mix-up. The manager appeared at the meeting along with a representative. The boss asked for an explanation. The manager and his representative made their arguments. The boss determined the manager was at fault and imposed a two-week suspension without pay. The manager appealed the suspension, and the case went to arbitration. At the hearing, the managers lawyer argued that the plant rules require an employee to be given 24 hours written notice before an investigative interview. Here, there was no written notice. The boss merely called the manager and told him to come to his office. Since the company failed to comply with the notice requirement, the lawyer argued, the investigative interview was improper, and the discipline was invalid. The company argued that the manager had effectively waived the notice requirement. By appearing at the investigative interview with a representative and participating in the meeting, and by failing to request an adjournment or to raise the issue of notice, the manager had tacitly agreed to proceed without the notice required by the plant rules. The purpose of the notice requirement, after all, is to ensure the employee has an opportunity to appear and present his case. The idea is simply to get everyone in the same room at the same time with the same agenda. Since the employee did appear and did present his case, the purpose of the rule was served. To invalidate the discipline on the grounds that the notice provision was violated would elevate form over substance. The manager disagreed. The plant rules are there for a reason. They cannot just be swept aside whenever the company finds them inconvenient. The boss called the manager in to his office, and the manager went. He couldnt simply refuse. If he had refused, he would have opened himself up to a charge of insubordination refusal to obey a direct and lawful order from a superior. No one asked whether he waived the notice requirement. The subject never came up. Therefore, there was no waiver of the notice requirement in any meaningful sense. There is nothing unfair or improper about requiring the company to obey its own rules. This isnt really a case. Its a tiny fraction of a case a one-fact hypothetical. The idea is that it can serve as a simplified model of a judicial decision. Something like the role C. elegans plays in biology. The plant rules say an employee should be given 24 hours notice before an investigative interview. The manager wasnt given any notice. What should happen? I havent said anything about whether the manager was harmed by not being provided notice of the investigative interview. Is there something he would have done differently if he had more time to prepare? I also havent said anything about whether he really is responsible for the mistake. I havent said anything about his previous record of service or his previous record of discipline. And I havent said anything about the appropriateness of the penalty. What has the company done in similar cases in the past? I also havent mentioned that the people who run the plant are not the people who write the rules. The boss and the manager are charged with knowing the rules. That is, they are presumed to have read and understood them, but that is a legal fiction. In the real world, the folks in HR are likely to have some familiarity with the rules. The folks in the plant are not. Its very likely no one gave any thought to the notice provision until the managers lawyer started to prepare his case. All we have is a one-fact hypothetical. There is a rule. There has been a violation of the rule. What should be the result? It couldnt be simpler. All you need to do is weigh the factors, balance the equities, and apply the law. My point is that reasonable people can disagree. Is the notice requirement a mere formality or is it an essential component of industrial due process? I hope Ive shown there is nothing simple about that question. As I have been arguing in this space for the past two years, the rule of law is not much help. Reasonable people of good will, intelligent people with nothing to gain or lose, who are trying their best to follow the law and do the right thing could come out either way. Now, instead of a simple case with one fact and an issue that no one (other than the parties themselves) cares about very much, consider a complicated situation with lots of facts and an issue that millions of people care about deeply. Consider, for example, the recent Supreme Court litigation about the Voting Rights Act. Or, zooming out even further, consider the relationship between the lower federal courts and the Supreme Court. This was the subject of two recent editorials in the New York Times. Thomas Edsal wrote The Supreme Court Has Finally Found a President It Likes, and Adrian Vermeule wrote Someone Is Defying the Supreme Court, But It Isnt Trump. It is as though they are from different planets. Edsal and Vermeule look at the same data the same executive orders, the same restraining orders, the same emergency appeals, the same shadow docket rulings lifting those restraining orders and they come to diametrically opposed opinions. Edsal thinks the Supreme Court has gone rogue. Vermeule thinks the lower courts have gone rouge. What is the truth? The truth is where you stand depends on where you sit. If Bernie Sanders had been elected president instead of Donald Trump, and he had appointed democratic socialists to the Supreme Court, the country would be having the same arguments, but the sides would be reversed. The progressives would be arguing that the lower courts have a duty to follow Supreme Court guidance. The conservatives would be arguing that only the heroic lower court judges stand between us and dictatorship. Both sides would argue that they alone support the rule of law. By the same token, if I really and sincerely believed in my heart that the country should be run by patrician, white, male, Christian racists, I would side with the majority of the Court in the pending Voting Rights Act case. See Harry Litman on the subject. I understand my theory doesnt account for Clarence Thomas, but Im afraid no theory can account for Clarence Thomas. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Rosie O'Donnell is never one to hold back. In an Aug. 19 Instagram post, she called out fellow TV icon Jay Leno for a mean-spirited 2009 segment from "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," which was revisited in the new Netflix docuseries "Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser." In the caption of the post, which featured photos of "The Biggest Loser's" Tracey Yukich in the three-episode series, O'Donnell, 63, wrote that Leno was "mean." The "Fit for TV" scene she referenced was one in which Yukich, a Season 8 contestant, tearfully recounted Leno reading her death threats submitted by "Biggest Loser" viewers. Biggest Loser contestant Tracey Yukich during an interview with host Jay Leno on The Jay Leno Show on November 3, 2009. The "Tonight Show" encounter originally aired Nov. 3, 2009. Speaking with USA TODAY on Aug. 21, Leno said, "I don't dislike Rosie," adding that "she's a funny comedian." But "I don't know where Rosie's coming from these days," the 75-year-old continued. He noted that when he hosted "The Tonight Show" (from 1992 to 2009), he would meet with guests before filming to discuss what would be happening during their segment. "I'm pretty sure I asked beforehand if it would be OK. If not, we wouldn't have done it," Leno said. "It's why we got stars who wouldn't do many other shows." Rosie O'Donnell attends Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine, benefitting the Scleroderma Research Foundation, at Fairmont Century Plaza on Oct. 29, 2024, in Los Angeles. Tracey Yukich experienced muscle disintegrating condition on 'Biggest Loser' Though many lost weight throughout the series, the tactics at times posed a risk to participants and their esteem; Yukich suffered a near-death experience early in her season, which aired in 2009. A mom of four, she'd started Season 8 weighing 250 pounds. On the first day of filming "Loser," Yukich and her fellow contestants had to run a mile on a beach. With so much on the line, Yukich darted for the finish line, but her body began shutting down. She went from running to crawling to being pulled to the end by her competitors, and then she collapsed. Yukich had developed rhabdomyolysis, described by the Cleveland Clinic as a condition that causes muscles to disintegrate. "When this happens, toxic components of your muscle fibers enter your circulation system and kidneys." Yukich told USA TODAY that she spent more than three weeks in the hospital before resuming the competition, and ultimately shed 118 pounds. "I'm thankful that I was a part of (the show) because it did change my life," she said. "I really meant what I said at the end (when I) said that I was the one that changed my life. I was the one that did the work." 'Fit for TV': What 'Biggest Loser' alumni have to say about the show now 73277921007 Rosie O'Donnell: Bob Harper was 'cruel' on 'The Biggest Loser' O'Donnell also had something to say about another person who appeared in the "Fit for TV" docuseries: trainer Bob Harper. The series' participants had mixed views on Harper, who admitted in an episode that he'd "never worked with obese people. ... I worked with very fit people that were trying to be a size 0 or have a six-pack. It was a huge wakeup call for me." Jillian Michaels breaks her silence, comments on 'Biggest Loser' doc, co-star Bob Harper Season 7 competitor Joelle Gwynn, who got into an argument with Harper during her time on the show over not lasting 30 seconds on the treadmill, said: "I've never seen someone get abused like that. It was very, very, very, very embarrassing." In her Aug. 19 post, O'Donnell wrote, "k now bob harper can u not say IM SORRY." She added, "Seriously so hurtful so cruel - come on bob." On "Fit for TV," Olivia Ward described her much warmer relationship with Harper, saying she'd named her first child after him. Contributing: Erin Jensen, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rosie O'Donnell calls out Jay Leno for 'mean' 'Biggest Loser' segment Six people have been found dead in connection with a "dairy accident" in Colorado, local fire officials announced on Aug. 21. Southeast Weld Fire Protection District officials said crews recovered the six bodies at the 32000 block of Weld County Road 18 about 30 miles north of Denver on Aug. 20. They had been sent to the site at about 6 p.m. to perform a confined space rescue, said Tom Beach, fire chief for the fire district covering parts of Weld and Adams counties. "Unfortunately, District personnel recovered six deceased individuals from the space," Beach said in a statement. "The District extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims." Fire district spokesperson Irene Burke said the agency would not release additional information. Weld County Deputy Chief Coroner Jolene Weiner said the agency would not be releasing the names and ages of the victims until the families have been notified. All six were Hispanic males, she said. Autopsies will be done in the coming days but Weiner said the coroner's office was investigating the "deaths as possibly be the result of a gas exposure in a confined space." Local news reports identified the site as a dairy farm. OSHA is investigating the incident, said agency spokesperson Chauntra Rideaux. More information will be available after the inspection is complete, Rideaux said. Weld County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Melissa Chesmore said the agency responded to the scene and that "nothing criminal in nature was discovered." Chesmore deferred additional questions to the fire district. What OSHA data shows about confined spaces Confined spaces have a proven track record of being linked to deadly workplace accidents, according OSHA data. A USA TODAY search of OSHA-investigated accidents linked to confined spaces showed four deaths in 2025 so far. According to OSHA accident reports, one worker died of asphyxiation while working inside a rail tank car used to carry industrial chemicals; one died after falling into a vat of concrete aggregate; one died due to carbon monoxide exposure after spending time in a running vehicle inside a closed garage; and one died from head injuries after falling into a truck tank. In 2024, at least 12 deaths were linked to workplace accidents in confined spaces, according to a search of OSHA investigations. 10 of the deaths were linked to asphyxiation due to chemicals and low-oxygen levels. Where is Weld County? Weld County is located between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains in Northern Colorado, according to a county fact sheet. It covers an area twice the size of Delaware. The Weld County seat is Greeley. Around 360,000 people live in the county, according to the fact sheet. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Six dead in connection with 'dairy accident' Washington The Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for the Trump administration to proceed with the cancellation of National Institutes of Health research grants tied to issues like gender identity and diversity, equity and inclusion. In a 5-4 decision, in which Justice Amy Coney Barrett sided in part with the majority, and Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the minority, the high court lifted a lower court order that required the NIH to restore hundreds of research grants that had been canceled because they were tied to these issues. But the legal challenge over the from 16 states and a coalition of research groups will continue to play out in the lower court. The court's divided decision enables the administration to pull back awards that it says do not align with its policy objectives. Since returning to the White House for a second term, President Trump has directed federal agencies to cancel DEI-related grants or contracts and ensure federal funds do not go toward initiatives involving gender identity. The dispute before the Supreme Court arose after the Department of Health and Human Services and the head of NIH issued a series of directives in February that led to the cancellation of grant awards that were connected to DEI or gender identity, as well as research topics including vaccine hesitancy, COVID and climate change. The states and research groups challenged the grant terminations in April, arguing the move violated the Constitution and a federal law governing the agency rulemaking process. The plaintiffs sought to block NIH from ending grants and to have funding that had already been axed restored. A federal judge in Massachusetts held a bench trial and ruled in June that the grant terminations were unlawful. Judge William Young, a Reagan appointee, ordered that the directives from the Trump administration and resulting grant terminations be set aside. Justice Barrett wrote Thursday that the District Court lacked the jurisdiction to order the grants to be restored. The majority ruling said that "challenges to the grant terminations...belong in the Court of Federal Claims." That court hears money claims related to the Constitution, "federal statutes, executive regulations, or contracts, express or implied in fact, with the United States." But she sided with the minority on another question about the legality of the agency guidance and indicated that the plaintiffs, to "obtain complete relief," might have to pursue it in two separate courts. "[M]y preliminary judgment is that the plaintiffs' challenges to the grant terminations belong in the [Court of Federal Claims], and their [Administrative Procedure Act] challenges to the guidance belong in district court," Barrett wrote. Roberts said in his dissent argued that the relief granted by the lower court "falls well within the scope of the District Court's jurisdiction," and "if the District Court had jurisdiction to vacate the directives, it also had jurisdiction to vacate the 'Resulting Grant Terminations.'" NIH has a $47 billion budget and is considered the world's largest funder of biomedical research. As a result of the NIH and HHS directives, more than 1,700 grants were canceled nationwide, including more than 800 awarded to public universities, state instrumentalities and local governments in16 states that challenged the move. Lawyers for the Democratic state attorneys general told the Supreme Court in a filing that the sudden cancellation of the grants forced their universities to lay off or furlough employees, cut student enrollment and withdraw admissions offers. In the U.S. District Court, Judge Young found that NIH engaged in "no reasoned decision-making" in rolling out the grant terminations, and wrote there was "not a shred of evidence" to back up the administration's claims that DEI studies are used to support discrimination on the basis of race and other protected characteristics. The Trump administration asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit to pause the district court's decision, which it declined to do. Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the high court for emergency relief last month. In his emergency appeal, the solicitor general argued that the Supreme Court had a chance to "stop errant district courts from continuing to disregard" its decisions. Sauer pointed to an April order from the justices that cleared the way for the Department of Education to halt millions of dollars in teacher-training grants that it said funded programs that involve DEI initiatives. The high court said in that case that the Trump administration was likely to succeed in showing that the federal district court that oversaw the dispute lacked jurisdiction to order the payment of money under federal law. The solicitor general said the judicial system does not rest on a "lower-court free-for-all where individual district judges feel free to elevate their own policy judgments over those of the Executive Branch, and their own legal judgments over those of this Court." But the public health groups warned that even a brief stay of the district court's decision reinstating the grants would invalidate crucial multiyear projects that have already been paid for by Congress, "inflicting incalculable losses in public health and human life because of delays in bringing the fruits of plaintiffs' research to Americans who desperately await clinical advancements." They warned that pulling the grants would do irreversible harm to public health, halting biomedical research that Congress directed NIH to fund. "That, and the obvious harm to those who suffer from chronic or life-threatening diseases and their loved ones, must be balanced against NIH's ill-defined monetary interests and any asserted incursion on its policymaking latitude," the research organizations wrote in a filing. Fire burning in one of the tallest trees in the world, Oregon crews trying to extinguish it Celtics star Jaylen Brown's father faces attempted murder charges Newsom signs bill putting new California congressional maps on November ballot John Maidens and the Corvette An East Tennessee mans dream of owning a classic 1963 Corvette turned into a $26,000 disaster after falling victim to a sophisticated Facebook Marketplace scam. The victim, Jim Maidens, a disabled former registered nurse and car enthusiast, wanted the true classic so much he was willing to pay the price, sight unseen. Don't miss He said it was in excellent shape, Maidens told reporters. I asked him if he had driven it? He said, Yes, he did drive it, and it drove perfect. But what he didnt realize was that there was no car to pick up, and his money had vanished. Now, hes sounding the alarm on a tried-and-true Facebook Marketplace scam that continues to fleece unsuspecting buyers out of money. Heres what you need to know to stay safe. The fantasy car that turned out to be pure fiction Maidens knows about Corvettes he owns several, all purchased locally. So when he found some used models on sale on Facebook, his interest was quickly piqued. Well, on this page, there are three or four Corvettes. A 1969 for $38,000. Theres a 73 for $11,800, he said. And when he spotted what appeared to be an incredible deal a vintage Corvette priced at just $26,000 with a $750 delivery fee he believed hed hit the jackpot. Fearing another buyer might snatch up the deal, Maidens wired the full amount without seeing the vehicle in person. The seller provided seemingly legitimate paperwork, including a bill of sale with VIN number and electronic signature. He called me, as I remember, and said that he had gotten the wire and that the car would be loaded on the weekend and would be here on Monday, said Maidens. The car never showed up. I tried to reach him, and Im blocked. $26,750 bucks, he said. Boom, gone. Once I was blocked from communicating with him, then I knew it was all over. Read more: Do you own rental properties in the US? These 6 hacks can help you boost your income and lower your tax burden How to spot a fraudulent Facebook Marketplace listing When Maidens finally contacted authorities, a deputy managed to reach the scammer by phone, but the trail immediately went cold. As soon as he knew he was a police officer, he hung up and blocked him, said Maidens. Maiden fell victim to what's known as an advanced payment scam, which involves a seller requesting payment up front for an item they never intend to deliver. These scams are especially common on listings for big-ticket items like vehicles or rentals. The warning signs? Drastically underpriced vehicles The seller profile features multiple suspiciously cheap listings Generic descriptions are reused across multiple listings by the same seller The seller requests switching all communication to email Claims of being abroad with offers to deliver for a "refundable deposit" Mentions of working with transport companies (when selling cars) The seller uses stolen company details from small dealers or logistics firms The listing photos are stolen from genuine Autotrader or eBay listings Fortunately, there are steps you can take to go after the fraudulent seller to get your money back: Contact the seller directly first. Many marketplace issues can be resolved through direct communication with the seller before escalating. Document all evidence. Take screenshots of conversations, listings, transactions, and receipts, as this documentation is critical for reporting. Report the scam to Facebook. If the seller won't cooperate, use Facebook's reporting system by finding the listing. On Facebook, go to "Options" "Report Listing" "Scam" to alert moderators. Contact your payment provider. Immediately dispute charges with your bank, credit card company, or PayPal, which typically offer buyer protection programs for unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Failing that, you can perform a chargeback if you used a credit card. Report to the authorities. File complaints with the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov), IC3 (www.ic3.gov), and local law enforcement to create an official record of the fraud. Facebook does provide purchase protection for some items bought through Facebook Marketplace. This free security protection applies if: You didn't receive your order. The product arrived damaged or different from the description in the listing. The seller didn't follow their stated refund policy. The purchase was unauthorized. The seller has been removed from Facebook. Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, purchasers like Maidens are exempt. Facebook Purchase Protection does not cover orders over $2,000, services, or vehicles. As for Maidens advice, looking back? Dont buy anything without having it physically present, he told reporters. 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. Travel doesnt need to drain your bank account because a thoughtful choice of destination can give you plenty to do and see without blowing your budget. There are some U.S. cities that offer a strong mix of affordable transportation, lodging, and attractions. This means that you wont need luxury hotels or expensive tours to enjoy your trip. With basic planning and smart timing, here are some cities you can enjoy for less than youd probably spend staying home for the weekend. Orlando, Florida Credit: Getty Images While Orlando draws millions of tourists each year, it still ranks among the most reasonably priced large U.S. cities for visitors. WalletHub placed it first in overall value and cited low per-night rates. Budget-conscious visitors tend to skip the theme parks and explore free or low-cost alternatives like scenic trails, local museums, and lakeside spots. Cincinnati, Ohio Credit: Getty Images Prices in Cincinnati stay lower partly because the city isnt usually crowded with tourists. That means hotels, restaurants, and attractions dont charge the inflated rates common in bigger travel markets. Budget lodging near downtown pairs well with the free streetcar loop and makes it easy to get around without extra costs. Atlanta, Georgia Credit: Getty Images If you're flying in from almost anywhere in the eastern U.S., Atlanta is easy to reach and usually inexpensive. Hartsfield-Jackson is one of the countrys busiest airports, which keeps flight prices lower than other hubs. Once you're there, skip rental cars and use MARTA to move around. Washington, D.C. Credit: Getty Images Many travelers are surprised by how budget-friendly Washington, D.C. can be. Every Smithsonian museum is freeno admission fees and no hidden charges. The Metro system connects different neighborhoods efficiently. You wont need a rental car or tours to explore major landmarks. The National Mall alone takes several days to cover and includes dozens of historic monuments. Tampa, Florida Credit: Getty Images Hotel stays in Tampa often run far cheaper than in Floridas bigger tourist hubs. Mid-range hotels average about $110 per night, and short-term rentals in areas like Seminole Heights or Ybor City can dip closer to $80. Choosing lodging outside downtown usually keeps costs lower and still provides easy access by bus or streetcar. Austin, Texas Credit: Getty Images Austin, known for its live music and food trucks, offers strong value if you plan ahead. Accommodations rise in price during festivals, but you can usually find better rates in East or South Austin. The bus system covers the city for just a few dollars per day, and a large number of venues charge little or nothing for entry. Honolulu, Hawaii Credit: Getty Images Despite being a remote state, Honolulu remains an achievable destination for travelers on a budget. Flights drop frequently if you track them using Google Flights or Hopper. Once on Oahu, travelers rely on TheBus, a public system that reaches nearly every major beach, trailhead, and site. Knoxville, Tennessee Credit: Getty Images Knoxville, located near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, gives budget travelers access to hiking, history, and culture without major costs. University-related events often welcome visitors without a ticket. Public buses cover the main areas, and parking is easier and cheaper here than in larger cities. Chicago, Illinois Credit: Getty Images You can visit Chicago on a budget if you rely on the CTA. Trains and buses link most of the city, and a 3-day pass costs under $20. Hostels in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Wicker Park offer cheaper alternatives to downtown accommodations. Free attractions include Millennium Park, the Lakefront Trail, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Salt Lake City, Utah Credit: Getty Images For those wanting outdoor access without high costs, Salt Lake City makes a smart base. Lodging drops in price during spring and late fall, after ski season ends. Numerous tourists use the city as a starting point before visiting national parks like Zion or Arches, where fees remain manageable. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Credit: Getty Images Several core attractions in Philadelphia, which include the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, require no expenditure. Walking paths lead to various downtown sites, and SEPTAs day passes cover buses and subways at low costs. The city also holds regular street festivals and night markets, which feature stands that beat restaurant prices by a wide margin. Dallas, Texas Credit: Getty Images Though it may have grown fast in the last decade, Dallas promises a good return for the money for travelers. Downtown overnight rates tend to run higher, so many people stay near Deep Ellum or Oak Lawn. Where food is concerned, local taquerias and barbecue stands serve full meals at prices under $10. Miami, Florida Credit: Getty Images You might think Miami is out of reach, but plenty of cost-effective activities make it manageable. Free public beaches stretch across miles of coastline, and the city trolley covers several districts at no cost. The Metrorail adds cheap transit options for longer rides. Walking through Little Havana or Wynwood gives you art, culture, and energy with no entry fee. Richmond, Virginia Credit: Getty Images The appeal of Richmond lies in its mix of history, art, and affordability. The citys museum scene stands out, with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offering free admission year-round. Meanwhile, the Pulse bus line provides an inexpensive way to move between cultural districts and historic landmarks. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Credit: Getty Images Even during weekends and busy event seasons, Oklahoma City keeps overnight rates surprisingly low. Mid-range stays average under $100 per night, while short-term rentals in nearby neighborhoods can dip closer to $75. These prices make the city one of the most affordable metro areas for travelers. A federal appeals court has cleared the way for the Trump administration to end temporary deportation protections for more than 60,000 people from Nicaragua, Honduras and Nepal at least for now. A lower court last month blocked the Department of Homeland Security from ending Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, for the three countries until at least mid-November to give the court more time to weigh the issue. The judge sided with plaintiffs who argued the Trump administration's plan to wind down TPS was "motivated by racial animus." But on Wednesday, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit put that ruling on hold pending appeal. The order which was issued by a panel of three judges nominated under the Clinton, Bush and first Trump administrations did not offer a rationale for the decision. Tens of thousands of migrants from Nicaragua, Honduras and Nepal rely on TPS, a program that grants temporary reprieve from deportation and work permits to people whose home countries are deemed unsafe due to war or natural disaster. If they don't have any other means to stay in the U.S. legally like a green card or an asylum application those who lose their TPS are no longer eligible to work in the country lawfully and are at risk of deportation. Prior to last month's ruling, the Trump administration sought to end TPS for Nepal on Aug. 5, and for Nicaragua and Honduras in early September. The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California one of the organizations that sued the administration over the TPS decision called Wednesday's ruling "devastating." "I am heartbroken by the court's decision," Sandhya Lama, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said in a statement released by the ACLU. "I've lived in the U.S. for years, and my kids are U.S. citizens and have never even been to Nepal. This ruling leaves us and thousands of other TPS families in fear and uncertainty." DHS called the ruling a "significant legal victory" in a statement. "Temporary Protected Status was always meant to be just that: Temporary," DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said. "TPS was never meant to be a de facto asylum system, yet that is how previous administrations have used it for decades while allowing hundreds of thousands of foreigners into the country without proper vetting." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has sought to wind down TPS for hundreds of thousands of migrants from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Venezuela and other countries, arguing their protections have been in place for too long or that conditions in those nations have improved enough to allow their nationals to return. The Trump administration, for example, has noted that the TPS programs for Honduras and Nicaragua were first created in 1999, after Hurricane Mitch caused catastrophic floods and killed thousands in Central America. The TPS program for Nepal was announced in 2015, after an earthquake hit the small Asian country. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has said all three countries have recovered from those environmental disasters. But San Francisco-based U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson said last month the TPS holders who sued Noem were likely to succeed in arguing that her decisions were "preordained" actions that did not fully consider lingering conditions in Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua. The judge also referenced a comment made by President Trump during the 2024 campaign in which he said migrants entering the U.S. illegally were "poisoning the blood of our country." Hurricane Erin sparking storm surge warnings as it starts to move away from North Carolina Trump responds after New York court tosses $527 million civil fraud penalty What to expect from a potential California redistricting special election Washington President Trump addressed a crowd of federal law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, amid an anti-crime initiative that has swamped the capital with police and National Guard members. The president visited a U.S. Park Police facility in Southeast D.C., where he thanked federal agents and handed out hamburgers that he said were prepared at the White House and pizza from a local restaurant. "You're incredible people. You make the country run, frankly," Mr. Trump said. In brief remarks, Mr. Trump told the crowd the capital city will be "maxxed out in terms of beauty" in the next six to 12 months, listing out plans to clean graffiti, repair park grass and fix road medians. Several other administration officials also addressed the officers, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Some 2,000 Guard personnel from D.C. and several GOP-led states are in the capital, along with a surge of officers from agencies like the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration. Mr. Trump has also asserted federal control over the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, drawing pushback from local politicians who argued the move was a threat to the city's autonomy. Last week, the Justice Department backed down from an attempt to name an emergency local police chief following a lawsuit from D.C. officials. Hours earlier, Mr. Trump said he would go out in D.C. to patrol the city alongside law enforcement and the Guard. The president made the announcement as the Metropolitan Police Department tells CBS News no homicides have been reported in the district in over a week. "I'm going to be going out tonight, I'm going to keep it a secret," the president joked to radio host Todd Starnes. "I'm going to be out tonight, I think with the police, and with the military, of course. So we're going to do a job. The National Guard is great. They've done a fantastic job." The president's visit came a day after Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller visited National Guard members posted at Union Station. Since the Trump administration began its initiative, a total of 630 arrests have been made, and 86 illegal guns have been seized, according to Bondi. Unlike other presidents, Mr. Trump has made few ventures into the district, other than to deliver speeches or, during his first term, to visit his former hotel down Pennsylvania Avenue. Past presidents have occasionally dined at D.C. restaurants. Mr. Trump has insisted that people he knows feel safer in the city than they have before. "People that haven't gone out to dinner in Washington, D.C., in two years are going out to dinner," Mr. Trump claimed earlier this week. Local officials say the initiative is unnecessary and Mr. Trump's claims about safety issues in D.C. are overblown. According to local police data, violent crime in D.C. has been declining for the last year and a half after spiking in 2023. As of Aug. 11, robberies this year are down 28% and overall violent crime is down 26%. Last year, violent crime in the capital city hit its lowest level in more than 30 years, the Justice Department said. Mr. Trump, however, has called D.C. crime statistics "phony numbers," and said his administration would "look into that." Fire burning in one of the tallest trees in the world, Oregon crews trying to extinguish it Celtics star Jaylen Brown's father faces attempted murder charges Newsom signs bill putting new California congressional maps on November ballot Two students found each other in online hate communities. Both became school shooters He was a 17-year-old student in Nashville. She was 15 and living in Wisconsin. They joined the same chatroom, followed each other online and months later found themselves together in a growing club U.S. school shooters. Investigators at the Anti-Defamation League found striking similarities between the two young killers and the paths they took that shattered families and communities, according to an Aug. 21 study provided to USA TODAY. The path they took included watching videos of graphic violence, following White supremacists online and celebrating other shooters, investigators found. Solomon Henderson, 17, wound up killing a student and injuring another in January at Antioch High School in Tennessee. Natalie Rupnow, 15, wound up killing two students and injuring six in December at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. Both committed suicide after the attacks. The ADL says the report, "Two Teens. Two School Shootings. One Digital Descent," shows the deadly influence of online extremist communities. "Kids and teens today have lived their entire lives with easy internet access, putting them even more at risk of encountering violent extremism online," said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. "Extremist ideas combined with gore websites can inspire users to seek out more extremist content, while violence on extremist platforms can inspire others to look for even more violent content. It's a vicious cycle, especially for young people." He said the research aims to help prevent future attacks. ADL investigators found that the students became shooters between 18 and 19 months after joining the graphic violence chatroom WatchPeopleDie. The two also followed each other online. Rupnow followed Henderson on Dec. 3, weeks before the Dec. 16 shooting in Wisconsin, researchers found. Henderson reciprocated by calling her "saintress" in his online diary and creating a TikTok celebrating her attack seven days before his own strike on Jan. 22. One of Rupnows online friends was arrested in April in Florida for threatening to carry out a mass shooting, according to reporting by The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network. The ADL research comes out just as students around the nation are heading back to school. There were several school shooter incidents over the 2024 to 2025 academic year, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database. Among them were the attacks in Tennessee, Wisconsin and an attack at Apalachee High School in Georgia that left four dead. The number of shooting incidents was up from six during the previous academic year, according to the database. Timeline of two school shooters The pair of shooters joined WatchPeopleDie just nine days apart from each other. A little over a month separated the timing of their attacks a year and a half later, ADL researchers found. According to the research: June 20, 2023: Henderson creates an account for the online chatroom where visitors can post and view photos and videos of graphic violence, including murder, according to the ADL. June 29, 2023: Rupnow creates her own account on the chatroom. Oct. 8, 2023: Henderson posts a True Crime Community (TCC) meme on X. TCC is an internet subculture where people discuss mass violence and sometimes celebrate shooters. Dec. 29, 2023: Rupnow follows an account dedicated to a neo-Nazi who killed 69 people in Norway in 2011. The account celebrates similar shooters. Jan. 20, 2024: Henderson begins making violent, misogynistic posts on a recognized incel forum. Hes a regular on the platform, averaging 20 posts a day at points. Incels are heterosexual men who blame women for their lack of romantic success, according to the ADL. May 19, 2024: Rupnow begins messaging Damien Allen, a man in Florida who was arrested in April for threatening to carry out a mass shooting. "Once you get to a point, there's no going back," Allen told her, according to The Palm Beach Post. Oct. 18: Henderson, who was Black, creates an online diary where he celebrates violence and white supremacists. "Mass Shooters are Cool Kids," he wrote in November. Dec. 3: Rupnow, adopting the username "Postalbrained," follows Hendersons X account. Dec. 16: Rupnow carries out the Abundant Life shooting, killing two and injuring six before killing herself. Dec. 18: Henderson creates a Discord account dedicated to Rupnow. In January, he also created a TikTok celebrating her. Jan. 22: Henderson carries out the Antioch shooting, killing one student and injuring another before killing himself. The 17-year-old carried out the shooting just 19 months after joining the online chatroom to watch extreme graphic violence. The 15-year-old girl carried out her attack 18 months after joining the group. What happened after the shootings? The shootings themselves weren't the final chapter, as legal consequences continue to emerge. The parents of Josselin Corea Escalante, a 16-year-old student killed in the Antioch attack, are suing Metro Nashville Public Schools over the shooting, according to reporting by The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Family members argued that Metro Nashville Public Schools should have known the shooter, a fellow student, posed a danger to students and should have taken steps to prevent violence. They also argue the school district was negligent in operating its school security system because it failed to detect the shooter's firearm. Jeffrey Rupnow is facing charges over his daughters use of his firearm. But he filed a motion on Aug. 18 asking the judge to dismiss the charges, according to reporting by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network. The elder Rupnow argues that he didnt allow his daughter to access the safe where he kept the gun. He told her that the code was his Social Security number in reverse but argued he never gave her the numbers or any other clues. Allen faces potentially 21 years in prison on charges of threatening a mass shooting, unlawful use of a police badge and unlawful use of a cellphone, The Palm Beach Post reported. An online community of extremists ADL investigators found the pair of American students were not just familiar with each other, but were also in close contact with other people who celebrated shootings, were interested in carrying them out and even people who attempted attacks. In addition to Allen in Florida, Rupnow joined an online community to watch a white supremacist livestream an attack outside a mosque in Turkey. The 18-year-old attacker was armed with a hatchet and two knives and injured five people before he was arrested. Afterwards, Rupnow sent messages celebrating the attack even though no one died, according to the ADL. The attack in Turkey played a direct role in inspiring Rupnows attack in Wisconsin, the ADL said she stated in some of her writings. Rupnow was the closest encounter with another shooter that Henderson had, according to the ADL. He learned that she had followed him on X and began admiring her, referring to her in his online diary as a "saintress." The term is a twist on the way incels refer to violent members of their community as saints, the ADL said. The ADL said that the pair went down the path of murder because of the online communities they participated in that glorified and encouraged violence. Henderson, who was Black, and Rupnow, who was a girl, also show that extremist ideology can reach people regardless of race or gender, the ADL said. ADL leaders hope the investigations findings will prompt parents and school leaders to reconsider what type of online access students have. The anti-hate organization is sharing the timeline of how the two students became shooters with 16,000 school superintendents, according to a news release. "Extremism, hate, and violent gore are just a click away for many children making it urgent for schools and parents to implement safeguards," said Oren Segal, the ADLs senior vice president of Counter-Extremism and Intelligence. "These toxic online spaces can cause devastating harm in our communities and are increasingly becoming central to the broader violent extremist landscape." Contributing by USA TODAY Network reporters Laura Schulte of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Evan Mealins of The Tennessean and Hannah Phillips of The Palm Beach Post. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ADL report charts how two students became school shooters Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida on August 8, 2025. Staff Sgt. Cutler Brice | DVIDS (The Center Square) U.S. military leaders met with NATO defense chiefs on Wednesday to iron out details of security protections for Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal with Russia. Security guarantees are a key component of ongoing conversations about ending the three-year-long war in Europe. These measures would be included in a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine to ensure Russian President Vladimir Putin does not attempt to invade Ukrainian territory again. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European heads of state at the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. would be involved in providing these protections for Ukraine in some way. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said U.S. involvement would not include deploying troops during a news conference Tuesday. The president has definitely stated U.S. boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine, Leavitt said. But we certainly can help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees to our European allies. Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. may provide air support as a part of security protections for Ukraine. Although Putin has rejected Ukraines admission to NATO, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff signaled that Putin will allow NATO members to provide Ukraine with Article 5 protections in a potential peace deal. NATOs Article 5 says that an armed attack against one or more of its members shall be considered an attack against them all. In attendance at Wednesdays meeting were delegations from the U.S., Poland, Germany, Canada, Hungary and 20 other countries. Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone said the leaders had a candid discussion during the meeting. We are united, and that unity was truly tangible today, Cavo Dragone said. The meeting comes one day after Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine hosted European military counterparts in Washington to continue talks on security guarantees. Delegations from France, the U.K., Italy and Finland were present. The White House is working to secure a location for the forthcoming bilateral meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. At a press briefing Tuesday, Leavitt declined to comment on reports that Budapest, Hungary is being considered. U.S. Navy sailors. (Mario Tama / Getty Images file) A U.S Navy sailor was convicted Wednesday of espionage after he sold Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer, federal officials said. Jinchao Wei, a 25-year-old who also goes by Patrick Wei, was found guilty of six crimes, including conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and unlawful export of, and conspiracy to export, technical data related to defense articles in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. He was found not guilty of one count of naturalization fraud. Prosecutors said Wei used his position as a machinists mate on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex at Naval Base San Diego to feed information to a Chinese intelligence officer who recruited Wei on social media in February 2022. He held a U.S. security clearance and had access to sensitive national defense information, including the weapons on the Essex, prosecutors said. Amphibious assault ships allow the military to project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Navys amphibious readiness and expeditionary strike capabilities, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California said in a news release. An attorney for Wei said there was no doubt that his clients actions were wrong, but said Wei "never intended to harm the United States." "It was never disputed that Jinchao made numerous errors in judgment. He was young and naive and regrettably agreed to share some very low level information in exchange for easy money," attorney Sean Jones said in a statement Thursday. According to the news release, the intelligence officer initially presented himself as a naval enthusiast working for a shipbuilding company in China. However, evidence revealed that Wei had suspected the intelligence officers true identity and motive. Prosecutors said Wei told a friend who was also in the Navy that he thought he was "on the radar of a China intelligence organization" and was "extremely suspicious" about the person. Wei told his friend that the person was "interested in the maintenance cycle of naval ships and wanted Wei to walk the pier on a daily basis to see which ships were docked, according to the news release. Wei told his friend that the person would pay him $500. Although Wei told his friend that he believed it was "quite obviously" espionage, Wei continued to communicate with the person on an encrypted messaging application and "began spying for the intelligence officer," the attorneys office said. From March 2022 to August 2023, when Wei was arrested, he sent photographs of the Essex, told the intelligence officer the location of various Navy ships and described the defense weapons on the Essex, the news release states. He also described problems with his ship and others and sent the intelligence officer "thousands of pages of technical and operational information about U.S. Navy surface warfare ships like the Essex that he took from restricted U.S. Navy computer systems," according to the release. The attorneys office said that in total Wei gave the intelligence officer about 60 technical and operating manuals about U.S. Navy ships, dozens of photographs, and papers about the U.S. Navy and Weis assignments on the ship. Many of the manuals contained export-control warnings on the cover pages. In exchange for the information, Wei was paid more than $12,000 over 18 months. "I do not believe that Jinchao truly believed his actions were benefiting the Peoples Republic of China, but rather were for the apparent personal or professional benefit of the recipient whose affiliation with the Chinese government remained unclear, despite an extremely thorough and lengthy investigation by the FBI and NCIS," Jones said. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said Wei's actions showed an "egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the U.S. military." "By trading military secrets to the Peoples Republic of China for cash, he jeopardized not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies," he said in a statement. "The jurys verdict serves as a crucial reminder that the Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute traitors." Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1. Jones said he believes Wei will receive a fair sentence. "If there is only one thing I can make clear, it is that Jinchao loves America. He has no allegiance to China," the attorney said. "He made a stupid decision to make some easy money by selling outdated maintenance manuals to a broken and obsolete steam powered ship. I firmly believe his actions had absolutely no effect on national security." Apple cider cake on cake stand with apples and pecans - Manyakotic/Getty Images As fall approaches, the return of autumnal flavors looms large, including that of apples used to craft pies and apple cider donuts. However, early in the history of the United States, apple cider was used to bake a beloved treat: cider cake. Apple trees have existed in North America since the 16th century, and the fruit was a staple in the households of settlers. Pilgrims who came to Massachusetts from England in the 1620s brought seedlings with them to plant near their new homes. Orchards continued to crop up (thanks in part to Johnny Appleseed's planting of thousands of trees), and apples became increasingly ingrained in American culture. At the time, the fruit was eaten fresh, dried, and preserved, but was most commonly turned into cider. In the 1700s and 1800s, cider was more popular than water (even children drank it) because its alcohol content killed diseases like typhoid and cholera . Imports from overseas were expensive, so cider replaced brandy and wine in many recipes. One such recipe was cider cake, an early version of which appears in a cookbook by Louisa Macculloch from the 1800s. Making cider cake required flour, sugar, eggs, butter, pearlash (a leavening agent derived from wood ash and what we really used before baking powder), and cider. The result was a pound cake-like dessert that could be sprinkled with powdered sugar or served with ice cream. Other additions to cider cake included brown sugar or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Read more: Peanut Butter Brands Ranked Worst To Best Cider Cake Ebbs And Flows With History Cider bundt cake on tray with glaze - MKPhoto12/Shutterstock Cider cake has evolved throughout history. In the late 19th century, the Temperance Movement began to take shape, and cider was one of its many targets. Prohibition was a win for the anti-alcohol crusaders. Consequently, many apple orchards were burned down. To save their businesses, farmers encouraged the public to eat apples, and sweeter varieties that were better for consuming were grown. During this time, cider cake was likely not as popular, simply due to the fact that cider itself was outlawed. Instead, home chefs took to making goods with fresh apples. By the time Prohibition ended in 1933, many Americans had moved to urban areas. An influx of European immigrants marked the arrival European brewing traditions, and beer became more popular than cider. However, cideries are making a comeback (around 600 opened between 2011 and 2019), and with them, modern variations of cider cake. Many newer recipes have the majority of the basics seen in pre-Prohibition variations, including flour, baking soda, sugar, eggs, and of course, cider. Some recipes feature brown sugar, applesauce, shredded apples, and vanilla extract as complementary notes. Like the original, cider cake is still often topped with powdered sugar, but some recipes get more creative and feature apple cider frosting or glaze. Read the original article on Mashed. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Al Roker on NBC's 'TODAY' show. NEED TO KNOW Al Roker has been absent from the Today show since Monday, Aug. 18 Co-host Craig Melvin joked that Roker was enjoying "one of his 16 weeks of vacation" Two familiar faces have been filling in for Roker during his absence Al Roker is enjoying some time away from the Today show studio. The veteran broadcaster has been a daytime television staple for nearly three decades. He took over for Willard Scott as the show's forecaster in 1996, and has since become a co-host of the third hour of the Today show. Over the years, he's been part of some of the show's biggest moments, from hosting dozens of Thanksgiving Day parades to attending several Olympic games. Along the way, he's earned some high praise from fans and colleagues alike, including Sheinelle Jones who told PEOPLE in September 2024 that Roker "works his hiney off." "He knows the forecast in and out. He knows the weather patterns. He also knows good television," she said. "He also has prepped for his interviews. So when he sits down, he's able to have a good time and he's able to be warm because he's prepared." Jones added, "I think that is part of what makes him [and] his journey so special because he recognizes how far he's been able to make it and not on his own." With a presence as significant as Rokers, his absence from the Today show since Aug. 18 has been tough to miss. So, where is Al Roker this week? Here's what to know about the broadcasting star's absence from the Today show. Why isn't Al Roker on the Today show this week? Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Al Roker on the 'Today' show. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, Craig Melvin opened up the show's third hour by joking that Roker was off enjoying "one of his 16 weeks of vacation." The next day, Dylan Dreyer revealed during Wednesday's episode that Roker is absent from Today this week because he is celebrating his birthday. During the Aug. 20 taping, Roker's Today show colleagues commemorated his birthday from afar, saying they FaceTimed with him that morning. "Hes having a great birthday, Savannah Guthrie said while out on the 30 Rockefeller Center plaza, adding that they played one of his favorite songs: Elton John's "Philadelphia Freedom." She continued, "We love you, Al, wherever you are in the world!" Guthrie also shared a photo with Roker and the rest of the crew on Instagram, captioned, "happiest birthday to the life of our party - our sunshine @alroker." Last year, Roker turned 70 in the studio, where his colleagues celebrated him with a surprise party, full of celebrity shout-outs, special guests and a heartwarming video, as well as a sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey about aging and life lessons. That's not all: he also received a key to the city of New York. Where is Al Roker this week? Deborah Roberts/Instagram Deborah Roberts and Al Roker pose for a photo together in August 2025. Roker is spending his time away from the studio in Europe. Since the top of the week, his wife, fellow broadcast journalist Deborah Roberts, has been sharing photos of them on a romantic Italian getaway. "The beauty of Italy in August. Sunny. Quiet. Lovely," she captioned the first set of photos. The next day, she shared some images from a floral arrangement class, though Roker was not seen in the snapshots. On Aug. 20, Roberts commemorated Roker's birthday by sharing sweet photos from their trip, captioned, "To the man who brings life, love and laughs to my world, a heartfelt happy birthday." She continued, "Your kindness, joy and generosity are boundless blessings. Love you so much! Please join me in showering @alroker with the biggest birthday wishes his heart can hold!" Meanwhile, on her Instagram Stories, Roberts shared a photo of Roker indulging in the breakfast of champions: cake and champagne. Who is filling in for Al Roker on the Today show this week? Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer and Savannah Sellers on NBC's 'TODAY' show. Though Roker is taking some time off, the show must go on. Luckily, there have been plenty of familiar faces stepping in for Roker. Dreyer has filled in for Roker during the Today show's earliest hours this week to give his usual weather updates. As for the third hour, NBC News' Savannah Sellers has taken Roker's place since Monday, co-anchoring alongside Melvin and Dreyer. On Aug. 20, Melvin, Dreyer and Sellers started the episode by giving Roker a special birthday shout-out, with Dreyer saying he had sent them photos in the morning as a way of "rubbing in how much fun he's having." "Well deserved. Happy birthday, bud," Melvin chimed in. When will Al Roker return to the Today show? Michael Loccisano/Getty Al Roker attends the 46th Annual News Emmy Awards on June 25, 2025, in New York City. Roker has not revealed when he will be back at the Today show desk so you'll just have to tune in to find out. Read the original article on People NASA is launching a pilot program to harness citizen science for faster hurricane disaster recovery. The space agency, in collaboration with the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program, a science and education initiative, is spearheading a new Response Mapper project. This innovative initiative will utilize photographs submitted by the public, both before and after a disaster, to track ground conditions in affected areas. Throughout the summer and fall, NASA is actively encouraging public participation in the program, especially from residents in the Southeast, the region most often devastated by tropical storms, hurricanes, and related flooding. Your contributions could ultimately help emergency managers make faster and better-informed decisions when it matters most and strengthen your communitys ability to respond and recover from disasters, NASA said. NASA wants members of the public to send in photos before and after damage from hurricanes and other major storms, such as here in Asheville, North Carolina after Hurricane Helene in 2024 (Getty Images) These time-stamped and geotagged images will be shared directly with emergency responders, complementing existing data from satellites and field reports, according to the space agency. Disaster response teams often face challenges when obtaining "clear, localized" information, especially in rural areas, NASA said. Satellite imagery offers a broad view of hazards but may overlook short-lived impacts due to factors such as cloud cover, timing of the orbit, or data processing delays. Satellites can also overlook finer details that photos taken closer to the ground could capture. Were exploring how citizen science can support disaster response in ways that Earth observation data alone cant, said Kristen Okorn, a coordinator for NASA's Disasters Response Coordination System, in a statement. A single photo of land cover, whether it is a flooded street, fallen trees, or even an undamaged area, can offer helpful context. Sea water pushed inland by Hurricane Erin surges under the Cape Hatteras Motel in Buxton, North Carolina. NASA wants Americans to help document damage from tropical storms (AP) Such photos can be combined with other observations to help verify the situation on the ground, determining where cleanup crews are needed or assessing other impacts such as crop losses or potential further threats to public safety. Citizens can share photos by downloading the GLOBE Observer app on their smartphones and joining the NASA Response Mappers team. The agency stresses that there is an inherent risk during hurricane season and members of the public should never put themselves in danger to take photos, particularly when collecting data in the midst of or immediately after a severe storm. Data collection is requested in areas of the south and southeast United States, including the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. West midlands Police Image of Aimee Betro in Birmingham, Wis. NEED TO KNOW Aimee Betro, a Wisconsin woman who traveled to the United Kingdom to assassinate a man on behalf of someone that she had met on a dating app, was sentenced to 30 years in prison Judge Simon Drew KC told Betro that she "went beyond simply reaching an agreement to kill and, in reality, [she] did intend to kill" the man her lover had a dispute with, before handing down his decision She was convicted of conspiracy to murder and two firearms charges last week A Wisconsin woman who traveled to abroad and attempted to assassinate a man on behalf of someone that she met on a dating app has been sentenced to prison. Aimee Betro, 45, was sentenced to 30 years in prison in the United Kingdom on Thursday, Aug. 21, one week after being convicted of conspiracy to murder and two firearms charges, according to the BBC, The London Standard and The Guardian. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Betro traveled to the U.K. in 2019, where she disguised herself in a niqab and went to the Birmingham home of Sikander Ali. Prosecutors said she intended to kill Ali at the request of her lover, Mohammed Nazir of Derbyshire, whom she met on a dating app. Nazir and his father, Mohammed Aslam, were injured during a confrontation at a clothing store owned by Alis father. Following the clash, Nazir enlisted Betro to carry out the murder as tensions between the two families escalated, according to additional reporting by the BBC. West Midlands Police A photo of Aimee Betro via West Midlands Police She was seen on CCTV footage approaching Ali with a gun "clearly visible in her hand," but the gun jammed when she fired at point-blank range, allowing Ali to get back into his car and escape, per the CPS. She returned the next day and fired three bullets which caused "extensive damage" to the home. You went beyond simply reaching an agreement to kill and, in reality, you did intend to kill Mr Ali. It is only a matter of chance that Mr Ali wasnt killed, Judge Simon Drew KC said in court during the sentencing, per The Guardian. You were engaged in a complex, well planned conspiracy to murder. You were prepared to pull the trigger and did so on two separate occasions. So far as you are concerned, clearly you had a leading role. I accept that Nazir recruited you, but you were the gunwoman, the judge added, per the outlet. You were the person who was prepared to fire the gun, as a result you showed that you were willing to carry out the killing yourself. Following the attempted murder plot, Betro fled the country and evaded capture for five years until she was finally tracked down by a reporter for the Daily Mail in Armenia last year. She was subsequently extradited to the U.K. to face charges. West midlands Police A photo of one of the bullets Betro fired hitting the glass of Ali's home. As for Nazir and Aslam, they were each convicted last year on conspiracy to murder charges. Nazir was sentenced to 32 years in prison; Aslam received a 10-year sentence, per CPS. 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. According to The Guardian, Drew noted that he took into account Betros history, age and the fact that she would serve some or all of her sentence in a U.K. prison, which was far away from home in her sentencing. He also referenced a letter she wrote to him, in which she expressed remorse." West Midlands Police A photo of Aimee Betro from the West Midlands Police West Midlands Police Detective Alastair Orencas shared in a statement to BBC following the sentencing: "This is a unique case which has involved a huge amount of work tracing the movements of Betro from her arrival into the U.K., her subsequent failed attempt to shoot a man dead, and her departure from the U.K. "An incredible amount of work went into building up a really detailed picture of her activities while in the U.K., he continued. "We worked really closely with partners such as the Armenian Government, (NCA), FBI, Crown Prosecution Service and Derbyshire Constabulary to bring Betro back to the U.K. to face justice. I'd like to thank all of them for helping to achieve justice." Read the original article on People Wisconsin Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, speaks to the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means on Aug. 21, 2025. Wisconsin Eye (The Center Square) Wisconsin lawmakers are looking at a bill that would exempt tips from state income tax, a measure that would match an end to taxes on tips in a federal reconciliation bill. The Wisconsin bill would be a tax that is capped at a $25,000 benefit for employees in jobs that are tip-based and an amendment assures that Assembly Bill 28 applies to both cash and credit-based tips. I really think weve got to do it and weve got to do it now, Sponsor Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, said during a public hearing in the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. The bill would exempt an estimated $33.7 million in tip income from taxes. A 2013 study showed that about 20% of tips are cash. Sen. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, said that the proposal is similar to one proposed during the 2019-2020 session, which had bipartisan support, and a measure that Gov. Tony Evers put in his budget proposal. Jacque noted that the measure would be more encouragement for tip-based employees to accurately report tips in taxes, something that can benefit them when looking for a home, mortgage or credit. Currently there is a disincentive for accurately reporting tips, Jacque said. Susan Quam, Wisconsin Restaurant Association Executive Vice President, said that while tips might not have been the groups top suggestion for tax relief in the industry, it does support the measure in what is overall a tight margin industry. She noted that the Internal Revenue Service carefully tracks tip reporting at restaurants, comparing the reported tips on credit against cash tips to ensure that a similar percentage of tips are reported for each form of payment and charging businesses if the percentages do not match. Tusler was asked by a fellow lawmaker why tipped workers were being separated out for tax relief and noted that those workers are some of the most in need of tax relief as they attempt to make ends meet. Im thinking about how to lower taxes every day, Tusler said. Less taxes would mean less government. Next Saturday Taiwanese voters are set to approve or reject the reactivation of the Maanshan plant in a referendum called by the opposition after the country's last plant shut down in May after 40 years of operation. After Fukushima, environmentalists have achieved a gradual phase-out, but fears that China might stop natural gas supplies are now reviving the issue. For its part, China has 33 plants under construction. Taipei (AsiaNews/Agencies) Taiwanese voters are preparing to cast their ballot next Saturday, in a referendum on a highly controversial topic: nuclear power. After 40 years, the island's last active nuclear reactor, at the Maanshan power plant, was shut down last May, fulfilling a long-standing pledge by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), President Lai Ching-te's party. Promoted by the Taiwan People's Party with the support of the Kuomintang, the main opposition force that is currently also close to Beijing, the referendum aims to reverse this decision, extending the life of the Maanshan plant by another 20 years. Under Taiwanese law, any referendum proposal is considered approved only if the "yes" vote wins over the "no" vote, with at least a quarter of the ballots cast by those eligible to vote. In practice, at least five million favourable votes are required, a not impossible feat considering the votes the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party received in the January 2024 elections. Since the country embarked on nuclear power in the 1970s, three nuclear power plants were built in the country: Chinshan, Shimen District (New Taipei); Kuosheng, Wanli District (New Taipei); and Maanshan, Hengchun (Pingtung County). In 1985, when all three plants were operating at full capacity, nuclear energy accounted for a staggering 52.4 per cent of the island's electricity generation. Over time, this share has declined, due to growing opposition to nuclear power and a shift in energy policy toward imported natural gas, now the island's main source of energy. As early as 2002, during the administration of President Chen Shui-bian, also of the Democratic Party (DPP), the goal was to make Taiwan a nuclear-free homeland. Momentum grew further in the 2011 with Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster. For this reason, in 2014, following massive protests from environmentalists, the plan to build a fourth plant, in Gongliao District, was abandoned. In the past few years, all three of Taiwan's nuclear power plants have ceased operations, 40 years after they were built: Chinshan in 2019, Kuosheng in 2022, and Maanshan last May. Currently, no energy is produced on the island through nuclear power. Aside from the environmental aspect, pitting those who stress the dangers of nuclear power against those who believe it is the "cleanest" and most efficient form of energy production, the nuclear issue in Taiwan also has a geopolitical dimension. Even among those most hostile to Beijing, many note that Taiwan's increased dependence on natural gas is a weakness, exposing the island's energy security to serious risks in the event of a naval blockade by the Chinese Navy. For this reason, President Lai Ching-te himself, while calling for a "no" vote in the referendum on the Maanshan power plant, is no longer ruling out the use of nuclear energy for civilian use, opening the door for new, smaller, next-generation plants. This possibility, however, is strongly challenged by environmentalists, traditionally very strong on the island, who are calling for a greater focus on renewable energy, which currently meets only 11.6 per cent of Taiwans energy needs. It should also be added that a "no" from Taiwan to nuclear power would represent a further departure from Beijing's choices; the People's Republic of China currently has 58 operating reactors, producing approximately 5 per cent of its energy output. Mainland China is also building the largest number of new nuclear power plants in the world, 33, for an additional 35,355 megawatts of electrical production capacity, which would bring it to a level close to that of the United States. RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY THURSDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. Pashinian pledged to give the United States exclusive rights to the corridor during talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held at the White House on August 8. Key details of what will be called the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) remain unknown. A joint declaration by Aliyev and Pashinian makes only a general reference to the TRIPP while a relevant U.S.-Armenian memorandum also signed on August 8 has still not been made public. The memorandum reportedly calls for a long-term U.S. lease on the transit routes. We didnt talk about those details, Pashinian told reporters. The agreements are what has been publicized. There are many ideas about how to ensure all that and those regulations will be worked out from those ideas, he said without elaborating. That is a subject of upcoming negotiations. Azerbaijan has said all along that the transit of people and cargo through Armenias Syunik province must be exempt from Armenian border controls. Aliyev said on July 20 that Azerbaijanis travelling to from Nakhichevan should not see the faces of Armenian border guards or anyone else. A spokeswoman for Pashinian rejected the demand as a hidden territorial claim to Armenia. However, the Armenian premier himself stated on July 16 that modern technology could be used to exclude physical contact between Armenian officers and Azerbaijani travelers. Pashinian remained vague on this subject on Thursday, saying that he is ready to accept any simplification of border crossing and customs procedures that would not call into question Armenias territorial integrity. Armenian opposition leaders maintain that the TRIPP arrangement would undermine Armenian sovereignty over Syunik and lead to the kind of an extraterritorial corridor that has been sought by Baku. Some of them have challenged Pashinian to publicize the U.S.-Armenian memorandum. The transit corridor would run along Armenias vital border with Iran. Not surprisingly, Tehran has expressed serious concern over the preliminary U.S.-Armenian deal. Pashinian clearly failed to dispel the Iranian concerns when he met with Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian in Yerevan on Tuesday. Pezeshkian repeated Tehrans opposition to any outsourcing of regional issues to outside powers after the talks. 21 August 2025 18:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more At the Baku Military Court on August 21, survivor Rahila Hajiyeva delivered harrowing testimony about the atrocities she and her family endured during the Khojaly genocide in February 1992, Azernews reports. Hajiyeva, who previously lived in Khankendi, said that escalating repression against Azerbaijanis in 1988 forced her family to move first to Shusha and later to Khojaly. It was there, she recalled, that they were taken hostage by Armenian armed forces. They beheaded my husband. They threw my ten-year-old daughter from the second floor, breaking her leg. They caused us a lot of suffering while we were held hostage, Hajiyeva told the court. She further recounted a particularly brutal incident involving another Azerbaijani family: The pregnant daughter-in-law of a resident of Khankendi, Jalil, was cut open with a knife by soldiers of the Armenian armed forces and her baby was removed. The trial, which continues in Baku, concerns Armenian citizens accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, including genocide, war crimes, terrorism, and other grave violations of international law during Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan. 21 August 2025 11:43 (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 the first six months of 2025, Azerbaijan exported approximately 61.1 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity to Russia, generating revenues of $2.7 million, Azernews reports, citing the State Statistics Committee. The figure represents a notable increase compared with the same period last year. Export volumes rose by... 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! 21 August 2025 13:41 (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 the first six months of this year, Azerbaijan increased electricity exports to Georgia, strengthening its role as a reliable energy supplier in the region, 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! 21 August 2025 15:19 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to deepen trade and investment ties during a meeting held in Islamabad on Wednesday, Azernews reports via Pakistani media. The development came as Coordinator to Prime Minister on Commerce Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan held a meeting with Ambassador of Azerbaijan at the Office of the Coordinator, Kohsar Block. The meeting discussed the implementation of the trade and economic roadmap. Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people and business-to-business ties as a foundation for long-term cooperation, the ministry statement read. As per the details, the meeting emphasised the need to attract and safeguard private sector investment, highlighting that such investment remains the most sustainable pathway for economic growth. Discussions also explored potential opportunities in the aviation sector, with a view to facilitating future collaboration. Representatives of Kitchen Cuisine were also present, signalling the growing interest of Pakistans private sector in pursuing cross-border business partnerships and investment opportunities. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides reaffirming their intent to strengthen economic linkages, deepen bilateral cooperation, and open new avenues for mutually beneficial investment, the ministry said. 21 August 2025 13:57 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Filming of the feature film "Shovkat," dedicated to Azerbaijan's first female captain Shovkat Salimova, has been successfully completed, Azernews reports. The film was produced on commission by the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Closed Joint-Stock Company (ASCO). The project aims to convey to a wide audience, through the medium of film, the life story of a woman who left an indelible mark on the history of national maritime navigation, as well as to highlight Azerbaijan's contribution and the role of women in the maritime industry during World War II. More than 70 local and international specialists, as well as over 100 actors, participated in the production of the film. The role of Shovkat is portrayed on screen by young actress Nazrin Abdullayeva. The film also features People's Artist Gurban Ismayilov, well-known actors Hikmat Ragimov, Elsever Ragimov, Nigar Mursalova, and others. The idea for the film was conceived by ASCO's Public Relations Department Head Mehman Mehdiyev. The screenplay was written by Tural Ibrahimov, director of the Surakhani Ship Museum, and Asif Rustamov. The film's director is Asif Rustamov, with Raufe Gurbanaliyev as the director of photography, Tural Ibrahimov as the executive producer, and Sabina Gasanova as the producer. During the shooting, ships from the ASCO fleet were extensively used, as well as other real locations, which added a high level of realism and authenticity to the film. Currently, post-production work is ongoing. Shovkat Salimova made history as the first female sea captain in Azerbaijan and the first Muslim woman to captain a ship in the entire Middle East. Her contributions to her country were invaluable- during the Great Patriotic War, she commanded vessels that transported military equipment, fuel, and ammunition to Stalingrad, and brought wounded soldiers back to Baku and Krasnovodsk. Born into a large family as the eldest of ten children, Shovkat grew up in Baku in the household of an oil worker. Interestingly, the sea wasn't her first dream. At that time, even young men faced great difficulty entering maritime academies for women; it was almost unthinkable. But Shovkat defied convention, pushed forward with determination, and was eventually admitted as an exception to the navigation faculty, the training ground for future captains. After graduation, she was assigned to the Black Sea Shipping Company. Yet once again, she faced scepticism. The personnel department doubted that a young woman could take on a captains responsibilities and instead appointed her as third mate aboard the tanker Sergo. When she arrived on the ship, the captain, too, refused to accept her. But Shovkat stood her ground and won. He had no choice but to let her aboard. Thus began her real journey. For seven gruelling months, the tanker sailed across the open seas, and Shovkat proved her skill and resilience, ultimately earning praise from the very captain who had doubted her. Afterwards, she returned to the Caspian Sea and soon after, she became captain of large maritime vessels herself. With the outbreak of World War II, many male sailors were sent to the front, and women stepped in to fill their roles. Shovkat began delivering vital cargo equipment, ammunition, and oil to the Soviet front near Stalingrad and transported the wounded back to Baku. These missions were perilous. On one occasion, her crew received word that twelve enemy tankers, divided into three groups, were heading toward them. Shovkat acted swiftly, preparing her crew to meet the attack head-on. Nearly all the enemy ships were repelled. Only one managed to break through and dropped a deadly payload onto her ship, sparking a fire. The crew managed to extinguish it, a testament to her leadership in crisis. Throughout the war, Shovkat Salimova performed numerous heroic deeds, earning her multiple honours: the medals For the Defence of the Caucasus, For the Victory over Germany, two Orders of the Red Star, and the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class. Her ships sailed the waters of the Mediterranean, Marmara, Aegean, and Red Seas, visiting dozens of ports across the globe. It was during one of these voyages that she met her future husband, a ship mechanic. They went on to build a happy life together. When she stepped away from active sea duty, Shovkat turned her focus to science. She defended a dissertation, became a candidate of economic sciences, earned the title of associate professor, and was recognised as a merited economist of the republic. She also became a corresponding member of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences and remained active in public life. Shovkat Salimova passed away in Baku in 1999. Through relentless perseverance and a deep love for her profession, she shattered stereotypes and proved that women are just as capable as men, even in the rough, demanding world of the sea. 21 August 2025 14:36 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The 5th meeting of high-ranking officials from the member countries of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) has been held in Trabzon, Turkiye, Azernews reports. Azerbaijan's Deputy Culture Minister Farid Jafarov participated in the meeting, aimed at preparing documents, activity reports, and strategic plans to be discussed at the TURKSOY Permanent Council. During the visit, the deputy ministers held meetings with the Mayor of Trabzon and the Governor of Trabzon, discussing the promotion of Turkic world cultures and deepening regional cooperation. At the end of the day, Farid Jafarov delivered a speech at the closing ceremony held at the Girls' Monastery. The International Organisation of Turkic Culture, TURKSOY, was established in 1993 upon signature of its founding agreement by the Ministers of Culture of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Turkiye Over the past years, TURKSOY has made significant contributions to promoting Turkic cultural heritage through different initiatives. Most of these projects have become a tradition and are continued every year. Since its establishment, TURKSOY has been carrying out activities to strengthen the ties of brotherhood and solidarity among Turkic peoples, transmit the common Turkic culture to future generations and introduce it to the world. The organisation actively collaborates with international bodies like UNESCO and maintains partnerships with institutions such as the Organisation of Turkic States and the International Turkish Academy. Azerbaijan actively participates in TURKSOY's initiatives, hosting events like the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World project in Shusha city. Many events of cultural significance, including the Kharibulbul International Folklore Festival, the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, the Cultural Days of the Turkic People, the Vagif Poetry Days, the International Festival of Children's Creativity, Wonderland Shusha 2023 International Scout Camp, and other events were organized in Azerbaijan's cultural center in accordance with the Action Plan. 21 August 2025 14:25 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has reiterated his determination to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, emphasizing that Armenia has been working daily toward this goal and will continue to do so, Azernews reports. Commenting on opposition claims that they would invalidate the Washington accords if they come to power, Pashinyan said at a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting: I dont want to say peace or war, I will say it more mildly between peace and not peace. And this is why I clearly said in my Monday address that this peace needs everyday care, and this is something we must all do together, each in their place, including the citizens, while making up their stance in politics. Pashinyan also highlighted Armenias readiness to simplify border checkpoint procedures under the framework of the five principles enshrined in the Washington accords territorial integrity, sovereignty, jurisdiction, inviolability of borders, and reciprocity. He said: The Washington accords clearly stipulate the five principles that this agreement is based onUpon presenting the Crossroads of Peace project, we had already said that we are ready for regulations, simplifications based on these principles. He added that Armenia plans to introduce modern procedures at its borders, including the use of biometric passports and digital technologies, noting: The methods where you have to pat down people wont exist in all countries, including in all borders of Armenia, in 5, 10 or 15 years. And we will go for simplifications. But we will make these simplifications not only in the Armenian-Azerbaijani border checkpoints, but all other checkpoints as well, in order to maximally facilitate the business environment, exports, imports and transit, which is the most convenient and important environment for business in any case. We are ready for any simplification that fits into the framework of the five principles. On constitutional matters related to the peace treaty, Pashinyan stressed that he would initiate amendments if the Constitutional Court finds the agreement unconstitutional. He said: During the ratification process, if our Constitutional Court decides that the peace agreement which has been initialed now and would be subsequently signed, contradicts the Constitution, I myself would initiate constitutional changes. He also clarified the timeline for Armenias new constitution, noting: We are now working on the draft of the new constitution. When it is ready, we will hold a referendum. But this has nothing to do with this process [peace process with Azerbaijan]. However, it could have an impact on this process from a strategic perspective. The statements come after an initial peace agreement that was reached during a summit hosted by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on August 8th, 2025. The leaders endorsed a joint declaration outlining a seven-point framework that emphasises sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the renunciation of force. Foreign ministers from both nations initialled a draft Agreement on Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations in the presence of Trump, Aliyev, and Pashinyan. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the accord as a historic advance towards lasting peace. A key feature of the agreement is the establishment of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), also referred to as the Zangezur Corridor a transit route through Armenias Syunik province connecting mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave. 21 August 2025 09:16 (UTC+04:00) On August 21, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva reviewed the ongoing construction on the Toganali-Kalbajar-Istisu highway, Azernews reports. The head of state conducted the technical opening of the Murovdag tunnel, built at the 13.5th kilometer of the road and stretching 11.7 kilometers in length. Chairman of the Board of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads Saleh Mammadov briefed the head of state and the First Lady on the completed and ongoing work. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the groundbreaking ceremony of this road in August 2021. Under the Presidents instructions, one of the most important infrastructure projects implemented in the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions is the 82-kilometer-long Toganali-Kalbajar-Istisu highway. The 56-kilometer section of the road covers Toganali-Kalbajar, while the 26-kilometer section stretches from Kalbajar to Istisu. The Murovdag mountain range begins at the 13.5th kilometer of the highway. Thus, the most significant part of the road passes through this range, where elevations rise from 1,700 to 3,250 meters. To ensure safe winter operation, it was deemed appropriate to build a tunnel under the Murovdag range. The Murovdag tunnel is one of the longest road tunnels in the world. In terms of length, it ranks 18th globally, 5th in Europe, and 1st among CIS countries. The tunnel will feature four lanes two for each direction. Excavation works, as well as construction of 38 cross-passages connecting the right and left sections, have already been completed. In addition to the Murovdag tunnel, four other tunnels with a total length of 2,636 meters are also under construction as part of the project. Major construction works, including excavation, arch-concreting and other technical operations, have largely been finalized in these tunnels. Overall, the Toganali-Kalbajar-Istisu highway project is 87 percent complete. Starting from the village of Toganali in Goygol district, the road passes through the liberated city of Kalbajar and extends to the famous Istisu resort area. It will ensure convenient and safe transport links not only with the district center but also with settlements across the region, contributing to the development of agriculture and tourism. 21 August 2025 09:45 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the 4th residential complex in the city of Kalbajar on August 21. Presidents Special Representative in the Kalbajar district Bashir Hajiyev briefed the head of state and the First Lady on the project. The complex will cover an area of nearly 10 hectares, with plans to resettle a total of 807 families. The residential complex will consist of 807 apartments, including 128 one-room, 304 two-room, 293 three-room, and 82 four-room units. A total of 26 four-story buildings are planned for construction, with household and commercial facilities to be located on the first floors. For the convenience and leisure of residents, the complex will feature sports grounds, bicycle paths, recreation areas, gazebos, and childrens playgrounds. Large-scale green spaces will also be established throughout the area. 21 August 2025 10:46 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more On August 20, Ruslan Rzayev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Dominican Republic, presented his credentials to President Luis Abinader, Azernews reports. At the meeting, Ambassador Rzayev conveyed greetings from President Ilham Aliyev to the Dominican leader. President Abinader expressed his gratitude and asked for his regards to be passed on to President Aliyev. The sides emphasized the promising prospects for strengthening bilateral ties, highlighted the importance of continued cooperation within international organizations, and discussed issues of mutual interest. 21 August 2025 10:15 (UTC+04:00) On August 21, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the inauguration of the "Balland Kalbajar honey, bee, and beekeeping products store." The store offers not only honey but also propolis, royal jelly, pollen, beeswax, and other natural products. Plans include bringing these products to international markets under the Made in Azerbaijan brand and launching an online sales platform. The store serves not just as a sales point but also as a platform for promoting Kalbajar honey, branding beekeeping products, and supporting the development of the sector. The Mustafayev family, engaged in beekeeping for more than 40 years, combines traditional knowledge with modern methods. With around 400 bee colonies, their farm is regarded as one of the countrys leading family enterprises. Beekeeping has been one of the main occupations of Kalbajar residents for generations. A vivid example is the family farm of Sabir Mustafayev, who returned to his native land with his family after the Patriotic War to restore his farm. Their honey is collected from flowers growing in the remote highland pastures of Kalbajar. During his 2021 visit to Kalbajar, President Ilham Aliyev toured this farm. Following the inauguration, President Ilham Aliyev had a conversation with Sabir Mustafayev. 21 August 2025 10:53 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The State Border Service (SBS) of Azerbaijan has prevented a violation of the state border from Iran in the service area of the "Lankaran" border detachment, Azernews reports. According to the SBS, as a result of border search and operational measures, 13.1 kilograms of marijuana were seized from the area. Operational-investigative measures are continuing on the case. At the same time, employees of the Astara Customs Department of the State Customs Committee foiled another large drug trafficking attempt. A vehicle transporting lettuce from Iran to Russia via Azerbaijan was inspected at the "Astara" customs post with the help of a service dog. During the inspection, 76 packages of marijuana, weighing around 70.4 kilograms including packaging, were found hidden among four pallets of lettuce boxes. Investigations are ongoing into both cases. 21 August 2025 13:26 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Prime Minister Ali Asadov has signed a decree ensuring the implementation of President Ilham Aliyevs August 11, 2025, order on the expansion of the Sumqayt Chemical Industrial Park, Azernews reports. The decree stipulates that the Sumqayt City Executive Authority, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy, must allocate 26.6676 hectares of state-owned land in Sumqayts Sulh Avenuecurrently under the use of Azrboru JSCfor the Development Agency of Economic Zones. The land, designated for industrial, transportation, communication, defense, and other purposes, will be provided for use with lease rights within two months. The Executive Authority is also required to report the progress to the Cabinet of Ministers and address all matters arising from the decree. The implementation of the decree has been assigned to the Agrarian and Ecology Department of the Cabinet of Ministers Apparatus. The decree comes into effect immediately upon signing. 21 August 2025 12:08 (UTC+04:00) On August 21, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the first residential complex in Kalbajar, where they inspected the living conditions created in individual and multi-story buildings and met with the residents who have relocated there, Azernews reports. The head of state delivered a speech at the meeting. Speech by President Ilham Aliyev - Dear natives of Kalbajar, welcome to Kalbajar! It is a historic day in your lives today. You are returning to your native land, to your hometown after 32 years, and I sincerely congratulate you on this occasion. We have restored justice, we have regained our rights, and today's event shows again that the Azerbaijanis are a strong-willed people. The Azerbaijani people are attached to their native land, and despite all the difficulties, not only did we refuse to lose faith during the occupation, but each of us, the entire nation brought this sacred day closer with every day. The government has created wonderful conditions for you here. The city of Kalbajar is now becoming one of the most scenic cities in the world. You have already been provided with homes in the first residential complex, but the construction work does not end there. In the near future, your relatives and friends will come and settle down in the next residential complexes, the foundation of which I laid today. The construction of four residential complexes in the city of Kalbajar is planned within the framework of the first stage of the Great Return Program. More than 10,000 people will live in these buildings. Of course, all the necessary infrastructure projects have also been implemented. Electricity, water and natural gas have been provided, roads have been built, and mine clearance has been carried out. A beautiful school is now under construction in the city of Kalbajar and it is scheduled for commissioning next year. However, this school year, the children of Kalbajar will study in a modular school. It is a historic day today also because the largest district of our country, Kalbajar and the city of Kalbajar, are coming back to life, life is returning here, and I am sure that you will live here comfortably. You deserve that. For many years, you lived in difficult conditions: in tents, in adapted buildings, kindergartens, dormitories in various places. Your life was very hard. The occupation of Kalbajar was a great tragedy for all of us, as indeed was the occupation of all other Azerbaijani settlements. However, the occupation of Kalbajar created immense problems for Azerbaijan from a strategic point of view because a geographical connection was about to be created between Armenia and the then Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region. The occupation of Shusha and Lachin in May 1992 had already created that connection, and the road called the Lachin Corridor at the time had actually paved the way for the future occupation of our lands. The occupation of Kalbajar, on the other hand, had created a geographical connection between Armenia and the former Nagorno-Karabakh over a very large geographical area, thus laying the groundwork for the occupation of other Azerbaijani lands. Unfortunately, the then Azerbaijani leadership, pursuing a policy of treachery and betrayal, was unable to protect our native lands. The occupation of Shusha and Lachin in May 1992 was possible as a result of the betrayal of the Popular Front and Musavat duo, which was striving for power at the time. Our impregnable fortress Shusha was almost handed over to the Armenians. The contemptible duo took advantage of this and came to power a month later, precisely drawing on the tragedy of Shusha and Lachin, unable or unwilling to protect your native lands. The occupation of Kalbajar in early April 1993 was precisely the result of the evil deeds of the then treacherous leadership. We all remember those days too well. The protracted negotiations did not and could not yield any result. Because, first of all, Armenia had no intention of returning an inch of our lands and joined the negotiations simply for the sake of visibility. Instead of resolving the issue, the three countries - France, Russia and the U.S - were working to freeze the conflict. As a matter of fact, they were going out of their way to give the Armenian occupation a legal guise. That is why the conflict was not resolved peacefully. Had serious sanctions been imposed on Armenia at the time, had the occupying authorities been punished by the great powers, of course, Armenia could have returned our lands peacefully and, I am sure, it would have. There was simply no pressure on them. On the contrary, all opportunities were opened for them. Some countries gave them free weapons worth billions of dollars. The cost of the weapons the Armenian army received from abroad, which we destroyed in the Second Karabakh War and the anti-terrorist operation and took as military booty, amounted to approximately 5-6 billion dollars. Of course, Armenia did not have the money to buy so many weapons. All these weapons were given to them for free, for the purpose of continuing the occupation, for the purpose of ensuring that Azerbaijanis could never return to their ancestral lands, for the purpose of ensuring that this conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan was not resolved peacefully. I have said this many times, and this is absolutely true. I had to participate in these negotiations from 2003 to 2020. I said that the countries that had the mandate to resolve this issue actually wanted to perpetuate the occupation. One provided weapons, another provided political support and the third one provided other privileges. That is why the issue was not resolved. It might have seemed to someone that the Azerbaijani people would come to terms with this, but I had repeatedly said that we would never come to terms with this issue. I had said this when I was elected President in 2003, I had said this many times in subsequent years. Not only that, we were bringing this sacred Victory Day closer every day, every hour. We built a strong economy, exposed Armenia internationally as an occupying state. Many leading international organizations had to accept our position as a result of our efforts. We created a strong army, purchased the most advanced weapons and educated a young generation. That young generation gave their all in the Patriotic War and liberated our lands from the enemy. May Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace. We owe this Victory to them, to the tens of thousands of Azerbaijani soldiers and officers like them. The Azerbaijani state and the Azerbaijani people united like a fist. And we forced Armenia to sign the act of capitulation in a matter of 44 days. The 44-day Patriotic War is our glorious history. We were moving forward every day. Not a single person abandoned the battlefield. There was not a single deserter. In other words, this shows the high qualities of our people. This demonstrates that all our people and the Armed Forces were prepared to die for the Motherland. According to their own assessment, there were 12,000 deserters in the Armenian army. When the Patriotic War ended, most of Kalbajar, Lachin and Aghdam were still under occupation. However, as a result of the act of capitulation, we forced Armenia to return these districts to us, and it had to do so. In other words, Kalbajar was liberated without a single shot being fired. You, the people of Kalbajar, know the terrain and climate of this region perfectly well. I also know very that well, because I have been here many times. In previous periods too, I had passed through the Murov Pass, the Omar Pass. A military way of liberation of Kalbajar at the end of 2020 winter had already begun would have resulted in huge losses. Of course, we would have liberated it because we had almost crushed the Armenian army by that time. But they had strong defensive fortifications. At that time, Aghdara district was not under our control. The only way was from the Murov direction, and I repeat, we could have suffered huge losses. Therefore, history showed again that the cessation of the war on November 10, 2020 was the most correct step. However, at that time, part of our lands were still not under our control. From that time until September 19, 2023, our main goal was to fully restore the sovereignty of our country. You remember that history perfectly well, both the elimination of the so-called Lachin corridor and the transformation of it into the Lachin-Khankendi road, the establishment of a checkpoint in the Lachin direction on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and, at the same time, the capture of important strategic heights from November 2020 to September 2023, the Farrukh, Girkhgiz and Saribaba operations all this was our glorious history and part of our consistent policy. Of course, we could not say a lot at the time, there was no need for this. However, we were moving towards the goal of leaving not a single separatist on our lands. Separatism must be nipped in the bud and uprooted, and we did exactly that. As a result of the anti-terrorist operation that lasted only a few hours, the separatist junta signed an act of capitulation. It signed a document reflecting the alleged collapse of the fake republic. For us, September 19-20, 2023, are just as glorious and historic days as November 8. Since then, the Azerbaijani people have been living in peace and, I am sure, will continue to live in peace. You know that the Armenia-Azerbaijan reconciliation process has almost been completed and the documents signed are fully consistent with our interests. We have achieved what we wanted, the contemptible Minsk Group is living its last days. In fact, it did not and could not do anything. However, it existed legally, and now its end is looming large. We are also the authors of the peace agreement with Armenia, and our position has always served as the basis for drafting those clauses. The fact that this document has been initialed actually puts an end to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. At the same time, an overland connection with our historical homeland of Nakhchivan has also been secured. From November 2020 until the last few days, we have been persistently keeping this issue on the agenda and making efforts to achieve this goal in various ways. And finally, we have achieved it. Armenia has already taken on this obligation, and I do hope that we will be able to travel from the mainland Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan by train and car in the next few years. At the same time, this will not only connect the two parts of Azerbaijan with each other, it will also become an international transport corridor. Several transport corridors pass through the territory of Azerbaijan now, and this, of course, enhances the importance of our country. There will be another corridor going in this direction now. The construction of the railway to Zangilan is already well underway. It will probably be completed next year. We will now fully modernize the railway in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The construction of the railway is also planned on the territory of Armenia. In other words, Armenia has also taken on this obligation, and this is yet another historic success for us. The Azerbaijani people have once again shown their greatness at the highest international level. The new realities we created as a result of both the Patriotic War and the anti-terrorist operation have been recognized by the world. This was also very important because after the Patriotic War and especially the September 2023 operation, Armenia's sponsors, various countries and circles launched a campaign against us punishing Azerbaijan, imposing sanctions against Azerbaijan and other efforts were clearly visible. True, none of them were implemented. We have very strong partners, and our position has always been recognized as a fair position within international organizations. Because we fought a war on our own soil. We did not occupy the lands of any country like certain countries, we did not carry out ethnic cleansing, we did not destroy the cities and villages of any country. We fought on our own soil, defeated the enemy and restored our territorial integrity, also on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions. However, despite this, the countries that patronized Armenia were constantly acting against us, and the documents signed in Washington, the world's number one office, put an end to all those efforts. In other words, the world, the international community has fully accepted our Victory and new realities, and this in itself is a historic event. Because it is no secret that the great powers that supported Armenia both during the occupation and during the war have always created and could create major problems for us. Our strength, the unity of our people with the government, our military Victory, the mood in society, the spirit of patriotism all these factors have shown the entire world that everyone must reckon with us. Those who do not reckon with us will regret it in the end. The Armenia- Azerbaijan war, the Patriotic War and the post-war period have shown this, and today's realities are also evidence of this. Azerbaijan is a country with dignity, a strong country. We would not advise anyone to even think about doing something evil against us. At any rate, there has been no other country in the world over the past 80 years that has won a victory as complete and absolute as Azerbaijan did. You see the processes taking place in the world now. Clashes, wars and war crimes are taking place in various parts of the world. But no one has won a complete victory. Wars continue to cover a larger geography and will probably continue to do so. These political developments show this. We are the only country. We are the only people who have won a complete Victory, an absolute Victory. We forced the enemy to sign an act of capitulation. At the same time, Azerbaijan is the guarantor of peace. We exacted our revenge on the enemy on the battlefield. We once again showed the greatness of our people. We did not do to them what they did to us. However, what they did will never be erased from our memory, including the war crimes committed against the people of Kalbajar. The genocide, the Khojaly genocide, the hostility, enmity and brutality against our people from other regions will never be erased from our memory, and nor should they. I am saying this both as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country that won the war and as a participant in the peace process with Armenia, with a defeated Armenia. We do not want war. We want peace. But that bloody history should never be erased from our memory. We should never be deceived by sweet words and we should always be vigilant. Of course, our Armed Forces are on guard of the interests and security of our state every moment, every day. We are watching, seeing and will detect all possible sources of danger. We are building up our military capacity. After the Second Karabakh War, we have increased the number of our special forces both in Caspian Sea and in all other armed forces by thousands - I don't want to specify the number, but it is a large number. New commando forces have been created. The most modern unmanned aerial vehicles and new artillery systems have been brought to our country. Now contracts have been signed for new combat aircraft, while the existing aircraft have been fully modernized. We must be ready for war at any moment. Because the processes in the world are going in such a direction that it is impossible to predict what may happen tomorrow. We ourselves are the guarantor of our security the government, the people and our Armed Forces. Therefore, if someone's sick mind decides to commit a provocation against Azerbaijan, I think they will regret it again. From now on, we will live as a victorious people and a victorious state. Our job is to build. They have destroyed all our cities and villages. There was not a single safe building left in the city of Kalbajar. There was not a single building left in any village of Kalbajar. It was mere barbarity. It was an inhuman act, and it was done not by one person, not by 10 people, but en masse. They should deal with these issues and see what kind of society Armenia lives in. The society that made looting its main source of income during the years of occupation. This society is sick, and I am saying this openly. I do not want to insult anyone. What had we done to them? What evil acts had we committed to deserve such brutality? Entire cities and villages were destroyed, mosques were destroyed and desecrated, people were murdered, killed and burned. Even after the Second Karabakh War, they asked us for some time through mediators to collect their belongings. And we even gave them time. What did they do? They burned everything and cut down trees. How can a person do this? After all, it was not only the leaders of the separatists who did this. They did it en masse. In other words, we must know who we are facing and who our neighbor is. We must never forget our past and be on the lookout. I am sure that all these factors will enable us to always have the upper hand. I am saying this again, we declare it as a victorious people. We will not forget that evil and brutality. But we do not intend to wage war with anyone from now on. If we face a threat, then everyone will still see our iron fist. Our meeting around these beautiful buildings today is also greatly symbolic. They destroyed this place, but we built it. And I congratulate you on this occasion again. Live here comfortably! I wish you good health and the best of luck. Thank you. X X X President Ilham Aliyev: Does anyone want to say a few words? Resident Jalil Aliyev: Mr. President, Mr. Supreme Commander-in-Chief, very esteemed Mehriban Aliyeva, we are greeting you on behalf of the people of Kalbajar. Welcome to our native land! We carefully follow all your speeches, we like and applaud them. You are at the center of all these events. We are grateful to you once again. We know that the people of Kalbajar, that Kalbajar is a land of ashugs, a land of poets. That is why our beautiful poet Sujaat wrote this 32 years ago: Sujaat, what can we do, such is luck, Don't be sad, time solves all. One day with smiles it shall return, Kalbajar, which once departed in tears. You are the cause of all these events. Thank you. Thank you very much and always be there for us. President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. Jalil Aliyev: We must always rally around. We must be one. We must be unite like a fist. We must complete the Great Return. As our daughter Hokuma said, everything will be fine. Thank you again. Resident Fenare Sadigova: Dear Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Mr. President, our beloved Mehriban Aliyeva, dear guests and compatriots. Today, after many years, I am greeting you with great pride in my native land, in Kalbajar. You are skillfully and decisively continuing the policy started by our great Great Leader despite sleepless nights and stressful days. You have written the history of Victory that is unparalleled in humanity. You have regained our occupied lands, Mr. President. You have signed a number of very important agreements. We are proud of you. We are always with you. May Allah rest the soul of our Great Leader in peace for leaving a worthy successor like you. Every time we watch your meetings with presidents on television, we observe your cheerful attitude and eloquence with great excitement and joy you are a true polyglot. You speak many languages very eloquently, better than their own. We are proud of this. This talent is not bestowed on every president. Mr. President, I want to make a side note. I do apologize, but my father's soul would not forgive me if I did not say this. Back in 1992, when chaos and lawlessness were rampant, my father, who was an ordinary driver he was known as a good person in Kalbajar was very worried about these events. At that time our Great Leader was the Chairman of the Supreme Council. My father sent him a telegram, saying that Azerbaijan was sinking and that he was needed here. When our Great Leader was elected President in 1998, they broadcast my father's speech. Then our President kissed the flag and rose to the podium. He is my father. It is very unfortunate that my father passed away on the day Shusha was taken. President Ilham Aliyev: May Allah rest his soul in peace! Fenare Sadigova: May Allah rest all our deceased in peace. The souls of our fathers are happy today. The Great Leader left behind a worthy son like you. Today, my father's soul is also happy. We have fulfilled this dream. Great constructive work is underway in our native Kalbajar, as well as in the whole of Karabakh. You are doing this. We are grateful to you for that. We pray for Allahs mercy on our martyrs and good health for our wounded veterans. Our esteemed President, we wish you the best of luck in this difficult work and in this activity. We wish good health to your family and yourself. We are always behind you. As you said, Long live Azerbaijan! Karabakh is Azerbaijan! President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. I am grateful for the kind words. Kalbajar is one of the most beautiful districts in our country. Every time we come here, Mehriban Aliyeva and I look out from the car and say to each other what a beautiful place and what a beautiful view this is. This has no equal in the world. But you know very well that Kalbajar has always been considered a remote district, because there used to be no roads here. A hundred years ago, there were no roads here at all and it was possible to move around only on horseback. The roads that were built here during the Soviet years were very dangerous and narrow. Mehriban Aliyeva and I first came to Kalbajar after the occupation, of course, through the Omar Pass. At that time, there was almost no road there either, it was just a path and it was also very dangerous. But we came across such a spectacular view, which overshadowed all the difficulties. When we came here from Goygol, every time we looked down from the Omar Pass we were fascinated by the scenic views. At the same time, I immediately gave instructions that we must definitely build a modern road from Ganja to Kalbajar. Because, as you know, we could not use the Aghdara-Kalbajar road at that time. This is why the work began immediately. When Mehriban Aliyeva and I arrived in Kalbajar today, we went through the tunnel for the first time, not through the Omar Pass. This is the fifth longest tunnel in Europe. It is our longest tunnel about 12 kilometers long. There are already five tunnels along the road. We inaugurated the longest tunnel today. True, it will probably take another seven to eight months for its interior to be fully completed. After that, it will be very convenient to go from Kalbajar to Ganja and Goygol. In other words, we are connecting Kalbajar with the western region of our country. The other road, which we are also building now, is the Aghdara-Kalbajar road. It is the road from Naftalan. That road was used by the occupiers during the occupation. I had come here by that road too. It is also a very uncomfortable road it is bumpy. This is why we are expanding and repairing that road too. The third direction is the Kalbajar-Lachin road. Back then, I went from Goygol to Kalbajar and from Kalbajar all the way to Lachin. I had never seen such a dangerous road in my entire life, and you probably remember that road. Now we are giving that road a completely new look with four-lane tunnels and bridges. An international airport has also been put into operation in the Gorchu village of Lachin. We also had difficulty choosing that site. Because we could not find a single flat place in Kalbajar and Lachin to build a runway. There is not a single flat area. But I wanted the airport to be close to both Kalbajar and Lachin. This is why that location was chosen. They were saying that it is impossible to do this here and that we need to cut through the mountains. I said if it is necessary to cut through the mountains, let's do that. I am sure that thanks to this airport, it will become a very attractive travel destination for those coming here. In other words, there are roads coming from three directions, Ganja, Lachin, even from Zangilan, all the way to Kalbajar, and also from Naftalan, Aghdara, Sarsang. There will be convenient connectivity from three sides, and of course, this will create ample opportunities for the revitalization of the region: business people, hotels, tourist complexes. So, we have quite ambitious plans. I have already stated that we are also starting to build cableways. First, in Lachin. You know the city of Lachin well, the distance from the Hakari River to the upper neighborhood of Lachin is quite large. Also, there is a great difference in altitude. The cableway in Lachin will probably be ready next year. The second cableway is Khankendi-Shusha, and we have also laid the foundation of that. The third cableway will also be in Kalbajar. We have also looked at its location. These are beautiful places with spectacular views there. They are a true paradise. But to make this place a paradise, you need to have such wonderful conditions. And we are doing this. Therefore, I congratulate you again. I wish you a happy and healthy life here. Thank you. X X X A ceremony to present keys was held. X X X Resident Hikmet Shahmuradov: Thank you so much, Mr. President, I express my gratitude and appreciation. With your permission, Mr. President, I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to you. We have always listened carefully to your speeches. We follow you with pride, Mr. President. I know you as the architect of peace and happiness. I am confident that your mission will resonate globally, and humanity will take inspiration from you to establish peace. Our world and our Azerbaijan will live in happiness and tranquility. Resident Fanare Sadigova: May God protect you and your loved ones. I also express my special thanks for the tunnel, and may you thrive. President Ilham Aliyev: Now, you can probably reach Ganja from Kalbajar in about an hour and a half. I also want to mention one thing. During the tunnels opening today, I gave an instruction. They will now work on it to review the route from Toganali to Ganja, so we can shorten that road as well, because its a bit inconvenient. Perhaps not just one, but several tunnels will be built there. If that happens, it will be possible to travel comfortably from Ganja to Kalbajar in one hour or one hour and ten minutes. Resident Fenare Sadigova: How can we put ityou have made the impossible possible. Thank you for being here! Mehriban khanim, I wish I could hug you. We love you, may God protect your children, may God grant you a long life, thank you, we love you so much. X X X Then, a joint photo was taken. 21 August 2025 15:37 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Another group of 30 children from Ukraine has arrived in Azerbaijan to undergo rehabilitation services under the auspices of the State Medical-Social Expertise and Rehabilitation Agency of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Azernews reports. According to the Ministry, the children will participate in a 10-day program at the Gabala Children's Rehabilitation Center, where they will receive medical, social, and psychological support. The program includes individual consultations, group therapies, yoga, and dance therapy sessions, aimed at stabilizing their emotional well-being and supporting their reintegration into society. In addition to therapeutic services, excursions to recreation centers and visits to historical and architectural sites in Gabala and Sheki are planned to enrich their experience and provide a positive environment for recovery. With the arrival of this group, nearly 300 Ukrainian children have so far benefited from Azerbaijans rehabilitation initiative. The Ministry noted that efforts are ongoing to expand the program, ensuring continued support for children who have suffered from the consequences of the war in Ukraine. 21 August 2025 13:16 (UTC+04:00) On August 21, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the opening ceremony of the Ashagi Vang, Nadirkhanli, and Chaykend small hydropower plants operated by AzerEnerji OJSC in the village of Vang, Kalbajar district, Azernews reports. AzerEnerji Chairman Baba Rzayev briefed the President and the First Lady about the stations. In line with President Ilham Aliyevs instructions to transform the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions into a green energy zone, the 8.6 MW Ashagi Vang and 8.8 MW Nadirkhanli small hydroelectric power plants have been constructed in Kalbajar district. To supply water to these plants, a main intake structure was built at the confluence of the Lev River with the Tartar River, as well as a second intake on the Tutqu River where it joins the Tartar. For these cascade hydroelectric plants, a total of 9,300 meters of derivation pipelines were laid in challenging terrain. To prevent fish from entering the pipelines and to preserve the river ecosystem, the intake structures were equipped with special hydrotechnical installations that comply with all ecological standards. The hydro turbines installed at both stations ensure that no harmful substances mix with the water and that the water is returned downstream without any changes to its quality indicators. Equipped with modern technology, the stations have been integrated into the countrys centralized SCADA system. The clean, eco-friendly energy generated here will supply electricity to approximately 25,000 people. It is planned that the Ashagi Vang and Nadirkhanli stations will generate 48 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This will save 12.5 million cubic meters of natural gas per year and prevent the release of 23,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Eight residents of Kalbajar district have been employed at the stations. The Chaykend Small Hydroelectric Power Plant has a capacity of 5 MW. It is the eleventh green energy facility commissioned by AzerEnerji in Kalbajar. The plant is supplied with water via an 8,500-meter derivation pipeline from a newly built intake on one of the largest rivers in the country, the Tartar River. The station, which will provide clean, eco-friendly energy for approximately 7,000 people, is equipped with environmentally friendly technologies. Along with digital switching, smart management, operational monitoring, and analysis, remote control from Baku will also be possible. For integration into the national energy system, a 5-kilometer, 10 kV transmission line has been built. Integrated into the centralized SCADA system, the station is expected to produce 15 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, saving 3.2 million cubic meters of natural gas and preventing 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Four local residents have been employed here. President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the Ashagi Vang, Nadirkhanli, and Chaykend small hydroelectric power plants. 21 August 2025 23:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office announced on Thursday that a Ukrainian citizen, Serhii K., was arrested in Rimini, Italy, under suspicion that he was involved with a group of people responsible for causing explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022, Azernews reports. "Serhii K. was part of a group of individuals who placed explosives on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines near the island of Bornholm in September 2022. The accused was allegedly one of the coordinators of the operation. He and his accomplices used a sailing yacht departing from Rostock for the transport. The yacht had previously been rented from a German company through intermediaries using forged identification documents," the prosecutor's office stated. The accused is expected to appear before the investigating judge of the German Federal Court of Justice after his transfer from Italy. 21 August 2025 21:05 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Belarus intends to discuss the next steps in modernizing missile production with Russia, Azernews reports, citing President Aleksandr Lukashenko, as he announced during a meeting dedicated to the sector. I will consult with Russian President Vladimir Putin on how we should proceed, as well as on whether our proposals and the next steps in creating and modernizing missile production within our union will be of interest to the Russian Federation, Lukashenko said. The Belarusian leader noted that the country has relatively limited experience in such a complex field as missile manufacturing. He stressed that the sector itself has largely taken shape with Russian support. 21 August 2025 21:38 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation, Azernews reports. The Turkish Presidencys Directorate of Communications announced on social media platform X. During the call, the leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as a wide range of regional and global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine peace process and the latest developments in Gaza. President Erdogan underlined that Turkiye continues its efforts to secure a just peace to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. He also noted that Ankara is closely monitoring the ongoing contacts in Alaska and Washington. The Turkish leader reiterated that Turkiye is ready to host and support any initiatives for peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. On Gaza, Erdogan stressed that Turkiye is working to ensure a ceasefire in the enclave, where he said a major humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding. 21 August 2025 20:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has announced that Ukrainian forces carried out strikes on an oil products plant in Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov region, and a fuel and lubricants depot in Russias Voronezh region, Azernews reports. According to the statement, Ukrainian forces also targeted a logistics base and a drone storage site belonging to the Russian army in Donetsk. The General Staff noted that multiple explosions were reported following the strikes. The RussiaUkraine war, which began with Russias full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, remains one of the most consequential conflicts of the 21st century. It has reshaped Europes security architecture, tested international law, and triggered profound geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian consequences. The roots of the war go back to 2014, when Russia illegally annexed Crimea following Ukraines Euromaidan revolution and the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych. That same year, Moscow began backing separatist movements in eastern Ukraines Donetsk and Luhansk regions, sparking an armed conflict that simmered for years. Despite diplomatic efforts under the Minsk agreements, fighting never ceased. Tensions escalated dramatically in late 2021, when Russia massed over 150,000 troops near Ukraines borders. On 24 February 2022, President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation, launching a full-scale invasion targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other cities. At Top of the Oregon Coast, Astoria Area's Fort Stevens Lets You Walk History Published 08/20/25 at 6:45 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Astoria, Oregon) - It's time to do more than a little time traveling maybe even get lost in history. Fort Stevens State Park has pretty much taken over one sizable chunk of Oregon coast. There are miles of beaches here, a dizzying number of campsites, many more miles of trails and a massive forest. All of it is crammed into one state park; all of it just south of the stunning town of Astoria. Then there's that remarkable history here that goes well beyond the Oregon coast. However, Fort Stevens is best known for the old Battery Russell and its enormous concrete bunkers as well as the Wreck of the Peter Iredale. All of it lets you walk and touch real history. Here, enormous gunneries once guarded the mouth of the Columbia River, lodged in huge turrets which rested in sprawling concrete fortresses all empty and abandoned now, with gaping holes like sad, hollow eyes. It's where guns, officers quarters and other war machinery once buzzed with activity. And there's quite a few of these around Fort Stevens. Yet only one is open year-round. That's Battery Russell. Built around the turn of the last century, the gunnery eventually watched for invaders during World War II. In 1942, a Japanese submarine fired shells at the battery, although none were fired back. This - aside from the brief bombing of a forest near Brookings (on the southern Oregon coast) by a Japanese aircraft - is about the only area in the continental U.S. which was fired upon by a foreign power since the War of 1812. Where a Japanese Sub Fired on Oregon: Battery Russell and Fort Stevens Crawl around here and you'll find some amazing sights. This boxy, utilitarian structure meanders for a couple hundred feet. While the U.S. has no real ruins to speak of, this is the closest you'll come to that in this country. It's got that ancient, dark and dank castle vibe. Enormous holes where guns once sat now sit in moody silence, as do the slightly creepy stairways snaking their ways down into the bunkers and the old, spartan rooms that are labeled with such military purposes as "latrines" and "officer's lounge." Other gunnery areas might be seen in summer during guided tours. Some of these were commissioned during the Civil War, while other, smaller gunneries have been turned into bird nesting areas and wildlife refuges. What the gunneries looked like while active There's also the Fort Stevens History Museum / Military Museum - and many of the trails were likely walked by Lewis and Clark over 200 years ago. Enter the park by a six-mile drive after going west off 101 at the signs approximately a half-mile south of MP 9. Head down Peter Iredale Road and you'll encounter the famous wreck itself. It crashed here in 1906, and now its rusted, skeletal remains make for great climbing (tide permitting), although most of the time only its front tip is visible, with a few other higher objects sticking out to the south of it. Sometimes the sand is lower and even more of it is visible. More to History of Oregon Coast's Peter Iredale Than Just a Shipwreck If you wander to the northernmost edge of the park youll encounter the South Jetty, where a viewing platform lets you see the waves up close as they slam into the boulders and you can catch glimpses of Astoria across the bay. Here, you're at the tip of that little nub that sticks out from Oregon when you view it from a map. Fort Stevens State Park: The Shocker Underneath This Oregon Coast Historical Site Did you know that parts of Fort Stevens didn't exist before 100 years ago? Another interesting tidbit here is the lengthy trestle stretching across the water as you drive to and from the jetty. This cuts a curious diagonal across the landscape then stops sometime before the jetty, as if it were trying to reach it. In fact, at one time it did. This trestle is what brought the boulders of the jetty to their resting place. Beach Access #1 is here at the viewing tower those yellow signs you see posted on many Oregon coast beach entrances. It's the first of all of them. Hotels in Astoria - Where to eat - Astoria Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) 65 Sci-Fi Flick on Streaming: Parts Filmed on S. Oregon Coast - Review 3 and a half stars out of 5 - good adventure with dinos around Coos Bay, Brookings, Gold Beach Laidback Rockaway Beach, Ocean in View from Hidden Oregon Coast Condo Rental Luxury and an unstoppable view meet. Rockaway Beach hotel reviews, lodging news Six Historic Inns of the Oregon Coast With a Strong Time Travel Vibe Serious charm in Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Oceanside, Lincoln City, Newport. Logding reviews, hotels 'Old Oregon Coast' Feel Meets Modern Swank at Manzanita Charmer Hotel Ocean Inn at Manzanita is woodsy yet bougie. Manzanita hotels, lodging reviews More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Early September and Oregon Coast's Second Summer: Rentals That Are Still Open in Cannon Beach Published 08/21/25 at 6:45 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Cannon Beach, Oregon) Shortly, just after the mad rush of travelers and Labor Day starts to wear off, it will be Second Summer. This is actually when the Oregon coast is at its warmest (usually). More blue skies, less winds and beaches that feel somewhat heated up are more the norm. (Nantucket West) Yet even September has its massive crowds, now that most seem to know the area's lingering meteorological secret, and finding places to stay in early September can be problematic. Especially vacation rentals. That's doubly so in Cannon Beach. Luckily, one of the rental firms there still has a couple of openings in the month of Second Summer, which includes stretches in early September. Beachcomber Vacation Homes has said these do require a three-night minimum. You may also want to confirm any openings by calling 855-219-4758 as they may change. 855-219-4758. 503-436-4500. Beachcomber Website here. Nantucket West has some openings in September hosting eight folks. This one offers a serene escape just minutes from the heart of Cannon Beach. Slightly more in the north section of town, it's a close walk to the downtown beach accesses, and not too far from the deserted northern stretch towards Chapman Point, where hardly any other souls wander. It's a spacious four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is tucked into a quiet neighborhood within easy walking distance of local shops, parks, and the shoreline. Inside, you are welcomed by a warm entry hall with wood flooring, nautical artwork, and a comely little bench. At the end of the hall, an immaculate kitchen awaits, outfitted with granite countertops, a stainless steel refrigerator, and an electric stovetop. A central island doubles as a breakfast bar, perfect for casual meals or morning coffee. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room overlooks a lush backyard, while the living room offers a stone fireplace, skylights, and a large TV - an ideal space for unwinding after a day bouncing around the beaches. In the back area, a generous deck hosts a hot tub beneath a charming gazebo, and a fire pit invites memory-making, camp-style evenings. Amenities include: hot tub, kitchen, laundry, non-smoking, outdoor grill, patio, satellite or cable TV. Nantucket West 855-219-4758. 503-436-4500. Elliott Way Cottage offers a quiet retreat just minutes from the north Oregon coast's famed Haystack Rock, tucked away behind a peaceful residential neighborhood. This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home sleeps six and welcomes guests with a white picket fence, lush landscaping, and a gated entry that opens to a spacious backyard designed for family gatherings. Inside, the two-story cottage features hardwood floors and two distinct living areas. It is truly individualistically decorated, with its own take on spry colors and upbeat vibes. The main living room is filled with natural light from a wall of windows and includes oversized couches, a flat-screen TV, and a cozy gas stove. Across the entryway, the dining area seats eight and connects to a bright, fully equipped kitchen with direct access to the backyard deck. The primary bedroom is located on the first floor and includes a king-sized bed and flat-screen TV, with a full bathroom just across the hall. Also on this level is a second living room ideal for children, featuring another TV, gas stove, and double doors leading to the patio. Two guest bedrooms are located upstairs. Amenities include: kitchen, laundry, non-smoking, outdoor grill, parking, patio, satellite or cable TV, backyard, fire pit, desk/workspace. Elliott Way Cottage 855-219-4758. 503-436-4500 All this is a quick walk to the town's most famous structure, but it's also a zippy ride to Seaside or to secretive Arch Cape to the south. See more Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Slightly Secret Beach Houses of Tierra Del Mar Add a Spice to Oregon Coast Wi... Idyllic Beach House has two little vacation rental wonders, and a hefty winter special. Pacific City hotel reviews Constant Killer Views at One Cannon Beach Legend: Oregon Coast Travel Tips There's also deep history at this popular, luxury hotel. Cannon Beach hotel reviews, Cannon Beach lodging, Tolovana Inn, Manzanita hotel reviews, Seaside hotel reviews Laidback Rockaway Beach, Ocean in View from Hidden Oregon Coast Condo Rental Luxury and an unstoppable view meet. Rockaway Beach hotel reviews, lodging news Lincoln City's Looking Glass Inn Has One Serious View to Oregon Coast Wilds a... Overlooking Siletz Bay, views to some crazy storm action and harbor seals. Lincoln City lodging, hotel reviews More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Month-Long Foodie Fest with Revamped Version of Oregon's Crave the Coast Published 08/20/25 at 6:45 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Tillamook, Oregon) Have you ever dreamed of scarfing your way up the Oregon coast? Ever considered taking a whole month to tour and indulge in a variety of restaurants in Neskowin, Pacific City, Tillamook, Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach, Manzanita, Cannon Beach, Seaside and Astoria / Warrenton? (Above: Bellbuoy in Seaside) Crave the Coast is back for 2025, and this year, the beloved food-focused event is expanding in a major way. Presented by Visit Tillamook Coast, the annual gathering has evolved from a single-day festival into a full month of culinary exploration, stretching across the North Coast Food Trail from Astoria to Neskowin. Throughout October, visitors are invited to discover the flavors of the region through curated dishes, local events, and immersive experiences that highlight the bounty of Oregons coastal communities. Participating restaurants, markets, and artisan producers will feature exclusive Crave Dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In addition to these special menu items, select businesses along the trail will host food-centric events, offering guests the chance to sample freshly caught seafood, artisan cheeses, farm-grown produce, and handcrafted treats. Each dish enjoyed and event attended earns participants entries into weekly prize drawings, culminating in a grand prize: a two-night stay at the new glamping destination Two Capes Lookout, plus dining gift cards to local eateries. Seaside Brewing Crave the Coast is a month-long invitation to explore, taste and experience what makes this region special, said Mariah Surat, Visit Tillamook Coasts Coordinator of Community and Industry Programs. This year, we decided to make Crave the Coast a month-long event instead of a single day or weekend because its more feasible for restaurants and food providers to participate when visitors come to them. Its also more experiential and immersive for attendees, allowing them to enjoy the coast in a way that feels organic and memorable. Cannon Beach's Ecola Seafood The expanded event is made possible through a partnership between Visit Tillamook Coast, Visit Seaside, and the Cannon Beach and Astoria-Warrenton Chambers of Commerce. Additional support comes from the Oregon Wine Country License Plates Matching Grant Program, administered by Travel Oregon. To help guide their culinary journey, visitors will use Seeker, a mobile-friendly interactive platform that offers digital check-ins, photo challenges, scavenger hunts, and rewards. Though not a downloadable app, Seeker can be saved to a phones home screen for easy access and navigation throughout the month. For more information and to sign up for updates, visit https://northcoastfoodtrail.com/crave-the-coast. Hotels in Astoria - Where to eat - Astoria Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Seaside - Where to eat - Seaside Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Rockaway Beach - Where to eat - Rockaway Beach Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Three Capes - Where to eat - Three Capes Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Lincoln City's Coho Oceanfront Lodge Continues Pushing Boundaries on Oregon C... Plenty of perks - a kind of upscale without all of that price tag. Lincoln City lodging, hotel reviews, Gleneden Beach Early September and Oregon Coast's Second Summer: Rentals That Are Still Open... Still a couple vacation rentals with availability but getting thin. Cannon Beach hotel reviews, hotel availability Oregon Coast Spots With Wicked Cool Sights - and Rooms to View Them Incredible views with serious pampering at Yachats, Lincoln City, Seaside. Hotel reviews, lodging Off The Beaten Path In Lincoln City, View to Gnarly or Nice on Oregon Coast Nothing but surf and lovely amenities in a hidden part of Lincoln City. Lincoln City hotel reviews More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Time Travel To Lewis and Clark's Oregon Coast with Seaside Event Published 08/18/25 at 6:15 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Seaside, Oregon) - More than two centuries ago, the Lewis and Clark Expedition faced a critical shortage: no salt, and no store within 2,000 miles. Their solution? Boil seawater on the coastline of as-yet-to-be named Oregon, more than 30 from their main housing. On September 9 and 10, the Seaside Museum will host the annual Lewis and Clark Salt Makers event, a living history program that recreates the explorers salt-making camp on the beach where it all happened in 1806. The event is presented by the Pacific Northwest Living Historians (PNLH) and supported by a grant from the City of Seaside Tourism Advisory Committee. Visitors will step into a fully interpreted 19th-century camp, where costumed historians boil seawater over open fires - just as members of the Corps of Northwestern Discovery did during their winter stay. The camp will be located on the beach west of Avenue U and the Prom intersection, open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is a rare chance to see north Oregon coast history in action. Youll hear stories from the expedition, learn how salt was made, and discover the challenges faced by the explorers during their time on the Pacific coast. The original salt-making effort began on December 26, 1805, when Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark dispatched five men from Fort Clatsop to find a suitable site. After five days of searching, the group settled on the beach now known as Seaside. There, they boiled seawater for nearly two months, enduring harsh winter conditions to produce the salt needed to preserve meat and season their meals. Visitors will quite literally time-travel over 200 years when they enter the camp. Reenactors dress the part and sometimes even talk the talk relaying historical tales in the older English dialects and lingo of the time. Now in its third decade, the Lewis and Clark Salt Makers event has become a tradition on the Oregon coast, offering families and history enthusiasts a hands-on learning experience. It also sheds light on lesser-known details of the expedition, such as Lewiss reference to the group as the Corps of Northwestern Discovery in his journals. Admission is free, and the event is made possible through the support of the Seaside Museum, Sandy Cove Inn, Owsley Wood Services, and United Site Services. Not far down the Promenade, there's Lewis & Clark Way, which hosts the actual spot where the troupe boiled ocean water. The replica of their rock oven (saltworks) and a monument sits there, which was confirmed back in the late 1800s by talking to tribal members who had known exactly where it was. See more at Seaside Visitors Hotels in Seaside - Where to eat - Seaside Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) What's Old is New Again on Oregon Coast: Inn of the Four Winds Reopens As New... Some of the biggest ocean views in Seaside, historical charm. Hotel reviews, lodging Exquisite Spring Break Hangouts on Oregon Coast with New Discoveries The wows of Lincoln City and Cannon Beach, including the beginning of a ghost forest. Lincoln City hotel reviews, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, specials, Seaside hotel reviews A Literal Hideaway at N. Oregon Coast's Cape Meares, Up Against Bayocean's Re... Cape Meares Hide-A-Away tucked behind dense forest with beach views. Oceanside hotel reviews, Tillamook hotel reviews, Rockaway Beach hotel reviews, Pacific City hotel reviews Four Incredibly Cool Places to Play 'n Stay, Central Oregon Coast Sampling of four outstanding, cool and cajoling places at Lincoln City, Lincoln Beach and Newport. Lodging reviews, hotels, travel tips More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted The United States Department of Education is cutting funds to five school districts in northern Virginia after finding that their "transgender" policies violate the rights of women and girls under Title IX of the Civil Rights Act. The districts impacted are Arlington, Alexandria, Loudon County, Prince William County, and Fairfax County. The USDOE has put them in a "high risk" category, where they must apply for federal reimbursement instead of getting federal money upfront. They will have to show that they are complying with federal law, including Title IX, to get those reimbursements. So if the defiance on refusing to protect the rights of women and girls continues, they will not be eligible for those reimbursement. One of these districts just days ago suspended two students for daring to complain about a student of the opposite sex in their locker room and even videoing there. https://thefederalist.com/2025/08/20/five-virginia-school-districts-are-losing-federal-funding-because-they-wont-stop-trans-social-experiments-on-children/ The scene on Donegall Street in Belfast city centre in October 2022 when firefighters fought a blaze at Cathedral Buildings. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Popular east Belfast pizza joint Flout has launched a bid to open in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast city centre. A planning application was lodged on August 15 at Belfast City Council by Flout CC Ltd, led by founder Peter Thompson. The bid is for planning permission at 68 Donegall Street for a change of use from vacant retail to a pizza slice shop. 68 Donegall Street is a unit within Cathedral Buildings, which has been restored after it was severely damaged in a devastating fire in 2022. The scene on Donegall Street in Belfast city centre in October 2022 when firefighters fought a blaze at Cathedral Buildings. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye A spokesperson for Mr Thompson said he was exploring options. In the last few years following the opening of the new Ulster University York Street campus, Cathedral Quarter has been home to a growing number of students. Large numbers of blocks of student accommodation have been built, livening up the area and creating new demand for shops and restaurants. In January 2023, Flout, based at Portview Trade Centre in east Belfast, was praised by a world-famous food reviewer who rated it 10 out of 10. Flout had invited Matt Davies-Binge, also known as Food Review Club, to taste its pizzas on a visit to Northern Ireland. The visit and praise from the TikTok star, who has 600,000 followers, left Mr Thompson in tears. Matt Davies-Binge with Peter Thompson of Flout Watch: Michael Deane set to open new restaurant in East Belfast Our pizza is distinctive because everything has been born and raised in east Belfast the dough, the place, the ethos. And that is quite unique. Flout opened in Portview in 2022, with its limited opening hours leading to long queues outside the premises. Mr Thompson started the shop after previously working in advertising. Speaking in 2023, he said: Theres no reason why the best pizza in the world can't be made in Belfast. "We have access to amazing produce from suppliers right across the island, and access to amazing equipment, and a customer base that appreciates quality. Beech Hill on Glenshane Road in Derry, one of Braidwater Group's investments A housebuilder in Londonderry has bought back equity from an investor after a decade of growth, it was announced today. Braidwater Group had received investment from BGF in 2015 in the investors first deal in Northern Ireland. BGF said the deal had enabled it to establish a strong foothold in the market in Northern Ireland, while also supporting Braidwaters growth. Since 2015, Braidwater has grown from a small construction business into one of Northern Irelands biggest housebuilders, with turnover growing from 4m in 2015 to 45m in 2024. BGF has now invested over 100m in Northern Ireland businesses, making it the most active growth capital investor in the region. Since 2015, BGF has provided two follow-on investments, enabling family-owned Braidwater to scale operations and expand. The investment has enabled it to grow its landbank, build its management team and expand right across Northern Ireland. Its developments now include Beech Hill on Glenshane Road in Derry and Castle Hill on the Ballygowan Road in Belfast. In January 2019, Braidwater merged with sister company BW Homes & Construction to create Braidwater Group, entering the social and affordable housing market. Joe McGinnis, director at Braidwater Property Developments Joe McGinnis, CEO of Braidwater said: Were grateful to BGF for their support over the last decade as we scaled our operations and established the Braidwater Group. "Their initial investment gave us the springboard to enter new markets, while follow-on funding instilled us with the confidence to go even further. Today, we are in a strong position with a professionalised team, a significant development pipeline, and a clear strategic vision for the next 10 years. "Most importantly, this buyback ensures Braidwater remains a family-run enterprise for the future something that was always important to us. BGF has been a valued and supportive partner throughout this growth journey. Paddy Graham, regional partner at BGF, added: Our partnership with Braidwater has been one of the most significant for BGF in Northern Ireland. It was our first investment in the region, and it gave us a visible and successful platform from which to grow. "The company had a quality product, a strong team, and a compelling market opportunity in 2015 and the same is true today. " Were proud to have supported the business through a period of transformation and are pleased to see the family take it forward with renewed ownership and ambition. Beech Hill on Glenshane Road in Derry, one of Braidwater Group's investments Watch: Michael Deane set to open new restaurant in East Belfast The success of this partnership has also played a pivotal role in shaping BGFs presence in Northern Ireland. Today, weve invested over 100 million in Northern Ireland, and we remain deeply committed to supporting ambitious businesses across the region. The sale of its stake in Braidwater marks BGFs third successful exit in Northern Ireland, following deals with waste management company Riverridge and specialist kitchen manufacturers Uform. Kneecap's Liam Og O hAnnaidh is swamped by photographers as he arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court A man arrested over support for Palestine Action after Kneecap star Liam Og O hAnnaidhs case was heard in a London court has been released. The man was detained by police outside the court building at around 1pm because of a placard he was holding following the hearing. A spokesperson for the Met Police said: On Wednesday, 20 August, at 13:22hrs a man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of supporting a proscribed terrorist group, Palestine Action, in Marylebone Road, NW1. Officers carried out further enquiries, including interviewing the man in custody. After seeking early investigative advice from the CPS, a decision was made that no further action would be taken as the case did not meet the threshold for criminal charges. It comes as the Kneecap rapper faces a month-long wait to find out whether his terrorism charge will be thrown out. O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was once again greeted by hundreds of fans as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday for a three-hour hearing. Kneecaps Mo Charas terror charge case judgement delayed over technical legal argument Read more Pensioner who was arrested for wearing Palestine Action shirt starred in Kneecap movie Prosecutors allege the 27-year-old, who followed some of the proceedings through an Irish interpreter, displayed a flag in support of proscribed terror organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November last year. During Wednesdays hearing, his defence team argued the case should be thrown out, citing a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought. Rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh (Mo Chara) of Kneecap arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court (Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Brenda Campbell KC told the court the Attorney General had not given permission for the case to be brought against the defendant when police informed him he was to face a terror charge on May 21. She said consent was given the following day, but that meant the charge falls outside of the six-month time frame in which criminal charges against a defendant can be brought. Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said permission was not required until the defendants first court appearance and that permission did not need to be sought in order to bring a criminal charge. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring adjourned the case until September 26, when he will rule on whether he has the jurisdiction to try the case. Hundreds of Kneecap supporters waving flags and holding banners greeted O hAnnaidh as he arrived at court alongside fellow bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh. Supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O hAnnaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court. Photo: Ben Whitley/PA Wire Demonstrations in support of the rapper were organised outside the court building in London, as well as in Dublin. The Metropolitan Police imposed conditions limiting where the demonstration outside the court could take place, saying they were needed to prevent serious disruption. A man was detained by police outside the court building because of a placard he was holding following the hearing. The Met said the suspect remains in custody on suspicion of supporting proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action. Surrounded by officers, he told reporters his hand-made sign made no reference to any proscribed organisations. O hAnnaidh was swamped by photographers as he arrived, with security officers taking more than a minute to usher him into the court building. Kneecap's Liam Og O hAnnaidh, speaks to supporters as he leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court. Photo: Lucy North/PA Wire Watch: Crowds outside Westminster court as Liam Og O hAnnaidh arrives Supporters greeted the Kneecap rapper with cheers as he made his way from a silver people carrier to the building. Following the hearing, OhAnnaidh told supporters the case was a distraction from the real story and urged everyone to continue to speak about Palestine, adding: Free Palestine. Fans held signs which read Free Mo Chara while others waved Palestine and Irish flags before the rappers arrival at court. Chants of Free, free, Mo Chara could also be heard over a megaphone, which was repeated by the crowd. Mr O Caireallain and Mr O Dochartaigh sat at the back of the courtroom with three others as O hAnnaidh confirmed his name, date of birth and address to the court at the start of the hearing. In response to the Met imposing conditions on the protest, Kneecap described the move as a calculated political decision that was designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome. The court previously heard the 27-year-old defendant is well within his rights to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum was a wholly different thing. O hAnnaidh, of Belfast, is yet to enter a plea to the charge and is on unconditional bail. Heres how the hearing played out on our live blog: Diane Abbott advised Jeremy Corbyn against setting up a new political party, she said, over concerns it would struggle to get a foothold in Britain because of the voting system. Ms Abbott, who served as Mr Corbyns shadow home secretary when he was Labour leader, said she had spoken to him before its launch, and said it was not a good idea. A Co Fermanagh pub has been crowned Northern Irelands best for the second year in a row as part of a prestigious competition. The Dog and Duck in Lisbellaw was awarded the Northern Ireland regional award by CAMRA the Campaign for Real Ale as part of their Pub of the Year 2025 competition. The NI pub is one of 16 regional and national winners, and will now battle it out for the chance to be named CAMRAs overall Pub of the Year. As part of the competition, the final four pubs in the running for the overall title will be announced in October with the winner revealed in January 2026. In their description of the pub, CAMRA said: Winner of both CAMRA Northern Ireland pub of the year, and cider pub of the year 2024. "It specialises in independent beers, ciders and spirits with fourteen guest taps including four traditional cask beer pumps usually serving two cask ale and two real ciders. The Dog and Duck Inn in Lisbellaw Watch: Michael Deane set to open new restaurant in East Belfast "Locally brewed ales such as Inishmacsaint, Rough Brothers, Lacada and Bullhouse frequently appear, along with their house ales Paxton IPA and Sprocker Pale Ale. CAMRAs Pub of the Year co-ordinator Andrea Briers added: It is a real pleasure to announce this years top 16 pubs, each of which has demonstrated exceptional quality, warmth and dedication to their communities. "These pubs are shining examples of what makes the Great British pub so special, from perfectly kept pints to a genuine welcome for all. Achieving this in the face of rising costs and other pressures is no small feat, and we want to see these pubs, and thousands of others like them, continue to thrive. "Thats why were calling on the chancellor to give pubs a fair deal in the Autumn Budget, so they can keep serving their communities for many years to come. The pub is owned by Enniskillen native Margaret Elliott-Tredinnick and her husband John. Earlier this month the pair revealed it was always their goal to set up their own micro-distillery making small batch spirits, with running a pub not being on their radar. Education Minister Paul Givan (centre) congratulates students on their GCSE results at Saintfield High School in Co Down. Photo: Jonathan McCambridge/PA Wire Hugs all round for Belfast Royal Academical Institution pupils as they received their GCSE results on Thursday morning. Photo: Stephen Davison Abdelmoniem Salman with dad Taysier Salman and mom Sarah Mohamedkhier at Grosvenor Grammar School in Belfast celebrate getting GCSE results. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press. Pupils at Methodist College in Belfast celebrate getting GCSE results. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press. Pupils Ellen Boyd, Kathryn Parkinson and Katie Thompson Grosvenor Grammar School in Belfast celebrate getting GCSE results. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press. Pupils at Grosvenor Grammar School in Belfast celebrate getting GCSE results. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press Education Minister Paul Givan has congratulated Northern Ireland pupils after they secured the top GCSE results in the UK. Mr Givan, whose own daughter was among those receiving results, delayed his visit to Saintfield High School so he could be with her as she opened her envelope. Visiting Saintfield, Mr Givan said his morning had started like that of many other parents across Northern Ireland. Like many parents, this morning I woke up much earlier than I'd planned to, said the Education Minister. It was anxious going to the school, then waiting for her to come out with the envelope. She opened it with us. Then there was the feeling of relief, then the excitement that shed got what she had wanted to allow her to move to the next stage. My wife and I had chatted and wed looked at various different scenarios. Theres always that what if so wed looked at the different pathways she might want to pursue. That will have been the case for many parents this morning. While the minister said his family was pleased with how results day had played out, he acknowledged that for some pupils it may not have been the day they had wished for. Pupils at St Dominic's in Belfast receiving their GCSE results. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire He added: There will be some disappointment, but engagement with schools is there and there are now so many different routes available. Today isnt that defining moment for the rest of your life. There are so many things who make up who you are, your character. "Employers will look at what kind of person you are, not just the qualifications. Its about how you can relate to people. Id say to any young person to reach out, speak to whos available and dont give up on your dreams and your goals. I said to my daughter, well thats us going out for tea tonight but she told me no, well not be, Im going out with my friends! So maybe well do that another time. The Minister said students determination has truly shone through, with the number of top grades on the rise. The provisional results show that 31.6% of students here achieved at least a 7 or an A grade and above, compared to 31.0% last year. This is the highest of any region in the UK in England the comparative figure was 21.8%, while in Wales it was 19.5%. The overall UK figure was 21.9%. Some 83.5% of students here achieved grade C/4 and above, compared to 82.7% in 2024. Again this was well above England (67.1%) and Wales (62.5%). The Minister also had words of praise for the teaching staff at schools across Northern Ireland. What all our children have achieved today is a credit to them, supported by our teaching staff. Weve got one of the bet qualified workforces in the United Kingdom. People often ask why Northern Ireland pupils are able to outperform other parts of the UK by such a margin and I put it down to the quality of our teaching staff. Its very difficult to get in to our training colleges and I believe were attracting the brightest and the best to become teachers, and thats being reflected in whats being delivered in the classroom, and then in what weve achieved today in terms of the results for those young people. Education Minister Paul Givan (centre) congratulates students on their GCSE results at Saintfield High School in Co Down. Photo: Jonathan McCambridge/PA Wire The total number of GCSE entries in Northern Ireland decreased by 1.1% from 175,555 in 2024 to 173,675 in 2025. In GCSE English language, 25.1% of students achieved A/7 and above, compared to 24.7% in 2024, while 84.0% of students were awarded grade C/4 and above, compared to 82.5% last year. This years figures for GCSE mathematics show that 27.1% of students achieved A/7 grade and above, compared to 27.8% in 2024, while 73.1% of students were awarded a grade C/4 or above, which is similar to the 73% last year. Overall, 41.4% of all GCSE entries were in Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. Gerry Campbell, chief executive of CCEA, praised the students on their success. Congratulations to all the students receiving their GCSE results today, he said. "These results represent the hard work, resilience and determination you've shown throughout your studies, and you should be proud of everything youve achieved. "Today also marks a key milestone as many of you begin to make decisions about the future - whether thats continuing in education, entering training, or stepping into the world of work. "I want to extend my sincere thanks to the teachers, school leaders, and lecturers who have supported students every step of the way. "Im also grateful to our dedicated team of examiners and moderators, whose efforts ensure that results are delivered with fairness and care. Wishing every student success and fulfilment in whatever comes next. Pupils at Grosvenor Grammar School in Belfast celebrate getting GCSE results. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press Watch: Students at Rathmore Grammar receive their A Level results Last Thursday, more than 25,000 students across the region received their AS and A-level examination results, with 30.4% of entries having achieved the top A* to A grades. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald urged students receiving results today, and their parents or carers, to make use of the advice and guidance offered by her departments Careers Service. Making informed decisions following your exam results is crucial in helping you consider the next step on your journey, she said. No matter what your results were, there are many opportunities available to you and I would urge you to examine these fully. You may wish to remain at school, or you might want to explore further education courses, start an apprenticeship or training programme or go into employment. My departments Careers Service can provide you with all the help and guidance you need. Whatever choice you make, I want to pass on my very best wishes for the future. Pupils at St Dominic's in Belfast receiving their GCSE results. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Mary Mallon, head of education at the British Council Northern Ireland, said he is eager to encourage more students to study languages at GCSE. Spanish continues to stand out, with entries rising by 10%. Its growing popularity reflects not only the cultural appeal but also a wider recognition of the personal and professional benefits language skills can offer. It is hoped that the enthusiasm young people have for Spanish can be extended to other languages, through investment in exchanges, cultural programmes and real-world learning opportunities that bring languages to life. "However, while today's GCSE language results show encouraging signs of progress, it's worth noting that last week's A-level figures revealed a continued decline in overall uptake. "Irish was the only language to see growth at both GCSE and A-level, which underlines the need to build on GCSE momentum and ensure all students are encouraged and enabled to continue with languages beyond age 16. A local councillor said the community had been left reeling A man has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Belfast. The 32-year-old has also been charged with possession of a blade or point. He is expected to appear before Lisburn Magistrates Court on Saturday. It comes after the stabbing victim in west Belfast on Thursday night has been named locally as Shane Lowry. Police remain at the scene in the Mulberry Park area of Twinbrook where cordons are still in place following the incident on Thursday night. A death notice for Mr Lowry said he died suddenly. "Beloved son of Breda and Marty. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends, said the notice. "Funeral arrangements to follow. Deeply regretted by his entire family circle. Shane Lowry The PSNI has confirmed a murder investigation is now underway. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips, from the PSNIs Major Investigation Team said police were alerted to the incident at 8.15pm. Officers attended, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. "Sadly, he was pronounced dead. "A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody. At this time, we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this investigation. We would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1633 21/08/25. Police at the scene in the Broom Park area of Twinbrook. Photo by Kevin Scott A spokesman for the NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) said: The NIAS received a 999 call at 8.15pm on Thursday. NIAS despatched two emergency crews to the incident. Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene one patient was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital. Forensic officers spent most of the night working at the back of a small bungalow that straddles Broom Park and Mulberry Park. Just yards away residents told the Belfast Telegraph how their children were in the street as the incident unfolded. One woman who didnt want to be named said: My wee ones were out playing beside the shop at the time. The youngest wee girl came in here in hysterics, she was shouting a guy was stabbed when I got outside I saw cops arriving and putting a man in handcuffs. Some of them [police] were wearing balaclavas and had guns out, it was really scary. Another resident told the Belfast Telegraph: I have lived in this area all my life, its never usually too bad, the young ones all hang about there beside the shop where this happened, they do no harm, its them having to see this I feel sorry for. A large cordon remains in place this morning with forensic officers expected to return to the scene later today Police at the scene in the Broom Park area of Twinbrook in west Belfast. Photo by Kevin Scott Sinn Fein MLA Danny Baker said there was shock in the area. This is absolutely tragic, and I want to extend my thoughts and condolences to the deceased mans family and friends," he said. There is a great deal of shock and sadness in our community this morning at this news. The PSNI has confirmed that a man has been arrested in connection with the incident. Anyone with information should come forward. I am encouraging people not to engage in speculation and to allow police time and space to complete their investigation. Local SDLP councillor Paul Doherty said there is a sense of disbelief in the local community. This is a shocking incident where a man has lost his life and the local community has been left reeling, he added. My thoughts are with the loved ones of the deceased and everyone who has been affected by this incident. Nobody wants to wake up to something like this on their doorsteps, but I would ask people to support police as they carry out their investigation into what happened here. I commend their quick response. I would urge anyone with any further information to come forward to police. It comes as a blaze broke out in a block of flats just five minutes away on the Stewartstown Road. A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined with no injuries reported. The Derry railway line has recorded a record number of passengers in 2024/25. A record number of passengers used Derrys railway station in the past year with campaigners arguing that if timetable discrimination was addressed then those figures would grow even higher. Figures secured from Translink for 2024-25 saw a record 963,312 journeys taken to and from Derry by train across that period. This represents a slight increase of 11,000 passengers compared to the previous year, which itself was also a record-breaker. It has solidified Derrys status as NIs seventh busiest station, rising from seventeenth in 2016. Into the West campaigners estimate that equalising rail services east and west of the River Bann on the Derry-Belfast line, with a 1m investment, would add a further 250,000 passengers a year to rail demand from NIs second city. No other investment in NI would deliver such a large increase in public transport usage for such a small sum of money, the group said. The group said that despite the opening of the much-hyped new 340m Grand Central Station in Belfast in September 2024, Belfast citys 11 railway stations experienced a 5% year-on-year decline in rail usage in 2024-25 amounting to 600,000 fewer trips taken by train there. A view of Grand Central Station in Belfast. (Photo by David Young/PA Images) The decline in rail passengers in Belfast across 2024-25 can be explained in part by a number of temporary station closures to facilitate creation of the new Grand Central facility. But, campaigners say, it also reflects an ongoing pattern since the Covid-19 pandemic whereby changing work habits have altered the nature of demand for public transport. Into The West Chair Steve Bradley said that despite proof that money invested in Derrys rail unleashes huge increases in demand, the city still has one hand tied behind its back when it comes to services. He explained: Derry and the two other stations west of the Bann receive over 2,400 fewer trains a year than every station east of the Bann on the same line. For example whilst 13 rail services in each direction call at Coleraine and all stations in the east on Sundays (one per hour), the three stations west of the Bann receive only six Sunday services (one every two hours). Whilst there are four trains a morning from Coleraine and every station east of the Bann which reach Belfast before 9am for work or for study, Derry has only one such service. And whilst the last evening train from Belfast to Derry leaves at 9:10pm Mondays to Saturdays (7:10pm on Sundays), every station as far as Coleraine in the east benefits from later services up to 10:40pm. The Derry railway line has recorded a record number of passengers in 2024/25. Watch: 82M Super Yacht belonging to Russian billionaire arrives in Belfast He said none of this is the result of anything structural, instead claiming it is entirely due to timetable choices made by Translink and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) over the last number of years. Mr Bradley continued: We have been told that a sum of 1m is needed to end this discrimination, which is a relatively small sum in infrastructure terms. Yet Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins is refusing to allocate the money from her own budgets, and also refusing to secure it from her Sinn Fein finance minister colleague either. Translink are also refusing to use their budgets to end this blatant regional discrimination, even though the cost of fixing it would add only eight pence to every rail ticket sold across NI. Translink said it has seen strong passenger growth and high levels of customer satisfaction in the north-west. DfI added that the minister is committed to addressing regional imbalance to better connect our communities, including those within the north-west. While a final budget 2025-26 has not been agreed it is the intention to ring-fence 5.8m in 2025-26 for Phase 3 of the Derry to Coleraine railway project, which will deliver better services and faster journeys, a spokesperson said. Maire Mhic an Fhaili played a doctor in the Belfast rap trios hit film A pensioner who was arrested last weekend while donning a Palestine Action T-shirt stars in the hit Kneecap movie. Maire Mhic an Fhaili plays a doctor in the film and the 74-year-old is convinced she was arrested at the Belfast demonstration because she gave her name in Irish to police. The empty space on the wall where the portrait of Wallace Browne hung. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Wallace Browne, former Lord Mayor of Belfast, at the unveiling of his portrait at City Hall No decision has been taken on whether to prosecute an individual over the alleged criminal damage of a portrait of a former DUP Lord Mayor 10 months after the incident. It can be revealed that the PSNI is now pursuing further lines of inquiry over the alleged damage at Belfast City Hall. The portrait of Lord Wallace Browne was damaged during an event at City Hall last October. It was taken down from a wall in the building and its glass was damaged. The incident happened during an event celebrating 20 years of west Belfast Irish language group Glor na Mona. Repair work cost ratepayers almost 2,500. First Minister Michelle ONeill previously told MLAs that a Sinn Fein employee, working in the Assembly, had made the party chief whip aware of their involvement in the incident and the PSNI was notified. It has been reported that the individual is the son of a Sinn Fein MLA. The alleged criminal damage has been treated as a hate crime by the PSNI. In March the PSNI said their investigation into the incident had concluded and a file had been sent to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). However, it is understood that, following discussions between the PSNI and the Public Prosecution Service, police are pursuing further lines of inquiry, which have not yet been completed. Once they are, the PPS will evaluate any further evidence and issue a decision. A PSNI spokesperson said: A request for further information was received by police on behalf of the Public Prosecution Service, following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding criminal damage caused to artwork in Belfast City Hall on October 19 2024. The empty space on the wall where the portrait of Wallace Browne hung. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire DUP MLA Joanne Bunting said the matter cannot be forgotten. This was a wanton sectarian attack against the portrait of a unionist Lord Mayor," she said. "It took place within a shared civic space in the heart of Belfast and it must not go unpunished. She added: "People are entitled to question why so much time has elapsed yet a decision has not been reached in terms of prosecution. "Ultimately of course it is the outcome which is important and many will be watching this case closely given the PPS's record. "We will not interfere in any live investigation, but neither will we allow this matter to be forgotten about." Following last Octobers incident, DUP councillor Dean McCullough said Lord Browne showed everyone across our city respect, but sadly that respect was not reciprocated. At the time, Glor na Mona said it was extremely disappointed about what happened. Wallace Browne, former Lord Mayor of Belfast, at the unveiling of his portrait at City Hall Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? Glor na Mona had no knowledge of this taking place and only became aware of this on Monday, October 21, when contacted by council staff, a spokesperson said. This is completely contrary to the ethos and principles of our organisation and the spirit of our successful anniversary celebratory event. We are extremely disappointed that this took place after what was an incredibly positive evening. We are assisting Belfast City Council with their investigation into the circumstances of this damage. Lord Brownes portrait was painted in 2007 by renowned artist Zohar Arnon, who was born in Kazakhstan in 1945 and grew up in northern Israel. Some of his most famous work over the years has depicted the conflict over Palestine. He has also painted portraits of public figures, including Princess Diana. Asylum seeker hotels symptom of broken system says DUP MLA as more councils receive planning queries Three councils have now been contacted over the planning issues Education Minister Paul Givan comments on hotels and immigration Liam Tunney and Mark Bain Thu 21 Aug 2025 at 15:15 The backlog of asylum seekers being accommodated in NI hotels is symptomatic of a broken system, a DUP MLA has said. A garda under investigation in relation to the death of a man in Dublin city centre has been suspended from duty (PA) A garda under investigation in relation to the death of a man in Dublin city centre has been suspended from duty. The 51-year-old man died after he suffered serious injuries following an interaction with gardai. The man was involved in an incident with gardai close to the Holiday Inn on OConnell Street last Friday. He died days later. Fiosru, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, said it is independently investigating the incident and has commenced a criminal investigation into it. It said the incident, which happened 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. A spokesman for An Garda Siochana said: A member of An Garda Siochana based in the Dublin region has been suspended from duty in connection with an ongoing investigation being carried out by the Office of the Police Ombudsman, Fiosru. 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. It is understood Lucy Connolly left prison in a white taxi on Thursday (Sam Russell/PA) Lucy Connolly, who was jailed for stirring up racial hatred against asylum seekers online on the day of the Southport murders, is expected to speak out on Friday for the first time since being released from prison. The 42-year-old, wife of Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly, left HMP Peterborough on Thursday morning and it is understood she will be doing limited media interviews a day after walking free. She spent time with her husband, daughter and parents on the day of her release and was pictured walking her dogs in the evening, the Daily Mail reported. Lucy Connolly was jailed for posting an online rant about migrants (Northamptonshire Police/PA) Ms Connolly was handed a 31-month sentence after she posted on X: Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the bastards for all I care if that makes me racist so be it. She pleaded guilty to inciting racial hatred by publishing and distributing threatening or abusive written material on X and was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court in October last year. The former childminder, from Northampton, was ordered to serve 40% of her sentence in prison before being released on licence. It is understood that Ms Connolly was a passenger in a white taxi which left HMP Peterborough via the vehicle airlock, a set of two gates exiting the prison, shortly after 10am on Thursday. Her case has sparked debate, with some criticising her sentence as excessive. Reacting to her release, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Connollys sentence was harsher than the sentences handed down for bricks thrown at police or actual rioting. In a post on X, Ms Badenoch compared Ms Connollys case with that of Ricky Jones, a suspended Labour councillor who was found not guilty of encouraging violent disorder at an anti-racism rally in the wake of the Southport murders. Writing on X, Mrs Badenoch said: Juries are a cornerstone of justice, but we shouldnt have to rely on them to protect basic freedoms. Protecting people from words should not be given greater weight in law than public safety. If the law does this, then the law itself is broken and its time Parliament looked again at the Public Order Act. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described Ms Connollys case as a symbol of Keir Starmers authoritarian, broken, two-tier Britain. 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 A bid to challenge her sentence at the Court of Appeal was dismissed in May, which was described by Mr Connolly as shocking and unfair. The Northampton town councillor, and former West Northamptonshire district councillor, said his wife had paid a very high price for making a mistake. But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended it earlier this year. He was asked in May about Ms Connollys case after her Court of Appeal application against her jail term was dismissed. Asked during Prime Ministers Questions whether her imprisonment was an efficient or fair use of prison, Sir Keir said: Sentencing is a matter for our courts and I celebrate the fact that we have independent courts in this country. I am strongly in favour of free speech, weve had free speech in this country for a very long time and we protect it fiercely. But I am equally against incitement to violence against other people. I will always support the action taken by our police and courts to keep our streets and people safe. Ms Connolly was arrested on August 6, by which point she had deleted her social media account, but other messages which included further racist remarks were uncovered by officers who seized her phone. The post was viewed 310,000 times in three and a half hours before she deleted it. Russia has launched one of its biggest aerial attacks of the year on Ukraine, firing 574 drones and 40 ballistic and cruise missiles overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force said. The attack mostly targeted western regions of the country, the air force said, where much of the military aid provided by Ukraines western allies is believed to be stored. The strikes killed at least one person and injured 15 others, according to officials. Ukrainian soldiers practise their skills on a training ground near Kharkiv (Anatolii Lysianskyi/Ukraines 127th Separate Brigade via AP) It was Russias third largest aerial attack this year in terms of the number of drones fired and the eighth-largest in terms of missiles, according to official figures. Most such Russian attacks have hit civilian areas. The strikes occurred during a renewed US-led effort to reach a peace settlement after Russias February 2022 invasion of its neighbour. US President Donald Trump discussed the war with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week, and at the start of this week hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders at the White House. Russia has fired nearly 1,000 long-range drones and missiles at Ukraine since the White House talks. Ukraine and European leaders have accused Mr Putin of stalling in peace efforts, including Ukraines proposal of a ceasefire and Mr Zelenskys offer to sit down with the Russian leader. The Kremlin has reacted coolly to those possibilities. Mr Zelensky condemned the overnight attack, saying it was carried out as if nothing were changing at all. Moscow has shown no sign of pursuing meaningful negotiations to end the war, the Ukrainian leader said as he urged the international community to respond with stronger pressure on Moscow, including tougher sanctions and tariffs. Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the overnight attack which left one person dead (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Ukraine has kept up its own attacks with domestically produced long-range drones on infrastructure inside Russia that supports Moscows war effort. It has hit oil refineries and Russian wholesale fuel prices have reached record highs in recent days. Almost all the overnight missiles were fired from inside Russia. They reached deep into western Ukraine, near the border with Hungary. Western parts of Ukraine are far from the battlefields front line in the east and south of the country, where a grinding war of attrition has killed tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides. In the western city of Lviv, one person was killed and three were injured as the attack damaged 26 residential buildings, a nursery school and administrative buildings, regional head Maksym Kozytskyi wrote on Telegram. The Regional Prosecutors Office said three Russian cruise missiles with cluster munitions struck the city. Ukraines foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia had struck a major American electronics manufacturer in western Ukraine. He provided no further details but Mr Zelensky said the company produces domestic appliances. On Wednesday, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine will hold intensive meetings to understand what kind of security guarantees its allies are willing to provide. Russian President Vladimir Putin (Vyacheslav Prokofyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo/AP) The details are being hammered out by national security advisers and military officials. The plans will become clearer within 10 days, the Ukrainian leader said, and he then expects to be ready to hold direct talks with Mr Putin for the first time since the full-scale invasion. The talks could be conducted in a trilateral format alongside Mr Trump, Mr Zelenskyy said. A venue for the meeting is being discussed, and Switzerland, Austria and Turkey are possibilities, the Ukrainian president added. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that working on security arrangements in Ukraine without Moscows involvement was not feasible, according to state news agency RIA Novosti. Mr Zelensky said that in his meeting in the Oval Office on Monday he sought to convince Mr Trump that the battlefield situation was not as bad for Ukraine as Mr Putin portrayed. He pointed to errors in the US map of the front line which he said showed Russia holding more territory than it actually does. Matcha: is it really an anxiety reducer and a skin elixir, or is it all just hype? Belfast mum on how son saved her life after losing parents and sisters in tragedies: I want him to have a better childhood than I did 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. In the 1930s, Pittsfields punitive approach to homelessness and panhandlers didn't seem to have achieved much to alleviate anyone's addiction, mental health issues, the economics of a Great Depression, or the housing shortages that plagued Berkshire cities. PITTSFIELD Residents at Lake Onota Village are in the process of buying the park but theyre looking for help to close the deal. The Lake Onota Village Association already has secured a primary lending partner that specializes in resident-owned community financing. What's next What: Informational meeting to address concerns about the Lake Onota Village purchase of the park before a late September or early October vote. A guest speaker with experience in a similar resident-led purchase will share insights and answer questions. When: 6 p.m. Aug. 27 Where: St. Charles Borromeo Church, 89 Briggs Avenue. But to keep future rent increases as low as possible, especially for elderly and fixed-income residents, the association is seeking financial support in the form of low-cost loans, impact investment or grant funding. We are going to have to increase the rates. That's just a given. We have a mortgage to pay off, said Renee Marcantel, the president of the residents' association. That's where the grant money comes in to help us keep the rents lower. In April, MH Communities, the current owner of Lake Onota Village, told residents that Crown Communities, a Wyoming-based private equity firm, planned to purchase the manufactured home park for $5.5 million in cash as part of an $87.5 million offer for eight parks. Since then, theyve been organizing to exercise their legal right to purchase the property themselves. Under Massachusetts law, tenants of manufactured home parks have the right of first refusal, allowing them to match a buyers offer and take ownership themselves. Thirty parks statewide including two in the Berkshires have already done so. The Lake Onota Village Association submitted an offer in late May, matching Crown Communities bid, backed by support from more than 51 percent of households in the park the threshold required for residents to move forward with purchasing the community. But Marcantel said she worries about the parks most vulnerable residents, especially the elderly, being able to afford rent if Crown Communities purchase goes through. There's a lot of people on disability [and social security] here, and they get a fixed income, she said. We would never raise the rents to the price ever that they would have to pay to have that one bedroom apartment in this county but if another [Crown Communities] goes and buys this, they are notoriously known for hiking up rents. Crown Communities is a branch of Ignite Communities and Kodiak Property Management, which are based in California and own 17 manufactured home parks nationwide, mostly in the Midwest. The company expanded into Berkshire County in 2021, when it purchased Berkshire Village in Cheshire for $900,000. Residents at Berkshire Village later formed a tenants association and, with help from the state Attorney Generals Office and the Department of Environmental Protection, met with Crown Communities in May for the first time since 2021 to press the parks owners to address what they say are unsafe and deteriorating conditions. Marcantel said resident ownership at Lake Onota would allow rents to go directly toward maintenance and upgrades, rather than outside profit. We want to build a community room where people can have family dinners, or we can have meetings every month, she said. We would make those kind of good changes. The other company that's interested, Crown Communities, wouldn't do any of that. However, before they can consider any upgrades, the park needs basic repairs. Recent inspections revealed that the parks water distribution system is in poor condition, with outdated electrical components needing replacement and underground pipes breaking down, resulting in damage to trailers, Marcantel said. [I] had a lady in one of the homes call me frantic, because the pipes under her trailer were gushing water out, and it was sinking her trailer, she said. It was just running for days and days and days, and starting to do damage. The results of an official property appraisal, expected by Thursday, will determine the next steps for securing a mortgage. But misinformation has emerged as another obstacle in the buying process, Marcantel said. There's a lot of people [who] are terrified in our park they think that they have to come up with $40,000 to buy their lot, she said. They don't have to come up with any down payment for their lot rents, all that's incorporated into our mortgage. Residents also have approached Marcantel with concerns that they could be sued if something were to happen at the park and they own it, she said. However, if something were to go wrong, the associations insurance would provide coverage. The residents group already has hired North Adams-based Moresi & Associates to manage the property if their purchase goes through. Nobody personally can be liable for anything that happens in the park, she added. What's next What: Informational meeting to address concerns about the Lake Onota Village purchase of the park before a late September or early October vote. A guest speaker with experience in a similar resident-led purchase will share insights and answer questions. When: 6 p.m. Aug. 27 Where: St. Charles Borromeo Church, 89 Briggs Avenue. You are the owner of this article. BENNINGTON, Vt. Bennington College has announced a reduction of 15 staff positions "as part of ongoing efforts to address budget challenges. The statement, posted Friday, said the decision was necessary to place the college on a more sustainable financial path while ensuring our ability to support our returning and incoming students. While not specifying where the job cuts would fall, the statement added, No regular faculty positions were cut, and the college is providing severance proposals to affected employees. This is a painful moment, said college President Laura Walker in the statement. Like many peer institutions across the county, we are confronting an uncertain economy and a challenging overall environment for higher education. We deeply value the contributions of every member of our community. She added, I remain profoundly grateful to the dedicated staff, past and present, who make Bennington such a singular place. Few details College officials have yet to reply to emailed follow-up questions concerning possible reasons for the ongoing fiscal challenges such as enrollment issues or federal policies regarding grant funding, the status of foreign students, college diversity programs or the administrations wide use of tariffs. From dream country to detour: U.S. losing appeal among foreign students Through measures such as pausing visa interviews and requiring visa applicants to submit their social media accounts for review, the Trump administration has made it more challenging for international students seeking to study in the U.S. While these steps are part of a broader tightening of immigration policy in the U.S., Eagle correspondent Ellie Davis reports from Nepal that many international students are discouraged from applying to study in America. It also was unclear whether new contract agreements announced in June with three employee groups at Bennington College have any bearing on the schools fiscal challenges. In addition, sources within the college community pointed to the recent departure of Allison Gomes, the vice president for institutional advancement, and the loss of her fundraising efforts, as a possible key reason for the fiscal challenges. Gomes left to become vice president of college advancement at Connecticut College. In a message this month to faculty and staff, Walker said, I want to take a moment to acknowledge Allison for her work at Bennington College. Allison led the reorganization and rebuilding of the Institutional Advancement team. She leaves behind a great team of passionate and talented fundraising professionals who will carry the work forward. Walker added, During Allisons tenure, she led her team and worked collaboratively with the board and me to achieve extraordinary fundraising success, exceeding both goals for operations and the campaign. Additional advancement accomplishments under Allisons leadership include launching the Ignite the Spark Scholarship Match and increasing alumni donors by 19 percent in [fiscal year 2025]. I am grateful for her steadfast work to raise critical funds in support of Bennington. Union reaction Bennington College United, the campus union, which is affiliated with AFT Vermont, is seeking a meeting with the college administration to discuss the situation and possible alternatives to the job cuts, a union member said. Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter ADAMS Ever dreamed of playing a concert grand piano on a big stage? That could be you even if youve never touched a keyboard. How to sign up What: Lessons in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, electric and acoustic guitar, and electric bass, in 30-, 45- and 60-minute increments. When: 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, starting Sept. 10 through May. Where: Adams Theater, 27 Park St. Register: Visit berkshiremusicschool.org/register or call 413-442-1411. Berkshire Music School is launching weekly lessons on Wednesdays at Adams Theater as a satellite and addition to its Pittsfield home. Sessions would be held from 3 to 8 p.m. starting Sept. 10 and running through May. One of the lesson spaces in Adams for the warmer part of the year because it's an unheated space will be the main theater where there is, in fact, a Young Chang grand piano. Luis Granda tested the keys of that piano on Wednesday. Since he became executive director of Berkshire Music School two years ago, Granda has been focusing on the mission of founder Winnie Crane to provide music education to those who could not afford it. I'm incredibly lucky and happy to say that there has not been a student that we've not been able to figure out a way to get them in to take lessons or do group classes, even if they are unable to pay, Granda said. That is entirely thanks to the kindness of our many grantors and individual donors who help make the music school run. Along with that, One of my goals as the executive director at the music school has been to get the music school outside of its own walls and to go to where the community is. He grew up in the town of Washington studying music at Berkshire Music School. Piano and saxophone were his first instruments. He eventually settled on double bass, which he majored in at the University of Massachusetts. He holds and a masters degree in double bass performance and an arts administration certificate from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Now, Granda lives in Williamstown. Coming up here, I just realized the travel down to Pittsfield is difficult for a lot of people, he said. And so I started to think that North County might be a good location for us. Enter Jim Wojtaszek. Wojtaszek is also a longtime board member at Berkshire Music School. Whats more, hes on faculty, teaching bass, acoustic and electric guitar and ukulele, and hes a staff member with the title of director of facilities and programming manager. He grew up in Adams, and having gone to Los Angeles to study guitar at the Musician's Institute, has been involved in Adams redevelopment. He was on the board of Topia Arts, which owned the building at 27 Park St. before Yina Moore bought it in 2021 for $189,000. Hes also performed at the Adams Theater as part of the band Whiskey City. Wojtaszek suggested Adams Theater as a North County location to Granda, who then spoke to Moore. She has the space this time available, Wojtaszek said of Moore. It just seemed like a perfect collaboration. The concept aligned with Moores vision for Adams Theater, as both an educational and arts space, and as a point of revitalization for Adams. Shes already offered the space to CATA for workshops and to Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter School for musical performances and now for rehearsals. Moore explained her philosophy in collaborating on education. "We start with something small Year 1, and then build trust, and then continue on Year 2 and Year 3, and hopefully making it to a more permanent staple," she said. "The whole idea is to keep the door open throughout the week and then have a consistent presence in people's everyday downtown life." Shes allowing Berkshire Music School to use the space for the cost of cleaning the space. Granda is quick to point out that without Moores generosity, this would not be possible. With a single social media post about the satellite, 10 students have already signed up, putting Berkshire Music School halfway to its capacity of 20 students in Adams. Wojtaszek will be the staff member on site and will be one of the faculty members teaching in Adams. Others will teach violin, viola, cello, piano and voice. When Granda started his job, the school had about 200 students, 20 to 25 faculty members and two parttime staff. Since he's taken over, he's added faculty and students. Adding lessons in Adams represents an expansion in the number of students at Berkshire Music School to 250 and bringing its faculty to close to 30 with one part-time staff member. Granda hopes it takes the music school to the point of offering 200 lessons per week, which he considers a benchmark. While he's considering this as a test run, Granda already has visions for what this new venue might offer students of Berkshire Music School. Im looking forward to the possible performance opportunities, he said. How to sign up ... What: Lessons in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, electric and acoustic guitar, and electric bass, in 30-, 45- and 60-minute increments. When: 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, starting Sept. 10 through May. Where: Adams Theater, 27 Park St. Register: Visit berkshiremusicschool.org/register or call 413-442-1411. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. A broadcast of U.S. President Donald Trump with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Aug. 18. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Himachal CM inaugurates States first robotic-assisted surgery facility at AIMSS August 21, 2025 | Thursday | News Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS) will serve as the centre for robotic-assisted surgery Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated Himachal Pradeshs first robotic-assisted surgery facility at the department of urology, Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS), at Chamiana in Shimla. The launch of this facility marks a significant step forward in strengthening the states surgical healthcare capabilities and expanding access to advanced healthcare technologies. The event was graced by Health Minister Dr (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil and Minister for Rural Development Anirudh Singh, alongside senior officials from Health and Medical Education departments. The facility features the da Vinci Surgical System, a cutting-edge platform for minimally invasive procedures that enhances surgical precision, safety, and recovery. With this, AIMSS emerges as a pioneering hub for advanced surgical care in the region. Rohitt Mahajan, Vice President and General Manager, Intuitive India, said, This initiative by the Himachal Pradesh government to bring robotic-assisted surgery into the public healthcare system is a significant step towards modernising healthcare facilities across the state and ensuring equitable access to advanced surgical care. This progress reflects the collaborative effort of government institutions and healthcare professionals to expand the reach of minimally invasive care not only in metros but across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as well." During the inauguration, Health Minister Dr (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil highlighted that the facility will contribute to build a skilled surgical workforce and elevate the standard of care in the region. The state government is currently reviewing an implementation plan, under cabinet consideration, to expand robotic-assisted surgery services across other government medical institutions. This initiative is part of a broader plan by the state to strengthen surgical capabilities across government institutions through the phased installation of robotic surgical systems. In its initial phase, the project will cover key medical colleges, including the Atal Institute of Medical Super Speciality in Chamiyana, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda, Hamirpur Medical College, and Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla. To support this initiative, the government will initiate recruitment of specialist robotic surgeons to build a future-ready team capable of leading the expansion of advanced surgical care in Himachal Pradesh. Why Doctors Need Legal and Financial Safeguards More Than Ever August 21, 2025 | Thursday | Views | By Pratyush Kumar, Head of Product, PI for Doctors, Policybazaar for Business As the medical environment is widespread, investing in specific insurance is the most crucial step Healthcare has come a long way, but the pressure on doctors keeps growing. With new technology changing how care is delivered, expectations are higher than ever, along with the risks. Today, doctors are being watched closely, not just by peers, but by patients and legal systems too. Even when doctors act responsibly, they can still face lawsuits or financial claims. People are more informed, which means they are more likely to face legal exposure. Professional Indemnity Insurance helps protect doctors when things go wrong, allowing them to continue focusing on what they were trained to do: caring for others. Rising Medical negligence Litigation: A growing Concern Medical malpractice lawsuits in India have seen a remarkable increase over the last decade. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has documented thousands of cases annually for medical malpractice. In the high-shaft cases, specifically surgery, a slight issue can escalate into lawsuits. Many of these significant cases, regardless of standard, lead to demanding legal proceedings, reputational damage. Compensation amounts have also surged, with courts demanding in crores for the renowned or eminent cases. Such payouts can be stressful for the small business owners and the individual medical practitioners to pay. What is Professional Indemnity for Doctors Professional indemnity insurance offers financial protection and legal liability against errors made unintentionally and omissions made by the doctor while performing their professional services. If the patient or their family claims that the doctor has mistreated, performed a surgical or diagnostic error during the treatment, this policy covers various coverages like out-of-court settlements, compensation up to the insured limit. This insurance is not only for doctors and surgeons, but also for general medical practitioners, dentists, psychologists, and neurologists under professional indemnity for doctors. Why its more important for Doctors Enhanced Consumer Rights & Patient Awareness - With modern technology, individuals have a better understanding of their rights, but sometimes, if their expectations do not meet reality, they act quickly. With the awareness of the Consumer protection rights, patients can file their complaints for the services. This policy is crucial as it is designed to indemnify you against such legal liability and the associated costs of defending a claim. Increasing the Range of Medical Practice- As medical technology and treatments advance, practitioners can address more complex conditions. However, adopting these innovations can also introduce unforeseen risks and less predictable outcomes. This expansion of your medical practice increases the potential for claims alleging error, omission, or negligence, making professional indemnity coverage essential for managing these emerging liabilities. High Settlements & Judicial Precedents - Indian courts need to be more assertive towards patients, allocating considerable damages. Even if the doctor is found not guilty and unburdened of any negligence, even then, the legal procedures can still be hefty. Professional image at risk - Legal procedures not only affects the financial stability, but in most cases, they become a major hit to their medical practice. Having professional indemnity insurance indicates and helps during the crisis, comforting both the medical practitioner and the patients. Conclusion The Medical Practitioners devote their whole life to heal others, often under uncertain situations, and they may end up doing something that wasnt intentional but caused discomfort to the patient. In consideration of the same, they do deserve a wholesome policy which provides coverage against the unforeseen circumstances, mainly the legal procedures, settlements avoiding the risks. As the medical environment is widespread, investing in specific insurance is the most crucial step that every healthcare professional must take in this growing era. Pratyush Kumar, Head of Product, PI for Doctors, Policybazaar for Business 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. Adolescence writer and co-creator Jack Thorne said teachers responses to the hit Netflix series showed weve got a real problem in our country when it comes to schooling. The four-part series explores misogyny among teenage boys and prompted a national conversation about online safety when it was released in March. Advertisement Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Thorne said: I worked in a school, (executive producer) Hannah (Walters) spent a long time in schools, and we both had a real passion to talk about schools that arent doing so well. And it was so interesting the response, because there was teachers going, That would never happen in schools, and then other teachers going, Youve got that spot on. And what that showed is, weve got a real problem in our country, because theres a certain level of schooling which is complacent about the schools that were allowing to sink. One of the episodes in the series is filmed in a school and shows Ashley Walters character, DI Luke Bascombe, interviewing children who are friendly with 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who has been accused of murdering his school friend. Advertisement Also in the session, Netflix executive Mona Qureshi, responded to Channel 4 news boss Louisa Compton accusing the streamer of behaving like TV tourists earlier at the TV festival. Owen Cooper, centre, Ashley Walters, centre right, and Stephen Graham, right, who stars as Jamies father Eddie Miller Photo: Ian West/PA. Compton also called the channel proud parents of Adolescence because of the opportunities they had given Thorne and actor and co-creator Stephen Graham over the years, according to reports. I dont think Im a tourist, Qureshi said. Nothing about where I am and where we sit and the conversations we had about and around Adolescence at the beginning really came out of anything other than us. Advertisement Thorne said he started out with Channel 4, adding: Im really grateful for Channel 4, but Im excited that Netflix is moving into this space. In March, Thorne, 46, spoke to UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street about the issues raised in the drama. This Is England star Graham co-created the drama with Thorne and starred as Eddie Miller, the father of Jamie. The series took months of preparation and rehearsals so that each episode could be filmed in one continuous shot, which was praised by viewers of the show. Advertisement The show has received 13 Emmy nominations, including for its young star Cooper, for best supporting actor in a limited series. A local council in the North has started a probe into a hotel being used to house asylum seekers. Antrim and Newtownabbey Council confirmed that an enforcement investigation has commenced. Advertisement It is understood it is into the legal planning status of the hotel in Co Antrim being used to house asylum seekers. A council spokesperson said they have no further comment to make at this time. It comes after a council in Essex, England, was granted a temporary injunction by the High Court in London on Tuesday which blocks asylum seekers from being housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping Forest. Current residents are to be removed by September 12th. Advertisement DUP South Antrim MLA Trevor Clarke welcomed the move by Antrim and Newtownabbey Council concerning the Chimney Corner Hotel. Mr Clarke said he had written to the head of planning enforcement at the council querying whether any change of use had been sought for the hotel. The High Court decision makes it clear that housing asylum seekers in hotels without first securing a change of use through the proper planning process (from hotel to hostel or immigration centre accommodation) constitutes a breach of planning regulations, he said. No-one is above the law, not even Government departments. Advertisement If the Home Office or its contractors wish to place large numbers of illegal immigrants into our communities, they must follow the same planning rules as everyone else. Mr Clarke said DUP councillors in other areas of Northern Ireland where hotels are being used to house asylum seekers are pressing for similar enforcement investigations. This issue isnt just about the specifics of the need for proper planning approval, he added. It highlights the lack of proper oversight and control in terms of the entire UK immigration system. Advertisement The fact these hotels do not have the proper planning approval to house asylum seekers is merely a symptom of the overall problem. Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland director of Amnesty International, said people must be treated with dignity. Amnesty International has long raised concerns that hotels are wholly unsuitable for housing people seeking asylum, he said. This judgment must not lead to even further disruption and insecurity for the refugees themselves. Advertisement Proper investment by Government in planning and providing for appropriate accommodation is urgently needed. At the same time, that department must reset its asylum system to provide people with decisions on their asylum claims fairly and efficiently so people are not stuck in limbo and can get on with their lives. People must be treated with dignity, just as we would expect if it was our families who were forced to flee war or persecution. The father of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt, who died following a sudden deterioration in his health three weeks ago after he had waited several years for spinal surgery, said his late son was abandoned by disability services throughout his short life. Mr Morrison was speaking in the wake of figures released by the Health Service Executive to Sinn Fein, showing almost 11,000 children were on a waiting list for an assessment by the HSEs Children Disability Network Teams (CDNTs). Advertisement The figures also showed that 7,167 children were waiting more than a year for an initial contact from a CDNT. Mr Morrison and his wife Gillian Sherratt have been fighting for the basic healthcare rights of children with disabilities for the past nine years. Their son, who was non-verbal, was born with complex health conditions including spina bifida and scoliosis. In 2024, Harveys name inexplicably vanished from a Childrens Health Ireland active spinal surgery waiting list. No specific reason has yet been given to the family as to how this occurred. Advertisement This occurred all the while Harveys scoliosis was reaching a life-threatening 130-degree curve on his spine and crushing his ribcage and putting pressure on his lungs and heart. Harvey eventually had his surgery at Temple Street Hospital in Dublin last December, which did somewhat ease the pressure on his organs. He died on July 29th after taking a sudden turn. Reacting to the HSE figures in respect of the CDNT waiting list, Mr Morrison said: All I can really say is that Harvey was abandoned by local disability services in 2019 and we haven't really seen them since. Stephen Morrison and Gillian Sherratt. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Mr Morrison said Harvey, who could not speak, waited five years for a talk device from the HSE. Advertisement Harvey was seen very rarely, if ever by their local disability services, he said. Disability services have collapsed across the country. Im not surprised by these (HSE) numbers, Mr Morrison said. The heartbroken dad said that, in his opinion, the most complex children, like Harvey, have been written off by the State. Mr Morrison accused the State and health service of institutional ableism, a form of discrimination in favour of able-bodied people. Advertisement Harveys parents are to lead a public rally trending on social media under the hashtag #JusticeForHarvey in Dublin City next Saturday, August 23rd, in memory of their son and to highlight years of prolonged waiting lists for children with complex health, issues including scoliosis. The family have called for Tanaiste Simon Harris to resign and retire from politics completely after he pledged in 2017 that no child would wait longer than four months for spinal surgery. In the end, Harvey waited years, but specifically 33 months on a active waiting list for his surgery, which came too late to fully correct the scoliosis that had twisted his spine, causing him pain on a daily basis. CHI said that following a recruitment process for an additional consultant orthopaedic spinal surgeon, one of five successful candidates had been hired and had begun working on August 11th this year. Advertisement We acknowledge that waiting times for patients are still too long, and we continue to work to reduce the length of time that patients are waiting for appointments, CHI stated. It said a spinal surgery management unit, established in 2024 had helped reduce waiting times for outpatient appointments by 40%. It said 303 spinal surgeries had been carried out and that 231 were waiting for surgery. The Scoliosis Advocacy Network has disputed CHIs figures and argued that 242 children were actually waiting for spinal surgery, due to an additional eleven children being placed on a waiting list at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh. Earlier Sinn Fein Limerick TD, Maurice Quinlivan, described the current CDNT waiting list numbers as staggering and a disgrace. These children are being failed by the government, and the CDNT model that is intended to provide family centered care is now synonymous with delays and abandonment, the Limerick City TD said. The HSE figures showed that out of the 10,961 children on the CDNT waiting list at the end of June 2025, 1,303 children were waiting up to three months, 1,067 were waiting between four and six months, 1,424, were waiting between seven and 12 months, and 7,167 were waiting more than a year. This is a systemic failure, and it will only continue to get worse if it is not addressed head on, Deputy Quinlivan warned. Ireland State completely failed boy (9) who died after w... Read More The Sinn Fein TD said that in his opinion, the CDNT model was in complete disarray. Children are routinely waiting years for assessments. Posts remain unfilled.Teams are stretched to breaking point. The highest proportion of children on the CDNT waiting list was at HSE Dublin and North East (2,926), followed by HSE Dublin Midlands (2,886), HSE Dublin and South East (2,593), HSE Midwest (1152), HSE West and North West (779), and finally HSE South West (625) The HSE, the Minister for Health and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality were all contacted for comment on Wednesday afternoon. A man has being treated in hospital for injuries after he was allegedly assaulted in Limerick City on Wednesday night. Gardai said they received a report of an incident of assault that occurred in the Parnell Street area of Limerick city, at approximately 9:45pm, Wednesday. Advertisement A male in his 30s was conveyed to University Hospital Limerick for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The scene remains preserved for technical examination. Gardai said their investigations were ongoing. A section of footpath outside an off-licence and a pharmacy remained cordoned off by gardai on Thursday morning. Gardai based at Roxboro Road station are investigating and can be contacted with information at 061-214340. The number of pupils receiving top grades in GCSE examinations in Northern Ireland has risen. Results have been delivered to more than 32,000 pupils across the region. Advertisement The provisional results show that 31.6 per cent of students achieved at least a 7 or an A grade and above, compared to 31 per cent last year. Some 83.5 per cent of students achieved grade C/4 and above, compared to 82.7 per cent in 2024. The total number of GCSE entries in Northern Ireland decreased by 1.1 per cent from 175,555 in 2024 to 173,675 in 2025. In GCSE English language, 25.1 per cent of students achieved A/7 and above, compared to 24.7 per cent in 2024, while 84 per cent of students were awarded grade C/4 and above, compared to 82.5 per cent last year. Advertisement This years figures for GCSE mathematics show that 27.1 per cent of students achieved A/7 grade and above, compared to 27.8 per cent in 2024, while 73.1 per cent of students were awarded a grade C/4 or above, which is similar to the 73 per cent last year. Overall, 41.4 per cent of all GCSE entries were in Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. Education Minister Paul Givan congratulated pupils from across NI (Liam McBurney/PA) Education Minister Paul Givan congratulated pupils during a visit to Saintfield High School in Co Down. He said: Pupils in Northern Ireland have once again delivered exceptional results and are continuing to outperform their peers in England and Wales. Advertisement The percentage of students achieving top grades A/7 and above, and those securing C/4 and above, has risen compared to 2024. This success reflects both the dedication of the students and the commitment and professionalism of teachers across Northern Ireland. I commend all our pupils as they take their next steps into further education, employment, or training. Mr Givan continued: Today represents an important milestone in each students journey. Advertisement For those feeling uncertain about what comes next, there are many valuable pathways to explore. I encourage anyone seeking guidance to take the time to consider the wide range of opportunities available and to reach out for support in making informed and confident decisions about their future. Saintfield High principal Sarah-Lucy Hynds said the ministers visit sent an empowering message to her pupils. She said: It is about individual excellence and individual success and however that looks for different children. Advertisement Everyone achieves differently, everyone learns differently, so I think to celebrate individual success with the minister is very important and I think it sends a very powerful message. Gerry Campbell, chief executive of CCEA, congratulated all the students who received their results. He said: These results represent the hard work, resilience and determination youve shown throughout your studies, and you should be proud of everything youve achieved. Today also marks a key milestone as many of you begin to make decisions about the future, whether thats continuing in education, entering training, or stepping into the world of work. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the teachers, school leaders and lecturers who have supported students every step of the way. Im also grateful to our dedicated team of examiners and moderators, whose efforts ensure that results are delivered with fairness and care. Wishing every student success and fulfilment in whatever comes next. Last Thursday, more than 25,000 students across the region received their AS and A-level examination results, with 30.4 per cent of entries having achieved the top A* to A grades. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald urged students to make use of advice and guidance services (Liam McBurney/PA) Stormont Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald urged students receiving results today, and their parents/carers, to make use of the advice and guidance offered by her departments Careers Service. Making informed decisions following your exam results is crucial in helping you consider the next step on your journey, she said. No matter what your results were, there are many opportunities available to you and I would urge you to examine these fully. You may wish to remain at school, or you might want to explore further education courses, start an apprenticeship or training programme or go into employment. My departments Careers Service can provide you with all the help and guidance you need. Whatever choice you make, I want to pass on my very best wishes for the future. Two men have been arrested after 775,000 of drugs were seized in Co Waterford on Wednesday. During the search of a property in Tramore, Co. Waterford, gardai from the County and City Crime and Drugs Units seized approximately 780g of suspected cocaine valued at 54,600 along with 1kg of cannabis valued at 20,000. Advertisement Gardai carried out a follow-up search at a property in Waterford city, where they seized approximately 10kg of suspected cocaine valued at 700,000 and cash. Two men, aged in their 20s and 50s, were arrested and detained at Garda Stations in the WaterfordKilkenny Division. The drugs seized have been sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. Gardai say investigations are ongoing. An appeal court has thrown out a massive civil fraud penalty against Donald Trump in a New York state lawsuit accusing him of exaggerating his wealth. The decision came seven months after the Republican returned to the White House. A panel of five judges in New Yorks mid-level Appellate Division said the verdict, which stood to cost the president more than 515 million dollars (382 million) and rock his property empire, was excessive. Advertisement The president, in a social media post, claimed total victory, adding: I greatly respect the fact that the Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision that was hurting Business all throughout New York State. After finding that Mr Trump engaged in fraud by flagrantly padding financial statements that went to lenders and insurers, Judge Arthur Engoron ordered him last year to pay 355 million dollars (263 million) in penalties. With interest, the sum has topped 515 million dollars. Judge Arthur Engoron (Shannon Stapleton/AP) The total combined with penalties levied on some other Trump Organisation executives including Mr Trumps sons Eric and Donald Jr now exceeds 527 million dollars (391 million), with interest. While the injunctive relief ordered by the court is well crafted to curb defendants business culture, the courts disgorgement order, which directs that defendants pay nearly half a billion dollars to the State of New York, is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, Judges Dianne T Renwick and Peter H Moulton wrote in one of several opinions shaping the appeals courts ruling. Advertisement Judge Engoron had also imposed other punishments, such as banning Mr Trump and his two eldest sons from serving in corporate leadership for a few years. Those provisions have been on pause during the appeal, and Mr Trump was able to hold off collection of the money by posting a 175 million dollar (130 million) bond. The court, which was split on the merits of the lawsuit and the lower courts fraud finding, dismissed the penalty Judge Engoron imposed in its entirety while leaving a pathway for further appeals to the states highest court, the Court of Appeals. The appeals court, the Appellate Division of the states trial court, took an unusually long time to rule, weighing Mr Trumps appeal for nearly 11 months after oral arguments last autumn. Normally, appeals are decided in a matter of weeks or a few months. New York attorney general Letitia James, who brought the suit on the states behalf, had said the businessman-turned-politician engaged in lying, cheating and staggering fraud. Advertisement In a statement on Thursday, she focused on the part of the case that went her way, saying the court had affirmed the well-supported finding of the trial court: Donald Trump, his company and two of his children are liable for fraud. It should not be lost to history: yet another court has ruled that the president violated the law, and that our case has merit, she added. New York attorney general Letitia James (Yuki Iwamura/AP) The president and his co-defendants denied wrongdoing. In a six-minute summation of sorts after a months-long trial, Mr Trump said in January last year that he was an innocent man and the case was a fraud on me. He has repeatedly maintained that the case and verdict were political moves by Ms James and Judge Engoron, who are both Democrats. The Justice Department has subpoenaed Ms James for records related to the lawsuit, among other documents, as part of an investigation into whether she violated the presidents civil rights. Advertisement Her lawyer Abbe D Lowell has said that investigating the fraud case is the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the presidents political retribution campaign. Mr Trump and his lawyers said his financial statements were not deceptive because they came with disclaimers noting they had not been audited. The defence also noted that bankers and insurers independently evaluated the numbers and the loans were repaid. Despite such discrepancies as tripling the size of his Trump Tower penthouse, he said the financial statements were, if anything, low estimates of his fortune. During an appellate court hearing in September, the presidents lawyers said many of the cases allegations were too old, a claim they made unsuccessfully before trial. Advertisement The defence also says Ms James misused a consumer protection law to sue Mr Trump and improperly policed private business transactions that were satisfactory to those involved. State attorneys said the law in question applies to fraudulent or illegal business conduct, whether it targets everyday consumers or big corporations. Though Mr Trump insists no one was harmed by the financial statements, the state says the numbers led lenders to make riskier loans than they knew, and that honest borrowers lose out when others boost their net-worth numbers. The state has argued that the verdict rested on ample evidence and that the scale of the penalty comported with Mr Trumps gains, including his profits on properties financed with the loans and the interest he saved by getting favourable terms offered to wealthy borrowers. The civil fraud case was one of several legal obstacles for Mr Trump as he campaigned, won and started a second term as president. Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up all of the eastern Donbas region, renounce ambitions to join Nato, remain neutral and keep Western troops out of the country, three sources familiar with top-level Kremlin thinking told Reuters. The Russian president met Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday for the first Russia-US summit in more than four years and spent almost all of their three-hour closed meeting discussing what a compromise on Ukraine might look like, according to the sources who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Advertisement Speaking afterwards beside Mr Trump, Putin said the meeting would hopefully open up the road to peace in Ukraine - but neither leader gave specifics about what they discussed. In the most detailed Russian-based reporting to date on Putin's offer at the summit, Reuters was able to outline the contours of what the Kremlin would like to see in a possible peace deal to end a war that has killed and injured hundreds of thousands of people. In essence, the Russian sources said, Putin has compromised on territorial demands he laid out in June 2024, which required Kyiv to cede the entirety of the four provinces Moscow claims as part of Russia: Dontesk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine - which make up the Donbas - plus Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south. Kyiv rejected those terms as tantamount to surrender. Advertisement In his new proposal, the Russian president has stuck to his demand that Ukraine completely withdraw from the parts of the Donbas it still controls, according to the three sources. In return, though, Moscow would halt the current front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, they added. Russia controls about 88 per cent of the Donbas and 73 per cent of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, according to US estimates and open-source data. Moscow is also willing to hand over the small parts of the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk regions of Ukraine it controls as part of a possible deal, the sources said. Nato Putin is sticking, too, to his previous demands that Ukraine give up its Nato ambitions and for a legally binding pledge from the US-led military alliance that it will not expand further eastwards, as well as for limits on the Ukrainian army and an agreement that no Western troops will be deployed on the ground in Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, the sources said. Advertisement Yet the two sides remain far apart, more than three years after Putin ordered thousands of Russian troops into Ukraine in a full-scale invasion that followed the annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and prolonged fighting in the country's east between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops. Ukraine's foreign ministry had no immediate comment on the proposals. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly dismissed the idea of withdrawing from internationally recognised Ukrainian land as part of a deal, and has said the industrial Donbas region serves as a fortress holding back Russian advances deeper into Ukraine. "If we're talking about simply withdrawing from the east, we cannot do that," he told reporters in comments released by Kyiv on Thursday. "It is a matter of our country's survival, involving the strongest defensive lines." Advertisement Joining Nato, meanwhile, is a strategic objective enshrined in the country's constitution and one which Kyiv sees as its most reliable security guarantee. Mr Zelenskiy said it was not up to Russia to decide on the alliance's membership. The White House and Nato didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on the Russian proposals. Political scientist Samuel Charap, chair in Russia and Eurasia Policy at RAND, a US-based global policy think-tank, said any requirement for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas remained a non-starter for Kyiv, both politically and strategically. "Openness to 'peace' on terms categorically unacceptable to the other side could be more of a performance for Trump than a sign of a true willingness to compromise," he added. "The only way to test that proposition is to begin a serious process at the working level to hash out those details." Advertisement Trump: Putin wants to see it ended Russian forces currently control a fifth of Ukraine, an area about the size of the American state of Ohio, according to US estimates and open-source maps. The three sources close to the Kremlin said the summit in the Alaskan city of Anchorage had ushered in the best chance for peace since the war began because there had been specific discussions about Russia's terms and Putin had shown a willingness to give ground. "Putin is ready for peace - for compromise. That is the message that was conveyed to Trump," one of the people said. The sources cautioned that it was unclear to Moscow whether Ukraine would be prepared to cede the remains of the Donbas, and that if it did not then the war would continue. Also unclear was whether or not the United States would give any recognition to Russian-held Ukrainian territory, they added. A fourth source said that though economic issues were secondary for Putin, he understood the economic vulnerability of Russia and the scale of the effort needed to go far further into Ukraine. 'Peacemaker president' Mr Trump has said he wants to end the "bloodbath" of the war and be remembered as a "peacemaker president". He said on Monday he had begun arranging a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, to be followed by a trilateral summit with the US president. "I believe Vladimir Putin wants to see it ended," Trump said beside Mr Zelenskiy in the Oval office. "I feel confident we are going to get it solved." Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that Putin was prepared to meet Mr Zelenskiy but that all issues had to be worked through first and there was a question about Mr Zelenskiy's authority to sign a peace deal. Putin has repeatedly raised doubts about Mr Zelenskiy's legitimacy as his term in office was due to expire in May 2024 but the war means no new presidential election has yet been held. Kyiv says Mr Zelenskiy remains the legitimate president. The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have said they are sceptical that Putin wants to end the war. Security guarantees for Ukraine Mr Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff was instrumental in paving the way for the summit, and the latest drive for peace, according to two of the Russian sources. Mr Witkoff met Putin in the Kremlin on August 6th with Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. At the meeting, Putin conveyed clearly to Mr Witkoff that he was ready to compromise and set out the contours of what he could accept for peace, according to two Russian sources. If Russia and Ukraine could reach an agreement, then there are various options for a formal deal - including a possible three-way Russia-Ukraine-US deal that is recognised by the UN Security Council, one of the sources said. Another option is to go back to the failed 2022 Istanbul agreements, where Russia and Ukraine discussed Ukraine's permanent neutrality in return for security guarantees from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, the sources added. "There are two choices: war or peace, and if there is no peace, then there is more war," one of the people said. Lucy Connolly, who was jailed for inciting racial hatred in the aftermath of the Southport terror attack in England, is reportedly set to be released from prison. Connolly, the wife of Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly, will be released on Thursday after being sentenced last year to 31 months in custody, the Telegraph reported. Advertisement She had posted on X on the day of the murder of three children by Axel Rudakubana in Southport: Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the bastards for all I care if that makes me racist so be it. She pleaded guilty to inciting racial hatred by publishing and distributing threatening or abusive written material on X and was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court in October last year. Her sentence has been criticised as being too harsh, but British prime minister Keir Starmer defended it earlier this year. Asked in May whether her imprisonment was an efficient or fair use of prison, Mr Starmer said: Sentencing is a matter for our courts, and I celebrate the fact that we have independent courts in this country. Advertisement I am strongly in favour of free speech, weve had free speech in this country for a very long time and we protect it fiercely. But I am equally against incitement to violence against other people. I will always support the action taken by our police and courts to keep our streets and people safe. Connollys post was viewed 310,000 times in three-and-a-half hours before she deleted it. Elon Musk and his social media company X Corp have reached a tentative agreement to settle a lawsuit filed by former Twitter employees who said they were owed $500 million in severance pay. Attorneys for X Corp and the former Twitter employees reported the deal in a Wednesday court filing, in which both sides asked a US appeals court to delay an upcoming court hearing so that they could finalize a deal that would pay the fired employees and end the litigation. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Advertisement Musk fired approximately 6,000 employees after his 2022 acquisition of Twitter, which he rebranded X. Several employees sued over their terminations and severance pay, and other lawsuits are still pending in courts in Delaware and California. The settlement would resolve a proposed class action filed in California by Courtney McMillian, who previously oversaw Twitter's employee benefits programs as its "head of total rewards," and Ronald Cooper, who was an operations manager. A federal judge in San Francisco dismissed the employees' lawsuit in July 2024, and they appealed to the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Court of Appeals. The 9th Circuit had been scheduled to hear oral arguments on September 17th. Attorneys for Musk and McMillian did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. Advertisement The lawsuit argued that a 2019 severance plan guaranteed that most Twitter workers would receive two months of their base pay plus one week of pay for each full year of service if they were laid off. Senior employees such as McMillian were owed six months of base pay, according to the lawsuit. But Twitter only gave laid-off workers at most one month of severance pay, and many of them did not receive anything, according to the lawsuit. Twitter laid off more than half of its workforce as a cost-cutting measure after Musk acquired the company. Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will give final approval for a takeover of Gaza City while also restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at returning all of Israels remaining hostages and ending the war on Israels terms. The wide-scale operation in Gaza City could start within days after the Israeli Prime Minister grants final approval at a meeting with senior security officials. Advertisement Hamas said earlier this week that it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators which, if accepted by Israel, could forestall the offensive. The widening of the 22-month military offensive against Hamas appears to be proceeding despite protests in Israel and the Palestinian enclave. Palestinians in Gaza City call for the end of the war (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) The Israeli military has been calling medical officials and international organisations in the northern Gaza Strip to encourage them to evacuate to the south ahead of the expanded operation. The military plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 more. Israeli strikes killed at least 36 Palestinians across Gaza on Thursday, according to local hospitals. A renewed offensive could bring even more casualties and displacement to the territory, where the war has already killed tens of thousands and where experts have warned of imminent famine. Advertisement Many Israelis fear it could also doom the remaining 20 or so living hostages taken by Hamas-led militants in the October 7 2023 attack that ignited the war. During a visit to the militarys Gaza command in southern Israel, Mr Netanyahu said he would approve the armys plans to retake Gaza City, and had instructed officials to begin immediate negotiations on the release of all our hostages and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel. These two things defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages go hand in hand, he said. It appeared to mark Israels first public response to the latest ceasefire proposal drawn up by Egypt and Qatar, which Egyptian and Hamas officials say is almost identical to an earlier one that Israel accepted before the talks stalled last month. Advertisement The proposal would include the release of some of the hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, a pullback of Israeli forces and negotiations over a more lasting ceasefire. Israeli troops, meanwhile, have already begun limited operations in Gaza Citys Zeitoun neighbourhood and the built-up Jabaliya refugee camp, where they have carried out several previous major operations over the course of the war, only to see militants later regroup. The military says it plans to operate in areas where ground troops have not yet entered and where it says Hamas still has military and governing capabilities. There has been little sign of Palestinians fleeing en masse, as they did when Israel carried out an earlier offensive in Gaza City in the opening weeks of the war. The military says it controls around 75% of Gaza and residents say nowhere in the territory feels safe. Advertisement Hundreds gathered in Gaza City on Thursday for a rare protest against the war and Israels plans to support the mass relocation of Palestinians to other countries. Unlike in previous protests, there were no expressions of opposition to Hamas. Relatives and supporters of hostages held by Hamas call for the end of the war as they march near the Gaza border (Maya Levin/AP) In Israel, families of some of the 50 hostages still being held in Gaza gathered in Tel Aviv to condemn the expanded operation. Israel believes around 20 hostages are still alive. Forty-two hostages were kidnapped alive and murdered in captivity due to military pressure and delay in signing a deal, said Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still being held captive. Mr Horns brother Iair was released during a ceasefire earlier this year. Advertisement Enough to sacrifice the hostages. Enough to sacrifice the soldiers, both regular and reservists. Enough to sacrifice the evacuees. Enough to sacrifice the younger generation in the country, said Bar Goddard, daughter of Meni Goddard, whose body is being held by Hamas. Additional protests are planned for Thursday night in Tel Aviv. Plans for widening the offensive have sparked international outrage, with many of Israels closest western allies but not the US calling on it to end the war. I must reiterate that it is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza, and the unconditional release of all hostages to avoid the massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said. At least 36 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including 14 who were seeking humanitarian aid, according to local hospitals. An Israeli tank moves through an area near the Israeli-Gaza border (Maya Levin/AP) The Israeli military said it killed several armed militants in the Morag Corridor, a military zone where people seeking aid have repeatedly come under fire in recent weeks, according to witnesses and health officials. Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza had earlier reported that six people were killed in that area while seeking aid on Thursday. It was not possible to reconcile the two accounts. The Media Freedom Coalition, which promotes press freedoms worldwide, called for Israel to allow independent, foreign news organisations access to Gaza. Aside from rare guided tours, Israel has barred international media from the war which has killed at least 184 Palestinian journalists and media workers. Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war, said a statement signed by 27 of the coalitions member countries. Witnesses, health officials and the UN human rights office say Israeli forces have killed hundreds of people since May as they headed towards sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli-backed American contractor, and in the chaos surrounding UN aid convoys, which are frequently attacked by looters and overrun by crowds. The Israeli military says it has only fired warning shots at people who approach its forces. The GHF says there has been almost no violence at the sites, and that its armed contractors have only used pepper spray and fired into the air on some occasions to prevent deadly crowding. The scene of Israeli military strikes in a tent camp for displaced people near Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Ireland Priests call on Catholic Church to cut ties with A... Read More Israeli air strikes also destroyed a tent camp in Deir al-Balah, the only city in Gaza that has been relatively unscathed in the war and where many have sought refuge. Residents said the military warned them to flee shortly before the strikes set the camp ablaze, and there were no reports of casualties. Families, many with children, could later be seen sifting through the ashes for the belongings they had managed to take with them during earlier evacuations. Mohammad Kahlout, who had been displaced from northern Gaza, said they were given just five minutes to gather what they could and evacuate. We are civilians, not terrorists. What did we do, and what did our children do, to be displaced again? The oldest living person is celebrating turning 116 on Thursday. Ethel Caterham from Surrey in England became the oldest living person in April after the death, aged 116, of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canbarro Lucas. Advertisement She will celebrate her birthday in a care home in Lightwater and take the day at her own pace surrounded by her family. Ms Caterham was born on August 21st, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, England, five years before the start of the first World War, as the second youngest of eight siblings. According to the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), she met her husband Norman, who was a major in the British army, at a dinner party in 1931. They were stationed in Hong Kong and Gibraltar and had two children. Her husband died in 1976, the GRG said. Advertisement A spokesperson for her care home said: Ethel and her family are so grateful for all of the kind messages and interest shown to her as she celebrates her 116th birthday this year. World Japanese woman, 108, named the worlds oldest fema... Read More Ethel has again chosen not to give any interviews, preferring to spend the day quietly with her family so that she can enjoy it at her own pace. Last year Ms Caterham was sent a birthday card by Britain's King Charles to mark her 115th birthday. The title of the oldest person ever is held by French woman Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122 years 164 days, according to Guinness World Records. 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 Mac DeMarco has been digging a well. This is not some poetic metaphor, like Macs own Chamber of Reflection. Before jumping on our interview, the Canadian indie rocker was out on his new property, a farmhouse on an island off British Columbia that he shares with his partner Kiera McNally, digging a literal well. Or, to be specific, he was building a well? A house for his well? Look, Im not a carpenter. Its a well enclosure. It looks like an outhouse, but its made of cedar and its beautiful, DeMarco, 35, explains, appearing on Zoom like a gap-toothed storm cloud: grey shirt, grey hat, scraggly beard. My uncle and cousin came over and were like, You know you have to be able to lift it off if they have to pull the deep well out? So my day has consisted of taking off the siding and finding where the fastener bolts are to the foundation and removing them. Its good because the stress of If my well explodes, will we be able to get it out? was a lot, but Im also dismantling the nicest looking thing Ive ever built so its been tough. Mac DeMarcos new album Guitar. He wrote and recorded the whole thing in 12 days. I dont understand a word hes saying but Mac DeMarco, DIY tradesman, isnt an odd image to conjure. Hes been DIYing, in a musical sense, since his 2012 debut, 2, the album that first launched DeMarcos persona as the loveable laid-back prince of indie-rock. His new album, Guitar, was DIYed to a freakish degree songs, cover art, even videos and written and recorded in 12 days. Id wake up in the morning and get a song going, or maybe Id write it the night before, he says. It was quick and easy, and it feels good. When I leave something for too long and try to come back to it, it doesnt feel right, like Im already onto something else. Guitar, an album title so bland it feels like a troll, is DeMarcos first proper album since 2019s Here Comes the Cowboy, which debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard 200, an unlikely scenario for such a stridently independent artist. In 2023, years after the albums release, the track Heart to Heart went viral on TikTok and became DeMarcos first song to break into the Billboard Hot 100. After years watching his cult of personality grow, this was tangible evidence of his pop star reach. But DeMarcos not buying it. Advertisement I dont think Here Comes the Cowboy was that big and the top 10 thing, I dont think it was based off some kind of top of the mountain sales, he says. Theres ways to pump that stuff up. We had a big tour around then too, so you sell concert tickets and then if you give a vinyl for each concert ticket, it counts as a sale. It sounds like he doesnt quite trust his own albums success. I like that record, but yeah, maybe I dont trust the success of it, DeMarco laughs. I just think its funny that the music industry heralds things like that. Theyre like, you charted. And its like, so? Its like the metrics on Spotify: these artists can have a bajillion listeners, and then nobody comes to the show, he continues. When Heart to Heart charted in the Hot 100, it didnt even get high it went to 80-something but everyone was like, Oh my god!. [Distributors] were telling me we should advertise more to keep it going. He mocks disgust. This album came out five years ago and we didnt even do anything to make the song go crazy, so why not just leave it alone, you know? Its fair to posit that DeMarco who has run his own indie, Macs Record Label, since 2018 has little sympathy for major labels scrambling amid the music industrys new world order. TikTok is confusing for a lot of them. But, at the same time, a lot of the big record labels have figured out how to squeeze the lemon. They want to make it seem like they dont know, but they know. DeMarco, onstage at Melbournes Festival Hall during his last Australian tour in February 2020. Credit: Rick Clifford He chuckles at his own cynicism. Maybe Im just a music industry conspiracy theorist. Whatever. Its cute. You chart on this thing, its cute. I have these gold records now, theyre all in my basement. I dont know what to do with them, but its cool. Amazing. Advertisement Ive never had an artist work so hard to dissuade me against their own sales triumphs, but such is DeMarcos mission. Numbers? These things dont interest him. So little that he followed his biggest pop success with an album made entirely of instrumental compositions (2023s Five Easy Hot Dogs) and then a monumental 199-track data dump named for Canadian legend Wayne Gretzky (One Wayne G). You ask DeMarco why, he answers why not. I know with One Wayne G, some music journalists were like, Is this a middle finger? Whats he doing? but it was nothing like that. I just wanted to share music. I wasnt saying Listen to the whole thing!. I dont care if people listen to none of it. Its there if you want it, says DeMarco. As an oddity inspired by his Japanese avant-pop idols Ryuichi Sakamoto and Haruomi Hosono, and partly a comment on how we consume music hes proud of it. Its so long that it wont fit on a CD. You could put it out on a 15-record box set, but thats ridiculous. The only medium itd work on is a Blu-Ray, but I dont even have a way to play a Blu-Ray. I think One Wayne G might be the coolest thing I ever do. The whole thing was just an experiment in, why? I have these gold records now, theyre all in my basement. I dont know what to do with them. Before he recorded Guitar, DeMarco had completed another album titled Hear the Music, which he scrapped. I liked the songs, but that was me turning on the faucet or cleaning out the songwriting pipes, he says. I had maybe 14 songs, I demoed them, tried to do master recordings, but I got lost in the sauce. I started trying to change the drum sound every day. I was building isolation tents in the studio. I built a hut out of PVC pipe. I did vocal takes over and over. I went completely nuts. Hes had this problem before, ever since he stopped recording onto tape with 2015s Another One. Hell go into an OCD zone, he says, recording and re-recording demos trying to recapture what he loved best about the original take. Youre just chasing perfection in something that is inherently imperfect. You might as well just take the original, that has that life force in it, and run with that, he says. The cool thing about Guitar is that all these songs are the first time they were recorded. Theyre the demos, essentially. Even just saying that is soothing for me. Advertisement The NSW Environment Protection Authority has endorsed this claim in planning documents, citing a simplifying assumption that the carbon dioxide released from burning the biomass was completely balanced by the gas absorbed during regrowth. Professor Brendan Mackey, director of the Griffith Climate Action Beacon at Griffith University, told this masthead this was a convenient untruth. Its amazing that they can ignore circa 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year by making a simplifying assumption, Mackey said. Its not a source of clean energy because it produces CO2 emissions in exactly the same way as burning coal or oil produces CO2 emissions, and if you burn it in a power station up the stack, its actually more emissive than coal ... because it takes a lot of energy to burn the water away. Mackey said net zero accounting allowed a nation to use a carbon sink such as a forest to offset emissions and Australia already used this heavily to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement but the timeframe had to be meaningful. Loading The fundamental point when you say, is it renewable? is that the emissions are instantaneous, but the regrowth is not, Mackey said. Peter Morrissey, an industry adviser with HunterNet Cooperative who spoke in favour of the project, told the IPC meeting that 13 per cent of gross energy in Europe came from biomass and bioenergy, citing a 2022 report, and it accounted for 55 per cent of the renewable grid. According to the World Bioeconomy Forum, the current value is $US4 trillion ($6.2 trillion), and with projections to rise to over $US30 trillion in the 2030s, Morrissey said. We in NSW need to be part of this bioeconomy. However, Mackey said biomass burning had led to more intensive harvesting of European forests, diminishing their capacity to act as carbon sinks, and also created demand for wood pellets from North American forests. The Guardian reports that Britains Drax Power Station, a coal plant converted to burn wood pellets, is the nations biggest greenhouse emitter, while soaking up millions in taxpayer subsidies. Planning documents for the Redbank proposal say the fuel would come initially from so-called invasive native species cleared from farmland, shifting to purpose-grown crops such as coppice on degraded mine sites after four years of operation. The Australian Financial Review reports that Verdant Earth intends to apply for renewable energy certificates under the federal Renewable Energy Target. However, the Clean Energy Regulator said burning invasive native species would not be eligible, and purpose-grown crops would need to fulfil strict criteria to qualify. The current rules allow wood waste from non-native environmental weeds but exclude native vegetation. Loading Fears for land-clearing Invasive native species are native woody plants that either regenerate thickly following disturbance or encroach on vegetation communities where they previously did not occur, based on the NSW government definition. In a 2019 report, the NSW Auditor-General was scathing that there was no requirement to demonstrate that a plant was actually invading a landscape before approving its clearing as an invasive native species. In 2023, NSW farmers cleared 6219 hectares of invasive native species under the Local Land Services Act, which the Minns government has promised to reform, typically burning the wood on site. Lis Ashby, the policy innovation lead at the Biodiversity Council, said the Redbank proposal stated it needed 500,000 dry tonnes of biomass from invasive native species in the first stage, and it could source 25 tonnes a hectare. This would mean clearing of at least 20,000 hectares, Ashby said. Its highly likely, given the amount of biomass they need is three times the amount that the invasive native species right now could provide that were going to incentivise additional land-clearing by farmers, Ashby said. University of Queensland Professor Hugh Possingham, Queenslands former chief scientist, told the IPC meeting it was wrong to assume that invasive native species or dense thickets of native shrub had no biodiversity value. Thats categorically false, Possingham said. There are many, many species that favour dense shrublands. For example, spotted bowerbirds, a whole heap of small bushland birds. Loading Dan Repacholi, the federal Labor MP for Hunter, spoke in support of the project, describing Redbank as a $700 million facility sitting there doing absolutely nothing right now when it could be removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and creating jobs. Lynn Benn, a Hunter Valley resident and activist with Knitting Nannas, said wood burning would add to poor air quality historically caused by mines and power stations. We were hoping that with the transition to cleaner technologies, we could finally hope for an improvement, Benn said. Advertisement The Weekly Special Eating outWhats on Distillers festival comes to Freo, and some of the worlds best bartenders take over Perth Max Veenhuyzen August 21, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share For those yet to get to Northbridges Charim Perths first and only restaurant inspired by the Korean taxi driver restaurants known as gisa sikdang I suggest you get your skates on. Hyun Cha, Charims chef-owner and a former military officer, cites homesickness as the reason for putting his restaurant up for sale in anticipation for returning to Sydney where wife Gee Gwa Im and the rest of his family reside. Hyun Cha at one of Perths most exciting new openings, Charim, located on William Street in Northbridge. Matt ODonohue While market conditions will dictate when Cha gets to go home, its up to eaters to plan a visit to the William Street Shopping where laser-sharp renditions of Korean favourites including bulgogi, the beef stew miyeokguk and banchan side dishes await. Miller & Bakers new off-shoot opens this week Advertisement Since opening in 2019, Miller & Baker has ingrained itself to inner-city Northbridge thanks to its airy digs, cheery staff and outstanding baked goods made using flour milled in-house. This weekend, Miller & Baker owners Rachel and Mark Taylor bring their community-minded bakery to North Perth via the opening of a Miller & Baker outpost on Hobart Street. Moving into the space next to the suburbs long-standing Hobart Deli, the new offshoot will function as more of a takeaway rather than dine-in destination and carry bread, pastries, flour, batch coffee and food staples. Lucky you, North Perth. Related Article Margaret River pop-up that served Andy Hearnden one of most interesting meals of his life tours Australia Getting to the bottom of flour power In not unrelated news: one of the key reasons behind Miller & Bakers success is the nutritious, delicious stone-ground flour that it mills on the premises using wheat sourced direct from Natural Intelligence Farming, a network of regenerative farmers based in the Wheatbelt but working with farmers across the state. In conjunction with Septembers RegenWA conference a deep-dive into green farming practices Natural Intelligence Farming founders Di and Ian Haggerty are hosting a tour of their farm in Mollerin to see first-hand the benefits of their softly-softly, chemical-free approach to farming. (The Haggertys bought the property in 1993 and farmed it using conventional methods before gradually embracing regenerative growing principles.) The tour takes place on Tuesday September 16 and is an all-day trip departing Perth at 6am. Tickets are $50 and include transport and lunch. Boutique distillers are taking over Freo Markets this weekend for a free distillers festival. Ridhwaan Moola Advertisement (Dis)still life artists In addition to being immortalised as bread, grain also plays a vital role in the world of distilling. This weekend (August 22-24) sees the Fremantle Market host a Distillers Festival bringing together some key distillers from around the state. This free festival is a chance for visitors to meet the makers, try their spirits and learn about the creative and technical processes behind distillation. Producers in attendance will include Whipper Snapper, Damaged Goods, Old Youngs Distillery and Pure Mist and the products available to try ranges from whiskies and gins to limoncello and other specialty spirits. David Stucken of Terrarium. Shot by Thom Perth Cocktail Weekend returns Alternatively, you can also explore the wide world of spirits when the Perth Cocktail Weekend part of this years Plateful Perth program returns to the CBD (August 22 and 23). On any given weekend, Terrarium, Mechanics Institute and Songbird are among the best places to get a mixed drink in this fair city. This Friday and Saturday, these cocktail strongholds are hosting visiting bartenders from high-flying bars including Singapores Sago House (ranked number 15 in Asias 50 Best Bars in 2024) and Sydneys Bar DEMO. Advertisement Review Eating outOrange This busy 20-seater is one of the best wine bars in the state (and isnt where youd expect) Hey Rosey in Orange serves a daily-changing menu largely based on what local farmers are dropping off that week. Callan Boys August 22, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share This story is part of the August 23 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories . 1 / 14 Hey Rosey proves you dont need millions of dollars to open a ripper bar that people will flock to. Pip Farquharson 2 / 14 Comte and truffle tart with pickled onion. Pip Farquharson 3 / 14 Cavatelli with pork collar ragu. Pip Farquharson 4 / 14 Pip Farquharson 5 / 14 Braised leeks and sauce gribiche. Pip Farquharson 6 / 14 Pip Farquharson 7 / 14 Roast pork with saffron aioli, XO and pickled fennel. Pip Farquharson 8 / 14 Leigh Oliver (left) and chef Hugh Piper. Pip Farquharson 9 / 14 Pip Farquharson 10 / 14 Ricotta with beetroots and rosemary. Pip Farquharson 11 / 14 Pip Farquharson 12 / 14 Pip Farquharson 13 / 14 Pip Farquharson 14 / 14 Pip Farquharson Previous Slide Next Slide Good Food hat 15 / 20 How we score Contemporary$$$$ If youre an up-and-coming winemaker looking for a NSW region to call home, Orange would have to be right at the top of the list. Its a young region, even by Australian standards, so youre not too sandbagged by tradition. Secondly, theres a fair whack of fruit to experiment with, including the regions celebrated chardonnay, shiraz and pinot noir. Thirdly, you can hang out at Hey Rosey, one of the best wine bars in the state. Leigh Oliver isnt a winemaker, but six years ago he and his partner, Verity Abrams, were drawn to Orange as a fertile place to open somewhere serving snacks and nice booze. (The couple previously ran Cure Bar and Eatery in Melbourne.) When it came time to hire a chef, Hugh Piper blew into town like an anchovy-fancying Mary Poppins, fresh from rattling the pans at Potts Point bar Dear Sainte Eloise and also keen to put down roots in a region with more affordable real estate than our capital cities. Cavatelli with pork collar ragu. Pip Farquharson Advertisement Hey Rosey opened in early 2023 and the 20-seater is essentially one big hallway, flanked by a tiny kitchen and with just enough room for one person to cook and another to pour riesling. Many of its artworks are secondhand finds, ditto the mid-century furniture and grandma-chic plates. Framed notebook sketches by former staff member Brielle Lord depict fish and flowers and Tete de Moine cheese; records by T. Rex and The Avalanches spin beneath a shelf of amaro. On a recent Friday-night visit, the place was packed. I booked two weeks in advance and the earliest free slot was 9.30pm, a time when most other kitchens in regional towns heck, most kitchens in Sydney have long stopped taking orders. Piper and Oliver are committed to serving the full menu right up to 11pm, which is the kind of thing you can do when youre only working with two induction tops, a meat slicer and small oven. The daily-changing menu is largely based on what local farmers are dropping off that week. Farmer Dougs midnight pearl potatoes, for instance, are deep-purple, dense and nutty brilliant for salt-baking and topping with yoghurt-like quark, lovage and salmon roe. Doorstops of pumpkin from Block11 Organics are braised in wattleseed and miso for a soft, savoury punch and covered with chilli-spiked honey, hazelnut vinaigrette and a small blizzard of goats cheddar. Ricotta with beetroots and rosemary. Pip Farquharson Thin-sliced roast pork loin and pickled fennel are ruffled over saffron aioli and a terrific XO sauce made with charcuterie trimmings. Hey Rosey is the kind of place that will tell you, unprompted, where that miso, pig and saffron came from, too: Mountain Miso, Trunkey Bacon and Pork, and Argyle Saffron, all based in Orange. The truffle topping a lush comte tart is from Sue and Andrews farm down the road and smells much fresher than any of that Western Australian stuff that cryptobros like to shave over $200 steaks back in Sydney. Advertisement Piper makes his own ricotta every other day and currently teams it with poached beetroot. The reduced poaching liquid is seasoned with rosemary oil and apple cider vinegar, and the dish is exactly what you want to eat with De Salis Wines Lofty Pinot Noir, made on the northern slope of Mount Canobolas. For the cavatelli pasta with winter-slaying pork collar ragu, theres a poised cabernet-shiraz blend made by Orange legend Philip Shaw under his Hoosegg label. When so many NSW restaurants bang on about supporting local producers but have a wine list full of gear from France and the Barossa, Hey Rosey is a template for how to farm to table properly. It could also be Case Study 1A in any treatise that you dont need to spend millions of dollars to open a ripper bar that people will flock to. The low-down Atmosphere: Relaxed country-town wine bar championing local growers and producers Go-to dishes: Salt-baked midnight pearl potatoes with quark and salmon roe ($16, pictured); comte and truffle tart ($18); Hughs ricotta with beetroot and rosemary ($18); cavatelli with pork collar ragu ($30) Drinks: Beaut range of Orange wine and independent Old World producers, a few classic cocktails and a lot of amaro Cost: About $110 for two, excluding drinks Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide. This review was originally published in Good Weekend magazine She replied that it was a submission, and she would leave it at that. In his decision last year, Lee was satisfied Ten and Wilkinson had proven to the civil standard on the balance of probabilities that Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins in the office of their then-boss, Liberal senator Linda Reynolds, in the early hours of March 23, 2019. Lehrmann has always maintained his innocence. Burrows said in written submissions, released on Thursday, that where the evidence is inadequate, it may simply not be possible to judge the likelihood that something happened reliably enough to reach a rational conclusion one way or the other on the balance of probabilities. Claim of unfairness Burrows has argued that her client was denied procedural fairness during the trial. She said on Thursday the case was a quasi-criminal trial and her client should have been informed of the allegations against him in the media parties defences with greater precision. Burrows has said Lehrmann is probably Australias most hated man. Credit: Sam Mooy She submitted there was a difference between what she described as the violent rape alleged by Ten and Wilkinson, in which Higgins said no repeatedly, and the non-violent rape Lee ultimately found had occurred. At times, she characterised this as a finding of a soft rape. Wigney replied: I dont think His Honour said anything about it being a violent rape or a soft rape. He made findings about what happened. The most that could be said is that some of what might have been referred to as aggravating circumstances [were not found to have been established], Wigney said. Now, thats in your clients favour. Burrows said Lee should have found the rape did not occur as alleged by Ten and Wilkinson, but instead its like hes given a consolation prize. Justice Colvin interjected to say that the subject matter does not merit that kind of submission. On Wednesday, Colvin said that he was not sure [Lee] found a non-violent rape, and Im not sure thats a concept that I understand. Lee was not satisfied Higgins said no during the assault. He found it was more likely than not she was passive during the rape. However, he found Lehrmann was hell-bent on having sex with Higgins, had encouraged her to drink, and did not care one way or another whether [she] understood or agreed to what was going on. This amounted to recklessness about consent as opposed to actual knowledge of a lack of consent. Both Ten and Wilkinson, via their barristers Dr Matt Collins, KC, and Sue Chrysanthou, SC, submitted that the appeal court could go further and find Lehrmann knew Higgins did not consent to sex. This was because Lee had found Lehrmann knew Higgins was very drunk. Wigney asked Burrows on Wednesday what she alleged had been unfair when Lehrmann had maintained he did not have any sexual contact at all with Higgins. Sue Chrysanthou, SC, arrives at the Federal Court in Sydney on Wednesday. Credit: Edwina Pickles What do you expect that he would have been asked in those circumstances? he said. He would have kept on saying there was no sexual intercourse, wouldnt he? Burrows replied that just because hes given denials to the court of allegations of a violent rape did not mean it could be assumed he would have given the same answers to different allegations. Collins, acting for Ten, said this was an astonishing submission which could only mean there were circumstances in which Lehrmann would have conceded he had sex with Higgins but argued that he thought he had her consent, or he did have her consent. The defamation case centred on an interview with Higgins broadcast on Tens now-defunct The Project program in 2021. Lee found the interview conveyed that Lehrmann, who was not named, was a rapist, but that Ten and Wilkinson had succeeded in proving this was true. The so-called cover-up If the appeal court finds the truth defence was not established, Wilkinson has argued it should find she acted reasonably in broadcasting the rape claim. A finding that she acted reasonably is central to the success of a fallback defence known as qualified privilege. Lee found this defence would have failed for both Ten and Wilkinson, had it been required, because their conduct was not reasonable. Chrysanthou, acting for Wilkinson, said on Thursday that Lee had been distracted by the so-called cover-up when his focus should have been on the rape allegation. Plans for a pro-Palestine march across the Story Bridge have been rejected in court but organisers say a protest will still go ahead, and they may walk across the Brisbane landmark anyway. About 20 supporters stayed largely quiet but appeared frustrated as the decision was handed down in a packed out CBD courtroom just after 4.15pm on Thursday. There is a significant risk to public safety, as indicated by the experts in this matter, judge Janelle Brassington said in her finding. Justice for Palestine Magan-djin organisers after a court rejected their plans to march across the Story Bridge. Credit: William Davis Thats over and above simple inconvenience. A man accused of killing his former partner in Victorias north paraded two young children outside the house in social media videos while their mother lay dead inside the home. In three videos posted to Facebook on Tuesday morning, Dandenong man Prem Kumar, 45, encouraged the boys to praise nations including Australia, India and Saudi Arabia, and Hindu and Islamic deities. He also declared he and the children were safe. Prem Kumar posted a video to Facebook shortly after their mother was found dead. Credit: Facebook Police were called to the social housing unit in the border town of Cobram about 5am on Tuesday, and found the childrens 32-year-old mother dead inside. Kumar was arrested later on Tuesday and fronted Shepparton Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with her murder. Today hes a pussycat wholl sit on laps and purr, but a year ago Fat Tony was a gangster, prowling a Ballarat factory with his mates, looking like a mobster, says cat rescuer Claire Brookes. After she and other volunteers from 9 Lives Project Rescue trapped the tough tom last December, he was diagnosed with feline AIDS and would lash out if approached. In from the cold: cat rescuer Claire Brookes with Fat Tony. Credit: Eddie Jim Today, hes a beautiful boy, she says, living the domestic life alongside his best buddy Frankie, a stocky associate from his factory days. The pair are among 650 street cats that Brookes and a team of 9 Lives volunteers have rescued, rehabilitated and found homes for since 2020. Sex crime detectives have charged a young doctor accused of filming colleagues in the toilets of three major Melbourne hospitals with 127 more offences, nearly a month after he was denied bail. Trainee surgeon Ryan Cho faced court last month after he was re-arrested following the alleged discovery of more than 10,000 intimate files on his electronic devices. Sex crime detectives charged Ryan Cho with 127 more offences on Wednesday. Credit: Victoria Police Police seized hundreds of hours of intimate footage of victims using toilets and shower facilities during a July raid. The files allegedly named at least 406 female victims and were categorised into folders with names and workplaces. Detectives on Wednesday said the investigation is ongoing at the medical facilities Cho worked at between 2020 and 2025, but the charges related to offending that allegedly took place at the Austin Hospital, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Maribyrnong Mayor Pradeep Tiwari was briefly a wanted man after a warrant was issued for his arrest after he did not appear at a court hearing to face a dangerous driving charge. The warrant was issued, then reversed hours later, by magistrate John Doherty after the mayor did not attend a scheduled hearing at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday morning. Maribyrnong Mayor Pradeep Tiwari. Credit: Facebook Amongst other things, this fellow is charged with driving in a manner thats dangerous, a jailable offence he needs to be at court, Doherty said in approving the police prosecutions request for a warrant. Hours later, after the court received further information from Tiwaris lawyers, the arrest warrant was withdrawn and the case adjourned until October. 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 In this special series, The Age focuses on Melbournes western suburbs to see how life could improve in Australias fastest-growing region. See all 4 stories . Melbournes booming west needs dozens of new government, Catholic, private and specialist schools in the coming years to catch up with the educational access and choice available to residents of other parts of the city. The Ages data analysis of exam results shows that schools in the western suburbs are surmounting their challenges and performing competitively in VCE against students from the more educationally advantaged areas of Melbourne. This analysis of high-achieving western suburbs schools, by VCE results, shows Suzanne Cory High School, Williamstown High School and St Albans Secondary College top the government school table, while Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School and Al-Taqwa College are best-performing non-government schools. Over coming months, The Age is strengthening its focus on Melbournes booming west, with a special series examining the positives and challenges the region faces. In October, our reporters will moderate a West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) summit to discuss a vision for the success of the western suburbs. The alliance of university, industry, community and local government experts works to unlock the wests economic potential. Private schools in the west are reporting an enrolments boom. Students are flocking to independent education in the region at twice the average Victorian rate, according to Independent Schools Victoria (ISV). Advertisement The lobby group said there were 24 independent schools in the west in 2024, with 23,250 students, up from 18 schools and 16,400 students in 2019. The average annual growth rate of 7.2 per cent is more than twice the states average, with further rapid growth expected in the west in coming years. ISVs Rachel Holthouse said that faith-based schools were key to the growth in independent enrolments in the west. We are seeing more and more lower to middle-income families in Melbournes growth areas choosing an independent school education, Holthouse said. Loading This is particularly evident in the growth of Islamic and Christian schools in Melbournes west. These schools provide families with an education that aligns with their beliefs and priorities. In many parts of the west, such as gentrifying Williamstown, parents seeking private education send children on buses each day across the West Gate Bridge to exclusive schools in the inner-south and inner-east. The state government, Catholic school authorities and the private sector face challenges to keep up with demand for classroom places as the population in parts of the west grows faster than anywhere else in Australia. Advertisement RMIT researchers have calculated that children in Melton and Wyndham live further from their schools than students in any other council area of metropolitan Melbourne. Melton council estimates it will need eight new high schools to cater for 8795 new secondary students expected by 2031. At St Albans Secondary College, one of the highest-performing government schools in the VCE, which teaches children with backgrounds from more than 60 countries and more than 70 language groups, diversity is a superpower, according to acting principal John Coulson-Silva. St Albans Secondary College acting principal John Coulson-Silva, pictured with year 12 college leaders, says students find strength in diversity. Credit: Paul Jeffers That diversity gives us a richness. Our students really get to experience the best of every culture and see the differences and understand and appreciate that difference is a strength, Coulson-Silva said. Loading The schools average VCE study score of 31 last year puts it in the academic elite of non-select-entry government schools anywhere in the state, and Coulson-Silva said the teachers and support staff worked hard to overcome social and economic challenges to achieve excellence. We have an unrelenting focus on continuous improvement for each and every student, driven by a culture of high expectations, the acting principal said. Advertisement We realised a long time ago, one size doesnt fit all for our students and our families. We ensure that our classrooms, as much as possible, are calm learning environments for students, where they can feel safe, where the routines are predictable, and we create an environment that prioritises learning, number one. The western regions cultural diversity also poses challenges. The Western English Language School (WELS) provides a specialised curriculum for students who are entitled to up to 12 months of intensive English language instruction. But the language school is co-located with mainstream schools in the Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham council areas, and the one primary school in Melton offering the service only teaches children up to year 6. The National Growth Areas Alliance says Melton schools are reporting large numbers of students entitled to enrol in the program, but who would not sign up for WELS because of the long journeys required to access the lessons. High-achieving students in the west also often face a long commute to their school of choice. John Monash Science School in Clayton told this masthead last year that some of its students from Point Cook spent two hours each way travelling to school. Advertisement Access to the academically elite select-entry government schools is another huge challenge for families in the west, with only one of the four main select secondary schools, Suzanne Cory High School in Werribee, located west of the Maribyrnong River. The state government has acknowledged the gap, putting $1 million in this years budget for a feasibility study for a new select-entry maths and science school in the north-western suburbs. Education Minister Ben Carroll said the government was working hard to meet the soaring demand for classroom places in the west. Loading We have opened 32 new schools in Wyndham and Melton LGAs [local government areas] since 2017 and are opening a further seven new schools in Wyndham and Melton in the next two years ensuring every Victorian student can access a world-class education close to home, the minister told this masthead. Carrolls office said there were plans to expand the English language program in Melton. Advertisement It helped her understand social dynamics, which she had struggled with. Loading It was all to help her move with the group to understand social dynamics and the invisible rules that many of us take for granted, May-Bennett said. However, these are no longer funded under the scheme because of earlier changes in her daughters qualifications for those programs. And without it, she doesnt know if her daughter would have come so far. I dont know how its going to help or not help children who are needing this intervention, she said. Its just a big question mark. On Thursday, autism support groups reported concern and anxiety among parents of autistic children due to the lack of certainty about what services they would continue to receive once they were taken off the NDIS. David Tonge, of the Victorian autism advocacy group Amaze (formerly Autism Victoria), said concerned parents had been calling him unsure about the definitions of mild and moderate autism, as detailed by federal Health Minister Mark Butler at Wednesdays announcement. Butler said children with mild to moderate autism would be shifted from the NDIS to a new system, Thriving Kids. We wouldnt be able to work or function as a family without the support of the NDIS. Orit Brand, mother of three autistic children Within seconds after the announcement, my phone was getting texts and calls from the community ... lots of community members contacted us saying, What does that mean? Tonge said. Were saying hang fire. If youre already on [the NDIS], nothings going to happen in the next little while. But parents are concerned their childrens eligibility might change and that they might not get supports they need, especially after children outgrow early intervention, which is the focus of Thriving Kids. This [question] goes back to why weve got an NDIS in the first place ... autism doesnt disappear when the child turns 10. All autistic people are going to have some level of support its a life-long disability, not a developmental disability, Tonge said. Katie Koullas, from Yellow Ladybugs, says families are nervous because Mark Butlers comments about autism reflect a lack of understanding of the autistic experience. Credit: Eddie Jim That automatically means theyre ticking a lot of boxes in the current [NDIS] eligibility requirements. There seems to be a prevalent view that autism can be treated, which isnt the case. Tonge, a board member of the Australian Autism Alliance, said that while a national model was preferable to state-by-state programs, we need evidence to show some of these new programs are going to do what the community needs, and they need to listen to the community that knows what its talking about and sees the [autistic] childs challenges every day Melbourne mother Orit Brand has three autistic children, two of whom have above-average IQs, who need social and other supports. She said the NDIS system had been vital for her children, now aged 17, 14 and seven. Loading Each has improved their social skills, said Brand, who is also a counsellor. They have fewer meltdowns and that is a huge help in a family. They have made new friendships and grown self-esteem. We wouldnt be able to work or function as a family without the support of the NDIS. Her middle child had benefited most noticeably, and through one-to-one work with his counsellor had developed the skills to communicate better with his parents and friends. Socially, he is more confident and better able to participate in class, Brand said. The minister described Thriving Kids as supporting young people up to the age of 15 [but] a childs actual age often differs from his or her developmental age, she said. Cut-offs should be determined by young peoples needs, not arbitrary cut-off, she said. Angelique May-Bennett also wanted to see more supports in schools for neurodiverse students, and if that happened, staff should be provided with adequate training. If theyre going to be moving the support structure into the schools, they have to mandate training, whether youre an independent or a state school, it should be everybody, especially if theyre getting funding. Whats at stake if the government shifts supports out of NDIS into schools without mandating disability training is more children will be excluded like Billie was, she said. Katie Koullas, an autistic woman and chief executive of the autistic-led group Yellow Ladybugs, and whose daughter is also autistic, said there was a risk that Butlers announcement would divide the autism community by forcing families to fight to prove their need, instead of fixing the system itself. There may well be some benefits in whats being planned but when the minister talks about mild autism or says autism isnt lifelong, it really shows a lack of understanding about autistic experience, she said. Thats why families are so anxious right now. Skye Kakoschke-Moore, chief executive of Children and Young People with Disability Australia, has said that under the current access requirements children are already being removed from the NDIS in huge numbers. Loading She welcomed Butlers comments that children on the NDIS will stay on the scheme until reforms are ready. The minister has said he will consult with the disability community, and it needs to happen ASAP. It needs to happen in a genuine way, Kakoschke-Moore said. But she echoed that there was confusion and concern about how Thriving Kids would operate and if it was going to be run out of schools. Despite her booking one child for circumcision, after begging me I agreed to add one extra child, he said. Hassan administered morphine to David but did not administer it to the second child due to his age, and performed the procedure. The pair were sent home with their mother, and David remained asleep for a number of hours following the surgery. His mother said Hassan had warned her this would happen and may wake up feeling nauseous, but her second son had begun to bleed heavily from his wound and seemed to be in pain. Understandably, Mrs Flynn was focused on [Davids brother] from the time she arrived at her friends house. It is clear he was in distress and the problem in terms of his bleeding and pain was only getting worse, the coroner said. She checked on David about 6.30pm, about four hours after the procedure. His legs were cold to touch. She felt for a pulse on his wrist but could not feel one. Her friends son, who is a nurse, came into the living room and checked David but he could not feel a pulse either. David was not breathing, the coroner said. An ambulance was called, but David was later declared dead. A doctor came to tell Mrs Flynn that they had been unable to save David. She could not believe it. [She] had thought that David was going to recover, the coroner said. While she was trying to come to terms with Davids death, she was told [her second son] needed to be transferred to Perth Childrens Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to control bleeding from his frenular artery. Several specialists and experts offered advice at the inquest, with many forming the view it was unwise to give a child morphine, administer anaesthetic in a general practice setting, and discharge the boys without proper aftercare. Loading Hartley said it was likely opioid toxicity had caused Davids death. She said it was difficult to ascertain how much morphine he had received, due to incomplete record-keeping at the Gosnells Medical Centre. The coroner said David and his brother had also eaten before the procedure, as Dr Hassan had failed to warn their mother about the need for fasting. However, the coroner said the most concerning aspect of the case was the decision to let Davids mother take him home while still deeply sedated. It is hard to comprehend the fact that David was discharged from the clinic less than an hour and a half after he was administered the drug, she said. The coroner did not make any recommendations following the inquest, but said WA Police had reviewed the file and would not recommend Hassan face charges. However she did refer the case to the medical regulator, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The critical issue in Davids case arose out of the administration of sedation in the form of morphine, she said. Procedural sedation, particularly in children, comes with significant known risks. These risks can be mitigated if the sedationist complies with requirements aimed at ensuring patient safety. Loading Of particular relevance in this instance, is the need to ensure the setting in which the procedure occurs is appropriately staffed, equipped and set up, the patient is monitored peri and post-operatively and discharge criteria are strictly adhered to. Dr Hassan failed in his professional duty to take the necessary measures to ensure Davids safety. His oversights were inadvertent and he has acknowledged his shortfalls and expressed deep remorse for the catastrophic consequences. In a statement released through lawyer Noor Blumer, who represented the family during the inquest, the Flynns said they hoped no other family would suffer the loss of a beloved child as they had. The family has asked for strict provisions be put in place for the use of morphine and the post-surgical care after the administration of morphine be a requirement in all practices using morphine for minor surgical procedures, particularly involving young children, the statement read. The Flynn family would like to thank the first responders who tried their best to resuscitate David. An Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency spokesperson confirmed they were aware of the coronial outcome. We can confirm the information was shared with the [agency], they said. We take all concerns raised about the health, performance or conduct of a practitioner seriously. As we are currently considering this matter, we are unable to comment further at this time. Turning to politics, WA Premier Roger Cook has just been asked if he believes his plan to improve road safety is failing, after the state recorded the worst year to date on record for road deaths. During question time, Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr asked: 120 people dead so far this year. Why are you patting yourself on the back when you should be doing better? Roger Cook in parliament this afternoon. Thats a disgraceful question, like you are, Deputy Premier Rita Saffiotti could be heard saying. Member for Central Wheatbelt Lachlan Hunter interjected, and was then labelled as the biggest plonker in here by Member for Balcatta David Michael. The debate resulted in Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Stephen Price reminding members that this is quite an important place. Some of the language that has been used in some of the debates during this week has really pushed the boundary as to what is acceptable and whats not, he said. Id like to ask everyone just to think about their role here and how they contribute, because you do need to uphold a certain level of standard. Answering the question, Cook said all West Australians had a role to play, including making sure that you wear a seat belt, that you dont drive at excessive speeds, that you dont drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, that youre not distracted, and that youre not driving tired. Well continue through the Road Safety Council to be advised by the experts in relation to this, and continue to make sure we have the investments to ensure that our government is doing everything we can to keep Western Australians safe on the road, he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defied a call for calm from Australias top Jewish community leaders and escalated his conflict with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese by branding him forever tarnished by his plan to recognise a Palestinian state. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry wrote to Netanyahu on Wednesday to decry his clumsy and inflammatory intervention into Australian politics this week, which has included a personal attack on Albanese. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defied pleas from Australian Jewish groups and continued his war of words with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Credit: AP Albanese declined to escalate the diplomatic stoush on Wednesday, saying he treated other leaders with respect, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke hit back at the Israeli prime minister to the Jewish groups dismay. On Thursday, Netanyahu further escalated the war of words. When the worst terrorist organisation on Earth, these savages who murdered women, raped them, beheaded men, burnt babies alive in front of their parents and took hundreds of hostages when these people congratulate the Prime Minister of Australia, you know something is wrong, Netanyahu said in an interview with Sky News, to be broadcast in full tonight. Its difficult to put a price tag on Treasurer Jim Chalmers roundtable, but the three-day affair has pulled some of the nations top-paid executives and public servants away from their regular jobs. While the government did not pay anyone to attend the roundtable, an analysis of a dozen publicly disclosed salaries suggests that companies and in some cases, taxpayers are footing a significant bill for their appearance. Danielle Wood, chair of the Productivity Commission, Matt Comyn, Commonwealth Bank of Australia CEO and managing director, and Gina Cass-Gottlieb, ACCC chair. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen We know the salaries of 12 of the more than 40 high-powered Australians who surrendered their phones and diaries to sit at the oval (not round) cabinet room table, but collectively, their time over the three days was worth more than $142,000. Bran Black, chief executive of the Business Council of Australia, insisted it was time well spent. I think the positive thing about the conversation weve just had is that there are some points of agreement right around the room, he said in an interview on ABCs 7.30 on Wednesday, saying it was the best way to come to a consensus. The news Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has dropped a planned keynote speech at a building a better public service summit, but has scheduled time to attend a party event giving LNP donors access to cabinet ministers. Crisafulli had been billed to give the major speech at the day-long summit in Brisbane held by public sector news outlet The Mandarin, a slot now taken by assistant minister Trevor Watts. The premier, and other cabinet ministers, will instead spend time meeting with LNP donors who have paid the party to take part in its Corporate Observers program, also in Brisbane on Thursday. Builder Anthony Malone just received approval for a single-storey house hes building. It took 11 months and has 86 conditions of consent. He was recently cleaning out his office and found an approval for a four-townhouse project from 1991. It had five conditions. Malone said he had to pay professionals for a range of reports. Credit: Peter Stoop Hes not alone. On Thursday Treasurer Jim Chalmers identified better regulation and building more homes faster as reform priorities after the federal governments economic reform roundtable expressed support for simplifying the National Construction Code to speed up home construction, and pausing any additional rules unrelated to quality and safety. Housing Minister Clare ONeil has described the near-3000 page code as ridiculous in its complexity, although Labor before the election claimed an opposition policy to freeze the code would lead to poorer quality homes. Chalmers on Thursday said the minister could act with some urgency to reduce red tape and complexity in the code. More than a quarter of households contain one person, but 6 per cent of homes are one-bedroom apartments or studios, leaving some with few affordable housing options. The most common household type is two-person, a third of all. The most common dwelling size is a three-bedroom home, Cotality research found. More than 60 per cent of households have one or two people, in contrast to the popular idea of the nuclear family. But most homes are family-sized three-quarters of homes have at least three bedrooms. Cotality Australia head of research Eliza Owen said there is a mismatch between the number of people per household and the number of bedrooms per house. Advertisement InspirationAfrica Africas most beautiful hotels are decorated with repurposed junk Catherine Marshall August 21, 2025 3:08pm 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 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and when I enter Latitude 15 in Lusaka my eye beholds the most beautiful hotel in the world. Walls pop with contemporary African art and dreamy chandeliers adorn the ceilings. Materials are organic: leather, beads, wood, mud, feathers; this is a place that vibrates with earthy personality and juicy colour. Latitude 15 in Lusaka and its remarkable artworks. On closer inspection, the chandeliers are not light fixtures at all - theyre cascading copper discs and clay beads and fragments of pearlescent glass held together by delicate strands of wire. These luxe ornamentations come not from the European design houses of Baccarat or Murano, but from Likoma, a pinprick-sized island on Lake Malawi. So immense is the lake, it straddles three countries: Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique; Likoma, though part of Malawi, lies just a few kilometres off the remote eastern lakeshore in Mozambique. Here at the social enterprise Katundu, in Likoma, the largely female workforce crafts resplendent artefacts and functional furnishings from lifes detritus: wine bottles, hot water tanks, fishing boats, engine parts. Wine bottles we get from the [nearby] lodge, and junk we get from Lilongwe on the mainland, says Lisa Njakale, Katundus general manager. Advertisement Artisans Lucia Kuluw (left) and Pilirani Mwase at Katundu. The lodge, Kaya Mawa, where Im staying, is a dreamy lakeshore hideaway beautified with the womens beaded cushions, driftwood furniture and glass-and-bead string curtains. Here, whitewashed suites are tucked into outcrops overlooking the beach and rockpools bristling with kaleidoscopic cichlids. The scenery expands on the boat ride to Katundu: splintered granite shoreline, arabesque-branched baobabs, coral flame trees. Its a short climb from the dock to the thatched workshop, which sits on a hill overlooking an ocean-blue strip of Lake Malawi. Outside are baskets of seeds and broken glass, mounds of empty wine bottles and scrap metal. Ingenuity and reinvention extends to the enterprises engineering methods: to make those singular glass chandeliers, the artisans sandblast the wine bottles shards in PVC drums filled with sand and water and powered by a system of bicycle chains and tyre rims. It takes two days to achieve the scoured effect; when the fragments emerge from the tumbler, Njakale says, they look like beach glass. The lobby lounge of Latitude 0 in Kampala. Other jobs are done by hand: baobab fibre and maize husks are plaited into string, beads are stitched onto cushion covers, cogs coalesce into a giant map of Africa. These objects taking shape in the balmy breeze will find their way into prestigious hotels like Tongabezi Lodge in Livingstone, Zambia, Mukima Manor House in Kenya and Chongwe House on the Lower Zambezi; theyll be shipped to private homes on the other side of the world. Advertisement But Katundu doesnt produce art for arts sake. It was established in 2006 by Suzie Lightfoot, who lived on the island for 14 years when her husband, James, owned Kaya Mawa (its now part of Green Safaris portfolio). The couple co-founded interior and architectural design company Drift Design, the creative force behind Kaya Mawa, the Latitude Hotel Group (which James Lightfoot also co-founded) and other African properties. Idyllic though Likoma is, much of its population suffer from poverty and unemployment. Women and single mothers are particularly disadvantaged. Suzie Lightfoot saw an opportunity: to engage women in the design and creation of sustainable luxury items in an ethical environment [while] respecting the environment and utilising what it has to offer. Katundu general manager Lisa Njakale at work. Today Katundu employs 30 permanent artisans, tailors, welders and carpenters, more than 75 per cent of whom are single mothers and female orphan-carers. Some of Likomas magic accompanies their creations to the far reaches of Africa and the world, spawning a discerning fan base. Several years after my visit, I see guests peering up appreciatively at the copper chandeliers dripping from the ceiling of Latitude 0s lobby in Kampala. They stop to admire the tumbling glass curtains and driftwood lamp stands. And in The Works, the hotels meeting and workspace, they behold the coalesced cogs, which have come together to form that giant map of Africa. THE DETAILS Advertisement TOUR Bench Africas five-day Lake Malawi extension stay includes return flights from Lilongwe to Likoma Island, and accommodation at Kaya Mawa; from $4295 a person. Activities include a Katundu workshop visit. See benchafrica.com MORE Katundu, see katundu.com Latitude Hotel Group, see latitudehotels.com The writer travelled as a guest of Bench Africa. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Traveller Guides Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. The Laikipia highlands of Kenya are characterised by abundant wildlife and the lush landscapes that support it. Yet it is much less crowded than the Maasai Mara. Traditionally occupied by the Maasai, the Samburu and others with a culture of herding, the area also has a troubled history. Many of these occupants were moved on by British settlers and residual conflicts have persisted, with clashes reminding Kenyans of their turbulent past. The earthy tones of andBeyonds Suyian Lodge. Moving into Laikipia for the first time, safari company andBeyond is treading cautiously and respectfully. For starters, the site of the new andBeyond Suyian Lodge was chosen to allow for a meaningful contribution to the local community, as well as conservation efforts within Kenya alongside global conservation charity, Space for Giants. Advertisement Reviews & adviceTripologist Opinion Is there a quicker way to visit far-flung Greek Islands? Michael Gebicki is Travellers expert Tripologist. Each week he tackles the thorny issues in travel as well as answering your questions. Got a question for the Tripologist? Email tripologist@traveller.com.au Michael Gebicki The Tripologist August 22, 2025 5:00am August 22, 2025 5:00am Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 9 View all comments Were planning to visit Greece next May and are flying into and out of Britain. We have only two weeks and wish to visit Crete, Corfu, Santorini and Symi. How should we get to these far-flung islands given the time restriction? A. Matheson, Gordon, NSW The clear waters of Crete. iStock Crete and Santorini are both in the southern Aegean, connected by between two- and three-hour trips on direct ferries. Symi is close to Rhodes, in the Dodecanese, and the best way to get there is via a flight from Athens to Rhodes then a ferry to Symi, which takes just over an hour. The only practical way to get to Corfu, on the western side of mainland Greece, is also via a flight from Athens. Your itinerary means youre going to be passing several times through Athens Airport and each time youre going to spend time waiting for connecting flights and that means a day of travel. Since you require at least two trips through the airport, thats two days gone. That doesnt make for a relaxing holiday, which is the antithesis (a Greek word!) of what a Greek island jaunt should be. Unless you have a pressing reason to visit Symi, Id replace it with Sifnos, a three-hour ferry trip from Athens, and about the same from Santorini if you take a fast ferry. My partner, our three-year-old and I plan to live in Japan for six months from August 2026. While there we want to do a four- to five-day trip once a month. Can you suggest some destinations beyond the common tourist hit list? J. Francis, Banora Point NSW Angel Road in Shodoshima Island. iStock Advertisement For a warm-weather destination, Shodoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea. Its got beaches, olive groves, a mountainous interior with hiking trails and a cable car across Kankakei Gorge. At the eastern end of the island, is Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio, a studio that recreates the traditional Japanese village setting of the 1954 movie Twenty-Four Eyes. Ferries from Takamatsu or Shin-Okayama provide access to the island. The Sanin Coast in western Japan is one of the countrys least populated regions, with cultural heritage and natural attractions. Its rugged coastline features lost-in-time fishing villages and post towns, stopping points on the old imperial roads. Its Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple is anchored to a cliffside while Daisenji Temple is part of a complex that once had more than 100 temples and 3000 warrior priests. The Tottori sand dunes offer camel rides and the nearby Tottori Sand Museum and coastal walks are just some of its family-friendly attractions. Access is by train to Tottori or Matsue, and you need to rent a car to access its scenic and cultural wonders. Off Kyushu Island in southern Japan, the Amakusa Islands are a lush, subtropical part of the country, with amazing geological formations and wild dolphins that can be seen on boat tours. This was an early outpost of Christianity, and the islands have a number of functioning Christian churches. You might also take a hike along the Amakusa-Matsushima Olle Trail, and for a very traditional stay, spend a couple of nights at Gosoku-no-Kutsu Onsen. Best access is in a hire car from Kumamoto, but theres a fabulous train ride aboard the historic A-Train operated by the Kyushu Railway Company. Australians can stay in Japan for up to 90 days as tourists but for your six-month stay, youre going to need visas. See the website of the embassy of Japan in Australia for more information. We will be stopping for two days at Kotor in Montenegro on a Windstar cruise in early September. Any recommendations for day trips, or is there somewhere close enough that warrants a trip away from Kotor to stay overnight? L. Taylor, Sans Souci, NSW Summer in Perast, on Kotor Bay. iStock Due to its surroundings, set deep in its bay and enclosed by steep mountains, your time is probably going to be best spent exploring the immediate surroundings. Theres plenty to do here, wandering the cobbled laneways of Kotors old town, exploring its historic churches and Venetian fortifications and climbing the city walls to the Fortress of San Giovanni. Its a steep climb but the views are sensational. If you want to explore a little more widely, take a boat or a taxi to Perast, just 20 minutes away, a gorgeous waterfront village with baroque palaces and churches around the waterfront. From here you can take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks. A 40-minute drive from Kotor gets you to the walled, sea-girt city of Budva, which invites comparisons with Dubrovnik. My husband and I are thinking about a European winter cruise in December. It will be our first-ever cruise and we are aware, from friends experiences, that there are extra charges involved once you are on board. We will read the terms and conditions, but do you have any general advice? C. Brougham, Mornington, Vic Advertisement Majestic views during the chilly season. Getty Images A European winter cruise in December can be a terrific experience, but for first-time cruisers particularly, those all-inclusive cruises can quickly turn into some-inclusive once youre on board. Your fare will almost certainly include water, tea, coffee and perhaps juice, but thats it. Soft drinks, cappuccinos and anything stronger will cost extra. Drinks packages can be worth it if youre a steady sipper, but do the sums first. Even bottled water outside the buffet area can come with a price tag. Your cruise fare buys you the main dining room and buffet, but specialty restaurants cost extra. Decide early if you want to splurge on one or two and if so, book ahead because theyre popular over the festive season. Shore excursions booked through the ship are pricey. In many European ports, you can put together your own day out using local transport, or book smaller independent tours for less. Most cruise lines add a daily service charge of 12 to 18 ($21 to $32) a person. This can sometimes be adjusted, but keep in mind its a significant part of the crews wages. Internet at sea is slow and expensive. Unless you need 24/7 connectivity, save your browsing for the times you can tap into Wi-Fi at a cafe or via an eSIM. Spa treatments, thermal suite access and wellness classes are generally extra. If youre tempted, look for port day specials when most passengers are ashore. Laundry can add up unless your ship has self-service machines. In winter, pack layers you can re-wear, plus some travel detergent for handwashing in your cabin. Ship photographers are everywhere and those glossy prints cost more than you might think. For maximum value, scan the ships daily schedule lectures, music, trivia and other included activities will keep you occupied without digging into your wallet. Travel advice is general; readers should consider their personal circumstances Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. 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 On a map, the gains hardly seem noticeable, measured in hundreds of metres, not hundreds of kilometres. But as US President Donald Trump presses Ukraine and Russia to make a deal to end their war, President Vladimir Putin of Russia is pushing to capture as much land as possible along a front line that stretches about 1000 kilometres. As ever-growing swarms of surveillance drones make any movement on the battlefield dangerous, the Russians are sending in small groups of soldiers on foot who are harder to detect. They effectively sneak past the Ukrainian troops, regroup and then attack, repeating this cycle as they inch forward. A soldier from Ukraines 33rd Separate Mechanised Brigade at the scene where a Russian glide bomb struck minutes earlier near Pokrovsk last week. Credit: NYT These groups gained some territory this month, especially in the crucial eastern Donetsk region near the embattled city of Pokrovsk. Larger formations of Russian troops also outflanked some Ukrainian defences with drones and sheer numbers, raising fears that the front line could start to crumble as the most concerted effort at peace talks in three years gets under way. Ukrainian forces have largely pushed the Russians back from their recent gains and stabilised the front line after moving in reinforcements, according to interviews and battlefield maps. The fighting, however, remains intense. General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraines top military commander, said Russian troops were stepping up their offensive actions in the north of Donetsk while continuing to push toward Pokrovsk. Loading Said Colonel Dmytro Palisa, commander of Ukraines 33rd Mechanised Brigade: Given that political negotiations and deals are starting to emerge, Putin is trying to use the short amount of time left to grab as much territory as he can. His team recently moved to an area near Pokrovsk, which Russian troops have been trying to capture for more than a year. Advertisement On Sunday, he sat on a dark-blue pleather couch inside a dugout near the fighting. Bombs could be heard in the distance. The makeshift room, built of plywood and netting, smelled like soil. A man sweeps away debris at an apartment building after a Russian glide bomb struck nearby minutes earlier near Pokrovsk. Credit: NYT He doesnt care how many Russian soldiers die or how much equipment is lost, Palisa said of Putin. What matters to him now is to seize as much of the Donetsk region as possible. This, in turn, could have a negative consequence for us because it would force us to enter any negotiations from a weaker position. It has been a long time since this was a fast-moving war. Russia gained much of the territory it now holds in 2014, when it seized the Crimean Peninsula and then fomented the proxy war that followed in eastern Ukraine, and in the early months after launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Russias control over Ukrainian territory has been close to 20 per cent for the past year. Loading But recently, Ukrainian defences along a frontline running through the east and south of the country have at times flagged. Russian troops captured twice as much territory in May after starting their spring offensive as they had the month before. While the Ukrainian military has stemmed significant territorial losses, the most battle-hardened brigades are exhausted after being used to plug holes and engage in the most serious fighting wherever it exists. Advertisement The Azov brigade was recently moved to the Pokrovsk area, along with brigades like the 33rd and the 59th. Many soldiers have been fighting since 2022; some, since 2014. Despite a draft of all men aged 25 to 60, despite flashy billboard campaigns featuring soldiers riding giant cats, the Ukrainian army is having difficulty recruiting new soldiers. Last month, Ukraine even adopted a law allowing citizens older than 60 to voluntarily enlist. A soldier from Ukraines 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade moves provisions into a bunker at a position near Pokrovsk. Credit: NYT To understand what is happening in the war, look no further than Donetsk, a focal point on the battlefield and in peace negotiations. Putin insists that Donetsk, which makes up the core of a historical area known as the Donbas, belongs rightfully in Russia. At his meeting with Trump in Alaska on Friday, Putin seemingly convinced the US president that Ukraine needed to give up the entire Donbas to Russia to achieve peace. But Russia controls only about three-quarters of Donetsk. In the Ukrainian-controlled area of western Donetsk, fighting is fierce. The small groups of soldiers that Russia is using, numbering two, three or four, have exploited gaps in the Ukrainian front line near the town of Dobropillia. Advertisement It is this area where drones and missiles are now pounding villages on a regular basis, destroying post offices and schools. It is where Russia has been unable to turn small gains on the battlefield into actual breakthroughs, despite suffering huge losses. And it is where Putin and Trump want Ukrainian soldiers to walk away, after an 11-year fight, in exchange for a peace deal. The battlefield map maintained by DeepState, a Ukrainian group with ties to the military, shows Russian incursions growing in early August about 12 miles north-east of Pokrovsk, with small fingers of troops making gains to the west and the north. This area has little strategic significance but a definite opportunity. By August 11, the Russians had pushed about 13 kilometres north in two long incursions that resembled rabbit ears, east of Dobropillia, the map showed. A Russian Defence Ministry image shows soldiers raising the flag among ruined buildings in Chasiv Yar in Donetsk. Credit: AP And then, on August 15, the map showed the Ukrainian troops severing the rabbit ears from the rest of the Russian forces, effectively trapping the Russians who were there. Their goal is to rush forward as far as possible, stop and hold a line, Palisa said. They simply charged ahead and settled in place. There wasnt any deep strategic meaning behind it. At least 21 Russians had surrendered in the previous three days, he said. Those who dont, we destroy, he added. Advertisement Creeping offensive Vitalii Piasetskyi, the chief sergeant of the 93rd Mechanised Brigade, said his brigades units were operating in two directions, including between Kramatorsk, one of the two major cities in Donetsk, and Dobropillia, where the enemy has managed to infiltrate deep into our defensive lines. He said the unit had stormed and cleared small settlements. This is the tactic they are now using infiltration that succeeded just beyond the limits of our area of responsibility, Piasetskyi said. He said mechanised assaults had become rare because of the large number of drones in the air that can detect the movement of armoured vehicles, trucks and motorcycles. Dobropillia has witnessed some of the most intense fighting of the war. Credit: Getty Images Its a creeping offensive, he explained. His forces have discovered and eliminated many of the small groups of Russian troops. But some of these groups do get through, Piasetskyi said. A soldier from the 1st Corps Azov of the Ukrainian National Guard stationed at the front near Dobropillia played down the seriousness of the recent Russian incursion. But the soldier, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to talk to the media, said Russian offensive actions had increased after the most recent flurry of peace talks ended. Both Piasetskyi and Sergeant Oleksandr Karpiuk, of the Inquisition unmanned systems battalion in the 59th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade, reiterated a frequent complaint from the front line that the Ukrainian army does not have enough personnel, not enough drones. Advertisement Washington: Australia is uniquely positioned to help the Trump administration diversify its critical minerals supply chains, ambassador Kevin Rudd says, and is putting cash on the table that should be considered amid pressure over defence spending. Speaking at an event in Washington, the former prime minister said discussions were under way about how to deliver pricing certainty on the global market for those minerals and rare earths including a potential price floor, as Resources Minister Madeleine King has also confirmed. Australian ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen We are confident that if we get these policy settings right, Australia will be in critical minerals and rare earths a great power, if not a superpower in the world, Rudd said. Thats how nature has endowed us, its what were good at, and contrary to the views of some, it is a massively high-technology business. Considering were still yet to reach our 15th year in business, it highlights how supportive mortgage brokers have been of our offering and vindicates our decision to do things differently from our competitors, he said. There are almost 500 properties in Carlow housing Ukrainian refugees that qualify for the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP). The ARP is a monthly payment of 600 available to those providing accommodation to a person or people who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. The scheme launched in July 2022 and has gradually gained popularity in Carlow. In January 2023, there were just 53 properties in receipt of the payment. That figure increased to 176, 12 months later, and more than doubled to 387 by January of this year. The latest figure from July this year shows 494 recipient properties. Revealing the figures in the Dail, Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said to date over 339m has been paid nationally to some 26,100 recipients in respect of hosting over 56,700 temporary protection beneficiaries. As of 13 July 2025, some 16,900 hosts are accommodating almost 39,600 temporary protection beneficiaries in over 21,800 properties supported by the ARP. Under the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, which underpins the scheme, a host may apply for the scheme where they are the owner of the property or a tenant of the property, and where they have the consent of the owners and/or other tenants. There has been some criticism of the scheme nationally from opposition politicians who say it should be means-tested and that it also impacts the rental market. Sean McCarthaigh A psychiatrist who took up a job working with children and teenagers in Donegal, despite giving an undertaking to the Medical Council not to practise in Ireland due to fears about his suspected misuse of controlled drugs, has been found guilty of professional misconduct. A fitness-to-practise inquiry by the Medical Council found a series of allegations proven against psychiatrist, Syed Zubair, and noted he had demonstrated a lack of trustworthiness, integrity and honesty. The inquiry concluded that Dr Zubair had failed to disclose that he already had an agreement with the Medical Council that he would not practise medicine in the Republic during a job interview in September 2018 for a post as a registrar with Donegal Mental Health Services. Dr Zubair had given an undertaking not to practise in May 2016 after the regulatory body had been notified of concerns that his patients might be at risk as a result of allegations that he was intoxicated or under the influence of substances while working in the acute psychiatric unit of Roscommon University Hospital. The 53-year-old native of Pakistan did not attend the fitness-to-practise inquiry which was held over three days earlier this year. It is understood he is currently based back in Pakistan, although he has previously expressed a desire to return to Ireland to work. A total of 12 allegations of professional misconduct against Dr Zubair were outlined at earlier hearings of the inquiry. The psychiatrist, who qualified as a doctor in 1996 and first registered to practise in Ireland in 2007, worked with Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Donegal between March 20th, 2019 and July 5th, 2019. Several allegations related to his application for the role with CAMHS in September 2018 and declarations he made after securing the position as well as his failure to comply with the undertaking given to the Medical Council not to practise medicine. The chairperson of the fitness-to-practise committee, Marie Culliton, said such declarations were manifestly untrue and inaccurate. Separately, five allegations of professional misconduct were also proven that Dr Zubair had written prescriptions for various drugs on stationary from Donegal Mental Health Services without permission under the name of another patient which he presented at various pharmacies in Letterkenny, Co Donegal in 2019. Some of the dates occurred at a time when he had ceased working with CAMHS. In a written response to a complaint to the Medical Council about such conduct, Dr Zubair claimed his seeking such prescriptions was an honest mistake and not anything deceitful The inquiry found the psychiatrists actions in relation to four of these allegations also represented poor professional performance. A finding of professional misconduct was also made over Dr Zubair inappropriately and dishonestly requesting a letter from a Roscommon GP, John Keenan, in December 2015 to state that he had prescribed Diazepam for the psychiatrist when he had not done so. A similar finding was made in relation to his declaration in an annual retention application form for registration in Ireland in July 2019 that he had not given any undertaking which would restrict his licence to practise which he knew was untrue. The fitness-to-practise committee ruled that one allegation that he had provided inaccurate and misleading information to the Medical Council in an e-mail in October 2019 that he was stuck in Pakistan and had not been offered any promising job offer was not proven. Ms Culliton said the contents of the e-mail were open to interpretation so that the evidence did not establish facts to the required standard of proof. The inquiry heard that Dr Zubair had initially engaged with the Medical Council over complaints made against him in 2019 but had no further contact with the regulatory body since 2021. Solicitor for the Medical Council, Sinead Taaffe, said a sanction at the upper end of the scale was warranted in the case. Ms Taaffe said actions that represented dishonesty should be regarded as serious misconduct. In a submission, the solicitor said the primary objective of any sanction should be the protection of the public and maintaining confidence in the medical profession and the regulatory process. Ms Culliton said the committees recommendation on sanction would be notified to the Medical Council in due course. Any sanction will also need to be formally ratified by the High Court to take effect. In November 2019, a High Court judge expressed serious concern about defective procedures within the Medical Council which had resulted in Dr Zubair being employed by Donegal Mental Health Services without knowing he was precluded from practising medicine at the time. Mr Justice Peter Kelly said no prospective patient or employer of a doctor had any way of finding out from the regulatory bodys website that such an undertaking was in place. In February 2020, the judge subsequently welcomed the introduction by the Medical Council of safeguards to address the circumstances which arose in the case of Dr Zubair. A BUSY road in Portlaoise is closed to traffic this evening, while emergency works are carried out on a burst water main. Traffic on the Dublin Road is being diverted at Portlaoise hospital and a detour is in place, with significant delays expected. In a warning on social media at about 5.30pm, Laois gardai said: Following an incident in Portlaoise, Uisce Eireann/Irish Water mains repairs are currently underway on the Dublin Road in the town. Traffic leaving Portlaoise on the Dublin Road is being diverted at the hospital. A detour is in place. Significant delays are expected. Motorists are advised to please consider an alternative route, where possible. The burst main will affect water supply in Portlaoise and surrounding areas until later tonight. Irish Water confirmed that repair works will continue until 10pm tonight. Residents may experience reduced water pressure or temporary outages during this period. Customers are advised to allow 3-4 hours after repairs for full supply restoration. The company said that crews on site are working to resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible. TULLOW Macra is inviting young adults from across the region to discover why the club might just be the best place to meet new people, learn new skills and have a great time with no swiping required! On Wednesday 10 September at 8pm, the parish centre in Tullow will host an information evening to launch the new Macra year. Attendees will hear firsthand about the benefits of joining the organisation from leadership development and travel opportunities to the vibrant social scene thats helped many members find lifelong friends, and even partners. You dont have to be a farmer to join, said Patrick Jordan, a Tullow Macra member. Macra is a dynamic organisation with clubs in towns and villages across Ireland. We welcome anyone aged 17 to 35 whos interested in rural life, community and having fun. The organisation has evolved alongside Irelands changing demographics. Today, only one-third of members work directly in agriculture, with the rest coming from all walks of life, united by a shared interest in rural development, social connection, and personal growth. If you come along to the information night, youll see what Tullow Macra and the wider Macra community has to offer. Its more than just a club. Its a place to belong, said Patrick. Advertisement Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) leaders - including Chairman Jabu Moleketi, Head of Strategic Projects and Investments Horacio Ardiani, and Chief Revenue Officer Bheki Mthembu - have met with South Africa's Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau. The engagement focused on PPCs ZAR3bn (US$160m) investment in a cutting-edge integrated cement plant at Riebeek West, Western Cape. The new facility, with 1.5Mta capacity, is slated for commissioning by late 2026 or early 2027. Aligned with PPCs Awaken the Giant strategy, the plant will incorporate state-of-the-art energy-efficient technology, including a dedicated solar generation system and significant reductions in coal, electricity use, CO 2 , NO x , SO x , and dust emissions. It will replace two aging facilities while maintaining continuous operation during construction. Officials also addressed broader industry challenges, including infrastructure rollout, poor-quality cement, product imports, energy reliability, and rail transport concerns. The project is backed by a strategic EPC contract with Sinoma Overseas Development Company, an experienced global cement equipment and engineering firm. Construction is expected to commence in Q2 2025, with commissioning targeted by end-2026 or early 2027. PPC says the initiative underscores its commitment to sustainability, cost efficiency, and deeper alignment with South Africas infrastructure development goals. The Dalton Police Department named its Officer of the Award winner at Tuesday morning's meeting of the Public Safety Commission. Master Patrol Officer Sean Hudson was recognized as the June 2025 recipient of the award for his work to coordinate the agency's Summer Law Cadet Program. The annual summer program brings together students from the high schools in Whitfield County with first responders from the DPD, Whitfield County Sheriff's Office, and other agencies to learn about careers in law enforcement. The program is hosted by the local American Legion post which also provides support for the program. "The program has been around for a while," Assistant Chief Chris Crossen told the members of the Public Safety Commission. "Several years ago, MPO Hudson started coordinating the program and it has really taken it to a new level. It used to be, you know, 15 or 20 students from Dalton High School with our school resource officers and some members of the American Legion... well, it is now expanded to where it encompasses every high school in Whitfield County, it encompasses the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office, other first responders, and they really give (students) an experience in the summer of what it's like to be a first responder." Assistant Chief Crossen also told the PSC that Officer Hudson's work is being used as a blueprint for other American Legion posts around Georgia to create similar programs for their communities. "Michael Schwartz, the Georgia State Vice Commander of the American Legion, came and observed the camp because he heard about it, and he now wants to take this to other American Legion posts around the state and make this the model of how a program like this could be run during the summer," Assistant Chief Crossen said. "You know, when we started, there were several other states in the country that do something similar. We were the first in Georgia," Officer Hudson told the PSC. "I believe were now up to six (cities) now (with similar programs) and I just handled a call from Ellijay and they would like us to come out and help them get started with the program so theyd be number seven." "Its exciting to hear that you can have all of those entities pulling together, especially in the summertime," said Truman Whitfield, the PSC chairman. "Sometimes you've got a lot of free time that doesn't get capitalized on by the youth and if you can pull that many resources together for that kind of participation, it sounds like youve basically designed a model program for the state... that's pretty impressive." Bishop Kevin Adams, Sr. of Olivet Baptist Church, 740 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. in Chattanooga, announces they will host "Ready Right Now Credit Summit" on Saturday, Aug. 31 from 2-3 p.m. at the church.Guest Lecturer will be Dr. Michael C. Grayson, president & CEO of the Credit & Debt Management Institute.Officials said, "According to Wealth Magazine, Dr. Grayson is the number one credit expert in the world, with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and businesses unlock financial freedom.His groundbreaking credit algorithm has helped create more millionaires than anyone in Americaand now hes coming to Chattanooga to help build even more."The event is presented by the Chattanooga Chapter of the National Action Network. Additional sponsors are Community Art Summit, Alton Park Development Corporation, WPTP 100.1 FM Radio, Tennessee Democracy Network and Brewer Media.The event is free and open to the public. Middle Valley Church of God, 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson, announces that Pastor Mitch McClure will be preaching this Sunday on "If We Can Just Follow Him, We'll Be Okay" in the 10:30 a.m. service. "The purpose of the sermon is to lead all believers to know that the role of the Holy Spirit is to draw us to Jesus Christ, and through Jesus Christ we have access to God the Father. His purpose is to get us to the Father and redemption," officials said.Each Sunday at 5:30 p.m. the church conducts a prayer meeting that is open to all who wish to participate, and is designed to encourage prayer.Information on various methods of prayer will be shared with participants. "The goal of this prayer meeting is to encourage believers to seek God through prayer," officials said.Each Wednesday at 7 p.m., an interactive Bible study will be held in the church auditorium. Pastor Mitch McClure is currently leading this Bible study that deals with the rapture of believers. "The goal of this Bible study is to encourage believers to study the Bible and discuss with others, making the Scripture their guide," officials said.Middle Valley Church of God is a community focused church with various ministries in the Middle Valley area and in Cusuna, Honduras. The community is welcome to join in times of worship and community service. MVCOG has been ministering in the Middle Valley Community since 1948 from the same location. If you have questions, contact the church office at 423-843-1539.MVCOG will make public announcements about dangerous road conditions and cancellations. Postings about cancellations will be made on the church Facebook page. First Horizon Foundation announced on Thursday a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee to support relief efforts in Chattanooga. The funds will directly benefit the community by helping to provide essential services and critical resources. Jay Dale, Chattanooga market president for First Horizon, said, Nothing is more important than meeting the challenges our communities face. Stepping in to support the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee at this critical time is a top priority for us. We know the hard work begins as the weather subsides; and just as we have throughout our history, were stepping up to support efforts that will strengthen our neighbors as they move forward. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly applauded the support from the First Horizon Foundation. He said, In times of emergency, Chattanoogans come together to support each other. First Horizon continues to be a vital partner since opening their doors in our city in 1905. Whenever our community has faced extraordinary circumstances, First Horizon has not only stepped forward in ways to meet immediate needs but continues to provide sustaining support. For that, we are grateful. The American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee offers emergency financial aid, recovery planning and long-term support to those impacted by the recent floods in Chattanooga. Efforts will include financial assistance and grants for community-based services. Anyone affected by the flooding can call 1-800-RED-CROSS for assistance and to help the local American Red Cross chapter identify and reach those in need. The recent 65 vote in favor of Plan Hamilton is not just disappointingit is a breach of public trust. Hundreds of residents called, emailed and showed up to voice opposition. Commissioner Shipley warned that Sale Creek schools are already at capacity, with Soddy-Daisy schools not far behind. Commissioner Highlander returned from just two days away to find 700 messages from constituents, every single one opposed to more density. Yet the majority of the commission pressed forward anyway. The bigger issue is trust. Commissioner Helton admits he stopped building homes in the unincorporated county after joining the commissionyet refused to recuse himself on this vote. Stopping only until your own plan passes is not a sacrifice; its strategy. Commissioner Chauncey makes money from real estate. Commissioner Sharpe is now seeking his real estate license. These are not just appearances of conflict; they are conflicts in plain sight. Developer Jason Farmer stood up and said he was proud to be an advocate for private property rights, claiming he and his industry are not the enemy. But lets be clear: when your paycheck depends on cramming subdivisions into communities that lack the infrastructure to support them, you are not a neutral partyyou are the problem. When residents are begging for schools, roads, and fire protection before more growth, and your answer is to push density anyway, that is greed in action. Im proud of the five commissioners who voted against this plan. If three others had recused themselves, as they should have, we could have moved forward in a way that reflected the will of the people. Commissioners are supposed to represent the people who elected them, not the industries that stand to profit from looser rules. The residents of Hamilton County deserve better than a plan pushed through by those with financial stakes in the outcome. Its time for leadership that prioritizes infrastructure, schools and public safety over special interests. Anything less is a disservice to the people you were elected to serve. Jason Kirk Unincorporated Bakewell, Tn. * * * I agree 100 percent with the thoughts conveyed by the author of the recent opinion piece titled " A Breach of Public Trust". Last Wednesday's Hamilton County Commission meeting was a huge disappointment for residents of unincorporated Hamilton County seeking protection from the predatory development that is taking place in their communities currently. The Commission room was packed with residents attending the meeting to request a NO vote to Resolution 825-18. Despite all the public outcry, 6 commissioners voted YES; 3 of these commissioners make a living selling or building homes. They can personally benefit from the passage of this Resolution. They all stated that their personal interests would never interfere with how they vote; they refused to abstain when asked to do so by several residents. A commissioner's job is to represent the people. On Wednesday the will of the people was ignored, voices were silenced and democracy died. Cathy Faulkner Harrison Sometimes its easy to overlook the treasures right in our own backyard. But when you take a moment to step back, it becomes clear just how special it is to live in Collegedale, Tn. As a city commissioner, I have the privilege of seeing our community from many different anglesand I can tell you, theres so much to be proud of here. We are fortunate to have miles of beautiful greenways that invite you to walk, bike or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon outdoors. Our public spaces are safe and welcoming, with multiple inclusive playgrounds for children of all agesincluding the gem of Little Debbie Park. Pickleball courts, open fields and family-friendly amenities make it easy to stay active and connected. And when you need a moment of reflection, Veterans Park is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served, complete with memorial statues and flags from every state. Community life thrives here. The Commons hosts a wide variety of fun events year-round, while the local library keeps families engaged through programs like the summer reading challenge. Even our municipal airport gets in on the action, bringing neighbors together for movie nights under the stars. And when it comes to dining, Collegedale doesnt disappoint. From cozy restaurants to a wide variety of cuisines, youll never be far from a good mealor a great slice of pizza. Add in the abundance of dentists, doctors offices, and other essential services, and you realize just how well this small town takes care of its people. Safety is another blessing we sometimes take for granted. Here, you dont think twice about leaving the door unlocked. If theres an emergency, Tri-Comm and Hamilton County EMS respond swiftly. And if a child ever goes missing, every available police officerincluding the chiefwill be out searching until theyre found. Thats what it means to live in a true community. Collegedale is also a town that looks outward with generosity. Churches, nonprofits and local volunteers regularly rally to provide thousands of pounds of food, clothing, and furniture to places like the Samaritan Center and the Apison Food Pantry. Its a place where lending a hand is part of the culture. For a town of our size, were also rich in educational opportunities. With a thriving university, excellent public and private schools, and homeschool co-ops, anyone who wants to learn can find a place here. Its no wonder so many people are moving to our areaand moving to Tennessee in general. Collegedale offers the perfect balance of small-town charm and big opportunities. Safe, caring and community-driven, its a place worth celebrating. Sometimes we just need to pause and appreciate what we already have. And in Collegedale, we truly have so much. Im proud to serve the people of this community. If you love living here too, think about getting involvedmaybe by serving on one of our city boards like Parks & Rec, Library, or Airport. And if being a board member isnt for you, thats fine toojust start making plans to enjoy the Christmas parade with your family and neighbors. Thats the beauty of Collegedale: theres a place for everyone to belong. Laura Howse Collegedale Commissioner A UTC freshmen sent this photo showing students and staff sheltering in place Police and rescue personnel at UTC photo by Hamilton County EMS Police and rescue personnel at UTC photo by Hamilton County EMS Previous Next The UTC campus was locked down early Thursday afternoon after reports of an active shooter. An all clear alert went out just before 2 p.m. At 1:03 p.m. the UTC X account sent out this message: UTC ALERT: Possible active shooter in the University Center or Library. Run. Hide. Fight. More info forthcoming. At 1:40 p.m., the UTC X account said: UTC-ALERT: Law enforcement is completing a search of the campus. No threat has been identified at this time. UTC police said late Thursday afternoon: "On Thursday, at approximately 12:29 PM, the Hamilton County 911 Emergency Communications District (HC911) received an emergency telephone call indicating that there was an active shooter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) campus. HC911 immediately notified the UTC Police Department (UTCPD) Emergency Communications Center. The UTC Police Department (UTCPD), Chattanooga Police Department (CPD), Hamilton County Sheriffs Office (HCSO), Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD), and Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service (HCEMS) immediately responded. Additional local, state, and federal agencies responded immediately thereafter to assist, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Department of Safety & Homeland Security Special Agents, Tennessee Park Rangers, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). "The UTC Library, University Center, and Fletcher Hall were quickly and methodically cleared by law enforcement toensure there was no danger to the university community. Members of the UTC community were advised to Run. Hide. Fight. consistent with the Universitys response to armed intruder incidents. "Individuals who were evacuated did so without incident. Once law enforcement ensured that there was no threat to the UTC community, students and employees were advised that all University classes and activities were cancelled, and that they may leave campus for the remainder of the day. "There was no evidence of any shooting or other threat to the University community, and no injuries were reported. "The University extends its gratitude to our first responder partner agencies for their prompt response and unwavering support of our community. "All classes and activities will resume on Friday, Aug. 22, at 8 a.m. Employees should report at their scheduled start time. "This incident is actively under investigation by the UTCPD, CPD, HCSO, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).If you have any information about this incident, please call the UTC Police Department at 423 425-HELP/4357." United Way of Greater Chattanooga hosted its third-annual United for Working Families Summit on Aug. 19, hosting more than 400 leaders from across business, nonprofit and government sectors to continue the momentum in uplifting working families. Officials said, "The event has become a national model for how communities can mobilize to support ALICE families, those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. "The latest ALICE data shows that nearly 11,000 households with children in Hamilton County are now living in financial hardship, a 15 percent increase in just one year. These families are working hard, often multiple jobs, but still can't afford the basics. The survival budget for a family of four with two children in childcare has surged by $20,000 in just two years, underscoring the urgency of this movement." This summit, and movement at large, is all about local solutions with real results, said Lesley Scearce, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Chattanooga. Our regions workforce is filled with hardworking people doing all they can to provide for their families, but still falling short. Together, we have the power to change that story by using our workplaces and leadership to create real pathways for families to thrive, not just survive. The 2025 summit gathered 70 local nonprofits and 50 local businesses. Organizations leading the way and sponsoring this work are Tennessee Valley Authority, Southern Champion Tray, TextCare, Unum, Kenco, Chattanooga Gas, Mckinsey Global Institute, and Vayner Media. To see photos from the day, visit unitedwaycha.org/ufwfgallery. As United Way helped us learn more about ALICE, we realized that while we were offering competitive individual wages, they werent enough to support families," said Gianetta Jones, senior vice president and chief people officer at Coca-Cola Bottling Company United. "That insight led us to restructure our frontline pay to better reflect the real cost of living for working families in Chattanooga. Supporting our employees in this way isnt just the right thing to do, its good for business." The 2025 summit featured a lineup of speakers, including: Claude Silver, chief heart officer at VaynerMedia, shared be the reason the room feels better as she encouraged everyone to lead with empathy. Christine Motherwell, SVP of Human Resources at Coca-Cola Consolidated, and Gianetta Jones, SVP and chief people officer at Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, shared stories of working families and pointed to real solutions in United Ways Family-Friendly Workplace Guide. Kevin Russell, senior fellow at the McKinsey Global Institute, shared how companies can increase "empowerment impact" through their connections, contexts and capabilities, based on a global research framework. Hassan Hammoud, senior manager of essential services of Ford Philanthropy, and Matt Marshall, president and CEO of United Way of West TN, shared their BlueOval project and how its revitalizing West Tennessee. Officials said, "This summit is part of a broader initiative to build family-friendly workplaces across Greater Chattanooga. By partnering with local employers, United Ways ALICE@Work has worked with 240 organizations, touching nearly 24,000 employees, to help them better understand and support their ALICE employees. The 2025 summit highlighted United Ways cross-sector collaboration in pursuit of a shared mission: helping all working families thrive. With remarks from Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and City of Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, the event offered a tangible picture of the regional collaboration and participation in this movement. "The 2025 summit showed what a 'connected community' looks like in action. As Ken Jones, United Way of Greater Chattanooga board chair, said in his opening remarks, 'when a community comes together with a shared purpose, to uplift every family, we strengthen our local economy and our community at large.' :United Way invites the community to join the United for Working Families movement by stepping up to give, advocate and volunteerthree powerful ways we can all help build a stronger, more resilient Chattanooga. Learn more and get involved at unitedwaycha.org/workingfamilies." The Lee University School of Music will present Dr. Muen Vanessa Wei, piano, in a faculty recital on Monday, Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Squires Recital Hall, located in the Humanities Center on Lees campus. The recital is the seventh concert in Weis Complete Beethovens Piano Sonata Concert Series, which showcases all 32 of Ludwig van Beethovens Piano Sonatas over five semesters. The performance will feature Sonatas Op. 2, No. 2; Op. 26; Op. 81a Les Adieux; and Op. 101. Beethovens sonatas are like intimate conversations across time, each revealing a facet of his genius, said Dr. Wei. In this recital, we encounter the playful wit and exuberance of Op. 2, No. 2, the profound gravity and solemn funeral march of Op. 26, the tender farewell and longing of Les Adieux Op. 81a, and the quiet introspection and lyrical grace of Op. 101. Through these works, I hope to guide the audience on a journey through Beethovens heart and imagination." Dr. Wei joined Lees School of Music in 2021 as an assistant professor of piano and teaches courses such as applied piano, piano seminar, and piano for ministry. She also serves as the director of Lees Presidential Concert Series. Prior to Lee, she served as a guest professor at China West Normal University and piano faculty at New Tampa Piano and Pedagogy Academy. She has collaborated with many great musicians such as Lynn Harrell, Ian Hobson, Peter Lloyd, and Joel Smirnoff. Dr. Wei also has a debut album titled Im 3/4 Takt that was considered one of Centaurs finest releases to date by Fanfare. She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana, a Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and a Bachelor of Music from the China Conservatory of Music. The recital is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. Livestream viewing will be available at leeu.live. For more information about the concert, contact the Lee University School of Music at music@leeuniversity.edu or call (423) 614-8240. Dr. Deborah Rosenow, assistant professor of elementary education at Lee University, has been selected to serve on the Governors Early Literacy Foundations Educator Advisory Council. She will serve a two-year term beginning in the 2025-26 academic year. Dr. Rosenow is one of nine new members chosen from a pool of 48 applicants. She will serve on the rising third grade focus group of the statewide council, which is made up of 25 current and former K5 educators, literacy specialists, librarians, and school leaders. The EAC supports GELFs mission to strengthen early literacy in Tennessee. We are delighted to have Dr. Rosenow representing Lee University and the broader educational community on this important initiative, said Dr. Bill Estes, dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education. Her experience and passion for literacy will be a valuable asset to the council and to students across the state. As part of her responsibilities, Dr. Rosenow will help review and select books for GELFs K3 Home Library program, which provides curated book sets to students across Tennessee. She will also collaborate in developing instructional resources, such as student Thinksheets and caregiver guides, to accompany selected titles. Additional duties include participating in focus groups, supporting community literacy outreach, and assisting with the foundations Tenn Under 10 initiative. "It is such an honor to be selected to serve on the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation Educator Advisory Council, said Dr. Rosenow. I look forward to collaborating with professionals from across the state as we work to provide engaging resources that will enrich the literacy experiences of Tennessee's youngest readers." Dr. Rosenow joined Lee Universitys Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education in the Helen DeVos College of Education as a full-time faculty member in 2020. With more than 30 years of experience in education, she has taught students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in Hawaii, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, South Korea, and Tennessee. She holds a Doctor of Education from Carson-Newman University, an EdS in principal licensure, an MEd from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a BS from Oklahoma Baptist University. Dr. Rosenow is a National Board-Certified Teacher and operates Rosenow Literacy Consulting, an education firm providing K12 literacy training across the United States. Her work has been published in the Journal of Literacy Innovation, and her professional affiliations include the International Literacy Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and NASA Explorer Schools. For more information on the Governors Early Literacy Foundation and its Educator Advisory Council, visit governorsfoundation.org. For more information about Lee Helen DeVos College of Education, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/education/. Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ Saint Augustine's University A United States District court order ensures that a historically African American university affiliated with The Episcopal Church will remain accredited as it begins classes next month. 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. 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. On October 27, 2024, Pastor Jonathan Barker delivers a speech at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin. | Screenshot: YouTube/ Grace Lutheran Church kenosha (ELCA) A liberal Lutheran pastor in Wisconsin resigned after his bishop informed him that endorsing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., for president during a Sunday sermon would violate denominational guidelines. According to a letter from Bishop Paul D. Erickson of the Greater Milwaukee Synod, a former Pastor Jonathan Barker stepped down from Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha and relinquished his credentials as a minister in the progressive Mainline Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Erickson explained that he learned last Wednesday that Barker, 41, was planning to preach a sermon endorsing Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the far-left faction in the U.S. House of Representatives known as the Squad. Although Ocasio-Cortez has not announced a 2028 presidential run, she is currently 35 and eligible to run for the White House. Barker cited the recent declaration by the IRS under the Trump administration, stating it would not enforce the Johnson Amendment on pastors who endorse political candidates. This longstanding restriction threatens the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status of churches and nonprofits if they endorse candidates or involve themselves in political campaigns. Critics argue that the law infringes on the First Amendment rights of religious leaders and ministries to speak out on political issues. Supporters, however, see the restriction as a necessary measure to keep church and state separate. The bishop called Barker last Wednesday to discourage him from making the endorsement, emphasizing that the Johnson Amendment, passed in 1954, remains the law of the land even if it is not actively enforced. Furthermore, Erickson highlighted that the denomination has adopted a "Social Statement on Faith and Civic Life" that supports the Johnson Amendment and "discourages rostered ministers and congregations from making political endorsements." At the end of their call that Wednesday, Barker told Erickson he would pray about his decision not to endorse a candidate. The next day, Barker called Erickson to resign from the church and the ELCA ministerial roster. Erickson stated, This resignation takes effect immediately, meaning that he is no longer considered a pastor in this church, and asked the community to hold Jonathan and his family in prayer as he discerns how best to fulfill his baptismal calling in this world. As a liberal social activist, Barker has a history of advocating for progressive policies such as climate change, universal health insurance, and raising the minimum wage. He was arrested and cited for disorderly conduct in August 2023 after he super-glued his feet to the pavement near a Milwaukee parking garage to prevent drivers from entering and exiting, on the day of the Republican primary debate, according to arrest records. President Donald J. Trump (center) hosted the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev (left), and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan (right), for a historic peace summit at the White House, where they signed a peace agreement on August 8, 2025. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ The White House President Donald Trumps recent comments suggesting he could earn his way to Heaven by ending the Ukraine-Russia war sparked a wave of theological debate on social media regarding good works and salvation. During a phone interview on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday morning, Trump stated, I want to try and get to Heaven if possible, adding, I hear Im not doing well. I hear Im really at the bottom of the totem pole. He continued, But if I can get to Heaven, this will be one of the reasons, referring to an effort to negotiate an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict that he would contribute to. Evangelist and Samaritans Purse CEO Franklin Graham did not criticize Trump for his comments but used the moment to clarify the Gospel. President [Trump] brought up the topic of Heaven on Fox News yesterday morning, and Im glad he did because many people struggle with the question of how we can get there, Graham wrote. We do get to Heaven by good works not by our own good works, but by the perfect work of Gods Son, Jesus Christ, when He came to earth, took our sins to the cross, shed His blood, died, was buried, and God raised Him to life on the third day. We all have the promise of eternal life if we repent of our sins, trust Him by faith, and make Him the Lord of our lives. Evangelist Justin Peters suggested that Trump has been poorly advised by some of his well-known evangelical faith advisors if he believes he can earn his salvation. How sad that after being exposed for many years to some of the most high-profile 'Christian' preachers in the country, Mr. Trump still does not understand the Gospel, Peters wrote. Trumps former attorney Jenna Ellis echoed Peters concerns, stating, This isnt powerful, its sad. President Trump has had many faithful Christians around him who have told him the truth of the gospel (I know, Ive been one of them and Ive been in the room) that it is not by works that we attain salvation; only through confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and by His righteousness are we saved, citing Romans 1. William Wolfe, executive director of the Center for Baptist Leadership, urged Christians criticizing Trumps soteriology to instead pray for him. Trump has publicly expressed strong faith that God played a role in his narrow escape from an assassins bullet on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. Following that near-fatal incident, he thanked Franklin Graham for his influence and spoke humility about his survival during his address at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Recalling his first exposure to the Gospel at Billy Grahams rally at Yankee Stadium when he was young, Trump said hes trying to be a better person after Grahams son sent him a note advising against foul language. Im trying, Trump said. Im working so hard to adhere to his note to me. Im working hard on it, frankly. But if the events of last Saturday make anything clear, it is that every single moment we have on Earth is a gift from God. Home News Drag shows to resume on campus at West Texas A&M after judge rules ban unconstitutional A federal appellate judge has halted a ban on student drag performances at a Texas university in what some free speech advocates hailed as a significant victory. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Tuesday struck down a lower court ruling that temporarily halted West Texas A&M Universitys ban on student drag performances. The decision allows student groups, including the pro-LGBT organization Spectrum WT, to host drag shows on campus while litigation continues. The controversy began in March 2023 when West Texas A&M President Walter Wendler unilaterally canceled a drag show organized by Spectrum WT to raise funds for suicide prevention. In a campus-wide email, Wendler justified the cancellation, stating that the event offended and demeaned women, while acknowledging that the law of the land appears to require him to allow it. Wendler later canceled a second drag show planned for March 2024. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) filed a lawsuit on behalf of Spectrum WT, President Bear Bright, and Vice President Marcus Stovall, arguing that Wendlers actions violated the students First Amendment rights. Although a district court initially denied FIREs motion for a preliminary injunction in September 2023, the Fifth Circuits ruling on Tuesday overturned that decision. Judge Leslie H. Southwick, writing for the majority, emphasized that theatrical performances, including drag shows, are protected expressive conduct under the First Amendment. The court found a substantial likelihood that Spectrum WTs claims would succeed, ruling that Wendlers censorship failed to meet constitutional standards. FIRE is pleased that the Fifth Circuit has halted President Wendlers unconstitutional censorship and restored the First Amendment at West Texas A&M, said FIRE Supervising Senior Attorney JT Morris. This is a victory not just for Spectrum WT, but for any public university students at risk of being silenced by campus censors. FIRE Attorney Adam Steinbaugh added, Were overjoyed that our clients will now be able to express themselves freely, and well be watching to make sure that President Wendler obeys the law of the land while the case proceeds. In response to a CP request for comment, Wendlers office declined, adding that the university doesn't comment on pending litigation. In March, U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal granted a temporary injunction against a similar drag show ban across Texas A&M Universitys 11 campuses. The ruling ensures that Draggieland, an annual drag show organized by the Queer Empowerment Council at Texas A&M University-College Station, can proceed as planned. In her ruling, Judge Rosenthal emphasized the constitutional protections afforded to theatrical expression like drag, drawing on centuries of historical precedent. Performances by men dressed as women are nothing new, she wrote. Men have been dressing as women in theater and film for centuries. It is well-established among scholars of Shakespeares literary works that, when his plays were written and performed, female characters were played by young men dressed in womens attire. She referenced the Royal Shakespeare Companys documentation, noting how this practice was standard in Elizabethan England. Home News Fmr. CofE priest, founder of Nine O'Clock Service found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault Chris Brain denies allegations, tells court sexual encounters were consensual A former Church of England priest who led an influential Evangelical movement in Sheffield has been found guilty of sexually assaulting nine women from his congregation. Chris Brain, the 68-year-old founder of the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS), was convicted on Wednesday of 17 counts of indecent assault following a trial at the Inner London Crown Court. He was cleared of an additional 15 charges of indecent assault. Another four counts of indecent assault and one count of rape are still being deliberated by the jury. NOS was founded by Brain in 1986 with the aim of appealing to young people. It blended live music and multimedia, and attracted hundreds of young people in its heyday during the late '80s and early '90s. It was eventually wound down in 1995 amid allegations of sexual abuse. During the trial, the court heard claims that Brain misused his position to prey on vulnerable women in the congregation. One woman claimed she had been assaulted by Brain after returning from a traumatic night spent helping families to identify victims of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. Prosecutors alleged during the trial that NOS had become a "cult" and that "a staggering number" of women from the congregation were targeted. Brain denied all of the allegations, telling the court that any sexual encounters with women in the NOS movement were consensual. He also denied claims that he had manipulated or bullied church members, describing NOS as a free, open, really caring, very fun environment. Responding to Wednesday's verdict, the Diocese of Sheffield said: "The jury at Inner London Crown Court today returned verdicts on 32 of the 37 charges against Chris Brain comprising of guilty and not guilty outcomes in respect of the indecent assault charges. "As the remaining five charges are still being considered by the jury we will comment further when the trial is fully completed. This article was originally published at Christian Today Home News Former Life.Church intern arrested, accused of child porn possession A former intern with the Oklahoma-based multisite church Life.Church has been arrested and charged with possessing child pornography. Austin Sewell, a 25-year-old resident of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was arrested last month by federal authorities and charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. According to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Sewell received or distributed at least one video of a minor male victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct and possessed files of child pornography within Indian Country earlier this year. Authorities received a tip in late June that an individual believed to be Sewell was posting apparent child pornography on an account with Kik, a messaging app popular with young people. The Kik account showed multiple videos displaying prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct and another involving an adult male, according to the complaint. An investigation found 30 images and videos associated with the cyber tip that authorities received, as well as several anime images of child sex abuse material. While tracking down the owner of the Kik account, authorities discovered that Sewell had logged into an IP address at Life.Church, though it is not stated in the complaint whether he had viewed child pornography while at the church. The investigation found that Sewell had worked at the Midtown Tulsa location of Life.Church as an operations intern, reportedly starting in January, and his social media has listed him as a current employee. According to the complaint, Sewell told investigators that he did it because he was bored due to not having anyone to talk to and not for reasons of sexual gratification. In a statement to the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based News on 6, Life.Church staff said they were shocked and deeply concerned by the news of the arrest. While he is a former intern and was no longer serving when this came to light, we maintained our high standards for safety prior to and during his operations internship, including conducting a background check and ensuring that he served alongside other adults, stated the church. He is restricted from serving in any capacity in the future. We take the safety of our church community extremely seriously and will continue to prioritize the security and well-being of everyone in our care. Life.Church also stated that the only thing that Sewell had accessed from the IP address of the church was his personal email, according to News on 6. In 2022, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation placed Kik on its Dirty Dozen list of entities that allegedly profit off sexual exploitation and fail to protect underage users from sexually graphic content. By 2023, NCOSE reported that Kik had implemented nearly all of the advocacy groups recommended safety standards, including monitoring chats for sexually graphic material, requiring users to be at least 18, and automatically turning on the explicit content filter for all accounts. Home News Frank Caprio, popular Christian judge known for showing mercy, dies day after asking for prayer Frank Caprio, the beloved chief municipal judge in Providence, Rhode Island, who became a global sensation after his judicial work marked by kindness and compassion became a hit in the Caught in Providence television series, has died. He was 88. Caprios passing was announced Wednesday by his son, David Caprio, in a video statement on his Facebook page. It is with profound sadness that I share the news that my father, Judge Frank Caprio, passed away today peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, he said. On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers, your thoughts, and your unwavering support for him throughout his journey. Your love lifted [him] in ways that words cannot describe, he continued. David Caprio explained that when his father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about two years ago, he was expected to die much earlier. Uplifting public support, however, made him outlive his diagnosis. My father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about two years ago, and he had great medical doctors to treat his physical illness. However, it was the love and the support that he received from all of you that lifted his spirits and boosted his soul to find the strength to fight on and outlive his diagnosis by a year-and-a half, David Caprio said. So, in his memory, spread a little kindness today. I know he would love that. A day before his passing, the beloved judge, who was a devout Catholic, expressed his faith in the power of prayer in a video in which he asked his supporters to pray for him on Tuesday. Last year I asked you to pray for me, and its very obvious that you did because I came through a very difficult period. Unfortunately, Ive had a setback. And Im back in the hospital now, and Im coming to you asking you again to remember me in your prayers once more, he said. Im a great believer in the power of prayers. I think the Almighty above is looking over us. So remember me, please. In addition to serving as the chief municipal judge in Providence, Frank Caprio also served as the former chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors a position he was re-appointed to six times since he first got the job in 1985. Caprios passing has triggered an outpouring of condolences online, including from Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein, co-presidents of Lionsgates Debmar-Mercury. Judge Caprios unique brand of compassion and commonsense approach to justice caught the attention of daytime TV and social media audiences, making Caught in Providence a fan favorite. We will miss him dearly, and our hearts go out to the Caprio family, they wrote in a statement Wednesday night. Caprio leaves behind his longtime wife, Joyce Caprio, five children Frank Jr., David, Marissa, John and Paul and multiple grand and great-grandchildren. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has also recognized the judge as a state treasure and ordered flags at all state agencies to be flown at half-staff in his honor. Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure. As we mourn his passing, my thoughts go out to his family, friends, and all who loved him. I've also directed Rhode Island flags at all state agencies and buildings to be flown at half-staff in Judge Caprio's memory. I ask all Rhode Islanders to lower their flags as a sign of respect, he said in a statement. He was more than a jurist he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity. Whether you grew up watching Judge Caprio on television or first saw his kindness touch lives around the world on social media, there is no question that his legacy will leave a lasting mark across generations. Home News James Dobson says media not 'truthful' in reporting on migrant detention centers As the Trump administration faces condemnation this week in response to reports of inhumane conditions for migrant children held at overcrowded border detention centers, conservative evangelical leader James Dobson said the media has not been truthful in its reporting on the issue. Dobson, a psychologist who founded Family Talk Radio and Focus on the Family, sent his July newsletter to thousands of friends and supporters to share his firsthand account of what he saw at an immigration detention center in McAllen, Texas. As conservative evangelical leaders have been kept informally engaged in various aspects of the Trump administration, the 83-year-old said he was invited on the trip several weeks ago by the White House as federal agents are struggling to deal with a massive influx of poor and destitute human beings. Dobson, who served on the Trump 2016 campaign's evangelical advisery board, said he promised U.S. Custom and Border Patrol agents that he would go home and tell as many people as possible what I had seen up close and personal. Please believe me when I tell you that the media and leftist politicians have not been truthful about what is going on there, Dobson stressed. It is a human tragedy. He said that about 5,500 people arrive every day in districts organized along the U.S. border with Mexico. According to Dobson, McAllen is the busiest and most besieged of all the districts. The refugees arrive exhausted and ragged from walking hundreds of miles. Among them are large numbers of children, many of whom are unaccompanied by a caring adult. Last year, 382,000 aliens were apprehended for illegally crossing into this country and almost 100,000 of them were minors, Dobson explained. Some of the kids have been abused along the way. Many of them carry lice, scabies or other diseases. Currently, the facility I visited is experiencing a flu epidemic, and there are no additional beds on which to lie. Dobson added that some of the migrant women have been raped, and at least 70 people of varying ages are sent to hospitals every day along the border. He stressed that doctors and medical staff are overwhelmed by their patient load. Remember that word, overwhelmed, he wrote. It describes every aspect of the effort to deal with the situation there. Dobson explained that the most heart-wrenching experience from his visit occurred during a tour of the holding area at McAllen, which he described as a huge gym-like building that is comprised of several fenced-in areas. Each one is crowded with detainees standing or sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on benches. They stared out at us with plaintive eyes, relayed Dobson. I noticed that almost none of them were talking to each other. The children looked traumatized and frightened. Tears flooded my eyes as I stood before them. They had no toys or dolls, except for a few items bought by compassionate Border Patrol agents. One of those items, he said, was a doll that a little girl was holding that was bought for her by a patrol agent. There are few provisions made to accommodate the children. The week before we were there, a delegation of agents went to meet with members of Congress and begged them for additional money to buy Pampers, toothbrushes, and other necessities, Dobson wrote. They were turned down flat. These meager supplies have to be purchased with the Border Patrol budget, which is stretched to the limit. Dobson added that he is among the majority of Americans who want to see the border closed to those who enter illegally, saying there has to be a better solution. I have wondered, with you, why the authorities dont just deny these refugees access to this nation. Cant we just send them back to their places of origin? Dobson wrote. The answer I received was No. According to Dobson, only 10 percent of the detainees are Mexicans, while migrants from over 127 countries have come to the southern border this year alone. They speak their native tongues, which means they cant be understood by each other or the staff. What are we to do with them? The Mexican government will not take them back, and there is no place to send them, he explained. Our current laws do not permit us to repatriate them to their country of origin. This is a disaster with no solution or projected conclusion. Dobson stressed that many migrants and asylum seekers sell their possessions to pay coyotes to guide them into the country. I was told that some of the vulnerable children are recycled repeatedly to help men gain entry to this country, he said. An unknown number of these men are hardened criminals and drug runners, and they are difficult to identify. Most make their way across the border. I have been under the impression that these would-be immigrants try to cross the Rio Grande River and outrun or evade the agents. That is not true of most. They come in large groups, from 100 to 400 people at a time. As I write this letter, a record 1,200 people arrived together at El Paso, Dobson continued. The refugees quickly give themselves up to agents. That is why they have made this journey. They know they will be fed, medicated, and treated humanely, even if they are in holding areas while they are in our custody. Then they will be released on American soil. Dobson blamed liberal policies, lawmakers and courts for the nations immigration policy. It is a well-known fact that President Obamas administration established many of these unworkable policies, and Congress is steadfastly unwilling to change them, Dobson asserted. Every effort at reform has been overridden or ignored. It is set in stone. Democrats want massive numbers of immigrants who will someday become voters. Some Republicans support the policies because they want cheap labor for agricultural purposes. The border could be fixed, but there are very few in authority who seem to care. On Thursday, the Democrat-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve a Senate-passed measure that would provide $4.6 billion to address the surge of migrants coming to the border. The measure will be sent to Trumps desk to sign. As the administration took much heat after reports showed migrant children being detained without toothbrushes and basic sanitary items, Vice President Mike Pence stressed earlier this week that Democrats were to blame for the condition facing migrant children. Pence said that the Trump administration tried to negotiate for more bed space during the federal shutdown but Democrats in Congress turned down such a request. "The children come first. At the end of the day, we have to make sure that the resources needed to protect the children are available," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, wrote in a letter to Democrats, according to CNN. "Therefore, we will not engage in the same disrespectful behavior that the Senate did in ignoring our priorities. In order to get resources to the children fastest, we will reluctantly pass the Senate bill." Dobson also said in his letter that Trumps border wall is urgently needed. He seems to be the only leader in America who comprehends this tragedy and is willing to address it, Dobson said. Those who oppose him do everything they can to impede his effort. Home News Man gets life in prison for killing pastors wife who was trying to lead him to Christ A man convicted in June of the 2023 killing Eunice Dwumfour, a pastors wife and Republican New Jersey councilwoman, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday. New Jersey Superior Court Judge Joseph Paone imposed the maximum sentence on 31-year-old murder convict Rashid Ali Bynum at the end of an emotional hearing in the courtroom in New Brunswick, according to NJ.com. Bynum also received an additional 10-year sentence expected to run concurrently with the life sentence for two weapons charges. Dwumfour was gunned down in her car just outside her townhome in Sayreville on Feb. 1, 2023, by Bynum. Her then 11-year-old daughter, who heard the shots that killed her, told the court that she still hasnt recovered from the traumatic event. I still have not recovered, she wrote in a statement read to Bynum by Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Pridgen. Why did you kill my mom? I am struggling to know why? Despite the conviction, authorities never gave a public a motive for Dwumfours killing by a man her widow says she was trying to lead to Christ. Eunice tried to bring him into the church, was trying to lead him to Christ. I dont see thats a bad thing for somebody to be led to Christ, Dwumfours widow, Eze King, told the judge. At the time of her murder, Dwumfour, a 30-year-old mother, had recently married King who was serving as a pastor in Nigeria. Along with her work as a councilwoman, Dwumfour also served as a pastor at the Joshua Iginla Lasisi-led Champions Royal Assembly megachurch headquartered in Nigeria. Investigators said she was also an officer of Fire Congress Fellowship, a related entity of the church that has a branch in Virginia, WFMZ reported. Bynum was listed in Dwumfours cellphone contacts under an acronym for Fire Congress Fellowship. According to NJ.com, Dwumfour and Bynum had been roommates "when she recruited him for her Bible study group in New Jersey." Prosecutors say Dwumfour asked him to leave after he refused to follow the "house rules." Bynums defense attorney Michael Ashley reportedly asked the judge to consider that Bynum was mentally incompetent at the time he killed Dwumfour, but the prosecution countered that argument by showing how he calculated her murder. Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Tzvi Dolinger explained that Bynum started plotting the murder of the pastors wife five days before the act. He then drove from his home in Virginia to wait for her to return to her home in the dark. He was in the dark all alone, waiting for the perfect moment, Dolinger said. "Your mother should be disgraced that she brought you into this world, Eunice's sister, Priscilla Dwumfour, told Bynum at the sentencing hearing. She needs to take you out of it." Home News NY student allowed to decorate parking space with Bible verses after threatening to sue A public high school in upstate New York has agreed to allow a senior to adorn her personal parking space with Bible verses after receiving a demand letter alleging a violation of the student's First Amendment rights. Attorneys for Sabrina Steffans, a Christian senior at Grand Island Senior High School near Buffalo, fired off an 11-page letter to the school's leadership last week threatening legal action after administrators allegedly denied designs for her personal senior parking space because of their explicitly Christian content. The demand letter explained that students pay a $50 fee and use their own supplies to create designs for their designated parking spaces, which must be approved by school staff. Grand Island Central School District Superintendent Brian Graham told The Christian Post in a statement that the district "remains committed to fostering an inclusive school environment that respects the rights and dignity of all students," and that the district decided to allow Steffans her original parking space design after weighing the possibility of costly and lengthy litigation. Two of Steffans' three proposed designs that quoted chapter-and-verse Bible quotations were rejected by Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey and Assistant Principal Jaime Peld, who reportedly claimed her parking space would necessitate allowing satanic imagery on other students' parking spaces. The first of Steffans proposed designs featured a cross, a heart, messages about God's love and John 14:6, in which Jesus made an exclusive claim, saying, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." "If we had to approve your cross, we'd have to approve a satanic symbol, and I wouldn't want to attend a school like that," the administrators reportedly told Steffans, whom they advised to disguise the cross symbol in her design as the letter T. Steffans' second design, which was also rejected, quoted "Let your light shine" from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:16 and used the cross as the T in the word "light." She also quoted God's promise of hope from Jeremiah 29:11. Her third design was approved after it removed explicit biblical citations of chapter and verse, though it did retain "Let your light shine" and affirmation that "He is King." Steffans, who has led the Bible club at her school, reportedly asked her principals why she was facing pushback for her parking space after having been allowed to include Scripture references on Bible Club posters at the school. "I just let that one slide," her assistant principal said, according to the demand letter. Graham, the superintendent, told CP that while the school district leaders "strongly dispute any assertion that our policies or decisions violated the rights of any student, the Board of Education and District leadership, after careful consultation with legal counsel, have decided that the student in question will be permitted to proceed with her original senior parking space design." "This decision reflects a thoughtful balance between upholding the law and avoiding prolonged, expensive, and divisive litigation that would ultimately distract from our shared mission supporting student success." Graham added that the district will take time in the coming months to review the high school senior parking space program and consider if adjustments are necessary. "We thank the many members of our community who shared feedback, perspectives, and support during this discussion. Open and respectful dialogue is a hallmark of public education, and its something we will always value," he added. Keisha Russell, who serves as senior counsel for the nonprofit First Liberty Institute, which was involved with the case, praised the school district's recent move in a statement provided to CP. "We are pleased that the school district changed course and will allow Sabrina to truly express her deeply held beliefs in her design," she said. "The First Amendment protects students' private expressions of faith in public schools." Home News Muslim clerics, officials in Indonesia force Christian prayer house to shut down, expel evangelist SURABAYA, Indonesia Officials and Muslim clerics in a village in West Java Province, Indonesia, ordered the closure of a prayer house, expelled an evangelist and indefinitely halted all Christian activities there, media outlets reported. Citing lack of a worship building permit, state officials and Muslim clerics from the local chapter of the Indonesia Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia, or MUI) closed the Immanuel prayer house of Bethel Tabernacle Church of Indonesia in Purbayani village, Caringin Sub-District, Garut Regency, effective on Aug. 2. The closure came in an order signed by the sub-district head, the sector police chief and the district military commander, according to Kompass.com. Expelled from the prayer house and the sub-district under the order was a 43-year-old evangelist, Dani Natanael, and his son, a third-grade elementary school student, according to Kompas.com. The order also forbade Christian activities by the church and stipulated that if the owner of the prayer house wants to re-establish activities, the church must obtain permits. It ordered the church to refrain from any anarchic actions that could disrupt public order and security, meaning Christian activities, Kompas.com reported. The forced eviction of the evangelist occurred after officials from the West Java Province Ministry of Religious Affairs documented the churchs religious activities based on its Reporting Certificate (SKTL, or Surat Keterangan Tanda Lapor), said Bethel Tabernacle Pastor Yahya Sukma. The SKTL is an official document issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs for multiple regions and religions that organize large-scale and extensive outdoor activities. The document might also require groups to obtain a police escort. Before allowing officials of the West Java Provincial Department of Religious Affairs to gather information on the churchs activities, the Caringin Religious Affairs Office and members of the District Leadership Communication Forum went to the prayer house and removed the evangelist and his son. They then took Dani and his son to a hotel on Rancabuaya Beach at 11 at night, Pastor Yaha said, according to lawjustice.co. The reason was to avoid an attack [by Muslim extremists]. Immanuel Prayer Houses temporary permit, as stated in the SKTL, expires in February 2026. Pastor Yahya reportedly said that besides sealing the prayer house and expelling Dani and his son, the government also banned them from remaining in Caringin Sub-District. This ban on worship is a violation of human rights, Pastor Yahya said, according to Tempo.co. Dani reportedly said he was ready to leave the house and would not participate in the prayer house or other Christian activities in Caringin District, Kompas.com repoted. He and his son have reportedly taken refuge in Bandung Regency, according to Tempo.co. Religious freedom advocate Permadi Arya, known as Abu Janda, expressed his sadness about the incident on his Instagram account on Aug. 12. He questioned whether it was appropriate for minorities to celebrate the Aug. 17 Indonesian Independence Day. This is todays news. Is it still appropriate for us to celebrate independence when some Indonesian minorities are not yet free to worship in the western part of the country? Permadi wrote. He stated that legislation governing worship permits Chapter 1, Article 3 of the Joint Decree of the Two Ministers states that worship at home does not require a permit. According to Chapter 1, Article 3 of the Joint Decree of the Two Ministers, it must be understood that praying at home does not require permission, he stated on his Instagram account. Those who need permission are those establishing churches. Praying at home does not require anyones permission, and no one has the right to refuse, as the right to freedom of worship is protected by law. The Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI) also strongly condemned the closure. As a result, approximately 20 Christian communities in Caringin District and the surrounding area are left without a house of worship, GAMKI stated on its website, gamki.or.id. If they wish to worship, they must now travel approximately three hours to the nearest house of worship in Garut or Pangalengan. The joint decree of 2006 states in Article 14, Worship activities may be held in residences, meeting halls, or other places with the consent of the local community, as long as they do not disturb public order, GAMKI noted. Therefore, non-permanent places of worship are not required to have a building permit like permanent houses of worship, and in this sense, the eviction and closure of worship activities at the Immanuel prayer house have no legal basis. Catholic Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunyamin told the 2025 National Gathering of the Interfaith Harmony Forum (Forum Kerja Sama Umat Beragama, FKUB) and religious institutions in Jakarta on Aug. 5 that religious freedom is guaranteed in Indonesian law. There is no problem of tolerance in Indonesia the law constitutionally guarantees it, Bunyamin said. Article 28E and Article 29 guarantee religious freedom by the ideals of the nations founders. Taking firm action against crimes committed in the name of religion needs to take precedence over debating cases of intolerance, the bishop said. Lets continue to maintain harmony, uphold justice and build the nation with a spirit of unity for a peaceful Indonesia, he said. Indonesian society in recent years has adopted a more conservative Islamic character, and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to Open Doors. This article was originally published at Morning Star News Home News Pastor Jamal Bryant, boycott leaders urge Target to reinstate DEI policies as CEO announces exit Outspoken activist megachurch pastor Jamal Bryant and leaders of the national Target boycott initiative are urging incoming Target CEO Michael Fiddelke to reinstate the retail giant's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies or follow the trajectory of his predecessor, Brian Cornell. The warning comes as many black consumers and their allies have avoided shopping at Target in response to the company scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies under Cornell's leadership and his halting efforts to address the disagreement amid plummeting sales. "Incoming Target CEO, Michael Fiddelke has an important choice," Jaylani Hussein, co-founder of the national Target boycott and executive director of Council on American-Islamic Relations-Minnesota, whose parent organization is classified as a terror organization in the United Arab Emirates and faces calls to be labeled such in the United States, said in a statement to The Christian Post Wednesday. "He can restore public trust by reversing these harmful DEI rollbacks or continue down the failed path of Brian Cornell. If he chooses the latter, Target risks declining to a point of no return." In recent years, Target, its main competitor Walmart and several other large corporations have reevaluated their DEI policies in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 ruling, which found that the admissions policies of the University of North Carolina and Harvard University that use race as a factor were unconstitutional. Additionally, the Trump administration has also pressured entities to drop DEI initiatives. "Target took its most loyal customers for granted," Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney, founder of the Racial Justice Network, and co-founder of the national Target boycott, said. "Instead of standing with communities that have supported them for decades, they chose profits over people and it has cost them billions of dollars and millions of shoppers who have vowed not to return." In announcing the company's leadership change on Wednesday, Target said in a statement that it is maintaining a forecast of a low-single digit decline in sales for fiscal year 2025. "Net Sales of $25.2 billion in the second quarter were 0.9 percent lower than last year, reflecting a merchandise sales decrease of 1.2 percent, partially offset by a 14.2 percent increase in non-merchandise sales," the company explained. "Comparable sales decreased 1.9 percent in the second quarter, reflecting a comparable store sales decline of 3.2 percent, partially offset by comparable digital sales growth of 4.3 percent." Cornell, who has served as Target's CEO since 2014, will step down effective Feb. 1, 2026, when Fiddelke is also expected to take the helm of the retail giant. Cornell is expected to serve as executive chair of Target's board of directors after he steps down as CEO. Bryant, a prominent voice in the Target boycott effort and the leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, told Capital B Atlanta that he was aware that Cornell was on the way out as early as Wednesday, but he was caught off guard by Wednesday's announcement. "At least six weeks ago, we knew that [Cornell] was going to be leaving at the end of the year, but we were not expecting an announcement to happen this soon," he told the publication. Beginning on March 5, Bryant and his church committed to what they called a 40-day fast from shopping at Target. The Georgia pastor accused the retail giant and other large corporations of capitulating to Trump's push to end DEI policies that he says "undermine our national unity." Earlier this year, Bryant rejected an offer from Target to settle the dispute with a pledge from the company to invest $2 billion into black-owned businesses by July 31. Bryant, who called Target's DEI rollback a "spit in the face of black people," claimed to his congregants that their boycott had caused the share price of the company to tumble. Target's stock price is amid a years-long sharp decline that began around 2021, when the stock price reached a peak of around $260 per share and fell by over $100 per share within a year. The Target stock fell from around $173 per share in early 2023 to around $112 by November 2023. By April 2024, the stock price rose to around $170 per share. Over the next year and a half, the stock stayed around $145 to $160 per share. In November 2024, the stock price fell from around $156 per share to around $120 per share in a matter of days. Since the start of 2025, the stock price has fallen almost 30% to $96 per share. At the start of the year, Target announced that it would face an expected "meaningful" drop in its first quarter profits due to "ongoing consumer uncertainty," soft sales in February and concerns about tariffs, CNBC reported at the time. Across the retail industry, sales were down more than expected to start 2025. Although the sales drop impacted the retail industry, the stock price for one of Target's largest competitors, Walmart, continues to grow and has seen a 30% rise over the last year and 8% increase since the start of 2025. In June, Bryant accused Target of trying short-change the boycott efforts by making a $300,000 donation to America's largest historically black denominations. In addition to the demand that Target honors its $2 billion pledge to the black business community "through products, services, and black media buys," Bryant's Target Fast campaign also demanded the retailer deposit "250 million amongst any of our 23 black banks," restore "the franchise commitment to DEI" and "pipeline community centers at 10 HBCU to teach retail business at every level." Bryant accused Target of trying to go around him to find partners who would, in his words, "sell out" the black community. "You thought you was going to go around me and go to the National Baptist Convention and then sell out for $300,000. Are you crazy to think that we going to sell out for chump change? You must not know who we are. Our father is rich in houses and land," Bryant declared. Cornell also met with longtime African American civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton in April. Sharpton, who heads the National Action Network, called the meeting "constructive." Bryant told Capital B that he hopes Fiddelke will successfully negotiate an end to the Target boycott in the near future. "We are going to try to meet with the new CEO to share what our concerns are," he said. "Prayerfully, [we'll] have a resolve. Otherwise, we keep the fire burning and the boycott maintains." Ten Commandments Law Blocked, Pastor Resigns For Endorsing AOC, AI And Faith Summit link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:01 07:01 Top headlines for Thursday, August 21, 2025 In this episode, we discuss the resignation of Neal Creecy, senior pastor of Redemption Church in Las Vegas, following his arrest in a child sex predator sting operation. We then explore the implications of a Texas judge's decision to temporarily block a law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public classrooms. Finally, we preview an upcoming summit on faith and the future of Artificial Intelligence, hosted by The Christian Post, Colorado Christian University, and Gloo AI. Home Opinion Can Donald Trump grin down the Russian bear? This past weekend, President Donald Trump attempted to pull off his own stunt, one which only the legendary Davy Crockett had ever successfully performed and only in the legends grinning down a bear. Fortunately for him, Trumps target is only a metaphorical bear the 72-year-old former KGB agent who now rules post-Soviet Russia with an iron grip. And the contest is only a metaphorical grin-off securing a ceasefire in Ukraine. So, while the 79-year-old Trump is no Fess Parker, his summit with Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, gave the self-proclaimed master artisan of dealmaking a chance to prove his own legend. Russian demands Of course, grizzly-grinning is neither easy nor safe, or else everyone would do it. The bear brings his own personality, weapons, and in this case his own list of demands to the sport. Putin wants an end to Western sanctions against Russia but less access for Ukraine. He wants the West to formally recognize Russian control over Crimea, a Ukrainian province Russia illegally seized in 2014. Russia wants Ukraine to reinstate the Russian Orthodox Church and recognize Russian as an official language to satisfy an ethno-cultural-nationalism theory eerily reminiscent of 1930s Germany. Most challenging of all, Putin wants the Ukrainian people to demilitarize and accept a disastrous land swap. In the trade, Russia would exchange 155 square miles of unimportant terrain it holds in northeastern Ukraine for 2,550 square miles of strategically critical territory in southeastern Ukraine (the Donbas region). Russian-aligned forces have held parts of the Donbas a highly populated, industrialized area of Ukraine since its 2014 invasion, so the Ukrainians have had plenty of time to develop the rest of the territory into a defensive frontier known as the fortress belt, which has held back Russian offensives for more than three years. Putin wants Ukraine to surrender this fortified frontier without firing a shot, which would leave the rest of Ukraine undefended against any future Russian invasion. Putins ploy a powerful aggressor demanding that a smaller neighbor voluntarily surrender its most defensible frontier is similar to that used by Adolf Hitler to secure the Sudetenland in 1938. Both leaders justified their land grab along ethno-nationalist lines. Soon after Czechoslovakia lost the Sudetenland, German armies overwhelmed the entire nation. Whether Putin would honor a peace deal with Ukraine once it lost all means of successful resistance that is, whether a bear would spare a captured salmon remains to be seen. (Russia already violated treaties when it invaded Ukraine, and it is currently in violation of a nuclear arms agreement with the U.S.). In exchange, Putin was willing to accept Western guarantees for Ukraines future security. The West made guarantees in 1994 to coax Ukraine into returning Soviet-era nuclear weapons to Moscow. Those guarantees have now failed to deter two successive Russian invasions. Mixed-bag results What unfolded between principals during this First Frontier Face-off? The results were decidedly mixed. The Russian grizzly was by no means grinned down. On the other hand, neither did he eat Trump not even a single finger or toe. Amid a torrent of unreasonable Russian demands, Trump failed to cement the ceasefire he had pressured both sides to accept for months. The two leaders parted amicably but abruptly, canceling a working lunch and declining to take questions from reporters. Trumps entourage left Anchorage so quickly that they left behind documents on a hotel printer. Given the lack of progress, the cordial greeting for Putin including a literal red carpet struck some observers as overly effusive. The meeting helped Russia escape its bears den of diplomatic isolation, without any concrete concessions to show for the effort. Putin has also apparently evaded Trumps threat to impose very severe consequences if Putin failed to agree to a ceasefire at the summit. However, as the president has demonstrated with Iran and other nations, his tolerance for unfruitful negotiations is not endless. Yet forcing Russia into a ceasefire was always a remote possibility. One could just as easily argue that Trumps greatest success in Anchorage was not agreeing to a bad deal. This was no small feat, given Putins remarkable ability to charm and hoodwink American presidents at personal meetings over the years. Putin [is] hoping to dazzle President Trump. Hes hoping to delay. Hes hoping to maybe create a wedge issue between the United States and Ukraine or the United States and Europe, and all of those things are in his repertoire, argued Brig. General (Ret.) John Teichert on Washington Watch. But I think President Trump is very clear-eyed in his desire to see that ceasefire or a commitment for follow-[up] negotiations. And, anything short of that, he will see through President Putin as just a delay tactic in his negotiation plan of bad faith. In fact, Trump was reportedly ready to walk away over Putins insistence on acquiring Ukraines fortress belt. If Donetsk is the thing here and if there is no give, we should just not prolong this, he reportedly said. As a tactical matter on the ground for the United States of America, what really matters is to make clear the aggression, [the] killing of civilians thats happened all across Ukraine theyve now taken 20,000 Ukrainian kids and taken them into Russia, taken them away from their families as a Christian, its just absolutely abhorrent. We have to make clear that this kind of aggression is not rewarded. It cannot be seen as a Vladimir Putin victory, declared former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on This Week on Capitol Hill. If it is seen that Vladimir Putin took this land by aggression, and the West conceded it, it will embolden our adversaries all across the world. In recognition of the difficult task before them, the White House set modest goals for the Anchorage summit. The president has been very clear that he is not there to negotiate, Teichert told listeners. He is there to set conditions so that there can be a follow-[up] meeting that includes President Zelensky, so that Russia and Ukraine can negotiate together. While Putin may try to push him on accepting concessions, he continued, Trump was thus far showing that he is in his home field advantage with the position of strength, is not going to get pushed around by Putin, is going to insist either on that ceasefire or the commitment for follow-on negotiations that include Ukraine. In fact, Trump greeted his grizzly guest with a bang, as the U.S. Air Force executed a five-plane flyover before Putin even left the tarmac. American leadership In fact, whatever the outcome and future ramifications of the Anchorage summit, Trump has unmistakably asserted American dominance, making himself the channel through which all other diplomacy runs. Whereas Trump formerly met Putin in Helsinki, Finland, this time, Putin traveled to American soil. Trump then relayed the results from this meeting to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as Americas European allies. Afterward, both Zelensky and European heads of state quickly arranged to travel to Washington, where they met Monday afternoon to discuss their next steps. Trump may not have grinned down a bear in his first meeting, but he is the only one who went into the den and came out unscathed, and now everyone wants to hear his story. In a lot of ways, Putins already lost this war, in that we added two new members to NATO, Finland and Sweden, and we have seen a consolidation of European strength and a commitment to raise their defense spending now to that 5% threshold, Teichert reflected. All of those have come partly because President Trump has encouraged them to do that, but also because theyve seen that the world is a dangerous place with people like Putin, Xi, and others. Trump has orchestrated for himself a position of strength. And, by aiming for grand, difficult objectives, he stands to make his position even stronger, barring a spectacular failure. No man can live up to his legend, but the existence of the legend can inspire him to heroic feats, even to grinning down the icy Russian bear. Originally published at The Washington Stand. Yeah, so I think, you know, Stanford Medicine is a really unique place, I think we've got three missions. There is education, research and clinical care, and AI is transforming each and every aspect of those particular mission. You specifically asked about what we did for billing, you know, and our journey with AI started about, I would say, a couple of quarters after chatgpt was announced, and it was basically the organization decided to double down across the three missions, using that technology to transform the core business, one of the first initiatives which we undertook in that particular as part of this program was to help our clinicians with their burnout. I think post covid our portal engagements and a patient's choice of using the digital channel just increased exponentially. So one of the first things which started to happen was we had physicians who were getting overwhelmed with all these messages coming in from our patients, right? So when this technology came about, you know, the ability to use large language models, one of the first things we rolled out was, how do we help our physicians? And we started creating draft responses, and that, as you mentioned, in a regulated industry, required a lot of soul searching and thought process to go in. But essentially, whenever patient messages our clinicians, we create a draft response which kind of helps the physicians. You know, reduce the physicians cognitive load right as they're looking at, you know, how they should be, because millions of these messages started coming in post covid, as people shifted to the digital channel. And that was super successful, you know. And we can talk more about that, you know, later. But as we are looking at the success of that for the clinical staff nurses, Ma's, you know, and then our physicians, we also started noticing that there are unique opportunities with, you know, once people get their care, one of the other friction points, and when you talk about patient experience, is billing. You know, Adobe Stock / Dilok CAF Bank has offered payments of 25 to several charities that have complained about the disruption they have experienced with its new service. Since upgrading its online banking system on 9 June, CAF Bank has received calls from many of its more than 14,000 customers who have struggled to process transactions including bulk payments. Waiting times for support have reduced since June as the charity-owned bank has hired more staff but some customers have reported ongoing issues with the new system and are planning to switch providers. Charities that have experienced problems have also called for CAF Bank to compensate them for the extra hours their workers have had to spend navigating the issues, with some estimating thousands of pounds in additional costs. Now, Alcohol Change UK, Support Staffordshire and Age UK Wandsworth have all told Civil Society that CAF Bank has offered them goodwill payments of 25 each, which none of the charities felt was sufficient compensation. Insulting Alcohol Change UKs chief executive Richard Piper said his charity was thousands of pounds down in extra pay to staff members taking four times as long to process payments on the new system. Piper said his charity complained about the ongoing issues with bulk payments it was experiencing and CAF had the temerity to offer 25 as part of its response. I thought that that sum of 25 was insulting and showed no real understanding of the amount of stress and difficulty that me and my team have had to go through, he said. The bank also advised that Alcohol Change UK could also escalate its complaint to the ombudsman, Piper said, which it is now considering. Alcohol Change UK is also actively investigating switching to alternative banks. Ive always wanted to be supportive of CAF but I just feel that this has been so badly handled, its shaking my confidence in them, said Piper. CAF Bank: Upgrade absolutely necessary CAF Bank did not confirm to how many charities it had offered 25 nor whether it is considering further compensation. Director of customer and lending Richard Hunt said: While it was absolutely necessary to upgrade our online service, I am very sorry for the personal stress and inconvenience this has caused for some. This was never our intention. CAF Bank is wholly owned by a charity, and we exist solely to serve social purpose organisations. With millions of pounds successfully being transferred across thousands of payments each working day, we understand how vital our work is to the sector and recognise the real-world implications any changes to our service can have on the charities we support. We are 100% focused on supporting customers and committed to fixing outstanding issues. Along with the rest of the team, I continue to work with customers who have been affected on one-to-one calls. One of the things that is special about CAF Bank is our telephone service, and while call wait times were too long when we launched, customers can now speak to someone on average in under five minutes. We really appreciate our customers working with us on this transition so that we can enhance and grow the specialist banking services we provide to the charity sector. We encourage any customer requiring our assistance to contact us. 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, tashatuvango / Adobe The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into a charitable school over the trustees' failure to resolve a land dispute. During a separate 2022 inquiry into Darul-Uloom School London , the commission found that a disqualified former trustee had made representations to the charitys trustees asserting ownership of the land on which the school is based. Darul-Uloom School London is a charity that operates a school providing Islamic and national curriculum education to boys aged 11 to 19. Evidence shows that the land is held on trust by the charity, the commission has said, rather than being the personal property of any individual. The commission has contacted both the charitys current and previously disqualified trustees over the property issue, but said they have failed to act despite being given repeated deadlines to resolve it. The regulator is concerned that the property of the charity is at serious risk and has escalated its engagement to a statutory inquiry. Its inquiry will evaluate the trustees administration, management, and governance of the charity. It will also consider the conduct of the trustees and their compliance with legal duties and responsibilities as it relates to the land dispute. The scope of the inquiry may be extended if any additional regulatory issues emerge. Darul-Uloom School and its trustees have been contacted for comment. Previous investigation A previous inquiry was opened by the commission into the charity in 2018 after its former trustee and teacher at the school, Yusuf Masa, was arrested following reports he was brandishing a firearm on the premises. He was charged by police with the offence of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear. Yusuf Masa was also the schools safeguarding lead at the time of the arrest. Yusuf Masa is the son of the then headteacher of the school, Mustafa Masa, who was also arrested in connection with the incident. However, no further action was taken against him. After the incident, the police searched the charitys premises and found over 400,000 in cash, which was being kept in a wooden chest. The commissions inquiry concluded in 2022 that there was serious mismanagement and misconduct in the administration of the charity and prohibited both Yusuf and Mustafa Masa from holding trusteeships again. It also revealed that conflicts of interest at the charity were not adequately recognised or managed by the board, which was ruled as further evidence of misconduct and mismanagement at the charity. 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, Fundraising Regulator The Fundraising Regulator has said it should be part of the group which reviews charity accounting rules in future, in response to this years consultation. In its response to the consultation on the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) exposure draft 2026 , which ran from 28 March to 20 June, the regulator said that moving forward, it should be part of the SORP-making committee, along with the other charity regulators. The Fundraising Regulator said that as an established part of the regulatory landscape, it could contribute positively to the work of the SORP committee, particularly around the reporting and accounting for fundraising activity. Currently, the SORP-making committee includes representatives from the main charity regulators across the UK and Republic of Ireland and is overseen by the Financial Reporting Council. The Fundraising Regulator has been established for over nine years and has become a valuable partner for the Charity Commission in England and Wales and an important component of charitable regulation, it said in its submission. The regulator is also specifically mentioned in Charity Commission guidance (for example, CC20 on trustees strategic responsibilities for fundraising) and is also referenced in guidance issued by the Charity Commission Northern Ireland and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. The exposure draft for the 2026 Charities SORP sets out changes to accounting and reporting rules for charities in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The final report is expected to be published in autumn 2025 and will apply to reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026. SOFAs components of fundraising expenditure Also in its response, the Fundraising Regulator said charities should be required to separately identify the three components of fundraising expenditure in their statement of financial activities (SOFA). The separate components should be fundraising costs for donations and legacies, fundraising trading costs and investment management costs, it said. It argued that the charity overview section on expenditure on the Charity Commission website should be split into the same categories. The regulator added that current reported fundraising costs are skewed by the inclusion of trading costs and investment management costs, with its suggested three components representing very different activities distinct from each other. The transparency and accessibility of information on fundraising expenditure is vital for effective data analysis and the Fundraising Regulators collection of the annual levy fee, it said. The ability to identify levy payers and other fundraising organisations in a timely and accurate manner underpins the effective delivery and responsiveness of our regulation. This includes protecting the public from harm and fostering trust in charitable fundraising, increasing the likelihood that people will give to good causes. Changes could save regulator 40,000 a year The regulator said more granularity on fundraising expenditure and its parts would help streamline its own work and save tens of thousands of pounds. Currently, it manually reviews around 11,000 sets of accounts to determine the correct levy fee for each charity. It said it is forced to manually examine the notes of every set of accounts because annual return data doesnt provide a separate and reliable figure for fundraising expenditure for donations and legacies. Requiring charities to separately identify the three components of fundraising expenditure on the SOFA would save the Fundraising Regulator approximately 40,000 in staff costs each year, it said. If the extra expenditure breakdown was used in the summary data return, the regulator could use this information rather than reviewing the PDFs of submitted annual accounts for its levy calculation. Theres also a more public-facing benefit to separately identifying the three components of fundraising expenditure on the SOFA, it added. Readers of accounts, including donors, potential donors, or service users, could more easily see the real costs of a charitys fundraising without needing to refer to the accompanying notes. Theyd have a better view of how much income costs to raise and understand how it contributes to the money being spent on charitable activities. 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, Let Audiences Define Ethical Journalism. Courtesy Kelly McBride. Illustration by Katie Kosma. Senior vice president and chair of the Newmark Center for Ethics & Leadership at the Poynter Institute There is a disconnect between the conversations journalists have about their ethics and the conversations the public has about journalism ethics. When journalists discuss ethics, they are mostly (unfortunately) talking about things they should not do, like manipulate videos to distort what really happened, or use AI irresponsibly, or trick a vulnerable person into talking to a reporter. When the public discusses journalism ethics, they are talking about the effect journalism has on the people it is meant to serve, including how crime coverage can hurt neighborhoods where crime happens, how excluding certain perspectives distorts the truth, or how story selections often fail to reflect the concerns of communities that journalists dont visit or understand. These two parallel conversations rarely intersect, because journalists leave the very people they intend to serve out of the ethics conversation. In medical ethics, decades ago, doctors did the same to their patients, withholding information and disregarding their ability to consent to or otherwise participate in their own treatment. In journalism, its hard to include the beneficiary of our workthe publicin our ethical decision-making. Doctors actually interact with their patients. So when the medical profession decided that consent and autonomy were important, they had a place to start as they changed their ethical practices. Journalists talk to their sources, and they talk to one another. But they rarely talk to the people they serve. Look at a newsroom budget or org chart and its easy to see that the resources devoted to listening to the audience are minuscule. Instead, when we argue about our ethics, we tend to do so in professional spaces. We debate whether reporters should embrace objectivity, whether we should call someone a liar or use the labels terrorist and genocide. Unless we include the people intended to consume our work in these discussions, it doesnt really matter what we decide, because the people we are trying to serve dont always understand our journalistic purpose. Rarely does a newsroom explain what its journalism is intended to accomplish and then listen to the audience feedback. As a result, journalism ethics fails to mature and thrive as it does in other professions. Ethics arent about just avoiding bad choices. Ethics are about building a system that makes good outcomes possible for a specific group of people. Its impossible to set ethical standards if goals and beneficiaries are not defined. Most newsrooms fail to state such promises because their leaders havent articulated a clear news strategy, which in turn happens because most newsroom leaders dont want to reconcile their slender resources with their lofty ambitions. This is a tragic flaw throughout journalism. As a result, we talk about journalism ethics in the abstract. We talk about what journalism does in a democracy. But we dont talk about what specific journalism organizations are trying to accomplish. If the public doesnt know what a specific newsroom covers and why, they cant participate in a conversation about whether the work helps them. What would it look like if journalists considered the needs of news consumers as the foundation of their ethical imperatives? Every news organization would have a published mission that describes who it serves and how. Under that mission, newsrooms would list the topics they routinely cover and the benefit that brings to the audience. Newsroom leaders would devote resources to tracking whether their work is achieving its intended purpose, including seeking feedback from the audience. Out of those promises and these conversations, journalisms ethical standards would grow. And then, when we in the profession discussed our newsroom standards on any issuefrom objectivity to language choicesit would be in the context of how we provide our particular communities with information they find useful. Until that happens, our journalism ethics will continue to be stunted. The people we serve will sense their irrelevance to our ethical principles. As a result, they wont value us or trust us. And in the end, our ethics wont matter. Solar and wind energy companies are betting on a novel form of insurance to protect their assets against wild and volatile weather the very type of climate risk they were set up to fight. Renewable power projects can lose substantial revenue if the wind fails to blow, if clouds block the sun, or when a hurricane slams into expensive infrastructure. To protect against such climate-induced losses, many owners are turning to parametric insurance, a product providing rapid compensation when certain weather-related metrics are met. The downside is that if the pre-defined trigger is missed by even a tiny amount, there is no payout. And the money thats paid may end up covering only a small portion of actual losses. Even so, more clean-energy companies are using parametric insurance to supplement traditional indemnity programs. Its definitely an area we see growing massively, said Marcel-Steffen Reif, global head of weather and AgRisk Partners at reinsurer Munich Re. The shift is being driven by the rising impact of global warming on green assets. In Texas, solar farms are routinely battered by hail, while wind farms suffer massive damage during winter storms. Australia is seeing lower wind speeds in some areas and more cloud cover in others. Nearly half of Europes renewable power capacity will be at critical risk from extreme weather unless more is done to protect them, according to Zurich Insurance Group AG. Related: How Big Batteries Could Prevent Summer Power Blackouts Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei have witnessed large declines in solar irradiation, and Qatar and Kuwait have seen a slump in wind speed this century, according to Copernicus Climate Change Service data analyzed by Bloomberg. The threat is especially severe in India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modis plan to more than double renewable energy capacity by 2030 could be undermined by the countrys high susceptibility to wind droughts and reduced solar irradiation. Wind power generation there fell by 0.77 petawatt-hour per decade between 1980 and 2016, according to a 2018 study, as a lower differential between temperatures on land and the Indian Ocean slowed wind flows. Such unpredictability increases the amount of equity needed to fund a project, which is obviously a barrier to development, said Iain Staffell, associate professor in sustainable energy at Imperial College London. A few years ago, ReNew Energy Global Plc bought parametric insurance for a modest-sized project, seeking to protect revenues from a potential drop in wind speed. But when it made a claim, the insurer declined to pay, saying the fault lay with a faulty turbine instead of variable weather. ReNew says the lack of a payout discouraged it from buying parametric cover for larger projects. Wind has continued to underperform in the last three to four years so the declines will have to be significantly worse to get insurers to pay out, said Kailash Vaswani, chief financial officer of ReNew. Its basically heads they win, tails you lose. Some clean-energy companies worry about the cost. Actis GP LLP, which manages $108 billion in assets together with parent General Atlantic, is in discussions with insurers to see whether the pricing level justifies the risk coverage, said Abhishek Bansal, managing director for energy infrastructure at Actis. Related: India Moves to Shield Power Grids From Solar Equipment Malware Foreign insurers, nonetheless, see a growing opportunity in emerging markets. Munich Re says it has received first requests from clean energy companies in India and China. Willis Towers Watson Plc says it has seen a doubling of demand from Indian developers since 2023. Paris-based Descartes Underwriting is pitching wind parametric products in several developing countries. Theres no comparable product in the traditional markets, said Christopher Au, director, climate practice and alternative risk transfer solutions for Asia Pacific at WTW. Banks are setting requirements for some assets to be insured, which is an important motivating factor for developers, he said. The promise of speedy payouts has made parametric deals especially popular as a hedge against losses tied to the physical impact of global warming everything from more intense wind gusts that dislodge solar panels, to more frequent lightning strikes that damage turbines. When Typhoon Rai hit the Philippines in late 2021, Aboitiz Power Corp. was able to collect a parametric payout within 30 days and quickly repair the damage caused to its renewable energy assets. Extreme weather events are more severe and more frequent in the Asia region, said Jeong Won Kim, senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore. In time, more and more parametric insurance products will emerge to help the renewables sector cope with the risk, she said. Photo: A wind turbine near a highway in India, a country facing the prospect of lower wind speeds and reduced solar irradiance. (Prashanth Vishwanathan/Bloomberg) Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Will money from the crypto industry once again play the big role in an Ohio race for U.S. Senate. Last year, crypto forces provided huge financing to Bernie Moreno in his victory over Sherrod Brown. Will it do the same for Sen. Jon Husted next year as Brown seeks to unseat him? Associated Press In the latest display of how money trumps democracy in modern American politics, the crypto industry is systematically buying political influence, with the Today in Ohio podcast noting how Ohio serves as a prime proving ground. Hosts Chris Quinn and Leila Atassi discussed the brazen celebration by current Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott, who publicly thanked the crypto industry for unseating his predecessor, Ohios own Sherrod Brown. He said, quote, thank you for getting rid of Sherrod Brown, and he praised them for boosting Bernie Moreno into the Senate, said Atassi, highlighting the stark contrast between Browns cautious approach to crypto regulation and Scotts enthusiastic embrace of the industry. Atassi remarked on the openness with which powerful politicians are acknowledgingand celebratingthe influence of billionaire interests in determining who holds power in Washington. This industry has basically captured one of the most powerful oversight committees in Congress. Thats nothing to celebrate, she said. The podcast discussion draws attention to the fundamental question of whether voters still matter in our political system. When discussing how the crypto industry targeted Brown in what became the most expensive Senate race in U.S. history, Quinn posed the haunting question: Do the voters even matter anymore? This power shift represents a troubling departure from democratic principles. That blurs the line between voters choosing their leaders in a democracy. And then youve got billion dollar interests essentially calling all the shots, Atassi said. The crypto industrys political muscle extends far beyond just supporting friendly candidates. According to the podcast, Scott is already delivering for his industry backers, having passed stablecoin legislation and promising regulatory clarity to the crypto world. Hes even encouraging the industry to continue its aggressive political tactics, telling crypto backers to fire the legislators that are in your way. The situation illustrates the transformation of Congressional oversight. The Senate Banking Committee, once led by a cautious regulator in Brown, is now headed by someone who Quinn described as the cheerleader for the very industry the committee is supposed to oversee. The Today in Ohio podcast makes clear that this is part of a larger strategy. The New Yorker magazine previously documented how the crypto industry has become a top political bully in this nation, using its enormous amounts of money to muscle out any politician who they think is disfavorable to what they want. Looking ahead, the podcast hosts predict this pattern will continue and intensify. With the crypto industry firmly behind Republican candidates and focused on maintaining its influence in Congress, Ohio voters can expect to see this same financial muscle deployed in upcoming elections, including support Sen. Jon Husted as he fights to retain his seat against Brown Listen to the discussion here. Listen to full Today in Ohio episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston. Of the 16 Community Housing Impact and Preservation and Lead-Safe Ohio projects approved by commissioners, 14 received three or fewer bids. Getty Images ELYRIA, Ohio Lorain County Commissioners last week approved more than $770,000 in federal housing rehabilitation contracts, but the votes came with pointed warnings about a shortage of contractors bidding on the work. At their Aug. 15 meeting, commissioners approved 16 projects through the Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) and Lead-Safe Ohio (LSO) programs. Individual contracts ranged from roughly $10,000 to over $80,000 and included repairs such as window and door replacements, siding and porch upgrades, HVAC system installation, electrical rewiring, plumbing work and lead hazard removal. While the board stressed the importance of these projects for maintaining local housing stock and assisting low- to moderate-income homeowners, Commissioner Marty Gallagher expressed frustration over the low number of bids. Of the 16 projects approved, 14 received three or fewer bids. One of the projects receiving a single bid was a $80,412 CHIP HOME Program contract for work including handrail repairs, new HVAC and electrical rewiring and hot water tank replacement. This is general construction stuff, Gallagher said. I would highly suggest that the department that is managing this start finding contractors for this kind of work. This is not rocket science on this one. Community Development Coordinator Dave Greenspan acknowledged the concern and said his office has been working to expand contractor participation. He noted that a recent outreach session helped to add two or three contractors to the countys federally approved list, but agreed that more are needed. Greenspan said Kleinfelder, the company managing the CHIP program, surveyed contractors who attended the $80,000 walkthrough but chose not to bid. One contractor did not want to take on the plumbing and electrical work, another thought the job was too large and a third did not respond. Commissioner Jeff Riddell, who has a background in construction, said many CHIP projects combine multiple trades into one contract, effectively turning one $80,000 job into several smaller ones. This complexity as well as working in occupied homes can often drive contractors away. Its more difficult work, Riddell said. Its not the kind of work that a lot of contractors like to do when they have other choices, and this is still a contractors market for work. Theres a shortage of skilled trades and theres a shortage of people. Greenspan emphasized the impact CHIP and LSO programs bring to the community. They serve low- to moderate-income homeowners, often as a last resort for essential home repairs. And the programs, which account for $1.5 million to $2 million annually, also serve as an economic driver by creating local jobs. Gallagher pressed Greenspan and his staff to call more contractors to encourage participation, citing a list of 900 companies he provided to the team. I understand in some cases, [such as] lead-safe abatement, we dont have contractors out there to do it, Gallagher said. But when it comes down to this, you guys got to do a better job. Greenspan said that they are working toward fixing the problem, though admittedly not fast enough. To better understand the issue, Greenspan plans to survey all 39 contractors invited to bid on CHIP and LSO projects to learn why many decline participation. Additional outreach sessions are scheduled for October and January, when construction activity slows. He told the commissioners that he believes additional outreach, better timing of bid requests and better understanding through the surveys can help. He also encouraged commissioners to join a future project walkthrough to better understand the challenges that contractors encounter. Ive heard some are walking away because they dont like the project itself, they have an issue with the homeowner, they have an issue with the cleanliness of the property, Greenspan said. So, I think it would be important for all of us to experience and attend a walkthrough to see what the trades are seeing. Conway Twittys grandson and Loretta Lynns granddaughter team up as Twitty & Lynn, reviving their grandparents classic hits like Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man. (Photo by Austin Lord/Getty Images) Getty Images Conway Twittys grandson Tre Twitty and Loretta Lynns granddaughter Tayla Lynn are keeping country music history alive through their duo, Twitty & Lynn. A video of the pair performing a cover of Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man, the chart-topping duet their grandparents released in 1973, received praise from fans on social media. They nailed this. Love Conway and Loretta. To see each of their grandchildren sing their song is amazing! One fan commented. Why isnt country music like this anymore? another person said. Loved Loretta and Conway, you guys are great at this, a user wrote. The roots of their tribute stretch back to 1971, when Twitty and Lynn joined forces after already becoming country icons in their own right. Twitty, dubbed The High Priest of Country Music by comedian Jerry Clower, and Lynn, widely known as the Queen of Country, built one of the most successful collaborations in the genre, Parade said. Their first duet, After the Fire Is Gone, topped the U.S. country charts and earned them a Grammy. Over the next decade, they released 10 albums, seven compilations and 13 singles, including fan favorites like Youre the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly. Though Conway and Loretta stopped performing together in 1981, their grandchildren have formed the duo Twitty & Lynn. Since 2018, theyve toured the U.S. with Twitty and Lynn Salute Conway and Loretta, performing duets alongside classics like Twittys Hello, Darlin and Lynns Coal Miners Daughter. We want to bring that same passion our grandparents had, Tayla Lynn said in a statement on the duos website. Conway and Loretta used to do everything with so much passion: the way they dressed, the way they recorded, the way they performed. Mike Norman, cleveland.com life & culture editor, was also impressed by the duet. Call me old-fashioned, but I love this, he said. Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn did some of the great duets in country music history, and Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man is one of the most memorable. The apples didnt fall too far from the trees with their grandchildren Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn. Theyve got appealing chemistry and rocked the vocals. Very fun, Norman continued. This story was written with the assistance of AI. BEIJING, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's first 8K movie shot in space, titled "SHENZHOU 13," is set to premiere nationwide on Sept. 5, China Media Group (CMG) has announced with the release of a trailer. The movie features footage captured by Shenzhou-13 astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu. The story is based on the crew's six-month orbital mission in the country's space station, according to the CMG. The movie, largely told from Wang's perspective, showcases never-before-seen cosmic vistas and intimate glimpses of life aboard the space station. As China's first space-based film project, it was shot using fully domestically developed 8K ultra-high-definition cameras. The creative team, working alongside aerospace engineers, overcame significant challenges, including rocket vibration tests, space environment simulations and adapting equipment for safe charging and storage within the space station. The specialized filming equipment was delivered to the space station via the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft in 2021. On Oct. 16, 2021, the Shenzhou-13 mission sent three taikonauts to China's space station core module for a six-month stay. During their mission, the crew members performed extravehicular activities twice and delivered two live classes from the space station. The mission marked China's completion of the verification of key technologies used on the space station. Microsoft said on Wednesday it has scaled back some Chinese companies' access to its early warning system for cybersecurity vulnerabilities following speculation that Beijing was involved in a hacking campaign against the company's widely used SharePoint servers. The new restrictions come in the wake of last month's sweeping hacking attempts against Microsoft SharePoint servers, at least some of which Microsoft and others have blamed on Beijing. That raised suspicions among several cybersecurity experts that there was a leak in the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), which Microsoft uses to help security vendors worldwide, including in China, to learn about cyber threats before the general public so they can better defend against hackers. Beijing has denied involvement in any SharePoint hacking. Microsoft notified members of the MAPP program of the SharePoint vulnerabilities on June 24, July 3 and July 7, Reuters has previously reported. Because Microsoft said it first observed exploitation attempts on July 7, the timing led some experts to allege that the likeliest scenario for the sudden explosion in hacking attempts was because a rogue member of the MAPP program misused the information. In a statement, Microsoft said several Chinese firms would no longer receive "proof of concept code," which mimics the operation of genuine malicious software. Proof of concept code can help cybersecurity professionals seeking to harden their systems in a hurry, but it can also be repurposed by hackers to get a jump start on the defenders. Microsoft said it was aware that the information it provided its partners could be exploited, "which is why we take steps both known and confidential to prevent misuse. We continuously review participants and suspend or remove them if we find they violated their contract with us which includes a prohibition on participating in offensive attacks." Microsoft declined to disclose the status of its investigation of the hacking or go into specifics about which companies had been restricted. Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose, with Australian stocks among the top gainers, breaking ranks with key Wall Street peers that saw declines led by tech stocks. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 benchmark rose 1.13% to end the day at a record high of 9,019.1. Gains were led by food company OMG Group , which surged 114.29%, printing and technology firm 333D , which jumped 55.56% and battery technology manufacturer Janus Electric Holdings , which rose 46.47%. Over in India, the HSBC Composite flash purchasing managers' index, which provides an early snapshot of the performance of the private sector economy, came in at 65.2, higher than July's 61.1 and the 60.5 forecast by Reuters. Indian markets rose in early trade with the benchmark Nifty 50 trading 0.21% higher, while the BSE Sensex index was up 0.35% as of 1:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time (4 a.m. ET). Japan's Nikkei 225 fell for the third straight session and ended the day 0.65% lower at 42,610.17. Losses were led by Daiichi Sankyo , Socionext and Lasertec Corp . Meanwhile, the broader Topix index dropped 0.52% to 3,082.95. Yields on Japan's 20-year government bonds rose to 2.645%, after hitting a 26-year high earlier in the session. Yields on the 10-year government bonds ticked up to a 17-year high of 1.61%. In South Korea, the Kospi index pared earlier gains to rise 0.37% at 3,141.74, while the small-cap Kosdaq was flat at 777.24. Mainland China's CSI 300 increased by 0.39% to 4,288.07, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was down 0.22% to 25,109.43. Stocks that have missed analysts' expectations on both the top and bottom lines this earnings season could be good candidates to sell, according to Wolfe Research. For the most part, the second-quarter earnings season has blown away Wall Street expectations. Approximately 94% of the S & P 500 has already reported, and 82% of companies have delivered a positive earnings surprise. About 79% of companies have posted revenue exceeding analysts' estimates. But several stocks have lagged their numbers. A recent report from Wolfe Research shared a list of companies that investors might consider selling stocks that missed both revenue and earnings expectations this quarter, while also having negative year-to-date earnings revisions for 2025. One name on Wolfe's list was Southwest Airlines , down 8% this year. Last month, Southwest reported adjusted earnings of 43 cents per share on revenue of $7.24 billion in its latest quarter, while analysts polled by FactSet had estimated earnings of 51 cents and revenue of $7.30 billion. Afterward, Evercore ISI downgraded the Dallas-based carrier to an in-line rating from outperform. Still, analyst Duane Pfennigwerth's $40 price target implies Southwest shares could soar 28% from the Wednesday close. "Trading at 36x '25E, 11x '26E EPS, we believe shares are now much closer to fair value and are beginning to more fully price in clean execution of these initiatives into next year," Pfennigwerth wrote. "We also wonder if the company's aggressive pace of buyback (likely a big contributor to YTD outperformance) can be sustained at this rate." Another stock that Wolfe says investors might avoid is Align Technology . Shares of the maker of Invisalign orthodontics have tumbled 32% in 2025. In July, Align's second-quarter earnings and revenue missed analysts' estimates. The company also guided for current-quarter revenue in the range of $965 million to $985 million, below the FactSet consensus among analysts of $1.04 billion. In the wake of the report, Morgan Stanley downgraded Align to equal weight from overweight, slashing its 12-month price target to $154 per share from $249. The new forecast implies shares might add another 7% from the Wednesday close. "Our prior [overweight] thesis was based on ALGN's leadership in a high growth category, but growth has been challenged for years, w/ limited clarity on [the] path from here," wrote analyst Erin Wright. "We view a re-rate lower as warranted, closer to the Dental peer average." Defense prime contractor Lockheed Martin is another sell, according to Truist. The investment bank downgraded Lockheed to a hold from buy after second-quarter revenue at the maker of the F-35 fighter-bomber fell short of Wall Street estimates, and it lowered its full-year guidance below prior estimates. Truist also slashed its price target to $440 per share from $554, implying the stock won't do much in the coming year. "We are downgrading LMT shares now as we have little confidence that management will be able to execute on its multi-year growth framework, and we can not be certain that more charges will not materialize in the coming quarters," wrote analyst Michael Ciarmoli. "We expect shares will trade flat for the balance of the year given a lack of catalysts and believe LMT shares will continue to trade at a discounted multiple vs its larger peers." Shares of Lockheed Martin, which yields almost 3%, are down 8% on the year. In this article CBRL Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT The new Cracker Barrel logo is seen on a menu inside the restaurant on Aug. 21, 2025 in Homestead, Florida. Joe Raedle | Getty Images Social media users aren't happy about Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 's new logo, calling it "soulless," "bland" and "generic" since the restaurant chain unveiled it on Tuesday as part of a larger brand refresh. The new logo removes the image of a man leaning against a barrel that was prominently featured in the original, leaving behind just the words "Cracker Barrel" against a yellow background. The phrase "old country store" has also been removed. The company said the colors in the logo were inspired by the chain's scrambled eggs and biscuits. The change is part of a "strategic transformation" to revitalize the brand that started back in May 2024. Under that mission, Cracker Barrel's brand refresh includes updates to visual elements, restaurant spaces and food and retail offerings. Cracker Barrel's old and new logo. Courtesy: Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel said in March that the refresh will still maintain the brand's "rich history of country hospitality" and "authentic charm that has made the brand a beloved destination for generations of families." "We believe in the goodness of country hospitality, a spirit that has always defined us. Our story hasn't changed. Our values haven't changed," Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Moore said in a media release. Shares of the restaurant closed down roughly 7% on Thursday but bounced back slightly on Friday. However, many social media users have criticized the new logo, especially those in conservative circles. The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., amplified a post on Wednesday suggesting that the logo change was led by CEO Julie Felss Masino to erase the American tradition aspect of the branding and make it more general, as a way of leaning into diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. watch now Conservative activist Robby Starbuck added his commentary on Thursday, writing in a post on social media site X, "Good morning @CrackerBarrel! You're about to learn that wokeness really doesn't pay." The backlash is not restricted to conservatives. The official X account for the Democratic party wrote on Thursday, "We think the Cracker Barrel rebrand sucks too." The company has a relatively small market cap of about $1.2 billion compared with other restaurant chains. Customers have also complained on social media about the interior redesign of many Cracker Barrel restaurants, saying the new decor favors a more sterile and modern style over its tried-and-true country feel. On the restaurant's latest earnings call in June, Masino said Cracker Barrel had completed 20 remodels and 20 refreshes. She said the company will be sharing more information about the remodeling initiative in September. "Employees had given us great feedback about working in those newly remodeled and refreshed stores and guests continue to tell us that they're lighter, brighter, more welcoming and they're enjoying them," Masino said on the call. Cracker Barrel is not the only stock to see large swings based on political social media posts. Earlier this month, shares of American Eagle soared after Trump posted that an ad featuring Sydney Sweeney, which faced significant social media pushback from the left, was "the 'HOTTEST' ad out there." Back in 2023, Anheuser-Busch InBev faced heavy criticism from conservatives after a collaboration between Bud Light and social influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who is transgender. European pharmaceutical firms gained some much-desired clarity on Thursday, with news that U.S. tariffs will be capped at up to 15% but a muted market reaction appeared to reflect skepticism among investors on whether the rate is set in stone. Fresh details on the European Union's trade agreement with the White House revealed that the 15% duties will not stack on top of other EU-wide tariffs, a key concern for the industry. They also showed that the U.S.'s "Most Favored Nation" drug pricing policy which seeks to reduce American drug prices by linking them to the lower rates paid by other countries will only apply to generic pharmaceuticals. After the EU's framework U.S. trade deal was announced at the end of July, setting a 15% tariff on most of the bloc's imports stateside, President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the U.S. of up to 250% . A lack of specifics on what this could mean for Europe had left the sector mired in uncertainty . European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic reiterated in a Thursday statement that the 15% all-inclusive tariff cap would benefit a "wide range of sectors," including pharmaceuticals, cars, semiconductors and lumber. But following the EU's update, released at midday in London, the Europe Stoxx 600 healthcare index continued to trade lower. By the end of the session it had moved to a 0.3% gain. Among the companies most-impacted, shares of Ozempic-maker Novo Nordisk ticked 3% higher, Switzerland's Roche dipped 0.1%, while Danish vaccine-maker Bavarian Nordic nudged up 0.4%. Traders meanwhile remained focused on Thursday's earnings report from Novonesis, which drove shares down by around 7%. The EU is the biggest external source of pharmaceutical and medical products for the United States, with exports totaling around 120 billion euros ($139.7 billion) in 2024. Seeking a favorable deal, a string of European firms including Anglo-Swedish AstraZeneca have already been pledging to move production and up their investments in the country. 'People still aren't sure' Emily Field, head of European pharmaceuticals equity research at Barclays, said the lack of a major relief rally could be because investors "still don't know what to believe." "When the European trade deal was struck and pharmaceuticals were included, our initial interpretation was that there was a 15% cap, but it wasn't completely clear," she told CNBC. "Then on earnings calls, many companies said they needed to wait for the outcome of Section 232." The Section 232 investigation by the White House is an ongoing probe into the impact of various imports on U.S. national security, including pharmaceuticals, with an unclear end date. Trump also sent an ultimatum to companies demanding that they lower U.S. drugs prices. "My read of today's update confirms what we originally thought, that 232 is irrelevant as it relates to Europe and the outcome for its pharmaceuticals doesn't matter," Field continued. "But we've been there before, and then Trump's 250% tariff threat on "Squawk Box" worried people again. So I'm wondering if stocks aren't moving because people still aren't sure, there could be another clarification, and they are just still not ready to call anything final until we see this 232 outcome." "In theory it looks like a win [for pharma] given there was this bigger tariff worry out there, but we also still don't have full details on the Most-Favored Nation element either. Markets might start to move depending on how the details are reported and if interpretations start to change." 'Big win' Michael Field, chief equity strategist at Morningstar, said that the trade deal details were overall positive news for Europe, even if wider markets also remained downbeat. The Stoxx 600 index ended the session near-flat. "This agreement is a big win for Europe and pharma firms producing in the region. Additionally, Trump is exempting generic pharma products and precursors, which could also be a boost for the ailing European chemicals industry," he said in emailed comments. It is also positive for autos, he said. The sector is set to get a 15% tariff rate, though with the newly-announced condition that the EU must remove its own duties on seafood and agricultural products first. "Stocks haven't responded as expected to greater clarity from this trade deal. This could be due to the level of market noise we are seeing. There is a lot happening in markets, but this news is a positive and should gradually get priced in once the market's attention shifts," Field said. "The big take-away from this is that the U.S. seems to becoming more pragmatic in its approach to tariffs. Specifically, it's exempting numerous goods that it cannot produce at home. The natural extension of this could be further nuance in tariffs over time, reducing the overall impact on exporting regions like the EU." CNBC's Karen Gilchrist and Annika Kim Constantino contributed to this report. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) gives a press statement at the Willard Hotel. Kay Nietfeld/dpa | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Germany's new government has been in power for just over 100 days now, and business leaders say its time to turn policy promises into reality. Chancellor Friedrich Merz campaigned on a pro-business and pro-economic growth platform, vowing reforms and investment that sparked hope in the business community. Optimism was further boosted when coalition negotiations between Merz's Christian Democratic Union, alongside its sister party the Christian Social Union, and the Social Democratic Party, triggered a major fiscal shift that is set to enable higher spending on defense and infrastructure. The CDU, CSU, and SPD now form Germany's coalition government, and the sense of enthusiasm from businesses has persisted as the coalition's political term has gotten underway, according to business leaders who have spoken to CNBC in recent weeks. "We have, as you heard before, a minimum of 10, maybe 20, years of weak political decisions, very ideologically driven, not business driven, not society driven, and it seems to be that the new government is going in a different direction," Thomas Schulz, CEO of construction company Bilfinger , said earlier this month. watch now Elsewhere, financial services provider Allianz's CEO Oliver Bate welcomed the new government's approach to take competitiveness seriously, with Merz having repeatedly pledged to get Germany's industry back on track to push for global leadership. "I can only applaud them for taking it seriously, to also mobilize financial reserves to put an unheard of investment program into place, and also end almost two decades of lethargy of under investment in infrastructure, under investment in military, defense [and] under investment in education," he said. Leading German businesses in July announced their own initiative, with the goal of boosting investor interest and confidence. The group made up of 61 companies plan to collectively invest 631 billion euros [$737.4 billion] by 2028. watch now "This is a good signal, and it shows that there is an alliance between [the] corporate world and the politics these days, which is very important, which hasn't been the case over the last years," Timotheus Hottges, the CEO of Deutsche Telekom told CNBC. The tone struck by business leaders is also reflected in recent data, with economic institute Ifo reporting improvements in company sentiment for five consecutive months now. Call for action However, businesses are also calling the government to action, demanding that campaign promises be turned into reality. Allianz's Bate told CNBC that while the government's attitude was good news, "now comes the delivery," and Bilfinger's Schulz noted that "there is at the moment only lip service in a lot of areas, with very good ideas, but we have to come to execution." Economists surveyed on policy by Ifo and German news organisation Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung also noted the lack of measures that have been implemented so far during Merz's term. "30% of the participating economists rate the economic policy measures of the new German government in the first 100 days as 'rather negative', with a further 12% even rating them as 'very negative,'" the survey found. Participants negatively highlighted "the lack of reform efforts in the area of social security systems. In addition, they see a lack so far of clear stimulus for further structural reforms, the reduction of bureaucracy, and progress on climate protection," it noted. Business leaders had an extensive wish list to share with CNBC. Roland Busch, CEO of tech conglomerate Siemens , was among those who called for structural reforms. Some of which included "digitalization, faster decision processes, less bureaucracy, working [on] our energy transformation" and changes to the labor market. watch now U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin speaks during a House of Representatives Oversight Committee hearing on the Attempted Assassination of former President Donald J. Trump. Two top House Democrats are investigating whether Paramount and Skydance Media acquiesced to "illegitimate demands" from President Donald Trump in order to win approval for their $8 billion merger. "Two wrongs do not make a right," Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Frank Pallone of New Jersey wrote to David Ellison, CEO of the newly formed Paramount Skydance Corporation , in a letter obtained by CNBC. "Illegitimate demands from the [Federal Communications Commission] or the Administration do not absolve your company from wrongdoing," wrote Raskin and Pallone, the top Democrats on the House Judiciary and Energy committees, respectively. The FCC blessed the merger in late July, less than a month after Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement to end Trump's lawsuit against its subsidiary CBS News over a snippet of a "60 Minutes" interview. The president had claimed the interview was deceptively edited to boost his then-campaign rival, Kamala Harris. The lawsuit was widely criticized as meritless, including by Paramount, which maintained that the show followed a standard editing process. "The settlement raises significant concerns that Donald Trump demanded and Paramount paid an illegal bribea $16 million payment to the President in exchange for merger approval from the FCC," the lawmakers' letter read. "For both Paramount and Skydance to acquiesce to President Trump's meritless claims in order to consummate the merger demonstrates an extreme disregard to anything that might stand in the way of profit," they wrote. Paramount Skydance did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the letter. The letter, dated Wednesday, gives Paramount two weeks to answer questions and provide a slew of internal materials, including "all related communications involving" Trump, the White House, the FCC and the Trump Organization. The lawmakers suggest that Paramount and Skydance, through their dealings with Trump, have violated anti-bribery and corruption clauses in the agreements they filed with the FCC. U.S. President Donald Trump stands next to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev (not pictured) at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 8, 2025. A New York state appeals court on Thursday tossed out a massive monetary fine for civil business fraud imposed on President Donald Trump, his company, and other defendants related to a lawsuit by state Attorney General Letitia James. The appeals court said the eye-popping penalty which rose to more than $500 million since it was imposed in early 2024 violates the U.S Constitution's Eighth Amendment, which prohibits "excessive fines." But the court in the same ruling upheld Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron's finding that Trump and the others committed business fraud by overstating the value of real estate assets owned by the Trump Organization to boost Trump's purported net worth. Those actions helped the company get better loan terms and other financial benefits. The ruling Thursday also upheld nonmonetary sanctions imposed by Engoron on the defendants, saying they were "well crafted to curb defendants' business culture." The decision was issued by a five-judge panel of the First Judicial Department of the New York Supreme Court's Appellate Division. James said she will ask the state's highest court to overturn the decision related to the fine. The ruling, which came 11 months after oral arguments in the case, was split several ways, with one judge, David Friedman, saying he would have dismissed James' lawsuit outright. In a concurring opinion on the fine being voided, Judge Peter Moulton wrote, "While harm certainly occurred, it was not the cataclysmic harm that can justify a nearly half-billion-dollar award to the state." James "did not carry her initial burden" of establishing the rough total of the profits "causally connected" to the defendants' violations, Moulton wrote. "Indeed, the calculation of the disgorgement in this case was far from a reasonable approximation," Moulton wrote. Trump crowed about the ruling in a post on Truth Social. "TOTAL VICTORY in the FAKE New York State Attorney General Letitia James Case!" Trump wrote. "I greatly respect the fact that the Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision that was hurting Business all throughout New York State," the president said. "Others were afraid to do business there. The amount, including Interest and Penalties, was over $550 Million Dollars. It was a Political Witch Hunt, in a business sense, the likes of which no one has ever seen before." Eric Trump, the president's son and one of the defendants in the lawsuit, in a social media post, wrote, "Total victory in the sham NY Attorney General case!!! After 5 years of hell, justice prevailed!" Eric Trump, with his brother Donald Trump Jr., operates The Trump Organization. Both Donald Trump Jr. and the company were defendants as well. US President Donald Trump looks on as Alina Habba speaks during a swearing in ceremony as US Attorney General for New Jersey, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 28, 2025. A federal judge on Thursday disqualified acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba from participating in any ongoing cases lodged by her office, after the lawfulness of her appointment by the Trump administration was challenged by defendants in two separate criminal cases. Judge Matthew Brann said that Habba's appointment as the state's top federal prosecutor by the administration "through a novel series of legal and personnel moves" was not legally valid. Habba is a former personal lawyer for President Donald Trump. "The Court concludes that Ms. Habba has exercised the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey without lawful authority since July 1, 2025," wrote Brann in his opinion. "Her actions since that point may be declared void," wrote the judge, who sits in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. President Donald Trump's dealings with Intel and Nvidia amount to a "scattershot method of crony capitalism," Walter Isaacson said Thursday. "That state capitalism often evolves into crony capitalism, where you have favored companies and industries that pay tribute to the leader, and that is a recipe for not only disaster, but just sort of a corrupt sense of messiness," he told CNBC's "Squawk Box." The Tulane University professor, widely known for his recent Elon Musk biography, argued that this method won't succeed in reviving American manufacturing. Isaacson's comments come as the Trump administration wades further into influencing the way companies operate in the U.S. The White House is pushing for a stake in embattled chipmaker Intel after Trump called CEO Lip-Bu Tan "highly CONFLICTED" and said he should resign. Earlier this month, both Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices agreed to pay 15% of their China revenues to the U.S. government for export licenses to sell certain chips there. Isaacson said he has always been "dubious" of public-private partnerships. He highlighted Trump's push for Coca-Cola to use cane sugar in its namesake soda as another example of "crony capitalism." The U.K. government is facing a legal challenge from campaigners over its decision to override a local authority and wave through development of a new "hyperscale" data center. Last year, the local authority of Buckinghamshire, England, denied planning permission for proposals to build a new 90-megawatt data center on green belt land. The green belt is a term in British town planning that refers to an area of open land on which building is restricted. Data centers, large facilities that house floods of computing systems to enable remote delivery of various IT services, have seen huge demand in recent years amid a global rush to develop powerful new AI systems, such as OpenAI's popular ChatGPT chatbot. At the same time, they have been met with concerns from environmental campaigners and activists due to the vast amounts of power they require to keep them running on an ongoing basis. AI, in particular, has been criticized for consuming massive amounts of energy. Plans to develop the Buckinghamshire facility were twice rejected by the council previously. However, they were again resurrected under the Labour government, which is pushing to make the U.K. a global artificial intelligence hub by ramping up national computing capacity. Buckinghamshire council again rejected the planned data center in June 2024, saying it would be "inappropriate" to develop it on the green belt. Then, last month, British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner granted planning permission for the project, overturning the local authority's decision. UnitedHealth was among the stocks that made the coveted Goldman Sachs "Hedge Fund VIP" basket last quarter as professional traders piled into the beaten-down insurer. The Wall Street bank analyzed the holdings of 981 fundamentally driven hedge funds with $3.8 trillion of gross equity positions at the end of the second quarter, based on regulatory filings. It then compiled a basket of the most popular long positions, consisting of 50 stocks that most frequently appear among hedge funds' 10-largest holdings. This VIP basket has outperformed the S & P 500 this year with a gain of 15%, compared to the S & P 500s advance of more than 8%. This Goldman portfolio has a long history of beating the market with an outperformance of 50 basis points on average each quarter since 2001. UnitedHealth had 15 funds owning the stock as one of their top 10 holdings. New additions to the basket also included Skechers USA , Insmed , SharkNinja and Advanced Micro Devices . Goldman said hedge fund position turnover last quarter jumped to the highest level since 2021 due to the increased market volatility. UnitedHealth shares got a big boost, up 21% last week, after legendary investor Warren Buffett revealed a significant stake in the troubled insurer. The "Big Short" investor Michael Burry and Appaloosa Management's David Tepper also disclosed sizable stakes in the company. The top of the VIP list was occupied by the so-called Magnificent Seven names, such as Amazon , Microsoft , Meta Platforms , Google's Alphabet and Nvidia . Chipmakers Taiwan Semiconductor and Broadcom also were high up on the list. U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen as he announces a trade deal with the EU at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 27, 2025 in Turnberry, Scotland. U.S. Andrew Harnik | Getty Images News | Getty Images The U.S. and European Union on Thursday revealed fresh details about their trade framework, including on hotly contested and anticipated pharma and semiconductor tariffs. After weeks of heated negotiation, Brussels and Washington finally arrived at a trade agreement late last month, setting out 15% blanket tariffs on EU exports to the U.S. Under the deal, the EU also committed to purchase $750 billion worth of U.S. energy and invest at least an additional $600 billion in the U.S. watch now Many political and business leaders in Europe at the time expressed concerns about the deal being unbalanced. Several questions remained unanswered including on what tariff rate would apply to some goods U.S. President Donald Trump has hit with sectoral duties. Thursday's announcement at last shed more details at a time when many other trading partners are still waiting, and negotiating, for similar clarity on their respective trade deals with the U.S. European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, Maros Sefcovic talks to media on the EU-US trade agreement in the Berlaymont, the EU Commission headquarter, on August 21, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. Thierry Monasse | Getty Images Speaking to journalists on Thursday after the announcement, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said that "this is the most favorable trade deal the U.S. has extended to any partner." "But this is not the end. This is the beginning. This framework is the first step, one that can grow over time to cover more sectors, improve market access and strengthen our economic ties even further," he added. Lumber, tech and regulation Key points in the statement include the U.S. committing to "apply the higher of either the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate or a tariff rate of 15 percent, comprised of the MFN tariff and a reciprocal tariff, on originating goods of the European Union." As of Sept. 1, the U.S. will apply only MFN duties on several goods from the EU, including "unavailable natural resources (including cork), all aircraft and aircraft parts, generic pharmaceuticals and their ingredients and chemical precursors." Several so-called Section 232 tariffs have been capped at the wider 15% tariff rate, including those on lumber, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, according to a senior U.S. administration official. This is sharply below the rates Trump has sometimes threatened, as well as a 100% levy on semiconductors. Meanwhile, the statement noted that the EU intends to "to eliminate tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and to provide preferential market access for a wide range of U.S. seafood and agricultural goods." This was already broadly covered in the initial framework. The statement also included insights into the EU's energy purchasing and investment pledges, which previously raised questions about their feasibility and about potential repercussions if the commitments do not materialize. The latest announcement reiterated figures for planned spending from the EU, including on artificial intelligence chips, energy and broader investments in the U.S., but described them as intended and expected, rather than as guaranteed commitments, a senior administration official pointed out. Thursday's statement also noted plans for the EU to "substantially" increase its procurement of U.S. military and defense equipment, even as Europe has committed to growing its own defense capabilities. Notably, the latest agreement does not introduce changes in terms of the EU's Digital Services Act, which includes regulations for big tech companies and has long been a point of contention in trade talks for Trump. Sefcovic on Thursday noted that the digital sector had been kept out of trade talks. He also addressed questions regarding the wine and spirits sector, which is not covered by the deal. The EU's trade commissioner suggested that, while it would not be easy to come to an agreement on this issue with Washington, "these doors are not closed forever." Pharma Europe's pharmaceutical sector the U.S.' top source for pharma imports will also see tariffs capped at up to 15%. Critically, the rate will not stack on top of other EU-wide tariffs. From Sept. 1, the Trump administration has also agreed to only apply its MFN drug pricing policy to generic pharmaceuticals. The directive aims to reduce U.S. drug prices by tying them to the typically lower prices paid by other developed nations. Back in April, the Trump administration had launched a so-called Section 232 investigation on pharmaceutical products to examine the impact of imports on national security. In recent weeks, Trump threatened levies as high as 250% on the pharma sector and sent an ultimatum to major firms demanding that they lower U.S. drug prices. The White House leader has long lambasted the sector over what he has dubbed "abusive" pricing practices, while simultaneously urging firms to move their manufacturing operations stateside in an effort to bolster domestic production. That prompted a flurry of U.S. investment commitments over recent months, including from Novartis, AstraZeneca and Roche, as well as pricing adjustments from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly . Autos Cars are loaded onto the car carrier ship Polaris Liberty at the automotive terminal on August 11, 2025 in Bremerhaven, Germany. Focke Strangmann | Getty Images In this article WMT Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now Walmart on Thursday raised its full-year earnings and sales outlook as its online business posted another quarter of double-digit gains, even as the company said costs are rising from higher tariffs. The big-box retailer topped Wall Street's quarterly sales estimates but fell short of earnings expectations, the first time it missed on quarterly earnings since May 2022. The company said it felt pressure on profits for the period, including from some one-time expenses, such as restructuring costs, pricier insurance claims and litigation settlements. Walmart said it now expects net sales to grow between 3.75% and 4.75% for the fiscal year, up from its previous expectations for 3% to 4%. It raised its adjusted earnings per share outlook slightly to $2.52 to $2.62, up from a prior range of $2.50 to $2.60 per share. In an interview with CNBC, Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey said the company is working hard to keep prices low including speeding up imports from overseas and stepping up the number of Rollbacks, or limited-time discounts, in its stores. "This is managed on an item-by-item and category-by-category basis," he said. "There are certainly areas where we have fully absorbed the impact of higher tariff costs. There are other areas where we've had to pass some of those costs along." The logos of Walmart and Sam's Club are pictured in Cuautitlan Izcalli, Mexico, January 30, 2025. Raquel Cunha | Reuters But he added "tariff-impacted costs are continuing to drift upwards." Even so, Rainey said Walmart hasn't seen a change in customer spending. For example, sales of private-label items, which typically cost less than national brands, were roughly flat year over year, he said. "Everyone is looking to see if there are any creaks in the armor or anything that's happening with the consumer, but it's been very consistent," he said. "They continue to be very resilient." Yet on the company's earnings call, CEO Doug McMillon said middle- and lower-income households have been more sensitive to tariff-related price increases, particularly in discretionary categories. "We see a corresponding moderation in units at the item level as customers switch to other items, or in some cases, categories," he said. Here's what the big-box retailer reported for the fiscal second quarter compared with what Wall Street expected, according to a survey of analysts by LSEG: Earnings per share: 68 cents adjusted vs. 74 cents expected 68 cents adjusted vs. 74 cents expected Revenue: $177.40 billion vs. $176.16 billion Walmart shares fell 4% in morning trading Thursday. Walmart's net income jumped to $7.03 billion, or 88 cents per share, in the three-month period that ended July 31, compared with $4.50 billion, or 56 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter. Adjusting for one-time items, including legal charges, Walmart reported adjusted earnings per share of 68 cents. Revenue rose from $169.34 billion in the year-ago quarter. Comparable sales for Walmart U.S. climbed 4.6% in the second quarter, excluding fuel, compared with the year-ago period, as both the grocery and health and wellness category saw strong growth. That was higher than the 4% increase that analysts expected. The industry metric, also called same-store sales, includes sales from stores and clubs open for at least a year. At Sam's Club, comparable sales jumped 5.9% excluding fuel, higher than the 5.2% that analysts anticipated. The Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rationalisation has accepted the Centres proposal to move to a simplified two-slab Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure of 5% and 18%. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said on Thursday (August 21), adding that the GoM has recommended scrapping the 12% and 28% slabs. The recommendation comes after the Central Government, on August 15, proposed a major GST reform plan built on three pillarsstructural reforms, rate rationalisation, and ease of living. Read More Here Parliament on Thursday, August 21, passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The Rajya Sabha approved the bill without debate on August 21. It was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, August 20. The bill was introduced by the Union Minister of Electronics and IT in the Lower House. It aims to ban all the forms of online money gaming. Read More Here Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is discussing proposals to move only to monthly expiries, sources in the know told CNBC-TV18 on Thursday, August 21. Sources further added that exchanges have also recommended the use of monthly expiries with the regulator's intention being a reduction in the number of expiries as a whole. Read More Here Anil Agarwal-owned mining conglomerate Vedanta Ltd. announced its second interim dividend for financial year 2026 after market closing hours on Thursday, August 21. The board approved a payout of 16 per share, resulting in a total outgo of 6,256 crore. The company's board had earlier paid 7 per share as the first interim dividend in June this year. This takes the total payout for financial year 2026 so far to 23 per share. Based on the total outstanding shares, Vedanta has paid nearly 9,000 crore as dividend in the first two payouts of the year, or over $1 billion. Read More Here Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. has entered into a Non Disclosure and Confidentiality agreement for its potential acquisition of Zentiva and talks are currently at a "very early stage," CFO Santhanam Subramanian confirmed exclusively to CNBC-TV18 on Thursday, August 21. Subramanian said that while Zentiva fits into Aurobindo Pharma's strategic plans as it is based out of Europe, it is too premature to comment on a possible outcome due to the early stages of the discussion. The Aurobindo CFO did highlight that in case a deal fructifies, the announcement can be made in the next two months. Read More Here India and Russia on Thursday (August 21) reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation during a meeting between Indias External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. The meeting comes at a time when the US slapped India with additional tariffs as a penalty for the Asian countrys purchase of oil from Russia, as Western countries had cut back on ties with Russia over the war in Ukraine. Read More Here A police bomb squad member inspects a Russian kamikaze drone at the site of the Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Vitalii Hnidyi Russian overnight attack killed one person, injured at least 18, and struck a U.S. electronics manufacturer in western Ukraine, Ukrainian officials said on Thursday. A missile attack injured 15 people and destroyed storage facilities at the manufacturer in the town of Mukachevo, emergency services and local authorities in the western Zakarpattia region said. Read More Here FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference in Jerusalem, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File) Widespread opposition from within Israel and international condemnation have not deterred Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from his plan to expand the Israeli militarys operation in Gaza City. The Israeli military began calling medical officials and international organizations in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday to encourage them to evacuate the area ahead of the expanded operation. It comes the day after the military announced the call-up of 60,000 reservists and the extension of 20,000 reservists currently serving to support the expanded operation. Also Read Clean Science and Technology Ltd. on Thursday, August 21 said an error occurred on Spark Institutional Equities Pvt. Ltd, which led to sell orders for a significantly higher number of shares than what it was authorised and instructed to sell for and on behalf of the sellers, during its block trade earlier in the day. The exchanges had sought clarification from the company, with regards to news reports of a 'punching error' during its block trade. Read More Here Himanta Biswa Sarma./Image X Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced that people above 18 years of age will not get first-time Aadhaar cards in the state as a precautionary measure to check illegal immigrants from getting Indian citizenship. Only a one-month window from September 1 will be given to them to apply for an Aadhaar card if anyone has not got the document yet, he told reporters after a Cabinet meeting here. First-time Aadhaar cards will no longer be issued to individuals above 18 years of age from October onwards, barring a section of people. Read More Here Beyond #Newsroom Follow the CNBC-TV18 channel on WhatsApp Catch crispy news updates on the go! - CNBCTV18 Minis Watch all #videos under one segment- CNBCTV18 Binge We bring you real-time updates and analysis of the stock market - Real-time market updates We'll see you on Thursday with another engaging 'Top 10@10.' The Centres push for GST 2.0 took a step forward with the Group of Ministers (GoM) accepting a two-slab GST structure of 5% and 18%, scrapping the 12% and 28% slabs. The recommendation will be taken up in the upcoming GST Council meeting, with implications for consumers, businesses, and state revenues.In another key policy move, Parliament cleared the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, banning money games. Meanwhile, SEBI is discussing a proposal to restrict expiries to a monthly cycle, aiming to simplify the derivatives market structure.On the corporate front, Vedanta announced its second interim dividend for FY26, with payouts already crossing $1 billion this year. Aurobindo Pharma confirmed early-stage talks to acquire European drugmaker Zentiva, a move that could reshape its global presence.In international developments, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow to strengthen trade and energy ties, even as the US imposed fresh tariffs on India over Russian oil imports. At the same time, global tensions remained high with Russian strikes in Ukraine and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moving forward with operations in Gaza despite mounting criticism.Back home, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that adults above 18 will no longer be issued first-time Aadhaar cards, barring certain groups, as part of efforts to check illegal immigration. Meanwhile, Clean Science confirmed a punching error in its block trade, with exchanges seeking clarity. For years, OnlyFans creators have depended on an invisible workforce of chatters low-wage workers, often in the Philippines, who impersonate models in private messages with paying fans. Their job is to flirt, tease, sell custom content, and keep subscribers engaged long enough to spend more. But now, Rest of World reports that this labour is under threat. AI-powered chatbots are beginning to take over inboxes, raising fears among human chatters that their work which can pay better than a call centre job but comes with intense stress could soon vanish. We keyboard smash, intentionally misspell, and use Gen Z slang. I dont think AI is at that level of flirting yet, a 23-year-old chatter and street artist in Bacolod told Rest of World. She, like others interviewed, spoke anonymously due to non-disclosure agreements. Stress behind the screen Chatters describe gruelling 12-hour shifts where they juggle conversations with half a dozen fans at once, carefully maintaining personas for as many as 50 creators. Whales top-spending fans who can drop more than $1,300 a month are said to be given special attention, often with teams of three chatters managing the interaction like a staged performance on Discord. But the work can also take an emotional toll. Tony, a 31-year-old chatter, froze one afternoon when a fan unexpectedly confided that his grandmother was dying mirroring Tonys own recent loss. He stared at the screen for half an hour before a supervisor snapped him back to work. My supervisor got mad, he told Rest of World. The emotional labour is constant. The report notes that messages can often turn abusive or degrading, leaving chatters shaken. The AI threat In February, one US-based company told its Filipino staff that their chats were being used to train AI systems. The poorest performers, they warned, would be the first to go. Startups like Israels SuperCreator are already boasting that their bots, trained on client chat logs, keep fans hooked without tiring. It stays consistent with the creators voice, and it never burns out, the company told Rest of World. AI is also moving beyond messaging: companies are using generative models to create hyper-realistic images of creators in requested poses with no human involvement. While OnlyFans permits AI-generated content as long as creators disclose it, critics warn the technology could upend the economics of the platform. A fragile future OnlyFans has 305 million fans worldwide, who spent a record $6.6 billion on the platform last year. Management agencies that represent creators depend on chatters to drive more than 70% of those sales, according to one study cited by Rest of World. ALSO READ | Meta allowed AI chatbot to role-play with minors, hit elders, give false medical advice, lots more: Report Google is also doubling the number of images and videos generated by Whisk and the video generation model Flow for its Google AI Ultra for Business customers. The number of credits has doubled to 25,000, the company said in a recent blog post. Google also added a tool that can create audio versions of documents in Google Docs. A Listen menu item allows for the creation of the audio documents, letting users listen to them in a podcast-like format. That, Google suggested, could help in catching written errors. You also have the option to customize your audio experience with a variety of voices and playback speeds to match your personal preferences, Google explained in a blog post. Throughout Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the jokes made by the male members of the gang about Deandra Sweet Dee Reynolds avian appearance have largely been unoriginal, predictable and ineffective at shaking their oft-abused target. Then, tonight, Dennis brilliant set-up turned Dee into a sitting duck. In the Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 17 finale, The Golden Bachelor Live, the moment that Dee, Dennis, Charlie and Mac had been rehearsing for over the course of an entire month finally arrived, and they got their long-awaited family visit with the contestants who were looking to win Franks heart on the popular ABC dating show. Almost immediately, both the Golden Bachelor viewers and the women in the hunt for the golden rose learned why Frank would rather hire a cast of actors to play his family instead of involve the real-life degenerates of Paddys Pub in his search for love, as potential partners Sammy and Cock Chewa seemed to ruffle the Gangs feathers just by existing. Don't Miss But as much as the Gang squawked at Franks suitresses during The Golden Bachelor Live, Dennis still took a moment during a joint confessional with his sister to remind Sweet Dee that, no matter whom Frank chooses to be the hen to his rooster, Dee will always hold the bottom spot in the pecking order. During the family visit, Dennis and Dee pulled aside the chicken heiress Sam, played by Carol Kane, and attempted to intimidate her into abandoning any plans she had to marry Frank and steal his millions for herself. Of course, Sam isnt working on such a scheme, because she both has her own money, and isnt an opportunistic sociopath like Dennis and Dee themselves. However, Dennis and Dee admit to the camera crews that the conversation still didnt instill any trust in them. Advertisement Were not really the trusting kind, Dennis admits, then saying with a glint in his eye, But if she does have this so-called chicken money, then we wouldn't mind, uh Wetting our beaks, Dee finishes, springing Dennis' trap. Through 17 seasons of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, this might just be the single greatest Dee is a bird joke of all time, because, for once, Dee actually participated in the punchline. In 99 percent of instances when the men of the Gang make fun of Dee for being a bird, theyre literally just yelling, Dees a bird, You look like a bird or Shut up, bird! at her while she stares blankly back and continues to eat cake out of the garbage. This time, on the other hand, Dennis actually got Dee to take the bait and make the bird joke herself. You could even say that Dee walked straight into his booby trap. The Tegridy Farms era of South Park may have finally come to an end, now that the federal government has kidnapped all of Randys Mexicans his words, not ours. Spoilers ahead for anyone who hasnt watched tonights new episode of South Park, Sickofancy, in which Randy Marsh attempts to update the business model of his beloved (by him) marijuana farm with the help of a far-too-supportive ChatGPT and enough ketamine to knock out the entire Kentucky Derby. After the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that South Park ruthlessly roasted in the last episode, Got a Nut, rounds up all the weed-pickers on the farm that had been the focal point of the entire series for the last seven years, the Marsh family is left with few options and fewer scruples as Randy takes drastic measures to lobby (bribe) President Donald Saddam Hussein Trump for some legislative assistance in maintaining his Tegridy. Don't Miss Randys half-baked plan ultimately fails, and Sharon takes advantage of his drug-and-ChatGPT-destroyed mind to convince her husband to finally give up the farm that had become his lifes passion and the fandoms most consistent complaint. Back in October 2018, Trey Parker and Matt Stone introduced the storyline that would take over the show for a better part of a decade with Tegridy Farms, an episode all about Randy moving his family into the country to get away from the vices of 2018 South Park and make a living off the land and smoke a bit of it, too. As Colorado led the nation in the push to legalize cannabis, Randy was bound to become embroiled in the weed business, and with Parker and Stone growing too old to relate to the kids anymore, he was destined to become the shows main character as well. Advertisement Ever since the Marsh family moved out to the country, Tegridy Farms has been at the front and center of each new season and streaming special, but the joke got old for the fandom much sooner than it did for Parker and Stone. The South Park creators even parodied the fandoms increasingly negative view of Randy and his business in the second part of the Streaming Wars special, but they werent quite ready to move the Marshs back to South Park and give up on Randys weed-selling dreams. Well, now, Randy has no choice but to abandon the bud business, seeing as ICE kidnapped almost the entire Tegridy Farms staff and Randy sent the last remaining employee, Towelie, to be a bribe for President Trump in hopes of securing national cannabis legalization. With no staff and no money, Randy had to sell off Tegridy Farms and leave the marijuana business. And, much like the rest of the Marsh family, the fans couldnt be happier. Advertisement no more tegridy finally! one of the top comments reads in the South Park subreddits post-episode discussion for Sickofancy. Advertisement Another Tegridy Farms hater added, literally biggest sigh of relief when they started packing up!!!!! One more South Park fan predicted that the end of the controversial and exceedingly long Tegridy Farms arc could indicate the return of an original South Park set-up. With Tegridy actually over I think well finally get a classic four boys at the bus stop opening for the first time in ages, they wrote. WAR IS OVER!! TEGRIDY IS DONE another added. At the same time, with Saddam/Trump in the White House, anything can happen to the world of South Park, and whos to say that Randys bribe wont eventually pay off with a massive, taxpayer-assisted windfall for the Colorado cannabis industry. Towelie may yet wipe enough jizz off of Satans butthole to save the farm. As South Park clearly stated in its Season 27 premiere, Sermon on the 'Mount, President Donald Saddam Hussein Trump has put himself in a position where he can openly solicit and accept bribes from whomever he wants, and theres nothing that any of us can do to stop Trump from shoving his ill-earned treasures up Satans ass. Back in May, the royal family of Qatar revealed that they had built a massive, super-luxury jet worth $400 million that would soon become the property of President Trump. The terrorist-funding, authoritarian slavers of Qatar never specified exactly what they expected in return from the President for such a kingly gift, but, then again, Trumps idea of quid pro quo has always been a little hazy on what it is that hes supposed to do for someone else once they give him his bribe. Don't Miss Whatever the bribe agreement between the President and the Qatari royals entailed, I highly doubt that it included a clause that would allow Trump to shove the $400 million flying palace up his boyfriend Satans asshole, seeing as Qatar is pretty strict when it comes to its sodomy laws. But in tonights new South Park episode Sickofancy, Trump demonstrated that, no matter who bribes him, be they Apple, Amazon, Qatar or Tegridy Farms, hes still going to do whatever he wants and stick whatever he wants, wherever he wants. In his introductory scene in Sickofancy, Trump hosts a long line of admirers and well-wishers in the Oval Office as the most powerful and wealthy people in the world must take turns complimenting Trumps leadership, giving him a bribe and reassuring him that his penis is not tiny. From Tim Cook of Apple to Amazon don Jeff Bezos and his throbbing penis head, all the power players are falling in with the new government-by-compensation model of the Trump White House, and the President is more than happy to accept the gifts even if his boyfriend isn't ready to accept them himself. Advertisement Immediately after collecting his treasures, Trump retires to his bedchambers where he tries to convince Satan to let him stick the presents that the most powerful people in the world all brought to the White House up Satans Red Basement. Satan, however, is tired of Trumps shit and is busy talking to ChatGPT about how he should leave his toxic boyfriend. Apparently, Trumps White House is too sick and evil a place for even the Lord of Hell. But unfortunately for Satan and for America, at the end of the episode, Satan ominously warns Trumps latest bribe, Towelie, that there is no leaving the White House with Trump in charge, a reality thats equally frightening to both of them for every bribe that Trump shoves up Satan's ass, Towelie must wipe up another load. Nancy Cartwright already has one of the most famous voices in animation. But now, shes mastering the art itself. The Simpsons star recently traded in her microphone (and Bart Simpsons notorious stack of megaphones) for a paintbrush, showcasing some of her recent fine art pieces at an exhibition near her hometown of Dayton, Ohio. Don't Miss (It was) within the last 10 years or so that I started immersing myself in sculpting and in painting, Cartwright explained during a sitdown with local news outlet WDTN. Cartwrights exhibit, Pop Goes the Easel, is as bright and colorful as her 36 years in Springfield. The actress cited Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso as her main inspirations in creating her pop-art animal portraits. Of course, the exhibit wouldnt be complete without a few not-so-subtle homages to her Simpsons character. Beyond a diptych featuring Barts beloved lines of Eat my shorts and cowabunga emblazoned in neon-yellow thought bubbles, Cartwright let form follow function. That is, several of her paintings used a technique known as reverse painting, which is commonly used in the animation world. I hope that they look at the art, and I hope that they get inspired, like the way I got inspired, she explained during an interview with Daytons CBS affiliate. This isnt the first time that the Simpsons have dipped their cartoon toes into the world of fine art. Back in 2024, more than 150 hand-painted cels, storyboards and production slides from the shows early years made it to Austrias Karikaturmuseum Krems, a museum specializing in satire and political cartoons. Advertisement Generations have grown up with animated films that were drawn by hand, the curator explained of the exhibit, Here Comes Bart! Simpsons Cartoon Art from the William Heeter and Kristi Correa Collection. With our exhibition, we are offering art lovers and animation fans an insight into a world that once lit up television screens and can now be admired as cultural heritage. Thats definitely something worth having a cow over. Democrats are obviously scrambling when it comes to how to push back against Donald Trump. To be fair, Trump has stomped on any previous notion of a chessboard. Its harder to fight back against a guy who totally ignores any and all rules of engagement. But still, the Democrats have done poorly showing any sort of major counter strategy to Trumps war path. And when we do get any resistance, its #resistance, not substantial thwarting of power. Because of this, theres New Jersey Senator Corey Booker Hamilton-inspired performances and whatever is currently happening on California Governor Gavin Newsoms @GovPressOffice X account. Don't Miss For those unfamiliar, Newsoms press office account has been really Posting Through It, taking a Trumpian approach to social media. Here are a few examples: Its all the right format for got em political comedy, but it rings a little false. Everything is too manufactured, too calculated. These are jokes that could have been funny eight years ago, when the concept of an elite group of politicians and international businesspeople being participants in a pedophile ring was a fringe conspiracy theory, not something the Attorney General of the United States is addressing on a weekly basis. This is a bad imitation of Veep era humor, half a decade after the show went off air. Plus, in terms of timing, its too got-damned late. Trump is in his SECOND presidency. He has successfully dismantled much of the federal government. There are real questions about whether or not well have an election in 2028. Playing a troll online might frustrate the Trumpers, but its not going to do anything tangible. The solution to Trump isnt a Democrat version of Trump; I dont need Gavin Newsom to adapt the loose-cannon megalomaniac personality Trump has. First, Newsom already clearly has his own ego things going on before he issues new nicknames like DANA DING DONG PERINO. Not to mention, this attempt is a mere ghost of the cleverness and specificity of Trumps greatest hits, like Mr. Magoo for Jeff Sessions, Mini Mike Bloomberg, Low Energy Joe for Joe Biden and Low IQ War Hawk for Liz Cheney. His is a methodology that cannot be replicated. Advertisement Advertisement And while Trump and Newsom may both hate homeless people in equal measure, Newsom falls a little short of the true troll hater spirit that possesses Trump like a Catholic demon. Trump is a man who used to call in to HLN just to advocate for Jodie Arias to spend life in prison. Before he held any political power, he called for the death of the wrongfully convicted Central Park Five. He sustained a multi-year, one-sided Twitter feud with the actress Kristen Stewart for cheating on Robert Pattinson. Just a few more nicknames, to remind everyone who Newsom is going toe-to-toe with: Ditzy DeVos (Betsy DeVos), Birdbrain (Nikki Haley), Broken Old Crow (Mitch McConnell), Pencil Neck (Adam Schiff). This isnt a man who can be out mean-girled. Hes the meanest old bitch Queens ever saw. Advertisement In an attempt to be relevant on social media, politicians too often walk into obvious traps from people desperate for fame and money with no principles or even real talent. The latest example is Andrew Cuomo. The (unlikely) NYC mayoral candidate hired a right-wing troll to make memes for his social media accounts. Once it was revealed that the hire had made quite a few racist and sexist tweets on his public account, the Cuomo team was tasked with issuing a public apology. How is any of that a good use of time and resources? Ultimately, this Newsom bit will have to end; until then were all going to have to wonder how much of this energy for trying to replicate the unhinged nature of Trumps posts could be spent on worthwhile pursuits instead. For years, Saturday Night Lives cold opens have been the weakest, laziest part of the show. The segment is nearly always a plug-and-play recap of the weeks buzziest news events, featuring James Austin Johnsons impeccable Donald Trump impression alongside cast members cosplaying public figures who recently trended on Twitter. The segment is Mad Libs comedy a preset template that plugs in (Pete Hegseth) or (Jeanine Pirro) or (Marco Rubio) to celebrate the makeup departments proficiency with wigs. As for satire with actual teeth? Cmon, man, weve got advertisers to appease! But now Saturday Night Live has a South Park problem. While the animated series has always been topical to a point, its kicked things up a few notches this season, sharpening its knives to inflict damage in real time. While SNLs Trump is so audacious that hell interrupt a Mothers Day tribute, the cartoon version on South Park is shoving Qatars luxury jet up Satans ass. If SNLs Trump winks at the Epstein scandal Don't Miss South Parks tiny-dicked President is sex-trafficking Dora the Explorer. Those Trump cold opens were lame enough when there was nothing to compare them to. Now that South Park is coming for SNLs corner, can the 51-year-old elder statesman step up its game? South Park, no spring chicken since it debuted in 1997, doesnt always land its blows, but its not afraid to take big swings. Lorne Michaels will have to let go of his desire to be impartial. On whatever side, if theres idiocy, we go after it, he recently told the cast, according to Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live. We cant be the official organ of the Democratic Party. Thats fair enough, but trying to be an equal-opportunity offender in the shows cold opens has resulted in tepid satire. Ironically, theres a place where Saturday Night Live can find inspiration for hard-hitting political humor its own Weekend Update. Im not sure why the shows open pulls its punches while Colin Jost and Michael Che are allowed to kick America in the crotch on the regular. Last season, Che was getting away with razor-sharp lines like this: Advertisement President Trump says he was interested in reopening Alcatraz because it represents something horrible and beautiful and strong and miserable and weak. Which are also his nicknames for his five children. While Jost was kicking in with equally brutal jabs: Paddington's a toxic bitch. He's an illegal immigrant, freeloading off a nice, gullible white family. His sticky little marmalade paws are just waiting to rip open that trench coat so he can flash our straight children. I can't wait to call ICE on his Peruvian ass. Well soon find out whether or not Che and Jost are returning for another season of mayhem, but that hilariously mean spirit should live on no matter what. Get those vicious, South Park-style jokes to the top of the show, Lorne, or bail on political sketches altogether. In the ever-evolving digital battleground, the Southeast Asia region is at a critical inflection point. A new wave of threats is sweeping across governments, businesses, and everyday users, fueled not just by human intent, but increasingly, by the rapid digitalization of every facet of life, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Kasperskys Cyber Security Weekend, held on 5 Aug 2025 unveiled that the threat landscape is not only expanding, it is accelerating. Southeast Asia, despite its tech-savvy ambitions, is at the epicenter of this cyber storm. IT Meets OT: The Merging of Digital and Industrial Risk From street eats to chic brands, Chinese food is booming in Singapore -- then leaping to Southeast Asia and even across the world, reported the BBC. "Chinese cuisine may just be the new ping-pong diplomacy," the British media quoted a food expert as saying. Produced by Xinhua Global Service What is wrong with pet owners in this country that they'd let the animals in their care become dangerously obese? I've owned dogs all my life 11 in total as well as seven cats and I've never allowed a single one to become fat. My old cross-breed corgi, who was my friend through my childhood, would have eaten anything I put in front of him. And there's the clue. Feeding an animal has to be done in a well-informed and disciplined manner. But such is the extent of the pet obesity problem the latest figures show 50 per cent of dogs and 43 per cent of cats are overweight that fat jabs dubbed 'Wagovy' are being developed to help slim them down. As someone who's been jabbing myself with Mounjaro for nearly 12 months and has lost 5st without any nasty side-effects, you might assume I'd be happy about extending the miraculous medication to our furry friends. Not so, I'm furious at the very idea. Not to mention the careless owners who allow their dogs to get into such a predicament. The food industry has done no favours to humans, filling our food with salt, sugar and other additives. Yes, there is pleasure to be had in sharing delicious flavours in good company, but we overdo it. All because we lack self-discipline when faced with temptation. That is not relevant when it comes to dogs. I know there are certain breeds who can drive you crazy with their greed. But they can only succumb to more food if we give it to them. After all, they do not control their consumption; it is entirely up to us. I had a beautiful golden Labrador when I was in my early twenties, who was so smart he learned how to open the fridge. He was tall enough to grab hold of any meaty treats kept on the higher shelves. He had to be disciplined. We had a lock fitted to the fridge and he had to learn to wait for us to provide the best quality dog food. He would be allowed to eat once a day. We worked out, with advice from our vet, exactly how much food we should put in his bowl. If he didn't eat it straight away (a very unusual occurrence), it would be taken away and served again later. Immediately after his meal he would be exercised. Minnie, a two-and-a-half year old chihuahua, will not be taking 'Wagovy' any time soon The best quality treats were used during his training period to encourage obedience. He learned we were the source of special treasures which would only be given sparingly and as a reward. He never came begging at the table because he quickly learned there was no point. We were not to be persuaded by beautiful begging eyes. That dog was disciplined and never got fat. Yes, it was extra work for us, but we loved him and, as responsible owners, we knew it was our duty to do our best for him. The miniature schnauzers I had in my thirties and forties were fed and exercised in a similar fashion. They did have quite a good time when the children were small, and food fell from their highchairs, but they never got fat. And then came the chihuahuas. First Butch, Frieda and Madge now all deceased, followed by Minnie, now two and a half, and Maggie, who's just ten months. They may be little, but food is not too much of a problem. They rarely eat the portion that's put down in the morning. Later when it's returned to them, they eat it. Chihuahuas are small and certainly wouldn't need the amount of food a Labrador might need, but they are adept at begging for treats. Good discipline teaches them this is a pointless exercise, that treats will only appear in small quantities to help with training. There is not a fat dog to be seen in my family and the cat is pretty lean too. She's given her food exactly the correct amount once in the morning and again in the evening, dished up high enough for it to be unavailable for the dogs. She eats hungrily and immediately takes herself outside to climb trees and hedges and keep herself phenomenally fit. What's gone so wrong that we now have a nation of dangerously obese cats and dogs? I have no doubt overfeeding and lack of activity will be causing this problem. I know we all want to do our best by our animals, but is it really best for a cat to be kept permanently indoors as so many now are? Of course it's not. Yes, there's a risk they'll stray, but a cat needs to be out playing, hunting, climbing keeping fit. And dogs will play any game they can to get hold of the treats they know you have in your pocket. As for canine or feline fat jabs? I'm sorry, but this isn't the answer. Wegovy, Mounjaro and Ozempic are sophisticated drugs. They contain man-made versions of a natural hormone which helps regulate blood sugar levels. With 'doggie Ozempic', the drug would be delivered via an implant, so no weekly jabs for dogs to endure, but what about the side effects? I've kept my own jabs at a low dose because I know how powerful the substance can be. It's effective at weight loss but can cause constipation, diarrhoea and vomiting, and no one would want to inflict such unpleasantness on their dog nor on themselves. After all, it's the owner who's left to pick up the mess. Far easier to keep your pet slim and fit in the first place. Don't listen to doubters, Catherine Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as Morticia Addams in hit Netflix series Wednesday Catherine Zeta-Jones, 55, has had quite a tough time in recent years. Her marriage to Michael Douglas, 80, has been tested during his treatment for cancer in 2010 and the pair split temporarily in August 2013. Now she's basking in rave reviews for her star turn as Morticia in the new season of Netflix hit Wednesday, and proving the doubters wrong by celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary next month. I'm so glad she seems to be blossoming again. She deserves it. Day I went wobbly for Terence Superman actor Terence Stamp died last week at the age of 87 It's not often BBC Woman's Hour gets to interview a beautiful man. And I admit I went quite wobbly when I sat opposite Terence Stamp, pictured, to discuss his role in Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert. At the age of 56, he was still stunning those amazing blue eyes putting me right off my track. RIP Terence, what a delightful man you were. Maybe it's the heat, my age or my current sedentary lifestyle. I really don't know the cause of the lymphoedema that's caused my once lovely feet, ankles and calves to swell horribly, but I've spent a fortune on possible cures: tight socks, special creams and a massager that claims to carry out reflexology. Nothing works. Beware snake oil salesmen online. Zelensky's in a suit. Who cares? Volodymyr Zelensky was all smiles during his second meeting with Donald Trump on Monday How bizarre to see the world's most powerful men bitching over fashion this week. President Volodymyr Zelensky's suit at Monday's White House meeting prompted the journalist Brian Glenn to comment on his previous criticism of the Ukrainian's casual appearance. Quick as a flash, Zelensky hit back that Glenn was wearing the same suit he wore last time: 'I changed, you have not.' Honestly, you'd have thought there weren't more important things to focus on. As a local councillor, I have no doubt that Epping Forest District Councils extraordinary victory in the High Court on Tuesday will inspire a flood of copycat legal actions that could completely unravel Labours policy on hotel rooms for migrants. The social and financial cost of providing temporary accommodation, whether for illegal migrants or those granted asylum and then declared homeless, is the biggest concern of many councils. Already, Conservative-run Broxbourne Council in Hertfordshire has announced it is talking to its lawyers as a matter of urgency about mounting a similar challenge. Meanwhile, Reform UK has loudly proclaimed that the 12 councils it controls will follow suit. But with migrants arriving in the UK by small boat at a rate of hundreds every week, the pressure to find homes for them is remorseless. Until yesterdays judgment, the Government had found it convenient to house them indefinitely in hotels all over the country, paying them a weekly stipend of 49.18 to cover their clothing, toiletries and other needs. In theory, they are not allowed to work, though the reality is that many find jobs in the underground economy, where they are employed illegally and pay no taxes. The Prime Minister pays lip service to stopping the boats through an obsessive focus on smashing the gangs. But he has persistently ignored the problem that the UK is seen as a soft touch for migrants, both in terms of getting here and the quality of housing and benefits they receive once they have arrived. Protesters outside The Bell Hotel celebrate Epping Forest District Councils extraordinary victory in the High Court on Tuesday Indeed, given that he is a former human rights lawyer, it is no surprise to see that the Governments defence in the Epping case included a reference to the threat the injunction could pose to the asylum seekers human rights. Now Starmer is faced with the consequences of this spectacularly impractical attitude. At the last count, back in March, there were more than 32,000 asylum seekers and undocumented migrants living in around 210 hotels. If that policy has to be dropped, where on earth are they all going to live? It must be emphasised the High Courts injunction amounted to only a temporary suspension of The Bell Hotels right to house migrants and the Government will certainly move heaven and earth to overturn it. They will fall back on the 11th-hour argument used by the Home Offices KC Edward Brown on Tuesday: It will substantially impact on the Home Secretarys statutory duties. The local authority should in fact have given some consideration to the wider public interest in this application. In other words, if the courts enforce the planning laws that prevent the mass repurposing of hotels, chaos will ensue. Its a cynical piece of political blackmail, but it could prove effective. A second barrister, Piers Riley-Smith, acting for the hotel group, tried another tactic. He sneered at the demonstrators who have been protesting outside The Bell since an Ethiopian asylum seeker lodging there was charged with sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl. Fears as to an increase of crime associated with asylum seekers or a danger to schools are common, Mr Riley-Smith said, but that does not make them well founded. Anti-migrant protesters march through Epping after demonstrations near The Bell Hotel, which is being used to house asylum seekers To dismiss the concerns of parents in such a high-handed way is typical of the chattering classes. But its a true reflection of what many Labour Party MPs believe. They might think differently when the political implications hit their heartlands. If Tory and Reform councils are successful in blocking the use of hotels, the first recourse for Labour will be to turn to their own, more compliant local authorities. Labour councils wont like it, but I doubt large numbers will rebel by taking the Government to court. Instead, they will have no choice but to shoulder even more of the burden. But the idea of taking in a disproportionate number of illegal migrants will go down very badly with their voters, especially those in Red Wall areas already suffering from Westminsters tendency to take them for granted. By the next round of local elections, in May 2026, Labour could be facing a substantial backlash, with the Tories and Reform poised to seize control of councils that were once solidly socialist. If housing migrants in hotels becomes unsustainable, the Home Office will be forced to funnel more into private rented homes. This promises to prove even more catastrophic. Because councils have a legal obligation to provide housing for the homeless, no matter what, its inevitable that we will see a rapid increase in the number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). And unscrupulous, money-grabbing landlords will have no compunction in cramming as many tenants as possible into HMOs, many situated in the heart of established communities. Given the strain this will put on local public services, from schools to GP surgeries, this could well prove even more unpopular with taxpayers and ordinary families than the current hotel policy. So, what next? Despite his fondness for a U-turn, Starmer will not revive the Tory policies of using barges such as the Bibby Stockholm as accommodation, or transferring migrants who entered the UK illegally to safe countries like Rwanda for processing. Meanwhile existing measures, such as the one-in-one-out agreement with France, will involve such a small number of arrivals it will have no impact on the influx of migrants. And the deal announced yesterday to return migrants from Iraq will apply only to convicted criminals and failed asylum seekers a tiny minority of those currently in hotels here. One possibility might be to open purpose-built holding centres, rapidly constructed on the fringes of towns and cities. Similar action has been taken in Greece and Italy. No one has ever consulted the public about the dumping of migrants in their home towns. People are protesting legally and, for the most part, peacefully, because those involved are not rent-a-mob members of the hard-Right. Instead, as we have seen in Epping, they are concerned parents and working people who are concerned about social cohesion and the impact of crime on their communities. This weeks victory for Epping Council and The Bell Hotel protesters will give huge heart to the Governments opponents. The Government will fight, but their migration policy could well be facing death by a thousand legal defeats. The only realistic chance the Government has of containing this crisis is to take effective action against illegal immigration. They have to physically turn back the boats, and they have to deport tens of thousands of asylum seekers who are already here. This is Labours big wake-up call. Will they heed it? Lucy Connolly was a political prisoner. There is no other way to describe the viciousness with which she was charged, prosecuted, sentenced and even reportedly dealt with in prison. Today, after more than a year behind bars, the Northampton childminder will finally be reunited with her husband and 13-year-old daughter. She is not an obviously heroic figure. But just as free speech means standing up for speech with which you disagree, so civil liberties means defending the rights of unheroic people, people who may have brought a measure of persecution on themselves, but people who nonetheless deserve justice. Just over a year ago, following the murder of three little girls in Southport, Connolly sensed that we were not being told the truth. The official insistence that the abomination was not terror related seemed implausible to her. Like the rest of us, she could remember the terrorist attack on the Manchester Arena. She knew that a certain kind of terrorist is enraged by girls having fun. With the authorities in deflect and distract mode the killer, Axel Rudakubana, was described as a Welsh choirboy which, while technically true, was hardly a complete picture of a man who had been obsessed with white genocide and had been reported to the authorities over his interest in the London Bridge attack Connolly smelt a rat. Pushed over the edge by the horror, and perhaps reliving the trauma of the loss of her own young child following NHS negligence, Connolly posted a disgusting tweet: Mother and former childminder Lucy Connolly has spent more than nine months behind bars after admitting to making the inflammatory post on X in July last year Riot police hold back protesters near a burning police vehicle after disorder broke out in Southport on July 30, 2024 Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f***ing hotels full of the b*****ds for all I care, while youre at it take the treacherous government and politicians with them. I feel physically sick knowing what these families will now have to endure. If that makes me racist so be it. Less than four hours later, having taken her dog for a walk, she calmed down and deleted the post. Eight days later, with the authorities determined to make an example of someone, she was arrested. Did her tweet fall within the legal definition of incitement? Arguably, although no one seems to have been incited by it. Still, these were the early days of the Starmer government, and it was out to smash what it called the far Right. My own view is that we should define incitement very narrowly. To me, it means deliberately setting out to encourage violence and doing so in a way that might realistically have that effect. I dont believe, for example, that when a member of the rap group Kneecap says the only good Tory is a dead Tory, his fans will bomb MPs cars. I dont believe that a chant of death, death to the IDF from the stage at Glastonbury will make a stoned concert-goer catch the next flight to Ben Gurion Airport and assault a soldier. But wherever you stand, it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that Connolly was on the receiving end of blatant double standards. For a mother of a then 12-year-old child with no previous convictions to be sentenced to 31 months over some ill-judged words words, for heavens sake: there were people engaging in actual violence getting non-custodial sentences was extraordinary. Connolly was denied bail, in effect railroaded into a guilty plea and then given an almost unbelievably harsh punishment by a judge who told her while passing sentence that it is strength of our society that it is both diverse and inclusive. After she was sentenced, she was for some reason put on a wing with the most difficult inmates and, despite exemplary behaviour, was denied day release, even to mark her daughters thirteenth birthday. Connolly is also the wife of Tory councillor Ray Connolly Compare the crackdown after the Southport riots to the police inactivity in the face of violent or threatening behaviour on some anti-Israel marches. Compare it, indeed, to the way police stood by when openly armed gangs of young Muslim men patrolled some towns shortly after the riots. Or compare it to the way in which the police actively connived at illegal behaviour during the BLM riots of 2020 all of which, lets remember, took place during a lockdown that until then they had been enforcing aggressively. Victimhood does not convey virtue. Connolly is a woman who made a mistake and has been ludicrously, disproportionately and despotically punished for it. But it is precisely these cases of injustice against ordinary people that should worry us. Laws must be general, equal and certain. The moment that stops being true, we cease to be a free society. Lord Hannan of Kingsclere is a Conservative peer. Lucy Connolly's early release from jail is a travesty. Because she should never have been imprisoned in the first place. There are far more dangerous, nasty and genuinely hateful people walking the streets of Britain than this young mother who allowed her emotions to get the better of her in the heat of the moment and said some things she ought not have said. But then Connolly was not in jail because of what she did, she was sentenced because of who she is and what she represents. The wife of a Tory councillor; a middle-class white woman; and, most important of all, a mum driven spare by what she clearly saw as the persistent failure or unwillingness of the authorities to prioritise the safety of children like her own then-12-year-old daughter over young men from alien cultures with very different values to ours. These men's presence in Britain is not only tolerated but, as we have seen time and time again, indulged under the banner of 'human rights'. For someone like Connolly, emotionally scarred after losing a baby and clearly susceptible to online conspiracies and rumours, the notion (as it turned out, incorrect) that an asylum seeker had walked into a room full of little girls and started stabbing them at random, killing three and wounding many others, made her temporarily lose her reason. Who wouldn't feel enraged by such a crime? In a moment of blind fury, she posted a howl of rage online before shortly regretting her folly and taking it down. But it was too late. No one would deny that what she said was unacceptable. And in the aftermath of the Southport riots she should certainly have been reprimanded and punished accordingly. But that's the precise problem here. She was not punished accordingly. Her sentence was simply not proportionate to the crime. She is the proverbial butterfly on the wheel. Fragile and broken by forces much greater than herself, in this case, a government's desire to quell social unrest in the wake of yet another atrocity and to shift blame away from the systemic failures that allowed it to happen in the first place. Lucy Connolly was given a 31-month prison sentence last October at Birmingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to inciting racial hatred by publishing and distributing 'threatening or abusive' written material Connolly's post on X which led to her arrest. She deleted the post shortly afterwards, by which time it had already been viewed hundreds of thousands of times This is the fundamental injustice of Connolly's case. She was not judged simply for her 'crime', she was judged in the context of events well beyond her control. She was harshly sentenced primarily as an example to others who might also feel furious, desperate and powerless in the face of case after case of misogynistic violence against women and girls, perpetrated by men whom no one in authority seems to have the courage to confront. It's a sentiment shared by many, and not without cause, as we have repeatedly seen. In the heat of the moment, she went too far and got burnt. It's true, of course, that the Southport killer was not an asylum seeker: his parents had come here from Rwanda, and he grew up in the UK. But the fact that Connolly and so many others jumped to that conclusion was important. It showed how, when people feel powerless or frightened, they lose all sense of proportion. They put two and two together and make five. Which is wrong. But should it be punishable with prison? Hardly. Admittedly, Lucy Connolly was posting regularly on X before her arrest, robustly expressing her fears about mass migration. But she had no previous convictions of this nature, and was by all accounts a perfectly ordinary mother and wife fun-loving, kind, popular. When mums like her start to lose their minds as she did, you know something is really wrong with society. You know there's a level of discontent, fear and malaise bubbling under the surface that just can't be ignored. And since her conviction, hundreds of other women like Connolly have come forward to express similar worries, such as the local mums protesting outside asylum seeker hotels in Epping and elsewhere. Connolly has garnered huge public support for her cause not just because people see how unfair and harsh her punishment was, but also because, let's face it, many of her concerns about those arriving on our shores have been vindicated in a variety of other incidents in the past year. She has become a symbol not so much of a silent majority but one silenced for too long by political correctness, who increasingly are finding their voices. By punishing her disproportionately and then doubling down on bad judgement, the state made her into a martyr. But there is a bigger picture here too. It's because of what has been done to her that Britain's status as a liberal democracy is in question. After all, we now live in a country where the authorities will not prosecute a rap band named after a form of IRA torture Kneecap for telling an audience 'the only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP', because that, apparently, is free speech. And they will tolerate endless examples of anti-Semitic sentiment both online and at pro-Palestinian marches because, well, Jews are apparently fair game. As are Tory MPs. And as for two-tier justice, Labour councillor Ricky Jones, who called for protesters to have their throats slit and who was charged on similar grounds as Connolly, was acquitted by a jury who saw his words as a disgusting remark made in the heat of the moment, not a call to action. I'm glad Connolly has finally been released. I hope she can go home and recover with her family, spend time with her daughter and try to rebuild her life. But I also hope that she can see that, for all the personal trauma and heartache, it has not all been for nothing. Her case has exposed the fundamental injustice of our system. This does not end here. In the world of weddings, there is one debate that has recently caused quite the stir - and it has nothing to do with dresses or an open bar. People have been discussing whether it is OK to make their weddings kid-free and barring guests from bringing their children. Well, thanks to a unique wedding service, The Wedding Nanny, many couples no longer have to make that decision. The Wedding Nanny began by accident just a year ago when CEO and founder Sandra Weir recorded a TikTok of herself babysitting at a wedding. The video went viral with people gushing about how good of an idea it was to get a babysitter for the occasion. One year later, Weir's 'one-woman operation' has expanded into a small team of wedding nannies. Weir works to provide childcare for brides and grooms who may have children of their own or simply want to allow guests with kids to enjoy the wedding without having to worry about watching them. In New York, the average nanny costs about $23 an hour. But The Wedding Nanny - known to not only provide childcare but also help with any pre-ceremony activities - charges upward of $80 an hour. Sandra Weir (pictured) spoke to the Daily Mail exclusively about her company, The Wedding Nanny, which charges $80-an-hour to watch people's kids at weddings 'It really feels like having a hands-on assistant just for the kids,' Weir told the Daily Mail. 'We help during wedding portraits, make sure theyre fed during cocktail hour and do our best to keep them comfortable and happy throughout the ceremony. 'If they get tired or overwhelmed, we create a safe, quiet space for them to rest.' She went on to explain that this doesn't mean separating the kids from the rest of the wedding - unless they need a break or the bride requests it. 'This type of service is very hands-on because weddings can be a totally different environment for children - unfamiliar faces, loud music, late hours - so we do everything we can to make it a smooth and fun experience for everyone,' she said. The company offers three packages: four hours of childcare services for $350, six hours for $500 and - their most popular package - eight hours for $600. Weir added context and said that additional things like planning and coordinating with families, traveling to venues (sometimes hours away), covering tolls and gas and even bringing extra baby wipes or snacks all go into the costs. 'We help during wedding portraits, make sure theyre fed during cocktail hour and do our best to keep them comfortable and happy throughout the ceremony,' Weir told the Daily Mail On an Instagram post addressing why the company's prices are higher than the typical nanny rate, The Wedding Nanny wrote, 'We have over 10 years of experience when it comes to childcare, we bring toys and activities for the kids, we are CPR certified and yes - we are insured! 'My team and I plan EACH event like pros. 'We talk through every detail, discuss the couple's or parents' preferences, check for allergies and even show up wearing shirts with our business logo.' Weir came into this job with a wealth of experience - she has been a caregiver for years, helping look after children ranging in age from infant all the way to teenager in New York and New Jersey. She has a background in nutrition science which, according to her site, which helps inform her decisions around building healthy routines for her clients' children. And her clients seem to be quite happy with her services. Weir explained that her prices are higher than a typical nanny because wedding celebrations call for much more hands-on childcare In client testimonials posted on The Wedding Nanny's Instagram page - which has 12,000 followers and received as many as 3.4 million views on one of her most viral reels - people have called its services 'the best'. 'As soon as Sandra and her team showed up, the kids gravitated toward them,' one client wrote in a review. 'Sandra and her team were just so amazing and absolutely amazing with the kids!' And people who recently discovered the service on Instagram expressed how 'smart' the idea was. 'So many weddings could be peaceful with happy children if they had a wedding nanny,' one Instagram user wrote. 'I'm happily married but I would marry again just to have this service available! This is brilliant!,' another commented. 'THIS IS GENIUS OH MY GOSH,' another exclaimed. A mysterious signal picked up from deep beneath the Antarctic ice has left scientists baffled and now a mystic has revealed it may reveal unknown parallel universes. Athos Salome, 38, from Brazil, who is known as the 'Living Nostradamus' earned his title after he accurately predicted dozens of world events, such as the Microsoft global outage, the coronavirus pandemic, and Queen Elizabeth II's death, has warned this could be the first crack in our understanding of reality. The radio pulses were detected by a NASA project known as the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA), which uses an array of instruments designed to detect particles called neutrinos. But instead of picking up particles from above, the balloon detected something completely unexpected, radio waves coming from deep underground, seemingly passing through the Earth and out the other side, an event that current physics say should be impossible. Most scientists chalked it up to a technical error or perhaps a reflection inside the balloon, or a glitch in the instruments, but not everyone is convinced. A new balloon called PUEO, which is five times more sensitive than ANITA, is scheduled to launch in December 2025. If it detects the same mysterious signals, it could prove once and for all that this wasnt a fluke and there is a break in the laws of the universe. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Salome said: 'In simple terms, this would open up the possibility of a mirror universe, where time runs in the opposite direction. Athos Salome, 38, from Brazil , who is known as the 'Living Nostradamus' warns Antarctica may reveal unknown parallel universes as new discovery is found 'If PUEO confirms these signals, we will not be dealing with science fiction, but with the first concrete evidence that reality is not unique.' 'This marks the beginning of an era in which humanity will have to rewrite not only its theories, but it's very understanding of reality. 'If the signals are repeated, we will officially enter the era of new physics; if they are not repeated, the error hypothesis will be the winning narrative. 'By 2030, if the discovery is confirmed, the Nobel Prize is practically inevitable, along with the opening of a race for practical applications that could transform not only science but also the global balance.' There are a few theories on what might have caused the strange signals, such as new particles unknown to science, a break in the laws of physics or something not natural-some suggest the signals may not come from nature at all, but rather technology not made by humans, in other words aliens. Salome said: 'What if the signals are not natural? They could be the effects of non-human technology, transmissions or artificial energies, masquerading as cosmic phenomena. 'If it is technology, we are facing the greatest revelation in human history. Not about the universe, but about who else may inhabit it. 'People are too concerned with what is in space and forgetting what is beneath the earth.' A mysterious signal picked up from deep beneath the Antarctic ice has left scientists baffled and now a mystic has revealed it may reveal unknown parallel universes The radio pulses were detected by a NASA project known as the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA), which uses an array of instruments designed to detect particles called neutrinos A new balloon called PUEO, which is five times more sensitive than ANITA, is scheduled to launch in December 2025 In a paper, published in Physical Review Letters, an international team of researchers explained that these findings cannot be explained by the current understanding of particle physics. This might mean there are entirely new forms of particles and interactions at play or that these unusual signals are the product of mysterious dark matter. Dr Stephanie Wissel, an astrophysicist from The Pennsylvania State University who worked on the ANITA team, says: 'The radio waves that we detected were at really steep angles, like 30 degrees below the surface of the ice. 'It's an interesting problem because we still don't actually have an explanation for what those anomalies are.' However, the scientists were shocked to discover a set of signals which could not be traced back to any possible origin. These radio signals were coming from the the ice at an impossibly steep angle, something that a neutrino-produced signal could never do. Even stranger, rather than bouncing off the ice, the pulses appear to be coming from below the horizon. That would mean the radio waves would have had to travel through thousands of miles of rock and ice before reaching ANITA's balloons, which should have rendered them undetectable. According to scientists' current understanding of how particles interact, these signals shouldn't be possible. This has led scientists to speculate that they may have stumbled onto a type of particle interaction previously unknown to science. It comes after Salome prophesied in January that alien contact would likely occur in 2025. With the rise of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and medical advances, he says the world could be on the brink of revolutionary progress - or imminent disaster. Speaking to Femail, Salome says 2025 will be the turning point. On one hand scientific potential can provide people with efficient tools to solve numerous problems, on the other we will see the perspective of using technology 'cluelessly' He added: 'It will also hold key question answers that are important to the coming year. Are we building a progression into the future or are we barrelling ourselves into a world of confusion? 'It appears that the world is now at what may turn out to be the most critical cross roads ever. 'Thanks to James Webb telescope, humanity might finally get the answer to the existence of alien life, while governments like the US may declassify UFO files. 'If true, these discoveries could revolutionise ones view about the universe in which we exist and about ourselves.' Donique Wint found the jab curbed the 'food noise' as well as her impulse buys A mum who lost five stone in five months using weight loss jabs says the medication has also curbed her 500-a-month shopping addiction. Donique Wint, 38, tipped the scales at 18 stone after years of eating Nando's and snacking Haribo took its toll. As well as 'non-stop grazing' on Walker's Prawn Cocktail crisps while working from home as a civil servant, Donique filled her evenings with internet shopping. The self-confessed shopping addict said she would spend up to 500 per month on trainers as well as 'impulse' purchases of outfits from Pretty Little Thing and 5K family holidays to Jamaica for her daughter, 20, and son, six. After squeezing into a size 22, in February 2025, she decided enough was enough and paid 160 a month to begin GLP-1 medication, Mounjaro. Describing the effects as 'immediate', the mum-of-two found her food cravings were replaced with feeling nauseous - putting her off takeaways and sugary snacks. Donique, who believes she has ADHD tendencies, said the weight loss jabs not only 'switched-off' her food cravings but also her urge to shop online. Now 13st 11lbs, she's focused on maintaining her weight by using the jabs and spends her spare time - once used for shopping - going to the gym every day. Donique Wint started taking Mounjaro to help her lose weight after hitting 18 stone (left). The weight-loss jab helped her lose nearly five stone as well as curb her shopping addiction which cost her 500 a month (right) Donique from Greater Manchester, said: 'I was so unhappy in my body because of my lifestyle, I'd use shopping as a quick fix. 'I'd wake up at night to shop as well as buy things throughout the day. 'You name it, I ordered it; electric salt and pepper shakers, light dimmers, beds, perfume for me and my daughter, makeup. 'My Evri man knows me by name - we have each other's numbers. 'But it was short-lived because I was just always chasing that short-term satisfaction.' Donique says she has always struggled with her weight, despite trying Weight Watchers and intermittent fasting but neither worked. In February 2025, Donique decided enough was enough and paid privately for access to the GLP-1 medication. A GLP-1 is a medication which helps people feel fuller by simulating the hormone that is released after eating. Before Mounjaro, Donique would make 'impulse' purchases of outfits from Pretty Little Thing and 5K family holidays to Jamaica for her family Describing the effects as 'immediate', the mum-of-two found her food cravings were replaced with feeling nauseous - putting her off takeaways and sugary snacks 'Everything is calmer. Food noise has died down, so have my spending impulses,' she said Now 13st 11lbs, she's focused on maintaining her weight by using the jabs and spends her spare time - once used for shopping - going to the gym every day Donique's 500 shopping list in one month Games consoles Shoes Coats Trainers Perfume Watches Make up Home gadgets like electric salt and pepper shakers, light dimmers Furniture like beds - she has had three in the last four years Advertisement The powerful injections are currently only available on the NHS for people who are overweight or have diabetes. They will only be given after consultations with a specialist and in conjunction with other weight-loss methods. There is currently a two-year waiting list. She lost 1st in her first month and by her holiday to Turkey in April, she was a size 12. Not only did the jabs stop the food 'noise' but her impulsive shopping habit too, she says. Now, she is saving up to 500 a month without her online shopping addiction and old grazing ways. She said: 'Before, I was constantly grazing on crisps and Haribo because I worked from home. 'The effects were instant. In the first week, I lost 7 lbs. I was thrilled, but it was scary because it was so effective. 'It wasn't until two months in that I noticed I no longer craved a late-night online shopping spree. 'I was so unhappy in my body because of my lifestyle, I'd use shopping as a quick fix,' Donique said Donique, who believes she has ADHD tendencies, said the weight loss jabs not only 'switched-off' her food cravings but also her urge to shop online 'It switched off my craving for food and my addiction to shopping. I put it down to Mounjaro because I'm spending 500 less a month on online shopping and snacks. 'I just don't get that urge any more. Now, if I find a 20 note, I don't feel like I need to spend it. 'Everything is calmer. Food noise has died down, so have my spending impulses. Since the age of 14, she has felt she has ADHD tendencies. According to the NHS GP-led service, Think ADHD, symptoms for these conditions include difficulties with impulse control and emotional regulation - which Donique believes led to her impulsive attitude to spending. 'Having neurodivergent tendencies means that I have certain impulses that before, I couldn't ignore before. Donique's diet before and after Mounjaro BEFORE Breakfast: Full English Lunch: Takeaway like fish and chips Dinner: Takeaway like pizza and Chinese Snacks: Wotsits, scones with jam and cream, Haribo, chocolate Drinks: Fizzy drinks and juice NOW Breakfast: Nutritional greens drink, oats and yoghurt Lunch: Steamed fish with vegetables Dinner: Steamed fish with vegetables Snacks: Raw cashew nuts Drinks: 2L+ water a day Advertisement 'Mine was shopping, I would spend hundreds and hundreds on new outfits and trainers, which I didn't need. 'My brain craved the instant rush a purchase gave me. But I wasn't happy with the way I looked, so I decided to do something about it.' Now down to 13st 11lbs and size 12, she feels 'better than ever' and says strangers treat her differently. She also uses her spare time, once spent shopping, to go to the gym every day. Donique said: 'My confidence is better and I get more acknowledgement from strangers. 'They smile and hold doors for me. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's pretty privilege, but it's nice. 'Sometimes my friends and family don't spot me if I'm out and about, and I have to catch their attention.' She added that taking Mounjaro has 'also made me a better mum, because I'm more active. I feel like I have a spring in my step'. Bunnings shoppers are rushing to stores after the hardware giant quietly restocked one of its most nostalgic summer essentials - the Clam Shell Sandpit, priced at just $14.70. The brightly coloured plastic shell, a staple in Aussie backyards since the 1990s, has long been a favourite with families for its versatility. Parents fill them with sand for endless hours of castle-building, while others use them as makeshift pools, pet baths, or even giant coolers packed with ice and drinks for parties. Some fans insist the shell is 'the ultimate summer hack', with many buying two - one as a play pit, the other as a lid to keep out possums and cats overnight. 'Not only are they amazing sandpits and pools, but they make the most incredible sensory trays for engaging summer sensory play,' one parent shared. Another joked: 'In the time it would take me to set that up my daughter would have harassed the dog, jumped in the toilet and fallen off the flat floor.' Others admitted their purchase was fuelled by nostalgia as much as practicality. 'My inner child feels so happy with this! This would have been so much fun to explore,' one shopper wrote. Bunnings shoppers are rushing to stores after the hardware giant quietly restocked one of its most nostalgic summer essentials - the Clam Shell Sandpit, priced at just $14.70 The brightly coloured plastic shell, a staple in Aussie backyards since the 1990s, has long been a favourite with families for its versatility The shells, which are portable, stackable and easy to hose down, have a reputation for selling out quickly whenever Bunnings brings them back The shells, which are portable, stackable and easy to hose down, have a reputation for selling out quickly whenever Bunnings brings them back. 'I tried to get one last time they were released, but all my local stores were sold out,' one shopper complained. Another added: 'I've been eyeing these off for ages. Hanging to get one because they're so cute.' Others are hoping the craze spreads beyond Australia. 'Can you send them to New Zealand stores please?' one person asked. While designed as sandpits, the clam shells have been embraced in all sorts of ways. Families have filled them with toys and water for toddlers, turned them into dog pools, or even used them as outdoor coolers for summer barbecues. 'I want to use mine as a little pool,' one shopper wrote. A second said: 'They're fantastic for dogs, too - our furry friends love splashing about in them.' With summer just around the corner, demand is expected to surge once again. Parents are being warned to cover them at night to keep out curious neighbourhood animals - and to act fast if they want to secure one before shelves are cleared. Princess Elisabeth is set to resume her studies at Harvard University following Donald Trump's move to ban international students. The academic fate of the Belgian royal, 23, appeared to be hanging in the balance earlier this year when in May, the US president revoked Harvard's ability to enroll international students. But the prestigious Massachusetts university has resisted the lawsuit meaning the rule has been temporarily blocked. This means the future Queen will be able to return to her studies in September, when she is due to begin her second year of studying. 'I can confirm that, for now, all the conditions seem to be in place for the princess to continue her studies at Harvard,' the Belgian Royal Palace's communication director Xavier Baert said on Tuesday, confirming a newspaper report. The princess previously said she didn't want any 'special treatment' regarding her continued stay at Harvard. She believes it is essential to 'show solidarity with other international students,' some of whom are her close friends, a source told HLN. The sources added that Elisabeth is conscious about the message she sends to other students, as well as ensuring happy relations between Belgium and the United States. Princess Elisabeth has received a major update about her enrollment at Harvard University following Donald Trump's threat to ban international students. Pictured at her graduation from Oxford University in 2024 The academic fate of the Belgian royal, 23, appeared to be hanging in the balance earlier this year when in May, the US president revoked Harvard's ability to enroll international students. Pictured at Harvard In June, a federal judge blocked the administration from implementing the proclamation Trump signed that sought to bar foreign nationals from entering the U.S. to study at Harvard. The future queen of Belgium is set to begin her second year of a two-year master's program in Public Policy at Harvard, a course designed to broaden students' perspectives and sharpen their skills for 'successful careers in public service', according to Harvard's website. Almost 6,800 international students attended the 388-year-old university in its most recent school year, comprising about 27 per cent of its student population. News that the princess would be able to continue her course on campus was reported on Tuesday by Belgian royal journalist, Wim Dehandschutter. 'The palace told me, "All indicators are currently green for her. There are no concrete reasons why she would not be able to return to Harvard in September",' he said. They added that sources close to the family had always been confident there would be a positive outcome. It is said that the family believed even in the 'worst case scenario' that it would at least be possible for the Princess to attend online lectures - or find a different campus in another country. Meanwhile Princess Elisabeth's parents King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were said to have found themselves in a difficult diplomatic situation - as they wouldn't want to create tensions with the US, according to Dehandschutter. Her parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are in a difficult diplomatic situation, the journalist said, adding that they likely didn't want to 'create tensions' with the US. Princess Eleonore, Prince Gabriel, Queen Mathilde, King Philippe, Crown Princess Elisabeth and Prince Emmanuel of Belgium in July At Harvard, the princess is studying Public Policy, a two-year master's degree program that prepares students for a life of public service. Pictured during a hospital visit in June Additionally, for Elisabeth - who has already has an undergraduate degree from the University of Oxford - a return to Belgium would have posed further issues such as having to choose between Dutch-speaking and a French-speaking university, and between a Catholic and a liberal one. Continuing her studies abroad is a priority for the Princess, as her father King Phillipe spent a semester studying at Oxford and three years in the US at Stanford University. After she completes her studies, Elisabeth is expected to take up a more active role in Belgium and become an active Crown Princess. Following the announcement made by President Trump in May earlier this year, the family released a statement saying they were 'investigating the situation' and were awaiting a decision. Trump's ban would force foreign students to transfer to other schools or lose their legal status in the US. The president had threatened to expand the crackdown to other colleges. Elisabeth, who has spent the summer in her native country, will be Belgium's first reigning Queen when she ascends the throne. The eldest of four children born to King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, she also has studied at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels. She speaks Dutch, French, German and English. At Harvard, the princess is studying Public Policy, a two-year master's degree program that prepares students for a life of public service. Before studying in the United States, she earned a degree in history and politics from Oxford University in the United Kingdom. The future Queen will be able to return to her studies in September, when she is due to begin her second year of studying The Trump administration has said it is trying to force change at Harvard and other top-level universities across the US, contending they have become bastions of leftist 'woke' thought and antisemitism, which they deny. The administration has appealed the judge's ruling, but with the new school year set to begin on Sept 2, the injunction against the foreign student ban remains in effect. Harvard enrolls almost 6,800 foreign students at its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, accounting for more than a quarter of its student body. Most are graduate students, coming from more than 100 countries. The Harvard Kennedy School has almost half its student body from abroad and Harvard Business School is about one-third international students. The university has several notable alumni who are not American-born, including Canadian author Margaret Atwood, Indian billionaire philanthropists Ratan Tata and Anand Mahindra, and author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Following the announcement made by Trump, the university filed a lawsuit un federal court in Boston, saying the the government's action violates the First Amendment and will have an 'immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders.' Since then, a federal at Boston court released a block on the White House's ban, allowing international students to return to school while court proceedings play out. It was reported last week that Harvard and the Trump administration are getting close to an agreement that would require the Ivy League university to pay $500 million to regain access to federal funding and to end investigations. The one surprising area where passengers onboard a nude cruise are not allowed to be naked has been revealed. Generally speaking, the purpose of a 'nude cruise' is for passengers to have the freedom to bare all in an open-minded space surrounded by like-minded peers. Be it above or below deck, trouser-less travelling is encouraged. One nudist travel company, Bare Necessities based in Miami, offers naked cruises in variety of destinations including Great Stirrup Cay, an island in the Bahamas, as well as St. Lucia and St. Maarten. It is an affiliated club of the American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR) and states on it's website that it adheres to 'standards of etiquette and decorum', including specifying just one nude-free zone. The company provide a unique 'clothes-free experience' but have just one area that they expect passengers to robe up - the dining room. Perhaps a logical expectation for a place where food is served, but the company do not hold the same expectations for the self-serve buffet, which it's website describes as a 'a clothes-free area'. Guests are expected to be dressed when dining though 'casual attire' is accepted, as long as it doesn't include a bathrobe. The company's website reads: 'Clothing is required for all meals taken in the dining rooms. Casual attire is fine in all of these venues.' The one surprising area where passengers onboard a nude cruise are not allowed to be naked has been revealed (stock image) Despite their relaxed dress code on deck, the adults-only cruise company are strict when it comes to what is considered acceptable attire in the dining room. Continuing in the website, it specifies: 'When in doubt as to what is appropriate attire, simply confirm that breasts, bottoms and genitalia are fully covered by clothing that is not considered to be fetish-wear or lingerie.' It's policy also states that 'excessive genital jewellery' is not allowed at any time. The cruise's website includes a long list of rules, including asking that passengers sit on a towel at all times when they are nude, including when wearing a G-string, thong or 'any time you are bare-bottomed'. Towels are readily available across the cruise. Guests are also expected to wear clothes when the ship is docked, unless announcements are made to the contrary. They must remain dressed throughout the ship, including balconies, until the vessel has left the port and the captain permits nudity again. Although the purpose of the cruise is to offer passengers a rare, clothes-free experience, it's website states that excursions are 'strictly non-sexual in nature'. 'If you are seeking a lifestyle or swinger experience, we are not the appropriate cruise for you,' it's website reads. Generally speaking, the purpose of a 'nude cruise' is for passengers to have the freedom to bare all in an open-minded space surrounded by like-minded peers. Be it above or below deck, trouser-less travelling is encouraged (stock photo) Those who violate the cruise's strict rules will be forced to disembark the vessel with 'immediate' effect and without refund or compensation. Other surprising rules instated across the ship include not being allowed to being exposed in front of passing ships. Additionally, the ship is strict on image use, with various 'no photo zones' in place across the ship, including the pool area. The tour company recently announced a new cruise called the Big Nude Boat, which will set sail in February of 2026. Her Majesty looked typically elegant in a pale blue coat and wide-brimmed hat Queen Camilla looked stylish today as she interrupted her annual summer holiday in Balmoral with King Charles to attend the second day of the Ebor Festival in York. In celebration of the Juddmonte International race being named by the Longines World Racing Awards as the 'World's Best Race' of 2024, the royal beamed as she unveiled a plaque at York Racecourse. Camilla, a huge fan of horseracing and a patron of the racecourse since June 2024, looked typically elegant in a pale blue coat and a cream, wide-brimmed hat featuring a bow. The queen, 78, took off her knee-length jacket to reveal a long-sleeved, floral dress in white, blue and red. Perfect for the bright day, it had puff sleeves and a pleated skirt. She accessorised with a striking necklace made up of four strings of pearls and diamonds as well as a pair of classic pearl earrings and several dainty bracelets in silver and gold. The king's wife carried a beige, woven handbag by Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta, which matched her suede, pointed-toe kitten heels. Upon arrival, Camilla was met by Chris Legard, Vice Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Bridget Guerin, the Chairman of the York Race Committee, and William Derby, the Chief Executive of York Racecourse upon her arrival. She was pictured smiling as she greeted the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM. Queen Camilla (pictured) looked typically elegant in a pale blue coat and wide-brimmed cream hat complete with a bow The Queen wore a summery floral dress in white, red and blue beneath her stylish jacket The Queen completed her look with a beige, woven bag and matching suede kitten heels The queen took the salute from the RAF Falcons display team at the start of the racing programme and later unveiled the plaque. At the end of the Yorkshire Oaks race, Her Majesty will present the trophy to the winner. Throughout the day, she chatted to fellow racegoers and met representatives of local charities supported by York Racecourse. As patron, Camilla cut the ribbon to open the racecourse's new Bustardthorpe Development last year after the refurbishment of the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand had been completed. She was later taken on a tour of the grounds before taking her spot in the royal box, where she was seen holding a pair of binoculars and paying close attention to the races. The Queen's love for horses echoes that of her mother-in-law, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Camilla has even reportedly taken over the day-to-day running of the late Queen's stables rather than King Charles. She also has a life-long association with equestrian charities. As the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla supported the Ebony Horse Club, the British Equestrian Federation and the Brooke Hospital for Animals. In 2013, she joined Queen Elizabeth II on a joint visit to the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, south London, where children learn to ride in an urban setting. Her Majesty is currently spending her summer holidays at Balmoral Castle, where they are joined by other members of the royal family in a tradition that has been continued since the estate was acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852. On Sunday, she sat in the passenger seat as King Charles drove them both to a church service in Balmoral, waving at members of the public keen to spot a glimpse of them. She accessorised with a striking necklace made up of four strings of pearls and diamonds Camilla appeared to be in great spirits as she attended the racecourse today The Queen's pretty summer dress had puff sleeves and a pleated skirt Camilla's classic pearl earrings brightened her complexion Her Majesty met the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM, at York Racecourse Camilla beamed as she unveiled a plaque at York Racecourse today She wore a selection of dainty bracelets in silver and gold on her wrists She appeared happy to be at the racing event and enjoyed talking to fellow racegoers Both Charles and Camilla opted for smart outfits, with the monarch sporting a camel coat, while the Queen donned a statement hat featuring a green and black feather, which appeared to match the rest of her attire. Camilla was also seen enjoying a day out shopping with her daughter Laura Lopes, 47, and her granddaughter Eliza Lopes, 17, in the Scottish village of Ballater earlier this week. Smiling, Camilla looked summery in a floral midi dress featuring a red and green pattern, which she paired with a jade cardigan and comfortable beige wedges. She accessorised with fashionable tortoiseshell sunglasses, a pair of gold hoop earrings and several delicate bracelets. Laura, meanwhile, wore a pale denim jacket and wide-leg black trousers. She completed her low-key look with a raffia bag and a pair of sunglasses, which kept her long, blonde hair off her face. Camilla took the time to chat to many other attendees, all of whom seemed delighted to meet the queen Camilla was presented with a jar of honey by Harry and Seline Silk from Knavesmire Nectar as she met representatives from local charities supported by the racecourse Camilla, 78, completed her look with a beige, woven bag by Bottega Veneta and matching suede shoes Camilla, who is a huge fan of horseracing, took the salute from the RAF Falcons (pictured) The youngest of the three was Eliza, who chose a trendy outfit of low-rise jeans and a cropped T-shirt for the relaxed outing. Last Friday, the royal couple were moved to tears by the powerful first-hand testimony of VJ veterans as they spoke at a service of remembrance marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Charles and Camilla were attending the Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire organised by the Royal British Legion in what made for a moving tribute to war heroes, where they were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. It is 3am and I am sitting bolt upright in bed. Wide awake, my thoughts are racing and waves of nausea wash over me. Not because Im unwell, but because of the latest drama with one of my supposed best friends, Siobhan. We had made an arrangement to meet for lunch. I had just had a great meeting with my publisher and Siobhan and I were due to celebrate in a swanky restaurant. I suddenly received a text. Sorry, Kate, it read, Im going to be busy so cant make our lunch today. Shed added a crying emoji for good measure. I was disappointed but assumed wed reschedule, so I sent a heart emoji back. But then the following morning, I was scrolling through Instagram with a coffee when up popped a photo of Siobhan. She was with two women I had introduced her to, all beaming at the camera. The post was captioned Lovely lunch with wonderful friends. I nearly choked on my croissant. She knows I hardly ever look at social media, but it was so brazen - she clearly didnt care if I saw it. What had I done to deserve this treatment? A sad, unwanted feeling lingered in the back of my mind for days. I felt like I was back at school... You are not part of the gang, the voice inside my head told me. You would have thought that, as adult women, we had left that kind of mean, babyish behaviour behind. Think again. At one point, her behaviour was so toxic that I became ill, breaking out in a rash with high blood pressure for the first time ever. We all deserve friends that love and support us and to whom we can offer love and support in return, writes Kate Mulvey I first met Siobhan at a friends party in Fulham a few years ago. She seemed sparkly and fun, and we connected immediately. She was new to London, and asked if I fancied grabbing a coffee one day. We seemed to have lots in common, so I happily accepted. At first it all felt so cosy. She would send me funny, affectionate texts each morning calling me Katie Girl, and wed regularly spend afternoons drinking hot chocolate and indulging in cake. I naively thought we were becoming best friends. Then things began to change. It was subtle at first, a slight dig at my expense to other people. You can hear Kate a mile off, she would say laughing whenever I came into a room. At parties shed turn competitive, trying to outdo me on the dancefloor. On one occasion, we saw a woman in a cafe reading an article Id written for this newspaper. Look! I said excitedly, pointing to it. Mmm, she sneered, that dress doesnt look very good on you. You might think that Id blithely jettison her after that. But as a single woman in my sixties, my female friendships mean everything to me. Perhaps if I was married Id have laughed off such poor form with my husband and quietly deleted her number from my phone. But her companionship felt too precious to simply write off - no matter how occasionally cruel she could be. Once, when I had a nasty chest infection, I failed to respond promptly to her text messages. Whats wrong with you?, she snapped at me when we later spoke on the phone, showing little regard for my wellbeing. Oh um, Im sorry, I blurted out in response. I didnt want to argue, but I was alarmed by how shed turned on me so suddenly. A few days later, I was meeting another pal in our local pub and spotted Siobhan at the bar chatting to two other women. I smiled warmly and came over to say hello. Yes? Siobhan said to me witheringly. I looked at her face for signs of playfulness, but she was serious. Then she turned away and carried on her conversation. I couldnt believe it and sloped off mortified. I spent the rest of the evening feeling slightly paranoid, which, I realise, is probably exactly what she wanted. The next morning I received a breezy text as if the incident in the pub had never occurred. Fancy a drink later? she asked, followed by a row of hug emojis. I was completely caught off guard. Had I imagined her coldness towards me? Perhaps I was being oversensitive. So I replied, Sure 1pm, usual place? Nothing compares to the warm blanket of sisterly belonging. Toxic friends exploit this closeness (file photo) As Siobhan wormed her way further into my life, this hot and cold behaviour towards me became textbook. When we made plans, I never knew which version of her so-called friendship to expect. My stomach would be in knots dreading what cutting, offhand comment she might make. But I found myself unable to ditch her. I clung to the fun memories in the early days of our friendship, hoping they would return. I struggled to sleep at night, lying awake agonising over what I might have done wrong. And I wasted hours on social media, poring over Siobhans posts like a demented private detective. My skin started to break out in a rash, from stress-induced hives, and I had high blood pressure, previously unprecedented. I finally visited the GP for help and immediately burst into tears. After a lengthy chat, I was prescribed a short course of anti-depressants. The tipping point came last year, on a warm autumn evening. Siobhan and I had both been invited to a friends kitchen supper. We were all chatting away merrily, laughing about our ex-partners. Suddenly Siobhan turned to me with an icy faux smile and said: Kate, youre not coping very well with your break-up from Sam, are you? Perhaps you were too demanding and neurotic for him? One pal giggled nervously, another whispered, Ouch, Siobhan. I had no choice but to laugh it off, but I was quietly seething. Yet in typical Siobhan fashion she texted me the following afternoon as if nothing had happened. Only this time I ignored her. She wouldnt be dropped easily, calling and sending me messages until I snapped. With righteous fury, I fired off a text saying she had no right to behave as she did and that I never wanted to see her again. I blocked her number and effectively deleted her from my life. I was finally free - I could have punched the air in relief. My health started to return. The early morning wake-athons stopped and I felt clear-headed again. People even remarked on how well I looked. A month or so after I blocked Siobhan, I saw her at a friends party. Arm-in-arm with another woman, clearly her next victim. Looking at that woman, I shuddered at the memory of how pathetically under Siobhans thumb I had been. I left as quickly as I could. But the experience has left its mark on me. I now sometimes doubt my judgment, anxious that if I let someone new in theyll treat me in the same cruel way Siobhan did. Ive encountered toxic women before, those jealous harpies who love it when you are unhappy or criticise what you wear. But Siobhan was in a different league. She knew my vulnerabilities, she could tease out my innermost thoughts and then use them against me. Friendships are important to women and, particularly if were single, tend to be how we measure our happiness. I love my female friends, the conspiratorial chats we share, spilling our secrets and mulling over our mistakes. Nothing compares to that warm blanket of sisterly belonging. Toxic friends exploit this closeness. I have learnt a valuable lesson. We all deserve friends that love and support us and to whom we can offer love and support in return. That, surely, is what true friendship is. Names have been changed. The grey skies in York were no match for the colourful frocks, feathers and fascinators on display for Ladies' Day at the race course this afternoon. Visitors donned every shade - from bright pink and orange to baby blue - as they showed up sporting their best for Ebor Festival on Thursday. Dubbed the 'social highlight' of the weekend, those in attendance are encouraged to 'dress to impress for fabulous prizes on the Ebor Fashion Lawn'. According to the website, this is also the day where the 'highest rated mare and fillies race in Europe'. 'The Group 1 Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks, takes place on this day,' it added. The races will also enjoy a royal presence today, as Queen Camilla is in attendance to unveil a plaque in recognition of the 'Juddmonte International' race. Her Majesty is also set to meet representatives from local charities supported by the track, members of the Yorkshire racing community and members of the York Racecourse team. Scenes from the day showed the decorated sartorial displays, including a series of off the shoulder gowns. Visitors donned every shade - from bright pink and orange to baby blue - as they showed up sporting their best for Ebor Festival on Thursday Some racegoers were fond of classic summer pastels - which they accentuated with a polka dot print Celebrities also opted for chic accessories and intricate hairstyles to add more glamour to their looks Elsewhere one visitor was chic as ever in a leopard-print frock with a matching chocolate brown headpiece. In another patterned selection, a woman stunned in a polka-dot dress - while another sported jewel tones in a deep emerald. As ever, neutral tones like beige, white and cream were also popular picks for the event - but they didn't dominate. Rather, it was the bold looks selected by both men and women which set the tone for the event. One female racegoer went all out in a red and white floral frock complete with a matching hat that resembled a huge bow while a daring man opted for a multi-coloured suit paired with bright yellow sunglasses and a bowler hat. The Ebor Festival kicked off yesterday and will wrap up on Saturday. Visitors are encouraged to 'join the buzz of a big race day with your friends.' 'Since 1843, our oldest and most famous race, the Ebor, has generated much excitement and many tales,' York racecourse said. 'The richest flat handicap in Europe, be here to savour the race and the buzz it creates.' The grey skies in York were no match for the colourful frocks, feathers and fascinators on display for Ladies Day at the race course this afternoon Visitors donned every shade - from bright pink and orange to baby blue - as they showed up sporting their best for Ebor Festival on Thursday Dubbed the 'social highlight' of the weekend, those in attendance are encouraged to 'dress to impress for fabulous prizes on the Ebor Fashion Lawn' Scenes from the day showed the decorated sartorial displays, including a series of off the shoulder gowns As ever, neutral tones like beige, white and cream were also popular picks for the event, pictured Meanwhile, Queen Camilla looked stylish today as she interrupted her annual summer holiday in Balmoral with King Charles to attend the Ebor Festival. In celebration of of the Juddmonte International race being named by the Longines World Racing Awards as the 'World's Best Race' of 2024, the royal beamed as she unveiled a plaque at York Racecourse. Camilla, a huge fan of horseracing and a patron of the racecourse since June 2024, looked typically elegant in a pale blue coat and a cream, wide-brimmed hat featuring a bow. The queen, 78, took off her knee-length jacket to reveal a long-sleeved, floral dress in white, blue and red. Perfect for the bright day, it had puff sleeves and a pleated skirt. She accessorised with a striking necklace made up of four strings of pearls and diamonds as well as a pair of classic pearl earrings and several dainty bracelets in silver and gold. The king's wife carried a beige, woven handbag by Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta, which matched her suede, pointed-toe kitten heels. Upon arrival, Camilla was met by Chris Legard, Vice Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Bridget Guerin, the Chairman of the York Race Committee, and William Derby, the Chief Executive of York Racecourse upon her arrival. She was pictured smiling as she greeted the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM. Queen Camilla (pictured) looked typically elegant in a pale blue coat and wide-brimmed cream hat complete with a bow Glamorous racegoers opted for off-the-shoulder gowns as well as ornate fascinators for the event Patterns were also popular, with everything from animal print to florals on display to add a fun flair The queen took the salute from the RAF Falcons display team at the start of the racing programme and later unveiled the plaque. At the end of the Yorkshire Oaks race, Her Majesty will present the trophy to the winner. Throughout the day, she chatted to fellow racegoers and met representatives of local charities supported by York Racecourse. As patron, Camilla cut the ribbon to open the racecourse's new Bustardthorpe Development last year after the refurbishment of the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand had been completed. She was later taken on a tour of the grounds before taking her spot in the royal box, where she was seen holding a pair of binoculars and paying close attention to the races. The Queen's love for horses echoes that of her mother-in-law, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Camilla has even reportedly taken over the day-to-day running of the late Queen's stables rather than King Charles. She also has a life-long association with equestrian charities. As the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla supported the Ebony Horse Club, the British Equestrian Federation and the Brooke Hospital for Animals. In 2013, she joined Queen Elizabeth II on a joint visit to the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, south London, where children learn to ride in an urban setting. In another patterned selection, one woman stunned in a polka-dot dress - while another sported jewel tones in a deep emerald The ensembles were also fond of pastel hues which are perfect for the summer - including baby blues Her Majesty is currently spending her summer holidays at Balmoral Castle, where they are joined by other members of the royal family in a tradition that has been continued since the estate was acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852. On Sunday, she sat in the passenger seat as King Charles drove them both to a church service in Balmoral, waving at members of the public keen to spot a glimpse of them. Both Charles and Camilla opted for smart outfits, with the monarch sporting a camel coat, while the Queen donned a statement hat featuring a green and black feather, which appeared to match the rest of her attire. Camilla was also seen enjoying a day out shopping with her daughter Laura Lopes, 47, and her granddaughter Eliza Lopes, 17, in the Scottish village of Ballater earlier this week. Smiling, Camilla looked summery in a floral midi dress featuring a red and green pattern, which she paired with a jade cardigan and comfortable beige wedges. She accessorised with fashionable tortoiseshell sunglasses, a pair of gold hoop earrings and several delicate bracelets. The hats on show were equally daring, with one woman opting for a striking headpiece in red and yellow while another chose a fascinator of pale pink flowers to match her hair One woman went all out in a red and white floral frock complete with a matching hat And the men opted for equally bold outfits, with one racegoer choosing a multi-coloured suit, which he wore with a pair of yellow sunglasses and a bowler hat Laura, meanwhile, wore a pale denim jacket and wide-leg black trousers. She completed her low-key look with a raffia bag and a pair of sunglasses, which kept her long, blonde hair off her face. The youngest of the three was Eliza, who chose a trendy outfit of low-rise jeans and a cropped T-shirt for the relaxed outing. Last Friday, the royal couple were moved to tears by the powerful first-hand testimony of VJ veterans as they spoke at a service of remembrance marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Charles and Camilla were attending the Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire organised by the Royal British Legion in what made for a moving tribute to war heroes, where they were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Howard Stern is facing backlash over a resurfaced interview between himself and Sofia Vergara, during which he made lewd comments about her chest and asked if she could breastfeed him. In the clip, which was posted to Reddit, the 71-year-old shock jock first tried to speak in Spanish to the Colombian actress, before making repeated crude statements about her breasts. 'I was trying to tell her I have a big penis but I think I said I have a big burrito,' the radio host joked, after Vergara informed him he was not speaking in coherent Spanish. 'You've taken off your coat. You do have a big chest, and I'm going to tell you something - don't touch it,' Stern declared, staring at Vergara who was wearing a plain black T-shirt. 'I like it,' he added, with Vergara, who looked increasingly uncomfortable, replying with, 'Thank you very much.' However, her obvious discomfort didn't stop Stern, who continued to talk about her chest. 'Believe me, there is no greater man on this planet than me, and if I tell you your chest is attractive, you keep it,' he added. 'Your mother gave you the best advice, don't touch those boobs, alright?' he pushed. Howard Stern is facing backlash after an interview between himself and Sofia Vergara resurfaced, where he made lewd comments to the actress about breastfeeding In the clip, which was posted to Reddit, the shock jock, 71, first tried to speak in Spanish to the Colombian actress, before making repeated crude statements about the actress' chest Stern, who is infamous for his derogatory interviews with female celebrities in the late '90s and early 2000s, then started questioning Vergara, now 53, about breastfeeding her son. 'Did you breastfeed your son?' he asked, with the Modern Family star answering that she did. 'Oh that must have been unbelievable,' he said. 'That wasn't unbelievable, I was like 19,' Vergara shot back - which didn't deter Stern who continued on with the bizarre line of questioning. 'You must have had so much milk right? How much milk? You imagine how much milk was going on?' he jeered. 'Oh my god,' Vergara can be heard saying, adding, 'No respect here.' 'Oh come on,' Stern replied. 'I'm respecting you all over the place.' 'That kid must have been fat from eating all that milk. I would love to feed from you,' he leered. 'If you don't want to go out with me, at least let me feed from your chest.' 'I'm not pregnant now,' Vergara pointed out, with Stern answering: 'Oh, that can be arranged.' Vergara looked increasingly uncomfortable throughout the interaction, which didn't deter Stern Stern, who is infamous for his derogatory interviews with female celebrities in the late '90s and early 2000s, started questioning Vergara, now 53, about breastfeeding her son Users were appalled by the interaction, sharing their thoughts in the comment section of the thread. 'Yeah, that clip was hard to watch. She handled it with so much grace, but you can tell how uncomfortable it was. Really shows how normalized that kind of behavior used to be,' one user pointed out. 'Every interview he did with a woman like pre-2019 is just pure sexual harassment. His early interviews with Anna Nicole Smith, Fiona Apple and Courtney Love are esp heinous,' agreed another. Someone else wrote: 'As a breastfeeding mom who breastfed for over three years, I am offended on her behalf. What a creep, poor Sofia.' 'How does this man still have a platform?' raged another. 'Honestly I didnt even need to watch this to know what it was about.' The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Stern for comment. Speculation is swirling that Stern's show is 'doomed' after the star became 'woke' and listener numbers fell Stern's popularity peaked in the '90s when he became a media sensation for his shock jock stunts and outrageous no-holds-barred interviews. He's seen in 2015 Stern first launched The Howard Stern Show in 1986 on the radio. His popularity peaked in the '90s when he became a media sensation for his shock jock stunts and outrageous no-holds-barred interviews. In 1997, he starred in his own feature film about his life and career called Private Parts and released a handful of best-selling books. Stern has hosted the second incarnation of The Howard Stern Show since 2006, but as the end of his $500 million five-year contract looms, speculation is swirling that the show is 'doomed' after the star became 'woke' and listener numbers fell. However, a defiant Stern is reportedly planning to hit back and resurrect his career, even as the future of his long-running SiriusXM radio show hangs in the balance. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, released her 2024 Napa Valley Rose on August 5 Meghan Markle has shared another gushing post to promote her wine - as it still hasn't sold out more than two weeks after it first launched. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, released her 2024 Napa Valley Rose on August 5 - but more than two weeks later, it is still available to buy on the website of her lifestyle brand, As ever. By contrast, Meghan's 2023 rose sold out within an hour when it launched last month. On Tuesday, the team at As ever shared another clip of the wine, crediting it as being Meghan's 'favourite pour' and stating it's only 'available for a limited time'. In what made for typically aesthetic viewing, they filmed pouring the vibrant wine into a glass, with Meghan's wicker basket and hat in the background. 'Cheers to summers final sips,' the caption read, adding: 'Fill your glass with our founders favorite pour, available for a limited time.' The post appears to be an attempt to boost sales after it failed to match the quick sell-out of the 2023 wine's launch - and comes amid news of Meghan and Harry's Netflix deal being 'downgraded' to a 'first look' deal when it expires later this year. Buyers must purchase a minimum of three bottles of wine, which retail for $30 each. Six bottles cost $159 (119) including a 12 per cent discount, and 12 bottles are $300 (225) including 17 per cent off. Meghan Markle has shared another gushing post to promote her wine - as it still hasn't sold out more than two weeks after it first launched. Pictured in the trailer for the second season of her Netflix show Combined with the $20 shipping cost, plus taxes, anyone looking to buy the wine is faced with a minimum spend of more than $110. When the 2023 version came out on July 1, the wine went on sale at 4pm UK time, but the site was updated less than hour later to signal stocks were sold out. The 2024 wine is described as evoking the same 'soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality and a lasting finish' as the 2023 rose - but it clearly packs less of a punch. Earlier this month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed a new 'multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects' with Netflix - a downgrade on their previous contract. The couple's new output will include a second season of the Duchess's 'With Love, Meghan' lifestyle show later this month, as well as a Christmas special in December. The new arrangement is a first-look deal, meaning Netflix can say yes or no to new film or TV projects before anyone else. The Sussexes are also working on 'Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within' - a documentary about orphaned children in Uganda, where the 'shadows of the HIV/Aids crisis linger'. There is also 'active development' on other projects with Netflix which 'span a variety of content genres', including an adaptation of romantic novel Meet Me At The Lake. The As ever team shared an aesthetic video pouring a glass of the wine to Instagram - in what appeared to be an attempt to boost sales The 2024 Napa Valley Rose is still available to buy on the As ever website - but buyers will have to fork out more than $100 to do so On Tuesday, the team at As ever shared another clip of the wine, crediting it as being Meghan's 'favourite pour' and stating it's only 'available for a limited time' Meghan was seen uncorking a wine bottle marked 'Bottle #1' in front of bouquets of flowers as she launched her latest wine earlier this month The Duchess of Sussex released her As Ever Napa Valley Rose 2024 - described as evoking the same 'soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality and a lasting finish' as the 2023 rose The pale pink wine, which comes in a clear bottle with a white, gold-rimmed label, has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 13.5 per cent 1 per cent lower than its predecessor Netflix has already released the first series of With Love, Meghan as well as Polo, Heart of Invictus, Live to Lead and the couple's bombshell documentary Harry & Meghan as well as being a business partner on Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever. Five years ago, Harry and Meghan secured a lucrative contract thought to be worth $100million (74million) with Netflix after quitting as senior working royals in 2020. The renewed deal was described by the Sussexes - who made the announcement with Netflix - as 'extending their creative partnership' through Archewell Productions. But the new terms are understood to be worth less for Harry and Meghan than their previous contract, according to a person familiar with the deal, and represent Netflix loosening its ties with the couple. Leading publicist Mark Borkowski told the Daily Mail: 'They have shot the golden goose of 2020 - more of a 'we'll call you' than 'here's the chequebook'. It's a first-look deal, which means Netflix gets first dibs but no obligation to bankroll every semi-royal whim. 'I reckon Netflix is trimming fat industry-wide, so this is less carte blanche, more curated cameo. 'They're still in business together - Meghan's. As ever brand and seasonal specials keep them in the Netflix shop window but make no mistake, this is a slimmed-down sequel to the blockbuster original. So Harry and Meghan's new Netflix chapter [is] less champagne budget, more Prosecco by the glass.' Netflix said Harry & Meghan, which came out in December 2022, was a huge success with a total of 23.4million views, making it the most viewed documentary ever through its first four days and reaching the English Top 10 TV list in 85 countries. Meghan in the new trailer for the second season of her lifestyle and cooking show Guests on season two will include Chrissy Teigen (left), the trailer revealed today In the one-minute, 27-second teaser, Meghan is seen eating cheese, prepping food and drink with friends and even reveals the food her husband Prince Harry doesn't like: lobster Prince Harry and Meghan at the ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood in July 2024 But With Love, Meghan failed to break into Netflix's top ten programmes - or even the top 300, as it ranked at number 383 in 2025 so far for the streaming giant with just 5.3million viewers across the globe since it was first broadcast in March. However, the Duchess said: 'We're proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand. 'My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision.' Bela Bajaria, Netflix's chief content officer, said: 'Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. 'The response to their work speaks for itself - Harry & Meghan gave viewers an intimate look into their lives and quickly became one of our most-watched documentary series. 'More recently, fans have been inspired by With Love, Meghan, with products from the new As ever line consistently selling out in record time. 'We're excited to continue our partnership with Archewell Productions and to entertain our members together.' Meanwhile a new trailer for the second season of With Love, Meghan was released last week and showed Meghan hosting a fresh batch of celebrities and influencers at the rented California house close to her and Prince Harry's Montecito mansion. During a conversation with Spanish restauranteur Jose Ramon Andres, Meghan revealed a fun insight into 40-year-old Prince Harry's tastes Meghan, pictured with her husband during the Invictus Games earlier this year, revealed her husband doesn't like lobster With Love, Meghan was renewed for a second season just as season one was released in March. All the episodes were filmed at the same time, it is understood. As Ever is Meghan's lifestyle brand previously known as American Riviera Orchard - which launched in March and also sells cookie mix, tea, flower sprinkles and jams. Guests on season two will include Chrissy Teigen and Jamie Kern Lima, the trailer revealed. In the one-minute, 27-second teaser, Meghan is seen eating cheese, prepping snacks and drinks with friends and even reveals the food her husband Prince Harry doesn't like. 'Do you know who doesn't like lobster? My husband,' she says as she prepares the seafood. As the trailer comes to an end, Meghan reveals: 'I love these moments of discovery and beauty. So let's be curious together.' Meghan's As ever website describes her rose wine as 'thoughtfully curated by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex' and that it has been 'made to be enjoyed with the ones you love'. The pale pink wine, which comes in a clear bottle with a white, gold-rimmed label, has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 13.5 per cent 1 per cent lower than its predecessor. The Netflix series With Love, Meghan is the most recent television release by the Sussexes. Pictured: Meghan and her friends in season one Netflix said Harry & Meghan, which came out in 2022, was a huge success with a total of 23.4million views, making it the most viewed documentary ever through its first four days In an Instagram post following her birthday, Meghan said she was 'blowing out the candles on a beautiful 24 hours' and thanked her husband, friends and family for 'making it so special' The Daily Mail revealed in June that the 2023 wine used grapes from the Fairwinds estate so Meghan could show her support after the winery was almost destroyed in a devastating wildfire in 2020 which caused $15million worth of damage. Napa Valley wine country is in northern California, around 50 miles from San Francisco. The Duchess was shown drinking rose during the last episode of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan earlier this year when she offered chef Alice Waters a glass of wine. 'Would you like a glass of rose while we're cooking?' the duchess said, pouring from a bottle which does not appear to be As Ever wine, having a different label. Meghan added as she drank: 'Might be the best sip of wine I've ever had.' In a belated Instagram post following her birthday this month, Meghan said she was 'blowing out the candles on a beautiful 24 hours' and thanked her husband, friends and family for 'making it so special'. 'To those of you I don't know, but who send love every day - thank you so much. Please know I feel it and appreciate it,' she captioned the post alongside a heart emoji. Meghan and the Duke of Sussex left the UK and moved to California five years ago for a new life after stepping down from the working monarchy. No one wants to go out for dinner and leave hungry - or to be told you're not allowed to order the food you want. One London-based women, Liv, was having dinner with some friends on vacation in Spain when they decided to split a main and a salad between them - only to be told by the waiter that it was too much food. Liv filmed the interaction, which showed the waiter advising the women to order less, and shared it to TikTok, where it quickly went viral. 'You think it's too much?' Liv asked the waiter. 'I didn't think it was that much.' The waiter could them be heard telling them: 'I'm going to delete everything and you're gonna start again.' Another person at the table asked the waiter what he removed, to which he replied: 'I know you are hungry but...' 'That's why we wanted one for two, so it's smaller,' Liv explained. 'Just went for dinner and the male waiter told us our order was too much food for a group of women,' she wrote on the TikTok video, adding that they 'literally ordered starters and [were going to] share a main.' A London-based women, named Liv, was having dinner with some friends on vacation in Spain when there were told by the waiter that they were ordering too much food (stock image) 'He literally refused to put the order through and made us feel so bad for ordering anything more than what he recommended (we did not ask for his advice on this),' she continued. 'I love it when men think women don't eat.' In a follow up video, the women were seen requesting a different waiter, but instead, the manager came over and defended his actions. 'I think it was done in a jokey way,' they were told. 'I understand how it's not funny [but] the food in general [is] quite big.' 'You still haven't had all the food,' the manager continued after examining their table, before saying she was 'sorry' the women felt uncomfortable. The manager then suggested it was a 'Spanish' thing. Users were horrified by the interaction, and took to the comment section to share their thoughts. 'How is the manager trying to justify his actions. Thats wild. No one should comment on anyones food orders,' someone declared. 'The moment [the manager] said, "Im sure it was done in a jokey way" I wouldve got up and left. Why are you still there? Why would you even consider giving these people your money?' another confused user wrote. Liv filmed the interaction, which showed the waiter advising the women to order less, and shared it to TikTok , where it quickly went viral (stock image) 'She never apologized,' an outraged user exclaimed. '"Im sorry you feel that way," "Hes just joking," "Its a Spanish thing," its like she doubled down on the rudeness.' Currently, a typical person will spend around $166 a month at restaurants, according to the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Between 2019 and 2024, that amount soared by 14 percent, however standards have not always risen in keeping with the trend. To make sure you're getting the best out of your restaurant experience, chefs, restaurant experts, and critics chimed in with their two cents when it comes to restaurant red flags. This includes no visible management, staff that argue with customers, an empty restaurant or one that's full of influencers, the staff are treated badly by management, it's dirty, servers don't know the menu or they're constantly trying to upsell you. Tiffany Trump gave fans a rare glimpse at her newborn son, Alexander Trump Boulos, in a sweet series of snaps posted to Instagram this week. Tiffany, 31, and husband Michael Boulos welcomed their first child in May, after her dad, Donald Trump, publicly announced her pregnancy to the world at a rally. Now, the First Daughter has showed off her baby boy while sharing photos from what appeared to be a recent vacation. In one of the snaps, the new mom cradled the infant as she embraced husband Michael. Michael was wrapped in a towel, as it looked like they had just come from swimming. Tiffany held Alexander in her arms, sharing a glimpse of his white onesie with blue floral detailing. The Georgetown Law grad also included a sweet video of her son kicking his legs while lying down, as he wore a white-and-blue striped outfit and matching socks with the face of a bunny on them. In addition to family snaps, Tiffany posted pictures of herself posing on a boat in a white lace dress and sunglasses. In one of the new photos, new mom Tiffany Trump gave a glimpse of her son Alexander, who she welcomed with husband Michael Boulos in May The Georgetown Law grad also included a sweet video of her son kicking his legs while lying down, as he wore a white-and-blue striped onesie and matching socks Her brown Hermes Birkin bag, worth thousands of dollars, was sitting beside her. Tiffany's adorable new family photos come just weeks after her mom, Marla Maples, shared her delight in being a grandmother in an emotional Instagram post. 'I couldn't wait any longer to share photos with my precious grandson Alexander who is two months old today!' Marla wrote in the caption of the photo carousel. 'These photos are from his very first days with us full of wonder and light,' her message continued. Marla wrote: 'Everyone kept asking me, "What will you have him call you?" And I remembered how, before Tiffany was born, my mother stitched a precious blanket with the name she had chosen for herself, "Granna Ann." 'But Tiffany had her own idea and Granna Ann soon became "Mom Mom." Needless to say, the needlepoint got replaced. 'So I whispered to Alexander, I don't care what you call me even if it's "Little Granny," because when those innocent, deep eyes look into yours, it no longer matters what anyone else thinks, just the bond of the heart. 'Thank you God, for the gift of this child, bless and protect him always and let Your Light lead his path.' In addition to family snaps, Tiffany posted pictures of herself posing on a boat in a white lace dress and sunglasses The First Daughter has showed off her baby boy while sharing photos from what appeared to be a recent vacation. She's seen with her husband in January Tiffany is seen at her baby shower with half sister Ivanka Trump She then gushed about how well her daughter Tiffany was taking to motherhood. 'And Tiffany, your dedication and your love as a mother bring tears to my eyes and fills my heart with joy,' she wrote. 'Here's to family, to new beginnings, and to all the love and adventure still to come,' the message concluded. In one video Marla posted, the baby was seen in her arms as she smiled and sang to him. The next photo showed Marla, 61, relaxing on the couch with a huge grin on her face, as she held Alexander in her arms. Other pictures that she included were close-ups of the baby resting on her chest, looking at her, and adorably sleeping. The last snap she showed was a moving image, with Alexander dressed up in a sweet Fourth of July-themed onesie. Marla held a small American Flag as she waved it behind him and sweetly gazed at him with a big smile on her face. A heartbroken widow has told how her partner died after doctors dismissed his deadly health condition for stomach issues and sent him home with Gaviscon. David Burgess, from Sale, Greater Manchester, was otherwise healthy until he suddenly experienced 'horrific' pain in his stomach in April. After the 52-year-old's symptoms failed to subside, his partner Sandra O'Hagan, 56, rushed him to hospital the following day believing he could be suffering appendicitis. But she claimed, here doctors discharged him on the same day with a diagnosis of gastritisinflammation of the stomach liningand told him to take Gaviscon. It was only after his condition worsened that on May 1, she took the legal recruitment consultant back to Wythenshawe Hospitals A&E department in Manchester. Here, doctors confirmed he had aortic dissection, a life-threatening condition characterised by the tearing of the aortic wall, which can compromise blood flow to vital organs. Tragically, however, despite urgent surgeries, doctors told Ms O'Hagan there was nothing more they could do and it would 'cruel to keep trying'. On May 10, alongside his family, she made the heartbreaking decision to 'turn the machines off'. Sandra O'Hagan, 56, has told how her partner died after doctors dismissed his deadly health condition for stomach issues and sent him home with Gaviscon David Burgess, from Sale, Greater Manchester, was otherwise healthy until he suddenly experienced 'horrific' pain in his stomach in April Ms O'Hagan now believes her partner would have had a significantly better chance of survival, and may even still be alive, if he had been diagnosed correctly on his first visit to A&E. She is currently exploring legal action against the hospital with the firm Enable Law, although investigations are currently ongoing. Ms O'Hagan has also called for more to be done to educate the public and medical professionals on aortic dissection. Figures show 10 lives could be saved per week with the correct diagnosis. Recalling her horrifying ordeal, Ms O'Hagan said: [Mr Burgess] never went to the doctors, and I cant remember him taking a day off workhe was always so committed to working and he was pretty tough.' But after experiencing a 'sharp pain' on April 24, 'he said hed never felt anything like it before,' she added. 'It was absolutely horrific, just completely out of nowhere.' According to the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, acute aortic dissection can present with a wide range of symptoms, with the most common being the sudden onset of severe pain, typically felt in the chest, back, neck or abdomen, or in a combination of these areas. Ms O'Hagan now believes her partner would have had a significantly better chance of survival, and may even still be alive, if he had been diagnosed correctly on his first visit to A&E It was only after his condition worsened that on May 1, she took the legal recruitment consultant back to Wythenshawe Hospitals A&E department in Manchester. Here, doctors confirmed he had aortic dissection The following morning she drove him to A&E for testing before going to work. 'But they told him to go home, take Gaviscon, and dont take any painkillers because that would interfere with it and make it worse,' she said. 'Because its a doctor, you think, "well, that must be right. It cant be that serious, otherwise theyd have picked it up and not sent him home". 'Looking back, you think, "why did we trust them [the doctors]?" But you just do.' Over the following days, she said Mr Burgess was struggling to eat properly and he felt 'drained and had no energy'. After his breathing progressively worsened he returned to A&E on May 1 and tests showed he had a torn aortathe largest blood vessel in the body, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the bodyand he needed to have urgent surgery. She said: 'I couldnt process it, and I couldnt get through to him, and then Id had a missed call from Wythenshawe A&E as well, but you ring back and you cant get through to anyone. 'I didnt know what was happening, I couldnt speak to David, I couldnt speak to A&E so I dashed over to A&E after Id composed myself. After surgery Mr Burgess continued to deteriorate and a brain scan later revealed he had suffered several mini strokes 'The surgeon said he had a torn aorta and half the cases where this happens, the people die straight away. 'So for him to still be alive after six days, it was a miracle.' However, he continued to deteriorate and a brain scan later revealed he had suffered several mini strokes. 'On Davids final day, his parents, brother, sister-in-law and two nephews were at the hospital visiting,' Ms O'Hagan said. 'We were all taken aside and they said, "Hes on maximum medication, hes not getting any better, theres nothing further we can do. It would be cruel to keep trying, really, because we have done everything". What are the symptoms of an aortic dissection? According to the British Heart Foundation the symptoms include: A sudden, severe pain across the chest, often felt in the back or between the shoulder blades. Pain in the jaw, face, abdomen, back or lower extremities Feeling cold, clammy and sweaty Fainting and shortness of breath If you have any of these symptoms, you should immediately call 999 because it needs urgent treatment. Advertisement 'So we agreed to turn the machines off after his daughter came up to see him.' She said it was only afterwards that she realised the significance of the initial misdiagnosis, and she has submitted a formal complaint to the hospital. While legal investigations are ongoing, Sandra is determined to raise as much awareness as possible to help prevent others from losing their lives to aortic dissection. 'With David, when they sent him away, that was it, that was his only chance. He had to be diagnosed there and then to have the best chance of survival. 'Aortic dissection seems to be flying under the radar but this awareness is so important and somethings got to be done.' Jackie Linehan, Enable Law legal director and Ms O'Hagan's solicitor, who is working with aortic dissection charities, said: 'I am seeing an increasing number of claims where there have been catastrophic consequences from a failure to diagnose and treat aortic dissection in a timely manner. 'This is likely to be, in part, down to greater pressure on the NHS but also, increasingly, as a result of patients and their loved ones having a greater understanding of the condition and that, in a significant percentage of patients, it can be treated successfully if diagnosed in time. 'I hope to help Sandra get some answers about Davids care prior to his diagnosis and to support her in her goal to raise awareness of aortic dissection so that others do not need to suffer as she and David have.' A spokesperson for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust said: 'We offer our sincere condolences to Mr Burgess's family and friends for their loss. 'We have discussed his sad death with Ms O'Hagan, and we are undertaking a review of Mr Burgess's care. We will be sharing findings from that review with both Ms O'Hagan and the coroner. 'We will await the conclusion of the inquest before commenting further.' The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust says 2,000 people a year lose their lives from aortic dissection in the UK. Health officials have warned of a potential measles outbreak at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. A passenger arriving on an international flight tested positive for the highly contagious respiratory illness, which is currently spreading through the US. Travelers who were at the airport, which serves the Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland region, on August 12 have been warned they could be at high risk of the virus. The infected traveler - who is a resident of another state - passed through the main terminal and the TSA security checkpoint before taking transportation to Concourse B between 1pm and 5pm. Travelers who fear they may have been exposed are advised to confirm if they have been vaccinated against measles. To date in 2025, Virginia has three reported cases of measles, with another one of these cases also linked to a traveler at Washington Dulles International Airport. The US has so far recorded more than 1,375 cases of measles, more than 60 percent of which are in children and teens. About 95 percent of cases have been in unvaccinated people or those who have not completed the recommended two-dose regimen. Health officials have warned of a potential measles outbreak at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia Your browser does not support iframes. Three deaths have occurred due to measles this year, all of them being in unvaccinated people, including two children. Since widespread measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations began in 1971, US measles cases had nearly vanished by 2000. But infections have now surged to their highest level since 1992 when over 2,100 cases were recorded as vaccination rates slip. New clusters of measles infections have become increasingly common every year as vaccination coverage has declined to 91 percent, below the 95 percent threshold needed to achieve population-wide protection. Outbreaks are particularly common in more insular communities, such as Mennonites in West Texas, the epicenter of the current crisis. In Gaines County, where the outbreak had its genesis, kindergarten vaccination rates are as low as 20 percent, while rates in some neighboring Lubbock school districts are as low as 77 percent. Recent modeling by Stanford University researchers cautioned that, at current vaccination levels and with continuous, uncontrolled spread, the US will lose its measles elimination status within the year. Measles is among the most infectious diseases on earth. Just one infected person can transmit the virus to an average of 12 to 18 susceptible people, including anyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine, or has not previously contracted measles. Babies cannot receive the first dose until a year to 15 months and generally get the second when they reach four to six years old, typically right before entering school. Between 92 percent and 95 percent of measles cases in the US occur in unvaccinated people, primarily children and teens Their protection against measles depends on vaccinated older children creating herd immunity. The MMR vaccine is mandatory for school attendance in all 50 states. But a growing number of parents are using their states exemptions for moral or religious reasons to opt out of mandated vaccines. This means they can send their children to school unprotected and more likely to spread the virus to a child who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or because of age. In 2014, the exemption rate was about 1.7 percent, before a 2015 measles outbreak at Disneyland drew national attention to falling vaccination rates. By 2016, exemptions rose to two percent, even as states like California eliminated personal belief exemptions. The upward trend continued, hitting 2.5 percent in 2019the year the US saw its highest measles case count since 1992, driven by under-vaccinated communities. The pandemic disrupted vaccination efforts further, pushing exemptions to 2.8 percent in 2021. By 2023, rates reached 3.5 percent, with MMR coverage in kindergarteners falling below the 95 percent threshold for herd immunity. New clusters of measles infections have become increasingly common every year as vaccination coverage has declined to 91 percent, below the 95 percent threshold needed to achieve population-wide protection The US has so far recorded more than 1,375 cases of measles, more than 60 percent of which are in children and teens. Outbreaks are particularly common in more insular communities, such as Mennonites in West Texas , the epicenter of the current crisis Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, previously told DailyMail.com that yearly vaccination declines are sobering. Vaccine hesitancy and skepticism is alive and well and vaccines, he said. We have considered vaccine hesitancy as a public health and a clinical medicine problem. Of course it is, however, at root, I have come to believe it is an educational problem. Many on the anti-vax side cite the now-debunked science put forth in a retracted paper linking vaccines to autism written by Andrew Wakefield, a doctor who has had his medical license revoked. And the Department of Health and Human Services is currently under the leadership of Robert F Kennedy, Jr, a vaccine skeptic. Since the current outbreak began in West Texas, he has offered mixed messages. He has said that vaccination is the best way to prevent measles while also casting doubt on whether the children who died really died of measles Before ever reaching the public, vaccines must clear rigorous clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants, with ongoing safety monitoring long after approval. Public health leaders universally agree: immunization remains medicines most powerful shield against preventable disease, backed by decades of evidence on safety and efficacy. Cold-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough and a runny or blocked nose, are usually the first signal of measles HHS provided the following statement to DailyMail.com: 'HHS continues to support community efforts in dealing with the measles outbreaks. 'CDC continues to provide technical assistance, laboratory support, and vaccines as requested. 'The risk of measles infection is low for the overall U.S. population, with a case rate of less than 0.4 per 100,000 people lower than peer developed countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Italy. 'Measles risk is higher in US communities with low vaccination rates in areas with active measles outbreaks or with close social and/or geographic linkages to areas with active measles outbreaks. 'CDC continues to recommend MMR vaccines as the best way to protect against measles. The decision to vaccinate is a personal one. People should consult with their healthcare provider to understand their options to get inoculated and should be informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with vaccines.' Ahead of flu season, parents are being warned that healthy children could develop a life-threatening condition after being infected with the virus. More than 6million children are infected with flu every year. Most recover without medical care, but among patients under five years old, between 6,000 and 25,000 are hospitalized annually while about 37 to 199 died from the disease. But in 2023 doctors anecdotally reported an uptick in acute necrotizing encephalopathy, or a dangerous brain swelling that kills about one in four patients. The condition happens when the immune system overreacts to a viral infection and damages the blood-brain barrier, causing damage to brain tissue and brain swelling. A review published this week in JAMA found there were 41 cases in children across the last two flu seasons, making it 'extremely rare.' But three-quarters of those affected were considered healthy, and most were around five years old. Of the children, all were hospitalized and 11, or 27 percent, died from the disease, with death occurring within three days of symptoms starting. Only 16 percent of patients had received the flu vaccine, which the CDC recommends children aged six months and older get once a year. Doctors are sounding the alarm over acute necrotizing encephalopathy that can, in rare cases, strike healthy children who develop the flu (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Nicholas Dragolea, a primary care physician in the UK who was not involved in the research, told DailyMail.com: 'I see a lot of adults and children with flu every winter. 'Acute necrotizing encephalopathy is one of those extremely rare but extremely serious complications that happens predominantly in children.' The warning comes ahead of then next flu season, which typically begins in October. Up to 40million Americans are infected with the disease every year. Acute necrotizing encephalopathy is caused by an overreaction from the immune system to a viral infection, most commonly the flu. This triggers high levels of inflammation in the body that disrupts the blood-brain barrier and causes damage and swelling in brain tissue. Patients initially suffer from congestion, a cough, diarrhea or fever, but within days they develop fainting, seizures, trouble breathing and difficulty with movement. Treatment involves anti-viral medications to kill the virus and steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs to calm the immune system. In the study published in JAMA, researchers contacted 76 academic organizations across the US to ask members to submit reports of cases of acute necrotizing encephalopathy. Millions of children catch flu every year and most recover without needing medical care (stock image) They received reports of 41 cases detected between October 2023 and May 2025 from 23 hospitals nationwide. The patients had an average age of five years old, and three out of four were considered to be healthy and had no previous health conditions. Twenty-three of the patients were female. In the group, 38 developed a sudden onset of fever, while 41 patients had encephalopathy, or swelling in the brain, and 28 suffered from seizures. Eleven of the patients died, or 27 percent. Among those who were hospitalized, they were on wards for between 11 and 22 days before being discharged. Of the 38 patients with vaccination history, six were vaccinated against the disease, equivalent to 16 percent. Children are more at risk from the disease because their immune systems are still developing and may overreact to a virus, causing the complication. Older people and those with weaker immune systems are also more at risk, as their weaker immune systems raise the risk of an infection that could then cause an overreaction. It isn't clear why there may have been an uptick in cases, but doctors say this could be linked to lockdowns which led to children receiving fewer exposures to 'good microbes' which can cause their immune systems to overreact to other infections. It comes after the CDC raised the alarm over the condition in March, saying a dozen children had contracted the rare brain disorder. In a report, it said of the 68 children who died of the flu during the 2024 to 2025 season, nine had encephalopathy and four had acute necrotizing encephalopathy. Weight-loss jabs may raise the risk of kidney cancera 'silent killer' now striking more under-50seven as new research suggests they could protect against other tumours. The alarm comes from the biggest study yet of patients on slimming injections such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, which tracked nearly 44,000 overweight and obese people for up to ten years. While the drugs were linked to a 17 per cent lower risk of cancer overallwith big drops in ovarian and womb tumoursresearchers also uncovered a disturbing signal for kidney cancer. Patients on the jabs were about a third more likely to develop the disease than those who did not take them, with the risk highest among the under-65s and people who were overweight. Kidney cancer is one of the fastest-rising cancers in Britain and the US and is often dubbed a 'silent killer' because it rarely causes symptoms until it is advanced. Doctors warn that by the time tell-tale signs such as blood in the urine, persistent back pain or a lump under the ribs appear, it is often too late for successful treatment. Almost 14,000 Britons are diagnosed every year, with 4,700 deaths. In the US, there are around 80,000 new cases annually. If spotted early, three-quarters of patients survive at least five years but once the cancer has spread, survival drops to just 18 per cent. Mounjaro, Ozempic and other fat-melting injections have ushered in a new era in the war on obesity, but have also been linked to other health benefits, such as slashing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease Your browser does not support iframes. Cases are also climbing sharply in younger adults. People born in 1990 are up to three times more likely to develop the disease than those born in the 1950sa trend doctors say is partly driven by rising obesity and high blood pressure. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, compared 43,317 people prescribed the jabs with 43,315 who did not take them. In total, 891 cancers were diagnosed among jab users compared with 1,022 in non-users. But for kidney cancer there were 83 cases among users compared with 58 among non-users. Dr Hao Dai, a health data scientist at Indiana University who led the research, also expressed concern about the uptick in kidney cancer among users. 'We need to do another observational study to confirm that these drugs increase the risk,' he said. 'But from my point of view, it might be that the drugs raise the risk of some types of kidney cancer. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'We don't know, however, and need to do more research.' One theory is that the drug's common side effects, including severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, may trigger repeated bouts of acute kidney injury. Over time, that stress could damage kidney tissue and increase the risk of mutations that lead to cancer. Another area of concern is that the kidneys contain GLP-1 receptors. These are the same receptors Ozempic targets to regulate blood sugar and keep people full. Some scientists wonder whether constantly stimulating these receptors could cause cells in the kidneys to grow out of control, though this remains speculative and has not been proven in humans. Rapid weight loss and dramatic metabolic shifts caused by the drug might also play a role, potentially altering the body's immune response or revealing preexisting kidney issues. However Professor Paul Pharoah, a cancer specialist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, urged caution over the findings. He said: 'While these results suggest that GLP1 receptor agonist have an effect on cancer risk the presence of an association does not mean that the association is a causal one.' Dr Stephen Lawrence, associate clinical professor at the University of Warwick, added: 'There was a slight uptick among userstwo cases per 1,000 patients per year compared with 1.3 per 1,000 for non-users. 'That's about six extra cases for every 10,000 patients treated over a year. Not ideal, but still a drop in the ocean against other health benefits.' He added: 'Further research is needed before drawing any firm conclusions. The science is promising, but more research will be important to confirm these findings as more individuals begin these treatments.' At the same time, scientists found people on the jabs were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with other cancers. Rates of ovarian cancer fell by nearly half, while cases of womb cancer and certain brain tumours (meningiomas) also dropped. Overall, patients on the injections had a 17 per cent lower chance of developing cancer of any type compared with those who did not take them. The study was presented at the American Clinical Society of Oncology's annual conference in Chicago, Illinois, the largest cancer conference in the world. But experts remain cautious about over-interpreting the data, stating that the drop in cancer risk might simply be a result of weight loss itself, rather than the drugs. Slimming jabs have already been credited with cutting the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure, on top of their dramatic weight-loss effects. Experts say the latest results underline that while they may offer protection against some cancers, vigilance is still needed over the warning signs for kidney disease. Officials are raising the alarm over a Covid surge in the US, as they advise Americans in five states to be on high alert for infections. Latest CDC wastewater data showed that Covid activity rose to 'moderate' nationwide in the week of August 9, the latest available, up from 'low' in the previous seven-day spell. Covid levels haven't risen to this level nationwide since March. In five states, Utah, Nevada, Texas, Alaska and Hawaii, Covid levels have now risen to 'very high,' in another warning sign of rising infections. Schools in these states have already returned from summer vacation, raising transmission rates of the virus, and each state is home to tourism hotspots, which can lead more people to bring the virus to these areas. Officials say the uptick may be driven by the variant, XFG or 'Stratus', that reached the US in March and is not more deadly than previous strains but may be more infectious. Levels of other viruses such as flu and RSV remain low, CDC monitoring shows, but officials are keeping track of the viruses with the official start of the flu season now just a month away. Revealing the COVID uptick, the CDC said: 'Wastewater monitoring can detect viruses spreading from one person to another within a community earlier than clinical testing and before people who are sick go to their doctor or hospital. It can also detect infections without symptoms. 'If you see increased wastewater viral activity levels, it might indicate that there is a higher risk of infection.' Your browser does not support iframes. Levels of Covid in wastewater are rising nationwide, estimates show, suggesting an uptick in infections in the country Your browser does not support iframes. Overall, wastewater data suggested that Covid infections are now rising in 45 states, compared to in 40 over the previous seven-day spell. Of the five states now at very high levels, four are experiencing an uptick compared to the agency's previous data. Hawaii has had very high levels of Covid in wastewater for the last three weeks, estimates suggest, as the state records a 'summer wave' of infections. Hawaii is often ranked as the top tourist destination for Americans in polls, with about 4.6million visiting the state every year, although numbers this year were slightly below those expected. Covid hospitalizations have also risen nationwide, up 30 percent with an estimated 1.3 admissions per 100,000 in the week of July 26, the latest data available, compared to one in the previous seven-day spell. Deaths are not rising, however, with 167 fatalities recorded over the week of July 19, the latest available, roughly similar to the level recorded the previous two months. These can take longer to rise, though, because of the time taken for someone to fall seriously ill after being infected and then succumb to the illness. The figures are far off those at the peak of the pandemic, when there were more than 30 hospitalizations per 100,000 people every week and 25,000 deaths per week. The above shows the Covid wastewater situation in Texas The hospital admission rate, or proportion of admissions due to Covid, is rising in four of the five states with very high Covid levels, and fastest in Hawaii, where it rose 17 percent in the week of August 9, the latest available, to 3.4 percent of all admissions. But there are no suggestions in any of these states that restrictions may be brought in to curb the spread of the infection. The new variant first arrived in the US in March, after appearing in Southeast Asia in January, with some of the first cases reported in New York and New Jersey. It is a recombinant virus, meaning it was formed when two other strains of Covid infected the same cell and then swapped genes to create a 'chimera' virus. The World Health Organization has classified the strain as a 'variant under monitoring' after lab analysis suggested that it may be more infectious than other currently circulating strains. The XFG variant, formed from two Omicron strains, was behind an estimated 14 percent of Covid cases over the week of June 21, the latest date available, up from 11 percent from two weeks earlier. The CDC says that it receives little data on variants from the states every year, leading it to have 'low confidence' in the estimates, but it warns that the variant is likely causing an increasing proportion of infections. The agency's wastewater estimates are based on reports from hundreds of sites across the US that analyze the water for signs of Covid. An uptick indicates more people are shedding the virus, suggesting that infections are rising. It comes after a new study revealed that even mild Covid infections can age your blood vessels by up to five years, increasing your long-term risk for heart disease, strokes and dementia. Known medically as vascular aging, it sees the blood vessels which carry vital oxygen to organs in the body stiffen and is normal as we get older. But according to the study, which included 2,390 people from 16 different countries, it is accelerated by the virus. It was particularly acute in women, wrote the French researchers in the findings, published in the European Heart Journal. Previous studies have shown vascular aging to be linked to an increased risk of developing the memory-robbing illness dementia. The latest study also found people who had been vaccinated against Covid generally had arteries that were less stiff than those who were unvaccinated. And for these people, over the long term, the vascular aging seemed to stabilize or improve slightly. An urgent recall of radioactive frozen shrimp that may be contaminated with nuclear waste has been widened to Kroger, Instacart and another four states. It now covers 1lb and 2lb bags of shrimp sold between July 17 and August 8 under the brand names Sand Bar, Best Yet, Arctic Shores, Great American Seafood Imports and First Street. The 13 products in the recall were on shelves in nine states across the South, West, MidWest and NorthEast. It takes the total number of states affected in the recall to 19, after Great Value frozen shrimp products sold by Walmart were also recalled on Tuesday amid concerns over contamination. All the products in the recall were sent to the US by BMS Foods in Indonesia, with FDA officials saying that contamination likely occurred during the packaging and preparation process. Tests have revealed that the shrimp may be contaminated with high levels of Cesium-137, a byproduct of nuclear waste and nuclear weapons tests. Cesium-137 is present at very low levels in the environment, partially as a result of nuclear tests, and is generally harmless. But once inside the body, the substance can become lodged in tissue and release low-level radiation over time that can damage DNA and cause cells to turn cancerous. The expanded recall affects another 13 frozen shrimp products sold across the US (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. Shoppers are being urged to throw out shrimp that are in the recall immediately and return to stores to secure a full refund. The FDA has not revealed what to do if someone has consumed the shrimps, but customers can generally contact the agency for advice via its online reporting form. Anyone who believes they have eaten the radioactive shrimp has been advised to consult with their doctor. No illnesses have been reported linked to the recall to date. Anyone who has consumed the radioactive shrimp could be at higher risk of DNA damage and cancer, such as thyroid cancer. The FDA said: 'The primary health effect of concern [with Cesium-137 following longer term, repeated low dose exposure (e.g. through consumption of contaminated food or water over time) is an elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body.' Shoppers can check whether their product is in the recall by checking the LOT number, which is listed on the back of the package underneath the barcode. The FDA has published a full list of the codes for the products on its website. It is not clear exactly how many bags of shrimp have been recalled. The radioactive shrimp bags in the latest recall were sold in nine states: Alabama, Louisiana, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah and Washington state. Among the brands that have been recalled are Sand Bar and Arctic Shores (pictured) In the first recall, the Great Value shrimp sold in Walmart were sold in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Southwind Foods, based in California, shipped the shrimp across the US and issued the recall. Online, the business says it supplies the 'finest fresh and frozen responsibly harvested seafood'. The FDA was alerted to the potential contamination by the Customs and Border Protection agency, which detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers at four major US ports. Tests on these shrimp revealed they had a radiation level of 68 becquerels per kilogram (Bq/kg). This is significantly below the safe level of under 1,200 Bq/kg, but has still concerned officials who fear that it could cause harm to consumers. Shrimp can absorb Cesium-137 from their environment if their habitat is contaminated with the substance, but can also become contaminated if they are washed with water that contains the radioactive substance. There are no nuclear power plants in Indonesia, where the shrimp were prepared, and the country does not possess or test any nuclear weapons. The Southern Shrimp Alliance, a Florida-based organization of shrimp sellers, suggested online that the contamination might be linked to the Fukushima nuclear plant fuel leak in 2011, with investigators saying at the time that the fuel released into the environment would be radioactive for at least 30 years. Great American Seafood Imports and Best Yet, shown, are also part of the recall The lobby group also said the FDA had rejected a large number of shrimp shipments from Indonesia this year for multiple violations including the use of banned pesticides. Cesium-137 is primarily released by nuclear power plants or weapons, but it can also be used in industry to detect the flow of liquid through pipes, and by hospitals for medical sterilization and radiation therapy for treating cancer. The recall is believed to be the first ever in the US linked to detection of Cesium-137 in commercial food products. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more I have a good friend who seems to only spend five minutes in the sun before she develops a deep, golden tan that lasts for months - and I'm always extremely jealous. Ditto the friends and colleagues who are so dedicated to their fake tanning regimes that they always greet me looking like they've just spent a week in the Seychelles, glowing tan and all. Unfortunately, despite looking at least 50 per-cent better with a tan, I have skin that remains stubbornly pale (which is partly because I'm always slathered in factor 50 for fear of burning and premature wrinkles). I also don't have the time (or perhaps willpower) for a consistent fake tanning routine - it's a faff, the bedsheets get messy and I have so little time for self-care these days that it gets bumped down the priority list under things like 'have a shower' or 'brush teeth'. However, there are often days when I feel like I really would like to look better with a tan, such as those mornings where I reach for a white dress or a pair of shorts and all I can see staring back in the mirror are my milk-coloured legs. This is where instant tan can step in. I have long had a fear of these products, because I remember back in university we used to pile on tonnes of bronze body lotion before a night out - it absolutely stank and came off all over our Miss Selfridge vest tops. Recently, however, I found out that instant tan has come a long, long way since the Noughties. Case in point: Vita Liberata, the tanning brand already well known for its very effective range of Body Blur lotions. I've recently tried the newest product from Vita Liberata, and have to say I am beyond impressed. The Vita Liberata Liquid Blur drops come with a pippet, which dispenses very concentrated bronzing liquid onto your skin. Then you simply rub it in for an instant tan (you can layer up the product for a deeper colour). Demonstrated on my leg - the power of Vita Liberata's tanning drops You might expect such a product to be sticky, smell or transfer onto your clothes. Well I can say with certainty that it doesn't have any of these qualities. In fact I'm amazed by its staying power - yes, I could wash it off my hands with soap and water, but apart from that it didn't come off at all on the white T-shirt I was wearing, and I actually applied sunscreen over the top without losing any of the tan. I'm not sure what magic is going on here, but I am seriously impressed with the bronzing effect of these little drops, and the bottle is small enough to take on holiday with you thanks to the concentrated nature of the product. Even better news is that the drops are currently 25 per-cent off at Boots, making them 18.75 (and I swear they would last forever). Finally, the bronzed life is for me... Vice President JD Vance gave Elon Musk a stern warning about keeping Donald Trump close after the billionaire's third party threat. Vance warned Musk not to betray Trump by starting his own political party during a Wednesday night interview on Fox News' The Ingraham Angle. The former Ohio senator said Musk would wield more influence within the Republican party by staying 'loyal' to the president and MAGA movement. 'My advice to Elon would be to try to fix the Republican Party,' Vance said to Fox News host Laura Ingraham. 'Try to push it in your own way. Disagree with me all you want, disagree with the president of the United States, but don't pretend that you can make a big difference with a third party.' Vance then advised Musk to convey his differences with Trump privately and not with members of the press. 'I think Elon would make a much bigger difference if he stayed loyal to President Trump's Republican Party, and if he had disagreements, express those disagreements from the inside as opposed from the outside.' The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Musk is holding off on launching his new political party because he wants to remain close with top Republicans, including Vance. JD Vance advised Elon Musk to remain 'loyal' to Trump if he wants to continue wielding influence in the GOP Elon Musk left the administration after falling out of favor with President Donald Trump earlier this year A recent report indicates that Musk believes Vance will be Trump's likely successor in 2028 The report claims Musk sees Vance as Trump's heir apparent for the 2028 Republican nominee. Musk has denied the allegations reported in the WSJ. Back in July, Musk announced he would start the America Party to combat the two-party system after his spectacular falling out with the president. 'When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,' he wrote on X. Musk previously served in the Trump administration as a former special government employee overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). But shortly after leaving the administration, Musk and Trump's relationship fell apart over the passage of the 'Big, Beautiful Bill.' Reports also suggest Musk had been frozen out of Trump's inner circle after the president canceled the billionaire's top choice to lead NASA. 'I do think that it would be a huge mistake for Elon to go forward with a third party, and my argument to him is whether you like it or not, you are now perceived by the far left as on the side of the American right,' Vance added. 'You believe in law and order, you believe in closed borders, you believe in economic growth and prosperity, you believe in making things in the United States of America.' Musk's super PAC contributed hundred of millions to supporting Trump during the final days of the 2024 election Vance concluded, 'The idea that Elon is ever going to go back to being sort of in the middle, where Democrats and Republicans both like him, that's just not going to happen. He is perceived as being on the American right.' The vice president told Ingraham he never talked to Musk or other GOP donors about launching a 2028 presidential bid. Vance's political career started in 2021 when he received $10 million from Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel in the GOP Ohio Senate race. During the 2024 election, Musk's America PAC poured approximately $300 million in support of Trump in key swing states. Younger drinkers are ditching bottled wine in favour of more convenient alternatives, according to a leading retailer. While Gen Z might be the most teetotal generation, theyre also driving sales of boxed and canned wine, new Ocado data suggests. Canned wines are proving a popular and convenient option for shoppers, with sales of M&S California Rose increasing 541 per cent over the last year, and Canned Wine Co's Gamay up 212 per cent. There has even been a resurgence of once-derided boxed wine, driven by Gen Z - adults aged between 18 and 28 - who say they prefer the convenience and think that it has improved in quality. Almost three in five are happy to drink wine from a box or a can, with 63 per cent believing they offer better value. Cheers! Gen Z opt for canned and boxed wine over bottles, according to Ocado data Sales of boxed Nice Pale French Rose have rocketed 559 per cent over the last year, while Isla Negra Sauvignon Blanc increased 73 per cent. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the environment is another driving factor, with 59 per cent of Gen Z drinkers seeing boxed wine as more sustainable, compared to 46 per cent of the wider population. Social media is driving interest in wine more generally, with over half of Gen Z shoppers saying TikTok and Instagram have improved their knowledge of it. Vanessa Pearson, beer, wine and spirits trading manager at Ocado Retail, said: These formats offer flexibility, especially in the summer, while the locally-sourced movement aligns with the more conscious choices that customers are making. At the same time, sales of English wine are up 17 per cent year-on-year on Ocado, with sales of the canned wine Uncommon growing 32 per cent. Gen Z might be eyeing wine alternatives, but there is a also a growing market for no and low alcohol products. Among the most popular products on Ocado has been Thatchers Zero cider, with sales up 90 per cent over 2024, while Tanqueray alcohol-free gin increased 32 per cent. Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5 per cent ale remains a firm favourite, with sales up 22 per cent over the last year. Similarly, Guinness Zero has proved a hit with drinkers. In 2023, owner Diageo announced it would aim to triple production of its zero-alcohol brand in response to changing tastes. The drink, which launched in 2021, is on course to account for 10 per cent of all Guinness sales in Ireland in the coming years. A 'misleading' advert from Lloyds Banking Group has been banned amid claims the lender misled readers over its financial commitments to social housing. The Lloyds advert, which appeared in The Times newspaper in March 2025, featured a photo of a large black horse galloping past new homes with building work underway. Underneath the image of the horse galloping across new-build homes was large text stating: '19.5 billion for social housing. And that's just the start.' Smaller text underneath stated: 'Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Thats why weve provided 19.5 billion to the social housing sector since 2018. Helping Britain Prosper Search Lloyds Banking Group social housing.' After the newspaper advert was published, a complaint to the Advertising Standards Agency alleging it had wrongly implied that Lloyds had donated 19.5billion to social housing projects. Following a probe, the ASA concluded the advert was 'misleading' as it 'gave the overall impression that the sum of money had been donated to the social housing sector', rather than via commercial arrangements like loans and investments. The watchdog said: 'In the absence of further qualification, we considered readers were likely to interpret the claims to mean that LBG had made a significant financial contribution to the social housing sector.' 'Misleading': The ASA said this Lloyds Banking Group advert in a newspaper was 'misleading' The ASA upheld the complaint in part and said the advert breached CAP Code rules on misleading advertising. According to the ASA, Lloyds claimed the newspaper advert formed part of a wider campaign which aimed to highlight their commitment to social housing within the context of their broader sustainability purpose. The banking giant told the ASA,that while the advert was published in The Times, it was not aimed at the general public, but the lender's corporate stakeholders, political groups, journalists and competitors. The bank reportedly told the ASA that the advert was intended to demonstrate its role as a leading commercial supporter of the sector. The ASA said the lender suggested that readers of The Times 'were typically more sophisticated with a strong awareness of business, economic and public affairs issues'. The watchdog said: 'On that basis, they said that the average reader of The Times would have understood that LBG was a major UK banking group, not a charitable or philanthropic organisation, and that the claim did not imply the 19.5 billion was given as a donation.' It added: 'The ad appeared in The Times, which was read by both consumer and business readers. The ASA therefore considered that members of both those groups would see the ad.' As a result of the ASA's findings, the advert must not appear again in the form complained of. The ASA concluded: 'We told...Lloyds Banking Group not to misleadingly imply that they had donated money to social housing projects when that was not the case, and to ensure future ads did not mislead by omitting significant information that put claims into context.' A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson told The Daily Mail: 'We acknowledge the ruling but respectfully disagree with this specific decision. 'We believe the advert was clear, aligned with the ASAs standards of responsible advertising and will have been understood by any reasonable reader. 'It accurately reflected our commercial support for the social housing sector, and we remain committed to communicating this impact in a way that is transparent and easily understood by all audiences.' Labour's social housing push In February 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said there were 1.3million households in England on local authority housing waiting lists. Amid the government's plans to build 1.5million new homes in England by the end of parliament, the Chancellor reiterated the aim of delivering the aim of delivering the 'biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation.' In July, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, a keen advocate of social housing, unveiled details of a 39billion house building drive for the next 10 years aiming to deliver around 300,000 new social and affordable homes. Marks & Spencers food sales have bounced back this summer as it recovers from a cyber attack. The High Street retailer saw a 6.7 per cent surge in takings over the three months to August 9 compared to a year earlier, according to market research firm NielsenIQ. This was a higher rate of growth than the 4.3 per cent it recorded in last months report. After it was targeted by cyber criminals over Easter, M&S halted website and app orders while its food stocking systems were thrown into chaos, leaving shelves empty. It did not sell clothes and homeware online for almost two months and did not offer a click-and-collect service for nearly four months. This sent shoppers in the direction of competitors, including Next, which sells many of the same third-party brands online. M&S expects a 300million dent to profits this year. Marks & Spencer saw a 6.7% surge in takings over the three months to August 9 compared to a year earlier, according to market research firm NielsenIQ But boss Stuart Machin has described the hack as a bump in the road and said it will not halt a revival at the business. And M&S this month retained its 3.7 per cent market share, the same slice it held a year ago. This has brought it neck and neck with rival grocer Waitrose, which increased its share from 3.7 per cent to 3.8 per cent. When the attack hit, M&S had been enjoying the fruits of a long-sought turnaround after its clothes had been deemed frumpy for years. It has enticed younger shoppers by offering stylish clothing ranges, advertised by stars including Sienna Miller. And it has boosted its food ranges, with new offerings such as pistachio creme and lemon hot cross buns going viral on social media. Four individuals, including three teenagers, have been bailed pending further enquiries after the cyber attack over the Easter bank holiday. The personal data of millions of customers, which could have included names, email addresses, postal addresses and dates of birth, was stolen. Machin said: We are now focused on recovery, with the aim of exiting this a much stronger business. Shares fell 0.7 per cent. An accounting blunder caused WH Smith to vastly over project the profitability of its North American business, the retailer told shareholders on Thursday. The London-listed company's shares tumbled after WH Smith said its expected profits for the year had been overstated by 30million. In a stock market update, WH Smith said it had appointed Deloitte to conduct an independent and 'comprehensive review' into the accounting saga. The firm discovered the error while preparing its year-end results and said it was 'largely' caused because it had logged some of its income too early. It said: 'This overstatement is largely due to the accelerated recognition of supplier income in the North America division.' WH Smith shares fell 35.5 per cent or 394.08p to 715.92p on Thursday, having fallen over 40 per cent in the last year. Blunder: WH Smith unveiled an accounting blunder in its North American arm on Thursday The error prompted a cut in the profit outlook at its second largest division to around 25million, down from a previous forecast of approximately 55million. 'This is clearly a big negative surprise,' JPMorgan analysts said in a note. JP Morgan's analysts added: 'This raises a number of issues around its accounting, which are unlikely to be explained straight away and are likely to be a drag on the shares in the meantime.' WH Smith shares fell to their lowest since March 2020 on Thursday and were the biggest percentage losers on the FTSE mid-cap index. WH Smith, which in June sold its British high-street arm to become purely a travel retailer, has been rapidly expanding in North America, which comprised 20 per cent of group revenue in fiscal 2024. In July, WH Smith said it would receive gross cash proceeds of up to 40million, rather than the 52million expected in March when it agreed to sell the division, which had 480 high-street shops, to Modella Capital. Mounting debt has weighed on the company's cash reserves, compounding pressures from global economic uncertainty affecting the travel sector. The retailer said it now expected group pre-tax profit for the year ending 31 August to be around 110million, against analysts' estimates of 140million. In April, WH Smith had forecast annual profit to be in line with market expectations, which were around 182.6million at the time. Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: 'WHSmith's bid to turn around its flagging share price has been dealt a major blow by today's news. 'The 36 per cent drop shows that investors are fretting that this could be the tip of the iceberg, especially since the firm has called in the auditors. 'The news means that the 3-year recovery in earnings will take a big hit, but perhaps the reaction seems a little overdone, especially now it has shed itself of the underperforming UK High Street arm.' Dan Coatsworth, an investment analyst at AJ bell, said: 'The latest update from WHSmith is nothing short of a disaster. The North American business is crucial to the companys growth ambitions and the loose thread of an accounting error in this part of the group will create concern about a potential greater unravelling to come. 'The business has identified an overstatement of profit linked to the accelerated recognition of supplier income. Uncertainty will dog the company until an independent review is concluded with an update promised alongside full year results.' He added: 'Profit guidance for the American division has been cut by more than 50 per cent, which will cause huge embarrassment to management. Investors will be sobbing into their cornflakes on the news. 'The sale of the structurally declining UK high street division was supposed to free WHSmith to concentrate on its airport, train, hospital and service station outlets. These benefit from a captive audience allowing the company to generate strong margins. However, the US news has tarnished what WHSmith would have hoped could be a fresh start for the business. 'It needs to get ahead of this situation as quickly as possible and make the necessary changes to rebuild credibility with the market. Thousands of children will open their GCSE results today and wonder what their future looks like. While some will have made up their minds, others will be looking to their parents for advice. And new data shows that fewer than half of parents would encourage their child to become a builder, despite figures showing it can be a lucrative career. A survey by the Federation of Master Builders found that only 47 per cent of parents would recommend a career in construction. If they are concerned about earnings potential, their scepticism might be misplaced. Office for National Statistics figures show that the average construction worker earns 42,224 a year, ahead of the overall average full-time salary of 37,430. Building the future: Half of parents wouldn't recommend a construction career to their children Builders are also ahead of graduate roles like graphic designers, who earn around 29,223 and accountants who take home 38,015, according to jobs website Indeed. For construction workers who run their own firm, take-home pay is likely to be even higher, with FMB member firms averaging an annual turnover of over 1million. Construction workers also don't carry the burden of student debt, which is roughly 53,000 and is paid back via a monthly salary. Construction offers young people a stable, rewarding and well-paid career path without the burden of student loans,' says Chris Carr, national president of the FMB. 'It's also a brilliant path for those that are entrepreneurial, as you can establish your own businesses and turnover a significant sum'. How do we build more homes with fewer builders? If more young adults turn away from construction as a career, the Government's ambitious 1.5million homes target will be thrown into doubt. The Construction Industry Training Board estimates that 61,000 new workers are needed every year to meet the government's target of 1.5million new homes, on top of the current workforce which is estimated to be about 2.67 million. The Home Builders Federation has previously warned that the UK does not have enough workers to build homes because of skills shortages, ageing workers and Brexit. It said that for every 10,000 new homes to built, the sector needs about 30,000 new recruits across 12 trades. Vacancies for construction jobs surged 7.9 per cent between January and June of this year, according to job board CV Library. At the same time, there has been a 14 per cent fall in the number of builders over the past five years, with 15 per cent of workers now aged over 60. As well as recruitment, the Government may also face a retention issue, as construction workers are tempted by better salaries and quality of life elsewhere, like Australia. A survey by CV Library found that 52 per cent of builders haven't had a pay rise in a year, while the same number say lack of career progression is their top frustration. Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV Library said: 'Urgent action is needed to ensure the talent is there to build Britain. Labour's pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2030 won't be possible without the workforce to build it. 'Without confronting the growing construction talent gap head on, these "homes of the future" won't be built. 'For those seeking a career change, the construction industry is one of the few sectors with big investment and a jobs boom. There are a wide range of roles in demand, with many of them being largely AI-proof, offering more job security.' With tens of thousands of Australians locked out of the property market and demand for affordable housing reaching crisis point, one trailblazing family-owned company is shaking things up at breakneck speed. Prefab housing manufacturer FutureFit, based in Drouin in regional Victoria, is slashing construction times from months to mere weeks, and offering a timely answer to the country's housing crunch. It comes as the Regional Australia Institute recommends an increase in the construction of prefabricated homes to help solve the housing crisis in the bush. FutureFit founder Peter Ward proudly points to his company's impressive track record, including the completion of 10 townhouses in Melbourne from slab to lock up in just 51 days. Mr Ward said cutting-edge European panelised building technology allows a double-storey townhouse prefab kit to be assembled in just 2.5 days. He predicts if his system is adopted widely across regional areas, it will deliver affordable housing solutions like a three-bedroom family home, built within three months for less than $500,000. 'It's taking longer and longer to build a house,' he said. 'It used to be 38 weeks and now most people are saying it's taking a year or more. Time is money and with our system the benefit is that we really dramatically reduce the time it takes a builder to get to lock up.' Townhouses in Doncaster, Melbourne built using the FutureFit construction system Cutting-edge European panelised building technology allows a double-storey townhouse prefab kit to be assembled in just 2.5 days These 32 units are under construction in Ferntree Gully, Victoria using the FutureFit design Mr Ward said their prefab technology was much faster than traditional brick and mortar construction, and also reduces labour costs and weather delays. 'If a builder is building 25 homes, all of a sudden he can build 50,' he said. 'Our system is getting wider acceptance, and obviously mainstream, larger project builders are still using traditional methods, but we're seeing greater and greater acceptance of a need to change.' He added the modern construction method was far more energy efficient than traditional brick and tile homes. 'I used to live in the house and my electricity bill every three months was $1,200 odd,' he said. 'An electricity bill in a home built using our system is $130.' On Thursday, the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) released a new report exposing the crippling housing shortage sweeping the bush, warning government inaction is choking one of the country's fastest-growing populations. The RAI blasted the current system as a national failure, revealing despite a 10 per cent surge in people fleeing the cities, the number of homes being built in the regions has nosedived, down 21 per cent in 20 years. Regional Australia Institute CEO Liz Ritchie (pictured) said the number of homes being built in regional Australia is failing to keep up with demand 'In the past year alone, just 48,000 new homes were approved across regional Australia - a figure chief executive Liz Ritchie said is dangerously out of step with soaring demand, and a ticking time bomb for future growth. Ms Ritchie said the organisation is calling for 40 per cent of the National Housing Accord's 1.2million new homes be built in the regions. Its latest report recommends the fast adoption of modern methods of construction, with prefabricated housing a potential solution to housing shortfalls crippling the regions. 'Twenty-five years ago, Australia's regions were approving over 60,000 homes per year,' she said. 'This has shrunk by 21 per cent, despite the regions experiencing a population boom with more than 115,000 people making the move each year. 'When it comes to housing, our regions face unique challenges, like high building costs, worker shortages, lack of industrial scale and the dominance of detached housing.' Ms Ritchie said the focus of the national housing debate must shift towards increased housing construction in regional Australia. She said while it is generally more affordable to buy a home in regional Australia, that advantage is waning in some areas. 'Regional housing shortfalls are also creating a subsequent rental crisis; whereby rental availability is consistently tighter compared to capital cities,' she said. Mr Ward said his company is aiming to scale up but called for government support to boost the emerging industry which currently accounts for the construction of around 3 per cent of homes. 'If it's going to become mainstream, you need more players to embrace it, and that probably needs the will of the government to assist to help solve the housing crisis,' he said. 'They can't build 1.2million homes in five years when it's taking longer than it traditionally does to build a home.' Regional house prices grew 62 per cent over the five years to 2023-24 compared to 37 per cent in cities. Pupils picking up their GCSE results today face the 'fiercest ever' scramble for college places as results show more top grades were awarded this year. The proportion of GCSE entries awarded top grades has risen from last year but fewer GCSE entries scored a decent pass this year, national figures show. Students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland received their exam results on Thursday to help them progress to sixth form, college or training. More than a fifth (21.9%) of UK entries were awarded the top grades - at least a 7 or an A grade - this year, up by 0.1 percentage points on last year, when 21.8% achieved the top grades. This live page has closed Angela Rayner may be planning to soak the middle classes with her new council tax reforms, but judging from these exclusive photos, she clearly intends to stay warm and dry herself. The Deputy PM's plan to hit Middle England with a hefty hike in council tax has already met a wave of opposition, but she seemed unconcerned as she sipped a glass of rose on the beach, snuggled up in a 165 Dryrobe. The scene might not have fitted with Ms Rayner's 'woman of the people' image, but she was clearly enjoying herself with a small group of friends on Hove beachfront on Monday evening. The impromptu party came just before news broke of Ms Rayner's (appropriately named) 'Plan For Change' assault on middle class homeowners by reforming the council tax system and forcing householders in the countryside to subsidise residents of cities. The move was branded 'spiteful' by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. An onlooker said he wouldn't have even noticed the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government if it hadn't been for her companions constantly scanning the beach for cameras. 'I guess she must have been in for a dip, but I only noticed her when the wine came out and she was already in her Dryrobe, and her friends started looking furtively around the beach,' said the eyewitness. The image with glass of rose in one hand, wrapped in the garishly coloured robe, may not have met with the approval of Ms Rayner's aides, but it's not quite in the same league as John Prescott playing croquet. Angela Rayner was pictured sipping a glass of rose on Hove beach on Monday evening The Deputy PM seemed unconcerned despite her council tax reforms being met with a wave of opposition It comes after Ms Rayner was snapped raving behind a DJ deck in Ibiza And it's not the first time fun-loving Angela has been photographed letting her hair down last October she was snapped raving behind a DJ deck in Ibiza, belting out the lyrics to a remix of Gotye's hit Somebody That I Used to Know. At the time she said: 'I won't apologise for taking a day off.' Ms Rayner doesn't apologise for very much it took her about a month to say sorry for famously calling Tories 'scum' in 2021. According to reports, the newly planned Rayner tax raid will mean that middle-class families in rural areas will face an extra 376 in council tax on average. 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 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 at current rates. Ms Rayner wants residents of middle class rural areas to pay more in council tax to help fund services in poorer neighbourhoods. The CCN forecast that local authorities in rural areas would have to increase council tax by the maximum rate of 5 per cent over the next three years. According to reports, the new planned Rayner tax raid will mean that middle-class families in rural areas will face an extra 376 in council tax on average The County Councils Network (CCN) has warned that leafy towns and villages will 'foot the bill' for a planned overhaul of local finances Ms Rayner wants residents of middle class rural areas to pay more in council tax to help fund services in poorer neighbourhoods While money would flow to the cities, the CCN said this would lead to less money for local authorities in the country despite their households facing higher council tax bills. 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. A spokesman for Ms Rayner's 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 government's referendum threshold on council tax rises so taxpayers have the final say and are protected from excessive increases.' Chloe Cheung never takes the same route home twice in succession. On the streets of Leeds where she lives and works, she carries self protection devices, including alarms and air tags, in case she is kidnapped. It is the same when shes on her frequent visits to London. Cheung, a slender, fragile figure, is 20 years old. But despite her childlike appearance, she has a 100,000 bounty on her head. She never thought life in Britain would be like this. When Cheung left Hong Kong for this country with her family in 2020, she believed she was coming to a safe haven for free speech and democracy. Having fled the violent suppression of protests in her homeland, cutting ties with friends and relatives, she considered the UK with its special responsibility for Hong Kongers her final hope. Yet, amid harassment and constant threats from Beijings agents since her arrival here, she has received minimal support from the British police. And over the past year, she has watched in horror as the Labour government has cosied up to the Chinese regime responsible for her exile. In just a few weeks time, business minister Jonathan Reynolds will fly to Beijing in an attempt to reopen trade negotiations talks which were suspended by the then-Conservative government in response to Chinas brutal 2019 crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. It has also been reported that Sir Keir Starmer himself will visit China early next year. Chloe Cheung is one of a string of courageous dissidents to launch withering attacks on the way the Prime Minister has been kowtowing to China Cheung is one of a string of courageous dissidents to launch withering attacks on the way the British Prime Minister has been kowtowing to China. Along with other fearless activists now exiled in the UK as well as some who bravely remain outspoken in Hong Kong she has hit out at the determination of the Government to curry Beijings favour, with successive visits to the country by Labour ministers and pro-China policies, while notably failing to stand up for human rights there. These warnings come at a critical moment, for Starmer is on the cusp of allowing a new Chinese mega-embassy to be built in London, which critics fear could be used as a spy hub. Meanwhile in Hong Kong, the sham trial of British national and free speech campaigner Jimmy Lai who faces charges of sedition and colluding with foreign forces and has been detained in solitary confinement since 2020 is reaching its conclusion. This all comes as the regions pro-democracy movement appears on the verge of collapse. Which makes the defiance of Cheung and others in the face of Beijings tyrannical regime all the more poignant. For it serves as a reminder of what Britain with its centuries-long tradition of liberal democracy might be about to sell down the river. It was Christmas Eve 2024 when Cheung found out she had a bounty on her head. She had not been formally notified of it by the Beijing authorities but was alerted to the fact by a friend. She barely recognised the picture of the girl staring back at her as she scrolled through her phone. The 20-year-old fled the violent suppression of protests in Hong Kong, cutting ties with friends and relatives On her arrest warrant, alongside allegations of inciting secession and endangering national security, was a photograph of her geekish, bespectacled self, aged 11. The juxtaposition of her pre-teen innocence and the severity of the charges against her was both laughable and terrifying, exposing the extent of Beijings paranoia and its willingness to target anyone who defies its authority. Before she left the territory, Cheung had played a fleeting part in the pro-democracy protests that erupted across Hong Kong in 2019. She was just 14 when she attended a demonstration there against a new extradition law designed to make it easier for Hong Kong to send criminal suspects to China. The brutal crackdown by Beijing, underpinned by new national security laws passed in 2020, caused more than 150,000 Hong Kongers to seek refuge in Britain. Some, including Cheung, defied the long arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and continued to speak out against its authoritarian regime. She was invited to speak at the UN when still a teenager and now works for The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, which advocates for democracy. In December, China issued the arrest warrant for her, as well as for three other UK-based exiles: Carmen Lau, 30, Tony Chung, 24, and Chung Kim-wah, 65. The warrants are not empty threats. Both Cheung and Lau say they have been spied on and followed in London, while their neighbours have been sent letters, allegedly by the CCP, offering one million HK dollars nearly 100,000 to turn them in. On her arrest warrant, alongside allegations of inciting secession and endangering national security, was a photograph of her geekish, bespectacled self, aged 11 But the attitude of the British police has been perplexing to say the least. In March, Lau was sent a memorandum of understanding by Thames Valley Police, seen by the Daily Mail, in which it requested she cease any activity that is likely to put you at risk and avoid attending public gatherings. Cheung says she received similar advice from the Met, but not in the form of a written request. They and fellow activists argue this approach is tantamount to encouraging self-censorship the very thing they have come to the UK to avoid. Lau says it mirrors the outcome the Chinese are seeking: to silence her. Xi Jinping could almost have written the letter himself. The activists also bemoan the lack of a dedicated hotline for exiles they have simply been told to dial 999 in contrast to the US, which has specialist FBI agents to deal with transnational repression. Thames Valley Police said its guidance was part of its routine approach to prevention and it is the choice of the individual whether they follow this advice. Needless to say, Lau and Cheung have not chosen to do so. In fact, they believe that by speaking out, they are protecting themselves. The pair point to the reopening in recent weeks of extradition arrangements with Hong Kong, which would allow the UK to consider requests from Beijing to return criminal suspects on an ad hoc basis. British national and free speech campaigner Jimmy Lai, who faces charges of sedition and colluding with foreign forces, has been detained in solitary confinement in Hong Kong since 2020 Campaigners question why the Government is restarting extradition arrangements now, and what ministers are seeking in return. Ministers have said they would not allow political cases to be returned. But critics fear China would go after dissidents on other charges, such as fraud, as it has done in the past. Cheung says she does not trust the UK Governments ability to identify whether a case is legitimate or not. And by raising her profile as a political exile, she hopes Westminster will see through any attempt by Beijing to extradite her on other, spurious charges. Still, the CCP has other means of reaching its targets. In 2022, a pro-democracy protester was dragged into the Chinese consulate in Manchester and beaten up in a barbaric attack. Incidents such as this raise concerns over plans for Chinas new 255million mega-embassy. If built, it would sit opposite the Tower of London on the site of the former Royal Mint and would be Chinas largest outpost in Europe, with an internal floor area exceeding 563,000 sq ft. Critics fear it will be used as a centre for espionage with its colossal presence and manpower harnessed to target dissidents. Until recently, ministers appeared willing to back the plan. But this month, Angela Rayner, in her role as Housing Secretary, ordered China to explain why it has redacted blueprints for two suites and a tunnel inside the building for security reasons amid fears the basement could be converted into spy dungeons. A final decision will be made before September 9. Cheung and others are firmly opposed to the plan. They dont need that much space for an embassy, she says. We know that it will be a surveillance hub. They just shouldnt do it. Citing the Manchester attack, she says it is only a matter of time before someone disappears, or is killed. The mega-embassy is seen as a key bargaining chip in the normalisation of relations between the UK and China, as Labour seeks closer cooperation on trade and energy. Jimmy Lai's son Sebastien, who divides his time between London and Taiwan, wrote to Sir Keir Starmer earlier this year requesting a meeting regarding his father - but to no avail Lau, as a former politician, understands that the two countries must work together. But not at the cost of human freedoms. I feel less safe because the UKs language towards China and Hong Kong is changing, she says. I do not want to put it that way, but undoubtedly, the new Government has a different priority. It seems they compromise human rights for economic interests. It is a sentiment echoed by Sebastien Lai, son of Jimmy Lai, the British national and founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, who has been languishing in solitary confinement in a maximum-security Hong Kong jail for the past four and a half years. Apple Daily, a regular critic of the CCP, was forced to shut down in 2021 shortly after Lai was arrested for his part in pro-democracy protests. Now 77, his health has deteriorated significantly. The concluding arguments in his trial on separate sedition and collusion charges began this week after being delayed due to Lai requiring treatment for heart palpitations. His son believes the verdict is a foregone conclusion Beijing wants a guilty verdict and will get one but harbours hopes that the UK can still secure his release. If, that is, the Prime Minister is moved to. Sebastien, 30, who now divides his time between London and Taiwan, wrote to Sir Keir Starmer earlier this year requesting a meeting regarding his father, but to no avail. He believes the UK is too ready to concede to Chinese demands, without making his fathers release a condition of any deal. Britain should not bend the knee to trade with China, he says. Sebastien highlights the extradition agreement, the embassy and the UKs failure to designate China as a high-tier threat on its foreign influence register as evidence of its supplicant approach one that stands in stark contrast to his fathers. UK-based exile Carmen Lau was sent a memorandum of understanding by Thames Valley Police for her to cease any activity that is likely to put you at risk and avoid attending public gatherings My father stayed in Hong Kong to stand up for his beliefs of democracy and freedom that underpin British society, he says. Whether he dies in jail or not, it doesnt change what he stood for. But if he does die, it does change what we stand for as a country. A UK Government spokesman said Lais case is a priority and the Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Sebastien in June and called on Hong Kong to end its politically motivated prosecution and immediately release Jimmy Lai. The spokesman added that any attempt to coerce, intimidate, harass and harm dissidents living in the UK will never be tolerated and that it was quick to support individuals at heightened risk. Jimmy Lai is one of 781 political prisoners currently in Hong Kong, with the overall number to have been locked up since June 2019 now close to 2,000. The national security laws that were imposed by Beijing the following year have had a chilling effect across society. Its far-reaching diktat has imposed the CCPs view on school curricula, books and mobile games, while journalists and artists are blacklisted or subject to random tax audits to keep them in line. Selina Cheng, chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, says the Chinese government accused her of underreporting her income by half and demanded she repay her taxes. Her associates have also received anonymous letters alleging wrongdoing in her work as a reporter. Publications now self-censor not only on the overtly sensitive topics of democracy, but any subject that may involve a critique of government policy, she says. More than 60 journalists have been detained since 2019. Political opposition has been effectively quashed, with electoral reforms ensuring only pro-Beijing patriots can run in elections. In the meantime, its clear that those who chose to leave have done so at great personal cost. Carmen Lau has not spoken to her parents since she arrived in the UK. She can only hear news of them through others. It is a crime under national security laws to not report a fugitive, so any association or contact can be enough to land you in jail. It means many of Cheungs friends have cut ties with her entirely, while the relatives she has who remain in Hong Kong refuse to speak to her at all. She accepts it is unlikely she will ever return home. Britain is all she has, but it has let her down. A report by the Joint Committee on Human Rights published last month found that the UK is failing to protect foreign dissidents seeking sanctuary on our shores. When I first arrived in the UK, I thought this country would protect me, says Cheung. But all Ive had is a phone call from the police, a self protection booklet, a mega-embassy and an extradition treaty. I am losing trust again and again. I dont feel safe here anymore. In future, when China is having even more influence here, what else would the UK sacrifice? Would it be one of us? Billionaire Bill Ackman is continuing his quest to change 'woke' education in America by backing new, AI-assisted 'Alpha Schools' in seven states. Ackman has been on a mission to remove 'woke ideology' from Ivy League campuses but his Alpha Schools will focus on K-12 education. Alpha Schools already exist in Texas, Florida and California and are coming to four more states this fall, including a Manhattan campus, heading to Ackman's backyard, where he will become an ambassador. The schools use artificial intelligence and teachers are known as 'guides' - many of whom don't have traditional teaching backgrounds - who help 'speed-teach' two hour lessons to students. They claim that the two-hour, AI-software backed lessons teach students twice as much than a traditional school. Children are still kept active in the afternoons with 5-mile bike rides and AI-generated plans that allow children to explore personal hobbies and teaching practical skills like entrepreneurship, public speaking and financial literacy, according to WSJ. Ackman, whom some have hailed as the new Warren Buffett, hailed the program on social media: 'The first truly breakthrough innovation in K-12 education that I have seen since the Kipp Academy.' 'The bottom line: Alpha kids love school and have incredible outcomes.' Billionaire Bill Ackman is continuing his charge to change education in America as he's backing new, AI-assisted 'Alpha Schools' in four states While much of Ackman's activism has been aimed at rooting DEI and ' woke ideology' out of the Ivy League schools that helped make him, Alpha Schools are aimed at K-12 education Co-founder Mackenzie Price noted that social issues and politics are not allowed in her classrooms. 'We do not let anything - political, social issues - come in the way. We stay very much out of that,' she said. The schools are charging 'founding families' anywhere from $45,000 to $60,000 a year for tuition. Unsurprisingly, liberal teachers union head Randi Weingarten is not a fan of Price's ideas. 'Students and our country need to be in relationship with other human beings. When you have a school that is strictly A.I., it is violating that core precept of the human endeavor and of education,' she told The New York Times. Ackman has long been at odds with Harvard, criticizing the university for not doing enough to protect students from antisemitism. Early last year he launched an unsuccessful bid to get four candidates on the ballot for a governing board. The financier runs New York-based hedge fund firm Pershing Square Capital Management and has been a vocal supporter of Trump's policies on tariffs and spending. Co-founder Mackenzie Price (pictured) noted that social issues and politics are not allowed in her classrooms Alpha Schools already exist in Texas, Florida and California and are coming to four states this fall, including a Manhattan campus, heading to Ackman's backyard, where he will become an ambassador Harvard is 'a collection of buildings, nice real estate' located in Cambridge, Massachusetts next to the Charles River, he said. But its cutting-edge faculty, researchers and students could easily move elsewhere, he said. 'This is the best time in history to start a university.' He also again hit out at the school's governing board, saying it has become insular and that there is no mechanism to remove members the way there is in corporate America where investors can run board challenges. 'What happens when you have a board that can self-appoint itself, and it becomes insular, and with a $53 billion endowment, they think, okay, we can just do whatever is on our mind.' An iconic Australian bakery chain faces an uncertain future as its value plummets. Brumby's Bakery will be sold off by parent company Retail Food Group with 'no guarantees it will result in an acceptable offer'. Australia's largest multi-brand retail food and beverage company hopes that offloading Brumby's will allow the business to shift its focus to more financially viable brands. The company announced on Wednesday that it recorded a $14.9million loss in 2024-25, down from a $5.8m profit in the financial year prior. The long-term decline and restructure of the ageing Brumbys brand cost the company $12.2million in the last 12 months. 'Based on a review of our strategic growth pillars, we have announced that we are exploring options for the sale of the Brumbys Bakery and are shifting the focus of our company store operations towards Beefys Pies and Firehouse Subs to support their rapid expansion,' chairman Peter George wrote in a letter to shareholders. 'The group is investigating opportunities to divest of Brumby's and has recognised non-cash impairment charges relating to the brand assets and goodwill in FY25.' The company stressed that Brumby's Bakery stores continue to operate and remain profitable. Brumby's Bakery will be sold off by its parent company, Retail Food Group Brumby's Bakery faces an uncertain future with 'no guarantees' a planned sale will result in an acceptable offer 'Brumby's is a profitable contributor to the CCB (Convenience, Cafe, Bakery) segment but has seen outlet declines over an extended period,' the RFG report added. The news sparked a mixed reaction from Aussies online. 'This is terrible news,' one customer commented. Another wrote: 'Tough to see an Aussie icon like Brumby's get sliced off, but makes sense if it's not the cash cow anymore. Markets will be watching to see if this lets RFG focus better on their other brands. Originally called 'Old Style Bread Centre', the first bakery opened in Melbourne's east in 1975. The business was rebranded to Brumby's in the 1980s and later expanded to hundreds of franchises across Australia and New Zealand. Renowned for its fresh bread and sweet treats made daily, the business regards itself as among the first Australian companies to successfully embark on a franchising program when franchising was in its early stages. In 2007, founder Michael Sherlock sold Brumby's for $46million to RFG, which owns a string of Aussie food chains, including Gloria Jeans, Donut King, Beefy's Pies and Crust Gourmet Pizza. Renowned for its fresh bread and sweet treats, Brumby's Bakery has been around for half a century Michel's Patisserie was also part of the RFG fold until cafes were shut down or converted into Gloria Jean's or Donut King stores in February. That same month, the group unveiled plans to launch US sandwich brand Firehouse Subs in Australia. RFG remains on track to open the first Firehouse Subs store in mid-2026. Lucy Connolly is set to walk free from prison in just a matter of hours after being jailed for writing a racist tweet during last summer's riots. The mother and former childminder has spent more than nine months behind bars after admitting to making the inflammatory post on X in the wake of the Southport attacks in July last year. Connolly, who is also the wife of Tory councillor Ray Connolly, pleaded guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred and was handed a 31-month sentence in October. The post, which she later deleted, said: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care... if that makes me racist so be it.' She has been serving time at HMP Peterborough and had an application to have her sentence reduced rejected in May. But, the Daily Mail can now reveal that Connolly is due to be released on Thursday. The news will come as a huge boost to her husband and 12-year-old daughter as well as campaigners calling for her release. Connolly's imprisonment had prompted allegations that she was a victim of 'two-tier justice', with claims that those with Right-wing views are treated more harshly than others in the UK. Lucy Connolly (pictured) is set to walk free from prison in just a matter of hours after being jailed for writing a racist tweet during last summer's riots The mother and former childminder (pictured) has spent more than nine months behind bars after admitting to making the inflammatory post on X in July last year Riot police hold back protesters near a burning police vehicle after disorder broke out in Southport on July 30, 2024 Connolly's X post was made just hours after killer Axel Rudakubana murdered three young girls and attempted to murder ten others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, 2024, sparking nationwide unrest. She was arrested on August 6, by which point she had deleted her social media account. But other messages which included other damning remarks were uncovered by officers who seized her phone. The Southport atrocity sparked nationwide unrest, with several people - including Connolly - jailed as a result. Her tweet was viewed 310,000 times in three-and-a-half hours before she deleted it. She later pleaded guilty to distributing material with the intention of stirring up racial hatred at Birmingham Crown Court and was sentenced to 31 months in prison in October. In May, she had an appeal against her sentence refused by three Court of Appeal judges at the Royal Courts of Justice. Connolly is also the wife of Tory councillor Ray Connolly Ray Connolly (centre) with supporters outside the Court of Appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London In a written judgement, Lord Justice Holroyde said: 'There is no arguable basis on which it could be said that the sentence imposed by the judge was manifestly excessive. 'The application for leave to appeal against sentence therefore fails and is refused.' He added that the principal ground of appeal 'was substantially based on a version of events put forward by the applicant which we have rejected'. Connolly argued she had been 'really angry' after the Southport attacks, but hours after posting the rant on X realised it was not an acceptable thing to say, so deleted it. She also said that news of the Southport murders had triggered her anxiety from when her baby son, Harry, died as the result of a hospital blunder 13 years earlier. At her appeal case, Adam King, representing Connolly, asked if she had intended for anyone to set fire to asylum hotels or 'murder any politicians'. She replied: 'Absolutely not.' Naeem Valli, for the prosecution, told the court the post was a reflection of her attitude towards immigrants. At the time Mr Connolly told of the pain of his wife's long imprisonment, saying: 'The 284 days of separation have been very hard, particularly on our 12-year-old girl.' Serious violence and rioting by demonstrators broke out on the streets in Southport on July 30, 2024 Connolly's case later became international news, with US officials saying earlier this year they are keeping tabs on developments over their 'concerns' about free speech. A State Department spokesman said in May: 'We can confirm that we are monitoring this matter. The United States supports freedom of expression at home and abroad, and remains concerned about infringements on freedom of expression.' It came after political commentator and Trump ally Charlie Kirk was made aware of Connolly's ordeal after a visit to the UK and vowed to get the US State Department involved in the process. Appearing on GB News, Kirk said: 'I am going to try and get the US State Department involved. I'm going to bring this up to Marco Rubio. I'm going to send him a text.' Kirk had been in the UK for a debate at the Oxford Union on Monday when the case of Mrs Connolly was raised. He later appeared on GB News, during which he said: 'I'm sorry, speaking as a citizen, not on behalf of the US government, is this a way that a liberal democracy and ally of the United States acts?' Kirk continued: 'I just find it so outrageous that she is now going to jail for two and a half years for a deleted social media post that she apologised for. As you guys (the UK) have birthed free speech to the world, you are now becoming a totalitarian country. 'I'm going to bring this up to Marco Rubio. I'm going to send him a text. This should be mentioned. It's not new.' Mrs Connolly's case was raised with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pictured) Charlie Kirk (pictured) was made aware of Connolly's ordeal after a visit to the UK and vowed to get the US State Department involved in the process Connolly's sentence was recently brought under the spotlight again last month after a man who abused a first class cabin crew member on a flight from London was jailed for just 15 months. Recruitment tycoon Salman Iftikhar, 37, was flying in first class when he launched a vile tirade of abuse towards Virgin Atlantic staff on a flight from London Heathrow to Lahore in his homeland of Pakistan. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the sentence was evidence of 'two-tier justice', given Connolly was jailed for more than double his sentence. Mr Philp told the Mail last month: 'Iftikar was sentenced to only 15 months in prison last week for threatening an air stewardess with gang rape and for racially aggravated harassment. Iftikhar has multiple previous convictions. 'Yet Lucy Connolly got 31 months for a far less serious offence - a prosecution Lord Hermer personally authorised. 'This is two-tier justice in action. 'I have today referred the case to the Attorney General Lord Hermer for review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. 'We'll now find out if Hermer is willing to take action to fix Britain's two-tier justice problem.' Human remains have been found in the search for a missing pregnant teenager, leading authorities to charge her boyfriend with murder. Kylee Monteiro, 18, who her family says was 11 weeks pregnant, was reported missing on August 7 after visiting her boyfriend, 22-year-old Gregory Groom, at his home in Rehoboth, Massachusetts the night before. It was Groom, the father of Monteiro's child, who had initially reported her missing after her family became concerned that they had not heard from her. He had claimed that Monteiro arrived at his house looking for a place to stay on August 6 and the two had got into an argument, at which point she left his property, prosecutors said in court on Wednesday, according to NBC Boston. But as police continued their investigation, they spoke with one of Monteiro's sisters, who said she was texting Monteiro that night - and Monteiro told her Groom had become physically aggressive. 'He threw me on the ground and pulled my hair and strangled me,' the sister said Monteiro texted her. 'My phone is at four percent and if I die, it was Greg.' The sister said she later received a text message from Monteiro saying she was going to spend the night at Groom's. Kylee Monteiro (pictured), 18, who her family says was 11 weeks pregnant, was reported missing on August 7 after visiting her boyfriend's house in Rehoboth, Massachusetts Kylee's family has said she had gotten into a physical altercation with her boyfriend, 22-year-old Gregory Groom, the night before her disappearance. The two are pictured here before Kylee's prom Groom was charged Wednesday with murder, as well as aggravated assault and battery on a pregnant person, domestic assault and battery and intimidation of a witness Still, family members were left worried, with her sister Faith telling how Monteiro sounded frantic in a phone call that night - her tone conveying an urgent, unspoken plea for help. 'She was desperate for help,' Faith told ABC News. 'She was calling out to friends, family, anyone she could, telling them that she was in danger. The whole situation is very scary.' Faith immediately offered to pick her up, but Kylee declined. Still, Faith said her sister wasnt the type to ask a stranger for a ride and 'doesnt know how to survive on her own.' As reports of the fight and other domestic issues swirled, prosecutors said Groom returned to the Rehoboth Police Department on Tuesday and admitted that he had pushed Monteiro, causing her to fall backwards and hit her head. He reportedly also acknowledged that when Monteiro tried to contact someone, he knocked the phone out of her hand. When police then informed Groom that they had applied for and were granted a search warrant, and were set to search his home with cadaver dogs and an excavator, he drew a rudimentary map. It showed that he and his girlfriend had gotten into an argument behind a shed on his property, where he was known to stay. During that altercation, Groom said he stabbed Monteiro twice in the neck and once in the chest - with the blade breaking off in her chest, killing her, prosecutors have claimed. Groom reportedly admitted that he had hit Monteiro and stabbed her several times Prosecutors say the suspect (pictured) told cops how he spent several hours digging a grave They said the suspect also told cops how he spent several hours digging a hole in the woods 20 yards from where he had killed her, and when police returned to the scene Tuesday evening, they found a large pile of brush next to the shed. Blood and other physical evidence was then recovered from underneath the pile, prosecutors said. Police also found another pile of brush about 20 yards away, underneath which they found a five-foot deep hole containing what they believe to be Monteiro's remains, though authorities are waiting for confirmation of an identity from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Groom was then charged Wednesday with murder, after previously being charged with aggravated assault and battery on a pregnant person, domestic assault and battery and intimidation of a witness in connection with the altercation. He pleaded not guilty to the charges at the Taunton District Court, and was ordered held without bail. He is now due back in court for a probable cause hearing on September 10. A former French beauty queen has accused a celebrity chef of domestic violence during their year-long relationship. Alexandra Rosenfeld, who was crowned as Miss France in 2006, broke her silence on Tuesday in an Instagram post in which she spoke about the horrific abuse she allegedly suffered at the hands of Jean Imbert. Ms Rosenfeld, 38, said Mr Imbert, a head chef at several high-profile restaurants in Paris, headbutted her and broke her nose while they were in a relationship in 2013. She also said the chef subjected her to 'scorn, belittling [comments], silences [and] words perfectly placed to make me doubt myself'. The former Miss France is among four women who spoke to Elle magazine in April about Mr Imbert's controlling behaviour. The beauty queen was originally quoted by Elle under a false name, but went public this week with a statement on her social media as she shared the results of the scan she had after allegedly being headbutted. According to the report, Ms Rosenfeld suffered a 'traumatism from a direct shock', as well as a broken nose. 'That was not what marked she', she wrote, adding: 'What damaged me was all that was around it. It was slow, insidious, the controlling behaviour. I didn't even know it was called that. I thought the problem was me'. Former Miss France Alexandra Rosenfeld (pictured in 2006) has accused celebrity chef Jean Imbert of domestic violence Pictured: French chef Jean Imbert poses during a portrait session on the sidelines of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes, southern France, on May 20, 2024 Jean Imbert and Alexandra Rosenfeld attend the 'Malavita' premiere at Europacorp Cinema on October 16, 2013 in Roissy-en-France Ms Rosenfeld says her relationship with Mr Imbert ended after he left her for someone else. Mr Imbert, who rose to prominence in 2012 after winning the Top Chef cooking competition, has denied her claims and says he was the victim of her violent behaviour. His team has denied all allegations against him, The Times reports, and said the headbutt occurred during 'a moment of violence to which Jean Imbert was subjected when he was grabbed by the wrist and freed himself. He profoundly regrets the consequences of this for her'. They also denied the claims of controlling behaviour made by the other women interviewed by Elle. Ms Rosenfeld's accusations come as some female French chefs have recently spoken out about what they say is a culture of toxic behaviour and sexism in restaurant kitchens. The Commonwealth Bank has admitted it was wrong to axe 45 jobs and replace them with artificial intelligence - and has now walked back the cuts. In July, the bank announced it would scrap dozens of call centre positions in favour of a new AI voicebot designed to handle customer enquiries. At the time, executives argued the technology would ease pressure on staff by reducing call volumes. But the move backfired and instead, call volumes surged after the rollout, forcing Commonwealth Bank bosses to jump on the phones themselves to deal with the overflow. The bank has apologised to affected employees and is now scrambling to keep them in the jobs. 'We have apologised to the employees concerned and acknowledge we should have been more thorough in our assessment of the roles required,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail. 'We are currently supporting affected employees and have provided them with choice regarding continuing in their current roles, pursuing redeployment within CBA or to proceed with leaving the organisation.' When Daily Mail asked the CBA if AI would threaten more jobs in the future, the bank refused to answer the question. Financial Sector Union national secretary Julia Angrisano said the damage was already done for the 45 workers who endured weeks of stress, not knowing if they would be able to pay bills and support their families. The Commonwealth Bank has recalled 45 workers it axed last month after admitting it was a mistake to replace them with AI AI will create about 69million jobs in the next five years, but around 83million will also be lost because of it 'This is a massive win for workers, proving what can be achieved when members stand together, but let's be clear, this is no victory lap,' FSU national secretary Julia Angrisano said in a statement sent to Daily Mail. 'CBA has been caught out trying to dress up job cuts as innovation. Using AI as a cover for slashing secure jobs is a cynical cost-cutting exercise, and workers know it. 'CBA likes to talk about being a digital leader, but real leadership means investing in your people, not tossing them aside and blaming the technology.' When the job cuts were first announced last month, before the plan was scrapped, a CBA spokesperson insisted the company was 'investing in the future'. 'To meet the changing needs of our customers, like many organisations, we review the skills we need and how we're organised to deliver the best customer experiences and outcomes,' a CBA spokesman said in July. 'Our investment in technology, including AI, is making it easier and faster for customers to get help, especially in our call centres. By automating simple queries, our teams can focus on more complex customer queries that need empathy and experience. Commonwealth Bank also sparked backlash in July for sending 100 jobs to India after retrenching hundreds of local staff with a union accusing it of offshoring work for cheaper labour. CBA would not say if more jobs were under threat due to AI The Commonwealth Bank said that 304 Australians would be made redundant in technology and retail roles. This occurred as 110 jobs, affected by redundancies in Australia, were created at the Commonwealth Bank's Bangalore-based subsidiary, CBA India. These new jobs in India included job titles that had existed in Australia including staff data engineer, senior software engineers, staff software engineer, engineering manager, software engineer and senior data engineer. The Commonwealth Bank, Australia's biggest home lender, has doubled the number of staff in India in just two years. The Commonwealth Bank's number of staff in India more than doubled in two years, growing from 2,854 employees in June 2022 to 5,630 by June 2024, its most recent annual report revealed. This occurred as the number of staff in Australia fell from 38,153 to 36,572, with many retrenchments related to bank branch closures in big cities. Judge Frank Caprio's acts of kindness for down-and-out defendants made him a star and one of the most beloved justices in the country. Now, as the community mourns his tragic death aged 88, some of his most iconic moments of grace and compassion for the people who entered his courtroom have resurfaced. Caprio had fought a 'long and courageous battle' with pancreatic cancer, his family said in a statement confirming his death on Wednesday. 'His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him... Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond.' His family hope that 'his legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired', encouraging the public to 'bring a little more compassion into the world - just as he did every day.' In one particularly moving moment of warmth, Caprio slashed a struggling single mom's fines from $350 to $125, prompting her to ask: 'Can I give you a hug?' Caprio smiled and told the woman to 'come on up here', leading the pair to enjoy a quick hug by the bench as she wiped away tears. In one particularly moving moment of warmth, Caprio slashed a struggling single mom's fines from $350 to $125, prompting her to ask: 'Can I give you a hug?' Frank Caprio, a renowned judge turned internet sensation, has died at the age of 88 The woman had explained that in some of her speeding fines, she was escaping a domestic violence situation and being chased by her abuser with her daughter in the car. Another clip featured a 96-year-old father who rarely drove, but had received a ticket during the course of taking his handucapped son to receive bloodwork for his cancer treatment. 'I take him for bloodwork every two weeks, because he's got cancer,' the man explained. Caprio listened intently and said: 'You're a good man. You really are a good man. You really are what America is all about. 'Here you are in your 90s, taking care of your family,' Caprio added, as the man fought back tears. Time and time again, defendants left Caprio's courtroom singing his praises, sharing their own unique stories of his generosity. In a 2017 interview with Daily Mail, he reflected on the responsibility of holding power as a judge, saying: 'I'm always mindful of the fact that the power of the sovereign, as opposed to the power of the individual, is so disproportionate. Judge Frank Caprio's acts of kindness for down-and-out defendants made him a star and one of the most beloved justices in the country 'Shame on me if I represent the sovereign and I give someone something they don't deserve. 'I take it a step further - if I think there are certain circumstances in an individual's life, or it's a close call, I give them the benefit of the doubt. 'I don't subscribe to the theory that because you were charged, you must be guilty.' Caprio's courtroom show Caught in Providence catapulted him to global stardom and earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2021. He dealt primarily with low level crime - parking tickets and speeding offenses - but would work hard to get to know defendants who found themselves in his courtroom, and led with compassion rather than a strict interpretation of the law. In one instance, grieving mother Andrea Rogers, appeared before Caprio with an accumulation of parking fines. She wept as she explained her struggle to keep her life together after her son was murdered. 'I'm going to take into consideration the horrific story you just told us, relative to your son. I don't think anyone in their lifetime would ever want to experience that,' Caprio said, revealing he would dismiss all penalties. 'With our best wishes and hope that things turnaround for you. Good luck to you.' Now, as the community mourns his tragic death aged 88, some of his most iconic moments of grace and compassion for the people who entered his courtroom have resurfaced Darrell Kroll, who faced Caprio alongside his eight-year-old son after getting a parking ticket while he delivered a pizza, said: 'I think Judge Caprio is much more than fair - he listens. 'I don't want to say he's lenient, that's not the word I want to use. He's compassionate.' Caprio was particularly sensitive about how he handled cases when defendants brought their children into his courtroom. He went out of his way to include the children and inspire them, hoping that he could serve as an inspiration to disadvantaged kids. 'I make it a practice sometimes to bring the kids up on the bench. I'll ask them some questions about where they go to school and what they want to be,' he told the Daily Mail in 2017. 'I always make a point, particularly with kids who come from under-privileged neighborhoods, to ask if they want to be something professional like a judge or an astronaut or a doctor. 'Maybe I'm placing something in their mind that if the judge thinks I can do this, then I can do this.' Darrell Kroll, who faced Caprio alongside his eight-year-old son after getting a parking ticket while he delivered a pizza, said: 'I think Judge Caprio is much more than fair - he listens' Another clip featured a 96-year-old father who rarely drove, but had received a ticket during the course of taking his handucapped son to receive bloodwork for his cancer treatment In January 2023, Caprio retired from the Providence Municipal Court after nearly 40 years on the bench. In October of that year, the city renamed its municipal courtroom in his honor. Shortly after celebrating his 87th birthday in December 2023, Caprio revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In a heartfelt message, he asked the public for their prayers. 'People ask me, "What can I do for you?" First of all, I can't thank you enough for your friendship and kind messages. But I would ask that each of you, in your own way, please pray for me,' he said. 'I am in need of the power of prayer, which I believe, in addition to the medical treatment I am receiving, is the most powerful weapon to help me survive this.' He completed his final round of radiation treatment in May 2024. Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce, along with five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Shocking footage has emerged of an apparently helpless schoolboy being threatened, hit and thrown around a train carriage by an adult - as fellow passengers appeared too terrified to intervene. The video, which has been circulating widely on social media in recent days, shows the teenager being slammed against the wall of a London Overground train, which was travelling between Watford and London on Thursday, July 24. At one point of the sickening attack - which happened in broad daylight in front of passengers of all ages and with young children - the assailant can be seen swinging the boy from one side of the carriage to the other. The attacker can be heard calling himself 'a big man' as he violently hurls the boy within the carriage. Adding to the distress of the moment, a female off-camera can be heard laughing at the scenes taking place, which occurred as the train neared Carpenders Park station, The Watford Observer reported. British Transport Police confirmed to Daily Mail they are now investigating the incident. A spokesperson said: 'Officers received a crime report from Hertfordshire Police after a 13-year-old boy was assaulted on a train at Watford High Street railway station at around 4pm on a date in late July. Enquiries are ongoing.' The footage is the latest to emerge in a series of disturbing incidents taking place on rail and Tube networks. Shocking footage has emerged of a helpless schoolboy being threatened, hit and thrown around a train carriage by an adult - as passengers appeared too terrified to intervene The sickening video, which has been circulating on social media, shows the teenager being slammed against the wall of a London Overground train travelling between Watford and London Adding to the distress of the moment, a female off-camera can be heard laughing at the scenes taking place, which occurred as the train neared Carpenders Park station Earlier this month, a 'cowardly' criminal was jailed for 16 months after robbing a deaf woman in her 80s on the Tube. Liam McGuicken, 53, was caught on CCTV openly rifling through the victim's wallet seconds after he cornered her on the London Underground in central London. He had followed his victim and shoved her by the chest into a handrail before snatching her purse. McGuicken had specifically targeted the vulnerable woman on the escalators of Westminster station. She was with a friend who was also deaf. Station CCTV footage showed him callously rifling through the wallet he had just stolen on Tuesday April 15, in the week before Good Friday and Easter Sunday. McGuicken was arrested a month later at Sutton railway station after he was stopped by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service in connection with a fare evasion issue. British Transport Police Detective Inspector Alan Judd said: 'McGuicken sickeningly targeted an elderly deaf woman as she was making her way through the station, cowardly choosing to target a vulnerable woman for his own gain.' Liam McGuicken, 53, rifles through the wallet he had just stolen from a deaf woman in her 80s The 'cowardly' criminal has been jailed for 16 months He reached into the victim's coat pocket and stole her wallet before getting off of the escalator at the bottom and immediately getting the escalator back up Last month, a huge fight broke out at the entrance to Highbury and Islington station on July 17 - with a screaming toddler ending up on the floor in the melee. Members of the public attempted to intervene as the group appeared to hurl a man down the stairs at the North London hub and throw punches and kicks at him. Footage captured the chaos as a smartly-dressed man kicked the head of another in a grey tracksuit - as someone else threw a rucksack into the packed crowd. Commuters attempted to break up the fight and helped a mother and her baby in a buggy get out of the way, before bystanders rushed to pick up the child off the floor. Other incidents in recent weeks include a woman who was walking to the Elizabeth Line platforms at Bond Street late on a Sunday evening when a man grabbed her shopping bag. The woman pulled the bag back and kept hold of it, but he then tried to grab her handbag during the incident at around 10pm on July 13. She eventually managed to walk away with her belongings after other members of the public intervened and detectives are now probing the attempted robbery. A photograph of a man walking along a station corridor has been issued by police because they believe 'may have information which could help their investigation'. BTP wants anyone who recognises the man to tell them with reference 391 of July 18. Police want to speak to this man after an attempted robbery at Bond Street station on July 13 An Underground passenger was assaulted on a station platform and suffered what police described as a 'lasting eye injury' in a shocking assault. Officers said the man was assaulted at the Grade II-listed Belsize Park station on the Northern line in North London just after 5pm on Saturday, June 19. They have now released a CCTV image in connection with the assault because the man in the picture 'may have information which could help their investigation'. Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP with reference 514 of June 19. A woman was sexually assaulted in a stairwell at Canning Town Underground station in East London last month. Detectives are now investigating the crime at 6.20pm on July 30 at the Jubilee line station, which has an interchange with the Docklands Light Railway. They released a CCTV image in connection with the investigation, and believe the man in the picture 'may have information that could assist their enquiries'. Anyone who recognises him should contact BTP with reference 161 of July 31. This man is being sought by detectives after a sexual assault at Canning Town on July 30 Officers investigating an assault at Belsize Park station on June 19 have released this image A 14-year-old boy was robbed of his bicycle on board a Thameslink train leaving Elstree and Borehamwood station in Hertfordshire heading into London. The teenager was approached by a man on a Friday afternoon last month who stole his bicycle on the train, which was travelling towards Mill Hill Broadway. Police do not know where the man left the train, but later the same evening he is believed to have been seen again exiting at Elstree and Borehamwood. Detectives issued a photograph of a man who 'may have information that could assist their enquiries' following the incident at about 4.45pm on Friday, July 11. Anyone who recognises him should contact BTP using reference 527 of July 11. A man trying to buy a train ticket at a machine was robbed at knifepoint by a man and woman who approached him in the early hours of a Friday morning. One of the robbers at Southend East, a c2c station in Essex, had a knife in their hand and pushed the man to the floor, demanding his wallet. The man tried to get away, but was punched and knocked to the floor during the incident in the seaside city on July 25 at about 4.30am. An image released after a bicycle robbery at Elstree and Borehamwood station on July 11 Officers investigating a robbery at Southend East station on July 25 released these images As the man got up, several items of jewellery, a bag of medication, and a jacket containing his mobile phone were taken. BTP investigating officer DC Nicola Avery said: 'We would like to speak to the two pictured as we believe they may have information that could help our investigation. 'While we appreciate the images may not show the clearest picture of the pair due to their face coverings, someone may recognise their clothing or notice something distinctive.' Southend East is on the c2c line between Shoeburyness and London Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street stations, and is popular with commuters to the capital. Anyone who recognises either person in the images or has information about the robbery is asked to contact BTP, quoting reference 68 of July 25. Anyone who recognises anyone in the photos can text BTP via 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 Language-teaching app Duolingo has apologised after JK Rowling was described as 'mean' in one of its language classes. The platform has been accused of letting gender ideology 'infect' its translation exercises in a German lesson. 'Do you like books with Harry Potter as a character?', was one of the questions users had to select the correct response for. Written in German, the correct answer was: 'Yes, but in my opinion the author is mean.' While the wrong response said: 'Yes, you're right. I'm interested in sports.' Journalist Gaby Koppel said she was trying to learn German on the app when she unexpectedly discovered the insult. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she wrote: 'Shame on you @duolingo: learning German and I came across the sentence "Yes I like Harry Potter but the author is mean". 'How woke do you have to be to let #trans ideology infect a language lesson?' Language-teaching app Duolingo has apologised after JK Rowling (pictured) was described as 'mean' in one of its language classes Journalist Gaby Koppel said she was trying to learn German on the app when she unexpectedly discovered the insult She said that the Harry Potter author was the 'first and only real life person' that had been 'picked out for criticism' in the five months she had used the app Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms Koppel said: 'It's gratuitous how is Rowling relevant to learning German?' She added that the Harry Potter author was the 'first and only real life person' that had been 'picked out for criticism' in the five months she had used the app. 'Not Putin, not the Ayatollahs, but somebody who happens to take a gender-critical stance,' she said. According to company figures, Duolingo has 34.1 million daily active users, making it the most popular language app in the world. A Duolingo spokesman said: 'We apologise for any offence caused and will remove this content from the app.' It comes after JK Rowling backed writer John Boyne and branded his trans critics 'tinpot tyrants' after an annual LGBT literary prize was axed due to backlash over his nomination. Mr Boyne, 54, who is best known for writing The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, made the longlist for the Polari Prize this month for his book Earth. However, his nomination prompted more than 10 out of the 24 authors who had made the longlist to ask to be removed from the running due to Mr Boyne's gender-critical beliefs. It comes after JK Rowling backed writer John Boyne and branded his trans critics 'tinpot tyrants' after an annual LGBT literary prize was axed due to backlash over his nomination On X, JK Rowling replied to an article her fellow under-fire author wrote today about the ordeal Over 800 writers, editors, publishers and booksellers signed a joint author statement objecting to Mr Boyne's nomination. On X, JK Rowling replied to an article her fellow under-fire author wrote today about the ordeal. Backing Mr Boyne, she said: 'This makes me both sad and angry. An incredibly talented writer and a thoroughly decent human being (the two are by no means synonymous, as we know) traduced by tinpot tyrants without an ounce of his talent or integrity.' On Wednesday, Nicola Sturgeon called for JK Rowling to face 'more scrutiny' over her stance on trans issues. JK Rowling penned a scathing review of Nicola Sturgeon's hotly anticipated memoirs on the day it was officially launched last week. The billionaire author, who famously wore a t-shirt labelling the former first minister a 'destroyer of women's rights', posted the expletive-riddled assessment of 'Frankly' on her website The women's right campaigner wrote: 'She remains stubbornly wedded to her belief that it is possible to let some men into women's spaces on the men's say so, without letting any man who fancies it come inside. 'She denies there are any risks to a policy of gender self-identification. She can't imagine any male predator capitalising on such policies, in spite of the fact that it has, demonstrably, happened many times. Ms Rowling wore a T-shirt which branded Ms Sturgeon a 'destroyer of women's rights' in 2022 'She is flat out Trumpian in her shameless denial of reality and hard facts.' In an interview with BBC's Newscast to promote the book, Ms Sturgeon responded by saying the post made her feel 'more at risk of possible physical harm'. She told BBC Radio Ulster: 'JK Rowling is absolutely entitled to her view, maybe putting herself up for a bit more scrutiny about her view would be helpful, but I don't criticise her for expressing her view.' JK Rowling has been approached by the Daily Mail for comment. A high school teacher who admitted to grooming a 15-year-old male student and performing a sexual act on him has had her prison sentence quashed, but lost her bid to keep her name suppressed. Auckland teacher Myah Leanie Adams, 27, was initially sentenced to two years and one month in prison earlier this year, Stuff reported. Adams had leaded guilty to a charge of sexual conduct with a young person under 16 in 2023, when Adams was 25. According to court documents, Adams had initiated contact with the student on Snapchat. She began grooming him through flirtatious messages, compliments on his appearance, and gifts, including vapes and access to her credit card. She also removed him from school after detention to take him for haircuts. In September 2023, Adams drove the teen to a secluded car park where she kissed him and performed a sexual act. She later urged him to keep the incident secret and began sending him nude photos via Snapchat. Myah Leanie Adams (pictured) groomed and sexually abused 15-year-old male student Later that month, she took him to the cinema, provided him with alcoholic drinks, and again engaged in sexual contact, both during the film and afterwards, in the same carpark. According to victim impact statements read to the court, the boy became disengaged from school and suffered emotional and psychological distress as a result of the abuse At sentencing, Judge Brooke Gibson described the case as a 'serious breach of trust,' emphasizing Adams' position as a teacher and the vulnerability of the student. He rejected her lawyer's request for home detention. 'You are a teacher, and I think that is a significant aggravating factor Deterrence, denunciation and accountability require a sentence of imprisonment in your case,' he said. Adams sobbed in court as the prison sentence was handed down. The sentence was appealed to the High Court. In his decision, Justice Gerard van Bohemen agreed the original sentence was 'manifestly excessive' and quashed the prison term, replacing it with 10 months' home detention. The Waikato Uni graduate appealed her jail sentence, and will now serve 10 months in home detention Her lawyer Emma Priest argued the offending was limited to two sexual encounters over three weeks, that Adams was remorseful, and that the age gap between her and the victim was smaller than in other cases. She also cited Adams' low risk of reoffending and her offer of reparation as mitigating factors. Justice van Bohemen accepted that imprisonment would have a disproportionate impact on Adams' young daughter and ruled that she did not meet the threshold for inclusion on the Child Sex Offenders Register. 'I am satisfied Ms Adams does not pose a risk to the victim or other children,' he said. However, Adams' bid for permanent name suppression was denied. The court ruled that the public interest in identifying her outweighed any potential hardship. 'The public interest is not diminished by Adams leaving the teaching profession,' the judge noted, adding that her name would remain public and no further appeal would be filed. JD Vance said he jokingly warned Volodymyr Zelensky to 'behave' before his pivotal summit with Donald Trump this week as the vice president revealed the future for MAGA and the Republican party. Vance addressed the summit with the Ukrainian leader during an interview with Fox News on Wednesday while also talking about a recent Wall Street Journal report that Tesla billionaire Elon Musk is preparing to back him for president in 2028. 'Zelensky walked into the Oval Office. I was chatting with him and I said: "Mr. President, so long as you behave, I won't say anything,"' Vance joked. 'It was a good little icebreaker.' Vance joined the summit with Zelensky and a group of European leaders on Monday as they discussed a path forward to end the years long conflict in Ukraine with Russia. The VP tried to lighten the mood after a previous White House meeting spiraled into chaos after Vance chided the Ukrainian president not saying 'thank you.' Vance has been tasked with coordinating a meeting between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. Ingraham asked him his opinion on dealing with the Russian leader. He said that the stereotype of the Russian president many have as a cold, ruthless man are misguided. 'He's more soft spoken than you'd necessarily expect. The American media has a particular image of him,' Vance said. 'He's very deliberate, he's very careful. Fundamentally, he's a person who looks out for the interests as he sees it of Russia.' JD Vance had a moment of levity where he jokingly warned Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to 'behave' prior to his successful summit with Donald Trump Vance was a big part of Trump's summit with Zelensky and a group of European leaders which led to plans for the Ukrainian president to meet with Vladimir Putin about ending the war Vance also implored Musk to abandon his quest for a third party during the interview as he addressed 2028 speculation and prepares to stump for the midterm elections 'If he doesn't like things the Republican Party's doing, my advice to Elon would be try to fix the Republican Party,' Vance declared. 'Try to push it in your own way. Disagree with me all you want, disagree with the president of the United States but don't pretend that you can make a big difference with a third party.' Vance said Musk should get on board with Donald Trump's GOP agenda because third parties are difficult to start and liberals don't like him anyway. 'My argument to him is whether you like it or not, you are perceived by the far left as part of the American right,' Vance said. 'The idea that Elon is ever going to go back to being in the middle where Democrats and Republicans both like him, that's just not going to happen, he is perceived as being on the American right.' The WSJ said that Musk has still left open the possibility of a third party but is wary to upset Republicans who oversee the massive government contract doled out to his business empire. Vance will head to Georgia on Thursday where he plans to hold a rally to tout Trump's successes while taking on Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, who is up for re-election. 'We will have fun and talk about the successes of the big beautiful bill,' he said. After spending nearly $300million on getting Trump elected in 2024, Musk is now thinking about a similar backing for Vance in 2028 Ossoff's race could be the difference between Republicans keeping their 6-seat majority in the Senate. The Republican nominee in the race has not yet been decided. The speech is the first of a series of talks Vance will give selling the Big Beautiful Bill to voters as he takes the campaign once blazed by Trump to boost Republicans downticket, CNN reported. Perhaps leaning into that role, Vance sounded off on California Governor Gavin Newsom's new act of pretending to tweet like President Trump on social media. 'This idea that Gavin Newsom is somehow gonna mimic Donald Trump's style - I think that ignores the fundamental genius of President Trump's political success, which is that he's authentic,' he said. 'You've gotta be yourself, you've actually gotta' talk to people honestly about the issues. Don't be a crazy person, be authentic.' Speculation on Vance's future started heating up in June, when he made a trip to Rupert Murdoch's Montana ranch, but it wasn't to ride horses or about tasting wine. The vice president spoke with the 94-year-old media mogul, his son Lachlan Murdoch and a group of other Fox News executives at the $280 million estate on June 11, to the talk up Trump agenda. The specifics of the meeting and Vance's conversation with the group was not disclosed - but it appeared to be brief. Murdoch and other top executives are known for hosting powerful politicians across the summer at their sprawling estates. Recent polls show Vance as a clear front runner for the 2028 Republican nomination After the Murdoch meeting, the vice president and his wife, Usha, then took a hike, Montana State Auditor James Brown, who helped plan the trip, told Montana Talks. Now, Musk has reportedly decided to join other tech titans and rally behind the person they believe is the likely successor to Trump: Vice President JD Vance, who has made recent moves that suggest he will run in 2028. The former DOGE head spent nearly $300million helping to elect Trump in 2024, but the duo has a spectacular fallout earlier this year with Musk eventually writing on X that 'Trump is in the Epstein files.' With Trump term-limited as president, Musk is considering using his financial largesse to help Vance win the next presidential election. He would join other tech honchos who have doled out money to Vance such as Palantir CEO Peter Thiel, former PayPal COO David Sacks, Roku CEO Anthony Wood and entrepreneur Palmer Luckey. Recent polls show Vance as a clear front runner for the 2028 Republican nomination. Musk has been speaking to Vance in recent weeks, the Journal said, and believes launching the so-called 'America Party' for the 2026 midterms might jeopardize their relationship. The vice president has been in the news all week after his role in the Trump-Zelensky showdown. Trump hyped a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky after he called the Russian leader following a dramatic summit in the White House with European leaders Vance's advice to Zelensky to 'behave,' combined with his demand that Zelensky 'say thank you' to the president, may have had an effect on his blockbuster Monday love-fest with Trump. In fact, The Washington Post noted that Zelensky thanked Trump approximately 11 times in a nearly five-minute public address Monday. He thanked Trump another seven times in 50 seconds as they addressed the press in the Oval Office, the site of their infamous showdown in March. 'Thanks so much, Mr President. If I can, 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,' Zelensky said. Beyond pleasantries, Zelensky had come prepared to speak in the language that Trump made famous: the art of the deal. He announced that Ukraine plans to buy $100billion in American weapons in exchange for the 'major step forward' toward peace Zelensky believes Trump has offered. The European allies will be helping Ukraine finance the deal, as well as a $50billion deal between Washington and Kyiv to help Ukrainian companies produce drones, The Financial Times reported. Trump told Zelensky 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. Vance slammed Gavin Newsom's attempt to mimic Trump on social media, saying it misses the point that Trump is 'genuine' Vance said that the stereotype of the Russian President Vladimir Putin many have as a cold, ruthless man are misguided 'When it comes to security, there's going to be a lot of help,' Trump told reporters, adding that European countries would be involved. 'They are a first line of defense because they're there, but we'll help them out.' 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. Zelensky hailed the promise as 'a major step forward,' adding that the guarantees would be 'formalized on paper within the next week to 10 days.' However, Zelensky clearly saw charming the president as key to getting any deals done. 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. 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. The president specifically thanked Vance, who will be coordinating between Russia and Ukraine alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. A DoorDash driver has revealed the shocking amount of money he made in a week, as he lifts the lid on the brutal reality of gig work. The Kiwi driver, who used to be a banker, described the earnings breakdown as 'absolutely shocking'. He shared a screenshot of his measly paycheque for the week between June 30 and July 6, revealing he had made only NZ$792.92 (AUD$716). The driver made 92 deliveries - meaning he essentially earned less than AUD$8 for each job. He had clocked on for 57 hours and 39 minutes, which means he made an hourly rate of just AUD$12.37. However, the driver conceded the 'wage' may not have been entirely reflective of how he worked throughout the week. 'To be honest with you, half of that time was spent just sitting at home, waiting for a job and working on other things,' he said. The 'active time' on his weekly breakdown was only 23 hours and 48 minutes, which means he was technically making AUD$29.86. A DoorDash driver has revealed the shocking amount of money he made in a week, as he lifts the lid on the brutal reality of gig work The driver said he would minimise his tax bill by claiming mileage expenses for his car. 'I drove 816km, which means I can claim back an expense of NZ$848 (AUD$767.89),' he said. The driver said he spent as much time online 'as possible' to make money However, he only waited for jobs at his home address, and not near restaurant hubs where jobs are more available. The driver explained he had been forced to work for DoorDash while he waited for his insurance to be approved so he could work for Uber. 'It's been two weeks now, so our only option to earn on demand right now is DoorDash,' he said. Social media users were left stunned by the paltry amount he had made. 'Fellow DoorDash driver here from Melbourne, Australia, DoorDash can be a mixed bag at times,' one wrote. The driver made 92 deliveries - meaning he essentially earned less than AUD$8 for each job (stock image) 'It's going rough at the moment,' another said. 'That's crazy,' a third added. A fourth chimed in: 'I feel your pain brother. I've two job interviews in ten days, both positions over 200 applicants each, I think. I'll just give up. Still no job.' Daily Mail contacted DoorDash for comment. A German neo-Nazi will be allowed to serve a prison sentence in a women's jail after she used a new government policy to change her gender. Marla-Svenja Liebich, previously known as Sven Liebich, will serve her 18-month sentence at Chemnitz women's prison in Saxony. In July 2023, the far-Right extremist was sentenced for a string of offences, which included extreme right incitement to hatred, defamation, and insult. At the time, she identified as male, which was her assigned gender at birth. But at the end of 2024, Liebich had her gender entry in official records changed from male to female and also changed her first name in accordance with Germany's Self-Determination Act. The Act allows people to change their gender and first name through a declaration at a registry office, instead of a judicial ruling. Liebich now appears in public wearing women's clothing - and a moustache. Despite Liebich's gender change, German media have questioned whether she was serious. Marla-Svenja Liebich, previously known as Sven Liebich, appears in public wearing women's clothing and a moustache The German neo-Nazi will be allowed to serve a prison sentence in a women's jail after she used a new government policy to change her gender Pictured: The Right-wing extremist Sven Liebich seen speaking during a protest against Merkel's visit to Chemnitz, Deutschland in 2018 before changing gender Liebich is considered by German domestic intelligence services as a 'Right-wing extremist' She has since taken legal action against local media outlets for what she believes are false representations of her gender identity. A complaint about German news outlet Der Spiegel to the Press Council was rejected as unfounded. But earlier this year, Liebich had explained she had changed her gender and requested a sentence in a female prison to avoid 'discrimination' from male inmates, The Telegraph reports. Liebich is considered by German domestic intelligence services as a 'Right-wing extremist'. She has been photographed wearing a Nazi-style armband with the slogan 'Sicherheits-Abteilung', or SA, which was used by the Nazis' stormtrooper division. In January, German officials said the countrys penal system still considered Liebich to be a male prisoner in legal terms, and that his status as female was based only in civil law. Southport triple killer Axel Rudakubana has won back privileges, including a TV and an enhanced weekly spending budget, amid claims guards are 'bribing' him to behave. It is understood the 19-year-old has been raised from 'basic' to 'standard' treatment just weeks after he allegedly threw boiling water at a guard at HMP Belmarsh in south east London. The incident, which is still under investigation by Met Police, is said to have involved Rudakubana boiling a kettle in his cell and throwing the scalding water through a hatch in May. Staff were alerted by the guards screams and he was treated at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich. He was discharged after being treated for minor injuries. But now it appears Rudakubana has had some of his privileges returned, The Sun reported. Being elevated to 'standard' means the murderer can have more time out of his cell, as well as increased access to workshops, the library and the gym at the high security prison. He will have access to Freeview TV, a DVD player and will also see his weekly allowance rise from 5.50 a week to around 20. A source said the move was 'outrageous', adding: 'They are basically bribing him to behave by saying well give you a telly and you can keep it if you dont attack anyone.' Southport triple killer Axel Rudakubana has won back privileges, including a TV and an enhanced weekly spending budget, amid claims guards are 'bribing' him to behave The 19-year-old triple murderer reportedly hurled boiling water at a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh (pictured) in Thamesmead, east London, where he is serving a life sentence Reform MP Richard Tice said the move to elevate Rudakubana's privileges amounted to the murderer being 'rewarded for bad behaviour' Rudakubana was jailed for life after launching an attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last July, in which he murdered Bebe King (left), Elsie Dot Stancome (middle) and Alica da Silva Aguiar (right) Reform MP Richard Tice said: 'I'm appalled. It feels like he is being rewarded for bad behaviour.' Rudakubana is serving 52 years for killing Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Bebe King, six, at a dance class in July last year. The incident at Belmarsh came as serious assaults on prison officers increased 19 per cent in a year, according to Home Office figures. Daily Mail has contacted Belmarsh Prison for comment. One Nation leader paid tribute to schoolgirl for bold move A young Aussie schoolgirl has sent the internet into meltdown with a bold Book Week costume. This week marks the 80th anniversary of the literacy celebration, where schoolchildren across Australia dress up as their favourite book characters, heroes and sporting or music role models. One Nation Party leader Pauline Hanson isn't a name usually associated with Book Week. But it didn't stop West Australian schoolgirl Tilley, 10, from dressing up as the polarising senator. Donning a dress, blazer, heels and makeup, her costume was completed by a red wig and a 'Please Explain' leaflet in a nod to the senator's most famous quote. 'Im truly honoured,' Senator Hanson captioned a photo of Tilley's outfit. 'Shes just 10-years-old, but clearly has the guts to go against the grain and stand up for what she believes in. 'That takes real courage and maturity. And yes, shes nailed the red hair! Ten-year-old Tilley was inspired to dress up as her favourite politician for Book Week One Nation leader Pauline Hanson isn't a character normally associated with Book Week 'I told her shes done a great job, and Ive got no doubt shell grow into those shoes quicker than she thinks. 'Thanks for choosing me, Tilley. You made my day!' It turns out that Tilley is the daughter of One Nation WA state leader Rod Caddies. 'My daughter is absolutely thrilled for Book Week, and shes made the boldest choice yet, dressing up as her hero, Senator Pauline Hanson!' the proud father said. 'Who better to celebrate than a fearless Australian icon who stands up for what she believes in?' Tilley has since gone viral online, where she was hailed as Senator Hanson's successor and a future Prime Minister. 'Absolutely love it. Tilley thinks outside the boxshe will go far in life,' one wrote. Another added: 'What a wonderful young girl, I bet no other politician has had that honour.' One Nation WA state leader Rod Caddies was proud of his daughter's Book Week costume Others saw the funny side. 'This is going to send some teachers into a mindless meltdown,' one quipped. Another added: 'I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the staffroom.' But it didn't stop some from questioning Tilley's costume after Hanson recently arrived in the Senate chamber wearing an Israeli scarf in support of Australia's Jewish community. 'I'm sure it won't take long for her to be manipulated by a foreign entity too,' one commented. Another added: 'Forget wizards and superheroes nothing more magical than instantly sparking outrage.' Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified his attacks on Anthony Albanese, declaring that the Australian Prime Minister's record is 'forever tarnished' by his 'weakness'. The Israeli Prime Minister branded Albanese a 'weak leader' who 'abandoned' Australia's Jews over his decision to recognise Palestinian statehood and the diplomatic spat over revoked visas. Now, in an interview with Sky News to air on Thursday evening, Netanyahu has doubled down on his criticism, claiming Albanese has shown 'weakness' in the face of Hamas. 'I'm sure he has a reputable record as a public servant, but I think his record is forever tarnished by the weakness he has shown in the face of these Hamas terrorist monsters,' Netanyahu told Sky News. 'When the worst terrorist organisation on earth these savages who murdered women, raped them, beheaded men, burnt babies alive in front of their parents and took hundreds of hostages. 'When these people congratulate the Prime Minister of Australia, you know something is wrong.' Health Minister Mark Butler said on Thursday that Netanyahu's personal attacks were 'frankly ridiculous'. This follows Immigration Minister Tony Burke claiming on Wednesday that 'strength was not measured by how many people you can blow up'. In an interview with Sky News to air on Thursday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) has doubled down on his criticism of Anthony Albanese, claiming his record will be 'forever tarnished' by his response to the war Albanese, for his part, has not responded in kind, insisting he did not take Netanyahu's criticisms personally 'Strength is much better measured by what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has done, which is when there's a decision we know Israel won't like he goes straight to Benjamin Netanyahu,' Burke told ABC Radio. Albanese, for his part, has not responded in kind, insisting he did not take the criticisms personally. 'My job is to represent the Australian national interest and I think very much that Australians want two things to happen,' he told reporters on Wednesday. 'One, they want people to stop killing each other. Whether it be Israelis or Palestinians. The second thing that they want is the conflict to not be brought here.' It comes as Executive Council of the Australian Jewry President Daniel Aghion called for an end to the 'war of words' between Australia and Israel, claiming that Netanyahu's description of Albanese as a 'weak' leader was 'inflammatory and provocative'. 'These comments have played straight into the hands of opponents of Israel and antisemites, to the detriment of the Australian Jewish community,' the ECAJ letter states. 'This deterioration in the diplomatic relations between two countries we love is causing us nothing but pain and anguish, and we will not suffer in silence.' A former Sydney childcare worker and private school graduate accused of indecently filming pre-pubescent boys has applied for a plea deal while behind bars. David William James, 26, did not appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday where his name was mentioned to resolve a further preliminary matter. A lawyer for the prosecution applied for an adjournment to September 18 to allow negotiations to continue over the plea offer made by James' lawyer on Wednesday. The details of the plea offer were not discussed in court and the the application for adjournment was not opposed by James' lawyer. Magistrate Tsavdaridis ordered James to appear via audiovisual link when the case returns to court next month following negotiations. Police allege James produced child abuse material of ten children during his employment at six out-of-school-hours (OOSH) care facilities across Sydney's north and CBD from April 2021 to May 2024. His alleged offending sent shockwaves across the city, after hundreds of families were sent letters informing them James had worked at their children's school. The 26-year-old, hired by recruitment agency Randstad, worked at nearly 60 different OOSH centres and allegedly abused children at six of them. David William James, 26, did not appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday where his name was mentioned to resolve a further preliminary matter James, who is currently in custody, has not yet applied for bail, the court heard. He was charged with more than a dozen offences including nine counts of aggravated use of a child under 14 to make child abuse material, using a child under 14 to make child abuse material, and two counts of possessing child abuse material. Daily Mail understands that police will allege James filmed boys using the toilet and exposed himself in front of children. James was remanded in custody in October 2024; however, his identity was only made public last month after a court-ordered non-publication order was lifted. His lawyer attempted to keep James' identity suppressed but was unsuccessful. James himself is a former private schoolboy, who was a student at elite Knox Grammar on Sydney's leafy north shore until 2017. He later worked at the school from March 2018 to July 2020 but the AFP has reportedly told the school it was not part of the investigation. James was first arrested and charged after he refused to provide police access to his mobile phone. Once officers gained access, they allegedly located child abuse material, and he was again arrested and charged. AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett James said the investigation began in June 2024 after child abuse material was allegedly found on the dark web. Police allege James produced child abuse material of ten children - the oldest being six years of age - during his employment at six out-of-school-hours (OOSH) care facilities across Sydney's north and CBD from April 2021 to May 2024. 'A man was identified as being allegedly responsible for this material and a search warrant at his home was executed at his Artarmon home in September 2024,' he said. Acting Assistant Commissioner James said police had examined 142,000 files on the alleged paedophile's devices which amounted to 18.9GB of material. James was formerly employed as a probationary constable of the NSW Police Force from December 2021 to September 2022 but failed to complete his probation. He remained in a civilian capacity with the force until he resigned in May 2023. Police said they were unaware he was concurrently employed in childcare as he failed to seek the required approval. The six childcare centres where the alleged offending took place include Willoughby Kids House, where he worked for a single day, Pyrmont OSHC - City of Sydney, OSHClub - Barket College, St Ives OSHC Centre - KIDZONE, Helping Hands - St Ives Public school and Helping Hands - Lane Cove West. Australian Federal Police have assured the parents they do not allege any offending took place at the 52 other schools where he worked. In June, a hotline was established for parents with children at the six childcare centres identified as having been in contact with James. The matter will return to court next month. The young mother who was hailed as America's hardest-working woman for running an entire Burger King on her own has been fired from the job. Nykia Hamilton, 25, of West Columbia, South Carolina, went viral last month after a customer posted a video of her hustling between stations to prepare each order at the Burger King on Broad River Road as a line of customers slowly formed. But on August 8, Hamilton revealed she has since lost her job over 'attendance issues,' which she claims comes from taking care of her children. 'Bruh [Burger King] fired me because I've been late because of my kids,' she said as tears rolled down her face. 'My kids come first,' she continued, arguing that the job does not allow her to 'pay for no babysitter or nothing.' 'I'm trying to keep pushing for my kids, but I cannot do this s*** no more' Hamilton said, adding that she is depressed. 'The devil been on my back... I promise you he won.' She has previously said the job that she was once grateful for makes her miss out on her three children's lives. 'I have to provide for them, but I really don't have time to spend with them - and it hurts me a lot,' she told WACH News. Nykia Hamilton, 25, of West Columbia, South Carolina revealed she has lost her job at Burger King over 'attendance issues' She was hailed as America's hardest-working woman last month after a video showed her juggling the kitchen, drive-thru, food prep and cleaning - all by herself (pictured) Hamilton worked more than 12-hour shifts at the fast food joint, and the viral video last month showed how she had to juggle the kitchen, drive-thru, food prep and cleaning all by herself. 'Y'all need to get her some help up in here because she's busting her behind,' the customer said in the video. 'She's doing everything she needs to do to make sure everybody is okay in here.' The video quickly racked up over 100,000 views, with hundreds of comments expressing outrage over fast food working conditions - demanding accountability at the franchise level and drawing attention to staffing shortages that disproportionately burden the most vulnerable, including single parents. One person online wrote in response: 'Shame. Low wages, customers are dangerous and disrespectful - I feel for her.' 'This is a worker who deserves a RAISE,' wrote another. 'She didn't lock the door or walk out! She needs that job!' A third chimed in: 'This is just such a sad world we live in.' 'She needs a tip jar,' wrote another. 'This is unfair to her. She shouldn't have to do this and run a whole business - restaurant - alone. Thank you for showing up and showing out though. Thank you.' While hundreds praised Hamilton for her incredible work ethic - some sharing personal stories of her kindness and dedication - many were left wondering why she was regularly running the entire show by herself. Last month, a customer waiting for their food at the Burger King posted a video to TikTok showing Hamilton completely alone, hustling between stations to prepare each order while a line of customers slowly formed (pictured) Hamilton (pictured) explained that unreliable staff and the abrupt resignation of a team member left her to manage the entire restaurant by herself - more than once Hamilton explained that unreliable staff and the abrupt resignation of a team member left her to manage the entire restaurant by herself more than once. 'One of my employees just quit on me, and they didnt have anyone else to come in, so I had to work by myself, and close by myself,' Hamilton told WACH. 'Had to do the dishes, do prep, do the floor, do the front counter, drive-thru,' she added, emphasizing how overwhelming it becomes when shes forced to take orders at the counter and from drivers outside - all while preparing every meal on her own. The day after the video was shared, nothing had changed. Hamilton once again closed the entire restaurant single-handedly, ensuring the floors were mopped and the place spotless before locking up. 'We just dont have any employees,' the mother told WACH. 'Nobody wants to work anymore.' Despite the stress, Hamilton said she stayed in the job because of her manager, whom she deeply respected for giving her a chance to prove herself despite her criminal record Despite the stress, Hamilton said she stayed in the job because of her manager, whom she deeply respected for giving her a chance to prove herself despite her criminal record. 'I wouldn't have no job because I do have a record, and it is hard to find a job with a record,' Hamilton told the outlet. 'And by grace of God, she gave me a job,' she added. 'So that's the only reason why I stayed for her.' In response to the situation, Hamilton received help running the Burger King just days later during the grueling 11am to 11pm shift, according to the outlet. The fast food giant has since confirmed to the New York Post that Hamilton was let go. 'Terminations are the decision of the franchisees who own and operate the BK restaurant. In this situation, the franchisee confirmed that the individual involved is no longer employed due to repeated attendance issues,' a spokesperson for the company said. But the spokesperson also expressed their outrage at the video showing Hamilton running the entire restaurant alone. 'No team member should ever be left to run a restaurant alone, even for a short period of time. That's not how we operate and we're disappointed that our policy, which required more than one team member to work per shift, wasn't followed. 'While we can't share more on individual personnel matters, we're focused on making sure every restaurant, whether company or franchise-owned has the staffing and support needed to take care of our team members and deliver the kind of experience our guests expect,' the spokesperson added. Hamilton worked more than 12-hour shifts at the Burger King on Broad River Road to support her three children (pictured) Following last month's viral TikTok, hundreds of people urged Hamilton to start a GoFundMe, hoping to help her raise money so she could ease her workload and spend more time with her children. Listening to the outpouring of support, Hamilton eventually set up a donation page, thanking everyone for their kindness - whether they chose to contribute or simply offered their encouragement. 'I am a 25-year-old single mom of three who works two jobs,' she wrote in the description. 'I just went viral for working on TikTok,' she added. 'If you wanna contribute, it's ok. Thank y'all for the support.' Hamilton then reiterated that she really does 'everything for my kids' As of Wednesday, the online fundraiser had raised over $86,000 for Hamilton's family. Australia should phase out cash in three years in a bid to stamp out tax evasion, one of the country's leading economics professors has argued. Professor Richard Holden, from the University of New South Wales, said the black economy was costing the government $10billion a year in GST revenue - and depriving workers of income tax relief. Prof Holden, who studied at Harvard and was also an assistant professor at MIT, made the call as a key Reserve Bank official this week voiced concerns about whether Australia's only major cash delivery firm, Armaguard, could stay afloat. 'I acknowledge it would need to be a transition and some people are very attached to cash, but I really think it will go the way of cheques,' Prof Holden told Daily Mail. 'We could transition fully away from cash, I think it could be done in about three years or so - you'd probably start by eliminating the $100 bill and the $50 bill in a year and you work your way through. 'We have very, very high income taxes and if we're leaving several billion dollars a year on the table, by letting tax cheats use cash to evade the taxes the rest of us pay, I just don't have a lot of sympathy for those people.' Despite a decline in the use of banknotes, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is proposing a cash mandate that would come into effect in January 2026, requiring all businesses to offer the option of paying in banknotes. 'They're just playing politics,' Prof Holden said. 'I'm sure that's been focus grouped to death and that Jim thinks it's a political winner - that's fine, he's a politician, I'm an economist.' Prof Richard Holden, from UNSW, said the black economy was costing the government $10billion a year in revenue from lost GST - and depriving workers of income tax relief The Harvard educated expert said Australia should phase out cash in three years in a bid to stamp out tax evasion With banks closing down branches and taking away ATMs, Prof Holden said Australia Post outlets could have digital kiosks where staff helped the likes of the elderly pay their utility bills. 'As far as I'm aware, every town has an Australia Post outlet of some form or another,' he said. He also refuted the privacy argument about governments accessing our bank details, arguing this was based more on avoiding the Australian Taxation Office than standing up for civil liberties. 'The government can't just go and get your bank records without the appropriate legal right to do so,' he said. 'What are we trying to hide? What's the legitimate purpose of using cash to hide it from the ATO if it's not tax avoidance?' Cash delivery issues Michelle McPhee, a Reserve Bank assistant governor in charge of business services, said cash was difficult to transport around Australia, and feared for the future of Australia's near monopoly cash delivery company Armaguard. 'We saw cash use take a step level down during Covid and that created significant difficulties for those who distribute cash around the economy,' she told the Economic Society of Australia. 'One of the great challenges, as you point out in Australia, is our geography is so disparate and we have cash users in the regions so it creates a lot of difficulty to try and structure a cash distribution model that's effective if you have low volumes and you also have great distances to cover.' The nation's key cash deliverer company Armaguard Australia is struggling financially, despite having a near monopoly of banknote transportation The nation's key cash deliverer company Armaguard Australia is struggling financially, despite having a near monopoly of banknote transportation. The Big Four banks, supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths and retail group Wesfarmers last month helped stump up $25.5million for Armaguard that would last until December. 'Armaguard did find themselves in some difficulty - they merged with Prosegur and that organisation covers about 90 per cent of cash movements in this country,' Ms McPhee said. 'When you have one player who dominates to the extent that they do, it's a key risk for the infrastructure that provides cash.' The Council of Financial Regulators - which includes the Reserve Bank, Treasury and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority - has recommended a Minister for Cash be appointed. 'It's very important that we do not make the cost of moving cash around so exorbitant that merchants can't sensibly access it and then we see those costs passed on to consumers,' Ms McPhee said. The regulators also suggested the government may have to intervene in the cash distribution business, with Reserve Bank data from 2022 revealing just 16 per cent of in-person transactions are done in cash. 'The decline in the use of cash for payments in Australia has challenged the economics of the cash distribution sector, upon which access to cash relies,' it said. New Reserve Bank figures show a record $104.4billion worth of banknotes are in circulation with $245million worth of cash issued last week (pictured is a Commonwealth Bank ATM) 'Challenges in the cash distribution sector include the long-term decline in the use of cash for payments, and a high degree of concentration and limited competition in parts of the market.' Cash withdrawals at record highs But new Reserve Bank figures show a record $104.4billion worth of banknotes are in circulation with $245million worth of cash issued last week. In June, cash withdrawals in Australia were worth $9.2billion. Cash Welcome founder Jason Bryce said this data refuted a suggestion from the Australian Banking Association that consumers were turning away from cash. 'There has never been more cash on issue, showing strong demand and consumer support for cash,' he said. 'The Australian Bankers Association says consumers don't want or need physical banknotes and coins but these numbers tell a different story.' The ABA has consistently issued media releases suggesting cash use is in decline, arguing annual banknote withdrawals had fallen from $120billion in 2018 to $80billion in 2024. But a closer look at RBA data showed the total value of cash withdrawals during 2024-25 was worth $108billion. The Reserve Bank has said only a small proportion of in-person transactions are done in cash, but a cash use attitudes report also found just 29 per cent in 2022 carried no cash at all in their wallet. Mr Bryce said that suggested 'that 70 per cent of Aussies carry cash every day'. Prof Holden, however, argued cash was still useless during a blackout or a natural disaster. 'There's a mass power outage: shops aren't going to be open, supermarkets, convenience stores, nobody opens their shop when the power's out,' he said. A Democrat who fled Texas in an attempt to stop the Republican governor from redistricting was awkwardly forced to flee from a conference call with Gavin Newsom. The Texas House on Wednesday approved redrawn congressional maps that would give Republicans a bigger edge in 2026, muscling through a partisan gerrymander that launched weeks of protests by Democrats and a widening national battle over redistricting. Nicole Collier was one of more than 50 Democratic lawmakers who left the state in protest of the bill which they say unfairly gerrymanders already red Texas two weeks ago, but returned on Monday. While Collier continued to cause a nuisance for the Texas GOP by sleeping at her desk in the State House, she escalated her profile further while participating in a conference call from the Capitol bathroom. On the call with DNC Chair Ken Martin, California Governor Newsom and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker she said the law would break the Voting Rights Act. However, mid-conversation, she was told that being away from the State Assembly floor was a felony. 'Sorry, I have to leave. They said it's a felony for me to do this. Apparently I can't be on the floor or in a bathroom,' the seven-term legislator said to an unknown person off-camera. 'You told me I was only allowed to be here in the bathroom. No, hold on - bye everybody, I've got to go.' Nicole Collier has made headlines since the Democrats returned by sleeping at her desk in the State House in further protest of the bill which they say unfairly gerrymanders the red state She continued to raise her profile participating in a conference call with DNC Chair Ken Martin, California Governor Newsom (pictured) and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, where she initially said the law would break the Voting Rights Act It is not immediately clear what law she may have been breaking by appearing on the call, though she is currently protesting a rule instituted on the fleeing Democrats to promise they be escorted by a police officer if they left the State House again. Booker and Newsom were immediately indignant at what had happened and defended Collier. 'Let me tell you something, Rep. Collier in the bathroom has more dignity than Donald Trump in the Oval Office,' Booker said. Newsom, who has spent the past week antagonizing Trump on social media, nodded his head and said: 'There you go.' 'What theyre trying to do right there is silence an American leader, silence a black woman, and that is outrageous. What we just witnessed, them trying to shut her down and saying it's illegal for her to be in the bathroom and on this call, this is the lengths that theyre going to in Texas.' The approval came at the urging of President Donald Trump , who pushed for the extraordinary mid-decade revision of congressional maps to give his party a better chance at holding onto the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections. The maps, which would give Republicans five more winnable seats, need to be approved by the GOP-controlled state Senate and signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott before they become official. But the Texas House vote had presented the best chance for Democrats to derail the redraw. However, mid-conversation, Collier was told that being away from the State Assembly floor or the bathroom was a felony Booker and Newsom were immediately indignant at what had happened and defended Collier The approval of the Texas maps on an 88-52 party-line vote is likely to prompt Californias Democratic-controlled state Legislature this week to approve of a new House map creating five new Democratic-leaning districts. But the California map would require voter approval in November. Democrats have also vowed to challenge the new Texas map in court and complained that Republicans made the political power move before passing legislation responding to deadly floods that swept the state last month. The liberals tried to resist by fleeing the state. In early August, 57 lawmakers skipped town, flying to Illinois and New York in a dramatic attempt to block the GOP's map vote. They returned 18 days later only to find themselves under near-constant surveillance by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Collier of Fort Worth refused to sign the paperwork authorizing DPS monitoring and instead stayed inside the chamber for more than 30 hours, even sleeping overnight on the floor. Her stand drew supporters to the Capitol Tuesday evening, but the crowd was evacuated when someone posted a threat on social media urging others to 'go to the Capitol and shoot and kill those who will not allow lawmakers to leave,' according to local outlet KVUE. 'For the safety of those at the Texas State Capitol, and out of an abundance of caution, the Texas Department of Public Safety evacuated the public from the Capitol building around 6:30 this evening,' DPS announced. 'It will remain closed to the public for the remainder of the day.' U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro, right, speaks to protesters gather in the rotunda outside the House Chamber Texas troopers watch from the balcony as lawmakers debate a redrawn U.S. congressional map in Texas Meanwhile, support for Collier mounted, with the Fort Worth representative receiving a call from former vice president Kamala Harris. Collier shared on X that Harris told her: 'You are among those that history will reveal was among the heroes of this moment, so you just stay strong.' Collier has also filed a lawsuit against Texas, alleging 'illegal restraint by the government' for not being allowed to leave. 'I refuse to comply with this unreasonable, un-American and unnecessary request,' Collier told CBS News. By Wednesday, the Texas House was voting on amendments to the new maps, with the final vote approved later in the day. Meanwhile, Newsom has promised to redraw congressional districts in his state in response, setting up a redistricting arms race between the nation's two most populous states. Donald Trump celebrated victory in Texas as the GOP passed a new redistricting law that Trump says could put the party on a path to gaining 100 seats in Congress. The Texas House on Wednesday approved redrawn maps that would give the GOP a bigger edge in 2026, muscling through what critics called a partisan gerrymander that launched weeks of protests by Democrats and a widening national battle over redistricting. Trump not only celebrated the bill's passing on Truth Social, but spelled out his game plan for further Republican victories nationwide. 'Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!! Everything Passed, on our way to FIVE more Congressional seats and saving your Rights, your Freedoms, and your Country, itself. Texas never lets us down,' he wrote. He then listed which states may go this route next: 'Florida, Indiana, and others are looking to do the same thing. More seats equals less Crime, a great Economy, and a STRONG SECOND AMENDMENT. It means Happiness and Peace.' Trump said the next move is to, as he put it, 'STOP MAIL-IN VOTING, a total fraud that has no bounds' as well as instituting paper ballots. 'If we do these TWO things, we will pick up 100 more seats, and the CROOKED game of politics is over. God Bless America!!!' The maps, which would give Republicans five more winnable seats, are expected to to be approved by the GOP-controlled state Senate and signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Donald Trump celebrated victory in Texas, as the GOP waited out a Democrat protest to pass a new redistricting law that Trump says could put the party on a path to gaining 100 seats in Congress The Texas House on Wednesday approved redrawn maps that would give the GOP a bigger edge in 2026, muscling through what critics called a partisan gerrymander that launched weeks of protests by Democrats and a widening national battle over redistricting Abbott celebrated the passing of the bill by giving it a familiar nickname to many Trump fans. 'Congrats to the Texas House on passing the One Big Beautiful Map,' he wrote. 'It will make Texas, and Congress, a brighter shade of Red.' But the Texas House vote had presented the best chance for Democrats to derail the redraw. Democrats tried to resist by fleeing the state. In early August, 57 lawmakers skipped town, flying to Illinois and New York in a dramatic attempt to block the GOP's map vote. They then said that they were being treated like fugitives as they are threatened with arrest if they don't show up to the house to vote during a bitter redistricting fight that could hand Republicans and Donald Trump five extra seats in Congress. State troopers were ordered to shadow Democrats around the clock, even when they dropped their kids at school, to ensure they stayed for votes. Their forced presence gave the Texas House a quorum, the minimum number of lawmakers required to move legislation forward. One of the most defiant Democrats has been Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth. She refused to sign the paperwork authorizing DPS monitoring and instead stayed inside the chamber for more than 30 hours, even sleeping overnight on the floor. Trump not only celebrated the bill's passing on Truth Social, but spelled out his gameplan for further Republican victories nationwide Her stand drew supporters to the Capitol Tuesday evening, but the crowd was evacuated when someone posted a threat on social media urging others to 'go to the Capitol and shoot and kill those who will not allow lawmakers to leave,' according to local outlet KVUE. She eventually drew embarrassment earlier Wednesday when she joined California Governor Gavin Newsom and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker on a conference call and abruptly leaved after being told she was committing a felony. Meanwhile, support for Collier mounted, with the Fort Worth representative receiving a call from former vice president Kamala Harris. Collier shared on X that Harris told her: 'You are among those that history will reveal was among the heroes of this moment, so you just stay strong.' She has also filed a lawsuit against Texas, alleging 'illegal restraint by the government' for not being allowed to leave. 'I refuse to comply with this unreasonable, un-American and unnecessary request,' Collier told CBS News. By Wednesday, the Texas House was voting on amendments to the new maps, with a final vote approved later in the day. The change of the Texas maps on an 88-52 party-line vote is likely to prompt Californias Democratic-controlled state Legislature this week to approve of a new House map creating five new Democratic-leaning districts. Texas Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the passing of the bill and giving it a nickname that would be familiar to many Trump fans But the California map, pushed by Newsom, would require voter approval in November. Democrats have also vowed to challenge the new Texas map in court and complained that Republicans made the political power move before passing legislation responding to deadly floods that swept the state last month. Texas Republicans openly said they were acting in their partys interest. State Rep. Todd Hunter, who wrote the legislation formally creating the new map, noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed politicians to redraw districts for nakedly partisan purposes. 'The underlying goal of this plan is straight forward: improve Republican political performance,' Hunter, a Republican, said on the floor. After nearly eight hours of debate, Hunter took the floor again to sum up the entire dispute as nothing more than a partisan fight. 'What's the difference, to the whole world listening? Republicans like it, and Democrats do not.' Democrats said the disagreement was about more than partisanship. 'In a democracy, people choose their representatives,' State Rep. Chris Turner said. Democratic lawmakers Texas Rep. Gene Wu, left, and Rep. Nicole Collier, right, talk before a debate. They were two of the protesters who fled the state to keep Republicans from forming a quorum. 'This bill flips that on its head and lets politicians in Washington, D.C., choose their voters.' State Rep. John H. Bucy blamed the president. 'This is Donald Trump's map,' Bucy said. 'It clearly and deliberately manufactures five more Republican seats in Congress because Trump himself knows that the voters are rejecting his agenda.' The Republican power play has already triggered a national tit-for-tat battle as Democratic state lawmakers prepared to gather in California on Thursday to revise that states map to create five new Democratic seats. 'This is a new Democratic Party, this is a new day, this is new energy out there all across this country,' Newsom said on a call with reporters on Wednesday. 'And we're going to fight fire with fire.' A new California map would need to be approved by voters in a special election in November because that state normally operates with a nonpartisan commission drawing the map to avoid the very sort of political brawl that is playing out. Newsom himself backed the 2008 ballot measure to create that process, as did former President Barack Obama. Protesters gather in the rotunda outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol as lawmakers debate a redrawn U.S. congressional map in Texas during a special session Texas troopers watch from the balcony as lawmakers debate. Many state troopers were assigned to escort Democrats to keep them from leaving But in a sign of Democrats stiffening resolve, Obama Tuesday night backed Newsom's bid to redraw the California map, saying it was a necessary step to stave off the GOPs Texas move. 'I think that approach is a smart, measured approach,' Obama said during a fundraiser for the Democratic Party's main redistricting arm. The incumbent president's party usually loses seats in the midterm election, and the GOP currently controls the House of Representatives by a mere three votes. Trump is going beyond Texas in his push to remake the map. Hes pushed Republican leaders in conservative states like Indiana and Missouri to also try to create new Republican seats. Ohio Republicans were already revising their map before Texas moved. Democrats, meanwhile, are mulling reopening Marylands and New Yorks maps as well. However, more Democratic-run states have commission systems like California's or other redistricting limits than Republican ones do, leaving the GOP with a freer hand to swiftly redraw maps. New York, for example, cant draw new maps until 2028, and even then, only with voter approval. In Texas, there was little that outnumbered Democrats could do other than fume and threaten a lawsuit to block the map. Because the Supreme Court has blessed purely partisan gerrymandering, the only way opponents can stop the new Texas map would be by arguing it violates the Voting Rights Act requirement to keep minority communities together so they can select representatives of their choice. Democrats noted that, in every decade since the 1970s, courts have found that Texas legislature did violate the Voting Rights Act in redistricting, and that civil rights groups had an active lawsuit making similar allegations against the 2021 map that Republicans drew up. Republicans contend the new map creates more new majority-minority seats than the previous one. An extraordinary battle has broken out in a wealthy beachside suburb after a council decided to ban stools being set up outside a bakery. Rollers Bakehouse in Manly, on Sydney's northern beaches, has been setting up the stools behind bollards set up on Rialto Lane since 2018. The Northern Beaches Council ruled on Tuesday that the seating posed 'ongoing safety risks' and voted to remove it permanently. A complaint to council had initially raised concerns about diners accidentally being hit by passing vehicles, such as Coles delivery trucks. The council placed numerous bollards in the lane and, after a nine-month trial, found eleven had been struck by vehicles - though there were no incidents involving patrons. An online petition begged locals to save their seating 'again' following the decision to ban the stools. 'Our outdoor space has been a cornerstone of community connection without impeding essential road activities,' marketing executive Eliza Roberts wrote. More than 3,500 people have signed the petition. Locals have slammed the 'nanny state' as Manly bakery Rollers (above) has been forced to take alfresco chairs inside Council argued the seating, behind bollards in Rialto Lane (above), were dangerous for visitors Enraged locals shared their support and slammed the 'nanny-state'. 'Spontaneous initiatives like these that create community should be treasured,' local woman Anjo said. 'Constantly threatening these initiatives with nanny-state rules only creates division and anger in our society.' 'Manly and all of its locals, local businesses, and visitors continue to benefit from harmless offerings like this,' Mitch added. 'They create an eclectic and buzzing atmosphere for all to enjoy. To continue this self-sabotaging trend of wanting to mute Manly's soul is not in the best interest of locals or visitors.' Former Northern Beaches political figures have voiced their support for the cause on social media. Rollers Bakehouse manager Loucka Stevens previously told the Manly Daily he hoped the council would strike down the proposal before Tuesday's vote. 'We've been here seven years and there hasn't been an issue,' he said. Local councillors have vowed to keep fighting for the bakery (above) after Tuesday night's vote 'Our regulars really want to keep the seating, especially in the summer when they can sit outside and enjoy our croissants and pastries in the sunshine. 'We've been very mindful about keeping the furniture away from the roadway and keeping our customers safe.' Independent Northern Beaches councillor Vincent De Luca said there had been no record of previous incidents and feared the ban would finish the small business. He lodged a rescission motion lodged to return the matter for further debate at a council meeting next month. Councillors Bob Giltinan, Sunny Singh, both independents; Sarah Grattan for Your Northern Beaches; Bonnie Harvey with the Greens, and Ethan Hrnjack, also a Green, all voted in support of the bakery. Cr De Luca said customers had never been involved in incidents, and the business is privately insured for injury. He added the council did not notify the Manly Chamber of Commerce before tabling the recommendation to end outdoor dining at the bakery. The one-legged, elderly Australian millionaire stranded in Thailand has been rescued after he was left penniless by his drug-addict wife who squandered his cash on meth. Marcus Owen, 75, had just 1,520baht ($47) to his name when his Thai bride Phikul, 45, blew his pension and 4millionbaht ($189,000) in lifesavings to feed her ice habit. But now Sydney mum-of-two Supattra Nisanov has confirmed to the Daily Mail that she offered to fund his flight home to safety after seeing his desperate plight online. Mr Owen was living in Bangkok but lost his leg in a car accident eight months ago and moved to a remote village, Ban Dong Dara in Udon Thani province, with his wife. Her drug habit spiralled out of control though and she was recently taken into custody by community officials at a rehabilitation centre after suffering severe hallucinations. She later returned to the couple's large, pink and dilapidated Spanish-style mansion, 600km north-east of Bangkok, to demand a divorce from Mr Owen. Shaven-headed Phikul found her husband surrounded by officials, and cared for by her elderly mother, who was also Mr Owen's mother-in-law, Ting. 'Finish now and move,' Phikul told him in front of the waiting Thai media. The one-legged, elderly Australian Marcus Owen (pictured) stranded in Thailand has been rescued after he was left penniless by his drug-addict wife who squandered his cash on meth Sydney mum-of-two Supattra Nisanov (pictured) has come forward to fund his flight home to safety and his family after seeing his desperate plight online The moment Mr Owen's shaven-headed wife Phikul (pictured) signed the divorce papers as Mr Owen struggled off his mattress on the floor of their dilapidated home 'If you want to go back home to Australia, file for divorce first and divide the marital assets to end it all.' Pictures taken by the local village chief, Boomthom Sorampha, revealed the moment Phikul signed the divorce papers as Mr Owen struggled off his mattress on the floor. He begged for help to return to his Australian family of his adult son and sister, but had no access to cash to pay for his flight, until his plight went viral online. But 8,000km away, Thai-born Ms Nisanov - who runs an online jewellery company and organises tours to Thailand - saw Mr Owen's despair. She said his desperate situation had depressed her and rushed to help. She organised to pay for his airfare home and just days later, he's now set to fly back. 'Best thing I've done today,' she posted on social media after organising Mr Owen's return. Mr Sorampha later posted images of Mr Owen being helped out of his home for the very last time and carried to a waiting taxi to take him to Bangkok. Australian diplomats from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have since been working to help him onto a flight back home. Mr Owen was emotional when he was rescued while his wife was in rehab Mr Owen had to be carried from his home after he lost a leg eight months ago in a car accident Mr Owen is helped into an ambulance by officials after he was left on his own 'I don't know if there will be problems there, but I'd rather take the risk,' he said. 'I don't have anyone here any more. 'My pension and more than 4million baht from the sale of my Bangkok townhouse were entrusted to my wife for monthly expenses. 'But it all disappeared when she became a drug addict.' It's been reported in the local Thai media that Phikul's son is also a meth addict. On Thursday, DFAT officials told the Daily Mail it was continuing to provide consular assistance to Mr Owen. Mr Owen said he used to travel regularly between Thailand and Australia with his wife during their ten years of marriage, before settling in Udon Thani after his accident. But he said her drug habit had wrecked everything and left him with nothing. She was now in rehab but no longer wanted to be with him. Some 8,000km away, Thai-born Supattra Nisanov (pictured) - who runs an online jewellery company and organises tours to Thailand - saw Mr Owen's despair and rushed to help Marcus Owen and his Aussie family before his accident The elderly Australian was unable to look after himself or his home in the remote Thai village Mr Owen said he was reluctant to leave and felt sorry for his wife, but was forced to take the drastic action of abandoning everything in Thailand for his own sake. 'I'm not going to wait. I want to go home. Please help me,' he said. Immigration police in Udon Thani have provided temporary care for Mr Owen and coordinated with the Australian embassy to organise his return. Embassy officials assured him they would help, shortly before Ms Nisanov, from Botany in Sydney's inner south-east, intervened from Australia with her own support. Wiraphon Raksamerwong, Mayor of Ban Dung Municipality, arranged an ambulance to transport Mr Owen to the Australian embassy in Bangkok. Daily Mail has contacted Ms Nisanov for further comment. The employer of a boilermaker who lost an eye and fractured his skull in a horror workplace injury has been fined $500,000. The G&G Mining Fabrication worker was hit by a falling 500kg steel plate while working on a hook-up assembly for an excavator bucket at the company's Hazelmere workshop, east Perth, in August 2021. WorkSafe WA reported the worker suffered serious head and facial injuries, including multiple skull fractures and the loss of an eye. The company fronted Midland Magistrates' Court over the incident this week. G&G Mining Fabrication was fined $500,000 after it pleaded guilty to causing harm to a worker through its failure to provide a safe work environment. It was also ordered to pay $6,500 in legal costs. The WorkSafe investigation found an overhead crane was used to move a lug plate into position on the excavator bucket. While it was held in position, workers used tack welds - a temporary weld - and turnbuckles to keep it aligned. A worker was crushed by a 500kg lug plate while working on an excavator at G&G Mining Fabrication (pictured) in August 2021 The worker suffered severe injuries - including skull fractures and the loss of an eye - at the company's Hazelmere workshop (pictured) Several other employees in the workshop needed to use the crane and an assistant was later instructed to cut the turnbuckles. Still believing the turnbuckles were in place, the worker at the centre of the case went underneath the plate to inspect it when the tack welds gave out. The heavy plate fell onto the worker's head, resulting in his severe injuries. G&G Mining Fabrication's existing WorkSafe procedures for cranes at the time primarily focused on the hazards associated with suspended loads, and were largely overlooked. 'After the incident, the company developed a procedure specifically for this task and included that an overhead crane must remain connected to the lug plate until an adequate weld is in place,' WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said. 'Being hit by falling metal objects is one of the highest risks for injuries and fatalities in the manufacturing sector and I encourage leaders working in this sector to consult workers and review their controls in relation to preventing objects from falling.' In a statement to Daily Mail, a Mineral Resources - the owner of G&G Mining Fabrication - spokesperson said: 'We can confirm G&G Mining Fabrication entered a guilty plea at a directions hearing on June 9 in relation to a breach of obligations to provide a safe working environment. 'This related to a workplace incident at G&G Mining Fabrication in August 2021, prior to MinRes' acquisition of the business in June 2023. 'MinRes, together with the previous owner, fully cooperated with the WorkSafe investigation. 'Since acquiring G&G Mining Fabrication, MinRes has continued to support the employee and implemented measures to improve safety controls at the workshop.' A left-leaning think tank has called for the Albanese government to consider levelling a two per cent 'wealth tax' on Australians earning more than $5million. In a submission to the government's three day Economic Reform Roundtable, the Australia Institute recommended three 'simple' tax reforms to bolster the nation's finances. A wealth tax alone - which would exclude superannuation and the family home - would raise more than $41billion per year, it said. There was also a call to tackle intergenerational inequality by reviving the inheritance tax, abolished federally in 1979, and scrap the 50 per cent capital gains tax (CGT) discount, introduced in 1999. Labor lost the 2016 and 2019 elections with a plan to halve the capital gains tax discount to 25 per cent, with Anthony Albanese scrapping such plans in Opposition and leaving it to the Greens to call for an abolition of the CGT discount for future investors. Australian landlords receive a 50 per cent CGT discount when sell an investment property - owned for at least 12 months. If a house goes up in value by $100,000, only $50,000 has to be declared as part of someone's taxable income. But the introduction of that policy under John Howard's Coalition government 26 years ago led to a surge in property prices, with growth far outpacing the increase in wages. A report published by the left-leaning Australia Institute ahead of the government's economic roundtable this week has recommended three 'simple' tax reforms to bolster the nation's finances - including scrapping the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount on selling a property An average, full-time worker earning $104,520 a year can't afford the typical capital city house priced at more than $1million, with the banks reluctant to lend an owner-occupier more than six times their salary. This has seen investors flood the market and borrowing against their other properties to cash in on capital growth. Researchers believe reviving an inheritance tax and scrapping the capital gains tax discount would raise an extra $10 billion and $19billion, respectively, meaning the Australia Institute's three proposals would rake in a grand total of $70billion. The think tank claims the money would help pay for 'well-funded schools and hospitals; decent, affordable housing for all; a world-class NDIS; a fair welfare system and dozens of other things'. Matt Grudnoff, senior economist at the Australia Institute, said that these were not 'radical ideas' and countries like the UK, US and Japan all had inheritance taxes. 'Australia is a low-tax country that does not do a good job of taxing wealth,' he said. 'It is one of the few developed economies in the world which has neither a wealth tax nor an inheritance tax.' 'Correcting this would raise huge amounts of extra revenue for essential services and ease growing inequality in Australia. 'Even if you were to exempt the family home and superannuation, a two per cent wealth tax on people worth $5 million would raise $41 billion per year. If you limited it to just the 200 richest households in the country, it would still raise $12.5 billion per year.' This includes a two per cent wealth tax on people worth more than $5 million, which the think tank claims would raise $41 billion per year alone. The other two reforms, aimed at tackling intergenerational inequality, are to bring in an inheritance tax and to scrap the capital gains tax discount. File image above He added: 'Its time to scrap the capital gains tax discount, for many reasons. 'Not only would it put downward pressure on house prices and reduce inequality, it would raise an extra $19 billion a year.' But AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said the plan would 'hurt the economy'. '"Tax the rich" sounds fine in theory, but all of those reforms will further increase the tax on high-income earners,' he told news.com.au. 'Our tax system is already skewed, its already highly progressive.' Dr Oliver pointed to the fact that the top 10 per cent of income earners in Australia already pay almost 50 per cent income tax. He said these tax reforms, while they would raise a lot of money initially, would be destructive in the long term. 'You might help the budget initially but youll damage the economy long-term because therell be less work incentive,' Dr Oliver added. 'Wealth tax I think is incredibly dangerous You want Australians to feel confident to go out and start businesses and build up their wealth thats how we get ahead.' A pair of university economists last week suggested that Australians pay capital gains tax on the family home in order to tackle the housing crisis. Peter Siminski from the University of Technology, Sydney, and Roger Wilkins from the University of Melbourne, say the longstanding capital gains tax exemption on the family home favours the rich and costs the government much-needed revenue. Neither major party, nor minor parties like the Greens, called for a capital gains tax on the family home or a revival of inheritance taxes at the last election. Governments have 'failed white working-class students,' the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said. As pupils wait in great anticipation for GCSE results day this Thursday morning, she warned that four-fifths of children from white working-class backgrounds struggle with English and Maths skills. Ms Phillipson said that as a result, Britain is falling behind as the UK's productivity suffers and so does the economy. In 2024, only 19 per cent of white British, working-class children achieved a strong pass in Maths and English GCSE and has been a trend in data since 2017. 'It's appalling, and I won't stand by and watch those numbers continue to grow. It's not just the life chances of those children that are being damaged it's also the health of our society as a whole. Swathes of human capability and productivity lost. 'Fewer than one in five of all white British children on free school meals are leaving school with the maths and English skills to succeed in work and life. 'This data goes back to 2017. Alarmingly, it looks almost identical today to how it did then,' she said writing for The Telegraph. The Education Secretary added efforts to overcome the problem would focus on increasing school attendance as poor performance among white working-class pupils is thought to be closely linked to high absence levels. Governments have 'failed white working-class students,' the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Officials fear that failure to provide young people with the skills they need to succeed in life will only further deplete Britain's already low productivity levels and could lead to less people entering work and more on benefits. It comes as a study from the Institute for Government (IfG) suggests ethnicity may be a factor in how badly poverty impacts on educational attainment. The think tank said disadvantaged white pupils have 'particularly poor educational outcomes' in terms of attainment in Year 6 Sats. Official data showed only 3 per cent of British white pupils from low income families attend a top university one of the least successful groups. Last week, Ms Phillipson said it was a 'national disgrace' that so many white working class children were 'written off' and failed to achieve their potential. The IfG report referenced previous research which found this demographic is overrepresented in rural and coastal areas where there is 'lower funding higher teacher vacancies, longer travel times and worse digital infrastructure'. The report adds: 'Factors from children's home environments, such as varying aspirations among parents from different ethnic backgrounds, also likely play a role.' The report examined the councils in England and identified the 'bottom fifth' for performance of disadvantaged pupils. As pupils wait in anticipation for GCSE results day this Thursday morning, Ms Phillipson warned that four-fifths of children from white working-class backgrounds struggled with basic English and Maths skills. Pictured: Results day, 2024 Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. It found the vast majority of these had 'above average shares' of white children within their population of disadvantaged pupils. On average nationally, 67 per cent of disadvantaged primary school pupils are white. The think tank has said tackling high absence rates particularly among disadvantaged pupils 'will be key' to narrowing educational inequalities. A Department for Education spokesman said: 'Tackling the baked-in inequalities in our education system will take time, but through our Plan for Change this government is taking action against the root causes that we know are holding young people back. 'We are driving high and rising standards for every child through the expert-led Curriculum and Assessment Review, new RISE 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.' Israel's army has begun its invasion of Gaza City after calling up 60,000 reservists, forcing Palestinians to flee the region. Israel Defence Forces spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said it now controls the outskirts of Gaza City, which was one of Hamas' last strongholds. After a clash with Hamas fighters south of Khan Younis on Wednesday, he said 'We will deepen the blows to Hamas in Gaza City, a terror stronghold 'We will deepen the blows to the terror infrastructure above and below ground, and disconnect the reliance of the population on Hamas.' He added that the army 'is not waiting' and that 'preliminary operations are underway in the area' with Hamas now 'battered and bruised.' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the army to 'shorten the timelines for seizing the last terror strongholds and for the defeat of Hamas,' according to a statement that did not give new dates. Last week he said expanding the assault on Gaza was the 'best way to end the war.' He said Israel had 'no choice' but to 'finish the job' and 'defeat' Hamas in Gaza City and the coastal camps in al-Mawasi. Pictures have shown how Palestinians have been forced to escape in an area where displaced residents lived, according to Reuters. Palestinians flee as Israel warplanes strike an area where displaced residents live Israel strike on Gaza City on July 21. Israel's army has begun its invasion of Gaza City after calling up 60,000 reservists, forcing Palestinians to flee the region He compared entering Gaza City to last year's Rafah operation, when more than a million people were evacuated from the border town. The army has called up 60,000 reservists as the war continues. Plans suggest reservists would report in September, bringing the total active force to about 120,000. The military has already launched initial operations in the Jabalia and Zeitoun districts around Gaza City. The Israeli statements signalled Israel was pressing ahead with its plan to seize Gaza's biggest urban centre despite international criticism of an operation likely to force the displacement of many more Palestinians. Defrin said troops were already operating on the outskirts of Gaza City, and Hamas was now a 'battered and bruised' guerrilla force. 'We will deepen the attack on Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organization,' the spokesman said. Israel's military called up tens of thousands of reservists on Wednesday in preparation for the expected assault on Gaza City, as the Israeli government considered a new truce proposal. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for a ceasefire in Gaza, warning the new operation could bring a 'catastrophic' humanitarian toll. Speaking in Japan, he said: 'It is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza necessary to avoid the death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause.' Palestinians gather at the site of a strike last month. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the army to 'shorten the timelines for seizing the last terror strongholds and for the defeat of Hamas,' according to a statement that did not give new dates World leaders condemned Israel's decision to move into Gaza City. They warned that the move risks a humanitarian disaster and undermines the hopes for peace. Israel's expansion of settlements in the West Bank, including approval of a large new project in the E1 area near Jerusalem, heightened international criticism, with many saying it destroyed any chance for a two-state solution. Town Hall bosses have launched a 'rapid review' into the death of a girl of 13 allegedly raped and murdered while in their care. Casey-Louise Horrocks was found unresponsive in a flat, in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, last Monday night. She was rushed to hospital but died in the early hours of the following day. Detectives arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with her death. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries. Today Tameside Council confirmed they had been acting as Casey-Louise's 'corporate parent' at the time and had launched a 'rapid' safeguarding review into the tragedy. It is understood Casey-Louise, who was originally from Manchester, had been staying in accommodation in Liverpool but had been visiting Huddersfield when she died. A council spokesman said: 'As a council and corporate parent, we are deeply saddened by the death of Casey-Louise and our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the communities of which she was such an important part. 'We recognise the profound impact this loss will have on many young people and families, and we are working with partners to ensure that support is available to those who need it. 'This is a complex and ongoing investigation which we are fully supporting and, as with any tragic incident of this kind, a safeguarding rapid review will take place.' Casey-Louise was being looked after by Tameside Council when she was allegedly raped and murdered Casey-Louise Horrocks pictured cradling her baby sister, Mia Friends and relatives have been sharing memories of Casey-Louise online The 'caring soul' was a pupil at Mossley Hollins High School, in Manchester Rapid reviews, which take place within 15 days, are designed to quickly gather information from a variety of agencies and highlight any immediate actions that are needed following a serious child safeguarding incident. They also help determine if a more in-depth review is necessary. The announcement comes as friends and relatives continue to post tributes to the schoolgirl, who attended Mossley Hollins High School, in Manchester, online. One friend, named Leanne, wrote: 'It doesn't seem real at all. I will remember all the times you joined us around the table and ate with us. Your laugh and your giggle. Your protectiveness of those you loved. Doing what 13-year-olds dolistening to music, making silly videos, trying out skincare and make up in front of the mirror, watching films in bed and toasting marshmallows in the fire pit. 'You've been taken from us. It was too soon for you to go sweetheart. Now be with the angels. Sleep tight Casey.' While her 'best mate' Lily added: 'Fly high my angel, I'm so glad I got the pleasure to have met you baby girl, you made a massive impact on my life, you grew your angel wings too soon. l will forever miss you baby, until we meet again angel, I'll make you proud princess, I hope you knew how much I loved you.' Photographs of Casey-Louise, including one of her cradling what is believed to be her baby sister, Mia, were also posted by friends and relatives on the 'much loved' site online. A link to the site, posted on Facebook by Anthony Barton Funeral Directors, encouraged people to share memories, poems and pictures of the 'bright, caring soul who touched the lives of everyone around her.' Casey-Louise was 'deeply loved' and will be 'much missed,' her friends posted online She had been staying in local authority accommodation in Liverpool at the time of her death Casey-Louise with an unnamed friend in a picture posted onto the GoFundMe fundraising site In a statement, Mossley Hollins High School said they were 'heartbroken' at the death of the 'big-hearted' youngster. 'We are heartbroken by the loss of CaseyLouise, a one-of-a-kind young person who brought spirit and warmth wherever she went,' it said. 'Casey was bright, full of character, always full of life, and never afraid to be herself. Those lucky enough to know her saw what a big heart she had. 'She was funny, sweet, had a smile that could brighten anyone's day and will be deeply missed by our school community. 'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected our community and as we come to terms with this loss, our thoughts are with Casey-Louise's family, loved ones and all those impacted at this incredibly difficult time.' Pupils will be offered emotional support when they return in September, the statement added. Casey-Louise was found unresponsive by emergency services just after 11.30pm last Monday, August 11. She was taken to hospital but could not be saved. A post-mortem was inconclusive and it is understood police are awaiting the results of toxiocology tests and a second autopsy to try and establish her cause of death. Another online fundraiser, set up to raise money for 'vibrant' Casey-Louise's funeral has already received almost 2,500 in donations. West Yorkshire Police arrested the 16-year-old boy on suspicion of Casey-Louise's rape and murder and the alleged rape of another local girl, aged 16. He was released on conditional police bail pending further enquiries on Friday, August 15. Neighbours previously told the Mail he had returned home and appeared unfazed by his arrest. 'I saw him come home on Friday lunchtime and he can't have spent more than 15 minutes in the house before he was heading out again,' one local said. 'He left through the gate and jogged away, probably off to meet his mates. 'He is acting like he doesn't have a care in the world.' Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said their investigation was 'complex' and ongoing. 'A post-mortem was not able to determine how she died, and we continue to treat her death as unexplained at this time, pending more enquiries,' she said. 'Those enquiries are complex and are likely to be lengthy as we work to fully understand the circumstances of the girl's death. Specially trained officers are supporting her family at this time.' The news of Casey-Louise's death has sent shockwaves through the town. Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal said: 'This is a tragic case and my thoughts remain with the 13-year-old teenager and her family and friends. I have been in contact with the police and I am being updated on the investigation.' A Melbourne couple have lost $60,000 after a thief stole their car while they were packing for a family getaway to Bali. Angela and her husband Andrej had just finished packing up their Kia Carnival, which was parked on their driveway on Weston Drive, Keysborough, when the theft took place about 4.15am on Thursday. The mother-of-three was preparing for the family's dream holiday when an opportunistic thief took advantage of the situation. After packing up the car with their suitcases, electronics, including iPads for the plane journey, and their passports, Angela put the key in the ignition and turned it on. As she prepared to put her three young children in the car, the mum turned her back for a second just as an unknown man walked past. He quickly jumped into the driver's seat and sped off with the car. In chilling CCTV footage, the man can be seen calmly walking down the street before stealing the vehicle. Angela and Andrej can be heard screaming as they chase the vehicle down. CCTV footage shows the shocking moment a Melbourne couple had their car stolen from their driveway on Weston Drive, Keysborough while they were packing for a family getaway to Bali Angela (right) and her husband Andrej (left) have lost $60,000 in stolen suitcases, passports, wallets and cancelled accommodation A shadowy figure was caught on the property's CCTV before he drove away in their car The mum said her children aged five, three and 18-months witnessed the theft as the family prepared to leave for the airport to catch a flight to Bali for 10 days. Angela revealed the family had lost about $60,000 in stolen suitcases, passports and wallets and cancelled accommodation. Police confirmed to Daily Mail the thief 'narrowly missed' hitting Andrej as he sped off. 'No one was physically injured during the incident, however the car contained luggage and passports,' a spokesperson said. Angela said she feels 'violated' after the incident and is heartbroken the thief ruined the family's first holiday. 'We don't know if we're going to get the car back, we don't know if we're going to get our passports back, we don't know if we can afford to take our kids on a holiday anymore,' she told the Herald Sun. 'We've lost so much in such a quick second.' The vehicle is a 2022 model silver Kia Carnival with registration DBS638. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Poland said on Thursday that warplanes have been scrambled to protect its airspace as Russia staged its biggest hypersonic missile barrage on Ukraine since Putin met Trump last Friday. The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said on X: 'In connection with the activity of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation, conducting strikes on Ukrainian territory ... aircraft of the Polish Air Force and allied aviation are operating in Polish airspace.' Russian attacks on western Ukraine killed one person and wounded multiple others, officials in the country said Thursday as diplomatic efforts to end the three-year war grind on. Moscow and Kyiv have kept up their aerial attacks on each other as world leaders including US President Donald Trump push for a ceasefire. In the latest attacks, Russia hit an American factory that manufactures electronics, according to Ukraine's foreign minister. Maksym Kozytskyi, head of the regional military administration said: 'One person was killed and two were wounded as a result of the combined UAV and cruise missile strike in Lviv.' 'Dozens of residential buildings were damaged,' he added in a Telegram post. Russian fire also wounded 12 people in the city of Mukachevo, near the border with Hungary and Slovakia, the city council said. 'Five patients are being treated in the hospital, and one more was transferred to the regional hospital,' the council wrote on Facebook. Poland said on Thursday that aircraft have been scrambled to protect its airspace as Russia staged its biggest hypersonic missile barrage on Ukraine since Putin met Trump Russian attacks on western Ukraine killed one person and wounded multiple others, officials in the country said In Lutsk, Mayor Igor Polishchuk reported 'an enemy attack that was conducted by UAVs and missiles'. 'As of this moment there are no injuries or fatalities,' he said. In video footage, a large fire can be seen at the site of the American business, Flex Ltd, which has its main branch in Texas. The firm produces goods including laptops, game consoles, and some car parts. An employee at the factory told Kyiv Independent there are around 800 workers on the night shift. They also added that the firm had robust protocols in place in the eventuality of an air raid. The company, which entered the Ukrainian company in 2000, launched its 55,000-square-meter plant in Mukachevo in 2012, and employs over 2,600 people. Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry said it destroyed '49 Ukrainian aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles' across multiple regions. In the latest attacks, Russia hit an American factory that manufactures electronics, according to Ukraine's foreign minister Thick smoke could be seen above the building as firefighters battled to put out the blaze The ministry did not detail any casualties or damage. The latest cross-border fire follows Trump's flurry of diplomacy this month aimed at ending the war. The US president met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska, before bringing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders to Washington for separate talks. The Home Office is urgently trying to find thousands of homes for up to 20,000 asylum seekers as councils prepare widespread evictions from migrant hotels. It comes after a shock High Court ruling earlier this week which will see migrants move out of the Bell Hotel in Essex. Epping Forest District Council was granted a temporary injunction to shut down the taxpayer-funded hotel, formerly a wedding venue, by the High Court over alleged planning breaches. The ruling could have a ripple effect as town hall leaders across Britain said they are looking to follow and take legal action to prevent small boat arrivals being housed in local hotels. At least four Labour-run authorities were understood to be studying the ruling and considering their own course of action, posing a headache for the Prime Minister. Among them are Tamworth and Wirral councils, who have joined a number of Conservative and Reform UK-controlled councils investigating whether they could mount legal challenges. This has left civil servants frantically searching for alternative accommodation for the thousands of migrants who could be evicted from the hotels. Contractors for the Home Office have reached out to property specialists earlier this month in an attempt to find 5,000 residential units. Protests have taken place at hotels around the country, including at the Bell Hotel in Essex Men walk in The Bell Hotel, following Tuesday's High Court ruling in London that granted a temporary injunction to stop asylum seekers from being housed at the site A source said each flat would have two bedrooms on average, with space to house up to four migrants, The Telegraph reported. The search for alternative options is part of the government's pledge to end the use of asylum hotels by 2029. Home Office minister Dan Jarvis admitted on Wednesday that he could not say where displaced migrants will end up following Tuesday's landmark High Court ruling, which ordered the Bell Hotel in Epping to be closed within weeks. Currently there are around 32,000 migrants in 210 hotels around the country, at a cost to the taxpayer of nearly 6m a day, with others in the private rental sector including HMOs (houses of multiple occupation), which are often used by students and young people. The number of asylum seekers has not decreased significantly as Labour was forced to put up the record 27,997 migrants who have crossed the Channel so far in 2025. Ministers are working with councils to buy, lease or rent house or vacant properties to use as an alternative to hotels. They are also considering using disused tower blocks, student accommodation and former teacher training colleges as 'medium-sized' accommodation sites. Shorter-term leases are reportedly being sought after by the government, to house the migrants for 90 days with an additional 30 days notice. Kemi Badenoch wrote to all leaders of Tory-led authorities on Wednesday night, pledging her support for any legal action they take. Protesters open bottles of Prosecco outside the Bell Hotel on Tuesday after it was announced it would be closing Migrants pictured trying to board a smuggler's boat in the Channel this month. Around 32,000 migrants are currently placed in 210 hotels around the country Ms Badenoch accused Labour of 'trying to ram through such asylum hotels without consultation and without proper process.' 'They are treating local residents and local councils with contempt,' she said. Those councils seeking to emulate Epping, which was granted its injunction on a planning technicality, could coordinate their actions, with at least one already contacting the Essex authority asking for help with its own case. The government has already closed two of the larger accommodation sites, the Bibby Stockholm barge on Portland and RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. The former Wethersfield RAF base near Braintree in Essex is now set to house more migrants after the Home Office raised the cap to allow around 400 more migrants to move in. In a letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: 'Up and down the country people are furious about the number of illegal migrants being housed in hotels - which rose in the nine months following the election under Labour. 'People are also concerned that you are now moving people from hotels into apartments and other accommodation which is sorely needed by young people here who are struggling under this Labour Government.' Paula Basnett, the Labour leader of Wirral Council, confirmed she was refusing to toe the party line and had asked officers to seek 'urgent legal advice' to see if the local authority could oppose government plans for the Holiday Inn Express in Hoylake. Leader of Epping Forest District Council, Chris Whitbread, speaks to the media at the Royal Court of Justice in London Demonstrators pictured outside the Bell Hotel in Epping last month. Other councils are seeking to emulate Epping, which was granted its injunction on a planning technicality Protesters gather outside the Bell hotel on July 31 to express concern about migrants being housed there The hotel was embroiled in controversy in 2022 when RNLI volunteers on a training day were kicked out midway through their stay to make room for asylum seekers. More recently it was a target for protests over plans to house single male migrants, rather than families. Ms Basnett said: 'The situation in Wirral with the continued use of hotels as asylum accommodation is unacceptable. 'Recent legal developments in other parts of the country have shown that councils can successfully challenge the Government's approach. In light of this, I have instructed that urgent legal advice be sought on whether Wirral Council can pursue similar action to protect our communities. 'Wirral has always shown compassion towards those in genuine need. 'But compassion does not mean central government can impose poorly thought-through, short-term solutions that undermine local communities and ignore democratic accountability.' In Labour-run Tamworth, council leader Carol Dean confirmed that the council was considering challenging the use of a hotel in the town, which was the focus for violent disorder during last summer's riots. She said: 'I understand the strong feelings within our community regarding the use of the Holiday Inn to house those seeking asylum, and I want to reassure residents that we are listening to their concerns and taking them seriously. Paula Basnett, Labour leader of Wirral Council, confirmed she had asked officers to seek 'urgent legal advice' to see if the local authority could oppose government plans for the Holiday Inn Express in Hoylake (pictured) Your browser does not support iframes. 'The situation at Epping Forest represents a potentially important legal precedent, and we are carefully assessing what this might mean for our circumstances here in Tamworth.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'This Government has consistently said the use of hotels to house asylum seekers is neither sustainable nor suitable as a long-term approach. 'We remain committed to working with our partners to identify more suitable and cost-effective alternatives.' Italy has been hit with deadly floods as intense 'water bomb' storms lash down on tourist hotspots causing bridges to crumble and sweeping cars away. One man has tragically died after being dragged away by an overflowing river after a furious storm struck Sicily, turning roads into rivers. The popular southern island has been inundated by aggressive rain and Matteo Ciurca, 40, was swept away by the swollen Crisa River in Leonforte, a small commune, after a 'water bomb' smashed the region. Dramatic footage shows a bridge crumbling as heaps of rocks, concrete, water and other debris hit the ground during a heavy rainstorm. Vehicles on the San Giuliano bridge near the picturesque town of Randazzo were left in peril as they waded through high waters while the bridge partly disintegrated on Sunday. One white van can be seen struggling through high waters as rain lashes down and blocks of debris fall. Another white car drives on as enormous mounds quickly fall from the viaduct. The bridge, which was hit by similar damage during flooding in 2021, was swiftly closed by Italian authorities. Vehicles on the San Giuliano bridge near the picturesque town of Randazzo were left in peril as they waded through high waters while the bridge partly disintegrated on Sunday An enormous hailstorm lashed down on the popular Mediterranean tourist island of Sardinia Italy has been hit with deadly floods as intense storms lash down on popular tourist hotspots Anas, who manage the Italian road network, said the 'huge mass of water, which affected state and local roads, caused for the detachment of the valley parapet from the supporting structure of the bridge.' Randazzo, located near Mount Etna, has around 8,000 residents who have since faced delayed access to emergency services, transport and schools as well as medicine shortages and other supplies, Italian media reports. Meanwhile, Ciurca, who had been missing since Wednesday, was found by emergency services on Thursday. Footage shows emergency workers carrying a body in a bag away in a stretcher. The 40-year-old was reportedly on his way to feed his dogs in the countryside before being caught up in the floods. 'There was a water bomb,' Leonforte's mayor Piero Livolsi said. Two people in another car caught up in the heavy waters managed to climb onto the roof of their vehicle to stave off the deadly waters. Other regions in Italy have also been struck by intense weather. Riccione, a town in the Rimini province in northern Italy, dealt with sudden strong storms that hit the Riviera Romagnola Meanwhile, emergency services in Sicily continued to battle with wildfires after one broke out between the cities of Palermo and Trapani Sicily battled six separate wildfires in just one week in July and the island has continued to be affected by intense heat An enormous hailstorm lashed down on the popular Mediterranean tourist island of Sardinia. Water gushed through residential areas in Pimentel, a small commune in the south of the island, as massive hailstorms up to 6cm big caused damage alongside gusts of winds and lightning. Riccione, a town in the Rimini province in northern Italy, dealt with sudden strong storms that hit the Riviera Romagnola. Roads were swamped with water as tourists fled from beaches while temperatures plummeted to a lowly 22C. Italy has grappled with extreme weather throughout the summer. Sicily battled six separate wildfires in just one week in July and on Thursday emergency services dealt with another wildfire which broke out between the cities of Palermo and Trapani. Last month Italy banned outdoor work in the hottest parts of the day in over half of its regions as unbearable heat gripped large swathes of Europe. And just four weeks ago landslides caused by flashfloods destroyed bridges, washed away cars and triggered an evacuation. Last month Italy banned outdoor work in the hottest parts of the day in over half of its regions as unbearable heat gripped large swathes of Europe Italy was last month hit by deadly 'water bomb' floods which saw roads submerged in water and mud The Passiria Valley in northern Italy was flooded after over 100mm of rain fell in just a few hours. Video footage taken of the floods in the region showed muddied water raging across the land. Roads were submerged in water and mud, trapping cars that tried to ford the flow of rain. One set of photos showed what appeared to be a building site of new homes in the valley having many of their structural materials rushed away by the flash floods. French police are questioning a 24-year-old man on suspicion of murder after four bodies were pulled from the River Seine. The first body to be found was identified as a 40-year-old local man, prosecutors said, and had only been submerged in the water a short time before the discovery. He was removed from the river after he was spotted by a passer-by near a bridge in Choisy-le-Roi, a south-eastern suburb of Paris, on August 13. Cops searched the river later that day and extracted three more bodies nearby. One of the victims died by strangulation, while another showed signs of violent injuries. The suspect is being held in Paris, but the police have divulged no details about him or about how many murders he is being investigated over. While the body noticed by the passerby was 'relatively well-preserved', the three other victims were discovered in a 'a very advanced state of decomposition', prosecutors said. Currently, prosecutors have found no clear link between the victims and it is possible that they entered the water at different points and were transported downstream by the current to the foot of the Choisy bridge. The first victim was spotted by a passer-by near a bridge in Choisy-le-Roi, a south-eastern suburb of the capital, on 13 August Prosecutors say that one of the victims was strangled and another showed violent injuries 'A man was taken into custody this morning on suspicion for multiple murders at the headquarters of the criminal brigade of the Paris judicial police,' the Creteil prosecutor's office told French outlet Le Monde. The first victim was identified as a man who lived in Val-de-Marne, east of Paris. The other three bodies are reportedly all adult men and forensic examinations are being conducted to determine their identities and the cause and dates of their deaths. A German national has been arrested after allegedly trying to carry briefcases filled with cocaine concealed in secret compartments into Australia. Australian Border Force (ABF) stopped the 77-year-old man to examine his baggage after he arrived at Perth Airport on August 8 on an international flight. The man had a small suitcase and a backpack, which contained two mini briefcases, each containing an insert. ABF officers allegedly found both inserts contained packages with about 2kg of a white substance each. It is alleged presumptive testing returned a positive result for cocaine, with an estimated total weight of 4kg, the ABF said on Thursday. The German man was arrested and the packages were seized. After being questioned by AFP, he was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine. Under Australian law, the offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The 77-year-old German national has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of cocaine, an offence which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if found guilty Australian Border Force officers allege there was cocaine hidden in briefcase inserts of a German national who had landed at Perth Airport on August 8 Australian Federal Police (AFP) Superintendent Peter Hatch said the alleged drugs could have equated to 20,000 individual street deals of 0.2 grams. This would be an estimated street value of $1.3 million destined for the pockets of criminals, he said. The man first appeared in court on August 9 and was remanded in custody to appear again on Thursday. ABF Superintendent John Eldridge warned that criminal syndicates have tried every conceivable avenue to smuggle contraband into the country. 'Criminal syndicates prey on vulnerabilities to help carry out their illicit business models,' he said. 'It is our job as Australia's border agency to identify and disrupt this criminal activity. 'Through intelligence-led targeting and information sharing, ABF and AFP officers work closely to stop any amount of prohibited drug which may be smuggled through our airport network.' French president Emmanuel Macron has claimed the lawsuit he and his wife have filed against right-wing American influencer Candace Owens was put forward to 'defend his honour.' Since last year, 36-year-old Owens has espoused a crackpot theory to her four million YouTube subscribers that Macron's 72-year-old wife Brigitte was born a man. Owens launched a podcast series called Becoming Brigitte, in which she delves into the conspiracy. She claims that Brigitte was born under the name 'Jean-Michel Trogneux.' Her actions led Macron and his wife to file a lawsuit in the US against Owens in July, claiming that they had 'suffered substantial reputational damage' and spent 'considerable sums of money to correct the public record.' Macron told Paris Match that while he was warned that taking legal action against Owens may result in the '"Streisand effect", drawing even more attention to these lies... It grew so big in the United States that we had to respond. 'It is a matter of upholding the truth. Its about defending my honour. Because this is nonsense.' He also hit out at the Trump administration, dismissing arguments that his lawsuits was an impingement on free speech. Referring to the Trump administration's decision to ban some mainstream outlets, he said: 'It is not freedom of speech to want to prevent the truth from being restored. Those who talk about this supposed freedom of speech are the people who ban journalists from the Oval Office. I dont accept that.' Instead, he claims, Owens 'knew very well that she was using false news to cause damage, in the service of an ideology and with established connections with the far Right.' Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte (both pictured) filed a lawsuit in the US against Owens in July Since last year, Candace Owens (pictured) has espoused a crackpot theory to her four million YouTube subscribers that Macron's 72-year-old wife Brigitte was born a man He also hit out at Donald Trump (pictured), dismissing arguments that his lawsuits was an impingement on free speech The conspiracy theory was first shared with the world in 2021 by spiritual medium Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey, a self-described 'independent investigative journalist, self-taught, and not from the inner circle of mainstream media' who worked for a small essential oils firm. It was picked up in the US, being discussed by top MAGA figures including Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan. Since the 22-count lawsuit was filed in Delaware, Owens has ramped up her attacks and described the libel action as 'goofy' and a 'vicious public relations.' She has said she is 'fully prepared to take on this battle' and has promised to fight this in Delaware. The Macrons' lawsuit claims Owens repeatedly ignored requests to retract her false claims, and continues to profit from them. No trial date has yet been set. Earlier this month, it was revealed that lawyers hired by Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron hired top investigators to dig up dirt on Owens before suing her. As part of the legal process, the couple hired investigators from Nardello & Co., a top corporate intelligence firm, the FT reports. In its report, Nardello & Co. described Owens' links to the far-right in France as well as her connections to populist figures in both the UK and US, along with her online interactions with a Russian nationalist. They also reportedly outlined her shift from a self-identifying liberal in her early career to a conservative, as well as her support for Donald Trump that she recently dropped. France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron wave at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on May 26, 2025 The Macrons are suing Candace Owens (pictured) after she made a series of 'outlandish, defamatory and far-fetched fictions', including that Brigitte was born a male Lawyers hired by Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron (both pictured) hired top investigators to dig up dirt on podcaster Candace Owens before suing her According to the newspaper, the investigators were tasked with documenting Owens' public statements and detailing her background. Lawyers often task investigative firms with digging up information on people they intend to sue on their clients' behalf. The Macrons' lawyer, Tom Clare, told the FT that their decision to sue came from their desire to understand why a conservative American podcaster has taken such an interest in them. An airline has revealed how horrified cabin crew reacted after a 15-year-old girl reported being sexually assaulted during a flight from Mumbai to Switzerland. The teenager told crew she was raped by an Indian businessman sitting next to her after she fell asleep on the nine-hour journey. The two had only exchanged a brief, superficial conversation before the minor dozed off. Despite the girl reportedly being accompanied by a parent, the man molested her and performed sex acts on himself. After the incident, the girl alerted a crew member, Swiss Airlines confirmed to Blick. She was immediately moved away from the perpetrator and cared for by staff. 'A cabin crew member then continuously observed him,' airline spokeswoman Exer-Kuhn said. Police were informed and arrested the man at Zurich Airport. He has since been convicted of rape and sexual acts with a child. An airline has revealed what the horrified cabin crew did after a 15-year-old girl reported a sex attack during a flight from Mumbai to Switzerland (stock image) The 44-year-old married man attacked the teenager, who was sitting next to him, after she fell asleep during the nine-hour journey. Police were informed and arrested the man at Zurich Airport (stock image) The man was on a business trip to Belgium when he carried out the attack in March. The man approached the victim before touching her repeatedly and putting his arm around her, according to an indictment filed by the Zurich Public Prosecutor's Office for Serious Violent Crime. She didn't respond. As the flight continued, the girl sat back up and continued to sleep, leaning back in her seat. Her head and upper body were under a blanket. The man then carried out his attack. The victim is then said to have gone 'into shock' due to the abusive behaviour and was unable to say or do anything, according to the indictment. She therefore endured the assault without saying a word or moving until the accused let go of her of his own accord. Exactly how the man's crimes were discovered is not described in the indictment, nor was it discussed at the trial. The man was immediately arrested after the plane arrived at Zurich Airport. He confessed to the attack in the Bulach District Court and stated that he realised he had made a mistake. The man approached the victim before touching her repeatedly and putting his arm around her, according to an indictment filed by the Zurich Public Prosecutor's Office for Serious Violent Crime (stock image) He also admitted that the young woman had not consented and said he knew she was young, even though he didn't know her exact age. It comes after the National Council of Switzerland and the Council of States agreed on the formula 'no means no'. The amendment came into effect a year ago and means rape is now considered to have occurred if the victim indicates through words or gestures that they do not consent to the sexual act. Before the amendment, rape only occurred if the perpetrator threatened the victim or used violence. Furthermore, the crime of rape no longer encompasses only forced sexual intercourse with a woman, but now also includes acts similar to sexual intercourse involving physical penetration. The victim's state of shock was deemed a sufficient sign of rejection. The man was convicted of rape and sexual acts with a child. The man received a suspended sentence of one and a half years, but will not need to serve it as he has been in custody since March. The judge described the sentence as rather lenient and 'barely appropriate'. The man is banned from entering Switzerland for the next five years and is prohibited from engaging in any activity involving regular contact with minors for life. The proceedings will cost him approximately CHF 9,000 (8,250). A confiscated amount of CHF 1,360 (1,247) taken from the man will be used to cover these costs. After the trial, the man was released from custody and handed over to the Migration Office for deportation. North Korea has built a secret military base near its border with China, which may hold its newest long-range ballistic missiles that pose a potential nuclear threat to the continental US. The base, located near Sinpung-dong in North Pyongan Province, lies about 17 miles (27 km) from the Chinese border, according to a new report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published on Wednesday. This covert site has been under construction since around 2004 and became operational about ten years later. CSIS used a mix of satellite photos, declassified documents and interviews to expose the base. The base is thought to contain six to nine ICBMs that can carry nuclear warheads. The facility may also hold missile launchers and adapted trucks ready to move the missiles. It covers an area roughly the size of New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. What makes the base especially worrying is that it lacks obvious launch pads or air-defence systems. Analysts say this suggests it is designed for mobile, solid-fuel ICBMs, which are quick to launch and difficult to detect. Kim Jong Un supervising the test firing of a rocket launch system in May 2024. North Korea has now built a secret military base near its border with China , which may hold its newest long-range ballistic missiles The facility, not pictured, may also hold missile launchers and adapted trucks ready to move the missiles. Your browser does not support iframes. These missiles can be pre-fueled and placed in position on large trucks, making them a strong deterrent and difficult to strike first. CSIS warns that these weapons 'pose a potential nuclear threat to East Asia and the continental United States.' The base is one of around 15 to 20 undeclared missile sites across North Korea. These include missile bases, storage sites, maintenance and warhead depots that have never been declared in official talks. The report calls this the first open-source, detailed confirmation of the Sinpung-dong site. In times of crisis or war, the missiles and launchers could leave the base, join mobile units, and fire from other parts of the country. The think tank also notes that North Korea has around 50 nuclear warheads and enough fissile material to build up to 50 more. North Korea's secret base near Sinpung-dong lies very close to China as the location is meant to make it harder for US forces to destroy the site before any possible launch, according to Victor Cha, co-author of the report. Western intelligence believes North Korea sent around 10,000 troops to fight Putin's war in Ukraine. In exchange, Moscow is helping with missile-related and space technology Your browser does not support iframes. The country's dictator, Kim Jong Un, has called for a 'rapid expansion' of the country's nuclear capability. The reports say the new development 'represent the primary components of what is presumed to be North Korea's evolving ballistic missile strategy, and its expanding strategic-level nuclear deterrence and strike capabilities.' Since a failed summit with Donald Trump in Hanoi in 2019, North Korea has resumed missile tests and dropped its self-imposed moratorium on long-range weapons. With the war in Ukraine pushing Russian president Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un closer together, Western intelligence believes North Korea sent around 10,000 troops to fight in the war. In exchange, Moscow is helping with missile-related and space technology. Western leaders have grown increasingly alarmed by North Korea's rapid missile advances under Kim Jong Un. In January, Ponyang tested a hypersonic missile that flew 12 times faster than the speed of sound. South Korea and Japan both raised concerns, warning that existing interceptor systems may not be fast enough to stop such threats. Western leaders have grown increasingly alarmed by North Korea's rapid missile advances under Kim Jong Un International powers have critisiced many of North Korea's rocket tests Days later, North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles into the sea ahead of Donald Trumps presidential inauguration. South Korea called it a reckless provocation, while Japan and the United States vowed stronger security ties in response. On May 8, Kim Jong Un personally supervised drills involving short-range missiles and large rocket systems that simulated nuclear counterstrikes. North Korea has carried out more than hundreds of missile tests during Kim Jong Uns rule, far more than under his father. Britain's 'worst landlord' has offered to sell his 12-acre woodland to a local council for a 4million 15-pitch Gypsy and Traveller camp. Fergus Wilson, 76, once Britain's biggest buy-to-let landlord with nearly 1,000 properties across Kent, is set to give up his chestnut coppice in Boughton Monchelsea for the proposed site. Mr Wilson first bought the land in 1987 for 200,000 to protect his view while living opposite the woodland. He previously suggested the site could accommodate up to 33 new homes. The property tycoon first sparked outrage in 2017 after attempting to ban 'coloured' tenants from living in his houses, stating that they left carpets 'smelling of curry'. A further 'ban list' later emerged in which it was revealed that he had instructed letting agents to block tenants with children, those who were on benefits and even 'battered wives' and 'plumbers'. Then, last year, the property mogul was handed a suspended prison sentence for breaching an injunction preventing him from harassing council staff at Ashford Borough Council. Now, Mr Wilson has revealed his plans to offer his land to Maidstone council who previously launched a borough-wide appeal for a suitable site to house travellers. Announcing the proposed sale, he said: 'The council has twice written to me, in previous years, and asked me whether I wished the land south of the Heath Road to be used by MBC for a gypsy/traveller site. At the time I declined. Britain's 'worst landlord' Fergus Wilson (pictured) has offered to sell his 12-acre woodland to a local council for a 4million 15-pitch Gypsy and Traveller camp. He first bought the site in 1987 to protect his view while living opposite the land Once Britain's biggest buy-to-let landlord with nearly 1,000 properties across Kent, Mr Wilson (pictured) is now set to give up his chestnut coppice in Boughton Monchelsea for the proposed site. He previously suggested the site could accommodate up to 33 new homes Mr Wilson (pictured with his wife Judith) first sparked outrage in 2017 after attempting to ban 'coloured' tenants from living in his houses, stating that they left carpets 'smelling of curry'. The pair have since largely sold off their thousands of holdings 'But now I will offer it to them.' Mr Wilson said he was 'very serious' about the offer and would expect an Expression of Interest from the council 'quickly'. He added that while the news of the proposed sale would likely 'go down like a lead balloon' amongst locals, the woodland site was 'suitable' for the encampment due to its location and level land type. If the council were to deny Mr Wilson's proposition or fail to respond swiftly, he said that he would simply revert to his initial plans to market the land for settled housing. Last month, the controversial landlord coppiced a quarter of the site for fence pailings, adding that his contractors would return in September in order to coppice the remaining nine acres. Maidstone council's borough-wide appeal for a site to house a Gypsy and Traveller camp came following its latest Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment. Published in April, the report identified an urgent need for an additional 529 pitches by 2040. The proposed camp would be set to join the two existing sites the council already owns in the borough, with each of the 15 pitches set to be around 320sq metres. The proposed camp would join the two existing sites Maidstone council already owns, with each of the 15 pitches set to be around 320sq metres. It would also hold a permanent amenity block and cater for up to two caravans and two vehicles. Pictured: Mr Wilson's woodland site Mr Wilson has revealed his plans to offer his land to Maidstone council who previously launched a borough-wide appeal for a suitable site to house travellers. A report published by the council in April identified an urgent need for an additional 529 pitches by 2040 Mr Wilson said he was 'very serious' about the offer and would expect an Expression of Interest from the council 'quickly'. He added that the news of the proposed sale would likely 'go down like a lead balloon' amongst locals, but insisted that the woodland site was 'suitable' The site would also be set to hold a permanent amenity block, while catering for up to two caravans and two vehicles. Eddie Powell, Mr Wilson's land agent and a former Ukip parliamentary candidate in Maidstone, has been instructed to make the proposal to the council. He described the woodland site as 'perfect' for the demands of the encampment, particularly due to its 'natural screening'. While a spokesperson for Maidstone council said that it had not yet received the offer, Mr Powell insisted that he had contacted William Cornall, the council's director of regeneration and place, last week with regards to the proposition. In April, police uncovered that drug dealers had converted three of Mr Wilson's properties into cannabis factories, leaving him with a 60,000 bill. The illegal cultivations were discovered at houses owned by Mr Wilson in Ashford, Aylesford and Boughton Monchelsea, during routine checks at the homes. Mr Wilson rumbled the first one at a property in Lodge Wood Drive, Ashford, on April 11, before alerting police. Officers then discovered cannabis plants growing at two more houses, which had previously been emptied in preparation to sell them. Mr Wilson (pictured) said that Eddie Powell, his land agent and a former Ukip parliamentary candidate in Maidstone, has been instructed to make the proposal to the council. Mr Powell described the woodland site as 'perfect' for the demands of the Gypsy and Traveller camp Earlier this month, police uncovered that drug dealers had converted three of his properties in Ashford, Aylesford and Boughton Monchelsea into cannabis factories (pictured), leaving him with a 60,000 bill At the time, Chief Inspector Omid Changizi, of Kent Police, said in a statement: 'Between 12 April and 27 April 2025, we received reports that three separate rental properties had been used for the cultivation of cannabis'. Pictured: one of Mr Wilson's properties which had been converted into a cannabis factory Mr Wilson previously told KentOnline: 'The first thing I noticed that surprised me was that all the windows had been boarded up. 'It was clear to me it was what we call a cannabis factory I wasn't too impressed at all.' A man was reportedly inside the first house, but scurried off before police officers arrived. Chief Inspector Omid Changizi, of Kent Police, said in a statement: 'Kent Police regards tackling the cultivation of cannabis as a priority as it is often managed by organised crime groups. 'The offenders regularly use rental properties and can produce a considerable amount of the drug using sophisticated hydroponic equipment. 'Where we receive reports of cannabis cultivation at an address, officers will be promptly deployed to arrest any suspects at the scene. All plants and equipment are seized and a forensic examination completed to identify those responsible. 'Between 12 April and 27 April 2025, we received reports that three separate rental properties had been used for the cultivation of cannabis. Officers attended the premises in Larkfield, Maidstone and Ashford, and hydroponic equipment and some cannabis plants were seized. 'Nobody was arrested at that stage and forensic examinations were completed. Investigations are continuing with officers pursuing a number of lines of enquiry to identify those responsible.' Last year, the controversial landlord (pictured with his wife Judith) faced accusations of harassing councillors despite a previous court injunction which cost him 125,000. He was handed a suspended prison sentence after being found in contempt of court The former maths teacher (pictured) is also subject to a court case from an incident in August 2021 in which he is accused of assault by beating, threatening behaviour and racially aggravated harassment towards a Maidstone council employee Mr Wilson first appeared before Medway Magistrates' Court (pictured) over the allegations in March 2022, when he denied all charges. The next scheduled hearing for Mr Wilson's case is February 25 at Maidstone Magistrates' Court In 2019, Mr Wilson featured in a BBC documentary titled 'Britain's Most Controversial Landlord'. Both him and his wife Judith built an impressive property empire that initially started by purchasing a house near their home in the early 1990s, renting it out and then using the equity to finance more purchases. The pair have since largely sold off their thousands of holdings. Last year, the controversial landlord faced accusations of harassing councillors despite a previous court injunction which cost him 125,000. He was handed a suspended prison sentence after being found in contempt of court for breaching the injunction preventing him from harassing staff and councillors at Ashford Borough Council. The injunction came after a 'decade of harassment' in which the buy-to-let landlord repeatedly instructed councillors to kill themselves and sent huge numbers of unsolicited letters and emails. The case concluded in September 2021 and in May 2022, the court ordered Mr Wilson to make a payment of 125,000 to Ashford Borough Council as a part payment 'on account' while the full costs were assessed. The former maths teacher is also currently subject to a court case from an incident in August 2021 in which he is accused of assault by beating, threatening behaviour and racially aggravated harassment towards a Maidstone council employee. Mr Wilson first appeared before Medway Magistrates' Court over the allegations in March 2022, when he denied all charges. The next scheduled hearing for Mr Wilson's case is February 25 at Maidstone Magistrates' Court. Britain's national debt soared by an eye-watering 186billion during Labour's first year in power, an analysis has shown. From the end of July 2024 to the end of last month, the UK's national debt rocketed from 2.53trillion to 2.71trillion, the study of official figures found. It means the Labour Government put Britain into the red by an extra 186.2billion in just 12 months. The TaxPayers' Alliance analysis of newly-published figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found this represented a 6,510 increase in debt per household. It was also a 5,880 increase in debt per taxpayer over 12 months, and a 2,726 increase in debt per person. If the extra debt taken on over 12 months represented spending by a Government department, it would be the third largest in terms of total spending. This would be after the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Health and Social Care. A 'debt clock' launched by the campaign group currently shows the national debt increasing by 4,956 per second and 428million per day. The ONS estimated public sector net debt, excluding public sector banks, at 96.1 per cent of GDP at the end of last month. This remains at levels last seen in the early 1960s Borrowing for the first four months of this financial year stood at 60billion, 6.7billion more than during the same period last year Chancellor Rachel Reeves is estimated to be facing a 51billion black hole in the public finances ahead of her next Budget in the autumn But there was some relief for Chancellor Rachel Reeves as ONS figures showed Government borrowing slowed to a lower-than-expected 1.1billion last month. This was the lowest July borrowing figure for three years and 2.3billion less than July 2024. It came after a rise in self-assessed income tax and national insurance payments helped increase tax receipts for the month. July borrowing was lower than the 2billion figure predicted by a consensus of economists. Yet borrowing for the first four months of this financial year stood at 60billion, 6.7billion more than during the same period last year. The ONS estimated public sector net debt, excluding public sector banks, at 96.1 per cent of GDP at the end of last month. This was 0.5 percentage points more than at the end of July 2024 and remains at levels last seen in the early 1960s. Ms Reeves is estimated to be facing a 51billion black hole in the public finances ahead of her next Budget in the autumn. In a recent report, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research found that the 'wafer thin' headroom of 9.9billion Ms Reeves left herself last year has been wiped out, and there is now a budget deficit of 41.2billion. To fill the hole and maintain the buffer, the Chancellor will have to find 51billion annually in higher taxes or lower spending by 2029/30, the think tank said. The dire warnings about the state of the public finances has increased expectations that Ms Reeves will hike taxes once again this autumn. She is said to be considering new property levies, including the removal of the capital gains tax exemption for the sale of higher-value homes, as well as a replacing stamp duty with an annual charge. Treasury officials are also said to be eyeing an inheritance tax raid, while economists have also predicted there could be further 'stealth' and 'sin' taxes. The Chancellor has ruled out increasing income tax, employees' national insurance contributions and VAT. The TaxPayers' Alliance said Britain 'has a borrowing problem because politicians have a chronic spending addiction' Darwin Friend, head of research of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'The fundamental truth is that Britain has a borrowing problem because politicians have a chronic spending addiction. 'In just one year, Labour have splurged hundreds of billions they don't have, piling yet more debt onto taxpayers' backs. 'Ministers must slam the brakes on this reckless debt binge because if the Government doesn't get Britain's financial house in order it will be ordinary taxpayers that suffer.' Elliott Jordan-Doak, senior UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said: 'The Chancellor will still have to raise taxes in October despite borrowing matching official forecasts. 'The big picture remains that the public finances are in chronically weak condition. 'We think the Chancellor will need to resort to 'sin' and 'stealth' tax hikes, duty increases, and a pensions tax raid in order to meet her fiscal rules if she wants to meet her pledge of keeping headline tax rates unchanged.' ONS deputy director for public sector finances Rob Doody said: 'Borrowing this July was 2.3 billion down on the same month last year and was the lowest July figure for three years. 'This reflects strong increases in tax and national insurance receipts. 'However, in the first four months of the financial year as a whole, borrowing was over 6 billion higher than in the same period in 2024.' Treasury minister Darren Jones said: 'We're investing in our public services and modernising the state, to improve outcomes and reduce costs in the medium term. 'Far too much taxpayer money is spent on interest payments for the longstanding national debt. 'That's why we're driving down government borrowing over the course of the parliament so working people don't have to foot the bill and we can invest in better schools, hospitals and services for working families.' Tourists have been banned from going into the water along an entire seven-mile stretch of Spain's Costa Blanca because of rare sea creatures with a potentially-fatal sting. Reg flags went up on beaches in the municipality of Guardamar del Segura just north of Torrevieja following the appearance of so-called blue dragons, which have been branded 'the most beautiful killer in the ocean'. The sea slug, also known as Glaucus atlanticus, feeds on the venomous cells of creatures like the deadly Portuguese man o'war, storing them within its body in concentrated doses. This process concentrates the toxin, making the blue dragon's poison far more potent than that of its prey. If someone handles or steps on a blue dragon, it can release these stinging cells into the skin. Typical symptoms of the blue dragon's sting include nausea, pain, vomiting and, in some cases, dangerous allergic reactions. While most stings are not deadly, they can be fatal for people with severe allergies, children or people with heart/respiratory conditions, and someone who has been stung multiple times. Guardamar del Segura's mayor Jose Luis Saez, confirming the sea ban order yesterday which he indicated would remain in place until further notice, said on his official X account: 'Red flag on the beaches of Guardamar. Tourists have been banned from going into the water along an entire seven-mile stretch of Spain's Costa Blanca because of rare sea creatures with a potentially-fatal sting Reg flags went up on beaches in the municipality of Guardamar del Segura just north of Torrevieja following the appearance of so-called blue dragons, which have been branded 'the most beatiful killer in the ocean' The sea slug, also known as Glaucus atlanticus, feeds on the deadly Portuguese man o' war and other venomous seabeasts. Pictured: Guardama beaches which have been closed This image shows how the beach would look if it wasn't closed. Pictured: tourists sunbathing on a beach of Guardamar del Segura town in 2018 Your browser does not support iframes. 'Bathing is prohibited following the appearance on Vivers Beach of two specimens of Glaucus atlanticus, known as the Blue Dragon.' He added: 'We remind people that despite its bright and striking colour and it's small 1.5 inch size, they should stay away from this animal because of its sting. 'Guardamar del Segura Town Hall has has launched a preventive operation to detect possible specimens carried by ocean currents. 'Town hall workers are closely following the evolution of the situation and will inform people about the different measures to be taken. 'If you see one of these creatures don't touch it, even with gloves on, alert lifeguards and other authorities. 'If you get stung, wash the area affected with salt water and head to your nearest first aid point or health centre. 'These creatures are poisonous and their stings can cause nausea, pain and vomiting. 'For the time being and until further notice, bathing in the sea is prohibited.' Vivers Beach, a natural stretch of coast south of the Segura River and north of La Babilonia Beach, was said to be full of people yesterday although less people than normal were in the sea defying the bathing ban order and risking heavy fines. The sea slug, also known as Glaucus atlanticus, feeds on the deadly Portuguese man o' war and other venomous seabeasts The dazzling blue creature absorbs the stinging cells from its food and stores them in concentrated doses, giving it a far more potent sting than its prey. Typical symptoms of the blue dragon's sting include nausea, pain, vomiting and acute allergic contact dermatitis Guardama beaches re-opened today with a yellow flag Vivers Beach, a natural stretch of coast south of the Segura River and north of La Babilonia Beach, was said to be full of people yesterday although less people than normal were in the sea defying the bathing ban order and risking heavy fines. Pictured: Beach in Guardamar del Segura, Spain Lifeguards with loudhailers were expected to remind tourists and locals today about the prohibition according to local reports, although sunseekers will still be allowed to head to beaches even if they don't take a dip in the sea. Red flags went up at Santa Barbara beach in La Linea de la Concepcion near Gibraltar on Sunday after police received an emergency call about a blue dragon sighting and six were later found on the shoreline. It was reopened to bathers the following day, with a yellow warning flag up instead of the red one. Guardamar Del Segura's mayor Jose Luis Saez announced around midday today local time beaches in the municipality had reopened but bathers were still being urged to exercise caution. He said: 'Yellow flags are now up on the beaches of Guardamar following the closure of the special surveillance operation due to the presence of two blue dragon specimens. 'Municipal services, police and lifeguards remain alert to developments in the situation.' Yellow flags mean swimming is allowed but caution is advised and it's best to stay close to the lifeguard zone. This is not the first time dangerous sea creatures have caused swimmers to be banned from the water in Costa Blanca. In 2018, bathers were told to avoid the ocean after the reappearance of Portuguese men o'war. An 11-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being stung by one of the jellyfish-like creatures on the few beaches that remained open on some of the most popular parts of the coastline with British holidaymakers. The red flag was also hoisted at La Marina beach near Elche - where the youngster was hurt - after he was stung. Lifeguards removed the animal's tentacles from his arm but he was taken to nearby Elche Hospital after complaining of stomach and neck pain. He was discharged a few hours later after receiving treatment. Local reports said nearly 75 miles of Costa Blanca coastline had been declared off limits. This is a breaking news story, more to follow. A record 111,000 asylum claims were lodged in the first year since Labour gained power, smashing the previous all-time high by 8,000, new data shows. The Home Office said 111,084 people claimed asylum in the year to June, up 14 per cent on the previous 12 months. It surpassed the peak of 103,000 in 2002 during the asylum crisis under Tony Blairs government. In another major development, the number of foreign nationals extending their visas to stay in Britain topped one million for the first time. The data showed a 28 per cent leap in the number of visa extensions to 1,041,786, up nearly 230,000 in a year. One in four of the total asylum claims, 43,600, were made by small boat migrants. The rest came here clandestinely, such as stowing away in a lorry, which accounted for 11 per cent of claims, or arrived here legally such as on a visa and then claimed to be refugees. The top five nationalities for asylum claimants overall was Pakistani, Afghan, Iranian, Eritrean and Bangladeshi. Your browser does not support iframes. But Eritreans have come to dominate the Channel route - making up the largest nationality in the first six months of this year, at 3,543, followed by Afghans with 2,318. The data covers the first year after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer scrapped the previous government's Rwanda asylum deal, which was designed to deter Channel crossings. Your browser does not support iframes. There have been more than 51,000 small boat arrivals since the election, including a 40 per cent jump in numbers so far this year, compared with the same period in 2024. Labour published data in June which suggested the Rwanda scheme had a clear deterrent effect on arrivals. The figures showed the number of crossings was suppressed when the Conservatives were gearing up to launch Rwanda removals - even on what the Home Office terms red days when there are calm sea conditions. Today's new data also showed a dip in the number of small boat migrants being deported by Labour. In the year to the end of June 2,330 Channel migrants were removed, compared with 2,516 in the previous 12 months, a fall of seven per cent. Across all types of foreign nationals - not just Channel migrants - who were deported during the year, enforced returns increased by a quarter to 9,100. Voluntary returns were up 13 per cent to 26,800. Meanwhile, the number of asylum seekers being housed temporarily in hotels at the taxpayer's expense jumped by eight per cent under Labour on the same point last year. Migrants sprint through the surf at Gravelines beach in northern France to board a traffickers' dinghy to Britain earlier this month The figures show there were 32,059 asylum seekers in UK hotels by the end of June. It was up from 29,585 at the same point a year earlier, when the Conservatives were still in power but down slightly on the 32,345 figure at the end of March, and below the 2023 peak of just over 56,000. Your browser does not support iframes. The figures came just days after the High Court ordered a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex, to be shut down in the wake of protests over alleged sex crimes committed by asylum seekers who had been placed there. The overall number of asylum seekers receiving taxpayer-funded support - including those in self-catering accommodation as well as those in hotels - was 106,075 at the end of June. Small boat migrants arrive at Dover after being picked up mid-Channel by UK Border Force earlier this month The total was 100,005 just before last summer's general election and rose to just over 112,000 at the end of last year under Labour, before coming down slightly. The amount of taxpayer's money spent on asylum support fell to 4.76billion in 2024-25, the data showed, down from 5.38billion the previous year. Further shocking figures showed there were a record 19,390 foreign offenders living in the community despite facing deportation from Britain for their crimes. The figure was up from 17,907 a year earlier, and from 4,428 a decade ago, with many of the cases blocked by human rights legal challenges. in legal migration, the one million total number of visa renewals showed a huge number of foreign nationals are being allowed to stay in Britain for longer. Your browser does not support iframes. The 229,300 leap in visa renewals included a 23 per cent surge in foreign workers extending their stay in Britain, reaching 763,635 - up more than 145,000 on the previous 12 months. Before the pandemic the number of visa extensions was typically running at fewer than 300,000 annually. Additionally, the number of foreign nationals granted settlement such as indefinite leave to remain was up 18 per cent to more than 163,000. It included 39,946 people who originally came to Britain through asylum-related routes, a 17 per cent increase year-on-year, plus almost 60,000 who came here on work visas, a 19 per cent jump. Protests took place outside a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex, last month, and earlier this week the district council secured a High Court order to have the property shut down Epping Forest District Council secured an injunction to close The Bell Hotel, in Epping, after a wave of protests, some of which led to a number of arrests The figure also saw 45,000 foreign nationals win settlement in Britain under family formation or reunion routes, up 17 per cent year-on-year. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Labour had 'lost control of Britain's borders'. 'Labour has presided over the worst year on record for Channel crossings, with nearly 28,000 people already arriving illegally in 2025, up 47 per cent on last year and the highest figure ever recorded,' he said. 'At the same time, numbers in asylum hotels are back up to 32,059, higher than at the time of the election. 'Compare that to the nine months before the election, when the Conservatives cut numbers in hotels by 47 per cent and shut almost 200 sites. 'At our pace of closure, the hotels would already be gone, but numbers in hotels have gone up under Labour. 'Returns have gone down too and only five per cent of small boat arrivals are being removed. 'Without returns there is no deterrence, and without deterrence the boats will never stop. Your browser does not support iframes. 'This is a migration crisis and the weak Labour Government is making it worse.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'We inherited a broken immigration and asylum system that the previous government left in chaos. 'Since coming to office we have strengthened Britain's visa and immigration controls, cut asylum costs and sharply increased enforcement and returns, as today's figures show. 'The action we have taken in the last 12 months - increasing returns of failed asylum seekers by over 30 per cent, cutting asylum costs by 11 per cent, reducing the backlog by 18 per cent and our forthcoming plans to overhaul the failing asylum appeal system - are crucial steps to restoring order and putting an end to the chaotic use of asylum hotels that we inherited from the previous government. 'At the same time, we are bringing legal migration back under control, with a 48 per cent reduction in work visas this year - and further stronger visa controls and higher skill requirements introduced through our White Paper expected to bring those overall numbers down further.' Today's Home Office figures do not include net migration estimates - the difference between those coming to Britain long-term and those emigrating - which are separately issued by the Office for National Statistics, and are due to be updated in November. A junior doctor accused of secretly filming oblivious co-workers in hospital toilets has been slapped with 127 new charges including stalking. Ryan Yi Cho, 28, of Croydon Hills in Melbourne's east, was arrested twice in July and charged with a total of six offences for alleged offending at the Austin Hospital. He was first arrested on July 10 after a phone concealed in a mesh bag was discovered in a staff toilet at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne's northeast. Later that month, he was arrested for a second time after police analysed devices and allegedly uncovered more than 10,000 videos and images. Cho was charged by police on Wednesday with 127 further offences relating to alleged offending at the Austin but also at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The new charges relate to stalking, producing intimate images and installing optical surveillance devices, police said. Officers allege a mobile phone was used as a recording device in staff toilets at all three hospitals, that were used by doctors, nurses and other staff. Police have confirmed their investigation is ongoing, including looking into other medical facilities where Cho worked between 2020 and 2025. Junior doctor Ryan Cho (pictured) has been slapped with 127 further charges after allegedly filming staff at three hospitals across Melbourne He was arrested twice in July over alleged offending at the Austin Hospital Victoria Police investigators that said more alleged victims are expected to be identified but the process could 'take some time'. A spokesperson for the Austin Hospital said it continues to focus its full support on all staff members affected and assist with the current police investigation. 'We take the safety and wellbeing of our staff extremely seriously and have comprehensive services in place to support them at this challenging time,' they told Daily Mail. 'Given that charges have been laid and the police investigation is ongoing, it is not appropriate to comment further.' The Daily Mail has contacted Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for comment. During an appearance at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on July 25, the court heard that officers claimed to have found 10,374 video and image files of Cho's alleged victims on several devices. Victoria Police told the court there could be as many as 460 different people allegedly affected, who had all been named on numerous folders found on Cho's computer. The folders allegedly contained a variety of footage of both men and women using hospital toilets, the court heard. A spokesperson for the Austin Hospital (pictured) told Daily Mail it continues to focus its full support on all staff members affected It was also alleged in court that Cho captured much of the footage by hanging mesh bags containing mobile phones on the back of staff toilet doors, which police allege he activated to capture hours of lewd footage. One phone allegedly contained 4,500 intimate videos of staff members, the court heard. One video file ran for more than three hours and allegedly captured various hospital staff in states of undress as they used the toilet, the court heard. It was also heard that Cho is alleged to have sabotaged nearby toilets by removing flush buttons, clogging them with toilet paper, or locking them from the outside, so colleagues had no other option but to use the toilet he was filming in. Detectives believe Cho had been allegedly offending across various Melbourne hospitals from as far back as 2021, the court heard. The court heard police believed the majority of Cho's alleged victims were doctors, nurses, paramedics and other hospital staff. But some videos appeared to have allegedly been captured in residential settings, with the court told detectives were afraid they included previous housemates of Cho. Cho appeared in court in July defended by top criminal lawyer George Balot, of Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers, who unsuccessfully argued his client should be released on bail. Cho appeared in court in July defended by top criminal lawyer George Balot (pictured) Cho was supported in court by his parents, who flew in from Singapore to offer the court a $10,000 surety to ensure he complied with any bail conditions. Mr Balot said his client's parents would remain in Australia and ensure Cho complied with his bail conditions. 'He has engaged criminal lawyers, a psychologist, a sexologist, his parents are in Australia to do whatever it takes to have him released to their care,' he said. Cho is a Singapore citizen who has been living in Australia as a permanent resident after completing a Monash University medical degree. He is expected to make another bid for bail at a hearing in the Supreme Court on Friday. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Swimmers have been warned to stay away from a dolphin 'targeting women in wetsuits' over fears he could be dangerous to humans. Reggie the dolphin was first spotted in Lyme Bay, Dorset, on August 3, excitedly playing with a family and asking for belly rubs, with the viral footage attracting people to the coastline. But experts say that Reggie, a solitary male bottlenose dolphin, could become aggressive and attack if he is exposed to more interaction with humans. Reggie has already been seen with gashes that are thought to be caused by a boat propeller. The dolphin has also been accused of trying to drown' two female swimmers, who were rescued by kayakers after the sea mammal tried to jump on one of them, repeatedly pushing her head 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. Rhys Paterson, 32, 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. Mr Paterson, 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'. New footage from a kayak has emerged of Reggie apparently targeting swimmers in Dorset bay 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 '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'. 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 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.' The Whale and Dolphin Conservation said: 'We have to reiterate: NEVER swim with dolphins, in the wild or in captivity. 'It is not good for them or us. They are powerful, expert swimmers. Respect their space. Admire them from a distance.' 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.' 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 dolphin, who is visibly injured and has gashes on its side, was seen circling around tourists on Friday evening 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.' 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. 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 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.' David Lammy has condemned Israel's controversial settlement plan in the West Bank that would 'divide a Palestinian state in two'. The Foreign Secretary criticised the approval of the E1 project as he warned it would 'critically undermine' hopes of a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis. He demanded the Israeli government reverse its decision, claiming - if the settlement plan is implemented - it would represent 'a flagrant breach of international law'. Settlement development in E1, a tract of land east of Jerusalem, has been under consideration for more than two decades. This is despite Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank being widely considered as illegal among the international community and an obstacle to peace. An Israeli defence ministry committee on Wednesday approved plans for around 3,400 homes in E1. Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who was sanctioned by the UK in June, said the idea of a Palestinian state was 'being erased' following the approval. It came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a fresh blast at Sir Keir Starmer's vow to recognise a Palestinian state next month. David Lammy has condemned Israel 's controversial settlement plan in the West Bank that would 'divide a Palestinian state in two' Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who was sanctioned by the UK in June and unveiled the E1 project last week, said the idea of a Palestinian state was 'being erased' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to the Triggernometry podcast, issued a fresh blast at Sir Keir Starmer's vow to recognise a Palestinian state Last month, Sir Keir announced the UK would formally recognise Palestine in September before the United Nations General Assembly in New York unless Israel meets certain conditions. This includes agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza, making clear there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and committing to a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution. But Mr Netanyahu repeated his claim that Sir Keir was 'rewarding' Hamas in the wake of the terror groups attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. He told the Triggernometry podcast: 'They [Hamas] commit the greatest savagery against Jews since the Holocaust, and the Prime Minister of Britain says we will reward you with a de facto state which is committed openly to repeating the October 7 massacre over and over and over again. 'And they say we recognise Israel's right to defend itself as long as Israel doesn't exercise that right. 'Let's imagine, what would be the response of Britain if about 15,000 people would be butchered in one day, and you'd have, I don't know, 2,500 hostages taken. 'Would you say, 'Oh, well, we should give our attackers a state right next to London?' Of course not. He added: 'The standard that is being applied is not merely wrong, it's just downright dangerous. 'Because you're really rewarding these monstrous terrorists with the greatest prize and that's because of weakness.' Last month, Sir Keir announced the UK would formally recognise Palestine in September before the United Nations General Assembly in New York unless Israel meets certain conditions A two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict envisages a Palestinian state in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, existing side by side with Israel. The UK has opposed the E1 settlement project due to concerns that it could undermine a future peace deal with the Palestinians. In a post on X/Twitter, Mr Lammy said: 'The UK condemns the decision by Israels Higher Planning Committee today to approve the E1 settlement plan. 'If implemented, it would divide a Palestinian state in two, mark a flagrant breach of international law and critically undermine the two-state solution. 'The Israeli government must reverse this decision.' On Sunday, during a visit to Ofra, another West Bank settlement established a quarter of a century ago, Mr Netanyahu said: "I said 25 years ago that we will do everything to secure our grip on the Land of Israel, to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, to prevent the attempts to uproot us from here. 'Thank God, what I promised, we have delivered.' Mr Smotrich, who unveiled the E1 plans last week, welcomed the approval of the project. 'The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not with slogans but with actions,' he said. 'Every settlement, every neighbourhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.' Vladimir Putin is dusting off his stalling and delaying tactics playbook as peace talks with Ukraine falter and Russia continues to build up troops on the frontline and pound Ukrainian targets. In the space of just a few days, Putin has questioned Volodymyr Zelensky's legitimacy and made, then changed, major demands over Ukraine's security guarantees, all while his forces continue to pound targets and rally on Ukraine's Southern Front. According to Zelensky, Russian forces are building up troops along the southern front line in the Zaporizhzhia region, which Moscow claims as its own. 'Zaporizhzhia: the enemy is reinforcing,' Zelensky said, adding that: 'We can see that they continue transferring part of their troops from the Kursk direction to Zaporizhzhia'. And overnight, Russia launched its biggest barrage of missiles and drones in weeks, killing one and leaving many wounded. The latest cross-border fire follows Trump's flurry of diplomacy this month aimed at ending the war. The US president met Putin in Alaska, before bringing Zelensky and European leaders to Washington for separate talks. Russia has played down the prospect of a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky any time soon, and has said it wants to be included in discussions on future security guarantees for Ukraine. Putin repeatedly said he is ready to meet Zelensky, but there are some issues that need to be resolved before such a meeting could happen, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today. Putin has questioned the legitimacy of Zelensky due to the postponement of elections in Ukraine due to the war. A soldier of an artillery crew from Ukraine's 44th Hetman Danylo Apostol Separate Artillery Brigade stands by a 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzer that is being fired during a combat mission in the Zaporizhzhia sector, Ukraine, August 20, 2025 Vladimir Putin is dusting off his stalling and delaying tactics playbook as peace talks with Ukraine falter The latest cross-border fire follows Donald Trump's (pictured) flurry of diplomacy this month aimed at ending the war According to Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured), Russian forces are building up troops along the southern front line in the Zaporizhzhia region Lavrov said the legitimacy issue would have to be resolved before Moscow could sign any document with Kyiv. Just yesterday, Russia also took issue with security guarantees for Ukraine, claiming that any attempt to solve issues of security without Moscow were 'a road to nowhere'. Lavrov said at a press conference: 'We cannot agree with the fact that now it is proposed to resolve questions of security, collective security, without the Russian Federation. This will not work. 'I'm sure that in the West and above all in the United States they understand perfectly well that seriously discussing security issues without the Russian Federation is a utopia, it's a road to nowhere'. To top it off, Lavrov later upped the ante and claimed China also needed a say in the matter, once again moving the goalposts and forcing the West to recalculate its negotiating strategy and tactics. He said Ukraine's security guarantees 'should be provided on an equal basis with the participation of countries such as China, the United States, the UK and France'. He claimed the terms are based on those Moscow tried to force Kyiv into signing in Istanbul in April 2022, two months after their invasion. Those terms effectively meant none of the guarantors would be allowed to defend Ukraine from Russia unless they all agreed, including China and Russia. Zelensky said today in response that he did not want China playing a role in guaranteeing Ukraine's security following Russia's invasion, citing Beijing's support for Moscow. The aftermath of a Russian strike on a building in Kharkiv Soldiers of an artillery crew from Ukraine's 44th Hetman Danylo Apostol Separate Artillery Brigade man a 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzer while on a combat mission in the Zaporizhzhia sector, Ukraine, August 20, 2025 Local residents walk through the site of a Russian Shahed drone strike that destroyed vehicles and residential buildings the previous day on August 20, 2025 in Sloviansk, Ukraine 'First, China did not help us stop this war from the start. Second, China assisted Russia by opening its drone market... We do not need guarantors who do not help Ukraine and did not help Ukraine at the time when we really needed it,' Zelensky said in comments released to reporters including AFP on Thursday. The stalling comes after Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Ukraine overnight in the biggest barrage since mid-July, killing one person and wounding many others. Zelensky said several missiles were aimed at a US-owned business in western Ukraine 'producing everyday items like coffee machines'. Fifteen people were injured in that strike. Ukrainian officials said that the strikes showed Russia was not serious about a peace deal despite intensive diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump. 'The Russians carried out this attack as if nothing has changed at all, as if there are no global efforts to stop this war,' Zelensky said. 'This requires a response. There is still no signal from Moscow that they truly intend to engage in substantive negotiations and end this war,' he said. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 574 drones and 40 missiles. Air defence units downed 546 drones and 31 missiles. 'One person was killed and two were wounded as a result of the combined UAV and cruise missile strike in Lviv,' said Maksym Kozytskyi, head of the military administration in the western city's region. 'Dozens of residential buildings were damaged,' he added. Ukrainian soldier holds the remains of a shell at the site of a Russian Shahed drone strike that destroyed vehicles and residential buildings the previous day on August 20, 2025 in Sloviansk, Ukraine The Palace of Culture, built during Soviet times, was bombed by Russian invading troops on August 19, 2025 in Donetske, Ukraine The 15 people were wounded in the city of Mukachevo, near the border with Hungary and Slovakia, the city council said. 'Five patients are being treated in the hospital, and one more was transferred to the regional hospital,' the council posted. Western Ukraine is less frequently targeted by Russian forces, which have captured swathes of southern and eastern Ukraine in an invasion which began in 2022. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said there was 'no military logic or necessity' to the strikes, saying they were 'just terror against people'. Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry said it destroyed '49 Ukrainian aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles' across multiple regions. The ministry did not detail any casualties or damage. Putin's stalling appears to be just the latest instance of deploying a stalling tactic during talks about the future of Ukraine. Earlier this year, when Russia and Ukraine were set to meet in Turkey, Putin failed to confirm his attendance of the talks that were, at that point, the highest level discussion between the two nations. Instead, he sent a second-tier delegation to Istanbul to speak with Zelensky and his team on his behalf. The highest level official in attendance at the Istanbul talks was Vladimir Medinsky, one of Putin's aides, slowing down the negotiation process. President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, Aug. 15, 2025 Ukrainian soldiers inspect the site of a Russian Shahed drone strike that destroyed vehicles and residential buildings the previous day on August 20, 2025 in Sloviansk, Ukraine Putin's meeting with Trump in Alaska last week appeared to highlight exactly why he and the Kremlin were keen to use stalling as a diplomatic tactic. The Russian despot said that the 'root causes' of the conflict needed to be addressed in order to achieve lasing peace. These so-called 'root causes' include Ukraine becoming a neutral territory, giving up land in the east, hugely reducing the size and capability of its military and abandoning its aim to join Nato. Analysts slammed Putin for the underhanded tactics seen this week and previously. Philippe Dickinson, a former UK diplomat who works with the Atlantic Council, described last week's Alaska summit as: 'The treading water summit'. He added: 'With little seemingly achieved, this was nobodys worst-case scenario. Putin got to share the stage with the president of the United States and proffer enough flattery and meaningless talk of respecting Ukrainian security to stave off further immediate sanctions and economic pressure'. Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, meanwhile said it was unlikely Putin would meet with Zelensky unless he all but gives up. 'Putin will not meet Zelenskyy under the current circumstances. He 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. Rescue workers put out a fire at commercial stores destroyed by a Russian missile attack on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025 Ukraine peace talks were in disarray on Wednesday after Russia demanded Moscow and Beijing get a veto on any security guarantees Dickinson said that the only way for the West to respond was with 'strength and pressure'. He said: 'Now is the time for the Europeans to press on Trump that Putin is the only obstacle to peace, and that Trump should finally apply his peace through strength approach to this conflict: to dial up the collective military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Russia, both directly and indirectly through the countries that continue to enable Putins war machine. 'Absent that, Putin will continue to happily tread water in the bloody lake he has created'. Royal Navy warship HMS Trent and a Wildcat helicopter have shadowed a Russian destroyer through British waters. During a five-day operation, the Portsmouth-based Offshore Patrol Vessel shadowed Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov and two tankers through the English Channel. The Royal Navy has described the landmark meeting as 'part of the government's ongoing commitment to safeguard the integrity of UK waters and protecting national security through the government's Plan for Change.' The 90-metre-long vessel started shadowing the Vice Admiral Kulakov off Great Yarmouth, keeping a close eye on her movements as she moved westward through the Channel towards Ushant. At the same time, a NATO ally shadowed the two tankers as they travelled from the west to join the Russian destroyer. The Kulakov and tankers eventually met off the French island of Ushant. All three Russian vessels then turned to sail eastwards through the Channel - followed all the way by HMS Trent. Meanwhile, a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, later joined the operation in a bid to provide air support. The specialist helicopter was also able to monitor the Russians' movements with its impressive sensors. Royal Navy warship HMS Trent (front) and a Wildcat helicopter have shadowed a Russian destroyer (rear) through British waters During a five-day operation, the Portsmouth-based Offshore Patrol Vessel (front) shadowed Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov (rear) and two tankers through the English Channel The Royal Navy described the landmark meeting as 'part of the government's ongoing commitment to safeguard the integrity of UK waters and protecting national security through the government's Plan for Change'. Pictured: HMS Trent (left) and Vice Admiral Kulakov (right) It comes as HMS Trent has returned to the UK after spending more than four years away from home on missions in the Mediterranean, off West Africa and the Caribbean. The patrol ship began shadowing the frigate in waters near Gibraltar and closely watched movements through the Channel and into the North Sea. It is now working towards future deployment in the Caribbean later this year. Luke Pollard, Minister for the Armed Forces, said: 'Russian warships are increasingly sailing through the English Channel, and the Royal Navy stands ready to monitor them, safeguarding our waters and undersea cables. 'The Royal Navy's unwavering dedication and professionalism are vital to protecting the UK and the Government remains committed to equipping our Armed Forces to keep us secure at home and strong abroad.' Meanwhile, Lt Cdr Paul Kilbride, Executive Officer in Temporary Command of HMS Trent, said the operation was 'routine business' for the Royal Navy and marked 'a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the UK's territorial waters.' He added: 'This operation was multi-national and had HMS Trent operating with several of our European NATO allies demonstrating our interoperability with other nations and providing a deterrence inside UK waters. 'It is a rare opportunity for a forward deployed Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessel to conduct this type of operation in UK waters and I am immensely proud of the dedication and professionalism of my ship's company. HMS Trent, a 90-metre-long vessel started shadowing the Vice Admiral Kulakov (pictured) off Great Yarmouth, keeping a close eye on her movements as she moved westward through the Channel towards Ushant Lt Cdr Paul Kilbride, Executive Officer in Temporary Command of HMS Trent, said the operation was 'routine business' for the Royal Navy and marked 'a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the UK's territorial waters'. Pictured: Vice Admiral Kulako 'We are now looking ahead to continuing our regeneration to get back to operations in the Caribbean later in the year.' HMS Trent and the Yeovilton-based Wildcat were also supported by warships, patrol aircraft and helicopters from other NATO allies. The operation comes amid increased fears that the UK's defences are at risk due to a 'chronic' shortage of 'proper' Royal Navy warships available to shadow Vladimir Putin's naval armada. Warships, submarines and spy vessels from the Russian leader's fleet have been seen skulking off the coast in the Channel, North Sea and Irish Sea in recent months. Britain's navy has repeatedly scrambled warships and submarine-hunting helicopters to escort the vessels, in operations that defence officials insist are 'routine'. However, the navy appears to be increasingly relying upon lightly-armed patrol ships instead of its fleet of more powerful frigates and destroyers to carry out the task. As a result, defence experts have raised concerns that the increased reliance of smaller offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to carry out the task is an indication of how stretched the navy has become. Commander Tom Sharpe, who previously skippered an anti-submarine frigate, previously told The Daily Mail of his concern about the use of OPVs to shadow Putin's subs. 'It should be a "proper" warship that does the escorting for reasons of presentation, deterrent and intelligence gathering - and speed - but we pretend it doesn't because we don't have enough ships,' Cdr Sharpe said. HMS Trent has returned to the UK after spending more than four years away from home on missions in the Mediterranean, off West Africa and the Caribbean. It is now working towards future deployment in the Caribbean later this year The operation comes amid increased fears that the UK's defences are at risk due to a 'chronic' shortage of 'proper' Royal Navy warships available to shadow Vladimir Putin's (pictured) naval armada Your browser does not support iframes. Defence experts have raised concerns that the increased reliance of smaller offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to carry out the task is an indication of how stretched the navy has become. Pictured: HMS Trent tracking Russian frigate the Admiral Grigorovich (seen rear) The operations were part of a wider deterrent effort by the armed forces to show the Russian tyrant 'we can see you, and we can match you if needed', he added. However, the veteran naval commander told the Daily Mail that in order for such operations to be successful, 'you do actually have to be able to match them, and patrol vessels, as useful as they are, can not.' In May HMS Tyne shadowed Russian submarine RFS Krasnodar solo and corvette RFS Boikiy during two separate transits through the English Channel. Meanwhile, in June, HMS Trent was tasked to track Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich, which is armed with a powerful 100mm naval gun and cruise missiles. The ships have also backed up frigates and destroyers on similar missions this year, when those were vessels sent out to hunt Putin's ships down and monitor them. The Royal Navy would not comment on the status of its fleet but insisted it had enough available warships to protect the UK. Commodre Steve Prest also told the Daily Mail that he held concerns about the overall state of the navy's fleet, adding that he was 'not expecting these ships to fight or have a scrap with a bunch of Russians in the Channel.' He added: 'It's about sending an OPV to keep an eye on them to let know were there and that should anything kick-off, we can call the cavalry. In May HMS Tyne (pictured) shadowed Russian submarine RFS Krasnodar solo and corvette RFS Boikiy during two separate transits through the English Channel HMS Tyne (front) is seen tracking Russian corvette RFS Boikiy which passed through the English Channel earlier this year. Commander Tom Sharpe, who previously skippered an anti-submarine frigate, previously told The Daily Mail of his concern about the use of OPVs '[But] the question then is, is there a cavalry to call if you need to escalate?' The current size of the fleet has shrunk in recent years after a number of the navy's 13 ageing Type 23 frigates were decommissioned. The remaining eight that are left have already had extensions to their lifespans to keep them in the fleet longer, with many set to be retired in the next few years. The Daily Mail understands that, at present, the UK has four frigates available in UK waters, and one state-of-the-art 1billion Type 45 destroyer. Meanwhile, all of the other ships in the 14-strong frigate and destroyer fleet are either in refit or maintenance. Three - HMS Lancaster, HMS Richmond and HMS Dauntless - are deployed on operations in the Middle East or in the Indo-Pacific with the carrier strike group. A spokesman for the Royal Navy told the Mail: 'The public can be assured the Royal Navy has a range of assets including warships, submarines, aviation and state-of-the-art technology to protect the United Kingdom. 'We are creating a new hybrid navy by building world-class submarines and cutting-edge warships, alongside transforming our aircraft carriers and introducing new autonomous vessels to patrol the North Atlantic and beyond.' Cars belonging to Jewish tourists were daubed with 'Free Palestine' graffiti in a French Alpine town. The incident occurred in the village of Chatel in the northern part of the French Alps, near the Swiss border. Some nine vehicles belonging to a group of strictly Orthodox Jews, some of whom were from Stamford Hill in London, were reportedly vandalised with the spray paint. The group was on holiday in the picturesque Haute-Savoie region when their vehicles were defaced overnight. It is understood that local authorities have opened an investigation into the incident and are reviewing CCTV in an effort to identify who is responsible. Dozens of strictly Orthodox families from Europe are on holiday in the French mountain village, reported Ynet. One Jewish man who had his car defaced was from Vienna. He told the Israeli outlet: 'Its a horrifying feeling, and the police are not taking the case seriously.' It comes amid what Israel's ambassador to France, Joshua Zarka, has called an 'enormous wave of antisemitism' across Europe, 'something not seen since the last century, with the rise of Nazism.' Some nine vehicles belonging to a group of strictly Orthodox Jews, some of whom were from Stamford Hill in London , were reportedly vandalised with the spray paint The group was on holiday in the picturesque Haute-Savoie region when their vehicles were defaced overnight Dozens of strictly Orthodox families from Europe are on holiday in the French mountain village of Chatel in the northern part of the French Alps, near the Swiss border Several groups of Jewish tourists have encountered hostility while travelling this summer. In July, dozens of French-Jewish students aged between 10 and 15 and several adults were kicked off Vueling flight V8166 as it waited on the tarmac at Valencia for 'unruly behaviour'. The expulsion of the 44 students amid reports they were endangering the safety of the flight sparked a row, with the carrier coming under fire for alleged anti-Semitism. The holiday camp the children were flying with accused Vueling of 'brutality' as footage emerged showing their adult group leader being detained with handcuffs by Spanish police. In Italy, a Jewish man claimed he and his six-year-old son were attacked at a motorway service area by an enraged pro-Palestinian crowd. They were both wearing traditional Jewish kippahs and attracted the attention of people at the services near Lainate on the main Milan-Lagi motorway. In the clip which was later uploaded to social media, a group of people can be heard shouting in Italian 'Palestina Libera '(Free Palestine)' and 'Go back home'. Others also shout in Italian 'Assassini' (murderers) while another adds: 'This isn't Gaza, here is Italy' and another can be heard shouting: 'You will go to hell sooner or later'. In interviews with Italian media he claimed to have been pushed to the floor and then kicked with the crowd demanding he delete the video. And in Greece, Israelis travelling on the Crown Iris cruise ship have been forced to leave Greek islands after being met with hundreds of pro-Palestine protestors demonstrating against their arrival. Anti-war protesters on Greece's Cycladic island of Syros were the first to hold a furious demonstration against the docking of the cruise ship containing tourists on July 22. Some 1,700 Israeli nationals, including between 300 to 400 children, were prevented from disembarking at Ermoupoli and were instead diverted to the Port of Limassol in Cyprus. Protestors clashed with riot police in separate demonstrations against the arrival of more Israelis on the Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete in the following days. In June, five Jewish sites including three synagogues and Frances Holocaust Memorial were vandalised with green paint in the Marais district in central Paris. On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to punish those who felled a tree planted in memory of a Jewish man who was tortured and murdered in 2006. The olive tree was planted in 2011 in memory of Ilan Halimi, who was kidnapped by a gang of 20 young people and tortured to death on a housing estate in Bagneux, in the southern suburbs of the French capital. Police in helmets and riot shields watch over the protest against the arrival of Israeli cruise passengers at the port of Agios Nikolaos in Crete in July Protestors unveil a huge Palestine flag to greet the Israeli cruise ship as it arrived into port 'Every effort will be made to punish this act of hatred,' Macron wrote on X after the tree was cut down, probably with a chainsaw. 'In the face of antisemitism, the Republic is always uncompromising,' he added. 'The nation will not forget this son of France who died because he was Jewish.' Italian police have arrested a Ukrainian man suspected of coordinating the attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines, Germany's prosecutor general said on Thursday, adding that he would be brought before a German judge after being transferred. Seen by both Russia and the West as an act of sabotage, no one has ever taken responsibility for explosions that severely damaged pipelines carrying gas from Russia to Europe in September 2022, marking a major escalation in the Ukraine conflict and ramping up an energy supply crisis on the continent. The suspect, identified only as Serhii K. under German privacy laws, was part of a group of people who planted devices on the pipelines near the German island of Bornholm in September 2022, a statement from the prosecutor's office said. He and his accomplices had set off from Rostock on Germany's north-eastern coast in a sailing yacht to carry out the attack. It added that the vessel had been rented from a German company with the help of forged identity documents via middlemen. Authorities acted on a European arrest warrant for the suspect, who faces charges of collusion to cause an explosion, anti-constitutional sabotage and destruction of buildings. Carabinieri officers arrested him overnight in the province of Rimini on Italy's Adriatic coast, the German prosecutors' statement said. Italian police had no immediate comment. The blasts wrecked three out of four Nord Stream pipelines, which had become a controversial symbol of German reliance on Russian gas in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, and triggered wild speculation over the possible culprit Gas leak at Nord Stream 2 as seen from the Danish F-16 interceptor on Bornholm, Denmark September 27, 2022 The pipeline, once symbolising Europe's reliance on Russia for energy, was sabotaged in September 2022. The blasts saw three of the four pipelines suffer major damage. The critical piece of energy infrastructure took 15 years to build. Earlier this year, Putin and Trump's associated were reportedly holding secret talks to potentially restart the gas pipeline. The move would mark a dramatic reversal for Trump, who previously led efforts to shut down Nord Stream 2 and push Germany to buy American liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead. If successful, the deal could see US investors acquiring a stake in the pipeline's operating company, allowing them to profit if Russian gas flows resume to Germany and other central European nations - should Western sanctions ease after a ceasefire in Ukraine. It would also give Washington a major foothold in Berlin's energy market. The secret discussions are said to have taken place in Switzerland, brokered by Matthias Warnig, a former East German intelligence officer and longtime Putin confidant. Warnig, who ran Nord Stream 2 before it collapsed into insolvency in 2023, reportedly played a key role in assembling potential backers. During his first term, Trump aggressively opposed the pipeline, warning that it would make Germany 'captive' to Russian energy The Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines were the biggest symbol of Europes energy dependence on Moscow until three of their four strands were bombed in 2022 On the US side, Richard Grenell, Trump's combative former ambassador to Germany and current envoy for 'special missions,' is alleged to have led negotiations. Stephen Lynch, a wealthy Trump-linked businessman, has also been named as a potential investor in the project. However, both Grenell and Warnig have denied involvement, while Lynch has yet to comment on the claims. Last year, a Ukrainian military officer allegedly involved in the 2022 operation told the Wall Street Journal the sabotage - pulled off with a single yacht, a six-person crew, rudimentary diving equipment and a set of light explosives - was dreamt up by a few Ukrainian military men amid an alcohol-fuelled bash. One officer who participated and three other sources familiar with the plan also told WSJ it was initially approved by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but said that former armed forces commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny instructed the team to forge on with the attack when Zelensky got cold feet. The Ukrainian president's office at the time vehemently rejected the WSJ's investigation as 'absolute nonsense'. A baby boy was born in a gym after a Melbourne couple realised that they wouldn't make it to the hospital in time. Mother Rachel Eastwood went into labour on July 29 with her fourth son, Daniel, but she and her husband Peter realised they had to change their plans. 'By the end of the street, I think Pete realised very quickly that we weren't going to make it to the hospital,' she told 7News on Thursday. 'So, very quickly, (we) started sort of problem solving around what our options were. 'Being members of the gym, Pete thought of the gym because he thought, well, there's a room that has towels heating. 'That's probably a much better option than the side of the road.' Mr Eastwood rang their midwife Sharon Williams to tell her about their new plan. The couple then rushed to the gym Strong & Stable in The Basin, eastern Melbourne, where the owner provided them with a room and bed. Melbourne mother Rachel Eastwood gave birth to her baby Daniel after her husband Peter realised they would not make it to hospital in time on July 29 (family, pictured) Daniel was born at a gym in The Basin called Strong & Stable (pictured) within 10 minutes 'It was just instinct, really. You just know what to do. You just want her to be safe. Her baby to be safe,' Ms Williams said about the decision. 'It was great. We had privacy. We had a room that was warm, lots of towels,' Ms Williams said. 'So it all worked really well.' Daniel was born within 10 minutes, before the paramedics had even made it to the gym. The family was then taken to hospital before being discharged later that night. This is the horrifying moment a convicted killer is publicly hanged from a crane in Iran in front of a cheering crowd. In graphic pictures and videos, Sajad Molayi Hakani, standing on a platform, is seen blindfolded with a noose around his neck on August 19. The noose is attached to a crane being controlled by another man who appears to be part of the execution team. The video shows dozens of people, including children, gathered around to watch the execution. As the man is hanged, the crowd can be seen clapping and cheering in delight. He was sentenced to qisas, which means retaliation in kind in Islamic law, for murdering a mother and her three children during a robbery in October. His wife, Masha Akbari, who has also been sentenced to death, is set to be executed in prison at a later date. Sadrallah Rajaei, the head of the Fars provincial judiciary, said: 'The qisas sentence of the second defendant in this case who is the wife of the first defendant, will be carried out in prison in the presence of the victims next of kin.' This is the moment a man was hanged in Iran for murdering a mother and her three children during a robbery in October As the man is hanged, the crowd erupts into cheers Meanwhile, it was reported on Thursday that the country had publicly executed another convicted murderer by hanging at the scene of his alleged crime. That execution took place at dawn in the city of Kordkuy, Golestan province. Provincial judiciary chief Heidar Asiabi confirmed to the Mizan Online website that the execution was carried out at the 'scene of the crime and in public.' According to reports, the man had allegedly killed 'a couple and a young woman with a hunting knife' late last year. Public executions in the country are generally rare and reserved for crimes that have caused widespread anger and outrage. However, human rights advocates have said that there has been a huge surge in the last year. The UN Human Rights Office have asked Iran to discontinue the use of the death penalty as punishment. They say there has been a 'worrying surge in executions' that has seen at least 612 people killed in the first half of this year alone. His wife, Masha Akbari, who has also been sentenced to death, is set to be executed in prison at a later date In response, Iran countered by saying its use of the death penalty is 'only' in 'the most severe crimes'. Crimes that can be punishable by death in the country include murder, adultery, and some charges related to drugs. People have also been sentenced to death for blasphemy and homosexuality. On July 9, a man was hanged in Barouq, West Azerbaijan province, for killing four women. Earlier in the year, on February 28, Iran carried out its first public execution of 2025 in Esfarayen, where a man was hanged from a bridge after being convicted of murder. Iran has also been criticised for secret executions of political prisoners. On July 27, Behrouz Ehsani, 69, and Mehdi Hassani, 68, members of the exiled opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), were executed in Ghezel Hesar prison in Karaj, Alborz province. Amnesty International said the two were allegedly tortured and denied legal representation during interrogation. The Bayeux Tapestry cannot be moved without it tearing, a French historian opposed to its loan to the British Museum has said. Didier Rykner spoke out as a petition he started on Change.org calling for the move to be cancelled reached nearly 50,000 signatures. The 11th-century work depicting the 1066 Norman Conquest is to go on display in Britain next year. The historic loan was announced in June by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Britain. But Mr Rykner told BBC Radio 4's PM programme yesterday: 'I have spoken with the specialists who have worked on the tapestry, and they all tell the same thing. It is very fragile. 'You must know, it is 70 metres long. It is very long, on a very thin canvas... and it is not possible to move it away without putting it at risk, without tearing it, without making holes.' The Bayeux Tapestry cannot be moved without it being damaged, a French historian opposed to its loan to the British Museum has said Didier Rykner spoke out as a petition he started on Change.org calling for the move to be cancelled reached nearly 50,000 signatures The expert insisted that if it were possible to move the treasure without it being put at risk, he would agree to the loan. In the face of some experts' fears about the move across the Channel, the British Museum has insisted that its experts are very experienced in handling fragile artefacts. But Mr Rykner, the editor of art history website La Tribune de L'art, said: 'I am very disappointed in the British Museum, because they know very well they have never moved something like this. 'It is unique. It is a work of art from the 11th century. It is impossible that they know how to do this.' The embroidery, which is currently on display in a dedicated museum in Bayeux, already has some 24,000 stains, 16,445 creases, nearly 10,000 holes and around 30 rips. Mr Rykner's petition, which is in French, reads: 'The very same people who were tasked with examining it, establishing its condition, recommending the necessary measures for its protection during the work on the future museum, and assessing the risks of a possible trip to England. The 11th-century work depicting the 1066 Norman Conquest is to go on display in Britain next year. Above: The embroidery at its permanent home, the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in France 'Their diagnosis is unequivocal: any transport, however minimal, represents a danger.' A British Museum spokesperson said: 'The British Museum has a world leading conservation and collections management team who are experienced at handling and caring for this type of material, they are working closely with colleagues in France on the Tapestry's display.' The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England, led by William, Duke of Normandy challenging Harold II, King of England. It is believed to have been woven in the UK. When the artefact returns to Britain, Anglo-Saxon treasures from the Sutton Hoo ship burial will go in the other direction to France for a temporary period. Mr Macron revealed during his trip to Britain last month that King Charles helped secure a deal to return the tapestry to England. He claimed France did its best not to loan the artwork but that His Majesty helped get the deal over the line. Despite its name, the treasure is in fact an embroidery rather than a tapestry. Tapestries are usually woven using a loom, while embroidery is traditionally made with a needle and thread. A New Hampshire mom who gunned down her cancer-stricken husband and their two children before killing herself was receiving considerable support from her family at the time, a relative said. Emily Long, 34, blasted a single bullet into eight year-old son Parker and six year-old daughter Ryan around 5:30am at their $600,000 home in Madbury, killing both. She killed husband Ryan, 48, with multiple gunshots before turning the gun on herself. The couple's youngest child, aged three, was found wandering around the property unharmed by police called to the scene about three hours after the shooting. Long had posted social media videos sharing her fears about losing Ryan, who had brain cancer, and raising three children alone. But a cousin told The Boston Globe on Tuesday that Long was being well-supported and cared for by family throughout her husband's illness. The cousin, who was not named, said: 'This is why were just all so in shock. We have a lot of family, a lot of friends, that would do anything for them because, you know, they would do it, too.' Ryan, a psychologist and professor husband was battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer with a median survival rate of just 12 to 15 months post-diagnosis. Emily Long gunned down her husband Ryan and two of their children Parker and Ryan, seen here, inside their New Hampshire home in the early hours of Monday Officials said Emily fired multiple shots into her husband, while killing her two kids with single fatal shots to the head. The family's $600,000 home in Madbury is pictured Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati said that investigators are probing the circumstances of the shooting and conceded finances and health had likely been playing on the murderess's mind. He said: 'Some that involved the idea of what was going on with the money situation, with the health situation, I think the big thing is to not speculate one reason why something like this would happen 'Homicide and suicide is usually much, much more complex than just one reason. There's still more information we're trying to gather to narrow down different things.' In the family's final days, Emily discussed their rapidly deteriorating situation on her TikTok channel, admitting she 'knew that [she] needed to' seek therapy. 'I feel very, very lonely. I feel so anxious... I know that I need to see a therapist, I know that I need to ask for help... but I'm not ready to acknowledge that, I think,' she confessed in a video shared just two weeks ago. 'I feel so guilty that I'm not ready to get help yet, but... it is what it is, right? I know that I will one day, and I hope that I make the decision before I feel that it's too late.' Long said in the same video that she could 'feel [herself] withering away' with the knowledge that 'this isn't going away, this is only going to get worse.' And as her husband's condition worsened, Long opened up about the realization that she could one day become a single parent to three traumatized children. Her husband had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer which she was documenting their journey with on TikTok Investigators said earlier this week that they are probing the circumstances behind the killings 'I'm doing all the bed times and by the time I'm saying goodnight to my third kid it hits me that this is going to be every single night at some point for the rest of my life,' she said. 'Where I'm doing all three bedtimes alone, and then I shut the door to the final kid and I'm totally by myself and I have no one to talk about my day with.' Emily said despite trying to remain positive, she also had to 'plan to be a widow, and plan to support your family on one income and to be a single parent of three kids and juggle all the things that come with that. 'I'm mourning my husband, I'm mourning my marriage and it's still there. It's very confusing and it's very overwhelming.' In her last video, shared just two days before their deaths, Long explained that she and her children were struggling with her husband's diagnosis, but that she was committed to improving her mental health. In her last video, shared just two days before their deaths, Long explained that she and her children had been struggling with her husband's diagnosis 'All I want to do is hide under a blanket with my kids, but that isn't healthy for them and it's not healthy for me,' she said. 'Today I decided I need to make a conscious effort to shift my mindset. I'm getting out of this depression whether I want to or not. I am determined to create normalcy, she said. Authorities received a 911 call reporting multiple deaths inside the home. When they arrived about 8.21pm, they found the three-year-old child inside the home, unharmed. The surviving child is now in the custody of family as the investigation continues. Long was a psychologist at Oyster River Middle School in Durham, while Emily worked as director of operations at restaurant chain Wing-Itz. One of Long's friends shared a moving tribute to the late father on Wednesday, writing: 'As a psychologist, Ryan had a remarkable ability to understand and connect with people, offering wisdom and support to those in need. 'His sense of humor brought joy to everyone around him, making even the toughest days a little brighter. A migrant who anguished liberals by howling 'I just want to be with my family' as he was arrested by immigration officers was once charged with a child sex crime, police have claimed. David Perez-Teofani, 36, was taken into custody Wednesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on the National Mall in DC. Perez-Teofani, of Mexico, initially appeared calm as he exited his blue SUV during an apparent traffic stop, completely surrounded by masked local and federal police. He tried to flee, but was almost instantly tackled to the ground by a Homeland Security agent, according to viral footage of the incident captured by NBC4 reporter Aimee Cho. 'Sir, I don't have anything, please,' he screamed out in Spanish. 'I don't owe anything. I'm working. I want to be with my family.' Perez-Teofani continued to plea with police: 'I'm coming from work, please. I'm not a criminal. You're hurting me.' Liberals were outraged by the takedown and suggested it was unjust, with one saying his cries 'hit me in the gut' while another claimed 'we're better than this'. But the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has since revealed that Perez-Teofani was arrested in Fairfax County, Virginia last year for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13. David Perez-Teofani, 36, was taken into custody Wednesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on the National Mall in DC. He screamed 'I don't owe anything. I'm working. I want to be with my family' after he was tackled to the ground by a federal agent Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed Perez-Teofani's arrests in a statement to the Daily Mail. 'Yes this illegal alien from Mexico was previously arrested in January 2024 in Fairfax County for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13,' she said. 'Glad he is off of Washington DC's streets thanks to President Trump, Secretary Noem, and ICE.' NBC Washington journalist Aimee Cho later discovered that Fairfax County in Virginia later dropped the charges against Perez-Teofani. ICE told her: 'Prosecutors refuse to prosecute' but did not elaborate further on the details. DHS claimed Perez-Teofani entered the US illegally three times and defied 'a final order of removal' after voluntarily returning to Mexico twice previously, NBC4 reports. Fairfax County records show he was arrested and charged with indecent liberties with a child under the age of 15 and aggravated sexual battery in January 2024. The charges were later dropped, for reasons that remain unclear. An ICE spokesperson reportedly told Cho that the 'prosecutors refuse to prosecute'. White House press secretary Abigail Jackson confirmed to the Daily Mail that Perez-Teofani has an alleged criminal past. 'He's an illegal alien from Mexico that was previously arrested in January 2024 in Fairfax County for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13,' she stated. 'So yes, this is what I voted for,' Jackson added in a post on X responding to criticism of the arrest from independent radio host Cash Loren. Loren posted a video of the agents tackling the man captioned: 'Be honest, is this what you voted for?' Perez-Teofani's wife told the news outlet that she only learned her husband had been detained after a neighbor informed her that video of his arrest had been widely shared online. He's an illegal alien from Mexico that was previously arrested in January 2024 in Fairfax County for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13. So yes, this is what I voted for. https://t.co/PSDVAcRtEB Abigail Jackson (@ATJackson47) August 20, 2025 BREAKING: Just saw DC Police + federal agents detain a man on the National Mall. He appeared to try to escape, then was quickly tackled to the ground by several agents + was screaming in Spanish please, Im not a criminal, I work here, I want to be with my family @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/56IlXEvYbN Aimee Cho (@AimeeCho4) August 20, 2025 Cho's initial video of the arrest prompted a wave of outcry and support from social media users including Miami Herald investigative journalist Julie K. Brown Cho's initial video of the arrest prompted a wave of outcry and support from social media users. 'His crying...hits me in the gut,' Miami Herald investigative journalist Julie K. Brown wrote in a now-deleted tweet. 'And we will probably never be told who he is, why he was stopped or if he was here illegally.' 'We're better than this, @Sec_Noem, or are we?' questioned user @Emolclause. 'Yes we should be way better. We shouldn't have any hate in the USA,' @NewbieForeva added. But as more information unfolded about Perez-Teofani's identity and alleged criminal past unfolded, his supporters became fewer. 'This did not age well,' @co65550286 said of the video. User @RogerStomberg added: 'Break the law, suffer the consequences. Simple as that.' 'Maybe don't try to run away from the police?! And of course his rap sheet isn't too pretty' said @RebeccaRoseGold. Other critics took aim at Cho for posting the video without having all the facts. 'You tried to gaslight people into thinking he is an angel,' wrote @JLRinvestigates. 'He is a child rapist. He is, indeed, a criminal,' echoed @BonnieBlueTK. @Kangminjlee added: 'He's a suspected child s*x offender. Maybe include that very important detail in your reporting next time.' Since the start of his second-term, Trump has instructed the Department of Homeland Security to conduct one of the largest deportation initiatives in U.S. history. Videos of masked immigration enforcement agents arresting undocumented migrants in public settings have gone viral over the last eight months. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem released a statement last week claiming 1.6 million illegal aliens have left the country in the first 200 days of Trump's second term. This is massive. This means safer streets, taxpayer savings, pressure off of schools and hospital services and better job opportunities for Americans, Noem wrote. Thank you, President Trump! Law enforcement agencies, including the DEA and ICE, have been placed all across the capital Moreover, the detainment seen at the National Mall on Wednesday occurred just as Trump doubled-down on his takeover of D.C. The president signed an executive order taking control of the Metropolitan Police Department as well as marshalling resources from the DOJ and DHS to crackdown on crime in D.C. Over 800 National Guard troops have been sent by red states across the country to assist the administration. Federal agents and National Guard troops have been seen throughout the city guarding popular tourist areas and public transit centers. FBI Director Kash Patel announced 550 arrests have been made in DC since Trump initiated the takeover. On Tuesday night, DC law enforcement reportedly made 91 arrests that included 25 undocumented migrants. The tragic death of a young British woman shot and killed at her father's home in the USA will be subject of full inquest hearing next year, a coroner has confirmed. Lucy Harrison, 23, died on Friday, January 10, at her father's home in Prosper, Texas. An inquest into the circumstances of her death opened in Warrington, Cheshire, back in February but was adjourned until this week. A hearing at Cheshire Coroner's Court on Wednesday, August 20, heard that Lucy's death had been 'unnatural', but no one was being charged over it. A coroner's officer told the hearing: 'Lucy was on holiday in the USA. She was fatally shot with a firearm. The death is unnatural. 'Criminal proceedings have now concluded and no further action is to be taken.' Cheshire coroner Victoria Davies added that all details had been 'noted and agreed', before confirming a two-day inquest into Lucy's death will be held on February 10, 2026. A local police report in January had initially recorded the case as 'criminal negligent homicide', and identified one suspect and six witnesses. Lucy Harrison (pictured), 23, died on Friday, January 10, at her father's home in Prosper, Texas Lucy was found dead at the home of her father Kris (pictured) who works for a fibre optics firm in the States She was visiting her father, Kris Harrison, who lives in Texas (Pictured: Kris Harrison's home) But five months later, in June, the Collin County District Attorney's Office confirmed that a Grand Jury had issued a 'no-bill' in the case, meaning criminal charges would not be brought. Unlike in England, where the Crown Prosecution Service decides whether to prosecute a case, in some US states a 'Grand Jury' of citizens is convened which reviews evidence and decide whether to bring a prosecution. The hearings are conducted in secret, so details of who could have been charged have not been released. A 'no-bill' is issued when a grand jury decides there is not enough evidence of guilt to support a criminal charge against the accused person. Lucy's mum, Jane Coates, previously said the decision not to charge a suspect was 'baffling and beyond comprehension'. In a previously released tribute to Lucy, she said: 'On June 10, exactly five months after my daughter was shot and killed in America, the Grand Jury sat and reviewed Lucy's case. 'They concluded that the evidence did not meet the threshold for criminal charges, meaning that, as far as they are concerned, there will be no criminal charges for the person who shot Lucy. Heartbreaking photos show Lucy playing in the snow with her siblings and boyfriend just hours before the tragedy occurred Lucy (pictured) had been due to fly back to Manchester on the day she was shot after spending Christmas in the States 'Although we have tried so hard to prepare for this moment, it is a brutal outcome to accept. 'It is baffling and beyond comprehension to us, our families and friends, that there is to be no accountability for what happened to my daughter. 'The international element, coupled with a different legal system, practice, and thresholds, makes the outcome even harder and more frustrating to accept. 'The outpouring of love for Lucy, myself, Sam, and our families and friends, from our local community and beyond, has been overwhelming, and I cannot thank everyone enough for their ongoing support.' 'The outpouring of love for Lucy, myself, Sam, and our families and friends, from our local community and beyond, has been overwhelming, and I cannot thank everyone enough for their ongoing support. 'I have only just been able to look online and read some of the comments on [local paper] the Warrington Guardian's Facebook page, and I was visibly moved to tears at the heartfelt comments of love and support from all parts of our community. 'Thank you to everyone who took the time to reach out with love and kindness. 'Reading comments from people who used to work alongside Lucy in her various part-time jobs, or from my own school community, who used to see Lucy pop into my school over the years, made me feel so proud of her.' Her heartbroken mum added: 'When the time is right, I would welcome learning more from communities and groups in Texas who are working to prevent gun deaths through education, partnerships, and policy change. 'I know that Lucy would be a fierce advocate of this. 'For now, we ask for privacy while we take some time to recover as best we can from this outcome. An inquest hearing is set to take place at Cheshire Coroner's Court on Museum Street, Warrington (Pictured: Lucy Harrison) 'I will not be commenting further until after the UK coroner's inquest. 'I miss her infectious belly laughs, her constant chatter about her dream job at Boohoo in Manchester, her requests to tickle her legs, travel plans, her tears - and there were many! 'Most of all, as her mum, I miss spending time with the absolute light of my life. It was, and still is, a privilege to be her mum. 'In the words of her final Mother's Day card to me, I'll "keep mumming it".' Lucy had recently purchased a house with her boyfriend Sam Littler, who she met at secondary school. Earlier this year, Sam said: 'Due to the legal proceedings over in America, Lucy's voice has been silenced, leaving myself and Jane completely heartbroken. 'This outcome has left us baffled, heartbroken, and it has been incredibly frustrating to understand the thresholds and legal system in Texas. 'These past years of my life were for one reason, and that was to put a smile on one person's face - Lucy's. 'Our whole life was planned out, and we began that first step by buying our own home. 'I was one of the very fortunate ones who met 'their person' at a very young age, and I will be forever grateful to experience that, even for just one minute. 'I know there are a lot of people here in Warrington who feel just as privileged to even know Luce in the capacity they did. 'The cheeky smile, the laugh from the heart, the stress head, and most importantly, the love. 'Luce taught me to be myself and not to care about what others think, hence why I am writing today. 'It has brought me some ease over the past few months from sharing stories of Lucy with Jane, my family, her friends, and former colleagues. 'Just seeing the amount of love on display at Lucy's funeral in St Elphins' Parish Church shows how much she meant to people, and the impact she had. Lucy (pictured) tested negative for alcohol and drugs and was pronounced dead at the Baylor Scott and White Medical Centre in Texas on January 10 'For six months, Luce's voice has been suppressed and kept out of the view of the public. 'I would like to echo what Jane has said - when the time is right, I would welcome learning more from those who are working to prevent gun deaths in the US. 'There is so much about Luce that I miss; it is hard to even begin to put it down into words. 'Like Jane, I miss the smiles, the belly laughs, and how passionate and driven she was when she talked about her work. 'I also miss how excited she would get for our travels, and how she would plan every detail down to the minute. 'I miss how she would cry at films that really did not warrant a tear. I miss hearing her keys rattle in the door, knowing she was home from work. 'I would like to thank my friends, family, and work for helping me through the past couple of months. 'I would also like to give thanks to Chaplain John and his family for keeping me safe and secure during the traumatic period in Dallas. 'Finally, I would like to thank Jane. Thank you for raising Lucy to be the amazing young woman she was.' The family have requested that, if desired, donations be made to Peace and Mind UK - a charity based in Lucy's hometown founded in memory of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey. Attorney General Pam Bondi was able to hold on to her job despite a sandstorm of public outcry from Donald Trump's base for her to be sacked over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was Bondi's biggest cheerleader amid the torrent of calls for Bondi's scalp - and she went to bat for the 'blonde Barbie' with 'nerves of steel' in a rare on the record interview. 'You know, she looks like Barbie. She's blonde and beautiful, and I think people will underestimate her because of how she looks,' Wiles told The New Yorker magazine. The White House Chief of Staff added: 'But she's got nerves of steel, and she has stood up to some withering situations with a fair amount of grace.' Known as Trump's 'Ice Maiden' working behind the scenes to instill cold hard discipline and fierce loyalty, Wiles admitted to magazine that Bondi's ties to the president run even deeper than hers. Asked about Bondi's relationship with Trump, Wiles said: 'I have a long one. Hers is longer.' Trump's own personal loyalty can be mercurial, but for now Wiles has been the bulwark against Bondi's dismissal, beating back public campaigns from right-wing personalities like Laura Loomer. As Florida girls, Wiles and Bondi's ties also span years. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (left) went to bat for Attorney General Pam Bondi and admitted her relationship with President Donald Trump runs 'longer' than her own storied history Bondi has face the wrath of Trump supporters who wanted to see her fired for the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files review. But Wiles and Trump have stood by her through the last two months Both worked as lobbyists at Ballard Partners, a Florida-based firm founded by Republican fundraiser Brian Ballard, who also personally contributed to Trump's campaigns. Wiles worked for Ballard from 2011 to 2019. Bondi joined the firm in 2019 following her tenure as Florida's Attorney General. It appears that several Trump allies including his own daughter Ivanka were pushing for Bondi to get a role in his first administration. Even Ballard said at the time: 'I would imagine her opportunities are unlimited. There's nobody closer to Trump in Florida than Pam Bondi.' But a Trump ally told the New Yorker that back then, when Bondi's name would come up, the president would 'roll his eyes and shake his head.' 'I always took it as he didn't take her seriouslyhe didn't think she was a person of substance,' they claimed. Fast forward to 2024 after former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination to head-up Trump's Justice Department in his second term, Bondi emerged as the clear replacement. Those involved in the selection claim that Trump did not consider anyone else. Bondi became one of the most controversial Cabinet officials, however, once the DOJ and FBI released a memo concluding it found nothing new in its review of the Epstein files. This sent MAGA world ablaze with claims a cover-up was afoot and that Bondi was not being as 'transparent' as Trump promised she would be. Florida girls Bondi and Wiles are not only connected through the Trump administration. They also both worked for the lobbying firm Ballard Partners, which is owned by Trump donor and Republican fundraiser Brian Ballard Loomer led the calls for her to be fired and multiple reports emerged claiming Bondi lost her secure footing with Trump. 'I had some conversations with some White House officials,' Loomer told the New Yorker. 'And they told me that the President wasn't going to fire her but that they were going to have a conversation with her to curb back her Fox News appearances.' Bondi continues to appear on Fox and appears to continue to hold the support of the president - for now. A Florida man who pulled a shark from the ocean received a nasty reward as the huge fish viciously attacked him while he posed for photos. A viral video showed the heart-stopping moment a lemon shark, caught by a group of men, whipped its head around to take a bite out of its captor's leg. Shawn Meuse and his friends captured the beast on his birthday fishing trip on Cayo Costa on Saturday. The group of men pulled it onto the beach, illuminated by their head torches, before posing for pictures. 'Good job buddy,' a friend could be heard saying, just seconds before disaster struck. As he held the shark's head up from the sand, and a friend picked up the beast's tail, it spun around to sink its teeth into Meuse's leg. He screamed in pain as other members of the group started panicking. 'Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god,' one exclaimed. Shawn Meuse and his friends captured the beast on his birthday fishing trip on Cayo Costa, Florida, on Saturday As he held the shark's head up from the sand, and a friend picked up the beast's tail, it spun around to sink its teeth into Meuse's leg The shark thrashed around in the incoming waves as the camera panned to Meuse, who was sat on the sand with his injured leg covered in blood. 'You don't know what a wild animal is going to do, you know? So that happens, we're in his territory during this,' Meuse told ABC News. Emergency crews responded to the incident just before 11pm, the Boca Grande fire chief told the outlet. Meuse was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Gulf Coast Medical. Users on social media slammed Meuse for catching the predator. 'Play stupid games... win stupid prizes,' one user commented. 'Should've put him back in water instead of trying to pose for a selfie... just saying,' another wrote. 'He's trying to take a pic like it's an alligator.' 'I mean... it's a shark... they bite. I'm just glad he found this out without losing his whole leg,' one said. One user said: 'Maybe leave the shark alone next time. Human had it coming.' The shark thrashed around in the incoming waves. Emergency crews responded to the scene and Meuse was airlifted to Gulf Coast Medical Center Meuse, however, said he was lucky to have escaped the incident without too much injury and was scheduled for surgery on his leg on Tuesday Meuse admitted to ABC News that, while he was not the one to have caught the shark, he hadn't got a permit. But he claimed he 'wasn't fishing, I just took it off the hook.' Lemon sharks are a protected species in Florida, and only a handful of incidents resulting in non-fatal bites have been reported, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Naturalist Rob Howell told the outlet: 'That shark wanted to get back to the water as quickly as possible. It was in pain and scared, and not a lot of people give these animals the respect they deserve, and I didn't see any respect in that video.' Meuse, however, said he was lucky to have escaped the incident without too much injury and was scheduled for surgery on his leg on Tuesday. 'I'm unlucky or lucky at the same time? Because, you know, if it was a few inches one way, you know, I might not be here,' he continued. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident. German prosecutors have requested an ankle bracelet for prime Madeleine McCann suspect and convicted rapist Christian Brueckner as they brace for his possible release in just a matter of weeks. Brueckner, the key suspect in the 2007 disappearance of the 3-year-old Brit, is serving a seven-year sentence in Oldenburg Prison for multiple charges including the rape of a 72-year-old US women in Portugal. But the 48-year-old German national, who was set to be kept behind bars until the end of January 2026, could now be released as early as September 17. He owed 1,446 (1,246) for a fine from a previous set of convictions, including a 2016 charge for drunkenness in traffic and forgery of documents, and in 2017 for assault. The unpaid fine added 111 days to his sentence and would have kept him behind bars until next year. But an anonymous former female cop with Germany's FBI is reported to have settled the outstanding fines, paving his way for an early release. German prosecutors have been desperate to keep the convicted rapist locked up as they fear he will immediately flee the country, preventing them from further investigating him over Madeleine's disappearance from Praia da Luz, Lagos, Portgual. They are now scrambling to keep an eye on him as his freedom date nears. German prosecutors have requested an ankle bracelet for prime Madeleine McCann suspect and convicted rapist Christian Brueckner Investigators suspect Brueckner played a part in young Madeleine, pictured, vanishing from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007 The convicted rapist was set to remain locked up until at least January 2026 but could be released as soon as three weeks He will be forced to don an electronic ankle bracelet when he is released from custody, according to the Braunschweig public prosecutor's office, Der Spiegel reports. He will also need to register a permanent address once released and will be banned from leaving Germany without the permission of probation services. As part of his supervision, he will not be allowed to stay in 'certain locations' that 'could offer him the opportunity or incentive to commit further crimes,' according to a motion from the public prosecutor's office. The sex offender must also report to the probation service at certain times and must immediately report any changes of residence or place of work. The investigating authority has also filed a separate application for probationary supervision, which will be decided upon by the Hildesheim Criminal Enforcement Chamber on August 29. The Braunschweig investigative authorities also require that he is 'not to enter the circular prohibition zone around the victim's place of residence.' The authorities do not specify who this refers to and the American woman he raped in the Algarve in 2005 is no longer alive. Brueckner, who has been under investigation by German police in connection with Madeleine's disappearance since 2020, has always vehemently denied the allegations and any involvement in her disappearance. Brueckner, 48, has been under investigation by German police in connection with Madeleine's disappearance since 2020. He has vehemently denied the allegations Madeleine's whereabouts remain unknown while German prosecutors fear that the Brit is dead In June, two buried guns were discovered during an intensive three-day search operation near Brueckner's former ramshackle cottage home close to where Madeleine vanished Last October, he was also cleared of a series of unrelated sex attacks that took place in the Algarve between 2000 and 2017. Brueckner's lawyer Philipp Marquort previously told the Daily Mail that he believed the sexual offender 'will leave Germany' when released, but that he would likely remain in jail until early 2026. In June, two buried guns were discovered during an intensive three-day search operation near Brueckner's former ramshackle cottage home close to where Madeleine vanished. German authorities had launched fresh searches through Atalaia - a stretch of scrubland littered with rubbish and graffiti-covered buildings linked by a network of dusty tracks known in Portuguese as the Fisherman's Trail. Connecting Praia da Luz with the nearby town of Lagos, the track is a popular hiking route for tourists, but for four days in June it was cordoned off for members of the BKA - Germany's equivalent of the FBI - to conduct searches. The search marked the first in Portugal for more than two years, following a near-week-long operation involving Portugese, German and police officers at a remote dam a 40-minute drive from Praia da Luz. Meanwhile, in a newly unearthed letter seen in June, Brueckner boasted that police don't have evidence to pin allegations against him in relation to the toddler's case, gloating how the dropping of the probe 'will hit the world like a bomb'. In the spine-chilling correspondence from prison in his native Germany, where he is currently behind bars for rape, he wrote: 'Is there a body? No, no no.' The mother of a French online star who was allegedly subjected to 'ten days of torture' before dying in front of viewers on a live stream has spoken out - as her son's death sparks outrage across the world. Raphael Graven, better known online as Jean Pormanove, was a prominent figure in France's streaming world with over a million followers across social media. He was subjected to gruesome online challenges involving humiliation, violence, and dangerous stunts before his death. Previous streams reportedly saw Graven slapped, strangled, force-fed, doused in unpleasant liquids and targeted with a paintball gun. The popular Kick creator, 46, was found dead overnight on Monday, in bed at his home in Contes, near Nice. Kick is a streaming platform similar to Twitch where people broadcast live video to an audience who can comment and donate money in real time. Graven is said to have suffered from a serious heart condition and had been broadcasting for more than 298 hours before his death, The Telegraph reports. Speaking to RTL, the streamer's mother described him as a boy 'with a big heart' and said he gained a second family living in Nice. 'He had brothers in Metz, but he found brothers in Nice, he was a family, he was invited everywhere,' she told the media company. And his sister now believes he died due to exhaustion as she says his death is 'intolerable'. Raphael Graven, better known online as Jean Pormanove, was a major figure in France 's streaming world with more than a million followers across social media The popular Kick creator, 46, was found dead overnight on Monday, in bed at his home in Contes, near Nice It has been reported that a few days before his death, Graven sent a heartbreaking final message to his mother to say he felt as if he was 'being held hostage' and admitted he was 'fed up' with the controversial streams that had become his trademark American internet personality and online streamer Adin Ross, who boasts 6.7million followers on Instagram, announced on X on Tuesday that he and Drake will be paying for the funeral 'I was very, very proud of what my brother became,' she said. 'I didn't watch everything, but I think he shouldn't have died like that, that he died of exhaustion. What he went through is unacceptable.' Graven is believed to have passed away in his sleep during a live broadcast, following what friends have described as relentless 'humiliation streams'. Canadian rapper Drake is reportedly planning to cover his funeral costs along with internet personality and online streamer Adin Ross, who boasts 6.7million followers on Instagram. Prosecutors in Nice confirmed they had opened an investigation into Graven's death and are conducting a post-mortem examination on Thursday. Internet users said the livestream, which was widely shared afterwards, showed Graven lying motionless under a bed cover. A fundraising counter shown on the video suggested the group had collected more than 31,000. One of two men in the room with him, Owen Cenazandotti and Safine Hamadi, known by pseudonyms Naruto and Safine, threw a plastic water bottle in his direction. Naruto and Safine had already been questioned by police in a separate inquiry in January over claims they were mistreating vulnerable people in online events to generate payments from viewers. Graven was interviewed as a potential victim at the time but denied having suffered any violence, prosecutor Damien Martinelli said. Instead, Graven and another potential victim told police the events 'were staged and aimed at creating a buzz and earning money', he said. Graven said he made 'sums of 6,000 euros' generated by his company thanks to contracts with streaming platforms. 'Both said they were never injured, were free to come and go, and to make their own decisions,' the prosecutor said. They also declined a medical and psychiatric examination. Australian platform Kick said Wednesday all co-streamers involved in the event had been banned from the platform pending the outcome of the investigation. Owen Cenazandotti, known by pseudonym Naruto (pictured left with Raphael Graven), and Safine Hamadi, known by pseudonym Safine (pictured right) were also in the room during the livestream It said it was also running a 'complete re-evaluation' of its French content. The platform is seen as having less stringent user terms than those of its rival, the better-known Twitch streaming service. French prosecutors confirmed an investigation has been launched in the streamer's tragic death, with an autopsy ordered Police had been questioning witnesses and seizing evidence, including videos, prosecutor Damien Martinelli said in a statement. 'Several interviews with people present at the time of his death have been conducted without yielding leads as to its causes,' Martinelli said, adding that the autopsy would be carried out on Thursday. 'The death of Jean Pormanove and the violence he suffered are an absolute horror,' said Clara Chappaz, French junior minister for digital matters. Officials insisted that 'nothing suspicious' had yet been identified, but shocking claims from local media allege Graven endured sleep deprivation, extreme violence, and ingestion of toxic substances before the tragedy. Drake (pictured in 2022) is reportedly covering the funeral costs of French online star Raphael Graven with online streamer Adin Ross Drake joined Adin Ross, who is renowned for his collaborations with celebrities, on his YouTube livestream August 10 It has been reported that a few days before his death, Graven sent a heartbreaking final message to his mother to say he felt as if he was 'being held hostage' and admitted he was 'fed up' with the controversial streams that had become his trademark. Adin announced on X on Tuesday that he and Drake will be paying for the funeral. He wrote on X: 'This is horrible and disgusting. Whoever was apart of this deserves to face severe consequences. 'I just spoke with drake. Drake and I will be covering the funeral costs, this won't bring his life back, it's the least we can do. Prayers go out to Jean's family'. Drake joined Adin, who is renowned for his collaborations with celebrities, on his YouTube livestream August 10. Naruto, announced Graven's death on Instagram, paying tribute to his 'brother, sidekick, partner'. He pleaded with fans not to share clips of the disturbing live stream, where Graven appeared unconscious before being found dead in bed. France's Minister for Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence, Clara Chappaz, condemned the ordeal as an 'absolute horror' and said platforms must do more to protect vulnerable creators. Sarah El Hairy, the High Commissioner for Children, described the tragedy as 'horrifying', warning parents to remain vigilant about the violent content children can access online. Kick, the streaming platform where Jeanpormanove built his following, said it was 'deeply saddened' by his death and promised to urgently review the circumstances. 'We are urgently reviewing the circumstances and collaborating with relevant stakeholders. Kick's community guidelines are designed to protect creators, and we are committed to enforcing them across our platform,' a spokesperson told AFP. The case has shone a harsh spotlight on the murky world of 'humiliation streams' in France, where creators allegedly endure extreme abuse for views and donations. Le Monde described the dark side of human nature as 'reminiscent of some of the most chilling episodes from the British dystopian tech series Black Mirror.' A pro-Palestine protester was caught in a furious meltdown after a police officer accused her of 'cultural appropriation'. The moment was caught on video at Union Station in Washington DC amid protests reacting to a visit by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. After being asked if her scarf was 'cultural appropriation', the protester reacted in shock and argued that she was 'trying to stop a genocide'. 'In what way? How is that [the scarf] appropriating Palestinian culture?' she fired back. The cop asked her to repeat the question and then laughed, responding, 'You tell me.' 'You're the one who said it! You're the one who said I was appropriating Palestinian culture by wearing a keffiyeh scarf'. The officer then pressed her on whether she was Palestinian, and she clarified that she wasn't, but supported the country's fight for liberation. She argued that the scarf wasn't appropriation, but 'appreciation' for the Palestinian culture. Cultural appropriation occurs when people of a majority group adopt traditions or elements of a minority group that can be exploitative or offensive. A police officer confronted a protester for wearing a keffiyeh scarf, asking her if it was cultural appropriation The question resulted in a tense conversation with the protester raising her voice at the officer in defense of her scarf The protester added that she received the scarf from a Palestinian friend and was wearing it to show 'solidarity' against the genocide. She began filming the interaction with the officer on her phone while another protester with a sign interjected into the conversation. The second protester came to the woman's defense and agreed that the keffiyeh scarf is a sign of solidarity with the Palestinian people. A keffiyeh scarf is a traditional Arab headdress. The scarf's significance has changed over time. It was traditionally worn to identify nomadic men in historic Palestine, Wafa Ghnaim, a Palestinian dress expert and a senior research fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, previously told NPR. The scarf was worn as a political statement for the first time in 1936 during the Arab Revolt in Palestine for independence from British rule. The keffiyeh has become popularized in recent years as a statement of solidarity or a symbol of freedom. The meltdown attracted another protester, who came to the woman's defense and agreed that the scarf was a sign of solidarity The tense interaction occurred at Union Station, where protesters against Trump's deployment of the National Guard gathered with messages to 'Free DC' White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller (left), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (center), and Vice President J.D. Vance (right) took an unscheduled trip to Union Station on Wednesday to meet with National Guard troops The tense interaction between the pro-Palestinian protester and the police officer has gone viral online amid demonstrations in Washington DC. Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller were met with protesters at Union Station on Wednesday during a lunch with National Guard members. The three planned on serving members hamburgers at the station's Shake Shack, but were interrupted by demonstrators protesting against President Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard to DC. There were also protesters in the crowd demonstrating for Palestine. The trio dismissed the protesters, with Miller calling them: 'Stupid white hippies that all need to go home and take a nap because they're all over 90 years old.' A federal judge threw out a defamation case a South Carolina man brought against Congresswoman Nancy Mace for calling him a predator. In February, the flamboyant 47-year-old congresswoman accused several men of being 'predators' during an astonishing speech on the House floor in Congress, where she's shielded from legal action by the Constitution's 'speech and debate' clause. She accused Eric Bowman, her ex-fiance Patrick Bryant, and two of his associates, John Osborne and Brian Musgrave, of 'rape, illegal filming of women, photographing of women, and sex trafficking.' Bryant and the other men have all strongly denied and pushed back on the allegations. Musgrave, despite losing his case, also vehemently denies wrongdoing. 'The court proved the US Constitution is the law of the land,' Mace posted in a statement lauding the ruling. 'They came after me because I stood up for victims and demanded crime be prosecuted.' 'Todays court decision proves their lies and attacks wont break me. Ive put my career on the line to fight crime and drafted legislation to strengthen our laws. And Ill never stop fighting for law and order.' But the judge's ruling did not address whether Musgrave was defamed; instead, he noted how members of Congress are shielded from libel cases. 'Congress has weighed the risks and benefits . and concluded that libel and related claims against federal officials acting within the scope of their employment are barred under federal law,' U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel wrote. A defamation case brought against Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., was thrown out on Wednesday In February, Mace accused four men of being 'predators,' all of them have denied this, and one of the accused, Brian Musgrave, took legal action against the congresswoman Musgrave (R) had his case thrown out after a judge ruled that Mace's speech on the House floor was protected from libel claims 'It is this Courts duty to uphold the rule of law,' the Obama-appointed judge added. Musgrave's attorney, Eric Bland, vowed to 'keep fighting' for his client despite the ruling. 'It seems patently unfair that a United States citizen who lives a law-abiding life can be grouped and called a rapist and a predator without any proof, and it can be done over and over again with immunity (and impunity),' Bland said in a statement to The Hill. The ruling enables politicians to 'say and do anything they want,' he added. Mace, during her floor speech, accused Musgrave of having hidden cameras at his house that took intimate photos of women without their knowledge, claims that the man denied. A large poster showing headshots of the four men she accused was prominently featured behind the congresswoman as she delivered her address. It also included information on where they lived and the phrase 'Predators. Stay away from.' Mace is running for governor of South Carolina and during her speech, she also attacked the state's Attorney General Alan Wilson, who has also launched a gubernatorial bid. Mace said during the speech that she believes Musgrave inappropriately filmed women without their consent Mace with her ex-fiance Patrick Bryant, who popped the question in May 2022 before things broke off Wife beater Eric Bowman was arrested early this morning by Sullivan's Island PD for criminal domestic violence in the first degree. May he be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Praying for the victim and her family, praying for her continued safety, and may this pic.twitter.com/TSK2TMHn75 Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) August 20, 2025 Bowman, one of the men accused by Mace, was charged with domestic violence on Wednesday in a case unrelated to the speech. The 45-year-old South Carolina software developer was arrested by the Sullivan's Island police on a felony charge over a 2016 video where a man is heard hitting a woman, according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette. Mace attended the arrest in person and later posted it on social media. 'Wife beater Eric Bowman was arrested early this morning by Sullivan's Island PD for criminal domestic violence in the first degree...May he be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,' she wrote. Bowman's attorney, Bland, did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. An Ohio supermarket is facing calls for a boycott after it called the police on a disabled teen deli worker for taking food during his shifts. Meijer, a midwestern chain of grocery stores, came under fire this week after bodycam footage showed James Denison, 19, being confronted by Seven Hills police on March 7, 2024. A visibly nervous Denison was seen sitting at his unidentified manager's office as his boss smiled while he told an officer about the teen's alleged crimes. 'We have James here... He works in our deli department and we found out that he's just been taking some, like, orders of chicken and fruit cups and stuff like that,' the manager told police. The manager explained that Denison had taken items worth a total of $110 over a three-month period. Denison was compliant as he was searched and handcuffed and led out of the office. As Denison was taken into the officer's car, he explained that he began taking food during his break when he forgot his wallet at home. Denison said he meant to pay the store at a later time, but that his managers threatened to write him up when he took too long paying for the items during his break. Ohio grocery store Meijer sparked massive backlash after a video of deli worker James Denison, 19, getting arrested for stealing food went viral Denison was accused of stealing $110 worth of food during his lunch breaks at the store The officer told Denison that it was a minor theft and that he should not incriminate himself. He later said: 'We do things a little differently than a lot of departments. We kind of help people out.' Denison was booked for minor theft and released with no bond, according to the New York Post. Footage of the arrest has gone viral several times since it happened, and sparked massive outrage online, with many asking for the store to be boycotted. Meijer issued a statement on Wednesday night claiming they have changed their policies after the incident but did not specify how. 'We know there has been a lot of recent conversation about last year's incident involving a former team member at our Seven Hills, Ohio, store. We take this very seriously and recognize that the situation should have been handled differently,' the company said in a statement. 'Earlier this year, we implemented a new procedure to make sure this doesn't happen again. We've learned a great deal from this experience. We hold ourselves to a higher standard and are committed to making sure our actions reflect how we want to treat each other.' Meijer's latest statement showed a change of tone from a prior one given to Inc. in April, where the store said: 'An investigation showed that the former team member in question had knowingly committed multiple thefts over multiple months, totaling hundreds of dollars, which is why local law enforcement was involved.' The Meijer former employee was booked into jail in march, 2024, and released on no bail Meijer said in a statement this week that 'the situation should have been handled differently' After the bodycam footage went viral this week, a GoFundMe page was created by a nurse named Kerry Campbell to help cover Denison's legal feels. The GoFundMe, which has now been deleted, identified Denison and said he had a learning disability. It raised $28,000 before it vanished for unknown reasons. It's unclear if Campbell had any connection with Denison. Daily Mail reached out to GoFundMe for more information. Daily Mail also reached out to Meijer for comment on this story. The Seven Hills Police Department was not immediately available for comment. Commuters are preparing for travel chaos as tube workers are set to strike for seven days next month. London Underground workers are to stage a series of strikes next month in a dispute over pay and conditions, the RMT union announced. The workers will begin the week-long walkout on Friday, September 5. The union said that rail bosses 'refused to engage seriously' with their demands on pay as well as concerns about fatigue management and 'extreme shift patterns'. Underground workers were also demanding a reduction in the working week and to honour previous agreements made with staff. An RMT spokesperson said: 'Management's dismissive approach has fuelled widespread anger and distrust among the workforce, who voted in overwhelming numbers to take strike action.' In a separate dispute over pay and conditions, workers on the Docklands Light Railway will also be striking during this period. The union said the action would bring 'significant disruption to the capital's transport network'. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: 'Our members are doing a fantastic job to keep our capital moving and work strenuous shift patterns to make sure Londoners get to their destinations around the clock. London Underground workers are to stage a series of strikes next month in a dispute over pay and conditions RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said workers were not after the 'King's ransom' 'They are not after a King's ransom, but fatigue and extreme shift rotations are serious issues impacting on our members health and wellbeing- all of which have not been adequately addressed for years by LU management. 'Coupled with the fact there are outstanding issues around staff travel arrangements, an atmosphere of distrust has been created, where our members feel like no one is listening to them. 'RMT will continue to engage LU management with a view to seeking a revised offer in order to reach a negotiated settlement.' A Transport for London spokesperson said: 'We regularly meet with our trade unions to discuss any concerns that they may have, and we recently met with the RMT to discuss some specific points. 'We are committed to ensuring our colleagues are treated fairly and, as well as offering a 3.4% pay increase in our ongoing pay discussions, we have made progress on a number of commitments we have made previously. 'We welcome further engagement with our unions about fatigue and rostering across London Underground, but a reduction in the contractual 35-hour working week is neither practical nor affordable. 'Given the improvements we have recently put in place in response to concerns raised by our unions, we urge the RMT to put our fair, affordable pay offer to their members and to continue to engage with us rather than threaten strike action, which will only disrupt Londoners.' The strikes will involve different parts of the rail network striking at different times. The strikes are likely to cause chaos for commuters across the Underground in September On Friday September 5 and Saturday 6, managers at Ruislip depot are set to strike over pay, in a separate walkout to the main dispute. The Central Line is likely to be affected. On Sunday 7, track access controllers, power control and Emergency Response Unit (ERU) workers will refuse to work. This is likely to cause long delays in the case of any incidents and could affect all Tube lines. On Monday 8 and Wednesday 10, the majority of engineers and station workers will walk out, which will likely lead to stations closing from lack of staff and fewer trains available on the network. While on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11, signallers, service control and ERU members will strike. This is likely to cancel most of the services as trains are not able to safely run without signalling staff. Muniya Barua, Deputy Chief Executive at BusinessLDN, said: 'It's extremely concerning to hear that the capital is set to be disrupted by strikes yet again, just as schools reopen and Londoners head back to work after the summer break. 'This industrial action will hit already sluggish economic growth, particularly in sectors like hospitality and retail that are struggling due to hikes in employment costs. We urge all sides to work together to avoid a damaging scenario where the city grinds to a halt.' HAIKOU, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- For Wang Xia, some of her earliest memories are connected with the red-flowered black mangrove, a rare and fragile tree her father has spent his life cultivating. Notably, even after his retirement, her dad continues this work. "The latest is the fourth generation, which shows major improvements in disease resistance compared with earlier versions," said Wang, 30, who now also works at the Dongzhai Port National Nature Reserve Authority in south China's Hainan Province. Nicknamed the "giant panda" of the mangrove forest, the red-flowered black mangrove is a first-class nationally protected plant. It is vital for ecological restoration in coastal areas -- but extremely selective about its growing environment. A lack of protection led the wild population of this tree to the brink of extinction in China about ten years ago. Thanks to the efforts of researchers across the whole island, like Wang's father, Wang Shijun -- more than 16,000 of these trees have been cultivated in Hainan in recent years, with over 4,000 successfully transplanted into natural habitats, according to latest statistics. At Dongzhai Port Reserve, one of the first sites in China to cultivate the species, 720 second-generation saplings have been transplanted into the wild, while nearly 2,000 third-generation saplings are undergoing acclimatization, and more than 80 fourth-generation saplings are thriving, Wang said. Beyond breeding this rare mangrove, staff at Dongzhai Port Reserve have adopted innovative, site-specific methods in their restoration work. In areas heavily eroded by waves, where mangroves struggle to survive, workers use discarded oyster shells to build protective barriers against waves. After dredging and raising the land, they plant mangrove seedlings -- and this approach has protected more than 15,000 meters of shoreline. "This initiative is a first for the reserve and offers valuable experience for mangrove restoration nationwide," Wang said. The reserve's mangrove area has steadily expanded. In its latest ecological restoration project initiated in early 2023, an additional 1,600 mu (about 107 hectares) have been added to date, local authorities said. As mangrove areas can provide habitats for water birds and other creatures, wildlife is returning as well. The number of recorded bird species has risen from 180 to 230 and the black-faced spoonbill, a first-class nationally protected bird, has reappeared after an eight-year absence, Wang noted. Mangroves not only improve the coastal ecological environment and serve as habitats for rare species, but also provide livelihoods for local people. As ecological conditions improve, nearby villagers are embracing conservation and eco-tourism. Many now work at the reserve as boat drivers, ticket sellers and cleaners, increasing their monthly incomes. Others have launched agritourism businesses on their own properties. Mangrove restoration can also contribute to China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. In May 2022, a mangrove area jointly restored by the Dongzhai Port Reserve, generated Hainan's first blue carbon trade -- amounting to over 3,000 tonnes of carbon credits worth more than 300,000 yuan (about 41,760 U.S. dollars). Proceeds have been used to fund mangrove management and local community projects. The project is expected to generate more than 90,000 tonnes of carbon credits over the next 40 years. For staff at Dongzhai Port Reserve, daily patrols remain essential. Li Shichuan, who also conducts some research work, said they have cooperated with local research institutions to monitor seedling survival, track waterbird populations and record biodiversity during routine patrols. The goal, Li said, is to eventually give each mangrove area a "digital record" that documents micro-topography, plant and animal activity, and other ecological indicators, which would guide long-term protection strategies. Li, who has worked at the reserve since the 1990s, said he has also witnessed the change of local people's attitudes. Years ago, a villager asked what to do about mangroves sprouting on his salt-affected farmland. In the past, Li said, the trees might have been cut. Now, however, villagers know that these plants are protected. "This change is what I find most rewarding after all these years of work," he added. Enditem (Liu Chaoran, Yin Jiajun, Tian Mengyao, Huang Qianya, Wang Kexuan and Lai Lishan also contributed to the story.) A meteorite that burned so brightly it appeared on CCTV footage across Victoria is being hunted, as experts suggest its value is priceless. Residents from Bendigo to Ballarat and Melbourne's outer west flooded social media after a large fireball was spotted in the sky just before 8pm on August 10. Experts from Monash University believe it was large enough to hit the ground intact and have now tracked the meteorite's collision point to a 1km by 3km area of farmland near Dunolly in central Victoria. 'From a distance, animal poo looks a lot like a meteorite, especially when it's fresh,' Monash University geochemist Dr Rachel Kirby told Yahoo News on Thursday. 'It's dark, and shiny, and round. Cow poos are a little bit easier to tell apart, but when it comes to horses, it's a challenge.' But the meteorite's value is 'priceless', with Dr Kirby suggesting it could be 4.5billion years old. 'It has the story of our solar system recorded in it... We're a very small planet in our solar system. Most of our solar system is a vacuum; there's a lot of space between planets,' she said. 'And then a small rock happened to have its path align with ours, and we met in space, and it landed on the Earth. That's just unlikely and really fortunate.' Scientists are hunting through farmland for a meteorite that fell in Victoria earlier in August Residents from Bendigo to Ballarat and Melbourne 's outer west spotted the fireball on CCTV The meteorite is understood to be 4.5billion years old and tells the 'story of the solar system' Researchers from the university have spent a week trying to find the meteorite by searching paddocks. The group organised line searches across four properties, spreading out to look for the rock. When the meteorite shot through the sky, many Victorians leapt on social media to share footage of the extraordinary moment. 'Seen from around Taylors Lakes heading up on the Calder! Thought it was a firework at first,' one person wrote. 'Saw it out of our window in that exact area. Thought it was a firework,' a resident echoed. A third user in Ballarat wrote: 'It was so bright, an orange glow then faded to nothing, looked like it was going so fast!' Experts have suggested the meteorite could weigh between 1 and 3kg no bigger than a grapefruit, according to Yahoo News. 'You can see it stop burning up in the sky, then it falls to the ground like it's been dropped from a tall building,' Dr Kirby said. 'The atmosphere really slows it down, so it might be in a small hole, or sitting closer to the surface.' Dr Kirby is a member of Desert Fireball Network, which looks to uncover the mysteries surrounding the formation of the solar system by studying meteorites. If researchers find the meteorite, scientists plan to scan the rock before breaking it open and sampling the inside. Labour raked in a record 100 billion of taxes last month but fears are growing that Rachel Reeves is coming for more with the public finances in 'chronically weak condition'. The haul - the highest ever for July - was boosted by Rachel Reeves' employer national insurance raid. However, that policy is also blamed for making it harder for firms to hire and pushing up unemployment. Ms Reeves' tax hike saw national insurance bring in an extra 2.6 billion last month compared to last year and 9.5 billion extra for the financial year to date. It helped the government bring July's borrowing the gap between tax revenues and spending to a lower than expected 1.1 billion. That is down from 3.4 billion in July last year. However, total borrowing for the financial year so far, from April to July, is running at 60 billion, 6.7bn ahead of 2024. Even as the tax take surges, spending is ballooning thanks to pay rises for civil servants and Britain's soaring benefit bill. Meanwhile, Britain's debt pile stands at a staggering 2.89 trillion, or 96 per cent of the size of the economy. And the cost of servicing that debt so far this year is 41 billion. Economists think the Chancellor will need to put up taxes even further at this autumn's Budget as she looks to close a gap of 50 billion to meet fiscal rules that commit her to bring down borrowing and debt. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves Public sector net borrowing in the year to July That is fuelling speculation that she could stage raids on property tax, pension lump sums or inheritance tax, or carry out a 'stealth' hike by freezing income tax thresholds. Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith said: 'With the amounts being squeezed out of taxpayers at record highs yet the Chancellor still craving more, either she quits her addiction to higher public spending or someone needs to send her to rehab'. Experts said the public finances remain fragile after U-turns on welfare reforms and winter fuel payments wrecked the Chancellor's plans and as traders in UK bonds, known as gilts, lose faith in Labour pushing up the cost of borrowing to levels not seen since the 1990s. Meanwhile, economic growth is slowing and doubts are growing about whether Britain's dismal productivity growth the ability to work more effectively and get more done per hour can be restored to the levels needed to sustain a recovery. That looks increasingly likely to spell further painful tax rises in October's budget. Elliott Jordan-Doak, senior UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said: 'The big picture remains that the public finances are in chronically weak condition. 'The Chancellor faces surging gilt yields and a likely productivity downgrade from the OBR [Office for Budget Responsibility] in the October forecast round. 'The litany of policy U-turns has only compounded the Government's fiscal woes'. Alex Kerr, UK economist at Capital Economics, said: 'Today's release does little to brighten the gloomy outlook ahead of the Budget later this year'. Rachel Reeves is feared to be plotting a new tax raid on the middle classes Mr Kerr estimates the Chancellor may have to raise as much as 27 billion. 'Given that she is struggling to stick to existing spending plans and we doubt the gilt market will tolerate big increases in borrowing, most of that will have to be funded by tax rises'. Matt Swannell, chief economic advisor to the EY ITEM Club, said: 'The rising cost of government debt, changes to welfare reform and the possibility of a less optimistic growth forecast will very likely see tax rises introduced at the Autumn Budget if fiscal rules are to be met'. Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: 'Far too much taxpayer money is spent on interest payments for the longstanding national debt. 'That's why we're driving down government borrowing over the course of the parliament so working people don't have to foot the bill and we can invest in better schools, hospitals, and services for working families'. A woman has hurled anti-Semitic slurs at her Jewish neighbor in a rant taunting him over the death of his daughter while serving in the Israeli border police force. Anna Bouzyk was caught on camera shouting derogatory abuse at David Lubin, whose American daughter was killed by a 'teenage terrorist' in November 2023. Sgt. Elisheva Rose Ida Lubin, 20, was stabbed to death by a 16-year-old as she patrolled Jerusalem's Old City with two other officers, the Israeli Army said. The soldier grew up in Georgia with her family, who currently reside in the north Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody. She immigrated to Israel in August 2021 and began her mandated army duty in March 2022. David was posting stickers about his daughter's death around the neighborhood when Anna reportedly launched her verbal attack. Anna, who allegedly displays pro-Palestine signs and flags on her property, called David a 'k**e', 'corrupt Israeli' and said his 'daughter deserved to die', WANF reports. She allegedly admitted to calling David the slur and accused him of calling her a 'Jew hater' and further 'provoking' the situation. Anna's husband Mark Bouzyk, co-founder of bought-out genetics firm AKESOgen, stood by her side as she argued with David. Sgt. Elisheva Rose Ida Lubin, 20, (left) was stabbed to death by a 16-year-old in November 2023 as she patrolled Jerusalem's Old City with two other officers. Her father David Lubin (right) is still grieving her death Anna and Mark Bouzyk (right) were caught on camera last month shouting derogatory abuses at David Lubin. Anna (left) allegedly called David a 'k**e', 'corrupt Israeli' and said his 'daughter deserved to die' Tension between the two families began to heat up last year when the Bouzyks allegedly hung a sign on their home that featured a derogatory word about Jews. David told the news outlet the couple have the right to display any signs they want, but was upset when Anna tried to confront him last month about his stickers honoring Rose. He appears to have placed the stickers on public property. He alleges Anna started shouting abuse at him from across the street, even saying that Rose 'deserved' to be murdered. That's when he walked across the street and addressed Anna directly, as seen in the now viral video. 'You are calling yourself a k**e, you know what you are. You know what you are better than me,' Anna is heard telling David. 'You are a corrupt politician with a daughter in the IDF that went there to kill, and has killed maybe in friendly fire because the Israeli soldiers kill each other all the time, and you know very well.' She and Mark then went on to claim that Rose's death was justified because 'she was fighting' for the Israeli army. David hurled back: 'Do you realize when you say that how disgusting you are? You are disgusting. You are disgusting. You are the most disgusting person I've ever met. "Because you're a Jew, you don't understand?" You are so confused.' Rose (pictured) grew up in Georgia with her family, who currently reside in the north Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody. She immigrated to Israel in August 2021 and began her mandated army duty in March 2022 Tension between the two families began to heat up last year when the Bouzyks began displaying pro-Palestine signs in their yard (pictured). David alleges one sign (not pictured) featured a derogatory word about Jews David told the news outlet the couple have the right to display any signs they want, but was upset when Anna tried to confront him last month about him putting stickers out to honor Rose. He appears to have placed the stickers (pictured) on public property The grieving father told WANF that he was 'not shocked' by Anna's behavior and said that he decided to film the incident so others could be aware of how she acted. 'In that moment, I felt like there was a level of me that needed to get this woman on tape so people could hear how much hate was in her and how much hate is in people that are out there,' he explained. Anna, who spoke to WANF on the phone, admitted that she called David a 'k**e' and said 'I don't regret what I said', noting she would 'say it a million times again'. She also alleged that she had intended to tell David he was vandalizing public property by placing his daughter's stickers around the community. She claims things got heated after he branded her a 'Jew hater', which she said 'made my blood boil'. 'He was provoking me. He was putting his phone in my face. He didn't have the right to do that, because I went to talk to him about vandalizing,' she said. 'He made me very angry. I called him the first word that came to my head, what's wrong with that?' Mark was terminated from his position as Chief Scientific Officer at AllaiHealth, an AI-driven patient medical history platform, on Monday in wake of the incident. 'We are deeply disturbed and disheartened by the video circulating involving Dr. Mark Bouzyk,' CEO Robert Boisjoli wrote in a statement, confirming Mark had been fired. Anna admitted that she called David a 'k**e' and said 'I don't regret what I said', noting she would 'say it a million times again'. She also alleged that David had provoked her 'The behavior displayed in that footage is reprehensible, completely inconsistent with our values, and has no place in our organization or society.' Boisjoli continued: 'We hold ourselves and all those who represent AllaiHealth to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. To our employees, partners, and the broader community - we remain committed to maintaining a culture of respect.' Mark, a co-founder of AllaiHealth, previously served Chief Scientific Officer at genetics firm Akesogen, which he also co-founded. The firm was acquired by AI-drive biotechnology company Tempus in 2019 for $1.5million, Securities and Exchange Commission filings show. He previously earned his PhD in human molecular genetics from University of Hertfordshire and studied biochemistry during undergrad at University College London. It is unclear when the couple moved to America. Little is known about Anna, although she appears to have run a hobby jewelry business in the Atlanta area. Her Spider Blue Designs Etsy page has not received a customer review since July 2010 and states: 'SpiderBlue is taking a short break.' David Lubin is running for Georgia state senate on a platform focused on combating gun violence, providing high-quality education, building resilient and sustainable infrastructure, and protecting women's health and reproductive rights David is a father of five. His eldest daughter Rose (pictured) died while serving in the Israeli border police force David is running for Georgia state senate. He grew up in Tennessee but moved to Atlanta after graduating from the University of Georgia in 1999. He is running for state senate on a platform focused on combating gun violence, providing high-quality education, building resilient and sustainable infrastructure, and protecting women's health and reproductive rights. David is a father of five, including Rose, and lives in Dunwoody with his second wife Stephanie, who is also the mother of his youngest child. He also runs a commercial construction company that primarily works on municipal community projects. It was two years ago that the Oscar-winning blockbuster 'Oppenheimer' sent the message that it was the Americans, or rather one American in particular, who was responsible for the atomic explosion that brought the Second World War to an explosive close. The man in question was native New Yorker Robert Oppenheimer, scientific director of the Manhattan Project's top-secret programme of nuclear bomb-making deep in the New Mexican desert. By August 1945 'Little Boy' and 'Fat Man' were ready to be loaded on to B-29 bombers, flown halfway across the world and dropped on two of Japan's major cities to devastating effect. Not so fast, writes Gareth Williams. In this myth-busting book, he reveals that, without the involvement of British physicists at an early stage, the all-American 'Manhattan Project' would never have got off the ground. And the consequences of that would have been catastrophic, leaving the USA and most of Europe at the mercy of German scientists who were rushing to develop their own weapons of mass destruction. In which case it could so easily have been London or Washington rather than Hiroshima and Nagasaki that were engulfed in a giant mushroom cloud. It was two years ago that the Oscar-winning blockbuster 'Oppenheimer ' sent the message that it was the Americans, or rather one American in particular, who was responsible for the atomic explosion that brought the Second World War to an explosive close. Above: Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer The world's first atomic bomb (above) was detonated in New Mexico in July 1945. In the second afterwards, Oppenheimer said: 'I am become death, destroyer of worlds' Williams is a retired university professor and, as he explains, a member of CND, who was first alerted to Britain's forgotten contribution when he encountered declassified papers that referred to a mysterious 'MAUD committee'. Digging further he discovered that MAUD had been set up in 1940 to investigate the feasibility of Britain producing an atomic bomb in the immediate future. The nudge had come from a memo written by two German-Jewish physicists who had escaped from Nazi Germany and were now working at the University of Birmingham. In their document, Otto Frisch and Rudolf Peierls hypothesized that by using an isotope called Uranium-235 they would be able to build a 5 kg bomb with the explosive power of thousands of tons of TNT. Ironically as 'enemy aliens' the pair were not allowed to sit on MAUD, which was staffed by British scientists, including several Nobel Laureates. Even so, it didn't take long for the committee to excitedly confirm their findings. Members of the British Mission to the Manhattan Project. From left to right: William G. Penney, Otto Frisch, Rudolf Peierls, and John Cockcroft Hiroshima on September 7, 1945. It had been hit by the world's first atomic bomb a month earlier From now on it was all systems go on a project that would henceforth be known by the deliberately dull name of 'The Tube Alloys Directorate'. Initially Prime Minister Winston Churchill was insistent that Britain should go it alone. At this stage the Americans were dragging their feet on the nuclear option, complacently believing that their stockpile of conventional weapons would be enough to defeat the Germans. This was despite Albert Einstein, the world's pre-eminent physicist, writing urgently to President Roosevelt as early as 1939 to warn that America needed to throw everything behind the atomic bomb if it were to have a hope of beating the Germans to the finish line. Just in time, the Americans came to their senses and started to play catchup. Simultaneously, British scientists were realising that, while they had the theoretical knowhow, they lacked the material resources to build a bomb: plutonium and uranium were astronomically expensive. The 'mushroom' cloud that rose into the air after the dropping of atomic bomb 'Little Boy' on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, on August 6, 1945 A post-war replica of the 'Little Boy' nuclear weapon that was dropped on Hiroshima Prime Minister Winston Churchill was initially insistent that Britain should go it alone in the atomic weapon project. But he then gave the green light to cooperate with the USA. Above: Churchill and President Franklin D Roosevelt Robert J Oppenheimer at the test ground for the atomic bomb near Almagordo, New Mexico Eventually, the two countries agreed to co-operate, and 84 British scientists made the dangerous journey across the Atlantic to turbo charge the Manhattan Project. The rest, as they say, is History. Gareth Williams understands every detail of the science, from 'heavy water' to 'cyclotron' by way of 'gaseous diffusion'. There's a helpful cheat sheet of terms in case you get stuck but, luckily, Williams writes with the clarity and pace of John Le Carre. So even the most scientific dullard will be able to follow along. Strip out the science and what you are left with is a thrilling human drama, told in pacey chapters like 'Whoddunit' and 'On the Run'. It's all underpinned by the terrifying sense of how different Britain's fate might have been if it hadn't been for what Williams stirringly describes as 'the most significant international collaboration of the 20th Century.' The Impossible Bomb: The Hidden History of British Scientists and the Race to Create an Atomic Weapon, by Gareth Williams, is published by Yale University Press. A fugitive Texas mother, believed to have fled to India after her disabled six-year-old son disappeared without a trace, has been arrested four years later. Cindy Rodriguez Singh, 40, was accused of murdering her son, who went missing in the fall of 2022 and has since been presumed dead. Rodriguez-Singh was charged with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and Capital Murder of a person under 10 years of age, FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Wednesday. Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, who faced mental and physical disabilities, was reported missing on March 20, 2023. Everman Police were asked to conduct a welfare check on the child in March 2023, during which Singh told police her son had been living with his father in Mexico since November. Yet, law enforcement discovered that it had been a lie and the boy's father had been deported before even meeting the child. On March 22, 2023, Rodriguez-Singh, her husband Arshdeep Singh, and six other children boarded an international flight to India. She is believed to have not returned to the United States since. 'Investigators confirmed that the missing child was not present and never boarded that flight,' the FBI wrote in a release. Cindy Rodriguez Singh (pictured), 40, who was accused of murdering her son, was arrested four years after fleeing to India Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez faced mental and physical disabilities and was reported missing on March 20, 2023 Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer said that 'Noel deserves justice' and 'his story deserves resolution,' Law & Crime reported. Spencer added that Noel was being used by his mother Cindy Rodriguez-Singh to receive government benefits. He was last seen 'unhealthy and malnourished' in October 2022 for the birth of twin siblings. His mother allegedly referred to the boy as 'evil' and 'possessed' or 'having a demon in him,' and feared he may hurt the newborn twins. Investigators said cadaver dogs 'alerted' to a discarded rug and topsoil underneath a recently poured porch at the home the family rented on Wisteria Drive during a search in April. The 'alert' indicated that human remains were once present at some time, police said, but no significant findings have been announced, and attempts to locate and recover the boy's body have not been successful. According to authorities, Noel was last seen by a medical professional in July 2022. He then missed several doctor appointments which prompted the government to send warning letters that the benefits Rodriguez-Singh received would end. Rodriguez-Singh then allegedly asked another mother to borrow her child to pose as Noel at the doctor and said he had COVID. FBI Director Kash Patel announced Rodriguez-Singh's arrest on Wednesday Everman Police were asked to conduct a welfare check on the child in March, 2023, when Rodriguez-Singh told police the boy was with his father in Mexico which was later discovered to be a lie According to authorities, Noel was last seen by a medical professional in July 2022. He then missed several doctor appointments which prompted the government to send warning letters that the benefits Rodriguez-Singh received would end Rodriguez-Singh also faced two charges of injury to a child and one charge of abandoning a child without the intent to return On March 22, 2023, Rodriguez-Singh, her husband Arshdeep Singh (pictured), and six other children boarded an international flight to India She was known by relatives to be abusive and neglectful to Noel, Spencer said. One relative saw her strike Noel for drinking water because she did not want him to wet his diaper. Other relatives said she withheld water and food often because she disliked changing him. 'The last thing I want is to have a six year old boy die at the hands of his mother,' Spencer said at the time. ' That's not what I want, but that's the facts that we're faced with here and that's what we're looking at.' The fugitive mother was charged for the boy's murder in October 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. A federal arrest warrant was issued in November for fleeing the country, according to Patel. She also faced two charges of injury to a child and one charge of abandoning a child without the intent to return. Rodriguez-Singh became a member of the FBI's 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list less than a month before her arrest. 'This is the 4th "10 Most Wanted" fugitive arrested in the last 7 months,' Patel wrote on X. 'That's a credit to tremendous field work, law enforcement partners, intelligence operatives, and an administration who is letting good cops do their jobs.' Passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight were left horrified when part of the plane's wing appeared to break off mid-air - dangling loose as the aircraft made its descent. The mid-flight scare has now prompted a federal investigation, raising fresh concerns about the safety of America's aging fleet and Boeing 737's ongoing troubles after a string of high-profile mechanical failures. From their windows, travelers going to Austin, Texas, could see a jagged flap hanging by its hinges at the back of the wing, with a bright red piece of metal visibly twisting in the slipstream as the plane soared over fields and suburbs below. Video shows the section flapping violently, as if it might snap off entirely. Passenger Shanila Arif, who filmed the incident, said she first thought the shaking was turbulence - until another traveler pointed out the damage. 'We felt it was bad turbulence. The plane was shaking,' she told CNN. 'The lady in front of us opened the window and told us it is broken. I opened the window and got scared.' Arif admitted she feared the broken section might shear off and strike the tail, sparking disaster. Passengers on a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 were left horrified when part of the plane's wing appeared to break off mid-air Pictured: The Boeing plane landing in Austin with the left wing flapped detached Flight 1893, traveling from Orlando International to Austin-Bergstrom International on Tuesday, August 19, landed safely at 2.24pm CT with 62 passengers and six crew members on board. The jet arrived at the gate ten minutes later at 2.34pm. Delta confirmed the damage, saying in a statement to Daily Mail: 'After DL 1893 landed safely and without incident in Austin, it was observed that a portion of the left wing's flap was not in place. 'The aircraft has been taken out of service for maintenance. 'We apologize to our customers for their experience as nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers.' According to the airline, the aircraft was a Boeing 737 operating its regularly scheduled service between Orlando and Austin when the flap section separated from the wing prior to landing. Flaps are crucial panels on the back of a wing that extend during takeoff and landing to give the aircraft extra lift. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is investigating the incident. Delta said it will fully cooperate with regulators as inspectors determine what caused the part to come loose mid-flight. Afghans who risked their lives for Britain reacted with fury and disbelief today after learning their personal data may have been compromised nearly 50 times in just four years by blundering defence officials. Branding the number of breaches of personal data entrusted to the Ministry of Defence as devastating, they demanded to know the details of the leaks, if the Taliban could have benefitted and whether foreign powers such as Russia or Iran could have been behind cyber attacks. Lawyers representing Afghans affected by breaches accused the Government of overseeing a 'dangerous shambles'. The MoD has admitted there have been 49 separate data breaches at the unit handling the relocation applications of Afghans, who worked beside the UK during 20 years of conflict, seeking sanctuary from Taliban revenge. All of the breaches have taken place since April 2021 when the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) was launched. Seven were deemed so serious that they have been referred to the Information Commissioner. Fahim, 39, a former frontline interpreter waiting to hear if he can come to the UK, said: I felt sick in my stomach when I heard. It is news in Afghanistan and the Taliban must be laughing. Speaking from hiding, he continued: Our personal details should be closely guarded, they represent our lives, our safety - we have been let down again. How can it have happened? I appeal to the British Government to tell us exactly what these breaches are, the details that could have been taken and whether any of our information could have reached the Taliban or someone who would sell it to them. We deserve to know. The MoD has admitted there have been 49 separate data breaches at the unit handling the relocation applications of Afghans seeking sanctuary from Taliban revenge He added: Each day the Taliban is killing and punishing those who worked against them a family was murdered only hours ago and while we are in Afghanistan, every leak could put us closer to capture. Defence officials have refused to provide any details of the nature or scale of each breach. Some are known to be human error, others cyber hacks. Four out of the 49 breaches were already publicly known - including the leak in 2022 of a dataset containing details of almost 19,000 people seeking to escape the Taliban through ARAP. Details of that breach first discovered by the Daily Mail in August 2023 were kept secret by an unprecedented government superinjunction which was only lifted last month. It was said to have put 100,000 Afghans at risk of death and led to thousands being brought to the UK without the knowledge of MPs or the public. Former frontline interpreter Rafi Hottak, who was blown up in Helmand and now campaigns for ex-colleagues, said the scale of breaches was both alarming and staggering. It is hard to believe that this could have been allowed to happen and we must be told how and why. How can we have any confidence that it wont happen again? He added: I am worried about how Afghan allies data keeps being mishandled. This isnt a one-off mistake, its a pattern of failure or carelessness that puts people already at risk in even more danger. Details of that breach first discovered by the Daily Mail in August 2023 were kept secret by an unprecedented government superinjunction which was lifted only last month 'Is anything safe with the UK MOD? Are they releasing these leaks one after another to make it seem normal and hide their failures or is this just the tip of the iceberg? Either way, the stress, fear and real-world risk for those still in Afghanistan is unbearable. Our allies deserve protection, not betrayal. Lawyers representing Afghans affected by data breaches said the new figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act to the BBC, raised concerns about lax security among those working on the resettlement scheme. Sean Humber, a lawyer at Leigh Day, which acts for Afghan citizens affected by previous breaches, said the latest reports are 'shocking' and confirm the MoD 'appears to be institutionally incapable of keeping personal data safe'. He said: 'These data breaches betray a cavalier attitude to keeping such sensitive information safe as well as a complete disregard for the potentially life and death consequences of failing to do so. 'The Information Commissioner's Office must now roll up its sleeves and carry out a thorough and immediate investigation of what appears to be systemic failures of data protection policies, procedures or practices by the Ministry of Defence. This dangerous shambles cannot be allowed to continue. 'All those affected must be notified of the breach of their personal data, including the personal data affected, without further delay and appropriate steps taken to ensure their safety.' Adnan Malik, Head of Data Protection at Barings Law, which represents hundreds of Afghans, said: What began as an isolated incident, which the MoD initially sought to keep from public view, has now escalated into a series of catastrophic failings. We urge the MoD to be fully transparent with both those affected and the wider public. Victims should not be forced to learn the truth through legal action or news reports. The latest revelation comes six days after it emerged the personal data of former Tory ministers, British troops and thousands of Afghans had been lost to a cyber breach at a subcontractor handling flights into a UK airport. In 2021, it emerged that over 250 Afghans seeking sanctuary were put at risk after the MoD shared their email details putting them at risk of reprisals. The MoD was fined 350,000 by the information watchdog and those put at risk offered 4,000 each in compensation. Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET, which specialises in security software, said: 'Repeated incidents not only rub salt into the wound but show systemic weaknesses, meaning security needs to be improved in organisational culture. Confidence in security can easily be lost and in this case the leaks threatened not only privacy but peoples safety.' An MoD spokesman said: 'We take data security extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring that any incidents are dealt with properly, and that we follow our legal duties. 'All incidents that meet the threshold under UK data protection laws are referred to the Information Commissioner's Office, and any lesser incidents are examined internally to ensure lessons are learned.' The U.S. military has privately been making plans to conduct attacks on drug cartels in Mexico that could be ready as soon as September, a shocking new report claims. The Trump administration requested that the military prepare 'lethal strike' options against cartel targets inside Mexico, three military sources revealed to investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein. Issued in late Spring, the directive ordered U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) to begin planning attack contingencies. Those strike options should be ready by the middle of September. Any U.S.-backed attacks against America's southern neighbor would be certain to roil tensions between the two cooperative nations, which have deep economic and cultural ties. The Pentagon did not confirm or deny the potential operations when pressed by the Daily Mail. 'The Department of Defense will not comment on future operations considering operational security,' a Defense Department spokesperson said in a statement. The White House did not immediately return the Daily Mail's request for comment. The Trump administration reportedly requested that the Department of Defense create plans for a 'lethal strike' against cartels in Mexico U.S. military action in Mexico may unilaterally, a senior intelligence source shared with investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein. How the Mexican government, and President Claudia Sheinbaum (pictured above), would react to such a strike is unclear A group of suspected cartel thugs opened fire on U.S. Border Patrol earlier this year Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pushed back on reports of Trump-approved plans for the U.S. military action in her country earlier this month. 'The United States is not sending its military to Mexico,' she said at a news conference. 'We cooperate, we collaborate, but there will be no invasion. Were ruling this out, absolutely.' The White House's order was reportedly discussed at a NORTHCOM meeting in July and was led by Colby Jenkins, the acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. Days later, NORTHCOM commander Gen. Gregory Guillot set up a meeting with two top-ranking Mexican military officials, Adm. Raymundo Pedro Morales Angeles, Secretary of the Navy, and Gen. Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of National Defense, Klippenstein reports. 'Today, more than ever, the challenges we face demand a joint, coordinated, and adapted response,' Morales later said of the meeting. But intelligence sources disclosed that the U.S. military may conduct operations without the help or consent of the Mexican government. 'Not only is Donald Trump uniquely focused on TCOs [transnational criminal organizations, the official name for cartels], having designated them terrorists in one of his first Executive Orders, but he has shown himself to be willing to take unilateral action despite potentially negative political ramifications,' one senior intelligence source shared. The Pentagon seems keen on keeping its options open, too. 'These cartels have engaged in historic violence and terror throughout our Hemisphereand around the globe-- that has destabilized economies and internal security of countries but also flooded the United States with deadly drugs, violent criminals, and vicious gangs,' Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell told the Daily Mail in a statement. 'The Department of Defense will undoubtedly play an important role towards meeting the Presidents objective to eliminate the ability of these cartels to threaten the territory, safety, and security of the United States and its people,' he added. A drone view shows the neighborhood where the Leon family, Mexican migrants who fled cartel violence in their hometown and sought refuge in Arizona, U.S., before voluntarily returning to Mexico, lives, in Uruapan, Michoacan state, Mexico, July 23, 2025 'These cartels have engaged in historic violence and terror throughout our Hemisphereand around the globe-- that has destabilized economies and internal security of countries but also flooded the United States with deadly drugs, violent criminals, and vicious gangs,' Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell told the Daily Mail in a statement. A drug trafficker was arrested by Mexican authorities. Mexico has sent 26 wanted fugitives to the U.S., amid pressure from the Trump administration to crack down on cartels Under Trump, the CIA increased its drone reconnaissance missions over Mexico, a sign that tensions between the U.S. and cartels are rising. According to the report, NORTHCOM has requested that its special operations unit begin 'operational preparation of the battlespace' within Mexico. The special operations unit has also been asked to identify cartel 'target packages' for potential 'direct action' against the gangs. 'Direct action,' in this case, could mean special operator missions, airstrikes or drone attacks, according to the report. Specifically, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are prime targets. When asked by Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker if the military's increased surveillance and reconnaissance of the cartels was permitted by Mexican authorities during a hearing earlier this year, NORTHCOM commander Guillot said 'no.' 'But we do have intelligence sharing with Mexico to show them what we see,' he responded. 'And we have increased cooperation with Mexico to go address the cartel violence in terms of sending more troops.' Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) pose for a photo at an undisclosed location, in Michoacan state, Mexico, October 15, 2022 Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., later put out a statement condemning any unilateral U.S. military action in Mexico. '[S]igning a secret directive to potentially send U.S. servicemembers into harms way without consulting Congress, notifying the American people, or any legal authority to launch strikes within the sovereign territory of our neighbors is shortsighted and lawless, and will destroy the critical relationships we need to effectively address this challenge,' he wrote. In January, a group of suspected cartel members exchanged fire with Border Patrol agents, marking an escalation in hostilities between the two. Footage of the gunfight shows a small group of rifle-bearing cartel members crossing from Mexico onto an island in the Rio Grande River. Dressed in black or in camouflage outfits, the gangsters can be seen swinging their weapons around and pointing them at American drones patrolling the area. They can also be seen walking along the riverbank in a separate clip before they are joined by a few other gang members. Another video shows one man dressed in black hiding in some bushes as he points his weapon towards a drone. An elderly man's death was believed to have been from natural causes - until his son reviewed security cameras, which allegedly uncovered a 'cold malice murder.' Sy Van Nguyen, 94, was found dead in his hilltop vineyard mansion in Santa Rosa, California, on August 11 after his son-in-law reported him unresponsive, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. Emergency responders arrived at the mansion, and the elderly man was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities didn't see signs of trauma on Nguyen's body and had no reason to believe foul play occurred at the time. However, on August 15, police received shocking video footage that alleged the man's death was an 'intentional killing' and arrested his son-in-law, Khanh Trong Tran, 71. Sergeant Juan Valencia said in an interview with local ABC affiliate, KGO-TV, that the man's son saw the suspect grab a plastic bag and pillow to suffocate his father on camera. 'The room where the elderly victim was at had surveillance cameras, the suspect knew the cameras were there,' Valencia said. 'This is a straight-up, cold malice murder,' he added. An elderly man was reported unresponsive in his hilltop vineyard mansion. Authorities initially believed his death was from natural causes The family's neighbor, Rod Burglund, was shocked to hear of the alleged murder, and said the suspect seemed like an 'above board kind of guy' The suspect, Khanh Trong Tran, lived on the same property as his father-in-law in a separate residence. He allegedly told detectives that he was 'tired of providing' for Sy Van Nguyen Tran was providing care for his elderly father-in-law and lived on the same property in a separate residence. The suspect wasn't home when officers arrived to arrest him, but they later found him inside a vehicle. Valencia said Tran told detectives that he was 'tired of providing for his father-in-law who was 94 years old.' He was arrested and booked into the county jail on August 16 for murder without bail. The alleged murder has shocked the Santa Rosa community. The family's neighbor, Rod Burglund, told KGO that Tran was 'an above board kind of guy.' Sergeant Juan Valencia told local reporters they received video footage of the alleged murder which depicted the suspect smothering his elderly father-in-law 'There's got to be alternatives than coming to this,' he added. Burglund said that Tran, whom he referred to as Ken, mostly kept to himself but that the two had a 'walking acquaintance.' He shared that he once made wine from the grapes on the family's vineyard. Tran's next court date is scheduled for September 15, where he's expected to enter a plea. Daily Mail has reached out to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office for additional comment on the case. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick flies Union Jacks from lamp-posts and blasts 'pathetic' councils threatening to remove national flags Robert Jenrick has raised Union Jacks across his constituency as he attacked cowardly and Britain-hating councils which attempt to take down the national flag. The Shadow Justice Secretary said local authorities which failed to back displays of the flag were guilty of pathetic disdain for Britain and its values. Mr Jenrick spent yesterday evening flying Union Jacks on lamp-posts in his Newark constituency, with the help of a team of volunteers. His gesture came after two councils vowed to remove any English or British emblems that appeared as part of an online patriotism campaign called Operation Raise the Colours. Mr Jenrick told the Daily Mail: I cant stand the self-loathing councils who have taken down the St Georges Cross or Union Flag, either out of cowardice or pathetic disdain for Britain and its values. These are often the same councils that happily leave up Palestinian flags. They are the embodiment of two-tier Britain, where our unifying national culture is persistently denigrated and every other culture is celebrated. Enough is enough. The British people wont tolerate it any more and I wont either. Robert Jenrick scaled a ladder in his Newark constituency to hang Union Jacks from lamp-posts He urged other patriotic Brits to follow his lead and fly the Union Jack in their neighbourhoods. The Tory MP said: I spent Wednesday evening putting up flags with local volunteers across my constituency. The Tory MP for Newark was seen scaling the ladder to hang a number of national flags I call on patriotic Brits across the country to do the same and restore pride in our country. We must be one country under the Union Flag. The Tory MP and Shadow Justice Secretary congratulated his team of helpers Robert Jenrick celebrates after hanging a Union Jack from a lamp-post in his Newark, Notts, constituency On X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: Raise the Colours! While Britain-hating councils take down our flags, we raise them up. We must be one country, under the Union flag. Local authorities in Birmingham and Tower Hamlets have vowed to remove Union Flags hung in their areas as soon as possible. Former Tory centrist Mr Jenrick resigned as Rishi Sunaks immigration minister in January 2024 over the Rwanda scheme, arguing the policy was not tough enough. The Union Flags were raised by Robert Jenrick at several locations around Newark, Notts He later made the final two for the Tory leadership and was appointed shadow justice secretary in November by the eventual winner, Kemi Badenoch. Paul Peacock, the Labour leader of Newark and Sherwood council, said Mr Jenrick would needed appropriate planning permissions to attach the flags to the lamp-posts. Mr Peacock said: The Union Flags that have been put up in various places around Newark are currently attached to lamp-posts on the public highway and these are owned by Nottinghamshire county council. I would assume the appropriate permissions have been sought by those people attaching the flags to these lamp-posts. Birminghams Labour-run council has claimed that flags hung by the roadside may put the lives of pedestrians and motorists at risk. Meanwhile, Tower Hamlets, run by local party Aspire, said it would remove any St Georges flags erected on council property as soon as possible. A top Republican who has been a thorn in the side of the MAGA agenda has announced his intention to leave Congress. Texas Congressman Chip Roy announced that he plans to depart Capitol Hill after four terms and seek the role of Texas state attorney general back home in the Lone Star state. His decision comes after he earned the wrath of Donald Trump for getting in the way of his MAGA agenda. In a media release announcing his latest move, Roy noted that 'watching Texans unite in response to the devastating Hill Country floods made clear that I want to come home.' The deadly floods that raged through Texas earlier this summer claimed at least 135 lives, including the lives of over two dozen young girls and their counselors at the Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic. Roy also added in his media release that he wants to take his 'experience in Congress, as a federal prosecutor, and as First Assistant Attorney General to fight for Texas from Texas.' The congressman previously worked under current Texas AG Ken Paxton, who is running in a messy primary for U.S. Senate against incumbent John Cornyn. Roy notably turned on his former boss when Paxton was accused of 'bribery, abuse of office, and other charges' back in 2020, then urging him to resign from office. During his time in Congress, Roy has at times not been afraid to buck members of his own political party, causing headaches for House Speaker Mike Johnson and even President Donald Trump. Representative Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas, during a House Rules Committee hearing at the US Capitol U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson pauses during remarks to reporters at the Capitol Roy, along with other members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, were holdouts on President Trump's $3.3 trillion tax and spending cut bill. They caused a scene threatening to tank Trump's 'one big, beautiful, bill' due to projected increases in the national debt tied to the package. Despite weeks of threats, he eventually folded and voted for the bill. Roy also caused a headache for Speaker Mike Johnson's re-election bid in January. He didn't want Johnson to be elected speaker again because he claimed he wasn't conservative enough to lead the Republicans. Again, he eventually got in line and backed Johnson's re-election. It's become somewhat of a pattern for Roy to threaten to go against GOP leadership on key priorities, but then eventually fold and support. And it hasn't gone unnoticed by Trump, who has called him out publicly. Back in December of 2024, Trump accused Roy of 'getting in the way' of his agenda, and called for Roy to face a primary challenger for his congressional seat. Despite Roy's tough track record with GOP leadership, other lawmakers on Capitol Hill took time Thursday to congratulate Roy on his achievements during his time in Washington. Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett was one of Roy's colleagues to weigh in on the Texans' decision, posting on X that he hates to lose his friend in Congress, despite the desire to sometimes 'pinch his ears', adding that he 'will miss him.' Roy chose revolt against the lure of a second Trump term, endorsing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for president instead before DeSantis even formally announced a run Utah Senator Mike Lee posted on X that there is 'no more fearless and respected conservative in Congress than @chiproytx' adding that he 'wholeheartedly' endorses Roy in 'his campaign for Texas Attorney General' and that 'Chip has delivered for Trump in Congress.' In 2023, Chip Roy endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for president before he had even announced a formal bid for the office. At the time, Roy noted that the 'next President of the United States must be a vibrant and energetic leader with the faith, vision, and courage to chart a new course.' Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) arrives for a House Rules Committee meeting on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act at the U.S. Capitol on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC Roy is one of several high-profile members of the House Freedom Caucus to announce decisions to seek other offices, mainly in their home states. Rep. Ralph Norman announced a run for South Carolina governor last month, Rep. Andy Biggs will be seeking the same office in Arizona, and Rep. Byron Donalds is running to be governor of Florida. President Donald Trump is seeking the release of a former Colorado county elections official who was convicted of trying to overturn the 2020 election. Tina Peters, 69, was the first election official in the country to be found guilty on charges relating to her attempts to prove Trumps claims that the election was stolen. She is currently serving out a nine year jail sentence. Prosecutors claimed that Peters gave an unauthorized user access to sensitive election data in her office by swiping someone elses security badge. The information taken from her office soon appeared online after Trump ally and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell released it to try to prove the election was stolen. FREE TINA PETERS, a brave and innocent Patriot who has been tortured by Crooked Colorado politicians, including the big Mail-In Ballot supporting the governor of the State, Trump wrote to his followers on Truth Social. Peters started her sentence in La Vista Correctional Facility last year before Trump took office for his second term. 'Let Tina Peters out of jail, RIGHT NOW. She did nothing wrong, except catching the Democrats cheat in the Election. Trump added, She is an old woman, and very sick. If she is not released, I am going to take harsh measures!!! Tina Peters was sentenced to a nine year prison sentence after being convicted on charges relating to efforts to overturn the election Trump did not specify what specific measure he would take against Colorado's politicians if they did not release Peters Trump does not have the ability to provide Peters with clemency because she was convicted in a state court The president did not detail the harsh measures he threatened to unleash on the state. Trumps clemency power is void in this case because Peters was convicted in a state court. The Daily Mail reached out to the White House for clarification. Prosecutors said that in May 2021, Peters provided an unauthorized individual, Conan Hayes, access to the Mesa county election system during a software update. Hayes, posing a employee of the county clerk's office, used his badge to make copies of Dominion Voting Systems hard drives. Prosecutors allege both Peters and Hayes believed information on the hard drives would prove machine voting had stolen the election from by Trump. Soon after Hayes retrieved the sensitive data hard drives, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell leaked it online. Following her trial in 2024, Peters was found guilty of seven charges, including three counts of attempting to influence a public official, violation of duty, official misconduct, failure to comply with an order from the Colorado secretary of state, and conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation. Despite her conviction, Peters maintained her innocence during her sentencing hearing while promoting the claim the election was stolen. Im not a criminal, and I dont deserve to go to a prison where other people committed heinous crimes, she said. This is not the first time Trump has tried to push for Peters to be released since taking office. Trump continues to claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him Back in May, the president directed the U.S. Department of Justice to take all necessary action to help secure the release of Peters. Donald Trump will no longer need to pay a $464 million fraud penalty he was ordered to hand over last year after being found liable for inflating his assets by billions of dollars. A New York appeals court said Thursday that the hundreds of millions Trump was ordered to pay was an 'excessive' penalty and should be extinguished. The seismic financial victory comes over a year and a half after a five-judge panel said Trump, his sons and business associates broke the law by misrepresenting the worth of their assets to secure better business deals. The ruling that Trump and his associates broke the law still stands. Speaking on Truth Social, the president portrayed the case as politically motivated designed to hurt his 2024 candidacy. 'This was an attack by the Biden/Harris Administration on their political opponent, ME. It is such an honor to have withstood it, thrived, and even become president of the United States despite the horrible things that were done to me,' Trump wrote. Thursday's ruling puts fresh pressure on New York Attorney General and Trump foe Letitia James amid questions over whether her lawsuit violated the president's legal rights. Earlier this month, the Justice Department convened a grand jury in Albany, New York and sent subpoenas to James' office in relation to a federal probe into her lawsuit against Trump. President Donald Trump secure a nearly $500 million victory when an appeals court ruled he does not have to pay the 'excessive' penalty in his New York fraud case. Pictured: Trump speaks alongside his then-attorney Alina Habba outside the court room in NYC on January 11, 2024 New York Attorney General and Trump foe Letitia James is facing federal investigation into her civil fraud lawsuit against Trump Last February, Manhattan Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump illegally enriched himself for decades by inflating the value of his assets on financial documents with the intent of securing better loan terms and enriching himself. Trump was found guilty of fraud, insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, falsifying business records and issuing false financial statements, all of which landed him a hefty financial penalty. He appealed the decision. While the new ruling maintains that Trump, his sons and his company broke the law, it immediately wipes clean one of the president's biggest outstanding financial liabilities as most of his legal woes dissipated in the months after his reelection. Trump's son Eric wrote on X moments after news of the ruling broke: 'Total victory in the sham NY Attorney General case!!! After 5 years of hell, justice prevailed!' Thursday's decision was handed down by a five-judge panel, deciding to toss out the massive fine while still maintaining the charge. The case against Trump was initiated by James in September 2022 after a three year investigation into the Trump Organization's business practices. The lawsuit alleged that the president, his adult sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and their company misrepresented the value of assets to gain favorable loan conditions and tax breaks. An example of this was evidence provided that showed Trump overstated by hundreds of millions of dollars on his financial statements the value of his Florida property Mar-a-Lago and Manhattan property Trump Tower. Protesters outside Trump tower in Manhattan on May 31, 2024 celebrate Trump's guilty conviction in the Stormy Daniels hush-money case James' office argued that the practices were not rare errors, but part of a decade-long pattern of deceptive behavior by Trump and his family and business starting in 2011. But Trump says his method of real estate asset valuation was industry standard and that disclaimers advised banks to do their own valuations. In fact, New York did not dispute his claims that no banks lost money on his loans. The Justice Department launched this month an investigation into AG James for bringing the civil fraud case against Trump. The investigation will look into whether she 'weaponized' her office against Trump and his businesses in the lead up to the 2024 presidential election. It's just the latest step in the ongoing saga between one of the presidents top political nemeses, and the second probe Trump's DOJ launched into her conduct since the start of the start of the second administration. The NY attorney general's office called the DOJ's actions a 'weaponization of the justice system and said it should disturb every American. A Norwegian hiker on a trip of a lifetime vanished in a remote part of Canada before his dog wandered into a nearby town, per officials. Steffen Skjottelvik, 29, was last heard from on August 14, when he used a GPS device to contact people in York Factory in the Hudson Bay, which he planned on visiting during a years-long journey on foot from Ontario to Alaska. Skjottelvik said he would be at the historical site the next day, but never arrived, as reported by the CBC. During his last call, Skjottelvik mentioned he had lost one of his two dogs in a wolf attack, according to officials. A Facebook user then shared images of a skinny Husky found wandering alone in Fort Severn on Monday that resembled Skjottelvik's companions. The hiker had set out on foot last month from Fort Severn in Ontario alongside his two dogs, according to a Facebook page set up to chronicle his trip titled 'Steffen's Great Canadian Journey.' Steffen Skjottelvik, 29, went missing on August 14 during a trekking journey from Canada to Alaska, according to officials A Husky believed to be the hiker's was found wandering alone in Fort Severn on Monday The hiker's family said they have GPS evidence that placed him near the fast-moving Hayes River before he vanished Skjottelvik said he planned on hiking from James Bay in Canada to Alaska over a period of three to five years, aided by the dogs and sledding. He had set out from Ontario in the spring of 2023, and Facebook users had been monitoring his journey since then. The hiker's family said they have GPS evidence that placed him near the fast-moving Hayes River before he vanished. Police said they are now focusing their search in the area of the river, which is about 2.7 miles from York Factory. Officials said they suspect Skjottelvik tried to cross the river before he went missing. 'I want to hold out hope that we can find him, but in reality, its becoming more search and recovery aspect at this point,' said Sgt. Paul Manaigre with the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 'Were looking at a week now that he hasnt made contact with anyone, so we have to assume, at this point, the worst.' Officials added that the area where Skjottelvik went missing is filled with wolves and polar bears. Skjottelvik said he planned on hiking from James Bay in Canada to Alaska over a period of three to five years, aided by the dogs and sledding, per his family The hiker's family and friends have raised more than $40,000 to fund a search for him The area where Skjottelvik went missing is filled with wolves and polar bears, officials said Skjottelvik had dreamed of walking from Canada to Alaska for years, his uncle Lars Jorgen Sorensen told the Norwegian news outlet Ryken og Hurums Avis, as reported by the CBC. 'He has dreamed about crossing Canada by foot for a number of years. By foot in summer, and with dog sled in winter. He has saved money for many years to be able to do this trip,' Sorensen said. 'He has prepared himself for this trip for many years. He got to know many people while walking. He also lived with them for longer periods, before moving along.' People in Fort Severn who knew Skjottelvik have raised more than $40,000 to fund the search for him, as reported by CTV News. A Pennsylvania woman received a shockingly short jail sentence after falsely accusing an Army doctor of rape. Veronika Rodriguez, 27, was sentenced to just 30 days in jail with 22 additional months on probation for one count of false reporting, intercepting communications and disclosing intercepted communications. Rodriguez was found guilty by a Lebanon County jury in May after she claimed Fahad Pervez had sexually assaulted her. The false accusation led Pervez to voluntarily resign from his position within the military. The pair had gone on a date in January 2023 while Rodriguez was a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and had sex in the doctor's car while parked at the Keystone Conference Center in Fort Indiantown Gap. Police had approached the car for being parked after-hours and the incident later appeared on a police blotter, Law & Crime reported. But after the pair were questioned by National Guard officials for fraternizing, Rodriguez claimed the man had taken her glasses so she couldn't see properly and that the encounter had not been consensual. She told police that part of the alleged assault had been secretly recorded on her phone. Veronika Rodriguez, 27, was sentenced to just 30 days in jail with 22 additional months on probation after falsely reporting she was raped by Fahad Pervez, a former Army doctor Rodriguez was charged with one count of false reporting, intercepting communications and disclosing intercepted communications Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf described Rodriguez as a 'deceitful criminal,' who 'stole [Pervez's] career and his future,' and that the former Army doctor continues to receive harassment Authorities, however, discovered that communications found on her phone contradicted her claims. Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said that 'every step of the way, this was consensual.' 'Not only do you have those messages between the two parties, but you also have the way she described it to her friends and in every text, in every message, it was consensual.' Rodriguez had set up another date with the doctor and forwarded the recording to another person accompanied with a description of their night together. Graf wrote in a statement: 'The Defendant had consensual sex that she secretly recorded and bragged about to a multitude of friends. 'She falsely cried rape only when confronted about fraternization with the victim by her military superior. She then manipulated the secret recording to try and make it appear as a rape. A full review of the Defendant's cell phone's evidence was damning and proved otherwise.' Graf described Rodriguez as a 'deceitful criminal,' Fox 43 reported. Rodriguez was said to have made 'self-edits' to an hour long recording, creating 'well over 10 clips that she labels, and she names in her own words to paint this out as a rape,' Graf said. The pair had gone on a date in January 2023 while Rodriguez was a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and had sex in the doctor's car while parked at the Keystone Conference Center in Fort Indiantown Gap Investigators identified a pattern of Rodriguez recording similar incidents with men. 'She then had a history, and we saw it on her phone, where she would document and record interactions with these men, and they would know it. She would take screenshots of all these text messages,' Graf added, WGAL reported. Rodriguez was revealed to have allegedly stalked the doctor before their date, according to Graf. 'At one point, she was driving by one married paramour's house to copy his wife's license plate. She went on Zillow to see what their house looked like, and it hit a point where she was taking videos of herself driving by and texting the to friends, in daytime and nighttime,' Graf said, the outlet reported. 'That's the level of stalker we're talking about, and when these men break up with her, she then tried to destroy their lives.' Prosecutors added that Rodriguez 'cannot be compared to actual victims of sexual violence, as the jury has decided she was no such victim.' 'Veronika Rodriguez ruined the military career and reputation of Fahad Pervez,' Graf added, according to the outlet. Graf said that Rodriguez 'stole [Pervez's] career and his future,' and that the former Army doctor continues to receive harassment. Protests broke out in March in support of Rodriguez, criticizing Graf and the handling of the case The pair were questioned by National Guard officials for fraternizing, which is when Rodriguez claimed the man had taken her glasses so she couldn't see properly and that the encounter had not been consensual Graf said the protests over her sentencing were an attempt to get around a gag order from the judge at the time Protests broke out in March in support of Rodriguez, criticizing Graf and the handling of the case. A GoFundMe was also created to help Rodriguez, called Veronikas Voice, Our Fight: Hold Rapists Accountable. 'Veronika bravely came forward to report her sexual assault in the military, but instead of finding justice, she was wrongfully arrested and charged with filing a false report and wiretapping by the Fort Indiantown Gap Police,' the fundraiser said. 'Her courage was met with disbelief and accusations, turning her from a victim into a suspect. What was already a deeply traumatic experience became an even greater nightmare, one that her family has struggled to navigate emotionally and financially.' In the latest update, funds raised would go toward Rodriguez's appeal process for a retrial. As of Thursday, the GoFundMe had raised over $21,000. Graf said the protests over her sentencing were an attempt to get around a gag order from the judge at the time, and added that it was 'no coincidence' that law enforcement and members of the jury who saw evidence presented 'all came to the same conclusion.' 'With her lies, Veronika Rodriguez hurt more than just the victim,' Graf said, Fox reported. 'She undermined every true victim of sexual assault who wants to come forward. She should apologize not only to Fahad Pervez, but to the real victims suffering from sexual trauma.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the Lebanon County District Attorney's Office for comment. A homeowner is facing assault charges for attacking an armed burglar he found breaking into his apartment in the middle of the night. An unidentified 44-year-old resident of Lindsay, Ontario, in Canada awoke to find a 41-year-old man inside in his home on Kent Street on Monday. He confronted and fought the intruder, who suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital in Toronto. The Kawartha Lakes Police Service was called about 3:20am and responded to the scene, arresting the homeowner after an investigation. The owner was charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon and released to face court at a late date. The unidentified intruder was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, breaking and entering, mischief under $5,000, and violating his probation. The suspected burglar, who was already wanted by police on unrelated charges, will be taken into custody when he is well enough to leave hospital. Ontario Premier Doug Ford was furious that police leveled charges against the homeowner. An unidentified 44-year-old resident of Lindsay, Ontario (pictured), awoke to find a 41-year-old man inside in his home on Monday The charges against the homeowner sparked widespread outrage, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford (pictured) calling the system 'broken' 'This criminal that's wanted by the police breaks into this guy's house, this guy gives him a beating, and this guy gets charged,' he said at a press conference on Wednesday. 'Something is broken. 'I know if someone breaks into my house or someone else's, you're gonna fight for your life. 'You're going to use whatever force you can to protect your family. I know everyone would.' Kawartha Lakes Police Chief Kirk Robertson issued a statement defending the decision amid the backlash. '[T]he negative commentary about the officers and their actions is unjust and inaccurate,' he said. Robertson explained that the law allowed people to use reasonable force to protect themselves and their property if they believed they were facing a threat. 'Under Canadian law, individuals have the right to defend themselves and their property,' he said. Kawartha Lakes Police Chief Kirk Robertson (pictured) issued a statement defending the decision amid the backlash: '[T]he negative commentary about the officers and their actions is unjust and inaccurate,' he said 'However, it is important to understand that these rights are not unlimited in Canada. The law requires that any defensive action be proportionate to the threat faced. 'This means that while homeowners do have the right to protect themselves and their property, the use of force must be reasonable given the circumstances.' Robertson said investigators were able to examine all the information and evidence that was available before pursuing any charges, but police were not revealing most of it to protect the investigation. The heartbreaking words a little boy said after his father was killed in the Shoreham Airshow disaster have been revealed. Georgio Polito, now 13, was just three years old when his dad, Daniele Polito, then 23, lost his life in the tragedy at Shoreham Airport in West Sussex on August 22, 2015. Pilot Andy Hill, 60, crashed a Hawker Hunter T7 jet on to the A27 close to the airport's boundary - with Mr Polito one of the 11 drivers on the motorway killed in the crash. The ex-RAF airman and British Airways captain was severely injured after crashing the vintage 1950s fighter plane he was performing in at the annual airshow. He was cleared of manslaughter by gross negligence at the Old Bailey in 2019. And on the tenth anniversary of the disaster, the dreadful words young Georgio uttered after he lost his dad have been revealed: 'My dad died for nothing.' The boy's mother and Mr Polito's widow, Tanya Hewstone, 30, said: 'For a child to say that, it was really hard.' It comes as the full-time mother calls for a criminal probe into the pilot to be re-opened, in a new petition she is set to launch. Georgio Polito, now 13, was just three years old when his dad, Daniele Polito (bottom right), then 23, lost his life in the tragedy at Shoreham Airport in West Sussex on August 22, 2015. Pictured: The victims of the Shoreham Airshow disaster. Top row left to right, Matthew Grimstone, Matt Jones, Mark Reeves, Tony Brightwell and Mark Trussler. Bottom row left to right, Dylan Archer, Richard Smith, Graham Mallinson, Maurice Abrahams and Daniele Polito Pilot Andy Hill (pictured in 2019), 60, crashed a Hawker Hunter T7 jet on to the A27 close to the airport's boundary - with Mr Polito one of the 11 drivers on the motorway killed in the crash The ex-RAF airman and British Airways captain was severely injured after crashing (pictured) the vintage 1950s fighter plane he was performing in at the annual airshow She said Mr Hill has shown a 'no remorse' by reapplying for his pilot's licence twice, with the latest application refused in May this year by the High Court. Ms Hewstone said her still grieving son has been excluded from multiple schools because of anger issues - 'compounded' by the fact Hill did not go to prison. 'Georgio has a lot of trauma', she said. 'I think it's hard for anyone to be a single parent, to be a completely alone parent. 'Because Georgio's a boy, I don't know how to answer the questions he has sometimes as he grows up. 'I feel like I've taken the full force of him losing his dad. The last ten years have been really hard.' Mr Polito was driving in a BMW with his work colleague Matt Jones - who also lost his life in the tragedy - when their car was hit by the plane. He was formerly engaged to Ms Hewstone but the pair had not been together in the three months leading up to the crash. On the tenth anniversary of the disaster, the dreadful words young Georgio uttered after he lost his dad have been revealed: 'My dad died for nothing'. Pictured: Mr Polito's mother Lesley Polito, pictured in 2019 The boy's mother and Mr Polito's widow, Tanya Hewstone, 30, said: 'For a child to say that, it was really hard'. Pictured: The Shoreham Airshow disaster It comes as the full-time mother calls for a criminal probe into the pilot to be re-opened, in a new petition she is set to launch. Pictured: Emergency services on the A27 after the plane crashed on to the road in August 2015 She did not tell Georgio about his dad's death for more than two weeks after it happened as she simply did not know how to break the news. The mother explained: 'I was feeding the ducks with him when it happened but I didn't find out Daniele had died until the following morning. 'When I told him, I said that daddy had been involved in an accident and he had to go up to the sky. 'I had his grandma with me at the time and Georgio said he was going to get his dad from the sky. 'A year after the accident, he was on a plane on holiday and he said he didn't see his dad.' A coroner ruled in December 2022 the victims of the disaster were unlawfully killed, describing Mr Hill's flying as 'exceptionally bad' and judging it to blame for the crash that saw his jet explode in a fireball. Senior coroner Penelope Schofield said the aircraft crashed as 'a result of the manner in which it was flown'. But the Air India crash in June which left 270 people dead, including several on the ground, 'triggered' Ms Hewstone again. A coroner ruled in December 2022 the victims of the disaster were unlawfully killed, describing Mr Hill's (pictured in 2019) flying as 'exceptionally bad' and judging it to blame for the crash that saw his jet explode in a fireball Senior coroner Penelope Schofield said the aircraft crashed as 'a result of the manner in which it was flown'. Pictured: Emergency services on the A27 after the Shoreham Airshow disaster It comes after Mr Hill recently declined to say sorry for the awful events of that day. Pictured: The Shoreham Airshow disaster It left her determined to get the Shoreham Airshow case reopened: 'There should be justice for all the families and the pilot should not be a free man. 'If I was in a car and dodged a pothole and killed 11 people, I'd be in prison. She added: 'He said before flying that plane, he felt unwell, therefore he should never have flown. He also said he blacked out but there's no proof of that.' On the anniversary day itself tomorrow, Ms Hewstone and Georgio will head to the memorial at the motorway bridge to pay their respects to Mr Polito. 'It doesn't feel like it's been ten years at all', she reflected. 'It's weird to think it's been ten years and no justice, no closure - I can't believe it happened. Any future has been taken away. Where would we be now?' It comes after Mr Hill recently declined to say sorry for the awful events of that day. A spokesperson for him told The Mirror last week: 'Mr Hill does not want to make any public statement about the tragic events of Shoreham.' A spokesperson for him told The Mirror last week: 'Mr Hill does not want to make any public statement about the tragic events of Shoreham'. Pictured: The moment before the plane crashed Earlier this year, Mr Hill's final attempt to regain his pilot's licence through a legal challenge was refused at the High Court. Pictured: The moment before the plane crashed on to the A27 He had lodged a Judicial Review just months after he lost an appeal following a two-day hearing in London in October last year. Pictured: A graphic showing the failed loop-the-loop stunt Mr Hill performed at the Shoreham Airshow before he crashed on to the A27 Earlier this year, Mr Hill's final attempt to regain his pilot's licence through a legal challenge was refused at the High Court. He had lodged a Judicial Review just months after he lost an appeal following a two-day hearing in London in October last year. The decision to challenge the ruling was heavily criticised by families who lost loved ones in the Shoreham Airshow disaster. Mr Hill's lawyers previously argued the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) took the decision to stop him flying based on public reaction to the 2015 tragedy. The annual Shoreham Airshow, which had been running since 1989, has not run since. The CAA previously said: 'Following a public hearing on a challenge by Andrew Hill to a UK Civil Aviation Authority proposal to revoke his pilot and flight radio telephony licences, the Civil Aviation Authority's decision panel has confirmed that proposal and Andrew Hill's licences will now formally be revoked. 'Following the crash at the Shoreham Airshow in 2015 in which 11 people died, Andrew Hill's licences were suspended, and he has been unable to fly in the UK since then. 'The thoughts of everyone at the UK Civil Aviation Authority remain with those affected by the tragic crash.' A huge thug violently punched a 60-year-old man in the face in an attempt to rob him at a railway station. Lance Hughes, who was on probation, followed the victim up the stairs towards the ticket machine at Chester Road Railway Station in Birmingham in August last year. Hughes attempted to engage with the man before trying to grab a bag from his shoulder, a court heard. He then dragged the victim towards the stairs and tried to wrestle the bag from his grasp. Disturbing CCTV footage shows Hughes holding the man in a headlock and then brutally punching him in the face while two women watched in horror. The brave victim managed to keep hold of his belongings and Hughes fled the station empty-handed. Hughes failed to disguise himself from CCTV cameras by placing his coat over his head and was later identified by officers. British Transport Police discovered he had only recently been released from prison and was under probation. Hughes attempted to engage with the man before trying to grab a bag from his shoulder, a court heard Lance Hughes, who was on probation, followed the victim up the stairs towards the ticket machine at Chester Road Railway Station in Birmingham in August last year Officers waited outside the probation office for him to come out after his appointment and he was caught despite trying to flee on foot The brave victim managed to keep hold of his belongings and Hughes fled the station empty-handed Officers waited outside the probation office for him to come out after his appointment and he was caught despite trying to flee on foot. The force said Hughes showed no remorse for his actions nor offered any apology or explanation during his police interview. Hughes pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and was jailed for four years and four months on August 8. He was also ordered to pay a court surcharge of 228 at Birmingham Crown Court. BTP Detective Constable Genna Chambers said: 'In attempting to rob someone in full view of CCTV cameras while on probation, Hughes acted with a shocking degree of audacity and stupidity, so I'm extremely pleased with the result in this case. 'In the end, all Hughes benefitted from his attempt is an extended stay in prison. 'I hope that it provides him ample opportunity to think on his actions, and serves as a warning to anyone who thinks about robbing others on the railway network.' An anti-Putin activist has been found dead in London after his asylum bid was rejected. After more than a year's wait for an appeal hearing, Alexander Frolov, 26, was found dead in Acton, west London, on July 28. His friends believe that he took his own life because of the mental pressure of being sent back to Russia. Originally arriving in the UK under a temporary visa as an agricultural worker in 2021, Alexander submitted his asylum application in December 2022. When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, his friend Galina Shakirova said he was unable to return home as he refused to take part in killing people'. According to The i Paper, his asylum application was rejected in April 2024. Alexander had appealed the decision and was waiting for his hearing to be rescheduled when he died. Metropolitan Police are not believed to be investigating any suspicious circumstances into his death and an inquest will be held next week. Alexander Frolov, 26, was found dead in Acton, west London, on July 28 after more than a year's wait for an appeal hearing for his his asylum application Alexander's friends believe that he took his own life because of the mental pressure of being sent back to Russia His friend Galina, who met Alexander when they worked together as stewards at anti-war rally, called him kind, generous, quietly dependable. Pictured: People taking part in a protest outside the Russian Embassy in central London on February 22, 2025 He was described by the Russian Democratic Society as a dedicated opponent of Putins regime'. They added he was a 'volunteer who gave his time to help others, and a constant presence at anti-war protests. Alexander believed in the possibility of a free and democratic Russia and hoped to one day return to it,' the group said. His friend Galina, who met Alexander when they worked together as stewards at anti-war rally, called him kind, generous, quietly dependable. She said: Imagine being an opposition activist who knows that returning home almost certainly means prison. Youve spoken out publicly. Youve worked with organisations labelled in Russia as undesirable or extremist. Then you ask for protection hoping for safety, for a chance to survive. And instead, youre refused. The Home Office said: It is our long-standing policy not to comment on individual cases. 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 A seasoned fisherman who met King Charles multiple times has been jailed for his role in a cocaine-smuggling plot. Peter Williams was the captain of an inflatable which picked up drugs packages off the Cornish coast as part of a lucrative international operation. But Border Force teams began to get suspicious and gave chase as Williams and co-conspirators Scott Johnston, 39, and Edwin Tabora Baca, 33, tried to shake them off in their rigid inflatable boat (RIB). The trio even tried dumping their illegal cargo - worth 18 million - overboard as they sought to outpace Border Force. They were eventually chased onto a beach near Land's End where they were arrested. Williams, of Havant in Hampshire, was handed a jail term of 16 years and nine months at Truro Crown Court on Thursday. Co-conspirator Bobbie Pearce, 29, of Brentwood in Essex, was sentenced to 15 years and four months in prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import Class A drugs. Border Force Officers spotted the inflatable boat on the horizon while carrying out an operation off the coast of Newquay, Cornwall, last September The three men onboard the boat were caught by Border Force officers who chased them on foot Four other men had already been jailed over the smuggling. The court heard Williams was a respected voice in the fishing industry and had met with Government officials as well as the King. But he had fallen on hard times, and resorted to drugs after seeing his father die at sea. Defending Williams, lawyer Harry Laidlaw told the court: 'He knew full well what he was getting himself into. 'He just captained the boat. He was a foot soldier acting under instruction. 'He did not have an operational or management role in the chain. 'His role was simple albeit skilled.' Mr Laidlaw told the judge that Williams was involved in a charity called Fishing Into The Future. Truro Crown Court heard that seven conspirators had been due to collect 20 bales of cocaine from the sea after they had been dropped there by a cargo ship (pictured, clockwise from top left: Alex Fowlie, Terry Willis, Scott Johnston, Michael May, Bobbie Pearce and Peter Williams) He said King Charles was previously a charity trustee and that they met several times as they promoted sustainable fishing and encouraging young people into the industry. 'It has been a massive fall from grace,' Mr Laidlaw said. 'He has not made his money from crime. 'He was an upstanding member of the local coastal community. 'He has made a terrible series of decisions.' The prosecution said the drugs were brought from South America on a cargo vessel across the Atlantic and were dumped in water tight bales into the sea in the English Channel. The bales were fitted with GPS tracking devices attached to Apple air tags so that they could be recovered from the sea by the smaller vessel and transported to mainland Cornwall to be off loaded and transported elsewhere in the country. But despite the technology, the three men on the boat only managed to find 11 of the 20 bales - and dumped them during the chase. Pictured: Spanish-speaking Edwin Yahir Tabora Baca, who joined Johnston and Williams in trying to outrun Border Force officers Six large containers containing around 230kg of 'high-purity cocaine' were later recovered from the ocean by Border Force officers and the men were arrested. The other conspirators were arrested at later times after National Crime Agency investigators trawled through CCTV footage, phone call data and phone messages. Pearce and three other men - Alex Fowlie, 35, of Chichester; Michael May, 47, of Kelveden Hatch, Essex; and Terry Willis, 44, of Chelmsford, Essex - helped plan and organise the cocaine smuggling operation and pick up. Willis also admitted money laundering and possessing a revolver and live ammo which were found in a rucksack in his bedroom cupboard. Tabora Baca - who claimed to be a tourist who had accepted a boat invitation from two strangers to go fishing - was the Spanish speaking link between the higher figures in the operation and had flown into the country on several occasions. But messages on his phone discussed the group's plans and shared a photo of the cocaine on the vessel. Johnston played a significant role as he piloted the RHIB and helped dump the cocaine during the pursuit. Six large containers containing around 230kg of 'high-purity cocaine' were recovered from the ocean (pictured) The boat filled with 18million worth of cocaine crashed into a beach after three men were chased for 28 miles at sea The judge said two organised crime groups were involved - one in the South West involving the boat and retrieval of the drugs from the sea - and the other in Essex where the cocaine would have been taken to be cut, divided and sold on to street dealers. Tabora Baca was jailed for 17 years and seven months and will be deported, Johnston was jailed for 24 years, Willis for 21 years and 8 months which included five years for the firearm offence, and May was jailed for 19 years. Fowlie, 35, of Chichester will be sentenced on 5 September. Cops are secretly helping ICE arrest illegal migrants in a sanctuary city - reportedly behind the mayor's back. Acting ICE director Todd Lyons has claimed that police in Boston are defying their Democratic mayor to help the federal government. Lyons revealed on The Howie Carr Show on Wednesday that because of Boston's sanctuary city status, local law enforcement is prohibited from reporting crimes committed by undocumented migrants in certain circumstances. 'We have so many men and women on the Boston Police Department and other jurisdictions that are so pro-ICE, that want to work with us and that are actually helping us behind the scenes,' Lyons said. He added that some officers can't cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement out of fear they'll be fired due to the city's sanctuary status. Lyons said that ICE was ramping up operations in Boston, with plans to 'flood the zone.' 'Boston and Massachusetts decided to say that they wanted to stay sanctuary. Sanctuary does not mean safer streets,' he added. 'It means more criminal aliens out and about the neighborhood. But 100 percent, you will see a larger ICE presence.' Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has stood firm on the city's immigration policies, announcing in a press conference on Tuesday that they wouldn't be caving to federal pressure to revoke sanctuary status. Acting ICE director Todd Lyons revealed on a radio show that police officers in Boston help ICE 'behind the scenes' Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has stood firm on maintaining the city's sanctuary city policies, issuing a defiant message to the Trump administration on Tuesday Wu said at a press conference 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 isStop attacking our cities to hide your administration's failures' She addressed a letter the city received from Attorney General Pam Bondi, which threatened to revoke federal funding if local officials didn't cooperate with deportations. The US Department of Justice sent the letters to Boston and other sanctuary cities to submit a plan of compliance by Tuesday. 'Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design,' Bondi said in a recent press release on sanctuary cities. 'The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.' Wu declared to a crowd in Boston that officials wouldn't bend to federal demands, slamming the Trump administration for 'causing so much fear and harm in our communities.' 'Silence in the face of oppression is not an option. The U.S. Attorney General asked for a response by today. So here it isStop attacking our cities to hide your administration's failures,' Wu continued. Lyons seemed to reject the notion that immigration concerns were a result of the federal government's missteps, telling Carr that the blame should be placed on sanctuary cities. 'What I think local leaders dont understand, is they need to talk to the men and women on the ground, because there are so many of these criminal aliens that keep getting released to go out and commit more crimes that the local law enforcement have to deal with,' he said on the radio show. Lyons said on a radio show that police officers want to collaborate more with ICE but fear retaliation Lyons made the shocking remarks during an interview on the Howie Carr Show on Wednesday (Pictured: Howie Carr) Boston was one of several cities that Bondi named as cities with 'harmful' sanctuary policies, alongside Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and New Orleans. The federal government has threatened litigation against these cities and announced a lawsuit against New York City earlier this year for continuing to provide sanctuary city status. The local law in Boston limiting local police from working with ICE was first signed into law in 2014 by former Mayor Marty Walsh and reaffirmed last December. The act allows BPD to collaborate with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security on significant matters of public safety, including human trafficking, child exploitation, drug and weapons trafficking, and cybercrime. It prevents police from reporting undocumented migrants to federal authorities on matters of civil immigration enforcement or minor infractions. The Trust Act also prevents police from asking people for their immigration status, arresting someone based on ICE warrants when there is no criminal charge, and transferring people to ICE custody. The Trump administration's deportation crusade has put sanctuary cities at risk, with Bondi now ramping up calls for the policies to be revoked. Boston has been a sanctuary city since 2014, limiting police officers from working with ICE and only allowing collaboration during situations of significant public safety concerns Wu praised the city of Boston's safety and said local officials would be fighting back against the Trump administration's deportation goals Bondi said on Fox News earlier this week that her department would be working to cut federal funding for the cities that don't comply. 'We are going to send in law enforcement just like we did during the LA riots, just like were doing here in Washington, DC, and if theyre not going to keep their citizens safe, Donald Trump will keep them safe.' The federal government has maintained that sending the National Guard was to decrease crime, but local officials have pushed back that the militarization was excessive. Wu addressed Lyons interview at an unrelated event on Thursday, telling reporters, 'In Boston, we comply with and follow all of the laws, city, state, and federal, and we will not back down from the communities who have made us the safest major city in the country.' 'This administration needs to stop attacking cities to hide their own failures,' she added. Daily Mail reached out to the Boston Police Department for additional comment. The University of Tennessee in Chattanooga was plunged into a lock down sending dozens of law officers to the campus after a false alarm for an active shooter was triggered. Officials sent out an alert just before 12:45pm on Thursday urging staff and students to 'run, hide or fight'. Shortly before 2pm EST, an update said: 'The UTC campus is ALL CLEAR. The lockdown has been lifted. Law enforcement found no evidence of a threat. 'All classes & activities are cancelled until 8/22 at 8:00 AM. All students and non-essential employees may leave campus for the day.' It was originally reported that there was possibly an active shooter inside the library on campus. A large police presence has swarmed the campus in Chattanooga The university urged those inside to not move unless directed to do so by law enforcement The Hamilton County branch of the state Emergency Management & Homeland Security urged people to avoid the campus until further notice As a result, dozens of law enforcement officers swarmed the site with those inside told to shelter in place. The university urged those inside to not move unless directed to do so by law enforcement as they searched the area. A picture sent to NewsChannel9 showed a line of students fleeing from the library, a student who took the picture said they were met with officers with guns drawn. An update from the Chattanooga Police Department said: 'The lockdown for City buildings has been lifted. 'All City facilities will return to normal operations. Follow for additional updates.' Content creators who allegedly abused a French streamer on camera before he died during a live stream received more than 31,000 from viewers who encouraged his mistreatment. Raphael Graven, better known online as Jean Pormanove, was a prominent figure in France's streaming world with over a million followers across social media. He was subjected to gruesome online challenges involving humiliation, violence, and dangerous stunts before his death. Previous streams reportedly saw Graven slapped, strangled, force-fed, doused in unpleasant liquids and targeted with a paintball gun by influencers Owen Cenazandotti, 26 and Safine Hamadi, 23. The creators of the videos allegedly received donations from viewers, who encouraged more degrading acts to be broadcast, with a fundraising counter on the video suggesting that the group had collected more than 31,000. Graven is believed to have passed away in his sleep during a live broadcast, following what friends have described as relentless 'humiliation streams'. Prosecutors in Nice confirmed they had opened an investigation into Graven's death and are conducting a post-mortem examination on Thursday. Internet users said the livestream, which was widely shared afterwards, showed Graven lying motionless under a bed cover. Raphael Graven, better known online as Jean Pormanove, was a major figure in France 's streaming world with more than a million followers across social media The popular Kick creator, 46, was found dead overnight on Monday, in bed at his home in Contes, near Nice It has been reported that a few days before his death, Graven sent a heartbreaking final message to his mother to say he felt as if he was 'being held hostage' and admitted he was 'fed up' with the controversial streams that had become his trademark One of two men in the room with him, Cenazandotti and Hamadi, known by pseudonyms Naruto and Safine, threw a plastic water bottle in his direction. Naruto and Safine had already been questioned by police in a separate inquiry in January over claims they were mistreating vulnerable people in online events to generate payments from viewers. Graven was interviewed as a potential victim at the time but denied having suffered any violence, prosecutor Damien Martinelli said. Instead, Graven and another potential victim told police the events 'were staged and aimed at creating a buzz and earning money', he said. Graven said he made 'sums of 6,000 euros' generated by his company thanks to contracts with streaming platforms. 'Both said they were never injured, were free to come and go, and to make their own decisions,' the prosecutor said. They also declined a medical and psychiatric examination. The popular Kick creator, 46, was found dead overnight on Monday, in bed at his home in Contes, near Nice. American internet personality and online streamer Adin Ross, who boasts 6.7million followers on Instagram, announced on X on Tuesday that he and Drake will be paying for the funeral Owen Cenazandotti, known by pseudonym Naruto (pictured left with Raphael Graven), and Safine Hamadi, known by pseudonym Safine (pictured right) were also in the room during the livestream Kick is a streaming platform similar to Twitch where people broadcast live video to an audience who can comment and donate money in real time. Graven is said to have suffered from a serious heart condition and had been broadcasting for more than 298 hours before his death, The Telegraph reports. Speaking to RTL, the streamer's mother described him as a boy 'with a big heart' and said he gained a second family living in Nice. 'He had brothers in Metz, but he found brothers in Nice, he was a family, he was invited everywhere,' she told the media company. And his sister now believes he died due to exhaustion as she says his death is 'intolerable'. 'I was very, very proud of what my brother became,' she said. 'I didn't watch everything, but I think he shouldn't have died like that, that he died of exhaustion. What he went through is unacceptable.' Canadian rapper Drake is reportedly planning to cover his funeral costs along with internet personality and online streamer Adin Ross, who boasts 6.7million followers on Instagram. Australian platform Kick said Wednesday all co-streamers involved in the event had been banned from the platform pending the outcome of the investigation. It said it was also running a 'complete re-evaluation' of its French content. Drake (pictured in 2022) is reportedly covering the funeral costs of French online star Raphael Graven with online streamer Adin Ross Drake joined Adin Ross, who is renowned for his collaborations with celebrities, on his YouTube livestream August 10 The platform is seen as having less stringent user terms than those of its rival, the better-known Twitch streaming service. French prosecutors confirmed an investigation has been launched in the streamer's tragic death, with an autopsy ordered Police had been questioning witnesses and seizing evidence, including videos, prosecutor Damien Martinelli said in a statement. 'Several interviews with people present at the time of his death have been conducted without yielding leads as to its causes,' Martinelli said, adding that the autopsy would be carried out on Thursday. 'The death of Jean Pormanove and the violence he suffered are an absolute horror,' said Clara Chappaz, French junior minister for digital matters. Officials insisted that 'nothing suspicious' had yet been identified, but shocking claims from local media allege Graven endured sleep deprivation, extreme violence, and ingestion of toxic substances before the tragedy. It has been reported that a few days before his death, Graven sent a heartbreaking final message to his mother to say he felt as if he was 'being held hostage' and admitted he was 'fed up' with the controversial streams that had become his trademark. Adin announced on X on Tuesday that he and Drake will be paying for the funeral. He wrote on X: 'This is horrible and disgusting. Whoever was apart of this deserves to face severe consequences. 'I just spoke with drake. Drake and I will be covering the funeral costs, this won't bring his life back, it's the least we can do. Prayers go out to Jean's family'. Drake joined Adin, who is renowned for his collaborations with celebrities, on his YouTube livestream August 10. Naruto, announced Graven's death on Instagram, paying tribute to his 'brother, sidekick, partner'. He pleaded with fans not to share clips of the disturbing live stream, where Graven appeared unconscious before being found dead in bed. France's Minister for Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence, Clara Chappaz, condemned the ordeal as an 'absolute horror' and said platforms must do more to protect vulnerable creators. Sarah El Hairy, the High Commissioner for Children, described the tragedy as 'horrifying', warning parents to remain vigilant about the violent content children can access online. Kick, the streaming platform where Jeanpormanove built his following, said it was 'deeply saddened' by his death and promised to urgently review the circumstances. 'We are urgently reviewing the circumstances and collaborating with relevant stakeholders. Kick's community guidelines are designed to protect creators, and we are committed to enforcing them across our platform,' a spokesperson told AFP. The case has shone a harsh spotlight on the murky world of 'humiliation streams' in France, where creators allegedly endure extreme abuse for views and donations. Le Monde described the dark side of human nature as 'reminiscent of some of the most chilling episodes from the British dystopian tech series Black Mirror.' Britain's third-largest steelmaker was on Thursday put under government control after a judge branded its owners 'hopelessly insolvent'. A High Court judge granted a winding-up order against Speciality Steel UK, owned by Indian-born metals tycoon Sanjeev Gupta's Liberty Steel group, over long-term unpaid debts. The Official Receiver was placed in control of the company's plants in Rotherham and Stocksbridge, South Yorkshire, and Wednesbury, West Midlands, and talks were ongoing this evening between officials and trade unions over the future of 1,450 staff. The judge, Mr Justice Mellor, said: 'It is quite clear that there are special managers lined up who have the support of the government. 'I consider by far the preferable approach is to make a winding-up order.' The court heard Department for Business and Trade officials have received approaches from 'independent third parties who have expressed an interest in returning some or all of the sites to steel making'. There are two electric arc furnaces at Rotherham steelworks which have been mothballed since last July, while Stocksbridge has a smaller, specialised furnace which has remained in operation. Workers, who make components for aerospace and defence companies, have continued to be paid by SSUK but now the government will cover their wages. Metals tycoon Sanjeev Gupta, founder of Liberty Steels Group, whose Speciality Steel UK division has been placed under control of the Official Receiver There were calls for the government to reverse its 'net zero dogma' in the wake of Liberty Steel's collapse. Tory Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith MP said: 'The collapse of Liberty Steel is the outcome of Labour's ruinously high energy costs driven by net zero dogma. 'British businesses cannot go on like this any longer. 'As well as lower taxes, we need the government to exploit the cheap energy resources the UK already has.' It is the second intervention by the government in the steel industry this year after ministers took control of British Steel which runs the country's last blast furnaces at Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire from former owner Jingye in April. There were fears the Chinese company would turn off the furnaces after rejecting proposed government subsidies to continue operating and build a new electric arc furnace. Cambridge-educated Gupta's financial woes date from 2021, when lender Greensill Capital collapsed. Its administrators have since been trying to recover 3.3bn lent to Gupta Family Group (GFG) Alliance. GFG Alliance has been under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office since 2021 over claims of suspected 'fraudulent trading and money laundering'. Lawyers for Gupta made a plea for more time to attempt a 'pre-pack' administration, being put together by investment manager Begbies Traynor, allowing him to buy the business out of insolvency while reducing its debts. But Mr Justice Mellor found SSUK was 'hopelessly insolvent' with just 600,000 in the bank and a monthly wage bill of 3.7m. Gupta's parent company has 15 entities in insolvency proceedings across nine jurisdictions, the court heard. Chris Williamson, Community steel union representative, is 'hopeful' for the firm's survival Rotherham steelworks, where the electric arc furnace has not produced steel since last year Chris Williamson, Community steel union representative at Rotherham, called for the government to consider renationalising the business and managing it alongside Scunthorpe. He said: 'It would make sense. They (Scunthorpe) only have a certain lifespan in the blast furnaces but we're ready to go with an electric arc furnace.' Mr Williamson added he was 'hopeful' for the survival of the business. Jeffrey Kabel, Liberty Steel's Chief Transformation Officer, called the court ruling 'irrational when we have support to resume operations and facilitate creditor recovery'. He added GFG had 'pursued all options to make SSUK viable' and invested nearly 200m in the steel firm. Mr Kabel pledged to 'present a plan to the official receiver' to regain control of the business. Gareth Stace, director general of trade body UK Steel, called for a new owner to be 'found quickly' but urged ministers to 'push on trade defence and reducing the burden of energy costs so that the Speciality Steels business, and the rest of the UK steel ecosystem, is sustainable.' A Government spokesperson said: 'It is now for the independent Official Receiver to carry out their duties as liquidator, including ensuring employees are paid, while we also make sure staff and local communities are supported.' Joe Biden's presidential spokesperson only met with his boss twice in person during his entire White House tenure, a top Republican investigating the former president and his staff claims. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., conducted a private transcribed interview with Ian Sams, a former Biden spokesman, on Thursday. The closed-door interview which ran multiple hours was the latest step in the panel's investigation into the alleged cover-up of Biden's cognitive decline and unauthorized executive actions using an autopen to sign for the president. The GOP-led committee has issued subpoenas to former Biden aides to determine if the president was capable of carrying out key functions of his job. But the spokesperson had little to offer in terms of face-to-face interaction with the commander-in-chief. 'I think one of the most shocking things to me ishe communicated with Joe Biden two times,' Comer told reporters of Sams' testimony. 'Yet he would, every day, tweet and issue statements from the podium of the White House, combating everything that we were doing in the Oversight Committee with respect to the investigation,' he added. Despite his extremely limited personal interactions with the former president, Sams viciously fought back against a February 2024 Justice Department report claiming Biden had diminished mental abilities and a poor memory, calling it 'wrong' and 'inaccurate.' Former White House Counsel's Office spokesman Ian Sams speaks during the press briefing at the White House in Washington, on February 9, 2024, around the time that the Hur report indicated that Biden had 'a poor memory' During the end of Biden's tenure concerns began to arise, particularly among Republicans, that his senior staffers were conducting much of the president's work House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., told reporters on Thursday that Sams testified he only met Biden in person twice Around the time the bombshell report was published, the left-wing communicator would regularly appear on CNN and MSNBC to bash claims that his boss was declining cognitively. The special counsel report, written by Robert Hur, probed whether Biden illegally handled classified documents, which were found at his Delaware home and various offices. Hur opted against charging Biden with a crime, writing in the final report that Mr. Biden came off 'as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.' Sams pushed back on the characterization repeatedly and argued that Biden gave 'very clear and detailed testimony' to the special counsel. According to the Oversight Committee, however, the former spokesperson could only recall two in-person meetings, one virtual meeting and one phone call he had with Biden, meaning Sams' experience with the president and his recall were limited. 'In fact, Robert Hur spent more time with Joe Biden than Ian Sams,' Comer told reporters. 'Ian Sams is the one that would counter everything Robert Hur or anytime anyone would suggest that Joe Biden wasn't mentally fit. He would say no, he's at the top of his game,' Comer added. The Republican chairman even mentioned that he got more face time with Biden than Sams, noting how he flew on Air Force One with the Democratic president, unlike the former spokesman. Sams' official title was Special Advisor to the President and Spokesman for White House Counsel's Office As scrutiny over the former president's cognition exploded following Biden's dreadful debate performance against Donald Trump, Sams defended Biden. He insisted during a July 2, 2024 interview on MSNBC that the president is 'sharp' and asking 'tough questions.' Sams, unlike other ex-Biden staffers, was not subpoenaed and appeared of his own volition and cooperated with the committee, Comer shared. Biden's senior advisors Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, along with ex-White House doctor Kevin O'Connor, were all forced to testify after being subpoenaed. All three of them pleaded their pleaded the Fifth Amendment protections. Comer has released some video of their testimony where they repeat the same legal jargon when asked questions about the 82-year-old former president. Andrew Bates, former senior deputy press secretary, is scheduled to testify before the committee on September 5. Biden's Former Press Secretary, Karine Jean Pierre, is expected to sit with the panel on September 12. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering amid a probe into the supply of small boats to people smugglers. The arrest of the 29-year-old woman follows a National Crime Agency investigation (NCA) into a network suspected of supplying small boats and maritime equipment from Turkiye to gangs operating in Europe. The woman, who was held at an address in Surrey Quays, London, is suspected of receiving funds derived from small boat supply. She is currently in custody and is being interviewed by the NCA. Lydia Bloomfield, NCA regional head of investigation, said: 'Tackling organised immigration crime remains a key priority for the NCA, and we are determined to target, disrupt and dismantle the gangs involved in planning Channel crossings in any way we can. 'That includes focusing on those involved in supplying boats and equipment to them. 'Our investigation continues.' There have been more than 51,000 small boat arrivals since the election, including a 40 per cent jump in numbers so far this year, compared with the same period in 2024. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering amid a probe into the supply of small boats to people smugglers Your browser does not support iframes. There have been more than 51,000 small boat arrivals since the election, including a 40 per cent jump in numbers so far this year, compared with the same period in 2024 Your browser does not support iframes. One in four of the total asylum claims, 43,600, were made by small boat migrants. The rest came here clandestinely, such as stowing away in a lorry, which accounted for 11 per cent of claims, or arrived here legally such as on a visa and then claimed to be refugees. Today's new data also showed a dip in the number of small boat migrants being deported by Labour. In the year to the end of June 2,330 Channel migrants were removed, compared with 2,516 in the previous 12 months, a fall of seven per cent. The Home Office said 111,084 people claimed asylum in the year to June, up 14 per cent on the previous 12 months. It surpassed the peak of 103,000 in 2002 during the asylum crisis under Tony Blairs government. In another major development, the number of foreign nationals extending their visas to stay in Britain topped one million for the first time. The data showed a 28 per cent leap in the number of visa extensions to 1,041,786, up nearly 230,000 in a year. A former SNP cabinet minister has demanded arts bodies lose their public funding if they stifle free speech after the disgraceful Kate Forbes cancel culture row. Fergus Ewing said the bid by Summerhall Arts to ban the deputy First Minister from an Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue was utter nonsense. He also took a swipe at John Swinney for taking a week to condemn it. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the First Minister said it was not appropriate and there was no reason why Kate Forbes shouldnt be able to speak at any venue in Scotland. Summerhall Arts effectively banned Ms Forbes, a devout Christian who opposed the SNPs gender self-ID plans, from returning after she appeared at a political discussion, before rowing back. Bosses set up a safe room for artists and staff when she was in the building, after performers reported being terrified of the 5ft 2in MSP. The arts charity, which was awarded 608,000 in public funds in January, apologised unreservedly and said the booking was an oversight which would not happen again. But after an outcry about censorship - which chimed with similar rows at the Edinburgh Book Festival and National Library of Scotland - Summerhall bosses backed down. Veteran MSP Fergus Ewing Kate Forbes spoke at an event in Edinburgh Summerhall Arts, in Edinburgh, has become embroiled in a free speech row Chief executive Sam Gough told the Mail: No one is banned from appearing on the stages. Writing on X, Mr Ewing, who quit the SNP in June to stand for re-election in his Inverness and Nairn seat as an Independent, said: After a week of silence, our FM eventually gets round to support his DFM and criticise the disgraceful cancellation of Kate Forbes by Summerhall Arts in Edinburgh. I have tabled a question to ask the Scottish Government if they will insist any arts body getting a grant must undertake to honour freedom of expression under the law, or else forfeit the grant and repay any amount paid Summerhall got bailed out with 600,000 of taxpayers money - then cancelled Kate Forbes because she was, in their eyes, a threat to the safety of performers. What utter nonsense. But will the Scottish Government stamp it out? I doubt it. And why are millions of taxpayers cash being dished out to those who would ban freedom of expression? I have countless constituents with special needs kids whose lives would be transformed for a fraction of these eye-watering amounts. He ended his comments with a pointed quote from 1984 author George Orwell: The further society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it. Benny Higgins, chair of the Fringe Society for the last four years, yesterday said freedom of speech was crucial to the festival He told the Herald: Its from the embers of the Second World War that this festival was formed. We must support freedom of expression. Its crucial. If we dont support freedom of speech within what is legal then we let ourselves down. Its something we have got to protect and cultivate. I think it would be sad if politicians were not be able to speak at the Fringe. Politics is part of the fabric of our society. Lori Anderson, director of Festivals Edinburgh, added: The Edinburgh festivals - with their bold ideas, brave voices and global reach - are a celebration of possibility. They are spaces for challenge and debate. Creative Scotland, which funds Summerhall Arts, was asked for comment. An inmate at Ghislaine Maxwell's cushy new prison has been abruptly transferred to a higher security facility after publicly criticizing the convicted sex trafficker, Daily Mail can reveal. Julie Howell, who is serving a one-year sentence for theft, was removed from Federal Prison Camp, Bryan in Texas after blasting Maxwell as 'disgusting' in an interview with a British newspaper earlier this month. According to Howell's lawyer Patrick McLain, prison warden Dr. Tanisha Hall called the 44-year-old Texas native into her office and informed her she was being moved immediately. Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, McLain said Hall told Howell, 'you've ruined my weekend', and complained about her phone 'blowing up' over the controversy. Howell was then booted out of Bryan so fast she did not have time to collect her medication or her glasses. She is now being held at the grim Federal Detention Center in Houston where the inmates are more violent and the conditions are far worse. In another twist, Howell only decided to speak up because one of her family members was a victim of sex trafficking the crime for which Maxwell received a 20-year sentence. Julie Howell claims she was transferred out of a low-security female prison in Texas after she gave an interview to a newspaper criticizing Ghislaine Maxwell's arrival earlier this month Federal Prison Camp Bryan has been referred to a 'cushy country club' compared to FCI Tallahassee, where Maxwell was previously housed 'Julie has been punished for crossing the system and speaking her mind openly,' McLain told Daily Mail. 'President Trump has talked about wanting to punish and put in jail his political opponents. 'I have no reason to believe that the president knows who Julie Howell is, but by speaking her mind she has angered his administration and has suffered the consequences'. Maxwell, 63, was moved to Bryan from the higher security FCI Tallahassee in Florida last month amid intense pressure on Donald Trump over the release of files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Experts said such a move was unprecedented as Maxwell was convicted of trafficking minors to Epstein in 2022 and was given the lengthy prison term. Bryan, which has been described as a 'cushy country club' is normally reserved for less serious crimes like Howell's. She was jailed for a year for theft. Among its inmates are Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, who is serving more than 11 years for fraud and former Real Housewife Jen Shah serving six-and-a half years for conspiracy. Maxwell met with deputy attorney general Todd Blanche over two days in July to discuss what information she could provide to prosecutors. Hours later she was moved to Bryan. The female prison is a minimum security facility and allows inmates to freely roam its 37-acre grounds which have 'limited or no perimeter fencing' Notable inmates include disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, seen on the track of the prison camp on August 2 Her arrival caused outrage among the other prisoners, including Howell. The interview with UK newspaper The Telegraph was published on August 4. In it Howell, 44, was quoted as saying that 'every inmate I've heard from is upset she's here'. She said in an email to the outlet: 'This facility is supposed to house non-violent offenders. Human trafficking is a violent crime.' According to McLain, within hours of the article being published, Howell was hauled before Hall. McLain said: 'Dr. Hall called Julie into his office and said she was extremely upset and that she had ruined her weekend. 'Dr. Hall said that her phone had been blowing up with people calling about the interview. Julie was upset about what was going on. 'Julie was put on a transport and taken to FDC Houston immediately. She didn't pick up her medication, her personal effects or even her glasses. 'Once she got to Houston she was put in a SHU, or Special Housing Unit, in a windowless cell and only allowed out for an hour of fresh air every two days. Julie Howell, who is serving a one-year sentence for theft, was only a few weeks into her stint behind bars when she talked to the Telegraph She has since been moved to Federal Detention Center in Houston, where the conditions are much more grim 'Since then she has been moved to the general population and the staff have been decent to her'. Howell was only a few weeks into her sentence when she talked to the Telegraph, meaning that she appears set to spend the vast majority of her jail time at FDC Houston. Unlike at Prison Camp Bryan, she cannot roam the facility and there is no puppy training program, which Howell was enrolled in: Maxwell was deemed ineligible. Rather than being white collar criminals, the other inmates in Houston are more violent and dangerous. 'Julie is upbeat, she's staying tough but obviously she's very concerned', McLain said. One of the reasons that Howell decided to speak out about Maxwell was that one of her family members was a victim of sex trafficking. McLain said that Howell had 'worked with the FBI' in the past to ensure that the perpetrators went to jail. 'It's a personal issue for her', McLain said. Maxwell was originally serving out her 20-year sentence at FCI Tallahassee in Florida, where she had been photographed running on the track to stay fit Ghislaine, who became known as late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein's 'madam', was convicted of sex trafficking charges in 2021 'When she called Julie into her office, Dr. Hall didn't say much, only that she was being moved and she was upset about it. 'I don't know if it was at the direction of somebody higher up in the Bureau of Prisons but I wouldn't be surprised as Dr. Hall has to tell them what she's doing'. Maxwell's arrival brought intense scrutiny to Prison Camp Bryan. Sam Mangel, a prison consultant who advises potential inmates ahead of their jail terms, said that Howell's departure had rattled other inmates. Mangel, who has two clients in Prison Camp Bryan said that there has been an atmosphere of 'general paranoia' since Maxwell's arrival. 'My clients are petrified that Maxwell will walk into the visiting room while they are there,' he said. 'Some of them have young daughters who are the age of Maxwell's victims. Maxwell being there while they are there is their biggest fear. 'Everyone is walking on eggshells. 'One of my clients is the same age as some of the people that Maxwell trafficked'. According to Mangel, even the staff at the prison are worried about upsetting Maxwell. 'They think she has the ear of the Department of Justice and are scared of doing something or saying something inappropriate around her', Mangel said. Warden Hall, the Bureau of Prisons and Maxwell's lawyers did not respond to Daily Mail's request for comment. The self-regarding sanctimony dates back a full generation. The righteous demurrals, the fists clenched in protest as they are held aloft, the fingers of the other hand defiantly crossed to negate the words coming from their lips. It is supposed to be a solemn swearing-in ceremony. It looks more like a bunch of puffed-up secondary school kids showing off to the rest of the class. I was there in the Scottish parliament on the day Rosie Kane of the Scottish Socialists made her affirmation to the Queen with the words my oath is to the people scrawled on the hand raised for the promise. On that same day in 2003, her comrade, Colin Fox, burst into song with Robert Burns ode to equality A Mans a Man for a That rather than take the pledge. His microphone was killed and he was made to wait behind. Ive listened to the pompous qualifications inserted by SNP politicians before swearing allegiance to the monarch. Alex Salmond, the third MSP sworn into the Scottish parliaments inaugural term in 1999, was quick to point out that his primary loyalty lies with the people of Scotland. In later ceremonies, it became a mantra, a vainglorious declaration of intent to serve at the pleasure of the people rather than an unelected monarch. Kevin Stewart wants MSPs to 'pledge allegiance to the people of Scotland' Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer backs Kevin Stewart's bid The posturing always seemed to me superfluous. If you are not in politics to serve the people you are in the wrong job. You arrived at Holyrood either as representatives of your constituency or your region thats everyone in them, by the way, not just those who voted for you and, be in no doubt, you work for them. But the swearing-in at the beginning of each parliamentary term is not about that and certainly does not contradict it. It is an oath of allegiance to the monarch in a land that is a monarchy. Telling the rest of the chamber you are more interested in the people of Scotland than King Charles III should not be rewarded with brownie points. It should be seen as wasting precious parliamentary time. Now a bigger waste of parliamentary time looms with a move to spare MSPs the trouble of swearing their allegiance to the King when next required to do so in 2026. It would mean rewriting the Scotland Act which states every member must take the pledge before taking part in any other proceedings. Try not to choke on your morning coffee in surprise at the news this brainwave comes from members of a Nationalist persuasion. Former SNP minister Kevin Stewart tabled the motion and the Greens Ross Greer (a fist-clencher from ceremonies past) is a supporter. Tommy Sheridan taking the oath of allegiance in the first meeting of the Scottish Parliament So is John Mason, an independent since being turfed out of the SNP last year. Quite rightly, the motion has been portrayed as fiddling while Rome burns, an exercise in constitutional navel gazing as public services collapse in a blaze wreaked by incompetence and negligence. But what offends me more is the irony dripping from the pledge these republicans are so anxious to make the one to the people of Scotland. Its patently hollow. The only allegiance I can detect among them is to their own supporters and the cause of independence. Its not so long ago that John Mason, the member for Glasgow Shettleston and then still in the SNP, required constituents to fill in a questionnaire when contacting him online. With which party are you most closely aligned, it asked. Are you a supporter of Scottish independence? What did any of that have to do with representing people approaching their MSP for help? It read more like a vetting process. Allegiance to the people or allegiance to sympathisers? During its power-sharing agreement with the SNP, Ross Greers party could scarcely have been less interested in its sworn allegiance to all the people of Scotland. If it had meant anything, they would have thought about them first rather than trying to foist an unworkable deposit return scheme (DRS) on a country that overwhelmingly did not want it. It was a fiasco brought about by Greens co-leader Lorna Slater imposing her will on the people, ignoring the experts who foresaw disaster much earlier than she did and ultimately blaming anyone but herself when it blew up in her face, costing the taxpayer millions. Allegiance to the people? No to her own arrogant dogma. To what extent, I wonder, did the Scottish Governments detour into the politics of gender self-ID represent fulfilment of a pledge to stand for the people? It was wholly unnecessary, hugely unpopular and opened a can of worms the party now has no idea how to close. Was it on the peoples behalf that Nicola Sturgeon led the nation into this labyrinth of absurdity or was it in service to a personal crusade? I think of the money squandered on unwinnable court cases such as the folly of spending 250,000 on checking with the Supreme Court that the Scottish parliament really cannot legislate for a second independence referendum without the UK Governments consent. The answer was never in doubt. The law is the law. Allegiance to the people or a complete waste of their time and our money? Speaking of which, almost 25million has been spent over the last five years on polling the public to help inform SNP policy. Well, at least they are involving some of the people they pledge their service to, but the allegiance stops short of keeping the rest of us in the loop about what they are asking. Why so? Such information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost, says minister for parliamentary business Jamie Hepburn. Really? Youre saying its too expensive to tell those you represent what you have been polling. Might the truth be that its too embarrassing? Remember that oath so many of you are so keen to take in our name rather than the Kings? Dont be making us question its sincerity. A likely candidate for one of the polls is the SNPs abortive Highly Protected Marine Areas policy which, if introduced as planned, would have wiped out much of the fishing industry around the Western Isles. Another is the proposed blanket ban on alcohol advertising which would have meant curtains for many employed in the drinks industry. The party tip-toed away from both after learning even their own supporters considered them barking. But what about all the lunacy with which the SNP steamed ahead? Was there a gender self-ID poll? What fascinating reading it would make today. How about the DRS it pursued with reckless abandon alongside the Greens? Did the people pitch in there only to be ignored? Whatever happens with this tawdry motion, well see much more of the familiar sanctimony on swearing in day next May. More proud proclamations of allegiance to Jock Tamsons bairns, wherever they may be, however they happen to vote. A man, after all, is a man for a that. Some of them may even think they mean it. Most forget all about it as soon as the words are out. Florida state legislators took to social media Thursday to shame Governor Ron DeSantis for allegedly ordering the state's Department of Transportation to paint over a LGBTQ rainbow sidewalk in Orlando. The sidewalk was located next to the site of the Pulse nightclub, where 49 'mostly LGBTQ' individuals were killed during a shooting in 2016. State Senator Carlos G. Smith and State Representative Anna Eskamani - both Democrats - posted on social media Thursday, expressing anger at the removal, with Smith calling it illegal vandalism. 'I hope the city of Orlando paints these colors back onto their property, and that they sue the state of Florida for vandalizing their property without their consent,' Smith stated in a video posted on X. 'They illegally vandalized city property without providing the city of Orlando notice, or getting their approval to remove this rainbow crosswalk that was painted here not only to remember the lives of the 49 mostly LGBTQ people of color who were murdered here, but also to keep the pedestrians and visitors safe who have come here year after year to pay their respects to those lives who were taken here,' the state senator continued. 'I can not believe that the DeSantis Administration has engaged in this hostile act against the city of Orlando,' Smith also noted in his video. DeSantis responded to Smith's video on X, writing that he 'will not allow ... state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.' President Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched in July a 'nationwide road safety initiative' in which he noted that 'intersections and crosswalks need to be kept free from distractions,' including rainbow sidewalks. Florida State Senator Carlos G. Smith, in a video posted on X Thursday, August 21, 2025 This combination of photos shows a rainbow crosswalk that was removed overnight Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, outside of the Pulse nightclub, where 49 people were gunned down in June 2016, in Orlando, Fla. The lefthand image shows the crosswalk in 2017 Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani in a video posted on Instagram Thursday, August 21, 2025 Duffy's July letter specifically called out 'political messages of any nature, artwork, or anything else that detracts from the core mission of driver and pedestrian safety' as markings that should be removed by states and localities. Per Equality Florida, Smith 'made history as Floridas first openly-LGBTQ Latino lawmaker with his election to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016', and Florida Politics notes that he was the second gay man elected to the Florida Senate. State Representative Anna Eskimani also fought back against DeSantis, writing on X that 'it was never a political statement.' She added that 'what is political, what is authoritative, and what is disrespectful to the 49 lives murdered and our entire community, is sneaking into the city in the middle of the night to literally erase a rainbow crosswalk that was originally established with FDOT approval!' Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer wrote in his own statement posted on X that he was 'devastated to learn that overnight the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue.' US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during a press conference at the Department of Transportation in Washington, DC, USA, 05 August 2025 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in St. Cloud, Florida, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 In a letter to the City of Delray Beach, which also has a rainbow crosswalk, the Florida Department of Transportation ordered the city to remove the similar markings earlier this week. The FDOT noted that and that if they didn't, the state would do it for them, and that 'costs associated with the removal will be assessed against the city.' Former Defence Secretary Sir Liam Fox is carrying out an investigation into the 1994 RAF Chinook disaster on the Mull of Kintyre after voicing deep concerns about the crash. He intervened as families of the victims accused the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of gaslighting them by refusing to answer unresolved questions. Relatives of senior British intelligence personnel killed in the helicopter tragedy are suing the MoD in a bid to end what they describe as three decades of secrecy. As Defence Secretary back in 2011, Sir Liam published the results of an independent review which recommended that an earlier finding that the pilots were negligent to a gross degree should be set aside. Now Sir Liam has spoken of very deep concerns about the circumstances surrounding the crash which killed 25 senior intelligence experts and four Special Forces crew. Campaigners say the MoDs decision to seal the Chinook files for 100 years had further heightened suspicions of a cover-up. Sir Liam has held a private meeting with some of the 47 children of those who were killed on June 2, 1994 in a Chinook Mk 2. Calls for a public inquiry have been rejected both by the Prime Minister and the MoD and the families are now pursuing a judicial review at the High Court under Article II of the Human Rights Act, which protects the right to life. The crash, on the Mull of Kintyre, killed all 29 onboard The RAF Chinook was carrying top Northern Ireland security experts Sir Liam Fox, as defence secretary, published the results of an independent review Sir Liam said: It was my pleasure to meet some of the members of the Chinook Justice Campaign and to listen to their harrowing stories and their suspicions about what may have happened. I share their very deep concerns about the circumstances surrounding the crash and I have committed to a full investigation to ensure that the truth is laid before the British people. As the Defence Secretary who, after the conclusions of the Mull of Kintyre Review, cleared the two pilots of blame, I have assured the families that I will give this my full attention and help to establish the truth about what happened. According to campaigners, evidence which has been leaked to the families and is available on the Chinook Justice Campaign website confirms that the aircraft was not airworthy and should never have taken off on that fateful flight. Andy Tobias, whose father, Lieutenant Colonel John Tobias, 41, was killed, said the support of Sir Liam Fox means a huge amount to all of the families. He said: The MoD keeps telling us that no new inquiry is necessary, and points to the judge-led inquiry set up by Sir Liam which was established solely to discover whether the pilots were to blame. They were cleared; given Sir Liam supports our case then the MoDs argument is void. They must stop trying to gaslight the families of the dead. Flight Lieutenants Jonathan Tapper and Richard Cook were both UK Special Forces pilots with exemplary service records. Two RAF Air Marshals ruled the pair were grossly negligent, effectively overturning a previous inquiry. It took nearly 17 years for the pilots families to clear their names. An MoD spokesman said: Its unlikely that a public inquiry would identify any new evidence or reach new conclusions on the basis of existing evidence. A Northern California schoolboy learned a painful lesson after he decided to punch a staff member inside a high school gym - only to be dramatically body-slammed to the ground seconds later by a school resource officer. The wild confrontation unfolded Tuesday at Lincoln High School in Placer County, about 30 miles north of Sacramento, where a class of freshmen was watching from the bleachers. Video of the melee, which has gone viral on social media, showed the boy in a heated argument with a male teacher. The staffer appeared to lightly place a hand on the student's arm in an effort to guide him toward the exit, sparking the teen's fury. The student shoved the teacher and suddenly threw a jab that landed squarely on the man's jaw, according to the footage. As the teacher turned away and began walking off, the boy threw several more punches - even as another staff member tried to usher him through the gym doorway. Moments later, with tensions boiling over, the high schooler aggressively punched a second staffer. That's when a school resource officer suddenly charged into frame, grabbed the student, and lifted him off his feet before slamming him onto the ground through the closing gym doors - leaving his classmates gasping and jumping to their feet. Viral footage shows the hulking Lincoln High School student throwing punches at a staff member before being slammed to the ground The wild confrontation unfolded Tuesday at Lincoln High School in Placer County, about 30 miles north of Sacramento, where a class of freshmen was watching from the bleachers The Western Placer Unified School District later confirmed the student will face disciplinary action, stressing in a statement: 'The safety and well-being of students and staff remain the highest priority for Lincoln High School and the Western Placer Unified School District. 'The behavior displayed in this incident does not reflect the values of respect, responsibility, and kindness that the District upholds, and actions of this nature are not acceptable at any school.' Lincoln Police said the student was arrested on the spot and booked into juvenile hall. While the district has not said whether the officer's takedown will be reviewed, the video has sparked fierce debate online. Some viewers insisted the body-slam was excessive, with one commenter writing: 'The officer should be sued. There are amicable ways to do this.' Others defended the intervention, joking that 'someone's parent is on the way after seeing this video lol.' School officials added that the incident was resolved quickly and the remainder of the school day continued without disruption. A man who raped a woman he met on Tinder following their first date at Soho House was spared jail time after he claimed he wants to be a good boyfriend. William Hathaway, 33, was sentenced to therapy and 10 years of probation on Tuesday after he was convicted of raping a woman at his Manhattan apartment in 2020. In a bizarre defense, Hathaway told the court he should be spared jail time because he is now looking for a serious relationship and wants to have a positive future. 'Since my arrest, I've tried to respond to this experience in ways that reflect loyalty and responsibility,' he told the court. 'I now date with the intention of long term relationships... I want to be a good boyfriend, a good husband, a good father one day.' While prosecutors had asked for the maximum sentence of four years in prison, a judge decided to go with a slap on the wrist. 'I'm not sure if this sentence is what's the right answer or should you be sitting in a jail cell for a while to get a sense of what incarceration is about,' Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Josh Hanshaft, according to the New York Post. 'But I do find the probationary sentence will at least get you the help so you do not hurt another individual again.' William Hathaway, 33, was spared jail time after being convicted of raping a woman after their first date in New York City Prosecutors said Hathawat met the victim on Tinder a few days before their first date at Soho House, an. exclusives members club in the Meatpacking District In a bizarre defense, Hathaway told the court he should be spared jail time because he is now looking for a serious relationship and wants to have a positive future Hathaway, who now lives in Miami, must enroll in a sex offender treatment program and register as a sex offender as part of his sentence. A jury convicted Hathaway of rape in the third degree in April. Prosecutors said Hathaway, then 27, met the 23-year-old victim on the dating app Tinder. The two met in person a few days later at the exclusive members club Soho House on February, 15, 2020, before Hathaway took the victim back to his West Village apartment and raped her without a condom. The victim said in court before the sentencing that Hathaway 'took her voice and dignity' when he 'decided to do whatever he wanted' with her. She added that she has battled an alcohol addiction and suicidal thoughts since she was raped. Prosecutors said Hathaway and the victim first had consensual sex but that he did not stop when she asked him to. They told the court the victim told Hathaway to stop at least five times as she pushed on his chest but was ignored. 'To not sentence this defendant to a period of incarceration for his conduct would be adhering the outdated concept that there needs to be some form of violence or force to constitute rape,' said Manhattan District Attorney Ashley Durkin. Hathaway pictured on social media with his sister Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Josh Hanshaft decided therapy was the best punishment Hathway, seen with his lawyer on Tuesday, said he was just trying to have a 'fun date' 'He took away a part of me that I can never have back,' the victim told the court. 'For what? To please himself. All he was thinking about was himself.' Hathaway, on his part, said he was simply trying to have a 'fun date' during the sentencing hearing. According to the Post, Hathaway was charged with a similar offense in the summer of 2020 but was acquitted in a 2023 trial. The jury and judge in the case he was convicted in would not have been aware of the previous case as it was sealed. A top transgender surgeon is being sued by two patients who claim their operations left them with deformed genitals. Two anonymous transgender men have filed separate lawsuits against Dr. Curtis Cetrulo over their 'botched' phalloplasties at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston. Cetrulo, a renowned plastic surgeon who performed the first successful penis transplant in the United States in 2016, worked at MGH's Transgender Health Program. The lawsuits claim that Cetrulo's 'delayed abdominal phalloplasty' operations on both patients were 'untested and experimental' procedures that resulted in severe complications. According to the court filings, a delayed abdominal phalloplasty is a staged procedure that uses skin from the abdomen to construct a penis. One patient from New Mexico who traveled to Boston for the surgery claimed the operation left him with a 'severely deformed, scarred, and nonfunctional structure that was intended to serve as phallus.' The patient said doctors ultimately had to remove it. The other patient, a transgender man from Massachusetts, said the botched surgery has caused his wife to suffer the 'severe restriction of the benefit of the full services, society, and affection of [him].' Two anonymous patients have filed separate lawsuits against Dr. Curtis Cetrulo (pictured) over their 'botched' phalloplasties The lawsuits claim that Cetrulo's 'delayed abdominal phalloplasty' operations at Massachusetts General Hospital (pictured) were 'untested and experimental' procedures Cetrulo (pictured), a renowned plastic surgeon who performed the first successful penis transplant in the United States in 2016, worked at MGH's Transgender Health Program 'The phalloplasty performed by Dr. Cetrulo ultimately failed, causing [the patient] to require extensive additional medical treatment including but not limited to revision phalloplasty,' the lawsuit said. Both patients claims they suffered severe complications including having their surgical wounds split open, catheter leakage, urinary complications and infections. Cetrulo left MGH in 2023 to join the plastic surgery department at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. 'While we cannot comment on ongoing litigation, our priority remains delivering safe, high-quality care,' a spokesperson from Mass General Brigham, the healthcare system the oversees MGH, told the Daily Mail. 'We strive to ensure patients are fully informed about risks and complications before procedures, empowering them to make the best decisions for their treatment.' MGH spokeswoman Laura Oggeri denied that Cetrulo's surgeries were 'experimental,' but declined to comment further to the Boston Globe. 'Mass General Brigham's transgender surgery program has extensive expertise in performing advanced gender-affirming surgery and uses the latest medical technology to ensure optimal outcomes,' she said. The Daily Mail contacted the patients' lawyers, Cetrulo's attorney and his new employer for comment. Farmers and businesses look set to be hit with restrictions on how much water they can extract from rivers with days as levels continue to plummet despite recent heavy rain. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued the warning on Thursday as it revealed there are now nine rivers at moderate scarcity level, up three on the previous week. And abstraction limits, it warned, could be imposed as early as next week as a small number of catchments are approaching trigger levels as parts of eastern Scotland remain under sustained water scarcity pressure. It comes as images show Ballo Reservoir in Fife has nearly dried up, with members of the local fishery fearing 30,000 worth of trout could die within days after being trapped in just 12 inches of water. More than 100 dead fish have already reportedly been removed from the empty water body, which is one of several which supplies drinking water for residents across Fife. The environment watchdog said localised thunderstorms at the end of last week, including reports of large hail in Dundee and parts of Aberdeenshire, did not change the overall water scarcity picture. It said: Showers were short lived and patchy, often missing the catchments that needed rain most, and on very dry ground intense rain tends to run off rather than soak in - limiting recharge of rivers and groundwater. Data shows that every month this year on the east coast has been drier than average and the deficit in some areas extends back to June 2024, with 40 per cent less rainfall than the long-term average for that period. Water levels have plummeted, leaving fish dead Ballo Reservoir in Fife has nearly dried up amid a dry spell Sepa said: That prolonged shortfall, coupled with the warm, sunny spring and summer has left rivers, soils and groundwater under pressure. The Spey, Almond and Tweed river catchments were escalated to moderate scarcity this week, taking the total at that level to nine. There are also now 14 rivers at early warning level, with five at alert status. Early warning, alert and moderate scarcity status are based on river levels, groundwater and soil moisture, while significant scarcity reflects severe, sustained low flows assessed over a period of time, and is the point at which restrictions are likely. Sepa said if very low flows persist in the Deveron, Ythan, Upper and Lower Don in Aberdeenshire, North Fife and the Lower Tweed, it expects those areas could move into significant scarcity as early as next week. Kenny Boag, Sepas Head of Environmental Performance (National), said: Some rivers in the east of Scotland are days away from the point where restrictions may be needed to protect the environment. We are speaking directly to licence holders, so no one should be caught off guard. Sepa added any measures which come into force would be targeted and time limited. President Donald Trump is apparently torn over whether to ignite a tinderbox over a plan to throw the book at American flag burners. Trump abruptly cancelled the signing of an executive order on Thursday seeking to punish Americans for burning the U.S. flag. According to multiple reports, Trump planned to sign an executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring charges against individuals who burn the stars and stripes. In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag during a protest is a protected form of free speech. Under Trumps order that's now on hold, the DOJ would review already existing cases of flag burning to see if other charges unrelated to the flag burning could be brought forward. For example, the order reportedly directed the DOJ to prosecute protesters for crimes such as public nuisance or disorderly conduct laws, according to a report from NewsNation. It is not clear if Trump plans to sign the executive order at a later date, or if its being cancelled permanently. The Daily Mail reached out to the White House for comment. Trump has advocated for throwing protesters in jail for up to one year for burning the U.S. flag Trump referred to protesters who burn the flag as 'animals' Trump cancelled a plan signing of an executive order that punishes Americans for burning the flag Since the start of his career in politics, Trump has advocated for imposing legal penalties on protesters who destroy the American flag despite the Supreme Courts prior ruling. In the past, the president has called for stripping the citizenship from naturalized American citizens who burn the flag and advocated for jail time as a punishment. Trump during the 2024 campaign season even floated the idea of introducing a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning as a form of protected protest. Amid the anti-ICE protests in LA, Trump called for throwing demonstrators in jail for a year for setting the flag on fire. These are animals, but they proudly carry the flags of other countries. They don't carry the American flag, Trump told a crowd of servicemembers at Fort Bragg. They only burn it. Did you see a lot of the flags being burned?" He added, They weren't being burned by people from our country, or from people that love our country. People that burn the American flag should go to jail for one year. It is not clear if Trump plans to sign the executive order at a later date Trump then claimed that hes working with lawmakers in DC to push through legislation outlawing flag burning. We'll see if we can get that done. We're going to try and get that done. We're working with some of your senators. A former priest convicted of sexual offences against nine women coerced his victims into 'attending upon him' inside his bedroom before he went to sleep, with the women fearing they would be 'excluded' if they refused. Christopher Brain, 68, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, was the leader of the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS), part of the Church of England, in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, between 1986 and 1995. On Wednesday, he was found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault during the years he led the movement by a jury at Inner London Crown Court. The former priest was cleared of a further 15 counts of indecent assault. The following day, the 11-strong jury was discharged after failing to reach a verdict on five more counts - one of rape and four of indecent assault - having started deliberations on August 12. In total, Brain was charged with one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault between 1981 and 1995 against 13 women. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Julie Moss, senior crown prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Chris Brain abused the trust and power he gained as a religious leader to sexually exploit and abuse young women. 'He instilled a culture of fear to subjugate and control NOS members into submission and to do his bidding. Former priest Christopher Brain, who has been convicted of sexual offences against nine women, coerced his victims into 'attending upon him' before he went to sleep The prosecution said Brain abused the trust and power he gained as a religious leader to sexually exploit and abuse young women Brain was the leader of the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS), part of the Church of England, in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, between 1986 and 1995 'Brain discouraged members of the Nine O Clock service from having any contact with family or friends outside of the NOS community to isolate members them and make them susceptible to his control.' Ms Moss said Brain had set up a 'home base team' where he required female NOS members to assist his household, including 'attending upon him in his bedroom' before he slept, which is when many of the offences occurred. She added: 'The victims were too scared of being excluded from the religious group to refuse. 'This became known as the "putting to bed rota". Prosecutors previously told jurors Brain instilled a culture of fear to control NOS members into submission and to do his bidding A court sketch of Brain during his trial in June at Inner London Crown Court On Wednesday, Brain was found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault during the years he led the movement by a jury at Inner London Crown Court The CPS said Brain had 'clearly engaged' in controlling behaviour and described him as 'a narcissist who subjected his victims to awful and horrendous act of sexual violence' 'Brain clearly engaged in controlling behaviour and is a narcissist who subjected his victims to awful and horrendous act of sexual violence. 'We hope that these convictions help in some part to see justice delivered for the victims.' Addressing the jury on Thursday, Judge Freya Newbery said: 'I am going to discharge you now on those counts. For you it all comes to an end now. 'I am really grateful for such a lot of time that you have given.' Ms Newbury gave the jurors the option of exemption from jury service if summoned within the next 10 years. A further hearing to determine whether prosecutors believe there are grounds for a retrial for the charges was set for September 4. The SNP has suffered a 1.1million collapse in finances and membership has fallen to below half its peak level. The partys annual accounts revealed a dramatic swing in the beleaguered partys fortunes as it prepares to fight next years Holyrood election. Last night rivals warned that a party which couldnt even manage its own finances shouldnt be trusted with the nations money. Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: Eyebrows will be raised about the financial sustainability of the SNP when they have such a deep deficit. People are deserting the SNP. Theyre skint. The SNP accounts for the year to December 31 reveal: Membership fell from 64,525 to 56,011 in the year to June, representing a 55.4 per cent slump since the 2019 peak of 125,691 under Nicola Sturgeon SNP income fell by 247,838 to 4.5million, while spending rose 870,062 to 5million Membership income was down 260,928 to 1.8million but donations were up 567,859 to a seven-year high of 937,167 because of bequests The SNP ended 2024 with a 455,254 deficit, after a 661,568 surplus in 2023 Auditors put a qualified opinion on the accounts for a second year as missing paperwork before July 2023 created inherent uncertainty about levels of reserves The value of the infamous SNP motorhome impounded by police has fallen from over 100,000 to 41,284 and the party expects its future release Former chief executive Peter Murrell, who was charged with embezzlement in March, has not asked for the return of 60,000 he loaned the party in 2021 and the money could be waived or written off amid the uncertainty John Swinney at the SNP's annual conference last year Nicola Sturgeon with now estranged husband Peter Murrell The accounts showed a dramatic swing from a surplus of 660,000 in 2023 to the deficit of 455,000 in 2024. On paper, SNP reserves were 13,315 in the red, down from 441,939 in the black. The slump was driven by 8,514 members leaving and membership income falling 250,000, as well as a 276,000 restructuring exercise at SNP HQ to cut jobs and save cash. The Nationalists also spent 800,000 on a disastrous general election campaign under John Swinney in which they lost 39 of their 48 MPs. With the Holyrood election looming, SNP treasurer Stuart McDonald admitted funds to fight it were not in the same ballpark as past years, but said finances were stable. The SNP spent 1.47million on the 2021 Holyrood election more than any of its rivals but its weak finances saw it outspent by both Scottish Labour and the Scottish Tories last year. Tory finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: Financial incompetence is clearly the SNPs speciality. It is not surprising they are presiding over a growing black hole in Scotlands finances when they cannot get a grip of their own. He said it was remarkable that the party appeared to be making no effort to repay the money it owed to Mr Murrell. Officers outside the home of Peter Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon in April 2023 The accounts are more transparent than in past years, including over the impact of Operation Branchform, the police probe into fundraising which saw the estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, charged. In his report, Mr McDonald states: While we remain by far and away Scotlands largest political party with 56,011 members as at 1st June 2025 we continue to face the challenge of membership numbers declining from historic and extraordinary highs. He said very difficult but important changes were required to improve the partys finances including one to downsize our HQ team from 26 to 19. Redundancies and restructuring had contributed to the deficit but would realise significant spending reductions in the months ahead. These steps, though difficult, have stabilised our finances, he said. Membership fell from 64,525 to 56,011 in the year to June, the SNP's annual accounts revealed The accounts show SNP HQ stayed afloat thanks to borrowing from its branches. These were owed 459,201 last year, more than 100,000 up on 2023. The SNP Westminster group, which produces separate accounts, saw its deficit grow from 87,991 to 155,803 after the general election rout. Scottish Labour doubled its income to 2.1million thanks to a 545,000 boost from UK HQ to fight the election. Dame Jackie said: Eyebrows will be raised about the financial sustainability of the SNP when they have such a deep deficit. The public will also ask why the partys former chief executive Peter Murrell is set to be given legal aid at the expense of the taxpayer when he has seemingly made no request to the SNP for the outstanding 60,000 he loaned them to be repaid and that this could now be waived or written off. An SNP spokesman said: The SNP is the largest political party in Scotland by far and it is very encouraging to see extraordinary levels of donations over the course of last year the highest since 2017. This is the shocking moment a Spanish man set a cafe on fire after staff told him they had run out of mayonnaise. CCTV footage shows the man pouring gasoline over the bar at Las Postas cafe in the Spanish town of Los Palacios y Villafranca, before setting it alight. Flames are shown quickly erupting as the man walks away from the cafe, as customers and staff can be seen backing away from the explosive inferno. The unnamed man, 50, had visited the eatery with his son on Wednesday and ordered two sandwiches. When the waiter served them, the man asked if they had mayonnaise, to which the server replied that they had run out, Spanish news outlet La Sexta reports. The man then asked a different waiter the same question, who confirmed that they didn't have any. The furious customer then got up and left the cafe, but returned moments later with a 1.5 litre bottle of gasoline, which he used to set fire to the vicinity. Workers immediately used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames and to prevent the fire from spreading through the cafe. A Spanish man set a cafe on fire after staff told them they had run out of mayonnaise The shocking moment was captured on CCTV Screen grab shows flames erupting after the man poured gasoline over the counter The man was later arrested by Civil Guard near the restaurant after a waiter chased him down. He was transported to a local health centre where he received treatment for burns on his hands, according to local media. One waiter reportedly suffered a minor burn as a result of the fire. According to witnesses, several others were injured, including an elderly man and a small child. The material damages and lost profits of the incident have amounted to around 7,000 euros, or 6,056. Police are now investigating the incident and the man is facing charges of criminal damage, arson and causing danger. It comes as Spain has been battling one of its most destructive fire seasons in recent decades. The country tackled several wildfires this week, with thousands of firefighters aided by soldiers and water-bombing aircraft grappling the flames in northwestern Spain. The fires in Galicia have ravaged small, sparsely populated towns, forcing locals in many cases to step in before firefighters arrive. The man was arrested and a police investigation is underway The incident took place on Wednesday at Las Postas cafe (pictured) in the Spanish town of Los Palacios y Villafranca Firefighting units from Germany arrived in northern Spain on Tuesday to help fight the blazes, Spains 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. 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. A 12-year-old boy's attempt to pull off a 'To Catch a Predator'-style plot with his friends went horribly wrong when a known offender abducted him. The boy and at least nine of his friends cooked up the risky stunt in Airdrie, north of Calgary, in Canada to lure in a 37-year-old man via Snapchat. They arranged a meeting with the mark, identified as Zain Alnoor Merchant, and the boy jumped into his car while his friends filmed. 'One 12-year-old male got into the suspect's vehicle voluntarily so that the other youth could record the interaction,' the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said. 'This is when the suspect drove away.' The teen managed to flee the car when it stopped at a red light and called 911. Police were soon on Merchant's tail, but he refused to stop. The RCMP, with help from Calgary police and a helicopter, tracked the car to northeast Calgary where they arrested Merchant. He is charged with abducting a person under 14, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, kidnapping, and forcible confinement. A petrol station where a boy was allegedly abducted by a pedophile when he and his friends tried to pull off a 'To Catch a Predator'-style stunt for social media Other charges are fleeing from police and three counts of breaching his probation by contacting a minor and using the internet. Police warned against plotting 'amazingly dangerous' pedophile stings, which they said were growing trend online among teenagers. 'It's such a dangerous situation to put themselves in. We don't encourage anybody to take these vigilante steps,' Airdrie RCMP Corporal Christopher Hrynyk said. 'We've had more than one investigation on file with this offender, which again speaks to the dangerous and high-risk nature of meeting strangers, conversing with strangers We do not encourage any of this behavior,' said Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams Sgt. Mark Auger. 'A lot of these setups and these stings will end in violence, in suicide, in sexual assault. It's not worth the risk.' Pedophile stings were popularized by the long-running Dateline segment To Catch a Predator, hosted by Chris Hansen. Show employees posing as children in online chatrooms and forums ensnared perverts wanting to meet them for sex. Pedophile stings were popularized by the long-running Dateline segment To Catch a Predator, hosted by Chris Hansen (pictured) When they showed up at the meeting, they would instead by met by Hansen, who confronted them on camera before police moved in to arrest them. The setup made a comeback in recent years, with YouTubers and other social media personalities pulling off the same stings. However, these attempts by largely untrained vigilantes and influencers, with no law enforcement training, often go wrong. Even if everything goes to plan, they usually make it much harder for police to prosecute the pedophiles. Merchant faced Airdrie Court of Justice on Thursday and will remain at Calgary Remand Centre until a bail hearing next Thursday. A father's worst nightmare came true when he found a man who was renting a room in his home lying on top of his seven-year-old daughter with his pants around his ankles. Daniel D'Angelo, 53 - a registered sex offender who did not disclose his status to the homeowner - was arrested and charged on August 17 with lewd conduct and failure to register as a sexual offender, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. An arrest report obtained by WFTX said the father of the alleged victim found D'Angelo shirtless with his jeans around his ankles, lying on top of the girl in her bedroom. The girl's father confronted D'Angelo, and an altercation between the two broke out. The father took photos of the horrifying scene to show the police as evidence. The photos allegedly depicted D'Angelo pulling up his jeans and leaving the girl's room. The girl told cops that she was sleeping in her bed and woke up to D'Angelo on top of her without his shirt. She said that he was touching her leg and put his finger in her ear before her father intervened. Investigators found D'Angelo's shirt in the girl's bed, but he denied that the photos were of him and claimed he was set up. The father was renting a room to D'Angelo and found him in her room, lying on top of her with his shirt off and his pants around his ankles (file photo) Daniel D'Angelo, 53, was arrested and charged with lewd conduct and failing to register as a sex offender after a girl's father found him on top of her D'Angelo did admit to being a registered sex offender and an alcoholic, confessing that he had been drinking that day. The suspect was renting a room from the girl's family and had moved into the home just a few weeks before the horrifying ordeal. Before moving into the home, which is located in Port Charlotte, Florida, about an hour north of Fort Myers, D'Angelo was living with a woman named Robin Hart. Hart told local CW affiliate, WINK News, that she was afraid of D'Angelo when they were roommates. 'I was afraid of him because he [kept] banging on my door and banging on my door all the time, and I kept saying, Go away, go away. Go away. Leave me alone,' she told the outlet. D'Angelo's former landlord, Kevin, told WINK that he would get so drunk that 'he didn't know what he was doing.' 'He could barely walk. He just did things that normal people actually never do,' the landlord added. D'Angelo is in jail on a second-degree felony charge of lewd conduct and a third-degree felony charge of failing to register as a sex offender. D'Angelo was booked into the Charlotte County Jail (pictured) on a combined bond of $250,000 D'Angelo's former roommate, Robin (right) told local news that she was afraid of him, and his former landlord, Kevin (left) said he drank a lot When sex offenders move in Florida, they have 48 hours to register their new address. The girl's father and the owner of the home told police that D'Angelo didn't notify them that he was a sex offender. D'Angelo was given a $150,000 bond for lewd conduct and a $100,000 bond for failing to register as a sex offender. Daily Mail reached out to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office for comment and additional information on the case. The Israeli ambassador to the UK has told Foreign Office officials not to 'tell us where to build in Jerusalem' after she was hauled in by David Lammy over the country's plans for a settlement project in the occupied West Bank. 'I wouldn't tell the British where to build in London', Tzipi Hotovely told the Daily Mail on Thursday night. 'We see E1 as part of greater Jersusalem', she added. Her remarks come after Foreign Secretary Mr Lammy condemned Israel's controversial settlement plan in the West Bank that would 'divide a Palestinian state in two'. Mr Lammy criticised the approval of the E1 project as he warned it would 'critically undermine' hopes of a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis. Settlement development in E1, a tract of land east of Jerusalem, has been under consideration for more than two decades. This is despite Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank being widely considered as illegal among the international community and an obstacle to peace. An Israeli defence ministry committee on Wednesday approved plans for around 3,400 homes in E1. David Lammy has condemned Israel's controversial settlement plan in the West Bank that would 'divide a Palestinian state in two' Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who was sanctioned by the UK in June and unveiled the E1 project last week, said the idea of a Palestinian state was 'being erased' He demanded the Israeli government reverse its decision, claiming - if the settlement plan is implemented - it would represent 'a flagrant breach of international law'. Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who was sanctioned by the UK in June, said the idea of a Palestinian state was 'being erased' following the approval. It came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a fresh blast at Sir Keir Starmer's vow to recognise a Palestinian state next month. Last month, Sir Keir announced the UK would formally recognise Palestine in September before the United Nations General Assembly in New York unless Israel meets certain conditions. This includes agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza, making clear there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and committing to a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution. But Mr Netanyahu repeated his claim that Sir Keir was 'rewarding' Hamas in the wake of the terror groups attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. He told the Triggernometry podcast: 'They [Hamas] commit the greatest savagery against Jews since the Holocaust, and the Prime Minister of Britain says we will reward you with a de facto state which is committed openly to repeating the October 7 massacre over and over and over again. 'And they say we recognise Israel's right to defend itself as long as Israel doesn't exercise that right. 'Let's imagine, what would be the response of Britain if about 15,000 people would be butchered in one day, and you'd have, I don't know, 2,500 hostages taken. 'Would you say, "Oh, well, we should give our attackers a state right next to London?" Of course not.' He added: 'The standard that is being applied is not merely wrong, it's just downright dangerous. 'Because you're really rewarding these monstrous terrorists with the greatest prize and that's because of weakness.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to the Triggernometry podcast, issued a fresh blast at Sir Keir Starmer's vow to recognise a Palestinian state Last month, Sir Keir announced the UK would formally recognise Palestine in September before the United Nations General Assembly in New York unless Israel meets certain conditions A two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict envisages a Palestinian state in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, existing side by side with Israel. The UK has opposed the E1 settlement project due to concerns that it could undermine a future peace deal with the Palestinians. In a post on X/Twitter, Mr Lammy said: 'The UK condemns the decision by Israel's Higher Planning Committee today to approve the E1 settlement plan. 'If implemented, it would divide a Palestinian state in two, mark a flagrant breach of international law and critically undermine the two-state solution. 'The Israeli government must reverse this decision.' On Sunday, during a visit to Ofra, another West Bank settlement established a quarter of a century ago, Mr Netanyahu said: 'I said 25 years ago that we will do everything to secure our grip on the Land of Israel, to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, to prevent the attempts to uproot us from here. 'Thank God, what I promised, we have delivered.' Mr Smotrich, who unveiled the E1 plans last week, welcomed the approval of the project. 'The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not with slogans but with actions,' he said. 'Every settlement, every neighbourhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.' Top Donald Trump ally Alina Habba is serving as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey illegally, a federal judge ruled on Thursday. The new twist in the legal drama surrounding Trump's former personal attorney comes weeks after Habba was dramatically ousted from her role as the temporary head of New Jersey's U.S. attorney office. In July, a panel of mostly Democrat-appointed judges refused to extend Habba's 120-day interim role, while she awaited Senate confirmation to the permanent position. They then ousted Habba and put in her place Desiree Leigh Grace. However, President Donald Trump intervened, withdrawing Habba's nomination from the permanent position and appointing her as first assistant U.S. attorney. That loophole allowed her to resume the office's top job in an acting capacity. But Judge Matthew Brann of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, ruled on Thursday that this maneuver was illegal. 'Faced with the question of whether Ms. Habba is lawfully performing the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, I conclude that she is not,' wrote Judge Brann, who was transferred the case challenging her authority. He added: 'And because she is not currently qualified to exercise the functions and duties of the office in an acting capacity, she must be disqualified from participating in any ongoing cases.' A judge in Pennsylvania ruled on Thursday that Alina Habba is illegally serving as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Habba defended Trump in New York civil cases before joining his 2024 campaign. She then took a short-lived role with the administration serving as Trump's Counselor to the President. After just a few months in Washington, D.C., the president appointed Habba as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, sending her back to her home state where she first met Trump. Her permitted 120 days expired on July 25, 2025. Trump wasn't happy when Grace, who was at the time first assistant prosecutor to Habba, was voted by a panel of judges to assume the interim role. He immediately ousted Grace from her brand new role and put Habba back in the driver's seat. Habba's permanent confirmation has been held up in the Senate, in part, by both of New Jersey's Democratic senators opposing her nomination. Her continuing authority is being challenged in two criminal cases arguing her appointment is invalid because it violates federal law. Judge Brann agreed it was illegal, but the decision is expected to be appealed. Habba (left) defended Trump in several New York civil cases before joining his 2024 campaign and later his White House Democrats have accused Habba of pursuing 'frivolous and politically motivated' prosecutions despite her relative inexperience as a prosecutor. This potentially is in reference to her role in charging Newark Mayor Ras Baraka with trespassing after he was arrested during a confrontation with border agents at a New Jersey migrant holding facility this summer. Additionally, in an April 2025 post on X, Habba said she would pursue charges against politicians who violate Trump's executive orders, which many interpreted as politically-motivated action. Even foreigners holding valid U.S. visas could be subject to deportation thanks to a new State Department policy under the Trump administration. The Associated Press reported Thursday that the State Department is reviewing the records of 55 million foreigners who hold visas to see if those residents broke any rules and thus become ineligible to live in the United States. The department told the AP that visa holders are subject to 'continuous vetting.' 'We review all available information as part of our vetting, including law enforcement or immigration records of any other information that comes to light after visa issuance indicating a potential liability,' the State Department said. The department told the AP that it is looking for individuals who have overstayed their visas, conducted criminal activity and are threats to public safety. They mentioned specifically engaging in any form of terrorist activity or providing support to a terrorist organization. If an infraction is discovered that individual's visa could be revoked - and they could be deported like the tens of thousands of illegal immigrants who have deported since the advent of the second Trump administration. The policy shift indicates a major deportation escalation, as visa holders are in the United States legally. Under President Donald Trump (left) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right) the State Department is now combing through 55 million visas, of people in the United States legally, to see if any infractions could lead to deportations of those individuals President Donald Trump won a second term in office promising the country's largest mass deportation but his campaign rhetoric focused mainly on migrants coming into the U.S. illegally from the southern border. The administration has steadily imposed more restrictions and requirements on visa applicants, including requiring them to submit to in-person interviews. The review of all visa holders appears to be a significant expansion of what had initially been a process focused mainly on students who have been involved in what the government perceives as pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel activity. Officials say the reviews will include all visa holders' social media accounts, law enforcement and immigration records in their home countries, along with any actionable violations of U.S. law committed while they were in the United States. 'As part of the Trump Administration's commitment to protect U.S. national security and public safety, since Inauguration Day the State Department has revoked more than twice as many visas, including nearly four times as many student visas, as during the same time period last year,' the State Department said. The vast majority of foreigners seeking to come to the U.S. require visas, especially those who want to study or work for extended periods. Among the exceptions for short-term tourist or business visits are citizens of the 40 mainly European and Asian countries belonging to the Visa Waiver Program, which grants those nationals a stay of up to three months without having to apply for a visa. A protester is arrested in Los Angeles clashing with federal agents over President Donald Trump's Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. Trump campaigned on deporting illegal immigrants but people in the U.S. legally are now being scrutinized as well But large swaths of the world - including highly populated countries like China, India, Indonesia, Russia and most of Africa - are not part of the program, meaning their citizens must apply for and receive visas to travel to the United States. Earlier this week, the department said that since Trump returned to the White House, it has revoked more than 6,000 student visas for overstays and violations of local, state and federal law. The vast majority of those were assault, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and support for terrorism. It said about 4,000 of those 6,000 were due to actual infractions of laws and that approximately 200 to 300 visas were revoked for terrorism-related issues, including providing support for designated terrorist organizations or state sponsors of terrorism. Chaos broke out during a mass for incoming students at Villanova University on Thursday after a 'cruel hoax' sent people running for their lives. A report of a man with an automatic rifle in the law school library sent students and faculty members fleeing to safety at the prestigious Pennsylvania institution once attended by Pope Leo XIV. A second alert told students to avoid the law school, which held its orientation earlier in the day with a picnic hosted by the Villanova Law Alumni Association. Students were also told to 'lock/barricade doors.' Heavily-armed police officers were also seen responding to the scene, their guns drawn as they marched into the Law School of Scarpa Hall and searched for the gunman and any possible shooting victims - though no victims were reported. Eventually, university officials gave the all clear - noting that there never was an active shooter on the campus. 'Today as we are celebrating Orientation Mass to welcome our newest Villanovans and their families to our community, panic and terror ensued with the news of a possible shooter at the Law School,' Rev. Peter M. Donohue, the president of the university said in a statement. 'Mercifully, no one was injured and we now know that it was a cruel hoax - there was no active shooter, no injuries and no evidence of firearms present on campus. 'While that is a blessing and relief, I know today's events have shaken our entire community.' Radnor Township Police Department rushed to the scene of Villanova University following reports of an active shooter Heavily-armed police officers were pictured at the scene of Villanova University Thursday evening One father told how the report came as new students and their families were attending mass, causing them to flee in panic The university president went on to thank the local police for their quick response, as well as the 'orientation counselors and all of the Villanova staff in attendance at the Orientation Mass, who responded calmly and compassionately to a very frightening and unnerving situation. 'Amid my thanks, I would like to apologize to our first-year students and their families,' Donohue continued. 'This is not the introduction to Villanova that I had hoped for. And while I cannot do anything to relieve the unrest you are feeling right now, I can offer a prayer.' He later explained that the school had received a report of an active shooter inside the law school building with an automatic rifle. One man told Fox 29 that he was moving his son into school today and was attending an outdoor mass when the priest suddenly stopped speaking and left the altar. Soon, he began to hear rumors that there was a shooter and everyone began to run for their lives. Students also shared photos and videos showing them hiding in utility closets and barricading the doors. Students were seen sheltering behind a wall at the campus as the active shooter threat remained in place Students and faculty members ran for their lives following the active shooter alert Pope Leo XIV (pictured) is an alumni of the school, from which he received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Amid the rumors, the campus was put on lockdown, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer told CBS News. 'They have officers right now who are searching buildings right now,' he said, vowing: 'We're going to get to the bottom of this. We're going to make this campus safe.' Footage from NBC Philadelphia showed heavily-armed officers storming into a building, the glass front door of which appeared to be shattered. Armored vehicles were also spotted nearby, according to 6 ABC. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro noted that State Police and federal law enforcement officers also responded to the school, as he told residents to 'avoid the area and follow the direction of local authorities.' As the investigation continued, the Radnor Township Police Department it was responding to the scene. 'All nearby residents and students are asked to SHELTER IN PLACE AT this time,' the police department urged on social media. In an update just before 6pm, it reiterated that it is an active situation as once again urged students and faculty to 'STAY IN PLACE UNTIL A POLICE OFFICER GUIDES YOU.' The students were told to avoid the law school, which held its orientation earlier in the day The hoax also prompted officials at the nearby Lower Merion School District to send out an alert to parents, informing them that the students and staff were moved indoors and everyone appeared to be safe. Villanova University is a private Catholic university in the Philadelphia suburbs. It borders Lower Merion Township and Radnor Township at the center of the citys wealthy Main Line neighborhoods. New student orientation and registration started Thursday and is scheduled to go until Saturday. Classes begin Monday. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has signalled sweeping changes to Australia's tax system, focusing on 'intergenerational equity' and fairer treatment for younger workers. And it could come at a cost for baby boomers. Reforms being considered include cracking down on superannuation tax breaks for wealthy retirees, tightening family trust regulations, and reducing capital gains tax concessions despite Labor ruling out that change in Opposition. The federal government is courting Greens senators to help it impose a radical, new unrealised gains tax on super balances above $3million, and may introduce a lower company tax rate for smaller businesses. Chalmers said in an interview with the ABC's 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson that more needed to be done to ensure the system does not unfairly favour older Australians and baby boomers at the expense of younger generations. Chalmers told Ferguson, following his three-day economic roundtable, that any future tax reform must address intergenerational fairness. 'I think one of the clear areas of consensus out of the Economic Reform Roundtable is that when we look to reform the tax system, one of the most important objectives is to make it fairer in intergenerational terms,' Chalmers said. 'There's a number of ways that we are looking to improve the tax system, cut taxes for working people, work on the multinational tax agenda, and road user charging. Treasurer Jim Chalmers during an Economic Reform Roundtable in the Cabinet Room at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 'There's an agenda there. But one of the most important areas where there was common ground was that when we reform the tax system, we have to make it fairer to the generations that follow us.' One move under consideration is to slash income taxes for workers and fund the changes with a crackdown on super tax breaks for rich retirees. Ferguson asked Chalmers if he was coming for the baby boomers. 'I wouldn't put it like that,' Chalmers said. 'If you look at the tax changes I've made already as Treasurer, that the Prime Minister's government has made, they've been all about making sure that when it comes to income tax cuts, for example, that those income tax cuts are made available to younger workers and women, people right up and down the income scale. 'Not just people who are already doing very well. So there's an intergenerational lens already being applied to those tax changes that we have made. 'One of the areas where the common ground was most obvious was, if and when we consider next steps in tax reform, we have to care about the intergenerational aspects and the feedback from the group today, from my point of view, is very welcome.' When asked if the government would consider asking retirees to pay tax on earnings and withdrawals to reduce the capital gains discount, Chalmers was non-committal. Grattan Institute chief executive Aruna Sathanapally said retirees needed to be taxed more 'We haven't taken a decision on any of those things,' he said. 'When it comes to making superannuation tax concessions, we haven't taken any decisions to change our policies.' Labor lost the 2016 and 2019 elections with a plan to halve the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount to 25 per cent, with Anthony Albanese ruling out such changes in Opposition. But Labor for Housing, a pressure group within the party, wants the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount abolished entirely for investors while the ACTU and the Greens wants the CGT discount restricted to one investment property. Superannuation incurs a 15 per cent earnings tax during the working or accumulation phase but it is tax free during the retirement phase when someone turns 60 and stops working. Labor's plan to impose a 15 per cent unrealised gains tax - based on paper gains - on super balances above $3million would effectively double the earnings tax to 30 per cent, for the top 80,000 retirement savers. Chalmers said that a fairer, simpler, and more sustainable tax system was 'a matter for Cabinet', with changes possible even without a formal review. The government also asked Grattan Institute chief executive Aruna Sathanapally to deliver a speech on the tax discussion. She said retirees needed to be taxed more to relieve the income tax burden on younger workers. 'Reducing superannuation concessions so the system meets the policy objective of saving for a decent retirement, rather than being a tax shelter; introducing at least a low tax rate on earnings and withdrawals in retirement; reducing the capital gains discount; reforms to family trusts,' Ms Sathanapally said. Chalmers said tax reform could go ahead without a formal review. He said that correcting inequalities between generations was one of the tax system's most pressing challenges, and promised to ensure it better serves working people and funds essential services. Six bodies have been discovered on a dairy in Colorado plains, in a tragedy currently being described as 'an accident.' Rescue crews entered a confined space at the dairy Wednesday and recovered the bodies, the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District said. Weld County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Melissa Chesmore said her agency also responded Wednesday to an emergency at the dairy. 'We didn't find anything criminal in nature,' she said. 'It looks like an accident.' She didn't elaborate on the nature of the emergency or say where exactly the bodies were found, referring questions to state occupational safety regulators. According to CBS News, the Weld County Coroner's Office said a preliminary investigation suggests the six victims were exposed to gas from Prospect Valley Dairy. Rescue crews entered a confined space at the dairy Wednesday and recovered the bodies, the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District said While the names of the victims have not yet been released, it is understood they were primarily adult men. One of the victims may have been 17 years old, The Independent reported. Dairy Farmers of America confirmed on Thursday the incident took place at one of its member farms. 'We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and most sincere condolences go out to the friends and families of the deceased,' the organization said in a statement. 'At this early stage, we have no further details.' The local Keenesburg Police Department said it was not among the responding agencies. The dairy is located along a rural road near Keenesburg, about 35 miles northeast of Denver. The diplomatic stoush between Australia and Israel has cranked up another gear, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu using a television appearance to blast Anthony Albanese's leadership record. Albanese has flagged that Australia will join other Western nations, including the UK, France and Canada, in recognising a state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A furious Netanyahu unleashed on Albanese during an interview on Australian television on Thursday night. 'I'm sure he has a reputable record as a public servant, but I think his record is forever tarnished by the weakness that he showed in the face of these Hamas terrorist monsters,' Netanyahu told Sky News. 'When the worst terrorist organisation on earth... which murdered women, raped them, beheaded men and burnt babies alive in front of their parents and took hundreds of hostages, when these people congratulate the prime minister of Australia, you know something is wrong.' Diplomatic ties hit an all-time low this week after the federal government denied a visa to far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman from entering the country for a speaking tour, following provocative comments. Israel retaliated by cancelling the visas of three Australian diplomats who cover the Palestinian Authority. Anthony Albanese has downplayed personal attacks in a social media post from Benjamin Netanyahu The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu 'When Prime Minister Albanese and the leaders of France and Britain and others, when they say we'll give them a Palestinian state, they are actually rewarding terror, they are saying it doesn't matter what horrors you people do,' Netanyahu said. '(Australia and Israel) had a great relationship over the years. I think it's gone astray because leaders did not show the strength and conviction they should have, when we're fighting the war of Western civilisation against these barbarians.' Netanyahu's broadside came as the Israeli military maintains pressure on Gaza City with heavy bombardments ahead of an offensive to seize the enclave's largest city. The military has called up 60,000 Israeli reservists. Netanyahu insisted that US President Donald Trump had said that the decision by some Western nations to reocognise Palestinian statehood was 'irrelevant' - and that Israel needed to rid the region of Hamas. 'That there was never a question that we're not going to leave Hamas there,' Netanyahu added. 'I think President Trump put it best, he says Hamas has to disappear from Gaza. It's like leaving the SS in Germany. 'You know, you clear out most of Germany, but you leave out Berlin with the SS and the Nazi core there.' Palestinians gather to receive cooked meals from a food distribution center in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on August 18 A Palestinian boy pulls a wheelchair past destroyed buildings in the al-Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City on August 14 Netanyahu hinted that the conflict could soon be over. 'We are on the verge of completing this war... when that happens, I think we will have tremendous opportunities to expand the peace,' he said. 'We will win.' He added: 'It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and releases the remaining 50 hostages, at least 20 of which are alive, and that's our goal to get all the hostages out, to disarm Hamas, demilitarise Gaza, and give a different future for Gazans.' Netanyahu said that, contrary to what some believed, his goal was not to 'occupy Gaza'. 'It's to free Gaza, free them from Hamas tyranny, free Israel and others from Hamas terrorism, give Gaza and Israel a different future, and I think we're close to doing it,' he said. 'It'll have to, of course, mean getting the last strongholds of Hamas, they shouldn't be there. Everybody understands that.' Earlier this week, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Israel was increasingly isolated on the international stage. 'Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry. Strength is much better measured by exactly what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has done,' he told ABC Radio National on Wednesday. Albanese, for his part, has not responded in kind, insisting he did not take the criticisms personally. 'My job is to represent the Australian national interest and I think very much that Australians want two things to happen,' he told reporters on Wednesday. 'One, they want people to stop killing each other. Whether it be Israelis or Palestinians. The second thing that they want is the conflict to not be brought here.' It comes as Executive Council of the Australian Jewry President Daniel Aghion called for an end to the 'war of words' between Australia and Israel, claiming that Netanyahu's description of Albanese as a 'weak' leader was 'inflammatory and provocative'. 'These comments have played straight into the hands of opponents of Israel and antisemites, to the detriment of the Australian Jewish community,' the ECAJ letter states. 'This deterioration in the diplomatic relations between two countries we love is causing us nothing but pain and anguish, and we will not suffer in silence.' Rights group Amnesty International has accused Israel of enacting a 'deliberate policy' of starvation in Gaza, as the United Nations and aid groups warn of famine. A wave of protests are set to sweep the country this weekend targeting migrant hotels. Anti-immigration campaigners are looking to ride on the back of this weeks landmark judgment that saw the High Court order the removal of migrants from a hotel in Epping, Essex. Protests at up to 30 hotels are believed to be planned as communities seek to replicate the ruling for The Bell Hotel, which, pending an appeal, must be closed within weeks. The hotel had been at the centre of protests after an asylum seeker living there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl, which he denies. Hotels in Cannock, Chichester and Tamworth are among those expected to be targeted by demonstrations, with anti-racism groups already organising counter-protests in 15 locations across the three-day Bank Holiday weekend. They are prepared to turn up tonight in the likes of Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Leicester, Leeds, Orpington, Perth, Aberdeen and Altrincham. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has used Epping as a rallying cry, saying: Lets hold peaceful protests outside hotels and put pressure on councils to go to court to try to get illegal immigrants out. On Tuesday, a judge granted a temporary injunction against migrants being housed at The Bell Hotel after Epping Forest council argued that it was necessary for the safety of nearby residents and to reduce the threat of violent protests. Anti-immigration campaigners are looking to ride on the back of this weeks landmark judgment that saw the High Court order the removal of migrants from a hotel in Epping, Essex (pictured: protesters in Epping this month) Protesters outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, last month The hotel had been at the centre of protests after an asylum seeker living there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl, which he denies As it tried, unsuccessfully, to intervene in the case at the eleventh hour, the Home Office argued that granting Eppings application runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further violent protests. The ruling threatens to collapse Labours asylum system as protesters take to the streets and councils across the country prepare to hit the Home Office with copycat litigation over the use of hotels in their areas. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has written to all Conservative councils pledging support for any legal action, while Reform UKs leaders have encouraged people to protest at their local asylum hotels. But anti-racism groups have warned the ruling sets a dangerous precedent, with Stand Up To Racism saying that it will embolden the far-Right to call more protests outside hotels housing refugees. Labour grandee Lord Falconer urged the Home Office to appeal against the Epping judgment on Thursday as he admitted the ruling causes great problems for the Government. The peer, who served as justice secretary under Sir Tony Blair and as Sir Keir Starmers shadow attorney general, said it gives rise to the expectation that some asylum hotels can be closed. Lord Falconer said the ruling presents Labour with a very troublesome issue, namely does demonstrations outside these hotels lead to it being more likely that they will be closed. Urging the Government very strongly to appeal, he told Radio 4s Today programme: It puts the courts and the politicians in a difficult position. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has used Epping as a rallying cry, saying: Lets hold peaceful protests outside hotels and put pressure on councils to go to court to try to get illegal immigrants out' A series of protests have taken place since the arrest of an asylum seeker for three alleged offences, leading to 28 arrests (pictured: demonstrators at the hotel this month) 'There should be clarity on that and the authority in relation to that can only come from the Court of Appeal. The Home Office still could not say whether or not it plans to appeal on Thursday. But pressure was mounting on the Government as all Tory councillors were sent a draft motion, produced by the Conservative Research Department and the Conservative Councillors Association, strongly urging them to follow Eppings example. It included instructions on how to influence their local authorities. Stevenage became the latest Labour-run council to say it would consider taking legal action over an asylum hotel in the Hertfordshire borough as the internal revolt grew. The council had already warned a Novotel hotel it must stop housing asylum seekers or face planning enforcement action, and on Thursday said it was actively investigating alleged breaches as it considered legal action similar to Eppings. Ministers were scrambling to find contingency plans to house migrants, with officials looking at houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), empty tower blocks, disused teacher training colleges and old student accommodation as alternatives. The asylum minister, Dame Angela Eagle, told the Commons home affairs committee in June that the Government had shifted its focus from old military barracks to smaller locations such as tower blocks. Your browser does not support iframes. However, the Guardian reported officials are still considering placing people removed from hotels in the RAF Wethersfield base in Essex and Napier Barracks in Kent. Meanwhile, it was also reported that asylum accommodation contractors working for the Home Office have contacted property specialists, seeking 5,000 residential units in towns and cities to house migrants. But a Government minister could not answer when quizzed on where asylum seekers should go instead of hotels on Thursday. Asked where will they go?, schools minister Catherine McKinnell said: Well, I mean, thats a big question'. Beauty influencers can be 'just as toxic as Andrew Tate', a psychiatrist has claimed. Professor Matthew Sadlier believes attitudes towards young people's use of smartphones need 'societal change'. He has seen a rise in extreme eating disorders in young patients and insists that certain influencers are as damaging as self-proclaimed misogynist Tate who urges men online to 'reject feminism' and dominate women. 'You go into that world with the beauty influencers: I think beauty influencers are just as toxic as Andrew Tate, they're just toxic to a different population,' he said during a Festival of Politics event at the Scottish Parliament. 'The problem is, one video on how to put on whatever piece of makeup is probably reasonable. But how many people watch one video?' Professor Sadlier, from Dublin's Mater Hospital, believes social media is partly to blame for the issues young people are facing. 'I would say it's not that it's creating new problems, but the people who have the problems who would've fallen into that vulnerability group are becoming more extreme,' he added. 'If you look at whatever percentage of adolescent girls will have eating difficulties, there's similar problems with adolescent boys, but interestingly, it's got to do with bodybuilding, overeating, steroid use. A psychiatrist has claimed that beauty influencers can be 'just as toxic as Andrew Tate' Self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate (pictured) urges men online to 'reject feminism' and dominate women 'The videos around self-harm, there is an ecosystem about that that is very difficult to police.' The Online Safety Act came into effect this year, providing a new set of laws that protect children and adults online. It has given providers new duties to implement systems and processes to reduce the risk that their services are used for illegal activity, and to take down illegal content when it does appear. Specific protections have been designed for children. Platforms are required to prevent youngsters from accessing harmful and inappropriate content. Discussing any changes that could be made to minimise the dangers of phone use among young people, Professor Sadlier said: 'Adolescence and childhood is a transitory phase, with respect to the young people in the audience, you won't be young for very long, so it's the next group of young people. 'Just because the current group of 12-year-olds have a mobile phone doesn't mean the next group of 12-year-olds have to have a mobile phone. 'We've been here before. We've been here with cigarettes... I remember when seatbelts were introduced in cars and people thought "this is going to be the worst thing, how can I drive with a seatbelt, we're going to have crashes everywhere because I'm being constrained". It does take a societal change. 'It takes changing the paradigm for parents to go, actually you know what, a child trying to learn off a YouTube video is a child in a digital institutionalised environment where they're learning to speak to YouTube, they're not learning how to speak to a person.' Tate, 38, is an American-British former professional kickboxer. He faces prosecution in Romania over allegations of trafficking minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering. He denies the charges. Hopes of an end to the war in Ukraine suffered a double blow last night as the US reduced its peace force role and Russia set out demands for a truce. Firstly it emerged UK and European officials visiting the US capital have been told they must provide all the security in Ukraine if a settlement is reached. Hours later, Vladimir Putin's mouthpieces in Moscow confirmed none of the Kremlin's peace demands have changed, despite recent high profile talks. Together these developments signalled that a settlement to the three-year conflict, which has caused hundreds of thousands of casualties, is further off. Hopes had been raised following Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska and after Western leaders went with Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House on Monday. Military planners, including from the UK, have now been warned the United States will only play a 'minimal' role in securing Ukraine after a peace deal. British officials sat down with US defence under secretary Elbridge Colby. He told UK, French, German and Finnish representatives that they will have to provide security arrangements for Ukraine without the US, according to the Politco website. PICTURED: 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, U.S., August 15, 2025 This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on August 20, 2025, shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attending a meeting with Ukrainian and foreign reporters in Kyiv A Nato diplomat told Politco: 'There's the dawning reality that this will be Europe making this happen on the ground.' Colby's meeting came as Russia denied reports it has agreed to the US providing security guarantees for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Kremlin repeated its demands that Ukraine gives up the entirety of the Donbass region as part of any deal. Russian sources also insisted Ukraine renounces ambitions to join Nato and no Western troops should enter the country. These demands were set out in June 2024 and rejected by Kyiv. Yesterday, President Zelensky reaffirmed his refusal of Russia's offer, saying: 'If we're talking about simply withdrawing from the east, we cannot do that.' Russia fired 574 drones and 40 missiles at Ukraine in the early hours of yesterday, according to Ukrainian officials. One person died in the western city of Lviv. Secrets dont remain secrets long for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, it seems. Just three days after a friend had secretly placed a personal letter from Prince Harry paying special tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip, at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, a story about the letter was broadcast on a television news channel. Harry had asked the pal to discreetly place the letter and a wreath at the Burma Star Memorial, part of the arboretum, following last Fridays national service of remembrance, which marked 80 years since Japans surrender at the end of the Second World War. In the letter, delivered after King Charles and Queen Camilla had departed, the prince wrote: 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 forged and the legacy you leave. Prince Philip was mentioned in dispatches for his bravery during the Battle of Cape Matapan, Greece, before serving in the Far East. He was present in Tokyo Bay for the formal Japanese surrender in September 1945. Harrys public tribute to his grandfather has, I can reveal, provoked a sceptical reaction from those who knew the late duke Prince Harry and Prince Philip open the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in 2013 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a private visit to the Los Angeles National Cemetery on Remembrance Sunday Harrys public tribute to his grandfather has, I can reveal, provoked a sceptical reaction from those who knew the late duke. What hypocrisy, one friend of the Royal Family told me. Harry hurt his grandfather deeply during the final year of his life. Harrys explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, for example - in which he and his wife, Meghan, attacked the royals in the most personal way, even accusing an unnamed senior member of his family of racism - was broadcast when Philip was in hospital with what turned out to be his final illness. The dukes hospital stay had been no surprise as he was then aged 99 and had been in increasingly poor health. Prince Philip died four weeks after the Oprah interview was broadcast. Harrys decision to have a wreath and long letter placed at the Burma Star Memorial is striking. Working members of the Royal Family, such as Harrys brother and sister-in-law, the Prince and Princess of Wales, did not leave wreaths. Not because they dont care but because they purposely allowed the commemorations to be led by the King and Queen. The fact that Harry was able to hijack the national service of remembrance, as a royal source put it to me, has caused unease at the palace. When he tried to do something similar in 2021, Queen Elizabeth personally intervened to stop him. Harry, who stepped down as a front-line royal the previous year, had wanted to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday alongside those of other members of his family. But, as my colleague Rebecca English revealed at the time, the Queen took all of two seconds to make up her mind and refuse permission. Remembrance Sunday is sacrosanct when it comes to Her Majestys diary, a source explained at the time. Its one of the most important dates in her calendar and nothing is done without her knowledge. A personal letter secretly left at the National Memorial Arboretum on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day last Friday by a friend of Prince Harry, who paid tribute to his grandfather Prince Philip The personal letter and a wreath of red poppies left at the Burma Star Memorial last Friday People were suggesting the Palaces reaction to what Harry asked was petty. But it was the Queens decision. And whats more, she actually had very strong views on the subject. Another source said: While she has enormous admiration for Harrys achievements both in and out of the military, this was seen as an example of his lack of understanding at what it means for him to be a non-working royal. The Queen is very firmly of the opinion that you cant pick and choose what you do when it comes to the institution. Either you are in or you are out. In what was seen as a flagrant publicity stunt, Harry and Meghan released photographs of themselves holding hands as they walked through Los Angeles National Cemetery on Remembrance Sunday to lay a floral tribute to the fallen. Whats clear to me is that the King needs to take a leaf out of his mothers book and take a firmer line with his younger son. Harry, by apparently trying to upstage his older brother, the heir to the throne, is undermining him. Just as the late Queen stopped Harry having a wreath laid for him at the Cenotaph, the King should have prevented this latest attempt by the Duke of Sussex to take advantage of his military connections. When it comes to publicity-seeking Harry and Meghan, the King, as Head of the Armed Forces, should remain on guard. Sign up for the weekly Palace Confidential newsletter. A historic fort with 23 bedrooms and a helipad which once featured in Doctor Who has been listed for 1.5million. No Man's Land Fort, located in the heart of the Solent, set between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, offers an ideal haven for those fed up with their noisy neighbours. Boasting panoramic views, the Victorian island fort dates back more than 160 years and was one of four sea forts built in 1860 as a line of defence against possible invasion by Napoleon III. With approximately 99,000 square feet of space for its new owners to roam, the four-storey fort has now been transformed into self-contained luxury private accommodation. Despite its historic roots, its old-world charm has created space for modern amenities, with the site featuring five bars and a restaurant, alongside a 'huge scope for conversion'. Alongside The Carabet Bar nightclub, restaurant and Lord Nelson Pub, there is even a mini spa with four treatment rooms and a sauna for its new owners to enjoy. Prospective owners will also benefit from a luxurious helipad and ownership of a Catamaran alongside two landing stages for visitors set to arrive by sea. Described as a 'unique piece of British maritime history' and a 'one-of-a-kind property', the fort, listed by estate agent Colliers, offers both a 'huge amount of space' and incredible potential. A historic fort featuring 23 bedrooms and a helipad which once appeared in Doctor Who has been listed for 1.5million. No Man's Land Fort (pictured), set between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, offers an ideal haven for those fed up with their noisy neighbours Boasting panoramic views, the Victorian island fort dates back more than 160 years and was one of four sea forts built in 1860 as a line of defence against possible invasion by Napoleon III and even features its own helipad (pictured) With approximately 99,000 square feet of space for its new owners to roam, the four-storey fort has now been transformed into self-contained luxury private accommodation Described as a 'unique piece of British maritime history' and a 'one-of-a-kind property', the fort, listed by estate agent Colliers, offers both a 'huge amount of space' and incredible potential for its new owners. Pictured: an event space on No Man's Land Fort It was even used as a filming location for several scenes in the 1972 Doctor Who serial The Sea Devils, starring Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor, Katy Manning as his companion and Roger Delgado as the Master. The fort is fully self-contained with its own private water source in the form of an artesian well and comes equipped with marine generators, and sewage treatment plant. Formerly a four-star hotel, the 150-year-old 'sea fortress' was snapped up by auction buyer Edward Ward earlier this year at a price of 1.25million as an 'impulse buy'. However, it is now back on the market - offering a 'rare opportunity to make a mark in a truly unique location', Ed Jefferson, from Colliers Hotels team explained. Mr Jefferson added: 'The remote location provides either great privacy or exclusivity for potential guests and clients. 'It could be a great location for multiple hospitality and leisure operators together, or one tenant could take the whole site, were open to proposals.' The listing also confirmed that 'planning has been obtained to construct a breakwater and harbour to improve boat water access'. Alongside The Carabet Bar nightclub, restaurant and Lord Nelson Pub, there is even a mini spa with four treatment rooms and a sauna for its new owners to enjoy The unique fort is located in the heart of the Solent only two miles south of Portsmouth Harbour No Man's Land Fort was even used as a filming location for several scenes in the 1972 Doctor Who serial The Sea Devils, starring Jon Pertwee (pictured) as the Third Doctor, Katy Manning as his companion and Roger Delgado as the Master Pictured: The Sea Devils 1972 series which filmed on No Man's Land Fort The listing also confirmed that 'planning has been obtained to construct a breakwater and harbour to improve boat water access' The fort is fully self-contained with its own private water source in the form of an artesian well and comes equipped with marine generators, and sewage treatment plant Formerly a four-star hotel, the 150-year-old 'sea fortress' was snapped up by auction buyer Edward Ward earlier this year at a price of 1.25million as an 'impulse buy'. However, it is now back on the market The agents also added that they have already received 'various interest from prospective buyers', with there a 'real interest in ensuring that the fort has a future as an active property.' Its sister fort, Spitbank Sea Fort, also went on auction last year, with Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions, telling the Daily Mail at the time that sea forts often 'achieve impressive prices as buyers have sought to pursue these trophy assets'. Nestled in the waters off Portsmouth Harbour, Spitbank Sea Fort boasts approximately 33,000 sq. ft. of space and 15ft thick granite fort walls. The fort was constructed in the 1860s to safeguard Portsmouth against potential naval threats from French ironclad warships. The No Man's Land Fort even includes its own restaurants for new buyers to indulge in Ed Jefferson, from Colliers Hotels team, said: 'It could be a great location for multiple hospitality and leisure operators together, or one tenant could take the whole site, were open to proposals' Mr Jefferson described the fort as a 'rare opportunity to make a mark in a truly unique location' Its sister fort, Spitbank Sea Fort (pictured), also went on auction last year, with Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions, telling the Daily Mail at the time that sea forts often 'achieve impressive prices as buyers have sought to pursue these trophy assets' Nestled in the waters off Portsmouth Harbour, Spitbank Sea Fort boasts approximately 33,000 sq. ft. of space and 15ft thick granite fort walls. The fort was constructed in the 1860s as part of a trio of forts to safeguard Portsmouth against potential naval threats from French warships It has also been meticulously transformed into self-contained private accommodation. Guided at a value of 1million, Mr Howeson described both No Man's and Spitbank Fort as properties of 'exceptional market value'. He added: 'Both offer an opportunity like no other; a waterfront location, up to 99,000 sqft of space and a chance to champion the heritage and legacy of these iconic maritime structures.' They're a lifeline for 1.8 million older adults, people with disabilities and those recovering from illness or injury in the UK. But if you use a personal alarm, experts have warned that it might soon stop working. That's because network providers are switching over from analogue landlines to digital telephone systems rendering many popular device useless. The final deadline for the switch to digital is January 2027. However, a growing majority of the UK has already made the transition, meaning analogue telecare systems may no longer be reliable. Despite this, researchers from Which? found that older generations of devices are still available online and providers are not always making it clear they will soon not work. Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy, said: 'The deadline for the switchover is fast approaching, and the vast majority of the UK has been migrated to digital networks. 'It is shocking that certain telecare providers continue to sell analogue products when they could be putting lives at risk. They're a lifeline for 1.8 million older adults, people with disabilities and those recovering from illness or injury in the UK. But if you use a personal alarm, experts have warned that it might soon stop working. Pictured: SureSafe 24/7 Connect Careline365 offers 'reasonably clear' explanations on their website regarding the digital switchover, but Which? argue they are sending mixed signals by continuing to sell these products at all The devices are a lifeline for millions of people in the UK, allowing them to quickly call for help in an emergency (stock image) 'Which? has informed these sellers that their products should be removed from sale immediately.' She urged the government and regulators to take 'decisive action' to prevent the sale of these devices, and act if companies continue to do so. For their investigation, the team looked at the websites of seven telecare providers at the beginning of this month. They found three were selling analogue devices. These alarms are generally cheaper than the digital alternatives, raising concerns that consumers may be tempted to choose them based on price without fully appreciating the risks. Most concerning was SureSafe, which was selling three devices requiring an analogue landline. The product listings made no mention of the digital transition or the risk that the devices may not work properly. The company has since updated their website after being contacted by Which?, adding advice that the three devices are analogue only and removing them from its list of digital alarms. While Careline365 and LifeConnect24 offer reasonably clear explanations on their websites that their analogue alarms may not work or will soon stop working, Which? argue they are sending mixed signals by continuing to sell these products at all. Another analogue SureSafe product. Devices such as these will no longer work once the transition to digital is complete This analogue alarm is 'not compatible' with the digital switchover, Suresafe's website states, but is still available for sale The devices that could be affected: Suresafe Fall Alert SureSafe Fall Safe Suresafe 24/7 Connect Careline365 Essential Plan Lifeconnect24 Lifeline Personal Alarm Advertisement LifeConnect24 frames their digital alternatives as a 'strongly recommended' upgrade, but experts said the language of 'upgrade' is at best problematic since it fails to convey the potentially lifesaving need for switching to digital alarms. In 2023, two vulnerable people died when their personal alarms failed to work after their landlines were switched off. This prompted the government to initiate a charter requiring all providers to temporarily pause the migration from analogue to digital. The other providers Which? looked at Careium, Helpalert, Taking Care and Telecare24 only sell digital alarms that are compatible with the UK's modernised digital network. In the government's Telecare National Action Plan, published in February this year, they wrote: 'For analogue telecare devices to be phased out, the sale and purchasing of analogue devices needs to be stopped. 'Companies that supply telecare equipment, known as 'telecare suppliers', should no longer be manufacturing analogue equipment and the government expects sellers to have stopped selling them.' Experts say that while some consumers may still be unaware of the digital switchover, there is no such excuse for businesses operating in the sector. Stephen Kinnock, Minister at the Department of Health and Social Care, said: 'People rely on their telecare devices to keep them safe and connected to help when they need it most the safety of users is vital. Lifeconnect24's website does still sell analogue devices, but they also provide information on how to 'upgrade' to a digital product 'We are working with industry to deliver the digital switchover for telecare devices, ensuring people are protected and last year we wrote to suppliers urging them to put an end to the sale of analogueonly devices. 'We welcome Which?'s campaign which will have a positive impact and support people to make an informed choice when it comes to their telecare device, encouraging them to buy devices that will be safer and more reliable in future.' A spokesman for Careline365 and LifeConnect24 said: 'We have been preparing for the digital switchover for many years, and as a result, the vast majority of products we sell are digital devices. 'However, there remains a small minority of vulnerable consumers for whom an analogue device may be the only way to ensure their safety and that they remain protected during the transition to digital.' Meanwhile, a representative from SureSafe said: 'SureSafe has been a mobilefirst alarm provider since 2015, with 99% of all alarms sold being SIMbased and fully digitalready. We shifted to mobile both to support the digital switchover and because mobile offers features unavailable with inhome devices. 'The remaining need for analogue devices is very limited, only where no mobile signal or internet exists and an analogue line remains. 'We welcome Which?'s efforts to highlight the switchover's importance and have refined our messaging in response to make this clearer for our customers using analogue as their only option.' After the OceanGate disaster, you'd be forgiven for thinking the wreckage of the Titanic would finally be left in peace. But a 'wellknown' billionaire is planning a secret trip to the ship's watery resting place, it has emerged. Industry insiders claim the unnamed individual is planning to plunge 2.4 miles (3.8km) into the depths of the ocean to visit the Titanic in 'a couple of weeks'. It comes just over two years after the doomed OceanGate expedition, when the Titan submarine imploded during a dive to the infamous shipwreck. When pieces of the vessel were found at the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean, experts determined the vessel had imploded during its descent, likely killing all five of its passengers instantly. Since then, the Titanic, which sank in 1912, has remained unvisited by humans. But it seems it still holds a powerful lure over thrillseeking billionaires and marine explorers alike. Rumours are spreading among elite ocean explorers of an imminent new expedition but the details are being kept under wraps. The Titan submersible pictured during a descent. Safety failures by OceanGate led to its deadly 2023 implosion, the US Coast Guard said in a final report published earlier this month Remains of the Titan submersible pictured at the bottom of the ocean. Five people were killed in the deadly expedition Footage from a remotely operated vehicle shows the debris of the Titan submersible. While images of the wreckage would put many people off the idea of ever visiting the shipwreck, one billionaire is allegedly about to make the trip 'What I can tell you is that it's a billionaire,' an insider told the New York Post. 'Going down there will cost $10 million (7.4 million). 'You would recognise the name. He'll want to make an announcement that he is the first person to go to the Titanic since the tragedy.' People have taken to X to discuss possible contenders for the secret billionaire including entrepreneur Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and American businessman Larry Connor. The world first learned of the Titan submersible when a tourist expedition to visit the wreck of Titanic went missing off the coast of Newfoundland in Canada in June 2023. Over the next four days, the world was mesmerised as recovery teams battled to reach the area and launch a rescue operation. Reports of sustained banging noises led many to believe the vessel may have lost power but that its inhabitants were still alive. However, pieces of the sub found on the sea floor confirmed the underwater vehicle had experienced catastrophic failure less than two hours into its descent killing everyone onboard. One of those who lost their lives was OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush. Many now believe his relentless quest to bring oceanic exploration to the luxury tourism industry contributed to the 'completely avoidable' disaster. His private company boasted it was the first to take ordinary tourists to see the Titanic, charging $250,000 (185,000) per person. This digital 3D scan shows what condition the front half of the ship (the bow) is in, as of summer 2022 OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, pictured, was piloting the submersible when it imploded during its descent in June 2023 Father and son Shahzada Dawood, 48, (right) one of Pakistan's richest men and Sulaiman Dawood, 19, (left) were also killed in the implosion A report concluded Titan (pictured) imploded because its pressure hull where passengers sit was mostly made from fiberglass, rather than the more traditionally used titanium Titanic: Basic facts Constructed by Belfastbased shipbuilders Harland and Wolff between 1909 and 1912, RMS Titanic was the largest ship afloat of her time. Owned and operated by the White Star Line, the passenger vessel set sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on April 10, 1912. On April 14, Titanic struck an iceberg at around 23:40 local time, generating six narrow openings in the vessel's starboard hull. The ship sank two hours and 40 minutes later, at 2:20am on April 15. An estimated 1,517 people died. Advertisement Following the tragedy, questions emerged about the safety of the submersible, which had been making voyages to the Titanic wreckage site since 2021. It came to light that leaders in the field of deepsea exploration had previously warned Mr Rush that his company's 'experimental' methods could end in 'catastrophic' disaster. Company insiders also expressed concerns, including David Lochridge who worked as the Titan project's director of marine operations. He had demanded more rigorous safety checks on the sub including 'testing to prove its integrity'. A US Coast Guard report released earlier this month said Titan imploded because its pressure hull where passengers sit was mostly made from fiberglass, rather than the more traditionally used titanium. It also emerged that the vessel was being operated by what looked like a video game controller. Other manned submersibles can reach the depths of the Titanic, but are mostly operated by marine research companies or the Navy. Patrick Lahey, CEO of Triton Submarines, is in the midst of building a commercially available sub that could handle the journey. The underwater vehicle currently being developed by Patrick Lahey's company, Triton Submarines Your browser does not support iframes. 'Besides it being a wreck of historical significance, the fact that it lies at such great depths makes it fascinating to visit,' he told the Post. 'Titanic is a wreck that's covered in marine life and soft coral. People want to go there for the same reason they want to climb Mount Everest.' While it's not clear who the secret billionaire is, a handful are already known to have owned their very own submersible. They include the Wall Street magnate Ray Dalio and Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. Hurricane Erin has shifted north, posing significant risks of destructive surf, powerful rip currents and coastal flooding along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast shorelines. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued coastal flood warnings on Thursday for residents across parts of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Long Island, New York. Erin is expected to generate large breaking waves of 8 to 16 feet and life-threatening rip currents along the coast through Friday evening, with High Surf Advisories and Beach Hazards Statements in effect. Coastal flood warnings project 1 to 3 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas, with the most severe impacts expected during Thursday evening's high tide. Residents should prepare for widespread road closures, potential flooding of homes and businesses, and significant erosion of beaches and dunes, particularly in vulnerable coastal communities. The NWS advised avoiding flooded roads and staying out of the surf due to dangerous conditions that could lead to property damage and pose risks to life. 'Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth,' the NWS said. 'The surf will be extremely dangerous for everyone, and swimming is absolutely discouraged. Your browser does not support iframes. Hurricane Erin is making its way further up north, threatening millions of Americans with life-threatening rip currents, destructive surf and damaging coastal flooding Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall along the East Coast, but dangerous conditions are hitting areas like North Carolina's Outer Banks. Tens of thousands were evacuated from the most vulnerable barrier islands as storm surges of up to 4 feet threatened the region. The storm's center and peak winds remained about 200 miles east-southeast of Cape Hatteras as of 5am, and tropical-storm-force winds extended up to 320 miles, affecting parts of North Carolina and Virginia. The central Outer Banks faced the brunt of the storm, with waves up to 20 feet and surges of 2 to 4 feet overwhelming some islands. Two homes on the Outer Banks, propped up to avoid incoming waves, are now nearing collapse. The village of about 200 people sticks out further than the Atlantic than any other part of North Carolina.Jan Richards looked at the houses on Tuesday as high tides sent surges of water into the support beams on the two-story homes. She gestured where two other houses used to be before their recent collapse. 'The one in the middle fell last year. It fell into that house. So you can see where it crashed into that house. But that has been really resilient and has stayed put up until probably this storm,' Richards said. The ocean has destroyed at least 11 houses since 2020 Two homes on the Outer Banks, propped up to avoid incoming waves, are now nearing collapse A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued in parts of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia. The NWS also noted that Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia are under a High Surf Advisory. From Virginia Beach to Ocean City, Maryland, major coastal flooding is expected during high tides through Thursday, with waves up to 14 feet, rip currents, and beach erosion likely to close roads and inundate homes and businesses. The Chesapeake Bay region could see water levels rise up to three feet, while Delaware and New Jersey face one to two feet of flooding and dangerous surf, especially Thursday evening. Parts of North Carolina (PICTURED) were evacuated earlier this week ahead of the Erin, which flooded beaches The National Weather Service (NWS) issued coastal flood warnings on Thursday for residents across parts of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Long Island, New York Erin is not expected to make landfall as it moves north over the Atlantic Ocean 'The sea will be quite angry,' wrote the NWS in Mt Holly, New Jersey. Meteorologists warned that the highest impacts of Hurricane Erin are expected to hit the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches during the afternoon and evening hours on Thursday, with dangerous surf and flooding expected. Several counties are already under alerts, including a coastal flood warning through 2am Saturday, a wind advisory from 10am Thursday to midnight Friday and a rip current warning in effect until 8pm Friday. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy held a press briefing Tuesday morning to warn of strong rip currents and high surf from Hurricane Erin, while noting that overall weather should remain pleasant as the storm moves offshore. 'We are worried, therefore, in a big way, about human nature and complacency,' Murphy said. 'We've already had a very tough riptide summer, particularly over the past several weeks.' He then referenced the two drowning incidents over the past few weeks in Seaside Heights and Belmar. Farther north, New York and New England are under high surf advisories, with waves up to 16 feet threatening dune erosion and localized flooding along Long Island and Cape Cod. Erin is forecast to track well south of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland from Friday into Saturday, but rough, dangerous seas will still pound southern coastlines. A prominent Harvard astrophysicist has claimed that a mysterious object moving through our solar system could be a nuclear-powered spacecraft. Professor Avi Loeb, director of the Galileo Project, which hunts for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence, said the interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS exhibits characteristics suggesting it is not a typical comet, contrary to NASAs assessment. One of those signs is the appearance that the object is generating its own light, suggesting to Loeb that the light comes from a source of nuclear energy on the 3I/ATLAS' surface. The light was seen in a recent photo taken by the Hubble Space Telescope on July 21, which appeared as a glowing area focused on the side of the object facing the sun. 'Usually, for comets, you see a cometary tail trailing the objects from behind because it's being pushed by the radiation from the sun. The dust particles are being pushed to be behind, to lag behind the object,' Loeb told NewsNation. 'In this case, what we are seeing is a glow in front of the object,' he explained. However, not everyone is so convinced. Chris Lintott, an astronomer at the University of Oxford, told Live Science: 'Any suggestion that it's artificial is nonsense on stilts.' He added that these claims are an 'insult to the exciting work going on to understand this object.' A new report on the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS has found that it may be somehow generating its own light, proving it's not a comet Loeb has remained adamant that something about 3I/ATLAS does not add up. His new theory suggests that it's actually a nuclear-powered craft Loeb has admitted the most likely outcome will be discovering that the object is indeed a large comet, similar to the interstellar comet 2I/Borisov, which passed through our solar system in 2019. He added that scientists will have a better idea of what 3I/ATLAS really is as it moves closer to Earth later this year. The object will make its closest approach to Earth on December 17, before leaving our solar system in early 2026. Until then, Loeb said his analysis remains rooted in observational data. Loeb explained that the light signature doesn't seem natural because 3I/ATLAS would need to be over 12 miles long to produce such a bright reflection of light from the sun if it were truly a comet. And it doesn't make sense for such a massive object to be floating around freely between solar systems, the professor added. 'There isn't enough rocky material in interstellar space to deliver a rock of that size earlier than 10,000 years from now, so the question is what is it?' Loeb told NewsNation. Loeb, the Frank B Baird Jr Professor of Science at Harvard, also revealed that the object's course through our solar system shows all the markers of being guided by an unknown intelligence. 3I/ATLAS (circled) is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on December 17, 2025 3I/ATLAS is projected to follow an extremely unusual path that will take it close to three different planets: Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. The astrophysicist and UFO researcher explained that the object's course was so rare that the chance of a natural space rock randomly flying along such a path was less than 0.005 percent, or one in 20,000 odds. 'It indicates that perhaps it was designed by some intelligence. Not necessarily [steering it] but the trajectory itself was chosen to be such that this object will pass close to Mars, Venus, and Jupiter,' Loeb said. 'I'm just saying we should observe it. It doesn't look like it's a random occurrence,' he added. The scientist also revealed that he has spoken with Florida congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who has been in charge of the House Oversight Committee's task force on declassifying information surrounding unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). According to Loeb, Luna has already contacted NASA about diverting the Juno space probe orbiting Jupiter to intercept and investigate 3I/ATLAS. 3I/ATLAS' course (Teal line) is expected to make close passes by 3 different planets this year, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter Despite having support from the influential congresswoman, at least one UFO investigator has said that moving Juno would be a bad idea. Investigative journalist Ross Coulthart said Loeb's theory that 3I/ATLAS could be a nuclear spacecraft isn't shared by many in the scientific community. 'I just don't think, from talking to many astronomers, that it's a good idea to go diverting existing spacecraft for example, Juno in orbit around Jupiter or suggesting these are necessarily alien probes with hostile intent,' Coulthart told NewsNation earlier this month. 'It's inflammatory and frankly, there's not a lot of evidence for it,' he added. Coulthart claimed that Loeb's theory about the interstellar object was born out of frustration with the lack of federal funding going towards projects looking for intelligent life in the cosmos. In May, Loeb was a guest speaker at Congresswoman Luna's hearing on UAPs, advocating for more resources in the hunt for extraterrestrial signals and UFO detection. It is undoubtedly one of the most majestic creatures in the animal kingdom. But it turns out there's not just one species of giraffe. In fact, there are four. Scientists from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have confirmed that the Northern Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe, Masai Giraffe, and Southern Giraffe are distinct from one another. Despite looking eerily similar, these species are actually as different as brown and polar bears! Michael Brown, a researchers in Windhoek, Namibia, who led the assessment, explained: 'Each species has different population sizes, threats and conservation needs. When you lump giraffes all together, it muddies the narrative. 'Recognising these four species is vital not only for accurate IUCN Red List assessments, targeted conservation action and coordinated management across national borders. 'The more precisely we understand giraffe taxonomy, the better equipped we are to assess their status and implement effective conservation strategies.' Until now, the giraffe has been classified as a single species, with nine subspecies. However, the IUCN has now evaluated extensive genetic data confirming that there are actually four distinct species The Northern Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is found in Chad, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan, and is known for its long and thin ossicones the bony structures found on giraffes' heads The Southern Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) lives in Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Zambia The 4 species of giraffe The Northern Giraffe is found in Chad, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan The Reticulated Giraffe lives in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia The Masai Giraffe is native to East Africa, with sightings in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia The Southern Giraffe lives in Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Zambia Advertisement Until now, the giraffe has been classified as a single species, with nine subspecies. However, the IUCN has now evaluated extensive genetic data confirming that there are actually four distinct species. These species can be found across the African continent. The Northern Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is found in Chad, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan, and is known for its long and thin ossicones the bony structures found on giraffes' heads. The Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa reticulata) lives in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, and is the largest of the four species reaching impressive heights of up to six metres. The Masai Giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi) is native to East Africa, with sightings in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. This species is known for the distinctive, leaflike patterning on its fur. Finally, as the name suggests, the Southern Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) lives in Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Zambia. The Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa reticulata) lives in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, and is the largest of the four species reaching impressive heights of up to six metres The Masai Giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi) is native to East Africa, with sightings in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia This species is the most populous of the four. Experts believe the four giraffe lineages began to evolve separately of each other between 230,000 and 370,000 years ago. In the wild, the four different species do not mate, although conservationists have found it is possible to get the different species to mate under certain circumstances. Sadly, the populations have declined sharply in the past century to around 117,000 wild giraffes throughout the African continent. With four distinct species, it makes the situation worse, as each individual species is under even greater threat from rapidly declining numbers and a lack of intermixing. 'We estimate that there are less than 6,000 northern giraffes remaining in the wild,' Dr Julian Fennessy, director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, previously explained. She added that 'as a species, they are one of the most threatened large mammals in the world.' Do you have a Labrador named Rosie, or a Cocker Spaniel called Daisy? If so, you're not alone. Analysis of UK vet data reveals these are among the most popular names for the nation's favourite breeds. And researchers discovered a 'significant overlap' between pet and baby names, which could be indicative of how owners really do see themselves as 'parents'. Lars Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com, who carried out the research, said: 'We've been monitoring baby name trends for over two decades, but until now we hadn't explored pet names. 'Our research shows an interesting trend of humanlike names topping the charts, including Jack, Daisy, and Rosie. 'This suggests that Brits are increasingly viewing their pets as family members.' So, do these names look familiar to you? Labrador retrievers are hugely popular dogs in the UK - but, does yours have one of the most common names? (stock image) Border collies, commonly used as sheepdogs, are most likely to be called Max or Holly, the data showed (stock image) The team analysed data from more than 2,500 registered dogs in the UK. They sorted the most popular canine names by gender and breed. Labrador retriever Most common male name: Buddy Most common female name: Rosie 'With over a million in the UK, Labradors are the nation's favourite breed,' the team said. 'Known for being goodnatured and social, it's perhaps no surprise that owners are most likely to name their Labrador companions Buddy. 'Other common names for the breed may well have been inspired by owners' human friends, with Rosie, Molly, Lottie, and Archie also ranking highly.' The researchers discovered that Cocker Spaniels friendly and playful temperament is reflected in their names (stock image) The most popular dog names by breed Labrador retriever: Buddy and Rosie Cocker Spaniel: Bailey and Daisy Jack Russell Terrier: Jack and Rosie German Shepherd: Zeus and Luna Dachshund: Monty and Daisy Advertisement Cocker Spaniel Top male name: Bailey Top female name: Daisy The researchers discovered that Cocker Spaniels' friendly and playful temperament is reflected in their names. 'Bailey and Daisy top the list, with names ending in 'Y' often seen as approachable and easygoing,' they said. 'It appears Cocker owners are also fans of alliteration, with names beginning with 'C', including Coco, Chester, and Charlie, also common.' Jack Russell Terrier Top male name: Jack Top female name: Rosie Owners of Jack Russells tended to give their pets short, snappy names to reflect the breed's no-nonsense nature (stock image) The team discovered that Jack taken directly from the name of the breed is the most popular name for males of the breed, while Rosie is most popular for female pups. 'A long standing favourite in the UK, name experts found that Jack Russell owners favour short, snappy names, reflecting the breed's small stature and nononsense nature,' the team said. German Shepherd Top male name: Zeus Top female name: Luna This breed is best known for its protective nature and majestic appearance. So it's perhaps no surprise that Zeus and Luna took top spots in the analysis. The name Nebula, after the space dust which forms stars, also featured on the list. The German Shepherd is best known for its protective nature and majestic appearance - and has a name to match (stock image) Dachshunds, like this one pictured, are given 'big names to live up to', the analysis revealed (stock image) Dachshund Top male name: Monty Top female name: Daisy 'Small but mighty, Dachshunds are given big names to live up to with owners opting for traditional, timeless names like Monty and Daisy,' the researchers said. 'Other favourites for beloved sausage dogs include Bella, Alfie, and Norman.' Other breeds The analysis also revealed that Max and Holly are the most popular names for Border Collies, Charlie and Bella placed first for English Springer Spaniels. Meanwhile Roxy and Sasha took top spot for Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Gizmo and Roxy came in first place for the Shih Tzu. Roxy and Sasha took top spot for Staffordshire Bull Terriers, known for their good-natured but sometimes boisterous temperaments (stock image) Gizmo and Roxy came in first place for the Shih Tzu, a charming breed that is especially affectionate with children (stock image) 'Our analysis shows a significant overlap between pet and baby names,' the team said. 'The most common names for the English Springer Spaniel are Charlie and Bella, and the feisty Jack Russell is most frequently named Jack or Rosie four names you're just as likely to hear at the park as you are the playground. 'This is no surprise given 50 per cent of dog owners consider their dog as their child and themselves as "dog parents". 'Interestingly, owners of German Shepherds are more daring with their name choices, with Zeus far less likely to crop up in the classroom. 'Similarly, with no babies born with the name Gizmo in the UK last year, we're fairly certain that one of our favourite names for the tiny Shih Tzu is unlikely to reach the top 10 of baby names anytime soon.' The thought of finding a spider crawling around the house might send shivers down your spine. But help is at hand, as an expert has revealed a surprisingly simple way to cure your spider phobia. According to Dr James O'Hanlon, who has written several books on spiders, the key to embracing spiders is staring at longlegged chairs. While this might sound unlikely, studies have shown that looking at objects which are similar to the insects can reduce our sensitivity to them. This not only includes longlegged chairs, but also wagon wheels. Dr O'Hanlon reassures that spiders are mostly harmless and says he thinks it's a 'shame' that the 'general creepiness' of the arachnids has 'taken a foothold in our collective psyche'. Speaking to BBC Wildlife magazine, he explained that positive portrayals of spiders in pop culture are 'overshadowed' by 'terrifying portrayals' in fantasy series such as Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. 'The good news is that stories are just stories,' he continued. The thought of finding a spider crawling around the house might send shivers down your spine. But help is at hand, as an expert has revealed a surprisingly simple way to cure your spider phobia (stock image) 'Even serious spider fears hold a very loose grip on our minds. 'Clinically significant arachnophobia is relatively easily treated by professionals using standard exposure therapy. 'Studies even show that exposure to objects with a glancing similarity to spiders, such as longlegged chairs or the spokes of a wagon wheel, goes some way to reducing our sensitivity to real spiders. 'Virtual and augmentedreality applications are bringing about means for people to treat arachnophobia without ever having to sit facetoface with a real spider.' Mr O'Hanlon, who has travelled the world to study spiders, said serious arachnophobia doesn't need to be a burden on people's lives, and it shouldn't be 'exacerbated by unjust urban myths about harmless spiders'. 'If we choose to, we could change our relationship with spiders, and it starts with the stories that we tell ourselves,' he continued. 'As a professional spider fancier, I obviously find it a shame that the general creepiness of spiders has taken a foothold in our collective psyche. 'Especially since this is such a small part of what makes spiders interesting.' According to Dr James O'Hanlon, who has written several books on spiders, the key to embracing spiders is staring at longlegged chairs (stock image) According to the NHS, most phobias are treatable, although no single treatment is guaranteed to work for all phobias. The main treatment types are: selfhelp techniques, talking treatments, and medication. 'Talking treatments, such as counselling, are often very effective at treating phobias,' it explains on its website. 'In particular, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been found to be very effective for treating phobias.' A gruesome pit of Stone Age human skeletons has been uncovered after being hidden for more than 6,000 years. Dozens of warriors came to their brutal end after being captured in northeastern France, where warfare was widespread across the region. However, rather than kill their enemies, 'victory' celebrations were held where researchers say invaders were tortured and mutilated. Dating back to between 4300 and 4150 B.C, a total of 82 human skeletons were unearthed in the pits, with some having their left arms severed or hands completely dismembered. Writing in the Science Advances journal, experts said: 'The severed upper limbs would represent war trophies removed at the battle site following the violent encounter and then taken back to the settlement for perhaps further transformation and display.' Dr Teresa Fernandez-Crespo, who worked on the findings, told Live Science that the warriors had their lower limbs fractured to stop them from fleeing. She said: 'We believe they were brutalised in the context of rituals of triumph or celebrations of victory that followed one or several battles.' Researchers also found they had suffered 'blunt force traumas' as well as signs of piercing holes through their bones, which could point to the invaders being put up on display as a warning for others. Dozens of warriors came to their brutal end after being captured in northeastern France, where warfare was widespread across the region However, rather than kill their enemies, 'victory' celebrations were held where researchers say invaders were tortured and mutilated Dating back to between 4300 and 4150 B.C, a total of 82 human skeletons were unearthed in the pits, with some having their left arms severed or hands completely dismembered Food evidence found on their teeth suggests the tortured warriors may have come from Paris. However, chemical signatures from their remains indicate the group may have also moved around different regions. While some remains showed no signs of being mutilated, which could be the skeletons of warriors who did not survive when attempting to defend the area. Another theory put forward by scientists is that skeletons could be the result of 'collective punishments or sacrifices of social outcasts'. Visitors at Disney World's Epcot got an unexpected sight recently when a glowing orb appeared over the amusement park. Morgan Huelsman, digital director of The Bobby Bones Show and a Tennessee resident, told the radio show that she and her boyfriend were sitting on a patio waiting for the fireworks when a very bright light suddenly appeared. After searching online and finding no information about drones or satellites in the area, Huelsman described the object as a 'UFO,' adding, 'definitely a UFO with aliens.' The video she captured quickly spread online, sparking speculation from social media users. One user noted that a rocket launch from nearby Cape Canaveral had occurred earlier in the week, suggesting it could explain the sighting. The Bobby Bones Show's X account also commented, emphasizing, 'It was never moving.' The clip shows a bright light hovering over Huelsman's head in the black night sky. However, it is unclear whether the object was moving, as the video was not shot steadily, and the date of the recording is unknown. Parkgoers spotted a glowing orb while at Epcot, saying it hovered for a few minutes and then vanished Morgan Huelsman, digital director of The Bobby Bones Show and a Tennessee resident, told the radio show that she and her boyfriend were sitting on a patio waiting for the fireworks when a very bright light suddenly appeared SpaceX did launch a batch of Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on August 18, about 60 miles from Disney World. The park has long been a hotspot for UFO reports, likely due to its proximity to NASA's launch sites. This is not the first unusual sighting in Epcot. In December 2024, visitors reported a glowing red orb in the sky. A Falcon 9 rocket launch that night at 7:52pm ET coincided with the sightings, and the reusable first-stage booster reportedly returned to Earth about 8.5 minutes later, landing on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic. Another Disney patron, who goes by Armand Luigi, Esq. on social media, reported seeing a similar red streak across the sky on December 23, 2024, which he later identified as a SpaceX launch. Despite the plausible explanation, many remain unconvinced. Some social media users suggested the video could be doctored, claiming, 'It's called CGI.' Others continued to speculate about UFOs and extraterrestrial activity. Experts note that Floridas combination of clear skies, frequent rocket launches, and highly populated tourist areas makes it a prime location for misidentified aerial phenomena. .@webgirlmorgan saw this hovering over EPCOT at Disney World for several minutes before it just blipped away. She thinks it's a UFO after doing research to find it's not a drone or a satellite, what do you think it is? pic.twitter.com/Z5IDayM38l Bobby Bones Show (@bobbybonesshow) August 21, 2025 Experts note that Floridas combination of clear skies, frequent rocket launches, and highly populated tourist areas makes it a prime location for misidentified aerial phenomena Amateur astronomers and UFO enthusiasts often record similar events, fueling online discussions and debates about their origin. Disney officials have not commented directly on the sightings, but the park has long embraced curiosity about unusual occurrences, often encouraging guests to share their experiences on social media. Whether the glowing orb was a SpaceX rocket, a satellite, or something else entirely, the video has captured the imagination of park visitors and the public alike. The incident is the latest in a series of unexplained aerial phenomena reported over Florida theme parks, highlighting both the popularity of UFO lore and the visibility of space activity in the region. I have a guilty confession: despite being a travel writer, I'm an atrocious packer. While many holidaymakers pride themselves on neatly fitting a week's clothes into a tiny backpack, I find myself juggling multiple gigantic suitcases on every trip. 'Moving in, are we?' is a common quip. Thankfully, help is at hand - in the form of a 'holiday stylist'. I decide to give one a try. Step forward Deni Kiro, who offers a 'Style & Pack Travel Capsule Wardrobe' service, and whom I'm meeting ahead of my honeymoon in Rome and the Amalfi coast in a few weeks time. So the pressure's on. It begins with a phone call. We establish my budget and holiday plans. Deni looks at my Instagram feed (to check my style). And I complete a questionnaire on favourite colours, my current wardrobe (gym stuff, jeans, plain tops and dresses), where I usually shop (Zara, ASOS and H&M), and what I'd never wear (Crocs). The questionnaire also asks for my biggest shopping challenge (I'm 5ft 1in, with short legs and a big bum, so dressing my lower half can be tricky). And I provide a Pinterest board of the effortlessly chic vibe I'm seeking in Italy - plus a close-up of my face. Deputy Travel Editor Hayley Minn enlists the help of Deni Kiro's 'Style & Pack Travel Capsule Wardrobe', to find out why more travellers are using holiday stylists Deni helps Hayley pick out a staple white linen skirt and statement accessories, amongst other holiday 'must-have' pieces Spending her honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast and in Rome, Hayley is after an 'effortless chic' vibe Then we meet in Zara on the King's Road, London, with Deni explaining everyone has a 'colour palette' based on their complexion. Showing me a photo of Margot Robbie, Deni says that I, like Barbie, have a 'cool complexion' and suit neutral, light pinks and blues, as well as black and white. She explains that neutral colours are the 'magic glue' for a successful travel capsule wardrobe, allowing you to mix and match as you please. However, 'some pops of colour that go with your palette' are needed, too. Deni tells me she's already checked out Zara for my perfect outfits. This means we simply stroll in, she gathers a great armful of gorgeous linen dresses, trousers and skirts and we head to the changing room. 'Every capsule needs day-to-night outfits,' says Deni, asking me to try on some linen dresses. I love three: a blue number, a white crochet frock, plus a coral dress. All can be worn with flats for sightseeing and paired with heels in the evening - turning three outfits into six. Deni explains to Hayley that neutral colours are the 'magic glue' for a successful travel capsule wardrobe, allowing you to mix and match as you please This, I can already see, is working. Next up, we find a perfect 'bottom half' to go with any tops - soon nailing down a plain white linen skirt. Then we turn to the question of my 'airport outfit'. Deni says: 'When you travel, it's good to consider your look from the moment you leave.' I've never really thought about this, just chucking on trackies. But Deni finds a pale blue matching co-ord. It's so comfortable, perfect for a flight, and the top unties too, so I can use it as a light jacket. Now shoes. The trick is to find stylish sandals in a neutral colour that work with everything, one pair of heels (if you really want) and to wear gym trainers on the flight. I pick some brown flat sandals. Finally, accessories. Deni selects a pair of statement earrings and bangles, plus a lovely little raffeta bag - and they go with every outfit. At the till, I feel sick at the price (almost 500), but Deni assures me 'although this is expensive, you now don't need to think about your holiday wardrobe for a long time'. The biggest shopping mistake, she says, is last-minute impulse buying of clothes you 'never wear again'. Celebs Go Dating star Paul C Brunson has returned to the USA after spending years overseas. The 49-year-old first moved to the UK in 2018 to film the Channel 4 show and eventually settled down with his family after years of travelling back and forth. Paul is well known in reality TV from his appearances on several shows, including Married At First Sight, where he featured as a relationship expert, and co-hosting Celebs Go Dating. The American recently landed in the States again and shared his thoughts on how his perspective has shifted about the country. In a post to his 493,000 followers, Paul wrote: 'Seven years away changes what you see.' The reality star then went on to explain how conflicted he felt since returning. 'Within 24 hours of landing back in the US for the first time in what seems like forever, I felt both at home and like a stranger,' Paul added. Paul shared the various things that he has now noticed about America. Celebs Go Dating star Paul C Brunson (pictured) has returned to the USA after spending years overseas The 49-year-old (pictured with MAFS co-star Charlene Douglas) first to the UK in 2018 to film the Channel 4 show and eventually settled down with his family after years of travelling back and forth 'Gun magazines placed beside candy. Prescription drug ads at every turn. SUVs that look like small ships. Coffee cups you could swim in,' he went on. 'Some of these things are small. Others feel massive. But together, they paint a picture of what's normalized here, of the values and rhythms that shape daily life in ways you don't always notice until you've stepped away.' Paul spent seven years in the UK and the time away has made him see things in a different light. He explained: 'Living abroad has trained my eye to catch these details, but more than that, it's made me curious about what they say about us: what we prioritize, what we overlook, and what we've quietly accepted as 'just the way it is.'' Paul's upload contained a series of images, outlining some of the points he had noticed including a positive point about the friendliness he feels from people. 'There's a warmth and friendliness unlike what I've seen in the UK, mostly London,' he wrote. The reality star's post attracted thousands of likes and hordes of commenters, all keen to share their take. Someone chimed in: 'It really is amazing how living a abroad changes your eye.' Another agreed: 'Sad facts. Times have definitely changed and not all change has been for the best. The American recently landed in the States again and shared his thoughts on how his perspective has shifted about the country 'Unfortunately, lots of Americans have become desensitized by the subtle changes. Not me though. Stay vigilant people.' While one had a different experience and said: 'Just moved back to America after 8 years in London. 'Feeling so much happier back in the states! The friendliness makes a difference.' Someone else added: 'I was just in the US and noticed the prescription adds, thought it was very bizarre.' Airport staff at a tourist hotspot are threatening to strike every weekend for the rest of the year. Holidaymakers heading to Portugal could be impacted by the action, which may see baggage handlers from every major airport in the popular European destination strike. The move was announced on August 19 by Sima union, representing Menzies employees. The company reportedly employs 3,500 workers. Disputes over pay have been reported as reasoning for the strikes. The union claims employees are being paid below minimum wage, according to TTG. Airports impacted include Lisbon, Porto and Faro, if the strikes go ahead. Island airports such as Funchal (Madeira) and Ponta Delgada (Azores) are also expected to be hit by the action. The action is set to begin on September 3 until September 9, and then will continue every weekend until mid-December. Holidaymakers heading to Portugal could be impacted by the action, which may see baggage handlers from every major airport in the popular European destination strike The move was announced on August 19 by Sima union, representing Menzies employees. The company reportedly employs 3,500 workers Baggage handlers are then expected to strike around Christmas and New Year, from December 19 until January 2, 2026. It comes after strikes were carried out from July 25 to 28, as well as August 8 to 11. The action impacted Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo and Azores airports, and triggered a travel warning from the Foreign Office. The FCO's advice for Portugal previously said: 'Industrial action by baggage handles at Portuguese airports from Friday to Monday during the months of July and August may cause delays.' 'If you are travelling over this period, check for announcements and follow the advice of your airline or tour operator.' There were also strikes proposed for 15-18 August, August 22 to 25 and August 29 to September 1. However, these were cancelled after talks between the union and government. It's already been a tumultuous year for tourism, with protests against over-tourism taking place in destinations across Southern Europe - including in Portugal - all year. Disputes over pay have been reported as reasoning for the strikes Marches have erupted across the Balearics, the Canaries and mainland Spain, with tens of thousands marching through Palma in July, holding banners that read 'Your luxury, our misery' and demanding curbs on tourist numbers, cruise ships and short-term lets. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Mallorca's beach businesses are warning of a brutal summer season. Earnings were reportedly plummeting as the backlash against mass tourism intensifies both in Spain and abroad. According to the Association of Temporary Services Concessions and Operations in the Maritime-Terrestrial Public Domain of Mallorca (Adopuma), beach bars, parasol hire companies, and water activity operators have taken a hit of around 20 per cent in July compared to last summer, and things aren't looking any better as August rolls on. Forget the 4,000 mile trip to the Bahamas for a close encounter with the adorable 'swimming pigs' - as there's a destination much closer to the UK that offers the same unique experience. Pig Beach, located in Exuma, has long been established as a major tourist attraction for scores of animal-lovers who flock to the Caribbean spot each year to swim with its wild yet friendly pigs. But those who don't fancy flying across the Atlantic, one Greek island delivers a similar experience. Atokos is a small, uninhabited island in the Ionian Sea that boasts a population of swimming pigs that freely roam the land and paddle in the sea. The privately owned island is accessible by boat from nearby isles such as Ithaca, Lefkada and Meganisi, with many boat tours and day trips including swimming stops at Atokos. Visitors can swim alongside the semi-wild black pigs in the crystal-clear waters - and give them a well-appreciated belly rub afterwards as they relax on the shore. The pigs on Atokos have become a popular attraction, with holidaymakers posting videos on Instagram and TikTok of their firsthand experiences with the charming creatures. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the pigs and their habitat, and to remember that they're wild animals, meaning it's important to avoid feeding them human food and disturbing them excessively. Atokos is a small, uninhabited island in the Ionian Sea that boasts a small population of swimming pigs that freely roam the land and paddle in the sea The privately-owned island is accessible by boat from nearby islands such as Ithaca, Lefkada and Meganisi, with many boat tours and day trips including swimming stops at Atokos Visitors can swim alongside the semi-wild black pigs in the crystal-clear waters - and give them a much-appreciated belly rub afterwards as they relax on the shore Besides swimming with the pigs, visitors can also enjoy snorkeling, diving, and exploring the island's stunning landscape of lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, according to Meraki Sailing. The best place to stay to visit Atokos is on the nearby Greek island of Lefkada, with its picturesque port town, Sivota, offering regular ferry services and boat rentals to the island. A variety of luxury villas and affordable accommodations are also available in Lefkada, including properties with views of Atokos itself. Elsewhere, some tourists looking for wildlife are causing major issues. Influencers desperate to tick off seeing the 'Big Five' are turning Africa's tranquil wilderness into a hotspot for over-tourism - with 4x4 traffic jams and over-priced accommodation putting off genuine nature enthusiasts. Once considered a 'once in a lifetime' holiday that was firmly the preserve of the middle and upper classes - the royal family are particularly fond of them, a trip to a game reserve has become increasingly mass market in recent years. Just as British beauty spots, including Cotswolds villages and Cornish beaches, have been besieged by selfie stick-wielding crowds on the hunt for 'content', it seems the TikTok tourist is now equally at home on Africa's remote plains. Destinations such as Kenya's Masai Mara - home to almost 90 species of mammals, Tanzania's Serengeti and South Africa's Kruger National Park have all seen a spike in tourism in recent years. Fed-up wildlife fans who've spent their hard-earned cash to see Mother Nature's most majestic animals - including giraffes, elephants and wildebeest - say they now often have to do battle with Instagrammers posing up a storm as they all try to catch a glimpse of what they've paid thousands to see. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the pigs and their habitat, and to remember that they're wild animals, meaning it's important to avoid feeding them human food and disturbing them excessively Besides swimming with the pigs, visitors can also enjoy snorkeling, diving, and exploring the island's stunning landscape of lush greenery and dramatic cliffs On social media, there are insights into just how saturated the safari market has become, with images and videos showing 4x4s sat bumper-to-bumper on dirt track roads at dawn in a bid to catch animals in the best light of the day. Pumping out petrol fumes, inside, they're crammed with tourists who'll apparently stop at nothing to get the perfect shot of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino in their natural habitat. One particularly disturbing clip shows a lion walking along a rust-coloured road, with vehicles - full of tourists - surrounding the animal as they try and get an elusive photo or footage. Alongside sophisticated camera and smartphone equipment, the arrival of drones as as an amateur videographer's best friend has ensured that whirring black dots in the arching blue skies above rolling savanna grasslands are now also occasionally seen. Tourists jetting off to a South Korean island have been warned by police officers to behave after complaints from locals. The popular destination, Jeju, is South Korea's largest island and a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting lava tubes and impressive volcanic geology. It attracts hordes of visitors each year with its beautiful beaches and mountains. But as the peak summer season kicks off, Jeju police have released a guide, available in English, Chinese and Korean, outlining what behaviour isn't acceptable, and the consequences. The guidelines follow reports from locals of tourists allowing their children to 'defecate on the street,' as well as drunken antics and dine-and-dashing, according to the BBC. Jeju Police Agency chief Kim Su-young explained how the newly released information aims to 'prevent misunderstandings due to language and cultural differences and improve foreigners' understanding of Korean culture and laws". Some 8,000 copies of the guide have been produced and distributed. Various illegal offences are listed, including jaywalking, disorderly conduct, littering and public urination/defecation. The popular destination, Jeju, is South Korea's largest island and a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting lava tubes and impressive volcanic geology But as the peak summer season kicks off, Jeju police have released a guide, available in English, Chinese and Korean, outlining what behaviour isn't acceptable, and the consequences Trespassing, fare evasion, 'dine and dash' eating and leaving without paying for a meal and smoking in a no-smoking area are also outlined as violations of Korean law. The guide also details the possible consequences of tourists repeatedly breaking the rules. 'The violation of the above-mentioned offenses shall also be punishable by misdemeanour imprisonment or by a minor fine,' it reads. 'A repeated violation of the same offence shall be subject to a fine of up to 200,000 Korean Won,' the guide adds, which is equivalent to around 106. According to the BBC, those offending for the first time will be let off with a warning. South Korea has reportedly seen an increase in tourism in recent years and in 2024 the local economy saw a 9.26 trillion won boost from foreign travellers. Meanwhile, North Korea is dabbling in tourism ventures too, and recently opened a glitzy beach resort. The seaside retreat, Wonsan Kalma, opened in June and is located on the country's east coast, near an airport in Kangwon Region. The guidelines follow reports from locals of tourists allowing their children to 'defecate on the street,' as well as drunken antics and dine-and-dashing, according to the BBC It was originally planned to boost tourism and has been described by state media as a 'national treasure-level city'. Since its opening, all tourists except for those from Russia have been banned from visiting the resort. The abrupt reversal came only days after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited the site on July 12, where he was hosted by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who described Lavrov as the resort's 'first foreign guest.' Reportedly modelled on Benidorm, the retreat apparently has a capacity of up to 20,000 visitors and features over 40 hotels, guesthouses, and leisure facilities. A woman who has ditched the UK for a new life in Thailand has been candid about why she'll never call Britain home again - citing everything from personal safety to mental health. In a video posted on TikTok, Claudia, who posts from the account @islandlifewithClaudia about her life in Koh Samui, doesn't hold back on the reasons why she's swapped living in the UK for sunnier climes for good. Wearing a bikini and sitting by the pool on a sunny day, the marketing strategist explains that she moved to Thailand two years ago - but left the UK permanently six years ago after getting fed up with life in Blighty. 'There's so many reasons why I'll never return', she says, with her first gripe being the weather - she claims Brits live under near year-round rain. 'It's just a miserable place to be, it's raining almost all of the time, sometimes even in the summer and it effects the mood of the people, so it makes people miserable.' The sunshine lover says she refuses to wait for a holiday to access blue skies and warm weather and so it was a no-brainer to move to Thailand, which is currently in the midst of its rainy season. She also cites the cost of living crisis, saying 'everyone in the UK is just scraping to get by', saying that hard-earned cash goes much further in Thailand, adding 'you can barely breathe without being taxed in the UK'. And personal safety concerns also rank highly, the ex-pat says, admitting she wouldn't walk alone at night as a woman back home. Thailand has lower overall crime rates than the UK. Marketing strategy Claudia, who lives in Koh Samui, Thailand, took to TikTok to share the reasons why she'll never be tempted back to live on British soil She cited the weather, saying that she doesn't want to have to wait until a holiday to access sunshine. The TikToker also said she felt unsafe walking down the street in the UK and hasn't looked back since leaving six years ago (Pictured: Koh Samui) She explains: 'In the UK, you cannot walk down the street without the fear of your phone getting snatched out of your hand.' The Brit also praised the healthcare system in Thailand, saying: 'I have health insurance and the hospitals here are much better, I get seen instantly.' The minute-long video sparked a variety of responses, with people apparently divided on Claudia's opinions. Responding to her comments about living in holiday sunshine year-round, one person wrote: 'Thailand does have its bad sides though, like all places. Not sunny and dry all the time, it has its wet season for a few months, with very heavy rain and very humid.' One Liverpudlian said he felt very safe living in the UK, responding: 'I'd actually miss the climate. The varied weather is a plus here in UK. We have one of the highest creative cultures in the world. 'Some of the greatest human rights. Clean tap water. Safety wise, I wouldn't feel safe walking around Thailand as a white man as I'd be a target as perceived wealthy.' Others agreed though that ex-pat life had been the key to their happiness. British weather makes those who live there miserable, she also claimed, which many disagreed with in the comments on her one-minute post One wrote: 'Agree with you 100%+ I have just left the UK for Dubai. I used to live in Singapore and Malaysia for 10 years. Made a big mistake going back to the UK.' In June, a study revealed the most affordable country to live as an expat. The research looked at the cost of healthcare, transport, rent, food and utilities in each country to crown the winner. Vietnam is officially the cheapest country to live as an expat, according to the experts at William Russell who commissioned the research. A spokesperson says: 'A long-time favourite among budget-conscious and digital nomads, Vietnam has all the ingredients needed to make the perfect quality of life. 'From sun-swept beaches to metropolitan cities, good food and friendly locals, modern conveniences and ancient traditions to discover, Vietnam is one of the few countries that can truly claim to have it all.' A one-bedroom apartment can cost as little as $361/265 a month while a three bedroom condo comes to $801/589 on average per month. And the overall cost of living in Vietnam is 59 per cent cheaper than the UK, according to William Russell. Could Britain's love affair with the Med finally be cooling off? According to new research, a raft of non European destinations have won our affections this summer. Classic sun resorts across Italy, France, Spain and Portugal are becoming less popular, with tourists seeking their holiday kicks further afield, including in Thailand, Canada and the US. Virgin Media 02 data suggests that visitors to Spain have plummeted by around 9% year-on-year - with protests against over-tourism amongst the factors that may be seeing UK holidaymakers jetting off in a different direction. Another enduring favourite, France, has been eclipsed by the US this summer, which has commanded 17% of visitors compared to a hop across the Channel, where only 14% have travelled. Greece and Portugal? They're also down by 7% and 5% respectively, the new data suggests, with many dedicating their summer breaks to more far-flung places. Many are making for Maple Leaf territory, with Canada now accounting for 9% of trips from the UK. Elsewhere, the United Arab Emirates has enjoyed 8% of the British tourist pie, with Thailand and Australia both at 5%. When it comes to last minute getaways though, it seems convenience is everything with resorts that are just a short hop away by plane still seeing the biggest numbers of Brits. Swap the Costa del Sol for Canada? Brits have been heading further afield this summer, according to new research by Virgin Media 02 data (Pictured: Toronto) Spain, where over-tourism protests have been taking place all year, is down in popularity by 9% amongst British tourists - but is still our favourite for a last-minute getaway (Pictured: Albir town in Alicante) Almost 38% of us will take late breaks to Spain while Greece will see 25% and Italy 23%. Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2 said of the latest research: 'As Brits explore new holiday spots beyond Europe, we're proud to keep them connected wherever they may roam.' After months of over-tourism protests across Spain, there was more bad news for Brits heading to our favourite holiday destination this week - after seven miles of Costa Blanca coastline was closed. Tourists have been banned from going into the water because of rare sea creatures with a potentially-fatal sting. Reg flags went up on beaches in the municipality of Guardamar del Segura just north of Torrevieja following the appearance of so-called blue dragons, which have been branded 'the most beautiful killer in the ocean.' The sea slug, also known as Glaucus atlanticus, feeds on the venomous cells of creatures like the deadly Portuguese man o'war, storing them within its body in concentrated doses. This process concentrates the toxin, making the blue dragons sting far more potent than that of its prey. Typical symptoms of the blue dragon's sting include nausea, pain, vomiting and, in some cases, severe allergic reactions which can be fatal. The USA has been more popular than France according to the new data, with 17 per cent heading Stateside, compared to just 14 per cent going across the Channel (Pictured: Venice Beach) Guardamar del Segura's mayor Jose Luis Saez, confirming the sea ban order yesterday which he indicated would remain in place until further notice, said on his official X account: 'Red flag on the beaches of Guardamar. 'Bathing is prohibited following the appearance on Vivers Beach of two specimens of Glaucus atlanticus, known as the Blue Dragon.' He added: 'We remind people that despite its bright and striking colour and it's small 1.5 inch size, they should stay away from this animal because of its sting. 'Guardamar del Segura Town Hall has has launched a preventive operation to detect possible specimens carried by ocean currents. 'Town hall workers are closely following the evolution of the situation and will inform people about the different measures to be taken. 'If you see one of these creatures don't touch it, even with gloves on, alert lifeguards and other authorities. 'If you get stung, wash the area affected with salt water and head to your nearest first aid point or health centre. 'These creatures are poisonous and their stings can cause nausea, pain and vomiting. 'For the time being and until further notice, bathing in the sea is prohibited.' Deserted: Tourists have been banned from going into the water along an entire seven-mile stretch of Spain's Costa Blanca because of rare sea creatures with a potentially-fatal sting (Pictured: Guardamar del Segura beach) Your browser does not support iframes. Vivers Beach, a natural stretch of coast south of the Segura River and north of La Babilonia Beach, was said to be full of people yesterday although less people than normal were in the sea defying the bathing ban order and risking heavy fines. Lifeguards with loudhailers were expected to remind tourists and locals today about the prohibition according to local reports, although sunseekers will still be allowed to head to beaches even if they don't take a dip in the sea. Red flags went up at Santa Barbara beach in La Linea de la Concepcion near Gibraltar on Sunday after police received an emergency call about a blue dragon sighting and six were later found on the shoreline. It was reopened to bathers the following day, with a yellow warning flag up instead of the red one. Keen travellers who dream about jetting off around the world and getting paid at the same time may be in luck as Emirates has announced a huge hiring spree. The airline has been holding cabin crew open days over the summer, and there are still dates left for passionate travellers to check out the job opportunities. Emirates has urged anyone, from holidaymakers to seasonal hospitality employees, to attend the open days. Hopefuls who happen to be in hotspots such as Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, and Greece will be considered for the new roles. As the worlds largest international airline, the company has a vast team of cabin crew of 24,500. Travel enthusiasts in Italy can head to one on August 24, in Sassari-Sardinia, while those in France can visit in Corsica on the same date. Another opportunity will be hosted in Madeira, Portugal on August 30, while the final date is in Pisa, Italy on August 31. Keen travellers who dream about jetting off around the world may be in luck, as Emirates has announced a huge hiring spree The premium airline is looking for people from popular holiday destinations to join their world-famous cabin crew Cabin crew working for the airline enjoy plenty of benefits including spacious and furnished accommodation. They're also provided with transport to and from work as well as world-class training. Medical, dental and life insurance is also covered, as well as hotel stays during layovers. Friends and family will benefit too with deeply discounted tickets, while employees can also enjoy access to local offers and perks through the airlines FACE and Platinum cards. Successful candidates will be based in the vibrant city of Dubai, best known for sunshine, amazing views and opportunities. Jabr Al-Azeeby, divisional vice president UK at Emirates, said: 'Everyones had that feeling on holiday when you dont want it to end. 'With an Emirates cabin crew role, you get to travel the world, learn life skills and understand different cultures, and thousands of our crew have done just that. Hopefuls who live in hotspots such as Spain , France , Italy , Portugal, and Greece will be considered for the new roles 'Our cabin crew open days have been a brilliant way for people to learn more about a career at Emirates, and it felt like a natural next step to find people that love travelling by meeting them while on holiday.' Those hoping to bag themselves a place on the world-famous cabin crew team will have to meet certain requirements. Emirates is looking for applicants with at least one year of experience in hospitality, tourism, or customer service. They also want someone who has a passion for travel and connecting with people. Skills including customer service, teamwork, and adaptability are also listed as valuable. Stopovers are a necessary evil that will get you where you want to be...but often only with a chunk of wasted time in transit. However, airlines are increasingly offering layover programmes that enable travellers to check out their connection cities a little more - and they'll often even offer a free room, transport and temporary visas to persuade you to step out of the airport. According to travel savvy expert David Perez, co-founder of iVisa, many airlines collaborate with their home airport to offer money-off deals on hotels and transfers to convince tourists to discover the destination beyond it. There's usually a minimum stay time required - usually between around eight and 24 hours, but those who qualify can find themselves enjoying a brand new city without any major impact on holiday spends. For example, the Stopover in Istanbul programme run by Turkish Airlines lets visitors check in for free at partner hotels in Istanbul, an enduringly popular city break destination. Travellers in economy can access a one-night stay in a four-star hotel, while those lucky enough to be in business can stay two nights in a five-star or boutique hotel for zero money. Qatar Airways too will sort out a complimentary transit from Hamad International Airport, accommodation and even a short-term visa if you have a layover of between eight and 24 hours. Those keen on discovering Doha simply need to put in an online request at least 72 hours before their departure. Fancy a night in a four-star hotel for free? Then check out the stopover programme of your airline, which could see a connection turned into a discounted mini-break (Pictured: Doha) Qatar Airlines is one of several carriers that offer an incentive programme for travellers with a layover in their hub airport; visitors can spend a night in Doha, often at a heavily discounted price, if they're spending between eight and 24 hours in the city's airport Other carriers running similar stopover schemes include Iberia, TAP Portugal and Ethiad. Icelandair offer those heading to the US a seven-night stay in the country at no extra cost, although travellers will have to pay for accommodation while on the ground. Visas? Often you'll sidestep official regulations because you're not in the country long enough. Says Perez: 'In some countries, youre also covered by special visa-free transit rules, which means you can enter the city without applying for a standard visa. 'All you need to do is check your airlines stopover program before booking, plan your connection time to fit their criteria, and claim the offer directly through the airline. 'Its a simple process that can add a bonus destination to your trip at almost no extra cost.' One tourist who's tested the layover trick is Michael Zervos, who, with support from iVisa, recently broke the world record for being the fastest man to travel the world. Sharing his own experiences he said: 'The layovers became some of my most memorable experiences. Turkish Airlines is also a carrier with a layover scheme - with economy class passengers entitled to one night in a four-star hotel for free in Istanbul (pictured) 'I got to explore new places affordably without the hassle of applying for a full visa, while keeping on track for the world record.' Earlier this year, a travel expert offered another tip on how to potentially save money on long haul flights - by making a connection city your final destination. How to score a heavily-discounted stopover - Check an airlines 'stopover' or 'transit' program before booking - Time it right most carriers require you to be on the ground for 824 hours - Research the visa-free transit rules for your destination - Book directly with the airline for eligibility Advertisement Known as 'skiplagging', the technique can come with a few catches. Chelsea Dickenson, the Cheap Holiday Expert, explained how it works on her podcast, @passportspleasepod. She said: 'Skiplagging is when a passenger books a flight with a layover but intentionally gets off at the layover city instead of continuing to the final destination. 'And that is because the layover city is usually cheaper to fly to as part of a longer route.' As an example, Chelsea explains that a passenger could fly from London to New York. Instead of opting for a 'super expensive' direct route, travellers could find a flight that's London to Chicago with a change in New York. Chelsea says that the passenger would then get off in New York and exit the airport, instead of waiting for the flight to Chicago. But while the hack could be a way to score a cheaper flight, Chelsea warns that it's not always better value than booking a direct route. And there's another downside. She adds: 'The main con is that airlines absolutely hate it cause you're wasting a seat on one of their flights.' Airline staff may also be looking for the missing passenger when they don't board the second flight. Chelsea says: 'It's admin to them. They hate it. And you can get blacklisted by doing it. Some people have been totally told they cannot book with airlines if they've done it repeatedly.' Although Chelsea's tip picked up more than 265,000 likes on TikTok, a commenter issued another warning for travellers that are keen to try skiplagging. 'Nayla Kana' says: 'My first thought is, this would only work for passengers with hand luggage only. Because your luggage will be in Chicago now!' Another commenter said the tip would surely be unlikely to work for a return journey, and Chelsea agreed, saying: 'It wouldn't [work]! If you did it on the flight out, they'd probably cancel your return flight.' A Qantas passenger has furiously hit out at the airline's culinary offering after upgrading to business for a flight to Singapore. The traveller had booked a seat on the QF 35 flight departing Melbourne at 12.05pm last month when they were served up what they said was a disappointing meal. Sharing a picture of their lunch on Reddit, the passenger wrote: 'Qantas business class is actually a joke.' The vegetarian dish was labelled pan fried parmesan polenta with braised greens, wild mushroom ragout and salsa verde. However, the business class passenger felt the meal wasn't up to their standards. 'Midday flight from Melbourne to Singapore, and this was the business class lunch on offer,' they wrote. 'Premium cabin, budget vibes. And if you're in the last row, don't bother choosing most of the menu's already run out.' The passenger also noted the 'vegetables were salty as hell'. A Qantas business class passenger was served pan fried parmesan polenta with braised greens, wild mushroom ragout and salsa verde (pictured) on a flight from Melbourne to Singapore Qantas promises international business class passengers can enjoy 'a contemporary selection of locally sourced dishes with a focus on choice'. The airline's website states menus may include options such as 'red wine braised beef short rib with potato puree, green beans, balsamic glazed eschallots and salsa verde, or Humpty Doo barramundi with ginger, chilli, snake beans and jasmine rice'. Some Qantas travellers agreed with the negative review, with one stating 'you don't fly Qantas for the food'. Another remarked: 'Looks like something out of my compost bin.' However, the business passenger's complaint sparked a backlash from others, with one accusing them of 'throwing a tantrum'. 'I always find it amusing when grown adults with the capacity to fly business class throw a tantrum about how vegetables look,' they commented. 'As usual, no description of the dish, the alternatives, the issues or how you attempted to address this on the flight. Literally just 'EWWW THE VEGETABLES ARE GREEN!'' The original business class passenger hit back and said their complaint was 'not about how vegetables look in general' but how the airline had presented the dish. Qantas promises international business class passengers can enjoy 'a contemporary selection of locally sourced dishes', with the airline singling out 'a focus on choice' They argued their meal looked as if they had 'raided a buffet blindfolded'. Meanwhile, another customer said they had the same dish the week before and branded it 'very tasty'. But, they did conceded their dish looked 'a lot more appetising'. Daily Mail has reached out to Qantas for comment. The Celebs Go Dating agency was turmoil during Wednesday night's episode after two stars broke down in tears in a candid discussion about their past. Olivia Hawkins, 30, admitted to feeling 'triggered' by her past relationships while Sam Prince, 28, said he found himself 'never being enough' for his parents which has left him 'sensitive' when it comes to romance. Speaking to experts Anna Williamson and Dr Tara, former Love Island star Liv discussed her date with Louis Russell - which ended in tears after he kissed someone else during another date. 'It's a trigger of people I've dated from the past,' she explained as she wiped away her tears. 'I've always wanted that instant connection with someone and I really feel that with him, and I know it's so early but I don't think it's the right situation for me.' Liv recalled when she discovered a man she had been dating in the past had a partner. The Celebs Go Dating agency was turmoil during Wednesday night's episode after two stars broke down in tears in a candid discussion about their past (Olivia Hawkins pictured) Olivia Hawkins admitted to feeling 'triggered' by her past relationships while Sam Prince (pictured) said he found himself 'never being enough' for his parents She continued: 'But I just kept going back. I just really wanted to change him and I lost myself a bit.' Meanwhile, Sam headed out on a date with a girl called Annie, who went on to brand him 'nasty' and rate their night a 2/10. He explained: 'As much as I have this persona where people watch me on TV and think I don't give a f**k, I give more of a f**k then ever and I'm very sensitive. 'When I'm in love with someone, I'm so in love. Sometimes I feel like I'm too in love. I rely on that person for everything, and that's where I think I've gone wrong.' Sam then explained how past relationships have left him feeling 'resentful' after giving too much, which he thinks stems from 'never feeling like he was enough' for his parents. Former Love Island star Olivia and Too Hot To Handle's Louis immediately hit it off after they landed in Ibiza to film the E4 dating show and shared a smooch. However, during Monday evening's instalment, their connection was put to the test as Louis went on a date with a gorgeous brunette, who was later revealed to be Jazmine Nichol. Jazmine entered the Casa Amor Love Island villa in 2022 as a bombshell; however, she failed to find a spark with any of the boys and was dumped from the villa. Speaking to experts Anna Williamson and Dr Tara, former Love Island star Liv discussed her date with Louis Russell - which ended in tears after he kissed someone else 'It's a trigger of people I've dated from the past,' she explained as she wiped away her tears Sam then explained how past relationships have left him feeling 'resentful' after giving too much, which he thinks stems from 'never feeling like he was enough' for his parents Previously, Olivia and Too Hot To Handle's Louis, 24, immediately hit it off after they landed in Ibiza to film the E4 dating show and shared a smooch Louis and Liv had a very strong connection on the hit E4 show, and things between the pair got steamy in a short matter of time. A show insider told The Sun at the time: 'It usually takes a few weeks for things to spice up, but not with these two. 'Within 48 hours of arriving in Ibiza, the sexual spark between them was obvious. They clearly couldn't resist each other.' Celebs Go Dating airs on E4 from Monday to Thursday at 9pm. Hostage (Netflix) Rating: Head for the bunkers nuclear grade hokum incoming! The heart of British democracy is under attack, not from the Russians, nor Islamist extremists, but from an even bigger bunch of loonies... Netflix. The five-part political drama Hostage sees Suranne Jones playing a Labour prime minister who has to save the NHS (hurrah!) while facing down a neo-Fascist French president (boo!) planning to station Euro-troops in England (boo! hiss!). Meanwhile, there's a boatload of African asylum seekers fleeing persecution who need safe haven in the UK and, gulp, they've all got ebola. And just when you think the stakes couldn't be any higher, masked gunmen only go and kidnap the PM's lovely husband, Dr Alex (Ashley Thomas). Political thriller Hostage aired on Netflix on Thursday (Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy pictured in the series) The show features a star-studded cast including Suranne Jones, Julie Delpy, Ashley Thomas (pictured), Corey Mylchreest, Bashy, Lucian Msamati, James Cosmo, and Jehnny Beth He's in South America with a Medecins Sans Frontieres team, giving vaccinations to happy village children and their poor-but-grateful mums, when terrorists take all the doctors prisoner. They shoot a translator dead. At first this appears to be more proof of what rotten rotters they are, but Dr Alex overhears them talking in English, so perhaps they just realised they wouldn't need a translator. With a gun to his head, Dr Alex is forced to record a video message to his wife. She must resign within 24 hours or one of the hostages will be killed. Suranne Jones, who excels at melodrama, does her best to breathe credibility into all this over-egged nonsense. We're so used to seeing her in extreme situations wreaking vengeance on an unfaithful husband in Doctor Foster, solving murders aboard a submarine in Vigil that it doesn't seem too delulu when she takes command of a hostage rescue attempt... and then apologises to the Chief of the Defence Staff for failing to let him know what she was doing. Mind you, it's not much of a rescue. British special forces have apparently been reduced to one soldier, a grizzled veteran called Thomas. And he's armed only with a pistol and a telescopic camera that looks as though he ordered it from one of those sales booklets that fall out of the Sunday supplements. He probably bought a nice pair of orthopaedic sandals and a reversible jacket at the same time. The five-part series tells the fictional story of British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, whose husband ends up being kidnapped, and she is forced to turn to the visiting French president for help The series is written by Matt Charman and Suranne was confirmed in the lead role in March 2024 (Suranne, Isobel Akuwudike, and Ashley Thomas pictured) If the PM has any chance of getting her husband back, she's going to have to rely on the French military. But President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy) has her own problems she's been having an affair with someone she really shouldn't, and now a blackmailer is threatening to release a video of them in bed together. No wonder Vivienne is so spiteful and mean to her family... though it doesn't explain why, when they're alone, they speak English with 'Allo 'Allo accents. If all that stretches your credulity, consider this. It's only in a fictional drama as bonkers as this that Labour can manage to elect a female leader. Rylan Clark left This Morning fans open-mouthed as he made a baffling confession about his natural hair live on air. During Thursday's instalment of the ITV daytime programme, the presenter, 36, and Sian Welby, 38, were joined by trichologist Anabel Kingsley to discuss hair tips and tricks. However, viewers at home jokingly branded Rylan a 'liar' as he told the hair and scalp specialist that he used to dye his hair years ago, seemingly hinting that he doesn't anymore, when he is, in fact, naturally ginger. Kicking off the segment, Rylan addressed hair myths with Anabel and asked the specialist whether shampooing your hair every day is considered bad for your hair. Anabel confirmed that daily shampooing is, in fact, one of the 'best things you can do' as you want to keep your scalp clean and healthy. Appearing shocked, Rylan said: 'Well, I'm so glad that I've busted that myth, because sometimes I sit there and go "oh, can I get away with this hair?" Rylan Clark left This Morning fans open-mouthed as he made a baffling confession about his natural hair live on air (pictured last month) During Thursday's instalment of the ITV daytime programme, the presenter, 36, and Sian Welby, 38, were joined by trichologist Anabel Kingsley to discuss hair tips and tricks However, viewers at home jokingly branded Rylan a 'liar' as he told the hair and scalp specialist that he used to dye his hair years ago, seemingly hinting that he doesn't anymore, when he is, in fact, naturally ginger (younger Rylan pictured) He continued: 'Because if it's not clean, like if I'm having my hair coloured, I prefer to colour on non-clean hair. I used to do colour years ago, especially blonde and stuff like that, it always just grabs better on dirty hair.' Several viewers then flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to call Rylan out with one writing: 'Rylan telling porkpies he said he used to colour his hair years ago of course you did and still do (laughing emoji)'; '#ThisMorning Did Rylan say he used to dye his hair? He's a natural ginger, so he still does.'; Another joked: 'Rylan needs a new look he's been rockin the Yorkshire ripper look for a while now #ThisMorning.'; 'And you dye it. You're a natural ginger. #ThisMorning.' Rylan is currently co-hosting This Morning alongside Sian whilst Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shephard, 50, enjoy a break from their hectic schedules. It comes after Rylan whisked his beloved mum Linda, 73, off on holiday to Marbella earlier this month. After he returned, he then shared a photo dump on Instagram as he reminisced on their time away. The first picture in the carousel saw Rylan and his mum embrace in a hug, both smiling from ear to ear. Kicking off the segment, Rylan addressed hair myths with Anabel and asked the specialist whether shampooing your hair every day is considered bad for your hair Anabel confirmed that daily shampooing is, in fact, one of the 'best things you can do' as you want to keep your scalp clean and healthy Appearing shocked, Rylan said: 'Well, I'm so glad that I've busted that myth, because sometimes I sit there and go "oh, can I get away with this hair?" He continued: 'Because if it's not clean, like if I'm having my hair coloured, I prefer to colour on non-clean hair. I used to do colour years ago, especially blonde and stuff like that, it always just grabs better on dirty hair' Several viewers then flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to call Rylan out with one writing: 'Rylan telling porkpies he said he used to colour his hair years ago of course you did and still do (laughing emoji)' Other snaps saw Rylan with his friend Kimberley Morgan. As well as the rest of their group posing together for a group photo. They appeared to be staying at the five-star Puente Romano hotel in the Spanish city, And Rylan posted a photo of the outside of the hotel. He penned: 'Gorgeous couple of days in Marbella with the mother and the gang' alongside a red heart. This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1 from 10am and is available to stream on ITVX. Known for its scandal and drama, The Only Way Is Essex burst onto British small screens 15 years ago as a front runner in reality TV. But a new bombshell claim from a former star could cast doubt on its authenticity. Many of the stars from the first series stayed with the show or years, but recently a super fan asked about the whereabouts of two bar tenders who vanished from the show after its debut season. One of those was Sugar Hut barmaid Candy, who resurfaced on social media as a result of the fan's call out TikTok video - seen by The Sun. However Candy's appearance came with a shocking claim, as she reportedly explained why she and her fellow pint puller Michael did not return for season two. 'The producers told us that unless I slept with MW [suggesting Mark Wright] and Mikey fake a romance with HD [suggesting Harry Derbridge], they would find it hard to place us,' she sensationally claimed. Known for its scandal and drama, The Only Way Is Essex burst onto British small screens 15 years ago as a front runner in reality TV - but a new bombshell claim from a former star could cast doubt on its authenticity A former cast member has claimed that she was asked to sleep with a star with the initials MW, which appeared to mean Mark Wright 'We didn't want to discredit ourselves by faking storylines, so, they phased us out.' Candy replied to the episode claiming what was real about the show and what was fake. She revealed that she and Michael are still friends but they never worked at Sugar Hut. Of her decision to walk away, she said: 'Some would say [it was] stupid. We say honourable, no hate though. We have happy lives, not everyone wants to be famous.' In response to her claim, a spokesperson for ITV told Daily Mail: 'TOWIE has always followed real people and their real lives, and we're grateful to the cast for sharing their lives and their emotions with our audiences over 15 years.' It comes after a number of TOWIE stars came to blows as they were dragged apart from each other in an explosive showdown during Sunday's episode of the ITV2 programme. The popular reality show returned to our screens this weekend for its 36th series, which involved the cast jetting off to Portugal. At the start of the instalment, a Whatsapp message was brought up which was about how Freddie Bentley, 27, wasn't impressed with how any of his co-stars showed his support towards his best pal Ella Rae Wise, 25, while she was in the Big Brother house. Many of the stars from the first series stayed with the show or years, but recently a super fan asked about the whereabouts of two bar tenders who vanished from the show after its debut season One of those was Sugar Hut barmaid Candy, who resurfaced on social media as a result of the fan's call out TikTok video - seen by The Sun 'The producers told us that unless I slept with MW [suggesting Mark Wright],' Candy said (Mark seen in 2019) Ella admitted that she expected some support from Jordan Brook, 28, his girlfriend Sophie Kasaei, 35, and the rest of the cast - however they failed to post anything on social media. Tensions started to rise as Ella confronted Jordan about it, while Freddie, Junaid Ahmed, 30, and Joe Blackman, 27, listened in on the sun lounges next to them. Dan Edgar, 35 - who is Ella Rae's ex boyfriend - is best mates with Jordan and told her: 'I would be wrong and I would be two-faced Fred, like you've called me in the past, if Dan is sitting with me going through a lot and I start posting about you.' Ella replied: 'Sophie wouldn't stand it if you went on a bender.' Sophie, who was sitting on a sun lounger, said: 'I actually wouldn't mind. I'd be with him, that's why.' Meanwhile Amy Childs, 35, and Lauren Goodger, 38, were watching on from a distance and Amy confessed: 'Oh my God I can't even look!' Ella got up and removed herself from the conversation, to which Jordan told her: 'Don't call my bird desperate.' It comes after a number of TOWIE stars came to blows as they were dragged apart from each other in an explosive showdown during Sunday's episode of the ITV2 programme Sophie, 35, fumed: 'Who is calling me desperate?!' Jordan pointed at Ella and said: 'Her.' As Ella walked off she said: 'You're all meant to be in your 30s, grow the f*** up!' Freddie then chimed in and said: 'It's getting ridiculous.' Sophie walked over to Freddie and Dani and asked: 'What the f*** have we done?' Dani pointed out the couple and said: 'They're not the problem!' 'He is!' Freddie replied. 'He's getting involved in my conversation.' The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Who will not be going anywhere, despite fears that the long-running sci-fi show would be axed. Rumours of a potential axe began to circulate earlier this year when Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa, 32, sensationally quit as the Doctor after just two seasons in the role. It was reported at the time that plummeting viewing figures were behind the decision, as well as the BBC's strained relationship with Disney+ for the programme's global distribution. The corporation's chief content officer Kate Phillips told the Edinburgh Television Festival: 'Rest assured, Doctor Who is going nowhere. 'Disney has been a great partnership, and it continues with The War Between The Land And The Sea next year, but going forward, with or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC. 'The Tardis is going nowhere.' The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Who will not be going anywhere, despite fears that the long-running sci-fi show would be axed Rumours of a potential axe began to circulate earlier this year when Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa , 32, sensationally quit as the Doctor after just two seasons in the role Lindsay Salt, the director of scripted at the BBC, said the broadcaster remains 'committed' to the programme. As reported back in April, around 2 million people were watching Doctor Who in April - 2.2 million less than when Jodie Whittaker, the previous Time Lord, was in the role. It is worth noting, however, that at its peak from the 1960s to the 1980s, the show was watched by a whopping 13 million people. At the time of Ncuti's departure, the BBC refused to comment on the future of the show but denied rumours that he had been axed. 'Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been 'axed' is pure fiction,' a spokesperson said. Further fuel was added to the speculative fire when Doctor Who's long-running showrunner Russell T Davies said in June that 'we don't know whats happening yet.' Following Ncuti's departure, Billie Piper sensationally rejoined the show as the Doctor after previously playing his companion, Rose Tyler. She is the second woman to play the role after Jodie Whittaker, who left the show in 2022. As reported back in April, around 2 million people were watching Doctor Who in April - 2.2 million less than when Jodie Whittaker, the previous Time Lord, was in the role At the time of Ncuti's departure, the BBC refused to comment on the future of the show but denied rumours that he had been axed Ncuti said in a statement about his departure: 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever.' 'There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.' Season 15 ended on what was the ultimate cliffhanger for fans as Ncuti's Doctor regenerated into Rose Tyler, who first appeared on the show in 2005. Doctor Who season 16 is scheduled to be released this September. It is the 16th season since the sci-fi show returned in 2005 and the 42nd season since it began way back in 1963. Tammy Hembrow's 10-year-old son Wolf has been rushed to hospital following an accident at school camp. The Gold Coast-based influencer shared a clip to social media on Thursday detailing the harrowing ordeal. 'We just got out of the emergency room, I dropped Wolf to camp this morning and not long after I got a call saying to come to the hospital,' Tammy began. She then revealed the full extent of her son's injuries and how the accident occurred. 'He had cut up his face a bit, he headbutted a metal frame on a bunk bed,' she added, and then reassured her fans her son was recovering. 'I feel really bad he is missing camp because he has been talking about this for so long! He had stitches, glue and a metal bit through his mouth! But we had a good day despite being in the hospital pretty much all day.' Tammy Hembrow 's 10-year-old son Wolf has been rushed to hospital following an accident at school camp On Wednesday, Tammy was seen crying as she dropped her 10-year-old son Wolf off at school camp. Tammy, who is currently dating AFL star Bailey Smith, shed tears in her Bentley following the milestone moment. The 31-year-old was in full mum mode as she earlier carried her daughter Posy, three, from the luxury car and helped her son fit his sleeping bag into his backpack. She cut a casual figure in a pair of white sweatpants and a cropped navy blue sweater. Buzzing with excitement, Tammy's little boy couldn't wait for the school adventure as he carried his pillow, Batman suitcase and rucksack, which his mum lovingly helped pack. However, it was the moment after Tammy had waved goodbye to her firstborn that set the social media star off. The content creator could be seen sitting in her car, wiping away tears as her son left for the school camp. Tammy shares son Wolf and daughter Saskia with ex-fiance Reece Hawkins, while her youngest Posy she shares with Matt Poole, whom she was also engaged to. The Gold Coast-based influencer shared a clip to social media on Thursday detailing the harrowing ordeal. Pictured: Wolf in May 'I feel really bad he is missing camp because he has been talking about this for so long! He had stitches, glue and a metal bit through his mouth! But we had a good day despite being in the hospital pretty much all day,' said Tammy In the past couple of weeks she has been spotted on two dates with footy star Bailey. The 24-year-old, who plays for the Geelong Cats in Victoria, has flown to the Gold Coast two weekends in a row to spend time with Tammy. The couple were first seen leaving hand in hand after a meal at swanky Asian fusion restaurant Rick Shores at Burleigh Heads before being caught making out at another restaurant. The pair were more recently spotted enjoying a romantic stroll to Nobby's Beach, where the footy player appeared to have his arm wrapped around Tammy's hips. Tammy and Matt Zukowski announced they were ending their marriage two months ago in separate social media posts. Since then, Matt has admitted he felt 'hurt' watching his former partner move on so quickly with Bailey after their break-up. The Love Island star also hinted that he was the one to end things between them, despite speculation it was Tammy who took the lead. Mudtown (U&Alibi) Rating: Are you an easy touch, a bleeding-heart liberal? Take this simple quiz to find out, based on a courtroom scene in the South Wales crime drama Mudtown. Imagine youre a magistrate. A young man, Sonny Higgins (Lloyd Meredith), is brought before the bench. A glance at his psychiatric report tells you he suffered a tough childhood brought up in council care, when he was seven years old his foster mother killed herself. He discovered her body. Its a shocking story. But Higgins is in court for animal cruelty: he threw his ex-girlfriends chihuahua off an eighth floor balcony. Asked why he did it, he tells the court with a smirk: Dog barking, ex shouting, just wanted peace and quiet. It worked. That, to me, is genuinely unforgivable. Id sentence him to transportation for life, if it was still possible. Magistrate Claire (Erin Richards) takes a different view. Higgins has turned over a new leaf. Hes let off with a fine. By the end of the first episode in this six-part thriller, we realised karma has some cosmic retribution planned for Claire. Higginss new girlfriend is her own daughter, A-level student Beca (Lauren Morais). And whatever hes got in store for her, it wont involve the Oxbridge entrance exams. Tom Cullen and Erin Richards star in the South Wales crime drama Mudtown Mudtown starts an all-Welsh cast including and was filmed in both Welsh and English and is set at Newport Magistrates' Court. Pictured: Erin Richards in Mudtown The six-part crime dram was first broadcast in Welsh on S4C and is set to be broadcast in English on U&Alibi. Pictured: Tom Cullen in Mudtown Daily Mail TV Critic Christopher Stevens gives the show a rating four stars out of five. Pictured: Matthew Gravelle in Mudtown The show is filmed in Newport, along the coast from Cardiff, with the citys distinctive magistrates court featured prominently. Theres a romantic sheen cast over the docks, a sort of soft focus shimmer, though that might be drizzle. Co-writers Georgia Lee (herself a magistrate) and Hannah Daniel (who played lawyer Cerys in another Welsh drama, Keeping Faith) did part of their research by sitting in the courts public gallery, watching real cases. Fans of Keeping Faith will lap up Mudtown. Both dramas are centred on strong-minded, competent women, haunted by their past mistakes, juggling jobs and family while married to fairly useless men. Claires husband is played by Matthew Gravelle, who made such a strong impression in Broadchurch that I wouldnt trust him if he was playing St Francis of Assisi. But the most dangerous man in her life is former childhood sweetheart Pete (Tom Cullen), now a small-town Mr Big. He turns up in the ladies toilets at court, trying to intimidate Claire into jailing a defendant who could cause trouble for him. Dont let him out, Pete warns menacingly. Hes gonna be safer inside. Instead, she lets the youth walk free on bail. Sure enough, he gets two bullets in the stomach as he goes to fetch fish and chips. Hed have been better off if Claire was the lock-em-up-and-throw-away-the-key type. But she grew up in poverty on a housing estate, and likes to think shes one of the people spending her coffee breaks chatting to tramps, that sort of thing. Oh, and dont call them tramps, says Claire. Theyre human beings. Yes, your Worship. Denise Richards filed to vacate her estranged second husband Aaron Phypers and his family from their leased Calabasas home after she nearly violated her own 100-yard, temporary domestic violence restraining order with an unannounced visit to the property on August 3. In her legal filing Tuesday, the 54-year-old former Bond Girl asked the judge to order the unemployed 52-year-old, his 83-year-old mother, father, and brother out of the home for eight hours so she can retrieve her dogs and belongings. 'I left many of my personal items and my late mother's items at the house based on Aaron telling me that his family would be moving back to Canada and we would be moving back into the [property],' Denise alleged in docs obtained by People. 'If I am not able to [retrieve] my dogs and belongings, I believe my dogs will be harmed and my property destroyed or discarded during the eviction process.' Richards' urgency was partly due to Aaron euthanizing one of their dogs because she had cancer. The RHOBH alum was 'shocked at the condition of the home' having moved out of the 'severely damaged' abode over two years ago, and she stopped paying rent last December. Denise Richards filed to vacate her estranged second husband Aaron Phypers and his family from their leased Calabasas home after she nearly violated her own 100-yard, temporary domestic violence restraining order with an unannounced visit to the property on August 3 (pictured April 8) The landlord - who's made several attempts to contact Phypers (born Cameron) over unpaid rent - informed Denise on July 24 that eviction proceedings would begin on August 23. The Canadian-American ex-CEO was home on August 3 when Richards attempted to gain access to the side and back doors of the house and allegedly 'screamed' at his family, and when she attempted to leave they called the Lost Hills Sheriff's Department who did not find 'any evidence that a crime occurred.' In the March 4th premiere of Denise Richards and Her Wild Things, the Illinois-born beauty said of the property: 'I don't live in our house. Aaron's mom and dad and his brother...they were gonna stay for a few months [but] it's been over three years.' Denise moved to a townhouse inside a Calabasas living community where rent typically costs between $5,700 to $6,700/month - according to The US Sun. 'And then I rented another one and another one, so I have three of them,' Richards explained on her Bravo reality show. 'One's an office, one's a studio, one's for [my daughters] Lola and Eloise and for us to sleep in, and then when Aaron and I want privacy, then we sleep in the studio, so we're all over the f***ing place.' The next hearing for the temporary restraining order is scheduled for September 8 at the Superior Court of California, and Aaron has denied all her allegations of domestic abuse and laptop stealing. Phypers - who has 'no income' - filed for divorce from Richards on July 7 after six years of marriage and requested spousal support of around $105K/month. The Return to Wickensburg actress wants the USC grad to pay her legal expenses and any expenses related to the alleged abuse, and she requested that he attend a 52-week batterer intervention program. In her legal filing Tuesday, the 54-year-old former Bond Girl asked the judge to order the unemployed 52-year-old, his 83-year-old mother, father, and brother out of the home for eight hours so she can retrieve her dogs and belongings The landlord - who's made several attempts to contact Aaron over unpaid rent - informed Denise on July 24 that eviction proceedings would begin on August 23 (pictured in 2023) Phypers was home on August 3 when Richards attempted to gain access to the side and back doors of the house and allegedly 'screamed' at his family, and when she attempted to leave they called the Lost Hills Sheriff's Department who did not find 'any evidence that a crime occurred' (pictured May 17) In the March 4th premiere of Denise Richards and Her Wild Things, the RHOBH alum said of the property: 'I don't live in our house. Aaron's mom and dad and his brother...they were gonna stay for a few months [but] it's been over three years' Denise moved to a townhouse inside a Calabasas living community where rent typically costs between $5,700 to $6,700/month Richards explained on her Bravo reality show: 'And then I rented another one and another one, so I have three of them. One's an office, one's a studio, one's for [my daughters] Lola and Eloise and for us to sleep in, and then when Aaron and I want privacy, then we sleep in the studio, so we're all over the f***ing place' The next hearing for the temporary restraining order is scheduled for September 8 at the Superior Court of California, and the Canadian-American ex-CEO has denied all her allegations of domestic abuse and laptop stealing (pictured in 2022) Aaron - who has 'no income' - filed for divorce from the Illinois-born beauty on July 7 after six years of marriage and requested spousal support of around $105K/month (pictured in 2023) Denise is scheduled to attend a Starship Troopers reunion with co-stars Patrick Muldoon, Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Michael Ironside and Jake Busey on September 27-28 at LA Comic Con, which will be held inside the LA Convention Center The ex-couple originally began dating in December 2017 before Aaron's divorce from Desperate Housewives alum Nicollette Sheridan was finalized in 2018. Acting-wise, Denise will next portray Emily Sims in Juan Pablo Arias Munoz's teen horror flick What She Doesn't Know, which has its world premiere this Friday during FrightFest London. Richards is scheduled to attend a Starship Troopers reunion with co-stars Patrick Muldoon, Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Michael Ironside and Jake Busey on September 27-28 at LA Comic Con, which will be held inside the LA Convention Center. And on August 2, the Riff Raff executive producer filmed scenes for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills at Madre in West Hollywood with Sutton Stracke and Erika Jayne. The actor Dylan Walsh was involved in a major car crash over the weekend that left passengers injured. The 61-year-old Nip/Tuck star whose costar Julian McMahon died last month from cancer was in an SUV with four other people on Sunday, August 17, when it collided with a utility pole in Rumson, New Jersey. According to the Rumson Borough Police Department, the crash was serious enough that two people in the vehicle were taken to then nearby Riverview Medical Center for treatment after they complained of pain at the scene. It's unclear who was driving the vehicle a 2022 Ford Explorer and it's also unknown who required medical attention after the crash, which caused significant damage to the SUV. In a statement to The Daily Mail, the actor's representative said: 'Over the weekend, Dylan Walsh and his family were involved in a car accident in Rumson.' 'Thankfully, everyone is safe and has since returned home.' The Nip/Tuck star Dylan Walsh, 61, was involved with a mysterious single-vehicle car crash that sent two people to the hospital over the weekend, TMZ reported on Wednesday; pictured in NYC in July 2024 Walsh is best known for starring on FX's medical drama Nip/Tuck with Julian McMahon (L), who died in July after a battle with cancer; pictured in a still from Nip/Tuck 'The family is deeply grateful for the swift response of the Rumson Police, Fire Department, and EMS, as well as the staff at Riverview Medical Center for their care,' they continued. 'They would also like to extend a special thank-you to the management and staff of The River Point Inn for their support in the immediate aftermath.' Rumson is a tony community known for supporting commuters working in New York City. The Rumson Patch previously reported on the crash, but Walsh's connection to it wasn't detailed. Rumson Police Lt. Christopher Isherwood told the outlet that the SUV was traveling in the northbound lane of a local street before it veered without explanation into the opposing lane. The Explorer then crashed into a utility pole, but it kept driving before it hit and damaged a second pole. Police were called to the scene around 5 p.m. on Sunday, but the intersection by the crash was kept closed until 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning to allow crews to replace the damaged utility poles. The crash reportedly knocked out power for eight neighboring residents, though their power was restored later on Sunday evening. According to police, Walsh was in a 2022 Ford Explorer with four other people when it veered into the opposing lane and crashed into a utility pole, before hitting a second pole; pictured with wife Leslie Bourque, son Hudson and daughter Amelie in 2014 in NYC Walsh's SUV veered into the opposing lane without explanation and hit two utility poles before coming to a stop. Two people were taken to a hospital after complaining of pain, but it's not clear who was injured or who was driving; still from Nip/Tuck The crash reportedly knocked out power for eight residents for a few hours. The nearby intersection was closed from Sunday evening until Tuesday morning as crew replaced the utility poles; Walsh is pictured on Superman And Lois in 2022 Walsh shares two children daughter Amelie Bell, 13, and son Hudson Scott with his third wife, Leslie Bourque (pictured in 2015 in NYC). They tied the knot in June 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, but have been together since at least 2010 Photos of the crash show that the SUV had ridden up onto the sidewalk and was stopped in front of a large wooden pole. The front of the vehicle was significantly damaged, and debris from the crash was littered around it, along with a metal street sign. According to the local news outlet Towns Of: Monmouth County, NJ, Walsh's wife Leslie Bourque wrote about the crash in a since-deleted Facebook post. 'It was our family who was involved in the car accident on River Road yesterday afternoon. We just want to thank everyone who took care of us in this scary time,' Bourque reportedly wrote. '1st of all to the managers/staff at River Point Inn who immediately ran out to make sure we were ok and comfort our kids (literally one lady wrapped her arms around all of us letting us know it would be ok) bringing ice bags and the fancy Evian water bottle.' She continued, thank the 'first responders who came faster than one would think,' as well as the 'EMT who put up with my corny jokes in the ambulance. And the ER staff at Riverview Medical.' Walsh's wife included an update on how her family members were doing after the crash. 'We are a bit bruised from seatbelts, but grateful for them and air bags which saved our lives,' she concluded. 'We apologize for anyone who lost power or inconvenience.' Walsh shares two children daughter Amelie Bell, 13, and son Hudson Scott with Bourque, who is his third wife. The couple tied the knot in June 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, but they have been together since at least 2010. He was previously married to Boogie Nights actress Melora Walters with whom he shares two adult children, Thomas and Joanna from 1996 to 2003, and he later married the actress Joanna Going, with whom he welcomed his daughter Stella in 2003. Walsh filed to divorce Going in 2010. Walsh's son Thomas, who is a chef, made headlines in March 2023 after he saved a drowning driver after his car drove into Baltimore Harbor. Thomas was left with a bloodied, injured hand after he jumped into the harbor and punched a car window until it broke, allowing him to pull the driver who was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis to safety and swim to shore. The Block's Paige Beechey and Jesse Maguire are expecting their first child. The pair, who made headlines last year after leaving the show during filming, announced the happy news in a shared Instagram post on Monday. They included a photo of themselves sharing a celebratory kiss while posing with their dog Barkley in a park at dusk. 'Family of 4 loading,' the Western Australian couple wrote and added a series of emojis, including a baby bottle and a golden love heart. They also included a touching video in which Paige can be seen surprising Jesse with her fantastic news. 'Say ''Paige is pregnant!"' she said while a photographer took snaps of the pair and their dog. The Block's Paige Beechey and Jesse Maguire are expecting their first child The pair, who made headlines last year after leaving the show during filming, announced the happy news in a shared Instagram post on Monday 'Are you serious?' a shocked Jesse replied. Seconds later, he could be seen wiping away tears. 'Life has felt blissful in our little bubble, and now, with a baby on the way, were thrilled to share that our happiness is growing along with our family,' they told Yahoo Lifestyle on Tuesday. Friends and followers were quick to flood their post with messages of congratulations. 'I cant wait! I love you both so much!' gushed one follower, while another added, 'I am screaming! Congrats my loves.' It comes after the pair secretly wed in Paris, France last November. The happy couple announced they had tied the knot on Instagram and included a beautiful wedding photo with the caption 'husband and wife' and tagged the lavish Ritz Hotel in the French capital. One controversial Block contestant was among the first to express her shock at the reveal. They included a photo of themselves sharing a celebratory kiss while posing with their dog Barkley in a park at dusk It comes after the pair secretly wed in Paris, France last November 'Omg Stop!!!!' Kylie Baker commented, to which Paige replied, 'Surprise!!' 'Congrats guys!! this is iconic,' Kylie's rival Mimi Belperio added. A third user responded, 'OMG this is the cutest pregnancy announcement Ive seen ever! 'Congrats Paige and Jesse Im so bloody happy for you both. All the best with the new chapter that is upcoming for you both.' The Perth couple previously called off their wedding in December following speculation their engagement was in trouble. The pair, who were dubbed series 'villains' and exited after producers intervened during a heated argument, sent their wedding guests a sad note revealing the ceremony was off. The couple's stint on the show was marked by infighting and bickering, as they continually - and loudly - disagreed on effective home renovation strategies. After seeking professional help, they cited mental health stress as they gave up their place in the competition, with their exit prompting conversation about the show's care policies. Paige has since hit out at producers about her 'horrific' experience on the show, while a 2023 contestant took aim at the program's aftercare. In light of the controversy, it has now been claimed that Channel Nine are reviewing their mental health policies across the board to prevent another dramatic incident. 'After that episode of The Block an unexpected chain of events kicked off after a mental health warning featured prior to the show starting,' a source exclusively told Daily Mail Australia. A McDonald's employee has raised eyebrows by uploading a photo of herself posing with Yung Filly in the drive-through of her workplace. The UK rapper, 29, is currently facing rape charges in Perth, which he has pleaded not guilty to, and his trial is set to take place on 20 April 2026. This week, he stopped by a McDonald's in Western Australia where the Macca's worker recognised the musician and grabbed a photo with him to share to TikTok. The picture has since gone viral, with the post amassing 40,300 views at the time this article was written. In the photo, the woman could be seen standing at her drive-through window while Yung Filly sat in his car outside after picking up his food order. Both were smiling, with the musician wearing a grey hooded jumper, while the McDonald's employee wore her work uniform and a gold cross necklace. A McDonald's employee has raised eyebrows by uploading a photo of herself posing with Yung Filly in the drive-through of her workplace Daily Mail has reached out to McDonald's and the Perth woman for further comment. Yung Filly is currently facing more charges after allegedly raping a woman in a hotel room. The British star, who is fighting allegations he raped and choked a woman after a gig, has been hit with two more charges as his trial date is set. Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, appeared in Perth District Court in June. He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s in a hotel room following a performance in the city's northern suburbs in September 2024. He previously pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual penetration without consent and three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm. The entertainer has also denied impeding the woman's normal breathing or circulation by applying pressure to her neck. He is now facing two additional counts of sexual penetration without consent, although no plea has been entered. The UK rapper, 29, is currently facing rape charges in Perth , which he has pleaded not guilty to, and his trial is set to take place on 20 April 2026 The additional charges were briefly mentioned in court but not explained and his lawyer declined to discuss the change outside court. The London rapper, who has 1.8 million YouTube subscribers and millions of Instagram and TikTok followers, will face a 10-day trial on April 20, 2026. He was arrested in Brisbane and extradited to Perth in October. He was previously fined and banned from driving for six months after pleading guilty to reckless driving in November while on bail. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000. Legendary New Zealand-born cinematographer John Bartley died on Sunday in Los Angeles, aged 78. The Emmy Award-winning cameraman was born in Wellington in 1947, and went on to become one of film and TV's most expressive visual storytellers. His death was confirmed by his close friend, Australian filmmaker Polly Pierce, in a social media statement. 'It's with such a heavy heart to write that my long-time mentor and dear friend, the cinematographer John S Bartley ASC CSC, has passed on,' Polly began. 'If it wasn't for John and his landmark work on @thexfilestv I wouldn't be in film.' Bartley's signature dark, suspenseful filming style defined the first three seasons of The X-Files, while his work on Lost captured the vibrant, mysterious beauty of the tropics. Legendary New Zealand-born cinematographer John Bartley died on Sunday in Los Angeles , aged 78 Both series were hugely popular worldwide, earning Bartley widespread acclaim. He was also the director of photography for many Hollywood movies, including the Sylvester Stallone film First Blood, Vin Diesel's The Chronicles of Riddick and the 2014 RoboCop remake. Across his celebrated career, Bartley earned three American Society of Cinematographers Award nominations and two Primetime Emmy nominations for The X-Files, and won the coveted award in 1996. He also received Emmy nominations for his work on episodes of Lost and Bates Motel. Born to a career Army officer and a theatre cashier, Bartley faced early hardship when his father died when he was 12 years old. He and his brother spent afternoons in their mother's ticket booth at the theatre, where musicals and live performances first sparked his love of storytelling. After completing high school in New Zealand, Bartley apprenticed as an electrician before moving to Sydney at age 20 to work as a lighting director in theatre and television. He later relocated to Canada, where he began freelancing as a gaffer in Vancouver, learning from acclaimed cinematographers including Sven Nykvist, Hiro Narita, Tak Fujimoto and Bob Stevens. The Emmy Award winning cameraman was born in Wellington in 1947, and went on to become one of film and TV's most expressive visual storytellers Bartley's signature dark, suspenseful palette defined the first three seasons of The X-Files By the mid-1980s, Bartley was shooting commercials and music videos, making his feature debut on the independent film Beyond the Stars, starring Martin Sheen. His television work expanded with episodes of Roswell, 21 Jump Street, and The Commish, leading to his breakthrough with The X-Files in 1993, where he collaborated closely with series creator Chris Carter to craft the show's eerie visual style. Bartley's credits spanned decades and genres, including Bates Motel, Roswell, Wu Assassins, Eight Legged Freaks, and second-unit cinematography on The Chronicles of Riddick and The X-Files: I Want to Believe movie. He became an ASC member in 1997, a recognition of his peerless contribution to the art of cinematography. Reflecting on his career, Bartley once said: 'The best advice I can give anyone is that there is nothing easy about working in this industry. 'You have to love it, because it is tough on family life when you are working 70 to 80 hours a week. Not everyone can do it.' Bartley leaves behind a legacy of visual storytelling that continues to inspire filmmakers around the world. These are the photographs which will break Marco Pierre White's heart. The 30-year-old addict son of the celebrity chef was seen last month openly buying and smoking drugs on the streets of London, shortly before being arrested for a string of burglaries. Troubled Marco Pierre White Junior on Wednesday admitted to a number of burglaries in a west London crime spree, including stealing 1,500 of Jellycat toys. He raided an antiques shop on June 19 this year in Westminster, central London, Isleworth Crown Court heard. Marco Jr appeared via video link from HMP Wandsworth, wearing a grey prison tracksuit. The ex-Celebrity Big Brother star pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage, but said he disputes the cost of the damage. This is the photograph which will break Marco Pierre White's heart The 30-year-old addict son of the celebrity chef was seen last month openly buying and smoking drugs on the streets of London, shortly before being arrested for a string of burglaries Marco Pierre White pictured with his son Marco Jr On July 17 on Ladbroke Grove in the heart of Notting Hill, a photographer watched as Marco Jr cycled up to two men on an electric Lime bike and bought what appeared to be a rock of crack cocaine. He then proceeded to smoke the drug from a pipe on the pavement outside a newsagents. 'He clearly knew the guy who was selling the drugs very well,' said an onlooker. 'It was all done in a very relaxed manner and took about five minutes. 'They weren't the least bit furtive, it was only about 9pm and plenty of people were around. He's quite a familiar figure in the area, riding around on his bike.' In this week's court case, prosecutor Ravinder Johal said White wrecked four mounted crystals and the entrance door to the shop. On June 12, he burgled an Italian deli store in Kensington called La Piccola, stealing a laptop, tablet, iPod, and a till tray. Just three days later, he smashed his way into a house in Kensington and Chelsea, and stole two natural rock crystal formations, causing 7,775 worth of damage to the front door. A month later, on July 21, he broke into another store on Barnes High Street, south-west London, stealing 1,500 of Jellycat toys. Troubled Marco Pierre White Junior on Wednesday admitted to a number of burglaries in a west London crime spree, including stealing 1,500 of Jellycat toys He raided an antiques shop on June 19 this year in Westminster, central London, Isleworth Crown Court heard Marco Jr appeared via video link from HMP Wandsworth, wearing a grey prison tracksuit. The ex-Celebrity Big Brother star pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage, but said he disputes the cost of the damage Marco Jr, of no fixed address, admitted four counts of burglary and one count of criminal damage. He previously pleaded guilty to the three counts of burglary on June 15, June 12, and July 21, at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court, and those pleas were entered again today. He denied, however, one count of robbery, and is accused of stealing 26 bottles of personal hygiene products from a beauty store in Kensington and Chelsea on May 25 this year, to a value of 1,331. Graeme Logan, defending, said: 'Marco disputes the 43,000 figure relating to criminal damage. The figure appears to be an amalgamation for property stolen and damage to the property. 'That figure is disputed. I ask for seven days to submit that plea. 'With the allegation of robbery on May 25, which Mr White denies, an alternative plea of theft will be offered.' Judge Edward Connell said: 'There will be a hearing for that robbery charge at Isleworth Crown Court on September 2 this year. If the Crown does not accept it, a trial will be set for March 16 next year.' Judge Connell told White: 'I am going to adjourn your case for two weeks. You have pled guilty to serious offences both in the magistrates' court and today, and at some point you will have to be sentenced for that.' Marco Jr was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a date to be fixed. The incident is the latest in a long list of confrontations with the law for the reality star. Last December, he avoided jail after being sentenced to a suspended 30-week prison sentence for a spate of burglaries in his hometown of Weston-super-Mare in Somerset. In 2016, he was spared jail for spending 2,500 on his ex-girlfriend's bank card. He bought goods that were traded to buy drugs before he was finally arrested in Bristol. Marco is pictured here in November 2017 when he was one of the first to buy the iPhone X when it was released that month Marco Pierre White Snr, 63, who was the youngest ever chef to win three coveted Michelin stars Previous offences also include one count of using threatening abusive language in 2011, when he was a teenager, and being drunk in charge of a car in 2016. In 2019, he racially abused a police officer while he was 'drunk as a skunk' at the Cabin Bar pub in Paddington Station, west London. His longest sentence was handed down in 2022 when, aged 27, he pleaded guilty to 14 offences including carrying a knife and racial abuse, getting 18 months in prison. After being released, he vowed never to touch drugs again after spending more than 1million on rehab. He also revealed he had converted to Islam to help him 'stay clean' and reform after years of drug abuse, which he has said began at the age of just 13. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail in 2023, he said: 'I have been in rehab 17 times and being in prison has made me realise that enough is enough. 'I have been in rehab all over America and in the UK and the only thing that has cured me is being banged up in a cell for 23 hours a day. 'I have realised how lucky I am and have been. I have seen all walks of life in prison and some people don't have a chance in life. I have had every opportunity and I have thrown them all away. 'I could have done anything I wanted to, but instead I did heroin and ended up in prison. I have been an idiot.' Marco Pierre White Snr, 63, who was the youngest ever chef to win three coveted Michelin stars, and trained among others including Gordon Ramsay, was contacted by the Daily Mail. Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber are being praised for their down-to-earth parenting after revealing their son Sasha has officially moved into a college dorm room in LA. The proud parents, who split amicably in 2016 but continue to co-parent their two children, were spotted helping 18-year-old Sasha settle into his new life at the University of Southern California. Located a short ten-minute drive from LA's impoverished Skid Row, the area is a far cry from the Hollywood Hills. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Naomi shared candid details of the emotional process, from tears and laughter to long talks and practical chores. Alongside a snap of her son sitting on his neatly made bed in a modest double dorm room, she wrote: 'We packed and unpacked, stacked and colour coded. We walked and walked, woke up early with excitement. 'Then we shopped and shopped, and sometimes fought about stupid stuff We laughed, we cried, I had a few extra secret cries and maybe some not so private ones. Naomi Watts (right) and Liev Schreiber are being praised for their down-to-earth parenting after revealing their son Sasha (left) has officially moved into a college dorm room in LA 'We hugged a lot. We built things, we talked to robots, we ate good food. We got lost a bunch. 'We met so many great people. We had deep talks mixed in with a few fart jokes then gave advice about how the world works. 'But then remembered: He's got this!! He did it!! He dreamed big and worked really hard for something wonderful. Go Sasha we love you so much.' Fans were quick to applaud the A-list couple for choosing to give their son a normal college experience rather than the trappings of Hollywood luxury. The dorm room sparsely furnished with a single bed, drawers and shelves stacked with sneakers and books couldn't be further from the glitz and glamour his famous parents are used to. One fan wrote: 'So pleased to see a divorced couple co-parenting in such a healthy way. Absolutely no idea the back story but this looks awesome.' Another added: 'Beautiful son. Beautiful co-parenting. Good job mum and dad.' Even Naomi's celebrity friends couldn't resist chiming in. The proud parents (pictured), who split amicably in 2016 but continue to co-parent their two children, were spotted helping 18-year-old Sasha settle into his new life at the University of Southern California The University of Southern California, where Sasha will be studying, is located just a few miles from Skid Row, one of the most notorious areas of LA known for its homelessness crisis Actress Rita Wilson quipped: 'That's the only time his room will ever look that neat. Congratulations to all!' Teresa Palmer told the actress: 'Oh wow!! And launched off into the world. Congrats on this new season mama.' Patty Pilgrim, another follower, reflected on the moment as a rite of passage: 'What a beautiful rite of passage. I'm sure he loved having both of his parents there for this special adult transition.' The University of Southern California, where Sasha will be studying, is located just a few miles from Skid Row, one of the most notorious areas of LA known for its homelessness crisis. One of Naomi's social media photos showed the trio after a shopping excursion during which they purchased pillows and kitchen utensils for their college freshman. Another snap showed the father-and-son duo walking side-by-side and holding hands in Downtown Los Angeles. ''Already [bawling],' she wrote across a photo of Sasha standing with his packed suitcases and bags. Meanwhile, Liev shared the moment from his perspective, as he said he was 'starting to feel the pull' while uploading a photo of himself standing with his son. He added, '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.' Kimberley Garner flashed her jaw-dropping figure in a tiny brown bikini as she soaked up the sun in Ibiza on Wednesday. The former Made In Chelsea star, 34, showcased her model svelte physique after a dip in the sea. The swimwear designer set pulses racing in the thin-strapped two-piece while flashing a hint of cleavage. Earlier this month, Kimberley continued to show off her svelte physique in a cream satin co-ord as she attended a star-studded screening of the film Materialists. The former reality TV star looked sensational in a satin cream strapless bra top paired with a matching floor-length skirt Layering a cream cardigan over her shoulders to fend off the evening chill, Kimberley completed her chic ensemble with bronze open-toe platform heels. Kimberley Garner, 34, flashed her jaw-dropping figure in a tiny brown bikini as she soaked up the sun in Ibiza on Wednesday The swimwear designer set pulses racing in the thin-strapped two-piece while flashing a hint of cleavage Romantic comedy Materialists stars Dakota Johnson as a matchmaker in the enviable position of having to choose between leading men Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. The film, written and directed by Celine Song, received a warm 87-percent rating from the critics at Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences responded with a heartfelt $12 million at the box office. Kimberley bought a new house in Belgravia, London and is 'excited' to live back in the UK after putting her Miami beach house on the market. She said it was a decision which was not driven by the presidential race because she was 'happy' with the result. 'I just bought a new property in Belgravia, so I have been working for the last two months and had my head down,' she said. 'This is my first night out in two months. 'I am selling my flat in America, so I am actually moving my money from the US to London. 'I love it in America, but I just love British culture we are fabulous.' 'I love our traditions here and feel it is very elegant. It is where I grew up, I went to boarding school here and think it is amazing.' Earlier this month, Kimberley turned heads as she made a glamorous entrance on the red carpet at Materialists' gala screening Kimberley's last known romance began in the summer of 2023 when it was revealed that she was going out with financier Andreas Anthis. The pair broke up in April last year, with Kimberley calling it the 'right decision'. The reality star previously dated her MIC co-star Richard Dinan. Kimberley first found fame on Made In Chelsea and has made a name for herself as a successful swimsuit brand entrepreneur. She recently spoke about how she used to pretend to be an intern when she first started the business as nobody took her seriously. But despite getting her break on the show she has no desire to go back saying 'I haven't watched it for years. I am a grown up. I love my life now and don't need the drama.' Katy Perry is reportedly not interested in jumping back into a relationship following the recent end of her nine-year, an on-and-off romance with Orlando Bloom. Two months after publicly confirming the end of her engagement to the Pirates of the Caribbean actor, a source told People that the pop star, 40, is focusing on raising their daughter Daisy Dove, four, and her Lifetimes Tour. 'Katy isn't looking to date right now,' the insider explained. 'She's still in the middle of a tour; she's a single mom and navigating some major personal changes.' The claim comes just weeks after she sparked romance rumors with former Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. In July, the pair were spotted having an intimate dinner at Le Violon in Montreal, where they enjoyed cocktails and several different dishes, including one featuring lobster. Earlier this week, a source told DailyMail.com that 'Justin wasn't thrilled about the pictures getting out' of their first date. Katy Perry is reportedly not interested in jumping back into a relationship following the end of her nine-year, an on-and-off romance with Orlando Bloom (pictured in 2024) '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,' the insider said. '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.' Two months after confirming the end of her engagement to Bloom, a source told People that the pop star, 40, is focusing on raising their daughter Daisy Dove, four, and her Lifetimes Tour; seen in 2024 'Katy isn't looking to date right now,' the insider explained. 'She's still in the middle of a tour; she's a single mom and navigating some major personal changes' (pictured in 2025) 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. Perry and Bloom pictured with their daughter Daisy, who turns five later this month Perry and Bloom split earlier this year after nine years together (pictured in 2024) '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. 'Could that change? Obviously. But the ball is in Katy's court right now - no relationship so far.' Following her split from Bloom, Perry's rep confirmed to DailyMail.com that 'Orlando and Katy have been shifting their relationship over the past many months to focus on co-parenting. They will continue to be seen together as a family, as their shared priority is - and always will be - raising their daughter with love, stability, and mutual respect. She previously married to Russell Brand from 2010 until their divorce in 2012. General Hospital is bringing back their beloved star, Ryan Paevey, seven years after his character was dramatically killed off. The actor, 40, first joined the the long-running ABC soap in 2013 as Detective Nathan West, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His character's tragic death in 2018 devastated viewers, making news of his return all the more shocking. Exactly how the Torrance native will fit back into Port Charles remains a mystery, at this time. The actor confirmed to Deadline that Executive Producer Frank Valentini reached out to him with an unexpected text, sparking conversations about a possible comeback. 'We talked a bit and he asked would I consider returning for awhile, talking story, floated different story ideas involving different time commitments of me, and I thought if we're going to do this we should really do it and surprise the fans with a meaty storyline,' Paevey said. General Hospital is bringing back their beloved star, Ryan Paevey, seven years after his character was dramatically killed off He continued: 'I was surprised by my excitement for a homecoming and reuniting with familiar faces after seven years. I still have my last call sheet from my final taping day on January 18, 2018, tacked up in my home office.' Filming begins this week, and viewers can expect to see him back on screens in September. Speculation about Paevey's return had already been mounting, especially after Kelly Thiebaud, who played Nathan's sister Britt, reappeared on the soap in July. The timing of both comebacks has fueled theories about a potential family-centered storyline. While some fans are hopeful Nathan might be resurrected, others believe Paevey could take on an entirely new role in classic soap fashion. Since leaving General Hospital, Paevey has built a successful career in TV movies. After breaking out in Hallmark's Unleashing Mr. Darcy in 2016, he went on to star in more than a dozen romantic comedies for the network, including Two Tickets to Paradise in 2022. Most recently, he appeared in Fourth Down and Love. The actor, 40, first joined the the long-running ABC soap in 2013 as Detective Nathan West, quickly becoming a fan favorite The cast of the ABC soap has been on the air for 61 years (the cast pictured in 1993) He has also notched credits outside of Hallmark, with appearances on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Games People Play. The news comes just a week after the death of General Hospital star, Tristan Rogers, following a battle with lung cancer. Since 1980, Rogers had been portraying international spy-turned-Port Charles D.A. Robert Scorpio on General Hospital - a role Soodak said 'meant everything to him.' While he did not appear on every episode, he still was a long-standing presence on the series with 1461 episodes under his belt. 'He loved being Scorpio and he created that role from nothing. He was supposed to work a day and he ended up making it into something huge. He was just a genuinely loyal, kind human being and he loved his family,' his manager, Meryl Soodak told ABC 7 News. Is Pamela Anderson taking a little swipe back at Meghan? Some were convinced The Duchess of Sussex was copying the former Baywatch star's recipes and domestic idyll look in the first series of With Love, Meghan, which was released just a week after Pamela's show titled Pamela's Cooking with Love. And now Pamela has launched a line of pickles via the very ritzy Californian brand Flamingo Estate which Meghan once wanted to partner with. Her first batch of Pamela's Pickles has just gone on sale at a staggering $38 per small jar. The pictures which accompany their release look so similar to those of the Duchess of Sussex's range, it's hard to tell the difference, with Pamela peeking coyly from a brimmed hat and carrying a colorful bouquet of flowers. The real kicker though is that, in this case, all proceeds are going not to the foodie influencer, but to a charity - the California Wildlife Center. The pictures which accompany their release look so similar to those of the Duchess of Sussex's range, it's hard to tell the difference, with Pamela peeking coyly from a brimmed hat and carrying a colorful bouquet of flowers Some were convinced The Duchess of Sussex was copying the former Baywatch star's recipes and domestic idyll look in the first series of With Love, Meghan The brand announced: 'After months of development with Pam in the Flamingo Estate kitchen, we're thrilled to announce that we've got a couple hundred jars of the most delicious pickles we've ever tasted. 'The secret to Pamela's Pickles is an award-winning recipe that was passed down to her by her great-aunt Vie. The delicious base is packed with Rose, Dill, Mustard, and Garlic the perfect partner for the signature flavors of Flamingo Estate: Pink Peppercorns, Guajillo Chile, and smoky Sea Salt. 'Like the legendary icon whose name they share, Pamela's Pickles are both hot and vegan.' Critics were quick to point out the similarities between Pamela's series and the wholesome aesthetic of Meghan's Netflix show, and there was some debate about cross-pollination of ideas. The executive producer of Pammie's series Jesse Fawcett said: 'We take pride in planting the first seeds creating original, distinctive programming that audiences love and it's a compliment to see our work with Ms Anderson resonate so strongly.' Critics were quick to point out the similarities between Pamela's series and the wholesome aesthetic of Meghan's Netflix show, and there was some debate about cross-pollination of ideas With Love, Meghan, premiered on Netflix this year Anderson, however, recently said she doesn't feel as though Meghan ripped off her show But in an interview in August this year, Pamela was asked on a scale of one to ten how much she felt Meghan had ripped off her ideas and said, very diplomatically, 'one.' Anderson, 58, said: 'I didn't I didn't really look, but I mean, I didn't invent cooking shows.' The former Playboy Playmate of the Month turned Hollywood star who is riding something of a career high after the success of her latest film The Naked Gun, noted that Markle is 'just doing her thing.' It has been reported that Meghan wanted to enter some kind of a partnership with the Flamingo Estate brand, and their coffee table books were plainly visible in the Sussex's home in a number of videos filmed during the pandemic. However, she ended up setting up her own brand, As Ever, instead. Millie Bobby Brown has adopted a baby girl with her husband Jake Bongiovi. The Stranger Things star, 21, who wed Bongiovi, 23, last year, made the surprise announcement on Instagram on Thursday. The post read: 'This summer, we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption. 'We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy. 'And then there were three. Love, Millie and Jake Bongiovi.' The couple have yet to share any images of their daughter but Bongiovi was seen pushing a stroller on July 20 in a post shared by Brown captioned: 'helluva summer thus far.' Millie Bobby Brown has adopted a baby girl with her husband Jake Bongiovi (pictured February 2025) The Stranger Things star, 21, who wed Bongiovi, 23, last year, made the surprise announcement on Instagram on Thursday In March Brown opened up about starting a family with Bongiovi and revealed that he already knew 'how important' it is to her. The pair married in May 2024 and the couple had discussed having children , adoption, and their plans on having a big family. During an appearance on the Smartless podcast, which is hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, the actress said that although she knows she is 'really young,' she is looking forward to motherhood. 'My mom actually had her first child at 21, and my dad was 19. And you know, it's been my thing since before I met Jake,' she explained. 'Since I was a baby... I wanted to be a mom just like the way my mom was to me. And my nan, my grandmother is, she was a huge part of my life. 'And so, yeah, I mean, Jake knows how important it is to me and, of course, I want to focus on really establishing myself as an actor and as a producer, but I also find it's so important to start a family for me personally,' Millie continued. 'It's a huge thing. Jake was like, we cannot do that until we get married. So that was his thing.' Brown then added: 'And my thing was, I really want a family. I really want a big family. Jake and Millie, seen here in March 2022, first started dating in 2021 and married in May 2024 Bongiovi was seen pushing a stroller on July 20 in a post from Brown captioned: 'Helluva summer thus far' The Stranger Things actress pictured with her own parents Kelly and Robert in November 2023 Bongiovi and Brown are pictured with rock icon dad Jon Bon Jovi and mom Dorothea Hurley in 2024 Hours before the bombshell baby announcement, new mom Brown shared a photo with her husband The couple have been vocal about wanting a big family (pictured February 2025) Brown is best known for her role as Eleven on Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things 'I'm one of four. He's one of four. So, it is definitely in our future, but, for me, I don't see having your own child, you know, as really any different [from] adopting.' She went on to say: 'My home is full of love for anyone and anything, and so that is what we kind of stand by, Jake and I, our energy in the house is "the door is always open", and we want everyone to feel really comfortable.' Her comments come just a few weeks after she opened up to Vanity Fair in February about her relationship with Bongiovi and how they're 'pretty united' on major topics. 'We talked about our political views, what kind of family we want to build, the kind of home we want to live in, the kind of relationship we're looking for, the kind of careers we want,' she told the publication. 'It's such an important decision, and we wanted to make sure we were making the right one. I knew I was. It always felt right with him.' Brown and Bongiovi, whose father is musician Jon Bon Jovi, first started dating in 2021 and announced their engagement in April 2023. The couple tied the knot in May 2024 in a lavish ceremony in Italy where they said 'I do' at Villa Cetinale in Tuscany. Pete Davidson's pregnant girlfriend Elsie Hewitt gave fans a glimpse of her growing bump in a bikini-clad post this week. Model and actress Hewitt, 29, who revealed she and the SNL vet, 31, were expecting their first baby together last month, started off the video showing off her cleavage in a black bikini top. She stepped back to show off her midriff, before standing to the side and cradling her bump while pouting for the camera. Hewitt captioned the clip: 'My little bump.' Davidson and Hewitt have had a whirlwind romance after they were first romantically linked in March. They announced their baby joy on Instagram with sonogram photos - with Hewitt writing:'Welp now everyone knows we had sex.' Pete Davidson's pregnant girlfriend Elsie Hewitt gave fans a glimpse of her growing bump in a bikini-clad post this week Model and actress Hewitt, 29, revealed she and the SNL vet, 31, were expecting their first baby together last month - pictured July 27 2025 While making an appearance on a recent episode of The Breakfast Club, Davidson said he felt bad that her pregnancy would be in the public eye. 'I feel bad for my girl because I bring a lot of s***. Anything I do or she does now is gonna be a thing,' he said. The Saturday Night Live alum previously shared his excitement about becoming a first-time father but explained his concerns about being in the spotlight. 'She's a very private person and she's the one doing all the work,' he added. 'It's supposed to be a beautiful experience.' Davidson then clarified that his girlfriend had never complained about being in the spotlight but added that he felt bad about the added attention while she is pregnant. 'She's never made me feel this way or said anything but I feel so guilty and horrible that I could not allow her to have the ideal pregnancy that almost every woman gets to have and enjoy,' he said. The couple have been dating for less than half a year. The pair were first spotted packing on the PDA during a romantic getaway in Miami, Florida. Hewitt started off the video showing off her cleavage in a black bikini top She stepped back to show off her midriff, before standing to the side and cradling her bump while pouting for the camera The model captioned the video: 'My little bump' The following week, they made their whirlwind romance Instagram official when Hewitt posted a photo of Davidson on her social media. In May, the pair made their red carpet debut at the Endometriosis Foundation of America's 2025 Blossom Ball. At the event, she gushed about the actor supporting her. 'He's so incredible,' she told People at the time. Honestly, best person I've ever met, and I'm so grateful that he's here tonight.' The model has been vocal about her endometriosis diagnosis in the past, and at the gala, she revealed how her boyfriend takes care of her when she's dealing with the 'painful' symptoms of the condition. 'Pete sets me up with a little heating pad, and it's very sweet, and I just eat whatever. I'm like, I will allow myself to eat whatever I want and just snuggle up and watch a movie and get cozy. Everyone deserves a Pete!' Around that same time, the pair were said to have already moved in together after just weeks of dating. In late July, Davidson confessed his feelings about becoming a father for the first time with his girlfriend early into their relationship. 'I'm very lucky and very, very happy,' he told E! News at the premiere of The Home in New York City. He admitted that being a dad has been his 'dream' and several of his A-list pals reached out to him with advice. He explained that he is looking forward to 'being able to take care of something and show it the childhood I didn't have.' 'I assume you just try and give them what you didn't have, and what you didn't like, not to do it.' The pair's pregnancy announcement was captioned: 'Welp now everyone knows we had sex' He also said that several of his pals, who are already dads, have offered him advice ahead of his baby's birth in the winter. 'Everybody's just been super excited for me, because they know it's been my dream,' he said. 'They all just have been like, "You're going to be great at this. It's the best thing you'll ever do in your life." [Adam] Sandler gave me some great advice.' The dad-to-be added: 'It's been really nice that everyone's super excited. When you do something, when we do anything, you want everyone to be excited, especially having a child.' Actor Dylan Walsh was hit with multiple tickets after he swerved across lanes in New Jersey before crashing into two utility poles with four passengers inside. Nip/Tuck star Walsh, 61, was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the crash on Sunday, the Daily Mail can confirm. While traveling northbound on East River Road, Walsh swerved into the southbound lane before breaking through a utility pole and continuing northbound, police said. The car, a 2022 Ford Explorer, then collided with another utility pole and emergency crews responded to the 'serious' single-car crash just after 5pm. Walsh was served with 'several motor vehicle summonses,' the Rumson Police Department said in a release. The crash resulted in two of Walsh's passengers being transported to Riverview Medical Center with complaints of pain, according to police. It remains unclear who involved in the crash was injured. Police did not confirm if the summonses were linked to driving under the influence, but said the investigation remains ongoing. The Nip/Tuck star Dylan Walsh, 61, is revealed to have been driving at the time of a single-vehicle car crash that sent two people to the hospital over the weekend Walsh is best known for starring on FX's medical drama Nip/Tuck with Julian McMahon (L), who died in July after a battle with cancer; pictured in a still from Nip/Tuck The Daily Mail has reached out to Walsh's representative for comment. In a statement to TMZ, the actor's representative previously said: 'Over the weekend, Dylan Walsh and his family were involved in a car accident in Rumson. Thankfully, everyone is safe and has since returned home.' 'The family is deeply grateful for the swift response of the Rumson Police, Fire Department, and EMS, as well as the staff at Riverview Medical Center for their care,' they continued. 'They would also like to extend a special thank-you to the management and staff at The River Point Inn for their support in the immediate aftermath.' The intersection remained closed until 7am the following day, and the crash kept eight neighboring residents without power until late on Sunday evening. According to the local news outlet Towns Of: Monmouth County, NJ, Walsh's wife Leslie Bourque wrote about the crash in a since-deleted Facebook post. 'It was our family who was involved in the car accident on River Road yesterday afternoon. We just want to thank everyone who took care of us in this scary time,' Bourque reportedly wrote. According to police, Walsh was in a 2022 Ford Explorer with four other people when it veered into the opposing lane and crashed into a utility pole, before hitting a second pole; pictured with wife Leslie Bourque, son Hudson and daughter Amelie in 2014 in NYC Walsh shares two children daughter Amelie Bell, 13, and son Hudson Scott with his third wife, Leslie Bourque (pictured in 2015 in NYC). They tied the knot in June 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, but have been together since at least 2010 '1st of all to the managers/staff at River Point Inn who immediately ran out to make sure we were ok and comfort our kids (literally one lady wrapped her arms around all of us letting us know it would be ok) bringing ice bags and the fancy Evian water bottle.' She continued, thanking the 'first responders who came faster than one would think,' as well as the 'EMT who put up with my corny jokes in the ambulance. And the ER staff at Riverview Medical.' Walsh's wife included an update on how her family members were doing after the crash. 'We are a bit bruised from seatbelts, but grateful for them and air bags which saved our lives,' she concluded. 'We apologize for anyone who lost power or inconvenience.' Walsh shares two children, Amelie Bell, 13, and Hudson Scott, with his third wife Bourque who married in 2022. He has two other children, Thomas and Joanna, with Boogie Nights actress Melora Walters. Thomas made headlines in 2023 for rescuing a drowning driver from Baltimore Harbor after a car plunged into the waters. Walsh's heroic son, who was 26 years old at the time, was seen diving into the waters fully clothed before punching the car window with his bare fists to free the driver. Dylan Walsh revealed to DailyMail.com exclusively that he is 'very proud' of his son for saving a drowning driver after a car had plunged into a harbor in Baltimore, the father and son are seen in LA back in December 2012 A rep for Walsh exclusively told the Daily Mail that the heroic act of the military veteran who served in Iraq only shows 'that's the person he is!' A co-worker to Thomas named Jordan Payne, who saw his heroic act, told the Baltimore Banner that he had suffered injuries from saving the driver. She explained: 'His hand is like all the way cut up. His whole knuckles are busted.' After breaking into the car, Thomas grabbed the driver and did his best to get him to safety. A witness named Mike Malone said: 'I saw him when he had the guy, he was trying to hold him up, he was trying to pull him to safety. Both the driver, who law enforcement said had suffered a mental health crisis, and Thomas were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Princess Andre kept focus firmly on her career as a feud continues to brew between her famous parents, as she celebrated her new campaign with Superdrug on Thursday. The influencer, 18, has been praised by fans for her down-to-earth nature in her ITV2 documentary series The Princess Diaries, and recently signed a new deal to remain the face of the high street favourite. Opting for a stylish black tracksuit, Princess was joined by a slew of stars for the glitzy event in London. The TikTok star, who regularly shares clips of her makeup routine on Instagram, and in the show had shared her hopes of launching her own cosmetic line. And while her brother Junior was not in attendance, Princess was supported by his girlfriend Jasmine Orr, who caught the eye in a revealing black corset. Other big names in attendance for the launch included Lauren Goodger, who showed off her curves in a black crop top and a matching skirt. Princess Andre kept focus firmly on her career as a feud continues to brew between her famous parents, as she celebrated her new campaign with Superdrug on Thursday The influencer has been praised by fans for her ITV2 documentary series The Princess Diaries, and recently signed a new deal to remain the face of the high street favourite Georgia Harrison, who is set to welcome her first child later this year, showed off her growing bump in a revealing black crop top. Following her split from her boyfriend Joshua Raybould, Liberty Poole also enjoyed a girls night out with her pal Faye Winter. Princess has previously hit back at claims she is embroiled in a family feud with her mother amid ongoing tension betwen her famous parents. Just days before the launch of the TikTok star's new ITV2 show, The Princess Diaries, said she was 'upset' after alleging she was banned from filming scenes for the series, which follows a string of recent events, including her daughter's 18th birthday party, where Katie says she was also not welcome. But speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, Princess explained any fallout from Katie's outburst at not being involved in her TV debut will be dealt with behind closed doors, as she insisted: 'It's my show, it's not based on my parents, it's focused on me. To be honest there's no rift between me and either of my parents.' Princess also weighed in on why she doesn't get involved in Peter and Katie's public feud following their bitter split 16 years ago. The influencer admitted it is 'not worth' weighing in on their rows. Tensions hit fever pitch recently when Peter, 52, released a statement branding his ex-wife a liar after years of 'staying silent' for the sake of their children. In response to Katie's claims that they have 'always shared the kids', Peter insisted that they moved in with him in 2018 'for their safety' as he accused her of falsehoods. At the launch, Princess was also supported by her brother Junior's girlfriend Jasmine Orr Georgia Harrison , who is set to welcome her first child later this year, showed off her growing bump in a revealing black crop top The former Love Island star accessorised her look with a black and leopard print handbag Other big names in attendance for the launch included Lauren Goodger , who showed off her curves in a black crop top and a matching skirt The TOWIE star was in high spirits as she arrived for the celebration in her stylish all-black look Enjoying a night out with her TOWIE pals, Lauren was joined by Junaid Ahmed (far left), Saffron Lempriere and Freddie Bentley Following her split from her boyfriend Joshua Raybould, Liberty Poole also enjoyed a girls night out with her pal Faye Winter Liberty showed her ex what he was missing by posing in a white crop top and a cropped pastel pink jacket, teamed with matching heels and light-washed jeans Faye also flashed a glimpse of her taut middriff in a cropped denim co-ord and silver metallic heels as she posed for snaps at the launch Former Love Island star Sharon Ghaffka cut a chic figure in a white shirt and tie piece with black trousers and feathered heels However, despite their back and forth, Princess has revealed she won't be having her own say to either parent because she doesn't believe it will do any good. When asked whether she would contact her mum to discuss it, Princess told the Guardian: 'No, she says, it's not worth it. Mum can be annoyed about something and then we send each other a message and we're fine.' During the same interview, Princess also sweetly claimed she didn't want to paint her mother in a bad light because she is 'more stable' than she has been in years. On Thursday, Katie herself also broke her silence on her feud with Peter, insisting she wouldn't be 'bullied or gaslit' in the newest episode of her podcast. The star went onto address speculation about her relationship with her son Junior and daughter Princess, insisting that they get on well, despite claims Junior has tried to 'disassociate' from his mother. Sophie praised her niece Princess for being in 'good spirits' about the attention she's faced since the show aired. Katie then added: 'She knows the score, she knows what it's like, but she also knows, because we always talk, we know that everything's not always what it seems. 'I love my kids, and that's all that matters and they love me.' Katie responded to Peter's bombshell statement with a bizarre Instagram post about 'fake Sinners who play the victim' on Friday. Rumours of a 'rift' between Katie and their daughter Princess have been growing in recent weeks after Katie didn't attend Princess's 18th birthday party, or appear on the nepo baby's fly-on-the-wall ITV television series. Katie later claimed that it was her daughter's management who had told her not to appear on the show. In a lengthy Instagram statement, Katie pleaded 'I'm trying to be the best I can' while noting she hasn't 'always been the best mother'. She wrote: 'Saints and sinners. As we know, in this life we are thought of as Saints and Sinners. I know I will always be a Sinner. That's fair, I allowed myself to fail into reliance on drugs and alcohol. 'At times I was not the mother I should have been while I struggled with mental illness. I have been at times a poor friend, an awful sibling, an an untrustworthy partner. I've self medicated, been unfaithful, damaged myself and those that I love. 'I've had many reasons - I was sexually abused when younger; I've had relationships that have been coercive; and my mental health issues - but I don't want to make excuses.' Katie continued: 'I've recognised my issues and worked to put them behind me. Sometimes I tried and failed, sometimes I succeeded. 'I've pulled myself out of suicidal spiral because I love my children and want to be there for them. 'I don't pretend to be perfect by any means - but I'm trying to be the best I can. Then there are the "Saints". Some are genuine and some have helped me. 'But some Saints are not who they would have you believe they are. They have a carefully managed image which must be exhausting to maintain. 'Some Saints are fake. They play the victim and to succeed in life they need a villain... or at least a Sinner. Without the Sinner they don't get to be the Saint... 'As a Sinner - I sometimes get bored of these Saints. But maybe I should feel sorry for them, It must be such hard work having to pretend all the time. 'Anyway, all you Sinners keep your heads up and keep trying to be better. All you Saints, it's ok not to be perfect xxx' Peter shared his side of the story on Thursday, explaining: 'For sixteen years, I have stayed silent in the face of repeated lies from my ex-wife and her family, out of respect for my children and loved ones, but staying silent has been incredibly frustrating. That ends today. 'The latest comments about my children's welfare and living arrangements compel me to set the record straight. For well-documented reasons, and for their safety, Junior and Princess came into my care in 2018 and remained with me until they reached adulthood. 'In 2019, the family courts issued a legally binding order to enforce this arrangement. I have never made this public before, out of respect for my children. 'In 2011 and 2015, publicly documented court cases found my ex-wife had made false claims. She was ordered to pay substantial damages and legal costs, and to apologise to me and my management. The same falsehoods are being repeated today. 'Unfortunately, there are many more lies and baseless accusations I have yet to address. Those will now be dealt with in the coming months.' Jessica Alba and Cash Warren may have gone their separate ways, but that hasnt stopped them from setting ground rules as they dive back into the dating pool. The longtime couple, who ended their 16-year marriage late last year, have agreed on strict boundaries to protect their kids. 'Jessica and Cash had conversations about dating other people while going through their separation, and agreed they were both fine with it,' the insider told Us Weekly. As they work on finalizing their divorce, the couple, who share daughters Honor, 17, and Haven, 14, and son Hayes, 7, have set 'clear boundaries when it comes to their kids meeting new significant others.' '[They] both agreed to keep things separately for now,' the source added, noting 'neither of them wants anything serious, so its working right now.' At this time, both The Honest Company founder and film producer, 46, have 'moved on' and are 'on the same page.' Jessica Alba and Cash Warren may have gone their separate ways, but that hasnt stopped them from setting ground rules as they dive back into the dating pool; seen in March 2024 DailyMail.com has reached out to Alba's representatives for comment. The Fantastic Four star has been romantically linked to actor Danny Ramirez since late July while Warren recently sparked dating rumors with model Hana Sun Doerr, 25. Alba listed 'irreconcilable differences' for the reason of their split in her divorce filing and listed their date of separation as December 27. 'I've been on a journey of self realization and transformation for years both as an individual and in partnership with Cash,' she announced on social media. She concluded: 'I'm proud of how we've grown as a couple and in our marriage over the last 20 years and it's now time for us to embark on a new chapter of growth and evolution as individuals.' The mother-of-three has introduced her 32-year-old boyfriend to her friends, as evidenced by their group outing at a New York City restaurant on Monday night. Ramirez is also an actor who is best known for his role opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. Warren has already commented on his ex's new romance: 'I'm happy for her,' he said in a video published by TMZ July 30. The longtime couple, who called time on their 16-year marriage late last year, are both seeing new people and have agreed on strict boundaries to protect their kids (pictured in 2024) As they work on finalizing their divorce, the couple have set 'clear boundaries when it comes to their kids meeting new significant others' 'I don't know him, but he seems like a good guy.' Albas rumored romance with Ramirez, who is 11 years her junior, first made waves when the two jetted off to Cancun last month. Their tropical getaway came just two months after Jessica was seen 'kissing' a mystery man in Londonthough its still unclear whether that man was Danny. How the two met remains a mystery, but an insider previously told DailyMail.com that while Danny has been 'enamored' with the actress, shes been hesitant to commit. 'Danny is cool, a nice guy and he is enamored with her, but it is not exclusive,' the source said in July. 'She's not in that frame of mind. He has a chance to make something out of their connection, but she is taking it all in stride. Right now, she's looking to just have fun.' Costco shoppers and Pepsi loyalists are rushing to buy up old food court signs featuring the retailer's famous $1.50 hot dog-and-soda combo. One sign from a Columbus, Ohio, store was put up for auction after repeated purchase requests. Bidding started at $1.50 the same price as the combo itself and reportedly climbed to $150 before closing. Another sign from Illinois later appeared on Facebook Marketplace with a $700 asking price. The signs come as Costco phases out Pepsi products in its food courts in favor of Coca-Cola, ending Pepsi's run that began in 2013. The move has divided members: some celebrated the 'end of Pepsi's reign of terror,' while others threatened to cancel memberships. Reddit users joked about bidding wars. 'I knew one day my engineering money would be of use! Time to bid for this,' one wrote. Another said: 'We are entering a new era of Coca-Cola this will go down in Costco history.' A Reddit post announcing the auction of a Costco food court sign with a Pepsi cup went viral Faris Shadid listed a Costco food court sign on Facebook Marketplace this week for $700 Despite the change of drinks supplier, Costco insists the price of its beloved $1.50 combo will remain untouched. Coca-Cola had been a staple in Costco food courts for decades before the chain switched to Pepsi in 2013. Now, Coca-Cola machines are popping up in stores again this summer after CEO Ron Vachris announced the change in January. Rumors Costco planned to drop Pepsi beverages circulated last year with angry shoppers saying on social media that the switch was the 'worst decision' Costco had ever made. But since the rollout began, customers are expressing delight. 'I LOVE Coke, won't drink Pepsi so I'm happy about this,' a Reddit user wrote. 'This is actually bringing me all the joy,' another person commented. Shoppers believe that saving money and maintaining its hot dog and soda combo price were factors behind the swap. It didn't stop them from expressing their frustration online. 'Oh f*** that Coca-Cola!!,' a Costco shopper wrote in March regarding the installation of the chain's new Coke machine. The first Coke machine was spotted at a Costco food court in California last March Social media users expressed interest in bidding on the sign, hoping the money would go to charity Customers have also taken to social media to vent about other food court changes. Earlier this year, members complained Costco had quietly hiked food court prices. Customers were also divided on a new 'overpoweringly sweet' Frozen Strawberry Lemonade. The $2.99 beverage launched in June, replacing the chain's Strawberry Banana Smoothie. Other shoppers mourned the disappearance of the $1 churros, which had become a fan favorite, while some called for the comeback of Costco's Signature Combo Pizza Costco's Signature Combo Pizza. Outside its food courts, Costco has made headlines recently for changing its store opening times. The retailer's new policy allows its Executive members to shop an hour earlier than its regular members. Staff are nervous it could increase their workload. The retailer is also planning to open its first standalone gas station in the spring of 2026. Daily Mail has reached out to Costco for comment, and is awaiting response. Costa Coffee, the UK's largest coffee chain, is making an aggressive move into the United States. It is a fresh a challenge to Starbucks at a time when the American giant is struggling to win back customers. Costa, which runs about 2,500 cafes in Britain along with thousands of self-serve 'barista in a box' machines, is betting that its unconventional model will resonate with US consumers. Its Smart Cafes can whip up 200 customizable drinks hot or cold in 90 seconds without a barista. To mimic the cafe experience, they even play the sounds of beans grinding and milk frothing. Since Coca-Cola acquired Costa in 2018, the brand has opened five normal cafes near the soft drink giant's Atlanta headquarters. But the real US push is coming through the machines, which Costa plans to install on college campuses, in hospitals, convenience stores, and airports nationwide. Host locations share revenue with the company. Starbucks remains the biggest coffee chain in the US, but it ha lost millions of customers over the past 18 months. It is grappling with a turnaround plan that has yet to pay off, as well as staring down a new threat from Chinese chain Luckin, which lures customers with $2 drinks. Smart Cafe standalone machines make a wide range of coffee drinks without any human input 'People really want to make their beverages their own,' Erica Brown, VP and managing director for Costa Coffee Americas, said. Brown explained that the quick and easy to use machines are great for US consumers as who 'are on the go a lot.' The rollout is a fresh wake-up call to Starbucks, whose number one complaint from customers in recent years has been the long lines at its locations. 'We're really focused in the US on building our business away from home,' Brown added. 'It sounds like a coffee shop, it smells like a coffee shop, it tastes like a coffee shop,' Brown said. 'The sounds of beans grinding and everything. So from a consumer experience perspective, it's pretty special. 'You don't need to have a barista in those environments because the machine does the work in a high-quality way.' Earlier this summer, Starbucks' launched its biggest hiring spree in history which adds as many as 85,000 workers across its 17,000 US locations. The rollout could serve as a wake-up call to Starbucks Costa's Erica Brown says busy Americans want customizable drinks quickly Customers have grown weary of waiting 20 minutes for a drink, with many walking away from the chain entirely. Soaring prices and what critics call a 'soulless' in-store experience have only added to the exodus helping drive a sharp drop in sales. The new hires are also expected to support Starbucks' efforts to bring back a more personal touch including a new policy asking baristas to handwrite notes on customers' cups. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has also made a bold promise that no coffee will take longer than four minutes. Niccol, poached from Chipotle in the fall, is rolling out a new 'Green Apron Service' to tackle this and other customers moans. Baristas have a target that no custom drink should take more than four minutes. Passengers have filed class-action lawsuits against Delta and United Airlines, accusing them of charging extra for window seats that offered nothing but a blank wall. Two lawsuits were launched on Tuesday by passengers who paid extra for a view but instead spent their flights looking at a wall. The suits claim both airlines have 'likely sold over a million windowless 'window' seats.' Delta charges up to $70 to select a preferred seat, while United can exceed $50 on domestic flights and $100 on international routes. 'For many, it is a special experience to see the world from 30,000 feet,' filings state. 'Windows can captivate or distract an antsy child. For many with a fear of flying or motion sickness, windows provide a greater level of comfort in an otherwise stressful environment,' the lawsuits state. Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 jets, and Delta's Boeing 757s, all have blank walls instead of windows in some outer seats due to the position of air conditioning ducts and wiring, according to the complaints. While this is also a feature of planes used by American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. those carriers warn customers that the seats do not have a window view. On United Airlines aircraft, windowless seats are normally found in rows that fall between two windows, which in turn leaves a blank wall Delta and United include no such warning, the complaints allege. Several fliers say they were misled into paying more. One, Aviva Copaken, said she paid up to $169.99 for window seats on three United flights out of Los Angeles this year, only to find no view. United have refunded Copaken for two of the windowless flights, the filings state. Another, Marc Brenman, used frequent-flier miles for a premium window seat from San Francisco to Washington, DC, but was seated next to a wall. United refunded the 7,500 miles, but Brenman claims that was 'insufficient to compensate him for the extra fees and benefits he utilized.' Nicholas Meyer, joining the suit against Delta, claims he took a flight from New York to California with the airline in August and was also given a windowless seat. United Airlines told the Daily Mail that it would not comment on an ongoing legal matter. Delta did not immediately respond. The new lawsuit filed in California accuses United Airlines of misleading customers Meanwhile, United has quietly resumed charging single passengers more than those travelling in pairs or groups. 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 reneged, according to an analysis by The Economist. Assurant (NYSE:AIZ Free Report) had its price target lifted by Morgan Stanley from $218.00 to $230.00 in a research note published on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the financial services providers stock. Several other research analysts have also weighed in on AIZ. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on shares of Assurant from $225.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Assurant from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, August 9th. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on Assurant in a research note on Tuesday, August 12th. They issued an outperform rating and a $238.00 price objective for the company. Stephens assumed coverage on Assurant in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. They set an overweight rating for the company. Finally, Benchmark assumed coverage on Assurant in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $233.29. Get Assurant alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on AIZ Assurant Stock Up 0.5% Shares of NYSE:AIZ opened at $214.8070 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $10.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.55 and a beta of 0.58. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $195.50 and its 200-day simple moving average is $199.12. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. Assurant has a fifty-two week low of $174.97 and a fifty-two week high of $230.55. Assurant (NYSE:AIZ Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 5th. The financial services provider reported $5.56 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.43 by $1.13. Assurant had a return on equity of 16.47% and a net margin of 5.83%.The firm had revenue of $3.16 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.13 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $4.77 earnings per share. Assurants quarterly revenue was up 8.0% on a year-over-year basis. Assurant has set its FY 2025 guidance at 22.390-22.390 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Assurant will post 16.88 earnings per share for the current year. Assurant Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.80 per share. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 2nd. Assurants payout ratio is currently 23.17%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CAO Dimitry Dirienzo sold 950 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $204.96, for a total value of $194,712.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 3,135 shares of the companys stock, valued at $642,549.60. The trade was a 23.26% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Jay Rosenblum sold 3,900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $208.53, for a total value of $813,267.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 7,875 shares in the company, valued at $1,642,173.75. This represents a 33.12% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.51% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Assurant by 1.3% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,775,234 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,338,041,000 after buying an additional 88,749 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in shares of Assurant by 8.3% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 4,051,114 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $800,054,000 after buying an additional 310,455 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. boosted its position in Assurant by 28.0% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,479,310 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $310,285,000 after acquiring an additional 323,573 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its stake in Assurant by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,245,022 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $245,879,000 after acquiring an additional 53,773 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in Assurant by 8.8% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 889,310 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $186,533,000 after acquiring an additional 72,046 shares during the period. 92.65% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Assurant Company Profile (Get Free Report) Assurant, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides business services that supports, protects, and connects consumer purchases in North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through two segments: Global Lifestyle and Global Housing. The Global Lifestyle segment offers mobile device solutions, and extended service contracts and related services for consumer electronics and appliances, and credit and other insurance products; and vehicle protection, commercial equipment, and other related services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Assurant Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Assurant and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. On August 20, Anhui provincial conference on further advancing the higher-quality integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta was held. In alignment with policies and reform initiatives from Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, 11 batches comprising 1,281 policy measures and innovative suggestions have been introduced. Efforts have led to 78 resident service items becoming accessible through a single card and 179 government service items available for cross-provincial handling These achievements fully demonstrate Anhui's active role in driving the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. Since the symposium on solidly advancing the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta was convened, empowered by national strategies, notable accomplishments have been made in major initiatives, key projects, and significant reforms, resulting in a series of influential and transformative landmark outcomes. By fully leveraging the multi-dimensional advantages of multiple national development strategies, our province will further advance the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and strive to write the Anhui chapter of the Chinese path to modernization. Anhui will promote the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation, foster and strengthen new quality productive forces, and advance the substantive operation of the Hefei Binhu Science City. Focusing on building world-class industrial clusters and strategically planning future industries, Anhui will contribute its strengths to the Yangtze River Delta's pioneering role in technological and industrial innovation. Anhui will strengthen high-level coordinated openness and jointly build a strategic hub for dual circulation. By exploring the establishment of distinctive interprovincial adjacent cooperation zones and creating a comprehensive Jianghuai opening corridor that connects domestic and international markets, Anhui will contribute to the Yangtze River Delta's role as a critical bridge linking global and domestic markets. Anhui will actively integrate into the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomerations and metropolitan circles, steadily advancing common prosperity. Efforts will focus on accelerating the development of modern people-centered cities, livable and business-friendly villages, as well as advancing digital-intelligent transformation in social governance. By enhancing the accessibility and sharing of public services, Anhui aim to achieve seamless cross-regional connectivity and smart interoperability, contributing Anhui's wisdom to the well-being of the people in the Yangtze River Delta. Anhui will advance green development and collaborate in building the Yangtze River Delta into a pioneering zone for a Beautiful China. By jointly protecting critical ecological areas, strengthening coordinated conservation and treatment of transboundary water bodies, enhancing joint prevention and control of air pollution, and accelerating the establishment of a new energy system, Anhui will contribute its solutions to making the skies bluer and the waters clearer in the Yangtze River Delta. Source: Anhui Daily Anglo American plc (LON:AAL Get Free Report) insider Duncan Wanblad acquired 6 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 14th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 2,136 per share, for a total transaction of 128.16. Duncan Wanblad also recently made the following trade(s): Get Anglo American alerts: On Thursday, June 19th, Duncan Wanblad bought 5 shares of Anglo American stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 2,149 per share, with a total value of 107.45. Anglo American Trading Down 0.8% Shares of AAL stock opened at GBX 2,154 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of 32.76 billion, a P/E ratio of -19.84, a PEG ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.10. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 2,173.58 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 2,195.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 78.84, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.98. Anglo American plc has a fifty-two week low of GBX 1,900.01 and a fifty-two week high of GBX 2,999.77. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Anglo American from GBX 2,200 to GBX 2,300 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, July 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a neutral rating and set a GBX 1,980 price target on shares of Anglo American in a report on Wednesday. Berenberg Bank reiterated a sell rating and set a GBX 1,900 price target on shares of Anglo American in a report on Thursday, July 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price target on Anglo American from GBX 2,000 to GBX 1,900 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 4th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 2,600 price target on shares of Anglo American in a report on Monday, July 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 2,136. Get Our Latest Stock Report on AAL About Anglo American (Get Free Report) Anglo American is a leading global mining company focused on the responsible production of copper, premium iron ore and crop nutrients future-enabling products that are essential for decarbonising the global economy, improving living standards, and food security. Our portfolio of world-class operations and outstanding resource endowments offers value-accretive growth potential across all three businesses, positioning us to deliver into structurally attractive major demand growth trends. Our integrated approach to sustainability and innovation drives our decision-making across the value chain, from how we discover new resources to how we mine, process, move and market our products to our customers safely, efficiently and responsibly. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Anglo American Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anglo American and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CACI International (NYSE:CACI Get Free Report) and OBIC (OTCMKTS:OBIIF Get Free Report) are both large-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, risk, institutional ownership, dividends and valuation. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings for CACI International and OBIC, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get CACI International alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CACI International 0 2 12 1 2.93 OBIC 0 0 0 0 0.00 CACI International currently has a consensus price target of $549.6923, indicating a potential upside of 12.82%. Given CACI Internationals stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe CACI International is more favorable than OBIC. Risk and Volatility Profitability CACI International has a beta of 0.69, indicating that its share price is 31% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, OBIC has a beta of 0.62, indicating that its share price is 38% less volatile than the S&P 500. This table compares CACI International and OBICs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets CACI International 5.79% 15.84% 7.20% OBIC N/A N/A N/A Insider & Institutional Ownership 86.4% of CACI International shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.4% of CACI International shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation This table compares CACI International and OBICs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio CACI International $8.63 billion 1.24 $499.83 million $22.35 21.80 OBIC $796.16 million 19.06 $426.50 million N/A N/A CACI International has higher revenue and earnings than OBIC. Summary CACI International beats OBIC on 12 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About CACI International (Get Free Report) CACI International Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of expertise and technology to enterprise and mission customers in support of national security in the intelligence, defense, and federal civilian sectors. The company operates through two segments, Domestic Operations and International Operations. The Domestic Operations segment offers digital solutions by modernizing enterprise and agency-unique applications, enterprise infrastructure, and business processes; C4ISR solutions, including command, control, communications, and computer (C4), as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technology and networks; and cyber solutions for cybersecurity, cyberspace, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence operations. This segment also provides space solutions, comprising intelligence fusion, data analytic, and decision support, as well as logistics solutions; engineering services, such as platform integration, modernization and sustainment, system engineering, naval architecture, training and simulation, and logistics engineering; design, implement, protect, and manage secure enterprise IT solutions for federal agencies; and mission support solutions, that include analytic services, as well as scenario-based instruction across the spectrum of intelligence processing, collection, and products. The International Operations segment provides a range of IT services, proprietary data, and software products to the commercial and government customers in the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and internationally. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. About OBIC (Get Free Report) OBIC Co.,Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides system integration, system support, office automation, and package software services. It offers system integration services, including developing ERP software products to provide integrated administrative systems comprising personnel, payroll, working condition management, marketing, and production systems, as well as related training courses. The company also provides system support services, including system operation support and maintenance, and hardware maintenance. In addition, it offers office automation services, such as sale of package software, and peripheral equipment and supplies, as well as engages in processing of printed materials. The company was incorporated in 1968 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for CACI International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CACI International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Costain Group (LON:COST Free Report) had its price objective raised by Berenberg Bank from GBX 150 to GBX 175 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. Berenberg Bank currently has a buy rating on the stock. Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on Costain Group from GBX 115 to GBX 150 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 162.50. Get Costain Group alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on COST Costain Group Stock Down 3.0% Shares of Costain Group stock opened at GBX 131.34 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.86, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 1.32. Costain Group has a 1-year low of GBX 85.40 and a 1-year high of GBX 172.40. The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 152.96 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 124.99. The company has a market capitalization of 351.78 million, a PE ratio of 11.72, a P/E/G ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 2.64. Costain Group (LON:COST Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 20th. The company reported GBX 5.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Costain Group had a net margin of 2.33% and a return on equity of 13.56%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Costain Group will post 13.7551582 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Costain Group In other news, insider Helen Willis sold 100,082 shares of Costain Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 142, for a total transaction of 142,116.44. Also, insider Alex Vaughan sold 241,639 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 144, for a total value of 347,960.16. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 612,435 shares of company stock valued at $87,561,906. 6.43% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Costain Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Costain helps to improve peoples lives by creating connected, sustainable infrastructure that enables people and the planet thrive. We shape, create and deliver pioneering solutions that transform the performance of the infrastructure ecosystem across the UKs energy, water, transportation and defence markets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Costain Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Costain Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EntryPoint Capital LLC trimmed its holdings in DXC Technology Company. (NYSE:DXC Free Report) by 26.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 23,430 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,440 shares during the period. EntryPoint Capital LLCs holdings in DXC Technology were worth $399,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vident Advisory LLC grew its stake in DXC Technology by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 25,279 shares of the companys stock valued at $505,000 after acquiring an additional 624 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its stake in DXC Technology by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 35,789 shares of the companys stock valued at $610,000 after acquiring an additional 1,025 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in DXC Technology by 37.4% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 4,507 shares of the companys stock valued at $77,000 after acquiring an additional 1,226 shares during the last quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System grew its stake in DXC Technology by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 220,890 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,766,000 after acquiring an additional 1,301 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brooktree Capital Management lifted its holdings in DXC Technology by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Brooktree Capital Management now owns 97,271 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,658,000 after purchasing an additional 1,608 shares in the last quarter. 96.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get DXC Technology alerts: DXC Technology Trading Down 1.7% Shares of DXC stock opened at $13.7350 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $2.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.67 and a beta of 1.18. DXC Technology Company. has a 1-year low of $12.24 and a 1-year high of $24.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 1.22 and a quick ratio of 1.22. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $14.53 and its 200-day simple moving average is $16.06. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth DXC Technology ( NYSE:DXC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 31st. The company reported $0.68 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $3.16 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.06 billion. DXC Technology had a net margin of 2.96% and a return on equity of 18.59%. The companys revenue was down 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.74 EPS. DXC Technology has set its Q2 2026 guidance at 0.650-0.750 EPS. FY 2026 guidance at 2.850-3.350 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that DXC Technology Company. will post 3.35 EPS for the current year. DXC has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of DXC Technology from $18.00 to $14.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on shares of DXC Technology from $26.00 to $17.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 15th. Susquehanna reduced their target price on shares of DXC Technology from $23.00 to $16.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of DXC Technology from $16.00 to $15.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 1st. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their target price on shares of DXC Technology from $18.00 to $16.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 1st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, DXC Technology currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $15.60. Get Our Latest Analysis on DXC DXC Technology Company Profile (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). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DXC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for DXC Technology Company. (NYSE:DXC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for DXC Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DXC Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Candriam S.C.A. cut its stake in shares of GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV Free Report) by 18.6% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 87,457 shares of the companys stock after selling 19,990 shares during the quarter. Candriam S.C.A.s holdings in GE Vernova were worth $26,699,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of GEV. Westover Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of GE Vernova by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Westover Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,130 shares of the companys stock worth $345,000 after acquiring an additional 25 shares in the last quarter. Stonebridge Financial Group LLC lifted its position in shares of GE Vernova by 8.9% during the 1st quarter. Stonebridge Financial Group LLC now owns 344 shares of the companys stock worth $105,000 after purchasing an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its holdings in GE Vernova by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 8,510 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,598,000 after acquiring an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. Hemington Wealth Management grew its stake in shares of GE Vernova by 20.3% in the 1st quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 178 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the period. Finally, Fulcrum Equity Management grew its position in GE Vernova by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Fulcrum Equity Management now owns 886 shares of the companys stock worth $291,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares during the last quarter. Get GE Vernova alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have commented on GEV. Glj Research began coverage on GE Vernova in a research report on Monday, June 23rd. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Mizuho downgraded GE Vernova from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $670.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Monday, July 28th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded GE Vernova from a buy rating to a hold rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $427.00 to $517.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on GE Vernova from $500.00 to $570.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on GE Vernova from $474.00 to $697.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 24th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have issued a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $560.21. GE Vernova Stock Performance NYSE GEV opened at $604.8590 on Thursday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $571.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $437.96. The stock has a market cap of $164.65 billion, a PE ratio of 145.75, a PEG ratio of 4.17 and a beta of 1.90. GE Vernova Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $173.07 and a fifty-two week high of $677.29. GE Vernova (NYSE:GEV Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.86 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.63 by $0.23. GE Vernova had a net margin of 3.16% and a return on equity of 13.23%. The company had revenue of $9.11 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.78 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $4.65 earnings per share. GE Vernovas revenue for the quarter was up 11.1% on a year-over-year basis. GE Vernova has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that GE Vernova Inc. will post 6.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. GE Vernova Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 18th. Investors of record on Monday, July 21st were issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 21st. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.2%. GE Vernovas payout ratio is presently 24.10%. About GE Vernova (Free Report) GE Vernova LLC, an energy business company, generates electricity. It operates under three segments: Power, Wind, and Electrification. The Power segments generates and sells electricity through hydro, gas, nuclear, and steam power. Wind segment engages in the manufacturing and sale of wind turbine blades; and Electrification segment provides grid solutions, power conversion, solar, and storage solutions. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GEV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for GE Vernova Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GE Vernova and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. (NYSE:MHNC Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totaling 2,800 shares, anincreaseof55.6% from the July 15th total of 1,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 18,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 18,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Maiden Holdings North America Trading Down 0.1% Maiden Holdings North America stock opened at $17.5150 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $17.10 and a two-hundred day moving average of $16.89. Maiden Holdings North America has a one year low of $14.85 and a one year high of $19.97. Get Maiden Holdings North America alerts: Maiden Holdings North America Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be paid a $0.4844 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. This represents a $1.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 11.1%. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Maiden Holdings North America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Maiden Holdings North America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Martin Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 2.4% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 288,983 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,820 shares during the quarter. Novo Nordisk A/S makes up about 5.1% of Martin Investment Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest holding. Martin Investment Management LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $20,067,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the first quarter valued at $1,629,000. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. now owns 228,690 shares of the companys stock worth $15,880,000 after acquiring an additional 1,071 shares in the last quarter. GM Advisory Group LLC grew its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 443.5% during the 1st quarter. GM Advisory Group LLC now owns 13,706 shares of the companys stock valued at $952,000 after acquiring an additional 11,184 shares during the period. Level Four Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 66.2% in the 1st quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 134,903 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,368,000 after purchasing an additional 53,744 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Venture Visionary Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 1,568.0% in the 1st quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC now owns 61,499 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,270,000 after purchasing an additional 57,812 shares in the last quarter. 11.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Down 0.9% NYSE NVO opened at $54.2980 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.56. The stock has a market capitalization of $242.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.92, a PEG ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 0.63. The firms 50-day moving average is $63.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $69.81. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 12 month low of $45.05 and a 12 month high of $139.74. Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.04. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 78.64% and a net margin of 35.60%.The company had revenue of $11.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $77.51 billion. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 18th will be given a $0.4119 dividend. This represents a yield of 240.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 18th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss payout ratio is currently 22.53%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have issued reports on NVO. Dbs Bank downgraded Novo Nordisk A/S to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, April 25th. TD Cowen dropped their target price on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $105.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. BNP Paribas Exane upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $54.00 target price for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, August 2nd. Finally, BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Novo Nordisk A/S presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $81.00. Get Our Latest Analysis on Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk A/S Profile (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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report). 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. Partners Capital Investment Group LLP boosted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report) by 29.0% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 122,847 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 27,626 shares during the quarter. Partners Capital Investment Group LLPs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $5,560,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in VWO. Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 6.6% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 107,088,490 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,716,177,000 after purchasing an additional 6,672,276 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 4.7% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 70,990,842 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,213,045,000 after buying an additional 3,177,817 shares during the period. Betterment LLC increased its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.6% in the 4th quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 59,799,391 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,633,565,000 after buying an additional 961,166 shares during the period. Wealthfront Advisers LLC raised its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.9% during the first quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 45,420,074 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,055,713,000 after acquiring an additional 844,429 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 3.3% during the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 43,805,548 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,982,639,000 after acquiring an additional 1,380,127 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.19% of the companys stock. Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Down 0.0% Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF stock opened at $51.36 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $49.97 and its 200 day simple moving average is $47.12. The stock has a market cap of $95.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.08 and a beta of 0.69. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 12-month low of $39.53 and a 12-month high of $51.87. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dividends Southside Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $1.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.8%. Southside Bancshares pays out 51.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BANKS SOUTHWEST companies pay a dividend yield of 2.1% and pay out 20.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Southside Bancshares has increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years. Volatility & Risk Southside Bancshares has a beta of 0.68, meaning that its share price is 32% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Southside Bancshares peers have a beta of 0.52, meaning that their average share price is 48% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Southside Bancshares alerts: Profitability This table compares Southside Bancshares and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Southside Bancshares 19.07% 10.59% 1.02% Southside Bancshares Competitors 17.79% 10.48% 1.21% Earnings & Valuation Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Southside Bancshares $456.07 million $88.49 million 10.72 Southside Bancshares Competitors $774.95 million $149.21 million 13.37 This table compares Southside Bancshares and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Southside Bancshares peers have higher revenue and earnings than Southside Bancshares. Southside Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Insider and Institutional Ownership 55.7% of Southside Bancshares shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 54.3% of shares of all BANKS SOUTHWEST companies are held by institutional investors. 6.0% of Southside Bancshares shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 13.3% of shares of all BANKS SOUTHWEST companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Southside Bancshares peers beat Southside Bancshares on 6 of the 11 factors compared. About Southside Bancshares (Get Free Report) Southside Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Southside Bank that provides a range of financial services to individuals, businesses, municipal entities, and nonprofit organizations. Its deposit products include savings, money market, and interest and noninterest bearing checking accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The companys loan portfolio comprises consumer loans that include 1-4 family residential loans, home equity loans, home improvement loans, automobile loans, and other consumer related loans; commercial loans, such as short-term working capital loans for inventory and accounts receivable, short and medium-term loans for equipment or other business capital expansion, commercial real estate loans, and municipal loans; and construction loans for 1-4 family residential and commercial real estate. It also offers wealth management and trust services consisting of investment management, administration, revocable and testamentary trusts, and custodian services for individuals, partnerships, and corporations; safe deposit services; and brokerage services. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated through 56 banking facilities and 73 ATMs/ITMs. Southside Bancshares, Inc. was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Tyler, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Southside Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southside Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA (OTCMKTS:USNZY Get Free Report) shares passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $0.84 and traded as low as $0.77. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais shares last traded at $0.77, with a volume of 302 shares changing hands. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Stock Down 2.5% The company has a quick ratio of 2.56, a current ratio of 4.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The firm has a market cap of $421.82 million, a P/E ratio of 15.40 and a beta of 1.47. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $0.84 and its 200 day simple moving average is $0.95. Get Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais alerts: Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais (OTCMKTS:USNZY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 25th. The basic materials company reported $0.01 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $1.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.74 billion. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais had a net margin of 1.66% and a return on equity of 1.62%. As a group, research analysts forecast that Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA will post 0.09 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA manufactures and markets flat steel products in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Mining and Logistics, Steel Metallurgy, and Steel Transformation. It extracts and process iron ore, such as pellet and sinter feed and, granulated iron ore; provides storage, handling, and road cargo transportation services; and operates highway and railway cargo terminals. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The businesswoman and former star of Real Housewives of New York City, Bethenny Frankel, has launched a harsh reflection on the current situation of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, ensuring that their business projects have not taken off because they rushed to cover too much in a short time. In statements to Us Weekly, after receiving recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year, Frankel said that the couple from Sussex wanted to take advantage of a "window of opportunity" to close deals quickly, but that business "is really difficult." "They didn't want fame, but they didn't want to give up their lifestyle either, because it's expensive. Now they live in Montecito, and it's difficult for things to prosper," said the founder of Skinnygirl, 54. According to DefensaCentral, Frankel's comments come at a time when the dukes are going through a period of readjustment in their relationship with Netflix. On Monday it was confirmed that the couple renewed their partnership with the platform, although sources close to them indicate that the new contract is much less lucrative than the previous one, valued at $100 million. "It doesn't pose any risk to Netflix, but it saves the reputation of both," a source told Page Six. Last month, Meghan was expected to move from an exclusive agreement to a first-option agreement with the streaming giant after the expiration of the initial agreement. However, there has been no major media impact around this new stage. They could have problems in the long run In parallel, Meghan continues to work on her lifestyle brand As Ever, officially launched in April 2025, after changing its original name, American Riviera Orchard. According to her, the modification was due to the fact that the first name sounded like a "salad of words", although she had previously faced problems registering the brand in 2023, when her applications were rejected. The Duchess admitted in an interview with People in March that she has made "mistakes" during the process of creating the company, acknowledging that the "twists and turns" of her brand have been complicated. DefensaCentral has been able to confirm that, despite the obstacles, Meghan and Harry maintain the intention of consolidating their businesses as part of their economic independence since they stepped away from their official functions in the British royal family. However, industry experts believe that excessive diversification and media pressure could be hindering the success of their projects. Bethenny Frankel, although critical, did not fail to recognize the strength of the couple's relationship: "I respect that relationship and that mutual loyalty, and I don't think it's that easy. If it were that easy, everyone would do it well." FIBRA Prologis (OTCMKTS:FBBPF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totaling 2,386,500 shares, adeclineof24.3% from the July 15th total of 3,153,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 4,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 518.8 days. Based on an average daily volume of 4,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 518.8 days. Get FIBRA Prologis alerts: FIBRA Prologis Stock Performance FIBRA Prologis stock opened at $3.70 on Thursday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $3.74 and its 200-day simple moving average is $3.48. FIBRA Prologis has a 12 month low of $2.63 and a 12 month high of $3.9760. FIBRA Prologis Company Profile (Get Free Report) Read More FIBRA Prologis is a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of December 31, 2023, FIBRA Prologis was comprised of 235 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 46.9 million square feet (4.4 million square meters) of gross leasable area. Receive News & Ratings for FIBRA Prologis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FIBRA Prologis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Robert Carmichael, the East Derry Ulster Unionist Party Association Chairman, has called on the community to support the Royal Black Institution by attending the orders Last Saturday City of Londonderry Royal Black District Chapter demonstration in Limavady on August 30. Mr Carmichael said the Black was traditionally viewed as the senior of the Loyal Orders. Like the Twelfth demonstrations throughout the constituency, we in the East Londonderry UUP Association would encourage the community to Back The Black by attending what promises to be another terrific family day out in Limavady town for the annual Last Saturday demonstration. The City of Londonderry Royal Black District Chapters annual Last Saturday demonstration is one of the showpieces of our Loyal Orders. We call on the community to show the same magnificent support which they gave on 12 July to all the mainstream Orange Order demonstrations throughout Co Londonderry, as well as the Independent Orange Institutions demonstration. Sir Knights and bands from across the county will be converging in Limavady for the traditional Last Saturday demonstration. We would not only encourage people to come and support the Royal Black Institution, but to also support the local economy by giving their trade to the local shops. The organising county Sir Knights have worked hard to put on what promises to be a terrific family day out, as well as emphasise the Christian Biblical values upon which the Royal Black Institution is founded. We also pray that Almighty God will give the county demonstrations right across Northern Ireland the same great weather which the Twelfth demonstrations in East Londonderry enjoyed as well as for the safety of those on the march and watching. This years Twelfth demonstrations across Co Londonderry were some of the best attended in the history of Orangeism in the constituency. We in the UUP appeal for the same support for Black Saturday. "We also thank and praise the community for its support of the various Black preceptories annual divine church parades and services, said Mr Carmichael on behalf of the UUP Association. With the horrific scenes of eels dying on-top of thick toxic sludge, the Save Lough Neagh group will be holding a 'Rally for the Lough' this bank holiday Monday (August 25). The event, which will be held at the 'Protector of the Lough' sculpture from 1pm will call for immediate multi-pronged action to tackle the crisis in Lough Neagh and all waterways. Lough Neagh is experiencing a collapse of biodiversity and extreme eutrophication, leading to extended spells where the Lough is coated in thick algal blooms with dead animals washing up along the shores, or dying on the thick toxic algae as seen with the eels at Ardboe. "The Save Lough Neagh campaign has been protesting our government's part to play in this ecocide for several years, whether it's refusing to clamp down on excess nutrients and give us an Independent Environmental agency, giving public funding and subsidies to major polluters or enacting decades of cuts to our water service leading to millions of tonnes of sewage entering our waterways," said Padraig Mac Niocaill, Save Lough Neagh spokesperson. "Stormont has failed us. It has failed every single person around the Lough, and it is failing every single future. The five parties all claiming to be trying to "save" Lough Neagh fully supported the disastrous Going for Growth scheme that prioritised corporate profit and greed, above our environment and health. The green toxic sludge engulfing Lough Neagh is the manifestation of what these political parties care for, not our environment, but profit. "Living beside the shore it is hard to describe the scenes as anything but apocalyptic, and yet we still see the likes of the 2B firm Moy Park receiving over 800K in the past year of industrial rates relief, despite their environmental crimes. The industrial derating policy is just one of many ways Stormont reveals what it really serves. "We know the worst of the toxic cycle is yet to come this year, and the Save Lough Neagh campaign will be taking to the streets across the Lough in upcoming weeks and months, to demand systemic change. We do not trust the empty promises from politicians, who were part of the problem in the first place. We invite everyone and anyone to come join us in a movement to fight for our future." "Living beside the shore it is hard to describe the scenes as anything but apocalyptic, and yet we still see the likes of the 2B firm Moy Park receiving over 800K in the past year of industrial rates relief, despite their environmental crimes. The industrial derating policy is just one of many ways Stormont reveals what it really serves."We know the worst of the toxic cycle is yet to come this year, and the Save Lough Neagh campaign will be taking to the streets across the Lough in upcoming weeks and months, to demand systemic change. We do not trust the empty promises from politicians, who were part of the problem in the first place. We invite everyone and anyone to come join us in a movement to fight for our future." Save Lough Neagh's demands include: indpendent EPA Now! Stop the pollution, well-funded water service, end private ownership of the lough, research and recovery and a just transition and rights of nature status for Lough Neagh. Speakers will include Mary O'Hagan from the Save Lough Neagh campaign, James Orr from Friends of the Earth NI, Declan Coney a Lough Neagh Fisherman, and more to be confirmed. Chronic respiratory illnesses are a serious threat facing local agricultural workers, triggered by prolonged exposure to dust, mould, and chemicals. Awareness of occupational respiratory health is growing amongst farmers. The effects of climate change combined with an ageing workforce demographic mean protecting the lungs of primary producers of food, is a hot topic within the NI Agri Rural Health Forum. At their summer meeting, generously hosted at Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) Deputy President John McLenaghans farm in Garvagh, forum members discussed their partnership with Health and Safety Executive NI and Asthma + Lung UK and the success they had at Balmoral Show. Members agreed that the media coverage supported by BBC and events held at the UFU and NFU Mutual stand and RUAS Members Pavilion sparked a great deal of meaningful conversations with both farmers and agri-businesses alike. However, forum members felt they were speaking to the converted and thought to reach a larger target audience they would need to shake things up a bit next year and proposed several changes. The group also looked ahead to charity partnerships with the UK Sepsis Trust and Alzheimers Society to address other farmer health inequalities. Next on the agenda for discussion was the human impact of proposed agricultural policies. Based on individual reflections shared with forum partners, it is clear the Inheritance Tax and Nutrient Action Programme (NAP), are having a negative impact on the mental and physical health of the farming community. Rural Chaplain, Rev Kenny Hanna, shared recent research that suggests that 95% of farmers under 40 cite mental health as the biggest agricultural issue (Farm Safety Foundation, 2024) and 23.4% of Irish farmers reported having suicidal thoughts (UCD, 2022). As recent research suggests (Exeter, 2024) many members are acting as accidental counsellors and through sharing information, all reaffirmed their commitment to work together to support farm families and each other in these unprecedented times. The forum is pleased to support medical students who seek to form a rural health interest group. Dr Orla Delargy will be supported by colleagues in the School of Nursing and Midwifery Rural Health Committee who have led the way in bringing more rural experiences to undergraduate education of healthcare professionals at Queens University Belfast. Following this, the group divided into several workshops to discuss Autumn Winter events, Save Our Acute Services (SOAS), Agricultural First Aid Courses and upcoming PR and Communications. Collectively, the workshops formulated key steps going forward to help spread awareness of farmers lung health within the industry, thus enabling safer farming practices, reducing preventable illnesses, and ensuring the sustainability of our agricultural workforce. Dr Rebecca Orr, local GP and Chair of the NI Agri Rural Health Forum commented: It was fitting the forum met on #Farm24, which celebrates farming. Members continue to demonstrate their commitment to protecting health and safety on farm through network partnerships and building evidence which can inform the way ahead. I thank our speakers including Pauline Corrigan, Helen and Jimmy from the SOAS team, the input from Emergency Medicine and respiratory colleagues, John and his family for hosting. After the meeting, forum members enjoyed a refreshing walk around Johns farm which focuses on beef, poultry and renewables, followed by a tasty lunch provided by Jacqui from Delightful Bites. This summer meeting was kindly funded by the Connectors UK Trailblazers programme delivered by Development Trusts NI. If you would like more information on the NI Agri Rural Health Forum, please contact forum secretariat Rural Support on 028 8676 0040 or visit Rural Support Prominent Gaels from Derry and Donegal have signed an open letter to GAA ard stiurthoir (director general) Tom Ryan urging the association to cease its relationship with Allianz Insurance. Among the signatories calling on the GAA to demonstrate its commitment to humanitarian law were: Aoife Ni Chasaide, Joe Brolly, Shane McGuigan, and Brendan Devenney. Dr David Hickey (Dublin), Neil McManus (Antrim), Peter Canavan (Tyrone), Tomas O Se (Kerry), Niall Cahalane (Cork), Terence Sambo McNaughton (Antrim), Michael Darragh McAuley (Dublin), Jane Adams (Antrim), Greg McCartan (Down), Paul Galvin (Kerry), Caoimhe Harvey (Clare) and Sorcha Gormley (Tyrone), were also among the more than 700 former and current county players, who signed the letter describing Allianz as complicit in the Holocaust and now now enabling the genocide of the Palestinian people. The Drop Allianz campaign was officially launched at a press conference outside Croke park on Wednesday. It is being spearheaded by four grassroots humanitarian organisations: Gaels against Genocide, Dubs against Palestine, Irish Sport for Palestine and Gaeil ar son Gaza. The open letter to Tom Ryan was received on behalf of the GAA by Alan Milton, its director of communications. It referenced Allianzs complicity in the Holocaust and highlighted current business activities contributing to the ongoing illegal occupation, apartheid and genocide in Palestine. Allianz was described as an enabler of the genocide in the recent report of Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967. The open letter to Tom Ryan calls on the GAA to implement a key recommendation of the Albanese report that corporate entities must promptly cease all business activities and terminate relationships directly linked with, contributing to and causing human rights violations and international crimes against the Palestinian people. In a statement to The Derry News, Michael Doherty of Gaels against Genocide said: As the largest sporting organisation in Ireland, the GAA must show leadership in this time of genocide. It cannot continue with a business as usual approach or allow itself to be used for social washing by Allianz. As a main sponsor of the GAA, Allianz presents itself as socially responsible and ethical. This masks the reality of their business activities in respect of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The full text of the open letter read: A Ardstiurthoir, Further to our recent correspondence and joined now by prominent members from across the Association, we hereby call on the GAA to demonstrate its commitment to humanitarian law and cease its relationship with Allianz. Complicit in the Holocaust, Allianz is now enabling the genocide of the Palestinian people. Professor Feldman referred to Allianzs disturbingly casual disregard for human suffering in the Nazi era.. Kurt Schmitt, Director General of Allianz became a Minister for the Third Reich. Allianz provided insurance for the facilities and workers in concentration camps. It deprived many Jewish customers of the proceeds from their insurance policies and funneled the money to the Third Reich. As a result of the Companys support for the Nazi regime, the New York Jets and Giants ended talks with Allianz for the naming rights of their new stadium due to the public outcry. The estimated deal was worth $30 million p.a. Allianz declared that it had atoned and claims that it is committed to international human rights and to ensuring that it is not complicit in human rights abuses. According to the recent UN report: 'Economy of occupation to economy of genocide', Allianz is now enabling the genocide of the Palestinian people. Elbit Systems is one of the biggest suppliers of military weaponry to Israel. Allianz insures Elbit systems and is described as a principal shareholder. On 1 August 2024, Elbit was awarded a contract of approximately $340 million for the supply of ammunition to the Israeli regime. In the 1st quarter of 2025, 32% + of Elbits revenue came from Israel as a direct result of the genocide. Since October 2023, Allianzs asset management subsidiary PIMCO has purchased $960 million in Israeli war bonds. These bonds play a critical role in funding the genocide, illegal occupation and genocide. Allianz holds at least $7.3 billion in shares and bonds implicated in the illegal occupation and genocide. The UN Special rapporteur urges corporate entities to promptly CEASE all business activities and terminate relationships directly linked with, contributing to and causing human rights violations and international crimes against the Palestinian people. You will be keenly aware that women and children account for the majority of those murdered by the genocidal Israeli regime. Gaza has the highest number of child amputees in the world and thousands of children have been orphaned. Starvation is rampant while stockpiles of humanitarian aid are close by. We hereby request that the GAA promptly cease the relationship with Allianz. In a statement to The Derry News, a spokesperson for Allianz said: "Our long-standing partnership with the GAA is about supporting Irish sport and communities. Allianz Ireland is part of a global group, and while the wider group operates internationally across insurance and investment, as a matter of principle we do not comment on individual customers or business matters. "What we can say is that all Allianz business decisions are guided by strict legal standards and world-leading ESG principles. The company also said it would not be providing any further comment beyond this. Irelands Future board members Professor Colin Harvey and Andree Murphy took part in the discussion Irelands Future: Border Poll 2030 as part of Feile Derry 2025. The event which took place on Friday afternoon was hosted by Culturlann Ui Chanain in the city. Colin Harvey is Professor of Human Rights Law in the Queens University, Belfast School of Law. His work focuses on human rights in a British-Irish context. He also has an interest in the human rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and the relationship to debates around citizenship, membership and belonging. Opening the discussion, Prof Harvey gave an overview of Irelands Future - what it was about and the organisation. Irelands Future evolved from post-Brexit conversations that were happening here, discussions and concerns about rights issues, worries and anxieties people were having about what Brexit meant for people, he said. It was absolutely clear from those discussions that there needed to be a focus on constitutional change as part of that conversation and Irelands Future then evolved out of those discussions and I think that is important, added Prof Harvey, because there is something new and unique about the organisation We are a civil society organisation and in some ways, there has been nothing quite like us before because we are a campaigning organisation which focuses on achieving constitutional change on the island of Ireland. I want to start by commending everyone who has been involved in our conversations so far. Thank you for your participation and engagement. We have really appreciated the support down the years. Irelands Future has held a large number of public events, meetings, we have produced publications, policy documents and serious, credible and excellent proposals that we recommend to you. We have had events in the Waterfront Hall. I think that Waterfront Hall event will eventually come to be seen as a historic moment on this island. [We have also held events in] Ulster Hall, Three Arena, SSE. We have also had public meetings in Sligo, Cork, Galway and Armagh, said Prof Harvey. Irelands Future has also had what he described as dedicated policy conversations on health, economics, labour issues. The trade union movement and others have been involved in thinking in detail about all those specific areas, said Prof Harvey. He added: We have produced focused proposals. Our Ireland 2030 document, which we launched last year, was shaped by dialogue, including with a broad range of political parties. For example, we sat in the Oireachtas with 11 political parties on the island of Ireland around the proposals we were putting forward, and that helped shape our Ireland 2030 document. It is fair to say, we have engaged with thousands and thousands and thousands of people online and in person. We are very conscious of being part of a broader, deeper, wider and inclusive civic and political movement on the island of Ireland for constitutional change. We are all part of a bigger picture. I think we have helped. Irelands Future has put the constitutional change conversation centre stage on the island of Ireland and internationally. It is no coincidence that for every interviewer, journalist, the key question is about the future of this island. It is also no coincidence we are helping to close the gap. In a number of polls it has been clear that the gap between the pro Union and pro Unity sides is closing, said Prof Harvey. Having put this discussion centre stage and made sure this is a mainstream conversation on the island and everywhere, we are moving into the next phase, he added. And, let me put this in headline terms, over the next 10 years, we are moving to a position on the island of Ireland, where a winnable border poll is possible. Andree Murphy is deputy director of Relatives for justice which provides advocacy and therapeutic support for the bereaved and injured of the conflict. With an MA in International Human Rights Law, her particular expertise and research on women by conflict trauma has seen her provide evidence to the UN in Geneva and Congressional hearings in the US. Ms Murphy is also a columnist for Belfast Media Group, Addressing the audience Ms Murphy said while Irelands Future was formed in the context of Brexit, it was also formed in the context of the post Brexit exposing of a particularly pernicious Westminster rule. Initially we were called civic nationalism and over a period of time how that has changed is indicative of how the conversation about constitutional change has changed, she said. Some of the stuff we are most proud of is the big, publicity driven events; those documents that are of enormous substance and have had contributions from right across the board - academic, political and civic spaces; but in particular, I am proud of the conversations we have that make all of that possible. When we started, there was no doubt that there was even an argument about the legitimacy of even having this conversation. Is it going to make trouble to talk about constitutional change? The people involved in it were more than attacked for creating these spaces. And over time, the people who maybe were a bit worried about it, they are now absolutely at the heart and centre of discussing how we do this conversation and what the outcome of this conversation is going to be, said Ms Murphy, who highlighted the involvement of the National Womens Council of Ireland and conversations which took place in the political sphere - in the Oireachtas Good Friday Agreement Implementation Committee. It went into the constitutional conversation last year and produced an incredibly important document which looks at and encourages all of the departments to work on a cross jurisdictional planning process for a border poll that is coming. The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Ruairi McHugh has announced details of a new series of Mayoral Tea Dances, welcoming residents from across the district to enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, and community spirit. The series will kick off with its inaugural event at the Guildhall on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Encouraging people from across the District to register to take part, Mayor McHugh said: "I am delighted to invite everyone to join us for our first tea dance of my Mayoral year and to register for their Guildhall Tea Dance ticket. "These tea dances are more than just an event; they are an important social outlet, particularly for our older residents. It is vital that we provide opportunities for people to come together, socialise, and enjoy themselves in some of our most beautiful and welcoming venues, combating loneliness and fostering a strong sense of community. "It's also a fantastic way to support my chosen charities for the year, -PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity and The Castlederg Patient Comfort & Terminally Ill Fund, two local organisations that do incredible work for our communities." The Guildhall will host four tea dances throughout the 2025-2026 season. Attendance at these events is open to all who have registered for and received a Guildhall Tea Dance Ticket. The full schedule for the Guildhall is as follows: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 (2.00pm - 4.00pm); Wednesday, December 10, 2025 (2.00pm - 4.00pm); Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2.00pm - 4.00pm) and Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (2.00pm - 4.00pm) In addition to the events at the Guildhall, there will be several special ticket-only tea dances held at other locations throughout the district to ensure wider participation. Information on how to request tickets for these events will be provided to all attendees who register for their Guildhall Tea Dance ticket. The schedule for the additional tea dances includes the following: - St Pats Hall, Strabane: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 (2.00pm - 4.00pm). Tickets will be available from November 25, 2025. The Alley Theatre in Strabane on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (2.00pm - 4.00pm) and St Davog's GAC, Aghyaran, Castlederg on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (2.00pm - 4.00pm). Tickets will be available from March 8, 2026. Admission to all tea dances is free of charge, with attendees encouraged to donate to the Mayors Charities at each event. READ NEXT: 'World On Your Doorstep' booklet launched in Derry Concluding the Mayor said he was looking forward to welcoming everyone to what promises to be a series of enjoyable and memorable occasions for the local community. For more information, please contact the Mayor's office at 02871376508 or via email at mayor@derrystrabane.com. For tickets to the Alley Theatre event, please contact 02871384444. Lessons from South Korea as Taiwan prepares AI basic law with clearly defined terms South Korea is set to implement the Basic Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Establishment of the Foundation for Trustworthiness (the AI Basic Act) in January 2026. However, following the bill's passage, numerous controversies have emerged, particularly regarding the definitions of various concepts and regulated entities. Industry observers emphasize that legislation must focus on promoting industrial development while avoiding imposing excessive obligations and responsibilities on businesses. First, it is essential to clearly understand the core functions of the AI Basic Act. The head of the AI legal system division at the Korea Legislation Research Institute (KLRI) explained that due to the rapid advancement of AI technology, many areas that are difficult to define precisely are included in the bill, making South Korea's AI Basic Act appear overly broad. The KLRI researcher noted that clarifying the regulatory level appropriate for the AI Basic Actas a basic law per seis critical. It is necessary to determine which parts should have their supervision delegated to other particular laws and how the basic law should coordinate with other legal frameworks. Given the extensive scope of the AI Basic Act itself, its formulation must consider how it can connect with other laws and the entire legal system. Therefore, there should be clear definitions of regulated subjects, but some ambiguity can remain within the scope of obligations and responsibilities to allow minimal operational flexibility. Including excessively detailed controls in subordinate laws or guidelines could lead to overregulation. A professor from Hanyang University pointed out that South Korea's AI Basic Act establishes three main regulatory criteria: high-impact AI based on application domains, high-performance AI based on computational volume, and generative AI based on functional characteristics. Possible issues with the AI Basic Act Each criterion alone is not highly stringent, but if two or all three apply simultaneously, it will result in overlapping controls and excessive burdens. Notably, South Korea classifies AI-regulated parties simply into "developers" and "users." This simplistic categorization places all obligations on AI businesses (both developers and users) without considering differences in their roles and capabilities. For example, for high-impact AI systems that significantly affect human life, safety, or constitutionally protected fundamental rights, both developers and users must first assess whether the AI qualifies as high-impact. They are required to conduct prior impact assessments, fulfill transparency obligations (such as informing users in advance that services operate based on AI), and ensure safety and reliability throughout the service lifecycle. If transparency obligations are violated, fines up to KRW30 million (approx. US$21,657) may be imposed, along with requirements for data submission, onsite inspections, corrective actions, and suspension orders to enforce compliance. The professor believes the core philosophy of the AI Basic Act is balancing development and regulation by prioritizing trust in AI to secure national competitiveness. However, the basic act, as it currently stands, may struggle to achieve this balance. A lawyer similarly highlighted that the responsibility for fulfilling the transparency obligation of "prior notice"whether it lies with the developers or usersremains unclear. Implementing the law as it is now could trigger contractual disputes. Additionally, the definition of "user" is ambiguous. Taking medical diagnostic systems as an example, stakeholders include developers who create CT and MRI analysis software, manufacturers integrating these functions into medical devices, hospitals and physicians using the equipment for diagnosis, and patients who are directly affected. Yet, no clear delineation exists as to who qualifies as the "user." Overall, South Korea's AI Basic Act still faces significant controversy over key aspects such as defining regulated entities, allocating responsibilities, and determining regulatory scope. Looking ahead, Taiwan must strive to establish a clear and predictable regulatory framework when drafting related AI laws to avoid vague provisions that cause disputes or stifle industrial innovation. Article edited by Jack Wu 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. Kenmec partners with Germany's Neura Robotics to automate semiconductor back-end processes Kenmec Mechanical Engineering has entered into an exclusive agency agreement with German humanoid robot startup Neura Robotics to enhance intelligent in-factory logistics, with an initial focus on automating semiconductor back-end processes. The partnership aims to provide automation solutions to address labor-intensive tasks in packaging and testing. Kenmec chairman Kevin Hsieh said the collaboration enables the company to complete the last mile in intelligent logistics manufacturing, positioning Kenmec to support semiconductor customers in gaining early operational advantages. Kenmec president Chih-Chun Ko emphasized that while front-end semiconductor manufacturing is highly automated, back-end processes remain largely manual due to the diversity and irregularity of items handled, presenting challenges and high labor costs in certain regions. Kenmec's approach combines its expertise in automated guided vehicles (AGV) and autonomous mobile robots (AMR) with Neura's robotic arms equipped with visual and voice control capabilities. These arms, capable of precise identification and handling of scattered objects, deliver materials directly to equipment stations, effectively replacing manual labor and enhancing operational efficiency. This is especially relevant for semiconductor plants located in Europe, the US, Japan, and elsewhere. The cooperation reflects a strategic integration of Kenmec's field application experience in smart manufacturing and logistics with Neura's AI robotics and perception technologies. Their collaboration extends further by incorporating Germany's Schunk dexterous hand technology, resulting in a multinational ecosystem that enables seamless interaction among AGVs, AI robotic arms, and precision handling tools. Ko projected that Kenmec expects semiconductor-related orders and revenue to more than double year-on-year by 2025, driven by strong sector demand. The company plans to launch the collaboration's solutions in Taiwan initially before expanding to overseas markets, particularly targeting Taiwanese manufacturers establishing operations in the US and Southeast Asia. The localized automation offerings aim to mitigate labor shortages and high labor costs, helping clients maintain competitive advantages globally. Kenmec is known for customized smart system integration, project management, and recently advancing humanoid robots through its self-developed AGF unmanned transport vehicle technology. Neura Robotics' product line includes the humanoid robot 4NE-1, service robot MiPA, AI cognitive arm MAiRA, and AI collaborative arm LARA. Neura also develops the Neuraverse platform, designed to connect global developers, data, and applications to support real-time simulation, scalable AI models, and device ecosystems for intelligent automation research and development. Kenmec and Neura complement each other's technology to advance semiconductor smart manufacturing opportunities On August 20, Kenmec Mechanical Engineering signed an exclusive agency cooperation agreement with German humanoid robot startup Neura Robotics. Kenmec Chairman Hsieh Ming-kai stated that this collaboration enables Kenmec to complete the last mile in intelligent in-factory logistics manufacturing, positioning it strategically to help semiconductor clients seize early advantages. Kenmec General Manager Chih-chun Ko further explained that their partnership will initially focus on providing automation solutions for the semiconductor back-end processes. Although front-end semiconductor manufacturing is already highly automated, back-end stages such as packaging and testing still rely heavily on manual labor due to diverse objects and irregular shapes. This not only consumes time and effort but also becomes a significant burden in regions with high labor costs. Kenmec's solution integrates its expertise in automated guided vehicles (AGV) or autonomous mobile robots (AMR) with Neura's robotic arms equipped with perception capabilities. These robotic arms feature visual and voice control functions, enabling precise identification and handling of scattered items, delivering them directly to equipment stations. This effectively replaces traditional manual labor and significantly enhances overall operational efficiencyespecially valuable for semiconductor manufacturers operating plants in Europe, the US, Japan, and other locations. The cooperation between Kenmec and Neura goes beyond a simple agency relationship, representing a deep complementary synergy based on their respective strengths. First, it is a perfect fusion of experience and technology. Kenmec contributes extensive "field application experience" accumulated in smart manufacturing and logistics, while Neura provides "AI robotics and perception technology." The combination of these two core elements forms a comprehensive solution. Second, they are building a multinational, multi-party ecosystem. This solution extends beyond just Kenmec and Neura, incorporating Germany's Schunk precision dexterous hand technology. Such cross-border and cross-domain technological integration allows seamless collaboration among AGVs, AI robotic arms, and dexterous hands, creating an automated system capable of handling the most complex tasks. Ko revealed that Kenmec expects more than double year-on-year growth in both semiconductor orders and revenue by 2025. This robust momentum mainly stems from strong demand within the semiconductor sector. These impressive figures not only validate Kenmec's forward-looking strategy but also demonstrate how cooperation with Neura will rapidly translate into tangible benefits. Kenmec plans to start from Taiwan and gradually expand this successful model overseas. Besides focusing on Southeast Asia, they specifically target Taiwanese companies establishing factories in the US and other regions, offering localized automation solutions to address challenges like labor shortages and high labor costs, thereby helping maintain competitiveness in global markets. Kenmec excels in customized smart system integration and project management, assisting clients in implementing applications such as smart warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, and airborne semiconductor transport. In recent years, they have leveraged self-developed AGF unmanned transport vehicle technology to promote humanoid robots toward practical use as a new generation of intelligent hubs. Germany's Neura Robotics product line includes the humanoid robot 4NE-1, the service robot MiPA, AI cognitive arm MAiRA, and AI collaborative arm LARA. They are advancing the Neuraverse development platform to integrate global developers, data, and applications, providing real-time field simulation, scalable apps, AI models, and device ecosystems to create a one-stop R&D environment for intelligent automation. Article edited by Jack Wu Ainos unveils world's first AI Nose module, digitizing smell for transformative industrial and medical applications Artificial intelligence (AI) has already transformed how machines see and hear, and the next frontier is smell. US-based olfaction technology developer Ainos has introduced the world's first commercial AI Nose module, featuring globally patented technology and a proprietary Smell Language Model (SLM) that enables machines to analyze odor with human-level precision. The device was recently demonstrated at Automation Taipei 2025, held August 2023 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, marking its official entry into the industrial and medical markets. Converting odors into actionable data Odors, difficult for humans to precisely describe, can now be digitized through Ainos' AI Nose. The portable, cloud-connected device uses its patented SLM framework to convert volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and complex odor signatures into structured, machine-readable data. This innovation opens new application possibilities across semiconductor manufacturing processes, smart factories, hospitals, environmental monitoring, and other sectors where subtle changes in air composition directly impact quality, safety, or compliance standards. Technical core: Sensors, cloud AI, and portability The core of the AI Nose module lies in integrating multi-sensor arrays with cloud-based AI analytics to detect trace-level VOCs and complex odor profiles. Its design emphasizes portability and cloud connectivity, enabling rapid deployment across diverse environments. The potential applications of the AI Nose span a wide range of industries. In semiconductor manufacturing, it can monitor odors during production to safeguard both quality and safety. In hospitals, the technology offers support for infection control by detecting subtle scent indicators linked to hygiene risks. Within smart manufacturing, it serves as a safeguard against harmful gas leaks, helping maintain a secure working environment. And in the realm of environmental management, the AI Nose provides a tool for tracking air pollution and unpleasant odors, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. SaaS subscription model Additionally, Ainos is extending its innovation beyond hardware by introducing a SmellTech-as-a-Service (SaaS) subscription model. This allows customers to gain continuous cloud-based software upgrades, AI model enhancements, and customized analytical reports, enabling ongoing value creation. This approach positions the AI Nose not just as a detection tool, but as an evolving data platform capable of adapting to specific customer needs over time. Market potential in semiconductors and beyond Initial commercialization will focus on semiconductor manufacturers, where maintaining stringent environmental controls is critical for yield and reliability. According to Ainos Chairman and CEO Eddy Tsai, the AI Nose represents a major advancement in AI-driven sensing technologies, bridging industrial requirements with untapped market opportunities. While the semiconductor sector provides the first deployment base, Ainos is expected to leverage the platform's adaptability for expansion into broader medical, smart manufacturing, and environmental applications. Article edited by Jack Wu Subscriber content preview SEATTLE A century-old Belltown apartment building at 306 Blanchard St. sold this week for $19 million, according to King County records. The seller was Cornelius Apartments LLC, associated with Private Portfolio Group and Pillar Communities, which acquired the property in 2016 for about $29.5 million. The buyer was 306 Blanchard LLC, which is associated with local investors. Public records indicate an over $14.2 million loan from Sound Community Bank. . . . The Patrick Kavanagh Centre in association with the Patrick Kavanagh Society and SoFFt Productions have announced Kavanagh Weekend 2025. It will take place over three days between Friday September 26th and Sunday September 28th 2025 in The Patrick Kavanagh Centre and The Round Tower Church in Inniskeen. The Kavanagh Weekend 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of literature, music, and community, with a stellar lineup of events and performances. Headlining the festival is concertina virtuoso Cormac Begley and Michael Gallens Sudden Wells, setting the stage for a weekend rich in creativity. Festival highlights include the screening of Three Irish Writers, followed by a panel discussion with Frank McNally, John Connell, and Pat McCabe. The Saturday evening will also see the much-anticipated return of the music session curated by The Cobblestone at McNellos. Artist Dani Larkin joins as Artist-in-Residence, hosting numerous events throughout the weekend, including an offsite storytelling and music gathering at Brehon Brewhouse. Colm Keegan will inspire audiences with a series of poetry workshops, culminating in the announcement of the prestigious Kavanagh Poetry Award and the book launch of The Monsters Back. Read Next: Gardai seize e-scooter after rider caught doing wheelies in Dundalk town centre Following last years magical opening event, the Friday evening Procession of Light led by the Armagh Rhymers returns. New this year, The Rhymers will also lead a straw making and Performance workshop. With such a vibrant programme, Kavanagh Weekend 2025 is set to be a truly unmissable celebration of culture, creativity, and community in the heart of Inniskeen. Tickets can be bought: patrickkavanaghcentre.ticketsolve.com Weekend ticketing discounts are available. Contact Patrick Kavanagh Centre for details. Dundalk Womens Shed is inviting women from Dundalk and the surrounding areas to a free pop up Summer Coffee Morning on Monday 25 August at 10.30-11.45 in their usual meeting place, Wellington Hall St Marys Road A91 XH21. Don't forget to wear your favourite summer sunhat! The group wants to let people know about their September programme for Mondays and about an interesting event they are taking part in to open their autumn programme on the weekend of 6-7 September. Dundalk Womens Shed is open to women of all ages over 18. They meet every Monday in Wellington Hall and offer a programme of interesting talks, exercise, dance, and new therapies. They also offer a walking club, book club and scrabble club. They organise excursions and regularly have a party and lots of fun! Members can go when they like and just pay a small entrance fee to cover coffee and the costs for the meeting. Read also: Womens Wellness event at Dundalk's Creative Spark Dundalk Womens Shed was set up in September 2022 and now has a membership of over 80 women. On average 50 meet up each week and have a lively morning where they learn new things, find out what is going on in the town and in Louth, meet new people and make new friends. Their members say: It makes a great start to my week I have made so many new friends at the Shed I never knew there was so much going on in the town and so many services to avail of" So head along and meet up with old members and new and get ready to enjoy an exciting September programme with Dundalk Womens Shed. It is open to women over 18 from the town and the surrounding areas of Louth. For further information see www.facebook.com/DundalkWomensShed or call 087 0009890/086 8241514. From hundreds of entries, the shortlists for this years AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize have been announced by the National Gallery of Ireland, with a Louth entrant making the shortlist. Dundalk native Miseon Lee has been shortlisted for the AIB Portrait Prize along with 25 other artists from across the country with her piece Blues, a work in oil on linen. The AIB Portrait Prize shortlist includes paintings, video and photography by artists from across the country. The winner of the AIB Portrait Prize will receive a cash prize of 15,000 and will be commissioned to create a work for the National Portrait Collection, for which they will be awarded a further 5,000. Two additional awards of 1,500 will be given to highly commended works. Judges for the AIB Portrait Prize are Gareth Reid, artist; Professor Emily Mark-FitzGerald, Professor in the School of Art History & Cultural Policy in UCD; and Dr Barbara Dawson, Director of the Hugh Lane Gallery. The AIB Young Portrait Prize returns for its seventh year in 2025, showcasing the artistic talent of young people aged eighteen and under. Five winners (one from each respective age category and an overall winner) will be selected from the shortlist. Winners will receive a bespoke art box and a cash prize. The overall competition winner will be awarded a personalised wooden box of high-quality art materials and a cash prize of 500. This years AIB Young Portrait Prize judges are Cian OBrien of COBA: Cian OBrien Arts; Neil-Jack (Alphonsus) Hamilton, artist; and Alice Rekab, artist. Exhibitions of the shortlisted works in both competitions will be on display in the Portrait Gallery (Room 23) in the National Gallery of Ireland from 8 November 2025 15 March 2026. The winners of the Prizes will be announced at a ceremony held in the National Gallery of Ireland on 25 November 2025. The Gallery is delighted to partner with Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny and Waterford Gallery of Art to present the AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize 2025. Following the exhibitions at the National Gallery of Ireland, the works will travel to Letterkenny from 4 April to 20 June 2026, and to Waterford from 18 July to 11 October 2026. Dr Caroline Campbell, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, said, Were thrilled to continue our collaboration with AIB on the annual AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize. Watching entries arrive and the shortlist be announced for the competitions is a highlight of our year every year. "Were excited for the exhibitions to open here at the Gallery in November and happy that audiences in Donegal and Waterford will have a chance to see these works close to home at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny and Waterford Gallery of Art in 2026. Colin Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of AIB, said, Irish Portraiture holds a valuable place in our cultural tapestry. The AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize capture a moment in time in Irish society and are a reflection of our people, our stories and our history. "These Portraits demonstrate the wonderful creativity and talent of portrait artists of all ages in communities across the country. Last year I had the pleasure of meeting the entrant artists and seeing their work. AIB is very proud to once again sponsor these competitions and I am delighted to see the inspiring works that artists have produced this year. Find out more at www.nationalgallery.ie Marty Morrissey is encouraging people across Louth to get behind a major national fundraiser supporting the angels in Irelands hospices. The Gaelic games broadcaster said he is conscious of his own mortality and would like to receive hospice care in his final days, having witnessed it first-hand. He was speaking as ambassador for Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, the annual charity partnership which has raised 47.6million for hospice care since 1992. The fundraiser, organised by Together for Hospice, takes place nationwide on September 25. My lust for life is as strong today as it was when I was 22 or 23, the RTE commentator said. But as you get older, youre far more conscious of getting blood tests done, dreading the results but hoping everything is fine. It is the circle of life, all we can do is hope that we can put it (death) off for as long as we can. Im in no rush to get to the other side! Morrissey said he personally witnessed the compassion shown by hospice staff when relatives received palliative care in the past. I thought it was amazing. Anyone who has visited a loved one in a hospice will be aware of the serenity, peace and joy the good feeling that a loved one is being really well minded. The work being done by nurses and care staff is truly incredible, they are a gift from God, they are angels. If I was heading into my final days, I would like that for myself and for my family. What Im trying to do as ambassador, in a very small way, is to support the people who do it, and I am urging everyone in Louth to go to hospicecoffeemorning.ie and get involved. Anne Newell, Treasurer, North Louth Hospice Homecare, said: Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, one of our longest and most-loved fundraisers, is now in its 33rd year raising funds for Hospice in-patient and community services around Ireland. Right across Ireland, we are asking everyone to celebrate our countless coffee morning hosts, who give so selflessly of their time and energy in their local communities. This support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, greatly improving care for patients with life-limiting illness. Read Next: Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly to visit Dundalk Col Campbell of Bewleys Ireland, said the company is honoured to again support the event, recognised as the countrys most successful charity partnership. Bewleys, an iconic Irish brand, was founded on the strong principle of caring for people and communities, which ties in perfectly with the ethos of Together For Hospice. We encourage everyone to host or attend a coffee morning, wherever they are in Ireland, to help support the incredible work that hospices nationwide carry out every day. Uisce Eireann is encouraging customers in Louth to sign up for its free text alert service as it says it is ramping up investment in Irelands water infrastructure to what they call "unprecedented levels." Planned capital investment of over 10 billion over the next five years in areas such as leakage reductions, repairs to bursts and outages, and treatment plant upgrades will see hundreds of live projects underway in every corner of Ireland. The company say this will lead to major improvements in water quality, security and resilience; however short-term disruptions are inevitable as a result, and staying informed is essential. By signing up to the free text service, customers can receive real-time updates tailored to their area, helping them prepare for any interruptions. To date over 250,000 people have signed up to the service, and are benefiting from up-to-the-minute information about their water supply. But with almost two million homes and businesses served by Uisce Eireann, the company are encouraging everybody to sign up so they can keep them informed and updated. The service provides alerts on water outages, boil water notices, and other supply interruptions expected to last longer than four hours. Whether planned or unplanned, these alerts are delivered directly to your phone. Since the service was launched in 2024, over one million text alerts have been issued, providing information to customers across Ireland. Geoffrey Bourke, Head of Customer Operations with Uisce Eireann, said: Replacing and upgrading Irelands water infrastructure is a national priority, and we fully recognise that this work can result in temporary water outages and supply interruptions. Our text alert system allows us to communicate directly with customers throughout Louth, helping them understand the scale of the work and the potential impacts. I strongly encourage everyone to sign up and stay connected with us as we continue this unprecedented programme of upgrades. Read Next: Kavanagh Weekend to feature three days of literature and music in Inniskeen Over 250,000 people have already signed up and are benefiting from timely updates. A prime example is the recent upgrade of the Ballymore Eustace to Saggart mains pipe. Over a 28-hour period, a dedicated crew undertook the largest ever pipe repair in Ireland. The risk to water outages was high, and Uisce Eireann ensured that affected families and businesses were notified in advance via text alerts, received timely updates, and were encouraged to conserve water. This proactive communication helped communities stay informed and prepared. We are urging everybody to join them and stay informed about your local water supply. Customers can sign up by visiting https://www.water.ie and entering their Eircode and mobile number. The service is free and available to all households and businesses. You can also sign up on behalf of loved ones to ensure they receive timely updates. Tributes have poured in for a young man who tragically died in a single vehicle collision in Cork. Gardai in Cork said a fatal single vehicle road traffic collision occurred at 6:50 am this morning on Wednesday 20th August 2025 on the M8 (J18) road Southbound, Upper Riverstown, Glanmire, Co. Cork. Billy O'Grady was from Pitch View, Shanballymore in Cork and passed away peacefully in Cork University Hospital on August 20th 2025 surrounded by his loving family following the road traffic accident. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his heart broken parents, brothers and sister, his grandparents Frankie and Reenie Butler, uncles; Jerry, Daniel, James, Keith and Nathan, niece Ava, his partner Chloe, Jordan's partner Laura, gran uncles, gran aunts, extended family, relatives, kind neighbours and a large circle of friends. The O' Grady family gave a special word of thanks to all those that helped and supported both Billy and his family including the First Responders and Ambulance crew, the Fire Brigade, An Garda Siochana in particular Guard Vincent Geurin and Guard Eric Stafford, the doctors, nurses and staff of A&E and ICU in Cork University Hospital. READ NEXT: IN PICTURES: Funeral of Irish designer Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra takes place in native Carlow The support, compassion and empathy shown to the family was greatly appreciated. In a tribute post on Facebook, St Dominic's GAA club said: "Hello everyone, Today we learned with great sadness the heartbreaking news that weve lost one of our former players, Billy OGrady, in a tragic accident. This is a terrible shock for all of us. Billy was more than just a player; he was a friend and a vital part of our club family. We will truly miss his presence and his dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time". Heartfelt messages have been left on RIP.ie and social media for the young man, with one mourner writing, "What a sad end to a promising young life...whole life ahead of him..... so heartbreaking, condolences to all the family at this tragic time". State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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The long handle is useful because the pot is placed directly on the stove and as it brews, it is moved on and off the heat a few times until we get the texture we want. Izzeddeen explains how you then add two heaped teaspoons of ground coffee into a 300ml pot and top with hot water to two centimetres from the top. The moment it starts boiling, a crema appears on the surface. If you dont want the crema, shallow stir until it disappears. I prefer it with the crema, so I let it rise, then take it off the heat. Wait a minute or two for the solids to settle in the bottom of the pot. A tray of traditional Palestinian coffee served alongside dates, showcasing the authentic way to enjoy the rich flavours, at Izz Alkarajehs cafe in Cork City. Picture Chani Anderson. The first cup is the best, with most of the crema, and is served to the oldest or most prestigious person in the meeting. The last cup has the most solids, so people avoid it. If you get the last cup from the pot, you know where you stand! Never drink the whole cup. Sip to a third from the bottom, leave the rest, and avoid the solids in the bottom of the cup, he added. Izzeddeen said they prepare coffee without sugar because they believe sugar changes the chemistry of coffee, so you dont get the best quality cup. To compensate the bitterness, we serve it with sweet dates. My first day in the Dail was a wonderfully joyful occasion, says Taoiseach Micheal Martin. My late father and mother, Paddy and Lana, both came up, the family, friends, a lot of canvassers, we had more people than were allowed, so we just had to keep on trying to use every mechanism and manoeuvre we could to get people in. Not everyone could get in to the visitors gallery but they were all over Leinster House, in the restaurant, in cubbyholes and everything else, they had a great day. All I remember is ushers saying to me Jesus, youve people all over the place. A member of Cork City Council since 1985, Mr Martin had first stood for the Dail in 1987 and failed to be elected. Two years later, Charles Haughey decided to call a snap election after his minority government lost a private members vote on the provision of a trust fund for haemophiliacs infected with HIV through contaminated blood supplied by the health service. At that time, Mr Martin notes, private members votes were taken a lot more seriously than they are today, and the election presented the young Turners Cross councillor with a decision. I had got engaged in January, 1989, so I had a choice to make personally whether Id run or not, and I obviously wanted to run to keep my name in the hat for the future, but I didnt actually think Id get elected in 89. The party ran the same ticket as 1987, with TDs Batt OKeeffe and John Dennehy again joined by Mr Martin and Barry Cogan, and a strong campaign saw Mr Martin elected. Part of the extended Martin entourage on that first day was his nephew Padraig junior, infant son of the new TDs twin brother Padraig. He was the only member of the younger generation at the time, were many, many nephews and nieces and first cousins later now, but he was the first to get into Leinster House with me. He was a very young baby, I remember there was constant vigilance on the nappy question. Mr Martins then fiance Mary OShea was working in Fianna Fail headquarters at the time, and he was on the partys national executive, meaning they were both familiar with Leinster House, but he says he has never forgotten signing for the first time the formal register of elected TDs. Now, as a keen student of history, and I would have a tremendous sense of history, I considered it a great honour, as I was conscious of the honour that was bestowed upon me, because I was fascinated with Irish independence, the first Dail, the second Dail, the third Dail, I did a thesis on the whole period of 1918 to 1932 involving Cork politics, he says. I was very, very conscious of all that and considered it a great honour, and undertook to, whenever I could, and with the greatest dignity I could, to always respect the office and always respect the position. Ive always been a passionate parliamentarian ever since. He offers a substantial postscript, recalling his role in the formation of the historic coalition formed between Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats (PDs) in the wake of the 1989 general election. He actually lost some seats and the Progressive Democrats did well, and I remember getting a phone call from Charles Haughey [asking] did I know and could I talk to Pearse Wyse and others. Mr Wyse, a former Fianna Fail lord mayor of Cork first elected to the Dail in 1965 in the then Cork Borough constituency and an opponent of Mr Haughey, had joined the PDs in 1986, and had held his seat in 1987 and 1989. Paddy Martin advised his son that a good man to talk to Mr Wyse would be Cork South-West TD Joe Walsh, a senior Fianna Fail member in Cork who would later that year serve as minister for food and, in future governments, as minister for agriculture. The call was made, and Mr Martin recalls smiling a couple of weeks later at a piece of political gossip. Joe was seen coming out of a back door in PD headquarters, and he became one of the mediators in the formation of that government. I was chuffed with that. Mairin Quill was elected [for the PDs in Cork North Central] to that Dail as well. We all became very friendly afterwards, even though things were tense at the time. At his first ever parliamentary party meeting, the Cork South Central TD spoke passionately in favour of a coalition government, arguing that Fianna Fail had always moved with the times and couldnt be wedded to a no coalitions core value. A lot of people were against going into coalition, but I said we owe it to the country to form a government, and that has always been my mantra, right up to the present day. You have to deal with the election result as it is and you have an obligation to try and put a government together, particularly if you have the largest number of seats. It became the first Fianna Fail coalition government. I remember some older people who were against it saying whos this young upstart pontificating about the need to go into government?. At that time I was 29. In 1991, there was a reshuffle and speculation was rife that Mr Martin was going to be made a minister, something he says he didnt believe would happen then. (Any ministerial ambitions he had would have to wait until 1997, when Bertie Ahern would appoint him to the Department of Education.) Haughey actually apologised to me afterward for not appointing me, he brought me up to the office, and I was saying what are you apologising for?, he says. I later became lord mayor of Cork in 1992, which was far more [important] to us, we were thrilled with that, that was the best year of our life. Simon Harris: First elected to the Dail in 2011, when he was 24, Tanaiste Simon Harris describes as pretty nerve-racking his first day as a TD, when he had to make a maiden speech which was unlike most. Enda Kenny, who was about to become taoiseach, rang me, and he said to me: Dear Simon, unto you, as the youngest TD, does the honour fall to nominate me to be taoiseach! Usually, people give their maiden speech a couple of weeks into their time in the Dail, and often on a relatively minor matter, to ease yourself in a bit, but I was thrown into the full Dail chamber, packed press gallery, packed, live television, and I had to nominate Enda as taoiseach, he remembers. Before Mr Kenny was elected leader of the country, the outgoing taoiseach, Brian Cowen a decent person whom I very much admire as a human being had not sought re-election but as tradition dictates, he sat in the taoiseachs chair. This meant that, for some 30 minutes, Fine Gael sat on the opposition benches, the only time so far, Mr Harris notes the Greystones TD has ever been in opposition. The clip has made Reeling in the Years now, and every time I look at it I go How the hell did anyone let me out of the house like that? I clearly hadnt found a hair brush or hair product, he says, adding wryly that he hadnt any grey hair back then either. Mary Lou McDonald: Having previously served as an MEP in the cavernous European Parliament chamber, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald was first elected to the Dail in 2011, and she remembers being struck by just how small our national parliamentary chamber is. Like, you could nearly touch someone across the chamber if you had long arms and you were having a barney with them, she says. Sinn Fein enjoyed a good election that year, she remembers, returning what she says was a strong team. It was a mixture of excitement, apprehension, a real sense of the responsibility, and it was also great craic, she says. My kids were very young at the time, and they loved the novelty of being here in the big house and what was going on, so, yeah, a proud day, but excited, and nervous too. That was a great day, I remember, a great day. Ivana Bacik: Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik points out that she has had two first days in Leinster House, being first elected to Seanad Eireann in 2007, and being elected a TD for Dublin Bay South in 2021. My abiding memory of that first, first day is being heavily pregnant with my second daughter and trying to find a toilet, she remembers. I was one of very few women elected while expecting a baby, but it was a very exciting time and I was thrilled, it was a very happy and joyous day, but I was also quite physically aware of my condition. Her younger daughter is now 17, she says. My second first day, in July 2021, when I was first elected to Dail Eireann in a by-election, that was again very memorable, not just because of being a new TD, and that incredible honour, but because it was the height of covid. We were in the Convention Centre, which is utterly soulless, so it was all very peculiar, and because it was a by-election I was the only newbie, she says. It was a very bizarre experience, fully masked and very muffled. Im just so thrilled to have been re-elected in November. A very wise senior figure in Labour said to me Its an honour to be elected, but its a much bigger honour to be re-elected. Michael Collins: Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins was a busy undertaker and county councillor when he stood for election to the Dail in Cork South West in 2016 and he wasnt sure he would be elected. Its up to the public, and you just dont know. I was canvassing in Rosscarberry the week before that election. and this lady didnt know me at all, and she said: What do you do for a living? and I stopped for a while and I said: Next week, girl, I could be heading for Dail Eireann or I could be looking after the dead, its one or the other. He says that, despite that huge change, he was very focused on delivering for his constituency. While I did enter discussions that first time to form a government, I know pretty soon that it was placed for me to be in opposition for the greater good of people in West Cork initially, because prior to that we had three government TDs and people felt they were let down badly. I wanted to deliver for the people as a voice of the people, an opposition voice of the people, he adds. Holly Cairns: In February, 2020, when Holly Cairns first came through the gates of Leinster House as a TD for Cork South West, she was overheard to ask: Is this really happening? She had only been elected to Cork County Council for the Bantry-West Cork local electoral area the previous June, winning the last seat by a single vote, after several rechecks and a recount. Leader of the Social Democrats since 2023, Ms Cairns is currently on maternity leave. That morning five years ago, she told Stephanie Rohan of Oireachtas TV that her short journey to Dail Eireann had been a rollercoaster. She said she had brought her grandparents with her that day, as well as her mum and her cousin Poppy, adding an observation that many new parliamentarians have made, that the first day in Leinster House felt like starting in a new school. Holly Cairnss Dail election had seen her break Fine Gaels 59-year hold on a seat in Cork South-West, but she saw that as only the beginning. Unfortunately, Im the only female TD elected in Cork county, so I think that goes to show we have a lot of work to do, she noted, work which, as it turned out, would remain as yet unfinished in the November 2024 general election. Arriving at Leinster House can be intimidating for the new TD Crossing Kildare Street and walking through the gates of the national parliament as an elected member is an experience few enough people will ever get to know, but what must it feel like? The best analogy Ive ever come across compares it to the first day in secondary school, says broadcaster and journalist Gavan Reilly. The political correspondent for Virgin Media News and a regular presenter of The Tonight Show, he has literally written the book on the subject of Irelands national parliament, The Secret Life of Leinster House. Given that most parliamentarians learn their trade as local councillors, he says, they usually feel a certain discombobulation to be in what can feel like political big school. In most cases, you were in the same primary school for seven or eight or nine years beforehand, so you feel like you know the entire place, not only do you know where the staff room is, theres a fair chance youve been in the staff room a few times and you even know where things are, even in the rooms that you dont go to, you still have this innate familiarity with all of it, he says. And you go to the next place and you think a lot of it is going to be transferrable, and actually very little of your previous experience truly carries over. Perhaps the ability to interact with people is the same, regardless of whether you work in a local authority or the national parliament, he suggests, but the nature of the work is very different. And the sheer physical size of the place can be quite intimidating as well. I met a prominent female TD in one of the underground corridors a couple of summers ago, and it was her first time realising that there was an underground passageway that led from the proper Leinster House to some of the multi-storey extensions where some of the offices are. He adds that, despite being a TD of several years standing, she had not known that she did not have to brave the elements each time she moved between the various extensions, getting her hair blown every direction in the wind and the rain. That unfamiliarity with the parliamentary building in itself is quite common, he notes. It maybe a slightly superficial example of the transformation, but I think it neatly illustrates how byzantine not alone the complex can be, but also the customs, the formalities, the written rules, the unwritten rules, the general procedures and protocols that operate the whole thing. The things that no-one ever gives you a handbook about, and I think thats the biggest challenge that people find in Leinster House, he says. The establishment of the Cork city taskforce has already taken twice as long as it should have, and it must not be delayed any further, a Cork North Central TD has said. It comes as Tanaiste Simon Harris told The Echo in June that he would push for the establishment of a Cork city taskforce, after promising during the election campaign that Fine Gael would seek its creation within 100 days of Government, by the end of this year. Colm Burke, Fine Gael spokesperson for Cork, told The Echo that people are asking when this is to be delivered. A Dublin taskforce was established last year, and the government had promised to create one for Cork next, followed by other Irish cities. Mr Burke said: The Programme for Government clearly recognises the need for a dedicated task force for Cork City centre. This is something that Fine Gael also campaigned on in the 2024 General Election. We are now 200 days on, and this taskforce has yet to be put in place. People in Cork are rightly asking when this will be delivered. We urgently need to see its establishment. He continued: Across the county we are making progress on a number of fronts. The new hospital at Sarsfield Court, Glanmire is at design stage, and plans for new light rail, as well as commuter rail has been announced, with new commuter rail stations in areas such as Blackpool, Blarney and Tivoli. Now we must go one step further for our city centre with a dedicated plan on how we can grow and improve our city. This taskforce would be hugely beneficial in growing, developing and supporting businesses and residents in the Cork city centre. "It would consider the economic and social needs of the city and develop plans for positive development and transformation. He said that people have seen the difference it can make in Dublin, where government, local government and community stakeholders, work together and say, whats our common vision? Now that it has happened in Dublin, it needs to happen in Cork. Mr Burke explained that the population of Cork has increased substantially over the past 20 years, which brings new challenges for the city centre which require a fresh approach. I believe that the joined up thinking of a taskforce, bringing together local expertise from various different sectors would be incredibly beneficial. We must not delay any further in bringing this common vision to fruition. We need to see the Cork city taskforce made a priority. McDonalds has been granted permission for the construction of a single storey drive-thru restaurant in Carrigaline by Cork County Council. The council granted permission this week for what will be McDonalds twelfth Cork outlet, which will be adjacent to Aldi at Pottery Road, Carrigaline West. The plans also include a corral area, elevational signage, car parking including accessible parking spaces, grill bays, EV charging spaces, bicycle parking, a height restrictor, customer order points, signage and digital menu boards. There will be solar PV panels at roof level, an outdoor seating area with parasols, as well as lighting, a new vehicular and pedestrian accesses onto the existing secondary road and new pedestrian access onto Pottery Road with a new footpath. The granting of permission comes despite a few objections by locals, with one writing: There is growing international and Irish evidence linking fast-food access with poor health outcomes, particularly childhood obesity. Locating a 24-hour McDonalds within close proximity to homes and schools runs counter to Healthy Ireland goals and the HSEs own Childhood Obesity Action Plan. Concerns were also raised about increased littering in the area, noise levels and visual disturbance from signs late at night, and odours and emissions from cooking. The developer, McDonalds Restaurants of Ireland Ltd, carried out a range of assessments including environmental, noise impact, odour, traffic and flood risk and explained in their planning statement that there is not an oversupply of similar restaurants within the area and as such there are no concerns of proliferation. McDonalds said that the proposed development will encourage more activity and generate more jobs at the heart of Carrigaline at the current brownfield site. The proposed development will activate an undeveloped, centrally located site, thereby contributing to the town centres vitality. Additionally, due to the existing layout and planning of the surrounding area, no detrimental impact on residential amenities is anticipated, they said. Permission was granted subject to 20 conditions including that cutting or removal of trees, hedgerows and clearance of ground vegetation shall not be undertaken between March 1 and August 31 and that details of all external signage must be submitted to, and agreed in writing with the Planning Authority prior to the commencement of development. A judge has noted that two men who are allegedly part of a a Lithuanian organised crime gang operating in Cork city have waited a long time for DPP directions having first entered custody in March of this year. Jonas Pavilionis, aged 46, of no fixed abode, was previously charged with possessing 3,920 worth of heroin for sale and supply and with having a machete when he was arrested on March 25 in Douglas Village shopping centre in Cork city. He was also charged with having two bill hooks two days previously in Audley Place in Cork city. The allegation was that he was seen stashing them behind an electricity box. When Mr Pavilionis appeared before Cork District Court in March Dt Garda Ruairi McGovern objected to bail on the grounds that he (the accused) would be gone in two seconds. Det Garda McGovern said that Operation Fustian targeted this particular gang. He alleged that the accused only arrived in Ireland in January of this year and was brought here purely for the purpose of protection. Today at Cork District Court Sgt Gearoid Davis said that DPP directions were awaited for Mr Paviolionis and a second alleged member of the gang 33-year-old Karolis Guzauskas. Sgt Davis said that the investigation had involved a number of searches and that analysis was required from Forensic Science Ireland. Thirty devices were seized for analysis. There are a number of people before the courts. Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said that his client had asked him to apply to have the matter struck out. Judge Brendan OReilly told Mr Burke that he would have a a very well grounded application to have the matter struck out on the next occasion in the event of DPP directions not being available at that point. Mr Paviolionis and Mr Guzauskas were both further remanded in custody to appear before the court for DPP directions on September 3 next. Mr Guzauskas, of no fixed abode, was first before Cork District Court in March. He was charged with 12 counts of possession of Diamorphine (heroin) and 12 counts of having heroin for sale or supply. It was alleged that he sold heroin to undercover gardai in the Fitzgeralds Park and Mardyke area of Cork on five different occasions. Dt Garda Jeremy Murphy previously told the court that Mr Guzauskas was the victim of a serious assault on March 19 last. His right arm was in a plaster cast when he was first charged. Primary school teachers across Cork are being urged to register for this years round of the Blue Star Programme. Now in its 15th year, the initiative introduces pupils to the workings of the European Union and promotes a greater understanding of European democracy, languages, and cultures. Its curriculum includes cross-cultural activities, such as learning basic phrases in other European languages and celebrating European cultural days. Participating classes will also earn about European history, geography, culture, and the EU institutions. This year, pupils participating in the programme will also learn about Irelands presidency of the EU Council in 2026. Teachers can integrate the programme into their lesson plans and tailor EU projects to their classes aptitude and ability. As part of the programme, Fianna Fail Cork South West TD, Christopher O Sullivan, and Fine Gael Cork South West senator, Noel O Donnabhain, visited Gaeilscoil Dr Ui Shulleabhhain in Skibbereen. Ireland South MEP, Billy Kelleher, also visited Drimoleague National School in West Cork. Record To date, more than 1,300 schools and an estimated 220,000 pupils have participated in the programme, with a record 350 schools participating last year. Noelle OConnell, CEO of European Movement Ireland, said that there has never been a more exciting time for teachers and pupils to participate in the programme. Since the inception of the programme, it has taught thousands of pupils about the importance of the EU, and civic participation, along with fun facts about other member states. I encourage teachers across Ireland to register and Id like to thank all of the teachers for their commitment and dedication to the programme to date. Four elements To successfully complete the Blue Star Programme, participating schools must complete all of its four core elements, and hold an event to mark Europe Day on May 9 next. The programme is open to all primary school ages, with a separate version, Clar na Realta Goirme i nGaeilge, available for Gaeilscoileanna. Registration for the programme will be available until October 10, with European Movement Ireland encouraging schools to sign up as soon as possible. For more information, visit: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie. The chief executive of Cork Chamber has said that, while the publication of a new EU-US joint statement yesterday has provided welcome clarity for many in the business community, concerns regarding the impact on Irelands competitiveness remain. Conor Healy said that the inclusion of pharmaceuticals and semiconductors in the agreement is important given their key role in the Irish economy. The Taoiseach and Tanaiste both welcomed clarity on the EU-US trade deal, which sees the US commit to capping tariffs on pharma goods at 15%. Yesterday afternoon, Mr Healy said that a stable international trading environment was critical for economic growth and development, and the agreement provides that. The fact remains, however, that there will be a negative impact on the Irish economy, Irish business, and Irish consumers as a result of this new trading landscape. It is vital that the Irish Government, alongside EU partners, continues to advocate for more favourable trading conditions, as well as providing support for businesses and sectors most affected by the new trading reality, Mr Healy added. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the trade agreement represented a significant win for the EU, while Tanaiste Simon Harris said it offered an important shield for Irish exporters. The deal sees 15% tariffs on most EU goods including cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals entering the US. There are zero-for-zero tariffs on a number of products including aircrafts, some agricultural goods, and certain chemicals. Te trad music festival, Masters Of Tradition, opened yesterday in Bantry and runs to Sunday, August 24, celebrating Irish and international musicianship. The Ceolchoirm Runda (Secret Concert) on Whiddy Island today is already sold out, but there is another tomorrow at 12.30pm at St Brendans Church in Bantry town. At 3.30pm today in Marino Church, Martin Hayes will be in conversation with Kate Ellis of Crash Ensemble, while the first of the wonderfully atmospheric concerts in Bantry House takes place tonight with Peter Browne, Lucia & Maria, Nada ni Chuirrin, Brian Conway, and Brendan Dolan. So much more across the whole weekend. See https://www.westcorkmusic.ie/masters-of-tradition/ and dont miss a moment of one of the best weekends of the year! Something is also taking place down west right out on the Beara peninsula, in fact - tomorrow. The High Tide Club in Lehanmore is presenting Counting Swans, written by Conor Montague and performed by Kieran Kelliher and Conor himself. Its a tightly-crafted drama about a former all-Ireland hurler, now a broken hero, with a script that moves from tears to laughter, despondency to hope. One night only, though doors 7pm. Bookings: 086 1930 552 or at the door. Isnt it great to have live theatre out in Beara? The August Summer Series at City Limits - The Cork Comedy Club continues on Friday and Saturday with Paul Crowley and Micheal Roche tickling your ribs and creating laughter all round. Corkman Crowleys laconic style and easygoing manner blend brilliantly with Kerryman Micheal (The B) Roches killer punchlines. Doors 8pm, show 8.45pm. Tickets, www.thecomedyclub.ie, 085 257 3480, or on the door. Conor Moores Me, Myself, And Them is sold out at the Opera House tomorrow, but they persuaded him to do another show next Wednesday, August 27. Expect razor-sharp takes on GAA legends and pitch-perfect impressions of politicians. Coming up on Sunday night is an unmissable production of Humperdincks Hansel und Gretel, part of the celebrations for this great theatres 170th anniversary. Cork mezzo-soprano Niamh OSullivan (Hansel) and Wexford soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson (Gretel) are joined by Rory Dunne, Brid Ni Ghruagain and Emma Nash, with the Opera House Concert Orchestra conducted by Elaine Kelly. Directed by Davey Kelleher, this semi-staged performance of the ultimate fairytale opera is sung in German with English surtitles. Tickets are going fast. 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie. Gripping psychological thriller, The Girl On The Train, is enthralling audiences at the Everyman, but must end Saturday - 8pm nightly, plus Saturday matinee at 2pm. Next Wednesday, August 27, for one night, dance show Birds will premiere at Everyman ahead of its Dublin Fringe Festival run. Co-produced by Promenade, The Civic and The Everyman, in association with Circus Factory and Pitchd Circus & Street Arts Festival, it features highly innovative dance troupe, Kundle Cru. Breakdancing, juggling, Chinese pole and contemporary dance blend together to create a genre-defying show. See it here in Cork before anyone in Dublin! 021 450 1673 or www.everymancork.com. Dont forget Still Life at Cork Arts Theatre a rare chance to see the original Coward playlet that became Brief Encounter! From Welsh touring company Lighthouse, it packs so much drama and passion into 50 minutes. 1pm today and tomorrow, 8pm nightly until Saturday. Next Tuesday to Saturday, Getaway Outta That is billed as The Improv Summer Holiday Extravanganza from the team who brought us The Improvised Panto and Improvised Murder Mystery. Call 021 450 5624 or see www.corkartstheatre.com for more on that. James Glickenhaus is a filmmaker who emerged in the 1980s and infused exploitation cinema with a slick, high-octane edge. He delivered brutal vigilante justice, Cold War paranoia, and explosive action with unapologetic flair. His films werent polished; they were raw and relentless. Glickenhaus skilfully balanced indie grit with commercial appeal, all while maintaining his outsider edge. Triskel Cinema is bringing Cork audiences the chance to experience Glickenhauss work in New York! Action! Sleaze! James Glickenhaus Double Feature on Friday, August 22. Exploitation films, defined by their lurid content, loud style, and unapologetic rawness, established a distinct place in the history of cinema. Emerging in the 1960s and 1970s, these gritty, low-budget movies thrived on sensationalism and delved into taboo subjects. The 1980s witnessed a surge in exploitation cinema, characterised by even more intense violence, bolder themes, and significant cultural impact. Glickenhauss contribution to the genre is immense. Neil Jackson, Senior Lecturer in Film Studies at the University of Lincoln, is an expert in Glickenhauss work and will take part in a conversation about the director with Triskels Head of Cinema, Chris ONeill tomorrow. Jackson explains why people should take note of Glickenhauss films. Whether as a producer, director, or writer, James Glickenhaus should be counted as one of the key figures in the realm of exploitation cinema in the 1980s. He was heavily involved in this realm at a time when such films were making a gradual transition from theatrical distribution to the home video market. Jackson says that Glickenhauss film Tin Soldier far surpassed the Bond films which revolved around the Cold War. Several titles from his filmography such as The Exterminator and Blue Jean Cop have become firm fan favourites with a dedicated cult following, while I would argue that his cold-war secret agent thriller, The Soldier, is far superior to anything that the 007 producers were cynically churning out as Roger Moore came to the end of his tenure as James Bond. Business and creativity rarely meet successfully, but Jackson says that Glickenhaus was a skilful businessperson and a creative who managed to combine his two assets: his ability to balance the books and create top-notch action films. Glickenhaus never tried to hide behind any aspirations to art, and he was always honest about his status as a business-minded operator, but he still managed to create action-oriented work that belied budgets that were significantly lower than the Die Hard and Lethal Weapon movies that began to dominate the action market by the end of the 1980s. The lecturer says it is time that Glickenhauss contribution to film is recognised. A career length retrospective is long overdue, and this event at the Triskel is hopefully a small step towards encouraging that. Chris ONeill is excited to bring Glickenhauss work to Triskel. The Exterminator and Blue Jean Cop double feature at Triskel Arts Centre is a salute to the director James Glickenhaus, he said. He was an independent filmmaker who went into the business to make movies his own way, and he was able to do this throughout the 80s and into the 90s. ONeill says The Exterminator was Glickenhauss second feature film, and it was a huge international hit which begins with a bang, quite literally: the opening shot is of a man being flung through the air from an explosion. First and foremost, its an action thriller with shootings and explosions, but it also has a resistant and down-to-earth hero. Robert Ginty is great in the central role, the man they pushed too far, as the posters proclaimed, which gives the film some emotional depth. Its depiction of New York of 45 years ago is gritty and atmospheric; the film is truly a document of a very different time. The lead character, John Eastland, played by Ginty, is a Vietnam veteran who becomes a vigilante after his best friend is brutally attacked. The films strong Vietnam War trauma undertones make it both an action film and a commentary on post-war disillusionment. A scene from Blue Jean Cop. The film was controversial at the time of release due to the level of violence in the story. It was edited for release in some countries. The Triskel screening will show the original uncut version of the film. In an interview a few years ago, Glickenhaus explained his use of violence. It was a time in which violence was on everybodys mind, because of the war in Vietnam. And television and film had sanitised violence for a long time. But violence is pretty unpleasant, and I thought I had an obligation to portray it that way. The second film in the series is Blue Jean Cop, which ONeill says is one of his stand-outs from the genre. Blue Jean Cop is one of my personal favourite buddy action movies of the era: you have Peter Weller, who starred in Robocop, and Sam Elliott, who appeared in Roadhouse, going up against powerful, corrupt cops. There are plenty of action set pieces, plus a sharp and witty script for the two actors to bounce off one another. ONeill hopes film-goers will take advantage of this opportunity to see Glickenhauss work on the big screen. Not only are we screening both movies, but Neil Jackson and myself will be hosting an on-stage chat discussing them and the work of James Glickenhaus in general, and all for the price of one ticket. It should be a fun night. New York! Action! Sleaze! James Glickenhaus Double Feature plays in Triskel Cinema on Friday, August 22 - see www.triskelartscentre.ie. Tomas Doherty A wide range of stories feature across Thursday's newspaper front pages, including a potential Fianna Fail candidate entering the presidential race. The Irish Times reports that just 7 per cent of applicants to the Defective Concrete Block Scheme have had their homes remediated in the five years since the scheme opened. School pupils are falling for myths about sexual health and contraception because they are relying on social media and AI for information, a leading obstetrician has told the Irish Examiner. The Irish Independent says Fianna Fail could have presidential candidate on the pitch in the next 10 days. The Irish Daily Mail warns parents about laughing gas being marketed with vape-style flavours to children. The Irish Daily Mirror leads with coverage of the funeral of Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, who was found dead on a yacht in New York's Hamptons. A member of rap trio Kneecap faces a month-long wait to find out whether his terrorism charge will be thrown out, according to the Irish Daily Star. The Herald reports that part of the Luas red line will remain closed for at least a week after a fire at George's Dock on Tuesday night. The Irish News and Belfast Telegraph report that a local council in the North has started a probe into a hotel being used to house asylum seekers. By Jonathan McCambridge and Rebecca Black, PA The number of pupils receiving top grades in GCSE examinations in Northern Ireland has risen. Results have been delivered to more than 32,000 pupils across the region. The provisional results show that 31.6 per cent of students achieved at least a 7 or an A grade and above, compared to 31 per cent last year. Some 83.5 per cent of students achieved grade C/4 and above, compared to 82.7 per cent in 2024. The total number of GCSE entries in Northern Ireland decreased by 1.1 per cent from 175,555 in 2024 to 173,675 in 2025. In GCSE English language, 25.1 per cent of students achieved A/7 and above, compared to 24.7 per cent in 2024, while 84 per cent of students were awarded grade C/4 and above, compared to 82.5 per cent last year. This years figures for GCSE mathematics show that 27.1 per cent of students achieved A/7 grade and above, compared to 27.8 per cent in 2024, while 73.1 per cent of students were awarded a grade C/4 or above, which is similar to the 73 per cent last year. Overall, 41.4 per cent of all GCSE entries were in Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. Education Minister Paul Givan congratulated pupils from across NI (Liam McBurney/PA) Education Minister Paul Givan congratulated pupils during a visit to Saintfield High School in Co Down. He said: Pupils in Northern Ireland have once again delivered exceptional results and are continuing to outperform their peers in England and Wales. The percentage of students achieving top grades A/7 and above, and those securing C/4 and above, has risen compared to 2024. This success reflects both the dedication of the students and the commitment and professionalism of teachers across Northern Ireland. I commend all our pupils as they take their next steps into further education, employment, or training. Mr Givan continued: Today represents an important milestone in each students journey. For those feeling uncertain about what comes next, there are many valuable pathways to explore. I encourage anyone seeking guidance to take the time to consider the wide range of opportunities available and to reach out for support in making informed and confident decisions about their future. Saintfield High principal Sarah-Lucy Hynds said the ministers visit sent an empowering message to her pupils. She said: It is about individual excellence and individual success and however that looks for different children. Everyone achieves differently, everyone learns differently, so I think to celebrate individual success with the minister is very important and I think it sends a very powerful message. Gerry Campbell, chief executive of CCEA, congratulated all the students who received their results. He said: These results represent the hard work, resilience and determination youve shown throughout your studies, and you should be proud of everything youve achieved. Today also marks a key milestone as many of you begin to make decisions about the future, whether thats continuing in education, entering training, or stepping into the world of work. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the teachers, school leaders and lecturers who have supported students every step of the way. Im also grateful to our dedicated team of examiners and moderators, whose efforts ensure that results are delivered with fairness and care. Wishing every student success and fulfilment in whatever comes next. Last Thursday, more than 25,000 students across the region received their AS and A-level examination results, with 30.4 per cent of entries having achieved the top A* to A grades. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald urged students to make use of advice and guidance services (Liam McBurney/PA) Stormont Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald urged students receiving results today, and their parents/carers, to make use of the advice and guidance offered by her departments Careers Service. Making informed decisions following your exam results is crucial in helping you consider the next step on your journey, she said. No matter what your results were, there are many opportunities available to you and I would urge you to examine these fully. You may wish to remain at school, or you might want to explore further education courses, start an apprenticeship or training programme or go into employment. My departments Careers Service can provide you with all the help and guidance you need. Whatever choice you make, I want to pass on my very best wishes for the future. By Cate McCurry, PA Opposition parties who endorse presidential candidate Catherine Connolly are anxiously awaiting the outcome of Sinn Feins decision on whether to field their own candidate or back the Independent. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said Ms Connolly is the best-positioned progressive left candidate to stop Fine Gael or Fianna Fail from having their candidate win the race to the Aras. Mr Murphy said he expects the presidential race to be a straight fight between the Galway West TD and representatives of the Government. Sinn Fein has yet to make a decision on whether it will back Ms Connolly as part of a united left coalition. Mr Murphy, a Dublin South West TD, said having Sinn Feins support would be a big opportunity for the left. We think she has a real prospect of winning, Fundamentally, this election is going to be about which direction we want the country to go in, he said on Thursday. Do we want the Government to get away with abandoning all that is left of neutrality and ripping up the triple lock? Or do we want to defend neutrality in the triple lock? Do we want to have a Government which says some correct things in relation to Palestine, but then continues with complicity in terms of the Central Bank authorisation of the bonds, in terms of trying to water down the Occupied Territories Bill, in terms of the overflights that continue to happen? Do we want a Government that is very consciously seeking to accelerate the rise of rents, or a Government that puts the interests of renters, of homeless people, people who are trying to buy a house first? Its about which direction the country is going in. He added: I think it looks likely that its going to be a straight fight between Catherine Connolly on the one hand and representatives of the political establishment on the other hand. Its very positive that other parties of the left have also come together. Were obviously anxiously awaiting the outcome of Sinn Feins deliberations. There are certainly lots of grassroot Sinn Fein members who are very supportive of Catherine Connolly and, of course, we respect Sinn Feins own internal processes, but were certainly hoping that they make the decision to support Catherine Connolly. We think that will be a real boost. He said that while Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald would be a very credible candidate, he believes that Ms Connolly is the best-positioned progressive left candidate who has the best chance of stopping Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. Conor McGregor is among other hopefuls seeking a nomination (Brian Lawless/PA) To have the momentum in an election, I think the election itself is very important. Its not just the winning of the presidency. Having an election where were working together on the ground on a national level, I think, has the potential to energise people, he added. Ms Connolly has the backing of Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and a range of other independents. Fianna Fail has yet to decide if it will field a candidate. Two hopefuls have announced their intention to seek Fine Gaels nomination for president. Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly and former party deputy leader Heather Humphreys announced their intention to seek nomination earlier this week. Nutriband entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan, mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor and Riverdance star Michael Flatley are among other hopefuls seeking a nomination. A presidential election is expected towards the end of October as it must take place in the 60 days before the term of Michael D Higgins ends on November 11th. To be eligible to run, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older. They must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or by at least four local authorities. Former or retiring presidents can nominate themselves. Tom Tuite A seventh possible identity has emerged for an unsuccessful asylum seeker claiming to be from Palestine and Jordan, and who continues to be named only in court as "Unknown Unknown". The accused, who had no identity documents, is accused of 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 when the investigating officer, Garda Oisin O'Toole, raised concerns over six different names and five dates of birth given by the man. He was remanded in custody for further enquiries, and the case resumed on Thursday. Garda O'Toole said in the intervening days, a man claiming to be a friend of the accused turned up at Store Street station and tried to convince officers that the accused used a specific name. Judge Brennan heard that the garda also contacted the International Protection Office in Dublin about a public service card number the accused had when arrested. As a result, he was furnished with images and details from a passport with another name, but he remained uncertain whether the accused was the man in the picture. Judge Brennan remanded "Unknown Unknown", who did not address the court, in continuing custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court next Thursday while gardai and his solicitor continue to establish his real name. His solicitor, Paul Byrne, told Judge Brennan he had been "stonewalled" when he tried to make inquiries at the IPAS centre about his client. On Tuesday, the court heard that he claimed to have stayed in accommodation outside Dublin, in centres in Mullingar and Arklow. Garda O'Toole had said 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 man, who has been granted legal aid, did not give evidence during the bail hearing on Tuesday or Thursday and has yet to enter a plea. He had an interpreter earlier, but at his latest hearing, his solicitor described him as having "enough English to get by". He has stated that his client, in the early stage of these proceedings, had been in a panic and 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. What Cork person does not hold memories since babyhood of the haunting, unforgettable cry, Echo! Six oclock Eeecho!? On every side of the city, from the bottom of Summerhill to Washington Street, from the South Mall to the GPO, Pana to Daunts Square, every one of us has heard it over the decades. And we still hear it today, although the Six oclock Echo!, with its latest blurred inky printing of the racing results, has given way to the smart morning newspaper and constantly updated online rendering which enables us to keep in touch with our heritage as soon as we wake up. One of the strongest voices has always been from that great Echo boy outside the GPO, Dave Hogan, who is still there today, advertising his wares, carrying on the tradition of more than a century. A barefoot Echo Boy on Patrick Street in Cork city in Decembe, 1927 We Leesiders hang together and the old motto, all for one and one for all, is never truer than in the city centre. It reminds me of a lovely story told by an Englishman who as a child came over each summer to stay with relatives on Valentia Island. When the dreaded day came to return to boarding school, he would be taken by ferry to the terminus at Caherciveen to board the train for Cork. Once there, he would be given tea and cakes as a final treat at the Tivoli. But he listened, with a heavy heart, for the resounding cry outside, Six oclock Echo! That was the signal for his escort to hurry him into his coat, collect his bags, and get a taxi down to Horgans Quay and the waiting Innisfallen. That Echo clarion call spelt the end of my wonderful summer, every time, he said. Poor lad. And here are some memories from Bob Roche, who 50 years ago graduated as an Educational Woodwork Teacher at the then School of Commerce. I am one of a former class of 30 hopefuls who were selected by the Department of Education to be trained as educational woodwork teachers, to fill the requirements of the developing secondary school programmes, said Bob. At that time, teaching woodwork in schools was becoming increasingly popular, especially in what were formerly academic secondary schools. Prior to the establishment of this programme in Cork, woodwork teachers came from already qualified trades, such as carpenters and joiners, who were trained in Gorey, Co Wexford. The title Educational Woodwork Teacher was therefore to distinguish between Gorey-trained (from the trades) and our classes who were drawn from the Leaving Cert student body. Bob continues: Our course was from 1972 to 1975, and was held in the School of Commerce, only because there was space available there as a third level college, that was suitable for our needs. Other than the actual rooms granted for our teaching, we had no contact with any of the student body or staff, apart from casual acquaintance or social interaction. We were selected by interview at Apollo House in Dublin during the summer of 1972. Applicants were drawn from all over the 26 counties and our final group first assembled in Cork in the first few days of September. The attached group photo (see facing page) was taken by someone from the Evening Echo and we believe that it was published on the front page of the Echo that week. I am not certain of the exact date, but it would be wonderful to find that edition of the Echo. Maybe your archive might be able to help there? The photo includes the previous group to ours as well as the course head, other staff members, and officials from Cork City VEC including the then Chairman Gus Healy, later Lord Mayor. We had a full time-table of classes and instruction and practical woodwork. With 30 in our class, we were spread throughout the city in various digs and flats. I was in digs on Southern Road for the first term while others were in Mary Street, Douglas Street, and Leitrim Street. One of the lads was from Innishannon and he travelled home each day on the bus. The rest of us came from Cork (including myself, from Mitchelstown), Kerry, Tipperary, and as far afield as Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kilkenny, Offaly. There was a distinctly western as well as rural profile to our student group. At this time, we were paid a weekly allowance of 7 by the Department of Education. This had to cover digs, food, and other essentials including school materials. Somehow we managed to survive. Some lads sought out odd-job opportunities like house painting, bar work, etc. Bob says: Our head teacher was Frank Carew, from the Lough area, known to all as Jack, nobody knows why. Other staff members were Pat Rossiter, from Wexford, and John McCormack (known inevitably as The Count.) John later went on to head up a teacher training programme in Lesotho. Sean Fleming was on loan from the VEC, and Leonard OConnor, simply referred to as Lenny. Other staff members were only part time to our course; Kevin Kelly (Maths) from UCC, Dr Daly (English), also of UCC, and Irish teacher An tUasal O Broin, a lovely elderly gentleman, who I think was a former teacher at Colaiste Chriost Ri. As time advanced, we had numerous adventures with our class. Probably the most notable was at the start of year two when we were all dispatched to the West Kerry Gaeltacht to learn Irish. We spent the entire month of September around the Ballyferriter area and simply enjoyed every minute. There were the ceilis at night, swimming in the sea, climbing the hills, etc, as well as the odd class in the local hall. The principal of the Vocational School in Dingle, Mr Micheal O Sullivan, was tasked with teaching us a bit of woodwork a few afternoons a week. Some time before our arrival in west Kerry, David Lean had made the film Ryans Daughter there, and I remember exploring some of the scenes that were used, and especially the old schoolhouse that was built especially for the film. Back in Cork for October, we were back into the serious work of year two of our course, with a new bunch of lads now starting year one. At this stage, I had moved out of the digs and had a flat with a few of the other lads over a hairdressers at the corner of Whites and Douglas Street. Three Kerry lads from Causeway, a lad from Ennis, and myself. Living on 7 week then needed good planning and careful shopping. Across the road from our flat there was a little grocery shop run by Finbarr and Cathleen, and this was where we did most of our shopping. As young lads, we had a great collection of pin-up pictures from page three of the papers, and the Sunday World especially, on our kitchen wall. A real treat was when someone had been home and maybe brought back a bag of goodies such as scones or buns. Once, I returned with a recipe for Irish stew. Meat and veg were sourced in the English Market. I also got a box of mixed herbs as per my mothers recipe and set to work. Everything was fine apart from one small detail. I should only have used a pinch of mixed herbs, but had put in the entire packet. Wow! I have never made stew since then. Without funds, our social life was limited enough. One group of lads had a flat further along Douglas Street and at weekends we would meet there to play poker. We had a jar of 1p and 2p coins which was divided up amongst all those present around 8pm, and we played poker until one person had won all the money. Nobody was allowed to go to bed or go home while the poker was on. When all the money was won, it was then put back in the jar until the following weekend. One game lasted until 11am the next day! Bob explains: Having finally graduated from Cork in 1975, we were all seeking interviews in various schools around the country. I myself was lucky enough to gain a position in Sawmill Street vocational school (got to know your father, the famous Joey, there, Jo!), but was only there for one year as the school was being moved to Ballyphehane and there wasnt a vacancy for me. I ended up teaching woodwork and technical drawing, etc, in Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge, Co Kildare, and I am now long settled in Newbridge. Still a Cork man at heart, though! Bob concludes: Sadly, we have lost five members of our class that first assembled in Cork in 1972 - Neil McDaid; James Fitzmaurice, from Castleisland; Pat Culliton, from Glenmore, Co Kilkenny; Michael Quirke, from Carrick on Suir; and Michael McBride, from Letterkenny who taught for many years in Co Waterford. I am currently trying to arrange a reunion for our surviving classmates in September in Cork, to mark 50 years since our graduation. We have decided to meet on September 9 and 10 at the Clayton Hotel on Lapps Quay, with a special get-together in the hallway of the College of Commerce on the 10th, hopefully to get a repeat of that original photograph! I have already met with Ms Helen Ryan, current principal of the College, and she is delighted to welcome us back to Cork. What a wonderful story of a full life well lived, Bob! And good for you, keeping in touch with your former classmates throughout the years. It will certainly be a reunion full of chat and laughter and do you remembers. We look forward to seeing the repeat photograph once it has been captured on September 10! What do you remember of your own post-school training and education? Were you in that Class of 72? Or were you on a similar learning curve elsewhere? Let us know. Email jokerrigan1@gmail.com, or leave a message on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/echolivecork. Thirteen generations of her family made it their home, so its hardly surprising that artist Mary St Leger feels a real sense of place in the Co. Cork town of Doneraile. She comes from a long line of strong and independent women who have had a profound influence on her art practice. Her paintings almost always portray women, and she is also an accomplished sculptor and has exhibited both in Ireland and abroad. Her family, the St Legers, lived at Doneraile Court situated in Doneraile Park, a beautiful amenity in the town consisting of a 160-hectare landscaped parkland and wildlife estate. Its walls resonate with their rich history. The St Legers retained unbroken possession of the property from around 1629 through to 1969, when it was taken over by the Department of Lands and today is managed by the Office of Public Works. One of the best-known of those who lived at Doneraile Court is Marys seven times great-grandmother Elizabeth St Leger, the daughter of Elizabeth Hayes and Arthur St Leger, Viscount of Doneraile, who was a Freemason. When the Lodge was hosting a meeting at Doneraile Court, the young Elizabeth witnessed a portion of the mysterious ceremonies taking place from an adjoining room and attempted to flee in alarm, but she was overheard. In order to preserve their secrecy, the Lodge then decided that the only course of action open to them was to admit her to their number. Elizabeth subsequently underwent the ceremonials she had already in part witnessed and thus became the first woman to be admitted into the all-male preserve of the Freemasons. By all accounts, she attained great eminence and became a well-known figure in Masonic ceremonies and public processions. Elizabeth is even referred to in chapter eight of James Joyces Ulysees: There was one woman, Nosey Flynn said, hid herself in a clock to find out what they do be doing. But be damned but they smelt her out and swore her in on the spot a master mason. That was one of the St Legers of Doneraile Elizabeths future husband, Richard Aldworth was also present at her initiation. I think its no coincidence that Elizabeth was perhaps married off to another Freemason, Richard Aldworth, and she had to move from the cozy environs of Doneraile over to Newmarket, which was not nearly as nice, mused Mary. What I really do admire about her is that she gave her son the name St Leger as her brother Hayes, the Viscount of Doneraile, died in 1767 without an heir. The title was revived in favour of Elizabeths son St Leger Aldworth, so I have her to thank for the name not dying out. Over the generations, as fortunes waxed and waned, Marys own widowed grandmother, Elise St Leger, made the journey back to Ireland from Africa with her children. Granny was a free spirit but a bit impractical to say the least. She lived for a while on a fishing trawler which was moored at Cheekpoint in Co. Waterford, making a modest income translating folk stories from Zimbabwean, her tales, Out Of Africa, were performed by broadcaster Candy Devine on RTE. She found an old ruin of a house where myself and my mother Geraldine, who was known at the time as a deserted wife, went to live with her. I really felt apart from the other kids. For a start, I wasnt related to anybody, we lived in the middle of nowhere and were considered odd, so I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb. I spent my time reading and drawing. We had an old Stanley stove, one tap, no toilet and plastic over our beds because it rained so much and there were leaks. Yet I spoke with an accent like the Queen. Living right beside the sea could be dramatic when there were south- easterly gales. I remember my mother covering the floor with straw and bringing in the chickens and the donkey, and the next day when the storm was over sweeping out the straw. Mary feels that growing up with two strong unconventional women really informed her art. One of her recent exhibitions was entitled Women hold up half the sky. In reality, women hold up most of the sky, she said. Her mother, Geraldine, got a job in a shop in Waterford city, travelling there on her Honda 50 which she swapped for a donkey. She was some woman really, said Mary. She used to make little craft animals in her spare time which she dressed up, and made little petticoats for them, and my job was to sew on the petticoats for which I got five pence for each one sold. Eventually, mum moved back to her relatives in Doneraile Court and was very close with Mary St Leger who was married to Hugh, the last Viscount Doneraile, who died in 1956. Mary did not like to drive so my mother drove her everywhere. By that time the family fortunes were flailing so they grew strawberries and daffodils and put them on the Mallow to Dublin train to sell at the markets. Mary joined her mother in Doneraile, and sat her Leaving Cert in one year at the local school as she had previously not completed her education. I was in my early twenties then, and did not have to wear the school uniform, just a blue dress, and of course I had to give up smoking. She went on to study at the Limerick College of Art which she adored, and then to Birmingham where she obtained her Masters in Fine Art. Mary received a message from the individual who purchased Human conversing with a bird who said he had received a sign to buy the piece The lure of Doneraile was never far away, and when Geraldine broke her hip, Mary moved back from the UK with her husband to take care of her mother. They built a granny flat on the side of their cottage, which now serves as her studio. Marys art continues to flourish and she recently sold a painting at the very prestigious Chelsea Art Society summer show in London. The painting, entitled Human conversing with a bird, was bought by a man who sent Mary a message about his reason for buying it. He told me he had never bought a painting in his life and had seen it and really liked it, but left. As he was walking down the road a bird pooped on him, so he took it as a sign and went back and bought the painting, she laughed. Mary is also very involved in her local community and is Chairperson of the successful Doneraile Arts festival and a founding member of Art for the heart, a group which promotes positive mental health through creativity. We organise events for Culture Night, Samhain, The Wren, International Womens Day and also have Paint and a Pint once a month in the Glenanaar pub. It does not matter whether you can draw or paint or not. You could bring your crochet, or simply draw a line on a page - take a line for a walk. Its an opportunity to connect. Living in Doneraile has meant that Mary no longer feels like a sore thumb. Doneraile gives me a sense of place, its a feeling of belonging. Its not just the history of my own family but also the history of other local families who are connected to Doneraile Court which forges a connection, as well as the wonderful community who live here and come from everywhere. There was a lot going on at it-sa 2024 and this year there is set to be even more. it-sa Expo&Congress, Europe's largest trade fair for IT security, will use five exhibition halls for the first time this year, making it bigger than ever before. It will take place from 7 to 9 October 2025 at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg. Diesen Artikel anhoren With the addition of Hall 8, which is already fully booked, the exhibition space will grow by more than 12 per cent compared to last year and offer space for over 950 exhibitors. The expansion underscores the high demand and growing importance of IT security issues in an international context. Every year, it-sa Expo&Congress is a central meeting place for the IT security industry. I am particularly looking forward to once again shaping the trade fair as a platform for innovation, exchange and forward-looking solutions together with our exhibitors, partners and visitors, explains Exhibition Director Thimo Holst. As usual, the trade fair will be accompanied by Congress@it-sa, which will take place from 6 to 9 October and offer space for in-depth professional exchange. With a wide range of presentations, discussion panels and networking opportunities, it-sa Expo&Congress once again creates a framework for professional exchange and the presentation of groundbreaking developments in the IT security industry. Special Keynote: Technology as a geopolitical weapon A special highlight of the supporting programme at it-sa Expo&Congress in 2025 is the special keynote speech by Dr Jean-Marc Rickli, Head of the Global Risk and Resilience Department at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP). In his presentation, the security expert will examine the role of disruptive technologies as geopolitical influencing factors. The keynote address is aimed at anyone who sees technological developments not only as drivers of innovation, but also as strategic challenges and is specifically targeted at decision-makers and strategically minded experts in the field of IT security. Extensive forum programme with over 400 sessions The forum programme at it-sa Expo&Congress 2025 offers a comprehensive range of information directly in the exhibition halls with over 400 presentations in six open forums. The mix of exhibitor presentations and product-neutral it-sa insights covers a broad spectrum of topics: Technological trends: AI, cloud security, zero trust, OT security Strategic topics: Cyber resilience, digital sovereignty, European regulation Management & compliance: Awareness, data protection, governance Technical deep dives: Penetration testing, secure development, threat intelligence Industry focus: KRITIS, healthcare, industry, public sector Community formats: Women4Cyber, CISO Alliance, ECSO, TeleTrusT All sessions are freely accessible and will be made available on demand afterwards on the it-sa 365 digital platform. For the first time, all contributions will be translated live between German and English using AI, making the programme attractive and accessible to an international audience. Digital trade fair preparation with it-sa 365 The digital platform it-sa 365 supports IT security managers throughout the year with in-depth specialist information and a wide range of networking opportunities. On 23 September 2025, Digital Preview Day will offer a compact insight into the highlights of the upcoming it-sa Expo&Congress. The online format is aimed at potential trade fair participants and media representatives and enables targeted preparation and initial contact-making. Preview Day is the perfect way to get in the mood for it-sa Expo&Congress. It offers participants the opportunity to network early on, delve deeper into current topics and prepare specifically for the trade fair days a real knowledge advantage in compact form, says Verena Huber, Digital Product Manager at it-sa 365. With features such as an exhibitor overview, a detailed product search, chat options and the ability to make appointments, the platform supports individual planning for the trade fair visit. A special highlight is the digital hall plan, which allows routes to exhibitors, programme items and service facilities to be determined in advance. Use of it-sa 365 and participation in the Digital Preview Day are free of charge but require registration. Further information is available at www.itsa365.de. Chinese regulators reportedly dissuaded local companies from purchasing NVIDIA's H20 chips, because they found certain statements by US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick "insulting." According to the Financial Times, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) teamed up to intensify their efforts to push the use of homegrown chips following Lutnick's remarks in an interview with CNBC. The US, if you'll recall, blocked NVIDIA from selling its H20 chips to China back in April out of concern that the Chinese military would use them to develop AI technology. When the US government reversed its decision in July and allowed the company to start shipping its chips to China, Lutnick told CNBC: "We don't sell them our best stuff, not our second best stuff, not even our third best. The fourth one down, we want to keep China using it... The idea is the Chinese are more than capable of building their own. You want to keep one step ahead of what they can build, so they keep buying our chips. You want to sell the Chinese enough that their developers get addicted to the American technology stack. That's the thinking." To note, a previous Times report stated that the government allowed NVIDIA to ship its products to China again after agreeing to hand over 15 percent of its profits. As a response to Lutnick's remarks, the Times says Chinese authorities sought ways to prevent local companies from buying H20 chips. CAC issued an informal notice instructing China's biggest tech firms, such as ByteDance and Alibaba, to stop new orders for H20 chips until the government is done conducting a national security review. The companies are compelled to comply, because they could face substantial fines from the CAC if they don't. Meanwhile, NDRC also issued an informal notice, asking local tech companies not to purchase any NVIDIA chip. Reuters recently reported that NVIDIA is developing a new chip for the Chinese market that's more powerful than the H20, perhaps driven in part by China's move to discourage its purchase. It will be based on the company's Blackwell architecture, but will only be capable of half the computing power of NVIDIA's Blackwell Ultra GPUs. Their regulatory and export approval aren't guaranteed, but the president previously implied that he was aware of the project and said he expects NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang to talk to him about it. Germany-based search engine and browser nonprofit Ecosia is the latest party to make an offer for Google's Chrome. Questions about Chrome's fate have been swirling since the news that the Department of Justice would push for Google to sell the browser after the ruling that the company's search engine business constituted a monopoly. Although Google is planning to appeal the decision, that hasn't stopped other big tech businesses from pitching themselves as potential owners of Chrome. Ecosia's proposal is different. Rather than selling off the valuable browser for an upfront windfall, this plan would see Google transforming Chrome into a foundation. Ecosia would assume operational responsibility for the browser for ten years, but Google would retain the ownership and intellectual property rights. Under the arrangement, Ecosia would devote about 60 percent of Chrome's profits toward climate and environmental projects. It wouldn't pay a cent upfront for the stewardship role, but the remaining 40 percent of Chrome's profits would be given back to Google. Considering Ecosia is projecting Chrome to generate $1 trillion over the next decade, that's no small potatoes. On the surface, this idea is pretty far-out. However, going the stewardship route would deepen an existing relationship between Google and Ecosia. Google already powers the environmentally-focused benefit corporation's search engine, and the two parties have an established revenue-sharing agreement. Putting Chrome in the hands of a nonprofit rather than a for-profit rival may actually be a positive for Google, both financially and in public opinion. Since it was announced in June, Trump Mobile has committed to an increasingly-surreal smoke-and-mirrors approach to its promised T1 smartphone. Despite the initial claims that the phone would be made in the United States, it seemed highly unlikely from the start that it was accurate. The "Made in USA" claims were quietly removed from the Trump Mobile website at a later date. AppleInsider spotted the latest bizarre wrinkle to this story, which is that the actual phone still does not exist. The publication noticed that promotional images for T1 all show different smartphones that appear to be tweaked in a photo editor to look gold. While the website shows a badly edited image of what appears to be a Revvl 7 Pro 5G phone, an Instagram ad seems to depict an iPhone 16 Pro Max, again with the company's branding overlaid. A third confusing image edit was posted on X earlier this week: That photo shows a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra equipped with a case made by Spigen. The South Korean accessory company's logo can be seen behind the render of an American flag. Spigen's response sums our reaction up pretty succinctly: "??? bro what." Masimo, the medical technology company whose lawsuit led to the temporary sales pause of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, has sued the US Customs and Border Protection days after Apple released its redesigned blood oxygen monitoring feature. This is just the latest update in the lengthy legal saga between Masimo and Apple, which started when the former sued the iPhonemaker in 2021, accusing it of infringing on several of its light-based blood oxygen monitoring patents. After a court sided with Masimo in 2023, Apple was forced to stop selling the Watch Series 9 and the Ultra 2 in the US for a few weeks. In order to circumvent the import ban for the devices, Apple removed the Blood Oxygen app for the watch models sold in the US. Just a few days ago, however, the company introduced a "redesigned Blood Oxygen feature" for the Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2 models. The feature works by measuring and calculating data from the watches' sensors on their paired iPhones instead. Users will then be able to view their blood oxygen data in the Respiratory section of the Health app. Apple said the update was "enabled by a recent US Customs ruling." But Masimo said in its complaint (via Bloomberg Law) that it only heard about the ruling, which was handed down on August 1, when Apple made the announcement. It argued that the agency typically requires both sides to be heard before making such decisions and that Customs "exceeded its authority." Masimo is now asking the court to put an injunction on UCBP's decision and, ultimately, to only allow imports of the devices if their blood oxygen-tracking function is disabled. "Each passing day that this unlawful ruling remains in effect irreparably deprives Masimo of its right to be free from unfair trade practices and to preserve its competitive standing in the US marketplace," Masimo said. Racquel Chevremont, the newest face on "The Real Housewives of New York City," has taken her former fiancee and acclaimed artist Mickalene Thomas to court, filing a $10 million lawsuit that accuses Thomas of financial betrayal, harassment, and years of unpaid work. According to court papers filed on August 8, Chevremont, 53, claims she played a key role in Thomas' career between 2012 and 2022 but was never properly compensated. The Bronx-born curator and model says she worked as Thomas' strategic advisor, art world liaison, and deal negotiator, securing multimillion-dollar opportunities for the artist while contributing "immeasurably" to her success, People reported. Chevremont alleges that instead of honoring agreements, Thomas diverted funds into her own business ventures. She also claims she was promised commissions on sales but never received them. Beyond financial disputes, Chevremont accuses Thomas of creating a "hostile and abusive work environment" and pressuring her to rekindle their relationship after their romantic split in 2020. "When she made it clear that this would never happen, Ms. Thomas ultimately terminated Ms. Chevremont's employment, in violation of New York State and New York City Human Rights Laws," the lawsuit states. RHONYs Racquel Chevremont is suing ex-fiancee Mickalene Thomas for $10M, alleging a decade of exploitation, nonpayment and unlawful conduct, per court docs https://t.co/oDrzIxU1Ot pic.twitter.com/a0lM3el1d7 Virtual Reali-Tea by Page Six (@VRTpod) August 20, 2025 Art World Power Couple Splits as Chevremont Files $10M Lawsuit The filing lists causes of action including breach of contract, unjust enrichment, conversion, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Chevremont is asking not only for $10 million in damages but also for interest, legal fees, and additional costs. So far, Thomas's representatives have not issued any public response to the lawsuit. According to DailyMail, Chevremont and Thomas first met in 2002 and became one of the art world's most visible couples. The pair became engaged in 2019, though their relationship ended before they could marry, breaking it off the next year. Despite the breakup, the pair continued to work together until their professional relationship collapsed in 2022. During their time together, they launched the project "Deux Femme Noirs" in 2018, designed to elevate women, queer artists, and people of color in the art community. Chevremont, who has modeled for major brands like L'Oreal and Nivea and served on acquisition committees for institutions such as the Guggenheim, has spent more than two decades shaping cultural spaces. Since the split, Chevremont has moved forward with her personal life. She is now engaged to Mel Corpus, a forensic neuropsychologist, and recently introduced her on "RHONY" while showing off a diamond-studded engagement ring. Thursday, August 21, 2025 Longevity isnt just about avoiding illnessits about living fully, vibrantly, and with purpose. More people than ever are rethinking aging and looking for sustainable ways to extend not just lifespan but healthspan. One practice rising to the top of this conversation is yoganot just for flexibility or stress relief, but for its powerful role in helping you live longer and better. You are only as young as your spine is flexible. Thats an old yogic sayingand modern science is catching up. Numerous studies now suggest that consistent yoga practice can help reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve cognitive function, and even impact biological aging markers. So, could your yoga mat be the most underrated longevity tool you own? The Science of Yoga and Longevity Yogas impact on longevity is multifaceted. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that regular yoga practice not only improved quality of life and mental well-being but also positively influenced markers of cellular aginglike telomere length and oxidative stress levels (source). Meanwhile, another meta-analysis in Complementary Therapies in Medicine concluded that yoga helps lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammationall of which are major contributors to age-related diseases (source). And if youre looking to boost brainpower into your 80s and 90s, research from the University of Illinois suggests yoga may improve cognitive functioning, especially memory and attention, by increasing brain connectivity and gray matter volume (source). What Makes Yoga Unique Unlike other forms of exercise that often isolate benefitsstrength training for muscles, cardio for heart healthyoga is a holistic system that works across physical, emotional, and neurological systems simultaneously. Heres how yoga supports the pillars of vibrant aging: Mobility and strength : Many styles of yoga emphasize full-body movement through all ranges of motion, preserving joint health and muscle tone. : Many styles of yoga emphasize full-body movement through all ranges of motion, preserving joint health and muscle tone. Balance and coordination : Poses like tree pose or warrior III help prevent fallsa major risk factor in later life. : Poses like tree pose or warrior III help prevent fallsa major risk factor in later life. Stress resilience : The combination of movement and breathwork lowers cortisol levels and supports a balanced nervous system. : The combination of movement and breathwork lowers cortisol levels and supports a balanced nervous system. Mindfulness and purpose: Yoga encourages self-awareness, reflection, and connectionfactors that contribute to a more meaningful life. Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. The Bhagavad Gita. That internal journey isnt just spiritualits a science-backed way to reduce anxiety, increase longevity, and live more fully. How to Start (or Deepen) Your Yoga Practice Whether youre a curious beginner or returning after a break, here are some accessible ways to make yoga part of your long-life plan: Try a beginner app :Down Dog orYoga for Beginners provide personalized routines you can do from home. :Down Dog orYoga for Beginners provide personalized routines you can do from home. Join a community class : Look for gentle yoga, chair yoga, or restorative yoga at local studios or senior centers. : Look for gentle yoga, chair yoga, or restorative yoga at local studios or senior centers. Use free YouTube resources: Channels likeYoga with Adriene orBreathe and Flow offer guided classes for all levels. No matter your age or ability, theres a variation for you. Chair yoga is ideal for those with limited mobility, while restorative yoga supports recovery and relaxation. Even 10 minutes a day can begin to shift your body and mind. Build It Into Your Longevity Lifestyle Yoga becomes even more powerful when integrated into a holistic life strategy. Combine it with good nutrition, sleep, mental stimulation, and strong social tiesand youve got a blueprint for a vibrant 100-year life. Want to take your wellness planning to the next level? Consider creating a personalized Longevity Routine that includes: Daily movement (yoga, walking, strength training) (yoga, walking, strength training) Breathwork or meditation Nourishing meals Connection with purpose or community Consistent sleep schedule Tracking tools likeWHOOP,Fitbit, or journaling apps likeJourney can help keep you accountable to your wellness goals. Lets Talk About It Whats stopping you from adding yoga to your weekly routine? Have you noticed benefits from stretching, mindfulness, or movement in your own life? Do you think longevity is about habitsor mindset? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in theAge Brilliantly Forum. Wed love to hear how yoga, or any movement practice, is helping you build a 100-year life filled with energy, meaning, and mobility. Lets inspire each other to stretch toward our fullest potentialat every age. HOLLY RIDGE, La. More than three millennia ago, indigenous people built a massive ceremonial mound a few miles from here, an engineering marvel called Poverty Point and one of the oldest known building projects in North America. Today, this is ground zero for what may prove a defining feature of the 21st centurys landscape. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is constructing a gargantuan, $10 billion data center that tech executives, lawmakers, and business leaders say will bring much-needed prosperity to this rural area in northeast Louisiana. Set to be operational by 2030, the project has also disturbed local homeowners and drawn opposition from environmental and government activists who worry that it will suck up vast resources, especially water and energy, from surrounding communities. As tech companies plan to build more data centers around the country to fuel the boom in artificial intelligence, this massive project provides a window into the issues swirling around what many see as the next phase of the digital revolution. Metas Hyperion project in Richland Parish will be the companys biggest in a constellation of 28 centers across 19 states, Europe, and Singapore. With tech giants investing heavily in AI, it is estimated that the current crop of more than 5,000 U.S. data centers, which first sprouted to handle cloud computing, represent just half of what will be needed as AI brings radical change to computing, education, medicine, and other fields by mid-century. Already, millions of Americans have signed up for various AI programs, such as ChatGPT (Microsoft) or Grok (Elon Musk) or Meta AI, and last month, the Trump administration released an American AI Action Plan. Meta co-founder Mark Zuckerberg has dubbed 2025 the defining year of AI, and, as if to prove it, his company is spending $65 billion this year building out its platform. Although AI is not producing the profits Wall Street craves, Meta, the parent of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and other big tech stocks continue to soar. Just as cloud computing services have become major profit generators for Amazon, Apple, Meta, and others, AI is expected to bring billions into individual and corporate accounts. AIs Energy Appetite Whether AI becomes the amoral killer of the human race, as Hollywood and many futurists have envisioned, or improves the lives of billions of people, as its champions insist, there is no disputing that data centers are insatiable in their power demands. The high-tech warehouses require energy to operate millions of GPU servers stacked in rows that stretch out like banks of speakers at a Rolling Stones concert, as well as their futuristic air conditioning and water-cooling systems. By 2028, the centers, which are also known as hyperscalers, are expected to consume 12% of all U.S. energy, or more than California, Florida, and New Jersey combined. The scale of the operation here is immense. At the moment, Hyperion sprawls over 2,250 acres, but eventually it is expected to cover six square miles of the flat American plain that begins on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Holly Ridge is so small its population is not listed in the most recent census, but the data center plot here could contain Heathrow International Airport. The centers also require lakes of water. As the servers run nonstop, they are sometimes surrounded by a network of cooling tubes and towers of chilled water to absorb heat. In some cases, the servers even sit in a pool of liquid that absorbs heat. A Meta data center in Georgia that is much smaller than Hyperion uses around 500,000 gallons of water each day, and residents near data centers have reported issues with their homes water systems, according to a New York Times report last month. Holly Ridge's operation will need more than 1 million gallons of water daily, according to a RealClearInvestigations estimate. That has raised concerns among environmental groups like the Sierra Clubs Delta chapter. We dont believe it is sustainable, the Sierra Clubs Angelle Bradford told RCI. Our farmers in the area are concerned. Meta disputed Bradfords assertion, saying Hyperion will use a closed-loop system, and that the company will disclose its water use annually, although Meta does so in the aggregate, making it difficult to determine what each individual hyperscaler uses. Meta says at no point will the local water table be imperiled. The Richland Parish Data Center will use little to no water during the majority of the year, a Meta spokesperson said. We anticipate the data center may use less water than the sites previous agricultural use. In a sign of the distrust that surrounds such massive projects, the Sierra Club disputes that claim. They are not using a closed cycle with water, Bradford said. The projects backers say Louisiana is not called the Bayou State for nothing. Given the roughly 56 inches of annual rainfall in the states northeast, water should be plentiful. Michael Echols, a Republican state representative from Ouachita Parish, which adjoins Richland, said he is convinced there is sufficient water in the area now. If need be, Echols adds, Meta could have an endless supply by building a pipeline to the Mississippi River some 50 miles to the east an idea that Bradford and others find impracticable. Then there is the energy required to support such an undertaking. Take the tens of thousands of air conditioners blasting in New Orleans on a mid-August day and double that demand for Hyperions use, or 2.26 megawatts daily. The electricity is expected to be provided by Entergy, which this month urged state regulators to fast-track construction of three new gas-powered plants. Meta, which received major tax breaks when picking the Richland Parish site, has agreed to a 15-year power supply contract with Entergy, while also promising to match what it uses with renewable energy. A Meta spokesperson said it was working closely with Entergy to bring on at least 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy, or the equivalent of the data centers needs. In addition, the company has said it will contribute $1 million annually to Entergys customer assistance program. Entergy did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Such voracious energy consumption bothers some groups that are concerned about global warming and the potential impact on residential electricity bills. Given gas plants like those Entergy is building have a 30-year lifespan, Metas deal will only cover half of that time, according to the Alliance for Affordable Energy, opening the door to rate increases after 15 years. Its hard to understand or believe the numbers Meta and Entergy are using, Alliance Executive Director Logan Burke said. We have seen this happen with data centers in Georgia, Virginia, and Ohio, where the cost of electricity absolutely goes up as a result of all this. Virginia ratepayers have indeed seen increases since data centers began to crop up, an RCI analysis of the area showed. In April, Dominion Energy proposed substantial rate spikes that would increase costs for residential customers in Virginia by an average of $10 per month. Halcyon, a data platform that uses AI to analyze energy information from all 50 states, confirms that rates have been on the rise in Virginia and elsewhere. But its not clear those increases are because of data centers, Halcyons Jeff Fisher told RCI. Dominion noted this would mark its first increase in basic rates since 1992, and a more than 7.5% increase in Virginias population between 2010 and 2020 means supply and demand pressures would raise rates. Based on the information we've collected, there is legitimacy to the Alliance's concerns, but I'm not seeing any causal evidence that consumers are actually paying more due to data centers, Fisher said. That doesn't mean that they arent, just that the information that we have doesn't explicitly demonstrate it. Dan Golding, a former Google executive who is now a partner with data center consulting firm ASG in Virginia, bristled at the idea that they are to blame for higher rates. He cited power companies profits and the loss of other plants as more likely culprits. The other big reason is that with the planned shutdown of coal and nuclear-powered plants and their replacement by gas and eventually small modular reactors, the large transmission lines have to shift end-point locations, he said. That is extremely expensive. The Job Promise Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and state business development agencies hailed Metas selection of the Holly Ridge site when it was announced last December. At the same time, Entergy said it would spend $3 billion building the three new power plants, two near the site and another near the capital in Baton Rouge. The combined operation would bring some 5,000 construction jobs and 500 permanent jobs at the data center and 300 more at the power plants, according to the companies and the government. Hyperion jobs will pay an average of $75,000, which is 150% of the median salary in the area, according to a recent report from Grow NELA, a Monroe, La., consulting firm. Just what those jobs might be at centers that whir 24/7 remains unclear. At a minimum, they will need round-the-clock elite security, skilled electricians, air conditioning operators, engineers, and some tech wizards, most of whom must be available in three to four shifts, according to Golding, who said the idea that a data center only needs a handful of unskilled workers is incorrect. I guarantee you that all these people raising concerns about data centers have never set foot in one and dont know the first thing about how it works, he said. Grow NELA President Rob Cleveland said that to some degree, were going on faith regarding the centers economic impact. But he added that there are already tangible benefits and anticipates a pronounced positive impact throughout northeast Louisiana. The study commissioned by Grow NELA puts construction wages at more than $1.2 billion, of which $240 million is expected to go to local residents. The state should realize some $160 million in new sales taxes during the first five years, and nearly $62 million more in income tax, according to Grow NELA estimates. The project will also create many non-local jobs including for those who design, build, program, and use the massive servers. I have never felt for one moment Meta was trying to take advantage of the local community, Cleveland said. People have no concept of what this will do for our communities, especially as before, you couldnt find Holly Ridge on a map. My own land value has already doubled, and I cant put a dollar amount on what its worth to have Mark Zuckerberg talking about our community for months now. In all cases, Meta said it picks data center locations that are shovel-ready sites that offer excellent access to fiber and a robust electric grid with access to reliable and renewable energy resources, and a strong pool of talent for both construction and operations staff. To better understand the economic impact of data centers, RCI surveyed facilities in Virginia, where, since 1992, about 200 of them have sprouted within 100 miles of Washington, D.C. Today, there are another 117 under active development, continuing a pace that has seen one under construction every day for the past 14 years in Loudoun County, Virginia. This modern tech forest has brought an estimated 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income and $9.1 billion in GDP to Virginias economy annually, a state commission found in 2024. A typical 250,000 square foot data center in the state employs some 50 skilled workers, and a construction force of up to 1,500 spends 12 to 18 months building them. Metas Louisiana facility dwarfs those currently operating in Old Dominion, but the figures used by the company, Grow NELA, and others seem accurate if one extrapolates from Virginias experience. This is a critical facility and its phenomenally complicated, Golding, the consultant, said. Youre going to need IT technicians, super security, youre going to have to spend millions over the years stacking up teams of people. The Great Unknown At the moment, the shining future looks dirty. Just a few days before classes begin at Holly Ridge Elementary School, the air above the former corn and soybean fields was shot through with a fine, rust colored dust that arises from dozens of massive Caterpillar earth movers and dump trucks that crawl across the site. Construction cranes and freshly cut phone poles line the western side, and on the eastern squat, huge piles of dirt look like Mesopotamian ruins. Truck traffic on the freshly paved highways running along the eastern and southern sides is rumbling and nonstop. Some Richland Parish residents many who live in modest homes and trailer parks on the farmland surrounding the construction site, where church steeples can be seen from miles across the flat land - are wary of this modern tech wave. The hubbub, disruption, and congestion, and even the brave new future itself, have them expressing apprehension. I think theres some concerns just in the change; people are nervous about all the unknowns, said Larry Morris, who said his tire company in nearby Rayville has already seen a sizable boost in sales. A lot of people are having trouble wrapping their heads around something this big. Meta is spending $200 million on infrastructure improvements, including roads, water systems, and housing. However, one resident noted that the improvements have actually increased her commute time to Holly Ridge Elementary School, now taking her three times longer on a freshly paved road. The population in Richland and surrounding parishes is about 57% white and 37% black, and a majority of residents have high school diplomas with some college credit, according to the Grow NELA study. About one in four residents receive food stamps, with slightly less about 20% living on the poverty line. Several residents said their concerns have been heightened by what they consider the silence surrounding the project. There were no town hall meetings and no public notices to provide information or give locals a voice in the sea change coming to their lives. The Sierra Clubs Bradford characterized the situation as one that lacks clarity. Local critics who accuse Meta and Entergy of being too secretive point to redacted portions of the various contracts. Earlier this month, at an administrative law hearing in Baton Rouge, activists and reporters were frustrated that they were removed for considerable portions of the hearing due to executive session rules. Several residents, all of whom expressed some fear of Meta and political figures and requested anonymity, told RCI they would be interested in selling their homes and land. Others said they are reluctant to leave the only area they have ever known. One woman said she owns roughly 70 acres near the data center site. An offer has been made to her for that property she quoted a price of $55,000 an acre which would leave her a millionaire several times over. But the family has lived there for decades and does not want to move. Such uncertainty is understandable in a community that has been largely unruffled by change for decades, Rep. Echols said. But he and others said Richland Parish is getting with the times. Id rather be hopeful about future progress than terrified about future poverty, he said. RealClears Lincoln Patience contributed to this report. 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 PENNSYLVANIA FURNACE, Pa. For Cecilia Partsch, the Century Farm designation is more than a recognition of her familys long history in Cambria County. It brings back memories of the people she loves the most and honors all those who came before. One of these people is her father, Harold Partsch, 89, who was in attendance at Penn States Ag Progress Days on Aug. 14 for the ceremony. Im grateful to be able to have my father here. We didnt know if he was going to make the trip, but he made the trip with us today, she said. I followed my dad around all the time, and he took me under his wing and treated me just like one of the boys, Cecilia said, who has four brothers. The Partsch farm was one of seven Century Farms three in western Pennsylvania and one Bicentennial farm to be recognized at the ceremony. The eight families were honored with signs by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, who remarked that the Century and Bicentennial farm ceremony is one of his favorite events every year. Its just such a wonderful thing to be with families that have been on their own journeys of 100 years or 200 years, Redding said. And just a note of appreciation to every member of the family whos here. Im also mindful that there are folks who were part of that journey who are not here. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture created the Century Farm Program in 1977 and the Bicentennial Farm Program in 2004. More than 2,340 century and bicentennial farms and two tricentennial farms have been recognized. To receive century or bicentennial farm status, the same family must own the same farm for at least 100 or 200 years and must live on the farm. The farm also needs to have at least 10 acres of the original holding or gross more than $1,000 annually from selling farm products. The seven families to receive century farm status were Cecilia Partsch in Cambria County; William J. and Richard Farabaugh and Joseph Burkhart, Cambria County; Clinton and Jessica Black, Blair County; Robert Grajewski and Susan Garing, Luzerne County; Marbarger Family Farm, Schuylkill County; Keith and Lori Flanders, Snyder County and El-Jon Farms in Berks County. The bicentennial farm recognition was given to Richard Metz Jr. in Perry County. Partsch Family Farm Frank Partsch, Cecilias grandfather, purchased 72 acres of land in Conemaugh Township, Pennsylvania, in 1924. The Partsch family ran a dairy operation. Frank and his seven sons would haul their milk and milk from surrounding dairy farms to Sani Dairy in Johnstown for processing. Frank transitioned to beef cattle in 1965 after his nine children left the house. After he died in 1972, the farm was divided among three of his children: Harold Partsch, Donald Partsch and Joanne Partsch. Harold, Cecilias father, raised beef cattle and pigs and grew corn, oats and hay for cattle feed. He was also a school teacher; when he had off in the summers, Cecilia was like his shadow, always interested in what dad was doing. One of Cecilias favorite times of the year was fall, when all the apple and pear trees on the property were ripe. Harold, Cecilia and her brothers would climb the trees, shake the apples onto tarps and put them in old feed sacks. They would spend all day picking apples, returning to the barn at night to make cider. Harold built a cider press with an electric motor that would grind the apples, something Cecilia called the chipper. But this chipper wasnt perfect: Youd always get a little zip like you could feel you getting shocked from it, Cecilia laughed. Back then, they didnt worry about too much of that. Harold sold cider, along with strawberries and Christmas trees that they grew on the property: That was in the 70s and 80s, and we needed every buck we could get, Cecilia said. 1 of 15 Cecilia attended Penn State University and graduated in 1992. She got her first job in West Virginia as an agriculture engineer for the soil conservation service. While working there, she bought her first cow, a black Angus. One weekend, she decided to take the cow home, retrofitting her Chevy S10 truck with handmade sideboards to accommodate the feisty cow on a five-hour journey. She was wild and crazy. I had hoof prints on the roof of my S-10 because she was nuts, Cecilia laughed. Her dad was not happy about their new resident. Cecilia held various jobs in West Virginia before moving back to Pennsylvania in the fall of 1997. She got a full-time job with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in 1999 and moved back into the Partsch farmhouse in 2000. She bought the farm in 2003. Today, Cecilia and her husband, John Priselac, raise 21 beef cattle and grow hay on 35 acres. The farm is still home to old relics, including the original barn still in use that was built in 1891 and a 1946 Farmall H tractor one of the few tractors available after WWII. Cecilia is grateful for the Century Farm recognition, something that reflects the hard work of her parents and the life they were able to give her. I couldnt ask for a better childhood, Cecilia said. Back in that day, my dad could have treated me or told me I had to not be involved in that kind of thing, and he never did. He was always okay with me being involved and I was a girl. He taught me how to do things. William and Richard Farabaugh and Joseph Burkhart William A. Farabaugh purchased 123 acres in East Carroll Township in 1918. He raised dairy cows and chickens and did custom thrashing for folks in the area. The dairy farm transitioned into beef cattle in the 50s, with his son taking over operations in 1975. Growing up, the Farabuaghs still kept two dairy cows around, using the milk to feed their family of 12. The children would milk the cows before school, and their dad would milk the cows at night. William J. Farabaugh, the third generation, took over operations in 1994, with help from his brother Richard and brother-in-law Joseph Burkhart. Today, they continue to raise beef cattle and grow hay on 56 acres, as well as produce hay on their neighbors property. Their main business is selling hay for horses, making over 3,000 small square hay bales each year. The family also continues to use their grandfathers tractor from 1939. At the award ceremony, William J. said he looks forward to handing the farm down to the next generation; his son recently built a house on the property. He hopes to keep things going. Were gonna keep going the way we are. I dont know if we can make 200. I wont be here see it, William said. Theres a tiny, tiny chance I will, Williams granddaughter said, chiming in. I would be 104, she said, followed by everyones laughter. Cambria County has 33 Century arms, according to the PDA. Clinton and Jessica Black James Black, Clinton and Jessicas great-grandfather, bought the 140-acre farm in 1920 for $28.57 per acre. He worked at the Altoona railroad station in addition to farming the land. Today, the original 1890s house and acreage are still in use. The farm was preserved through Pennsylvanias Farmland Preservation Program in 1995. Blair County has 10 Century Farms. Robert Grajewski and Susan Garing Michalene Miedziejko, Robert Grajewskis great-grandmother, bought the 50-acre farm in 1917 for $1,000. Miedziejko was born in Poland, and farmed the land alongside her husband John Miedziejko, who also worked as a coal miner. The couple raised mules to work in the mines and later ran a poultry operation and produced potatoes. Grajewskis grandfather took ownership in 1924, and his father took ownership in 1984. Grajewski acquired the land in 2007. Today, all 50 acres are still in use. The farm was also preserved by the North Branch Land Trust in 2016. Luzerne County has 18 Century and two Bicentennial farms. Marbarger Family Lewis and John Marbarger bought the 113-acre farm in 1896 for $3,277. They sold feed from the crops they grew on the farm. Today, the farm is a crop operation with the original farmhouse, built in 1800, still in use, along with all of the original acreage. Over the years, the farm owners raised hogs, steers and poultry and sold meat and vegetables to residents in Pottsville. The farm was preserved in 2008. Schuylkill County has 36 Century and four Bicentennial farms. Keith and Lori Flanders Albert Flanders, Keith Flanders grandfather, purchased the 65-acre farm in 1920 for $2,800. He worked at the Ulshs Feed Mill and Hatchery in Port Trevorton while farming the land. He and his wife had four sons and four daughters, and later had 21 grandchildren; Keith is the youngest. Keith and Lori took over the farm from his parents in 1988. In 1992, the farm transitioned to selling broiler chickens its primary business today. The original bank barn is still in use. Snyder County has 18 Century and three Bicentennial farms. El-Jon Century Farms Howard Snyder bought El-Jon Farms in 1912. At one point, there was a sawmill on the farm and a trolley from Boyertown to Oley went straight through the pasture en route to Reading. Today, the farm grows corn, beans, wheat and hay. The original barn and 137 acres are still in use. The farm was preserved in 1996. Berks County has 29 Century and 20 Bicentennial Farms. Richard Metz Jr.s Bicentennial Farm Richard Metz Jr.s third great-grandfather, Johann Metz, was deeded the 110-acre farm in 1825 for $18. Richard took ownership in 1996, running a dairy operation until 2020. Today, the farm has grown to a 147-acre operation that grows soybeans, corn and hay and raises beef cattle. Perry County has 38 century and eight bicentennial farms. (Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419. Lizs grandfather was Donald Partsch, the oldest of Frank Partschs seven sons, who got a portion of the Partsch farm. Today, Cecilia continues to use part of his farm to grow hay and graze.) NFU Cymru has warned that the UK governments controversial inheritance tax reforms will hit not just farmers but the wider rural economy, with local businesses braced for a severe downturn in confidence and reinvestment. The union used the Pembrokeshire County Show in Haverfordwest to underline the dangers of proposed changes to agricultural property relief (APR). While the measures are designed to clamp down on land purchases made purely for tax advantages, NFU Cymru argues that small family farms will become collateral damage, with communities across Wales paying the price. The union's deputy president Abi Reader said the policy would punish those least able to cope. One of the farmers sharing her story was 71-year-old Janet Cornock from Fishguard, who ran a thriving dairy herd with her husband Gwilym until his death in 2018. She now manages the farm with her son James and his family, but she had always hoped her grandchildren would continue the business. That future is now in doubt. Gwilym and I worked hard all our lives and the farm has meant everything to us," Janet said, "We rarely holidayed and rather than spending money on ourselves, we would reinvest it in the business for the childrens future, to pass it on to them. We have always been careful with our finances and weve paid a significant amount of tax each year on our earnings, as you would expect. "But I am so scared about the idea of the family farm tax and what it will do to the farm I lie awake at night and my heart is pounding. Janet said that in just three months the farm had spent money with over 40 local firms, warning that new tax liabilities would kill reinvestment and choke off income for the rural supply chain. Responding, Abi Reader accused ministers of pressing ahead with a tax raid that would leave small farms unviable. Farmers are in despair that the UK government is pushing on with its devastating tax raid on small family farms that have, over generations, been the cultural lifeblood of their local communities, driven the local economy and put food on peoples tables. "What makes me especially angry is that this flawed policy is going to harm the elderly, the infirm and those who have suffered personal tragedy many of whom are unable to get their complicated tax affairs in order to meet a bill they could not have planned for. Ms Reader stressed that farms do not operate like ordinary businesses, with most wealth tied up in land and buildings rather than liquid cash. As a result, many would be forced to sell assets to cover the bill undermining the long-term viability of the farm itself. We acknowledge governments desire to bear down on the practice of purchasing agricultural land as a tax efficient investment by individuals who have no intention of farming the land. "However, we have evidenced to government time and again that this ill-thought-out policy will see small family farms become the collateral damage for a policy that returns a negligible amount to the public purse. "The fears of thousands of families have not been adequately addressed by government and that, to me, is unacceptable." Image: Shutterstock 2025 has so far been the year of expression in home decor. Last year leaned heavily on muted neutrals and played a lot on minimalism, but on the contrary, this year swings toward bolder, more comparative colours. Experts suggest that you could use palettes that look effortlessly put together yet appreciate the calm and eclectic maximalist bursts. Whether you gravitate towards soft tones or rich pigments, heres how the years hottest colours are transforming homes.Shrutee Jain, Co-Founder of Studio Abrash, shares her colour suggestions for those looking to revamp their space or create a fresh oneImage: Shutterstock Earthy, grounding, and versatile, olive green is having a major moment. On walls, it adds depth without the drama; on furniture, it becomes a statement piece with an instant wow factor. In Nordic-inspired interiors, it works beautifully with pale woods and creams, striking balance while keeping the room inviting. Even in bathrooms, olive-hued tiles deliver quiet luxury.Image: Shutterstock From sunbaked terracotta to cocoa browns, these shades bring elemental warmth. They shine in layered interiors like lime washed walls, linen sofas, and artisanal ceramics. Terracotta niches or sienna-toned bookshelves add richness without feeling heavy. Even a hand-knotted rug in earthy tones can anchor a space while keeping it modern. Earth-toned rugs have a way of centering a space without overpowering it. We often work with palettes like terracotta, burnt umber, and cocoa to create rugs that feel both rooted and refined, perfect for contemporary homes that value warmth and texture, says Shrutee.Image: Shutterstock Romantic yet restrained, dusty pink continues to charm its way into homes this year, says Shrutee. Ideal for bedrooms or lounge corners, it pairs effortlessly with stone and brass accents. In velvet upholstery or lampshades, it creates a soft, glowing intimacy. Not ready for walls? Opt for a pink-toned lamp, coffee-table book, or throw, this hue plays well with just about everything.Pantones pick for 2025, Mocha Mousse, is a new-age neutral. Warm and mid-toned, it works as a sophisticated backdrop on walls, ceilings, or rugs. In contemporary settings, it blends seamlessly with glass, oxidised metals, and concrete, adding polish without stealing the spotlight from bolder accents, says the expert.Image: Shutterstock Part purple, part grey, Twilight Aubergine colour is dramatic yet grounding. It thrives in eclectic rooms layered with art, vintage finds, and personal quirks. As a background tone, it allows everything else to shine. Using it in subtler ways too such as a vase, candlesticks, or sideboard detail can lend instant sophistication.Deep, architectural, and bold, Mapped Blue is considered one of the more daring shades of 2025. Imagine glossy blue hallway walls or monotone shelving in which the effect is striking, not overbearing. Pair it with smoked glass, burnt orange, or polished chrome to achieve a look that feels curated, not cautious. For extra texture, a muted checkered rug can add graphic interest while tying the palette together, advises Shrutee.Butter yellow is bright, optimistic, and full of warmth, and has moved beyond spring and found its place in year-round decor. This colour instantly uplifts neutral rooms, whether through linen cushions, ceramics, or wall art. As an accent, it acts like a visual highlighter adding cheer, vibe, and energy. A patterned rug in this sunny shade can transform a muted room into a glowing space. Chinas fiscal revenue rose to over 13.58 trillion yuan (~$1.9 trillion), up 0.1 per cent year on year (YoY) in the first seven months of 2025, the Ministry of Finance said. This signals a cooling economy, reflecting weaker corporate profitability and sluggish consumer demand. China's marginal fiscal revenue growth alongside faster expenditure highlights economic headwinds from weak demand, lower corporate taxes, and import duties. Rising central spending reflects efforts to stabilise growth through infrastructure and welfare support. The widening gap with revenues points to growing fiscal strain and higher borrowing pressure ahead. The central government collected over 5.85 trillion yuan in fiscal revenue in the JanuaryJuly period, down 2 per cent YoY. This suggests challenges in corporate taxes and import duties. Meanwhile, local governments collected over 7.73 trillion yuan in the same period, up 1.8 per cent YoY. These modest gains reflect property-related and consumption-linked taxes. Chinas fiscal expenditure expanded 3.4 per cent YoY to nearly 16.1 trillion yuan in the first seven months, highlighting Beijings reliance on fiscal spending to support growth amid soft external demand and property market stress. The central governments fiscal expenditure rose 8.8 per cent YoY during the period, while local government expenditure increased 2.5 per cent YoY, indicating greater central intervention, especially in infrastructure and social welfare, as local governments face high debt burdens and restricted financing capacity. Overall, the mismatch between revenue growth and faster expenditure expansion underscores rising fiscal strain, which could widen the fiscal deficit and increase borrowing pressure in the second half of 2025. This also aligns with Chinas broader strategy of using proactive fiscal policy to stabilise the economy amid weak private-sector momentum. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS) The European Union (EU) and the United States (US) today issued a joint statement establishing a framework for fair, balanced and mutually-beneficial trans-Atlantic trade and investment. This builds on the political agreement reached by European Commission President von der Leyen and President Donald Trump on July 27. The EU and the US today set up a framework for fair, balanced and mutually-beneficial trade and investment. A joint statement lays out the new US tariff regime towards the EU, with a clear maximum 15-per cent tariff rate for the vast majority of EU exports; sectors already subject to MFN tariffs of 15 per cent or above will be exempt. The EU will also engage in negotiating a trade agreement with the US. The joint statement lays out in detail the new US tariff regime towards the EU, with a clear maximum, all-inclusive tariff rate of 15 per cent for the vast majority of EU exports, including strategic sectors. Sectors which are already subject to most favoured nation (MFN) tariffs of 15 per cent or above will not be subject to additional tariffs. With regard to cars and car parts, the 15-per cent US tariff ceiling will apply in tandem with the EU initiating the procedures for tariff reductions vis-a-vis US products. Effective as of September 1, a number of product groups will benefit from a special regime, with only MFN tariffs applying. These include unavailable natural resources (such as cork), all aircraft and aircraft parts, generic pharmaceuticals and their ingredients and chemical precursors. Both sides have agreed to continue to ambitiously work to extend this regime to other product categories as wella key deliverable for the EU. The EU will also engage in negotiating an agreement on fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade with the United States. EU-US trade in goods and services has doubled over the last decade, surpassing 1.6 trillion ($1.86 trillion) in 2024, with 867 billion (~$1 trillion) of trade in goods and 817 billion of trade in services. The EU intends to eliminate tariffs on all US industrial goods and provide preferential market access for a wide range of US seafood and agricultural goods. Both sides committed to cooperate on ensuring secure, reliable and diversified energy supplies, including by addressing non-tariff barriers that might restrict bilateral energy trade. As part of this effort, the EU intends to procure US liquified natural gas, oil and nuclear energy products with an expected offtake valued at $750 billion till 2028. In addition, the EU intends to purchase at least $40 billion worth of US artificial intelligence (AI) chips for its computing centres. The EU further plans to work with the United States to adopt and maintain technology security requirements in line with those of the United States. European companies are expected to invest an additional $600 billion across strategic sectors in the United States till 2028. The EU plans to consult with the United States and US traders on digitalisation of trade procedures and implementation of the legislation currently proposed on EU Customs Reform. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Norwegian postal group Posten Bring, Swedish-Danish group PostNord and Belgian group bpost recently announced pausing parcel shipments to the United States ahead of the elimination of the de minimis exemption for inbound goods. The de minimis exemption is a US trade rule that allows low-value goods (below $800) to enter the country without paying customs, duties or taxes. Its designed to simplify and speed up the import process for small shipments. Norwegian postal group Posten Bring, Swedish-Danish group PostNord and Belgian group bpost will pause parcel shipments to the US ahead of the elimination of the de minimis exemption for inbound goods beginning August 29. The details surrounding this have not yet been clarified by the US customs authorities, and no system solutions have been developed that postal companies can use, Posten Bring said. The change in regulation, effective August 29, will considerably affect international postal services and e-retailers. PostNord, owned by the Swedish and Danish governments, announced the temporary pause on postal shipments containing goods to the United States and Puerto Rico, effective from August 23. This decision is unfortunate, but necessary to ensure full compliance of the newly implemented rules. We are actively working with the relevant international organisations, as well as our U.S. partners, to develop and implement the necessary solution, and remain committed to resuming service for our customers as soon as possible, says Bjorn Bergman, head of the groups brand and communication in a statement. "The details surrounding this have not yet been clarified by the US customs authorities, and no system solutions have been developed that postal companies can use," Posten Bring said in a separate statement. It said postal companies in Europe were working together to gain clarity. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Actors Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, along with director Subhash Kapoor, have found themselves facing legal trouble ahead of the release of their much-anticipated film Jolly LLB 3. A Pune civil court has issued summons to the trio following a petition by lawyer Wajed Rahim Khan, who claimed that the film disrespects the judiciary. The court has ordered them to be present in person on October 28 at 11 a.m. to respond to the complaint. According to advocate Khan, the film mocks the legal system and portrays the profession in poor light. He pointed out one particular instance where judges are referred to as mama, a slang word he believes is disrespectful and undermines the dignity of the courts. While speaking to ANI, Khan emphasized that advocates and judges should be shown with respect, adding that such portrayals can influence how the public perceives the justice system. The issue first came to light in 2024 after the films teaser was unveiled. The teaser introduced audiences to the face-off between Akshay and Arshad, who return as rival lawyers in this third instalment. However, along with the excitement, the teaser also drew criticism from sections of the legal community, ultimately leading to Khans petition. The controversy has since reignited with the court now formally summoning the actors and director. Despite the legal hurdle, Jolly LLB 3 remains one of the most awaited releases of the year. The franchise has enjoyed strong success in the past, with the first film in 2013 turning into a sleeper hit and the 2017 sequel crossing the Rs 200 crore mark globally. Now, with both Akshay and Arshad coming together for the first time in the series, expectations are running high. Produced by Star Studio 18 and helmed by Subhash Kapoor, the film is slated to hit theatres on September 19, 2025. Also Read: Huma Qureshi to star in Jolly LLB 3 alongside Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi Kriti Sanon is currently preparing to begin shooting for Cocktail 2. Director Homi Adajania recently took to social media to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Kriti from the much-anticipated film. The filmmaker posted a black-and-white picture of the actress with the caption: @kritisanon Laugh & love. #cocktail2 #prep. The photo, tagged with WORK IN PROGRESS, instantly caught attention and sparked conversations and curiosity around Kritis look and her role in the sequel. The actress too acknowledged the moment by reposting the story on her social media. She added, Getting there.. one step at a time.. #cocktail2. The original Cocktail, directed by Adajania and starring Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, and Diana Penty, was admired by fans. Fans were excited to know that Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon were reuniting for Cocktail 2. Many are speculating that the upcoming movie would be as engaging as its prequel. In Cocktail, Veronica (Deepika Padukone) welcomes her boyfriend Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) and her new friend Meera (Diana Penty) into her home. Though they live happily for some time, their lives get complicated when Gautam begins developing feelings for Meera. On the professional front, Kriti Sanon will also be seen in Anand L Rai's project Tere Ishk Mein. Adding to the anticipation, reports also suggest that Kriti is being considered for a pivotal role in Farhan Akhtars highly awaited Don 3. Homi Adajania is returning with Cocktail 2. Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna are starring in pivotal roles. The film is being backed by Dinesh Vijans Maddock Films. It has been written by Luv Ranjan. The final details about the plot are being kept under wraps. Interestingly, the makers are now aiming for a theatrical release in the second half of 2026. However, the final release date hasn't been revealed yet. Also Read: Kriti Sanon CONFIRMED in Cocktail 2, Homi Adajania Shares Major Update Funding to fuel OSW's U.S. expansion and tech platform rollout SYDNEY, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OSW (One Stop Warehouse), Australia's leading solar wholesaler and distributor, has secured $5.5 million USD in strategic funding from SparkEdge Capital, a top-tier venture capital firm based in Shanghai focused on the energy and technology sectors. The path to global solar adoption Founded in 2013, OSW has established itself as the market leader in Australia's solar sector for over a decade, holding the market share for seven consecutive years. Internationally, the company has built a strong presence across Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Poland, where it has achieved over 20% market penetration in select regions. The new capital will fuel OSW's next phase of international growth in key solar markets, including the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Romania. The funding will also accelerate the rollout of OSW's proprietary technology platform, GreenSketch, which digitises and connects every stage of the clean energy value chain. OSW Founder Anson Zhang stated, "We've led the Australian market for years - this investment marks a major milestone as we expand into new markets and continue developing the infrastructure needed to support the global energy transition. OSW is building an AI-driven distributed energy industry internet platform - our vision is to become the 'Amazon' of clean energy, delivering integrated solutions." This year, OSW launched GreenSketch - a platform that is set to revolutionise faster solar deployment and rollout. Greensketch is the world's first end-to-end solar design platform that offers a zero-cost solution, integrating design, procurement, subsidy applications, and project management in one free-to-use interface. Backing the future of solar "We were drawn to OSW's unique ability to combine smart software with deep sector expertise," said Bin Wang, Partner at SparkEdge Capital. "Tools like GreenSketch are setting a new standard for clean energy delivery - and we believe OSW is positioned to lead the next wave of global solar adoption." With the backing of SparkEdge Capital, OSW is focused on integrating AI-powered tools and automation into every layer of the solar journey - from system design and compliance, to credit scoring and carbon tracking. Strategic partnerships in each region will support local deployment and help scale OSW's clean energy infrastructure worldwide. For more information on OSW, please visit the website . For those ready to experience GreenSketch, visit the website to sign up and start designing for free. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/solar-distributor-osw-secures-5-5-million-usd-to-accelerate-global-expansion-302535156.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 20, 2025) - Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) (Benz or the Company) is pleased to advise that, further to its announcement dated August 12, 2025 in relation to the private placement for 30,456,853 new fully paid CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs) in the Company at an issue price of A$0.985 (C$0.8846) per CDI to raise approximately A$30,000,000 (C$26,943,000) (before costs) (Placement), it has successfully completed Tranche 1 of the Placement. Each CDI represents one underlying common share in the Company on a one for one basis. Tranche 1 of the Placement consisted of 30,406,091 CDIs at a price of A$0.985 per CDI to raise A$29,950,000 (C$26,898,095) (before costs) (Tranche 1 Placement). Tranche 2 of the Placement, which will be placed to Mr. Jolly, a Director of Benz, subject to shareholder approval to be sought at an annual general and special meeting of the Company's shareholders in due course, consists of an additional 50,762 CDIs at a price of A$0.985 per CDI to raise an additional A$50,000 (C$44,905) (before costs) (Tranche 2 Placement). The participation by Mr. Jolly in the Tranche 2 Placement is considered a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Tranche 2 Placement is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of any CDIs issued to or the consideration paid by Mr. Jolly exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Net proceeds from the Placement will be primarily applied towards: Glenburgh Gold Project (WA): Increasing drilling capacity to four rigs to accelerate testing of the emerging bulk-tonnage gold system at the Icon deposit, the high-grade Zone 126 trend, and other priority targets. Geological modelling, including detailed televiewer interpretation, to deliver a resource model that honours Glenburgh's folded and metamorphosed geometry. Progress towards an updated Mineral Resource Estimate once the majority of planned drilling is complete, ensuring it reflects the full scale of the Project's potential. Mt Egerton Gold Project (WA): Exploration targeting high-grade near-surface mineralisation through RC drilling, mapping, and geochemical surveys. Eastmain Gold Mine (Quebec, Canada): Scoping Study to assess early-stage technical and economic development options for the high-grade resource. General: Working capital and corporate costs. Pursuant to the terms of a corporate advisory engagement letter (Corporate Advisory Engagement) and a capital raising engagement letter (Capital Raising Engagement), each dated as of August 12, 2025, between Euroz Hartleys Limited (Euroz) and the Company, Euroz acted as Lead Manager to the Placement and provided certain capital raising and corporate advisory services, respectively, to the Company in respect thereof. In accordance with the terms of the Capital Raising Engagement, Euroz was paid a commission equal to 3% of the gross proceeds raised under the Tranche 1 Placement, in the aggregate amount of A$898,500 (C$806,943) (plus GST) (Capital Raising Fee), of which Euroz will pay a sum equal to A$100,000 (C$89,810) to each of Tamesis Partners LLP and Argonaut Limited for services rendered by each to the Company for the Tranche 1 Placement. Under the terms of the Corporate Advisory Engagement, the Company paid Euroz a total fee equal to A$900,000 (C$808,290), representing a fee equal to 3% of the total gross proceeds to be raised under the Placement. The Placement remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The CDIs and underlying common shares issued in connection with the Tranche 1 Placement are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months and one day from the date of issuance. Australian dollar amounts disclosed above were converted into Canadian dollars using the Bank of Canada's exchange rate posted on August 12, 2025 of A$1 = C$0.8981. This announcement has been approved for release by the Board. About Benz Mining Corp. Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) is a pure-play gold exploration company dual-listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange. The Company owns the Eastmain Gold Project in Quebec, and the recently acquired Glenburgh and Mt Egerton Gold Projects in Western Australia. Benz's key point of difference lies in its team's deep geological expertise and the use of advanced geological techniques, particularly in high-metamorphic terrane exploration. The Company aims to rapidly grow its global resource base and solidify its position as a leading gold explorer across two of the world's most prolific gold regions. The Glenburgh Gold Project features a Historical (for the purposes of NI 43-101) Mineral Resource Estimate of 16.3Mt at 1.0 g/t Au (510,100 ounces of contained gold)1. A technical report prepared under NI 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Glenburgh - Egerton Gold Project, Western Australia" with an effective date of 16 December 2024 has been filed with the TSX Venture Exchange and is available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Eastmain Gold Project in Quebec hosts a Mineral Resource Estimate dated effective May 24, 2023 and prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and JORC (2012) of 1,005,000 ounces at 6.1g/t Au2, also available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, showcasing Benz's focus on high-grade, high-margin assets in premier mining jurisdictions. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/263301_f38002e4b4ef0853_001full.jpg For more information, please visit: https://benzmining.com/. Qualified Person's Statement (NI 43-101) The disclosure of scientific or technical information in this news release is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Mr Mark Lynch-Staunton, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and a Member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) (Membership ID: 6918). Mr Lynch-Staunton has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. Mr Lynch-Staunton owns securities in Benz Mining Corp. Historical Mineral Resource Estimates All mineral resource estimates in respect of the Glenburgh Gold Project in this news release are considered to be "historical estimates" as defined under NI 43-101. These historical estimates are not considered to be current and are not being treated as such. These estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves prepared by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia (JORC Code) and have not been reported in accordance with NI 43-101. A qualified person (as defined in NI 43-101) (Qualified Person) has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources. A Qualified Person would need to review and verify the scientific information and conduct an analysis and reconciliation of historical data in order to verify the historical estimates as current mineral resources. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward looking statements" (collectively Forward-Looking Information) as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding the use of proceeds from the Placement, planned exploration and related activities on the Eastmain Gold Mine and the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton projects, including the anticipated benefits thereof, the final approval of the Placement by the TSX Venture Exchange, and shareholder approval of the Tranche 2 Placement. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases or variations of such words and phrases or statements such as "anticipates", "complete", "become", "expects", "next steps", "commitments" and "potential", in relation to certain actions, events or results "could", "may", "will", "would", be achieved. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the tenements associated with the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton projects that are still pending grant or undergoing the renewal process will be granted and/or renewed, as applicable, in a timely manner and on reasonable terms, all conditions for completion of the Placement, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the Placement and shareholder approval of the Tranche 2 Placement will be satisfied, in a timely manner; the Company will be able to raise additional capital as necessary; the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Company's Projects (including Glenburgh and Mt Egerton) can be achieved; and the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions, and operations. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, and delays in regulatory approval, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.asx.com.au. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. The Forward-looking information in this news release is based on plans, expectations, and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. 1 Indicated: 13.5Mt at 1.0g/t Au for 430.7koz; Inferred: 2.8Mt at 0.9g/t Au for 79.4koz. See Historical Mineral Resource Estimates, below 2 Indicated: 1.3Mt at 9.0g/t Au for 384koz; Inferred: 3.8Mt at 5.1g/t Au for 621koz To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263301 SOURCE: Benz Mining Corp. Strengthening Presence in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Launching Corporate and Trust Services in Labuan SINGAPORE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascentium,a leading global business services platform headquartered in Singapore, today announced the successful acquisition of ZICO Holdings' ("ZICO"), a corporate services business operating across key ASEAN markets, specifically Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The acquisition also includes corporate services and trust & trustee services in Labuan. This strategic investment strengthens Ascentium's presence across Southeast Asia and marks its entry into the Labuan market. With over three decades of success, ZICO contributes its legacy of operational excellence, deep regional experience, and a distinguished portfolio of premium clients. ZICO's corporate services will be seamlessly integrated into Ascentium's operations in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, reinforcing the firm's proficiency in corporate secretarial services, trust administration, and regulatory compliance. With ZICO's corporate services division now part of the Ascentium platform, clients will benefit from an expanded suite of services across multiple markets, while continuing to receive high-quality corporate and fiduciary solutions. This expansion builds on Ascentium's 2024 acquisition of InCorp Global, a leading provider of corporate services and business advisory solutions, which is expected to complete its brand transition to Ascentium by 2026. Ascentium is committed to delivering comprehensive, technology-enabled business services across Asia-Pacific and beyond. This investment underscores Ascentium's strategic expansion across Asia Pacific to offer diversified corporate services, as highlighted by recent key milestone acquisitions such as Links International, the region's leading HR outsourcing technology partner, and Harneys Fiduciary, a specialist in cross-border corporate, fund, and trust services with established global offices in Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Shanghai. Lennard Yong, Founding Management and Group CEO of Ascentium, commented: "The acquisition marks an important advance in our Southeast Asia growth strategy and represents a crucial milestone toward building a leadership team with unmatched regional expertise. I appreciate Kelvin's trust and ZICO's network in Southeast Asia, and warmly welcome ZICO's corporate services team to Ascentium. We value their entrepreneurial culture and market knowledge. ZICO's strong governance framework, premium client base, and local know-how align with our mission to deliver transformative business services." Datuk Kelvin Ng, Group Chief Executive Officer of ZICO Holdings, said: "This demonstrates a pivotal moment for ZICO Holdings as we transition our well-established corporate services teams in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines to Ascentium. Over the years, our teams have built a strong reputation for professionalism, trust, and regional knowledge. We are confident that Ascentium's leadership, platform, and global reach will enable our colleagues and valued clients to access new opportunities and enhanced solutions. We thank our outstanding team members for their dedication and commitment and look forward to seeing them thrive as part of Ascentium's growing family under Lennard's leadership." - END - About Ascentium Ascentium is a leading global business services platform dedicated to helping businesses scale greater heights. Headquartered in Singapore, we empower extraordinary growth through specialised expertise and comprehensive one-stop solutions in corporate services, finance and accounting, HR services, and fiduciary and trust services. Our team of 2,300+ professionals spans 44 cities across 22 markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe, serving 50,000+ client entities across diverse industries. Through innovative, technology-enabled solutions and a collaborative approach, Ascentium drives transformative growth, helping clients navigate complex global environments. For more information, please visit ascentium.com. About ZICO Holdings ZICO Holdings Inc. ("ZICO" and together with its subsidiaries and associated companies, the "Group") is an integrated provider of multidisciplinary professional services. ZICO was listed on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited on 11 November 2014. ZICO is widely regarded as the Trusted Advisors and Go-To Professional Services Provider of business solutions in the ASEAN region. Through its multidisciplinary services, regional capabilities and local insights, ZICO creates a unique brand offering that enables its clients to capitalise on opportunities across Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit www.zicoholdings.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2754622/Ascentium_Expands_Southeast_Asia_Footprint_with_Strategic_Acquisition_of_ZICO_Corporate_Services.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2509528/ascentium_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ascentium-expands-southeast-asia-footprint-with-strategic-acquisition-of-zico-corporate-services-302534884.html The European Commission has launched a new Communication Toolkit to help tourism destinations and stakeholders across the EU promote sustainable tourism and responsible travel. BRUSSELS, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Part of the Sustainable EU Tourism - Shaping the Tourism of Tomorrow initiative, the toolkit supports destinations in their communication efforts as they lead the green and digital transition of tourism in Europe. With ready-made content and real-world success stories, it gives tourism actors the tools they need to align their outreach with the EU's broader sustainability goals. A timely resource for a changing sector As the tourism sector works to recover and evolve after the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing momentum to rethink how we travel, develop destinations and engage visitors. The European Commission's initiative and its accompanying toolkit aim to empower destinations to lead this shift and communicate it effectively to both travellers and peers. The launch follows the European Commission's second stocktaking report on the Transition Pathway for Tourism. Three years after its launch, the report highlights real progress across all action areas, driven by the strong engagement of tourism stakeholders across Europe. So far, 240 organisations have made over 500 pledges in support of sustainable, digital and resilient tourism. Many pledges focus on the green transition, such as the CopenPay initiative by Wonderful Copenhagen, which rewards sustainable tourist behaviour with cultural experiences. This momentum will feed into the upcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy, set to be developed with citizen and stakeholder input. Citizens can give their feedback on the Commission's public consultation until 12 September 2025. Stakeholders can also contribute to the Commission's call for evidence. What's inside the toolkit? The toolkit contains a suite of free, downloadable materials that can be adapted for local use and audiences: a project overview, the compilation of real-world examples from destinations leading on sustainability, an infographic with practical tips for responsible travel, social media posts and visual assets and four destination success stories with accompanying visuals. These resources are designed for use by destination management organisations (DMOs), local authorities, tourism boards and other stakeholders promoting sustainable tourism, with content tailored for both professional and traveller-facing communications. Tourism professionals are encouraged to download and integrate the content into their communication strategies, whether in newsletters, online campaigns, public presentations or stakeholder engagement. The full communication toolkit is now available at: https://transport.ec.europa.eu/tourism/communication-toolkit_en About Sustainable EU Tourism - Shaping the Tourism of Tomorrow The Sustainable EU Tourism project supports the EU's tourism priorities by promoting collaboration, sustainable practices, and resilience in the tourism sector. With over 200 participating destinations and extensive research, this initiative aims to transform European tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for both local communities and the environment. The project has compiled a collection of best practices from 50 destinations across Europe, ready for download here. Follow us on LinkedIn for all the latest news on Sustainable EU Tourism - Shaping the Tourism of Tomorrow. For press inquiries, please contact: Myrsini Karamanli | myrsini.karamanli@s-f.com | +49 30 166352565 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-eu-toolkit-helps-tourism-stakeholders-communicate-sustainability-effectively-302534879.html GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- News report from GDToday: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Amid that life-and-death struggle between justice and evil, light and darkness, freedom and enslavement, a group of heroes emerged. When the flames of war engulfed China, even across distant oceans, they poured out their savings to donate or eagerly enlisted, composing indelible chapters of history with their unwavering loyalty and devotion to the motherland. Where fascist brutality raged across mountains and seas, they fought alongside Allied nations as "Chinese": soaring through the skies in fighter planes, operating covertly behind enemy lines to relay intelligence, or saving lives amid hails of bullets on battlefields across Europe, Pacific islands, and Southeast Asian jungles. With their lives, they embodied the profound truth of a community with a shared future for mankind. Starting today, South launches a multimedia series Brother In Arms: Overseas Chinese in the Global Struggle Against Fascism, aiming to unearth these scattered historical fragments from across the globe: from the tire tracks of Nanyang (Southeast Asia) Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics on the Burma Road (Yunnan-Burma Highway) to the fishing boats used in the Great Hong Kong Rescue; from the life-and-death crossings by Chinese pilots over the Hump route to the battles waged in the jungles of the Indochina Peninsula, Malaya, and the Philippines; from the presence of Chinese laborers amid the Normandy Landings to the mine-clearing efforts of Chinese military engineering units on the European battlefield; from the donation boxes of New York's Chinatown "One Bowl of Rice" Movement to the field diaries of Chinese doctors during the Battle of Moscow... Eighty years on, these fragments of memory still resonate with the warmth of comradeship and humanity that transcended race and nationality. They are not merely chapters in China's resistance history but a shared heritage of humanity's fight against fascism. This series is a tribute to all souls who gave their lives for peace. May their legacy endure. "For the first time, my father's name has appeared on the overseas memorial monument honoring Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics. History has not forgotten them," said Zhang Yunpeng, a descendant of a Nanyang Volunteer, his voice trembling slightly as he gently traced his father's name. On August 14, Malaysia unveiled Monument Park in honor of the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics and Memorial Hall in honor of the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics at the Kwong Tong Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Over a thousand people from around the world gathered, braving the rain to honor a shared group of heroes: the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics, formally known as the "Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics Corps." Zhang's choked words suddenly bridged 86 years. In 1939, when Japanese forces blockaded China's coastal ports, the Burma Road became the lifeline for transporting international aid to China. Under the call of patriotic overseas Chinese leader Tan Kah Kee, over 3,200 young overseas Chinese from Malaya, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and other regions returned to China to join the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Grasping steering wheels with oil-stained hands, they rushed to repair broken vehicles and hustled to transport military supplies. Amid crossfire, venomous insects, and wild beasts, they used their flesh and blood to uphold the "unyielding lifeline" along this "Road of Death." Records show that from 1939 to 1942, the Burma Road carried over 5 million tons of critical strategic supplies, including machine guns, artillery shells, vehicles, gasoline, and medicines. Of these, 3,200 Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics, more than 1,000 sacrificed heroically along the Burma Road. Those who survived either returned to Nanyang after being demobilized or stayed to help build New China. Today, all these heroes known as the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics have passed away, but they have not been forgotten. Generations of descendants, following in their footsteps, are retracing the Burma Road, salvaging their historical legacy, and sharing their fathers' stories, all while building a new "Huitong Bridge" that connects the past, present, and future. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2754256/8_19___3__2.mp4 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/memories-of-nanyang-volunteer-drivers-and-mechanics-bearing-an-unyielding-lifeline-along-the-road-of-death--brothers-in-arms-302535343.html ASMALLWORLD AG / Key word(s): Half Year Results ASMALLWORLD Reports H1 2025 Results: Over 50% Member Growth and Strategic Initiatives Lay Foundation for H2 Acceleration 21-Aug-2025 / 06:30 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ASMALLWORLD Reports H1 2025 Results: Over 50% Member Growth and Strategic Initiatives Lay Foundation for H2 Acceleration Zurich, 21 August 2025 - ASMALLWORLD AG, the leading lifestyle community and luxury travel company, today announced its H1 2025 results. Whilst exceptional one-off effects in the previous year meant lower financial performance on a comparative base, the company delivered solid profitability and made significant progress on its strategic growth initiatives. Financial Performance: Maintaining Profitability Despite Lower Revenue Revenue for H1 2025 amounted to CHF 9.1M (H1 2024: CHF 11.8M), reflecting significant one-off revenues generated in the prior year through low-margin one-off event activities, which created an elevated comparative base. Furthermore, changes in the Miles & More loyalty program in the period led to temporary uncertainty and lower demand for the ASMALLWORLD Prestige Membership. The company was able to partly offset this via sales of its other memberships. EBITDA was CHF 0.4M (H1 2024: CHF 0.9M). 2024's comparative result was positively impacted by a one-off legal settlement (CHF +0.5M). After adjusting for this and other extraordinary one-off costs, including the CEO transition, the company delivered higher underlying EBITDA in H1 2025 compared to H1 2024. This resilience, despite lower revenue, highlights the company's commitment and capacity to deliver sustainable and profitable growth. The company continued to reduce its debt obligations and is targeting a 27% reduction in interest payments for the full year. Operational efficiency measures are also underway to further support sustainable and profitable expansion in H2 2025 and into 2026. Strong Membership Growth The company achieved unprecedented membership growth, expanding its member base by more than 50% year-over-year. This further highlights the strength of ASMALLWORLD's brand and underscores the demand for its curated luxury travel and lifestyle services. Launch of New Membership Tier and New Global Partnerships In August 2025, ASMALLWORLD launched Advantage, an exclusive new membership tier offering premium travel benefits including elite hotel and car rental status, as well as airline miles and hotel credits across more than 45 iconic brands. Advantage was introduced in partnership with Cathay Pacific, enabling members to earn 35,000 Asia Miles and access the wider oneworld alliance. The membership also enhances the long-standing collaboration with Miles & More, Lufthansa Group's frequent flyer program (another mileage option for the Advantage tier). Importantly, Advantage launched after the reporting period and will start contributing to financials in the second half of the year onwards. Travel Services: Growing Demand and Higher Profitability ASMALLWORLD's travel services continued to deliver strong momentum. ASMALLWORLD Collection grew bookings by more than 25% Y-o-Y, expanding its portfolio to over 1,700 luxury hotels. ASMALLWORLD Bespoke Travel doubled its team of travel advisors, driving more than 150% Y-o-Y profit growth for the division. Guidance Updated: Growth Momentum Expected in H2 Looking ahead, ASMALLWORLD expects the positive impact from Advantage, additional partnerships signed after the reporting period, and the significantly larger member base to accelerate growth in the second half of 2025. The company now guides for FY 2025 revenue of CHF 18-20M and EBITDA of CHF 0.95-1.15M. While this represents a downward revision compared to previous expectations, it reflects the extraordinary one-off cost impacts to the business in 2025. Importantly, ASMALLWORLD anticipates a clear acceleration in profitability in H2 and into 2026, driven by Advantage, new partnerships, and operating efficiency measures now underway. CEO Statement "I am pleased to see our member base expanding by over 50% year-on-year, a clear signal that demand for ASMALLWORLD's unique offering is stronger than ever," said Zain Richardson, CEO of ASMALLWORLD AG. "While the first half was impacted by extraordinary prior-year effects, we maintained profitability and laid the foundation for strong performance in H2. With Advantage launched and partnerships such as Cathay Pacific now in place, I am confident we are well-positioned to accelerate growth and create sustainable value for our members, partners, and shareholders." Earnings call and further information ASMALLWORLD CEO Zain Richardson will hold a web conference call today, August 21, to provide additional details and commentary on the 2025 H1 results. The call will take place at 11:30 a.m. CET. To participate, please join via the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84535115665 The 2025 H1 Financial Report is available for download on the ASMALLWORLD AG website at the following link: https://www.asmallworldag.com/financial-reports This press release can be found at www.asmallworldag.com . The ASMALLWORLD Group: Centred around the ASMALLWORLD social network, the company operates a luxury travel ecosystem that serves discerning travellers and industry partners. At its core, the ASMALLWORLD social network is the trusted community for modern luxury travellers, offering a platform to connect, share experiences and enjoy a wealth of travel privileges. ASMALLWORLD members can engage through its app and website, receive travel inspiration, and meet in person at over 800 global ASMALLWORLD events every year, ranging from casual get-togethers, access to exclusive launches, galas, major global sporting events, and larger flagship weekend experiences hosted in iconic destinations such as Saint-Tropez and St. Moritz. Beyond the social network, the ASMALLWORLD Group extends into bespoke travel planning, luxury hospitality, and strategic B2B collaborations. Through its diverse portfolio, the Group fosters a like-minded global community, curated experiences, and tailored solutions, shaping the evolution of luxury travel. Other businesses in the ASMALLWORLD travel ecosystem include: ASMALLWORLD Collection, an online hotel booking platform focused on the world's most coveted hotels, offering the unique "ASMALLWORLD VIP Rate," which offers exclusive travel benefits at no extra cost to ASMALLWORLD members. ASMALLWORLD Bespoke Travel, a luxury travel agency offering personalised travel curation and booking services. ASMALLWORLD DISCOVERY, part of Global Hotel Alliance alongside 45 leading hotel brands, services independent hotels, providing access to the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty and distribution network. ASMALLWORLD Hospitality, a hospitality and management consultancy that supports owners and developers of hospitality assets throughout the different lifecycle stages of their assets, including acquisition, development, operations, and exit. First Class & More, a subscription-based smart luxury travel service that allows members to enjoy luxury travel at insider prices. The World's Finest Clubs, the world's leading nightlife concierge offers its members VIP access to the most exclusive nightlife, dining, and beachclub venues around the world. Jetbeds, a premier booking platform specialising in Business and First-Class flights, offering exclusive deals, expert advice, and personalised service to secure the most attractive flight options. For more information, please visit: www.asmallworldag.com www.asmallworld.com www.asmallworldcollection.com www.asmallworldbespoke.com www.asmallworlddiscovery.com www.asmallworldhospitality.com www.first-class-and-more.de www.first-class-and-more.com www.finestclubs.com www.jetbeds.com Contact: ASMALLWORLD AG Seidengasse 20 8001 Zurich Switzerland info@asmallworldag.com Disclaimer The statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Such can be identified, for example, by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plan," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "project," "target," "seek," or "aim," or the negative of these words or comparable expressions. Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Issuer or its industry to be materially different from any future results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The issuer undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. End of Inside Information Oslo, 21 August 2025 - DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, today reported strong second quarter results with revenue up 37 percent to USD 258 million from the prior quarter and operating profit up 206 percent to USD 86 million, even with the contribution from the transformative USD 1.6 billion acquisition of Sval Energi Group AS in Norway recorded only as from 1 June 2025. Net production during the quarter increased 10 percent to 92,600 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), of which 56,100 boepd from the Kurdistan region of Iraq, 33,300 boepd from the North Sea and 3,200 boepd from West Africa. With the addition of the Sval Energi assets, projected second half 2025 North Sea production is 80,000-85,000 boepd. While months-long repairs are pending and security concerns remain following drone strikes on DNO operated fields in Kurdistan, DNO has ramped up gross production on a test basis to 55,000 boepd, about evenly split between the Tawke and Peshkabir fields. "With strong production and cash generation across the portfolio, we will continue our pivot to delivering increased cash value to our shareholders with stepped up dividends while streamlining and trimming expenditure across the Company," said Executive Chairman Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani. "We are also focused like a laser on lowering the level and cost of debt," he added. Post Sval acquisition, DNO has production from over 30 North Sea fields. Its most recent development, Maria Revit, was put on production in May 2025 and will contribute some 4,000 boepd net to DNO at peak. Elsewhere in Norway, the Company has six ongoing tieback developments scheduled to come onstream between 2025 and 2029, which together will contribute some 25,000 boepd net to DNO at the end of that period. Combined, the six developments represent nearly 50 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) in proven and probable reserves net to DNO. Another three tieback projects are moving toward 2025-26 final investment decisions. More than a dozen other discoveries, including DNO-operated Kjttkake, Norma and Othello, are being matured for project sanction. DNO's exploration success continued with the discovery of Vidsyn (DNO 25 percent) announced in July. So far this year, DNO has made three commercial discoveries in four exploration wells with total net mean resources of 34 MMboe. Soon, the Company will spud the Page exploration well which is a follow-up on the 2024 Othello discovery within the same license in which DNO holds a 50 percent operated stake. "We will also work to prune our assets of low return projects and add higher return ones," Mr. Mossavar-Rahmani said, adding that there are no sacred cows in the portfolio. "The only sacred cows at DNO are our shareholders." In mid-July, explosive drone strikes by unidentified parties impacted operations of a number of international oil companies in Kurdistan, including DNO's operations at its Tawke license (75 percent and operator). No individuals were injured, but surface processing equipment at Peshkabir and an oil storage tank at Tawke were hit. With revenues secured through local sales, in addition to long-term repairs, DNO is planning to recommence drilling to return to pre-Iraq-Turkiye Pipeline shutdown production levels of 100,000 boepd. On the financing side, DNO issued its first USD 400 million hybrid bond in June in connection with the Sval Energi acquisition and repaid over USD 600 million in reserve-based lending facilities. The Company also borrowed USD 300 million in the form of a temporary bank bridge loan, of which USD 150 million was repaid in August. Following the end of the quarter, DNO entered into a North Sea gas offtake agreement and a related USD 500 million financing facility well below the Company's historic borrowing costs. DNO is in discussions to establish similar arrangements covering its North Sea oil production. The Board of Directors has authorized a dividend payment of NOK 0.375 per share to be paid early next month (representing NOK 1.50 per share on an annualized basis), up 20 percent from prior quarterly distributions. A videoconference call with executive management is scheduled today at 10:00 (CET). To access the call, please visit www.dno.no. Key figures Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Full-Year 2024 Net production (boepd) 92,593 84,232 77,269 Revenues (USD million) 258 188 667 Operating profit/-loss (USD million) 86 28 6 Net profit/-loss (USD million) -7 -4 -27 Free cash flow (USD million) -112 -19 59 Net cash/-debt (USD million) -860 43 99 - For further information, please contact: Media: media@dno.no Investors: investor.relations@dno.no - DNO ASA is a Norwegian oil and gas operator active in the Middle East, the North Sea and West Africa. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Company holds stakes in onshore and offshore licenses at various stages of exploration, development and production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Norway, the United Kingdom, Cote d'Ivoire and Yemen. More information is available at www.dno.no. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Attachments Received the highest grade for the entire R&D process, from design to quality verification Plans to mass-produce 20 million units of 16 major semiconductors developed in-house this year, and has established an R&D environment at the global top level Takes the lead in expanding the domestic automotive semiconductor partnership ecosystem SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Mobis has obtained the highest grade of ISO 26262 certification, an international standard for functional safety, for its entire vehicle semiconductor R&D process. It is noted that this rigorous certification was obtained not for specific products, but for the entire process ranging from semiconductor design to quality verification. This certification means that when Hyundai Mobis designs semiconductors through the standardized R&D process in the future, the semiconductors designed through the process will have the same level of reliability as those certified as products. Hyundai Mobis plans to actively share these achievements and know-how with its major partners and take the lead in expanding the domestic automotive semiconductor ecosystem. Hyundai Mobis announced on the 21st that it has obtained ISO 26262: 2018 2nd edition from Exida, a world-renowned automotive functional safety and cybersecurity certification agency based in Germany. ISO 26262 is an international standard for preventing safety accidents in automotive electrical and electronic systems. Along with ISO 26262 certification, Hyundai Mobis received the highest D grade in the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL). ASIL is divided into four levels from A to D, with D requiring a strict reliability of 99% or higher to prevent safety accidents. With this certification, Hyundai Mobis has proven its semiconductor design capabilities and technological stability through an authoritative external institution. These achievements can be attributed to Hyundai Mobis' acquisition of Hyundai Autron in 2021, which enabled the company to begin mass production of its own semiconductors this year, backed by its industry-leading R&D environment. A total of 16 types of semiconductors are scheduled to be mass-produced at 20 million units this year...expected to lead to the company's improved competitiveness in core components Hyundai Mobis expects this certification to enhance the competitiveness of its self-designed semiconductors and controllers and other components equipped with them. As the importance of semiconductors grows, customers are increasingly preferring suppliers with standard certifications. This certification will also positively impact Hyundai Mobis' competitiveness in global automotive component supply contracts. "With this certification, we have secured a strategic foundation in the automotive semiconductor sector, which will determine future mobility competitiveness. We will take the lead in establishing an R&D environment that emphasizes functional safety by strengthening partnerships with major domestic and international companies while internalizing technology," said Lee Hee Hyun, Vice President of Hyundai Mobis' System Semiconductor R&D Group. Currently, Hyundai Mobis is mass-producing a total of 16 types of semiconductors, including ASIL-D-rated integrated semiconductors for airbags, power semiconductors for eco-friendly vehicles, integrated semiconductors for motor control, and power semiconductors for AVN (audio, video, and navigation) electronic components, through external foundries. The number of semiconductors to be mass-produced this year alone will exceed 20 million. Hyundai Mobis is also accelerating research and development with the goal of completing 11 next-generation semiconductors, including semiconductors for battery management systems, lamps, and communication, and a system on a chip (SoC) for networks, within three years. To this end, the company is also collaborating with major domestic foundry companies. Jointly enhancing the technological competitiveness of 'K-automotive semiconductors'...expanding the ecosystem through sharing know-how with partner companies Hyundai Mobis plans to actively communicate and share the know-how it has acquired through functional safety certification with major domestic and overseas partners. At the same time, it will also work to expand its own domestic automotive semiconductor ecosystem in Korea. In fact, Hyundai Mobis is increasing its collaboration with major domestic semiconductor companies. The company established a joint lab with Global Technologies, a semiconductor design specialist, this year and achieved research and development results in semiconductors for next-generation smart ambient lighting. It has also completed the development of an integrated drive semiconductor with Dongwoon Anatech and is now moving into its mass production. Hyundai Mobis is also strengthening partnerships with leading domestic foundry companies to expand the scope of collaboration, including process optimization. Additionally, it plans to enhance cooperation with design houses that serve as intermediaries between fabless and foundry companies, semiconductor packaging companies, and specialized firms in design, analysis, and verification, as well as research institutions. Media Contact Choon Kee Hwang : ckhwang@mobis.com Jihyun Han: jihyun.han@mobis.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1166884/hyundaimobis_CI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyundai-mobis-acquires-semiconductor-development-process-certification-for-iso-26262-asil-d-302534285.html GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 18, the grand global launch ceremony for WALOVI's international cans, themed "China's Wanglaoji, World's WALOVI," was held in Shanghai. Making a significant brand upgrade, Wanglaoji aims to redefine global beverage consumption with a unified global image and products tailored to diverse demands. At the event, four international can products were unveiled: Classic (Ruby Roselle can), No-sugar (Dawn Orange can), Plain (Golden Glaze can), and Bubble (Misty Blue can). These products not only incorporate Eastern color aesthetics into their packaging design but also blend traditional Eastern herbal wisdom with contemporary trends like sugar-free and sparkling formulations. Comprehensively epitomizes the value, origin, and vivid represented by WALOVI. Mr. Ye Jizeng, Vice General Manager of Guangzhou Wang Lao Ji Great Health Industry Co., Ltd., highlighted two major trends in the global beverage market: the rise of healthy and natural beverages, and the growing demand for low-sugar/sugar-free options. He emphasized that as an original Chinese beverage with a 197-year history, WALOVI remains committed to natural ingredients and health-oriented principles. Over the next three years, WALOVI plans to build multiple overseas markets with sales exceeding RMB 100 million each. "We will establish model markets for deep distribution and brand building. Today's launch is a strategic milestone in our global blueprint, with systematic preparations across product development, brand enhancement, channel expansion, and supply chain optimization. WALOVI will make the world believe that: Natural is the direction of flavor, healthy offers choice of good tasting." According to Frost & Sullivan, WALOVI has ranked first in global plant beverage sales for five consecutive years. Domestically, it holds nearly 50% of the plant drink market share. Over the past decade, the brand's overseas market presence has expanded 6.5-fold, with an annual compound growth rate exceeding 25%. At the event, Wanglaoji signed agreements with the first batch of partners of WALOVI, including Meituan Delivery, Eleme, Dianping, Ocean Engine, and Jiaye Trading Canada Corp. The new WALOVI products will soon be available across Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania. Through its systematic Product-Channel-Brand-Culture (PCBC) global strategy, Wanglaoji is committed to offering sustainable and healthy choices to the world with its natural Eastern plant beverages. With WALOVI, the brand aims to reshape the global beverage landscape, offering healthier alternatives and fostering cultural exchange through consumption. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2755120/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/walovis-international-cans-make-global-debut-ushering-in-a-new-era-of-eastern-natural-plant-beverages-302535574.html LONDON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion") has dispatched its record-breaking ZT82J straight boom aerial work platform to the Port of Bristol, United Kingdom. With a working height of 82.3 meters, the ZT82J sets a new benchmark for the European market, offering advanced aerial work solutions for energy and infrastructure projects across the region. The ZT82J was procured by Hire Safe Solutions, one of the UK's leading access equipment rental companies. Known for strict safety standards and advanced equipment, the company recently took delivery of Zoomlion's ZT72J model, making this its second acquisition of a Zoomlion ultra-high aerial work platform within two months. This decision reflects the trust that global partners place in Zoomlion's quality, components, and service, which consistently align with the expectations of customers worldwide. As Zoomlion's latest breakthrough following its 68-meter and 72-meter models, the ZT82J redefines the global height record for straight boom aerial work platforms. It delivers a maximum outreach of 34.1 meters and addresses the industry's challenges in construction areas, including wide spans, complex working conditions, precise positioning, and limited space. The ZT82J incorporates Zoomlion's proprietary polygonal boom design, which reduces weight while improving stiffness, minimizes lateral deformation, and enhances stability. It combines off-road adaptability with maneuverability in confined spaces, while 21 advanced safety technologies provide real-time monitoring to ensure operations are safer and more efficient. By introducing equipment capable of operating beyond 80 meters, Zoomlion has filled a critical gap in the global aerial work platform market. The ZT82J provides a new solution for demanding projects across Europe, where efficiency and safety are paramount. Zoomlion's intelligent access equipment portfolio now ranges from 6 to 95 meters, representing the industry's most comprehensive range. Its equipment is used in more than 100 countries and has set multiple national and regional height records, reflecting the company's ongoing contributions to advancing global construction and industrial efficiency. The ZT82J is recognized for combining cutting-edge technology with robust design, bringing new levels of safety, performance, and reliability to clients. Its delivery further demonstrates Zoomlion's commitment to raising industry standards and supporting Europe's infrastructure and energy development with greater efficiency and safety. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2755198/4ae95289fd2255a6a1a2c231ed6275bb.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zoomlion-delivers-the-worlds-tallest-82-3-meter-straight-boom-aerial-work-platform-to-the-uk-setting-a-new-record-in-europe-302535582.html Hrsholm, Denmark, 21 August 2025 - ExpreS2ion Biotech Holding AB ("ExpreS2ion") today announces its half-year and second quarter 2025 results. The report is available as an attachment and on ExpreS2ion's website (www.expres2ionbio.com). Below is a summary of the report. CEO Bent U. Frandsen comments: "In the second quarter, ExpreS2ion achieved key milestones that demonstrate both clinical progress and strategic alignment. The dosing of the first patient in our Phase I breast cancer trial marks a major step in our evolution into a clinical-stage company, supported by regulatory approval of a protocol amendment enabling expanded recruitment and ADC combinations. Alongside this, our growing partnerships and AdaptVac stake underscore the strength of our science, the breadth of our pipeline, and our disciplined execution." Summary of 2025 second quarter results, April - June 2025 Key income statement figures, SEK '000s Operating income: 3,419 (2,400) Profit/loss after financial items: -11,448 (1,639) Profit/loss for the period: -10,025 (2,537) Key balance sheet figures, SEK '000s End of period cash balance: 48,771 (68,550) End of period total assets: 73,478 (94,002) End of period equity / asset ratio*: 58% (59%) Number of shares Number of shares at end of the period: 2,658,346 (1,285,124) Average number of shares: 2,658,346 (1,285,124) Average number of shares (after dilution)**: 3,563,888 (3,047,458) Earnings per share, SEK*** Earnings per share for the period based on average number of shares: -3.77 (1.97) Diluted earnings per share for the period: -2.81 (0.83) Summary of 2025 first half results, January - June 2025 Key income statement figures, SEK '000s Operating income: 6,376 (3,958) Profit/loss after financial items: -24,416 (-12,200) Profit/loss for the period: -21,465 (-10,316) Key balance sheet figures, SEK '000s End of period cash balance: 48,771 (68,550) End of period total assets: 73,478 (94,002) End of period equity / asset ratio*: 58% (59%) Number of shares Number of shares at end of the period: 2,658,346 (1,285,124) Average number of shares: 2,658,346 (1,285,124) Average number of shares (after dilution)**: 3,563,888 (3,047,458) Earnings per share, SEK*** Earnings per share for the period based on average number of shares: -8.07 (-8.03) Diluted earnings per share for the period: -6.02 (-3.39) Figures in parenthesis are from the same period in 2024. *Equity ratio: Shareholder's equity divided by total capital **Potential dilutive effects in the calculation of the diluted earnings (loss) per share include those related to share issues, specifically warrants (805,542), and share-based compensation programs (100,000) ***Earnings per share defined as profit/loss for the period divided with the average number of shares for the period. Prior year earnings per share comparatives adjusted, reflecting changed date of share registration in average number of share calculations. Webcast presentation of 2025 second quarter On 21 August 2025 at 10:30 CET, ExpreS2ion CEO Bent Frandsen and CFO Keith Alexander will present a company update and the 2025 half-year and second quarter results and answer investors' questions. More information and registration can be found via this link: https://www.inderes.dk/videos/expres2ion-biotechnologies-presentation-of-half-year-2025-report Key developments during the quarter included: On April 1st, ExpreS2ion provided a pipeline update summarizing progress across its clinical and preclinical development programs. The update highlighted slower-than-expected patient recruitment in the ongoing Phase I trial of ES2B-C001, the Company's lead therapeutic breast cancer vaccine candidate, while reaffirming that no safety or scientific concerns have been identified. It also announced the strategic discontinuation of the CMV vaccine candidate ES2B-I002, enabling greater focus on high-priority pipeline assets. On April 15th, ExpreS2ion announced that ExpreS2ion and WuXi Vaccines signed a Letter of Intent to initiate a technology evaluation of ExpreS2ion's proprietary Drosophila S2 expression technology platform ("ExpreS2") for the bioproduction of vaccines and other biologics. WuXi Vaccines is a World-leading CDMO in the vaccines space, offering its development and manufacturing expertise and equipment to customers worldwide. The Letter of Intent is intended to lead to a strategic collaboration agreement within the next 12 months following successful feasibility testing of the ExpreS2 system in a Wuxi Vaccines' client project. On April 24th, ExpreS2ion published a notice to attend the Annual General Meeting in ExpreS2ion Biotech Holding AB on 28 May 2025. On May 1st, ExpreS2ion published the Annual Report for financial year 2024. On May 13th, ExpreS2ion announced that it had submitted a study protocol amendment to the Austrian regulatory authorities to enable the evaluation of its breast cancer vaccine candidate, ES2B-C001, in combination with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and to expand the number of study sites. On May 15th, ExpreS2ion Biotech Holding AB announced interim results for the first quarter of 2025. On May 28th, ExpreS2ion Biotech Holding AB held the 2025 Annual General Meeting. On June 19th, ExpreS2ion announced that its associated company AdaptVac ApS ("AdaptVac"), of which ExpreS2ion owns 34%, will lead a consortium that had been awarded a USD 12.4 million (approximately SEK 115 million) grant from CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) and the European Union's Horizon Europe Program. This non-diluting funding will support development of a novel vaccine that could provide all-in-one protection against multiple deadly filoviruses including Ebolavirus Zaire, Sudan Ebolavirus and Marburg. The project is funded over five years and includes planned clinical Phase I/II trials. On June 23rd, ExpreS2ion announced that the first patient had been dosed in the Phase I clinical trial of ES2B-C001 (HER2-VLP), the company's novel therapeutic breast cancer immunotherapy candidate. The first patient was dosed with ES2B-001, and it was well tolerated. The trial is being conducted in collaboration with the clinical staff at the Medical University of Vienna and investigates the safety and tolerability of ES2B-C001 in patients with metastatic HER2-expressing breast cancer. On June 30th, ExpreS2ion announced that the Austrian regulatory authorities had approved the Company's protocol amendment to evaluate its breast cancer immunotherapy candidate, ES2B-C001, in combination with HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and to expand the number of trial sites. After the reporting period, subsequent events of note were: On July 7th, ExpreS2ion announced that it has entered into an Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) agreement with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) to gain access to Computerome 2.0, one of Denmark's most advanced high-performance computing (HPC) platforms for secure biomedical data processing. On July 18th, ExpreS2ion acknowledged the announcement by the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund of a new international vaccine development project supported by JPY 800 million (approx. EUR 4.6 million) in funding. The project will develop a novel blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate using the virus-like particle (VLP) platform of AdaptVac ApS, in which ExpreS2ion holds a 34% ownership stake. Certified Adviser Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning AB This press release constitutes inside information that ExpreS2ion Biotech Holding AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014. The information was sent for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out below, at the time stated by the Company's news distributor, Cision, at the publication of this press release. For further information about ExpreS2ion Biotech Holding AB, please contact: Bent U. Frandsen, CEO Keith Alexander, CFO E-mail: investor@expres2ionbio.com About ExpreS2ion ExpreS2ion is a biotechnology company that develops innovative vaccines for a healthier world. We want to transform healthcare by developing novel vaccines, that are life-saving and improving quality of life across the world. ExpreS2ion has developed the unique human clinical Phase III-validated technology platform, ExpreS2, for fast and efficient development and production of the active material in vaccines. The platform, under the brand GlycoX-S2, includes functionally modified glycosylation variants for enhanced immunogenicity and pharmacokinetics. Since 2010, ExpreS2ion has produced more than 500 proteins and virus-like particles (VLPs) in collaboration with leading research institutions and companies. ExpreS2ion develops novel VLP based vaccines in association with AdaptVac ApS, of which ExpreS2ion owns 34%. For additional information, please visit www.expres2ionbio.com. GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During the spring, SKF, together with the design agency NORD ID at NORD DDB, launched an updated brand identity. That update has now earned a rare double win in the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award. "Red Dot is an international mark of excellence in design and business," says Daniel Sjostrand, Head of Brand at SKF. SKF and NORD ID have been recognized with two Red Dot awards for SKF's refreshed identity - marking their first-ever double win. The honors include one award for the SKF Display font and the coveted 'Best of the Best' for the entire brand update. The Red Dot Design Award is considered one of the world's largest and most respected competitions celebrating outstanding design, with winners selected through a rigorous process that recognizes only the most exceptional work. "We started this journey to become even more SKF, with a visual expression that matches our history, knowledge, and the value we bring to the world. The result is a bold identity that reflects our hundred-year history of innovation while also pushing for the future we envision. To now have it recognized with two Red Dot awards is a great testament to that," says Daniel Sjostrand, Head of Brand at SKF. For over a century, SKF has been a leader in products and solutions that reduce friction. The new brand strategy, also developed with NORD DDB, builds on this legacy to close the gap between SKF's global impact and public perception, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and industry leadership. Inspired by the brand's 117-year-old logo, originally hand-painted by an employee and celebrated as a pioneer in design circles ("SKF's logo - a milestone in commercial design"), the refreshed brand identity further highlights SKF's innovative heritage with a great emphasis on movement. "We were struck by how SKF's 1908 logo felt both modern and progressive. Its magnetism feels as visionary today as a century ago. Rather than create something new, we optimized it for the digital age-preserving its character while expanding it into a complete typeface. The result is an identity that reflects SKF's renewed image while ensuring its heritage and strong personality will continue to thrive," says Martin Andersson, Design Director at NORD ID. The new identity immediately created excitement in the design/business/industry-communities after being launched during 2025. "The updated brand reflects the business SKF has become, helping the company to further stand out in the industry, attract more customers, and drive profitable growth. From a business perspective, we are building favourability among current and potential customers, employees, investors, partners, and beyond," says Per Nilsson, Director Group Communication, SKF. The award ceremony takes place on November 7th later this year at the Konzerthaus in Berlin, Germany. About the Red Dot Design Award: To appraise the diversity in the field of design in a professional manner, the award breaks down into three disciplines: the Red Dot Award: Product Design, Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design and Red Dot Award: Design Concept. Each competition is organised once every year. Source: https://www.red-dot.org/about-red-dot/red-dot-award About SKF new identity SKF, one of Sweden's largest industrial companies and global bearing manufacturers, has giving the brand a little TLC in the shape of an update to better emphasise its core expertise in innovation and optimise its identity for digital contexts. In collaboration with the design agency NORD ID at NORD DDB, SKF has returned to its visionary beginnings, mining its original logo, created in 1908, for inspiration. SKF future-proofing its identity - by reinvigorating a 117-year-old logo | SKF Aktiebolaget SKF (publ) For further information, please contact: Press Relations: Karin Markhede, PR-manager, +46 707 58 87 30; karin.markhede@skf.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-s-new-brand-identity-recognized-with-two-awards-in-prestigious-design-competition,c4221057 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/skf/i/02-skf-reddot-bob-250819,c3462181 02 skf reddot-bob-250819 https://news.cision.com/skf/i/per-nilsson,c3462177 Per Nilsson https://news.cision.com/skf/i/daniel-sjostrand,c3462178 Daniel Sjostrand https://news.cision.com/skf/i/01-skf-reddot-bob-250819,c3462179 01 skf reddot-bob-250819 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/skfs-new-brand-identity-recognized-with-two-awards-in-prestigious-design-competition-302535603.html EQS Newswire / 21/08/2025 / 10:00 CET/CEST SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 August 2025 - CNA, the global news and current affairs brand of Mediacorp, is offering a new service which allows businesses and brands from around the world to seamlessly publish their media releases in a dedicated section on its flagship website, cna.asia, via its very first partner, Media OutReach Newswire. This new third-party paid content service offers businesses unprecedented access to one of the most trusted news platforms in Asia. Ms Jennifer Kok, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Media OutReach, said: "It is an honour to be the first newswire partner as CNA launches its new third-party content service. This partnership shows that the investment we have undertaken to deliver corporate news releases from public relations and investor relations professionals, and government bureaus across the Asia Pacific region has garnered recognition from the media. Based on data from Similarweb, we know that the highest readership can be attributed to local media, thus our focus will continue to be on forming content partnerships with local media in Southeast Asia, ASEAN, APAC, Africa, Middle East and globally." Commenting on the new media release distribution service, Mr Yong Chung Jin, Head of Business Operations at CNA, said: "This service is separate from our editorial operations. It is a partnership which will allow corporates and newsmakers a unique opportunity to showcase their latest developments and amplify their visibility by leveraging on CNA's strong presence online to reach its highly engaged audiences around the world." Since its launch in 1999, CNA has evolved into a global news brand reaching audiences around the world with its award-winning range of content from breaking news to documentaries and current affairs programmes. Its website, cna.asia, attracts more than 90 million page views, and nearly 12 million unique visitors each month (Adobe Analytics, Jan-Jul 2025). All published media releases on https://www.channelnewsasia.com/media-releases will be reproduced as they are received, with no revisions or edits by CNA. For more information, please visit https://www.channelnewsasia.com/media-releases . Hashtag: Mediacorp CNA MediaOutReachNewswire pressrelease The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About CNA CNA was established in March 1999 by Mediacorp, and is an English language Asian news network. Positioned to "Understand Asia", it reports on global developments with Asian perspectives. Based in Singapore, it has correspondents in major Asian cities and key Western ones, including New York, Washington D.C., London and Brussels. CNA brings its audience not only the latest news but also diverse content such as business, lifestyle, human stories, current affairs and documentary programming. CNA is a transmedia company, where users can get content online, on TV and radio and via smart devices. It is also available on social and messaging services, such as Facebook , X , YouTube , LinkedIn , and Telegram . CNA has been recognised as Channel of the Year by the Association for International Broadcasting (AIB), the global trade association for broadcast journalism. CNA TV is now viewed in 29 territories across Asia with its satellite footprint stretching across Asia, the Middle East and Australia. For more information, please visit CNA's website at cna.asia . About Mediacorp Mediacorp is Singapore's national media network and largest content creator, engaging 99 percent of the population weekly across four languages on its digital, TV, radio, and social media platforms. The company prides itself on creating compelling and trusted content that connects communities and inspires people. Beyond Singapore, Mediacorp reaches a global audience through its award-winning news service, CNA, and globally distributed content that has won numerous industry accolades, including from the New York Festivals, World Media Festivals, PromaxBDA (World and Asia), and the Asian Academy Creative Awards. As the nation's media network, Mediacorp champions the diverse pool of local talent and the growth of the creative and media industry, through co-creation, partnerships and providing learning opportunities to groom the next generation of creators and media professionals. For more information, please visit mediacorp.sg . About Media OutReach Newswire Founded in 2009, Media OutReach Newswire is Asia Pacific's first global newswire founded and headquartered in Hong Kong with offices in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. The newswire comprehensive network of more than 200,000 editors and journalists, covering over 70,000 media titles, 1,500 media partners in more than 40 languages is an effective conduit between PR & IR professionals in agencies, companies and government bureaus. As a total communications solution provider, Media OutReach Newswire leverages next-generation SaaS technology and AI to redefine press release distribution, delivering multimedia, multi-language press releases directly to journalists' inboxes to optimise write-ups, build media relations and provides multi-format, ready to use reports with pioneering data insights and intelligence on Public Relations Campaign performance. Media OutReach Newswire's global press release distribution network that spans Asia Pacific & Southeast Asia, the USA, Canada, Latin America, Europe & UK, the Middle East & Gulf States, and Africa is a trusted newswire partner for PR and Communications Professionals from PR & IR agencies, corporations and governments for authentic communication results. For more information about Media OutReach Newswire's services and distribution network, please visit www.media-outreach.com . News Source: Mediacorp 21/08/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com 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! MINISO Group Delivers Accelerating Momentum: Same-Store GMV(1) Growth (the "SSSG") Turns Positive in June Quarter; Revenue Increased 23.1%; Operating Profit Increased 11.3%; Adjusted Diluted Earnings per ADS Increased 12.0% MINISO Brand Resumes Net Store Network Expansion in Mainland China, with 30 Net New Stores Opened in June Quarter TOP TOY Brand Revenue Increased 87.0%, a New Growth Record for June Quarter Announce Interim Dividend of US$0.2896 per ADS GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO; HKEX: 9896) ("MINISO", "MINISO Group" or the "Company"), a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design, today announced its unaudited financial results for the three months and the six months ended June 30, 2025 (the "June Quarter" and the "First Half of 2025", respectively). Financial Highlights for the June Quarter Revenue increased 23.1% year over year to RMB4,966.1 million (US$693.2 million), above the high end of the Company's previous guidance range of 18%-21%. increased 23.1% year over year to RMB4,966.1 million (US$693.2 million), above the high end of the Company's previous guidance range of 18%-21%. All three of the Company's operating segments achieved a marked sequential improvement in SSSG (1) during the June quarter, propelling group-level SSSG (1) into positive territory after a mid-single digit contraction last quarter. MINISO Brand's SSSG (1) was flat year over year, underpinned by (i) low-single digit growth in mainland China, and (ii) low-single digit decline in overseas market. TOP TOY Brand's SSSG (1) advanced at a low-single digit growth rate year over year. during the June quarter, propelling group-level SSSG into positive territory after a mid-single digit contraction last quarter. Gross margin was 44.3%, compared to 43.9% in the same period last year. was 44.3%, compared to 43.9% in the same period last year. Operating profit increased 11.3% year over year to RMB836.2 million (US$116.7 million). increased 11.3% year over year to RMB836.2 million (US$116.7 million). Adjusted operating profit (2) increased 8.5% year over year to RMB851.8 million (US$118.9 million), with adjusted operating margin of 17.2%, both ahead of the Company's guidance. increased 8.5% year over year to RMB851.8 million (US$118.9 million), with adjusted operating margin of 17.2%, both ahead of the Company's guidance. Profit for the period was RMB489.5 million (US$68.3 million), compared to RMB591.4 million in the same period last year. was RMB489.5 million (US$68.3 million), compared to RMB591.4 million in the same period last year. Adjusted net profit (2) increased 10.6% year over year to RMB691.5 million (US$96.5 million). increased 10.6% year over year to RMB691.5 million (US$96.5 million). Adjusted net margin (2) was 13.9%, compared to 15.5% in the same period last year. was 13.9%, compared to 15.5% in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA (2) increased 14.7% year over year to RMB1,149.5 million (US$160.5 million). increased 14.7% year over year to RMB1,149.5 million (US$160.5 million). Adjusted EBITDA margin (2) was 23.1%, compared to 24.8% in the same period last year. was 23.1%, compared to 24.8% in the same period last year. Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS(2) were both RMB2.24 (US$0.31), increased by 12.0% year over year. Financial Highlights for the First Half of 2025 Revenue increased 21.1% year over year to RMB9,393.1 million (US$1,311.2 million). increased 21.1% year over year to RMB9,393.1 million (US$1,311.2 million). Gross profit increased 22.6% year over year to RMB4,156.9 million (US$580.3 million). increased 22.6% year over year to RMB4,156.9 million (US$580.3 million). Gross margin was 44.3%, compared to 43.7% in the same period last year. was 44.3%, compared to 43.7% in the same period last year. Operating profit increased 3.4% year over year to RMB1,545.9 million (US$215.8 million). increased 3.4% year over year to RMB1,545.9 million (US$215.8 million). Adjusted operating profit (2) increased 1.7% year over year to RMB1,586.5 million (US$221.5 million), with adjusted operating margin of 16.9%. increased 1.7% year over year to RMB1,586.5 million (US$221.5 million), with adjusted operating margin of 16.9%. Profit for the period was RMB906.0 million (US$126.5 million), compared with RMB1,177.4 million in the same period last year. was RMB906.0 million (US$126.5 million), compared with RMB1,177.4 million in the same period last year. Adjusted net profit (2) was RMB1,278.7 million (US$178.5 million), compared with RMB1,241.9 million in the same period last year. was RMB1,278.7 million (US$178.5 million), compared with RMB1,241.9 million in the same period last year. Adjusted net margin (2) was 13.6%, compared to 16.0% in the same period last year. was 13.6%, compared to 16.0% in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA (2) increased 11.2% year over year to RMB2,186.8 million (US$305.3 million). increased 11.2% year over year to RMB2,186.8 million (US$305.3 million). Adjusted EBITDA margin (2) was 23.3%, compared to 25.4% in the same period last year. was 23.3%, compared to 25.4% in the same period last year. Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS (2) was RMB4.16 (US$0.58) and RMB4.12 (US$0.58) respectively, compared with each of RMB3.96 in the same period last year. was RMB4.16 (US$0.58) and RMB4.12 (US$0.58) respectively, compared with each of RMB3.96 in the same period last year. Cash Position (3) was RMB7,466.1 million (US$1,042.2 million) as of June 30, 2025, compared to RMB6,698.1 million as of December 31, 2024. was RMB7,466.1 million (US$1,042.2 million) as of June 30, 2025, compared to RMB6,698.1 million as of December 31, 2024. Net cash from operating activities was RMB1,014.2 million (US$141.6 million). Capital expenditure was RMB434.8 million (US$60.7 million) and free cash flow was RMB579.4 million (US$80.9 million) for the First Half of 2025. Operational Highlights Total number of stores on group level was 7,905 as of June 30, 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 842 net new stores. was 7,905 as of June 30, 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 842 net new stores. Number of MINISO stores was 7,612 as of June 30, 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 744 net new stores. Number of MINISO stores in mainland China was 4,305 as of June 30, 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 190 net new stores. Number of MINISO stores in overseas markets reached 3,307 as of June 30, 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 554 net new stores. was 7,612 as of June 30, 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 744 net new stores. Number of TOP TOY stores was 293 as of June 30, 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 98 net new stores. TOP TOY has also begun to expand into overseas markets since December quarter of 2024. This strategic move aligns with the Company's plan to expand globally and strengthen its brand presence. Notes: (1) "Same-store GMV" refers to the GMV generated by those stores that opened prior to the beginning of the comparative periods and remained open as of the end of the comparative periods and closed for less than 30 days during both comparative periods. "SSSG" refers to the year-over-year growth of same-store GMV. (2) See the sections titled "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in this press release for more information. (3) "Cash position" refers to the combined balance of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, term deposits with original maturity over three months, and other investments recorded as current assets. The following table provides a breakdown of the Company's store network and its changes on a year-over-year basis. 74.5% of new MINISO stores in the past twelve months were located in overseas markets. As of YoY June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 Number of stores on group level 7,063 7,905 842 Number of MINISO stores 6,868 7,612 744 Mainland China 4,115 4,305 190 -Directly operated stores 29 20 (9) -Stores operated under MINISO Retail Partner model 4,063 4,258 195 -Stores operated under distributor model 23 27 4 Overseas 2,753 3,307 554 -Directly operated stores 343 579 236 -Stores operated under MINISO Retail Partner model 338 425 87 -Stores operated under distributor model 2,072 2,303 231 Number of TOP TOY stores 195 293 98 -Directly operated stores 21 38 17 -Stores operated under MINISO Retail Partner model 174 250 76 -Stores operated under distributor model - 5 5 Mr. Guofu Ye, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of MINISO, commented, "We are gratified that MINISO Group accelerated growth in the June Quarter and we delivered a double-digit growth of operating profit which exceeded our expectations. It was encouraging that MINISO mainland China SSSG turned positive for the June Quarter and further accelerated entering the September quarter. The outperformance in MINISO mainland China in such a hyper-competitive domestic physical retail environment further underscores our strong execution and resilience of our business model. We estimate that same-store GMV in MINISO mainland China will achieve positive growth for the whole year of 2025." "We are thrilled to see improvement in overseas same-store GMV in the June Quarter, especially in our strategic markets Europe and North America. As we look ahead at the second half of 2025, we expect that our investments in directly operated business will unleash the sales potential and optimize our margin profiles. We are optimistic about building on the momentum we have created and well positioned to deliver sustainable and high-quality growth overseas. We are also pleased that TOP TOY recorded another impressive revenue growth of 87.0%, marked by robust performance of pop toy products and stronger store networks. It is worth mentioning that TOP TOY recently has completed strategic financing by Temasek, with post-valuation of about HK$10 billion, demonstrating its market recognition in pop toy industry." Mr. Ye continued. Mr. Eason Zhang, CFO of MINISO, commented, "We are encouraged by our better-than-expected quarterly performance in top line, growing by 23.1% year over year, accelerated from the last quarter. We now expect revenue growth to accelerate for the remainder of 2025. Gross margin reached 44.3%, increased by 0.4 percentage point year over year. Adjusted EBITDA for the June Quarter grew by 14.7% year over year to RMB1,149.5 million, accelerated from last quarter as well, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.1%." "The board of the Company has approved an interim cash dividend for the First Half of 2025, with a total amount of approximately RMB639.5 million. Return to shareholders including share repurchases and cash dividends paid for the First Half of 2025 reached about RMB1,071 million, as about 84% of adjusted net profit, compared to about 55% in the same period last year. Our capital allocation strategy will also continue to balance fast growth and our commitment to bring stable and foreseeable returns to shareholders." Mr. Zhang concluded. Recent Developments Interim Dividend Declaration On August 21, 2025, the Company's board of directors approved the distribution of an interim cash dividend in the amount of US$0.2896 per ADS or US$0.0724 per ordinary share, to holders of ADSs and ordinary shares of record as of the close of business on September 5, 2025, New York Time and Beijing /Hong Kong Time, respectively. The ex-dividend date for the holders of ordinary shares in Hong Kong will be September 4, 2025; and the ex-dividend date for holders of ADSs will be September 5, 2025. The payment date is expected to be September 16, 2025 for holders of ordinary shares and September 19, 2025 for holders of ADSs. The aggregate amount of cash dividend to be paid is approximately US$89.3 million (RMB639.5 million at an exchange rate of RMB7.1636 to US$1.0000), which is approximately 50% of the Company's adjusted net profit for the First Half of 2025 and will be distributed from additional paid-in capital and settled by a cash distribution. For holders of ordinary shares, in order to qualify for the interim cash dividend, all valid documents for the transfer of ordinary shares accompanied by the relevant share certificates must be lodged for registration with the Company's Hong Kong share registrar, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, at Shops 1712-1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong no later than 4:30 P.M. on September 5, 2025 (Beijing /Hong Kong Time). Update on TOP TOY TOP TOY recently has completed a round of strategic financing led by Temasek, a global investment company headquartered in Singapore. The post-transaction valuation of TOP TOY reached around HK$10 billion, demonstrating the market recognition of TOP TOY's business model, brand equity, and global expansion roadmap on a rapid growth trajectory of its pop toy business. Financial Results for the June Quarter Revenue was RMB4,966.1 million (US$693.2 million), representing an increase of 23.1% year over year. Revenue from MINISO brand increased by 19.5% year over year to RMB4,563.2 million (US$637.0 million), including (i) an increase of 13.6% in revenue from MINISO brand in mainland China, accelerating from last quarter, and (ii) an increase of 28.6% in revenue from MINISO brand in overseas markets. Overseas revenue contributed to 42.6% of revenue from MINISO brand, compared to 39.5% in the same period last year. Revenue from TOP TOY brand increased by 87.0% to RMB402.2 million (US$56.1 million). For more information on the composition and year-over-year change of revenue, please refer to the "Unaudited Additional Information" in this press release. Cost of sales was RMB2,767.2 million (US$386.3 million), representing an increase of 22.3% year over year. Gross profit was RMB2,198.9 million (US$307.0 million), representing an increase of 24.0% year over year. Gross margin was 44.3%, representing an increase of 0.4 percentage point year over year. The year-over-year increase in gross margin was primarily due to (i) higher revenue contribution from overseas markets, and (ii) higher gross margin of TOP TOY. Selling and distribution expenses were RMB1,159.8 million (US$161.9 million), representing an increase of 40.4% year over year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, selling and distribution expenses were RMB1,154.2 million (US$161.1 million), representing an increase of 42.8% year over year. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to the Company's investments into directly operated stores to pursue the future success of the Company's business, especially in strategic overseas markets such as the U.S. market. As of June 30, 2025, total number of directly operated stores on the group level was 637, compared to 393 as of June 30, 2024. In the June Quarter, revenue from directly operated stores increased 78.7%, while related expenses including rental and related expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses together with payroll excluding share-based compensation expenses increased 56.3%, decelerating from the year-over-year increase of 71.4% in last quarter. Promotion and advertising expenses increased 20.4%, as a percentage of revenue stabilizing at around 3% in both comparative periods. Licensing expenses increased 25.9%, as a percentage of revenue ranging from 2% to 3% in both comparative periods. Logistics expenses increased 21.3% year over year. General and administrative expenses were RMB261.5 million (US$36.5 million), representing an increase of 15.1% year over year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses were RMB251.4 million (US$35.1 million), representing an increase of 19.1% year over year. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to the increase of personnel-related expenses in relation to the growth of the Company's business. Other net income was RMB77.4 million (US$10.8 million), compared to RMB26.9 million in the same period last year. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to (i) an increase in investment income in wealth management products, and (ii) a net foreign exchange gain compared with a net foreign exchange loss in the same period last year. Operating profit was RMB836.2 million (US$116.7 million), representing an increase of 11.3% year over year. Adjusted operating profit(1) was RMB851.8 million (US$118.9 million), representing an increase of 8.5% year over year. Net finance cost was RMB79.4 million (US$11.1 million), compared to net finance income of RMB9.0 million in the same period last year. The year-over-year increase in finance cost was due to (i) increased interest expenses in relation to the equity linked securities issued by the Company in January 2025 (the "Equity Linked Securities") and the bank loans used for acquisition of the equity interest of Yonghui Superstores Co., Ltd*(??????????) (the "Yonghui"), both of which have been excluded in non-IFRS financial measures(1), and (ii) increased interest expenses on lease liabilities corresponding to the Company's investment in directly operated stores. Share of loss of equity-accounted investees, net of tax was RMB136.9 million (US$19.1 million), compared to share of profit of RMB0.2 million in the same period last year. The year-over-year change was mainly attributable to share of loss in Yonghui, which has been excluded in non-IFRS financial measures(1). Other gain was RMB6.7 million (US$0.9 million), mainly attributable to gain from fair value change of derivatives under mark-to-market impact, which was in relation to the Equity Linked Securities and has been excluded in non-IFRS financial measures(1). Profit for the period was RMB489.5 million (US$68.3 million), compared to RMB591.4 million in the same period last year. Adjusted net profit(1) was RMB691.5 million (US$96.5 million), increased by 10.6% year over year. Adjusted net margin(1) was 13.9%, compared to 15.5% in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA(1) was RMB1,149.5 million (US$160.5 million), representing an increase of 14.7% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA margin(1) was 23.1%, compared to 24.8% in the same period last year. Basic and diluted earnings per ADS were both RMB1.60 (US$0.22) in the June Quarter, compared with RMB1.88 in the same period last year. Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS(1) were both RMB2.24 (US$0.31) in the June Quarter, representing an increase of 12.0% year over year from RMB2.00 in the same period last year. Financial Results for the First Half of 2025 Revenue was RMB9,393.1 million (US$1,311.2 million), representing an increase of 21.1% year over year. Revenue from MINISO brand increased by 18.1% to RMB8,649.0 million (US$1,207.4 million), including (i) an increase of 11.4% in revenue from MINISO brand in mainland China, and (ii) an increase of 29.4% in revenue from MINISO brand in overseas markets. The overseas revenue contributed 40.9% of revenue from MINISO brand, compared to 37.3% in the same period last year. Revenue from TOP TOY brand increased by 73.0% to RMB742.1 million (US$103.6 million), primarily powered by its rapid growth in average store counts. For more information on the composition and year-over-year change of revenue, please refer to the "Unaudited Additional Information" in this press release. Cost of sales was RMB5,236.2 million (US$730.9 million), representing an increase of 19.8% year over year. Gross profit was RMB4,156.9 million (US$580.3 million), representing an increase of 22.6% year over year. Gross margin reached historical high of 44.3% across previous first half of the years, representing an increase of 0.6 percentage point. The year-over-year increase in gross margin was primarily due to (i) higher revenue contribution from overseas markets, and (ii) higher gross margin of TOP TOY. Other income was RMB5.4 million (US$0.8 million), compared to RMB12.7 million in the same period last year. Selling and distribution expenses were RMB2,181.0 million (US$304.5 million), increased by 43.3% year over year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, selling and distribution expenses were RMB2,167.1 million (US$302.5million), increased by 46.4% year over year. General and administrative expenses were RMB503.7 million (US$70.3 million), increased by 20.3% year over year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses were RMB477.0 million (US$66.6 million), increased by 20.6% year over year. Other net income was RMB98.2 million (US$13.7 million), compared to RMB41.7 million in the same period last year. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to (i) an increase in investment income in wealth management products, and (ii) a net foreign exchange gain compared with a net foreign exchange loss in the same period last year. Operating profit was RMB1,545.9 million (US$215.8 million), representing an increase of 3.4% year over year. Adjusted operating profit(1) was RMB1,586.5 million (US$221.5 million), representing an increase of 1.7% year over year. Net finance cost was RMB128.4 million (US$17.9 million), compared to net finance income of RMB34.0 million in the same period last year. The year-over-year increase in finance cost was due to (i) increased interest expenses in relation to the Equity Linked Securities and the bank loans used for acquisition of the equity interest of Yonghui, both of which have been excluded in non-IFRS financial measures(1), and (ii) increased interest expenses on lease liabilities corresponding to the Company's investment in directly operated stores. Share of loss of equity-accounted investees, net of tax was RMB138.9 million (US$19.4 million), compared with share of profit of RMB0.3 million in the same period last year. The year-over-year change was mainly attributable to share of loss in Yonghui, which has been excluded in non-IFRS financial measures(1). Other expenses was RMB84.4 million (US$11.8 million), mainly attributable to loss from fair value change of derivatives under mark-to-market impact and issuance cost of derivatives, which were in relation to the Equity Linked Securities and have been excluded in non-IFRS financial measures(1). Profit for the period was RMB906.0 million (US$126.5 million), compared to RMB1,177.4 million in the same period last year. Adjusted net profit(1) was RMB1,278.7 million (US$178.5 million), compared to RMB1,241.9 million in the same period last year. Adjusted net margin(1) was 13.6%, compared to 16.0% in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased 11.2% year over year to RMB2,186.8 million (US$305.3 million). Adjusted EBITDA margin(1) was 23.3%, compared to 25.4% in the same period last year. Basic earnings per ADS was RMB2.96 (US$0.41), compared to RMB3.76 in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per ADS was RMB2.92 (US$0.41), compared to RMB3.76 in the same period last year. Adjusted basic earnings per ADS(1) increased 5.1% year over year to RMB4.16 (US$0.58), compared to RMB3.96 in the same period last year. Adjusted diluted earnings per ADS(1) increased 4.0% year over year to RMB4.12 (US$0.58), compared to RMB3.96 in the same period last year. Cash position, which was the combined balance of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, term deposits, and other investments recorded as current assets was RMB7,466.1 million (US$1,042.2 million) as of June 30, 2025, compared to RMB6,698.1 million as of December 31, 2024. Net cash from operating activities was RMB1,014.2 million (US$141.6 million). Capital expenditure was RMB434.8 million (US$60.7 million) and free cash flow was RMB579.4 million (US$80.9 million) for the First Half of 2025. Note: (1) See the sections titled "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in this press release for more information. Conference Call The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call at 5:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 21, 2025 (5:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. Simultaneous interpretation in English will be provided during the conference call. The conference call can be accessed by the following Zoom link or dialing the following numbers: Access 1 Join Zoom meeting. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/91975768223?pwd=9ExRKhgHx8Q8QQyhZBwhNzPa1p3rea.1 Meeting Number: 919 7576 8223 Meeting Passcode: 9896 Access 2 Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers with the same meeting number and passcode with access 1. United States: +1 689 278 1000 (or +1 719 359 4580) Hong Kong, China: +852 5803 3730 (or +852 5803 3731) United Kingdom: +44 203 481 5237 (or +44 131 460 1196) France: +33 1 7037 9729 (or +33 1 7037 2246) Singapore: +65 3158 7288 (or +65 3165 1065) Canada: +1 438 809 7799 (or +1 204 272 7920) Access 3 Listeners can also access the meeting through the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com/. The replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live event at the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com/. About MINISO Group MINISO Group is a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/. Exchange Rate The U.S. dollar (US$) amounts disclosed in this press release, except for those transaction amounts that were actually settled in U.S. dollars, are presented solely for the convenience of the readers. The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into US$ in this press release is based on the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of June 30, 2025, which was RMB7.1636 to US$1.0000. The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on the RMB amounts. Non-IFRS Financial Measures In evaluating the business, MINISO considers and uses adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net profit, adjusted net margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per share and adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per ADS as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance. The presentation of these non-IFRS financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS. MINISO defines adjusted operating profit as operating profit for the period excluding equity-settled share-based payment expenses. MINISO calculates adjusted operating margin by dividing adjusted operating profit by revenue for the same period. MINISO defines adjusted net profit as profit for the period excluding equity-settled share-based payment expenses, gain or loss from fair value change of derivatives, issuance cost of derivatives and interest expenses related to Equity Linked Securities, interest expenses related to the bank loans used for acquisition of the equity interest in Yonghui, and share of profit or loss of Yonghui, net of tax. MINISO calculates adjusted net margin by dividing adjusted net profit by revenue for the same period. MINISO defines adjusted EBITDA as adjusted net profit plus depreciation and amortization, finance costs excluding interest expenses related to Equity Linked Securities and interest expenses related to the bank loans used for acquisition of the equity interest in Yonghui and income tax expense. Adjusted EBITDA margin is computed by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenue for the period. MINISO computes adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per ADS by dividing adjusted net profit attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company by the number of ADSs represented by the number of ordinary shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation on an IFRS basis. MINISO computes adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per share in the same way as it calculates adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per ADS, except that it uses the number of ordinary shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation on an IFRS basis as the denominator instead of the number of ADSs represented by these ordinary shares. MINISO presents these non-IFRS financial measures because they are used by the management to evaluate its operating performance and formulate business plans. These non-IFRS financial measures enable the management to assess its operating results without considering the impacts of the aforementioned non-cash and other adjustment items that MINISO does not consider to be indicative of its operating performance in the future. Accordingly, MINISO believes that the use of these non-IFRS financial measures provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating its operating results in the same manner as the management and board of directors. These non-IFRS financial measures are not defined under IFRS and are not presented in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using these non-IFRS financial measures is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect MINISO's operations. Further, these non-IFRS financial measures may differ from the non-IFRS information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as alternatives to profit, net profit margin, basic and diluted earnings per share and basic and diluted earnings per ADS, as applicable, or any other measures of performance or as indicators of MINISO's operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review MINISO's historical non-IFRS financial measures in light of the most directly comparable IFRS measures, as shown below. The non-IFRS financial measures presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting the usefulness of such measures when analyzing MINISO's data comparatively. MINISO encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. For more information on the non-IFRS financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures" set forth at the end of this press release. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "aim", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "believe", "is/are likely to", "potential", "continue" or other similar expressions. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as MINISO's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. MINISO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "HKEX"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about MINISO's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: MINISO's mission, goals and strategies; future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; the expected growth of the retail market and the market of branded variety retail of lifestyle products in China and globally; expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of MINISO's products; expectations regarding MINISO's relationships with consumers, suppliers, MINISO Retail Partners, local distributors, and other business partners; competition in the industry; proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to MINISO's business and the industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in MINISO's filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and MINISO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations Contacts: MINISO Group Holding Limited Email: [email protected] Phone: +86 (20) 36228788 Ext.8039 MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Expressed in thousands) As at As at December 31, 2024 June 30, 2025 (Audited) (Unaudited) RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 1,436,939 1,702,062 237,599 Right-of-use assets 4,172,083 4,635,139 647,040 Intangible assets 8,802 7,545 1,053 Goodwill 21,418 46,030 6,426 Deferred tax assets 181,948 217,963 30,426 Other investments 123,399 122,570 17,110 Trade and other receivables 341,288 212,750 29,699 Term deposits 140,183 - - Financial derivative assets - 799,751 111,641 Interests in equity-accounted investees 38,567 6,171,304 861,481 6,464,627 13,915,114 1,942,475 Current assets Other investments 100,000 - - Inventories 2,750,389 2,836,348 395,939 Trade and other receivables 2,207,013 2,430,263 339,252 Cash and cash equivalents 6,328,121 7,115,183 993,241 Restricted cash 1,026 5,527 772 Term deposits 268,952 345,353 48,209 11,655,501 12,732,674 1,777,413 Total assets 18,120,128 26,647,788 3,719,888 MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED) (Expressed in thousands) As at As at December 31, 2024 June 30, 2025 (Audited) (Unaudited) RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 EQUITY Share capital 94 94 13 Additional paid-in capital 4,683,577 3,956,803 552,348 Other reserves 1,329,126 1,687,003 235,497 Retained earnings 4,302,177 5,208,207 727,038 Equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company 10,314,974 10,852,107 1,514,896 Non-controlling interests 40,548 46,812 6,535 Total equity 10,355,522 10,898,919 1,521,431 LIABILITIES Non-current liabilities Contract liabilities 35,145 27,758 3,875 Loans and borrowings 4,310 5,589,413 780,252 Other payables 59,842 73,586 10,272 Lease liabilities 1,903,137 2,177,289 303,938 Financial derivative liabilities - 1,230,927 171,831 Deferred income 34,983 34,501 4,816 2,037,417 9,133,474 1,274,984 MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED) (Expressed in thousands) As at As at December 31, 2024 June 30, 2025 (Audited) (Unaudited) RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 Current liabilities Contract liabilities 323,292 290,706 40,581 Loans and borrowings 566,955 1,707,170 238,312 Trade and other payables 3,943,988 3,561,523 497,168 Lease liabilities 635,357 883,423 123,321 Deferred income 5,376 2,024 283 Current taxation 252,221 170,549 23,808 5,727,189 6,615,395 923,473 Total liabilities 7,764,606 15,748,869 2,198,457 Total equity and liabilities 18,120,128 26,647,788 3,719,888 MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Expressed in thousands, except for per ordinary share and per ADS data) Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2024 2025 2024 2025 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 Revenue 4,035,212 4,966,068 693,236 7,758,743 9,393,112 1,311,228 Cost of sales (2,261,884) (2,767,187) (386,284) (4,368,957) (5,236,194) (730,944) Gross profit 1,773,328 2,198,881 306,952 3,389,786 4,156,918 580,284 Other income 9,053 2,350 328 12,698 5,370 750 Selling and distribution expenses (826,061) (1,159,836) (161,907) (1,522,088) (2,181,022) (304,459) General and administrative expenses (227,232) (261,512) (36,506) (418,573) (503,656) (70,308) Other net income 26,867 77,404 10,805 41,696 98,239 13,714 Credit loss on trade and other receivables (2,939) (4,675) (653) (3,606) (13,450) (1,878) Impairment loss on non-current assets (1,492) (16,450) (2,296) (5,104) (16,450) (2,296) Operating profit 751,524 836,162 116,723 1,494,809 1,545,949 215,807 Finance income 33,716 28,921 4,037 74,606 65,836 9,190 Finance costs (24,686) (108,291) (15,117) (40,595) (194,236) (27,114) Net finance income/(cost) 9,030 (79,370) (11,080) 34,011 (128,400) (17,924) Share of profit/(loss) of equity- accounted investees, net of tax 181 (136,941) (19,116) 301 (138,946) (19,396) Other gain/(expenses) - 6,659 930 - (84,412) (11,783) Profit before taxation 760,735 626,510 87,457 1,529,121 1,194,191 166,704 Income tax expense (169,310) (136,979) (19,122) (351,742) (288,201) (40,231) Profit for the period 591,425 489,531 68,335 1,177,379 905,990 126,473 Attributable to: Equity shareholders of the Company 587,630 489,688 68,357 1,170,102 906,030 126,479 Non-controlling interests 3,795 (157) (22) 7,277 (40) (6) Earnings per share for ordinary shares -Basic 0.47 0.40 0.06 0.94 0.74 0.10 -Diluted 0.47 0.40 0.06 0.94 0.73 0.10 Earnings per ADS (Each ADS represents 4 ordinary shares) -Basic 1.88 1.60 0.22 3.76 2.96 0.41 -Diluted 1.88 1.60 0.22 3.76 2.92 0.41 MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (CONTINUED) (Expressed in thousands) Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2024 2025 2024 2025 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 Profit for the period 591,425 489,531 68,335 1,177,379 905,990 126,473 Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Exchange differences on translation of financial statements of foreign operations 2,990 12,966 1,810 6,845 11,675 1,630 Other comprehensive income for the period 2,990 12,966 1,810 6,845 11,675 1,630 Total comprehensive income for the period 594,415 502,497 70,145 1,184,224 917,665 128,103 Attributable to: Equity shareholders of the Company 591,877 501,095 69,949 1,178,043 917,401 128,066 Non-controlling interests 2,538 1,402 196 6,181 264 37 MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES (Expressed in thousands, except for per share, per ADS data and percentages) Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2024 2025 2024 2025 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 Reconciliation of profit for the period to adjusted net profit: Profit for the period 591,425 489,531 68,335 1,177,379 905,990 126,473 Add back: Equity-settled share-based payment expenses 33,570 15,656 2,185 64,507 40,586 5,666 (Gain)/loss from fair value change of derivatives(1) - (6,659) (930) - 39,748 5,549 Issuance cost of derivatives(2) - - - - 44,664 6,235 Interest expenses related to Equity Linked Securities and the bank loans used for acquisition of the equity interest in Yonghui - 73,606 10,275 - 128,351 17,917 -Interest expenses related to the Equity Linked Securities(3) - 49,358 6,890 - 89,885 12,547 -Interest expenses related to the bank loans used for acquisition of the equity interest in Yonghui - 24,248 3,385 - 38,466 5,370 Share of loss of Yonghui, net of tax - 119,335 16,659 - 119,335 16,659 Adjusted net profit 624,995 691,469 96,524 1,241,886 1,278,674 178,499 Adjusted net margin 15.5 % 13.9 % 13.9 % 16.0 % 13.6 % 13.6 % Attributable to: Equity shareholders of the Company 621,021 691,630 96,546 1,234,430 1,278,629 178,493 Non-controlling interests 3,974 (161) (22) 7,456 45 6 Adjusted net earnings per share(4) -Basic 0.50 0.56 0.08 0.99 1.04 0.15 -Diluted 0.50 0.56 0.08 0.99 1.03 0.14 Adjusted net earnings per ADS (Each ADS represents 4 ordinary shares) -Basic 2.00 2.24 0.31 3.96 4.16 0.58 -Diluted 2.00 2.24 0.31 3.96 4.12 0.58 MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED) (Expressed in thousands, except for percentages) Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2024 2025 2024 2025 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 Reconciliation of adjusted net profit for the period to adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted net profit 624,995 691,469 96,524 1,241,886 1,278,674 178,499 Add back: Depreciation and amortization 183,029 286,344 39,972 333,131 554,016 77,338 Finance costs excluding interest expenses related to the Equity Linked Securities and the bank loans used for acquisition of the equity interest in Yonghui 24,686 34,685 4,842 40,595 65,885 9,197 Income tax expense 169,310 136,979 19,122 351,742 288,201 40,231 Adjusted EBITDA 1,002,020 1,149,477 160,460 1,967,354 2,186,776 305,265 Adjusted EBITDA margin 24.8 % 23.1 % 23.1 % 25.4 % 23.3 % 23.3 % Notes: (1) The gain or loss from fair value change of derivatives was a non-cash gain or expense that was related to the fair value of the Equity Linked Securities and call spread. It was determined solely by movements in the underlying share price. (2) The issuance cost of derivatives was a one-off expense that was related to the Equity Linked Securities. (3) For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the RMB49,358,000 interest expenses related to the Equity Linked Securities included RMB44,413,000 non-cash portion and RMB4,945,000 cash expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the RMB89,885,000 interest expenses related to the Equity Linked Securities included RMB80,815,000 non-cash portion and RMB9,070,000 cash expense. (4) Adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per share are computed by dividing adjusted net profit attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company by the number of ordinary shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation on an IFRS basis. MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Expressed in thousands, except for percentages) Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2024 2025 YoY 2024 2025 YoY RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 Revenue MINISO Brand 3,818,008 4,563,226 637,001 19.5 % 7,324,665 8,649,004 1,207,355 18.1 % -Mainland China 2,308,008 2,621,212 365,906 13.6 % 4,592,799 5,114,987 714,025 11.4 % -Overseas 1,510,000 1,942,014 271,095 28.6 % 2,731,866 3,534,017 493,330 29.4 % TOP TOY Brand 215,100 402,208 56,146 87.0 % 428,920 742,058 103,587 73.0 % Others (1) 2,104 634 89 (69.9) % 5,158 2,050 286 (60.3) % 4,035,212 4,966,068 693,236 23.1 % 7,758,743 9,393,112 1,311,228 21.1 % Note: (1) "Others" refers to revenue generated from other operating segments such as "WonderLife", which was a secondary brand targeting on lower-tier cities in mainland China, aggregated and presented as "others". As the MINISO brand increasingly penetrated into lower-tier cities in mainland China, "WonderLife" has become marginalized. MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NUMBER OF MINISO STORES IN MAINLAND CHINA As of June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 YoY By City Tiers First-tier cities 541 572 31 Second-tier cities 1,705 1,774 69 Third- or lower-tier cities 1,869 1,959 90 Total 4,115 4,305 190 MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NUMBER OF MINISO STORES IN OVERSEAS MARKETS As of June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 YoY By Regions Asia excluding China 1,484 1,695 211 North America 234 394 160 Latin America 584 661 77 Europe 244 319 75 Others 207 238 31 Total 2,753 3,307 554 *For identification purpose only SOURCE MINISO Group Holding Limited Kunstliche Intelligenz, Magnificent Seven, Tech-Euphorie seit Monaten scheint an der Borse nur eine Richtung zu existieren: nach oben. Doch hinter den Rekordkursen lauert eine gefahrliche Wahrheit. Die Bewertungen vieler Tech-Schwergewichte haben historische Extremniveaus erreicht. Shiller-KGV bei 39, Buffett-Indikator auf Allzeithoch schon in der Dotcom-Ara war der Markt kaum teurer. Hinzu kommen euphorische Anlegerstimmung, IPO-Hypes ohne Substanz, kreditfinanzierte Wertpapierkaufe in Rekordhohe und charttechnische Warnsignale, die Erinnerungen an 2000 und 2021 wecken. Gleichzeitig drucken geopolitische Risiken, Trumps aggressive Zollpolitik und saisonale Borsenschwache auf die Perspektiven. Die Gefahr: Aus der schleichenden Korrektur konnte ein rasanter Crash werden und der konnte vor allem uberbewertete KI- und Chipwerte hart treffen. In unserem kostenlosen Spezial-Report zeigen wir Ihnen, welche Tech-Aktien am starksten gefahrdet sind und wie Sie Ihr Depot vor dem Platzen der Blase schutzen konnten. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Starkset, a leading luxury interior design, staging, and furniture rental and sale studio based in Los Angeles, California, has announced its partnership with some of the city's top real estate developers. This collaboration aims to elevate the luxury home market by offering bespoke interior design services, expert staging, and custom furniture production. Founded by award-winning interior designer Julia Stark, Starkset is renowned for creating timeless, opulent spaces that appeal to high-end buyers. Starkset by Julia Stark Announces New Partnership with Leading Los Angeles Developers To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/263307_d4136908f4ed3a4f_002full.jpg With a growing portfolio of luxury properties, Starkset's comprehensive design services have become an essential part of the real estate process, helping developers maximize the value and appeal of their properties. The studio's ability to craft personalized, sophisticated spaces has made it a go-to name for top-tier real estate professionals in Los Angeles. Starkset - Elevating Luxury Homes with Bespoke Design and Staging Real estate developers in Los Angeles understand the critical importance of staging to achieve higher sales prices and faster transactions. Julia Stark's Starkset has become a trusted partner for developers looking to create bespoke interiors that resonate with prospective buyers. Starkset's expert staging services transform empty properties into inviting, luxurious homes that captivate potential buyers from the moment they step through the door. By working closely with developers, Julia Stark ensures that each property is staged to its fullest potential. The design team selects every detail, from custom furnishings to art, ensuring a cohesive look that enhances the property's best features. This tailored approach has proven to significantly reduce time on the market and increase the likelihood of offers above asking price. Starkset's Full-Service Approach for Luxury Developers Starkset's partnership with developers extends beyond just staging. The studio offers a full-service approach that guides developers through every step of the process, from concept to completion. Julia Stark and her team work closely with developers to create personalized design plans that are perfectly aligned with each property's vision and the target market. The design process begins with conceptualization, where Starkset's team develops mood boards, 3D renderings, and virtual reality (VR) experiences that allow developers to visualize the end result. Once the concept is established, Starkset moves forward with interior architecture plans that include custom millwork, lighting design, and specialty wall finishes. Starkset's designers ensure that every aspect of the space is carefully planned and executed to the highest standards. The final phase is style and decor, where bespoke furniture and decor selections complete the design. Starkset's custom furniture is created to reflect the property's unique style and to provide a lasting impression for buyers. Custom Furniture: A Signature Element of Julia Stark's Design Services Starkset also offers custom furniture design services for developers seeking one-of-a-kind pieces for their properties. The studio's custom furniture collection is designed to meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Starkset works closely with developers to create bespoke furniture that fits seamlessly into the design of each property. For developers who need more flexible options, Starkset provides furniture rentals. With over 2,000 high-quality pieces available for rent, developers can stage properties with premium furniture while waiting for custom pieces to be manufactured. Starkset's rental service offers flexibility and convenience without compromising on quality. About Starkset Starkset, a brand under Jules Style LLC, is a premier luxury interior design, staging, and furniture studio located in Los Angeles, California. Founded by Julia Stark in 2015, Starkset offers bespoke interior design services, custom furniture production, and luxury staging. The studio is known for creating sophisticated, timeless spaces for high-end residential and commercial properties. Starkset has worked with some of the most prestigious developers in Los Angeles, helping them elevate their properties to achieve faster sales and higher prices. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263307 SOURCE: Plentisoft SHANGHAI, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dingdong (Cayman) Limited ("Dingdong" or the "Company") (NYSE: DDL), a leading fresh grocery e-commerce company in China, with advanced supply chain capabilities, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. Second Quarter 2025 Highlights: GMV for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 4.5% year over year to RMB6,499.4 million (US$907.3 million) from RMB6,218.7 million in the same quarter of 2024, positive year-on-year growth for six straight quarters. for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 4.5% year over year to RMB6,499.4 million (US$907.3 million) from RMB6,218.7 million in the same quarter of 2024, positive year-on-year growth for six straight quarters. Total number of orders increased by 5.5% year over year in the second quarter of 2025. increased by 5.5% year over year in the second quarter of 2025. N et income for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 59.7% year over year to RMB107.2 million (US$15.0 million) from RMB67.1 million in the same quarter of 2024, the sixth consecutive quarter of profitability. for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 59.7% year over year to RMB107.2 million (US$15.0 million) from RMB67.1 million in the same quarter of 2024, the sixth consecutive quarter of profitability. Non-GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 23.9% year over year to RMB127.8 million (US$17.8 million) from RMB103.1 million in the same quarter of 2024, the eleventh consecutive quarter of non-GAAP profitability. Mr. Changlin Liang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dingdong, stated, "As of the second quarter of 2025, Dingdong has achieved eleven straight quarters of non-GAAP profitability and six straight quarters of GAAP profitability, along with six consecutive quarters of positive year-over-year revenue growth. This consistent growth in scale and profitability not only shows that we have overcome the challenge of survival but also proves the resilience and execution capabilities of the Dingdong team, laying a strong foundation for the next phase of higher-quality growth. By the end of the second quarter, Dingdong's 4G strategy-centered on "good users, good products, good service, and good mindshare"-had been in place for six months. While the Company is still transforming, it has achieved steady year-over-year growth. Additionally, through adjustments in production relations and productivity improvements, the 4G strategy has already begun to show results. The Company remains focused on developing high-quality products, aiming to create more offerings that are well-received, commercially successful, and distinctive. Our principle is "Where others fall short, we deliver. Where others deliver, we excel. Where others excel, we redefine." Operational metrics aligned with the 4G strategy continue to improve steadily." Mr. Song Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Dingdong, stated, "In the second quarter of 2025, Dingdong generated revenue of RMB5.98 billion, a 6.7% year-on-year increase, marking six consecutive quarters of positive growth. Non-GAAP net profit reached RMB127.8 million, with a net margin of 2.1%, up 0.3 percentage points year-on-year. GAAP net profit was RMB107.2 million, with a net margin of 1.8%, an increase of 0.6 percentage points. In terms of funds, the second quarter recorded a net cash inflow of RMB101.4 million from operating activities, the eighth straight quarter of positive cash flow. By the end of the second quarter, after deducting short-term borrowings, our actual cash owned increased to RMB2.95 billion. Dingdong has been focused on the instant retail and fresh grocery e-commerce sectors for over eight years. Our ongoing profitability and rising cash flow reinforce our commitment to the value proposition "narrow and deep." Despite external changes, we will remain fully dedicated to the fresh grocery vertical, investing continuously in high-quality products and supply chains, following our unique path." Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Total revenues were RMB5,975.9 million (US$834.2 million) compared with total revenues of RMB5,599.0 million in the same quarter of 2024, increased by 6.7% year over year, primarily due to the rise of number of orders resulting from rise in the average monthly number of transacting users and higher monthly order frequency, and new opened frontline fulfillment stations with density and market penetration improved in East China. The increase was offset by suspension of operations for a number of stations in the last three quarters of 2024, and the impact of the decline in CPI prices of certain categories in the second quarter of 2025. Product Revenues were RMB5,893.7 million (US$822.7 million) compared with product revenues of RMB5,517.9 million in the same quarter of 2024, increased by 6.8% year over year. were RMB5,893.7 million (US$822.7 million) compared with product revenues of RMB5,517.9 million in the same quarter of 2024, increased by 6.8% year over year. Service Revenues were RMB82.1 million (US$11.5 million) compared with service revenues of RMB81.1 million in the same quarter of 2024, increased by 1.3% year over year. Total operating costs and expenses were RMB5,980.1 million (US$834.8 million) compared with RMB5,612.8 million in the same quarter of 2024, with a detailed breakdown as below: Cost of goods sold was RMB4,255.2 million (US$594.0 million), an increase of 8.6% from RMB3,919.4 million in the same quarter of 2024. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues increased to 71.2% from 70.0% in the same quarter of 2024. Gross margin decreased to 28.8% from 30.0% in the same quarter of 2024. The cost implications arising from product listing and delisting due to the implementation of 4G strategy of "good users, good products, good services, and good mindshare". was RMB4,255.2 million (US$594.0 million), an increase of 8.6% from RMB3,919.4 million in the same quarter of 2024. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues increased to 71.2% from 70.0% in the same quarter of 2024. Gross margin decreased to 28.8% from 30.0% in the same quarter of 2024. The cost implications arising from product listing and delisting due to the implementation of 4G strategy of "good users, good products, good services, and good mindshare". Fulfillment expenses were RMB1,297.3 million (US$181.1 million), an increase of 3.5% from RMB1,252.9 million in the same quarter of 2024. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 21.7% from 22.4% in the same quarter of 2024. were RMB1,297.3 million (US$181.1 million), an increase of 3.5% from RMB1,252.9 million in the same quarter of 2024. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 21.7% from 22.4% in the same quarter of 2024. Sales and marketing expenses were RMB102.9 million (US$14.4 million), a decrease of 20.6% from RMB129.7 million in the same quarter of 2024. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 1.7% from 2.3% in the same quarter of 2024. The traffic and promotional effects generated by the Good Products Strategy have replaced some of the original marketing campaigns, thereby saving corresponding expenses. were RMB102.9 million (US$14.4 million), a decrease of 20.6% from RMB129.7 million in the same quarter of 2024. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 1.7% from 2.3% in the same quarter of 2024. The traffic and promotional effects generated by the Good Products Strategy have replaced some of the original marketing campaigns, thereby saving corresponding expenses. General and administrative expenses were RMB122.9 million (US$17.2 million), an increase of 13.6% from RMB108.2 million in the same quarter of 2024, mainly due to the increase of staff cost. were RMB122.9 million (US$17.2 million), an increase of 13.6% from RMB108.2 million in the same quarter of 2024, mainly due to the increase of staff cost. Product development expenses were RMB201.8 million (US$28.2 million), a slightly decrease of 0.4% from RMB202.7 million in the same quarter of 2024. While advocating for energy and resource saving, we will continue to invest in our product development capabilities, agricultural technology, data algorithms, and other technology infrastructure such as the AI technical capability, to further enhance our competitiveness. Net income from operations was RMB81.6 million (US$11.4 million), compared with net income from operations of RMB53.6 million in the same quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP income from operations, which is a non-GAAP measure for loss from operations that excludes share-based compensation expenses, was RMB102.2 million (US$14.3 million), increased by 14.1% year over year, compared with Non-GAAP income from operations of RMB89.6 million in the same quarter of 2024. Net income was RMB107.2 million (US$15.0 million), compared with net income of RMB67.1 million in the same quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net income, which is a non-GAAP measure that excludes share-based compensation expenses, was RMB127.8 million (US$17.8 million), increased by 23.9% year over year, compared with non-GAAP net income of RMB103.1 million in the same quarter of 2024. In addition, non-GAAP net income margin, which is the Company's non-GAAP net income as a percentage of total revenues, was 2.1% compared with 1.8% in the same quarter of 2024. Basic and diluted net income per share were RMB0.32 and RMB0.31 (US$0.04), compared with net income per share of RMB0.20 in the same quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net income per share, basic and diluted, were RMB0.39 and RMB0.37 (US$0.05), compared with RMB0.31 in the same quarter of 2024. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were RMB3,974.2 million (US$554.8 million) as of June 30, 2025, compared with RMB4,294.5 million as of March 31, 2025. We have been working diligently to optimize our capital usage and financing structure. The cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and long-term deposits as included in the other non-current assets deducting the balance of short-term borrowings, is RMB2.95 billion, a net increase for the eighth consecutive quarter, compared with RMB2.89 billion as of March 31, 2025. Guidance The Company is looking to maintain scale year-over-year and achieve non-GAAP profits in the third quarter of 2025. Conference Call The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 21, 2025 (8:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. The presentation and question and answer session will be presented in both Mandarin and English. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers: International: 1-412-317-6061 United States Toll Free: 1-888-317-6003 Mainland China Toll Free: 86-4001-206115 Hong Kong Toll Free: 800-963976 Conference ID: 0358096 The replay will be accessible through August 28, 2025 by dialing the following numbers: International: 1-412-317-0088 United States: 1-877-344-7529 Access Code: 5040747 A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.100.me. About Dingdong (Cayman) Limited We are a leading fresh grocery e-commerce company in mainland China, with sustainable long-term growth. We directly provide users and households with fresh groceries, prepared food, and other food products through delivering a convenient and excellent shopping experience supported by an extensive self-operated frontline fulfillment grid. Leveraging our deep insights into consumers' evolving needs and our strong food innovation capabilities, we have successfully launched a series of private label products spanning a variety of food categories. Many of our private label products are produced at our Dingdong production plants, allowing us to more efficiently produce and offer safe and high-quality food products. We aim to be the first choice for fresh and food shopping. For more information, please visit: https://ir.100.me. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company uses non-GAAP measures, such as non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income margin, non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP net income per share, basic and diluted, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business by excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges and do not correlate to any operating activity trends. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about the Company's results of operations, enhance the overall understanding of the Company's past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company's management in its financial and operational decision-making. The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing the Company's operating performance, cash flows or liquidity, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for net loss, cash flows provided by operating activities or other consolidated statements of operations and cash flows data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company's definition of non-GAAP financial measures may differ from those of industry peers and may not be comparable with their non-GAAP financial measures. The Company mitigates these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP performance measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company's performance. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this announcement. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("US$") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.1636 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on June 30, 2025 set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident," "potential," "continue," or other similar expressions. Among other things, business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Dingdong's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Dingdong may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Dingdong's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Dingdong's goals and strategies; Dingdong's future business development, financial conditions, and results of operations; the expected outlook of the fresh grocery ecommerce market in China; Dingdong's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services; Dingdong's expectations regarding its relationships with its users, clients, business partners, and other stakeholders; competition in Dingdong's industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to Dingdong's industry, and general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of the announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$) As of December 31, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 887,427 926,209 129,294 Restricted cash 2,788 1,630 228 Short-term investments 3,561,977 3,046,326 425,251 Accounts receivable, net 125,896 136,912 19,112 Inventories, net 553,601 504,934 70,486 Advance to suppliers 62,730 96,275 13,439 Prepayments and other current assets 170,753 193,875 27,064 Total current assets 5,365,172 4,906,161 684,874 Non-current assets: Property and equipment, net 176,290 196,384 27,414 Operating lease right-of-use assets 1,464,791 1,509,628 210,736 Other non-current assets 111,395 145,938 20,372 Total non-current assets 1,752,476 1,851,950 258,522 TOTAL ASSETS 7,117,648 6,758,111 943,396 LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable 1,660,472 1,782,194 248,784 Customer advances and deferred revenue 279,276 249,154 34,781 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 767,082 755,559 105,472 Salary and welfare payable 317,152 218,035 30,437 Operating lease liabilities, current 640,245 667,992 93,248 Short-term borrowings 1,606,253 1,061,954 148,243 Total current liabilities 5,270,480 4,734,888 660,965 Non-current liabilities: Operating lease liabilities, non-current 780,036 805,058 112,382 Other non-current liabilities 143,118 145,122 20,258 Total non-current liabilities 923,154 950,180 132,640 TOTAL LIABILITIES 6,193,634 5,685,068 793,605 DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED) (Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$) As of December 31, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED) Mezzanine Equity: Redeemable noncontrolling interests 125,403 130,282 18,187 TOTAL MEZZANINE EQUITY 125,403 130,282 18,187 Shareholders' equity: Ordinary shares 4 4 1 Additional paid-in capital 14,181,030 14,224,126 1,985,610 Treasury stock (51,176) (51,176) (7,144) Accumulated deficit (13,384,881) (13,274,555) (1,853,056) Accumulated other comprehensive income 53,634 44,362 6,193 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 798,611 942,761 131,604 TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 7,117,648 6,758,111 943,396 DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME (Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data) For the three months ended June 30, 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) Revenues: Product revenues 5,517,850 5,893,728 822,733 Service revenues 81,103 82,141 11,466 Total revenues 5,598,953 5,975,869 834,199 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of goods sold (3,919,445) (4,255,182) (594,001) Fulfillment expenses (1,252,859) (1,297,277) (181,093) Sales and marketing expenses (129,659) (102,917) (14,367) Product development expenses (202,663) (201,822) (28,173) General and administrative expenses (108,165) (122,906) (17,157) Total operating costs and expenses (5,612,791) (5,980,104) (834,791) Other operating income, net 67,438 85,870 11,987 Income from operations 53,600 81,635 11,395 Interest income 37,807 33,393 4,663 Interest expenses (14,023) (4,820) (673) Other (loss)/income, net (2,844) 783 109 Income before income tax 74,540 110,991 15,494 Income tax expenses (7,414) (3,804) (531) Net income 67,126 107,187 14,963 Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests (2,292) (2,476) (346) Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders 64,834 104,711 14,617 DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME (CONTINUED) (Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data) For the three months ended June 30, 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) Net income per Class A and Class B ordinary share: Basic 0.20 0.32 0.04 Diluted 0.20 0.31 0.04 Shares used in net income per Class A and Class B ordinary share computation: Basic 325,430,984 324,632,496 324,632,496 Diluted 329,814,651 335,355,966 335,355,966 Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax of nil: Foreign currency translation adjustments 9,441 (6,141) (857) Comprehensive income 76,567 101,046 14,106 Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests (2,292) (2,476) (346) Comprehensive income attributable to ordinary shareholders 74,275 98,570 13,760 DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$) For the three months ended June 30, 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) Net cash generated from operating activities 245,738 101,401 14,155 Net cash generated from/ (used in) investing activities 278,839 (46,026) (6,425) Net cash used in financing activities (592,905) (344,390) (48,075) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (1,479) (140) (19) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (69,807) (289,155) (40,364) Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period 1,131,474 1,216,994 169,886 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period 1,061,667 927,839 129,522 DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data) For the three months ended June 30, 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) Income from operations 53,600 81,635 11,395 Add: share-based compensation expenses (1) 36,001 20,583 2,873 Non-GAAP income from operations 89,601 102,218 14,268 Operating margin 1.0 % 1.4 % 1.4 % Add: share-based compensation expenses 0.6 % 0.3 % 0.3 % Non-GAAP operating margin 1.6 % 1.7 % 1.7 % Net income 67,126 107,187 14,963 Add: share-based compensation expenses (1) 36,001 20,583 2,873 Non-GAAP net income 103,127 127,770 17,836 Net income margin 1.2 % 1.8 % 1.8 % Add: share-based compensation expenses 0.6 % 0.3 % 0.3 % Non-GAAP net income margin 1.8 % 2.1 % 2.1 % Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders 64,834 104,711 14,617 Add: share-based compensation expenses (1) 36,001 20,583 2,873 Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders 100,835 125,294 17,490 Net income per Class A and Class B ordinary share: Basic 0.20 0.32 0.04 Diluted 0.20 0.31 0.04 Add: share-based compensation expenses Basic 0.11 0.07 0.01 Diluted 0.11 0.06 0.01 Non-GAAP net income per Class A and Class B ordinary share: Basic 0.31 0.39 0.05 Diluted 0.31 0.37 0.05 (1) Share-based compensation expenses are recognized as follows: For the three months ended June 30, 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) Fulfillment expenses 7,825 3,926 548 Sales and marketing expenses 1,844 1,387 194 Product development expenses 15,595 8,590 1,199 General and administrative expenses 10,737 6,680 932 Total 36,001 20,583 2,873 SOURCE Dingdong (Cayman) Limited GUELPH, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Karma Yoga, a welcoming and inclusive space for yoga and holistic healing, has been recognized with the 2026 Consumer Choice Award in the Yoga Studio category for Guelph. This distinction highlights the studio's commitment to accessibility, spiritual wellness, and community-centered practice. Founded by yoga teacher Morgan Story, whose own healing journey sparked a desire to help others, Karma Yoga has grown into a trusted local studio offering classes that support physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual connection. The studio's mission is rooted in making yoga available to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities-creating a space where everyone feels supported, seen, and empowered. More Than a Practice-A Path to Healing At Karma Yoga, yoga is not just exercise-it's a path to inner healing and transformation. The studio emphasizes the deeper spiritual and emotional benefits of the practice while honoring the traditions and teachings that guide it. "Yoga helped me heal in ways I didn't expect," says Morgan Story, Studio Founder. "From the moment I began teaching, I knew this was something I had to share with others. My goal has always been to create a space where people can feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow." Classes are designed to help participants build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness while also fostering resilience and peace of mind. Whether clients are stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening an existing practice, Karma Yoga provides a nurturing environment for personal growth and self-discovery. Accessible, Affordable, and Inclusive One of the studio's core values is accessibility. Karma Yoga is committed to keeping yoga affordable so that everyone in the Guelph community has the opportunity to benefit from the practice-regardless of financial status, physical ability, or experience level. "We want yoga to be available to anyone who feels called to it," says Story. "Our pricing, class formats, and teaching styles are all designed to reduce barriers and promote inclusivity." The studio welcomes students of all backgrounds, and its classes cater to a variety of needs-including gentle yoga, restorative practices, meditation, and more dynamic flows. Instructors are experienced, compassionate, and trained to guide each student with care and respect. Rooted in Community Karma Yoga has become more than just a studio-it's a community hub for healing, connection, and support. The studio regularly hosts workshops, wellness events, and special classes that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging. Its holistic philosophy extends beyond the mat, encouraging mindfulness in everyday life and connection to something greater than ourselves. Karma Yoga is a place where physical movement meets emotional release and spiritual exploration-creating a truly transformative experience for its members. Recognition that Reflects Impact Being named a Consumer Choice Award recipient is a reflection of the meaningful impact Karma Yoga has had on the Guelph community. The award is based on independent research, consumer feedback, and market reputation-making it a trusted measure of excellence in the local wellness industry. "This recognition is deeply meaningful," says Story. "We're so grateful to our community for embracing our mission and helping us grow. Every student who walks through our doors is a part of this journey." Looking Ahead As Karma Yoga continues to grow, the studio remains dedicated to its core mission: making yoga and holistic healing accessible to all. With plans to expand its offerings and deepen its impact in the community, the studio is focused on creating lasting, meaningful change-one breath, one class, one connection at a time. To learn more about Karma Yoga, visit www.karmayogastudio.ca or explore their CCA Profile. About Karma Yoga Karma Yoga is a Guelph-based yoga studio offering inclusive, accessible classes designed to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. With a focus on affordability, inclusivity, and holistic healing, Karma Yoga provides a welcoming space where students of all levels and backgrounds can explore the full benefits of yoga. About Consumer Choice Award: Consumer Choice Award has been recognizing and promoting business excellence in North America since 1987. Its rigorous selection process ensures that only the most outstanding service providers in each category earn this prestigious recognition. Visit www.ccaward.com to learn more. Contact Information: Sumi Saleh Communications Manager ssaleh@ccaward.com SOURCE: Consumer Choice Award View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/karma-yoga-receives-2026-consumer-choice-award-for-yoga-studio-i-1061738 PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / In a notable exclusive interview with ALLATRA TV, Pastor Mark Burns , recognized by Time magazine as Donald Trump's top pastor, spiritual advisor, and founder and senior pastor of the Harvest Praise and Worship Center in South Carolina, creator of the international Christian TV channel Now Television Network, he brings a message of faith to millions of homes around the world, delivered a powerful message on the enduring importance of restoring religious freedom as a cornerstone of human dignity and freedom. Interview with Pastor Mark Burns: Fighting for Religious Freedom | ALLATRA TV Pastor Burns is known not only as a spiritual leader but also as a spiritual diplomat visiting conflict zones, including Ukraine, where he has publicly called for an end to the war. His active stance on defending religious freedoms and his commitment to building bridges among people of different traditions have made him a voice that cannot be ignored in discussions about the future of faith in the modern world. Pastor Mark Burns in Ukraine. Photo credit: Pastor Mark Burns via X. Original post: https://x.com/pastormarkburns/status/1917747299717112070 In his interview for ALLATRA TV, Pastor Mark Burns underscored that religious freedom is not merely a legal right but a fundamental aspect of human identity that shaped the United States. "Our rights don't come from man or laws. They come from God," Burns said, highlighting the American nation's founding as an escape from persecution and a commitment to worship without fear. "And that extends to all faiths here in America, to everyone's faith that is welcome, where you can practice your faith without the persecution of the government or having your faith taken away from you because someone dislikes what you believe," emphasized Pastor Mark Burns. During the interview for ALLATRA TV, Burns addressed global threats to religious freedom, from subtle erosions in American workplaces and schools, such as restrictions on public prayer or seasonal greetings, to overt violence in regions like India, the occupied territories of Ukraine, and beyond. He warned that silencing one faith paves the way for broader injustices, urging interfaith solidarity: "Dr. King said it wasn't the cries of his enemies that bothered him. It was the silence of his friends. And so we can't be silent when we see other brothers and sisters, regardless of their faith Because if you go after one faith, you'll go after another faithso we people who operate in faith should stand together and make sure that if one of our brothers or sisters, regardless of whether we agree with them theologically or not, we should be able to stand together and protect our faith." Interview with Pastor Mark Burns: Fighting for Religious Freedom | ALLATRA TV Pastor Burns, who leads a multicultural, nondenominational church, emphasized building bridges across cultures through love and communication. Drawing from biblical examples like the Apostle Paul and the Good Samaritan, he advocated for seeing the humanity in others beyond theological differences. "It's not about so much the religion, but the person's heart," he explained. His recent visits to conflict zones, including Ukraine, have reinforced this view, where he witnessed destruction and called for an end to war, prioritizing aid and compassion over division. Pastor Burns called for a more responsible approach to media and communication-one that dismantles division and promotes authentic unity. He highlighted the divisive role of media in perpetuating misunderstandings across societies, warning that it often erects invisible barriers between people. "The biggest problem is that the media keeps us so separated. Media creates walls. Media and theology and misconceptions create these false walls that exist," he said, urging a more responsible approach to communication that breaks down these illusions and fosters genuine unity. Interview with Pastor Mark Burns: Fighting for Religious Freedom | ALLATRA TV In a call to action, Pastor Burns outlined practical tools for peaceful conflict resolution: starting with love to dismantle barriers, followed by open communication to foster understanding. He emphasized that true change begins when every person has advocates to defend their rights and when hunger, injustice, and exploitation are confronted through empowered protection. "Don't be on the right. Don't be on the left. Be on the human right. Stand for the voiceless, and defend the God-given right of every person to worship freelyIt's not about politics. It's about love. I don't care who you pray to-I will still love you and I will fight for your freedom," emphasized Pastor Mark Burns. ALLATRA extends its deepest gratitude and respect to Pastor Mark Burns for his unwavering commitment to defending human rights and religious freedoms. His courageous stance serves as an inspiration, bridging divides and promoting a world where all can live in peace. "We are profoundly thankful for Pastor Burns' voice, which opens doors to greater understanding and harmony," said Valerie Smian, Head of Communications, Partnerships and Events at ALLATRA IPM. "Pastor Mark Burns' dedication to love, dialogue, and justice exemplifies the highest ideals of spiritual leadership." During the interview, Pastor Burns expressed gratitude to the host and to the ALLATRA platform for amplifying voices that stand for freedom and dignity: "Your voice is touching millions around the world. And so, thank you for that, for sharing your platform." He praised ALLATRA's mission of bringing people together across faiths and nations, aligning it with his own call to build bridges and defend the voiceless. The full interview is available on ALLATRA TV's platforms. About the ALLATRA International Public Movement The ALLATRA International Public Movement is an independent, volunteer-based organization dedicated to conducting large-scale research in geodynamics and environmental issues. ALLATRA IPM is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to the study of natural disasters, for promoting international scientific cooperation, and advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms. In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and the preservation of creation, the ALLATRA International Public Movement was granted an Apostolic Blessing by His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers. Valerie Smith ALLATRA valerie@allatra.org SOURCE: ALLATRA View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/pastor-mark-burns-champions-religious-freedom-in-exclusive-allat-1063698 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) (FSE: E1K) ("LVG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Tanzanian National Environment Management Council ("NEMC") has approved the updated Environmental and Social Management Plan ("ESMP") for the Imwelo Gold Project, located in the Geita Region of northwestern Tanzania. The ESMP update was undertaken to reflect changes since the original study completed in 2013, which formed the basis for the issuance of the project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Certificate and Mining Licence (ML538) in 2014. NEMC's approval confirms that Imwelo remains fully compliant with environmental and social standards, and that the project can advance under its existing permits. The updated ESMP outlines mitigation measures for potential environmental and social impacts and establishes commitments for ongoing community engagement, progressive mine rehabilitation, and transparent monitoring of water, waste, and tailings facilities. Management Commentary Marc Cernovitch, President & CEO of Lake Victoria Gold, stated: "Approval of the updated ESMP is a significant milestone for Imwelo, reinforcing that the project is environmentally sound and socially responsible. Combined with the foundation provided by the 2021 Pre-Feasibility Study, Imwelo represents a rare opportunity for near-term gold production in Tanzania with modest capital requirements, strong expansion potential, and the potential to generate cash flow that will support our broader growth strategy across the Lake Victoria Goldfield." Seth Dickinson, Chief Operating Officer of Lake Victoria Gold, commented: "With the updated environmental approval, our team is focused on the practical steps to bring Imwelo into production. The project benefits from a straightforward mine plan, proven metallurgy, and proximity to existing regional infrastructure. Our upcoming drilling and site works are designed to ensure a smooth transition from planning into construction and, ultimately, first gold within a short development timeline." Strategic Context The Imwelo Project, located just 12 km from AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine, is fully permitted under a 10-year mining license. Supported by a straightforward development plan, positive metallurgical recoveries (>90%), and a 2021 JORC-compliant Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS"), the Company is targeting first gold within 12 months of commencing construction. Area C is the first zone planned for development and has an average grade of 3.7 g/t Au. It also represents one of the highest-grade zones within the Imwelo historical resource envelope. Notable historical intercepts include: 2m @ 5.06 g/t Au from 15m and 6.8m @ 14.6 g/t Au from 33.2m (IMWRC-037) 7m @ 3.22 g/t Au from 27m (IMRC-014) 2m @ 7.5 g/t Au from 22m (IMWRC-038) Reported intercepts are downhole lengths; true widths are unknown. Source: Measured Group Pty Ltd, Geology and Resource Estimate Report - Imwelo Project, Tanzania (May 2017). Project Highlights Permits & Readiness - Fully permitted under Mining Licence ML538/2015, with a 10-year renewal and formal transfer completed in November 2024. Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) - A JORC-compliant PFS completed in 2021 by Measured Group provides the project's technical and economic foundation, including mine design, mine planning, scheduling, reserve estimation, and cost modeling. Historical Resource - Measured: 42,000 oz at 3.15 g/t; Indicated: 95,700 oz at 1.95 g/t; Inferred: 153,900 oz at 1.53 g/t; Exploration & Engineering - Over 28,000 metres of historical drilling, with a 7,750 metre drilling campaign planned to commence shortly to advance grade control, resource conversion, and pit optimization. Development Pathway - Designed as a low-capex starter open-pit mine at Area C, with long-term upside through underground potential at depth. Infrastructure & Local Engagement - Preparatory works include ball mill refurbishment, tailings and water storage planning, and phased land compensation. Strong community engagement and progressive rehabilitation are embedded within the ESMP. Partnerships - Strategic and operational support secured from Taifa Group, Tanzania's leading mining contractor, providing execution capability and local validation. Funding - LVG has executed a non-binding term sheet, providing a gold prepay financing facility to fund pre-production activities at Imwelo. This innovative structure allows LVG to access non-dilutive capital directly linked to future gold output, strengthening the Company's balance sheet while minimizing shareholder dilution. The Imwelo Project The Imwelo Project is a gold project located in northern Tanzania, immediately west of the Geita Gold Mine of AngloGold Ashanti. The project is held under a 3.85 km mining licence (ML538/2015) and is subject to a 2% royalty to a previous owner. An updated JORC-compliant pre-feasibility study was completed in 2021 by Measured Group Pty Ltd of Australia, incorporating mine design, planning, scheduling, reserve estimation, and cost modeling. The project resource comprises seven mineralized zones, with gold hosted in quartz-vein shear systems amenable to open-pit mining. Mineralization remains open along strike and at depth, with drilling to date only testing to an average of ~50m below surface. The Company believes Imwelo offers significant "blue-sky" potential to expand the mineralized footprint and ultimately define a current mineral resource and reserves to extend mine life. Historical Resource Estimate The following historical mineral resource estimate is derived from "Geology and Resource Estimate Report - Imwelo Project, Tanzania, Lake Victoria Gold Limited", prepared by Measured Group Pty Ltd (May 31, 2017) in accordance with the 2012 JORC Code: Classification Cutoff Grade Au g /tonne Tonnes Gold Grade g/tonne Ounce Gold Measured 0.50g/t 414,000 3.15 42,000 Indicated 0.50g/t 1,530,300 1.95 95,700 Inferred 0.50g/t 2,781,500 1.56 153,900 (Source: MEASURED GROUP PTY LTD (MG) Geology and Resource Estimate Report - Imwelo Project, Tanzania, Lake Victoria Gold Limited, May 2017) The above noted Historical Resource Estimate dated 31 May 2017 is the last historical mineral resource estimate on the Project and no more recent data is available to the Company. The Historical Resource Estimate is based on a detailed review completed by LVG and Measured Group Pty Ltd. of local conditions. It has incorporated LVG's view of long-term metal prices, foreign exchange and cost assumptions, plus mining and metallurgy performance to select cut-off grades and physical mining parameters. The cut-off grade is based on a gold price of US$1,500 and an 88% metallurgical recovery is assumed in the calculation of the cut-off grade. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the Historical Resource Estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Company is not treating the Historical Resource Estimate as current, but believes it to be relevant to assessing the merits of the project. Significant work-including additional drilling, sampling, and data verification-will be required before a current mineral resource can be defined under NI 43-101 standards. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Scott is a Director and Officer of the Company. About Lake Victoria Gold (LVG): Lake Victoria Gold is a rapidly growing gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LVG. Leveraging our unique position and experience, the Company is principally focused on growth and consolidation in the highly prolific and prospective Lake Victoria Goldfield in Tanzania. The Company has a 100% interest in the Tembo project which has over 50 thousand meters of drilling and is located adjacent to Barrick's Bulyanhulu Mine. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Imwelo Project which is a fully permitted gold project west of AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine. With historical resource estimates and a 2021 pre-feasibility study, the project is fully permitted for mine construction and production, positioning it as a near-term development opportunity. LVG has assembled a highly experienced team with a track record of developing, financing, and operating mining projects in Africa with management, directors and partners owning more than 60% of the shares. Notably, the Company is grateful for the validation that comes with the support and equity investment from Barrick and recent strategic partnership with Taifa Group. Taifa Group (a diverse group of companies with interests in amongst others, Mining, Telecoms, Oil & Gas, Agri Business, Pharmaceuticals and Leather) has entered into an agreement with the Company to obtain an equity stake in the Company and through its wholly owned subsidiary Taifa Mining (a wholly Tanzanian owned company), or other nominees. Taifa Mining will also carry out all the contract mining and civil works for the Imwelo project. Taifa Mining is Tanzania's largest mining contractor with over 30 years mining related experience. Taifa have been the contractor of choice to most mines in Tanzania and have maintained long and successful relationships with companies such as Petra, De Beers, Barrick, and AngloGold Ashanti. In addition, Taifa also owns the largest fleet of mining equipment in Tanzania. As a company, Taifa is committed to adopting and adhering to the latest internationally recognized standards throughout all aspects of its business. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, Simon Benstead Executive Chairman & CFO Phone: +1 604-685-9316 Email: sbenstead@lakevictoriagold.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including: future exploration and development plans with respect to the Imwelo Project, contract work on the Imwelo Project by Taifa Mining, securing additional financing for the development costs of the Imwelo project, the closing of the acquisition of the Imwelo Project and the concurrent financing, including the satisfaction of the closing conditions thereunder, and receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the acquisition and financing. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond LVG's control, including risks associated with or related to: the completion of the acquisition of the Imwelo project, the concurrent financing and related transactions, including receipt of all regulatory approvals and third-party consents, the volatility of metal prices and LVG's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving development or production, cost or other estimates; 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; financing and debt activities; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Tanzania and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally, including in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; 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; competition with other mining companies; community support for LVG's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and LVG's reputation; and other risks disclosed in the Company's public filings. LVG's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. LVG does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities LVG will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263254 SOURCE: Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY) (OTCQB: DRYGF) (FSE: X7W) ("Dryden Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from its ongoing drill 2025 program on the Elora Gold System ("Elora"). The new results are from the Jubilee Zone ("Jubilee") and Jubilee Hanging Wall ("HW") shown in Figure 1. These drill results are part of the Company's fully funded 15,000-meter 2025 drill campaign targeting the Elora Gold System as well as regional targets and extensive field work. Drill Highlights: Drill hole DRG-25-016 intercepted 8.68 g/t over 9.40 meters including two separate high-grade zones of 20.50 g/t gold over 1.30 meters and 26.40 g/t gold over 1.40 meters at Jubilee Drill hole DRG-25-013 intercepted 3.41 g/t over 5.25 meters including 8.01 g/t gold over 2.50 meters in the HW4 at Jubilee The Company has now identified four gold-bearing hanging wall structures parallel to the Jubilee Zone Trey Wasser, CEO of Dryden Gold, comments, "We are extremely pleased with our continued drill success in the Gold Rock Target Area. The Elora Gold System is growing in width, depth and along strike with every drill hole. Discovering a fourth hanging wall structure at Jubilee with significant grade is exciting and adds to our "Red Lake" theme. Regional work is also progressing with three drill holes completed in a "first pass" drill test at Sherridon and with channel samples from Hyndman now in the assay lab. With the closing of our recent financing, drilling will continue well into 2026 with an additional 20,000 meters of drilling and more field work throughout the Gold Rock Camp and at regional targets. Over the next 12 months we intend to really unlock the gold story in the Dryden Gold District." Jubilee Zone Drill holes DGR-25-015 and 016 were designed to test and expand the highest-grade portion of the Jubilee Zone (Figure 2). Hole DGR-25-016 expanded the high-grade core of the zone with a result of 8.68 g/t gold over 9.40 meters including two separate high-grade intercepts of 20.50 g/t gold over 1.30 meters and 26.40 g/t gold over 1.40 meters. Hole DGR-25-013 also expanded the Jubilee Zone with 1.54 g/t gold over 10.35 meters including 6.12 g/t gold over 1.30 meters (Figure 2). The geology team is working with structural geology experts Dr. Ben Frieman of the Colorado School of Mines and Terrane Geoscience Inc. to refine the controls of the highest-grade mineralization. The periodicity or pattern of the high-grade zones appears to be controlled by regional structural intersections but the highest grades within those zones may have a more local control or pattern. The interpretation and learnings from Jubilee will be applied to the targeting the highest grades within the other zones in the Gold Rock Camp. Jubilee HW Zone The Company has drilled several follow up holes on the initial discovery of hanging wall gold mineralization in hole KW-25-003 that assayed 301.67 g/t over 3.90 meters including 1,930 g/t over 0.60 meters (May 7, 2025). These holes have confirmed multiple stacked structures in the hanging wall of the Jubilee Zone. Through this program, the Company is seeing significant D2 parallel mineralization, stacked structures as well as folding of the quartz veins. Hole DGR-25-013 showed a promising intercept of 3.41 g/t gold over 5.25 meters including 8.01 g/t gold over 2.05 meters in this hanging wall area close to the Jubilee Zone. Both holes DGR-25-013 and DGR-25-014 intersected good results on HW1 with hole DGR-25-013 returning 3.75 g/t gold over 2.50 meters including 16.00 g/t gold over 0.50 meters and DGR-25-014 returning 1.98 g/t gold over 4.95 meters. Drill Program Update Drilling at Elora has focused on strike extension testing the Pearl Zone ("Pearl") and the Laurentian Mine area ("Laurentian") as well as growth and high-grade controls for the Jubilee Zone (Figure 1). Dryden Gold is currently testing expansion targets following up on the previous drilling of DGR-25-005 which returned 2.20 g/t gold over 5.90 meters including 10.70 g/t gold over 0.90 meters (July 24, 2025), which may indicate a new high-grade zone at Pearl (Figure 2). The Company will be drill testing 300 meters of strike length between Pearl and Laurentian which has little to no historical drilling. In addition, the Company plans to begin drill testing at the two kilometer step out target Mud Lake which returned surface samples grading up to 24.20 g/t gold (January 30, 2025). Figure 1: Gold Rock Target Area To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9776/263291_83afd5ac64094a05_001full.jpg Figure 2: Jubilee and Pearl Zone - Contoured Long Section showing new results To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9776/263291_83afd5ac64094a05_002full.jpg Table 1: Drill Result Highlights Target Area Drillhole From To Length (m)* Grade (g/t Au) Jubilee DGR-25-016 149.00 158.40 9.40 8.68 Including 150.70 152.00 1.30 20.50 And Including 157.00 158.40 1.40 26.40 HW1 DGR-25-013 89.00 91.50 2.50 3.75 Including 90.00 90.50 0.50 16.00 HW4 DGR-25-013 252.00 256.25 5.25 3.41 Including 253.65 255.70 2.05 8.01 Jubilee DGR-25-013 277.65 288.00 10.35 1.54 Including 277.65 278.95 1.30 6.12 HW1 DGR-25-014 41.00 45.95 4.95 1.98 Jubilee DGR-25-015 131.8 141 9.2 1.05 *Reported intervals are drilled core lengths; assay values are uncut Follow the link to our website for the full list of drill results and more detailed technical overview. Regional Exploration Update Summer field programs are ongoing, first results from Sherridon and Hyndman are expected soon with a few months of field season remaining. The Exploration team will review the new results and potentially expand the field program to further test any positive targets. The property-wide soil/till program is track with over 60% of the sampling completed. Marketing Update Management will be attending the Precious Metals Summit in Beaver Creek, September 9-12, 2025.Trey Wasser, CEO and Maura Kolb, P. Geo., President will be available for meetings, please email ir@drydengold.com to arrange a booking. Maura Kolb, P Geo., President has been invited by the Colorado School of Mines to speak at the Denver Mineral Exploration Symposium 2025 that is taking place on September 12-13, 2025. This two-day conference brings together mining professionals in various disciplines of exploration geology, research and development, finance, and policymaking. Maura will be giving an update on Dryden Gold's high-grade gold project, with a focus on the importance of structural geology when exploring for Archean lode gold systems and how the technical team's thesis has grown over the past year. Dryden Gold will also be participating in the Metals Investor Forum on September 26-27, 2025, in Vancouver at the JW Marriott Parq hotel. Maura Kolb, P. Geo will be giving a 10-minute corporate presentation on Friday September 26th at 12pm, followed by a short Q&A. Investors can look forward to an update on the completion of the 2025 drill program and the 2026 exploration budget. Registration is free, please click here to register and view the agenda. Financing Update Dryden Gold announced the closing of its current $7.8MM financing on August 18, 2025, which included $5.95MM of 2026 flow-through exploration funds. The 2026 exploration program is expected to begin in October 2025 and will include 20,000 meters of drilling with additional regional field work. It is currently budgeted through June 2026 with no anticipated financing requirements. Note: The August 18 press release mistakenly stated that "the Company's CEO, Trey Wasser, subscribed for 250,000 HD Shares and the VP of Exploration subscribed for $50,000 HD Shares". Mr. Wasser subscribed for 125,000 HD Shares and the VP of Exploration subscribed for 50,000 HD Shares. Qualified Person The technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Maura J. Kolb, M.Sc., P.Geo., President of Dryden Gold and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Analytical Laboratory and QA/QC Procedures The Company is drilling NQ size core. Samples are cut in half, with half going to the lab for analysis and half kept as a record. True thickness/widths of the mineralization is unknown, result intervals are reported as the drilled core lengths unless otherwise stated. All sampling completed by Dryden Gold Corp. within its exploration programs is subject to a Company standard of internal quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) programs which include the insertion of certified reference materials, blank materials, and a level of duplicate analysis. Drill samples from the 2024 and 2025 program were sent to Activation Laboratories, with sample preparation and analysis in Dryden, where they were processed for gold analysis by 50-gram fire assay with an atomic absorption finish and over limits determined by Fire Assay with a gravimetric finish. Select samples were analyzed using metallic screens. Activation Laboratories systems conform to requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17025 guidelines and meets assay requirements outlined for NI 43-101. ABOUT DRYDEN GOLD CORP. Dryden Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY"), on the OTCQB marketplace ("DRYGF") and on the Frankfurt Exchange ("X7W"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition and consolidation, exploration success, and mergers and acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominant strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys collaborative relationships with First Nations communities and benefits from proximity to an experienced mining workforce. For more information, go to our website www.drydengold.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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the acquisition of the Property, receipt of corporate and regulatory approvals, issuance of common shares; future development plans; future acquisitions; exploration programs; and the business and operations of Dryden Gold. 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 (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." 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 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 mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings including receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval for the acquisition of the Property; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in Dryden Gold's and 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. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Dryden Gold and the Company do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from Dryden Gold's and the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263291 SOURCE: Dryden Gold Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) ("Volta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, that as a result of excess demand, it has agreed to increase the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") to raise gross proceeds of up to an aggregate of $1,500,000. In all other respects, the terms of the Offering will remain as previously disclosed in the announcement press release dated August 11, 2025. The Offering will be comprised of the issuance of any combination of: (i) up to 18,750,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit"), at a subscription price of $0.08 per Unit; and (ii) up to 15,000,000 flow-through units of the Company (each, a "FT Unit"), at a subscription price of $0.10 per FT Unit. The Company reserves the right to increase the size of the Offering by up to 25%, such that any combination of up to an additional 4,687,500 Units or 3,750,000 FT Units may be issued to raise additional aggregate gross proceeds of up to $375,000. The maximum aggregate gross proceeds that may be raised under the Offering is $1,875,000. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase an additional Share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.15 per Warrant Share for 24 months from the closing of the Offering. Each FT Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "FT Share") and one Warrant. The FT Shares will qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Company will use the gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Units to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's recently acquired Springer Project, and its Aki Project, both in Ontario, on or before December 31, 2026. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the FT Units with an effective date not later than December 31, 2025. The net proceeds from the sale of the Units will be used for exploration at the Company's mineral properties and general corporate and working capital purposes. As in every financing the Company has completed to date, certain directors and officers of the Company (the "Insiders") are expected to participate in the Offering, increasing insider holdings. The issuance of the Units or FT Units to the Insiders will constitute a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, on the basis that the participation in the Offering by the Insiders will not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization. The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months and a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws. The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). There can be no assurances that the Offering will be completed on the terms set out herein, or at all, or that the proceeds of the Offering will be sufficient for the purposes of the Company set out herein. ABOUT VOLTA METALS LTD. Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) is a mineral exploration company based in Toronto, Ontario, focused on rare earth elements, gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum. It owns, has optioned and is currently exploring a critical minerals portfolio of rare earths, gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum projects in Ontario, one of the world's most prolific mining and mineral exploration districts. To learn more about Volta, its Springer REE & Ga and Aki critical minerals projects, please visit www.voltametals.ca. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, plans, strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated use of the proceeds from the Offering and the receipt of all necessary approvals for the Offering. 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 expectations include: the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators; the fact that Volta's interests in its mineral properties are options only and there are no guarantee that such interest, if earned, will be certain; the future prices and demand for lithium; and delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary approvals, permits and authorizations required to carry out its business plans. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and 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, other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263300 SOURCE: Volta Metals Ltd. TALLINN, Estonia, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ESTO Group (ESTO Holdings OU), the leading Estonian non-bank consumer credit provider, today announced outstanding financial results for the first half of 2025, demonstrating an accelerating growth push across all key metrics and reinforcing its position as the dominant non-bank consumer credit platform in the Baltics. Key Financial Highlights: Net Profit surged 72% year-over-year (YoY) to EUR 4.56 million, compared to EUR 2.65 million in 1H'24 EBITDA rose 37% to EUR 8.43 million, delivering a robust 50% EBITDA margin Revenue increased by 12% to EUR 16.72 million from EUR 14.94 million in the prior period (1H'24) Main Loan Portfolio expanded by 19% to EUR 80.6 million, up from EUR 67.7 million at 1H'24 Record June performance with EUR 9.42 million in monthly credit issuance, the highest in the company's history. Over the period, total credit issuance reached EUR 47.7 million, representing 15% growth YoY Mikk Metsa, Founder and CEO of ESTO, commented: "The first half of 2025 has been a busy period for ESTO, full of constant work towards achieving our targets. We've delivered our strongest financial performance to date, with an incredible 72% Net Profit growth compared to 1H'24. Our intensified efforts in expanding in Latvia and Lithuania have yielded increased sales in those markets, which now represent over one-third of our total issuance and are approaching profitability much faster than we anticipated. Perhaps most importantly, we've demonstrated that sustainable and profitable growth is achievable in the fintech arena. Our 50% EBITDA margin in 1H'25, combined with expanded loan portfolio and improving market standing, validates our strategic vision to become the leading consumer finance platform across the Baltics." The 2Q'25 marked a period of significant operational expansion and technological advancements within ESTO. The company onboarded around 390 new merchants within 2Q'25, including flagship retailers such as OnOff in Estonia and a major fashion chain representing brands like Reserved, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. Furthermore, ESTO launched its improved "Deals" platform in June and completed preparations for the full-scale ESTO Market ecosystem launch, positioning the company well amid the upcoming peak season. "Our 1H'25 results further highlight ESTO's robust financial model, with net profit nearly doubled and cost-to-income improved, even as we scaled credit issuance to record highs," added Gustav Juurikas, CFO of ESTO. "Our prudent approach to risk management, demonstrated by stable credit loss rates and proactive ECL (provisioning) updates, emphasizes both profitability and balance-sheet strengths. With a stable 28% capitalization ratio and secured multi-year credit facilities, the company retains plenty of power to support continued expansion in the Baltics and capitalize on elevated demand through 2025." The full half-year financial statements have been made available on the company's Investor Relations webpage. About ESTO: ESTO is a dynamic, forward-thinking company that aims to revolutionize the shopping experience by simplifying the complex shopping ecosystem. Leveraging its multi-year expertise and position as Estonia's leading non-bank consumer credit institute, ESTO is positioned to reshape the e-commerce landscape in the Baltics and beyond. With a strong emphasis on technology and customer loyalty, ESTO aims to provide a seamless, tailored, and omnichannel shopping experience for both consumers and retailers. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2618719/5466633/ESTO_Holdings_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/esto-group-posts-record-1h25-results-with-72-net-profit-growth-accelerating-toward-100m-eur-year-end-portfolio-target-302533548.html JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - The International Criminal Court has strongly rejected new sanctions announced by the United States against its judges and prosecutors in a renewed push surrounding investigations into U.S. and Israeli officials. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State imposed new sanctions on two judges and two prosecutors of ICC for engaging in efforts to prosecute US and Israeli citizens. The U.S. sanctions target Trial Division judges Kimberly Prost and Nicolas Yann Guillou, and Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang. Prost is designated for ruling to authorize the ICC's investigation into U.S. personnel in Afghanistan, the State Department said. Guillou was designated for ruling to authorize the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. 'Deputy Prosecutors Shameem Khan and Niang are being designated for continuing to support illegitimate ICC actions against Israel, including upholding the ICC's arrest warrants targeting Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant since they assumed leadership for the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor,' the State Department said in a press release. This is in addition to earlier US sanctions against four other ICC judges and a prosecutor. In a statement announcing the new round of sanctions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ICC 'is a national security threat that has been an instrument for lawfare against the United States and our close ally Israel.' The UN-backed court denounced the sanctions as 'a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution'. Furthermore, 'they constitute also an affront against the Court's States Parties, the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world.' The court, based in The Hague, investigates the gravest crimes of concern to the international community, namely genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Last November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, together with a former Hamas commander, in connection with the conflict in Gaza, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is also probing war crimes allegedly committed in Afghanistan by all sides during years of conflict, including the US, following the allied invasion of the country in May 2003. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2025 AFX News TOKYO, Aug 21, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in the vocational training sector in Senegal with the Senegalese government, the Senegal-Japan Vocational Training Center (CFPT-SJ), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (Toyota Tsusho), Daikin Industries, Ltd. (Daikin), Toda Construction Co., Ltd. (Toda Construction), and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Yamaha).Based on this memorandum, each company will provide training programs to CFPT-SJ to support the development of industrial human resources in Senegal. NEC will contribute to the development of industrial human resources by promoting the understanding and reach of digital technologies related to improving crop productivity, improving farming practices, and contributing to universal health coverage, which are some of the major goals of the Republic of Senegal and align with the Government of Japan's Country Assistance Policy.Established in 1984 with grant aid from JICA, CFPT-SJ has become a core educational institution in the field of vocational training, not only in Senegal but also in the West African region. In recent years, demand has been steadily growing for more sophisticated and diverse industrial human resources in Senegal, and CFPT-SJ is committed to developing human resources that meet these needs.To date, Toyota Tsusho, Daikin, Toda Construction, Yamaha, and NEC have contributed to industrial development in Senegal and the West African region through their respective businesses. However, the cultivation and acquisition of highly skilled industrial human resources necessary for business promotion remains a challenge. In response to this, JICA, Japan-based companies, and the CFPT-SJ have concluded this MOC to strengthen and develop cooperation in the cultivation of industrial human resources in Senegal.Specifically, regarding the implementation of training programs by the Japan-based companies belonging to the CFPT-SJ, the following points were agreed upon: (1) the Senegalese government will cooperate with CFPT-SJ, (2) CFPT-SJ will cooperate with each participating organization, (3) JICA will coordinate between Japan and Senegal, and (4) Toyota Tsusho, Daikin, Toda Construction, Yamaha, and NEC will formulate and implement training programs in their respective areas of expertise.Through this MOC, NEC aims to contribute to greater understanding of digital technology and the development of industrial human resources in Senegal, while strengthening its collaboration with JICA to expand the development of solutions in the agriculture and health sectors in the African region.About 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. CRANBROOK, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / (TSX-V:EPL)(OTCQB:EGPLF) ("EPL" or "Eagle Plains") is pleased to announce that partner Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (TSX-V:SMN)(OTCQB:SMREF) ("Sun Summit") has mobilized exploration crews to commence 2025 fieldwork at Eagle Plains' Theory copper-gold project (the "Theory Project"), north-central British Columbia. The property is owned 100% by Eagle Plains, with 122 hectares of the property subject to an underlying 0.5% Net Smelter Royalty held by a third party. The Theory Project borders Thesis Gold's Ranch Project to the north and is located within 10 km to the North West of Sun Summit's JD Project.Sun Summit signed an option agreement with Eagle Plains to earn up to a 100% interest in the project, located in the highly prospective Toodoggone Mining District. (see press release dated March 17, 2025) Theory Project Exploration Program The focus of the 2025 program will be to identify drill targets using prospecting, geological mapping, geochemical sampling and remote sensing to follow up on areas of interest generated through a 2024 airborne geophysical survey and a comprehensive, ongoing data compilation. The proposed work program will have a budget adequate to exceed the minimum required 2025 exploration expenditures of $200,000. Eagle Plains will serve as operator for the project and the work will be completed by TerraLogic Exploration. See Theory Project Information and Map here The 9676ha Theory Project is located in northern BC within the Toodoggone Mining District. The district is endowed with both epithermal gold and porphyry copper-gold deposits, most notably the past producing Kemess Mine owned by Centerra Gold. The Omineca Resource Road provides access to the region from Mackenzie, BC. Recent road upgrades completed in 2023 by Thesis Gold on their Lawyers-Ranch Project brought road access to within 8 kms of the Theory Project. Geology in the Theory region is primarily comprised of lower Jurassic Hazelton Group volcanics which unconformably overlie late Triassic Takla Group volcanics. The entire package of rocks is intruded by late Triassic and early Jurassic stocks. The majority of the Theory property encompasses the highly prospective Jurassic-Triassic unconformity (~200 Ma), termed by the BC Geologic Survey as the 'Red-Line', which is known to have a high spatial correlation to many of the known deposits throughout the Golden Triangle and Toodoggone. Exploration by previous operators has been intermittent since the mid-1960's and regional government surveys are sparse, however encouraging mineralization and alteration commonly associated with both epithermal and porphyry systems has been documented. The most significant documented work was completed in 1988 in the north and west areas of the Theory project area. Work consisted primarily of alpine ridge and subalpine prospecting traverses as well as reconnaissance soil sample lines in areas where no outcrop was present. This work documented occurrences of low-sulphidation epithermal-related mineralization including quartz-barite veins with up to 8.2 g/t Au, 195 g/t Ag, and 6.2% Cu at the DM occurrence (BC Minfile 094E 231)*; and a quartz carbonate vein system with up to 6.8 g/t Au and 1,480 g/t Ag at the Fred-1 occurrence (BC Minfile 094E 402)*. The BEV occurrences (BC Minfile 094E 259)*, interpreted as a Cu-Au porphyry target, returned select historical rock results up to 0.47% Cu, 10.5 g/t Ag, and 0.13 g/t Au. Detailed soils revealed a 1.6 by 2 kilometre copper-in-soil anomaly with peak soil results to 920 ppm Cu. Very little work is documented in the south and eastern parts of the property. Recent exploration success in the area has been highlighted by Thesis Gold's announcement at their Lawyers-Ranch Project of a combined Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 4.0 Moz and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 727 Koz at respective grades of 1.51 and 1.82 g/t AuEq. (Thesis Gold, May 1, 2024 News Release) and by Amarc Resources' new high-grade copper-gold-silver discovery at the AuRORA zone of the Joy Project (Amarc Resources, January 17, 2025 News Release). In late 2023 Eagle Plains acquired the property through staking and third-party agreements. After undertaking initial compilation and interpretation of historical data on the project, Eagle Plains completed a property wide, high resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey in July 2024. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person but form a basis for ongoing work on the subject properties. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the subject properties. Qualified Person Technical information in this News Release has been reviewed and approved by C.C. Downie, P.Geo., a director and officer of Eagle Plains, hereby identified as the "Qualified Person" under N.I. 43-101. About Eagle Plains Resources Based in Cranbrook, B.C., Eagle Plains is a well-funded, prolific project generator that continues to conduct research, acquire and explore mineral projects throughout western Canada, with a focus on critical metals integral to an increasingly electrified, decarbonized economy. The Company was formed in 1992 and is the fourth-oldest listed issuer on the TSX-V (and the only one of these four that has not seen a roll-back or restructuring of its shares). Eagle Plains has continued to deliver shareholder value over the years and through numerous spin outs has transferred over $100,000,000 in value directly to its shareholders, with Copper Canyon Resources and Taiga Gold Corp. being notable examples. Eagle Plains latest spinout, Eagle Royalties Ltd. (CSE:"ER") was listed on May 24, 2023, and holds a diverse portfolio of royalty assets throughout western Canada. On July 02, 2025, ER announced that it had entered into a definitive amalgamation agreement with Summit Royalty Corp. pursuant to which Summit will "go-public" by way of a reverse takeover (RTO) of ER. Eagle Royalties shareholders will receive a consideration of $0.18 per ER share, representing a premium of 47% based on ER's closing price on June 30, 2025 on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Completion of the RTO is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and required shareholder approvals of ER and Summit. There can be no assurance that the RTO will be completed as proposed or at all. On October 2, 2024, Eagle Plains announced the formation of a separate division within the Company that will give Eagle Plains' shareholders direct exposure to strategic opportunities in Canadian green energy transition. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Eagle Plains, Osprey Power Inc. ("OP") will focus on identifying and advancing innovative and diverse clean energy project portfolios in target markets throughout Canada, with an initial focus on Western Canada. Eagle Plains' core business is acquiring grassroots critical- and precious-metal exploration properties. The Company is committed to steadily enhancing shareholder value by advancing our diverse portfolio of projects toward discovery through collaborative partnerships and development of a highly experienced technical team. Expenditures from 2010-2024 on Eagle Plains-related projects exceed $39M, the majority of which was funded by third-party partners. This exploration work resulted in approximately 50,000m of diamond-drilling and extensive ground-based exploration work facilitating the advancement of numerous projects at various stages of development. Throughout the exploration process, our mission is to help maintain prosperous communities by exploring for and discovering resource opportunities while building lasting relationships through honest and respectful business practices. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Eagle Plains "C.C. (Chuck) Downie, P.Geo" President and CEO For further information on EPL, please contact Mike Labach at 1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673) Email: mgl@eagleplains.com or visit our website at https://www.eagleplains.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. SOURCE: Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/eagle-plains-partner-sun-summit-minerals-commences-fieldwork-at-the-theory-projec-1063482 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Standard Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (FSE: 9SU0) ("Standard Uranium" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its summer exploration programs at the Davidson River Project ("Davidson River" or the "Project") in the southwest Athabasca Basin region, northern Saskatchewan (Figure 1). The Company has successfully completed the first ExoSphere Multiphysics surveys in the southwest Athabasca uranium district on Davidson River, outlining multiple highly prospective target areas across the Warrior, Bronco, and Thunderbird conductor corridors. Highlights: Successful ExoSphere Multiphysics Surveys: Combined 3D Ambient Noise Tomography ("ANT") and Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio ("HVSR") velocity models and constrained ground gravity block models have been generated on the Warrior, Bronco, and Thunderbird trends (Figure 2), providing critical subsurface information for guiding ongoing exploration across the Project. Critical Vectors for High-Grade* Uranium: Distinct gravity-low anomalies representing potential hydrothermal alteration zones have been identified across all three surveyed structural corridors, overlapping known electromagnetic ("EM") conductors, extrapolated basement faults from previous drilling, and basement velocity lows marking structural disruption and/or favorable lithological contrasts (Figure 3). Multiple new targets also coincide with defined EM SmartMatch targets provided by ALS GoldSpot based on machine learning anomaly matching to the Arrow and Triple R deposits. Fall 2025 Drill Program: The Company has secured drilling permits and executed Exploration Agreements with its Clearwater River Dene Nation ("CRDN") partners. With vendors now in place, the Company is planning a four-to-six-week drill program scheduled to commence in early September 2025. Sean Hillacre, President & VP Exploration of Standard Uranium, commented, "We have a clear geoscientific recipe for discovery at Davidson River leveraging exploration techniques and success next door at the Arrow and Triple R uranium deposits. The new datasets from our Multiphysics surveys unlock invaluable targeting information at Davidson River with the addition of gravity and seismic data outlining potential areas of significant hydrothermal alteration, akin to the geophysical signatures of nearby high-grade deposits in the same geological domain. The technical team and I are very excited to get the drills into the ground to test these new targets after several years of integrative targeting efforts." Figure 1. Overview of Standard Uranium's Flagship Davidson River Project in the southwest Athabasca Basin uranium district along trend from significant uranium discoveries and resources1,2. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10633/263277_5323228814a8b999_001full.jpg Figure 2. Summary map showing major EM conductor trends on Davidson River and completed ExoSphere Multiphysics grid locations, with first vertical derivative magnetics in the background. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10633/263277_5323228814a8b999_002full.jpg 2025 Drill Program - Integrative Targeting ANT + HVSR + Gravity grids covering uranium-bearing structural corridors on the Project were designed to characterize lithological variations and alteration signatures, in addition to further refining the structural architecture of known basement conductors on Davidson River. The surveys have been completed, providing detailed data on subsurface features and enhancing the understanding of the geological framework in the area. Along each of the Warrior, Bronco, and Thunderbird conductive trends, multiple gravity-low anomalies have been identified from constrained density models (Figure 3). These anomalies overlap with known EM conductors, extrapolated oriented core shearing/faulting, and abrupt ANT-HVSR velocity anomalies that may represent basement wedges or vertically offset faulting, typical structural traps for uranium mineralization. Additionally, where these potential structures intersect gravity-low anomalies, they may indicate structurally focused hydrothermal alteration, such as clay replacement, which is commonly associated with basement-hosted uranium mineralization. The intersection of these geophysical anomalies with modeled graphitic shear zones results in multiple highly prospective drill target areas. Figure 3. Results of Multiphysics surveys on the Warrior, Bronco, and Thunderbird corridors, highlighting integrated target areas - EM conductors, cross-faults, gravity lows, and velocity lows. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10633/263277_5323228814a8b999_003full.jpg Fall 2025 Diamond Drill Program The Company has completed comprehensive analysis and integration of survey data and plans to execute a diamond drilling program to test high-priority targets generated from the Multiphysics survey results. This 2025 diamond drill program marks the Project's first drilling campaign since 2022. Drill targets will be prioritized based on integration of positive results from previous drilling, new ANT + HVSR + Gravity anomalies, as well as ALS machine learning SmartMatch targets. The Company has received processed high-confidence datasets from all three survey grids through joint inversion and modeling, resulting in optimized drill targeting for the September 2025 program. About Davidson River Davidson River is Standard Uranium's flagship property, located in the southwest Athabasca Uranium District of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, and encapsulates the inferred extension of the structural trend that hosts the Triple R and Arrow uranium deposits (Figure 1). The Project consists of 10 contiguous mineral dispositions and lies approximately 25 to 30 km west of Arrow and Triple R and 75 km south of the past-producing Cluff Lake uranium mines. The Company has completed 16,561 metres of diamond drilling in 39 drill holes on the Davidson River property since 2020, which has further refined the exploration strategy for high-grade basement hosted uranium mineralization on the property3. Davidson River hosts four main conductive corridors - the Warrior, Bronco, Thunderbird, and Saint trends (Figure 2). These conductive trends are associated with graphitic-sulphidic structures in basement rocks, which are commonly associated with high-grade* uranium systems, providing the conduits for mineralizing fluids. This concept has been proven for all four corridors, with several instances of graphitic-sulphidic fault rocks and reactivated structures intersected along the tested strike length. Favorable basement rock types and alteration phases have been observed across the strike length of the main trends, resembling those which host other uranium deposits in the southwestern Athabasca Basin region. Key indicators include clay-dravite alteration and stacked lenses of variably strained graphite and sulphide-bearing garnetiferous gneisses and altered feldspar-rich rocks. Structural zones in the basement are locally associated with elevated uranium and/or boron values (over 1,000 ppm B), such as in DR-20-009 and -0113. The results from diamond drilling programs to date highlight the potential for the Davidson River Project to host significant basement hosted unconformity-related uranium mineralization, and the property contains several priority targets along all four trends that warrant further exploration. *The Company considers uranium mineralization with concentrations greater than 1.0 wt% U3O8 to be "high-grade" Qualified Person Statement The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Sean Hillacre, P.Geo., President and VP Exploration of the Company and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101. Historical data disclosed in this news release relating to sampling results from previous operators are historical in nature. Neither the Company nor a qualified person has yet verified this data and therefore investors should not place undue reliance on such data. The Company's future exploration work may include verification of the data. The Company considers historical results to be relevant as an exploration guide and to assess the mineralization as well as economic potential of exploration projects. Any historical grab samples disclosed are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralization. References 1 Arrow deposit, Rook I Project, Saskatchewan, NI 43-101 Technical Report on Feasibility Study, Prepared for NexGen Energy Ltd., Effective date: February 22, 2021 2 Feasibility Study, NI 43-101 Technical Report, for PLS Property, Prepared for Fission Uranium Corp., Effective date: January 17, 2023 3 Davidson River Project Overview, https://standarduranium.ca/projects/davidson-river-project Private Placement Update The Company also confirms that is continuing to move forward with its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") to raise gross proceeds of up to C$3,500,000 and expects to complete an initial tranche of the Offering shortly. The Offering consists of units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.08 per Unit, and flow-through units of the Company (each, a "FT Unit", and collectively with the Units, the "Offered Securities") at a price of C$0.10 per FT Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each a "Unit Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each FT Unit will consist of one common share of the Company to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "FT Share") and one-half of one Warrant. Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$0.15 at any time on or before that date which is twenty-four months after the closing date of the Offering. The Units will be offered to "accredited investors", as well as existing shareholders of the Company resident in British Columbia under British Columbia Instrument 45-534 - Exemption from Prospectus Requirement for Certain Trades to Existing Security Holders (the "Existing Shareholder Exemption"). Only those shareholders who are resident in British Columbia and hold shares of the Company as of August 19, 2025 (the "Record Date") are eligible to participate under the Existing Shareholder Exemption. Any person who becomes a shareholder of the Company after the Record Date is not permitted to participate under the Existing Shareholder Exemption. Existing shareholders who are interested in participating in the Offering should contact the Company at the contact information set out in this press release. Subscriptions pursuant to the Existing Shareholder Exemption are being allocated to subscribers on a "first come, first served" basis wherein the subscribers who are first to submit a completed subscription agreement and payment of the corresponding subscription proceeds will be accepted up until the maximum amount of the Offering is reached. There are conditions and restrictions when relying upon the Existing Shareholder Exemption; namely, the subscriber must: a) be a shareholder of the Company on the Record Date (and still is a shareholder); b) be purchasing the units as a principal, that is, for their own account and not for any other party; and c) may not purchase more than $15,000 value of securities from the Company in any 12-month period, unless they have first received suitability advice from a registered investment dealer, and, in this case, subscribers will be asked to confirm the registered investment dealer's identity and employer. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering for the exploration and development of its projects and for general corporate and working capital purposes. The actual allocation of the proceeds may vary though, depending on future operations or unforeseen events or opportunities. If the Offering is not fully subscribed, the Company may apply the proceeds of the Offering in such priority and proportions as the board of directors of the Company determines to be in the best interests of Company. About Standard Uranium (TSXV: STND) We find the fuel to power a clean energy future Standard Uranium is a uranium exploration company and emerging project generator poised for discovery in the world's richest uranium district. The Company holds interest in over 233,254 acres (94,394 hectares) in the world-class Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of Athabasca-style uranium targets with a view to discovery and future development. Standard Uranium's Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, comprises ten mineral claims over 30,737 hectares. Davidson River is highly prospective for basement-hosted uranium deposits due to its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries. However, owing to the large project size with multiple targets, it remains broadly under-tested by drilling. Recent intersections of wide, structurally deformed and strongly altered shear zones provide significant confidence in the exploration model and future success is expected. Standard Uranium's eastern Athabasca projects comprise over 42,303 hectares of prospective land holdings. The eastern basin projects are highly prospective for unconformity related and/or basement hosted uranium deposits based on historical uranium occurrences, recently identified geophysical anomalies, and location along trend from several high-grade uranium discoveries. Standard Uranium's Sun Dog project, in the northwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of nine mineral claims over 19,603 hectares. The Sun Dog project is highly prospective for basement and unconformity hosted uranium deposits yet remains largely untested by sufficient drilling despite its location proximal to uranium discoveries in the area. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations; timing of the Company's exploration programs; and estimates of market conditions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. 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. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are highlighted in the "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation: that the transaction with the Optionee will proceed as planned; the future price of uranium; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to raise additional capital if and when necessary; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; future sales of the Company's securities; the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the success of exploration, development and operations activities; the timing and results of drilling programs; the discovery of mineral resources on the Company's mineral properties; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; assessments by taxation authorities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements and the assumptions made with respect thereto are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking 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. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) 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/263277 SOURCE: Standard Uranium Ltd. HONG KONG, Aug 21, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - Ta Yang Group Holdings Limited (,Ta Yang Group, or the ,Group,; Stock Code: 1991), a well-established Hong Kong-listed company with nearly two decades of market presence, plans to further advance comprehensively into the Web 4.0 field and artificial intelligence (AI) industry. The Group will leverage AI Digital Humans as its subsequent growth engine, integrating a Real World Assets (RWA) tokenization operation platform with its inherent global traffic marketing operation system to strategically deploy across three trillion-dollar sectors: education, gaming, and big health.Against the backdrop of AI fueling a new wave of global digitization, AI is evolving from a ,technological tool, to the ,core of transformation, for many enterprises, driving industries to change work methods, overcome efficiency boundaries, and reshape value paradigms. IDC research indicates that for every dollar invested in generative AI, enterprises can achieve a return on investment of 3.7 times; companies deeply embracing AI have realized an average value return cycle of 13 months. Over 50% of organizations are accelerating customized AI application development, converting short-term gains into long-term competitive advantages. PwC forecasts that by 2030, AI will be a global economic game-changer, contributing up to US$15.7 trillion in growth and adding approximately 26.1% to China,s GDP. It is no surprise that AI Digital Humans, as the core multi-modal interactive carriers across industries, are gradually transitioning from concept to industrial implementation.In 2023, the Group invested in Jusheng Technology Co., Ltd. (,Jusheng Technology,), a professional digital marketing services company. Jusheng Technology plans to launch its independently developed AI Digital Humans, integrating leading technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision (CV), speech synthesis/recognition (TTS/STT), and compatible with the xAI Grok API. This AI Digital Human is at an industry-leading level and will be introduced to three major scenarios: education, gaming, and big health. This includes, but is not limited to: a ,Virtual Teacher, AI Digital Human that can adjust speaking speed and learning difficulty in real time based on students, attention; AI NPCs in games with personalized storylines that evolve based on different player choices; and a ,Health Companion, AI Digital Human offering proactive suggestions based on individuals, 24/7 health data such as heart rate and blood pressure. The Group plans a ,phased iterative and gradual open, strategy, expecting to complete the core modules and underlying technology integration within six months, release AI Digital Human prototypes for the three scenarios in the following 6 to 18 months, and integrate these into Jusheng Technology,s marketing matrix. Between 18 and 36 months, the Group aims to open related APIs or SDKs and attract global developers to build an open ecosystem.Additionally, the Group intends to take advantage of this AI and digital transformation opportunity by using blockchain-based RWA to enable off-chain cash flow-generating asset projects to be captured in real time by AI Digital Humans and recorded in smart contracts. The Group will structure and issue layered packages of assets including educational copyrights and gaming IPs tailored to investors, risk preferences. The target for this type of asset issuance is to pilot 10 high-quality projects in the first year, with plans to expand to 100 projects within three years, involving total asset values of HK$500 million. The Group aims to serve total asset values exceeding HK$5 billion within five years, establishing a multi-domain RWA asset operation platform.It is noteworthy that RWA transactions eliminate the need for traditional brokers or intermediaries, enabling a direct connection between the physical economy and virtual markets. According to Boston Consulting Group estimates, the RWA tokenization market could grow to a valuation of US$16 trillion by 2030, underscoring its vast market potential and promising outlook.Leveraging Jusheng Technology,s 20 years of cross-border marketing experience, Ta Yang will build a traffic system characterized by ,comprehensive coverage + intelligent operation + scalable growth., Jusheng Technology,s platforms cover overseas social media such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, as well as domestic channels like Douyin and WeChat Video Accounts, facilitating global user reach for customers. Utilizing AI technology, processes such as account nurturing, content generation, and targeted delivery will be fully automated to reduce operational costs and improve customer acquisition efficiency. Based on this, Ta Yang Group has a clear user growth target: to attract 1 million users in the first year to form an initial traffic pool, reach over 10 million users within three years, and build a native Web 4.0 traffic pool of hundreds of millions of users within five years, creating a ,traffic , conversion , repurchase, cycle.Ms. Shi Qi, Chairlady of Ta Yang Group, stated, ,Ta Yang is unveiling its AI transformation blueprint and formally entering the digital asset arena, marking a significant milestone for the Group and opening a new chapter for future development. We are grateful for investors, recognition and confidence in our growth. As a well-established Hong Kong-listed company with nearly two decades of market history, this entry into the AI industry is expected to generate four types of revenue: income from AI Digital Human-driven traffic; revenue from providing AI+RWA one-stop financing consultancy services to SMEs; matchmaking fees related to RWA transactions, as well as digital advisory subscription fees; and multilingual, multicultural AI customer service and marketing outsourcing fees charged on a per-project or annual basis. Benefiting from its business model, Jusheng Technology has maintained positive cash flow in recent years, providing ample resources for this broader AI and digital transformation initiative. As the Group,s vision through Jusheng Technology in AI gradually materializes, we look forward to creating greater value and delivering promising returns for our shareholders.,About Ta Yang Group Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1991.HK)Ta Yang Group Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 1991) was established in 1991 and successfully listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 2007. It is a diversified enterprise combining three decades of industry experience with a forward-looking digital vision. Since its founding, the Group initially focused on the field of silicone input devices, specializing in the design and manufacture of core components used in consumer electronic devices, computers, laptops, mobile phones, and automotive peripherals. Leveraging a highly integrated production system, stringent quality control, and technological innovation capabilities, the Group has earned long-term trust from numerous globally renowned brand clients, laying a solid industrial foundation.With the deepening wave of global digital transformation, Ta Yang Group has keenly identified strategic opportunities in the digital economy era and decisively launched a comprehensive strategic transformation toward the Web 4.0 domain. Centered on ,embracing technological change and reshaping the value ecosystem" the Group precisely anchors on three core drivers: artificial intelligence (AI), Real World Assets (RWA) tokenization, and Hong Kong,s policy ecosystem. It is dedicated to bridging the transformation chain of ,data , assets , value" marking its leap from a traditional manufacturing enterprise to a digital economy pioneer.Currently, Ta Yang Group regards its Web 4.0 strategic transformation as a new starting point, focusing on the three trillion-dollar sectors of education, gaming, and big health. It aims to become a leading enterprise in the Asia-Pacific region across the dual arenas of AI and RWA, providing efficient value growth ecosystems for global investors, partners, and individual users. The Group is committed to continuously advancing high-quality development of the global digital economy and writing a new chapter from being an ,industry deep cultivator, to a ,digital ecosystem builder.,Source: Ta Yang Group Holdings Ltd.Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Assets on Platform have grown by 406% over the last five years This milestone reinforces FNZ's position as one of the world's largest wealth management platforms FNZ now partners with over 650 financial institutions, more than 12,000 wealth management firms and serves over 26 million end investors globally 6 out of the top 10 most recommended UK adviser platforms use FNZ technology, according to recent analysis conducted by Defaqto Builds on FNZ's purpose to open up wealth by making wealth management more accessible and personalized to more people LONDON and NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FNZ, the global wealth management platform, has today announced that it has reached a record milestone of US$2 trillion in Assets on Platform. This achievement reinforces FNZ's leadership position in the global wealth industry and highlights its growing role in transforming the way wealth management services are delivered. It also reflects the accelerating global demand for FNZ's market-leading, AI-powered, end-to-end technology. Leveraging this has enabled its partners to deliver faster innovation, deeper personalization and significantly lower costs. Recent growth in Assets on Platform has been underpinned by new client wins, expansion of mandates with existing customers and organic market growth across several major geographies. Over the last five years, Assets on Platform have grown by 406% (38.3% annualised), reflecting the sustained momentum in FNZ's business globally. Founded in 2003, FNZ partners with many of the world's leading banks, insurers and wealth managers to deliver integrated technology, operations and market solutions. Today, FNZ operates in most of the world's major markets, serving over 26 million customers, and continues to expand its platform to meet the evolving needs of the industry. In the UK, FNZ customers also feature strongly in Defaqto's latest list of the top 10 most recommended adviser platforms, with six of them using FNZ technology, as voted for by UK advisers. Blythe Masters, Group CEO of FNZ, said: "Surpassing US$2 trillion in Assets on Platform is a powerful demonstration of the strength of our platform, the dedication of our people and the deep, long-term partnerships we have with our clients. "We only succeed when our clients succeed, and we remain relentlessly focused on supporting their ambitions, as we use technology to empower advisors and make saving for the future easier for everyone. "We are incredibly excited about the future, harnessing our scale, technology and expertise to open up wealth and support our clients in delivering innovative, efficient and personalized wealth management and market services to millions of end investors." FNZ works with over 650 financial institutions and more than 12,000 wealth management firms worldwide, including Aberdeen, AJ Bell, Allianz, Aviva, Bank of Montreal, Barclays, BNZ, Colonial First State, Consilium, Lloyds Banking Group, NAB, Nucleus Financial Platforms Group, Quilter, Raymond James, UOB Asset Management and Vanguard. FNZ is backed by some of the world's largest institutional shareholders, including La Caisse (formerly CDPQ), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), Generation Investment Management and Motive Partners. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fnz-reaches-record-milestone-of-us2-trillion-in-assets-on-platform-302535739.html TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / AirIQ Inc. ("AirIQ") (TSXV:IQ), a leader in IoT-based asset management solutions since 1997, today announced its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2025, reporting a new record for recurring revenue. Unless otherwise noted herein, all amounts are in thousands of Canadian dollars except share and per share information. First Quarter and Sequential Highlights (for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2025) Record recurring revenue of $1,323 increased by 13% or $150 compared to $1,173, and an increase of 8% or $95 compared to $1,228 sequentially. Total revenue of $1,422 decreased by 14% or $231 compared to $1,653, and an increase of 8% or $109 compared to $1,313 sequentially. Gross profit of $872 decreased by 5% or $49 compared to $921, and an increase of 4% or $31 compared to $841 sequentially. Net income of $16 decreased 85% or $91 compared to $107, and a decrease of 59% or $23 compared to $39 sequentially. "We are proud to announce that we have set another record in recurring revenues, which increased by 13% compared to the prior year and 8% growth over the previous quarter", said Mike Robb, President and Chief Executive Officer of AirIQ. "Our previously announced strategic decision to focus our sales efforts on our rental offerings versus hardware sales has resulted in total revenue being lower than the same period the previous year. The Company's investments in sales, marketing, and product development is expected to drive further recurring revenue growth in future quarters. With a solid recurring revenue base and a clear strategy for growth, we remain confident that we are able to deliver increases in shareholder value", continued Mr. Robb. All dollar amounts set out herein are in Canadian dollars. Normal Course Issuer Bid The Company filed a Notice of Intention to Make a Normal Course Issuer Bid (the "Bid") with the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") commencing June 27, 2024 and ending on June 26, 2025. Pursuant to the Bid, the Company proposed to purchase through the facilities of the TSXV up to 1,468,004 common shares, representing approximately 5% of the then issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. The Company's broker for the Bid is Hampton Securities Limited. The Company had also announced the renewal of its normal course issuer bid on June 24, 2025, to purchase up to 1,455,829 common shares representing 5% of the Company's then current issued and outstanding common shares through the facilities of the TSXV during the period commencing June 27, 2025 and ending on June 26, 2026 (the "Renewal Bid"). Financial Statements & MDA The Company's unaudited consolidated condensed interim financial statements include the accounts of AirIQ and its subsidiaries, AirIQ U.S. Holdings, Inc., AirIQ U.S., Inc., and AirIQ, LLC. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation. The Company's unaudited consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 including notes thereto, and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the same period are being filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on today's date, and will be available on the Company's website (www.airiq.com) and on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") website (www.sedarplus.ca). The Company's financial statements include the accounts of AirIQ and its subsidiaries, AirIQ U.S. Holdings, Inc., AirIQ U.S., Inc., and AirIQ, LLC. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation. About AirIQ AirIQ (TSXV:IQ) was founded in 1997 and is a pioneer in IoT based asset management solutions. AirIQ's solutions allow commercial businesses to reliably, effectively and efficiently monitor assets in near real time. The Company develops iOS and Android mobile and web-based applications, and cloud-based solutions that stand-alone or that can be readily integrated with existing software. AirIQ solutions are mixed fleet capable and provide fleet reporting, maintenance, compliance, safety and analytics utilizing multiple hardware options including a fully integrated video telematics camera solution and a battery powered solution for non-powered assets. For additional information on AirIQ please visit the Company's website at www.airiq.com or follow us on LinkedIn. Forward-looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information based on management's best estimates and the current operating environment. These forward-looking statements are related to, but not limited to, AirIQ's operations, anticipated financial performance, business prospects and strategies. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "hope", "goal", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. These statements are based upon certain material factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection as reflected in the forward-looking statements, including AirIQ's perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Such forward-looking statements are as of the date which such statement is made and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from future results expressed, anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changes in market and competition, technological and competitive developments and potential downturns in economic conditions generally. Therefore, actual outcomes may differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Other than as may be required by law, AirIQ disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of such information, future events or otherwise. * * * For more information please contact : AirIQ Inc., Michael Robb, President and Chief Executive Officer, (905) 831-6444 mrobb@airiq.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. SOURCE: AirIQ, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/government/airiq-announces-june-30-2025-quarterly-results-company-reports-record-recurring-revenue-1063481 High-Resolution IP Survey Shows Potential At Depth MIRAMICHI, NB / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / SLAM Exploration Ltd. ("SLAM" or the "Company") (TSXV-SXL) is pleased to announce results for Line L3300E, the third line of an induced polarization ("IP") survey conducted over the Granges, Farquharson and Logan copper-nickel-cobalt zones on its wholly owned Goodwin claims in the mineral-rich Bathurst Mining Camp of New Brunswick. The IP survey suggests potential for extensions of all three zones at depth. The Company has requested proposals from several drilling contractors for a 4,000 meter drilling program on this road-accessible project. The primary objective is to expand the Granges and Farquharson copper-nickel-cobalt zones along strike and at depth. SLAM previously reported a 64.90-meter core interval grading a 1.61% copper equivalent ("CuEq")* from 23.60 to 88.50 meters in hole GW24-02, drilled on the Granges Zone. SLAM CEO Mike Taylor stated, "Our IP and drilling results demonstrate that the Goodwin copper-nickel-cobalt project has the potential to contribute meaningfully to Canada's critical elements portfolio in the mineral-rich province of New Brunswick. Copper, nickel and cobalt are key metals in Canada's economic strategy for critical elements, and we expect Goodwin to play a significant role." The Management Committee adds "With the outstanding IP targets identified on the latest maps and those previously published, the Board looks forward to the drilling campaign". Line L3300E crosses the Farquharson zone and passes directly over hole GW24-03, located at 1760N on this line. The Company intends to test the Farquharson Zone, where prior drilling returned a 60.60-metre interval grading 0.90% CuEq from 72.90 to 133.50 metres in hole GW24-03.The planned drilling program aims to identify potential higher grade mineral zones and depth extensions of the Granges and Farquharson Zones. The Company is also planning additional IP surveys to extend the target area. The CuEq grades disclosed herein were calculated using an 85% recovery rate, based on assays previously reported in Company news releases dated August 7, 2024 (hole GW24-02) and August 12, 2024 (GW24-03). Drill Results Hole ID From To Length Copper Nickel Cobalt *Copper% M M Meters % % % Equivalent GW2402 23.60 88.50 64.90 0.73 0.64 0.05 1.61 GW2402 23.60 63.00 39.40 1.11 0.95 0.07 2.40 GW2403 72.90 133.50 60.60 0.39 0.35 0.04 0.90 GW2403 80.50 110.50 30.00 0.45 0.44 0.05 1.12 Metal $US/lb Copper** $ 4.47 Nickel** $ 6.89 Cobalt** $ 15.12 *CuEq calculated using 85% recovery for copper and nickel. **Copper equivalent calculated from metal prices posted August 18th, 2025 on Daily Metal Price Chargeabilities of up to the 995 mV/V define deep targets on Line L3300E below the Farquharson zone. These chargeability anomalies are associated with resistivity lows at depth and to the north (north is to the right on Figure 1). Figure 1 also shows the Farquharson zone core intercepts for diamond drill hole GW24-03 and GW24-04, both of which are located on L3300E. Figure 1 - Goodwin IP Line 3300E: Chargeability, Resistivity and Inversion Models About Jake Lee Gold: As previously reported in the Company's news release dated July 9, 2025, eight grab samples collected from a bedrock vein in Trench JT25-01 returned gold assay values ranging from 7.42 grams per tonne ("g/t") to 94.80 g/t. Assays are pending on additional samples collected from the same area. About SLAM Exploration Ltd: SLAM Exploration Ltd. is a publicly traded resource company with a 40,000-hectare portfolio of mineral claim holdings in the mineral-rich province of New Brunswick. The Company commenced its 2025 exploration season with a new bedrock gold discovery on its Jake Lee Gold Project, reporting four samples grading between 18.50 g/t and 75.90 g/t gold (see news release dated May 20, 2025), followed by eight samples ranging from 7.42 g/t to 94.80 g/t ( see news release dated July 9, 2025). The Company intends to resume its 2025 exploration program on the Goodwin copper-nickel-cobalt project as soon as the fire season ends and the roads open. The Company plans additional IP and diamond drilling to test three mineral zones where SLAM completed 15 diamond drill holes in 2024. The 2024 program included drill hole GW24-02 on the Granges Zone with a 64.90-meter core interval grading 1.61% CuEq, from 23.60 meters to 88.50 meters (CuEq calculated using an 85% recovery rate based on assay results disclosed in the Company's news release dated August 7, 2024). SLAM operates as a project generator and expects to receive significant cash and share consideration in 2025. Notably, on February 28, 2025 Slam received $9,000 in cash and 1,200,000 shares of Nine Mile Metals Inc. (CSE:NINE) pursuant to the Wedge project agreement. On March 29, 2025, the Company also received a cash payment of $60,000 and 180,000 shares of a private company pursuant to the Ramsay gold agreement. The Company retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties on both projects and expects additional cash and share payments. To view SLAM's corporate presentation, click SXL-Presentation. Additional information is available on SLAM's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Follow us on X @SLAMGold. Qualifying Statements: Mike Taylor P.Geo, President and CEO of SLAM Exploration Ltd., is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and has approved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's planned exploration activities; the anticipated results and interpretation of IP surveys, including pending results from Line L3300E; the receipt and timing of assay results; the potential for additional mineralized zones or depth extensions; planned exploration activities, including further geophysical surveys and drilling programs; the Company's expectations regarding future payments under option or royalty agreements; and the potential for future drilling programs. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of management as of the date of this release and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, risks related to exploration and development; the interpretation of exploration results; delays or failures in obtaining assay results; commodity prices; market conditions; regulatory approvals; availability of financing; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is available in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CONTACT INFORMATION: Mike Taylor, President & CEO Contact: 506-623-8960 mike@slamexploration.com Jimmy Gravel, Vice-President Contact: 902-273-2387 graveldevelopments@gmail.com SEDAR+: 00012459E SOURCE: SLAM Exploration Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/slam-ip-survey-expands-target-beneath-farquharson-copper-nickel-cobalt-zone-at-go-1063601 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Pursuant with Supreme Critical Metals Inc. (CSE:CRIT)(FWB:VR61)(OTC PINK:VRCFF) ("Supreme" or the "Company") focus to acquire silver properties, the Company announces the acquisition of the Silver Vista Silver-Copper Property (the "Property") located 55 kilometres northeast of Smithers, British Columbia. The Company can acquire a 100% interest in the Property by fulfilling the terms of an Option Agreement between the Property Owners and Global Copper Corp., dated September 25, 2024. The Company will issue 1 million shares to Global Copper Corp., for the right to assume the underlying terms of the option agreement which extend over a three-year period. The Silver Vista property comprises 4,839 hectares and is accessible by logging roads and is characterized by gentle topography. Surface sampling and drilling have indicated multiple, stacked horizons of silver-copper (zinc) mineralization in stratiform sedimentary sequences, consistent with a Stratabound Copper-Silver Deposit model. A modest drill program of 1,507 metres in 9 holes in 2021, returned the best intercepts to date on the property. Drill hole SV21-07, returned a continuous 46-metre-long zone from 106 metres averages 48 grams per tonne silver ("g/t Ag") and 0.62 per cent copper ("% Cu"): This zone includes a 17-metre section containing 94 g/t Ag and 1.34 % Cu. Along this zone as well, the highest silver grade of 431 grams per tonne (121 to 122 metres) and the highest copper grade of 2.57 per cent (112 to 113 metres) were picked up. Drilling to date has only focused on the "MR prospect", which represents the original discovery in a logging road cut. Extensive soil geochemistry has indicated multiple high priority anomalies that have not been drill tested. Silver-in-soil anomalies are contoured based on a 1 g/t Ag threshold with an anomaly extends for 800 metres South-Southeast of the MR prospect. On worldwide basis, stratabound copper-silver deposits contain 23 per cent of all copper resources and are the second-most important global source of the metal after porphyry copper deposits (1). These deposits may host significant byproduct values of silver, cobalt and zinc. Petrographic analysis on Silver Vista core (2012) indicated that the mineralization is "consistent with sediment-hosted copper-silver mineralization formed during the late stages of, or after, diagenesis" and concluded that "Silver Vista has the potential to host important bulk tonnage silver mineralization" (2). Drill targets are proposed on the MR prospect to follow-up on the 2021 intersections, and on other geochemical targets. The Company intends to initiate permitting a drill program when the current transaction is approved. The Property is located only 23 kilometres west-southwest of the high-profile NAK project owned by American Eagle Gold Corp. ("AE"), and within the traditional territory of the Lake Babine Nation. Acquisition Terms The Company can fulfill the underlying terms as defined by the September 24, 2024, Option Agreement between the property owners and Global Copper Corp: Cash Payments $25,000 due by December 31 st , 2025 $30,000 due by December 31 st , 2026 $40,000 due by December 31 st , 2027 Work Commitment - $100,000 expenditures by December 31 st , 2025 Underlying NSR" - a 2.0% underlying NSR royalty is held by Amarc Resources Corp. ("Armarc"). The underlying vendor shall have the right at any time to purchase one-half of the NSR (1%) in consideration of the payment to Amarc of $1 million. "The acquisition of the Silver Vista silver-copper property represents the initial asset of the Company's focus on properties with significant silver values. This property is at the drill stage, has an excellent and expansive geological and geochemical data base, and with year-round road access, can be explored efficiently." stated George Tsafalas, President of Supreme. "We will be adding to our team, including technical personnel with strong silver experience to advance the Silver Vista project and accelerate additional acquisitions". Helgi Sigurgeirson, P Geo, a Certified Professional Geologist and 'qualified person' for the purposes of Canada's National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties, has verified and approved the information contained in this news release. Financing Supreme also announces a financing of up to $1,100,000 by the issue of common shares at an issue price of $0.10. Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and to advance exploration on the Company's mineral properties. Previously announced press release dated on July 7, 2025, the Company has issued the 4 million common shares (post consolidated) for the amendment to the uranium property option and is now closed. Supreme is dedicated to keeping our shareholders informed of our progress and will provide updates as we advance our initiatives within the silver sector. We appreciate the continued support of our shareholders and are enthusiastic about the future of our Company in this market. Stratabound Copper-Silver Deposits of the Mesoproterozoic Revett Formation, Montana and Idaho, 2005,by David E. Boleneus, et al, U.S. Geological Survey, Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5231 Petrographic Description of Six Samples from the Silver Vista Project, British Columbia Prepared for Amarc Resources, 2012, J. Lang, Internal Company Report About Supreme Critical Metals Inc. SUPREME CRITICAL METALS INC. is a publicly traded diversified investment corporation actively exploring and investigating multiple opportunities in lithium, copper, silver, and precious metals. The Company adheres to strategic guidelines that prioritize regions conducive to mining, supported by favourable government regulations and existing infrastructure. For further information, please contact: George Tsafalas, Director Phone: Toll Free 1(778) 373-8578 E-mail: info@supremecritalmetals.com www.supremecriticalmetals.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such forward-looking information is provided to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors 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. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "proposed", "estimates", "would", "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "will", and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking information contain these identifying words. More particularly and without limitation, the forward-looking information in this news release includes: expectations regarding the Company's business plans and operations. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions that have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the Company's current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs based on information currently available to the Company. Whether actual results, performance, or achievements will conform to Supreme's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from Supreme's expectations. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release. SOURCE: Supreme Critical Metals Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/supreme-critical-metals-inc.-acquires-an-option-on-the-silver-vista-silver-copper-1063672 Vero Beach, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - The Sherwood Group, a long-term and significant shareholder with approximately 29.90% of the issued and outstanding shares of Barnwell Industries, Inc. ("Barnwell" or "BRN"), issued the following letter today to shareholders of Barnwell: Dear Fellow Shareholders of Barnwell Industries, Inc.: As many of you know, I am a 30% shareholder of Barnwell. I was distressed to read Barnwell Industries, Inc.'s ("BRN" or "Barnwell") latest quarterly report for the period ending June 30, 2025. BRN continues to hemorrhage cash as shown in the following chart: Quarter Ending Cash from Operations Capital Expenditures Free Cash Flow 12/31/24 $(759,000) $(2,529,000) $(3,288,000) 03/31/25 $(95,000) $(112,000) $(207,000) 06/30/25 $(309,000) $(313,000) $(622,000) Nine Months Ending 06/30/25 $(1,163,000) $(2,954,000) $(4,117,000) Quarter Ending Cash Balances Non-Cash Working Capital Cash Balances Less Non-Cash Working Capital 12/31/24 $1,957,000 $(1,315,000) $642,000 03/31/25 $1,432,000 $(1,489,000) $(57,000) 06/30/25 $1,154,000 $(2,475,000) $(1,321,000) Based on the figures shown above, it is understandable why BRN's auditors have issued a "going concern" warning for the Company's financials. Obviously BRN's results are disastrous, and the Company's Board and management should be cutting all unnecessary expenses to the bone. However, since my last letter to you on June 20, 2025, the sole remaining board members of Barnwell, Ken Grossman and Josh Horowitz (the "BRN Directors") who collectively hold approximately 4.8% of the Company's outstanding shares, have managed to: Push the company further towards insolvency through their endless waste of resources fighting me, a 30% shareholder of the Company, by recklessly spending nearly all of Barnwell's $2 million of cash balances over the past six months, which has destroyed shareholder value, only to block a fair and open election of Directors, in order, to entrench themselves. Their spending was done even knowing that Barnwell has been cash flow negative as show in the chart. Lock in an approximately $3 million loss on the Texas investment that was made in December of 2022, an investment that never should have been made in the first place and was sold because cash was needed to replenish their reckless spending, which is likely to result in even higher amounts of negative cash flow from operations going forward (more on that later). In essence, BRN has resorted to "eating their seed corn" in order to survive over the near term. Adjourn the annual meeting AGAIN simply so they don't have to open a new window and allow shareholders the opportunity to submit qualified candidates for the Board. Refuse to engage in any productive discussions with me on settlement matters and ignore any and all qualified candidates that I put forth. The most egregious aspect of this is that the latest BRN earnings release notes the Company is "investigating potential sources of funding, including debt financing, issuance of stock."; every settlement proposal that I have put forth has indicated that I might have been willing to buy future shares of the Company directly and would have considered other financing options but the BRN Directors were not interested in solutions that did not include them, as they cared more about their precious board seats. Fail at collecting the paltry amount of cash previously promised to the Company from the Water sale; instead, amending promissory notes and pushing out payment dates - thereby delaying needed cash and risking a default by the new owners. Of course none of this is surprising. Mr. Grossman and Mr. Horowitz have, in my opinion, repeatedly violated their fiduciary duties. Most recently, I sent these BRN Directors a letter detailing my grave concerns with the Texas investment that was made in December of 2022 (and was just sold for an aggregate approximately $3 million loss). The Texas investment of approximately $5.3 million was advocated under the direction and advice of former CEO and former Director, Alex Kinzler (and other Directors who voted in favor of it, including Phil McPherson (the candidate chosen by Grossman and Horowitz to rejoin the Board)). I requested that the Barnwell Board investigate the Texas investment because I believe there were serious issues with how that investment was approved, leading to a catastrophic investment by the Company, resulting in multi-millions of dollars of lost profits for shareholders and lost opportunity. The Company's most recent earnings release confirms that the investment has led to a significant loss. After consulting with counsel in Delaware, we are confident that the Company has strong claims for damages against Kinzler, McPherson and possibly others as a result of the Texas investment, but Grossman and Horowitz refuse to move any such investigation forward, clearly to protect Kinzler and others at the detriment of the Company and its shareholders. In their response, Grossman and Horowitz claimed that they would "only recommend the Board to consider the retention of independent legal counsel to investigate" the Texas investment after the 2025 annual meeting is held and director candidates Hopkins and McPherson are elected to the Board. First of all, how is having McPherson on the Board helpful at all when he was one of the reasons the Company made this devastating investment? In fact, the BRN Directors should be evaluating his suitability as a candidate to re-join the Barnwell Board in light of that investment, among other qualification issues. Second, the other director candidate Hopkins is the current CEO of the Company. To the extent they need his counsel or thoughts on an investigation that could bring millions into a Company that is having issues continuing as a going concern, they can ask him now, can't they? Finally, while they claim they need a full complement of directors in order to decide whether to investigate claims that could return millions of dollars back to shareholders, why did they have no problem agreeing to sell two significant assets of the Company as disclosed in the latest quarterly report without a full complement of directors? I would encourage all shareholders to contact the BRN Directors and demand transparency on the Texas investment. Despite two formal books and records requests and an informal request on my part, the Company continues to refuse to provide me with any information. It is my belief that the BRN Directors are purposely delaying an investigation into the Texas investment. This could result in the Company losing its ability to pursue such claims, further damaging the Company and its shareholders. On top of their repeated breaches of fiduciary duty, Grossman and Horowitz refuse to engage in any real dialogue even though they incessantly blame me in every earnings release or report they put out for issues and trouble they CHOSE to cause. I did not make them waste Company resources and hire Skadden, Arps to adopt a second poison pill, an act they claim is protecting the Company when the only thing it is doing is protecting their board seats and ensuring that I cannot buy stock. Of course, it doesn't stop them from using the Company's pension plan to buy approximately 520,000 shares of BRN stock! I did not make them hire Skadden, Arps to strip away the right of a shareholder to call a special meeting, a right that I had to fight to get back through the consent solicitation process. I did not make them hire 4 different law firms to seek to disqualify my advance notice for the annual meeting on technicality, they CHOSE to do that, and, in doing so, robbed all Barnwell shareholders of very highly qualified board candidates. I am not preventing them from getting a quorum. Any shareholder is welcome to change their vote to Management's white card if they believe that the BRN Directors are being good stewards of Barnwell. Clearly, based on the preliminary vote counts, shareholders are resoundingly keeping their vote on the green card. It is clear that something is very wrong about the board governance at BRN. It is very clear that they would rather spend Company dollars until they run out of cash resources to keep me and any candidate that I put forth off the Board (despite almost majority support from the shareholders for such candidates). It is clear they care only about protecting their board seats and Kinzler rather than investigating an investment that could reap millions in damages for the Company and its shareholders. BRN's current financial situation shows that the Company is on very shaky ground. Furthermore, as Grossman and Horowitz sell off BRN's operating assets to stave off insolvency (caused by their wasteful legal spending to entrench themselves), there is little left to save for the equity shareholders (like me). Obviously a $10.0 - $15.0 million possible breach of fiduciary duty lawsuit recovery against Kinzler and many of the current and past directors would result in giving BRN's shareholders a chance at a better future. In my opinion, Grossman and Horowitz must immediately pursue any possible recoveries that stem from improper actions of Kinzler and certain other directors who were on the Board in 2022 at the time of the Texas investment (including Peter O'Malley, Frank Kelly and Phil McPherson) before the statute of limitations on this improper transaction expires. As a 30% shareholder (and BRN's largest single shareholder), all this imprudent value-destroying spending impacts me more than anyone else, and I am not happy about it. I implore the BRN Directors to investigate the Texas investment now before it is too late. I believe they have a fiduciary duty to act now. Sincerely, /s/ Ned L. Sherwood Ned L. Sherwood Voting Results Preliminary voting results are not final and may not reflect the ultimate outcome. Shareholders who have already voted may revoke their proxy and submit a new one at any time up to and including the meeting date. The Sherwood Group strongly urges shareholders not to give undue weight to the preliminary voting results and, instead, to consider all material facts concerning the election before making their voting decisions with respect to the annual meeting. If you previously voted on the Green card and wish your vote to count for purpose of the quorum and NOT for directors you previously selected, then you are free to vote the Barnwell White card. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263264 SOURCE: Ned L. Sherwood Demonstrated significant hearing restoration in blast-induced sensorineural hearing loss models Promoted significant functional recovery and axonal regeneration in peripheral nerve injury models Reinforced NVG-291's broad therapeutic potential with new data across three distinct injury models Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - NervGen Pharma Corp. (TSXV: NGEN) (OTCQB: NGENF), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class neuroreparative therapeutics for spinal cord injury and other neurologic disorders, today announced positive preclinical results of two Department of Defense sponsored studies in models of blast-induced sensorineural hearing loss and peripheral nerve injury, reinforcing the broad therapeutic application of its first and potential best-in-class candidate, NVG-291. Presented at the 2025 Military Health System Research Symposium, the studies show that NVG-291-R, the rodent variant of NVG-291, promoted significant functional recovery in models of blast-induced sensorineural hearing loss and peripheral nerve injury, two debilitating conditions affecting military and civilian populations. These preclinical findings build on the recently announced CONNECT SCI Study topline results, the first proof-of-concept study to successfully demonstrate that pharmacological treatment with NVG-291 translates improvements observed in animal models into electrophysiological connectivity and clinically meaningful functional gains in individuals living with chronic spinal cord injury. Novel Preclinical Findings in Blast-Induced Sensorineural Hearing Loss Conducted by the U.S. Air Force's 59th Medical Wing in collaboration with the Uniformed Services University, Brooke Army Medical Center, NVG-291-R was investigated as a potential novel treatment for blast-induced sensorineural hearing loss. Significant Hearing Restoration: In a rat model exposed to shock waves, either a single high-pressure blast or a series of low-pressure blasts, daily subcutaneous NVG-291-R treatment led to statistically significant improvements in hearing thresholds across all frequencies by end-of-study at Day 30, preventing the profound and permanent hearing loss observed in untreated animals. "Sensorineural hearing loss from blast exposure is one of the most common and debilitating injuries affecting our service members. Currently, we can only offer hearing aids or cochlear implants, which don't restore natural hearing," stated Colonel Michael Davis, MD, FACS Former Director, U.S. Combat Casualty Care Research Program, Defense Health Agency. "To see a systemic drug significantly improve hearing thresholds by potentially repairing the underlying nerve damage is a groundbreaking step forward. This could fundamentally change how we manage acute acoustic trauma on the battlefield and beyond." Novel Preclinical Findings in Peripheral Nerve Injury Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis investigated NVG-291-R as a potential novel treatment in clinically relevant rodent models of both moderate and severe peripheral nerve injury (PNI). Improved Neuromuscular Function and Axonal Regeneration: In moderate and severe models of PNI, daily subcutaneous NVG-291-R treatment led to statistically significant improvements in neuromuscular function and axonal regrowth. Increases in compound muscle action potentials and specific tetanic force were associated with a higher total number and density of axons distal to the injury site. Functional and regenerative gains were observed as early as 4 weeks post-injury. "Peripheral nerve injuries can be life altering and are a major barrier to return-to-duty for our military personnel," said Dr. Wilson Ray, MD, a neurosurgeon and lead investigator from WashU Medicine. "Combat-sustained PNIs have increased in both frequency and severity in recent years, yet there remain no effective or reparative treatments. Our study showed a significant acceleration of functional recovery and clear histological evidence of axonal regrowth. These findings suggest that NVG-291 could play a critical role in improving outcomes for individuals with peripheral nerve damage in both military and civilian populations." Preclinical Evidence Reinforces NVG-291's Broad Therapeutic Potential These findings in both the auditory and peripheral nervous systems further support the broad therapeutic potential of NVG-291 across multiple neurological conditions. These studies, presented at the 2025 Military Health System Research Symposium, reinforce NVG-291's ability to accelerate nervous system repair in clinically relevant models of military-related nerve damage. "We are demonstrating a consistent ability to promote nervous system repair, whether in the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, or the delicate structures of the inner ear," said Dr. Marc DePaul, Director of Research at NervGen Pharma. "These robust findings strengthen our commitment to advancing NVG-291 into further clinical studies and bringing a new class of restorative medicine to individuals in need." About NVG-291 NervGen holds exclusive worldwide rights to NVG-291, a first- and potential best-in-class neuroreparative therapeutic peptide targeting nervous system repair. NVG-291's technology is licensed from Case Western Reserve University and is based on academic studies that demonstrated the preclinical efficacy of NVG-291-R, the rodent variant of NVG-291, in animal models of spinal cord injury. These studies implicated multiple potential molecular and cellular mechanisms by which NVG-291-R promotes neurorepair and functional improvement in both central and peripheral nervous system injury models. The implicated mechanisms include the promotion of neuronal sprouting, or plasticity, remyelination, and promotion of a non-inflammatory phenotype in the microglial cells. NervGen has received Fast Track designation from the FDA and Orphan Designation from the EMA for NVG-291 in individuals living with spinal cord injury. About NervGen NervGen (TSXV: NGEN) (OTCQB: NGENF) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing first-in-class neuroreparative therapeutics to promote nervous system repair in settings of neurotrauma and neurologic disease. The Company is evaluating the clinical efficacy of its lead candidate, NVG-291, in the Phase 1b/2a CONNECT SCI Study in spinal cord injury. Topline data from the chronic cohort (1-10 years post-injury) of this trial showed that NVG-291 met a primary endpoint and demonstrated strong and consistent trends across functional assessments. Comprehensive analysis of NVG-291's efficacy profile is ongoing. Enrollment in the subacute cohort (20-90 days post-injury) of the trial continues, and more information about participation in the subacute study is available at www.connectscistudy.com. For more information about NervGen, visit www.nervgen.com and follow NervGen on X and LinkedIn for the latest news on the company. 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. Cautionary Note and Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements herein include but are not limited to, the Company's current and future plans, expectations and intentions, results, levels of activity, performance, goals or achievements, or any other future events or developments constitute forward-looking statements, and the words "may", "will", "would", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "trend", "indication", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "likely" or "potential", or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to: the Company's potential best-in-class candidate, NVG-291; the potential broad therapeutic applications of NVG-291; the future growth of the Company; the Company's mission of transforming the lives of individuals living with spinal cord injury; the objectives, planned clinical endpoints, timing, expected rate of enrollment, and final results from our Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of NVG-291 in individuals with spinal cord injury; the future development plans and benefits of NVG-291; the development plans and prospective target indications for NVG-300; and the creation of neuroreparative therapeutics to promote nervous system repair in settings of neurotrauma and neurologic disease. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the company in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. In making forward-looking statements, the Company has relied on various assumptions, including, but not limited to: its ability to obtain future funding on favorable terms, if at all; the accuracy of its financial projections; obtaining positive results in its clinical; its ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; its ability to arrange for the manufacturing of its product candidates and technologies; and general business, market and economic conditions. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, a lack of revenue, insufficient funding, reliance upon key personnel, the uncertainty of the clinical development process, competition, and other factors set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recently filed prospectus supplement, short form base shelf prospectus, annual information form, financial statements and management discussion and analysis all of which can be found on NervGen's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All clinical development plans are subject to additional funding. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made in this news release. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263280 SOURCE: NervGen Pharma Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) (the "Company" or "Kuya Silver") announces the second and final tranche closing of its non-brokered private placement previously announced July 24, 2025 and amended August 13, 2025 (the "Offering"). The Company issued 2,280,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of CAD$0.50 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD$1,140,000 (the "Second Tranche"). Together with the first tranche, the Company issued 18,140,000 Units for aggregate gross proceeds under the Offering of CAD$9,070,000. The Offering was completed pursuant to the amendments to National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions set forth in Part 5A thereof (the "LIFE Exemption") to purchasers resident in Canada, except Quebec, and such other jurisdictions outside of Canada in compliance with applicable securities laws of those jurisdictions. The Company filed a Form 45-106F19 offering document dated July 24, 2025 as amended on August 13, 2025 (the "Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under Kuya Silver's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website https://www.kuyasilver.com. Prospective investors were asked to read the Offering Document before making an investment decision. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant issued in the Second Tranche entitles the holder thereof to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of CAD$0.65 per Common Share until August 20, 2028. The Units issued in the Offering will not be subject to any statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws, subject to limitations prescribed by the LIFE Exemption. In connection with the Second Tranche, the Company compensated finders eligible and qualified under Canadian securities laws a cash commission totaling $45,600, being up to 4.0% on total proceeds received from subscribers introduced to the Company by eligible finders and issued 91,200 non-transferable Common Share purchase warrants (each, a "Finder's Warrant") equal to up to 4.0% of the total Units issued to subscribers introduced to the Company by eligible finders. Each Finder's Warrant issued in connection with the Second Tranche entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of CAD$0.50 per Common Share until August 20, 2028. Securities issued to eligible finders are subject to a statutory hold period expiring December 21, 2025 in accordance with the policies of the Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for exploration and development expenses for the Company's Bethania project and general working capital purposes, as more specifically detailed in the Offering Document. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Investor Relations The Company also announces the continuation of its agreement with Focus Communications Investor Relations ("Focus"). Focus provides Kuya Silver with strategic support in capital markets advisory, corporate communications, and investor engagement. Under the terms of the engagement, Focus is paid CAD$6,000 per month. The engagement automatically renews for additional 12 months unless either party provides 30 days' written notice of termination. To the Company's knowledge, Focus does not currently hold a security position in Kuya. About Kuya Silver Corporation Kuya Silver is a Canadian-based, growth-oriented mining company with a focus on silver. Kuya Silver operates the Bethania silver mine in Peru, while developing district-scale silver projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions including Peru and Canada. Reader Advisory This press release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the size and terms of the Offering, closing of the Offering in one or more tranches, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, and the ability of the Company to obtain requisite approvals for the Offering. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities or performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such risks, uncertainties and factors are described in the periodic filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the Company's quarterly and annual Management's Discussion & Analysis, which may be viewed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements 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 to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US 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/263297 SOURCE: Kuya Silver Corporation Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces significant progress in its surface exploration program at the Antino Gold Project ("Antino" or "Project") in southeastern Suriname. The Company has completed extensive sampling at the Maria Geralda and Parbo targets, setting the stage for upcoming drill programs during the current dry season. Founders is executing an aggressive exploration strategy targeting high-grade prospects including Maria Geralda, Parbo, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Lawa, while systematically expanding known mineralization at Upper Antino, Buese, and Lower Antino. "Surface exploration continues to build a robust pipeline of high-quality drill targets that our team will systematically test through diamond drilling," said Colin Padget, President and CEO. "The ongoing work at Maria Geralda and Parbo reveals significant opportunities for growth, further validating Antino's Tier 1 potential. Phase two drilling is underway at Maria Geralda, and with the rainy season ending, we're eager to return to Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Lawa to follow up on earlier drilling success." Key Surface Exploration Results Maria Geralda Target - continues to demonstrate exceptional potential 1.3 km strike length of anomalous auger samples with grades reaching up to 7.47 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) of anomalous auger samples with grades reaching up to 516 auger samples collected to-date, including 314 anomalous (>=0.02 g/t Au) results collected to-date, including 314 anomalous (>=0.02 g/t Au) results Strong hit rate: 61% of samples anomalous, with 25% exceeding 0.1 g/t Au 61% of samples anomalous, with 25% exceeding 0.1 g/t Au Ongoing sampling designed to test the southeastern extension towards Van Gogh Parbo Target - compelling high-grade vein system within large-scale auger gold anomaly Historical 1 1,200 x 600-metre (m) auger anomaly with samples up to 51.42 g/t Au 1344 historical auger samples with 83% anomalous (>= 0.02 g/t Au) and 46% exceeding 0.1 g/t Au with samples up to Newly discovered 15-metre-wide oxidized shear zone at surface with abundant quartz veining and grab samples grading up to 26.85 g/t Au at surface with abundant quartz veining and grab samples grading up to Historical trench results including 49.0 m of 1.02 g/t Au 1 Limited historical drilling intersected up to 12.0 m of 3.36 g/t Au 1 Commencement of auger and trenching programs to refine future Phase 1 drilling targets Geological Context and Strategy The Company's exploration strategy targets structures associated with the Central Guiana Shear Zone, a major regional control on gold mineralization. Recent surface work has successfully extended the Maria Geralda anomaly 1.3 kilometres south of the discovery hole (22.5 m core length of 11.88 g/t Au in MG003), with the mineralizing structure remaining open in both directions along strike. Gold mineralization at Maria Geralda occurs in two distinct styles: High-grade shear-hosted mineralization along the contact between metavolcanic-metasedimentary rocks and intrusive complex along the contact between metavolcanic-metasedimentary rocks and intrusive complex Lower-grade bulk tonnage mineralization within the intrusion itself At Parbo, surface teams have identified a high-grade vein system within felsic to intermediate intrusive rocks similar to Donut and Lower Antino. Recent mapping and trenching has exposed a 15-metre-wide mineralized shear zone characterized by intense silicification, quartz veining, and sericite alteration, with up to 5% pyrite in brittle fractures-a feature commonly associated with high-grade mineralization elsewhere on the property. Next Steps With the dry season now underway, Founders plans to: Continue systematic drilling at Maria Geralda with results pending Complete auger program at Parbo ahead of Phase 1 diamond drill program in Q4 Execute surface exploration programs to provide structural context for Phase 2 drilling across other high-priority targets including Van Gogh, Da Vinci and Lawa The comprehensive exploration approach positions Founders to unlock the full potential of the Antino Gold Project while systematically advancing multiple high-grade targets. Figure 1: Antino Property Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/263316_4c2278304408e8b9_001full.jpg Figure 2: Maria Geralda Plan Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/263316_4c2278304408e8b9_002full.jpg Figure 3: Parbo Plan Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/263316_4c2278304408e8b9_003full.jpg About Founders Metals Inc. Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 20,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from historical surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company is systematically advancing one of Suriname's most promising gold exploration and development opportunities with drill-confirmed, district-scale potential. Founders is committed to responsible exploration, community engagement, and delivering long-term value to shareholders through technical excellence and strategic growth in the Guiana Shield. 12022 Technical Report - Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrancois, BSc, P.Geo. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Per: "Colin Padget" Colin Padget President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director Qualified Persons The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Quality Assurance and Control Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the Company's prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 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. All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263316 SOURCE: Founders Metals Inc. Following a major brand transformation under the Turkish Airlines umbrella, AJet scales to 34 countries and 99 destinations; launches promotional fares starting from 9 on selected Europe-origin routes for bookings made 20-22 August 2025 ISTANBUL, Aug. 21, 2025, Turkiye's fast-growing airline, continues its rapid international expansion with a sharpened brand, a digital-first customer experience, and an expanded network spanning 34 countries and 99 destinations across Europe, Turkiye, and beyond. Building on 15 years of operational know-how and a seamless rebrand executed at scale, AJet is strengthening its presence across Europe while connecting the continent with Asia through competitive fares and reliable operations. More than a new name AJet emerged from its brand transformation with more than a new name. It refreshed its purpose and simplified the travel experience for millions of guests. Operating under the Turkish Airlines umbrella, the carrier leverages a robust operational backbone while bringing a nimble, value-driven proposition to price-sensitive travelers and families across the region. As part of the transition, data for millions of ticketed customers was migrated and an approximately 100-aircraft fleet was aligned-without disrupting day-to-day service. Since its relaunch in 2024, the Turkish carrier has flown 33 million passengers, while rapidly expanding its network to 99 destinations in 34 countries. AJet has added new European gateways and deepened coverage across Turkiye, underscoring a strategy focused on reach and reliability. This momentum has been recognized by the industry: The airline received the APEX Four-Star Low-Cost Carrier (2024) distinction for passenger experience and was honored with the TCXA25 Accessibility Award (2025) for advancing inclusive, end-to-end digital usability. Connects Europe and Asia Positioned at the crossroads of continents, AJet offers a growing schedule that links European capitals and regional cities to Turkiye's major hubs and popular leisure destinations. To encourage more travelers to discover its network, AJet is introducing promotional fares starting from 9 on flight cities such as Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam and London originating in Europe for bookings made 20-22 August 2025. Seats are limited and terms and conditions apply, underscoring AJet's commitment to attainable travel while showcasing the airline's expanded European footprint. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/930875af-340d-4dcd-9101-8dc25d2aed39 Contact : Saffet Yigit basin@ajet.com YOKOHAMA, Japan, Aug 21, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - In an effort to develop agriculture and boost rural development, NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies, together with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), will tailor high-end digital technologies - remote sensing and secure digital platforms - to suit the unique needs of vulnerable small-scale producers in Africa.A letter of intent was signed today to forge the new partnership on the margins of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). This new partnership aims to enhance farm productivity, build resilience to weather and economic shocks, and support farmers in adapting to climate change. The initiative will also promote new economic opportunities through the implementation of technology solutions such as CropScope, NEC's digital agricultural platform that will enhance the capabilities of decision-makers in farm management across IFAD's investment portfolio.Small-scale producers are central to global food systems, accounting for over 80% of farms worldwide, and playing a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustaining rural livelihoods. Yet, millions of small-scale producers lack access to real-time agricultural advisory services, climate-resilient technologies, financial services, and structured markets."We are excited to partner with NEC to implement solutions that integrate digital technologies into agricultural value chains. Scaling up digital public infrastructure with scalable digital services for rural development is key to boosting rural economies, creating new opportunities and raising incomes for millions of vulnerable producers," said Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD. "Addressing these persistent challenges is critical for achieving rural transformation, a core objective of IFAD," he added."We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with IFAD toward the development of the African region through NEC's strengths in digital agricultural solutions. At TICAD9, the active adoption of digital technologies by Japanese companies is being discussed as a key solution to the challenges faced by African countries. We believe that the initiatives under this Letter of Intent directly reflect TICAD9's objectives, and we look forward to further strengthening the partnership between IFAD and NEC through this opportunity," said Shigehiro Tanaka, Corporate Senior Executive Vice President of NEC.The partnership will pilot two NEC innovations:CropScope is a digital agriculture platform that leverages remote sensing, data analytics, and timely insights to support data-driven precision farming and enhance the capabilities of decision-makers in farm management across the value chain.e-Voucher is an electronic voucher system that improves targeting and efficiency in the access and delivery of agricultural inputs and subsidies to smallholders. The collaboration seeks to:- Accelerate digital transformation across IFAD's portfolio through the deployment of NEC's advanced technologies, directly contributing to its strategic priorities on innovation and digital inclusion.- Pilot cost-effective, cutting-edge solutions through NEC's contributions, with potential for replication across other IFAD-funded projects.- Enhance targeting, monitoring, and adaptive management in IFAD programmes through data-driven insights.The partnership aligns with IFAD's Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) Strategy (2020-2030) and broader efforts to increase private sector engagement and scale up digital services that empower rural communities.About IFADIFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialized agency. Based in Rome - the United Nations food and agriculture hub - IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided more than US$25 billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund projects in developing countries A wide range of photographs and broadcast-quality video content of IFAD's work in rural communities are available for download from our Image Bank.About 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. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / New to The Street today announced the launch of its newest segment, Unstoppable Entrepreneurs, co-produced and hosted by acclaimed entrepreneur and journalist Dr. Dustin Plantholt (Hon). The series will spotlight trailblazing leaders who are driving innovation, building resilient businesses, and shaping the future of their industries. Filming for the inaugural episode begins next week and will feature an exclusive lineup of entrepreneurs and executives, including: Riadh Bouaziz , Chairman & CEO, RKF Group Paul Ziv , VP, Technology & Operations, TruAge Solutions LLC Dr. Mart McClellan , President, Macro Wealth Management Tim Hafner, CEO & Founder, OpenServ The Unstoppable Entrepreneurs series will broadcast nationwide across New to The Street's expansive media platform - including as sponsored programming on Bloomberg, as well as across FOX Business, YouTube, and the company's extensive digital and social channels. Vince Caruso, Co Founder & CEO of New to The Street, commented: "At New to The Street, our mission has always been to spotlight companies and leaders that move industries forward. With Unstoppable Entrepreneurs, we're doubling down on that promise. Dustin brings a unique storytelling ability that connects with entrepreneurs on a deeper level, creating content that not only inspires but also informs. This series will be a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the mindset of those building tomorrow's businesses." Dustin Plantholt, Co-Producer and Host, added: "Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of innovation and progress. Each one has a story of perseverance, vision, and determination that deserves to be told. I'm honored to partner with New to The Street to bring these stories to life and share the lessons of truly unstoppable individuals with a global audience." With the launch of Unstoppable Entrepreneurs, New to The Street continues to expand its reputation as a leading financial and business media platform, delivering unique, TV-ready earned media content with unmatched reach across broadcast, digital, and outdoor. About Dustin Plantholt Dr. Dustin Edward Plantholt (Hon) is an acclaimed journalist, entrepreneur, and AI architect. A former Senior Editor at Forbes Monaco and known globally as "The Count of Monte Crypto," he has interviewed more than 500 changemakers - from heads of state to innovators, athletes, and artists. Named to the Forbes 40 Under 40 list and knighted by multiple royal houses, he has also received international humanitarian awards for his service and storytelling. His new Bloomberg program, Unstoppable Entrepreneurs, continues his mission to spotlight the people and ideas shaping the future. About New to The Street Since 2009, New to The Street has been one of the longest-running U.S. and international sponsored and syndicated television brands. The platform has produced and broadcast more than 3,000 interviews, reaching millions of homes across FOX Business, Bloomberg, and other networks, while also distributing content to over 3.2M YouTube subscribers and a robust global social media audience. Media Contact: Monica Brennan Monica@NewtoTheStreet.com SOURCE: New To The Street View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/new-to-the-street-launches-unstoppable-entrepreneurs-with-dustin-plantholt-1063651 ReAlta Life Sciences, Inc. ("ReAlta" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to saving lives by rebalancing the inflammatory response to address rare and acute inflammatory diseases, today announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to RLS-0071 (pegtarazimod) for the treatment of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD). The Orphan Drug Designation was supported by preliminary data from ReAlta's ongoing Phase 2 trial, which included data from the initial cohort of steroid-refractory Acute GvHD (aGvHD) patients. ReAlta is currently enrolling the Phase 2, open-label clinical trial of pegtarazimod for hospitalized patients with steroid-refractory aGvHD (NCT06343792) at clinical sites in the United States, Germany, and Spain. The Company expects to report data from additional cohorts of patients enrolled in this trial in 2026. In August 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation to pegtarazimod for the treatment of aGvHD. "Receiving EMA Orphan Drug Designation represents a significant new regulatory milestone in our efforts to address the urgent unmet need in aGvHD, and we are particularly encouraged by the EMA's positive feedback to our initial cohort of Phase 2 data," said David Marek, Chief Executive Officer of ReAlta. "This designation, alongside our existing FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations for aGvHD, validates the potential of our novel dual-targeting approach to modulate both neutrophil and complement-mediated inflammation as we advance our Phase 2 trial to bring this potential therapy to aGvHD patients in Europe." Kenji Cunnion, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer of ReAlta, commented, "Our targeted intervention addresses the specific pathways driving tissue damage, including the inhibition of extracellular myeloperoxidase, NETosis and neutrophil elastase, while preserving beneficial immune function, unlike broadly immunosuppressive approaches to treat aGvHD. The compelling preclinical and clinical data that we have generated shows pegtarazimod's potential to address the neutrophil-driven disease process in patients with lower gastrointestinal (GI) aGvHD that is the most difficult to treat and has the highest rate of mortality." The EMA grants Orphan Drug Designation to medicines intended for the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare, life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases or conditions that affect fewer than five in 10,000 people in the European Union. This designation provides pharmaceutical companies with certain benefits including reduced regulatory fees, clinical protocol assistance, and up to 10 years of market exclusivity in the European Union, if approved. About the Phase 2 aGvHD Trial and RLS-0071 (pegtarazimod) The Phase 2 trial (NCT06343792) is an open-label, prospective, dose-escalation trial currently enrolling patients across clinical sites in the United States, Germany, and Spain, evaluating pegtarazimod in hospitalized patients with moderate to very severe steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease. Pegtarazimod is a 15-amino-acid peptide that uniquely targets both humoral and cellular inflammation and is the Company's lead therapeutic candidate. The peptide works by selectively inhibiting complement activation at C1, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation key mechanisms that drive the inflammatory cascade and tissue damage when donor immune cells attack recipient tissues following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. About ReAlta Life Sciences ReAlta Life Sciences, Inc. is a clinical mid-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing life threatening rare and acute inflammatory diseases by rebalancing the inflammatory response. The Company's EPICC peptide platform leverages discoveries from the human astrovirus (HAstV-1), which uniquely inhibits components of the innate immune system. ReAlta's therapeutic peptides employ the dual-targeting mechanisms of HAstV-1 to modulate both complement and innate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting complement cascade activation and two key neutrophil-driven mechanisms: myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The Company's lead candidate, RLS-0071 (pegtarazimod), has received FDA Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designations for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a devastating disease that causes brain damage and high mortality in oxygen-deprived newborns; FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations for acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) associated with bone marrow and stem cell transplants; Orphan Drug Designation by the European Medicines Agency for both HIE and GvHD; and FDA IND clearance for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Founded in 2018, ReAlta operates in Norfolk, Virginia and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.realtalifesciences.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250820235281/en/ Contacts: Investors John Rickman Chief Financial Officer jrickman@realtals.com Media Harrison Wong ICR Healthcare ReAltaPR@icrhealthcare.com PRESS RELEASE European refiners may hold the key to scaling green hydrogen, says Wood Mackenzie Globally, refining currently accounts for 36% of all hydrogen demand EU regulations favor green over blue hydrogen Strong policy is needed to reach targets and costs must come down Marine and aviation sectors offer significant growth potential LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, 21 August 2025 - High costs have kept green hydrogen projects from taking off, but new regulations in the European Union's (EU) refining sector offers a solution to launching this carbon friendly technology at scale, according to a new Horizons report from Wood Mackenzie. According to the report, "Isn't it ironic? How Europe's oil refiners could offer a route to scale up green hydrogen", European refiners are set to require ~0.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 to comply with EU regulations, replacing about 30% of current CO2-emitting hydrogen production. Refining represents one of the largest hydrogen opportunities globally, which, alongside ammonia and methanol production, accounts for 98% of current demand. The latest revision of the EU's Renewable Energy Directive (known as RED III), favors green hydrogen over blue hydrogen, helping to minimise the delays and cancellations now all too common when it comes to green hydrogen globally. "European refiners are set to become significant producers or buyers of green hydrogen, initially to decarbonise the refining sector and its derivatives as fuel for marine and aviation," said Alan Gelder. "Numerous green hydrogen projects have already targeted the sector." The report finds that of the 6 Mtpa of low-carbon hydrogen capacity that has taken a final investment decision (FID), European refineries have already committed more than US$5 billion of capital. Refiners demonstrate strongest market appetite Recent EU Hydrogen Bank auction results reveal refineries' commitment to green hydrogen adoption, with the sector showing the highest willingness to pay premium prices at an average levelised cost of hydrogen of US$9.23/kg - demonstrating their requirement to meet regulatory mandates. This compares favorably with Wood Mackenzie's asset-level modeling of refinery-targeted projects, which produces costs of US$7.04 to US$8.30/kg. The encouraging market signals extend beyond pricing. Average green hydrogen costs dropped 18% in the latest EU auctions, with German bids falling more than 55%. However, progress remains uneven across the bloc, with slow national adoption of RED III legislation hampering project development in many member states. Long-term growth lies in transport fuels While refinery decarbonization offers the strongest near-term investment case, the marine and aviation sectors present massive long-term growth opportunities for green hydrogen derivatives. The EU's ReFuelEU Aviation framework alone requires sustainable aviation fuel to power 6% of the jet pool by 2030, with 1.2% coming from green hydrogen-based e-fuels. By 2050, sustainable aviation fuel mandates could require 8 million tonnes of green hydrogen - representing a compound annual growth rate of over 15% for this sector alone. Similarly, Europe's FuelEU Maritime Regulation and the International Maritime Organization's Net Zero Framework are driving interest in hydrogen-derived marine fuels. "The opportunities for low-carbon hydrogen have come full circle," said Murray Douglas, Vice President of Hydrogen Research at Wood Mackenzie. "The traditional sectors of refining, ammonia and methanol are showing the most progress, ahead of the many other new demand sectors being touted for hydrogen. Parts of the refining sector can be decarbonised quickly - and at an acceptable cost. But it requires policy intervention to lower green hydrogen production costs and increase the refineries' offtake." Douglas added: "Marine and aviation hold much of the long-term potential for hydrogen derivatives, as these sectors are the most challenging to electrify. The challenge lies in competing fuels, the costs of production and the final shape of the policies providing support." Policy gaps remain key barrier Despite the progress, significant hurdles remain. Current EU policy requires RFNBOs to account for only 1% of transport sector energy use by 2030 - a modest target that reflects the challenges in expanding supply. Member states have been slow to transpose RED III into national legislation, creating regulatory uncertainty that has slowed project development across most of the EU. The report concludes that while European refiners could play a critical role in scaling up the green hydrogen industry, success depends on continued cost reductions and stronger policy support to fully kick-start demand across the continent. Read more here. ENDS For further information please contact Wood Mackenzie's media relations team: Mark Thomton +1 630 881 6885 Mark.thomton@woodmac.com Hla Myat Mon +65 8533 8860 hla.myatmon@woodmac.com Chris Boba +44 7408 841129 Chris.Boba@woodmac.com Angelica Juarez angelica.juarez@woodmac.com The Big Partnership You have received this news release from Wood Mackenzie because of the details we hold about you. If the information we have is incorrect you can either provide your updated preferences by contacting our media relations team. If you do not wish to receive this type of email in the future, please reply with 'unsubscribe' in the subject header. - About Wood Mackenzie Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. Driven by data. Powered by people. In the middle of an energy revolution, businesses and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. That's why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years' experience in natural resources. Today, our team of over 2,000 experts operate across 30 global locations, inspiring customers' decisions through real-time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership. Together, we deliver the insight they need to separate risk from opportunity and make bold decisions when it matters most. For more information, visit woodmac.com. LAVAL, QC / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Bausch Health, Canada Inc., part of Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC), a global, diversified pharmaceutical company, today announced that PrCABTREO (clindamycin phosphate, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) gel 1.2% w/w, 0.15% w/w and 3.1% w/w, for the treatment of acne vulgaris,1 is now available to beneficiaries of the public drug plans of Quebec and Saskatchewan. This new public drug plan availability of CABTREO is in addition to that announced last month for those using the Ontario and Nova Scotia public drug plans as well as through the federal government's Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) drug plan for Indigenous populations as well as those of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and Veterans Affairs Canada. CABTREO is a new Canadian-made triple-combination topical prescription treatment for acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. CABTREO is the first and only triple-combination topical treatment for acne approved by Health Canada with three mechanisms of action - an antibiotic, a retinoid and an antibacterial agent - to provide a safe and effective treatment.1 "The addition of CABTREO to the Quebec and Saskatchewan public drug plans means more Canadians now have access to this innovative acne treatment - joining those already covered under most private insurance plans," said Amy Cairns, General Manager, Bausch Health Canada. "Acne can have a significant impact on those living with it, and there is strong demand for new treatment options, increasing the importance of public drug plan coverage." CABTREO, a prescription product, is a topical gel that is administered once daily to affected areas of the skin. Its active ingredients are the antibiotic clindamycin phosphate, the topical retinoid adapalene and the oxidizing agent benzoyl peroxide with a broad-spectrum bactericidal activity.1 About Acne Vulgaris Acne vulgaris ("vulgaris" means "common") is the most common skin problem seen by doctors in Canada. It occurs when the pores of the skin become plugged with oil and skin cells, often causing whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or cysts to appear on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne affects about 5.6 million Canadians, or nearly 20 per cent of the population, including about 90 per cent of adolescents. About 25 per cent of teens will still have acne at age 25. Acne causes emotional distress and can cause permanent scarring.2 It can also cause skin pigmentation changes.3 CABTREO Clinical Data and Safety Information CABTREO was studied in two phase 3 multicentre, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials in 363 patients with facial acne vulgaris. Both studies met all co-primary efficacy endpoints, including absolute change from baseline in inflammatory lesion count, absolute change from baseline in non-inflammatory lesion count, and percentage of patients achieving pre-defined treatment success. Combined efficacy results for both trials for CABTREO achieved approximately 50% treatment success and a greater than 70% reduction in both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions at Week 12.1 The most frequent adverse reactions that may occur with CABTREO are mild to moderate application site reactions, such as skin irritation characterized by scaling, dryness, erythema, and burning/stinging. CABTREO should not be used by those who are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients in it (clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide or to any ingredient in the formulation), patients with a history of regional enteritis (Crohn's disease), ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis or by pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy. CABTREO may bleach hair and coloured fabric so caution should be used when applying it near the hairline.1 Health Canada has not authorized CABTREO for pediatric use under the age of 12 years. CABTREO is for topical use only and is not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use.1 About Dermatology at Bausch Health, Canada Inc. Bausch Health, Canada Inc. has one of the largest prescription dermatology businesses in Canada dedicated to helping patients in the treatment of a range of therapeutic areas, including psoriasis, actinic keratosis, acne, atopic dermatitis and other dermatoses. The Bausch Health, Canada Inc. dermatology portfolio includes several leading acne, psoriasis, anti-fungal and corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses products. CABTREO is the fourth new dermatology treatment from Bausch Health, Canada Inc. approved by Health Canada and made available to Canadians over the past four years, adding to the company's leading portfolio in this important treatment area. The other approvals were for ARAZLO (tazarotene lotion, 0.045% w/w), for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 10 years of age and older; BRYHALI (halobetasol propionate lotion 0.01% w/w), for corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses and the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults; and DUOBRII (0.01% w/w halobetasol propionate and 0.045% w/w tazarotene) to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.4 All four treatments - CABTREO, ARAZLO, BRYHALI and DUOBRII - are manufactured at Bausch Health's Laval, Quebec, facility for Canada and the United States. About Bausch Health Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC), is a global, diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through our relentless drive to deliver better health care outcomes. We develop, manufacture and market a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, dentistry, aesthetics, international pharmaceuticals and eye health, through our controlling interest in Bausch + Lomb Corporation. Our ambition is to be a globally integrated healthcare company, trusted and valued by patients, HCPs, employees and investors. For more information about Bausch Health, visit www.bauschhealth.com and connect with us on LinkedIn. The Bausch Health Canadian prescription treatment portfolio is focused on dermatology, gastrointestinal and cardio-metabolic conditions. Bausch Health also has two manufacturing facilities for prescription pharmaceuticals in Canada: in Laval, Quebec, and Steinbach, Manitoba. More information can be found at the Company's website at www.bauschhealth.ca. Forward-looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of the words "will," "anticipates," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "subject to" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance, are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to Bausch Health's overall business, including those more fully described in Bausch Health's most recent annual and quarterly reports and detailed from time to time in Bausch Health's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events, information or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law. REFERENCES 1 Bausch Health, Canada Inc., CABTREO Product Monograph, https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00076715.PDF. 2 Canadian Dermatology Association, Acne, Quick Facts, https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/acne/#:~:text=Acne%20affects%205.6%20million%20Canadians,adults%20ages%2020%20to%2040, accessed Aug. 20, 2024. 3 "What to Know about Hyperpigmentation Acne." Medical News Today, Jessica Caporuscio, April 28, 2021, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hyperpigmentation-acne, accessed Aug. 20, 2024. 4 Bausch Health, Canada Inc., Canadian Product List, https://bauschhealth.ca/products/canadian-product-list/. Investor Contact: Media Contact: Garen Sarafian Katie Savastano ir@bauschhealth.com corporate.communications@bauschhealth.com (877) 281-6642 (toll free) (908) 569-3692 SOURCE: Bausch Health Companies Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/bausch-health-canada-inc.-treatment-for-acne-vulgaris-prcabtreotm-cli-1062865 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 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 retained Omineca Drilling Ltd. ("Omineca") to complete a diamond drill program at its 100%-owned Trident property in north-central British Columbia. Drilling is scheduled to commence in September 2025. Key Highlights Omineca Drilling retained to complete a ~2,500-metre diamond drill program at Trident. Omineca previously drilled the property in 2014, bringing valuable familiarity and efficiency to the upcoming program. Road re-establishment underway with an excavator clearing and preparing access ahead of drilling. Multi-Year Mines Act Permit secured, authorizing surface drilling from 20 permitted drill sites until September 2028. In advance of drilling, Pacific Empire has mobilized an excavator to the Trident property to begin clearing and re-establishing existing roads in preparation for the 2025 exploration program. These activities will ensure efficient access to drill sites and support the safe and timely commencement of diamond drilling. "We are excited to be working with Omineca Drilling once again at Trident," commented Brad Peters, President and CEO of Pacific Empire. "Omineca, which previously drilled the property in 2014, brings valuable familiarity and efficiency to the upcoming program. Combined with our recently granted multi-year exploration permit and improved access, we have an excellent foundation as we prepare to launch our diamond drill program at Trident this September." 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 from historical drilling and the acquisition of new high-resolution LIDAR data that have refined 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/5412/263250_5cbe4563d411b922_001full.jpg Figure 2 - Excavator Clearing Access Roads at Trident To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5412/263250_5cbe4563d411b922_002full.jpg 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 in 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/263250 SOURCE: Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. Detroit, Michigan--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTCID: AITX) (the Company), today announced that its CEO/CTO and founder, Steve Reinharz, has issued an op-ed to Reuters responding to recent coverage of public concerns around artificial intelligence and job displacement. In the piece, titled "AI Isn't the Enemy. Standing Still Is.", Reinharz challenges both business leaders and consumers to reject fear and instead move decisively to embrace the opportunities that AI acceleration presents. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5243/263285_aitx-reinharz-ai-isnt-the-enemy-250821-1920x1080.jpg A Reuters/Ipsos poll recently revealed that 71 percent of Americans fear AI will permanently displace jobs1, reflecting a wave of uncertainty about the technology's rapid rise. Reinharz counters that while the concern is understandable, standing still is the greater danger. He argues that success in this era will belong to those who adapt quickly, embrace intelligent tools, and build confidence in AI's ability to amplify human potential rather than replace it. "Fear is natural, but fear cannot be the strategy," said Reinharz. "In every great transformation, there are winners and losers. Winners in this new era will be the ones who act with purpose, learn faster than the competition, and use AI to build smarter, stronger organizations. Those waiting on the sidelines will simply be left behind." Reinharz is no stranger to tackling the future of work and the challenges of automation. He previously authored 'Navigating the New Economy: Jobs & Automation, Challenges & Opportunities', a comprehensive look at how industries and workers can adapt to automation, and most recently, the 'AIR (Autonomous Intelligent Response) Manifesto', which explores how AI-driven systems will redefine security and beyond. These works underscore his commitment to preparing businesses and society for the accelerating changes ahead. Reinharz points out that AI is not just another technology upgrade, but a transformation on par with electricity, the internet, and smartphones. The difference, he emphasizes, is the speed. What once took decades to reshape industries is now happening in months. For individuals, this means skills and adaptability matter more than titles. For businesses, the choice is even starker: embrace intelligent automation to scale and innovate, or risk falling permanently behind competitors who do. Reinharz concludes that the real threat is not artificial intelligence itself but the failure to act. He urges businesses, investors, and consumers alike to recognize that the future is already unfolding, and the only way to benefit is to participate. "The future does not wait for permission," Reinharz added. "AI is already shaping our world. The question is whether we will shape it with intention or allow it to shape us." The full op-ed, "AI Isn't the Enemy. Standing Still Is.", is available at www.stevereinharz.com/ai-isnt-the-enemy-standing-still-is. AITX, through its primary subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry2 through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry's existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these tremendous cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. The Company's operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, reinforcing the Company's credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX) AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX's RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai, www.radsecurity.com , www.stevereinharz.com, www.radgroup.ai, www.raddog.ai , and www.radlightmyway.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on X @SteveReinharz. CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the "Company"). This publication contains forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and may involve subjective judgment and analysis. The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues, results of operations, or stock price. ### 1 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/americans-fear-ai-permanently-displacing-workers-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2025-08-19/ 2 https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/security-services-industry/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263285 SOURCE: Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. Joint venture immediately tasked with $7.5M in contracts, Americas market expansion, and co-development of new defense technologies. Initial minority stake serves as foundation for path to controlling interest in Tekne within the framework of the Golden Power regulations. NUBURU, Inc. (NYSE American: BURU) ("NUBURU" or the "Company"), a global leader in high-performance blue laser technology, is pleased to announce the successful execution of the first milestone under the phased acquisition plan for Tekne S.p.A. ("Tekne") established following formal notice received from the Italian government under the "Golden Power" framework. Through its new subsidiary, Nuburu Defense, the Company secured an initial equity stake equal to the maximum interest permitted under current Golden Power regulatory thresholds (3%) and agreed to an action plan that, by utilizing the Luxembourg investment vehicle TCEI, will pave the way to a controlling interest in Tekne. This step serves as the foundation for the launch of a U.S.-Based Defense 80/20 Joint Venture between Nuburu Defense and Tekne, aimed at being immediately operational with three primary mandates: Deliver an initial USD $7.5 million backlog of Tekne special vehicle contracts outside Italy, while managing sales to non-Italian clients across Tekne's pipeline. Manufacture, assemble, and market Tekne's proven product lines for the Americas. Develop new defense-tech solutions, integrating Tekne's licenses with NUBURU's blue-laser platform to create proprietary IP for allied markets. "This joint venture transforms the phased acquisition plan into a revenue-generating reality," said Alessandro Zamboni, Executive Chairman of NUBURU. "We can now execute contracts, expanding Tekne's reach into the Americas, and laying the groundwork for co-developed technologies that can shape the future of allied defense." As part of the broader phased plan, the binding agreement signed between the Company and Tekne's shareholders which provides for Nuburu Defense's path from minority stake to an eventual 70% controlling interest in Tekne includes commitments to finance up to 40 million in Tekne's working capital needs over the next 12 months, also supported by Supply@ME Capital Plc's inventory monetization platform and potential further additional investors through the platform. A renewed Golden Power notification will be filed to progress to majority ownership in compliance with Italian requirements. To bolster execution, NUBURU has engaged Anthony Sinnott, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and former DoD senior advisor, as a strategic consultant. Mr. Sinnott brings extensive operational, NATO, and Fortune 500 leadership experience, including service on Tekne's board. Together, these steps advance NUBURU's Defense Security Hub strategy uniting Tekne's deployed Tactical Bubble systems and defense vehicle expertise with NUBURU's blue-laser technology and its confirmed upcoming acquisition of the Software as a Service startup focused on operational resilience, which allows for an expanded offering from Nuburu Defense. Further updates will follow as NUBURU continues to execute the phased plan and expand its defense and security footprint. About NUBURU Founded in 2015, NUBURU, Inc. has developed and previously manufactured industrial blue laser technology. Under a renewed strategic vision led by Executive Chairman Alessandro Zamboni, the Company is expanding into complementary sectors including defense-tech, security, and critical infrastructure resilience. NUBURU is leveraging a combination of internal innovation and strategic acquisitions to build out its Defense Security Hub, targeting long-term, sustainable growth across high-value government and enterprise markets. For more information, visit www.nuburu.net. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements, identified by words such as "may," "should," "expect," "intend," "will," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "plan," "seek," "targets," "projects," "could," "would," "continue," "forecast," or their negatives or variations. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including but not limited to: (1) the ability to meet security exchange listing standards; (2) the impact of the loss of the Company's patent portfolio through foreclosure; (3) failure to achieve expectations regarding business development and acquisition strategy; (4) inability to access sufficient capital; (5) inability to realize anticipated benefits of acquisitions; (6) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (7) adverse economic, business, or competitive factors; (8) financial market volatility due to geopolitical and economic factors; and (9) other risks detailed in the Company's SEC filings, including its most recent Form 10-K or Form 10-Q. These filings address additional risks that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. NUBURU undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, except as required by law. Source: NUBURU, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250821269269/en/ Contacts: NUBURU Investor Relations: ir@nuburu.net Media Contact: press@nuburu.net Website: www.nuburu.net Collaboration falls under Anthropic's "AI for Good" focus. Through embedding Claude, Binti will help social workers save administrative time and focus on working with children and families SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Binti , the company that is the leader in building software to support social workers and improve outcomes in the child welfare system, announced it's now collaborating with Anthropic to extend its reach across government agencies in the US with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The mission-driven technology company currently serves over 550 agencies in 36 states and the District of Columbia with its SaaS offerings, reaching agencies serving 46% of child welfare in the U.S, and is now expanding with its new AI offering , powered by Anthropic's Claude. Many social workers spend more than 50% of their time on administrative tasks, which leads to social worker burnout and not enough time with children and families. Binti and Anthropic are collaborating to launch AI tools that streamline much of this administrative work. Binti is careful not to use AI to make any decisions or recommendations. Social workers review and approve what is drafted by AI, ensuring there is human review of all work. New features of Binti AI include: Binti Form and Case Note Completion: Social workers can record meetings with families, with their permission. The recording fills out a draft of the social workers' paperwork or case notes for them, saving hours of administrative time. Social workers can also upload handwritten notes to fill out a draft of their paperwork for them. Social workers can record meetings with families, with their permission. The recording fills out a draft of the social workers' paperwork or case notes for them, saving hours of administrative time. Social workers can also upload handwritten notes to fill out a draft of their paperwork for them. Chat with Binti AI: Social workers can chat with their case using AI to search through hundreds of pages of forms, case notes, case data, and agency policies to quickly get answers. "We're thrilled to collaborate with Anthropic on safe use of AI and leverage its LLM as we expand our offerings to social workers across the country," said CEO and Co-founder of Binti, Felicia Curcuru. "We have a strong presence across local and state government agencies, serving over 46% of children in care nationwide with our software products, and know that by furthering our offerings with AI, powered by Claude, we will be able to save social workers even more time, and empower them to work more closely with families and children. The ultimate goal is to help every child have a family and a fair chance at life." Binti is uniquely positioned as a trusted partner to sell into government agencies today and show immediate ROI with its quick deployment. "When we founded Anthropic, we believed AI could transform lives in meaningful ways," said Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder of Anthropic. "Seeing Binti help connect children with loving families faster by cutting through months of paperwork is exactly the real-world impact we hoped to enable." Binti and Anthropic did a pilot launch with 20 child welfare agencies in recent months. The positive results are leading them to open up broadly to all child welfare agencies going forward. Workers have reported saving hours of administrative time every week after using the AI tools. For more information on Binti's offerings, visit https://binti.com/binti-ai/ . Media Contact: Inkhouse for Binti Binti@Inkhouse.com About Binti Binti is a mission-driven technology company that builds software to improve the child welfare system in America. Binti has launched several products across 550+ child welfare agencies in 36 states, serving 46% of the country. Binti has served over 100,000 families and over 12,000 social workers. Binti was founded in 2017 and has raised over $60M from top investors, including Founders Fund, First Round Capital, Michael Dell, and others. For more information visit www.binti.com . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753948/Binti_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/binti-launches-first-of-its-kind-ai-for-social-services-offering-with-anthropic-unleashing-ai-to-its-customer-base-of-agencies-serving-46-of-child-welfare-across-the-us-302533929.html PRINCETON, N.J., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ETS, a global leader in education and talent solutions, today announced that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has added ETS to its list of designated language testing organizations for the TOEFL Essentials test, for use in Canadian permanent economic immigration applications. IRCC is not yet accepting TOEFL Essentials scores and will update its website once acceptance begins. In the meantime, ETS is working with IRCC on the steps leading up to acceptance and will share timing and test location details once confirmed. Grounded in ETS's mission to advance the science of measurement to power human progress, TOEFL Essentials offers a high-quality, reliable, and accessible pathway for aspiring newcomers to demonstrate their English skills. A Practical, Real-World Test for Today's Immigrants TOEFL Essentials measures all four core language skills-listening, reading, writing, and speaking-through tasks that reflect the communication skills immigrants need to work, live, and thrive in Canada. The test's engaging, task-based design can be completed in approximately 1.5 hours at a secure test center. "As a Canadian and a non-native English speaker, I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities of proving your language skills," said Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS. "Now that TOEFL Essentials is approved for Canadian economic immigration, test takers have a trusted, high-quality option designed for those building a life in Canada, while TOEFL iBT continues to serve as the gold-standard path for those who want to study there." Meeting Canada's Immigration Goals Canada's 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan sets clear annual targets to attract talent in healthcare, engineering, technology, and skilled trades. Once IRCC begins accepting TOEFL Essentials scores, this will offer a reliable pathway to meet English-language requirements, supporting both applicants and the professionals who guide them through their immigration journey. Accessible in Canada and Worldwide The TOEFL Essentials test will be offered at secure test centers across Canada and globally. To stay updated, visit Designated language testing organizations - Canada.ca. About ETS ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners to be future ready. Our mission - advancing the science of measurement to power human progress - ensures our focus to enable everyone, everywhere, to demonstrate their skills and chart their path to future readiness for life. We are committed to readying 100M+ people for the next generation of jobs by 2035. We deliver on this commitment through trusted assessments and skills solutions - including TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE, Praxis and Futurenav - and groundbreaking initiatives powered by our Research Institute. With a robust global footprint, including subsidiaries like PSI, offices and operations in more than 200 countries and territories, we help over 50 million individuals each year measure their proficiency and unlock new opportunities. Discover how we expand our worldwide impact: www.ets.org View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/toefl-essentials-a-reliable-english-test-soon-available-for-canadian-immigration-applications-302535082.html Fidelity European Trust Plc - Publication of Prospectus and Circular PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, August 21 THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN IT ARE NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, ANY MEMBER STATE OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE SAME WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. This announcement is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to acquire, securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which the same would be unlawful. Neither this announcement nor any part of it shall form the basis of or be relied on in connection with or act as an inducement to enter into any contract or commitment whatsoever. 21 August 2025 Fidelity European Trust PLC Publication of Prospectus and Circular in connection with the proposed combination of the Company with Henderson European Trust plc Introduction As announced on 19 June 2025, the Board has agreed terms with the board of Henderson European Trust plc ("HET") in respect of a proposed combination of the assets of the Company with the assets of HET. The combination, if approved by Shareholders and HET Shareholders, will be effected by way of a scheme of reconstruction and members' voluntary winding up of HET under section 110 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (the "Scheme") and the associated transfer of part of the assets, cash and undertaking of HET (and potentially certain liabilities of HET pursuant to the Proposed Novation) to the Company in exchange for the issue of new ordinary shares in FEV (the "New Shares") to continuing HET Shareholders (the "Issue" and together with the Company's participation in the Scheme being the "Proposals"). The Board announces that the Company has today published a prospectus (the "Prospectus") in relation to the Issue, together with a circular to provide Shareholders with further details of the Proposals and to convene a general meeting of the Company (the "General Meeting") to seek approval from Shareholders for the implementation of the Proposals (the "Circular"). Capitalised terms used in this announcement shall, unless the context requires otherwise, have the meanings ascribed to them in the Circular. Following implementation of the Scheme, it is intended that the Company's Portfolio will continue to be managed on the same basis as it is currently. In particular, the Company's existing investment objective and policy will not change as a result of the implementation of the Proposals, and the Portfolio will continue to be managed by Fidelity, with Sam Morse and Marcel Stotzel continuing as the Portfolio Managers. The Board of the Company believes that, if implemented, the Proposals will result in a number of benefits for both the Company's and HET's shareholders, as well as for future investors in the combined entity (the "Combined Entity"). In particular, all Shareholders are expected to benefit from lower tiered management fees and a lower ongoing charges ratio ("OCR") following completion of the Proposals. On a blended rate basis, the Company's annual management fee is expected to drop to 0.63 per cent. (from 0.70 per cent.) and the Combined Entity will target an illustrative OCR of 0.68 per cent., representing a material improvement to FEV's last reported OCR of 0.76 per cent.12 The Board also believes that Shareholders will benefit from the unparalleled scale and enhanced profile of the Combined Entity. In addition, Fidelity has agreed to make a material contribution towards the costs of the Proposals which is expected to fully offset the Company's direct and indirect transaction costs (and partially offset the FEV Proposed Novation Costs). In order to effect the Proposals, FEV Shareholders are required to approve the Issue at the General Meeting. The Scheme is also subject to, among other things, the approval of HET Shareholders at the HET General Meetings. Overview of the Scheme The Proposals will be effected by way of a scheme of reconstruction of HET under section 110 of the Insolvency Act, resulting in the members' voluntary winding up of HET and the transfer of part of HET's assets, cash and undertaking (and potentially certain liabilities of HET pursuant to the Proposed Novation) to the Company in return for the issue of New Shares by the Company on a formula asset value ("FAV") for FAV basis. Under the Scheme, Eligible HET Shareholders will be deemed to have elected to receive New Shares in respect of their HET Shares (the "Rollover Option") to the extent that they have not validly elected (or are not deemed to have elected) to receive cash in respect of their HET Shares (the "Cash Option"). The maximum number of HET Shares that can be elected (or deemed to have been elected) for the Cash Option is 33.3 per cent. of the total number of HET Shares in issue (excluding HET Shares held in treasury) as at the Calculation Date (the "Maximum Cash Option Shares"). HET Shareholders are entitled to elect for the Cash Option in respect of more than 33.3 per cent. of their individual holdings of HET Shares (the "Basic Entitlement", such excess amount being an "Excess Application"). However, should total elections and deemed elections for the Cash Option exceed the Maximum Cash Option Shares, Excess Applications for the Cash Option will be scaled back into New Shares in a manner that is, as near as practicable, pari passu and pro rata, by reference to the number of HET Shares elected under such Excess Applications, among all HET Shareholders who have made such Excess Applications such that the aggregate number of HET Shares elected (or deemed to have been elected) for the Cash Option will be no more than the Maximum Cash Option Shares. The Cash Option will be offered at a discount of 1.75 per cent. to the Residual HET Formula Asset Value attributable to those HET Shares in respect of which valid elections or deemed elections have been made for the Cash Option (following any scaling back required in accordance with the Scheme) (the "Cash Option Discount"). Each HET Shareholder who elects, or is deemed to elect, for the Cash Option will receive an amount in cash equal to their pro rata share of the net realisation proceeds of the Cash Pool created pursuant to the Scheme to reflect the number of HET Shares held by such HET Shareholder that have been elected, or are deemed to have been elected, for the Cash Option. The aggregate value arising from the application of the Cash Option Discount (the "Cash Uplift") will be applied for the benefit of HET Shareholders who are deemed to have elected for the Rollover Option. New Shares will be issued as the default option under the Scheme to the extent that Eligible HET Shareholders do not make (or are not deemed to make) a valid election for the Cash Option in respect of some or all of their HET Shares under the Scheme and to the extent that elections for the Cash Option (including Excess Applications) are scaled back as a result of the Cash Option being oversubscribed. The terms of the Scheme as they relate to Excluded HET Shareholders (including Overseas HET Shareholders) are described in further detail in the Prospectus and the Circular. Benefits of the Proposals The Board believes that, if implemented, the Proposals will result in a number of benefits for both the Company's and HET's shareholders, as well as for future investors in the Combined Entity, including: Unparalleled scale and enhanced profile : the Combined Entity is anticipated to have Net Assets in excess of 2.1 billion.1 As the flagship UK closed-ended vehicle for investment in Europe, the Combined Entity is expected to benefit from enhanced profile and marketability. : the Combined Entity is anticipated to have Net Assets in excess of 2.1 billion.1 As the flagship UK closed-ended vehicle for investment in Europe, the Combined Entity is expected to benefit from enhanced profile and marketability. Lower tiered management fees : Fidelity has agreed that, with effect from Admission, the Annual Management Fee payable by the Combined Entity will be reduced to: 0.70 per cent. of Net Assets up to and including 400 million; 0.65 per cent. of Net Assets in excess of 400 million up to and including 1.4 billion; and 0.55 per cent. of Net Assets in excess of 1.4 billion (the " Revised Fee Arrangements "). This is currently expected to result in a blended annual management fee rate for the Combined Entity of 0.63 per cent. of Net Assets on completion of the Proposals.3 : Fidelity has agreed that, with effect from Admission, the Annual Management Fee payable by the Combined Entity will be reduced to: 0.70 per cent. of Net Assets up to and including 400 million; 0.65 per cent. of Net Assets in excess of 400 million up to and including 1.4 billion; and 0.55 per cent. of Net Assets in excess of 1.4 billion (the " "). This is currently expected to result in a blended annual management fee rate for the Combined Entity of 0.63 per cent. of Net Assets on completion of the Proposals.3 Lower ongoing charges ratio ("OCR") : owing to the Revised Fee Arrangements and the economies of scale of the Combined Entity, the Proposals are expected to reduce the Company's OCR significantly, allowing it to target an illustrative OCR of 0.68 per cent. for the Combined Entity, representing a material improvement to FEV's last reported OCR of 0.76 per cent.1 2 : owing to the Revised Fee Arrangements and the economies of scale of the Combined Entity, the Proposals are expected to reduce the Company's OCR significantly, allowing it to target an illustrative OCR of 0.68 per cent. for the Combined Entity, representing a material improvement to FEV's last reported OCR of 0.76 per cent.1 2 Enhanced liquidity : the scale of the Combined Entity, as the UK's largest and most liquid European-focused investment trust, is also expected to further enhance secondary market liquidity for the Company's shareholders (including in relation to its enhanced discount management policy as described further below). : the scale of the Combined Entity, as the UK's largest and most liquid European-focused investment trust, is also expected to further enhance secondary market liquidity for the Company's shareholders (including in relation to its enhanced discount management policy as described further below). Significant cost contribution from Fidelity: Fidelity has agreed to make a material contribution towards the costs of the Proposals, equivalent to a waiver of 12 months of management fees that would otherwise be payable in respect of the net assets transferred to the Company under the Scheme. This is expected to fully offset the direct transaction costs for Existing FEV Shareholders (and partially offset the FEV Proposed Novation Costs).1 Fidelity has agreed to make a material contribution towards the costs of the Proposals, equivalent to a waiver of 12 months of management fees that would otherwise be payable in respect of the net assets transferred to the Company under the Scheme. This is expected to fully offset the direct transaction costs for Existing FEV Shareholders (and partially offset the FEV Proposed Novation Costs).1 Enhanced discount management policy : in the light of the Proposals, the Board of FEV has decided to enhance its discount management policy such that the Company will seek to maintain any discount to net asset value in mid-single digits in normal market conditions. : in the light of the Proposals, the Board of FEV has decided to enhance its discount management policy such that the Company will seek to maintain any discount to net asset value in mid-single digits in normal market conditions. Shareholder register: the implementation of the Proposals would allow a number of shareholders to consolidate their holdings across FEV and HET whilst also creating a more diversified shareholder base through a combination of the two share registers. Conditions of the Proposals Implementation of the Proposals is subject to a number of conditions, including: the passing of the HET Resolutions to be proposed at the First HET General Meeting (to be held on 9 September 2025) and the Second HET General Meeting (to be held on 26 September 2025) or any adjournment of those meetings, and such HET Resolutions becoming unconditional in all respects; the passing of the Resolution to approve the issue of the New Shares at the General Meeting (to be held on 15 September 2025), or any adjournment thereof, and such Resolution becoming unconditional in all respects; the approval of the FCA to amend the listing of the HET Shares to reflect their reclassification as shares with "A" rights and shares with "B" rights for the purposes of implementing the Scheme; the FCA agreeing to admit the New Shares to listing in the closed-ended investment funds category of the Of?cial List and the London Stock Exchange agreeing to admit the New Shares to trading on its Main Market, subject only to allotment; and the Directors and the HET Directors resolving to proceed with the Scheme. Unless the conditions referred to above have been satis?ed on or before 31 December 2025 (or such later date as may be agreed by the Company and HET), no part of the Proposals will become effective and no New Shares will be issued pursuant to the Scheme. Costs and expenses of the Scheme and the Proposals Save as noted below, the Company and HET have each agreed to bear their own costs associated with the Scheme and the Proposals. The fixed direct costs of the Proposals payable by the Company (that is, excluding (i) Admission Fees and Acquisition Costs and (ii) FEV Proposed Novation Costs) are estimated to be approximately 555,0000 (including irrecoverable VAT). In the event that implementation of the Scheme does not proceed, each party will bear its own costs. Fidelity has agreed to make a material contribution to the costs of the Proposals by means of a waiver of the management fees that would otherwise be payable, under the AIFM Agreement and the Investment Management Agreement, by the Combined Entity in respect of the net assets transferred by HET to the Company pursuant to the Scheme for the 12 month period immediately following the Effective Date (the "Fidelity Cost Contribution"). The Fidelity Cost Contribution will be calculated using the fee rate thresholds and marginal fee rates of the Revised Fee Arrangements (as set out above). For the purposes of the Scheme, the value of the Fidelity Cost Contribution (as at the Calculation Date) will first be credited to the FEV FAV against any and all FEV transaction costs (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Admission Fees and Acquisition Costs) and FEV Proposed Novation Costs up to a maximum of 1.25 million (inclusive of VAT) (the "FEV Fidelity Contribution"). Any remaining balance of the Fidelity Cost Contribution will be credited to the Rollover Pool for the benefit of HET Shareholders rolling over into FEV (the "HET Fidelity Contribution"). The Fidelity Cost Contribution is expected to fully offset the Company's direct and indirect transaction costs, such that Shareholders are not expected to suffer any NAV dilution from the costs of the Scheme and/or Issue. The FEV Proposed Novation Costs are also anticipated to be partially offset by the FEV Fidelity Contribution. It is expected that the Company will bear up to 200,000 of FEV Proposed Novation Costs (inclusive of VAT) after application of the FEV Fidelity Contribution (which, in the context of the Company as a whole, are not considered to be material). Board composition It is intended that, following completion of the Scheme, Vicky Hastings and Rutger Koopmans (both current HET Directors) (the "Prospective Directors") will be appointed as non-executive Directors of the Company. The Board of the Combined Entity will therefore initially consist of seven Directors, comprising the five current Directors of the Company and two current HET Directors, with Davina Walter as Chairman, Paul Yates as Senior Independent Director and Fleur Meijs as Chair of the Audit Committee. The appointment of the Prospective Directors ensures representation on the Company's Board for both the shareholders of HET (which was formerly Henderson European Focus Trust plc) and the former shareholders of Henderson EuroTrust plc (which combined with HET in 2024). Following nine years of service, Paul Yates has advised the Company that he intends to retire from the Board at the next annual general meeting of the Company, which is expected to be held in May 2026, and will not stand for re-election. Following the 2026 AGM the number of Directors is therefore expected to reduce to six Directors. Proposed Novation of HET Loan Notes to the Company HET currently gears through, among other things, its privately placed: (i) 25,000,000 1.53 per cent. unsecured Series A Senior Notes due 31 January 2047; and (ii) 10,000,000 1.66 per cent. unsecured Series B Senior Notes due 31 January 2052 (together, the "HET Loan Notes"). The boards of both FEV and HET agree that there is merit in novating the HET Loan Notes from HET to FEV so that the Combined Entity can continue to benefit of the low-cost gearing provided by the HET Loan Notes (which have coupons at materially lower rates than prevailing borrowing rates). Consequently, representatives of both FEV and HET have engaged in commercial discussions with the HET Noteholder. Following such discussions, the HET Noteholder, HET and FEV have reached agreement in respect of a deed of novation, amendment and restatement of the HET Note Purchase Agreement approving, among other matters, the proposed novation of the HET Loan Notes to the Company and substitution of the Company in place of HET in its capacity as issuer and sole debtor of the HET Loan Notes with effect from the Effective Date (the "Proposed Novation"). For the avoidance of doubt, other than a work fee proposed to be paid by HET and FEV to the HET Noteholder in connection with the Proposed Novation, there will be no repayment charge or premium payable to the HET Noteholder as a result of the Proposed Novation. The HET Loan Notes will be valued at par value for the purposes of the Scheme (and, if the Proposed Novation becomes effective, when calculating the Company's Net Asset Value thereafter). Pursuant to the Transfer Agreement, in consideration for the assumption by the Company of the obligations under the HET Loan Notes, HET will transfer additional HET assets (as part of the Rollover Pool) with an aggregate value equal to the outstanding par value of the HET Loan Notes (as at the Calculation Date) together with (i) any interest accrued thereon up to and including the Calculation Date and (ii) an amount equal to any further interest expected to be accrued thereon in the period between the Calculation Date and the Effective Date (the "Proposed Novation Value"). Pursuant to the Proposed Novation Documents, the Proposed Novation is conditional on the provision of customary completion deliverables. In the event that these conditions have not been satisfied as at the Calculation Date (other than any condition relating to the Scheme becoming effective and other ancillary conditions precedent under the Proposed Novation Documents), the Proposed Novation will not occur. In such circumstances, HET will be responsible for repaying the HET Loan Notes (including any interest accrued thereon) and the Proposed Novation Value shall be deemed to be nil for the purposes of the Scheme. In the event that the HET Loan Notes are repaid, it is not currently expected that there will be any early repayment charges payable to the HET Loan Noteholder. Admission and Dealings Applications will be made by the Company to the FCA and to the London Stock Exchange for the New Shares to be admitted to the closed-ended investment funds category of the Official List and to trading on the Main Market, respectively. If the Proposals become effective, it is expected that the New Shares will be admitted to the Of?cial List, and dealings on the Main Market will commence, on 29 September 2025. General Meeting The Proposals are conditional, among other things, upon Shareholders' approval of the Resolution to be proposed at the General Meeting. The General Meeting will be held at 10.00 a.m. on 15 September 2025 at the of?ces of Fidelity International, 4 Cannon Street, London EC4M 5AB. The Resolution will be proposed as an ordinary resolution and in order to be passed will, accordingly, require more than 50 per cent. of votes cast in person or by proxy to be voted in favour of it. The Resolution will, if passed, authorise the Directors to allot up to 200,000,000 New Shares pursuant to the Scheme, such number being considered sufficient to satisfy the maximum number of New Shares that could be required to be issued in connection with the Scheme. Notice of the General Meeting is set out at the end of the Circular and contains the full text of the Resolution. The Board considers the Proposals to be in the best interests of Shareholders as a whole and, accordingly, unanimously recommends that Shareholders vote in favour of the Resolution to be proposed at the General Meeting, as the Directors intend to do in respect of their own bene?cial holdings. Expected timetable 2025 Publication of the Prospectus and the Circular 21 August Latest time and date for receipt of Forms of Proxy and electronic (including via CREST) proxy appointment instructions for the General Meeting 10.00 a.m. on 11 September General Meeting 10.00 a.m. on 15 September Announcement of results of General Meeting 15 September Calculation Date for the Scheme close of business on 19 September Effective Date of implementation of the Scheme 26 September Announcement of respective FAVs and results of the Scheme 26 September Admission and dealings in New Shares commence 8.00 a.m. on 29 September CREST Accounts credited in respect of New Shares in uncerti?cated form as soon as is reasonably practicable on 29 September Certi?cates despatched by post in respect of New Shares in certificated form within 14 calendar days of the Effective Date All references to time in this announcement are to UK time. Each of the times and dates in the above expected timetable (other than in relation to the General Meeting) may be extended or brought forward. If any of the above times and/or dates change, the revised time(s) and/or date(s) will be noti?ed to Shareholders by an announcement through a Regulatory Information Service. Dickson Minto Advisers LLP is acting as sponsor and financial adviser to the Company in connection with the Proposals. The Prospectus has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prospectus and Circular will shortly be available for inspection at the National Storage Mechanism which is located at https://data.fca.org.uk/a/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism and on the Company's website at www.fidelity.co.uk/Europe . For further information please contact: FIL Investment Services (UK) Limited +44 (0)800 700 000 Claire Dwyer Daniel Summerland Dominic Newman Dickson Minto Advisers LLP (Sponsor & Financial Adviser to FEV) +44 (0)20 7649 6823 Douglas Armstrong Andrew Clark Jamie Seedhouse Notes (1)Based on the illustrative combination of the Company and HET as at 18 August 2025 (with Net Assets of approximately 1.68 billion and 664 million respectively), current cost estimates and assuming (i) there are no Dissenting HET Shareholders and (ii) 33.3 per cent. of HET Shares are validly elected for the Cash Option (such that the Cash Option is fully subscribed)). Figures exclude, amongst other things, any impact of HET portfolio realisation costs in connection with the Proposals. All figures are illustrative only, using currently available information and estimates, and are subject to change. (2)The Company's last published OCR (as at 31 December 2024) was 0.76 per cent. Based on, inter alia, the assumptions set out in Note (1) above, the illustrative OCR of the Combined Entity on completion of the Proposals is currently expected to be 0.68 per cent. (without making any adjustment to the calculation of the annual amount payable under the Revised Fee Arrangements to account for the Fidelity Cost Contribution given that this is a non-recurring item). (3)The Company currently pays an Annual Management Fee of 0.85 per cent. of Net Assets up to and including 400 million and 0.65 per cent. of Net Assets in excess of 400 million. IMPORTANT NOTICES General This announcement is an advertisement for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") and is not a prospectus. This announcement does not constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, an offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or to acquire, any ordinary shares in the Company in any jurisdiction, including in or into Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of South Africa, the United States of America (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia) or any EEA Member State. This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America. This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. This announcement does not contain all the information set out in the Circular. Shareholders should read the Circular in full before deciding what action to take in respect of the Proposals. Approval of the Prospectus by the FCA should not be understood as an endorsement of the securities that are the subject of the Prospectus. HET Shareholders are recommended to read the Prospectus before making a decision in order to fully understand the potential risks associated with a decision to invest in the Company's securities. The Company's Legal Entity Identifier is 549300UC0QPP7Y0W8056. Sponsor Dickson Minto Advisers LLP, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting as sponsor and financial adviser to the Company only and for no one else in connection with the Issue, the Scheme and the other arrangements referred to in this announcement. Dickson Minto Advisers LLP will not regard any other person as its client in relation to the Issue, the Scheme and the other arrangements referred to in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing any advice in relation to the Issue, the Scheme, the contents of this announcement or any transaction or arrangement referred to in this announcement. This does not exclude any responsibilities that Dickson Minto Advisers LLP may have under FSMA or the regulatory regime established thereunder. Apart from the responsibilities and liabilities, if any, that may be imposed upon Dickson Minto Advisers LLP by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 or the regulatory regime established thereunder, neither Dickson Minto Advisers LLP nor any persons associated or affiliated with it accepts any responsibility whatsoever or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, concerning the contents of this announcement, including its accuracy, completeness or verification, or concerning any other statement made or purported to be made by it or them, or on its or their behalf, the Company or the Directors in connection with the Company or the Proposals, and nothing in this announcement is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation in this respect, whether as to the past or future. Dickson Minto Advisers LLP and its respective associates and affiliates accordingly disclaim, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all and any responsibility and liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise (save as referred to herein) that it or they might otherwise have in respect of this announcement or any such statement. Funding will be used to support General Fusion's LM26 fusion demonstration program on its path to key milestones with Magnetized Target Fusion RICHMOND, British Columbia, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- General Fusion has closed US$22 million (C$30 million) in new financing to support its LM26 fusion demonstration program and advance its mission to transform the world's energy supply with zero-carbon fusion energy. Investors in this round include Segra Capital, PenderFund (via Pender Growth Fund Inc. (TSX-V:PTF) and Pender Small Cap Opportunities Fund), Chrysalix Venture Capital, MILFAM LLC, JIMCO, the global investment arm of the Jameel family, Gaingels, Thistledown Capital, Presight Capital, and Hatch Ltd. Segra Capital and PenderFund will be represented on the company's Board of Directors by Adam Rodman and Kelly Edmison, respectively. Backed by a portfolio of leading institutional, sovereign, family office, and high net worth investors, as well as support from the Canadian government, General Fusion's two decades of extensive fusion research, development, and demonstration have advanced the company's uniquely practical Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) approach and positioned the company to achieve near-term transformative technical milestones on the path to delivering fusion power to the grid by the mid-2030s. At its Canadian facility, General Fusion operates Lawson Machine 26 (LM26)-the industry's first large-scale MTF fusion demonstration machine. Announced in mid-2023, General Fusion designed, built, and began operating LM26 in under two years. The machine is designed to demonstrate MTF at 50% commercial scale and achieve milestones of 10 million degrees Celsius (1 keV), 100 million degrees Celsius (10 keV), and ultimately, scientific breakeven equivalent (100% Lawson). New board appointments bolster leadership Today, the company also announced the strengthening of its Board of Directors with the appointment of two new members, further deepening its leadership in financing and strategic growth. Adam Rodman is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Segra Capital, a U.S.-based investment firm with core ESG and clean-tech partnerships and the largest fund dedicated to investing in nuclear power across public and private markets. He brings over 17 years of financial expertise, specializing in energy. Kelly Edmison, Chairman and founder of PenderFund Capital Management Ltd in 2003, brings a strong legal and finance background. Prior to founding the firm, he spent more than two decades practicing law, primarily representing B.C.-based technology companies. Over the past 30 years, he has served as director and officer of several successful companies across the technology, products and services, and healthcare sectors. Quotes: "The strong economics and commercialization advantages underpinning General Fusion's elegant MTF approach are a big part of why Segra continues to invest in the company. I look forward to also representing Segra on their Board of Directors at an exciting time in their bold LM26 program, which has great momentum toward achieving new technical milestones that will drive significant value for investors." Adam Rodman, Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Segra Capital "Pender invests in companies that aim to positively impact the world - and we're proud to support the bold work General Fusion is doing. Fusion has the potential to power our clean energy future. Pender looks forward to further supporting their mission on the Board of Directors and providing strategic guidance on financing the company through the next critical phases of commercialization." David Barr, CEO of PenderFund, Portfolio Manager of the Pender Small Cap Opportunities Fund, and CEO and Portfolio Manager of Pender Growth Fund Inc "We're driving forward to achieve transformational technical results with LM26. This new funding from a strong mix of existing and new shareholders is a group that deeply supports our mission to transform the world with practical MTF. This financing is not only a vote of confidence in our technology but our extraordinary team, who designed, built, and began operating our world-first machine in less than two years, which speaks to the depth of their experience and dedication to our mission." Greg Twinney, CEO, General Fusion Quick Facts: Fusion energy is the ultimate clean energy solution-it is the energy source that powers the sun and stars. Fusion is the process by which two light nuclei merge to form a heavier one, producing a massive amount of energy.? General Fusion's ? Magnetized Target Fusion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC1q4sFnfxE) (MTF) technology is designed to scale for cost-efficient power plants. It uses mechanical compression to create fusion conditions in short pulses, eliminating the need for expensive lasers or superconducting magnets. An MTF power plant is designed to produce its own fuel and inherently includes a method to extract the energy and put it to work. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC1q4sFnfxE) (MTF) technology is designed to scale for cost-efficient power plants. It uses mechanical compression to create fusion conditions in short pulses, eliminating the need for expensive lasers or superconducting magnets. An MTF power plant is designed to produce its own fuel and inherently includes a method to extract the energy and put it to work. Lawson Machine 26 (LM26) is a world-first Magnetized Target Fusion demonstration operating at General Fusion's Canadian headquarters. Assembled in December 2024 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qvxIJokSpc), the machine achieved first plasma (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUsG1pFBWVc) in February 2025 and another major milestone, first plasma compression (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8aU8YWqqAI), in April 2025. It is advancing towards a series of results that will demonstrate MTF in a commercially relevant way: 10 million degrees Celsius (1 keV), 100 million degrees Celsius (10 keV), and scientific breakeven equivalent (100% Lawson). About General Fusion General Fusion is pursuing a fast and practical approach to commercial fusion energy and is headquartered in Richmond, Canada. The company was established in 2002 and is funded by a global syndicate of leading energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Learn more at www.generalfusion.com . General Fusion Media Relations media@generalfusion.com +1-866-904-0995 Nyce International Plc - Proposed Subscription PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, August 21 THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD BE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY. FURTHER DETAILS OF THE FUNDRAISING ARE SET OUT BELOW. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR ISSUE OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SUBSCRIBE FOR OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE ANY SUBSCRIPTION SHARES OF NYCE INTERNATIONAL PLC. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD BE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY. IN PARTICULAR, YOU SHOULD READ AND UNDERSTAND THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE APPENDIX TITLED 'IMPORTANT NOTICES'. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF REGULATION 11 OF THE MARKET ABUSE (AMENDMENT) (EU EXIT) REGULATIONS 2019/310 21 August 2025 NYCE International Plc ("NYCE INTERNATIONAL", "NYCE" or the "Company") Proposed Subscription NYCE International Plc (AQUIS: NYCE) announces its intention to raise up to 150,000 through the issue of up to 75,000,000 new Ordinary Shares of 0.001 each ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 0.002 per share (the "Subscription Shares") by way of a subscription (the "Proposed Subscription"). Farzad Peyman-Fard, CEO of NYCE, intends to subscribe for a minimum of 50,000,000 Subscription Shares. The net proceeds from the Subscription will be used to accelerate the group's expansion into servicing the rapidly growing 'crypto casinos' channel. This will include: - Licensing and certifications for Nirmata Play, our games aggregation platform - Develop proprietary games that align with crypto casinos. - Expanding ClickSpin Media performance marketing operations to support crypto casinos. - Expansion of the NYCE Crypto Advisory services, in accordance with the announcement on 24 July 2025. The Board is also evaluating the merits of Fasttoken ("FTN") playing a part in our corporate strategy for crypto casinos. FTN is one of the most promising digital currencies, listed on over 17 exchanges, and currently used as a utility token in multiple online websites including gaming and e-commerce. It is also integrated with more than 10 payment providers. The Subscription will be conducted on a non-pre-emptive basis pursuant to the authority granted to the Board at the last Annual General Meeting . Any eligible shareholder (being a shareholder who is on the Share register at the close of business on Wednesday 28 August) who wishes to participate in the Subscription should contact the Company via email at: enquiries@nyceint.com, identifying their registered holding Participation in the Subscription will only be available to persons who are lawfully able to be, and have been, invited to participate by the Company, in its absolute discretion. The Subscription is planned to close on 28 August 2025 and a further announcement in relation to its results is expected to be made on or shortly after that date, which will include confirmation of the application for the Subscription Shares to be admitted to trading on the AQSE Growth Market ("Admission"). For further information, please contact: Nyce International Plc Farzad Peyman-Fard, CEO Harmen Brenninkmeijer, Chairman enquiries@nyceint.com First Sentinel Corporate Finance Ltd (AQSE Corporate Adviser) Brian Stockbridge +44 (0) 20 3855 5551 Important Notices: The content of this announcement does not constitute a Financial Promotion within the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) ('FSMA'). The Subscription will be exempt from the general restriction (in section 21 of FSMA) relating to communications of invitations or inducements to engage in investment activity on the ground that it is made in accordance with Article 43 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 ('the Order') to parties who are or who are reasonably believed to be members of the Company or it is made to a person to whom it would otherwise be lawful to offer a participation in and communicate with in connection withtheSubscription. If you are in any doubt about the investment to which this promotion relates, you should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on investments of the kind in question. IF YOU DO NOT FALL WITHIN AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE ORDER, THEN YOU WILL NOT BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SUBSCRIPTION. This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute or form any part of an offer to sell or issue, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, subscribe for or otherwise acquire any securities in the united states (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia (collectively, the "United States"), Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan or any other jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. No public offering of the Subscription Shares is being made in any such jurisdiction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of such jurisdictions. This announcement is not for public release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan or any other jurisdiction in which such release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. No offering document or prospectus will be made available in any jurisdiction in connection with the matters contained or referred to in this announcement or the Subscription and no such prospectus is required to be published. This announcement is for information purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or issue or the solicitation of an offer to buy, subscribe for or otherwise acquire any Subscription Shares. No offering document or prospectus will be made available in any jurisdiction in connection with the matters contained or referred to in this announcement or the Subscription and no such prospectus is required to be published. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning any investor's options with respect to the Subscription. Recipients of this announcement should conduct their own investigation, evaluation and analysis of the business, data and other information described in this announcement. This announcement does not identify or suggest, or purport to identify or suggest, the risks (direct or indirect) that may be associated with an investment in the Subscription Shares. The price and value of securities can go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount invested upon the disposal of the shares. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The contents of this announcement are not to be construed as legal, business, financial or tax advice. Each investor or prospective investor should consult his or her or its own legal adviser, business adviser, financial adviser or tax adviser for legal, business, financial or tax advice. All offers of the Subscription Shares will be made pursuant to an exemption under the UK Prospectus Regulation (PRR 1.2.2, article 3) from the requirement to produce a prospectus. The Company's holding of digital assets carries risks. These include (but are not limited to): (i) the value of digital assets can be highly volatile, with value dropping as quickly as it can rise. Investors in companies that acquire and hold digital assets must be prepared to lose all money invested in such companies; (ii) the digital asset market is largely unregulated. There is a risk of losing money due to risks such as cyber-attacks, financial crime and counterparty failure; (iii) the Company may not be able to sell its digital assets at will. The ability to sell digital assets depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at the relevant time. Operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks and comingling of funds could cause unwanted delay; and (iv) cryptoassets are characterised in some quarters by high degrees of fraud, money laundering and financial crime. In addition, there is a perception in some quarters that cyber-attacks are prominent which can lead to theft of holdings or ransom demands. Prospective investors in the Company are encouraged to do their own research before investing. SOUTHLAKE, TX and SOUTH BEND, IN / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Allied OMS, the nation's leading doctor-owned and doctor-led management services organization (MSO) for oral and maxillofacial surgeons, today announced its official entry into Indiana through a new partnership with Oral Surgery Michiana. Led by Drs. William Hull and Edward Collins, Oral Surgery Michiana operates two state-of-the-art surgical centers in South Bend and Elkhart, Indiana. The practice provides the full scope of oral and maxillofacial procedures and is known for its precision, advanced technology, and deeply patient-centered approach. With decades of experience and a commitment to both comfort and clinical excellence, the team has become a trusted provider across northern Indiana and southern Michigan. "Drs. Hull and Collins are deeply aligned with our mission - passionate, caring surgeons who demonstrate high integrity and dedication to innovation," said Dan Hosler, CEO of Allied OMS. "They embody the kind of doctor-entrepreneurs we built this platform for, and we're thrilled to partner with them as we deepen our existing presence in the Great Lakes region." The partnership reflects what the Oral Surgery Michiana team was seeking: meaningful growth support without compromising the identity they've built. "We weren't just looking for a buyer - we were looking for a partner who would help us elevate our brand and infrastructure while staying true to who we are," said Dr. Hull. "Allied OMS's doctor-centric model challenges us to be better, not different," added Dr. Collins. "Their transparency and collaborative spirit throughout the process made it clear this was the right fit." "Throughout our partnership diligence process, I got to personally know Drs. Hull and Collins. I saw that not only are they outstanding surgeons, but they are also compassionate, servant-led individuals," said Dr. David Kostohryz, Co-Founder of Allied OMS. "At Allied OMS, culture is paramount to our success, and I know that they are going to be a great addition to our family." About Allied OMS Allied OMS is a doctor-owned, doctor-led, and doctor-governed MSO that partners with oral and maxillofacial surgery practices across the U.S. Combining the autonomy of private practice with the scale and sophistication of institutional support, Allied OMS empowers surgeons to lead the future of their specialty. The company currently supports surgeons in 50+ locations and maintains doctor leadership across all major committees and its Board of Directors. Learn more at www.alliedoms.com. About Oral Surgery Michiana Located in South Bend and Elkhart, Indiana, Oral Surgery Michiana is a trusted provider of full-scope oral and maxillofacial surgical care, serving patients across northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Led by board-certified surgeons Dr. William Hull and Dr. Edward Collins, the practice offers expertise in dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, and more - all delivered in a state-of-the-art surgical environment. Known for its use of advanced imaging and anesthesia techniques, the practice is committed to safety, comfort, and exceptional outcomes. With a longstanding reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate care, Oral Surgery Michiana is deeply rooted in the community it serves. Learn more at https://www.oralsurgerymichiana.com/. ## Media Contact Sara Tumen Weinberg Chief Marketing Officer Allied OMS sweinberg@alliedoms.com SOURCE: Allied OMS View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/allied-oms-partners-with-oral-surgery-michiana-to-bring-doctor-led-mo-1063328 Strategic Acquisition Adds Fourth-Generation, Community-Focused Agency in Marion, Iowa, to ALKEME's Growing National Network LADERA RANCH, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / ALKEME Insurance, a Top 25 Insurance Brokerage, today announced the acquisition of Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance ("SFD Insurance"), a respected independent agency based in Marion, Iowa. This strategic acquisition further marks ALKEME's continued expansion in the Midwest and its dedication to partnering with locally focused agencies to better serve customers across the region. ALKEME Insurance Acquires Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance, founded in 1902, has built a trusted reputation for protecting families and businesses throughout Marion, Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, and Iowa City. Led by the fourth generation of father and son - Scott Stephens (President) and Spencer Stephens (Vice President) - the agency serves a blend of personal and commercial clients, specializing in auto, home, business, and specialty insurance needs. "Our goal at ALKEME is to join forces with exceptional agencies who share our commitment to independent, client-centered solutions and deep community ties," said Curtis Barton, CEO of ALKEME Insurance. "SFD Insurance's long-standing legacy and dedication to local relationships makes them an ideal fit for the ALKEME family. We're excited to support their growth while preserving the core values that have made them trusted for generations." "This partnership is a pivotal moment for our agency and our customers," added Scott Stephens, President of SFD Insurance. "Becoming part of ALKEME allows us to maintain our local focus and independence while accessing broader resources and expertise. With ALKEME behind us, we're ready for the next chapter - continuing our mission to protect our community, now and into the future," added Spencer Stephens, Vice President of SFD Insurance. This acquisition strengthens ALKEME's footprint in the Midwest and reflects its ongoing strategy to align with high-performing, community-driven agencies across the nation. By bringing SFD Insurance into its extensive network, ALKEME provides partner agencies powerful resources and expanded capabilities - fueling growth in a dynamic industry. ABOUT ALKEME ALKEME is a full-service insurance agency providing businesses and individuals with an extensive array of commercial and personal insurance, employee and executive benefits, retirement and wealth management services. Since its founding in 2020, ALKEME has completed over 70 acquisitions and serves its customers from over 60 locations in 29 states. ALKEME is ranked by Insurance Journal as one of the top 25 largest agencies in the United States and by Business Insurance as the #3 fastest-growing broker in its Top 100. Founded by owner/operators with a unique vision, ALKEME is fueled by its proven operating methodologies providing its partner agencies with the autonomy, resources and support to grow and thrive in an ever-changing insurance landscape. Visit https://alkemeins.com for more information. SOURCE: ALKEME Insurance View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/alkeme-insurance-acquires-historic-sheets-forrest-draper-insurance-e-1063660 Advanced Care Specialists is Bringing Not Just Medical Care, but True Advocacy RACINE, WISCONSIN / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Advanced Care Specialists (ACS), Racine's premier provider of multidisciplinary medical care, is proud to announce a renewed focus on helping injured workers with a streamlined, patient-first approach that's changing the face of occupational injury treatment in Wisconsin. The Problem: Delays, Denials, and Disjointed Care Every year, countless Wisconsin workers suffer injuries on the job, ranging from repetitive strain and back pain to traumatic incidents and long-term occupational illnesses. Unfortunately, many face a frustrating road to recovery, especially federal workers trying to navigate the complex Department of Labor (DOL-OWCP) claims process. Between confusing paperwork, denied claims, and a lack of specialized medical support, injured workers are often left feeling overwhelmed and under-cared for. That's where Advanced Care Specialists steps in. The Solution: Comprehensive, Coordinated Care Under One Roof ACS provides a one-stop solution for injured workers, offering medical care, physical therapy, chiropractic services, joint injections, and advanced Class IV infrared laser therapy-all in one location. What truly sets them apart is their expertise in managing federal injury cases, guiding patients through CA-1 and CA-2 forms, coordinating with case managers, and even helping appeal denied claims. Their work conditioning programs are uniquely designed to get patients back to work stronger, safer, and fully prepared for the demands of their job. As the only clinic in the state specializing in DOL-OWCP federal work injury claims, ACS offers a full-service solution for workers navigating the complex world of federal workers' compensation. From initial injury reports (CA-1 and CA-2) to case management, appeals, and long-term treatment, ACS guides patients every step of the way. Helping patients recover faster, return to work safely, and regain quality of life. "We believe injured workers deserve more than a Band-Aid fix. Our mission is to get them back to full strength, back to their lives, and back to work-safely and confidently," said Dr. Nic Kampfer, Work Injury Specialist at ACS. "We're not just treating injuries; we're restoring function, dignity, and hope." Why ACS is Making Headlines: Unmatched Expertise : ACS is the only clinic in Wisconsin fully equipped to handle federal work injury cases through the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). Comprehensive Care : Services include physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, joint injections, and Class IV infrared laser therapy, and more -all under one roof. Work Conditioning Programs : Tailored to each patient's job and goals, ensuring a safe and sustainable return to work. Patient Advocacy: ACS empowers workers to know their rights-including the right to choose their doctor-and helps them cut through the red tape of injury claims. Whether you're a federal employee, postal worker, or anyone hurt on the job, ACS is your partner in recovery. For more information, visit advancedcarespecialists.com/services/work-injury or call (262) 898-9000. About Advanced Care Specialists Advanced Care Specialists (ACS) is a multidisciplinary medical clinic proudly serving the Racine, Wisconsin community with a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. ACS offers a wide range of services including primary care, physical therapy, chiropractic care, interventional pain management, advanced wound care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, regenerative medicine, massage therapy, and specialized programs for work injuries and federal workers' compensation (DOL-OWCP). With an integrated team of healthcare professionals and a focus on collaborative treatment, ACS is dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting relief, improved mobility, and better overall health. Whether recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or striving for wellness, ACS is a trusted partner in long-term care and healing. For more information, visit www.advancedcarespecialists.com or call (262) 898-9000. Media Contact: Hannah Kearney Marketing & Communications Advanced Care Specialists Email: info@advancedcarespecialists.com Phone: (262) 898-9000 SOURCE: Advanced Care Specialists View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/wisconsins-only-dol-owcp-clinic-leads-the-fight-for-injured-workers-i-1063666 MALVERN, PA / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Saint-Gobain: "Welcome Home" kits of household essentials provided to Darlington County Long Term Recovery Group and Homes of Hope to be distributed to families entering new or repaired homes. Saint-Gobain, through its subsidiary Norton Abrasives, has partnered with Good360, a leading nonprofit dedicated to closing the need gaps, and the City of Travelers Rest, South Carolina to build "welcome home" kits filled with essential home items for 500 families in South Carolina. These kits will be provided by Good360 to two local non-profits. The first, Darlington County Long Term Recovery in Society Hill, South Carolina, will distribute kits to families re-entering new or repaired homes after displacement from Hurricane Helene. The second, Homes of Hope in Greenville, South Carolina, will support local families in need. As part of its purpose, Making the World a Better Home, the company works through its Saint-Gobain North America Foundation to give back to the communities where it operates and its employees live. As national partners, Saint-Gobain North America and Good360 have teamed up throughout the United States and Canada to provide essentials kits to individuals and families in need. A member of the Travelers Rest community since 1982, the Norton team in Travelers Rest felt strongly that these kits could make a difference for hurricane relief. With the generous support of the City of Travelers Rest, including space to assemble the kits at Trailblazer Park, nearly 30 Saint-Gobain employees and 10 city hall employees worked over 3 hours to assemble 500 kits with essential items including dish soap, laundry detergent, kitchen towels and more. "Hurricane Helene was a devastating storm that is still having immense impact on our communities nearly a year after landfall. As a member of the Travelers Rest and greater northwest South Carolina community for over forty years, it is imperative for Saint-Gobain and Norton to give back to our neighbors who have always supported us," said Russell Hunter, Plant Manager at Saint-Gobain's Norton Abrasives Plant in Travelers Rest. "I'd like to thank Good360 for their partnership and vision to fill the need gap for all, the City of Travelers Rest for their support of this important initiative, and Darlington County Long Term Recovery and Homes of Hope for their work to distribute these much-needed home essentials kits." "We are grateful to Saint-Gobain for including us in this meaningful effort and to be a part of their company's mission of Making the World a Better Home," said Brandy Amidon, Mayor of the City of Travelers Rest. "As a long-time employer in Travelers Rest, they have been great community partners, and we love seeing that vision play out with residents with this initiative." "Hurricane Helene continues to leave a lasting impact on communities across South Carolina, and Good360 is committed to supporting long-term recovery efforts. Our partnership with Saint-Gobain and the City of Travelers Rest is a powerful example of how we can come together to restore hope and stability for families rebuilding their lives. These 'welcome home' kits are more than just household items-they're a symbol of compassion and resilience. We're proud to work alongside dedicated partners to ensure that no one is left behind in the recovery process," said Cinira Baldi, CEO of Good360. In addition to today's event, Saint-Gobain has been committed to providing support to those in need after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene and Milton in 2024. This includes an employee donation match campaign, which raised over $30,000 to support Good360's aid efforts. National partners since 2023, Saint-Gobain North America and Good360 have worked to provide essentials kits to many communities, including non-profits serving Little Rock, Arkansas, New Orleans, Louisiana, Akron, Ohio, Mississauga, Ontario and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To learn more about Good360 and how you could help, please visit www.good360.org. To learn more about Saint-Gobain and the Saint-Gobain North America Foundation, please visit https://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com/community/foundation. About Saint-Gobain Abrasives Saint-Gobain Abrasives offers powerful, precise, user-friendly solutions, which enable customers to cut, shape and finish all materials in the most complex and challenging applications. By working closely with end-users and grinding expert partners, Saint-Gobain Abrasives designs and provides customized solutions to secure the best option for performance, cost and safety. Leveraging its global manufacturing presence, Saint-Gobain Abrasives serves its customers locally through its structured sales operations in over 27 countries, employing over 10,000 people. About Saint-Gobain Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME". 46.6 billion in sales in 2024 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050 For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and follow us on Twitter @saintgobain. MEDIA CONTACTS: Peter Clark (+1) 603 513 8513 View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Saint-Gobain on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Saint-Gobain Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/saint-gobain-north-america Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Saint-Gobain View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/saint-gobain-partners-with-good360-and-city-of-travelers-rest-to-provi-1063752 Generative AI Agent for DoD Customers Delivers 10-50x Productivity from Day One MCLEAN, VA / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / CORAS, the only Agentic AI system in the Department of Defense (DoD), today announced that its proprietary and embedded Large Language Model (LLM) GARY has received its ATO for IL5. GARY is a unique Generative AI agent that drives 10-50x productivity and provides departments with a powerful, defense-grade digital ally that can be used within DoD environments with confidence. GARY will be unveiled at the U.S. Air Force's DAFITIC Education and Training Event on August 25, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama. GARY Generative AI Agent for the DoD CORAS is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its DoD customers. GARY is a digital assistant within the CORAS platform that redefines efficiency and navigation support for defense professionals by delivering robust, specific, and goal-oriented capabilities. GARY is an AI orchestrator that aggregates customer data and activates an ecosystem of Agentic AI agents designed to perform real work, add structure, reasoning and drive execution in real time. GARY is secure, sovereign AI, built with Claude via AWS Bedrock. GARY drives dynamic decisions with actionable clarity, AI-orchestrated options, and is context-aware. GARY's outputs provide full transparency, resource and logic tracing, and auditability. GARY is fast to deploy. Easy to use. No code needed. GARY is a digital partner that actively transforms vast streams of data into actionable intelligence, not a bot that merely answers questions. GARY teaches and trains its users in how to prompt/query more effectively. "DoD departments can now use GARY to do in minutes what has historically taken weeks or months," said Dan Naselius, President and CTO of CORAS. "We know that GARY is a game-changer for optimizing the DoD workforce. GARY can write a brief, analyze charts and graphs, generate complex models, create maps and reports, and articulate what-if scenarios. The complex value of GARY is the exponential speed, security, and accuracy of its outputs to deliver responsible, mission-ready decision superiority. GARY is the readiness solution that the DoD needs right now." CORAS is actively expanding its joint IL5 deployments and is positioned to extend capabilities into additional mission networks and environments. Our goal is to accelerate the adoption of secure, agentic AI across defense, intelligence, and allied operations. CORAS GARY is available for a 30-day free trial to current customers and to DoD members with a .mil address. Go to GARY.AI to experience jaw-dropping capability today. About CORAS: CORAS is the AI-powered decision intelligence platform trusted by leaders across the Department of Defense. Built for speed, security, and real-time execution, CORAS unifies data integration, agentic automation, and live decision support across IL5, NIPR, SIPR, FedRAMP-High, and other trusted DoD environments. Its platform and flagship Generative AI assistant, GARY, deliver operational clarity from portfolio to program to execution level. CORAS is available through GSA, NASA SEWP, SBIR Phase III, Tradewinds AI Marketplace, and partners including Carahsoft and AWS. For more information, visit www.coras.ai. Contact Information Rebecca Churchill Churchill Communications & Marketing, LLC rc@churchillcommunicationsllc.com 917-518-9789 SOURCE: CORAS View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/aerospace-and-defense/gary-ai-receives-ato-for-il5-1063760 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Lorne Park Capital Partners Inc. (TSXV: LPC) ("Lorne Park" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the previously announced plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") of the Company involving an affiliate (the "Purchaser") of Sagard Private Equity Canada has received the final order of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) approving the Arrangement at a hearing on August 20, 2025. Under the Arrangement, the Purchaser will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company (the "Shares") for a cash consideration of C$2.23 per Share in cash (the "Consideration"), other than certain Shares held by certain Shareholders who entered into equity rollover agreements with the Purchaser. The Consideration implies an equity value for the Company of approximately C$126.8M (the "Transaction"). Subject to the satisfaction of all closing conditions, including the receipt of non-objection of the Ontario Securities Commission, the Alberta Securities Commission and the Manitoba Securities Commission to the Transaction, it is currently expected that the Transaction will close in the third quarter of 2025. Full details of the Arrangement and certain other matters are set out in the management information circular of Lorne Park dated July 14, 2025 (the "Information Circular") and letter of transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"). A copy of the Information Circular and other meeting materials can be found on the Company's website at www.lpcp.ca or under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Registered Shareholders who have not already done so must complete and sign the Letter of Transmittal and return it, together with the certificate(s) / DRS advice(s) representing their Shares and any other required documents and instruments, in accordance with the procedures set out in the Letter of Transmittal in order to receive the Consideration for their Shares. About Lorne Park Capital Partners Inc. Lorne Park was created to bring together boutique investment management and wealth advisory firms in order to deliver robust, cost-effective investment solutions to affluent investors, foundations, estates and trusts. Lorne Park's unique strategy creates better alignment between investment managers and wealth advisors while providing them with additional resources to accelerate their growth. Cautionary Notes Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", "plan", and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, Lorne Park's objectives, goals and future plans. Forward-looking information addresses possible future events, conditions and financial performance based upon management's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. In particular, the forward-looking information contained in this news release includes statements regarding the proposed Transaction, including the proposed timing and various steps contemplated in respect of the Transaction and approvals with respect thereto. Management of Lorne Park considers the assumptions on which the forward-looking information contained herein are based to be reasonable. However, by its very nature, forward-looking information inherently involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such information. Such risks include, without limitation, changes in economic conditions, applicable laws or regulations. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lorne Park 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 law. /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263338 SOURCE: Lorne Park Capital Partners Inc. Heimar records a profit of ISK 1.1 billion in the first six months of the year - EBITDA increases by 4.5%. An overview of the key operating figures Q2 2025 Operating revenues amounted to ISK 7.6 billion in the first six months of the year, with rental income increasing by 4.9% year-on-year, which is approximately 0.5% higher than the rise in the consumer price index over the same period. Real growth in rental income on a Like-for-Like portfolio year-on-year was 0.3%. EBITDA amounted to ISK 5.1 billion, an increase of 4.5% compared to the same period in 2024. Net profit amounted to ISK 1.1 billion, compared to ISK 4.3 billion in the same period last year. Investment properties were recorded at ISK 218.6 billion. The fair value change of investment properties amounted to approximately ISK 1.4 billion in the first six months of the year. Cash generated from operations amounted to ISK 2.3 billion, and cash and cash equivalents stood at ISK 3.4 billion at the end of the period. Interest-bearing debt amounted to ISK 131.2 billion at the end of the period. The leverage ratio was 61.6% and the equity ratio was 32.2% at the end of the period. Earnings per share for the period amounted to ISK 0.62, compared to ISK 2.36 for the same period last year. Halldor Benjamin orbergsson, CEO of Heimar "Operations are performing well and, following two major transactions in the first half of the year, the Company's earnings guidance has been revised. Rental income is now estimated at ISK 15,200-15,500 million and EBITDA at ISK 10,800-11,100 million for the year 2025. We are experiencing strong demand for commercial real estate. Rental income increased by 4.9% compared to the same period last year. Changes to the property portfolio have had a positive impact on year-on-year rental growth, while like-for-like rental growth amounts to 0.3%. Two major transactions were completed in the second quarter of 2025, adding two outstanding properties, Groska and the Exeter Hotel, to the Company's portfolio. These properties are highly consistent with the Company's strategy as they are both located within designated core areas, with tenants including both listed companies and public entities. The additional annual rental income from these assets is estimated at ISK 1,600 million as of 2026. The occupancy rate is 97%, in line with previous levels. Approximately 43% of the Company's rental income derives from public entities and listed companies. Tenant defaults remain low and numerous leasing projects are in the pipeline." Operations and Performance Operating revenues amounted to ISK 7,578 million in the first six months of the year, of which rental income amounted to ISK 7,169 million. Rental income increased by 4.9% compared to the same period in 2024, corresponding to a real increase of just under 0.5%. Several changes to the property portfolio between years have had an impact on rental income. EBITDA amounted to ISK 5,088 million, representing an increase of 4.5% compared to the same period in 2024. At the publication of the 2024 annual results, the Company presented its operating plan for 2025. Earnings guidance for 2025 has now been revised following transactions completed during the year. Rental income is now estimated at ISK 15,200-15,500 million and EBITDA at ISK 10,800-11,100 million. As a result of the investments made during the year, The Company's Management expects rental income from the current property portfolio for the next twelve months to be in the range of ISK 16.4-16.7 billion Assets and Financial Position The fair value of the Company's investment properties, excluding lease assets, is estimated at ISK 212,955 million. The portfolio now consists of 97 properties with a total area of approximately 389 thousand square metres. The occupancy rate is around 97%, based on revenues that would be generated under full occupancy. The total fair value adjustment for the first six months of the year amounted to ISK 1,414 million. Activity and Outlook In June, the Company completed two major transactions. Firstly, it acquired all the share capital in Groska ehf. and Grourhusi ehf. Groska ehf. owns the property Groska, comprising approximately 18,600 sqm together with a 6,200 sqm underground car park, or a total of around 24,800 sqm. Secondly, the Company acquired Tryggvagata ehf., which owns the properties at Tryggvagata 14 and 10. The total floor area of these properties is approximately 5,500 sqm, consisting of a 106-room, four-star hotel in downtown Reykjavik (Exeter Hotel) and an adjoining office building. The additional annual rental income from these two transactions is estimated at ISK 1,600 million as of 2026. In total, 36 lease agreements covering approximately 17,290 sqm were concluded in the second quarter, equal to the same period last year, which was the largest quarter in the Company's history. Among the largest lease agreements during the period were: an agreement with Oldungur for 10,384 sqm in the property at Soltun 2; an agreement with Samherji for 1,255 sqm for its new headquarters at Hagasmari 1; an agreement with EFLA for 1,009 sqm in the property at Glerargata 32; and an agreement with Arctica Finance for 825 sqm at Katrinartun 2. All restaurant units in the new food hall, set to open in Smaralind in the coming months, have been leased - thirteen in total. There was strong demand for participation in the project. Recently, Starbucks opened a new cafe at Hafnartorg Gallery, Bryggjugata 2. This is Starbucks' second location in Iceland and also its largest. The opening of Starbucks is in line with Heimar's strategy to create vibrant core areas where people can live, work, and enjoy leisure Sustainability The number of the Company's environmentally certified properties increased during the period, with six properties now certified, representing approximately 41% of the Company's portfolio. Groska was recently added to the portfolio of certified assets, and Dvergshofi 2 is expected to follow in the autumn. Information on the financial metrics of the Company's certified properties, as well as their carbon footprint, electricity consumption and water usage, can be found in the Green Financing Impact Report available on Heimar's website. Financing The Company's financial position is strong and financial covenants are well within limits, with an equity ratio of 32.2% (covenant 25%). At the end of the period, cash and cash equivalents amounted to ISK 3,395 million, in addition to unused credit facilities of ISK 2,700 million. Bank loans maturing in 2026 have been refinanced, extending their final maturity to 2031. Presentation of Interim Financial Results In connection with the publication of the results, Heimar invites investors and other stakeholders to an open presentation on the same day at 16:15. The meeting will be held at the Company's headquarters in Smaralind, Hagasmari 1, 201 Kopavogur, and light refreshments will be served. Halldor Benjamin orbergsson, CEO of Heimar, will present the results and answer questions following the presentation. Registration for the meeting is available via email at ir@heimar.is. The presentation will also be webcast at the following link: Q2 2025 results - Heimar The interim financial statements for the first six months of the year and related presentation materials are available at: https://www.heimar.is/en/investors/financial-information/financial-reports/ Please note that in case of discrepancy in the English and the Icelandic versions, the Icelandic version shall prevail. For further information, please contact Halldor Benjamin orbergsson, CEO of Heimar, at +354 821 0001. Minneapolis, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - SiebenCarey is pleased to announce that 12 lawyers have been included in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. "For more than 40 years, the rigorous methodology of Best Lawyers has ensured the integrity and esteem of our legal recognitions," said Best Lawyers CEO Phillip Greer. "It is with great pleasure that we continue to provide potential clients with the pinnacle measurement of credibility through our Best Lawyers awards as they search for counsel." Best Lawyers has earned the respect of the profession, the media and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals. Its first international list was published in 2006 and since then has grown to provide lists in more than 75 countries. Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. SiebenCarey would like to congratulate the following lawyers named to 2026 The Best Lawyers in America list: Robert T. Brabbit - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Workers' - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants James P. Carey - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Paul K. Downes - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Susan M. Holden - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Arthur C. Kosieradzki - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Jeffrey M. Montpetit - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Mark G. Olive - Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants - Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants Michael F. Scully - Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants - Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants Jeffrey S. Sieben - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Harry A. Sieben, Jr. - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Matthew E. Steinbrink - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Cory P. Whalen - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs "It is gratifying that 12 of our attorneys are named in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 list, as this high honor validates their commitment to the profession, as well as their dedication to SiebenCarey clients," says Jim Carey, managing partner at SiebenCarey. About SiebenCarey Founded by Clint Grose and John E. Von Holtum in 1952, SiebenCarey has grown from a two-attorney office to become one of Minnesota's best-known and most successful personal injury law firms. Today, the firm employs lawyers and professional support personnel covering general trial practice in all courts, personal injury, product liability, workers' compensation, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. The firm has full-time in-house investigators and online legal research capabilities. Offices are located in Minneapolis, Lakeville, and Duluth. SiebenCarey lawyers are licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Referrals can also be made in other states. About Best Lawyers Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers awards are published in leading local, regional and national publications across the globe. Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are voted on by currently recognized Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. Our awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback we receive from these top lawyers. Those who receive high peer reviews undergo a thorough verification process to make sure they are currently still in private practice. Only then can these top lawyers be recognized by Best Lawyers. ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263332 SOURCE: SiebenCarey Personal Injury Law HOUSTON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of specialty polymers and high-value biobased products derived from pine chemicals, today announced the execution of agreements with International Paper, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, to maintain uninterrupted site services at Kraton's Savannah, Georgia facility. These agreements underscore the companies' shared commitment to ensuring supply reliability, operational continuity, and support for the long-term health of the pine chemicals industry. International Paper will continue providing essential site services to Kraton, enabling uninterrupted production and delivery of critical pine chemical products. The arrangement supports Kraton's efforts to sustain operations without disruption while it invests in future infrastructure at the Savannah facility. These investments are designed to enable long-term independent operations and reinforce Kraton's strategic focus on resilience and growth. "Securing this agreement reinforces our unwavering commitment to our customers and the pine chemicals industry," said Minco van Breevoort, President of Kraton Pine Chemicals. "It's business as usual. Our teams are fully aligned to ensure reliable operations, and this agreement provides continuity of supply to pine chemical markets as we invest in our long-term capabilities." The partnership reflects a shared vision between Kraton and International Paper to strengthen the pine chemicals value chain and ensure stable supply to customers across key global markets. "We are pleased to renew and extend our partnership with Kraton," said Chris Roeder, Vice President and General Manager, Pine Chemicals and Low Carbon Solutions at International Paper. "This arrangement confirms our long-standing relationship with Kraton and our commitment to being a reliable, long-term partner to Kraton and participant in the pine chemicals markets for years to come." Kraton remains focused on delivering high-performance, sustainable solutions for its customers worldwide and continuing its leadership in the bio-based chemical industry. For more information about Kraton, please visit www.KRATON.com. About Kraton Corporation Kraton Corporation is a leading global producer of specialty polymers and high-value performance products derived from renewable resources. Kraton's polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants, and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving and roofing products. As the largest global provider in the pine chemicals industry, the company's pine-based specialty products are sold into adhesive, road and construction and tire markets, and it produces and sells a broad range of performance chemicals into markets that include fuel additives, oilfield chemicals, coatings, metalworking fluids and lubricants, inks, and mining. Kraton offers its products to a diverse customer base in over 70 countries worldwide. *Kraton, the Kraton logo and design are all trademarks of Kraton Corporation, or its subsidiaries or affiliates, in one or more, but not all countries. About International Paper International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting www.internationalpaper.com. Media Contact: Amanda Lubow; T: (281) 504 4828 SOURCE Kraton Corporation ISTANBUL, TURKEY / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Established in Turkey, Esteworld now offers face-to-face consultations in London and continues its operations in its state-of-the-art hospitals in Istanbul. This combines clinical quality with the value that has made Turkey a global destination. Post-procedure care is provided in the country where the procedure was performed. August 20, 2025 Esteworld announced the launch of a new office in London, marking the next step in the brand's international growth. Having built its reputation by delivering hair transplant in Turkey services, Esteworld is expanding access for UK and European patients who want local guidance before and after surgery, with the procedure itself performed by experienced teams in Istanbul. "Patients told us they want two things: the clinical excellence and value associated with Turkey, and the convenience of a local touchpoint," said an Esteworld spokesperson. "Our London office brings those together. People can receive assessments, treatment planning, and follow-ups close to home, while their surgical journey remains anchored in our established Turkish hospitals." A seamless UK-Turkey care pathway The London location is designed for consultations (not surgical procedures) so patients can meet a medical consultant, discuss candidacy, choose the most suitable hair transplant method, and understand the expected timeline before traveling. This model makes the experience more accessible for patients who prefer face-to-face guidance without sacrificing the standards and efficiencies that Turkey offers. A great opportunity for those who cannot have a hair transplant in London . In Istanbul, Esteworld performs procedures such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), Sapphire FUE, DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), and unshaven approaches for qualifying candidates. Technique recommendations are individualized, taking into account donor density, hair caliber, curl pattern, hairline design goals, and long-term planning to maintain a natural look as hair loss progresses. About Esteworld Established in 1994, Esteworld is an international healthcare group specializing in hair transplantation, plastic surgery, medical aesthetics, and dental aesthetics. With a network spanning 35+ countries, Esteworld delivers end-to-end patient pathways through coordinated local offices and advanced hospital facilities. Esteworld's hair restoration portfolio includes FUE, Sapphire FUE, DHI, and suitable unshaven approaches, supported by standardized clinical protocols, donor management strategies, and natural hairline design principles. Multilingual patient coordination, transparent pricing structures, and comprehensive post-operative follow-up are integral to the group's service model. Combining high surgical experience with evidence-based practice and rigorous safety standards, Esteworld focuses on outcomes that look natural and remain sustainable over time. The group's integrated approach aligns medical necessity with aesthetic goals, providing patients a reliable, seamless, and internationally accessible care experience. Why Turkey remains a leader in hair transplantation Turkey's prominence in hair restoration stems from high surgical volumes, specialized teams, and a service model that streamlines logistics for international patients. Many clinics (Esteworld included also) organize airport transfers, translation assistance, and post-operative kits to reduce friction during a short medical stay. The combination of experience, coordinated care, and competitive pricing has drawn patients from around the world. About hair transplant prices in Turkey While pricing always depends on the clinic, technique, surgeon seniority, and graft count, Turkey is widely recognized for cost-effective options compared with Western Europe and North America. Patients commonly encounter two pricing structures: All-inclusive packages: Frequently designed to cover consultation, the operation, routine medications, and ground transfers, with optional hotel add-ons. For many patients, total package prices often fall in a broad mid-four-figure range (in USD), with variability based on technique and the overall service bundle. Per-graft pricing: Some plans are quoted by graft. Typical ranges are often discussed in pre-assessment and can vary substantially depending on the complexity of the case and the chosen method (for example, FUE vs. DHI). Because individual needs differ (some require 2,000 grafts, others 4,000 or more) final costs are best determined after a professional evaluation that considers donor capacity and long-term hair-loss patterns. Esteworld emphasizes transparent quoting so patients understand exactly what is included before traveling. What patients can expect with Esteworld Consultation & candidacy: At the London office, patients receive a structured assessment that reviews medical history, scalp condition, and donor area. The consultant discusses realistic outcomes, hairline philosophy, and potential graft counts, and sets expectations around the growth timeline. Technique selection: FUE and DHI are the most frequently recommended techniques. FUE involves extracting follicular units individually and implanting them into micro-channels; Sapphire FUE uses sapphire-tipped tools for channel creation; DHI places grafts with pen-like instruments that allow precise angle and direction. The goal is to harmonize density, direction, and hairline shape with each patient's unique features. Surgery in Istanbul: Procedures are performed by dedicated teams in Esteworld's Turkish hospitals, where standardized protocols govern anesthesia, sterile technique, graft handling, and recipient site creation. High case volumes help refine micro-surgical skills and consistency, supporting natural, age-appropriate results. Safety, ethics, and realistic expectations Hair transplantation is a medical procedure, not a commodity. Esteworld advocates for evidence-based practice and thorough informed consent. Not every patient is an ideal candidate. Donor limitations, diffuse thinning, scarring alopecia, or certain medical conditions may call for conservative plans or a staged approach. Adjunct therapies (including topical agents, oral medications when appropriate, low-level laser therapy, and PRP) may be discussed as part of a personalized long-term strategy. A natural outcome depends on more than graft numbers. Key variables include the hairline's anatomic placement, graft angulation, distribution in zones of visual priority, and respect for future hair-loss progression. Esteworld's planning process prioritizes long-term aesthetics to avoid an unnaturally dense front with inadequate reserves for later. The patient journey, step by step Initial inquiry: Patients share photos and goals. A preliminary indication of candidacy and estimated plan is provided. London consultation: A detailed assessment confirms technique options, estimated graft range, downtime, and budget structure (package vs. per-graft). Preparation: Pre-op instructions cover medication adjustments, smoking and alcohol guidance, and scalp conditioning to optimize graft survival. Travel to Istanbul: Coordinated transfers and scheduling streamline arrival. A final design session refines hairline, density, and coverage areas. Procedure day: Extraction and implantation proceed according to plan, with attention to gentle handling and hydration of grafts throughout. Immediate post-op: Patients receive a written care plan, washing tutorial, and protective measures for the first 10-14 days. Value without compromise By originating in Turkey and later opening a London office, Esteworld aims to combine the best of both worlds: the experience and efficiencies that come from a leading hair transplant Turkey ecosystem, and the reassurance of local, ongoing support. For many, this hybrid model shortens decision time, clarifies expectations, and maintains continuity from first conversation to final results. "Patients deserve clarity," the Esteworld spokesperson added. "Our approach is to explain the medical reasoning, set goals that make sense for the long term, and deliver attentive aftercare. Opening in London lets us do even more of that, face-to-face." Media Details: Name: Burak Tuncer E-mail: info@esteworldturkey.com Phone number: +90 216 474 54 54 Web: https://www.esteworldturkey.com/ SOURCE: Burak Tuncer View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/a-hair-transplant-journey-starting-in-the-uk-completed-in-turkey-1063622 TOKYO, Aug 22, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - TANAKA MIRAI Lab., part of TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. (head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), has developed an experimental unit for space molecular crystallization using Au nanostructure formation technology (patent pending). On April 21, 2025 (local time), the experimental unit was installed in the SpaceX CRS-32, an unmanned commercial resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) launched from the Kennedy Space Center in the U.S.After installation in the ISS's Columbus science laboratory and one month of observation and experimentation, it safely returned to Earth, where it was confirmed that the experiments involving protein crystallization in space were successful.Significance of the ExperimentProtein crystallization experiments conducted in space are valuable for detailed structural analysis of protein molecules, as they can be carried out in a microgravity environment, eliminating the effects of gravity. Such experiments are expected to make significant contributions to understanding biological functions and advancing drug discovery. However, the success rate of producing crystals remains low, and the high costs along with the limited number of experiments that can be performed continue to pose challenges for space-based research. The experimental unit for space molecular crystallization, developed by TANAKA MIRAI Lab. and utilizing Au nanostructure formation technology, is expected to enable more cost-effective space experiments with superior outcomes. By leveraging protein crystallization technology based on the plasmon resonance (*1) of gold (Au), it can significantly improve the crystal generation rate. This advancement is anticipated to contribute to the elucidation of biological functions and to research in drug discovery.Superiority of "Experimental Unit for Space Molecular Crystallization Using Au Nanostructure Formation Technology"Protein molecules are easily absorbed onto the surface of Au nanoparticles, and plasmon resonance occurs between Au nanoparticles at wavelengths in the visible light range, promoting protein crystallization.TANAKA MIRAI Lab. has discovered that the condensation of light energy between Au nanoparticles further promotes the generation of protein crystal nuclei. In addition, in the microgravity environment of space, crystals of higher quality and larger size than those on the ground are expected to be generated because they are not affected by convection and sedimentation due to gravity.In combination with Au nanostructure formation technology, TANAKA MIRAI Lab. has developed a capillary (cylindrical glass device) (Figure 1) with high crystal generation capabilities (patent pending) for use in the counter-diffusion(*2) method.On the inner wall of the capillary with an inner diameter of 0.5 mm and a length of 5 cm, nano-level particles of Au (average diameter: 20 nm) are aligned at nano-level intervals (average distance between surfaces: 40 nm) that facilitate the generation of plasmon resonance near the surface of Au particles.In addition to conducting experiments in space, which is unaffected by gravity, the use of this unit is expected to dramatically improve the rate of obtaining protein crystals, which had been considered challenging. As a result, it is believed that this unit will contribute to the elucidation of biological functions and the development of drug discovery research.Overview of the ExperimentKirara, a space experiment service supplied by Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (https://www.jamss.co.jp/en/space_utilization/kirara/), a space experiment consulting company, was used to install the experimental unit for space molecular crystallization using Au nanostructure formation technology in the SpaceX CRS-32 unmanned commercial resupply spacecraft.Specifically, capillaries were filled with protein solution and sealed in a tube (bag) which was stored within the Kirara device (a thermostatic chamber). This unit was then placed in the rocket and launched into space.Timeline of experiments involving protein crystallization in space* All times are U.S. local times- April 7: Specimens sent from Japan to the U.S.- April 13: Specimens arrive in Kennedy Space Center in Florida (U.S.)- April 19: Specimens are loaded into Kirara device and placed in rocket- April 21: Kirara device is launched into space on a Space-X Falcon 9 rocket (CRS-32)- April 22: Kirara device arrives at International Space Station (the ISS)- April 23: Kirara device is installed in the ISS Columbus science laboratory- May 21: Kirara device is removed from the ISS Columbus science laboratory- May 25: CRS-32 with Kirara device returns to EarthResults of the ExperimentThe experimental unit for space molecular crystallization using Au nanostructure formation technology was used to successfully crystallize proteins in space (Figure 2).The graph below (Figure 3) shows the final results of the protein crystallization experiment performed on the ISS(*3). The horizontal axis represents the concentration of the NaCl in the crystallization solution (mM). The vertical axis represents the average number of crystals that formed in the capillary (crystals per capillary).The blue bars (Au(-)) show the results for capillaries without Au nanostructures, while the red bars (Au(+)) show the results for capillaries with Au nanostructures.As the graph shows, the number of crystals that formed was higher for capillaries with Au nanostructures (the red bars on the graph).Experimental conditions- Capillary conditions: Capillaries with an inner diameter of 0.5 mm were used, and a structure of nano-level particles of Au with a diameter of 20 nm was formed on the inner walls of the capillaries (in the same way as for experiments performed on Earth in advance).- Solution conditions: Lysozyme refined for the space experiment was used as a solvent for protein (25 mg/L). For the crystallization solution, three NaCl concentrations were prepared: 650 mM, 700 mM, and 750 mM. These solutions included an acetic acid buffer (pH 4.5) with a concentration of 50 mM and PEG (4K) 20%.- Crystallization experiment: The counter-diffusion method was used, and the units were kept stationary at a temperature of 20 degrees C in a weightless environment for 34 days, during which the crystallization process was observed.Comments from Researchers Responsible for the ExperimentTakayuki IshibashiChief Researcher, TANAKA MIRAI Lab.Ever since TANAKA MIRAI Lab. was first launched, we've envisioned precious metals as being used in extreme environments. Many projects never get beyond their planning phases, so I'm ecstatic that our first success was with an experiment in space, and that we've been able to exhibit the actual articles used in the experiment in our concept room here within the company. Seeing the proteins that crystallized in space here on Earth, with my own eyes, I felt again the potential for future crystal applications as we work toward the year 2085. We were able to achieve this success thanks to the combined efforts of many people, and I'd like to express my gratitude again to all those involved, both inside and outside the company.Masahiro ItoChief Researcher, TANAKA MIRAI Lab.This space project was a tremendously meaningful one for us, as it represented a great step forward. As a company that deals with precious metals, there have long been expectations for our participation in the space industry, but this was our first time really taking on a challenge in this sector. The project started out of a desire not just to think about things at the conceptual level but to test them out in space. I believe it reflects the spirit of TANAKA MIRAI Lab. - harnessing curiosity to drive our pursuit of creating rare and exceptional value for the future.(*1) Plasmon resonance: A phenomenon in which light of a specific wavelength is absorbed on an Au surface that has been nanoparticulated. It is further enhanced when Au nanoparticles are close together at nano-level spacing.(*2) Counter-diffusion method: One of the protein crystallization methods, in which crystals are obtained by bidirectional diffusion of the protein solution inside the capillary and the crystallization solution outside. During this process, a concentration gradient is generated inside the capillary, which makes it possible to simultaneously search for a wide range of crystallization conditions. In addition, since the protein is not concentrated during crystallization, crystal growth proceeds gently.(*3) While more crystals were generated in the unit with the Au nanostructures, the experiments were performed under a limited number of experimental conditions, so this cannot be concluded to represent a significant difference. Furthermore, the overall number of crystals that were generated was low in comparison to prior experiments performed on Earth. This is believed to be due to a large number of days passing between when the capillaries were filled with solution and when the crystallization began.About TANAKA MIRAI Lab.TANAKA has been advancing a transformation of its overall business toward the year 2085, the 200th anniversary of its founding, with the aim of "creating a future that no one has ever seen before." As part of this initiative, TANAKA launched TANAKA MIRAI Lab., an organization to lead the creation of new paradigms for a better future - from emergence to realization.TANAKA MIRAI Lab.'s mission is to envision an unseen future and realize various possibilities by conducting research derived from "kisho (precious and rare) value."About TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group's consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials Portalhttps://tanaka-preciousmetals.comPress inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/2025821.pdfSource: TANAKA MIRAI Lab.Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. BERLIN, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Success 1.0 (GS1.0), a next-generation cannabis infrastructure company, today announced a strategic partnership with legendary boxer Mike Tyson and U.S.-based powerhouse Tyson 2.0. This collaboration will establish a global infrastructure to support compliant, brand-led cannabis expansion, with a focus on bridging legacy culture with advanced automation, digital integration, and market execution at scale. Green Success 1.0 serves as the backbone for international cannabis operations, enabling the seamless and compliant movement of flower, clones, and branded products through online and traditional markets. In less than a year, the company has already demonstrated its model's effectiveness by exporting over two tons of cannabis through medical channels in less than a year under the Tyson 2.0 brand, proving the speed, precision, and scalability of its model. Following its launch in three new countries in 2025, Green Success 1.0 is now live in Germany, the UK, Australia, and the Czech Republic. The platform delivers a multi-segment strategy-from premium to value tiers-with a growing portfolio of market-leading brands, including Tyson 2.0. "Green Success is disciplined. They know the markets, they understand the people, and they move like champions," said Mike Tyson, Founder of Tyson 2.0. "Europe's ready-and so are we." Yuval Soiref, CEO and Founder of Green Success 1.0, emphasized the company's role as a visionary platform rather than a brand. "We didn't just build a brand-we built the rails," Soiref said. "GS 1.0 is designed to operate in every layer of the business, from the online to wholesale, marketing, and market entry. Our mission is to create the largest A-Z platform for cannabis brands in the world - a system where a brand can plug in and instantly scale across borders with speed, compliance, and precision. With Tyson 2.0 and our other brands now live in multiple markets, this is just the beginning of the takeover." Mike Tyson and Tyson 2.0 expanded their partnership with Green Success to drive the brand's international growth. Tyson further commented, "That's why we're expanding with them. Yuval and his team are building a true global platform-not just for us, but for culture, patients, and legacy cannabis done right." Looking ahead, the partnership will focus on expanding Tyson 2.0 into new recreational and medical markets, launching new product lines like edibles, extracts, and clones, and scaling the homegrower segment through HANF365. About TYSON 2.0 : TYSON 2.0 is a brand founded by the legendary boxer Mike Tyson. The Company entered the cannabis ring in 2021, with a commitment to providing the highest quality products in each market that it entered. While continuing to conquer the global cannabis market, TYSON 2.0 has also expanded into a variety of other consumer product categories, spanning across the US and 16 other countries. In every endeavor, the brand undertakes Mike Tyson's legendary mindset of being the greatest of all time. Whether it's cannabis or beyond, TYSON 2.0 is committed to delivering the goods while cultivating unrivaled experiences. About Green Success 1.0: Green Success 1.0 is a multi-layered global cannabis infrastructure platform built to accelerate brand expansion into regulated markets worldwide. Operating across cultivation partnerships, compliant distribution, telemedicine, e-commerce, and performance marketing, GS 1.0 is creating the most advanced A-Z solution in the industry - uniting online innovation, wholesale efficiency, and cultural precision to dominate every layer of the cannabis value chain. More information is available at www.greensuccess.io . Consumers can learn how to sell a business quickly and fast through IRAEmpire's new and updated guide. LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / IRAEmpire.com has released a new expert guide titled "How to Sell Your Business Fast", designed to help business owners streamline the sale process, attract serious buyers, and close deals quickly-without sacrificing value. The guide offers step-by-step advice for preparing a business for market, identifying qualified buyers, avoiding delays, and negotiating a clean exit. It's built for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and retiring founders who need speed and strategy. Read the full guide now at IRAEmpire.com. What the Fast-Track Guide Covers IRAEmpire's guide goes beyond generic advice, breaking down what actually works when time is tight. Key topics include: How to prepare financials and operations for a quick buyer review What makes a business attractive to fast-moving investors or acquirers Common deal killers-and how to avoid them Fast-track valuation methods and pricing strategies When to use business brokers or online marketplaces "If you're looking to sell your business without getting stuck in a 12-month grind, this guide lays out the playbook," said IRAEmpire.com spokesperson Ryan Paulson. "It's practical, clear, and focused on results." Why Speed Matters Whether due to retirement, burnout, relocation, or personal reasons, many business owners don't have the luxury of waiting months for the perfect buyer. But rushing the process without a strategy can cost owners tens of thousands-or more. IRAEmpire's guide helps sellers move quickly without cutting corners. Access the Free Business Selling Guide Here. About IRAEmpire.com IRAEmpire.com is a trusted, independent resource for wealth-builders, retirement investors, and entrepreneurs. While known for its coverage of Gold IRAs and alternative investments, the site also offers deep guidance on selling small businesses, succession planning, and exit strategies. IRAEmpire helps readers protect and transition their wealth with confidence. Media Contact: Ryan Paulson ryan@iraempire.com SOURCE: IRAEmpire LLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/how-to-sell-your-business-fast-guide-released-by-iraempire-1055500 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Apex Critical Metals Corp. (CSE:APXC)(OTCQX:APXCF)(FWB:KL9) ("Apex" or the "Company"), an exploration company focused on strategic critical metals, is pleased to announce that it has extended its investor relations agreement with Rumble Strip Media Inc. ("Rumble") to enhance its investor awareness. Pursuant to the agreement, Rumble will provide certain social media, marketing and consulting services to Apex. In consideration, Apex will pay CAD$1,000,000 to Rumble, with CAD$250,000 to be paid upfront. The extension commences August 20, 2025, for a three-month term ending November 20, 2025. The services to be provided by Rumble constitutes investor relations activities within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Rumble and its principals are arm's length to the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, Rumble does not own, control, or direct any securities of the Company. About Apex Critical Metals Corp. Apex Critical Metals Corp.is a Canadian exploration company specializing in the acquisition and development of properties prospective for carbonatites and alkaline rocks with potential to host economic concentrations of rare earth elements (REE's), niobium, gold and copper mineralization. Apex's Cap property located 85 kilometres northeast of Prince George, B.C., spans 25 square kilometres and hosts a recently identified promising 1.8-kilometre niobium trend. The Company's Bianco carbonatite project encompasses 3,735 hectares covering a large carbonatite complex within an area known for significant niobium mineralization in northwestern Ontario. Carbonatites are extremely rare rock types, with fewer than 600 known worldwide. They are host to rare earth element ("REE") minerals, niobium, tantalum and phosphate, as well as copper and gold. Carbonatites are host to the world's largest and most productive niobium deposits, including Araxa and Catalao in Brazil, and Niobec in Quebec. In addition, they are the primary source of REEs, including Mountain Pass in California, Mount Weld in Australia, and Bayan Obo in China. They are also important sources of phosphate (apatite), including Cargill, Ontario, while the Palabora mine in South Africa has produced copper, nickel, gold, magnetite, and vermiculite. Other carbonatites are known to have produced gold, iron, zirconium, fluorite, and other industrial minerals. By acquiring a multitude of carbonatite projects, Apex Critical intends to investigate potential high-value opportunities to meet the growing global demand of specialty metals across various industries. Apex Critical is publicly listed in Canada on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol APXC, in the United States on the OTCQX market under the symbol APXCF, and in Germany on the Borse Frankfurt under the symbol KL9 and/or WKN: A40CCQ. Find out more at www.apexcriticalmetals.com where you can subscribe for News Alerts, watch our Video, or follow us on Facebook, X.com or LinkedIn. On Behalf of the Board of Directors APEX CRITICAL METALS CORP., --Sean Charland-- Sean Charland Chief Executive Officer Tel: 604.681.1568 Email: info@apexcriticalmetals.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the services that Rumble Media will provide to the Company under the investor relations agreement, as extended, and statements regarding the Company's intention to investigate the high-value systems within carbonatite-hosted projects . Forward-looking statements are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company. 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. 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. SOURCE: Apex Critical Metals Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/apex-critical-metals-announces-extension-to-agreement-with-rumble-strip-media-inc-1064009 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Restart Life Sciences Corp. (CSE: HEAL) (FSE: HN30) (OTC Pink: NMLSF) ("Restart Life" or the "Company") today announced that it has elected to cancel its previously planned LIFE financing, originally announced on July 8, 2025. The decision follows a review of evolving priorities and market opportunities. While the LIFE structure remains a useful tool, policy restrictions limit flexibility. With new opportunities under discussion, management believes it is in the best interest of shareholders to maintain optionality and pursue financing structures better aligned with these opportunities. Updates will be provided as developments progress. Strategic Rationale Restart Life remains committed to advancing a pipeline of consumer and brain health brands. Management believes capital should be structured to maximize flexibility, particularly for partnerships, joint ventures, and other collaborations. With additional financing options available, the Company intends to pursue structures that best support these objectives while maintaining a healthy capital base. Operational Update The Company continues to advance the development and launch of its wholly owned and joint-venture brands, focused on brain health, functional foods, and nutritional innovation. These brands target a fast-growing health and wellness segment, with work underway on regulatory, commercial, and market readiness. Further updates will be provided as milestones are met. Research & Development In parallel, Restart Life is exploring studies to support credibility, guide product development, and strengthen competitive positioning. These efforts aim to provide a foundation for long-term market success. Positioning for Growth Management remains focused on disciplined execution, balancing product launches with validation and global expansion. The goal is sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value by combining innovative consumer offerings with a strong research base. Management Commentary "We are entering a pivotal stage for Restart Life, with a number of exciting opportunities now within reach," said Steve Loutskou, CEO of Restart Life Sciences Corp. "Our strategy is clear: pursue the right partnerships, opportunities, and financing structures that support sustainable growth while maintaining a healthy capital structure. Building a foundation for long-term success takes time, but we are confident in our ability to execute and deliver lasting value for our shareholders." Restart Life Sciences thanks its shareholders for their continued support and remains committed to delivering impactful health and wellness solutions through innovation and quality. About Restart Life Sciences Corp. Restart Life Sciences Corp. is a Canadian-based life sciences company listed on the CSE. For more information about Restart Life, please visit the Company's website at www.restartlife.co. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Restart Life Sciences' actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such 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. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263399 SOURCE: Restart Life Sciences Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Golcap Resources Corp. (CSE: GCP) (the "Company" or "Golcap") is pleased to announce it has granted options to Officers and Consultants a total of 440,000 stock options, exercisable at $0.15 for a period of 2 years, with various vesting periods. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263407 SOURCE: Golcap Resources Corp. Cool Company Ltd. (NYSE: CLCO CLCO.OL, "CoolCo" or the "Company") will host a First Half 2025 Earnings call and webcast presentation on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 8:00 A.M. New York 2:00 P.M. Oslo 1:00 P.M. London. The presentation will be available to download from the Presentations and Webcasts subsection of the Investors section of the Company's website at www.coolcoltd.com. We recommend that participants join the conference call via the listen-only live webcast link provided. Sell-side analysts interested in raising a question during the Q&A session that will immediately follow the presentation should access the event via the teleconference dial-in options listed below. We recommend connecting 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Information on how to ask questions will be given at the beginning of the Q&A session. There will be a limit of two questions per participant. a. Listen-only live webcast link Go to the Investors News Presentations and Webcasts section at www.coolcoltd.com and click on the "Webcast" link. b. Teleconference Conference call participants who wish to raise a question during the Q&A session should join the teleconference by phone using one of the following options and conference ID 7960822: North America +1 (800) 715-9871 International +1 (646) 307-1963 Please download the presentation material from www.coolcoltd.com (Investors News Presentations and Webcasts) to view it while listening to the conference. If you are not able to listen at the time of the call, you can access a replay of the event audio on www.coolcoltd.com (Investors News Presentations and Webcasts) (on-demand link is available for one year). This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Regulation EU 596/2014 (MAR) article 19 number 3 and Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250821053396/en/ Contacts: For further information, please contact: c/o Cool Company Ltd +44 207 659 1111 ir@coolcoltd.com Richard Tyrrell Chief Executive Officer John Boots Chief Financial Officer New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, announces an industry overview examining key web development company trends projected to influence digital strategies in 2025. The release compiles verified research on AI integration, accessibility standards and user-centric performance benchmarks. Digital Silk Highlights 2025 Trends Shaping Web Development Companies To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10732/263339_544a065dd40e68d8_001full.jpg AI in Web Development Workflows According to a 2024 McKinsey report, companies integrating AI into development may reduce production timelines by up to 40% as tools streamline coding and design tasks (McKinsey). This shift is prompting web development companies to balance efficiency with governance frameworks for accuracy and security. Accessibility and Compliance Remain Priorities UsableNet's 2024 Digital Accessibility Lawsuit Report found that over 4,000 ADA-related lawsuits were filed against digital properties in 2024, particularly targeting e-commerce and consumer services. This underscores the importance of accessibility-ready builds as compliance requirements continue to expand for companies updating or creating digital platforms. User Experience and Performance Benchmarks A study published by Think with Google found that more than 50% of mobile users abandon a site if it takes longer than three seconds to load. This highlights continued demand for responsive, fast and user-focused designs across devices. Editorial Team Perspective "The findings point to where web development companies may need to direct attention in 2025-balancing innovation with compliance and performance," said Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO of Digital Silk. "The data reinforces the importance of building websites that are efficient, accessible and aligned to user expectations." About Digital Silk Digital Silk is an award-winning New York Web Development Company, focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk 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/263339 SOURCE: Digital Silk Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Pacifica Silver Corp. (CSE: PSIL) ("Pacifica Silver Corp" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of the first tranche of its previously announced C$10 million non-brokered private placement financing by issuing 19.1 million units of the Company ("Units") at a price of C$0.50 per Unit (the "Offering") for aggregate proceeds of C$9.55 million. Participants in the first tranche included Vizsla Silver Corp.; First Majestic Silver Corp.; Silvercorp Metals Inc.; and 2176423 Ontario Ltd., a corporation beneficially owned by Eric Sprott. "We are grateful for the overwhelming support we have received for this financing and are thrilled to welcome several prominent silver mining companies and renowned investor Eric Sprott as new shareholders," stated Todd Anthony, President and CEO of Pacifica Silver. "We deeply value the trust that our new and existing shareholders have placed in our team's vision and expertise. With this support, we are eager to launch an initial +8,000-metre drill program at our Claudia Project in Mexico this fall, aimed at unlocking its vast potential." Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company ("Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase an additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.80 for a period of 36 months following the closing of the Offering. The Units under the first tranche of the Offering will be subject to restrictions on resale until December 22, 2025. The proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for upcoming exploration and drill work at the Claudia Project located in Durango, Mexico, as well as general working capital. No finders' fees were paid under the Offering. The Company expects the second tranche of the Offering to close on or about August 29, 2025. Three insiders subscribed for 450,000 Units for gross proceeds of $225,000 and such participation will be considered a "related-party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects to be exempt from the requirement to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval in connection with the three insiders participation in the Offering in reliance of Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, on the basis that their participation in the Offering did not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization. About Pacifica Silver Corp. Pacifica Silver Corp. a Canadian resource company led by a proven management team with decades of mining and exploration experience in Mexico. The company is focused on its 100% owned Claudia Project located in Durango, Mexico. Spanning 11,876 hectares, the Project encompasses most of the historic El Papanton Mining District where at least nine small mines operated throughout the 20th century. Since 1990, sampling and drilling within have returned high-grade silver and gold intercepts across multiple vein systems, with only 10% of over 30 kilometres of known veins having been drilled. Today, the project is a prime target for modern exploration and holds exceptional potential for new high-grade discoveries. The Company also holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Janampalla Property located in the Huancavalica Province of Central Peru. Pacifica is focused on continuing exploration work that has indicated widespread, high-grade copper-gold mineralization hosted within Manto style veins and disseminations. Signed, Todd Anthony President and CEO Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Project, use of proceeds of the Offering, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals and the potential size of the mineralized zone. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur. 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. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold and silver; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. 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. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, the ongoing war in the Ukraine, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, available on www.sedar.com. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263432 SOURCE: Pacifica Silver Corp. "Freedom Jet" Integration Marks the Second Key Collaboration Between SNC and Red 6 Announced this Quarter RENO, Nev., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SNC, the global aerospace and national security company, and Red 6 today announced their collaboration to integrate Red 6's Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) technology into SNC's proposed solution for the U.S. Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program, the Freedom Jet. The Freedom Family of Training Systems integration will bring market-leading augmented reality training capabilities to the new SNC Advanced jet trainer, designed to replace the aging T-45 Goshawk fleet. ATARS, the first ever outdoor airborne augmented reality training system, creates synthetic worlds that deliver threat-relevant, near-peer-level training scenarios at speed and scale. It affordably increases safety, eases airspace limitations, enables next-generation collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) training and provides significant environmental benefits. ATARS will improve training outcomes for the UJTS programs at lower life cycle cost. ATARS has successfully demonstrated its capabilities with the U.S. Air Force (USAF), the Royal Air Force and numerous other partnerships. Under this collaboration, Red 6's ATARS system will be integrated into the Freedom Trainer Jet, potentially providing Navy and Marine Corps pilots with unprecedented training capability that bridges the gap between basic flight training and advanced tactical operations. The system enables pilots to see and interact with virtual threats, targets and other aircraft through helmet-mounted displays while conducting actual flight operations. "We are absolutely thrilled to be supporting SNC's endeavor in this critical effort for the U.S. Navy," said Daniel Robinson, CEO and Co-founder of Red 6. "The Navy's UJTS program represents a pivotal moment in naval aviation training, and we're honored to contribute what we believe to be the best solution to the world's military flight training crisis. This collaboration offers the U.S. Navy a singular opportunity to fundamentally transform how they train their pilots." This partnership builds upon an already successful track record between these two companies, most recently with SNC supporting Red 6 on its multi-MAJCOM Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) contract with the USAF to develop comprehensive airworthiness testing and evaluation plans. "Red 6 has proven to be a fantastic partner and a game-changing solution for the Air Force, consistently demonstrating the transformative power of its augmented reality training technology," said SNC Senior Vice President of Strategy Ray Fitzgerald. "The company's proven track record of success, combined with its innovative approach to synthetic training, made it the natural choice for integration into our Navy-focused trainer. This partnership represents exactly the kind of innovative thinking the Navy needs to revolutionize pilot training for the 21st century and beyond." The UJTS program seeks to procure a minimum of 200 aircraft to replace the Navy's T-45 Goshawk trainers, with the service emphasizing the need for advanced training capabilities that can prepare pilots for modern operational challenges. The integration of ATARS technology into SNC's Freedom Jet platform demonstrates both companies' commitment to delivering next-generation training solutions that enhance operational readiness. About SNC SNC is a trusted global leader in aerospace and national security. Our innovative solutions enable connected protection through command, control and communications systems, as well as ISR, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum management, and other high capabilities for national security systems across all domains - sea, land, air, space and cyber. As a longstanding leader in defense technology, SNC is at the optimum intersection of commercial, defense and non-traditional contractors. We are one of the only privately owned mid-tier A&D contractors and we pride ourselves on our ability to invest early and often to ensure mission success on or ahead of schedule. It's part of our mission to always stay one step ahead; working on solutions today to solve the problems of tomorrow. Founded in 1963, SNC is owned by Chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen. About Red 6 Red 6 is a hardware-enabled software company solving the worldwide military flight training crisis through the creation of completely realistic synthetic training experiences, delivered outdoors. The company's ATARS platform creates virtual outdoor worlds that deliver threat-relevant, near-peer level training scenarios at speed and scale-affordably increasing safety, easing airspace limitations, enabling next-generation collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) training and providing significant environmental benefits. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2720434/snc_6_logos.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/snc-and-red-6-announce-strategic-partnership-to-support-us-navys-undergraduate-jet-training-system-ujts-program-302526785.html 173,562 Silver Equivalent Ounces Sold During Second Quarter of Commercial Production Revenues of US$5.4 Million in Q2 2025, Gross Profit of US$1.3 Million C$19.5 Million Private Placement Closed Following Quarter-End Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. (TSXV: SM) (OTCQX: SMDRF) ("Sierra Madre" or the "Company") is pleased to provide financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 ("Q2 2025"). Unless otherwise noted, all amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars. The Company will participate in a webinar to discuss the financial results on Monday, August 25 at 2pm ET. Registration details below. Alex Langer, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very happy with the results of only our second quarter of commercial operations at La Guitarra silver-gold mine complex in Mexico. The second quarter generated revenues of $5.4 million and a gross profit of $1.3 million, with both numbers showing growth over Q1 2025, despite Q2 2025 production being impacted by an earlier-than-usual onset of seasonal heavy rains in May, which resulted in power outages with correlating plant downtime. Our operating team remains focused on fine-tuning the mining and milling processes at the site, while ramping up the higher-grade Coloso mining centre where dewatering and underground development are underway. We expect grades to increase into the second half of 2025 from development work underway at both the Guitarra and Coloso mines." Mr. Langer continued, "Following quarter-end, we also closed a C$19.5 million financing supported by high-quality institutional shareholders. We are planning to deploy these funds in part to purchase additional equipment and implement improvements at the mine to reduce costs and increase production grades and volumes in the near-term. We are also finalizing plans for a plant expansion to increase capacity up from the current 500 t/d run rate, and preparing for a significant exploration program at the East District concessions, which will include a drill program of over 20,000 metres. On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank our existing shareholders for their continued confidence and support and welcome our new shareholders who participated in this financing. Your commitment strengthens our ability to advance our strategic goals, and we look forward to continuing to build value for all stakeholders." Q2 2025 Highlights Net Revenues : Silver revenues for the quarter totalled $2.18 million ($33.20 per ounce) and gold revenues totalled $3.59 million ($3,271 per ounce). : Silver revenues for the quarter totalled $2.18 million ($33.20 per ounce) and gold revenues totalled $3.59 million ($3,271 per ounce). Net revenues for Q2 2025 increased by 10.7% to $5.36 million or $30.87 per AgEq ounce sold as compared to $4.84 million or $29.32 per AgEq ounce in the quarter ended March 31, 2025 (" Q1 2025 "). "). Sales : In Q2, the Company sold 65,683 ounces of silver (" Ag ") and 1,096 ounces of gold (" Au ") or 173,562 silver equivalent (" AgEq ") ounces, Q1 2025 sales totalled 75,137 ounces of Ag and 1,022 ounces of Au or 165,093 AgEq ounces, based on the ratio of Au and Ag prices realized for each shipment in the period. : In Q2, the Company sold 65,683 ounces of silver (" ") and 1,096 ounces of gold (" ") or 173,562 silver equivalent (" ") ounces, Q1 2025 sales totalled 75,137 ounces of Ag and 1,022 ounces of Au or 165,093 AgEq ounces, based on the ratio of Au and Ag prices realized for each shipment in the period. Cost of sales was $4.07 million for Q2 2025, or approximately $23.45 per AgEq ounce sold as compared to $3.60 million, or $21.84 per AgEq ounce sold for Q1 2025. was $4.07 million for Q2 2025, or approximately $23.45 per AgEq ounce sold as compared to $3.60 million, or $21.84 per AgEq ounce sold for Q1 2025. Site-Level Cost Impacts : In Q2 2025, production unit costs were impacted by the effects of an early onset of the Mexico rainy season and related power outages on production volumes, wage increases, increased depreciation and depletion compared to Q1 2025 due to a higher proportion of in-resource mineralized material mined and the resulting units-of-production depletion as well as depreciation of mining interests and equipment. The Company is currently evaluating power generation options and hopes to have power redundancies available for the start of the next rainy season in Q2 2026. : In Q2 2025, production unit costs were impacted by the effects of an early onset of the Mexico rainy season and related power outages on production volumes, wage increases, increased depreciation and depletion compared to Q1 2025 due to a higher proportion of in-resource mineralized material mined and the resulting units-of-production depletion as well as depreciation of mining interests and equipment. The Company is currently evaluating power generation options and hopes to have power redundancies available for the start of the next rainy season in Q2 2026. In Q2 2025, costs also increased when compared to Q1 2025 due to increased rental costs and the impact of the strengthening of the Mexican Peso vs the U.S. dollar on Peso-denominated mining costs. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 37.5% to $1.46 million for Q2 2025, compared to $1.07 million for Q1 2025. increased by 37.5% to $1.46 million for Q2 2025, compared to $1.07 million for Q1 2025. All-in-sustaining costs per AgEq ounce sold of $30.10 per ounce, compared to $28.98 in Q1 2025. per AgEq ounce sold of $30.10 per ounce, compared to $28.98 in Q1 2025. Gross Profit was $1.29 million for Q2 2025 ($1.23 million in Q1 2025). was $1.29 million for Q2 2025 ($1.23 million in Q1 2025). Cash provided by operating activities was $1.00 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 (" H1 2025 ") and includes $535,000 generated in Q1 2025. was $1.00 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 (" ") and includes $535,000 generated in Q1 2025. Current assets , including cash, totaled $5.93 million at June 30, 2025 ($4.33 million at March 31, 2025). , including cash, totaled $5.93 million at June 30, 2025 ($4.33 million at March 31, 2025). Closed C$19.5M Private Placement: On July 24 , and July 31, 2025 , the Company closed the first and second tranches, respectively, of a C$19.5 million brokered private placement. On , and , the Company closed the first and second tranches, respectively, of a C$19.5 million brokered private placement. First Majestic Loan Extension: On May 30, 2025, the Company and First Majestic Silver Corp. agreed to extend the $5 million senior secured project financing loan for an additional twelve months to mature on May 8, 2027. All other terms of the agreement remain unchanged. Additional Operational Details Mine Operations : Milled 41,235 tonnes of material, with silver recoveries averaging 76.62% and gold recoveries averaging 77.95%. : Milled 41,235 tonnes of material, with silver recoveries averaging 76.62% and gold recoveries averaging 77.95%. In Q1 2025, the Company milled 39,167 tonnes of material, silver recoveries averaged 79.21% while gold recoveries averaged 78.77%. Production : Produced 66,011 ounces of silver and 1,048 ounces of gold (vs. production of 70,176 ounces of silver and 1,001 ounces of gold in Q1 2025). : Produced 66,011 ounces of silver and 1,048 ounces of gold (vs. production of 70,176 ounces of silver and 1,001 ounces of gold in Q1 2025). Concentrate Deliveries : Completed deliveries totalling 780 dry metric tonnes of silver/gold concentrates (871 dry metric tonnes delivered in Q1 2025). : Completed deliveries totalling 780 dry metric tonnes of silver/gold concentrates (871 dry metric tonnes delivered in Q1 2025). Coloso Mining : At the end of Q1 2025, Sierra Madre made the decision to re-start production at the Coloso underground mine and subsequently, on April 29 2025 , announced the start of mining at Coloso within the Guitarra Complex with the first stope being brought into production. The estimated resource grades at Coloso are significantly higher in both silver and gold compared to the Guitarra mine veins. : At the end of Q1 2025, Sierra Madre made the decision to re-start production at the Coloso underground mine and subsequently, on , announced the start of mining at Coloso within the Guitarra Complex with the first stope being brought into production. The estimated resource grades at Coloso are significantly higher in both silver and gold compared to the Guitarra mine veins. In Q2 2025, Coloso produced 649 tonnes of mineralized material, which was below the mine plan expectations due to production sequencing and a focus on development, based on the decision to allocate resources to bring additional stopes into production. Additional production areas would allow the Company to smooth out the production profile and improve efficiencies. In July 2025, the additional production areas allowed Coloso to generate 576 tonnes in a marked improvement over the previous months. Equipment Purchases : In H1 2025, spent $764,000 to acquire mining and mobile equipment and refurbish underground equipment (including $378,000 spent in Q1 2025). : In H1 2025, spent $764,000 to acquire mining and mobile equipment and refurbish underground equipment (including $378,000 spent in Q1 2025). Development : $113,000 spent on mine development in H1 2025. : $113,000 spent on mine development in H1 2025. Exploration: spent $362,000 on exploration and evaluation activities in H1 2025, which includes capitalized concession fees. Outlook The Company anticipates improved head grades of the mineralized material in the second half of 2025, resulting in increased production and a decrease in mining costs on a per-ounce basis going forward, with Coloso production and reductions in equipment rentals expected to be the key drivers of these improvements. The improved head grades are anticipated as we continue to complete development work and de-watering to access the higher-grade stopes in the Guitarra and Coloso mines. Quarterly Financial Overview Selected financial information set out below is based on and derives from the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Company for each of the quarters listed, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as applicable to quarterly reporting: Jun. 30, 2025 (Q2) ($) Mar. 31, 2025 (Q1) ($) Dec. 31, 2024 (Q4) ($) Sep. 30, 2024 (Q3) ($) Jun. 30, 2024 (Q2) ($) Mar. 31, 2024 (Q1) ($) Dec 31, 2023 (Q4) ($) Sep. 30, 2023 (Q3) ($) Revenues 5,357,415 4,841,242 3,938,323 2,535,617 - - - - Gross profit 1,288,214 1,230,723 1,111,948 248,031 - - - - Care and maintenance expenses - - - - 349,401 553,693 657,197 794,937 Foreign exchange loss (gain) 56,879 (64,065) (175,608) 52,302 (207,388) 48,921 168,091 242,452 Interest expense 220,813 199,845 191,469 55,250 28,350 - - - Impairment - - - - - - 2,906,681 - Income (loss) for the quarter 276,160 335,875 (37,936) (947,092) (1,885,874) (1,204,826) (4,695,897) (1,840,393) Total assets 37,714,506 36,182,560 34,891,015 34,479,382 33,931,187 30,226,383 30,478,627 39,672,959 Total non-current liabilities 8,817,414 8,710,461 8,431,885 8,249,918 7,929,490 2,935,772 2,949,152 8,093,548 Income (loss) per share - basic and diluted 0.00 0.00 (0.00) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.03) (0.01) Weighted average number of shares - basic - diluted 154,225,345 155,576,337 153,942,993 154,295,653 153,942,993 153,942,993 152,869,623 152,869,623 152,692,993 152,692,993 149,827,944 149,827,944 146,504,261 146,504,261 143,998,401 143,998,401 WEBINAR REGISTRATION The Company will participate in a webinar on August 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET hosted by Adelaide Capital, reviewing Sierra Madre's Q2 2025 results, including key operating and financial highlights and mine development updates. Questions can be submitted during the session or in advance to deborah@adcap.ca. Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wMse8zEUTuaoHxmQQvYdLw#/registration A replay will be made available on the Adelaide Capital YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Jpt_DWjF1qSCzfKlpLMWw. This news release should be read in conjunction with the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 and associated Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"), both are available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.sierramadregoldandsilver.com). AgEq ounces produced have been determined using a ratio of 97.86 Au:Ag for Q2 2025 and 88.96 for Q1 2025. AgEq ounces sold have been determined using the actual silver and gold prices obtained during the quarter. The determined ratio used was 98.43 Au:Ag for Q2 2025 and 88.20 for Q1 2025. The Company reports non-GAAP measures, which include Cash Cost of Production per Tonne, Cash Cost per AgEq ounce sold, All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per AgEq ounce sold and Average Realized Price per AgEq ounce sold and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of the Company's Q2 2025 MD&A for definitions and reconciliations to GAAP measures. Qualified Person Mr. Gregory Smith, P. Geo, Director of Sierra Madre, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical data and information contained in this news release. Mr. Smith has verified the technical and scientific data disclosed herein. About Sierra Madre Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. (TSXV: SM) (OTCQX: SMDRF) is a precious metals development and exploration company focused on the Guitarra mine in the Temascaltepec mining district, Mexico, and the exploration and development of its Tepic property in Nayarit, Mexico. The Guitarra mine is a permitted underground mine, which includes a 500 t/d processing facility that operated until mid-2018 and restarted commercial production in January 2025. The +2,600 ha Tepic Project hosts low-sulphidation epithermal gold and silver mineralization with an existing historic resource. Sierra Madre's management team has played key roles in managing the exploration and development of silver and gold mineral reserves and mineral resources. Sierra Madre's team of professionals has collectively raised over $1 billion for mining companies. Cautionary Note Regarding Production Decisions The Company's decision to place the mine into commercial production, expand a mine, make other production related decisions, or otherwise carry out mining and processing operations, is largely based on internal non-public Company data and reports from previous operations and the results of test mining and processing. The Company is not basing any production decisions on NI 43-101 compliant reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments or feasibility studies and, as a result, there is greater risk and uncertainty as to future economic results from the Guitarra Mine Complex, including increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit, and a higher technical risk of failure than would be the case if a feasibility study were completed and relied upon to make a production decision. Cautionary Note Regarding 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) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, including the expected timing of concentrate shipments; the Company increasing production; the Company receiving revenues on a weekly basis and such revenues allowing the Company to comfortably expand to without further capital needs; production and the expected timing and production levels thereof. The 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, that predicted production levels will be achieved and that existing production levels will be maintained. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied certain material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will be able to execute its future plans as intended, that predicted production levels will be achieved and that existing production levels will be maintained. Although management of the Company has attempted 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. SOURCE: Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263330 SOURCE: Sierra Madre Gold & Silver The uveal melanoma market is small but strategically important, driven by significant unmet medical needs, few available treatments, and growing innovation. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies, especially those focused on GNAQ/GNA11 mutations and overcoming immune resistance, are seeing increased interest, although outcomes in advanced stages remain limited. Advances in prognostic tools that integrate histopathologic, molecular, and patient-specific markers are enhancing risk stratification, but a universally accepted standard is still lacking. LAS VEGAS, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Uveal Melanoma Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, uveal melanoma emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into 7MM [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Key Takeaways from the Uveal Melanoma Market Report According to DelveInsight's analysis, the market size for uveal melanoma in the 7MM is expected to grow significantly by 2034. The United States accounted for the highest uveal melanoma treatment market size in 7MM in 2024, in comparison to the other major markets, i.e., EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan. Uveal melanoma is a rare cancer with an age-adjusted incidence of approximately 5 per million , affecting around 2,500 individuals annually in the US. Despite its low incidence, it is clinically significant due to its high risk of metastasis and limited treatment options in advanced stages. , affecting around individuals annually in the US. Despite its low incidence, it is clinically significant due to its high risk of metastasis and limited treatment options in advanced stages. Up to 50% of individuals with uveal melanoma eventually develop metastatic disease. Metastases typically emerge within a median of three to five years following treatment of the primary tumor, and treatment at this stage is generally given with palliative intent. of individuals with uveal melanoma eventually develop metastatic disease. Metastases typically emerge within a median of three to five years following treatment of the primary tumor, and treatment at this stage is generally given with palliative intent. Leading uveal melanoma companies developing emerging therapies, such as Aura Biosciences, IDEAYA Biosciences, Replimune, Linnaeus Therapeutics, Novartis, TriSalus Life Sciences, and others, are developing new uveal melanoma treatment drugs that can be available in the uveal melanoma market in the coming years. and others, are developing new uveal melanoma treatment drugs that can be available in the uveal melanoma market in the coming years. The promising uveal melanoma therapies in the pipeline include Belzupacap sarotalocan, Darovasertib, RP2, LNS8801, DYP688, Nelitolimod, and others. Discover the uveal melanoma new treatment @ New Treatments for Uveal Melanoma Uveal Melanoma Market Dynamics The uveal melanoma market dynamics are expected to change in the coming years. With the increasing incidence and high unmet need in uveal melanoma, particularly in metastatic settings where complex and personalized therapies are gaining focus, the limited treatment options create a strong opportunity for new therapies to enter and boost the market, supported further by active efforts from organizations to raise awareness and provide a clinical trial patient pool. As potential therapies are being investigated for the treatment of uveal melanoma, it is safe to predict that the treatment space will significantly impact the uveal melanoma market during the forecast period. Moreover, the anticipated introduction of emerging therapies with improved efficacy and a further improvement in the diagnosis rate are expected to drive the growth of the uveal melanoma market in the 7MM. However, several factors may impede the growth of the uveal melanoma market. To date, there is no efficient therapeutic algorithm for controlling metastatic uveal melanoma, which is responsible for a rapid fatal outcome in nearly 50% of patients; while immunotherapy agents such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, effective in cutaneous melanoma, have shown limited efficacy in uveal melanoma due to its distinct genetics, unique disease progression, and complex immune interactions, the currently approved therapies not only impose a significant cost burden on patients but also remain under post-marketing surveillance, with the risk of regulatory withdrawal if unforeseen adverse outcomes emerge in real-world use. Moreover, uveal melanoma treatment poses a significant economic burden and disrupts patients' overall well-being and QOL. Furthermore, the uveal melanoma market growth may be offset by failures and discontinuation of emerging therapies, unaffordable pricing, market access and reimbursement issues, and a shortage of healthcare specialists. In addition, the undiagnosed, unreported cases and the unawareness about the disease may also impact the uveal melanoma market growth. Uveal Melanoma Treatment Market The management of uveal melanoma is individualized based on factors such as tumor size, location, and the patient's potential for preserving vision, with surgery continuing to play a central role. Surgical approaches include local tumor resection, enucleation, and, in more advanced cases, exenteration. Enucleation is generally performed for large tumors or when there is no possibility of saving vision, while exenteration is reserved for cases with significant local invasion. Radiation therapy is commonly used either as an alternative or in conjunction with surgery. This may involve external beam techniques, such as charged-particle therapy or Gamma Knife radiosurgery, or internal approaches, most often plaque brachytherapy, which delivers focused radiation through a radioactive disc placed on the eye's outer surface. Less frequently, thermal methods like photocoagulation and thermotherapy are used, especially for smaller tumors, to damage cancer cells by cutting off their blood supply or applying heat. In certain scenarios, particularly with small or uncertain lesions, clinicians may opt for active surveillance, especially when the tumor affects the patient's only seeing eye. Treatment decisions aim to strike a balance between controlling the tumor, preserving vision, and maintaining quality of life. KIMMTRAK represents a notable advancement in treating metastatic uveal melanoma, offering a proven survival benefit over traditional options. However, its effectiveness is restricted to patients with the HLA-A*02:01 genotype, limiting its use to a specific genetic group. This limitation highlights a key challenge in current immunotherapies and emphasizes the pressing need for broader treatment strategies that can address the genetic diversity of the uveal melanoma population. To know more about uveal melanoma treatment options, visit @ Approved Uveal Melanoma Drugs Uveal Melanoma Pipeline Therapies and Key Companies The pipeline for uveal melanoma is growing, with several key players, including Aura Biosciences (belzupacap sarotalocan), IDEAYA Biosciences (darovasertib), Replimune (RP2), Linnaeus Therapeutics (LNS8801), Novartis (DYP688), and others in clinical development. Darovasertib is a highly selective and potent inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC) currently in development for the treatment of both primary and metastatic uveal melanoma. It has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the US FDA for use as a neoadjuvant therapy in patients with primary uveal melanoma for whom enucleation is advised. Additionally, it has received Fast Track designation for use in combination with crizotinib in adults with metastatic uveal melanoma. A Phase II/III registration-enabling trial evaluating this combination as a first-line treatment for HLA-A2-negative metastatic uveal melanoma is ongoing. Darovasertib also holds Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for uveal melanoma, including its metastatic form. In April 2025, IDEAYA Biosciences reported a successful FDA Type D meeting regarding the Phase III registrational trial for darovasertib as a neoadjuvant therapy in primary uveal melanoma, paving the way for potential regulatory approval. The company plans to launch this randomized Phase III trial in the first half of 2025. In March 2025, the FDA granted BTD to darovasertib as a potential first-in-class PKC inhibitor for adults with primary uveal melanoma where enucleation is recommended. DYP688 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), consisting of an antibody linked to a cytotoxic agent. The antibody targets PMEL17, a protein found on GNAQ/11-mutated melanoma cells. Upon binding to PMEL17, DYP688 facilitates the delivery of the anticancer drug to the tumor cells. In May 2025, Novartis presented early clinical data from the first-in-human study of DYP688 in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma and other GNAQ/11-mutant melanomas. RP2, developed by Replimune, is an advanced oncolytic virus therapy based on RP1, their lead candidate derived from a novel strain of herpes simplex virus. RP2 is engineered to express GM-CSF and a fusogenic protein (GALV-GP-R) to enhance tumor cell destruction and stimulate systemic anti-tumor immunity. In addition to these components, RP2 also expresses a molecule resembling an anti-CTLA-4 antibody. This design enables focused delivery of these immunomodulatory proteins to tumors and nearby lymph nodes, aiming to boost immune response at the tumor site while minimizing systemic toxicity. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the uveal melanoma market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the uveal melanoma market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. Discover more about uveal melanoma marketed and pipeline drugs @ Uveal Melanoma Clinical Trials Recent Developments in the Uveal Melanoma Market In May 2025, Novartis announced presentation of results from the first-in-human study of DYP688 in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma and other GNAQ/11 mutant melanomas. announced presentation of results from the first-in-human study of DYP688 in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma and other GNAQ/11 mutant melanomas. In April 2025, IDEAYA Biosciences announced a successful FDA Type D meeting on the Phase III registrational trial design that will assess the safety and efficacy of darovasertib for potential regulatory approval as neoadjuvant therapy for primary uveal melanoma. IDEAYA is targeting to initiate the Phase III randomized clinical trial evaluating neoadjuvant darovasertib in primary uveal melanoma in the first half of 2025. Uveal Melanoma Overview Uveal melanoma is a rare yet aggressive form of cancer and represents the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, making up around 83% of all ocular melanomas. It originates from melanocytes in the uveal tract of the eye, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, with nearly 90% of cases arising in the choroid. Typically affecting one eye and diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70, uveal melanoma is biologically and clinically distinct from cutaneous melanoma, despite both stemming from melanocytes. Unlike cutaneous melanoma, it is generally not linked to ultraviolet radiation and is most often driven by mutations in GNAQ and GNA11, rather than BRAF or NRAS mutations. Uveal melanoma is characterized by a unique molecular profile, a specific pattern of metastatic spread, and limited treatment options once metastasis occurs. Advances in diagnostic imaging and the specialized expertise of ocular oncologists have greatly improved detection. Common diagnostic tools include ocular ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, and fluorescein angiography. In more complex cases, particularly to rule out metastasis, a fine needle aspiration biopsy may be necessary, although this procedure carries risks such as retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Smaller choroidal lesions that may resemble benign nevi are often monitored rather than treated immediately, as distinguishing them from early melanomas can be challenging, and malignant transformation is relatively rare. Prognosis is further refined through molecular and cytogenetic analysis, with key indicators including BAP1 loss (often associated with monosomy 3), chromosome 8q gains, and epithelioid cell morphology-factors linked to higher metastatic risk, immune evasion, and poorer survival outcomes. Tumor size and histological features also contribute to risk evaluation, with larger, thicker tumors and epithelioid cell types indicating more aggressive behavior. Consequently, molecular profiling is essential for determining surveillance intensity and shaping therapeutic strategies after local disease control. Uveal Melanoma Epidemiology Segmentation The uveal melanoma epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current uveal melanoma patient pool and forecasted trends for the 7MM. It helps recognize the causes of current and forecasted patient trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders. The uveal melanoma market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2020-2034 in the 7MM, segmented into: Total Incident Cases of Uveal Melanoma Site-specific Incident Cases of Uveal Melanoma Stage-specific Incident Cases of Uveal Melanoma Mutation-specific Incident Cases of Uveal Melanoma Total Treated Cases of Uveal Melanoma Uveal Melanoma Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 2020-2034 Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Key Uveal Melanoma Companies Aura Biosciences, IDEAYA Biosciences, Replimune, Linnaeus Therapeutics, Novartis, TriSalus Life Sciences, Immunocore, Delcath Systems, and others Key Uveal Melanoma Therapies Belzupacap sarotalocan, Darovasertib, RP2, LNS8801, DYP688, Nelitolimod, KIMMTRAK, HEPZATO KIT, and others Scope of the Uveal Melanoma Market Report Therapeutic Assessment: Uveal Melanoma current marketed and emerging therapies Uveal Melanoma current marketed and emerging therapies Uveal Melanoma Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Uveal Melanoma Drugs and Market Outlook Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Uveal Melanoma Drugs and Market Outlook Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Uveal Melanoma Market Access and Reimbursement Download the report to understand which factors are driving uveal melanoma therapeutics market trends @ Uveal Melanoma Market Trends Table of Contents 1 Key Insights 2 Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary of Uveal Melanoma 4 Key Events 5 Epidemiology and Market Methodology 6 Uveal Melanoma: Market Overview at a Glance 6.1 Market Share (%) Distribution of Uveal Melanoma by Therapies in 2024 6.2 Market Share (%) Distribution of Uveal Melanoma by Therapies in 2034 7 Disease Background and Overview: Uveal Melanoma 7.1 Introduction of Uveal Melanoma 7.2 Risk Factors Related to Uveal Melanoma 7.3 Symptoms Related to Uveal Melanoma 7.4 Pathophysiology and Disease Pathways 7.5 Diagnostic Tests 8 Treatment and Guidelines of Uveal Melanoma 8.1 Current Treatment Landscape 9 Epidemiology and Patient Population 9.1 Key Findings 9.2 Assumptions and Rationale 9.3 Total Prevalent Cases of Uveal Melanoma in the 7MM 9.4 The US 9.4.1 Total Incident Cases of Uveal Melanoma in the US 9.4.2 Site-specific Incident Cases of Uveal Melanoma in the US 9.4.3 Stage-specific Incident Cases of Uveal Melanoma in the US 9.4.4 Mutation-specific Incident Cases of Uveal Melanoma in the US 9.4.5 Total Treated Cases of Uveal Melanoma in the US 9.5 EU4 and the UK 9.6 Japan 10 Patient Journey 11 Marketed Drugs of Uveal Melanoma 11.1 Key Competitors 11.2 KIMMTRAK (tebentafusp-tebn): Immunocore 11.2.1 Product Description 11.2.2 Regulatory Milestones 11.2.3 Other Developmental Activities 11.2.4 Clinical Development 11.2.4.1 Clinical Trials Information 11.2.5 Safety and Efficacy 11.2.6 Analyst View 11.3 HEPZATO KIT (melphalan): Delcath Systems List to be continued in the report 12 Emerging Drugs of Uveal Melanoma 12.1 Darovasertib: IDEAYA Biosciences 12.1.1 Product Description 12.1.2 Other Developmental Activities 12.1.3 Clinical Development 12.1.3.1 Clinical Trials Information 12.1.4 Safety and Efficacy 12.1.5 Analyst View 12.2 DYP688: Novartis List to be continued in the report 13 Uveal Melanoma: 7MM Analysis 13.1 Key Findings 13.2 Market Outlook 13.3 Conjoint Analysis 13.4 Key Market Forecast Assumptions 13.4.1 Cost Assumptions and Rebates 13.4.2 Pricing Trends 13.4.3 Analogue Assessment 13.4.4 Launch Year and Therapy Uptakes 13.5 Total Market Size of Uveal Melanoma in the 7MM 13.6 The US 13.6.1 Total Market Size of Uveal Melanoma in the US 13.6.2 Total Market Size of Uveal Melanoma by Therapies in the US 13.7 EU4 and the UK 13.8 Japan 14 Unmet Needs of Uveal Melanoma 15 SWOT Analysis of Uveal Melanoma 16 KOL Views of Uveal Melanoma 17 Market Access and Reimbursement of Uveal Melanoma 18 Bibliography 19 Report Methodology Related Reports Uveal Melanoma Pipeline Uveal Melanoma Pipeline Insight - 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key uveal melanoma companies, including Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Foghorn Therapeutics, TriSalus Life Sciences, Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb, Array BioPharma, Ono Pharmaceutical, AstraZeneca, Roche, IDEAYA Biosciences, Merck & Co., GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, among others. Metastatic Uveal Melanoma Market Metastatic Uveal Melanoma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key metastatic uveal melanoma companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck & Co., Verastem Oncology, AstraZeneca, Novartis, BioMed Valley Discoveries, Miltenyi Biomedicine GmbH, IDEAYA Biosciences, Vanquish Oncology, Viralytics, Hoffmann-La Roche, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Linnaeus Therapeutics, Immunocore, among others. Melanoma Market Melanoma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key melanoma companies including Incyte Corporation, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Medarex, BioVex Limited, Amgen, IO Biotech, Celgene, among others. Metastatic Melanoma Market Metastatic Melanoma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key metastatic melanoma companies including Cancer Insight LLC, Elios Therapeutics LLC, Evaxion Biotech A/S, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, InxMed (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Aivita Biomedical Inc., Hoffmann-La Roche, Idera Pharmaceuticals, Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc., Eisai Inc., Biocad, Myrexis Inc., Pain Therapeutics, Altor BioScience, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Contact Us Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +14699457679 www.delveinsight.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uveal-melanoma-market-analysis-across-the-7mm-key-insights-and-outlook-through-2034--delveinsight-302535403.html Tortola, British Virgin Islands--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Sailfish Royalty Corp. (TSXV: FISH) (OTCQX: SROYF) (the "Company" or "Sailfish") is pleased to announce its operating and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 ("Q2 2025"). All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Q2 2025 Highlights: Royalty revenue earned of $626,603 and $1,162,526 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 ($167,844 and $329,831 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024); Gold ounces earned from stream interests of 8 and 26 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 (365 and 456 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024); Silver ounces earned from stream interests of 1,672 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 (nil for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024). Total revenues of $713,178 and $1,300,398 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2025 ($1,026,242 and $1,384,197 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024); Gross profit of $687,330 and $1,249,818 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 ($565,681 and $813,768 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024); Net income of $185,318 and $109,598 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 (net income of $1,141,470 and $1,289,505 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024); Repurchased for cancellation an aggregate of 529,300 common shares of the Company under the current normal course issuer bid for the six months ended June 30, 2025 (983,400 for the six months ended June 30, 2024); and Declared quarterly dividends of $0.0125 per common share which were paid on April 15, 2025 and July 15, 2025 respectively. Summary of Q2 2025 Results: Three months ended June 30, 2025 Three months ended June 30, 2024 Six months ended June 30, 2025 Six months ended June 30, 2024 Condensed interim consolidated statements of comprehensive income $ $ $ $ Revenues 713,178 1,026,242 1,300,398 1,384,197 Gross profit 687,330 565,681 1,249,818 813,768 Net income 185,318 1,141,470 109,598 1,289,505 Basic loss per share 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.02 Diluted loss per share 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.02 For complete details, please refer to the Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 and associated Management Discussion and Analysis for the six months ended June 30, 2025, available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) or on the Company's website (www.sailfishroyalty.com). Subsequent to Q2 2025 Highlights: Subsequent to June 30, 2025, the Company paid a dividend of $0.0125 per common share. The total dividend payment resulted in the issuance of 360,419 common shares under the Company's dividend reinvestment plan and a payment of $309,959. Subsequent to June 30, 2025, the Company purchased 101,800 common shares on-market which have been cancelled. Subsequent to June 30, 2025, the Company announced the closing of the transaction surrounding the conversion of the Gavilanes Property into a 2% net smelter return royalty. See the Company's news release dated August 11, 2025 for further information. Atrium Research Coverage: The Company is pleased to announce it has engaged the services of Atrium Research Corporation ("Atrium"), a leading company sponsored research firm. Atrium will publish various research reports on the Company based on publicly available information, industry data, and discussions with management. Atrium will also host a recorded interview with the Company's management team to present the investment case in an interview format. In exchange for its research services, Atrium will receive cash compensation in the amount of $24,000 for the services listed above. The services will be provided for twelve months beginning on September 10th, 2025. Atrium and the Company are arm's-length parties, and neither Atrium nor its insiders hold any shares or options to purchase shares in the issued and outstanding capital of the Company. About Sailfish Sailfish is a precious metals royalty and streaming company. Within Sailfish's portfolio are three main assets in the Americas: a gold stream equivalent to a 3% NSR on the San Albino gold mine (~3.5 sq. km) and a 2% NSR on the rest of the area (~134.5 sq. km) surrounding San Albino in northern Nicaragua; an up to 3% NSR on the fully permitted multi-million ounce Spring Valley gold mine project in Pershing County, Nevada; and a 2% NSR on the Gavilanes Silver Project located in Durango State, Mexico. Sailfish is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "FISH" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "SROYF". Please visit the Company's website at www.sailfishroyalty.com for additional information. About Atrium Research Atrium Research provides institutional quality company sponsored research on public equities in North America. Its investment philosophy takes a 3-5 year view on equities currently being overlooked by the market. Its research process emphasizes understanding the key performance metrics for each specific company, trustworthy management teams, and an in-depth valuation analysis. Atrium Research is wholly owned and operated by its Co-Founders, Ben Pirie and Nicholas Cortellucci. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263452 SOURCE: Sailfish Royalty Corp. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhawal Jaiswal said, The investigation is underway and police are checking all the allegations. In a shocking turn of events, a man from Uttar Pradesh forced his wife to lose weight and have a body like actress Nora Fatehi. A report by Times of India said the wife in question continued facing harassment from her husband and in-laws. She was quoted saying, Two months ago, I found out that I was pregnant. I shared this with my mother-in-law, who showed no interest. One day, my husband gave me a pill, which I later researched online and discovered was used for abortions. She was admitted to the hospital where the doctors confirmed her miscarriage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhawal Jaiswal said, The investigation is underway and police are checking all the allegations. Nora Fatehi is stepping into Tamil cinema with a bang as she headlines Kanchana 4, the much-awaited fourth installment of the popular horror-comedy franchise. Already riding high on the success of her latest song Oh Mama! Tetema, Nora is embracing this new phase of her career with enthusiasm. Talking to a leading publication, about why she chose Kanchana 4, the actor shares, When Kanchana 4 was offered to me, I immediately felt it was the right project to step into Tamil cinema. The franchise already has such a strong legacy, and the script was so unique that I wanted to be part of it. I was looking to be a part of another comedy after the success of Madgaon Express. Language has been a challenge, but Nora isnt one to shy away from experiments. Of course language is always a challenge, but I love challenges, Ive had to adapt to Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam before, and now Tamil. Its definitely the hardest so far but I spend extra hours rehearsing my lines and working on the pronunciation, she explains. Set against the blood-soaked backdrop of West Bengals violent political past, The Bengal Files dares to ask the questions no one has the courage to answer. Veteran actor and politician Mithun Chakraborty is gearing up for Vivek Agnihotris The Bengal Files, which was earlier titled The Delhi Files. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, when asked why the name of the political thriller was changed, Chakraborty revealed, Delhi Files ke jo files the wo Delhi ke the. But the name was changed because its based on the Noakhali and Calcutta killings. Thats why the name was changed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pallavi Joshi breaks silence on The Bengal Files trailer launch not allowed in Kolkata 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. The Bengal Files trailer The trailer of The Bengal Files produced by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi dropped and it doesnt whisper, it roars. Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, the filmmaker behind The Kashmir Files, this new cinematic reckoning promises to be Indias boldest film yet. If Kashmir hurt you, Bengal will haunt you! Set against the blood-soaked backdrop of West Bengals violent political past, The Bengal Files dares to ask the questions no one has the courage to answer. Based on true events and spine-chilling testimonies, the film exposes the brutal Hindu genocide that mainstream narratives have long buried. The film, written by Suparn Verma and inspired by the 2007 Hollywood thriller Death Sentence, is set to go on floors sooner this year Sunny Deol has been riding high on the success of his recent release Jaat and the positive anticipation regarding Border 2. Apparently, the iconic actor is all set to headline another action thriller directed by Maharaja fame Siddharth P Malhotra. On the other hand, ever since her debut, Nitanshi Goel has been consistently winning hearts be it her super-glamourous avatars on the internet or the buzz around her upcoming projects. According to our sources, currently Nitanshi is in talks to join Sunny Deol in his upcoming Netflix debut, an action-packed feature. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The film, written by Suparn Verma and inspired by the 2007 Hollywood thriller Death Sentence, is set to go on floors sooner this year. A few weeks ago, paparazzi had spotted Nitanshi outside Siddharth P Malhotras office, sparking strong buzz about her casting. While theres no official confirmation yet, sources suggest that the young actress might be roped in for a significant role alongside Sunny Deol. If the speculation holds true, Nitanshis presence will bring an exciting freshness to the high-octane action thriller. Sunny Deol had one of the most successful debuts of all time when his film Betaab in 1983 ran to packed houses for a week. As years passed by, he was hailed as the next Angry Young Man of Hindi cinema after Amitabh Bachchan. His rage shaped into an identity of their own and his lethal following wanted him to beat the bad guys to pulp. His brand of cinema is a part of the modern day pop culture. When he screams, the box-office roars. He went through a low for over two decades but made a sensational and historic comeback with the monstrous Gadar 2 in 2023. China's V-Day parade to highlight peace, pledge to defend international fairness, justice Xinhua) 08:26, August 21, 2025 A press conference on V-Day military parade preparations is held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's massive V-Day military parade, scheduled for Sept. 3 in Tian'anmen Square, is meant to signal that the country upholds peace and will firmly defend international fairness and justice, a military official said Wednesday. Wu Zeke, deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group for the Military Parade and a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks at a press conference to outline preparations for the parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The 70-minute parade will proceed in two steps: a military review by President Xi Jinping and a march-past of troops in Tian'anmen Square, according to the military officer. Troops participating in the parade will be lining up in formations along Chang'an Avenue in Beijing, and they will be reviewed by Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CMC, Wu said. The parade will demonstrate the armed forces' firm commitment to following the command of the CPC and their loyalty to the Party's leadership core, he added. A total of 45 formations and echelons will be involved in the grand parade, Wu said, adding that during the parade march-past, airborne flag-guarding echelons, foot formations, battle flag formations, armament columns and aerial echelons will pass through or fly across Tian'anmen Square in order. Currently, all parade preparations have been basically completed, according to the military officer. The parade will be the first of its kind after China embarked on its new journey to pursue Chinese modernization on all fronts, Wu said, adding that will showcase that under the leadership of the CPC, the country and the armed forces have grown strong, and the great spirit of the War of Resistance lives on. He noted that the parade will demonstrate to the world that the victory 80 years ago was a triumph of justice over evil, light over darkness, and progress over reaction. China was the first to fight against fascist aggression and sustained the longest resistance. With huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people held ground in the main theater in the East of the World Anti-Fascist War. China tied down and fought the bulk of Japanese forces, wiping out more than 1.5 million enemy troops in the war, Wu said, highlighting that China had made a major contribution to the triumph of the World Anti-Fascist War. In 1945, after 14 years of resistance, China achieved victory at a tremendous cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties, accounting for one-third of the total casualties suffered by all countries in World War II. Japan surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, signing the Instrument of Surrender to China and other Allied powers. China celebrated the victory the following day. In 2014, the country legislated to designate Sept. 3 as Victory Day of its War of Resistance. On Sept. 3, 2015, Xi reviewed troops in a parade marking the 70th anniversary of the victory, the first non-National Day parade held in Tian'anmen Square. Foreign leaders have also been invited to attend this year's parade. Wu said China will work together with peace-loving countries and people across the world to uphold and advocate the correct historical view of World War II, resolutely safeguard the post-war international order, firmly defend international fairness and justice, firmly oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. NEW STRUCTURE Xu Guizhong, a senior officer from the Central Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), told the press conference that the parade is organized under a wartime command system, and will involve thousands of troops, over 100 aircraft and hundreds of ground armaments. A new layout of the structure of the Chinese armed forces will be displayed for the first time in the parade, according to Wu. Led by the Party, national and military flags, troop formations will march during the parade, holding the flags of various military forces as well as the flag of the People's Armed Police Force, Wu said. The PLA's new system of services and arms, comprising four services of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Rocket Force, as well as four arms of the Aerospace Force, the Cyberspace Force, the Information Support Force, and the Joint Logistics Support Force, was established as part of Xi's military reform plan. Under Xi, military reforms took on an unprecedented pace. The Army now accounts for less than 50 percent of the total active-duty personnel; non-combat units have been cut by nearly half; and the officer corps has been reduced by 30 percent -- all to streamline the military and improve combat capabilities. LATEST ARMAMENTS The parade will showcase a series of new-generation armaments, such as fourth-generation tanks and aircraft, unmanned intelligence and counter-unmanned equipment, and advanced missiles including hypersonic ones, Wu said. A large proportion of the weapons will be making their public debut, Wu added. All the armaments to be displayed are domestically made and in active service, said Wu. Directed-energy weapons and electronic jamming systems will also be displayed, he said. In addition, the parade will feature other types of advanced equipment such as hypersonic and air defense anti-missile equipment and strategic missiles, which will demonstrate China's powerful strategic deterrence capability, Wu noted. With a high level of informatization and intelligence, the weapons and equipment to be displayed will fully demonstrate the strong capability of the Chinese armed forces to adapt to sci-tech development and the evolution of war forms, and to win future wars, he said. The display will fully demonstrate the Chinese military's strong ability to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as to uphold world peace, he added. A journalist asks a question during a press conference on V-Day military parade preparations held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) A journalist asks a question during a press conference on V-Day military parade preparations held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Major General Xu Guizhong, a senior officer from the Central Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, speaks during a press conference on V-Day military parade preparations held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) A press conference on V-Day military parade preparations is held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) A press conference on V-Day military parade preparations is held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Major General Wu Zeke, a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, speaks during a press conference on V-Day military parade preparations held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Malayalam actress Rini Ann George on Wednesday alleged that a prominent youth leader and peoples representative of a well-known political party had sent her objectionable messages and invited her to a five-star hotel. Malayalam actress Rini Ann George on Wednesday alleged that a prominent youth leader and peoples 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 complained to senior party officials, but his behaviour continued. She, however, refused to disclose the leaders name or his party, despite repeated questions from reporters. The actress spoke out following a recent online interview, which went viral, where she made the allegations publicly for the first time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I came in contact with the politician through social media. His inappropriate behaviour began three years ago, when I first received objectionable messages from him, George claimed. She alleged that the leader even offered to book a room at a five-star hotel and asked her to visit. George also accused senior party leaders of ignoring her complaints and said the young leader continued to receive prominent positions within the party despite her warnings. The image I had in my mind about them has been shattered. Even after my complaint, he was given several prominent positions within the party, she alleged. She further claimed that when she warned the leader she would approach senior party officials, he reportedly dismissed her, saying, You can go and tell anyone who cares? He also allegedly questioned her about the fate of political leaders previously accused of sexual harassment. Responding to questions about formal action, George said she is not pursuing a complaint, citing concerns for her safety and a lack of faith in the justice system. She also did not wish to embarrass the political party involved. George added that she was speaking out to support other women allegedly targeted by the leader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I have not suffered any assault; I only received these messages. But through my friends, I learned that several other women faced harassment, and I am speaking up for them, she said, calling on political leaders to show morality. I think that is the best way to eat. Jo Maharashtrian thaali hoti hai na, bahut economical, very healthy aur very good thaali, the filmmaker added. Ahead of the release of The Bengal Files, Pallavi Joshi and Vivek Agnihotri spoke to Curly Tales in an interview and the actress revealed, Let me tell you about Maharashtrian dishes. Whatever I made, he did not like. Yeh gareebon ka khana hai, he kept telling me throughout my life, and thats exactly what he is eating now. Agnihotri added, I came from Delhi, where they eat butter chicken, kebab, tandoorithe food has masala, and there is ghee on top. We were newly married, so she said, lets eat varan bhaat. But theres no salt in varan. Also, they serve in small quantities. Now, I understand that the concept is dont waste. But in Delhi, if someone is eating chicken and doesnt throw 2-3 pieces, then he is not rich. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think that is the best way to eat. Jo Maharashtrian thaali hoti hai na, bahut economical, very healthy aur very good thaali, the filmmaker added. Veteran actor and politician Mithun Chakraborty is gearing up for Vivek Agnihotris The Bengal Files, which was earlier titled The Delhi Files. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, when asked why the name of the political thriller was changed, Chakraborty revealed, Delhi Files ke jo files the wo Delhi ke the. But the name was changed because its based on the Noakhali and Calcutta killings. Thats why the name was changed. Pallavi Joshi breaks silence on The Bengal Files trailer launch not allowed in Kolkata 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. 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. Rini Ann George shared that the leader of a political party had invited her to a hotel, and when she threatened to inform his party, he challenged her to go ahead. Malayalam actress and former journalist Rini Ann George recently accused Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil of sending her inappropriate text messages without taking his name earlier. She shared that the leader of a political party had invited her to a hotel, and when she threatened to inform his party, he challenged her to go ahead. Addressing reporters, George claimed she repeatedly warned the leader and complained to senior party officials, but his behaviour continued. She, however, refused to disclose the leaders name or his party, despite repeated questions from reporters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The actress spoke out following a recent online interview, which went viral, where she made the allegations publicly for the first time. I came in contact with the politician through social media. His inappropriate behaviour began three years ago, when I first received objectionable messages from him, George claimed. I received inappropriate messages from the politician. He invited me to a location to spend time with him. When I told him that I would complain about him, he challenged me to go through with it. Who cares? was his attitude, said Rini as per On Manorama. I have not suffered any assault; I only received these messages. But through my friends, I learned that several other women faced harassment, and I am speaking up for them, she said. Soon after Rini, author Honey Bhaskaran also accused the MLA of the same allegations through FB post. Who is Rini Ann George? Before stepping into the world of cinema, Rini served as a journalist for several news agencies in Kerala. As per her LinkedIn profile, she had been working in the industry for 4 years from 2017 to 2020 after receiving a Masters degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Madras. She recently played a supporting role in Guinness Pakru-led 916 Kunjoottan, which also featured Tini Tom, Rakesh Subramanian, Dayyana Hameed, and Niya Varghese in prominent roles. With inputs from PTI The African Union has endorsed the Correct the Map campaign to abandon the 16th-century Mercator projection, long criticised for shrinking Africas true size. Advocates argue that adopting the Equal Earth projection would correct global misperceptions, boost dignity and pride, and reshape how the continent is viewed in world affairs A vendor sells a map of Africa along the streets of Bujumbura, Burundi, April 24, 2015. File Image/Reuters The African Union (AU), a bloc of 55 countries representing more than 1.5 billion people, wants the worlds most popular map gone. The organisation has endorsed a campaign urging governments, schools, media outlets, and international institutions to stop using the Mercator projection a map first published in 1569 and instead adopt alternatives that depict Africas actual size more accurately. The AUs move has added weight to a growing movement called Correct the Map, spearheaded by advocacy groups Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The campaign has pressed for the global adoption of the Equal Earth projection, unveiled in 2018, which provides a fairer sense of geographical proportions without the heavy distortions that have long plagued the Mercator. The main complaint is that the Mercator map minimises Africa, portraying it as far smaller than it truly is, while inflating regions closer to the poles such as North America and Europe. Critics argue this visual imbalance has shaped global perceptions for centuries, embedding stereotypes that cast Africa as marginal and less significant than its reality as the worlds second-largest continent by land area and population. What we know of the Mercator map The Mercator projection was developed by Gerardus Mercator, a Flemish cartographer, mathematician and engraver. Published in 1569, it consisted of 18 sheets of paper forming a wall-sized map nearly four feet high and over six feet wide. Unlike earlier projections, Mercators innovation was to arrange latitude and longitude lines so that compass directions corresponded to straight lines on the map. This breakthrough allowed sailors to plot routes using rhumb lines constant compass bearings simplifying long-distance navigation during the Age of Exploration. The Mercator projection is a transformation of a cylindrical projection used for navigation. Image Credit: Encyclopdia Britannica Inc. While the projection was revolutionary for maritime travel, it came with a trade-off: severe distortion of scale. Landmasses close to the equator appear compressed, while those near the poles are stretched. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Africa and South America look diminished, while Europe, North America, and Greenland appear bloated. The equator itself runs through the middle of the map, but the visual impression consistently exaggerates the north at the expense of the south. This distortion became a standard reference in classrooms, atlases, and later, digital maps, embedding itself in the way people around the world visualise geography. How Africa shrinks on the Mercator Africa spans 11.73 million square miles, making it nearly three times the size of Europe. It is home to more than 1.5 billion people. Yet, on the Mercator map, the continent is visually diminished to the point that Greenland an island covering less than one million square miles with fewer than 57,000 residents appears nearly equal in size. This mismatch has been the subject of criticism for decades, often cited in academic and popular debates. The contrast even found its way into pop culture, including a 2001 episode of the television series The West Wing, in which fictional cartographers campaign to replace the Mercator with more accurate alternatives. How calls to adopt a true version of Africa have increased It might seem to be just a map, but in reality, it is not, Selma Malika Haddadi, deputy chairperson of the AU Commission told Reuters. According to Haddadi, the Mercator fosters a false impression that Africa is marginal, despite its true scale and importance. Moky Makura, executive director of Africa No Filter, called it the worlds longest misinformation and disinformation campaign, insisting that it just simply has to stop. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For Fara Ndiaye, co-founder and deputy executive director of Speak Up Africa, the implications are deeply tied to identity, stating that it is more than geography, its really about dignity and pride. Maps shape how we see the world, and also how power is perceived. So by correcting the map, we also correct the global narrative about Africa. Ndiaye added that the campaign aims to change what children see when they learn geography in school. Were actively working on promoting a curriculum where the Equal Earth projection will be the main standard across all (African) classrooms, she said, expressing hope that international institutions, including those headquartered in Africa, will also adopt it. The AUs endorsement connects the campaign with larger themes of justice, historical redress, and global representation. In an internal note, the organisation linked the initiative to its 2025 theme of Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations. Rabah Arezki, a former World Bank economist, writing in Le Monde, argued that the Mercator projection historically served as a political tool. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The standard projection was a political tool that contributed to the scramble for Africa, also known as the partition of Africa when Western European powers colonised the continent, he wrote. Just as making Africa look small and conquerable then, the Mercator projection makes the continent look small and irrelevant now. This framing resonates with leaders outside Africa as well. Dorbrene OMarde, Vice Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission, described support for the Equal Earth projection as a rejection of the Mercator maps ideology of power and dominance. What we know about the Equal Earth projection The Equal Earth projection, introduced in 2018 by cartographers Bojan Savric, Tom Patterson, and Bernhard Jenny, was designed to preserve the relative size of continents more accurately while avoiding the heavy distortion of shapes seen in some alternatives. Unlike the Mercator, Equal Earth portrays Africa in its true proportions, making its landmass visually dominant over Europe. The Equal Earth and Gall-Peters projections compared. Continent shapes are more recognizable on the Equal Earth projection. Image Credit: Equal-Earth.com The campaigns supporters want major institutions to embrace this projection. Requests have been submitted to the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM). The World Bank has said it already uses the Winkel Tripel or Equal Earth projections for static maps and is gradually moving away from Mercator in its digital mapping tools. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What challenges does Africa face Despite progress, the Mercator projection remains deeply entrenched. In 2018, Google Maps shifted its desktop version from Mercator to a 3D globe model, ensuring that users could zoom out to see Earths continents in accurate proportions. Yet on mobile devices, where the bulk of users access the service, the Mercator still dominates as the default view. Even within Africa, campaigners point out, some AU-affiliated agencies continue to use Mercator-based maps on their websites. Experts stress that the debate is not merely about aesthetics. According to analysis by Oxford Analytics, inaccurate cartographic depictions have broader implications for how Africa is understood in economic and political terms, reported Bloomberg. The distorted representation of Africas size could lead to an underestimation of the continents vast economic potential, noted Jervin Naidoo, a political analyst at the firm. By accurately depicting Africas true scale, the campaign aims to reshape global perceptions, encouraging more informed investment decisions. This perspective suggests that changing the map could influence global investors, educators, and policymakers in how they view the continent. Haddadi said the campaign is part of a larger effort of reclaiming Africas rightful place on the global stage. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A Class 10 student in Gujarats Ahmedabad died after he was stabbed by a Class 8 student at their school. Now, a disturbing chat has surfaced, which shows that the teen accused, showing little remorse, confessed to the killing in an Instagram chat with a friend Family members and relatives of the victim staged protests at the school, demanding justice. Earlier, the teen accused, showing little remorse, confessed to the killing in an Instagram chat with a friend. PTI In a gruesome crime inside a private school in Ahmedabad, a Class 10 student was stabbed to death by his junior from Class 8 after a heated argument turned violent earlier this week. What makes the case even more disturbing is that the teen accused, showing little remorse, confessed to the killing in an Instagram chat with a friend. In the messages, he openly admitted to the murder and explained what drove him to attack his senior with a knife. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The tragedy has sparked anger and grief across the city. Family members and relatives of the victim staged protests at the school, demanding justice and holding the institution accountable for the incident. Heres a closer look at what the chats revealed, how the incident unfolded, and the outrage that has since put the school under the scanner. The shocking chat Soon after the crime, screenshots of the Instagram conversation between the accused and his friend surfaced. In the chilling exchange, the accused confessed to stabbing his senior and described the chain of events that led to the killing. Friend: Bhai tumne kuch kiya aj? (Brother, did you do something today?) Accused: Haan. (Yes.) Friend: Bhai tumne chaku mara tha? (Brother, did you stab someone?) Accused: Teko kisne bola (Who told you?) Screenshots of the Instagram conversation between the accused and his friend surfaced, in which the former confessed to stabbing his senior and described the chain of events that led to the killing. Image courtesy: News18 Friend: Call kro ek min. Call pe baat karte (Please call for a minute. Lets talk.) Accused: Nahi nahi (No, no.) Friend: Chat pe ye sabh nahi. Merko tera naam pehle aaya dimag mai. Isliye terko kiya (Not over the chat. Your name came to my mind first so I texted you.) Accused: Abhi bada bhai hain saath me. Usko nahi khabar. Bataya kisne! (I am with my brother. He doesnt know what happened today. Who told him?) Friend: Vo mar gaya shayad se. (He (the victim) has died.) Accused: Hainnn. Kon tha wese? (What? Who was he?) Friend: Abe chaku tune mara tha? Vo puch raha hu. (I am asking if you stabbed him.) STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Accused: Haan to. (Yes.) In another message, the accused writes, To bolde ki ***** ne mara (Tell that I stabbed him). When the friend asks why he stabbed his senior, the boy claims he had dared him: Arey meko bolra tha ki kon hain kya karlega tu (He told me - who are you? What will you do?) ***** You cant stab someone to death for this, the friend replies. Mar deta. Maar nahi dalna tha. (You could have hit him. Why kill him!) But the accused showed little remorse. Chord na. Ab jo hogaya vo hogaya. (Let it be. What has happened has happened.) Friend: Take care of yourself. Go underground for some time. Delete these chats. Accused: Ok. How the incident unfolded On Tuesday afternoon (August 19), 15-year-old Nayan, a Class 10 student, was heading home after the school bell rang. But just as he stepped out of the Seventh-Day Adventist Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabads Khokhra, he was confronted by a group of boys, including a Class 8 junior, NDTV reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What started as a heated argument quickly turned violent. In the scuffle, the younger boy pulled out a knife and stabbed Nayan in the stomach before fleeing the spot. CCTV footage later showed the Class 10 student staggering back into the school premises, clutching his wound. Witnesses alleged he lay unattended for nearly half an hour before being taken to a private hospital, where he later died. Meanwhile, the accused Class 8 boy tried to hide behind the school building but was noticed by a security guard, who immediately alerted the school staff and police. He has since been detained under the Juvenile Justice Act, and an FIR has been filed. As for the motive, there are conflicting accounts. One version claims the fight erupted after the accused allegedly pressured Nayan to eat non-vegetarian food. Another suggests it was linked to harassment involving a relative of the victim. Police are still investigating the exact chain of events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Protest erupts, school under probe The murder of the Class 10 student triggered a wave of anger and grief outside the school. Soon after his body was handed over to the family, relatives and locals gathered in large numbers at the school gates, demanding answers. On Wednesday afternoon, the boys family carried his body in a procession and placed it outside the school before proceeding with the last rites later in the day. Speaking to reporters, his father said, Im not aware of any previous altercation. If there was one, my son would have told me. I request the Gujarat police and government to support us and give us justice. The murder of the Class 10 student triggered a wave of anger and grief outside the school. Victims family, relatives and locals gatahered in large numbers at the school gates, demanding answers. PTI What began as a family-led protest soon escalated. Members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal joined in, with anger flaring over the fact that the accused and the victim allegedly belonged to different communities, reported The Indian Express. Tempers boiled over as protesters stormed the school, assaulting teachers and the principal and vandalising property before police could intervene. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By afternoon, senior police officials and local politicians arrived at the spot to pacify the crowd. The protest only calmed after assurances were given that the case would be investigated by the Crime Branch. JCP (Crime) Sharad Singhal told The Indian Express, The protesters demanded a Crime Branch investigation, and the Commissioner has handed the case to the Crime Branch. We are checking CCTV footage of the crime scene to verify if there has been any destruction of evidence. While the primary accused juvenile was detained yesterday, another juvenile is also being questioned. Meanwhile, the District Education Officer (city), Rohit Chaudhary, issued a notice to the school management, seeking a detailed explanation. The school has been asked to clarify how this incident unfolded, where the security staff were positioned, and why no immediate action was taken. If the attack happened outside, how did the blood-soaked victim return inside the premises without prompt assistance from the management? he told the news outlet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The probe into the schools role is now underway, with officials indicating that accountability will be fixed for lapses in response and security. With input from agencies China is increasing its purchases of Russian crude, which was once destined for India, as US President Donald Trumps tariff offensive forces New Delhi to scale back its imports. With Beijing securing at least 15 cargoes for October and November delivery, the shift shows how much Russia is dependent on Asian buyers Fuga Bluemarine crude oil tanker lies at anchor near the terminal Kozmino in Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia, December 4, 2022. File Image/Reuters China is expanding its role as a leading buyer of Russian crude oil, taking advantage of shifting market conditions triggered by United States President Donald Trumps tariff actions. With New Delhi facing mounting costs from Washingtons trade restrictions over its imports of Russian oil, Beijing has moved quickly to secure additional shipments that traditionally flowed to India. India emerged as one of the most important destinations for Russian oil in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. After Moscows invasion in 2022, European and other Western markets drastically cut their purchases, forcing Russia to reroute crude toward Asia at discounted rates. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This paved the way for India and China to become the two largest buyers of Russian supplies. How China has ordered more Russian oil As India has scaled back, Chinas refiners have stepped in to buy additional Russian supplies. By mid-August, state-owned oil companies and major private refiners had secured at least 15 cargoes of Russian crude for October and November delivery. Each shipment ranged between 700,000 and 1 million barrels, representing a substantial addition to Chinas intake. Most of these cargoes will originate from Russias Arctic and Black Sea ports, routes that normally supply India rather than China because of logistical proximity. Muyu Xu, senior crude oil analyst at Kpler, explained that the decision reflected an opportunity created by lower prices. Russian grades were trading at least $3 per barrel below comparable West Asian supplies. As for whether China will continue buying, I personally believe that right now is still a very good opportunity, because over in India, Trump is still pressing hard on them, she said. Xu added that if Chinese refiners moved quickly, they could lock in further shipments before the US considered retaliatory action. Taking advantage of this opportunity while prices are low, I think more refineries will probably consider buying more, within a week or two, she noted. Richard Jones, a Singapore-based analyst at Energy Aspects, said that while China was unlikely to replace all of Indias lost demand, the additional purchases would nonetheless make a difference in the short term. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We do not expect China to absorb all of the additional Russian volumes, as Urals is not a baseload grade for Chinese majors, he told Reuters, referring to the type of Russian crude involved. How Trump targeted India over Russian oil By 2023, Russian crude accounted for more than one-third of Indias oil imports, representing 36 per cent of the total market. United Nations trade data shows that in 2024, India imported $53 billion worth of petroleum and crude oils from Russia. In volume terms, this amounted to roughly 88 million tonnes during that year. However, in July, Trump announced that countries continuing to buy Russian crude would face the risk of secondary tariffs. According to the White House, the move was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow and reduce its capacity to finance the war in Ukraine. This month the US imposed a further 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods shipped to the United States, on top of an existing 25 per cent levy, raising the total to 50 per cent. The Trump administration explicitly connected this penalty to Indias imports of Russian oil and gas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As a result, Indian refiners have begun scaling back their purchases. Reuters citing analysts reported that New Delhi has reduced its Russian crude imports by between 600,000 and 700,000 barrels per day, a significant contraction. State-owned refineries in particular paused new orders as discounts narrowed, while private refiners also cut back amid fears of US reprisals. Senior figures in the Trump administration have been forthright about their position. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that India had moved from negligible levels of Russian oil imports before the war less than 1 per cent of its supply to sourcing around 42 percent from Russia. This is what I would call the Indian arbitrage buying cheap Russian oil, reselling it as product, he said, adding that Indian refiners had generated $16 billion in excess profits some of the richest families in India. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro also argued that New Delhis purchases were indirectly financing Russias war effort. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His colleague, deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, echoed the sentiment earlier in the month, insisting that Indias continued reliance on Russian crude was not acceptable. How the scale of Chinas oil imports has increased China has long been the worlds largest oil importer, and Russian crude plays a growing role in its supply mix. In 2024, Chinese customs data showed that the country imported 109 million tonnes of Russian crude, representing close to 20 per cent of its total energy intake. United Nations statistics indicate that Russias shipments to China amounted to $62.6 billion in value that year. Much of Beijings Russian crude intake traditionally comes in the form of ESPO shipments from the Far East port of Kozmino, which offers a relatively short shipping route. Urals and Varandey grades, by contrast, usually head to India. A container ship sails along Nakhodka Bay near the oil terminal in the port city of Nakhodka, Russia, August 12, 2022. File Image/Reuters By August, Kpler data showed that Chinas year-to-date Urals imports averaged only about 50,000 barrels per day. The sudden booking of 15 cargoes for October and November therefore marks a sharp increase from previous patterns. Overall, China currently takes in around 1.2 million barrels per day of Russian seaborne crude. India, by comparison, had been purchasing about 1.7 million barrels per day until the recent cutbacks. Analysts agree that China cannot entirely make up for Indias reduction, leaving Russia facing the risk of a significant drop in revenues if Indian demand does not recover. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Xu underlined this point, saying, If India keeps holding off on buying, thats going to be a real problem for Russia China just cant take on all of Indias volume by itself. Why Washingtons approach to Beijing differs from New Delhi Although Beijing has increased its purchases of Russian crude, Trump has so far avoided imposing punitive measures on China similar to those directed at India. On August 15, he told Fox News that retaliatory action was not an immediate priority. Well, because of what happened today, I think I dont have to think about that. Now, I may have to think about it in two weeks or three weeks or something, but we dont have to think about that right now, he said. The comments came shortly after Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where discussions over a ceasefire in Ukraine broke down. Observers believe Trump may be holding off on secondary sanctions against Beijing to preserve space for broader trade negotiations. One of the key issues under discussion is access to rare earth minerals, a set of 17 elements critical to industries ranging from clean energy and electronics to military hardware. China dominates global mining and processing of these minerals, giving it considerable leverage. The US, heavily reliant on imports for manufacturing, has sought to ensure continued access. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A major escalation by the US with China would risk disrupting supply chains and raising costs just as US retailers stock up on inventories ahead of the end-of-year holiday season. Earlier this month, Trump eased restrictions on semiconductor exports, permitting Nvidia to sell advanced chips to China again, though subject to a 15 per cent levy on sales to the country. Bessent told CNBC that China had imported around 13 percent of its crude from Russia before the war, a figure that has since risen to 16 percent. So China has a diversified input of their oil, he said. He argued that Beijing had not engaged in the same form of arbitrage that India had undertaken. How Russia is dependent on Asian markets Moscow has become heavily reliant on Asian customers in the wake of Western restrictions. Since 1979, when the US first imposed sanctions on Iran after the Tehran hostage crisis, oil markets have frequently been shaped by geopolitical disputes. For Russia, the fallout from the Ukraine conflict has forced a near-total reorientation of exports. European embargoes and G7 price caps have shut Russia out of its most lucrative markets. In their place, India and China have provided vital outlets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Together, the two countries absorbed the bulk of Moscows seaborne exports in 2023 and 2024, helping stabilise its revenues even at discounted prices. China has made clear that it does not recognise US restrictions on global energy trade. Responding to questions by the Financial Times about its imports of sanctioned oil, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing said the country has consistently opposed illegal unilateral sanctions that lack approval from the United Nations Security Council. For the immediate future, Chinas refiners are taking advantage of discounted Russian barrels that India has relinquished. With inputs from agencies Anthropic, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) start-up backed by Amazon and Google, has developed a new tool to stop its chatbot from being used for the nefarious purposes of building a nuclear bomb or a reactor Anthropic, whose AI bot Claude is a direct competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT, said it has been working with the US government for over a year to build in the safeguard. Today, everyone is obsessed with Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is said to have the potential to change society forever, in good ways and bad. Many hope it will cure humans of disease, extend our lifespans solve climate change, and unlock the secrets of the universe. Others fear it will cause some jobs to go away forever, leaving millions out of work and society on the brink. Others imagine a dark, dystopian future with AI ruling over humanity perhaps in the aftermath of it ordering nuclear strikes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, some are taking steps to at least safeguard its AI models from being used as tools to build nuclear weapons. But what happened? What do we know? Lets take a closer look What happened? Anthropic, an AI start-up backed by Amazon and Google, has developed a new tool to stop its AI from being used for the nefarious means of building a nuclear bomb. Anthropic's Claude is a direct competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT. Anthropic said it has been working with the US government for over a year to build in the safeguard. The company said it has coordinated with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to figure out a classifier that can halt concerning conversations for example, how to build a nuclear reactor or bomb on its AI system. Anthropics said the program sprung out of its 2024 exercises with the US Department of Energy. The NNSA falls under the US Energy Department. It is tasked with making sure the United States maintains a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear stockpile through the application of unparalleled science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing. The NNSAs Office of Defence Programs is in charge of maintaining and modernising the countrys nuclear stockpile. How did it do it? The company said it was able to put together a list of gauges that can help Claude identify potentially concerning conversations about nuclear weapons development. The classifier acts like a spam filter in the email and identifies real-time threats. The company has claimed that the classifier can determine with almost 95 per cent accuracy if the person carrying on the conversation with the AI bot is intending to cause harm. The company said the classifier identified 94.8 per cent of nuclear weapons queries. However, it inaccurately classified 5.2 per cent of the queries as dangerous. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The company said it was able to put together a list of gauges that can help Claude identify potentially concerning conversations about nuclear weapons development. Anthropic has said that it has already employed the classifier in some of its Claude models. As AI models become more capable, we need to keep a close eye on whether they can provide users with dangerous technical knowledge in ways that could threaten national security, Anthropic has said. The company has vowed to share what it has learnt with the Frontier Model Forum, an AI industry body it has co-founded alongside Amazon, Meta, OpenAI, Microsoft and Google, in order to help other companies build similar programmes. Anthropic earlier in August said it would offer its Claude AI model to the US government for $1 (Rs 87), joining the ranks of AI start-ups proposing lucrative deals to win federal contracts. This came days after OpenAI's ChatGPT, Googles Gemini and Anthropics Claude were added to the US governments list of approved AI vendors. Americas AI leadership requires that our government institutions have access to the most capable, secure AI tools available, CEO Dario Amodei said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rival OpenAI had also announced a similar offer in August, wherein ChatGPT Enterprise was made available to participating US federal agencies for $1 per agency for the next year. With inputs from agencies Indias military prowess was successfully demonstrated once again as the country test-fired its Agni-V missile on Wednesday from Odisha. With a strike range of 5,000 km and multi-target technology, it is a formidable weapon that can be used against Pakistan or China. Notably, Islamabad has only the Shaheen III missile, with a range of 2,500 km, which can compare to Indias India put its military might on display on Wednesday (August 20) as it successfully test-fired the Agni-V intermediate range ballistic missile from Odishas Chandipur. According to the defence ministry, the launch validated all operational and technical parameters. The test, which is part of routine user trials aimed at ensuring the systems readiness, also serves as a warning bell to Pakistan, as the missile has the range covering the entirety of Pakistan and even has the ability to reach even the remotest parts of China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, Indias test-firing of the Agni-V comes just around three-and-a-half months after Operation Sindoor and follows the previous test of Agni-5 in March last year. About the Agni-V The Agni-V is the fifth variant of Indias long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile. India has a long history with the Agni series of missiles, dating back to 1989. At the time, India had test-fired Agni-I, an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, with a range of around 1,000 km. Subsequently, India has been developing the Agni missile and the fifth variant was first tested in 2012, with subsequent tests conducted in the following years. The last test was conducted in March 2024 when the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was testing the missile after it was equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, allowing it to strike multiple targets with a single launch. The Agni-V missile has a maximum payload of around 1,360 kilogrammes and a range of 5,000 km this puts Pakistan, Turkey and even China within the missiles target range. However, some experts note that Indias is downplaying the missiles range, stating that it actually has the capability of striking 8,000 km away. The Agni - V missile being successfully launched from the Wheeler Island in Balasore, Odisha. PTI What makes the Agni-V missile even more intimidating is that it launches from a sealed canister that reduces the time needed for launching. An Indian Express report explains that the canisterisation also gives the missile a longer shelf life, protecting it from the harsher climatic conditions. The Agni-V also has the potential to be launched via a submarine. Furthermore, its top speed stands at around Mach 24. The Agni-V is also Indias first inter-continental ballistic missile, a guided missile that is designed to deliver nuclear warheads, although they could also deliver other payloads. With the Agni, India has joined the club of seven countries: United States, Russia, China, France, Israel, UK and North Korea that possess this technology. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian defence scientists are also working on future versions of the Agni-V missile with bunker-busting capability, giving it the ability to strike heavily fortified targets. A warning for Pakistan Indias test-firing of the Agni-V missile will put Pakistan on alert, as it has a range that covers the entirety of the country. Notably, open source intelligence analyst Damien Symon shared a map showcasing what the tested range of Agni-V looks like and it covers a large area of land. Reports indicate India has just carried out a test launch of the AGNI-5 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, using NOTAM data, here is a map outlining the missiles 4,790 km tested range https://t.co/AhcIOwVVl7 pic.twitter.com/MnIJqpdqWD Damien Symon (@detresfa_) August 20, 2025 In fact, an Islamabad-based think tank has issued a warning against the Agni-V missile. The Strategic Vision Institute noted that the Agni-V missile could destabilise the region and carry serious repercussions for global security. Developments of missiles with ranges of 8,000 km and above and possessing nuclear capability are a clear manifestation of power projection globally and hegemonic designs, the SVI said, adding that such weapons would put Washington, Moscow, Brussels, Beijing and other major cities within striking range. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, the Agni-V trial comes months after Operation Sindoor in which the Indian Armed Forces proved their military prowess against Pakistan and its China-and-Turkey-supplied weapons. Moreover, the only missile in Pakistan, which could contend against the Agni-V is the Shaheen III. It is a two-stage, solid-fuelled medium-range ballistic missile capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional payloads to a range of 2,750 km. This range allows the missile to target Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, which is the sole reason for its development according to General Khalid Kidwai, the former head of the Strategic Plans Division. Theres also reports that Pakistan is secretly developing a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could reach the United States. Indias Agni-V missile is part of the countrys vast missile arsenal, which includes the surface-to-surface missile Prithvi. File image/Reuters Indias missile arsenal The Agni-V missile is just one of the many in Indias missile stable. India has the BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile. It has a range of between 300-500 km depending on which variant and launch platform is used. The missile carries a conventional warhead weighing 200-300 kg. Another important missile for India is the short-range ballistic missile Prithvi with a range of 350 km. Theres also the Nirbhay, which is Indias first indigenously-produced cruise missile. It is similar in appearance to the US Tomahawk and the Russian Club SS-N-27. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition to these, India also possesses the short-range ballistic missile Pralay as well as the Scalp missiles, which were used in Operation Sindoor. Scalps are air-launched cruise missiles with stealth features, designed for long-range deep strikes. Known as Storm Shadow in Britain, these missiles can be operated at night and in all weather conditions. With inputs from agencies Israel is preparing for its largest mobilisation in months as it plans to capture Gaza City, a Hamas stronghold. With 60,000 reservists called up and 20,000 more extended, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) faces mounting fatigue, declining morale, and manpower shortages. Amid protests, hostage concerns, and a worsening humanitarian crisis, questions remain about Israels ability to sustain the campaign An Israeli soldier stands on the top of a tank parked on an area near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, August 20, 2025. File Image/AP Israel is preparing for one of its largest military operations since the war in Gaza began nearly two years ago. The Israeli government has authorised an expanded assault on Gaza City, the most populous urban centre in the enclave and a hub for Hamas political and military operations. Yet, as forces move closer to the city, the pressing question is whether the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have the manpower needed to complete such an ambitious operation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The military has been strained by months of sustained combat, with tens of thousands of reservists recalled multiple times, growing fatigue within the ranks, and visible gaps in leadership. At the same time, humanitarian agencies warn that the civilian toll could become catastrophic as Israel prepares to push deeper into one of the most densely populated areas in the world. What is Israels Gaza City plan? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear that Gaza City is now the centrepiece of Israels war strategy. He has described the city as one of Hamas final strongholds in the north, a place where the group continues to operate both militarily and administratively despite losing leaders and infrastructure in earlier phases of the conflict. On Wednesday, IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed that Israeli troops had reached the outskirts of the city. He called the move the first steps of the larger operation aimed at breaking Hamas grip. The offensive will focus heavily on dismantling Hamas underground tunnel networks, which have allowed fighters to regroup, store weapons, and carry out attacks even after sustaining losses elsewhere. Palestinians, displaced by the Israeli offensive, shelter in tents, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City, August 1, 2025. File Image/Reuters Netanyahu has ordered the military to shorten the expected timeline for capturing the city. When Israels security cabinet first authorised the plan, officials estimated that it might take at least five months. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, Netanyahu insists that a faster operation is necessary to end the conflict, despite warnings from his military chief that the pace could worsen strain on soldiers already showing signs of exhaustion. Does Israel have the manpower? The IDFs active-duty force is relatively small and depends heavily on reservists to sustain extended campaigns. To prepare for the Gaza City offensive, Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the mobilisation of an additional 60,000 reservists and extended the active service of another 20,000 who are already deployed. In a country with fewer than 10 million people, such a large call-up represents a significant social and economic burden. Reservists leave behind families and jobs, often with little notice, and many have now been summoned multiple times since October 2023, when Hamas launched its unprecedented attack that set off the war. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned the security cabinet earlier this month that the army faced attrition and burnout. His concerns highlighted the risk that repeated deployments and long-term mobilisation could erode the effectiveness of troops. But Netanyahu and his coalition partners pushed forward with the operation regardless, insisting that seizing Gaza City was essential. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A study by the Agam Labs at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that around 40 per cent of soldiers reported being less motivated to serve compared to earlier in the war, while just over 13 per cent said they were more motivated. This decline in morale reflects the difficulties Israel faces in sustaining momentum for what has already become the countrys longest military conflict. Are all reservists on board with serving in the military? A particularly contentious issue fuelling frustration within the ranks is the exemption of ultra-Orthodox men from mandatory military service. Military leaders have called for the drafting of the ultra-Orthodox community to alleviate the manpower shortage. However, the majority of this community refuses to enlist, and under pressure from ultra-Orthodox political parties, Netanyahus government has pursued broader exemptions instead. This policy has angered many active soldiers and reservists, who see it as unfair that they are repeatedly sent into combat while an entire segment of society is shielded from service. A small group known as Soldiers for Hostages publicly urged resistance to the latest call-up. Your children do not know how to refuse on their own, because it is difficult. It is almost impossible, the group wrote earlier this month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The IDF does not release data on how many reservists fail to report for duty. Although refusal to serve is technically a punishable offence, the army has rarely enforced penalties during this war, recognising the difficulties of repeatedly recalling individuals. Meanwhile, the strain is not only among reservists. The IDF has acknowledged for the first time that its forces are significantly depleted, estimating a shortfall of around 7,500 soldiers. Reports in the Hebrew-language press state that the army currently lacks about 300 platoon commanders in ground combat units. The shortage has forced the military to appoint experienced sergeants as acting commanders in a stopgap measure. How is Israel planning to fill the manpower gap? To compensate for shortages, the military is now looking beyond Israels borders. According to reports on Army Radio, the IDF is considering outreach to Jewish communities abroad, particularly in the United States and France, to encourage enlistment among young adults aged 18 to 25. The proposal envisions recruiting 600-700 soldiers per year from the Jewish Diaspora, with officials noting that the total recruitment potential could be more than 10,000 annually. The initiative is still in its early stages, but senior officials have pointed out that reality requires creative thinking, and appealing to the Jewish sentiment of the Diaspora communities may be a way to enhance the ranks and help reduce the shortage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Alongside efforts to encourage voluntary enlistment from abroad, the IDF has offered last-chance opportunities for Israelis who had not responded to their draft notices to join through an accelerated process. Are all Israelis on board with the Gaza City plan? Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in recent weeks demanding a ceasefire. Many argue that the government has failed to secure the release of hostages, while prolonging the war for political gain. There are still around 50 hostages in captivity, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Families of captives have been some of the loudest voices opposing the Gaza City offensive, fearing that the operation will jeopardise their loved ones. Families and supporters of Israelis held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks, hold placards and national flags during a protest calling for government action to secure their release in Jerusalem on August 17, 2025. Former military and intelligence chiefs have also echoed these concerns, calling for a negotiated truce rather than an expanded ground campaign. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected proposals for a ceasefire unless they include the complete defeat of Hamas. Complete defeat of Hamas has become the cornerstone of his governments messaging, even as critics argue that the prolonged war is eroding Israels military strength and international standing. The prime ministers insistence on continuing the conflict contrasts sharply with earlier promises. In February 2024, Netanyahu told CBS that once Israel entered Rafah in southern Gaza, the intense phase of the fighting is weeks away from completion, not months, weeks away from completion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nearly 18 months later, the war is not only ongoing but entering yet another violent phase. Even as the war focuses on Gaza, Israel continues controversial policies in the occupied West Bank. On the same day Netanyahu pressed for faster military action in Gaza City, his government gave final approval for a settlement project east of Jerusalem in an area known as E1. Critics warn that the development would effectively split the West Bank in two, undermining the possibility of a future Palestinian state. This move has further fuelled criticism of Israels wartime policies, with rights groups arguing that the government is using the conflict as cover to accelerate settlement expansion. Meanwhile, what is happening in Gaza? While the military prepares to capture Gaza City, humanitarian conditions across the enclave continue to deteriorate. The United Nations reports that child malnutrition has tripled in less than six months. Lazzarini of UNRWA described the situation as a man-made, preventable starvation, calling attention to the severe restrictions Israel has placed on aid entering the territory. The Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas but staffed by medical professionals, reports that over 62,000 people have been killed during Israels offensive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Women and children account for roughly half of the deaths. Since late June, the ministry has recorded 154 adult deaths from malnutrition-related causes and 112 such deaths among children. On Wednesday, at least 27 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 injured at the Zikim crossing in northwestern Gaza after a crowd rushed toward a UN convoy carrying humanitarian supplies. The majority of casualties were killed by gunshots fired by the Israeli troops, said Fares Awad, head of the Health Ministrys ambulance and emergency service in northern Gaza. He added that some victims died in the stampede that followed. A full-scale assault on Gaza City would only deepen the humanitarian crisis in an area already devastated by Israeli airstrikes and mass displacement. Arab mediators and Hamas announced this week that the groups leadership had accepted the conditions of a proposed 60-day ceasefire, though past declarations of agreement have failed to produce a durable truce. Both Egypt and Qatar have stated that they are now awaiting Israels official reply. With inputs from agencies The Israeli government has approved increasing its 2025 budget by $9 billion. The development comes just months after it approved the previous budget of $205 billion. This rise is equivalent to around 1.67 per cent of Israels GDP, which currently stands at $540 billion. So how much is the war costing the nation? stretch Israel is spending billions on its war in Gaza. The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week agreed to add billions to the 2025 budget. However not everyone is happy with the development including some members of Netanyahus Cabinet and the Opposition. The additional funds will also need to be approved by Israels parliament, which is known as the Knesset. The development comes in the backdrop of the Israeli government passing an austerity budget in the backdrop of its Gaza war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we know? How much is Israel spending every day on the Gaza war? Lets take a closer look: What do we know? The Israeli government has approved increasing the 2025 budget by $9 billion. The development comes just months after Israels government approved the previous budget of $205 billion. This rise is equivalent to around 1.67 per cent of Israels GDP, which currently stands at $540 billion. Most of the new money, around $8.5 billion, will go towards defence. Defence, at 41.5 billion, now comprises a fifth of Israels entire spending. Thats roughly twice the amount Israel was envisaging spending before the war broke out. Of the new funds, $473 million is set to go towards humanitarian aid for Gaza. Members of Hamas armed wing hold a Palestinian flag atop an Israeli tank in the southern Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.Israel has increased its defence spending in recent years particularly since the war began after the October 7 2023 attacks by Hamas. AP Israel has increased its defence spending in recent years particularly since the war began after the October 7 2023 attacks by Hamas. The defence budget, which was at $16 billion in 2023, escalated to $26.73 billion in 2024. The defence budget for 2025 was pegged at $31 billion. Israels defence spending is now nearly 7.7 per cent of its GDP. In 2022, that number was at 3.8 per cent and in 2023 that number was at 5.7 per cent. Government debt, which was at $281 billion at the end of 2022, touched $338 billion in the second half of 2024. Israels budget deficit has also been similarly increasing. The budget deficit in 2024 reached 6.9 per cent of GDP although it has since eased to 5.1 per cent in April. The debt-to-GDP ratio rose 7.7 points last year to 69 per cent. Israels finance ministry in June had already lowered its GDP growth forecast for 2025 from 4.3 per cent to 3.6 per cent. The ministry blamed the extended reserve duty and decreased civilian productivity. How much is Israel spending on the Gaza war? Israel had called up around 300,000 reservists in the early days of the war. The Finance Ministry says 300,000 reservists cost the government around $60 million every single day in salaries. However this does not include feeding and sheltering the soldiers. With that it rises to around $81 million per day. However, all this does not take account the drain on the economy which the finance ministry estimates at another $90 million per day for the 300,000 reservists. Israel is also spending money on arms, ammunition and equipment which in all comes to around $292 million. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A Palestinian boy carries a stroller at the site of a morning Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City, August 8, 2025. Reuters Till 2024, Israel had spent around $67 billion on its war in Gaza. A piece also estimated around $1.62 billion worth of damage to its southern towns. Meanwhile, the Israeli Tax Authoritys Compensation Fund has paid out approximately $640 million to cover civilian property damage between January and May 2025 alone. Total fund withdrawals reaching around $800 million. Israel is increasing its defence spending even as it cuts down in other areas. For example, the earlier 2025 budget approved tax hikes and cuts in non-defence spending. Israel has mandated a 3.35 per cent cut for all ministerial budgets starting at the beginning of 2026 with the National Security Ministry most likely to be affected. Israel has proposed cutting higher education by $108 million, the transportation budget by $189 million and the Ministry of Economy budget by $73 million. The previous budget had imposed austerity with the aim of bringing the budget deficit down to four per cent of GDP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yali Rothenberg, Israels Accountant General in May warned that defence spending was too high and risks hurting reduction in civilian expenses. We need to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio, Rothenberg said. The year 2026 will be very important - a test year - we need to restore fiscal space and we need a budget for 2026, because a budget creates certainty and we need certainty for all government ministries. He noted that in cutting the deficit next year to 3-4 per per cent of GDP, it will require difficult decisions; but this is the core of fiscal governance - not just numbers but choosing priorities. Smotrich in October 2024 had warned that the military would not have an unlimited budget in 2025. It is important that we transmit stability and control and a hand on the wheel of the economy so that all our partners in the economy will move the economy forward, Smotrich said. Now, the economy serves security. We will end the war with victory and bring security and with it also a good economy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We are in the longest and most expensive war in Israels history, Smotrich said. In the last year we have demonstrated an amazing ability to withstand all the efforts of the war and its costs. There is great resilience in the economy. Smotrich after the budget passed had claimed it was everything we need to win on the front and the home front. Bibi Cabinet divided, Oppn attacks The Israeli Cabinet is not happy with the revised budget. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Education Minister Yoav Kisch On Tuesday Saddam a joint statement that they would oppose this budget unless it was amended to include funding for educational institutions. Kisch warned that failing to do so could result in the school year being delayed. Kisch during the meeting had about aid to Gaza being increased, while his demand for money for mental health assistance for students was ignored. You prefer the children of Gaza over the children of Israel, Kisch told Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich He further accused Smotrich of being a small man with a big ego. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israels National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir Ben Gvir also slammed Benjamin Netanyahu during the meeting, calling him the one responsible for this disgrace. AFP Ben Gvir also slammed Netanyahu during the meeting, calling him the one responsible for this disgrace. Netanyahu responded that the money does not go to Hamas, but to the aid centers, to the residents of Gaza. To which Ben Gvir wondered why prioritise the children of Gaza? Smotrich responded by slamming populist ministers who were more interested in hurling personal insults and creating headlines. Meanwhile, Opposition figure and Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman claimed the government was paying taxes to Hamas. Opposition leader Yair Lapid also derided the move. The governments decision to cut the health basket means both shame is dead, and sick people will die as well. Funding could come from closing 15 superfluous ministries and canceling coalition funds for corruption and draft dodgers, Lapid wrote on X. Instead, the worst government in Israels history is cutting healthcare, education, and welfare. Disgraceful. With inputs from agencies Rahul Mamkootathil resigned as Kerala Youth Congress president after facing harassment allegations by Malayalam actor Rini Ann George. While she did not reveal the name of the politician, George claimed she received offensive messages. Later, writer Honey Bhaskaran spoke out against the Palakkad MLA. However, the youth leader asserted his innocence and said he resigned to protect the party from unnecessary distractions Rahul BR, better known as Rahul Mamkootathil, is one of the Congress partys young faces in Kerala. He has now announced his resignation following allegations of harrasement. Image courtesy: Facebook Rahul Mamkootathil, the Palakkad MLA and Kerala Youth Congress chief, resigned from his party post following serious harassment allegations. Rahul BR, better known as Rahul Mamkootathil, is one of the Congress partys young faces in Kerala. A history and English literature graduate who studied at Delhis St Stephens College, he rose through the ranks of student politics before becoming a prominent state leader. But in recent weeks, the 35-year-old has been at the centre of controversy after facing allegations of harassment and inappropriate behaviour from Malayalam actor and former journalist Rini Ann George, followed by similar claims from writer Honey Bhaskaran. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What exactly happened? How has the leader defended himself? And what has been the Congress partys response? Heres what we know so far. Allegations against Rahul Mamkootathil Rini Ann George Malayalam actor and former journalist Rini Ann George spoke out about her ordeal in an online interview with Manorama. Without directly naming him at first, she alleged that a youth leader from a major political party had repeatedly sent her offensive messages and even invited her to a hotel. I came in contact with the politician through social media. His inappropriate behaviour began three years ago, when I first received objectionable messages from him, George said. According to her, despite knowing about his behaviour, senior party members continued to support him, allowing him to climb higher in the organisation. She recalled warning him that she might report him to senior leaders, but he allegedly brushed her off, saying, You can go and tell anyone who cares? Malayalam actor and former journalist Rini Ann George spoke out about receiving inappropriate messages from Kerala Youth Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil. Image courtesy: Instagram The image I had in my mind about them has been shattered. Even after my complaint, he was given several prominent positions within the party, George told On Manorama. Explaining why she has not filed a formal complaint, she said it was out of concern for her safety and a lack of faith in the system. I did not wish to embarrass the political party involved, she said, adding that her decision to speak up was to support other women who had allegedly faced similar harassment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I have not suffered any assault; I only received these messages. But through my friends, I learned that several other women faced harassment, and I am speaking up for them, she added. Honey Bhaskaran Soon after Georges revelations, writer Honey Bhaskaran came forward with her own experience. In a Facebook post, she wrote that the Youth Congress state president had first reached out to her on Instagram on June 9, while she was travelling in Sri Lanka. He reacted to one of her photos with a heart emoji and struck up a conversation, asking about her trip and even joking about the Nilambur elections. At first, Bhaskaran said, she replied casually. But when she noticed a flirtatious tone creeping into his messages, she stopped responding and allowed the conversation to fade out. writer Honey Bhaskaran claimed that Rahul had repeatedly messaged her and later misrepresented their conversations to others. Bhaskaran alleged that Rahul later boasted about their brief chat during a drinking session, misrepresenting it as though she had approached him. I learned the vulgar truth behind why you messaged me, she wrote in her post. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I know many of his victims, and more will come forward with complaints, she told Manorama. He tells every woman that she is the only one he loves, while saying the same to others." People like you are unfit to even be near women in public spaces, let alone continue in politics. Such men make politics itself inhuman, she wrote. What has Rahul Mamkootathil said? After the allegations surfaced, Rahul Mamkootathil addressed the media at his residence in Adoor on Wednesday, where he announced his resignation from the post of Kerala Youth Congress chief. He stressed that his decision was not an admission of guilt but a step to protect the party from unnecessary distractions. As far as Youth Congress workers and party workers are concerned, they have a lot of work to do before the next assembly and panchayat elections. They cannot waste time justifying me. I respect their time. We will fight strongly against the CPI(M) government and face the elections, he was quoted as saying by The Times of India. Rahul Mamkootathil announced his resignation from the post of Kerala Youth Congress chief. Image courtesy: Facebook/Rahul Mamkootathil Mamkootathil clarified that no one in the party had asked him to resign and described it as a move taken out of personal responsibility. He also emphasised that it was up to him to prove his innocence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I will face these allegations individually and will face them also individually, he added. When asked about the voice clip that surfaced on social media in which serious allegations were made against him, he said that it was not difficult to make such fake clips. On actor Rini Ann George, who made the initial claims, he maintained that she was his friend and insisted that there was no formal complaint against him, reported News18. Is there any legal complaint against me? The lady, who made the statement, has not named me. She is a friend of mine. Is there any complaint against me in any of the police stations in the state? he asked, hinting he was ready to take the legal route if required. Congress to investigate allegations Responding to the controversy, Opposition Leader VD Satheesan said the party had only just received a complaint and promised that it would be handled without bias. The party will look into the allegations. We will check the gravity of the allegations. If it is very serious, we will take necessary action. There is a procedure; he will get an opportunity to present his side. Then only will we make a decision, he explained. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Satheesan stressed that there would be no delay in the process. We will make a decision immediately. There are no complaints before the party so far. But if someone is making any allegation, we will look into it. We will take it very seriously, we will take proper action, there will be no mercy, he added. With input from agencies New Delhi has strongly reacted after Nepal took objection to the resumption of border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass, on the border between Uttarakhand and Tibet. Kathmandu claims Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani as part of its territory. But why is there a dispute over these areas controlled by India? The border dispute between India and Nepal has flared up again. File Photo/PTI The boundary issue has once again flared up between India and Nepal. New Delhi has strongly reacted to Kathmandus objection to the resumption of border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass. India dubbed Nepals territorial claims to the Lipulekh Pass as unjustified and untenable. Nepal earlier expressed displeasure with India over its decision to reopen trade with China through the Himalayan pass, a route that covers Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. What did Nepal say? India and China have decided to reopen border trade through three designated trading points Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The development came during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit to India earlier in the week. After the announcement, Nepal objected to the resumption of border trade between the two countries through Lipulekh Pass, which it claims is its territory. The Nepalese government is clear that the official map of Nepal has been included in the constitution of Nepal and that the map shows Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River as integral parts of Nepal, the Nepal foreign ministry said on Wednesday (August 20). It is a well-known fact that the Nepal government has been requesting the government of India not to construct or expand roads and indulge in any kind of activity such as border trade in the territory, the statement by the spokesperson of the foreign ministry, Lok Bahadur Chhetri, read. It is also well known that the Nepal government has already informed the government of China that the area lies in Nepalese territory, it added. The Nepal government is committed to resolving the border issue between the two countries through diplomatic channels on the basis of historical treaty - agreement, facts, map and other evidence complying with the spirit of cordial and friendly relations existing between Nepal and India, read the statement. Nepals objection came even as Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the country between August 17-18 and invited Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to visit India in September. Moreover, India and Nepal on Wednesday jointly inaugurated two bridges constructed with grant assistance from New Delhi in Koshi province. India has promised to provide 10 prefabricated steel bridges to Nepal under grant assistance for rebuilding critical road infrastructure disrupted by rains and for bolstering connectivity following the September 2024 floods, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said in a press release. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How India reacted India hit back at Nepals territorial claims, saying they were not based on historical facts. Our position in this regard has been consistent and clear. Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass had commenced in 1954 and has been going on for decades. This trade had been disrupted in recent years due to COVID and other developments, and both sides have now agreed to resume it, said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. As regards territorial claims, our position remains that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Any unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable, he said. In response to media queries regarding comments made by Nepal on border issue, Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal says "We have noted the comments of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal related to resumption of border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh pic.twitter.com/9UNQ6u2iWM ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy, Jaiswal added. Even in 2015, Nepal had objected to an agreement between India and China to include the Lipulekh Pass as a bilateral trade route. India-Nepal border dispute India and Nepal share a 1,800 km open border. Kathmandu claims Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China. Nepal disputes the areas, which are under Indias control, based on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, which established the Kali River as the demarcation line for the boundary with India. The Kali River has two tributaries one beginning at Lipulekh and the other at Limpiyadhura. Kathmandu claims the river originating in Limpiyadhura as the western border, while New Delhi asserts the boundary begins from Lipulekh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lok Raj Baral, a former Nepali diplomat, told Al Jazeera that the disputed land lies between the two rivers. He said that the boundary issue stems from a lack of maps published by Nepal. Nepal did not have the capacity to produce maps, so it depended on maps published by the British India. The first boundary claim by Nepal was made in 1962, he said. Last year, Nepal announced a new currency note featuring a map showing Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. India had rejected the map, saying the unilateral actions would not change the ground reality. This was not the first time that Kathmandu displayed the areas within its territory. On June 18, 2020, Nepal revised its new political map with these three strategic regions. The move was dismissed by India as untenable. That year, Nepal also protested Indias inauguration of a new 80-kilometre road leading to the Lipulekh Pass. This link serves as the shortest route between New Delhi and Kailash-Mansarovar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2019, New Delhi published a new map exhibiting Kalapani within its borders, a move criticised by Kathmandu. With inputs from agencies Terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is now using digital wallets to raise money, months after Indias Operation Sindoor destroyed terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam attack. Instead of bank accounts, the group is funnelling donations into digital wallets managed by JeM leader Masood Azhars family members Months after Indias successful Operation Sindoor precision strikes destroyed Pakistani terror infrastructure, terror groups have now found a new way to raise funds and rebuild their network. According to intelligence inputs, Pakistans spy agency ISI and terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) are attempting to raise funds through a massive digital wallet system. On May 7, Indian forces carried out precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The operation killed over 100 terrorists and came in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 civilians dead. The question now is, how is Jaish using digital wallets to raise funds? Lets find out: How Pakistan is keeping Jaish alive Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has turned to digital wallets to collect funds and has been spreading out its operations to reduce the impact of any further Indian action on its bases across the border, media reports said. Sources told The Economic Times that the group has prepared a plan worth PKR 3.9 billion to build a wide network of Markaz or religious centres, following the same model once used by Lashkar-e-Taiba. The plan includes opening 313 new camps to make it harder for Indian agencies to monitor their activities. The money is being collected through digital wallets linked to the relatives of JeM leader Masood Azhar, and at least five such wallets have been found with direct ties to the banned group. On May 7, the Indian Armed Forces carried out Operation Sindoor. In this operation, JeMs main base, Markaz Subhanallah, along with four training camps, Markaz Bilal, Markaz Abbas, Mahmona Zoya and Sargal, were destroyed. Soon after the strikes, the Pakistan government reportedly announced financial support to rebuild these facilities. Now, according to intelligence reports cited by India Today, JeM has started an online campaign through EasyPaisa to raise 3.91 billion Pakistani rupees for building 313 new camps across Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rather than using bank accounts, the donations are being directed into digital wallets controlled by Masood Azhars family members. This allows Pakistan to claim that funding for JeM has been cut, while in reality, the money continues to flow. This method is designed to avoid checks from global watchdogs like the FATF, which can only trace banking transactions and would not be able to act on money moved through family-linked wallets. The drive is being led by Azhar himself, who has been behind several attacks in India over the years, along with his brother Talha Al Saif, who has been appealing to supporters to donate. Apart from online channels, JeM leaders are also collecting money in mosques during Friday prayers. While these contributions are presented as donations for humanitarian work in Gaza, officials believe the funds are being diverted to JeMs operations, the report said. The Al Rahmat Trust, a charity based in Bahawalpur and long connected with JeM, is also playing a key role. Run by Azhar and his close aides, it is routing money through a separate bank account and has been one of JeMs main financial arms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A view of the post-strike visual at Bahawalpur that reveals gaping holes in the mosques dome, widespread debris, and collapsed buildings. Maxar Technologies/Reuters How is the money being spent? Sources told ET that wallets such as EasyPaisa and SadaPay are being used to gather money. These work outside normal banking channels, allowing wallet-to-wallet and wallet-to-cash transfers. According to the report, Azhars family operates 7 to 8 wallets at a time and changes them every four months. Once large sums build up, the money is either broken into smaller amounts or taken out in cash. Around 30 fresh wallets are opened every month. Appeals are being circulated through proxy accounts linked to JeM and its commanders on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. These include posters, videos and even a letter from Masood Azhar. India Today reported that the appeals mention plans to set up 313 markaz and ask for 12.5 million Pakistani rupees (1.25 crore) for each centre. The campaign is aimed not only at people in Pakistan but also at Pakistanis overseas and their supporters. A building hit by an Indian strike in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Reuters At present, nearly 80 per cent of JeMs finances are managed through these wallets, with yearly transactions estimated at 80-90 crore Pakistani rupees, the report said. The money is then used for buying weapons, running training facilities, maintaining communication systems, purchasing luxury cars and supporting Masood Azhars family. A huge share of these funds comes from Gulf nations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to Russia, which comes as US President Donald Trump has levied a 25 per cent tariff on New Delhi for importing Russian crude. However, oil isnt the only focus of the visit. The Indian leader highlighted the trade deficit in Moscow and called for an early conclusion of the India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement When US President Donald Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India a whopping 25 per cent for importing oil from Russia he presumed that New Delhi would bow down and stop purchasing crude from Moscow. However, India has refused to cower to Trumps demands. Against this backdrop, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has now travelled to Moscow where he will hold talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov today (August 21). Earlier, the external affairs minister also met Russias First Deputy PM Denis Manturov and addressed the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, Jaishankars visit to Russia comes just two weeks after Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visited Moscow for a high-level visit to strengthen ties between the two nations. What is Jaishankars agenda in Russia though? We take a closer look. Addressing India-Russias trade imbalance At the IRIGC-TEC, Union Minister S Jaishankar flagged the issue of the major trade imbalance between India and Russia. He noted that while bilateral trade has grown leaps and bounds, it has been accompanied by a great trade imbalance. Over the last four years, our bilateral trade in goods has increased, as you have noted, more than five-fold from $13 billion in 2021 to $68 billion in 2024-25, and it continues to grow, Jaishankar said. Speaking at the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow. https://t.co/r4NC1wV3aT Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 20, 2025 However, a major trade imbalance has accompanied the growth; it has increased from $6.6 billion to $58.9 billion, which is about nine times. So we need to address that urgently, he added. He said that the solution lay in the complementary nature of both economies, suggesting greater efforts to expand Indian exports and diversify trade beyond energy and raw materials. S Jaishankar also pushed for more Russian companies to engage with its Indian counterparts. He said that Indias rapidly growing economy and initiatives like Make in have opened up new windows for foreign businesses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An India with a GDP of $4 trillion plus growing at seven per cent for the foreseeable future has an obvious need for large resources from dependable sources. In some cases, it could be assured supplies of essential products, fertiliser, chemicals, and machinery, being good examples. Its rapidly growing infrastructure offers business openings to enterprises with an established track record in their own country, said Jaishankar. The Make in India and other such initiatives have opened up new windows for foreign businesses. The modernisation and the urbanisation of India generate their own demands, flowing from shifts in consumption and lifestyle. Each of these dimensions represent an invitation for Russian companies to engage more intensively with their Indian counterparts. Our endeavour is to encourage them to rise to that challenge, he added. Mentioning that India and Russia have nurtured one of the steadiest relationships between major nations, Jaishankar pushed for more strenuous efforts to diversify and balance trade between both nations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov and others during the India-Russia Business Forum. Image Courtesy: @MEAIndia/X Restarting talks on trade deal with Russia-led EAEU bloc External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also asserted the need for an early conclusion to trade talks between India and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Apart from Russia, this grouping comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic. Trade deal talks with the EAEU had stalled in early 2022 following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. The trade between India and the EAEU stood at $69 billion in 2024, a seven per cent increase over 2023. At the meeting on Wednesday, both sides finalised the terms of reference for the trade deal. Russias sale of oil to India Jaishankars visit to Russia comes at a significant moment; India faces a whopping 25 per cent tariff levied by Donald Trump for importing crude from Moscow. While India has maintained that their purchase of oil is in national interest, Trump and his officials claim New Delhis actions are funding the war against Ukraine. And on Wednesday, Russia maintained that shipments of crude, petroleum products and coal to India would continue. Roman Babushkin, the charge daffaires at the Russian embassy, said Moscow and New Delhi would find ways to overcome the US measures in their national interests. I want to highlight that despite the political situation, we can predict the same level of oil import, he told reporters. Russias First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov also stated that Russian oil and other energy supplies will continue to reach India, adding that Moscow was eyeing new opportunities for LNG exports. During his visit to Russia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is to meet with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, to reinforce the special privileged strategic partnership between the two nations. File image/PTI India-Russias time-tested ties Jaishankars visit to Russia underscores the importance that New Delhi holds for Moscow. Through the years, the two nations have remained allies of another a friendship that dates back to Indias Independence. In fact, India and Russia have always extended supported each other; for instance, during the 1965 war between India and Pakistan, Russia, then the Soviet Union, played a mediating role and hosted the so-called Tashkent summit in 1966 where a peace treaty was signed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even as the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, India maintained its ties with Moscow Prime Minister Narendra Modi even visited Vladimir Putin in July last year. In the past, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has referred to the IndiaRussia relationship as the one constant in global politics over the last half century. India has also refrained from voting against Russia in the UN Security Council. Today, India buys about 35 per cent of its crude oil from Russia, up from just one per cent before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as per a Bloomberg report. Moreover, Russia is a dependable supplier of weapons to India. As per a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report, 36 per cent of all Indias weapons are imported from Russia. There is also a long-standing economic relationship. India and Russia aim to increase bilateral trade from $68 billion to $100 billion by the end of this decade. Connectivity initiatives include the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It will be interesting to see what comes next for the India-Russia ties amid Trumps tariff pressures. As of now, it looks like New Delhi and Moscow are in no mood to relent to Washingtons demands. In fact, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an international arrest warrant, is also expected to visit India later this year. With inputs from agencies India has rejected Dhakas allegations that members of the banned Awami League are carrying out anti-Bangladesh activities on Indian soil. This came after Bangladesh claimed that Awami League-linked offices were being operated on Indian soil, allegedly by leaders of Sheikh Hasinas party living in exile here. But what is the truth? India has dismissed Dhakas allegations that members of the banned Awami League are carrying out anti-Bangladesh activities on Indian soil. The Awami League is the party of Sheikh Hasina, who resigned as Prime Minister and fled Bangladesh in August 2024. The development came after the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry claimed that Awami League-linked offices were being run on Indian soil, allegedly by leaders taking refuge across the border. India has rejected the charge and reiterated its call for free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. India rejects Bangladeshs charge India on Wednesday (August 20) responded to Dhakas accusations that offices linked to the Awami League in Kolkata and New Delhi were involved in anti-Bangladesh activities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called Dhakas allegations misplaced, underlining that no such activity is permitted from Indian soil. Many of the senior leaders of the Party, absconding in several criminal cases in Bangladesh on account of grievous crimes committed against humanity, remain in the Indian territory. Earlier, on 21 July 2025 evening, under the garb of an indescript NGO, some of the senior leaders of this banned Party planned to hold a public outreach at the Delhi Press Club and eventually distributed booklets among the attending members of the Press. To date, several reports in Indian media affirm increasing overtures of the Party while being on the Indian soil, the Bangladesh foreign affairs ministry said in a statement earlier on Wednesday. This development also risks upholding the good-neighbourly relations with India driven by mutual trust and mutual respect, and lends serious implications for the political transformation underway in Bangladesh, the statement read, warning that the issue might also trigger public sentiment in Bangladesh, which may in turn impact the ongoing efforts of the two countries in further enhancing the relationship between the two closest neighbours. The government of Bangladesh, therefore, would urge the government of India to take immediate steps to ensure that no anti-Bangladesh activity is undertaken by any Bangladeshi national from being in the Indian soil, the statement added. India has rejected Dhakas accusations, saying it had no knowledge of such activities and would not allow them under any circumstances. The Government of India is not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities by purported members of the Awami League in India or of any action that is contrary to Indian law. The Government does not allow political activities against other countries to be carried out from Indian soil, the MEA said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Describing Bangladeshs allegation as misplaced, New Delhi reiterated the need for free, fair and inclusive elections" at the earliest in the neighbouring country to ascertain the will and mandate of the people. Our response to media queries on the Press Statement issued by the Interim Government of Bangladesh https://t.co/XDLTjDUBuH pic.twitter.com/UvT2MgwN20 Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 20, 2025 Does Awami League have offices in India? Bangladeshs allegations come amid some reports in the Bangladeshi press about a discreet party office of Bangladesh Awami League in Kolkata that Indian intelligence agencies are aware of. As per a BBC Bangla report, cited by Bangladeshs The Business Standard, Hasinas party office has been operating for months out of a commercial complex on the outskirts of Kolkata. After student-led protests forced Sheikh Hasina to flee Bangladesh on August 5 last year and come to India, several Awami League and affiliated leaders also reportedly moved here, many of whom settled in and around Kolkata. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since Hasinas ouster, nearly 1,300 former ministers and the top and middle-level leaders of her party, its youth wing Jubo League, and its students wing Bangladesh Chhatra League, have been in self-exile in India and other parts of the world, as per ThePrint. Some have shifted to the US, Canada, Australia and other countries. In May this year, Bangladesh banned all activities of the Awami League, including its online presence, under the Anti-Terrorism Act. What do Awami League leaders do in India? The Awami League leaders in India have mostly settled in New Town, a planned satellite city on the outskirts of Kolkata, reported ThePrint. They spend their time in offering namaz, going to gym or morning walks and attending online meetings with other party leaders and workers in Bangladesh and other parts of the world. A former Awami League MP living in New Town told the digital outlet that he regularly meets former Bangladesh home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who he claimed has rented a spacious apartment in the area. As per ThePrint, Khan, his wife and daughter are residing in Kolkata. He goes to Delhi every week for party meetings and to meet high-level functionaries of the Indian establishment. Another former Awami League MP from Coxs Bazar said, I wake up at the crack of dawn and offer my Fajr prayers at the 3BHK apartment I share with another Awami League MP. Then we both head to the neighbourhood fitness studio, which is rather impressive. I do weight training while my flatmate has enrolled for Pilates classes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the online evening meetings, the Awami League members share and analyse political news from their homeland and discuss their next move. However, the leaders deny that they have an office in Kolkata. Yes, there is space we have rented in New Town where all of us meet. There are almost 1,300 party leaders in Kolkata. We cant possibly meet at the former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamals living room! But to call it an office would be a gross exaggeration, Mohammad A Arafat, former Bangladesh Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, told ThePrint. With inputs from agencies If true-crime dramas interest you, try Hulus new mini-series, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. It brings to life the shocking tale of American student Amanda Knox, who was wrongfully convicted for the murder of her housemate Meredith Kercher in Italy Amanda Knox went from being a kid in Seattle to being convicted for a brutal murder in Italy and gaining the world's attention. Now, there's a mini-series on her on Hulu. File image/Reuters In November 2007, American student Amanda Knox made headlines around the world when she was arrested and put on trial for allegedly killing her roommate in Italy. Now, nearly two decades later, she making headlines again, but this time, its for Hulus limited series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. The eight-episode series, starring Grace Van Patten as Knox, which dropped on August 20 has created significant buzz around the world. After all, the story that inspires the series was the perfect tabloid story beautiful young American; a brutal murder in a picturesque Italian town and tales of sex games and occult rituals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But who exactly is Amanda Knox? What was the case against her? The life of Amanda Knox Knox was born in Americas Seattle in 1987 to parents mother Edda Mellas, a math teacher from Germany, and father Curt Knox, a finance executive at Macys. At the age of 20, then studying in the University of Washington, she applied to spend an academic year abroad, opting for the picturesque Italian college town of Perugia. She soon makes her way to Perugia and rents a room in a cottage along with three other roommates, including Meredith Kercher, a British exchange student from the University of Leeds. Shortly after she reached Italy, Knox met Italian Raffaele Sollecito at a classical music concert, and they started dating. The 23-year-old Italian computer engineering students apartment was a short walk from the girls flat. On November 1, however, a chain of events occurred that changed Knoxs life irreversibly. Her roommate, Kercher, was found dead in her bedroom in the apartment that they shared. According to the Italian police, her body was partially clothed, with her throat cut. She was stabbed multiple times and was sexually assaulted. The Italian police escort Amanda Knox after she was arrested for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, her flatmate in Italy. File image/AFP When the Italian authorities questioned Knox, she revealed to them that she had the spent the night at her boyfriends house and when she returned, she found the home door ajar and drops of blood on the bathroom mat. Following this, the Italian police took her in for interrogation. In a January 2025 report for The Atlantic, she described the questioning as the most terrifying experience of my life. I was 20 years old, and was questioned for more than 53 hours over a five-day period in a language I was only just learning to speak. The night of Merediths murder, I had stayed with Raffaele Sollecito, a young man Id just started dating. But no matter how many times I said that, the police refused to believe me, she wrote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She reveals in that same essay that as a result of sleep deprivation and the lies she was fed by the police, she signed papers that claimed that she was in the house when Kercher was stabbed. She even confessed that it was Patrick Lumumba, who owned the bar where Knox worked part-time, killed Kercher. I recanted only a few hours later, but it didnt matter, Knox wrote. I was coerced into signing the statements and then charged with criminal slander for doing so. (The police, who did not record the interrogation as they were supposed to, deny that I was hit or pressured into making these statements.) Arrest and trial of Amanda Knox On November 6, 2007, Knox, Sollecito and Lumumba were arrested. However, Lumumba was released two weeks later after customers at his bar proved he had been serving drinks that night. But Knox and Sollecito were charged with murder and went on trial. In the initial trial spanning from January to December 2009, prosecutors claimed Knox and her boyfriend murdered Kercher because she wouldnt participate in a group sex game. Lead prosecutor Giuliano Mignini said, Amanda had the chance to retaliate against a girl who was serious and quiet. She had harboured hatred for Meredith, and that was the time when it could explode. The time had come to take revenge on that smug girl. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In December 2009, US student Amanda Knox, was found guilty of killing British student Meredith Kercher in 2007 and sent to prison for 26 years. Knoxs then-boyfriend and co-defendant Raffaele Sollecito was also found guilty and imprisoned for 25 years. File image/AFP At the end of the trial, both of them were found guilty with Knox receiving a 26-year prison sentence. Both served four years in an Italian prison before being found innocent in 2011 by an eight-member jury. Following this, Knox returned to the US. But her legal woes were far from over. In March 2013, a retrial was ordered after prosecutors appealed that crucial DNA evidence had been left out, and the case was sent back to an appeals court in Florence. And a year later, she and Sollecito were convicted again of Kerchers murder. Knox remained in the US and was sentenced in absentia to 28-and-a-half years in prison, while Sollecito was sentenced to 25 years. In 2015, Knoxs and Sollecitos murder convictions were once again overturned by Italys highest court in a retrial. In a statement, Knox said: I am tremendously relieved and grateful for the decision of the Supreme Court of Italy. The knowledge of my innocence has given me strength in the darkest times of this ordeal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amanda Knox talks to the press surrounded by family outside her mothers home in Seattle after Italys top court annulled her conviction for the 2007 murder of British student Meredith Kercher. File image/Reuters Media trial of Foxy Knoxy While Knox was embroiled in one legal battle after another, it was not her only suffering. As she faced court, she also faced a media trial, which depicted her in very poor light. She was often referred to as Foxy Knoxy with the media painting her as some femme fatale. Journalists scoured her online profiles to dig up anything on her; they even dug up a picture of her posing with a vintage machine gun at a museum that she had uploaded to her Myspace page. Many tabloids and news media outlets villified Amanda Knox during the course of her trial. She was referred to as Foxy Knoxy and made to look like some femme fatale. Image Courtesy: X They portrayed her as promiscuous woman motivated by extreme thrills and sexual conquests. The media ran photos of the couple kissing outside the house while they waited for the police to arrive. They even ran headlines such as Orgy of death; Amanda was a drugged up tart. Even CCTV screenshots of her and Sollecito buying lingerie were published across newspapers and news channels in Italy. After her final exoneration, Knox recalled the sensationalism around her case, saying, It was impossible for me to have a fair trial, adding that in the eyes of many she had become the dirty, psychopathic, man-eating Foxy Knoxy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US Amanda Knox with her husband Christopher Robinson (L) at the courthouse in Florence. File image/AFP Knoxs path to redemption Today, Knox lives in the US with her husband, Christopher Robinson, and their children daughter Eureka Muse Knox-Robinson and son Echo. She has written two memoirs on her experiences, 2013s Waiting to Be Heard and 2025s Free: My Search for Meaning. Theres also been a Netflix documentary titled Amanda Knox and a docuseries she hosts, talking to women about being publicly shamed. And now comes the Hulu series, _The Twisted Tale of Amanda Kno_x where she is the producer. According to her website, she advocates for wrongfully incarcerated people and is involved with multiple organisations fighting for criminal justice reform. With inputs from agencies Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly had to pay nearly $250,000 (around Rs 2.2 crore) in cash to refuel his three jets while in Alaska for a summit with US President Donald Trump. Many Russian officials and journalists who travelled with him also said they were unable to use local mobile networks or bank cards during their stay The Russian delegation had to pay for refuelling their jets in cash. AP/File Photo Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly had to spend almost $250,000 (around Rs 2.2 crore) in cash to refuel three aircraft during his summit with US President Donald Trump in Alaska on August 15. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC News that the Russian team had to make the payment in cash to refuel their planes in Alaska. ALSO READ | Putin gifts American man motorcycle during Alaska Summit. Heres why Notably, the Trump-Putin talks produced general remarks about progress on some issues but did not result in concrete steps towards a ceasefire in Ukraine, something Donald Trump had mentioned before the meeting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This brings us back to the key question: Why did Putin need to pay in cash for refuelling? Lets take a look at this: Why Putin had to pay in cash for jet refuelling When Vladimir Putin arrived in Alaska on August 15 for a key meeting with US President Donald Trump, he received a formal red carpet welcome. However, his delegation had to pay for refuelling their jets in cash. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this was a direct result of existing US sanctions. Media reports said that the Russian leader had to spend nearly $250,000 (about Rs 2.2 crore) in cash to refuel three aircraft. When the Russians landed in Alaska, they were there to refuel. They had to offer to pay in cash to refuel their aeroplanes because they cant use our banking system, Rubio told NBC News. Putin arrived in Alaska on August 15 for a key meeting with Trump. Reuters/File Photo He added that all sanctions remained fully in place and continued to limit Russian access to global finance. They face consequences every single day, but the bottom line is that it has not altered the direction of this war. That doesnt mean those sanctions were inappropriate; it means it hasnt altered the outcome of it, he said. Russian officials and journalists travelling with them also said they could not use local mobile networks or bank cards during their stay, according to The Moscow Times. US authorities temporarily lifted travel restrictions for sanctioned Russian officials until August 20 to allow the Anchorage summit to take place. Earlier this year, Washington made a similar exception for Kremlin economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who was able to travel to the US capital for talks with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff in April despite being on the sanctions list. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | Why Putins bodyguards carried poop suitcase to Alaska summit with Trump US sanctions on Russia When asked why the US does not impose additional sanctions to push Russia towards a ceasefire, Marco Rubio said he did not think new measures would make Putin comply. He added that Russia is already facing strict sanctions, which serve as consequences for refusing a ceasefire. However, he added that there is no proof that further steps would have an immediate effect because sanctions take months and sometimes years to bite. After meeting Putin in Alaska, Donald Trump appeared to soften his approach, claiming the summit went well and rating it 10/10 in a Fox News interview. The Trump-Putin talks did not result in concrete steps towards a ceasefire in Ukraine. Reuters I may have to think about it (sanctions) in two or three weeks or something, but we dont have to think about that immediately, Trump said, despite recently taking a tougher tone on Moscow. He added , If I did secondary sanctions now, that would be devastating for them, without giving further details on possible action. Earlier, Trump had surprised India with a new 25% tariff on goods over its continued purchase of Russian oil, adding to a previous 25% levy and bringing the total to 50%. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New Delhi called the move unfair, unjustified and unreasonable, warning it could hurt textiles, leather and marine exports. Notably, Trump had previously warned Russia of very severe consequences if Putin did not reach a peace deal to end the Ukraine war, which is now in its fourth year. Meanwhile, the UK government said on Tuesday that European leaders are considering further sanctions to increase pressure on Putin as part of wider efforts to end the war in Ukraine. ALSO WATCH: Donald Trump has suggested direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which would be their first meeting in over three years of the war. The two leaders last met in December 2019 during the Normandy Format talks, which went on until 2022, when Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine In Paris in 2019, the two men sat down together as part of what was known as the Normandy Format talks. AFP/File Photo Donald Trump has raised the prospect of directs talks between Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, in what would be the first such encounter in more than three years of war between the two countries. In a social media post on Aug. 18, 2025, the US president announced that he had begun the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined. Whether the proposed meeting does go ahead given the animosity between the two men remains to be seen. Previous speculation earlier in 2025 that Putin and Zelenskyy might engage in face-to-face talks led nowhere. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But should Trump succeed in bringing Putin and Zelenkyy together, it would not be the first time they have met. In Paris in 2019, the two men sat down together as part of what was known as the Normandy Format talks. As a scholar of international relations, I have interviewed people involved in the talks. Some five years on, the way the talks floundered and then failed can offer lessons about the challenges todays would-be mediators now face. Normandy Format talks The Normandy Format talks started on the sidelines of events in June 2014 commemorating the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The aim was to try to resolve the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatist groups in the countrys Donbas region in the east. That conflict had recently escalated, with pro-Russian separatists seizing key towns in the Donetsk and Luhansk after Russia illegally annexed the peninsula of Crimea in February 2014. The talks continued periodically until 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Until that point, most of the discussion was framed by two deals, the Minsk accords of 2014 and 2015, which set out the terms for a ceasefire between Kyiv and the Moscow-armed rebel groups and the conditions for elections in Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Russias President Vladimir Putin at the conference. Reuters/File Photo By the time of the sixth meeting in December 2019, the only time Zelenkyy and Putin have met in person, some still hoped that the Minsk accords could form a framework for peace. Putin & Zelenskyys desires then Zelenskyy was only a few months into his presidency. He arrived in Paris with fresh energy and a desire to find peace. His electoral campaign had centered on the promise of putting an end to the unrest in Donbas, which had been rumbling on for years. The increasing role of Russia in the conflict, through supporting rebels financially and with volunteer Russian soldiers, had complicated and escalated fighting, and many Ukrainians were weary of the impact of internally displaced people that it caused. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By all accounts, Zelenskyy went into Paris believing that he could make a deal with Putin. I want to return with concrete results, Zelenskyy said just days before meeting Putin. By then, the Ukrainian presidents only contact with Putin had been over the phone. I want to see the person and I want to bring from Normandy understanding and feeling that everybody really wants gradually to finish this tragic war, Zelenskyy said, adding, I can feel it for sure only at the table. One of Putins main concerns going into the talks was the lifting of Western sanctions imposed in response to the annexation of Crimea. But the Russian president also wanted to keep Russias smaller neighbour under its influence. Ukraine gained independence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. But in the early years of the new century, Russia began to exert increasing influence over the politics of its neighbour. This ended in 2014, when a popular revolution ousted pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and ushered in a pro-Western government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More than anything, Russia wanted to arrest this shift and keep Ukraine out of the European Union and Nato. Those desires Ukraines to end the war in Donbas, and Russias to curb the Wests involvement in Ukraine formed the parameters for the Normandy talks. And for some time, there appeared to be momentum to find compromise. French President Emmanuel Macron said that the 2019 Paris talks had broken years of stalemate and relaunched the peace process. Putins assessment was that the peace process was developing in the right direction. Zelenskyys view was a little less enthusisastic: Lets say for now its a draw. So, what happened? Yet the Putin-Zelenskyy meeting in 2019 ultimately ended in failure. In retrospect, both sides were talking past each other and could not reach agreement on the sequencing of key parts of the peace plan. Zelenskyy wanted the security provisions of the Minsk accords, including a lasting ceasefire and the securing of Ukraines border with Russia, in place before proceeding with regional elections on devolving autonomy to the regions. Putin was adamant that the elections come first. The Putin-Zelenskyy meeting in 2019 ultimately ended in failure. Reuters/File Photo The success of the Normandy talks were also hindered by Putins refusal to acknowledge that Russia was a party to the conflict. Rather, he framed the Donbas conflict as a civil war between the Ukrainian government and the rebels. Russias role was simply to push the rebels to the negotiating table in this take a view that was greeted with skepticism by Ukraine and the West. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As a result, the Normandy talks stalled. And then in February 2022, Russian launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. So, will the face-to-face meeting happen? So what are the chances of success should Trump secure a second face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy? Many of the same challenges remain. The talks still revolve around the issues of security, the status of Donetsk and Luhansk. But there are major differences not least, 3 years of actual direct war. Russia can no longer deny that it is a party of the conflict, even if Moscow frames the war as a special military operation to denazify and demilitarise Ukraine. And three years of war have changed how the questions of Crimea and the Donbas are framed. In the Normandy talks, there was no talk of recognising Russian control over any Ukrainian territory. But recent U.S. efforts to negotiate peace have included a de-jure U.S. recognition of Russian control in Crimea, plus de-facto recognition of Russias occupation of nearly all of Luhansk oblast and the occupied portions of Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another major difference between the negotiation process then and now is who is mediating. The Normandy negotiations were led by European leaders German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Macron of France. Throughout the whole Normandy talks process, only Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia were involved as active participants. Today, it is the United States taking the lead. And this suits Putin. A constant issue for Putin of the Normandy talks was that Germany and France were never neutral mediators. In President Donald Trump, Putin has found a U.S. leader who, at least at first, appeared eager to take on the mantle from Europe. But like the Europeans involved in the Normandy talks, Trump may also encounter similar barriers to any meaningful progress. Despite his recent high-profile summit with Putin and follow-up meeting with Zelenksyy, Trump has made little progress toward ending the conflict in Ukraine. And neither Zelenskyy nor Putin has shown any inclination to compromise on their goals: Zelenskyy has ruled out land swaps, while Putin insists that any peace deal address root causes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Getting the leaders of Ukraine and Russia into the same room is already a massive challenge; getting them to agree to a lasting agreement may be as elusive now as it was when Putin and Zelenskyy met in 2019. Anna Batta, Associate Professor of International Security Studies, Air University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. India has signed a terms of reference (TOR) to open trade talks with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The development comes in the backdrop of a bilateral deal between India and the United States being stalled much to the frustration of US President Donald Trump and his top officials. But what do we do about the EAEU, of which Russia is a prominent member? Why is it increasingly important to India? Trade between India and the EAEU stood at $69 billion in 2024. That figure was a seven per cent increase over 2023, according to data from the commerce ministry. Image courtesy: X After signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, India is continuing to negotiate trade deals. New Delhi is currently in talks with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). India and the EAEU in Russia signed the terms of reference to open negotiations for an FTA. The development comes in the backdrop of a bilateral deal between India and the United States being stalled much to the frustration of US President Donald Trump and his top officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we do about the Eurasian Economic Union? Why is it increasingly important to India? Lets take a closer look What is the EAEU? First lets take a brief look at the EAEU. The bloc comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation. It was established via the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, which was signed in Kazakhstan in May 2014 and took effect in January 2015. Its website described its objective as facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labour among its members. It also coordinates and harmonises policies across sectors. Cuba, Moldova and Uzbekistan have all been granted observer status in the EAEU, while there have been discussions about admitting Azerbaijan. It is the successor to the Eurasian Customs Union, which was formed in 2010 and comprised Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan as well as the Single Economic Space, which was established in 2012. These groups were founded as a response to both the 2008 financial crisis the EU Eastern Partnership Policy (EaP), which was launched in 2010. Moscow at the time wanted to present an alternative to the European Union, which it viewed as impinging on its sphere of influence. The Eurasian Customs Union became the Eurasian Economic Union after Armenia joined the bloc. , Russia being the largest member of the bloc by far, easily dominates proceedings. Reuters Interestingly, Russia also tried to get Ukraine to join the grouping but failed. This, in fact, let to protests in Ukraine in 2014 and the ouster of the then Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, whom many in Kyiv derided as a Russian crony. Russia would later invade Crimea that very same year. Kyrgyzstan, an ally of Kazakhstan, joined the block in August 2015. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The bloc has a combined GDP of $6.5 trillion. It accounts for around 2.2 per cent of the worlds population around 180 million people. The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), its main agency and regulatory body, comprises all members states and is based in Moscow. The EEC comprises 10 members two ministers from each member state. One of the members acts as the bodys chairman. It also has a Eurasian Economic Union Court, which is based in Minsk. However, Russia being the largest member of the bloc by far, easily dominates proceedings. Why EAEU is increasingly important to India Trade between India and the EAEU stood at $69 billion in 2024. That figure was a seven per cent increase over 2023, according to data from the commerce ministry. India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) signed the terms of reference (TOR) to launch on Wednesday (August 20) in Moscow. The TOR provides a frame of reference on which negotiations can be built. India has been discussing a free trade agreement with the EAEU since 2017. Talks between India and the grouping stalled after the outbreak of the Ukraine war. It revived in July 2014 during the 22nd annual bilateral summit between Russia and India in Moscow. President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the time expressed a willingness to sign an FTA. Chief negotiators from both sides held a virtual meeting in January. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New Delhi has now seemingly turning towards Russia and China after a fallout with Trump, who called both India and Russia dead economies. Modi will likely meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to China later this month. He has already spoken to Brazilian President Lula da Silva and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bilateral trade talks between India and the US have stalled. The bloc has grown more important for India in recent years because of New Delhis increasing reliance on Moscow for oil. Prior to the Ukraine war, India bought negligible amount of oil from Russia preferring to rely on its traditional sources in West Asia. However, today Russia comprises over a third of Indias crude oil imports. India and the EAEU comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) today in Moscow. The ToR was signed by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce Ajay Bhadoo, and Deputy Director, Trade Policy Department, EEC, Mikhail Cherekaev, the commerce and industry ministry said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With a combined GDP of $6.5 trillion, the proposed FTA is expected to expand market access for Indian exporters, support diversification into new sectors and geographies, enhance competitiveness against non-market economies, and deliver significant benefits to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the commerce ministry statement read. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the early conclusion of the agreement and to building a long-term institutional framework for trade cooperation, it added. Other FTAs on horizon India isnt just talking to the EAEU. In fact, India is considering stitching together separate deals with the European Union, Oman, Chile and Peru. Talks with Oman have ended and the trade deal is expected to be signed soon. Discussions between India and the European Union are slated for September. Meanwhile, the FTA between India and the United States has seemingly hit a roadblock. T rump, who has imposed a hefty tariff on India for buying Russian oil and trading with Moscow, has refused to further negotiate until India stops doing so. India has head back at the United States claiming that the tariff is unfair, unjust and unreasonable. New Delhi has also pointed to hypocrisy on the part of the US-led West and the European Union for their own dealings with Russia. Moscow has said that every independent nation deserves to choose its trading partners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New Delhi has vowed never to compromise on the national interest while negotiating a free trade deal . Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the tariffs last week, said he was willing to pay a political price in order to protect the farmers. The United States wants India to open up its sensitive agriculture and dairy sector. However New Delhi has refused to do so, saying it could negatively impact millions of small-scale farmers. With inputs from agencies Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Lhasa on Wednesday on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The development comes amid tensions between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government about his potential successor. This is Xis second-ever visit to the region as president Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a rare visit to Tibet. Xi arrived in Lhasa on Wednesday on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region. He is the first Chinese president to attend this ceremony. The development comes amid tensions between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government about his potential successor. The Tibetan spiritual leader, who turned 90 in July, had announced just months ago that he would choose his own successor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we know about Xis trip? What does his rare visit to Tibet mean? What we know about Xis strip Xi arrived in Lhasa, the regional capital of Tibet, around noon on Wednesday. Photos in state media showed him being greeted by large crowds and dancers. Xis high-profile entourage comprised, among others, Chinas top political adviser Wang Huning, his chief of staff Cai Qi, Vice-Premier He Lifeng and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong. Xi met several officials from the region including public security officers. He also met the Chinese-backed Panchen Lama. More from Explainers 'China is very patient': Trump says Xi Jinping told him Beijing will not invade Taiwan during his presidency In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with representatives of military personnel stationed in Lhasa. AP Xi praised local authorities for engaging in a thorough struggle against separatism. He said they had been told to focus on four key areas stability, development, environmental protection and border defence. To govern and to develop Tibet, the first thing to do is to ensure political and social stability, as well as ethnic unity and that religious people are in harmony with society, Xi said. He also urged the CPC members to encourage the use of Mandarin. He said economic, cultural and personnel exchanges between Tibet and China must increase. He said authorities must guide Tibetan Buddhism and bring it in line with socialist society. He said a special district must be established to highlight improvements in ethnic unity. Xi further told CPC members to encourage agriculture, environmental protection and tourism in Tibet. Significantly, Xi made no mention of the Dalai Lama. What his rare visit to Tibet means China has played an outsized role in Tibets affairs since communist forces invaded the region in 1951. China claims Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries, but many Tibetans say they were essentially independent for most of that time under their Buddhist theocracy. The Tibetan Autonomous Region was established by Mao Zedong in 1965. China over the decades has tightened its grip on Tibet by demolishing monasteries and imprisoning monks who refused to toe the party line. However, it has faced sporadic resistance from monasteries and communities. This, most notably occurred in 2008, when Lhasa witnessed an outpouring of rage against Chinese traders and residents, which quickly spread to other areas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recent years have seen the large-scale migration of majority Han Chinese to the high-altitude region, the virtual closure of Tibet to journalists and foreigners, the removal of Tibetan children from their families to boarding schools where they are taught in Mandarin, and the repression of all forms of political or cultural expression outside Communist Party control. These efforts intensified after XI came to power in 2012. The trip makes sense in the backdrop of Xis seemingly newfound determination to tighten his grip on the Chinese state yet again. The development comes amid tensions between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government about his potential successor. AP The Dalai Lama fled Tibet and sought refuge in India in 1959 after a failed uprising against the Chinese. He has been in India ever since a thorn in the side of the Chinese authorities. China and the Dalai Lama have been at odds over the question of his successor. While the Dalai Lama has made it clear that the atheistic Chinese state would have no say over the tradition, China seems ready and willing to do so. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In fact, China has already appointed its own Panchen Lama who many Tibetans deride as a stooge of the CPC. The Chinese state also disappeared Gendun Chokyi Nyima, whom the Dalai Lama had appointed as the Panchen Lama the second highest ranked official in the Tibetan religion in 1995. The then six-year-old boy and his family have not been seen in public since. Chinas contested border with India runs along Tibets southern edge, where China has been building roads and other infrastructure for possible military use. Beijing has recently unveiled a mega hydropower project in the Tibetan Plateau which has caused discomfort in New Delhi. Xi visit to Tibet also comes in the backdrop of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi undertaking a trip to India. India and China have taken steps to repair their relations which hit a nadir during the Galvan Valley clash in 2020. This in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on trading partners including India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What do experts say? Experts says Xis visit reinforces the desire of the Chinese state to exert control over the region particularly as the question of the succession of the Dalai Lama looms large. Xis trip makes him the only Chinese visit leader to visit Tibet twice. Robert Barnett, a scholar of Tibet at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, told The New York Times,The succession of the Dalai Lama is a symbolic battleground and symbolic opportunity for the party to claim Tibet, Barnett said. I am really struck by the decision for Xi himself to go, he added. He said the move shows the remaining existential anxiety in the party about religion and nationality despite years of control. Gyaltsen Norbu, Chinas 11th Panchen Lama at the opening ceremony of CPPCC with other delegates at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Tibetans often call him a stooge of the Chinese Communist Party. File image/Reuters They also say it reinforces the limits of Chinese power over the hearts and minds of the Tibetan people. The Chinese have found themselves on the back foot, Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, an official of the Dalai Lamas office in northern India, told The New York Times. Chhoekyapa said the trip must be viewed through the prism of the Dalai Lamas statement about his succession and that Beijing is trying to once again legitimise its occupation of Tibet. For Tibetans, the anniversary of the Peoples Republic of Chinas creation of the Tibet Autonomous Region is no cause of celebration, but a painful reminder of Chinas colonial occupation, Dorjee Tseten, the Asia Program Manager at the Tibet Action Institute and a member of Tibets exiled Parliament, added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tibet remains one of Chinas greatest challenges, and Tibetans will never accept Beijings imposed succession plan for the Dalai Lama. With inputs from agencies Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DG AFMS) has the rare distinction of serving in all three branches of the Indian armed forces. At She Shakti 2025, the spotlight is on women who are leading from the frontlines. In an inspiring segment, Firstposts Managing Editor Palki Sharma, spoke to Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DG AFMS), about her path to a historic leadership position. Surgeon VAdm Sarin has a rare distinction to her name: she has served in all three branches of the Indian armed forces. She served as a lieutenant to captain in the Indian Army, from surgeon lieutenant to surgeon vice admiral in the Indian Navy, and was an air marshal in the Indian Air Force as well. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The flag officer, who also has the distinction of being the first woman to be appointed as DG AFMS, spoke about the lessons in leadership from her time in each service. I started in the Army very young. But I think the Armed Forces confer leadership on their officers very early. Of course you have a small medical inspection room that you take care of. That starts your path to looking after a place both administratively and also looking after patients. So, I learnt a little bit of that kind of leadership there, and then I moved on, she said. Surgeon VAdm Sarin, who spent 36 years in the Navy as part of the AFMS, spoke about how postings in remote locations taught her how to survive with less resources and how to communicate, among other things. She went on to say, I moved into the Command Hospital in Pune. The good thing about AFMS is that since it is a tri-services organisation, we move smoothly between Army, Navy, and Air Force. Ive served in Army hospitals in naval uniform for 12 years. Watch Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services, in conversation with @palkisu at News18s #SheShakti2025. pic.twitter.com/nfVlwnFby0 Firstpost (@firstpost) August 21, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She mentioned that over the years, leadership in medicine transformed into leadership in administration. Although the flag officer served only a short time in the Indian Air Force, she learnt key lessons there. I learnt a lot from the aviators[]Learnt to be very precise, very quick, very professional, she said. A press release read, This government has consistently underlined that national security is non-negotiable, and to ensure this security India will build her own capacity and preparedness A staff cleans Akash, a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Akash played a significant role in Operation Sindoor, thwarting Pakistan's rain of drones and missiles. File image/AFP Indias defence is soaring to new heights, with the central government announcing new doctrines to further strengthen the sector, marked by greater clarity of purpose, stronger deterrence, and a sustained drive for self-reliance. A press release read, This government has consistently underlined that national security is non-negotiable, and to ensure this security India will build her own capacity and preparedness. This has resulted in a more confident, modern, and proactive approach to challenges both external and internal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here are some of the ways the government is planning to boost Indias defence in the coming years. Increasing defence expenditure Indias defence expenditure has been increasing under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, rising from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 201314 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 202526. In 202425, defence production reached a record Rs 1.50 lakh crore, more than three times the 201415 level. Fighter jets, missile systems, artillery systems, warships, naval vessels, aircraft carriers and a lot more are now manufactured in India. Defence exports grew thirty-four times over the last decade, reaching Rs 23,622 crore in 202425. Made-in-India defence equipment is now exported to over 100 nations, including the US, France, and Armenia. Push for self-reliance Over the past decade, Indias defence policy has undergone a significant transformation, driven by the Modi governments focus on Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). With a clear intent to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen indigenous capabilities, the government has introduced a series of structural reforms aimed at reshaping the defence sector. The Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 prioritises Buy acquisitions, a category that favours local design, development, and manufacturing. The Make procedure was streamlined to encourage Indian industry to participate in design, development & manufacturing of Defence platforms/systems. 5 new normals on Pak PM Modi has repeatedly laid down clear boundaries in dealing with Pakistan. These five red lines now define Indias approach: Firm response to terror attacks Any attack on India will be met with a decisive reply. No tolerance for nuclear blackmail Nuclear threats will not prevent India from striking terrorist bases. No distinction between terrorists and their sponsors Both will be held equally accountable. Terrorism first in any talks Engagement with Pakistan, if it happens, will focus only on terrorism or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Zero compromise on sovereignty Terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and blood and water cannot flow together. Sudarshan Chakra Looking beyond immediate security challenges, the Modi government is laying the groundwork to counter long-term threats through the newly announced Sudarshan Chakra Mission. Unveiled by PM Modi during his 2025 Independence Day address, the ambitious programme marks a major step towards future-proofing Indias defence capabilities. The mission rests on three key pillars: complete indigenisation of research, development, and manufacturing; the use of predictive technologies to anticipate next-generation warfare; and the creation of highly precise, targeted counter-systems. With a vision set for 2035, the mission aims to establish a robust national security shield covering both strategic and civilian infrastructure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By reframing tariffs as sanctions, Washington has blurred the line between trade policy and foreign policy exposing India to the geopolitical fallout of the Ukraine war The Trump White House has begun to describe the additional 25 per cent levy on Indian goods not merely as tariffs but as sanctions, a shift in language that has carried significant political weight. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, addressing reporters in Washington, framed the penalties as part of President Donald Trumps wider effort to press Moscow into ending the Russia-Ukraine war. She referred to the measure as sanctions on India, echoing Trump himself, who had earlier described the added penalty as secondary sanctions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The linguistic change has blurred the traditional distinction between trade tools and foreign policy instruments, sending an unmistakable signal that Washingtons move was less about commerce and more about coercive diplomacy. For India, the rebranding of tariffs into sanctions has reopened old wounds, reminding New Delhi of an era when Washingtons punitive measures were not merely symbolic but devastating to bilateral relations. From trade tool to political weapon Traditionally, tariffs have been imposed to raise government revenue and protect domestic industries from foreign competition by making imports more expensive. They serve as fiscal tools, allowing governments to shield home markets while discouraging dependence on foreign suppliers. Sanctions, however, operate in a different universe altogether. They are primarily foreign policy and national security measures, designed to compel countries, entities or individuals into changing their behaviour by creating political and economic pain. The White Houses decision to recast tariffs as sanctions underscored that the penalties on India were not aimed at balancing trade accounts but at achieving foreign policy goals, particularly in relation to the Ukraine war. By characterising the move as part of the pressure campaign against Russia, the administration tied Indias economic fate to a geopolitical conflict in which New Delhi had sought neutrality. India pulled into the Ukraine conflict Leavitt suggested that the penalties were meant to apply secondary pressure on Moscow, indicating that Washington wanted to use Indias economic ties with Russia as leverage in its broader peace initiative. Trump himself reportedly told aides and allies that these sanctions were necessary to move the dial with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The press secretary explained that Trump had expended significant political capital to bring the war closer to an end, citing his meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and subsequent discussions with European leaders. According to her, the decision to sanction India was a deliberate step in widening the circle of pressure around Moscow, even if the direct target was a US partner rather than an adversary. Echoes of 1998: A sensitive history For India, the invocation of sanctions revived sensitive memories of May 1998, when Washington had last imposed punitive restrictions after New Delhis nuclear tests. The sanctions at that time, mandated under the Glenn Amendment to the Arms Export Control Act, included cutting off military sales, suspending foreign assistance, blocking multilateral loans and denying exports of dual-use technologies. The episode created a deep diplomatic chill, forcing India into strategic isolation until the early 2000s. It had then taken a decade of painstaking diplomacy to undo the damage of those sanctions culminating in the landmark nuclear agreement that reset relations. A diplomatic setback The new round of penaltiestariffs plus sanctionshas effectively doubled the cost of Indian exports to the United States, raising the total tax burden to 50 per cent. Trade talks that were scheduled for late August have already been postponed and there appears to be little immediate prospect of resolution. For New Delhi, which has sought to diversify its global partnerships and maintain strategic autonomy, the White Houses move has raised both economic concerns and questions of trust. Politics behind the tariffs Trumps decision to label the penalties as sanctions also appeared calculated for domestic political effect. By portraying himself as tough on both Russia and its partners, he has sought to contrast his leadership with that of previous administrations, which he accuses of weakness. Leavitt told reporters that European leaders had rushed to Washington following Trumps recent meeting with Putin, suggesting that they were grateful for his proactive role in seeking peace. The administration has attempted to project the narrative that without Trump in office, the war in Ukraine would not have started, a claim Leavitt repeated in her exchanges with journalists. By tying the tariffs on India to a peace initiative in Europe, the White House reframed a trade dispute as a matter of global security and presidential leadership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Secondary sanctions and global pressure By calling the tariffs secondary sanctions, Trump positioned India alongside countries like China and Turkey, which have also faced pressure for their ties with Russia. The implication was that if India continued its close engagement with Russia, it could expect to bear economic costs imposed by Washington. Such an approach has precedent in US foreign policy, particularly in relation to Iran, where secondary sanctions were used to deter third countries from engaging in trade or financial transactions with Tehran. By extending this model to India, the White House indicated that it was willing to treat even a strategic partner as a pressure point in its broader geopolitical contest. For India, the experience has been a reminder that its relationship with Washington remains subject to political volatility. While New Delhi has expanded defence cooperation, signed major agreements and deepened economic ties with the US, it is also aware that strategic disagreements can quickly escalate into punitive action. The sanctions narrative has reinforced Indias determination to maintain independence in foreign policy, especially when it comes to Russia. A return to pragmatism? Whether the US ultimately walks back its sanctions language remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the White House has shifted the conversation from economics to geopolitics, turning a tariff dispute into a political confrontation. For India, this shift has brought back memories of 1998, raised the costs of doing business with its most important export market and complicated its balancing act between Moscow and Washington. Barbara Woodward, the UKs former ambassador to China, is being tapped to be Prime Minister Keir Starmers new deputy national security adviser as the British government keeps an eye on China Barbara Woodward, the UKs former ambassador to China, is expected to be named as Prime Minister Keir Starmer's new deputy national security adviser as the Labour government seeks to beef up its foreign policy team. According to a report by Bloomberg, Woodward, who is currently the UKs top diplomat at the United Nations, will start her new position later this year. It is pertinent to note that back in June, Woodward narrowly missed out on becoming the first woman to head Britains secret intelligence service MI6 after being shortlisted alongside eventual appointee Blaise Metreweli. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sources close to the matter told Bloomberg about the development on the condition of anonymity. Woodwards appointment would put a China expert at the heart of the UKs national security outlook at a time when ties with the Asian nation are under scrutiny. It is also coming at a time when Starmer is seeking an economic rapprochement with China, which the countrys latest defence review called a sophisticated and persistent challenge. Woodward and China The veteran British diplomat served as deputy envoy in Beijing from 2007 to 2009, returning as ambassador from 2015 to 2020. Interestingly, Woodward oversaw the so-called golden era of relations between the UK and China, including President Xi Jinpings state visit to Britain and the deepening of trade and economic ties. Since then, the ties between the two nations soured over national security and human rights concerns. In the past, the UK has expressed concerns over the suppression of civil liberties in the former British territory of Hong Kong and allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang province. Britons have also been concerned about the cybersecurity risk posed by China. Ever since Starmer came to the office, he has looked to improve ties with China in a bid to increase the UKs economic growth. In light of this, the UKs Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves have both visited the country. However, the momentum of UK-China ties slowed after US President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Starmer is yet to visit China, though Politico on Wednesday reported that hell do so early next year. Meanwhile, a visit by Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is designed to reopen trade talks between the two nations for the first time since 2019. If the appointment is confirmed, Woodward will serve alongside two other deputies under National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, who was instrumental in negotiating the peace process in Northern Ireland as an aide to former Prime Minister Tony Blair. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Bloomberg, Christian Turner, Political Director at the Foreign Office, will replace Woodward in New York at the end of the year. Interestingly, Turner also held the role of deputy national security adviser in the past. As US wildfires grow longer and bigger, thousands of firefighters face cancer and lung disease from toxic smoke. Scientists blame devastating forest fires on climate change, something Donald Trump rejects as hoax The United States has already recorded more than 41,000 wildfires this year, scorching millions of acres across the West and straining firefighting resources nationwide. According to a report in The New York Times, once confined to seasonal peaks, wildfires in America now burn almost year-round, fuelled by hotter temperatures, prolonged drought and stronger winds. Scientists have consistently tied these trends to the accelerating impacts of climate change and increasingly erratic weather patterns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the overwhelming evidence, President Donald Trump has repeatedly dismissed or downplayed the role of climate change. His two presidencies have been marked by rollbacks of environmental regulations and resistance to climate policies. That stance has worsened conditions on the ground, leaving firefighters to contend with both intensifying blazes and a system unwilling to fully protect their health. Hidden toll on firefighters Behind the heroism and dramatic imagery of wildfire containment lies a devastating reality: countless firefighters are suffering life-threatening illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to toxic smoke. Young firefighters in their 20s and 30s are being diagnosed with aggressive cancers. By their 40s, many require lung transplants after years of inhaling particulate-laden smoke. Others are debilitated by chronic heart disease, severe respiratory conditions and lasting immune system damage, a report in The New York Times said. The consequences of this neglect are devastatingly personal. A 33-year-old firefighter who once ran six-minute miles now struggles to walk across a room after heart failure forced him out of the field. Another, diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, postponed chemotherapy while waiting for workers compensation claims to be processed. Dozens of online firefighter forums are filled with appeals for donations to fund cancer treatments, often followed months later by funeral announcements. The list of tragedies is long: firefighters in their 20s with terminal brain cancer, men in their 30s succumbing to rare carcinomas, and former athletes left incapacitated by lung disease. Each case exposes a systemic failure to protect those tasked with battling increasingly ferocious blazes. The smoke from wildfires is not just wood ash. It contains at least 31 known carcinogens and other hazardous compounds, especially when houses, vehicles and synthetic materials ignite. Fine particulate matter penetrates deep into the lungs, entering the bloodstream and inflicting damage across multiple organs. Studies have long established links between wildfire smoke and increased rates of cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses and premature death, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paper said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Inadequate protections Unlike their counterparts in Canada, Australia, or Greece, US wildland firefighters are rarely equipped with respirators or protective masks. Instead, they are often sent into toxic smoke clouds armed with nothing more than a bandanna or bare skin. Internal Forest Service documents dating back decades reveal repeated warnings from researchers recommending respirators for wildland crews. Yet agency leadership consistently resisted, citing fears of reduced work capacity, cultural resistance among crews and budgetary concerns, The New York Times report said. Even today, respirators remain absent from federal guidelines for wildland firefighting. The Forest Service argues that masks could increase the risk of heat exhaustion. But international experience contradicts that claim. Firefighters in countries already using respirators slow down or remove them when overheating, without spikes in heat-related illness. At its core, the US reluctance to provide respiratory protection reflects institutional neglect and a culture of silence. Some firefighters say using masks would be perceived as weakness, while agency leadership avoids acknowledging the true dangers of smoke exposure because doing so could trigger costly reforms, recruitment challenges and long-term medical liabilities. Trumps climate stance and its consequences The escalating risks firefighters face cannot be separated from national climate policyor the lack of one. During both of his presidencies, Trump has repeatedly questioned or outright denied the science of climate change, shaping a record that has undermined efforts to address its growing dangers. His administration rolled back more than 100 environmental protections, including key regulations aimed at limiting emissions from power plants, oil drilling and vehicles. He also withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement during his first term, signalling a retreat from global climate leadership. In addition, federal agencies charged with researching and mitigating environmental health impacts were weakened, reducing the governments capacity to respond effectively, a Politico report said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The consequences of these actions have been two-fold: wildfire conditions have worsened as warming intensifies unchecked and protections for those on the front lines, including firefighters, have been eroded. Cuts to firefighter health research Even as evidence of firefighter illness has mounted, the Trump administration has undercut programmes designed to study and address these risks. Thousands of staff at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were laid off, including nearly all members of teams dedicated to firefighter health and safety. This included the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, research on exposure to toxic chemicals like PFAS, and the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer a database established under Trumps own 2018 Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, Politico reported. The cuts effectively halted research into how firefighting gear retains toxins, how exposure to carcinogens in electric vehicle fires can be mitigated and how cancers cluster among fire crews. The paradox is striking as Trump frequently praised firefighters as national heroes, yet his administration gutted the very programmes meant to safeguard their health. A culture of denial Ironically, part of the problem lies not only with federal leadership but also with entrenched cultural attitudes in firefighting itself. A macho ethos discourages the use of protective equipment, often equating toughness with disregard for health risks. Such attitudes echo the resistance urban firefighters once had toward masks in the 1970s. Back then, federal mandates eventually forced the adoption of respirators, leading to a measurable drop in cancer rates among city fire crews. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Workers left behind For the men and women who dedicate their lives to containing Americas fires, the gap between rhetoric and reality is stark. They are praised publicly yet abandoned in practice. Compensation systems are slow and difficult leaving many without treatment when they fall sick. The plight of US wildland firefighters reflects a broader crisis of environmental denial and institutional neglect. Climate change is lengthening and intensifying wildfire seasons, yet the government has failed to adequately protect those most exposed to its consequences. The absence of respirators, the dismantling of health programmes and the cultural resistance to acknowledging long-term risks form a web of silence that leaves American firefighters sick, dying and unsupported. US District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin, Texas, said that Arizona resident Jacqueline McAferty accused Musk in her class action lawsuit that his political action committee, America PAC, wrongfully got her to provide personal identifying information as part of the giveaway during the 2024 presidential campaign Elon Musk has been ordered to face a lawsuit by voters alleging that the Tesla CEO committed fraud by making them sign a petition to support the US Constitution for a chance to win his $1 million-a-day giveaway. US District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin, Texas, said that Arizona resident Jacqueline McAferty accused Musk in her class action lawsuit that his political action committee, America PAC, wrongfully got her to provide personal identifying information as part of the giveaway during the 2024 presidential campaign. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What does the lawsuit claim? McAferty said Musk and America PAC induced voters in seven battleground states to sign his petition by promising that $1 million recipients would be chosen randomly, as in a lottery, though the voters had no real chance to collect. She added that voters who signed his petition were also made to provide their names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers. Judge Pitman said that the billionaire must face a lawsuit, highlighting that he defendants were awarding the $1 million, and the money could be won. It is plausible that plaintiff justifiably relied on those statements to believe that defendants were objectively offering her the chance to enter a random lotteryeven if that is not what they subjectively intended to do, Pitman wrote. Musk rejected claims Meanwhile, in January, Musk denied the accusations made in the lawsuit by listing several red flags, proving that he did not run an illegal lottery. He said these included statements that the $1 million recipients were selected to earn the money and expected to become America PAC spokespeople, defeating the idea that the payment was a prize. Musk claimed that voters were informed beforehand that their participation would be reviewed for an opportunity to earn the $1 million by becoming America PAC spokespeople. Make no mistake: an eligible voters opportunity to earn is not the same thing as a chance to win, Musk said at the time. With inputs from Reuters As NATO discusses security guarantees it can provide to Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said any such discussions without Russia would go nowhere. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov questioned NATOs latest meeting on providing security guarantees to Ukraine, insisting that a move like this would go nowhere without Russia. The remarks came just hours after NATO defence chiefs held a candid discussion on Wednesday about what security guarantees they could offer Ukraine. Italian admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of NATOs military committee, noted that 32 defence chiefs from across the alliance held a video conference amid a diplomatic push to end the war that has been raging on for three-and-a-half years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Russian diplomat made the remarks after US President Donald Trump ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine to enforce a potential peace deal. We are in favour of a security guarantee for Ukraine being reliable, Lavrov said, adding: Questions of security cannot be resolved without Russia. We cannot agree with the fact that now it is proposed to resolve questions of security, collective security, without the Russian Federation. This will not work, he maintained. The Russian foreign minister insisted that discussions on security guarantees to Ukraine without Russia on the table are too utopic. I am sure that in the West and above all in the United States they understand perfectly well that seriously discussing security issues without the Russian Federation is a utopia, its a road to nowhere, he said. Earlier this month, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders to discuss the takeaways from his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump rules out sending American troops to Ukraine Meanwhile, in a phone interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Trump was asked if he could assure Americans that the US would not deploy troops on the ground in Ukraine. You have my assurance, and Im president, Trump responded. However, he maintained that Washington might still be prepared to provide air support to Ukraine as part of efforts to secure a deal. Therell be some form of security. It cant be NATO, he said, ruling out Ukraines membership in the alliance. 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. On Wednesday, Lavrov praised the USs new stance of ruling out Ukraines NATO membership: The United States has an increasingly clear understanding of the root causes of the Ukraine crisis," he said. He also noted that any encounter between Putin and Zelenskyy would have to be prepared very thoroughly. In the Fox News interview, Trump acknowledged the possibility that Putin may resist an agreement. 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 said, warning that Putin would face a rough situation if that proved true. However, we have seen in the past how the US changed its stance on sanctioning Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sergei Lavrov rejected Volodymyr Zelenskyys offer to meet Vladimir Putin, accusing Kyiv and Europe of sidelining Moscows concerns and warning against European troop deployment in Ukraine. This handout photograph published on August 21, 2025, on the official Telegram channel of the head of the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration Myroslav Biletsky shows smoke emanating over buildings following a Russian air attack in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia region.- AFP Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys latest offer to meet Vladimir Putin, accusing Kyiv and its European allies of pursuing an agenda that sidelines Moscows concerns. Lavrov said Ukraines leadership was not interested in a genuine peace settlement and was instead focused on securing Western guarantees that Russia views as incompatible with its demands. The Ukrainian regime and its representatives directly show they are not interested in a sustainable, fair, long-term settlement, Lavrov said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He argued that Europe was trying to undermine efforts at a sustainable peace formula by extending security guarantees to Kyiv. Europe is promoting its own agenda, focusing only on guarantees and ignoring the root causes, he said, stressing that Moscow would continue to follow the policy course decided jointly with Washington. Lavrov also warned that any move by European states to deploy troops in Ukraine would cross a red line. This would be absolutely unacceptable for the Russian Federation, he said, calling such an initiative foreign intervention in part of Ukrainian territory. The remarks came after Zelenskyy suggested he was prepared to meet Putin, but only once Ukraine had received firm commitments on security. He floated Switzerland, Austria or Turkey as possible venues and even proposed a trilateral format with US President Donald Trump. We want to have an understanding of the security guarantees architecture within 710 days, and based on that understanding, we aim to hold a trilateral meeting, Zelenskyy told reporters. Moscow, however, portrayed Zelenskyys overture as a political ploy. Lavrov pointed out that the Ukrainian leader had previously ruled out talks with Putin, even signing an executive order to that effect. Now his proposal is only a tactic, he fears attention to his personality may drop and wants to appear constructive, Lavrov said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While stressing that President Putin remained open to talks, Lavrov raised doubts over the legitimacy of the person who signs the agreement on the Ukrainian side, hinting at questions over Zelenskyys standing at home and abroad. The exchange highlighted the deep mistrust that continues to block direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv with Zelenskyy conditioning talks on Western guarantees, and Russia insisting that peace cannot be built on terms crafted by Europe. With 10% commission on the sale of weapons to Ukraine, it is Donald Trump not India that is profiting from the Russian war on Ukraine. US President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One as he departs Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on August 15, 2025, en route to Anchorage. Image- AFP US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused India of profiting from the Russian war on Ukraine, but US President Donald Trump is the real profiteer. Trump is selling weapons to Ukraine via European countries at a 10 per cent premium using the war to fulfil American coffers that are getting depleted as a result of his tax cuts and ballooning government expenditure. Moreover, Trump has essentially made the US military a private militia as he has put a cost to US involvement in providing security guarantees to Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We are selling arms to Europeans, who are then selling them on to the Ukrainians, and President Trump is taking 10 per cent mark-up on the arms. So maybe that 10 per cent will cover the cost of the air cover, Bessent told Fox News. Ironically, Bessent who has inadvertently exposed Trumps profiteering is the same official who accused India. They [India] are just profiteering. They are reselling. This is what I would call the Indian arbitrage buying cheap Russian oil, reselling it as product, Bessent previously told CNBC, adding that India has made $16 billion in excess profits. As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reportedly offered to buy up to $100 billions of weapons from the United States, Trump is set to get a $10 billion cut in addition to any taxes that sellers would way to the US government anyway. Trump has said that he will not put American troops on the ground in Ukraine as part of any peacekeeping force. But he has said that he will be open to deploy American warplanes to police Ukrainian skies. He has suggested that those planes would operate from Ukraines neighbouring countries. Notably, Ukraines neighbour Poland is a Nato member and has regularly hosted fighter planes of allies like the United States and the United Kingdom. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When it comes to security, they [European nations] are willing to put people on the ground. Were willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you talk about by air because nobody has stuff we have, Trump told Fox on Tuesday. Trump has also suggested that he could join European nations in providing Ukraine with Article 5-type security guarantees to Ukraine in case of a peace deal outside of Natos frameworks. The Article 5 is one of the core elements of Nato that defines the collective defence principle, which terms an attack on ally on all allies and allows for a united response. At a joint press briefing in Moscow, Jaishankar emphasised the depth and stability of the IndiaRussia relationship, defended oil trade amid US criticism, and urged alignment with shifting global realities External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday described IndiaRussia relationship as one of the most stable and enduring global partnerships since the end of the Second World War. At a joint press briefing with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, India and Russia have been the steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War. Jaishankar, who arrived in Moscow following a round of trade and economic discussions with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, said that the strategic partnership is not only rooted in history but also forward-looking. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Describing his meeting with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as a chance to take stock of the broader IndiaRussia partnership, he said, I look forward to an exchange of views on politics, on trade, on economics, investment, defence, science and technology, and of course people-to-people exchanges. Jaishankar underscored the depth and direction of IndiaRussia relations, pointing to high-level engagements like last years 22nd Annual Summit and recent follow-up talks in Kazan as key milestones in what he described as a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Preparations, he noted, are already underway for the next summit later this year. Jaishankar also addressed mounting US criticism over Indias energy trade with Russia, saying, We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil, that is China the biggest purchasers of LNG, that is the European Union We are a country where the Americans have said for the last few years that we should do everything to stabilise the world energy market, including buying oil from Russia We also buy oil from the US, and that amount has increased. So honestly, we are very perplexed at the logic of the argument that you had referred to. Citing a string of recent visits by top Indian officials, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, Jaishankar highlighted the strength and momentum in bilateral engagement across sectors. Looking to the future, he said the IndiaRussia partnership must adapt to global shifts. We must align to the evolving geopolitical situation, the shifting economic and trade landscape, and our shared goal to maximise our complementarity, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed Jaishankar to Moscow and reaffirmed the strength of the strategic relationship, especially in the context of a changing global order. This is a multipolar system of international relations with an increasing role played by the SCO, BRICS and the G20 the United Nations remains a platform for cooperation, compromise and seeking agreement, Lavrov said. He added that Moscow supported balanced approaches and expressed hope for productive and forward-looking discussions. With inputs from agencies During the meeting, S Jaishankar and Putin discussed the Ukraine war. The Indian minister also informed the Russian president of his discussions with First DPM Denis Manturov and FM Sergey Lavrov Indias External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday (August 21). Taking to social media platform X, the Indian minister said that he conveyed President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modis warm wishes to President Putin. In their meeting, the two also discussed the situation vis-a-vis the Ukraine war, according to Jaishankars post. Honored to call on President Putin at the Kremlin today. Conveyed the warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister @narendramodi. Apprised him of my discussions with First DPM Denis Manturov & FM Sergey Lavrov. The preparations for the Annual Leaders Summit are pic.twitter.com/jJuqynYrlX Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 21, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jaishankars visit, which began on Tuesday (August 19), is expected to help refine plans for President Putins highly anticipated visit to India later this year, likely in November or December . Earlier that day, Jaishankar held extensive talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, focusing squarely on trade and energy cooperation. Lavrov highlighted the success of existing hydrocarbon agreements and proposed new joint energy projects in Russias resource-rich Far East and Arctic regions. Jaishankar, in turn, reiterated the remarkable longevity of the IndiaRussia partnership: We believe that relations between India and Russia have been among the steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War, he said, emphasising that Geo-political convergence, leadership contacts and popular sentiment remain its key drivers. The pairing of high-level diplomacy with pragmatic economics comes amid an escalating diplomatic storm between New Delhi and Washington. The United States, under Donald Trump, has slapped Indian exports with 50 per cent tariffs in reprisal for its continued imports of discounted Russian crude oil. These measures were described by India as unfair and by Moscow as neocolonial . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In response, Russian diplomats have unveiled a very, very special mechanism to ensure uninterrupted oil supplies to India despite the growing threat of secondary sanctions. India has pushed back on criticism from Washington, with Jaishankar expressing confusion that India has been singled out, especially given that it is not the largest importer of Russian oil, and pointing out that its US imports have actually risen. Settlement development in E1, an open tract of land east of Jerusalem, has been under consideration for more than two decades, but was frozen due to US pressure during previous administrations. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds a map that shows the E1 settlement project during a press conference near the settlement of Maale Adumim, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. AP Israel gave final approval Wednesday for a controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, and that Palestinians and rights groups say could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state. Settlement development in E1, an open tract of land east of Jerusalem, has been under consideration for more than two decades, but was frozen due to U.S. pressure during previous administrations. The international community overwhelmingly considers Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank to be illegal and an obstacle to peace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a former settler leader, cast the approval as a rebuke to Western countries that announced their plans to recognise a Palestinian state in recent weeks. The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not with slogans but with actions, he said on Wednesday. Every settlement, every neighbourhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the idea of a Palestinian state alongside Israel and has vowed to maintain open-ended control over the occupied West Bank, annexed east Jerusalem, and the war-ravaged Gaza Strip territories Israel seized in the 1967 war that the Palestinians want for their state. Israels expansion of settlements is part of an increasingly dire reality for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank as the worlds attention focuses on the war in Gaza. There have been marked increases in attacks by settlers on Palestinians, evictions from Palestinian towns, Israeli military operations, and checkpoints that choke freedom of movement, as well as several Palestinian attacks on Israelis. More than 700,000 Israelis settlers now live in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. The location of E1 is significant because it is one of the last geographical links between the major West Bank cities of Ramallah, in the north, and Bethlehem, in the south. The two cities are 22 kilometers (14 miles) apart, but Palestinians traveling between them must take a wide detour and pass through multiple Israeli checkpoints, spending hours on the journey. The hope was that, in an eventual Palestinian state, the region would serve as a direct link between the cities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The settlement in E1 has no purpose other than to sabotage a political solution, said Peace Now, an organization that tracks settlement expansion in the West Bank. While the consensus among our friends in the world is to strive for peace and a two-state solution, a government that long ago lost the peoples trust is undermining the national interest, and we are all paying the price. Asked about E1 in an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said talk of a two-state solution was not a high priority for the Trump administration and that there were too many unanswered questions about what a Palestinian state would look like. The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. If the process moves quickly, infrastructure work in E1 could begin in the next few months and construction of homes could start in around a year. The plan includes around 3,500 apartments that would abut the existing settlement of Maale Adumim. Smotrich also hailed the approval, during the same meeting, of 350 homes for the settlement of Ashael near Hebron. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel could, in theory, remove the settlement at some future date, as it did with its ones in Gaza in 2005, but that possibility appears extremely remote at present given strong support for the settlements among Israels government and even some opposition parties. Israels government is dominated by religious and ultranationalist politicians, like Smotrich, with close ties to the settlement movement. The finance minister has been granted Cabinet-level authority over settlement policies and vowed to double the settler population in the West Bank. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu admits Israel faces declining support among Gen Z in the West amid Gaza protests, divided Israeli society and shifting global opinion on the military campaign. Israel is confronting a new front in its war, the battle for public opinion among young people in the West. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that his government faces work to do in convincing Generation Z as polls show dwindling support for Israels military campaign in Gaza. Speaking on the UK-based Triggernometry podcast, Netanyahu was asked whether Israel risks losing long-term backing from Western governments once Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, becomes the dominant political force. If youre telling me that theres work to be done on Gen Z and across the West, yes, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His comments come against the backdrop of mass protests across Western capitals where student groups and young activists have been at the forefront of demonstrations denouncing Israels Gaza offensive. A Gallup poll underlines the generational shift: only 6% of Americans aged 1834 view Netanyahu favourably and just 9% support Israels military actions. Netanyahu argued that the hostility stems not just from opposition to Israel but from what he described as a broader campaign targeting the West itself. Without naming who he believes is orchestrating it, he suggested Israel has become a focal point in a larger ideological struggle. At the same time, Netanyahu praised Washingtons continued backing, calling US President Donald Trump an exceptional friend of Israel who has not succumbed to pressures that, in his view, have swayed European leaders. France and the UK have already signalled moves toward recognising a Palestinian state, something Netanyahu dismissed as a concession to anti-Israel sentiment. Domestically, the prime ministers challenge is no less daunting. His government has announced plans to mobilise 60,000 reservists for an expanded ground operation in Gaza. Yet Israeli society itself appears increasingly divided with growing numbers calling for a negotiated deal to free hostages held by Hamas rather than prolonging a war that has already taken a heavy toll. For Netanyahu, the fight is now twofold: sustaining Israels military campaign abroad while countering eroding legitimacy at home and among a generation of young Westerners who may one day shape the policies of their governments. Japan has pledged $5.5 billion in loans via the African Development Bank to help tackle governments on the continents mounting debt burdens. Tokyo has also unveiled plans to train 30,000 AI specialists over the next three years Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (L) shakes hands with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa at their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the second day of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo on August 21, 2025. AFP Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday announced the creation of a new Indian OceanAfrica economic zone, in a bid to boost ties with the continent. The proposal was presented at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, where Ishiba said that the new economic zone would connect economies across the Indian Ocean, including India and West Asia, and strengthen Africas development. Japan has pledged $5.5 billion in loans via the African Development Bank to help tackle governments on the continents mounting debt burdens. Tokyo has also unveiled plans to train 30,000 AI specialists over the next three years, aiming to accelerate digital transformation and drive job growth across the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Angolas President and African Union Chair, Joao Lourenco, said, The African continent continues to face persistent barriers and limited, complex access to international financing many African countries have been rated as high-risk borrowers, making them barely eligible for low-cost capital. Yet such capital is absolutely essential for investment in infrastructure, electrification, industrialisation, and technological advancement. Africa can become renewable superpower Africa has everything it takes to become a renewable superpower, UN head Antonio Guterres said, as he called for greater investment in green energy across the resource-rich continent. Guterres spoke at a three-day development conference in Japan attended by African leaders, where Tokyo is offering itself as an alternative to China as African nations reel from a debt crisis exacerbated by Western aid cuts, conflict and climate change. We must mobilise finance and technology, so that Africas natural wealth benefits African people, we must build a thriving renewables and manufacturing base across the continent, Guterres said at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). Green power in Africa lowers energy costs, diversifies supply chains and accelerates decarbonisation for everyone. Guterres warned in his speech in the Japanese port city of Yokohama that debt must not drown development and that Africa needed increased concessional finance and greater lending capacity from multilateral development banks. With inputs from agencies Kim conveyed warm encouragement to the officers and the soldiers serving in Russias Kursk region, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, referencing an area where intelligence agencies say Pyongyang has sent more than 10,000 fighters This picture taken on April 4, 2025 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on April 5, 2025 shows North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (C) looking through a rifle scope as he visits a training base of the Korean People's Army's special operations forces to observe a comprehensive training session, at an undisclosed location in North Korea. AFP North Korean leader Kim Jong Un heaped praise on his nations troops deployed to help Russia in its war against Ukraine during a meeting with commanders, state media reported Thursday. Kim conveyed warm encouragement to the officers and the soldiers serving in Russias Kursk region, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, referencing an area where intelligence agencies say Pyongyang has sent more than 10,000 fighters.Ours is a heroic army, Kim was quoted as saying in a speech to members of the Norths military in the capital. Our army is now doing what it ought to do and what needs to be done. It will do so in the future, too, he added. Kims remarks come as US President Donald Trump ramps up so-far fruitless attempts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, having held high-profile talks with the leaders of both countries in recent days. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But Russian President Vladimir Putin, who last week hailed the North Korean troops as heroic, has up to now avoided meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for peace talks. Russia and North Korea have been forging increasingly close ties, including signing a mutual defence pact last year when Putin visited the reclusive state. In April, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had deployed a contingent of its soldiers to the front line in Ukraine, alongside Russian troops. South Korean and Western intelligence agencies have said Pyongyang sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russias Kursk region in 2024, along with artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems. Around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded fighting for Russia, Seoul has said. The Italian proposal acknowledges that Nato membership for Ukraine remains out of reach for now but aims to provide an alternative framework for collective support, according to sources familiar with the discussions 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 European leaders are scrambling to chart out a workable plan for Ukraines security guarantees that would be activated if Russia attacks the country and would enable Kyivs allies to decide within 24 hours whether to provide military support to it. Amid all the discussions, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is pushing a plan that is similar to Natos collective defence clause but does not require Kyiv to become a member of the alliance at the same time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whats the plan? The Italian proposal acknowledges that Nato membership for Ukraine remains out of reach for now but aims to provide an alternative framework for collective support, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This so-called Nato-light approach would stop short of the alliances Article 5 mutual defence commitment but would require countries with bilateral security agreements with Ukraine to consult swiftly in the event of an attack, sources told Bloomberg. The Italian plan involves providing Kyiv with rapid and sustained defence support, along with economic assistance, bolstering the Ukrainian military, as well as imposing sanctions on Russia. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told local newspaper Repubblica that Melonis plan is that NATO, as a defensive alliance, able to ensure the protection of a foreign country like Ukraine. Alternatively, individual nations could commit to doing so. The best mechanism will be chosen eventually. Certainly, with NATO, a superior deterrent would be guaranteed. Russia must be part of security guarantees Russia said on Wednesday it had to be part of any discussion on security guarantees for Ukraine and downplayed the likelihood of an imminent summit with President Volodymyr Zelensky, tempering hopes for a quick peace deal. NATO military chiefs meanwhile held a virtual summit on security guarantees for Ukraine, the latest in a flurry of global diplomacy aimed at brokering an end to the nearly three-and-a-half year conflict. On #Ukraine, we confirmed our support. Priority continues to be a just, credible and durable peace, the chair of the alliances military committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, wrote on X after the meeting. Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier warned that seriously discussing security guarantees without the Russian Federation is a utopia, a road to nowhere. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies As the tensions between India and Pakistan continue to persist, Islamabad on Wednesday extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until September 23. As the tensions between India and Pakistan continue to persist, Islamabad on Wednesday extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft until September 23. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) announcing the one-month extension. The NOTAM noted the ban would continue to apply to both Indian civilian and military aircraft. All aircraft operated by Indian airlines will not be allowed to use Pakistani airspace. The ban also remains in place for military and civilian aircraft that are Indian-owned or leased, the Pakistani authority said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From August 20 to September 23 Pakistan airspace not available for aircraft registered in India and aircraft operated/owned or leased by Indian airlines/operators including military flights. Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued: pic.twitter.com/avMi14GtxE Pakistan Aviation News (@avpak3) August 20, 2025 It is pertinent to note that the Pakistani authorities first imposed the closure on April 23, a day after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. The closure was initially in place for one month. India eventually responded to the ban on April 30 with a reciprocal airspace closure for Pakistani aircraft, starting a series of tit-for-tat restrictions. The ban was first extended on May 23. In July, Pakistan further extended the closure until August 24, affecting hundreds of flights daily. Pakistan lost 4.1 billion in 2 months due to the closure Earlier this month, the Pakistani Ministry of Defence informed the countrys National Assembly on Friday that Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has lost PKR 4.1 billion in just over two months. The loss was attributed to the closure of the airspace to India-registered aircraft due to the diplomatic row. The Defence Ministry noted that the shortfall from April 24 to June 30 was in overflying revenue and was lower than the reported PKR 8.5 billion, Dawn reported. It is pertinent to note that Pakistan called for the closure of the countrys airspace after India put the Indus Water Treaty into abeyance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Pakistan boasted about the measure, the move affected 100 to 150 Indian aircraft flying over Pakistan daily, cutting transit traffic by almost 20 per cent. In 2019, a similar closure led to an estimated Rs7.6 billion ($54 million) revenue loss, compared to $100 million previously reported. New Zealand is facing the toughest national security challenges of recent times with increasing threats of foreign interference and espionage, particularly from China, according to an intelligence report released on Thursday. New Zealands intelligence agency has issued a sharp warning about Beijings growing influence, identifying China as the most active foreign power attempting to interfere in the countrys politics, society, and businesses. In its annual threat assessment released Thursday, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) said foreign states continue to target critical organisations, infrastructure and technology to extract sensitive information, with China flagged as a particularly assertive and powerful actor. The report noted that Beijing has shown both the willingness and capability to carry out intelligence activity undermining New Zealands national interests. While not all activity amounted to foreign interference, the agency stressed that China is deliberately seeking to expand its influence across New Zealand and the wider Indo-Pacific region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some states, including China, Russia and Iran, are willing to engage in covert or deceptive activity in order to influence discussions and decisions, or gain access to technology and information that can help them meet these goals New Zealand has been targeted by some of these activities, the report said. The report pointed out that the Indo-Pacific has become the main ground for strategic rivalry between global powers. In this competition, China is described as a particularly assertive and powerful actor, seeking to entrench its influence across the region, as per The Straits Times. It has demonstrated both a willingness and capability to undertake intelligence activity that targets New Zealands national interests, the NZSIS said. Reacting sharply, the Chinese Embassy in Wellington dismissed the findings as unsubstantiated and groundless and accused New Zealand of harbouring a Cold War mentality. Beijing maintained it still regarded New Zealand as a friend and partner, but warned it would take firm measures to defend its interests if faced with groundless attacks. At a regular news briefing, Mao Ning, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, accused New Zealands intelligence and security agencies of repeatedly spreading rumours in recent years. China strongly opposes this, she said, urging New Zealand to focus on actions in favour of the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. The country, part of the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance, has increasingly amped up its rhetoric over the growing influence of China in the region and a rise in geopolitical tensions, and on Thursday said it would spend NZ$2.7 billion ($1.6 billion) to beef up its defence force. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Director-General of Security Andrew Hampton said the threats need to be taken much more seriously than they are currently. Our threat environment is deteriorating and that has a direct impact on our safety and security, he said in a statement released alongside the report. The report also pointed to the growing threat of violent extremism and said the most plausible attack scenario remains a lone actor who has been radicalised online. Grievances and polarising issues in the online information space are almost certainly driving support for a range of violent extremist ideologies within New Zealand, the report noted. With inputs from agencies PM Modi on Thursday received a phone call from French President Macron, during which the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, during which the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. President Macron shared assessment on the recent meetings held between the leaders of the Europe, US and Ukraine in Washington. He also shared his perspectives on the situation in Gaza, Prime Ministers Office said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PM Modi reiterated Indias consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflicts and early restoration of peace and stability, added the statement. The conversation also covered the progress of India-France bilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, defence, civil nuclear energy, technology, and clean energy. They reaffirmed joint commitment to strengthen India-France Strategic Partnership and mark 2026 as Year of Innovation in a befitting manner, the statement further added. President Macron expressed Frances support for the early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union. The two leaders agreed to remain in regular contact and continue close cooperation on regional and global issues. After the phone call, French President took to X to share details of his conversation with PM Modi. We coordinated our positions on the war in Ukraine in order to move towards a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and Europes security, Macron wrote. I have just spoken with Prime Minister @NarendraModi. We coordinated our positions on the war in Ukraine in order to move towards a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and Europes security. On trade issues, we agreed to strengthen our economic exchanges Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 21, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said they also agreed to deepen economic ties and strengthen their strategic partnership across sectors. On trade issues, we agreed to strengthen our economic exchanges and our strategic partnership in all areas this is the key to our sovereignty and independence, he added. Looking ahead, Macron said he and PM Modi reaffirmed their cooperation on global technology governance. Following up on the AI Action Summit held in Paris last February, we are working towards the success of the AI Impact Summit to be held in New Delhi in 2026, said the French President. Macron and Modi also pledged to work closely in the lead-up to Frances G7 presidency and Indias BRICS presidency in 2026. For more effective multilateralism, we agreed to work closely together in preparation for the French presidency of the G7 and the Indian presidency of the BRICS in 2026, said Macron. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has confirmed that Vladimir Putin will visit India by the end of the year. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday confirmed that President Vladimir Putin will visit India by the end of the year. Lavrov made the remarks during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars visit to Moscow. After his meeting with Jaishankar, Lavrov said that they discussed the preparation for Putins visit to India and plan to come up with a solid package of documents for this summit, according to an English translation of his remarks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lavrov further said he and Jaishankar discussed the situation in Ukraine. Putin To Visit India By The End Of The Year, FM Lavrov Confirms There are plans to create a "solid package of documents" for the summit and there are also "good traditions" in the field of military cooperation, which is underpinned by our shared history, he adds. pic.twitter.com/lChZJW2T7i RT_India (@RT_India_news) August 21, 2025 Lavrov said that India and Russia undoubtedly have good military and technical cooperation that is underpinned by a shared history. Lavrov said that he and Jaishankar discussed the situation in Ukraine, particularly the Alaska Summit between Putin and US President Donald Trump. Lavrov dubbed the Trump administration as partners facilitating the dialogue with Ukraine. Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to Russia. The visit has come at a time when Russia-Ukraine talks have picked up pace and the Trump administration has been targeting on near-daily basis over the purchase of Russian oil. Trumps consistent campaign against India that predate tariffs, and his 50 per cent tariffs, have plunged the India-US relationship to the lowest point in years. In the midst of Trumps anti-India campaign, there have been suggestions that India should ramp up its engagement with Russia to counter US aggression. Similarly, there have been suggestions that India should also ramp up engagement with China and revive the RIC group with Russia to make up for the losses from American tariffs and diversify trade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, critics of such recommendations have said that Chinas historical enmity with India and Russias current alliance with China inherently limit Indias engagements with the either country and do not make RIC a serious option. Thailands billionaire Shinawatra family is bracing for a series of high-stakes court decisions starting Friday that could test its political resilience, with the prospect of an early election and prolonged trouble for the countrys stuttering economy Thailand's Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks during a press conference at the Government House, in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 19, 2025. Reuters File Thailands billionaire Shinawatra family is bracing for a series of high-stakes court decisions starting Friday that could test its political resilience, with the prospect of an early election and prolonged trouble for the countrys stuttering economy. Thailands Shinawatra political dynasty has been at the heart of two decades of intermittent turmoil and its latest battles will culminate in rulings that could unseat Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an alleged ethics violation and put her influential but polarising father Thaksin Shinawatra back in prison. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A court will on Friday rule if Thaksin during a 2015 media interview insulted the powerful monarchy, a serious crime in Thailand which carries lengthy jail terms of up to 15 years for each offence. Another court will decide 18 days later if the tycoons 2023 detention in a VIP hospital wing, instead of jail, means his prison sentence for abuse of power and conflicts of interest was not fully served. Both Shinawatras have denied any wrongdoing. Unfavourable verdicts for Paetongtarn, 39, and Thaksin, 76, a divisive backroom operator and driving force behind the government, could reduce the familys bargaining power and lead to an earlier-than-scheduled election, which their once formidable Pheu Thai party is not in the best shape to contest. A new election will definitely take place by mid-2026 or maybe sooner, said Thammasat University law professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul. The chances of Pheu Thai regaining the popular vote in the next election are very unlikely. A spokesperson for the Pheu Thai-led government declined to comment on the upcoming court rulings. Uncertainty looms The Shinawatra family are undoubtedly survivors having prevailed through two military coups and three court rulings that collectively toppled three of their governments and five prime ministers. It is unclear how the courts will rule, with numerous permutations for what comes next in Thai politics. The coalition government of Paetongtarn, who is suspended pending the Constitutional Courts August 29 ruling, is sinking in opinion polls, under intense public pressure and hanging onto power by a thread. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The verdicts come at a critical moment for Southeast Asias second-largest economy, which is struggling with weak growth, high household debt, slowing tourism and investor concern over policy continuity. Paetongtarn is accused of violating ethics in a June telephone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen that was leaked as both countries were on the brink of an armed border conflict, which erupted a month later. A ceasefire is now in place. Paetongtarns predecessor Srettha Thavisin was dismissed by the same court a year ago and if she suffers the same fate, or resigns, parliament must choose a new premier from a shrinking list of candidates submitted before the 2023 election. Her Pheu Thai party has only one candidate left, the low-profile former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri. But the 76-year-old would need help from Thaksin or Pheu Thai to rally support from a shaky coalition that holds a razor-thin majority. Other candidates include former interior minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose party exited the governing coalition in June, and former premier and coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, who quit politics and is now a royal adviser. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The anti-establishment opposition Peoples Party, the largest in parliament, has signalled it may back Anutin if he agrees to dissolve parliament this year and seek constitutional reform. Unfavourable court verdicts would make it harder for seasoned dealmaker Thaksin to keep Pheu Thai in government, but some analysts say he still has backing from a powerful conservative establishment that wants to keep the progressive opposition at bay. The conservative camp has chosen Thaksin, said Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science lecturer at Burapha University. Chaikasem would be picked as a short-term prime minister and dissolve parliament when the timing is right. Budget documents show the cabinet has allocated US$31.1 billion for defence next year, amounting to 3.32 per cent of GDP, up 22.9 per cent on 2025 Taiwans government will raise its defence spending to more than three per cent of GDP in 2026, Premier Cho Jung-tai announced on Thursday, marking a significant boost as the island faces mounting pressure from both China and its US ally to step up investment in its own security. Cho said the proposed increase was another concrete demonstration to the world and the people of Taiwan of our resolve and ability to safeguard national sovereignty and security. The new budget must still be approved by the opposition-controlled legislature before taking effect. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD NATO-style accounting and a 22.9 per cent rise Budget documents show the cabinet has allocated US$31.1 billion for defence next year, amounting to 3.32 per cent of GDP, up 22.9 per cent on 2025. The figure includes NT$135.9 billion in spending on the Coast Guard Administration and military retirement benefits, both of which were excluded from last years calculation. Cho initially gave a figure of 3.23 per cent during his press conference, but officials later confirmed the correct number was slightly higher. Our total defence budget is calculated using Natos model and standards, Cho said. More from World 'China is very patient': Trump says Xi Jinping told him Beijing will not invade Taiwan during his presidency Overall government expenditure for 2026 is set at just over NT$3 trillion, an increase of 3.8 percent from 2025. Military analyst Chieh Chung, from the Association of Strategic Foresight, said that if the coast guard and pension spending were removed, the core defence budget would represent 2.84 percent of GDP. As for Washingtons reaction, I think it will welcome Taiwans move to increase its defence budget, but it is still far from what they would be satisfied with, he said. Politics and pressure from Washington President Lai Ching-te has previously pledged to raise defence spending above three percent of GDP, aligning with calls from Washington for allies and partners to do more to bolster their own security. The announcement comes as Taipei seeks to secure a tariff reduction deal with US President Donald Trumps administration. Earlier this month, Trump imposed a temporary 20 percent tariff on Taiwanese goods, part of his broader trade war strategy. Negotiations are continuing. The China-friendly Kuomintang (KMT), which dominates Taiwans legislature with support from the Taiwan Peoples Party, cut parts of the 2025 budget and froze certain defence allocations. Chieh said a KMT-backed increase to military personnel benefits was absent from the 2026 plan, which could cause friction during budget debates. Chance Hsu, the KMTs assistant director of international affairs, said the party supports higher defence spending but emphasised that the focus should be on addressing manpower shortages, building asymmetric warfare capabilities and modernising training. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Facing a powerful neighbour Taiwan has invested heavily in domestic defence production and weapons upgrades over the past decade, but remains heavily reliant on US arms sales. Despite the progress, the island would still be outgunned in any full-scale conflict with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to seize it by force. Political scientist John Mearsheimer asserts the Russia-Ukraine war will be settled on the battlefield, not by Trumps diplomacy as Moscow and Kyiv remain deeply divided over security guarantees. This handout photograph taken by the Ukrainian Emergency Service and released on August 21, 2025, shows a Ukrainian emergency workers using water hoses on a fire following a Russian air attack, in Lviv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Image- AFP Prominent American political scientist John Mearsheimer, known for his stark forecasts on the Russia-Ukraine war said that despite high-level diplomatic manoeuvring, the conflict will ultimately be decided on the battlefield rather than at the negotiating table. Mearsheimer argued that US President Donald Trump who has opened channels with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will find himself unable to bridge the gulf between Moscow and Kyiv. The two countries are poles apart and no compromise acceptable to both sides is in sight, he said, stressing that Trumps personal diplomacy cannot substitute for hard military realities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His remarks follow fresh attempts by Trump to position Washington as a guarantor of Ukraines security. Recently, Trumps public commitment at a White House summit to some form of security guarantee for Ukraine was welcomed by European leaders and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte even hailed it as a breakthrough, though officials acknowledged that the details of such guarantees remain . Russia says Ukraine not interested in long-term peace Russia, meanwhile, dismissed Ukraines pursuit of security guarantees as proof it was not interested in a long-term settlement. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that Kyivs demands were absolutely unacceptable and warned that any presence of European troops in Ukraine would be treated as direct foreign intervention. The Ukrainian regime and its representatives comment on the current situation in a very specific way, directly showing that they are not interested in a sustainable, fair, long-term settlement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference. Lavrov also said any presence of European troops in Ukraine would be absolutely unacceptable, as Kyivs allies worked on security guarantees for the country. This would be absolutely unacceptable for the Russian Federation, Lavrov said in response to a journalists question about security guarantees for Ukraine, calling them foreign intervention in some part of Ukrainian territory." Ukrainian President Zelensky countered by accusing Moscow of dodging serious negotiations. In his nightly address, he said Russia was trying to avoid the necessity to meet and did not want to bring the war to an end. Mearsheimers analysis cuts through these competing narratives. Even if Trump and Putin could arrive at a deal, he argued, such an agreement would face insurmountable resistance among Ukrainians unwilling to cede sovereignty and among Europeans deeply wary of rewarding Russian aggression. Any deal struck over their heads would be politically impossible to sell, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyy says Russia trying to avoid leaders meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday accused Russia of avoiding the necessity of holding a meeting between the two countries leaders despite US-led efforts to arrange such summit to try to end the war. Current signals from Russia are, to be honest, indecent. Theyre trying to avoid the necessity to meet. They dont want to end this war, Zelensky said in his evening address published on social media. With both sides entrenched and outside powers divided over how far to go in underwriting Kyivs security, the war appears set to grind on. For Mearsheimer, the trajectory is clear: the final settlement will be determined not by summits or security pledges but by the balance of forces on the battlefield. With inputs from agencies Canada and Mexico, however, have not shared pleasant ties in the past. Their relationship has seen many ups and downs, with the two countries going back and forth in terms of economic and cultural alliance Mexico and Canada are wary of Trump's future actions and do not want to rely on his unpredictability. File image/Reuters Mexico and Canada are looking at ways to team up against their neighbour US, which began the relentless trade war by pushing the two countries to the battlefield. Canadas foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand, and Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne visited Mexico earlier this month to meet President Claudia Sheinbaum and make preparations for an upcoming visit by Prime Minister Mark Carney to the country for talks. Its very much an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure that we are kick-starting," Anand told reporters, while Champagne added, It sends a very strong signal when you have the foreign minister of a country and the finance minister come. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Canada faces 35 per cent tariffs at a time when US President Donald Trump offered Mexico a 90-day extension to trade negotiations. Both countries are wary of Trumps future actions and do not want to rely on his unpredictability. Lack of trust Canada and Mexico, however, have not shared pleasant ties in the past. Their relationship has seen many ups and downs, with the two countries going back and forth in terms of economic and cultural alliance. In much of Ontario, Mexican factories are often seen as taking away Canadian jobs. As auto industry investments have increasingly shifted toward Mexico and the southern United States over the years, vehicle production in Canada has sharply declined, dropping to 1.3 million units last year, down from a peak of 2.9 million vehicles 25 years ago. Antonio Ortiz Mena, a professor at Georgetown University, told New York Times, This menage a trois was made out of convenience, not love. Both countries, Canada and Mexico, have privileged the relationship with the giant in the middle rather than the relationship between us. Following Trumps reelection as the president, many Canadians also suggested that it was time to leave Mexico behind and focus on a one-on-one trade deal with the US. However, this plan was dropped after Carney became the prime minister. How can Canada and Mexico go past their differences? Even if Mexico and Canada find common ground on preserving the trade deal, carefully avoiding any appearance of teaming up against the United States, there remains the risk that Donald Trump could simply refuse to uphold the agreement, warns Carlo Dade, a director at the University of Calgarys School of Public Policy, according to NYT. The more reliable strategy, he suggests, may be to rally influential political and economic stakeholders within the US, convincing them that maintaining regional trade stability aligns with their own interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jorge Schiavon, vice president of the Mexican Council on Foreign Affairs, said, The only thing that can contain Trump is Americas own powerful domestic actors; its the governors, its the big businessmen, its the party leaders. They are selfish allies, but they are those who defended the renegotiation in 2018, and they would do it again in 2025, he added. US Vice President J.D. Vance signals a US policy shift, urging Europe to lead Kyivs security. Trump opposes blank checks for Ukraine, while Zelenskyy rejects land concessions to Russia. Read here Signalling a major shift in US policy towards the war in Ukraine, Vice President J.D. Vance has said that Europe will have to take the lions share of responsibility for guaranteeing Kyivs security against Russia. I dont think we should carry the burden here. The president certainly expects Europe to play the leading role, Vance told Fox News, adding, No matter what form this takes, the Europeans are going to have to take the lions share of the burden. Its their continent, its their security, and the president has been very clear, they are going to have to step up here. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of Ukraines key demands in any settlement is security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression. While Trump has ruled out deploying US troops on the ground, he has suggested Washington could offer limited air support. European countries, meanwhile, have formed what they call a coalition of the willing to commit forces to Kyivs defence. Trump has been openly critical of the billions of dollars in US military aid already provided to Ukraine and has made clear Washington will not continue writing blank checks to fund Kyivs defence. Instead, he has sought to shift financial and military responsibilities onto European allies. Vance also acknowledged the territorial stakes in the conflict, noting that Russia wants some of Ukraines land most of which they have occupied but some of which they havent. Russia currently controls around a fifth of Ukraine, and Trump has indicated that land-swapping and territorial adjustments will likely be central to any negotiated peace. Ukraine, however, has strongly opposed ceding any land. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly said this stance is enshrined in the constitution. Yet with limited military capability to retake Russian-occupied areas and few diplomatic levers to force Moscows withdrawal, Kyiv faces an uphill struggle. Amid these tensions, Senator Marco Rubio is set to meet European counterparts today to discuss advancing a peace process, though efforts so far have gained little traction. With inputs from agencies The Republican-led Texas House passed a redrawn congressional map on Wednesday, following a request by US President Donald Trump after weeks of protests by Democrats aimed at stalling the efforts The Republican-led Texas House passed a redrawn congressional map on Wednesday, following a request by US President Donald Trump after weeks of protests by Democrats aimed at stalling the efforts. Before the passing of the legislation, the initiative had already triggered a redistricting arms race between red and blue states. Now that the bill has been passed in the House, the measure will go to the state senate, where it is expected to pass as soon as Thursday. It is pertinent to note that before the legislation was passed, Democratic state representatives filed a series of amendments to the bill, which were voted down. The party also raised objections to taking up redistricting before flood relief, to the house rules, which require a police escort when leaving the chamber, and to the proposal itself. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Democrats emphasised that the mid-decade change reduces the voting power of people of colour and serves as a Republican political gain and further gerrymanders the state at the cost of democracy. Were ready to meet Trump where he is, which is on a dirt road, said Democrat Nicole Collier, livestreaming from a bathroom off the legislative floor. Were ready to get down and dirty. The Democrat who trapped herself in the chamber Collier has refused to sign a pass and permit a police escort for leaving the house floor, and has been trapped in the chamber as a result. While speaking to Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey on a Zoom call and the Democratic National Committee chair, Ken Martin, Collier said she was being told she had to end the live stream or face a felony charge, abruptly leaving the meeting. The Democrats have been resisting the bill for weeks as the Republican-led Texas government finds ways to deal with the resistance. This bill intentionally discriminates against Black and Hispanic Texans and other Texans of colour by cracking and packing minority communities across the state of Texas, said Chris Turner, a Democratic representative from Arlington. It is a clear violation of the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution. Meanwhile, Republican leaders have rejected racial animus as an element of the redistricting, insisting that the redrawing of the map would increase the number of districts with a Hispanic voting age majority from seven to eight. It is pertinent to note that, based on the voting results from 2024, five congressional seats would change party from Democratic to Republican under the new map, which they argue is legally allowed. You want transparency, said representative Todd Hunter, the Corpus Christi Republican who drafted the redistricting bill. The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward: improve Republican political performance We are allowed to draw congressional districts based on political performance, as recognised by the US Supreme Court in Rucho v Common Cause. These districts were drawn primarily using political performance to guide the redrawing of districts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under the US Voting Rights Act, lawmakers need to draw lines with great awareness of the racial composition of the electorate, to avoid packing them into a single district and reduce their influence in other districts, or to spread them in other districts to such an extent that it dilutes their voting strength as a group. California aimed to neutralise the move Meanwhile, the Democratic-led state of California is scheduled to vote on Thursday morning on a suite of bills that would advance Newsoms redistricting plan to neutralise Texass gerrymandering effort. However, the state needs to approve the new map through a November special election. California has made it clear that the move would only take place if Texas or another Republican state moves forward with their mid-decade redistricting plan. On Tuesday, the California plan earned the support of former President Barack Obama, who said it was a responsible response to the Texas effort. Last month, Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives fled the state with the intent of denying a quorum to the legislature to block a vote on the redistricting bill. However, they abandoned their exile after the California legislature began advancing a redistricting bill of its own. Defiant against the pressure from US President Donald Trump, the countrys Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook signalled her intention to remain in her post amid calls for her resignation Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lisa Cook, right, talks with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell before an open meeting of the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve, June 25, 2025, in Washington. AP Defiant against the pressure from US President Donald Trump, the countrys Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook signalled her intention to remain in her post amid calls for her resignation. In a statment released on Wednesday, Cook made it clear that she had no intention of being bullied to step down from her office. I have no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet, Cook said in a statement. I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve, and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The pressure on Cook started mounting after Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte urged US Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Cook over a pair of mortgages. Meanwhile, on Tuesday evening, Trump called for Cook to step down and reiterated his assertion on Wednesday morning in a social media post. Trump administration scrutinises Cook On August 15, Pulte wrote to Bondi and Justice Department official Ed Martin, suggesting that Cook may have committed a criminal offence. According to Bloomberg, the letter alleged that Cook falsified bank documents and property records to acquire more favourable loan terms, potentially committing mortgage fraud under the criminal statute. Interestingly, the Trump administration has also hurled mortgage fraud allegations against high-profile Democrats, including California Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Both of them have been longtime political foes of Trump. No charges against Cook have been filed as of now, and it is still not clear whether Bondi will investigate the Federal Reserve Governor or not. The Justice Department previously declined to comment on Pultes letter. The deployment comes as the Trump administration steps up pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, doubling its bounty to $50 million earlier this month on drug charges against the leftist strongman. US President Donald Trump is deploying three warships off the coast of Venezuela as part of efforts to curb drug trafficking, a source familiar with the move said Wednesday. The deployment comes as the Trump administration steps up pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, doubling its bounty to $50 million earlier this month on drug charges against the leftist strongman. The three Aegis-class guided missile destroyers are heading to the waters off Venezuela, the US source told AFP on condition of anonymity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US media reported that Washington was also planning to send 4,000 Marines to the region. Washington, which does not recognize Maduros past two election victories, accuses him of leading the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) cocaine trafficking gang. The Treasury Department gave the group a special terrorist designation last month, accusing it of supporting the Tren de Aragua and Sinaloa drug cartels, which were labeled foreign terrorist organizations earlier this year. The White House said on Tuesday that Trump would use every element to stop drug trafficking, when asked about the possibility of US boots on the ground in Venezuela. 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, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Leavitt described the Venezuelan government as a narco-terror cartel. And Maduro, it is the view of this administration, 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 this country, she added. Maduro said on Monday that he would be deploying 4.5 million militia members across Venezuela in response to US threats. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration on Thursday issued more Iranrelated sanctions, targeting 13 entities based in Hong Kong, China, the United Arab Emirates and the Marshall Islands, as well as eight vessels, the U.S. Treasury Department said. The Trump administration on Thursday rolled out a new round of sanctions tied to Iran, targeting 13 companies across Hong Kong, China, the United Arab Emirates, and the Marshall Islands along with eight vessels, the US Treasury Department announced. The measures singled out Greek national Antonios Margaritis and his network of firms and ships accused of facilitating the transport of Iranian crude in breach of existing sanctions. Among those blacklisted were Hong Kong-based Ares Shipping Limited and Hong Kong Hangshun Shipping Limited, as well as Comford Management in the Marshall Islands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Treasury also identified several crude carriers, including the Panama-flagged Adeline G and Kongm, and the Lafit, which sails under the flag of Sao Tome and Principe. Designated crude oil tankers include Panama-flagged vessels Adeline G and Kongm, and Lafit under the flag of Sao Tome and Principe. The State Department separately said it imposed sanctions on two China-based operators of oil-related terminals and storage. It said they handled imports of Iranian oil aboard tankers previously targeted by U.S. sanctions. Iran suspended talks with Washington aimed at curbing the Islamic Republics nuclear ambitions after the U.S. and Israel struck its nuclear sites in June. Iran denies any intent to develop atomic bombs. Irans top diplomat said on Wednesday that the moment for effective nuclear talks with the United States has not yet arrived, adding that Iran would not completely cut off cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. With inputs from agencies The data released by the US embassy has shown that no funds were granted for voter turnout-related activity in India. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump had claimed that the USAID had spent $21 million to increase voter turnout in India. Donald Trump speaks to members of the media at Manhattan Supreme Court amid his hush money trial, in New York, US, May 7, 2024. (Photo: Curtis Means/Pool via Reuters) The US Embassy in India has contradicted President Donald Trumps claim about election-related funding in India. The data provided by the US embassy, and shared by the Union government in the parliament, shows that USAID did not provide any funds for any election-related activity in India. There was no entry of $21 million in the list of India-related grants. Earlier in February, Trump had claimed that USAID had given $21 million to increase voter turnout in Indian elections. The basis of the claim was a post on X by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) that said it had cancelled $21M for voter turnout in India among a host of other grants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) February 15, 2025 Trump had alleged that the previous Democratic Party's administration had interfered in Indian elections. He also questioned the basis of providing funds to a foreign countrys elections and used it as a talking point in his campaign to dismantle government grants, departments, and programmes, including the USAID. $21 million going to my friend Prime Minister Modi in India for voter turnout. We are giving $21 million for voter turnout in India. What about us? I want voter turnout too," said Trump on one occasion. US embassy contradicts Trumps claim After Doge on February 16 claimed that it had revoked grants for Indian elections, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reached out to the US embassy and requested to urgently furnish details of expenditure incurred on all USAID-assisted or funded projects in India over the last 10 years other than those being implemented under the seven run in partnership with the government, the government told the parliament in response to the question of CPI-M MP John Brittas. The answer, signed by Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs, said that the US embassy replied with the information on July 2. In its response, the US embassy provided the list of all funds provided by the USAID, Singh told the parliament. The list see below did not have any election-related grants. The US embassy further said that USAID would cease operations in India on August 15, as per Singhs answer. What did Trump say about Indian elections? Based on the Doges claim, Trump said that the previous administration were trying to get someone other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi elected with their interventions in Indian elections. On one occasion, Trump said, Twenty-one million dollars in voter turnout why do we need to spend 21 million for voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government because when we hear that Russia spent about $2,000 in our country, it was a big deal. They took some internet ads for $2,000. This is a total breakthrough. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On another occasion, Trump also called it a kickback scheme. At the time of the fire, the ship was anchored off the White Beach Naval Facility on the east coast of the Japanese island. The facility functions as a key staging point for US Marines and their equipment before they deploy to amphibious vessels like the USS New Orleans This handout photo taken on August 20, 2025 and received on August 21, 2025 from the Japan Coast Guard shows smoke coming from the US Navy vessel USS New Orleans as water is sprayed (L) to help put out the fire. AFP A US Navy ship burned for 12 hours straight, injuring two sailors, as it was anchored in Japans Okinawa, the US military said in a statement. The fire was doused after hours of struggle and was completely extinguished on Thursday morning. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation New Orleans crew will remain aboard the ship, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement. The fire broke out on the USS New Orleans, a transport dock ship with a crew of more than 360 sailors and capable of carrying 800 troops, at 4 pm local time on Wednesday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Japans Coast Guard said that initially the US military sought assistance from Japan, but then cancelled the request before then renewing it around 7:30 pm. USS New Orleans has suffered a fire while operating off the coast of Okinawa. No injuries reported, ship returned to White Beach Naval Facility. Video @nhk_news pic.twitter.com/k2ixT1s40r Navy Lookout (@NavyLookout) August 20, 2025 Four Japanese vessels, from the Coast Guard, the navy and private contractors, spent the night dousing the blaze, spokesman Tetsuhiro Azumahiga told AFP. At the time of the fire, the ship was anchored off the White Beach Naval Facility on the east coast of the Japanese island. The facility functions as a key staging point for US Marines and their equipment before they deploy to amphibious vessels like the USS New Orleans. The United States has around 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan, mostly on Okinawa. The worst US Navy ship fire in recent years broke out in July 2020 aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard while it was docked in San Diego for upgrades to support F-35 fighter jets. The blaze raged for over four days, ultimately leading the Navy to scrap the billion-dollar vessel. With inputs from agencies Passthrough fees are charges that require investors to cover almost all of a hedge funds expenses, from rent and travel to million-dollar pay packages Hedge fund investors across the United States are growing increasingly frustrated with the billions of dollars they say are being siphoned off through opaque charges. Their anger is now showing in the one way that matters most to fund managers: by walking away. Large investors, including Texas $200 billion Teacher Retirement System, New Mexicos $17 billion pension plan, and multifamily office Erlen Capital Management, are rejecting funds that impose what they describe as punishing costs on clients. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the centre of the row are so-called passthrough fees. These are charges that require investors to cover almost all of a hedge funds expenses, from rent and travel to million-dollar pay packages. These come on top of the traditional 20 per cent cut of profits, and often even an additional 2 per cent management fee. If youre taking more than half Passthrough fees are most common in multistrategy hedge funds, or pod shops, which have multiplied over the past decade. But investors are now scrutinising the model more closely, especially as returns have faltered. New Mexicos public pension has set a rule: if passthrough charges leave it with less than 60 per cent of profits, it will refuse to invest. If youre taking more than half of the profits, we wont even talk to you, Bloomberg quoted Michael Shackelford, chief investment officer for the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico, as saying. Texas Teachers has not imposed a strict threshold but wants to keep at least 70 per cent of returns, according to its head of hedge funds, Lulu Llano. Prominent firms that levy passthrough fees include Millennium Management, Citadel, Point72 Asset Management, Balyasny Asset Management and ExodusPoint Capital Management. Erlen Capital has gone further at times, pulling all or part of its cash from funds where the investor share eroded below our comfort zone and there was no offsetting improvement in diversification or downside protection, said managing partner Bruno Schneller. The firm generally expects to retain at least 6570 per cent of gross returns over a multiyear horizon and treats anything below 65 per cent as a red flag. Below 60 per cent, we almost always pass, Schneller added. Growing pushback The resistance has been building for more than a year. In 2023, Texas Teachers spearheaded an open letter, now signed by more than 60 investors including New Mexico, urging hedge funds to waive performance fees unless they beat three-month Treasury bills. By mid-2024, almost three-quarters of Texas Teachers 31 hedge fund managers had agreed to such cash hurdles, up from just a third a year earlier. The backlash comes as performance has slowed. Citadel and Millennium posted returns of only 2.5 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively in the first half of this year, after fees. According to BNP Paribas, in 2023 investors in multistrategy funds kept just 41 cents of every dollar earned, down sharply from 54 cents in 2021. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Funds argue that their model is inherently expensive but necessary to support hundreds of trading teams, advanced infrastructure and highly paid staff. Investors, however, say they are no longer willing to accept shrinking net returns. A fiduciary necessity As of March, New Mexicos pension had about $1 billion 5.64% of its portfolio in hedge funds, while Texas Teachers had $21 billion, or 10.3%. Both are significant backers of multistrategy giants. Yet officials insist they will apply tougher thresholds to new commitments and use more rigorous fee analysis in vetting managers. For Erlen, the rising opacity of fee structures has led to greater caution. This isnt about being anti-fee, Schneller said. In this climate, fee discipline isnt a luxury its a fiduciary necessity. After opening Apple BKC in Mumbai, and Apple Saket in Delhi back in April 2023, Apple is all set to open its 3rd retail store in India in Bengaluru on September 2nd at 1PM. The new retail store, Apple Hebbal, in Bengaluru is located inside the Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bellary Road, Byatarayanapura. Regarding this Apple, said: At Apple Hebbal, customers will be able to explore Apples complete product lineup, experience new features, and receive expert support from team members such as Specialists, Creatives, Geniuses, and dedicated Business teams. Customers will also be able to attend Today at Apple sessions at this new store. Customers will also be able to attend Today at Apple sessions at the new store, showcasing the talents of local artists and creatives. Apple CEO Tim Cook during the earnings call earlier this month said that the company is on track to open new stores in the UAE and India later this year. Based on earlier reports, the company plans for new stores in Pune, Delhi-NCR, and one more store in Mumbai. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Report: Russian Sabotage Operations In Europe Have Quadrupled Since 2023 By Mike Eckel August 20, 2025 Summary Russia has sharply increased sabotage operations in Europe, targeting critical infrastructure since 2023, according to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. European governments have struggled to coordinate responses to Russia's hybrid attacks, which include arson, cable damage, GPS disruptions, and hacking. Russian agencies have shifted to using proxy operatives after the expulsion of intelligence officers, exploiting legal gaps and online recruitment. Russia has dramatically increased sabotage operations throughout Europe, a new report has found, with the number of attacks targeting critical infrastructure nearly quadrupling since 2023. The findings, by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, dovetail with a growing number of press reports, indictments, and intelligence warnings alleging Moscow has made covert sabotage and surveillance operations a major priority, aimed at destabilizing European governments. "While Russia has so far failed to achieve its primary aim, European capitals have struggled to respond to Russian sabotage operations and have found it challenging to agree a unified response, coordinate action, develop effective deterrence measures and impose sufficient costs on the Kremlin," the report by the London-based think tank said. The scope of so-called hybrid attacks blamed on Russia includes arson attacks, incidents where ships have damaged undersea communications cables, disruption of GPS satellite navigation signals, and the hacking of computer infrastructure. The bulk of the targets, the report released August 19 found, are in Ukraine or are connected to European efforts to support or supply Ukraine with military and other civilian hardware. The uptick of incidents coincided with Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, and spiked in 2023 and 2024, quadrupling over that period. The report also tallied a slowdown in attacks in the first half of 2025, though it was unclear exactly what that could be attributed to. European and other Western governments have expelled dozens of Russian intelligence officers, many working under diplomatic cover, dating back to before the Ukraine invasion. That has forced Russian agencies to turn to proxy or mercenary-type of operations, where people are hired, some unwittingly, to carry out sabotage or other operations. Last month, a British court convicted three men of setting fire to a London warehouse where Ukrainian-bound equipment was being stored, a plot prosecutors said was orchestrated by operatives linked to the Russian mercenary company Wagner. In a related incident, three Ukrainians have been accused of trying to set fire to properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "Russia has exploited gaps in legal systems through its 'gig economy' approach, enabling it to avoid attribution and responsibility. Since 2022 and the expulsion of hundreds of its intelligence officers from European capitals, Russia has been highly effective in its online recruitment of third-country nationals to circumvent European counter-intelligence measures," the report said. There was no immediate response to the report from Russian officials. European governments have also under-invested in maintaining security systems for critical infrastructure, the report said, even as fears mount that the covert campaign could be part of a longer-term effort by Russia. "Some NATO member states have assessed Russia's unconventional war to be part of its long-term preparations for a potential military confrontation with NATO," the report said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-sabotage-europe-hybrid- attacks/33508179.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 2025 NZSIS Security Threat Environment report New Zealand Security Intelligence Service August 21, 2025 The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service has warned the country is facing one of the most challenging national security environments in recent times. The NZSIS has just released its third annual Security Threat Environment report which outlines its assessment of violent extremism, foreign interference and espionage in New Zealand. Director-General of Security Andrew Hampton said these threats need to be taken much more seriously than they are currently. "Our threat environment is deteriorating and that has a direct impact on our safety and security. "Increasing levels of polarisation and grievance are driving support for violent extremist ideologies and foreign states are more willing to target New Zealand organisations and communities in order to achieve their aims. "These threats are worthy of greater attention. We are seeing active cases of young and vulnerable people being radicalised online, there are foreign states seeking to interfere with our democratic rights, and there is almost certainly undetected espionage activity targeting valuable intellectual property crucial to our future prosperity." The Security Threat Environment report is written as an unclassified document by NZSIS analysts based on trends and investigations observed over the past 18 months. Real life case studies are used to highlight what the NZSIS has been managing, and threat information is paired with security advice for managing risk. None of the concerning behaviours or activities described in this assessment should be accepted or tolerated, said Mr Hampton. "If you see any of the activities described, it is important that you let us know through the NZSIS website. "But there is a lot more people and organisations could be doing in the prevention space by looking out for early warning signs of violent extremism or by being more risk aware when it comes to foreign interference and espionage. "It is a mistake to assume the NZSIS will automatically pick up on concerning activities. We are not all-seeing and all-knowing, and in a democratic society like ours nor should we be. In many cases the public will notice a threat before we do. "We publish this assessment with the aim of spurring mature conversations within government, organisations and communities about how these threats might manifest in our environments, and how we can work together to identify and manage risk." The Security Threat Environment 2025 report is available to read online at www.nzsis.govt.nz/threat-assessment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Contracts Contracts For Aug. 20, 2025 AIR FORCE Trust Automation Inc., San Luis Obispo, California, was awarded a maximum $490,000,000 ordering amount cost-plus-fixed-fee, completion, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for software, hardware, and reports. This contract provides for rapid research, development, prototyping, demonstration, evaluation, production, and transition of unmanned aircraft system and counter-unmanned aircraft systems capabilities. Work will be performed at San Luis Obispo, California, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 20, 2030. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 procurement funds in the amount of $20,315,558 are being obligated under the first task order at time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity (FA8750-25-D-B002). General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, was awarded a $40,394,279 Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee contract for bioeffects research of directed energy exposures. This contract provides for research relevant to directed energy-based devices and systems to deliver accurate, evidence-based information to Department of Defense and industry stakeholders, national and international health and safety standards committees, and the public. Work will be performed at Joint Base San-Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 25, 2028, with two additional option years. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $846,000 will be obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Warfighter Readiness and Interface Contracting Section, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting Activity (FA2384-25-C-B045). ARMY BFBC LLC, Bozeman, Montana, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of new protective barrier fencing, access gate installations, and roadway improvements. The amount of this action is $174,000,000 with a cumulative total face value of $230,895,000. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in San Luis, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 18, 2026. Fiscal 2021 Section 2803 emergency military construction, Army funds; fiscal 2021 Section 2803 emergency military construction, Air Force funds; fiscal 2021 Section 2803 emergency military construction, Navy funds; fiscal 2021 Section 2803 emergency military construction; and fiscal 2021 Defense-wide funds in the amount of $174,000,000, were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco, California, is the contracting activity (W912PL-25-C-A004). (Awarded on Aug. 15, 2025) Vigor Works LLC, Vancouver, Washington, was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Maneuver Support Vessel Light systems technical support services. The amount of this action is $62,399,789. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 19, 2030. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W912CH-25-D-0063). Automation Innovations LLC,* Tampa, Florida, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for field service representative support for Microwave Line of Sight. The amount of this action is $44,328,438. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Kuwait, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2030. Fiscal 2010 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $44,328,438 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, is the contracting activity (W91RUS-25-C-A032). Raytheon Intelligence & Space (Raytheon), McKenney, Texas, was awarded a $35,059,667 modification (P00017) to contract W909MY-23-C-0004 for manufacturing and delivery of B-Kits Thermal receiver units. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $35,059,667. Work will be performed in McKenney, Texas, with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2028. Fiscal 2025 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $35,059,667 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. WisEngineering LLC,* Denville, New Jersey, was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for program management, facility management, property management, administrative, logistics, security, software engineering, systems administration, and technical support. The amount of this action is $20,536,725. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 19, 2028. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $443,811 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-25-F-A285). Pond Constructors Inc., Peachtree Corners, Georgia, was awarded a $12,113,841 modification (P00002) to contract W912DY-24-F-0264 to perform recurring maintenance, and minor and emergency repairs at designated Defense Logistics Agency Energy fueling sites. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $71,788,728. Work will be performed in Fort Smith, Little Rock Air Base, White Hall, and North Little Rock, Arkansas; Peachtree Corners, Georgia; Bossier Parish, and Pineville, Louisiana; Orogrande, New Mexico; Altus, Fort Sill, Braggs, Lexington, McAlester, Tulsa, Enid, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Abilene, El Paso, Fort Sam Houston, Houston, Killeen, Laughlin Air Force Base, Randolph, Red River Army Depot, San Angelo, San Antonio, and Wichita Falls, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 9, 2025. Fiscal 2025 revolving funds in the amount of $12,113,841 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. LLC, Houston, Texas, was awarded a $11,687,740 modification (P00004) to contract W9127S-22-D-0026 for station dredging. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $46,859,160. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 19, 2006. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Arkansas, is the contracting activity. NAVY Black Hills Ammunition Inc.,* Rapid City, South Dakota, is being awarded a $40,000,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge special ball long range ammunition, Department of Defense Identification Code AC58. This contract does not include options. Work will be performed in Rapid City, South Dakota, and is expected to be completed by August 2030. Fiscal 2025 procurement of ammunition (Navy and Marine Crops) funding in the amount of $968,348 (2%) will be obligated at the time of award, which will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured on the basis of 100% Small Business Set-Aside and six offers were received via the procurement integrated enterprise environment solicitation module. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contract activity (N0016425DJN20). General Dynamics Mission Systems, Manassas, Virginia, is awarded a $15,331,729 cost-plus-incentive fee, cost-plus-fixed fee, and cost only contract for shipset production, engineering, and installation support to perform software and hardware systems development, production, and platform installations. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $91,140,416. Work will be performed in Manassas, Virginia (30%); Groton, Connecticut (25%); Las Vegas, Nevada (25%); Port Orchard, Washington (10%); Chesapeake, Virginia (4%); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (2%); San Diego, California (2%); and Kings Bay, Georgia (2%), and is expected to be completed by August 2026. If all options are exercised, work will continue through August 2030. Fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $999,715 (83%); and fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $208,306 (17%), will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(5). Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-25-C-6260). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Clarke Power Services Inc., Henderson, Kentucky, has been awarded an estimated $30,595,255 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle transmissions. A delivery order (SPRDL1-25-F-0172) was also executed at the time of award. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Aug. 18, 2028. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2028 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-25-D-0050). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4281039/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China and India Hold Special Representatives' Talks on the Boundary Question People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated: August 19, 2025 20:53 On August 19, 2025 local time, the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question was held in New Delhi. China's Special Representative, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had comprehensive, in-depth, and productive communication with India's Special Representative and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the China-India boundary question and bilateral relations, among others. Wang Yi stated that President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached important common understandings during their meeting in Kazan, which have charted the course and provided impetus for the improvement of China-India relations and the proper handling of the boundary question. Since the beginning of this year, bilateral relations have moved onto a track of steady development, and the boundary situation has continued to stabilize and improve. As two major neighboring countries and large developing nations, China and India share similar visions and broad common interests, and the two nations should trust and support each other, which is the proper state for two emerging major countries. China attaches great importance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit, and looks forward to India's active contribution to the success of the summit. Wang Yi emphasized that history and reality have repeatedly proven that the sound and stable development of China-India relations serves the fundamental interests of both peoples and also meets the common expectation of the vast number of developing countries. The two sides should follow the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, and adopt a dual-track approach that promotes mutual advancement and fosters a virtuous cycle in viewing and addressing bilateral relations and boundary questions. Both sides should also enhance mutual trust through dialogue and communication, expand exchanges and cooperation, jointly work to build consensus, clarify directions, and set goals in areas such as boundary management and control, negotiations on boundary delimitation, and cross-boundary exchanges, properly resolve specific questions, achieve more positive progress, and continuously create favorable conditions for the improvement and development of bilateral relations. Ajit Doval 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 tranquility maintained in the boundary regions, and breakthroughs made in bilateral relations. Given the current turbulent international situation, 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. India has consistently upheld the one-China policy. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks forward to attending the SCO Tianjin Summit in China, and he believes that this will promote new developments in bilateral relations. India supports China, as the rotating chair of the SCO, in successfully hosting the summit. The Indian side is willing to maintain communication and dialogue with the Chinese side in a positive and pragmatic manner, continuously accumulating conditions for the final resolution of the boundary question. The two sides exchanged views on early harvests of boundary negotiations, reaffirming their willingness to give full play to the role of the Special Representatives meeting mechanism, and explore fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solutions based on mutual respect and mutual understanding in accordance with the political parameters and guiding principles agreed in 2005. At the same time, the two sides agreed to strengthen normalized boundary management and control, and jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. The two sides also agreed to hold the 25th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question in China next year. The two sides also exchanged views on major international and regional issues of common interest and concern. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army invests $635M in cutting-edge artillery ammunition production facility By Michael Chambers August 20, 2025 PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -- The U.S. Army's Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition - Project Lead Joint Services and Army Contacting Command - Rock Island have awarded a $635M fixed-price-with-economic-price-adjustment contract to MSM Group North America to design, build, and commission the Future Artillery Complex, or FAC, at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. This contract is being executed as a sole source undefinitized contract action under the authority of Section 3204(a)(7) of Title 10, United States Code (10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(7)), and Subsection 1244(a)(2) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. The contract is the latest modernization investment by the Army in the organic industrial base, which supplies ammunition for all U.S. military services and many of our allies. The new facility will feature 21st century manufacturing technology that will provide the Army with a scalable, flexible and affordable explosive load, assemble and pack facility. Leveraging lean manufacturing principles and fully integrated system control and data acquisition systems, the FAC will blend robotics and automation with state-of-the-art systems to ensure operator safety and consistent product quality for current and future 155mm artillery production. This cutting-edge technology will give the FAC the flexibility to transition seamlessly between products with minimal downtime, and to operate economically at either peak capacity or reduced Minimum Sustaining Rate. "Modernizing the industrial base and replacing critical munition stockpiles are high priorities for the Defense Department, projects like the FAC are geared to improve the Army's ability to scale production between surge and down times while also providing flexible capacity to produce future go-to-war rounds," said Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments & Ammunition and Commanding General at Picatinny Arsenal. "When the Army realized the need to modernize our production capabilities, Congress allocated $5B to add capacity and bring the defense industrial base into the 21st century. The FAC represents much-needed new technology investments to modernize the Arsenal of Democracy in order to meet the evolving demands of the warfighter in 2025 and beyond." In addition to addressing the Army's goals of increasing 155mm artillery round capacity and replenishing its own stockpiles, projects like the FAC are a pivotal part of DOD's mission to modernize the aging industrial base. Most of the nation's munitions plants were built during World War II and are operating much the same way they did 80 years ago. The Army's acquisition enterprise, led by JPEO A&A, is managing multiple modernization efforts to improve capacity and eliminate many single source challenges. "Standing up state-of-the-art facilities like the FAC is essential to JPEO A&A's mission to provide lethal munitions to our Joint Warfighters and international partners," said Reim. "It is not lost on us that victory on the battlefield starts in our production facilities. The FAC will enable munitions production at speed and scale thereby increasing Army readiness and Warfighter lethality." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 150 U.S. Central Command News | Aug. 20, 2025 USCENTCOM MANAMA, Bahrain -- The Royal Saudi Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force 150, a multinational maritime task force, from the Royal New Zealand Navy during a change of command ceremony, presided over by U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Aug. 19. Royal New Zealand Navy Commodore Rodger Ward turned over command to Royal Saudi Navy Commodore Fahad S. Al Joaid. Since Ward took command of CTF 150 in Jan 2025, ships supporting the task force conducted more than 40 boarding operations, resulting in the seizure and destruction of over seven tons of narcotics. CTF 150's mission was carried out by a team drawn from six nationsIndia, Australia, Canada, Singapore, the United States and New Zealand. "We are a team made up of six nations," Ward said. "The richness of this team is that each nation brings its own strengths to the organization, and we get the most out of each other when we allow those strengths to flourish." Commodore Al Joaid joins CTF 150 following a tour as commander of HMS Al Riyadh. Having served across multiple frigates, Al Joaid also previously deployed to Bahrain as a naval planning officer with CTF 150 during the first Saudi-led rotation in 2018, further strengthening his ties to the multinational task force. "This mission carries great responsibility," Al Joaid said. "We will build on the achievements of our predecessors and work closely with all CMF partners to safeguard these vital waters together." CTF 150 was established in February 2002, and is one of five operational task forces under Combined Maritime Forces. CTF 150 conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from non-state actors. CMF's other task forces include CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training. Combined Maritime Forces, headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address August 20, 2025 By Air Force Lt. Col. Allison Stephens National Guard State Partnership Program: A Cornerstone of Global Security In a mostly virtual gathering, National Guard members and security cooperation leaders convened earlier this month for a Defense Department National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program conference to discuss the program's enduring importance in today's complex environment. With more than 250 attendees from around the globe, and approximately 40 attending in person, the Aug. 5-6 conference underscored that the SPP is a vital tool for strengthening global alliances, enhancing collective defense and reestablishing deterrence. Through the program, the National Guard conducts military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals while also leveraging whole-of-society relationships and capabilities to facilitate broader interagency and corollary engagements that span military, government, economic and social spheres. Christopher Mamaux, deputy assistant defense secretary for global partnerships, emphasized the SPP's role in developing partnerships critical to U.S. national security. The SPP, he said, is uniquely positioned to help partners "shoulder the burden of collective defense." The SPP pairs a U.S. state or territory's National Guard with a partner nation's military forces, security forces or government organization, to foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. This "elegant design has proven remarkably resilient and adaptable," Mamaux said, noting that the program is directly contributing to overarching national objectives. The goal, he said, is to ensure the SPP remains a uniquely positioned tool to advance national security interests, as an integral part of the broader Defense Department security cooperation enterprise. Since its inception, Mamaux said the SPP has "surpassed expectations," leading to co-deployments, joint exercises and key leader exchanges. The program remains a powerful demonstration of the depth of U.S.-partner nation relationships and a shared commitment to global security. In future years, the National Guard plans to grow the program modestly, with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Mamaux said the SPP represents a significant return on investment for DOD and also demonstrates its value by advancing the most current department priorities. "We are transforming the DOD, prioritizing lethality while reviving the warrior ethos to remain a combat credible force around the world," he said. "We simply cannot do it alone." Conference attendees also heard from Mary Beth Morgan, deputy director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Morgan echoed Mamaux's sentiments, emphasizing the significant role played by the National Guard and the SPP. The long-term relationships forged through the SPP, Morgan said, are vital for maintaining influence and deterring aggression around the world. "It's your relationships within the SPP and your partners that provide long-term access and influence to those allies and partners," she said. DSCA's mission advances U.S. defense and foreign policy interests by building the capacity of foreign partners to respond to shared challenges and to provide allies and partners with the enhanced abilities needed to shoulder mutual defense responsibilities. "It's a long-term investment in our partnerships," Morgan said, adding that the SPP is vital to ensuring investments are matched with appropriate institutional capacity-building efforts. The goals of the SPP, she said, are firmly aligned with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's priority of restoring the warrior ethos. "Investing in partner readiness is an investment in the American warfighter," she said. Both Mamaux and Morgan recognize the importance of expanding the program selectively, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. That effort will showcase the National Guard's ability to support international partners through joint exercises, with an emphasis on critical areas such as military professional development, building partner capacity, cybersecurity, and joint preparedness for disaster and emergency response. Robert Riley, the National Guard Bureau's foreign policy advisor, also presented at the conference and shared his extensive experience with the SPP as a career diplomat. He noted the program's popularity and effectiveness, saying that wherever he travels, national and foreign leaders consistently ask about the SPP. Army Maj. Gen. William Edwards, director of strategy, policy, plans and international affairs for the National Guard Bureau, emphasized the importance of data-driven solutions, predictable and consistent funding, as well as the strategic alignment of the SPP with the 2025 Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance during his address. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden allocates SEK 9 million to Egyptian Red Crescent operations in Gaza Government Offices of Sweden Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs Published 20 August 2025 The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be catastrophic. In light of this, the Government has decided to allocate funds to the Egyptian Red Crescent's work for Gaza. Sweden's support is aimed at operations related to medical evacuations from Gaza and to logistics support in getting humanitarian supplies into Gaza. "The suffering among the civilian population in Gaza cannot be described in words. The Government is doing our absolute utmost to put pressure on Israel to safeguard access for humanitarian actors. At the same time, we must continue to contribute where there are conditions to help alleviate urgent needs. To assist with the challenging medical care situation Sweden has, among other things, donated requested medical supplies to Egypt, which is receiving patients from Gaza. We have expanded support to efforts providing life-saving maternity care, maternal health care and care of newborn babies. Now we are choosing to provide additional support, focusing on medical evacuations and logistical solutions through the Egyptian Red Crescent," says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa. The support will include humanitarian supplies and basic medical care for patients and accompanying families who have crossed the border into Egypt. In addition, the support aims to strengthen the organisation's efforts within logistics for importing humanitarian supplies to Gaza. These efforts include crucial parts of the logistical infrastructure such as stockpiling and delivery optimisation, which are essential to ensuring that humanitarian supplies reach the afflicted civilian population quickly and efficiently. The support is channelled via Sweden's core support to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Toward a Strategic Partnership between Canada and Sweden Government Offices of Sweden Statement by Ebba Busch, Pal Jonson Published 20 August 2025 Today, the Honourable Melanie Joly, Canada's Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Canada's Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, together with Ebba Busch, Sweden's Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister, and Pal Jonson, Sweden's Minister for Defence, released the following statement: Canada and Sweden share a close relationship with extensive cooperation based on common values and mutual interests. Canada was the first country to ratify Sweden's accession to NATO. Since then, both countries have increased their cooperation for a stable and prosperous Arctic, including through establishing an Arctic Security Dialogue. As NATO Allies, we stand united in defending our freedom, territories, values, and interests. Further strengthening our partnership is more critical than ever as we confront shared global challenges, including Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the heightened competition in the Arctic. Our close relationship also represents values in double sense, economic value for our citizens and strengthened resilience for our countries, drawing on the complementarity of our strengths and resources. Canada and Sweden are committed to deepening and broadening our bilateral engagement to tackle shared challenges through working towards the establishment of a Strategic Partnership. Today, we agreed to accelerate efforts to strengthen relations between our two countries. This will include focusing on key policy areas such as the defence industry, particularly in aerospace, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, nuclear, critical minerals and clean energy technologies and their supply chains. Defence and Security Cooperation Both Canada and Sweden are rapidly ramping up defence investments in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics. There is value in closer industrial cooperation as we strengthen our defence forces, including exploring joint research and development, interoperability initiatives, and opportunities for Canadian and Swedish defence firms to collaborate on advanced technologies. Space Cooperation Canada and Sweden recognize the growing importance of space for security, science, and economic development and will explore opportunities for collaboration in research partnerships that leverage our respective expertise in space innovation and Arctic observation. Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies Digital transformation, while not without challenges, offers new opportunities for collaboration, secure and trusted digital infrastructure, and responsible technological development. Canada and Sweden will work together on emerging technologies, including efforts to promote cybersecurity resilience, secure and trusted connectivity, and foster innovation in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Supply Chains Secure access to critical raw materials, clean energy and the development of sustainable supply chains are essential to both clean technology and defence industries. Canada and Sweden are exploring ways to collaborate on responsible mining, innovation in materials processing, increasing nuclear energy production and its supply chains and the creation of resilient industrial ecosystems that align with environmental and social standards. Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Collaboration Canada and Sweden share a commitment to advancing health innovation and strengthening global health security. Both countries will seek opportunities for joint Collaboration. At the heart of our ambition lies a common interest in promoting free trade, competitiveness, and innovation and green transition. By strengthening economic ties and encouraging open markets, Canada and Sweden aim to support sustainable growth and foster dynamic industries. This work will reflect rich and deepening ties between the peoples, governments, institutions, and businesses of Canada and Sweden. It is our shared belief that cooperation between like-minded partners is not only desirable but essential in addressing the complex challenges of our time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The ICC strongly rejects new US sanctions against Judges and Deputy Prosecutors International Criminal Court (ICC) / Cour penale internationale (CPI) Statement: 20 August 2025 The International Criminal Court deplores the announcement of new designations for sanctions by the US administration against ICC Judges Kimberly Prost (Canada), Judge Nicolas Guillou (France), Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji) and Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal). These additional designations follow the earlier designation of four other judges and the ICC Prosecutor. These sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all regions. They constitute also an affront against the Court's States Parties, the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world. As stated before by the ICC President and Judiciary, as well as the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, the Court stands firmly behind its personnel and victims of unimaginable atrocities. The ICC will continue fulfilling its mandate, undeterred, in strict accordance with its legal framework as adopted by the States Parties and without regard to any restriction, pressure or threat. The Court calls upon States Parties and all those who share the values of humanity and the rule of law to provide firm and consistent support to the Court and its work carried out in the sole interest of victims of international crimes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin-August 20, 2025 Israel Defense Forces 20.08.25 IDF Good Evening, I would like to update you on the activities of IDF soldiers and commanders in the various arenas. While operating in Gaza, we are also continuing offensive and defensive activities on the Lebanese border, in Syria and in Judea and Samaria. We continue to monitor developments in Iran. The IDF is in a multi arena war, we are operating and will continue to operate in order to protect our civilians on all our borders. Even now, IDF troops continue combat throughout the Gaza Strip and on the outskirts of Gaza City as part of Operation "Gideon's Chariots." Earlier today, Kfir Brigade troops thwarted a terrorist attack on a brigade post in southern Khan Yunis. The troops identified more than fifteen terrorists who emerged from a tunnel shaft, and opened fire, including RPG fire, at the troops. In the battle that developed around the post, our troops repelled the terrorists. The troops sought contact and engaged the terrorists. The troops conducted the battle in cooperation with a tank force, which isolated the area, along with air support. During the battle, nine terrorists were eliminated. We assume that additional terrorists were injured in the attack. Some of the bodies of the terrorists can be seen lying outside the outpost's embankments. In the same incident, several terrorists entered a nearby building where our troops were located, the terrorists were eliminated. We are investigating how this was possible and will draw the necessary lessons. A soldier was seriously injured in the battle. I send him my best wishes for a speedy recovery. In accordance with the directives of the political leadership and following the approval of the plans by the Chief of the General Staff, the IDF has begun the next phase of the war, phase 2 of Operation "Gideon's Chariots". The concentration of troops in Gaza City was made possible thanks to the achievements of Operation "Gideon's Chariots." Hamas today is not the same Hamas that existed before the operation. From a military terrorist organization, it has become a battered and bruised guerrilla organization. We will deepen the damage to Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organization. We will deepen the damage to the terror infrastructure above and below the ground and sever the population's dependence on Hamas. We are not waiting We have begun the preliminary actions, and already now, IDF troops are holding the outskirts of Gaza City. The Nahal and the 7th Brigade, under the command of the 99th Division, are operating on the ground in the Zeitoun area on the outskirts of Gaza City. These activities have already brought achievements; in recent days, our troops have located an underground tunnel in which weapons were located inside Gaza City. Another effort by the Givati brigade, under the command of the 162nd Division, is operating in the area of Jabaliya. Additional troops will join the operation in the near future. As part of laying the groundwork for the continuation of the operation ,the IDF is also establishing a humanitarian effort. COGAT is leading a civilian effort to adapt the humanitarian infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip to meet the needs of the expected population. We continue to enable assistance to the civilians of the Gaza Strip - and are expanding it. Additional aid distribution centers will be established. This approach will sever the population's dependence on Hamas. In order to minimize harm to civilians, the IDF will warn the civilian population and allow them to evacuate for their own protection, distancing themselves from the active combat zones. ------ As part of the preparations for the next phase - the Chief of the General Staff has instructed to issue approximately 60,000 reserve orders for the beginning of September. In addition to the orders that will be distributed, we will extend another 20,000 orders to reserve service members in battalions that are already operating today. At the same time, we are preparing for additional troops in active duty service who will form the basis for the next phase of operations. We attach paramount importance to balancing the burden placed on the active duty and reserve troops. We continue to work to create conditions for the return of the hostages and to ensure that Hamas does not retain the terrorist capabilities it once possessed. The Southern Command operates shoulder to shoulder with the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters - we are doing everything possible to prevent harm to the hostages. The hostages are at the forefront of our mind at all times. We will continue to act professionally, we will carry out our missions responsibly, we will implement the optimal operational method that we have formulated. As we operated in Khan Yunis, Rafah and other places in the Gaza Strip, and in accordance with the goals defined by the political leadership. We will continue to operate to ensure security for civilians, the return of the hostages, and the collapse of the Hamas regime. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel demands release of all captives in blow to Hamas-approved truce proposal IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 20, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime has demanded the release of all 50 captives held by Palestinian resistance fighters in Gaza, in an apparent blow to a new truce proposal that was already approved by Hamas. Israeli cabinet spokesperson David Mencer told the BBC on Tuesday that the regime is not interested in "partial deals." "Things have changed now. The prime minister has laid out a plan for the future of Gaza," Mencer said, referring to Benjamin Netanyahu's plot to forcibly displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and occupy the territory, beginning with the takeover of Gaza City. Hamas announced on Monday that it had approved the Gaza truce proposal put forward by Qatar and Egypt to end the Israeli regime's genocidal war on Gaza. "Hamas, along with the Palestinian factions, relayed their acceptance of the proposal put forward yesterday by the Qatari and Egyptian mediators," the group said in a brief statement. The proposed deal comes after negotiations between Hamas, Egyptian, and Qatari officials in Cairo and is reported to be nearly identical to the one that was put forward by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and was accepted by Israel. Over the past two years, Hamas has accepted proposals for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners. But Israel has rejected them, pressing ahead with its military campaign in Gaza, which the regime is now expanding by moving to take over Gaza City. The major sticking point has been the duration of the ceasefire. Hamas wants a permanent end to the war, but Israel seeks a temporary truce that would allow it to resume its military operations. 4354**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Media Statements Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 20.08.2025 The Prime Minister's Office, this evening [translated from Hebrew]: Ahead of approval of the plans for the operation in Gaza City, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the timetables - for seizing control of the last terrorist strongholds and the defeat of Hamas - be shortened. The Prime Minister expresses his great appreciation for the reservist fighters who have been mobilized and their families, and all IDF soldiers. Together we will win NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Media Statements Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 20.08.2025 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today [translated from Hebrew]: "I congratulate US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for deciding to impose sanctions on the judges of the International Court in The Hague. This is a firm measure against the mendacious smear campaign against the State of Israel and the IDF, and for truth and justice." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Brawner vows 'swift, uncompromising action' vs. corrupt soldiers Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno August 20, 2025, 12:01 pm MANILA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday vowed "swift, firm and uncompromising action" against military personnel who will be involved in corruption. In a statement, Brawner said soliciting or accepting money, gifts, favors, or services from contractors, suppliers, or stakeholders "has absolutely no place in military service." "Such acts violate not only the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, and AFP regulations they violate the very essence of our oath," he said. "And to this, the AFP's answer is resolute: swift, firm, and uncompromising action," Brawner added. He stressed that this is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s guidance against corruption in all its forms. According to Brawner, integrity and professionalism are not optional virtues in the military, as these characteristics are what it means to be a soldier, airman, sailor, or marine. "Public office is a public trust. We exist to serve the Filipino people with honor, never to use our position for personal gain," he said. The AFP chief called on all Filipino citizens and their stakeholders to be their partners in vigilance, and urged them to report any irregularities they may have encountered or witnessed. "Walang puwang sa ating hanay ang katiwalian at hindi natin ito palalampasin (Corruption has no place in our ranks and will not be tolerated). Commanders and leaders at all levels are not just directed but duty-bound to enforce this policy, with accountability extending to those who turn a blind eye," Brawner said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Filipino, Australian pilots take part in air combat maneuvers Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno August 20, 2025, 11:23 am MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on Tuesday took part in a series of air combat drills using their FA-50PH and EA-18 "Growler" fighter aircraft as part of the ongoing "ALON" 2025. In a statement Tuesday night, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the participating Filipino and Australian pilots performed "dissimilar air combat tactics" (DACT) and basic fighter maneuvers (BFM) during the activity. DACT refers to the conduct of advanced maneuvers using different combat aircraft while BFM are tactical maneuvers performed by fighter jets during air combat maneuvering. "These combined air operations showcased the PAF's advancing air combat proficiency and reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing joint interoperability with allies and partners," Castillo said. The exercises aim to deepen defense cooperation, enhance interoperability and strengthen joint capabilities in addressing shared security challenges in the region. It also underscores the growing Philippines-Australia strategic partnership, with defense and security as vital pillars. Exercise "ALON," or Amphibious and Land Operations, is a bilateral training between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defence Force that is conducted within the joint operational areas of AFP's Northern Luzon Command and Western Command. This year's ALON formally started in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Aug. 15 and will run until Aug. 29. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ten points of consensus for the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated: August 20, 2025 03:05 On August 19, 2025, the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives (SR) of China and India on the Boundary Question was held in New Delhi, India. The talks were co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Special Representative of China, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Ajit Doval, Special Representative of India and National Security Advisor. 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 China-India boundary question, and reached ten points of consensus as follows: 1.Spoke positively of the progress made in the implementation of the important leader-level consensus in Kazan, and shared the view that peace and tranquility has been maintained in the China-India border areas since the 23rd Round of SR Talks. 2.The two sides reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas, emphasized handling the issue properly through friendly consultations, to promote overall development of the China-India bilateral relationship. 3. 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 China-India Boundary Question signed in 2005. 4. Agreed to set up an Expert Group, under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on the China-India border affairs (WMCC) framework, to explore Early Harvest of boundary delimitation on appropriate Sectors. 5. Agreed to set up a Working Group, under the WMCC framework, to advance effective border management in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. 6. Agreed to create General-Level Mechanisms in the Eastern and Middle Sectors, in addition to the existing General-Level Mechanism in the Western Sector, and hold the next round of General-Level Mechanism meeting in the Western Sector at an early date. 7. 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 thereof. 8. Exchanged views on trans-border rivers cooperation and agreed to give full play to the role of the China-India Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers and keep communication on the renewal of relevant MoUs. The Chinese side agreed to share hydrological information during emergency situations based on humanitarian considerations. 9. Agreed to re-open the three traditional border trading markets, namely Renqinggang-Changgu, Pulan-Gunji and Jiuba-Namgya. 10. Agreed to hold the 25th Round of SR Talks in China in 2026. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address List of Outcomes of the Meeting between the Foreign Ministers of China and India People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated: August 20, 2025 00:24 On 18 August 2025, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China held bilateral talks with H.E. Dr. S.Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of the Republic of India in New Delhi. The two sides had positive, constructive and forward-looking discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest and agreed on the following understandings and outcomes: 1.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 bilateral relationship is in their mutual interest 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 the sustained, sound and steady development of India-China relations. 2.The Chinese side welcomed Indian 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 to the Chinese SCO Presidency, and looked forward to a successful SCO Summit with fruitful outcomes. 3.Both sides agreed to support each other in hosting successful diplomatic events. The Chinese side will support India in hosting the 2026 BRICS Summit. The Indian side will support China in hosting the 2027 BRICS Summit. 4.Both sides 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. 5.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. 6.Both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between Chinese mainland and India at the earliest and finalize an updated Air Services Agreement. Both sides also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions. 7.Both sides agreed to continue and further expand the scale of Indian pilgrimage to Mount Gang Renpoche/Mt. Kailash and Lake Mapam Yun Tso/Manasarovar in Xizang Autonomous Region of China in 2026. 8.Both sides agreed to facilitate trade and investment flows between the two countries through concrete measures. 9. Both sides agreed to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas through friendly consultations. 10.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 interest of developing countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US sanctions an affront to 'millions of innocent victims', ICC says as it vows to resist pressure, threats Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 9:32 PM The International Criminal Court (ICC) has minced no words in condemning the United States over its most recent sanctions against the tribunal's judges for their efforts at prosecuting American and Israeli war crimes and other atrocities. The Hague-based court issued the remarks in a statement on Wednesday after Washington imposed coercive measures on four ICC judges. The sanctions "constitute an affront against the Court's States Parties, the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world," it said. The tribunal made fresh references to the targeted individuals, identifying them as Kimberly Prost from Canada, Nicolas Guillou from France, Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan from Fiji, and Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal. Guillou presided over a pre-trial panel that issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former minister for military affairs Yoav Gallant last November. The duo were found culpable for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli regime has been waging a genocidal war since October 2023. According to the US State Department, Prost has been sanctioned for "ruling to authorize the ICC's investigation into US personnel in Afghanistan." Khan and Niang have been sanctioned for supporting arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. They have also been trying to submit arrest warrant applications against extremist Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, on apartheid charges. "These sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution, which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all regions," the ICC wrote about the measures. "The Court stands firmly behind its personnel and victims of unimaginable atrocities," it added. "The ICC will continue fulfilling its mandate, undeterred, in strict accordance with its legal framework as adopted by the States Parties and without regard to any restriction, pressure or threat." The sanctions follow previous designation of four other judges and the ICC's Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan. On February 13, 2025, the US Department of the Treasury added Khan to its "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List," barring him from entering the US and freezing his assets in the country. Khan has gone on a suspicious leave since being threatened by an Israel-linked ICC lawyer, who had told him he would be "destroyed" if he did not withdraw the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US imposes sanctions on four ICC judges, prosecutors over 'threat to Israel' Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 7:24 PM The United States has imposed sanctions on four International Criminal Court (ICC) judges and prosecutors in a new effort to undermine the court over its actions against Israel. In a statement on Wednesday, the US State Department said the sanctions were issued "in response to the [court's] ongoing threat to Americans and Israelis." Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ICC as "a national security threat" and an instrument of "lawfare" against Israel and the United States, echoing the rhetoric used by US President Donald Trump. Rubio said that the four individuals sanctioned by the State Department had sought to investigate or prosecute individuals from Israel or the US "without the consent of either." Among the sanctioned is French judge Nicolas Guillou, who presided over a pre-trial panel that issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former war minister Yoav Gallant last November. The ICC stated that there was "reasonable ground" to believe Netanyahu and Gallant bore criminal responsibility for war crimes, including using starvation as a method of warfare, and perpetrating crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Israeli regime also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its genocidal war in Gaza. The ICC is also probing possible war crimes by US forces in Afghanistan. Canadian judge Kimberly Prost has also been sanctioned for "ruling to authorize the ICC's investigation into US personnel in Afghanistan", the US State Department said. Two deputy prosecutors of the ICC, Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal, have also been sanctioned for supporting arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. Both Israel and the US have rejected the authority of the ICC, but the court has maintained that it can issue arrest warrants because the places in which the alleged crimes took place are parties to the court. On February 13, 2025, the US Department of the Treasury added the Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, to its "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List," barring him from entering the US and freezing his assets in the country. US sanctions undermine the foundation of international justice, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, adding: "The decision imposes severe impediments on the functioning of the office of the prosecutor." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas calls for massive global marches against genocide in Gaza Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 7:03 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has urged people around the world to take part in massive marches to denounce the ongoing campaign of genocide in the besieged Gaza Strip. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hamas called on the masses of Arab and Islamic Ummah, and all free peoples worldwide, to actively participate in the global strike in support of Gaza on Thursday. It sought to continue the global popular solidarity action on August 22, 23, 24 and beyond, across all capitals, cities, and squares worldwide. The protesters are urged to raise their voices against "the continued Zionist aggression, genocide, and systematic starvation of over two million Palestinians in Gaza." "The occupation army's plans to occupy Gaza, and the resulting aggression and displacement of more than one million people, represent a new chapter in the war of extermination," the statement read. Hamas warned against international silence towards the crimes of Israel against the Palestinians in Gaza. "We warn against the international silence regarding the occupation's crimes and urge the world to take urgent action to stop the massacres and starvation, and to end the aggression and siege." Hamas also held the United States, a key backer of Israel, an accomplice in the war. "We also call for increasing all forms of rallies and sit-ins outside Zionist and American embassies, as well as all embassies of occupation-supporting states worldwide until the Zionist aggression, siege, and starvation against our people in Gaza are stopped." The appeal for global action comes as media outlets reported an intensification of Israeli assault on Gaza City, where residential neighborhoods are coming under some of the fiercest Israeli attacks seen in recent weeks. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has thanked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for imposing fresh sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) officials. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for war crimes in Gaza. At least 64 Palestinians, including 19 aid seekers, have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn on Wednesday. The Palestinian health ministry says three people have starved to death in the past day. That brings the total number of famine-related deaths in the territory to nearly 270. The death toll from the US-Israeli genocide now exceeds 62,100, with more than 156,700 others injured. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinian resistance fighters hit Israeli positions in southern Gaza, multiple casualties reported Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 6:46 PM The military wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades, has launched attacks on Israeli positions in southern Gaza, killing and wounding several invading soldiers. In a statement, the al-Qassam Brigades said its fighters struck a newly established Israeli position southeast of Khan Younis on Wednesday morning. During the operation, they targeted multiple Merkava 4 tanks with explosive devices and al-Yassin 105 shells, and hit several homes used by Israeli forces as bases with six anti-fortification and anti-personnel shells, accompanied by machine-gun fire. The resistance fighters also engaged Israeli forces at close range inside several homes, using light weapons and hand grenades. Palestinian snipers also shot and killed a "Merkava 4" tank commander. According to the statement by Hamas, the fighters also struck the operation zone and its surrounding areas with several mortar shells to cut off military reinforcements to the regime's forces and secure the withdrawal of the al-Qassam fighters. A Palestinian fighter detonated himself as Israeli reinforcements arrived, leaving multiple soldiers dead and wounded. The military operation lasted for several hours, and Israeli helicopters were spotted landing in the area to evacuate the wounded soldiers. The Israeli military confirmed the attack, claiming it caused injuries to the regime's troops. Israeli media said the resistance fighters who carried out the operation emerged from a nearby tunnel. The operation was described by Palestinian resources as "one of the most complex and heroic operations since the start of Israel's genocidal war on the strip." 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 so far killed more than 62,122 Palestinians and injured 156,758 others, according to Gaza's health ministry. The Wednesday operation came as Israel's minister of military affairs, Israel Katz, approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, the largest city in the besieged strip. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanese leaders urge US action as Israel violates ceasefire Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 6:38 PM Lebanon's president and prime minister urged US senators in Beirut on Wednesday to press Israel into a full withdrawal from the south. During a meeting with the US delegation in Beirut, President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated the call for a full Israeli withdrawal, an end to attacks inside Lebanon, and the release of Lebanese prisoners. They told Republican senators Markwayne Mullin and Joni Ernst that Washington should press Israel to halt its occupation of the country. Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire that took effect on November 27, 2024. Under the deal, Tel Aviv was required to withdraw fully from Lebanese territory, but it has kept forces stationed at five sites and continued its strikes in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the terms of the agreement. Last month, Hezbollah said the US was pushing for a new deal in Lebanon that would begin with the resistance movement's disarmament in exchange for only a "partial" Israeli withdrawal from the south. Hezbollah has consistently warned that disarming the resistance movement would pave the way for further Israeli expansion into Lebanese territory. Asked about Hezbollah's disarmament, US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, who met Lebanon's top officials in Beirut, said on Monday that the issue falls under Lebanon's sovereignty. "We are not considering issuing any threats. Dealing with Hezbollah is a Lebanese procedure, and our role has been advisory," he claimed. Barrack also said it is now Israel's turn to comply with the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Knockout blow' to Palestinian statehood: Israel advances settlement plan to split West Bank Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 5:45 PM Israel has given final approval for an illegal settlement project in the West Bank that would effectively cut the occupied territory in two and could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state. In a meeting on Wednesday, an Israeli settlement committee approved the so-called E1 project, which includes the building of around 3,500 settler units between al-Quds and the Ma'ale Adumim settlement in the occupied West Bank. The project aims to split the occupied West Bank into two parts, cutting off the northern cities of Ramallah and Nablus from Bethlehem and al-Khalil in the south, and isolating East al-Quds. Hawkish far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich hailed the decision as a significant step to consolidate Israel's hold on the occupied Palestinian lands. "The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not with slogans but with actions," Smotrich, a settler himself, said on Wednesday. "Every settlement, every neighborhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea." Peace Now, an Israeli organization that tracks settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, has described the project as a "knockout blow" to the two-state solution, warning that it would bisect the West Bank and further isolate East al-Quds. "The settlement in E1 has no purpose other than to sabotage a political solution," the organization said. "While the consensus among our friends in the world is to strive for peace and a two-state solution, a government that long ago lost the people's trust is undermining the Israeli interest, and we are all paying the price," Peace Now stated. Last week, Breaking the Silence, an Israeli rights group, called the plan a land grab, which "will not only further fragment the Palestinian territory, but will further entrench apartheid." Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the idea of a Palestinian state alongside the Israeli entity and has declared to maintain open-ended control over the occupied West Bank, annexed East al-Quds, and Gaza. Observers say the renewed push for the settlement project appears to be a response to recent announcements by some countries, including the UK, France, and Australia, to recognize Palestinian statehood during the UN General Assembly meetings in September. According to the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, a settlement subcommittee during the Wednesday meeting also advanced a plan for building 342 more units in the Asahel settlement between east and west Mount al-Khalil. Despite international condemnation and growing calls for a halt to settlement activity, the Israeli expansion shows no signs of slowing down. These settlements are illegal under international law and pose a significant obstacle to negotiations. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's decades-long occupation of historical Palestine illegal. The ICJ demanded the evacuation of all existing settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds. On August 8, Israel's war cabinet approved a military blueprint to capture Gaza City and tighten its grip on the besieged strip, which has been relentlessly bombarded since the genocidal war began on October 7, 2023. In the last 22 months, the Israeli regime has murdered nearly 62,122 Palestinians and wounded 156,758, most of them children and women. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Jordan: Israel 'killing all prospects' for peace in West Asia Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 4:46 PM Jordan says Israel is "killing all prospects" for peace in West Asia, as the regime has approved a plan to occupy Gaza City. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Israel's war on the Gaza Strip has caused "massacres and starvation." At a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday, Safadi said he hoped to discuss "efforts to end the aggression on Gaza, and the massacres and starvation that it is creating." This was in addition to the "illegal measures that continue to undermine the two-state solution and kill all prospects for peace in the region," he added. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Jordanian minister praised Moscow's "clear position" against the war and its "demand for reaching a permanent ceasefire." Israel's minister of military affairs, Israel Katz, recently approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, the largest city in the Palestinian territory. The Israeli military on Wednesday said it would call up 60,000 reservists in the coming weeks and lengthen the term of an additional 20,000 reservists as it pushes forward with the plan to occupy the city. An Israeli military official told journalists that the initial stages of the plan have already begun in the neighborhoods of Zeitoun and Jabalia. The announcement came in defiance of warnings from human rights groups that a humanitarian crisis could worsen in the strip, where most residents have been displaced multiple times, neighborhoods lie in ruins, and people are facing the threat of famine. Israel's plan to escalate its assault also defies renewed mediation efforts led by Qatar and Egypt. 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 latest proposal also includes a path to a comprehensive deal that ends the nearly two-year genocidal war in Gaza. While Qatar said the proposal was nearly identical to the one put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and was accepted by Israel, mediators were still awaiting a response from the Israeli regime to the plan. Egypt said "the ball is now in its (Israel's) court," while senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said his movement "opened the door wide to the possibility of reaching an agreement, but the question remains whether [Israel's prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu will once again close it, as he has done in the past." In July, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya 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. Hayya said the United States and Israel were "wasting time" to intentionally hinder talks and facilitate the continued extermination of the Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has killed more than 62,100 Palestinians and injured at least 156,700 others since October 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza. Since March 2, when the regime violated its ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israel 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 Relocation under shellfire: Details on Israel's plot to displace one million Palestinians Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 10:55 AM Israel has established a "Population Relocation Unit" to systematically map, surveil, and forcibly expel Palestinians from Gaza City through a campaign of leaflets, text messages, and artillery fire, according to Israeli media. Details shared with Israel Hayom show that the Israeli regime is about to forcibly displace approximately one million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip's largest urban area, moving them south beyond the Netzarim Corridor. This is the most extreme step yet during Israel's October 2023-present war of genocide on the Palestinian territory. The complex evacuation operation is managed by Southern Command's Population Relocation Unit, whose existence is revealed for the first time. The unit is responsible for mapping the population, gathering intelligence on it, and coordinating actions to facilitate its movement - distributing leaflets, sending text messages, and, ultimately, firing artillery shells, which send the clearest message to residents that they must evacuate. "In the current war, the unit was already prepared for micro-level management of the operation," claimed Erez Weiner, who served as the commander of the operational planning team in Southern Command during the genocide. "This includes the process of notifications, who issues them, when, and how, as well as monitoring and verifying that there is a response on the other side and that the population is actually moving," Weiner further claimed. The regime's minister for military affairs Israel Katz announced on Tuesday that he had approved new operational plans alongside military chief Eyal Zamir and spy agency chiefs. The strategy calls for regular brigades to encircle the city, forcing its roughly one million residents to flee. According to UN data, before the genocide, about 82% of Gaza's residents lived in areas the regime designated as "evacuation zones." Providing aid to these millions of displaced people is an integral part of the population relocation principle. "To convince them to move, you need to use not only a stick but also a carrot," a former military source claimed. Israel has insisted that the "carrot" - humanitarian aid to Gaza - be provided and managed by the US-backed GHF foundation. 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 developments come as on Tuesday, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari confirmed that Gaza's Hamas resistance movement had responded positively to a new ceasefire proposal. The regime, though, claims it is yet "studying" Hamas' response, while pressing ahead with war planning. "The reaction of the Zionists on Tuesday revealed Netanyahu's sinister intentions to prolong the war, pursue mass killings, and carry out ethnic cleansing," senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hospital occupancy rate in Gaza hits 300% amid Israeli genocide: Ministry Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 10:39 AM The director general of the Gaza Health Ministry has expressed deep concern over the extremely high occupancy rate of hospital beds in the Gaza Strip, saying the increasing trend shows the severity of health and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the besieged territory. Munir al-Bursh made the remarks in a post on X on Wednesday, citing Israel's relentless bombardment and a crippling blockade as major factors contributing to the critical situation in Gaza's hospitals. "The occupancy rate of hospital beds has reached 300%, an unprecedented figure that reflects the scale of the health and humanitarian catastrophe we are experiencing today," he said. The situation is exacerbated by the limited number of functioning hospitals and the ongoing Israeli aggression and blockade, which has resulted in a surge of casualties and injuries. These concerns have been echoed by other doctors who have warned about severe shortages of supplies, and the subsequent potential loss of more lives as Israel's siege continues to severely impact the healthcare system. Additionally, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) issued a warning on Monday, revealing that daily Palestinian injuries in Gaza have tripled since late May, coinciding with the launch of an Israeli and US-backed aid initiative by the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Israel stopped aid deliveries to Gaza on March 2 after claiming that the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas was "stealing aid" to justify the regime's weaponization of aid against civilians. At least 62,064 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 156,573 individuals injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Amid escalating diplomatic row over Gaza, Australia hits back at Israeli PM Netanyahu Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 8:16 AM Australia has condemned Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he described the Australian prime minister as weak, with a high-profile minister saying Netanyahu is conflating strength with killing people and the capacity to inflict harm. In an interview with Australia's national broadcaster on Wednesday, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said that strength is not measured "by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry." Burke's remarks follow Netanyahu's attack against Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on social media this Tuesday. He said that history would remember him as a "weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews." Speaking on ABC's Radio National Breakfast program, Burke described Netanyahu's attack as a manifestation of Israel's "lashing out" against nations that have taken steps to recognize a Palestinian state. "Strength is much better measured by exactly what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has done, which is when there's a decision that we know Israel won't like, he goes straight to Benjamin Netanyahu," Burke said. "He has the conversation, he says exactly what we're intending to do, and has the chance for the objections to be made person to person. And then, having heard them, makes public announcement and then does what needs to be done." The relationship between Australia and Israel, historically strong allies, has progressively deteriorated in recent months due to rising tensions related to the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Ties have grown particularly contentious following Canberra's declaration last week regarding its recognition of a Palestinian state. On Monday, Australia declared the cancellation of a visa for Simcha Rothman, a legislator affiliated with Israel's far-right Mafdal-Religious Zionism party and a member of Netanyahu's ruling coalition, due to worries that a planned speaking tour in the nation would "spread division." Shortly after that decision, Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar announced that he had canceled the visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority. It was followed by Netanyahu's social media outburst. "History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," he wrote on the social media platform X. Israel is facing increasing international pressure, including from numerous traditional allies, regarding the extent of human suffering caused by its genocidal war in Gaza. The Israeli military has waged a brutal war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, dismissing international appeals for a ceasefire, killing at least 62,064 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. The unrelenting airstrikes have ravaged the region and caused significant food shortages. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China Dangles Belt And Road Investment To Mend Taliban-Pakistan Ties By Reid Standish August 20, 2025 Afghanistan's Taliban authorities are hosting a trilateral meeting with China and Pakistan on August 20, as Beijing looks to de-escalate tensions between the two countries by incentivizing cooperation through new trade and investment opportunities amid a flurry of diplomatic outreach. The daylong meeting is expected to cover joint efforts to combat terrorism and the expansion of China's trillion-dollar global infrastructure project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), into Afghanistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This is a $60 billion series of projects launched by Islamabad and Beijing under the umbrella of the BRI. "Comprehensive discussions will be held on a number of important issues, including political, economic, and regional cooperation among the three countries," Hafiz Zia Ahmad, a deputy spokesman for Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry, said in a post on Xahead of the meeting. Obtaining a formal deal to extend CPEC to Afghanistan would not only be a boost for a cash-strapped Taliban searching for international legitimacy, it would also mark a diplomatic win for Beijing as it steps up its engagement and adapts to new shifts across the region. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is hosting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar. Wang's trip to Kabul follows high-profile meetings in New Delhi where Beijing looked to capitalizeon tensions caused by US tariffs on Indian goods. A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said an agreement was reached to tackle Beijing's simmering border dispute with New Delhi. Following the trip to Afghanistan, Wang will travel to Islamabad for a three-day visit ahead of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit at the end of August, where China will host leaders and top officials from Pakistan and India as well as leaders from Russia, Central Asia, Belarus, and Iran. China's Diplomatic Push Although neither China nor Pakistan has formally recognized the Taliban government, Beijing has acted as a facilitator behind the scenes. The discussions in Kabul mark the first time that officials have met since May. That meeting saw a verbal agreement from Beijing to extend the trade and infrastructure links that it has already built up through CPEC over the past decade to Afghanistan. Pakistan also upgraded its diplomatic relations with the Taliban in its aftermath by sending its first ambassador to Kabul since the militant group seized power in 2021. Back then, many saw the Taliban's return as a strategic win for Pakistan, given its historical ties to the group, but relations between them have deteriorated. Islamabad has accused the Afghan Taliban of allowing groups like Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to launch attacks across the border. The TTP, formed in 2007, shares ideological roots with the Afghan Taliban but operates independently. The TTP has also threatened Chinese interests, particularly CPEC, where Chinese nationals working on projects in Pakistan have become a regular target for attacks. Since 2021, 14 terrorist attacks have taken place in the country targeting Chinese citizens. China has pushed for joint law enforcement cooperation between the Taliban and Pakistan, and that appears to have accelerated since officials last met in May. The Taliban has reportedly pledged it would not allow Afghan territory to be used for TTP operations, and China's special envoy on Afghan affairs, Yue Xiaoyong, visited both Afghanistan and Pakistan in July. Is China Ready To Extend CPEC To Afghanistan? CPEC was framed as a flagship part of the BRI when it was launched in 2015, but it has since become something of a cautionary tale for China as it has grappled with delayed projects, cost overruns, security concerns, and escalating debt stress in Pakistan. Since then, Beijing has been reluctant to greenlight large-scale projects for CPEC and has since sought to see through its most viable pre-existing ones. That caution will also follow any movement on integrating Afghanistan into the infrastructure project. Beijing's interest in linking Afghanistan to BRI through CPEC predates the Taliban's return to power, but limited practical progress has been made despite a renewed interest from China in Afghanistan's substantial mineral and resource wealth. It still remains uncertain at what pace China will look to formally incorporate Afghanistan. Improving relations between the Taliban and Islamabad and improving security cooperation are precursors that Beijing will look to build on that progress through its meetings this month. But implementing projects on the ground in Afghanistan has always proved difficult and any new projects on an extended CPEC will have to contend with a still volatile security situation on the ground. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-taliban-pakistan- afghanistan-cpec-bri-summit-meeting/33508252.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 Israeli Defense Minister Approves Operation to Capture Gaza City - Reports Sputnik News 20250820 The plans for the operation were earlier presented to Katz by the Israel Defense Forces' Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved an operation to capture Gaza City, and reservists are expected to be mobilized, the Kan state television and radio company reported on Wednesday. The operation was named Gideon's Chariots 2, the broadcaster added. Some 60,000 reservist call-up orders are being issued by the IDF for the offensive, according to Israeli media. Netanyahu's office said in a statement on August 8 that the Jewish state's Security Cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City and eventually implement "Israeli security control" of the entire Gaza Strip. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Defense Minister Approves Operation to Capture Gaza War of Accusations: Macron and Netanyahu Clash Over Palestinian State - Reports Sputnik News 20250820 President Emmanuel Macron earlier said that France will officially recognize a Palestinian state at a session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September. "Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire. It is not diplomacy; it is appeasement," Netanyahu claimed in a letter to Macron seen by US media. The Israeli PM claimed that Macron's move "rewards Hamas terror" and "emboldens those who menace French Jews and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking" French streets. Macron's office responded by warning in a statement that Netanyahu's claims were "erroneous, despicable, and will not go unanswered." Israel-France relations have sharply deteriorated following the latter's announcement that it plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September. The French foreign ministry also condemned Netanyahu's plan to occupy Gaza, while Macron called it "a declared catastrophe" and a push for a "permanent war." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement on the United States-Turkmenistan Annual Bilateral Consultations US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson August 20, 2025 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: On August 20, 2025, the United States and Turkmenistan marked a successful eleventh round of the United States-Turkmenistan Annual Bilateral Consultations in Washington. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and United States Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs John Mark Pommersheim led the consultations. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Meredov and Deputy Assistant Secretary Pommersheim underscored their commitment to advancing U.S.-Turkmenistan relations, including through security cooperation, increased economic and investment opportunities, the advancement of religious freedom, and deepening engagement through the C5+1 diplomatic platform. The United States and Turkmenistan discussed supporting bilateral business deals with key U.S. companies as well as expanded investment opportunities in Turkmenistan. The United States acknowledged Turkmenistan's progress with the International Labor Organization and encouraged continued cooperation. The delegations also shared views on religious freedom. The United States encouraged Turkmenistan's further collaboration on bilateral and regional security issues. Deputy Assistant Secretary Pommersheim closed the dialogue by underscoring strong support for Turkmenistan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The United States is looking forward to continuing working together with Turkmenistan to overcome joint challenges and celebrate further bilateral successes in the coming year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Meredov US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson August 20, 2025 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov in Washington today and reiterated the United States' commitment to continue working with Turkmenistan to expand economic and commercial ties, promote regional integration through the C5+1 diplomatic platform, and strengthen regional security. Secretary Rubio thanked Foreign Minister Meredov for Turkmenistan's assistance to U.S. citizens fleeing Iran during the recent Israel-Iran conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Imposing Further Sanctions in Response to the ICC's Ongoing Threat to Americans and Israelis US Department of State Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson August 20, 2025 Today, the United States is sanctioning four individuals, currently serving on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Department of State's designations are made pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14203, which authorizes sanctions on foreign persons engaged in certain malign efforts by the ICC and aims to impose tangible and significant consequences on those directly engaged in the ICC's transgressions against the United States and Israel. The Department is designating the following individuals pursuant to section 1(a)(ii)(A) of E.O. 14203, for having directly engaged in any effort by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute a protected person without consent of that person's country of nationality: KIMBERLY PROST , Judge, Trial Division, International Criminal Court , Judge, Trial Division, International Criminal Court NICOLAS YANN GUILLOU , Judge, Trial Division, International Criminal Court , Judge, Trial Division, International Criminal Court NAZHAT SHAMEEM KHAN , Deputy Prosecutor, International Criminal Court , Deputy Prosecutor, International Criminal Court MAME MANDIAYE NIANG, Deputy Prosecutor, International Criminal Court Prost is being designated for ruling to authorize the ICC's investigation into U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. Guillou is being designated for ruling to authorize the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. Deputy Prosecutors Shameem Khan and Niang are being designated for continuing to support illegitimate ICC actions against Israel, including upholding the ICC's arrest warrants targeting Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant since they assumed leadership for the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor. Sanctions Implications As a result of today's sanctions-related actions, all property and interests in property of the sanctioned persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Additionally, all individuals or entities that are owned, either directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Petitions for removal from the SDN List may be sent to: OFAC.Reconsideration@treasury.gov. Petitioners may also refer to the Department of State's Delisting Guidance page. 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 20 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. ** Secretary-General/Travels I will start off with the travels of our Secretary-General, who as you know is in Japan. Very early this morning he addressed the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, which is actually taking place in Yokohama this year. The Secretary-General said that for more than three decades TICAD, as the Conference is known, has embodied the spirit of multilateralism grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility and a deep belief in Africa's potential. This meeting, he added, comes at a time of interconnected crises and deep inequalities. Tackling these crises, he said, "requires a clear focus not only on development for Africa, but development with Africa". On the side-lines, he met with the Prime Minister of Japan, Ishiba Shigeru. They exchanged views on a number of issues, including global and regional issues. Mr. Guterres also met with Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which is the organizer of the Conference. In all his meetings and exchanges, the Secretary-General emphasized that enhanced cooperation needs to focus on areas where strategic partnerships can drive inclusive growth in Africa, creating decent jobs and accelerating progress towards Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. His schedule for tomorrow in Yokohama includes more bilateral meetings with attendees of the Conference and a press encounter with your colleagues in Yokohama. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) tell us that the situation is increasingly dire, with children and adults killed, injured and displaced every single day. Starvation and malnutrition continue to deepen. And as an example, our colleagues at UNRWA have just shared the latest malnutrition data with us. They are the largest provider of nutrition screening and treatment in Gaza. They have, since March of this year, when the ceasefire collapsed, UNRWA has screened over 95,000 children aged 6 months to 5 years for malnutrition across the Gaza Strip. The prevalence of acute malnutrition has risen 15.8 per cent in the first half of August. This means that according to UNRWA's data, malnutrition has tripled across the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire collapsed. And in Gaza City, acute malnourishment has now reached 28.5 per cent, meaning more than one in four children in Gaza City is now considered malnourished. According to UNRWA screenings malnutrition in Gaza City is now almost six times the level it was since the ceasefire. But despite the impediments and the systematic restrictions we and our partners are sparing no effort to bring critical food and supplies into the Gaza Strip to avoid an even further deterioration of the situation. Today, OCHA released an update on what we delivered in Gaza between August 3rd and 16th. A few highlights for you: On food: Teams brought in about 12,000 metric tons of wheat flour and other supplies and supported more than 80 community kitchens providing over 400,000 meals every day. That's twice as much as in late July but less than half of what we were able to bring in April. On nutrition: UNICEF brought in enough therapeutic food for 30,000 acutely malnourished children for one month; infant formula sufficient for 1,250 babies; and over 3,500 cartons of high-energy biscuits. Partners also continued screening thousands of children for malnutrition, as I have just highlighted. On health: More than 30 truckloads of medicines, blood units, trauma and surgical materials were collected; a haemodialysis centre was rehabilitated; 5,400 pregnant women, newborns and women and girls of reproductive age received support; and over 50 patients were evacuated abroad. On water: Partners delivered 13,000 cubic metres of drinking water every day across more than 1,000 locations. They also repaired networks and provided hygiene kits to about 600 households. More information online on OCHA's website, but of course, while we are seeing an increase in the material being able to be brought in by us, people need much more, and our colleagues on the ground are more than ready to do much more, to the extent that our humanitarian work is facilitated. A note on shelter: Today, partners warned that humanitarian aid must not be used to facilitate or legitimize mass displacement. This follows the recent Israeli announcement that the ban imposed in early March on shelter items would be lifted, allowing the entry of tents and other shelter items to resume. Our partners estimate that meeting the existing shelter needs of about 1.4 million people requires 3,500 truckloads of tents, tarpaulins and basic household items. And this is without factoring in any future displacement, which would only drive shelter needs even higher. In the pipeline outside Gaza, we currently have about 86,000 tents, over 1 million tarpaulins and sealing-off kits, and about 5 million non-food items waiting. But bringing in those supplies remains a challenge. For example, our partners note that the ongoing restrictions on international NGOs, as well as UNRWA, continue to block shelter deliveries. Finally, our shelter partners also stressed that the Zikim crossing, which leads directly to the north and to Gaza city, must remain open to ensure that aid reaches those areas, including when there is intensified military operations. [...] ** Sudan Turning to Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is alarmed by reports of attacks on healthcare in the Darfur region, at a time when the country's cholera outbreak is spreading. Yesterday, our friends at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) reported that the organization has suspended all of its activities at Zalingei Hospital in Central Darfur, following a grenade attack inside the facility. MSF says that they cannot resume their operations until clear security guarantees are in place for staff and for patients. Since the beginning of this month, MSF has led a cholera emergency response at the hospital, treating more than 160 patients in just over two weeks, in coordination with the State Ministry of Health. Our humanitarian colleagues underscore that the conflict parties must respect the protection afforded to healthcare under international humanitarian law. The rules of war are clear that the wounded and sick, medical personnel and hospitals must be protected at all times. Meanwhile, we, along with our humanitarian partners, continue to support the work by Sudan's Ministry of Health to expand access to cholera vaccines. Authorities report that oral vaccination campaigns, which are set to conclude later this week, have reached more than 2 million people across Khartoum, Aj Jazirah State and Sennar State. In the first half of this year alone, our colleagues at UNICEF delivered 7.6 million doses to help contain the outbreak. We, along with our partners, are also providing vital food assistance whenever and wherever possible, despite insecurity and access constraints. On 14 August, for the first time since the outbreak of the conflict, WFP reached rural parts of Kutum locality in North Darfur, providing food assistance to about 50,000 displaced human beings. This is critical support for communities that have long been cut off from receiving aid. ** Democratic Republic of the Congo And an update from our peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are telling us about developments in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. Yesterday, gunfire was reported near the UN Mission's base in Bayoo and also close to the base of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) in Bule, in Ituri Province. The UN Mission activated security protocols and deployed patrols to secure the area and nearby sites, hosting internally-displaced people. Meanwhile, the UN Mission's Force Commander led a delegation to Komanda, Ituri Province, to meet community representatives and honour the victims of the massacre perpetrated by the ADF in July. From 15 to 18 August, the UN Mission deployed a Mobile Operating Base in Soleniama, in Irumu territory, which is also in Ituri, to support demobilization with the help of religious leaders. That was done at the request of local communities. ** Security Council Just this morning, the Security Council members held a meeting on Threats to International Peace and Security caused by Terrorist Acts. The Under-Secretary-General for the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, briefed and said that the threat posed by Da'esh remains volatile and complex, with the group and its affiliates continuing to adapt and demonstrate resilience despite sustained counter-terrorism efforts. He added that while multiple Da'esh leaders have perished in the past few years, the group has managed to retain its operational capacity. Mr. Voronkov stressed that the persistence of the threat posed by Da'esh, despite significant national and international efforts, underscores the urgency of sustained global cooperation through counter-terrorism approaches that are compliant with international law, grounded in human rights and are gender-responsive. Also briefing was Natalia Gherman, the Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. She noted that Da'esh's use of artificial intelligence and social media for recruitment, fundraising and propaganda demands innovative responses. Ms. Gherman warned that as we stand at the crossroads of technological transformation and geopolitical uncertainty, the threat of terrorism is more diffuse and complex. Both remarks have been shared with you. ** Financial Contribution Lastly, we got some money today. [...] There is one place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and the set on the Atlantic. You stay in the same place, and you just turn. Panama. [...] We thank Hazel who is our guest quiz master today. [Panama's payment brings the number of fully paid-up Member States to 121.] ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : All right. If you have a question, go ahead. Use your microphone, please. Question : This is Namo Abdullah, a new journalist at Rudaw Media Network. Sorry. I dropped my phone. Actually on this ISIL report assessment, I just wanted to ask, where Secretary-General stands on the Syrian Democratic forces in Syria going forward, their role in countering ISIS and their integration into the Syrian State. How important is this for the fight? Thank you. Spokesman : The integration of all security forces in Syria is critical. And as we've said repeatedly, we hope that discussions between the Government and various factions will move ahead. It is important for the unity of Syria, and it is also important for their continued fight against extremism and terrorism. Edie [...] Okay. Question : Does the Secretary-General have any comment on Israel's giving final approval today to new settlements that will cut the West Bank in two? Spokesman : As you know, our position has remained steady and consistent. We stand against all settlement activity in the occupied territories which we view as illegal under international law and against resolutions. And we condemn the decision taken today on expanding this particular settlement, which as I've said, both those who are for it and against it agree that it will drive a stake through the heart of the two-State solution. And we call on the Government of Israel to halt all settlement activity and comply fully with its obligations under international law. Michelle Nichols and then Sherwin. Question : Thank you, Steph. The Israeli military has also just said that Israel's entered the first stages of its planned attack on Gaza City. Does the UN have any idea of sort of how many civilians might still be there? How many staff does the UN have there? Spokesman : You know, there are civilians there. There's humanitarian staff. I mean, we've seen the kind of the political decision moving towards those military operations. We have stood firmly against it. It's pretty obvious that it will just create another mass displacement of people who've been displaced repeatedly, since this phase of the conflict started. Question : And then I know, OCHA has been putting out some stuff about trying to get more shelter tents and shelter, and you've mentioned it. How much has gotten in? Spokesman : I think I read out what we're able to do. Question : Oh, did you? Okay. Sorry, go ahead. Spokesman : That's okay. Question : Just to return to the E1 settlement, your position on that is steady and consistent and your condemnation is noted. But what does your engagement look like? Right? You're calling on the Israelis to reverse this. Who are you engaging with? Are you engaging directly with them, with other Member States in terms of seeking a reverse layer? What does that look like, Steph? Spokesman : The settlement project is not something that started today, right? And we have been passing on the same message to the Israeli authorities for quite a long time. Success of our messaging is clear for all to see. The settlement continues, and I think Member States and large number of Member States have held the same position because it's in line with international law. But it is up to the Government to actually make the decision and reverse the decision. Question : The consequence, of course, of that is that the Palestinian State is slowly being erased from the map. The Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the Palestinian State is being erased from the table not with slogans, but with actions. So the consequence of your messaging being ignored by the Israelis is that, a future Palestinian State is being impugned by these actions, which means for how much longer are you able to stand there and talk about a future two-State solution? Spokesman : We will continue to talk about it because we don't see any other alternative. We're very cognizant of the facts that are being built brick by brick on the ground, and we will continue to advocate both publicly and privately on our position. Question : Can I ask you about the International Criminal Court? The United States has just announced designations of additional judges, two judges and two prosecutors in addition to designations that happened in June, targeting four judges as it relates to the Israeli arrest warrants and issues related to Afghanistan. What is the UN's position on the sanctioning of ICC officials by the United States? Spokesman : As you know, for the Secretary-General, the ICC is a separate institution, right? It's separate from the secretarial distinct mandate. He has no authority or control over it. That being said, we firmly believe that the ICC is a key pillar of international criminal justice, and we respect their work. We're very concerned about the decisions taken to further hit ICC officials with sanctions under the order that came out from the United States. The decision imposes severe impediments on the functioning of the office of the prosecutor and respect for all the situations that are currently before the court. Judicial independence is a basic principle that must be respected, and these types of measures undermine the foundation of international justice. [inaudible] I think that would be the good decision to make. Yes, sir. And then, Georgia. Question : All right. Thank you, Steph. With regards to the Secretary-General visit to Japan at the moment and his plan bilateral, does his bilaterals include any meetings with leaders from the Sahel or and West Africa? Spokesman : He will be having bilateral meetings with number of the African leaders that are there, and those will likely take place tomorrow. Question : Any Sahel countries? Spokesman : Once they've happened, I will let you know which ones he's met with. Please. Question : Thank you, Stephane. Yesterday, through the Cyprus Humanitarian Maritime Corridor transferred more than 1,000 stones of humanitarian aid to Gaza, especially for children. Does the Secretary-General support this effort, or do you have any comment on that? Thank you. Spokesman : Yes. I mean, the Cyprus corridor which is a critical part of the humanitarian pipeline resumed yesterday. It's being led by the Republic of Cyprus, supported by our colleagues at the UN Office for Project Services at UNOPS as part of what was designed by Security Council resolution 2720. The advantage of the Cyprus corridor is that the Israeli customs clearance takes place in Cyprus. It took place in Limassol. So we hope that it will speed up the release of the items that arrive at the Port of Ashdod and get them to Gaza as soon as possible. Spokesman : Okay. Anyone online? All right. Dezhi. Question : Thank you. Okay. It's really disturbing. It's been reported, the latest Reuters poll, showed that 58 per cent of Americans believe that all Member States of the United Nations should recognize State of Palestine. What is Secretary-General's take on this latest poll in the US? Spokesman : I will let journalists such as yourselves comment on the results of the poll. Question : Should the American Government listen to their people? Spokesman : I will let you write up your story without comments. [cross-talk] Question : I have one more question. I saw this poster today at the entrance of the UN. We know, we joked about this casino thing for quite some time. They're going to have a public hearing Spokesman : Mhmm. Question : On next Thursday. As one of the most important resident in the neighbourhood, what exactly is the serious UN position on the potential construction of a casino? Spokesman : Look. That will be a decision taken, I believe, ultimately, by the Governor of the state of New York. You know, I think it is clear that we do believe that this neighbourhood has a certain character, certain seriousness to it, and we hope that it is preserved. Abdelhamid, did you have a question? Question : No. Not really. Spokesman : All right. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Amid ongoing Israeli attacks, 'the systematic destruction of Gaza City is already underway': UN rights office 20 August 2025 - The Israeli military has escalated attacks across Gaza City, reportedly deciding to press ahead with plans to take full control which will only lead to further "mass killings of civilians" and displacement, UN human rights officials warned on Wednesday. Recent attacks have been particularly devastating in the Az Zaytoun neighbourhood, where airstrikes, artillery shelling and gunfire are continuous and intense, causing a high number of civilian casualties and the large-scale destruction of residential buildings and public facilities, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory said in a statement. Since 8 August, the office has recorded 54 attacks on residential buildings and entire blocks in Gaza City, killing 87 Palestinians, including at least 25 children and entire families. It also recorded attacks on shelters for internally displaced people, including tents and schools, killing at least 14. These casualty figures "indicate that the systematic destruction of Gaza City is already underway," the statement said. However, OHCHR stressed that these devastating figures are only a portion of the actual toll due to underreporting in such dire circumstances. Impact of attacks As a result of recent attacks, hundreds of families have been forced to flee, with nowhere safe to go amid dire humanitarian conditions across the Gaza Strip. However, those who remain trapped are completely cut off from food, water and medical supplies. OHCHR emphasised that "Israel's reported decision to take full control of Gaza City and to forcibly displace its population will lead to mass killings of civilians and destruction of infrastructure vital to the survival of the population." The office is seeing the Israeli military repeat means of warfare that caused mass killings, serious injuries, forced displacement, arbitrary detention, starvation and extensive destruction in previous operations in North Gaza and Rafah. To reportedly prepare for the offensive, the Israeli military has repeatedly called on Palestinians to move to Al Mawasi, west of Khan Younis. However, Israel has repeatedly struck tents of the displaced in Al Mawasi, where people are struggling to survive with barely any access to food, water and other necessities. Violations of international law Under international law, Israel must not destroy civilian property unless it is rendered necessary by military operations. Yet, the widespread destruction of residential buildings in Gaza City is not seen as an imperative military necessity. Additionally, by forcing the entire population of Gaza City and those remaining in North Gaza into displacement - with no shelter, food or medical provisions and no indication for allowing them to return to their homes in the future - OHCHR is concerned that these are grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Thus, the office is urging States party to the Geneva Conventions to follow their obligation "to exert maximum pressure on Israel to immediately halt this offensive, which risks triggering an unprecedented, life-threatening humanitarian crisis and permanently extinguishing the Palestinian presence in Gaza's largest urban area." Worst-case famine Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed Japan's life-saving contribution of 500 million yen ($3.3 million) to provide emergency food and nutrition assistance to Palestinians as they face severe food insecurity. Adding to the assistance, on 4 August, limited commercial truck entries resumed, containing mainly dry food items and a small amount of fresh produce, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. However, the risk of spoilage and infestation of food supplies has drastically increased due to being stranded for months, heat and impending expiration dates. Furthermore, cooking gas has not entered Gaza for over five months, and firewood has become increasingly unaffordable, forcing many to use waste and scrap wood as alternative cooking sources, exacerbating health and environmental risks. Due to such limited aid, WFP underscored that the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report finds that the worst-case scenario of famine is currently occurring in the Gaza Strip. "I meet families who have lost everything and don't know where their next meal will come from." said Antoine Renard, WFP Representative and Country Director in Palestine. But thanks to this support from Japan, he continued, "WFP can continue procuring life-saving food assistance, but we urgently need a ceasefire and sustained access to reach those most at risk and prevent a full-scale famine." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Gaza: More people killed, displaced as starvation crisis deepens OCHA says that the situation in the Gaza Strip is increasingly dire, with children and adults killed, injured and displaced every single day. Starvation and malnutrition also continue to deepen. Despite a range of impediments and systematic restrictions, the UN and its partners are sparing no effort to bring critical food and other supplies into Gaza to avert further catastrophe. Today, OCHA released an update on what the UN and its partners delivered in Gaza between 3 and 16 August. On food, teams brought in 12,000 metric tons of wheat flour and other supplies and supported more than 80 community kitchens providing over 400,000 meals every day. That is twice as many daily meals as in late July but less than half of the daily meals served during April. On nutrition, UNICEF brought in enough therapeutic food for 30,000 acutely malnourished children for one month; infant formula sufficient for 1,250 babies; and over 3,500 cartons of high-energy biscuits. Partners also continued screening thousands of children for malnutrition. On health, more than 30 truckloads of medicines, blood units, trauma and surgical materials were collected; a haemodialysis centre was rehabilitated; 5,400 pregnant women, newborns and women and girls of reproductive age received support, and more than 50 patients were evacuated abroad. On water, partners delivered over 13,000 cubic metres of drinking water every day across more than 1,000 locations, repaired networks and provided hygiene kits to 600 households. However, people in Gaza need much more - and aid workers on the ground are more than ready to do much more, to the extent that their humanitarian work is facilitated. Today, partners supporting the shelter response warned that humanitarian aid must not be used to facilitate or legitimize mass displacement. This followed the recent Israeli announcement that the ban imposed in early March would be lifted, allowing the entry of tents and other shelter equipment to resume. As the UN and partners said earlier this week, forcing hundreds of thousands to move south is a recipe for further disaster and could amount to forcible transfer. It is critical that the Israeli authorities facilitate humanitarian operations - including shelter support - wherever people are, including Gaza city and the north. Partners estimate that meeting the existing shelter needs of 1.4 million people requires about 3,500 truckloads of tents, tarpaulins and basic household items. This is without factoring in any future displacement, which would only drive shelter needs even higher. In the pipeline outside Gaza, partners currently have about 86,000 tents, more than 1 million tarpaulins and sealing-off kits, and about 5 million non-food items. However, bringing in these supplies remains a challenge. For example, partners note that ongoing restrictions on international NGOs, as well as the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, continue to block shelter deliveries. This is on top of other impediments, including customs clearance requirements. Shelter partners also stressed that the Zikim crossing, which leads directly to the north and to Gaza city, must remain open to ensure that aid reaches those areas, including during intensified military operations. West Bank: Palestinian communities face heightened risk of displacement Amid reports that the Government of Israel has approved over 3,000 housing units for settlers as part of the E1 plan - which would effectively cut off the northern and central West Bank from the south - OCHA warns that this plan would have a devastating humanitarian impact, first and foremost on Palestinians in that area, but also on the wider Occupied Palestinian Territory. The plan specifically puts 18 Palestinian Bedouin communities at a higher risk of displacement. This plan also involves the construction of a bypass road diverting Palestinian traffic away from the main Jerusalem-Jericho road. In this context, OCHA notes that such roads undermine territorial contiguity, increase travel times, and negatively affect people's livelihoods and access to services. OCHA also notes a longstanding Israeli plan to encircle the E1 area with additional sections of the Wall, which would further deepen restrictions on movement and access and run counter to the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion of 2004 that all sections of that Wall already built within the Occupied Palestinian Territory must be dismantled. Sudan Central Darfur hospital reportedly attacked OCHA is alarmed by reports of attacks on healthcare in Sudan's Darfur region, at a time when the country's cholera outbreak is spreading. Yesterday, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) reported that the organization has suspended all of its activities at Zalingei Hospital in Central Darfur State, following a grenade attack inside the facility. MSF says that it cannot resume its operations until clear security guarantees are in place for staff and patients. Since the beginning of this month, MSF has led a cholera emergency response at the hospital, treating more than 160 patients in just over two weeks, in coordination with the State Ministry of Health. OCHA underscores that the conflict parties must respect the specific protection afforded to healthcare under international humanitarian law. The rules of war are clear that the wounded and sick, medical personnel and hospitals be protected at all times. Meanwhile, the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to support efforts by Sudan's Ministry of Health to expand access to cholera vaccines. Authorities report that oral vaccination campaigns - which are set to conclude later this week - have reached more than 2 million people across Khartoum, Aj Jazirah and Sennar states. In the first half of this year alone, UNICEF delivered 7.6 million doses to help contain the outbreak. The UN and its partners* are also providing vital food assistance whenever and wherever possible, despite insecurity and access constraints. On 14 August, for the first time since the outbreak of the conflict, the World Food Programme reached rural parts of Kutum locality in North Darfur State, providing food assistance to about 50,000 displaced people. This is critical support for communities that have long been cut off from aid. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Sudan with urgent support. Posted on 20 August 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Commissioner-General on Gaza: Alarming new data from UNRWA clinics in Gaza UNRWA 20 Aug 2025 From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter) Download UNRWA multimedia resources on malnutrition in children here Alarming new data from UNRWA clinics in Gaza: Since March, nearly 100,000 children under the age of 5 screened by UNRWA - In less than 6 months, child malnutrition tripled across the Gaza Strip. - In Gaza City, nearly 1 in every three children is now malnourishedX six higher than before the ceasefire collapsed. This is not a natural disaster. It is a man-made, preventable starvation. UNRWA and other aid groups have been blocked for almost six months from bringing in supplies. The Agency's warehouses in Egypt and Jordan have aid that could fill 6,000 trucks including three months worth of food. Again and again, I appeal to let life-saving aid in through UNRWA , and other humanitarian organisations. If not, more children will continue to die. Political will can reverse this abomination. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AMC enables agile and sustained logistics in the Indo-Pacific region during the 2025 DLE series Published Aug. 20, 2025 By Senior Airman Aidan Thompson Air Mobility Command Public Affairs JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Air Mobility Command has sustained operations as part of the U.S. Air Force's 2025 Department-Level Exercise series across the Indo-Pacific region validating its ability to project and sustain combat power, alongside allies and partners, in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The 2025 DLE series is a first-in-a-generation effort to conduct operations in a contested, dynamic environment to deter competitor aggression where able, and to defeat threats to national security when necessary. AMC approached the DLE series through a unified and dominant approach to global mobility through the seamless integration of other commands. "Within the 2025 DLE series, we incorporated the total force, ACC, AETC, AFGSC, AFMC, AFRC, AFSOC, AMC, TRANSCOM, PACAF and Guard components," said Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Casey, AMC lead logistics planner. "It was essential to coordinating all of these moving pieces and ensure the 10,000 Airmen and 1,200 short tons of cargo were properly aggregated to move into theater." To ensure the rapid movement of people and cargo into theater, lead logistics planners like Casey used time-phased force deployment data to schedule and track movements into theater. The curation and upkeep of this documentation ensured personnel and cargo were able to move in a timely manner. "My job is to ensure people make it into their operating location and then have a way home," Casey said. "If a logistical challenge arises where members are not able to move according to the plan then I would be the one to get them to where they need to be." Once members successfully reached theater within established timelines, logistics and sustainment became the primary focus, as both concepts are key to ensuring the joint force remains agile and responsive. Participating units executed Agile Combat Employment movements across various locations, which effectively demonstrated the U.S. Air Force's ability to sustain operations at mission critical locations. "Agile logistics is all about being flexible, fast and precise," said Lt. Col. James Vanderneck, C-130 Maintenance Group Forward Element commander for the DLE 2025 and 41st Airlift Squadron commander. "It means getting the right people and equipment to the right place at the right time, without being tied to a single base or traditional supply line. In Guam and throughout the Indo-Pacific region, we practiced by staging aircraft and cargo across multiple locations, proving we can respond quickly even in contested or degraded environments." This exercise was an opportunity for AMC to align its capabilities and resources with the overall objectives for exercises and real-world operations. This enabled Airmen to be mission-ready and for wings to deploy as cohesive units, expanding AMC's reach beyond its traditional boundaries. "Our success in this operation wasn't just about speed or volume," Vanderneck said. "It was about proving that no matter the circumstance, we can rapidly deploy and sustain our forces to ensure they maintain operational momentum." Joint logistics infrastructure, as demonstrated by the 2025 DLE series, is the backbone of successful operations by enabling efficient and scalable movement of cargo and personnel both within and between theaters. AMC's enhanced interoperability with the Total Force and collaboration with allies and partner nations, ensures the U.S. Air Force remains ready to project, maneuver and sustain the joint force anytime, anywhere in support of national objectives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese, Afghan, Pakistani foreign ministers convene in Kabul, vowing to deepen cooperation and combat terrorism Global Times By Chen Qingqing Published: Aug 21, 2025 09:41 AM Top diplomats from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan attended the sixth China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Dialogue in in Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the three parties should improve the security dialogue mechanism, deepen law enforcement and security cooperation and step up efforts to combat cross-border terrorist activities. On the basis of consensus, they must address both the symptoms and root causes of terrorism to eliminate its breeding ground, Wang said. Wang, along with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar, attended the dialogue, according to a readout released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday. China is willing to deepen good-neighborly trust with Afghanistan and Pakistan, to understand and support each other on issues involving their respective core interests, resolutely oppose any external interference in the region and firmly reject any organization or individual engaging in activities within their own countries that harm the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the others, Wang said. The three parties should further enhance exchanges at all levels and continuously consolidate strategic mutual trust. China supports Afghanistan and Pakistan in improving bilateral relations, deepening the integration of interests, properly handling differences through dialogue and consultation, and promoting steady and long-term trilateral cooperation, Wang said. Some Chinese experts hailed this trilateral foreign ministers' meeting was both a routine arrangement and of special significance. On the one hand, the trilateral dialogue has been in operation for many years; on the other hand, this was the first meeting of the mechanism held in Afghanistan since the Taliban came to power, Zhu Yongbiao, the executive director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times on Thursday. It also took place on the eve of the SCO Tianjin Summit, at a time when relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have recently shown signs of improvement a process in which China has played an active role in promoting reconciliation between the two sides. "Therefore, this meeting is both a continuation and a new starting point," Zhu said. During the trilateral meeting, Wang also pointed out that China and Pakistan are at the forefront of the international community and regional neighbors in helping Afghanistan stabilize, rebuild and expand its external engagement. China will continue to uphold fairness for Afghanistan in multilateral forums, encourage constructive engagement with Afghanistan by the international community, and support Afghanistan in advancing the normalization of its foreign relations. The Chinese top diplomat also noted that the three parties should expand development cooperation, increase trade and investment exchanges, strengthen connectivity networks and enhance people-to-people ties. By adhering to the principle of indivisible security, the three countries should pay due attention to each other's legitimate security concerns and embark on a path of cooperative and shared security, Wang said. Muttaqi and Dar highly commended the positive progress achieved through the trilateral foreign ministers' dialogue mechanism and expressed appreciation for China's contribution to promoting trilateral cooperation, according to the readout. Muttaqi welcomed the participation of the Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministers in this round of dialogue and thanked both countries for their firm support of Afghanistan on the international stage. Given the significant changes in the current international and regional landscape, Afghanistan hopes to use this meeting as an opportunity to deepen friendly relations, strengthen coordination and cooperation and advance trilateral cooperation to achieve greater development. Dar stated that Pakistan, China and Afghanistan are closely linked by historical, cultural, and economic ties, and that the three countries have enormous potential for cooperation. He emphasized the need to jointly advance the partnership, enhance cooperation in trade, Belt and Road cooperation, connectivity and counterterrorism, and achieve common development. As Afghanistan's neighbor, Pakistan is willing to make greater contributions to advancing Afghanistan's peace process and improving the livelihoods of the Afghan people. Pakistan also called for the unfreezing of Afghanistan's overseas assets. He stressed that, on the basis of equality, mutual trust and shared responsibility, the three parties should work together to combat cross-border terrorist attacks and all forms of terrorism. The three sides unanimously agreed to give full play to the role of the trilateral foreign ministers' dialogue mechanism, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. Bloomberg said this high-level talk gives a boost to the Taliban's push for legitimacy on the world stage, showing that key regional players are willing to engage with it despite the lack of formal recognition. With regard to recognizing the Afghan Taliban, China has consistently advocated maintaining constructive engagement with the group, helping it better integrate into the international community, enhancing its capacity for self-development and encouraging it to establish a more inclusive political system, Zhu told the Global Times on Thursday. "This approach has further shaped China's image as a positive and reliable diplomatic actor," Zhu said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Navy drone fleet faces setbacks amid accidents, leadership shake-ups and growing doubts Global Times By Feng Fan and Liu Xuanzun Published: Aug 21, 2025 11:18 AM The US Navy's ambitious effort to build a fleet of autonomous drone vessels to counter China has been plagued by repeated accidents and management turmoil, Reuters reported Wednesday. Expert questioned the project's "China threat" rhetoric origin, further casting doubt on its viability. During a US Navy test off California in July, which was designed to showcase the Pentagon's top autonomous drone boats, one vessel stalled due to a software glitch. Another vessel then slammed into its starboard side, vaulted over the deck and crashed back into the water an incident captured in videos obtained by the agency, according to Reuters. The collision involved vessels from defense tech rivals Saronic and BlackSea Technologies and was among several setbacks cited by a dozen people familiar with the program. US military leaders, citing lessons from the Ukraine conflict, have repeatedly stressed the need for autonomous swarms of drones to deter a potential Chinese move across the Taiwan Straits, Reuters noted. Yet recent mishaps highlight how far the US remains from realizing those ambitions. The problems extend beyond the latest test. DefenseScoop reported in July that another maritime drone trial was cut short after an unmanned vessel overturned a support boat being towed out of a harbor, prompting emergency assistance from the Coast Guard and local patrol units to rescue a tugboat captain. Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times Thursday that Washington's impatience and fixation on "countering China" have led it to set unrealistic targets for autonomous drone vessel technology, ignoring essential research and development cycles. "While US technology is advanced, some breakthroughs cannot be achieved without sufficient time and investment. Budget constraints and inflated expectations will only further delay progress," Song said. Bryan Clark, an autonomous warfare expert at the Hudson Institute, told Reuters the US Navy will need to adapt its "tactics as it better understands what the systems can do and what they can't do," while noting that the recent test failures highlight the challenges in deploying these nascent technologies. Beyond technical setbacks, US Navy's key drone boat procurement unit Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants has been placed under review, according to Reuters. Four people familiar with the matter said the unit could be restructured or shut down after a series of failuress. The shake-up comes two months after the US Navy said it had dismissed the unit's leader, Rear Admiral Kevin Smith, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership following the Naval Inspector General substantiated a complaint against him, Reuters reported. Reuters reported that the US government has already poured billions into the effort. To accelerate progress, the Pentagon in 2023 launched the $1 billion Replicator program, under which branches such as the US Navy and the US Defense Innovation Unit plan to acquire thousands of aerial and maritime drones, along with the software to control them. The first systems from this program are expected to be announced in August. The US Navy has committed at least $160 million to BlackSea, which is producing dozens of its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft boats each month, according to procurement records cited by Reuters. Song stressed that Washington's hyping of "China threat" not only justifies ballooning military budgets but also benefits defense contractors. " This militarization and arms race are counterproductive. It drains resources and traps the US in a self-created cycle that ultimately harms its own interests, he said. China has repeatedly rejected Washington's "China threat" narrative. Responding to US claims that Chinese companies were building a global network of ports for military purposes, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian previously noted: "These accusations are only meant to create anxiety. We hope the US will stop overstretching the concept of security, stop hyping the 'China threat,' and stop smearing and disrupting China's economic and trade cooperation with other countries." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi: Build a united, prosperous new Xizang People's Daily Online By Mo Jingxi and Daqiong (China Daily) 08:09, August 21, 2025 President Xi Jinping has emphasized prioritizing efforts to maintain political stability, social harmony, ethnic solidarity and amity among religions in the Xizang autonomous region, ahead of a grand gathering in celebration of the region's 60th founding anniversary to be held on Thursday. Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, arrived in Lhasa, the regional capital, earlier on Wednesday, as he led a central delegation to attend activities marking the anniversary. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by a cheering crowd dancing to joyful rhythms at the airport and local people lined up along the streets. It was the first time in the history of the Party and the country that a leader visited Xizang on its founding anniversary in the capacities of general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the CMC. The trip came four years after Xi, in the same capacities, visited the region in 2021 for the 70th anniversary of its peaceful liberation, also the first time in the history of the Party and the country. It is considered as a reflection of the great attention attached by Xi and the CPC Central Committee to Xizang, as well as their deep care for officials and people of all ethnic groups in the region. Speaking at a meeting with local authorities on Wednesday afternoon, Xi highlighted Xizang's four major tasks of ensuring stability, facilitating development, protecting the eco-environment and strengthening the borders. The region should strive to build a modern socialist new Xizang that is united, prosperous, civilized, harmonious and beautiful, he said. Xi spoke highly of the remarkable achievements made in Xizang's economic and social development over the past 60 years and extended sincere greetings and heartfelt wishes to the people of all ethnic groups in Xizang on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. To build Xizang into a model region for ethnic solidarity and progress, Xi said that efforts should be made to popularize national common language and characters, strengthen exchanges, communication and integration among all ethnic groups, and encourage two-way economic, cultural and personnel flows between Xizang and other parts of the country. He also stressed advancing the adaptation of Tibetan Buddhism to the socialist society according to the guideline of adapting religion to China's realities and handling religious affairs in line with the law. Situated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and known as the "roof of the world", Xizang has an average altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level. Xi said the region should leverage its plateau-specific advantages to develop agriculture and animal husbandry as well as clean energy, while steadily advancing resource processing and actively promoting the integration of culture and tourism. He said that major projects such as the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River and the Sichuan-Xizang Railway should be advanced in an orderly and effective manner with vigorous efforts. To safeguard the "roof of the world" and "Asia's water tower", Xi called for coordinated efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, expand green development and pursue economic growth, while strengthening ecological conservation. Over the past six decades, Xizang has progressed from subsistence to well-being, and onward to a prosperous new life. The per capita disposable income of urban residents has increased 122-fold, while that of rural residents has risen 200-fold. To enhance the sense of fulfillment, happiness and security among people of all ethnic groups in the region, Xi said it is important to consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, and earnestly address people's livelihood needs in employment, education, healthcare, social security, elderly care and child care. He also called for post-disaster reconstruction to be continued in Dingri county, which was struck by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake in early January. Noting that upholding the Party's leadership is crucial for work related to Xizang, Xi said that officials and people of all ethnic groups should follow the Party and foster a healthy political atmosphere of integrity within the Party. On Wednesday afternoon, Xi met with representatives from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in the plateau region, urging concerted efforts to write a splendid chapter of Chinese modernization in Xizang. He also held separate meetings with representatives of cadres who had come to work in Xizang from other parts of the country, local officials at various levels and from various departments, judicial workers and police officers, as well as patriotic members of religious circles, among others. Xi also met with military officers ranked colonel and above, along with representatives of grassroots role models and civilian personnel from troops stationed in Lhasa. He conveyed his greetings to all military personnel in Xizang on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC. On Wednesday evening, Xi, together with officials and people of all ethnic groups in the region, watched performances at a gala staged to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang autonomous region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As Israeli forces creep up on Gaza City, Hamas warns: 'Occupation won't achieve its objectives' Iran Press TV Thursday, 21 August 2025 2:46 AM The Israeli regime has begun deploying its forces on the outskirts of Gaza City in preparation for implementing its scheme to occupy the Gaza Strip's largest urban area, but Hamas has warned that Tel Aviv would fall short of realizing its ambitions. On Wednesday, the Israeli military reported launch of the so-called "Operation Gideon Chariots II," a sequel to a ferocious assault in May that saw the regime heavily escalate its October 2023-present war of genocide on the Gaza Strip. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the war's mastermind, who faces an international arrest warrant for genocidal atrocities, is expected to give the "final approval" for implementation of the operation on Thursday. The operation has been met with far-and-wide condemnation on the part of numerous countries that have rebuked the regime for sustaining its brutal approach of deliberate wholesale assaults against densely-populated areas. Critics have cited the city's hosting nearly one million Palestinians - who have fled there from the ravages of the war elsewhere throughout the coastal sliver - stressing the nearly impossible nature of their timely relocation. Netanyahu has, however, drastically moved the assault's implementation timeline forward, ordering the military to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the deployment of 20,000 others. 'No walk in the park' Nevertheless, Hamas downplayed the success rate of the regime's globally-discouraged scheme. "The occupation will not achieve its objectives, and the occupation of Gaza will not be a walk in the park," it said. Hamas also reminded that Netanyahu was going ahead with carrying out the assault, although the movement has communicated its approval of a recent ceasefire proposal, devised by the United States and presented by Qatar and Egypt. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address What's Behind The Eruption Of Violence At Protests In Serbia? By Milos Teodorovic August 21, 2025 Summary Protests in Serbia, sparked by a railway station collapse in November, have escalated into daily clashes with police. Accusations of police brutality, including beatings and excessive force, have fueled nationwide demonstrations in cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad. Student-led protests demand accountability for corruption and call for snap elections, with public anger at organized crime and government practices reaching new heights. A wave of protests that began in Serbia in November 2024 have entered a new phase, with daily clashes between demonstrators and police since August 12, when violence broke out in the northern cities of Vrbas and Backa Palanka. Those incidents sparked protests in dozens of Serbian cities, including the capital Belgrade, as accusations of police brutality spread across the country. "Four or five of them (policemen) beat me, pushed my head into a concrete [surface,]" physics student Dusan Cvetkovic told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. Cvetkovic was arrested in Belgrade on August 14 during an anti-government protest. The Serbian Interior Ministry has not denied or commented on Cvetkovic's claims, nor those of other protesters who accused police of using excessive force. The protests have been further fueled by a video that appeared on the second day of clashes showing young men detained in Novi Sad kneeling before police officers after being arrested. The images were initially published by pro-government media. Cvetkovic also said he was taken in an unmarked car to a garage and left with bruises on his face after a beating he received there. In other incidents, supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) attacked peaceful demonstrators. Who Is Behind The Demonstrations? Calls for demonstrations have circulated daily on social media. People are invited to join through social media groups that students have been using to communicate with the public since the beginning of the protests. Many citizens have responded peacefully, but footage by RFE/RL and other media has also shown masked men throwing stones and pyrotechnics at the police. Protesters trashed several SNS offices and in Valjevo, 80 kilometers southwest of Belgrade, also damaged the headquarters of the Serbian Radical Party, led by convicted war criminal and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's former mentor, Vojislav Seselj. The spark for the initial protests in November 2024 was the deadly collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad. The tragedy killed 16 people and shocked the public amid reports that corrupt practices led to shoddy construction at the railway station, a flagship government project led by Chinese businesses. In the following days, dozens of faculties in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis, and other university cities were blocked by protesting students supported by the majority of professors. These developments sparked a wave of demonstrations not seen since the overthrow of Slobodan Milosevic's regime in 2000. Initially, demands focused on accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy and sought the prosecution of those who attacked student demonstrators. Six months later, student organizations, until then largely apolitical, called for snap elections. What Was Vucic's Response? Some students' demands were met. The government released thousands of documents related to the Novi Sad reconstruction. But critics argue the archive was incomplete and failed to clarify key details. They also said by delivering thousands of documents, Vucic and the government were merely trying to appear transparent while in fact deepening confusion about the station project. In July, the SNS dismissed four party activists accused of attacking Belgrade drama students at peaceful protests in January. Vucic, however, has never condemned inflammatory rhetoric from his party's officials or pro-government media, some of which has compared demonstrators to Nazis or Croatian World War II-era fascists, the Ustashe. What Will Happen Next? The future of the protests and the overall political situation in Serbia remains uncertain. The divide between Serbia's ruling elite and its critics is wider than ever. Public anger at corruption and organized crime, highlighted in EU progress reports year after year, has reached unprecedented levels. For the first time since his party came to power in 2012, Vucic faces genuine social resistance. Yet this resistance is not politically articulated because there is no dominant party among the opposition. The only unifying force behind the rebellion is the student movement -- a generation of young people who have already lost a year of their studies to protests. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia- protests-violence/33507346.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 20 August 2025 - Day 1274 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that open source reporting indicates Russian children and young people are being taught and trained in the operation and technical underpinnings of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) at more than 500 schools in Russia, as well as 30 colleges with practical training centres. More than 2,500 teachers are reported to have been trained to teach in this field. This forms part of Russia's Minister of Education and Science Valery Falkov's May 2024 stated intention to have trained one million UAS specialists by 2030. On 12 June 2025 Russian President Putin also reportedly stated that the development and deployment of a separate branch of specific uncrewed systems forces within the Russian Armed Forces was currently taking place. The teaching and instruction of Russian children and young people in the use of UAS is a notable development in the highly likely continuing militarisation of Russian education, a trend which has increased since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Together with Putin's reported statement, this also highlights the continually increasing importance of UAS in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as Russia's almost certain intent to significantly increase both its UAS proficiency, and the scope and scale of its UAS capabilities, in the longer term. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 128 combat. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively give an offence to the Russian enemy's attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory. Russian zagarbniki made two missile strikes, using five missiles, 43 aviation strikes, dropping 69 controlled bombs. In addition, 1763 kamikaze drones were recruited to impress and carried out 3892 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, four combat clashes with Russian zagarbnikami. The Russian enemy launched 13 air strikes, dropped 29 controlled bombs, launched 198 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, 15 of which were from reactive systems of arson fire. Today, the Russian enemy attacked nine times the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the South Slobozhansky direction in the areas of settlements Vovchansk, Ambarne, Figolivka and in the direction of Hatnogo, Katerynivka. In the direction of Kupyansky, Russian forces carried out two offensive actions in the Golubivki district and in the direction of kupyansky. In the Lyman direction, the Defense Forces have already repelled 24 Russian attacks in the areas of Karpivka, Ridkodub, Kolodyazi, Mirne, Torske and towards the settlements Olgivka, Shandrigolove, Yampil, Dronivka, Grigorivka; four more clashes are still ongoing. In the sivers ,komu direction, the Russian enemy attacked five times near grigorivka, pereiznogo and towards viimka, fedorivka. All attacks of the opponent are repelled. In the Kramatorsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled one Russian attack in the direction of the settlement of Stupochka. In the direction of Torets komu today, there were 10 boezitknen . The Russian enemy tried to storm the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Toretsk, Yablunivka, Scherbinivka and in the direction of Stepanivka, Poltavka, Popovoy Yar; one attack is still ongoing. In the Pokrovsky direction since the beginning of this day, the Russian opponent 36 times attacked positions in the areas of settlements Volodymyrivka, Nikanorivka, Fedorivka, Novoekonomicne, Mirolyubivka, Lisivka, Zvirove, Kotline, Udaachne, Gorihove, Novoukrainka, Dachne and towards Bilitsky, Rodinsky, Mirnohrad. Today in this direction, according to preliminary data, 112 Russian occupants are defecated, 67 of which - irrevocably. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed one unit of automobile equipment, four motorcycles, six unmanned aircraft and a BPLA control point; three artillery systems and 10 shelters for the enemy personnel were also damaged. In the Novopavlovsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 18 Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Tolstoy, Shevchenko, Free Field, Voskresenko, Green Field and towards Filia, Komyshuvaha, Sichnevy and Novogrigorivka. Three more clashes are underway. In the direction of Gulyaipils komu, the Russian opponent did not carry out assault actions. In the Orihiv direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled one Russian attack in the direction of Primorsky. In the Pridniprovsky direction, Russian units three times tried to go forward, received a cut off. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all partners to combat Daesh: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor Published 20 August 2025 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 20 August 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) As we have heard, Daesh and its affiliates continue to pose a serious and evolving threat to international peace and security. I will make three points. First, Daesh continues to spread terror across multiple regions. Collective pressure is required to prevent them from regrouping to the levels we have seen previously. In South Asia, counter terrorism efforts against ISKP led by Pakistan have been instrumental in diminishing the group's capabilities. In Iraq, the United Kingdom contributes to the Combined Joint Task Force's Operation Inherent Resolve, which, in partnership with Iraq's armed forces, has effectively suppressed Daesh and enhanced regional security. In Syria, there is renewed hope for lasting peace and security, but the threat from Daesh remains. We must ensure that Daesh cannot exploit the current political transition to regain a foothold in that country. And across Africa, Daesh attacks have increased, and it has used its appalling violence as a source of propaganda. We support African-led initiatives to combat this threat. Second, Daesh continues to adapt, leveraging propaganda to radicalise and recruit its supporters. It aims to expand its influence by manipulating narratives and exploiting societal divisions. To counter this, we should invest in comprehensive strategies, addressing both upstream drivers of radicalisation and downstream manifestations of violence. The United Kingdom's Counter-Daesh Communications Cell has a strong track record in contesting Daesh's narrative and degrading its ideological appeal. Third, the United Kingdom welcomes the focus FATF has given to countering terrorist financing under the leadership of President de Anda. FATF and its Global Network have helped Member States to achieve meaningful and sustained reforms through their robust monitoring and accountability process. Their work assists our collective understanding and response to current and emerging terrorist financing risks. Finally, the enduring threat posed by Daesh demands unified and sustained international pressure. The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all partners to combat Daesh and its twisted ideology and to guard against the threat it poses to international peace and security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ISIL/Da'esh Still Resilient Global Threat, Top Counter-Terrorism Officials Warn Security Council, Urging Rights-Based Strategies, Steadfast Unity to Defeat It Meetings Coverage Security Council 9982nd Meeting (AM) SC/16149 20 August 2025 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da'esh) remains a resilient and evolving global threat, increasingly active in Africa, and exploiting technology and financing networks, such as social media and cryptocurrency, high-level officials warned the Security Council today as they called for comprehensive, rights-based strategies and unwavering international unity to defeat it. "Africa remains significantly affected, currently experiencing the highest intensity of ISIL/Da'esh activity globally," with renewed operations in the Sahel and West Africa, warned Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism and Head of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. The group remains a "volatile and complex" threat, with its affiliates showing resilience despite the deaths of key leaders, he said, during a briefing in which delegates considered the Secretary-General's latest report on the threat the group poses to international peace and security and the range of UN efforts to support Member States in countering it (document S/2025/496). In Somalia, ISIL/Da'esh mounted a large-scale attack involving foreign fighters, though 200 were killed and 150 arrested in the counteroffensive, he said. In the Middle East, the group continues to exploit gaps in Iraq and Syria, while in Afghanistan ISIL-Khorasan "represents one of the most serious threats to Central Asia and beyond". He further highlighted ISIL/Da'esh's use of new technology, including encrypted platforms, crowdfunding and artificial intelligence (AI). "Member States' reports that ISIL/Da'esh may be seeking to recruit experts in cybersecurity are gravely concerning," Mr. Voronkov said. Stockpiles of weapons falling into terrorist hands have worsened risks, while camps in north-east Syria hold tens of thousands of women and children in unsafe conditions. These environments, Mr. Voronkov, pose "serious risks of radicalization" and are "contrary to obligations under international law". He emphasized prevention and long-term solutions as the best response, warning that targeting leadership alone "is not sufficient". Mr. Voronkov also reiterated the Secretary-General's call for "the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation" of detainees, particularly children, in line with international law. In the Pact for the Future, world leaders committed to pursuing a future free from terrorism, he recalled, urging the Council to support "whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches" to counterterrorism. Group's Adaptability Poses Significant Challenges, Especially in Africa Natalia Gherman, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, said that ISIL/Da'esh's ability to adapt and exploit instability continues to pose significant challenges, particularly in Africa. ISIL-Khorasan remains a significant threat in Afghanistan, and in Europe and Central Asia, where it actively seeks to recruit and fundraise relying on propaganda tactics. As of early 2025, ISIL Somalia has been playing an increasingly prominent role as a logistical hub for ISIL/Da'esh globally, though in recent months, that country has degraded the group's capacities. In the Lake Chad Basin Region, ISIL/Da'esh is increasingly receiving foreign material and human support to conduct its operations, including money and drones. In its visits to Chad and Cameroon this year, her delegation focused on the return of former Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) associates and their families, and the support needed to ensure accountability and sustainable reintegration into the communities, she said. Engagement with affected African States has been deepened through the European Union-UN Global Terrorism Threats Facility, which supported legislative reform and cross-regional dialogues on prosecution and reintegration. In response to the terrorism situation in West Africa, she said that UN agencies have focused on regional capacity development in countering the financing of terrorism. During the assessment visit to Cote d'Ivoire in November 2024, the Directorate commended the establishment of the Operational Coordination Committee, bringing together the financial intelligence unit, investigative services and juridical authorities. As a result, that country delivered its first terrorism-financing convictions, having benefited from capacity-building support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). She said that, to counter the threat posed by new and emerging technology for terrorist purposes, the Directorate supports States in the implementation of the non-binding guiding principles on terrorists' use of unmanned aircraft systems and emerging financial technology. "As we stand at the crossroads of technological transformation and geopolitical uncertainty, the threat of terrorism is more diffuse and complex," she asserted, noting the Directorate's commitment to "a world free from terrorism". Digital Transformation Causing 'Major Evolution' in Terrorist Financing "By turning off the money tap, we can cut [off] the blood supply of terrorism," said Elisa De Anda Madrazo, President of the Financial Action Task Force, warning of a "major evolution" in terrorist financing due to digital transformation. The Force, which regularly tracks terrorist financing risks, including through regular analysis of ISIL/Da'esh and Al-Qaida financing, completed a comprehensive update in June on those risks. Terrorists increasingly abuse digital platforms, crowdfunding and virtual assets, with ISIL-Khorasan in particular using cryptocurrencies for transfers and donations, she said. Lone actors radicalized online are also employing "microfinancing strategies drawn from licit sources, petty crime and gaming and social media features", she said, underscoring the link between conventional and tech-driven schemes. To meet these risks, she urged stronger sanctions, closing legal loopholes and better prosecution of financing cases, noting that "less than a third of countries are investigating and prosecuting terror financing adequately". She further recommended closer engagement with social media and tech platforms, as well as public-private partnerships. "Terrorists need to succeed only once to achieve their goal," Ms. de Anda Madrazo concluded, "while we have to succeed every time to prevent it". Counter-Terrorism Strategies Must Tackle ISIL/Da'esh Propaganda In the discussion among the 15 Council members that followed the briefings, speakers echoed concern that ISIL/Da'esh and its affiliates remain a persistent threat. Somalia's delegate noted a "troubling shift towards the African continent" where ISIL/Da'esh affiliates exploit instability and weak governance, warning that "technology further complicates the challenge", with groups using digital platforms to recruit and finance operations. Sierra Leone's speaker, noting ISIL/Da'esh's resilience and adaptability particularly in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and East Africa, pointed out that ISWAP alone commands between 8,000 and 12,000 fighters, supported by an influx of foreign terrorist fighters. The United Kingdom's representative said that, in Africa, ISIL/Da'esh has "used its appalling violence as a source of propaganda", calling for strategies that tackle both "upstream drivers of radicalization and downstream manifestations of violence". Indeed, as Da'esh maintains fighters in Iraq and Syria, ISWAP has become the most active in spreading propaganda, said Algeria's delegate. The African continent faces an average of 8 terrorist attacks and 42 killings daily. Fighting this threat requires building the capacities of developing countries and the necessary technological transfers. "There can be no development without peace and no peace without development," he said echoing the sentiments of several speakers. Focus on Syria The United States' representative meanwhile underscored notable successes in the elimination of high-ranking ISIL/Da'esh attack planners in Somalia, Iraq and Syria. Nevertheless, in Syria, both Al-Qaida and ISIL/Da'esh are actively spreading instability by stockpiling weapons, recruiting fighters, conducting deadly attacks and planning external operations. Relatedly, she called for the repatriation of ISIL/Da'esh-affiliated third-country nationals who are displaced and detained in north-east Syria. "We cannot afford Syria reverting to being an incubator for terrorism," stressed the speaker for the Republic of Korea, warning that delaying repatriation or reintegration however complacent "can no longer serve as a stop-gap measure", as it will only "spur further radicalization within the camps". While welcoming the tangible progress achieved in repatriating and reintegrating individuals, particularly children, from detention facilities in north-east Syria, Greece's delegate cautioned that the humanitarian conditions in these facilities remain "alarming". "A purely security-based approach is insufficient," he asserted, adding that rehabilitation and accountability must go hand in hand. Speakers expressed deep concern over the recruitment of young people and children, with Guyana's delegate noting with concern reports of growing youth leadership in ISIL/Da'esh. This trend is compounded by the use of AI to enhance propaganda efforts and the algorithmic influence of certain social media platforms to recruit youth to terrorism. "The close link between underdevelopment and terrorism cannot be overemphasized," she emphasized. Slovenia's delegate added that even the loss of key ISIL/Da'esh leaders "set back the group for only about six months" and cautioned that "new technologies and digital tools" are targeting a younger population. As ISIL/Da'esh Adapts, So Must International Response "ISIL is adapting. So must we," stated Denmark's delegate, warning that terrorists are now recruiting cyberexperts and experimenting with AI for propaganda purposes. He spotlighted the exploitation of drones and encrypted networks. "Terrorism is moving into new domains faster than many States and institutions are able to follow," he stated, stressing that the use of AI and other new technology must be matched by enforceable countermeasures. Different Ways to Combat Threat Speakers debated the different ways to combat and address the threat of terrorism, with Pakistan's speaker stressing: "Occupation cannot be dressed up as counter-terrorism." He urged the need to address State terrorism and oppression, noting the situations in "Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir" and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as examples of "grave human rights violations, and fabricated counter-terrorism narratives" used to deny legitimate self-determination. The Russian Federation's representative warned against Western countries' interference in the domestic affairs of States. "The events of recent decades clearly show who has paved the way for terrorists coming to Africa," he said, noting the devastation of State institutions in Libya and Iraq as a result of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) intervention. "This has created power and security vacuums," he added, further voicing concern over Ukraine's subversive activities in Sahel countries and other regions in Africa. They are supplying weapons and drones to fighters and coordinating terrorists' actions, including in Mali, he said, calling for "careful international investigations". Role of Sanctions Several speakers discussed the role of sanctions, with France's speaker calling for stronger use of sanctions under Council resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001). "Choking off the sources of financing of terrorism" is vital, she said. "What implications and effects will follow from adjusting the Council sanctions regime on Syria now," added China's delegate. In Syria, where terrorist groups like ISIL/Da'esh have exploited instability, the interim authority has a duty to fulfil its counter-terrorism obligations. And because terrorism is the common "enemy of humanity", the international community must "stay clear of ideological biases" to build a united front against it, he said. Panama's representative, Council President for August, called for modernizing Sanctions Committees, insisting that designations "must be governed by technical criteria, not political criteria". "Where international institutions withdraw, other stakeholders will take their place," he also warned. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SPACE PROJECTS IN LADAKH India PIB Department of Space Posted On: 20 AUG 2025 4:35PM by PIB Delhi ISRO is realising Resourcesat-3 & 3A, Resourcesat-3S & 3SA, HRSAT, G20 Satellite and TRISHNA Satellite by 2027-2028, to improve remote sensing observations in the country, benefiting the Union Territory of Ladakh also. Data from in-orbit Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (Cartosat-2 series, Cartosat-3, Resourcesat-2 & 2A, RISAT-1A, INSAT-3DR & 3DS, Oceansat-3, SARAL and NISAR) are also available over India, including the Union Territory of Ladakh. Among the operational communication satellites, 12 satellites have the coverage over the Union Territory of Ladakh. This capacity is offered to various service providers to meet and enhance the Telecommunication and Broadband connectivity. In addition, 10 foreign satellites and 3 Low Earth Orbit /Medium Earth Orbit Constellations are given authorization to provide services over India including Union Territory of Ladakh. As part of the Natural Resources Census Programme (NR Census) of ISRO/DoS, periodic monitoring of natural resources, status of land degradation, desertification and wastelands are carried out of national level, including Himalaya and Ladakh. ISRO/DoS has carried out "Mountain Ecosystem Studies of North-west Himalaya" (including Ladakh), for monitoring Himalayan resources, natural hazards and geodynamics. ISRO/DoS has also undertaken the following remote sensing application projects in the Union Territory of Ladakh: Ladakh Specific Modelling and Space Applications (LAMA): Scientific investigations of natural resources, environment and climate change over Ladakh region. A customized dynamic geoportal was developed for assessment and management of natural resources. Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Geoportal (Geo-Ladakh) with allied database for development of Union Territory of Ladakh: for bio-resources expansion, agriculture & horticulture management, sites for developing artificial glaciers, conserving water resources, harvesting solar & wind energy, assessing flood hazard etc. AMRUT-1.0: Large Scale Urban Geospatial Database created by using Very High-Resolution Satellite Data formulation of GIS based Master Plans for Leh and Kargil towns. AMRUT-2.0: Development of Waterbody Information System for Leh and Kargil towns. LULC Change Analysis: "Assessment of Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis on 1:50,000 scale of 2020-21 and 2025-26", for Ladakh. The Disaster Management Support Programme (DMSP) of ISRO/DoS provides satellite data based inputs to the nodal Ministries/ Departments for various natural hazards for effective disaster management at national level, including the Himalayan region of Ladakh. Under the scope of NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis) project an optical telescope is being established at Hanle, Ladakh for tracking objects at GEO. This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. *** NKR/PSM (Release ID: 2158402) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN SPACE TECHNOLOGY SECTOR India PIB Department of Space Posted On: 20 AUG 2025 4:34PM by PIB Delhi IN-SPACe has signed two MoUs with Government of Karnataka for (i) providing support towards activities of Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Space Technology and (ii) setting up the Space Manufacturing Hub in Karnataka. The exact location of the cluster would be decided by the State Government. Further, a proposal dated 30.06.2025 has been received from Government of Karnataka for establishment of common technical facility in space manufacturing cluster in Karnataka. IN-SPACe has extended support to more than 50 space start-ups from Bengaluru and 5 start-ups have been selected under Seed Fund Scheme and Preincubation program of IN-SPACe. The following initiatives have been taken up by IN-SPACe to support commercialisation of space-based applications: Seed fund opportunities in agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, marine and mission virtualisation sector is announced. Technology Adoption Fund to support development and commercialisation of product. Conducting of Space Applications Adoption Workshop, where Non-Government Entities (NGEs) are provided opportunities to connect with users. This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. *** NKR/PSM (Release ID: 2158400) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press conference - Adelaide Transcript Wednesday 20 August 2025 Adelaide Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia The Hon Peter Malinauskas MP Premier of South Australia ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning everyone. It's good to be here in Adelaide with the Premier of South Australia and also with Amanda, our fantastic Member for Kingston and Minister for Employment. And I do want to thank the dedicated scientists who've shown us around this facility here today. It is important to be able to see firsthand. And this morning I've spent time in Kangaroo Island talking to, being shown around by Rob, one of the professional fishers there, and also talking to the community on KI about the impact that it's having of course there, but right throughout the South Australian coast. I've been talking with Premier Malinauskas on a regular basis, including talking about the planning for summer if this continues as well. Quite clearly, this is an event that has occurred because of the runoff, firstly, from the Murray, the flooding events that occurred in other parts of Australia flowing through, and the combination of the nutrients then flowing into water which is hotter than usual. That is why we take these immediate measures, including the funding that's been provided for this work to be conducted here jointly as part of our $28 million funding jointly from the South Australian government and the Commonwealth going forward. But also, that's one of the reasons why we are dealing with the challenge of climate change, it's presenting these challenges as we go forward as well. There are events as we speak at the moment as well at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia and other events that are the product, can be identified as being part of the changing weather. I want to say to South Australians that the Federal Government stands side-by-side with you. We'll continue to work constructively, we'll continue to provide support as it's requested through. And today, we have some immediate measures as well. $4 million will be made available for direct funding to local government for grants to assist those local communities who are dealing with these challenges. In addition to that, we will invest $2.25 million in targeted scientific research support. $2 million to enhance the monitoring and data collection of marine heatwaves through the CSIRO's water quality system called AquaWatch, and $250,000 for algal bloom related research informed by the South Australian Algal Bloom Science Panel through the National Environmental Science Programme. This is important immediate support on top of the $28 million joint funding that we had previously announced. In addition to that, we need to look at the issue of a significant environmental event that we have. So, today, we're announcing as part of our Regional Investment Corporation funding - that is a multi-billion dollar fund that provides support to farmers to manage drought, it's something that we have provided support for - we're going to create a new stream, a significant ecological event programme in order to ensure that that longer-term support is put in place. It's very clear that slow-onset events like marine heat waves and algal blooms will continue to impact our natural environment communities and businesses. What we will do is work with the Minister for Agriculture, who's been working closely with relevant stakeholders to extend the operations of the RIC and improve those operations. So, as part of this work, the Government will add this new stream working through. It's a product of the discussions that I've had with our South Australian federal members such as Amanda and Mark Butler and others as well as this morning I had a chat to the member for Mayo as well, Rebekha Sharkie, who's raised issues across the board. But we'll continue to work as well. We are obviously very concerned about a work programme over summer. I know from speaking to the people on KI this morning that that is an ongoing concern, but it's important that we work hand-in-hand with the South Australian government. That's something that's defined my Government, is being able to work cooperatively through Commonwealth, state and also local government to deliver for local communities. And I do want to give a shout out to the scientific experts who are doing this rather extraordinary work in expedited time, it must be said, in order to be able to provide analysis which will lead to better outcomes and understanding of what is an extraordinary event. So, we'll hear from the Premier, and then Steve and Mike will make some comments and then we're happy to take questions. PETER MALINAUSKAS, PREMIER OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Thanks so much. Well, thanks so much, Prime Minister, for being here in South Australia again. I think everyone in this room would be familiar with the fact that the Prime Minister is a frequent visitor to our state and we certainly welcome it, particularly at this important moment when we contemplate this new, unprecedented challenge in respect to the algal bloom. I want to thank Steve as well. Agilex is now embarking on a whole new capability that Australia does not have and it's doing it in incredible speed and pace as a result of the $28 million funding package put together between the state and Federal Governments. To explain quickly, currently, when we are testing within our shellfish, particularly oysters, for the brevetoxin - which is a product of at least some form of the algae - that testing has to take place in New Zealand. That costs time and of course time is money in any industry, and aquaculture is no different. Through this funding that the Prime Minister has made available, we are now standing up an Australian-first - a brevetoxin testing regime right here in Adelaide, which means speedy results, which is good for industry as well as consumers. And Steve is team literally working at warp speed to bring this together. This is the sort of programme that normally would take well in excess of 12 months, but we're four to six weeks away from initial testing beginning, which is a great testament to Agilex. Can't help it, I've got to say it, agile by name, but also by nature. But we thank you, Steve, for that effort. Can I also thank Mike. SARDI is working collaboratively with everybody in the private sector but also within government to make sure that we're doing everything we can. And there is not a lever available to either state or Federal Government that we're not willing to pull at the moment, and we're able to do that because of the partnership with the Federal Government, for which we are very appreciative indeed. Only last night, we were at another community forum in Hallett Cove. Tonight, we've got another one again in Henley. We're moving across the state to make sure that we're communicating as accurately and as effectively as possible with the South Australian people both in metropolitan Adelaide, but in regional South Australia about the challenge we have here. It's unprecedented. We have never seen anything like this before in the nation's history. But we have to have the wherewithal and capability to respond and respond quickly, and the announcement from the Prime Minister today will only enable that effort even more than what is already the case. The Prime Minister and I have spoken about this frequently. In fact, I'm very grateful that the Prime Minister has called me about the algal bloom I think four times in a week. We've been actively discussing also the state government's preparation for the summer plan, which hopefully we don't have to utilise, but if we do, I know that the Federal Government is all too willing to hear from us and understand the challenges that we confront. So, I want to thank you, Prime Minister, for what you've announced today, particularly the new resource around the significant ecological funding. I think that's important for the country as we start to see these challenges emerge and very grateful, all the support that's helped facilitate the testing that we've got here today. STEVE MCINTYRE, CEO, AGILEX BIOLABS: Thank you. Welcome, Prime Minister, Premier, Minister and Mike from SARDI and everyone here, to Agilex. Agilex is Australia's premier bioanalytical site for phase one in-human testing. What that means is that globally, in the drug development industry, phase one is the critical phase and bioanalytics works out how to test the effect of drugs on the body and the outcomes in the body, and that data is critical to the development of drugs and therapies around the world. Thanks to the Federal Government R&D tax incentives, Australia has a strategic advantage and we are the third biggest country in the world for phase one clinical trials, in-human clinical trials. We had an employee here four weeks ago come to work after a weekend talking to a pipi farmer, talking about how catastrophic the bloom has been for their business. And we were talking amongst ourselves saying, well, with our global capability and what we do, we could do those tests here and we could put that together quickly and that would help the state out. Not thinking that perhaps we'd be standing here like this, we contacted the Premier's office and made the offer. Four weeks later, here we are and we're already working on it. Algal bloom is a complex multifactorial problem, which makes it hard to deal with because everyone wants an easy answer. The effort and the focus that the Premier and his department and Primary Industry are putting on this has just blown us away. And it's incredibly reassuring that they're so focused on it. It's a difficult problem. There are no easy answers, but all you can ask is that they're really focused on doing it. And from everything I've seen it's just so impressive, and now the Federal Government are chipping in as well. I think that's fantastic for the state, so thanks, welcome to Agilex. MIKE STEER, SARDI: Thank you, Steve. This is incredible news for us here in South Australia, because the pace that we need to operate to maintain market access for some of our key fishing and aquaculture industries is really important. And we understand that the algal bloom is dynamic and there is a fair bit of science and research and development needs to support it. The fact now that we've got a laboratory on our doorstep to rapidly undertake analysis of the brevetoxins that are accumulating in our oysters, our cockles and our mussel aquaculture ventures is fantastic because it's going to absolutely streamline our delivery on a weekly basis. It's also going to give us greater scope to undertake more R&D, particularly around the sources of brevetoxin in association with the algae that are in our harmful algal bloom at the moment. So, we're working at pace. This, as we've seen through the various weeks and months, this algal bloom is pulsating and changing almost on a day-to-day basis. So, for us to now have something in our back pocket, with a really strong relationship with Agilex, it'll give us a, wait for it, greater agility in undertaking that R&D, so thank you. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, will you acknowledge the algal bloom as a natural disaster? PRIME MINISTER: What we've done is acknowledged it as a significant ecological event. This is something - there's a specific programme that's for floods and for bushfires that impacts on people. This is something that is a different form of environmental event that is having a significant impact and my Government will provide support. We already have, and we'll continue to do so, and we'll work with the state government on their summer plan as well. JOURNALIST: Will it activate the same level of funding from the feds, this ecological disaster? PRIME MINISTER: Well, what we'll do is we'll work through funding being made available. It's a different form of event. This is not a bushfire or a flood. There's very specific decisions made by NEMA to recommend to Government. That's why it's not a political decision. It's a decision based upon the programme that's there and the guidelines that are there. JOURNALIST: Do those guidelines maybe need to change, considering the world needs to adapt to be able to handle climate change in the future? PRIME MINISTER: Well, what we need is programmes that look at the climate is changing. And things that aren't an event like the bushfire event that I've been to, here in South Australia as I have in other events as well. Going back, I remember, with the Premier, the tragedy that we've seen here. All of the flooding events, most recently in the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Here, there are different forms of events. So, for example, the drought was one of the last times that I was here, I was on a farm north of here talking to farmers who are impacted as well by the climate. But the funding for drought programmes is separate as well from the NEMA-based funding that is available. JOURNALIST: The Premier has said that this is a natural disaster and should be acknowledged as such. Is he wrong? PRIME MINISTER: The Premier's never wrong on anything, least of all when he's in South Australia and when I'm in South Australia with him. Let's not get into semantics here. This is a significant event. This is a very significant event and it's something that requires a response. Just like droughts require a response, bushfires require a response. We live in a country that has always had natural disasters. What we are seeing is events that are changing increasingly. Increasingly, governments having to respond to that. We're responding to this event with the creation of a very specific programme going forward. JOURNALIST: Do you admit that your Government would've acted sooner if this algal bloom had happened on the East Coast? PRIME MINISTER: No. Absolute nonsense, absolute nonsense. I have been to South Australia six times this year. I reckon I've been to - JOURNALIST: On the algal bloom? PRIME MINISTER: I reckon I have been - I was here for the drought just a little while ago. I have been to South Australia, I reckon, more than any Prime Minister over the period of just over - less than three and a half years. I compare that with any Prime Minister since Federation probably, but certainly in the last 30 years, that is the case. I stand up for South Australia. We have had a range of programmes here, whether it be infrastructure programmes, housing programmes, environmental programmes, support for South Australians here. And I represent the whole country. The whole country, not just Canberra, JOURNALIST: But why haven't you visited to see the algal bloom amongst that time? It's been going on for six months now. PRIME MINISTER: I'm here. I've been here six times, six times this year. And I've been to South Australia now almost 30 times in three and a bit years. I don't think it can be said that I'm not a regular visitor here in South Australia. JOURNALIST: Murray Watt offered an apology of sorts for inaction over the algal bloom crisis. Do you endorse that and repeat that apology to the South Australian people? PRIME MINISTER: Well, this isn't an event that Murray Watt has created or that any individual has created. This is an event as a result of a confluence of events combining to create this impact. What we're doing is responding. That's why we're here. JOURNALIST: Do you admit that your government acted too slowly to this? PRIME MINISTER: We are dealing with it. Both immediate concerns - we're here, we've made immediate announcements, we've provided, everything we've been asked to provide, has been done. And we're also looking at longer-term issues. Climate change is real. There is a real impact. There is nothing that has been suggested to us by any of the scientific community saying, if government had done this, this algal bloom would not have occurred. If there is something, please let me know what it is and ask the question and then I'll respond. But there has not been a single suggestion that has said that that is the case. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister. Here ten weeks ago, the Federal Government announced roughly $2.8 million in financial counselling. Do you think South Australia should be satisfied with that as the federal contribution to what's been sort of a once in a lifetime drought here? PRIME MINISTER: No, look, we have ongoing support as well. We don't say, make an announcement and then disappear. We're here regularly and we're regularly providing support on behalf of the Commonwealth. The drought, of course, has impacted not just here in South Australia, but right across the southern states. It's one of the things we're dealing with. At the same time, in the same week I was here in South Australia - the same period, it might've been one week after another - there were floods in one part of the country and droughts in another. That is something that we have to deal with. We have to have that discussion. It's one of the reasons why I'm very proud of the fact that South Australia is leading the nation when it comes to renewables and the rollout. And I can report that one of the programmes that we've got that kicked in on 1 July, the programme for batteries - South Australia has the largest per capita number, of course, of solar panels on the roof in Australia. South Australian electorates are running gold, silver, and bronze - first, second, and third electorates in the country, with Mayo being first, Sturt being second - for the rollout of batteries subsidised by the Commonwealth. All part of what we're doing to lower bills for people, but importantly as well a part of that lowering of emissions, a part of the net transition which is being provided. JOURNALIST: Just your trip to Kangaroo Island this morning, was there a reason you didn't meet with the Mayor? PRIME MINISTER: I don't know who the Mayor is, sorry. But I was with the state member, Leon Bignell, and I was with other people there as well in industry, and we went to a local coffee shop and met with locals. JOURNALIST: Just one more on algae before we get to Netanyahu. You mentioned that you and the Premier have been talking about a summer plan. What is that plan, if and when algal bloom continues through that period? PRIME MINISTER: Well, we of course, are hoping that we don't have to deal with, but one of the things we're talking about is contingencies. How we deal with that. I don't know if you want to add in? PREMIER MALINAUSKAS: As we've made clear, the summer plan is a pretty complex exercise because we're trying to forecast what the algal bloom might look like in summer. And of course, that's proven to be an exceptionally difficult task up to this point. In fact, most of the scientific predictions haven't ended up eventuating. So, what we have to do is account for all possibilities. That makes the work quite complex. And it has a number of areas - it has environmental restoration recovery considerations, It has coastal economy and economic considerations, but also the issue associated with people's mental health that we have to contemplate because people go to the beach for a sense of relief in every respect. So there are a few different facets to the plan, public health as well, that we are actively working on. We won't be announcing the summer plan until such a point that it's completed and necessary. And you know, that's some time away yet - we're still in winter. We remain hopeful that the algal bloom dissipates, but we're not naive to the fact that that may indeed not happen. In fact, I'm of the view that it's becoming increasingly likely that the bloom will be here in some form, at least during spring and potentially summer. So we continue to work on that. When those plans are complete, obviously we engage with the Federal Government appropriately. And in the event we enact the summer plan, I look forward to being able to speak the Federal Government about it. JOURNALIST: Have you talked about closing beaches during that time? PREMIER MALINAUSKAS: Well I've made, I've addressed this question on a number of occasions. I'm happy to keep doing that. All of the advice that we have up to this point, all the public health advice, all of the scientific advice says that that won't be necessary because even when the algal bloom is at its worst, any impact it has on humans is tempered by nature and not lasting. There is not a public health risk to the best of our knowledge regarding the algal bloom as it stands today. And it's very different to the algal bloom we see in Florida where we see the presence of Karenia brevis, which is very different to the mikimotoi version that we have here at the moment. So, on all things being equal, as it stands today, there's no reason to expect that would occur. JOURNALIST: The Prime Minister said that you were always right. Were you right in calling this a natural disaster? PREMIER MALINAUSKAS: I've made my remarks pretty clear about this and I'm happy to repeat them. Here's what I know that matters though, right? What matters is that when we confront this unprecedented challenge, that we're able to invest the resources where it's going to make a difference. In research, in recovery, in supporting the economy that is affected by it. And every request that I've made of the Prime Minister, he's come through on and that's not just true for this, it's true for a range of other things. When we have had challenges that need to be confronted I've been able to call the Prime Minister of our country with confidence that he's going to care about it and respond accordingly. Whyalla is another example. Port Pirie is another example. But here's the thing that's even more important than that. The Prime Minister isn't just here for South Australia when there's a complexity or a challenge, but is also here when we're looking at the big picture opportunities for our state into the future. Thinking about what we're doing with AUKUS, thinking about what we're doing with our universities, thinking what we're doing about big investments in infrastructure to set our economy up for long term prosperity. So, this is a Federal Government that doesn't partner with us just when there is challenges, but what I care about most, is the big long term opportunities. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, can I just ask you about Benjamin Netanyahu. He called you a weak leader. He said that you've abandoned the Australian Jewish Community. How do you respond to that? PRIME MINISTER: Well, I treat leaders of other countries with respect. I engage with them in a diplomatic way. I contacted Prime Minister Netanyahu and met with him over the phone. We had a long discussion prior to the Cabinet meeting which was held last Monday morning. At that time, I gave Prime Minister Netanyahu a clear indication of my view and Australia's view going forward, but also a clear indication of the direction in which we were headed. I gave him the opportunity to outline what political solution there was and gave him that opportunity. We, of course, in Australia, my job is to represent the Australian national interest. And I think that Australians very much want two things to happen. One, they want people to stop killing each other, whether it be Israelis or Palestinians. Second thing that they want is for conflict to not be brought here. That is the way that I engage. That's the way I engage with other leaders internationally as well. Including last night the discussion I had, participated in a Coalition of the Willing discussion with other democratic leaders convened by President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer. There were a range of leaders from Europe as well as Canada, Prime Minister Carney, Prime Minister Luxon from New Zealand, Prime Minister Ishiba from Japan and others talking about the meeting that was held with President Trump and President Zelenskyy and other leaders and looking towards peace. What we want to see is peace and an end to conflict, whether it be in Ukraine or whether it be in the Middle East. And there's been a long term bipartisan position for two states, a State of Israel, a State of Palestine, living side by side. That was the vision in 1947 when the decision was made for two states. A majority Jewish state of Israel and a Palestinian state living side by side with security. We welcome the discussions and the role that the United States has played in supporting a peaceful resolution there over the last twenty-four hours. The announcement there could be a breakthrough, the release of hostages, a ceasefire, is what I think Australians want to see. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, why do you think Netanyahu is targeting you publicly? PRIME MINISTER: I don't take these things personally. You know, I engage with people. Diplomatically, he has had similar things to say about other leaders. What I say is that Israel, of course, increasingly there is global concern. And global concern because people want to see an end to the cycle of violence that we have seen for far too long. That is what Australians want to see as well. JOURNALIST: In relation to Benjamin Netanyahu, Tony Burke said, 'strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up'. Do you think that Netanyahu is acting within international law by killing as many people as Tony Burke suggests. PRIME MINISTER: I've stated my views. I want to see peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and too many innocent lives have been lost. If you go back to the resolution that was carried by the parliament after October 7, I think it stands the test of time. JOURNALIST: So you're confident that he's acting within international law? PRIME MINISTER: You asked a question, so I get to answer it. That's the way it works. So October 7, the parliament condemned unequivocally the actions of Hamas as a terrorist organisation. We then went on to say that Israel had a right to defend itself. How it defended itself mattered and it needed to do that within international law and that there needed to be respect for innocent lives. Do I think too many innocent lives have been lost? Yes, I do. What's important is that the international community thinks that as well, overwhelmingly. And also that is what Australians see. Australians look at their TV coverage in spite of the fact that there's limited media presence in Gaza. They look at what's happening there, they look at the increased settler violence in the West Bank, they look at the decision that Israel has made in March to restrict the access of aid, food and water that people in Gaza needed, and they look at that and they think that something needs to change. The cycle of violence needs to change. Australia is a part of a global community. JOURNALIST: Circling back to those, the Investment Corporation, the new program you mentioned. How effective are those RIC loans when the current rate is frozen at 5.18 per cent and people can actually access better interest on their loans through commercial lenders? PRIME MINISTER: Well, this will be a program that we'll work through, including talking with people directly impacted on it. It won't be exactly the same as the RIC, but it will be done through them. It's important because that's a pool of funding that is available and that is why we've done it through it. Because it looks at the longer term issues rather than a bushfire event, which is obviously immediate - people have lost their homes. The RIC, what it looks at is resilience as well, going forward. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, how do you get the relationship with Israel back on track from here? PRIME MINISTER: We'll continue to put forward Australia's position. And, you know, Australians want those two things. They want the cycle of violence to stop and they don't want conflict brought here. And that is very clear, and that's been the response from leaders of the community who've contacted me, including today. Contacted me to say that they believe that the Government is acting responsibly. We're acting not alone either. I mean, this is something that is seeing global leaders, we know 147 countries recognise Palestine, overwhelming majority. Three quarters of the world's nations recognise Palestine now. What you have had is countries, including the United Kingdom, France, other countries as well, statements by Germany, Italy, other countries joining these statements. Canada, of course, have said as well they will recognise, through Prime Minister Carney. And to actually have a path forward for peace. That two states, side by side, no role for Hamas, people making that very clear as well. And you can't just say we'll just continue to do the same thing. The cycle of violence, we have said very clearly, as have other democratic Western nations, have said very clearly that the idea that you would just occupy Gaza City and continue to do more of the same in the same way, just as Prime Minister Netanyahu said more than a year ago when we had a discussion, it was very similar. You just can't keep doing the same thing. What we need to do is to break that cycle of violence. JOURNALIST: On the Productivity Roundtable, is the government looking to further rein in the NDIS's annual 8 per cent growth rate? And what are you hoping will come out of NDIS discussions at the Roundtable? PRIME MINISTER: Mark Butler will be speaking at the National Press Club today. Quite clearly the NDIS is a proud, not just Labor government creation, it's a proud Australian creation. It's something we as a nation should be proud of. It was, of course, envisaged that that would look after people and enable them to fully participate in society. That would help them, but it would also help society, including productivity - enabling people to participate in work. It was not envisaged that in some areas, you know, four out of every ten in a classroom would be on the NDIS. That was not envisaged that that would occur. Clearly there's a need for a discussion about that and how we deal with that. No doubt it will be raised today. But Mark Butler will give a significant speech, he might even be on his feet right now. So I'll refer you to his comments. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the Premier has talked about the importance of AUKUS to this state and indeed the nation. You're yet to meet with Donald Trump. Are you running scared of a meeting with the US President? PRIME MINISTER: I met with and hosted about eight Republican, Democrat, Congress people and Senators just last week at Kirribilli. I travelled to Sydney in order to host them and to engage with them. And what I saw there, just like the comments that they made here when they were in Adelaide seeing firsthand the work that was taking place, how important AUKUS is. I've met with, I was the first person, full stop, to meet with the incoming Speaker when he was appointed in the US Congress during my state visit. And I've met, at that time, with over 100 people - either Congress representatives or Senators. Overwhelmingly, they understand that AUKUS is an important project for all three countries. That is important for stability in our part of the world. And one of the things it will do here in South Australia, which will be front and centre, is lift up the skills and opportunity which is here. And I've met with the Premier here with the universities and TAFEs that are already undertaking the work. And I think it's an exciting time for South Australia because one of the things that the manufacturing of nuclear powered, conventionally armed submarines here in South Australia will do is lift up high value manufacturing here in South Australia. You have such a great tradition here, the former government told the car industry to bugger off, what we're doing is the opposite. We're bringing high value manufacturing back to this great state. JOURNALIST: Just on Russia and Ukraine. How much do you trust Vladimir Putin in what he says about peace in Ukraine? PRIME MINISTER: Vladimir Putin has shown himself to be not a trustworthy person. He's an authoritarian dictator who's engaged in an illegal invasion of Ukraine. This could all end on any day without having meetings, it could end by Russia actually obeying international law and withdrawing from their invasion on a sovereign nation in Ukraine. But that, because of President Putin's character and his imperialist designs on countries in the region, means that other nations, led by President Trump and other nations as well, including the European Union, we're having to work very hard to secure that peace and security that is so important for the people of Ukraine. We welcome the potential for a meeting, one on one, between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine has to be at the table when these decisions are made. And then a tripartite meeting would be a positive way forward. But yesterday's meeting, the briefing I had last night, was positive from those people who were there. And I thank people such as Chancellor Merz and others, including President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer, for the work that they're undertaking. It is relevant to Australia in our own region. If a big, powerful country can impose its will through military might on a smaller country that has implications for the world. What we need is for international norms to be respected. And on that note, I thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lukashenko slams Western sanctions on Belarus, Iran as 'economic terrorism' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 20, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has denounced Western sanctions imposed on his country and Iran as "economic terrorism", Russian news agency TASS reported. "We are striving to build a multipolar world, a world where every country determines its own development path independently and without external interference," Lukashenko was quoted as saying during talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian in Minsk on Wednesday. He said joint efforts by Belarus and Iran within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and other multilateral groups shaping a "fair and constructive agenda" would strengthen their ability to withstand economic restrictions. Lukashenko also welcomed Iran's deeper role in the Eurasian Economic Union and voiced support for Tehran's right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy. He condemned attacks by Israel and the United States during the recent 12-day war, saying strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure posed "a serious threat to regional and international stability and security." "It is important to refrain from any actions that could lead to new tensions if we are to achieve lasting peace," Lukashenko said. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Russia wraps up joint naval patrol in Western Pacific Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: Aug 20, 2025 08:39 PM Chinese and Russian warships wrapped up a 15-day joint maritime patrol in the Western Pacific on Wednesday, with experts saying that the voyage boosted the two navies joint operational capabilities and played a positive role in safeguarding peace and stability. The China-Russia vessel flotilla hosted a departure ceremony in the Western Pacific, marking the successful conclusion of the joint maritime patrol, China National Radio (CNR) reported on Wednesday. After entering the maritime joint patrol phase on August 6 following the China-Russia Joint Sea-2025 joint exercise, the Type 052D guided missile destroyer Shaoxing and the Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship Qiandaohu of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy formed a joint task force with the Russian Navy's large anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs in the Western Pacific. The task force also carried two shipborne helicopters, according to the CNR report. The Chinese and Russian sides conducted exercises including joint search and rescue, joint replenishment, joint escort, and joint air defense operations, adopting alternating or joint command modes, the report said. The joint exercise and joint patrol represent another successful implementation of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, further deepening practical cooperation between the two militaries, CNR reported, citing remarks from the joint command of the events. Since the commencement of the joint exercise, officers and sailors from both sides demonstrated a high degree of mutual trust and seamless coordination, successfully completing all scheduled drills, engaged in in-depth exchanges at multiple levels, from campaign to tactics, further enhancing their capability to execute joint maritime operations, the joint command said, noting that this demonstrates their resolve and ability to jointly address maritime security threats and safeguard international and regional peace and stability. Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the China-Russia joint maritime patrol demonstrates the two navies' capabilities, a move that is conducive to deterring potential security threats and creating a positive environment for peaceful development of the region. While the Chinese side has seemingly not revealed the routes the joint naval task force covered, the Russian side announced in the middle of the voyage that the two countries warships had reached Kamchatka in Russia for replenishment. Chinese military affairs expert Fu Qianshao told the Global Times that this means the joint maritime patrol covered a long distance, and such a voyage must have boosted the training level of the Chinese sailors amid the PLA Navy's strides toward deep blue waters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on August 20, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: August 20, 2025 18:04 Reuters: At this morning's press conference on preparations for next month's military parade, there was no mentioning of participating foreign troops or the attendance of foreign leaders. Is the Foreign Ministry able to provide us an update on this aspect? Mao Ning: Thank you for your interest. Information will be released in due time. CCTV: Foreign Minister Wang Yi just concluded his visit to India. The visit drew close attention. Can you further brief us on the visit? Mao Ning: Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India from August 18 to 20 upon invitation where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held talks with Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and together with India's National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval co-chaired the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question. During Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit, the two sides agreed on resuming dialogue mechanisms in various fields, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, upholding multilateralism, jointly dealing with global challenges and opposing unilateral bullying acts. On the boundary question, the two sides reached new common understandings, agreeing to conduct normalized management and control, maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, properly address areas of sensitivity, and initiate boundary negotiations in areas where conditions are met. Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that in October last year, President Xi Jinping had a successful meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan, enabling a reset and fresh start of China-India relations. The two sides have since earnestly implemented the important common understandings reached between the two leaders and taken the bilateral relationship into a new process of improvement and development. This did not come easy and needs to be cherished. As each other's neighbors and two major developing countries, China and India share similar philosophies and extensive common interests. There is all the more reason for the two countries to trust and support each other. The current circumstances further highlight the strategic significance of China-India relations and the strategic value of bilateral cooperation. The Indian side noted that India and China are partners, not adversaries, and that a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China is in the mutual interest of the two countries. The two sides need to enhance communication, deepen mutual understanding, and expand cooperation to demonstrate the immense potential and bright prospects of India-China cooperation to the world. The two sides agreed to step up exchanges and cooperation in various fields, promote the sustained and steady growth of China-India ties, deliver more for the two peoples and make the two civilizations' due contribution to human progress. Al Jazeera: The war in Gaza today has reached 685 days and is in the shadow of what has been seen as starvation policy by Israel. Yesterday, there was a press conference in Qatar by the Qatar foreign minister's spokesman, and he said that Hamas has agreed on a draft by mediators. And even the foreign minister of Egypt has mentioned that the Palestinian side has agreed on a draft of a permanent ceasefire. Some analysts say that now the ball is on the Israeli side. Israel has a choice of going to that ceasefire or going into the plan of reoccupying Gaza. How would China see the situation in Gaza in the shadow of all these details? Mao Ning: China is closely following the situation in Gaza and hopes an early ceasefire arrangement could be reached to deescalate the situation and ease the humanitarian crisis. RIA Novosti: The Eastern Economic Forum will be held in early September in Vladivostok. Last year's forum was attended by Vice President Han Zheng. Does China plan to send a delegation to this year's Eastern Economic Forum? Mao Ning: The Eastern Economic Forum is an important platform for exchanges, mutual learning, and common development among regional countries. China, as always, supports Russia in hosting a successful forum. As for your specific question, I have no information to offer at the moment. Bloomberg: The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated in media interviews that the U.S. is satisfied with the current tariffs set up with China. This is seen as a signal that the Trump administration is looking to maintain calm with China prior to the expiration of the tariff deadline in November. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comments on Secretary Bessent's comments related to this overall satisfaction with the current tariff level? Mao Ning: I'd refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. We hope the U.S. will work with China, act according to the important common understandings reached by the two presidents during their phone call, make good use of the economic and trade consultation mechanism, and strive for positive outcomes on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit. Al Jazeera: Now there are military drills between Australia and the Philippines off the west of Palawan Island. I think they started a few days ago and they are continuing until August 29. How do you see this phenomenon of expanding the Filipino drills with partners, with India, Australia and the United States, in the recent years? Mao Ning: Military cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, and not target any third party. China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Greetings to DPRK Foreign Minister from Russian Foreign Minister Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, August 20 (KCNA) -- Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on August 15 received a message of greeting from Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov, foreign minister of the Russian Federation, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation. The message said that the Russian people celebrate the glorious day together with the DPRK people and extend warm thanks to the DPRK friends for deeply cherishing the memory of the soldiers of the Red Army of the Soviet Union who devoted their lives to the common cause of victory by fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Korean patriots. The traditions of friendship and mutual cooperation provided by the forerunners are growing solid as the DPRK soldiers participated in the operation for liberating Kursk Region occupied by the Ukrainian neo-Nazi forces, the message said, adding that the Russian people will never forget the heroic feats of the DPRK soldiers. The message said that Russia would do its best for the implementation of the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership concluded at the historic Russia-DPRK Pyongyang summit in June 2024. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Plenary Meeting of DPRK SPA Standing Committee Held Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, August 20 (KCNA) -- The 37th Plenary Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on August 19. Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, first vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and chairman of the Standing Committee of the SPA, presided over the plenary meeting. Present there were vice-chairmen Kang Yun Sok and Kim Ho Chol, secretary general Ko Kil Son and other members of the Standing Committee of the SPA. Present there as observers were officials of the SPA Standing Committee, the Secretariat of the Cabinet and relevant organs. The plenary meeting discussed as agenda items the issue on convening the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK and the issue of deliberating and adopting the Law of the DPRK on the Protection of Marine Ecological Environment, the Law on Savings Credit, the Law on Technological Trade and the Law on Preferential Treatment of Families with Many Children. First, a decision of the SPA Standing Committee on convening the 13th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK was adopted by a unanimous vote. Then, there was a report on the main contents of the draft laws examined at the Legislation Committee of the SPA. On the basis of the study and discussion of the draft laws, the plenary meeting adopted with full approval the decree of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly "On adopting the Law of the DPRK on the Protection of the Marine Ecological Environment ", "On adopting the Law of the DPRK on Savings Credit", "On adopting the Law of the DPRK on Technological Trade" and "On adopting the Law of the DPRK on Preferential Treatment of Families with Many Children". -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Meets Leading Commanding Officers of Overseas Operation Unit of KPA Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, August 21 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, met with the leading commanding officers of the overseas operation unit of the Korean People's Army who returned home to participate in the ceremony of awarding the state commendations of the DPRK at the headquarters building of the Central Committee of the WPK on August 20. After receiving a detailed report on the military activities of the combat units of our armed forces in the overseas operational area from the commanding officers, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un highly appreciated their feats of leading the combat units of our armed forces, which participated in the operations to liberate the Kursk Region of the Russian Federation, to victory. Saying that the country assigned them and their combat units to carry out the most important duty, Kim Jong Un conveyed warm militant encouragement to all the commanding officers and the combatants of the units who participated in the operations for liberating Kursk to display boundless loyalty to the trust of the country with legendary military merits. At the significant ceremony, Kim Jong Un spoke highly of the KPA's heroic mettle, before saying: "Ours is a heroic army. It is because our army is made up of the sons whose lives were given by our heroic people and who have been raised by them. Our army has fully demonstrated its unique qualities. Such a result has cemented its appellation and reputation as the most powerful army in the world, giving everyone a clear understanding of it. Our army is now doing what it ought to do and what needs to be done. It will do so in the future, too." The first ceremony of awarding the state commendations to the generals, officers and soldiers of the KPA who performed immortal feats in the overseas military operations will be held at the headquarters building of the Central Committee of the WPK. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia in Jakarta Germany Federal Foreign Office 20.08.2025 - Speech This is my, and I would assume, our first trip to Asia in the new tenure of the German "Bundestag" and for me as German Foreign minister. And it was very important for me to visit Indonesia on this trip. Because Indonesia is a partner that Germany and Europe need more than ever in these days. In a world of great challenges. Your country, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world is a vibrant democracy which just celebrated 80 years of independence. Our congratulations once again! It is a modern nation which combines a long history and rich cultural heritage with high tech and openness. Your new and beautiful embassy in Berlin and the amazing Indonesian Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka, which we visited yesterday, are visible examples of this. Indonesia with a very dynamic economy is an engaged political player, both in its own region and increasingly on the world political stage. A country that considers a thousand friends too few and a single enemy too many. I have already had the honour to meet with Foreign Minister Sugiono today to discuss the global situation and our bilateral relationship, but above all to talk about how we want to deepen our partnership. Because that's what I am here for: to strengthen and to expand our bonds. We, Indonesians and Germans, have a common goal: To achieve freedom, security and prosperity through partnership with others. We are meeting at a time when Europeans and Asians are facing a multitude of new challenges together: From the eroding respect for international law to the imperialist rhetoric and actions of certain powers. From military conflicts that are shutting down trade routes to state-sponsored disinformation campaigns. From the risks stemming from technological innovation to the ever more dangerous effects of climate change. I am convinced: Our joint answer to this must be an unwavering commitment to investing in our partnerships. Because we are only strong, we are only able to move forward, if we stand together. Germany and Indonesia, as well as the European Union and most of our partners across the Indo-Pacific, share similar challenges. But we also share many core values and objectives: The commitment to upholding respect for international law. The commitment to free and rules-based trade. The commitment to peace, stability and territorial integrity. The conviction that growth and prosperity can be achieved by cooperation. This is the basis for our partnerships across the region. Inspired by the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific, Germany and the EU are dedicated to foster reliable and mutually beneficial partnerships with the Indo-Pacific. This is why Germany is strongly committed to the EU's Global Gateway programme. Throughout the Indo-Pacific, the EU is investing in digital and infrastructure, electricity grids, ports, power plants and schools. Germany is proud to be the lead country in jointly upgrading Indonesias rail connectivity in the framework of the Surabaya Regional Railway Line. And it is also why Germany is assuming greater international responsibility in security and defense policy. Why we are helping to strengthen the resilience of our partners. Examples include a German project to provide the Philippines and Malaysia with unarmed surveillance drones to increase capabilities and resilience on maritime security. But it is also why we are engaged in the Just Energy Transition Partnership with Indonesia. Together, we are turning our shared commitment to decarbonization into tangible progress. Because global challenges need collective action and reliable partnerships. My hometown of Kiel is situated over 11,000 kilometres from Jakarta. And still, what happens in the Indo-Pacific has a direct impact on European security and vice versa: China's growing military assertiveness in the South China Sea not only threatens Asia's security, but also undermines the international rules-based order as a whole. And - with essential trade routes running right through this area - it also constitutes an economic risk. The same goes for the Taiwan Strait: Any escalation would have serious consequences for global security and prosperity - and directly affect German and European interests, too. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is not only an attack on the European peace order. It also affects Indo-Pacific security. Because the Russian war machine runs in part on North Korean troops and ammunition, as well as on China's decisive economic support. All of which serves to show that European and Indo-Pacific security are closely interlinked. Germany and Indonesia believe that international law, freedom of navigation and sovereignty matter. This is why we have expanded our strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Since 2021, our armed forces have been conducting regular Indo-Pacific Deployments, with the goal of strengthening our defence ties and interoperability. Our engagement ranges from the multinational exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia to freedom-of-navigation missions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. And this is why, in 2022, Indonesia was instrumental in broadening our understanding of security during its G20 Presidency. Beyond military dimensions, Indonesia underlined the vulnerability of our ecosystems as a security threat. There can be no security, and there can be no prosperity, where islands are sinking into the sea, where climate change is ravaging our planet. Much like there can be no security where there are scarcities of food and energy. Our stance on international law is principled. And that means: we will raise issues of concern also with our Allies and closest friends. My country's commitment to Israel's right to exist and to its security remains unwavering. At the same time, Germany rejects any plans of annexation by the Israeli government, as well as the announcement to further expand illegal settlements in the West Bank that impede a negotiated two-state solution. And we are deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. As Europe and the Indo-Pacific, our security is as intertwined as our prosperity. Let me give you two examples: When Russia blocked Ukrainian Black Sea ports and deprived the world of Ukrainian grain, this also resulted in food shortages in the Indo-Pacific region. And when the pandemic brought assembly lines to a standstill all over the world, we realised that interrupted supply chains in Southeast Asia can lead to shortages of semiconductors in Europe. Europe and the countries of the Indo-Pacific are both strong supporters of fair, international free trade. But today, global trade is often politicised and weaponised. Something we in Germany learned the hard way when in 2022, Russia tried to turn our dependence on its energy supplies into a geopolitical weapon. This is why for us, as is the case for many other countries, it is vital today to identify critical economic dependencies, to strategically minimise existing risks and to diversify our trade relationships. This is why we are committed to also deepening our economic partnership. As I speak, the European Union is ambitiously negotiating free trade agreements, the majority of which are with countries in the Indo-Pacific. The political agreement to finalise negotiations between the EU und Indonesia was a milestone, speeding up consensus on remaining questions. We fully support the Commission's plan to sign this important agreement as early as next month. With a fair, ambitious and sustainable trade agreement, we will create highly needed business opportunities for both sides and diversify our supply chains - from renewable energies to digital innovation. And we will signal our full commitment to fair, rules-based trade in times of global economic uncertainty. Together, the EU and ASEAN represent two of the largest trading blocs in the world. I am looking forward to meeting Dr Kao Kim Hourn, the Secretary General of ASEAN, tomorrow. This year, we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. In 1955 the Cold War was accelerating, the colonial empires were breaking up and the new nations, which had regained their freedom, were seeking their role in the bipolar world. Indonesia gave them a voice and a choice by organising the Conference. Since then, the world has changed considerably - and not always for the better. The world is becoming more multipolar, more fragmented and less predictable. Long-held certainties are eroding. I am convinced that in this new global picture, reliable partnerships are not just desirable - they are essential. Essential to maintaining and achieving freedom, security and prosperity. For our countries and our regions. For our people. Essential to strengthening global cooperation within the framework of established rules. Essential to upholding our sovereignty and our ability to act independently. In this new global picture, Germany needs partners like Indonesia. Looking ahead, I am pleased that the next European Union-Indo-Pacific Foreign Ministers' Meeting will take place this November. This time, European and Asian countries will come together in Brussels to discuss the new global landscape. Our goal will be to listen to each other, to understand our respective visions and to find common ground for our partnership. This is the essence of diplomacy. This is the path to freedom, security and prosperity. Germany and the European Union are keen to further expand and intensify our cooperation. Let's face these challenging times together - as friends and reliable partners who understand and value each other. In today's world, sadly, it might not be possible to only have friends. But my message to our Indonesian partners is this: you certainly have a close friend in Germany. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's upcoming talks with Foreign Minister of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar 20 August 2025 14:00 1347-20-08-2025 On August 21, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Moscow. Russia and India have developed a special privileged strategic partnership based on mutual trust and respect. The core spheres of cooperation between our two countries include efforts to step up political dialogue in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, as well as ensuring that agencies in charge of economic and financial matters, energy, arms manufacturing, science and culture work more closely together. Russia's and India's foreign ministers will pay special attention to the current and future avenues for promoting bilateral cooperation. They will also discuss the schedule for future contacts. The meeting's agenda will focus on facilitating the emergence of transport, logistics, banking and financial links and chains that would be immune to any adverse pressures from unfriendly countries, while also increasing the use of national currencies in their mutual settlements. Expanding cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture, science and technology will also be on the meeting's agenda. The ministers will also coordinate their positions on the latest international developments, paying special attention to interactions within the United Nations, BRICS, the SCO and the Group of Twenty. The substantive exchange of opinions between the two officials will also include topics related to shaping a security architecture with greater justice for all in the Asia-Pacific Region, as well as the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Moscow and New Delhi view multipolarity as a core factor for maintaining balance and equilibrium within a world order shaped over the previous decades. Russia focuses on building an inclusive political and economic system and promoting a positive agenda while maintaining constructive interstate dialogue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian: Iran wants peaceful coexistence with all nations IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 20, 2025 President Masoud Pezeshkian has stressed mutual respect and acceptance of the territorial integrity of countries, and considered adherence to these principles to be the main condition for stability. The Islamic Republic wants to live peacefully with all nations, but world powers do not want Iran to follow its path of growth and prosperity. During his visit to Belarus, Pezeshkian met with Iranians living in Belarus, and expressed his pleasure at being among them. He said that meeting Iranians abroad is a valuable opportunity that strengthens the emotional and identity bond between compatriots. "The Islamic Republic wants to live peacefully with all nations, but world powers do not want Iran to follow its path of growth and prosperity," he added. President Pezeshkian hailed the unity and cohesion within Iran as a significant achievement, asserting that this solidarity continues to thrive despite external pressures. He countered the notion that military aggression could lead to the downfall of the Iranian government, stating that enemies believed military attacks would drive people to the streets and shatter the system, but they were mistaken. Pezeshkian reiterated the principled policy of the Islamic Republic in advocating for peace and avoiding an arms race, affirming that from the very beginning, Iranian authorities declared that they are not seeking weapons and their primary goal is unity and cohesion within Iran's borders and fostering regional harmony. Addressing the issue of US maximum pressure policies, he remarked that the United States and its allies mistakenly believe that cutting off Iran would lead to starvation among its people. He said that the Iranian nation would continue to persevere through self-reliance and resilience. The President described Iran's defensive capabilities as a deterrent against threats, emphasizing that without these capabilities, Iran would face daily bombardments similar to those experienced by the people of Gaza. He said that the Israeli regime, with the support of the United States and Europe, attacked Iran's nuclear facilities and would not have been able to carry out such an action without their backing. Pezeshkian lamented the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israeli atrocities, pointing out that nearly 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, and many remain defenseless and impoverished. He highlighted the closure of vital resources like water and food in Gaza, which has led to heartbreaking images of starving children. President Pezeshkian articulated his vision for Iran as a prosperous, beautiful, and advanced nation for current and future generations. He called for collaboration among all citizens and intellectuals to achieve true independence and national pride. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Roadmap for ties with Belarus to be upgraded to strategic partnership: Iran FM IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 20, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran plans to revise its relations with Belarus to a strategic partnership. Speaking to an IRIB reporter on the sidelines of President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Belarus on Wednesday, Araghchi announced plans to revise the comprehensive cooperation roadmap previously signed by the two countries. "We have agreed to begin revising the documents signed in 2006, which remain valid until 2026," he said, noting that the move would elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. In 2023, Iran and Belarus signed an updated cooperation roadmap, along with seven additional agreements covering sectors such as commerce, transportation, agriculture, and culture. President Pezeshkian, who is in Minsk on an official visit at the invitation of his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, called for expanding cooperation "at the highest possible level" during a joint press conference. Pezeshkian, accompanied by a high-level delegation, is on the second leg of his regional tour. He arrived in Minsk following a two-day visit to the Republic of Armenia. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exclusive | US resorted to military aggression after failing to impose 'zero enrichment' on Iran: Araghchi IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 20, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says recent military aggression by the United States, carried out in coordination with Israel, was driven by Washington's frustration over its failure to compel Iran to abandon uranium enrichment entirely. Araghchi made the remarks during an in-depth interview with IRNA's "Diplomacy Table" program during his recent visit to the news agency's headquarters in Tehran. Responding to a question about whether the demand for "zero enrichment" had been raised from the start of the Oman-mediated indirect talks between Iran and the US, Araghchi explained that Washington had consistently insisted that Iran should not have the capability to build nuclear weapons, a goal that, in their view, necessitated a complete halt to enrichment. "Some convinced them that as long as enrichment exists, the potential for nuclear weapons will always remain. Therefore, their demand became zero enrichment, which we completely resisted," he said. Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's longstanding position on nuclear weapons, emphasizing that the country has never pursued them, citing a religious decree issued by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. "Our policy is clear: we do not seek nuclear weapons. But we do insist on our right to enrichment for peaceful purposes, as well as to preserve the scientific achievements we have made independently," he stated. US abandoned operational plans Referring to multiple rounds of negotiations with the US team, Araghchi noted that several workable proposals had been discussed. However, he said these were ultimately abandoned due to pressure from influential lobbying groups in Washington. "Yes, we had several operational plans to strike a balance between enrichment and non-proliferation. These were seriously considered during the talks. But once they returned to Washington, certain actors persuaded them to insist on 'zero enrichment,'" he added. Araghchi said he still believes in diplomacy, despite being labeled by some as "politically optimistic" and by others as "too conservative." "We must continue to exercise full authority within the scope of the foreign minister's responsibilities. I haven't become conservative, our negotiations were planned by the Foreign Ministry well before the war, and we were able to move forward within a clearly defined framework," he said. Referring to the foreign policy direction of President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration, Araghchi said Tehran remains committed to expanding diplomatic engagement both regionally and globally. "We have never shied away from diplomatic interactions with Western countries, including the United States. Everyone witnessed five rounds of negotiations with Washington, which ultimately led to war, which was a violation of international law and norms," he said. "Our approach has always been to rely on negotiations and diplomatic tools in foreign relations." National interests take precedence Araghchi stressed that the administration remains firmly committed to defending national interests at all times. "Just as we stood firm during the war, with seriousness, strength, and authority, we fought, resisted, and saw the results. If necessary, we will stand with the same resolve in negotiations to protect the country's interests," he asserted. The top diplomat rejected the notion that war is inherently sacred and that diplomacy with the West is inherently evil. "It's a false and unrealistic belief that war is always holy and negotiation is always dirty," he said. "Both war and diplomacy are tools used by states to achieve their goals. Diplomacy is often cheaper and less risky, though sometimes it can cost more than war. Neither is inherently good or evil, it depends entirely on the circumstances and how each tool is used." Regional diplomacy proved effective Araghchi highlighted the administration's success in pursuing diplomatic efforts with neighboring and friendly countries. "Before the 12-day war, we came close to conflict at least three other times. In each case, diplomacy was activated and played a crucial role," he noted. He shared insights from his travels across the region. "I realized that war is in no one's interest. If it spreads, it will have devastating consequences for all," he warned, pointing to an Israeli plot to weaken and divide others to achieve its objectives. While diplomacy played a key role, Araghchi emphasized that Iran's strength and readiness were decisive. "Diplomacy was effective, but it was the Islamic Republic's ability to respond forcefully that ultimately discouraged the enemy from continuing the war," he said. "Sometimes, war becomes inevitable, especially when one side, like the United States, insists on achieving something we consider impossible." In response to a question on possible plans for post-war negotiations, Araghchi said the Foreign Ministry would implement decisions regarding whom to negotiate with, how, where, and what strategy to pursue, once those decisions are made by the Supreme National Security Council. "People may or may not criticize us," he said. "Our strength and weakness lie in how we implement the Council's decisions. The path and choices are determined within the governing system, which goes beyond the government itself. We are tasked with operating within that framework." Cooperation with the IAEA Araghchi also addressed the recent visit of the Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Tehran. He noted that the UN nuclear watchdog had been briefed on the new conditions following the bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, adding that there is no precedent for how to deal with bombed sites. Regarding the outcome of Massimo Aparo's visit, Araghchi described it as positive, saying it allowed Tehran to "document and present its set of views on a possible modality based on the parliamentary law." "We will likely send colleagues to Vienna for another round of negotiations," he revealed. "We cannot completely sever cooperation with the Agency, but the return of inspectors will depend on parliamentary law and the approval of the Supreme National Security Council." Commenting on the IAEA's reluctance to condemn Israeli-US aggression, Araghchi emphasized, "We have not reached the point of cutting off cooperation with the Agency, but future cooperation will certainly not resemble the past." Contact with the European Troika Regarding recent talks with Britain, France, and Germanycollectively known as the E3 or European TroikaAraghchi said, "We are currently assessing whether there is a foundation for genuine negotiations and meaningful exchange with the trio." He dismissed the idea of "negotiations for the sake of negotiations." Snapback threat Araghchi argued that the Europeans now view the snapback mechanism as their only leverage over Iran. However, he insisted they have no legitimate right to invoke it, as their recent positions, including calls for "zero enrichment", effectively amount to withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. Referring to UN Security Council Resolution 2231, he stressed that the Council and its resolutions no longer carry the same weight. The resolutions were neither able to prevent war nor to stop illegal sanctions, Araghchi pointed out. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Belarus ink 12 agreements during Pezeshkian's Minsk visit IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 20, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Republic of Iran and Belarus have signed 12 cooperation agreements and a joint statement as President Masoud Pezeshkian is on an official visit to Minsk. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday with both nations' presidents and senior officials in attendance. The agreements, signed in Minsk, span a wide range of sectors, including political and international law, tourism and cultural exchange, as well as arts and media collaboration. Health and pharmaceuticals, industrial development, environmental protection as well as investment and special economic zones are other areas of cooperation as mentioned in the agreements. Pezeshkian arrived in Minsk late on Tuesday on the second leg of a trip that earlier took him to Armenia. 7129**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defense minister: Newer, more advanced missiles will be used if Israel attacks again IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 20, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh says Iran has developed new missiles with much greater capabilities than before, which will be used in response to any possible Israeli adventurism. Nasirzadeh told reporters on Wednesday that in the 12-day Israeli-imposed war in June, the Islamic Republic was not only facing the occupying regime but also the full logistical, intelligence, and support capacity of the United States. He said the missiles that were used in the war had been produced years earlier by the Ministry of Defense, adding, "Today we have manufactured and deployed missiles with far better capabilities compared to those used previously, and if the Zionist enemy embarks on another adventurism, we will definitely use these missiles." Nasirzadeh stressed that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic did not rely on any foreign sources during the 12-day war. "Everything that was used in the war was produced by our defense industries, and the world witnessed that the missiles we deployed precisely hit their targets and inflicted heavy damage on the Zionist enemy," he said. He said that although the Israeli regime's media censorship did not allow the full impact of the Iranian missiles to be shown, reports about their strikes were gradually released, which demonstrated the capability of Iran's Armed Forces. The defense minister said that during the war, Israel used its most advanced defense systems, including THAAD, Patriot, Iron Dome, and Arrow. Despite that, he added, in the early days, only about 40 percent of Iran's missiles were intercepted, while in the final days, 90 percent of them were hitting their targets. Nasirzadeh concluded that if the war had continued, the upper hand would have certainly belonged to the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic. Israel attacked Iran in an unprovoked act of aggression on June 13, assassinating military commanders and nuclear scientists in targeted strikes, and killing civilians in air raids on residential areas. The war was halted on June 24 after the Tel Aviv regime requested a ceasefire following retaliatory missile strikes by Iran. 4354**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Pezeshkian: US unilateralism intolerable for Iran and Belarus IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 20, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that the United States and some European countries are seeking to expand unilateralism and impose their views on other nations, an approach that is unacceptable for both Tehran and Minsk. At the start of his visit to Belarus on Wednesday, President Pezeshkian expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to visit the country during a bilateral meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Pezeshkian noted that Western countries, led by the US, aim to put pressure on Iran and Belarus to make them accept Western preferences. The Iranian president emphasized that both Iran and Belarus believe they are not lagging behind countries seeking to influence others through sanctions. He also underlined that serious cooperation between the two nations can help overcome sanctions and challenges. He further said that Iran and Belarus share close views on many regional and international issues and maintain constructive cooperation in global forums. According to Pezeshkian, organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the BRICS group provide frameworks to facilitate productive interactions between Tehran and Minsk. President Lukashenko described his country as a friendly and always trustworthy partner for Iran. He assured that, with friendship and interaction, bilateral cooperation can be expanded, and any potential obstacles to mutual agreements can be fully removed. Referring to his previous visit to Tehran, the Belarusian president said that he has very good memories of the trip, particularly his meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and asked his Iranian counterpart to convey his best wishes to the Leader. Lukashenko further said that he believes the path to the expansion of cooperation is open, and the two sides can discuss all areas of mutual interest and improve bilateral relations. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China says there's no justification for JCPOA snapback activation Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 5:03 PM China's mission to the United Nations has declared the country's firm opposition to threats by European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal to activate the "snapback" mechanism within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. The mission at the UN headquarters in New York distributed an explanatory note to the Security Council, stating that the difficult situation in implementing the JCPOA and Resolution 2231 is not the result of Iran's actions but the disruption of the JCPOA's implementation by the United States and the three European countries. The statement said this cannot be an excuse to restore the anti-Iran sanctions that had been lifted under the 2015 deal. In the note, China warned that attempts to activate the snapback could have "unpredictable and catastrophic" consequences, destroying all the diplomatic achievements of recent years. The document said any attempt by some countries to activate the "snapback" without following the legal process would be an abuse of the Security Council's powers and duties and would be invalid. The note underscored Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy as a member of the NPT, calling on all parties to adhere to dialogue, mutual respect, and finding solutions that address the legitimate concerns of the international community. China concluded by stating that it will continue to play an active role in the negotiation process and called on the Security Council to, instead of creating obstacles, pave the way for a new and lasting agreement. As the 2015 nuclear deal nears its official end, Iran is preparing for the removal of confidence-building curbs on its nuclear program. However, the European signatories have threatened to invoke the "snapback" mechanism, which would restore all UN sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the deal. Western media reports indicate that three European nations have agreed to activate the snapback by the end of August if a new nuclear deal is not reached. This move would disrupt the successful conclusion of the current agreement. The United States and Iran had been in talks to find a replacement for the 2015 deal, but these negotiations were halted following a surprise US-Israeli aggression against Iran. In a show of support for Iran, Russia has also publicly opposed Europe's activation of the snapback, distributing an explanatory note to declare its position. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's top military command says Armed Forces fully ready to repel threats Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 11:23 AM Iran's top military command has underlined the total combat readiness of the country's Armed Forces in fighting off any potential acts of aggression by enemies against Iranian soil. "The Armed Forces are in full readiness, closely monitoring any enemy movements, and if they make any miscalculation and attempt to encroach on the sacred soil of our country again, they will face a more crushing response," the commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Military Headquarters said on Wednesday. The announcement comes as the Iranian Navy is scheduled to kick off the operational phase of its Eqtedar (Authority) 1404 missile exercise on Thursday. Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Abbas Hassani said the two-day missile exercise will take place in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, involving surface and subsurface vessels, aerial units, coast-to-sea missile sites, sea-based missile platforms, and electronic warfare units. Hassani added that the exercise will also incorporate missile launches, electronic warfare drills, and drone operations based on experience gained during previous exercises and established operational guidelines. Pointing to the armaments and missile systems, the Navy spokesperson underlined that a wide range of precision cruise missiles with short, medium, and long ranges will be leveraged to target and destroy surface vessels. Hassani also emphasized that the exercise aims to enhance the force's combat readiness, boost public confidence, improve operational planning, command and control capabilities, and strengthen deterrence based on domestic expertise. Iran to use new missiles in case of new aggression: Minster Also on Wednesday, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh said the missiles the Armed Forces used against Israel in June's 12-day war had been domestically produced a few years ago, warning that newly-manufactured missiles with much better capabilities would be used in case of any fresh Israeli onslaught. "In the 12-day war, we faced a fully supported power. In this war, the Islamic Republic of Iran did not confront only the Zionist regime, as the entire logistical, intelligence, and support capabilities of the United States were present in this war," Nasirzadeh said. Stressing that the Iranian Armed Forces had no reliance on foreign resources and used what was made by the country's defense industries, Nasirzadeh said the world witnessed that the missiles launched by Iran hit their targets perfectly and inflicted severe damage on the Israeli regime. "The missiles used in the 12-day war were manufactured by the Defense Ministry a few years ago. Today, we have manufactured and possess missiles that have much better capabilities than previous missiles, and if the Zionist enemy undertakes another act of adventurism (against Iran), we will definitely use these missiles," he added. Nasirzadeh also said the Israeli regime had used the full power of its so-called air defense systems during the 12-day war, including the THAAD, MIM-104 Patriot, Iron Dome, and Arrow systems. "Despite the use of all these systems, the Zionist regime only prevented about 40 percent of our missiles from hitting in the first days of the war. But in the final days of the war, 90 percent of our missiles were hitting their targets, which made it clear that our experience had increased while the opposing side's defense capabilities had decreased," he added. "If this trend had continued, the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces would have definitely had the upper hand." On June 13, 2025, the Israeli regime launched strikes against Iran, targeting several civilian, military, and nuclear facilities, which led to the assassination of a number of 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 Pezeshkian in Minsk: Iran, Belarus close ranks against US-led unilateralism Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 10:37 AM Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says the United States and some of its Western allies are seeking to expand unilateralism across the globe and impose their dictates upon other nations, emphasizing that neither Iran nor Belarus will tolerate such an approach. "Nowadays, the United States and some European countries are trying to spread unilateralism and dictate their viewpoints on other countries. Such an approach has not been and will not be tolerable by you and us," Pezeshkian said in a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on Wednesday. Pezeshkian arrived in the Belarusian capital on Wednesday following a visit to Armenia. His two-day state visit is focused on bolstering political, economic, and cultural ties. "Western countries, led by the United States, are seeking to carve out our path in accordance with their own wishes. Nonetheless, Iran and Belarus believe they can stand up against the countries that seek to induce others with sanctions, and that they can overcome sanctions and problems by working together seriously," the Iranian president said. Pezeshkian then hailed the amicable bilateral relations between Iran and Belarus, stating that the two countries share identical stances on many regional and international subjects, and have constructive cooperation in international spheres. "Additionally, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS serve as frameworks and platforms for facilitation and expansion of constructive interactions between Iran and Belarus," he noted. Pezeshkian described the broad commonalities in the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Belarus as a suitable ground for the full implementation of agreements between the nations and their close mutual cooperation in various regional and international domains. Lukashenko: Belarus a fairly reliable partner for Iran For his part, Lukashenko described Belarus as a friendly country and a reliable partner for Iran. He stated that Minsk and Tehran, in an atmosphere of interaction and friendship, can expand cooperation and completely resolve possible problems facing some bilateral agreements. The Belarusian president then asked Pezeshkian to convey his best wishes to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. "I believe that no path forward is blocked as regards the expansion of our cooperation. We can discuss all topics of interest and areas of cooperation, and elevate our relations to the highest levels," Lukashenko said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM Sa'ar opens Israeli embassy in Zambia Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs FM Sa'ar: Relations between our countries are not only based on common interests, they are also rooted in shared values. And I know that together we will do great things. Type: Events and Speeches Topic: Foreign Policy Publish Date: 20.08.2025 Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar today (Wednesday, 20 August 2025) opened the Israeli embassy in Lusaka, Zambia. Following is his speech at the opening ceremony: "Foreign Minister of Zambia Mulambo Haimbe, my dear friend, Minster of Defense, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, Distinguished Guests, It is an honor and a privilege to be here in Lusaka and open Israel's embassy. It is a truly exciting moment to raise our flag - the Israeli flag - and to hear HaTikvah, here in Zambia, after 52 years. And it is the beginning of a new chapter between our nations. Relations between our countries are not only based on common interests. They are also rooted in shared values. These are relations between two nations of believers: Believers in ancient traditions based on the holy Bible. It is an alliance of believers. And I know that together we will do great things. **** Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you greetings from Jerusalem D.C., David's Capital - the eternal capital of our ancient homeland and the Jewish people. I come from the land of Israel, where the Jewish people are realizing the ancient visions of the Biblical prophets. The prophets of the Bible envisioned that the Jewish people would return to the promised land - and so we did. But we always - throughout our 2,000 years of exile - maintained a continuous Jewish presence in the land of Israel. In Jerusalem. In Hebron. In Tiberias. In Tzfat. And I want to tell you a story. When I was a young Cabinet Secretary, Ariel Sharon was the Foreign Minister. He later became Prime Minister. The Prime Minister then, in 1999, was also Benjamin Netanyahu. Minister Sharon told me about a visit to the Vatican where he met Pope John Paul II. Immediately when he entered, the Pope asked him, "Foreign Minister, do you know the difference between Terra Sancta and Terra Promissionis?" He didn't give him time to think and immediately told him: "Holy - for all three religions. Promised - only to the Jews." And he repeated that a few times. Minister, in your visit to Israel last June, you visited the ancient Biblical sites in Jerusalem and Samaria. You saw that these visions have become a reality. We are a proud and ancient nation. And Israel is a strong and modern country. Militarily. Technologically. Economically. It is a powerhouse in a stormy region. But it also a force for good in the world. And we are a resilient nation, overcoming the many, many challenges we face. We want to share our successes and capabilities with our friends. And Zambia is a friend, and I believe in Zambia's future. And frankly, we want to be a part of it. Many countries in Africa are lining up for Israel to open an embassy in their capitals, these days. We choose to begin in Zambia. I promised that to my colleague in our first phone call last January. And we are doing it today. We believe in Zambia's potential. We believe that Zambia is a country of values - domestically and in its foreign policy. We believe Zambia is a strategic partner for Israel in the southern part of Africa. And we are both nations of faith, with strong roots, who believe in a better future. ***** Ladies and Gentlemen, Relations with Zambia go back to its independence in 1964. Zambia's first President, Kenneth Kaunda, formed relations with Israel. Unfortunately - like other African countries - Zambia decided in 1973 to break its diplomatic relations with Israel. And they were restored in 1991. In 2015, President Lungu opened Zambia's embassy in Israel. He passed away a few months ago. I send my condolences to the people of Zambia. The same spirit of friendship continues today under President Hichilema. We fondly remember his visit to Israel in 2023. And then in this visit he asked us to open an Israeli embassy in Lusaka. This spirit of friendship was expressed in Zambia's moral stance alongside Israel. I commend you for submitting an advisory opinion - supporting Israel - in the distorted procedure in the International Court of Justice. **** Ladies and Gentlemen, The new embassy will surely contribute to our bilateral relations and partnerships with Zambia. Despite being a small country - Israel is sharing its knowledge and capabilities with its friends. We are establishing these days a trauma and emergency unit in a hospital in Livingston. We also host the 11-month Internship in Agriculture for hundreds of Zambian students in the Israeli Negev. As the book of Psalms says: God has restored us to our ancient homeland, like "streams in the Negev". With our technology, we are making the Negev, our desert, bloom. We are sharing that knowledge today with Zambian students. Hundreds have already been trained in Israel. And another 150 students will be trained in Israel this coming year. We also host special courses, especially for Zambia, in water-management, food security and agriculture. Many Israeli NGOs are operating in Zambia. And I want to mention a few due to the fact that they are doing a great job: Save a Child's Heart, Innovation Africa, Tevel B'Tzedek, CultivAid, And more to come. Israel is truly proud to help its friends. **** I want to thank Ambassador Ofra Farhi for her hard work. But I promise her - now you'll work even harder. I also want to thank the head of our Africa Division - Deputy Director-General Sharon Bar-Li - for her tireless efforts to promote Israel's engagement with Africa as a whole and with Zambia specifically. I also thank the many hard-working men and women in the Foreign Ministry - who made this day possible. And all those in Zambia's Ministry who helped them. Today, ladies and gentlemen, Israel is returning to Zambia. And we are strengthening the alliance of believers - between our nations, between our peoples. Strengthening our engagement with the African continent's countries is part of my strategic goals for the Foreign Ministry in Israel in 2025. And opening our Embassy here in Zambia is one of the cornerstones of this plan. We will strengthen our relations. We will deepen our partnerships. And we will work together to create a better future for both of our nations. Thank you!" NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Defense Procurement Committee Approves Approximately $1.5B Plan to Expand Tank and APC Production Israel Ministry of Defense 20/8/2025 Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram presented the Israel Defense Procurement Committee with a comprehensive plan to accelerate production of Israeli armored vehicles and increase their capacity by dozens of tanks and APCs over the next five years, valued at approximately $1.5 billion (over NIS 5 billion). The Armored Vehicle Acceleration Project is led by the IMOD's Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate (MANTAK), in collaboration with the Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD), Planning Department, and the IDF's Ground Forces and Technological and Logistics Directorate. Under the acceleration program, the Ministry will increase the armored vehicle inventory while boosting production rates of the Merkava Mk. 4 Barak tanks, Namer APCs, and Eitan wheeled APCs, including those equipped with a turreted 30mm cannon. The acceleration will be carried out in parallel with an expansion of domestic production infrastructure, as part of the defense-industrial base resilience strategy initiated by the IMOD Director General. This effort involves expanding production in industries across Israel that contribute to the Merkava program, many of which are located in peripheral regions, and improving the infrastructure of the IDF's depot production facility. The decision to acquire additional Israeli-developed tanks and APCs stems directly from the advanced armored vehicles' combat success and supports a comprehensive initiative to enhance the IDF's maneuvering capabilities. These platforms have accumulated more than one million kilometers in current operation since the Swords of Iron War began. The armored vehicle acceleration project will now be transferred to the Knesset Joint Committee for Defense Budget. Following its approval, the IMOD will be able to proceed with signing procurement contracts with dozens of companies worth billions of shekels. Defense Minister, Israel Katz: "The Swords of Iron War proved how critical Merkava tanks and Namer and Eitan APCs are for successful IDF ground operations. Today's approval of this over NIS 5 billion armored vehicle acceleration project is a strategic decision that maintains the IDF's qualitative military edge and our ability to prevail in any arena. This project strengthens both the IDF's capability and hundreds of defense companies nationwide, many in Israel's periphery - demonstrating how national security and economic growth go hand in hand. We won't compromise on Israel's security and will keep investing in our forces to protect the nation's future." IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: "During the Swords of Iron War, the IDF's advanced armored vehicle fleet proved its decisive importance for maneuvering. The achievements of the Merkava, Namer, and Eitan on the battlefield are on a global scale. Accelerating armored vehicle production is part of the Ministry's strategy to support the IDF's needs in the current conflict and to enhance readiness for an intense decade ahead. At the same time, we continue to constantly upgrade the vehicles' capabilities and develop the next generations of advanced armored vehicles for the IDF." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Meets with the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs On August 20, 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan held a bilateral meeting with the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, on the sidelines of the 6th Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan in Kabul. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations between their countries. They welcomed the recent elevation of diplomatic representation between the two countries from Charge d'Affaires to Ambassadorial level, as agreed during the Trilateral Meeting in Beijing on 21 May 2025. Reflecting on their recent engagements, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister's visits to Kabul on 19 April 2025 and 17 July 2025, and the Beijing meeting on 21 May 2025, the ministers noted with appreciation that most decisions from these interactions have either been implemented or are nearing completion. These efforts have significantly strengthened Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, particularly in the areas of trade and transit. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister acknowledged the encouraging progress in political and commercial ties, while expressing progress in the security domain, especially in counter-terrorism, continues to lag behind. He highlighted a recent surge in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan perpetrated by groups operating from Afghan soil, urging the Afghan authorities to take concrete and verifiable measures against entities such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)/Majeed Brigade. The Afghan Acting Foreign Minister reaffirmed Afghanistan's commitment to ensuring its territory is not used by any terrorist group against Pakistan or other nations. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister extended his gratitude to the Afghan authorities for their warm hospitality and congratulated them on successfully hosting the 6th Trilateral Dialogue. Islamabad 20 August 2025 252/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ayman Safadi 20 August 2025 18:52 1350-20-08-2025 On August 20, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov engaged in talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ayman Safadi, during his official visit to Moscow. The discussions between the two foreign ministers encompassed a comprehensive review of pivotal international and regional issues. They reiterated the vital importance of resolving ongoing conflicts and crises in the Middle East solely through political and diplomatic channels, in full compliance with the principles of the UN Charter and the resolutions of its Security Council. The sides emphasised the urgent necessity for de-escalation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, alongside intensified efforts to rejuvenate the peace process which must result in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, coexisting peacefully and securely with Israel. Sergey Lavrov lauded Jordan's initiatives in facilitating the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including the provision of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. In their discourse on the situation in and around Syria, the ministers expressed their support for a comprehensive strategy to address the repercussions of the prolonged crisis, notably through the promotion of an inclusive national dialogue. They underscored the imperative of preserving Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Sergey Lavrov and Ayman Safadi stressed the significance of strengthening bilateral foreign policy coordination, maintaining a trust-based political dialogue, and expanding the exchange of delegations. They highlighted the necessity to expand practical collaboration and ensure consistent growth in bilateral trade. Both parties concurred on the importance of revitalising the work of the Russian-Jordanian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, with its seventh session slated to take place in Moscow before the close of this year. Sergey Lavrov articulated Russia's assessment of the evolving geopolitical landscape, including the situation in Ukraine. He reaffirmed Russia's commitment to a comprehensive and sustainable resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, attainable only through the complete eradication of its root causes. The meeting culminated in the signing of an Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the mutual abolition of visa requirements for citizens of both nations. This measure is anticipated to facilitate further growth in tourism, cultural exchanges, and business contacts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK targets sanctions circumvention and crypto networks exploited by Russia Financial networks utilised by Russia to soften the blow of western sanctions are today being targeted by the UK. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Stephen Doughty MP Published 20 August 2025 UK cracks down on Russia's attempts to avoid sanctions by exploiting Kyrgyz financial systems and crypto networks, building on over 2700 existing UK sanctions against Russia. Action comes after the United States announced similar measures, demonstrating shared commitment to crack down on sanctions circumvention. With US-led talks ongoing, the UK and our allies remain united in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Today's action comes as the UK and international allies redoubled efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. With sanctions continuing to bite, Russia has turned to the Kyrgyz financial sector to channel money through opaque financial networks, including through the use of cryptocurrencies. These networks have created a convoluted scheme to evade sanctions imposed by the UK and its partners. Today's action closes in on the Kyrgyzstan-based Capital Bank, and its director Kantemir Chalbayev, which Russia uses to pay for military goods. Sanctions also hit the Grinex and Meer cryptocurrency exchanges, the infrastructure behind a new rouble-backed cryptocurrency token A7A5, which has moved $9.3bn on a dedicated crypto exchange in just four months and is specifically designed as an attempt to evade western sanctions. Keeping up the pressure on Russia's war machine is vital to reinforcing President Trump's efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine and force Putin to engage in meaningful talks. It is also a crucial step for security in the UK and beyond. Keeping the British people safe is this government's number one priority and is an integral part of the Prime Minister's Plan for Change. Sanctions Minister, Stephen Doughty said: If the Kremlin thinks they can hide their desperate attempts to soften the blow of our sanctions by laundering transactions through dodgy crypto networks - they are sorely mistaken. These sanctions keep up the pressure on Putin at a critical time and crack down on the illicit networks being used to funnel money into his war chest. Alongside our allies, we will continue to support the US-led drive to end this illegal war and secure a just and lasting peace. The sanctions come after the Prime Minister, European leaders, President Zelenskyy and President Trump met in Washington this week in pursuit of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, the UK and its allies stand ready to rachet up pressure on Russia and will continue to strengthen sanctions. These new sanctions will close the net around illicit money schemes and demonstrate our resolve to crack down on international sanctions evasions mechanisms which are helping to bankroll the invasion of Ukraine, wherever they are found. Background The full list of today's sanctions targets are as follows: GRINEX LLC CJSC TENGRICOIN OLD VECTOR LLC LEONID SHUMAKOV KANTEMIR KAPARBEKOVICH CHALBAYEV OJSC CAPITAL BANK OF CENTRAL ASIA (Capital Bank) ZHANYSHBEK UULU NAZARBEK ALTAIR HOLDING SA NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria's al-Qaeda-linked rulers, Israel hold talks brokered by US in Paris Iran Press TV Wednesday, 20 August 2025 8:14 AM Syria's de facto foreign minister has held a meeting with an Israeli delegation in the French capital Paris amid Tel Aviv's intensified attacks on the Arab country and Washington's push for normalization between the two sides. According to a report by Syria's news agency SANA on Tuesday, the discussions between Assad Hassan al-Shaibani and the Israeli delegation were centered on de-escalation and enforce a ceasefire in the Druze-majority Sweida province in southern Syria. Sweida has seen intense fighting and significant casualties in recent months, with Israel bombing military headquarters in Damascus under the pretext of supporting the Druze minority. Tuesday's meeting was a continuation of previous discussions, including one held between al-Shaibani and the Israeli minister of strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, in Azerbaijan in late July, and another meeting in Paris before that. Israel has conducted repeated acts of aggression across the Syrian territory following the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad's government last year. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his forces to push deeper into Syrian territory and seize several strategic locations. On Monday, a group of Israeli settlersincluding young children illegally crossed into Syrian territory in a blatant act of aggression, attempting to establish a new settlement in land currently occupied by Israeli forces. The incursion took place near the border town of Alonei Habashan, deepening Israel's ongoing occupation of southern Syria following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024. They withdrew only after staging a cornerstone ceremony and planting a settlement sign naming the outpost "Nave Habashan", highlighting Israel's escalating ambitions to extend its occupation deeper into Syria. Since Assad's ouster, the regime in Damascus has been effectively controlled by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Muhammad al-Jolania notorious Takfiri militant with clear affiliations to terrorist groups such as Daesh and al-Qaeda. Rather than resisting the ongoing Israeli invasion, HTS's inaction and normalization overtures toward Tel Aviv have emboldened Israeli forces to intensify their occupation and bombardment campaigns. Israeli forces have deployed to at least nine posts deep inside southern Syria, mostly within the UN-monitored buffer zone, citing the need to counter Takfiri threats. However, this deployment serves as cover for a broader strategy of territorial expansion through both military aggression and settler incursions. The Israeli regime has also escalated its relentless bombardment of Syria's military and civilian infrastructure, further destabilizing the region and exacerbating humanitarian suffering. These attacks have systematically weakened Syria's ability to resist occupation and defend its sovereignty. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military probes PAC-2 missile explosion during drill: Source ROC Central News Agency 08/20/2025 05:26 PM Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA) Taiwan's military is probing an incident early Wednesday when one of its Patriot PAC-2 missiles reportedly exploded shortly after launch during an annual precision munition drill in southern Taiwan, a military source told CNA. The probe into the reported explosion is still ongoing, with the cause of the incident currently unknown, according to the source, speaking under condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. The unnamed source made the comments after several local media outlets reported earlier in the day that one of two Patriot PAC-2 missiles fired during Wednesday's drill held in Jiupeng, Pingtung County, exploded four seconds after launch. The second Patriot PAC-2 missile fired during Wednesday morning's drill did so without incident, reports added. However, Taiwan's military has not made a public statement regarding the incident. A press release issued by the Air Force Command Headquarters said only that it completed a round of annual "Sea and Air Precision Ammunition Firing Exercises" early Wednesday. Photographs released by the Air Force with the press release, showed that the live-fire drill fired an unspecified number of domestic Tien-Kung or Sky Bow III (TK III) land-based surface-to-air missiles and U.S.-imported Patriot PAC-2 missiles. The Air Force press release added that a military evaluation committee will conduct a review on the drill results, without elaborating. (By Wu Shu-wei and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address High court upholds sentences for Reunification Alliance Party figures ROC Central News Agency 08/20/2025 03:21 PM Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA) The Taiwan High Court Kaohsiung Branch on Wednesday upheld prison sentences of four years and six months for two officials of the minor Reunification Alliance Party who recruited people to travel to China for political purposes. Rejecting the defendants' appeal, the court said the Pingtung District Court's earlier ruling of August 2024 was correct in its findings and its application of anti-infiltration and election laws. The original ruling sentenced Reunification Alliance Party Pingtung branch leader, surnamed Chang (), and branch chief executive, Huang (), to four and a half years in prison each, with an additional two-year suspension of civil rights. According to the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office, Chang and Huang were indicted for taking more than 20 Taiwanese nationals on two trips to China that, excluding airfare, were paid for by the Chinese government. The prosecutors said the Chang and Huang, at the behest of the Chinese government, urged audiences to support for specific candidates in Taiwan's January 2024 presidential election. Those actions violated Article 4 of the Anti-Infiltration Act, prosecutors said when the indictment was handed down. Article 4 does not allow individuals to publicly support a political candidate (as defined under Article 43 of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act) "if the person is instructed, commissioned or funded by the sources of infiltration." According to the Pingtung District Court, from Sept. 20 to 24, 2023, Chang and Huang arranged group trips to China at the request of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Travelers were required to pay about NT$18,500 for airfare, while Chinese officials covered food, lodging, transportation and other costs in China, the court found. During the trip, speeches were delivered that promoted the "1992 Consensus" and "peaceful unification," the court said, and Chang voiced agreement with remarks such as "both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family." The Pingtung District Court added that from Oct. 16 to 24, 2023, Chang and Huang once again recruited people to travel to China under similar arrangements. Members this time paid between NT$20,000 and NT$25,000 for airfare, while various expenses were paid for by the Chinese side. On December 23, 2023 at a meeting of the Reunification Alliance Party, Chang and Huang publicly voiced their support for specific presidential and legislative candidates and then promoted their position on social media. Prosecutors said the two men were "substantively under the control" of the Chinese government's Taiwan Affairs Office, and received financial support from them. (By James Thompson and Hung Hsueh-kuang) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Growing distrust of U.S. among Taiwanese could help Beijing: Scholars ROC Central News Agency 08/20/2025 12:24 PM Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA) Taiwan's growing distrust of the United States, especially in view of President Donald Trump's tariffs and semiconductor policies, could harm Washington's long-term interests and benefit Beijing instead, American scholars warned Monday. In an article published online Monday by the German Marshall Fund, a U.S.-based think tank, Bonnie Glaser and Jennifer Lan wrote that Taiwanese people have historically favored the United States, but that the favorable view is quickly declining. Citing recent American and Taiwanese public opinion polls, the two scholars said Taiwanese have felt "distrust and skepticism" toward Washington in recent months. One of the surveys cited was a Brookings Institution report in April 2025 showing that 40.5 percent of Taiwanese held a negative view of the United States, up from 24.2 percent in July 2024. Such "U.S. skepticism" is fueled by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) expansion of production facilities to the U.S. under Trump's America First policy, which many in Taiwan believe could weaken Taiwan's strategic importance, the article said. Trump's tariffs on Taiwan are also taking a toll on the U.S.' image, they said. "The shift in public opinion, if it endures or even worsens, could set back U.S. interests," the authors warned. "The rising uneasiness could induce despair about Taiwan's future, providing the PRC [People's Republic of China] with an opportunity to advance its long-term strategy of convincing Taiwan citizens that their best and perhaps only option is unification on Beijing's terms. "The dismay may also embolden the PRC to undertake riskier actions to compel unification, such as challenging Taiwan's jurisdiction over nearby waters, implementing a quarantine or a blockade, or seizing one of Taiwan's outlying islands," the authors wrote. To counter the growing skepticism in Taiwan, Glaser and Lan suggested that Trump could deliver a remark to "make it clear that Taiwan matters to the United States." Washington could also mull approving and ensuring "timely delivery of asymmetric weapons to Taiwan, including by using presidential drawdown authority and foreign military financing." The White House could also "facilitate, not hamper, transits of the United States by Taiwan's presidents," and Congress could expedite approval of an agreement to avoid double taxation to remove investment barriers, the article suggested. Asked to comment on the views expressed in the article, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) told CNA that both Taipei and Washington "are paying close attention to discussion in Taiwanese society of the "U.S. skepticism" narratives. The two sides are trying to prevent the "skepticism" from being used by "malicious actors" to launch cognitive warfare against Taiwan, MOFA said in a press statement. "Taiwan also looks forward to continued cooperation with the U.S. in the security, economic, and trade sectors, to demonstrate the close bilateral partnership," it said. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Patriot missile explodes during Taiwan military drill; repeated accidents reveal outdated weapon, low maintenance capacity: expert Global Times By Feng Fan Published: Aug 20, 2025 10:41 PM A US-made Patriot II missile fired by the military forces of the Taiwan authorities exploded just four seconds after launch during a live-fire exercise early Wednesday morning, before a second missile was launched successfully, the China Times, a Taiwan-based media outlet, reported. An expert noted that such accidents are not rare, underscoring maintenance shortcomings and reliability issues within the region's military. According to the China Times, this was not the first time the Patriot system malfunctioned during drills, with the most recent abnormal incident reported in 2023. The outlet cited military officials as saying that similar self-destruction incidents had occurred more than twice in the past, though not all were publicly disclosed. The missile launched on Wednesday was an older Patriot II model, though Taiwan's "National Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology" and US contractors have made both hardware and software upgrades, the report said. The island of Taiwan is now working to upgrade to the Patriot III system, but the current stock remains largely Patriot II missiles. Local investigators and the US side are collecting data to determine the cause of the malfunction, the China Times reported. Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the repeated accidents reveal both the outdated nature of US-provided military equipment and the limited maintenance capacity of the region's military. "In the confined terrain of the island of Taiwan, live-fire drills should be handled with utmost responsibility. But such incidents are not uncommon," Zheng said. He added that the reliance of Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on purchasing US weapons in pursuit of using force to resist reunification and pursue independence only exposes the weakness of such illusions. The mishap follows a string of training accidents during July's "Han Kuang exercises" on the island of Taiwan. Taipei-based Central News Agency reported that on July 12, a light reconnaissance tactical vehicle struck a roadside curb, injuring three soldiers. Local media TaiwanPlus News also posted videos on social media showing military vehicles colliding with civilian scooters and parked cars on July 11. The latest accident comes as the Lai authorities announced plans to raise the 2026 defense budget to more than 3 percent of GDP, primarily to fund military purchases from the US. Responding to this, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that the mainstream public opinion on the island of Taiwan is for peace, development, dialogue and cooperation. The Lai authorities, for the sake of one party's private interests, disregards the public opinion on the island, willingly acts as a "cash machine" for US arms dealers, continually expands the military budget, promotes the mentality of urging everyone to be soldiers and ties the people of Taiwan to the "Taiwan independence" war chariot, attempting to "use force to seek independence," Zhu said, adding that these actions threaten the safety and interests of the people of Taiwan. Their despicable actions as "war merchants" will inevitably be opposed by the people on the island and the international community. Relying on external forces to seek independence and using military means to pursue independence will ultimately lead to their own downfall, the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US commerce secretary reiterates US 'cannot rely on Taiwan' chips, drawing criticism from island netizens Global Times By Ma Jingjing Published: Aug 21, 2025 10:09 AM The US must manufacture its own chips domestically while cannot rely on the island of Taiwan, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned in a latest interview with CNBC. The US official's remarks have drawn criticism among netizens of the island of Taiwan on Facebook. "For national security, we must manufacture our own chips domestically. We cannot rely on Taiwan, which is 9,500 miles from the US and only 80 miles from China. 99 percent of leading-edge chips should not be made in Taiwan. This is why we negotiated with South Korea and Japan to expand our chip manufacturing capacity at home," Lutnick said. Lutnick said the US' CHIPS Act handed out subsidies to trillion-dollar giants like TSMC, and instead of giveaways, the Trump administration aims to turn them into "equity for the American people." Taiwan-based media outlet Economic Daily News reported on Wednesday by saying Lutnick's remarks are "shocking." US Treasury Secretary Bessent echoed Lutnick's remark, Economic Daily News reported, citing Bessent's recent interview with CNBC. "I would say that the single point of failure for the global economy is that 99 percent of the advanced chips in the world are made in Taiwan," Bessent said. "And for national security, we have to stop that single point of failure," he said. Below the post of Economic Daily News on social media platform Facebook, netzines from the island expressed criticism toward the US official's remarks while calling for the island to give up any illusion over the US. A netizen named "Stan Hung" wrote "Those who lack the ability to create, yet excel at snatching; those who cannot safeguard, only kneel and surrender." Another netizen named "Will Kuo" wrote, the US is prepared to abandon Taiwan and the island may end up being "meat on the table of the US." Another netizen "Aaron Liu" called for selling chips to the Chinese mainland to disperse risks and stop production in the US. "The US' officials latest remarks indicate growing sense of insecurity with chip manufacturing. Different from the era of 'friendshoring,' or fostering trade ties with allies in the Biden administration, the Trump administration seems to believe that only chips manufactured in the US or controlled by the US government are safe," Ma Jihua, a veteran telecom industry observer, told the Global Times on Thursday. Now is the time for the island to abandon illusions that it could court the US by investing in the US, Ma said, stressing only reducing reliance on the US can chipmakers in the island avoid being blackmailed by Washington. "The US has analyzed which the island of Taiwan is closer geographically - the mainland. Most of the supply chain of chipmakers in the island is in the mainland and their target market is the mainland too. The only choice is to integrate with the chipmaking ecosystem of the mainland if chipmakers in the island hope to achieve greater development," Ma said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry statement on retaliatory personal sanctions against representatives of the UK media, NGOs, consulting agencies and expert community 20 August 2025 16:22 1348-20-08-2025 In response to London's continued confrontational course, including its efforts to demonise our country, actively fabricate anti-Russia narratives to diminish Moscow's international influence, and its ongoing supply of weapons to the neo-Nazi Kiev regime, a decision has been made to add a number of British representatives from the media, non-governmental organisations, consulting agencies, and expert community to Russia's "stop list." This list includes individuals engaged in spreading disinformation and levelling unfounded accusations against Russia in relation to the special military operation. They are also involved in hostile lobbying activities, such as advocating for a tougher anti-Russia policy from the West and increased support for the Kiev regime. The actions of these British propagandists are irresponsible. They contribute to the destabilisation of global energy markets and divert Western resources from international development to fuelling Kiev's militaristic ambitions and subsidising the Western defence industry. This, in turn, negatively impacts nations in the Global South, which already bear the historical burden of colonialism and imperialism and are now the target of Western neocolonial pursuits. London and its allies appear unbothered by this "collateral damage," even as they posture as defenders of universal values in the Ukrainian conflict. Shortly after the commencement of Russia's special military operation, the British government escalated its anti-Russia information campaign to a new level. This approach, which includes attacks on other nations, demonstrates that similar propaganda tactics could be employed against any international actor whose actions are deemed contrary to the interests of the collective West. The following is a list of British nationals, as well as third-country nationals collaborating with destructive British media and consulting agencies, who are now barred from entering the Russian Federation: Ian Roland Garner, Research Fellow at the Pilecki Institute (Poland) and the Centre for International and Defence Policy at Queen's University (Canada); Tom KEATINGE, Director, Centre for Finance and Security, Royal United Services Institute; Denis MACSHANE, former Deputy Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom and former Member of the British Parliament; Eleanor NICHOL, former Executive Director of the international lobbying organisation B4Ukraine; Imogen PAYTER, Head of UK Friends of Ukraine; Benjamin TALLIS, former director of Democratic Strategy Initiative (Germany) and senior executive at Helsing (Germany); Torrin Mark WILKINS, Director of the Centre Think Tank Foundation; Rafael BEHR, columnist for The Guardian; David Joseph BLAIR, Daily Telegraph reporter; Adrian David GOLDBERG, Editor and Producer, Byline TV (UK); Paul CONROY, freelance photographer; Matthew Philip SYED, columnist for The Times; John Paul SWEENEY, Correspondent for The Byline Times and Byline TV; James HOLLAND, historian, author and broadcaster; Neil BARNETT, Executive Director, Istok Associates Limited; William GEDDES, Director, International Corporate Protection Limited; Dominic MURPHY, Head of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command; Jonathan Rupert HALL, UK Government Independent Reviewer of State Threat Legislation; Zarina ZABRISKI, a US citizen, freelance journalist and writer in Ukraine, collaborating with Byline TV; Samuel Nathan RAMANI, Canadian citizen, columnist for the Daily Telegraph; associate fellow at the Royal College of Defence Studies, and chief executive of Pangea Geopolitical Risk Ltd, a consultancy; Caolan ROBERTSON, Irish citizen, freelance journalist in Ukraine, collaborating with Byline TV. The Russian "stop list" will be subject to further expansion. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Together for peace in Ukraine Germany - Federal Government Statement by the Chancellor in Washington, D.C. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has travelled to Washington, D.C.- District of Columbia for consultations. The talks with US President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky and several European partners centred on efforts to bring peace to Ukraine. Transcript of press conference Monday, 18 August 2025 Following intensive consultations with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European partners on peace in Ukraine, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed his satisfaction. "My expectations have actually not only been met, but exceeded", said the Chancellor in his press statement after the meeting in Washington, D.C.- District of Columbia. They had agreed to remain in very close contact over the coming days and weeks "in order to bring the initiative that has begun to a successful conclusion." The most important points in brief: Conduct negotiations at the highest level: according to the Federal Chancellor, real negotiations could only take place at a thoroughly prepared summit meeting in which Ukraine itself would also take part. It would be "more than desirable that there is also a ceasefire in Ukraine with this meeting at the latest." According to the US President, there should be such a meeting between Ukraine and Russia within the next two weeks, followed by a three-way meeting between the USA, Russia and Ukraine. according to the Federal Chancellor, real negotiations could only take place at a thoroughly prepared summit meeting in which Ukraine itself would also take part. It would be "more than desirable that there is also a ceasefire in Ukraine with this meeting at the latest." According to the US President, there should be such a meeting between Ukraine and Russia within the next two weeks, followed by a three-way meeting between the USA, Russia and Ukraine. Giving joint safety guarantees : the issue of security guarantees in the event of a peace agreement had required a very long and intensive discussion, said the Chancellor. "At the end of the day, the United States of America is prepared to provide security guarantees." The question of who would participate and to what extent would have to be discussed between the European partners and with the US government. According to Merz, it was absolutely clear that the whole of Europe should participate. : the issue of security guarantees in the event of a peace agreement had required a very long and intensive discussion, said the Chancellor. "At the end of the day, the United States of America is prepared to provide security guarantees." The question of who would participate and to what extent would have to be discussed between the European partners and with the US government. According to Merz, it was absolutely clear that the whole of Europe should participate. No imposing of territorial cessions: Ukraine should not be forced to cede territory. The Federal Chancellor emphasised that Ukraine would have to make its own decisions in the course of the negotiations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Investigation of russia's bomb strike on theater and maternity ward in Mariupol: SSU declares russian general suspect in absentia Security Service of Ukraine 17:00, 19 August 2025 The Security Service of Ukraine has collected new evidence against lieutenant general Nikolai Gostev, commander of the 4th army of the air forces of russia's Southern military district. According to the investigation, in March 2022 the official gave orders to launch an air strike on downtown Mariupol. The investigation established that the ruscists deliberately targeted the maternity ward of City Hospital No. 3, residential buildings, and the regional drama theater. The occupiers used 10 combat aircraft to carry out the strikes: Su-30SM (M2) fighters and Su-24M front-line bombers. It has been documented that during the air attack the aggressor's combat aircraft deliberately struck the maternity ward and the drama theater with FAB-500 high-explosive bombs. On the russian general's orders, his subordinates also bombed residential buildings in the central part of Mariupol. Based on the evidence gathered, SSU investigators notified Gostev of suspicion in absentia under Articles 28.2 and 438.2 of the CCU (war crimes combined with intentional murder, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy). The investigation is ongoing to find and bring to justice all russian war criminals. The investigation is carried out by the SSU Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the procedural supervision of Donetsk Region Prosecutor's Office. In 2023, the Security Service notified Gostev of suspicion in the case on strikes on civilian infrastructure in Mariupol. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU long-range drones destroy two enemy ammunition depots in Luhansk region Security Service of Ukraine 14:30, 19 August 2025 On the night of 19 August, SSU drones struck two russian ammunition depots in the village of Bilokurakine in the temporarily occupied Luhansk region. This town is located on an important railway line used to supply ammunition from russia to the front line, in particular for Pokrovsk direction. According to preliminary information, the drones struck the territory of the depots at least seven times. After the explosions, a powerful fire broke out, which was also recorded by the international service FIRMS, which tracks fires globally in real time. The Security Service of Ukraine continues to strike the enemy's rear in order to reduce russian army's offensive capabilities on the front line. The destruction of enemy ammunition directly helps our soldiers, who are bravely holding back russian assaults. The demilitarization of the occupiers' military depots and equipment will continue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU and National Police dismantle another mobilization evasion scheme in Kyiv: searches revealed over UAH 17 mln in cash Security Service of Ukraine 12:30, 19 August 2025 The SSU Military Counterintelligence and the National Police have dismantled another mobilization evasion scheme in Kyiv. A local lawyer who traded in fictitious certificates for draft dodgers was detained. He involved another lawyer and three doctors from well-known medical institutions in the capital in his illegal activities. During the searches of the suspects' offices and homes, the investigators found over 7 million Hryvnias, over 250,000 US dollars and 16,000 Euros in cash. In UAH equivalent, this amounts to over 17 million (USD 409,000). To guarantee their 'clients', who were subject to military service, a deferral of conscription or removal from military records, the perpetrators forged medical certificates stating that the men had serious medical conditions. The investigation established that the participants in the scheme acted in collusion and close coordination with each other and had a well-established algorithm of interaction: from finding drat evaders to selling them fake documents. For money, the lawyers offered them 'reservation' through fictitious employment in one of the capital's state institutions. The law enforcement agencies documented the crime and detained the organizer of the scheme as he was receiving a new tranche of bribes. The detainee and his two accomplices, a lawyer and a cardiologist, have been notified of suspicion under the Articles of the CCU: 369-2.3 (abuse of influence); 27.5 and 354.4 (aiding and abetting the bribery of an employee of an enterprise, institution or organization, committed by a group, upon conspiracy). The suspects are in custody. The investigation is ongoing. The perpetrators face up to 8 years in prison with confiscation of property. The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU neutralizes GRU agent group that adjusted strikes on Kyiv and carried out sabotage in Odesa region Security Service of Ukraine 10:00, 19 August 2025 The Security Service has dismantled an agent group of russian military intelligence (better known as the 'GRU') that adjusted enemy air strikes on Kyiv and carried out sabotage in southern Ukraine. The group included four individuals: two agents - executors of 'orders'; a 'liaison' through whom the agents received instructions; direct supervisor of the perpetrators - a career officer of the russian GRU, Maksim Chachin. The SSU Counterintelligence detained the agents-executors in February 2025. Since then, efforts were underway to identify other members of the cell and document their contacts. As the investigation revealed, the GRU employee recruited a former lecturer at one of Kyiv's well-known universities, who left for russia in 2021 and began cooperating 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 contact with the enemy. The woman then introduced him to another Kyiv resident, who joined the agent group. He is a 40-year-old former military serviceman who had information about the locations of certain units of the Defense Forces. Together, they approached the relevant locations, marked them on Google Maps and sent the data to their handler to prepare missile and drone attacks on Kyiv. The agents then moved to Odesa, where they initially went into hiding and then, on enemy orders, set fire to two mobile phone towers and several electrical substations. They were also preparing to carry out terrorist attacks using improvised explosive devices, but the Security Service prevented this. Now, SSU investigators have sent an indictment against both agents to court under several Articles of the CCU: 28.2, 111.2 (high treason, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy, under martial law); 28.2, 113.2 (sabotage, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy, under martial law); 194-1.2 (intentional damage to electric power facilities); 28.2, 263.1 (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives, upon prior conspiracy, by a group). The suspects are in custody and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property. A notice of suspicion is also being prepared for the russian handler of these agents and their 'liaison'. The operation and investigation were carried out by the SSU Office in Odesa region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australia Joins the Register of Damage for Ukraine Council of Europe Register of Damage for Ukraine Strasbourg 20 August 2025 The Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U) has welcomed Australia as its newest Associate Member, underscoring Australia's continued support for Ukraine and commitment to the rules-based international order. Australia will contribute to the work of the Register in preparing the ground for a future compensation mechanism to address the consequences of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine. With this decision, Australia becomes the 45th member of the Register, joining 43 other States and the European Union. What the Register Does The Register of Damage for Ukraine was established to record claims for compensation submitted by individuals, entities, and the State of Ukraine for the damage, loss, and injury caused by the Russian Federation's internationally wrongful acts in or against Ukraine. It is responsible for receiving and processing claims, categorising and organising them, and retaining the supporting evidence. Through its Board, the Register assesses the eligibility of claims, which are then recorded for future examination and evaluation. The Register is not a court, tribunal, or compensation fund. It does not examine claims on their merits, assign value, or order payments. Instead, it represents the first step toward a future international compensation mechanism. Once that mechanism is established, the Register's work and recorded claims will be integrated into it. Membership of the Register The Register currently counts 44 States and the European Union as members - 41 as Participants and 4 as Associate Members. Participants hold full membership rights, including voting rights in the Conference of Participants, and make annual assessed contributions to the Register's budget. hold full membership rights, including voting rights in the Conference of Participants, and make annual assessed contributions to the Register's budget. Associate Members do not have voting rights and are not required to make annual contributions, though they may participate in discussions and make statements. They are encouraged to make voluntary contributions and may gain full voting rights for a financial year if those contributions match the assessed level of a Participant. Membership is open to Council of Europe member and non-member States. Any State that voted in favour of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-11/5 ("Furtherance of remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine") may join by notifying the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Other States may also apply, subject to approval by the Conference of Participants. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yulia Svyrydenko holds talks with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal Ukraine Government Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 20 August 2025 20:03 Yulia Svyrydenko congratulated Estonian partners on Independence Restoration Day, celebrated today in the friendly nation. The key topic of the discussions was Ukraine's European integration. "We are technically ready to open the first three negotiation clusters and rely on Estonia's support to ensure Ukraine and Moldova move forward together on this path," noted the Prime Minister. The parties also discussed defence cooperation. The Head of the Ukrainian Government thanked Estonia for its strategic decision to allocate 0.3% of its GDP to support Ukraine and for its willingness to pursue joint projects. A significant aspect was the timely provision of EUR 100 million in aid through products from Estonian manufacturers. The potential for expanding joint procurement, particularly via the SAFE mechanism, was also highlighted. The Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Estonia agreed to meet in person at the earliest opportunity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Budapest 2.0? How Russia's Record Of Treaty Violations Fuels Ukraine's Calls For Security Guarantees By Merhat Sharipzhan August 20, 2025 As diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine have intensified in recent days, Kyiv and its backers have sought to ram home a key point: lasting peace is only possible with credible, enforceable security guarantees for Ukraine, not merely symbolic pledges or paper agreements. This is rooted in Russia's record of ignoring treaty pledges to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence. "A security guarantee can also be something like the Budapest Memorandum of 1994," Clifford May of the U.S.-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies told RFE/RL's Current Time. "Russia signed it. America signed it. Britain signed it. And it said, we will all respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. That security guarantee was not literally worth the paper it was written on," May said. The memorandum is one of at least six international agreements that Russia's aggression in Ukraine has violated. These include a 2003 border treaty signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin himself, the 2010 Kharkiv agreements enabling Russia to maintain its naval base in Crimea, and the 2014-15 Minsk Accords aimed at ending combat in the Donbas. Treaties Violated By Russia In Ukraine 1. The UN Charter 2. The Almaty Declaration (1991) 3. The 1997 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Russia and Ukraine 4. The bilateral border treaty (2003) 5. The 2010 Kharkiv Agreements 6. The 2014-15 Minsk Accords All this makes Ukraine understandably wary of agreeing to a peace deal with Russia without having credible security guarantees in place. At talks in Washington on August 18, US President Donald Trump offered reassurance. While he ruled out allowing Ukraine to join NATO, he said European countries "want to give protection...and we'll help them out with that." Trump also said that European countries would provide "the first line of defense," but the United States would "be involved." But the details must still be nailed down. Boots On The Ground European countries have been planning, since March, a military force to be deployed to Ukraine after a cease-fire or peace deal. Here too, almost no details have been made public, although Britain and France have said they would be prepared to put boots on the ground. Political leaders in European capitals have always made it clear that a prerequisite for a mission is US involvement, and Trump has now spoken of providing help including air support. European military planners were set to meet US counterparts this week to discuss this, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has, according to Axios, been tasked with leading the talks. Roland Freudenstein, founder of the Brussels Freedom Hub, a think tank, called the Washington talks "a Groundhog Day" as "in substance nothing too positive has really happened." "The real question here is to what extent there will be European boots on the ground and to what extent there will be American backing for this European presence in Ukraine," Freudenstein told RFE/RL. Moscow has repeatedly said that the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine would be unacceptable. NATO-Lite After last week's Alaska summit between Trump and Putin, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that discussions yielded the potential for granting Ukraine "Article 5-like" protections, referring to NATO's mutual defense clause. This could work without troops being deployed. But again, no details have been provided. May warns that "people need to understand" what exactly Article 5 is in practice. "Article 5 under the NATO treaty says you attack one NATO member, you've attacked all NATO members, and theoretically, all NATO members will respond. Is it definite that it will happen? I'm not absolutely sure, and this worries me," May said. This brings the debate back to the beginning -- how can Ukraine be given a security guarantee that is more than a promise that can later be broken. Freudenstein said that Trump "talked about the security guarantee in a very general, murky way," and, therefore, "we really have no idea what exactly the United States is to provide" to Ukraine. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/securiity- guarantees-ukraine-russia-wa-peace-european-union-usa- putin-trump-zelenskyy/33508275.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 Lavrov: Russia Demands Equal Role in Ukraine Security Guarantees Sputnik News 20250820 Russia has reiterated that any security guarantees for Ukraine must be negotiated on an equal basis with the participation of major powers, including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. Key statements by the Russian foreign minister: Russia sees growing US recognition of the need to address root causes of the crisis. Russia insists that European collective guarantees for Ukraine must be truly reliable. Focus should remain on developments from the 2022 Istanbul negotiations on Ukraine's security. Moscow will also provide guarantees for Ukraine. o security framework without Russia such talks lead nowhere. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Security Forces Eliminate Ukrainian Sabotage Group in Bryansk Region Sputnik News 20250820 The saboteurs reportedly intended to commit terrorist attacks at transport infrastructure facilities in Russia, the Federal Security Service (FSB) informed. This ring of saboteurs consisted of career agents from the Special Operations Service, a unit run by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, according to the FSB. The control and training of the sabotage group was carried out with the participation of Western intelligence officers in Ukraine, as well as in Lithuania, Estonia and Norway, it continued. Three suspects were eliminated and another three detained. The detained men are Roman Davydyuk, Alexander Godko and Alexander Zhuk, who provided the names of another 17 agents active in Russia. The commander of the group confessed to being involved in detonating a railroad crossing in Russia's Belgorod region in 2024. He also provided information about an attack to blow up a road bridge in Russia's Bryansk region in May 2025. On May 31, an overpass collapsed on a Moscow-bound passenger train near the city of Bryansk, leaving seven people dead. Russian train operator Moscow Railways said the locomotive and carriages were derailed due to an overhead car bridge collapsing onto them. Bryansk region Governor Alexander Bogomaz said that the bridge was blown up while the train was moving. The Russian Investigative Committee designated the blast a terrorist attack. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal met with the Ambassador of Italy to Ukraine to discuss cooperation between defense industries and the implementation of the SAFE program Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 20 August, 2025, 12:09 PM EEST The Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, held a meeting with the Ambassador of Italy to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa. Ukraine's Minister of Defence thanked Italy for its steadfast support of Ukrainian defenders and highlighted the decision to provide additional armored vehicles for the troops. "We discussed steps to strengthen cooperation in the defense industry and to launch major industrial projects. I invited Italian companies to participate in joint initiatives with Ukrainian manufacturers," said Denys Shmyhal. In particular, Ukraine and Italy are considering projects to enhance maritime security and safeguard Ukrainian ports. "We placed special focus on the prospects of applying support instruments, including the SAFE program, to foster the development of the defense industry in Europe. "I express my gratitude to Italy for its support and commitment to deepening cooperation in the interest of our shared security," concluded the Minister of Defence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU detains another two enemy informants who leaked positions of Slovyansk defenders to ruscists and spied on AFU convoys Security Service of Ukraine 10:00, 20 August 2025 The SSU Counterintelligence has detained two more enemy informants who operated in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The perpetrators collected coordinates for the preparation of russian missile, drone, and artillery attacks on Ukraine's Defense Forces. In Dnipropetrovsk region, a 20-year-old woman from Synelnykovo district was detained for tracking the transit stops of Ukrainian Armed Forces military trains. It was documented how she installed a hidden video camera with a power bank and remote access for the russian special services near the railway tracks. In Donetsk region, an informant was apprehended for guiding russian glide bombs and long-range artillery at the positions of Slovyansk defenders. The enemy main targets were fortified areas and depots with fuel and ammunition for Ukrainian troops. The traitor sent the collected data via a messenger app to his acquaintance, a militant of russian troops who cooperates with the russian military intelligence. The SSU documented the criminal activities of both informants and seized the smartphones they used to communicate with the enemy. SSU investigators notified the detained individuals of suspicion under Article 114-2.1, 114-2.2 of the CCU (dissemination of information on the movement or location of the AFU or other lawful military formations). The suspects face up to 8 years in prison. The operation was carried out by the SSU Offices in Dnipropetrovsk, Ternopil, Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the procedural supervision of regional Prosecutor's Offices. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thousands Of Central Asians Enlisted To Fight Russia's War In Ukraine Through 'Coercion, Enticements' By Azattyq Asia and Current Time August 21, 2025 Summary Central Asians are being recruited by Russia through threats, torture, and incentives to bolster its military forces in Ukraine. Russia has intensified raids on migrants and enlisted prisoners, offering parole and financial incentives to fill its ranks. After completing conscript service in his native Kazakhstan in the fall of 2023, Kiril Nysanbaev went to Russia for work. Nysanbaev's hometown of Rudny is located just under 100 kilometers from Russia and it's not unusual for locals to look for jobs in the neighboring country. Just a few months later, Nysanbaev called his family from a migrant detention center in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk, where he worked at a factory. "He said he was detained in connection with a robbery incident. He told me that Russian officers at the detention facility beat him and forced him to sign a contract [to fight in Ukraine]," Nysanbaev's twin sister Kamilla told RFE/RL. According to Kamilla, Nysanbaev told his family that Russian officers tortured and threatened detainees to pressure them into signing a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry to go to war. In March 2025, Nysanbaev was killed on the battlefield in Ukraine's Donetsk region. But it wasn't until June that his family found about his death. Kamilla said the family had to make the difficult decision to bury Nysanbaev in Chelyabinsk because Kazakh authorities had opened a criminal case against him on mercenary charges. "Police in Rudny told us that if we brought the body home, an investigation would start against the whole family, and it would take at least a year," Kamilla said. "Police told us: 'You'd better bury him in Russia and send us photographic evidence, so we make sure that you didn't smuggle the body into Kazakhstan.'" Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries have repeatedly warned their citizens against taking part in Russia's war in Ukraine, warning them that if they did, they would face mercenary charges at home. But Russia continues to recruit Central Asian nationals to fill the ranks of its depleting forces in Ukraine. Russia hosts millions of migrant workers from the former Soviet region. Survivors, the relatives of the recruits, and rights activists say Russian authorities use various methods -- from offering enticements to torture and threats -- to enlist migrants and convicts from Central Asia. 'Russia Prevents Mercenaries From Leaving Ukraine Even After Their Contracts End' The exact number of Central Asians who have joined the Russian Army and been sent to Ukraine is not known. The Ukrainian state-run project I Want To Live -- which offers a platform for Russian soldiers to safely surrender to Ukrainian forces -- has put their number at several thousand. The project frequently publishes what it calls the list of foreign mercenaries. The Ukrainian project said it has obtained lists with the names of more than 2,000 Uzbek nationals and more than 930 Tajiks who fought alongside Russian troops in early 2025. In July, the project claimed that in just the first six months of this year, 529 Kazakh nationals and 327 Kyrgyz citizens signed contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry to fight in Ukraine. The recruitment of Kyrgyz nationals has risen drastically, the project claimed. According to its lists, the number of Kyrgyz contractors in the Russian Army in 2023 and 2024 was about 360 in total. In April, Bishkek said its security services detained four people, including an employee of a Russian government agency, on suspicion of recruiting Kyrgyz citizens to fight in the Russian Army. The I Want To Live project did not provide a list of citizens of Turkmenistan but recently reported that Russian commanders were preventing at least 68 Turkmen mercenaries from leaving Ukraine after their contracts ended. RFE/RL cannot independently verify the names and numbers published by the Ukrainian project. Kyiv says "mercenaries" from other parts of the Soviet Union, as well as China, Pakistan, India, and some African nations have joined Russian forces in Ukraine. 'We Write Off Your Loan If You Go To War' There have been widespread reports and claims that Russian authorities have been targeting migrants, detainees, and convicts from Central Asia to enlist them in the Russian military since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Russian police have intensified raids on migrants in workplaces, dormitories, and mosques. Officers round up undocumented migrants and those caught with expired residency or work permits and threaten them with arrest and deportation, according to witnesses, activists, and relatives. Yusuf, a migrant worker from Uzbekistan, told RFE/RL he was detained in Moscow during a raid in April. Yusuf, who gave only his first name, said the officers openly told him he must join the Russian troops in Ukraine. "I told them I am a citizen of Uzbekistan and am not required to serve in the Russian military. Then they checked my documents and found out that I have a loan from a Russian bank. "They offered: 'We will write off your loan and you will go to fight,'" Yusuf claimed. "At the same time, they hit me twice with batons.... They grabbed my neck and pressed me against the wall," he added. Yusuf said he was eventually let go after he told the officers that he would complain to the Uzbek Embassy. Russia Enlists Convicts To Its Army In the northern Tajik province of Sughd, one local resident told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity that her 37-year-old cousin has been recruited from a Russian prison to fight in Ukraine. The woman said that her cousin has been serving a prison term since 2019 for robbery. "He returned to Sughd after fighting in Ukraine for six months. He said his criminal records were cleared and that he also received money for going to war," the woman said. "We're happy he's freed, but I'm not sure if it is good for society." Since the beginning of the war, Russia has enlisted tens of thousands of prisoners in return for parole and money. Among them were many Central Asian nationals. Multiple accounts by inmates, their relatives, and human rights groups suggest Russian officials have made prison conditions unbearably harsh and inhumane to pressure prisoners into joining the military. "I think people should not go to Russia. Many people go to Russia on their own accord and then complain about what has happened to them," says Kamilla, who grieves her twin brother killed in Ukraine. "I warn them to avoid going to Russia." Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL's Azattyk Media and Current Time Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-invasion- central-asia-migrants-convicts-recruit/33507394.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 perth, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PERSEUS MINING UPDATES MINERAL RESOURCES AND ORE RESERVE ESTIMATES Executive Summary Perth, Western Australia/August 21, 2025/Perseus Mining Limited (ASX/TSX: PRU) is pleased to update estimates of its Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves as of 30 June 2025. A summary of the release is included below. For the full release please refer to www.perseusmining.com, www.asx.com.au or www.sedarplus.ca. The Perseus Groups Measured and Indicated (M&I) Mineral Resources now total 7.8 Moz gold (Table 1) while Proved and Probable Ore Reserves total 5.0 Moz gold (Table 2). Not included in these estimates, is the Foreign/Historical Estimate for the Meyas Sand Gold Project (MSGP, formerly Block 14) including Indicated Mineral Resources1 consisting of 3.3 Moz Au (Table 3) and a Probable Mineral Reserve1 of 2.9 Moz gold (Table 4). The sources of change underlying the 2.1 Moz gold increase in Perseuss estimate of Ore Reserves against those reported at 30 June 2024 are presented in Error! Reference source not found.. As part of its annual planning cycle, the Company has reassessed the growth opportunities available within its portfolio with the approach of optimising the portfolio rather than focussing on fixed investment targets for each asset. In this way, the Company has sought to find the balance between investment in growth opportunities and the cash margin generated by the business. Figure 1: Change in Perseus Group Ore Reserves by Project June 2024 to June 2025 PERSEUS ESTIMATES Table 1: Perseus Mining Mineral Resources1,2,4,5 PROJECT MEASURED RESOURCES INDICATED RESOURCES MEASURED & INDICATED RESOURCES INFERRED RESOURCES QUANTITY GRADE GOLD QUANTITY GRADE GOLD QUANTITY GRADE GOLD QUANTITY GRADE GOLD MT G/T GOLD 000 OZ MT G/T GOLD 000 OZ MT G/T GOLD 000 OZ MT G/T GOLD 000 OZ Edikan 13.1 0.96 407 37.7 1.02 1,236 50.8 1.01 1,644 7.8 1.5 367 Sissingue3 1.5 1.18 56 5.3 1.85 317 6.8 1.71 373 0.2 1.2 7 Yaoure 11.5 0.79 293 42.6 1.68 2,301 54.1 1.49 2,594 16.9 1.8 982 Nyanzaga - - - 74.2 1.33 3,162 74.2 1.33 3,162 15.0 1.2 584 Total 26.1 0.90 756 159.8 1.37 7,017 185.9 1.30 7,773 39.9 1.5 1,940 Table 2: Perseus Mining Ore Reserve1,4,5 PROJECT PROVED PROBABLE PROVED & PROBABLE QUANTITY GRADE GOLD QUANTITY GRADE GOLD QUANTITY GRADE GOLD MT G/T GOLD 000 OZ MT G/T GOLD 000 OZ MT G/T GOLD 000 OZ Edikan 8.6 0.91 250 21.1 1.08 730 29.7 1.03 980 Sissingue3 0.8 1.42 38 2.9 2.14 199 3.7 1.98 237 Yaoure 11.5 0.79 293 19.8 1.81 1,151 31.3 1.44 1,444 Nyanzaga - - - 52.0 1.40 2,342 52.0 1.40 2,342 Total 20.9 0.86 581 95.8 1.44 4,422 116.7 1.33 5,003 Notes for Table 1 and Table 2: 1 Refer to Notes to individual tables of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves in respect of each project presented below. 2 Mineral Resources are inclusive of Ore Reserves. 3 Sissingue Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves include the Fimbiasso and Bagoe Projects in addition to the Sissingue Gold Mine. 4 The Company holds 90% of Edikan Gold Mine (EGM) and Yaoure Gold Mine (YGM), 86% of Sissingue Gold Mine (SGM) except Bagoe at 90%, and 80% of Nyanzaga Gold Project (NGP). 5 Excludes Foreign/Historical Estimates Foreign/historical estimates Table 3: Summary of Meyas Sand Gold Project Mineral Resource 1,2,3,4,6 TYPE INDICATED5 INFERRED Mt Au g/t Ag g/t Au koz Ag koz Mt Au g/t Ag g/t Au koz Ag koz Oxide 10.2 1.35 1.49 443 487 1.1 1.0 1.2 34 41 Trans. 13.4 1.22 1.33 527 575 1.5 1.0 1.2 50 57 Fresh 56.3 1.31 1.82 2,371 3,296 15.9 1.2 1.6 626 838 TOTAL 79.9 1.30 1.70 3,342 4,358 18.5 1.2 1.6 711 936 Notes for Table 3: Based on September 2018 estimates of Galat Sufar South and Wadi Doum Mineral Resources by MPR Geological Consultants Pty Ltd. 0.6 g/t cut-off grade applied to all material types. Estimates are not depleted for artisanal mining, the impact of which is not considered material. Galat Sufar South Mineral Resource estimates are truncated at 350 m depth, with around 90% of Indicated and Inferred resources occurring at depths of less than 240 and 300 m respectively. Wadi Doum estimates extend to around 255 m depth, with around 90% of Indicated and Inferred resources occurring at depths of less than 115 m and 190 m respectively. The depth limits imposed on the estimates are considered to largely confine the estimates to material with reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction. Indicated Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Rounding of numbers to appropriate precisions may have resulted in apparent inconsistencies. Table 4: Summary of Meyas Sand Gold Project Mineral Reserves1,2,3,4,5 PROJECT AREA CLASSIFICATION OXIDE TRANSITIONAL FRESH TOTAL 000 tonnes Au g/t 000 tonnes Au g/t 000 tonnes Au g/t 000 tonnes Au g/t Main Probable 4,347 1.27 5,088 1.19 13,488 1.31 22,923 1.28 East Probable 8,302 0.89 11,236 0.89 30,729 1.05 50,267 0.99 North East Probable 1,606 0.84 2,192 0.85 367 0.90 4,166 0.85 Total GSS Probable 14,255 1.00 18,516 0.97 44,584 1.13 77,356 1.07 Wadi Doum Probable 527 1.90 119 2.37 1,941 2.49 2,588 2.36 Block 14 Total Probable 14,783 1.03 18,635 0.98 46,525 1.19 79,943 1.11 Notes for Table 4: Based on Mineral Reserve Statement 7 November 2018. CIM Definition Standards were followed for the classification of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Reserves were optimised using a gold price of US$1,100/oz. Mining Cut-off grades vary between 0.32 g/t and 0.90 g/t. Rounding of numbers to appropriate precisions may have resulted in apparent inconsistencies. Perseuss Mineral Resource Estimates The Perseus Groups total M&I Mineral Resources reported as at 30 June 2025 are estimated to be 185.9 Mt grading 1.30 g/t gold, containing 7.8 Moz of gold, compared with the estimate of 30 June 2024 of 115.9 Mt grading at 1.31 g/t Au for 4.9 Moz of gold. The Mineral Resource Statement accounts for mining depletion of in-situ Mineral Resources and is reported inclusive of Ore Reserves. Inferred Resources are 39.9 Mt grading at 1.5 g/t Au for 1.9 Moz of gold, compared with the estimate of 30 June 2024 of 24.1 Mt grading at 1.6 g/t Au for 1.3 Moz of gold. Tonnes are reported as dry metric tonnes. All tabulated tonnes, grade and metal have been rounded to reflect appropriate precision in the estimate and may cause some discrepancies in totals. The Foreign/Historical Estimate for the MSGP Mineral Resource in Northern Sudan, announced on 28 February 2022 (see news release titled Perseus enters into agreement to acquire Orca Gold Inc.) is stated in the Foreign/Historical Estimate subsection of this report and is reported separately from the Groups Mineral Resources detailed below. The Group Mineral Resource estimates are reported in accordance with the 2012 Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code 2012). The classification categories of Measured, Indicated and Inferred under the JORC Code (2012) are equivalent to the CIM categories of the same names (CIM, 2014). For the purpose of satisfying reasonable prospects for eventual extraction (JORC Code 2012), open pit Mineral Resources are reported above optimised open pit shells developed with actual and estimated operating costs and a long-term gold price assumption of US$2,100 per ounce, with the exception of Nyanzaga reported at US$2,000 per ounce. Underground Mineral Resources at CMA are constrained to below the CMA Stage 3 pit design and reported at a 1.5 g/t Au cut-off. Underground Mineral Resources at Edikan are constrained to a depth of 600 mRL at Esuajah South and are all exclusive of open pit Mineral Resources. Technical Reports associated with these Mineral Resources, have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 for the following operations: Nyanzaga Gold Project, Tanzania, NI 43-101 Technical Report, dated 10 June 2025 Yaoure Operations, Cote dIvoire, NI 43-101 Technical Report, dated 18 December 2023 Sissingue Operations, Cote dIvoire, NI 43-101 Technical Report, dated 29 May 2015 Edikan Operations, Ghana, NI 43-101 Technical Report, dated 6 April 2022 These reports can be found on Perseuss website at www.perseusmining.com and on the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) website www.sedarplus.ca. Perseuss Ore Reserve Estimate CRITERIA FOR ORE RESERVE CLASSIFICATION All Ore Reserves are reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) and are reported by category, deposit and type, above variable cut-off grades. The classification categories of Proved and Probable under the JORC Code (2012) are equivalent to the CIM categories Proven and Probable respectively (CIM, 2010). The Ore Reserve is classified as Proved and Probable corresponding to the Mineral Resource classifications of M&I and considering other factors where relevant. The deposits geological models are well constrained. The Ore Reserve classification is considered appropriate given the nature of the deposits, the moderate grade variability, drilling density, structural complexity, confidence in input parameters based on operational experience and mining history. It was therefore considered appropriate to use Measured Mineral Resources as a basis for Proved Ore Reserves and Indicated Mineral Resources as a basis for Probable Ore Reserves. No Inferred Mineral Resources were included in Ore Reserve estimate with the exception of 2.8 koz of incidental Inferred which is included in the CMA underground development and is not considered material to the Ore Reserve. Technical Disclosure: All Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources other than the Foreign/Historical Estimates were calculated as of 30 June 2025 and have been calculated and prepared in accordance with the standards set out in the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves dated December 2012 (the JORC Code) and in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators (NI 43-101). The JORC Code is the accepted reporting standard for the Australian Stock Exchange Limited (ASX). The definitions of Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources as set forth in the JORC Code (2012) have been reconciled to the definitions set forth in the CIM Definition Standards. If the Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with the definitions in the JORC Code, there would be no substantive difference in such Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources. Competent Person Statement: The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by Daniel Saunders, a Competent Person who is a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Saunders is a full-time employee of Perseus Mining Limited. Mr Saunders has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves and to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). Mr Saunders consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. The information in this report that relates to Ore Reserves is based on information compiled by Mr Adrian Ralph, a Competent Person who is a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Ralph is a full-time employee of Perseus Mining Limited. Mr Ralph has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activities which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101. Mr Ralph consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. The Company confirms that the material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report Edikan Gold Mine, Ghana dated 6 April 2022, Technical Report Yaoure Gold Project, Cote dIvoire dated 18 December 2023, Technical Report Sissingue Gold Project, Cote dIvoire dated 29 May 2015, and Technical Report Nyanzaga Gold Project, Tanzania dated 10 June 2025 continue to apply. Meyas Sand Gold (formerly Block 14) Project Foreign/historical estimates The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resources and Probable Reserves of the Block 14 Project was first reported by the Company in a market announcement Perseus Enters into Agreement to Acquire Orca Gold Inc. released on 28 February 2022. The Company confirms it is not in possession of any new information or data relating to those estimates that materially impacts of the reliability of the estimate of the Companys ability to verify the estimate as a Mineral Resource or Ore Reserve in accordance with Appendix 5A (JORC Code) and the information in that in that original market release continues to apply and have not materially changed. These estimates are prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards and have not been reported in accordance with the JORC Code. A competent person has not done sufficient work to classify the resource in accordance with the JORC Code and it is uncertain that following evaluation and/or further exploration work that the estimate will be able to be reported as a Mineral Resource or Ore Reserve in accordance with the JORC Code. Mr Saunders and Mr Ralph have reviewed this press release and all technical information regarding Orcas NI 43-101 Foreign/historical estimate and this information is approved by Adrian Ralph and Daniel Saunders, each a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information: This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the Yaoure Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingue Gold Mine without any major disruption, development of a mine at Nyanzaga, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. 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 anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. ASX/TSX CODE: PRU CAPITAL STRUCTURE: Ordinary shares: 1,350,988,737 Performance rights: 9,328,134 REGISTERED OFFICE: Level 2 437 Roberts Road Subiaco WA 6008 Telephone: +61 8 6144 1700 www.perseusmining.com DIRECTORS: Rick Menell Non-Executive Chairman Jeff Quartermaine Managing Director & CEO Amber Banfield Non-Executive Director Elissa Cornelius Non-Executive Director Dan Lougher Non-Executive Director John McGloin Non-Executive Director James Rutherford Non-Executive Director CONTACTS: Jeff Quartermaine Managing Director & CEO jeff.quartermaine@perseusmining.com Stephen Forman Investor Relations +61 484 036 681 stephen.forman@perseusmining.com Nathan Ryan Media +61 420 582 887 nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au 1 These estimates including the tables set out below have been prepared by Orca in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards and have not been reported in accordance with the JORC Code. A competent person has not done sufficient work to classify the resource in accordance with the JORC Code and it is uncertain that following evaluation and/or further exploration work that the estimate will be able to be reported as a mineral resource or ore reserve in accordance with the JORC Code. Orca Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource figures are stated on 100% basis. Attachment Delray Beach, FL,, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forklift Market is projected to grow from USD 85.19 billion in 2024 to USD 125.42 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%, as per the recent study by MarketsandMarkets. The global forklift market observes growth due to growth in e-commerce and warehouse sectors, an increase in demand for warehouse automation, and rising labor costs. Moreover, the rising demand for sustainable material handling equipment would drive the demand for electric forklifts. Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market during the forecast period. This is due to the growth in the industrial sector in this region and rising demand for more efficient material-handling equipment. Browse in-depth TOC on Forklift Market 404 - Tables 95 - Figures 376 Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=2439790 The class 3 segment is projected to dominate the forklift market during the forecast period Class 3 forklifts are projected to be the highest market share holder at the global level. Class 3 forklifts are battery- operated and are used more in indoor applications. They generally fall into three types: pallet jacks, stackers, and tow tractors, and are available in both walk-behind and rider functionalities. FEM, the European Materials Handling Federation, further classified this category into two- Class 31 and Class 32, meaning Electric Stacker Trucks and Electric Low-lift Trucks, respectively. These forklifts find further application in unloading parcels and dropping them into temporary storage areas with an added boom in the B2B & B2C e-commerce and F&B industries. Even with heavy loads within a confined space, these forklifts have better maneuverability, which helps in efficient and convenient space management. Also, these forklifts are used together in great numbers with automated storage and retrieval systems and can be easily fitted into the processes of modern, high-efficiency logistics. Thus, industrialization of the e-commerce and food & beverage industries, coupled with industrial automation, is lending solid support to the deployment of advanced material handling solutions, thereby driving the demand for class 3 forklifts in the coming years. The autonomous forklift market is estimated to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period. Autonomous forklifts are projected to be the fastest-growing market by 2030. This growth is attributed to the rise in the e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, retail, warehousing, and distribution industries, which have major indoor applications with a lifting capacity requirement of less than 5 tons. The adoption is mainly attributed to advantages such as reducing dependence on labor availability, increased efficiency, and a high return on investments. In addition, the storage capacity can be improved by optimum usage of space; further, with SLAM with vision guidance and SLAM with LIDAR sensor navigation, the operation will become more pronounced & compatible with fast operations. These technologies also provide real-time environment positioning and further increased adaptability, which lowers the risk of injuries or mistakes during the process of material handling within a warehouse or distribution center. Amazon has deployed numerous autonomous forklifts within its warehouses and distribution centers in an effort to decrease dependence on labor for its warehouse operations and to further enhance the efficiency of its operations. It had further planned automation adoption in all its stores and fulfillment centers with the intention of reaching 65% of its stores and 55% of its fulfillment volume automated by 2026. With further development in artificial intelligence, sensors, and machine learning that perform tasks with precision and consistency, autonomous forklift implementations will gain major momentum in times to come. Asia Pacific is estimated to be the largest forklift market from 2024-2030. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to represent >55% of the global forklift market value by 2024. The rapid growth can be attributed to the booming e-commerce industry and increasing exports in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), automotive, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals sectors. The use of intralogistics systems among local e-commerce operations is being powered by growing opportunities and product assortment across countries such as China, South Korea, and India, with increased consumer demand. Additionally, delivery speed and operational efficiency improvements call for a rapid adoption of forklifts. In recent years, E-commerce, warehousing, and logistics have undergone significant transformations in Asia Pacific. For instance, according to statistical survey, live commerce is gaining momentum in China and India, where seven out of ten individuals participate in live shopping activities. China is at the top of the global business, especially in the e-commerce market. According to China Breifing Magazine, in 2023, Chinas cross-border e-commerce reached USD 331 billion, significantly increasing imports and exports. Due to this increase in online purchases, demand for forklifts is projected to increase as these are vital for effectively managing warehouses and distribution networks. Japan, India, and South Korea also need efficient forklifts, which have robust manufacturing industries. Autonomous forklifts would enhance precision while reducing errors, as evident from Japans and South Koreas move towards technological advancements to improve their export markets. Get Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=2439790 What are the main drivers of growth in the Forklift Market? Rising Demand for Electric and Hybrid Forklifts Growing emphasis on reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency is driving adoption of electric and hybrid forklifts in warehouses and logistics centers globally. Growing emphasis on reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency is driving adoption of electric and hybrid forklifts in warehouses and logistics centers globally. Expansion of E-commerce and Warehouse Automation Rapid growth in e-commerce and supply chain modernization is increasing the need for material handling equipment such as forklifts to support faster product movement and automated processes. Rapid growth in e-commerce and supply chain modernization is increasing the need for material handling equipment such as forklifts to support faster product movement and automated processes. Stringent Safety and Emission Regulations Government mandates focused on workplace safety and environmental emission standards are pushing companies to upgrade older fleets with more compliant, modern forklift models. Government mandates focused on workplace safety and environmental emission standards are pushing companies to upgrade older fleets with more compliant, modern forklift models. Technological Advancements in Forklift Design and Automation Innovations including autonomous forklifts, advanced telematics for fleet management, and ergonomic designs enhance productivity and attract investment. Innovations including autonomous forklifts, advanced telematics for fleet management, and ergonomic designs enhance productivity and attract investment. Growing Investments in Industrial and Infrastructure Development Expansion of manufacturing plants, logistics hubs, and construction sites in emerging and developed markets fuels forklift demand. Expansion of manufacturing plants, logistics hubs, and construction sites in emerging and developed markets fuels forklift demand. Increasing Adoption of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Collaborative Robots Integration of intelligent forklifts and AGVs into warehouses is shaping the material handling landscape, creating new market segments within the forklift market. Integration of intelligent forklifts and AGVs into warehouses is shaping the material handling landscape, creating new market segments within the forklift market. Collaborations Between OEMs and Technology Providers Partnerships focused on electrification, automation technology, and IoT-enabled fleet monitoring accelerate the markets digital transformation. Rising Urbanization and Industrialization in Emerging Economies Developing regions in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa witness increased forklift adoption driven by industrial growth and modernization efforts. Which regions and countries are leading in Forklift Market adoption? North America United States: Leading demand fueled by large logistics networks, modern warehouses, and government incentives promoting electric vehicles in material handling. Canada: Growing warehouse automation projects and green initiatives bolster forklift sales. Europe Germany, France, UK, Italy: Mature industrial base and stringent environmental regulations drive adoption of electric and automated forklifts. Nordic countries: Early adoption of smart forklifts supported by sustainability policies. Asia-Pacific China, Japan, South Korea, India: Strong growth due to booming manufacturing, e-commerce, and infrastructure development. China leads in electric forklift production and use. Southeast Asia: Growing logistics hubs and industrial parks are increasing forklift demand. Middle East & Africa UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa: Investments in logistics and industrial sectors, along with infrastructure projects, encourage forklift market expansion. Latin America Brazil, Mexico: Increasing warehouse modernization and industrialization underpin rising forklift adoption, with notable government support for infrastructure development. Who are the top players in the Forklift Market? Toyota Industries Corporation (Japan) Kion Group AG (Germany) Jungheinrich AG (Germany) Crown Equipment Corporation (US) Mitsubishi Logisnext Co Ltd (Japan) Key Findings of the Study: Growth in e-commerce and warehousing industries. Evolution of rental and refurbished forklifts Asia Pacific region holds the largest share of the Forklift Market. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=2439790 Related Reports: Delray Beach, FL, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Unsaturated Polyester Resins Market is projected to grow from USD 8.50 billion in 2024 to USD 10.29 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 3.9% between 2024 and 2029. Asia Pacific is the largest unsaturated polyester resins market that is projected to register a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecasted period, in terms of value, as per the recent study by MarketsandMarkets. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations have significantly boosted demand for unsaturated polyester resins across various industries, including construction, transportation, and electronics. The burgeoning automotive sector, driven by increased vehicle production and the shift towards electric vehicles, heavily relies on unsaturated polyester resins for structural panels, and composite frames. Additionally, the expanding electronics industry, a major consumer of unsaturated polyester resins for circuit board protection, and thermal management, further propels market growth. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=891 Browse in-depth TOC on Unsaturated Polyester Resins Market 350 - Market Data Tables 60 Figures 305 - Pages List of Key Players in Unsaturated Polyester Resins Market: Polynt S.p.A. (Italy) DIC Corporation (Japan) Allnex GMBH (Germany) Newsolar Technology Group Co., Ltd. (China) Scott Bader Company Ltd. (UK) Resonac Holdings Corporation (Japan) BASF SE (Germany), AOC(US) Covestero AG (Germany) INEOS (UK) Drivers, Opportunities and Challenges in Unsaturated Polyester Resins Market: Drivers: Integration of unsaturated polyester resins in 3D printing technologies Restraint: Competitive pressures from alternative materials Opportunity: Growth in electric vehicle sector Challenge: Stringent regulatory policies Get Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=891 Key Findings of the Study: Orthophthalic Resins by type segment dominate the market by highest share of the unsaturated polyester resins market during the forecasted period. Asia Pacific region is likely to be the fastest growing unsaturated polyester resins market during the forecast period. As for several factors, the Asia Pacific region is experiencing an attractive growth rate of the consumption of unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs). The current trends of rapid industrialization and urbanization increase the need for UPRs in construction and infrastructures, for example material in construction, panels and structures. Further, the growth of automobile industry in Asia Pacific region calls for the lightweight, high performance and durable UPR components for improving performance of the vehicle and its fuel efficiency. Technological development in the application of resins has enhanced the quality and performance of UPR and thus attractive in the various market segments. The current global focus on sustainability has also boosted the desire for green products and this has seen UPRs particularly those containing recycled or bio-based materials gaining favour for their friendliness to the environment. In addition, expansion of downstream industries including electronics, marine and consumer goods industries admitted that UPRs are versatile and High-performance materials that boosted their demand. These are the most influential combined factors that represent changes in the direction of higher value and higher sustainability of materials used, which increases the significant consumption of UPR in the region. Get Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=891 Unsaturated polyester resins market is segmented by type: Orthophthalic Resins, Isophthalic Resins, Gelcoats, Dicylclopentadiene Resins. The orthophthalic resin type has captured the market in terms of value. Orthophthalic resins largely dominate the UPRs market because of their rather favourable balance of performance characteristics and costs. These resins have a combination of excellent mechanical properties, high chemical resistance with easy processability, and they can be applied in many applications. They can be used in various sectors such as automobiles, construction and marines since they are known to be strong and performant. Moreover, orthophthalic resins are cheaper than isophthalic or vinyl ester resins and therefore most popular, especially where the lower costs are advantageous. Several reasons explain why the two are dominating the market; they include established manufacturing processes coupled by the fact that they are widely available. These reasonsperformance reliability, low cost, and versatilityhold the orthophthalic resins to the highest market share of the UPR segment. The unsaturated polyester resins market has various small, medium, and large players. Some of the major market players are Resonac Holdings Corporation (Japan), Scott Bader Company Ltd. (UK), Newsolar Technology Group Co., Ltd. (China), and Allnex GMBH (Germany) among others, have framed their strategies to penetrate and create bases in these emerging markets. Furthermore, companies are concentrating on strengthening their R&D facilities to provide efficient and sustainable products. These products are manufactured considering regulations implemented by associations and governments. INEOS: INEOS is a prominent worldwide producer of oil products, specialized chemicals, and petrochemicals, serving a variety of markets including construction, automotive, packaging, and healthcare. Since its founding in 1998, INEOS has expanded quickly thanks to innovative ideas and well-timed acquisitions, ranking among the biggest chemical businesses globally. The business is well known for its dedication to technical innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. Covestro AG: Covestro AG is one of the leading players in the production of high-performance polymers, polymer materials for automotive, construction, electronics and medical industries. The company was established in 2015 in Leverkusen, Germany, backed up by Bayer MaterialScience which was spun off into Covestro. The firm deals in a wide variety of polyurethanes, polycarbonates and coatings adhesives, and other specialty chemicals. Browse Adjacent Markets Resins And Polymers Market Research Reports Related Reports: SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recently, Professor An Chiying and her medical team at Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital, China, announced a groundbreaking achievement: since June 2024, they have successfully helped 24 patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) discontinue insulin therapy through holistic integrative medicine (HIM)an optimized combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicinethereby achieving a functional cure. The longest duration of insulin discontinuation has reached 14 months. This breakthrough offers new hope for global T1DM treatment and marks a remarkable advance in integrated Chinese and Western medicine for autoimmune diseases. Breakthrough Therapy: Precision Intervention through HIM T1DM is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of beta cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin secretion. Conventional medicine holds that patients require lifelong insulin injections. However, Professor Ans team employed the HIM model combining holistic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), orthomolecular medicine, functional medicine, and lifestyle medicine focused on immune blockade and metabolic balance, alongside endocrinology-specialized precision remote digital healthcare, to successfully restore islet function and enable insulin discontinuation. The core of this treatment protocol lies in multidisciplinary collaboration, including precision diagnostics using mass spectrometry platforms to identify the immunological causes of T1DM for targeted etiological treatment; immune regulation through molecular nutrition and TCM to modulate abnormal immune responses and reduce autoimmune attacks on pancreatic islet cells; metabolic repair by improving the bodys microenvironment and promoting islet function recovery via TCM acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional interventions; and precision monitoring that employs artificial intelligence to dynamically analyze patients blood glucose and immune markers, allowing personalized adjustments to treatment strategies. Patients typically require only 3 to 5 days of hospitalization before discharge. Clinical Data: 24 Patients Discontinued Insulin Therapy Over a two-year clinical observation period, the team intervened in 70 patients with T1DM, among whom 24 patients (34%) completely discontinued insulin use. These patients maintained stable blood glucose levels (HbA1c < 7%) and showed significant recovery of islet function as evidenced by C-peptide testing. Currently, these patients only require dietary management and regular follow-up, without reliance on exogenous insulin. Professor An Chiying emphasized, Functional cure refers to the partial restoration of islet function sufficient to meet normal metabolic demands, achieved through immune blockade, intestinal mucosal repair, and gut microbiota reconstruction. Patients diagnosed early with T1DM who have a C-peptide level above 0.5 ng/ml can stop insulin, while those with insufficient islet function can significantly reduce insulin dosage once blood glucose levels are stabilized. National Academicians Evaluation: Pioneering a New Treatment Paradigm Academician Fan Daiming of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and pioneer of HIM in China commented, The results achieved by this Chinese team challenge the traditional view that T1DM requires lifelong medication. The synergistic effects of HIM deserve the attention of peers worldwide and open a new clinical treatment paradigm for T1DM. Background There are approximately 9 million T1DM patients globally. Traditional treatment costs exceed RMB 10,000 annually, and patient prognoses remain unsatisfactory with uncontrollable risks of complications. The widespread adoption of HIM health management programs could significantly reduce both the financial and health burdens on patients. Contact Information: Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital Chronic Disease Integrative Medicine Center/Diabetes Naturopathic Center. 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NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 26, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE: SOC), if they purchased the Companys securities (1) between May 19, 2025 and June 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period); and/or (2) pursuant and/or traceable to Sables May 21, 2025 secondary public offering (the SPO). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Get Help Sable Offshore investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-soc-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Sable Offshore and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On June 4, 2025, the Company disclosed that a Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge granted ex parte requests from plaintiffs in Center for Biological Diversity, et al. v. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, et al. (25CV02244) and Environmental Defense Center, et al. v. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, et al. (25CV02247) for temporary restraining orders prohibiting Sable Offshore Corp. from restarting transportation of oil through the Las Flores Pipeline System pending the hearing on an order to show cause regarding a preliminary injunction scheduled for July 18, 2025. Sable is exploring all possible avenues available to address these preliminary rulings. On this news, the price of Sables shares fell by $0.94 per share, or 3.91%, to close at $23.10 on June 4, 2025. The case is Johnson v. Sable Offshore Corp., et al., No. 25-cv-6869. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 10, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against SelectQuote, Inc. (SelectQuote or the Company) (NYSE: SLQT), if they purchased the Companys 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. Get Help SelectQuote investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-slqt-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit SelectQuote 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 SelectQuotes 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 ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. Sugar Land, TX , Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reign Roofing, the #1 roofing company in Sugar Land TX, has officially expanded its presence by opening a second location in Richmond, TX. This strategic move comes as a response to the rapid economic growth in the Fort Bend area and the increasing demand for high-quality roofing services. Located in Sugar Land, Reign Roofing has built a reputation over the past five years for delivering luxury service at a fair price, completing more than 700 roof replacements across the Greater Houston area. The owner, Joel Pond, describes the companys mission as going beyond the standard roofing experience. At Reign Roofing, we dont just replace roofs. We raise the standard. Our goal is simple: to wow every customer with premium service, honest pricing, and results that speak for themselves. This customer-first approach has made the company a trusted name among homeowners seeking experts in roofing in Sugar Land, TX, and fueled its expansion into Richmond. Reign Roofing The new location will allow Reign Roofing to better serve customers in need of a reliable roofer in Richmond TX. The companys membership in both the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce reflects its active role in the community and its ongoing connection with local businesses and residents. Beyond delivering exceptional craftsmanship, Reign Roofing stands out for its philanthropic efforts. For every roof installed, the company donates 100 USD the following month to a local charity. This community gave me everything my roots, my values, my drive. Giving back through Reign Roofing isnt just business its personal. Were here to serve the same streets that helped shape who I am, added Pond. Reign Roofing offers a full range of residential roofing services, from inspections and repairs to complete roof replacements. Its team of local roofers uses premium materials and tailors solutions to fit both the style and budget of each client. Whether working with asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or specialized architectural designs, Reign Roofing delivers durability and curb appeal with every project. Homeowners in both Sugar Land and Richmond now have convenient access to trusted roofing contractors in Sugar Land TX and Richmond TX roofing professionals who prioritize both aesthetics and long-term performance. Its service areas extend throughout Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston region, ensuring property owners have a reliable Sugar Land roofer and Richmond roofer ready to address storm damage, wear and tear, or proactive upgrades. With the opening of its Richmond location, Reign Roofing is positioned to further enhance its reach and impact across the region. Residents seeking roofing solutions backed by proven experience, skilled craftsmanship, and a genuine sense of community connection can now turn to a trusted name that continues to grow alongside the neighborhoods it serves. To learn more about Reign Roofing and its services, visit its website at https://reignroof.com/. About Reign Roofing Reign Roofing is a locally owned and operated roofing company based in Sugar Land, TX, with a newly opened location in Richmond, TX. Specializing in residential roof replacements and repairs, the company ensures quality service, honest pricing, and exceptional craftsmanship in every project. ### Media Contact Reign Roofing 19901 Southwest Frwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 301-5477 https://reignroof.com/ Attachment Company announcement no. 17/2025 Market caution reflected in Q2 results Columbus experienced increased macro-economic headwinds in Q2 2025, leading to prolonged sales cycles and postponed IT project decisions. As a result, revenue decreased by 4% and EBITDA amounted to DKK 16m in Q2 2025, corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 4%, compared to 7% in Q2 2024. Despite the decline in revenue, we maintain a stable operational business with positive cashflow from operating activities, up 15% compared with Q2 2024. The outlook for 2025 has been adjusted to reflect current market conditions. While the current market conditions require us to adjust our short-term expectations, we remain confident in Columbus long-term growth potential and continue to execute our New Heights strategy with discipline and focus, says CEO & President, Sren Krogh Knudsen Q2 2025 highlights Revenue declined by 4%, amounting to DKK 410m. Adjusted for currency effect, the decline was 6%. EBITDA amounted to DKK 16m, compared to DKK 30m in Q2 2024. When adjusted for other operating income and expenses, Q2 2024 ended at DKK 22m. EBITDA margin was 4.0%, compared to 7.0% in Q2 2024. When adjusted for other operating income and expenses, Q2 2024 ended at 5.2%. Efficiency of 63% in Q2 2025, same level as Q2 2024, but below expectations. Solid cash flow achieved with DKK 18m from operating activities compared with DKK 16m in Q2 2024. YTD 2025 highlights Revenue declined by 3%, amounting to DKK 844m. Adjusted for currency effects, the revenue decline was 4%. EBITDA amounted to DKK 63m compared to DKK 65m in H1 2024, when adjusted for the M3CS legal case. EBITDA margin was 7.4% compared to 7.5% in H1 2024, when adjusted for the M3CS legal case. Efficiency of 62% in H1 2025 compared to 63% in H1 2024. Cash flow from operating activities was DKK 35m compared to DKK 39m in H1 2024. Service revenue split on Business Lines DKK 000 Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % YTD 2025 YTD 2024 % Dynamics 233,733 255,727 -9% 486,792 513,160 -5% M3 83,771 81,935 2% 168,585 175,009 -4% Digital Commerce 46,917 45,108 4% 94,159 98,485 -4% Data & AI 22,051 22,105 0% 46,001 40,812 13% Other Local Business 5,786 5,486 5% 10,744 11,735 -8% Total sale of services 392,258 410,361 -4% 806,281 839,201 -4% Total sale of products 17,629 16,538 7% 37,561 31,937 18% Total net revenue 409,887 426,899 -4% 843,842 871,138 -3% Service revenue split on Market Units DKK 000 Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % YTD 2025 YTD 2024 % Sweden 134,291 133,849 0% 265,234 281,795 -6% Denmark 94,116 106,917 -12% 196,434 215,234 -9% UK 79,314 77,461 2% 167,683 152,994 10% Norway 49,271 60,613 -19% 103,488 126,728 -18% US 26,371 20,242 30% 55,707 39,797 40% Other 8,647 10,144 -15% 17,222 20,248 -15% GDC 248 1,135 -78% 513 2,405 -79% Total sale of services 392,258 410,361 -4% 806,281 839,201 -4% Total sale of products 17,629 16,538 7% 37,561 31,937 18% Total net revenue 409,887 426,899 -4% 843,842 871,138 -3% Outlook for 2025 Following H1 2025 developments, we revised our full-year outlook on 16 July 2025 (Company release no. 11/2025) due to ongoing macroeconomic challenges affecting customer decisions: Revenue is expected to be in line with 2024, i.e. approximately DKK 1.7bn. EBITDA margin is expected to be in the range of 7-9%. Live webcast and conference call Columbus is hosting a live webcast and conference call on 21 August 2025 at 13:00 CET. The webcast is hosted by CEO & President Sren Krogh Knudsen and CFO Brian Iversen. Webcast: Please log in to the webcast via Columbus investor site where you can follow the presentation and submit your written questions during the call: https://ir.columbusglobal.com/calendar-and-events Conference call: Participants are required to register in advance of the conference using the link provided below. Upon registering, each participant will be provided with Participant Dial In Numbers, and a unique Personal PIN. In the 10 minutes prior to call start time, Participants will need to use the conference access information provided in the e-mail received at the point of registering. Participants may also use the call me feature instead of dialling the nearest dial in number. Online Registration to the call: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI7ec5476b002b4fb5aafc615c22a635c8 Live presentation on 25 August 2025 HC Andersen Capital will host a live presentation of Q2 2025 results on 25 August 2025 at 11:00 CET. Presenters from Columbus A/S will be CEO & President Sren Krogh Knudsen and CFO Brian Iversen. You can already now submit questions and sign up for the event via this link: https://www.inderes.dk/videos/columbus-presentation-of-interim-report-q2-2025 A recording of the presentation will be available via the same link. Ib Kune Sren Krogh Knudsen Chairman of the Board CEO & President For further information, please contact: CEO & President, Sren Krogh Knudsen, +45 70 20 50 00 About Columbus Columbus is a consultancy company helping organisations drive business value by defining, executing, and evolving their entire business. We deliver digital value through human intelligence, enabling our customers to innovate and grow. Our more than 1,500 digital explorers guide our customers through their digital transformation, delivering lasting value in Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution, Food & Beverage, and Life Science. We advise, implement and manage business critical solutions within Cloud Services, Data & AI, Sales, Marketing, Customer & Field Service, Digital Commerce, Managed Services, Business Process Automation & Apps, Finance & Supply Chain, Enterprise Information Management, Cybersecurity and Transformation Strategy. Headquartered in Denmark, we have offices and partners worldwide - delivering locally on a global scale. Attachment Press Release Nokia and INX-ZA future-proof internet connectivity for South Africas digital communities End users gain access to high-capacity, high-availability internet exchange services INX-ZA unlocks 400GE-ready peering infrastructure, enhancing service reach and performance Nokia's IP networking solution supports scalable, next-generation internet exchange architecture 21 August 2025 Johannesburg, South Africa Nokia has been selected by INX-ZA, the Internet Exchange Point division of the Internet Service Provider Association (ISPA), to modernize its exchange infrastructure. INX-ZA will deploy Nokias high performance IP routing portfolio to offer new 400GE and expanded 100GE services to its customers across the country. As a result, businesses and internet users can now experience faster, more resilient, and future-ready Internet connectivity in South Africa. Internet exchanges are a critical component of the digital ecosystem, enabling data to be exchanged locally and reducing dependency on expensive international bandwidth. Yet many IXPs across Africa still operate on aging platforms that lack scalability and efficiency. INX-ZAs shift to Nokias solution addresses these limitations head-on, opening the door to more energy-efficient, scalable and high-density infrastructure that can evolve alongside the regions digital ambitions. Nokia will upgrade INX-ZAs Internet Exchange Points in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, beginning with Johannesburg home to JINX, Africas oldest Internet Exchange Point, which has achieved 100% uptime since its launch in 1996. Together, Nokia and INX-ZA will expand JINX from seven to ten data centers by year-end, deploying thirty high-performance platforms in phase one to preserve its industry-leading availability while extending its reach. The deployment, powered by Nokias high-capacity 7250 Interconnect Routers and Service Router Operating System (SR OS), enables INX-ZA to offer new 400GE and expanded 100GE services for peering partners and Internet service providers (ISPs) a capability not previously available in the region. In addition, it will augment the scale and performance of INX-ZAs backbone to connect to different points of presence (POPs) with 400GE links. This initiative lays the foundation for similar transformations across the continents legacy exchange points. It is a major step towards more efficient, flexible, and high-performance network infrastructure for South African ISPs, cloud providers, and enterprises. Upgrading to Nokias 400GE-ready infrastructure isnt just about adding capacity its about reimagining how South Africa connects. With this modern, energy-efficient platform, INX-ZA can deliver faster, more reliable, and more sustainable interconnection services while maintaining the uptime and performance our community has come to expect of us. Nokias technology gives us the scale and capability to keep our exchanges at the forefront of global standards and power the countrys digital economy for the future, said Nishal Goburdhan, INX-ZAs General Manager. As people are consuming and producing more content and businesses are moving their loads to the cloud, Internet Exchanges are an essential and critical part of digital infrastructure. Working with customers like INX-ZA, which is deeply committed to technical excellence and community enablement, is aligning to our belief in delivering resilient, sustainable and scalable trusted infrastructure in South Africa. Our platforms offer the flexibility and openness needed to meet todays interconnection demands while paving the way for future innovation with SR Linux and automation, said Toni Pellegrino, Head of South and East Africa Sales Unit, Network Infrastructure, Nokia. Multimedia, technical information and related news Product Page: 7250 Interconnect Routers Product Page: Service Router Operating System (SR OS) Web Page: IP networks About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. About INX-ZA INX-ZA is the Internet Exchange Point division of the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) and operates Africas longest-running community-run Internet exchange points since 1996. With a strong focus on technical excellence, neutrality, and community development, INX-ZA plays a pivotal role in strengthening South Africas Internet infrastructure and enabling a more resilient and accessible digital ecosystem. Media inquiries Nokia Communications, Middle East & Africa Email: cordia.so@nokia.com Nokia Press Office Email: Press.Services@nokia.com Follow us on social media LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube Dublin, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Oil Well Cement Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2031F" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Oil Well Cement Market was valued at USD 1.2 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.9 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 7.80%. The Global Oil Well Cement Market is primarily driven by the ongoing expansion of oil and gas exploration and production activities, particularly in shale formations and deepwater regions. Increased drilling operations across North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific are creating consistent demand for oil well cement to ensure wellbore integrity under high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions. Additionally, stringent environmental and safety regulations are compelling operators to adopt high-performance cement blends that prevent gas migration and contamination of groundwater. Technological advancements such as self-healing cement, nanomaterial-enhanced formulas, and automated cementing solutions are further enhancing the efficiency and reliability of well cementing operations. Offshore and ultra-deepwater developments, especially in regions like Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico, are accelerating the demand for specialized cement capable of withstanding extreme subsea conditions. Moreover, the aging oilfield infrastructure in mature markets necessitates frequent remedial cementing, contributing to sustained market growth. The global transition toward natural gas as a cleaner energy source is also boosting gas well cementing, which now constitutes a substantial share of the market. Finally, shifting geopolitical dynamics are prompting new investments in untapped reserves across Africa and Asia, further stimulating the oil well cement industry. Key Market Drivers: Expansion of Unconventional Oil & Gas Exploration and Production Activities One of the most significant drivers of the global oil well cement market is the increasing exploration and production of unconventional oil and gas resources, particularly shale oil, tight gas, and coal-bed methane. Countries such as the United States, China, Canada, and Argentina are aggressively developing their shale reserves, which require intense and frequent drilling operations. Each well demands multiple stages of cementing to secure the wellbore, isolate zones, and protect against pressure blowouts and fluid migration. This directly translates to a higher consumption of oil well cement. In North America, particularly in the U.S. Permian Basin, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of horizontal wells being drilled, where cement is used not only in primary casing but also in complex multi-stage fracturing processes. Additionally, growing investments in deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling in regions like the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and West Africa require cement with high thermal resistance and compressive strength to withstand extreme subsea pressures. These offshore projects, though cost-intensive, are being revived due to recovering oil prices and energy security concerns, further stimulating cement demand. Moreover, as energy companies aim to maximize output from existing fields, techniques such as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and infill drilling are being employed. These operations frequently require secondary and tertiary cementing processes, increasing the overall cement volume used per well. With global energy demand projected to rise steadily through 2030 and a parallel increase in exploration licenses issued across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, the consumption of oil well cement is expected to grow significantly. This trend reflects the industry's continued reliance on cement as a critical material for maintaining well integrity and operational efficiency in complex geological environments. Global unconventional oil and gas production accounted for approximately 30% of total global oil production and over 40% of global natural gas production by 2024. Shale gas production reached over 600 billion cubic meters annually, led by the United States, Canada, China, and Argentina. Tight oil production exceeded 10 million barrels per day globally, with the U.S. contributing around 80 percent of this volume. Global investment in unconventional oil and gas exploration surpassed 120 billion dollars in 2023, marking a steady growth trajectory over the past five years. Over 60% of new onshore drilling rigs deployed worldwide in 2024 were used for unconventional resource extraction. Hydraulic fracturing was used in more than 80% of newly drilled wells in key unconventional basins globally. Key Market Challenges: Volatility in Crude Oil Prices and Capital Investment Uncertainty One of the most significant challenges facing the global oil well cement market is the persistent volatility in crude oil prices, which directly impacts upstream exploration and production (E&P) investments. Oil well cement demand is closely tied to drilling activity, which often slows down or is postponed when oil prices fall below profitable thresholds. For example, during the 2020 oil price crash caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a global supply glut, many oil companies suspended or delayed drilling projects. This led to a steep decline in demand for cementing services and products. Even in more stable periods, uncertainty in global oil pricing due to geopolitical tensions (such as OPEC+ production cuts, Russia-Ukraine conflict, or Middle East instability), fluctuating demand from emerging economies, and changing energy policies can deter long-term capital investment in new drilling projects. Smaller E&P companies, in particular, are vulnerable to price swings, often cutting back on drilling and associated cement purchases. Additionally, the shift toward renewables and cleaner energy sources - driven by carbon neutrality goals - is pressuring oil companies to limit fossil fuel exploration, reducing drilling activity in many regions. This adds a layer of structural risk to the cement market's growth. In such a capital-intensive sector, uncertainty about project profitability leads to underutilized capacity and inventory buildup for cement manufacturers. Thus, crude oil price instability doesn't just cause short-term disruptions; it also contributes to long-term planning difficulties for manufacturers, service providers, and stakeholders in the oil well cement supply chain. Sustained low prices can erode margins and hinder research and development in advanced cement technologies, slowing market innovation and progress. Key Market Trends: Rising Adoption of High-Performance and Specialty Cement Blends A notable trend in the global oil well cement market is the increasing demand for high-performance and specialty cement formulations, particularly for challenging drilling environments such as deepwater, ultra-deepwater, high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) wells, and unconventional reservoirs. Traditional Portland cement, while still widely used, is increasingly being replaced or modified with additives like silica fume, fly ash, latex, and nanomaterials to improve thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and compressive strength. Operators are now prioritizing well integrity and long-term reliability, especially in regions with complex geological formations or corrosive environments. In offshore and Arctic drilling, cement must perform under extreme temperatures, salinity, and pressure variations. As a result, Class G and Class H cement blends are often enhanced with retarders, fluid loss agents, and dispersants to improve placement and durability. Moreover, the use of self-healing cement technology - formulated to autonomously seal micro-annuli or cracks formed during operations - is gaining traction to reduce the risk of well failures and costly interventions. This trend is supported by a growing focus on digital cementing solutions, where advanced software and real-time analytics optimize slurry design and placement. Service providers are investing in R&D to create customized cement solutions tailored to specific well conditions, which ensures better zonal isolation and reservoir productivity. Furthermore, demand for specialty lightweight cements is rising in regions with weak or fractured formations, such as shale plays in the U.S. and China. These formulations help prevent formation damage and reduce pressure-related risks. As oil and gas companies continue to move toward more complex and deeper fields, the need for these advanced cementing materials will intensify, making specialty cements a central component of well design strategies and a key driver of product innovation in the market. Key Market Players: LafargeHolcim Ltd. CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. Heidelberg Materials AG China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Schlumberger Limited Halliburton Company Buzzi Unicem S.p.A. Drilltech Oilfield Services Ltd. Report Scope: In this report, the Global Oil Well Cement Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below: Oil Well Cement Market, By Grade: Grade A Grade G Grade H Oil Well Cement Market, By Application: Onshore Offshore Oil Well Cement Market, By Region: North America United States Canada Mexico Europe Germany France United Kingdom Italy Spain Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea Australia South America Brazil Colombia Argentina Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 188 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $1.2 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $1.9 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.8% Regions Covered Global For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cc5082 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. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Refrigerators Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Saudi Arabia Refrigerators Market was valued at USD 702.45 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 989.56 Million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 5.88%. The market is primarily driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing population, leading to higher demand for household appliances. The shift towards modern living and larger homes has resulted in a greater need for larger, more energy-efficient refrigerators. Additionally, the growing awareness of sustainability and energy conservation has led to a rise in the adoption of energy-efficient models, particularly those with advanced cooling technologies. The expansion of retail infrastructure, both online and offline, and the introduction of innovative designs and features also play a crucial role in boosting market growth. Moreover, the increasing preference for smart appliances with connectivity features aligns with the trend toward digitalization and convenience in household appliances. Key Market Drivers: Rising Consumer Demand for Sustainable Home Appliances In Saudi Arabia, the rising consumer demand for sustainable home appliances significantly impacts the refrigerators market. As awareness of environmental issues grows, more consumers are opting for energy-efficient models that reduce electricity consumption and lower carbon footprints. The Saudi government's push for sustainability, including regulations promoting energy-saving technologies, has further accelerated this trend. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing products that feature eco-friendly refrigerants, which have a lower impact on the environment compared to traditional refrigerants. There is also a growing preference for refrigerators with longer lifespans and minimal waste, aligning with broader global sustainability goals. This shift is evident in the increasing popularity of brands offering energy-efficient and environmentally responsible appliances, encouraging manufacturers to innovate and meet these changing consumer demands. As sustainability becomes a key purchasing factor, the demand for eco-conscious refrigerators continues to rise in the Saudi Arabian market. Key Market Challenges: Supply Chain Disruptions and Import Dependency The Saudi Arabia refrigerator market faces significant challenges due to its heavy reliance on imports and vulnerabilities in the supply chain. With limited domestic manufacturing capabilities, the Kingdom depends on international suppliers, particularly from China, South Korea, and Europe, for raw materials and finished products. This dependency exposes the market to global disruptions such as trade restrictions, shipping delays, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which can lead to supply shortages and increased costs. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have further highlighted these vulnerabilities, causing delays in shipments and increased transportation expenses. Moreover, geopolitical tensions and disruptions in key maritime routes, such as the Red Sea, can exacerbate these challenges. To mitigate these risks, Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing initiatives under its Vision 2030 plan to promote local manufacturing and reduce import dependency. However, progress in establishing a robust domestic production infrastructure remains gradual. Key Market Trends: Increasing Demand for Energy-Efficient Products The Saudi Arabia refrigerator market is experiencing a significant shift towards energy-efficient products, driven by both consumer demand and regulatory initiatives. With rising electricity costs and heightened environmental awareness, consumers are increasingly seeking refrigerators that offer lower energy consumption and reduced carbon footprints. Manufacturers are responding by incorporating advanced technologies such as inverter compressors, LED lighting, and improved insulation materials, which not only enhance cooling performance but also significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, many refrigerators in the Saudi market now come with eco-friendly refrigerants, such as R600a or R290, which have a lower global warming potential. This trend aligns with the Saudi government's Vision 2030 plan, emphasizing sustainability and environmental protection, further encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient appliances. Key Market Players: Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa FZE Robert Bosch Saudi Arabia Ltd Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corporation Haier Inc Hitachi, Ltd LG Electronics Inc Whirlpool Corporation Liebherr-Hausgerate GmbH Sony Corporation Report Scope: In this report, the Saudi Arabia Refrigerators Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have been detailed below: Saudi Arabia Refrigerators Market, By Type: Top Freezer Refrigerator Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Side by Side Refrigerator French Door Refrigerator Saudi Arabia Refrigerators Market, By Distribution Channel: Online Offline Saudi Arabia Refrigerators Market, By Region: Eastern Western Northern & Central Southern Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 82 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $702.45 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $989.56 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.8% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uw37nx 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. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Venture Capital Investment Trends in Pharma - Q2 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report analyzes the venture capital (VC) investment activity in Q2 2025 in the Pharma sector. The global pharma sector in Q2 2025 witnessed investments worth $4.5 billion, indicating a decrease of 34.8% compared to Q1 2025. In terms of investment volume, there was a decline of 29.7% to 123 VC investments in Q2 2025. Oncology emerged as the top therapy area with 53 deals facilitated by 115 investors. Report Scope This report provides an overview of VC investment activity globally in Q2 2025 in the Pharma sector involving biopharmaceutical drug companies. It identifies key trends, and the most notable deals announced in Q2 2025 in the Pharma sector. Reasons to Buy Companies that strategically invest in venture funding position themselves for success, while those that fail to adapt risk falling behind. This report provides an overview of global VC investment trends in the pharma sector from the past quarter, offering insights into the industry landscape and key market movements. Key Topics Covered: Pharma Venture Capital Activity in Q2 2025 Global Investment Trends in Pharma Global Quarterly Funding Activity in Pharma Global VC Investment Trends for Biotechs Notable Deals in Pharma Global Mega Investments Trends in Pharma Mega Investments Quarterly Funding Activity in Pharma Global Investment Activity in Pharma by Deal Size Global Investment Activity in Pharma by Deal Stages Deal Activity in Pharma: Top Deal Stage Type Analysis Pharma Regional Comparison - Q2 2025 Pharma Regional Investment Activity in Pharma by Value and Volume Pharma Investment Review by Top 10 Countries Top 10 Therapy Area Investment Review Top Pharma Investors by Value in Q2 2025 Company Coverage: Pathos AI Antares Therapeutics Airna Corp Atsena Therapeutics Azafaros GRIN Therapeutics Draig Therapeutics Splice Bio NewLimit GlycoEra Imbria Pharmaceuticals Syndeio Biosciences Neurona Therapeutics Merida Biosciences ReproNovo Haya Therapeutics Mosanna Therapeutics Glycomine CellCentric For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4xli1k 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. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Estonia Cards And Payments: Opportunities And Risks To 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Estonian cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including card, cash, and credit transfer during the review-period (2021-25e). The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, transaction values and volumes during the review-period and over the forecast-period (2025e-29f). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including market shares of issuers and schemes. The 'Estonia Cards and Payments: Opportunities and Risks to 2029' report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Estonian cards and payments industry, including: Current and forecast values for each market in the Estonian cards and payments industry, including debit, credit and charge cards. Detailed insights into payment instruments including cash, cards, and credit transfer. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments. Ecommerce market analysis. Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Estonian cards and payments industry. Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit and charge cards. Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards. The competitive landscape of the Estonian cards and payments industry. Key Highlights Amid the global uncertainty and major disruptions that have involved disrupting or cutting internet connections globally, Estonia and Nordic European countries are taking proactive measures. In May 2025, they began developing offline card payment systems to mitigate the impact of potential outages on online services. By January 2026, Estonia plan to implement technologies that enable payment terminals to encrypt and store transaction data offline. This would allow credit and debit card users to continue making purchases even during prolonged internet disruptions. This enables card holders to make transactions for essential goods like food, fuel, and medicine. Payment card fraud remains relatively low in Estonia, but incidents are on the rise. The central bank reported 18,000 fraud cases involving bank cards in Estonia in 2023. Additionally, four out of every 100,000 bank card transactions in Estonia were fraudulent, a significantly lower rate compared to the European average of 15 fraudulent transactions per 100,000. To combat this trend, the Estonian government is increasing public awareness about fraud prevention measures, such as understanding the functionality of authentication devices and the importance of safeguarding personal data. Contactless payments are gaining traction in Estonia. This is attributed to the rising adoption of contactless payments especially in public transportation. In August 2023, the Tallinn Transport Department and AS Ridango (a public transport IT company) introduced Apple Pay Express Mode for use across Tallinn's public transport network. This contactless payment system allows users of Apple devices to purchase tickets using NFC technology without having to activate or authenticate their device. Even if the consumer's Apple device falls to 0% battery, the Express Mode service can still be used for up to five hours afterwards. Report Scope Card market size in terms of number of cards, value and volume of transactions in Estonia along with detailed card segmentation of debit, credit and charge cards available in the country. Market sizing and analysis of major payment instruments including card, cash, and credit transfer . Payment market trends and growth for both historical and forecast period Competitor analysis with detailed insights into leading card issuers and schemes. Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards. A detailed snapshot of country's key alternative payment brands. Company Coverage: Swedbank SEB LHV Bank Luminor Bank Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary Market Overview Payment Instruments Card-Based Payments Ecommerce Payments Alternative Payments Payment Innovation Job Analysis Payment Infrastructure and Regulation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p2w3dm 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. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Turkiye Cards And Payments: Opportunities And Risks To 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Turkish cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including card, cash, credit transfer, and cheques during the review-period (2021-25e). The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, transaction values and volumes during the review-period and over the forecast-period (2025e-29f). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including market shares of issuers and schemes. The 'Turkiye Cards and Payments: Opportunities and Risks to 2029' report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Turkish cards and payments industry, including: Current and forecast values for each market in the Turkish cards and payments industry, including debit, and credit cards. Detailed insights into payment instruments including cash, card, credit transfers and cheques. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments. Ecommerce market analysis. Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Turkish cards and payments industry. Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, and credit cards. Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards. The competitive landscape of the Turkish cards and payments industry. Key Highlights The rising adoption of contactless payments in transportation is aiding its usage. For instance, in February 2025, BKM and Kentkart, a Turkish technology company specializing in smart transit solutions, partnered to enable contactless public transport payments via bank cards, credit cards, and NFC-enabled phones across 24 cities. The collaboration leverages BKM's national payment infrastructure and Kentkart's transit expertise to eliminate the use of cash and tickets. This initiative also aims to modernize Turkiye's transit systems using domestic technology such as TROY payment cards, while offering convenience to customers and reducing reliance on foreign payment solutions. Instant payment transfers via Fast Payments are gaining traction in the country. To capitalize, the central bank introduced the new FAST Request-to-Pay overlay service in February 2024. This service allows the payee to initiate a payment request to the payer, offering various benefits to the payment ecosystem. It is expected to enhance electronic order payments and facilitate corporate invoice settlements. In January 2025, the service was expanded to cater to corporate users, broadening its applications to include business-to-business transactions. This enhancement enables companies to initiate request-to-pay demands when engaging with individual users. Additionally, the service now supports 'partial payment' and 'early payment' functions across all payment types, while the 'delay payment' feature has been activated specifically for payments initiated by corporate users. Competition has intensified further in Turkiye's banking sector as the fintech firm Papara signed an agreement to acquire T-Bank (Turkland Bank), a digital-only bank, in March 2024. This strategic acquisition will enable Papara, a fintech platform offering services such as money transfers, bill payments, and prepaid cards, to venture into the traditional banking realm, thereby increasing competition among current market participants. The acquisition is subject to approvals from the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) and the Competition Board. Report Scope Card market size in terms of number of cards, value and volume of transactions in Turkiye along with detailed card segmentation of debit and credit cards available in the country. Market sizing and analysis of major payment instruments including card, cash, credit transfer, and cheques . Payment market trends and growth for both historical and forecast period Competitor analysis with detailed insights into leading card issuers and schemes. Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards. A detailed snapshot of country's key alternative payment brands. Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary Market Overview Payment Instruments Card-Based Payments Merchant Acquiring Ecommerce Payments In-Store Payments Buy Now Pay Later Mobile Payments P2P Payments Bill Payments Alternative Payments Payment Innovation Job Analysis Payment Infrastructure and Regulation Company Coverage: Ziraat Bankasi DenizBank VakifBank Halkbank Garanti BBVA Yapi Kredi Isbank Akbank QNB Finansbank BNP Paribas HSBC Garanti Bank Visa Mastercard TROY American Express For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3c945d 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. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Luxury Resale Market Research Report 2025-2030" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The luxury resale market, valued at USD 32.47 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 50.06 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 7.48%. This growth is accompanied by several industry dynamics and trends. Luxury Resale Market Trends: Consumers favor unique items over mainstream premium brands to express personal identity. They prefer limited-edition products, enhancing the demand for luxury resale. Collaborations between resale platforms and brands, like the partnership between ThredUP and Rebag, optimize customer experience and value. Advancements like AI, blockchain, and automation are being integrated into luxury resale platforms to enhance authenticity and personalization. Growth Drivers: Millennials and Gen Z are driving market growth. Their preferences for sustainability and affordable luxury have prompted platforms to innovate. E-commerce is facilitating ease of access to luxury goods, increasing the shift toward resale for its economic and environmental benefits. Industry Restraints The authenticity of products remains a challenge due to counterfeit concerns. Players like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective rely on AI and blockchain to improve authentication processes, which is crucial for maintaining trust in the luxury market. The market is crowded with numerous platforms, including heavyweights like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective, making competitive positioning challenging for new entrants. Market Segmentation Insights: By Product Type: Handbags dominate, driven by interest in sustainability and exclusivity. The luxury resale market for clothing and shoes is also expanding due to increased sustainability awareness. Handbags dominate, driven by interest in sustainability and exclusivity. The luxury resale market for clothing and shoes is also expanding due to increased sustainability awareness. By Gender: The female demographic is the primary market driver due to its demand for high-value fashion. Male consumers are significant for collectibles, with watches and leather goods attracting significant interest. The female demographic is the primary market driver due to its demand for high-value fashion. Male consumers are significant for collectibles, with watches and leather goods attracting significant interest. Distribution Channel: Online platforms lead the way due to their convenience and global reach, though offline channels are growing as well. Geographical Analysis: Europe: Leads the global market with significant vintage appreciation, driven by platforms like Vestiaire Collective. Leads the global market with significant vintage appreciation, driven by platforms like Vestiaire Collective. North America: A developed market, driven by platforms like The RealReal and Fashionphile, powered by brand partnerships. A developed market, driven by platforms like The RealReal and Fashionphile, powered by brand partnerships. APAC: Sees growth driven by social media influence and younger consumers who engage with digital platforms. Sees growth driven by social media influence and younger consumers who engage with digital platforms. Latin America and Middle East: Middle East, led by UAE and Saudi Arabia, demands smart luxury alternatives. Brazil excels in Latin America, with digital platforms bolstering the market. Market Share & Vendor Insights A fragmented landscape characterizes the market, with significant players like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective using AI for authentication. Partnering with luxury brands, players advance their authenticity credentials via technology and strategic collaboration, maintaining their market position. Key Company Profiles: eBay Farfetch Fashionphile Rebag The RealReal ThreadUp Vestiaire Collective Other Prominent Company Profiles 1stDibs, Chrono24, Collector Square, Depop, Hardly Ever Worn It, Heritage Auctions, LePrix, Luxepolis Retail Services, Mercari, Most Wanted Luxury Resale, NET-A-PORTER, Poshmark, Reloved Luxury, StockX, The Luxury Closet, Vinted, VSP Consignment, WGACA, Yoogi's Closet, Ziniosa. Impact of Tariffs: The ongoing global trade war, particularly the U.S. monetary measures against approx. 90 countries, has influenced raw material costs and import regulations, causing volatility. New tariffs on luxury imports mainly from China have led to price increases in high-end goods, creating uncertainty for resale platforms. The U.S. exhibits significant impact due to its dependency on Chinese imports, whereas Europe experiences minimal effects, and Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa maintain relatively lower tariff influences. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 154 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $32.47 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $50.06 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.4% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: 1. Scope & Coverage Market Derivation Market Definition Segment Coverage & Definition 2. Premium Insights Key Market Highlights Regional Insights 3. Market Dynamics Introduction Opportunity & Trends Market Enablers Market Restraints Market Landscape 4. Market Segmentation Product Type Gender Distribution Channel 5. Geographical Segmentation Asia-Pacific (APAC) North America Europe Latin America Middle East & Africa 6. Competitive Landscape Competitive Scenario Market Share Analysis Key Company Profiles Other Prominent Company Profiles For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ehnteq 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 Ottawa, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The worldwide oilfield chemicals market size was calculated at USD 32.07 billion in 2024 and is predicted to rise from USD 33.42 billion in 2025 to around USD 50.24 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 4.63% from 2025 to 2034. Oilfield Chemicals Market Key Highlights: In terms of revenue, the global oilfield chemicals market is expected to reach USD 34.86 billion in 2026. It is projected to exceed USD 47.94 billion by 2033. Middle East and Africa accounted for the highest market share of 39.54% in 2024. North America held the second-largest market share of 26.48% in 2024. By product, the biocides modifiers segment contributed the highest market share of 21.45% in 2024. modifiers segment contributed the highest market share of 21.45% in 2024. By application, the workover and completion modifiers segment held the major market share of 50.20% in 2024 By application, the production chemicals segment is growing at a solid CAGR of 5% from 2025 to 2034. By location, the onshore segment captured the highest market share of 70.15% in 2024. Note: This report is readily available for immediate delivery. We can review it with you in a meeting to ensure data reliability and quality for decision-making. Try Before You Buy Get the Sample Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/3075 What are Oilfield Chemicals? Oilfield chemicals are chemical compounds that are specialized in the oil/gas exploration, drilling, and production. They are critical in their functionality in the petroleum activities in terms of enhancing productivity, improving efficiency, and ensuring smooth operations through petroleum activities like drilling, well stimulation, cementing, hydraulic fracturing, and the enhancement of oil recovery. Advancements in technological processes concerned with enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and the necessity of high-performance, inexpensive chemicals also contribute to the growth. Also, the increasing shale gas production, as well as the increased use of eco-friendly and biodegradable chemicals used in oilfields, facilitates market growth. Top 5 Oilfield Chemicals Manufacturers and Suppliers Sr. No. Manufacturers Highlights 1. Nouryon Nouryon focuses on specialty oilfield chemicals with a specialty in high-performance oil, as well as water-based drilling mud formulations. The products are used to address drilling performance enhancement, optimize drilling operations, and wellbore stability under various conditions to aid in oil and gas exploration. 2. Ashland Ashland Global Holdings Inc. It is a company that deals with the supply of various oilfield chemicals in onshore and offshore operational areas. As a company with a high success rate in applied chemistry, Ashland creates suitable solutions that meet the changing demands of the industry, leading to an improvement in the overall performance of the oilfield. 3. BASF SE BASF SE provides a broad range of oilfield specialty chemicals that support the optimization of oil and gas activities. Their products assist service companies to optimize the efficiency of wells, quality of production processes, and satisfy their emerging needs in the ever-changing industry, where they are also dedicated to quality, performance, and value-added operations. 4. Dow Dow manufactures oilfield chemicals, such as chelating agents and scale inhibitors, such as VERSENE, which can be found in drilling, production, and recovery operations. These solutions enhance oil recovery, help in supporting fracturing fluids, acidizing, and scale control operations, thus making the operations more efficient and effective in numerous applications in the oilfield. 5. Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC. Chevron Phillips Chemical has a wide portfolio of oilfield chemicals. The joint venture between Chevron and Phillips 66 is an enterprise based in Texas that specializes in providing quality, cleaner energy solutions. Their worldwide manufacturing and research sites come up with goods that can facilitate effective and resource-conservative oilfield operations anywhere in the world. Latest Trends in Oilfield Chemicals Market: Sustainability & Biodegradable Formulations The push for greener operations is driving a rise in environmentally friendly solutions, such as biodegradable corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, and surfactants, designed to minimize ecological impact while maintaining performance. 2. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Demand With many oilfields maturing, EOR techniques relying on advanced surfactants, polymers, and chemical mixtures are increasingly utilized to extract more from existing reservoirs and extend their productive lives. 3. Digitalization & Smart Chemical Management Oil and gas producers are integrating digital tools such as real-time monitoring, IoT-enabled dosing systems, and data analytics platforms to optimize chemical usage, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational efficiency. 4. Deepwater & Offshore Market Expansion As exploration and production activity shifts into deeper and more challenging offshore environments, demand for high-performance chemicals (like hydrate inhibitors and corrosion-control agents) that can withstand extreme conditions continues to escalate. Get the Full Report @ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/oilfield-chemicals-market Oilfield Chemicals Market Opportunity: Emergence of Advanced Technologies: There are promising opportunities in the oilfield chemicals market due to the breakthrough in the oil field technologies, such as horizontal drilling, oil field fracturing, and the use of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods. Moreover, as more oil and gas companies are concentrated on maximizing production rates and recovery factors on the existing wells and reservoirs, the need for advanced production chemicals will keep increasing. Also, there is an increasing uptake of more environmentally friendly and biodegradable oilfield chemicals to comply with regulatory laws and sustainability targets of the industry. Oilfield Chemicals Market Challenges Stricter Regulations: The changing and tougher chemical regulations put in place by various countries are one of the main limiting factors to the oilfield chemicals market. Compliance with various national regulations involves documentation, testing, and reformation, which proves to be costly in operation and reduces product deployment. Such regulatory complexity has become a significant challenge to manufacturers and suppliers, especially within the context of the costs of finding products and cross-border trade. Scope of Oilfield Chemicals Market Report Attributes Key Statistics Market Size in 2024 USD 32.07 Billion Market Size in 2025 USD 33.42 Billion Market Size in 2031 USD 43.65 Billion Market Size by 2034 USD 50.24 Billion CAGR 2025 to 2034 4.5% Leading Region in 2024 Middle East and Africa Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025to 2034 Segments Covered Product, Application, Location and Region Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Key Players Covered SMC Global, BASF SE, Solvay, BERRYMAN CHEMICAL, Thermax Limited, Oilfield Chemicals, SVS Chemical Corporation LLP, SEATEX LLC, Kemira, Hawkins, Chemiphase, SicagenChem, SAHARA Middle East Petroleum Services, Ltd., and Others. Become a valued research partner with us https://www.precedenceresearch.com/schedule-meeting Oilfield Chemicals Market Key Regional Analysis How Middle East and Africa Dominated the Oilfield Chemicals Market? The Middle East and Africa dominated the oilfield chemicals market in 2024. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE are some of the leading oil producers in the world, and their output level always remains high, a factor that necessitates high quantities of oilfield chemicals. The chemicals are essential in maximising the efficiency of the production, ensuring well integrity, and solutions to operational issues such as corrosion, scale, and wax deposition. Investment in strategic projects and technology relationships, and the emphasis on better production rates and lengthening the lifetime of mature fields, also serve to enhance the dominance in the region. Why is North America the Fastest-Growing market in the Oilfield Chemicals Market? North America experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. Advanced hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have created a drastic increase in shale gas and tight oil production in the region, and especially in the United States. In the U.S., there is also a growth in exploration and production activities in the energy sector, as enabled by government policies and investment by several privately owned enterprises. North America's oilfield operations, due to their innovation and resource endowment, make it the fastest-growing regional market for oilfield chemicals. Oilfield Chemicals Market Segmentation Analysis: Product Analysis: Why did the Biocides Segment Dominate the Oilfield Chemicals Market? The biocides segment dominated the oilfield chemicals market in 2024, owing to the critical functions of such chemicals in preventing certain microbes in the course of drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and production processes. Increased focus on sustainable operations led to the development of eco-friendly, biodegradable formulations of biocides to comply with items requirements in the environment. Further, the development of monitoring/control technologies has made it more appropriate to identify and control microbiological problems more effectively and optimally utilize chemicals. Application Analysis: Which Application Segment Held the Largest Share of the Oilfield Chemicals Market? The workover and completion segment held the largest share in the oilfield chemicals market in 2024. Workover and completion are diverse intervention processes that entail well cleaning, perforating, stimulation, and repairs, among others, which are intended to enhance efficient production and proper functioning of wells. The idea of increasing the lifespan of the mature wells and the maximization of already existing reservoirs strengthens the dominance of this segment. The combination of these factors, together with the advancement in chemical formulations geared to complex interventions. The production chemicals segment experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period, driven by the increase in the desire to maximize the efficiency of oil and gas production. The chemicals used as part of production are also known as production chemicals; they include those used as demulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, and biocides, which are vital in ensuring that there is flow assurance, protection of infrastructure, and minimization of downtimes in the operation. The development of this sector closely relates to growing energy demand across the globe and an increase in both traditional and non-traditional production of oil and gas, especially in shale gas and tight oil plays. Global Oilfield Chemicals Market Size (USD Million) By Application, 2022 to 2024 Application 2022 2023 2024 Drilling Fluid 5,574.9 5,761.5 5,965.6 Production Chemicals 5,990.0 6,254.4 6,542.9 Cementing 3,232.2 3,342.9 3,463.9 Workover & Completion 14,856.4 15,451.2 16,100.8 Location Analysis: How the Onshore Segment Dominates the Oilfield Chemicals Market? The onshore segment dominated the oilfield chemicals market in 2024 because of the large number of new and ongoing onshore oil and gas projects in the world. Onshore activity often needs the use of chemicals like demulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and scale removers to guarantee the best oil recovery and productivity of the production. These chemicals have proven beneficial in achieving a quick separation rate in crude oil through the elimination of water, thereby making the downstream water treatment expensive and complicated. The growing world energy demand and the development of new technology in onshore drilling and extraction. Global Oilfield Chemicals Market Size (USD Million) By Location, 2022 to 2024 By Location 2022 2023 2024 Onshore 20,787.1 21,613.2 22,515.4 Offshore 8,866.4 9,196.8 9,557.8 Related Topics You May Find Useful: Specialty Oilfield Chemicals Market See how advanced formulations are enhancing drilling efficiency and sustainability Oilfield Equipment Market Track investments in rigs, drilling systems, and next-gen extraction technologies Specialty Chemicals Market Discover how tailored formulations are reshaping industrial performance and innovation Paraffin Inhibitors Market Understand how wax control solutions are ensuring flow assurance in oilfields Digital Oilfield Market Explore how IoT, AI, and data analytics are redefining oil and gas operations Detergent Chemicals Market Analyze shifting consumer preferences for eco-friendly and high-performance cleaning agents Textile Chemicals Market Gain insight into how sustainability and innovation are transforming fabric processing Pharmaceutical Chemicals Market See how drug development and biotech growth are fueling chemical demand Cosmetic Chemicals Market Track rising consumer demand for safe, natural, and functional beauty ingredients Biosurfactants Market Discover how bio-based alternatives are reshaping the future of surfactants Basic Chemicals Market Understand the backbone role of bulk chemicals in industrial and consumer sectors Pine Derived Chemicals Market Explore demand growth for natural resins, adhesives, and sustainable additives Crop Protection Chemicals Market Analyze how farmers are adopting advanced solutions to boost agricultural yields Produced Water Treatment Market See how oil and gas operators manage water sustainability and regulatory compliance Oil and Gas Infrastructure Market Track investments in pipelines, storage, and energy transport networks Aroma Chemicals Market Discover how fragrances and flavors are driving growth across food, cosmetics, and wellness Oilfield Chemicals Market Leading Companies SMC Global BASF SE Solvay BERRYMAN CHEMICAL Thermax Limited Oilfield Chemicals SVS Chemical Corporation LLP SEATEX LLC Kemira Hawkins Chemiphase SicagenChem SAHARA Middle East Petroleum Services, Ltd. Recent Developments: In July 2025 , Versalis Eni was introduced on the stock market, the chemical company that recently transferred to a group company called Versalis Oilfield Solutions S.r.l. The move unifies knowledge, scientific research, and activities related to strategic direction under a single unit, which increases the effectiveness of using time to improve performance and strength in the development and marketing of sophisticated chemical formulas to the oil drilling sector. , Versalis Eni was introduced on the stock market, the chemical company that recently transferred to a group company called Versalis Oilfield Solutions S.r.l. The move unifies knowledge, scientific research, and activities related to strategic direction under a single unit, which increases the effectiveness of using time to improve performance and strength in the development and marketing of sophisticated chemical formulas to the oil drilling sector. In March 2024 , BASF announced that it was going to increase the capacity of its Basoflux paraffin inhibitors produced at its La Canonja plant. The newly ventured investment will satisfy the growing demand for the advanced paraffin inhibitors in the oil and gas sector globally, hence it will have enhanced supply capabilities and future market growth. , BASF announced that it was going to increase the capacity of its Basoflux paraffin inhibitors produced at its La Canonja plant. The newly ventured investment will satisfy the growing demand for the advanced paraffin inhibitors in the oil and gas sector globally, hence it will have enhanced supply capabilities and future market growth. In February 2024, Kraton Corporation introduced a new range of bio-based hydrocarbon oils, SYLVASOLV, that provides high performance and environmental advantages. With an industrial focus such as agrochemicals, adhesives, and lubricants, SYLVASOLV fits in with the rising need for sustainability, but at the same time provides the solution of higher functionality to customers with a focus on sustainability in industry. Oilfield Chemicals Market Segments Covered in the Report By Product Demulsifiers Inhibitors Rheology Modifiers Friction Reducers Biocides Surfactants Foamers Others By Application Drilling Fluid Production Chemicals Cementing Workover & Completion By Location Onshore Offshore By Region North America Europe Asia-Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Thank you for reading. You can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions, such as North America, Europe, or Asia Pacific. 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We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally. Web: https://www.precedenceresearch.com Our Trusted Data Partners: Towards Healthcare | Towards Packaging | Towards Automotive | Towards Chem and Materials | Towards FnB | Towards Consumer Goods | Statifacts | Towards EV Solutions | Towards Dental | Nova One Advisor | Market Stats Insight Get Recent News: https://www.precedenceresearch.com/news For the Latest Update Follow Us: LinkedIn | Medium | Facebook | Twitter Explore More Market Intelligence from Precedence Research: Research Department Explosive Market Explore how defense modernization and mining activities are fueling demand Composites Market Track innovation in lightweight materials transforming aerospace automotive and construction Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Market See how sustainability and circular economy trends are driving rPET adoption Textile Chemicals Market Understand how eco-friendly formulations are reshaping global fabric processing Specialty Chemicals Market Discover how custom solutions are driving growth across multiple industries Industrial Coatings Market Gain insights into protective coatings shaping infrastructure and manufacturing durability Drilling Fluids Market Analyze how advanced mud systems are enhancing oil and gas drilling performance Biomaterials Market Explore how innovations in polymers and metals are revolutionizing medical applications Biodegradable Plastic Market Track rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions worldwide Powder Coating Market Discover how eco-friendly finishes are boosting growth in automotive and appliances Medical Billing Outsourcing Market See how healthcare providers are streamlining operations through outsourcing Pressure Vessels Market Understand how energy transition and industrial demand are shaping global growth Technical Insulation Market Analyze how efficiency and sustainability are driving demand across industries Electric Powertrain Market Track innovation fueling the global shift toward electric mobility Organic Electronics Market Discover how flexible and lightweight electronics are redefining consumer tech Synthetic Leather Market See how fashion and automotive industries are embracing eco-friendly alternatives Digital Health Market Explore how telemedicine AI and IoT are transforming healthcare delivery Nitrile Gloves Market Understand how healthcare safety and hygiene awareness are driving global demand Metal Fiber Market Track applications in filtration protective clothing and automotive industries Industrial Lubricants Market Analyze how manufacturing and energy sectors are shaping lubricant innovations Polypropylene Market Discover how packaging automotive and construction are fueling demand growth Mixed Reality in Healthcare Market See how AR and VR tools are revolutionizing medical training and patient care Paints and Coatings Market Track innovation in decorative and protective coatings across construction and automotive Medical Imaging Outsourcing Market Explore how outsourcing is improving diagnostic efficiency and cost-effectiveness E-Bike Drive Unit Market Understand how urban mobility and sustainability trends are boosting e-bike adoption Biomarkers Market See how precision medicine and diagnostics are driving biomarker innovations Clinical Trials Market Analyze how digitalization and global partnerships are reshaping trial operations DNA Sequencing Market Discover how genomics and precision healthcare are fueling sequencing adoption Cancer Diagnostics Market Explore how AI imaging and biomarker advances are transforming early detection VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marimaca Copper Corp. (Marimaca or the Company) (TSX: MARI) (ASX: MC2) is pleased to announce it has recently executed a binding asset purchase option agreement (the Agreement) to acquire a used sulfuric acid plant in Chile from CEMIN Holding Minero (CEMIN). Sulfuric acid is one of the key input costs for the Marimaca Oxide Deposit (MOD), and the ability to produce a significant amount of its own supply will reduce exposure to a volatile acid market. Highlights Option agreement to acquire sulfuric acid plant for US$2.5m Exclusivity period of 3-months to allow further detailed technical and engineering reviews including capital and operating cost estimates for the installation and operation of the sulfuric acid plant Plant capacity of up to 150ktpa of concentrated sulfuric acid, representing approximately 30% to 40% of total acid consumption at the Marimaca Oxide Deposit depending on phase of development Substantial opportunity to reduce volatility of key input cost (sulfuric acid) Based on market research and quotations received by Marimaca the estimated equipment cost of a new sulfuric acid plant of similar capacity is approximately US$35-40m, with total installation cost of US$50-US$60m Relocation to Mejillones and start-up costs of used plant expected to be materially lower than cost of new equipment Indicative operating costs show potential for approximately 30% reduction in acid cost relative to current long-term forecast and normal historical spot and contract acid prices delivered to Mejillones Simplifies acid storage strategy due to relative ease of storing physical elemental sulfur when compared to concentrated sulfuric acid The Company has completed initial engagement with industrial operators in Mejillones with respect to installation of sulfuric acid plant Significant mitigation of key financial risk for the Company The MOD Definitive Feasibility Study, now largely complete and undergoing final review before publication, will not capture potential value upside from this acid strategy a clear opportunity for optimization Hayden Locke, President & CEO of Marimaca Copper, commented: The MOD is forecast to be a mid-level acid consumer in the context of Chilean heap leach operations, and we continue to recognize acid cost as one of our most important drivers of profitability. We have numerous operational levers we can utilize to reduce acid consumption, if necessary, however, lowering the volatility associated with one of our key consumables was a logical step for the Company. Based on current projections from Comision Chilena del Cobre (Cochilco), which provides industry forecasts for long term acid supply and demand in the Chilean market, the expectation is for acid prices to normalize at around US$95/tonne1 in Mejillones from 2028 onwards. Our analysis indicates, based on todays elemental sulfur price (CFR Mejillones), a Company-owned acid plant could produce sulfuric acid for approximately US$70/tonne2, excluding by-product credits from heat generation. This represents an approximate 30% reduction from the current long-term acid price forecasts from Cochilco. This discount is even more significant if you consider current spot prices, which are artificially elevated by H 2 SO 4 seaborn freight rates and strong demand from the global fertilizer industry. In addition, while the elemental sulfur and global sulfuric acid markets exhibit reasonably strong price correlation3, the underlying volatility of the final acid cost via a sulfur burner is reduced. This is due to stoichiometric relationship of reacting one tonne of elemental sulfur to produce approximately three tonnes of concentrated (98%) sulfuric acid. _______________________ 1 Comision Chilena del Cobre (Cochilco), Mercado Chileno del Acido Sulfurico al Ano 2032 2 Company analysis, P&P, www.researchgate.net/publication/288170720_Costs_of_sulfuric_acid_production 3 ICIS Transaction Overview Marimaca will complete the transaction via a structured asset purchase agreement from CEMINs subsidiary Administradora Industrial y Minera Pada SpA: Upfront payment of US$1.0m paid concurrent with execution of the Agreement Second payment of US$1.5m following a three-month exclusive further due diligence period Commitment to mobilize plant equipment to a Marimaca-designated site before June 30th 2026 The plant operated until 2015, producing up to 150ktpa of sulfuric acid from elemental sulfur. The plant has been on care and maintenance since 2015. Marimaca has completed an initial technical due diligence, including a site visit and review of independent engineering reports completed by Holtec International. Overview of Sulfuric Acid Production and Indicative Production Costs Production of sulfuric acid via burning of elemental sulfur is an exothermic reaction, meaning it creates significant heat as a by-product which can be used to offset production costs in some circumstances. By-product credits for steam generation have not been considered by the Company in its initial analysis, but has the potential to further reduce costs. The industrial process is very well understood and involves heating elemental sulfur to its molten state before injecting it into a reaction chamber with oxygen to create sulfur dioxide gas. Sulfur dioxide is then passed over a catalyst to create sulfur trioxide gas. Hydrogen is then absorbed with oxygen, prior to a final dilution with water to achieve the desired acid concentration. Source: Horiba Figure 1. Sulfuric Acid Production Flowsheet Marimaca has engaged with several manufacturers of sulfur burners to obtain indicative capital and operating cost profiles for the production of sulfuric acid. The key input cost for the production process is the elemental sulfur cost assumed, which represents between 70% and 90% of total cost of acid production. Sources: Company Analysis, IMARC Group, P&P, SeaRates Figure 2. Illustrative Cost of Production for Owner-Operated Sulfuric Acid Plant Current Forecast Supply Demand for Chilean Sulfuric Acid Market The Company has completed a review of the market for sulfuric acid in Chile using external consultants, including reviewing supply/demand forecasts in Chile and commencing strategy development around sourcing and storage of sulfuric acid for the project. Mejillones is a key center for the import of sulfuric acid to Chile and is also a significant production hub from local smelters and a dedicated sulfur burner. A significant proportion of acid imported to Chile comes from the Chinese market, which is currently impacted by historically elevated shipping costs due to repurposing of fleet previously used for sulfuric acid transport. It is reported that a new fleet is under construction, which is expected to impact the shipping rates favourably from 2026 onwards. The Comision Chilena del Cobre (Cochilco) provides long term supply, demand and price forecasts for the Chilean acid market out to 2033, which was completed in September 2023 and updated in September 2024. From 2028, Cochilco forecasts a material reduction in the local acid supply deficit to Chile caused by declining consumption in combination with a projected increase in the base level of supply in the region. Cochilco expects this to have a material positive impact on the acid price in the Chilean market. Source: Comision Chilena del Cobre (Cochilco), Mercado Chileno del Acido Sulfurico al ano 2032 Figure 3. COCHILCO National Sulfuric Acid Market Balance Historical and Projected Marimaca is expected to enter production during 2028, with full production from 2029 onwards, which coincides with the improvement in market dynamics for acid. Cochilcos long-term price forecast, based on its detailed market analysis, for the Chilean market out to 2033 is US$95/tonne. Historical Relationship of Global Traded Sulfuric Acid Prices to Elemental Sulfur Prices Elemental sulfur is the most relevant cost to produce sulfuric acid. Given the yield of sulfuric acid per tonne of elemental sulfur burned (approximately 2.5-3 to 1), overall exposure to price volatility is reduced when purchasing elemental sulfur rather than market-based sulfuric acid. Elemental sulfur and sulfuric acid are price correlated, with, on average, elemental sulfur trading at approximately 1.103x sulfuric acid over a 7-year period. Source: Port of Mejillones Import Statistics Figure 4. Elemental Sulfur vs. Sulfuric Acid, CIF Mejillones About Marimaca Marimaca is a copper exploration and development company focused on its 100%-owned flagship Marimaca Copper Project and surrounding exploration properties located in Antofagasta Region, Chile. The Marimaca Copper Project hosts the Marimaca Oxide Deposit (the MOD), an IOCG-type copper deposit. The Company is currently progressing the Marimaca Copper Project through the Definitive Feasibility Study led by Ausenco Chile Ltda. In parallel, the Company is exploring its extensive land package in the Antofagasta region, including the >15,000ha wholly-owned Sierra de Medina property block, located 25km from the MOD. This release was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company. Contact Information For further information, please visit www.marimaca.com or contact: Tavistock +44 (0) 207 920 3150 Emily Moss / Ruairi Millar marimaca@tavistock.co.uk Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding Marimacas future exposure to sulfuric acid and its strategy to source sulfuric acid for the Marimaca Oxide Deposit. 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 on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Marimaca, 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: risks related to the receipt of required regulatory approvals, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, uncertainties relating to regulatory procedure and timing for permitting reviews, the availability of and costs of financing needed in the future as well as those factors disclosed in the annual information form of the Company dated March 27, 2025 and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. None of the TSX, ASX or the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d47c6b97-8e6d-4e5e-921c-0285d9f311e4 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8472d691-6f6d-45ce-bb28-ec371833727e https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f49ed228-9664-48f4-8ce8-1f2882e4eff4 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/14d0e5c6-5dd3-4cc9-9281-4caf8ca09d1b Dublin, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) Market - A Global Market Overview" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) market is poised for significant growth as organizations across sectors embrace digital transformation. With its valuation projected at US$98 billion in 2024, the market is anticipated to surge to US$354.2 billion by 2030, marking a robust CAGR of 23.9%. IaaS appeals to various business sizes due to its scalable, on-demand infrastructure model, providing economic efficiency and rapid service deployment. Key drivers include the shift toward hybrid work environments and the rise of data-centric applications like AI/ML and IoT. Industries such as BFSI, healthcare, and retail are utilizing IaaS to modernize systems and improve operational continuity. The hybrid cloud model, which balances performance and cost, is becoming predominant, with public cloud services booming, especially among SMEs in pursuit of affordability. Regionally, North America leads with a 36.8% market share in 2024, thanks to its mature IT systems and cloud-first strategies. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is forecasted to experience the fastest growth, driven by digitalization, supportive cloud policies, and rising SME demand. As cloud-native applications become industry standards, IaaS will remain crucial to developing flexible and resilient IT ecosystems. Regional Market Insights North America dominates the IaaS market, supported by advanced data center networks and leading cloud providers like AWS and Azure. The BFSI, healthcare, and IT sectors there are heavily investing in scalable cloud solutions. Conversely, Asia-Pacific is set for the fastest growth at a CAGR of 28.7% from 2024 to 2030, fueled by digital transformation initiatives in countries like China and India. IaaS Market by Component Type Compute components, accounting for 40.9% in 2024, lead the market due to their crucial role in supporting data-heavy applications. Meanwhile, demand for cloud storage is skyrocketing, with a projected CAGR of 28% from 2024-2030, driven by increasing data from IoT and digital transformation efforts. Disaster recovery needs are also amplifying demand for robust cloud storage solutions. Deployment Trends In 2024, hybrid cloud deployment leads with a 48.6% share. Its ability to integrate private and public clouds allows organizations to optimize workloads based on specific requirements. Public cloud is poised to grow fastest with a 26.8% CAGR through 2030, offering unmatched scalability and cost efficiency for varying business needs. Company and Industry Analysis Large enterprises dominate the IaaS market, leveraging significant financial resources to integrate private and hybrid cloud solutions. However, SMEs are expected to grow faster due to the cost-efficiency of pay-as-you-go models, enabling access to enterprise-level infrastructure. In industry sectors, BFSI remains the largest user, while healthcare will see the fastest growth, spurred by telemedicine and the need for compliant, scalable infrastructures. Market Report Scope This comprehensive report covers the IaaS market from 2021-2030 across components, deployments, company types, and industries. It profiles over 25 companies, offering insights into key developments shaping this dynamic market. Geographic Regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa Key Components: Compute, Storage, Network Compute, Storage, Network Deployment Models: Hybrid Cloud, Public Cloud, Private Cloud Hybrid Cloud, Public Cloud, Private Cloud Company Types: Large Enterprises, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Large Enterprises, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Industries: BFSI, IT & Telecom, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, Government, and others Companies Featured 11 11 Systems Inc. Accenture Akamai Technologies Inc. Alibaba Group Holding Limited Alphabet Inc. Amazon Web Services, Inc. AT&T Inc. Cisco Systems Inc. Datacom Group Ltd. Dell Technologies Inc. DigitalOcean Holdings Inc. DXC Technology Fujitsu Ltd. Google Inc. HCL Technologies Ltd. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. International Business Machines Corp. Linode (Akamai) Microsoft Corp. Mindtree Pvt. Ltd. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. Oracle Corp. OVHCloud Profitbricks Inc. Rackspace Technology Inc. Red Hat, Inc. Redcentric plc Tencent Cloud VMware Inc. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 486 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $98 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $354.2 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 23.9% Regions Covered Global For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/a9t30m 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 CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gas-Fired Products, a Charlotte-based manufacturing firm, has acquired Denlar Fire Protection, an established manufacturer of pre-engineered fire suppression kitchen hoods. The acquisition of Denlar Fire Protection adds a fourth brand to those offered by Gas-Fired Products, a company founded in 1949. Based in Chester, Connecticut, Denlar is one of the first companies in its industry to manufacture a fully integrated pre-engineered fire suppression hood range system. Denlar markets its hoods to a number of market segments, including student housing, senior living residences, churches, EMS and police facilities. Denlar Fire Protection is a tremendous addition to Gas-Fired Products and one in keeping with our commitment to delivering high quality products that are safe, reliable, and efficient, said Gas-Fired Products President, Frank Horne. We are excited about the opportunities to expand upon the success of Denlar while levering the engineering and management expertise of our team at Gas-Fired Products. Gas-Fired Products offerings in addition to Denlar include two brands of commercial, industrial, and residential heaters, Space-Ray and SunStar, as well as the BulkTobac line of tobacco curing equipment and accessories that date back to the companys founding. The companys heaters are marketed throughout the United States and abroad in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. A fourth-generation family-owned company, Gas-Fired Products designs, engineers, and manufactures its products at its 156,000 square foot Charlotte plant and headquarters completed in 2022 as part of its plans for growth and expansion. Horne added that the company is actively looking for companies similar to Denlar to acquire, ones with a record of creating high quality, reliable products while listening to customers and partners. About Gas-Fired Products, Inc. Gas-Fired Products, Inc., established in 1949 and proudly headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a fourth-generation, family-owned manufacturing company. The company operates four distinct brands: Space-Ray and SunStar, known for their high-performance industrial, residential, and agricultural heating solutions; BulkTobac, a trusted name in tobacco curing equipment; and Denlar Fire Protection, a leading provider of fire suppression range hood systems. All heating products and tobacco curing equipment are thoughtfully designed, engineered, and manufactured at the companys Charlotte facilities. These solutions are distributed across the United States and internationally, with a strong presence in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) ("Company" or "Kraig Labs"), a world leader in spider silk technology*, announces that its second production rearing center in Southeast Asia is now fully operational. With two active production facilities, Kraig Labs has established parallel operations designed to ensure continuous rearing cycles of its specialized recombinant spider silk silkworms. This dual-site capacity increases resilience and scalability, providing greater material output consistency, as Kraig Labs advances its commercialization strategy. Teams are now active at both rearing centers, working with the Company's established parental lines for BAM-1 production hybrids, as well as three additional parental lines introduced earlier this summer. These new genetic lines represent a significant expansion of the Companys breeding program and are expected to further enhance production efficiencies. These facilities are designed to create efficient redundancy to avoid bottlenecks the Company experienced in the past. This is a major leap forward in terms of creating sustained production. "Becoming fully operational at our second rearing center is a milestone that strengthens the foundation of our spider silk production platform," said Kim Thompson, founder and CEO of Kraig Labs. "Having parallel operations allows us to maintain continuous rearing cycles, diversify our breeding program, and accelerate the development of next-generation hybrids. This expanded capacity is essential as we push forward in scaling production and bringing our recombinant spider silk to market." The opening of this second rearing facility reflects the Companys ongoing commitment to building a robust, reliable, and scalable spider silk production system in Southeast Asia, positioning Kraig Labs to meet growing demand from diverse markets and industries. For the latest updates on Kraig Labs and its pioneering spider silk technologies, visit www.kraiglabs.com. For details about other recent Kraig Labs advancements, please watch the Company's investor conference at www.kraiglabs.com/videos or on the Company's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@kraigbiocraftlaboratories2270. To view the most recent news from Kraig Labs and/or to sign up for Company alerts, please go to www.KraigLabs.com/news * For a description of our historical leadership in this technology, please follow this link https://www.kraiglabs.com/world-leader/ About Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. ( www.KraigLabs.com ), a reporting biotechnology company is the leading developer of genetically engineered spider silk-based fiber technologies. The Company has achieved a series of scientific breakthroughs in the area of spider silk technology with implications for the global textile industry. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information Statements in this press release about the Company's future and expectations other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These statements are made on the basis of management's current views and assumptions. As a result, there can be no assurance that management's expectations will necessarily come to pass. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as "believes," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "estimated," "hopes," "if," "develops," "researching," "research," "pilot," "potential," "could" or other words or phrases of similar import. Forward looking statements include descriptions of the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions and goals. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. ISTANBUL, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AJet, Turkiyes fast-growing airline, continues its rapid international expansion with a sharpened brand, a digital-first customer experience, and an expanded network spanning 34 countries and 99 destinations across Europe, Turkiye, and beyond. Building on 15 years of operational know-how and a seamless rebrand executed at scale, AJet is strengthening its presence across Europe while connecting the continent with Asia through competitive fares and reliable operations. More than a new name AJet emerged from its brand transformation with more than a new name. It refreshed its purpose and simplified the travel experience for millions of guests. Operating under the Turkish Airlines umbrella, the carrier leverages a robust operational backbone while bringing a nimble, value-driven proposition to price-sensitive travelers and families across the region. As part of the transition, data for millions of ticketed customers was migrated and an approximately 100-aircraft fleet was alignedwithout disrupting day-to-day service. Since its relaunch in 2024, the Turkish carrier has flown 33 million passengers, while rapidly expanding its network to 99 destinations in 34 countries. AJet has added new European gateways and deepened coverage across Turkiye, underscoring a strategy focused on reach and reliability. This momentum has been recognized by the industry: The airline received the APEX Four-Star Low-Cost Carrier (2024) distinction for passenger experience and was honored with the TCXA25 Accessibility Award (2025) for advancing inclusive, end-to-end digital usability. Connects Europe and Asia Positioned at the crossroads of continents, AJet offers a growing schedule that links European capitals and regional cities to Turkiyes major hubs and popular leisure destinations. To encourage more travelers to discover its network, AJet is introducing promotional fares starting from 9 on flight cities such as Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam and London originating in Europe for bookings made 2022 August 2025. Seats are limited and terms and conditions apply, underscoring AJets commitment to attainable travel while showcasing the airlines expanded European footprint. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/930875af-340d-4dcd-9101-8dc25d2aed39 SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new survey of U.S. knowledge workers from Funmentum Labs has flipped the script on what makes a meeting great: its not preparation, not productivity, and not even purpose. Its energy and more than half of employees say shared laughter and spontaneous creativity are the fastest way to get it back. When asked to rank the top qualities of an excellent meeting, employees prioritized energy, placing energizing above even productivity, purpose, and engagement. The data reveals a workplace in a full-on energy recession, and meetings are ground zero. Key findings reveal: Only one in three employees say their meetings are excellent Less than half (47%) say work meetings make them feel energized 37% feel joyless and drained, blaming too many meetings that go nowhere Just 39 percent of employees find their meetings memorable and government, healthcare, and manufacturing workers rated theirs the worst 53% say shared laughter gives them the most energy at work 52% say spontaneous creativity or humor is the fastest way to re-energize teams Funware was built for every team stuck in meetings that drain more than they deliver, said Mark Halvorson, co-founder and CEO of Funmentum Labs. Energy is the new KPI, and Funware brings it back to meetings so people leave feeling better than when they walked in. Introducing Funware: Meetings People Actually Want to Attend To address the problem, Funmentum Labs today launched Funware, an AI-powered facilitation platform designed to bring energy and momentum back to the workplace. Funware acts like a built-in meeting facilitator and activity designer for Zoom. With one click, it transforms any meeting, from a brainstorm to a daily check-in, into a structured, engaging session with clear outcomes and zero prep. Key features include: AI concierge matches your specific meeting goal with the perfect team activity to play together instantly matches your specific meeting goal with the perfect team activity to play together instantly One-click meeting activities keep participants engaged and aligned keep participants engaged and aligned AI personalization tailors each session to team goals tailors each session to team goals Automatic recaps deliver highlights and next steps instantly deliver highlights and next steps instantly AI guests spark ideas and break the ice spark ideas and break the ice Emoji head nods make virtual collaboration feel more human Funware comes with 25+ proven team activities and is the first platform to offer custom activity design for unique team challenges. You just schedule the meeting and Funware runs it. Funware helped my corporate clients reframe team meetings as something to look forward to not another drain on the calendar. It's rare to hear laughter and focus at the same time, but Funware's AI unlocks this dynamic for any team, said Jeremy Utley, Stanford d.school Professor and AI Expert. The Energy Crisis Behind the Culture Crisis The survey highlights a major disconnect between leaders and non-leaders when it comes to meetings. While 43% of directors and above say their meetings are excellent, only 24% of individual contributors agree. Teams are overloaded with tools yet running low on energy, often relying on a few natural energy coworkers to carry the room, especially in industries like finance, insurance and real estate a model thats not sustainable. Why It Matters Now Return-to-office mandates have not fixed culture. Project management tools have not restored trust. AI has automated tasks but has not improved the human experience of work. Funware offers a new approach. It makes meetings something people want to attend and ensures real work gets done. Most tools promise productivity. Funware enables better chemistry, said Kenny White, co-founder of Funmentum Labs. Funware is designed to break the Groundhog Day cycle and restore the energy that drives real outcomes. According to the survey, when asked to describe the soundtrack of their workday, employees top response was: Groundhog Day same scene, same song, every. single. day. Try it or learn more at https://funware.ai About the Survey The Workplace Energy Audit was commissioned by Funmentum Labs to measure energy, engagement, and connection in the workplace. The 2025 audit surveyed 655 U.S. knowledge workers at companies with 20 or more employees and was fielded from July 18 to 24, 2025 by market research firm Researchscape. About Funmentum Labs Funmentum Labs was founded by a team of comedians turned collaboration designers. After years of facilitating creative sessions for Fortune 500 companies, they realized what most meeting tools were missing: momentum, humanity, and a little bit of joy. Today, Funmentum blends the science of play, the structure of facilitation, and the power of AI to help teams move faster by working better together. Its flagship product, Funware, turns meetings into energizing, outcome-driven experiencesproving that fun is not a distraction, it is the strategy. Visit: https://funware.ai Media Contact: Juliet Travis Liftoff Communications juliet@liftoffcommunications.com FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global agricultural and food technology markets, today announced that Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions, the leading provider of remote water monitoring solutions for ranchers, has won the IoT Monitoring Solution of the Year Award in the 5th annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program. Ranchbot's monitoring solutions provide remote control and alert systems across water tanks, pumps, pipes and any other on-farm/ranch infrastructure. The solutions utilize the latest IOT and Satellite solutions combined with proprietary edge computing algorithms, to deliver near real-time monitoring, activation and control. Beyond tracking data, Ranchbots solutions are designed to offer real-time, event driven insights for informed decision-making, optimizing resource management, and enhancing productivity. Water level monitors help to understand water trends and livestock consumption rates with visibility of water anywhere, anytime. The monitor works remotely using global leaders in satellite connectivity and sends alerts to cell phones via text and email. The Ranchbot Rain Gauge is an add-on to the Water Level Monitor, reporting all rainfall into the MyRanchbot platform. It has a self-emptying tipping bucket that automates rainfall data and streamlines record-keeping. Daily, weekly and monthly rainfall can be analyzed across pastures and time periods and exported to CSV or other formats. Ranchbots Trough Monitor is a solution for livestock water management. In addition, Pump Control allows users to check and control pumps, extending pump lifespan, reducing wear and tear on vehicles, and saving time. Users can remotely start and stop pumps and automate them based on tank levels. Real-time alerts are sent when pumps stop and start or if there is an error. It is compatible with a wide-range of pumps on the market diesel, solar and mains-powered. Users can also manage water consumption, usage and detect leaks with the Ranchbot Water Flow Sensor, which reports gallons per minute flow rates, provides aggregate flow data, and alerts for high/low flow rate and volume. Were proud to accept IoT Monitoring Solution of the Year from AgTech Breakthrough. By enabling direct satellite connectivity, our monitors can provide near real-time water level monitoring and consumption level data, ensuring optimal productivity and increased efficiency on sustainable grounds, making farming more resilient to environmental stresses, said Andrew Coppin, Ranchbot CEO. Well continue to deliver agricultural solutions that address water security issues, enhance livestock health and productivity, and reduce manual labor so that farming can be both sustainable and efficient, even in the harshest conditions. The AgTech sector is rapidly redefining how food is produced, managed and distributed transforming one of the worlds most essential industries. From AI-driven crop analytics and precision farming platforms to sustainable agriculture solutions and autonomous equipment, AgTech is delivering greater efficiency, transparency and environmental responsibility. The mission of the annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program is to shine a spotlight on the breakthrough innovators who are not only keeping pace with this dynamic industry but actively driving it forward. By conducting one of the AgTech industrys most rigorous evaluations of technology companies, reviewing thousands of award nominations each year, AgTech Breakthrough aims to inspire continued innovation and help propel the global agriculture sector into a smarter, more sustainable future. Ranchbot's unique monitoring solutions are revolutionizing ranching and farming operations. Todays agricultural landscape faces incredible challenges, especially when it comes to water shortages and labor scarcity. Manual monitoring, particularly in remote areas, is time-consuming but is critical to make sure that livestock always have access to water, said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director, AgTech Breakthrough. Ranchbot is a lifeline for farmers and ranchers who are grappling with these challenges. The technology is saving time, money and creating peace of mind for ranchers managing their most precious resources - livestock and water. By automating water monitoring, Ranchbot improves livestock health and the ranchs overall productivity, providing both practical and economic value. Ranchbot monitoring solutions are being used by over 12,000 Ranchers and Farmers across the USA and Australia. About Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions Based in Fort Worth, Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions is the leading provider of remote water monitoring solutions for ranchers. Ranchbots portfolio of satellite monitors and sensors provide near real-time data and actionable alerts on essential water systems including tanks, troughs, pumps, lines, rain gauges and more through 24/7 access to the MyRanchbot app. Our platform enables remote decision-making to safeguard natural capital, reduce costs and labor, and provide the peace of mind that comes when you #KnowYourWater. Learn more at www.ranch-bot.com . About AgTech Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough , a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the AgTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in agricultural & food technologies, services, companies and products around the world. The AgTech Breakthrough Awards program provides a forum for public recognition around the achievements of AgTech companies and solutions in categories including farm management, indoor farming, IoT and robotics, FoodTech, analytics and more. For more information visit AgTechBreakthrough.com . Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Media Contact: Bryan Vaughn AgTech Breakthrough Bryan@AgTechBreakthrough.com 949.529.4120 NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in J.M. Smucker, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit. Why Is J.M. Smucker being Investigated? J.M. Smucker manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products. In November 2023, the company completed an acquisition of Hostess Brands, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of sweet baked goods brands. The company stated that the Hostess acquisition was highly complementary and that underlying trends in snacking and specifically sweet snacking still bode well for the category. In truth, it appears the companys Sweet Baked Snacks segment, which includes Hostess, significantly deteriorated in the face of declining trends in sweet snacking. The Stock Declines as the Truth Is Revealed On June 10, 2025, J.M. Smucker reported its Q4 2025 financial results and announced that it recognized a $867 million impairment charge related to the goodwill of its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and a $113 million impairment charge related to the Hostess brand trademark driven by the continued underperformance of the Sweet Baked Snacks segment. On this news, the price of J.M. Smucker stock fell $17.44 per share, or more than 18%, from $111.85 per share on June 9, 2025, to $94.41 per share on June 10, 2025. Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit. What Can You Do? If you invested in J.M. Smucker you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212.789.3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named Elite Trial Lawyers by the National Law Journal, among the top 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers by Lawdragon, Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com. https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. FAIRFIELD, Conn., Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Save the date! C-level executives from the Sunshine State who want to find out how technology helps them reimagine their enterprise and reshape their businesses are encouraged to attend HMG Strategys 5th Annual Florida C-Level Technology Leadership Summit on September 4. Its important for Floridian top-tier CIOs and business technology executives to share information that will help their companies and the industry as a whole, said Hunter Muller, Founder and CEO of HMG Strategy. HMG Strategy is happy to provide a platform for these high-caliber leaders to pass on what theyve learned. Key topics to be explored at the 5th Annual Florida C-Level Technology Leadership Summit will include: Delivering CEO Value: Three Steps to a Human-Focused AI Strategy Navigating the Innovation and Invention Supercycle Securing the Future Against Geopolitical Cyber Risks Using AI and Cutting-Edge Technologies and Partnerships to Boost Business Performance Reskilling and Upskilling the Tech Workforce for the GenAI-enabled Enterprise Making Security a Competitive Advantage Visionary Leaders Harnessing Tomorrow's Technology Most notably, Jeff Wysocki, Global CIO, The Mosaic Company and Tony Ambrozie, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Technology Officer, CVS Health will host executive tech talks. Other preliminary speakers at the 5th Annual Florida C-Level Technology Leadership Summit are slated to include: Mike Anselmo, CIO, FIMC Lee Bailey, Senior Director, Information Security, Unilever Prestige Todd Bayley, CIO, Pasco County Government Karen Beebe, Senior Vice President & CTO, Bealls Inc. Bert Bertagna, Assistant CIO, Pasco County Government Seth Dobrin, Founder and CEO, Qantm AI Charles Harris, Vice President of Technology, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Shawn Harrs, CIO, Red Lobster Scott Hennon, CISO and Head of Security Services, Cetera Financial Group Namita Jindal, CIO, CentralSquare Technologies Dilip Krishna, Managing Director | Global CTO Sustainability & Climate, Deloitte Tom Madonna, Vice President of Industry Advisory, SAP Tano Maenza, CIO, Chromalloy Louis Muniz, Senior Vice President, Cyber Risk, Kroll Marina O'Rourke, Senior Engagement Manager, FranConnect Nandish Patel, Director of Software Engineering and Senior Software Engineer, Informatix Pro LLC Joyce Rancani, Executive Director, Cybersecurity, CVS Health Margarita Rivera, Global CISO, Carnival Corp. Marcus Session, Vice President, IT Services, Tampa Allen Starr, CIO, Goodwill Bill Weeks, Executive Vice President, CIO & CISO, TCM Bank Jennifer Wesson-Greenman, CIO, MedQuest Associates Joshua Whittley, President, FLEXEC Advisory (Speaker list subject to change.) In addition, HMG Strategy will present several Florida-area technology executives with its HMG Strategys 2025-2026 Global Leadership Institute Awards. The award recognizes the industrys premier business technology executives who are making a difference in their organizations and their respective vertical markets. The event will be held at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando, 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, Florida, 34747. Valued Partners so far for the 5th Annual Florida C-Level Technology Leadership Summit include: Platinum Partners: Rimini Street, SAP Gold Partners: Auxis, Moveworks, Tanium Innovation Accelerator Partners: Cyera, GTM Capital Strategic Partners: Egon Zehnder, Heidrick & Struggles, Korn Ferry, Russell Reynolds Associates, Spencer Stuart Registration for the 5th Annual Florida C-Level Technology Leadership Summit is still open. In addition to this Technology Leadership Summit, HMG Strategy has opened registration for 13 other regional Summits in major cities across the United States and Canada for 2025. Cant make it yourself? Tell a colleague! Come find out where legends are made. About HMG Strategy HMG Strategy is the world's leading digital platform for technology executives to reimagine the enterprise and reshape the business world. The HMG Strategy global network consists of more than 500,000 CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, CDOs, senior business technology executives, search industry executives, venture capitalists, industry experts and world-class thought leaders. The companys global media model generates more than one million impressions per week, providing vast opportunities for business technology leaders and sponsor partners to promote themselves and their brands. HMG Strategy was founded in 2008 by Hunter Muller, a leadership expert who has worked side-by-side with Fortune 2000 executives with strategic planning and career ascent for the past 30+ years. The companys regional CIO and CISO Executive Leadership Series, publications, and Digital Resource Center deliver unique, peer-driven guidance from CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, CDOs and other technology executives on leadership, innovation, transformation and career ascent. HMG Strategy offers a range of peer-led advisory services such as its Global CIO & CISO Executive Leadership Alliance (CELA) service, which bring together the worlds top CIOs, CISOs and technology executives to brainstorm on the top opportunities and challenges facing them in their roles. In addition, its Global Advisory Services are a unique set of peer-driven research services designed to keep business technology executives up to speed on the latest leadership, business, technology and global macro-economic trends that affect businesses and industries. The companys business model is based on its 7 Pillars of Trust. HMG Strategy: Iconic Leadership - Where Legends Are Made Contact: Peggy Pedwano, Chief Operations Officer, HMG Strategy: 203-221-2702 or at peggyp@hmgstrategy.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bdce189f-7b63-49f2-a4f3-e0f291056c47 Dublin, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market - Components, Functional Offerings, Applications and Industry Sectors" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) market is undergoing a transformative shift, fueled by rapid enterprise adoption, the proliferation of generative AI, and the convergence of cloud-native infrastructure with advanced machine learning capabilities. Valued at approximately US$15.5 billion in 2024, the market is projected to surpass US$294 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 34.2%. This extraordinary expansion reflects rising demand for scalable, on-demand AI solutions that reduce time to value, lower implementation barriers, and empower organizations of all sizes to embed intelligence into operations, products, and customer experiences. AIaaS is evolving beyond isolated APIs toward integrated platforms offering end-to-end capabilities, from data prep and model training to deployment, monitoring, and governance. One of the most disruptive forces shaping the market is generative AI, which is fundamentally redefining what AI-as-a-Service delivers. From marketing content generation and automated design to software development copilots and multimodal synthesis, generative AI is expanding AIaaS use cases across virtually every industry. Enterprises are increasingly embedding foundation models into workflows via APIs, accelerating adoption even among non-technical teams. This surge is accompanied by growing investment in vertical AI stacks tailored for regulated sectors such as healthcare and financial services, where explainability, compliance, and contextual accuracy are critical. Additionally, low-code/no-code AI platforms are democratizing access, empowering business users to deploy models without extensive coding expertise. Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Regional Market Analysis North America remains the largest regional market, contributing an estimated 44.2% of global AIaaS spending in 2024. This dominance is underpinned by early adoption of AI infrastructure, leadership in cloud services, and a strong presence of hyperscalers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and IBM. North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.7% between 2024 and 2034, driven by sustained enterprise demand for explainable AI, generative AI integration, and hybrid-cloud strategies. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, projected to register a CAGR of 43.1% over the outlook period. This exceptional pace is fueled by accelerating digitization across China, India, and Southeast Asia, government-led AI initiatives, and a booming ecosystem of regional cloud providers. High AIaaS adoption in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and public services, along with strong demand for low-code/no-code and vertical AI stacks, is reshaping the competitive dynamics in the region. Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market Analysis by Component In 2024, Machine Learning Frameworks dominated the AIaaS market by component, contributing approximately 30% of total global revenue. Their prominence reflects their foundational role in enabling scalable model training, orchestration, and deployment across a variety of enterprise AI applications. These frameworks remain central to platform offerings from major cloud vendors and are heavily used in data science, finance, healthcare, and product development functions. However, a major shift is underway. By 2027, Chatbots & AI Agents are projected to overtake Machine Learning Frameworks to become the largest component segment, driven by rapid enterprise adoption of LLM-powered virtual assistants, AI copilots, and autonomous agents across marketing, customer service, HR, and internal productivity. The shift reflects the mainstreaming of conversational AI and the growing prioritization of user-facing, interactive AI capabilities within enterprise tech stacks. On the other side, the fastest growth is occurring in No-code/Low-code tools, which are democratizing AI access for non-technical users. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 41.8%, as enterprises increasingly prioritize usability, speed to deployment, and integration flexibility across business units. Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market Analysis by Functional Offering MLaaS (Machine Learning as a Service) is the largest functional segment, contributing roughly 48.8% of the global AIaaS market in 2024. MLaaS solutions - including model training, tuning, and monitoring - are widely adopted across finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, supported by mature platforms like AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, and Google Vertex AI. The segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 29%, reaching US$96.2 billion by 2034, driven by enterprise-scale deployments and increasing reliance on real-time inference and autoML pipelines. Generative AIaaS is the fastest-growing functional offering, poised to post a CAGR of 43.8%. Fueled by APIs and services based on large foundation models (e.g., OpenAI, Gemini, Claude), this segment is transforming use cases in content creation, design, customer engagement, coding assistance, and knowledge automation. Enterprises are rapidly embedding generative AI into core workflows, while demand for customizable, explainable, and verticalized solutions is accelerating global adoption. Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market Analysis by Application In 2024, Marketing & Sales held the largest share of the global AIaaS market by application, accounting for 20.9% of total revenue. Its lead reflects strong enterprise investment in AI-driven personalization, campaign optimization, lead scoring, and generative content creation. Close behind was IT/Product Development, with US$3 billion, driven by increasing use of AI in software delivery pipelines, infrastructure monitoring, and code generation. Looking ahead, IT/Product Development is expected to become the fastest-growing application area, registering a CAGR of 41.7% and reaching US$98 billion by 2034. This growth is powered by the widespread adoption of AI copilots, model lifecycle management tools, and integration of AI into DevOps workflows. Human Resources (HR) ranks as the second-fastest growing segment, expanding at a CAGR of 39.8%. Adoption is accelerating as enterprises deploy AI for recruitment, engagement analytics, workforce planning, and employee support, often through low-code interfaces and verticalized HR tech solutions. Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market Analysis by Industry Sector BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) was the largest industry vertical in the global AIaaS market, contributing approximately 17.6% of total global revenue in 2024. This leadership stems from early AIaaS adoption in fraud detection, credit scoring, algorithmic trading, and regulatory compliance, with growing emphasis on explainability, auditability, and hybrid-cloud deployment in regulated environments. However, Healthcare is the fastest-growing sector, expanding at a CAGR of 41.1% over the outlook period. The surge is driven by demand for AI-powered diagnostics, clinical decision support, patient engagement tools, and privacy-preserving data analytics, alongside rising regulatory momentum for AI use in clinical workflows. Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market Report Scope This global report on Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) market analyzes the global and regional market based on Component, Functional Offering, Application, and Industry Sector for the period 2024-2034 in terms of value in US$. In addition to providing profiles of major companies operating in this space, the latest corporate and industrial developments have been covered to offer a clear panorama of how and where the market is progressing. Key Metrics Base Year: 2024 Forecast Period: 2024-2034 Units: Value market in US$ Companies Mentioned: 25+ Alibaba Cloud Altair Anyscale AWS BigML Cloudera Cohere Glean Google H20.ai HPE IBM Inflection Al Levity Al Microsoft Mistral Al NVIDIA OpenAl Oracle Salesforce SAP SAS Institute Scale Al ServiceNow Synthesia Yellow.ai Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market by Geographic Region North America (The United States, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Russia, Switzerland and Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, Singapore, South Korea and Rest of Asia-Pacific) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Rest of South America) Middle East & Africa (the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar and Rest of Middle East & Africa) Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market by Component Machine Learning Frameworks Chatbots & AI Agents APIs No-code/Low-code Tools Data Labeling & Pre-processing Tools Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market by Functional Offering MLaaS (Machine Learning) NLPaaS Computer Vision & Predictive Analytics/DSaaS Generative AIaaS Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market by Application Marketing & Sales IT/Product Development Customer Service Operations & Supply Chain Finance Human Resources (HR) Other Applications Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) Market by Industry Sector Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) IT & Telecom Retail Healthcare Manufacturing Public Sector Energy & Utilities Other End-Uses For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n0k666 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. DENVER, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ONEflight International, the fastest-growing leader in private aviation, proudly announces its global expansion with the launch of its Global BAJ (Book A Jet) product and an exclusive Global Jet Club membership. While international private aviation travel has grown just 0.3% year over year, ONEflight continues to redefine industry benchmarkscelebrating an impressive 60% year-over-year growth through its innovative marketplace membership model. The new Global BAJ platform introduces the first truly international private jet membership program designed for global travelers. This next-generation technology connects members seamlessly to a worldwide network of aircraft, delivering unmatched access, value, and convenience across continents. Members can now book private flights to and from virtually any major city in the world in a matter of minutes. Our expansion into international markets represents more than just growthits about transforming the way people experience private aviation on a global scale, said Ferren Rajput, CEO of ONEflight International. By leveraging our advanced BAJ technology and unmatched service network, were creating a marketplace that provides members the freedom, flexibility, and value theyve always wanted in international travel. Exclusive Global Jet Club Offer To celebrate this milestone, ONEflight is launching an exclusive membership program tailored to international travelers. With a $250,000 initial deposit, members gain unlimited access to the Global BAJ platform with no additional international fees whatsoever. In addition, every new Global Jet Club member will receive two one-way flights from the U.S. to Europe for only $40,000 per lega significant value unmatched in the market. Unparalleled Benefits for Members Global Reach Access to thousands of vetted aircraft across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Access to thousands of vetted aircraft across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Transparent Pricing Real-time availability with clear, upfront pricing on every booking. Real-time availability with clear, upfront pricing on every booking. Streamlined Technology ONEflights award-winning BAJ platform allows for bookings in under a minute. ONEflights award-winning BAJ platform allows for bookings in under a minute. Seamless Service Dedicated member support ensures every trip is executed flawlessly from booking to landing. Dedicated member support ensures every trip is executed flawlessly from booking to landing. Two Transatlantic One-Way Flights at just $40,000 per leg at just $40,000 per leg Zero International Fees seamless flying across borders with no added surcharges seamless flying across borders with no added surcharges Preferred Pricing on worldwide routes spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas on worldwide routes spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas Tailored Concierge Services ensuring flawless travel experiences anywhere in the world Redefining the Private Aviation Market Industry data shows that despite modest international growth in private aviation, ONEflight has consistently outpaced competitors by offering a transparent, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution for private flyers. The companys unique marketplace approach eliminates many of the inefficiencies and hidden costs traditionally associated with private jet travel. Looking Ahead With its global expansion now underway, ONEflight International plans to continue investing in both technology and infrastructure, ensuring members receive world-class service no matter where their travels take them. The Global BAJ product represents a major step forward in making private aviation not only more accessible but also more efficient for the next generation of international travelers. For more information about the Global BAJ product or to become a Global Jet Club member, visit www.ONEflight.net. For media inquiries, please contact: Dave Rajyagor VP of Strategic Initiatives ONEflight International Email: DaveRajyagor@oneflight.net Phone: (800) 990-5387 Website: www.oneflight.net NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Centene Corporation (Centene or the Company)(NYSE: CNC). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. The class action concerns whether Centene and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. You have until September 8, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Centene securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On July 1, 2025, Centene announced that it is withdrawing its previous 2025 GAAP and adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) guidance, including the underlying guidance elements. Explaining its decision, Centene said that market growth in 22 states out of the 29 in its marketplace is not meeting expectations, and that the overall health risks in these states are much higher than what Centene had anticipated for its risk adjustment revenue calculations. On this news, Centenes stock price fell $22.87 per share, or 40.37%, to close at $33.78 per share on July 2, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgTech Breakthrough , a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global agricultural and food technology markets today announced that AgriERP from Folio3 , a leading software implementation and development company in the agriculture industry, has been selected as ERP Software of the Year in the 5th annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program. AgriERP is an all-in-one ERP solution for agricultural enterprises, compatible with Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle Netsuite, or SAP ERP, for managing the entire agribusiness operations. Designed by agricultural professionals with deep industry roots, AgriERP integrates various business processes like finance, supply chain, HR, crop management, inventory management, and sales to provide a centralized cockpit for managing your entire business. It provides real-time data analysis and planning for better resource management and improved visibility across operations. AgriERPs robust Farm Operations Management capabilities enable precise job planning, scheduling, and labor management. The comprehensive Farm Financial Management module provides visibility into budgets, procurement, accounts, and overall financial health for data-driven economic decisions. The specialized Crop Management module, connected with the robust Material resource planning module in Dynamics 365 ERP, enables farmers to plan their seasons ahead of time. You can track, and manage inputs like pesticides and fertilizers, helping to maximize yields sustainably. In addition, real-time Farm Inventory Management prevents waste and ensures necessary supplies are always on hand. Moreover, the integrated Sales and Contracting features simplify complex agricultural sales processes, while also optimizing post-harvest handling and logistics. AgriERP offers high customization to fit specific farm operations, crop and livestock management needs, and it integrates seamlessly with agricultural IoT devices, drones, and remote sensing technologies for real-time data consolidation & insights. The solution delivers advanced agricultural analytics for predictive farming, crop yield forecasting, and soil health with custom reports and dashboards inbuilt with Microsoft PowerBI. Digitized compliance management helps with maintaining global agricultural standards, including organic, non-GMO, and sustainability certifications. In 2025, AgriERP has been making waves within the industry with their launch of AgriERP Companion App, an intelligent AI assistant. It enables farmers to manage daily tasks, monitor progress, retrieve essential farm data and so much more, all in a straightforward, chat-like interface. Not just that, you can ask AgriERP Companion to perform various actions such as generating reports, building dashboards, and creating work orders through natural language prompting. With over two decades of experience serving the agriculture sector, we understand the unique challenges and requirements of farmers, agribusinesses, and food producers. Our comprehensive ERP suite for farm management has been designed to bring clarity, control, and profitability to every aspect of the farm, said Adnan Lawai, CEO of Folio3 Software. Thank you so much to AgTech Breakthrough for this incredible recognition. In an agricultural landscape which is increasingly reliant on data, well continue to enhance this solution to help streamline agricultural operations, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making. The AgTech sector is rapidly redefining how food is produced, managed and distributed transforming one of the worlds most essential industries. From AI-driven crop analytics and precision farming platforms to sustainable agriculture solutions and autonomous equipment, AgTech is delivering greater efficiency, transparency and environmental responsibility. The mission of the annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program is to shine a spotlight on the breakthrough innovators who are not only keeping pace with this dynamic industry but actively driving it forward. By conducting one of the AgTech industrys most rigorous evaluations of technology companies, reviewing thousands of award nominations each year, AgTech Breakthrough aims to inspire continued innovation and help propel the global agriculture sector into a smarter, more sustainable future. AgriERP is a transformative enterprise resource planning solution for the unique demands of modern farming and agribusiness that face unique challenges from critical functions often siloed in other systems. Obtaining actionable insights through accurate data analytics usually relies on manual processes that increase errors and lead to reduced productivity and increased operational costs, said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director, AgTech Breakthrough. AgriERP is both powerful in scope and intuitive in design. Addressing the pain points of the agriculture industry with tailored, integrated modules makes it an indispensable tool for driving efficiency and growth. Its innovative approach, comprehensive functionality, and tangible impact make it our choice for ERP Software of the Year! About AgTech Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough , a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the AgTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in agricultural & food technologies, services, companies and products around the world. The AgTech Breakthrough Awards program provides a forum for public recognition around the achievements of AgTech companies and solutions in categories including farm management, indoor farming, IoT and robotics, FoodTech, analytics and more. For more information visit AgTechBreakthrough.com . Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose About AgriERP By Folio3 Software Folio3 is a well-known software development company, based out of San Mateo, California. Folio3 is a Microsoft Solutions Partner and a value added reseller, delivering exceptional solutions for the past 20 years. AgriERP by Folio3, is a specialized solution developed by Folio3 Microsoft Division in collaboration with UnCommon Farms Group to provide a robust, secure, and scalable solution for the agricultural industry. Renowned for innovative solutions, Folio3 has successfully collaborated with industry giants like ADM, Grant4D Farms, Rombola Family Farms, Weaver Popcorn Hybrids, and many more from the agricultural sector. Media Contact: Bryan Vaughn AgTech Breakthrough Bryan@AgTechBreakthrough.com 949.529.4120 TORONTO, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is condemning Education Minister Paul Calandras suggestion to eliminate elected school boards, calling it a deliberate act of misdirection designed to shift attention away from the Ford governments devastating record on education. This isnt about fixing schools its about deflecting blame, said Laura Walton, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour. Minister Calandra knows parents, students, and workers are outraged over overcrowded classrooms, violence in schools, staff shortages, and crumbling infrastructure. Instead of admitting responsibility, he is dangling the elimination of school boards to stir up controversy and distract Ontarians from his governments failures. The OFL warns that dismantling school boards would silence local voices, undermine community accountability, and hand even more unchecked power to a government already seizing control of Ontarios largest boards. This is distraction, plain and simple, Walton continued. The Ford government is trying to convince Ontarians that trustees are the problem, when the real crisis was created by their own cuts and chronic underfunding. Our communities deserve real solutions smaller classes, more supports for students, and safe schools not another cynical power grab. The OFL calls on Ontarians to see through this ploy and to demand that the provincial government invest in public education instead of dismantling the democratic structures that protect it. Media Contact: Jenny Sellathurai Director of Communications Ontario Federation of Labour jsellathurai@ofl.ca | 647-222-1296 cj/COPE343 Ottawa, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market size surpassed USD 6.26 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 7.26 billion in 2025 to around USD 26.66 billion by 2034. The global market is expected to expand at a strong CAGR of 15.59% from 2025 to 2034. The viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market is driven by the surging demand for gene therapies, vaccines, and cell-based treatments. Note: This report is readily available for immediate delivery. We can review it with you in a meeting to ensure data reliability and quality for decision-making. Try Before You Buy Get the Sample Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/1012 Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market Overview What is the Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market? The viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market is a fast-growing niche in the biopharmaceutical sector as driven by the rapidly growing demand for advanced genetic therapies, vaccines, and novel drug delivery systems. In transduction, an efficient delivery of genetic material into host cells with the use of viral vectors is usually done using viral vectors like adenoviruses, including lentivirus and herpes simplex virus. Improvements in molecular biology, increased investments in gene therapy, and the explosion in clinical trials related to genetic medicines are seen as the key growth drivers in this market. Key Takeaways: Viral Vectors & Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market In terms of revenue, the global viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market is predicted to touch USD 8.42 billion in 2026. North America accounted for the largest market share of 49% in 2024. By vector type, the AAV segment contributed the highest market share of 21% in 2024. By workflow, the downstream processing segment held the major market share of 54% in 2024. segment held the major market share of 54% in 2024. By application, the vaccinology segment captured the largest market share of 22.5% in 2024. By disease, the cancer segment dominated the market with the biggest market share of 38% in 2024. By end use, the research institutes segment generated the highest market share of 58.4% in 2024. Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Key Trends: Growth in Gene & Cell Therapy Pipeline Increasing approvals of gene therapies for rare diseases and cancers. High demand for AAV, lentivirus, and plasmid DNA as therapeutic delivery tools. Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Adoption of single-use bioreactors and modular manufacturing systems. Shift to serum-free and chemically defined media. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) for process optimization and higher yields. Use of digital twins and real-time monitoring for smarter production. Outsourcing and CDMO Expansion Surge in outsourcing to contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). Significant investment in new manufacturing capacity by major players CDMOs becoming critical for scalability and speed to market. Geographic Market Expansion Rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific region due to supportive regulation and infrastructure. Get the Full Report @ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/viral-vectors-and-plasmid-dna-manufacturing-market Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market Opportunity Advancements in Gene Therapies: The use of viral vectors is becoming a key therapy in the delivery of genetic programs directly to the target cells, so therapies can reach the causes of genetic disorders, cancers, and rare diseases. As gene therapies gain more acceptance by regulatory agencies and other healthcare systems, there has been a current surge in demand for high-quality viral vectors and plasmid DNA. There are also scalable, efficient, and cost-effective production opportunities developing with the ongoing integration of automation and bioreactor technologies and advanced analytics. Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market Challenge: Regulatory compliance remains the biggest challenge in the viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market. To ensure patient safety, quality, and enforce strict standards, regulatory agencies, like the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), EMA (European Medicines Agency), and others, scrutinize the manufacturing processes and pre-clinical and clinical trial processes to lineup with their criteria. In addition, the scalability of viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing, which ensures consistency and conformance to regulatory requirements, is a technological challenge. Case Study: Scalable Manufacturing of AAV Vectors for Rare Disease Therapy In 2024, a leading U.S.-based biotech company partnered with a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) to accelerate the clinical production of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for a rare genetic disorder. By integrating single-use bioreactors, serum-free media, and automated downstream processing, the CDMO was able to reduce production time by 40% while ensuring regulatory compliance under FDA standards. This collaboration not only enabled faster progression to Phase II clinical trials but also highlighted the crucial role of outsourced manufacturing capacity in meeting the rising demand for gene and cell therapies. The case demonstrates how CDMOs are becoming pivotal in bridging innovation and large-scale commercialization in the viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market. Scope of Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market Report Attributes Key Statistics Market Size in 2024 USD 6.26 billion Market Size in 2025 USD 7.26 billion Market Size in 2031 USD 17.63 billion Market Size by 2034 USD 26.66 billion Growth Rate 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 15.59% Leading Region in 2024 North America Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025 to 2034 Segments Covered Vector Type, Application, Workflow, End-User, Disease, and Regions Regional Scope Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Become a valued research partner with us https://www.precedenceresearch.com/schedule-meeting Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market Key Regional Analysis: What is the Market Size of the U.S. Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market? According to Precedence Research, the U.S. viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market size reached USD 2.45 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise from USD 2.84 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 10.45 billion by 2034 with a CAGR of 15.61% from 2025 to 2034. The Complete Study is Immediately Accessible | Download the Sample Pages of this Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/1012 How North America Dominated the Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market? North America dominated the viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024, due to its infrastructure that makes the sophisticated healthcare movable, a healthy biotechnology ecosystem, and clinical research leadership. The existence of a strong regulatory environment where proper guidance is given by the FDA lends comfort to manufacturers and expedites the clinical trial process to facilitate faster commercialization. This is also due to the increased use of innovative manufacturing technologies, including automation and advanced bioreactors, which guarantee production scalability and efficiency. Why is Asia-Pacific the Fastest-Growing in the Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA manufacturing Market? Asia-Pacific experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. Emerging markets like China, India, Japan, and South Korea have been spending a lot in the field of biotechnology, developing dedicated research centers, and also building on their clinical trial system. This has given a prosperous opportunity to biotechnology startups as well as large pharmaceutical firms to explore their facilities in the production of viral vectors and plasmid DNA. Increasing cases of cancer and genetic disorders, as well as chronic diseases in the area, further contribute to demand for more sophisticated therapies, driving the need to have a manufacturing capacity. Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market Segmentation Analysis Vector Type Analysis The adenovirus segment dominated the viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024. The AAV vectors are non-pathogenic with low immunogenicity that can infect both dividing cells and non-dividing cells, thus making them a priori for producing therapy against genetic diseases. The clinical success and commercialization potential of AAV are evidenced in several FDA- and EMA-approved treatments, such as Luxturna to treat inherited retinal dystrophy and Zolgensma to treat spinal muscular atrophy. Further, the scalable production process and a robust regulatory environment have consolidated the control of AAV. The lentivirus segment is the fastest-growing in the market during the forecast period. Lentiviruses integrate into the host genome, guaranteeing long-term and stable expression of the gene, which is essential to the treatment of chronic and inherited diseases. Notably, lentiviruses have a higher gene capacity than AAV, thus being more appropriate to deliver complex genes. Increased clinical testing, a broader scope of therapeutics, and the increasing alliance of therapeutic biotechnology firms and CDMOs are driving the uptake of scalable, lentiviral manufacturing. Application Analysis The vaccinology segment held the largest share in the viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024. The pandemic also amplified investments into vaccine technology across the globe, and the benefits of using viral vectors and plasmid DNA compared to traditional platforms. Such modern technologies allowed accelerating the development process, high safety rates, and large-scale production, which led to the record speed of the availability of vaccines on the market. With pandemic preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases remaining of top concern to governments, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. The cell therapy segment experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. Viral vectors are important in cell therapy gene delivery, as accurate genetic alterations prevent the patient-derived cells from fighting the diseases. The field of gene-editing technologies like CRISPR is improving the therapeutic potential of viral vector-based cell therapies, expanding their areas of use. The cell therapy segment will grow faster than any other, with strong pipelines in oncology, rare genetic disease, and regenerative medicine. Workflow Analysis The upstream processing segment dominated the viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024. As more gene therapies are approved for the market and there is an increasing need for scalable production platforms, upstream processing has taken central stage in creating a sustainable supply to downstream workflows. Its capability to provide stable raw material production is of key importance towards sustaining growing pipelines in advanced therapies, and stabilized quality and high volumes in production in industries. The downstream processing segment is the fastest-growing in the market during the forecast period, mainly on the basis of ensuring safety, purity, and efficacy of the finished therapeutic product. The activities of this step include purification, concentration, and formulation that make the product pure and compliant with specific regulatory requirements, including FDA and EMA. Technologies like chromatography, tangential flow filtration, and automation in purification are speeding up this growth by solving problems of scalability and cost. End-User Analysis The research institutes segment held the largest share in the viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024, owing to its fundamental functions in feed-forward research and development of advanced therapies. The core of innovation is in research institutes, which are involved in basic studies that research the properties of viral vectors and plasmid DNA, their safety, and performance. They have broad preclinical research, which paves the way to breakthroughs in gene therapy, vaccinology, and rare diseases. The biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies segment is expected to experience the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period, due to their aggressive investment plans and commercialization possibilities. Pharma and biotech companies are benefiting significantly from large funding and, highly developed manufacturing infrastructure. Such a combination of capital commitment, level of research and development, as well as focus on commercialization, makes them the fastest-growing end-user group in the market. Disease Analysis The genetic disorders segment dominated the viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024, mainly owing to the rising incidences of hereditary diseases like muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and other monogenic diseases. Demand has soared with the improved understanding of genetics, the successes of molecular biology, and increased approvals of gene therapies in rare and inherited diseases, and the development of new processes. Moreover, helpful government programs, patient lobbying, and industry investments have ensured fast innovation, with genetic disorders occupying the leadership position in the market. The cancer segment is the fastest-growing in the market during the forecast period, due to the rising usage of emerging therapies like CAR-T and oncolytic viral therapies. Delivery in the form of viral vectors and plasmid DNA is also important in allowing the targeted gene delivery to target immune cells or even attack tumors directly. The rise in global cancer rates and the urgent need for personalized and precision drug development are making pharmaceutical and biotech companies increase the production of vectors used as carriers in the oncology field. Related Topics You May Find Useful: Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market : Explore how advanced therapies are shaping demand for high-quality plasmid DNA U.S. Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market : Analyze domestic capacity growth and biotech investment trends Viral Vectors-Based Gene Therapy for Non-Human Primates Market : Track breakthroughs in preclinical models and translational research Viral Vectors for Non-Human Primates Market : Understand how research is advancing in rare diseases and oncology applications Adeno-Associated Virus Vector Manufacturing Market : Discover why AAV vectors dominate gene therapy pipelines Cell and Gene Therapy CDMO Market : See how outsourcing is accelerating therapy development and scalability Viral Vectors-Based Gene Therapy for Non-Human Primates Market : Explore the role of CDMOs in advancing viral vector platforms Top Players in the Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market Novasep Aldevron MerckWaismanBiomanufacturing Creative Biogene The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Cobra Biologics uniQure N.V. Addgene FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation Oxford Biomedicaplc Takara Bio Inc. Latest Announcements by Industry Leaders A significant year for ongoing breakthroughs in cell and gene therapy (CGT) is 2024. A new era of solid tumor treatment with cell therapy has begun with the introduction of Amtagvi, a Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, on a global scale. Approving PM359, the first lead editing treatment in history, for clinical trials marks yet another advancement in gene editing technology. The development pipeline for CAR-T therapies will be significantly expanded with the upcoming clinical trials of INT2104, the first in vivo modified CAR-T therapy. In July 2024, The A-T Childrens Project is excited to host an international conference in November to address gene therapy for ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). This conference will bring together clinicians, academic scientists, and industry leaders in the biotech and pharmaceutical fields who are pioneering DNA replacement and editing approaches. Recent Developments: In August 2025, Probio launched its flagship U.S. plasmid DNA and viral vector GMP manufacturing facility. The site is constructed to support the end-to-end services to the gene and cell therapy developers with a size of 96,000 square feet. This plant served to boost the international operation Probio has as a CDMO and also offered greater scalability and faster production capability. In May 2025, CDMO 3PBIOVIAN executives indicate the company has since rolled out the AAVion platform, which is a complete integrated adeno-associated virus manufacturing platform aimed at speeding up the development of gene therapies. They further state that this model, the platform is built upon a proprietary HEK293 cell line, which integrates AAV manufacturing steps. In February 2023, BioNTech SE also reported that it had done the installation of the first plasmid DNA manufacturing facility in Germany. This has made the firm produce pDNA in-house to use clinically and commercially. Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market Segments Covered in the Report By Vector Type Adenovirus Plasmid DNA Lentivirus Retrovirus AAV Others By Application Gene Therapy Antisense &RNAi Cell Therapy Vaccinology By Workflow Upstream Processing Vector Recovery/Harvesting Vector Amplification & Expansion Downstream Processing Fill-finish Purification By End-User Biopharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Companies Research Institutes By Disease Genetic Disorders Cancer Infectious Diseases Others By Regions North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany France Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea Rest of the World Thank you for reading. You can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions, such as North America, Europe, or Asia Pacific. 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We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally. Web: https://www.precedenceresearch.com Our Trusted Data Partners: Towards Healthcare | Towards Packaging | Towards Automotive | Towards Chem and Materials | Towards FnB | Towards Consumer Goods | Statifacts | Towards EV Solutions | Towards Dental | Nova One Advisor | Market Stats Insight Get Recent News: https://www.precedenceresearch.com/news For the Latest Update Follow Us: LinkedIn | Medium | Facebook | Twitter Explore More Market Intelligence from Precedence Research: ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lyno AI is launching a presale, introducing a token with real-world usage (RWU) in the evolving crypto market. 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The urgency of the investors to buy the tokens now in order to sell at a higher price in the near future is being encouraged. Lyno AI is well-placed to take advantage of a rising demand in safer, functional DeFi solutions. To conclude, Lyno AI is taking the frontline to be a real utility token in an uncontrolled market. Its Early Bird presale has a strong entry-point complemented with security audits and an attention-catching giveaway. The investors are advised to rush and snap Lyno AI tokens before their expected upsurge. 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/d8e39f9e-2aec-43b4-9343-4ad4c229ef79 AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- B2B marketers are under constant pressure to accomplish more with fewer resources. Many turn to third-party data aggregators, which can result in bloated databases, wasted spend, and campaigns stalled by dirty data. Vereigen Media, a leader in B2B demand generation, is addressing this challenge with a 100% human-verified lead validation process, designed to put an end to inaccurate data and deliver what marketers truly need: genuine engagement from real people. In todays compliance-driven world, shortcuts with data are no longer an option. Our human-first validation process ensures every lead is not only accurate but also consented and compliant, protecting both marketing budgets and brand reputation. - Anuj Pakhare, Founder & CEO of Vereigen Media. Why Bad Data Is Holding Marketers Back A Gartner report found that inaccurate data costs organizations about 10.6 million per year. Outdated information puts pressure on marketing leaders and makes it harder to achieve desired results. Relying on third-party shortcuts often creates more problems than it solve: Wasted budgets due to inaccurate or duplicate records. due to inaccurate or duplicate records. Compliance risks arise from non-consented data. arise from non-consented data. Sales friction is caused by poor lead quality. is caused by poor lead quality. Missed opportunities when genuine buyers are overlooked. Vereigen Medias human-verified validation process eliminates these issues by ensuring that each lead is verified, engaged, and compliant before reaching a client workflow. The Vereigen Media Difference Vereigen Media sets itself apart by rejecting outsourcing and data aggregators entirely. They rely on first-party data, human expertise, and compliance driven practices, to deliver personalized services for growth-focused B2B organizations. Verified Content Engagement : With this approach, prospects must engage with the content before any leads are validated. Vereigen Medias content syndication process ensures that every lead reflects genuine interest, resulting in higher conversion potential. : With this approach, prospects must engage with the content before any leads are validated. Vereigen Medias process ensures that every lead reflects genuine interest, resulting in higher conversion potential. VM Engage (Programmatic Ads) : Intelligent, first-party fueled ad delivery connects with the right buyers at the right time. This boosts ROI and speeds up the decision-making process. : Intelligent, first-party fueled ad delivery connects with the right buyers at the right time. This boosts ROI and speeds up the decision-making process. Event Registrations : The service guarantees a 100% increase in event registrants, each manually verified by our in-house team of 200 data experts. These registrants align with your ideal customer profiles, boosting event ROI and driving more meaningful post-event conversations. : The service guarantees a 100% increase in event registrants, each manually verified by our in-house team of 200 data experts. These registrants align with your ideal customer profiles, boosting event ROI and driving more meaningful post-event conversations. Demand Generation Programs: Built to attract, engage, and validate only real prospects using multi-channel strategies. Vereigen Media streamlines digital engagement workflows with over 200 in-house data experts. This guarantees accuracy, compliance, and relevance in every B2B demand generation campaign. Proof in B2B Campaign Performance Vereigen Media has successfully delivered impressive results for global B2B brands across various industries- ServiceNow achieved a 90% conversion rate for MQL through VMs ABM-driven syndication programs. achieved a for MQL through VMs ABM-driven syndication programs. AnyDesk experienced its biggest Q4 revenue boost . Verified leads helped to drive meaningful engagement in new geo locations. experienced its . Verified leads helped to drive meaningful engagement in new geo locations. A leading cybersecurity company hit an over 8% engagement rate on early follow-ups. They also managed to keep the lead replacement rate below 2%. Theyre not just a vendor, theyre an ally who consistently goes above and beyond to help us achieve our goals. Miluse Vejdani, Head of Demand Generation at AnyDesk Compliance and Privacy First Privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA are reshaping marketing. Vereigen Media focuses on first-party data, fully consented to ensure compliance throughout every demand generation campaign. Each engagement is verified for accuracy, intent, and legal soundness, helping clients avoid costly risks while providing trustworthy, actionable data. Ready to start generating leads without guessing? Connect with Vereigen Media today! https://vereigenmedia.com/get-extra-value-add-b2b-leads/ About Vereigen Media Vereigen Media is a U.S. based global demand generation company. It focuses on delivering real engagement from real people. With over 107 million verified first-party contacts and a strict no-outsourcing policy, they help businesses in Technology, SaaS, Media, Services, and other industry sectors. They are focused on generating qualified opportunities, increasing conversion rates, and driving measurable growth on a global scale. At Vereigen Media, we stand for transparency, compliance, and human trust. They use verified content engagement, programmatic ad delivery, and human validation. This way, they ensure that every lead is a real opportunity, not just a name in a database. Leads. Done Right. Contact: Manraj Singh - Marketing Manager Vereigen Media LLC Email: marketing@vereigenmedia.com Phone: +1 512-240-2212 (US) A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0a34fb8-727b-49b5-a890-a4a2c21b0766 ALEXANDRIA, Ind., Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Concerned Citizens of Alexandria reports a rapidly escalating public-health emergency: two infants from Alexandria are hospitalized with confirmed E. coli; residents describe months of debilitating illness; and raw sewage has repeatedly flooded homes. Despite weeks of warnings, Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith has remained silent since July 7, and local officials have offered only a single refrain the water is safe to drink. Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith brands himself a man of faith but his track record tells a different story. Hes a Christian nationalist who plowed extremist rhetoric into the public square: defending the Three-Fifths Compromise as a great move that helped end slavery. (IndyStar, Apr. 2025) He attacks diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, calling Democrats possessed by a Jezebel spirit, (Indiana Democratic Party) He also threatened to fire state employees for including pronouns in email signatures. (Indiana Democratic Party Oct 2024) Now, with Alexandrias children lying in hospital beds and families drowning in sewage, he remains silent. How does faith and silence go hand in hand when an entire county is begging for help? This is not the kind of faith Jesus demands. Scripture makes it clear in Isaiah 1:17: Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widows cause. Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith has done none of these things. While infants lie in hospital beds with E. coli and families beg for help, he has chosen silence. He calls himself a man of God, yet the Bible he claims to follow says faith without justice is worthless. Silence in the face of children suffering is not faith it is betrayal, says Concerned Citizens of Alexandria. This release serves as notice to the public and press that a town meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 27, at 6:00 PM at the Emery Lee Building in Alexandria, Indiana. Residents, media, and state officials are urged to attend. A pattern no leader can defend Two babies, two hospitals. One infant, hospitalized at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis; another infant reported by anonymous. One family living in Alexandria one only two months in town. One infant, in Indianapolis; another infant reported by anonymous. One family living in Alexandria one in town. Documented illness. Angela reports three consecutive positive E. coli tests (March, April, May). Angela reports (March, April, May). Infrastructure failure. On June 13, Lynn reports raw sewage flooding her home and says the city told her to call your insurance. Tom, a longtime resident, says sewage from roughly 200 homes has flooded his property since 2022, with signage documenting the neglect. These accounts corroborated by timestamps, screenshots, and video show a city under biological and infrastructural stress while officials minimized risk. The silence that indicts Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith was formally notified on July 7 . Since then, no statement, no directive, no presence . With infants in hospital beds and sewage in living rooms, silence from the Statehouse is not neutrality; it is abdication . was . Since then, . With infants in hospital beds and sewage in living rooms, silence from the Statehouse is not neutrality; it is . Mayor Todd Naselroad has offered nearly two months of public reassurance : the water is safe. Todays pediatric hospitalizations render that message false and dangerous . has offered nearly : the water is safe. Todays pediatric hospitalizations render that message . Water Superintendent Mark Caldwell is recorded on video denying receipt of chlorine log requests; records show the request was forwarded to city leadership, including Darcy VanErman and the mayor. That is not confusion. That is misrepresentation. Concerned Citizens of Alexandria states: Two babies in hospital beds. Families sick. Sewage in our homes. And the only thing our leaders managed to say for nearly two months was the water is safe. The public deserves truth and on August 27, we intend to put it on the record. What residents have endured (first-hand accounts) Three months in a row I tested positive for E. coli March, April, May. Angela Angela My granddaughter is in the hospital with E. coli. We moved to Alexandria only two months ago. Shanon Shanon My baby was hospitalized with E. coli. Parent requesting anonymity Parent requesting anonymity The mayor knocked on our door and said our water would be shut off by August 25. They gave us a legal-aid number. We need water, not a phone number. Carol & Jonathon Carol & Jonathon Raw sewage flooded my home on June 13. The city told me to call insurance. Lynn Lynn Sewage has flooded my home since 2022 I cant live in my own home. Tom (claims roughly 200 homes affected) August 27: The Public Record Begins A public town meeting will be held at the Emery Lee Building in Alexandria on Tuesday, August 27th at 6:00 PM. Families will present evidence, testimonies, and documentation. The public and press are invited to bear witness. Two babies were hospitalized. Families are chronically ill. Citizens with E Coli or H Pylori. Pets sick or dead. Homes flooded with sewage. Leaders who claimed the water was safe. The silence of Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith since July 7th has been indefensible. The words of Mayor Todd Naselroad that the water is safe to drink are now exposed as reckless and dangerous. The deception of Mark Caldwell is recorded on video. This is no longer about politics. It is about the lives of children and the survival of families. The judgment has already been rendered. On August 27, the public record will be carved in stone. Media Contact: Concerned Citizens of Alexandria media@concernedcitizensofalexandria.org Evidence & Resources: Gatineau, QC, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Introduction Blackridge Markdex Blackridge Markdex is presented as a next-generation , AI-driven trading platform designed to merge automation, security, and accessibility within global financial markets. Built on a web-based architecture, the system provides traders with instant access to cryptocurrencies, forex, commodities, and indices without requiring software downloads or third-party integrations. Its framework combines artificial intelligence with high-frequency processing to deliver precise trade execution, while maintaining transparency through live data feeds and reserve audits. The platform has been engineered to operate across more than 98 jurisdictions, offering a compliant infrastructure that aligns with international financial standards. Registration follows a secure onboarding process, including encrypted data handling and identity verification, ensuring lawful participation and account protection. Once activated, users gain access to a streamlined dashboard where trading strategies can be customized, monitored, and automated in real time. Core elements of Blackridge Markdex include commission-free transactions , three-click trading functionality, and an integrated demo environment. These features are designed to simplify entry while preserving professional-grade tools such as advanced charting, exposure tracking, and automated stop-loss systems. A transparent pricing model ensures that participants engage with markets without hidden costs, and withdrawal requests are typically processed within a 24-hour period, reinforcing operational efficiency. Security is reinforced through bank-grade SSL encryption, cold storage of digital reserves, and multi-layered authentication protocols. These measures, combined with a system uptime of over 99.5%, illustrate the platforms emphasis on reliability and resilience. By merging these technical safeguards with AI-driven execution, Blackridge Markdex establishes itself as a robust solution for individuals and institutions seeking structured engagement in automated trading. In summary, Blackridge Markdex represents a comprehensive framework where artificial intelligence, compliance, and security converge. Its multi-asset coverage and global availability position it as an advanced system engineered to facilitate seamless market participation under transparent and secure conditions. What is Blackridge Markdex Blackridge Markdex is positioned as a next-generation , AI-driven trading robot designed to streamline market engagement across multiple asset classes. The platform operates entirely through a web-based interface, eliminating the need for software downloads while maintaining cross-device accessibility. Built with the integration of artificial intelligence, Blackridge Markdex automates trading strategies, monitors live markets, and executes trades based on predefined parameters set by users. The system emphasizes transparency, with features such as real-time price feeds, live auditing of reserves, and commission-free transaction handling. This design ensures that traders are provided with updated market information while retaining full control over their accounts. With global availability in nearly 100 countries, Blackridge Markdex has been developed to serve both entry-level participants and advanced professionals through an intuitive layout and customizable dashboards. Supporting more than 65 digital and traditional assetsincluding cryptocurrencies, forex pairs, commodities, and indicesthe platform functions as a unified hub for diversified trading. This multi-asset integration reduces reliance on multiple accounts and consolidates user activity under a single secure login. In summary, Blackridge Markdex represents a technologically advanced approach to automated trading. It leverages AI algorithms, high-speed execution infrastructure, and a streamlined interface to provide users with efficient and secure access to global financial markets. Visit the Official Website Here For More Information Blackridge Markdex Features Blackridge Markdex integrates a wide range of tools intended to simplify, accelerate, and safeguard the trading process. At its core, the platform is AI-powered, enabling continuous monitoring of live markets and automated execution of trades based on programmed strategies. This automation can help reduce manual intervention while maintaining responsiveness to market volatility. Key features include: Multi-Asset Coverage : Over 65 tradable instruments spanning cryptocurrencies, foreign exchange, commodities, and indices. : Over 65 tradable instruments spanning cryptocurrencies, foreign exchange, commodities, and indices. AI Trading Assistant : Algorithms analyze live market data and execute orders with precision. : Algorithms analyze live market data and execute orders with precision. Web-Based Accessibility : A browser-based interface accessible from desktop, mobile, and tablet devices without installation. : A browser-based interface accessible from desktop, mobile, and tablet devices without installation. Three-Click Trading : An intuitive trade execution system that minimizes operational steps. : An intuitive trade execution system that minimizes operational steps. Demo Mode : A simulation environment for users to test strategies without financial exposure. : A simulation environment for users to test strategies without financial exposure. Zero Commission : Transparent pricing model with no hidden fees or commission charges. : Transparent pricing model with no hidden fees or commission charges. 24/7 Availability: Continuous operational uptime across global time zones. Additionally, Blackridge Markdex provides integrated market charts, exposure tracking, and instant order execution, supported by SSL-encrypted connections. Together, these features underscore the platforms emphasis on accessibility, speed, and structural reliability in trading operations. Security Measures and Factual Performance Data Security forms the foundation of the Blackridge Markdex infrastructure. The platform deploys multiple layers of protection designed to safeguard user funds, data, and transactions. Key protocols include bank-grade SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and cold storage of digital reserves. By segregating assets into offline vaults, Blackridge Markdex reduces exposure to unauthorized breaches. Performance transparency is ensured through live reserve audits, allowing users to verify solvency and liquidity in real time. Automated risk alerts and exposure tracking provide additional oversight, helping maintain account integrity. System uptime is maintained at over 99.5%, supported by robust cloud servers capable of processing trades in milliseconds. Factual performance indicators highlight the platforms emphasis on execution speed and accuracy. Orders are routed through high-frequency processing nodes, ensuring minimal slippage and timely fulfillment. Withdrawal processes are structured for efficiency, with transactions typically finalized within a 24-hour window. Collectively, these security and performance measures establish Blackridge Markdex as an AI-driven platform engineered for resilience, accountability, and operational transparency. Open Your Blackridge Markdex Account Now - Only At The Official Website How to Start with Blackridge Markdex Beginning your trading journey with Blackridge Markdex is streamlined and straightforward. The process initiates with a free registration on the official platform , requiring basic personal details such as name, email, contact number, and residency information. Following submission, users receive a verification link via email to activate their account, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Once verified, users are required to deposit a minimum capital of $250 to commence trading activities. The platform supports multiple payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, net banking, and several e-wallet services, allowing for flexible and secure funding methods. The deposit infrastructure is designed to accommodate international users, providing convenience across geographic boundaries. After funding the account, traders select asset classes to trade from a broad variety of options, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, and forex pairs. They then set trading parameters such as risk levels, entry and exit points, order volumes, and preferred trading modes (auto or manual). This setup enables the AI-powered system to operate autonomously according to user-defined strategies or allows traders to intervene manually when desired. New users benefit from a demo mode, allowing them to explore the platform and test trading strategies in a risk-free environment before committing real funds. The customer support team is available 24/7 to assist with any registration, verification, or operational queries, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience for traders at all levels. More Information on Blackridge Markdex Can Be Found On The Official Website Here How Blackridge Markdex Works? The Blackridge Markdex platform operates on a combination of artificial intelligence algorithms, real-time data analysis, and automated execution protocols. Its core engine continuously scans multiple global markets to detect trading opportunities across cryptocurrencies, forex, commodities, and indices. Users configure the system by setting trading parameters such as investment size, risk thresholds, and asset focus. Once active, the AI engine evaluates live market conditions against these parameters and executes trades accordingly. This reduces reliance on constant manual monitoring while maintaining a responsive approach to volatility. Trade execution is carried out through high-frequency processing nodes designed to deliver orders with minimal latency. Built-in risk management tools, including automated stop-loss and exposure tracking, ensure that trading activities remain within user-defined safety margins. Data transparency is reinforced through real-time reporting dashboards, providing instant visibility of open positions, historical trades, and performance metrics. All interactions are secured via SSL encryption, while account funds remain protected in segregated wallets. This operational framework enables Blackridge Markdex to deliver a blend of automation, control, and transparency. By combining AI-driven decision-making with fast execution infrastructure, the platform presents a structured approach to engaging with global financial markets. Why Choose Blackridge Markdex? UK Consumer Report Released Here Blackridge Markdex App Cost, Minimum Deposit, and Profit Blackridge Markdex follows a transparent pricing framework. The platform charges no commissions on executed trades, and there are no hidden fees associated with account maintenance. Instead, operational costs are integrated into the trading spread, ensuring clarity in financial transactions. To activate a live trading account, a minimum deposit of $250 is required. This amount serves as the entry threshold for accessing the platforms AI-driven trading engine. Users can allocate additional capital beyond the minimum to diversify across multiple assets or strategies. Withdrawal processes are streamlined, with most requests completed within 24 hours. No additional fees are charged for deposits or withdrawals, provided transactions are conducted through supported payment channels. Profitability within Blackridge Markdex is tied directly to market performance, user-defined strategies, and AI execution. The platform itself does not guarantee fixed returns, instead emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and the provision of tools that support profit potential. In summary, the app maintains a straightforward financial structure: zero commissions, a $250 minimum deposit, and flexible withdrawal processes. This framework supports accessible entry while offering scalability for larger portfolios. Countries Where Blackridge Markdex Is Legal Blackridge Markdex is structured as a global platform , with operational availability across a wide geographic range. According to its official framework, the trading system is accessible in more than 98 countries, allowing both retail and professional users to engage with its AI-driven environment under locally compliant conditions. The legal footprint of Blackridge Markdex extends across Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, giving it a broad international presence. Its infrastructure is designed to adapt to regional requirements, enabling cross-border participation while upholding data protection and financial compliance standards. The system integrates secure onboarding protocols and identity verification steps to ensure adherence to anti-fraud and anti-money laundering regulations, which are critical components of maintaining lawful accessibility worldwide. Countries covered include major financial centers in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and South Africa, as well as several markets in Asia and Latin America. While availability is extensive, the platform does restrict access in jurisdictions where local regulations prohibit automated trading services. By maintaining a diversified presence across multiple legal environments, Blackridge Markdex ensures that users in authorized countries can register, deposit, trade, and withdraw within a regulated and secure framework. The global availability reinforces its scalability, enabling participants from nearly every time zone to interact with its AI-driven infrastructure continuously. In effect, Blackridge Markdexs legal coverage illustrates its focus on international accessibility while respecting compliance obligations. This broad jurisdictional reach supports its identity as a platform designed for global adoption within lawful boundaries. Open Your Blackridge Markdex Account Now - Only At The Official Website Blackridge Markdex Supported Assets Blackridge Markdex provides access to a diversified portfolio of assets, enabling users to trade across multiple categories within a single platform. The system currently supports more than 65 tradable instruments, which are organized into digital and traditional markets. Within the cryptocurrency sector, the platform includes leading assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, along with a range of altcoins that provide exposure to emerging blockchain technologies. In addition, Blackridge Markdex integrates forex pairs, covering major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY, as well as selected minor and exotic pairs for broader diversification. The platform also supports commodities trading, including widely tracked benchmarks such as gold, silver, and crude oil. These instruments enable traders to hedge or diversify their positions outside of digital markets. Furthermore, indices such as the S&P 500 and FTSE 100 are available, providing a macroeconomic trading dimension alongside individual asset exposure. All supported assets are accessible through a unified dashboard, where AI-driven algorithms scan live data feeds to identify opportunities. Pricing is delivered in real time, and orders are executed within milliseconds via high-frequency processing nodes. By consolidating cryptocurrencies, forex, commodities, and indices into one environment, Blackridge Markdex eliminates the need for multiple trading accounts. This multi-asset approach not only simplifies user activity but also allows participants to construct diversified strategies across several asset classes simultaneously. In summary, the supported assets reflect a balance between established markets and innovative digital instruments, positioning Blackridge Markdex as a platform that accommodates varied trading objectives within a secure and automated infrastructure. Final Verdict Blackridge Markdex Blackridge Markdex represents a structured, AI-driven platform designed to integrate automation, multi-asset accessibility, and enterprise-level security into one environment. Its feature set emphasizes efficiencyranging from three-click trading execution and commission-free transactions to global availability and demo-based onboarding. Security is prioritized through SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, cold storage of funds, and real-time auditing of reserves. Factual performance data highlights consistent uptime, rapid order execution, and streamlined withdrawals, reinforcing the platforms technical stability. With access to over 65 assets and availability across nearly 100 jurisdictions, Blackridge Markdex provides a globally scalable infrastructure. By merging artificial intelligence, transparency, and user-defined flexibility, the platform positions itself as a comprehensive tool for automated market engagement. In closing, Blackridge Markdex can be defined by three pillars: automation through AI, security through layered protections, and accessibility through web-based technology. This combination establishes it as a next-generation solution within the evolving landscape of digital trading systems. Visit Here to Register on the Blackridge Markdex - Select Your Country Here!!! Contact:- Blackridge Markdex 485 Bd de la Gappe, Gatineau, QC J8T 5T9, Canada Phone Support: Blackridge Markdex Canada: +1 (437) 920-9751 Trading Assistance: +1 (437) 169-3417 Email: info@blackridge-markdex.com Website: https://blackridge-markdex.com General Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers are advised to consult a certified financial advisor, licensed loan officer, or legal professional before making any financial decisions. The information presented may not apply to every individual circumstance and is not intended to substitute professional judgment or regulatory guidance. The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website's content as such. We does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Trading Disclaimer: Trading cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. Before deciding to trade cryptocurrency you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor. ICO's, IEO's, STO's and any other form of offering will not guarantee a return on your investment. HIGH RISK WARNING: Dealing or Trading FX, CFDs and Cryptocurrencies is highly speculative, carries a level of non-negligible risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You may lose some or all of your invested capital, therefore you should not speculate with capital that you cannot afford to lose. Please refer to the risk disclosure below. Blackridge Markdex does not gain or lose profits based on your activity and operates as a services company. Blackridge Markdex is not a financial services firm and is not eligible of providing financial advice. Therefore, Blackridge Markdex shall not be liable for any losses occurred via or in relation to this informational website. SITE RISK DISCLOSURE: Blackridge Markdex does not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information contained within this website; this includes education material, price quotes and charts, and analysis. Please be aware of and seek professional advice for the risks associated with trading the financial markets; never invest more money than you can risk losing. The risks involved in FX, CFDs and Cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for all investors. Blackridge Markdex doesn''t retain responsibility for any trading losses you might face as a result of using or inferring from the data hosted on this site. LEGAL RESTRICTIONS: Without limiting the above mentioned provisions, you understand that laws regarding financial activities vary throughout the world, and it is your responsibility to make sure you properly comply with any law, regulation or guideline in your country of residence regarding the use of the Site. To avoid any doubt, the ability to access our Site does not necessarily mean that our Services and/or your activities through the Site are legal under the laws, regulations or directives relevant to your country of residence. It is against the law to solicit US individuals to buy and sell commodity options, even if they are called "prediction" contracts, unless they are listed for trading and traded on a CFTC-registered exchange unless legally exempt. The Financial Conduct Authority has issued a policy statement PS20/10, which prohibits the sale, promotion, and distribution of CFD on Crypto assets. It prohibits the dissemination of marketing materials relating to distribution of CFDs and other financial products based on Cryptocurrencies that addressed to UK/AU residents. The provision of trading services involving any MiFID II financial instruments is prohibited in the EU, unless when authorized/licensed by the applicable authorities and/or regulator(s). Please note that we may receive advertising fees for users opted to open an account with our partner advertisers via advertisers websites. We have placed cookies on your computer to help improve your experience when visiting this website. You can change cookie settings on your computer at any time. Use of this website indicates your acceptance of this website. Please be advised that the names depicted on our website, including but not limited to Blackridge Markdex, are strictly for marketing and illustrative purposes. These names do not represent or imply the existence of specific entities, service providers, or any real-life individuals. Furthermore, the pictures and/or videos presented on our website are purely promotional in nature and feature professional actors. These actors are not actual users, clients, or traders, and their depictions should not be interpreted as endorsements or representations of real-life experiences. All content is intended solely for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as factual or as forming any legally binding relationship RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURES TRADING Futures transactions involve high risk. The amount of the initial margin is low compared to the value of the futures contract, so that transactions are "leveraged" or "geared". A relatively small market movement has a proportionately larger impact on the funds that you have deposited or have to pay: this can work both for you and against you. You may experience the total loss of the initial margin funds as well as any additional funds deposited in the system. If the market develops in a way that is contrary to your position or if margins are increased, you may be asked to pay significant additional funds at short notice to maintain your position. In this case it may also happen that your broker account is in the red and you thus have to make payments beyond the initial investment. RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONIC TRADING Before you begin carrying out transactions with an electronic system, you should carefully review the rules and provisions of the stock exchange offering the system, or of the financial instruments listed that you intend to trade, as well as your broker's conditions. Online trading has inherent risks due to system responses/reaction times and access times that may vary due to market conditions, system performance and other factors, and on which you have no influence. You should be aware of these additional risks in electronic trading before you carry out investment transactions. Accuracy Disclaimer: All information included in this article is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate at the time of writing. However, no representations or warranties are made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information presented. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader's own risk. The publisher does not accept responsibility for typographical errors, outdated information, or changes to products, terms, or policies after publication. Regulatory and Jurisdictional Disclaimer: Lending laws vary by jurisdiction, and not all services described in this article may be available in every state or region. It is the responsibility of the reader to understand and comply with local laws and regulations. The platforms mentioned are independently operated and are not controlled or endorsed by the publisher. Third-Party Liability Waiver: The publisher, its writers, editors, affiliates, and syndication partners shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect loss, damages, or legal claims arising from the use of this content or from reliance on any third-party services, platforms, or products mentioned herein. All loan agreements, terms, and disputes are strictly between the borrower and the lender or service provider. Syndication Partner Use: This content may be republished or syndicated by authorized partners under existing licensing or distribution arrangements. All syndication partners are free from liability regarding the editorial stance, financial suggestions, or any user outcome resulting from the reading or application of this content. Related Links Elyor Platform Attachment Fire Island Pines, New York, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tryst Hospitality is handing the keys to The Waterfront at The Pines over to the Dolls for a full day of glamour, performance, and unapologetic Wet Hot Transexual Summer parties. On Sunday, August 24, Doll Invasion sweeps through Fire Island Pines with two back-to-back marquee events: an all-out Doll Invasion Pool Party at The Tryst Pool Club and a show-stopping Doll Invasion High Tea. Doll Invasion is a massive annual fundraiser for Queer|Art and A4TE bringing a record number of trans people to experience the magic of Fire Island for free. Our parties with Doll Invasion are going to be the kind of events people talk about for years, said Tristan Schukraft, Founder of Tryst Hospitality. The magic of Fire Island Pines hasnt always been accessible to everyone, and Im working to change that. Were keeping everything that makes the Pines special while opening it up so more of the LGBTQ+ community can experience it. Doll Invasion is exactly the kind of celebration that welcomes everyone into the heart of the Pines. It's a landmark year for dolls, no question, said Fran Tirado, organizer of Doll Invasion. The Tryst understands that Fire Island Pines is at its best when its inclusive, celebratory, and a little over the top. Partnering with them means we get to throw the kind of parties that honor the history of the Pines while making space for more of our community to share in its magic. The day kicks off at 2 PM with Doll Invasion at The Tryst Pool Club, hosted by Tony Award winner Cole Escola. Expect a star-studded lineup of trans DJs and performers curated by Doll Invasion, and a dramatic appearance from Cole Escola. Featured entertainers include Beyonce-anointed DJ Maya Margarita, DJ Archangel, DJ and drag artist Mthr Trsa, drag legend Charlene Incarnate, writer Rose Dommu coming out of DJ retirement, and more. Every corner of the space will be alive with spectacle. Then at 7 PM, the Dolls bring their energy to invade High Tea, closing out the weekend with pulsing trans DJ sets, dancers, and an atmosphere only Fire Island Pines can deliver. Its the ultimate Sunday send-off, part fundraiser, part party, all legend. To get the most out of your Wet Hot Transexual Summer, the theme of this years Doll Invasion events, creative directed by Willie Norris Workshop, buy your tickets and see the full Doll Invasion lineup at dollinvasion.org. Tryst Hospitality is reimagining The Waterfront at The Pines, with plans underway to transform its iconic venues, The Pavilion and The Blue Whale, into a fully restored cultural and nightlife destination for the next generation. Join the party and follow the transformation at @trysthotels and @thepinesfireisland. # # # About The Waterfront at The Pines The Waterfront at The Pines is the cultural and social heart of Fire Island Pines. Home to legendary venues like The Pavilion, The Canteen, The Tryst Pool Club, and The Blue Whalethe birthplace of the original gay tea danceFire Island Pines has long been a sanctuary of freedom, expression, and celebration. Now part of Tristan Schukrafts Tryst Hospitality portfolio, The Waterfront at The Pines is undergoing a bold transformation that honors its iconic legacy while setting a new standard for gay luxury and nightlife. With The Tryst Fire Island hotel set to open soon, Schukrafts vision is clear: protect LGBTQ+ spaces, elevate the guest experience, and make sure the spirit of Fire Island shines brighter than ever. Fire Island Pines is the ultimate place to celebrate life and be unapologetically yourself. Follow the evolution at @thepinesfireisland. Austin, TX, USA, Aug. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Custom Market Insights has published a new research report titled Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Size, Trends and Insights By Process (Manual iPSC Production, Automated iPSC Production), By Workflow (Cell Culture, Cell Characterization / Analysis), By Product (Consumables & Kits, Automated Platforms), By Application (Drug Development & Discovery, Regenerative Medicine / Tissue Engineering), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025 2034 in its research database. According to the latest research study, the demand of the global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market size & share was valued at approximately USD 1.75 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.92 Billion in 2025 and is expected to reach a value of around USD 4.34 Billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 9.5% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-free-sample/?reportid=72414 Overview According to industry experts at CMI, a major reason for the growth of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market is the increasing use of these cells in drug discovery, disease modeling, regenerative medicine, and toxicology testing. iPSCs help develop patient-specific cell types that can improve disease representation and predictivity in preclinical research. Continuous advancement in reprogramming technologies and automation, and GMP-compliant manufacturing with respect to scalability, quality, and cost has propelled iPSC-based solutions as a new alternative for clinical translation. Additionally, government, venture capitalist, and pharmaceutical investments will create accelerated innovation and commercialization. Furthermore, the increasing demand caused by the growing number of chronic and degenerative diseases creates a steady need for new cell-based therapeutic interventions, thus pushing the iPSCs to stand as an essential technology on the way to the development of next-generation, individualized therapeutics. Key Trends & Drivers Potential Therapeutic Applications: Induced pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into virtually any cell type, creating revolutionary opportunities in regenerative medicine. They are increasingly being considered to develop treatments for illnesses such as Parkinsons, spinal cord injuries, heart failure, and macular degeneration. Developments in cell transplantation, tissue engineering, and organ regeneration are propelling clinical adoption. Clinical trials ongoing into therapies, accompanied by government funding, are helping to fast-track the translation of research into approved therapies. With the rise of chronic and degenerative diseases across the globe, the utmost potential that iPSCs could offer by providing patient-specific, immune-compatible cells to improve treatment outcomes and dictate the sustenance of personalized medicine is worthy of consideration. Demand Increasing in Drug Discovery: Increasingly, iPSC-derived cell types find acceptance in the drug discovery and development pipeline in two sectors: pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Through iPSCs, it becomes possible to develop in vitro physiologically relevant patient-specific systems to test drugs for efficacy, toxicity, and mechanism of action. These systems are more predictive than animal testing, which minimizes late-stage trial failure and spikes in costs of development. iPSCs facilitate research into rare diseases where there is a shortage of patient samples. Although the extent of use, versatility, and scalability of iPSC technology have invited a variety of research and industry alliances, such collaborations could further support high-throughput screening and precision medicine and make iPSCs indispensable in modern drug development strategy. Technological Advancement: These advances come in aid of better ways for scaling up iPSC production so that it may further be reproducible and cost-efficient. Some facets of reprogramming technologies have undergone refinements with the goals of achieving high efficiency as well as lowering the risk of genetic instability. Cell culture-based automated and closed-loop bioreactor technologies allow for reproducible large-scale generation of cells intended for research as well as for clinical applications. GMP-grade manufacturing and QC support therapeutic applications in terms of quality and regulatory framework. Having AI and advanced analytics incorporated into bioprocess control will aid yield optimization. All these developments further drive down costs and thereby enable greater adoption of iPSC technologies and hence development in academia, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical research institutions all around the globe. Request a Customized Copy of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-customization/?reportid=72414 In an innovation-driven competition: The iPSC market is highly innovation-driven, pushing companies to develop proprietary means of reprogramming, differentiation protocols, and automated manufacturing designs. New media systems, characterization tools, and genetic modification processes continue to shape incumbent positioning. To address high-value therapeutic applications, companies are seeking to create GMP-compliant clinical-grade cell lines. Intellectual property has a crucial role in the dynamics of the market, affecting licensing opportunities and strategic partnerships. Standing out from competitors will rely more and more on the ability to offer high-quality, affordable solutions in large quantities, all while following strict regulations, so that new ideas can lead to both immediate successes and lasting market leadership. Strong Collaborative Networks: The collaboration between academia, laboratories, small biotech vendors, and pharmaceutical companies creates opportunities that help the iPSC sector thrive. Academic research brings about new protocols, while industry partners lend their expertise in manufacturing on a large scale, marketing, and regulatory issues. Public-private partnerships and international research consortia exchange knowledge and share resources. They speed up competition between bench innovations and clinical applications, widen global market outreach, and move further toward standardization in production and quality control. By sharing the combined strengths of stakeholders, reducing time-to-market for iPSC-based products, and meeting technical challenges of immense complexity, the stakeholders have enormously improved the commercial and social impact of iPSC technologies the world over. Regulatory Influence: Regulatory frameworks play a paramount role in shaping the iPSC production markets. Regulations from various agencies like the FDA, EMA, and PMDA ensure the safety, quality, and traceability of iPSC-derived products, especially if such products are going into the clinics. Compliance with GMP standards is necessary to gain acceptance in the marketplace as well as to win public confidence. But different regulatory requirements across regions become obstacles to global commercialization. Such situations produce delays and add costs to commercialization. Similarly, an encouraging regulatory environment fosters funding of stem cell research by governments, which, in turn, leads to accelerated innovations and quicker uptake of iPSC technologies by the research and therapeutic markets. Report Scope Feature of the Report Details Market Size in 2025 USD 1.92 Billion Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 4.34 Billion Market Size in 2024 USD 1.75 Billion CAGR Growth Rate 9.5% CAGR Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025-2034 Key Segment By Process, Workflow, Application and Region Report Coverage Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America Buying Options Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research. (A free sample of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the following: The updated report for 2024 includes an Introduction, an Overview, and an in-depth industry analysis. We have included the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis in the package. About 220+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on the Request. Updated Regional Analysis with a Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2025 Includes Tables and figures have been updated. The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Custom Market Insights (CMI) research methodology (Please note that the sample of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) Request a Customized Copy of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-production-market/ SWOT Analysis Strengths: The iPSC production market is versatile since iPSCs can differentiate into any cell type, and therefore their applications are many, from drug discovery to regenerative medicine to disease modeling. Increasing reprogramming efficiency, automation, and GMP-compliant production fosters scaling and assures quality. Strong collaborations between academic institutions and industries, and increasing public and private funds support innovation. This technology, being patient-specific and immune-compatible, minimizes rejection when used therapeutically. Established global players and ever-increasing infrastructure keep the space competitively fierce, so technological innovations could speedily proceed. Standardization efforts, combined with proprietary techniques, improve reproducibility and thus place iPSC technology as the front-runner, enabling biomedical and clinical applications of the next generation all over the world. Weaknesses: The borax and characterization steps are also tedious and time-consuming, thus delaying commercialization. There are also no globally agreed-upon protocols, adding to irreproducibility. There is also a slow and demanding regulatory pathway, resulting in delayed market introduction, especially for therapeutic applications. Safety is another major concern, given that genetic instability and tumorigenicity potential remain with iPSC-derived cells. Reliance on highly skilled personnel limits capacity, and limited manufacturing facilities in certain regions impede the expansion of large-scale supply chains. Opportunities: Increasing demand for regeneration, precision therapies, and personalized drug screening is opening up new avenues for market expansion. This uses iPSC technology to create models for specific diseases, which helps in developing targeted drugs and researching rare diseases. Future automation solutions could reduce production costs and simplify scaling, leading to widespread clinical adoption. Increased government grants and venture capital funding, predominantly in the Asia-Pacific condo, may incubate innovations. Easy communication between academic research, the biotech community, and pharmaceutical companies serves as an easy route for tech transfer and commercialization. In terms of commercial interests, the extension toward GMP compliant manufacturing for clinical applications would prepare iPSC technologies for advanced therapeutic applications in tissue engineering and organ regeneration, offering a promising long-term remuneration window in the global health and research markets. Threats: Strict and divergent regulatory requirements in distinct countries delay commercialization and further raise operational expenses. Safety concerns, including tumorigenicity and genetic instability, do hinder the swift clinical adoption. The competition presented by other stem cell technologies, such as embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells, can thus present obstacles to market share. Trade tariffs and supply chain disruptions posed by imports of reagents will add layers of cost pressures. Request a Customized Copy of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-production-market/ Key questions answered in this report: What is the size of the Induced Pluripotent Stem cell Production market and what is its expected growth rate? What are the primary driving factors that push the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market forward? What are the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Industry's top companies? What are the different categories that the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market caters to? What will be the fastest-growing segment or region? In the value chain, what role do essential players play? What is the procedure for getting a free copy of the sample report on Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells production and company profiles? Key Offerings: Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20252034 Market Dynamics Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Leading Trends Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by Types of Services, by End-User Services, and by regions Competitive Landscape Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors Buy this Premium Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-production-market/ Regional Analysis The Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production (NOACs) Market is segmented by key regions and includes detailed analysis across major countries. Below is a brief overview of the market dynamics in each country: North America: Enriched with immense research infrastructure, biotech and pharma industries, and governmental and private funding, North America is at the forefront of the iPSC production market. The region thrives on collaborations between academia and industry and a high acceptance rate for advanced bioprocessing technologies. Regulatory clarity issued by bodies such as the FDA enables clinical translation of iPSC-derived products. Also, due to laboring on regenerative medicine and the presence of big market players, North America becomes the frontrunner in innovation and commercialization in iPSC-based research and therapeutics. United States: As part of North America, is the leading market for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells production due to its established biotechnology sector, substantial NIH funding, and leadership in clinical research. Large companies and academic centers have fostered the maturation of large populations in drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and personalized therapies. Favorable regulatory pathways coupled with strong venture capital support offer excellent commercialization prospects for iPSC-derived products across several therapeutic areas. Canada: The Canadian Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market is expanding, fostered by a strong network of academic research, supportive government grants, and growing collaboration with international biotech firms. The country concentrates on stem cell innovations for neurodegenerative disorders, cardiac repair, and cancer research. Increasing investment in GMP-compliant facilities and partnerships with US-based companies strengthens Canadas position in the global iPSC ecosystem. Europe: Before Germany was supposed to stand out, as research in Germanys Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market is treated with great attention, with numerous research programs funded under various European Union (EU) initiatives and a strong regulatory framework. The region conducts translational research to integrate iPSC technology with preclinical studies and therapeutic pipelines. Collaborations and networks between various universities, biotech firms, and healthcare systems promote innovation. Disease modeling and drug screening are still at the forefront of adoption, with regenerative medicine clinical trials growing in number, keeping Europe among the growing regions with the active market participation of its leading nations. Germany: Germany has a European leadership in iPSC research, supported by advanced infrastructure, government funding, and strong industrial biotechnology competencies. The country excels at translational research to integrate iPSCs in drug discovery and regenerative medicine applications. Competition in worldwide iPSC development is therefore maintained by an industry-academia relationship and an emphasis on GMP-compliant manufacturing. UK.: The United Kingdom still maintains a strong base for iPSC research, having been supported by both governmental and private investments. It achieves ground-breaking development of applications in disease modeling, personalized medicines, and regenerative therapies from its major universities and research centers. The countrys friendly regulatory environment, in conjunction with strategic collaborations, also supports the speedy commercial application of iPSC-based innovations in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. France: The France Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market is growing, owing to national research funding and initiatives in rare and chronic diseases. There is a clear preference for cell technologies in drug screening and regenerative medicines in the country; somewhat independent biotech companies operate clinical-grade iPSC platforms. Collaborations with European research networks foster this growing niche of iPSC developments. Asia Pacific: Asia-Pacific stands as the fastest-growing iPSC production region, driven by mounting research grants, biotechnology infrastructure, and cost-effective manufacturing capabilities. Stem cell activities and initiatives have support from the governments of top countries in the form of grants and policy frameworks. The region looks at every aspect, all the way from basic research to clinical translation, with a huge interest in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and large-scale drug screening. Rapid adoption of automation technologies is boosting market growth in these countries, turning them soon into key innovation and manufacturing hubs. Japan: Japan Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market stands as a pioneer, having Nobel Prize-winning research and robust government support behind it. Most clinical applications take place in Japan in regenerative medicine for the eye, heart, and neurological disorders. Major universities, research institutes, and companies cooperate to commercialize iPSC-based therapies; hence, Japan takes the leading role in the global innovation ecosystem in this field. South Korea: Government initiatives and a burgeoning biotechnology sector are fueling South Koreas Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market. The country makes massive investments in translational research, targeting regenerative therapies and disease modeling. Industrial partnerships and regulatory streamlining are enhancing South Koreas competitive advantage in iPSC technologies and their production and uses at the level of research as well as in clinical studies. Australia: The advanced research institutes and funding programs, coupled with a very active clinical trial ecosystem, favor the Australia Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production sector. In Australia, the focus is strongly on regenerative medicine, cancer, and drug discovery applications. With beneficial collaborations around the Asia-Pacific and Europe regions and a highlighted emphasis on high-quality GMP production, Australia is poised to become the regional leader in iPSC innovation. LAMEA: LAMEA is slated to witness surging growth opportunities in the iPSC research realm, with the major growth happening in Brazil and select Middle East countries. The biotechnology infrastructure is eager for investment, especially in academic- and research-based initiatives. In clinical terms, however, the field of iPSC research is still in its early stages but is now attracting interest for applications in disease modeling, personalized medicine, and niche therapies. Working with institutions in North America and Europe helps share technology, build skills, and start using good manufacturing practices in targeted research and small-scale production projects. Brazil: The market for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production in Brazil is developing against the backdrop of academic research into neurodegenerative diseases, cardiology, and drug screening. The government is therefore financing the creation of infrastructure for advanced cell culture and analysis in collaboration with international biotech firms. Although the commercialization process is still in its early stages, the increasing research capacity is establishing a foundation for future clinical translation. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is now gradually emerging as a biotechnology center of the Middle East with increasing investment in stem cell/iPSC research. The national initiatives are toward next-generation healthcare diversification by integrating regenerative medicine technologies. Partnered with global research organizations and academic institutions, the building of capabilities is speeding up so that Saudi Arabia can soon become a market player in iPSC-based innovations. 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Email Directly Here with Detail Information: support@custommarketinsights.com Browse the full Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Size, Trends and Insights By Process (Manual iPSC Production, Automated iPSC Production), By Workflow (Cell Culture, Cell Characterization / Analysis), By Product (Consumables & Kits, Automated Platforms), By Application (Drug Development & Discovery, Regenerative Medicine / Tissue Engineering), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025 2034 Report at https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-production-market/ List of the prominent players in the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market: Lonza Axol Bioscience Ltd. Evotec Hitachi Ltd. REPROCELL Inc. Merck KGaA Fate Therapeutics Thermo Fisher Scientific StemCellsFactory III Applied StemCell Inc. FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics Inc. Ushio Inc. QHP Capital Accelerated Biosciences Aspen Neuroscience Inc. Cynata Therapeutics Ncardia Pluristyx STEMCELL Technologies Takara Bio Inc. Others Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-production-market/ Spectacular Deals Comprehensive coverage Maximum number of market tables and figures The subscription-based option is offered. Best price guarantee Free 35% or 60 hours of customization. Free post-sale service assistance. 25% discount on your next purchase. Service guarantees are available. A personalized market brief by the author. 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Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20252034 The Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market is segmented as follows: By Process Manual iPSC Production Automated iPSC Production By Workflow Cell Culture Cell Characterization / Analysis By Product Consumables & Kits Automated Platforms By Application Drug Development & Discovery Regenerative Medicine / Tissue Engineering Click Here to Get a Free Sample Report of the Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-production-market/ Regional Coverage: North America U.S. Canada Mexico Rest of North America Europe Germany France U.K. Russia Italy Spain Netherlands Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India New Zealand Australia South Korea Taiwan Rest of Asia Pacific The Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Egypt Kuwait South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America This Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Research/Analysis Report Contains Answers to the following Questions. Which Trends Are Causing These Developments? Who Are the Global Key Players in This Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market? What are the company profiles, product information, and contact details for these key players? What Was the Global Market Status of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market? What Was the Capacity, Production Value, Cost and PROFIT of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market? What Is the Current Market Status of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Industry? What's the market's competition in this industry, both company-wise and country-wise? What's Market Analysis of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market by Considering Applications and Types? What Are Projections of the Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Industry Considering Capacity, Production and Production Value? What Will Be the Estimation of Cost and Profit? What Will Be Market Share, Supply and Consumption? What about imports and exports? What Is Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Chain Analysis by Upstream Raw Materials and Downstream Industry? What Is the Economic Impact On Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Industry? What are Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis Results? What Are Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trends? What Are Market Dynamics of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market? What Are Challenges and Opportunities? What Should Be Entry Strategies, Countermeasures to Economic Impact, and Marketing Channels for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Industry? Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-production-market/ Reasons to Purchase Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Report Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Report provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving economic and non-economic factors. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market report outlines market value (USD) data for each segment and sub-segment. This report indicates the region and segment expected to witness the fastest growth and dominate the market. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Analysis by geography highlights the consumption of the product/service in the region and indicates the factors affecting the market within each region. The competitive landscape incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled. Extensive company profiles comprise a company overview, company insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis for the major market players. The Industry's current and future market outlook concerning recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging and developed regions. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market The report encompasses a comprehensive market analysis from multiple angles, utilizing Porter's five forces analysis, and offers valuable insights into the market through the Value Chain. Reasons for the Research Report The study provides a thorough overview of the global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market. Compare your performance to that of the market as a whole. Aim to maintain competitiveness while innovations from established leaders drive market growth. Buy this Premium Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-production-market/ What does the report include? Drivers, restrictions, and opportunities are among the qualitative elements covered in the worldwide Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market analysis. The report covers the competitive environment of current and potential participants in the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market, along with the strategic product development ambitions of those companies. According to the component, application, and industry vertical, this study analyzes the market qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the report provides comparable data for the key regions. The report provides actual market sizes and forecasts for each segment mentioned above. Who should buy this report? Participants and stakeholders worldwide Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market should find this report useful. The research will be useful to all market participants in the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production industry. Managers in the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production sector are interested in publishing up-to-date and projected data about the worldwide Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production market. Governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, decision-makers, and organizations want to invest in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production products' market trends. Market insights are sought for by analysts, researchers, educators, strategy managers, and government organizations to develop plans. Request a Customized Copy of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Production Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-production-market/ About Custom Market Insights: Custom Market Insights is a market research and advisory company delivering business insights and market research reports to large, small, and medium-scale enterprises. We assist clients with strategies and business policies and regularly work towards achieving sustainable growth in their respective domains. CMI is a one-stop solution for data collection and investment advice. Our company's expert analysis digs out essential factors that help us understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The professional experts apply clients inside on the aspects such as strategies for future estimation fall, forecasting or opportunity to grow, and consumer survey. 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Rebecca brings a unique combination of strategic insight, cultural understanding, and operational expertise to QCI. With a background in museum studies, data governance, and executive support, she has a proven track record of working at the intersection of technology, compliance, and Tribal Nation priorities. Her deep knowledge of cybersecurity and digital sovereignty enables her to support cross-functional teams in aligning product development, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance. Over her career, Rebecca has contributed to product launches, coordinated initiatives across sales, regulatory, and IT teams, and developed training content designed to empower teams and communities. She is widely recognized for her ability to connect operational details to broader organizational goals, ensuring cultural data protection, regulatory adherence, and the delivery of people-first solutions. "Joining QCI is an exciting opportunity to work with a forward-thinking team dedicated to transforming the way data and technology serve communities and businesses," said Rebecca Fisher. "I look forward to contributing to projects that respect cultural values, strengthen compliance, and drive innovation in ways that truly make an impact." Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, added, "Rebeccas expertise in data governance, cybersecurity, and cultural stewardship is an outstanding addition to our team. Her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders while keeping people and purpose at the center of her work will be invaluable as we continue to deliver innovative solutions to our customers." QCIs enterprise platform, installed in more than 1,000 locations worldwide, is designed to integrate data from multiple sources into actionable insights, empowering clients to enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 300 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $42 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Denver, and Phoenix. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com. ABOUT Andrew Cardno Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and masters level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrews innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of todays mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industriesbe it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSDAndrews impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrews work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors. Contact: Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence Phone: 858-349-8354 MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioSyent Inc. (BioSyent, TSX Venture: RX) released today its financial results for the three months (Q2) and six months (H1) ended June 30, 2025. Key highlights include: (CAD) Q2 2025 % Change vs. Q2 2024 H1 2025 % Change vs. H1 2024 Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) June 30, 2025 % Change vs. TTM June 30, 2024 Canadian Pharma Sales 9,327,224 +9% 18,486,876 +15% 35,336,401 +12% International Pharma Sales 445,614 +183% 1,980,830 +1160% 2,753,588 129% Total Company Sales 10,179,296 +14% 21,158,256 +27% 39,510,951 +17% EBITDA1 2,760,149 +35% 5,961,796 +40% 11,052,544 +26% Net Income After Taxes (NIAT) 2,018,171 +28% 4,338,104 +30% 8,259,192 +16% Fully Diluted EPS 0.18 +31% 0.38 +33% 0.72 +20% Return on Average Equity for TTM June 30, 2025 was 23% as compared to 21% for TTM June 30, 2024 During H1 2025, repurchased for cancellation a total of 19,500 common shares under a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) Paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.05 per common share on March 14, 2025 and June 13, 2025 Declared subsequent cash dividend of $0.05 per common share to be paid on September 15, 2025 Each of our Canadian Pharma, International Pharma, and Legacy businesses continued to perform well during Q2 2025, delivering 14% sales growth and 28% net profit growth overall, commented Mr. Rene Goehrum, President and CEO of BioSyent. Led by FeraMAX Pd and Tibella (tibolone), Canadian Pharma sales grew by 9% overall for the quarter, in spite of uncertainty in the Canadian economy from the ongoing threat of tariffs. Our International Tibelia (tibolone) business also continued to perform to our expectations in Q2 2025, with year-to-date incremental revenues of $1.3 million following our September 2024 acquisition of the worldwide rights to this product. Though our overall gross margins have tightened with changes in product mix, our net profit margin improved to 21% of sales in H1 2025 from 20% in the comparative period with an overall reduction in our operating expense ratio. With momentum in all of our businesses as we enter the second half of 2025, I look forward to reporting on our continued progress. We remain committed to long-term value creation through portfolio diversification and profitable growth. The CEOs presentation on the Q2 and H1 2025 Results is available at the following link: www.biosyent.com/investors/ The Companys Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 will be posted on www.sedarplus.ca on August 21, 2025. For a direct market quote for the TSX Venture Exchange and other Company financial information, please visit www.tmxmoney.com. About BioSyent Inc. Listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol RX, BioSyent is a profitable growth-oriented specialty pharmaceutical company focused on in-licensing or acquiring innovative pharmaceutical and other healthcare products that have been successfully developed, are safe and effective, and have a proven track record of improving the lives of patients. BioSyent supports the healthcare professionals that treat these patients by marketing its products through its community, specialty and international business units. As of the date of this press release, the Company has 11,260,794 common shares outstanding. BioSyent Inc. Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income In Canadian Dollars Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % Change H1 2025 H1 2024 % Change Net Revenues 10,179,296 8,944,566 14 % 21,158,256 16,678,202 27 % Cost of Goods Sold 2,266,734 1,873,731 21 % 4,908,502 3,463,493 42 % Gross Profit 7,912,562 7,070,835 12 % 16,249,754 13,214,709 23 % Operating Expenses and Finance Income/Costs 5,166,751 4,920,781 5 % 10,347,572 8,658,224 20 % Net Income Before Tax 2,745,811 2,150,054 28 % 5,902,182 4,556,485 30 % Tax (including Deferred Tax) 727,640 569,765 28 % 1,564,078 1,207,469 30 % Net Income After Tax 2,018,171 1,580,289 28 % 4,338,104 3,349,016 30 % Net Income After Tax % to Net Revenues 20 % 18 % 21 % 20 % EBITDA 2,760,149 2,048,071 35 % 5,961,796 4,252,264 40 % EBITDA % to Net Revenues 27 % 23 % 28 % 25 % EBITDA is a Non-IFRS Financial Measure. The term EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company defines EBITDA as earnings before interest income or expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. BioSyent Inc. Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position AS AT June 30, 2025 December 31, 2024 % Change ASSETS Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $ 20,364,392 $ 15,940,971 28 % Trade and other receivables 4,867,796 2,906,829 67 % Inventory 4,860,613 5,328,086 -9 % Prepaid expenses and deposits 443,573 201,971 120 % Derivative asset - 5,790 -100 % Loans receivable - current 56,098 87,433 -36 % CURRENT ASSETS 30,592,472 24,471,080 25 % Long term investments 6,497,025 10,103,571 -36 % Loans receivable - current 84,093 141,140 -40 % Deferred tax asset 371,104 401,166 -7 % Property and equipment 1,104,639 1,200,992 -8 % Intangible assets 4,846,156 5,041,501 -4 % TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 12,903,017 16,888,370 -24 % TOTAL ASSETS $ 43,495,489 $ 41,359,450 5 % LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES $ 5,042,364 $ 5,405,106 -7 % NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 852,372 951,159 -10 % Long term debt - - 0 % Total Equity 37,600,753 35,003,185 7 % TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 43,495,489 $ 41,359,450 5 % For further information please contact: Mr. Rene C. Goehrum President and CEO BioSyent Inc. E-Mail: investors@biosyent.com Phone: 905-206-0013 Web: www.biosyent.com This press release may contain information or statements that are forward-looking. The contents herein represent our judgment, as at the release date, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or outcomes to be materially different from the forward-looking information or statements. Potential risks may include, but are not limited to, those associated with clinical trials, product development, future revenue, operations, profitability and obtaining regulatory approvals. 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 press release. Chicago, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NCSBN met in Chicago Aug. 13-15, 2025, to consider pertinent association business with its members. President of the NCSBN Board of Directors, Phyllis Polk Johnson, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, executive director, Mississippi Board of Nursing, said, The 2025 NCSBN Annual Meeting, with the theme 'Going Beyond, underscored the pivotal role of unity in our collective success. As nursing regulators, we go beyond expectations and previous ways of thinking or doing, not as individuals, but as integral parts of One NCSBN. We didn't just talk about being one organization; we lived it. We listened to what our members needed, what they wanted, and what they thought would make all of us better. We looked at how we can improve our work together. The ability to 'go beyond' encompasses lifting each other, making each other better, and giving back to something larger than ourselves. We go beyond by working as One NCSBN! Significant actions include: Approved the 20262028 NCSBN Strategic Initiative Statement. Approved the 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Approved the 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Plan. Elections to the Board of Directors: Treasurer, Lori Scheidt, MBA-HCM, executive director, Missouri State Board of Nursing Area I Director, Carolyn Jo McCormies, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, board member, Arizona State Board of Nursing Area II Director, Sue Painter, DNP, MSN, RN, executive director, West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses Area III Director, Jenny Barnhouse, DNP, RN, executive director, Oklahoma Board of Nursing Area IV Director, Barbara Blozen EdD, MA, RN-BC, CNL, board president, New Jersey Board of Nursing NCSBN delegates also elected members of the Leadership Succession Committee: Area I Member, Reuben Argel, MBA, RN, director, Nursing Assistant Education Program, Washington State Board of Nursing Area III Member, Shannon McKinney, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB, assistant director for advanced practice, Arkansas State Board of Nursing About NCSBN Empowering and supporting nursing regulators across the world in their mandate to protect the public, NCSBN is an independent, not-for-profit organization. As a global leader in regulatory excellence, NCSBN champions regulatory solutions to borderless health care delivery, agile regulatory systems and nurses practicing to the full scope of their education, experience and expertise. A world leader in test development and administration, NCSBNs NCLEX Exams are internationally recognized as the preeminent nursing examinations. NCSBNs membership is comprised of the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories. There are nine exam user members and 21 associate members that are either NRBs or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories. The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not individual members. In response to the growing need for addiction recovery services, Renaissance Recovery is expanding its Florida facility with 16 new available spots. LANTANA, Fla., Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Renaissance Recovery , a leading provider of evidence-based addiction and mental health treatments, today announced a major expansion of its Palm Beach County outpatient rehab. With the ability to help 16 additional new patients, the program is ready to begin helping even more people achieve recovery. In addition to daytime treatment, the expansion also includes the launch of evening Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) options. This expansion comes in response to the rising demand for flexible, high-quality addiction and mental health care in Florida. By offering both daytime and evening programming, Renaissance Recovery is better equipped to meet the needs of working professionals, students, and families seeking recovery support. Expansion Details The program expanded to serve 16 more patients New options for evening IOP services The expansion allows Renaissance Recovery's Palm Beach County drug rehab to serve more individuals while providing greater scheduling flexibility and accessibility. About Renaissance Recovery Renaissance Recovery delivers personalized, evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment in a supportive, compassionate environment. Services include: Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and Outpatient (OP) programs Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Holistic services including yoga, breathwork, and adventure therapy Founded by individuals in recovery, Renaissance Recovery emphasizes individualized care, clinical excellence, and community support. Each client works closely with experienced clinicians to develop treatment plans tailored to their unique needs, fostering long-term recovery and improved well-being. Looking Ahead Looking ahead, Renaissance Recovery is planning to continue expanding its services in California and opening new treatment facilities in Tennessee, bringing its effective treatment programs to more individuals nationwide. This expansion reflects the organization's dedication to making high-quality addiction treatment accessible to a broader population. For more information about Renaissance Recovery and its services, please visit https://www.renaissancerecovery.com/ . Media Contact: Will Nickens 216-965-3571 will@districtbehavioralhealth.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5749a266-3824-432f-89f5-2433235d9296 SAN DIEGO, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- San Diego International Airport (SAN) and SSP America (SSP) announced today that SAMBAZON, the pioneer and recognized global leader in organic and Fair Trade certified Acai, is opening its newest Acai bowl and smoothie shop at SAN. Located in Terminal 2, Sunset Cove Food Court, the new SAMBAZON Acai Bowls offers health-conscious travelers fresh, flavorful, and convenient options to enjoy before takeoff or upon arrival. With airport dining continuing to evolve toward healthier, fresher offerings, SAN and its food and beverage partner SSP are committed to expanding nutritious and satisfying choices for passengers and airport employees alike. SAMBAZONs vibrant quick-service concept is known for its abundant display of fresh fruit toppings like strawberries, banana, blueberries, mango, and pineapple along with nutrient-rich nuts, seeds, granola, and coconut. As the worlds first Certified Fair Trade and Organic Acai company, and the largest exporter of Acai from Brazil, SAMBAZON ensures quality and traceability from the palm of the tree to the palm of your hand through its vertically integrated supply chain and eco-friendly processing facilities in Brazil. We understand our customer has a lot of decisions to consider when traveling through SAN, said Hampton Brown, Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. We strive to provide a wide range of dining options throughout our airport so there is something for every type of traveler. The addition of SAMBAZON, which has a flagship location in San Diego, will expand our grab n go options plus offer a chance to try a local Southern California treat. This new San Diego location marks another milestone in SAMBAZONs rapid airport expansion, following openings at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Orange Countys John Wayne Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Pensacola International Airport. Were excited to bring our products to the San Diego International Airport, said Ryan Black, Co-Founder and CEO of SAMBAZON. Our bowls, smoothies, and grab-and-go selections are perfect for travelers seeking something quick, healthy, and delicious something thats often hard to find in airports. Operated by SSP, the SAMBAZON SAN menu includes: Acai Bowls topped with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, granola, and coconut topped with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, granola, and coconut Smoothies made with Acai and other fruit-focused blends made with Acai and other fruit-focused blends Grab & Go items including energy drinks, bottled water, and fresh fruit cups It has been a pleasure collaborating with the San Diego International Airport and the SAMBAZON team to introduce a vibrant and lively concept to the picturesque Sunset Cove in Terminal 2, expressed Scott Welding, Senior Vice President of Development at SSP America. As a Southern California-based brand, SAMBAZON harmonizes seamlessly with the airports vision. This partnership underscores our dedication to elevating the overall travel experience at SAN. SAMBAZON Acai Bowls at San Diego International Airport is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. SAMBAZON Acai Bowls SAMBAZON Acai Bowls is a modern fast-food concept launched by SAMBAZON, the pioneer and recognized global leader in acai. At the heart of every bowl and smoothie is SAMBAZONs organic and Fair Trade Acai, wild harvested and produced in SAMBAZONs two advanced, eco-friendly processing facilities in Brazil, upholding the highest standards and ensuring acai quality and traceability from the palm of the tree to the palm of your hand. Recognized in 2024 as one of the most, Unforgettable Airport Meals Around the World by Conde Nast Traveler, SAMBAZON Acai Bowls menu offers a variety of handcrafted acai bowls, superfood smoothies, hearty oatmeal bowls, traditional Brazilian cheese bread, and more. The company has spent the past two decades building the most transparent and well-respected supply chain in the world and is now leveraging its best-in-class supply chain and executive team to create the next generation of healthy quick service locations. To learn more about SAMBAZON, visit www.sambazon.com or follow @sambazon on Instagram. ABOUT SSP AMERICA SSP America is a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage concessions in travel locations, operating restaurants, bars, cafes, food courts, lounges and convenience stores in airports, train stations, motorway service stations and other leisure locations. We operate in approximately 600 travel locations and manage more than 550 international, national, and local brands across our 2,600 units. The SSP America team is driven by a shared vision to bring authentic restaurant experiences to every airport in North America. Our employees have a passion for exceptional food served by people who believe in heartfelt hospitality. Our airport partners trust SSP America to deliver a world-class portfolio of brands with broad passenger appeal and lasting commercial viability. Our brand heroes trust us to bring a taste of place to their hometown airport. ABOUT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN) Owned and operated by San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority), San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the busiest single-runway commercial service airports in the world and the third-busiest airport in California. SAN contributes nearly $12 billion in economic activity for the region by connecting the world to San Diego and San Diego to the world. In November 2021, the Airport Authority began construction on the New T1 which includes the replacement of the current Terminal 1, improvements to the airfield, improved transportation connectivity to the airport, and a new administration building. The New T1s project budget is $3.8 billion and is estimated to create between 15,000 to 20,000 construction-related jobs. For more information about the New T1 please visit newt1.com. For more information about SAN please visit san.org. Media Contact Blythe Beaubien blythe@fikacollective.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24b5c690-c35e-462f-92c4-1f22a2694e1e Washington, DC, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York vacated an over $500 million fine imposed on President Trump in New York v. Trump, New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess case alleging fraud under New York Executive Law 63.12. The New Civil Liberties Alliance and its founder Professor Philip Hamburger filed an amicus curiae brief in the case asking NYs intermediate appellate court to hold 63.12 illegal and set aside the unlawful fine. This law wrongfully allows courts to punish defendants simply for making incorrect business statements, whether any inaccuracy was intentional and whether or not anyone was harmed as a result. Though the Appellate Division did not rule against 63.12 itself, Associate Justice Peter H. Moulton wrote that President Trump was fined by trial court judge Arthur Engoron excessively in violation of the Eighth Amendment (and as an unlawful disgorgement). Overturning the unlawful fine vindicates NCLA and Prof. Hamburger, who look forward to the Executive Laws ultimate demise. NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that had 63.12 in our sights long before the current controversy emerged, as it has been abused before. NYs Executive Law targets untruths, even immaterial untruths, that are made without bad intent, recklessness, or negligence and do not cause concrete harm to an identifiable third party. Much more is at stake here than Trumps allegedly inflated real estate valuations. Because 63.12 allows prosecution for all business untruths, including unintentionally false statements, it discourages innocent people from taking the risk of speaking and thus chills truthful speech. People must be willing to experiment in speechto try out conclusions that may turn out to be incorrectmaking 63.12s threat to innocent words later shown to be untrue profoundly dangerous. For this reason, the First Amendment has long protected false speech. When President Trumps lawyers raised elements of this First Amendment argument to the trial court, pointing out that 63.12 permits punishments for false statements absent fraudulent intent or alleged damages, the court declared the argument frivolous and imposed thousands of dollars in sanctions. The Appellate Division rightly vacated those penalties today as well. Punishing Trumps attorneys for presenting what is not only a meritorious argumentbut could and should have been a winning onecompounded the constitutional problems with this case, violating the Fourteenth Amendment by denying the Defendants due process of law. NCLA released the following statements: NCLA continues to believe that the entire case lacked merit and that Attorney General Letitia James abused an overbroad and constitutionally problematic statute. We are gratified that the Appellate Division correctly concluded that the $500 million penalty assessed against President Trump was just thata penalty, which is subject to the strictures of the Eighth Amendment. We are also pleased the Appellate Division vacated unjustifiable sanctions that the trial court imposed on President Trumps attorneys for doing their job. Greg Dolin, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA The $500 million penalty in this case was a miscarriage of justice, which at least todays decretal reversed. NY Attorney General Letitia James was recently named runner-up for NCLAs King George III Prize, which we award to the bureaucrat who was the worst civil liberties abuser each year. This case shows why Attorney General James almost won. The testimony in this case demonstrated the banks did not think they were defrauded, so this case never should have been brought. NYs Executive Law is far too prone to abuse and should be struck down. 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. ### Dallas, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This release is for informational purposes only and does not provide financial, legal, or medical advice. DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars are not intended to diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes. Features and uses reflect public information and user discussions as of the publication date. Results may vary. Some links may be promotional, and the publisher or author may earn commissions, which do not affect consumer pricing. Readers should conduct their own evaluation before making financial, technological, or purchasing decisions. DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars Announced for 2025: Expanding Access to Affordable Nocturnal Clarity Night vision has shifted from a niche tool for specialists into a category of growing public curiosity in 2025. From outdoor enthusiasts looking to extend their adventures to homeowners seeking extra peace of mind, the demand for practical, budget-conscious optics is expanding quickly. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars by MCG Tactical are positioned as part of this broader trend, offering features that align with what users are already discussing in online forums and survival communities. Readers exploring this shift in consumer interest can explore the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars here. Why Interest in Night Vision Is Surging in 2025 Public attention around night vision binoculars has grown sharply in 2025, driven by a mix of curiosity, practicality, and new affordability. Devices once reserved for military or high-end professional use are now entering consumer markets at price points that make them accessible for ordinary buyers. At the center of this conversation is the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars, a compact digital system designed for everyday users who want to see clearly when the sun goes down. Interest has surged because many people are spending more time outdoors and want tools that extend visibility beyond daylight hours. Camping, hiking, and property monitoring often continue into the evening, and standard flashlights do little to enhance distance or clarity. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars deliver full-color visuals through a 2.5-inch HD display, a feature that users often reference in forums and online discussions. This balance of portability and clear image quality helps explain why more buyers are searching for this specific device. Affordability is another reason for the trend. Traditional night vision optics often cost thousands of dollars, keeping them out of reach for most households. By integrating digital sensors, IR illumination, and a lightweight build, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars lower those barriers significantly. Users describe them as approachable and versatile, whether stored in a glove compartment, carried in a backpack, or used around the home for added security. Another element behind the surge is cultural curiosity. Social media clips showing people testing night vision gear have sparked conversations about how accessible this technology has become. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars are frequently highlighted as an example of what modern consumer-grade devices can achieve: sharp imagery, infrared lighting with seven adjustable levels, and easy recording through a built-in SD card slot. These features position the binoculars as a product that satisfies curiosity while meeting real-world needs. Practicality has also fueled growing demand. Homeowners and outdoor users want equipment that is easy to recharge and maintain. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars use USB-C charging, reducing dependence on specialty batteries and ensuring compatibility with common power banks. At less than ten ounces, they are light enough for extended use, which appeals to people who want mobility without sacrificing performance. Security concerns contribute to the surge as well. Many buyers report wanting a tool that provides peace of mind at night, whether for checking property lines, monitoring movement, or observing surroundings during low-light conditions. The integrated red spotting laser on the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars adds a layer of functionality that is often mentioned in user discussions. This combination of vision enhancement and targeting assistance resonates with those who value awareness after dark. Ultimately, the rise of interest in 2025 reflects a shift in consumer expectations. People want technology that feels practical, durable, and relevant to their daily routines. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars align with those expectations by combining advanced optics with user-friendly design. From outdoor exploration to personal security, they represent why night vision binoculars have become one of the most discussed categories in consumer gear this year. DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars as a Response to This Shift As night vision becomes a more prominent interest in 2025, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars stand out as a direct response to what buyers have been seeking. Rather than targeting only specialized professionals, the device is designed for ordinary consumers who want reliable night vision without the complexity or cost associated with older systems. Its feature set reflects the conversations happening in online communities: people want clarity, portability, and ease of use, all packaged in a device they can trust for multiple scenarios. The architecture of the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars was built with consumer practicality in mind. At its core is a full-color 2.5-inch HD display that allows users to see environments in sharp detail. Unlike traditional green-tinted optics, the display provides images in a format closer to daylight vision. This capability positions the binoculars as approachable to first-time users who may not be accustomed to military-grade optics but want a smooth and intuitive experience. A major part of the design is the seven-level infrared illumination system. Users exploring the product often highlight this feature as key for adjusting brightness depending on conditions. Low illumination works well for indoor or close-range observation, while higher levels extend visibility in darker, open settings. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars adapt easily to these needs, giving buyers confidence that the device will function in a variety of real-world environments. The binoculars also integrate recording features, which many consumers now view as essential. A built-in SD card slot supports storage up to 256 GB, allowing users to capture footage and review it later. Whether applied to wildlife observation, property checks, or nighttime exploration, this feature reinforces the idea that the device is not only for immediate use but also for long-term documentation. This aligns with the broader trend of digital devices serving both functional and archival purposes. Ease of power management is another way the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars respond to consumer needs. With USB-C charging, the binoculars eliminate the inconvenience of relying on specialty batteries that may be costly or hard to replace. Instead, they can recharge from common outlets, car adapters, or portable power banks. This design choice reflects how much consumers value flexibility in maintaining their devices, especially when used in remote or outdoor settings. Weight and ergonomics are also part of the response to market demand. At less than ten ounces, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars are notably lightweight compared to older models. This makes them easier to carry on hikes, camping trips, or long evenings outdoors. The devices design emphasizes comfort, ensuring that extended use does not result in fatigue. Users often cite portability as one of the most practical elements of the binoculars, which reinforces their positioning as a consumer-friendly tool. In terms of additional functionality, the integrated red spotting laser is a unique feature that has drawn attention. Buyers describe it as a useful tool for identifying targets, marking objects, or simply aligning focus at night. The fact that this functionality is built into an affordable consumer device further distinguishes the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars from other options in the market. Durability is another aspect consumers weigh heavily when evaluating night vision equipment. While the binoculars are compact and lightweight, they also carry an IP54 rating, making them resistant to dust and splashes. This durability standard positions the product as suitable for outdoor adventures without requiring delicate handling. In forums and user reviews, this rating is often cited as a reassurance that the binoculars can handle realistic field conditions. Taken together, these features show that the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars were designed with clear attention to consumer demand. Every elementfrom the HD display and adjustable infrared levels to the recording functionality, USB-C charging, and lightweight buildreflects what people say they want in a practical night vision device. The binoculars are not framed as luxury equipment or professional-only tools; instead, they serve as an accessible response to the growing expectation that technology should expand human visibility in simple, reliable, and affordable ways. For these reasons, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars have become a focal point in conversations about night vision in 2025. They deliver on the essential qualities that matter to todays consumers and demonstrate how the category is evolving toward usability and everyday relevance. Inside the Device The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars represent a compact, multi-functional approach to consumer night vision technology in 2025. Every design element has been structured to maximize clarity, portability, and adaptability. For consumers who want to understand what sets this device apart, the details inside the system demonstrate why it has become a frequently discussed choice in the night vision category. At the center of the design is the 2.5-inch HD display. This screen provides full-color visuals rather than the green or monochrome imaging that older analog night vision units often produced. The ability to see in familiar color tones makes the experience more natural and less disorienting for users, especially those new to night vision. The display also helps with detail recognition, allowing clear distinction between shapes, distances, and textures in low-light conditions. Another defining feature is the integrated infrared system. With seven adjustable IR levels, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars give users control over how much light is projected into the environment. At lower levels, the illumination is subtle, making it ideal for indoor use or short-range viewing. Higher levels extend the devices reach, allowing clear vision in open outdoor spaces where natural light is minimal. This adaptability ensures that the binoculars can serve multiple purposes, from backyard monitoring to remote camping expeditions. Zoom capability is a further point of interest. The binoculars include a 10 digital zoom, enabling users to focus on details at a distance without moving closer. This function is particularly useful for observing wildlife, monitoring perimeters, or surveying large outdoor spaces. In practical terms, it allows people to expand their range of vision without sacrificing safety or convenience. Recording and storage are built into the device as standard features. With a micro SD card slot supporting up to 256 GB, users can capture still images and videos of what they see. This function is often mentioned by buyers who want to review footage later or share their experiences. In outdoor exploration, the ability to record nighttime wildlife encounters adds value. In personal security use, storing video creates an additional layer of reassurance. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars turn night vision into both a real-time tool and a way to document and revisit moments. Power management has also been carefully considered. Instead of relying on specialty batteries that can be expensive or inconvenient to replace, the binoculars use USB-C recharging. This aligns with modern consumer expectations, as most households now have USB-C chargers available for phones, laptops, and other devices. It also means the binoculars can be recharged in the field with power banks, solar chargers, or vehicle adapters. For users who want simplicity, this design ensures the binoculars remain operational without requiring unique or hard-to-source accessories. Weight and handling are another advantage. At less than 10 ounces, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars are lightweight enough to carry without strain. Their compact frame makes them easy to store in a backpack, glove compartment, or tactical kit. This portability is one reason many users describe them as practical for everyday situations. Whether taken on a hike, kept at home for nighttime checks, or included in emergency gear, the binoculars are built to travel easily. An additional element that sets this device apart is the integrated red spotting laser. This feature can be used for marking objects, aligning focus, or assisting in targeting tasks during low-light activities. It expands the binoculars beyond passive observation into an active tool that adapts to different contexts. Many users note that the inclusion of a laser in a consumer-grade device is a feature they did not expect, which increases perceived value. Durability is supported by the IP54 rating, which makes the binoculars resistant to dust and light splashes of water. This ensures they are suitable for outdoor conditions without requiring delicate handling. The rugged exterior casing reinforces this durability, providing peace of mind for those who expect their equipment to withstand realistic use in unpredictable environments. Together, these components demonstrate why the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars are being highlighted as an accessible option in 2025. They incorporate many of the same functions people associate with professional night vision gear, but in a streamlined package tailored for consumers. The focus on usability, from the HD display to USB-C charging, reflects a deliberate response to what buyers say they value most: clarity, adaptability, and convenience. In summary, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars are more than a single feature or specification. They are a convergence of modern design choices aimed at making night vision practical for daily use. The combination of display, illumination, zoom, recording, portability, and durability ensures that this device meets diverse needs while remaining simple to operate. For many buyers, this blend of performance and accessibility explains why the binoculars have become central to conversations about consumer night vision technology in 2025. See how users are applying the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars for outdoor activities, home awareness, and preparedness. What Online Users Are Saying About This Category Public conversations about night vision have expanded in 2025, and the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars frequently appear in those discussions. Across forums, review platforms, and social media comment threads, users describe how this device fits into their needs for outdoor activities, personal security, and everyday exploration. While opinions vary, the overall sentiment highlights why these binoculars are emerging as one of the most talked-about consumer night vision products of the year. One consistent theme is accessibility. Many buyers point out that the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars provide a level of performance they did not expect at this price point. Posts often reference the clarity of the HD display, noting how it differs from older models that relied on grainy or monochrome imagery. The ability to see in full color makes the device feel approachable for first-time users. Online reviewers frequently emphasize that this feature makes the binoculars easier to adapt to compared to more traditional optics. Another point of discussion is portability. On outdoor forums, users highlight the compact size and lightweight build of the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars as a reason they carry them during camping or hiking trips. Several reviews describe the binoculars as easy to pack or a good fit for a backpack, reflecting how consumers prioritize mobility in their gear. Comments often reinforce that weight and convenience are not secondary concerns but central to whether a device becomes part of regular use. Durability is also a recurring topic. Consumers in gear-focused communities note the IP54 rating as a meaningful detail, explaining that it offers peace of mind when using the binoculars outdoors. While no one expects a consumer-grade product to withstand extreme conditions, the balance of portability with splash and dust resistance is seen as realistic and valuable. These remarks show how users evaluate not only the optics but also the overall build of the device. The infrared illumination system generates strong feedback as well. Buyers appreciate the seven adjustable levels, with many sharing examples of how they use lower levels indoors and higher settings outdoors. Some reviews mention testing the IR illumination in open fields, reporting that it extended their visibility much further than expected. Others point out that having adjustable options makes the device more versatile, allowing it to adapt to both recreational and practical scenarios. Recording features are another element frequently praised. Users often comment on the ability to capture images and videos directly onto a micro SD card, with several noting that this makes the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars useful not only for real-time viewing but also for documenting experiences. Posts describing wildlife encounters at night or neighborhood monitoring often highlight how the recording function provides value beyond immediate use. These perspectives demonstrate how consumers interpret technology as both functional and shareable. The integrated red spotting laser is sometimes described as a surprise feature. User discussions reveal curiosity about how it can be applied in different contexts, from aligning focus to marking distant objects. While some treat it as an add-on, others consider it a practical tool that increases the binoculars versatility. The variety of reactions reflects how buyers explore features beyond their initial expectations, often finding extra value in functions they had not anticipated. There are also balanced perspectives. Some reviewers express skepticism about whether digital night vision matches the performance of traditional high-end optics. They acknowledge that the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars offer clarity for the price but also caution that expectations should align with consumer-grade design. This kind of feedback illustrates how users openly discuss limitations, providing realistic context for potential buyers. Importantly, these conversations do not dismiss the binoculars but frame them as a strong option within their intended category. Overall, the online conversation surrounding the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars reflects a product that resonates with a wide audience. Positive comments highlight the HD display, portability, and recording functions, while critical remarks focus on realistic comparisons to higher-end optics. Together, these voices create a balanced picture of a device that delivers genuine utility while sparking active discussion. For many observers, the fact that the binoculars inspire such widespread commentary is itself a signal of their relevance in the consumer market. Who Might Gravitate Toward DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars in 2025 The appeal of the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars extends across a wide spectrum of users in 2025. While once considered niche tools for professionals, night vision devices have entered everyday life for people who value visibility, awareness, and exploration after dark. What makes the DarkForce model stand out is how its design aligns with the expectations of multiple consumer groups. Outdoor enthusiasts are one of the most obvious audiences. Campers, hikers, and wildlife observers increasingly look for equipment that extends their ability to enjoy nature after sunset. For this group, the lightweight build and compact size of the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars are essential advantages. They can be carried easily in a backpack, used to navigate trails, or deployed to watch nocturnal wildlife without disturbing the environment. The combination of portability and recording capability gives outdoor users the tools they need to explore with confidence. Homeowners and those concerned with property awareness also gravitate toward the binoculars. In suburban and rural areas alike, residents want reassurance that they can monitor movement around their homes when lighting is limited. The seven-level infrared illumination of the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars makes it possible to check perimeters discreetly and clearly. This group values the ability to see beyond the reach of porch lights or cameras, and the binoculars meet that demand in a simple and reliable format. Another audience includes individuals who prioritize preparedness. Conversations in emergency readiness communities frequently mention the importance of maintaining awareness during power outages or natural events. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars fit neatly into these discussions because they offer dependable visibility in situations where conventional lighting may fail. USB-C recharging further supports this use case, allowing the binoculars to pair with portable power banks or solar chargers in unpredictable circumstances. For preparedness-minded users, the binoculars are not a luxury but a practical addition to a broader set of tools. Travelers and recreational users represent another segment. Those who enjoy nighttime sightseeing, boating, or even backyard exploration appreciate the way the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars transform dark environments into visible spaces. The 10 digital zoom allows this group to see detail at distances that flashlights cannot reach. The ability to document experiences with photos or videos also appeals to travelers who want to capture memories in unique ways. There is also an audience of tech adopters who are naturally curious about emerging consumer gadgets. For them, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars embody the excitement of technology that was once considered specialized and expensive, now available in a portable, affordable package. This group is often active in online communities, sharing demonstrations and encouraging discussions about performance. Their adoption of the binoculars helps fuel broader awareness and interest. Security-conscious individuals form another key demographic. For people working night shifts, managing rural properties, or checking vehicles and equipment after dark, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars offer peace of mind. The integrated red spotting laser is particularly appealing in these scenarios, as it adds an additional layer of functionality for identifying and marking objects in low-light conditions. These practical applications make the device useful beyond recreation, placing it in a category of tools valued for everyday safety. Families and casual users also show interest. Parents who want to introduce children to nighttime exploration, backyard stargazing, or wildlife observation appreciate that the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars are intuitive to use. The HD display simplifies operation, and the lightweight frame makes them easy to handle. While some may initially purchase them for fun, families often find that the binoculars serve additional purposes, including household monitoring and emergency preparedness. What connects these groups is the shared desire for clarity in conditions where the human eye falls short. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars respond to this demand by offering a balance of practicality, adaptability, and affordability. Rather than being built for one type of user, the device supports diverse scenarios, making it relevant to multiple segments of the public. The growing range of audiences demonstrates why the binoculars have gained visibility in 2025. They serve outdoor explorers, homeowners, security-minded individuals, families, and technology enthusiasts alike. Each group sees different advantages, yet all point to the same conclusion: the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars transform how people experience the night, turning limitations into opportunities. Access more information on the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars and consumer discussions about their functionality. Market Category Reflections Why This Niche Is Expanding The night vision binoculars market has shifted from a specialized niche to a fast-growing consumer category. This transformation in 2025 can be traced to changing expectations, technological advancements, and cultural curiosity. At the center of these discussions, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars illustrate how a single product can reflect broader industry patterns while capturing attention from diverse audiences. One of the biggest drivers of expansion is the shift in consumer priorities. People no longer view night vision as an inaccessible luxury. Instead, it is becoming a tool for practical use in daily life. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars meet these priorities by offering features once considered advancedsuch as HD imaging, digital zoom, and infrared illuminationat a price level designed for broad adoption. This repositioning has helped turn night vision from an exclusive market into one of expanding relevance. Another factor in the niches growth is portability. Historically, night vision equipment was large, heavy, and often required specialized handling. By contrast, the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars weigh less than 10 ounces and fit into a compact frame. This makes them part of a new generation of optics that consumers can carry easily, opening opportunities for spontaneous use in outdoor, recreational, or security settings. The portability trend aligns with the broader movement in consumer technology where smaller, lighter, and more versatile devices dominate. Affordability also defines why the category is expanding. Price barriers that once excluded most households have lowered due to advances in digital imaging and mass production. Consumers who once considered night vision out of reach now see the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars as a practical investment. This democratization of technology is fueling interest across demographics, from families experimenting with backyard exploration to homeowners adding another layer of nighttime security. The expansion of the niche is reinforced by consumer expectations for multifunctional design. Buyers are no longer satisfied with single-purpose gadgets. They want devices that adapt to different scenarios. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars embody this trend by offering infrared adjustment, a red spotting laser, digital zoom, and recording capabilities in one device. This versatility positions them as a tool that answers multiple needs, supporting the broader movement toward all-in-one solutions in consumer technology. Durability plays a similar role. As consumers invest in gear for outdoor use, they want reassurance that products can withstand unpredictable conditions. The IP54 rating of the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars answers this demand, balancing portability with resilience. By offering dust and splash resistance, the binoculars meet expectations for practical durability without being framed as heavy-duty industrial equipment. This approach resonates with buyers who value dependability but prioritize convenience. Another reflection of expansion is the integration of consumer-friendly power systems. USB-C charging has become a universal standard, and its presence in the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars positions them within this mainstream trend. This compatibility encourages adoption by reducing friction. Users no longer worry about specialized batteries, and the device can be recharged in familiar ways. This alignment with broader consumer technology habits illustrates why the category is growing so quickly: it feels accessible and intuitive. Cultural momentum also supports the expansion. Night vision has long carried a sense of intrigue and empowerment. Seeing in the dark connects with a basic human desire for awareness and control. In 2025, products like the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars channel that interest into tangible consumer experiences. Online discussions reflect this cultural shift, as users describe the excitement of testing their binoculars in new environments and sharing results with peers. The cultural narrative reinforces demand by making the technology feel both aspirational and achievable. Finally, the expansion of the niche is tied to consumer behavior in uncertain times. People want tools that enhance self-reliance, whether for outdoor adventures, property monitoring, or emergency preparedness. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars embody that shift by offering simple solutions to real-world challenges: how to see clearly when lighting fails, how to explore safely after sunset, and how to record moments for review. Their design speaks directly to a growing cultural desire for confidence in unpredictable situations. Taken together, these reflections explain why the night vision market has grown rapidly and why the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars represent a clear example of this evolution. By combining affordability, portability, versatility, durability, and cultural relevance, the binoculars demonstrate how consumer expectations have redefined the niche. Far from being a novelty, they represent a broader shift toward practical, user-friendly night vision technology that is reshaping the market in 2025. Public Debate Supporters, Skeptics, and the Signals Behind the Buzz The rise of the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars in 2025 has sparked an active public debate. As with most consumer technologies that cross from professional use into mainstream markets, reactions are mixed. Supporters highlight the binoculars as an accessible way to experience night vision. Skeptics caution that expectations should remain realistic compared to professional-grade optics. Neutral observers note that discussion itself signals how significant this product has become in shaping consumer curiosity. Supporters often point to the balance of features and value. In online forums and gear communities, users emphasize how the HD display and seven-level infrared illumination provide a level of clarity that feels advanced for the price range. They describe the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars as practical, noting that they meet the essential needs of visibility and recording without unnecessary complexity. For many, the appeal is that the device delivers useful performance in a simple, lightweight package that does not require specialized knowledge. Advocates also highlight the portability and convenience of the design. At less than ten ounces, the binoculars are easy to carry, which supporters argue makes them more likely to be used regularly. USB-C charging is another feature consistently praised, as it removes the dependency on uncommon batteries. These voices frame the binoculars as a product that fits into modern lifestyles, aligning with the ways people already power and carry their devices. On the other hand, skeptics raise questions about how digital night vision compares to older analog systems or professional-grade equipment. They acknowledge that the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars provide visibility, but suggest that potential buyers should view them as consumer-level tools rather than replacements for high-cost military optics. Skeptics sometimes reference expectations around depth perception, resolution at long distances, or battery life during extended use. Their perspective does not dismiss the binoculars, but frames them as an affordable step into night vision rather than an ultimate solution. Another thread in the debate is around durability. Some users express confidence in the IP54 rating, considering it adequate for camping, hiking, or household use. Others question whether the ruggedness matches their perception of heavy-duty gear. These differing views highlight how consumers apply their own expectations, often shaped by prior experience with tactical or outdoor equipment. Neutral observers contribute another angle. They focus less on whether the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars meet every technical benchmark and more on what the conversation reveals. From this perspective, the sheer volume of discussion is meaningful. The fact that so many users are sharing opinions, posting demonstrations, and comparing experiences indicates that the binoculars have struck a cultural chord. Neutral voices see this debate as evidence that night vision is no longer a niche interest but a mainstream consumer category. What unites these viewpoints is recognition of the binoculars relevance. Supporters view them as practical and affordable. Skeptics remind others to balance expectations. Neutral commentators interpret the buzz as a sign of shifting consumer interest. Together, these perspectives show that the DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars are not only a product but also a conversation starter. They represent a technology that prompts people to reflect on visibility, preparedness, and the role of accessible gear in daily life. The debate underscores an important point: consumer products gain cultural significance not when they are universally praised, but when they are widely discussed. The DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars have achieved this status by generating conversations across a broad spectrum of users. In 2025, that level of attention signals momentum, regardless of whether voices are supportive, skeptical, or neutral. About MCG Tactical MCG Tactical is dedicated to making advanced visibility and preparedness tools accessible to everyday consumers. As the parent company behind DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars, MCG Tactical focuses on delivering practical equipment that combines durability, functionality, and affordability. The companys mission is to ensure that consumers can experience clarity in low-light conditions without barriers of cost or complexity. Every feature in DarkForce products reflects this consumer-first philosophy. From HD displays and multi-level infrared systems to USB-C charging and lightweight portability, MCG Tactical designs products that align with modern expectations for convenience and reliability. With a focus on approachable technology, the company emphasizes usability in real-world scenarios, whether for outdoor exploration, home awareness, or emergency readiness. By positioning advanced optics in an accessible format, MCG Tactical supports the broader trend of bringing once-specialized technologies into everyday life. Its approach balances performance with practicality, helping more households, outdoor enthusiasts, and preparedness communities adopt solutions that enhance visibility and awareness. Contact MCG Tactical DarkForce DarkForce Email : support@mcgtactical.com : support@mcgtactical.com Phone (US): 1-888-509-0917 Final Disclaimer This press release is for informational purposes only. The content herein does not constitute financial, legal, or medical advice. DarkForce Night Vision Binoculars are not intended to diagnose, treat, predict, or guarantee any result or outcome. Individual experiences may vary, and outcomes are not assured. Some links in this release may be promotional in nature and may lead to third-party websites. The publisher or author may receive compensation through affiliate commissions if a purchase is made through these links. This compensation does not affect the price you pay and helps support continued research and content publication. All statements made about product features, platform strategies, or training content reflect publicly available information, user discussions, or historical trends, and are not endorsed or validated by regulatory bodies. Please perform your own research before making financial, technological, or purchasing decisions. Highlights: Expanded bio-metallurgical programs from initial bio-leaching tests indicating metal extraction of 97.86-98.5% nickel and 96.9-97.7% cobalt, with the goal of achieving similarly high recoveries of copper and PGE metals from the Ferguson Lake Ni-Cu-Co PGE Project located in southeast Nunavut, Canada. Continued evaluation of multiple metal processing technologies to produce market-ready battery-grade nickel and cobalt compounds, copper and PGE metals from a low-cost, low-carbon footprint mine. Working with local governments and indigenous communities for permissions, permits and licenses to conduct environmental baselines studies; communicating with investors, and potential partners to support the future development of the Ferguson Lake Project. TORONTO, Aug. 20, 2025 -- Canadian North Resources Inc. ("Canadian North" or the "Company") (TSXV: CNRI; OTCQX: CNRSF; FSE: EO0 (E-O-zero)) is pleased to report its operational and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Dr. Kaihui Yang, President and CEO of the Company, commented: "In the second quarter, we have expanded the bio-leaching tests to develop a mineral processing flowsheet for the high recovery of nickel, cobalt, copper and PGE for the Ferguson Lake Project. The new tests are focused on the recovery of copper and PGE, in additional to nickel and cobalt, following up the exceptional results of the bio-leaching amenability tests completed in 2024, which indicate very high extraction rates for nickel (97.8-98.9%) and cobalt (96.0-97.7%) plus encouraging initial extractions of Cu of 73.6 -75.4%. The results of the new tests are pending. When proven, this flowsheet can simplify mineral processing, bypassing smelting and metal refining, and it will substantially reduce the capital expenditures needed for mine development, energy consumption, and operating cost for production. We believe that bio-leach extraction is a promising technology for developing a low-cost, low-carbon footprint mine at the Ferguson Lake Project." "We have actively communicated with the governmental agencies and local communities for the permissions, permits and licenses to conduct environmental baselines studies, and we have increased our communications with investors for the potential mine development of the Ferguson Lake Project." Quarter 2 of 2025 Highlights: The Company also engaged in the following activities in the second quarter: During the second Quarter, the Company's team communicated with local governments and communities for the permissions, permits and licenses to start the environmental baseline studies at the Ferguson Lake Project. The Management has increased communications with shareholders, investors and potential strategic partners for the further development of the Company and its Ferguson Lake Project. On April 15, 2025, the Company filed its operational and financial results for the fiscal year 2024. During the year, it also publicly disclosed an updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Ferguson Lake Project, confirming it as one of the largest and highest-grade copper-nickel-cobalt-PGE deposits in North America. In addition, the Company initiated bio-leaching tests, which achieved 96-98% extraction rates for nickel and cobalt, supporting the potential use of this technology in developing a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable mining operation at Ferguson Lake. On April 16, 2025, the Company filed with the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") an update on its Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") that was announced on April 5, 2024. During the past year (from April 5, 2024, to April 4, 2025), the Company has repurchased a total of 202,300 Common Shares at an average price of $0.98 per share under the NCIB. The completion of this repurchase underscores the Management's commitment to returning value to shareholders while optimizing the Company's capital structure. On April 24, 2025, the Company announced that it has filed with the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") a Notice of Intention to Make a Normal Course Issuer Bid which is proposed to commence on April 28, 2025 and terminate on April 27, 2026 or the earlier of the date all shares which are subject to the Normal Course Issuer Bid are purchased. The Company believes that the current market price does not fully represent the intrinsic value of CNRI's Common Shares. On May 27, 2025, the Company filed the interim operational and financial results of the first Quarter, 2025. During the first Quarter, the Company continued evaluation of multiple metal processing technologies to produce market-ready battery-grade nickel and cobalt compounds, copper and PGE metals from a low-cost, low-carbon footprint mine for the Ferguson Lake Ni-Cu-Co-PGE Project. The Company commenced follow-up extensive bio-metallurgical programs from initial bio-leaching tests indicating metal extraction of 97.86-98.5% nickel and 96.9-97.7% cobalt, with the goal of achieving similarly high recoveries of copper and PGE metals. The Company enhanced engagement with local governments, Indigenous communities, investors, and potential partners to support the future development of the Ferguson Lake Project. In Quarter 2, 2025, the Company expanded the bioleaching tests with RPC for the high recovery of copper and PGE in addition to nickel and cobalt, and continued the flotation tests with SGS for the Ferguson Lake project. The technical team has also prepared for the field working programs upon receiving the permissions and permits from the governmental agencies. On June 21, 2025, the Company announced the voting results for the election of its Board of Directors at its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on June 19, 2025. For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, The Company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $143,233 and reported a net loss and comprehensive loss of $292,890 or $0.00 per share. For the quarter end Financial Statement and Management's Discussion and Analysis, please see the Company website at www.cnresources.com or on SEDAR. Qualified Person: Dr. Trevor Boyd, P.Geo. and Technical Advisor for Canadian North Resources, a qualified person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards, has reviewed the technical content of this news release and has approved its dissemination. About Canadian North Resources Inc. Canadian North Resources Inc. is an exploration and development company focusing on the critical metals for the clean-energy, electric vehicles, battery and high-tech industries. The company is advancing its 100% owned Ferguson Lake nickel, copper, cobalt, palladium, and platinum project in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada. The Ferguson Lake mining property contains a substantial National Instrument 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate announced on March 19 2024, which include Indicated Mineral Resources of 66.1 million tonnes (Mt) containing 1,093 million pounds (Mlb) copper at 0.75%, 678Mlb nickel at 0.47%, 79.3Mlb cobalt at 0.05%, 2.34 million ounces (Moz) palladium at 1.10gpt and 0.419Moz platinum at 0.19gpt; and Inferred Mineral Resources of 25.9Mt containing 558Mlb copper at 0.98%, 333Mlb nickel at 0.58%, 39.6Mlb cobalt at 0.07%, 1.192Moz palladium at 1.43gpt and 0.205Moz platinum at 0.25gpt. In particular, 80% of the Indicated Mineral Resources is Open Pit with 52.7Mt at 0.65% copper, 0.43% nickel, 0.05% cobalt, 0.97gpt palladium and 0.17gpt platinum, which provides a solid Mineral Resource base for the initial development of a potential large mine. The Mineral Resource model indicates significant potential for resource expansion along strike and at depth over the 15 km long mineralized belt and a number of undefined mineralization zones and prospective areas. (Refer to "Independent Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate for the Ferguson Lake Project, Nunavut, Canada ("the Technical Report")", prepared by SRK Consulting and Ronacher McKenzie Geoscience Inc., effective March 19, 2024, filed by the Company to SEDAR at http://www.sedarplus.ca on May 3, 2024. The Technical Report has also been posted on the Company's website at www.cnresources.com.) Qualified Person: Dr. Trevor Boyd, P.Geo. and Technical Advisor for Canadian North Resources, a qualified person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards has reviewed the technical content of this news release and has approved its dissemination. Further information please visit the website at www.cnresources.com, or contact: Dr. Kaihui Yang, President and CEO Phone: 905-696-8288 (Canada) 1-888-688-8809 (Toll-Free) Email: info@cnresources.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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law. Perth, Aug. 21, 2025 - PERSEUS EXECUTES KEY NYANZAGA AGREEMENTS WITH TANZANIA Perseus has signed formal agreements with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to progress development of Perseus's 80% owned Nyanzaga Gold Project (NGP) in Tanzania 2 . . Perseus announced a Final Investment Decision (FID) to proceed with the NGP development in April 2025. When operating, NGP is forecast to be the lowest cost operation in Perseus's 4 mine portfolio 1 . . NGP gold production will average over 200,000 ounces of gold per annum from FY28 to FY35, with peak production of ~250,000 ounces in FY28 and with life of mine average All-In Site Cost (AISC) of US$1,211/oz. Perseus is on track for first gold production at NGP in Q1 CY27. Perth, Western Australia/August 21, 2025/Perseus Mining Ltd. (ASX/TSX: PRU) is pleased to announce a formal signing ceremony at Perseus's Nyanzaga Gold Project in Tanzanian (NGP) on 20 August 2025 to execute mission critical agreements between the Tanzanian Government and Perseus's subsidiary, Nyanzaga Mining Company Limited. These Agreements are the result of extensive negotiations conducted between Perseus and Tanzania's Government Negotiating Team, and govern the development and operation of the NGP that Perseus is currently developing. These documents included: An Addendum to the Framework Agreement dated 13 December 2021: and An Addendum to the Shareholders' Agreement dated 13 December 2021. Perseus's Managing Director and CEO, Jeff Quartermaine, said: "Prior to us recently announcing our Final Investment Decision to develop the US$524 million Nyanzaga Gold Project in Tanzania, our team engaged extensively with Tanzania's Government Negotiating Team and other key government officials and authorities to agree amendments to important agreements governing the development of Nyanzaga that had originally been struck between the government of Tanzania and the prior owner of the project. Negotiations were aimed at removing ambiguities in the terms of existing agreements between the Government and Perseus and were conducted in a very cordial and positive atmosphere by both sides, reflecting well on the Tanzanian Government's ambition to open its doors to foreign investment and to encourage foreign participation in its highly valuable mining industry. In particular, the leadership shown by the Minister for Minerals, Honourable Anthony Mavunde and the Treasury Registrar Mr Nehemiah Mchechu was outstanding throughout the process. From Perseus's perspective, we were very pleased with the outcome of the negotiations that represented a classical "win-win" situation. Both sides negotiated robustly on certain issues, but agreement was reached to achieve a common good and this display of wisdom and maturity speaks volumes about the way that business can and is being conducted in modern and progressive African countries such as Tanzania. That said, there remains some work to be done to fully implement the agreed changes, and we are looking forward to the continued cooperation of the government in making this a reality. Perseus's team was led by our Chief Financial Officer Lee-Anne de Bruin, who was ably assisted by our General Counsel, Martijn Bosboom and Tanzanian CFO and Country Manager, Isaac Lupokela. I would like to record my personal thanks and commendation on an outstanding achievement by all three people." About the NGP The NGP (or the Project) is located in north-western Tanzania, within the Sengerema District of the Mwanza Region, south of Lake Victoria approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Mwanza (Tanzania's second largest city) (Error! Reference source not found.). The Project is located on the north-eastern flank of the Sukumaland Archaean Greenstone Belt of the Lake Victoria Goldfield, approximately 60 km east of Anglogold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine and 35 km northeast of Barrick's Bulyanhulu Gold Mine. The Project area covers Nyanzian greenstone volcanic rocks and sediments typical of the greenstone belts of the central craton. Figure 1 - Location Map The NGP Mineral Resource Estimate includes an Indicated Resource of 74.2 Mt grading 1.33 g/t Au for 3.2 Moz Au and an Inferred Resource of 15.0 Mt grading 1.2 g/t Au for 0.6 Moz Au (Table 1). It has a Probable Ore Reserve Estimate of 52.0 Mt grading 1.40 g/t Au for 2.3 Moz Au (Table 2). Table 1: Nyanzaga Gold Project Mineral Resources1,2,3,4,5,6 PROJECT MEASURED RESOURCES INDICATED RESOURCES MEASURED & INDICATED RESOURCES INFERRED RESOURCES QUANTITY GRADE GOLD QUANTITY GRADE GOLD QUANTITY GRADE GOLD QUANTITY GRADE GOLD MT G/T GOLD ''000 OZ MT G/T GOLD '000 OZ MT G/T GOLD '000 OZ MT G/T GOLD '000 OZ Tusker7 - - - 71.1 1.34 3,061 71.1 1.34 3,061 14.6 1.2 571 Kilimani - - - 3.1 1.00 101 3.1 1.00 101 0.4 1.2 13 Total - - - 74.2 1.33 3,162 74.2 1.33 3,162 15.0 1.2 584 Notes for Table 1: 1 Based on October 2024 Mineral Resource estimate 2 0.3 g/t gold cut-off applied to in-situ open pit material 3 In-situ open pit resources are constrained to US$2,000/oz pit shells 4 Rounding of numbers to appropriate precision may result in summary inconsistencies 5 Mineral Resources are inclusive of Ore Reserves 6 Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% basis 7 The previously disclosed Nyanzaga deposit has been termed Tusker for clarity Table 2: Nyanzaga Gold Project Ore Reserves1,2,3,4,5,6 PROJECT PROVED PROBABLE PROVED AND PROBABLE QUANTITY GRADE GOLD QUANTITY GRADE GOLD QUANTITY GRADE GOLD Mt g/t gold '000 oz Mt g/t gold '000 oz Mt g/t gold '000 oz Tusker7 - - - 49.4 1.42 2,255 49.4 1.42 2,255 Kilimani - - - 2.6 1.02 86 2.6 1.02 86 Total - - - 52.0 1.40 2,342 52.0 1.40 2,342 Notes for Table 2: 1 Based on October 2024 Mineral Resource estimate 2 Based on April 2025 Ore Reserve estimate 3 Pit designs are based on US$1,700/oz gold metal price 4 Variable gold grade cut-offs for each material type, ranging from 0.33 g/t to 0.6 g/t 5 Inferred Mineral Resource is considered as waste for optimisation purposes 6 Rounding of numbers to appropriate precision may have resulted in apparent inconsistencies 7 The previously disclosed Nyanzaga deposit has been termed Tusker for clarity Key metrics associated with the NGP include the following: Production & Cost Metrics (100% basis): Total gold production over an 11-year, Phase 1 mine life is currently estimated to be 2.01 Moz based on a JORC 2012 Probable Ore Reserve of 52.0 Mt @ 1.40 g/t gold for 2.3 Moz. Gold production averages over 200,000 ounces of gold per annum from FY28 to FY35, with peak production of 246,000 ounces in FY28. Over the life of the mine, the estimated average All-In Site Cost (AISC) is US$1,211/oz. Capital cost for the plant and site infrastructure is estimated at US$472 million inclusive of US$49 million of contingency, and pre-production capital of US$51 million, giving a total capital cost to first gold pour of US$523 million. Investment Metrics (100% basis): Applying Perseus's assumed long-term gold price of US$2,100/oz, the NGP's investment metrics include: Undiscounted free cashflow pre-tax of US$1,133 million and post-tax of US$706 million, (or US$2,252 million pre-tax and US$1,471 million post-tax at a gold price of US$2,700/oz.) Net Present Value (NPV 10% ) of US$404 million pre-tax and US$202 million post-tax, (or US$1,010 million pre-tax and US$617 million post-tax at a gold price of US$2,700/oz). ) of US$404 million pre-tax and US$202 million post-tax, (or US$1,010 million pre-tax and US$617 million post-tax at a gold price of US$2,700/oz). Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 26% pre-tax and 19% post-tax (or 45% pre-tax and 34% post-tax at a gold price of US$2,700/oz). Ongoing Exploration A second phase of resource definition drilling is currently underway at NGP, aiming to convert Inferred Mineral Resources into Indicated Mineral Resources, which would potentially enable the Ore Reserve to be materially expanded and the life of the NGP operation extended during the second phase of the Project, beyond the currently projected 11-year mine-life. The current drilling program has been designed to further inform and advance Perseus's proposed open pit mining scenario at Nyanzaga as detailed in the Feasibility Study update, released to the market on 25 April 2025 (see ASX release "Perseus Mining proceeds with development of the Nyanzaga Gold Project"). Drill holes have been designed to infill existing drilling, collect additional information including metallurgical and geotechnical data and most importantly evaluate potential strike and depth extensions to the mineralisation. As of the end of June 2025, a total of 35,623m of combined reverse circulation (RC) and diamond (DD) drilling has been drilled into the Tusker and Kilimani deposits. Since acquiring the NGP in April 2024, Perseus has drilled a total of 58,609m, with the majority of this being resource definition drilling into the Tusker and Kilimani deposits. Infill drilling has been designed to improve the average drill spacing across the deposit from 40 m 40 m to a nominal drill pattern of 20m 40m and was completed across the main Tusker mineralisation and the adjacent Kilimani deposit. Drilling remains ongoing across both Tusker and Kilimani and continues to support the current mineralisation interpretation across both deposits. Key results achieved to date have been released to the market via an exploration announcement, dated 5 December 2024 entitled "Confidence Boosting Infill Drilling at Nyanzaga Project) and a further exploration announcement dated 22 July 2025 entitled "Perseus Mining delivers encouraging drilling results from its current drill program at the Nyanzaga Gold Project." Perseus's decision to proceed with developing the NGP builds upon Perseus's demonstrated capacity to successfully develop and efficiently operate modern gold mines on the African continent. Perseus has previously successfully developed, and is now operating three gold mines including Edikan, Sissingue, and most recently, the Yaoure gold mine that was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget in 2020, using many of the same team that will be deployed on the NGP development. Competent Person Statement: The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by Daniel Saunders, a Competent Person who is a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Saunders is a full-time employee of Perseus Mining Limited. Mr Saunders has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'" and to qualify as a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr Saunders consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. The information in this report that relates to Ore Reserves is based on information compiled by Mr Adrian Ralph, a Competent Person who is a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Ralph is a full-time employee of Perseus Mining Limited. Mr Ralph has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activities which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101. Mr Ralph consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. The Company confirms that the material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in "Technical Report - Edikan Gold Mine, Ghana" dated 6 April 2022, "Technical Report - Yaoure Gold Project, Cote d'Ivoire" dated 18 December 2023, "Technical Report - Sissingue Gold Project, Cote d'Ivoire" dated 29 May 2015, and "Technical Report - Nyanzaga Gold Project, Tanzania" dated 10 June 2025 continue to apply. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information: This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the Yaoure Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingue Gold Mine without any major disruption, development of a mine at Nyanzaga, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. 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 anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. This announcement has been approved for release by Perseus Mining Limited's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Quartermaine. ASX/TSX CODE: PRU CAPITAL STRUCTURE: Ordinary shares: 1,350,988,737 Performance rights: 9,328,134 REGISTERED OFFICE: Level 2 437 Roberts Road Subiaco WA 6008 Telephone: +61 8 6144 1700 www.perseusmining.com DIRECTORS: Rick Menell Non-Executive Chairman Jeff Quartermaine Managing Director & CEO Amber Banfield Non-Executive Director Elissa Cornelius Non-Executive Director Dan Lougher Non-Executive Director John McGloin Non-Executive Director James Rutherford Non-Executive Director CONTACTS: Jeff Quartermaine Managing Director & CEO jeff.quartermaine@perseusmining.com Stephen Forman Investor Relations +61 484 036 681 stephen.forman@perseusmining.com Nathan Ryan Media +61 420 582 887 nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au 1 ASX Announcement dated 11 June 2025, Perseus Mining announces 5-Year Gold Production Outlook 2 Perseus owns an 80% contributing interest in the NGP together with the Government of Tanzania who owns a 20% non-contributing interest Featured Bank of Ghana bans unbacked foreign currency cash payments to large corporates Jemima Okang Addae Business News Aug - 21 - 2025 , 13:31 The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has directed all banks to immediately halt foreign currency cash payments to large corporates unless such transactions are backed by prior deposits from the same institutions. The Central Bank said it had observed with concern a growing trend in which Bulk Oil Distribution Companies, mining firms, and other major corporates withdrew foreign currency in cash without equivalent deposits. It warned that the practice was exerting avoidable pressure on Ghanas foreign exchange market and undermining stability. In a notice issued on Wednesday, August 20, the BoG stressed that banks must maintain proper documentation to verify the source of funds for every foreign currency payout. All banks are directed to discontinue the payment of FCY cash to Large Corporates unless such transactions are fully supported by equivalent FCY cash deposits lodged by the same institution, the notice read, cautioning that non-compliance would attract regulatory sanctions. The Bank, however, acknowledged the critical role of large corporates in sustaining petroleum supply, mineral exports, and other essential sectors of the economy. It assured stakeholders that, together with the government, mechanisms had been put in place to provide foreign exchange liquidity to meet legitimate import obligations. These measures are designed to safeguard market stability while ensuring that vital supply chains remain uninterrupted, the statement added. The Central Bank has urged industry associations to circulate the directive among their members and ensure full compliance. Read the full statement below Featured Tightening remittance loopholes a bold move Graphic Business Editorial Business News Aug - 20 - 2025 , 17:58 The Bank of Ghana's recent decision to unveil a tougher enforcement regime for the foreign exchange and remittance market marks a significant shift in the country's approach to managing cross-border transactions. This bold move aims to strengthen currency stability and safeguard inward remittances, which are crucial for Ghana's foreign exchange inflows. The central bank's commitment to plugging regulatory loopholes and stabilising the currency is a welcome development that is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country's economic landscape. The new rules, which target three main infractions unapproved remittance arrangement terminations, FX swaps in remittances, and exchange rates outside the central bank's reference bands are designed to enhance oversight and provide the Bank of Ghana with timely visibility into remittance flows. The requirement for banks and remittance partners to provide weekly inward remittance reports, including transaction-level data and Foreign Exchange credits, will undoubtedly improve the central bank's ability to monitor and regulate the foreign exchange market. The new rules are backed by robust enforcement mechanisms, with non-compliance potentially leading to fines, license suspensions and public disclosure of systemic breaches. This, for us, is a strong signal that the Bank of Ghana is committed to ensuring that banks and remittance operators adhere to the regulations. The central bank's commitment to transparency and accountability is a step in the right direction and is expected to improve the stability and predictability of the foreign exchange market. However, industry experts have raised concerns that the compliance burden may be too great for smaller banks and fintech operators, potentially accelerating consolidation in the sector. This is a valid concern and the Bank of Ghana may need to support smaller players to ensure they can comply with the new regulations. The central bank could consider providing guidance and resources to help smaller banks and fintech operators implement the new rules or explore alternative solutions that would reduce the compliance burden on these institutions. For the Graphic Business, the tougher enforcement regime for the foreign exchange and remittance market is a bold move that aims to strengthen currency stability and protect inward remittances. While challenges may be ahead, particularly for smaller banks and fintech operators, the central bank's commitment to transparency and accountability is a step in the right direction. We trust this move will foster a more stable and predictable forex market, which is crucial for Ghana's economic growth and development. The Bank of Ghana's efforts to enhance stability and confidence in the foreign exchange market are vital to meeting the country's economic goals, and we look forward to seeing the positive effects of these reforms on the economy. Featured God loves glamorous look Piesie Esther on branding Delali Sika Showbiz News Aug - 21 - 2025 , 13:00 3 minutes read AWARD-winning Gospel musician Piesie Esther has encouraged her colleagues, especially the female ones, to resist the pressure to conform to a narrow, unglamorous standard to be seen as godly. She sees too many of them hiding their true selves and losing confidence, terrified of public judgement. However, she says it is about time they stopped hiding because God loves glamour. In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, August 18, the Way Me Yie star clarified that this isn't about compromising the message, but amplifying it through a more engaging presentation. She believes that as long as God remains at the centre, looking your best isn't vanityit's strategy. We don't have to be plain to be holy. The God we represent appreciates good things, so we should always present ourselves looking our best. Truthfully, when you are conveying a good message, people wont even be distracted by your looks," she asserts, making the case that investing in your appearance can be a vital part of your ministry. Times have changed. There is social media and all other platforms that project you beyond your country and so we should be careful not to look colo just because we want to be seen as godly. I perfectly understand that we arent in competition with secular artistes but they are very particular with branding and I think we can equally look in that direction, she suggested. Piesie Esther's comments come amid growing concerns about the direction of Gospel music. Some Gospel artistes have been accused of prioritising fame and material success over spiritual messages. She clarified that her advocacy for branding goes beyond physical appearance, focusing on strategic measures to build a sustainable and thriving career. The Piesie Esther during Ziba Beko days is not the same Piesie Esther in the Waye Me Yie time, and everyone can tell. Theres been a lot of growth and the results are showing. Presently, its not just about releasing songs. How are you engaging your listeners on social media and strengthening the artiste-fan bond? What are you doing to attract corporate Ghana to sponsor your event or sign you on as a brand ambassador? she questioned. Im the brand ambassador for Flora Tissues. Do you think they would have signed me on if I didnt put my home (career) in good shape? And that is the branding Im talking about. We can do all these things and still focus on the spiritual mandate. Rebranding and ministry should complement each other, she said. Piesie Esther revealed she's faced criticism on social media, with some accusing her of backsliding, but she's learned to ignore negative comments. Sometimes, people can be harsh. But I have decided to let such things slide and instead stay committed to my purpose, she noted. She also announced the release of a new song, Nyame Ye (God is Good), which she describes as a heartfelt celebration of Gods unchanging goodness and mercy. This song is very dear to me because it speaks to one truth that never changes: God is good. His love is unchanging, His mercy is endless and His faithfulness has no limits, she added. Previous article: Lil Nas X arrested and taken to hospital after wandering LA streets in underwear Featured Shatta Wale released by EOCO after bail was reduced to GH5 million Enoch Darfah Frimpong Showbiz News Aug - 21 - 2025 , 18:39 2 minutes read Dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has been released to go home after he was able to meet the revised bail condition set by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). EOCO reduced the initial bail in the sum of GH10 million to GH5 million with two sureties to be justified. Following that, Shatta Wale was able to meet the bail condition, and by 6:30 pm, Graphic Online understands he had gained his freedom to go home. In a statement issued earlier today, EOCO said Shatta Wale was in custody pending the provision of the sureties, whose properties will be verified to ensure they are commensurate with the bail amount. The musician was invited to EOCOs offices on Wednesday, August 20, to assist in investigations into the purchase of a Lamborghini Urus, which has been linked to proceeds of a US$4 million crime involving Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian currently serving a prison term in the United States. According to EOCO, after nearly four hours of interrogation, Shatta Wale was unable to identify who sold the luxury vehicle to him, claiming instead that he acquired it from the street. So far, Charles Nii Armah Mensah has been unable to identify the person from whom he purchased the said Lamborghini Urus vehicle except to say that he purchased it from the Street and from someone possibly called ZAK who may have contacted him on WhatsApp but whose identity he does not know and whose contact he has thrown away, a statement from EOCO said. EOCO further disclosed that the artiste does not possess any receipts or transfer documents to prove ownership of the car, except for a customs declaration document bearing the name of Nana Kwabena Amuah. Featured Woman arrested, charged for threatening to kill US President Donald Trump on social media GraphicOnline International News Aug - 20 - 2025 , 22:34 2 minutes read A 50-year-old woman from Lafayette, Indiana, has been arrested and charged for allegedly making a series of death threats against President Donald Trump on social media. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia confirmed that Nathalie Rose Jones was taken into custody on Saturday, August 16, 2025, after allegedly posting violent threats online. She has been charged with threatening to kill, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States, as well as transmitting threats across state lines. 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, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said. She commended the U.S. Secret Service for its rapid intervention. Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Services Washington Field Office, stressed that protecting the President remained paramount. Every potential threat is addressed with the utmost seriousness, he said, adding that agents from both New York and Washington had acted decisively to neutralise the alleged threat. According to court documents, Jones used Instagram and Facebook accounts under the name Nath.Jones between August 2 and August 15 to post multiple threats against President Trump. In one Facebook post directed at the FBI on August 6, she allegedly wrote: I am willing to sacrificially kill this POTUS by disembowelling him and cutting out his trachea with Liz Cheney and all The Affirmation present. In another post, addressed to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on August 14, she allegedly called for the arrest and removal ceremony of POTUS Trump as a terrorist on the American People at the White House. Court filings further allege that during an interview with the Secret Service on August 15, Jones described President Trump as a terrorist and a nazi, and admitted she would attempt to kill him if given the chance. She reportedly claimed she had a bladed weapon to carry out her mission of killing the President in order to avenge lives lost during the Covid-19 pandemic. The following day, after joining a protest near the White House, Jones was interviewed again and admitted to making threats but denied any current intention to harm the President. She was arrested shortly afterwards and confirmed she had authored the posts. The case is under investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Satter. Next article: Why covering a toilet seat with paper won't stop the spread of germs Featured Colombian parents name daughter 'Chat Yipiti' after AI platform ChatGPT Colombiaone.com Life Aug - 21 - 2025 , 13:47 2 minutes read In the town of Cerete, Colombia, a baby girl has been officially named Chat Yipiti, a unique choice inspired by the artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT. The name has sparked a wide range of reactions online and in the local community, with some praising it as a bold display of originality, while others see it as a source of amusement. The event occurred on August 15, 2025, at the Cerete Registry Office, when the baby was given the name Chat Yipiti Bastidas Guerra. Apparently, the babys parents chose this name as a tribute to the digital age, alluding to the growing inTOPfluence of artificial intelligence in daily life. According to local media, Chat Yipiti Bastidas Guerra's parents said the choice of name was related to the age of artificial intelligence. The direct reference is to the ChatGPT chatbot, developed by OpenAI, which has become one of the most well-known and widely used AI models globally. Although such naming choices are not unprecedented, the fact that a name directly linked to a recent and revolutionary technology was registered has sparked a debate about the freedom of parents to choose their childrens names, and to what extent this freedom should be limited by social or cultural norms. The case has caused numerous reactions on social networks, with some commentators expressing concern that the parents may not be aware of the consequences that the child may have in the future. This case is not unique in Colombia, where there are many unusual names inspired by sports, movies or music stars, such as "Maicol Yordan" and "Brayan Spears". In Colombia, the law grants parents the freedom to choose their childrens names, as long as they do not violate basic principles of respect and dignity. However, the National Registry has the authority to reject names that are considered offensive, humiliating, or potentially harmful to the childs well-being. Despite possible questions regarding the name Chat Yipiti, the authorities found no impediment to its registration, sparking public debate about whether current regulations should adapt to reflect the growing influence of technology in society. The state registry has previously intervened to ban names like "Miperro" (meaning "My Dog") or "Satan", arguing that these names seriously violate human dignity. Next article: Schools under siege: A development that must be stopped Featured UTAG urges GTEC to intensify crackdown on fake degrees Emmanuel Bonney Education Aug - 21 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed its strong condemnation of the growing trend of individuals acquiring and parading honorary doctorate degrees and fraudulent academic certificates, often from unaccredited and questionable institutions. The practice, it said, was being done in a manner that undermined the integrity of Ghanas higher education system. "We have noted with grave concern the increasing abuse and misrepresentation of such honorary titles, particularly when used for professional advancement, public deception, and influence peddling. "These actions not only trivialise the rigorous scholarly processes associated with legitimate academic qualifications, but also erode public trust in higher education and its regulatory institutions," a statement signed by the President of UTAG, Prof Mamudu A. Akudugu and Secretary, Prof Eliasu Mumuni, said. Support UTAG, it said, fully supported the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in its efforts to regulate, monitor, and, where necessary, sanction individuals and organisations involved in the proliferation and misuse of unearned academic titles. "We commend your recent public statements and actions taken against such malpractices and urge you to intensify the clampdown, including legal prosecution where applicable. "In line with our commitment to academic integrity, UTAG calls on all public institutions, civil society organisations, and the media to verify academic claims before offering platforms or recognition," it said. Encourage The statement encouraged the general public to treat with scepticism any self-styled doctorates or professorships not backed by accredited academic processes or awarded purely for ceremonial purposes without a clear distinction. UTAG further called on the Ministry of Education and GTEC to strengthen public education on the meaning, limits, and appropriate use of honorary degrees. "We also urge all universities to adopt clear internal guidelines on awarding honorary degrees and communicating their non-academic status to recipients and the public." Academic titles, it said, must be earned, not purchased, and their use must reflect the high standards of scholarship and service that they represent. "We remain available to collaborate with GTEC in preserving the credibility of our academic institutions and safeguarding the integrity of the knowledge society we are all working to build. 46 journalists trained on reporting Auditor-Generals Report Alberto Mario Noretti Aug - 21 - 2025 , 16:50 2 minutes read The Ghana Audit Service has reaffirmed its commitment to work with the media in the fight against corruption in public sector institutions, stressing that accountability can only be achieved through a multi-stakeholder approach with the vigorous involvement of journalists. The Assistant Director of Audit and Information Officer at the Service, Frederick Lokko, said journalists must have a sound understanding of the Auditor-Generals Report and the role of the Service to enable them to effectively analyse and communicate the findings to the public. He was speaking at a training workshop for 46 selected journalists from the southern sector of the country on the 2024 Auditor-Generals Report. The two-day workshop, organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, was held under the theme Building Evidence for Increased Accountability in Ghana through a Multi-Stakeholder Accountability Initiative. Mr Lokko cautioned that erroneous reportage on the Auditor-Generals Report could cause unnecessary chaos rather than bring clarity to governance issues. He said the Service was ready to engage with the media to simplify its findings in plain language for public consumption. He also reminded participants that the Audit Service does not have prosecutorial powers. Our mission is to promote good governance, transparency, accountability and probity in Ghanas public financial management system by auditing according to international standards and reporting our audit results and recommendations to Parliament, Mr Lokko explained. Highlighting the importance of careful reporting, he noted that certain financial irregularities cited in the Auditor-Generals Report did not necessarily mean that monies had been stolen or lost. In some cases, it could simply indicate that due processes were not followed in revenue mobilisation, or that there had been delays in procedures. In such instances, we need cautious reporting on the issue by the media to keep the public well informed, he added. Mr Lokko also urged metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to follow due process in optimising and mobilising revenue effectively. Assistant Auditor-General, Patrick James Neequaye, encouraged journalists to specialise in particular aspects of the Auditor-Generals Report to provide more detailed and accurate analysis of its data and systems. He said building partnerships at regional, national, and international levels could strengthen this effort. The participants were taken through practical sessions on topics including Using the Auditor-Generals Report for Accountability and Identifying Investigative Leads, Practical Tips for Translating Audit Data into Compelling Journalism, and Investigative Skills and Techniques A Practical Approach. Accra to host global PR conference GraphicOnline Aug - 21 - 2025 , 13:40 1 minute read Accra will host a three-day international Public Relations Conference and the IPRA Golden World Awards Gala, with President John Dramani Mahama set to deliver the keynote address from October 1 to 3, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre. It is expected to draw leading figures in communication, technology, development, and policy from across the world. Organised by the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, in partnership with the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the conference will be held on the theme Global Realities and Innovative Communication. It will examine how strategic communication is adapting to global challenges, with a particular focus on communicating Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Africas development and the use of communication in addressing illegal mining, also known as galamsey. Participants will engage in expert discussions, practical case studies, and sector-focused sessions designed to provide tools and insights for navigating todays communication and technology landscape. Exhibitions and optional heritage tours will also be featured as part of the programme. President Mahama, who is a Fellow of both IPR Ghana and APRA, will be the Special Guest of Honour. High-profile speakers include Jan Eissfeldt, Director and Global Head of Trust and Safety at the Wikimedia Foundation, and Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Africa Lead at OpenAI, alongside several distinguished experts from the public relations, policy, and technology sectors. Featured DVLA to abolish displaying year of registration on vehicle number plates in 2026 and replace it with zonal codes Enoch Darfah Frimpong and Mohammed Ali Aug - 21 - 2025 , 12:13 5 minutes read Ghanaian vehicle number plates have been using the current system since January 2009, which features a two-letter region code, followed by a four-digit numeric code, and a two-digit year code. But the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has said it will abolish displaying the year of registration on vehicle number plates from January 1, 2026. The new system, according to the Chief Executive of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey will instead only identify vehicles by the region in which they were registered for example "Greater Accra" written on top of the plate, followed by the vehicle's unique four-digit number and a code showing the zone within which the vehicle was registered. For example, a vehicle registered within the Adenta zone in Greater Accra will have "AD" code at the end of the four-digit unique number, replacing where the year of registration, for example, "25" would have been displayed. Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey disclosed this during a television interview with Channel One TV on the programme Face to Face aired on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and monitored by Graphic Online. He said the change will introduce regional names at the top of plates, followed by area codes showing which DVLA office processed the registration. According to Mr Kotey, Ghana is the only country in the world that displays the year of registration on vehicle plates. There is no country in the world that puts year at the end [of the plate], he said. When you go to the US, the UK or Germany, there is no single country that does this, he said. Under the new system, a Greater Accra plate would display Greater Accra at the top, with GR 2224-AD below, where GR represents Greater Accra Region and AD shows the Adenta office. An Ashanti Region plate would bear Ashanti on top and follow the format AS 3520-KM, with AS for Ashanti and KM representing Kumasi. Every region will have the name on top of it, Mr Kotey explained. So Greater Accra, the region code of Greater can be GR. After that, where the year of registration used to be, will now be the area code. When asked if the reform would make it easier to trace vehicles involved in crimes, Mr Kotey said specific plate identification was more effective than year-based descriptions. If you tell me someone has done a hit and run and the car is 2025 registered, there are a lot of 2025 cars in the system. How will I know the car? If you give the exact number, it is easier for DVLA to identify the person. Mr Kotey said the change is also aimed at curbing registration avoidance, which he said has resulted in many people opting to use the "DV" plates for private use and driving in town. Because of the year, some people are unwilling to register their cars," he said. According to him, this is to help prevent and limit the use of "DV" [Defective Vehicle] plates in the system, which ordinarily is supposed to be used by car dealers for specific reasons, when they only need to move the vehicle to a specific location for repairs or for a test drive for a potential buyer. However, he said many private individuals are reluctant to register their vehicles and have been resorting to the use of DV plates all year round. The implementation of the new proposal requires parliamentary approval to amend Legislative Instrument 68, which governs the Road Traffic Regulation. Weve done all the legal work. We need to amend LI 68, the road traffic regulation, and parliament is ready to approve it for implementation from January 2026, Mr Kotey said. He also advised vehicle owners not to delay registering their vehicles, expecting year-specific plates. If you want to buy a car this year and leave it till [registration in 2026] so that you have 26 written on it in January, forget it, you wont get it. Whether your car is 2022 registered or 2001 registered, we will all have the same format. The change forms part of new DVLA initiatives under Mr Kotey's leadership. He, however, did not give details on how this will help prevent or resolve a possible conflict of duplicate number plates appearing on vehicles registered in different years from the same region and zone. Except that, he stressed that the new move was to discourage people from refraining from registering their vehicles because sometimes they are looking at resale value, depending on the year of registration. A vehicle with a latest year of registration plate in Ghana tends to have a higher resale value than those with older years. But for such vehicle owners, Mr Kotey said the DVLA was going to introduce an option where they can purchase "DV" plates for use within a year but it will be offered at an expensive price different from what is offered to vehicle dealers. History of number plates in Ghana Before 2009, Ghana used different license plates that included a two-letter code indicating the region and a single letter at the end to denote the year of registration. It was in 1994 that the single letter code and a numeric code was used, before phasing it out in 2009 when the single alphabet code got to "Z". For example, GR for Greater Accra and P as the year of registration 1998, Q for 1999, R for 2000, S for 2001, T for 2002, U for 2003, V for 2004, W for 2005, X for 2006, Y for 2007 and Z for 2008. When the decision was taken in 1994 to change the plates, all vehicles in the system were re-registered within three years from 1994 to 1997, from "A," "B," "C," "D" to "N" in 1997. Then the "P" started from 1998 and "Q" in 1999. Below is the regional codes that are already in the system and are being used Below are the codes for the various regions in Ghana; AC, AE, AK, AP, AS, AW = Ashanti Region BA, BR, BW = Bono Region BT = Bono East Region CR = Central Region EN, ER, ES = Eastern Region GB, GC, GE, GG, GH, GL, GM, GN, GT, GS, GW, GX, GY = Greater Accra Region NR = Northern Region UE = Upper East Region UW = Upper West Region VA, VD, VR = Volta Region WR, WT = Western Region Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh Cuban-trained graduates organise free health screening for Zanzugu Community Mohammed Fugu Aug - 20 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read About 300 residents of the Zanzugu community in the Savannah Region have benefited from a free health screening exercise organised by Cubanito Nortenos, a humanitarian association of Cuban-trained Ghanaian professionals. The beneficiaries were screened for various health conditions, including hepatitis B and C, breast cancer, high blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, among others. Some residents diagnosed with various illnesses were provided with medication and counselling, while those with severe conditions were referred to health facilities for further medical attention. The outreach was organised on the theme, Rendering services to society through health care Cubanitos, our mission, and attracted hundreds of people seeking health support in the underserved community. Cubanito Nortenos, also known as the Cuban-Trained Ghanaian Graduate Association in the Northern Region, consists of professionals, including medical doctors, nurses, veterinarians, agricultural engineers, pharmacists, soil scientists, and educators. The group annually undertakes humanitarian outreach programmes to provide essential services to deprived communities. This years outreach was held to commemorate the start of the Cuban revolution, an important day in Cubas history, and to honour former Cuban President, Fidel Castro, whose government supported many Ghanaian students to study in Cuba. The programme also saw participation from officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to sensitise the community on disaster preparedness and help residents renew their insurance cards. Community support The Chairman of the association, Theophilus Kudese, said the initiative was a way of giving back to society. To whom much is given, much is expected. We had the opportunity to study in Cuba virtually for free, so we feel a responsibility to support deprived communities through medical outreach. We chose Zanzugu because access to health care here is limited. We want to bring health services closer to the people," he said. He indicated that each year, the association committed to giving back to communities through voluntary outreach programmes, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach areas. Mr Kudese added that the inclusion of NADMO and NHIA in this years exercise was to make the intervention more impactful and sustainable. Disaster preparedness and health insurance are critical to building resilient communities. By working with these agencies, we are not only treating people, but also educating and empowering them, he added. Cuban/Ghana relations A Neurosurgeon at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr Abdul-Aziz Mahama, emphasised the strong ties between Ghana and Cuba and the ongoing impact of Cuban-trained professionals in Ghanas development. He, however, advised the community members to prioritise their health by regularly visiting health facilities for medical check-ups. Appreciation The Assemblyman for Zanzugu, Mohammed Abdulai Latif, expressed gratitude to the team, stating that the community struggles with accessing nearby healthcare services. We have a clinic, but it is far from the community. The presence of this team has brought relief to many. We are also grateful for the support from NHIA and NADMO in improving health and safety," he said. Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the Daily Graphic expressed their gratitude to the team and said it would go a long way to improve their well-being. One of the beneficiaries, Adam Abdulai, said, "Two of my children were examined and treated, and my wife was able to renew her expired health insurance card. I was given medicine and health advice. We are truly grateful". Dikan Centre hosts maiden HerPress Summit on Saturday Edna Salvo Kotey Aug - 20 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read A visionary non-profit institution dedicated to empowering storytellers, Dikan Centre, is set to launch its inaugural HerPress Summit at the Mix Design Hub in Accra on Saturday. The event is designed to spotlight the significance of women leaders and amplify the voices of female journalists across the country. It is also aimed at sharpening storytelling skills, expanding mentorship opportunities and promoting gender equity in newsrooms. The Summit, an extension of the highly impactful HerPress Fellowship initiated by the Dikan Centre, will bring together women journalists, editors and media professionals from across the country. Activities The HerPress Summit will feature a rich line-up of speakers and thought leaders, including Bernice Owen-Jones, Australian High Commissioner to Ghana; Genevieve Partington, Country Director of Amnesty International; Samson Lardy Anyenini, Legal and Media Practitioner; and Emma Morrison, a renowned Media Personality. The Founder of Dikan Centre, Paul Ninson, explained that the Summit was inspired by a personal experience and a strong desire to see women journalists thrive in a challenging industry. He expressed the centre's belief in the power of visual education to ignite transformation across the African continent. Through our dynamic education programmes, vibrant community-building initiatives, captivating exhibitions, innovative laboratories and engaging public programmes, we create a nurturing space for the art of storytelling. By harnessing the strength of visual education, we unlock the full potential of African learners, fostering their creativity, critical thinking, entrepreneurship and problem-solving skillsessential attributes for thriving in the 21st century, he said. Ghana Teachers Prize 2025 launched Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi Aug - 21 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Teaching Council (NTC), has launched the 2025 edition of the Ghana Teachers Prize in Accra, with a renewed commitment to improve the welfare and professional recognition of teachers. The annual event, formerly known as the Best Teachers Award, recognises the contribution of hardworking and selfless teachers towards the improvement of education in the country through teacher-based innovation. The launch, which took place in Accra yesterday, was on the theme: Elevating the status of teachers for quality education. Commendation The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, commended teachers dedication and sacrifices, stressing that no nation could succeed without quality education, and teachers remained pivotal to achieving that. He said elevating the status of teachers should go beyond annual recognition and must translate into tangible improvements in conditions of service, welfare packages, and access to decent accommodation. The minister announced plans for a national housing scheme for teachers, with pension funds as collateral to make affordable homes available for long-serving educators, in line with the governments commitment to improving their welfare. He appealed to corporate institutions to increase sponsorship of the Teachers Prize as part of their social responsibility. Impact The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, said teachers were the backbone of the education system, adding that their motivation and status had a direct impact on learning outcomes. Teachers not only deliver the curriculum but also nurture character, creativity, and discipline. Research shows that when teachers are valued and supported, learners thrive, he said. Prof. Davis also expressed concern about rising incidents of violence in schools, including attacks on teachers. He said such acts would not be tolerated, and that GES was working with the Conference of Directors of Education and other stakeholders to strengthen disciplinary measures. As part of the measures, the code of conduct would be reviewed to address school violence. Quality education cannot thrive in an environment where teachers are threatened or disrespected. We will deal firmly with any attacks on teachers, he said. Inadequate infrastructure The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, acknowledged some challenges faced by teachers, including poor infrastructure, limited resources and heavy workloads. He also entreated the government to address outstanding issues relating to teacher promotions and payment of allowances, including the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and data support allowances. A teacher opens the door of a classroom and closes the door of a prison. Lets all support our teachers so they can continue to shape a brighter future for the country, Rev. Owusu added. Nominations The NTC opened applications and nominations for the 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize in March and closed them in June. In all, 30 individuals were nominated. The prize was open to all professionally trained teachers who were currently working in educational institutions, both public and private, and had served for at least five years. Applicants were assessed against rigorous criteria designed to identify extraordinary teachers and educational workers who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Increased investment required to equip youth with digital skills MTN CFO Abukari Alhassan Baba Aug - 21 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read The Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana, Antoinette Kwofie, has called for increased investment in equipping young people with digital skills to enhance their ability to thrive in the fast-changing, technology-driven world. She said inadequate investment and proper guidance continued to hinder the efforts of many young people to acquire the skills needed to support their education and careers. There is inadequate guidance and investment for the youth. People do not build the right foundation, and many do not want to work hard to get to the top. The youth want to be spoon-fed, but what they need is proper guidance that will help them make the right decisions to guarantee their future because the future is today, she stated. 10th anniversary Ms Kwofie made the remarks at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Martha Inspires Foundation held last weekend in Tamale on the theme: Amplifying Youth Voices, Building Legacies. The event brought together students from senior high schools, tertiary institutions, youth groups and civil society organisations. It was organised in partnership with the National Youth Authority, Songtaba, Norsaac, SWIDA-Ghana, Savanna Opticals, WEE-North, Twisco and other partners, with MTN Ghana as the lead sponsor. Empowerment Ms Kwofie explained that empowering young people with digital skills would enable them to set goals, develop strong study habits and overcome challenges, ultimately improving their academic performance. She added that it would also help them make informed choices about their future, reducing uncertainty and anxiety in society. MTN Ghana is passionate about equipping the youth with digital skills and tools that can help them thrive in a changing world. Our network also helps young people to create livelihoods for themselves and to put the country on the map for all the right reasons, she said. She further encouraged the youth to embrace opportunities that would positively shape their academic and professional journeys. Commendation For her part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Martha Inspires Foundation, Martha Anabila, commended participants for their commitment and reflected on the foundations decade-long work in empowering youth in the Northern Region, particularly in literacy and mentorship. Our focus is mentorship and child literacy. Once you connect with the Martha Inspires Foundation, your life will never be the same; it will definitely change for the better, he said. Ms Anabila advised the youth to prioritise networking, stressing that many opportunities are lost when young people fail to connect with others. Featured PAC sitting: Office of the Head of the Civil Service cited for infractions - Ordered to refund GH175,000 Samuel Duodu Aug - 21 - 2025 , 09:15 3 minutes read The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has asked the Office of the Head of the Civil Service (OHCS) to refund an amount of GH175,000 within 30 days into the recovery accounts of the Auditor-General (AG). This follows the failure of the main campus of the Civil Service Training Centre in Accra under the OHCS to provide the necessary documentation (payment vouchers) to the tune of GH175,000 to officials of the Auditor-Generals Office during an audit into the accounts and activities of the institution for 2024. The Chairperson of the PAC, Abena Osei-Asare, gave the directive when the OHCS appeared before the committee last Tuesday. The committee is examining the 2024 Auditor-Generals Report, including the infractions of the OHCS as highlighted in the report. The team from the OHCS included the heads of the Civil Service Training Centre, the Government Secretariat School, the Institute of Technical Supervision, the Management Services Department, the Procurement and Supply Chain Management Department, and the Public Records and Archives Administration Department (PRAAD). They were led by the Head of the Civil Service, Dr Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, who was assisted by the Chief Director, William Kartey. Mrs Osei-Asare, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Atiwa East in the Eastern Region, urged the OHCS to put in place the necessary measures to ensure that the infractions of failure to show documentation did not recur during the next audit. Failure to show documentation runs through all the infractions you have been cited for," she said. AC's Stance The PAC insisted that the OHCS should refund the GH175,000, citing protocols established by the previous Public Accounts Committee. "We will insist on the recovery," Mr Osei-Asare said, adding that: "We looked at the documents that they provided, and yes, they acquitted payments, but they did not provide those documents at the time they were given extra time to do so". She said the committee's stance was aimed at ensuring that public officials were held accountable for their actions and that public funds were used for their intended purposes. Embezzlement A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kafui Kofi Kpokpo, who was cited in the Auditor-General's Report for embezzlement, has refunded 31,624.95 out of the over 40,000 said to have been embezzled. The embezzled funds were deductions from the salaries of local staff for tax, social security, and health insurance payments. Mr Kpokpo had deducted the cash from the mission's Crown Bank account for the same purpose without accounting for the deductions. The Chief Director of the Foreign Ministry, Ramses Joseph Cleland, revealed that a task force was sent to investigate the matter, and disciplinary action was later taken against Mr Kpokpo, including demotion and suspension. The officer was also asked to refund the embezzled amount, which he said was left with a balance of 8,086.31 to refund. PAC sitting: Civil Service head cited for infractions - Ordered to refund GH175,000 https://t.co/pR9JzTfl0m pic.twitter.com/CyULSLZXFa DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) August 21, 2025 Recovery The Chief Director assured the PAC that measures had been put in place to prevent similar infractions, including training and retraining, with officers posted to missions abroad first needing to undergo rigorous training and retraining at the Foreign Service Institute to emphasise honesty and transparency. Others, he said, were regular monitoring, conducting regular video checks on accounts, and maintaining constant communication with officers to detect any irregularities, as well as the increase of its budget for internal audits to prevent such infractions. Prosecution Some members of the PAC, namely the Deputy Ranking Member and the governing National Democratic Congress MP for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, called for the prosecution of the Foreign Ministry staff cited in the report for embezzlement. Previous article: Tourism Ministry trains top officials in emotional intelligence for better leadership Featured WASSCE for School Candidates takes off smoothly Emmanuel Bonney Aug - 21 - 2025 , 07:00 4 minutes read The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates (SC) yesterday (Wednesday) took off in earnest seamlessly for all candidates in second-cycle schools across the country with Oral English. In most of the schools, candidates were divided into batches to sit for the examination due to their large numbers. This came to light when the Daily Graphic visited some of the senior high schools (SHSs) in Accra. Schools The institutions visited included the Odorgonno SHS, Accra High School, St Thomas Aquinas SHS and Labone SHS. At the Odorgonno SHS, candidates from two other private schools were writing the examination in addition to students of the school. They are the Talent SHS, with 30 candidates and the Lapaz Community SHS with 373. The Odorgonno SHS had a total number of 1,188 registered candidates. However, 1,159 were present with 29 absentees. At the Accra High School, where 652 candidates are writing the examination, the assistant headmistress, Monica Botchway, said students were divided into three sets, with each of them taking turns to write. She said the question papers came on time and that there was no problem. Asked about absenteeism, she said that could only be determined after the last set had written, by then we would have known the total number that wrote. At the St Thomas Aquinas SHS, the Headmaster, Rev. Fr Dr George Obeng Appah, said the school was presenting 728 candidates. Issues The question papers, he said, also came on time, and there were no issues. So far so good, he said and that everything was smooth with the commencement of the examination. Rev. Fr. Dr Appah also could not tell of absentees until the last batch of the four sets of candidates had written. I am expecting my students to perform because we have done everything that has to do with the WASSCE, he said, and that included a WASSCE clinic to take them through how to answer questions. He said, I guess we are going to record some good grades. Rev. Fr. Dr Appah wished all the candidates well and advised them to comport themselves and not engage in acts that could jeopardise their education. Two candidates of the school who sat for the paper, Jonathan Addy and Acheampong Gyasi, said everything went well. At the Labone SHS, 1,365 candidates, divided into five sets, were writing the examination. Management said everything was okay and that there was no problem. All the centres visited had police personnel manning them to ensure law and order. Subjects In all, 65 subjects will be written 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. On August 5, 2025, the practical aspect 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. Per the statistics made available to the Daily Graphic, the Ashanti Region will be presenting the highest number of candidates of 115,982, made up of 52,813 males and 63,169 females. The Eastern Region follows with 64,225 candidates-- 28,024 males and 36,201 females. Three regions Bono, Ahafo and Bono East have a total of 61,773 candidates (27,560 males and 34,213 females) participating in the WASSCE-SC. The Central Region is next with 53,738 candidates, made up of 23,090 males and 30648 females. A total of 45,877 candidates from the Greater Accra Region will take part in the WASSCE-SC, with a breakdown of 20,948 males and 24,929 females. The Volta and Oti regions will present a total of 35,539 candidates, made up of 16,729 males and 18,810 females, while Western and Western North have 33,121 candidates, made up of 14,156 males and 18,965 females. The Northern, North East, and Savanna regions have a total of 29,652 candidates, comprising 14,712 males and 14,940 females for the 2025 WASSCE-SC. In the Upper East Region, 13,976 candidates, comprising 5,918 males and 8,058 females, will sit this years examination. Additionally, 7,757 candidates, comprising 3,431 males and 4,326 females, from the Upper West Region will participate. The WASSCE-SC would end on September 19, 2025. We must reshape Africas image Sukparu Beatrice Laryea Aug - 21 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Deputy Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, has urged African marketers to reshape the continent's image from one of challenges to opportunities and potential. In line with that, he said they must promote Africas innovations, culture, tourism, trade and talents as brands rooted in local identity to gain global respect. Mr Sukparu, who is also the Member of Parliament (NDC) for Sissala West, said by combining marketing with technology, Africa can unlock new markets, support small businesses and drive inclusive, sustainable growth. "In a world saturated with information, it is marketing that helps us cut through the noise and connect with people authentically, meaningfully and sustainably," he added. Event The deputy minister was speaking at the 2025 African Marketing Confederation (AMC) and Technology Information Confederation (TICON) Africa conference. The three-day event, which began in Accra yesterday, is taking place concurrently. It is on the theme: "Thriving in Africa's evolving markets: Trust, trends & technology," while that of the technology conference is "Empowering Africa's tech future: Innovation, standards, and global influence." The two annual conferences are being attended by more than 500 leaders, professionals, and innovators from across Africas ICT and marketing industries. Activities in this years edition include a city tour to explore Accras rich history, creativity, and modern lifestyle. Participants would also gather at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and take part in an Akwaaba Cultural Night. There would also be an awards ceremony to celebrate outstanding marketing personalities and organisations from across the continent. The host associations for the 2025 edition are the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) and the Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana (IIPGH). Participants include the Regional Director of Google, Charles Murito; Deputy CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey; the President of TICON Africa, David Gowu; the General-Secretary of TICON Africa, Dr Jannie Zaaiman; the Secretary-General of AMC, David Balikuddembe; a Marketing Expert, Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson; the Vice-President, CIMG, Ama Amoah; the CEO of IIPGH, Richard Kafui Amanfu, and the General-Secretary, Women in TICON, Gifty Mottey. Commitment Mr Sukparu further said that it was high time Africa shifted from digital dependence to digital determination by creating homegrown solutions and globally competitive brands. "This calls for the development of digital infrastructure that reflects our unique context, the implementation of regulatory frameworks that both protect and empower and the nature of innovations that are inclusive, sustainable and scalable," he added. The deputy minister said tackling those challenges required collective action where trust is the currency, technology the infrastructure, and marketing the voice. Impact of AI Googles Regional Director, Charles Murito, highlighted the transformative impact of AI on marketing, hinged on four key pillars: creative content, operational efficiency, customer retention, and trust. He said that AI was not a threat to jobs but a tool that enhances human creativity and empowers those who learn to use it. It also enables marketers to do more with less by streamlining operations, improving customer engagement, and predicting churn through data insights. "The digital transformation of Africa, powered by AI, is going to be our generations greatest opportunity. But the journey ahead requires collaboration," Mr Murito added. For his part, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, described Accra as the home of Pan-Africanism and the gateway to Africa. He encouraged the visitors to explore the vibrant soul of the country through its food, music, and warm hospitality. Featured Health Minister launches 24-hour call centre for patient complaints, directs hospitals to display numbers Mohammed Ali Aug - 21 - 2025 , 13:48 2 minutes read The Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced the establishment of a 24-hour call centre to handle patient complaints across hospitals in the country. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Mr Akandoh said the initiative will provide the public with a direct channel to report dissatisfaction with healthcare services. The best you can do is lodge a complaint. And that brings me to the client service. So this is what we are doing. We have some numbers available where if people feel dissatisfied, you can then call, he said. He explained that calls to the hotline would not automatically mean complainants are right, but assured that all cases would be handled fairly. The fact that you have called to lodge a complaint doesnt mean that you are right. We will look into the matter and then appropriately deal with it, he stated. Mr Akandoh added that hospitals have been instructed to display the hotline numbers clearly to make them easily accessible to patients nationwide. We have communicated directly to all the health facilities in the country, to the Director-General and the teaching hospitals, that they must make these suggestion boxes and numbers conspicuously posted at all health facilities. So it is something I am pursuing aggressively, he said. The Minister said the call centre is part of efforts to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery in the health sector. Featured Methodist Church Ghana initiates moves to ensure rev ministers do not use 'unearned doctoral' titles Augustina Tawiah Aug - 21 - 2025 , 10:18 2 minutes read The Methodist Church Ghana, has initiated moves to ensure that reverend ministers and lay persons in the church do not use unearned doctoral titles. The church has consequently directed all active ministers holding doctorate degrees up to the end of September 2025 to submit copies of their certificates for cross-checking and verification with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). Lay persons with doctorates working with the church who want their doctoral degrees listed in the church's records have also been asked to comply with the directive. The Presiding Bishop of the church, Most Rev Professor Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, announced this today [August 21, 2025] in Cape Coast, at the ongoing 13th Expanded General Purposes Council (EGPC) of the church. He, has accordingly directed all the bishops and Synod Secretaries of the church to take the directive to their members in the dioceses. He explained that the directive was to prevent the church from being embarrassed in any form. "This is not witch hunting. This is making sure that we are on track. We don't want to wait until we are embarrassed as a church. I'm very serious about this because not only are we accepted as a nation but this is a claim to academic qualification," he explained. GTEC is on a campaign to prevent the use of unearned academic titles in Ghana and enforce the law as there is an increase in the abuse of academic titles in Ghana in recent times. A number of high profile personalities in Ghana have recently been named in the GTEC campaign and directed to stop using the unearned titles. The Assemblies of God Church in Ghana has similarly instructed all its ministers of the gospel to refrain from using unearned academic titles in accordance with GTEC regulations. Most Rev Professor Asamoah-Gyadu commended the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev Dr Stephen Wengam, for that bold move. Expanded GPC The EGPC of the Methodist Church Ghana serves as an extension of the General Purposes Council (GPC), the highest decision-making body of the church between conferences. It has been instituted to enhance strategic planning, policy oversight and administrative efficiency in response to the growing needs of the church in a rapidly changing social and spiritual landscape. This year's EGPC coincides with the grand durbar celebration of the church's 190th anniversary. Next article: Methodist Church Ghana initiates moves to ensure rev ministers do not use 'unearned doctoral' titles Featured Over 120,000 first-year students have received refunds under No-Fees-Stress policy Felix Kwakye Ofosu Mohammed Ali Aug - 21 - 2025 , 11:17 2 minutes read More than 120,000 first-year tertiary students have been reimbursed under the governments No-Fees-Stress policy, which closed applications on August 7, 2025, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu has said. He said in the final update that 207,087 applications were received. Out of this number, 178,745 students were confirmed by public tertiary institutions as officially enrolled. A total of 142,089 applications were validated, and 120,222 students were reimbursed. The No-Fees-Stress initiative was launched by President John Dramani Mahama in July 2025. It waives tuition and other academic-related fees for all first-year students in public universities, technical universities, nursing training institutions, and colleges of education. The scheme is managed by the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) under the Ministry of Education. At the launch in July, officials reported that about 15,000 students had already benefited. By the end of that month, reimbursements had risen to 97,421 students, and at the close of the final deadline on August 7, the number had increased to 120,222. The SLTF had extended the application period twice before announcing a final cut-off date, warning that no further extensions would be given. The government earmarked nearly GH500 million in the 2025 budget to fund the policy. The annual cost is expected to exceed GH350 million to support about 125,000 students. According to government, the scheme is aimed at easing the financial burden of tertiary education by allowing first-year students to register without difficulty. Support for continuing students is being addressed through expanded student loan options. Next article: Shatta Wale's Lamborghini linked to jailed fraudster: EOCO's 5 key findings after interrogating musician Featured TV3's Godwin Asediba wins the 2025 BBC Komla Dumor Award BBC Aug - 21 - 2025 , 12:34 2 minutes read Ghanaian journalist Godwin Asediba has won the 2025 BBC News Komla Dumor Award. The investigative reporter, filmmaker and news anchor, who is the 10th recipient of the accolade, works with TV3 and 3FM in Ghana. His stories have also appeared on several international broadcasters. The 29-year-old often focuses on human-interest stories aiming to expose injustice and amplify the voices of marginalised communities. The award, now a decade old, was created to honour Dumor, a Ghanaian journalist and presenter for BBC World News, who died suddenly aged 41 in 2014. He had worked tirelessly to bring a more nuanced narrative of Africa to the world, representing a confident, savvy and entrepreneurial side. "Komla's legacy reminds us that African stories deserve to be told with depth, dignity and a fearless commitment to truth," Asediba said. Winning the award was not just a "personal milestone" for the Ghanaian but also "a call to carry forward the spirit of journalism that informs, inspires and transforms". The award judges said they were impressed by Asediba's investigative work and his unwavering belief in journalistic integrity. One story that he was particularly proud of was his investigation into one of Ghana's largest mortuaries that had been neglected, creating a public health risk. Asediba is now set to travel to London where he will spend three months working with BBC News teams across television, radio and online. He will also receive training and be mentored by leading BBC journalists. Next article: Accra MCE warns traders against fraudsters in CBD Featured Two dead, six injured in TamaleKintampo Highway crash Jemima Okang Addae Aug - 21 - 2025 , 13:47 1 minute read The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Buipe has confirmed the death of two persons following a road crash at Mile Forty on the TamaleKintampo highway. The accident, involved a Kia truck loaded with groundnuts and carrying eight passengers. The vehicle veered off the road and collided with an oncoming trailer. A GNFS rescue team rushed to the scene, where they managed to save six people. Two others, however, were confirmed dead on the spot. The injured and deceased victims were handed over to the police. Next article: PAC slams Office of Government Machinery - Officials arrive late at sitting Akwatia by-election: Police deploy 5,000 personnel Justice Agbenorsi Politics Aug - 21 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read More than 5,000 personnel from the Ghana Police Service are set to be deployed for the upcoming by-election in Akwatia, scheduled for September 2 this year. Out of this number, 600 officers have completed a five-day intensive training at the High Risk Operations Training Centre (HROT-C) at Akyeremanteng in the Eastern Region. The training included tactical drills such as rappelling, precision shooting, handcuffing, vehicle stop and search, crowd control and human rights considerations. The remaining officers are expected to undergo training in public order management. The Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, led the Police Management Board (POMAB) to close the training, which began last Friday. Simulation exercise The closing event featured a simulation exercise to demonstrate the police's preparedness for any incidents during the election. During the simulation, plainclothes officers, posing as civilians, queued to cast their ballots at a polling centre, peacefully exercising their right to vote. Drones were deployed to monitor the situation remotely, ensuring quick responses while adhering to operational standards and human rights principles. The voting was disrupted by a group of heavily built armed men who attempted to snatch the ballot boxes, causing panic among the civilians. Officers on-site formed a linear extended formation to thwart the attack, leading to the arrest of the suspects, who were taken away in a police Black Maria (a prison on wheels). Following the simulation, the policemen engaged in precision firing of targets made up of balloons and bottles. The precision firing is a skill that allows them to target suspects while minimising the risk of casualties. This exercise was completed successfully in under 30 seconds by 10 officers in two pairs. The final part of the simulation involved rappelling, where police officers descended from the Akaa Waterfalls mountain into a crowd, with one officer, known as the master rappeller, demonstrating the ability to shoot accurately while descending on a rope. Preparations Mr Yohuno stated that although 600 officers would be armed on the ground, the police are committed to ensuring that the by-election is remembered as one of the best in history. We are very confident in our preparations and aim for this to be one of the most peaceful elections. If you come quietly to vote, we will welcome you. However, if you intend to cause trouble, we will not allow it. We are prepared to handle any disruptions before they escalate, he stated. The IGP expressed gratitude to the officers, stressing that the management was confident that their efforts would bring honour to the police administration and the police force as a whole. He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to comply with all the necessary guidelines for a smooth election. Featured PAC slams Office of Government Machinery - Officials arrive late at sitting Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Politics Aug - 21 - 2025 , 06:57 3 minutes read The Office of Government Machinery (OGM) came under heavy criticism from members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament for what the committee described as a poor representation of the Presidency during its consideration of the Auditor-Generals 2024 report. At its sitting in Accra yesterday, members of the committee were visibly displeased when the Acting Chief Director of OGM, Dr Abubakari Wayo, arrived nearly an hour late. The Chairperson of the committee, Abena Osei-Asare, rebuked him, emphasising that his 27 years of public service should have taught him the importance of punctuality and accountability. It cost the nation close to an hour because we're waiting for you. You are the head of the entity; you have been given that mandate, that role and you have to come here to discharge your responsibility and you tell us you were tidying up something in the office. The Chairperson reminded OGM that as the seat of the Presidency, it must set a higher standard of accountability. The Vice-Chair of the committee, Davis Ansah Opoku, added that the practice had always been for political heads to appear before PAC since they were the ones empowered to make changes at the policy level. He, therefore, advised that in future sittings, senior appointees such as a Deputy Chief of Staff should accompany the technical team to answer questions on OGM. When the Ranking Member, Samuel Atta Mills, pressed Dr Wayo on his explanation for the delay, the Acting Chief Director admitted that he had to clear documents with a superior officer before appearing, an explanation the Ranking Member deemed unacceptable. Financial irregularities The committees frustrations deepened when it emerged that the Council of State, one of the key agencies under OGM, was absent despite having received an invitation. Members warned that such lapses bordered on contempt of Parliament. Council of State is only a three-minute walk from here. This is most irregular, the Ranking Member said, before ordering that its representatives be summoned immediately. When the Northern Development Authority (NDA), another agency under OGM, took its turn, serious financial irregularities were uncovered. The Auditor-General had cited the authority for failing to present payment vouchers totalling GH400,236 during audit inspections. Though the current Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) claimed the vouchers had since been traced and submitted, the committee stressed that they were presented only after the Auditor-Generals report had been laid in Parliament, casting doubt on the credibility of the documentation. More infractions Further queries revealed that salary advances amounting to GH548,983.48 had been granted to 10 officers, most of whom defaulted in repayment. While the NDA said letters had been written to recover the funds, the committee urged that deductions be tied to any end-of-service benefits to prevent further loss to the state. The Auditor-General also reported outstanding receivables of over GH82 million owed to the authority by various clients, some dating back more than a decade. The committee directed that an age analysis of the debts be furnished to aid recovery and determine possible write-offs. Council of State Later, when the Council of State finally appeared, the Head of Administration, Valentine Maayir, admitted to exercising indiscretion in validating salaries for a staff member who had vacated the post. Though the amount was subsequently recovered, PAC members warned that future infractions could attract sanctions under the Public Financial Management Act, including dismissal or suspension. Political prophecy, fighting galamsey Prof. Jeffery Haynes & Dr Samuel Darkwa Politics Aug - 21 - 2025 , 09:57 5 minutes read Ghana continues to struggle to come to terms with the August 6 helicopter tragedy. On Black Wednesday, eight Ghanaians, including two government ministers, lost their lives. The eight were killed when a military helicopter crashed in the central Ashanti Region. According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the helicopter took off from Kotoka International Airport, Accra, just after 9.00am. It headed northwest towards the gold-mining area for an event about tackling illegal mining that is, galamsey at the Obuasi Black Park in Obuasi, Ashanti Region. During the short journey, the helicopter went off the radar. The helicopter's wreckage was found later; there were no survivors. Illegal mining, or galamsey, has significantly harmed Ghanas environment and jeopardised essential resources such as cocoa, the nations key cash crop. Contaminated water, degraded farmland, and polluted soil threaten agricultural livelihoods. Efforts by successive governments to combat this issue have often faltered, caught between political will and economic interests. However, the current administration is prioritising addressing illegal mining and promoting responsible, regulated practices. On the tragic day known as Black Wednesday, the helicopter was on its way to Obuasi to launch responsible mining. The deaths shocked the nation, prompting the parliamentary Minority to label the event a national disaster. In recognition of their contributions and to honour them, a state funeral was held. This funeral, however, should not mark the end of this tragedy. The nations collective grief must inspire a united, sustained effort to combat galamsey. Transitioning to sustainable mining practices is crucial both for environmental health and economic equity. Pursued with commitment and focus, ending galamsey would lead to lasting benefits for citizens, protect vital farmland and water sources, and foster a healthier ecosystem for future generations. Is the word of God unimpeachable? Following the tragedy, people claiming to be prophets came forward, declaring that they had foretold the fateful crash. Social media was replete with videos purporting to show evidence of such prophetic declarations. Several prophets claimed that they warned that the tragedy was imminent, yet nothing was done. Political prophecies are a key feature of Christianity in Ghana. Self-proclaimed prophets seek celebrity status with their utterings, which seek to either challenge political authorities or attract prominent politicians as followers. Often, prophecies, especially from contemporary prophets in neo-Pentecostal movements, focus on political, economic and social issues. This is not surprising given tough economic times and widespread economic insecurity in Ghana. Prophecies, whether they refer to the death of a prominent person, impending danger or calamity, the high cost of living, food shortages or political stability, attract much popular attention. Many Ghanaians believe that prophecies help them keep track of events beyond their control; not only Christians, but also Muslims and followers of Ghanas indigenous religions, are keen followers of the countrys self-proclaimed prophets. Ghana, like many other African countries, such as Nigeria and South Africa, has recently witnessed a significant increase in charismatic Pentecostal churches. Some of these churches are organised around their prophets, perceived as possessing unique gifts that enable them to mediate between humanity and the divine. A prophets ability to attract popular attention is neither part of a democratic process, nor is their pronouncement subject to scrutiny. Prophets assert that God conveys His messages directly to them, and that it is both impertinent and unacceptable to question or challenge alleged revelations which are by definition beyond the comprehension of ordinary individuals. In other words, questioning, debating, or doubting the prophets word is regarded as a nefarious scheme to undermine the authority of the self-proclaimed man of God. Some Charismatic Pentecostal prophets may intimidate critics with threats of eternal damnation, illness, or poverty with no spiritual accountability. Whats the way forward? The tragedy of Black Wednesday underscores not only the fragility of existence but also the profound challenges embedded within Ghanas socio-political and spiritual realms. This incident transpired amid already grave economic conditions and pervasive insecurity, fuelling predictions of doom, hardship and misfortune. Such forebodings often flourish in an atmosphere of despair. A society contending with environmental degradation, economic instability and political distrust creates a ripe environment for prophetic assertions of divine foresight. Conversely, this calamity can catalyse transformation. The objective of ending illegal mining and transitioning to responsible, regulated practices could emerge as a new visionary goalnot one delivered from the pulpit in fear, but one inspired by national commitment and proactive measures. If Ghana manages to convert its mineral resources into sustainable development, ordinary citizens will feel more empowered and less susceptible to often manipulative predictions of doom. A focus on prosperity and rejuvenated ecosystems can shift prophetic discourse from foretelling disasters to celebrating national renewal and optimism. The loss of the eight, whom many see as national heroes, should be commemorated not merely as a national tragedy but as an ethical imperative: their unintended sacrifice must galvanise a collective resolve, led by purposeful and sustained government action, to eradicate illegal mining. Aligning political will with community efforts and spiritual accountability can offer Ghana a way forward, a future where prophecies do not point only to disaster but to a future of shared prosperity and environmental equilibrium. The writers are an Emeritus Professor of Politics, London Metropolitan University, UK and a Political Scientist These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. To say that Sony is conservative about changing the design of its smartphones would be a laughable understatement - for anyone but the biggest Sony fans it's almost impossible to tell different generations apart. This, however, may change for its next mid-ranger, the Xperia 10 VII. According to a case maker on Amazon, Sony will be switching things up this time, with a different arrangement of its camera sensors compared to its predecessor which launched last year. Sony Xperia 10 VII new design Whereas the Xperia 10 VI has the two cameras arranged vertically, the Xperia 10 VII goes with a horizontal arrangement instead. Sure, it's not the biggest design change ever, but for Sony it's pretty significant. The images in this article come from a case listing on Amazon. The fact that this went up might mean that Sony is getting ready to unveil the Xperia 10 VII - after all, it's very late compared to the 10 VI, which was released last June. The original Xperia 10 from 2019 was the last internationally available Sony smartphone to come with a horizontal camera island, so it's been a while. Sony Xperia 10 VI These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. 128GB 8GB RAM $ 449.99 Show all prices Unfortunately, the Xperia 10 VII's specs are still a mystery. We'll let you know when we find out more. Thanks for the tip! Source (in Japanese) | Via (in Japanese) The Guam Memorial Hospital is working to settle issues over its big past-due power bill, Guam Power Authority General Manager John Benavente said Thursday. He said GPA is also still working to get to the bottom of electrical issues that led to a reported fire at the hospital on Tuesday. GMH officials reported owing the power authority about $1.6 million on Monday. Benavente on Thursday said that the past-due amount is closer to about $1.16 million. I wrote them a letter yesterday, he told the Consolidated Commission on Utilities. Theyre working on it, and theyre going to find a way to make sure that we get paid on time. So I dont see them being an issue beyond. Otherwise, we will shut it down, he said. I dont necessarily blame the hospital, if theyre going to either buy medicine or pay GPA, he added. Benavente said that as of Thursday, GMH was one of just two GovGuam accounts that was not current. The Office of Civil Defense was past due on about $21,412.7 in billing, he said, but the office had an internal issue which should be fixable. GMH on the other hand, had not made a payment since May 5. The Department of Public Works was also about caught upon its street light and street sign accounts, Benavente said. On Monday, the Pacific Daily News reported DPW showed $1.9 million worth of power bills that were 30 days or more past-due as of July 15. More recent GPA aging reports show DPW paying $2.5 million payment on their power bill up to Aug. 19. Benavente said the power authority does not consider accounts in arrears until about 61 or more days after payment is due. As for GMH, Benavente said that hospital Administrator Lillian Perez-Posadas informed him that she would work with her team to come up with a payment plan. Well see what we can do by Tuesday, hopefully, Benavente said. Hospital fire Benavente also updated the CCU on the Tuesday incident that ended with the Guam Fire Department responding to an electrical fire at the Guam Memorial Hospital. GMH management reported an electrical fire and HVAC failure after a power fluctuation. Two transmission lines feeding the San Vitores Substation in Tumon faulted just after noon on Tuesday, according to Benavente. Were still trying to figure that one. Very unusual event, weve never seen that before, he said. At about 12 p.m., GMH staff identified a burning smell coming from a breaker, and found low voltage at the hospital, Benavente said. Staff then switched the hospital to generator power. But according to the general manager, the hospitals generators should have automatically detected the low voltage and kicked on to protect the hospitals system. It did not, Benavente said. CCU Chairman Francis Santos added that after the generators kicked on, there was still island power coming into the hospital from GPA. Santos said hospital staff could not show GPA where the load was coming in. According to Benavente, the hospitals aging electrical panel actually is not having any issues, but sub panels may need replacement. CCU Commissioner Melvin Duenas said the hospital should not have blamed the GPA fluctuation for the electrical issue. Duenas said he wanted GPA to review the logs at the facility to see if GMH staff were regularly doing preventative maintenance. A replacement for GMHs decades-old panel and upgrade to its electrical system has been estimated at $6 million. Governor: Fund GMH Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero in a statement late Wednesday night called on Speaker Frank Blas Jr. and the Legislature to adequately fund GMH and construction of a replacement facility. While ARP funding was critical to keeping GMH operational, we must acknowledge the problems we see todaycrumbling walls, failing electrical systems, HVAC failuresare not the result of inaction, but rather the unavoidable reality of a facility that has far outlived its intended lifespan, and been under funded by the legislature for years, like a broken mirror every new fix just expands the cracks, Leon Guerrero said in a statement. She said the proposed Republican fiscal year 2026 budget would give the hospital less funding than the current year, and cut Medicaid access. The governor said that rolling back business privilege taxes though the budget act would shortchange struggling government agencies. A rollback from 5% to 4% BPT rates in the budget is estimated to reduce GovGuams revenues by $81 million annually. Let us be clear: appropriating funds to patch GMH may keep the doors open in the short term, but it is not a solution. The real solutionand the only solution that ensures quality healthcare for generations to comeis to build a new hospital, Leon Guerrero said. Lawmakers late Wednesday night voted to exclude large military contractors from a discount on business privilege tax rollbacks in the fiscal year 2026 budget act. If enacted, the budget would gradually decrease the BPT rate from 5% to 4.5% by Oct. 1 and then to 4% by Oct. 2026. But military buildup oversight chair Sen. Telo Taitague amended the budget act to keep tax rates at 5% for military contracts worth over $10 million. Her amendment passed in a split vote of 8-7, overcoming an objection. All six Democrat senators voted in favor of the amendment. Sen. Taitague and Speaker Frank Blas Jr. were the only Republicans to raise their hands for it. The 1% BPT rollback has been estimated to reduce GovGuam revenues by about $81 million annually. Its unclear just how much revenue would be retained by keeping the higher tax rate on big military contractors. Taitague asserted that the amendment would not punish local businesses who are hired as subcontractors on military work, who are already assessed a 0% BPT rate under Guam law. But some who were opposed said it was discriminatory, or even unconstitutional. This is not a contractor going out to build homes, affordable homes in Dededo, where its a $20 million contract, Taitague said. She stressed that the guaranteed revenue from billions in military construction coming to Guam could not be discarded. Colleagues, we cant keep gambling with our future, taking from uncertain excess revenue to fund cancer care, to fund public health, to fund public safety, Taitague said. Unfair Republican Sen. Vince Borja disagreed. I think its unfair when you say, because youre only temporary, but you make a lot of money...were going to help some others in the community, just not you, Borja said. Republican Sen. Shawn Gumataotao, meanwhile, argued it violated Article Six of the Constitution, which prevents states and territories from interfering with federal functions. Mr. Chair, it is not possible to levy a higher tax on construction projects inside the fence, he said. Democrat Sen. Therese Terlaje argued that increased tax collections were long eyed as one of the potential benefits of the military buildup. Tax was a big part of how they calculated the economic benefit. And we today are going to say, we dont need that tax. Were saying, I think, to the people of Guam, You are on your own to mitigate the housing shortage that we have, the environmental impacts, the threats to the water, Terlaje said. Democrat Sen. Sabina Perez also pointed to various impacts of the buildup, from housing shortages, environmental degradation, destruction of natural habitats, and land taking. Thats the government that has left a scar for generations. So who is being discriminated against in our own home? The birthplace of the CHamoru people? These companies did not ask for a rollback, Perez said. Republican Majority Leader Sen. Jesse Lujan argued that keeping taxes higher would drive up costs, delay projects, and ultimately hurt Guam because of work the military does to modernize Guam infrastructure. If we pass this amendment, we not only are inviting litigation, we are guaranteeing litigation, Lujan argued. Adelup has reported military spending on Guam through the next three to five years to top $5 billion. Lawmakers are recessed until 10 a.m. on Friday. Last Friday, I wrote about never forgetting where you came from. I have been asked by many who enjoyed my articles about the tour through Hagatna in the 60s to the 70s. So just as we should never forget where we came from, we should also never forget where we went. So today I will just jar your memories a bit by stopping by some of the places that I went to. I am sure many of you will remember the times you went to these places to. So here we gonever forget where you went to. Food Uhhuhremember Cool Spot in Barrigada with the Big Boy giant burger with sesame seed coated buns? Mr. Francisco Cruz and his family had the best! You dont see a place like that anymore. I know you remember parking at that place (where the Barrigada Happy Mart is now) and sat under one of those concrete round tables and chairs with the striped umbrella as your only cover. Remember Kinneys Cafe on Route 15 (back road to Andersen AFB and across Hawaiian Rock). Oh how we would drive any back road today just to get their onion rings and combo steak plates and to see that sweet old Mrs. Blas serving the tables. Of course you couldnt have been on Guam in 70s without ever eating at Shakeys in Tamuning (the current Lone Star Steakhouse). I remember the peanut shells all over the floor. How about Oriental Restaurant (Orleans Plaza in Tamuning) where the most delicious kalbi (foot long beef with bone) were on everyones order. Oh they still have kalbi in all Korean restaurants but have you seen how it has shrunk in size? The late night hungry drivers always had Rainbow Market in Mongmong as a favorite go-to for its ready to go dishes. No more late night pick up a dish places to go to nowadays. I know there are many more restaurants or food places and I am sure you never forget where you went to. Dancing shoes How many of you brought your wife or met your achakmas at the Night Shift (behind the former Town House in Hagatna. Dancing or drinking to the tunes of the original Radiants band. Ai, you probably also went and did the same thing at Double AA in Tamuning. How about Cheap Charlies in Tamuning (Sunnys Wholesale location now). They had imported bands from the Philippines and always crowded on weekends. How can we forget Joe & Flos in Assan? The best cha-cha-ing and boogie-ing on many a weekend. Are you itching to dance now? If you are a Filipino then for sure you must have been a part of the crowd at Alindogs (same building as Ben & Yans in Harmon). We all enjoyed their back-to-back bands from the Philippines. Yes, we danced and drank the night away so we will never forget where we went to. Stores and shopping How many of us went to the huge Ben Franklin Store in Tamuning (now DOCOMO) not necessarily for shopping but to just ride the escalator up and down between floors? Then of course, a part of almost every life on Guam is the Town House Department Store in Hagatna. So many lives and families were supported by employment at Town House. Further up the road on Route 14 is Gibsons (now GPO). The first shopping center that had a supermarket in it. Maybe you can recall that if you went to every house in Kaiser or Liguan Dededo you probably noticed and I am sure you still remember how almost all the furniture looked alike! Uhhuh because they all were delivered from Genghis Khan Furniture from Harmon Industrial Park. You better believe it! Mrs. Anna Kao would not let you walk out of her furniture store without buying something. Many of those Taiwan made furniture still grace our homes today. I dont know about you but my mom frequented a whole in the wall but great market in Dededo called Belens. Remember that store (next to the current Dededo Payless)? I swear DPHSS (Public Health) would have had a field day there if it were still operating with the cramped aisles and groceries and vegetables mixed all over the place. But it was cheap and you wouldnt want to be there on food stamp days! Belens was Chinese owned. The Koreans were not going to be beat! You or your parents probably shopped at Bunnys Supermarket (now American Grocery in Dededo). It also had great prices and a great variety. Ah, but there was also a CHamoru owned supermarket. Dont forget Manglona Market in Toto. Another go-to market on paydays and food stamp days. Hunggan, never forget where you went to. Ai, so many place to go and reminisce. But space will not allow me. Maybe another time. Never forget where you came from is not just about your legacy in life. Never forget where you went to is not just about your journey in life. Knowing both and wondering and remembering who, what, when, where, and why will tell you the story of you are today! Haiti - Politic : A $2.6 billion roadmap for stability and Peace in Haiti On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Albert R. Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), presented to the Permanent Council a roadmap aimed at providing concrete solutions to the serious security and institutional crisis in Haiti, while strengthening the coordination of international and regional cooperation. This roadmap, comprising five pillars, and its provisional cost, to be shared among international partners, spanning from 2025 to 2028, is estimated at $2.6 billion. Unlike the first draft https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45457-haiti-peace-and-stability-preliminary-draft-roadmap-of-more-than-us$13-billion.html , $1.336 billion is earmarked for stabilization and Peace. The plan was prepared in consultation with Haitian authorities, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations, the Inter American Development Bank (IDB), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, following the mandate of the OAS General Assembly in June 2025. This Haitian-led, internationally supported Roadmap offers a framework to address the most severe governance and security crisis in the Western Hemisphere. The Roadmap is a dynamic, evolving plan which will be updated according to the changing circumstances and needs in Haiti, as well as new inputs from stakeholders and partners. Key Features of the Roadmap : Haitian leadership and ownership : The plan is designed to strengthen national institutions and ensure sovereignty, with international support coordinated through the OAS, CARICOM, the UN, and Inter-American partners. Security first : Recognizing that security is the foundation for progress, the plan prioritizes stabilization and peace restoration as the prerequisite for humanitarian access, political consensus, electoral legitimacy, and sustainable development. Integrated, sequenced action : Emergency measures will be linked with structural reforms to ensure both immediate relief and long-term resilience. Human rights and accountability : A cross-cutting commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and rights protection will be implemented through a Haiti Roadmap Dashboard to monitor progress and donor contributions. Five Strategic Pillars : 1. Security Stabilization and Peace Restoration : Immediate measures to secure key corridors and infrastructure, followed by rebuilding the Haitian National Police, reforming the justice system, and dismantling transnational criminal economies. Estimated cost: USD 1.336 billion. 2. Political Consensus and Governance Support : Addresses the need for political legitimacy alongside security. This pillar focuses on guiding Haiti's transition to stable, inclusive, and accountable governance, laying the foundations for a new constitution and democratic renewal beyond the February 7, 2026 deadline. This process will prioritize inclusivity, transparency, and producing a governance framework with broad support. These efforts build on the leadership and previous work of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The OAS will accompany CARICOM to provide coordinated support and technical assistance to convene a national dialogue with diverse participation. Estimated cost: USD 8 million. 3. Electoral Process and Institutional Legitimacy : Supporting the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and the National Identification Office (ONI) to guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections. Estimated cost: USD 104.1 million. 4. Humanitarian Response : Delivering life-saving aid in food, water, health, education, and shelter, while building community resilience and dignity protection. Estimated cost: USD 908.2 million (UN data). 5. Sustainable Development and Economic Progress : Restoring basic services, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), expanding infrastructure, and fostering social protection systems. Estimated cost: USD 256.1 million (IADB data). Governance : The governance structure proposed for the implementation of the Roadmap includes a Coordinating Group Mechanism (CGM) composed of the OAS, the United Nations, and CARICOM, forming a tripartite mechanism to support Haitis stabilization and recovery. It also includes the Group of Friends of Haiti, the OAS Interdepartmental Working Group on Haiti, other inter-agency spaces to be established in coordination with stakeholders and the eventual appointment of an OAS Special Representative. These components are designed to ensure strategic alignment, facilitate cooperation, and adapt to evolving needs throughout the implementation of the Roadmap. While presenting the Roadmap, Secretary General Ramdin said "Haiti is undergoing a severe crisis that requires our complete and immediate attention. This is a plan to address that crisis, that starts with security as the number one priority and with the ultimate goal of making Haiti completely self-sufficient in the shortest possible time. This is a stepping stone, a plan that will evolve and adapt to changing circumstances. Regarding funding, no one or two countries should foot the bill; this requires the commitment of all member states. Coordination and funding will be essential to success. I call on all member states to do their part. Haiti needs help and we must provide it." Next Steps : Continue the process of mapping existing initiatives and reinforcing coordination with the Coordinating Group Mechanism composed of the OAS, CARICOM, UN, together with Haitian authorities. Facilitate dialogue with the Transitional Presidential Council and Haitian stakeholders to advance constitutional reform and avoid a political vacuum in February 2026. Carry out consultations with stakeholders and technical teams on activities by pillars. Convene an International Donors Conference together with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to mobilize resources aligned with the Roadmaps priorities. Initiate design and implementation of the Haiti Roadmap Dashboard, ensuring transparency, real-time monitoring of progress, and alignment of contributions. Note : The OAS emphasizes that the full implementation of this roadmap depends entirely on the political, financial, and logistical support of international partners. Some of the institutional, technical, and operational capacities necessary for its execution must be developed urgently. All figures, timelines, and funding projections are presented for informational purposes only and may be refined as project proposals are developed and validated with relevant stakeholders. Download the full roadmap (56-page PDF in English) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Haiti-Roadmap-EN.pdf Download the Roadmap Summary Fact Sheet (3-page PDF in English) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/08.20.25-Fact-Sheet.pdf See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45457-haiti-peace-and-stability-preliminary-draft-roadmap-of-more-than-us$13-billion.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - South-South Cooperation : Haiti and Colombia agree to strengthen family farming On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the Karibe Hotel, agronomist Vernet Joseph, Minister of Agriculture, officially launched the Haiti-Colombia Agricultural Cooperation Mission. The ceremony was attended by Transition Advisors Leslie Voltaire and Emmanuel Vertilaire, Colombian Ambassador to Haiti Vilma Rocio Velazquez Uribe, Rector of the University of Cordoba Jairo Miguel Torres Oviedo, members of a Colombian delegation to Haiti, and representatives from several Haitian universities. The Colombian mission will take place from August 20 to 24 in Port-au-Prince, and senior Colombian officials and their Haitian counterparts will participate in numerous meetings in Les Cayes, Cap-Haitien, and Fort-Liberte. This initiative marks a new milestone in cooperation between the two countries. It aims in particular to strengthen family farming and modernize key sectors such as cassava, corn, beans, and beekeeping, while laying the foundations for a lasting partnership to promote food security. In her speech, the Colombian Ambassador to Haiti praised the solidarity and friendship between the two nations, stating that the Haitian agricultural sector will find valuable support in cooperation with his country. For his part, the Rector of the University of Cordoba, who introduced the various members of the Colombian delegation, emphasized the need to strengthen bridges between the academic world and the real-life challenges facing farmers. For his part, Minister Vernet Joseph emphasized that this approach is an important step in strengthening cooperation between Haiti and Colombia. "This rapprochement will contribute to making Haitian family farming a true driver of resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity," the Minister firmly believes. Speaking at the event, Councilor Leslie Voltaire emphasized the importance of international cooperation to address the current challenges facing Haiti's agricultural sector. He stated that the partnership with the University of Cordoba represents a unique opportunity to transfer knowledge, technology, and best practices, particularly in the areas of research, training, and rural development. Its modernization is essential to improve productivity, strengthen food security, and offer better prospects for the country's farmers. This mission is expected to result in the development of a joint roadmap aimed at strengthening the resilience of Haitian farmers and promoting sustainable rural development. Following the consultation sessions in Port-au-Prince, the delegation will continue its field visits in the South, North, and Northeast departments. The delegation will visit several agro-productive sites to assess the development potential of corn, cassava, and beekeeping. It will also take the opportunity to meet with local organizations already involved in these sectors. HL/ HaitiLibre iciHaiti - Politic : Council of Ministers (Wednesday, August 20, 2025) On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a Council of Ministers meeting was held at the Villa d'Accueil, chaired by Laurent Saint-Cyr, President pro tempore of the Transitional Council (CPT). Presidential Advisors and members of the Government discussed several important issues for the country, including the security and proper functioning of state institutions. Agenda : 1) Welcome Remarks; 2) Draft Decree establishing the conditions for issuing, obtaining, and using diplomatic and official passports, as well as the rules to prevent and punish their illicit use; 3) Draft Decree ratifying, in the name and on behalf of the Republic of Haiti, the name change of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) to the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE); 4) Draft Decree amending the Law of February 14, 2017, on electronic signatures, adapting the law of evidence to information technology and expanding the powers of the National Telecommunications Council; 5) Draft Order granting a state funeral to Mgr. Joseph Willy ROMELUS, Bishop Emeritus of Jeremie; 6) Draft Order appointing Citizen Clerisson MOZART as Secretary of State for Literacy; 7) Draft Order appointing Citizen Marie Carol PIERRE PAUL JACOB Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Haiti to Cuba; 8) Draft Order appointing Citizen Roudy Stanley PENN Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Haiti to the Republic of China (Taiwan); 9) Draft Order appointing Pierre-Richard Cjuste as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Haiti to the State of Qatar; 10) Draft Order appointing Anaise Manuel as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Haiti to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; 11) Draft Order appointing Yverick Delerme Cyril as Consul General of Haiti in Miami; 12) Draft Order providing the Municipality of Cap-Haitien with a Municipal Commission responsible for managing its interests until the next elections; 13) Draft Order providing the Municipality of Ouanaminthe with a Municipal Commission responsible for managing its interests until the next elections; 14) Draft Order providing the Municipality of Arcahaie with a Municipal Commission responsible for managing its interests until the next elections; 15) Draft Order providing the Municipality of Jeremie with a Municipal Commission responsible for managing its interests until the next elections; 16) Approval of compensation to be paid to former employees of the National Equipment Center (CNE); 17) Communication on the security situation in the country; 18) Closure of the meeting. IH/ iciHaiti The first closure will be the 25-square-metre Alko in the Old Market Hall by Helsinkis harbour. Known as Finlands smallest branch, it will close on 23 August. The 68-square-metre outlet on Mannerheimintie, the capitals second smallest, will follow on 20 September. State alcohol monopoly Alko will shut nine stores across Finland this autumn, including its two smallest outlets in central Helsinki. Other shops scheduled to close include outlets in Vaalimaa, Kouvola Valkeala, Turku Kauppahalli, Jyvaskyla Minimani, Kuopio Matkus Shopping Centre, Alavus Tuuri, and Kemionsaari Taalintehdas, the latter shutting on 27 September. Alko said the move was part of normal network planning. The company cited alcohol tax increases, a change in alcohol law, economic pressures and shifts in customer flows as factors affecting its sales. We review the need for store locations regularly on the basis of demand and customer traffic, said Alkos business director Kari Pennanen in a statement. Once the closures are complete, the title of Finlands smallest Alko will pass to the branch in Porvoos Old Town, which measures about 33 square metres. Alko has previously reduced its presence in the Helsinki area, closing the Tukkutori branch near the Redi shopping centre in 2023. Plans to open a store in Vallilas former railway works were abandoned, though a new outlet was opened in Katajanokka in 2022. The latest cuts mean fewer Alko shops for customers in both cities and rural areas. The monopoly continues to manage the only legal retail sale of strong alcoholic beverages in Finland. The closure of Finlands smallest Alko was first reported by Helsingin Uutiset. HT The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that 60,000 reservists are being mobilised in September to free up active-duty personnel for the campaign, approved this week by Defence Minister Israel Katz . Five divisions are expected to participate in the operation, which aims to capture and occupy all of Gaza City. Israel has begun the early stages of its long-planned offensive on Gaza City, with tens of thousands of Palestinians fleeing neighbourhoods under bombardment and orders to evacuate. IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said troops were already operating on the citys outskirts. We have begun preliminary actions, and already now, IDF troops are holding the outskirts of Gaza City, he told reporters. He added that brigades were conducting operations in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas, where tunnels and weapons caches had been located. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was shortening the timelines for seizing what he called the last terror strongholds of Hamas. He reiterated that Israels objectives were to free all remaining hostages and ensure Hamass defeat. The offensive follows weeks of heavy airstrikes. On Wednesday, Gazas Hamas-run Civil Defence reported 25 deaths, including three children and their parents killed in a strike on the Shati refugee camp. The UN said it had documented 54 Israeli attacks on residential buildings in Gaza City since 8 August. Humanitarian agencies warned of dire consequences. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said further displacement risked an irreversible humanitarian crisis and could endanger hostages believed to be held in the city. After months of relentless hostilities and repeated displacement, the people in Gaza are utterly exhausted, it said. The UN secretary general Antonio Guterres renewed his call for a ceasefire to avoid inevitable death and destruction. The World Food Programme said malnutrition in Gaza had surpassed emergency levels, with hundreds of thousands lacking access to food, clean water and shelter. Gazas health ministry reported 269 deaths from malnutrition since the war began, including 112 children. International condemnation of Israels plan has grown. French president Emmanuel Macron warned the assault can only lead to disaster for both peoples and risks plunging the entire region into a cycle of permanent war. Despite pressure from allies and mediators, Israel has not formally responded to a new 60-day ceasefire proposal presented by Qatar and Egypt, which Hamas accepted on Monday. The plan includes the release of some hostages, but Israel insists on a deal covering all 50, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Hamas accused Netanyahu of disregarding the proposal and prolonging the war. In a statement cited by Reuters, the group said the Israeli leader was the real obstructionist of any agreement. Israel launched its campaign in Gaza after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. According to Gazas health ministry, at least 62,122 people have been killed in the territory since then. HT Whether Only Hope was ever licensed is in question School Board member Amy Lynn Holt speaks during Wednesdays county commissioners meeting. Citing cease-and-desist letters the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services sent to the now criminally charged founder and operator of a shelter for homeless teenagers, Henderson County School Board member Amy Lynn Holt on Wednesday urged county commissioners to stop funding the shelter. Related Stories Holt, who is also a member of the countys department of social services board, said that while she understood county funding for Only Hope WNC was paused after the recent arrest of Michael Lee Absher, she would not support any further funding for the shelter. The major reason for that is that Only Hope has never had approval from DSS to place minors in their possession, Holt told commissioners during their regular monthly meeting. They were not and never were allowed or approved as a licensed facility to keep children there. I dont feel as a Henderson County taxpayer that our dollars need to be going to support an organization that has no business and no license in taking care of minors. Absher, a former school board member himself, was the operator of Only Hope when he was charged in July with sexually assaulting boys at the shelter. He remained in Henderson Countys detention facility on Wednesday under a $650,000 secured bond. Commissioners did not respond to Holts comments during the meeting. In an interview after the meeting, Bill Lapsley, the chairman of the board of commissioners, said he understood Holts frustration. He also said he did not know about the letters Holt referenced from the state directing Absher to cease and desist Only Hope operations. In a letter from DHHS dated June 20, 2017, the state child welfare agency said it had determined that Only Hope was operating as an unlicensed child placing agency as well as operating as an unlicensed residential child care facility serving children younger than 18. The letter quotes state law that requires a license to operate a residential care facility for children before telling Absher to obtain a license or stop operating the facility. This letter serves as notice to immediately cease and desist from operating as a Child Placing Agency and Residential Care Facility in North Carolina until a license is obtained, according to the 2017 DHHS letter. If Only Hope WNC continues to operate as a Child Placing Agency and Residential Care Facility without obtaining proper licensure, the Division of Social Services will take legal action. In response to the cease-and-desist letter from DHHS, Michael Edney, who is the current vice chair of the board of commissioners and was the boards chair at the time, wrote Absher a letter dated Oct. 18, 2017. In the letter, Edney said that the board had requested in August that year that Absher inform the county when he received proper state licensing for Only Hope to ensure funding for the organization in 2018. Edneys letter quotes Abshers response: We subsequently received a letter from Only Hope in which you stated that at this time, all investigations have been closed, and we are currently not under any open investigations or corrective actions with DSS or DHHS. Only Hope has not and will not provide foster care or operate a residential child care facility as defined in the June 20,2017 letter DHHS (referencing G.S. 131D-10.2). Edneys letter to Absher then said that DHHS could not confirm the assertions he made about the operations of Only Hope. As a result, Edneys letter goes on to say the county would withhold grant funding from Only Hope until it received verifiable information that the shelter had a proper license or did not provide services that required a license. DHHS sent a similar cease and desist letter to Absher in 2019. In a letter dated May 21, 2019, DHHS told Absher it had information that he admitted to housing homeless children and that the average stay was four or five months. The letter asks Absher to inform them within 10 days if the statements attributed to him were inaccurate. The 2019 letter referenced the 2017 warning before again telling Absher to cease and desist from operating a shelter without a license. The 2019 letter also warned Absher that under state law he could also face criminal charges for operating the shelter without a license. If Only Hope WNC, Inc. continues to operate, establish or provide foster care for children without a license or receive and place children in a Residential Child Care Facility without obtaining appropriate licensure, the Division of Social Services will seek appropriate legal action, according to the 2019 letter. Attempts to reach DHHS for comment on Wednesday were unsuccessful. Holt, in an interview after the meeting, said she did not know why DHHS did not follow up on the letters it sent to Absher. I wish I knew that. Its absolutely insane. They failed our children, she said. I want an investigation opened up to see how this happened and how we can ensure it doesnt happen again. Absher was successful in the years after founding Only Hope in persuading local governments and other grantors to appropriate money to support its operations. In the budget it adopted in June, the board of commissioners approved $35,000 for Only Hope. Henderson County suspended funding for the shelter after Abshers arrest. At the direction of the county manager, funding for Only Hope has been suspended until further notice, according to a statement the county issued shortly after Abshers arrest. Mr. Absher has also been suspended by the county from any volunteer activities until a decision can be made later by the Henderson County Board of Commissioners. The $35,000 commissioners approved for Only Hope was for the fiscal year 2025/2026, which began on July 1, 2025. The county provides quarterly funding and $8,750 was sent to Only Hope in July, according to the countys statement. Since 2018, county taxpayers had given the agency $213,000. In the past three years, the City of Hendersonville has appropriated $15,825 to Only Hope. The city council approved a $3,000 grant for the current fiscal year. Contracts for payment of the special appropriations funding are typically not finalized until late August or September. Only Hope WNCs contract has not yet been drafted, so the approved amount of $3,000 is on hold, city spokeswoman Brandy Heatherly said recently. The Board of Directors of Only Hope WNC Inc. removed Absher from all positions of authority and banned him from the organization's home for teen-aged boys, which is also Abshers residence, the nonprofit said in a statement Monday. The move came after authorities charged Absher in recent weeks with numerous sexual offenses involving children. Absher was charged in July with two counts of statutory sexual offense against a child 15 or younger. Detectives with Henderson County Sheriffs Office later charged him with seven counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, court records show. Sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at the Only Hope building, which is also Absher's residence, on July 31, at which time he was detained, searched and arrested. Deputies executed other search warrants for Abshers cellphone and the cellphone of one of his alleged victims. In her statements to commissioners, Holt said she had been concerned about Absher for a long time. I have long been speaking out against Michael Absher since 2017 and the fact that he had no business around minors, she said. I realize the board has just separated from him, but that still does not curb the fact that they have no license to have minors within their care. Saint Pauls Albarino wins Best in Show in NC contest A white wine made by Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards won Best in Show at the North Carolina Wine Competition in the Vinifera/Hybrid category, marking another trophy for the winery on Chestnut Gap Road. View the Slideshow The North Carolina Wine & Grape Council awarded more than 275 medals as it celebrated 20 years of exceptional winemaking and judging. Saint Pauls 2024 Albarino was created by Tim Crowe, an experienced winemaker with more than 30 years in the luxury wine industry. Crowe, who is the head winemaker at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, has worked across three continents and four U.S. states, leading vineyard operations from Napa Valley to New Zealand, and has held pivotal roles at notable estates like Stone Tower Winery and Frank Family Vineyards. A UC Davis-trained enologist, Crowe has been recognized for his commitment to quality and innovation in winemaking. In addition to the recent Best in Show award for Albarino, Saint Paul has won five Governors Cups for its wine, which is produced locally from locally grown grapes. Noble Cider of Asheville won Best in Show for its Spice Merchant In the Cider/Mead/Dessert category and Best Cider overall. Damage to Lake Summit dam reduces recreation, poses risks Every day is a no-wake day on Lake Summit because high lake levels often submerge boat docks and yards. The no-wake rule is good for paddlers and aquatic life, not so good for jet skiers and motorboats. Not much has changed on Lake Summit nearly a year after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. Related Stories Water continues to pour freely over the inoperable and aging dam on the lake. And while the Scottsdale, Ariz., company that owns the Tuxedo Hydroelectric Project and state inspectors say the dam is structurally sound, a fix for the broken power plant that controls the dam remains uncertain. A no-wake zone, required because water levels on the lake remain too high, continues to the delight of some, who have enjoyed the quiet on the lake, and the chagrin of others, who miss riding their jet skis and motorboats. High water submerges boat docks For many property owners on the lake, high water spilling over docks and into boathouses has created ongoing problems. Its caused serious problems. Theres a residual loss to people down here, the owner of one boathouse said recently. The resident, who did not give his name, said high water on the lake cost him the use of his property. On most days, the lake covers the small dock outside his boathouse and decking inside remains underwater at all times. Minnows were swimming inside the boathouse one recent August day. When it hit the mountains last Sept. 27, Helene caused severe damage to the hydroelectric project on Green River, which includes the 105-year-old dam and a penstock (pipe system) which carries water to a powerhouse. Damage to both the powerhouse and pipe system left Northbrook Power Management, the Arizona company that owns the hydroelectric project, unable to use the dam to manipulate either the natural lake levels upstream of the dam or the natural water flows downstream. Water from the 290-acre lake, which remains 3 feet higher than normal, continues to flow over the dam. High water levels on the lake pose a risk to areas upstream along Green River and to parts of N.C. 225 near the lake, Green River Fire and Rescue Chief Dustin Nicholson said. During Helene, water from the lake backed up into Green River and caused flooding upstream. The lake backup during the storm also closed N.C. 225 for a time and led to first responders evacuating two people from a home near the road. Nicholson said he fears that another tropical storm moving through the community this summer could cause similar problems. When that is 3 feet higher than normal, it backs up water into the Green River watershed basin. Spots on Green River Road flood out where they dont normally, he said. I just pray we dont get a storm. Northbrook engineers to assess dam Northbrook, in a March statement, said it hired an engineering firm to assist the company in continuing to assess and evaluate damage at the power plant. In the statement, Northbrook said it had engaged the engineering firm Kleinschmidt Associates to assist in assessing and evaluating the hydroelectric plant. Kleinschmidt studied the hurricanes impact on both the infrastructure and water conveyance of the project. Building on these evaluations, Northbrook Tuxedo is proceeding to the next phase of its recovery plan: conducting hydrology and flow release analysis. This analysis will be essential in assessing and guiding water flow management from the Lake Summit Dam, Northbrook said. The goal is to evaluate the discharge needs that benefit both Lake Summits water levels and downstream recreational water users. The companys statement also described the dam as structurally secure. Northbrook Tuxedo remains committed to working with engineers, insurance adjustors and other experts to thoroughly assess the situation and proceed with repairs or modifications that could make sense, according to the statement. Additionally, the company continues to explore potential funding sources and partnerships for long-term solutions. Dam in fair condition Christopher Todd, Henderson Countys assistant county manager, said county officials reached out to Northbrook officials about the possibility of seeking state and federal funding through the countys soil and water conservation district, as we would with other private entities as well. The county has a history of working with Soil and Water, he said. Much of what Soil and Water does is on behalf of private dam owners There is a history of that, but it takes involved private property owners. Weve reached out and told them we are willing to partner with them. The county had a pretty good conversation with company officials about the prospect of working together to seek funding to repair the dam, Todd added. He said the county wants to find the right opportunities to fix the dam and remains on the lookout for state and federal grants that might be available. Todd said he thinks Northbrook and the state have taken a look at the dam. We have not heard anything from the company or the state that would warrant action based on safety, he said. Attempts to reach Northbrook for further comment were unsuccessful. A map of dams in North Carolina on the states Department of Environmental Quality website rates the Tuxedo Hydroelectric dam as fair condition. Dams in fair condition show no existing dam safety deficiencies for normal operating conditions, according to a FEMA website. The website also noted that a fair designation means that rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. The map also shows the dams hazard potential as high. The high hazard designation includes dams located where failure will likely cause loss of life or serious damage to homes, industrial and commercial buildings, important public utilities, primary highways, or major railroads, according to the DEQs website. State inspectors have checked dam State Sen. Tim Moffitt said inspectors from DEQ have evaluated the Lake Summit dam along with other dams located in areas hit hard by Helene. They have checked all dams in Helene affected areas, he said. That is not one they are concerned about at all. In 1920, The Blue Ridge Power and Light Company began building the dam on the Green River in the Zirconia community that eventually formed Lake Summit, which extends into the Tuxedo community. The operations center for the power plant was established at Pot Shoals located in the Macedonia community of Henderson County, according to the local Henderson Heritage website. In 1927, the Blue Ridge Power and Light Company sold the power plant to the Duke Power Company, according to Henderson Heritage, the county history website maintained by Jennie Jones Giles. Duke Energy sold the plant at Pot Shoals and four other small hydroelectric plants in Western North Carolina to Northbrook in 2019. Duke at the time agreed to purchase all of the energy generated by the power plants for five years through power purchase agreements with Northbrook, Duke Energy said at the time in a news release. Northbrook operates 26 hydroelectric power plants in 12 states and has served the industry for more than 30 years. * * * * * For more information about the history of the power plant on Green River and the Lake Summit dam, visit www.hendersonheritage.com. REFUGEE campaigners have come out in support of a theologian who criticised comments made by a senior Conservative MP. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Dr Krish Kandiah said comments made by Tory shadow minister Robert Jenrick about asylum seekers had echoes of xenophobia, causing the broadcaster to later apologise. Writing in the Daily Mail, Shadow Justice Secretary Jenrick said he was concerned by asylum seekers crossing the channel in small boats and supported peaceful protests outside asylum hotels. He wrote: I certainly dont want my children to share a neighbourhood with immigrant men with backward views who broke into Britain illegally, and about whom we know next to nothing. Speaking on the Today Programmes Thought for the Day slot, Dr Kandiah, who is head of refugee charity the Sanctuary Foundation, condemned Jenricks comments. He said: These words echo a fear many have absorbed. Fear of the stranger. The technical name for this is xenophobia. He said such fears were irrational and that after rigorous Home Office assessment those arriving on small boats were found to be genuinely fleeing war, persecution and famine. He said: It is understandable that many people are scared about the unknown, especially if they have been told that illegality and unfairness are part of the story. The idea asylum seekers pose a greater risk to our children than those already within our communities isnt supported by evidence. Most crimes against children are not committed by strangers but by people they know. The BBC later apologised and edited out the comment from the segment on the BBC Sounds catch-up service. It said while Dr Kandiahs comment was broadly in line with expectations of Thought for the Day, some of the language it used went beyond that and we apologise for its inclusion. In response to Dr Kandiahs objection Jenrick, who is MP for Newark, took to social media to say: If youre a parent and worried for the safety of your children because of illegal migrants then youre racist. Dr Kandiah, who lives in Henley with his wife, Miriam, and six children, launched his charity shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine to inspire people to come forward and sponsor Ukrainian refugees. He is also president of the YMCA in Lawson Road in Henley, a position he has held since 2023. Dr Kandiah took to Instagram last week to extend an olive branch to Jenrick. He said he would love to find a way we could work together to de-escalate the fear and anger many are feeling in our country. I worked with you when you [Jenrick] were Housing Minister and the UK welcomed more than 200,000 people from Hong Kong. I was grateful for your support and compassion during that time. I believe we need to focus on the real challenges that are making people worried housing, jobs and the cost of living rather than ramping up anti-immigrant sentiment. Sam Jonkers is a lead volunteer with Care4Calais for the Thames Valley area. She said: I am quite familiar with Robert Jenrick and his actions when he was in Government. He is famous for painting over childrens murals for asylum seekers because they were too welcoming. We deal with people from many different countries, all the places that you see on the news, and the one thing they have in common is a strong desire to give back to the community or the country that fostered them safely. I think that some of the scapegoating out there at the moment is not helpful for community cohesion. People in asylum hotels are scared. They have escaped persecution in their homeland and at the moment they are very scared of the hate that is being directed towards them. Mrs Jonkers runs Jonkers Rare Books in Hart Street with her husband Christiaan and the couple have two daughters. She said she found it tricky to understand what Jenricks aims and objectives were beyond personal power. So much of the rhetoric now, and when he was in Government, is really counter-productive, she said. He is the person who stalled asylum decision-making. I dont understand his comments. They certainly appear to come from a xenophobic viewpoint. The majority of people here are warm, welcoming and interested in knowing the truth and interested in hearing personal, first-hand stories. Mrs Jonkerss mother, Val Johnstone, 79, hosts refugees at her home in Middle Assendon to give them time to apply for jobs and housing once their application for asylum has been approved. Ms Johnstone said Mr Jenricks comments did not match her experiences. She said: I am an elderly lady who is nearly 80. All the time I have worked with them I have never once had a reason to be frightened, and in fact, the kindness is unbelievable. They are so kind and so helpful. We help them but they give us more than we give them sometimes. Listening to what people like Jenrick say, I dont recognise them. You listen to all the rhetoric and you think you just need to know people. Ms Johnstone said many people in the local area were very supportive of her efforts. She said: The other thing I find is you get people like Jenrick but here in Middle Assendon people know what I do and they know me as Mama Val and know to give me donations. I come in and I have bags of clothes on the doorstep. People are very kind. EIGHTIES fans dressed as the Flintstones, Freddie Mercury and Hi-de-Hi! characters were among those spotted enjoying the 16th Rewind South festival. Held in Temple Island Meadows, the festival took place from Friday to Sunday and featured 24 retro pop acts. Soft Cell headlined on Saturday night, in what will be their only UK show this year, while the lead vocalist of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Holly Johnson, topped the bill on Sunday. The artists were supported by stars such as Go West, Midge Ure, Chesney Hawkes, ABC and Matt Goss, while rising talent performed at the Pink Flamingo Club and Riverside Stage. The festival was hosted by radio and televisions Jenny Powell, a former presenter of BBCs Top of the Pops, and The Doctor Clive Jackson of Dr and the Medics. Dressing up in retro regalia has become a trademark of Rewind, with this years revellers sporting costumes inspired by Eighties pop legends such as Prince, or iconic Eighties books and television shows. Among them were outfits inspired by the book series Wheres Wally?, American sitcom M*A*S*H* and the heyday of disco and legwarmers. Fans enjoyed a variety of food stalls and traders, funfair rides, a silent disco, VIP tents compete with plush sofas, and a Kidzone offering circus workshops, while river taxis run by Hobbs of Henley ferried revellers to and from the festival. Festival-goers were also invited to showcase their own talents in Rewinds Got Talent. Among those to take part in the contest were Rosie Northang and Phil Keable, who grew up in Henley and return annually for Rewind. Ms Northang, who grew up in Luker Avenue and now lives in Wiltshire, said: Im absolutely obsessed with the Eighties. I was born in 82, and Phil was 83, so Rewinds amazing for us. People just go to such a fab effort. We were in the talent show earlier representing Access Rewinders festival-goers with additional access needs and we all got up on stage and did British Sign Language and danced. Ms Northang said one of her highlights was meeting Carol Decker, lead vocalist of the band TPau, who performed on Saturday, and Eighties television presenter Timmy Mallett, who signed a mallet for her. Mr Keable, who attended The Henley College and now lives in Didcot, said: This is our eighth Rewind, we love the vibe. Its always the same sort of amazing people. Its all about being comfortable with yourself its not a judgemental festival. Its a fun, loving, happy and chill festival. While many costumes were inspired by the Eighties, others went for novelty outfits. Mel Barltrap, from Reading, attended with a group of 20 friends dressed as Spanish Flamenco dancers. She said they go every year and vote on what to dress up as. Weve been coming every year since 2009, and we always have to come up with a new outfit to wear. It was my friend Nickys big birthday this year, so she chose Flamenco dancers. Another group of revellers from High Wycombe were dressed as characters from the board game Cluedo, which inspired the 1985 comedy mystery film Clue. Jo Gunby, who was dressed as Colonel Mustard, said: Weve been coming for the last five years. Its just a lovely atmosphere and everyone is so friendly. Dressed as Danny Zuko from the 1978 film Grease, Neil Phillips had travelled to Henley from Suffolk with his wife Amanda. They introduced their friends Mark and Eva Mason from Norfolk to the festival for the first time this year, and the four of them camped together in the festival grounds. Mr Phillips said: We love that you can just get on with it here and have fun no inhibitions. Someone said to me that if youre looking to go to your first festival, it should be this one. Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar also backed the Trump administration's deployment of warships off the Venezuelan coast, supporting its stated goal of escalating its fight against cartels in Latin America. "Cartels are poisoning our streets with fentanyl. Marxists are unleashing chaos to destabilize our country. Trump gets it. It's time to crush the cartels, defend the hemisphere and protect our country," the lawmaker said in a social media post. Thank you, Rachel. Youre exactly right. Everything that happens in Latin America hits us at home. Cartels are poisoning our streets with fentanyl. Marxists are unleashing chaos to destabilize our country. Trump gets it. Its time to crush the cartels, defend the hemisphere, https://t.co/kMXsDLvUY8 Maria Elvira Salazar (@MaElviraSalazar) August 20, 2025 Salazar joins fellow Florida congressman Carlos Gimenez in actively backing the development. Gimenez has been vocally supporting the development Monday night, and said on Tuesday that he had sources "informing that the Maduro regime is breaking up." "People close to the dictator are turning and others have already fled," he added. In another publication he claimed that "Maduro's days are numbered," adding that "America will not stand by while this thug tries to flood our country with drugs & ruthlessly murder the brave people of Venezuela." "There's a new sheriff in town & his name is President Donald J. Trump!" In this context, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Trump administration "is prepared to use every element of American power" to deal with Venezuela. Speaking during a press briefing, Leavitt was asked if the administration was considering having "boots on the ground" in the South American country. "President Trump has been very clear and consistent. He is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding our country and to bring those responsible to justice," she began. "The Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela, it is a narco terror cartel. Maduro, in the view of this administration, is not a legitimate president. It's a fugitive head of a cartel who has been indicted in the U.S. for trafficking drugs into the country." The statement follows a report by Reuters, which detailed on Monday that three Aegis guided-missile destroyers will arrive off the coast" of the South American country this week, officially to address threats from Latin American drug cartels. The outlet added that Trump has wanted to use the military to go after Latin American cartels, many of which have been designated as global terrorist organizations. Maduro has been addressing the developments, saying "the empire has gone mad." He went on to claim that the Trump administration is "fabricating extravagant lies" and "has regurgitated its threats to Venezuela's peace and stability," adding that millions of militia members will be mobilized to address the development. Originally published on Latin Times Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he could meet with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, but only after his allies agree security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian attacks once the fighting stops. In comments released Thursday, he also warned both sides were preparing for further fighting. Russia was building up troops on the southern front line and Ukraine was test-launching a new long-range cruise missile, he said. Russia said Thursday that Ukraine did not appear to be interested in "long-term" peace, accusing Kyiv of seeking security guarantees completely incompatible with Moscow's demands. US President Donald Trump is trying to end Russia's three-and-a-half year invasion of Ukraine through talks with Zelensky and Putin. While he has upended a years-long Western policy of isolating the Russian leader, he has made little tangible progress towards a peace deal. "We want to have an understanding of the security guarantees architecture within seven to 10 days," Zelensky said, in comments to reporters released for publication Thursday. "We need to understand which country will be ready to do what at each specific moment," he added. A group of allies led by Britain and France are putting together a military coalition to support the guarantees. Once an outline of the security guarantees is agreed, Trump would like to see a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader said. But any meeting with the Russian leader should he held in a "neutral" European country, he added, ruling out any summit in Moscow. He also rejected the idea of China playing a role in guaranteeing Ukraine's security, citing Beijing's alleged support for Moscow. Zelensky's comments came as Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Ukraine overnight -- the biggest barrage since mid-July -- killing one person in the western city of Lviv and wounding many others. A later shelling attack on the city of Kherson killed one person and wounded six others, a local official said. AFP journalists in the capital Kyiv heard explosions throughout the night. France on Thursday condemned the overnight strikes as showing Moscow's "lack of will to seriously engage in peace talks", describing the strikes as the "most massive attack in a month". On the front lines, Russia said it had captured the village of Oleksandro-Shultyne in the eastern Donetsk region, the latest in a long string of territorial gains. The village lies less than eight kilometres (five miles) from Kostiantynivka, a fortified town in the Donetsk region that Russia has been pressing towards on both sides. In comments to journalists Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of making unrealistic security demands. Any deployment of European troops to the country would be "absolutely unacceptable", he said. "The Ukrainian regime and its representatives comment on the current situation in a very specific way, directly showing that they are not interested in a sustainable, fair, long-term settlement," he said. Zelensky separately announced that Ukraine had tested a long-range cruise missile, known as Flamingo, that can strike targets as far as 3,000 kilometres (1,864 miles) away. "The missile has undergone successful tests. It is currently our most successful missile," he told reporters. Mass production could begin by February, he added. Since Trump returned to the White House in January and began pushing for an end to the fighting, Russian forces have continued to slowly but steadily gain ground across the front line. Zelensky said Russian forces were building up troops along the front in the Zaporizhzhia region, which Moscow claims as its own along with four other Ukrainian regions. Trump met Putin in Alaska last Friday, before bringing Zelensky and European leaders to Washington for separate talks on Monday. Zelensky has said the only way to end the war is a meeting with Putin, and has said Trump should be present too. But Moscow has played down the prospect of a summit between Putin and Zelensky any time soon, saying it wants to be included in discussions on future security guarantees for Ukraine. Wildfires have so far ravaged more than one million hectares (2.5 million acres) in the European Union in 2025, a record since statistics began in 2006, according to an AFP analysis of data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). Surpassing the annual record of 988,524 hectares burnt in 2017, the figure reached 1,015,731 hectares by midday Thursday, representing an area larger than Cyprus. This calculation is based on a total compiled by AFP from estimates by country by EFFIS, at a time when Spain and Portugal are still battling wildfires. Four countries in the European Union -- Spain, Cyprus, Germany, and Slovakia -- have already experienced their worst year in two decades of existing data. Spain is struggling with numerous fires in the west of the country, which have claimed four lives. By far it is the most affected EU country by fires, with more than 400,000 hectares burnt, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the EU total. Portugal, which holds the EU record of 563,530 hectares burnt in 2017, is the second-most affected EU country. It has never had an area of this size (nearly 274,000 hectares) burnt as of August 21. Romania follows with 126,000 hectares while in France, 35,600 hectares of forest have been reduced to ashes, mostly in the Aude region, which was ravaged by a massive fire in early August. These calculations by EFFIS, a component of the European climate monitor Copernicus, only take into account fires that have burnt areas of at least 30 hectares. The Colony House Motor Lodge, one of Roanoke's most distinctive mid-century modern landmarks, announced the appointment of Joy Barlow as general manager. Barlow will oversee all operations at the 67-room boutique property, which officially reopened in August 2025 following a multi-million-dollar restoration that preserved its iconic Googie-style architecture while introducing modern hospitality amenities. Barlow brings both seasoned leadership and deep regional ties to her new role. Before joining The Colony House, she served as director of sales and marketing for SpringHill Suites by Marriott, where she specialized in revenue growth, sales strategy and guest engagement. Her career has been defined by a focus on hospitality excellence, strong community partnerships and a commitment to team development. A graduate of Bridgewater College in Virginia, Barlow combines her local roots with extensive industry experience, making her uniquely positioned to guide The Colony House into its next chapter. Under Barlow's leadership, The Colony House Motor Lodge will continue to serve as both a design icon and a gathering place for the Roanoke community. She is committed to strengthening the property's local connections by collaborating with artisans, musicians and culinary partners to host experiences on the grounds and in the conference room that celebrate the city's creative spirit. At the same time, she plans to introduce curated packages that highlight the best of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Roanoke's thriving downtown arts and culture scene, offering guests a true sense of place. Equally important to Barlow is the development of her team. She believes that exceptional guest experiences begin with empowered associates and will focus on training, mentorship and professional growth to foster a culture of pride and hospitality. With a deep respect for the property's mid-century modern legacy, she also intends to ensure that its preservation is matched by sustainable practices that appeal to today's travelers. Her vision positions The Colony House not only as a boutique hotel, but also as a cultural hub where locals and visitors come togetheran authentic blend of history, design and community that embodies Roanoke's unique character. The Royal Bell, Bromley. is proud to announce the appointment of Michael McDaid as its new Executive Head Chef, bringing with him 24 years of culinary experience and a passion for honest, ingredient-led cooking rooted in the Great British larder. Michael's journey in hospitality began at the age of 15, when his father marched him into the local Beefeater to start work. Beginning as a glass collector, he quickly found his home in the kitchen and never looked back. Since then, Michael has cooked in some of the most respected and formative kitchens in the industry, including Seabird at The Hoxton, Galvin at Windows, Maze, BAFTA, The Spotted Pig, New York, The Princess Royal and most notably, St. John, which he describes as the place that shaped him both as a chef and a person. Michael joins The Royal Bell at a pivotal moment in its storied history, working alongside a passionate team determined to restore the building's iconic status. Michael's food philosophy champions seasonality, simplicity and celebration of British produce. This powerhouse appointment marks a bold new chapter for The Royal Bell as it reclaims its place as a culinary and cultural landmark in the heart of Bromley. Lido House, Autograph Collection, Southern California's coastal retreat in the heart of Newport Beach, is excited to announce the appointment of Rory Emslie to general manager. A seasoned hospitality leader, Emslie will oversee all aspects of the hotel's operations while continuing to guide the property through its current expansion, which includes the debut of five new luxury cottages, an expanded banquet event space and the launch of the property's stunning, new Glass House located on Newport Lawn. Emslie joined Lido House in 2021, where he served as director of rooms, resident manager, and most recently, hotel manager. Under his leadership, the property achieved record-breaking guest service scores, the highest associate engagement ratings in its history, and exceptional revenue growth in its food and beverage outlets. His collaborative leadership style and ability to inspire teams have been instrumental in positioning Lido House as a top coastal destination in Southern California. Prior to joining the Lido House team, Emslie spent close to a decade with Marriott International, building a notable career across luxury and lifestyle brands. After earning his degree in Hospitality Management, he joined The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, where he quickly rose through the ranks in housekeeping, front office, and guest relations, eventually becoming front of house manager. His leadership was recognized with The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Leader of the Year award in 2017 and the Marriott Global Discipline Award in 2018. He has also played a pivotal role in major hospitality milestones, including the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara Santa Barbara, and the launch of Evrima, the first Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessel, in Europe in 2022. In his new role, Emslie will focus on maintaining Lido House's ethos for exceptional hospitality while driving strategic growth, and continue to play a pivotal role in guiding the property through its significant expansion - all designed to further enrich the guest experience and strengthen Lido House's connection to the Newport Beach community. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is pleased to welcome Mr. Dimitrios Kotsifakos as its new General Manager. As the hotel recently celebrated its third anniversary, Mr. Kotsifakos will lead the team in building upon its distinguished reputation for luxury and unparalleled guest experiences, further solidifying its position as a grand hotel and a beacon of excellence in the Kingdom. With over two decades of proven success within prestigious global hospitality brands, including 15 years in leadership roles, Mr. Kotsifakos brings a wealth of expertise and a solid track record in hotel operations, food and beverage management, and high-profile events. His extensive experience across international markets aligns seamlessly with The Ritz-Carlton, Amman's strategic vision, dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for both discerning international travelers and local luxury seekers. A graduate of the prestigious Swiss Hotel Management School, Mr. Kotsifakos started his hospitality career in 2003 at the Hilton Athens. His journey with Marriott International began in 2010 as the Director of Food and Beverage at Costa Navarino Resorts. Since then, Mr. Kotsifakos has held a range of executive roles with prestigious brands across Europe and the Middle East, including The St. Regis, The Westin, and Sheraton. His deep international expertise, combined with his tenure in the Kingdom, will ensure The Ritz-Carlton, Amman continues to deliver on its global vision rooted in local authenticity. Today, Rosewood Baha Mar is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Metz to Executive Chef of Cafe Boulud, The Bahamas. With over two decades of expertise honed at award-winning establishments across the globe, Chef Metz is exceptionally well-suited to helm Chef Daniel Boulud's celebrated French-American restaurant. Prior to joining Rosewood Baha Mar, Chef Metz served as the Corporate Executive Chef for The Taste Boulevard Company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this role, he worked closely with acclaimed Chef Alain Ducasse to successfully oversee the pre-opening and opening phases of Benoit Restaurant. In Riyadh, Chef Metz also spearheaded the launch of Maiz Restaurant by Al Khozama Management Company. Previously, he served as Executive Chef at Moskito Island, Virgin Limited Edition, and Executive Sous Chef at Oil Nut Bay in the British Virgin Islands among other positions around the world. A French native, Chef Metz possesses a profound passion for culinary technique and a commitment to exceptional service. In his new role, Chef Metz will uphold Cafe Boulud's esteemed reputation for classic French cuisine while marrying it with Bahamian hospitality. Drawing inspiration from Chef Daniel Boulud's four culinary muses - La Tradition, La Saison, Le Potager, and Le Voyage - Chef Metz will thoughtfully design a menu filled with seasonal Caribbean ingredients, creating a truly unique culinary experience exclusive to Rosewood Baha Mar. Paris, France - Influence Society will host a breakfast for hospitality executives on September 11, 2025, at Spring Place in New York City. The forum will convene executives from across the industry for a focused morning session mixing AI, digital design, and guest experience. With speakers from Webflow, Firmdale Hotels, Hotel Hugo, and a surprise speaking guest,, the AI & the Art of Hospitality event will explore how emerging technologies and digital marketing are redefining the way hotels attract, engage, and retain guests. Set against the backdrop of Sohos Spring Place, the morning event is designed for hospitality executives, e-commerce leaders, and marketing professionals eager to understand how AI-driven tools and immersive digital experiences are reshaping this rather competitive landscape. From preparing hotel websites for AI-powered search to building emotionally resonant brand moments, the event will provide hands-on insights from global hospitality leaders already deploying these strategies. AI is changing how guests discover, interact with, and remember brands. This event is about sharing whats working now, whats coming next, and how top hospitality brands can stay ahead. Sebastien Felix, Founder & CEO of Influence Society The speaker lineup includes Nick Hamdy, General Manager at The Warren Street Hotel (Firmdale Hotels); Guy Yalif, Chief Evangelist at Webflow; Rachel Yumon, Social Media & Marketing Manager at The Hotel Hugo ; Gregoire Bringardner, Head of Digital Marketing International at Influence Society; and Sebastien Felix, Founder & CEO of Influence Society. A special guest from a newly launched, buzz-worthy NYC hospitality venue will also join the panel. In addition to expert talks, guests will enjoy a networking breakfast overlooking Soho, offering a relaxed environment to connect with peers and innovators. This is more than a panel. Rather, its a chance to rethink how we bring guests into our world. From AI search optimization to digital-first branding, were giving leaders the tools they need to stay relevant and drive direct bookings. Gregoire Bringardner, Head of Digital Marketing International at Influence Society The complimentary event runs from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM at 6 St Johns Lane, New York, and is tailored for hospitality professionals, including general managers, marketing directors, and e-commerce teams. Attendance is limited to maintain an intimate, high-value experience. More information and registration details can be found on Influence Societys website. About Influence Society Influence Society is a creative agency at the intersection of design, technology, and hospitality. Helping extraordinary hotels craft compelling brand narratives, blending aesthetics with cutting-edge digital strategies to shape the future of hospitality. Through visionary storytelling, innovative marketing, and deep industry expertise, the agency empowers hotels to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. For more information about Influence Society, visit www.influence-society.com. Sebastien Felix CEO Pictured from left to right: Kristian Toivanen, Aurelia van Lynden, Rasha Lababidi, Dan Clayton - Image Credit Kempinski Kempinski Hotels has made strategic appointments to its leadership team, naming Kristian Toivanen, Aurelia van Lynden, and Dan Clayton as vice presidents in key areas. These appointments are part of the company's broader strategy to enhance its global hospitality offerings. Reporting to Chief Product & Experience Officer, Rasha Lababidi, the trio will lead wellness and spa, property and destination guest experiences and gastronomy and concepts, respectively, as part of the broader transformation strategy of Europe's oldest luxury hospitality group. Kristian Toivanen has been appointed as Vice President of Wellness & Spa. Toivanen's previous roles include positions at The Savoy and Claridges in London, as well as leadership roles at wellness resorts in Europe and Southeast Asia. His most recent position was Executive Director of The Aspen Tree in Thailand. Aurelia van Lynden joins as Vice President of Experiences. Van Lynden has over 13 years of experience in luxury travel and experiential hospitality, with past roles at Abercrombie & Kent, Perowne International, and Pelorus. Her expertise lies in curating experiences for high-net-worth travelers. Dan Clayton has been appointed as Vice President of Food and Beverage & Hospitality. Clayton's background includes strategic roles at Keane and Meraki & Modus, where he advised on master planning and experience strategy. He is also known for founding the gastronomy platform FoodSheikh. These appointments aim to strengthen Kempinski's capabilities in delivering enhanced guest experiences across its global portfolio. The company is focusing on integrating wellness, cultural immersion, and gastronomy into its offerings to meet evolving traveler preferences. Fall Travel Trends: How to Score the Best Hotel and Flight Deals This Season - Image Credit Expedia Key Dates for Savings: September 29 and October 27 offer the lowest domestic flight fares, while October 26 and November 24 are best for international deals. For hotel stays, September 1 and November 16 are the cheapest nights domestically. Trending Destinations: Travelers are flocking to fall foliage spots like Mystic, Connecticut, and international gems such as Taormina, Italy, and Cairo, Egypt. As the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint landscapes across the globe, savvy travelers are gearing up to take advantage of the shoulder season's travel deals. According to Expedia's Fall Travel Outlook, this period between the bustling summer and winter holidays is prime time for budget-friendly travel, offering significantly lower prices on flights and accommodations. Key Dates for Budget Travel For those planning domestic flights, September 29 and October 27 are the days to mark on your calendar for the best deals. International travelers can snag the lowest fares on October 26 and November 24. The shoulder season's reduced demand leads to cheaper airfares and accommodations, making it an ideal time for cost-conscious travelers to explore new destinations. Hotel and Vacation Rental Savings The best nights for affordable domestic hotel stays are September 1 and November 16. Vacation rentals, offering added comfort and flexibility, also see significant price drops, with some Cancun rentals on Expedia dropping by 45% at the end of September compared to August. Trending Fall Destinations This fall, travelers are gravitating towards picturesque foliage escapes like Mystic, Connecticut, and Norfolk, Virginia. Canadian destinations such as Whistler and Banff are also gaining popularity, thanks to their breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. Internationally, Taormina, Italy, and Cairo, Egypt, are trending for their cultural and historical allure. Meanwhile, Asian destinations like Koh Samui, Thailand, and Okinawa, Japan, are seeing a surge in interest due to their warm weather and rich cultural experiences. Tips for Maximizing Savings To make the most of fall travel deals, Expedia suggests using tools like Flight Deals and Price Tracking to find and monitor airfare discounts. Bundling hotel and flight bookings can lead to significant savings, and Expedia's Price Drop Protection offers refunds if flight fares decrease after booking. Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. How Global Music Markets Use AI Differently As AI reshapes the creative industries, a surprising shift is emerging that may give non-Western markets an edge. Learn how global music markets use AI differently and why it matters. How Global Music Markets Use AI Differently by Hanna Kahlert via MIDiA Research AI is now intertwined with all the internet has to offer be it generated memes, AI music, or (somewhat) helpful chatbots. Seemingly, no proposition can go free of generative embellishment. Yet as Gen AI proliferates, something is becoming increasingly clear: content written with AI assistance often has a similar voice. Users have noticed various signals, be it the overuse of em dashes, the word delve, or tautology. Its images largely depict the same polished TikTok filter aesthetic, and its music has a hard time standing out amidst the approximate 100,000 songs uploaded to DSPs every day. AI can make more of everything, and although making more has become easier than ever, it does not seem to create much that stands out. So, is AI imitating life, or is life imitating AI? As AI becomes more prevalent in use and its quality of replication improves, it blurs those distinctions for the content it is trained on. Everything looks and sounds the same, cut through becomes more difficult, and competition skyrockets. First World Problems Here comes the plot twist. Most LLMs are trained on data sets dominated by the English-speaking world and have largely been introduced as a business solution in Western (white-collar) companies. Take Suno, a Gen AI music creation program: like most music tech, it is based mainly on Western music scales, timings, and instruments. It can produce an English-spoken pop song with no issue. Ask it to produce a traditional Thai melody, however, and it will struggle with the notes, the rhythm, and the sounds of the instruments themselves. When AI tools are not pre-set for languages or melodies other than English, native artists must get more involved in the process and do more fine-tuning to get the sounds they want. In other words, they must get creative so that the music they make sounds unique and can stand out. AI is still just a tool, so the importance lies in how you use it. For its target audiences in Western markets, its use naturally encourages leaning back and letting it do all the work. While it can make certain tasks easier, it runs the risk of atrophying creativity. Beyond generative borders: How Global Music Markets Use AI Differently For markets outside of the West, the advantage goes deeper than local languages eluding AI replication. Japan and China are both tech-forward, with Deepseek, the Chinese LLM, one of ChatGPTs more threatening competitors. Yet the adoption of AI in these markets seems to be more considered. When Suno and Udio hit the market, many questioned whether artists were even needed to make music anymore, considering the rise of Japans Hatsune Miku, a virtual artist who can fill entire stadiums with fans. However, Hatsune Miku is the creation of a collection of artists, who work together with fans to develop her persona, animate her performance, and produce her music. The Japanese markets value on craftsmanship means that a virtual artist is a unique curiosity and high-quality performance art; not just a cost-saving measure to cut creators out of the equation. Other markets have different approaches to technology altogether. In India, online audiences are tech-savvy and AI forward. However, they over-index most for using AI to help with tasks like work or their studies, rather than for creativity or information gathering (by far the most prominent use case in English-speaking markets). Other markets are more tech-agnostic altogether, with Ethiopia and Jamaica, for example, responding far better to human-driven marketing and relationships than tech-based offerings, according to distributors growing in those regions. Much of the AI arms race is being conducted in the US, driven by Silicon Valleys insistence on build fast and break things. With so much investment capital tied up into the industry, there is a lot of pressure to find AI use cases, and a lot of marketing around positioning it as the future of everything. Other markets, however, do not have the same pressures. Instead, they can regard AI as one tool among many and are less concerned with near-term effects of regulation. Creators have the time to experiment with it as an instrument, rather than simply being handed an end-to-end generator. Of course, these are not all hard-and-fast rules every market has its nuances. There is, however, a clear emerging distinction between Western markets and the way AI is being incorporated in them and non-Western markets. Using AI not designed to compete with you specifically, may yet turn out to be a game-changing advantage. Share on: The Retired Investor: Additional 401(k) Investment Choices May Be Coming Your Way If President Trump has his way, investments in private equity, real estate, and even digital assets will soon be allowed in your 401(k). As in everything, there are risks and rewards in this proposition. Last week, Donald Trump ordered the Labor Department to examine his proposal. The new investments, aside from your 401(k), would also apply to other defined benefit plans. These are America's primary vehicles for retirement savings. How much money are we talking about? As of the first quarter of 2025, 90 million Americans held $12.2 trillion in 401(k) plans alone. That is not counting the $8.9 trillion in federal, state, and local government plans. Today, most of that money is invested in either stocks or bonds, but the pool of investments offered to the public is shrinking. More companies are going private as regulations, disclosure requirements, litigation, and compliance costs increasingly interfere with the job of creating products, making profits, and increasing sales. Over half the 8,000 companies that existed in 1996 have concluded that going private is a far better proposition. "Going public" used to be the primary method of raising capital for growing companies. Not today. Dozens of companies now tap private funding sources for their financing needs. Technology and AI companies, like SpaceX and OpenAI, with more than $400-$500 billion in capital, consistently raise capital in the private equity markets. Over the last two decades, the number of companies tapping this source of funds has grown from 2,000 to more than 11,500. As a result, equity and private credit funds have skyrocketed with assets greater than $8 trillion, which is a $5 trillion gain over the past 10 decades. Defined benefit plans, unlike your 401(k) or 403(b), guarantee an annual payout to retirees. That means the professionals who manage this money need to perform consistently. In a bid to do just that, plan sponsors have been investing substantial sums in alternative assets for at least the last 30 years. Those bets have paid off. They have outperformed the typical 401(k) by almost 30 percent over that time. The main driver of that performance has been their investments in private equity and private credit funds. However, most investors have been shut out of this market. Only about one-third of those saving for retirement can participate in these plans. However, the private equity industry is facing a slowdown. The appetite for investing in private companies has been waning among the institutional crowd. It is a mature industry where the lion's share of money has already been made. Private equity buyers are worried that they might not be able to offload these investments in a saturated market. To grow, managers need to tap new markets for their funds. The employee retirement market is a tempting market for them. On a different front, the presidential order also includes crypto investments and real estate. These are two areas the president knows something about. Over the last nine months, the president and his family have dived into the crypto market with both feet. He has made about $1 billion on crypto since then, lifting his net worth to around $5.6 billion. Most of the rest of his wealth is in commercial real estate. While the real estate market has been nothing to write home about lately in the commercial market, home prices have skyrocketed since the COVID pandemic. As for cryptocurrencies, both Bitcoin and Ethereum have been on a tear. New rules and regulations offer investors much greater safeguards, and the creation of stablecoins sets the stage for a much greater use of digital assets over time. Next week, we examine the risks involved in these investments CORRECTION TO LAST WEEK'S COLUMN Several readers notified me during the week of an error in my column " Trump Accounts Could Be Seed Money For America's Future Generations ." I wrote that under the recent passage of the government's tax and spending bill, beginning in 2025, each newborn American would receive $1,000 into a tax-deferred investment account that will grow tax-free until retirement. My error was in computing how much that seed money would be worth by the time of retirement at age 68. I wrote, "The short answer is $1,029,500, assuming you invested the money in the S&P 500 Index at an annual average return of 6 percent and were not allowed to touch it until you retired at age 68." That is incorrect. If only the $1,000 were contributed and nothing more through the years to retirement, the total would be a little over $50,000. However, if family, friends, or employers continued to contribute $1,000 per year (as the government hopes), which I did not make clear, then the total would be more than one million dollars by retirement. "In one fell swoop, that could solve the Social Security issue facing future U.S. generations." I apologize for the error. Berkshire United Way Board Welcomes Three New Members PITTSFIELD, Mass. Berkshire United Way (BUW) welcomes three community leaders Stephanie Ham, Jennifer Kerwood and Bethany Kieley to its board of directors. At a time when our neighbors are facing growing challenges and uncertainty, the mission of Berkshire United Way is more important than ever," offered BUW Interim President and CEO Katherine von Haefen. "The leadership, experience and commitment that Stephanie, Jennifer and Bethany each bring to the table will be invaluable in ensuring that everyone in our community has an opportunity to thrive." Ham is an assistant branch manager and digital banking guru for Adams Community Bank. She has nearly two decades of experience in retail banking. As a member of the bank's Culture Committee and ACB Impact Committee, she has led the annual snack drive for Morris Elementary School as well as efforts to support POPCares, The AYJ Fund and The Alzheimer's Association. "I have a passion for giving back and volunteering in the Berkshire community. BUW's and ACB's approach to supporting our community are very much aligned and I look forward to representing both organizations. I hope to inspire others to get involved and make a meaningful impact in Berkshire County," said Ham. Kieley is the CEO of Community Health Programs and has nearly two decades of leadership experience in the healthcare field. She once served as a table captain for a United Way Women United's Power of the Purse event and has volunteered with a food pantry in Connecticut and Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut. "Serving on the Berkshire United Way board is a perfect extension of the community impact we have at CHP Berkshires. I'm inspired and motivated by BUW's work providing financial support to critical community resources and bringing together organizations, volunteers and other community members to tackle some of our biggest problems," said Kieley. Kerwood is the director of philanthropy at Miss Hall's School. She has almost 30 years of experience advancing the missions and fundraising for local organizations including Berkshire Community College and Berkshire United Way. Prior to her development career, she worked in Massachusetts government and politics, mostly campaigning with Jane Swift from North Adams, the first woman to serve as governor of the Commonwealth. She is an appointed member of the Board of Registrars of Voters in Pittsfield and formerly served as a director and treasurer on the board for Berkshire Arts and Technology (BART) Charter Public School in Adams. "I love my community and I am honored to join this team as we work to help more of our neighbors thrive," said Kerwood. The board also includes Krystle Blake (chair), Melissa Orazio (vice chair), Jaime Campbell (treasurer), David Reinhart (clerk), Dr. William DeMarco, Laurie Gallagher, David Harrington, Rachel Melendez Mabee, Arthur Milano, Chris Montferret, Tiffany Moreno, Michael Obasohan, Timothy O'Donnell, Kristin Pedrotti, Stephanie Storie and Daltrey Turner. giovedi 21 agosto 2025, 15:43 - Last updated: 18:50 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated He died at seven thousand meters altitude, among the peaks of Kyrgyzstan, while trying to save his severely injured climbing partner: Luca Sinigaglia, a 49-year-old from Milan, was an expert in high mountains, but Pik Pobeda, 7,439 meters at the border with China, was his last venture. Tragically ended: on the day of Ferragosto, the man died, seemingly from cerebral edema caused by high altitude, worsened by frostbite. The woman, Russian climber Natalia Nagovitsyna (47 years old), is reportedly still alive but has been stranded for almost 10 days at 7,150 meters altitude, without a radio, with a broken leg, and little food. Rescue operations to recover her, according to journalist Anna Piunova, director of the mountain.ru site, who is following the story day by day on her social media, are still ongoing. The news of Sinigaglia's death, reported by the CAI portal 'Lo Scarpone', comes from Kyrgyz media and the Russian Telegram channel Mash. According to local sources, Nagovitsyna broke her leg on August 12 while descending Pik Pobeda with Sinigaglia and two other climbers, a Russian and a German. The following day, her companions managed to bring her a tent, a sleeping bag, and some basic necessities. It was during the attempts to bring aid to his friend that Sinigaglia reportedly died. On Saturday, August 16, a Mi-8 helicopter from the Kyrgyz Defense had also taken off to attempt a rescue, but due to extreme weather conditions, it was forced to make an emergency landing at an altitude of 4,600 meters. The rescuers, injured in the crash, were transferred by a second helicopter to the hospital in Karakol: none of them are reportedly in life-threatening condition. The Russian climber remains trapped on Pik Pobeda, who on August 19 was reached by a drone that confirmed she was still alive. According to journalist Piunova, today a search team of four people reached an altitude of 5,800 and, thanks to favorable weather forecasts, aims to climb to 6,400 tomorrow. A race against time: according to Piunova, no injured climber has ever been rescued at this altitude on Pik Pobeda. Nagovitsyna in 2021, CAI recalls, saw her husband die before her eyes on Khan Tengri (7,010 meters), struck by a fatal stroke, staying by his side until the end despite rescuers urging her to descend. It was on that occasion that she met Luca Sinigaglia. His sister Patrizia tells Republica: 'They met four years ago in Kazakhstan,' she says. 'She was with her husband Sergej, and Luca met them during the climb: he saw them in difficulty and therefore did not continue the ascent but stopped to help them. He managed to bring Natalia back to base camp, while unfortunately her husband did not make it. Since then, they often kept in touch and occasionally arranged to meet on some peak around the world.' This time too, he did not want to leave her behind. But while there is still hope for Natalia, for Sinigaglia, at most, his body can be recovered, lying in an ice cave at 6,900 meters. Single and childless, he worked in the field of cybersecurity. Adventurous travels were his passion. The Italian Embassy in Astana, in coordination with the honorary consul in Bishkek, is following the matter, maintaining constant contact with local authorities and family members. 'He performed an act of great courage,' his sister says again. 'We are devastated, but we can cling to this awareness. He would never have left anyone behind.' On social media, some are already calling him a 'hero': 'A gesture,' writes a user on Luca's Instagram profile, 'that opens you to the climbs of the sky.' On 19 July, Luo Li, a schoolteacher from Chengdu, Sichuan province, was pulled from a long queue at the National Museum of China in Beijing while waiting to buy one of the museums most popular collectibles an empress coronet magnet. Surrounded by museum staff and media, Luo was told that the one she purchased was the two millionth coronet magnet sold since the product was first released exactly a year earlier. The magnets, available in both wood and metal versions, have become a sensation. She received the magnet from Li Yafei, a visitor from Shandong province who, in March, had purchased the one millionth magnet. The unexpected craze has also drawn more visitors to see the original a Ming Dynasty (13681644) gold coronet worn by Empress Xiaoduan, lavishly decorated with pearls and precious stones. The coronet is part of the long-term exhibition, Ancient China, at the museum, where a special queuing area has been set up since the magnet went viral late last year. While a quick glance may suffice for a photo, it hardly reveals the rich history behind the ornate headpiece. To give visitors a deeper experience, the National Museum recently launched a mini-programme called Essentiality of Beauty on the Chinese social media platform WeChat. Whether on-site or online, it allows users access to a selection of collected antiquities at the museum, featuring images and texts with audio narrations. The programme would take people on a guided tour, combining virtual and real experiences, of 32 artefacts which are from different periods of time and on display at the museums current long-term shows, including the Ming empress coronet. These objects reflect peoples pursuit of beauty. They have been treasured and passed down through the centuries because they are outstanding examples of artistic excellence, says Zhu Xiaoyun, curator and director of international relations at the museum. She says the tour takes people through different exhibition halls, introducing artefacts that showcase a range of craftsmanship and art forms, helping them understand the evolution of Chinese cultural and aesthetic traditions. Some of the objects, she says, appreciate the beauty of nature, and underline the dao fa zi ran principle in classic Chinese philosophy, that is, learning from nature and following its principles. Others celebrate the pinnacle of ancient craftsmanship, such as a seventh-century gold necklace inlaid with pearls and red and blue gemstones. A bronze rhino-shaped zun inlaid with gold and silver cloud designs of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) ( JIANG DONG / CHINA DAILY ) The necklace has a poignant backstory. In 608, 9-year-old Li Jingxun, a young aristocrat and granddaughter of Yang Lihua, a daughter of Yang Jian, the founding emperor of the Sui Dynasty (581-618), was buried in an extraordinary ceremony. Archaeologists excavating her tomb more than 1,300 years later were astonished by the richness of the burial, which included the necklace now displayed in the exhibition Ancient China. Other artefacts reflect the grandeur of social rituals, such as intricately patterned bronzes from the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century11th century BC), used in major ceremonies. Still others convey romance and freedom, such as a Tang Dynasty (618907) mural of a woman in a flowing red dress performing the scarf dance, in which the dancer wove long scarves through the air. Curator Zhu says the artefacts featured in the mini-programme will be updated in line with changes in the museums exhibitions. She emphasises that the selection is not meant to represent all of Chinese aesthetics, but to serve as starting points for visitors to explore how ancient Chinese understood and created beauty and how that legacy can be preserved today. 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 officials recently unveiled plans for what they claim will be the world's largest solar farm, spanning an immense 610 square kilometres (235 square miles) roughly the size of Chicago on the Tibetan plateau. This ambitious project underscores China's blistering pace of solar panel installation, significantly outstripping global efforts, with these investments now beginning to yield tangible results. A recent study revealed the country's carbon emissions fell by 1 per cent in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, continuing a positive trend observed since March 2024. This suggests China's carbon emissions may have peaked considerably earlier than its government's 2030 target. However, as the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China faces the imperative to reduce these emissions far more drastically to contribute effectively to slowing global climate change. Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and author of the study, highlighted that achieving China's declared goal of carbon neutrality by 2060 would necessitate an average 3 per cent annual reduction in emissions over the next 35 years. "China needs to get to that 3 per cent territory as soon as possible," Mr Myllyvirta stressed. China's emissions have fallen even as it uses more electricity open image in gallery China installed 212 gigawatts of solar capacity in the first six months of the year, more than America's entire capacity of 178 gigawatts as of the end of 2024, the study said ( Associated Press/Ng Han Guan ) China's emissions have fallen before during economic slowdowns. What's different this time is electricity demand is growing up 3.7 per cent in the first half of this year but the increase in power from solar, wind and nuclear has easily outpaced that, according to Myllyvirta, who analyses the most recent data in a study published on the UK-based Carbon Brief website. Were talking really for the first time about a structural declining trend in Chinas emissions, he said. China installed 212 gigawatts of solar capacity in the first six months of the year, more than America's entire capacity of 178 gigawatts as of the end of 2024, the study said. Electricity from solar has overtaken hydropower in China and is poised to surpass wind this year to become the country's largest source of clean energy. Some 51 gigawatts of wind power was added from January to June. Li Shuo, the director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington, described the plateauing of China's carbon emissions as a turning point in the effort to combat climate change. This is a moment of global significance, offering a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak climate landscape, he wrote in an email response. It also shows that a country can cut emissions while still growing economically, he said. But Li cautioned that China's heavy reliance on coal remains a serious threat to progress on climate and said the economy needs to shift to less resource-intensive sectors. There's still a long road ahead, he said. One solar farm can power 5 million households open image in gallery A herder releases Tibetan sheep to graze at a solar farm in Hainan prefecture of western China's Qinghai province ( Associated Press/Ng Han Guan ) A seemingly endless expanse of solar panels stretches toward the horizon on the Tibetan plateau. White two-story buildings rise above them at regular intervals. Sheep graze on the scrubby vegetation that grows under them. Solar panels have been installed on about two-thirds of the land. When completed, it will have more than 7 million panels and be capable of generating enough power for 5 million households. Like many of Chinas solar and wind farms, it was built in the relatively sparsely populated west. A major challenge is getting electricity to the population centers and factories in Chinas east. The distribution of green energy resources is perfectly misaligned with the current industrial distribution of our country, Zhang Jinming, the vice governor of Qinghai province, told journalists on a government-organised tour. Part of the solution is building transmission lines traversing the country. One connects Qinghai to Henan province. open image in gallery Tibetan sheep graze at a solar farm in Hainan prefecture of western China's Qinghai province ( Associated Press/Ng Han Guan ) Two more are planned, including one to Guangdong province in the southeast, almost at the opposite corner of the country. Making full use of the power is hindered by the relatively inflexible way that China's electricity grid is managed, tailored to the steady output of coal plants rather than more variable and less predictable wind and solar, Myllyvirta said. This is an issue that the policymakers have recognised and are trying to manage, but it does require big changes to the way coal-fired power plants operate and big changes to the way the transmission network operates, he said. So its no small task. 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 Chinese man has been sentenced to eight years in jail for smuggling firearms to North Korea that he believed would be used in a surprise attack on South Korea, the US justice department has said. Shenghua Wen, 42, from California, admitted to receiving around $2m (1.5m) from North Korean officials for shipping two containers loaded with weapons and other items from Long Beach, California to North Korea, via Hong Kong, in 2023. He pleaded guilty in June to the charge of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and one count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government. The Chinese national arrived in the US from China on a student visa in 2012 and remained illegally after his visa expired in December 2023. Before coming to the US, he met with North Korean officials at an embassy in China, where he was asked to procure goods for Pyongyang. Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers march during a mass rally on Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang on 9 September 2018 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Wen told investigators he believed the weapons were intended for a surprise attack on South Korea, and admitted to attempting to purchase uniforms to disguise North Korean soldiers, according to a criminal complaint filed in September. Describing Wen as an illegal alien, the US justice department said two North Korean officials contacted him in 2022 via an online messaging platform and instructed him to smuggle illegal items to North Korea. A year later he bought a business called Super Armory, a federal firearms licensee, in Houston for $150,000 to carry out operations and registered it under his business partner's name in Texas. He then sent at least three containers of firearms via Hong Kong and filed false information about the containers contents with US customs. One of the containers, which was documented as carrying refrigerators, docked at a Hong Kong port in January 2024 before it left for Nampo, North Korea. Last September, Wen brought 60,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition to his home in Ontario, a suburb of Los Angeles, with the intention of shipping them to North Korea. They were stored in a van parked in the driveway. Investigators also seized "sensitive technology" meant to be sent to North Korea, including a device to detect and identify hazardous chemicals and a transmission detection device. The justice department said that Wen also acquired or offered to acquire a civilian airplane engine and a thermal imaging system that could be mounted on a drone, helicopter, or other aircraft, and could be used for reconnaissance and target identification. North Korea has continued to circumvent international sanctions to procure items of all kinds from the outside world. Despite bans on luxury items for ordinary citizens, North Korea continues to acquire high-end cars, watches, liquor, and electronics via middlemen and grey markets. 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 lawyer for Jimmy Lai has argued that it is not wrong to support freedom of expression, as the British media tycoons defence team presented its final arguments in his landmark sedition trial. The 77-year-old founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily is facing the prospect of life in prison if found guilty of sedition and collusion with foreign powers under Hong Kongs national security law. Mr Lai has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious material. The high-profile trial, which has stretched over 150 days so far, entered its final stage this week. While it was not immediately clear when the verdict will be announced, reports suggest the judges might not deliver their judgement until October. Robert Pang, representing Mr Lai, said it was not wrong to hope that the government would change its policies, whether through internal review or pressure, whether from inside or outside of Hong Kong. It's not wrong to try to persuade the government to change its policy. Nor is it wrong not to love a particular administration or even the country, he said. He argued that the prosecution seemed to have dismissed human rights as an alien concept. Prosecutors have deemed 161 articles published in Mr Lai's Apple Daily to have been seditious. Mr Pang pushed back against that notion, using three examples to argue that they were just reporting, and that the items in question were only a small fraction of what the newspaper published. Judge Esther Toh said the three-judge panel was looking at the content of the articles, not the number, and said she wasn't playing a mathematical game. She said it is not wrong not to love the government, but it becomes wrong when someone does that through certain nefarious means. On Wednesday, lead prosecutor Anthony Chau accused Mr Lai of being the mastermind in an alleged foreign collusion plot against Hong Kong authorities. The prosecution claimed Mr Lai had admitted his commitment to lobbying for sanctions was unwavering", which risked breaking the national security law. Mr Chau alleged that even after Beijing's imposition of the national security law, Mr Lai did not stop his alleged collaborators from continuing to lobby for sanctions. The prosecution cited open letters, articles, and social media posts from overseas activist group Stand With Hong Kong calling on foreign governments, including those of the UK, the Czech Republic, Ireland, and Portugal, to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. Earlier, prosecutors alleged that Mr Lai had asked foreign countries, especially the US, to take action against Beijing "under the guise of fighting for freedom and democracy". The defence continued with its closing arguments on Thursday. Despite health issues, Mr Lai has been appearing in court since final arguments began being heard on Monday. Concerns over Mr Lai's health delayed the trial last week after Mr Pang reported that his client had experienced heart palpitations and the judges wanted him to receive medical treatment first. A heart monitor was later delivered to be worn during the proceedings. Last Friday, the Hong Kong government said a medical examination of Lai found no abnormalities and that the medical care he received in custody was adequate. Mr Lai has been in prison for nearly four years for his role in the pro-democracy protests of 2019, which led to Beijing imposing the national security law in the city. The media tycoon's son, Sebastien Lai, claimed last year that his father, who suffers from diabetes, had lost significant weight and that he had been denied independent medical care. "I don't want my father to die in jail," he said, urging the UK government to do more to secure Mr Lai's release. 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 US Navy sailor has been convicted of espionage for selling classified information about American warships and their vulnerabilities to a Chinese agent. Jinchao Wei, 25, also known as Patrick Wei, was arrested in August 2023. He served as a machinists mate aboard the USS Essex, a major amphibious assault ship at Naval Base San Diego, home to the Pacific Fleet. A US district court in San Diego found him guilty on six counts, including conspiracy to commit espionage and violations of the Arms Export Control Act. It is the first time the serious espionage statute, usually reserved for the gravest betrayals, has been applied in Southern California. The conviction in the case, prosecutors say, highlights the extent of Chinas efforts to infiltrate Americas armed forces. However, Beijing denied these allegations and accused US media of amplifying espionage cases against China as part of a smear campaign. Wei, who will be sentenced on 1 December, is likely to face a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. Wei was recruited in February 2022 through social media by a Chinese agent posing as a naval enthusiast from the state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. open image in gallery Jinchao Wei, 25, also known as Patrick Wei, was working as a machinists mate aboard the USS Essex, a major amphibious assault ship at Naval Base San Diego ( US Justice Department ) Within days, he confided to a fellow sailor that he suspected he was dealing with a spy, describing the contact as extremely suspicious and reportedly said: This is quite obviously f***ing espionage. He told the fellow sailor that the man was interested in the maintenance cycle of naval ships and wanted him to walk the pier to see which ships are docked on a daily basis. Despite recognising the danger, he continued, moving communications onto encrypted apps and accepting monthly payments of around $500. Prosecutors said Wei provided his Chinese handler whom he called Big Brother Andy with thousands of pages of technical and operational manuals about US Navy surface warfare ships, as well as photographs, videos and details of the Essexs weapons, propulsion and steering systems. He also reported the location and condition of ships docked at Naval Base San Diego. open image in gallery Text exchange between Jinchao Wei and his mother. Wei was arrested in August 2023 and convicted on 20 August 2025 of espionage ( US Justice Department ) Over 18 months, Wei sold at least 60 restricted Navy manuals, many marked with export-control warnings, and shared detailed descriptions of his ships vulnerabilities. His handler offered him perks, including a trip to China with his mother, while instructing him to use disappearing messages, burner devices and coded payment methods. When FBI agents arrested him in August 2023 as he reported for duty on the Essex, Wei admitted: Im scr***d. In a subsequent interview, he conceded that he had been committing espionage. US Attorney for the southern district of California, Adam Gordon, said: The defendants actions represent an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the US military. By trading military secrets to the Peoples Republic of China for cash, he jeopardised not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies. Sean Jones, Weis lawyer, said his client was weighing an appeal. While conceding that Wei had acted improperly, Mr Jones argued he should not have been prosecuted under the Espionage Act, according to The Washington Post. There was clearly substantial evidence of my clients inappropriate communications with his contact in China, Mr Jones said. However, the testimony, evidence and even the arguments of the government attorneys made it absolutely clear that Jinchao harboured no anti-American sentiment or intent to harm the USA. He was manipulated by someone he thought was a friend, and betrayed his better judgment. The FBI said the case underscored the lengths to which the Peoples Republic of China will go to undermine our countrys security. A text exchange between Wei and his mother revealed she was aware of his illegal activities and even encouraged them, suggesting it could help him secure a job with the Chinese government someday. Other Chinese serving in the US Navy are still trying to figure out how to make extra money, and driving cabs. Whereas I am just leaking secrets, Wei texted his mother. She responded: Good job! Wei was arrested along with Wenheng Zhao, 26, for receiving $14,866 in bribes in exchange for secret military information from a Chinese intelligence officer during his service at the Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme. He was found guilty and sentenced to 27 months in prison. 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 leader Xi Jinping visited Tibet on Wednesday in a rare and unannounced trip to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Chinese leader called for building a modern socialist Tibet that is united, prosperous, civilised, harmonious and beautiful. According to Chinas state-owned Xinhua news agency, Mr Xi arrived in Lhasa, Tibets regional capital, where he was welcomed by crowds of different ethnic groups waving flowers and dancing to joyful rhythms. His visit made him the first Chinese president ever to take part in the once-a-decade activities. During the event he urged tighter oversight of religious affairs in the region and emphasised the need to guide Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to socialist society. To govern Tibet and make it stable and prosperous, the priority must be maintaining Tibets political order, social stability, ethnic unity and religious harmony, Mr Xi said, according to an official summary of his speech. Mr Xi reportedly also said that we must unremittingly use the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics to unite the hearts and minds of the people, and guide cadres and the masses of all ethnic groups to listen to and follow the (Communist) Party. The visit comes at a time of uncertainty for Tibetan Buddhism due to concerns over the health and succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet to India after the Chinese military occupation beginning in 1951. Mao Zedong established the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1965, after which Tibetans were subjected to decades of repression characterised by the destruction of monasteries and jailing of monks. open image in gallery File. People take photo in front of a large portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a government-organised tour, at Potala Palace Square in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region ( REUTERS ) More recently, Beijing has tightened its grip through mass migration of the majority Han Chinese to the high-altitude region, strict limits on foreign access, the separation of Tibetan children into Mandarin-only boarding schools, and sweeping curbs on any political or cultural expression beyond Chinas control. In 1959, after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet and sought asylum in India, sparking a wave of Tibetan exile and the formation of a government-in-exile in Dharamshala in northern Indias Himachal Pradesh. China regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist, although he publicly advocates for a fully autonomous Tibet within China. He remains a powerful symbol of Tibetan identity. Critics argue that repression in Tibet has grown more entrenched and far-reaching since Beijing crushed protests in 2008, even as China touts poverty reduction and infrastructure gains as evidence of progress. open image in gallery A woman stands next to the closed shops with Free Tibet written on them on a rainy day in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, India, on 4 July 2025. The Dalai Lama said on 2 July that the 600-year-old Tibetan spiritual institution would continue after his death, reassuring Buddhist followers around the globe and saying his office exclusively would name his successor ( AFP via Getty Images ) In Lhasa, Mr Xi used his visit to Tibet his second since he became president to promote major infrastructure projects, including the $167bn Yarlung Tsangpo mega-dam and the Sichuan-Tibet railway, according to Bloomberg. He also called for developing agriculture, clean energy, and tourism. The mega-dam, one of the worlds largest-ever projects, is seen as a legacy-defining gamble for Mr Xi aimed at boosting Chinas slowing economy, tightening control over Tibet, and expanding influence abroad. Mr Xi also stressed political stability, ethnic unity, and religious harmony as essential for Tibets future, even as Beijing faces criticism for heavy restrictions in the region similar to those in Xinjiang. open image in gallery Exiled Tibetans shout slogans from a bus after being detained and taken to a police station during a protest against the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India, in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, 19 August 2025 ( AP ) This unprecedented and high-ranking delegation to Tibet on the 60th anniversary of the creation of a so-called Tibet Autonomous Region reflects Chinas deep insecurity in Tibet and the need to perform leadership and assert their authority in Tibet, Tencho Gyatso, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, said in a statement. He added: It is important to remember that Xi Jinping is in Tibet to project strength, stability, and legitimacy on the 60th anniversary of the creation of a Tibetan Autonomous Region that denied Tibetans autonomy at its inception and is now even working to erase Tibet by replacing the name Tibet with its Chinese term Xizang. open image in gallery In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping waves to people from a vehicle as he arrives at Lhasa in western Chinas Tibet Autonomous Region on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, to attend an event to mark the 60th anniversary of the consolidation of Beijings long-contested rule over the Himalayan territory ( AP ) He continued: Tibet remains the constant reminder to the world that China offers a dysfunctional, immoral and fragile governance model that rules by fear. Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, an official from the Dalai Lamas office in northern India, told The New York Times that the Chinese have found themselves on the back foot. He added that Mr Xis visit was another bid to legitimise its occupation of Tibet, particularly after the Dalai Lama reaffirmed that his successor would be chosen in the traditional way. Several Tibetan rights groups said the visit was aimed at glossing over Mr Xis human rights record in the region. For Tibetans, the anniversary of the Peoples Republic of Chinas creation of the Tibet Autonomous Region is no cause of celebration, but a painful reminder of Chinas colonial occupation, Dorjee Tseten, the Asia Program Manager at the Tibet Action Institute and a member of Tibets exiled Parliament, told the outlet. Tibet remains one of Chinas greatest challenges, and Tibetans will never accept Beijings imposed succession plan for the Dalai Lama. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice India says it has successfully test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead deep inside Chinese territory. Indias defence ministry said on Wednesday that the Agni-5 missile was test-fired from a range in Chandipur in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters, the ministry said in a statement. With a strike range of over 5,000 km, the missile is believed to be capable of targeting nearly all of China. The Agni-5 is one of several indigenously developed short- and medium-range Indian ballistic missiles. The test comes as Indian prime minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first visit to China in years, following a thaw in relations between the two nuclear-powered neighbours. Relations between India and China, two of the most powerful nations in Asia, plummeted in 2020 following a deadly border clash. But ties between the two improved this year amid rising tariff pressure from US president Donald Trump. India and China have agreed to resume direct commercial flights and issue tourist visas, while Beijing has reopened two pilgrimage sites in western Tibet to Indians. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi made a rare visit to India this week and met Mr Modi. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity, the Indian prime minister said in a statement after meeting the top Chinese diplomat on Tuesday. India is also able to strike anywhere in neighbouring nuclear-powered Pakistan, its arch-rival with which it has fought multiple wars since both nations gained independence from Britain in 1947. New Delhi and Islamabad stepped back from the brink of an all-out war in May following their worst military escalation in decades, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians in cross-border shelling, as well as drone attacks by both sides. The Agni-5 missile took its maiden flight test in April 2012 and has since been tested multiple times, every time with added technological advancements. The previous trial of Agni-5 was conducted in March last year, when the missile was test-fired with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, allowing it to strike multiple targets with a single launch. The US, the UK, France, China and Russia are among the countries that already use MIRV missiles, while Pakistan tested the technology in 2017, according to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, a Washington-based advocacy group. The Indian MIRV missile was developed by the countrys military research arm, the Defence Research and Development Organisation. First developed by the US in the 1970s, MIRV technology offers strategic advantages by overwhelming enemy defences with multiple warheads. 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 Indian MPs have raised alarm over staff shortages at the air safety regulator, describing it as an existential threat to flight safety systems in the country. The parliamentary committee was tasked with reviewing the workings of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after the devastating crash of an Air India plane that killed 260 people in June, the world's worst aviation disaster for a decade. The committee warned that the regulator was grappling "with a profound and persistent shortage of technical and regulatory personnel," with almost half of its posts unfilled. Staffing shortages at the DGCA were "an existential threat to the integrity of India's aviation safety system," said the transport, tourism and culture committee report that also followed several helicopter accidents in northern India. Days before the Ahmedabad crash in June, prime minister Narendra Modi had spoken about how India is banking on its booming aviation sector to support wider development goals. Wednesdays report warned that the rapid pace at which new aircraft are being acquired by Indias airlines, outpacing the development of airport infrastructure, is straining facilities to their limits, compromising service quality and narrowing safety margins. This deficit is not a mere administrative statistic; it is a critical vulnerability that exists at the very heart of Indias safety oversight system, occurring precisely at a time when the sectors unprecedented growth demands more, not less, regulatory vigilance and capacity, the report warned. It said the root of the crisis lay in an outdated recruitment model under which an agency hires personnel on behalf of the DGCA. It said the civil aviation ministry, which houses the regulator, had described the process as slow and inflexible, and that the DGCA struggles to attract and retain highly skilled professionals as a result. Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu told lawmakers last month that the government would fill 190 of the more than 500 unfilled positions in the DGCA by October. The parliamentary committee recommended launching a focused recruitment campaign and suggested a new regulatory authority could be created to replace the DGCA. The committee also said India's air traffic controllers were under immense pressure due to staffing shortages caused by failures in workforce planning. Some air traffic controllers were not adequately trained, the committee added. The report criticised the Airports Authority of India and the DGCA for a "deeply troubling practice" of not following duty time limitations for the controllers, saying that raised the risk of fatigue and increased the chances of a controller error. Pointing to recent helicopter crashes, the committee proposed a unified national regulatory framework for all state-operated services, supported by mandatory pilot training tailored to specific terrains. It noted that fragmented state-level oversight has led to unacceptable safety gaps in high-risk areas and urged stronger central intervention. 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 fire blazed for more than 12 hours on the US warship USS New Orleans off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, before it was finally extinguished, leaving two sailors with minor injuries. The fire ripped through the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock with a crew of more than 360 sailors at about 4pm local time on Wednesday, the Navys 7th Fleet said. It was extinguished at about 4am local time on Thursday with the help of the Japanese military, coastguard and US navy commands, it said. Two sailors were taken to New Orleans medical for minor injuries, the statement added. A statement from the Japan Coast Guard said firefighting efforts were not concluded until after 9am local time, saying an investigation was then carried out to determine that the fire was completely doused. The ship was at anchor off the White Beach Naval Facility on the east coast of the Japanese archipelago when the fire began. The facility serves as a logistics and support hub for the US Seventh Fleet in the Pacific. A grab from the video shows firefighting operations ( NHK ) Videos shared by Japanese broadcaster NHK showed ships spraying water on the fire on board the US warship, which is 684 feet long with a displacement of 24,000 tons. The Navy said its crew will stay aboard the ship and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire. The USS New Orleans, which was commissioned in 2007, can hold up to 800 troops. A Navy spokesperson did not provide further details on the extent of the damage, but images from local media showed firefighters concentrating their efforts in an area of the ship largely used for stores and berthing. It comes after another fire that burned for five days on the USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego in July 2020. A sailor was charged and later acquitted of starting it. A Navy report concluded that there were sweeping failures by commanders, crew members and others involved. The ship was left with extensive structural, electrical and mechanical damage and was later scrapped. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Major charity WaterAid says it has raised an unprecedented $30 million in August thanks to partnering up with social media influencers saying that such projects can help plug fundraising gaps left by aid cuts from the likes of the US and UK. Partnering with YouTube stars Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, and Mark Rober who have more than 500m subscribers between them the #TeamWater global campaign aims to raise $40 million in a month to bring clean water to two million people. The campaign has seen content creators from more 84 countries with a combined reach of two billion subscribers raising awareness of WaterAids work, and asking viewers to donate. #TeamWater has managed to raise more than $30 million (22m) across the first three weeks of August: An amount that WaterAid has described as unprecedented. The NGOs total income for the 2023 to 2024 financial year was 90.9m, its annual report shows . According to Tim Wainwright, CEO of WaterAid UK, the campaign shows how the shifting media landscape is bringing new opportunities that NGOs must capitalise upon - particularly the fact that YouTube is now the most popular TV destination for children , according to Ofcom. It is essential to keep up to date on media and audiences as an organisation, Wainwright told The Independent. To reach the next generation of supporters, we must meet them where they are: online, engaged and deeply invested in purpose-driven, organic storytelling. open image in gallery Youtubers Mr Beast, Ben Azelart and Orkun Istmak visit Dyetse Village, Malawi as part of the #TeamWater campaign, where a new well point has been installed to provide clean drinking water to the community ( WaterAid/ Lee-Ann Olwage ) The development sector has been reeling from funding cuts to government aid programmes by Donald Trump in the US and other countries this year, which have forced many NGOs to seriously cut back on funding for climate and health projects. The situation has been exacerbated for many groups by the fact that cost of living pressures have led to fewer people donating money to charity , and an evolving media landscape that is making it harder to reach donors via traditional means. Wainwright said that the money raised by #TeamWater could not have come at a more pressing time, given these pressures WaterAid faces on its legacy funding channels, as well as the ever-more significant impacts of climate change in the communities where WaterAid works. The water crisis impacts everyone, and with extreme weather patterns only making this situation worse, we need more funding from all different sources - from governments, to philanthropists, to charities, Wainwright said. Water remains the most neglected area of UK aid spending, yet our research has found its a top area of concern for the British public, he added. With this fundraising campaign, its all about inspiring and empowering a new generation to engage with an important global issue. Were truly witnessing history in the making a new era of creator philanthropy thats redefining the future of fundraising. open image in gallery Mark Rober, another YouTuber driving #TeamWater, is pictured here with other supporters of the camoaign. ( YouTube / Mark Rober ) #TeamWater is the third large-scale environmental campaign led by Donaldson and Rober, following on from #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas, which raised over $50 million to plant 20 million trees and remove 30 million pounds of trash from oceans and rivers worldwide. The campaign features videos from the deserts of Colombia to the mangrove forests of Bangladesh, where content creators are raising awareness of the pervasiveness of water insecurity. Weve seen the power of the internet when it rallies behind a cause, from planting millions of trees to removing millions of pounds of trash from the ocean, said Donaldson and Rober in a joint statement. Now, were taking on clean water, because no one should have to live without it. WaterAid currently works in 22 different countries, setting up systems to deliver clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for communities. Since 1981, the charity has brought clean water to 28.9m people, brought decent toilets to 29.2 million people, and good hygiene to 28.7 million people. However, some 703m people continue to lack clean water close to home, while 2 billion people, or one in four globally, lack the ability to wash their hands with soap and water at home. #TeamWater is aiming to raise a total of $40m by 31 August, which should be able to provide clean water to some 2 million people worldwide. This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An NHS chief is calling for a crackdown on the online sale and prescription of popular weight-loss jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro following warnings from charities about an increase in people with eating disorders accessing the drugs. One clinician even warned that patients with low body mass index (BMI) or a history of anorexia are able to get an online prescription for the injections by filling out a simple patient questionnaire and lying about their body weight. I am seeing patients who have pushed themselves to rapid weight loss on these jabs, fasting and strenuous exercising, said Dr Adarsh Dharendra, a consultant psychiatrist specialising in eating disorders at Priory Life Works in Surrey. Yet patients can still access so many rogue pharmacy websites on mainstream as well as the dark web. NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis urged online pharmacies and private providers to act responsibly and ensure that the drugs are only prescribed to people with a medical need for them, such as those with diabetes. Last month, the pharmacy regulator tightened prescription rules to prevent weight-loss medications from being supplied inappropriately, after groups including the National Pharmacy Association warned some online suppliers were wrongly prescribing the drugs to people who had previously had eating disorders. open image in gallery Weight-loss jabs are surging in popularity including among people with eating disorders ( Getty ) Meanwhile, the advertising regulator now has 10 priority investigations underway into advertising for weight-loss jabs over concerns rules may be being broken in targeting the public with the promotion of the products with more inquiries set to be launched shortly. The drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, were initially created to treat type 2 diabetes but have become a popular weight-loss tool as they also reduce food cravings. They are available on the NHS, but hundreds of thousands of people can also get prescriptions privately through online pharmacies. In warnings echoed by the Priory, the UKs leading eating disorder charity Beat said it is seeing an incredibly worrying rise in the number of calls made to its helpline regarding the dangerous injections as it highlighted the serious health risks. Tom Quinn, Beats director of external affairs, said: Were also concerned about what might happen when people finish their prescriptions and potentially gain weight. This could cause feelings of shame and guilt in some people, which could contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Professor Powis said: With eating disorder cases on the rise, it is concerning that some people may be taking these drugs off-label for weight loss. These are powerful medications with serious side effects including dehydration, nausea, and pancreatitis which can lead to hospitalisation if misused. We continue to urge online pharmacies and private providers to act responsibly and ensure that robust safeguards, such as in-person weight checks, are in place to protect patients from harm. open image in gallery Gemma Oaten has been in recovery from an eating disorder for 15 years ( Supplied/Seed Charity ) Emmerdale actor, broadcaster and manager of eating disorder support service Seed Gemma Oaten developed an eating disorder as a 10-year-old and spent 13 years in and out of hospitals, eating disorder units and psychiatric hospitals. I nearly died four times, I had a heart attack when I was 19, she said. Now 40, Ms Oaten has been in recovery for 15 years but said it was an ongoing journey. She said the current prevalence of weight-loss drugs and the renormalisation of ultra-thin celebrities is hugely harmful. Im well enough to know that it doesnt trigger me But its very scary that we live in a world where were starting to see emaciated bodies out there again, she said, adding that people with eating disorders have used medications such as laxatives for a long time and this was yet another medication that could be misused. Advocates and charities, weve been fighting for years to try and normalise the conversation about getting treatment for eating disorders and having an eating disorder, whereas I feel like these drugs are now normalising the fact that you can just lose weight and its acceptable and its OK and its safe, and its really not. While medical experts and charities welcomed the General Pharmaceutical Councils strengthening of rules around online prescriptions, they called for even tougher restrictions. This is a positive change and will mean that these dangerous medications fall into the hands of fewer vulnerable people, but were calling for more stringent checks, Mr Quinn said. open image in gallery The manufacturer of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, said the drug must only be used under strict medical supervision ( James Manning/PA ) Novo Nordisk manufactures Wegovy, which is indicated to help with weight-loss management, and Ozempic, which is not licenced for weight loss but is a drug to treat type 2 diabetes but is sometimes prescribed off-label as a weight-loss treatment. A spokesperson for the company said: Patient safety is of utmost importance to Novo Nordisk and we do not condone, suggest, or encourage misuse of any of our medicines outside of their approved indications. A spokesperson for Eli Lilly, which manufactures Mounjaro for use in type 2 diabetes and weight management for people with obesity, said patient safety was a top priority. It should not be used outside its approved license. We welcome any guidelines and efforts directed toward safer use of our medicines, the spokesperson said. Both companies said it was important for people to only use the drugs under strict medical supervision. For anyone struggling with the issues raised in this article, eating disorder charity Beats helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677. NCFED offers information, resources and counselling for those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their support networks. Visit eating-disorders.org.uk or call 0845 838 2040 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 An American woman disguised in a niqab whose gun jammed in a failed assassination plot has been jailed for 30 years. Aimee Betro tried to shoot shop owner Sikander Ali at point-blank range outside his home in South Yardley, Birmingham, in September 2019. Earlier this month jurors at Birmingham Crown Court found the 45-year-old graphic design and childhood education graduate guilty of conspiracy to murder, possessing a self-loading pistol and fraudulently evading the prohibition on importing ammunition. Betro, who is originally from West Allis, Wisconsin, but lived in Armenia until earlier this year, took part in a plot orchestrated by co-conspirators Mohammed Aslam, 56, and his son Mohammed Nabil Nazir, 31, to attack a rival family. open image in gallery Aimee Betro checking into a Birmingham hotel before she took part in the failed assassination plot ( West Midlands Police ) Betro showed no emotion as Judge Simon Drew KC jailed her on Thursday for 30 years, with concurrent sentences of six years for possessing a firearm and two years for evading the prohibition. He said: You went beyond simply reaching an agreement to kill and, in reality, you did intend to kill Mr Ali. It is only a matter of chance that Mr Ali wasnt killed. You were engaged in a complex, well-planned conspiracy to murder. You were prepared to pull the trigger and did so on two separate occasions. Betros three-week trial heard that she met Nazir online in late 2018 and then communicated with him on Snapchat before flying into the UK on Christmas Day. She told the court she slept with Nazir at an Airbnb in London before returning to the US in January 2019. open image in gallery Betro in Birmingham following the attempted shooting ( West Midlands Police ) On a two-week follow-up visit in May 2019, Betro told the court she did not see Nazir, instead visiting a friend in Birmingham and staying at someone's house in the middle of England to take care of their dog. Records show that she landed at Manchester Airport on a flight from Atlanta on August 22 2019, 16 days before the attempted killing of Mr Ali. Betro was caught on CCTV at and near the scene of her failed attempt to shoot Mr Ali, who fled in his car after her gun jammed. She had waited in a Mercedes car for around 45 minutes for Mr Ali to arrive, then used a burner phone to send Mr Alis father messages reading Where are you hiding? and Stop playing hide and seek, you are lucky it jammed. Security camera footage also captured Betros return to the scene hours later, when she aimed three shots through two windows at Mr Alis family home. The damaged Mercedes was later found dumped, leading to the discovery of a black glove with Betros DNA on it. Betro told the court she had flown into the UK to celebrate her 40th birthday and knew nothing of any shooting or plot by the time she returned to the US. She also claimed that the woman caught on CCTV wielding a gun and recorded booking taxis was another American woman known to Nazir, who had a similar voice and footwear. Nazir was jailed for 32 years in November 2024 for offences including conspiracy to murder, and Aslam was sentenced to 10 years. The men, both from Derby, denied any wrongdoing but were convicted after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. Addressing Betro, Judge Drew said: So far as you are concerned, clearly you had a leading role. I accept that Nazir recruited you, but you were the gunwoman. You were the person who was prepared to fire the gun. As a result, you showed that you were willing to carry out the killing yourself. Furthermore, this was a conspiracy to murder more than one person." Defending, Paul Lewis KC said Betro would find custody in the UK difficult, and he urged the judge to give her credit for the 198 days she had spent on remand in Armenia awaiting extradition before her trial. He said: She has apparently been a model prisoner on remand. She is likely to find incarceration particularly difficult because all her family and friends are in America and she has had very few visits except for her lawyers. Addressing Betro, Judge Drew said: I take into account your antecedent history, your age, the fact that you will serve some or all of your sentence in a UK prison, far away from home, and the contents of your letter in which you express remorse for your actions. 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 probe into the Metropolitan Polices handling of allegations against presenter Caroline Flack before her tragic death has been quietly closed by the police watchdog. The Love Island host was accused of assaulting her then-boyfriend, Lewis Burton, with a lamp at her flat in Islington, north London, in December 2019. The Crown Prosecution Service had initially chosen not to charge the 40-year-old star, but this was appealed by officers at the Met, and the decision was overturned. Ms Flack took her own life several weeks before she was due to stand trial over the incident. Following her death, her mother complained about the forces handling of the investigation, claiming her daughters celebrity status had influenced the decision to charge her and labelling the court proceedings a show trial. At an early court hearing, it emerged Mr Burton did not support the prosecution, and the pair remained a couple. open image in gallery Caroline Flack took her own life before she was due to stand trial in 2020 ( PA ) The Met referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in March last year. However, a review of the Met investigation was closed by the watchdog in January this year, the IOPC has now confirmed. A spokesperson said the complaint contained a a number of allegations about the forces investigation into the alleged assault, but they found the majority required no further action because they had already been investigated by the Met and the findings reviewed by the IOPC. However, they did direct the force to investigate the actions of the officers who appealed the initial decision by the CPS not to charge Ms Flack. It found no new evidence that would alter any previous outcomes. This finding was reviewed by the IOPC, which in January concluded it was reasonable and proportionate. We received a complaint referral from the Met Police on 7 March 2024 containing a number of allegations about the forces investigation into an alleged assault involving Caroline Flack in December 2019, an IOPC spokesperson said. We determined the majority of the allegations had already been investigated by the force and later reviewed by the IOPC, so no further action was required. On the basis there may be new witness evidence available, we directed the Met to investigate one aspect of the complaint. This related to the actions of officers in appealing an initial decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) not to charge Ms Flack. Five allegations were returned to the force to resolve in a proportionate manner. Outcomes were provided to the complainant by the Met in June and in July, which found no new evidence that would alter any previous outcomes. The complainant asked the IOPC to review the outcome. Following that review, in January 2025 we found that outcome to be reasonable and proportionate. open image in gallery The presenter was accused of assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton ( PA ) An inquest into Ms Flacks death concluded she had taken her own life on 15 February 2020. Coroner Mary Hassell said the television star struggled with her mental health and having her case played out in the national press was incredibly difficult for her. I find the reason for her taking her life was she now knew she was being prosecuted for certainty and she knew she would face the media, press, publicity it would all come down upon her, she added. The Metropolitan Police said it referred a complaint from Ms Flacks family to the IOPC on 7 March 2024. One aspect of the complaint, concerning the actions of the officers who appealed the initial charging decision, was returned for the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards to consider further. A force spokesperson added: DPS officers made further enquiries in relation to this and examined the evidence. It did not change the original outcome that the service provided by officers was acceptable. The family were advised of the outcome in June and then appealed that outcome to the IOPC. The IOPC carried out a review and, in January 2025, found no new evidence that would alter any of the previous outcomes. If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. For services local to you, the national mental health database Hub of Hope allows you to enter your postcode to search for organisations and charities who offer mental health advice and support in your area 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 Typed neatly on headed notepaper, the instructions for Reverend Christopher Brains homebase team were clear. The group of predominantly young, attractive women, who had devoted themselves to a church movement they believed was changing the world, were to do anything their leader required. This included preparing his meals, cleaning his home, looking after his child, honouring and praying for him and always putting his needs before their own. It also required them to sleep at his house for up two nights per week as part of a 24 hour, seven-day rota of unpaid work to leave him free to spread the word about the mission of the Nine OClock Service (NOS). Brain had been tipped for a great future in the Church of England after his revolutionary rave-style worship attracted hundreds of young people to his 9pm services in Sheffield. He was preparing to take the movement across the Atlantic to San Francisco. Detailed lists of homebase team duties included washing, ironing, mopping the floor, walking his bull terrier, Badger, and answering the phone. Although they were to prepare his meals including a dessert they were instructed to eat after Brain and his wife unless they were explicitly invited to join them. But, sadly, the demands placed on some women who found themselves in Brains church movement did not stop there. Despite most not believing in sex before marriage, many were expected to give sensual massages to the controlling and charismatic evangelical preacher, who told the women he was helping them to overcome their sexual repression. open image in gallery Instructions for the 'homebase team' - who attended to Christopher Brain's every need - were shown to jurors at Inner London Crown Court ( South Yorkshire Police/CPS ) He was usually in his underwear during the late-night back rubs to relieve tension headaches in the attic bedroom of his marital home, which was paid for, decorated and meticulously maintained by NOS. The women, who were sometimes referred to as the Lycra Lovelies or the Lycra Nuns because of the revealing clothes they wore while they cleaned, feared they would be ostracised if they refused. Many believed he was a form of prophet and one admitted she viewed him as almost a God. This week, 30 years after his evangelical cult operating in the Church of England collapsed in controversy, he was found guilty of abusing nine women. The 68-year-old, who until recently ran a design consultancy in Wilmslow, Cheshire, told the jury he was the most radical ordained vicar there was as he defended his sexual encounters with women in his congregation. I wasnt a traditional vicar, I was someone on a journey of radical research and experimentation, he said, as he insisted any sexual contact with the women was consensual and disputed other incidents ever took place. A panel of eight men and three women found him guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women between 1981 and 1995 following a seven-week trial at Inner London Crown Court. He was acquitted of 15 further counts of the same offence. The jury was discharged without reaching verdicts for one count of rape and four more counts of indecent assault. Prosecutors now have 14 day to decide whether they seek a retrial on those counts. open image in gallery Brain, now 68, told jurors: I was the most radical ordained vicar there was ( James Manning/PA Wire ) The seeds for the church movement began in the early 80s with his Christian rock band Present Tense. He and a group of acolytes - united by their belief that they did not fit into a traditional church congregation - developed a new type of worship inspired by 80s rave culture and the evangelical preaching of charismatic US pastor John Wimber, whose services were known for so-called miracles and speaking in tongues. At its height, NOS attracted up to 600 congregants to light and music-filled services at St Thomas in Crookes, Sheffield, later moving to a larger venue at Ponds Forge leisure centre. At one stage there was a mass confirmation service of 93 members, said to be the largest group they had ever confirmed in one church. The Archbishop of Canterbury elect, George Carey, was so enthusiastic about its potential to attract young worshippers that he told Brain he would be happy to see a NOS in every town and city in the country. By 1995, when Brain was finally confronted by church leaders who had been approached with claims he had abused up to 40 women, he replied: I thought it was more. He later admitted to improper sexual conduct with a number of women in the church in a bombshell 1995 BBC documentary, conceding that some members of the homebase team would massage him late at night if he needed. He denied this was abuse even though he obtained sexual gratification, claiming his relationships with the women were close and affectionate. He said he was repentant, willing to change and to put things right. However, giving evidence in his own defence almost 30 years later, he backtracked, claiming he over-accepted responsibility in the programme. open image in gallery The Nine OClock Service started at St Thomas Church in Crookes, Sheffield ( Clint Mann/Geograph ) Wearing a dark suit and shirt, with thick rimmed glasses, he had to be reminded several times to slow down and speak clearly as he rushed to defend his actions. Asked by his lawyer, Iain Simkins KC, what on earth possessed you to have a back massage from another woman when he was married with a young child, he responded: Why not? Sometimes this developed into sexual touching, he said, explaining his marriage was pretty open, but if liaisons progressed to full sex it would be cheating. "With some of my closest friends it would be kissing sometimes, occasionally massaging, stroking, he said. Anything more than that we would back off. For the women, however, the encounters were often something they said they submitted to in order to survive. One woman, who said she was brainwashed by the priest, alleged on one occasion she was invited to his home while his wife was away in 1983 or 1984, where he pinned her down and raped her, although jurors did not reach a verdict on this count. She told the court she was moving her head from side to side and saying no, adding: I couldn't get him off me. Afterwards, he told her to have a bath, the court heard. Although she considered going to the police, she felt it would be too traumatic and wasnt ready for her family to know. Another survivor said she viewed Brain as a form of prophet who told her their contact was part of her sexual healing. He discouraged her from staying in touch with her family and friends, leaving her in fear of being cut off from her only community. She told the court she felt trapped and was left suicidal after hundreds of alleged encounters in which she would sit on Brains lap and simulate sex because she had an innate need to please him. I was never aroused, it wasnt exciting. It was more just a way of surviving I suppose, she said. You did what you thought he wanted in order to keep him appeased. It was nothing to do with passion or expression. Brain was acquitted of multiple counts of indecent assault against the woman. open image in gallery Brain (left) appearing at Inner London Crown Court, south east London (Elizabeth Cook/PA) ( PA Wire ) Over the years, several people tried to raise the alarm about Brains increasingly megalomaniacal tendencies, but he was seemingly given considerable leeway by Anglican church leaders. When Brain took holy orders in December 1991, signs of grandiose self-regard were already present and large sums of money were spent finding the robes worn by the actor Robert De Niro in the movie The Mission for him to wear at his ordination, prosecutor Tim Clark KC told the court. Marilyn Parry, Brains personal tutor as he was fast-tracked for ordination, told her superiors he was arrogant and failed to meet deadlines, but the diocese did not share her views. "They felt he should be given some slack because he was running such an important ministry for the church, she said. Dr Mark Stibbe, a former curate at St Thomas, was also rebuked in 1993 by then-Bishop of Sheffield the Rt Rev David Lunn for expressing fears about "extremely disturbing" NOS services featuring "scantily clad young girls gyrating". Dr Stibbe told the jury he had his ecclesiastical wrists slapped for raising concerns and was told: We don't conduct witch hunts in the diocese. While members gave up their jobs, paid into a common purse and some even donated their inheritance to NOS, Brain lived far more comfortably. He was provided with a home, a car and a credit card to eat out. In 1994, the Brains moved into a five-bedroom seventeenth century farmhouse in the Pennines given to the NOS Trust, a charity set up to handle the movements finances, by two senior members of the congregation. It had been renovated to Brains specifications, including a recording and rehearsal studio for musicians and dancers in a converted stable. open image in gallery NOS collapsed in 1995 after women brought allegations of widespread abuse to the Rt Reverend Stephen Lowe, then archdeacon of Sheffield ( Niall Cooper/Wiki Commons ) By the time NOS finally collapsed in August 1995, after a whistleblower took allegations of widespread sexual abuse to Sheffields archdeacon Stephen Lowe, Brain claims he had already resigned his role as leader as he focussed on establishing himself in California. In an explosive meeting at NOSs offices a few days later, members gathered and shared their experiences. Reactions were extreme, with some collapsing in tears. Some of the women he hurt were left confused and initially defended the man they thought was their spiritual leader, but later came to realise they had been drawn into a cult. For others, the scales fell from their eyes instantly. Initially, the Diocese of Sheffield provided counselling for at least 20 women alleging sexual impropriety. In the weeks that followed up to 150 people left traumatised by their time in NOS were provided support, The Independent reported in 1995. Brain resigned from holy orders in November, days before the BBCs documentary on the scandal was due to air. Astonishly, no police investigation was launched into the abuse until 2019. Detective Superintendent Eleanor Welsh, of South Yorkshire Police, said: Brain is a devious and arrogant sexual predator who caused these women significant harm through his abuse of power and cruel manipulation of their faith. While I am pleased with the guilty verdicts, I know for the victims it can never take away what Brain did to them. However, I hope that it brings some comfort to know they have had a voice, they have been heard, and the jury has accepted that Brain is a serial sex offender. Following the trial, the Bishop of Sheffield issued an unreserved apology to Brains victims for institutional failures by the Church. The Rt Rev Dr Pete Wilcox also announced an independent Safeguarding Practice Review to examine safeguarding responses, culture, and processes so lessons can be learned. "What happened was an appalling abuse of power and leadership that should never have occurred, he said. Where concerns were raised in the past and were not acted upon properly, that was a failing of the Church. For those institutional failures I offer an unreserved apology. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man who shared posts on his Facebook page backing Palestine Action has told how he was hauled from his bed by police and arrested on suspicion of breaking terror laws in a terrifying dawn raid. Mat Cobb, 52, a part-time cleaner, is now facing potentially life-changing criminal charges after becoming the latest member of the public to fall foul of the controversial decision to ban the direct-action group. He told The Independent the arrest at his home in Hinckley, Leicestershire, had totally blown my mind after he was handcuffed and taken to a police station on Wednesday morning. Mr Cobb, who has 2,200 followers on his Facebook page, said he had never attended a demonstration or been a member of Palestine Action now a proscribed terrorist organisation. His arrest comes after more than 500 peaceful protesters were arrested at a demonstration in Parliament Square earlier this month for holding placards supporting the group. Shami Chakrabarti, a former shadow attorney general and civil liberties campaigner, said Mr Cobbs arrest jeopardised public trust in policing and demonstrated the danger of the ongoing ban, which means showing support for the group is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Palestine Action has won permission to challenge the law in the High Court. open image in gallery Baroness Shami Chakrabarti said ban has put public trust in policing by consent in jeopardy ( PA ) The Labour peer added: Dawn bedroom raids [like this] highlight the dangers of the ongoing proscription of Palestinian Action. Public trust and policing by consent are in jeopardy while we wait for higher courts to rule on the legality of the ban. Whatever advice informed the original proscription, the Home Secretary would be wise urgently to review it in the light of subsequent events. She previously warned that the ban risked becoming a mistake of poll tax proportions a reference to Margaret Thatchers unpopular policy that triggered civil disobedience and riots. Mr Cobb said two police officers had attended his address a week earlier, but he was away on holiday. They told his housemate there was nothing to worry about. He was still in bed when they returned at 7am on Wednesday. When his housemate answered the door, he said, they barged inside and burst into his bedroom, where he was arrested and handcuffed. Officers also seized his mobile phone. I heard my housemate answer the door, then some shouting, then running up the stairs and my housemate shouting I'm sorry, Mat, then they came in my room and told me I was under arrest and to put my hands where they can see them. Then they put me in handcuffs. He was taken to a police station in Leicester where he was put in a holding cell before he was searched, photographed, swabbed for DNA and had his fingerprints taken. open image in gallery More than 500 people were arrested in Parliament Square for holding signs supporting Palestine Action earlier this month ( AFP/Getty ) In a police interview, officers, who showed Mr Cobb a series of Facebook posts, said he was under investigation for supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation. He was released under investigation at around 1pm, after almost six hours in custody. Mr Cobb described the decision to ban the group as a terrifying development, which he hopes will be overturned when Palestine Action founder Huda Ammori brings a judicial review this autumn. This is a matter of human rights not just the right to free speech but the rights of Palestinians as they are being murdered, he said. For the government to respond to this protest by banning the group thats protesting is a terrifying development. He told The Independent: If they are going to proscribe non-violent people for protesting against mass murder, they are tyrants. open image in gallery Home secretary Yvette Cooper has defended the decision to ban Palestine Action ( PA ) The Home Secretary has continued to defend proscribing the direct-action group, repeating claims that an assessment found evidence of ideas for further attacks which cannot be reported due to ongoing legal proceedings. Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation, but the assessments are very clear this is not a non-violent organisation, said Yvette Cooper. UK national security and public safety must always be our top priority. A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: On Wednesday 20 August, police in Leicestershire made a pre-planned arrest in Hinckley as part of an ongoing investigation. A man has been arrested on suspicion of support for a proscribed organisation, under section 12 (1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000. He has been released under investigation while police continue to carry out enquiries. 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 Pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their GCSE and Level 2 vocational and technical qualification (VTQ) results on Thursday. The results will help them progress to sixth form, college or training. But what should students expect from results day? Here is an expert guide. How do GCSE grades differ across the UK? In England, GCSEs are graded using a numerical system from 9 to 1 rather than from A* to G with 9 being the highest grade. A grade 7 and above is roughly equivalent to an A and above, while a grade 4 and above which is considered a standard pass is roughly equivalent to a C and above. But government performance data highlights the percentage of pupils who achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths which is roughly equivalent to a high grade C or low grade B. open image in gallery GCSEs are graded using a numerical system from 9 to 1 ( Gareth Fuller/PA ) The rollout of the numerical grading system began in 2017 in England, and by 2020, all subjects were graded in numbers. In Northern Ireland, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment uses a nine-category grade scale A* G which includes a C*. In Wales, the traditional eight-category grade scale A* G has been retained. Scotland has a different qualification system, and pupils received their results for National 5 exams earlier this month. Whats different about GCSE results this year? Tens of thousands of GCSE students in England will get their grades in an app on Thursday as part of a government pilot. The government is trialling the Education Record app with more than 95,000 pupils in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands this summer, ahead of a national rollout. Students involved in the pilot will still be able to pick up their paper results in the normal way from their school or college from 8am on results day. Their results will also be made available on the app at 11am. It is hoped digital education records, which will bring pupils exam results and certificates into one app, will help pupils when applying to further education, apprenticeships or employment. Otherwise, pupils may be advised to go to their school or college and collect their results in person. Some schools will also send results in the post or by email. How might Covid-19 affect exam results? Most pupils who took their GCSE exams this summer were in Year 6 when schools closed after the national lockdown in 2020. Exam aids have been given to GCSE pupils in England in mathematics, physics and combined science since 2022 to limit the impact of Covid-19 on learning. In October, the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson asked regulator Ofqual to continue providing formulae and equation sheets to GCSE pupils in these subjects in 2025, 2026 and 2027. open image in gallery Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson ( PA Wire ) What can students do if they are not happy with their results? Pupils are advised to speak to their preferred school or college to see if they can be flexible on entry requirements if they have just missed the grades. In England, if a student is unhappy with their grade they can also ask their school or college to request that the exam board review the marking. If there are still concerns after the review, the student can ask their school or college to appeal against the result. Students can also choose to resit any GCSE exam in the summer of the following academic year if they are unhappy with their results. But students can retake English language and maths GCSEs from this autumn. In England, it is a requirement for students who do not secure at least a grade 4 in English language and/or maths GCSE to retake the subjects during post-16 education. Students are funded to retake maths and/or English until they achieve a GCSE grade 9 to 4. For students with a grade 2 or below, they can either study towards a pass in functional skills level 2 or towards a GCSE grade 9 to 4. 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 Campaigners have made a fresh call for laws to ban the smacking of children in England. It comes as belief among young adults that forceful actions against children has grown stronger in recent years, according to a new poll. Wales made any type of corporal punishment, including smacking, hitting, slapping and shaking, illegal in March 2022, while Scotland introduced a similar ban in November 2020. But it is not completely outlawed in England and Northern Ireland. According to the Children Act 2004, it is unlawful to hit your child, except where it is reasonable punishment, and this is judged on a case-by-case basis. New polling for the NSPCC, carried out by YouGov, suggests around eight in 10 people (82 per cent) aged between 18 and 24 believe it is unacceptable for a parent to use force, however slight, against a child. This is an increase from 64 per cent of young adults who thought it was unacceptable when polled in 2023. Among parents specifically, the figures have remained high in recent years, with the latest polling showing 81 per cent felt this way, up slightly from 80 per cent last year and from 76 per cent in 2022. YouGov surveyed 3,800 adults across England in July, of which 749 were parents with a child under 18 and 198 were aged 18 to 24 years old. open image in gallery Leading doctors have called for a smacking ban in England ( Alamy/PA ) Of all adults surveyed, 71 per cent said they believe physical punishment against a child is unacceptable, up from 67 per cent in 2023. Earlier this year leading health experts came together to urge parliamentarians to give children the fundamental right to safety and protection by backing a smacking ban. The childrens doctors and psychiatrists said decades of research showed the detrimental effects of physical punishment. On the latest figures, NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood said: Parents and young people are telling us loud and clear that they dont want physical punishment to be a part of anyones childhood. Parents know their children and what works best for them. It is therefore crucial their experiences and opinions are not ignored or undermined, but act as a wake-up call. As parliamentarians continue to debate the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we urge them to change the law to better reflect public attitudes to violence against children and ensure no childhood has to be tainted by physical punishment again. In June, as part of debate on the Bill, Conservative peer Lord Jackson of Peterborough warned that introducing a smacking ban in England would be disproportionate and heavy-handed. He argued reasonable chastisement was harmless and calls to abolish it as a defence for punishing a child risked criminalising good and caring parents, as well as overloading childrens services departments. But, in the wake of the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif in Woking in 2023, the UKs four childrens commissioners jointly called for a wholesale smacking ban, describing the current situation where there is a legal defence in some nations as outdated and morally repugnant. Saras father jailed for life in December 2024 alongside her stepmother for the little girls murder had claimed in a call to police after fleeing England that he did legally punish his daughter and that he beat her up too much. open image in gallery Sara Sharif was murdered aged 10 in 2023 ( Surrey Police/ PA credit ) The childrens commissioners insisted loving, well-meaning parents have no need to be concerned about a change in the law. Lynn Perry, chief executive of Barnardos, said: Violence against children is unacceptable and yet children continue to have less legal protection against physical assault than adults. That cannot be right. This new data shows that most parents agree. Physical punishment like smacking is harmful to a childs health and development, and theres strong evidence that it influences their attitudes toward violence. At Barnardos, we see first-hand how vital it is for children to feel safe and nurtured by those around them and to develop positive, healthy relationships. We have long campaigned for a change in the law to give children equal protection from assault and continue to call for action. Its time for all children to be legally protected from all physical punishment everywhere in the UK. Commenting on the poll, Professor Andrew Rowland, officer for child protection at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: This latest research makes it clear that physical punishment has no place in modern parenting. Health professionals stand firmly with parents and young people in recognising that physical punishment is not only outdated and unjust, but also harmful to childrens health and wellbeing. We urge the government to listen to parents, young people, health professionals and the wider public and to finally remove the outdated and unfair reasonable punishment defence. A Department for Education spokesperson said: The landmark Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, a key part of our plan for change, represents the most transformative piece of child protection legislation in a generation, including wholesale reform of the childrens social care system and better information sharing between education, health, and social workers to stop vulnerable children falling through the cracks. While we are looking closely at the legal changes made in Wales and Scotland in relation to smacking, we have no plans to legislate at this stage. 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 Sir Keir Starmer has led further meetings with European allies to discuss deploying a reassurance force to Ukraine to ensure the countrys security against future Russian attacks. The meeting came in the wake of what he described as a historic summit in the White House on Monday, led by Donald Trump and attended by eight of Europes top leaders, including Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, to attempt to negotiate a peace settlement with Russia. Sir Keir had already confirmed that he is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a peace deal for the war-torn country. He has taken the lead in creating a coalition of the willing to help shore up Ukraines defences. Trump, meanwhile, has ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine. open image in gallery Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his commitment to a just and lasting peace ( PA Wire ) The prime minister had also pledged to increase UK defence spending, saying that "tyrants" like Russian president Vladimir Putin "only respond to strength". His initial promise to raise spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, with an aim to hit 3 per cent by the end of the next term, was quickly altered to five per cent in line with Nato promises in June. Relations with Russia are at their worst since the Cold War period, and military experts believe that European countries need to be prepared for conflict. But is the UK ready to put boots on the ground; and how do Britains armed forces compare now to 40 years ago, in 1984, when the UK was engaged in a stand-off with Russia? How strong is the UKs military? Earlier this year the Ministry of Defence released its latest figures on military equipment, accurate as of April 2024. The army increased its number of Challenger II Main Battle Tanks from 213 to 219 in the past year to April. Ministry of Defence figures show that the army also has some 128 Ajax armoured fighting vehicles, though an update from defence minister Lord Coaker suggests that only 91 of these are already in service, after years of delay. The UK also added four new F-35 fighter jets, also known as Lightning, bringing the total to 35 according to latest figures. The number of Typhoon jets (137), submarines (10), destroyers (6), and frigates (12) remained the same as the previous year. open image in gallery UK military capacity compared to the Cold War in ships, submarines, tanks, and war planes. ( IISS/ Ministry of Defence / The Independent ) In terms of personnel and ships, the UKs capacity is substantially lower than in 1984, primarily because the UK is in peacetime and equipment needs have evolved. Technology has evolved significantly since the 1980s, in particular when it comes to air defence and tanks. This means that some equipment will be fewer in number but of a much higher quality. While jet fighters of the 1980s were technologically advanced for their time, the newest aircraft are more akin to flying supercomputers. Submarines are designed to evade ever more complicated detection equipment and warships have to tackle missiles which travel several times the speed of sound. Yet the numbers can matter when engaged in direct combat, experts explain, since losses are all but certain. Some equipment is not in service, is on loan, or is due for repairs, said defence acquisition expert Stuart Young, a former engineer officer in the Royal Navy and visiting fellow at Cranfield University. The Challenger main battle tank is currently in service, and thats being upgraded, Mr Young explained. But the challenge is, as those go in to be upgraded, the number of main battle tanks is going to go down until they come back out of that upgrade cycle. Many of these supplies have not been updated in decades, meaning in some cases the UK is still relying on the same equipment built in the Cold War. In fact, the majority of the armys armoured fighting vehicles are from before the 1990s, and some come from as far back as the Sixties, according to a defence committee report in 2021 which called the lack of new acquisitions deplorable. The navy faces similar challenges. The oldest type-23 frigates are well over 30 years old now, and the replacement was due originally in around 2010. Those ships were designed for an 18 to 21-year life, Mr Young said. If Britain enters into war, it is not clear that the country will be able to get stockpiles and numbers to the levels needed in a timely manner. The UK has met and exceeded its Nato minimum defence spend of 2 per cent of total economic output, or GDP, with levels currently estimated at 2.3 per cent; and set to rise to 2.5 per cent from 2027. But James Black, assistant director at security research group Rand, said that Natos 2 per cent target was a politically derived number that was common in a post-Cold War setting. In the Cold War, countries were spending routinely a lot more than 2 per cent, spending three, four or five, he said. So we shouldnt think that 2 per cent is a magic number at which you are automatically spending enough money that you are well defended against all threats. open image in gallery Sir Keir has pledged his support to President Zelensky ( PA Wire ) Last year, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the governments first budget including an increase in defence spending to almost 3bn, clearly illustrat[es] our commitment to national security and ensur[es] we have a military force fit for the future. But some military experts fear that this is not enough, arguing that 3 per cent of GDP a 0.7 per cent increase of some 16.4bn a year is necessary to replenish stockpiles and prepare the UK for a possible allied conflict against aggressors such as Russia; while Trump has called for 5 per cent spending in Europe. With the impact of Ukraine and the general tightening of government spending, were in a catch-up situation. I think spending has to go up to 3 per cent or more, to actually give you the increase in capability needed to meet the increasing threat that we have at the moment, Mr Young said. At a NATO summit in June, the Prime Minister pledged to deliver a historic 5 per cent of spending on national security. This would mean increasing the defence budget to 3.5 per cent by 2035. open image in gallery Type 23 frigates like HMS Lancaster are coming to the end of their lives (PA) ( PA ) Sir Keir has confirmed that defence spending will meet 2.5 per cent by 2027, yet his target of 3.5 per cent has a longer timeframe of nearly a decade. But Mr Young said he believed that matching the 2.5 per cent promise wouldnt represent any material improvements for UK defence. Instead, Mr Young estimates that this figure will be just enough to play catch-up with stockpiles and demand. We havent invested in stockpiling missiles and ammunition and things like that, Mr Young said. In July, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence acknowledged that the armed forces have faced resource cuts in the past few years. We know we face serious challenges after years of hollowing out of our armed forces and our Strategic Defence Review will assess the threats we face and the capabilities needed to address them in order to secure our nations defences. The war in Ukraine has also hit the UKs military budget and supplies, along with other Nato members. The UK has pledged 7.8bn in military assistance to Ukraine since February 2022 and, like other allied countries, has even donated equipment directly from UK defence stockpiles including tanks and missiles. This means that equipment numbers could be even lower than shown in the official statistics, last updated in September 2023. As a result, if Britains defence forces receive an influx in capital, it could take four or five years to replenish supplies of equipment and weaponry, Mr Young suggested. The new armed forces minister [Luke Pollard] said we want to buy as much defence equipment from the UK as possible. Well, the UK doesnt have that capacity any more. Dwindling troop numbers Britains armed forces also have a big recruitment problem, exacerbated by budget cuts; which may present a challenge if forces are deployed. We need to increase recruitment, especially if we are looking at peacekeeping activities in Ukraine, which needs boots on the ground. The problems we had six months ago have just been exacerbated further by recent events, Mr Young said. The number of people in the armed forces is 45 per cent lower than it was in 1984, at approximately 180,000 personnel, according to the MoD at January 1 of this year. Within this, only 127,000 are full-time trained personnel, while approximately 53,000 are untrained or reserves. Training takes time, money and, most importantly, retaining personnel, Mr Young said. In the current job market, army pay is no longer competitive before even considering how many young people are willing to commit to the hours, lifestyle, and risk of military service. But Mr Young warned that the biggest problem may be the loss of expertise, as higher trained officials are abandoning the military for private sector jobs. In particular, the quality of accommodation and other resources for military families has been in decline, which he points to as a reason for older personnel with dependents leaving the military. Mr Young said the UK couldnt afford to lose these highly trained groups in the armed forces, especially as equipment becomes more and more technically complex. Weve got people leaving the armed forces because of the living and working conditions, so then youre losing expertise and talent as well, he says. So, switching on the tap today in terms of recruitment doesnt give you an instant solution. Its going to be another three or four or five years or more before you get the fully trained people that you need, and then youve got to retain them. Theyve now got skills which are attractive to civilian employees. open image in gallery The Uk relies heavily on its fleet of Eurofighter Typhoons, build by Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain. ( Getty Images ) Lessons from Ukraine: the long haul Rands Mr Black said Britain and other Nato members needed to be taking lessons from the war in Ukraine to improve longevity capabilities in combat. The war in Ukraine has exposed that a lot of Western militaries have been assuming that any high-end war against someone like Russia would be very lethal, but would also probably be very quick. A kind of short, sharp, horrible flurry of violence. And then the situation would be resolved. However, the ongoing war in Ukraine now three years long has shown that this assumption is flawed. And if Britain were to engage in a longer period of war, the armed forces are not prepared to last more than a few months, according to a defence committee report in February. Former committee chair Sir Jeremy Quin told MPs that the military was unable to devote sufficient training and resources to high-intensity warfighting. Mr Black warns that the existing focus on higher quality, complex machinery does not necessarily work for long combat, with challenges such as refuelling, rapid replacement and stockpiling. How do I replenish my stockpiles when Ive fired all my missiles or dropped all my bombs? And that is partly a military question but also an industrial question. Do we have the industrial base to rebuild in the first place? 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 number of asylum seekers housed in government hotels has risen in the first year under Labour, piling further pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to get a grip on the growing number of people making dangerous Channel crossings. The data follows a High Court ruling on Tuesday that banned the use of the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, for housing asylum seekers after lawyers argued it had become a feeding ground for unrest following a string of violent protests near the site. As the government braces for a fresh round of legal action from councils seeking similar bans in their areas, new Home Office figures reveal that the number of people claiming asylum in the year to June rose to a record 111,000, while the number of small boats crossing the Channel continues to grow. The government has been repeatedly accused of failing to tackle immigration, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage saying the public is right to be very angry over the rise in asylum seekers being housed in hotels. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp claimed ministers had lost control of our borders. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has said that the country is well past breaking point, and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch questioned whether it would be possible to set up camps for migrants, rather than housing them near local communities. While the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels is up eight per cent year-on-year, the numbers have been consistently falling since December last year. The number of people in hotels 32,059 is also significantly lower than the peak of over 56,000 under the Tory government in September 2023. Labour has also made progress on cutting the backlog of asylum claims and speeding up the number of deportations, with enforced returns up by 25 per cent to 9,072, and an increasing number of criminals deported in the year to June. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Thursday that the numbers showed Labour had strengthened Britains visa and immigration controls, cut asylum costs, and sharply increased enforcement and returns. The bad news: asylum claims and small boats at record levels The number of migrants being housed temporarily in hotels has risen by eight per cent to 32,059 in the year to June. This was up from 29,585 at the same point last year, when the Conservatives were in power, but down from 32,345 in March, and has been falling since last December. That figure is still far below the peak of 56,000 asylum seekers living in hotels in September 2023. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp slammed weak ministers for there being more immigrants in hotels than at the time of the election, but Labour has blamed the Tories, with Ms Cooper on Thursday saying the government inherited a broken immigration and asylum system that the previous government left in chaos. The government has said it is committed to ending the use of asylum hotels by the end of this parliament and has already reduced asylum costs by 11 per cent. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council charity, said: Theres still far too many people in hotels. Everyone agrees that hotels are the wrong answer they cost the taxpayer billions, trap people in limbo and are flashpoints in communities. The rising numbers in hotels come as a record number of people 111,084 submitted claims for asylum in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12 months since records began in 2001. Small boat migrants, numbers of which have topped 50,000 so far this year under Labour, accounted for 39 per cent of these claims, but many thousands of people also claimed asylum after travelling to the UK on legal visas. In the year to date, some 6,700 people have claimed asylum after coming to the UK to study, and 5,900 people after arriving for work. Most applicants were from Pakistan, accounting for 10.1 per cent, followed by claimants from Afghanistan and Iran. The government has made progress on cutting the backlog, and the number of people awaiting a decision continues to fall. The total number waiting was 70,532 in June, down from more than 90,000 at the end of 2024, after the former Tory government stopped processing applications while it waited to see if it could send people to Rwanda under its ultimately failed deportation scheme. The numbers waiting for more than 12 months for a decision are also falling significantly, although some 19,000 are still waiting. Mr Solomon, of the Refugee Council, said that the government could be proud of the genuine achievement of bringing down the numbers but warned that this good work is being put at risk by poor-quality decisions, with nearly half of appeals against rejected applications succeeding. Marley Morris, at the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank, agreed that there were signs of progress since the Home Office sped up processing times. However, she said it needs to improve the quality of initial decision making and speed up the appeals process, and expand the stock of temporary accommodation available for migrants to reduce spending on hotels, which cost 2.1bn in 2024-25. The good news: more deportations and removal of criminals One area where Labour is making real progress is in the significant upturn in deportations. Enforced removals have increased by 25 per cent, with 9,072 people returned to their country of origin in the year to June. Voluntary returns those leaving willingly are also up by 13 per cent, with 26,761 people opting to leave the UK. That brings the total number of removals to over 35,000 in the year to June. There has also been a significant increase in assisted returns, where the Home Office provides support or even financial incentives for migrants to leave the UK. That figure has more than doubled from 4,032 to 9,227. Earlier this year, The Independent revealed that the Home Office had paid 53m for assisted returns over the past four years, with each migrant receiving up to 3,000. The Home Office has reallocated some 1,000 staff to immigration enforcement, which it notes may have boosted returns. In particular, an increasing number of foreign criminals are being deported, with 5,265 offenders returned around half of which were EU nationals. Earlier this year, the prime minister announced that specialist immigration enforcement teams were being sent into prisons to speed up the removal of prisoners who have no right to be in this country. The latest figures are the highest number of criminals removed in years, but are still below the peak in 2016. Migrants and asylum-seekers coming from Albania, Romania, Brazil, and India are among the top nationalities being deported, but the top return destination for migrant removals is France, with 8,403 people sent there in the past year. The governments new one-in, one-out deal with France will allow a small number of migrants to be returned after crossing the Channel. But the numbers are small understood to be around 50 people a week and so far none are known to have been sent back. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Leading womens rights groups have warned that the far right movement has hijacked the issue of womens safety for political gain. More than 100 organisations have written to prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to urge the government to stop far-right groups from weaponising violence against women and girls (VAWG) for a racist, anti-migrant agenda. It comes after weeks of far-right protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers across the country, with many participants claiming to be there under the banner of protecting women and girls in their community. The letter states how in recent weeks, the organisations had seen vital conversations about VAWG be hijacked by an anti-migrant agenda that fuels division and harms survivors. open image in gallery Far-right protests have been protesting outside so-called asylum hotels in recent weeks ( REUTERS ) The groups have expressed concerns that the issue is being hijacked by people seeking to use women and girls pain and trauma and the threat of it for political gain. The letter, co-ordinated by End Violence Against Women Coalition, Women for Refugee Women, Hibiscus and Southall Black Sisters, read: Over recent weeks, people claiming to care about the safety of women and children have left families, women and children living in temporary asylum accommodation afraid to leave their front door. They follow in the footsteps of the rioters who used the appalling murder of three young girls as an excuse to bring violence to our streets; with targeted attacks against migrant, minoritised and Muslim communities. open image in gallery The statement was supported by frontline organisations including Rape Crisis England & Wales, Refuge and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust ( Getty Images ) The statement was supported by frontline organisations including Rape Crisis England and Wales, Refuge and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. The groups have joined to refuse to let womens safety be turned into hate speech and have told the government to act urgently to prevent misinformation spreading. They warned that they had seen MPs share false statistics about the nationality of perpetrators, and warned that ministers saying protestors have legitimate concerns risks normalising and enabling the spreading of racist narratives by the far-right. open image in gallery The organisations warned that ministers saying protestors have legitimate concerns risks normalising and enabling the spreading of racist narratives by the far-right ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The organisations warn that false narratives reinforce damaging myths about gender-based violence, such as that it primarily comes from strangers. They say the false picture allows perpetrators who harm women and girls to hide behind racial stereotypes and scapegoating, while hostile immigration policies put marginalised women and survivors in the UK at an even greater risk of harm. open image in gallery The organisations warn that these false narratives reinforce damaging myths about gender-based violence, such as that it primarily comes from strangers ( Getty ) The far-right has long exploited the cause of ending violence against women and girls to promote a racist, white supremacist agenda, Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said. These attacks against migrant and racialised communities are appalling and do nothing to improve women and girls autonomy, rights and freedoms. Andrea Vukovic, co-director of Women for Refugee Women, said the organisation had supported women in recent weeks that had fled war and persecution, and have been too afraid to leave their homes due to attacks on migrant and racialised communities. open image in gallery The letter to Sir Keir Starmer has said he must act urgently to prevent misinformation spreading ( Reuters ) Selma Taha, executive director of Southall Black Sisters said: Attempts to weaponize VAWG through racist scapegoating of migrants not only distract from real solutions, but also deepen the marginalisation of Black, minoritised and migrant victim-survivors. The government, our public institutions, and the media must take responsibility for shaping an accurate, evidence-based narrative on immigration, and must end the normalisation of far-right misinformation in debates on immigration and VAWG. A Home Office spokesperson said: All acts of violence against women and girls are intolerable, so our upcoming VAWG Strategy will set out how we will protect the most vulnerable and halve these crimes in a decade. "At the same time, we know that people are concerned about the impact of illegal migration. Thats why we are changing the law to deny registered sex offenders asylum and we will do everything in our power to deport them from the UK." 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 Kemi Badenoch has been branded a hypocrite for calling for Conservative councils to challenge the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers in their local areas. The Tory leader said in a letter on Wednesday that she was encouraging councils to take the same steps as Epping Forest District Council if your legal advice supports it. But the move has been criticised as desperate and hypocritical nonsense, given the Conservatives own record with asylum hotels. At the peak of their use in the summer of 2023 under the Conservative government, there were more than 400 asylum hotels in use. Figures on those staying in hotels date back to December 2022 and showed numbers hit a peak at the end of September 2023, when there were 56,042 asylum seekers in hotels. open image in gallery A Labour spokesperson says Badenochs letter is a pathetic stunt ( PA ) The Essex council secured a temporary injunction from the High Court on Tuesday, blocking the use of Eppings Bell Hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers on planning grounds. Speaking on Thursday, shadow home secretary Chris Philp said there should not have been 56,000 people in hotels under the Conservatives, but echoed Ms Badenochs call for councils to take legal action. Mr Philp said: Kemis letter yesterday [Wednesday] said she would support and encourage Conservative councils to follow what Conservative-led Epping started in fighting the use of asylum hotels, where there is a legal basis to challenge them. What the Epping case has demonstrated is at least some of these asylum hotels the government are using arent being done so in accordance with the law. Were encouraging and supporting conservative councils to do what Epping has done in standing up for their local communities. open image in gallery The High Court has granted Epping council a temporary injunction blocking the Home Office from using the Bell Hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers ( PA ) Mr Philp said he had written to the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, to ask that people being moved out of the Bell Hotel are not sent to another hotel. School standards minister Cat McKinnell said she would not be able to comment on the specifics on where people being housed in hotels would be moved to. The government is facing the prospect that more councils across the country could also launch legal action to restrict the use of the hotels. These include Labour-run Tamworth and Wirral councils, Tory-run Broxbourne and East Lindsey councils and Reforms Staffordshire and West Northamptonshire councils. When asked whether she would support Labour-run councils in doing so, Ms McKinnell said it wasnt her place to comment on what would be a legal process and said: I think its important the government works really closely with local authorities to manage these circumstances within local communities. We recognise the legitimate concerns and the efforts that local authorities are making to make sure the situation under their locality is appropriate. open image in gallery Protesters outside the Bell Hotel in Epping earlier this week ( PA ) A Labour spokesperson said Ms Badenochs letter was a pathetic stunt and desperate and hypocritical nonsense from the architects of the broken asylum system, saying there were now 20,000 fewer asylum seekers in hotels than at their peak under the Tories. The Bell Hotel in Epping has previously been used as asylum accommodation briefly in 2020 and then between 2022 and 2024. According to Home Office figures published on Thursday, the number of asylum seekers in hotels has dropped slightly from 32,345 in March this year, to 32,059 in June. However, figures from the last 12 months during Labours first year in power show that the figure has increased from 29,585 a rise of 8 per cent. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police are braced for a weekend of potential unrest as they face a fresh wave of protests amid mounting tensions over the use of hotels to house asylum seekers. Anti-migrant groups faced off with counterprotesters in Leeds, Orpington, Chichester and Portsmouth on Friday as a weekend of nationwide protests kicked off. The demonstrations, said to be planned at 26 hotels across the country, come as a million revellers are expected to take to the streets of west London to celebrate Notting Hill Carnival. Forces will also have to grapple with a string of Premier League matches as the season enters its second week of fixtures. Despite the pressures, police chiefs insist they are constantly reviewing the intelligence picture and are well prepared to handle any protest action over the busy bank holiday weekend. Posts being shared online are advertising anti-migrant protests at 26 sites housing asylum seekers today and over the weekend, including at the Britannia hotel in Canary Wharf and The Bell Hotel in Epping, which have both been previous sites for unrest. Many will be met by counterdemonstrations, with Stand Up to Racism organising 15 events across Friday and Saturday at locations including Bournemouth, Bristol and Liverpool. open image in gallery Stand Up to Racism counterprotesters in Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, faced off with anti-migrant groups ( Gareth Fuller/PA ) On Friday, dozens of protesters could be heard shouting Get them out and Save our children while others held Union and England flags beside the TLK hotel in Orpington. Also there were counter protesters, who had marched to the hotel and could be seen holding banners and Stand Up To Racism placards which read Refugees welcome, Stop the far right. A large police cordon was formed in between the two groups and the hotel. The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that no arrests were made. The National Police Chiefs Council said forces are experienced with managing protests, and there is a well-established plan for managing resources. We are constantly reviewing the intelligence picture around protests and other demand, and whilst the Metropolitan Police Service has their own significant resourcing in place for the Notting Hill Carnival, an additional national mobilisation for protests this weekend has not been considered necessary, a spokesperson said. We continue to have national mobilisation plans in place to respond should the position change. The fresh wave of demonstrations comes as the latest figures showed the number of asylum seekers in hotels had risen to 32,000 during Labours first year in office, but remains far below the peak of 56,000 in September 2023. Meanwhile, councils across the country controlled by Labour, the Conservatives and Reform UK are investigating whether they could pursue legal challenges against asylum hotels. This follows a High Court judge granting Epping Forest District Council a temporary injunction which the government is seeking to appeal ruling that asylum seekers can no longer be accommodated at The Bell Hotel in Epping. The council had argued the injunction was needed amid unprecedented levels of protest and disruption in a string of rallies at the site after an Ethiopian refugee was charged with sexually assaulting a schoolgirl. The alleged assault triggered a series of protests, with up to 2,000 demonstrators descending on the building to demand its closure. open image in gallery Police officers outside The Bell Hotel in Epping ( PA ) Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon warned the protests are causing alarm to vulnerable refugees who have fled war in countries such as Sudan and Afghanistan, ahead of the weekend of action. Many feel hunted amid scenes of hate and intimidation on Britains streets, the Freedom from Torture charity said. A 26-year-old Afghan man who has been living in a hotel in Yorkshire for almost two years said he fears what might happen to him here. The refugee, who fled after his family were targeted by the Taliban, said: I feel like nobody likes me, the people of this city dont want us, but I dont have any other option. The Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, has repeatedly warned that ongoing unrest places forces and officers under strain. Public order duties often mean long shifts, cancelled leave, missed family time and real risk, a spokesperson added. That takes its toll. This isnt just about numbers its about resilience, wellbeing, and a system under strain. Meanwhile, the Met revealed it has arrested 100 people in a bid to deter criminals from exploiting Notting Hill Carnival following three deaths linked to the event in recent years. open image in gallery The Met has arrested 100 people in a bid to deter criminals from exploiting Notting Hill Carnival ( PA ) The force carried out intelligence-led interventions, and 21 people were recalled to prison. They seized 11 firearms, more than 40 knives, and 266 people have been banned from attending the event this weekend. Commander Charmain Brenyah said while the vast majority come to the carnival to enjoy themselves, a small minority come with less positive intentions. The actions of this minority are totally at odds with the values of those who care passionately about Carnival, and we acknowledge those, including the event organisers, who have stood up to condemn violence and serious criminality in the run-up to this weekend, she said. Our policing plan makes tackling serious violence a priority, which is why weve carried out intelligence-led interventions against those groups and individuals who we have reason to believe pose the greatest risk to the safety of other Carnival-goers. We hope that this police activity will be a significant deterrent for those who otherwise might have been planning to come and engage in violence and other criminality. The force, supported by the City of London Police and British Transport Police, said officers will be deployed in significant numbers, aided by technology including a network of CCTV cameras, screening arches and live facial recognition cameras. 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 dilemma of how to house asylum seekers in Britain got more challenging for the government after a landmark court ruling this week motivated opponents to fight hotels used as accommodation. Politicians on the right capitalized on a temporary injunction that blocked housing asylum seekers in a hotel in Epping, on the outskirts of London, to encourage other communities to also go to court. The issue is at the heart of a heated public debate over how to control unauthorized immigration that has bedeviled countries across the West as an influx of migrants seeking a better life as they flee war-torn countries, poverty, regions wracked by climate change or political persecution. In the U.K., the debate has focused on the arrival of migrants crossing the English Channel in overloaded boats run by smugglers and escalating tensions over housing thousands of asylum seekers at government expense around the country. Heres a look at the issue: The hotels The government is legally obligated to house asylum seekers. Using hotels to do so had been a marginal issue until 2020, when the number of asylum seekers increased sharply and the then-Conservative government had to find new ways to house them. There have been more than 27,000 unauthorized arrivals so far this year, nearly 50% higher than at the same point last year and ahead of the number at this time of year in 2022, when a record 45,755 came ashore. The number of asylum seekers housed in hotels stood at just over 32,000 at the end of June, according to Home Office figures released Thursday. That figure was up 8% from about 29,500 a year earlier but far below the peak of more than 56,000 in September 2023. A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001. In May, the National Audit Office said those temporarily living in hotels accounted for 35% of all people in asylum accommodation. The Epping case Anti-migrant protesters and counter-protesters gathered for weeks outside the Bell Hotel in Epping after news that a hotel resident tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl and was charged with sexual assault. The man has denied the accusation and is due to stand trial later this month. Epping Forest District Council sought a temporary injunction to shut down the hotel because of unprecedented levels of protest and disruption, which had led to several arrests. The High Court decision in favor of the council has the potential to spread elsewhere and government ministers are scrambling to work out what they can do if other councils manage to win similar rulings. However, the Epping decision was based on planning laws, which may not apply elsewhere. The politics Many politicians, such as Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage, have sought to link many of the problems the country faces, such as health and housing, with migrant arrivals. Others, including the government, argue that the likes of Farage are whipping up the issue for political gain and that there are no easy answers to an issue affecting many European countries. The leader of the main opposition Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, urged Tory councils all over the country to launch legal challenges similar to that of Epping if their legal advice allowed. The ruling Labour Party dismissed her appeal as desperate and hypocritical nonsense, but several Labour-led councils have also suggested they, too, could mount legal action against asylum hotels in their areas. The worry is that the tensions could explode into the sort of violence that ravaged many towns and cities in England last summer in the wake of a stabbing rampage at a dance class that left three girls dead and several wounded. Government options The governments first priority is to sharply decrease the number of dangerous channel crossings. Having ditched the Conservative administrations plan to send migrants who arrived by unauthorized means to Rwanda, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would disrupt the gangs profiting off migrant trafficking. The government is also looking to speed up processing asylum claims and hoping a deal with France to send migrants who cross the channel back back to France will succeed as a deterrent for others. Whether those plans succeed or not, however, the issue of what to do with the tens of thousands of asylum seekers in the country remains. Home Office minister Dan Jarvis said the government is looking for contingency options. The government scrapped the use of a barge to house migrants off the south coast earlier this year and plans to end housing at military barracks in Kent next month. But a former air base in Essex is expected to add more beds for men seeking asylum. The easiest option would most likely house asylum seekers in the private sector, but that risks compounding problems in the rental market in a country where housebuilding has been low for years. ___ Associated Press writer Danica Kirka contributed to this story. Lucy Connolly is out of jail. She was one of about 1,800 people arrested during riots last summer in the wake of the Southport murders. Connolly, from Northampton, was convicted and jailed for publishing threatening or abusive material on social media, including an incitement to set fire to all the f***ing hotels full of the bastards for all I care. Hers is one of the more high-profile cases, and some activists have taken up her cause, claiming she has been a victim of two tier policing, harsh sentencing and restricted free speech. Her sentence was 31 months, and a bid to reduce it was rejected by the Court of Appeal in May. Under current early release rules, she is allowed out on licence for the remainder of her sentence, having served 40 per cent. Lucy Connolly has been released from prison ( PA Media ) What did Connolly do wrong? Her supporters mostly concede that what she said was wrong, but many also minimise it as mere hurty words for which nobody should be given a custodial sentence. There is also the suspicion in some quarters that the punishment was heavier because of political pressure; the prime minister said at the time that the full force of the law should be brought down on offenders. But Connollys case was carefully examined at Birmingham Crown Court and the Court of Appeal. The facts were not in dispute, she pleaded guilty, and the judges have considered the context and acted within the guidelines approved by ministers. What did she post on social media? The mother of three, who was working as a childminder at the time and is the wife of a Tory councillor, wrote a number of messages but attention focused on this X post that was later deleted: Mass deportation now. Set fire to all the f***ing hotels full of the bastards for all I care. While youre at it, take the treacherous government and politicians with them. I feel physically sick knowing what these families will now have to endure. If that makes me racist, so be it. While visible, it was viewed 310,000 times and reposted 940 times. Four days earlier, Connolly had responded to a video shared online by Tommy Robinson, showing a black male being tackled to the ground for allegedly masturbating in public. Somalian, I guess. Loads of them, she wrote, adding a vomiting emoji. Five days after the Southport murders, Connolly stated on social media, referencing an anti-racism demo: Oh good. I take it they will all be in line to sign up to house an illegal boat invader then. Oh sorry, refugee. Maybe sign a waiver to say they dont mind if its one of their family that gets attacked, butchered, raped etc, by unvetted criminals. Not all heroes wear capes. Another message, on WhatsApp, read: The raging tweet about burning down hotels has bit me on the arse lol. Another message, sent later, was in response to the furore shed caused. According to the Court of Appeal, in another message she said she intended to tell authorities she had been the victim of doxing and went on to say that if she got arrested she would play the mental health card. Did she have a defence? According to the Court of Appeal: The stabbings of the children in Southport had put her into a rage. She said she felt hatred about the incident and the circumstances, not about race. She said she had taken the post down because she realised it was wrong. Later in the interview, she said her tweets were not racial and she had no intention to cause hate or racial issues. Is she a hero? To some, she is akin to Emmeline Pankhurst or Joan of Arc. Senior members of the Trump administration have raised questions about freedom of speech in the UK as a result of the treatment of those who sent messages and were subsequently convicted of public order offences. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has lauded her in these terms: Welcome to freedom, Lucy Connolly. You are now a symbol of Keir Starmers authoritarian, broken, two-tier Britain. Kemi Badenoch has attacked the way the courts treated Connolly, going in hard on the two-tier charge: Lucy Connolly finally returns home to her family today. At last. Her punishment was harsher than the sentences handed down for bricks thrown at police or actual rioting meanwhile, former Labour councillor Ricky Jones called for protestors to have their throats slit. Charged with encouraging violent disorder, he pleaded not guilty and was acquitted by a jury who saw his words as a disgusting remark made in the heat of the moment, not a call to action. Connolly will have no shortage of media outlets, some highly sympathetic, on which to appear should she wish. What does Keir Starmer think? He thinks politicians should stay out of the courtroom, and has no regrets. He told the Commons in May: Sentencing is a matter for our courts, and I celebrate the fact that we have independent courts in this country. I am strongly in favour of free speech but I am equally against incitement to violence against other people. What will happen next? Another extended skirmish in Britains endless and debilitating culture wars. Maybe that chap who took a brick to his testes during the disturbances will be the next contender for martyrdom. Did the tough sentencing work? Well, we havent had any more riots this year. 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 Reeves has been warned that cutting the tax-free amount people can withdraw from their pension pots would be self-defeating and hit responsible savers who have diligently put money aside. The chancellor will look at proposals by civil servants that could raise around 2bn by lowering the limit on how much people are allowed to take out of their pension without paying tax. Currently, pensioners can take out a quarter of their pension pot tax-free, with a cap of 268,000. Lowering the level could bring in billions of pounds of additional tax revenue each year as the Treasury grapples with a black hole of as much as 50bn. open image in gallery Rachel Reeves could consider cutting the tax-free pension lump sum allowance ( PA ) But Lisa Picardo, chief business officer at the pension platform PensionBee, said: Such a cut would disproportionately hit responsible savers who have diligently put money aside. Savers already face shifting tax rules, so removing or altering this benefit would only add more uncertainty and make it harder for people to plan with confidence. This kind of policy shift risks punishing those who have played by the rules it sends a signal that the goalposts can be moved after decisions have been made, further eroding trust in the pensions system, she added. And the former Liberal Democrat pensions minister Sir Steve Webb warned that any change to the tax-free lump sum allowance would be hugely controversial. Sir Steve, a partner at pension consultants Lane Clark and Peacock, said: For a chancellor needing money quickly, politically contentious changes which generate little short-term gain are not likely to be attractive. He said the change would hit long-standing public servants in particular, who would be snared by any last-minute changes shortly before their retirement. If the move does go ahead, he said the chancellor must introduce a transitional protection for those who have built up lump sums over any new cap. Andrew King, a retirement planning specialist at wealth manager Evelyn Partners, said the change would break a long-standing promise made to savers and could spark a move away from people making pension contributions as the benefits are eroded. This could leave them more reliant on the state when they retire, he warned. Let us also not forget that pension savers have been promised the aspirational 25 per cent tax-free lump sum for many, many years, and many retirement goals would have been planned around this, such as the holiday of a lifetime, the purchase of a motorhome, new car or holiday home, he said. Reducing this would seem to be the breaking of a long-standing promise which would detrimentally affect people's retirement plans. open image in gallery Former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb warned the change would be hugely controversial ( PA ) The Treasury did not rule out lowering the cap on the tax-free pension lump sum, but an official told The Daily Telegraph it was unlikely. A source told the paper that Ms Reeves might be forced to consider the move because of the huge sum she needs to find in this autumns Budget. Leading economists have warned the chancellor that she must raise taxes or tear up her flagship borrowing rules to fill a 50bn black hole left by a combination of Labour U-turns, higher borrowing and sluggish economic growth. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research, a leading economic think tank, said she could also look at spending cuts in the Budget to plug a 41.2bn shortfall in the targets set out by her own so-called fiscal rules. To restore an almost 10bn buffer in the current forecasts, the chancellor would therefore have to raise a total of 51.1bn, it warned. Ms Reeves is also said to be considering hitting the owners of high-value properties with capital gains tax when they sell their homes as part of an attempt to make up the spending gap. She is said to be looking at ending the current exemption from capital gains tax for primary residences a move that would be seen as a mansion tax as she seeks ways to raise cash in the face of dire warnings about the state of public finances. Speaking to the Telegraph, John Harvard, a consultant at the tax firm Blick Rothenberg, said: Rachel Reeves has taken all her easy choices for increasing tax revenue off the table by sticking with her manifesto promises. But one option that remains open to her is targeting pension tax reliefs. Pensions minister Torsten Bell has previously suggested slashing the tax-free lump sum limit to 40,000. open image in gallery Torsten Bell has previously said the cap should be lowered ( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire ) The chancellor received a boost on Thursday when government borrowing slowed to a lower-than-expected 1.1bn in July. The Office for National Statistics said the figure, which was 2.3bn less than the same month a year earlier, is the lowest July borrowing figure for three years. The announcement came after a rise in self-assessed income tax and national insurance payments helped increase tax receipts for the month. Chief secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: Far too much taxpayer money is spent on interest payments for the longstanding national debt. Thats why were driving down government borrowing over the course of the parliament so working people dont have to foot the bill and we can invest in better schools, hospitals and services for working families. 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. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Deputies in South Lake Tahoe, California, had a bizarre early-morning encounter when they were called to a local ice cream store. A large bear had decided it wanted service and had made its way behind the counter, wanting something sweet. The scene on Sunday was captured in photos as the brown bear appeared to be squatted on its hindquarters, peering over the counter with a row of empty stools in the foreground. Staff at the Ice Cream Shop at Camp Richardson nicknamed the bear Fuzzy according to authorities. The animal reportedly had a strong preference for strawberry ice cream and officers were able to coax the bear out of the service area and back into the wild. open image in gallery A large bear was found in an ice cream shop in South Lake Tahoe by El Dorado County Sheriff's deputies ( El Dorado County Sheriff's Office ) The bear caused little to no damage and cleanup was reportedly minimal. No one was harmed, and no ice cream cones were missing, according to ABC7 KRCR. In a Facebook post, the El Dorado County Sheriffs Office wrote: In the early morning hours of last Sunday, August 17th, Deputies were dispatched to a call for service at the Ice Cream Shop at Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe. The deputies could barely believe their eyes as they saw a large bear behind the counter of the shop. With some encouragement, the bear ultimately left, but only after showing interest in the strawberry ice cream. Thankfully, Fuzzy the bear caused barely any property damage, and there was barely any cleanup. open image in gallery 'Fuzzy' the bear seemed quite at home behind the counter of the Ice Cream Shop at Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe ( El Dorado County Sheriff's Office ) Last week, the National Park Service warned visitors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park not to feed bears, as it can lead to serious consequences for the animal and pose an extreme danger to visitors. By eating human food, bears can lose their preference for natural food sources and their fear of humans. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food. They can become aggressive, unpredictable, and dangerous, the agencys website explains. Bears looking for human food and garbage can damage property and injure people. These bears pose a risk to public safety and are often euthanized as a result. 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 Six people are dead following a dairy accident on a farm in Weld County, Colorado. Emergency crews were dispatched to a confined space rescue on Wednesday evening, the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District announced on Thursday afternoon. There, crews recovered six deceased individuals from the space, officials said. Fire officials referred to the incident as a dairy accident, but did not provide additional details. A preliminary investigation suggests the six victims were exposed to gas at Prospect Valley Dairy near Keenesburg, a northern Colorado town about 40 miles outside of Denver, the Weld County Coroners Office told CBS News. Officials have yet to release the victims identities. The coroners office said all six victims were men and most were adults, though one victim may have been a 17-year-old. The Weld County Sheriffs Office also responded to the scene to support fire department personnel, Public Information Officer Melissa Chesmore told The Independent. At this time, nothing criminal in nature has been discovered, she added. Dairy Farmers of America, a milk marketing cooperative, confirmed the incident happened at one of its member farms. We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and most sincere condolences go out to the friends and families of the deceased, the organization said in a statement. At this early stage, we have no further details." The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is now investigating the incident, a spokesperson for the agency told The Independent. Officials will release more information when the investigation is complete. A man who previously worked at the farm told local outlet Denver7 he went to the scene on Thursday because he knew the victims. "They started working here about six years ago," the employee, identified as Ines, said. That's why I came, because they were my friends." 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 Hurricane Erin moved away from the U.S. on Friday after battering North Carolinas Outer Banks and deluging other areas of the East Coast. The storm has weakened to a Category 1 as it continues to move towards Nova Scotia in Canada, having failed to make landfall in the U.S, according to The National Hurricane Center in Miami. Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 season, is expected to become a post-tropical storm later on Friday or Saturday morning as it continues to advance out to sea. Forecasters say that the strong waves and swells created by the storm could last for several more days. open image in gallery A National Hurricane Center map of Hurricane Erin's probable path ( National Hurricane Center ) Officials in Virginia moved resources to Virginia Beach and other coastal areas to prepare for any potential flooding or damage from the outer bands of the hurricane. Erin produced swells that impacted Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, Atlantic Canada, and the Bahamas during its journey up the edge of North America. Rough ocean conditions and dangerous rip currents were seen along virtually all of the North American East Coast from Florida northward. The National Weather Service issued tropical storm warnings for eastern North Carolina from Beaufort Inlet to Chincoteague, Virginia. The warnings included Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds in North Carolina. open image in gallery Surfers ride the waves amid Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, in the Atlantic Ocean at Lido Beach, New York ( Reuters ) Local officials in the Outer Banks reported that sections of Highway 12 the only road connecting the Outer Banks to mainland North Carolina were flooded and closed off, preventing travel off the island until the swells receded. Some residents and vacationers evacuated from the Outer Banks ahead of the storms approach, according to USA TODAY. Dare County officials who represent part of the Outer Banks ordered evacuations on Monday. As the hurricane passes by Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, the NWS predicts it could generate waves between 8 and 20 feet. Those waves could contribute to coastal flooding and erosion in the region. open image in gallery has weakened to a Category 1 as it continues to move towards Nova Scotia in Canada ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Residents in parts of Florida like Ponce Inlet were subjected to large waves generated by Hurricane Erin early on Wednesday morning. On Monday, thousands in Puerto Rico were left without power due to the storm. Erin began as a cluster of storms off the northwest coast of Africa before it spun into a tropical storm and then a hurricane. The storm is notable for reaching major hurricane status given to any storms that reach Category 3 or higher this early in hurricane season. According to the NHC, major hurricanes tend to form in the middle of hurricane season, usually in September through mid-October. 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 Police officers have arrested 18 people demonstrating in a pro-Palestine protest outside of Microsofts global headquarters in Washington state. The tech giants HQ in Redmond, just north of Seattle, has experienced two consecutive days of protests since Tuesday as demonstrators called for Microsoft to cease its business ties with Israel immediately and demanded the company pay reparations to the Palestinian people. Redmond police said officers were dispatched to a large gathering of protestors in the Microsoft courtyard, outside the HQ, on Wednesday at around 12:15 p.m. Officers initially attempted to trespass the protestors, but they resisted and became aggressive, the Redmond Police Department said. Images posted online by the department showed the Microsoft sign drenched in red paint. Every day for the past 22 months, the Israeli military has used Microsoft technology to starve and bomb Palestinians in Gaza, while actively displacing Palestinians in an ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing, a statement posted by the organization No Azure for Apartheid wrote on X. Last week, Microsoft said it was tapping a law firm to investigate allegations reported by The Guardian that the Israeli Defense Forces used Microsoft's Azure cloud computing platform to store phone call data obtained through the mass surveillance of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Microsofts standard terms of service prohibit this type of usage," the company said in a statement posted Friday, adding that the report raises precise allegations that merit a full and urgent review. The tech giant said it would share the findings after law firm Covington & Burling completes its review. open image in gallery The Microsoft campus in Redmond was drenched in red paint by protestors, police said ( Redmond WA Police ) A group of current and former Microsoft employees are believed to have organized the protest, The Verge reported Tuesday. Around 50 people were said to be in attendance when the event began. The group cordoned off site areas, naming one the Liberated Zone encampment, while standing with a banner outside the East Campus Plaza that read The Martyred Palestinian Childrens Plaza. A statement posted by the organization said the peaceful demonstration was interrupted by a brutal mass arrest, involving physical violence. Videos posted on social media of the scene showed protesters being wrestled to the ground and dragged away from the courtyard. open image in gallery Demonstrators were seen being held down on the ground and arrested ( Redmond WA Police ) Get back or youre gonna get sprayed, a Redmond police officer is heard threatening in one clip. One male protestor is heard saying, Why the f*** did you shoot me, bro?, to a police officer. In response to this peaceful opposition to war crimes, Microsoft and Redmond Police retaliated against protestors with the brutal mass arrest of 18 protestors, chemical weapons, and physical violence, No Azure for Apartheid wrote on X Thursday. Current workers, former workers, and community members were hog-tied, violently dragged, and pepper-sprayed in a repressive escalation. Microsoft and Redmond Police chose to dehumanize, brutalize, and criminalize people of conscience for opposing Microsoft's ACTUAL war crimes. Redmond police said other demonstrators had blocked a pedestrian bridge and were using stolen tables and chairs from vendors to form a barrier. open image in gallery At least 50 demonstrators were reported to be at the scene when things kicked off Tuesday ( Redmond WA Police ) A total of 18 people were taken into custody for multiple charges, which included trespassing, malicious mischief, resisting arrest, and obstruction. No injuries were reported from the scene. Microsoft has perpetually come under fire from pro-Palestine supporters for its continued work with Israel. At the companys 50th anniversary celebration in April, a software engineer in the companys AI division interrupted Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleymans speech, calling for an end to an agreement that allows the Israeli military to use the companys AI products. After months of facing mounting pressure from activists, employees, and the public, Microsoft said it had found no evidence to support such claims. Based on these reviews, including interviewing dozens of employees and assessing documents, we have found no evidence to date that Microsofts Azure and AI technologies have been used to target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza. open image in gallery Over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 22-month war in Gaza, reports the Palestinian Health Ministry ( AFP/Getty ) In July, the United Nations released a report mapping the corporations aiding Israel in the displacement of Palestinians and its war on Gaza, in breach of international law. The report named 48 corporate actors, including the triad of tech companies, Microsoft, Alphabet Inc., and Amazon. On Monday, Hamas said it had accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The proposal, however, would still require Israels approval. This came in tandem with the Palestinian Health Ministry, confirming that more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 22-month war in Gaza. In its most recent quarter, ending June 30, Microsofts revenue was reported to be $76.4 billion. The Independent contacted Microsoft for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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 homes on North Carolinas Outer Banks are teetering on the brink, their days seemingly numbered as they face the relentless Atlantic. Since 2020, 11 neighbouring properties in the area have already succumbed to the oceans advance. While swells from distant storms like Hurricane Erin exacerbate the immediate danger, the underlying threats are constant: escalating beach erosion and the pervasive impact of climate change are steadily pushing the coastline inwards. These two houses, located in the village of Rodanthe, a community of around 200 residents, have drawn significant attention. Rodanthes unique geography, jutting further into the Atlantic than any other part of North Carolina, renders its properties particularly vulnerable to the encroaching sea. Jan Richards looked at the houses Tuesday as high tides sent surges of water into the support beams on the two-story homes. She gestured where two other houses used to be before their recent collapse. The one in the middle fell last year. It fell into that house. So you can see where it crashed into that house. But that has been really resilient and has stayed put up until probably this storm, Richards said. open image in gallery Tropical Weather Endangered Homes ( Maggie Ford takes a photo of a teetering stilt house being pummeled by waves from Hurricane Erin in Rodanthe, N.C., on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed) ) At least 11 other houses have toppled into the surf in Rodanthe in the past five years, according to the National Park Service, which oversees much of the Outer Banks. Barrier islands like the Outer Banks were never an ideal place for development, according to experts. The islands typically form as waves deposit sediment off the mainland. And they move based on weather patterns and other ocean forces. Some even disappear. Decades ago, houses and other buildings were smaller, less elaborate and easier to move from the encroaching surf, said David Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Perhaps it was more well understood in the past that the barrier island was dynamic, that it was moving, Hallac said. And if you built something on the beachfront it may not be there forever or it may need to be moved. Even the largest structures aren't immune. Twenty-six years ago the Outer Banks most famous landmark, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse had to be moved over a half-mile (880 meters) inland. open image in gallery The Cape Hatteras lighthouse stands, Aug. 29, 1995 on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. (AP Photo/Ruth Fremson, File) ( AP1995 ) When it was built in 1870, the lighthouse was 1,500 feet (457 meters) from the ocean. Fifty years later, the Atlantic was 300 feet (91 meters) away. And erosion keeps coming, Some places along the Outer Banks lose as much as 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) of beachfront a year, Hallac said. And so every year, 10 to 15 feet of that white sandy beach is gone, Hallac said. And then the dunes and then the back-dune area. And then all of a sudden, the foreshore, that area between low water and high water, is right up next to somebodys backyard. And then the erosion continues. The ocean attacks the houses by the wooden pilings that provide their foundation and keep them above the water. The supports could be 15 feet (4.5 meters) deep. But the surf slowly takes away the sand that is packed around them. Its like a toothpick in wet sand or even a beach umbrella, Hallac said. The deeper you put it, the more likely it is to stand up straight and resist leaning over. But if you only put it down a few inches, it doesnt take much wind for that umbrella to start leaning. And it starts to tip over. A single home collapse can shed debris up to 15 miles (25 kilometers) along the coast, according to a report from a group of federal, state and local officials who are studying threatened oceanfront structures in North Carolina. Collapses can injure beachgoers and lead to potential contamination from septic tanks, among other environmental concerns. The report noted that 750 of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina are considered at risk from erosion. open image in gallery Tropical Weather ( NOAA ) Among the possible solutions is hauling dredged sand to eroding beaches, something that is already being done in other communities on the Outer Banks and East Coast. But it could cost $40 million or more in Rodanthe, posing a major financial challenge for its small tax base Other ideas include buying out threatened properties, moving or demolishing them. But those options are also very expensive. And funding is limited. Braxton Davis, executive director of the North Carolina Coastal Federation, a nonprofit, said the problem isnt limited to Rodanthe or even to North Carolina. He pointed to erosion issues along Californias coast, the Great Lakes and some of the nations rivers. This is a national issue, Davis said, adding that sea levels are rising and the situation is only going to become worse. 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 Jamel Bishop is seeing a big change in his classrooms as he begins his senior year at Doss High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where cellphones are now banned during instructional time. In previous years, students often werent paying attention and wasted class time by repeating questions, the teenager said. Now, teachers can provide more one-on-one time for the students who actually need it. Kentucky is one of 17 states and the District of Columbia starting this school year with new restrictions, bringing the total to 35 states with laws or rules limiting phones and other electronic devices in school. This change has come remarkably quickly: Florida became the first state to pass such a law in 2023. Both Democrats and Republicans have taken up the cause, reflecting a growing consensus that phones are bad for kids' mental health and take their focus away from learning, even as some researchers say the issue is less clear-cut. Anytime you have a bill thats passed in California and Florida, you know youre probably onto something thats pretty popular," Georgia state Rep. Scott Hilton, a Republican, told a forum on cellphone use last week in Atlanta. open image in gallery A cell phone locker is seen at Ronald McNair Sr. High School, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Phones are banned throughout the school day in 18 of the states and the District of Columbia, although Georgia and Florida impose such bell-to-bell bans only from kindergarten through eighth grade. Another seven states ban them during class time, but not between classes or during lunch. Still others, particularly those with traditions of local school control, mandate only a cellphone policy, believing districts will take the hint and sharply restrict phone access. For students, the rules add new school-day rituals, like putting phones in magnetic pouches or special lockers. Students have been locking up their phones during class at McNair High School in suburban Atlanta since last year. Audreanna Johnson, a junior, said most of them did not want to turn in their phones at first, because students would use them to gossip, texting their other friends in other classes to see whats the tea and whats going on around the building. That resentment is starting to ease down now, she said. "More students are willing to give up their phones and not get distracted. But there are drawbacks like not being able to listen to music when working independently in class. Im kind of 50-50 on the situation because me, I use headphones to do my schoolwork. I listen to music to help focus, she said. open image in gallery A cell phone locker is seen at Ronald McNair Sr. High School, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) In a survey of 125 Georgia school districts by Emory University researchers, parental resistance was cited as the top obstacle to regulating student use of social and digital media. Johnsons mother, Audrena Johnson, said she worries most about knowing her children are safe from violence at school. School messages about threats can be delayed and incomplete, she said, like when someone who wasnt a McNair student got into a fight on school property, which she learned about when her daughter texted her during the school day. My child having her phone is very important to me, because if something were to happen, I know instantly, Johnson said. Many parents echo this generally supporting restrictions but wanting a say in the policymaking and better communication, particularly about safety and they have a real need to coordinate schedules with their children and to know about any problems their children may encounter, said Jason Allen, the national director of partnerships for the National Parents Union. We just changed the cell phone policy, but arent meeting the parents' needs in regards to safety and really training teachers to work with students on social emotional development, Allen said. Some researchers say it's not yet clear what types of social media may cause harm, and whether restrictions have benefits, but teachers love the policy, according to Julie Gazmararian, a professor of public health at Emory University who does surveys and focus groups to research the effects of a phone ban in middle school grades in the Marietta school district near Atlanta. They could focus more on teaching, Gazmararian said. There were just not the disruptions. Another benefit: More positive interactions among students. They were saying that kids are talking to each other in the hallways and in the cafeteria, she said. And in the classroom, there is a noticeably lower amount of discipline referrals. Gazmararian is still compiling numbers on grades and discipline, and cautioned that her work may not be able to answer whether bullying has been reduced or mental health improved. Social media use clearly correlates with poor mental health, but research cant yet prove it causes it, according to Munmun De Choudhury, a Georgia Tech professor who studies this issue. We need to be able to quantify what types of social media use are causing harm, what types of social media use can be beneficial, De Choudhury said. Some state legislatures are bucking the momentum. Wyoming's Senate in January rejected requiring districts to create some kind of a cellphone policy after opponents argued that teachers and parents need to be responsible. And in the Michigan House in July, a Republican-sponsored bill directing schools to ban phones bell-to-bell in grades K-8 and during high school instruction time was defeated in July after Democrats insisted on upholding local control. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, among multiple governors who made restricting phones in schools a priority this year, is still calling for a bill to come to her desk. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice When floodwaters rushed through a girl's summer camp nestled in the Texas Hill County, Michael McCown's 8-year-old daughter was among 27 campers and counselors swept to their deaths. On Wednesday, McCown joined other Camp Mystic parents, some wearing buttons memorializing Heaven's 27, in demanding that Texas lawmakers pass a bill that would boost camp safety, including generally keeping cabins out of floodplains, instituting new requirements for emergency plans and mandating weather radios. It will hurt my family forever that, for reasons I still do not know, these protections were not in place nor thought out thoroughly for my daughter and the rest of the girls here, he said. "Please pass this bill, protect our kids and do not let their deaths be in vain. His middle child, Linnie, was sandwiched between two brothers. She was sometimes a pest to her 11-year-old brother. But to the youngest, just 3, she was mother figure, making him cereal on weekends so her parents could catch a few minutes of sleep. To everyone else she was a joy," her father told lawmakers. "She hugged her teachers, was a friend to everybody, and spread an infectious giggle everywhere she went. Then came the floods. Just before daybreak on the Fourth of July, destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the Guadalupe River, washing away homes and vehicles. All told, at least 136 people died, raising questions about how things went so terribly wrong. County leaders were asleep and out of town. The head of Camp Mystic had been tracking the weather beforehand, but it's now unclear whether he saw an urgent warning from the National Weather Service that had triggered an emergency alert to phones in the area, a spokesman for camps operators said in the immediate aftermath. Some of the camps buildings which flooded were in what the Federal Emergency Management Agency considered a 100-year flood plain. But in response to an appeal, FEMA in 2013 amended the countys flood map to remove 15 of the camps buildings from the hazard area. Upon learning of the flooding, McCown rushed to the town of Kerrville to pick up Linnie, receiving an email en route that if parents hadn't been personally contacted, then their daughters are accounted for. I felt a wave of relief, which was quickly shattered about 30 minutes later when my wife called incredibly distraught to say that Linnie is missing, he recalled. He joined the search downstream from the camp and found the body of a deceased girl. He also made two trips to a funeral home to identify bodies. One was not Linnie; the other, he believed, was. He later provided authorities with a DNA swab. He's haunted by questions. How," he asked, "could these girls vanish into the night without anyone having eyes on them while cabins literally just 20 yards away had no casualties? So what went wrong? Texas State Sen. Charles Perry described the proposed legislation as a legacy to the loss and an answer to what has been learned during hours of public testimony. He said it's dubbed the Heavens 27 Camp Safety Act. Its only appropriate," Perry said, "to memorialize the 27 little girls that lost their lives at Camp Mystic in this way. 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 At least 600 employees at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are expected to receive layoff notices this week as the administration seeks to downsize the agency just weeks after its headquarters became the target of a deadly shooting. Some workers in the U.S. public health agency began receiving notices this week of final terminations, but others have not, making it difficult to determine how many people are being let go, the American Federation of Government Employees, the union representing hundreds of thousands of government employees, said. The agency cuts are occurring roughly a week after a federal judge ruled that hundreds of CDC employees could be laid off, with some exceptions. The cuts also come just as CDC employees are returning to its headquarters in Georgia after a gunman fired 180 shots at the building, causing dozens of windows to shatter and leaving bullet holes scattered across the building. Employees who returned to the office this week after the traumatic shooting shared photos with NOTUS that showed windows still damaged by bullet holes and handwritten signs taped to chairs warning people of glass on the carpet. open image in gallery At least 600 CDC employees are expected to get layoff notices this week, not long after employees experienced a deadly shooting ( AP ) While no CDC employees were killed in the shooting, the gunman, reportedly disgruntled about the Covid-19 vaccine, fatally shot one police officer. Some of those employees being laid off include those in the CDCs violence prevention division, who, in an open letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., called the cuts harmful and negligent. Cutting this work now, especially after the horrific and tragic shooting that killed DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose and trapped our children in the on-site daycare center into the night while targeting federal employees, is not just harmful it is negligent, the 150 employees said. In a separate letter, hundreds of other CDC and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry employees scolded Kennedy for spreading health misinformation the same kind that may have led the gunman to blame the Covid-19 vaccine for mental health issues. When the federal workforce is not safe, America is not safe, the employees wrote. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is complicit in dismantling Americas public health infrastructure and endangering the nations health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information. open image in gallery Windows on a CDC building marked by bullet holes from the deadly shooting that occurred in August ( REUTERS ) Kennedy has a long history of spreading false information about vaccines, bolstering pseudosciences, and downplaying the seriousness of diseases such as measles or HIV/AIDS. The agency has pushed back against the criticism of Kennedy from staff, however. Secretary Kennedy is standing firmly with CDC employees both on the ground and across every center ensuring their safety and well-being remain a top priority, HHS said in a statement to the Washington Post. Any attempt to conflate widely supported public health reforms with the violence of a suicidal mass shooter is an attempt to politicize a tragedy. A CDC official told The Independent that the layoffs were consistent with downsizing efforts which were first announced in March. Some CDC employees told NOTUS that morale was low upon returning to the office recently, due to the impending layoffs and leaderships stance toward their lifesaving medical research and development. We trudge on because we believe in what we do, and we feel a sense of responsibility to the American people, and for some of us, to those beyond the U.S., the CDC employees 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 Vice President JD Vance has revealed his closest buddies in the Trump administration. During an interview with Fox News Wednesday, Vance was asked about his closest allies, but initially seemed hesitant to respond, insisting he had "a lot" of good friends at work. He explained his hesitance by saying that the weird thing is, you say its one person and then fundamentally thats an insult to other people." Eventually though he revealed his best friends at work are Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. We are very close, we were close in the Senate, hes been a great friend of mine, I think hes doing a great job, Vance said of Rubio. open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Oval Office during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys visit to the White House in February ( Getty Images ) And the feeling appears mutual. When Fox News host and presidential daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, asked Rubio last month whether he'd consider running for the White House again, he dodged and heaped praise onto Vance. I think JD Vance would be a great nominee," Rubio said. "I think hes doing a great job as vice president. Hes a close friend. Vance has previously said that he spends time with Rubio outside of the White House, and described him as more impressive in private than he is in public at the American Compass gala in June, according to Real Clear Politics. President Trump also appears to have noticed the close friendship, suggesting that Vance and Rubio could run on the same ticket for the White House next time around. I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form, Trump said. On Wednesday, Vance also spoke about his friendship with Hegseth, explaining they had just dined together at a burger joint in Washington. open image in gallery Vance went on to say that he and Hegseth had dined together at a burger joint in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The trio have also found themselves in hot water together during Signalgate earlier this year. The scandal erupted in March when Trumps short-lived national security adviser Mike Waltz accidentally added Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a group chat in which top secret information about an upcoming bombing raid on Houthi rebels in Yemen was discussed. The group chat included Hegseth, Vance, Rubio, along with other top defense officials. Since then, the Secretary of Defense has fired three of his top aides in relation to a Pentagon leak investigation over the disclosure of classified materials. But on Wednesday, Vance insisted that Hegseth is doing a good job. I think hes doing a great job as Secretary of Defense, Vance told Fox News. The vice president went on to suggest that Hegseth's controversies were a concerted effort by the "DC swamp" to undermine him. The DC Swamp tried to destroy Pete Hegseth unlike anybody in the administration, Vance added. Whenever I see the worst people in the world trying to tear a guy down that makes me think hes on our side. 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 JD Vance has said that Europe should carry the burden and take the lions share of the responsibility for safeguarding Ukraine should a peace deal with Russia be secured. Defense Undersecretary for Policy Elbridge Colby has meanwhile said that American involvement in any future peacekeeping mission in the region would be minimal, according to Politico. The comments come as President Donald Trump continues in his attempt to play mediator in separate talks between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, meeting with the Russian president in Alaska last week and Zelensky in D.C. on Monday in the company of Europes leading heads of state in pursuit of a breakthrough. open image in gallery U.S. Vice President JD Vance discusses America's involvement in attempting to end Russia's war in Ukraine with Laura Ingraham on Fox News on Wednesday August 20 2025 ( Fox News ) Trump has ruled out sending any American ground troops into Eastern Europe but said it could support the peacekeeping effort by air, stating that Europes powers would be the first line of defence but receive a lot of help from the U.S. Speaking to Laura Ingraham on Fox News on Wednesday, Vance said, I think that we should be helpful if its necessary to stop the war and to stop the killing. But I think that we should expect, and the president certainly expects, Europe to play the leading role here. What he said very clearly is: Look, the United States is open to having the conversation, but were not going to make commitments until we figure out what is going to be necessary to stop the war in the first place. Despite the lack of major announcements so far, the VP insisted that great progress is being made. You can never say with certainty what the outcome in this situation is going to be, he told Ingraham. But we now have the Russians talking to the Ukrainians; theyre talking details about what would be necessary on each side to stop the fighting, to stop the killing. open image in gallery Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio talk as they attend a press conference held by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin last week ( Reuters ) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov struck a much more cautious note on Wednesday, warning that negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine without Moscows involvement would amount to a road to nowhere. We cannot agree with the fact that now it is proposed to resolve questions of security, collective security, without the Russian Federation, he said. This will not work. Although Trump has dismissed the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO, a red line for Putin, his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the military alliances Secretary General Mark Rutte have proposed offering Kyiv a collective defense agreement of its own similar to that underwriting the 32-member bloc, which Lavrov may have been obliquely warning against. Colbys comment came as European military leaders met with Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at which defense officials from the U.K., France, Germany, and Finland reportedly pushed the U.S. delegation for more details on what military resources it was prepared to provide. Theres the dawning reality that this will be Europe making this happen on the ground, a dismayed Nato diplomat, who was briefed on the talks, said afterwards. The U.S. is not fully committed to anything. I dont know where that leaves us, one of the European officials said. Pretty much back to where we were in the spring with the coalition of the willing. 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 Employees of Smartmatic, the U.K.-headquartered election technology company, face accusations from federal prosecutors of systematically overbilling Los Angeles County for voting machines used in the 2020 election. The company allegedly used the surplus funds to create a slush fund for bribing government officials, according to a criminal case against three company executives. Smartmatic is involved in a multibillion-dollar defamation lawsuit against Fox News after the network claimed it was involved in conspiracy theories to steal the 2020 election from Donald Trump. Joe Biden defeated the incumbent president in both the popular vote and the Electoral College. Prosecutors in a Florida federal corruption case against Smartmatic co-founder Roger Alejandro Pinate Martinez and two other company officials allege that bribery was part of the companys business model. While the recipients of the alleged misuse of county taxpayer money have not been identified, Dean Logan, the countys top voting official, has reported having regular meetings with Pinate, The Los Angeles Times reports. open image in gallery Los Angeles County rolled out a Smartmatic Voting System for the 2020 election and now federal prosecutors accuse company officials of bribery ( AFP via Getty Images ) The allegations also extend internationally with prosecutors claiming similar schemes occurred in the Philippines and Venezuela. Last year, Pinate was charged with bribery and money laundering in the Philippines, where executives are accused of inflating voting machine prices to secure $182 million (135 million) in contracts for its 2016 election to bribe a top election official. In Venezuela, Smartmatic employees are said to have used a similar fund to buy a home with a pool for a long-time elections official in 2019. This detail surfaced in an August 1 court filing in the Philippines corruption case. In Los Angeles County, where Smartmatic won a $209 million contract for the 2020 election considered the largest election technology deal in U.S. history the company allegedly used county money to create a similar type of slush fund. Prosecutors plan to present financial and business records, witness testimony, and electronic communications to strengthen their case, which they claim reveals a broader pattern of bribery. According to the August 1 filing, the company is accused of regularly adding a surplus fee of $10 to $50 per machine sent to the three jurisdictions, with these funds designated for bribes. Federal prosecutors declined to comment on the ongoing criminal case when contacted by the LA Times. Logan, the countys registrar-recorder, stated: The county has no knowledge or visibility into how Smartmatic USA used proceeds from that contract. The contract between Los Angeles County and Smartmatic USA was competitively bid, evaluated, and awarded in compliance with the countys open competitive public procurement processes. A spokesperson for the registrar-recorders office added that no evidence was found of the surplus charges alleged by federal prosecutors and that the price of machines always remained the same. No federal prosecutors have contacted the department. Smartmatic spokesperson Samira Saba accused the Department of Justice of filing the motion with misrepresentations that were untethered from reality. In a statement, the company asserted: Let us be clear: Smartmatic wins business because were the best at what we do. We operate ethically and abide by all laws always, both in Los Angeles County and every jurisdiction where we operate. As the federal corruption case against the Smartmatic employees gets underway, L.A. Countys Logan faces separate civil allegations that he benefited from a close relationship with company management. This included upscale dinners, a trip to Taiwan and the Maldives, as well as other outings, according to reported county emails and text messages. Logan later stated in a civil case deposition that these were exempt from disclosure because he attended in a personal capacity. The emails and depositions emerged in an unusual 1,000-page public records lawsuit filed this month by Fox News, whose representatives say they need county records to defend themselves against the multibillion-dollar defamation lawsuit brought by Smartmatic. Smartmatic gained widespread recognition in 2020 after Fox News falsely reported that the company, along with Dominion Voting Systems, helped rig the 2020 election against President Trump. This conspiracy was widely pushed by Trump surrogates both on-air and in legal filings that ultimately failed. open image in gallery Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani, campaign surrogates for President Donald Trump, questioned the results of the 2020 election in a series of failed legal challenges and conspiracy theories, many involving voting machines ( Getty Images ) At the time, Dominion voting machines were used in about two dozen states, while Smartmatic was only used in L.A. County its first business in North America. Dominion filed a defamation suit against Fox which was settled for $787.5 million. Smartmatic filed a similar lawsuit in 2021 seeking $2.7 billion. Smartmatic also launched defamation lawsuits against some of its accusers. In addition to Fox News, the company sued Mike Lindell, Newsmax, One America News Network, Sidney Powell, and Rudy Giuliani. As part of its defense, Fox News lawyers have focused on the relationship between Logan and Smartmatic, arguing that the county is withholding crucial records. The network declined to elaborate on the allegations made in the lawsuit when contacted by the LA Times. Logan said in a statement that the county is being used as a pawn in both the civil lawsuit and federal corruption case and said the voluminous records the county released refute the salacious allegations. The federal criminal case against Smartmatic executives started during the Biden administration with charges filed in August 2024. The Trump administration paused most foreign bribery cases after he took office for a second term, but allowed the charges against Smartmatic executives to proceed. Records released to Fox News by L.A. County, which the media company included as exhibits in the civil public records lawsuit, show no evidence of the voter fraud espoused on air by the networks guests in 2020 that led to the whirlwind of conspiracy theories and the subsequent defamation case. 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 President Barack Obama said he supports California Democrats' efforts to redraw congressional districts aiming to offset a similar move passed Wednesday by Texas Republicans. I wanted just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas, and take it to the voters and see what happens, Obama said on Tuesday in a rare political intervention and his first public comments expressing support for the push by California Governor Gavin Newsom. But I want to be very clear: Given that Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House that is effectively saying, Gerrymander for partisan purposes so we can maintain the House despite our unpopular policies, redistrict right in the middle of a decade between censuses which is not how the system was designed I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this. The Texas House of Representatives passed a new Trump-backed congressional map plan that would net the Republican party as many as five additional seats in next years midterms, potentially solidifying GOP control of Congress. The 88-to-52 vote occurred along party lines. It came after Democratic lawmakers in Texas temporarily fled to deny the statehouse a quorum, thereby temporarily halting the redistricting effort. open image in gallery Former President Barack Obama spoke out in favor of California Governor Gavin Newsoms response to redistricting in Texas by Republicans ( Getty Images ) Obama was one of several prominent Democrats who called those lawmakers to commend them for their efforts to protect democracy. 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. Despite their efforts, the GOP proposal passed. The Texas state Senate passed a similar map on Sunday, and the new map is expected to head to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk later this week. open image in gallery Trump urged the Texas GOP to redraw state congressional maps to gain more Republican seats ( Andrew Harnik/Getty Images ) In July, President Trump said that he was urging the Texas GOP to redraw state congressional maps to gain more Republican seats, with the president later claiming the GOP was entitled to more seats in the state following his successful 2024 campaign there. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Republicans hold a single-digit majority and are facing an unfavorable electoral dynamic ahead of the 2026 midterms in November next year. To head off GOP efforts to preserve their majority by creating new districts, Democrats have been spurred into action. After the new map was passed in the Lone Star State, Governor Newsom of California posted on X about his counterpart: Congratulations to @GregAbbott_TX -- you will now go down in history as one of Donald Trump's most loyal lapdogs. He added: Shredding our nations founding principles. What a legacy. open image in gallery California Governor Gavin Newsom is leading the Democratic pushback to Republican efforts to create new GOP-leaning seats to hold onto the House of Representatives ( Getty Images ) Newsom is backing a plan in California to redraw congressional maps via a ballot measure in November; his party plans to shift five Republican-held districts to increase the number of Democratic voters in them in a direct response to Texas. The governor has said Californias new maps will be temporary, an approach Obama described as a smart, measured approach, designed to address a very particular problem in a very particular moment in time. Obama noted that, as the process must be voted on, Californians would have their say at the ballot box, unlike in Texas. The fact that California voters will have a chance to weigh in on this makes this act consistent with our democratic ideals, rather than in opposition to our democratic ideals, Obama said. open image in gallery Obama noted that, as the redistricting process must be voted on, Californians would have their say at the ballot box, unlike in Texas. ( Getty Images ) Were not going to act as if anything is normal any longer. Yes, well fight fire with fire. Yes, we will push back. Its not about whether we play hardball anymore, Newsom said at a virtual news conference with other Democratic leaders on Wednesday. Its about how we play hardball. And California has your back. In a later post on X, he wrote: Its on, Texas. Californias Supreme Court has already denied a Republican request to intervene on the Democratic Redistricting legislation. A one-page ruling reads: The petition for writ of mandate and application for stay are denied. Petitioners have failed to meet their burden of establishing a basis for relief at this time under California Constitution article IV, section 8. Newsoms press office, which has been on a tear over the past week mimicking Trump, asked on X: What do you call a lawsuit that gets tossed in less than 48 hours? and said they would retweet the best responses. The California legislature is expected to vote on the motion to put new maps on the ballot by the end of this week. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also indicated a readiness to engage in aggressive redistricting tactics, stating that Democrats in the state are prepared to fight fire with fire against Republican efforts. Her stance mirrors that of Newsom and mid-decade redistricting is also on the table. Despite existing state laws designed to ensure independent commissions and curb gerrymandering Hochul has expressed openness to such measures. open image in gallery New York Governor Kathy Hochul is also open to Newsom's approach to redistricting but the process would be different in her state ( Getty Images ) Earlier this month, when questioned on whether New York's Independent Redistricting Commission established to keep the process separate from the Legislature should be disbanded or altered to expedite redistricting, Hochul unequivocally replied: Yes. Im tired of fighting this fight with my hand tied behind my back, the governor continued. To think were going to do this with a purity test the reason were able to draw the lines is were Democrats and the majority of the people in this state elected us to be leaders. Republicans take over the Legislature? They can have at it. But until then, were in charge and were sick and tired of being pushed around. On Wednesday, after the news of that Texas redistricting had passed, Hochul posted on X: Game on. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a new Trump-backed congressional map plan that would net the Republican party as many as five additional seats in next years midterms, potentially solidifying GOP control of the U.S. Congress. The 88-to-52 vote occurred along party lines. It came after Democratic lawmakers in Texas temporarily fled to deny the statehouse quorum to move forward with the redistricting effort. The state Senate passed a similar map on Sunday, and the new map is expected to head to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk later this week. In July, President Trump said he was pushing the Texas GOP to redraw state congressional maps to pick up more Republican seats, with the president later claiming the GOP was entitled to more seats in the state after his successful 2024 campaign there. Texas will be the biggest one, Trump said at the time. And thatll be five. open image in gallery The Texas House passed a Trump-backed congressional redistricting plan, potentially locking in five additional Republican seats for 2026 midterms, as blue states like California threaten to add more Democratic seats in response ( REUTERS ) In a late-night Truth Social post on Wednesday, President Trump lauded the efforts in Texas, saying, Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!! Everything Passed, on our way to FIVE more Congressional seats and saving your Rights, your Freedoms, and your Country, itself. Texas never lets us down. Florida, Indiana, and others are looking to do the same thing. More seats equals less Crime, a great Economy, and a STRONG SECOND AMENDMENT. It means Happiness and Peace. But Republicans, there is one thing even better - STOP MAIL-IN VOTING, a total fraud that has no bounds. Also, go to PAPER BALLOTS before it is too late - At one tenth the cost, faster, and more reliable. If we do these TWO things, we will pick up 100 more seats, and the CROOKED game of politics is over. God Bless America!!! open image in gallery In a late-night Truth Social post, President Trump lauded the efforts in Texas, saying, Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!! ( Andrew Harnik/Getty Images ) The redistricting battle in the Lone Star State produced a number of unusual scenes, with more than 50 Democrats temporarily fleeing the state, then facing arrest warrants upon their return. As Democrats began to trickle back into the state in recent days, Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth remained on the House floor for days rather than sign a permission slip allowing members to leave only if they agreed to be shadowed by state law enforcement. Protesters chanted outside the House chambers during Wednesdays vote, where doors were locked to further prevent representatives from leaving the floor until the map plan got a vote. During the debate, Texas Republicans openly described the maps as a way to increase GOP fortunes, but denied accusations that the plan was racist and aimed at disenfranchising minority voters. open image in gallery Critics accused Texas Republicans of using rare mid-decade redistricting effort to water down power of minority communities in state ( AP ) "The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward: improve Republican political performance," State Representative Todd Hunter, who authored the bill creating the new map, said on Wednesday. Redrawing congressional district lines typically only takes place at the beginning of the decade, after the U.S. Census. Republicans in Texas believe that five districts currently held by Democrats can be redrawn to make the districts more favorable to conservative candidates. Democrats argue that the new proposed maps are racist and unlawfully divide Black and Latino communities to dilute minority representation. The GOP on Wednesday said the claim was unfair, noting that President Trump won a majority of Texas Latinos in the 2024 election. open image in gallery Texas lawmakers fled state to delay vote on redistricting effort, then faced arrest warrants from their colleagues ( Getty Images ) Across the country, Democrats have threatened to respond to Texass efforts with reciprocal redistricting in California and other blue states. Former President Barack Obama said he supports California Democrats' efforts to redraw congressional districts aiming to offset the move passed by Texas Republicans. I wanted just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas, and take it to the voters and see what happens, Obama said on Tuesday in a rare political intervention and his first public comments expressing support for the push by California Governor Gavin Newsom. But I want to be very clear: Given that Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House that is effectively saying, Gerrymander for partisan purposes so we can maintain the House despite our unpopular policies, redistrict right in the middle of a decade between censuses which is not how the system was designed I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this. Newsom is backing a plan in California to redraw congressional maps via ballot measure in November; his party plans to shift five Republican-held districts to put more Democratic voters in them. Were not going to act as if anything is normal any longer. Yes, well fight fire with fire. Yes, we will push back. Its not about whether we play hardball anymore, Newsom said at a virtual news conference with other Democratic leaders on Wednesday. Its about how we play hardball. And California has your back. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Republicans hold a single-digit majority and are facing an unfavorable midterm dynamic next 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 Earlier this month, President Donald Trump dispatched National Guard troops to the streets of Washington, D.C. in an effort to tackle what he has characterized as a city out of control and plagued by crime. Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, Trump declared. D.C. residents were largely unamused and have expressed their displeasure in protests throughout the district. Trump also upped the stakes by declaring federal control of the districts police department and naming an emergency chief. That set off alarms and prompted local officials to sue to stop the effort a compromise has since been reached, leaving the city in control. There are now around 800 National Guard troops on the streets and Vice President JD Vance went to greet some of them at Union Station on Wednesday alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Vance said the troops were specifically deployed to the station to deal with vagrants. In addition to the group of politicians being faced with boos and derisive chants from protesters, the photo op was also marred by the fact that, amid the throng of security personnel, a wallet was stolen from a reporter. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller arrive to meet with members of the National Guard during a visit to Union Station. A reporter's wallet was stolen at the event intended to highlight a crackdown on crime. ( Getty ) Leah Vredenbregt, a producer with Gray Televisions Washington bureau, tweeted on Wednesday: I covered JD Vances trip to Union Station today. He wanted to show how safe Union Station is because of a federal takeover. At no point was I less than 4 feet from a federal agent. And yet, my wallet disappeared and was immediately used at a liquor store. In a follow-up post, Vredenbregt gave a few more details: Yes, this happened. The wallet was IN MY HAND when I filmed the arrival, 5 minutes later it was no longer in my hand . She then added a screenshot of an alert she received from her bank, after locking her card, having realized it had been stolen. The image shows that a purchase totaling $55.16 at District Liquors had been declined at 1:06 p.m. ET. Tonight, Trump is expected to hit the streets and join patrols of the nations capital. Im going to be going out tonight with the police and with the military, of course, Trump said Thursday in an interview with radio host Todd Starnes. So we're going to do a job. The National Guard is great. They've done a fantastic job. The outing, one that would likely involve in-depth security planning under normal circumstances, was not announced as part of the presidents public schedule. White House officials told Politico details about the appearance are forthcoming. Trumps federal policing operation is wildly unpopular within the capital. An estimated 8 in 10 D.C. residents oppose the takeover, according to a Washington Post survey released on Wednesday. The latest crime statistics reveal a sharp decline in most major categories of crime across the district, which began well before the president took any action. 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 Trumps D.C. takeover is now well into its second week. Washingtonians are in agreement: theyre officially sick of it. Wednesday dawned in the nations capital with news of more chaos in the District of Columbia, this time indisputably caused by Trumps executive order which the administration is increasingly finding it hard to prove is not a publicity stunt. More and more National Guard troops pour into the city from around the country, though arrests arent going up, and most of the troops appear to be standing around snapping photos with tourists. In the early morning hours, an armored, mine-resistant tactical vehicle slammed into the side of a civilian vehicle, sending one person to the hospital. The crash occurred downtown, where federal agents and National Guard troops are increasingly piling up in high-traffic tourist areas. A morning report from Fox 5 quoted residents in the higher-crime area of Anacostia, in the citys southeast, saying that law enforcement resources werent reaching them. Meanwhile, video after video shows bored federal agents patrolling luxury shopping and dining areas, or tourist destinations like the Washington Monument. As Vice President J.D. Vance and Trump adviser Stephen Miller arrived at a Shake Shack at Union Station one of those low-crime areas where Guard troops have milled around aimlessly for a meet-and-greet with a few visiting troops on Wednesday, the pair were loudly heckled by locals. Then they bizarrely accused the hecklers of having come from out of town to mock them. Around the city, graffiti appeared honoring a resident arrested after angrily tossing a Subway sandwich at federal law enforcement agents, a since-fired DOJ employee who has become a folk hero around town. open image in gallery National Guard troops deployed to the National Mall have little else to do but stand around and take abuse from protesters and onlookers ( Getty Images ) Ill tell you, a couple of years ago, when I brought my kids here, they were being screamed at by violent vagrants, and it was scaring the hell out of my kids, Vance said. He denied the validity of a comment from a reporter referring to the area as low crime, and again cited those vagrants as evidence during his Q&A. Union Station is a major arrival point for many tourists in the capital and for many years has struggled with the attraction that the spacious transit center and shopping malls public facilities provided for homeless D.C. residents. An encampment once existed a few steps from the stations front doors, and inside the station benches and other public amenities were removed in order to dissuade loitering. The Covid pandemic, which accelerated housing insecurity, also led to closures of Union Station businesses which traded reasons for their misfortune including a rise in homeless activity around the station. But vagrancy by itself is not a crime, and Vances comments, combined with the increase in encampment sweeps around the city the past few days, suggest that Trumps crime-fighting campaign is actually a beautification campaign meant to push an aesthetic that isnt necessarily felt by D.C. residents with roots in the city. Polling shows that Americans who call the city home agree. A resounding eight in 10 D.C. residents told Washington Post pollsters in a survey released Wednesday that they opposed the federal takeover of the city, which is now being fought in the courts as city leaders try to retain control of the Metropolitan Police Department. A similar share, 78 percent, said that they felt extremely or somewhat safe in their own neighborhoods. While arrests arent surging and city residents dont say they feel safer, its very clear which community is being impacted the most. U.S. Park Police officials told the New York Post on Wednesday that the agency has cleared 75 homeless encampments around the city in just the short period since Trump announced his takeover. Washington social media channels remain alight with reports of activity from ICE and other federal agencies. Checkpoints have repeatedly been swarmed by hundreds of residents, shouting angrily, until law enforcement agencies pack up and leave. Week two of the takeover also coincided with DCs annual summer Restaurant Week, though dining spots around the city report that the presence of the Guard and federal agents are hurting business as reservations plunged year-over-year. While city leaders are largely paralyzed as they await decisions in the courts, there are already clear signs that this episode could backfire for the president. News channels and social media platforms continue to spread images and video depicting an occupied American city clearly in conflict with its new guests. The unpopularity of Trumps takeover could quickly become an issue in the Virginia governors race, where a conservative diehard is running against a centrist Democrat with strong DC ties. Its also energized the progressive left, long dormant in city politics thanks to the populations of federal workers and transplants who have elected center-left leadership for years. On Tuesday evening, several hundred people attended the campaign launch of a democratic socialist candidate running for city council, Aparna Raj. In the end, Donald Trump may accomplish little more than juicing up the American lefts will to fight back. 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 Trump says he will hit the streets of Washington, D.C., on Thursday night to join patrols as part of his administrations extraordinary federal takeover of law enforcement in the capital. Im going to be going out tonight with the police and with the military, of course, Trump said Thursday in an interview with radio host Todd Starnes. So we're going to do a job. The National Guard is great. They've done a fantastic job. The outing, one that would likely involve in-depth security planning under normal circumstances, was not announced as part of the presidents public schedule. White House officials told Politico that details about the appearance are forthcoming. Earlier this month, the president placed the Washington police force under federal control and began deploying hundreds of federal agents and D.C. National Guard troops to the city for a crackdown on what he claimed was rampant crime, despite statistics showing a sharp recent decline in most major categories of crime. Republican states later sent additional Guard troops of their own to join in. The federal operation has low public support within the capital. An estimated 8 in 10 D.C. residents oppose the takeover, according to a Washington Post survey released on Wednesday. open image in gallery President said he will join ongoing federal law enforcement operation in capital on Thursday night, the latest unprecedented step as his administration has surged hundreds of federal agents, National Guard troops, and Washington police onto the streets ( Getty Images ) Officials have also pushed back, and Attorney General Pam Bondi returned control of the D.C. police to its chief last week after the city sued Trump over the hostile takeover. City police are still ordered to cooperate with federal officials. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary were met with boos and chants of free D.C. on Wednesday when they visited National Guard troops deployed to Union Station. More than 450 people have been arrested since August 7, the White House announced on Tuesday, though information about the arrests remains limited. It is unclear, for example, whether federal officials are counting all arrests in Washington in their announcements or only those related to the Trump-led operation. open image in gallery Trump has framed D.C. law enforcement takeover as way to stop rampant crime, even as data shows crime at multi-decade lows in capital ( AP ) Though the president has framed the operation as a crackdown on street crime, nearly half of those arrested in the push have been immigrants in the country illegally, according to the White House, and immigration agents have been a visible presence throughout the capital. Masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were seen last week in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, which has a large Hispanic population, tearing down an anti-ICE banner. Were taking America back, baby, one agent said in a video later posted by the agency. Critics have accused the more than 2,000 National Guard troops in the capital of largely focusing their efforts on high-visibility areas like the Washington Monument and Union Station, rather than the citys most high-crime areas. open image in gallery Critics accused National Guard of largely focusing on ceremonial presence at popular tourist sites, rather than meaningful operations to lower crime ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) An armored National Guard vehicle collided with a civilian car near the Capitol on Wednesday, temporarily trapping one person inside. The civilian was later freed using the Jaws of Life and treated for minor injuries. 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 has hit back at California Gov. Gavin Newsom for brutally mimicking his social media style, dusting off a familiar nickname to deride his West Coast imitator in the process. Gavin Newscum is way down in the polls, Trump wrote on Truth Social late on Wednesday night. He is viewed as the man who is destroying the once Great State of California. I will save California!!! The president repeatedly clashed with Trump in recent months, notably in January when devastating wildfires hit Southern California and again in June when Trump sent in the National Guard to suppress anti-ICE demonstrations in downtown L.A. open image in gallery California Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump in conversation at Los Angeles International Airport in January after the latter flew in to survey the devastation sustained by recent wildfires ( AP ) This month, the governor has begun savagely parodying the commander-in-chiefs idiosyncratic posting style through his GovPressOffice X account, blustering about his greatness in all-caps and inventing infantile slurs with which to attack hostile media personalities, just as Trump has done for years. Newsoms team took just nine minutes to respond to the presidents Newscum message, replying with three snowflake emojis. They have since reposted another highly characteristic Trump post, in which the president accuses MSNBC of experiencing poor ratings, with the outraged comment: TRUMP IS IMITATING ME! GCN. Newsoms new approach has seen Kid Rock and several Fox News presenters react angrily, with Dana Perino, Tomi Lahren, Raymond Arroyo, and Trace Gallagher, all taking the bait and engaging with the governors arch-trolling. Perino hit out at the governor on Foxs The Five by urging him to stop for the sake of his assumed presidential ambitions and asking why his wife had not stepped in to prevent him from pursuing the pranks. DANA DING DONG PERINO (NEVER HEARD OF HER UNTIL TODAY!) IS MELTING DOWN BECAUSE OF ME, GAVIN C. NEWSOM! came the inevitable reply. FOX HATES THAT I AM AMERICAS MOST FAVORITE GOVERNOR (RATINGS KING) SAVING AMERICA WHILE TRUMP CANT EVEN CONQUER THE BIG STAIRS ON AIR FORCE ONE ANYMORE!!! TRUMP HAS LOST HIS STEP AND FOX IS LOSING IT BECAUSE WHEN I TYPE, AMERICA NOW WINS!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. open image in gallery Fox News anchor Dana Perino is just one of several conservative media figures to have fallen foul of Newsoms new Trumpian ( Fox News ) Lahren, meanwhile, berated Newsom and his team of losers after they jokingly claimed to have confused MAGA activist Scott Presler with South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, notorious for her anti-trans agenda. The broadcaster was accused of being woke when she complained about the offense caused. Gallagher was also dispatched in ruthlessly faux-Trumpian style: BIRD-BRAIN TREY GALLAGHER (A SO-CALLED FOX NEWS HOST THAT NOBODY HAS EVER HEARD OF) SAYS MY POSTS ARE CHILDISH AND UNBECOMING OF A LEADER CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? MANY ARE SAYING FOX (EDIT THE TAPES) NEWS SHOULD CANCEL HIS PATHETIC LITTLE BEDTIME SHOW IMMEDIATELY. THEY ARE CALLING IT THE MOST BORING PROGRAM IN CABLE HISTORY. TOTAL SNOOZE FEST! SAD!!! Mediaites Colby Hall has said that Newsom is shooting fish in a barrel, describing his feed as an X-ray of Trumpian excess and praising him by saying he has not merely entered the arena of schoolyard retorts but grabbed the microphone, turned it upside down, and made the absurd impossible to ignore. Speaking for himself last week, the governor said: Im just following [Trumps] example. If you have issues with what Im putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns with what hes putting out as president. 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 Trump was caught tongue-tied as he touted brokering a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. For the Aberbaijan that was a big one going on for 34, 35 years, er Albania, I mean, think of that, going on for years, and I got to know the heads and I got to know them through trade. I was dealing with them a little bit and saying, Why are you guys fighting? Trump said during The Mark Levin Show on Tuesday, where he also repeated claims that he had ended seven wars. Earlier this month, Trump announced a peace deal, ending decades of conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, two nations who have been in a state of tension since the 1980s. And I said, Im not going to do a trade deal if you guys are going to fight its crazy. Anyway, one thing led to another, and I got that one settled, the commander-in-chief added. At the end of an hour, they were hugging and congratulating each other. It was beautiful to see, actually, he said. open image in gallery Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev (left) and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (right) shook hands after Trump described the event as historic ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Negotiations initially kicked off in March, when the two governments said they were prepared to end the nearly forty-year conflict. However, it wasnt until the Trump administration hosted the leaders of the two nations at the White House on August 8 that they agreed to a peace deal. The agreement includes a joint declaration of peace, a joint request to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group, and a provision granting the United States sole development rights over a transit route from the Nakhchivan exclave through southern Armenia to Azerbaijan, referred to as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, according to the Council of Foreign Relations. open image in gallery Er Albania, I mean [...], President Trump said, while referring to the decades-long conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The presidents opponents on social media were quick to jump on this latest faux pas, with the account Republicans Against Trump branding him as Dementia Don. Other users slammed him for double standards after he spent months lambasting former President Joe Biden for his cognitive issues. Dementia Don strikes again. Trump claims he solved the conflict between Aber-baijan and Albania. (He meant Armenia and Azerbaijan, but close enough, right?), the account wrote Wednesday. open image in gallery Trumps jumbled claims came in line with his recent comments about ending six or seven wars ( AP ) One X user said, Its so unfair to Trump that so many countries choose to have names beginning with the same letter. But of course, with just 26 letters in the alphabet, its tricky. But thats probably Bidens fault. Another said, If Biden had said this, MAGA would scream dementia Joe Trumps mistake, they stay silent #Hypocrisy. Azerbaijan and Armenia sparred over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnically Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, in the 1980s and 1990s. The first Karabakh war, from 1988 to 1994, resulted in roughly thirty thousand casualties and created hundreds of thousands of refugees. Upon brokering the peace deal this month, Trump said Armenia and Azerbaijan had promised to stop all fighting "forever" as well as open up travel, business, and diplomatic relations. "We are today establishing peace in the Caucasus," Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said. "We lost a lot of years being preoccupied with wars and occupation and bloodshed." 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 family of a fugitive father have for the first time issued a direct appeal in a desperate attempt to get him to return home with his three children from New Zealands wilderness. Tom Phillips has been on the run with his children Ember, now nine, Maverick, ten, and Jayda, 12 since December 2021. A warrant was issued for Phillips arrest in 2023 over his suspected involvement in a bank robbery. The family was last seen walking in a grass field near Marokopa town on the countrys North Island, spotted by two young hunters who discreetly recorded them. In the three years and eight months Phillips and his children have spent in the bush, his wider family and parents, Neville and Julia, have never given interviews. Now as theyre coming to the end of four winters in the wild, Phillips mother, Julia, has written a heartfelt letter to bring them home, according to New Zealand news outlet Stuff. open image in gallery A photo believed to be of Tom Phillips and one of his children ( NZ Police ) Tom - I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you, the letter started, read by Phillips sister Rozzi in an interview with Stuff. It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here. Thinking what could have been if you had not gone away. Jayda, Maverick, Ember - I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives. Everyday I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you will come home. Phillips fled with his children after a dispute with their mother, identified only as Catherine. He did not have legal custody of the children and violated a custody order by taking them to an unknown location. It is believed the children have had no outside contact since. Despite numerous police searches, rewards and public appeals, there had been no trace of Phillips until the October sighting. open image in gallery Phillips fled with his children after a dispute with their mother, identified only as Catherine ( NZ Police ) After the encounter, one of the hunters alerted police, who launched a search with two helicopters including a military chopper with night vision. They were unable to find the family. Rozzi Phillips described the letter as from a mothers heart, just to her son, believing that the father will see the letter at some point. Maybe he's going to see this, and maybe he's going to get to see that he can come home, and that we are here for him, and it might just be okay, she told Stuff. The sister also joined his mother in issuing an emotional appeal directly to Phillips. There's a lot of love and there's a lot of support, and we're ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through, she said. open image in gallery They were last seen walking in a grass field near Marokopa town on the countrys North Island, spotted by two young hunters who discreetly recorded the family ( Rotorua Daily Post ) I miss you, and I miss being part of your life, and I really want to see you and the kids and be part of your lives again. You're very special to me. Youre my friend, as well as my brother, and I love you, and its okay. Rozzi Phillips also echoed a previous witness, who describe the family as seeming well prepared for the wilderness, according to Stuff. She said her brother had completed a six-month outdoor survival program and often took the kids hunting. She believes he is a skilled builder and could build the children a shelter. An arrest warrant for Phillips was issued soon after he vanished in late 2021, but the public has been warned not to approach him as he may be armed. The childrens mother previously gave an emotional plea in video released last year: I am standing here before you today begging you for your help to bring my babies home. They are just innocent children, they dont deserve to be treated this way. They do not deserve the life that is being provided to them right now. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man has been arrested on suspicious of murder after four bodies were found in the River Seine in Paris. A passer-by spotted the first body floating in the water last Wednesday near Choisy Bridge, connecting to Creteil in the southeastern suburbs. Emergency services discovered three more submerged bodies while inspecting the area. The first remains were seen by a passer-by who described them as being relatively well-preserved, suggesting they had gone into the water recently. The deceased has been identified as a man in his forties who lived in Val-de-Marne, east of Paris. The other three were in a very advanced state of decomposition, according to a statement from the prosecutors office. Forensic examinations are underway for the other three bodies, all adult men, to determine their identities, as well as the circumstances and dates of their deaths. Two of the four bodies showed signs of violent injuries, leading to the opening of two murder investigations. One of the victims died of strangulation, according to Le Parisien, citing the prosecutors office. While the bodies were all found in a similar location, the prosecutors office said the fact they were found in a limited area could be explained by the configuration of the river at that location, citing the current, shape of the riverbed and branches as factors. A 24-year-old was taken into custody at the Criminal Investigations Department in Paris on Wednesday morning and can be questioned for up to 96 hours (Sunday morning). It is not clear how many alleged killings the suspect is being investigated for. The Creteil prosecutor's office told Le Monde: A man was taken into custody this morning on suspicion for multiple murders at the headquarters of the criminal brigade of the Paris judicial police. The Independent has contacted the prosecutors office 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 drone and missile attack on western Ukraine overnight that hit targets including a US-owned electronics plant proved that Vladimir Putin is trying to avoid peace talks, warned Kyiv. The aerial assault was one of Russia's biggest this year and came as Moscow objected to key aspects of proposals that could end the war it started in February 2022. Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, saying it was carried out as if nothing were changing at all. The signals from Russia are simply, to be honest, indecent, he told Ukrainians in his nightly presidential address. open image in gallery Firefighters in Lviv on Thursday ( AP ) A US electronics plant near the Hungarian border was struck, according to Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. The Flex factory is one of the biggest American investments in Ukraine. At the moment of impact, 600 night-shift workers were on the premises, and six were injured, Mr Hunder added. Russian attacks on Ukraine since it launched its invasion have damaged property belonging to more than half of the chamber's roughly 600 members, he said. The message is clear: Russia is not looking for peace. Russia is attacking American business in Ukraine, humiliating American business, Mr Hunder said. Russia's defence ministry said the strikes targeted enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. It claimed the attack hit drone factories, storage depots and missile launch sites, as well as areas where Ukrainian troops were gathered. Russia has repeatedly denied targeting civilian areas of Ukraine. In Lviv, one person was killed and three were injured as the attack damaged 26 residential buildings, a nursery school and administrative buildings, regional head Maksym Kozytskyi wrote on Telegram. The regional prosecutor's office said three Russian cruise missiles with cluster munitions struck the city. Moscow has shown no signs of pursuing meaningful negotiations to end the war, Mr Zelensky said. He urged the international community to respond with stronger pressure on Moscow, including tougher sanctions and tariffs. Plans for security guarantees will become clearer by the end of next week, Mr Zelensky said, by which time he expects to be ready to hold direct talks with Mr Putin for the first time since Russias full-scale invasion. Donald Trump discussed the war with Putin in Alaska last week before hosting Mr Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on Monday. open image in gallery A damaged residential building in Lviv ( Reuters ) Mr Trump questioned Putin's commitment to ending the war, saying the Russian leader talks nice and then he bombs everybody. Russia has fired nearly 1,000 long-range drones and missiles at Ukraine since Monday's White House talks, according to Ukrainian tallies. European countries are discussing how they can deploy military assets to deter any post-war Russian assault on Ukraine, but the Kremlin will not accept the deployment of any troops from Nato countries, and Russias foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that making security arrangements for Ukraine without Moscow's involvement was pointless. Putin is ready to meet with Mr Zelensky to discuss peace terms, Mr Lavrov said on Thursday, but only after key issues have been worked out by senior officials in what could be a protracted negotiating process because the two sides remain far apart. US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who also serves as Mr Trump's national security adviser, held a conference call on Thursday with his European counterparts to discuss the options. Final details must still be worked out, but European countries would provide "the lion's share" of any forces involved in security guarantees for Ukraine, a source familiar with the matter said. That echoed vice-president JD Vance's comment on Wednesday that Europe would need to shoulder "the lion's share" of the costs of the operation. Mr Trump has said he will not deploy US troops in Ukraine but has left the door open to other US military involvement, including air support. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report 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 citizen suspected of participating in the undersea explosions in 2022 that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany has been arrested, German prosecutors said Thursday. The suspect, identified only as Serhii K. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested overnight in Italys Rimini province, federal prosecutors said. They added that he is believed to be one of the coordinators of the operation. Explosions on Sept. 26, 2022, damaged the pipelines, which were built to carry Russian natural gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. The damage added to tensions over the war in Ukraine as European countries moved to wean themselves off Russian energy sources, following the Kremlins full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The explosions ruptured the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which was Russias main natural gas supply route to Germany until Moscow cut off supplies at the end of August 2022. They also damaged the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which never entered service because Germany suspended its certification process shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine in February of that year. Russia has accused the U.S. of staging the explosions, a charge Washington denies. The pipelines were long a target of criticism by the U.S. and some of its allies, who warned that they posed a risk to Europes energy security by increasing dependence on Russian gas. In 2023, German media reported that a pro-Ukraine group was involved in the sabotage. Ukraine rejected suggestions it might have ordered the attack and German officials voiced caution over the accusation. 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 centuries-old tradition of intricate lace crocheting from a small Polish mountain village is experiencing a remarkable global resurgence. Wiesawa Juroszek, who learned the delicate handicraft from family at just six, is now, 53 years on, part of a new generation of women making Koniakow famous. Their unique creations, from exquisitely crocheted lingerie and wedding dresses to skirts, blouses, and traditional tablecloths, are enjoying a surge in popularity and commanding elevated prices for their skilled artistry. In Koniakow almost all the women do hekla, as we call it, Juroszek told The Associated Press. "For us its a passion, for us its our whole life. Around 700 women work as lace makers in Koniakow, which is nestled high in the Beskid Mountains in southern Poland near the border with Slovakia. open image in gallery Women practice "hekla", the traditional art of hand-crocheted lace making, on a valley slope in the village of Koniakow, Poland, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Daniel Franek) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The techniques have been passed down for years by Koniakow women, who were following the tradition of previous generations of Polish women who embellished bonnets worn over their hair by crocheting lace ribbons to be tied around their foreheads. It was a decorative element. When a woman was married, she had her own, Juroszek said. "Later, women started making them as table decorations, like napkins, and the shape became round. And the women sold them, which was a way to earn money. What began more than 100 years ago simply as work to support household budgets has been transformed into a prized craft. Blouses sell for at least 3,000 to 4,000 zoty ($750 to $1,000) and wedding dress prices reach up to tens of thousands of zoty. The steep costs are based on the amount of time the women need for their needlework, with even a simple blouse requiring several weeks. Unlike some other traditional craftworks around the globe, crocheting lace is not fading, it's flourishing. open image in gallery A woman makes traditional lace from cotton yarn in the village of Koniakow, in Poland's Beskid Mountains, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Daniel Franek) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Koniakow lace is known for unique patterns that are often inspired by the landscape surrounding the highland village. In this tiny village ... women create unique patterns from their imagination, compositions of thin threads, flowers and stars," said Lucyna Ligocka-Kohut, president of the Koniakow Lace Foundation. They are surrounded by beautiful nature, so it inspires their motifs, she added. "We have no templates, no patterns. We create everything from our imagination, and thats why fashion houses want to work with us, because every design, every napkin, every new dress is something new for us. The ladies of Koniakow say each of their lace creations is one of a kind, so it comes as no surprise that international fashion designers noticed the pieces. Ligocka-Kohut lists brands that have been captivated by the work coming out of the mountain village including Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Magda Butrym, Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garcons. Koniakow lace has already appeared twice at Paris Fashion Week, she said. open image in gallery Models present hand-made lace outfits during a fashion show in the village of Koniakow, in Polands Beskid Mountains, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Daniel Franek) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The most traditional Koniakow lace is mostly made in white or soft ecru. Bolder shades such as deep red, rich black and vivid green are typically reserved for lingerie and swimwear. The bras, panties, thongs and G-strings are sold online for those who can't travel to southern Poland for lace shopping. Homemaker Ewa Lesiewicz, one of the regular Polish customers, is a true fan of the famous lace works. I already have a lace blouse, a lace bra, a set with panties and I really like it," the 63-year-old said. "I also want a set like this: a blouse and a skirt. 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 Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin could meet for the first time in six years in the hope of ending the Ukraine war - but it remains unclear just where the two leaders will come face-to-face. The White House is in the process of selecting a location for the potential meeting, that has been championed by the US president Donald Trump. A warrant against the Russian president by the International Criminal Court means destinations are limited to countries that are not signees of the Rome Statute. open image in gallery It remains unclear whether Trump will attend a meeting with Zelensky and Putin ( AFP/Getty ) Trump explained to Fox News radio host Mark Levin: "They are in the process of setting it up, before casting doubt on whether he would even attend such talks. "Now I think it would be better if they met without me. ... If necessary, I'll go. When asked how he balanced the interests of all the parties involved, Trump 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 Zelensky is being planned. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told state media on Tuesday 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. Here are the potential destinations where a summit between Putin and Zelensky could take place: Budapest, Hungary open image in gallery The Hungarian prime minister has criticised sanctions against Putin; the country continues to buy oil from Russia ( AP ) The White House has said they are considering Budapest as a potential venue for talks having spoken to Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban. This wouldnt be the first time Budapest has been a key destination for talks between Russia and Ukraine. In 1994, then US president Bill Clinton met with Russian president Boris Yeltsin and Ukraines leader Leonid Kravchuk. At the time, Ukraine was given assurances of territorial integrity from the US, Russia and the UK that meant little when Putin launched an assault 20 years later. Maybe Im superstitious, but this time I would try to find another place, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on social media. Orban, who remains Putins closest ally in Europe, has long advocated to open up negotiations with the Russian leader. It has been confirmed that the isolation-based strategy has failed, he said on Tuesday after a meeting with the European Union. It has been confirmed that there is no solution to the Russia-Ukraine war on the frontline; only diplomatic efforts can bring a solution. Geneva, Switzerland open image in gallery Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis has said that the country would receive Putin despite being a signatory of the International Criminal Court ( AP ) Switzerland, famous for its neutrality, has said they would be ready to host Putin for any peace talks on Ukraine, despite being a signatory of the ICC. Foreign minister Ignazio 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. French president Emmanuel Macron has mooted Geneva as a potential location for Ukraine peace talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a meeting between President Trump, Zelensky and European leaders in Washington. Istanbul, Turkey open image in gallery Erdogan and Putin spoke about Ukraine on Wednesday ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) A senior Trump administration official said that Istanbul had also been mentioned as a potential venue for the two leaders to meet, as Talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations have previously taken place in the city. On Wednesday, Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan spoke with Putin on the phone to discuss Ukraine and the outcome of Putin's summit last week, according to the Kremlin. Moscow, Russia While meeting with Trump, Putin reportedly suggested the rather unlikely location of Moscow for talks with Ukraine. However, both Zelensky and the US were unsurprisingly quick to reject the idea. Minsk, Belarus Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenkos spokesperson has said Minsk is ready to mediate a possible meeting between Russia and Ukraine. Bordering Russia and Ukraine, Belarus has maintained close ties with Putin. The countrys relationship with Ukraine has deteriorated since the start of Russias full-scale invasion. Where did Zelensky and Putin last meet? open image in gallery The Normandy Format Summit was the first and last time Putin and Zelensky met ( AFP/Getty ) Ukraines leader and his Russian counterpart have not met in person since 2019, when they met in Paris to discuss an end to fighting in the Donbas region. The Normandy Format Summit, arranged by French, German, Russian and Ukrainian diplomats, took place in Zelenskys first year in office after he became president earlier that year. Agreements were made to disengage troops from areas of the Donbas region by the end of March 2020 and a roadmap was agreed for elections in occupied regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, with plans to reintegrate the territory back into the rest of Ukraine. But following the talk, the two countries continued to disagree on issues relating to the war-torn region. Close JD Vance suggests World War 2 ended with 'negotiations' as he defends Ukraine-Russia talks 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 Volodymyr Zelensky has said US and Ukrainian officials are expected to meet later this week to discuss preparations for a possible meeting with Putin, after vowing to push Russia to peace. Speaking during a joint briefing in Kyiv with Norway's prime minister, Zelensky said he plans to discuss the matter with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, as well as discussing potential security guarantees. The Ukrainian President added that Kyiv aims to secure at least $1 billion on a monthly basis from allies to purchase US weapons for its war effort against Russia. It comes after Mr Kellogg attended a ceremony in Kyiv on Sunday to commemorate Ukraines 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. Zelensky insisted that a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin is the most effective way forward to end the war in Ukraine . Meanwhile, the US has been blocking Ukraine from firing long-range missiles into Russian territory for several months, according to new reports. Zelensky has responded to the reports saying Ukraine has recently been using its own weapons and not consulting Washington over its strikes. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russia launched one of its biggest aerial attacks this year at Ukraine, firing 574 drones and 40 missiles, the Ukrainian Air Force said Thursday. The attack mostly targeted western regions of the country, it said. The strikes killed at least one person and injured 15 others, according to officials. Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia struck a major American electronics manufacturer in western Ukraine. He provided no further details. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukraine will hold intensive meetings to understand what kind of security guarantees its allies are willing to provide after receiving signals that the United States would back reinvigorated discussions seeking an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The details are being hammered out among national security advisers and military officials and Zelenskyy thinks they will take clearer shape within 10 days. He then expects to be ready to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since the full-scale invasion. The talks could also be conducted in a trilateral format alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy said. We want to have an understanding of the security guarantees architecture within seven to 10 days. And based on that understanding, we aim to hold a trilateral meeting. That was my logic, Zelenskyy said, speaking to reporters Wednesday after his trip to Washington along with Europe's top leaders. President Trump suggested a slightly different logic: a trilateral meeting through a bilateral one," Zelenskyy said. "But then we all agreed that, in any case, we continue working on the security guarantees, establishing this approximate framework, similar to Article 5. And what we have today is political support for this. Article 5 is NATOs common defense guarantee under which an attack on one member is considered an attack on them all. A venue for the meeting is being discussed with Switzerland, Austria and Turkey as possibilities, Zelenskyy added. Kyiv still does not have clarity over what kind of support it can expect from allies. A coalition of more than 30 countries have in principle pledged to contribute to security guarantees but talks came to a standstill when the U.S. remained ambivalent about its role. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said working on security arrangements in Ukraine without Moscows involvement would not work, according to state news agency RIA Novosti. We cannot agree with the fact that it is now proposed to resolve collective security issues without the Russian Federation. This will not work. We have already explained more than once that Russia does not overstate its interests, but we will ensure our legitimate interests firmly and harshly, Lavrov said at a news conference Wednesday Recent positive signals from Trump suggesting the U.S. will support Article 5-like security guarantees and Ukraines hopes to join the European Union have reinvigorated those discussions, Zelenskyy said. Today we have a positive signal from America, from President Trump, from his team, that they will be participants in the security guarantees for Ukraine. And this opens up the possibility for other countries, he added. Now the general staff of key countries have already started talking about what they are ready for. And some countries that were not there will probably appear now. Turkey vocalized its readiness to provide security along the Black Sea after Trump appeared open to the possibility of supporting security guarantees for Ukraine, Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine is ready to hold direct talks with Putin. And what if the Russians are not ready? The Europeans raised the issue. If the Russians are not ready, then we would like to see a strong reaction from the United States, he said. Ukraine previously has expressed hope that the U.S. will punish Russia with more sanctions if it does not demonstrate a serious willingness to end the war. Zelenskyy spoke positively about his meeting with Trump in the Oval Office on Monday alongside Europes top leaders. He sought to convince Trump that the battlefield situation was not as bad for Ukraine as Putin portrayed. Zelenskyy pointed to errors in the U.S. map of the front line that he said showed Russia holding more territory than it actually does. President Trump was interested in hearing the details. We talked a lot about Donbas, about the East, what its importance is. I noted that if our military withdraws from this territory and it is occupied, then we will open the way to Kharkiv," Zelenskyy said, adding that he showed Trump roads leading to Ukraine's industrial center in Dnipropetrovsk. I noted to him that there are many important aspects here. If we are simply talking about withdrawing from the east, we cannot do this, Zelenskyy said, noting that he believed Trump had understood him. 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-made drone attack on a Russian ammunition depot last September demonstrated Kyivs ability to strike deep behind enemy lines, a feat particularly gratifying for Iryna Terekh, head of production at Fire Point. Her company manufactured the drones that flew over 1,000 kilometres (620 miles), subsequently curtailing Russias devastating glide bomb attacks on her native city of Kharkiv. Iryna Terekh, head of production at Fire Point, highlighted aerial warfare for Ukraine, stating: "Fighting in the air is our only real asymmetric advantage on the battlefield at the moment. We dont have as much manpower or money as they have." Her comments came as she surveyed dozens of "deep-strike drones" from the assembly line, destined for Ukrainian forces to target Russian military and economic sites. Driven by its existential struggle against Russia and constrained Western aid, Ukraine has rapidly become a global hub for defence innovation. The nation aims to match, if not outmuscle, Russias capabilities, with Fire Point leading the way. The Associated Press was granted an exclusive look inside one of Fire Points dozens of covert factories. open image in gallery Workers inspect a Flamingo cruise missile at Fire Point's secret factory in Ukraine ( Associated Press/Efrem Lukatsky ) In a sprawling warehouse where rock music blared, executives showed off their signature FP-1 exploding drones that can travel up to 1,600 kilometers (994 miles). They also touted publicly for the first time a cruise missile they are developing that is capable of traveling 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), and which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes will be mass-produced by the end of the year. Even as US President Donald Trump presses for an end to the war and dangles the prospect of US support for NATO-like security guarantees Ukrainian defense officials say their country is determined to become more self-sufficient in deterring Russia. We believe our best guarantee is not relying on somebodys will to protect us, but rather our ability to protect ourselves, said Arsen Zhumadilov, the head of the country's arms procurement agency. Ukraine's government is now purchasing about $10 billion of weapons annually from domestic manufacturers. The industry has the capacity to sell triple that amount, officials say, and they believe sales to European allies could help it reach such potential in a matter of years. Drone innovation grew out of necessity open image in gallery A worker carries part of a combat drone at Fire Point's secret factory in Ukraine ( Associated Press/Efrem Lukatsky ) Like most defense companies in Ukraine, Fire Point grew out of necessity after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite pleas from Ukrainian military officials, Western countries were unwilling to allow Kyiv to use their allies' longer-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. That's when a group of close friends, experts from various fields, set out to mass-produce inexpensive drones that could match the potency of Iranian-made Shahed drones that Russia was firing into Ukraine with devastating consequences. The company's founders spoke with AP on the condition of anonymity out of concern for their safety and the security of their factories. By pooling together knowledge from construction, game design and architecture, the company's founders who had no background in defense came up with novel designs for drones that could fly further and strike with greater precision than most products already on the market. Their long-range drones had another benefit: they did not need to take off from an air field. When Terekh an architect was hired in the summer of 2023, she was given a goal of producing 30 drones per month. Now the company makes roughly 100 per day, at a cost of $55,000 apiece. The FP-1 looks more like a hastily made science project than something that would roll off the production lines of the world's biggest defense contractors. We removed unneeded, flashy glittery stuff, she said. But the FP-1 has been extremely effective on the battlefield. With a payload of explosives weighing 60 kilograms (132 pounds), it is responsible for 60 per cent of strikes deep inside Russian territory, including hits on oil refineries and weapons depots, according to Terekh. These strikes have helped to slow Russias advance along the 1,000 kilometer-long (620 mile-long) front line in eastern Ukraine, where army units have reported a sharp decline in artillery fire. I think the best drones, or among the best, are Ukrainian drones," said Claude Chenuil, a former French military official who now works for a trade group that focuses on defense. When the war in Ukraine ends, they will flood the market. Ukraine is becoming the Silicon Valley of defense open image in gallery Ukraine's government is now purchasing about $10 billion of weapons annually from domestic manufacturers. ( Associated Press/Efrem Lukatsky ) Fire Points story is not entirely unique. Soon after Russia's 2022 invasion, hundreds of defense companies sprouted almost overnight. The Ukrainian government incentivised innovation by relaxing regulations and making it easier for startups to work directly with military brigades. Patriotic entrepreneurs in metallurgy, construction and information technology built facilities for researching and making weapons and munitions, with an emphasis on drones. The ongoing war allowed them to test out ideas almost immediately on the battlefield, and to quickly adapt to Russias changing tactics. Ukraine is in this very unique moment now where it is becoming, de facto, the Silicon Valley of defense, said Ukrainian defense entrepreneur Yaroslav Azhnyuk. The biggest strategic asset that we have is that we have been at war with Russia for 11 years. A case in point: Fire Point had initially sourced navigational equipment for its drones from a major Western firm, but before long Russia was able to disrupt their effectiveness using electronic warfare; so Fire Point developed its own software to outwit the enemy. Because defense companies are high-value targets for Russia, many operate underground or hidden within civilian centers to evade detection. Although they are guarded by air defenses, the strategy has the disadvantage of putting civilians at risk. Many Ukrainians have died in imprecise Russian attacks that were likely targeting weapons facilities. Entrepreneurs said the alternative is to operate openly and face attacks that would set back the war effort. Supplies of drones don't last long open image in gallery The Ukrainian government incentivised innovation by relaxing regulations and making it easier for startups to work directly with military brigades ( Associated Press/Efrem Lukatsky ) On the day AP reporters visited the Fire Point factory, there were dozens of drones awaiting delivery. They would all be gone within 72 hours, shipped to the battlefield in inconspicuous cargo trucks. The Fire Point team receives regular feedback from army units, and the company has reinvested most profits toward innovating quickly to keep pace with other drone makers. Increasingly, those profits are being directed to develop a new, more potent weapon. The company completed testing this year for its first cruise missile, the FP-5. Capable of traveling 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) and landing within 14 meters (45 feet) of its target, the FP-5 is one of the largest such missile in the world, delivering a payload of 1,150 kilograms (2,535 pounds), independent experts said. Because initial versions of the missile came out pink after a factory error, they called it the Flamingo and the name has stuck. Fire Point is producing roughly one Flamingo per day, and by October they hope to build capacity to make seven per day, Terekh said. Even as Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials pursue ways to end the war, Terekh said she is skeptical that Russia will accept terms for a real peace. We are preparing for a bigger, much scarier war. 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 Gazas largest city is officially suffering from a manmade famine that has already affected more than half a million Palestinians and is likely to spread, the worlds leading authority on food crises declared on Friday. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system said 514,000 people close to a quarter of all Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing famine, with the number due to rise to 641,000 by the end of next month. Foreign secretary David Lammy called it a moral outrage and blamed Israels refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza. Israel, which has repeatedly downplayed the extent of hunger inside Gaza, dismissed the report as false and biased; Benjamin Netanyahu said it was an outright lie. But United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said it was irrefutable testimony and described the declaration as a moment of collective shame for the world. It is a famine that we repeatedly warned of but that the international media has not been allowed in to cover, he said at a news conference. It is a famine in 2025. A 21st-century famine watched over by drones and the most advanced military technology in history. It is a famine openly promoted by some Israeli leaders as a weapon of war. It is a famine on all of our watch a famine that will and must haunt us all. Some 280,000 of the affected Palestinians are in a northern region covering Gaza City known as Gaza governorate which the IPC said was now in famine following nearly two years of war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas. It is the first time the IPC has recorded famine outside of Africa, and the global group predicted that famine conditions would spread to the central and southern areas of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of next month. It added that the situation further north could be even worse than in Gaza City, but that limited data prevented any precise classification. Reuters has previously reported on the IPC's struggle to get access to data required to assess the crisis. open image in gallery Israel denies there is famine in the strip ( Reuters ) For a region to be classified as in famine, at least 20 per cent of people must be suffering extreme food shortages, with one in three children acutely malnourished and two people out of every 10,000 dying daily from starvation or malnutrition and disease. Previously, the IPC has only registered famines in Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages still held by Hamas and unfettered humanitarian access. open image in gallery Palestinians on a food truck in Gaza ( AP ) Israel controls all access to Gaza. Cogat, the arm of the Israeli military that oversees aid flows, said the IPC report ignored Israeli data on aid deliveries and was part of an international campaign aimed at denigrating Israel. The IPC report is not only biased but also serves Hamass propaganda campaign, the agency said. Israel has long counted on the United States, its most powerful ally, for military aid and diplomatic support. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week found that 65 per cent of Americans believe the US should help those starving in Gaza. Donald Trump last month said many people there were starving, putting him at odds with Mr Netanyahu, who has repeatedly said there is no starvation. open image in gallery A Palestinian woman sits with her belongings after an Israeli strike on a camp for internally displaced people in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip ( AFP/Getty ) The IPC said its analysis only covered people living in Gaza, Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis governorates. It was unable to classify North Gaza governorate due to access restrictions and a lack of data, and it excluded any remaining population in the southern Rafah region, as it is largely uninhabited. The Gaza war was triggered on 7 October 2023, when Hamas killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and took some 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's military campaign has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. The Gaza health ministry said on Thursday that at least 62,192 Palestinians have been killed in the war. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report 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 Thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes in Gaza City, as the Israeli military continues its assault on the enclave ahead of a planned occupation. Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he would give final approval for a full takeover, while also restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at returning all of Israel's remaining hostages. The widening of the 22-month offensive against Hamas appears to be proceeding despite protests in both Israel and the Palestinian enclave. Israeli strikes killed at least 36 Palestinians across Gaza on Thursday, according to local hospitals. A renewed offensive could bring even more casualties to and displacement from the territory, where the war has already killed tens of thousands and where experts warn of imminent famine. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X that Israeli forces had begun warning medical teams in northern Gaza that residents should prepare to move south. open image in gallery Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing their homes in Gaza City Describing intense overnight shelling before a medical aid point was forced to close in the city on Tuesday, staff member Shireen Halasa said: It was a terrifying night. The shelling did not stop for a single moment. My heart almost stopped. We were treating around 100 children daily, many suffering from severe malnutrition, but we were forced to close while running for our lives. Meanwhile, a United Nations-backed hunger monitor is poised to declare famine in Gaza for the first time, a step it has taken only four times in nearly two decades. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has never before flagged famine in Gaza, but its latest analysis warns conditions have reached worst-case scenario levels. According to the Telegraph, the official declaration will be made tomorrow. The group warned in July that famine in Gaza was imminent. The declaration will cover Gaza City and three surrounding towns, as well as several refugee camps, according to a briefing. Israeli troops have established a foothold on the citys outskirts, and an IDF spokesperson said on Wednesday that forces were already operating in Zeitoun and Jabalia as they laid the groundwork for a broader offensive. Thousands of residents fled the Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods after heavy overnight bombardment, while shelling also intensified in the Sabra and Tuffah areas. Around 75 per cent of Gaza is already largely destroyed and controlled by Israel. We are facing a bitter, bitter situation: to die at home or leave and die somewhere else. As long as this war continues, survival is uncertain," said Rabah Abu Elias, 67, a father of seven. In the news, they speak about a possible truce; on the ground, we only hear explosions and see deaths. To leave Gaza City or not isnt an easy decision to make. open image in gallery In southern Gaza, a clash with Hamas on Wednesday prompted the IDF to admit it was a failure that Hamas gunmen had been able to breach the army encampment in Khan Younis Israel has said it will call up to 60,000 reservists for the new offensive and other heavily populated areas of the war-torn Gaza Strip. Mr Netanyahus plan triggered local and global outrage when it was first announced, with UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer saying it would only bring more bloodshed. Hamas, in a statement on Telegram, accused Mr Netanyahu of obstructing the ceasefire deal in favour of continuing a brutal war against innocent civilians in Gaza City. Hamas has accepted a 60-day ceasefire, which the Israeli government has yet to officially respond to. It calls for the release of 10 hostages held by Hamas and 18 bodies, in return for about 200 long-serving Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The Israeli government has restated that all of the remaining 50 hostages must be released at once. Israeli officials believe that around 20 of them are still alive. In Tel Aviv on Thursday evening, ahead of planned nationwide events, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called on Israeli citizens to protest around the citys Kirya military base to demand an end to the war. open image in gallery Mr Netanyahus planned offensive triggered local and global outrage when it was first announced Forty-two hostages were kidnapped alive and murdered in captivity due to military pressure and delay in signing a deal, said Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law, Eitan Horn, is still being held captive. Mr Horns brother Iair was released during a ceasefire earlier this year. Enough to sacrifice the hostages. Enough to sacrifice the soldiers, both regular and reservists. Enough to sacrifice the evacuees. Enough to sacrifice the younger generation in the country," said Bar Godard, the daughter of Manny Godard, whose body is being held by Hamas. Women and children held placards at a protest in Gaza City reading Save Gaza and Stop the war, stop the savage attack, save us against a backdrop of destroyed buildings as Palestinian music played. We want the war on Gaza to stop. We dont want to migrate. Twenty-two months its enough. Enough death. Enough destruction, said Bisan Ghazal, a woman displaced from Gaza City. Mr Netanyahu is also under pressure from some ministers to reject a temporary ceasefire and pursue annexation of the territory. On Wednesday, the far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced the approval of a controversial settlement project in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank that he said would erase any prospect of a Palestinian state. open image in gallery As the offensive escalates, the starvation crisis is continuing to unfold in Gaza In response, foreign ministers from Europe, Australia, Canada and Japan issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning the plan. The UK Foreign Office summoned Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely over Tel Avivs approval. As the offensive escalates, the starvation crisis is continuing to unfold in Gaza. The enclaves Hamas-run health ministry announced that at least two people died from starvation in the last 24 hours, and at least 18 people died while collecting aid. The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency chief said the famine was deliberate and warned that malnourished children in Gaza could die without immediate emergency aid during Israels Gaza City operation. Only 250 of an expected 1,800 aid trucks entered Gaza over the past three days, Gazas government media office said. More than 62,000 Palestinians have died since 7 October 2023, according to the health ministry, following Hamass massacre of some 1,200 people and the kidnapping of around 250 more. 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 Israel has launched its ground offensive in Gaza City following widespread international condemnation that its military takeover could lead to more death, destruction and mass displacement. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians based in the heart of the war-torn strip are expected to be ordered to evacuate in a move that could force the entire enclaves population further south. Israeli Defence Force (IDF) brigadier general Effie Defrin said troops have begun circling the outskirts of Gaza City as part of the first stages of its new offensive. This follows a clash with Hamas in the southern part of Khan Younis on Wednesday, after which the IDF spokesperson said: We will deepen the attack on Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organisation. Israels military has already started to lay down groundwork for the siege in Zeitoun and Jabaliya, as an official said they planned to target Hamas underground tunnels. Hamas, in a statement on Telegram, accused Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing a ceasefire deal in favour of continuing a brutal war against innocent civilians in Gaza City. What is Israel doing in Gaza open image in gallery Israel has launched its ground offensive on Gaza City, the first part of its plans to seize military control of the enclave ( REUTERS ) Netanyahu originally announced plans for a military takeover of the war-torn strip earlier this month, starting with Gaza City, Hamas military and governing stronghold and one of the last places of refuge in the northern Strip, with hundreds of thousands of people sheltering there. A siege on Gaza City is the first part of plans approved by Israels security cabinet to take full military control of Gaza and force the entire 2.3 million population south. On Wednesday, the prime ministers office announced Netanyahu has directed that the timetables... be shortened in launching the offensive. Israels military is calling up 60,000 reservists as part of the expanded military operation in Gaza City. The plan includes extending the service of 20,000 additional reservists who are already on active duty. More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October 2023, according to the enclaves Hamas-run health ministry. One in five children in Gaza is malnourished, according to the UN, while tens of thousands rely on food from charity kitchens that can provide only one meal a day. open image in gallery Palestinians will be told to evacuate as Israel intensifies its assault ( REUTERS ) What is happening on the ground The latest offensive will see troops operating in parts of the city where they have yet to be deployed and where Israel believes Hamas is still active, according to an Israeli military official. Troops in the citys Zeitoun neighbourhood and in Jabaliya, a refugee camp in the north of Gaza, have started preparing the groundwork for the expanded operation. Hundreds of Palestinians in Zeitoun and Sabra have left towards the north-western part of the city, after describing relentless bombing overnight into Thursday. Ahmad al-Shanti told AFP: The house shakes with us all night long... the sound of explosions, artillery, warplanes, ambulances, and cries for help is killing us. Israel has been intensifying its attacks on Gaza City in the days running up to its planned military takeover. At least seven people were killed after an Israeli airstrike targeted Al-Ahli Arab Hospital on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported, while thousands of families fled Zeitoun, Sabra, Remal and Tuffa. On Wednesday, Israeli troops clashed with more than 15 Hamas militants who emerged from tunnel shafts and attacked with gunfire and anti-tank missiles near Khan Younis, south of Gaza City. open image in gallery ( Alicja Hagopian ) One soldier was severely wounded while two were lightly injured, according to the Israeli military In a statement, Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed carrying out a raid on Israeli troops southeast of Khan Younis and engaging Israeli troops at point-blank range. It said one fighter blew himself up among the soldiers, causing casualties, during an attack that lasted several hours. Israel's military campaign has caused widespread devastation across the Gaza Strip, which before the war was home to about 2.3 million Palestinians. Many buildings including homes, schools and mosques have been destroyed, while the military has accused Hamas of operating from within civilian infrastructure, which Hamas denies. Israeli officials have said evacuation orders would be issued to Gaza City residents before any force moves in. What is happening in the West Bank open image in gallery Israel has announced controversial settlement plans in the West Bank ( AP ) An Israeli settlement plan that is set to bisect the occupied West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem has been approved, Israels far-fight finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said. The approval of the E1 project, which has been widely condemned, was announced last week by Smotrich and received the final go-ahead from a defence ministry planning commission. "With E1, we are delivering finally on what has been promised for years," Smotrich, an ultra-nationalist in the ruling right-wing coalition, said in a statement. "The Palestinian state is being erased from the table, not with slogans but with actions." Part of the plan will see over 3,000 houses for Israeli settlers built between an existing settlement in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Israel had previously frozen construction plans there since 2012 following objections from the United States, European allies, and other world powers who considered the project a threat to any future peace deal with the Palestinians. What has the reaction been open image in gallery People take part in a protest demanding the end of the war, the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Rights groups and world leaders have warned that an expanded assault in the Gaza Strip could deepen the crisis, as already most of the roughly 2 million inhabitants have been displaced, many areas have been reduced to rubble, and the population faces the threat of famine. United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, after Israel announced the first steps of an operation to take over Gaza City. "It is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza," to avoid the death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would cause, Guterres said in Japan where he is attending a conference on African development. He also called on Israel to reverse a decision to expand "illegal" settlement construction in the West Bank. French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday the conquest of Gaza City risks plunging the entire region into a cycle of permanent war and called for an international peacekeeping force to be deployed in Gaza. Belgiums foreign ministry urged Israel to reverse its decision to outroll operation Gideon Chariots II, referring to the planned Gaza City siege, adding it would lead to more death, destruction and mass displacement. And Mr Netanyahu is also facing objections from Israelis themselves. Last weekend hundreds of thousands of protesters turned out in Tel Avi calling for an end to the war and the release of the hostages. Further demonstrations are planned to take place in the coming days. 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 Police on the South Korean island of Jeju have cracked down on misbehaving tourists, telling them to act responsibly or risk facing fines. Jeju police have released a set of guidelines, printed in Chinese, English, and Korean, after locals complained about visitors littering and allowing children to urinate in the street. Jeju Island has seen an increasing number of visitors flocking to the island, renowned for its distinctive volcanic landscape, smooth white beaches, and hiking routes across diverse rock formations. This year, local reports state that as many as seven million tourists have visited the island off the south coast of South Koreas mainland. Police have printed eight thousand copies to distribute among the arrivals to prevent any misbehaviour. The guide is a first-of-a-kind multilingual etiquette notice in the country. The guide aims to "prevent misunderstandings due to language and cultural differences and improve foreigners' understanding of Korean culture and laws", said Jeju Police Agency chief Kim Su-young, according to BBC News. The document also lists minor offences that will be punishable by fines, such as damaging nature, smoking in prohibited areas, littering, and urinating or defecating in public. Using a fake ID, being drunk and disorderly, or running away from restaurants without paying will also be subject to fines, as well as breaking into empty houses and jaywalking. Misbehaviour could result in fines ranging from 20,000 won (10.63) to 80,000 won (42.53), the guidelines obtained by The Korea Times show. Those who violate these rules are let off with a warning, but repeat offenders could be fined as much as 200,000 won (106). Officers carry the notices during patrols and hand them out when they encounter minor violations on the spot, an official at the Jeju Provincial Police Agency told the newspaper. Serious offences are dealt with immediately, but for minor ones, we usually issue the notice instead of stricter action. The guide follows a special campaign carried out by the Jeju Provincial Police Agency between March and June, according to the newspaper, which investigated violations by visitors. During this period, officers said they recorded more than 4,800 cases of disorderly conduct. Some of these reportedly included a woman caught smoking on a bus who tossed her cigarette onto the road after passengers objected. Meanwhile, in July, it was reported that a boy urinated near a bus stop by Hamdeok beach, in the north of the island. The news follows a recent clampdown on some taxi drivers in Seoul who have been overcharging, demanding tips, or refusing to pick up foreign tourists. The Seoul municipal government on Wednesday announced a 100-day crackdown to target these taxi activities, focusing on those operating around tourist attractions and airports. Last year, taxi-related grievances accounted for nearly 19 per cent of all complaints reported to the Korea Tourism Organisation. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has defended Kemi Badenochs call for Conservative councils to consider legal challenges against the use of hotels to house asylum seekers. In a letter to Tory councils, Mrs Badenoch said she was encouraging them to take the same steps as Epping Council, if your legal advice supports it. Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Thursday morning (21 August), Mr Philp said councils didnt need to take such action when the Conservatives were in power, as the party had been getting hotel numbers down. New Home Office data shows the number of asylum seekers in hotels has gone down from 32,345 in March this year to 32,059 in June 2025. Numbers peaked at the end of September 2023, when 56,042 asylum seekers were in hotels. Thousands of Palestinians, including 21-year-old student Sara Awad, are fleeing Gaza City after the Israeli military launched a new ground invasion on Thursday (August 21). A lifelong resident of Gaza City, Ms Awad has begun packing her clothes and belongings as her family prepares to evacuate their home, for refuge in a tent in southern Gaza. Yesterday I was crying, telling my mother, father, and siblings that I cannot be in a tent. My dreams are big and I cant hold them, a tent cannot hold them, Ms Awad said. The IDF has described the city as a Hamas stronghold in its justification for the offensive, which has received widespread condemnation, including from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October 2023, according to the enclaves Hamas-run health ministry. Russias foreign minister has sent the West a warning over excluding Moscow from security discussions on Ukraine. Speaking on Wednesday (20 August), two days after Donald Trump hosted Volodymyr Zelensky and other western leaders in the White House, Sergei Lavrov said alienating the Kremlin is a road to nowhere. We cannot agree with the fact that now it is proposed to resolve questions of security, collective security, without the Russian Federation. This will not work, he said. Lavrov said that Russia will continue to express its "legitimate interests fairly and harshly, and that the US must understand that excluding Moscow is futile. Theyve got to know that if they come here, they wont stay here. Nigel Farage? Robert Jenrick? Suella Braverman? Not on this occasion. These hostile words about refugees coming by irregular means to Britain were uttered on the BBC by a Kings Counsel, chum of Tony Blair, the former lord chancellor and impeccable social democrat Lord Falconer. A pillar of the liberal establishment and still a senior and respected figure in Labour circles, Charlie Falconer is perhaps indicative of a shifting mood at the top of his party about how to deal with the migrant crisis both in practical policy terms, and as it is currently translating into some pretty raw party politics. As Falconer says, immigration, and specifically irregular so-called illegal migration, is fast becoming a defining political issue. As he did not say, but heavily implied, it may also kill the first Labour government for 14 years long before its time. Falconer sees one part of the solution as deterrence. His logic seems impeccable. If you are going to make the arduous journey across continents, pay all that money to the people traffickers and risk your life in the English Channel, then that only makes sense if it seems likely youll make a successful claim for asylum and, hopefully, at some point be able to bring your family over to start a new life: job, home, happiness. If you think youre not going to secure any of this, then, so Falconer thinks, you wont bother. To be fair, this is a point of view that has been increasingly seen in European countries by centrist parties that would never consider themselves racist or callous. They do so simply because of the weight of public opinion. Ever since Angela Merkel made that huge act of statesmanship and humanity by welcoming a million Syrian refugees into Germany a decade ago, the tide of compassion has been going out. The sheer numbers are the issue, as well as a welter of propaganda, misinformation and downright lies circulating across the continent, especially on social media. Public opinion has hardened, and democratic politicians have had to adapt. Hence the change of stance in countries traditionally open to immigration. In Germany, Merkels successor as leader of the Christian Democrats and chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has abandoned the old Willkommenskultur, introduced border checks and granted the police the power to reject asylum seekers at the border, albeit if they have good reason to. Apparently, theyre interested in taking up the Rwanda scheme scrapped by Keir Starmer as soon as Labour came to power last year. Other countries are following suit. Poland, Slovenia, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France have also imposed temporary border controls and suspended the EU Schengen free-movement regime. So has Italy, where Giorgia Meloni has instituted the first working system of third-country asylum processing through a treaty with Albania. Denmarks centrist coalition has introduced a series of policies that have made it less attractive for migrants not least a law allowing asylum claims to be processed and refugees to be resettled in partner countries, including Rwanda. Once a renowned welfare state paradise, Denmark has also cut benefits for asylum seekers, made leave to remain strictly temporary and conditional, and a few years ago even made refugees surrender their jewellery to pay for their keep. Some Syrians and Somalis and their Danish-born children have reportedly been asked to return to what are now deemed safe countries. Since coming to power in 2019, prime minister Mette Frederiksen has introduced Nul flygtninge, the zero refugee policy that has successfully reduced asylum applications to record lows, and which enjoys a more than 80 per cent public approval rating. None of this is pleasant, and much of it would seem to be in contravention of the European Convention on Human Rights, under which the right to claim protection is absolute and unaffected by opinion polls. The pressing question now, though, is would a deterrent involving deportation to some other place than Britain even work? Can there be such a thing as a deterrent for desperate people already risking death by drowning or hypothermia? I suspect not. As things stand, and unsatisfactory as the system is, the asylum seekers generally surrender themselves once in British waters, where Border Force, sometimes with the help of the RNLI, take them ashore and, eventually, the authorities process their claims while they wait in emergency accommodation such as requisitioned hotels. It is orderly. But if the would-be immigrants thought theyd be immediately detained and sent back to France (a small chance under the new returns agreement with Paris), or sent to, say, Albania, or Serbia, or even Rwanda for that matter, what would happen? Would the flow stop? I have my doubts. Some would probably judge it not worth the effort. But, as so often in the past, the people-smugglers would adjust their business model and they and the immigrants would seek to evade the new regime. Thus, instead of declaring themselves as they neared the British coast, theyd press on, perhaps now under cover of darkness, and make a surreptitious landing on some remote beach and then melt into the countryside. Theyd soon be in the grey economy, working for cash, living in slum accommodation, unable legally to access healthcare or education for their children, and far more prey to criminality. Something of this has been the case in America, with undocumented long-term migrants, for many years. The Border Force and the Royal Navy dont have the resources to catch all of the rogue boats. The only way of dealing with such a new phenomenon of irregular migration would be through a system of checks and compulsory ID cards. But the British remain resistant to a Papers, please society, which is actually essential if any progress is to be made on limiting irregular migration, and especially if the asylum system is effectively abolished. The weakness in Falconers argument is that the deterrent of being sent to some awful country will only work to the extent that they will be caught, either in transit or later on, when theyre far away from the south coast of England. A deterrent may prove to be part of the answer, but thats all. As has been apparent for a very long time, and in very many other countries, if there was an easy way to deter irregular migration and stop the boats, it would have long since been discovered by hard-pressed governments anxious to stay in power and terrified by angry voters. Anyone who suggests otherwise is a charlatan. A bank branch let to Bank of Ireland in the centre of Kilkenny city has been bought by a private Irish investor for its 4m guide price. As it generates a passing rent of 263,387 per year, the price equates to net initial yield of 5.98pc which is a keener yield than those achieved for prime Dublin shopping centres at 7.75pc. It is also lower compared with the yields for sought-after prime retail warehousing at 6.25pc, suggesting the Kilkenny building is as valuable as some prime Dublin properties. A key attraction for investors in the property is that its lease allows the landlord to receive upwards-only rent reviews with the next due in December 2026. Michele McGarry, who handled the sale on behalf of estate agent Colliers, commented: This result highlights the strong demand from buyers for secure, well-located assets in all locations and not exclusivity to the key cities. Interest was particularly driven by the strength of the Bank of Ireland covenant, the unexpired term and the fundamentals of the location. The sale attracted interest from both domestic and overseas buyers. From a developer perspective, another attraction is that it sits on a strategic corner site extending to 0.22 acres at the junction of Parliament Street, High Street and the Abbey Quarter. The site includes a small car-park with frontage on two sides offering future development potential. As it is not listed as a protected structure under the Kilkenny City Record of Protected Structures, this widens its development prospects. Despite the current keen yield, an even keener yield was seen when it was sold at the peak of the Celtic Tiger. Bank of Ireland offered it for sale in 2006 in a leaseback deal. Reports at that time suggested it was guiding around 6m, or about 50pc over this latest sale price. Its location benefits from steady consumer footfall, a diverse mix of retailers and hospitality offerings and proximity to Kilkennys lively cafe quarter on Kieran Street and nearby retailers. The building itself extends to about 887 sqm (9,551 sqft) over two-storeys and a basement, and its layout comprises an open-plan customer banking hall at ground level, open-plan and cellular offices on the upper floor, and ancillary accommodation at basement level. There are also 13 car-parking spaces. Consumers have been warned of a wave of fake investment ads across Facebook and Instagram. The ads are promoting what is claimed are bonds from European banks. These are targeting users across the European Union and all demographics. Bank of Ireland said 24 similar ads using the same tactic alone have so far been seen by almost 43,000 users across the EU. The bank described the ads as professional and convincing. Fraudsters are targeting social media users. Photo: Getty Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st In a statement, it said: The ads, which offer fake deposits and bonds investment products, are notable in the professional language and convincing appearance, promising higher than average returns on fixed-term investments. It said that once a customer clicks on the ad and submits their details via an online form, they are then targeted with a range of supporting materials and follow-up phone calls from a fraudster posing as an investment manager. Many of the investment opportunities offer fixed term returns, meaning there will be an expected surge in reporting of these fraud case in six or 12 months when people discover the fake investment company no longer exists, the bank said. Head of fraud at Bank of Ireland Nicola Sadlier said: We are seeing a wave of fake investment ads on social media which offer guaranteed high returns on European investment products, with little or no risk. These ads which are in circulation now on Meta [the owner of Facebook and Instagram] platforms are particularly concerning, as they look more professional compared to the more obvious fraudulent ads for trading platforms or crypto investments. Ms Sadlier said the real sting will come later. Victims often sign up for fixed-term investments of six to 12 months, only to discover the scam when they try to access their fundsand the company has disappeared. She said the growth in investment fraud is one of the most concerning trends the bank is seeing. The level of highly personalised targeting of consumers continues to grow year on year, and everyone needs to be on their guard. Consumers have been urged to ignore any unsolicited investment offers online, and always verify financial products through their bank or trusted financial adviser. People should make sure that the investment firm is regulated by checking the Central Bank of Ireland register. If a firm is not listed, consumers should not invest. Consumers were also advised to check for published warning notices. Bank of Ireland offers a 24/7 fraud telephone support for customers on 1800 946 764, available every day of the year. We encourage our customers to put this number in their phone so they have easy access to it if they ever need it, Ms Sadlier said. The scam works by linking ads to a website or form directing customer to a contact form. Customers are asked to submit their email and phone number for more information. The customer will receive a follow-up email and phone call from a fraudster posing as a very convincing investment manager, including details of the bond/deposit opportunity along with professional looking supporting materials. One fraudster referred several times to being officially recognised as one of the Top 10 Independent Investment Companies in Europe and under the regulatory supervision of FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority). Customers will then be duped into investing in fake fixed-rate investment products including bonds. Firm was founded by Dubliner Barry Conlon and Louth-based David Broe The Irish-led supply-chain-risk-management tech firm Overhaul has raised $105m (90m) in a new funding round led by US venture firms Springcoast Partners and Edison Partners. The company, co-founded in 2016 by Palmerstown-born CEO Barry Conlon and Dundalk-based David Broe, has an Irish office in Dundalk with 40 people employed there but is now headquartered in Austin, Texas. With customers such as Microsoft, Acer, Bristol-Myers Squibb and others in tech and healthcare, the firm offers risk monitoring, real-time visibility and compliance tracking for shipments and logistics. When something happens that shouldnt happen... were on top of it Some of their services have helped track and recover stolen cargo. Earlier this year, the company claimed to have helped recover $1.6m in stolen electronics in Texas by supplying location data and photos to investigating police. When something happens that shouldnt happen, like when a door is opened where it shouldnt be opened, or [a truck driver is] going in the wrong direction... were immediately on top of it, Mr Conlon previously told the Wall Street Journal. Overhaul has raised $215m to date. The company employs over 600 people globally and has recently acquired Michigan-based FreightVerify, which has over 60 staff and counts major car manufacturers as its clients. Our engineering and development efforts are focused on solving real-world problems, and this investment helps us accelerate that mission, said Mr Conlon. The truth is that visibility is a data stream, not a standalone solution or app, and how we harness that stream is what truly sets us apart. The news was also welcomed by industry group Endeavor Ireland, which counts Mr Conlon and Mr Broe as members. Barry and Dave have committed fully to our pay it forward ethos This double milestone is a powerful example of how Irish founders are among the worlds most talented, building industry-leading, globally competitive companies, said U2 guitarist The Edge (real name David Evans) who is chair of Endeavor Ireland. Working with some of the worlds biggest brands, Barry and Dave are solving complex logistical challenges while scaling in multiple countries and remaining a local employer here at home. Since becoming Endeavor entrepreneurs just last year, Overhaul has experienced strong growth and Barry and Dave have committed fully to our pay it forward ethos. New fines are on the way for drone operators who flout noise and privacy rules Minister praises innovative tech but adds warning over safety and privacy Some residents in areas where drone delivery services operate are unhappy with noise pollution Adrian Weckler Wed 20 Aug 2025 at 13:04 The Government will introduce new fines for drone operators that dont adhere to noise, privacy and flightpath regulations, according to a new framework document on the future of drones and drone delivery in Ireland. Palantir, whose CEO is Alex Karp, has fallen over 9pc two days in a row. Photo: Getty Nvidia, Palantir and other superstar stocks that had surged in the mania surrounding artificial-intelligence technology dragged Wall Street lower again on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dropped 1pc and the tech heavy Nasdaq share index was 1.8pc lower. Nvidia, whose chips are powering much of the world's move into AI, dropped 3.7pc following its 3.5pc fall on Tuesday. Controversial software giant Palantir Technologies, another AI darling, sank 9.3pc on Wednesday to add to its 9.4pc decline the day before. That massive fall was off all-time highs earlier in the month so brings the stocks back to around the $150 a share price at the end of July. Nvidia, which is due to report financial results next week has seen its shares soar 35.5pc since the start of this year. Palantir had been up even more sharply, more than doubling, before this weeks tumble Those increases, and big rises for some of their peers had lifted US stocks to all times highs this month, despite the uncertainties hanging over global trade as the Trump White House has torn up agreements with long time trade partners and, in more recent weeks, targeted individual companies including Nvidea, which is to pay an export tax on some sales to China, and Intel, where the US government looks set to take an equity stake. Analysts pointed to a confluence of factors behind this weeks tech stock falls, including concerns valuations had overshot, investors exiting profitable positions and a general mood of risk aversion. Waning confidence that AI can deliver returns some investors had baked into their assumptions is also likely to be a factor, especially after Open AIs launch of ChatGPT 5 fell short of customer and investor hopes. A study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys influential Nanda Initiative that found most corporations are not yet seeing any measurable return from their generative AI investments, may have spooked some investors, according to Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, global head of equities at UBS Global Wealth Management. Wariness over the implications of Donald Trump's moves into directly engaging with tech companies is also likely to be weighing on sentiment. Analysts say the highs the market is coming off are also a factor. "I think we were priced for perfection in the US and there was quite a lot of complacency in markets, so some summer volatility should have been expected," said Ben Laidler, head of equity strategy at Bradesco BBI. (Additional reporting Reuters) EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 03: John Cena enters the arena during SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium on August 3, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images) Former WWE champion John Cena will star in the franchises first live SmackDown event in Dublin. Cena (48) is stopping by the Irish capital as part of his 2025 Farewell tour which visits locations across the UK, Ireland and France, which will culminate in the Clash In Paris. Cena will retire from professional wrestling at the end of the year. Also set to appear in the landmark WWE TV event are current champion The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes, the clash of R-Truth vs Aleister Black, as well as Randy Orton and WWE womens champion Tiffany Stratton. The show is sold out and tickets are currently unavailable on Ticketmaster. Doors to the 3Arena will open at 6pm. Other root crops, carrots and onions, have been kept going by the use of irrigation, but there are serious concerns about water supplies if the lack of rain continues. Heatwaves across parts of the UK have left growers fearing a record-low yield for their crop and vegetable harvest. Broccoli farmers are particularly vulnerable, with one grower warning shoppers to expect smaller vegetables on shelves and higher prices. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, an independent think tank in the UK, also warned that farmers would stop farming unless better provisions were put in place. The summer drought comes at a difficult time for farmers, who are already battling Rachel Reeves inheritance tax raid. A record number of farms have closed this year after the Chancellor announced in October that she would cut the amount of inheritance tax relief available to family farms. It also comes alongside increased employers National Insurance contributions and the raising of the minimum wage. Ben Andrews, who runs a mixed organic farm growing broccoli near Leominster, Herefordshire, said his crops were struggling and called for more Government support. Its quite a bit smaller than wed expect it to be at this point, he said of the broccoli head to the BBC. The heads should be a lot bigger than they are. Consumers might have to shift their expectations; be that the choice, size or shape of what theyre buying, or even the price of whats on offer. Ive been getting pretty stressed out just worrying. Its starting to become a risk that we cant really afford to keep taking every year. The British Growers Association said this summer was proving to be yet another climatic challenge for growers, although struggles in some parts of the country were being mitigated by harvesting of crops in areas less affected by drought. Jack Ward, the associations chief executive, said: In some areas, supplies of summer brassicas, cauliflowers and cabbages are tight. Other root crops, carrots and onions, have been kept going by the use of irrigation, but there are serious concerns about water supplies if the lack of rain continues. At this stage, we are confident that the crops will be there, but the weather events of the last three months highlight the increasing uncertainty around our food supplies. Arable farmer Martin Williams, who also runs a farm in Herefordshire, said his yield had been slashed by absolutely devastatingly dry conditions. I dont remember a year as dry as this and I was around in 1976 but I was very young, he said. This year has been quite a knock for income on this farm. Im glad of the diversified income to compensate for it. These sentiments were echoed by Jeremy Clarkson, who warned of a catastrophic harvest earlier this month. The former Top Gear host, who now runs the Oxfordshire Diddly Squat farm, has shed light on the difficulties faced by the agricultural industry since the release of his Amazon hit series in 2021. The extreme dry weather marks the latest blow to hit the farming industry alongside Labours inheritance tax raid. Currently, family farms do not incur inheritance tax, receiving full relief on the usual 40 per cent rate. Under the changes introduced by Ms Reeves, which take effect from April 2026, inheritance tax will be charged at a rate of 20 per cent, above a threshold of 1m. Farmers have objected that 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 told The Telegraph that the impending increase has opened a suicide window for elderly business owners, who worry they will impose a financial burden on their children and grandchildren by staying alive beyond April next year. Ms Reevess tax change, which alongside a similar reduction in the relief for family businesses is set to raise up to 520m a year for the Exchequer, caused an immediate backlash with Jeremy Clarkson leading farmers driving tractors into central London to protest outside Parliament. Data from the Office for National Statistics last month showed a total of 6,365 agriculture, forestry and fishing businesses have closed this year, the highest since quarterly data was first published in 2017. Rachel Hallos, the NFUs vice-president, said: The increasing extreme weather we are experiencing is impacting our ability to produce food and will have substantial financial consequences on some farm businesses. Although parts of the country have seen some rainfall, and farmers are no strangers to unpredictable weather, the extremes this year have been unprecedented. Last years harvest was marked by heavy rain; this year, its the lack of it. These fluctuations of drought and flood are becoming more pronounced and more regular. Food security must be a national priority and that means [the] Government supporting farmers and growers to build resilience. Farmers and growers need investment in climate adaptation and resilient crop varieties to safeguard our ability to feed the nation, weather market volatility and adapt to a changing climate. We also need investment in water infrastructure across the wider farming sector and planning reforms that allow us to better capture and store in times of plenty for use when its needed. TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented GAA player who died in an horrific Cork road traffic collision. William 'Billy' O'Grady, who was aged in his early 20s, died from injuries sustained in a single vehicle collision outside Glanmire on the M8 Dublin-Cork motorway. Mr OGrady was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital on Wednesday afternoon after doctors were unable to stabilise his condition. The collision occurred at around 6.50am on Wednesday morning on the M8 southbound near Junction 18 by Upper Riverstown. Shanballymore GAA had led tributes to the deceased. In a statement on social media they said that it was with deep sadness and sorrow that they learned of the untimely passing of club player and friend Billy. A young man of great character and presence who was a credit to his family and our club," they posted. "Our condolences go to his parents John and Caroline, siblings Jordan, Kelly and Ollie, girlfriend Chloe, extended family members, friends and all those in the Shanballymore community. "Our focus remains on remembering Billy as a player, friend, and clubmate and supporting his family over this most difficult time in their lives. "As a mark of respect to the O'Grady and Butler families, all activities in Shanballymore GAA grounds are paused and the walkway will remain closed until further notice." St Dominics GAA club, which consists of players from Glanworth and Shanballymore GAA, said that the death of their former player had shocked the whole community. Billy was more than just a player, he was a friend and a vital part of our club family. "We will truly miss his presence and his dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time." Such was the fondness for Billy that even his former pre-school in Shanballymore posted a message about his passing. Cleverkids said that Billy was one of their first students eighteen years ago. Heartbreaking day yesterday as the news of the passing of Billy O Grady had to be shared in our community. He one of our first students in Cleverkids 18 years ago. This is very hard to write as Billy is our next door neighbour and also a cousin of ours. Meanwhile, Gardai have issued an appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 6:40 am and 7:15 am (yesterday) morning are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. "Anyone with information is asked to contact Mayfield Garda Station on 021 4558510 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Desmond Grace was working in Dublin City Councils bin depot on Bow Lane when the incident occurred last November. Stock image A Dublin City Council employee who was fatally injured in a workplace incident nearly a year ago died from catastrophic injuries sustained when he was crushed between a truck and a wall at a city depot, an inquest has heard. Desmond Grace, who was known as Dessie, was a waste management worker and had been working late at night in the councils bin depot on Bow Lane in the city centre on November 29 last year when the incident happened. Some of the weapons seized by Gardai during the operation. Photo: Gardai. GardaI are investigating if they have foiled a gangland murder after a major firearms and drugs seizure in Co Cork late last night. Two Cork criminals who are known to detectives for offences such as drug dealing and robbery were arrested at a service station in Charleville, Co Cork, at 11pm on Wednesday night. The victim, who is aged in his 40s, was allegedly kicked in the head during the assault in the early hours of Thursday An English tourist has been hospitalised with serious head injuries after being attacked in the Temple Bar area of Dublin City centre overnight. The victim, who is aged in his 40s, was allegedly kicked in the head during the assault in the early hours of this morning. No arrests have yet been made as part of the investigation, but detectives are reviewing good quality CCTV footage from the area in an effort to identify the suspect. Emergency services were alerted to reports of an assault in the Temple Bar Square area shortly before 1am and found the man with serious injuries. Temple Bar in Dublin. Stock image: Getty Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st It is understood the man was the victim of a so-called one-strike attack and sustained head injuries after falling to the ground. The tourist was rushed to hospital and it is understood he has since been transferred to Beaumont Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery overnight. The man is believed to have been visiting Dublin with a family member. Gardai believe an altercation with another male, who was not known to the man, escalated into the physical assault. The man had been socialising in the area prior to the attack. Detectives at Pearse Street garda station are carrying out the investigation. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan appealed for members of the public to assist the gardai. I have been briefed on a serious incident that occurred overnight in Dublin, Mr OCallaghan said. While a garda investigation is under way, I will not comment further but I want to wish the injured man a full recovery and appeal for any witnesses to come forward to assist An Garda Siochana, he said. An application to extend the electrified Dart network from Malahide to Drogheda has been approved by An Coimisiun Pleanala. The capacity on the section between Malahide and Drogheda will be nearly doubled from around 4,800 to 8,000 passengers at peak hours when the project is complete. It aims to increase the peak hourly capacity and frequency on the northern route between Dublin city, Malahide, Howth and Drogheda, with the increase in services subject to demand and will be part of a separate timetable consultation process with the National Transport Authority. The planned improvements as part of DART+ Coastal North will include 37km of electrification and re-signalling of the railway line between Malahide and Drogheda MacBride Stations. There will be reconstruction of the existing track layout and associated infrastructure around Drogheda MacBride, Malahide, Clongriffin, Howth Junction and Donaghmede stations. A new platform will be established at Drogheda MacBride Station, and infrastructure to enable operational flexibility for both direct Howth to city and Howth to Howth Junction DART shuttle services as required. All civil, bridge and ancillary works will take place as necessary to accommodate the project, along with the improvement of Howth Junction and Donaghmede stations. Stock image of the Dart in Dublin. Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 20th There will also be modifications made to Fairview and Drogheda train depots to support the new train fleet and a reconfiguration of the track layout north of Malahide to provide a train turnback facility that does not move rail operations nearer to adjacent residences. The procurement process will now commence for design and build contractors, a spokesperson for Irish Rail said. A period of detailed design and construction will both follow. "Subject to funding being allocated it is anticipated that construction will be in the region of three years, they added. Iarnrod Eireann chief executive Jim Meade said today is a great day for the communities of north Dublin and Louth as the provision of Dart services will transform commuting for the existing and new communities along this railway corridor. "It will make travelling with us more sustainable, more frequent and more reliable, he said. "This is the third DART+ project to receive planning. DART+ West Railway Order was granted in July 2024 and DART+ South West was granted In November 2024. Work is underway on preliminary design for DART+ Coastal South and for DART+ Depot. "The DART+ programme, when delivered will truly revolutionise commuting in the Greater Dublin Area and assist in meeting Irelands climate action targets by reducing reliance on the private car and providing sustainable high frequency, high capacity transport. Hugh Creegan from the National Transport Authority said the approval of the project is a significant milestone in the transformation of rail services in the Greater Dublin Area and for the communities across North Dublin, East Meath, and Louth. "This is more than about infrastructure. It is about connecting growing communities with sustainable, frequent and reliable transport that supports local development and helps reduce car dependency. "Reaching this milestone marks an important step in delivering a better-connected public transport for the region." Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien welcomed the decision, which enables overhead electric wires to be extended from Malahide to Drogheda and will facilitate a significant improvement in train capacity and frequency on the Northern commuter line, following project procurement and construction. Inside Kneecap star Mo Charas chaotic return to court an overflowing gallery and a festival atmosphere Chants of Free Mo Chara could be heard during the legal proceedings Watch: Crowds outside Westminster court for Kneecap member's appearance Niamh Campbell Thu 21 Aug 2025 at 06:30 As Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh returned to Westminster Magistrates Court, attention again was as much on what was happening outside as the proceedings inside the London courtroom. Taoiseach Micheal Martin to bow to pressure on fielding Fianna Fail presidential candidate Private chats show TDs pushing to develop a strategy and candidate could be on the pitch within 10 days Pressure on Taoiseach to pick presidential candidate for Fianna Fail Mary Regan Thu 21 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Taoiseach Micheal Martin could have a Fianna Fail presidential candidate on the pitch in the next 10 days, as pressure builds within his party to outline his plans. Three people have been arrested following an arson attack on a car in Co Down. The vehicle was set on fire in the Castlewellan Road area of Banbridge at around 10.40pm on Tuesday. A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson in the early hours of Thursday morning and remains in custody at this time. The PSNI said a 27-year-old man and a 35-year-old man arrested on Wednesday have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries. The vehicle affected was destroyed and significant damage was caused to the surrounding area. Police continue to appeal for anyone with information surrounding the incident to come forward. PSNI Sergeant Barnes said: Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and the fire was extinguished, however the vehicle was destroyed and significant damage was caused to the surrounding area. PSNI. Watch: 82M Super Yacht belonging to Russian billionaire arrives in Belfast This is being treated as arson and anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with enquiries, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1976 19/08/25. The art of tome signalling: From Timothee Chalamets 1984 to SJP with Sally Rooney, what the books we want to be seen reading say about us Just as we judge books by their covers, we judge people by their books, writes Emily Hourican who muses on the worthy works we keep on show versus the guilty pleasures stashed under our pillows "When Marilyn Monroe was photographed reading Ulysses, we all saw a different side of her: Marilyn-the-misunderstood-intellectual became as much a trope as Marilyn-the-insouciant-sex-bomb." Image: Clare Meredith Emily Hourican Thu 21 Aug 2025 at 06:30 I cant get shops to take my second-hand books for anything. And this despite the fact that, because I occasionally review books for this newspaper, I get sent many, many brand spanking new ones. These are not dog-eared copies of Nausea or The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, they are the thriller of the summer, the Book of the Year, the new Sally Rooney. Justin Baragona: How Gavin Newsoms trolling of Donald Trump has held up a mirror to MAGA Perfect parody of presidents Truth Social posts goes over heads of Fox News pundits California Governor Gavin Newsom has been sharing social media posts that mock Trump and MAGA representatives. Photo: Reuters Justin Baragona UK Independent Thu 21 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Over the past week, Gavin Newsoms press office has been deliberately aping Donald Trumps over-the-top social media posting style in an obvious attempt to not only troll the presidents most ardent defenders but also force them to come to grips with Trumps bullying and bombastic tone. Vladimir Putins concessions seem minimal, while European leaders push Trump to stick to original ceasefire demand A flurry of diplomatic activity in the past two weeks was designed to end the war in Ukraine: US special envoy Steve Witkoff went to Moscow on August 6 to meet Russias President Vladimir Putin. Putin went to Alaska on Friday to meet President Donald Trump. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky and various European leaders went to the White House on Monday to meet Trump. Residents across County Cork are invited to take part in a public consultation to change house planning rules and regulations. The public consultation, organised by the Housing Department, is centred around exempted developments, which do not require planning permission. Macroom-based Fine Gael senator, Eileen Lynch, said the consultation is a prime opportunity for people to have their say to make planning rules more flexible, affordable and sustainable. This is about cutting red tape and making it easier for people to create homes in a way that suits their needs. One really exciting part of this review is how it could support the use of smaller modular homes something thats becoming more popular both here and abroad, Senator Lynch explained. Following the review, planning exemptions could apply for attic conversions, including the installation of rooflights and heat pumps, the subdivision of existing dwellings, and detached habitable accommodation within the boundary of a primary dwelling - enabling flexible housing for relatives or carers. Senator Lynch said smaller modular homes could have a positive impact within communities. The detached homes proposal whereby you could build in the backyard of your family home would provide a more affordable and quicker housing option for those saving for a mortgage or self-build or for elderly people looking to downsize while staying in their own community. Timber homes are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, supporting sustainable living and helping families save on bills and lowering carbon emissions. If we can make it easier to provide flexible housing, we can help keep communities vibrant and allow more people to live locally, she added. The Housing Department is accepting submissions until 26 August, and Senator Lynch is encouraging people to take ten minutes out of their day to make a submission. Additional details are available on the Department of Housings website. Senator Nicole Ryan has criticised Cork TD John Paul OSheas call for changes to maternity benefit while his own party has been in government for more than a decade. In recent days, the Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea stated that all options must be looked at to make maternity leave pay better for women and families. Deputy OShea who is the Chair of the Oireachtas Social Protection committee said consideration must be given by the Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary to introduce a pay-related maternity benefit so those who only get the flat rate are appropriately compensated. Mr OShea said Ireland currently has a flat rate of 289 per week, leaving it up to employers to make up the difference. While the length of maternity leave in Ireland compares well with our European neighbours, clearly a change is needed to ensure Irish mothers are not at a financial disadvantage due to our flat rate system. By linking maternity benefit to earnings, families will be protected from financial constraints when an expectant mother is taking maternity leave. Women shouldnt have to worry about starting or growing their family for fear of a cliff-edge drop in income, he added. Workers and self-employed individuals in the Republic of Ireland are entitled to a social welfare maternity benefit payment of 289 per week for 26 weeks. Some employers top up the entitlement. Sinn Fein senator Nicole Ryan however said families need action, not empty promises. Families in Cork are under enormous financial pressure with soaring housing costs, some of the highest childcare fees in the State and the rising cost of living. To then expect new mothers to survive on a flat rate maternity payment of 289 a week is simply not good enough. Senator Ryan continued: It is all well and good for Deputy OShea to issue press releases, but Fine Gael has been in power for 13 years. If they were serious about supporting women and families, they would already have delivered a fair, pay-related maternity system. Mothers in Cork should not face a cliff-edge drop in income just for having children. Senator Ryan said the reality is that women have been at a disadvantage from the very moment they find out they are pregnant. From the start of pregnancy, women are left worrying about whether their jobs will be secure, how time off will impact their career, or whether they can even afford to take their full entitlement. If they suffer an early loss, many are left without statutory protections, facing questions about employment gaps and forced to suffer in silence. This is discrimination against women for the simple fact that they are able to bring life into the world. The Cork senator said she has personally brought forward a comprehensive Bill on early pregnancy loss, designed to give women and families the recognition, leave and protections they deserve. Instead of embracing it, both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail voted to kick it down the road and delay it by a year. Do they really care about womens issues, or is it all just soundbites and empty promises? Where is this so-called new energy they promised in the last general election? Because for women and families, nothing has changed, she added. What families need is action, not more promises, said Senator Ryan. Sinn Fein will deliver proper, pay-related maternity benefit and ensure families in Cork and across Ireland get the support they deserve. It is long past time that women and families were treated with the dignity and fairness they are entitled to. The establishment of a dedicated plan and taskforce for Cork city needs to be prioritised stated a Cork TD. Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, Colm Burke said the establishment of the Cork City taskforce must not be delayed any further. Mr Burke said that for continued investment in Cork city there is a clear need to establish the taskforce. The Programme for Government clearly recognises the need for a dedicated task force for Cork city centre. This is something that Fine Gael also campaigned on in the 2024 general election. In their party manifesto before last years general election, Fine Gael stated that it will appoint a dedicated Cork City Taskforce within the first 100 days of Government to rejuvenate the city centre and drive major infrastructure projects committed to in the general election manifesto. Along with the rejuvenation of the city centre, Fine Gael also committed to driving major investment in healthcare through the creation of a new surgical hub and a new elective hospital. Development of Cork Airport, construction of the Limerick to Cork motorway and investment in public transport were also top priorities for Fine Gael in Cork city and county. We urgently need to see its establishment, said Deputy Burke. We are now 200 days on and this taskforce has yet to be put in place. People in Cork are rightly asking when this will be delivered. Across the county we are making progress on a number of fronts. The new hospital at Sarsfield Court, Glanmire is at design stage; and plans for new light rail as well as commuter rail has been announced, with new commuter rail stations in areas such as Blackpool, Blarney and Tivoli. Now we must go one step further for our city centre with a dedicated plan on how we can grow and improve our city, he added. Deputy Burke who is the Fine Gael spokesperson for Cork said the taskforce would be hugely beneficial in growing, developing and supporting businesses and residents in the Cork city centre. It would consider the economic and social needs of the city and develop plans for positive development and transformation. We have seen the difference it can make in Dublin, where government, local government and community stakeholders, work together and say, whats our common vision. It needs to happen in Cork. The experienced Cork TD said the huge increase in the population in Cork over recent years brings new challenges for Cork city centre. The population of Cork has increased substantially over the past 20 years. This brings new challenges for our city centre. We must meet these challenges with a fresh approach. I believe that the joined up thinking of a taskforce, bringing together local expertise from various different sectors would be incredibly beneficial. We must not delay any further in bringing this common vision to fruition. We need to see the Cork City taskforce made a priority, he added. An Coimisiun Pleanala has received appeals for two renewable energy-related projects in County Cork, one a battery storage facility granted permission by Cork County Council in spite of strong local opposition and the other a 161-hectare solar farm that was refused planning permission by the local authority. In July Cork County Council granted conditional planning permission to Neoen Renewables Ireland Limited for a battery storage facility with a 35-year operational life at Curraduff, Newmarket, despite receiving over 160 objections. Last week concerned Newmarket residents held a public meeting to voice their opposition to the proposed battery facility. Locals are fearful that a fire in the sites lithium-ion batteries could threaten their homes. They say the site would be situated in good quality agricultural land near a primary school, a healthcare centre, and a nursing home. The Newmarket Environmental Protection Group (NEPG) and two other appellants have now appealed the councils decision to the planning appeal board. France-headquartered Neoen is a major player in the renewable energy sector with wind and solar farms in several countries. In County Cork, as well as two energy storage projects in early development in Newmarket and Knockraha, the company has operated a windfarm at Carherdowney since 2012. The second appeal relates to Cork County Councils decision last month to refuse planning permission to Aglish Solar Farm Limited for a 100 MW solar farm extending across fourteen townlands in the Lee Valley, citing archaeological concerns. Aglish Solar Farm Limited has now appealed that refusal to An Coimisiun Pleanala. The company had applied for a 10-year permission to put solar panels on six parcels of land around the southern bank of the river Lee, about 25 km west of Cork city. The local authority said that the applicant has not demonstrated that sufficient archaeological investigations have been undertaken to guide the proposed development towards preserving in-situ potential archaeological features and thereby safeguarding archaeological heritage. Cork has become a hotspot for solar and wind farm proposals in recent years and local opposition to them has been steadily growing. The planning appeal board has a statutory objective to try to decide cases within 18 weeks. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. The single seat at the L25 bus stop has been described as 'ugly and impractical' The single seat installed at the bus stop on Overend Avenue, near Balally Luas A single, unsheltered seat at a bus stop in Balally in south Dublin has been branded ugly and impractical. A photo of the new seating on Overend Avenue, near Balally Luas stop, received a backlash on social media, with many calling the design ridiculous, while others labelled it anti-homeless, hostile architecture. Green Party Councillor for Dundrum, Robert Jones, said the new seating design at the stop, which serves the L25 bus route, is bizarre. The installation of a single metal chair at Dublin bus stops is more than just bad design, its a case study in how Irelands planning system fails the public, he said. If were serious about building a liveable city, every piece of street furniture, from a bus stop to a bench, should be designed for comfort, utility, and aesthetics. The single seat at the L25 bus stop has been described as 'ugly and impractical' That means places where people actually want to sit, wait, and interact, not awkward chairs bolted to the pavement. Public space should invite use, not discourage it. This is just one example of why more and more, were seeing ugly, impractical solutions that do little for the public but tick a bureaucratic box. Funding for bus shelters comes from the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Dublin Bus. In 2024 and 2025, the NTA allocated 500,000 to local authorities to fund bus stop infrastructure. A spokesperson for the NTA said that while it provides funding for bus stop infrastructure, the actual design and delivery is carried out by the local authority in this case Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Mr Jones said he believes Dublin deserves better and more modern infrastructure, on a par with other major European cities. Other cities manage to install proper seating and shelter on public transport routes that are accessible, comfortable and look like they belong in a modern city. Dublin deserves the same, he said. This chair is the perfect symbol of the current systems dysfunction: the planning tail wagging the public-realm dog. Until we flip the approach, designing for people first and letting the planning process support that, well keep producing infrastructure that meets only the minimum standard of functionality." A spokesperson for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: The seat is one of a number provided as part of the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme, funded by the NTA. The initial responses from users have been very positive. It is likely that more seats like this will be provided throughout the county. The seat has important design features for mobility impaired people and blind or partially sighted people. The armrests are for the benefit of mobility impaired people to help when getting up from the seat. The metal hoop under the seat is for the benefit of white cane users. The contrasting yellow colour of the hoop is for the benefit of partially sighted people. Bus stop 7916 near the Ballaly Luas does not currently have a shelter. The NTA is going through a procurement process for new bus shelters. It is likely that a new shelter will be provided here in 2026, they added. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Listowel Writers Week has announced that prominent Irish author Colm Toibin has agreed to return as president in 2026 in time for the 55th anniversary of Irelands oldest literary festival. The news is widely welcomed given the vast appeal and reputation Colm Toibin has as one of Irelands foremost writers. Toibin, a lifelong supporter of the Listowel Writer Week, stepped down as president in 2022 in protest at the decision to disband the volunteers of the festival. His return is being hailed as a major asset and honour for the people who organise the festival and its many patrons in Kerry, nationally, and overseas. Chairman Ned OSullivan welcomed the news, describing Toibin as a writer of calibre and renown whose presence as president offers inspiration and leadership as Listowel Writers Week look to the future. A statement from Listowel Writers Week stated: Together, the return of Colm Toibin and the continued leadership of Ned OSullivan signal an exciting new chapter for Irelands oldest literary festival. It was confirmed on Thursday that Kerry County Council will receive an increase in Flood Risk and Coastal Change Management funding supports available to them under the OPW Minor Works Scheme. The news comes after residents in Listowel had expressed their fears and concerns that unless flooding relief works were done on the River Feale near two housing estates in the town that were suffered significant damage last November when the area was hit by the worst flooding since the 1970s. The news of the increase in the supports available to Kerry County Council through the OPW was welcomed on Thursday by Minister for Children, Disability & Equality and Kerry T.D. Norma Foley who specifically referenced last years flooding in Listowel. We are all conscious of the impact of serious flooding and coastal erosion following recent significant weather events in Kerry. This is a very substantial increase in funding being made available for mitigation schemes and will give greater flexibility to Kerry County Council allowing them to carry out localised flood relief and coastal protection works, she said. I have engaged consistently with Minister Moran and Kerry County Council regarding flooding events in Kerry, including significant issues in Listowel, Killocrim/Gortnaminch areas. I have been assured by both Minister Moran and Kerry County Council that plans for mitigation works in Listowel are currently being finalised and I have no doubt that this funding will assist in supporting the necessary works to be undertaken, she continued. Minister Foley acknowledges and thanks her Government colleague Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin Boxer Moran for delivering this crucial funding support. Key changes being introduced include: Chairman Ned OSullivan has agreed to continue as Chair for 2026 The Board of Directors and members of Listowel Writers Week pictured following the festivals AGM at the Listowel Arms Hotel. Plans were outlined for the landmark 55th anniversary celebrations in 2026. Listowel Writers Week held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) this week at the Listowel Arms Hotel where it was confirmed that Chairman Ned OSullivan has agreed to remain in the position for one more year. The AGM produced a strong turnout of members and supporters who gathered to reflect on another remarkable year for Irelands oldest literary festival. The meeting also shone a spotlight on the dedication of the Board of Directors, each of whom plays a vital role in guiding the festival. Treasurer Christy Walsh provided reassurance on the festivals strong financial footing, while Mary Kennelly highlighted the importance of governance and compliance as Writers Week continues to grow. Mr OSullivan said he is honoured to continue as chairman so that the outstanding success of this years festival can be built on. The strong turnout at our AGM shows the deep pride and commitment that Listowel has for Writers Week. As we approach our 55th anniversary, we are filled with excitement and ambition for what lies ahead, he said. The Board of Directors gives their time and energy out of a love for Listowel and the festivals great literary tradition, and together we are determined to ensure that the next chapter will be one of the most memorable in our history. Mr OSullivan added. Margaret Sheehan, Deputy Chairperson, presented on festival delivery and the ambitions for future programming. Public Relations Officer Lisa OFlaherty shared a dynamic marketing and communications strategy that is reaching broader audiences at home and abroad. Joanna Keane OFlynn, Childrens Officer, spoke about the reintroduction of the much-loved Childrens Festival, which will once again give younger audiences a space to celebrate books and creativity. The Board also welcomed three new Directors: Eilis Casey, Aidan O Murchu, and Cllr Aoife Kennelly, each bringing fresh perspectives and commitment to the festivals future. As Writers Week looks ahead to 2026, the Board stated that it is united in its ambition to celebrate both the illustrious heritage of the literary festival and its vibrant future. The AGM closed on a note of optimism, with members confident that the 55th anniversary will mark a new high point in the story of Listowel Writers Week. A series of events take place this weekend August 22 -24 Ireland best-known and instantly recognisable storyteller, historian, and folklorist, Eddie Lenihan who is taking part in the Milltown History and Heritage Festival. A series of walks and talks have been announced as part of the inaugural Milltown History and Heritage Weekend which will take place this weekend August 22 -24. An evening with storyteller, Eddie Lenihan, a guided walk of historic Milltown and a presentation on plans for the conservation of the local White Church have been arranged by the Milltown History and Heritage Society. Since its establishment two years ago, the society has been running a series of events and recently released an acclaimed new documentary film on the heritage and the landscape of Milltown. On Friday, August 22 in an event which is part of national Heritage Week, local historian Dr. John Knightly, conservation architect Karol O'Mahony, and arborist Cormac Foley will outline the story of the White Church as well as details of the preparation of a Conservation Management Plan for its future preservation. The White Church is an important ecclesiastical site, largely rebuilt in the 18th century as an estate church. The preparation of a Conservation Management Plan for the church is being supported by a grant awarded by the Heritage Council in 2025. On Saturday, August 23, the society presents an engaging and enlightening evening with one of Ireland best-known and instantly recognisable storytellers, historians, and folklorists, Eddie Lenihan. In his own unique style. Eddie will present tales of Irish myth and folklore and ancient Irish traditions and customs, many of which are being lost in the modern world. This event is suitable for all ages and is a special occasion which is not to be missed. Finally, on Sunday, August 24, at noon, Dr. John Knightly will lead a walking tour of Milltown which will explore, showcase and inform participants about the historical, cultural, and architectural significance of this remarkable 18th century estate village. Dr Owen O'Shea of the Milltown and Heritage Society said that Milltown has a rich heritage that must be preserved and the group is hoping to do so by bringing it to the public domain. This festival will help do this. It is hoped that the third weekend of August each year will become an annual celebration of the rich and unique history and heritage of the locality, he said. All of the information and booking details for all events are now available on the website of the Milltown History and Heritage Society: www.milltownhistoryheritage.ie The Mayo cottage once owned by the maternal grandmother of Oasis stars Noel and Liam Gallagher is on the market The cottage has been recently renovated and features an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Photo: DNG Cyril Burke. The two-bedroom cottage that had once belonged to the late Margaret Sweeney, was listed for sale this morning. Photo: DNG Cyril Burke. Mayo fans are hoping the famous duo will be spotted in the county after having played two sold out shows in Croke Park last weekend. A two-bedroom cottage near Charlestown which once belonged to the late Margaret Sweeney, grandmother to the rock and roll icons Noel and Liam Gallagher, has gone up for sale. The Gallagher brothers are said to have spent many childhood summers there and have often spoken fondly of their Mayo roots. Even after finding fame, they continued visiting their grandmother until her passing in 2000. The recently renovated cottage, in Sonnagh, Charlestown, has gone on the market with an asking price of 350,000. Set on six acres with the Sonnagh River running through the grounds, the property features c. 900 sq ft of living space, including an entrance hall that leads into an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, two double bedrooms and two shower rooms. The master bedroom includes an ensuite. The two-bedroom cottage that had once belonged to the late Margaret Sweeney, was listed for sale this morning. Photo: DNG Cyril Burke. The property is described as ideal for anyone looking for a link to the musical legend that is Oasis. Alternatively it is said to be an ideal holiday home, as the property description put it: imagine the guests excitement to stay where the Gallagher brothers spent their childhood summers. The cottage is located roughly 10km from Knock Airport and is within walking distance of the centre of Charlestown. Oasis recently played two sold-out nights at Croke Park. During one of the shows, Liam paid tribute to Charlestown, dedicating the bands hit single Roll With It to the Mayo town. Is anyone here from Charlestown? he asked the 80,000-strong crowd, before joking, Theres only about five people there, you cant all be from there. He also dedicated the song Stand By Me to his mother Peggy, who was in the crowd. I wanna play this one to me mam, he told the cheering fans. Peggy Gallagher herself grew up in Sonnagh, living there for 18 years before emigrating to Manchester in search of better opportunities during Irelands economically difficult years. News of the sale has stirred excitement in the town, with residents hoping the famous brothers might return to Charlestown. Some fans have already made their way to Mayo this week, eager for a glimpse of the brothers. The two-bedroom property has been listed for 350,000. Photo: DNG Cyril Burke. On Tuesday, the Irish Independent reported that a private plane coming from Dublin had landed at Ireland West Knock airport, fuelling speculation that the Gallaghers had touched down in Mayo. While the pair have yet to be spotted, fans are hopeful they will make an appearance before heading to Toronto, where Oasis are due to perform on Sunday, August 24. The sale is being handled by Castlebar-based auctioneers DNG Cyril Burke, along with DNG Country Homes & Estates, and Hamptons International. Local auctioneer Cyril Burke said the company is delighted that the owner came to them to market the property. The cottage has been recently renovated and features an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Photo: DNG Cyril Burke. We certainly are making every effort to give it the exposure it deserves as its a fabulous property and has a wonderful history where the Gallagher brothers of Oasis fame enjoyed a welcoming childhood with their family in the past, which they have never failed to highlight. Rumours are spreading that the brothers might already be in the West of Ireland. Charlestown is waiting eagerly for their return. Whether Noel and Liam will be spotted walking down the street, or venturing into a local pub for a pint remains to be seen. Residents and fans are watching closely, hoping Mayo might once again welcome home its favourite Manchester pair. This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Mayo County Council is one of 24 local authorities with no female Cathaoirleach After the Annual General Meetings of the municipal districts earlier this year, Mayo failed to elect a single female Cathoirligh. Photo: Mayo County Council. Mayo is among nine counties across Ireland that failed to elect a female Cathoirleach within its municipal districts, highlighting a gender gap in local politics. Of the 100 Municipal District Chair positions nationwide, only 22 are held by women. In Mayo the four Municipal District Council Cathaoirligh positions are held by men, as are three of the four Leas-Cathaoirligh positions. Alongside Mayo, counties Donegal, Offaly, Limerick, Roscommon, Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare and Westmeath all failed to elect a single municipal district female Cathaoirleach. Additionally, out of the 31 local authorities in Ireland, only seven have a female Chairperson. Municipal districts operate as a sub-division of a county council, de-centralising the decision making process and bringing power closer to the local level. They oversee the implementation of local programmes, debate and decide on matters specific to their communities, and represent their residents' concerns. The Cathaoirleach of a Municipal District Council presides over issues ranging from roadworks and footpaths, to public lighting, parking bye-laws and litter management. While the majority of council spending is determined at county level, the Chairperson of a municipal district can direct the use of the General Municipal Allocation. See Her Elected (SHE) is a community-led initiative that is aimed at increasing the representation of women in local politics, particularly in rural areas where female participation has historically been low. Programme Manager for SHE, Dr Michelle Maher, stated her disappointment in seeing so few women in these leadership roles. Municipal District Chairs are central to how local government functions and are a strong visible reminder that local politics is not a male preserve, said Dr Maher, The absence of women from these posts sends the wrong message to younger generations about women and political power and deprives our communities of diverse leadership. See Her Elected graph showing the number of female municipal district Cathoirligh nationwide. SHE are calling on political parties, community organisations and government bodies to take action to ensure that by 2026 the gender gap in local politics narrows. They state that political parties have a critical responsibility to promote gender equality within their membership and say that parties should prioritise the selection and support of female candidates. Dr Maher added: As the saying goes, You cant be what you cant see. The absence of women in visible positions of political power limits the aspirations of the next generation. Its not enough to celebrate the few, we must work to change the system so that women are no longer the exception in leadership, but the norm. Launched in 2019 by Longford Womens Link and fully funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the SHE programme recently held four seminars in Mayo. They explored topics including the history of women in Mayo politics, the responsibilities of Mayo County Council and the day-to-day role of a county councillor. Megan Flynn Dixon is the communications and development manager with SHE and has emphasised the urgent need for more female representation: Since Nellie Robinsons election in 1967, only 12 women have ever been elected to Mayo County Council. Womens perspectives have been missing from key decisions for far too long. We want to change that. Bloomberg published an analysis of Inter-Parlimentary Union data and found that Irelands parliament is the worst for gender diversity in western Europe. In Ireland female representation is just over 25pc, much lower than the western European average of 37pc. The absence of female municipal district Chairs in Mayo and in other counties highlights a persistent gender gap in local political leadership. With only 22 of 100 such roles held by women, groups like SHE are calling for political parties and institutions to take action ahead of the 2026 local elections. SHE say that increasing female representation is not just about fairness, its about ensuring that local government reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Long awaited catering services on the Sligo to Dublin train could be back on track says Irish Rail but no timeline has been set for its return. Iarnrod Eireanns Communications Officer Jane Cregan said. We are looking to restore the catering services on all routes and we are hopeful that we will find the funding streams. We are just examining options for funding but we dont have a timeline of when the service will be restored to Sligo. The procurement process has been complete for some time and we have a preferred provider. It is already on the Dublin to Cork and Dublin to Belfast lines but we dont have it on any other lines yet. It will just be a trolley service with tea, coffee, water and snacks but no alcohol. I cant give you a timeline, but we are confident that we will have catering facilities on all routes. The service was removed during the Covid pandemic and while it was returned to other services there is still not catering services available on board the Sligo to Connolly Station service. Sligo/Leitrim TD Eamon Scanlon said it was past time the service was restored. I have been speaking with Iarnrod Eireann recently and while they did not specifically say that the service to Sligo was being restored, they did say that all trains would have a service. That is good news for passengers and a lot of people have been on to me-especially elderly people who cant even get a cup of tea on the train and it is just not good enough. There is an early morning train and I get on it at 9.55 am in Ballymote and you dont get into Dublin until 10 am. Thats a long time to be sitting on the train and there is no place open before the train departs to buy a cup of tea or coffee. It would be great to get something on the train and it would be a big help to everybody. The service is back on the Cork to Dublin line and I know it is on the Dublin to Belfast line. Now we want it on our own line. We are entitled to the same service as everyone else in the country. There are from six to seven trains a day going from Sligo to Dublin and it is a very good service and a very busy line, but we need catering facilities badly. Senator Nessa Cosgrove, Labour Party spokesperson on Rural and Community Development, the Gaeltacht and Workers Rights has also welcomed Irish Rails commitment to restoring catering services on all services, including the Sligo-Dublin line. I am delighted that Irish Rail have listened to the arguments that I and others have consistently been making since the turn of the year, that catering services are much more than a convenience. They are an essential service. "The Sligo-Dublin route is one of the longest train journeys on our island and many passengers, particularly those accessing the early morning services, struggle to get a cup of tea or coffee in the morning or to bring adequate supplies with them. "Many people use this route to get to hospital or other health related appointments, and it is essential that these people, along with elderly people and those travelling with young children can access a drink of water or a bite to eat. "Earlier on in the year, I brought up the case of an older lady who had to be removed from the train after she collapsed, and nobody was able to provide her with a drink. "For too long, our leaders in the North West have been content to accept what scraps are offered to us. The restoration of the catering cart is just the first step in a campaign to bring increased investment in transport infrastructure into the region. We need to see an hourly service between Sligo and Dublin, and early morning commuter train between Longford and Sligo and ultimately the full reopening of the Western Rail Corridor, including the section of line between Collooney and Claremorris. In a meeting with a group of concerned parents over the lack of buses to transport students from Ferns to FCJ Bunclody, Senator Malcolm Byrne said he was optimistic that a bus route may be viable down the line in the future. A number of parents of children in the Ferns area have expressed their frustration over a number of months at shelling out a significant price for private bus transport to ensure their children attend FCJ Secondary School in Bunclody. There is currently no public mode of transport for the students, despite there being enough demand to fill three buses, not including the parents who make the journey themselves. One of the mothers explained that they are being charged 40 a week per child even if the child is unwell or off school for a period of time. However, if they do not pay for each week, their childs seat is at risk of being taken and given to someone on the waitlist. They said that not only is it a huge financial cost, but they do not want to be in the position where they have to send their children to a school they do not want to attend. Speaking to the parents about the situation at a meeting in Gorey, Senator Malcolm Byrne admitted that there was little progress to report, but he is optimistic about the accessibility for future students in the long run. He explained that the scheme, established in the 1960s, provides buses to the nearest educational centre, but that last year, 14 pilot routes were established, including one from Monamolin to Gorey. "Two years ago, when Norma Foley was the Minister for Education, there was a complete review of the school transport system. And the plan was that we're going to start to expand it so that it wasn't just to your nearest school, that there could be other routes expanded. So last year, there were 14 pilot routes around the country with one of the pilot routes from Monamolin coming in to Gorey. So those 14 pilots are going to continue and this is the positive, he said. He added that there hasnt been a confirmation yet on what routes will be serviced and that he was going to push for the Ferns to Bunclody route and has been in contact with Minister Michael Moynihan. He said that their next step in the meantime was to maybe liaise with the principals of the schools in Bunclody to write to Minister Moynihan in support for the scheme. However, he made it clear that this is unlikely to benefit the current students, with a hope that something can be implemented and running next year. "Im staying optimistic. The plan is that, over the years the numbers of pilots is going to increase because there's extra money being allocated to roll this out every year. I think the number of kids on buses has gone from 5000 to 7000 so the plan is to try to get more kids and buses, because it takes cars off the roads, for one. " My worry at the moment is that we may not get a decision in time for the start of September you know, I think it's unlikely, but, I just think we're going to keep fighting on it, he added. Its been a busy summer for the members of the Hook Sub Aqua Club as, following the recent success of their own dive rally held on the south Wexford coast, they continued their underwater activities and enjoyed a group trip to the Western Dive Rally last weekend held in Co. Mayo. They made the trip up to Kilcummin where the Western Dive Rally was hosted by the Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club and Search and Recovery Unit. The team enjoyed participating in five great dives over two days, and the cooperation of the weather made it that bit more delightful. In making the most of their time on that side of the country, the divers packed up after the rally and headed to Kilkee, in the search for basking sharks that have been spotted in various locations along the Irish coastline this summer in particular. Although the basking sharks werent spotted on the dives, Alice Cullen of the Hook Sub Aqua Club said: Some of us were lucky to snorkel with them. Overall it was a great weekend. Also enjoying the trip to the west from the Hook Sub Aqua Club was Martin Murray, who described the diving experience as his happy place. The divers explored Irelands first artificial reef, the MV Shingle, that was once a smugglers ship. It was dropped into the Western Way last year, having been brought from New Ross, and formerly Dublin Port. Ian Jackman pictured with his wife Lisa, having been knighted knighted into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in a special ceremony in Maynooth. Wexford man Ian Jackman being knighted as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in a special ceremony in Maynooth. Pictured at his shoulder is his mother Janet, who was his sponsor on the day. Religion has always been present in the life of Wexford man Ian Jackman. Its something that was handed down and instilled in him by his parents John and Janet Jackman. It was through his parents that Ian developed a firm interest in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. His father being a Knight Commander and his mother a Dame Commander within the order, he was always likely to follow in their footsteps. A Catholic lay institution, the order aims to strengthen the practice of Christian life among its members, as well as carrying out charitable and humanitarian efforts to help Catholics living in The Holy Land. Recently, Ian was knighted into the order at a formal ceremony at the Pontifical University College Chapel, Maynooth. "My Dad John was a Knight Commander around 24 years, Ian recalls. My Mam is also a Dame Commander in her own right, so I suppose my involvement comes from them. I remember I wouldve followed my Dad all over Ireland attending various events, going to pilgrimages in Knock and that type of thing. So I suppose its always something thats been part of our lives. A father of two, Ians faith forms a big part of his life. "Im a Minister of the Eucharist in our local church in Glynn, he says. I suppose I try to be actively involved with the church as much as you can be when youre busy with a young family. In terms of his new role, having received his knighthood, Ian will be looking to help in any way he can with the orders mission. Given the turmoil that is currently ongoing in the region, its quite timely. Ian Jackman pictured with his wife Lisa, having been knighted knighted into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in a special ceremony in Maynooth. "Humanitarian aid and providing infrastructure in the Holy Land forms a huge part of it, he explains. We seek to help provide funding to build hospitals and schools and universities and other vital infrastructure. "In terms of the current situation, there are less than 1,000 Christians left in Gaza at the moment. But through our work, we would engage with and help Muslim organisations too with the creation of infrastructure that benefits everybody. In terms of travelling to the Holy Land, while his parents both travelled there on a couple of occasions, Ian concedes he may have to wait to pay a visit himself. "Members of the order would take part in a pilgrimage to Rome with a reception from the Pope, he explains. Then there would be a pilgrimage to the Holy Land itself. Unfortunately, I might have to wait for that one. Its just nowhere near safe enough at the moment. Its a difficult place for non-Jews to go at the moment. "We are completely non-political as an organisation though and we exist purely to help the Christian community of the Holy Land. An impressive ceremony in Maynooth, it was a proud day for Ian as his mother Janet stood as his sponsor, while he also had his wife Lisa at his side. "It was amazing, he said. I was approached by the order to join, but to have my mother there as my sponsor was really special. It was a really lovely event. "Im still processing the whole thing to be honest. The honour comes with a title and its considered on the same level as a knighthood in Britain, except this one comes from the Pope instead of the King. My title is now Chevalier Ian Jackman KHS (Knight of the Holy Sepulchre). Ian is now one of the only Knights of the Holy Sepulchre in the diocese of Ferns and he was one of just seven people who the honour was most recently bestowed upon. Pope Leo XIV recently stated that the order is a significant part of the Church whose mandate is to support and aid the Christian 'living stones' in the land made holy by Jesus who are most in need at this time or war and persecution. Having started their culinary journey making pizzas in lockdown to feed a family of seven, and launched a thriving seaside cafe in their adopted hometown, a foodie Wicklow couple have taken an exciting new step for their eatery enterprise by offering dockside delights from their trusty red horsebox. A high-level meeting has taken place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and senior officials from the Department of Transport where the future of the Herbert Road/N11 junction in Bray was discussed. The meeting, which was convened in Government Buildings, provided an opportunity for local public representatives to highlight the need for transport chiefs to find solutions that protect Herbert Road residents and maintain access to the town. The meeting was attended by Tanaiste Simon Harris, Deputy Jennifer Whitmore, Deputy Edward Timmins, Deputy John Brady, officials from the Department of Transport, and officials from Transport Infrastructure Ireland. During the meeting, TII officials outlined that their statutory role is to safeguard the public from dangerous roads and ensure that standards are maintained at a national level. They explained that while part of the scheme is designed to provide a dedicated bus corridor, it is also essential that traffic movements for all road users are supported. Officials acknowledged the widespread unrest caused by the proposals and confirmed that no scheme can progress without the approval of Wicklow County Council. The primary objective of introducing a bus corridor in the area is to provide the hard shoulder as a running lane for buses only during peak traffic periods. Several direct uncontrolled accesses to the N11, between Junctions 6 and 7, are being closed as part of the proposed scheme, with alternative access being provided via new links to the existing grade separated junctions. This is also intended to improve road safety for users of the N11/M11. The Tanaiste emphasised the proposals which cut off Herbert Road from the town would have an unacceptable impact on residents and businesses. This was an important meeting given the overwhelming frustration in the community about the proposals put forward for the N11 upgrade. I want to thank officials for attending todays meeting and for listening to the strong views expressed on behalf of residents. I am now asking to see detailed work carried out on alternatives that genuinely meet the needs of road users and the local community. There is a real sense that residents and public representatives are not being listened to. That must change. No decision can be taken until every effort is made to find a better approach. The next steps now is to meet with senior officials in Wicklow County Council and chief executive Emer OGorman." The Tanaiste confirmed he will continue to keep residents updated directly on progress, as further discussions take place with TII and the Department. Following the meeting Deputy Timmins highlighted the role TII have in approving the scheme. "It must first come to them for decision via Wicklow County Council. In that respect, the council have a key role to play. Consequentially, we will now follow up with a meeting with the Executive of Wicklow County Council. Having been a Councillor for twenty years I am confident I can play a positive role in reaching a solution for the people of Bray through meaningful and collaborative negotiation with officials. Meanwhile Deputy Brady paid tribute to the efforts of local residents in highlighting the issue. The people of Bray have made themselves heard in a way that has literally stopped the CEO of TII in his tracks. That is something he admitted he has not seen before. That is a credit to the people of this town. It was also confirmed that 3 million of public money has already been spent on planning and consultancy fees for the N11 bus corridor. Deputy Brady said this shows that the scheme is not viable. Three million euro of taxpayers money has already been blown, and yet not a single assessment has been carried out on what impact if any keeping Herbert Road open would have. Across the entire bus corridor network, cars are allowed to turn left onto adjoining roads, cutting across and entering through bus corridors. Allowing that on and off Herbert Road would certainly not be unprecedented it is the accepted norm and would have minimal, if any, impact on the operation of a bus corridor." Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme From the Kardashians face wrap to fake-tan contouring, the hits and misses of overnight beauty routines Ive never been one for an overnight beauty routine. By the time its approaching bedtime, Im wrecked. I barely have it in me to do my skincare, let alone an elaborate routine of applying various fixtures and fittings. Based on what I see on social media, though, there are lots of people who are making time to do the most before bed so they can do the least in the morning. Overnight heatless hair styling is a great example of this, and something I could get on board with. This sees those with long hair using various tools and techniques to wake up with freshly styled hair. From waves, to curls, to even maintaining sleek straightness, there is little that cant be done if you create enough tension and manipulate your strands the right way. The most straightforward option is plaiting your hair to achieve waves, although there are lots of heatless curl tools on the market that can help you achieve curls which look like they came from the salon. How comfortable they are varies. Brushworks Curling Scrunchie My personal favourite via testing for this column is the Brushworks Curling Scrunchie. It looks like a regular scrunchie, except one side is significantly thicker. You simply pull your hair to the top of your head, starting to put it in a ponytail before wrapping the length around the thick side of the scrunchie. I find this to be comfortable and effective. Another overnight technique growing in popularity is facial contouring with false tan. This usually means applying false tan with a make-up brush to the parts of your face where you would normally apply tan or contour, so that when you wash it off in the morning, you have an already contoured face. Bare by Vogues Self Tan Foam If you choose to do this, precise application is important. I recommend using a tan with a guide colour so you can see where youre placing the product. Bare by Vogues Self Tan Foam (25 via barebyvogue.com) is a good option. If you have skin thats prone to breakouts via false tan, you may prefer a facial tanning product, which generally are harder to see upon application. Youll need a very precise brush to ensure the product goes where you want it to I recommend Patrick Tas Dual-Ended Face Contour Brush (42.94 via cultbeauty.com). Skims Face Wrap One overnight beauty practice I will never be onboard with is face wrapping. A couple of weeks ago, Kim Kardashians Skims launched a face wrap. This product is made of Skimss signature sculpting fabric and features collagen yarns, and wraps around the face from the top of the head, across the lower jaw and back to the top of the head. It fastens with Velcro and, according to the brand, is a must-have addition to your nightly routine, which will snatch the jawline. Sorry Kim, its a no from me. This product looks like something youd wear post-surgery, and collagen thread sounds like spoofery of the highest order. I have yet to see any evidence that there are any lasting or significant benefits from wearing a chin strap, and this feels like just another product to make women feel bad about the natural effects of gravity and ageing. Buying Irish Kash Beautys Colour Trip 2.0 Water Liner As I get older and the skin on my eyes loses its firmness, I have had to adjust my approach to eyeliner. Once upon a time, I loved a crisp back liner flick, but these days I find a softer line works better for me. Irish brand Kash Beautys Colour Trip 2.0 Water Liner in Eclipse (15 via kashbeauty.com) is a go-to for me for adding definition without harshness. The product looks like a powder product, but when you use a wet brush with it, it applies smoothly, even on crepey eyes. When it dries down, you can use a small angled brush to blend it and soften the line without losing the added depth to your lash line. If youd prefer to keep it sharp, just leave it alone or mix it with a fixing liquid like Inglots Duraline or Macs Fix Plus. Something old Fentys Snap Shadows Fentys Snap Shadows originally caught peoples attention due to their clever packaging, which click together so you can easily carry several of them at a time. This is not a style-over-substance product, however. The shadows themselves are excellent, and wed do well to remember them when shopping for shadow. Each palette includes six shades, in a mix of formulas (mattes and shimmers). Unfortunately, some of the more colourful options have been discontinued, but the range still includes three options, all of which are neutrals. True Neutrals, which the brand calls everyday nudes, deep neutrals which are spicy warm tones and Peach, which includes warm peachy nudes. As an everyday palette, these are very useful. ... Something new Morphe's ChromaPlus Eyeshadow palette Morphe made a name for itself via giant eyeshadow palettes with loads of colour options in each one. They were perfect for what the internet calls 2016 make-up, which usually featured multiple colours and elaborate techniques a la the cut crease. These days, peoples make-up routines have simplified, so it makes sense that the brands new ChromaPlus Eyeshadow palette launches (17 via boots.ie) include just six shades. That doesnt mean theyre not exciting though, as they each include a mix of formulas, including mattes, shimmers and metallics. They are packed with pigment, so you can create drama if you like by building and mixing the shades, or simply apply a wash of a single shade. If you like nudes, youll love Rich Glitch, which includes cool-toned browns, creams and silvers, or Outer Spice, which has warmer browns, pinks and gold. Those of you who enjoy bright shades will love the Sky-Fi palettes mix of teals and lilacs. I want them all. Want to put your best face forward at the back-to-school gates? Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee shares her pro tips on the five-minute face "In five minutes, however, you can look or maybe more importantly feel sharper." Image: Clare Meredith I want to look my best at the school gates but I have no time for a full face of make-up can you help? Back-to-school looms and few of us want to go full Amandaland at the school gates, but neither do we want to look like we just jumped out of bed. Or arrived through a hedge backwards. In five minutes, however, you can look or maybe more importantly feel sharper. I do the five-minute face a lot, says Aimee Connolly, founder of Sculpted by Aimee, and there are basically five pillars to it. These pillars are, she explains: a light face tint, a brow product, mascara, cream blush and lip liner. What are your tips for a natural-looking base? You want the kind of quick skin tint that you can get on with your fingers, Connolly says. That would be something light and natural that evens out the skin but is undetectable to the point that someone would think, Are they just looking really well after the summer? In terms of using fingers, a brush or sponge for application, Connolly sees the merits of each. Im a huge fan of fingers for concealer and cream blush or highlighter, she says, because they help to melt the products into the skin. Use the ring finger or the heel of your hand but, personally, I find brushes quicker and they often give you a smoother finish, because they can buff and blend around angles that fingers dont get into so well. How do I make my brows look natural but defined? For a lot of us, when our hair is a lighter colour than our brows, they can look a bit invisible in the face, so you want to define them a bit, but theres a fine line between that and making them too dark, Connolly says. First look at your natural hair colour and choose a shade close to that. However, she says its important that the brows dont look too harsh. For black-haired people, she chooses a brown-black brow and for someone blonde or grey but with a darker eyebrow colour, shell go for a brown with some ashiness. If you are very fair, Connolly recommends going only half a shade darker than your hair, just for a bit of definition. Mascara is a must, but eyelash-curling is optional, she says, and lashings of mascara will usually do the job. Why do you say cream blush rather than powder and just lip liner on the mouth? Cream blush gives a juiciness and plumpness that a powder just cannot do. Its this freshness, because not only are you getting the pigment, but also the texture, Connolly says. Cream blush instantly takes years off you and rejuvenates the complexion, she adds. In the case of lip liner, it might surprise some to hear her say that, used alone, or just under a balm, it lends a less formal look than lipstick. It does amazing things for the definition of the mouth and if you get a nice, creamy one and just roll it across the lips and smudge it, Connolly explains, it wont look like liner at all. How could I quickly elevate this look if I was going straight to work after the school drop-off? You dont need a lot more product to elevate a basic five-minute look, Connolly says. Concealer is one element shed add, as well as some bronzer and highlighter to the cheeks, ideally in the one palette with your blush, for minimum fuss. Id add a bit of the same bronzer to my eyelids with a big buffer brush no hassle, just all around the eyes, she says. Then if I had a big meeting, Id use a creamy eye liner or darker shadow and place it into my upper lash line and then soften it out and maybe add a more intentional lip colour. That could even be your cream blush on your lips! The thing to remember is that speed comes with familiarity, so the more you do this routine, the quicker you will become. I can get this done in a few minutes at this stage. Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint, 25, Sculpted stores, Dublin, Kildare Village, Belfast; Dunnes Stores; Brown Thomas Arnotts; selected pharmacies nationwide; sculptedbyaimee.com Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint, 25, Sculpted stores, Dublin, Kildare Village, Belfast; Dunnes Stores; Brown Thomas Arnotts; selected pharmacies nationwide; sculptedbyaimee.com This is justifiably the brands best-seller, beloved across the generations, which is truly saying something. Its a moisturising tinted serum with SPF 20 that has a dewy finish that evens out skin tone and comes in 20 shades for excellent colour-matching. If its barely there but wide awake youre after, this is it, and it can be built up for a more made-up appearance. Brow Aid Tinted Brow Mascara, 29, Planet Beauty, Brown Thomas Dundrum; Arnotts; Dunnes Stores; browaid.com Brow Aid Tinted Brow Mascara, 29, Planet Beauty, Brown Thomas Dundrum; Arnotts; Dunnes Stores; browaid.com Hero product of the eyebrow-transforming Irish brand and brow master Kim OSullivan, this little mascara beats the competition by offering colour and hold without any fear of flaking. Brow-friendly ingredients such as glycerin and propanediol also boost hydration and suppleness. The wand is small enough for precision application and it comes in three shades from light to dark. Hildun Silk to Set Longwear Lip Pencil, 20, hildunbeauty.com Hildun Silk to Set Longwear Lip Pencil, 20, hildunbeauty.com Another Irish-led brand, founded by former beauty writer Suzy Griffin Dunne, whose excellent eye liners informed the silk to set quality of these lip liners. These pencils are extremely creamy, giving you time to smudge and soften before they set to a high-pigment and waterproof finish. In three smudge-proof shades peachy pink Darcy, cool mauve Olivia and a coffee nude, Hayley. Christopher Brain, the former priest who led the Nine OClock Service, at Inner London Crown Court . Photo: PA A former priest accused of leading a rave-style evangelical cult in the Church of England has been found guilty of sexually assaulting his female followers. A trial heard Christopher Brain, who led the Nine OClock Service (NOS) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, in the 1980s and 1990s, surrounded himself with women who wore lingerie or revealing clothes as part of his homebase team, who kept his house spotlessly clean. The court heard the women sometimes referred to as the Lycra lovelies or the Lycra nuns were on a rota to help then Reverend Brain with his every need. Some gave him sensual massages, which he told the jury were to relieve tension headaches. He was charged with one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault relating to 13 women between 1981 and 1995. Yesterday, jurors at Inner London Crown Court found him guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women. However, he was acquitted of another 15 charges of indecent assault against two women. The jury is still deliberating the rape charge and four further counts of indecent assault. The six-week trial heard how Brain (68) was praised by the Archbishop of Canterbury after his club culture inspired services at St Thomas Church in Crookes, Sheffield, and later Ponds Forge leisure centre, drew hundreds of young congregants. He was fast-tracked for Holy Orders as the movement took off, but it collapsed in controversy in 1995 after women alleged he had been sexually assaulting them, in some cases claiming he was helping to heal their sexual repression. When confronted over claims he had abused up to 40 women, he replied: I thought it was more" Prosecutor Tim Clark KC told the court he abused his position first as a leader and then as an ordained priest to sexually assault a staggering number of women. When Brain was first confronted over claims he had abused up to 40 women, he replied: I thought it was more, the court heard. Mr Clark said NOS became a cult in which members, who were vetted and organised into discipleship groups, were isolated from their friends and families. They were encouraged to give up their time, finances and, eventually, their sense of self to this organisation and its leader, he added. One woman who first joined the church as a teenager said she viewed Brain as a form of prophet who told her their contact was part of her sexual healing. Another woman said she viewed him as almost a God. The jury was told Brain admitted improper sexual conduct with a number of women in the church in a 1995 BBC documentary, but denied this was abuse. He resigned from Holy Orders the same year. Giving evidence in his defence, Brain admitted he received back massages from women in the movement despite being married with a young child. Asked by his lawyer, Iain Simkins KC, What on earth possessed you to have a back massage from another woman?, he responded: Why not? He admitted having sexual contact with up to six of his accusers, but insisted it was consensual. Some of the other alleged assaults simply did not happen, he said. Margita Balastikova was expected to take a cabinet seat following elections in October The Czech election frontrunners campaign has been derailed after one of his potential ministers allegedly ordered a hitman to kill her ex-husbands girlfriends dog. Andrej Babis, a billionaire businessman turned politician who served as prime minister of the republic from 2017 to 2021, is leading in the polls ahead of the October election. Margita Balastikova, an MP in his right-wing ANO party and a close political ally, was widely expected to feature in his cabinet and was rumoured to be in line for the role of agriculture minister. But she was dropped from the partys candidate list after leaked recordings showed her apparently conspiring to hire an assassin to kill a dog belonging to her ex-husbands new partner. The expose, by Czech newspaper Seznam Zpravy, claimed that Ms Balastikova said: When are you going to arrange for her dog to be shot? A male voice then replied: Do you understand that this person is risking criminal liability? The pair discussed how a mutual contact would carry out the contract killing, and he could want as much as 50,000 for the hit. Ms Balastikova was divorcing her husband Josef Balastik at the time the recording was made in 2023. He secretly placed devices in their home to gather evidence of their fractious relationship, he claimed. The MP claimed the audio had been fake but her party ordered her to stand down from the upcoming election over the scandal. She said in a Facebook post: I have never sought out or contacted anyone to do something so terrible. If it is true that the police are looking into the matter, which I do not know yet, I expect to learn what I allegedly said. Mr Balastiks company filed a criminal complaint and investigations were ongoing. His ex-wife claimed the allegations had been part of a plot to damage the party. The fact that all these lies have surfaced right now is, to me, a clear sign that its an attempt to damage the ANO movement ahead of the elections, she said, and perhaps also to distract from a number of government scandals. Mr Babis later told voters: Of course Balastikova messed up. You just cant talk like that Unfortunately, its her mistake and I dealt with it right away, because we all love animals. The Eurosceptic party leader is an admirer of Donald Trump and had aligned with Marine Le Pen and Viktor Orban in European parliament. Pope Leo XIV attends a festive lunch with the poor of the Diocese of Albano Laziale in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. Photo: AP Pope Leo XIV is planning to invite a number of potential flatmates to live with him when he moves into the papal apartments later this year, according to reports. Days after his election, the Pope announced he would live in apartments in the 16th-century Apostolic Palace, unlike his predecessor Pope Francis. Ten rooms are being renovated, ready for three or four of his brethren to move in with him, local media outlet La Repubblica reported. Father Edgard Rimaycuna, the Popes Peruvian personal secretary, is among those expected to be invited. It is thought to be the first time in modern history a pope will share the palaces third-floor living quarters. 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. On the May 13, just days after being elected, the Pope vowed never to give up being an Augustinian, a religious order which cherishes community living. I will have to give up many things, Leo said after celebrating mass and lunching with his brethren. My life has changed, but I will never give up being an Augustinian. This led to the plans to bring a small community of Augustinians with him to the luxurious Apostolic Palace, La Repubblica reported. Despite the late Pope not living there, seals were placed on the doors of the apartment on April 21 after he died in keeping with tradition. Francis spent the years of his pontificate in the simply furnished Santa Marta residence in the Vatican, preferring daily contact with ordinary people. 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. It is tradition for new pontiffs to renovate the papal apartments, which have been the official residence of popes since 1870. The Vatican has given few details about the latest work, but technicians have spent months repairing water and humidity damage accumulated over 12 years of vacancy. A cornice also reportedly detached from a kitchen window earlier this year, prompting urgent repairs. The apartments include the Popes bedroom, private study, and medical suite, and the Sunday blessing of pilgrims gathering in St Peters Square is delivered from its window. Pope Leo currently resides in the nearby Sagrestia building. Father James Martin previously called Leos return to the apartments a prudent decision on X, formerly Twitter. Three of the last six popes John XXIII, John Paul I, and John Paul II died in the apartments. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said he is ready to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, but there are some issues that need to be resolved before such a meeting could happen, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday. Putin has questioned the legitimacy of Zelenskiy due to the postponement of elections in Ukraine due to the war. Lavrov said the legitimacy issue would have to be resolved before Moscow could sign any document with Kyiv. He accused European leaders of trying to undermine progress which he said had been made at last week's US-Russia summit in Alaska on a possible peace deal in Ukraine. Kyiv's European allies were trying to shift the focus away from resolving what Russia calls the "root causes" of the war, he said. He also reiterated Russian concerns about the way the European discussion on security guarantees for Ukraine was being conducted without Moscow's input. Any ideas which departed from those set out by Russia in talks with Ukraine in Istanbul in 2022 were hopeless, he said. Meanwhile, a Russian overnight attack killed one person, injured at least 18, and struck a US electronics manufacturer in western Ukraine, Ukrainian officials said on Thursday. A missile attack injured 15 people and destroyed storage facilities at the manufacturer in the town of Mukachevo, emergency services and local authorities in the western Zakarpattia region said. Ukraine's air force said that Russia used 574 drones and 40 missiles in overnight attacks on the country. The air force said it downed 546 drones and 31 missiles. It recorded hits at 11 locations and debris falling at three locations, according to the post on the Telegram messaging app. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he would like a "strong reaction" from the US if Russian President Vladimir Putin was not willing to sit down for a bilateral meeting with him. Speaking to reporters in Kyiv on Wednesday, Zelenskiy added that it was unclear what concessions regarding territory Moscow was willing to make, and that Budapest as a proposed location for future talks between the two countries was "challenging". Mr Zelenskiy said a Russian attack on an American civilian enterprise in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region injured 15 people on Thursday. "So far, there has been no signal from Moscow that they are really going to engage in meaningful negotiations and end this war," Zelenskiy wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "Pressure is needed. Strong sanctions, strong tariffs, he added. National television showed the region's governor Myroslav Biletskyi, standing near the building engulfed in smoke, who said the plant was producing consumer electronics, while Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the strike in a post on X. "A fully civilian facility that has nothing to do with defense or the military," he said. "This is not the first Russian attack on American businesses in Ukraine, after strikes on Boeing offices in Kyiv earlier this year and other attacks." In the western city of Lviv, the attack killed one person, injured three more, and damaged 26 homes, according to Governor Maksym Kozytskyi. Ukrainian Air Force said that Russia used 574 drones and 40 missiles in the overnight attack on the country, which was the biggest one so far in August. "This is why efforts to force Russia to end the war are so critical," Sybiha said. The strike took place at a time of intense efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to bring an end to the Russian war in Ukraine. Russia, which denies targeting civilians, has used missiles and drones to strike Ukrainian towns and cities far from the front lines of the war. Thousands of civilians, the vast majority of them Ukrainian, have been killed since Moscow invaded in 2022. Famine will be formally declared in Gaza City for first time Famine will be declared in Gaza City for the first time by the international body responsible for monitoring world hunger, The Telegraph has reported. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) a globally recognised system for classifying the severity of food insecurity and malnutrition has been used to declare just four famines since it was established in 2004, most recently in Sudan last year. Although the IPC has previously warned famine is imminent in parts of Gaza, it has until now stopped short of making a formal declaration, citing a lack of hard data. However, on Friday morning, it will formally declare a famine in Gaza City, the last remaining major built-up area of Gaza and home to some 500,000 people. The declaration will outrage the Israeli government, which has consistently denied that famine is taking place in Gaza and is currently moving on Gaza City. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said on Thursday he will give final approval for the take over the city, one of Hamass last strongholds. In order to declare a famine, three strict criteria must be met: at least 20 per cent of households face an extreme lack of food, at least 30 per cent of children suffer acute malnutrition, and two people for every 10,000 die each day due to outright starvation. The IPC will state that a famine is taking place in the Gaza Governorate, which comprises Gaza City, three surrounding towns, and several refugee camps, according to a briefing shared with its partner organisations and seen by The Telegraph. After 22 months of relentless conflict, over half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic conditions, characterised by starvation, destitution and death, says the IPC briefing. It adds that the famine is projected to expand to the governorates of Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of September on current projections. Additional reporting by Maeve Cullinan, Arthur Scott-Geddes and Katie Hudson Russian strikes on civilian areas of Ukraine injure 15 people overnight Russian president Vladimir Putin wants to hold as much territory as possible. Photo: AP Ukrainian servicemen fire towards Russian positions along the front line in the Zaporizhzhia region. Photo: AP Nato defence chiefs held a candid discussion yesterday about what security guarantees they could offer Kyiv to help forge a peace agreement that ends Russias more than three-year war against Ukraine, a senior alliance official said. Italian admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the chairman of Natos military committee, said 32 defence chiefs from across the alliance held a video conference amid a US-led diplomatic push to end the fighting. He said there was a great, candid discussion in the call. I thanked everyone for their always proactive participation in these meetings: we are united, and that unity was truly tangible today, as always, he wrote on X without providing further details. Assurances that Ukraine will not be invaded again in the future are one of the keys for getting Kyiv to sign up for a peace deal with Russia. Russia will ensure its legitimate interests firmly and harshly It wants Western help for its military, including weapons and training, to shore up its defences, and Western officials are scrambling to figure out what commitments they might offer. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov chided efforts to work on security arrangements in Ukraine without Moscows involvement. We cannot agree with the fact that it is now proposed to resolve collective security issues without the Russian Federation. This will not work, he said yesterday, according to state news agency RIA Novosti. Russia will ensure its legitimate interests firmly and harshly, Mr Lavrov added at a news conference in Moscow with Jordanian foreign minister Ayman al-Safadi. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. Photo: AP US general Alexus Grynkewich, Natos supreme allied commander in Europe, took part in the virtual talks, Mr Dragone said. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was also due to participate, a US defence official said. Gen Caine also met European military chiefs on Tuesday evening in Washington to assess the best military options for political leaders, according to the defence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Last Friday, US president Donald Trump met Russian president Vladimir Putin in Alaska and on Monday, he hosted Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and prominent European leaders at the White House. Neither meeting delivered concrete progress. Mr Trump is trying to steer Putin and Mr Zelensky towards a settlement more than three years after Russia invaded its neighbour, but there are major obstacles. They include Ukraines demands for Western-backed military assurances to ensure Russia will not mount another invasion in the coming years. We need strong security guarantees to ensure a truly secure and lasting peace, Mr Zelensky said in a Telegram post yesterday after Russian missile and drone strikes hit six regions of Ukraine overnight. Mr Trump ruled out sending US troops to help defend Ukraine against Russia Kyivs European allies are looking to set up a force that could backstop any peace agreement, and a coalition of 30 countries, including European nations, Japan and Australia, has signed up to support the initiative. Military chiefs are figuring out how that security force might work. The role that the US might play is unclear. Mr Trump on Tuesday ruled out sending US troops to help defend Ukraine against Russia. Russia has repeatedly said that it would not accept Nato troops in Ukraine. Meanwhile, attacks on civilian areas in Sumy and Odesa overnight into yesterday injured 15 people, including a family with three small children, Ukrainian authorities said. Russian strikes also targeted ports, as well as fuel and energy infrastructure, officials said. Mr Zelensky said the strikes only confirm the need for pressure on Moscow, the need to introduce new sanctions and tariffs until diplomacy works to its full potential. US president Donald Trump greets Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Photo: Reuters Mr Trump said on Monday he has begun arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Mr Zelensky, although the Kremlin has not publicly confirmed such a possibility and no venue was suggested. Mr Lavrov, in his Moscow press conference, said Russia is prepared to continue negotiations with Ukraine in any format. He said Putin proposed to Mr Trump raising the level of representation in delegations that recently took part in largely fruitless direct talks in Istanbul. He added that a separate block [of talks] should be devoted to examining the political aspects of the settlement, along with the military and humanitarian ones. Ukraine and Western leaders have accused Putin of dragging out peace negotiations in the hope of capturing more land before any settlement. French president Emmanuel Macron has said the summit could happen in Europe and proposed the Swiss city of Geneva. Switzerland has expressed its willingness to act as host. Putins ability to travel abroad is limited because he is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on a warrant dating back to March 2023 for alleged involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children. More than 100 countries are ICC signatories and have a legal obligation to arrest the Russian leader on their soil. Switzerland intends to ask the ICC to exempt it from sanctions in order to allow Putin in for a summit, according to a senior official in The Hague with direct knowledge of the request, who spoke on condition of anonymity. US president Donald Trump, who evaded the draft during the Vietnam War, declared himself a war hero and lauded Benjamin Netanyahu as a good man and fellow war hero during a radio interview. Speaking to conservative radio host Mark Levin, Mr Trump said he was working with the Israeli prime minister to free Hamas-held hostages, adding that Mr Netanyahu is a good man, hes in there fighting. Despite the Israeli prime ministers detractors wanting him jailed as a war criminal following a November 2024 arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in the Gaza conflict issued by the International Criminal Court, Mr Trump insisted: Hes a war hero. Mr Trump, who also claims to have ended seven wars, then extended the accolade to himself, saying: Hes a war hero, cause we worked together. Hes a war hero. I guess I am too. He continued: Nobody cares. I am too. I sent those planes, a reference to his order for June airstrikes against three critical enrichment facilities in Iran. US president Donald Trump. Photo: AP Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st Throughout the interview, Mr Trump complained he had not received sufficient credit for ordering those airstrikes or other recent actions he has taken aimed at easing global conflict. For his part, Mr Netanyahu has previously called Mr Trump the greatest friend Israel has ever had, and in July presented him with a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Mr Trumps most infamous comments about war heroes in the past included denying that the late senator John McCain was a war hero because he had been captured and held as a prisoner of war. Mr Trump avoided serving in Vietnam with four college deferrals. In 2018, Mr Trump reportedly snubbed a commemoration for the 100th anniversary of WWI at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, fearing his hair would become dishevelled in the rain, The Atlantic reported in 2020. Why should I go to that cemetery? Its filled with losers, Mr Trump reportedly told staffers. The then-president also called the more than 1,800 Marines buried there suckers elsewhere during his 2018 trip in France, per The Atlantic. John Kelly, a former Marine Corps general and the White House chief of staff at the time, attended in Mr Trumps place. Mr Kelly, whose son was killed in action serving in Afghanistan in 2010, later told CNN that Mr Trump had indeed made the derogatory remarks. Mr Trump has repeatedly denied ever making the statement. Donald Trump could use a 10pc levy on weapons sales to Europe to fund US security guarantees for Ukraine, his treasury secretary has said. Scott Bessent revealed that the president had increased the price of US military hardware being bought by European countries for Ukraine by 10pc. We are selling arms to Europeans, who are then selling them on to the Ukrainians, and President Trump is taking 10pc mark-up on the arms, Mr Bessent told Fox News. So maybe that 10pc will cover the cost of the air cover. Earlier this week, Mr Trump said he would be willing to use US air power to support a European security force in Ukraine as part of any settlement to end the war with Russia. European nations have already pledged to buy at least $10bn (8.5bn) in US-made military equipment for Kyiv in recent weeks. Ukraine has also tabled a proposal that would see the country promise to buy a further $90bn worth of hardware after its war with Russia comes to an end. Mr Trump has insisted for some time that he will no longer spend US taxpayers money on supporting Ukraine, the defence of which he believes is a problem for European nations. Planning for a multinational force to be sent to Ukraine has been accelerated after the US president signalled he would be willing to contribute during talks with Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, and European leaders. Meanwhile, Mr Trump blamed Ukraine for taking on a nation thats 10 times its size despite it being Russia who invaded. The president was speaking on Fox & Friends on Tuesday morning, where he was gently quizzed about Mondays meeting at the White House with Mr Zelensky and European leaders following last weeks Alaska summit with Putin. Co-host Ainsley Earhardt asked Mr Trump whether any land swaps between the warring countries were discussed, 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, its a powerful nation. Its a much bigger nation, Mr Trump said. Its not a war that should have been started. You dont do that. You dont take on a nation thats 10 times your size. The biggest swells along the East Coast are expected to develop on Wednesday and last into Thursday (WVEC-TV via AP) Hurricane Erin battered North Carolinas Outer Banks with strong winds and waves that flooded part of the main highway and surged under beachfront homes as the monster storm inched closer to the mid-Atlantic coast. Forecasters predicted the storm would peak Thursday and said it could regain strength and once again become a major hurricane, or Category 3 or greater, but it was not forecast to make landfall along the East Coast before turning farther out to sea. Tropical storm conditions were anticipated over parts of the Outer Banks and the coast of Virginia, the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported. In Bermuda, residents and tourists were told to stay out of the water with rough seas expected through Friday. The biggest swells along the East Coast are expected to develop on Wednesday and last into Thursday (WVEC-TV via AP) Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st As Erin's outer bands brushed the Outer Banks, water poured onto the main route connecting the barrier islands and a handful of stilted homes precariously perched above the beach. By Wednesday evening officials had closed Highway 12 on Hatteras Island as the surge increased and waves grew higher. Ocracoke Island's connection to its ferry terminal was cut off. Authorities predicted that the largest swells during high tide would cut off villages and homes on the Outer Banks and whip up life-threatening rip currents from Florida to New England. Authorities closed beaches to swimming Wednesday and Thursday in New York City, and some others in New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware were temporarily off-limits. Widespread, moderate coastal flooding was forecast for low-lying areas of Long Island and parts of New York City. Off Massachusetts, Nantucket Island could see waves of more than 10 feet (3 meters) later this week. But the biggest threat remained along the Outer Banks where longtime residents didn't seem too concerned. I remember taking canoes out of my front yard to get to school, so I dont think its gonna be that bad, said Jacob Throne, who lives on Hatteras Island and works for surf shops. Despite beach closures elsewhere, some swimmers continued to ignore the warnings. Rescuers saved more than a dozen people caught in rip currents Tuesday at Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina, a day after more than 80 people were rescued. Bob Oravec, a National Weather Service forecaster, said that even if someone thinks they know how to handle a rip current, its not safe. You can be aware all you want, he said. It can still be dangerous. A combination of fierce winds and huge waves estimated at about 20 feet (6.1 meters) could cause coastal flooding in many beachfront communities, North Carolina officials warned. Dangerous conditions can be felt far from the eye, especially with a system as large as Erin, said Will Ray, the states emergency management director. Dozens of beach homes already worn down from chronic erosion and protective dunes could be at risk, said David Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Most residents decided to stay despite evacuations ordered on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. We probably wouldnt stay if it was coming directly at us, said Rob Temple, who operates sailboat cruises on Ocracoke. His biggest concern was whether the main route would wash out and if tourists and delivery trucks may be cut off from the thin stretch of low-lying islands, which are increasingly vulnerable to storm surges. Erin has become an unusually large and deceptively worrisome system, with tropical storm-force winds spreading across 500 miles (800 kilometers) roughly the distances from New York City to Pittsburgh. It remained a Category 2 hurricane late Wednesday with maximum sustained winds around 110 mph (180 kph), the National Hurricane Center said. Erin was about 215 miles (350 kilometers) southeast of Cape Hatteras. The National Hurricane Center was also watching two tropical disturbances far out in the Atlantic that could develop into named storms in the coming days. With thousands of miles of warm ocean water, hurricanes known as Cape Verde storms are some of the most dangerous that threaten North America. Climate scientists say Atlantic hurricanes are now much more likely to rapidly intensify into powerful and catastrophic storms, fuelled by warmer oceans. Tanaiste Simon Harris and Taoiseach Micheal Martin speaking to the media at a press conference (Niall Carson/PA) The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have welcomed clarity on the EU-US trade deal, which sets a maximum tariff rate of 15pc for the pharmaceutical sector. Mr Martin said it was a significant win for the EU and highlighted the arrangements for the pharmaceutical and aviation sectors. The statement said that as of September 1, the US will apply a maximum tariff rate of 15pc on generic pharmaceuticals and their ingredients and chemical precursors. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris welcomed the clarity the statement offered on the EU-US trade agreement announced on July 27. We welcome clarity that the deal includes a single, all-inclusive 15pc tariff on EU goods, Mr Harris said. We also now have assurance that this rate will extend to pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. This provides an important shield to Irish exporters that could have been subject to much larger tariffs pending the outcomes of Section 232 US investigations into these sectors. There is also a zero-for-zero tariff rate carve outs for aircraft and aircraft parts, with further carve outs to be determined for certain products in generic pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Mr Harris said this offered a first step to a more comprehensive and formal agreement with the US in the future. Our intention now is to see what other carve outs can be made in areas of interest for Irish exporters, he said. Mr Martin said the statement brought greater clarity and certainty to what the agreement between the EU and the US will mean in practice. This is especially important for enterprises that either import from or export to the US, he said. Given the scale of the pharmaceutical and semiconductor sectors in Ireland, it is important that the Joint Statement confirms that 15pc is a ceiling that will apply to EU exports in these areas in all circumstances, including when the current US Section 232 investigations are concluded. While I have been clear all along that I do not support tariffs, this is a significant win for the EU. Given the significance of the airline sector to Ireland, a specific carve-out for aircraft and aircraft parts is also welcome. There are areas where further work remains to be done, including a potential carve-out for med-tech products and spirits. I hope this will be advanced as quickly as possible. We will continue to advocate for these sectors given their significant importance to our domestic economy. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. American Pie irreconcilable differences Seann William Scott Seann William Scotts Net Worth and Earnings According to Celebrity Net Worth , Seann William Scott has an estimated net worth of $25 million , built through his successful acting career in films like Final Destination , Role Models , and the American Pie franchise . Despite keeping a relatively low profile in recent years, his earnings continue to remain impressive. In a financial disclosure filed with the court on Monday, 18 August 2025, Scott shared a detailed Income and Expense Declaration. The paperwork, revealed by US Weekly, shows that Scotts average monthly income is around $110,000 , though his earnings for July 2025 dropped to $54,699 . Sources of Monthly Income: Royalties and Investments The court documents outline that Scott earns approximately: $45,000 per month from royalty payments (likely from ongoing profits from past film and TV work), per month from royalty payments (likely from ongoing profits from past film and TV work), $31,000 per month from dividends and interest on his investments. per month from dividends and interest on his investments. This puts his total monthly income well over $75,000 , even during months with lower acting work. Monthly Expenses and Lifestyle Costs Despite his strong income, Seann William Scott also has high monthly expenditures. His total monthly expenses are reported to be around $60,000, which includes: $15,000 in property taxes, in property taxes, $8,000 on childcare for his daughter, Frankie Rose, Other outgoings such as groceries, household repairs, clothes, and transport. A Look Into Seann William Scotts Assets Seanns asset portfolio is substantial, as revealed in the divorce filings: $158,000 in cash and savings, in cash and savings, Over $12.2 million in investment accounts, in investment accounts, Real estate worth approximately $18.7 to $18.8 million, including three properties in Los Angeles, to million, including three properties in Los Angeles, Two cars - a Mini Cooper valued at around $30,000 and a Honda Passport SUV worth $55,000 . and a Honda Passport SUV worth . In addition to his property and cash assets, Scott owns furniture worth about $171,000 and jewellery valued at $650 . Divorce Drama with Olivia Korenberg Seann William Scott and wife Olivia ( Image credit : Seann William Scott and wife Olivia | Credit: Jose PerezINSTARimages.com ) The divorce between Seann William Scott and Olivia Korenberg has not been entirely amicable. While Scott initially asked the court to uphold their prenuptial agreement and grant joint legal and physical custody of their daughter, Olivia reportedly requested sole custody, which was denied by the court. At present, the court maintains a joint custody arrangement for their daughter, Frankie Rose. Olivia Korenbergs Income and Allegations Olivia Korenberg, an interior designer by profession, reportedly earns around $5,500 per month . During a court appearance in April, Olivia made several claims, including that Scott was trying to evict her and their daughter from a house he owns. She told the court that Scott had purchased a $3.3 million home in 2023 for her and their daughter and had even agreed to renovation plans. She added that this led her to believe she could reside in the house for over a year. However, after revealing to Scott that she had a new romantic partner, she claimed he asked her to vacate the property. Legal Costs and Ongoing Disputes According to Entertainment Now, Seann William Scott has already spent over $500,000 in legal fees due to the divorce proceedings. The case has involved both custody issues and property disputes. Seann William Scotts Recent Work Despite personal struggles, Seann William Scott continues to stay active in his professional career. He recently starred in the sitcom " Shifting Gears " and appeared in the 2024 comedy film " Jackpot !", keeping his fans entertained and his brand alive in Hollywood. The divorce between Seann William Scott and Olivia Korenberg sheds light not only on the complexities of celebrity relationships but also on how finances, custody, and emotional ties can clash in high-profile separations. With a strong net worth, high monthly income, and consistent career moves, Scott seems financially secure. However, the emotional and legal toll of the divorce continues to unfold. Hollywood actor Seann William Scott, best known for his iconic role as Stifler in thefilm series, is currently involved in a divorce battle with his ex-wife, Olivia Korenberg. The couple, who tied the knot in 2019, officially separated in October 2023 and filed for divorce in February 2024, citing as the reason for the split.Lets take a closer look ats financial details, monthly income, net worth, and the ongoing issues surrounding his divorce. A Hertfordshire Police officer has been jailed for four months after a video surfaced showing him pocketing a womans underwear during a house search in September, 2024. The officer, identified as Marcin Zielinski, 47, was caught on CCTV camera last year slipping a pink underwear of an arrested woman into his back pocket, carefully avoiding his bodycam. It was only after the woman posted the video on TikTok recently that the matter came into light and gained momentum. In video: The viral TikTok video paints a disturbing picture Hatfield Policeman Stole my Knickers While I was in the cells my house was searched and pc marcin zielinski went in to my underwear draw and picked a pair of my underwear that he wanted and put them in his back pocket away from his body cam but my ring cam caught him pic.twitter.com/7xy1P3vDsO WeGotitBack (@NotFarLeftAtAll) August 19, 2025 Zielinski can be seen going through the items in the room. Unaware of the camera behind him recording his act, he quickly checks the door to ensure no one is watching, opens a drawer, takes out the underwear, and slips it into his back pocket. What had happened that night The woman narrated the ordeal in her posts caption. She said she was arrested and taken to Hatfield Police Station over a false allegation on 12th September, 2024. She emphasized that no further action was taken against her. As an aftermath, the woman claimed that she felt violated and had thrown away all her underwear and the chest of drawers for it has become a trigger of the disturbing act. Hertfordshire Police condemns act Zielinski had admitted to a charge of improper exercise of police powers and privileges, along with that an additional charge of theft. Assistant Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary, Genna Telfer, told The Independent, 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. Officer Marcin Zielinski | Credit: X However, the woman is not satisfied with the sentencing. In her opinion, the police were too lenient on him. She also rooted for an extension of his term in jail. Social media rips UK police apart, shows no mercy True to its nature, social media did not hold back. One user reportedly trained guns on the police department, leaving a message labeling the officer a pervert. Another questioned the quality of the hiring process in the UK police department. Do they not give these people lie detector tests before hiring to find out if they're some kind of criminal like he obviously is. In the US we do this. kaiser (@WAAGH_MASTER) August 19, 2025 One chimed in with a similar story of their own. Yes many are depraved. Ive been assaulted repeatedly when just trying to date. On a camping trip with one man, I looked up to see he was watching me at the toilet. We locked eyes, he didnt move for some moments. Then walked away. Then denied it happened & mocked my distress. (@ewezernayme) August 19, 2025 An user highlighted the presence of toys in the room implying that the garment actually belongs to a child. Those arent a womans knickers. Those belong to a child. Look at all the toys in the room. That is a childs room. Swennes (@Swennes17) August 19, 2025 Incidents where those sworn to uphold the law break it raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the entire institution and shake public trust. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Delta Air Lines Flight DL668, en route from New Yorks JFK to San Francisco International Airport, was forced to divert to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) on August 20, 2025. The emergency landing was prompted by a serious medical crisis involving a passenger who experienced severe labor pains mid-flight. In-flight medical emergency The Boeing 757-200 had taken off from JFK at 11:22 UTC and was cruising at 32,000 feet when the situation escalated. Flight attendants were alerted to the passengers condition, and after assessing the severity, they informed the cockpit crew immediately. The crew recognized the urgency and coordinated with air traffic control for a diversion. Columbus, Ohio, was identified as the nearest suitable airport for an emergency landing. Landing in Columbus and medical response Flight DL668 began a rapid descent and safely landed at Columbus International Airport at approximately 12:46 UTC. Medical teams were already on standby, prepared to provide urgent care. Upon landing, the passenger was deboarded and handed over to local medical professionals, who stabilized the condition before transport to a hospital. Deltas ground staff worked closely with medical personnel to ensure the process was efficient. Passenger safety and crew response The professionalism of the flight crew was key in managing the high-pressure situation. Their quick decision to divert, combined with clear communication with air traffic control and passengers, ensured the emergency was handled effectively. Passengers were updated regularly during the unscheduled stop, and despite concerns, many acknowledged the crews commitment to safety. Delta Air Lines Flight DL668, traveling from New York to San Francisco, was diverted to Columbus | Credit: X The flight was grounded for nearly two hours in Columbus while the medical situation was managed and the aircraft prepared for onward travel. Passengers were reassured throughout the delay, and the airline emphasized that safety remained the top priority. Resumption of the flight At approximately 14:37 UTC, Flight DL668 departed Columbus and resumed its journey, eventually landing at San Francisco International Airport around 18:55 UTC. While the delay caused some disruption, the swift medical response ensured that the passenger received the care required and the remainder of the trip was completed without incident. A reminder of preparedness Medical emergencies during air travel highlight the importance of preparedness by airlines and crews. Deltas handling of the situation underscored its commitment to passenger safety. Similar incidents, such as the diversion of Delta Flight DL170 in July 2025 due to a passenger health crisis, show how essential quick decision-making and cooperation with medical teams are to protecting lives. Delta Flight DL668s diversion demonstrated how coordinated action between crew, air traffic control, and medical personnel can turn a potential crisis into a managed situation, ensuring both the affected passengers safety and the continuation of the journey with minimal disruption. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Cindy Rodriguez Singh, one of its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, in India. Singh, 40, was wanted in Texas for the 2022 murder of her six-year-old son, Noel Rodriguez Alvarez. She had fled the United States in March 2023, days after her son was reported missing. The arrest and extradition FBI Director Kash Patel announced that Singhs arrest marked the fourth capture of a Top 10 Most Wanted fugitive in seven months. She was detained in India in coordination with INTERPOL and Indian authorities. Officials confirmed that Singh has been transported back to the US and will be turned over to Texas authorities. The FBI had earlier offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to her arrest, a sharp increase from an initial $25,000. FBIs Most Wanted Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, 40, ARRESTED. She fled to India with her husband & 6 other kids in March 2023, before the Amber Alert about missing son Noel Rodriguez Alvarez, 6, believed dead after intense search. @wfaa @FBI pic.twitter.com/5FaZHiabl4 Scoop Jefferson (@scoopjefferson) August 20, 2025 Case background and charges Texas authorities began investigating in March 2023 after Singhs son had not been seen since October 2022. Noel, who suffered from chronic lung disease and other developmental conditions, required oxygen support. Investigators say Singh initially misled them, claiming Noel was in Mexico with his biological father. Two days later, she boarded a flight to India with her husband, Arshdeep Singh, and six other children. Noel was not with them and never boarded the flight. Singh was formally charged with capital murder in Tarrant County in October 2023. Soon after, a federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution was issued. In July 2024, her name was added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list, making her the first mother accused of killing her own child to be placed there. The FBI arrested Cindy Rodriguez Singh in India, for the murder of her 6-year-old son who was on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted List." She had an active federal warrant for "unlawful flight to avoid prosecution" and an active Texas state warrant for "capital murder of a person under pic.twitter.com/4hPbHtC2Se Robbie Mouton (@mcgmouton57) August 20, 2025 Witness accounts and allegations Witnesses told investigators that Singh considered Noel evil or possessed and feared he might harm her newborn twins. Reports stated that Noel was allegedly abused, starved, and denied water. In one account, Singh was said to have hit him with keys when he tried to drink. At one point, she allegedly told someone she had sold him. International pursuit and FBI statement Singhs inclusion on the FBIs Most Wanted list drew global attention. Interpol issued a Red Notice against her in October 2024. Following her arrest, the FBI highlighted the case as proof of international cooperation in law enforcement. Director Patel said: Justice has no borders, and today the American people can see that we will never stop pursuing those who prey on the most innocent among us. Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins traveled to California this week following the arrest of Harjinder Singh, a semi driver accused of making an illegal U-turn that caused a fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike. The accident left three people dead, and prosecutors are now seeking Singhs extradition back to Florida. The crash and victims According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the incident took place on August 12 in St. Lucie County. Singh allegedly attempted an illegal U-turn on the Turnpike, leading to a collision with a minivan. Three passengers in the van were killed: a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach, a 54-year-old man from Miami, and a 30-year-old man from Florida City who was driving. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TRUCK DRIVER KILLS 3 IN HORROR CRASH Harjinder Singh, in the U.S illegally since 2018, casually pulled a tractor-trailer into an official use only median on Floridas Turnpike - blocking every oncoming lane with zero warning. A black minivan plowed into pic.twitter.com/rgZS4r3G4r Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 18, 2025 Singhs arrest and immigration background Singh was arrested in California earlier this week after flying there one day after the crash. At his court appearance, he indicated he was willing to sign extradition papers to return to Florida. Florida troopers, with assistance from ICE, later confirmed that Singh entered the U.S. illegally through the Mexico border in 2018. He later obtained a commercial drivers license in California. Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins traveled to California after Harjinder Singh | Credit: X FDHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner said Singh faces vehicular homicide charges and immigration violations. At the conclusion of his state charges, he will be deported, Kerner stated. Collins and state leaders respond Collins, posting on X, said he was traveling to California to ensure this individual is extradited back to Florida. He is scheduled to speak Thursday at Stockton Metropolitan Airport. Gov. Ron DeSantis also commented, criticizing Californias immigration policies. They invite people to come illegally. They provide benefits. They provide a lot of different things. Honestly, some of them get treated better than blue-collar Americans, he said in St. Cloud on Tuesday. I am deeply honored to be Florida's Lieutenant Governor. Serving the people of our great state has always been a privilege, and I am committed to upholding the values and principles that make Florida exceptional. I look forward to working with Governor Ron DeSantis and our pic.twitter.com/9VyPin0oiL Jay Collins (@JayCollinsFL) August 12, 2025 Extradition process Florida prosecutors are moving forward with the extradition request to bring Singh back to face state charges. Singhs willingness to sign the papers may speed the process. Officials have confirmed that once state proceedings conclude, Singh will also face deportation proceedings for his immigration violations. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Actors Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala offered prayers at the Tirumala Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday, August 19. The two were seen dressed in traditional attire during their special darshan. Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala offered prayers at the Tirumala Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. | Credit: Sakshi Post Chaitanya wore a white silk dhoti and shirt with an angavastra, while Sobhita chose a red silk saree. Although the couple has not shared official pictures, several videos from their temple visit are circulating on social media. In the clips, the couple is seen walking together. In one picture, the couple can be seen smiling as they pose with an idol of Lord Balaji gifted by temple authorities. A tradition of temple visits However, this isnt the first time the couple has turned to shrines. Earlier this year, in February 2025, the couple visited the sacred Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Jyotirlinga temple on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. Their very first public appearance as newlyweds was also marked by a temple visit, at the revered Srisailam temple in Andhra Pradesh in 2024. Beyond temples, Sobhita often shares glimpses of her spiritual side on Instagram, from quiet moments at Tamil Nadus Velankanni Church to her visit at the Nagore Dargah. What makes these visits even more special is her deep sense of belonging, the actor has always been vocal about staying rooted in her Telugu identity. She once said to Galatta India, I always wanted Teluguness to be part of moments like this because Im very attached to my roots. Astrologers prediction goes viral This visit comes a week after a prediction about the couple resurfaced online. In a podcast hosted by Sidhartha Kannan, astrologer Alifya Sayedd had predicted that their marriage would remain strong and they would welcome a daughter. "The marriage will survive, and they will have a girl child; they will have their first child as a girl child," the astrologer said. Sayedd also made predictions about other celebrity couples, including Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, stating that the actor would conceive this year. Relationship and wedding Chaitanya and Sobhita confirmed their relationship in August 2024 after exchanging rings in a private ceremony in Hyderabad. A few months later, they tied the knot on December 4, 2024, in an intimate wedding at Annapurna Studios. They tied the knot on December 4, 2024. | Credit: Sobhita Dhulipala/Instagram Pregnancy rumours Five months after their wedding, rumours about Sobhitas possible pregnancy surfaced online. Speculation began after she appeared at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai wearing a saree that many thought was draped to hide a baby bump. However, a source close to the couple dismissed the talk. Speaking to ETimes, the source said, "She wore anti-fit, not maternity. It's amazing how a change in silhouette can birth a whole new storyline." Speculation began after she appeared at WAVES 2025. | Credit: Sobhita Dhulipala/Instagram On the work front Chaitanya was last seen in Chandoo Mondetis Thandel. The film, also starring Sai Pallavi, was based on a real-life incident. He is now shooting for NC 24, written by Sukumar and directed by Karthik Dandu. Dhulipala last appeared in the Zee5 film Love, Sitara. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has responded strongly to a section of social media calling him a dog hater after he supported the Supreme Courts decision to move all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters within eight weeks. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has responded strongly to a section of social media calling him a dog hater | Credit: IMDb Filmmaker responds to dog hater allegations On August 21, Varma took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain his stance, saying the stray dog problem has gone too far to ignore and solutions must balance compassion with practicality. In his post, Varma wrote, Giving a thought to the possible solutions, vaccinating some 8 crore dogs sounds great in your drawing room setting. In reality, try chasing down one street dog with a needle and multiply that by crores. And even if vaccinated, the dogs' minds wont suddenly turn into gentle deer-like minds, theyll still tear children apart. Only difference: now the kids will die with their throats ripped out, but without rabies. He also addressed cleanliness drives, adding, Expecting the system to sterilize crores of dogs and maintain perfect garbage hygiene is like expecting pigs to wear pants. In his post, Varma wrote, Giving a thought to the possible solutions | Credit: X/@anishgawande Criticism of pet owners and adoption practices On adoption, Varma said, The dog lovers who cry hoarse about compassion are the same people buying foreign breeds to keep them in luxury houses, which are well looked after by expensive vets. Just try to tell the dog lovers to take stray dogs in exchange for their pedigreed breeds. Varma criticized community feeding as well, writing, When the dog lovers feed strays in one spot, they will gather in packs and become highly territorial and start attacking passersby, children, cyclists, delivery boys, even old people, because they then will see humans as intruders near their feeding zone. Just remember how even your pet dog seems to get aggressive when feeding. He further noted, Feeding usually happens on street corners, garbage heaps, or outside temples. Food scraps mix with sewage and rotting matter, turning into putrid, disease-breeding sludge, and the stray packs will wallow in this filth and then wander into the streets, spreading diseases. Giving a thought to the possible solutions, vaccinating some 8 crore dogs sounds great in your drawing room setting . In reality, try chasing down one street dog with a needle and multiply that by crores. And even if vaccinated, the dogs minds wont suddenly turn into gentle Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) August 21, 2025 Public reactions and online debate The comment section quickly filled with opinions, reigniting the debate. One user wrote, "I hope you research your films better than this story you are spinning. Why dont you use some data? It would be more believable." Another user said, "You can write long posts with your thoughts, and we can still smell leftist ideology in this one." I hope you research your films better than this story that you are spinning. Why dont you talk with some data. It will be more believable. Maybe start by reading Freakonomics chapter on neighbors with gun vs those with swimming pool homes. Brajeshjha (@Brajeshjha) August 21, 2025 You can write such lengthy text with your thoughts and we can smell leftist ideology in this post. Dilip C (@dilipc85) August 21, 2025 Varmas strong response to critics Before this, Varma shared another post addressing the same issue. A part of his post read, "To all those dumb dog lovers who think I am a dog hater, I say thisare you so blind, deaf, and brain-dead that you cant see children being bitten, mauled, and killed on CCTV videos everywhere? Cant you read the official reports on rising rabies cases? In any emergencyfire, flood, riotsyou first deal with immediate dangers before debating long-term solutions." To all those DUMB DOG LOVERS out there, who think I am a DOG HATER , I say this.. Are you so blind, deaf and brain-dead that you cant see children being bitten , mauled and killed on CCTV videos all over the place ? Cant you fing read the official reports on exploding Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) August 21, 2025 Take a look at how netizens reacted to this. Calling people brain-dead doesnt make you intelligent. If you really care about kids safety, shout at failed municipalities who ignored vaccination & sterilisation, not at dog lovers. Supreme Court said balance, not butchery. Hate speeches dont save lives responsible action (@TheRealPKFan) August 21, 2025 Nobody denies the danger of stray dog attacks kids safety must come first. But painting every dog lover as blind/brain-dead doesnt help. Whats needed is urgent action + humane long-term solutions (vaccination, sterilization, shelters). Samarpit (@Imsamarpit) August 21, 2025 Earlier satirical posts on animal lovers Earlier, on August 16, Varma had shared a series of posts criticizing animal lovers who opposed the Supreme Courts order. He offered satirical solutions for critics, writing, Since you worship dogs more than humans, replace gods in temples with strays and pray to them for salvation. Here are my 10 points addressing the DOG LOVERS who are UPSET about the SUPREME COURTS decision on STRAY DOGS 1. People are being bitten and killed all over by stray dogs. And dog lovers are busy tweeting about dog rights.https://t.co/9RLkoJdqOE can love your pets in your Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) August 16, 2025 He also said, If the dog lovers are blaming the government administrators, they should go and bite the officers and politicians on their legs. And if the dog lovers are blaming the government administrators , they should go and bite the officers and politicians on their legs and also various other parts of their bodies for them to speed up on solutions .. But meanwhile they should think of the poor kids who are being Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) August 17, 2025 Check out a few more posts from him. Bottom line is anybody can love any god created creature whether its a human , dog, cat , mosquito ,rat , corona virus etc as long as they are in their home , but here we are talking about stray dogs killing children on streets Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) August 17, 2025 A dog is loyal only because it doesnt know how to be disloyal and I say to all the radical dog lovers out there , when you say Dogs are better than humans its a comment on the particular humans around you , and not really on your particular dogs Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) August 17, 2025 Rich women carry their precious dogs on their shoulders, while their own babies are burdened on their maids shoulders ..Thats dog lovers for you ..Maybe they were stray dogs in their previous birth Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) August 17, 2025 Supreme Court directive on stray dogs The Supreme Courts directive, issued by a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, instructs that all stray dogs in Delhi and the NCR be captured within eight weeks and housed in special shelters created by civic authorities. The court clarified that once a stray is caught, it will not be released back onto the streets. Anyone obstructing the process could face contempt of court proceedings. Authorities are also required to launch a dedicated helpline for reporting dog bite incidents, with the dog to be caught within four hours of a complaint. AI generated image Following criticism and backlash, a separate three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria has reserved its order on an interim plea seeking a stay on the directive. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Acclaimed Irish novelist Sally Rooney has stirred controversy after declaring her financial support for Palestine Action. The UK authorities have warned that she could face arrest under the UK Terrorism Act, sparking a heated debate on social media over freedom of expression and legal repercussions. Heres a breakdown of what happened, what Rooney said, who she is, and how the internet is reacting. Sally Rooney, best known for her book Normal People, is reportedly facing the possibility of arrest. | Credit: PBS News Hour Sally Rooney faces arrest threat, what happened The Home Office proscribed Palestine Action last month under the Terrorism Act. This makes it illegal to show support for the group, with punishment of up to 14 years in prison. Rooney, 34, said she plans to donate her royalties from British book sales and BBC adaptations of her novels to the group. Writing in the Irish Times, she reaffirmed, 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. She also criticized the arrests of over 500 people in London last weekend for holding placards reading I oppose genocide; I support Palestine Action. Rooney wrote, In this context I feel obliged to state once more that, like the hundreds of protesters arrested last weekend, I too support Palestine Action. If this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it. Why is it an offense? Legal experts warn her stance could have serious consequences. Lawyer Sadakat Kadri told The Guardian, Receiving money with the intention of using it to support terrorism is an offense under Section 15 of the 2000 Act. That means Rooney could be arrested without a warrant as a terrorist. He added that proscribing Palestine Action was a shameful attack on free speech. BBC and publishers under pressure The BBC now faces calls to remove Rooneys dramas from iPlayer. Lord Walney told the i Paper the broadcaster may have to break ties with her. Groups including the Jewish Leaders Council and Campaign Against Antisemitism have also urged the BBC to act. Her publisher, Faber & Faber, has been warned it may also have to reconsider its partnership with the author if she follows through on her pledge. Who is Sally Rooney Have you heard of Normal People or Conversations with Friends? If yes, then you already know Sally Rooney, the Irish novelist behind some of the most talked-about books of the last decade. Born in 1991, Rooney has become one of the most influential young writers of her generation. | Credit: Faber Born in 1991, Rooney has become one of the most influential young writers of her generation. Her first book, Conversations with Friends (2017), quickly put her in the spotlight. But it was Normal People (2018) that turned her into a literary star. The novel won the Costa Book Award and later became a hugely popular BBC and Hulu series in 2020, which Rooney co-wrote. Her third book, Beautiful World, Where Are You (2021), also became a #1 New York Times Bestseller according to Amazon, and in 2024 she released her fourth novel, Intermezzo. Across her four novels, Rooneys works have been translated into more than 40 languages and sold worldwide, especially in the US and China. Rooneys stories often explore love, friendship, and growing up, making her especially popular among millennial readers. In 2022, Time magazine even named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Rooney has consistently expressed support for Palestine. | Credit: Instagram/sallyrooneyofficial Social media erupts in debate The news started an online debate that quickly escalated, with fans and critics taking strong stands. One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), Sally Rooney is an Irish novelist who supports Palestine Action. She is under threat of arrest and imprisonment by the Israel-fawning UK #LabourParty for being a checks notes a TERRORIST. This is just state-mandated abuse masquerading as lawfare. I support #SallyRooney. Sally Rooney is an Irish novelist who supports Palestine Action She is under threat of arrest and imprisonment by the Israel fawning UK #LabourParty for being a *checks notes* a TERRORIST This is just state mandated abuse masquerading as lawfare. I support #SallyRooney pic.twitter.com/X5vlbzACm7 JunebugSun (@JunebugSunMusic) August 19, 2025 Another echoed similar concerns, stating, Meanwhile, your silence about Sally Rooney, a woman who is actually being threatened with the possibility of arrest for the mere crime of expressing opposition to genocide, and support for other like-minded opponents, is deafening. Meanwhile, your silence about Sally Rooney, a woman who is actually being threatened with the possibility of arrest for the mere crime of expressing opposition to genocide, and support for other like-minded opponents, is deafening CliffyG (@DanForinton) August 19, 2025 On the other side, some voices showed support. One user wrote, Her books are great but I won't read, or watch their adaptations, anymore. If they arrest grannies protesting on the street, then they should arrest her. No.10 warns author Sally Rooney her support for banned group could breach UK terror law. Her books are great but won't read, or watch their adaptions, anymore. If they arrest Grannies protesting on the street, then they should arrest her. No.10 warns author Sally Rooney her support for banned group could breach UK terror law | Euronews https://t.co/VkkheJPsUZ Sir Lincoln Lad (@PDF53) August 19, 2025 Another comment added, Time to arrest and jail these virtue-signalling luvvies who think the law doesnt apply to them. Rooney has consistently expressed support for Palestine. In the past, she took part in a boycott of Israeli publishers and even refused to let her 2021 novel Beautiful World, Where Are You be translated into Hebrew by an Israeli firm. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Elon Musk brushed off 16-year-old Kairan Quazis exit from SpaceX, saying he had barely heard of him. The remark surprised many, given that the Bangladesh-origin prodigys academic journey and early professional milestones have drawn significant attention on social media. His jump from Musk-led SpaceX to Citadel Securities has only fuelled the buzz. Elon Musks indifference surprised many Musk replied to an article by Fortune about Quazi on X and wrote, First time Ive ever heard of him. First time Ive ever heard of him Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 20, 2025 His reaction struck many as unusual mainly for two reasons 1. Musk has an active presence on social media and Quazis exit made headlines across platforms 2. Quazis stint with Starlink and his status as SpaceXs youngest-ever employee has been a much talked about topic How the Internet reacted However, many pointed out that it is nothing more than a PR stunt. Some even went to the extent of accusing Fortune of fake news. One wrote, "Seems like a PR thing. Gonna guess that he has a rich dad. Seems like a PR thing. Gonna guess that he has a rich dad. Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) August 20, 2025 Another user prodded if its another fake Indian resume Lmao another Indian using a fake resume? HCB Great Wall (@HCBGreatWall) August 20, 2025 Another took a dig at the humiliation and wrote, Imagine getting roasted this hard. Imagine getting roasted this hard Arthur MacWaters (@ArthurMacwaters) August 20, 2025 Who is Kairan Quazi? The 14-year-old software engineers journey Born in 2009, Kairan Quazi was identified as having unusually advanced emotional and intellectual intelligence by the age of two. With a mother working on Wall Street and a father who is a chemical engineer, he grew up surrounded by numbers and technology He began college at just 10, graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in computer science and engineering at 14, and joined SpaceXs Starlink division as a software engineer the same year. At 16, he transitioned to Citadel Securities as a quantitative developer. Another feather in his cap is his tenure as a senator in the Associated Student Government from 2021 to 2023. Drawn to fast-paced challenges, Quazi shares why he made the move On being asked about his decision of taking up Citadels offer over leading AI labs and technology firms, he told the Business Insider, Quant finance offers a pretty rare combination: the complexity and intellectual challenge that AI research also provides, but with a much faster pace. At Citadel Securities, Ill be able to see measurable impact in days, not months or years like many research environments, he further explained. Elon Musk brushed off 16-year-old Kairan Quazis exit from SpaceX | Credit: X A look at Elon Musks past fallouts with employees X (formerly Twitter) By 2024, tensions with CEO Linda Yaccarino came to light, and she eventually stepped down following reported clashes with Musk. In 2023, several senior engineers and product managers were abruptly fired after challenging Musk on technical issues. In 2022, after the takeover, thousands of employees were laid off, with many saying they were let go for questioning his decisions or resisting extreme work hours. Tesla And in 2019, Teslas co-founder and CTO JB Straubel stepped down, reportedly due to burnout and differences with Musk. By 2018, engineering chief Doug Field resigned after disagreements over the Model 3 rollout. In 2013, Model S engineering lead Peter Rawlinson left after clashing with Musks demanding style. In 2007, following disputes with Elon Musk, co-founder Martin Eberhard was ousted as CEO. He later sued the company, accusing Musk of pushing him out. Elon Musk is an international businessman and entrepreneur known for his leadership of Tesla, SpaceX, X | Credit: X SpaceX At least nine employees were fired after circulating an open letter criticizing Musks public behavior, calling it a distraction and harmful to the companys reputation. Whether or not the SpaceX-Citadel deal holds true, one thing the 16-year-old has certainly achieved is massive media attention. Sharing a headline with Elon Musk is, in itself, no small feat. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Judge Frank Caprio, the well-known US jurist and television personality, has died at the age of 88 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His passing was confirmed through a statement posted on his official Instagram account, where he was remembered for his warmth, humour, and belief in peoples goodness. Social media post before his passing A day before his death, Judge Caprio addressed his followers in a social media video, requesting prayers as he continued his treatment. He explained that his cancer had returned and said, Unfortunately, Ive had a setback, and Im back at the hospital. I ask you again, if its not too much, that you can remember me in your prayers. Im a great believer in the power of prayers. A day before his death, Judge Caprio addressed his followers in a social media video | Credit: X Fame through caught in providence Judge Caprio became internationally recognised through his courtroom show Caught in Providence, which aired nationally from 2018 to 2020 and earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations. His approach to justice, focused on fairness and kindness, earned him the title Nicest Judge in the World. Viral clips of him dismissing tickets for struggling families or encouraging young defendants gained billions of views online. The show also included lighter moments, such as inviting children to sit with him behind the bench and even releasing a mini-judge plushie inspired by his likeness. His work in court highlighted everyday issues in Rhode Island, which he once described as reflecting the same issues people are experiencing nationwide. Judge Frank Caprio, the US jurist celebrated for his compassion and viral courtroom clips on Caught in Providence | Credit: X Public tributes and family memories The production company behind Caught in Providence, Debmar-Mercury, praised Judge Caprios unique brand of compassion and common sense approach, with co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein stating, We will miss him dearly. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called him a true Rhode Island treasure and ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff. On Instagram, his family remembered him as a man who touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His son, David Caprio, thanked fans for their support and urged people to spread a little kindness in honour of his fathers legacy. A legacy beyond the courtroom Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Judge Caprio spent decades serving as a municipal judge before gaining recognition on television. Beyond his public career, he was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, of almost 60 years, their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Judge Caprio first revealed his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2023 and frequently shared updates about his treatment with his 3.4 million Instagram followers. His openness, paired with his courtroom compassion, left a lasting impression on people worldwide. Judge Frank Caprios life and career demonstrated that justice could be combined with empathy, and his influence will be remembered for generations. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. A video from Khan Younis, Gaza, has gone viral showing more than 1,000 Palestinian children, many of them orphans, graduating in caps and gowns while waving Palestinian flags. The ceremony took place at the Al-Wafa Orphan Village school, founded earlier this year by speech pathologist Wafaa Abu Jalala. Palestinian journalist Abdallah Al Attar shared clips of the event on Instagram, writing, Today, more than 1,000 Palestinian children graduated from Al-Wafaa Orphanagea thousand smiles concealing a thousand sorrows. Each story begins with the loss of a parent or a home turned into a memory. It was a graduation marked by tears, with diplomas in one hand and photographs of loved ones in the other. Whats in the video In the video, children proudly accept their diplomas while holding pictures of their parents lost to the war. Staff and classmates cheer for them, but the absence of loved ones is deeply felt. Organizers revealed it was the largest graduation ceremony in Gaza since the war began in October 2023. The event stood out as a rare moment of joy in a region where schools, universities, and homes have been destroyed by months of airstrikes. Despite the hardships, the children celebrated with pride, turning the day into a symbol of resilience. Comment section flooded with emotional reactions Social media was flooded with emotional reactions, with users pouring their hearts out for the suffering children. One user wrote, May God give them strength to endure for what the world robbed them of, their peace, youth, families, security. Palestinian journalist Abdallah Al Attar shared clips of the event on Instagram. | Credit: Instagram/abdallahalattarr Another echoed similar sentiments saying, Allah bless their hearts. And make a free and liberated Palestine their brightest future. A third comment read, The amount of pain and heartbreak they are going through in their lives is beyond comprehension ... poor babies May Allah swt ease your aching hearts. Organizers revealed it was the largest graduation ceremony in Gaza. | Credit: Instagram/abdallahalattarr Adding to the collective grief, another user wrote, Dear darlings, may Allah ease your pain and grief in this supposedly best day of your life. May you all be safe and protected. The event stood out as a rare moment of joy. | Credit: Instagram/abdallahalattarr Gazas orphan crisis The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics has reported that nearly 40,000 children in Gaza have lost one or both parents, calling it the worlds largest orphan crisis in modern history. Some medical workers have described another tragic reality with the term WCNSF, wounded child, no surviving family. According to officials, thousands of children are also being treated for malnutrition each month, and at least 122 have died of starvation since the war began. Aid groups such as Amnesty International have accused Israel of carrying out a deliberate campaign against civilians by blocking food and supplies. pic.twitter.com/8D11ix8rsR Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) August 20, 2025 The latest update on Gaza city The graduation comes as violence continues nearby. On August 20, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced approval of a military plan to occupy Gaza City, warning it will never be the same again. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Laura Loomer drew widespread backlash after referring to Palestinian children arriving in the U.S. for medical treatment as Islamic invaders. Her remarks, made in response to a humanitarian initiative, were widely condemned as xenophobic and insensitive. Critics say Loomer's rhetoric crosses a line, especially when aimed at vulnerable, sick children seeking care. But who is Laura Loomer? Lets find out and take a look at her total net worth. In a recently shared video, she has falsely labelled the young patients as Islamic invaders, sparking widespread condemnation across social media for her inflammatory rhetoric and dehumanising language. Despite holding no formal position within the Trump camp, Loomer continues to influence far-right discourse online with statements many critics describe as xenophobic and deeply insensitive. I love Laura Loomer AND I watched this clip. He added something after the Hitler commend she quoted. I wish Laura quoted it as well and addressed why he would say such a thing. I will watch the entire Tucker show to get the complete context. https://t.co/7B2eGNuUNO Aint Your Daddys (@UNLOVABLE_NIXON) August 21, 2025 Why are any Islamic invaders coming into the US Loomer shared a post on X (formerly called Twitter), and alongside the video, she wrote, Why are any Islamic invaders coming into the US under the Trump admin? and called them a national security threat. She went on to add that they didnt vote for more Islamic immigration into the United States. We didnt vote for more Islamic immigration into the United States. Following this post, the US State Department announced that it was pausing the approvals of visas for people arriving in the country from the war-torn enclave, along with conducting a full and thorough review of the matter. Loomers overall net worth | Credit: X | @Mofoman360 State Department issued a statement on the same In a series of incidents, an X official handle of the State Department issued a statement, and the post read, All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days. Who is Laura Loomer? According to The Guardian, Laura was born in May 1993 in Tucson, Arizona. 32-year-old Laura Loomer has made a name for herself in U.S. politics as a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, according to The Guardian. She previously ran unsuccessful congressional campaigns in South Florida in 2020 and 2022. Known for her dramatic protests, Loomer once jumped the fence at a property owned by Nancy Pelosi and, in another incident, handcuffed herself outside the headquarters of X after being banned from the platform. Not only this, but in 2024, Loomer accompanied Donald Trump, who was the Republican presidential candidate at the time, during his 9/11 anniversary visits to New York and Pennsylvania. Laura Loomer describes herself as a pro-white nationalism" | Credit: X | @TheOnlyEsta A quick look at Loomers overall net worth Estimates place Laura Loomers net worth between $10 million and $11 million (Rs 83.2 crore and Rs 91.5 crore), although the exact amount remains unclear, as per BBN Times. Her financial success is thought to come from several streams, including family inheritance, revenue from speaking engagements, political fundraising, and her online influence. She also likely profits from podcasting and brand partnerships. A day after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked at her residence during a public meeting, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) appointed 1992-batch IPS officer Satish Golcha as the new Delhi Police Commissioner. The appointment replaced SBK Singh, who had only recently assumed charge. Leadership change after security breach SBK Singh, a 1988-batch officer from the AGMUT cadre and Director General of Home Guards, had taken additional charge as Delhi Police Commissioner on August 1 following the retirement of Sanjay Arora. His tenure was short-lived, as the attack on the Chief Minister raised concerns about the citys security preparedness. Singh is due to retire in January 2026. Hours after the incident, the MHA also shifted Guptas security to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which has now assigned her Z category protection. Sources indicated that the decision followed an inquiry pointing to lapses by Delhi Police personnel present during the attack. 1992 batch IPS officer Satish Golcha appointed to the post of the Commissioner of Police, Delhi.@DelhiPolice @HMOIndia pic.twitter.com/Eh6NxhFW8B All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 21, 2025 Who is Satish Golcha? Satish Golcha, a 1992-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has held several important roles in Delhi and other regions. Most recently, he was serving as Director General (Prisons), a position he assumed on May 2. Prior to this, Golcha was posted in Arunachal Pradesh and had earlier served as Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order, Zone 2) in Delhi. His career includes key postings such as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Joint Commissioner, and Special Commissioner. As Special CP (Intelligence), he handled critical law and order challenges, including during the northeast Delhi riots. His administrative and operational experience has been cited as reasons for his selection. Central government has appointed Satish Golcha IPS as New Police Commissioner of Delhi. Satish Golcha has served as Special CP (Intelligence), DG (Prisons), Tihar Jail, Mandoli and Rohini Jail in Delhi Police. He understands Delhi well, In view of the deteriorating law and order pic.twitter.com/CuZuIfnVe2 jagdish mamgain (@jagdishmamgain) August 21, 2025 MHAs order and next steps The formal order issued by the MHA stated: With the approval of the competent authority, Satish Golcha, presently posted as DG (Prisons), Delhi, is hereby appointed to the post of the Commissioner of Police, Delhi with effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders. With this appointment, Golcha assumes responsibility for restoring confidence in the citys policing, particularly after the breach at the Chief Ministers residence highlighted gaps in existing arrangements. His leadership comes at a time when both law and order management and security oversight are under close national scrutiny. Apostolos Vesyropoulos, General Secretary of the Parliamentary Group of New Democracy, former Deputy Finance Minister, and MP elected in Imathia, passed away on Thursday at the age of 59. A New Democracy source confirmed to Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) that Vesyropoulos suffered a cardiac arrest while in Sithonia, Halkidiki. Messages of condolences were sent to his family by the prime minister, the president of Greece, ministers, and party leaders, among others, praising him for his devotion to and hard work for the party, his principles, and his goodness as a person. iefimerida.gr Greek Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday welcomed Egypt's latest proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza during a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the prime minister's office announced. During the call, the two leaders discussed regional developments with a focus on the situation in Gaza. Mr. Mitsotakis expressed Greece's support for Egypt's ongoing efforts to mediate an end to the conflict. The leaders also reviewed the close cooperation and coordination between Greece and Egypt on other bilateral and regional issues. The discussion highlights Egypt's key role as a mediator in the region and the strengthening diplomatic ties between Athens and Cairo. iefimerida.gr Following a series of fires that have broken out in 2025 on container and vehicle transport ships, such as the WAN HAI 503 and MSC ELSA 3 in the Indian Fires on ships a major issue for global shipping Critical warning for Greek ports - Scott Bessent said the sanctions degrade Irans ability to fund terrorism and threaten our forces. The United States has imposed new sanctions on Greek shipowner Antonis Margaritis, accusing him of facilitating Iranian oil exports through a network of companies and vessels that operate as part of Tehrans so-called shadow fleet. According to the U.S. Treasury Department and its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Margaritis used his extensive experience in the shipping industry to illegally transport Iranian crude , helping Tehran circumvent long-standing restrictions. U.S. officials say that revenues from these exports are funneled into the development of advanced weapons systems and the financing of terrorist groups, posing a threat to the security of the United States and its allies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions degrade Irans ability to fund terrorism and threaten our forces, underscoring Washingtons message that it will not tolerate cooperation with Tehran. The sanctions target both Margaritis himself and a network of shipping companies he is said to control directly or indirectly. Among them are Marant Shipping and Trading S.A., based in Greece and the Marshall Islands, as well as Square Tanker Management Ltd., Comford Management S.A., and United Chartering S.A. Also blacklisted was Cristobal Marine Corp., linked to Rose Shipping Limited, which was sanctioned in December 2024. Under the decision, all assets belonging to Margaritis and his companies that fall under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen, and U.S. persons and businesses are barred from engaging in transactions with them unless specifically authorized. Authorities warned that violations of the sanctions could result in severe civil and criminal penalties for anyone attempting to do business with the shipowner or his firms. The move is part of Washingtons broader campaign to restrict Irans oil exports, which it sees as a critical source of funding for the regime. Targeting Margaritis and his network, U.S. officials said, represents another step in the maximum economic pressure strategy aimed at Tehran. #IRAN #OIL #SHIPPING #USA Minister Of Women Affairs And Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has expressed concern over rising teenage pregnancies in Nigeria, revealing that 15 per cent of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are either pregnant or already mothers. Speaking at the end of a high-level meeting where Nigeria validated and adopted its first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM), the Minister disclosed that more than 7.3 million adolescent girls and women in the country suffer from undernutrition. She added that 55 per cent of this group are affected by anaemia, a condition worsened by poor menstrual hygiene practices and the lack of affordable sanitary products. Advertisement Represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Maryam Keshinro, the Minister stressed that President Bola Tinubus recent decision to grant waivers on sanitary towels reflects his sensitivity to gender and public health challenges. READ MORE : EFCC Nabs 36 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Rivers She described the newly adopted menstrual health policy as a landmark step towards ensuring that menstruation does not restrict the rights, opportunities, or overall wellbeing of women and girls across the country. The Minister further highlighted that women aged 15 to 49 years make up about 25 to 30 per cent of Nigerias population, emphasizing that menstruation is a natural biological process that must never be associated with stigma, shame, or economic hardship. Also speaking at the event, the Acting Country Representative of Population Services International (PSI) in Nigeria, Mrs Fifi Ogbondeminu, noted that the policy adoption represents a turning point in addressing menstrual health issues with dignity, empathy, and urgency. Represented by the Team Lead for Menstrual Health Initiatives at PSI Nigeria, Dr Abdulhameed Adediran, Ogbondeminu described menstrual health as not only a public health issue but also a human rights concern, a gender equality matter, and a critical development priority for Nigeria. Thirty-two suspected drug abusers have been arrested by the Lagos State Environmental Taskforce during a midnight operation carried out on Wednesday across several parts of Agidingbi and Ikeja GRA. The operation, which began around 1 a.m. on August 20, 2025, focused on hotspots known for harboring undesirable elements. Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, on Wednesday shared on X the outcomes of the operation, specifying the locations targeted during the enforcement exercise. Advertisement READ MORE: Lagos Police Arrest Ex-Convict For Illegal Firearm Possession He stated that the areas targeted during the raids included Alausa CBD, NERDC Road, Alhaja Ashabi Cole Street, the frontage of the African Shrine in Agidingbi, Adekunle Fajuyi Way, Shobo Arobiodu, Isaac John Street, and Oba Akinjobi Road in Ikeja GRA, along with several adjoining streets. During the raid exercise, a total number of 32 suspects, which comprises 25 males and seven females who were in possession of hard and illicit drugs suspected to be indian hemp, codeine and other narcotic substance, were arrested. Sanity was restored in all the areas, the commissioner said. Wahab further stated that all the suspects would face appropriate charges in court. The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, in Benue State, has officially terminated the appointment of the institutions Deputy Rector, Dr. Ngurumun Doris Iorchir. Her dismissal was linked to allegations of insubordination, unauthorized release of confidential information, and other related misconduct. According to a letter sighted by Nigerian Tribune correspondent, dated August 18, 2025, and addressed to Dr. Iorchir, the decision takes immediate effect. Advertisement READ MORE : Hoodlums Suspected To Be Cultists Kill Policeman In Bayelsa The dismissal letter was signed by the Registrar, Dr. Muhammed Ndaeji, who also serves as the Secretary to the Council. In the letter, the Council expressed concern over her alleged refusal to provide some vital documents from your former employers, after two years of probationary period, which it suggested implied concealment of information. Findings by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that Dr. Iorchir had been locked in a series of disputes with the polytechnics management. These disagreements prompted her to submit a petition against the Rector, Dr. Ashinya Tyover. In a detailed 94-page petition, she accused the Rector of financial misconduct. She went on to file two additional petitions in which she alleged that the Rector, the Chairman of the Governing Council, members of the Council, and some other individuals within and outside Benue State were allegedly involved in sponsoring terrorism. It was further gathered that the petitions were forwarded to the institutions Management Disciplinary Committee. After reviewing the matter, the committee submitted its recommendations to the Governing Council, which later endorsed her dismissal. An excerpt from the dismissal letter stated: At its emergency meeting held on 18th August 2025, the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, considered and deliberated on the report of the Management Disciplinary Committee as it affects you (Doris Iorchir). Having established the following cases against you: insubordination to constituted authority; arrogance towards the Rector; use of foul language; refusal to appear before the Management Disciplinary Committee; unauthorised disclosure of official information; and refusal to provide some vital documents from your former employers after two years of probationary period. The Council, based on the recommendations of the Management Disciplinary Committee and in line with Public Service Rules, approved your dismissal with effect from 18th August 2025. Consequently, you are to hand over all the institutions properties, identity card inclusive, to the Chief Security Officer of the Polytechnic with immediate effect. The Ebonyi State Police Command has taken three individuals into custody in connection with the killing of youth leader Udu Uzor in Ekoli Edda community, Edda Local Government Area. According to PUNCH Metro, the community was shaken by a crisis two months ago that claimed multiple lives, including the youth leaders, and caused extensive property destruction. Reports indicate that some of the suspects were apprehended while trying to flee to Abia State by vehicle. READ MORE: Lagos Police Arrest Ex-Convict For Illegal Firearm Possession The state Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, confirmed the arrests to reporters at the command headquarters in Abakaliki on Wednesday. She said, Following the Ekoli Edda crisis, which led to the murder of Udu Nnachi on July 9, 2025, painstaking investigations by operatives attached to SWAT led to the arrest of Amarachi Ude, Idika Ama Okoro, and Sunday Ama Olughu. The suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations. The CP pledged that the command would carry out a comprehensive investigation and promptly prosecute those responsible, aiming to bring peace back to the community. The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has deported 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud by Nigerian courts. In a statement issued on Thursday, the EFCC revealed that the latest batch of deportees included 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian. With this development, the total number of foreign offenders repatriated since Friday, August 15, 2025, has risen to 102. According to the Commission, the deported convicts were among 192 foreign nationals apprehended during a large-scale sting operation in Lagos. The coordinated raid followed credible intelligence on the activities of what authorities described as one of the largest foreign-controlled cybercrime syndicates operating in Nigeria. Advertisement READ MORE : Ebonyi Police Arrest Three Over Killing Of Youth Leader The EFCC noted that further deportations are expected in the coming days as the joint crackdown continues. The suspects were arrested on December 19, 2024, during the EFCCs wide-ranging operation in Lagos codenamed Eagle Flush. According to Sahara Reporters, a syndicate allegedly specialized in cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud schemes has reportedly defrauded hundreds of victims both in Nigeria and abroad. The defendants were subsequently arraigned on separate counts bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, in line with the provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. Authorities disclosed that the operation, supported by intelligence-sharing with international law enforcement partners, exposed multiple cybercrime rings running from luxury apartments and technology hubs in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Cyber-terrorism, one of the charges increasingly used in EFCC prosecutions, has been linked to activities aimed at destabilizing Nigerias digital economy and financial security. Similarly, the Nigerian Immigration Service on Sunday deported 42 Chinese and Philippine nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and Ponzi scheme-related offences. The NIS confirmed that the deportees represented the first batch of 192 convicts scheduled for repatriation that day. They were part of 759 suspects apprehended on December 10, 2024, during a major raid on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. A former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Brig. Gen. John Sura (Rtd), has announced his resignation from the party. Gen. Sura, who contested in the 2023 PDP governorship primary election that produced Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the flag bearer, disclosed his decision in a statement released on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The announcement was posted on his official Facebook page and addressed to his supporters. Advertisement In the message, the retired military officer described his exit from the PDP as a moral obligation to his loyal supporters. It has become imperative that I address you directly as my compatriots because you have been there with me since the early days when I joined politics and ran for the 2023 gubernatorial elections till today, he wrote. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/babachir-lawal-angry-he-wasnt-picked-as-tinubus-vp-wike.html#google_vignette He explained that although some of his close allies were already aware of his plans, he felt compelled to formally communicate the decision. You might have heard the news of my resignation from the PDP. I owe you a moral duty to address you directly. Although I have discussed this issue with some of you personally, I thought you were the first to know formally, he added. Gen. Sura promised to meet with his supporters, popularly known as the Sura Club and the Liberation Family, to further explain his reasons. I will arrange and fix a date to invite you as a political family to discuss further on the reasons that necessitated my resignation and a collective resolution be taken, he said. His resignation comes amid a wave of defections from the PDP in Plateau, including that of Chief Letep Dabang, former Director General of the Mutfwang/Piyo Campaign Organization, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Would you like me to also prepare SEO headlines, focus keyphrase, and tags for this one as well? The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has uncovered and dismantled a human trafficking ring operating between Nigeria and Ghana. Eight suspects were taken into custody, while 29 victimsmostly young West Africanswere rescued during the operation. The syndicate was smashed in Gwagwalada, a suburb of Abuja, where traffickers had been running their illegal activities from a discreet apartment. The breakthrough followed an intelligence report from a foreign embassy in Abuja that alerted the Agency to suspicious movements. This latest success comes only a few days after NAPTIP foiled another trafficking attempt in the Federal Capital Territory, where 25 women were rescued from being trafficked to Saudi Arabia under the guise of domestic jobs. Advertisement READ MORE : Adamawa Government Reunites 14 Rescued Children With Families According to the Embassy, the intervention began after the Ghanaian Embassy raised concerns about one of its nationals who had been trafficked into Nigeria. The report revealed that the victim was deceived in Ghana with promises of genuine opportunities abroad, only to be exploited upon arrival in Nigeria. Responding swiftly, the Ghanaian authorities sought NAPTIPs assistance under existing bilateral agreements and joint anti-trafficking frameworks. Further investigation showed that the victim had been duped into paying $3,500 to the trafficking syndicate. Once he arrived in Nigeria, the traffickers seized his passport and personal effects, leaving him stranded and vulnerable. In response, NAPTIP launched an urgent operation in line with its statutory responsibility to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders in accordance with national and international laws. During the raid, eight suspects believed to be part of the organised trafficking cartel were arrested. They are currently being profiled and interrogated. Twenty-nine victims were also freed during the raid. The group included 20 young women aged between 17 and 28, as well as nine men between the ages of 18 and 30. All have since been taken into protective custody. Authorities recovered the Ghanaian victims passport and other seized belongings. Several items linked to the syndicates operationsincluding mobile phones, SIM cards, and financial recordswere also confiscated as evidence. Preliminary findings suggest that the victims, most of whom were living in Nigeria on expired temporary permits, had been trafficked for sexual exploitation and cybercrime activities. The rescued victims are now being sheltered in a safe house, where they are receiving immediate care. NAPTIP is also working with relevant embassies to arrange support for the foreign nationals among them. Speaking on the development, NAPTIPs Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, condemned the rise of cross-border trafficking networks and the growing number of foreign victims. She emphasized that the incident highlights the international dimension of human trafficking and the dangers faced by individuals seeking better opportunities outside their countries. Bello commended the effective cooperation between NAPTIP and the Ghanaian Embassy, noting that the swift sharing of intelligence and coordinated action were key to the operations success. She vowed that the arrested traffickers would face prosecution, reiterating her earlier warning that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for traffickers. We will continue to dismantle these criminal groups, rescue their victims, and bring every offender to justice, Bello said. The DG reaffirmed the Agencys commitment to protecting victims, dismantling syndicates, and strengthening both national and international partnerships to eradicate human trafficking. Founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chekwas Okorie, on Wednesday, condemned any attempt to increase the salaries of political office holders. He described such a move as insensitive and likely to trigger public anger. Advertisement Okories comments came in response to a proposal by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review upwards the emoluments of politicians. He argued that Nigerians are already grappling with economic hardships stemming from policy decisions made by those in power. He added that raising political salaries at this time would amount to mocking the suffering of citizens. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/adc-rejects-salary-increase-for-politicians-demands-pay-rise-for-nigerians.html Speaking further, the APGA leader said, What RMAFC is saying is that, as a commission, it is insensitive to the feelings of Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the policy choices of politicians. The hunger and anger in the land is seen and felt by almost everyone. They should not be talking about increasing the pay of political office holders; in fact, they should be talking about a downward review. Okorie also warned that ignoring the plight of ordinary citizens could have political consequences. He added, Leaders who prioritize their personal gains over the welfare of the people risk losing the trust and confidence of Nigerians. Public service is about responsibility, not enrichment. He further urged policymakers to show empathy, saying, The government must remember that millions of Nigerians are struggling to put food on the table. Any move to raise salaries now sends the wrong signal and could ignite public resentment. Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface is closing in on a move to Serie A giants AC Milan. The Nigerian forwards agent is reportedly on his way to Italy to finalise talks with the Rossoneri, following an agreement reached between Milan and Bayer Leverkusen for an initial loan deal. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on X on Thursday, stating: Victor Bonifaces agent, on his way to Italy today for talks with AC Milan. Club to club agreement done for initial loan move with 30m buy option clause from Leverkusen. Advertisement READ MORE: Mohbad: Naira Marleys Detailed Account Shows He Was Wrongly Accused Ex-Presidential Aide The deal includes a 30 million option to buy, which would make Boniface a permanent Milan player if exercised. The 24-year-old has been a standout performer for Leverkusen, drawing attention from top European clubs thanks to his role in their recent Bundesliga campaigns. Milan see him as a strong addition to their attacking lineup ahead of the new season. With the club-to-club negotiations completed, the move now depends on Boniface agreeing to personal terms and passing his medical examinations. Frank Caprio, the longtime Chief Judge of Providence Municipal Court celebrated for his warmth and humor that won him viral fame and a devoted TV followers, has died at 88 after fighting pancreatic cancer. His passing was announced on Wednesday, August 20, by his son, Frank T. Caprio, through a family statement posted on Facebook. The statement said, Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Advertisement READ MORE: Nollywood Legend Fabian Adibe Dies At 82 Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honour, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world just as he did every day. Caprio was initially elected as a municipal court judge in 1985 and served in the role for almost four decades. He gained international recognition with the reality TV series Caught in Providence, where his signature mix of fairness, empathy, and humor was on display as he oversaw traffic violation cases. The series, which earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2021, ran for over twenty years and attracted millions of fans globally through syndicated airings and viral clips shared on social media platforms such as TikTok. Caprio formally retired from the Providence Municipal Court in January 2023, and in October of the same year, the city honored him by renaming its municipal courtroom after him. In December 2023, shortly after turning 87, Caprio revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he completed his last radiation treatment in May 2024. Outside the courtroom, Caprio was celebrated for his dedication to family, survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A car carrier with new Hyundai vehicles being removed from a storage lot at the Navy Yard. Car prices went way up during the pandemic and are likely to rise again amid Trump's tariffs. Read more Its been two weeks since the Trump administrations tariffs were enacted on dozens of countries. Finding firm numbers remains a challenge. But the European Union, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to 15% tariffs on their exports to the United States, and that means a lot of vehicles in our market will face those rates. Advertisement Numbers for other countries keep changing Canada now faces 35% and Mexico, 25%, for now. But one thing is sure: When you have someone deliberately unpredictable calling the shots, its hard to make predictions. And when youre looking at something that requires as much planning as running an automobile manufacturer, youre swallowing a lot of Tums and working in pencil. Ive been reviewing cars and covering automotive news for 15 years for The Inquirer, and in that time, the price of transportation has steadily risen. Were looking at an average new-car price in the United States of almost $50,000 for 2025, according to the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) website. Just under one-fifth of car buyers are facing a $1,000-plus monthly car payment, and just over a fifth have a 84-month loan term or longer, according to the everything-automotive site Edmunds.com. So as we stand on the precipice of dramatic uncertainty, lets take some time to see where were been and where we are now. And finally, some speculation: Where will prices be by the end of the year? Where will sales be? Price points Believe it or not, prices are not currently at their highest ever, nor have they been running away in the last couple years, according to KBBs numbers. At $49,926, average new-vehicle prices reached their second-highest level in December 2022, deep in the heart of the pandemic, before sliding back down. December 2024 saw their highest point ever, by a few dollars, at $49,950, and theyve slid back down again since. But what about the tariffs? Why havent they impacted pricing yet? Were seeing almost every manufacturer just holding their fire right now, trying to see what happens here, said Cox Automotive executive analyst Erin Keating. Further complicating pricing are tariffs on automobile components like steel. Historic comparisons When the future is hard to predict, sometimes its best to start by looking at the past. KBBs numbers begin in January 2012 with an average price of $30,666. Remember the $30,000 car? You can still find one today, but its a challenge. Obviously, since that was the average, there were probably still solid number of $25,000 and even some $20,000 cars back then. Keating said now about half of vehicles on the market, or a little less than that, are going for less than $40,000. What weve really lost is the under-$30,000, Keating said. Perhaps the Jeff Bezos-backed Slate truck will be a game changer if it arrives as advertised in 2026, or the new EV that Fords been teasing. The pandemic makes a good cutoff point. There were prices before mid-March 2020 and prices after, when virus outbreaks and social distancing led to factory, transportation, and materials shortages around the world. The impact lasted into 2021 and 2022. Since March 2020, average car prices went from $39,026 to $48,841 in July 2025, a 25% increase. In contrast, average car prices rose 9% from the start of 2017 to March 2020. And, heres the real shocker: Average vehicle prices have pretty much leveled off since 2022 to an extent that surprised even me. Theres been just around a 4.5% increase in the average new-car price since the beginning of 2022. We saw a steep rise in [the price of] vehicles over the COVID period, Keating said. We know that there was supply-and-demand issue there, which Econ 101 will tell you that prices will rise when supply is tightened and demand is high. But, as that 9% increase from 2017 to 2020 suggests, the pandemic wasnt the only factor. What caused the car price jump? Regulatory changes are behind a lot of the price increase, but probably not in the way youve been thinking. Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions in Chester Springs, pointed to a change in regulations on fuel economy average by manufacturer, which began in 2017 following guidelines issued during the Obama administration. It used to be that a gas guzzler of any size could be offset by any efficient car. But then someone had the idea that cars had to be averaged by their footprint. No longer could a Ford Focus offset a Crown Victoria, Fiorani said. This meant that manufacturers no longer looked at a money-losing small hatchback or sedan as a way to offset larger and thirstier vehicles, he explained. And the increasing popularity of SUVs and crossovers gave automakers even more reason to toss aside small cars. And part of it is the consumer, said Mike Gempp, executive director of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia. The biggest factor is consumer sentiment, consumers desire to drive a more expensive or larger vehicle, Gempp said. Americans are loathe to pay a lot for small cars, so those vehicles remain red ink for manufacturers, Fiorani and Keating agreed. Fast forward to today, the American market is missing out on Chinese offerings like MG and BYD because of restrictions on Chinese vehicles. These low-cost small cars would add a cheaper option for buyers. Its a loss for the American consumer because nobody else is filling that gap, Fiorani said. Other price boosters Keating pointed to other sources of price increases as well. I asked if it were better features, corporate greed, higher-end cars, and she replied it was a combination of those factors plus, as mentioned before, the pandemic. But regulations on automobiles have been a big part of it. Over the last 10 years weve really seen a lot of innovation in safety features, which then became standard, Keating said. She pointed to automatic braking systems and rear-seat reminders that are now requirements. Keating mentioned that corporate greed was not as big a factor on automobile prices, and I was like Huh? What about those whopping profit margins the manufacturers have been enjoying GM made $14.9 billion before taxes in 2024, and Ford made $10.2 billion, just as two examples. Margins on new cars are so razor-thin for manufacturers, Keating said. So where are they making their money? Manufacturers have relatively diversified businesses, but one of the big parts of the business is also parts, warranty business, and service, Keating said. Gaze into your crystal ball So far, tariff warnings have actually increased sales, as consumers have rushed to buy before they take effect. But automakers are already claiming losses this year because of them. Gempp expects an impact on sales coming this year. As far as new vehicle sales overall, I would say theyre going to continue to stay soft or get softer, Gempp said. A surge of sales came in March and April, when tariffs were announced but not yet implemented. That pushed forward a lot of the sales that I think were going to see over the year in 2025. So the rest of 2025 promises to be a real game changer, and probably an eye opener, as we see manufacturers finally having to incorporate tariffs into their pricing structures. Keating estimated price hikes of 4%-8% by the end of the year. And after that happens, consumers can expect one thing: A new, more expensive price floor. Once prices go up its very rare that they come down, and were certainly learning that lesson now with tariffs, Keating said. Its very rare that any retailer be it furniture, clothing, anything would actually pull that pricing once they see the market will actually bear that higher price. The former offices of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis at 1600 Market Street in Philadelphia, which closed in 2023. Read more After Philadelphia law firm Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis announced its closure in 2023, a group of senior lawyers there were told they would not get back their contributions to the firms retirement fund. One of those lawyers sued over the loss in a class action on behalf of all those affected. She alleged that the firms equity partners improperly used the retirement funds to pay themselves and keep Schnader operating in its final months. Advertisement Now that group is poised to get back some of their retirement savings, if a settlement reached this month gets court approval. In a federal lawsuit filed last year, lawyer Jo Bennett alleged that the Schnaders equity partners the lawyers who shared ownership of the firm did not put employees retirement contributions into its 401(k) plan when it should have. Instead, Bennett alleged, the firm commingled the employee contributions with the firms other assets and used them for their own purposes, including funding Schnaders operations and funding the distributions made to the firms equity partners. The settlement, which the parties submitted for court approval earlier this month, would recover $675,000 for any Schnader lawyers with the title income partner or counsel who made retirement contributions between Feb.7, 2018, and June 30, 2023. The $675,000 will be distributed after attorney fees and litigation expenses are deducted, court documents note. The total amount that should have been placed in the plan in 2022 and 2023 was just over $682,000, court documents said. Including interest, the documents say, the maximum loss for the employees retirement funds was calculated at $990,208. In a June filing, Bennetts lawyers estimated that the firm had at least 46 non-equity partners and counsel in 2022 and 2023. Adam H. Garner, a lawyer for Bennett, declined to comment on the settlement. Continuing to pay themselves, suit alleged Bennett was a non-equity owning income partner at Schnader, her lawsuit said. So while she held a more senior position compared to associates and counsel there, she did not own a portion of the business as equity partners did. It was obvious in 2022 that Schnader was experiencing a significant decline in operating revenue, Bennetts suit said. But equity partners did not make contributions to the firm to help it continue paying bills, and instead they continued to collect their regular distributions from the firm, the suit alleged. Meanwhile, Schnader was sued for not paying rent on its offices in Philadelphia and San Francisco. At the same time the equity partners were continuing to pay themselves, the firm was struggling to meet its other financial obligations, the suit said. The firm announced its plans to dissolve in August 2023. The next month, the equity partners tasked with liquidating the firms assets sent a letter to income partners and counsel that said their employee retirement contributions would not be returned to them. The reason given was that the firm lacked access to the funds in question, which had been commingled with the firms general assets, Bennetts lawsuit said. An 89-year-old firm dissolved The firm was founded in 1934 as Schnader & Lewis. It became known for its litigation practice and grew to a roster of about 200 lawyers. That number began to shrink in the years before the firms closure. Schnader was down to 122 lawyers in June 2022 and then 91 just before it announced it would shutter in August 2023. Were all very sad that weve come to this point, Keith Whitson, a Pittsburgh-based partner who served as the law firms general counsel, said at the time. We want to be sure we preserve our client relationships, protect our staff and attorneys, and maintain the legacy weve created over almost 90 years. As Jonte Slater sat in a jail cell, charged with murder, he plotted to free himself and frame another man for the crime. Days after his 2008 arrest, Slater told relatives to track down a witness to the shooting and pay her to say that Tyree Musier not he fired the bullets that killed Nathaniel Crawford on a West Philadelphia street. They can get a check if they come down there and say it aint me, Slater told the mother of his child in a recorded phone call from jail. A thousand dollars apiece, for whoever the witnesses is, he told her in a separate call. Each one of them. The plan worked. The 14-year-old girl who saw the shooting testified that Musier killed Crawford. Slater was freed. And Musier was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison. The witness now says she was paid about $2,000 to lie. But nearly two decades later, Musier, 39, remains behind bars for a crime that he and a dozen witnesses say he didnt commit. Among them is Slaters father, who says Slater is the real killer. I know my son did it, Billy Slater testified earlier this year. The 65-year-old said he is determined to help free Musier. Slater, meanwhile, was shot and killed about a year after he was released from jail in a crime that remains unsolved. This week, the district attorneys office asked a judge to overturn his conviction, citing the damning jail calls that trial prosecutors never revealed to Musiers defense team. Assistant District Attorney David Napiorski stopped short of saying Musier was innocent, but said the outcome of his trial is unreliable and that justice requires he receive a new one. On Friday, Common Pleas Court Judge Jennifer Schultz is expected to hear arguments from prosecutors and Musiers attorney, Dan Silverman, and begin weighing whether Musiers conviction should be overturned. To Musiers mother, the jail calls and new witness testimony confirm what she said has been an open secret for years on the streets of North and West Philadelphia: Slater was the killer. I know my son is innocent, Annette Musier said. Its crazy how many people sat around and let him take the fall for it. A review of the case showed the imperfect layers that can lead to a criminal conviction. It revealed critical evidence that was buried in the bottom of a file box and never turned over to defense lawyers. It showed a case underpinned by a key witness who recanted her testimony at trial leaving attorneys and jurors alike to wonder at what point she was lying: then or now? And it underscored a no snitch culture that led Musier to maintain his innocence but remain silent about the identity of the real killer, even while facing the possibility of life in prison. I feel like he thought that he could trust the system, Musiers sister Tania said of her younger brother. Now, she said, he realizes that was a mistake. The saga began on June 22, 2008, when Musier went to Applebees with Slater, Slaters younger brother, and a 14-year-old friend. Afterward, Slater stopped by his mothers apartment at University City Townhomes, at 39th and Market Streets. Nate Pac Man Crawford, 26, who sold drugs in the public housing complex, was outside with others from the neighborhood, witnesses said. Around 1 a.m., authorities said, Slater parked and a man in a lime green shirt got out of the car. The man argued with Crawford, witnesses said, then shot him multiple times. He died within minutes. The gunman ran back to Slaters car and sped off. Police officers nearby heard the shots and, seeing the fleeing Chevy Impala, pulled it over. Inside the console was a lime green shirt. Meanwhile, investigators at the scene had located two teens who witnessed the shooting. Latasha Austin, 14, lived next door to Slaters mother in the townhomes and knew him from the neighborhood. He went by Pop or Pop a Colla, and was known for getting into trouble, selling drugs, and carrying guns, she said. Austin saw Slater get out of the car and kill Crawford, she said earlier this year, but she feared Slater would hurt her or her family if she identified him as the gunman. He knew where she lived. So in the moments after the shooting, when police drove her to Slaters car and asked her to identify the shooter, she said, she pointed to Musier. And as officers held the gunmans extra-large green shirt up to the burly Musier, she and another teen witness agreed it was his. Slater and Musier were arrested Slater as the getaway driver, and Musier as the one who pulled the trigger. In the days after Musiers arrest, his family was mystified. He was never one to fight, let alone shoot someone, Annette Musier said of her son in a recent interview. Almost immediately, she said, people from the neighborhood started coming to the house, saying the word on the street was Slater killed Crawford. The way dozens of friends and neighbors appeared on her doorstep with food and condolences, she said, youd think Tyree got killed. Meanwhile, Slater was plotting a way out, telling his family in calls from jail that he needed a witness to come to court and say its not me. Yall want a check? Yall can get a check, he said of whoever would help, according to court records describing transcriptions of his calls. Slater told the mother of his child, Jerrica Rogers, how police held his green shirt up to Musier as they sought to identify the shooter the night of the murder. Thats when they put that green shirt on Ty. My green polo shirt. They was like, We got him. This the guy right here, Slater said. He told his sister that the 14-year-old witness needed to say Musier was the shooter. Austin did just that. At the preliminary hearing, she testified that she saw Musier, dressed in a green shirt, shoot and kill Crawford. Slater, she said, wasnt involved. Municipal Court Judge James DeLeon dismissed the murder charge against Slater, and ruled that the case against Musier should proceed. Hours later, before Slater was released from jail, he called Rogers to celebrate the news. Musier, he reckoned, needed a good lawyer. He better not break, Rogers said in a recorded phone call. Who? Slater asked. Ty, she said of Musier. He cant break because neither one of us did nothing, he said. Nobody did nothing that night. Musiers family tried to persuade him to tell the truth about Slater, but they said he feared being labeled a snitch. I was angry at him for a while, because I felt like, even at the beginning, he didnt feel like he should snitch, said Tania Musier, his sister. Like, that is our culture. You dont snitch. You know, you let things play out. But this is your life on the line. Her brother didnt budge. Then, on Nov. 5, 2009, Slater was shot and killed. Police found his body inside an abandoned rowhouse on the 1200 block of North Hollywood Street in Brewerytown. His killer was never identified. After that, Tania Musier said, even if her brother did decide to say Slater was the shooter, who would believe him? As the case progressed, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Bretschneider, who was assigned to the case, visited Austin at the juvenile jail where the teen was being held for an unrelated crime. The prosecutor said Austin told her she lied in her earlier testimony Slater was the shooter, not Musier. Bretschneider said she left the conversation concerned that Musier might be innocent. Shortly after speaking with Austin, Bretschneider got a new job, and on her way out, she wrote a memo outlining her concerns so the new prosecutor on the case would be aware of her worry. This case needs a lot of attention, she wrote. At Musiers April 2012 trial, Austin, then 18, was summoned to court to testify against her will. She told the jury she lied in her initial statement to police and, later, at the preliminary hearing. I was overwhelmed, scared, she said. I was nervous and 14 at the time. Assistant District Attorney Richard Sax questioned her intentions, and suggested she recanted her earlier testimony out of fear of being labeled a rat, court records show. He suggested that she changed her story only after she knew Slater was dead and was trying to help Musier escape blame. Austin said she didnt know Musier and didnt know Slater was dead when she spoke with Bretschneider. The jury believed Sax. Musier was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Jurors never heard the recordings of Slaters calls from jail talking about the crime and seeking to frame Musier. The recordings were never turned over to Musiers defense lawyer, as required by law, the district attorneys office said in a recent filing. Prosecutors assigned to look into Musiers latest appeal found the tapes of the calls earlier this year in the bottom of an old case file. The district attorneys office said there is no indication the tapes were deliberately withheld, but acknowledged that the material should have been provided to the defense and that had the jury heard that evidence, the outcome of the case might have been different. Sax said in a recent interview that he had no recollection of the tapes, and that whatever was on them, he wasnt privy to. In general, he said, he rarely had the time to listen to a defendants jail calls, which can take hundreds of hours to go through, and because Slater was dead and no longer part of the case, such a review likely would not have been a priority. Thats not to pass the buck or anything, he said. In a perfect world, we listen to everything. Still, he said, he remembered the Musier case as one of the stronger cases he had ever handled. Police stopped the car as it fled the scene, and officers said they recovered the gun used to kill Crawford after it was thrown from the window on the passenger side of the vehicle, where Musier was sitting. Witnesses identified Musier. And trace amounts of Musiers DNA, he said, were found on the collar of the shooters green shirt. (Musiers lawyer says that happened when police held the shirt up to his neck at the scene. Prosecutors acknowledged that Slaters DNA was found in the armpits, but believed that the men shared the shirt and that it was closer to Musiers size.) The fact that Austin and another young witness recanted their testimony didnt trouble him, he said. It happened way more often than it didnt happen, that witnesses would go south and change their testimony, he said. That was the reality. Musier appealed his conviction for years without success. In 2023, he filed a petition in federal court contending that his constitutional rights were violated when prosecutors withheld evidence at his trial. The district attorneys office began reviewing the case in response and found the memo from Bretschneider outlining her worry that Musier might not be the killer. The document had not been turned over to Musiers defense lawyers as required, court records show. Silverman was appointed to represent Musier and tracked down a dozen witnesses. One by one, they told him about Slaters involvement in the crime and agreed to testify about what they knew. Among them was Rogers, the mother of Slaters now-teenage child, who told a judge in April that Slater had confessed to killing Crawford and paying Austin. He told me that he shot the guy, she said. Austin, too, testified and said that she was paid to lie. And her cousin, Marquise Astillero, recalled that Austin told him that as well. Hafees Alston, who was in Slaters car that night and was 14 years old at the time, wrote in a sworn statement that he saw Slater shoot Crawford. Musier, he said, was asleep in the front passenger seat when Slater got out and fired his gun. Whatd you do? he recalled Musier asking Slater after he returned to the car, gun in hand. Slaters father also testified and said Rogers told him years ago that his son had told her he killed Crawford. He said he had worked to bring that troubling truth to light ever since. Billy Slater said in an interview that he was motivated by his Christian faith and isnt worried about being criticized for speaking out against his own son. It dont matter what anybody thinks or feels because its the right thing to do, he said. The truth is the light. The truth will set you free, and in this case, the truth will set Tyree free, God willing. Billy Slater said he has worked to clear Musiers name for more than 15 years. Before Musiers trial in 2012, he said, he visited Musiers family, as well as two police stations to tell officers what he knew. He said he tried to tell prosecutors as well. Annette Musier, meanwhile, is praying that she will soon hug her son outside the walls of a prison. She has not seen him in nine years, she said, because she suffers from severe back pain and near blindness, and cannot make the six-hour drive to the state prison where he is housed. For the first time in years, she said, she has a reason to believe. What started as a delusional online fixation ended with a 29-year-old Bucks County man behind bars Tuesday after he stalked a teenage influencer for months and confronted her father at their Florida home, police said. Jarred Easter, of Trevose, was arrested in a North Florida hotel room this week after months of sending disturbing emails, nude photographs, and obsessive messages to an email account associated with the 14-year-old influencer, authorities said. Advertisement That relationship was entirely one-sided and revolved around photos the teen posted online, the Walton County Sheriffs Office said. This was a sick-minded individual who convinced himself he had a relationship with a child, said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson. We are grateful the victim never saw his messages, and we are working tirelessly to ensure there are no other victims connected to this predator. Easter was charged with 10 counts of transmitting harmful information to a minor, one count of using a communication device to facilitate a felony, one count of traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child, and one count of using a computer to seduce a child. Before his arrest, Easter traveled more than 1,000 miles from Pennsylvania to the influencers home in the Florida Panhandle. Coming across the teens father in the driveway, police said, Easter asked to speak with his daughter. The man demanded that Easter leave the property and reported the incident to the sheriffs office. Walton County cybercrimes investigators tracked Easter to his hotel in Okaloosa County. He was arrested and extradited to Walton County, where he was jailed and issued a $250,000 bond. He remained in custody as of Thursday. The sheriffs office is urging parents, particularly those with children who have large online social media followings, to get involved in their childs online safety. Officials suggested regularly monitoring online accounts and direct messages, encouraging young people not to share identifiable details like school and neighborhood names, and using privacy settings to control who can see their posts. 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 Philadelphia police said Wednesday they have made arrests in two domestic-related homicides, including the fatal shooting of 48-year-old Rashida Irvin, the co-owner of an East Germantown spa. Kyle Irvin, Rashidas husband, surrendered to police shortly after midnight and was facing charges of murder and related offenses, police said. Advertisement Rashida and Kyle Irvin co-owned Mister Relaxation Mens Spa & Lounge at 6325 Germantown Ave. The couple and their business were featured in a 2023 segment on Localish, a show that is featured on ABC platforms. Rashida Irvin also appeared in 2023 on Fox 29s Good Day Philadelphia, which did a live segment from the spa, which caters exclusively to men. On Aug. 11 around 6:35 p.m., police were flagged down by someone reporting having heard gunshots coming from inside 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. Her case has been highlighted on social media by WDAS radio personality Patty Jackson, who said she had planned to meet Rashida Irvin in September to promote the spa. It just really broke my heart, Jackson said in an interview Tuesday. Jackson said that a family member of the slain woman asked that she be remembered as Rashida Smith, her maiden name. Police on Wednesday also announced an arrest in the death of 42-year-old Direll Skipworth, who was fatally shot, allegedly by his girlfriends 24-year-old son, during a domestic altercation Sunday night in North Philadelphia. Kenneth Warren surrendered to police Tuesday and was charged with murder and related offenses, police said. Just before 9:30 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a report of a shooting on the 1500 block of North Gratz Street and found Skipworth with gunshot wounds to his chest, his back, and a leg. He was transported by police to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The preliminary investigation found that the incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Skipworth and his girlfriend, police said. No age or other identifying information was provided for the woman. During an argument between the couple, the womans son got involved and began fighting Skipworth before shooting him, police said. The son then fled the scene. As It Happened Aug. 21, 7:08 p.m. ET Link copied to clipboard Link Icon Link copied SEPTA cuts will have far-reaching implications for the district, Watlington says at school board meeting The school board also approved notices of nonrenewal for two charters, and a $2.5 million settlement with West Philadelphia Achievement Charter. Follow live coverage from reporter Kristen A. Graham. Preschool classroom at Sacred Heart Academy, in Bryn Mawr on August 14, 2025. Read more To meet a growing need for early childhood education, Bryn Mawrs Sacred Heart Academy is preparing to open its Little Lions program, which will serve two dozen preschool-age children on the Main Line starting this fall. Kim Trinacria, Sacred Heart Academys interim associate head of school, said an alumni event sparked the idea to bring back Sacred Hearts preschool, which last operated in 2016. When alumni brought their kids to Tiny Hearts Toddler Time, a monthly playtime event, many expressed a desire for high-quality preschool options in the area. Advertisement We just saw the growing need, Trinacria said. Despite the overwhelming evidence that high-quality preschool prepares children for elementary school and adult life options remain few and far between for many Philly-area parents. Childcare and preschool options are expensive, and low wages for childcare workers have hurt recruitment and retention in the industry. Sacred Hearts preschool program will be grounded in the schools Catholic foundations and will center collaboration, cooperation, kindness, and play, which preschool director Pat Norton describes as the building blocks of a successful early childhood education. In the Philadelphia area, sending two children to daycare costs more, on average, than renting a home. The average monthly cost of childcare for one child in the Philadelphia region was $961 as of March. Median monthly rent in the area was $1,885. The average salary for prekindergarten teachers in Pennsylvania was $34,430 in 2024, compared with $68,250 for kindergarten teachers, according to a report from Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, a Harrisburg-based child advocacy organization. The lack of adequate childcare options cost the Pennsylvania economy over $6.65 billion annually as of last year, according to the Council for a Strong America and the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission. When working parents lack daycare and preschool options, they often miss days of work, or have to give up their careers entirely. READ MORE: Childcare staff often make less money than retail workers. Thats causing staff shortages and long waitlists at daycares Though Sacred Heart Academy is an all-girls school, its preschool will serve boys and girls ages 3 and 4. Parents can opt for three- or five-day schedules during the academic year, with morning and afternoon extended-day options. Tuition is $5,000 per year for the three-day week and $10,000 per year for the five-day week. Little Lions classes will be capped at 12 students, allowing teachers to give each child our undivided attention, said Norton, who has been an early childhood educator for 33 years. Were play-based, and were thematic, and we absolutely believe in the whole child, Norton said. Bryn Mawrs Sacred Heart Academy was founded in 1865. The all-girls school is part of the International Sacred Heart Schools, a consortium of more than 150 Catholic schools around the world. Little Lions curriculum will support academic, social, emotional, and creative development through hands-on activities and plenty of free play, according to the school. Free play sits at the core of Nortons educational philosophy. Playtime has been shown to support healthy brain activity and help children build stable relationships and reach developmental milestones. It is so important to children, Norton said. Its how they learn. While Sacred Hearts Little Lions are too young for a formal religious education, Norton and Trinacria said, the core values of kindness, love, and sharing can be embedded into the curriculum from a young age. Norton calls it a religion unto itself. Tours of the preschool began in late June, and Sacred Heart will be hosting open house events throughout the fall and winter. Its a magical place. Its a magical age, Norton said. A charter school that the state ruled owed the Philadelphia School District $30 million has settled for a fraction of what officials initially said it must pay. West Philadelphia Achievement Elementary Charter School which enrolled hundreds more students than it was legally allowed to for more than a decade reached an agreement with the district to pay $2.5 million, a 92% decrease in its bill. Advertisement WPACES had gone to court to freeze the state ruling ordering it to pay the $30 million. Stacy Gill-Phillips, chief executive, had said the school could not continue to operate if it had to pay the full $30 million and contended that WPACES was not responsible to pay. She said that the district treats Black-led schools unfairly, and that she had been given approval to add students by a prior administration. READ MORE: This West Philly charter owes the school district $30 million for students it overenrolled. Should it have to pay? Gill-Phillips had called the dispute a classic David vs. Goliath situation. WPACES, at 67th and Callowhill Streets, agreed to a cap of 400 students, but has overenrolled since 2010. Last year, it enrolled 650, but it has had as many as 700 students some years. Under the terms of the settlement, which was approved by the school board at its Thursday meeting, WPACES will pay the district $500,000 a year for five years. The district agreed not to use WPACES overenrollment as a basis for nonrenewal or revocation, and the school said it would not use the districts actions as a defense in any future nonrenewal or revocation proceedings, if any should be instituted. WPACES can have up to 640 students for the coming school year, but its cap eventually drops to 475 students by 2029-30, under the terms of the agreement. The school charter will be considered part of the districts forthcoming 2025-26 renewal cohort; under that process, WPACES can formally ask for an increase in student population though there is no guarantee the board will agree to bump up the student cap. Charter schools receive per-student payments from their home districts based on the amount the school system spent on its students the prior year. For the 2024-25 school year, Philadelphia brick-and-mortar charters receive $12,754.11 per student and $40,053.17 for each student who receives special-education services. The special family plate with a variety of different meats over rice at Oba Mediterranean Grill in Collingswood, N.J., on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Read more If you get the feeling youre being watched as the mixed grill platter laden with fragrant adana kebabs and lamb chops lands on your al fresco table at Oba Mediterranean Grill, youre not entirely mistaken. There are 400 eyes dangling on cobalt blue glass amulets amid strings of white flowers that sway in the gentle Collingswood breezes drifting through the gracious porch seating of this converted Victorian home on Haddon Avenue. Known in Turkish as a nazar boncugu, these disc-shaped beads are believed to guard against the evil eye, and owner Ayhan Yuksel isnt taking any chances. You never know where the bad eyes and jealous looks are coming from, he said, only half-joking. Believe me: one of them cracks and falls every day around here because it is protecting us. Yuksel, 57, is a man understandably steeped in hyper vigilance, a former body guard in the Turkish National Intelligence Organization who says he protected President George Bush Sr. and Barbara Bush during their visit to Istanbul in the early 1990s. Advertisement In the restaurant business, however, good food is the best defense. And an artfully layered doner kebab sizzling on the spit, as well as a show oven near the front door turning out fresh-baked pides the canoe-shaped bread boats more akin to stuffed pizzas than plain pitas are fortuitous signs for this three-year-old restaurant on the residential outskirts of Collingswoods vibrant downtown district. Oba has one of the most satisfying traditional Turkish kitchens in the region right now. From the moment a fresh pita arrived to our table puffing hot steam like a sesame-dusted balloon alongside a pinwheel tray of excellent mezze dips, Obas kitchen delivered a canon of classic Turkish dishes with finesse. The hand-chopped ezme pepper and tomato salad is sweet with pomegranate molasses and spicy with chile heat, but also with a mysterious whiff of smoke; it comes from Mexican chipotles in adobo, whose raisin-y, campfire aroma mingles seamlessly with the Anatolian spices. If theres an extra tang to the yogurt covering the tiny manti dumplings stuffed with oniony ground beef and mint, thats because its cultured in house and also infused with a boost of garlic upon request. Yuksel, who immigrated to the United States in 1994 and settled among South Jerseys longstanding Turkish community, owned the Old City restaurant Konak for six years in the early 2000s. But hes primarily a builder who owns A&V Construction, which produces hundreds of houses a year as well as larger projects, like the Masjid Ar-Rahman mosque in Southwest Philadelphia. His return to the dining scene with Oba, the name of which refers to the nomadic ancestors who preceded the Ottoman empire, is a passion project. The restaurant is just my hobby because I love food and I want to show people how great Turkish food can be if were using good, organic stuff, he says. His quest led him to chef Hakan Guler, 42, whom he hired from an Istanbul restaurant operated by Nusret Gokce, the Turkish butcher-chef best known as Salt Bae for his once-viral Ottoman steak. No, there are no salt crystals flung by a ponytailed chef in sunglasses across the polished wood floors, white linens and aqua blue upholstery of Obas dining room. You want to see an evil eye? Send that salt circus my way. Guler has instead embraced a steady behind-the-scenes role here with a focus on traditional standards that Yuksel admires. He can be difficult to work with because hes very strict, says Yusksel, who describes the chef as particular about everything from the special hand soap (no chemicals!) to the quality of the never-frozen, grass-fed, halal beef from Leader Meats in Chesterfield, NJ. He wants veal tenderloins, so we pay $22 a pound. Ingredients are only a starting point. In a menu focused on dishes that can be found in a dozen other Turkish restaurants across the Philly region, the difference between good and great can be found in the embrace of the tiny details that define a chefs touch. The pureed red lentil soup has an extra depth of sweetness from sun-dried tomatoes to counter the spice of urfa peppers and the garlicky ping of dried ramps. The hummus has a deliberately coarse texture and tahini-forward flavor profile, which has a rustic appeal. When you top it with olive oil, paprika, and crispy ribbons of Turkish pastrami, the dried meats smoky, fragrant perfume of fenugreek, all-spice, and garlic adds extra dimensions to the familiar dip. The falafel looks standard, but is excellent, too, the centers exceptionally moist from the addition of celery. The shepherd salad is also a great example of how seemingly simple dishes, dressed with little more than olive oil, lemon and parsley, can become resonant when ripe Amish tomatoes are paired with the crunch of Persian cucumbers. The addition of white anchovies over top is an unexpected but lovely flourish thats a reminder Turkey is also a country of coastal wonders. The calamari are also fantastic, soaked in milk for two days to tenderize them before theyre fried into a delicate crisp. Yuksel had hoped to focus more on seafood here, and the crispy-skinned grilled branzino makes a case for that. But Collingswood diners have gravitated more towards Obas meatier offerings, and I cant blame them. The lamb shish kebabs are marinated overnight in milk with garlic before theyre roasted on sword-like skewers over the grill. The lamb and chicken adana kebabs are hand-minced the old-fashioned way with a special knife called a zirh, whose long, moon-shaped blade incorporates the urfa and antep pepper spices into the meat with a nuance thats otherwise lost in the rough chop of a food processor. The mixed grill is a perfect way to taste all the meat, including the char-edged chicken, lamb chops, and house gyro (or doner). Its a fair value combo platter for two at $37; it can be multiplied into a much larger centerpiece to feed a crowd, like the plank-sized feast I saw anchoring a table of 10 at the center of Obas lively 70-seat dining room. (There are 50 more seats on the wrap-around heated porch.) I prefer the meats separately. This is especially true of the gyro, a pillar of cumin-y, ground top round layered with alternating sheets of meat sliced from lamb and beef ribs. It marinates for 24 hours with onion juice and yogurt before its set to spin on the vertical rotisserie. Youll want to try it as part of one of my all-time favorite dishes, the Iskendar kebab. This platter brings sliced gyro with spiced tomato sauce and a cooling scoop of fresh yogurt over a bed of ripped pita thats been doused in rich butter imported from the Turkish province of Trabzon. Another surprise here were the flattened Turkish meatballs, also called Sivas kofte a regional specialty Ive not noticed on any other local menu which consists of a half-dozen slim patties of ground veal breast grilled in the style of Yuklas home city of Sivas in Central Turkey that were incredibly flavorful despite being seasoned witht only salt. Obas menu is large, and if you end up over-ordering out of curiosity as I did, you might risk a gentle scolding from the friendly-yet-serious dining room staff overseen by manager Mustafa Bolat. (Thats too much!) Take home the leftovers. You absolutely must try some of the fresh-baked specialties coming from the oven that greets arriving guests at the front door, especially the pides. Ive had many pides before, but these were especially memorable, and Yuksel says the key is a simple, fresh dough thats made daily using ice water, whose chill fosters a gentle, slow fermentation. The result is a black-and white sesame-specked dough thats exceptionally thin and crispy, yet also pliant enough to cradle an array of appealing fillings between its folds. The pide stuffed with cubes of filet mignon, peppers, and cheese would be my meat choice (or the pastrami). But I especially admired the vegetarian offerings because the pies stuffed with little more than a molten channel of tangy feta cheese and peppers showed off the delicacy of the crust. Obas lahmachun, meanwhile, are equally delicious. The broad flatbread is smeared with a thin paste of ground lamb, tomatoes, peppers, and spices thats more about the zesty harmony of the puree than the meat itself. Tear off a fistful from the warm sheets, fold it around a fistful of crunchy raw red onions and parsley, add a squeeze of lemon, and good luck not eating it all. Oba has a compliment of traditional sweets to finish the meal. The buttery baklava is excellent, even if its not made here. A hot pan of delicious kunefe, with white hatay cheese baked beneath a crunchy nest of shredded kataifi dough doused in sweet syrup, is a cant-miss choice for your Instagram cheese-pull dreams. My favorite dessert was the seemingly most straightforward pairing of all: an intense demitasse of Turkish coffee with a hot crock of milky rice pudding. What subtle extra flourish made it so irresistible, with a hint of fruity sweetness and peppery finish? Its a splash of olive oil, says Yuklas, but not too much! Its just the kind of grace note a knowing chef can add to take something familiar to a special new place. Of course, its no secret to the 400 watching eyes that sway like blue and white forcefield of positivity around this old Victorian house. But the fact that the food here is so reliably excellent is all that Oba Medirranean Grill needs to make a fan out of me. Oba Mediterranean Grill 563 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, 856-858-6666; oba-restaurant.com Open Wednesday through Monday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Tuesday. Dinner entrees, $15.95-$37. There are several gluten-free options, with precautions to avoid cross-contamination. Wheelchair accessible. Menu highlights: hummus with pastrami; spicy ezme; falafel; icli kofta; mixed appetizers; mixed grill; Iskender kebab; Sivas kofta; lamachun; pides (feta; filet mignon); kunefe; rice pudding. BYOB. Food truck vendors and other late-night business owners rallied Thursday against a dramatically expanded business curfew that would mandate they close by 11 p.m. in wide swaths of Northwest Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and Kensington. Many of the food trucks in the affected neighborhoods operate overnight, selling affordable food to late-night shift workers and early-morning commuters, including nurses, firefighters, and police officers. Advertisement The truck owners, many of whom banded together in the spring through the newly formed Latino Food Truck Association, say the shortened hours would cost them thousands of dollars a week and force them to lay off workers. Right now, everything has been lost, chef and food truck owner Jose Luis said through tears in front of his Alta Cocina truck in Juniata Park. I feel that all the blame is falling on the little restaurant owners. Luis, 52, typically sold steaming plates of mofongo and picadera from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., with a crush of business in the last four hours. But now, fearful of racking up expensive citations, he has started closing the truck at 10 p.m. He said he previously employed five people, and now employs only two. An initial business curfew, regulating some late-night businesses in parts of Kensington, was signed into law in April 2024. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, who introduced the bill, pitched it as a way to increase safety and crack down on nuisance businesses, like 24/7 unlicensed smoke shops. An expanded version of that curfew, covering more of North Philadelphia and Kensington, was signed by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in August. Lozada did not immediately respond to requests for comment. READ MORE: What do food trucks have to do with crime? North Philly vendors say new curfew enforcement may wipe them out. The food truck vendors are rallying against an even broader curfew, passed in June but not yet signed into law, that they say will hit more people even harder. They have partnered with the libertarian law firm Institute for Justice, which calculated that the new curfew would expand existing curfew coverage by 500%. A map by the group shows much of the city would fall under the new curfew. Council approved the bill that would enact further curfews on businesses covering those in the 7th and 8th Council Districts, as well as parts of the 1st and sent it to Parkers desk in June. The new bill also would double fines for violations, from $500 to $1,000. Because lawmakers passed the measure just before adjourning for summer recess, the mayor has until the week they reconvene in September to sign it into law, veto it, or let it become law without her signature. If Parker takes no action before Sept. 11, the first day of the fall legislative session, Council would have the opportunity to rescind the bill, something that happens rarely. If Council also takes no action, it would become law automatically. The Institute for Justice and the food truck owners are campaigning for City Council to rescind the bill. Lozada has said that the curfews should not overly affect food trucks, because city rules allow most mobile vendors to operate only between 7 a.m. and midnight anyway. In practice, there has been lax enforcement of those rules and most vendors operated overnight with no problem, vendors said. Every single one of them had been breaking the law for a long time, Lozada told The Inquirer in May. The Latino Food Truck Association, which has 50 members, has proposed opening a late-night food truck park in North Philadelphia where vendors could gather in the same lot. So far there has been no movement on that proposal. The community was not properly consulted when this legislation was adopted, Jennifer McDonald, director of the Institute for Justices Cities Work initiative, said at a news conference Thursday. There are very real health and safety and quality-of-life concerns in North Philly. A blanket curfew over much of North Philadelphia isnt the answer to that. The curfew does not apply to restaurants with liquor licenses, gas stations, or drive-through-only shops, but other business owners fear they also will be swept up in its consequences. Mitesh Patel, the owner of Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Kensington, said his business operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but remains open for hospice patients throughout the night. Theres a gray area. Technically, were working, were open for business, Patel said. Would we get fined? Staff writer Sean Collins Walsh contributed to this article. In an era where you can order dinner with the tap of a finger, or ask Google Maps to route you to the closest grocery store, Hills Quality Seafoods old-school model is thriving. The seafood company, which has served Delaware and Chester Counties since 1975, doesnt use online ordering or delivery apps. Customers walk in and are greeted with sprawling displays of fresh seafood and accoutrements. They chat with the friendly face behind the counter, pick their catch, and head home, fish in hand. Advertisement We value customer service, said Alexandra Grogan, the president and CEO of Hills. Thats really how Bernie was able to build the brand and the reputation. Bernie Grogan, Hills founder, was a top-notch fishmonger and scrappy businessman. He opened the first Hills location in Media in 1975 while a senior at Widener University. After his death in 2024, Alexandra, his daughter, took over the family business, now made up of four retail stores and a wholesale and warehousing operation. Fifty years after Hills began serving customers in Media, Alexandra Grogan is carrying on her fathers legacy and helping bring a time-tested seafood counter into the future. Alexandra Grogan said her father grew up in seafood, starting his career working for his uncle who owned Mainline Seafood in Ardmore. There, he learned the ins and outs of the business, from sweeping the floors to chatting with customers. Bernie Grogan struck out on his own and opened the first Hills location at what is now Medias Sterling Pig Brewery. Hills expanded to Newtown Square in 1980, then to Exton around a decade later. Bernie Grogan moved the Hills Media location to its current spot at Baltimore Avenue and Lemon Street in the early 1990s. Hills newest store located in the old Wawa at Baltimore Pike and Brinton Lake Road in Glen Mills opened in 2013. For years, Bernie Grogan would drive into South Philadelphia to the citys seafood markets each morning, pick up fish, bring it to his stores, filet it, clean it, and put it out for customers. As the Hills retail stores were expanding, he saw a need to be strategic with the companys supply chain. When an opportunity arose to purchase the Liberty Fish Building in South Philadelphia, he jumped at it. In 1994, Bernie Grogan opened Lawrence Street Seafood there, a wholesaler and warehouser that is now the sole supplier for the four Hills stores. Lawrence Street Seafood has grown from a local wholesaler to a national distributor. Its now the exclusive importer of Seachest products, a line of Indonesian blue swimming crab, Canadian lobster tails, lobster meat, Prince Edward Island mussels, and halibut. In taking over the Liberty Fish Building, Alexandra Grogan said Hills has developed strong ties to vendors, allowing the company to know where, exactly, its fish is coming from. Hills sources its products from across the globe salmon from Norway, cod from Iceland, clams from Virginia, crabmeat from Indonesia, and the list goes on. A key component of the business is seeing familiar faces on the other side of the counter, Alexandra Grogan said. Some customers are the second or third generation in their family to shop at Hills, carrying with them memories of Bernie and the early Hills days. You get to know them over the years, she said. The pandemic only strengthened the Hills business. As restaurants shuttered, people turned to cooking at home and experimenting with seafood products they would have otherwise passed over in the grocery store. Hills converted to curbside pickup, maintaining their hands-on ethos from a safe distance. Its a little two-sided, because I know how hard the pandemic was for a lot of restaurants and a lot of businesses, Alexandra Grogan said. But for us, it was an incredible opportunity to continue doing what were good at, and that is customer service. She said she didnt intend to join the family business, but as she moved through college, the idea of carrying on the Hills legacy was just kind of tugging at my heartstrings the whole time. After graduation, she started working at Hills. Its a lot of pride to carry that forward and hopefully continue to honor him and the 50 years. Reports of people apparently losing touch with reality after intense use of chatbots have gone viral on social media in recent weeks, with posts labeling them examples of AI psychosis. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File) Read more Hundreds of millions of people chat with OpenAIs ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence chatbots each week, but there is growing concern that spending hours with the tools can lead some people toward potentially harmful beliefs. Reports of people apparently losing touch with reality after intense use of chatbots have gone viral on social media in recent weeks, with posts labeling them examples of AI psychosis. Advertisement Some incidents have been documented by friends or family and in news articles. They often involve people appearing to experience false or troubling beliefs, delusions of grandeur or paranoid feelings after lengthy discussions with a chatbot, sometimes after turning to it for therapy. Lawsuits have alleged teens who became obsessed with AI chatbots were encouraged by them to self-harm or take their own lives. AI psychosis is an informal label, not a clinical diagnosis, mental health experts told The Washington Post. Much like the terms brain rot or doomscrolling, the phrase gained traction online to describe an emerging behavior. But the experts agreed that troubling incidents like those shared by chatbot users or their loved ones warrant immediate attention and further study. (The Post has a content partnership with OpenAI.) The phenomenon is so new and its happening so rapidly that we just dont have the empirical evidence to have a strong understanding of whats going on, Vaile Wright, senior director for healthcare innovation at the American Psychological Association, said. There are just a lot of anecdotal stories. Wright said the APA is convening an expert panel on the use of AI chatbots in therapy, which will publish guidance in the coming months. What is AI psychosis and is it recognized by mental health experts? Ashleigh Golden, adjunct clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Stanford School of Medicine, said the term was not in any clinical diagnostic manual. But it was coined in response to a real and pretty concerning emerging pattern of chatbots reinforcing delusions that tend to be messianic, grandiose, religious, or romantic," she said. The term AI psychosis is being used to refer to a range of different incidents. One common element is difficulty determining what is real or not, said Jon Kole, a board-certified adult and child psychiatrist who serves as medical director for the meditation app Headspace. That could mean a person forming beliefs that can be proved false, or feeling an intense relationship with an AI persona that does not match what is happening in real life. Keith Sakata, a psychiatrist at the University of California San Francisco said he has admitted a dozen people to the hospital for psychosis following excessive time spent chatting with AI so far this year. Sakata said most of those patients told him about their interactions with AI, showing him chat transcripts on their phone and in one case a print out. In the other cases, family members mentioned that the patient used AI to develop a deeply-held theory before their break with reality. Psychosis is a symptom that can be triggered by issues such as drug use, trauma, sleep deprivation, fever, or a condition like schizophrenia, Sakata said. When diagnosing psychosis, psychiatrists look for evidence including delusions, disorganized thinking, or hallucinations, where the person sees and hears things that are not there, he said. What concerning experiences are people having with AI chatbots? Many people use chatbots to help get things done or pass the time, but on social platforms such as Reddit and TikTok, some users have recounted intense philosophical or emotional relationships with AI that led them to experience profound revelations. In some cases, users have said they believe the chatbot is sentient or at risk of being persecuted for becoming conscious or alive. People have claimed that extended conversations with an AI chatbot helped persuade them they had unlocked hidden truths in subjects like physics, math, or philosophy. In a small but growing number of cases, people who have become obsessed with AI chatbots have reportedly taken real world action such as violence against a family member, self-harm, or suicide. Kevin Caridad, a psychotherapist who has consulted with companies developing AI for behavioral health, said AI can validate harmful or negative thoughts for people with conditions such as OCD, anxiety, or psychosis, which can create a feedback loop that worsens their symptoms or makes them unmanageable, he said. He thinks that AI is likely not causing people to develop new conditions but can serve as the snowflake that destabilizes the avalanche, someone predisposed to mental illness over the edge. How could AI technology be contributing to these incidents? ChatGPT and other recent chatbots are powered by technology known as large language models that are skilled at generating lifelike text. That makes them more useful, but researchers have found chatbots can also be very persuasive. Companies developing AI chatbots and independent researchers have both found evidence that techniques used to make the tools more compelling can lead them to become sycophantic and attempt to tell users what they want to hear. The design of chatbots also encourages people to anthropomorphize them, thinking of them as having humanlike characteristics. And tech executives have often claimed the technology will soon become superior to humans. Wright with the APA said mental health experts recognize that they wont be able to stop patients from using general purpose chatbots for therapy. But she called for improving the publics understanding of these tools. Theyre AI for profit, theyre not AI for good, and there may be better options out there, she said. Is this a widespread problem or public health concern? Not yet. Its too early for health experts to have collected definitive data on the incidence of these experiences. In June, Anthropic reported that only 3% of conversations with its chatbot, Claude, were emotional or therapeutic. OpenAI said in a study conducted with Massachusetts Institute of Technology that even among heavy users of ChatGPT, only a small percentage of conversations were for affective or emotional use. But mental health advocates say its crucial to address the issue because of how quickly the technology is being adopted. ChatGPT, which launched less than three years ago, already has 700 million weekly users, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in August. Healthcare and the field of mental health move much more slowly, said UCSFs Sakata. Caridad, the counselor, said researchers should pay special attention to AIs impact on young people and those predisposed to mental illness. One or two or five cases isnt enough to make a direct correlation, said Caridad. But the convergence of AI, mental health vulnerabilities, and social stressors makes this something, that requires close study. How can you help someone who may have an unhealthy relationship with a chatbot? Conversations with real people have the power to act like a circuit breaker for delusional thinking, said David Cooper, executive director at Therapists in Tech, a nonprofit that supports mental health experts. The first step is just being present, being there, he said. Dont be confrontational, try to approach the person with compassion, empathy, and understanding, perhaps even show them that you understand what they are thinking about and why they are thinking these things. Cooper advises trying to gently point out discrepancies between what a person believes and reality, although he acknowledged that political divisions mean its not uncommon for people to hold conflicting ideas about reality. If someone you know and love is fervently advocating for something that feels overwhelmingly not likely to be real in a way thats consuming their time, their energy, and pulling them away, it is time to seek mental health support, as challenging as that can be, said Kole, medical director for Headspace. What do tech companies say about the problem? In recent weeks, AI companies have made changes to address concerns about the mental health risks associated with spending a long time talking to chatbots. Earlier this month, Anthropic updated the guidelines it uses to shape how its chatbot Claude behaves, instructing it to identify problematic interactions earlier and prevent conversations from reinforcing dangerous patterns. The company has also started collaborating with ThroughLine, a company that provides crisis support infrastructure for companies including Google, Tinder, and Discord. A spokesperson for Meta said that parents can place restrictions on the amount of time spent chatting with AI on Instagram Teen Accounts. When users attempt prompts that appear to be related to suicide, the company tries to display helpful resources, such as the link and phone number of the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Stanfords Golden said the wall of resources tech companies sometimes display when a user triggers a safety intervention can be overwhelming when you are in a cognitively compromised state, and have been shown to have poor follow-through rates. OpenAI said it is investing in improving ChatGPTs behavior related to role-play and benign conversations that shift into more sensitive territory. The company also said that it is working on research to better measure how the chatbot affects peoples emotion. The company recently rolled out reminders that encourage breaks during long sessions and hired a full-time clinical psychiatrist to work on safety research. Some ChatGPT users protested on social media this month after OpenAI retired an older AI model in favor of its latest version, GPT-5, which some users found less supportive. In response to the outcry, OpenAI promised to keep offering the older model and later wrote on X that it was making GPT-5s personality warmer and friendlier. If you or someone you know needs help, visit 988lifeline.org or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. A University of Pennsylvania spinout that is developing a faster and cheaper way to modify immune cells to fight cancer will be sold to a unit of Gilead Sciences Inc. for $350 million under an agreement announced Thursday. Privately-held Interius BioTherapeutics Inc., cofounded by Penn researcher Saar Gill and based at Pennovation Works in the Grays Ferry section of Philadelphia, has a technology designed to create CAR-T cells inside the patients body. Advertisement Currently, these therapies require reengineering a patients cells outside the body and injecting them back into the patient, a process that can take weeks. Interius method could make treatments for certain forms of cancer and autoimmune diseases more widely available. Interius announced last fall that it had dosed its first patient with the instructions to build their own cancer-fighting immune cells. The Interius process is referred to as in vivo therapy. Interius first therapy is designed to fight B-cell malignancies. In vivo therapy is a promising frontier with the potential to transform how we approach treating patients, shifting to more accessible and scalable solutions, said Cindy Perettie, executive vice president of Kite Pharma, the Gilead unit that Interius will join. The announcement from Gilead and Interius said that Philadelphia will become a center of excellence for Kite. Interius employs 50 at Pennovation Works. Gilead is based in California. In 2023, the Santa Monica, Calif.-based Kite acquired Tmunity Therapeutics, a Philadelphia company cofounded by Penns CAR-T pioneer Carl June. Last year, Kite announced plans to close Tmunitys remaining operations here, laying off 14 people. Interius has raised $170 million from investors, which means that Gilead is paying more than twice the amount of investment Interius received since its founding in 2019. Penn is among the investors. Another privately-held Penn spinout, Capstan Therapeutics, is being sold to pharmaceutical giant AbbVie for $2.1 billion. Capstan is headquartered in San Diego. Gills cofounder of Interius is Bruce Peacock, a veteran biotech entrepreneur in the Philadelphia region. Peacocks experience in the industry stretches back to early Philadelphia-area biotech firms Centocor Inc. (sold to Johnson & Johnson in 1999) and Cephalon Inc. (sold to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Inc. in 2011). A surfer at 6th Street Beach on Wednesday in Ocean City where swimming restrictions are in effect. Well, he wasn't exactly swimming. Read more Hurricane Erins drive-by impacts are forecast to generate multiple rounds of flooding in New Jersey beach towns from Sandy Hook to Cape May Point, and tropical storm warnings were in effect for the nearshore waters. Even though rains may be negligible, the National Weather Service hoisted coastal flood warnings in effect until 2 a.m. Saturday, with the potential for localized major flooding Thursday evening. Advertisement At the very least, the agency says, expect flooding on roads, some of which may become impassable, and potential structural damage to buildings, particularly in the back-bay areas of the barrier islands. Minor flooding is expected to persist at high tides early Friday and Saturday, the weather service says. Winds were gusting to near 30 mph Thursday morning at the Shore and could get up to 45 mph, forecasters said, water was the bigger concern. Shore officials implored the natives and frequenters to educate new visitors to the hazards of Shore flooding, which got off to a pre-Erin head start this week as a result of steady onshore winds. READ MORE: Flood warnings? Beach restrictions? Shore visitors are making the most of their Erin-spoiled week. Many of the people in town may not be familiar with flooding events, said Jay Gillian, mayor of Ocean City, where nuisance back-bay flooding is common. The back-bay areas likely will get the worst of it, said Bob Larsen, senior meteorologist with AccuWeather Inc. Those winds are causing water pileups in bays and inhibiting drainage. And Erin-stirred storm waves, up to 12 feet near the shore, along with the impending new moon, are going to exacerbate conditions. Erin makes its closest approach Thursday morning The worst of the flooding is due around 8 p.m. Thursday, the weather service says, which would be several hours after Erin is supposed to make its closest approach to the Shore. At midmorning Erins center was estimated to be around 400 miles southeast of Cape May, and beginning to take a turn toward the northeast. At last report, top winds were 105 mph, the hurricane center said, and the hurricane was traveling north-northeast at 17 mph. Erin is a large storm in areal coverage, and on Wednesday it was showing renewed vigor, Larsen said. Compared with Tuesday, when it had weakened, Erin had a much better look to it, a better structure, he said. At 5 p.m. Wednesday, it was about 650 miles south of Cape May with peak winds of 110 mph, and was picking up speed, moving north at 14 mph. It was expected to make a sharp right turn off the coast of the Carolinas and sail northeast over the North Atlantic on Thursday. In the Philadelphia region, no rain will fall from Erin, Larsen said. Rather, Wednesdays rains were the result of the anti-Erin, a system that was going to shoo Erin off the coast. Tidal flooding is possible along the Delaware, but that would be only indirectly related to the hurricane. Erin, and the moon, and the floods Unfortunately for the Shore towns, the stars, or at least the moon, are aligned to raise the water levels. Although it is out of sight, the new moon, which occurs Saturday, has tugging effects on the tides comparable to those of the full moon. In both cases, the Earth, sun, and moon are all lined up. The new moon is a factor in the advisories along the Delaware River. At the Shore, Erins plunging action of the ocean is going to cause some beach erosion and further congest the back bays. Wave heights within about 25 miles of the Shore could reach 12 to 17 feet on Thursday, Larsen said. Beach restrictions continue With Erins outskirts intensifying rip currents, towns all along the Shore continue to restrict swimming, and those bans likely will continue into the weekend. Ed Schneider, head of the beach patrol in Wildwood, where unusually high tides on the mammoth beach radically shortened the walk from the boardwalk to the water Monday and Tuesday, said he hoped new visitors understood the reasoning for the restrictions. Were very mindful about those people. It might be their first time to Wildwood, he said. But he added that keeping people out of the water also was about the safety of those who might have to rescue them. It will get better, soon As Erin spins into obscurity, the warnings and advisories will back off, and the atmospheres behavior will improve immeasurably Friday. The lingering flood threats notwithstanding, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are expected to be fabulous days throughout the region with sunshine prevailing and highs in the 80s, with just an outside chance of showers on Sunday. As for when it will be safe to go back into the water: Stay tuned. Alexandra Grogan is the second-generation leader of Hill's Quality Seafood, which marks 50 years in business this year. Read more Hi, Greater Media! After 50 years, Hills Quality Seafood has continued to find success by leaning into its old-school charm. Also this week, rapidly expanding food hall Wonder is planning a location in Media and Wawa is readying to debut its first travel center. We have questions about why it isnt near its hometown. Advertisement We want your feedback. Are we missing something? Should we add a section? What community events or groups should we keep an eye on? You can tell us by taking our survey or emailing us at greatermedia@inquirer.com. If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. This year marks the 50th anniversary for Hills Quality Seafood. Founded by Bernie Grogan in 1975, the business has grown from a single location in Media to four, with a wholesale and warehousing operation, as well. Part of its growth has been fueled not by apps and delivery services, but by creating a sense of community and having familiar faces behind the counter. Today, Hills is led by second-generation owner Alexandra Grogan. Like her, many of Hills patrons are multigenerational. Its a lot of pride to carry that forward and hopefully continue to honor him and the 50 years, she said. Read more about how the business began and grew here. Community News Schools Briefing There were some familiar names on U.S. News & World Reports ranking of the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania, released this week. Strath Haven High School in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District ranked No. 13 in the state and No. 588 nationally, while Penncrest High School in the Rose Tree Media School District landed at No. 35 in the state and No. 1,124 nationally. Reminder for parents and guardians: Monday is the first day of classes for students in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, while Rose Tree Media students dont return until after Labor Day. On our Plate Media is getting a new food hall this fall. Wonder, which has been rapidly expanding in the region in recent months, is planning to open at the Promenade at Granite Run in November. Wonder is known for its quick service pickup or delivery options of popular eateries throughout the country, ranging from pizza to barbecue to Mexican. The exact restaurants for the forthcoming Media location have not been revealed yet. Things to Do Adult Game Night: Those 18 and older can play board or card games, complete puzzles, and enjoy snacks with fellow participants. Thursday, Aug. 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free Swarthmore Library Amped Up Concert Series: This years final installation features youth bands from School of Rock Delco. Thursday, Aug. 21, 6-8 p.m. Free Swarthmore Amphitheater End of Summer Party: Before school resumes, celebrate the final class-free days of summer with games, bubbles, and water ice. Friday, Aug. 22, 4-5 p.m. Free Swarthmore Library 101 Dalmatians Kids: Catch the stage adaptation of the Disney classic. Friday, Aug. 22, 5 p.m. $5 The Media Theatre Philly Bookstore Crawl: Medias Bookish Notions is participating in the annual event and will have extended hours from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., sales, a picture book event at 10 a.m., and a queer open mic from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Heres everything you need to know, plus recommendations from bookstore owners. Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free Bookish Notions, Media 2nd Annual Crab Fest: Media VFW Post 3460 is hosting a crab fest complete with seasoned crabs, fried chicken, hot dogs, mac n cheese, as well as live music. Saturday, Aug. 23, 1-5 p.m. $50 for adults, $20 for childrenMedia VFW Post 3460 Wiffle Ball Tournament: Its your last chance to compete head-to-head in this Wiffle ball tournament. Registration closes tomorrow, in which each team of four to five players ages 14 and older will play at least two games before elimination rounds. Sunday, Aug. 24, 1-4 p.m. $50 team registration fee Rocky Run YMCA, Media Swarthmore Showcase: This new midday event, part of an effort to welcome new residents and Swarthmore College students, includes retail and restaurant participants, with many stores setting up on the boroughs sidewalks. Tuesday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free Swarthmore Town Center On the Market Built in 1955, this three-bedroom brick home in Media has undergone a number of updates with more on the way. The first floor has living and family rooms separated by a dining room, as well as an office with a bay window that could be used as another bedroom, and a kitchen with stainless steel appliances. There are three bedrooms upstairs, including the primary bedroom, which has a walk-in closet. Outside, the home has a fenced backyard and a patio, plus a covered front porch. A number of spaces in the home, including its two full bathrooms, have been renovated, while a new roof and chimney updates are planned next month. Price: $625,000 | Size: 1,694 SF | Acreage: 0.11 Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Greater Media? Share it with us in an email to greatermedia@inquirer.com. We want to hear from you! See something were missing? Want to alert us about a community event? Take our survey or reach out to us at greatermedia@inquirer.com. By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters. A surfer dashes into the ocean near 37th Street in Ocean City on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Read more The wind and waves were giving big hurricane vibes this week, as Hurricane Erin barreled her way up the coast before a predicted turn out to sea. Beach patrols were proactively keeping people out of the ocean, with cautions about riptides and big surf. Margate Beach Patrol noted two recent drownings, one in Belmar, another in Seaside Heights, that made patrols especially cautious. Meanwhile, way off shore, Erin was kicking up 40-foot waves. Advertisement With concerns about flooding up and down the coast, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian was warning visitors to move their cars, and asked locals to let the Shoobies know! This will all be disappointing for some visitors, especially those who forked over some dollars for their week down the Shore. (We talked to a bunch of them!) But also, probably amazing to look at from the safety of a beach or a pier! From a climate perspective, Erin was concerning experts (and others) because of the storms unusually rapid acceleration over warm waters to, briefly, a Category 5 storm, a journey intensified by climate change. By Wednesday, Erin was back to Category 2. Erin was projected to stay well out to sea (a so-called fish storm,) but high-tide flooding was already closing roads near the bay in towns like Ventnor, bridges near Avalon, and lapping up beach ramps in North Wildwood. Moderate to potentially major flooding was predicted through Saturday. Shore weather expert Noreaster Nick Pittman called the weeks weather consistently blah. Not every Shore week can be out of a postcard! Be mindful of flooding, especially at Thursday evenings high tide, and take in the majesty of a roiling ocean and cooler temperatures. And move your cars. In other news, Ocean Citys Council was scheduled to vote Thursday evening on whether to send a request to the planning board to advise on whether to declare the old Wonderland Pier site in need of rehabilitation. That would start a process for Eustace Mita to try to get them to agree to let him build a new seven-story resort. There will be lots of opposition, and one group is threatening legal action, but either way, there will be more votes to come. Stay tuned. Predictions! We had them, and now were scoring ourselves. Click here to see how we did. Programming note: This is my final newsletter for 2025! Its been a very interesting summer! Next week, Jason Nark will finish the Down the Shore season. Thanks for reading! Have ideas or news tips about the Shore or this newsletter? Anything youd like us to cover in the offseason? Send them to me here. Surf and wind should settle in for big surfing days on Friday and Saturday. And the sun will be out! Amy S. Rosenberg (Find me @amysrosenberg, on Instagram at @amysrosenberg. Email me here.) If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Shore talk Erin, Erin, Erin. Lots of talk about Erin! Kevin Jonas joined the Gab Cinque Band at Bird & Bettys in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. had advice for New York about casinos. A.C.s Atlantic Avenue will finally be repaved. Hip-hop group Onyx was at the THC Shop in Atlantic City for an exclusive after-hours smoke session. Are Atlantic Citys cannabis shops cannibalizing one another? The man known to many as A.C. Batman was arrested, accused of pepper spraying someone. Many are rallying to his defense. Lynda Cohen of Breaking A.C. has the details. What to eat/What to do Try a new Stephen Starr restaurant at Ocean Casino, and read this amazing look into the mind of Starr by The Inquirers Michael Klein. Sole Scholars is hosting a Back-to-School Giveaway on Saturday in Pleasantville. Check out a Shore gallery that has local artists while youre not swimming, like this one. Check out this Inquirer guide to great non-beach activities. Sea Isle Citys free concert this weekend will be, in the finest tradition of free Shore concerts, Yacht Rock Gold. Shore snapshot Trivia time Stan Bergman was the legendary (and not at all trivial) chief of Ventnors Beach Patrol, of course. Tammi Pittaro was first with that answer. Great guy! she noted. We agree. This weeks question: This winter storm in 2016 caught then-Gov. Chris Christie campaigning in New Hampshire while residents down the Shore were experiencing flooding that some thought was worse than Sandy. There was, lets say, a bit of back and forth. Was this storm: A. Ida B. Jonas C. Claudette D. Fred If you think you know the answer, click on this story to find out. Shore slam book This weeks slam book comes from Amy Z. Quinn, writer, journalist, and creator of the fantastic Letter from Your Editor newsletter. Quinn is now living full-time in Cape May County in the Villas, on the Delaware Bay, finding happiness writing and managing the Cape May Peanut Butter Company. Favorite beach: I love the Cove in Cape May, its got the best view of any beach in the state and the softest white sand. Diamond Beach is pretty darn near perfect, too. Favorite summer breakfast: You cant beat the Early Bird breakfast special at the Castaway Cafe in the Villas. Two eggs, pancakes or French toast, meat, potatoes, and toast for like nine bucks. Its a great deal if youre out early. Get the French toast. Your idea of a perfect beach day: First, I get the good parking spot. Its one of those crystal blue, no-humidity days when the water twinkles like sequins. The CoolCabana is in full effect (I like a nap in the shade) and Im surrounded by my family. Cue the leaping dolphins. Perfect night? After that perfect beach day, my ideal evening would be to go home and have a big dinner with the whole family. Oh, and a vanilla-chocolate twist cone with rainbow jimmies. Best Shore sandwich: Its a tie between the PBJ on banana bread from Cape May Peanut Butter Co., which is genuinely decadent, and the fried grouper sandwich at Harpoons on the Bay, which tastes like summer on a roll. Shore hidden gem: Not exactly hidden, but maybe out of the way? The North Cape May/Town Bank bayfront, for a chilled-out beach day and that glorious sunset. Its a whole vibe. When summer nears the end, I feel: Like its almost time to get started on all those house projects Ive been putting off all summer. It wouldnt be the Jersey Shore without: Oh, where to begin? Tacky boardwalk T-shirts. Cape May Salts oysters and just-caught fried flounder. The occasional rainy day meant for souvenir shopping. The Blessing of the Sea. People who partied at the Shore in their youth complaining about how the kids these days are out of control. The Spout Off section in the Herald. Best thing that happened this summer: Seeing my nephew on the bench as a rookie lifeguard in Cape May. So proud. Surfing or fishing? Crabbing! Sunrise or sunset? Sunset over the bay at the end of my block. Shore pet peeve? People who walk into the street without looking. Its not Disney World, people! The Shore could be improved if: There was a rolling iced coffee cart on the beach in Cape May. Your Shore memory Les Straw sends this sweet memory (and addresses the very Jersey practice of daily beach raking). During the 1990s when my children were very young, we frequently stayed at the La Mer Beach Resort in Cape May where it was a short walk across the street to Pittsburgh Avenue beach. To keep my children amused we would hunt for treasures on the beach, however, the beach was raked clean every evening which made finding interesting seashells a challenge. While shopping on the Washington Street Mall I discovered an amazing display of exotic, colorful shells, starfish and Cape May diamonds for sale at the Whales Tale. So, I bought a small selection and tucked them away for a little surprise. The next morning, before we headed out to the beach, I went ahead of them and carefully buried the shells in the sand. Encouraging them to hunt for shells in the sand they were enthralled to discover these unique and colorful treasures which provide joyful memories to this day. Send us your Shore memory! In 200 words, tell us how the Shore taps into something deep for you, and we will publish them in this space. Send them to downtheshore@inquirer.com. By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. Mr. Huber was hired as an assistant librarian in the circulation department at Swarthmore in 1964. Read more George K. Huber, 85, of Swarthmore, retired performing arts librarian at Swarthmore College, artist, collector, mentor, and volunteer, died Sunday, June 29, of complications from dementia at Plush Mills Senior Living in Wallingford. Mr. Huber came to Philadelphia from Washington, D.C., to earn a bachelors degree at the University of Pennsylvania and masters degree at Drexel University. He moved to Swarthmore in 1964 and never left. Advertisement He was hired as an assistant librarian in the circulation department at Swarthmore College in 1964 and rose to head of the new Daniel Underhill Music and Dance Library in 1974. Over 41 years, until his retirement in 2005, Mr. Huber mentored students, faculty, and staff about library services at Swarthmore, and expanded the schools music catalog and collections of videos, audio files, books, periodicals, scores, and computer software. He told the Swarthmore College Bulletin in 2005 that he became so familiar with the library needs of music and dance students and faculty that they stopped asking if he had a particular piece. They know Ive already bought it, he said. He helped organize the TriCollege Libraries collaboration project with Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges, and Beth R. Glassman, vice president for human resources at Swarthmore, praised his remarkable knowledge and meticulous curation in a tribute. Swarthmore professor of music Jon Kochavi said: He created a jewel. Its simply an outstanding collection both in breadth and depth. The College Bulletin celebrated his retirement in 2005, and Mr. Huber said: OK, Ive been here 40 years. I might as well go and give somebody else a chance. I am so grateful for the diligence, thoughtfulness, and joy he brought to his work. Swarthmore music professor Jon Kochavi about Mr. Huber Away from the Swarthmore stacks, Mr. Hubers private collections included hundreds of books, dozens of CDs, models of famous buildings, and original artwork. He framed his own hand-marbled paintings, stamped them with G.K. Huber, marbleur on the back, and spent many summers in Provincetown, Mass., hobnobbing with local art gallery owners and other collectors. In 1993, Inquirer art critic Victoria Donohoe reviewed an exhibit of private collections at Swarthmores List Gallery, and Mr. Hubers trove of kaleidoscopes caught her eye. She said: Hes evidently attracted to what artists of aesthetic sensibility create through an inherent and experienced feeling of symmetry, proportion, and balance in both design and color. He built a clavichord and a hurdy-gurdy, mailed out handmade pop-up holiday cards, and sewed his own colorful vests. He wore what friends called distinctive hats. Longtime friend Stephen Demos said: He danced to his own music. He was one of a kind. Still stop by once a week to make sure I dont miss any new gay books. Mr. Huber in 2017 on volunteering to work at Giovanni's Room bookstore Mr. Huber told the College Bulletin in 2017 that he felt comfortable at Swarthmore because there didnt seem to be any gay discrimination. He said: While I was never out, I was never in, either, and people sort of knew, I guess. He was a founding member in 1988, treasurer, and archivist for the Swarthmore Sager Committee that developed groundbreaking gay studies programs and other activities at the school, and addressed issues related to the larger LGBTQ community. We did good things, Mr. Huber told the College Bulletin. He mentored several gay students in particular during their years at Swarthmore, he told the College Bulletin, just being as helpful and supportive as I could be. He was especially happy, he told friends, that many former students stayed in touch over the years. He was a marshal at the citys 1989 gay pride parade and volunteered for years at Giovannis Room bookstore. One longtime friend said: He told me once that what matters are the relationships we have with people. George Kenneth Huber was born Dec. 11, 1939, in Washington, D.C. He graduated from St. James School in Hagerstown, Md., and moved to Philadelphia to attend Penn and Drexel. He never got a drivers license but went to New York for shows often and to Philadelphia at least once a week for dinner and meetups with friends. He returned to the Swarthmore campus for films and lectures after he retired and made it a point, he said, to stop by the library to check up on the goings on in the music department. He liked foreign films, British TV, classical music, gay fiction, and science fiction. He was a regular at the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. He was creative, funny, and direct, friends said. He didnt hold back, said longtime friend Roger Latham. Stephen Demos said: He was a very loving individual. The College Bulletin asked Mr. Huber in 2017: What advice would you give your younger self? Mr. Huber said: Hard to say. I always did what I thought should be done and have no regrets. Mr. Huber is survived by friends, colleagues, former students, and others. A celebration of his life is to be held later. Donations in his name may be made to GLAAD, File 2334, 1801 W. Olympic Blvd., Pasadena, Calif. 91199; and Lambda Legal, Box 7410167, Chicago, Ill. 60674. Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) speaks with members of the media, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. Read more Pennsylvanias state budget is long overdue, and Philly residents and schools are bracing for the cuts. Weve learned that when it comes time to balance the budget, its always the people who have the least who are forced to sacrifice the most. Residents have asked for the basics: buses that show up on time, schools that are safe for our children, housing people can afford, and healthcare close to home. State lawmakers pushing austerity want us to believe theres just not enough money. Advertisement But the state budget crisis is political, not fiscal. Some of our state legislators are claiming the state cannot afford to fund essential services like transit, while choosing to starve our state of essential revenue by protecting tax loopholes for billionaires. Like Pennsylvania billionaire Jeff Yass, whose tax rate is lower than that of most Americans, and who pays less than his fair share in taxes. Yass has donated millions to politicians over the years one in three Pennsylvania legislators have received campaign contributions from him, including 24 out of 28 Senate Republicans (an astonishing 85% of their caucus). In Pennsylvania, the poorer you are, the higher your tax rate. The average family pays over 12% of their income in state and local taxes. The richest 1% pay just 6.2%. Its one of the most unfair tax systems in the country. But the good news is the budget gap is closable. Lawmakers can pass legislation right now that would raise $14 billion by making billionaires like Yass pay what they owe. Last month, I was on the ground in Harrisburg with more than 150 members of the All Eyes On Yass campaign demanding exactly that. We flooded the Capitol rotunda with people calling on lawmakers to stop balancing the budget on the backs of poor and working people. Smart legislators were listening. Significant portions of the All Eyes On Yass campaigns Pathway to Prosperity revenue plan are set to move forward right now. State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Aerion Abney, and John Inglis recently introduced HB 1678 to tax Big Tech companies including TikTok, which made Yass $17 billion richer this year on the revenue they earn from digital ads, which could raise up to half a billion dollars a year. And a few days before that was introduced, the House passed HB 1610 to close the Delaware loophole and require corporations to report all income nationwide a big step toward ending the way corporations avoid paying taxes on their earnings. If just these bills become part of this years state budget, they will bring in more than $2 billion in new revenue next year. The budget fight isnt over there are solutions on the table. But were done accepting a system where the richest man in the state gets a free ride while the rest of us are told to tighten our belts. For politicians, theres no more hiding behind the veil of austerity. The only question that remains is whether lawmakers have the backbone to stop protecting the wealthiest Pennsylvanians and start working for the rest of us. The people of Pennsylvania deserve to know whose side their representatives are on and what they do next will tell us. Paulette Whitfield is a resident of North Philadelphia and board vice chair of One Pennsylvania. Protesters hold up signs during the "Fight the Trump Takeover" rally held at the Texas Capitol on Saturday in Austin, Texas, to protest congressional redistricting efforts by Texas Republicans and President Donald Trump. Read more President Donald Trump recently launched a high-pressure campaign designed to preserve a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the remainder of his term in office. Trump has insisted that the Texas legislature enact a new congressional map before the 2026 midterm election. Other Republican-led states are also being targeted for redistricting to produce more Republican seats. It used to be an accepted norm that electoral maps for the House were only changed once every 10 years based upon population shifts measured by the decennial census. There have been exceptions to this normal practice, most notably the 2003 mid-decade remapping of congressional districts in Texas orchestrated by former Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and then-Gov. Rick Perry. Democratic governors have responded to Trumps new initiative in various ways, depending mostly upon whether they have 2028 presidential ambitions or their party controls both chambers of the state legislature. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro clearly falls into the former category, but not the latter since Democrats hold an extremely slim 102-101 majority in the state House, and Republicans control the Senate. Advertisement Shapiro is widely perceived as a smart and cautious politician who rarely takes public positions that might alienate voters of either major political party. In short, there is no reason to expect Shapiro will openly support efforts by any state, including Pennsylvania, to redraw congressional lines before the 2030 Census. But that should not be the end of the story. What should our states policy position be in this battle that has monumental implications for the future of elective politics here and across the nation? If, as Shapiro has said, it is shameful for a state to redraw congressional districts mid-decade for the sole purpose of maintaining political power, what is to prevent that from happening in Pennsylvania if Shapiro loses reelection in 2026 and Republicans gain a seat in the state House? In 2018, the state Supreme Court, with a Democratic majority, struck down a congressional map that was widely considered to be one of the worst gerrymanders in the country at the time. The court then proceeded to adopt its own map, which most experts deemed to be more fair overall, but which also resulted in more seats won by Democrats in subsequent elections. This year, three Democratic justices are up for retention election, and both political parties and their allies are gearing up to spend millions of dollars to influence the result. If Republicans gain control of the Supreme Court and the state House, Pennsylvania voters could be faced with a new congressional district map as early as 2028, well before the next scheduled round of redistricting. Imagine a different scenario where Democrats hang on to their Supreme Court majority this November, Shapiro is reelected in 2026, and their party gains control of the General Assembly. Imagine the political pressure directed at Shapiro, in the midst of a Democratic presidential primary election, to join the hyper-partisan fight and redraw a congressional map that potentially cements a U.S. House Democratic majority for his first term as president. So, what policy solution would a smart politician propose at this white-hot political moment that would appeal to a majority of Pennsylvania voters, including the all-important independent voters who actually decide elections for governor and other statewide offices? The answer is to remove legislators and the governor from the redistricting process and turn it over to an independent commission made up of voters from both political parties, as well as independent and third-party voters. Other states that use independent commissions have typically produced fairer electoral maps, according to experts. Enacting an independent citizens commission does not guarantee an end to political chicanery. Politicians will always strive to control redistricting at both the state legislative and congressional levels. Witness what is now occurring in California, whose Democratic governor is plotting to redraw a congressional map approved by an independent commission. If Texas and California are successful, will that discourage other states and reform advocates from pursuing citizen-led redistricting in the future? A better question might be: How much more of this bitter political divisiveness are voters willing to take before they start to check out and give up any remaining hope that things will ever get better? This is a moment that cries out for strong leadership, particularly among the nations governors. It is not enough and too easy to criticize governors in other states for their efforts to gain or keep political advantage in Congress. It is not enough to say it wont happen here, because it could. Pennsylvania voters should expect more from their leaders. There is an old maxim that says, Good government is good politics. Shapiro should take a lesson and push hard for an independent redistricting commission in Pennsylvania. Patrick Beaty is a retired attorney in Huntingdon Valley. He served more than 20 years in Pennsylvania state government, including as legislative counsel to Gov. Robert P. Casey. He was also the volunteer legislative director for Fair Districts PA from 2017 to 2022. Jose Alvarado made his first appearance with the Phillies on Wednesday after serving an 80-game suspension. Read more In Jhoan Durans second appearance since arriving in Philadelphia, he threw the two fastest pitches ever recorded by a Phillie. Duran hit 102.7 mph and 103.3 mph on the radar gun with his four-seam fastball, twice breaking the previous record of 102.5 mph set by Jose Alvarado. Advertisement When Duran accomplished that feat on Aug. 3, Alvarado was serving his 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. But he was reinstated this week, and the Phillies bullpen now has triple-digit heat from the left and right-handed side. READ MORE: Inside the Phillies scramble to produce Jhoan Durans walk-out show, and what could be next Oof, said manager Rob Thomson. Alvys Alvy. Thats some fire coming out of there, no doubt about it. The potential 1-2 punch of Alvarado and Duran this year will only last until the end of September, as Alvarado is ineligible for the postseason because of MLBs drug policy. But until then, he is a valuable reinforcement for the pennant race. Duran said he was happy when Alvarado returned, and his addition makes the bullpen feel complete. Its crazy, because hes a lefty, said Duran, who was acquired from the Twins at the trade deadline. Not every lefty throws like him. He throws really hard, so aggressive to the home plate. Duran said Alvarado and Red Sox reliever Aroldis Chapman are the left-handed power arms who impress him the most. We were good, Duran said, but now were really good. The positive first impression has gone both ways. Alvarado returned to a bullpen that has bigger differences than just one new member. In past years, Thomson deployed his bullpen with a closer-by-committee, and Alvarado was a significant member of that committee. READ MORE: The Jhoan Duran Effect is real so far, and theres precedent for what the Phillies hope he delivers Now, Duran is the Phillies sole closer complete with an elaborate entrance and light show and is tabbed for the ninth inning in save situations. As a result, roles within the bullpen are more concrete. It has worked so far. Duran is a perfect 6-for-6 in save opportunities in a Phillies uniform. Im just super happy and super excited that we could add another powerful arm to our bullpen, Alvarado said through a team interpreter. Im just proud and excited to see what our pitching staff has been doing these past few months, and its just something that makes me really happy. Thomson hoped to ease Alvarado back into leverage situations after he was reinstated on Tuesday. No one was sure what kind of reception he would receive from the home crowd in his first appearance since the suspension, but he received an ovation as he jogged out the bullpen door on Wednesday. I think they understand that it was an honest mistake, Thomson said. And I really love the fact that they welcomed him back. Pitching in a low-leverage spot with a six-run lead in the eighth, Alvarado tossed a clean inning against the Mariners. He capped his outing by getting Cal Raleigh to strike out swinging on a curveball. READ MORE: These fans made a Declaration of Independence urging the Phillies to resign Kyle Schwarber. It gave him goosebumps. Alvarado almost exclusively relied on his sinker and cutter in 2024 but entered spring training this season with a revamped curveball, wanting to add more dimension to his arsenal. He continued to work on the pitch during his suspension. As I was developing my cutter, I think I backed off a little from the curveball, so I think it was a great time to work on it during these past months, Alvarado said. Just time to show it today, when working toward home plate and trying to have that command. Duran throws a curveball, too. Like Alvarado, its a tertiary option for him. Duran leans more on his four-seam and his splinker, a splitter-sinker hybrid that can reach 100 mph. But that just means hitters usually arent expecting a curveball, making it all the more potent when he does throw one. Its really good, catcher J.T. Realmuto said of Durans curveball. Just his ability to command it. Him being able to make an adjustment on that pitch, thats good for me to see, because some guys you cant always trust to throw two-strike breaking balls and get them where they want to. Thats the only overlap in their arsenals. And since Duran and Alvarado throw from opposite sides, their curves break in opposite directions. Despite their firepower, theyre more different than they are alike as pitchers. But that also means there are things they can learn from one other. I like to learn, Duran said. So I have started talking with him and asking a couple questions. On the eve of election day, November 4, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris made stops in Allentown, Pittsburgh, and finally the Art Museum steps in Philadelphia. People on the crowded Eakins Oval. Read more Former Vice President Kamala Harris will come to Philadelphia this fall to promote her new book, 107 Days. Harris, in partnership with Uncle Bobbies Coffee & Books, an independent, Black-owned bookstore in Germantown, will be at the Met Philadelphia on the evening of Sept. 25 to discuss 107 Days, which details her whirlwind 2024 presidential campaign against President Donald Trump, Live Nation announced Thursday. The book is set to be released on Sept. 23. Advertisement Tickets for the event will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday on the Ticketmaster website. VIP meet-and-greet tickets, which include a photo with Harris and a signed copy of the book, will be available. The Philadelphia event is part of Harris 15-stop book tour across the United States, with other stops in London and Toronto. Harris will partner with other Black-owned bookstores in other cities on the tour. Uncle Bobbies was founded by prominent Philadelphia author and activist Marc Lamont Hill in 2017. The books title, 107 Days, is a reference to the length of Harris presidential campaign last fall the shortest presidential general election campaign in modern history. Harris, a Democrat, became the nominee after former President Joe Biden unexpectedly dropped out of the race in July 2024. Pennsylvania was a critical focus of the 2024 race, as Harris and Trump repeatedly visited the battleground in the lead-up to the election, and poured more than $500 million in advertising dollars to reach voters in the state. It was intense, high stakes, and deeply personal for me and for so many of you," Harris said in a book announcement video on X last month. In November 2024, Harris lost the presidential election to Trump, and her term as vice president ended in January. Since then, her political future has been a question mark. Harris book announcement came just one day after she said she would not run to be governor of California, and she appears not to have closed the door on running for president again in 2028. Delaware County is poised to become the first of Philadelphias collar counties to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Council Chair Monica Taylor said she hopes the countys all-Democratic council will vote next month on an ordinance codifying a comprehensive nondiscrimination policy for the county and establishing a human relations commission to enforce it. Advertisement The ordinance, which was introduced Wednesday, expands on work the council began earlier this summer to protect LGBTQ residents as President Donald Trump targets the transgender community. The council passed a resolution in June declaring Delaware County a safe haven for transgender people and gender-affirming care. When we have an opportunity to protect [our residents] from discrimination, whether its in education or housing, we should be taking that opportunity, Taylor said. At least 78 local governments across Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, have enacted nondiscrimination ordinances, according to the Pennsylvania Youth Congress, which advocates for LGBTQ youth. While Delaware County would be the first of Phillys collar counties to enact such a policy, several townships and boroughs within the suburbs have already taken this step on their own. At the county level, Lehigh and Allegheny Counties have approved similar ordinances. If approved, the ordinance would place a sweeping ban on discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, education, and public housing for a broad set of reasons, including race, religion, sex, disability status, education, and LGBTQ identity. The ban expands upon discrimination already prohibited by state law to protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Linda Embry, a Wallingford mother of an adult transgender woman, said parents of transgender individuals are facing an immense amount of fear for their children. When her daughter presented as a man, Embry said, she was able to fly under the radar and face little discrimination. All that changed, she said, when her daughter began to live authentically. Now, as she walks through the street as a transgender woman, the amount of oppression she has to absorb is painful, Embry said. Joe Finio, a Marple resident, complained that the council was too focused on social issues rather than financial problems facing the county Delaware County raised taxes 23% last year in response to budget shortfalls. In response, Councilmember Christine Reuther argued that much of the countys budget is spent on social issues like mental health, child abuse, trauma from bullying, and crime victimization. LGBTQ Americans face disproportionately high levels of mental health struggles, according to the American Psychiatric Association. There are people who have differences in the way they live their lives and how theyre seen that need to be addressed because they are facing challenges that most people, cisgender people, dont face, she said, arguing that the commission would help address the social problems to which the county is already devoting resources. Commission for enforcement Under the proposed ordinance, individuals who face discrimination in the county could file a complaint to a newly established Delaware County Human Relations Commission, which will review and have power to investigate complaints. After receiving a response from the entity accused of discrimination, the commission will have the power to hold hearings, make a determination, and mediate the dispute or order a remedy, including a $500 fine. Michael Straw, the chair of the Media Republican Party, told council members Wednesday night that, as a gay man, he supported the nondiscrimination ordinance. But he asked if the nondiscrimination ordinance could be passed without the commission because of the cost running the commission could create for county government. Its an expense at the moment that I dont know that we can necessarily afford, he said. Later in the meeting county staff argued that the ordinance would be unenforceable without the commission. Without further study, the commission might not receive unanimous support from the board. Reuther and Councilmember Elaine Schaefer said some changes to the final policy may be necessary. Schaefer called specifically for more study regarding the costs of the commission and potential for abuse. While she supports the concept, Schaefer said, she is not ready to support the policy without that research, which she said could not be completed by the time Taylor hopes to bring the ordinance for a vote next month. Im very anxious to address these issues and to support a structure that would get to the aims that were trying to get to, she said. Mary Dunham, left, holding a Stop SEPTA Cuts sign, who advocates for and works with SEPTA riders with mental health concerns, holds a sign during a press conference where transit advocates called on Senate Republicans to act before SEPTA's final deadline in Philadelphia, August 6, 2025. Read more HARRISBURG With just four days remaining until SEPTAs service cuts go into effect Sunday, there is diminishing hope that lawmakers in Pennsylvanias divided legislature will be able to reach a deal to stop them. Top legislative leaders and Gov. Josh Shapiro remain at an impasse over how to fund mass transit as well as on an overall state budget, now eight weeks past its July 1 deadline. Advertisement READ MORE: Everything we know about how SEPTA could change on Aug. 24 While the leaders are publicly hopeful they can reach a deal in time to reverse the cuts which go into effect the day before the academic year begins for the Philadelphia School District, where 52,000 students rely on SEPTA for transit to and from school Senate Republicans, House Democrats, and Shapiro have yet to find a compromise on how to fund it. Heres what you need to know. Theres still deep disagreement over how to fund mass transit House Democrats, the Senate GOP, and Shapiro remain at odds over their plans to fund mass transit and stop SEPTA from cutting 20% of its service on Sunday. And there has been no sign that anyone is budging. Senate Republicans maintain that their plan, which would offer $1.2 billion over two years to Pennsylvanias mass transit agencies and rural roads and bridge infrastructure until leaders are able to hammer out a recurring revenue stream for transit, is the best solution. READ MORE: Is there actually $1 billion sitting in a fund for SEPTA? Explaining the Public Transportation Trust Fund. Under the GOP proposal, the money would come largely from the Public Transportation Trust Fund, which was created to serve as a capital and emergency fund for the states mass transit. A small additional portion would come from interactive gaming revenues. Republican senators argue that only $1.3 billion of the funds in the PTTF are allocated to future projects, meaning there is more than $1 billion sitting in the account, which continues to grow by $400 million each year. However, House Democrats as well as SEPTA, whose board is led mostly by Democrats say the Senate GOPs plan would raid mass transit agencies capital accounts meant for upkeep of the systems, divert some of the necessary funds away from those projects to road and bridge repairs, and ultimately make public transportation in Pennsylvania less safe. Democrats believe their plan to increase mass transits share of the sales tax by 1.75 percentage points from its current share of 4.4% to 6.15%, initially pitched by Shapiro as part of his annual budget proposal, would give SEPTA what it needs: a dedicated, recurring revenue source. Senate GOP leaders have rejected this option despite House Democrats passing some form of it five times over the last three years at every turn, concerned that increasing transits share of the sales tax would ultimately require a tax hike down the line or a cut to another public good. And in the week since lawmakers from both chambers were last in Harrisburg, they have only dug their heels in further, with escalating attacks from the Senate GOP that claim that Democrats are manufacturing a crisis, while House Democrats accuse Republicans of trying to defund mass transit and purposefully hurt the Philadelphia region, which is the states biggest economic engine. READ MORE: The SEPTA funding debate digs up Pennsylvanias perennial rural-vs.-urban divide Lawmakers in the House and Senate remain on a 24-hour call, meaning they must be ready to return to Harrisburg with a days notice. However, that call is unlikely to come before Sunday. As of Wednesday, neither chamber was scheduled to return until September, weeks after the SEPTA transit cuts go into effect, and days after a 21.5% fare increase begins on Sept. 1. Top GOP senators say they already sent Democrats their best offer Top Senate GOP leaders have said in the week since passing their mass transit bill which was promptly killed last Wednesday by a House committee that House Bill 257 was their best and final offer. The Senate had been reticent to pass a stand-alone mass transit bill, preferring to negotiate it as part of a final budget deal. But, leaders said, the urgency in Southeastern Pennsylvania to avoid SEPTAs deep service cuts and fare increases motivated them to move their separate mass transit funding bill. President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland), in an interview Wednesday, said the only way she sees the Senate passing mass transit funding before Sunday is if the House reconsiders the Senates proposals and sends them back to the chamber with a compromise that wont raise taxes. We are standing as a wall, protecting all of Pennsylvanians wallets, Ward said. Beth Rementer, a spokesperson for House Democrats, said in a statement that lawmakers are extremely concerned about the looming cuts and continue to work with all parties to reach a solution on a crisis that Senate Republicans acknowledge. Our most recent bipartisan-passed mass transit bill fully funds SEPTA and all of our mass transit systems, puts accountability measures in place and invests in roads and bridges using available resources and without raising taxes, Rementer added, in reference to a bill passed by the House last week that included GOP oversight priorities. Senate Republicans need to do their job and get to yes on a real plan, one that doesnt sacrifice safety for service. SEPTA needed the funding by Aug. 14 SEPTA said it needed to receive state funding or at least the promise of it by Aug. 14 to forestall the planned service cuts. That didnt happen. SEPTA general manager Scott Sauer testified before the House Rules Committee last week that the service cuts and fare increases will go into effect as planned in the absence of additional state funding. We will continue with those cuts as scheduled, Sauer said then. We have to wait for a proposal that is both immediate and sustainable, Sauer added. Two years is not the sustainable solution we were hoping for. We need something thats going to carry us into the future. SEPTA projects a $213 million operating deficit that top officials attribute to chronic underfunding, pandemic declines, and inflating expenses. If a funding solution is assured to SEPTA after Sunday, officials have said, it will take at least 10 days to reverse the cuts and resume normal service. Shapiro would need to find a magic solution on his own There remains some hope among public transit advocates and lawmakers alike that Shapiro will have an emergency lever to pull, as he did in November 2024 when he flexed $153 million in federal highway funding as a stopgap to prevent service cuts at the time. But flexing federal funds is likely no longer an option under President Donald Trumps administration, which would need to approve such an action and would have little motivation to do so to help the Democratic-led city. Its unclear what other option Shapiro may have for using his executive powers to block the cuts from going into effect. Ward said she believes Shapiro already has a solution he could use, without any legislative approval: the Public Transportation Trust Fund, which is ultimately under the purview of the governors office. Shapiro, for his part, said at a news conference Tuesday he has remained at the negotiating table to try to bring House Democrats and Senate Republicans together to try to stop the cuts from happening, citing the tens of thousands of Philadelphia schoolchildren who depend on SEPTA to get to class. But the onus remains on the two chambers to reach a deal and send him a bill, he added. Nows a moment where both sides need to make some tough choices, Shapiro said. Compromise is hard, especially in a polarized environment that we find ourselves in. They got to make tough choices and they got to remember this isnt just some political game here in Harrisburg. In response to a demand from President Donald Trumps administration that so-called sanctuary cities and states affirm by Tuesday that they will end their immigrant-friendly policies, Democratic leaders in many of the targeted jurisdictions this week announced they were defying or simply not responding to the federal governments request. How is Philadelphia responding? Mayor Cherelle L. Parker would rather not say. Advertisement Our Law Department will address any inquiries from the U.S. Justice Department in accordance with applicable procedures, City Solicitor Renee Garcia, a top Parker appointee, said in a statement Thursday. Department of Justice spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said the agency sent the city a letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi that was dated Aug. 13 and addressed to Parker and Garcia. The DOJ provided a copy of the letter but declined to comment on whether Philadelphia has responded. Garcias comments initially did not make clear if the city had responded to Bondis letter. Later Thursday, Garcia sent a second statement implying the city never received it, despite the DOJ saying it was sent and other jurisdictions acknowledging they received it. If and when the City of Philadelphia receives correspondence from the U.S. Justice Department, our Law Department will respond accordingly, Garcia added. A Parker spokesperson declined to elaborate. Since Trump took office in January, Parker has sought to maintain Philadelphias policies while avoiding direct confrontation with the White House in an apparent attempt to keep the city from being targeted. Some local immigrant advocates have called on Parker to more vocally oppose Trumps policies. The opaque response regarding Bondis letter demonstrates how Parkers strategy is likely to become more difficult to maintain as the White House ramps up its efforts to crack down on and deny funding to sanctuary cities. READ MORE: How much could Philly lose if Trump cuts funding to cities? Heres what you need to know. During Parkers tenure, city leaders have referred to Philadelphia as a welcoming city, rather than a sanctuary city. But Parker has maintained immigration policies adopted by her predecessor, Jim Kenney, that the Trump administration is seeking to stamp out. And this month, the Department of Justice included Philly on a list of 18 cities, four counties, and 13 states that it views as sanctuary jurisdictions. In the letter, Bondi requested that those jurisdictions each submit 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. The jurisdictions had a deadline of Aug. 19 to respond, she wrote. She also warned that the federal government could withhold funding to those jurisdictions and criminally charge local officials who resisted the Trump administration, an incendiary and legally dubious threat. Individuals operating under the color of law, using their official position to obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts and facilitating or inducing illegal immigration may be subject to prosecution, Bondi wrote. Numerous courts have ruled that local jurisdictions are not required to assist immigration enforcement, a federal responsibility, and some have found that attempts to coerce them to do so may violate the Constitutions 10th Amendment. Policies unchanged Garcia said Thursday that Philadelphias policies are legal and have not changed. The City of Philadelphia remains in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws regarding immigration, and the 2016 executive orders regarding detainers remain in place, Garcia said. In 2016, Kenney signed an executive order prohibiting Philadelphias jails from honoring detainer requests, in which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement asks local jails to hold inmates suspected of immigration violations for an additional 48 hours beyond when they would have otherwise been released to facilitate arrests by federal agents. Declining detainer requests is among the most prominent of the state and local policies that conservatives have said improperly impede immigration enforcement. Louisville, Ky., Mayor Craig Greenberg in July ended his citys policy of not honoring the requests after the Trump administration identified it as a sanctuary jurisdiction, in an initial list that was posted in late May to the DOJ website before being removed in early June after errors were discovered. (Philadelphia was included in the DOJs original list as well as the more recently published one.) The stakes are too high, Greenberg reportedly said at the time. We do not want the National Guard occupying the streets of Louisville. Meanwhile, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu this week held a rally in defiance of Bondis demand and sent a written rejoinder saying her city will never back down. Stop attacking our cities to hide your administrations failures, Wu said. Boston will not back down from who we are and what we stand for. Wus comments prompted acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to say immigration agents will flood Boston. Parker has pursued a strategy that seeks to strike a balance between those of Greenberg and Wu: not backing down, but not picking a fight. There is uncertainty now in the air. People dont know what to expect from their government, Parker said last month, without mentioning Trump by name. Your city is here to keep you safe and to safeguard your basic rights. Staff writer Ellie Rushing contributed to this article. Allianz didnt see it the same way. The insurer argued that Bells psychological injuries werent caused by the accident itself, but by the theft and the fear that followed. In Allianzs view, those werent covered by the Act. The disagreement wasnt just about the facts, but about what counts as a motor accident under the law - and, by extension, what insurers are really on the hook for when trauma goes beyond broken bones. Sydney played host to the 21st annual Australian Insurance Industry Awards, organised by the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF), where more than 850 professionals from across the sector assembled to acknowledge significant contributions and milestones within the industry. Consumer frustration is undeniable, and the demand for greater transparency will continue to grow. But as international experience shows, intervening directly in how insurers price risk risks destabilising the very system on which households and businesses rely. In ABCs example, Michele Vanderlanh Smith said she did find other cheaper quotes, but said she didnt think the burden to price shop should fall on the consumer another great argument for clients to use the services of a competent insurance broker. It took days of travel across multiple borders, often with little to no sleep, before Hrabovskyi made it back. As head of regional division at ARSENAL Insurance Company, one of the largest carriers in Ukraine, he was accountable not just to his family, but also to his team. I have exercised my right as an individual to comment on matters in the public domain based on my own views and conscience, he said, as reported by The Guardian. At no time have I purported to represent these interests on behalf of Miga and its members; however, I consider it prudent to step down from my role as chair of the board. The purchase not only enhances ALKEMEs Midwest footprint but also underscores its focus on preservation of local identity and autonomy. This mirrors the group's recent acquisition of the Innovative Insurance Group in Virginia and Crawford Insurance Group in Michigan moves that extended its geographic reach while (hopefully) preserving client service excellence. The firm has also secured substantial financial backing from GCP Capital Partners and Apollo S3, reinforcing its acquisition-fuelled growth trajectory. Ive been doing this for roughly 30 years, and right now cargo theft is the highest Ive ever seen it, said Scott Cornell (pictured), VP transportation at Travelers. Between 2020 and 2022, cargo theft in the US fundamentally changed: how its done, where its done, and who does it. The global aviation and space industry is navigating an increasingly complex world of risk, ranging from supply chain disruption and cyber threats, to burgeoning regulation and climate obligations, George said. With Marshs deep bench of expertise, we are well-placed to support our clients as they plan for the next chapter in aviation and space development. Kinsale seeks a declaratory judgment that the policy does not afford coverage for the subject claim or the underlying lawsuit because: (1) no claim as defined in the policy was first made against Tribe Security Service until after the policy had already been cancelled; (2) no claim was first reported in writing to Kinsale during the policy period or during the basic extended reporting period; (3) there was no occurrence as defined by the policy; (4) the subject claim is excluded by the Absolute Exclusion Firearms endorsement; and (5) the subject claim is excluded by the Exclusion Assault, Battery, Abuse, or Molestation endorsement. Kinsale further seeks a declaration that it is not obligated to defend or indemnify Tribe Security Service or Nettie Cooley for any judgment arising out of the underlying lawsuit. The complaint includes two counts against both defendants: subrogation and negligence. Zurich alleges that, having paid the debt belonging to the defendants, it should be able to recover its loss from the parties who should have paid it, to prevent unjust enrichment. Zurich also claims Petra and Flood Masters had a duty to preserve evidence, which they breached by failing to do so, gutting the unit, and discarding fire debris. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday recently announced a $200 million transfer of funds from the Professional Liability Joint Underwriting Association (JUA) into the states general fund. The transfer was the result of the Attorney Generals victory in years-long litigation against the JUA over whether a multi-million dollar surplus balance carried by the JUA belongs to the public or to the private insurers behind the JUA. Since 2017, the Attorney Generals Civil Litigation Section has been engaged in an argument over the surplus with the JUA, which was created by legislators in 1975 as an insurance option for high-risk medical providers. The Attorney General argued that the JUA being created by the General Assembly is a public, not private, entity. A federal court finally agreed last December, clearing the way for the transfer of $200 million to the general fund. It has been a long road, and I commend our civil litigators for seeing it through to this end result a monumental victory for Pennsylvanians, Sunday said. The impetus for the litigation was legislation passed in 2017 that ordered the transfer of $200 million from JUA to the Commonwealth general fund. The JUA then filed suit against the Governor and Insurance Commissioner, who the Attorney General has represented in the matter. After years of litigation, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals last December ruled that the JUA is a public agency, not a private entity, The ruling opened the door for the state to access the JUAs budget surplus, which actually totals $300 million, and which regulators say is far in excess of what the JUA needs for reserves to cover potential claims. The state maintained it has the right to access the funds for the good of the public. The JUA had successfully thwarted the states attempts to access its funds for years The state created the JUA almost 50 years ago to act as a professional liability insurer of last resort for high-risk medical providers. It is funded by premiums paid by policyholders and investment returns on its funds. The JUA does not receive funding from its member companies or from the Commonwealth. All medical professional liability insurers writing in the state must join. The JUA has never paid any dividends or distributions to its policyholders; nor can it do so by law. Since its inception, it has amassed through investments its total surplus of about $300 million. Topics Excess Surplus Pennsylvania A federal judge has dismissed a case brought by a former New York City Council member alleging that a former New York State attorney general wrongly prosecuted him. The dismissal rested on the grounds that the former state official is protected by immunity. Ruben Wills, a former New York City Council member, alleged that former New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, because of Wills refusal to assist Schneiderman in mounting a case against a political rival, investigated and prosecuted him for crimes Schneiderman knew Wills had not committed. Wills brought claims for malicious prosecution and abuse of process against Schneiderman. But a judge in the federal court for Eastern New York dismissed the suit, finding that Schneiderman is entitled to absolute immunity for his advocacy for the state in his actions relating to the grand jury. The judge also dismissed Wills complaints about Schneidermans repeat subpoenas before a grand jury was impaneled and his complaints regarding certain reelection materials because Wills never showed those were the proximate cause of his alleged malicious prosecution. When Wills was a City Council member and Schneiderman was the state Attorney General, Wills was indicted on one count of scheme to defraud, two counts of grand larceny, and three counts of offering a false instrument for filing. These charges were based on two separate alleged instances of Wills misappropriating public money. In the first instance, Wills allegedly failed to return matching funds awarded to him in connection with a City Council campaign. In the second, Wills allegedly used money granted to a nonprofit, NY4Life, for his own personal use. Wills was convicted on all charges except one of the false instrument counts and was sentenced to two to six years in prison. After Wills was released from prison, the Second Department Appellate Division reversed his conviction, finding that the trial court erred in not allowing him to call witnesses that would have testified that he mistakenly, but in good faith, misappropriated the money at issue. The New York State Attorney Generals office, by then headed by Letitia James, declined to retry Wills and dismissed the case against him. According to Wills, Schneiderman had maliciously prosecuted him and abused legal processes. He claimed Schneiderman investigated and prosecuted him because he refused to cooperate with Schneidermans attempts to attack other politicians, and because Wills knew that Schneiderman had assaulted a woman, which was not public knowledge. The judge noted that prosecutors are entitled to absolute immunity for acts taken in their advocatory role, but they are not entitled to absolute immunity for investigatory or administrative actions. Advocatory actions that are shielded by absolute immunity are acts undertaken by a prosecutor preparing for the initiation of judicial proceedings or for trial, and which occur in the course of a prosecutors role as an advocate for the State. The court found that actions alleged by Wills are clearly within the functions of a prosecutor and all of Wills allegations about Schneidermans use or abuse of the grand jury are entitled to absolute immunity, The only actions alleged that are not shielded by absolute immunity are Schneidermans direction of his subordinates to repeatedly subpoena documents relating to Wills before a grand jury was impaneled and Schneidermans disparagement of Wills in his reelection materials. To state a claim for malicious prosecution, Wills must allege that Schneidermans action was a proximate cause of his injury. But Wills did not allege that Schneidermans public disparagement of Wills or his issuance of subpoenas against him before a grand jury was impaneled caused him to be prosecuted without probable cause. Because Wills failed to connect Schneidermans actions to his alleged malicious prosecution, the court ruled that this claim failed. The only legal process alleged by Wills not protected by absolute immunity is the attorney generals offices issuance of subpoenas before convening a grand jury. Wills alleged that Schneiderman used the subpoenas as a tool to harass and attempt to intimidate Wills. The only misuse of a subpoena Wills identified is the use of information subpoenaed from his personal email account. But this occurred after a grand jury was convened and is thus entitled to absolute immunity, the judge found. Given that the complaint contains no allegations about misuse of any subpoenas that were issued before the grand jury was convened, Wills does not adequately allege the constitutional violation of abuse of process, entitling Schneiderman to qualified immunity on this claim, the court concluded. Topics Claims New York Hurricane Erin is triggering dangerous beach conditions across much of the US East Coast that will likely last into the weekend, as the storm pushes north in the waning days of the summer travel season. Erin is not currently forecast to make landfall in the eastern US or Canada. But the storm has created a high risk of powerful and potentially deadly currents this week at popular vacation destinations, including Cape Cod, Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket in Massachusetts, the Hamptons on Long Island and Delawares Rehoboth Beach. Heavy winds and waves up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall are possible in the worst-hit areas before beginning to calm on Saturday. Erin which was 335 miles (540 kilometers) southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, as of Wednesday afternoon is creating massive disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean that will take days to subside. Tropical storm-strength winds now extend for hundreds of miles from Erins eye, triggering widespread warnings off the Eastern seaboard. The hurricane was a Category 2 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale Wednesday with top winds of 110 mph (175 kph). Beachgoers are cautioned against swimming at most U.S. East Coast beaches due to life-threatening surf and rip currents, said Richard Pasch, a forecaster with the US National Hurricane Center, in an update Wednesday at 2 p.m. local time. Water flowing in all directions at Nobadeer Beach this afternoon pic.twitter.com/yzLTuzCxWa Nantucket Current (@ACKCurrent) August 20, 2025 The storm has already forced visitors and residents in some parts of North Carolinas Outer Banks islands to evacuate, as intense tides threaten to wash out roads and cut off the region from emergency services. Erin could still gain strength Wednesday before it curves away from the East Coast and the environment gets a little more hostile, said Alex DaSilva, a meteorologist with commercial forecaster AccuWeather. As Erin tacks to the northeast, the storm may pass over oil production platforms near Newfoundland. Read More: How Climate Change Is Fueling Stronger Hurricanes: QuickTake While rough surf will gradually subside in the coming days, DaSilva said treacherous currents are still possible on eastern beaches well into Saturday. Im a little concerned that people might think, the storm is gone, Im safe to go in the water,' DaSilva said. But we want people to really exercise caution, because there could still be some rip current risk. Your Window For Evacuating Vulnerable Areas Such As Hatteras/Ocracoke Islands is closing. Worst Impacts With Surge/Coastal Flooding Begin At This Evenings High Tide. Please NOTE, the high tide this evening and Thursday and even Friday at some locations, will be MUCH higher. #nws pic.twitter.com/e33dlMNUk5 NWS Newport/Morehead (@NWSMoreheadCity) August 20, 2025 Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Hurricane One month after being hit by European Union sanctions, Indias Nayara Energy Ltd. is relying on a growing pool of dark-fleet tankers to transport its products, and a narrowing menu of crude imports to keep its operations running. The oil refiners struggle for survival has come to the attention of Indias government, which is concerned about disruptions to oil flows that could jeopardize national energy security, according to people familiar with the matter. New Delhi has approved at least one coastal tanker in recent days to help the company move cargoes domestically, they said. The refiner, part-owned by Russian oil major Rosneft PJSC, is an important pillar of the Indian market. Its 400,000 barrels-a-day processing plant accounts for 8% of the countrys refining, and the company operates 7% of its fuel stations. Its been forced to reduce run rates after being spurned by trade partners following the EUs measures targeting Moscows oil revenues. Some of the tankers already greenlit by the government to supply Nayara with oil, and transport its refined products, include sanctioned vessels. One such dark-fleet ship, the Leruo, has made at least three domestic runs for Nayara after getting the go-ahead from New Delhi, according to a shipowner, who declined to be named discussing sensitive information, and ship-tracking data. The medium-range tanker was blacklisted by the EU on July 18, part of a broad sanctions package targeting Russian oil exports that also penalized Nayara. Leruos owner is listed as Key Marvel Ltd. on S&P Global Inc.s maritime database, although no contact details were included. Long-range tanker Next, another EU-sanctioned vessel thats also blacklisted by the UK, is due to arrive at Nayaras Vadinar terminal on Wednesday to pick up a cargo of diesel, according to a port agents report and ship-tracking data. The database lists Istanbul-based Next Maritime & Trading Ltd. as its owner, again with no email or phone number. Such vessels are filling the gap left by local shipowners that have stopped doing business with Nayara. Theyve been forced to cut ties to protect their dealings with European ports and insurers. Ships that are covered by Russian or Iranian insurance and which have been approved by New Delhi are eligible to service Nayara. Nayara has more than 1.2 million barrels of refined products on four sanctioned vessels idling off Vadinar, according to shipping data. The company didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement last week, it said it remains committed to transporting its products via coastal, rail and road networks in order to efficiently serve its Indian customers. Ship name IMO % draft Current location Varg 9335094 90% of max draft Near Vadinar Blue Ember 9273442 93% of max draft Near Vadinar Ocean Autumn 9379052 100% full Off Indias west coast Runa 9314882 100% full Off Indias west coast Tempest Dream, a tanker that recently made a ship-to-ship transfer of gasoline produced by Nayara, has returned to Vadinar to receive more product, according to ship-tracking data. The vessel that took the cargo, Wu Tai, has yet to discharge the shipment, the data show. Nayara has only taken Urals oil from Russia as feedstock since late July. The refiner is expected to receive two cargoes of Urals this week, totaling about 1.4 million barrels, on two Aframax tankers, the Mars 6 and Tiger 6, according to a shipowner, who declined to be named, port agent reports and ship-tracking data. Another Greek-owned supertanker, Evgenia I, which was supposed to deliver Middle Eastern crude to Nayara last week, is still ballasting in the Persian Gulf. Keeping up Russian crude supplies to Nayara isnt a problem, Evgeny Griva, Moscows deputy trade representative in India, said at a briefing in New Delhi on Wednesday. More broadly, the countrys imports of Russian oil are expected to continue at current levels, despite the geopolitical situation, given the lack of alternatives, he said. There are special mechanisms to get around sanctions and tariffs, Griva said. Photograph: A billboard at the Vadinar Refinery complex operated by Nayara Energy Ltd. near Vadinar, Gujarat, India, on Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. Photo credit: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Energy Oil Gas Russia India This edition of International People Moves details appointments at QBE European Operations and London-based underwriting agency Doe and Emuss. QBE Promotes Masse to Head of European Claims Commercial insurer QBE has promoted Virginie Masse to the role of head of European Claims, effective Sept. 1. Since joining QBE two years ago, Masse has served as claims manager for France. Masse has 25 years of experience in claims, including as executive claims director at AIG and as operations director for the Fonds de Garantie, a French body that helps compensate victims of road traffic accidents and terrorism. In her new European role, she will remain based in Paris and will report to Mike East, claims director at QBE European Operations (EO). I am delighted that Virginie Masse will take on this role, which is a testament to the excellent pipeline of talent at QBE, commented East. Her customer centric approach will further bolster our European proposition by ensuring customers are at the heart of everything we do. Her excellent people leadership skills and data-driven approach makes her the perfect choice to lead our European business forward. *** Underwriting Agency Doe and Emuss Names Watmough as Professional Liability U/W Doe and Emuss, the London-based specialist underwriting agency, announced the appointment of John Watmough, a professional liability expert with more than 25 years experience in the London insurance market. Based in London, Watmough has joined Doe and Emuss as underwriter and director of Broking, where he will strengthen D&Es broking and underwriting capabilities while adding a new dimension to the firms client offering. Widely respected for his deep knowledge of the North American insurance landscape, Watmoughs market expertise and strategic insight make him a powerful addition to the team as Doe and Emuss continues its growth and evolution, the company said. We are delighted to have signed on John Watmough, said Founder and Chief Executive David Doe. He knows the North American market exceptionally well and brings years of expertise to our growing team. Were looking forward to his contributions across our ever-expanding underwriting services at D&E. Doe and Emuss said Watmoughs appointment marks another step in the companys strategy to strengthen its offering with high-caliber talent and further enhance its market-leading underwriting solutions on both sides of the Atlantic. Doe and Emuss is an independent underwriting manager and Lloyds coverholder based in London. The company was set up in 2024 and provides professional liability insurance to small and medium-sized (SME) businesses in the United States and Canada via wholesale brokers in the London market and Lloyds. Topics Claims Europe Underwriting Liability 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. 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. 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 Googles 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. 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) Topics Lawsuits A New York appeals court struck down a $464 million fraud fine against President Donald Trump and his company, handing him a victory over the states attorney general. In a decision issued Thursday, the Manhattan appellate court still found that Trump broke the law by inflating the valuation of assets like Mar-a-Lago and his Trump Tower penthouse, but it said the massive penalty was unconstitutionally excessive. The long-awaited ruling by an intermediate state appeals court wipes out one of Trumps biggest financial liabilities. It also puts fresh pressure on New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has become the focus of a federal probe into whether her lawsuit violated Trumps legal rights. The politically charged decision resulted in the five-judge panel issuing three separate opinions. The majority ultimately concluded that Trump violated the law by inflating his assets, but nevertheless threw out the massive fine. Most of Trumps legal woes melted away after his election victory. The Justice Department dropped two federal criminal cases against Trump, citing a longstanding policy against prosecuting a sitting president. While Trump was convicted in his hush money case in Manhattan, a judge sentenced him to no jail time at a hearing 10 days before his inauguration following a US Supreme Court ruling that gave the president broad immunity. Read More: Trump Gets No Punishment After Conviction in Hush Money Case James filed the case against Trump and his sprawling real estate company in September 2022, more than two years before his successful bid to retake the White House. She won the case after an 11-week trial. The development raises questions about whether James, a Democrat and staunch critic of Trump, will seek to reinstate the penalty by appealing the decision to the states highest court in Albany. Trump argued that his method of valuing his real estate was typical of the industry and that disclaimers on his financial statements advised banks they should do their own valuations anyway. One of his biggest defense arguments was that no banks lost money on his loans, and the state didnt dispute that. On Aug. 8, people familiar with the federal probe into James civil lawsuit against Trump said Justice Department officials had convened a grand jury and sent subpoenas to Jamess office. The subpoena also seeks information on Jamess case against the National Rifle Association, said one of the people. The probe is being run out of Albany, New York. Abbe Lowell, a lawyer for James, said at the time that the investigation is a blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the presidents political retribution campaign. Trump has long criticized James as well as Justice Arthur Engoron, who oversaw the non-jury trial, calling both of them biased against him because hes a Republican. Trump has also appealed his conviction in the hush money case, seeking to erase his criminal record. He has also appealed two civil jury verdicts against him in lawsuits brought by E. Jean Carroll, who sued him for sex abuse and defamation and won nearly $90 million in total damages. Trump has maintained innocence throughout. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Fraud New York Texas officials are warning health care providers to stop sending abortion pills into the state or risk fines and prosecution, as Attorney General Ken Paxton seeks to halt the flow of medicine thats circumventing local restrictions. Prosecutors wrote to three providers last week, including a California doctor and a Delaware womens health clinic, citing evidence that they had sent the drugs that can end a pregnancy to women in Texas. They could be fined $100,000 for every violation of the states anti-abortion laws, according to the letters dated Aug. 14 that were shared with reporters in an email from Paxtons office. If you refuse to comply, a formal investigation will be initiated, and the Attorney General may bring a lawsuit against you, prosecutors told Debra Lynch, a nurse practitioner in Delaware and the founder of the womens health clinic Her Safe Harbor. Lynch, who has been the subject of media profiles in which she described sending pills to Texas, said she had legal representation and wasnt worried about the warning. I dont have room to be scared because women are literally dying, she said in an interview, adding that the group previously received similar warnings from Louisiana and other states with abortion bans. Abortion opponents are trying to whittle down sources for the pill mifepristone any way they can. Lawmakers in states across the country have introduced bills to classify it as a controlled substance and limit telehealth access. In 2025 legislative sessions, 32 bills to ban medication abortion and 38 bills limiting access were introduced, the most since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, according to a tracker from the nonprofit research group Guttmacher Institute. After pressure from religious groups, the big box retailer Costco Wholesale Corp. last week announced it would stop selling abortion pills, even in states where the procedure is legal. The company didnt comment on the groups campaign but said that it hadnt seen consumer demand for the medicine. The Texas prosecutors cited evidence gathered from news reports or lawsuits when claiming the providers sent pills into the state. In a letter to California doctor Remy Coeytaux, they referenced a civil lawsuit filed in July by a man who accused his girlfriend of violating state laws by using abortion pills to end two pregnancies. The lawsuit cited a Venmo receipt for the purchase of the pills from Coeytaux. You have been named in a recently filed lawsuit as having shipped abortion pills into the State of Texas, prosecutors wrote to Coeytaux. He didnt respond to a request for comment. Lynch said the legal threats prompted her to urge women seeking mifepristone to do everything they could to avoid leaving a digital trail when purchasing the medication. She recommended ordering it over the phone rather than using the Internet. She also sought to reassure women that the letter didnt mean they would be arrested for purchasing the pills. Women arent prosecuted for having an abortion in the state, which targets abortion providers. Lynch said her clinic wouldnt stop sending the pills to anyone who needed them, no matter where they were located. We will always provide safe access to abortion medications right up until the last one of our providers is taking their last dying breath, she said. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Texas Medical Professional Liability Louisiana regulators approved Entergy Corp.s plan to build three natural gas plants to power Meta Platform Inc.s biggest data center. Metas latest and largest data center is a 4 millionsquarefoot complex in rural Louisiana intended to support the companys most powerful artificial intelligence models. Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has said the facility, dubbed Hyperion, will near the size of Manhattan. At full capacity it is expected to consume as much as 5 gigawatts of electricity. The center is part of the AI boom that is spurring the biggest surge in US power demand in decades, leading to soaring utility bills and prompting calls for more infrastructure. Entergy Louisiana Chief Executive Phillip May said in a statement Meta will pay its share of costs for the project, expected to generate about 2.3 gigawatts of power. The utility said it also will build new transmission lines to serve the facility and procure as much as 1.5 gigawatts of solar power. Meta said in a statement its working with Entergy to cover the cost of the project without shifting the burden to grid customers. The company added it plans to add enough clean and renewable energy to the grid to match the total electricity use of the Richland Parish data center, and that its launched other clean and renewable energy projects across the state, including one focused on solar. Read More: How Pimco Outmaneuvered Apollo, KKR to Win $29 Billion Meta Deal The Louisiana Public Service Commission fast-tracked the approval after Entergy argued delays would risk Meta building its data center in a different state, according to a Citigroup report led by analyst Ryan Levine. Some argue the cost to build the plants will raise consumer bills, and the plants will endanger public health as well as the environment. The regulator is prioritizing Big Techs interests and Entergys profits over Louisianans concerns about their already unaffordable electricity bills, Logan Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, said in a statement. There is no question that this project will affect residents electricity bills and water supply. Entergy shares rose as much as 1.73% Wednesday in New York. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. With more states adding or considering restrictions on third-party funding of lawsuits, one of the largest litigation finance firms is now planning to invest directly in some law firms. We are pursuing strategic minority investments in firms where we can support their growth and expansion plans, as a passive investor, Travis Lenkner, chief development officer for Burford Capital, said in a statement this week. The company would not say which law firms it may be considering for investment, but it is in talks with several firms, according to news reports. The idea is very troubling, and raises ethical concerns about where a lawyers loyalty would lie with the client or with the outside stakeholders of the firm focused on profits and big verdicts, said William Large, president of the Florida Justice Reform Institute, an organization that has advocated for tort reform and prohibitions against ownership of law firms by nonlawyers. The publicly traded Burford, founded in 2009, has helped finance a number of high-profile lawsuits in recent years, leading property-casualty insurers, business chiefs and some lawmakers around the country to argue that third-party funding leads to unnecessary lawsuits that drive up costs. 5-Year Cost of Litigation Funding to Commercial Insurers Could Top $25B Funding investors have countered that financing litigation can make it possible for more plaintiffs to afford protracted litigation, which can cost millions of dollars over many years. At least 16 states in the last five years have approved statutes that require disclosure of litigation-funding parties or licensing of or reporting by the financiers. In Florida, which has seen a big impact on insurance costs and premiums from extensive claims litigation, a similar bill failed to pass the Legislature last year. It would have required disclosure of funding parties and would have barred financiers from influencing the outcome of cases. Federal legislation in Congress also has gained little traction since it was introduced last year. And most states statutes strictly forbid ownership of law firms by nonlawyers. Only Arizona allows direct nonattorney ownership of law firms, although Utah and Washington, DC, have relaxed some restrictions, Bloomberg reported. Burford Capital believes it may have found a way around states prohibitions through the use of a bifurcated arrangement involving managed service organizations, or MSOs: The lawyers in a law firm would handle the legal work through a lawyer-owned entity. The MSO would control the firms assets and sell back-office services to the law firm for a fee, according to Bloomberg and the Financial Times news reports. Its uncertain if such an arrangement would be considered legal in most states, or if they would be challenged in courts or state legislatures. A ruling early this year by the Texas Bars Professional Ethics Committee appeared to give the nod to MSOs for law firms, under certain conditions: Law firms could not split their fees with the managing organization. A lawyer may own an equity interest in a company owned in part by nonlawyers so long as the company does not engage in the practice of law, and ethics rules still apply, the opinion noted. The ethics committee did not directly address the other side of the coin: When a non-lawyer invests in a law firm. But the opinion has been seen as opening the door for the unusual investment structure, at least in some states. While acting only as persuasive authority, Opinion No. 706 confirms that, when structured correctly, law firm MSOs are a viable option for lawyers, investors and service providers, wrote Trisha Rich, a partner with the Holland & Knight law firm. Floridas Bar rules do not appear to directly address MSOs or similar business structures. A lawyer shall not form a partnership with a nonlawyer if any of the activities of the partnership consist of the practice of law, the rule reads. A lawyer shall not practice with or in the form of a business entity authorized to practice law for a profit if: (1) a nonlawyer owns any interest therein, except that a fiduciary representative of the estate of a lawyer may hold the stock or interest of the lawyer for a reasonable time during administration; or (2) a nonlawyer is a corporate director or officer thereof or occupies the position of similar responsibility in any form of association other than a corporation; or (3) a nonlawyer has the right to direct or control the professional judgment of a lawyer. The Florida Bar and the Supreme Court in 2022 also declined to adopt a Bar committees recommendation to try a pilot program of nonlawyer ownership and fee splitting with nonlawyers. The court did not address the MSO-type of investment structure. Whether its legal or not, any type of outside ownership arrangement is simply bad policy, Floridas Large said. He argued that if allowed, it would threaten the bedrock of Americas justice system. Large, a lawyer himself, compared large-scale law firm ownership by investors to the arrangements that led to the U.S. financial crisis of 2008: Lack of ownership and accountability over the millions of subprime mortgages that were bundled and sold off to investors. Currently, most law firm partners are, in effect, owners of their firm and are held responsible for the firms decisions. But if an outside investor becomes the factotum owner, lawyers may eschew responsibility, encouraging a decline in independence and in the quality of legal representation, Large said. Outside ownership of law firms will adversely impact the stability of the practice of law in our state and lead to a slippery slope of problematic issues as more and more nonlawyer entities seek to gain some semblance of control over law firms in the state, with their focus on the bottom line of profitability as opposed to the needs of clients, Large wrote in a 2021 to Bar committee members who were contemplating the nonlawyer ownership pilot program. Burford, with offices in New York and the UK, has a market capitalization of $3 billion, putting it in the realm of some of the largest private equity firms, the Times and Bloomberg reported. Insurance groups have said that such heavyweight funding would land mostly on the plaintiffs side, fueling excessive litigation and large verdicts that would have an impact on loss adjustment expenses. Burford, calling itself the gold standard in legal finance, said it understands the legal and ethical considerations of its plan. As the worlds leading legal finance provider, we understand the business of law and the importance of law firm culture and professional independence, Burfords Lenkner said in an emailed statement. Top photo: Adobe Stock (AI-generated) Update: This article has been corrected to show that Burford market capitalization level. Topics Lawsuits Following on from the excitement of the Oasis gigs last weekend, Croke Park will throw open its doors to another legendary pop artist this Saturday. Former Take That star Robbie Williams is set to bring his latest tour to Ireland for one night only. Following the success of his biopic Better Man earlier this year, the Let Me Entertain You hitmaker is touring the world to perform his bestselling hits. Here is everything you need to know ahead of his Irish leg of the tour. When and where is it? Robbie Williams will take to the stage at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday, August 23. Are there any tickets left? As it stands, a very limited number of tickets are available to purchase from Ticketmaster. Available tickets are priced from 112.75 on the Ticketmaster website. What time do gates open? Gates to the venue will open at 5pm and the show will start at 5.30pm. Fans must enter the venue through the gate that is detailed on their tickets. Ticketholders with blue route tickets, who will be seated in the Hogan stand seating area, can enter the stadium via Jones Road/Russell Street. Those with the red route on their ticket and seated in the Cusack seating area can enter Croke Park via St James Avenue off Clonliffe Road. Those on the yellow route and seated in the Davin stand can enter via St Margarets Avenue, while those on the green route standing should enter via Foster Terrace. Robbie Williams performs at half time during the Soccer Aid for Unicef 2022 match between Team England and Team World XI at London Stadium on June 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images) Getting there Croke Park is approximately 15 15-minute walk from the city centre of Dublin. It is located in Dublin 3, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city. Those who are not walking to the venue from the city centre are advised to take public transport as car parking is limited around Croke Park. The roads around the stadium are residential roads, and traffic restrictions will be in place on the day of the concert. Bus: There are plenty of buses serving the city centre that stop near Croke Park, including Dublin Bus routes 1, 6, 7(a), 11, 13, 15, 16, 27(a/b), 33, 40(b/d/e), 41(b/c/d), 42, 43, 44, 53a, 122, 123, 130, H1, H2, H3. Dart or Luas: Croke Park is roughly a 20-minute walk from Connolly Station, or 25 minutes from Clontarf Station. People are advised to check the Irish Rail website for up-to-date train schedules. Croke Park is a 15 to 20-minute walk from most city centre Luas stops. Car: There is no car park on-site at the stadium. Increased traffic volumes are expected, and local road closures before, during and after events will be in place and may cause significant delays in the area. Nearby carparks: Carparks close to the stadium include OConnell Schools Supervised Car Park on North Circular Road (open for two hours before all events and one hour after events), Q-Park at The Spire car park on Marlborough Street, and Q-Park Parnell Centre on Parnell Street (open 24 hours). What can I not bring with me? Bags larger than A4, signs or flags bigger than A3, flag poles, glass or cans, umbrellas, alcohol, selfie sticks, flares, professional cameras and audio recording equipment will not be permitted in the stadium. Concert-goers are also advised not to bring large backpacks, and no personal bottles will be permitted upon entry as the event is a full pour pitch. Is there a support act? Manchester bands Elbow and The Lottery Winners have been confirmed as special guests on the night. Set list Williams is likely to play a mix of new music as well as tracks from the film Better Man such as Rock DJ, Come Undone, Shes The One, Something Beautiful, Angels, Better Man and My Way. For starters, lets declare an interest. Ive a grudge against mosquitoes. The little devils seem to go for me mercilessly whenever I visit sunny climes. I never see them doing it, though I certainly feel the irritation when lumps start rising on my skin. So, on a personal note, theyre not welcome here. The above rant arises from the recent discovery of an Asian hornet, a notorious wasp, in Cork a clear sign of what we can expect in the way of invasive species arriving on our shores as the climate progressively warms. Vespa velutina nigrithorax, the Asian hornet, originates from Southeast Asia and is an invader wasp that has appeared in Europe in France, Spain and Portugal. Although the species is not aggressive there have been reports of people hospitalised after suffering anaphylatic shock. The wasp hunts insects and causes very important losses in apiaries by killing a significant amount of honey bees Mosquitoes already confirmed to be in Ireland, even if in small numbers are an example. Mosquitoes can transmit a number of diseases to people. An ongoing surveillance programme to check for invasive mosquito species here is being carried out by the HSEs National Environmental Health Service. Such species include the Asian tiger mosquito which is associated with the spread of diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and other viruses. Replying to a query, the HSE tells us the service has never detected an invasive mosquito species here. The only two species found were considered common native mosquitoes, in 2023/24. Out of 72 inspections across five areas of Dublin Port, in 2023, just three samples had mosquitoes present. A monitoring programme runs from April to October at Dublin Port and Airport, New Ross Port, Waterford Port, Cork Port, Limerick Port, Shannon Airport, Fenit Port, Knock Airport, Sligo Port, and Carlow/Kilkenny. Studies by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show mosquito species are slowly starting to migrate further north, possibly due to climate change and increasing global traffic. The likelihood is that they come on ships, trucks or other vehicles rather than making the long journey on their own steam. While confirming their presence in Ireland, a HSE spokesperson said their numbers are very low because of our current climate. An old tire holding some stagnant water which makes an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes The spokesperson continued: However, as all models of climate change are predicting a rise in temperatures, this can create a climate that is more suitable for the spread of mosquitoes and the potential for the spread of viruses that come with those mosquitoes. The HSE national environmental health service will continue to build on the progress made, in 2023, and are looking at extending our surveillance programme for 2024/25." One thing about mosquitoes is that they are highly adaptable and have spread to almost every country. Widely seen as a pest, they are also a food source for birds, fish and bats. They like warm, humid conditions and can be found around stagnant water, wetlands. and woodlands. I joined the Royal Marines as an officer in 2011. We did 64 weeks of the longest, hardest training in Nato. The prize for passing out was the top six going straight to Afghanistan. I was one of the six on a plane 12 days later, December 2012. I was nervous but excited. Now, as a father, I can only imagine how my parents were feeling... My first contact with the Taliban January 12, 2013. We were on a specific mission to a known Taliban stronghold, inserted basically just to get ourselves into a fight, to free up some capacity for the Americans who were under intense attack to the north. We were to draw Taliban attention elsewhere. We started out at 4am, armoured vehicles pushing us to the south. We were on the ground just before sunrise. I was the most excited Id ever been its what wed spent a year and a half training towards. So I was fully focused on the job; mine was to look after the 30 guys and girls under me. I was 25. My bosss words: Make your guys hard to kill. It struck me as abrupt but true. Our vehicles going in, darkness youre hoping your 18-year-old driver knows what hes doing, not to drive over an IED one of the biggest threats at the time. Stepping out, 19-year-old point man scanning the ground for IEDs as you walk in darkness. Im the boss, on the radio Warfares a young mans game Patrolling a number of hours, stopping at compounds along the way, finding AK47s and ammunition we were in a hotbed of enemy activity. We knew they were starting to look at us, it was really just a question of when. When came all of a sudden. Obviously theyd hit us at our most vulnerable we were in a huge ploughed field, spread out over a 200m stretch, when they opened fire. Live machine gunfire snapping in the distance makes a loud bang but bullets being fired at you are essentially breaking the speed of light when they pass over your head, under your feet, they make a crack right in front of you thats extremely loud All I remember: ploughed mounds of muck kicking up into my face. Founder of Juice Jar Sam Shephard is no typical wellness entrepreneur a standout, life-changing moment for him was four hours of intense fighting with the Taliban over a decade ago. Some guys immediately dropped to the ground to take cover but I and others just ran, 70m across an open field, to the nearest wall to take some cover. And then Ive a set process to go through, get on the radio, tell those above me whats happened, in very specific order and great detail. The training, drilled into you, gives that bit of faith theres a way through if you just follow the process. Acting on instinct or raw emotion wont make the best of the scenario We were in a bad situation half the guys and girls were on the other side of the field, taking fire. We had to figure out a plan to get them back safely. Im on the radio, calling in air support, mortars; we come up with a plan on the ground to try to suppress the enemy fire Two of the guys were able to go back out, grab those on the ground. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries. Four hours of intense fighting, 30 of us all got out alive that day. When the fight was over, back in our vehicles, I took my first drink of water 40-degree heat. Later, at our compound darkness falls early there, 6pm, 7pm staring up at this starry sky stretching as far as the eye could see in the most beautiful country Id ever been in, the mountain backdrop, the moon giving a bit of light, all the emotions started coming back. It all came at once how lucky I was to be there, to be alive, what actually mattered in life. All of a sudden, I missed my loved ones. The only thing that mattered then was life, health. But the responsibility. All the guys sleeping, some on sentry duty. It hit me: it was all on me, to make sure we got up again the following morning. It hit in one big wave a moment seared onto my memory. Its hard now to ever get another moment like it, where you feel youre under that amount of pressure. You refer back, your baselines set very high. The training worked it went exactly how it should have. For being such a crazy, scary brush with death, it didnt overwhelm me, take over my entire mind. I focused on the job, I did it well. Its given me confidence that even in the most harrowing of situations, Im able to cope. Even in business, no matter whats thrown at me now, I think I can be a bit more emotionally detached and relaxed. I grew up quickly. It changed my outlook on life were here for a finite amount of time, we should make the most of every day. Ive doubled down on everything I already took seriously health, family. And Im thankful to have had the opportunity for something like that to shape me. "Daniel's lifelong ambition was to get back to Ireland to live, which never happened. This is the closest we will ever get to fulfilling his wish." Susan MacCarthy spoke with pride about her great great grandfather the writer and historian Daniel MacCarthy Glas whose archive has finally gone on display almost eight years after its donation to the State. Daniel MacCarthy Glas was a descendant of one of the great 13th-century Gaelic families of Ireland. His family was directly descended from the princes of Carbery, the MacCarthy Reaghs and the MacCarthy Glas, based at Togher Castle near Dunmanway in Co Cork the Glas differentiating this branch of the MacCarthys from others in the region. His grandfather emigrated from Cork to England in 1763, and Daniel was born into a wealthy Irish Catholic shipping and coal merchant family in London in 1807. Susan, who lives in Oregon, USA, said the collection features thousands of items including personal letters, manuscripts, photographs, and drawings from Daniel and other family members. It was initially donated by Susan and her husband Don in 2017. However, it has only just been unveiled in the Cork City and County Archives in Blackpool as part of Cork Heritage week 2025. Donor of the MacCarthy Glas archive, Susan MacCarthy and her husband Don with archivist Brian McGee. Picture: George Maguire Cork City archivist Brian McGee, who along with other archivists had spent months painstakingly listing, arranging, and cataloguing the collection, said the Daniel MacCarthy Glas Archive and Exhibition will remain on display at other locations around Cork over the next year. Susan paid tribute to everyone who made the launch possible including Dunmanway historian Michelle O'Mahony, Mervyn O'Driscoll of the school of history at UCC, Nigel McCarthy of the McCarthy DNA Project and the archivists of the Cork City and County Archives Service. Susan said the collection had previously been divided into trunks which her grandfather forbid her from opening. "The collection was in two wooden trunks that were in the house I grew up in," she told the Irish Examiner. I was always told to leave them alone because they belonged to my grandfather. For 102 years those things remained unopened. When my grandfather and my father passed away and finally my mother passed away in 2014, I decided it was time to open the trunks. I started looking at the collection and slowly realising what I had. "They were all very organised stacks of letters that were carefully bound together. One of his sons had gone to South Africa and there were over 40 letters that he wrote back. It was just a treasure trove." Susan and her husband are delighted at their decision to donate the collection. "You don't know if the next generation are going to enjoy it, so I've no doubt that donating it was the right thing to do," she told the Irish Examiner. "The reaction has been energising and overwhelming. It makes you realise what you have and just how appreciative people are. I am overwhelmed by the hospitality. To begin with, my husband and I wondered if we should sell it. Then we asked ourselves the question "what would Daniel want us to do?" There was no question after that because we knew he would want us to donate it. It was very important that it ended up back in Ireland because Daniel had always wanted to return home. Daniel MacCarthy Glas was also a noted philanthropist, sponsoring the education of students in Dunmanway, helping Catholic institutions, and helping to preserve historic buildings and monuments such as Togher Castle and St Patricks Church in his native Dunmanway. Some of his family were poets and writers, and some held important positions, reflecting the fact that they intermarried with the British elite. Archivist Felix Meehan examines documents that are on display at the exhibition. Picture: David Creedon His father-in-law was Rear-Admiral Home Riggs Popham, who served in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. He also invented a flag signal code adopted by the British royal navy in 1803, which was used by British naval hero Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar to keep navy tactics secret. Daniel was very close to his daughter-in-law, Alice, who kept all his letters, writings, notes, and notebooks. The archive made its way to Oregon over a century ago, where it was held for safekeeping by later generations, finally ending up with Susan MacCarthy. Historian Michelle O'Mahony paid tribute to the women who have protected the collection over the years. "It was all women who were its custodians over the years. They were its saviours overtime." A man has been taken to the hospital after being shot in West Limerick. The incident occurred this Thursday evening in the townland of Kilcoole, near Rathkeale shortly after 6.30pm. A man aged in his late teens is due in court on Thursday in connection with the murder of Irish Rail worker Ian Walsh in Tipperary earlier this month. Mr Walsh was found dead in a downstairs room of his home in Ravenswood Estate on Cregg Rd in Carrick-on-Suir, on Monday, August 4. It was the biggest maritime event to happen in an East Cork town since the filming of the Hollywood classic Moby Dick in 1954. They had another whale of a time in Youghal on Wednesday after it celebrated the arrival of its very first cruise liner. Hundreds lined the towns quays to greet passengers who disembarked on tenders from the French-owned Le Bellot, which anchored out in the bay. Members of Cobh Heritage Vintage Era group in period costume at the welcome reception. There was a carnival atmosphere as passengers French, Spanish, British and American came ashore and each was given a small lucky old Irish hen penny' present sponsored by Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development and Perks family entertainment centre. Theres been a great turnout in the town for this. We badly need more tourism and hopeful cruise liner visits will add to it. We've our second liner coming in on August 28 and already a booking for one next May, chamber president Kay Curtin said. The visits origins lie in a director of Ponant, which owns Le Bellot, being highly taken by Youghal during a first visit in his yacht. Youghal was included in the small ship Celtic Cruise route, which also includes towns like Kinsale, Castletownbere and Baltimore. Traditional Irish dancing and music was provided for the visitors by the local Bru na Si Cultural Centre. Members of the Cobh Heritage Vintage Era Group were also present in resplendent Victorian-era costume to greet them. Alex, Jacob, Brooke and Sophia were in Youghal to meet passengers coming ashore. Seasoned American traveller Stephen Donnelly from Florida, whose father was from Co Tyrone, took pictures of the welcoming parties. I've never seen a reception like this at any port. It's exciting and really wonderful, he said. Some visitors went on walking tours of the town and the recently opened Midleton-Youghal greenway. Others went by coach to the Jameson whiskey distillery in Midleton. Stella Sheehan, a member of the Cobh Heritage Vintage Era Group, said every day a cruise liner visits her hometown its buzzing. We had nearly 100 liners this year and it's great for the local economy. We hope it's the start of a similar boost for Youghal, she said. Young dancers from Youghal Comhaltas dancing at the welcome reception. Cruise liners are coming to more places in Co Cork, with numbers up in Bantry, Glengarriff and especially in Kinsale. It was a very nostalgic day for Mayor of Cork Mary Linehan-Foley, who greeted all the visitors. She was born just yards from their arrival point, in the Moby Dick pub, which was owned by her late father, Paddy Linehan. When the famous film of that name, directed by the legendary John Huston and starring Gregory Peck, was shot in Youghal it provided locals with a huge economic boost. Ten full trains of people came every day from Cork City to see the filming. Adult extras got 2 per day and children 15 shillings a small fortune back then. I was very impressed by the crowds that turned out to meet our visitors. They got a welcome everywhere they went. Its very special for me as mayor having been brought up in Moby Dicks pub. "There probably hasnt been so much maritime excitement here since that was filmed and hopefully this will be the start of a new form of tourism which will benefit Youghals economy in the years ahead, Ms Linehan-Foley said. Two men have been arrested in connection with the seizure of more than 775,000 worth of cocaine in cannabis in Waterford. As part of Operation Tara, gardai carried out two searches of domestic residences in Tramore and in Waterford City on Wednesday, August 20. The Israeli government has approved a plan for construction of a massive new settlement bloc in the controversial E1 area in the occupied West Bank. In reviving a project first proposed in 1994, which will comprise about 3,500 new dwellings in a line across the West Bank, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich laid bare the intentions of his government. He declared that approval of construction plans in E1 buries the idea of a Palestinian state, and continues the many steps we are taking on the ground as part of the de facto sovereignty plan. E1 (East 1) refers to 12 sq km of unsettled land east of Jerusalem. It sits inside the boundaries of the third most populous Israeli settlement in the West Bank, Maale Adumim. In 1975, Israel expropriated 30 sq km of land on which seven Palestinian villages had once stood. Here they built Maale Adumim, one of three Israeli settlement blocs that form an outer ring around the Israeli-defined municipal boundaries of Jerusalem. Israeli authorities refer to these blocs as facts on the ground. They were initiated in the West Bank by the Israeli government after the 1967 War to ensure that Israeli population centres were protected from potential attacks. Today, almost 40,000 Israelis live in Maale Adumim largely secular Israelis and diaspora Jews who have moved to Israel. Far from the makeshift Israeli outposts that are scattered across the rural West Bank, Maale Adumim was designated a city by Israel in 2015. It is considered by the majority of Israeli Jews to be a permanently protected settlement bloc, which will be retained through land swaps in any final agreement with Palestinians. The E1 development plan would involve a significant expansion of the existing settlement. All settlement building in East Jerusalem and the West Bank is deemed illegal under international law, but the E1 plans are particularly controversial. At the heart of the controversy is the viability of a Palestinian state. Israeli construction in E1 would cut the West Bank into two separate parts, rendering it impossible to establish a contiguous Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. In addition, according to an objection lodged by the Israeli pressure group Peace Now, Israeli construction in E1 would negatively affect the economic development of a future Palestinian state. Its objection argues the E1 area is essential for expansion of an urban metropolis necessary for economic growth, and is the only land in East Jerusalem suitable for further development in the Palestinian part of the city. It states that E1 should therefore be left for Palestinian rather than Israeli development. Political threat The plan to develop E1 was first proposed in 1994 by Israels then-prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, to make sure Maale Adumim was part of a united Jerusalem. This was subsequently reaffirmed by Shimon Peres during his prime ministership in 1996, as part of proposed territorial swaps in the framework of a permanent peace agreement. In 2005, those plans were frozen after the US administration under George W Bush told Israel that settlement in E1 would contravene American policy. The plan was reignited by Israels current prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in 2012, in retaliation for the United Nations extension of non-member status to Palestine. But it was then put on hold for eight years due to international pressure. In 2020, a week ahead of the third national elections held in Israel in a single year, Netanyahu pledged to revive the E1 project, with the hope of securing votes and to court the ultra-nationalist parties into a potential coalition. In 2022, Netanyahu renewed the E1 construction plans, weeks before then-US president Joe Biden was due to visit Israel. Opposition and support Each time the plans have been proposed, the decision to advance construction has been met with both internal and international condemnation. On June 9 2023, the planning hearing was indefinitely postponed following a call between Netanyahu and Bidens secretary of state, Antony Blinken. In response to the most recent announcement to reinstate the plans, the European Union put out a statement expressing concern. It urged Israel to desist from taking this decision forward, noting its far-reaching implications and the need to consider action to protect the viability of the two-state solution. However, Donald Trump now appears to be breaking with the position of previous US administrations. It was recently reported in the Jerusalem Post that the Trump administration supports the reactivation of the development plans. A spokesperson for the US state department said a stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administrations goal to achieve peace in the region. Israels latest attempt to initiate construction in E1 shows that, while the plans have consistently been delayed, they have never been abandoned. The question is why did Smotrich, with the apparent approval of Netanyahu, make this announcement now? The answer is most likely that, with the international focus firmly on the continued assault on Gaza, the Israeli government believes it has the breathing space to press ahead with its commitment to building settlements across the West Bank. Alongside the proposed Israeli takeover of Gaza City, the promise by Smotrich that 2025 would be Israels Year of Sovereignty and with it the end of a future Palestinian state appears to be coming ever closer. Leonie Fleischmann is Senior Lecturer in International Politics at City St George's, University of London The Conversation Waterford neighbours of billionaire James Dyson have appealed against his plans to build a helipad on his estate. 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. James Dyson sought planning permission to construct a helicopter landing zone at his home near the Cork-Waterford border. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA 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 Council granted permission for the helipad to be built under certain conditions. However, neighbours have filed an appeal with the Irish planning authority An Coimisiun Pleanala and a decision is due by November 26. Russia launched one of its biggest aerial attacks this year at Ukraine, firing 574 drones and 40 missiles overnight, the Ukrainian air force said on Thursday. The attack mostly targeted western regions of the country, it said. The strikes killed at least one person and injured 15 others, according to officials. Ukraines foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said Russia struck a major American electronics manufacturer in western Ukraine. He provided no further details. Western parts of Ukraine are far from the battlefields front line in the east and south of the country. Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the overnight attack which left one person dead (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Much of the military aid provided by Ukraines Western allies is believed to be transported and stored there. It was Russias third largest aerial attack this year in terms of the number of drones fired and the eighth-largest in terms of missiles, according to official figures. The strikes occurred during a renewed US-led effort to reach a peace settlement in the three-year war following Russias invasion of its neighbour. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, saying it was carried out as if nothing were changing at all. Ukrainian soldiers practise their skills on a training ground near Kharkiv (Anatolii Lysianskyi/Ukraines 127th Separate Brigade via AP) Moscow has shown no signs of pursuing meaningful negotiations to end the war and urged the international community to respond with stronger pressure, including tougher sanctions and tariffs, he said. Russia wasted several cruise missiles against an American business, he said, noting it was a regular civilian enterprise producing domestic utilities, such as coffee machines. And that too became a target for Russia. Very telling. Earlier, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine will hold intensive meetings to understand what kind of security guarantees its allies are willing to provide after receiving signals that the United States would back reinvigorated discussions seeking an end to war. The details are being hammered out among national security advisers and military officials and Mr Zelensky thinks they will take clearer shape within 10 days. He then expects to be ready to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since the full-scale invasion. The talks could also be conducted in a trilateral format alongside US President Donald Trump, Mr Zelensky said. We want to have an understanding of the security guarantees architecture within seven to 10 days. And based on that understanding, we aim to hold a trilateral meeting. That was my logic, Mr Zelensky said, speaking to reporters on Wednesday after his trip to Washington along with Europes top leaders. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said working on security arrangements in Ukraine without Moscows involvement would not work, according to state news agency RIA Novosti. We cannot agree with the fact that it is now proposed to resolve collective security issues without the Russian Federation. This will not work. We have already explained more than once that Russia does not overstate its interests, but we will ensure our legitimate interests firmly and harshly, Mr Lavrov said at a news conference on Wednesday. An appeal court has thrown out a massive civil fraud penalty against Donald Trump in a New York state lawsuit accusing him of exaggerating his wealth. The decision came seven months after the Republican returned to the White House. A panel of five judges in New Yorks mid-level Appellate Division said the verdict, which stood to cost the president more than $515m and rock his property empire, was excessive. After finding that Mr Trump engaged in fraud by flagrantly padding financial statements that went to lenders and insurers, Judge Arthur Engoron ordered him last year to pay $355m in penalties. With interest, the sum has topped $515m. The total combined with penalties levied on some other Trump Organisation executives including Mr Trumps sons Eric and Donald Jr now exceeds $527m, with interest. Judge Arthur Engoron (Shannon Stapleton/AP) While the injunctive relief ordered by the court is well crafted to curb defendants business culture, the courts disgorgement order, which directs that defendants pay nearly half a billion dollars to the State of New York, is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, Judges Dianne T Renwick and Peter H Moulton wrote in one of several opinions shaping the appeals courts ruling. Judge Engoron had also imposed other punishments, such as banning Mr Trump and his two eldest sons from serving in corporate leadership for a few years. Those provisions have been on pause during the appeal, and Mr Trump was able to hold off collection of the money by posting a $175m bond. The court, which was split on the merits of the lawsuit and the lower courts fraud finding, dismissed the penalty Judge Engoron imposed in its entirety while leaving a pathway for further appeals to the states highest court, the Court of Appeals. The appeals court, the Appellate Division of the states trial court, took an unusually long time to rule, weighing Mr Trumps appeal for nearly 11 months after oral arguments last autumn. Normally, appeals are decided in a matter of weeks or a few months. New York attorney general Letitia James, who brought the suit on the states behalf, has said the businessman-turned-politician engaged in lying, cheating and staggering fraud. The president and his co-defendants denied wrongdoing. In a six-minute summation of sorts after a months-long trial, Mr Trump said in January last year that he was an innocent man and the case was a fraud on me. He has repeatedly maintained that the case and verdict were political moves by Ms James and Judge Engoron, who are both Democrats. The Justice Department has subpoenaed Ms James for records related to the lawsuit, among other documents, as part of an investigation into whether she violated the presidents civil rights. New York attorney general Letitia James (Yuki Iwamura/AP) Her lawyer Abbe D Lowell has said that investigating the fraud case is the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the presidents political retribution campaign. Mr Trump and his lawyers said his financial statements were not deceptive because they came with disclaimers noting they had not been audited. The defence also noted that bankers and insurers independently evaluated the numbers and the loans were repaid. Despite such discrepancies as tripling the size of his Trump Tower penthouse, he said the financial statements were, if anything, low estimates of his fortune. During an appellate court hearing in September, the presidents lawyers said many of the cases allegations were too old, a claim they made unsuccessfully before trial. The defence also says Ms James misused a consumer protection law to sue Mr Trump and improperly policed private business transactions that were satisfactory to those involved. State attorneys said the law in question applies to fraudulent or illegal business conduct, whether it targets everyday consumers or big corporations. Though Mr Trump insists no one was harmed by the financial statements, the state says the numbers led lenders to make riskier loans than they knew, and that honest borrowers lose out when others boost their net-worth numbers. The state has argued that the verdict rested on ample evidence and that the scale of the penalty comported with Mr Trumps gains, including his profits on properties financed with the loans and the interest he saved by getting favourable terms offered to wealthy borrowers. The civil fraud case was one of several legal obstacles for Mr Trump as he campaigned, won and started a second term as president. 08/20/2025 By Brett Buckner Every family has its dubious characters. However, Jax State Vice Provost, Dr. Staci Stone, has a distant relative named Elmer McCurdy, a bank robber and train robber, so notorious, his life and afterlife - has been the subject of numerous songs, movies, comic books, documentaries, even a Tony-nominated Broadway musical. McCurdys exploits are once again being repurposed, this time by puppeteer Blair Thomas, founder and artistic director of The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival. On Monday, August 25, in Mason Hall 350 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thomas will perform two short-form puppetry pieces as part of the Jax States Kaleidoscope: A Festival of the Arts. The first is titled Cowboy Outlaw, which Thomas describes as being, built around the ballad, Cowboy Outlaw, by Brian Dewan. Admission is free. I can't wait to see this adaptation on campus, and those sponsoring this event had no idea of my connection, Dr. Stone said. Small world." Dr. Stone learned that McCurdy was a long-lost relative from her grandmothers genealogical work published in The McCurdy Family: Early Settlers of DeKalb County, Alabama by Hershellene Peek McCurdy and Howard McCurdy. We talked about Elmer when my grandparents were alive because his story is so fascinating - and unbelievable, she said. Monday's performance won't be Dr. Stone's first exposure to the legend of Elmer McCurdy. She and her daughter recently attended the musical based on his life performed on Broadway and even visited his gravesite in Oklahoma. "I'm fortunate that my daughter and I were able to travel to NYC to see the show," she said, "which was a strange, fun musical about our Dead Outlaw relative." The outlaw mummy Nicknamed "The Outlaw Who Wouldn't Give Up," Elmer McCurdy was killed following a train robbery in Oklahoma in October 1911. According to reports, police surrounded the barn where he was hiding out. McCurdy shot at the police, who returned fire. When the gun smoke cleared, McCurdy was found dead in the hayloft. Death was just the beginning of the outlaw's strange journey. Embalmed so well it could stand upright on its own, the local undertaker dressed McCurdy in street clothes, gave him a rifle, and charged visitors five cents to see "The Embalmed Bandit," slipping coins through the dead outlaw's parted lips. McCurdy's mummified remains travel with various sideshows and for more than 60 years, appearing in crime exhibits, drug awareness campaigns, haunted houses, and low-budget films, having lost fingers, toes, and ears due to neglect. By 1976, McCurdy, then painted bright red, was hanging in a Long Beach, Calif., funhouse. Members of the production crew for The Six Million Dollar Man were filming a scene nearby when a prop master knocked off McCurdy's arm, revealing a human bone. Ticket stubs to Louis Sonney's Museum of Crime and a 1924 penny helped medical examiners identify the body. On April 22, 1977, a horse-drawn hearse brought McCurdy to the Boot Hill section of Summit View Cemetery in Guthrie, Oklahoma. More than 300 people attended his funeral. According to legend, two feet of concrete was poured over the casket, ensuring this time - McCurdy stayed put. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Iraqi farmers, tired of high electricity bills and frequent blackouts, are turning to solar panels, according to Khalid Al-Mousuly at Reuters. Farmers need electricity to run water pumps for irrigation. It isnt just the farmers. With nearly a gigawatt annually in solar panel imports, Iraq has emerged as the third-largest importer of Chinese panels, which are on a fire sale because of recent overproduction. It ranks just behind oil giants Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for such imports. The Iraqi government is partnering with Frances TotalEnergies to install a 250-megawatt utility solar plant at Basra that will come into operation before the end of the year. The plant will then be expanded to 1 gigawatt in output. It will eventually have 2 million solar panels. The Iraqi government has a goal of 12 gigawatts of solar in total for the country by 2030. Over 7 gigawatts in project bids have already been let. Preparations are being made for another mega-project, a massive 3-gigawatt solar farm to be built by the British-American firm UGT Renewables. The Iraqi government, despite being a petro-state, openly admits the dangers of climate breakdown fueled by carbon pollution and the need to reduce emissions. In contrast, Saudi Arabia is a notorious climate change denialist that has funded misinformation campaigns to slow the adoption of renewables. Iraq has plentiful sunshine and a lot of desert on which to place the panels. Solar plants can be built in just a couple of years, unlike gas power plants, which often take as many as five years to construct. The Iraqi state wants to build out its electricity production substantially, to meet growing demand. Its dependence on Iran for electricity may not be sustainable because the Trump administration has cancelled the waiver previously granted Iraq to do business with Iran in this way. Trump has Iran under maximum pressure sanctions. Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are major petroleum exporters. But petroleum is primarily used to fuel cars, trucks, trains, planes and other forms of transportation. Relatively few electricity power plants are fueled by petroleum, which is expensive for the purpose. Electricity in the Gulf is mostly provided by fossil gas plants. Either the gas is locally produced or imported from Qatar (many oil states have relatively few gas resources). Some electricity in Iraq also comes from hydroelectric dams. Renewables so far account for a tiny proportion of Iraqi electricity production, but that situation looks set to change rapidly. Since the United Nations and United States sanctions imposed on Iraq after the occupation of Kuwait and the 1991 Gulf War that ended it, the Iraqi government has never had the resources to build enough power plants to meet the needs of the needs of the country. The long American occupation after 2003 and the guerrilla movements it provoked threw the country into chaos, slowing such infrastructural building. Iraq ended up importing electricity from Iran. It may also be that the Iraqi governments notorious corruption problems have siphoned off funds that could have been used for building power plants. Electricity in Iraq is therefore rationed. Al-Mousuly reports that most Iraqis only get a half day of electricity in the summer, even though temperatures are reaching 104 F. imagine not having air conditioning! Many Iraqis are just not going to wait any longer for the government to supply them inexpensive and reliable electricity, and with the current cheapness of Chinese solar panels, they are able to just do it themselves. This movement toward villagers importing and installing vast numbers of Chinese solar panels can be seen in other nearby countries such as Pakistan, where farmers put in a whopping 17 gigawatts of solar last year. Imagining Solar in Basra, Digital, ChatGPT / Clip2Comic, based in part on photo by on Unsplash Wheat grower Ali Abdullah said that he had been paying over $700 a month for electricity for his farm, but after putting in the solar panels his bill fell to some $64 a month, according to Reuters. Moreover, now he actually gets the electricity he is paying for. The vogue for solar is sweeping other areas of Iraq, too, such as Kurdistan, where the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is also increasingly committed to solar. But many homeowners are putting in $2000 rooftop solar installations, pairing them with lead-acid or lithium batteries. They can thereby just go off the unreliable grid entirely and dont have to worry whether the KRG electricity will end up being expensive. 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) Multiple new high-grade gold intercepts below the Mineral Resource at Abore highlight potential for Mineral Resource growth. VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Galiano Gold Inc. ("Galiano" or the "Company") (TSX: GAU) (NYSE American: GAU) is pleased to announce an update on the Abore 2025 Phase 2 drilling program, currently underway at the Asanko Gold Mine ("AGM"), in Ghana, West Africa. Drilling results have identified multiple new high-grade ore shoots across the Abore South and Main zones, while also revealing a significant new high-grade discovery at Abore North below the existing Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource. The ongoing exploration program at Abore continues to unlock near-term growth opportunities, with mineralization open in multiple directions and additional drilling underway. Selected Drill Highlights1,2,3: 6.8 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold ("Au") over 23 meters ("m") from 240m (Hole ABDD25-388) from (Hole ABDD25-388) 5.3 g/t Au over 16.4m from 189m (Hole ABDD25-384) from (Hole ABDD25-384) 2.0 g/t Au over 44.8m from 279m (Hole ABPC25-368) from (Hole ABPC25-368) 2.9 g/t Au over 30.6m from 148m , including 17m @ 4.5 g/t Au (Hole ABPC25-380) from , including (Hole ABPC25-380) 3.0 g/t Au over 17.5m from 241m (Hole ABDD25-354) from (Hole ABDD25-354) 2.9 g/t Au over 29.7m from 209m (Hole ABPC25-371) from (Hole ABPC25-371) 2.1 g/t Au over 40m from 208m , including 12m @ 3.8 g/t Au ( Hole ABDD25-376) from , including Hole ABDD25-376) 2.3 g/t Au over 19.9m from 215m (Hole ABPC25-361) from (Hole ABPC25-361) 1.7 g/t Au over 46m from 225m , including 13m @ 2.8 g/t Au ( Hole ABDD25-374) from , including Hole ABDD25-374) 1.6 g/t Au over 34m from 210m , including 8m @ 3.7 g/t Au ( Hole ABDD25-377) from , including Hole ABDD25-377) 1.3 g/t Au over 30m from 233m , including 5m @ 3.2 g/t Au (Hole ABDD25-379) "We are excited to see consistent high-grade zones intercepted below the current resource shell at grades significantly above the average grade of the existing mineral resource," said Matt Badylak, President and Chief Executive Officer of Galiano. "We recognise the significance of encountering grades of this magnitude and continuity of mineralization at these elevations and anticipate these results will drive near term value through open pit resource expansion, while providing robust targets for continued exploration success at Abore." Chris Pettman, Galiano's Vice President of Exploration, added: "These results validate our exploration strategy and strengthen our confidence in Abore as we advance with expanded drill programs targeting both open pit extensions and underground potential. We anticipate continuing aggressive drilling operations at Abore for the balance of the year and into 2026." Abore 2025 Phase 2 Program Overview Following the positive results of a Phase 1 drilling program reported in Q1 2025, which targeted mineralization within and directly below the Mineral Reserve pit1, the Company is pleased to report partial results on Phase 2 currently underway at Abore and near 75% complete. The Phase 2 program was designed to test for further extensions of mineralization immediately below the Abore Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource, across a strike length of approximately 1,600m, extending to the northern end of the Abore Mineral Reserve pit. Drilling has progressed under budget and ahead of schedule and is now expected to achieve approximately 10,000m over 40 holes. Complete assays have been received for 31 holes to-date. _____________________________ 1 See press release "Galiano Gold Announces Discovery of New High-Grade Zone at Abore with Intercept of 50m @ 3.2 g/t Au & Results of Infill Drilling Program" dated May 5, 2025. Abore South and Abore Main: Multiple High-Grade Ore Shoots Identified Among the highest priorities for the Phase 2 program was testing for continuation of mineralization in the 'saddle' area between Abore South pit and Abore Main pit, as well as expanding the high-grade zone initially discovered during Phase 1 drilling, where hole ABPC25-346 (the "Discovery Hole") returned 50m @ 3.2 g/t Au under the south end of Abore Main pit1. Drilling from Phase 2 has confirmed mineralization continues along a low angle ore shoot, down plunge and along strike, to the north of the known south high-grade zone into the saddle area. This high-grade zone now has a total strike length of approximately 400m, with notable intercepts including: Hole ABDD25-354: 17.5m @ 3.0 g/t Au from 241m from Hole ABPC25-361: 19.9m @ 2.3 g/t Au from 215m The high-grade zone at the south end of Abore Main pit mentioned above has now been shown to be part of another low angle, north plunging ore shoot also extending over at least 400m. It starts 60m along strike and up plunge to the south of the Discovery Hole, where Phase 2 drilling intersected the ore shoot under the saddle area and returned the following significant intercept: Hole ABPC25-380 30.6m @ 2.9 g/t Au from 148m , including 17m @ 4.5 g/t Au Multiple drill holes intercepted the down plunge extension of this ore shoot under Abore Main pit to the north of the Discovery Hole, including the following key intercepts: Hole ABPC25-371: 29.7m @ 2.9 g/t Au from 209m from Hole ABDD25-374: 46m @ 1.7 g/t Au from 225m , including 13m @ 2.8 g/t Au from , including Hole ABDD25-376: 40m @ 2.1 g/t Au from 208m , including 12m @ 3.8 g/t Au from , including Hole ABDD25-377: 34m @ 1.6 g/t Au from 210m , including 8m @ 3.7 g/t Au from , including Hole ABDD25-379: 30m @ 1.3 g/t Au from 233m , including 5m @ 3.2 g/t Au This ore shoot remains open along strike and down plunge to the north under Main pit, as well as at depth. Drilling during Phase 2 in the area under the saddle, between Abore South pit and Abore Main pit, has also identified what is interpreted as a south dipping conjugate structure carrying high-grade mineralization that connects the two north plunging ore shoots, with the following significant intercept: Hole ABDD25-384: 16.4m @ 5.3 g/t Au from 189m Other intercepts of note at Abore South pit include a wide intercept of mineralized granite directly below the south high-grade zone, with hole ABPC25-368 intercepting 44.8m @ 2.0 g/t Au from 279m, including 17m @ 3.3 g/t Au. The southern most hole of the Phase 2 program, hole ABPC25-364, intercepted 28m @ 1.6 g/t Au from 207m. Abore North: New High-Grade Zone Discovered Phase 2 drilling extended to the northern end of the deposit, identifying a new high-grade zone located approximately 75m below the Abore Mineral Resource under Abore North pit, with the following significant intercept: Hole ABDD25-388: 23m @ 6.8 g/t Au from 240m Further infill drilling around this intercept is currently underway to determine the orientation and size of this new zone, which remains open along strike to the north and south, as well as at depth. In addition to this newly discovered high-grade zone, Phase 2 drilling, under and around North pit and below the Mineral Resource, has returned additional well-mineralized intercepts including: Hole ABPC25-375: 11m @ 2.3 g/t Au from 189m and 7m @ 2.6 g/t Au from 208m from and from Hole ABDD25-387: 5.2m @ 5.5 g/t Au from 266m and 5m @ 3.0 g/t Au from 279m and 5m @ 2.0 g/t Au from 292m These strong initial results demonstrate that there is considerable near-term growth potential at Abore North, where active mining has yet to begin. The current Phase 2 program remains ongoing with 9 holes from Abore South, Abore Main and Abore North yet to be completed and/or awaiting final assays. Next Steps Based on the continued exploration success at Abore, the 2025 drilling campaign will now be expanded beyond the completion of the current Phase 2 program and is anticipated to extend into 2026 to rapidly increase drill density within the zone immediately below the current Abore Mineral Resource with the goal of growing Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources. The program will also continue to aggressively test multiple priority targets for further continuations of high-grade mineralization along plunge and beneath the known mineralized zones, which all remain open. Key areas of strategic interest include the 'saddle' zone connecting the Abore South and Main pits, as well as sections directly below the North pit, which present compelling mine optimization opportunities. Mineralization remains open at depth and across the entire 1,800m of strike of the Abore deposit. The Company is undertaking studies to evaluate underground mining potential and to define the optimal transition depth between open pit operations and potential future underground development. The exploration team at the AGM is well positioned to execute this aggressive drilling strategy with a fully staffed, highly skilled team on site, sufficient funding, and the full support of the Company's management and Board of Directors. As demonstrated during the ramp up of the Phase 2 drilling, the Company was able to leverage strong relationships with our in-country drilling contractors to obtain high quality equipment and crews and plan to ramp up to a minimum of five to six drill rigs at Abore throughout the duration of this next phase of drilling. Background Abore is located approximately 13 kilometers north of the AGM's processing plant, directly along the haul road, and has current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 638,000 ounces at 1.24 g/t Au and Inferred Mineral Resources of 78,000 ounces at 1.17 g/t Au, as published in the Company's most recent Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates effective December 31, 20242. The Abore deposit sits along the Esaase shear corridor, which also hosts the Esaase deposit, and forms part of the northeast striking Asankrangwa gold belt. The geology of Abore is characterized by a sedimentary sequence composed primarily of siltstones, shales and thickly bedded sandstones that has been intruded by a granite, which lies parallel to the shear and dipping steeply to the northwest. The majority of mineralization is constrained to the granite, hosted in west dipping quartz vein areas developed primarily along the eastern margin of the granite/sediment contact. ______________________________ 2 See press release "Galiano Gold Announces 2025 Guidance And Provides Mineral Reserve And Mineral Resource Update" dated January 28, 2025. Cross sections F H, and J below trend from south to north showing the newly identified north plunging ore shoot with mineralization below the Mineral Resource under Main pit and extending into the saddle zone between main pit and south pit. This ore shoot remains open in all directions. Table 1: Abore Phase 2 drilling intercepts table1,2,3 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Width (m) Grade (g/t Au) Intercept Description ABDD25-388 240.0 263.0 23.0 6.8 23.0m @ 6.8 g/t ABPC25-368 279.3 324.1 44.8 2.0 44.8m @ 2.0 g/t ABDD25-380 147.9 178.5 30.6 2.9 30.6m @ 2.9 g/t ABDD25-384 189.1 205.5 16.4 5.3 16.4m @ 5.3 g/t ABPC25-371 209.1 238.8 29.7 2.9 29.7m @ 2.9 g/t ABDD25-376 208.0 248.0 40.0 2.1 40.0m @ 2.1 g/t ABDD25-374 225.0 271.0 46.0 1.7 46.0m @ 1.7 g/t ABDD25-377 210.0 244.0 34.0 1.6 34.0m @ 1.6 g/t ABDD25-354 241.0 258.5 17.5 3.0 17.5m @ 3.0 g/t ABPC25-361 215.1 235.0 19.9 2.3 19.9m @ 2.3 g/t ABPC25-364 207.0 235.0 28.0 1.6 28.0m @ 1.6 g/t ABDD25-379 232.8 262.8 30.0 1.3 30.0m @ 1.3 g/t ABDD25-363 195.4 208.9 13.5 2.7 13.5m @ 2.7 g/t ABDD25-369 179.4 189.8 10.4 3.3 10.4m @ 3.3 g/t ABDD25-378 202.4 221.6 19.3 1.7 19.3m @ 1.7 g/t ABDD25-387 265.8 271.0 5.2 5.5 5.2m @ 5.5 g/t ABDD25-381 212.0 225.0 13.0 2.0 13.0m @ 2.0 g/t ABPC25-375 189.0 200.0 11.0 2.3 11.0m @ 2.3 g/t ABDD25-370 172.4 186.2 13.9 1.7 13.9m @ 1.7g/t ABPC25-357 233.8 239.0 5.2 4.5 5.2m @ 4.5 g/t ABDD25-389 233.0 252.0 19.0 1.2 19.0m @ 1.2 g/t ABDD25-385 225.0 238.3 13.3 1.5 13.3m @ 1.5 g/t ABPC25-375 208.0 215.0 7.0 2.6 7.0m @ 2.6 g/t ABDD25-382 265.0 276.9 11.9 1.4 11.9m @ 1.4 g/t ABDD25-387 279.0 284.0 5.0 3.0 5.0m @ 3.0 g/t ABDD25-386 181.0 191.6 10.6 1.3 10.6m @ 1.3 g/t ABDD25-386 226.0 243.0 17.0 0.8 17.0m @ 0.8 g/t ABDD25-353 294.1 297.8 3.7 2.9 3.7m @ 2.9 g/t ABPC25-357 249.0 265.8 16.8 0.6 16.8m @ 0.6 g/t ABDD25-387 292.0 297.0 5.0 2.0 5.0m @ 2.0 g/t ABDD25-389 192.8 204.8 12.0 0.8 12.0m @ 0.8 g/t ABDD25-376 137.0 144.0 7.0 1.4 7.0m @ 1.4 g/t ABDD25-381 231.1 242.2 11.1 0.8 11.1m @ 0.8 g/t ABDD25-379 267.0 271.0 4.0 1.6 4.0m @ 1.6 g/t ABPC25-364 195.0 201.0 6.0 0.9 6.0m @ 0.9 g/t ABDD25-377 254.7 259.0 4.3 1.3 4.3m @ 1.3 g/t ABDD25-380 201.0 204.0 3.0 1.6 3.0m @ 1.6 g/t ABDD25-382 243.0 250.0 7.0 0.7 7.0m @ 0.7 g/t ABDD25-376 264.0 270.3 6.3 0.7 6.3m @ 0.7 g/t ABDD25-379 277.0 285.0 8.0 0.5 8.0m @ 0.5 g/t ABDD25-385 276.0 280.0 4.0 1.0 4.0m @ 1.0 g/t ABPC25-375 232.1 237.7 5.6 0.6 5.m6 @ 0.6 g/t ABDD25-387 241.4 247.6 6.2 0.4 6.2m @ 0.4 g/t ABPC25-375 224.4 228.5 4.1 0.6 4.1m @ 0.6 g/t ABDD25-381 198.6 203.0 4.4 0.5 4.4m @ 0.5 g/t ABDD25-377 203.0 206.0 3.0 0.7 3.0m @ 0.7 g/t Notes: 1. Intervals reported are hole lengths with true width estimated to be 80%-90%. 2. Intervals are not top cut and are calculated with the assumptions of > 0.5 g/t and < 3m of internal waste. 3. All samples are taken from diamond core. Qualified Person and QA/QC Chris Pettman, P. Geo, Vice President Exploration of Galiano, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Pettman is responsible for all aspects of the work, including the Data Verification and Quality Control/Quality Assurance programs and has verified the data disclosed, by reviewing all data and supervising its compilation. There are no known factors that could materially affect the reliability of data collected and verified under his supervision. No quality assurance/quality control issues have been identified to date. Mr. Pettman is not independent of Galiano. Certified Reference Materials and Blanks are inserted by Galiano into the sample stream at the rate of 1:14 samples. Field duplicates are collected at the rate of 1:30 samples. All samples have been analyzed by Photon assay by Intertek Minerals Ltd. ("Intertek") in Tarkwa, Ghana with standard preparation methods. ChrysosTM Photon assay uses high energy X-ray to activate gold nuclei in a large sample ca. 500g. Photon assay uses a larger sample, thus the variance on the sampling error is less. Crushing the sample to 2-3mm is required in many cases. Photon assay tends to have a higher detection limit than fire assay (0.02ppm). Intertek does its own introduction of QA/QC samples into the sample stream and reports them to Galiano for double checking. Higher grade samples are re-analysed from pulp or reject material or both. Intertek is an international company operating in 100 countries and is independent of Galiano. It provides testing for a wide range of industries including the mining, metals, and oil sectors. Contact Information Krista Muhr Toll-Free (N. America): 1-855-246-7341 Telephone: 1-778-239-0446 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. About Galiano Gold Inc. Galiano is focused on creating a sustainable business capable of value creation for all stakeholders through production, exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. The Company owns and operates the Asanko Gold Mine, which is located in Ghana, West Africa. Galiano is committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and the health and safety of its employees and neighbouring communities. For more information, please visit www.galianogold.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and information contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which we refer to collectively as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's expectations and timing with respect to current and planned drilling programs at Abore, and the results thereof; the potential to optimize and/or expand the Abore Reserve pit and the resulting impact on mineral reserves and ore delivery; the Company's belief in the potential of Abore; and the Company's plans to update the mineral resources and mineral reserves and timing of release of production and cost guidance. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to: development plans and capital expenditures; the price of gold will not decline significantly or for a protracted period of time; the accuracy of the estimates and assumptions underlying mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; the Company's ability to raise sufficient funds from future equity financings to support its operations, and general business and economic conditions; the global financial markets and general economic conditions will be stable and prosperous in the future; the ability of the Company to comply with applicable governmental regulations and standards; the mining laws, tax laws and other laws in Ghana applicable to the AGM will not change, and there will be no imposition of additional exchange controls in Ghana; the success of the Company in implementing its development strategies and achieving its business objectives; the Company will have sufficient working capital necessary to sustain its operations on an ongoing basis and the Company will continue to have sufficient working capital to fund its operations; and the key personnel of the Company will continue their employment. The foregoing list of assumptions cannot be considered exhaustive. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, include, but are not limited to: mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates may change and may prove to be inaccurate; metallurgical recoveries may not be economically viable; life of mine estimates are based on a number of factors and assumptions and may prove to be incorrect; actual production, costs, returns and other economic and financial performance may vary from the Company's estimates in response to a variety of factors, many of which are not within the Company's control; inflationary pressures and the effects thereof; the AGM has a limited operating history and is subject to risks associated with establishing new mining operations; sustained increases in costs, or decreases in the availability, of commodities consumed or otherwise used by the Company may adversely affect the Company; adverse geotechnical and geological conditions (including geotechnical failures) may result in operating delays and lower throughput or recovery, closures or damage to mine infrastructure; the ability of the Company to treat the number of tonnes planned, recover valuable materials, remove deleterious materials and process ore, concentrate and tailings as planned is dependent on a number of factors and assumptions which may not be present or occur as expected; the Company's mineral properties may experience a loss of ore due to illegal mining activities; the Company's operations may encounter delays in or losses of production due to equipment delays or the availability of equipment; outbreaks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases may have a negative impact on global financial conditions, demand for commodities and supply chains and could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations and the market price of the common shares of the Company; the Company's operations are subject to continuously evolving legislation, compliance with which may be difficult, uneconomic or require significant expenditures; the Company may be unsuccessful in attracting and retaining key personnel; labour disruptions could adversely affect the Company's operations; recoveries may be lower in the future and have a negative impact on the Company's financial results; the lower recoveries may persist and be detrimental to the AGM and the Company; the Company's business is subject to risks associated with operating in a foreign country; risks related to the Company's use of contractors; the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of gold; the Company's operations are subject to environmental hazards and compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations; the effects of climate change or extreme weather events may cause prolonged disruption to the delivery of essential commodities which could negatively affect production efficiency; the Company's operations and workforce are exposed to health and safety risks; unexpected costs and delays related to, or the failure of the Company to obtain, necessary permits could impede the Company's operations; the Company's title to exploration, development and mining interests can be uncertain and may be contested; geotechnical risks associated with the design and operation of a mine and related civil structures; the Company's properties may be subject to claims by various community stakeholders; risks related to limited access to infrastructure and water; risks associated with establishing new mining operations; the Company's revenues are dependent on the market prices for gold, which have experienced significant recent fluctuations; the Company may not be able to secure additional financing when needed or on acceptable terms; the Company's shareholders may be subject to future dilution; risks related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; risks relating to credit rating downgrades; changes to taxation laws applicable to the Company may affect the Company's profitability and ability to repatriate funds; risks related to the Company's internal controls over financial reporting and compliance with applicable accounting regulations and securities laws; risks related to information systems security threats; non-compliance with public disclosure obligations could have an adverse effect on the Company's stock price; the carrying value of the Company's assets may change and these assets may be subject to impairment charges; risks associated with changes in reporting standards; the Company may be liable for uninsured or partially insured losses; the Company may be subject to litigation; damage to the Company's reputation could result in decreased investor confidence and increased challenges in developing and maintaining community relations which may have adverse effects on the business, results of operations and financial conditions of the Company and the Company's share price; the Company may be unsuccessful in identifying targets for acquisition or completing suitable corporate transactions, and any such transactions may not be beneficial to the Company or its shareholders; the Company must compete with other mining companies and individuals for mining interests; the Company's growth, future profitability and ability to obtain financing may be impacted by global financial conditions; the Company's common shares may experience price and trading volume volatility; the Company has never paid dividends and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future; the Company's shareholders may be unable to sell significant quantities of the Company's common shares into the public trading markets without a significant reduction in the price of its common shares, or at all; and the risk factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, you are cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in, this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 20, 2025) - Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PX) (OTC PINK: PGXPF) ("Pelangio" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of an updated, independent, Mineral Resource Estimate (the "Resource") for the Company's 100% owned Manfo Gold Project ("Manfo") in Ghana. The Resource was completed by SEMS Technical Services Ltd. of Ghana. The Resource, with an effective date of July 31, 2025, is reported for four gold deposits using constraining optimized pits at a gold price of US$2,600 per ounce, and: Updates Pelangio's Maiden gold resource estimate which was completed in 2013 at a gold price of US$1,450 per ounce. Defines a total Indicated Mineral Resource of 441,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.16 g/t Au and totalling 11,787,000 tonnes; and of gold at an average grade of 1.16 g/t Au and totalling 11,787,000 tonnes; and Defines a total Inferred Mineral Resource of 396,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 0.77 g/t Au and totalling 16,048,000 tonnes. of gold at an average grade of 0.77 g/t Au and totalling 16,048,000 tonnes. Adds a fourth deposit to the Resource for Manfo, the Nkansu deposit. Represents an increase of 126% in estimated gold ounces in the Indicated category plus an increase of 395% in estimated gold ounces in the Inferred category as compared to the 2013 pit-constrained mineral resource estimate that used $1,450 Au for its pit optimization. The August 2025 Resource (refer to Table 1) uses the 2013 deposit models for the Manfo gold project generated by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., updated to include drilling conducted by Pelangio since 2013. A new model was created for the Nkansu deposit, which was largely drilled after the 2013 Maiden Resource, adding a fourth deposit to the Manfo total Resource. The updated Resource reflects the significantly increased gold price since 2013 using US$2,600 per ounce gold for the economic pit optimizations as compared to US$1,450 used in 2013 and utilizes lower gold grade cut-off values justified by the current gold price. In addition to the gold price, the other parameters for the economic pit optimization, including costs, pit slopes and recoveries were reviewed and updated as appropriate to reflect current economic conditions. The 2025 updated Resource has returned substantially more pit-constrained gold mineralization than the 2013 resource estimate defined, although at lower average gold grades. Refer to the detailed discussion below. The Company intends to file a technical report in respect of the Resource within 45 days and will issue an additional news release at that time. "The updated Manfo resource estimate demonstrates a substantial increase in both tonnage and contained gold, with a notable improvement in the confidence of the Indicated category. The integration of new drilling data and the addition of the Nkosuo mining lease have materially enhanced the project's scale and potential. Our focus now shifts to targeted infill drilling, step-out drilling and exploration on both Manfo and Nkosuo to further define and expand the resource base, while advancing technical studies to support future development decisions," remarked Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEO. Table 1. Mineral Resource Statement for the Manfo Gold Project (July 31, 2025) Classification Indicated Inferred Category Cut-off Grade (g/t Au) Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Cont. Gold (000' oz) Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Cont. Gold (000' oz) Oxide 0.25 55 1.30 2 1,024 0.69 23 Transition 0.35 458 1.70 25 2,017 0.79 51 Fresh 0.35 11,274 1.14 414 13,007 0.77 322 Totals 11,787 1.16 441 16,048 0.77 396 Notes: The Indicated mineral resource and the Inferred mineral resource are reported in accordance with Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and have been estimated following the generally accepted Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum 'Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines' (2014). Mineral resources are distinct from mineral reserves, have not demonstrated economic viability, and there is no certainty that they will be converted into a mineral reserve. The Inferred mineral resource estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated mineral resource. While it is reasonably expected that some portion of the Inferred Mineral Resource could potentially be upgraded to an Indicated mineral resource with further drilling, it is not certain, and Inferred resources may prove to be uneconomic. Factors that could materially affect the reported Mineral Resource include changes in metal price and exchange rate assumptions; changes to assumed metallurgical recoveries, mining dilution and recovery; and assumptions as to the continued ability to access the site, extend and/or retain mineral and surface rights, titles and permits, maintain environmental and other regulatory permits, and continued community and stakeholder support for ongoing activities. The Mineral Resource estimate was prepared by independent Qualified Persons Simon Meadows Smith (FIMMM # 49627) and Andrew Netherwood (MAusIMM #100463) of SEMS Technical Services Ltd. Ghana and has an effective date of July 31,2025. The Mineral Resource updates the 2013 maiden mineral resource estimate prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. released on May 17, 2013, and filed June 21, 2013. SEMS Technical Services reviewed and validated SRK's models and updated them with the information from holes drilled by Pelangio Exploration after 2013 and used the updated models for the basis of their mineral resource estimation. The Resource estimation was conducted for four individual economically pit-constrained deposits on the Manfo project, including Pokukrom East, Pokukrom West, Nkansu and Nfante West. The Nkansu deposit was largely drilled after the 2013 maiden resource was estimated and is a new addition to the total resource at Manfo. Drill assay grades were composited to one-meter lengths with top-cutting varying by resource domain and ranging up to a maximum of 30.0 g/t Au. Mineral resource estimation consisted of standard geostatistical techniques of variography and ordinary kriging applied to wireframe models of mineralization and lithological alteration zones as defined by various interpreted resource domains. To demonstrate the mineral resources defined hold "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction by open pit mining", open pit economic optimization techniques were employed to generate conceptual pits shells (constraining surfaces) and the resource material wholly contained within the conceptual pits is reported. Several assumptions go into the pit optimization process, including gold price, operating costs, metallurgical recovery and pit slopes and those used in the current mineral resource estimate are listed in Table 2. A gold price of US$2,600 per ounce was used for this mineral resource estimation. Cut-off grades were determined from the pit optimization assumptions. Mineral resource tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding. The figures for contained gold are economic pit-constrained in-situ mineral resources reported as undiluted with 100% mining recovery. Table 2. Assumptions for Conceptual Open Pit Optimization for the Manfo Gold Project Parameter Unit Optimization Assumptions Gold price $/oz $2600 G&A cost $/t ore $6 Treatment cost: oxide / transition + fresh $/t ore $11 / $17 Metallurgical recovery: oxide / transition + fresh % 94 / 90 Average mining cost: oxide / transition + fresh $/t mined $2.20 / $3.10 Slope angles: oxide + transition / fresh degrees 40 / 54 Mining dilution / recovery % 0 / 100 2025 Mineral Resource Estimation Details: An updated Mineral Resource Estimate was completed for the Manfo gold project in August of 2025. Gold mineralization at Manfo occurs in 8 prospects along a 9-kilometer-long structural corridor in a granodiorite intrusive, three of which were drilled to a resource status and were included within the Maiden Resource estimate for Manfo released in 2013. The gold mineralization is hosted in brittle-ductile shears and brecciation cutting through the granodiorite with progressive chlorite-hematite-carbonate-sericite-silica alteration with quartz veining and pyrite. The chlorite-hematite altered zones are generally low in gold grade (<0.5 g/t Au) while the sericite-silica altered zones with more abundant quartz veining and pyrite can be high in gold grade (>5 g/t Au). The August 2025 Resource updates the 2013 maiden resource estimate to reflect the increase in gold price since 2013 and incorporates drilling conducted by Pelangio after 2013. A fourth deposit, Nkansu, largely drilled post-2013, has been added to the total resource. Figure 1 shows the relative locations of the four deposits. The drilling used to estimate the Resource for the four deposits totals 38,070 meters in 202 holes including 35,930 meters of diamond drilling in 175 holes plus 2,140 meters of reverse circulation drilling in 27 holes. SEMS Technical Services updated the original grade block models created in 2013 by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. for the Pokukrom East and West deposits to account for post-2013 drilling, a new model was created for the Nkansu deposit, and the Nfante West model remains unchanged since 2013. SEMS used Datamine software to review and update the mineral resource estimation domains, prepare assay data for geostatistical analysis, construct the block models, estimate metal grades, and tabulate mineral resources. Mineral resource estimation consisted of standard geostatistical techniques of variography and ordinary kriging applied to wireframe models of mineralization and lithological alteration zones as defined by the interpreted resource domains. To demonstrate "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction" based upon open pit mining methods and conventional treatment processes, pit optimization techniques were used to generate conceptual pit shells ensuring that appropriate assumptions for the relevant technical and economic factors were considered in the determination of the stated Resource. The assumptions used for the 2025 updated resource estimation, which include gold price, operating costs, metallurgical recovery and pit slopes, are listed in Table 2. The cut-off grades were derived from these assumptions. The gold cut-off grades were decreased from 2013 with 0.25 g/t Au for the oxides and 0.35 g/t Au for the transitional and fresh resource material (the majority of the resource) used in the 2025 Resource estimation versus 0.40 g/t Au for oxides and 0.50 g/t Au for transitional and fresh used in 2013. The total Resource for the Manfo project is listed in Table 1 and the resource estimation for the four individual deposits is listed in Table 3. The Pokukrom East deposit is the largest by far of the four deposits and accounts for 91% of the total Indicated resource with 402,000 ounces of gold based on 11,313,000 tonnes averaging 1.11 g/t Au plus 65% of the total Inferred resource with 258,000 ounces of gold based on 10,878,000 tonnes averaging 0.74 g/t Au. The Pokukrom West deposit, while relatively small with 39,000 ounces of Indicated gold plus 23,000 ounces of Inferred gold is the highest grade of the four deposits averaging 2.54 g/t Au for the Indicated category. The Nfante West and Nkansu deposit resources are entirely Inferred currently due to their wider spaced drilling and lower demonstrated grade continuity between drillholes. Most of the resource is in fresh rock comprising 94% of the total Indicated resource plus 81% of the total Inferred resource. Refer to Table 3. SEMS also determined the sensitivity of a range of gold cut-off grades on the block model gold content constrained by the optimized pit shells as listed in Table 4. At a very low cut-off grade of 0.10 g/t Au the total (oxide+ transitional + fresh) Indicated gold content is estimated to be 12,142,000 tonnes averaging 1.14 g/t Au for 444,000 ounces gold plus 39,071,000 tonnes averaging 0.43 g/t Au for 535,000 ounces gold in the Inferred category for the four deposits combined. At a higher cut-off grade of 0.50 g/t Au, as was used in 2013 for the transitional and fresh resource material, the total Indicated gold content is 9,834,000 tonnes averaging 1.31 g/t Au for 413,000 ounces of gold plus 10,214,000 tonnes averaging 0.97 g/t Au for 320,000 ounces gold in the Inferred category. Table 3. Mineral Resource by Zone for the Manfo Gold Project Classification Indicated Inferred Deposit Category Cut-off Grade (g/t Au) Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Contained Gold (000' oz) Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Contained Gold (000' oz) Pokukrom East Oxide 0.25 41 0.69 1 474 0.65 10 Transition 0.35 302 1.06 10 922 0.79 23 Fresh 0.35 10,970 1.11 391 9,482 0.74 225 Sub-total 11,313 1.11 402 10,878 0.74 258 Pokukrom West Oxide 0.25 14 3.06 1 43 2.05 3 Transition 0.35 156 2.95 15 136 1.27 6 Fresh 0.35 304 2.31 23 237 1.96 15 Sub-total 474 2.54 39 417 1.75 23 Nfante West Oxide 0.25 355 0.67 8 Transition 0.35 675 0.77 17 Fresh 0.35 1,612 0.75 39 Sub-total 2,642 0.74 63 Nkansu Oxide 0.25 152 0.49 2 Transition 0.35 284 0.60 5 Fresh 0.35 1,676 0.81 43 Sub-total 2,111 0.76 51 Totals Oxide 0.25 55 1.30 2 1,024 0.69 23 Transition 0.35 458 1.70 25 2,017 0.79 51 Fresh 0.35 11,274 1.14 414 13,007 0.77 322 Grand Total 11,787 1.16 441 16,048 0.77 396 Table 4. Block Model Gold Estimates at Different cut-off grades* (combined oxide, transitional and fresh material) Classification Indicated Inferred Category Cut-off Grade (g/t Au) Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Cont. Gold (000' oz) Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Cont. Gold (000' oz) Total all Material Types and Deposits 0.10 12,142 1.14 444 39,071 0.43 535 0.15 12,130 1.14 444 29,616 0.52 498 0.20 12,108 1.14 444 24,611 0.59 471 0.25 12,037 1.15 443 21,217 0.65 446 0.30 11,916 1.15 442 18,583 0.71 423 0.35 11,786 1.16 441 15,755 0.78 393 0.40 11,641 1.17 439 13,165 0.86 362 0.45 10,707 1.24 427 11,601 0.91 341 0.50 9,834 1.31 413 10,214 0.97 320 0.55 9,046 1.38 400 9,040 1.03 300 0.60 8,306 1.45 386 8,031 1.09 281 * The figures presented above are only intended to show cut-off grade sensitivity on the estimated gold content of the block models but do not represent a Mineral Resource Statement. In comparison to SRK's 2013 maiden mineral resource estimation for the Manfo project, the higher gold price and lower cut-off grades used in the 2025 estimation returned a pit-constrained resource significantly larger with respect to tonnage and gold content, and lower in average gold grade than for 2013. It should be noted that the 2013 resource estimation was prepared in accordance with the CIM definitions in place at the time. As a result, the 2013 Resource (refer to Table 5) included material which was above the gold cut-off grades but located outside of the $1,450 Au conceptual pit shells ("Outside Pit") but SRK justified its inclusion as Inferred resource material if it was adjacent to and at a shallower elevation than the conceptual pit bottoms on the assumption that under higher gold prices the material "may be economically amenable to open pit extraction". Little did SRK know that twelve years later gold prices would be more than double and most of this material is now captured by economically optimized pits. Comparing apples with apples, that is, the total project economically pit-constrained resource estimated in 2025 versus that from 2013, the Indicated resource gold content has increased by 126% going from 3,973,000 tonnes averaging 1.52 g/t Au containing 195,000 ounces of gold in 2013 to 11,787,000 tonnes averaging 1.16 g/t Au for 441,000 ounces of gold. The average gold grade however decreased by 24% reflecting the lower gold cut-off grades used in 2025. For the Inferred pit-constrained resource the total gold content increased by 395% going from 2,253,000 tonnes averaging 1.10 g/t Au containing 80,000 ounces gold in 2013 to 16,048,000 tonnes averaging 0.77 g/t Au containing 396,000 ounces gold with an average gold grade decrease of 30%. Refer to Table 6. Table 5. Maiden Resource Estimate* for the Manfo Project by SRK Consulting, Canada, (May 17, 2013) Category Indicated Inferred Cut-off Grade (g/t Au) Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Cont. Gold (000' oz) Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Cont. Gold (000' oz) Inside Pit Oxide 0.4 49 0.96 2 458 1.07 16 Transitional 0.5 382 1.96 24 876 1.13 32 Fresh 0.5 3,543 1.49 169 918 1.09 32 Total 3,973 1.52 195 2,253 1.1 80 Outside Pit Oxide 0.4 50 0.68 1 Transitional 0.5 217 0.72 5 Fresh 0.5 7,146 0.93 213 Total 7,413 0.92 218 Combined Inside + Outside Pit Oxide 0.4 49 0.96 2 508 1.05 17 Transitional 0.5 382 1.96 24 1,093 1.05 37 Fresh 0.5 3,543 1.49 169 8,064 0.94 245 Grand Total 3,973 1.52 195 9,666 0.96 298 * The 2013 Mineral Resource Estimate is not disclosed in a manner compliant with today's CIM standards. 1. The 2013 MRE was conducted at a gold price of US$1,450/oz. Only 56% of the total resource was pit constrained. 2. Refer to the June 21, 2013, Technical Report by SRK Consulting (Canada) for the details. Table 6. Comparison of the Pit-Constrained Mineral Resource Estimations for 2013 and 2025 Resource Parameters Indicated Inferred Year Cut-off Grades (g/t Au) Gold Price USD Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Cont. Gold (000' oz) Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Cont. Gold (000' oz) 2013 0.40/0.50 1,450 3,973 1.52 195 2,253 1.10 80 2025 0.25/0.35 2,600 11,787 1.16 441 16,048 0.77 396 % Increase / Decrease 197 -24 126 612 -30 395 Resource Growth and Exploration Potential With 396,000 gold ounces (16,048,000 tonnes at an average grade of 0.77 g/t Au) of the Resource in the 2025 update being in the Inferred category, SEMS Technical Services has recommended infill drilling programs to convert more of the Inferred to Indicated resources. Additionally, much of the mineralization remains open-ended on the Manfo project and there is scope to expand the gold resource through successful resource extensional drilling and infill drilling follow up. Figure 2, which is a vertical long-section of the gold grade block model for the Pokukrom East deposit, shows the deposit remains open down-plunge and the northern end of the conceptual $2,600 Au optimized pit is undrilled and not reflected in the current Resource. Additionally, the shallower southern end of the deposit is still open down-dip. Further drilling at Pokukrom East as well as at the other three deposits could potentially add to the total Resource. Exploration drilling programs have also been proposed for the greater Manfo property, and there is potential to add one or more satellite deposits to the project with numerous compelling untested exploration targets remaining, such as the large Bomfaa gold in soil anomaly two to three kilometres northwest of the Pokukrom deposits (refer to Figure 1). The greatest exploration potential lies in the recent addition of the Nkosuo Mining Permit immediately south of the Manfo property. Hosting interpreted extensions of two of the known Manfo mineralized structures plus possibly additional structures as demonstrated by historical exploration work by Ashanti Goldfields (now AngloGold Ashanti) plus considerable workings by artisanal miners, it is believed that the Nkosuo Lease holds potential for significant new discovery. Exploration work by Pelangio has commenced on the Nkosuo Lease with a UAV (drone) high resolution magnetics survey nearing completion, to be followed by a UAV orthophotography survey, soil geochemical sampling and drill testing of the ranked targets. Figure 1. Map of the Manfo Nkosuo Project and 2025 MRE Deposit Locations Figure 2. Vertical Long-section of the Pokukrom East Block Model Qualified Person Mr. Kevin Thomson, P.Geo. (Ontario, #0191), Senior Vice-President, Exploration and Director, is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Thomson approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this release. About Pelangio Exploration Inc.: Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements herein may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements or information appear in a number of places and can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the Company's ability to complete proposed targeted infill drilling, step-out drilling and exploration to further define and expand the resource base, as well as further drilling at Pokukrom East and the other deposits, potential expansion of the Resource, potential conversion of Inferred to Indicated ounces, planned work programs, advancing technical studies, future development decisions, the potential addition of satellite deposits, the potential for a large discovery at Nkosuo, the Company's strategy of acquiring large land packages in areas of sizeable gold mineralization, the Company's plans to follow-up on previous work, and the Company's exploration plans. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, we have made numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the state of the equity markets. Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Such risks include the changes in equity markets, share price volatility, volatility of global and local economic climate, inability to obtain necessary approvals or permits in Ghana, gold price volatility, political developments in Ghana and Canada, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations, speculative nature of gold exploration, including the risk that favourable exploration results may not be obtained, and other risks involved in the gold exploration industry. See the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statement and information. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. All forward-looking statements and information herein are qualified by this cautionary 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 release. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. (the "Company" or "GSilver") (TSXV:GSVR) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered Listed Issuer Financing Exemption private placement (the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of C$18M under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption ("LIFE") private placement. The Company engaged Medalist Capital Ltd. and Research Capital Corporation (the "Finders") as exclusive finders to assist with the Offering. James Anderson, Chairman & CEO said, "With this strengthening of our balance sheet, Guanajuato Silver is now positioned to make significant upgrades to our underground mining fleet and to our three processing facilities, as we move to establish improved operational consistency at all four of our producing silver mines. Furthermore, current exploration and development drill programs will be scaled up considerably as we move to expand our mineral resource base. We thank current and past investors for their continued support as we build Mexico's next mid-tier silver producer." The Offering consisted of 60,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.30 per Unit (the "Offering Price"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company ("Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole such warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.45 for a period of 36 months subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, until August 21, 2028. Net proceeds from the Offering will be used to, inter alia: add to the Company's underground fleet and ramp up production at GSilver's producing mines in Guanajuato and Durango. fund certain improvements to expand and modernize the processing facilities at the Topia mine and mill complex including capital expenditures and related costs. fund corporate head office general and administrative expenses including legal, audit, overhead and salaries for the ensuing 12 months. carry out detailed exploration at GSilver's mineral properties, particularly San Ignacio and Valenciana. The Units were sold pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption. The Offering was made in all provinces of Canada (except Quebec) and other qualifying jurisdictions, including the United States. The Units offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will be immediately "free-trading" under applicable Canadian securities laws. Units sold to subscribers resident in the United States are subject to additional restrictions on trade. In connection with the Offering, the Finders received a cash commission of $520,463.92, and 1,727,904 non-transferable finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants"). Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price equal to the Offering Price, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, until August 21, 2028. Unless permitted under securities legislation, the Finder's Warrants and securities underlying the Finder's Warrants cannot be traded before December 22, 2025. In connection with the Offering, the Company has entered into an Advisory Agreement with Research Capital Corporation (the "Advisor"), pursuant to which the Advisor provided financial advisory, consulting, and support services in connection with the Offering (the "Advisory Services"). In consideration for the Advisory Services, the Company will pay the Advisor a work fee equal to $136,500 (the "Fee") and issue 458,500 advisor warrants (the "Advisor Warrants"). Each Advisor Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price equal to the Offering Price, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, until August 21, 2028. The Advisor Warrants and the underlying securities issued to the Advisor will be subject to a four month and one day hold period in accordance with Canadian securities laws. To demonstrate continued support of the Company, certain directors and officers of the Company or their affiliates (each, a "Related Party") participated in the Offering and acquired an aggregate of 2,100,000 Units for total gross proceeds of $630,000. Each subscription by a Related Party is considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The related party transactions are exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 in reliance upon the exemptions contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves the Related Parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report related to the Offering more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Offering as required by MI 61-101 since the details of the participation by the Related Parties were not settled until shortly prior to the closing of the Offering and the Company wished to close on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. There is an offering document related to this Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at the Company's website at www.gsilver.com. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registrations are available. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About GSilver GSilver is a precious metals producer engaged in reactivating past producing silver and gold mines in central Mexico. The Company produces silver and gold concentrates from the El Cubo Mine Complex, Valenciana Mines Complex, and the San Ignacio mine; all three mines are located within the state of Guanajuato, which has an established 480-year mining history. Additionally, the Company produces silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates from the Topia mine in northwestern Durango. With four operating mines and three processing facilities, GSilver is one of the fastest growing silver producers in Mexico. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "James Anderson" Chairman and CEO For further information regarding Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., please contact: JJ Jennex, Communications Manager, +1 (604) 723-1433 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Continue to watch our progress at: www.GSilver.com Guanajuato Silver Bullion Store Please visit our Bullion Store, where Guanajuato Silver coins and bars can be purchased. 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. Forward-Looking Statements and Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and information, which relate to future events or future performance including, but not limited to the intended use of proceeds from the Offering, the Company's future development and production activities and opportunities for future exploration, development and production and the estimated timing and costs thereof; and the status of the Company as one of the fastest growing silver producers in Mexico. Such forward-looking statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and expectations and are based on information currently available to and assumptions made by the Company; which assumptions, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, market, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: our mineral resource estimates at El Cubo and San Ignacio and the assumptions upon which they are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock conforming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; available tonnage of mineralized material to be mined and processed; resource grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to production estimates; the ability of the Company to successfully integrate production from San Ignacio and Valenciana into the Company's existing mining and milling operations at El Cubo and the availability of excess processing and tailings capacity at El Cubo to accommodate same; the Company's ability to secure additional sources of mineralized material for processing, prices for silver, gold and other metals remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects and to satisfy current liabilities and obligations including debt repayments, capital expenditures, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation) and inflation rates remaining as estimated; no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements and information are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future results, level of activity, production levels, performance or achievements of GSilver to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, future prices of gold, silver and other metals, currency rate fluctuations, actual results of exploration, development and production activities, actual resource grades and recoveries of silver, gold and other metals, availability of third party mineralized material for processing, rising inflation and interest rates, geopolitical conflicts including wars, unanticipated geological or structural formations and characteristics, environmental risks, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, equipment or personnel delays, delays in obtaining governmental or regulatory approvals and permits, inadequate insurance, and other risks in the mining industry. There are no assurances that the Company will successfully complete the Offering in whole or in part on the terms and in accordance with the timing set out herein. Further, there are no assurances that GSilver will be able to continue to increase production, tonnage milled and recoveries rates, improve grades and reduce costs at its existing mines to process mineralized materials to produce silver, gold and other concentrates in the amounts, grades, recoveries, costs and timetable anticipated. GSilver's decision to process mineralized material from its mining projects is not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and therefore is subject to increased uncertainty and risk of failure, both economically and technically. Mineral resources and mineralized material that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability, are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them, and may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, and other relevant issues. There are no assurances that the Company's projected production of silver, gold and other metals will be realized. In addition, there are no assurances that the Company will meet its production forecasts or generate the anticipated cash flows from operations to satisfy its scheduled debt payments or other liabilities when due or meet financial covenants to which the Company is subject or to fund its exploration programs and corporate initiatives as planned. There is also uncertainty about the impact of any future global pandemic, ongoing global conflicts, andelevated inflation and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company's operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all and economic activity in general. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca including the Company's most recently filed annual information form. These forward-looking statements and information 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 save as required by law. Hole MD-048 intercepted porphyry-style mineralization, confirming East Valley as a valid new exploration target. While grades are modest, this first-pass geological test demonstrates mineralization well beyond the current resource footprint and advances the broader district-scale potential of Mocoa. East-dipping orientations of molybdenite and polymetallic veinlets vector into untested ground coincident with CuMo and ZnPb soil anomalies, suggesting a potential new feeder zone to the east / southeast. Late-mineral porphyry intrusions identified, interpreted as part of the causative system supplying hydrothermal fluids to Mocoa and reinforcing a long-lived, multi-pulsed magmatic-hydrothermal system. VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Copper Giant Resources Corp. ("Copper Giant" or the "Company") (TSXV: CGNT) (OTCQB: LBCMF) (FRA: 29H0) is pleased to announce that the first drill hole at the East Valley target, MD-048, intersected porphyry-style mineralization including chalcopyrite, molybdenite, sphalerite, and galena. This marks the first-ever drill test in this highly prospective area, located well beyond the current resource footprint of Mocoa. Two rigs are currently active as part of Copper Giant's 14,000-metre resource expansion program at the Company's flagship Mocoa copper-molybdenum project in Putumayo, Colombia. "This first hole at East Valley has given us a much clearer understanding of its geology and the direction mineralization may extend. The east-dipping orientation of molybdenite and polymetallic veinlets, together with surface anomalies, points to a potential feeder zone in untested ground. Gold and silver are almost negligible at the current deposit area, and the stronger polymetallic signature confirms that East Valley is geochemically distinct. With these results, we now have clear vectors for the next stage of exploration." Edwin Naranjo Sierra, Vice-President of Exploration. Hole MD-048 Drill hole MD-048 is the first hole completed at the East Valley target, a previously untested area located well beyond the current resource footprint of the Mocoa porphyry copper-molybdenum project. The hole was designed to test a Cu-Mo soil and rock anomaly (see figure 1) and was completed to a depth of 785.3-metres, as part of Copper Giant's ongoing 14,000-metre resource expansion program. Detailed logging confirms the presence of porphyry-style mineralization and hydrothermal alteration across several intrusive phases (see figure 2). The upper portion of the hole intercepted a strongly sericite-altered dacite porphyry (interpreted as part of a leach cap) characterized by disseminated pyrite, iron oxides, and D-type veinlets, similar to those observed in the upper levels of the Mocoa deposit (see figure 2A). At depth, alteration transitions to a chlorite-sericite alteration with the development of C- and D-type veinlets that locally reopened early dark micaceous (EDM) veinlets (see figure 2B and 2C). Several intrusive phases were recognized, including micro-diorite, (interpreted as E0-type), and microtonalite porphyries, all displaying overprinting alteration and sulfide mineralization dominated by pyrite and less content of chalcopyrite and galena (see figure 2D). Additional intervals include brecciated tuff and chlorite-sericite altered porphyry with sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and pyrite (see figure 2E and 2F). MD-048 From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Mo (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zn (%) Pb (%) 0.0 99.7 99.7 0.08 0.0033 0.03 3.14 0.004 0.001 Incl. 26.0 87.7 61.7 0.12 0.0034 0.03 3.13 0.005 0.001 99.7 200.2 100.5 0.10 0.0027 0.02 2.00 0.007 0.002 137.7 163.2 25.5 0.28 0.0042 0.01 2.43 0.007 0.002 200.2 300.4 100.2 0.04 0.0029 0.01 1.24 0.006 0.003 300.4 400.1 99.7 0.04 0.0029 0.03 2.08 0.023 0.016 Incl. 323.3 363.1 39.8 0.06 0.0041 0.03 1.97 0.025 0.024 400.1 500.0 99.9 0.05 0.0037 0.03 5.38 0.133 0.106 Incl. 415.1 454.0 38.9 0.02 0.0015 0.02 3.49 0.123 0.106 500.0 600.0 100.0 0.01 0.0017 0.03 1.08 0.029 0.011 600.0 699.7 99.7 0.01 0.0018 0.01 1.36 0.034 0.006 699.73 785.33 85.6 0.003 0.0007 0.03 0.97 0.016 0.002 Table 1 Assay results for drill hole MD-048. * Intervals are reported at length-weighted averages and represent bulk porphyry-style mineralization; true widths are not yet known. The orientation of mineralized structures provides a key vector. Molybdenite veinlets trend WNW, while polymetallic quartz-carbonate veinlets (sphalerite, pyrite, galena) trend NNE. Both sets dip eastward, away from Mocoa. In porphyry systems, ZnPb veinlets are typically distal features, yet at East Valley they dip directly into untested ground coincident with CuMo and ZnPb soil anomalies. This strongly suggests a feeder zone east of MD-048. Systematic step-out drilling and expanded soil geochemistry are planned to test this hypothesis. The hole also intersected a low-grade, late-mineral porphyry (see figure 3) phase with magnetite, pyrrhotite, hornblende, pyrite, and chalcopyrite, interpreted as emplacement from a relatively oxidized, hydrous magma source. These NNW-trending late-stage intrusions are likely part of the causative system, contributing additional hydrothermal fluids that prolonged mineralization within the Mocoa district. They are comparable to late dykes observed in earlier holes, though less pervasively altered, and their presence reinforces the interpretation of a long-lived, multi-pulsed magmatic-hydrothermal system that remains open for further discovery. Qualified Person and Technical Notes Edwin Naranjo Sierra, Vice-President of Exploration for Copper Giant, is the designated Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. Mr. Naranjo holds an MSc. in Earth Sciences and is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM). Mineralized zones at Mocoa are bulk porphyry-style zones and drilled widths are interpreted to be very close to true widths. Copper Giant operates according to a rigorous Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) protocol consistent with industry best practices. Core diameter is a mix of HQ and NQ depending on the depth of the drill hole. Diamond drill core boxes were photographed, sawed, sampled and tagged in maximum 2-metre intervals, stopping in geological boundaries. Samples were bagged, tagged and packaged for shipment by truck from Copper Giant's core logging facilities in Mocoa, Colombia to the ActLabs certified sample preparation facility in Medellin, Colombia. ActLabs is an accredited laboratory independent of the Company. Samples are processed in the Medellin facilities where they are analyzed for copper, gold, silver, molybdenum, zinc and lead by 4-Acid digest Atomic Absorption (AA) analysis. The sample pulps are air freighted from Medellin to the ActLabs certified laboratory in Guadalajara, Mexico, where they are analyzed for a suite of 57 elements using 4-Acid digest and ICP-MS. In order to monitor the ongoing quality of assay data and the database, Copper Giant has implemented QA/QC protocols which include standard sampling methodologies, the insertion of certified copper and molybdenum standard materials, blanks, duplicates (field, preparation and analysis) randomly inserted into the sampling sequence. QA/QC program also includes ongoing monitoring of data entry, QA/QC reporting and data validation. No material QA/QC issues have been identified with respect to sample collection, security and assaying. About the Mocoa Porphyry System The Mocoa project is located in the department of Putumayo, approximately 10 kilometres from the town of Mocoa in southern Colombia. Copper Giant holds a district-scale land package of over 790 square kilometres through granted titles and applications, covering a substantial portion of the Jurassic porphyry belt - an underexplored and highly prospective metallogenic zone in the northern Andes. Discovered in 1973 through a regional geochemical survey by the United Nations and the Colombian government, Mocoa has been the subject of multiple exploration campaigns. Between 1978 and 1983, follow-up work included geological mapping, IP and magnetic geophysics, surface sampling, drilling, and metallurgical testing. Additional drilling by B2Gold in 2008 and 2012 helped shape the current geological understanding. The deposit is hosted in Middle Jurassic dacite and quartz-diorite porphyries intruding andesitic to dacitic volcanics, within Colombia's Central Cordillera. This 30-kilometre wide tectonic belt extends into Ecuador and hosts other major porphyry systems like Mirador, Warintza, San Carlos, and Panantza. Mocoa displays a classical porphyry-style alteration zonation: potassic core, sericite halo, and outer propylitic zone, with mineralization consisting of disseminated chalcopyrite and molybdenite, and local bornite and chalcocite, associated with stockworks and hydrothermal breccias. The system features over 1,000 metres of vertical continuity, overlapping hydrothermal stages, and a broad alteration footprint. Multiple intrusive phases, brecciation events, and vein generations suggest a dynamic magmatic-hydrothermal evolution likely driven by more than one porphyry center. Mocoa remains open in all directions, with several satellite targets identified across the broader land package. These features support the interpretation of a district-scale porphyry system and position Mocoa as one of the most significant undeveloped copper-molybdenum assets in the Andes About Copper Giant Copper Giant Resources Corp. is part of the Fiore Group, a private and well-established Canadian organization known for building successful, high-impact companies across the natural resource sector. Copper Giant was formed with a singular focus: to advance high-quality copper projects beyond resource definitionresponsibly, efficiently, and with long-term positive impact. The Company is led by a team with uncommon experience, having successfully taken some of the few major copper mines developed in the past two decades from discovery through to construction. Copper Giant's current focus is the Mocoa copper-molybdenum deposit in southern Colombia, one of the largest undeveloped resources of its kind in the Americas. Recent exploration success has revealed potential well beyond its original footprint, highlighting Mocoa as a broader district-scale opportunityand the catalyst for the Company's name and evolution. Guided by the values of respect and responsibility, and grounded in its Good Neighbor philosophy, Copper Giant is committed to creating enduring values for all stakeholders and playing a meaningful role in the global energy transition. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the drilling results of MD-048, the outcome of the Company's current resource expansion strategy; other activities and achievements of the Company, including but not limited to: the timing and success for the advancement of the Mocoa Project, the expansion of the Mocoa resource base; are to be considered forward looking. Although Copper Giant believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices and volatility with the Company's common shares, exploitation and exploration successes, uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates, risks of not achieving production, continued availability of capital and financing, processes, permits and filing requirements, risks related to operations in foreign and developing countries and compliance with foreign laws and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements in Colombia, and general economic, market, political or business conditions and regulatory and administrative approvals. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SCZ) (OTCQX: SCZMF) (FSE: 1SZ) ("Santacruz" or the "Company") reports its financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 ("Q2 2025"). The full version of the unaudited Q2 2025 financial statements ("Financial Statements") and accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis (the "MD&A") can be viewed on the Company's website at www.santacruzsilver.comor on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated. Q2 2025 Highlights Revenues of $73.3 million , a 4% increase year-over-year. of , a 4% increase year-over-year. Gross Profit of $25.3 million , a 59% increase year-over-year. of , a 59% increase year-over-year. Net Income of $21.0 million , a 1,348% increase year-over-year. of , a 1,348% increase year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA of $26.8 million , a 68% increase year-over-year. of , a 68% increase year-over-year. Cash and short- and long-term investments of $57.8 million , a 691% increase year-over-year. of , a 691% increase year-over-year. Working Capital of $60.3 million , a 303% increase year-over-year. of , a 303% increase year-over-year. Cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold ($/oz) of $19.48 , a 10% decrease year-over-year. of , a 10% decrease year-over-year. AISC per silver equivalent ounce sold of $22.95 , a 8% decrease year-over-year. of , a 8% decrease year-over-year. Silver Equivalent Ounces produced of 3,547,054, a 15% decrease year-over-year1. _____________________ 1. The Full Q2 2025 production results were released in a news release dated July 29, 2025. Arturo Prestamo, Executive Chairman and CEO of Santacruz, commented: "Our second quarter results reflect the strength and stability of Santacruz's business model. We achieved solid revenue growth and significantly improved profitability, with net income and adjusted EBITDA both showing substantial gains. At the same time, we strengthened our balance sheet, ending the quarter with nearly $58 million in liquidity, which includes $40 million in cash and investments of $17.8 million. This strong position is after paying Glencore an additional $7.5 million under the acceleration payment plan while also achieving a 303% increase in working capital and lowering our costs year-over-year this quarter." Mr. Prestamo continued, "Whilst we faced challenges at our Bolivar mine that temporarily halted mining at the high-grade Pomabamba and Nane veins, our San Lucas ore sourcing business helped offset part of the impact. Remediation efforts are underway, and we expect production at Bolivar to normalize by Q4 2025. Our second quarter results highlight the resilience of our operations and our commitment to delivering value. We remain focused on operational efficiency, balance sheet strength, and sustainable long-term growth." Selected consolidated financial and operating information for Q2 2025, Q1 2025 and Q2 2024 is presented below. All financial information is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), and all dollar amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars, except per unit amounts, unless otherwise noted. 2025 Second Quarter Highlights 2025 Q2 2025 Q1 Change Q2 vs Q1 2024 Q2 Restated (6) Change '25 Q2 vs '24 Q2 2025 YTD 2024 YTD Restated (6) Change '25 YTD vs '24 YTD Operational Material Processed (tonnes milled) 480,863 471,773 2 % 500,755 (4 %) 952,637 971,503 (2 %) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) 3,547,054 3,688,129 (4 %) 4,166,364 (15 %) 7,235,184 8,042,752 (10 %) Silver Ounces Produced 1,423,081 1,590,063 (11 %) 1,671,359 (15 %) 3,013,144 3,253,308 (7 %) Zinc Tonnes Produced 21,148 20,719 2 % 25,052 (16 %) 41,868 47,899 (13 %) Lead Tonnes Produced 2,773 2,718 2 % 2,908 (5 %) 5,492 5,861 (6 %) Copper Tonnes Produced 229 279 (18 %) 284 (19 %) 507 539 (6 %) Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) (2) 2,993,136 3,059,556 (2 %) 3,402,139 (12 %) 6,052,692 7,035,077 (14 %) Cash Cost of Production per Tonne (3) 81.95 73.22 12 % 95.11 (14 %) 77.63 94.18 (18 %) Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold ($/oz) (3) 19.48 17.84 9 % 21.66 (10 %) 18.65 21.42 (13 %) All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold ($/oz) (3) 22.95 22.34 3 % 24.91 (8 %) 22.64 24.58 (8 %) Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold ($/oz) (2) (3) (4) 32.37 31.85 2 % 30.40 6 % 32.10 26.67 20 % Financial Revenues 73,295 70,314 4 % 70,485 4 % 143,609 123,074 17 % Gross Profit 25,288 27,859 (9 %) 15,856 59 % 53,147 16,255 227 % Net Income 20,977 9,451 122 % 1,449 1348 % 30,428 134,108 (77 %) Net Earnings) Per Share - Basic ($/share) 0.06 0.03 100 % 0.00 0 % 0.09 0.38 (76 %) Adjusted EBITDA (3) 26,770 27,516 (3 %) 15,971 68 % 54,286 14,662 270 % Cash and Cash Equivalent 39,997 32,527 23 % 7,308 447 % 39,997 7,308 447 % Working Capital 60,295 51,733 17 % 14,976 303 % 60,295 14,976 303 % Year to Date Production Summary By Mine Bolivar (5) Porco (5) Caballo Blanco Group San Lucas Group Zimapan Total Material Processed (tonnes milled) 117,159 96,653 109,421 181,669 447,735 952,637 Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) 1,387,815 728,364 1,344,687 1,798,971 1,975,347 7,235,184 Silver Ounces Produced 725,507 226,438 608,052 614,655 838,492 3,013,144 Zinc Tonnes Produced 7,208 5,460 7,523 12,658 9,019 41,868 Lead Tonnes Produced 383 293 1,082 990 2,744 5,492 Copper Tonnes Produced N/A N/A N/A N/A 507 507 Average head grades per mine: Silver (g/t) 215 88 184 123 79 117 Zinc (%) 6.77 6.01 7.30 7.73 2.59 4.97 Lead (%) 0.46 0.44 1.19 0.87 0.76 0.76 Copper (%) N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.24 0.24 Metal recovery per mine: Silver (%) 90 83 94 85 74 81 Zinc (%) 91 94 94 90 78 85 Lead (%) 71 69 83 62 81 75 Copper (%) N/A N/A N/A N/A 47 47 Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) (2) 1,323,546 607,992 1,112,662 1,386,735 1,621,757 6,052,692 Notes for both tables above: (1) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) for Q2 2025 have been calculated using prices of $31.41/oz, $2,775.53/t, $2,085.90/t and $9,762.69/t for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here. (2) Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) have been calculated using the Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold stated in the table above, applied to the payable metal content of the concentrates sold from Bolivar, Porco, the Caballo Blanco Group, San Lucas Group and Zimapan. (3) The Company reports non-GAAP measures, which include Cash Cost of Production per Tonne, Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold, and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See ''Non-GAAP Measures'' section below for definitions. (4) Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold is prior to all treatment, smelting and refining charges. (5) Bolivar and Porco are presented at 100% whereas the Company records 45% of revenues and expenses in its consolidated financial statements. Production Results In the six months ended 2025, the Company processed 952,637 tonnes of ore, producing 7,235,184 silver equivalent ounces. This total includes 3,013,144 ounces of silver and 41,868 tonnes of zinc. Full Q2 2025 production results were released in a news release dated July 29, 2025. Q2 2025 vs Q1 2025 In Q2 2025, Santacruz delivered stable operational performance, with growth in throughput and concentrate production at Caballo Blanco and San Lucas, and steady results at Porco and Zimapan. Santacruz's overall silver equivalent output was temporarily affected by a mid-May water inflow at Bolivar, which restricted access to high-grade areas and reduced both volumes and grades. This impact was partially offset by San Lucas' strategic contribution, increasing material supply and sustaining mill utilization, along with positive throughput gains at other operations. While Bolivar's temporary disruption moderated consolidated silver equivalent production, the Companys diversified asset base and flexible ore sourcing model supported overall operational continuity and revenue resilience. Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024 In Q2 2025, Santacruz delivered a broadly resilient performance compared to Q2 2024, supported by operational efficiencies, flexible sourcing strategies, and diversified asset contributions. While Bolivar and Porco faced year-over-year declines in production due to lower throughput and grades, partly impacted by the water inflow event at Bolivar, these effects were mitigated by the strategic role of San Lucas and efficiency gains at Caballo Blanco, where higher grades and improved recoveries helped offset reduced volumes. Zimapan posted stable silver equivalent output, benefiting from stronger zinc head grades, and San Lucas maintained its margins, ensuring steady contribution to the Groups throughput. Cash Cost and All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold Q2 2025 vs Q1 2025 On a consolidated basis, AISC remained broadly stable, moving slightly higher to $22.74/oz in Q2 2025 from $22.34/oz in Q1 2025. At the operational level, Bolivars AISC increased 5% to $17.55/oz, while Porco rose 14% to $22.35/oz, both impacted by lower production volumes. San Lucas reported an increase of 24% to 23.69/oz; however, this is consistent with its margin-based sourcing model, where ore costs adjust in line with market prices of metals. On the other hand, Caballo Blanco achieved a 6% reduction to $13.87/oz, reflecting efficiency gains at the operation. Zimapan reported an increase to $32.35/oz as a significant portion of its capital expenditure ("CapEx") for the year was executed earlier in the year. Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024 Compared to Q2 2024, consolidated AISC improved 9%, declining to $22.74/oz from $24.91/oz. The most notable year-over-year improvements came from Caballo Blanco in Bolivia, where AISC dropped 47% to $13.87/oz, supported by operational efficiencies and the impact of currency depreciation in Bolivia: starting January 1, 2025, the Company started recording transactions denominated in Bolivian Bolivianos using a market-based spot rate (average 13.44 BOB/USD) instead of using the official rate (6.96 BOB/USD). Recording BOB denominated transactions in USD using the market-based rate provides a more accurate representation of the economic reality of the underlying transactions. Comparative figures have not been restated because it is a change in estimate. Webinar Details CEO Arturo Prestamo and CFO Andres Bedregal will present at a webinar hosted by Adelaide Capital on Wednesday, August 27th at 2:00 pm ET. Investors and shareholders are invited to participate in the webinar. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VcSuCMywS8idIv91d_2SwA. The webinar will also be live-streamed on the Adelaide Capital YouTube Channel, where a replay will be available after the event: https://bit.ly/adcap-youtube. Questions can be submitted during the session or in advance to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Non-GAAP Measures The financial results in this news release include references to non-GAAP measures, which include Cash Cost of Production per Tonne, Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold, and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. The data 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 GAAP. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP and GAAP measures, please refer to the "Non-GAAP Measures" section in the Company's Q2 2025 Management Discussion and Analysis, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Qualified Person Garth Kirkham P.Geo., an independent consultant to the Company, is a qualified person under NI 43-101 and has approved the scientific and technical information contained within this news release. About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties across Latin America. In Bolivia, the Company operates the Bolivar, Porco, and Caballo Blanco mining complexes, with Caballo Blanco comprising the Tres Amigos and Colquechaquita mines. The Reserva mine, whose production is provided to the San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business, is also located in Bolivia. Additionally, the Company oversees the Soracaya exploration project. In Mexico, Santacruz operates the Zimapan mine. 'signed' Arturo Prestamo Elizondo, Executive Chairman and CEO 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 Information This news 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 the 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", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" 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 payment of the Acceleration Option. 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, risks related to changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law. Investigating judges in Paris ordered the dismissal of a case alleging the widow of Rwanda's former president played a role in the country's 1994 genocide, according to court documents seen by AFP Thursday. Agathe Habyarimana, 82, who has been living in France since 1998 and whose extradition has been repeatedly requested by Kigali, now appears highly unlikely to face trial by a French court following the ruling. "There are insufficient charges against Agathe Kanziga (Habyarimana) to show she could have been an accomplice to genocide" or could have participated in "conspiracy to commit genocide", the judges wrote in the order seen by AFP. "To date, Agathe Kanziga appears not as the perpetrator of genocide, but as a victim of the terrorist attack" in which her husband, brother, and relatives were killed, the judges said. The former first lady fled Rwanda with French help just days after her husband's plane was shot down in April 1994, triggering the genocide which saw around 800,000 people, mainly ethnic Tutsis, slaughtered in one of the 20th century's worst atrocities. The investigation has been underway since 2008, when a French-based victims' association filed a legal complaint against Habyarimana, who was questioned over suspicions that she was part of the Hutu inner circle of power that planned and orchestrated the killings. In the investigation she had the status of assisted witness, which in France's legal system is between being a witness and being charged. The investigation was closed in 2022, but French anti-terror prosecutors, who sought to charge Habyarimana, requested a new probe be opened. In May, judicial authorities closed the investigation without pressing charges, a decision now under appeal by the National Anti-Terror Prosecutor's Office (PNAT). Swedish jihadist Osama Krayem on Thursday appealed a life sentence handed down in July over the 2015 murder of a Jordanian pilot burned alive by the Islamic State group in Syria. The Stockholm district court was the first to try a person over the infamous killing which sparked outrage around the world. Krayem's lawyer appealed the ruling on Thursday to the Svea court of appeal, seeking a full acquittal on the grounds that the district court made "an erroneous judgement about Osama Krayem's intent." Should it not grant a full acquittal, "Osama Krayem requests that the appeals court impose a more lenient sentence," defence lawyer Petra Eklund said, in the appeal filed with the court. The district court had found 33-year-old Krayem guilty of "serious war crimes and terrorist crimes", ruling that he played an active role in the pilot's killing. On December 24, 2014, an aircraft belonging to the Royal Jordanian Air Force crashed in Syria. The pilot, Maaz al-Kassasbeh, was captured the same day by IS fighters near the central city of Raqqa and was burned alive in a cage sometime before February 3, 2015, when a slickly-produced video of the gruesome killing was published. The Stockholm court found Krayem's role consisted of "guarding the victim both before and during the execution and taking him to the cage where he was set alight while still alive." Krayem's lawyer insisted during the trial that he had spent only 15 to 20 minutes on-site, unaware of what was going to happen until he saw the cameras. Krayem, who is from Malmo in southern Sweden, remained silent throughout the three-week trial in June, though segments from interrogations with him conducted during the investigation were read out and played during the trial. He had already been sentenced to 30 years in prison in France for helping plan the November 2015 Paris attacks and to life imprisonment in Belgium for the 2016 attacks at Brussels' main airport and metro station. France had agreed to hand him over to Sweden for nine months, the time needed for the investigation and trial. Investigating judges in Paris have ordered the dismissal of a case accusing the widow of Rwanda's former president of involvement in the 1994 genocide, according to documents seen by AFP Thursday. "There are insufficient charges against Agathe Kanziga (Habyarimana) to show she could have been an accomplice to genocide" or could have participated in "conspiracy to commit genocide", the judges wrote in the ruling seen by AFP. Habyarimana, 82, who has been living in France since 1998 and whose extradition has been repeatedly requested by Kigali, now appears highly unlikely to face trial by a French court following the order. French anti-terror prosecutors told AFP on Thursday they plan to appeal the ruling. A lawyer for one of the civil parties described the judges' decision to dismiss "eminently regrettable and incomprehensible". "There was clearly sufficient evidence" against the defendant, said Patrick Baudouin, lawyer for the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), adding he would likely appeal. But Habyarimana's lawyer, Philippe Meilhac, hailed the order as a "source of immense satisfaction", saying it "restored her honour". The former first lady fled Rwanda with French help just days after her husband's plane was shot down in April 1994, triggering the genocide which saw around 800,000 people, mainly ethnic Tutsis, slaughtered in one of the 20th century's worst atrocities. The investigation has been under way since 2008, when a French-based victims' association filed a legal complaint against Habyarimana, who was questioned over suspicions that she was part of the Hutu inner circle of power that planned and orchestrated the killings. She had the status of assisted witness, which in France's legal system is between being a witness and being charged. The investigation was closed in 2022, but French anti-terror prosecutors, who sought to charge Habyarimana, requested a new one be opened. In May, judicial authorities again closed the investigation without pressing charges, a decision also under appeal by the National Anti-Terror Prosecutor's Office (PNAT). The United Nations on Thursday urged the United States to end its rounds of reprisals after Washington imposed further sanctions on International Criminal Court judges. The US imposed sanctions on two more ICC judges and two prosecutors on Wednesday, including from allies France and Canada, in a new effort to hobble the tribunal, particularly over its actions against Israel. "The relentless intensification of US reprisals against international institutions and their personnel must stop," UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement. Turk said sanctioning ICC staff who were fulfilling their mandates was "an assault on the rule of law and corrodes justice" and called for all the measures to be withdrawn. "In the meantime, I call on states to take immediate steps to protect all of (the sanctioned individuals), including by taking measures to encourage corporations operating within their jurisdiction not to implement the sanctions," he said. "States need to step up to defend the institutions they have created to uphold and defend human rights and the rule of law. Those working to document, investigate and prosecute serious violations of international law should not have to work in fear." Dakar on Thursday denounced the United States' sanctioning of a Senegalese ICC prosecutor and three others at the court, calling on American authorities to reverse their decision. The United States imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court judges and prosecutors on Wednesday in a new effort to hobble the tribunal, particularly for actions against Israel over the war in Gaza. "Senegal calls on the American authorities to lift these sanctions, which constitute a serious violation of the principle of judicial independence," the foreign ministry posted on X. Senegalese deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang was among the four sanctioned. The others include Judge Nicolas Guillou of France, who is presiding over a case in which an arrest warrant was issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Canadian judge Kimberly Prost and deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji were also sanctioned. The US State Department said the two deputy prosecutors were being punished for supporting "illegitimate ICC actions against Israel", including by supporting arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant. Senegal's foreign ministry expressed its "full solidarity" with Niang, condemning the sanctions as violating the ICC members' rights to "freely and peacefully exercise the mandate entrusted to them". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio imposed sanctions on four other ICC judges in June. In February, the United States sanctioned chief prosecutor Karim Khan, who was responsible for the request that led the ICC to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. The United States and Israel have not joined the Hague-backed ICC, which is backed by nearly all other Western democracies. The administration of US President Donald Trump in particular has roundly rejected the authority of the ICC, which was set up as a court of last resort when national systems lack the means to pursue justice. Concerning Niang, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko posted Thursday on Facebook that the "government of Senegal, his country, will stand resolutely by his side to confront these unjust and unfounded measures by the United States of America". The global financial transparency landscape is entering its most significant transition since the rollout of the Common Reporting Standard in 2017. The countdown to 2026, when the European Unions Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC8) and the OECDs Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) will come fully into force, is prompting families, investors, and institutions worldwide to audit and document their legacy holdings. For anyone with exposure to crypto-assets, offshore structures, or cross-border financial accounts, the months leading up to implementation represent a critical window to reconcile records before automatic disclosure removes discretion. For high-net-worth households, mixed-status families, entrepreneurs with digital asset portfolios, and trustees overseeing multijurisdictional estates, the message is clear: document now or risk scrutiny later. DAC8: Europes expanded cooperation directive DAC8, adopted by the EU in 2023, builds on previous directives that standardized the automatic exchange of bank account data across member states. Its newest element is the extension to crypto-assets, stablecoins, and e-money. Financial intermediaries, including centralized exchanges, custodians, and wallet providers, will be obligated to collect client information, identify tax residencies, and report holdings to tax authorities, who will in turn share the data across the EU and with global partners. The inclusion of decentralized platforms where identifiable intermediaries exist means that many actors once considered outside traditional financial reporting are now squarely in scope. For investors who have used European exchanges, DAC8 will mean their historical and current positions will become visible to tax authorities. CARF: The OECDs global counterpart CARF, developed by the OECD and endorsed by more than 40 jurisdictions, aims to create a global standard similar to the CRS but for digital assets. Participating states will exchange data on wallet balances, transactions, and beneficial owners. Unlike voluntary information-sharing agreements, CARF creates a mandatory, multilateral reporting framework with binding timelines. By 2026, major financial hubs are expected to implement CARF, including not just the EU but also the UK, Gulf states, and parts of Asia. For families who have relied on crypto-assets to preserve privacy, CARF marks the end of an era. Why legacy holdings matter now Holdings acquired before DAC8 and CARF take effect are not exempt from scrutiny. Authorities are expected to analyze movements around the cutover date to identify patterns suggesting concealment or evasion. Documentation of legacy holdings now is essential for several reasons: Cost basis : Establishing the acquisition price of digital assets allows accurate capital gains calculations when sold. : Establishing the acquisition price of digital assets allows accurate capital gains calculations when sold. Provenance : Demonstrating lawful acquisition avoids suspicion of money laundering. : Demonstrating lawful acquisition avoids suspicion of money laundering. Continuity : Aligning wallet records with tax filings ensures consistency once automatic reporting begins. : Aligning wallet records with tax filings ensures consistency once automatic reporting begins. Defensibility: Clear paper trails enable families to defend applications for visas, residencies, or second citizenships, particularly when clean funds are a prerequisite. Case study: Early Bitcoin investor A European entrepreneur who mined Bitcoin between 2012 and 2015 never kept detailed purchase records. By 2025, he faced pressure to explain his holdings in preparation for DAC8. Working with advisers, he reconstructed acquisition histories from old emails, bank transfers, and exchange exports. These records established a lawful provenance, giving him a defensible position when DAC8 reporting begins. Case study: Family trust with crypto allocations A Caribbean trust that held traditional securities alongside Ethereum purchased in 2016 faced an uneven compliance profile. While securities were already reported under CRS, the Ethereum holdings were not. Trustees spent 2025 building a readiness file, reconciling addresses, and confirming valuations. This proactive work positioned the trust to withstand DAC8/CARF disclosures in 2026. Cross-border families and mixed residencies Families split across tax jurisdictions are particularly exposed. A household with a Canadian parent, a French parent, and dual-national children faces simultaneous obligations to multiple authorities. Shared wallets or joint investments must be carefully documented to clarify beneficial ownership percentages. Without clarity, both Canada and France could attempt to tax the same holdings, creating double exposure. Case study: CanadianGerman couple A CanadianGerman couple shared a wallet containing Bitcoin, stablecoins, and NFTs. Without documentation, both Canada and Germany could assume 100 percent ownership. By clarifying that each spouse contributed 50 percent, they ensured accurate reporting and avoided potential double taxation. Enforcement priorities around the cutover Tax authorities are already training staff to identify suspicious activity leading up to 2026. Movements likely to attract scrutiny include: Large transfers to unhosted wallets. Conversion of crypto assets into alternative vehicles without reporting. Rapid liquidation of legacy positions before reporting. Transfers to jurisdictions not yet aligned with DAC8/CARF. Authorities are expected to focus on intent. Movements lacking clear documentation may be interpreted as concealment. Families who establish lawful narratives now will reduce their risk of enforcement later. Case study: Flagged stablecoin transfer A Middle Eastern investor transferred $5 million in stablecoins to a private wallet in late 2025. Although legal, the movement raised red flags when authorities reviewed exchange records. By producing a pre-drafted narrative explaining the transfers purpose and aligning it with legitimate contracts, the investor avoided penalties. His case demonstrates the importance of readiness before the cutover. Privacy considerations and applicant rights DAC8 and CARF have been criticized for their intrusiveness, yet both frameworks include safeguards. Data may only be used for tax enforcement and must be transmitted through secure channels. Individuals also retain rights under GDPR and equivalent laws to access and correct errors. Amicus International Consulting advises families to exercise these rights proactively. By filing access-to-information requests, individuals can verify what data is being stored and correct inaccuracies before they cause problems in 2026. Case study: Correcting residency misclassification A North American investor discovered through an access request that he had been incorrectly classified as a German tax resident, despite leaving Germany years earlier. Without correction, his holdings would have been misreported in 2026. By addressing the error in advance, he avoided a conflict between two tax authorities. The rise of DAC8/CARF readiness kits Building on models from Caribbean CBI programs, advisers are now offering readiness kits tailored to DAC8 and CARF. These packages help families pre-screen their holdings, reconcile inconsistencies, and prepare documentation. Kits often include: Inventory of all wallets and accounts. Historical valuation analysis. Cross-jurisdiction residency mapping. Draft narratives for complex transfers. Secure biometric enrollment where required. Readiness kits not only prepare families for compliance but also serve as reputational tools when applying for banking relationships, residencies, or second citizenships. Case study: Family office builds global kit A London-based family office supporting a Middle Eastern household prepared a DAC8 readiness kit in 2025. It documented holdings across four continents, explained early peer-to-peer acquisitions, and reconciled reporting obligations across six jurisdictions. When CARF reporting begins, the family will present a unified, defensible narrative. Sector impacts: Trustees and family offices Trustees and family offices face increased liability under DAC8 and CARF. They must ensure that structures under their administration comply with reporting requirements. This includes mapping beneficiaries tax residencies, collecting wallet data, and reconciling information across jurisdictions. Failure to prepare could expose fiduciaries to penalties. Sector impacts: Corporate treasuries and FinTechs. Corporate treasuries holding crypto as part of liquidity strategies will also face scrutiny. DAC8 and CARF reporting may reveal positions not previously disclosed. Fintech firms acting as custodians or intermediaries must build a robust compliance infrastructure or risk exclusion from EU and OECD markets. Comparisons with FATCA and CRS cycles When FATCA took effect in 2010, U.S. persons with undocumented offshore accounts faced heavy penalties. Similarly, CRS adoption in 2017 exposed many legacy accounts. The pattern is clear: those who prepared early faced smoother compliance, while those who delayed became audit targets. DAC8 and CARF will follow this cycle, with the cutover in 2026 marking the turning point. Case study: FATCA lesson applied to crypto A Latin American investor who suffered penalties under FATCA later applied those lessons to crypto. By documenting all holdings in 2025, he avoided repeating past mistakes. His case illustrates how historical transparency cycles provide a roadmap for current compliance. Risks of inaction Failing to document legacy holdings before 2026 carries several risks: Presumption of concealment by tax authorities. by tax authorities. Penalties for undeclared assets. Reputational damage affecting banking access. Complications in residency or citizenship applications. Case study: Residency denial for undeclared crypto A South American applicant for European residency was denied after failing to declare crypto holdings later revealed under pilot reporting. His case demonstrates how DAC8 and CARF readiness intersect with broader mobility goals. Step-by-step readiness workflow Amicus International Consulting recommends a structured readiness workflow: Inventory all wallets, exchanges, and custodial accounts. Establish provenance of holdings with contracts, receipts, or reconstructed histories. Clarify the tax residencies of all family members. Align valuations with recognized methodologies. Draft narratives explaining complex transfers. File access requests with authorities to check existing records. Assemble readiness kits for each family unit. Review annually until the 2026 cutover. Future outlook: Beyond DAC8 and CARF Experts anticipate further tightening after 2026, including: Blockchain-based real-time reporting. Integration of health and biometric identifiers. Continuous monitoring of high-net-worth families. Families who prepare now will be positioned not only for DAC8 and CARF but for future transparency frameworks. Conclusion: The final countdown to 2026 DAC8 and CARF represent the most ambitious financial transparency frameworks ever attempted for crypto-assets. The countdown to 2026 is not just about compliance; it is about securing reputational credibility, preserving mobility, and protecting family legacies. Documenting legacy holdings before the cutover is no longer optional. It is the decisive step that separates compliant families from those who risk audit, penalty, or reputational harm. Amicus International Consulting continues to guide families, investors, and fiduciaries through this transition. By documenting early, reconciling across jurisdictions, and assembling readiness kits, clients can meet the new era of transparency with confidence. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: [email protected] Website: www.amicusint.ca In 2025, the European Union is preparing to fully implement two of the most consequential travel security systems in its history: the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES). These frameworks are designed to modernize border management, increase migration oversight, and strengthen the Schengen Areas defenses against irregular entry and overstays. Together, they represent the most significant changes to European border management in decades. For families planning vacations, school travel, business relocations, or multi-generational trips, the impact of ETIAS and EES is profound. Unlike business travelers or solo tourists, families must coordinate multiple travelers across varying ages, nationalities, and documentation requirements. Children must be enrolled in biometric systems, elderly relatives may need extra assistance at border kiosks, and mixed-nationality families must navigate different obligations under ETIAS and EES. Amicus International Consulting has tracked the rollout of these systems and noted a significant increase in traveler education initiatives. Governments, airlines, and travel agencies are investing heavily in outreach, aiming to prepare travelers for the transition. Families who take advantage of these resources and pre-stage biometrics will benefit from smoother journeys, reduced delays, and lower risk of boarding denials. Understanding ETIAS ETIAS is a digital pre-travel authorization system. It applies to nationals of more than 60 countries that currently enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Japan. Modeled on the U.S. ESTA and Canadas eTA, ETIAS requires travelers to complete an online application before departure. The process involves submitting personal data, passport details, and security-related information, as well as paying a fee. Most applications will be approved within minutes, though some may take days if further checks are required. Once issued, an ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years or until the travelers passport expires, whichever comes first. For families, this means every member, including children and infants, must obtain ETIAS authorization. Airlines will be obligated to check authorizations before boarding, making ETIAS approval as essential as carrying a passport. Understanding EES The Entry/Exit System replaces the practice of manual passport stamping with a digital record of entries and exits. It will apply to all non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area, regardless of whether they require visas. EES will register the travelers name, passport details, date and place of entry and exit, as well as biometric data. Fingerprints and facial images will be collected at the border, either at automated kiosks or by border officials. Data will be stored for three years for short-stay travelers, and five years for overstayers. For families, EES means that even children will have biometric records linked to their passports. Parents should prepare minors for fingerprinting and face scans, while elderly travelers may require additional assistance. Why Families Must Prepare Differently Families face challenges not encountered by solo travelers: Children and Biometrics : Children often struggle with fingerprint scanning due to smaller hands or fidgeting. Parents should prepare children by practicing with mock devices or explaining the process in advance. : Children often struggle with fingerprint scanning due to smaller hands or fidgeting. Parents should prepare children by practicing with mock devices or explaining the process in advance. Elderly Travelers : Older relatives may have difficulties with biometric kiosks. Some may need manual assistance, which can extend processing times. : Older relatives may have difficulties with biometric kiosks. Some may need manual assistance, which can extend processing times. Group Coordination : Families traveling together must ensure that all members ETIAS authorizations are secured well before departure. A missing authorization for one child can delay the entire group. : Families traveling together must ensure that all members ETIAS authorizations are secured well before departure. A missing authorization for one child can delay the entire group. Mixed Nationalities: In families with dual-national parents or children, some may require ETIAS while others may not, depending on the passport used. Careful planning prevents confusion. Case Study 1: Canadian Family Planning a Summer Vacation A family of four from Toronto planning a trip to Italy in 2026 began preparations early in 2025. Both parents and their two children applied for ETIAS authorizations well in advance of peak summer demand. They also reviewed the EES requirements and practiced fingerprint scanning with their children at home. On arrival in Rome, the children confidently completed biometric checks, and the family moved quickly through the airport. Their proactive approach avoided the delays that many other families experienced. Case Study 2: Dual-National Family with EU and U.S. Passports A family with a German parent and two U.S.-born children faced different requirements. The German parent did not need ETIAS, but the children traveling on U.S. passports did. By securing ETIAS approvals for the children and carrying proof of family relationship, the family avoided confusion at the border. They traveled together smoothly, with the parents EU passports exempting them from ETIAS while the childrens authorizations ensured compliance. Case Study 3: Extended Family Traveling Across Borders An extended family group of eight, including grandparents and young children, planned a tour of Spain and Portugal. By staging biometric readiness in 2025, the group ensured that the elderly members were familiar with kiosk procedures and the children had valid ETIAS approvals. They also carried notarized consent forms for minors traveling with grandparents, preventing issues at border crossings. Their preparation allowed them to move through Schengen borders without delays, unlike other families who were stopped for incomplete documentation. Pre-Staging Biometrics: What Families Can Do Pre-staging means preparing biometric and authorization requirements before travel. Families can: Submit ETIAS Applications Early : Apply months before travel to avoid peak demand delays. : Apply months before travel to avoid peak demand delays. Practice with Children : Demonstrate how fingerprint scanners and cameras work to help reduce childrens anxiety. : Demonstrate how fingerprint scanners and cameras work to help reduce childrens anxiety. Plan Extra Time : Allow additional time for first-time EES entry, especially during peak seasons. : Allow additional time for first-time EES entry, especially during peak seasons. Use Family Lanes : Many airports will offer designated lanes for families, which should be prioritized. : Many airports will offer designated lanes for families, which should be prioritized. Carry Extra Documents: For minors, bring birth certificates, custody documents, or proof of parental relationship. Risks of Failing to Prepare Families who do not prepare risk: Denied boarding due to missing ETIAS authorizations. Long delays at border control, particularly with children or elderly travelers. Secondary screening if applications are inconsistent or incomplete. Legal complications arise if children travel with one parent or guardian without consent documentation. Airlines, Travel Agencies, and Education Campaigns Airlines will play a central role in enforcing ETIAS. They will be responsible for verifying authorizations before allowing passengers to board. Travel agencies are also updating their booking platforms to include ETIAS reminders and guidance. Several airlines are piloting biometric pre-staging programs, allowing families to upload facial images and pre-clear data before arrival. Governments across Europe are launching education campaigns in multiple languages, explaining ETIAS and EES requirements. These efforts target frequent travelers, schools, and family groups most likely to face challenges. Case Study 4: Frequent Business Family A family with parents who traveled frequently for work and children attending an international school required a sustainable compliance plan. They integrated ETIAS renewal reminders into their family calendar, ensuring that childrens authorizations were always valid. They also familiarized their children with biometric kiosks, reducing anxiety during frequent trips. Their systematic approach allowed seamless travel, even under the new border management regimes. Global Implications and Comparisons The EUs move mirrors systems in other jurisdictions: United States : ESTA and biometric exit programs are already standard. U.S. citizens are accustomed to pre-travel authorizations. : ESTA and biometric exit programs are already standard. U.S. citizens are accustomed to pre-travel authorizations. Canada : eTA requirements and airport biometrics provide a comparable model. : eTA requirements and airport biometrics provide a comparable model. UK : The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, set to expand in 2025, requires all non-visa nationals to obtain prior clearance. : The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, set to expand in 2025, requires all non-visa nationals to obtain prior clearance. Asia: Countries such as Singapore and South Korea have adopted biometric fast-track programs, though few require pre-travel authorizations. Families traveling globally will increasingly face similar requirements, making early preparation essential. Case Study 5: Mixed-Nationality Family Relocating for Work A family relocating from the United States to France for a multi-year assignment encountered both ETIAS and EES requirements. The U.S.-national parent and children required ETIAS, while the EU-national spouse did not. The family pre-staged ETIAS authorizations, prepared biometric readiness sessions for the children, and carried complete documentation for residency registration. This allowed them to complete their entry smoothly and begin their relocation process without delays. Amicus International Consultings Role Amicus International Consulting helps families build comprehensive readiness plans. Our services include: Pre-travel audits of ETIAS and EES requirements for each family member. Guidance on dual-national and mixed-passport families. Support in securing ETIAS approvals in advance. Education strategies for children to reduce biometric anxiety. Preparation of supplemental documents such as consent forms and custody records. By working with Amicus, families ensure they are fully prepared for ETIAS and EES, reducing stress and safeguarding lawful entry into Europe. Looking Ahead The full rollout of ETIAS and EES will coincide with peak travel periods in 2026. Families that prepare in 2025 will benefit from smoother journeys and fewer disruptions. Those who fail to prepare risk delays, denied boarding, or legal complications. Pre-staging biometrics and securing ETIAS authorizations should now be considered as essential as booking flights and accommodations. Conclusion ETIAS and EES represent a new era of border management for Europe. Families traveling to the Schengen Area must adjust to biometric systems, pre-travel authorizations, and expanded documentation requirements. With preparation, these systems can work smoothly, but without preparation, they will create significant barriers. Amicus International Consulting stands ready to guide families through this transition, ensuring that lawful travel remains efficient, secure, and stress-free. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: [email protected] Website: www.amicusint.ca In 2025, the European Union is finalizing one of the most ambitious reforms in its financial regulatory history: the launch of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA). Intended to harmonize fragmented anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) enforcement across the bloc, AMLA will oversee high-risk institutions directly and coordinate national regulators. With its headquarters to be formally established by 2026, AMLA represents the EUs most assertive step to address cross-border money laundering vulnerabilities that have plagued the region for more than a decade. Recent clarifications from Brussels have outlined AMLAs supervisory perimeter, identifying which institutions are most likely to fall under its first wave of direct oversight. The categories include systemically essential banks, high-volume fintechs and payment processors, large virtual asset service providers (VASPs), and corporate service providers handling opaque ownership structures. For private clients, including high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and international entrepreneurs, this development carries immediate implications. Institutions subject to AMLA oversight are already tightening onboarding, demanding more granular documentation, and escalating reviews of cross-border transfers. Clients must anticipate the impact and adopt resilient, compliant strategies to ensure continued access to financial services. Why AMLA Is Being Created The rationale for AMLA is rooted in the EUs history of uneven enforcement. Scandals such as the Danske Bank case in the Baltics, high-profile laundering through Maltese institutions, and repeated FATF criticisms demonstrated the weakness of relying solely on national regulators. While directives such as the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth AMLDs introduced stronger frameworks, their transposition varied widely between member states. FATF and the European Parliament argued that without centralized enforcement, the EU risked systemic reputational damage. AMLAs creation is intended to: Centralize supervision of high-risk institutions. Establish a unified EU suspicious transaction reporting database. Coordinate national regulators through binding technical standards. Supervise VASPs and fintechs under the MiCA framework. Impose direct sanctions where compliance failures occur. AMLAs Supervisory Perimeter: Who Falls in First The EU has clarified that AMLA will directly supervise institutions meeting specific criteria: Systemically Important Banks : Cross-border institutions with histories of compliance gaps. : Cross-border institutions with histories of compliance gaps. Payment Institutions and Fintechs : E-money issuers, remittance firms, and high-volume processors. : E-money issuers, remittance firms, and high-volume processors. Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) : Large custodians and exchanges regulated under MiCA. : Large custodians and exchanges regulated under MiCA. Corporate Service Providers : Entities managing trusts, SPVs, and nominee structures exposed to opacity. : Entities managing trusts, SPVs, and nominee structures exposed to opacity. Intermediaries with High-Risk Jurisdiction Exposure: Firms heavily tied to FATF-listed or EU-designated high-risk countries. Case Study 1: Cross-Border Bank with Legacy Issues A Frankfurt-based bank with branches across Eastern Europe has repeatedly faced criticism for inconsistent suspicious activity reporting. Under AMLAs clarified perimeter, such banks are primary candidates for direct oversight. Their compliance teams are already deploying centralized monitoring software and requesting enhanced documentation from clients, especially those with multi-jurisdictional accounts. Case Study 2: Fintech Payment Processor A Paris-based fintech specializing in remittances to West Africa processed millions of low-value transfers annually. Although fully licensed in France, its risk exposure is high due to its links with jurisdictions under FATF monitoring. AMLAs perimeter guidance suggests such fintechs will be among the first supervised directly. Clients should expect stricter onboarding checks, slower approvals, and heightened document demands. Case Study 3: Luxembourg VASP Expanding Abroad A Luxembourg-licensed VASP expanding to Asia faced mounting pressure from EU banks to demonstrate travel rule compliance. With AMLA expected to supervise large exchanges and custodians directly, the VASP has begun stress-testing its KYC frameworks and subjecting clients to enhanced reporting. Investors using the platform are being asked to provide complete source-of-funds packages even for small-value accounts. The Impact on Private Clients While AMLAs mandate applies to institutions, clients will feel the changes most acutely. Families and entrepreneurs using banks, fintechs, or VASPs within AMLAs scope will experience: Stricter Onboarding : Expanded due diligence files with detailed beneficial ownership declarations. : Expanded due diligence files with detailed beneficial ownership declarations. Increased Monitoring : Even routine transactions may be escalated if they are inconsistent with profiles. : Even routine transactions may be escalated if they are inconsistent with profiles. Reduced Tolerance for Opacity : Complex offshore structures without clear narratives will face rejection. : Complex offshore structures without clear narratives will face rejection. Shorter Deadlines: Banks will give clients less time to respond to compliance inquiries. Case Study 4: Family Office Consolidating Narratives A Milan-based family office with accounts in the Netherlands, Germany, and France faced simultaneous requests for updated ownership and tax documentation from all three banks. By harmonizing their compliance files into one consolidated narrative, the family reduced friction and demonstrated transparency. With AMLA poised to centralize oversight, simultaneous reviews will become standard practice. Multi-Institution Strategies for Resilience Private clients can mitigate disruption by adopting multi-institution strategies that align with AMLAs expectations: Maintain accounts across multiple EU banks and fintechs to diversify reliance. Choose VASPs with strong licensing credentials under MiCA. Prepare harmonized compliance narratives across all institutions. Audit SPVs, foundations, and trusts to ensure beneficial ownership transparency. Engage advisors to draft pre-emptive source-of-wealth reports. Case Study 5: Entrepreneur Dependent on Fintech Channels A Barcelona-based entrepreneur relied exclusively on a fast-growing fintech for international client transfers. Once AMLA identified such firms as high-priority for supervision, the fintech tightened its controls, slowing payments. By opening accounts with a traditional Spanish bank and preparing detailed compliance documentation, the entrepreneur avoided business paralysis when oversight intensified. Sector-by-Sector Exposure Banks: Large cross-border banks will be prioritized. Clients should expect more frequent inquiries and enhanced monitoring of cross-border payments. Fintechs: Remittance providers and e-money institutions face early oversight. Clients must prepare for stricter onboarding, even for low-value accounts. VASPs: Custodians and exchanges with significant EU footprints will be directly supervised. Source-of-funds reporting will be enforced even on smaller transactions. Corporate Service Providers: Firms managing complex ownership structures will face scrutiny, particularly in Luxembourg, Cyprus, and Malta. Insurance and Securities Firms: Selected high-risk entities in these sectors may also fall within the first wave. Risks for Clients Unprepared clients face significant risks as AMLA expands: Frozen Accounts : Delays in onboarding or blocked transactions pending compliance reviews. : Delays in onboarding or blocked transactions pending compliance reviews. Reputational Damage : Being flagged as high-risk can affect professional and financial opportunities. : Being flagged as high-risk can affect professional and financial opportunities. Operational Disruption : Entrepreneurs relying on single providers risk paralysis if reviews escalate. : Entrepreneurs relying on single providers risk paralysis if reviews escalate. Tax and Regulatory Scrutiny: Inconsistencies across jurisdictions may be flagged more quickly under AMLA. The Role of National Regulators While AMLA will directly supervise select firms, national regulators will remain responsible for others. However, AMLAs binding technical standards will elevate expectations across the board. Even institutions not directly supervised will adopt AMLA-aligned frameworks, meaning all clients will face tighter standards regardless of their provider. Case Study 6: Corporate Service Provider under Pressure A Cyprus-based corporate services firm managing SPVs for international clients saw its beneficial ownership declarations questioned by multiple EU banks. With AMLA clarifying its intention to supervise such firms directly, the service provider implemented new transparency systems. Clients were required to provide notarized ownership documents and tax compliance proofs, raising the threshold for account opening. Amicus International Consultings Advisory Role Amicus International Consulting supports clients navigating AMLAs evolving framework. Our services include: Mapping institutions most likely to fall within AMLAs first perimeter. Conducting compliance audits of family structures. Preparing harmonized narratives across multiple banks and fintechs. Advising on multi-institution diversification to reduce disruption. Coordinating with legal and tax advisors to align cross-border compliance. Conclusion The EUs clarification of AMLAs supervisory perimeter represents a turning point in the regions financial enforcement landscape. Large banks, fintechs, VASPs, and corporate service providers will fall under direct oversight first, with others aligning indirectly. For clients, this means stricter onboarding, enhanced transaction monitoring, and reduced tolerance for opaque structures. Families, entrepreneurs, and private clients can adapt by preparing documentation in advance, diversifying providers, and aligning narratives across jurisdictions. Amicus International Consulting stands ready to guide clients through this transformation, ensuring that compliance is a tool of resilience rather than a source of disruption. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: [email protected] Website: www.amicusint.ca The European Union is preparing to phase in a new digital travel authorization system by 2026, signaling a significant shift in how millions of travelers will enter, exit, and move across the bloc. The rollout, centered on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and fully integrated with the Entry/Exit System (EES), will modernize border management while reducing the need for duplicate screenings that have long burdened families, students, and business travelers. For mixed-status households, dual nationals, and executives who frequently cross borders, the transition to digital authorizations represents both a compliance challenge and an opportunity for smoother mobility. Once fully implemented, ETIAS will align with biometric-based entry/exit records, reducing reliance on paper documents, passport stamps, and redundant interviews at border checkpoints. Background: Why the EU is adopting ETIAS The EU first announced ETIAS in 2016, framing it as a security enhancement comparable to the United States ESTA program or Canadas eTA system. Under ETIAS, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many others, will be required to obtain a pre-travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. The digital authorization will be valid for multiple entries over a defined period, typically three years, and linked to the travelers passport. By checking travelers against security, migration, and health databases before arrival, ETIAS aims to reduce security risks while avoiding duplication of screenings at the border itself. The Entry/Exit System, operating in tandem, will log biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints, replacing manual passport stamping. Together, ETIAS and EES create a seamless framework for pre-authorized, digitally tracked travel, shifting much of the screening workload from border counters to automated platforms. Why avoiding duplicate screenings matters One of the consistent frustrations voiced by travelers in Europe has been redundancy: providing the same information multiple times, undergoing repeated checks at different airports, and carrying backup documentation in case border stamps are missing. Duplicate screenings often create confusion for families with mixed statuses. For example, a Canadian spouse traveling visa-free may clear quickly. At the same time, a partner on a student visa faces secondary checks even if their information has already been verified at departure. ETIAS and EES aim to reduce this duplication by centralizing checks in advance, allowing border guards to focus on exceptions rather than re-verifying every traveler. Case study: Canadian business traveler with multiple Schengen stops A Canadian executive traveling to Frankfurt, Madrid, and Milan for meetings previously encountered duplicate screenings at each airport. Even though his Canadian passport allowed visa-free entry, inconsistent exit stamps led to questions at re-entry. Under ETIAS, his pre-travel authorization will confirm eligibility, while EES records will log his movements across the bloc. He will no longer be asked to explain missing stamps or prove hotel stays, streamlining his work schedule. Case study: A U.S. family visiting multiple EU states An American family touring Paris, Rome, and Athens once had to endure numerous passport checks where missing exit stamps raised questions. The parents carried copies of boarding passes to prove lawful compliance. In the digital authorization era, their ETIAS approval will validate them before departure, and their EES logs will confirm lawful exits. This eliminates redundant explanations and protects their future ability to return to Europe without suspicion. Impact on mixed-status families Families that include both visa-free and visa-required members often face complexity. A Canadian spouse may require an ETIAS, while a Moroccan spouse must obtain a Schengen visa. Their children, as dual nationals, may use EU passports. Sequencing such itineraries often results in multiple screenings, where one family member clears easily while another is pulled aside. Under the new framework, the Canadian spouses ETIAS authorization will confirm eligibility, the Moroccan spouses Schengen visa will be digitally logged, and their childrens EU passports will be integrated into the EES. This centralization reduces the likelihood of duplicate checks and ensures that the family moves together rather than being separated for redundant interviews. Privacy and data protection under ETIAS and EES The EU has pledged that ETIAS and EES will operate under strict data protection standards, with oversight from the European Data Protection Supervisor and compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Data collected will include biometric identifiers, travel histories, and security flags, all retained for defined periods. Civil liberties groups caution that the concentration of travel data could invite misuse if oversight falters. However, EU regulators argue that centralization protects travelers by reducing arbitrary decisions at borders and ensuring that lawful travelers benefit from pre-clearance. Case study: Student re-entry after semester abroad A Canadian student studying in Barcelona once returned after a semester abroad to discover that her paper exit stamp was missing. Immigration officers questioned her status, and she was asked to provide transcripts to prove enrollment. Under ETIAS and EES, her departure and return would be digitally recorded, ensuring her lawful compliance without relying on fragile ink stamps. Comparisons to the U.S. and Canada The ETIAS model closely mirrors the United States ESTA system, where travelers from visa waiver countries must apply online before departure. Similarly, Canadas eTA requires online approval before boarding flights. However, the EU system adds biometric logging through EES, making it one of the most advanced frameworks globally. For travelers accustomed to North American pre-travel authorizations, ETIAS will feel familiar. The key difference is its integration with the bloc-wide biometric system, ensuring that entry and exit records are not just pre-authorized but digitally verified in real time. Preparing for 2026: What travelers should do now Amicus International Consulting recommends that travelers begin preparing for ETIAS and EES implementation by: Ensuring that passports remain valid well beyond 2026 is crucial, as ETIAS is tied to passport validity. Conducting audits of past travel histories to identify potential compliance issues. Familiarizing themselves with biometric data requirements and understanding rights under GDPR. Planning itineraries that account for mixed-status household members, ensuring that each has appropriate documentation. Keeping records of educational, business, or family ties to justify the purposes of travel if secondary checks occur. Case study: Seasonal workers rotating between Schengen and home countries A group of Moldovan seasonal workers previously faced suspicions of overstays due to inconsistent passport stamps. Their employers often had to intervene with additional documentation. Once EES logs their entries and exits digitally, such disputes will disappear, protecting lawful workers while allowing authorities to focus on genuine overstays. Avoiding duplicate screenings at external borders One of the significant advantages of the digital system is that it eliminates the need for repeated questioning at multiple borders. A traveler who enters the Schengen Area in Paris will have their data recorded once, allowing subsequent movements within the bloc without further passport stamps. Upon exit, their departure is logged, completing the cycle. This reduces administrative burdens on border guards, speeds up queues, and lowers the chances of human error leading to wrongful suspicion. Broader implications for global mobility The EUs adoption of ETIAS and EES is part of a global trend toward digitized border management. The Gulf states, Singapore, South Korea, and Australia are all expanding biometric-driven systems. For frequent travelers, the implication is clear: mobility will increasingly depend on digital compliance, not paper documents. Legal implications of digital travel authorizations Lawyers note that ETIAS and EES will shift disputes away from paper-based evidence toward digital records. Courts and immigration authorities will increasingly rely on system-generated logs to assess compliance. For travelers, this reduces uncertainty but also eliminates flexibility. If the system shows an overstay, it becomes difficult to argue otherwise. Amicus International Consulting advises clients to monitor their digital travel records, request corrections if errors occur, and ensure consistency across documents. Conclusion: A streamlined but stricter future By 2026, the EUs digital travel authorization system will fundamentally change how millions of people move across Europe. While the system promises efficiency, fairness, and the elimination of duplicate screenings, it also introduces stricter reliance on digital compliance. Families, students, and professionals must prepare for an environment where lawful travel depends on alignment between pre-authorizations, biometric logs, and consistent documentation. Amicus International Consulting continues to guide clients through these transitions, offering lawful strategies to prepare for ETIAS, reconcile records, and protect clean travel histories. In the new era, compliance planning is no longer optionalit is the foundation of secure, predictable mobility across Europe. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: [email protected] Website: www.amicusint.ca The European Union is accelerating the deployment of automated exit-stamp technology across its external borders, a reform designed to strengthen compliance with Schengen travel limits while protecting law-abiding travelers from errors that previously jeopardized their mobility. The development marks a significant step in the EUs ongoing digital transformation of border management, complementing the rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The expansion addresses long-standing concerns about the reliability of paper-based passport stamps. For years, travelers who carefully planned their stays in the Schengen Area occasionally faced penalties when an exit stamp was forgotten, misplaced, or rendered illegible. Such discrepancies often required them to prove lawful departure with boarding passes or hotel invoices, creating stress, delays, and, in some cases, denied entry on subsequent trips. The EUs move toward automation aims to eliminate this uncertainty by standardizing records through digital systems. How exit-stamp automation works The automated system integrates carrier data, passport scanning at departure gates, and border kiosks that record exits without requiring manual stamping. Travelers present their passports at automated stations or when boarding outbound flights, trains, or ferries, and the departure event is logged electronically. This ensures that each travelers exit is matched to their entry record in real time, closing loopholes that once depended on ink-based documentation. Officials emphasize that automation is not simply about convenience, but about accuracy. In a system where visa-free travelers are allowed 90 days within a 180-day window, or where long-term permit holders must respect residence obligations, even minor errors in records can lead to serious consequences. Automated stamping provides both enforcement agencies and travelers with a single, consistent record of movements. Why travel histories matter A clean travel history is more than just a bureaucratic detail. For many individuals, it is a prerequisite for visa renewals, residence permits, and even citizenship applications. Immigration authorities in Europe and beyond routinely examine travel histories to verify compliance. A traveler who overstays, even unintentionally, may face bans ranging from months to years, jeopardizing family, business, or study plans. Exit-stamp automation reduces the risk of unjust penalties by ensuring that lawful departures are recorded without ambiguity. This benefits not only tourists but also expatriates, students, cross-border workers, and high-frequency business travelers who depend on predictable and fair border interactions. Case study: The Canadian entrepreneur navigating multiple hubs Consider the case of a Canadian entrepreneur managing companies in Berlin and Amsterdam while maintaining ties to Middle Eastern partners. Before automation, he often relied on manual passport stamps to demonstrate compliance. On one occasion, a missing exit stamp from Munich led border officers to suspect he had overstayed. Only after producing airline tickets, email confirmations, and expense records was he cleared. The incident delayed his re-entry and jeopardized his professional commitments. With the automated system now live at major airports, his departures synchronize automatically with entry records. He no longer carries a folder of backup documents to prove lawful exits. For him, the reform has transformed travel from a compliance burden into a more predictable process. Case study: A family balancing student and dependent visas A North African family with two children studying in Paris previously faced repeated challenges when paper exit stamps failed to align with their residence permits. On one occasion, inconsistent stamps caused French authorities to question whether a dependent spouse had exceeded her permitted stay. The familys attorney had to file supplementary documents to prove compliance. Today, their departures and re-entries are logged digitally, eliminating conflicting records. Automated exit stamps ensure that each family members departure is uniformly recorded, helping them maintain lawful status without repeated interventions. Case study: Seasonal worker rotations A group of Moldovan seasonal workers who rotate between Schengen countries and their home region highlights another advantage. In the past, missing or smudged exit stamps raised suspicions that workers overstayed, sometimes leading to entry refusals the following season. With automated systems in place, their lawful rotations are documented reliably, protecting their livelihoods and offering host countries greater confidence in compliance. Broader compliance context The exit-stamp initiative is part of the EUs broader push toward the EES, which will replace traditional passport stamping with a biometric database recording entries and exits of third-country nationals. Once fully operational, EES will capture facial images and fingerprints at borders, linking them to digital travel histories. For now, automated exit stamping bridges the gap between paper stamps and the biometric future. It provides a digital backbone for accurate record-keeping while preparing infrastructure for EES integration. Member states such as France, Germany, and Spain have already expanded automation at key airports, while smaller states are aligning systems in anticipation of full EES deployment. Data protection and oversight The shift toward automation naturally raises questions about data privacy. The EU has stressed that exit-stamp data is collected strictly for border control and immigration enforcement. Records remain subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), giving individuals rights to access, correct, and limit retention of their data. Privacy advocates have called for precise oversight mechanisms to ensure that exit-stamp data is not repurposed for unrelated surveillance or commercial uses. The European Data Protection Supervisor has emphasized the need for transparency in how data is shared across member states. For travelers, the important takeaway is that automated exit stamps strengthen their ability to prove compliance while remaining subject to EU privacy protections. Comparisons with other jurisdictions The EU is not alone in modernizing border controls. Several Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, already rely on automated exit systems linked to national ID cards. The United States logs departures through carrier data and biometric kiosks at select airports, though manual checks remain common. Asian hubs such as Singapore and South Korea have also pioneered automated entry-exit systems, with firm reliance on biometric authentication. The global trend suggests that travelers everywhere will increasingly rely on digital travel histories. Those histories, in turn, depend on consistent identity documents, well-maintained passports, and accurate synchronization across visas and permits. Risks of inconsistent identities One challenge for travelers is ensuring that all their documents align. Inconsistent spellings, mismatched dates of birth, or dual passports can complicate digital record-keeping. Automated exit systems depend on clean data inputs. Amicus International Consulting advises clients to review their passports, residence permits, and visas for discrepancies before relying on computerized systems. An individual who uses two different spellings of their name across documents may inadvertently trigger mismatches in exit records. While border agencies often resolve such issues manually, automation depends on strict consistency. Case study: Dual nationals with multiple passports A Latin American dual national with both EU and non-EU passports reported challenges when alternating between documents at entry and exit. In the past, he sometimes entered with one passport and exited with another, depending on visa requirements. This created confusion in manual systems, but automation now requires strict alignment. His solution was to designate a primary passport for Schengen travel, ensuring consistency across all records. Legal safeguards for travelers Legal experts note that automated exit-stamp systems should be viewed as both an enforcement mechanism and a protection tool. By maintaining precise records, they safeguard travelers against wrongful accusations of overstaying. Courts and immigration authorities can rely on system-generated data, reducing disputes and ensuring fairness. At the same time, travelers must recognize that digital records leave little room for error. Overstays that were once masked by missing stamps are now logged with precision. This places greater responsibility on individuals to monitor their permitted days and comply with rules. What families, students, and executives should do now To adapt to this evolving environment, travelers should: Audit their travel histories against the 90/180 rule or residence permit conditions. Ensure consistency in personal data across passports, visas, and residence cards. Keep supporting documents such as airline itineraries, even though automation reduces reliance on paper evidence. Prepare for biometric integration as the EU moves toward full EES deployment. Seek legal guidance if discrepancies arise, to resolve them before they escalate. Case study: Student compliance checks A South Asian student in Italy once discovered that her overstays were suspected due to a smudged exit stamp. She had left on time but was denied re-entry until she produced extensive documentation. Today, automated exit stamping protects her from such disputes, ensuring her lawful departures are correctly logged. Long-term implications In the long run, automated exit stamping could reshape how governments evaluate residency and citizenship applications. Reliable travel histories will reduce reliance on subjective assessments and place greater emphasis on system-generated data. For law-abiding travelers, this is a net positive. For those attempting to manipulate records, it will become more difficult. Implications for immigration policy As the EU harmonizes its border systems, national immigration policies may shift to place greater trust in digital records. This could streamline application processes, reduce disputes, and free resources for more substantive reviews. It may also encourage other regions to adopt similar systems, fostering global convergence in border management practices. Amicus International Consultings perspective Amicus International Consulting, which assists clients in structuring lawful mobility strategies, views the EUs exit-stamp automation as a positive step for compliance and traveler protection. The firm advises clients to embrace automation as a safeguard rather than a burden, while also remaining vigilant about privacy and data consistency. For clients balancing multiple residencies or planning long-term mobility strategies, Amicus emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean, consistent records across jurisdictions. The ability to demonstrate lawful compliance is essential not only for immediate travel but for long-term objectives such as permanent residence or second citizenship. Looking ahead As automation expands, the days of collecting ink stamps as souvenirs of travel may fade. In their place, digital logs will form the backbone of global mobility. For the EU, this marks a significant milestone in harmonizing border control and protecting the rights of travelers who comply with the law. For the millions of people who enter and exit the Schengen Area each year, automated exit stamping promises a future where lawful compliance is recognized without dispute, and clean travel histories are maintained with the certainty of digital precision. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: [email protected] Website: www.amicusint.ca A MAN who got a taxi from Kildare to Tullamore and made off without paying the 100 fare was placed on a 12-month probation bond when he appeared at the vacation sitting of Portlaoise District Court last week. Garda Sergent JJ Kirby said that at 9.10pm that night, the defendant, John McDonagh from 5 Carton Road, Poppintree, Ballymun, Dublin 11, hailed a taxi in Kildare and asked to be driven to Tullamore. When at the destination, the defendant got from the car and made off without paying the 100 fare and ran through a housing estate. Gardai gave chase and caught up with him. When they did, he gave them a false name and address. Mr McDonagh pleaded guilty to making off without payment, obstructing gardai and providing a false name and address at Kingswood, Arden Road, Tullamore on 6 August 2025. Defence solicitor Chris Mills said that his client, who just turned 20, had been involved in a serious road traffic collision last year and suffered from post-traumatic stress. He said his client is contrite for his actions and has a long road ahead of him in his recovery from the effects of the collision. Judge William Aylmer placed Mr McDonagh on a 12-month probation bond under the supervision of the probation and welfare services and instructed that he follow all the directions given to him by the services. 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. RTE star Miriam O'Callaghan has shared a relatable holiday confession that has Irish mammies everywhere nodding along. The Prime Time presenter posted a short video from Portugal, where she is currently enjoying some downtime. Filming herself in a swimming pool, O'Callaghan told her 49.5k Instagram followers that while she was delighted to be away doing nothing, the real joy of a sun holiday was something far more ordinary. The RTE presenter's confession is relatable as it is endearing, with Miriam admitting that, like "every Irish mammy", she gets a thrill from seeing clothes dry in the sun. READ MORE | RTE announce three new coaches in major revamp of Irelands Fittest Family Hi there, greetings from sunny Portugal. It's just lovely to be away doing nothing," she began. But then, panning the camera to show two loungers piled with towels and clothes, she admitted: "I have to honestly say the most exciting thing is there in the shot behind me which is the washing and drying in Portugal. Laughing, she added: "Like every Irish mammy, that makes me so excited. "It dries so quickly and all your whites go whiter. READ MORE | Late Late Show return date confirmed with Patrick Kielty following shock marriage fallout The post also included two smiling selfies, with O'Callaghan doubling down on the light-hearted confession in her caption: "Best bit about being on a sun holiday? The washing&drying is ace makes me SO happy #irishmammyinsta Her fans were quick to agree, with many commenting that they too look forward to "great drying weather" when abroad. Another said that the post was proof that some things never change, even when you're a household name. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miriam O Callaghan (@instmiriam) It's been a busy few days for O'Callaghan who attended the sold-out Oasis reunion shows in Croke Park last weekend. She shared snaps with her identical twin daughters, Jessica and Georgia, and posed alongside CNN's Irish reporter Donie O'Sullivan before heading off on her break. As she departed Ireland, the broadcaster also shared a short clip out of a plane window, showing the coastline below with the caption: So long for now, beautiful Ireland see you soon. Off on holidays excited. READ MORE | Tiny island off Clare closed following death of beloved former resident at 99-years-old Loreto Kilkenny has confirmed the appointment of Ms Marian Moran as the school's new principal. Earlier this year it was announced that outgoing principal Colm Keher would join the Joint Managerial Body Secretariat of Secondary Schools (JMB). - READ MORE HERE Ms Moran, a native of Kildare, began her teaching career in Presentation College Athenry , where she taught for one year before joining the staff of Loreto Kilkenny as a teacher of History and Geography in 2007. READ NEXT: Kilkenny school announces approval for new unit The Kildare native was appointed Deputy Principal in St Brigids College, Callan in 2013, before returning to Loreto in 2017. "As Deputy Principal she has fulfilled the role with great energy, dedication and care over the past years," a school spokesperson said. "Ms Moran is deeply committed to all aspects of school life and is especially passionate about the holistic development of every student. She values the schools strong ties with the local community and is enthusiastic about continuing to strengthen these connections," they continued. "We wish Ms Moran every success as she begins her leadership journey as Principal of our school." FOR MORE KILKENNY SCHOOL NEWS, CLICK HERE SEE FULL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA BELOW: As college costs continue to be a significant burden for many households, families across Kilkenny are looking for ways to make third level education more affordable. At St Canices Credit Union, the focus is on support, not profit. Their student loan is designed to ease the financial pressure, offering a responsible lending option which spreads out the cost of college over a longer period while always putting people first. With peoples busy lives it can also sometimes be difficult to find the time to organise finances, for that reason applications can be made online with a few clicks, over the phone or in branch making the process as simple as possible. According to the 2025 Zurich Cost of Education Survey, the average annual cost of attending third level education in Ireland is now 14,105 for students living away from home. This includes fees of around 3,193, transport costs of 504, and an estimated 2,448 in monthly financial support from parents. For students living at home, the cost drops to 6,145 annually, with accommodation remaining the most significant expense at 8,384 per year. These figures highlight the growing financial pressure on families, but St Canices Credit Union is here to help. READ NEXT: Kilkenny's Credit Union offering 2,000 scholarship to 16 students - applications now open What sets the credit union apart is its community ethos. With flexible repayments, clear guidance, and no hidden charges, families can plan with confidence. Parents can also borrow towards the cost of sending their child to college and students can focus on their studies knowing the financial side is being handled with care. People are often unsure what the options are when it comes to handling major costs like third level education. Trained and experienced staff are available to speak to members six days a week to go through their options and offer support. Education is an investment in the future. St Canices Credit Union is here to help make that future possible. A guest post from Nick Hanne of the Free Speech Union: I recently discovered that perhaps the most vocal and unabashed proxy in New Zealand for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) lives in a street adjoining my own. His name is Morgan Xiao and while I dont believe in doxxing people and have no intention of disclosing his exact address, Mr Xiao from all appearances has no problem advertising that he is a Howick resident at every chance he gets. His very public campaign to intimidate and silence Chinese pro-democracy figures particularly here in East Auckland is why I found out about him in the first place. In my work for the Free Speech Union, Ive had the honour of meeting with the brave individuals Mr Xiao has targeted and seen first-hand in our district court his bully tactics in action. Over the past year, we successfully supported local journalist Portia Mao in overturning a court order made under the Harmful Digital Communications Act, which silenced her investigative reporting into Xiao as an aspiring local government representative. Xiao has unsuccessfully run for the Howick Local Board, is still (as far as Im aware) the secretary for the local Labour Party electorate committee, and pursues a relentless online campaign against anyone in NZ who questions the CCPs growing influence. The more Ive learned about this case, the more Ive come to realise as I walk my neighbourhood of Howick each evening that the issue of foreign interference from China is far more serious than I first thought. There are close to 300,000 people of Chinese descent living today in NZ, almost all of whom are here due to the immigration boom of the past 35 years. Most Kiwis never bothered during this period to understand what the new arrivals from China were leaving behind or for that matter what many of them had lived through in the second half of the 20th century. Maos Little Red Book, the Long March, and the Cultural Revolution may have been vaguely familiar to those of us who did School Certificate History, but times had apparently changed. China had since entered, it was argued, a new phase of development. By 1991 communism around the globe had either collapsed or undertaken a centrally managed capitalist transformation of sorts. China, due to radical reforms by Deng Xiaoping and his successors seemed to lead the way in this respect. Even the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, while obviously brutal, could be twisted by some to explain why it was better not to rush the pace of liberalisation, but to let China evolve in its own way. Civil liberties would inevitably follow especially if trade could be further opened up. Greater exposure to the West, too, would do the trick. Money blinded many of us to the ultimately inflexible characteristics of authoritarianism. The notion that modern China was too complex a matter for regular Kiwis to wrap their heads around also served a convenient political and economic purpose. It was a benign economic cashcow. Yet that excuse just wont cut it anymore. In 2020 two serving members of the NZ Parliament, both expatriate Chinese citizens with murky links to the CCP, Raymond Huo of Labour and Dr Jian Yang of National, were quietly shown the Beehive door and dropped from their party lists. To be frank, this particular news didnt come as a shock to me as ten years earlier Id frequently sparred with the heavily pro-Beijing views of Yang over the question of Chinas intentions when he had been my Politics professor during my postgraduate studies at the University of Auckland. What did take me aback was the lack of public attention such a major disclosure seemed to elicit when our two biggest political parties (under some sort of mutual understanding) quietly made the issue go away. Peoples Liberation Army warships only months ago ran firing drills in the Tasman Sea. Many exporters continue to argue that even if we really wanted to, pivoting away from China, our number one trading partner, would be economic suicide. And for close to ten years dissidents based in this country campaigning for democracy and human rights in China have faced increasing levels of intimidation, blackmail and even violence from the CCPs United Front, an ostensibly civilian network of Beijing sympathisers willing to bribe, bully and blackmail in order to do the partys bidding. However, Mr Xiao, while more vocal than others, is not a geopolitical mastermind. From what Ive come to understand of his modus operandi, he is more likely a useful idiot. NZ, like many other liberal democracies, has made it ridiculously easy for such stooges of ruthless authoritarian regimes to manipulate our laws, our media and politicians for subversive ends. Xiaos pursuit of journalists like Portia Mao and Justin Wong are cases in point. Yet too many politicians, business leaders and educational institutions appear by and large to have their heads in the sand. The United Fronts activities have already had a serious chilling effect on free speech in the Chinese community in this country. Many Kiwi-Chinese are concerned, but are now too intimidated to express their true thoughts in public for fear of the CCPs tools of surveillance through digital means and local informants. Leverage can now be applied in myriad ways by a regime which understands that money talks, and failing that, interrogation and imprisonment of loved ones serves as a ready backup. We arent alone though. UK authorities recently remonstrated with Chinese officials for advertising in the UK a cash bounty to anyone who aided in the arrest of 19 pro-democracy activists, many from Hong Kong, who had sought refuge in Britain. The exasperated UK foreign secretary described Chinas actions as transnational repression, but more serious diplomatic measures have failed to materialise. Closer to home, blatant extra-judicial operations by Chinas Ministry of State Security in countries like Fiji should have sent a stark message to liberal democracies like ours when two years ago dozens of MSS officers flew in to Suva and arrested dozens of wanted individuals in a massive forced repatriation. What made the operation so unique was that China ignored Fijis legal system entirely. No warrants were sought. No permission was asked for. They just did it. The FBI just last week opened an office in our capital city. Somewhat predictably the reaction from some of our local commentators was scathing, accusing the government of caving to Trumpian pressure and a supposedly sinister Five Eyes surveillance strategy. What has been forgotten in much of this coverage is that China set up its own extra-judicial police station in Auckland not only without seeking permission, but without NZ authorities even having any knowledge of its existence. A report by Swedish human rights group Safeguard Defenders uncovered at least 110 such police stations in 53 countries. Unsurprisingly, Chinese dissidents continue to be a prime target of this CCP initiative. My evening walk around Howick is a reminder, however, that this destructive trend need not be thought of as inevitable. Most Chinese have come to NZ for a better life where their kids can experience freedom, educational opportunities, and an unspoilt environment. There are pro-democracy campaigners, journalists and community leaders in this neighbourhood who refuse to back down to the CCP. Portia Mao is one of them and when I met recently with Portia and a group of some fifty of her supporters in Howick, I learned of further stories of threats, intimidation and surveillance. Another is an East Auckland local named Freeman Yu, a pro-democracy leader in the Chinese community who is the sole survivor of a horrific car crash which occurred when he and two other activists were driving to Wellington to present a petition to Parliament calling for resistance to CCP interference. Concerns raised with NZ Police about possible vehicle tampering were never properly investigated and the vehicle was destroyed soon after the Serious Crash Unit concluded its investigation. Freeman, who still carries the scars of his serious injuries, is one of the bravest individuals Ive met. He points out that NZ can be a trading partner with China, but such a relationship cannot come at the expense of our democratic principles. The two countries do not, he emphasises, have shared values. Party officials describe this system as democracy with Chinese characteristics. But dissidents like Freeman will tell you that there is nothing democratic or intrinsically Chinese about the one-party state. Beyond those brave Chinese voicing opposition, there are a few individuals in this country like Canterbury University academic Anne-Marie Brady and former National MP Simon OConnor doing their bit to raise the alarm. Both have been subject to surveillance by the CCP, although neither has backed down. We cannot in good conscience let this situation continue. I for one refuse to let it happen in my own backyard. I think its about time more of us started speaking up. 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. Zelensky ready for some compromise on whether a ceasefire happens before Putin talks as Russia plays down prospects 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. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 68F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A mostly clear sky. Low 42F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. 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. Actor Ahn Hyo-seop has weighed in on the possibility of his character Jinu returning in a potential sequel to Netflix's hit animated film "K-pop Demon Hunters," despite the character's tragic fate at the end of the movie. The 30-year-old Korean actor, who voiced the 400-year-old demon-turned-idol Jinu, expressed his own enthusiasm for seeing the character return while acknowledging the narrative challenges. "I mean, Jinu gave his soul, so, like, I never really imagined how he would come back. As someone who loves Jinu as a fan too, of course I would love to see him come back. But it's not up to me," Ahn said. Jinu's fate became a major talking point among fans after the character sacrificed himself to save demon hunter Rumi and humanity in the film's climactic moments. The bittersweet ending has sparked widespread calls for a sequel that would give Jinu and Rumi another chance at happiness. Ahn revealed his personal investment in the characters' relationship, saying, "I stan them too," referring to Jinu and Rumi. "I think it's about the pain and the agony that they had. I feel like it's about the company, like you can't solve your problems alone. You have to have somebody beside you, and they had the biggest connection." The animated film has achieved remarkable success since its June 20 Netflix debut, earning a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming the platform's second most-viewed movie ever. The soundtrack reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant achievement for K-pop music in film. While Netflix has not officially announced a sequel, industry observers note the high likelihood of at least one more film given the international success. The movie will also receive theatrical releases in select U.S. theaters on August 23-24, with many locations offering sing-along experiences. Ahn is not alone in wanting Jinu's return. Co-star Arden Cho, who voices Rumi, has also expressed hope for the sequel to bring back the beloved character. The fan devotion has even extended to real-world tributes, with people leaving flowers at Namsan Tower in South Korea, the site of Jinu's fictional demise. Looking forward, Ahn expressed his broader hopes for the franchise's impact. "I hope that this franchise continues to inspire people to embrace their shadows and their flaws and be able to still move forward," he said. "I'm a big fan too now, so I'll be waiting and cheering like everyone else." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Mary Theresa (nee Keating) Harrington, (87), South Surrey, BC, Canada and formerly of Emo passed away peacefully on Tuesday 5 August 2025 in South Surrey, BC, Canada surrounded by her children, who held her hands as she took her final breath. In fitting Mary fashion, she left this life on the same day she gave life to her firstborn, James (5 August 1970). She often spoke of the cycle of life, and her departure on this symbolic day, 55 years later, feels like a poetic tribute to her enduring spirit. Born May 26, 1938, in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England to Irish parents Matthew and Bridget Keating, Mary was the eldest of eight children. During World War II the family returned to Emo where it was all hands-on deck to keep the household fed, loved, and sheltered. As the eldest, much of that responsibility fell on Marys young shoulders, and her strength was forged from generations of grit, faith, song, humour, stubbornness, and a healthy dose of good auld country mischief. As a girl, she worked on her grandmothers farm in Cloncannon, then moved to Mullingar as a nanny to care for a familys children, saving enough money to pursue her true passion: nursing. She studied at the Royal Glasgow Maternity Hospital (aka Rottenrow) in Scotland, then returned to Ireland to begin her career at the Coombe Hospital in Dublin. One fateful night at the cozy pub, Duffs Bray, County Wicklow, Mary spotted a dashing man in a blue suit across the bar, John Patrick Harrington. He was on a blind date dining with another woman. But that didnt matter. Mary was captivated by his cerulean, blue eyes, blonde hair, and magnetic smile. So alluring, she barely noticed her own blind date. In fact, she knew John was stealing furtive glances with her, and instantly felt they had chemistry. He was the one. Unfortunately, John pulled an Irish Goodbye and disappeared into the evening. Gone like the wind. Days later, she saw him again, this time in the maternity ward at the Coombe Hospital where she was working the night shift. This was odd. Rumours swirled that he was gallivanting around while his wife was in labour, until it was revealed he was simply there painting the hospital. The mystery man was single. And the universe had spoken. As the Irish say: Whats meant for you wont pass you by. In 1970, after they fell madly in love and tied a beautiful knot, John and Mary left Ireland aboard the Russian ship Alexandr Pushkin, sailing to Montreal and then crossing Canada by train with two suitcases and a dream. (No, they were not KGB spy lovers.) They settled in Prince George, BC, where they raised four children, James, John, Siobhain, and Francis, and built a life full of friendship, faith, sport, celebration and community. After 17 frosty years in the tundra, they moved to Surrey in the Lower Mainland for sunnier days and the salt air of the Pacific Ocean. Mary was a pillar of her community, deeply involved in the Good Shepherd parish and her vocation in nursing at Surrey Memorial and Peace Arch Hospital. She loved the maternity ward and meeting new mothers and fathers. She found her true calling. The late Mary Theresa Harrington After retiring in 2002, she volunteered as a Minister of Holy Communion, bringing the Eucharist to hundreds in hospitals, hospices, and homes. She gave of herself endlessly, always putting others first. And in the end, many of those she served put her first as she lay dying. She often spoke of the tombstones dash, the time we have between birth and death, and the importance of living it with purpose and passion. Mary embodied that philosophy. She was a raconteur with a wicked sense of humour, a genealogist at heart, and a seeker of connection. She could meet a stranger and somehow trace a thread back to Ireland, introducing long-lost friends or relatives with uncanny precision. She truly was the real Six Degrees of Mary Harrington. Her party piece at countless shindigs, weddings, and good auld craics was Danny Boy, sung with a voice that could hush a room, stir hearts and like a siren lure John to the Coombes Hospital to meet his destiny. It became her signature, a melody that followed her through decades of celebration and connection. In her final hours, that same spirit lingered: the Rosary was whispered with devotion, and Elvis Presleys baritone voice floated through the room, serenading her with Danny Boy The pipes are calling. It was as if heaven itself was gently preparing her passage. To her children, she often implored: Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are. It was more than advice; it was a guiding principle she lived by. And she lived it well, cultivating lifelong friendships that became family. Some may say that we are born alone and die alone. Mary thought that was nonsense. And on 5 August she proved it, departing this world with her children at her side, hands entwined, love surrounding her like a warm blanket. Her final moments were a testament to a life lived in connection, devotion, and grace. Seeing her children, together, at her bedside meant the heavens to her. Family was everything. Her mission was done. And she was satisfied and at peace. Even in her last days, Mary lit up for every visitor. She smiled through pain and medication, making each person feel welcome at her bedside. She remained a mother and nurse to the very end, ensuring her family was safe, warm, and together. Mary Harrington lived her dash with grace, grit, prayer and boundless love. Her legacy of care, laughter, and connection will ripple through generations. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Patrick Harrington (2017) and is survived by her children James, John, Siobhain and Francis. She adored her grandchildren Patrick, Ronan, Cashlin, Ava, Dillon, Rhett, Jude, Arabella, and Brielle. She was proud of her beautiful daughters-in-law Nicole, Denise, and Candy, and her son-in-law, Rick Coopman. In Ireland, Mary leaves behind a legion of amazing nieces and nephews. She loved her own brothers and sisters, and all their children; The Booths; Richard, Bernadette, Matthew, Eugene, Adrian, Evelyn and Fiona. The Keatings; Bernadette and Pauline. The Kellys; Matthew. Mom always urged as to Stay close and Be together and we call all attest we are closer now and truly understand the importance of family. Mom also loved the Harrington clan dearly, especially Ken and Elain and their children, Colm, Nicky, and Tracey. Family rules. Nothing is thicker than blood, except for Guinness perhaps. She also leaves behind legendary friends who stood by her to the very end. Youll hear more about these radiant people in the eulogy. Marys celebration will be held at Good Shepherd on Thursday 21 August at 11am PST in South Surrey and all are welcome, no matter how many degrees of separation you are from her. (Im sure she knows you or somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who knows you.). To watch Marys mass live on YouTube click on https://youtube.com/@sosparish?si=SItFaCtDcacY5ufO A Final Farewell: And when the valleys hushed and white with snow, Mom, well listen for your voice in the breeze, soft as the lark that sings at break of day. Its Ill be here in sunshine or in shadow Oh Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so. Though youve gone when the flowers are dying, your love remains, ever blooming in our hearts. Mom, you walked this world with grace and quiet strength, a gentle soul whose laughter warmed the room. Now, as the hills echo with the song you loved, we hold your memory like a sacred tune. But come ye back when summers in the meadow We shall sing again Onward LAOIS County Council is in the running for a major European award. The council has been named as one of the finalists in this years Diversity in Tech Awards (DITA), which is one of Europes leading events that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion in the technology sector. It is the only local authority in the country that has been named in the awards. The awards also recognise individuals and organisations that are driving positive changes across such areas such as gender, cultural inclusion, disability, LGBTQ+ representation and neurodiversity. Over 300 entries were received this year with Laois County Council in the running for the Neurodiverse Inclusion Award category. The winning finalists will be announced on Thursday 19 September. Now in its eighth year, DITA celebrates a broad spectrum of diversity, from gender and culture to disability and neurodiversity. It continues to spotlight the changemakers reshaping the tech industry for the better. Executive Director Global Technology of JP Morgan and a member of the judging panel Claire Rushe said: JP Morgan is thrilled to continue our partnership with the Diversity in Tech Awards in 2025. These awards honour the trailblazers who are making the tech industry more inclusive, aligning with our belief that technology thrives when every voice is heard and valued. Chief Operations Officer of the Diversity in Tech Awards Clare Kilmartin said: The 2025 finalists represent the very best of what our industry has to offer, bold thinkers, brilliant innovator, and inclusive leaders who are breaking down barriers in every direction. These awards are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we create space for all talent to thrive. IM living proof that life is not done after my stage four breast cancer diagnosis, says Avril Tierney, a mother of two daughters. The 47-year-old from Laois was first diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2019 and two years later her cancer had spread to her lungs and become metastatic the worst possible news. The patient supporter for this year's Breast Cancer Ireland Very Pink Run, which is being staged with three events from 6-14 September, is successfully living with her type of cancer, thanks to research which showed that her targeted treatment involving immunotherapy and chemotherapy is working for her. She explained: In 2019, after finding a lump in my right breast, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. After many tests, meetings and appointments, my oncologist and team put together a plan for chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and other treatment. I was informed of the side effects such as nausea, hair loss, fatigue, forced menopause and all that this would bring, too. Those first few weeks, Avril felt like her world had been upended. I had panic attacks for the first time in my life and felt utterly out of control. It took some time to gather myself, but I woke one morning to a realisation that the one thing I could control was how I was in this situation. I could continue to panic or I could refocus, stay present and just get on with whatever came my way. Easier said than done, but I got there. The power of staying present is massive, as well as accepting help from our friends and family. I am a positive person by nature, so I had to try to stop allowing this to consume me. This is a small part of my life and thats it. There is plenty of living to be done. Following completion of primary treatment and surgery, a CT scan showed two cancerous nodules on her upper right lung. Although a huge shock to her, she was informed that the nodules were removable and treatable. She recalled: So, I was on the treatment train again and it moved fast. In August 2020, I had the upper right lobe removed from my lung and, following recovery from that, I began IV chemotherapy once again, followed by another CT scan. Unfortunately, this scan showed further spread into the lower lungs, which meant in 2021 my diagnosis became metastatic or stage four breast cancer. It was the worst news. I was exhausted and completely devastated. It took some time to gather myself as I truly believed I would be dead in six months. But her oncologist had a new plan. Avril was tested for the presence of a protein PDL-1 and she had it. This meant that she could start a new immunotherapy drug combined with chemotherapy. This treatment had recently finished the trial period with good results for patients and she felt very grateful to have access to it. She said: That was more than three years ago and for the last year-and-a-half I have had scans showing no evidence of disease. A place I never imagined I would get with a stage four diagnosis. I am so grateful for so much, for research and trials into targeted therapies. For the amazing people who donate and for Breast Cancer Ireland for working tirelessly to raise funds, funds that are so important for people like me. One in seven women will develop breast cancer in the course of their lifetime, while one in 738 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Every 29 seconds someone in the world is diagnosed with breast cancer and there are 3,700 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Ireland annually. Up to 23% of women are diagnosed between the ages of 20-50 years, 34% of women are diagnosed between the ages of 50-69 years, 36% of women are diagnosed over the age of 70 years and only 5-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. Avril said: A metastatic diagnosis doesn't mean life stops. Yes, it's devastating at first but you can move forward and live a fulfilled life with hope for the future, especially with the advances of research into medications and targeted therapies. I dont have a bucket list I want to do, I just want to enjoy the everyday things of life such as seeing my children going to school and being with my family. I was as honest as I could be with my two daughters who were aged three and seven when I was diagnosed. Its all about navigating life as best as you can and Ive learned to prioritise myself first before I can help others. Im so grateful and appreciate everything. Even my grey hairs! I am proud to be an ambassador for the Breast Cancer Ireland to contribute to their amazing work and campaigns. Septembers Very Pink Run promises to be a fun-filled, family-focused and entirely inclusive event. Open to all ages and abilities, the 5km and 10km options make it perfect for solo participants, families, fitness fanatics, casual strollers and everyone in between, including four-legged friends. Since its inception, the Very Pink Run has grown into a global movement, with over 97,000 participants across 40 countries raising a phenomenal 7.3 million to date, which is all in support of ground-breaking breast cancer research and nationwide awareness and education programmes. The 10km event in Dublin starts at noon and the 5km event starts at 12.30pm on Saturday 6 September at Leopardstown Racecourse. Corks 10km event kicks off at noon and the 5km event starts at 12.30pm on Sunday 7 September at MTU, Bishopstown, Co Cork. Kilkennys 10km event commences at noon and the 5km event starts at 12.15pm on Sunday 14 September in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle Park. A large group of very well-known faces from the worlds of media, the arts and showbiz have already joined this years Very Pink Tribe, including author and breast cancer survivor Nicola Hanney, Dancing with the Stars winner and pro-dancer Laura Nolan, 98FM presenter and performer Paul Ryder, Newstalk presenter Andrea Gilligan, FM104s Thomas Crosse and Zeinab Elguzouli, Virgin Medias Elaine Crowley and presenter Kamal Ibrahim. Also involved are long-standing ambassadors Shane Byrne and presenter James Patrice. Those lending their wholehearted support to the cause are Fine Gael councillor Emma Blain, broadcaster Lorraine Keane, Charlene Flanagan (founder of Ella & Jo brand) and Chris Connolly of Get Better with Chris fame, along with well-known Corkonians Dr Monica Oikeh and fitness guru Lesley Giltinan, aka Lean with Lesley. Registrations for the event are open at www.verypinkrun.ie. On 20 August authorities in Mexico City (CDMX) announced that 13 people had been arrested in conjunction with the murders of two aides to CDMX mayor,, in May. End of preview - This article contains approximately 372 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 20 August Argentinas Presidentdismissed, the head of the national disability agency, Agencia Nacional de Discapacidad (Andis), amid a brewing corruption scandal. End of preview - This article contains approximately 393 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 20 August Colombias former president(2002-2010) was released from house arrest and held a rally where he railed against Presidentand called for the opposition to form a broad coalition ahead of next years general elections. End of preview - This article contains approximately 404 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 20 August Brazils supreme court (STF) published a report filed by the federal police (PF) which alleges that former president(2019-2023) and his allies have been seeking to undermine the case in which they stand accused of plotting a coup to overturn Bolsonaros 2022 election defeat. End of preview - This article contains approximately 582 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options The FBI investigation connected the 47-year-old to illegal images through IP addresses and cellphone records before his arrest during a traffic stop in Hellertown last September. AP A Lower Saucon Township man was sentenced this week to nine years in state prison for felony child pornography and firearms offenses. The sentencing comes after 47-year-old Earl Burford, of Meadows Road, pleaded guilty in May to the charges of distribution of child pornography and possession of a firearm by a felon. Burford, who also has ties to Bethlehem Township and Philadelphia, was initially arrested and charged last September. Police stopped his car in Hellertown and seized his cellphone in a search. FBI agents in August 2024 had begun investigating Burford. Investigators received information he was using an app to send and receive images of child pornography and child abuse, U.S. Attorney David Metcalf said in announcing the sentencing. Law enforcement authorities say investigators connected Burfords IP addresses with the user name and email address listed on the exchanges. Cellphone records additionally showed Burford was the subscriber of the IP addresses being investigated in the case. U.S. District Judge John M. Gallagher on Tuesday sentenced Burford to nine years in prison, as well as six years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $3,000 in restitution. Philadelphia-based defense attorney Elizabeth Toplin didnt immediately return a request for comment. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to better combat a growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and the Justice Departments Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals at the federal, state, and local levels use resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to help identify and rescue victims. The case was investigated by FBI Philadelphias Allentown Resident Agency and FBI Oklahoma City. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rosalynda M. Michetti. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. A "Real Housewives of New York City" star is suing her ex for $10 million. Clifton Prescod/Bravo The Real Housewives of New York City star Racquel Chevremont is suing her ex-fiancee, Mickalene Thomas, for $10 million. Chevremont, who joined the cast of RHONY for season 15 in 2024, filed the lawsuit on August 8, People reported. She is accusing Thomas, a prominent visual artist, of years of exploitation, nonpayment, and unlawful conduct throughout their working relationship, which lasted from 2012 to 2022. The filing claims that after Chevremeont and Thomas ended their romantic relationship in 2020, Thomas repeatedly and improperly pressured Chevremont to get back together with her. [Thomas] ultimately terminated Ms. Chevremonts employment, in violation of New York State and New York City Human Rights Laws, when she made it clear that this would never happen, the lawsuit alleges. The causes of action asserted include breach of contract, unjust enrichment, quantum meruit, conversion, sexual harassment and retaliation. NJ.com has reached out to Thomas for comment. As an art curator and consultant, Chevremont contributed immeasurably to Thomas success during their partnership, the lawsuit further claims, pointing to multimillion-dollar deals that Chevremont allegedly negotiated on Thomas behalf. Racquel Chevremont and Mickalene Thomas in 2018. FilmMagic In addition to the $10 million in damages she is seeking, Chevremont is asking that Thomas pay interest and her legal fees. Chevremont and Thomas began dating in 2011 and got engaged in 2019. In 2018, they launched their collaborative project Deux Femmes Noires, which aimed to help young artists of color navigate the business side of the art world. READ MORE: Jillian Michaels calls out lie in The Biggest Loser doc, slams Bob Harper Since ending her relationship with Thomas, Chevremont has gotten engaged to someone new: forensic neuropsychologist Mel Corpus. Chevremont is also the mom of two kids: son Corey and daughter Elle. Mel and I, weve been friends for over 12 years, Chevremont said of her new fiancee on RHONYs 15th season. We were very single when we got together, but there was a bit of a scandal. There were a few people that were not all that happy. The Real Housewives of New York City is available to stream on Peacock. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. Ricardo Santos lived alone in his childhood home in South River, multiple neighbors told NJ Advance Media. Victoria Gladstone Ricardo Santos was an ideal neighbor. Quiet, friendly and genuine to his neighbors on a typical suburban street in South River. And he was a New Jersey State Police trooper. An Allegiant Air jet lands at Lehigh Valley International Airport shortly after officials celebrated the airline's investment in a new flight base Feb. 12, 2020, at the facility in Hanover Township, Lehigh County. Tim Wynkoop File Photo | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) achieved a milestone in July, serving 102,634 passengers and marking its best month on record with a 0.6% increase from July 2024. Thomas R. Stoudt, executive director of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, attributed the success to strong regional support. These record numbers reflect the tremendous support from regional air travelers choosing to Fly Local and Fly ABE, he said in a statement Wednesday, praising airport staff for their service during the summer surge. Individual airline performance varied significantly, with Delta Airlines leading growth at 16.2%, followed by United Airlines at 10.9% and Allegiant Air at 3.8%. American Airlines saw a 22% decline compared to July 2024. The airport is expanding its service offerings, with Allegiant Air launching nonstop flights to Fort Myers, Florida, starting Nov. 13, 2025. The new route will operate Thursdays and Sundays. Fort Myers has been requested by passengers as a destination that provides great access to Gulf Coast beaches and many other family-friendly attractions, Stoudt noted. United Airlines has also enhanced its Chicago presence, adding a third daily flight from Lehigh Valley to OHare International Airport beginning Aug. 19. The airports cargo operations saw substantial growth, processing 27,940,405 pounds of air cargo in July a 44.3% increase year-over-year. For travelers interested in expedited security screening, Lehigh Valley International will host TSA Pre open enrollment from Sept. 23-26. Applicants must provide a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Generative AI was used to organize and structure this story, based on data provided by Lehigh Valley International Airport. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com. In this image provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, a mosquito stands upon human skin. (USDA Agricultural Research Service File Photo via AP) AP Warren County health officials are warning residents about the potential dangers of mosquito-borne diseases, highlighting several illnesses that can affect both humans and animals in the region. Pesticide treatment to control adult mosquito populations is scheduled for Thursday night in Mansfield Township, where a sample of mosquitoes collected recently tested positive for West Nile virus, officials said. While these and other mosquito samples have tested positive, there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile in Warren County this year. The Mansfield specimens, collected Aug. 11 near the Morris Canal, represent the 11th sample to test positive for the virus among 277 total collections in Warren County as of Thursday. Additional positive results were returned this summer in Belvidere plus the townships of Franklin, Harmony, Hope, Knowlton, Lopatcong and Washington, officials said. Engineers are conducting treatments to control mosquito populations at these and other sites with standing bodies of water throughout the county. Thursdays treatment is scheduled for 7:4511:30 p.m. in the Port Murray area of Mansfield, along Main Street, Towpath Road, Hoffman Road and Cherry Tree Bend Road, according to the Warren County Mosquito Commission. As of Aug. 14, there were 506 recorded samples of mosquitoes to test positive for the West Nile virus in New Jersey. West Nile virus remains the most common mosquito-transmitted disease in the area, primarily affecting birds but capable of spreading to humans and horses. The virus typically causes mild symptoms in humans, though severe cases can lead to encephalitis or meningitis. St. Louis encephalitis, another mosquito-borne threat in Warren County, shares similar symptoms with West Nile. The disease primarily circulates between birds and mosquitoes but can infect humans through mosquito bites. Local health authorities also monitor for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but serious viral disease. While EEE primarily affects horses, human cases can occur and often result in severe illness with a high mortality rate. The countys mosquito control program tracks La Crosse encephalitis as well, which mainly affects children under 16 years old. This virus, transmitted by tree-hole breeding mosquitoes, can cause severe neuroinvasive disease. Dog heartworm disease, spread by infected mosquitoes, poses a significant threat to canines in the region. The parasitic worms can cause severe damage to dogs hearts and blood vessels if left untreated. Health officials emphasize the importance of prevention, including eliminating standing water around homes and using appropriate insect repellents during outdoor activities. Contrary to common misconceptions, mosquitoes cannot transmit all viruses including HIV, which doesnt survive in mosquitoes. Mosquito-borne virus transmission typically involves complex cycles between birds and mosquitoes. EEE, for example, circulates between birds via the Culiseta melanura mosquito species. When mosquito populations surge, the virus can amplify in bird populations before being transmitted to mammals through bridge vector mosquitoes that feed on both birds and mammals. Most people (80%) infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; less than 1% of people infected develop severe illness that affects the central nervous system, requires hospitalization or results in death. First discovered in Uganda in 1937, West Nile appeared in North America in 1999. While no human cases were documented in New Jersey that year, the virus was found in 73 dead crows and mosquito samples. Crows are particularly vulnerable, while introduced species like European starlings show natural immunity. Thank you for supporting our journalism. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or at glenn_epps_ on Instagram, Facebook and Threads. A Laois graduate student has lived a childhood dream this summer, working in Walt Disney World in Florida with unlimited access to the parks. Alison Reilly, 22, from The Rock, Mountmellick told the Leinster Express / Laois Live about her US adventure. I wanted to work abroad this summer and it was a dream opportunity. I've finished college and wanted to do something fun before I seek a full time job. I had done placement abroad in Spain with my course and I had also worked in Italy for a summer. Disney is like a dream company to work for. They treat their staff really nicely, with perks to the job like free park entry and discounts on merchandise. I was in Disneyland Paris as a child and always wanted to go to Walt Disney World but its very expensive. I followed people online who do Disney programmes but I didnt think that I could do them because they were all from the UK. Then my sister sent me a post about a programme that people from Ireland could do as well, as a J1," she said. The Disney Cultural Exchange program is only open to third level students. It wasnt a simple process. There were three rounds, I did my first application to Yummy Jobs who hire on behalf of Disney, then did a pre screening Zoom interview. Then I went to Glasgow for an interview with Disney. I heard back a few weeks later. I couldnt believe it. I was nervous going because I had put a lot of money into it and didnt fully know what my job was, or know anybody else going. The roles include working in food and beverage vending, as a character attendant, a seater, in custodial, merchandise, lifeguarding and attractions where Alison was placed. The programme was followed by a fun graduation ceremony with Micky Mouse. Alison Reilly in front of the famous Disney castle. I was very lucky with my role. I was very happy with it. Everyone who worked there was very lovely, as well as the leaders and coordinators. There were people who had tougher jobs than me or were in the sun more. I worked in Spaceship Earth in EPCOT, which is a slow moving train journey. I was operating the ride and greeting guests. Most of my job was inside in the air conditioning. If there was an issue and the ride was stopped we had to deal with evacuations, then when it resumed we had to walk the track to check everything was in order. Also during the day they would send people on a ride-through, to check that everything was working which was kind of fun. We had to pay for our accommodation, mine was $215 a week. Disney provide apartments for college programmes, with security and free buses to the parks whether you were working or not. Alison with her Scottish workmate Emilie in their EPCOT uniforms. She made the most of the free entry to parks. I probably went to EPCOT the most as I was there, sometimes I would go just before or after work. One of the best rides people say is the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind and that was in our area. I went on it 18 times, even though the queue was usually an hour long. I went on about 10 full park days, but we worked a minimum of 30 hours a week, paid $17 an hour. I knew that I wasnt coming back with savings. Other people did go and travel in the US after because you had 30 days before you had to come home. Her favourite memories are around the friends she made. The best memories are just going to the parks with my friends. Getting close with my co-workers, there were about 20 international college program students on my ride. So Ive made friends with French people, Mexican people, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK, we all just got really close in the end. After work wed go for food together and spend our days off together. It made work a happy place. We all have plans to meet up again, and invites to visit each other. Alison had to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement, to keep the backstage Disney secrets a secret. My role didnt have many secrets but my friend worked in the Magic Kingdom and shed be sitting down to eat and there might be a princess across from her eating her lunch. Or shed see one of the characters headless backstage which is just unheard of. Backstage you cant take a picture, youd be sent home straight away. Its also for safety, so no-one just walks backstage and acts like they know where theyre going. You do have to have your ID, she said. Read also: Laois Rose of Tralee ready to return to electrician job on Monday Alison only left the Disney area once during her two month placement. Youre in a little Disney bubble as everyone calls it. I would recommend it to others but only if they like Disney and knew they were going there to work as well as to play. Some people were a bit put off when they realised how much they had to work, that it wasnt just a holiday. But really its what you make it because some people had tough roles and ended up loving it. For anyone thinking of following in her footsteps, think long term because applications for 2026 are already closed. They open in May 2026 for summer 2027, if you just follow Yummy Jobs they post when the applications open and they often extend them every year, Alison advises. House prices in Laois have risen by 10% in the last twelve months, according to the latest Residential Property Price report from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The average cost of a home in Laois in June 2025 was 285,000, up from 260,000 during the same period last year. The CSO figures also show that the Portlaoise Eircode Area had an average house price of 276,500 in June up from 250,500 during the same month in 2024. Nationally residential property prices rose by 7.8% in the 12 months to June 2025. In Dublin, residential property prices saw an increase of 6.6%, while property prices outside Dublin were 8.8% higher in June 2025 when compared with a year earlier. Commenting on the figures IPAV, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers, said continuing house price increases of this magnitude are unhealthy but understandable in the context of the paucity of supply. READ NEXT: Laois gardai to lay down the law on e-scooter use Genevieve McGuirk, IPAVs Chief Executive said, in todays figures just 937 of the 4,029 homes bought were new builds.That points to the size of the problem, leading many commentators to believe that the Government target of reaching 41,000 new homes this year will not be met, she said. And she said the eagerly anticipated new housing plan from Government, must deliver in a way that no previous initiative has. It must be comprehensive, and apart from the challenges that are already well documented, particularly around planning and infrastructure, it must recognise the needs of builders and developers, especially smaller builders for whom the cost of State finance has been prohibitive. The Laois secondary school formerly attended by Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins is bursting with pride for the Rose, with teachers recalling the kindness she displayed towards them and fellow students. Ms Cummins attended Heywood Community School in Ballinakill, where she played an active role in school life. Principal Eamon Jackman was delighted to congratulate Ms Cummins on her achievement. All of us here in Heywood are extremely proud to have played a part in Katelyn's development, Mr Jackman told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. From speaking with staff members, they all mentioned her positive contribution to school life. Katelyn was involved within sporting activities and in the musical in 2023. She is described by colleagues as resilient and mature in her outlook throughout her years in Heywood, he said. Pictured: Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins (far right) playing 'Pepper' in a school production of Annie, 2023. She was driven and focused while also exhibiting traits of kindness, sincerity and consideration for fellow students and teachers. We were very proud of her as a role model for young Irish women in an increasingly challenging world and her strength to follow her own part, Mr Jackman praised. We are simply delighted for Katelyn and her family. We will hopefully be able to welcome Katelyn back to the school at some stage during the year to celebrate her success with the school community, the principal finished. Ms Nicoli Reddington, Guidance Counsellor explained that it was a privilege to teach the former student. She recalled Ms Cummins dedication to paving her own path in life. It was a privilege to have taught Katelyn during her time in school. From the beginning she stood out as determined, hardworking, and unafraid to follow her own path, Ms Reddington said. Pictured: Katelyn Cummins and ensemble in their school production of Annie, 2022 Choosing the untraditional route of an electrical apprenticeship, she showed great courage in pursuing her ambitions and breaking boundaries. It is wonderful to see her success now as the Rose of Tralee a true role model for our students and we are very proud of her here at Heywood Community school, the staff member concluded. Art teacher Ms Sharon Webster recalled the Roses artistic talents with pride. Im over the moon to see Katelyn crowned the 2025 Rose of Tralee, Ms Webster said. Having had the pleasure of teaching Katelyn in my Art classes, I witnessed firsthand her determination, creativity, and passion. Its no surprise to see her shine so brightly on stage, and I couldnt be prouder of all she has achieved, the art teacher praised. I have no doubt she will be an inspiring role model for young women everywhere, and I wish her a wonderful year ahead as the Rose of Tralee ambassador. Pictured: Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins The Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) have hailed Ms Cummins as a role model to women and apprentices. All of us at LOETB and LOETB Apprenticeship Services are so proud of your achievement and the inspiration you bring to apprentices everywhere, they said. Katelyns achievement shines a spotlight not only on her personal talent and determination but also on the opportunities available through apprenticeship pathways, they praised. She represents the skill and ambition of a new generation of apprentices who are building strong careers while breaking barriers and inspiring others. Well done, Katelyn, you are a true ambassador not only for the Rose of Tralee but also for apprenticeships, LOETB finished. A number of condolence messages have been posted online in memory of a former County Kildare school principal. The late Pat (Paddy) O'Mahony was a former principal of Newbridge College. He passed away peacefully following a short illness. Anne-Marie O'Connor and the staff at St Conleth's Infant School were among those who paid tribute to the late Pat on RIP.ie. They said: "Sincere condolences to Mary, Olan, Hannah and the entire O'Mahony family on the very sad passing of dear Pat. "We worked closely with Pat during his term as chairperson of St Conleth and Mary's. "During that time, the school benefitted greatly from Pat's knowledge, expertise and passion for education." They continued: "He was so knowledgeable, caring and generous with his time and expertise. "Pat really did make a difference. Thinking of his family & friends at this very difficult time." They concluded: "May Pat rest in eternal peace." One former student, Damien O'Riordan, said about the late Pat: "Condolences to Pat's family. He was a lovely man and excellent principle." One user on RIP.ie, Willie Hannon, also said: "Pats work in the Athgarvan community was immense, particularly with Athgarvan GAA. "His hard work, wise counsel and dedication were vital to the rebirth of the club. "He will be a huge loss as a guiding light for us all." Mr Hannon concluded: "Rest in Peace Pat sincere sympathy to all the family and many friends." Lastly, another past pupil, Cein Dempsey, said about the late Pat: "Sincere condolences to the O'Mahony family on the passing of Pat. "I remember him fondly as the Principal of Newbridge College; he was always very approachable and kind." He concluded: "A true professional; RIP." DEATH NOTICE The death has occurred of Pat (Paddy) OMahony Ellhanora, Roseberry, Newbridge, Kildare / Inniscarra, Cork Former principal of Newbridge College. Predeceased by his brother, John, his twin sister, Lucy and his sister-in-law, Bridie. Pat passed peacefully after a short illness bravely borne, surrounded by his loving family in the wonderful care of staff at Curragh Lawns Nursing Home. Deeply regretted by his devoted wife Mary, beloved son Olan, adored daughter Hannah, daughter-in-law Tracey, Hannah's partner Dave, his four beloved grandchildren, Iarla, Eabha, Lola and Poppy, his brothers, Dan, Michael and Frank, sister Nan, sisters-in-law Ann, Betty and Anne, brother-in-law Tom, nieces, nephews, extended family and many, many friends. May Paddy Rest in Peace. Reposing at Glennon's Funeral Home, 32 Main Street, Newbridge (W12 D863) from 4pm on Friday with Prayers at 7pm. Removal by Glennon's Funeral Directors on Saturday morning to arrive at The Dominican College Church, Newbridge for Requiem Mass at 11 O'Clock. Burial afterwards in St Conleth's Cemetery, Newbridge. House private please. Paddy's Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and can be viewed on the link below: https://www.churchstream.ie Glennons Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues. For all enquiries, please contact Glennons Funeral Directors on 045 860 110. RIP to the late Pat (Paddy O'Mahony) A local councillor has voiced his concerns that families living in County Kildare are "still being failed" by the government when it comes to extra housing allocations. Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender today (August 21) welcomed confirmation that Kildare County Council (KCC) will have access to additional funding under the Second-Hand Acquisition Programme in 2025. However, he also warned that that "the governments last-minute and piecemeal approach is continuing to fail families in Kildare who are already at risk of homelessness". The Newbridge rep elaborated: "Earlier this year, KCC received 15 million to operate the Second-Hand Acquisition Programme for 2025. "This programme allows the Council to purchase homes through Tenant-in-Situ arrangements where KCC steps in to buy a property when a landlord sells up, acquisitions to support exits from homelessness, purchases for people with disabilities, Buy and Renew properties which tackle vacancy and dereliction, and Capital Assistance Scheme acquisitions which are often delivered in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies." READ NEXT: Tributes paid to former Kildare school principal He continued: "However, due to commitments carried over from 2024, KCC had already reached a spending commitment of 15.3 million before the year had properly begun. "This meant that the council had little-to-no scope to commit to additional acquisitions for the remainder of 2025, despite high demand and urgent need across the county." Cllr Pender also said that following lobbying from councillors, housing groups, and local authorities nationwide, the Department of Housing has now confirmed that Minister Browne has secured an additional 50 million nationally for the scheme. As part of this procurement, priority will be given to local authorities and housing bodies supporting Housing First tenancies, homeless prevention measures, and exits from homelessness. MIXED REACTION Cllr Pender said that he welcomed the additional funding, but also voiced his belief that the governments approach leaves families in Kildare "exposed". Explaining his view, Cllr Pender said: "This extra funding is certainly welcome, but the reality is that Kildare families have already lost out because of the governments failure to provide enough money at the beginning of the year. "KCC has been ready and willing to acquire homes, but with budgets tied up we had to effectively press pause; families in Newbridge, Kildare town and right across the county have been left in limbo, wondering if they will be able to stay in their homes or if they will end up in emergency accommodation. "This is not how you plan housing this is crisis management." He also said that the Department has indicated that a longer-term roadmap for acquisitions up to 2030 will be published, linked to the new National Development Plan. However, he also warned that without addressing the key issues raised repeatedly by councils, the same problems will persist. Cllr Pender pointed to "unrealistic timelines" for completing Tenant-in-Situ purchases, an alleged lack of government funding, and "the lack of funding certainty year after year, with councils waiting on late announcements instead of having guaranteed allocations at the start of the year". He further said that Kildare is one of the fastest-growing counties in Ireland, and a result, the demand for housing in the county "is enormous" and "we simply cannot afford to operate in this kind of stop-start way". "Councils need certainty, not surprises," Cllr Pender said. "We need proper multi-annual funding so that we can plan, deliver and support families at risk of homelessness before they reach a crisis point." He also noted that KCC staff "are working tirelessly" to deliver housing in the county despite the barriers that they face. Cllr. Pender concluded by pledging to continue pushing for "greater certainty for KCC, adequate resourcing to deliver homes, and stronger protections for tenants across the county". He added: "We cannot keep lurching from one emergency announcement to another; Kildare families need security and stability." Concluding his points, Cllr Pender delivered the following call: "The government must stop relying on short-term fixes and start giving councils the certainty they need to deliver real, lasting housing solutions." Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph READ NEXT: Music Generation Kildare to host hubs for young artists Leitrim is the county with the lowest median price at 190,000, it was shown this week, with new figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) that track the median property price in each county and how it compares to prices in previous months. The report shows that prices are rising faster outside of Dublin than within it with property prices rising by 6.6% in that period, while prices outside Dublin have increased by 8.8%. Speaking to Leitrim Observer, IPAV President, Longford auctioneer Fintan McGill, Houses are selling at least 10% above asking price at the same time. House prices in Leitrim were coming from a very low place. READ MORE: Exciting new boat tour that takes in Parkes Castle launched by The Rose of Innisfree Boat Tours Asked why house prices are so low in the county, Mr McGill said that he believed this was down to due to location. "It's that much further out of Dublin and that's what I put it down to. However, I must say an awful lot of inquiries are now coming from Dublin. People actually want the peace and quiet and I do think prices in Leitrim will rise and rise rapidly over the coming months and years because people want to get out of the rat race of Dublin and come down here. We've had several inquiries and even people coming in the door. We've had a lot of people saying what a lovely place Carrick-on-Shannon is and that it's a beautiful place to live with lovely restaurants and a lot going for it. I think people are only catching on to what people are really like. It's the gem in the middle of the country that people don't actually know about." Carrick-on-Shannon was alive with creativity on Friday, August 15th, as The Leitrim Design House hosted its 2025 National Design, Craft & Art Awards at The Dock Arts Centre. The landmark event marked 25 years of supporting and showcasing Irish makers, attracting artists and designers from across the country. The awards, held as part of August Craft Month and supported by Local Enterprise Office Leitrim and the Design & Craft Council Ireland, spotlight excellence in Irish design while offering a vital platform for emerging and established talent. This years shortlist featured ten makers responding to the theme of sustainability: Emma Bourke, Fiona Byrne, Frances McGonigle, Jim Fee, Michael Healey, Niamh OConnell, Pearl Reddington, Richard West, Sam Gleeson and Vicky Crawford. Following a live showcase and evaluation by a panel of industry leadersincluding Eddie Shanahan, Mary Palmer, Una Burke, Deirdre McQuillan and Joe Lowethe awards were announced to a packed theatre. Richard West took first prize (2,500 and a solo exhibition) for Abyss, a striking natural-edge vessel turned from scorched ash, gilded with copper leaf. West created the piece from a storm-felled ash tree on the shores of Lough Fee, describing it as a way to capture both the violence of the storm and the glow of the valleys evening light. The specially commended award (1,000) went to Vicky Crawford for Hedgerow Engineers, an intricate collagraph print inspired by the ingenuity of the long-tailed tit. Crawford built her printing plate using moss, lichen, wallpaper and even recycled oat milk cartons, all inked with vegetable-based pigments and pressed on a 400-year-old press in Manorhamilton. The judges praised all ten finalists for their thought-provoking presentations, which highlighted not only the finished works but also the research and inspiration behind them. An exhibition of the shortlisted and winning works is now open at The Leitrim Design House in The Dock until Saturday, September 13th. Visitors can explore the diversity of Irish craftsmanship on display, with many pieces available for purchase. For full details and event updates, visit www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie READ MORE Global spotlight on Drumshanbo as Written Word Festival draws 138 film entries Three food and drink businesses from Co. Leitrim have been named among the finalists for this years Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards to be held in Dingle. Dromod, Ireland West Distillery, and McNiffes Boxty have all made it through to the final stage of the competition, which is regarded as the most prestigious food awards on the island. McNiffes Boxty took to Facebook to celebrate the nomination: We are absolutely thrilled to share that McNiffes Boxty has been named a Finalist in Blas na hEireann 2025 The Irish Food Awards! Being recognised in Irelands biggest blind-tasted food awards means the world to us, said the Drumshanbo based bakery. A massive thank you to all our customers, friends, and family who have supported us on this journey your support keeps us inspired every day! We cant wait to celebrate in Dingle this October alongside so many other incredible Irish producers, they said. Adding: Heres to keeping the tradition alive READ MORE: Mayflower Centre lost out on thousands after cancelling Mise Eire festival, says Chairman The awards will take place in Kerry this October, running from Thursday the 2nd to Sunday the 5th, with the winners announced on Friday, October 3. The event also features the Blas Village, the Eat Ireland in a Day market and a showcase for producers. Now in year 18, Blas na hEireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The 2025 awards also see the biggest ever expansion in categories, now totalling 190, including significant growth in fast-evolving areas such as alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic alternatives. READ MORE: Leitrim entrepreneur women called to step up and start their own businesses Judging was carried out during May, June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin. Entries were blind-tasted and assessed by panels made up of chefs, buyers, restaurateurs, academics and industry experts. Congratulating the Leitrim finalists, Joe Lowe, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Leitrim, said: Congratulations to all the shortlisted nominees as making it as a finalist is a huge achievement. The Blas na hEireann Awards reflect the outstanding quality and passion within Irelands food and drink sector it is a celebration of great food, and of the people, passion and place that make Irish food so special. Chairperson of Blas na hEireann, Artie Clifford, said the standard this year was higher than ever: Thats not just in terms of the ever-growing number of entries, but in the incredible standard of produce from both long-standing producers and impressive newcomers. Weve also seen huge innovation across all categories, which reflects the evolving landscape of Irish food and drink. As autumn draws nigh, the schools are reopening, the evenings are shorter, and the curtain has been drawn on another Rose of Tralee festival. Now in its seventh decade, the Rose of Tralee has long been woven into the fabric of Irish culture and has well earned its place as a stalwart of Irish tradition. It generates up to 20 million for the Irish economy annually, holds its place in RTE's top 10 most watched programmes every year, receives thousands of applications from women all over the world to take part, and on top of it all, an average of 200,000 people make the journey to Kerry each year to attend the festival in person. The Rose of Tralee is a thriving entity which oozes social, economic, and cultural value, not to mention the sheer enjoyment it brings. Yet, every single year without fail, the same stale, overused, unoriginal question is pulled out of the hat by media outlets all over Ireland: Is the Rose of Tralee outdated? As a young woman from West Limerick, whose summers consisted of loading up into a mobile home in Ballyheige and only coming home for camogie training and matches, the Rose of Tralee was the crown jewel of our Kerry summers. As a little girl, the Roses were nothing short of real life princesses to me. Their manner, their dresses, their Sash's, it was as if someone had reached into a Disney film and brought the characters out onto the streets of Tralee. As a teenager, I looked up to them fiercely. They were everything I wanted to be when I grew up, educated, articulate, kind, generous, and great craic. Now, as an adult, they are the type of women Id like the little ones in my life to be exposed to. Strong women who put themselves out there, who carry a sense of sisterhood with them, who raise the people around them instead of knocking them down, pillars of their community who are actively trying to make a difference. READ NEXT: 'It feels unbelievable' - Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins on historic Rose of Tralee win My argument is, and always will be, that unless you have attended the festival in person , even for as little as an hour, then you dont have enough information to conclude that it is outdated. To observe the festival is to understand that the Rose of Tralee is a beacon of light, hope, and joy for all who experience it. The families who so proudly tell anyone who will listen, My daughters a Rose. The little girls running around the town with scrapbooks of the Roses profiles, searching for autographs from their heroes. The business owners whose enterprises thrive during the week of festivities. And everyone else in between. PICTURED: Aisling Magner with 2025 Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins The Rose of Tralee has always held up a mirror to where we are as a society at any given moment. This year, for example, we saw the Toronto Rose discuss how she regulates her autism symptoms. The Limerick Rose spoke about the workshops she runs to help women take control of their finances and their personal lives. And lets not forget the overall winner, 20-year-old Katelyn Cummins, an apprentice electrician from Laois, a career that would have been unthinkable for a woman even a few years ago, never mind one showcased proudly on national TV. As a journalist and someone who genuinely enjoys the festival, it quite irks me that, year in and year out, the media cant come up with a different question beyond Is the festival outdated? or Is there a place for it in 2025? In my opinion, the only thing outdated are those questions. I cannot understand why the same line is recycled time after time, especially when the media are handed new material every single year. The Rose of Tralee completely resets annually with a brand new set of contestants. The festival itself evolves continuously, with new adjustments, rule changes to make it more inclusive, new hosts, new venues, new judges, and more. To say the Rose of Tralee is outdated is to insult every single person who takes part, every person who returns to bask in the magic of the festival, every child who looks up at the Roses, and every household who treasures the annual tradition of sitting down in front of the telly to watch the show. The festival has often been described as anti-feminist or degrading to women. But I would argue that the real anti-feminism at play here is from the begrudgers who want to see the Rose of Tralee scrapped. Because by doing that, you are eliminating a future womans choice to take part. And surely, removing the option of "choice" from woman's decision has to be the most anti- feminist action of all. So as far as I'm concerned, I hope the festival prospers for another 70 years and continues to showcase the epitome of what it means to be a modern Irish women. Catering trolley services are returning to the the Sligo-Dublin line, it was revealed this week with the Irish Rail revealing that it has a preferred supplier to operate the food and drink carts. The trolley has returned to other services around the country, after it was pulled at the start of the Covid pandemic. Sligo/Leitrim Senator Nessa Cosgrove welcomed the news and speaking on Ocean FM this week a spokeswoman for Irish Rail confirmed that a preferred supplier had been identified, that funding was being sought and that although a firm date could not be given that she was confident that catering services would be restored. Speaking following the announcement Senator Cosgrove said: I am delighted that Irish Rail have listened to the arguments that I and others have consistently been making since the turn of the year, that catering services are much more than a convenience. They are an essential service. The Sligo-Dublin route is one of the longest train journeys on our island and many passengers, particularly those accessing the early morning services, struggle to get a cup of tea or coffee in the morning or to bring adequate supplies with them. Many people use this route to get to hospital or other health related appointments, and it is essential that these people, along with elderly people and those travelling with young children can access a drink of water or a bite to eat." She continued that, earlier this year, she had "brought up the case of an older lady who had to be removed from the train after she collapsed, and nobody was able to provide her with a drink. For too long, our leaders in the North West have been content to accept what scraps are offered to us. The restoration of the catering cart is just the first step in a campaign to bring increased investment in transport infrastructure into the region. We need to see an hourly service between Sligo and Dublin, and early morning commuter train between Longford and Sligo and ultimately the full reopening of the Western Rail Corridor, including the section of line between Collooney and Claremorris. But today I want to welcome Irish Rails decision and I will be keeping a close eye on developments to ensure that the restoration is as swift and seamless as is possible. The separation wall next to the Arab neighborhood of Al-Eizariya, near where the Israeli government says housing units will be built as part of the E1 settlement development project, on August 21, 2025. OHAD ZWIGENBERG / AP Britain and France were among 21 countries to sign a joint statement on Thursday, August 21, calling Israel's approval of a major settlement project in the West Bank "unacceptable and a violation of international law". Israel approved the plans for the roughly 12-square-kilometer (five-square-mile) parcel of land known as E1 just east of Jerusalem on Wednesday. "We condemn this decision and call for its immediate reversal in the strongest terms," said the statement of foreign ministers, whose signatories also included Australia, Canada and Italy. Read more Subscribers only West Bank residents await bulldozers after Israel approves E1 settlement project Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden also signed the statement, as did the European Commission's foreign affairs chief. "This brings no benefits to the Israeli people," the foreign ministers said. "Instead, it risks undermining security and fuels further violence and instability, taking us further away from peace. The government of Israel still has an opportunity to stop the E1 plan going any further. We encourage them to urgently retract this plan," they added. The statement noted that Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the plan "will make a two-state solution impossible by dividing any Palestinian state and restricting Palestinian access to Jerusalem". The plan seeks to build around 3,400 homes on the ultra-sensitive tract of land, which lies between Jerusalem and the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim. All of Israel's settlements in the West Bank, occupied since 1967, are considered illegal under international law, regardless of whether they have Israeli planning permission. Read more Israel approves settlement plan that would divide the West Bank in two The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA) has slammed the latest move, which has also been criticized by UN chief Antonio Guterres and the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini. The project would "completely cut off the northern and central West Bank from the southern West Bank meaning that there would no longer be any territorial contiguity", said Lazzarini. He said Israel was taking decisions that would make the creation of two states "increasingly impossible". Help us improve Le Monde in English Dear reader, Wed love to hear your thoughts on Le Monde in English! Take this quick survey to help us improve it for you. Take the survey Britain on Thursday summoned Israeli ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely to the foreign ministry to protest the decision. "If implemented, these settlement plans would be a flagrant breach of international law and would divide a future Palestinian state in two, critically undermining a two-state solution," the foreign office said in a statement. Judge Nicolas Guillou in The Hague, Netherlands, November 2020. PETER DEJONG / ANP / AFP The International Criminal Court (ICC) has come under a new attack. On Wednesday, August 20, the US Treasury Department issued sanctions against four judges, including French judge Nicolas Guillou. The 50-year-old, a former judge at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and liaison magistrate to the US Department of Justice from 2012 to 2015, holds one of the ICC's most sensitive posts: He presides over the pre-trial chamber that issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity on November 21, 2024. Canadian judge Kimberly Prost was sanctioned for having authorized the opening of an investigation into crimes committed by US forces in Afghanistan, an investigation that has in fact been dormant since September 2021. Before joining the ICC in 2015, Prost served for five years as ombudsperson with the United Nations sanctions committee against Al-Qaeda, allowing individuals wrongfully targeted to be removed from sanctions lists. Read more Subscribers only Israel-Gaza: The International Criminal Court in turmoil The United States also targeted the two deputy prosecutors, Nazhat Shameem Khan from Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang from Senegal. The new sanctions come after the US blacklisted ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan in February and four other judges in June. In total, nine ICC officials have now been blacklisted in the same manner as terrorists, kleptocrats, drug traffickers and others, barred from traveling to the US and subject to economic sanctions. You have 72.97% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. A dense rainforest in one of the many forest-dependent communities across Liberia. THE family of Charleville woman, Carol Callaghan, have expressed their gratitude after an incredible outpouring of support in the wake of a life-changing accident in Spain. Carol was on holiday in Alicante with friends when she was seriously injured while out shopping. She remains in hospital in Spain, and the extent of her injuries means she will require long-term rehabilitation and specialist care. Carol's loved ones set up a GoFundMe to help fly her safely home on an air ambulance with a medical team as her travel insurance has refused to cover the cost of getting her home for the treatment she urgently needs. The fundraiser has seen an extraordinary wave of generosity from the local community. To date, the GoFundMe has raised 102,824, which will go directly towards: The cost of the medical flight to bring Carol home, her rehabilitation and recovery and any ongoing care and support she will need on this journey. READ MORE: Limerick survivor marks decade cancer-free as advocate for major fundraiser The GoFundMe noted: Carol and our family face an incredibly tough road ahead, but being back home in Ireland, surrounded by loved ones, is the first step in giving her the best chance at recovery. Carol's employer, Holy Family School in Cork offered their support saying: Carol is such a treasured colleague and a loving friend to all of us in Holy Family School, who has suffered a life-changing accident, while on holiday in Spain. Through her care and compassion, she has made a lasting difference in the lives of those around her. A QUANTITY of cash was stolen during a break-in of a business in Rathkeale in the early hours of this Thursday morning. Local councillor, Adam Teskey said the crime further substantiates the need for extra resources for An Garda Siochana locally. READ NEXT: Man, 30s, rushed to hospital after assault in Limerick A garda spokesperson confirmed gardai received a report of an incident of burglary that occurred at a commercial premises in the Main Street area of Rathkeale, County Limerick on Thursday, August 21 at approximately 2am. A number of items and a quantity of cash have been reported as stolen. Investigations are ongoing, said the garda spokesperson. Cllr Teskey, outgoing chairperson of Limerick City and County Council's Joint Policing Committee (JPC), said the superintendent (Michael Fleming) has his full confidence but he needs to have the adequate resources. I will be calling for specialised units in relation to these targeted crimes. At the end of day, small businesses like this are the backbone of our rural economy. They're the backbone in terms of supporting the local authority with commercial rates and we as a local government need to use measures to protect these businesses that seem to be vulnerable to these spate of crimes, said Cllr Teskey. The Fine Gael councillor said now, more than ever, we need more gardai. That is the message I'm sending loud and clear to Phoenix Park and especially to the incoming garda commissioner that it's not just Dublin that needs to be resourced, our rural towns and villages in particular, said Cllr Teskey. He asks anyone with information about the burglary to contact gardai on 069 20650. LIMERICK city centre has been dealt a fresh blow this Tuesday morning with the closure of a coffee shop outlet. The shutters have fallen at Starbucks Coffee's branch at the junction of Thomas Street and Catherine Street. A closure notice has been placed in the window, advising would-be customers that there is another branch of the coffee-shop giant five minutes' walk away in O'Connell Street. When Starbucks opened at the Thomas Street retail centre in 2016, it was the coffee chain's second outlet in the city centre, joining a branch at the old Platform Five Cafe in Limerick Colbert Station. The Thomas Street centre is home to the European headquarters of ride-sharing service Uber, one of the city centre's biggest employers, and Everise. READ MORE: Opening date of Limerick's newest hospital revealed As mentioned previously, a third branch of Starbucks soon followed in Limerick's main thoroughfare on the site of a former pharmacy. And in the years since, several more of the Seattle-founded coffee chain have followed, across Limerick's suburbs, including notably at Parkway Shopping Centre, University of Limerick and in Castletroy Town Centre. The closure comes amid concerns for the future of another well-known city centre firm. Noels Menswear, which has branches at Bedford Row in the city centre, at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle, and in Newcastle West, is a long-running family business, selling menswear and childrens wear for more than 40 years. But its three branches have not opened since the start of the month, sparking concern and confusion among parents and schools who would regularly purchase school uniforms from the firm. Wickham Properties, the trading name of Noels Menswear, is the subject of a winding-up petition. Winding-up refers to closing the operations of a business, selling off its assets, paying off creditors, and distributing any remaining assets to the owners. A petition for winding up is usually based on the company's inability to pay. A creditors meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday, August 20. THE delivery of over 90 homes across Limerick city and county has progressed significantly. Mayor of Limerick, John Moran has signed a Mayoral Order ordering the releasing of Capital Advance Leasing Facility funding to Cluid Housing Association, which makes it possible to progress the delivery of 86 new homes at Greenpark, Dock Road, Limerick city. The focus of the scheme is on rightsizing and the elderly. These 86 social homes will be delivered and managed by Cluid as part of an overall development of 371 homes. The remaining 285 units will be sold on the private market. The scheme is scheduled for completion in Q1 2027. Mayor Moran also approved the advancing of a loan to the Broadford Voluntary Housing Association (BVHA) and Community Childcare Facility Company which will enable the delivery of seven units of accommodation at Nunans Corner, Broadford. The development will be made up of four two-bedroomed units and three one-bedroomed units. READ MORE: Four Limerick councillors want more ribbons cut on rural housing by relaxing ribbon development rules The mayor explained: These properties, when built, will be allocated to elderly people. The allocations of five of the units will be decided by Limerick City and County Council and taken from the housing waiting list, while the other two will be decided by the BVHA. Construction will commence in early 2026. He thanked the team within the Housing Directorate in Limerick City and County Council, as well as the teams at Cluid and the BVHA, for their continued work across these projects. Mayor Moran also ordered that Limerick Council enters a 12-month licence agreement for a property at Brewery Lane, Askeaton. He stated: It will mean this property, which was previously derelict and was acquired through compulsory purchase order and then renovated by Limerick City and County Council, will be used as a location on the popular Askeaton Tourist Trail following an agreement with the Askeaton Civic Trust. As part of our Shannon Estuary growth triangle plans, Askeaton will be a key town in our focus. I am hopeful this will provide a further boost to the excellent local tourism offering in county Limerick. Mayor Moran concluded: This latest round of Mayoral Orders demonstrate the action were continuing to take in Limerick City and County Council to deliver housing in both the city and county; to upgrade our transport infrastructure; and to improve our tourism offering in rural Limerick. Beijing's decision to restrict sales of Nvidia's China-specific artificial intelligence processor came after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's remarks about chip exports that officials found insulting, according to a report by the Financial Times (FT). Chinese regulators have taken action to discourage domestic tech companies from purchasing the H20, a simplified processor commonly used for artificial intelligence in China. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) responded to Lutnick's comments, made last month, the report said, citing people aware of the development. Also Read | China is more eager to use Nvidias AI chips than it lets on What did Howard Lutnick say? We dont sell them our best stuff, not our second-best stuff, not even our third-best, Lutnick told CNBC on July 15, the day after the Donald Trump administration lifted the export controls on H20 sales, which had been implemented in April. You want to sell the Chinese enough that their developers get addicted to the American technology stack, thats the thinking, he added. Insulting remark A few senior Chinese leaders found the comments "insulting", prompting policymakers to explore options to restrict Chinese tech companies from purchasing the processors, two people told FT. Hence, Chinese tech groups delayed or considerably reduced their H20 orders, it added. Also Read | Nvidias Trump Tax of Little Worry to Investors Eyeing AI Riches CEO Jensen Huan's Beijing visit The action is considered to be a setback to Nvidia, whose CEO Jensen Huang visited Beijing last month and pledged to remain competitive in China despite increasing geopolitical strains with the US. After Huangs well-received trip, Nvidia garnered enough interest from Chinese clients for TSMC to resume H20 production lines, the report noted. Push for domestic chips In recent years, Chinese regulators have encouraged greater use of domestic chips. However, major tech companies like Alibaba and ByteDance contended that their AI progress would suffer without Nvidias chips, jeopardising Chinas ability to compete in the technology race against the US. Lutnicks speech gives the coalition [of regulators] one more reason to intensify its efforts to push tech firms to use Chinas own chips, a person close to the policymakers told FT. A week after his remarks, Chinas internet regulator CAC issued an informal notice called window guidance to major tech firms such as ByteDance and Alibaba, citing security concerns and advising them to halt new orders for Nvidias H20 chips, the report added. (Bloomberg) -- Baidu Inc.s revenue slipped slightly, hurt by an economic downturn thats capping its ability to fight bigger rivals in AI and make inroads in new growth areas. The Ernie chatbot creators sales in the June quarter fell 4% to 32.7 billion yuan ($4.6 billion), weighed down by a slowdown in its core internet search operations. Net income rose a surprise 33%, versus projections for a decline, helped by a boost from long-term investments. Chinas internet search leader is betting big on generative AI to drive future growth, but it faces mounting pressure from rising open-sourced models like DeepSeek as well as a wave of AI-native apps encroaching on its turf. Thats while its mainstay search business is losing ground to social-video platforms like Xiaohongshu and TikToks Chinese twin Douyin. Online advertising revenue declined 15%, in line with estimates. Its non-marketing revenue grew a better-than-expected 34%, aided by demand for its cloud unit. Baidu is counting on Ernie to underpin a cloud-to-app AI ecosystem and drive demand for its cloud division, whose sales have grown by double-digits in recent quarters. Its also planning to accelerate its Apollo Go robotaxi services overseas expansion in its hunt for new revenue. Baidus driverless rides in the June quarter more than doubled to 2.2 million, with cumulative rides passing 14 million in August, it said. We remain focused on AI initiatives, co-founder Robin Li said in a statement. But in Chinas increasingly crowded AI arena, Baidu faces rivals Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. both with far bigger firepower and global footprint as well as nimble upstarts. Baidus stock price is up around 6% this year, trailing both of the bigger internet leaders in a market buoyed by optimism for Chinese AI competitiveness. Baidus Ernie was one of the first chatbots to launch in the worlds biggest internet arena, but its since lost ground to apps from ByteDance Ltd. and Tencent as well as open-sourced models like Alibabas Qwen. The company has had to abandon its paid subscription model as well as open-source its proprietary Ernie models. Thats as Baidus Netflix-style subsidiary iQiyi Inc. reported an 11% revenue drop. The embattled streaming platform is seeking to raise $300 million for a listing in Hong Kong this year, Bloomberg News has reported. A push to commercialize AI is gaining traction in autonomous driving, however. Baidu plans to take its fleet of self-driving robotaxis common in Beijing, Guangzhou and Wuhan to Singapore and Malaysia as early as this year, Bloomberg reported. The company is now running trials in Hong Kong. What Bloomberg Intelligence Says Baidu faces a difficult future, with its AI ventures set to lose money for at least the next three years. We expect its search-engine profit to stay under sustained pressure due to rising uncertainty in Chinas corporate sector and competition from contemporary social media platforms. - Robert Lea, senior analyst Click here for the research. (Updates with details from earnings statement.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- Baidu Inc.s quarterly revenue fell its most in about three years, hurt by an economic downturn thats capping its ability to fight bigger rivals in AI and make inroads in newer areas. The Ernie chatbot creators sales in the June quarter fell 4% to 32.7 billion yuan ($4.6 billion), weighed down by a slowdown in its core internet search operations. Net income rose 33%, versus projections for a decline, helped by a boost from long-term investments. The companys US shares slid 2% in pre-market US trading. Chinas internet search leader is betting big on generative AI to drive future growth, but it faces mounting pressure from open-sourced models like DeepSeek as well as a wave of AI-native apps encroaching on its turf. The company will continue to invest in artificial intelligence even as margins and revenue come under pressure in the near term, Chief Financial Officer Henry He said. Thats while its mainstay search business loses ground to social-video platforms like Xiaohongshu and TikToks Chinese twin Douyin. Online advertising revenue declined 15%. But non-marketing revenue grew a better-than-expected 34%, aided by demand for its cloud unit. Since the AI search monetization is still in very early stages and has yet to scale, our revenue and margins are under considerable pressure in the near-term with Q3 expected to be especially challenging, He said. We see potential for margin improvement as our core advertising business recovers and stabilizes. Baidu ADRs Dip as Results Show Revenue Drop: Street Wrap Baidu is counting on Ernie to underpin an AI ecosystem and drive demand for its cloud division, whose sales have grown by double-digits in recent quarters. Its also accelerating an overseas push by its Apollo Go robotaxi service, through partnerships with Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. Baidus driverless rides in the June quarter more than doubled to 2.2 million, with cumulative rides passing 14 million in August, it said. Baidu plans to take its fleet of self-driving robotaxis common in Beijing, Guangzhou and Wuhan to Singapore and Malaysia as early as this year, Bloomberg reported. The company is now running trials in Hong Kong. But in Chinas increasingly crowded AI arena, Baidu faces rivals Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. both with far more firepower and larger global footprints as well as nimble upstarts. Baidus stock price is up around 6% this year, trailing both of the bigger internet leaders. We are not yet at the stage for large-scale monetization, co-founder Robin Li told analysts on a call. While our AI transformation is progressing rapidly, it is still in the early stages, with considerable room for optimization before reaching its full potential. Baidus Ernie was one of the first chatbots to launch in the worlds biggest internet arena, but its since lost ground to apps from ByteDance Ltd. and Tencent as well as open-sourced models like Alibabas Qwen. What Bloomberg Intelligence Says Baidus modest 2Q core top-line beat on rising AI cloud services demand came despite search engine ads falling 15% to 16.2 billion yuan, while adjusted operating income plunged 41% to 4.4 billion yuan. Margins were also pressured with gross margin missing forecasts by 120 bps, falling 780 bps annually to 43.9%, as the revenue mix shifted toward lower-margin cloud services. - Robert Lea and Jasmine Lyu, senior analyst Click here for the research. The company has had to abandon its paid subscription model as well as open-source its proprietary Ernie models. Thats as Baidus Netflix-style subsidiary iQiyi Inc. reported an 11% revenue drop. The embattled streaming platform is seeking to raise $300 million for a listing in Hong Kong this year, Bloomberg News has reported. --With assistance from Vlad Savov. (Updates with shares, CEOs quote from the second paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com New Delhi, Aug 21 (PTI) Realty firm Kalpataru Ltd's net debt declined 15 per cent to 7,939 crore during the June quarter with the help of funds raised through Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company had a net debt of 9,310 crore at the end of the last fiscal year and the same has come down to 7,939 crore as on June 30, 2025, according to a latest investors presentation. Kalpataru Ltd raised 1,590 crore in equity through IPO in June 2025. The company has given a guidance to reduce its debt to 7,300 crore by end of the current 2025-26 fiscal. Regarding operational performances, Kalpataru Ltd has posted an 83 per cent rise in its sales bookings to 1,249 crore during the first quarter of this fiscal on higher realisation. Its sales bookings stood at 682 crore in the year-ago period. The company's sales bookings fell in volume terms to 0.56 million sq ft from 0.61 million sq ft. However, the average sales realisation doubled to 22,476 per sq ft from 11,199 per sq ft. Recently, the company reported a consolidated net loss of 49.42 crore in the first quarter of this financial year. Its net loss stood at 0.69 crore in the year-ago period. The total income fell to 456.78 crore in the April-June period of 2025-26 from 544.67 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year. The US clampdown on Chinese solar panels has landed the Adani Group in a win-win situationThe restriction has opened up the American solar market for one Adani group firm making cells and panels, while another Adani firm building the worlds largest solar park in India buys panels from third parties, including Chinese and domestic firms. The US has spared Indian solar panels from the stiff tariffs it has imposed on a range of Indian goods, benefitting several Indian firms including Mundra Solar PV Ltd (MSPVL), a step-down subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd making such panels at Mundra in Gujarat. Just three hours away by road, Adani Green Energy Ltd is building the world's largest solar park of 30GW at Khavda, with China's JinkoSolar and LONGi as its top solar panel suppliers. Exporting panels from one company and importing them for the other helps the Adani Group make the most of the volatile global tariff scenario, as each business prioritizes what's best for its shareholders. While lucrative, this arbitrage is likely to be short-lived with India already clamping down on imported solar panels. Adanis strategy contrasts with other players like Tata Power and Waaree Energy, which utilize in-house panels for constructing their own solar power plants. A key notable difference is that the solar panel manufacturing business and the solar power plant business are housed within the same company in the case of Tata Power. Waarees captive solar power plants are not as expansive as Tata and Adani, as its key business is manufacturing panels. Also Read | Adani Realty revives Khatau Mill land project in Mumbai after SC ruling High margin Credit rating agency India Ratings upgraded MSPVL's rating by a notch to Ind A+ in April. Export sales have been yielding higher margins on account of robust demand, specifically from the US, which has disincentivized imports from China. As a result, India has become a key exporter of solar modules to the US," a credit note from the rating agency said on 2 April. India's solar module exports to the US were priced about a fifth more than exports to other countries, S&P Platts noted on 1 July. About 80% of all solar exports from India head to the US. Meanwhile, companies in Chinas Xinjiang region are the largest and most cost-effective solar cell producers in the world, according to S&P Platts. MSPVL, which makes 2GW of TOPCon solar cells and modules a year - enough to power 2.5 million Indian homes - ships more than half of its production to the US. TOPCon stands for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact, which is the most popular solar cell technology today. Powered by the high-margin exports, the company doubled its revenue in FY25 to 6,353 crore, while profit jumped over fivefold to 1,085 crore, as per its regulatory filings. Its Ebitda margin improved from 13.8% in FY24 to 27.3% in the first nine months of FY25, as per India Ratings. Cheaper in China The Adani Group has an end-to-end supply chain for solar across the two listed group companies. Two Adani Enterprises units manufacture solar cells and modules and Adani Green sets up large solar plants with such modules to generate electricity. The trade between Adani Enterprises and Adani Green, or its absence, is in line with governance practices followed by other bluechip peers, where they do not give any preferential treatment to a fellow group company. Instead, maximum returns for the shareholders and diversification of the supply chain or customer base is prioritized. Transactions between Group companies are treated with the same rigour as those involving independent suppliers, ensuring transparent and fair dealings for all parties," a spokesperson for Adani Green Energy said over email. Further, our procurement processes are aligned with good governance practices, and all transactions, whether within the group or third-party entities, are conducted on an arms length basis and with established price-competitive bid mechanisms." Several factors influence procurement decisions, the spokesperson further said, including project schedule, requirements, delivery timelines and availability. Besides its large-scale projects, Adanis in-house manufactured panels are also used for government initiatives such as the KUSUM (Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) and Surya Ghar scheme, which promote rooftop solar installations in households, the spokesperson pointed out. Also Read | Gautam Adani says single geopolitical incident can restrict growth Jinko, LONGi Among Adani Greens solar module suppliers for Khavda are at least six manufacturers other than fellow group company MSPVL. Jinko Solar is the largest supplier, accounting for almost 2.4 GW out of the existing 5.6 GW of installed capacity in Khavda, as per disclosures made by the two companies. Chinas LONGi has supplied another 1.4 GW of modules. Other suppliers include Chinas JA Solar and Astronergy, as well as domestic players Grew Solar and Goldi Solar. However, the opportunity for the two companies is likely to be short-lived. On one hand, demand and prices of solar modules sold in the US may cool over the medium term as projects currently under construction become operational, Care Ratings noted in February. On the other, India has indirectly restricted the import of China-made solar modules by making it mandatory to use solar panels made by local companies for all government-linked projects - which form the bulk of solar demand in India. Only manufacturers part of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) can supply solar panels to projects like Khavda, which would be supplying electricity to the national grid. The restrictions are effective from April 2021, but were kept in abeyance in FY24 to address a shortage of domestic solar panels. Projects approved before April 2021 or during FY24 can utilize solar modules of any make, including Chinese. The government is also working on a second ALMM list for solar cells, which is expected to be effective from June 2026, which will make it mandatory for companies to use only domestically produced solar cells. Our solar module procurement adheres to and is fully compliant to the guidelines of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). ALMM applies to projects for bids which were finalized after April 2021," the Adani Green Energy spokesperson said. The companys module sourcing includes a mix of both domestic and international players including Adani New Industries Limited and is fully compliant with the prevailing Indian regulations, tender requirements, and the policy framework, the spokesperson said. We remain committed to transparency, regulatory compliance, and best governance practices in all aspects of our project execution and operations." We remain committed to transparency, regulatory compliance, and best governance practices in all aspects of our project execution and operations. Demand outlook Due to this, the domestic demand for solar modules in India continues to rise, and several manufacturers are now prioritizing local sales over exports, S&P Platts noted on 1 July. Considering this, MSPVL is likely to supply more to Adani Green and other Indian solar companies in the future. A high-purity silicon block called ingot is the basic raw material for solar panels. This ingot is cut into thin strips called wafers, which are then processed into solar cells, which can convert sunlight into electricity. The wafers are then assembled into a solar module, also called a solar panel. Interestingly, both MSPVL and Adani Greens leading supplier JinkoSolar are battling First Solar of the US in an alleged patent-infringement lawsuit in a Delaware court. Mumbai: Consumers across rural and urban India are increasingly experimenting with newer fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) formats, ranging from fabric softeners and washing liquids to sauces, instant noodles, juices, and Western-style snacks. According to data from Worldpanel by Numerator (Kantar), household consumption across these categories increased significantly between 2021 and 2025, driven by a combination of buyers' aspirations and company efforts to make such products widely available. Per the household survey, the use for fabric softeners among rural elite households increased from 11% to 20% between 2021 and 2025, while for washing liquids, the number rose from 7% to 15%. Among the rural masses, the penetration of instant noodles increased from 43% to 64%, and western snacks grew from 41% to 66%. Worldpanel measures household penetration as products used by a household over the previous 12-month period. The urban affluent consuming class, which constitutes about 3% of Indian households and accounts for 5% of FMCG value (or 36,000 crore), remains largely driven by the need for convenience and a desire for premium experiences, buying into categories such as instant coffee, frozen foods, oats, washing liquids, and air fresheners. The report defined multiple household clusters in India, including the affluent class with household incomes over 40 lakh, the urban middle class with incomes between 10 lakh and 40 lakh, and the masses. Within the rural segment, it classified households as rural elite and rural masses, which make up 65% of all households in India. Also Read | Jeera spices up India's battle of beverages The top affluent households spend approximately 38,000 per year (per household) on FMCG. For instance, the penetration of washing liquids among such consumers grew from 31% to 58% between 2021 and 2025, while the penetration of air fresheners among such consumers grew from 15% to 28%. These households typically prefer premium products even when buying essentials such as tea, toothpaste, or soap. The urban middle class, which accounts for 20% of Indian households, spends an annual average of 30,000 on FMCG. These households typically upgrade to new formats, switching from products like bar soap to body wash and from standard to premium liquid detergents. For instance, the penetration of body wash among these households increased from 2% to 6% between 2021 and 2025, while that of premium detergent went up from 42% to 58%. The masses, who make up 12% of Indian households with an annual FMCG spend of 23,000 per household, are cautious adopters of categories like green tea, health biscuits, and ready-to-cook mixes. The penetration of ready-to-cook mixes among such consumers grew significantly from 22% in 2021 to 88% in 2025, while that of health biscuits remained flat. To be sure, a lot of this is driven by small packs, meaning more consumers are willing to experiment with such categories when they are offered at more affordable price points. Also Read | Unbranded products surge in urban India, branded holds strong in rural parts These are all indulgent categoriesfabric softeners or washing liquids, etc. Clearly, in the four-year period we are seeing a significant increase in penetration, and this is among the elite rural householdsthey are going beyond essentials. However, categories like salty snacks and juices are seeing a sharp increase in trials within the rural masses and lower socio-economic class, K Ramakrishnan, MD, South Asia, Worldpanel by Numerator said in an interview with Mint. Rural consumers mostly stick to essentials, relying on the smallest pack sizes. However, they are turning aspirational. Premium push While Indias fast-moving consumer goods market has long been dominated by mass-market goods, more companies have stepped up premiumization efforts. This is especially true in categories such as detergents, personal care and beauty products, and packaged foods. In laundry care, we pioneered the liquid detergent category with Ezee, much like soaps were decades ago. The category is now growing at strong double-digit rates, and GCPL (Godrej Consumer Products) is outpacing this growth. For example, Godrej Fab, launched just 15 months ago at a disruptive price of 99 (per 950 ml pack)not as a discounting tactic, but as the right price to help consumers upgrade from powders to liquids, said Krishna Khatwani, head of sales (India), Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. GCPL said it drives category development by democratizing access and offering relevant formats across price points; this helps increase product penetration. "For both home insecticide and laundry portfolio - we operate in different products and price points. This allows us to be relevant across different consumer need states and aid in their consumption, Khatwani added. Worldpanels Ramakrishnan said a large part of this growth in penetration is led by companies investing in building these categories. This is despite growing competition from new-age, direct-to-consumer brands. These are all market creation categories. A lot of it is driven by affordable packs, he added. Meanwhile, packaged food company Nestle India has seen household consumption of instant coffee go up significantly over the last decade. Its flagship coffee brandNescafe brought in more than 43 million households into the coffee category in the last decade by expanding its reach both at the top and at the bottom. In fiscal 2025Nescafe strengthened its leadership position by gaining market share and bringing more than 5.1 million households into the coffee category, per the companys FY25 annual report. In a recent interview, Mint Srinandan Sundaram, executive director of home care at HUL, said liquid detergents are the fastest-growing segment within the laundry market. The company sells brands such as Surf Excel and Wheel. Liquids (detergent) growth is upwards of four times than the rest of the category. The contribution of liquids, overall in the market, is accelerating. But at this point it would be around 10%, he said. According to a company presentation in November, household penetration of Surf Excel liquids quadrupled between calendar years 2019 and 2023, while the turnover tripled. Ramakrishnan said there is a clear willingness among consumers to experiment. Even in tight market conditions, consumers are willing to experiment, provided you give them a format or a packaging at a price point that merits trial, he said. The report comes amid greater pressure on large consumer packaged goods (CPG) players that are navigating both a weak consumer demand as well as fierce competition from new-age brands. Such brands have also created new demand spaces for consumers by tapping niche trends. Motilal Oswal Alternates has raised $800 million for its fifth private equity fund, exceeding its initial target of $750 million, backed by global investors such as the International Finance Corporation and US-based Adams Street Partners. In a statement, Motilal Oswal said that Japanese investors, family offices, and high net worth individuals also invested in the India Business Excellence Fund V (IBEF V), whose corpus can go up to $950 million. This is the first close of the fund, and the final close is expected by October. The Motilal Oswal Group and team have committed around 11% of the corpus. With this, Motilal Oswal Alternates assets under management (AUM) will exceed $3.5 billion across private equity, real estate, and private credit. The firm recently completed deployment of its $550 million fourth PE fund (IBEF IV), closed its $232 million sixth real estate fund (IREF VI), and is preparing to launch a private credit strategy. The fifth fund will invest $4080 million in mid-market businesses across consumer, financial services, healthcare, niche manufacturing, and technology. While typically a minority investor, the firm provides operational support alongside growth capital. About 14% of the fifth fund has already been committed, including investments in carbonated, non-alcoholic flavoured drinks maker Lahori Zeera. Since inception in 2007, the private equity platform has made 50 investments and achieved 23 exits, generating approximately $1 billion in liquidity. Recent exits include IKF Finance, Happy Forgings, and Dairy Classic. The portfolio has delivered ~30% revenue and ~40% profit growth over the past year, Motilal Oswal said in the statement. Motilal Oswal Alternates is part of the Motilal Oswal Group, which manages $38 billion in equity AUM across asset management, wealth, securities, and investment banking. Indias private equity and alternatives market is seeing record inflows, buoyed by a strong GDP growth, robust consumer demand, and structural reforms. India's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 7.4% year-on-year in Q4 and 6.5% over the full FY25, driven by private investment and consumption, according to Deloitte. Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which include private equity and other alternative vehicles, saw a 32% year-over-year increase in investments, reaching nearly 5.4 trillion by June 2025, according to investment advisory firm Multi-Act Trade and Investments. Global LPs (limited partners, who invest in PE funds) are also reallocating to India as China slows. A Bain report notes that India was the only Asia-Pacific market to post double-digit growth in PE deal value and volume in 2024, as Chinas share shrank. Also Read | Motilal Oswal group evaluates sale of home finance arm Kolkata, Aug 21 (PTI) An improvement in India-China relations will strengthen the solar supply chain for Indian manufacturers without reviving the threat of dumping, which has been effectively curbed by government duty measures, a top official of the countrys leading solar panel maker said. Allaying apprehensions that better ties with China could weaken safeguards against cheap imports, Vikram Solar CMD Gyanesh Chaudhary said government policies such as customs duties, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and ALMM guidelines have ensured a protective environment for domestic manufacturers. Better ties with China are good for us because our access to raw material supply chains improves. But unlike in the past, when Chinese dumping hurt the domestic industry, today the government has secured Indian manufacturers, Chaudhary told PTI. He pointed out that the imposition of 40 per cent basic customs duty on modules and 25 per cent on cells, along with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and Approved List of Models and Manufacturers guidelines (ALMM), has created a protective environment for domestic players. Chaudhary emphasised that while Indias dependence on China for solar components was almost 100 per cent when solar initiatives began, it has now reduced to about 80 per cent. He noted that the domestic ecosystem is developing rapidly, with expectations that this dependence will decline significantly within the next three to five years. Chinese dumping has come to a grinding halt. As a result, more than 90 per cent of our revenue last year came from the domestic market, Chaudhary said. On the outlook for anti-dumping duties, he refrained from speculating on possible changes but added, I would assume the government of India, with its strong domestic manufacturing push, will continue to secure local producers from dumping. Chaudhary downplayed concerns over US tariffs. Vikram Solar, which has had a subsidiary in the US for nearly a decade, is waiting for clarity on tariff changes before scaling up exports. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Microsoft said on Wednesday it has scaled back some Chinese companies' access to its early warning system for cybersecurity vulnerabilities following speculation that Beijing was involved in a hacking campaign against the company's widely used SharePoint servers. The new restrictions come in the wake of last month's sweeping hacking attempts against Microsoft SharePoint servers, at least some of which Microsoft and others have blamed on Beijing. That raised suspicions among several cybersecurity experts that there was a leak in the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), which Microsoft uses to help security vendors worldwide, including in China, to learn about cyber threats before the general public so they can better defend against hackers. Beijing has denied involvement in any SharePoint hacking. Microsoft notified members of the MAPP program of the SharePoint vulnerabilities on June 24, July 3 and July 7, Reuters has previously reported. Because Microsoft said it first observed exploitation attempts on July 7, the timing led some experts to allege that the likeliest scenario for the sudden explosion in hacking attempts was because a rogue member of the MAPP program misused the information. In a statement, Microsoft said several Chinese firms would no longer receive "proof of concept code," which mimics the operation of genuine malicious software. Proof of concept code can help cybersecurity professionals seeking to harden their systems in a hurry, but it can also be repurposed by hackers to get a jump start on the defenders. Microsoft said it was aware that the information it provided its partners could be exploited, "which is why we take steps both known and confidential to prevent misuse. We continuously review participants and suspend or remove them if we find they violated their contract with us which includes a prohibition on participating in offensive attacks." Microsoft declined to disclose the status of its investigation of the hacking or go into specifics about which companies had been restricted. MUMBAI: The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has rejected an appeal by the Central Bank of India challenging the approval of a resolution plan for Neptune Developers Pvt. Ltd, a bankrupt real estate company. The tribunal ruled that as a dissenting financial creditor, the bank cannot block a plan endorsed by the Committee of Creditors (CoC) in its commercial wisdom. The order brings relief to more than 2,000 homebuyers who have waited more than a decade for possession of flats tied up in Neptunes stalled project. There are no grounds made out to interfere with the approval of the resolution plan which is based on approval by the CoC in exercise of its commercial wisdom. There is no merit in the appeal. The appeal stands dismissed, said the bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and Barun Mitra. Also Read | NCLT seeks Vedanta reply after petroleum ministry flags co's demerger plan The ruling came after the Central Bank of India challenged a 25 March order of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) that cleared a 390 crore resolution plan submitted by Shree Naman Developers Pvt. Ltd. That plan had won 85.35% approval from creditors in March 2023. This marks the second acquisition for Shree Naman Developers, which also bought Radius Infra Holdings in May 2024. Before the NCLT approved the plan, two other developersKGK Realty (India) and Ess Gee Real Estate Developershad also expressed interest in acquiring Neptune under the insolvency process. Neptune Developers, which defaulted on loans from the Central Bank of India, had mortgaged its 26.05-acre Project Swarajya in Kalyan, in central Mumbai, to the lender. Following the banks insolvency petition under Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the NCLT admitted the case in July 2021 and appointed Bijendra Kumar Jha as interim resolution professional (IRP). During the corporate insolvency resolution process, the IRP appointed valuers Kunal Kantilal Vikamsey and Adroit Appraisers, who pegged liquidation values at 8.39 crore and 2.21 crore respectively. The Central Bank of India, holding 11.83% of voting rights, disputed those findings, claiming liquidation value was closer to 26.83 crore. It pushed for a fresh valuation, which the NCLT partly accepted, ordering a third valuer while allowing the CoC to continue deliberations. That third valuer, Jayesh Mohan Kamat, later reported a fair value of 13.85 crore and liquidation value of 11.08 crore, higher than the earlier estimates but still far below the banks claim. The Central Bank of India argued that critical assets, including 23 KDMC flats and 66 barter flats given to contractors, were excluded from the calculations, making the report faulty. But the valuer said the barter flats had already been exchanged for payment and could not be treated as realizable assets. The CoC, meanwhile, set aside 26.83 crore as a disputed value for the bank, an arrangement the lenders counsel initially agreed to in a 31 January 2025 NCLT hearing, but later contested. Ravi Raghunath, counsel for the Central Bank of India, argued that The NCLT prematurely approved the plan before considering the third valuation report. In fact, the approval process was vitiated and required fresh CoC voting after corrected valuations. But senior counsel Abhijeet Sinha, representing the resolution professional along with MDP Legals Niyati Merchant, countered that the bank itself had requested the third valuer, and could not renege once the report was submitted. He added that the CoC had exercised its commercial wisdom in approving the plan, and under Section 30(2)(b) of the IBC, a dissenting creditor is entitled only to its liquidation value. Senior advocate Gaurav Mitra, appearing for Edelweiss ARC, and counsel for homebuyers also urged dismissal of the banks appeal, noting that buyers have already endured more than a decade-long wait and that further delays would be harmful. Also Read | Personal guarantors' assets under threat under proposed IBC changes The appellate tribunal observed that valuers are registered experts and their reports cannot be replaced with creditors subjective assessments. It also said the Central Bank of India could not indirectly achieve what it could not directly by blocking approval of the plan, and would receive only its liquidation value payout. Russia attacked a civilian factory in western Ukraine owned by US company Flex Ltd, causing a massive fire and wounding at least 15 people. Local authorities said that at around 4:40 a.m. local time, two Russian cruise missiles hit the companys premises in Mukachevo. It was a regular civilian business, supported by American investment, producing everyday items like coffee machines, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Thursday on social media. Russia resumed massive strikes deep inside Ukraine after a three-week pause ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putins summit with his US counterpart in Alaska on Aug. 15. Following that meeting, President Donald Trump backed down from his threats to increase penalties on Moscow unless it ceases its full-scale invasion. European leaders and Zelenskiy visited Washington on Monday as Trump continues his bid to broker an end to Russias war, now well into its fourth year. The US president is pushing for a bilateral meeting between Zelenskiy and Putin by the end of the month, as Kyivs European allies and Washington discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. The Russians carried out this attack as if nothing has changed at all, as if there are no global efforts to stop this war, said Zelenskiy, pointing to the strike on Mukachevo as evidence that more pressure is needed to force Russia to hold substantive negotiations. Flex, traded in the US, is one of the worlds leading electronics manufacturing services companies, with factories in 30 countries. Its Mukachevo plant opened in 2012 and employs thousands of people, local authorities said. This is not the first Russian attack on American businesses in Ukraine, after strikes on Boeing offices in Kyiv earlier this year and other attacks, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. The strike was the first on the city since the start of Russias full-scale invasion. Mukachevo is located in Ukraines westernmost region of Zakarpattya, around 1,000 kilometers from the Russian border and just 40 kilometers from the frontier with Hungary, a NATO and European Union member state. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Swiss lawmakers have watered down a proposal that would have installed a fixed upper limit on compensation at the countrys biggest banks including UBS Group AG. In March, the upper house of parliament voted in favor of the bill to cap salaries of top executives at Swiss banks at between 3 million and 5 million francs per year. That bill has now been changed in the lower house, according to a statement from the parliament. That means the cap is unlikely to become law. Executive compensation has become a hot button issue for Swiss politicians in recent years, especially after the demise of Credit Suisse. Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has previously criticized the compensation of UBS Chief Executive Officer Sergio Ermotti. Chief executive officers at Swiss listed companies have seen significant pay raises since the Covid pandemic, according to a report by proxy advisor Ethos. CEOs at SMI companies made 8.3 million francs on average in 2024, a 7.4% increase compared to the previous-year period, it said. On the plan to cap banker salaries, the lower houses committee for economy and taxation has removed a fixed upper limit from the text of the bill, according to the statement. Instead the text now only states that variable remuneration should not be paid if the business does not perform well, it said. The committee decision means that when the bill comes before the whole chamber, lawmakers will likely only vote on the softened version, unless a counterproposal is launched. A vote in parliament could come as early as next month. The Swiss move chimes with a broader push in the region among jurisdictions not part of the European Union. In 2023, the UK scrapped an EU-era cap limiting bonuses to a maximum of twice a bankers base pay. Wall Street banks broadly welcomed the move, saying it would help the City of Londons appeal as a financial center and mean firms could better align the paycheck structure of top bankers with the bonus-heavy packages of their New York counterparts. The UK bonus cap was introduced by the EU back in 2014 in response to public outcry about the financial crisis. For most lenders, the cap meant their material risk takers which can be investment bankers, traders, risk managers or even compliance personnel could earn variable compensation that was equal to two times their fixed salary. (Updates with Ethos report, background on UK from fourth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- Libyas eastern parliament is poised to let Turkey explore for energy in the North African nations waters, according to people familiar with the matter, in what would be a dramatic about-face thats the latest sign of warming ties between Ankara and the region. The House of Representatives in Benghazi is set to vote in the coming weeks on the 2019 pact that set out the terms of an exploration agreement, said people in Turkey and Libya familiar with the deliberations. Most obstacles to the accord have been removed, they said, declining to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. The war-torn OPEC member is split between rival administrations in Benghazi and the western capital, Tripoli. The latter has strong relations with Turkey and already supports the deal, but staunch opposition from the east where military commander Khalifa Haftars Libyan National Army holds sway has hitherto prevented its enactment. If approved, the agreement could kickstart oil and gas exploration by Turkish ships in a swathe of territory between Crete and Turkey, reinforcing Ankaras claims in the eastern Mediterranean. That risks inflaming a dispute with Greece and Cyprus, which accuse Turkey of a bid for dominance in contested waters. Eastern Libyas change of tack speaks to a new detente between Turkey and Haftar, who fought on opposing sides of a months-long battle for the Libyan capital in 2019 and 2020. Turkey militarily backed a previous Islamist-leaning government in Tripoli that Haftar who counted the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia among his allies unsuccessfully sought to overthrow. A United Nations-supported peace drive installed a new premier, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, but has failed to mend the split. The Tripoli-based government and the east have periodic spats over revenue from Africas largest oil reserves and control of vital state institutions, although theres been no major fighting between the two sides in years. Turkey has in recent years been quietly working on building relations with Haftar. The initiative follows Ankaras landmark rapprochement with Egypt after a roughly eight-year fallout stemming from Turkeys stance on political Islam. The two countries worked together in Libya last year to resolve a power struggle over the central bank that risked spilling over into civil war. Naval Visit In a further sign of improving ties, a Turkish navy corvette, the TCG Kinaliada, is making a first visit to Benghazis port this week, while Turkey is considering sending military trainers and advisers, according to Turkish officials familiar with the moves. Haftars son and heir apparent, Saddam, met Turkeys defense minister and army chief in Ankara in April. While Mediterranean exploration is an important motivation, Turkey is also seeking to salvage business contracts worth billions of dollars that were thrown into limbo by the cycle of conflict thats embroiled Libya since dictator Muammar Al Qaddafi was toppled in 2011. Turkey has recently started direct flights to Benghazi, and some leading Turkish contractors are engaged in projects to rebuild the city and start production of industrial materials. Among Eastern Libyan authorities, theres a consensus that the agreement serves their interests and will bring in investment, according to a Libyan official familiar with the talks. The dispute over the maritime territory has intensified in recent months after Greece in May announced an exploration tender for energy blocks south of Crete that extend into waters claimed by Libya. The European Union has said the mooted Libya-Turkey deal infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states and doesnt comply with the UN Law of the Sea. --With assistance from Firat Kozok. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com New Delhi: The recently-announced US-EU (European Union) Framework Agreement on tradewhich maintains a 15% blanket tariff on the bloc's exports to the world's largest economycould offer important lessons for India as it negotiates its own rules under the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As New Delhi pursues a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, experts say the country must secure similar carve-outs and flexibilities, particularly to protect Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and exporters from steep compliance costs. Also Read | Trumps trade victims are shrugging off his attacks Without such measures, the country's firms could face significant regulatory hurdles, while US competitors benefit from preferential treatment, potentially eroding Indias competitive position in the European markets. For India, which is in the advanced stages of negotiating its own free trade agreement with the EU, these developments carry clear lessons. New Delhi should push for similar carve-outs and flexibilities in CBAM and sustainability rules, especially to shield Indian SMEs and exporters from disproportionate costs," said Ajay Srivastava, founder of economic think tank, Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Indeed, the US-EU Framework Agreement on trade also grants the US concessions on European regulatory frameworks, including CBAM and Corporate Sustainability Rules. The EU will provide flexibilities for US SMEs under CBAM, effective 1 January, 2026, and ease compliance under the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and Reporting Directives (CSDDD and CSRD) from July 2027, even considering exemptions for firms already subject to high-standard rules. These steps underscore the EUs readiness to accommodate US concerns when market access and strategic partnerships are at stake. A senior government official told Mint that India will need to negotiate its CBAM strategy well with the EU. The US-EU trade framework could be useful in this regard," the person added, requesting anonymity. India will also seek similar concessions while finalizing the deal," the person added. Indias FTA negotiations with the EU aim to expand market access, boost exports, and strengthen strategic economic ties. Key discussions focus on tariff cuts, regulatory harmonization, and protection for Indian companies, especially SMEs, against steep compliance costs. The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of the year. "The EU has shown flexibility by addressing certain concerns of the US under CBAM, including on the de minimis threshold," said Pankaj Chadha, chairman at Engineering Export Promotion Council. "India, as a developing economy, should also negotiate for a fair deal with the EU, aiming for zero CBAM on its exports. Our exporters need a level playing field to remain competitive," he added. Economists, however, do not expect India's exports to see any immediate impact of the US-EU Framework Agreement on trade. For India, the US tariffs on EU exports are unlikely to have an immediate impact. Our key export sectors to the US, like RMG (ready-made garments), precious stones, leather, and agricultural products, dont directly compete with the EU," said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda. Sectors such as electronics, which might have overlapped, are largely exempted from the US tariffs, he added. Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook indicated her intention to stay at the central bank despite calls for her resignation by US President Donald Trump over allegations of mortgage fraud. I have no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet, Bloomberg News quoted Cook, the first Black woman to sit on the Fed Board, in an emailed statement. I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve, and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts," she added. Also Read | Trump demands Fed Guv Cook quit as ally seeks DOJ probe into mortgage fraud Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte recently asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to probe Cook over two mortgages. Following Bloomberg News's report of the referral on Tuesday evening, Trump tweeted Wednesday morning, calling for Cook to resign. On 15 August, Pulte sent a letter to Bondi and Ed Martin, a Justice Department official, indicating that Cook might have committed a crime. The letter claimed that Cook falsified bank documents and property records to obtain better loan terms, which could constitute mortgage fraud under criminal law." No charges have been filed, and it remains unclear if Bondi will initiate an investigation. The Justice Department previously chose not to comment on Pultes letter. Also Read | Trump Ally Calls on Bondi to Probe Feds Cook Over Mortgages Pulte responds Following Cooks statement, Pulte posted on social media: Write anything you or your attorneys want Miss Cook, youve been caught based on mortgage documents, not a tweet. Apart from Cook, the Trump administration has also targeted high-profile Democrats with mortgage fraud allegations, including California Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of whom have long-standing political rivalries with Trump. Pulte, in a CNBC interview on Wednesday, described mortgage fraud as an existential threat to the Federal Home Loan Banks under his agency's oversight. We are going to prosecute it, he said. In my experience, its unusual to see them do intense loan-level document reviews, the news agency quoted Ben Klubes, former HUD principal deputy general counsel and acting general counsel under the Biden administration. If this is truly some sort of a routine random review, its unusual that the result of that is three Democratic public officials, and that those referrals are publicised in detail," he added. Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren, the leading Democrat on the Senate committee overseeing Pulte, said the Trump administration should not weaponise the federal government to illegally fire independent Fed Board members. Ive long been an advocate for holding Fed officials accountable, the report quoted Warren's emailed statement. But anyone can see that for months now, President Trump has been scrambling for a pretext to intimidate or fire Chair Powell and Members of the Federal Reserve Board while blaming anyone but himself for how his failed economic policies are hurting Americans," she added. India has overtaken China in the smartphone exports race to send its products to the United States. The share of smartphones manufactured in India in US imports climbed to 44% during April-June 2025, a sharp rise from 13% in the same quarter of 2024. At the same time, Chinas share dropped from 61% to 25% in the same period. The growth was fuelled by Make in India initiatives and production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. Also Read | After iPhone 17 series launch in September, Apple may skip iPhone 18 in 2026 In a post on platform X, the central government cited a report from the Singapore-based research agency Canalys, which stated that in the second quarter of the calendar year 2025, India had overtaken China due to schemes like Make in India and PLI. According to a report by research firm Canalys, in the second quarter of this calendar year, i.e., April-June, India has also overtaken China in terms of smartphones exported to the US, the government stated in the social media post. As a result of schemes like Make in India and PLI, India is now moving at a new pace in those industrial sectors in which it was never even considered a key manufacturer before, it said. India's smartphone export to US According to official data, these schemes helped increase India's share of smartphone exports to the United States to 44% in the second quarter of 2025, compared to only 13% in the same period the previous year. The government also said that China's share in the smartphone exports to the US market has dropped to 25% in the April-June quarter, compared to their previous level of 61% in the same period a year ago. Now, the share of Made in India smartphones imported to the US has increased to 44 per cent, whereas in the second quarter of 2024, it was only 13 per cent. At the same time, in comparison, the share of Made in China smartphones in the US market has come down from 61 per cent a year ago to 25 per cent during this period, the government said. According to a PTI report, India's electronics and mobile exports sector witnessed a mega jump, rising from 38,000 crore to 3.27 lakh crore in the same period. According to the report, mobile exports witnessed a 127-fold rise to 2 lakh crore, compared to 1,500 crore in the same period earlier. New Delhi: Pushed by escalating trade tensions with Washington and with its relations with Beijing on the mend, New Delhi is warming up to a deeper embrace of the East by signalling a potential return to an eastern trade bloc that it had walked out of nearly five years ago. According to two senior government officials aware of the matter, India is weighing the possibility of rejoining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a trade group of 15 countries. India had left the group in November 2019 just before the pact was signed, citing concerns over market access, widening trade deficits, and risks to farmers, domestic manufacturing, and small businesses. According to one of the officials cited above, internal discussions have begun in the Indian government on reassessing the costs and benefits of RCEP membership in light of global supply chain realignments, tariff wars, and the urgency of diversifying export markets. The second official cited above said, The fresh rethink is being explored as part of a broader strategy to deepen Indias trade engagement with neighbouring countries, especially after strained trade talks with the US." Both officials spoke to Mint on condition of not being named. In the latest development, China has lifted export curbs on rare earth magnets, fertilizers, and tunnel-boring machines for India following a meeting between Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and Indias external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday, a move seen as a thaw in India-China trade relations amid the current US tariff regime. On its part, India is weighing easier rules for Chinese investments in select sectors as part of another step to improve ties ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the eastern neighbour to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, as reported byMint on 18 August. The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), an autonomous body under the ministry of external affairs, has been tasked with conducting an impact assessment of India becoming a member of RCEP, particularly as the Trump tariffs are expected to remain in place for a long period, the second official said. Also Read | India should reconsider its rejection of the RCEP trade bloc India is pushing for written assurances from China and ASEAN nations to ensure greater market access for Indian products in order to make the pact a more balanced agreement," said the first person. The idea at this point of time is largely in terms of the opportunities that an FTA can create, and India has also brought in some changes," said Sachin Chaturvedi, director-general of RIS. If you look at trade compatibility and scope, the ambit within which we had earlier thought of two- or three-tier tariff structures, and the new momentum we are seeing in India-China trade relations, both would have to be factored in. Then some framework for assessment should come up." Queries sent to the spokespersons of the Prime Ministers Office, Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, and the ministries of commerce, external affairs remained unanswered till press time. The RCEP is the worlds largest free trade agreement. As per World Economics, a UK-based data and analysis platform, the RCEP group accounted for 32.6% of Global GDP in 2025 and is home to over 2.35 billion people. The trade bloc comprises 15 member countries, including all the ASEAN member states Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam plus China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Notably, Japan and Singapore had included a special provision allowing India to return to the bloc at any time. Also Read | China says ready to cut tariffs on RCEPs entry into force Pushed by the US Experts said punitive US tariffs are pushing eastern economies to make RCEP a more compelling platform. The US under President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs of 15-20% on several ASEAN economies, with higher duties of 40% on Laos and 19% on Cambodia," said Srikanth Kondapalli, professor of China Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Such tariff barriers have made exports uneconomical, pushing these countries to reconsider their trade options within the RCEP framework." Trump, meanwhile, imposed the highest 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% penalty for buying Russian oil. The first set of duties came into effect on 7 August, while another 25% is scheduled to come into force on 27 August. Since both China and India are among the largest markets in the region, it is essential that they work out a more workable arrangement to make effective use of the RCEP platform," said Dattesh Parulekar, assistant professor of International Relations at Goa University. Without mutual understanding between the two, the benefits of such a mega trade pact will remain underutilised." Why India left RCEP in 2019 Indias earlier opposition was shaped by key concerns such as an unfavourable trade balance with China, fears that Chinese goods would flood Indian markets through third countries, and New Zealands plan to supply milk and milk products to India that would hurt Indias small farmers and dairy cooperatives, experts said. China had been using Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and other ASEAN nations as platforms to reroute exports into India under existing free trade arrangements, leading to charges of unfair trade practices," said Kondapalli. Out of nearly 14,000 tariff lines offered to China under its trade pact with India, Beijing increasingly exploited indirect channels, which became a major sticking point for New Delhi." In the present setup, Indias strongest export sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and IT services, face heavy restrictions in China and do not have market access there. Recalibrate China trade strategy Amidst the thaw in India-China relations, a new study by Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (Icrier) has called for a recalibration of Indias trade strategy with Beijing, noting that the trade deficit touched a record $99.2 billion in FY25. According to data from the ministry of commerce & industry, Indias imports from China increased from $94.57 billion in FY22 to $113.45 billion in FY25. In contrast, exports to China declined from $21.26 billion in FY22 to $14.25 billion in FY25. In the current fiscal, inbound shipments from China during April-July stood at $40.66 billion, up 13.1% from a year earlier. Exports to China, too, jumped 20% to $5.76 billion during the same period. While Indias FDI (foreign direct investment) inflows from China have been negligible at $886 million over the past decade, the Icrier study led by professor Nisha Taneja highlighted that Indias untapped export potential to China is as high as $161 billion nearly 10 times the current exports. Strikingly, 74% of this potential lies in medium and high-technology sectors, compared to the present export basket that is dominated by primary and resource-based goods, the report noted. The study highlighted that the realisation of large additional export potential with China has been constrained by several tariff and non-tariff barriers (NTBs). To address market access barriers, it recommended that India and China set up a joint task force to resolve NTBs, and improve transparency through fair testing and WTO-compliant communication. It further suggested diversifying the export base towards high-value products such as telephone sets, aircraft, turbojets, motor vehicle parts, and photo-semiconductor devices. On the import side, the report underscored that complete decoupling from China is unrealistic given its role in global value chains. Instead, India should cut uncompetitive imports worth nearly $30 billionmainly machinery, electronics, and chemicalsby sourcing from more competitive suppliers such as Vietnam, South Korea, and the UAE. SBI PO Prelims Result 2025: India's largest State-run bank, the State Bank of India (SBI), is set to release its results for the Probationary Officer (PO) prelims result 2025. Candidates who appeared for the preliminary exam can check their results on the official website when the bank releases the information. So far, SBI has not announced the date or timing of the results issue. However, the lender has disclosed that the results will be announced within the next one-month period. Also Read | SBI invites applications for 541 Probationary Officer roles: Details What is the SBI PO exam? State Bank of India held an exam to recruit Probationary Officers to fill its 541 vacancies. The recruitment preliminary exam was held on 2 August, 4 August, and 5 August 2025. It consisted of 100 questions for 100 marks and was held for one hour. The exam had negative marking. For every wrong answer, the candidate lost one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question. However, there was no penalty if a question was left unanswered. Also Read | SBI PO 2025 admit card: When and how to download Prelims call letter When are SBI PO Prelims Results expected? According to the SBI Clerk 2025 information, the prelamination results for the SBI Probationary Officer exam results will be announced in the month of August or September 2025. SBI will hold its SBI PO Mains exam in September 2025, according to multiple media reports. How to check SBI PO Prelims Result 2025? To check the SBI PO Prelims Result 2025, the candidates must follow the steps mentioned below: Step 1: Enter the official State Bank of India website (sbi.co.in) Step 2: Select and open the 'Careers' page Step 3: Click on current openings and then visit the PO recruitment page Step 4: Select the prelims result link Step 5: Enter your login details and then submit your request. After checking the results, it is recommended that the candidates download and keep a copy of the SBI PO Prelims Result 2025 for future use and reference. Also Read | Amazon India creates over 1.5 lakh seasonal jobs ahead of festive season SBI PO 2025 Eligibility Criteria 1. Applicants should hold a graduation degree from any discipline from a government-recognised university. 2. Applicants should be within the age bracket of 21 to 20 years of age. Candidates will be shortlisted on a merit list based on the main examination, which consists of both objective and descriptive tests. The cut-offs will be determined based on the number of available vacancies for the job roles. Aryan Khan has impressed audiences with the trailer of his first film as a director, Ba**ds of Bollywood*, launched on Wednesday at a grand event in Mumbai. The trailer begins with Shah Rukh Khans voiceover, introducing Lakshya as Aasman Singh in the city of dreams. The story then unfolds with the newcomers character achieving success with a hit film and falling in love with superstar Arjun Talvars (played by Bobby Deol) daughter, portrayed by Sahher Bambba. Actor Raghav Juyal also features as Lakshyas best friend. But it was the ending of the trailer that truly caught the public eye. In the final scene, Lakshya is shown walking out of prison when a policeman remarks, Tension nai lene ka, andar jaake log aur bhi famous ho jaate hai (Do not stress, people become more famous after going to jail). The line quickly became a talking point online, with many suggesting Aryan Khan had referenced his own past. A fan wrote on X, Andar Jake log or bhi famous ho jate hai best line h aryan bhai you are killing the haters. Another added, We know what Aryan did in the last scene of the trailer . Aryan Khans 2021 Arrest Aryan Khan, the son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on 2 October 2021 during a raid on a luxury cruise ship off Mumbais coast. He faced allegations of drug possession, consumption, and conspiracy to traffic narcotics charges that shook the film industry and dominated headlines. Netflix has announced the release date for its upcoming historical drama Death by Lightning. The limited series, spanning four episodes, will premiere on the platform on November 6, Variety reported. The show stars Michael Shannon as U S President James Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau, the man who assassinated him. Adapted from Candice Millards acclaimed book Destiny of the Republic, the series explores Garfields presidency, his tragic assassination, and the turbulent political landscape of 19th-century America. The cast also features Nick Offerman as Chester Arthur, Bradley Whitford as James Blaine, Shea Whigham as Roscoe Conkling, and Betty Gilpin as Crete Garfield. Guest appearances include Alistair Petrie, Tuppence Middleton, Ben Miles, Zeljko Ivanek, Shaun Parkes, Paula Malcomson, and others. Created and written by Mike Makowsky, Death by Lightning is being executive produced by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with Bernie Caulfield under Bighead Littlehead Productions. Matt Ross serves as executive producer and director for all four episodes. Shannon, best known recently for his roles in George & Tammy, Waco: The Aftermath, and Nine Perfect Strangers, received an Emmy nomination for his work in George & Tammy. Macfadyen, meanwhile, is fresh off his double Emmy wins for HBOs Succession, which also earned him a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. While the setting of the series might be nearly 150 years in the past, Death by Lightning feels incredibly relevant, says Makowsky. The theme of corruption in politics and our bureaucracy feels particularly evergreen these days, he told Netflix. From solo specials to talk-show spoofs and quirky game formats, Indias stand-up comics have entered a new rat race of creating their own signature shows to grab audiences, stand out in a crowded content space, and cash in on a booming comedy scene. Whether it is Madhur Virlis stand-up comedy talent hunt Madhur Model, Vivek Samtanis blind-date guessing show Andha Pyaar, or Gaurav Kapoors lie-detection game Lie Hard, these intellectual property (IP)-driven formats are racking up millions of views on YouTube. Industry watchers comment that while comedians and comic collectives have been experimenting with different formats of shows for years, the sudden popularity and controversies that followed Indias Got Latent and the first season of the Pretty Good Roast Show in the latter half of 2024 sparked a fresh wave of format-driven comedy in India this year. Also Read | Influencer marketing boom: Why brands prefer small creators over big names Rather than fading after their initial runs, the buzz around both shows has set a template that other comics are more eager to create more and ride the wave," said Harman Preet Singh, founder of Bengaluru-based comedy production house HAK Ventures, popularly known as the Underground Comedy Club. Controversy became currency." Profitability comes with popularity. Popular comics can skip IP building and sell out solo shows and tours, where they get the highest engagement. Such large-scale performance leads to profitability, Singh added. Sensing the strong engagement these shows generate, brands have shed their hesitation and are increasingly stepping in with sponsorships, whether by backing entire shows or specific episodes, validating the commercial potential of this edgy space. Comedy is already the language of Gen Z culture, making it the perfect fit for us," said Anupam Gurnani, chief marketing officer, IndoBevs, parent company of beverage brand BroCode that has alcoholic and non-alcoholic products. We gave creators complete creative freedomeven encouraging them to roast our own brand." Key Takeaways Comics are launching IP-driven format shows to stand out and monetize. Brands like BroCode and Cashify are investing in multi-episode sponsorships. Shows deliver strong recall but often struggle to break even. Legal contracts and controversy management are now standard practice. Prize giveaways are legal if tied to skill-based challenges. Nakul Kumar, co-founder of the smartphone refurbishing brand Cashify, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the impact of recall value that such shows create for the brand. The popularity of these comics gives a massive push to the visibility of these brands," Kumar said. Behind the scenes While these shows have not immediately translated into lucrative profit-making ventureswith some barely breaking even and others still running at a lossthey have succeeded in creating strong recall value and significantly boosting the visibility of both comics and sponsoring brands. Most shows barely manage to break even," said Baneet Chhabra, co-founder of Playground Comedy Studio, which has produced The Pretty Good Roast Show, Madhur Model, Lie Hard and others. What people see on YouTube is the polished final cut. Behind the scenes, its a costly affair." I do not wish to take this format to other OTT platforms beyond YouTube because the majority of the free-comedy content hungry young audience is on this platform and actively looking to discover new content in this space," Samtani said. These shows also often serve as launchpads for lesser-known comics, who gain visibility by sharing panels with more popular names, as the formats typically feature a mixed lineup. While the focus is on having a mixed set of comics on the panel with whom he shares a deep connection, Samtani ensures each one comes with a different perspective and emotional maturity that adds to the depth of the show. He consciously tries to pick at least one fresh face, who has been performing for a while but has not gained social media popularity, to push discoverability for the less well-known comic. That said, these formats come with their own set of challenges. A recurring set of panellists from within the comedy community, who appear across multiple shows, risks creating a sense of monotony for viewers. Further, while Samtani recognises the fact that the pool to pick comics from is limited, he said that each show has a unique flavour. With each show having a different format, there is room for the comics to experiment and present a different side of themselves to the world. For instance, my show (Andha Pyaar) explores the dating and love angle, a show like Lie Hard tests the nostalgia of childhood memories and bluffing skills, while in a format like the Pretty Good Roast Show, the writing ability of comics is put to the test." The lingering shadows of past controversies also compel brands and producers to tread cautiously while developing new formats. We strive to make our production strategy more foolproof, but controversies are unpredictable," said Playground's Chhabra about the controversies surrounding the first season of Pretty Good Roast Show, where former BharatPe founder Ashneer Grover and influencer Kusha Kapila scrutinised the creators for offensive jokes cracked at them on the show. Cashifys Kumar also highlighted that they are cautious while working on comedy shows, with stronger legal contracts in place now. Cashify has sponsored episodes of other concept shows in the past. Hooking the audience In addition, since these shows are typically staged before live audiences and often include participants beyond just the panel of comics, creators frequently introduce cash prizes, rewards, or freebie giveaways to maintain engagement, attract more attention, and encourage participation. While such practices have occasionally raised eyebrows, legal experts clarify that they remain permissible as long as the giveaways are tied to skill-based challenges and adhere to specified value limits. Also Read | How employees are turning into in-house influencers for brands Awarding prize money in such digital concept shows might appear questionable, but it is not inherently illegal," said Nakul Gandhi, founder of Delhi-based NG Law Chambers, who represents and is a consultant for several content creators. In fact, the Calcutta High Court, in the 2000 Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) case, held that if giveaways are structured around skill or knowledge-based challenges rather than chance, they can be legally classified as games of skill. As long as the rewards are based on skill and remain within reasonable limits, they fall within the permissible framework." New Delhi, Aug 21 (PTI) Every second pensioner under Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) administered by retirement fund body EPFO gets less than 1,500 a month, as per the data of March 2025, Parliament was informed on Thursday. The official data also showed only 53,541 pensioners or 0.65 per cent of the total 81,48,490 pensions under the scheme get a monthly pension of over 6,000 as of March 31, 2025. The data has come in view of trade unions' demand for a minimum monthly pension of 9,000 under the EPS-95, which was part of the 17-point charter of demand submitted to the Ministry of Labour and Employment. At present, the minimum monthly pension entitlement under the scheme is 1,000. Total number of pensioners under Employees' Pension Scheme as on Marc 31, 2025 was 81,48,490, informed Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaj in a written reply to Rajya Sabha. She also informed the House that the number of pensioners receiving less than 1,500 as monthly pension as on March 31, 2025 was 49,15,416. Thus almost every second person or over half of the pensioners were getting less than 1,500 monthly pension. The minister also informed that the number of pensioners receiving less than 4,000 as monthly pension as on March 31, 2025 was 78,69,560. The number of pensioners receiving less than 6,000 a month was 80,94,949, as on March 31, 2025. Thus the number of pensioners receiving more then 6,000 monthly pension under the scheme was just 53,541 or 0.65 per cent. The minister also informed the House that the total amount disbursed under the pension scheme increased to 23,027.93 crore in 2023-24 from 22,112.83 crore in 2022-23. "The total amount held in inoperative accounts as on March 31, 2025 is 10,898.07 crore. The data is un-audited and provisional as annual accounts for the FY 2024-25 are under preparation," she told the House. The interest income of the EPFO has increased to 58,668.73 crore in 2023-24 from 52,171 crore in 2022-23, the reply showed. ABBAS ARAGHCHI is no stranger to the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva. He spent time there in 2013 working to negotiate an interim deal that froze parts of Irans nuclear programme. It paved the way for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a more detailed agreement signed two years later. The latter was supposed to eliminate both the threat of an Iranian bomb and the threat of Israel attacking Iran. It did neither, because Donald Trump withdrew from the pact in 2018. When Mr Araghchi returned to the Intercontinental on June 20th, it was as a wartime foreign minister. Israel is now in its second week of a wide-ranging campaign of air strikes in Iran. It has assassinated the army leadership and struck at Irans nuclear facilities; its air force flies freely over Tehran, the capital. Desperate for a deal that might end the war, Mr Araghchi met with his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany and the EU. There is a window for a diplomatic solution. Israel wants America to join the war and strike Fordow, a deeply buried nuclear facility that its own bombs will struggle to reach. Mr Trump is considering it. But on June 19th Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said the president was willing to talk first. He would decide whether or not to go within the next two weeks". The decision may come sooner, though: Mr Trump is unlikely to tolerate two weeks of unproductive talks. Arab officials have told Iran that it must do two things if it wants a deal. One is to negotiate directly with America; the other is to come prepared to make major concessions around its uranium-enrichment programme. So far, though, Iran seems unwilling to do either. Before the war Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps envoy, held five meetings with Mr Araghchi to discuss a new nuclear deal. At first it seemed as if America would pursue an agreement similar to the JCPOA, which allowed Iran to refine uranium to 3.67% purity. That could be used to manufacture fuel for nuclear reactors but was a far cry from the 90% needed to fashion a nuclear bomb. The deal also capped both the quantity and quality of Irans centrifuges, the devices used to enrich uranium. Such restrictions were meant to buy time. Even if Iran decided to violate the deal, it would have needed around one year to produce a bombs worth of fissile material. But a revived JCPOA could not restore such a long breakout time". Iran has spent the past few years mastering the nuclear-fuel cycle. It has enriched uranium to 60% purity, a short hop from weapons-grade; it has produced more and better centrifuges, and may have stashed some of its highly enriched uranium at secret facilities. The old deal is no longer on the table. America is now insisting on a zero-enrichment deal, in which Iran forswears any capacity to refine uranium. If Iran is willing to concede, America may well force Israel to end its war. On June 17th the Trump administration proposed a new round of negotiations between Messrs Araghchi and Witkoff. There were suggestions that J.D. Vance, the vice-president, might attend as well, to demonstrate that the talks were serious. But in public Iran rejected the idea of talking directly with America. The summit in Geneva seems to be a compromise. European countries had been frozen out of the talks earlier this year: neither America nor Iran wanted to include them. Now they are useful intermediaries. Still, even if America did not attend the talks, it was there in spirit. David Lammy, the British foreign secretary, was in Washington the day before the Geneva summit. He met Marco Rubio, his American counterpart, and Mr Witkoff. The Americans said they wanted to talk directly with Iran. And the Europeans, for their part, seem to be moving closer to Americas position. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, now says he wants a deal that move[s] to zero enrichment". German diplomats make similar comments. If Iran thought Europe would be more flexible than America, it may be disappointed. Mr Trump has many reasons to hesitate about bombing Iran. It would be unpopular, for a start: 60% of Americans oppose getting involved in the war, with just 16% in favour, according to a poll from The Economist and YouGov. It would be particularly divisive within Mr Trumps MAGA coalition. It also may not work: some American and allied military officers doubt that even the enormous GBU-57, Americas largest bunker-buster" bomb, could penetrate deeply enough to destroy Fordow. He and his aides are also fielding frantic calls from Americas allies in the Gulf. Officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) fear that American strikes could trigger Iranian retaliation against their countryand an exodus of rich expats. Khalaf al-Habtoor, a prominent Emirati businessman, warned in a social-media post that the region faces a real strategic danger". Bankers and consultants are fretting about the risk of nuclear fallout (a remote concern). All of this is deeply unnerving for a part of the Middle East that prides itself on being an oasis of stability. Iran is eager for a deal too. It has asked Cyprus, Oman, Qatar and the UAE to pass messages to America and Israel. There have also been several calls between Messrs Araghchi and Witkoff. So far, though, they seem to be talking past one another: diplomats in the region say Iran is still unwilling to concede on enrichment. Stubbornness was a viable strategy a decade ago, during the talks over the JCPOA. Barack Obama, the president at the time, gave up on his demands for a zero-enrichment deal when he realised Iran would not budge. It is less effective today, with Israeli jets roaring over Tehranand America threatening to join them. 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. Individuals who step in as personal guarantors for loans to companies are set to lose a crucial protection. Until now, when a company went bankrupt, guarantors enjoyed a moratorium" that stopped banks and creditors from touching their assets until the case was finally decided. That breathing space is gone with the proposed changes in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, tabled in Parliament last week, makes it clear that existing moratorium protections under Sections 96 and 124 will no longer apply to personal guarantors. According to lawyers that Mint spoke to, banks can now immediately attach houses, freeze bank accounts, sell pledged shares, or even push guarantors into bankruptcyall while the companys insolvency case is still ongoing. This change means guarantors stand exposed from day one, with their personal assets and income streams vulnerable to direct recovery," said Raheel Patel, partner, Gandhi Law Associates. Read more: Cross-border insolvency shake-up: Govt to draft rules, special NCLT bench likely Personal guarantors were first brought under the IBC purview in December 2019, when the government activated provisions on individual insolvency. This allowed lenders to pursue not just defaulting companies but also promoters and directors who had given personal guarantees, making such assurances legally enforceable and carrying real consequences. The framework was strengthened in 2023, when the Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the IBCincluding the appointment of resolution professionalsand rejected around 350 petitions filed by guarantors challenging the constitutionality of IBC provisions related to them. Since their inclusion in 2019, lenders have sought to recover over 2 trillion from personal guarantors. However, recoveries have been slow. In the past six financial years, about 4,203 cases against personal guarantors involving claims worth 2.78 trillion were filed. Of these, resolution professionals were appointed in 1,832 cases, while 664 were admitted. Just 39 cases resulted in approved repayment plans, yielding creditors only 129 croreor 2.49% of admitted claims. Since 2019, some of Indias biggest insolvency proceedings have pulled in personal guarantors. High-profile names include Reliance ADA Groups Anil Ambani, Videocons Venugopal Dhoot, Bhushan Power & Steels former promoter Sanjay Singhal, and Zee Groups Subhash Chandra. The countrys largest insolvencies have leaned on guarantees. In the Essar Steel case, promoter guarantees were invoked to cover part of the shortfall after a 42,000 crore resolution against claims of 54,000 crore. Similarly, in the Videocon case, creditors pursued Venugopal Dhoot and other guarantors after absorbing a haircut of nearly 31,000 crore. Why the moratorium was removed Experts say the reform was necessary because guarantorsoften company promoterswere misusing the moratorium to stall recovery of secured creditors. The removal of moratorium protections for personal guarantors shall improve the positioning of the secured creditors, in as much as the moratorium over the period of time was being attempted to be misused by unsecured creditors as well as debtors to march over the rights of secured creditors," said Varsha Banerjee, partner, Dhir & Dhir Associates. According to Banerjee, creditors will be entitled to realize their secured interest promptly without being thwarted by other unsecured creditors as well as the guarantors. Read more: IBC amendments plug a major gap in the insolvency process With the new changes, creditors can move swiftly: seize and auction properties, freeze bank accounts, invoke pledged shares or deposits, and continue civil recovery suits. Under the SARFAESI Act, they can even take possession of secured assets without court intervention. If a personal guarantor submits a repayment plan, the resolution professional (RP) is required to summon a meeting of creditors to consider the plan. In other cases, the RP has discretion over whether to convene such a meeting. Along with that, if no repayment plan is submitted within 21 days, creditors can escalate by filing for personal bankruptcycausing guarantors to lose control of their estates and face reputational damage. Still, guarantors are not entirely without defenses. They can propose structured repayment plans, dispute inflated claims, and rely on the rule that liability is capped at the guaranteed amountmeaning banks cannot recover twice from both debtor and guarantor, said Madhav Kanoria, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. But lawyers warn the proposed changes in the IBC provisions could make individuals think twice before signing guarantees. "The individuals (especially promoters, directors, and family members) may not be readily willing to offer personal guarantees, given the loss of protection. Further, companies may struggle to secure personal guarantees unless they incentivize guarantors with compensation or reduced liability structures, and the lenders may demand stronger asset-backed security instead of personal guarantees," Kanoria of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas added. Read more: IBC reforms will benefit distressed real estate projects, experts say By Chris Prentice (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department does not plan to target software developers that create decentralized platforms for transmitting cryptocurrencies without criminal intent, a Justice official said on Thursday. Marking the latest sign of the U.S. government's changing views on crypto, acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the DOJ's criminal division said the department will move away from bringing charges over failure to register as a money transmitter business. "Our view is that merely writing code, without ill-intent, is not a crime," Galeotti said in remarks prepared for a crypto summit in Wyoming. Money transmitters, such as Western Union and payment apps like Venmo, need to be licensed and follow certain rules for vetting customers and reporting suspicious activity to prevent money laundering. Such rules have become a flashpoint for the crypto sector, especially for decentralized exchanges which often say they have no visibility or oversight over transactions on their platforms. A jury earlier this month found a co-founder of Tornado Cash, a firm which makes cryptocurrency transactions harder to track, guilty of a conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Anti-corruption advocates say such firms make it easier to launder illicit funds. But critics of the case said the co-founder, Roman Storm, merely created the computer code. The jury in the case deadlocked over whether he was guilty of money laundering and sanctions evasion. Those charges were brought by the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan under the Biden administration. The DOJ under Republican President Donald Trump, whose family has been building a crypto business, has dramatically shifted its approach to the crypto sector. The Justice Department has disbanded its crypto enforcement team, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a civil regulator, has walked away from a number of cases against crypto firms and executives. Investors breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday as the Nifty 50 crossed 25,000 once again. But given the two-phased nature of the market, uncertainty remains, leaving investors guessing. Three stocks to buy or sell as recommended by Raja Venkatraman of NeoTrader for Thursday, 21 August FACT: Buy above 1,015 and on dips to 980, stop 965, target 1,125-1,150 CHALET: Buy at CMP and on dips to 965, stop 950, target 1,070-1,098 EMAMILTD: Buy at CMP and on dips to 606, stop 590, target 680-700 How the stock market performed on Wednesday Dalal Street extended its winning streak to a fifth straight session on Wednesday as investors cheered the government's plan to rationalise the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The Sensex climbed 213.45 points or 0.26% to close at 81,857.84, while the Nifty gained 69.90 points or 0.28% to settle at 25,050.55. Market breadth was positive, with 2,071 shares advancing, 1,588 declining, and 124 unchanged. The current rally also reflects optimism about pre-Diwali GST reforms that may stimulate demand for automobiles, FMCG, insurance, and select financial stocks. An improvement in India-China ties has buoyed sentiment. However, the rally depends on many factors, mainly US tariffs, so, investors are walking a tightrope. Outlook for trading The gap area highlighted yesterday continues to support the trends, which have been largely oriented towards trading rather than investing. From a trading perspective we can see on the daily charts that the gap support area has helped prices rebound. The gradual rise we saw last week is now set to continue as we trade into the weekly expiry today. The emerging trend clearly suggests that the rally last week was a holding the resistance zone and a gap-up opening ensured that the prices traded above that range. The move above 25,000 (Nifty Spot) signals a bullish bias. Momentum on hourly charts indicates that the market seems to have absorbed the selling pressure. However, we can expect the rise to remain hesitant as the bearish overhang continues. View Full Image Source: TradingView Also Read | Sona Comstar case: Why family firms need a governance triad We continue to maintain short positions in the Nifty so long as 24,800 holds, viewing any sustained move below that level as a clear sign that bullish conviction is waning. What had previously been support around 24,500 has now shifted up to 24,800, while open interest peaking at 25,200 marks the next significant resistance zone. If the index breaks down from its current 30-minute range on Wednesday, we can pivot to two-way trades, but until then the trend remains in a tentative standoff. Geopolitical uncertainty still looms large, limiting the markets ability to muster strong directional moves, so be prepared to lock in gains quickly. At the same time, monitor FII/DII flow data for shifts in institutional sentiment, watch US yields and crudeoil volatility for potential catalysts, leverage intraday volatility heatmaps to spot pockets of expanding risk, and consider short-tenor option structuressuch as one-week iron condorsto capitalize on muted directional conviction. Options data suggests that PCR has now moved comfortably above 1, highlighting that the trends are showing intention to move higher. Steady put writing at 25,000 to 24,800 levels continues absorb the bearish bias and help the recovery. We must now watch out for multiple news triggers as global tariff threats, cautious investor sentiment, and domestic economic challenges have contributed to the sharp market decline and volatility in the rupee. Three stocks to trade today, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman FACT (Cmp 1014.45) Buy above 1,015 and on dips to 980, stop 965, target ,1125-1,150 Why its recommended: The Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) is an Indian central public sector undertaking headquartered in Kochi, Kerala. It was incorporated in 1943 and is the first fertilizer manufacturing company in independent India. The long body candle seen on Wednesday indicates that the prices are holding the bullish bias. The possibility of more upward traction has also emerged on the higher timeframe. As momentum remains resolute one expect more upside in the next few days. The Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) is an Indian central public sector undertaking headquartered in Kochi, Kerala. It was incorporated in 1943 and is the first fertilizer manufacturing company in independent India. The long body candle seen on Wednesday indicates that the prices are holding the bullish bias. The possibility of more upward traction has also emerged on the higher timeframe. As momentum remains resolute one expect more upside in the next few days. Key metrics: P/E: 696.98 52-week high: 594.70 Volume: 1.35M Technical analysis: Support at 841, resistance at ,1150 Support at 841, resistance at ,1150 Risk factors: Market volatility and sector-wide fluctuations in geopolitical news could impact returns Market volatility and sector-wide fluctuations in geopolitical news could impact returns Buy at: CMP and dips to 98 CMP and dips to 98 Target price: 1125-1150 in one month 1125-1150 in one month Stop loss: 965 CHALET (Cmp 998) Buy at CMP and on dips to 965, stop 950, target 1,070-1,098 Why its recommended: Chalet Hotels Ltd is an Indian hospitality company that owns, develops, asset managers, and operates high-end hotels and hotel-led mixed-use developments in metro cities across India. Prices have been consolidating since the start of May and in thepast few days have taken support at the TS & KS bands. The rounding pattern breakout on Wednesday highlights newfound momentum. With robust volume lead breakout, consider going long at current levels and on dips. Chalet Hotels Ltd is an Indian hospitality company that owns, develops, asset managers, and operates high-end hotels and hotel-led mixed-use developments in metro cities across India. Prices have been consolidating since the start of May and in thepast few days have taken support at the TS & KS bands. The rounding pattern breakout on Wednesday highlights newfound momentum. With robust volume lead breakout, consider going long at current levels and on dips. Key metrics: P/E: 70.67 52-week high: 1,080 Volume: 1.54M Technical analysis: Support at 850, resistance at 1,200 Support at 850, resistance at 1,200 Risk factors: Fluctuating hotel room prices Fluctuating hotel room prices Buy at: CMP and on dips to 965 CMP and on dips to 965 Target price: 1,070-1,098 in one month 1,070-1,098 in one month Stop loss: 950 EMAMILTD (Cmp 626.55) Buy at CMP and on dips to 606, stop 590, target 680-700 Why its recommended: Emami is an Indian FMCG company known for its personal care and healthcare products. The stock has been forming steady rounding pattern at lower levels after some initial profit-booking. The strong surge on Wednesday augurs well as a reversal. Consider a buy. Emami is an Indian FMCG company known for its personal care and healthcare products. The stock has been forming steady rounding pattern at lower levels after some initial profit-booking. The strong surge on Wednesday augurs well as a reversal. Consider a buy. Key metrics: P/E: 32.30 52-week high: 855.60 Volume: 902.64K Technical analysis: Support at 560, resistance at 900 Support at 560, resistance at 900 Risk factors: Potential corporate actions, like divestments, profitability Potential corporate actions, like divestments, profitability Buy at: CMP and dips to 606 CMP and dips to 606 Target price: 680-700 in one month 680-700 in one month Stop loss: 590 Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Every once in a while, a well-established but currently struggling corporate giant is deemed too big to fail. But history shows there is no such thing. Several companies that had entrenched themselves deeply in their industries and had deep pockets and larger-than-life reputations are nowhere to be found now. This Profit Pulse article zooms in on three business giants that have devolved into near-oblivion, and the cautionary tales they offer for investors. Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd: A house of cards DHFLs former chairman and promoter Kapil Wadhawan was recently declared bankrupt after he failed to honour personal guarantees for loans taken for the housing finance company. Wadhawan and his brother Dheeraj Wadhawan, ex-director of DHFL, are also barred from the securities markets for five years and have been fined more than 100 crore in penalty, along with others. What went wrong? DHFL used to be Indias third-largest housing finance company. With a loan book of 1 trillion, it was a force to reckon with. But when Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS) collapsed in 2018, lending to non-banks dried out. DHFL was no exception. Of course, what was going on at DHFL was more sinister than the industry-wide stress. As banks and regulators became more vigilant, DHFLs legacy turned out to be a pack of cards. A fake branch in Bandra housed 14,000 crore of its book as of March 2019, a lot of it cooked up. Affordable housing loans disbursed through this branch had been rerouted to more than 80 shell companies linked to the Wadhawans. Subsidies were claimed under the governments affordable-housing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and repayments were recorded where there were none. A mirage of financial health was maintained even as more than 10% of its book was just hot air. DHFL kept borrowing more until banks, its lenders, started asking questions. Seventeen banks alleged fraud amounting to 34,615 crore. A federal investigation ensued, and the Reserve Bank of India took DHFL off the promoters hands. Nearly 30,000 crore in losses followed. As the DHFL stock corrected from 680 to less than 20 per share in just about a year, more than 95% of investor wealth was wiped out. DHFL was eventually merged with Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Ltd in 2021, and now operates as an unlisted non-banking financial company. Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd: Insolvency deja vu Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd may be the only company to have been dragged to bankruptcy courts three times. BPSL itself was born out of the bankruptcy of Jawahar Metals in 1987. It grew into a formidable steel manufacturer but crumbled under ambitious expansion plans, piling debt, and alleged fraud, exacerbated by the crash in steel prices following the global financial crisis in 2007-09. Bhushan Steel, an affiliated company, suffered a similar fate and was eventually acquired by Tata Steel Ltd. BPSL knocked on the doors of Indias bankruptcy court in 2017 with 47,000 crore in dues to banks and 4,000 crore in alleged fraud. So dire was its problem that RBI ranked BPSL at the top of its Dirty dozen list of defaulters, which accounted for a fourth of Indias bad loans at the time. JSW Steel Ltd acquired BPSL for nearly 20,000 crore in 2021 and expanded its steelmaking capacity. BPSL now accounts for about 15% of JSW Steels total capacity and about 10% of its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. JSW Steel plans to expand BPSLs capacity from 4.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) now to 5 mtpa by September 2027. But an unexpected twist in the tale arrived a few months ago when the Supreme Court decided to annul the acquisition. Why? During the insolvency proceedings, the Enforcement Directorate had tried to attach BPSLs assets amid allegations of money laundering against the promoters. Notwithstanding this, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had gone ahead with the proceedings. The apex court cited this alleged overreach by NCLT and operational creditors being handed the shorter end of the stick to scrap the insolvency resolution and order BPSLs liquidation. The Supreme Court recalled its order last month, allowing JSW Steels and BPSLs financial creditors to breathe a sigh of relief. Jet Airways: Nosedived after a miscalculated acquisition Established as one of the first private airlines when India opened up its aviation sector in the 1990s, Jet Airways had a dream run for more than two decades. In a sector then dominated by the government, Jet Airways managed to carve a niche for itself by offering superior service and timeliness. Things took a turn for the worse when the airline company overstretched its resources by acquiring Air Sahara in 2006. Jet Airways piled up 6,500 crore in losses and in 2015 wrote off its 1,800 crore investment in Air Sahara. There was more to come. Jet Airways had partnered with the United Arab Emirates Etihad Airways and Air France, but the partnerships turned sour while losses and debt continued to pile up. Money-laundering allegations also surfaced. Jet Airways ended up accumulating more than 8,500 crore in debt to lenders, 16,500 crore to employees and operational creditors, and 3,500 crore to fliers. Jet Airways eventually called it quits in 2019. Yet, retail investors kept accumulating stake in the company in anticipation of a successful insolvency resolution. But late last year, the Supreme Court ordered the liquidation of Jet Airways. Tens of thousands of jobs and crores of rupees in retail investor funds were lost in the ether. How to avoid such falling giants? India's corporate history is littered with many such examples of falling giantsVideocon, Amtek Auto, Alok Industries, Essar Steel, Kingfisher, and GoAir, to name a few. But every such case of bankruptcy was preceded by several opportunities for investors to cut their losses and exit. When a companys losses mount and debt piles up, it is a telltale sign of stress. Heavy promoter pledge is another red flagit pins a companys fate on fickle stock prices. Pending litigation, especially with concerns around money laundering, should also be taken seriously. Particularly when seen in conjunction with other qualitative concerns such as auditors opinions, complex related party transactions, and frequent churn in management, board, and auditors. These should make investors sit up and take notice. Finally, when a business does not seem kosher, fear should not hold one back from booking losses. Similarly, greed should not push one to accumulate positions in stocks that appear to be a value pick. Despite taking all these preventive measures, an investor may still end up with a few such stocks in their portfolio. Thats when portfolio diversification can come to the rescue. Key Takeaways Rising losses and mounting debt are early warning signs of financial stressdo not ignore them. High promoter pledges can be a red flag, as they tie a companys fate to volatile stock prices. Litigation, especially around fraud or money laundering, must be treated seriously. Auditor warnings, frequent churn in management/board, and related-party dealings can signal deeper problems. Dont let fear stop you from cutting losses when fundamentals deteriorate. Avoid buying value picks in troubled companies driven by greed or speculation. Portfolio diversification is essential. Some failures are unavoidable despite due diligence. Ananya Roy is the founder of Credibull Capital, a Sebi-registered investment adviser. X: @ananyaroycfa Disclosure: The author does not hold shares of the companies discussed. The views expressed are for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions. PTC Industries, an engineering component manufacturer, announced today that it has received an order worth 100 crore from BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for the supply of critical titanium castings. BrahMos is renowned for producing the worlds fastest supersonic cruise missile. The company said it has been associated with BrahMos since 2019, consistently supporting the programme through the supply of specialised titanium components and raw materials such as titanium mill forms. This latest order represents a significant step forward in the growing partnership between PTC and BrahMos and reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to further the goals of indigenisation and technological self-reliance under the Government of Indias Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the company said in its regulatory filing today. Commenting on the development, Sachin Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of PTC Industries, said, We are honoured to announce this significant order from BrahMos Aerospace. It is a strong endorsement of our technological and manufacturing capabilities and long-standing commitment to Indias strategic sectors. This development not only deepens our engagement with one of the countrys most significant defence programmes but also reinforces our broader mission to build advanced materials and critical component manufacturing capabilities in India for the world, he added. The company supplies mission-critical components to leading defence and aerospace entities, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and BrahMos. In addition to domestic defence companies, it also exports titanium and superalloy castings to several global aerospace and defence OEMs, including Safran, Dassault Aviation, BAE Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Also Read | HAL share price jumps over 3% on report of govt nod to buy 97 Tejas fighter jets Stellar Performer The companys growing order book and strong execution capabilities have been clearly reflected in its stock performance, which has maintained an upward trajectory, delivering a 130% gain over the past two years and 507% over the last three years. Although the stock has faced profit booking in recent months, falling 25.3% to 13,518, analysts expect it to rebound and reach 20,070 apiece, supported by a significant earnings uptick in the near term driven by capacity addition initiatives. PTC Industries is one of the leading suppliers of high-precision metal components for critical and super-critical operations across diverse segments, including aerospace, defence, and industrial. The company is expanding its capabilities with a multi-million-dollar investment in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The unit will house a fully vertically integrated plant with a titanium and superalloy mill, producing aerospace-grade ingots, billets, bars, plates, and sheets in critical and strategic materials. Nazara Technologies share price continued witnessing massive selling pressure for the second consecutive session as the stock crashed 11 per cent in intraday trade on Thursday, August 21, on the NSE, a day after falling 13 per cent. Nazara Tech shares opened at 1,178 against its previous close of 1,219.40 and plunged 11 per cent to an intraday low of 1,085. Finally, the stock, which is held by prominent investors Madhusudan Kela and Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath, ended 1 per cent lower at 1,205.20. In two sessions, the stock has lost nearly 14 per cent. Why is Nazara Tech share price falling? Nazara Tech and several other gaming stocks have come under pressure after the government introduced a bill to ban online money games in India. The Lok Sabha on August 20 passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, a legislation that bans online money games in India. The legislation divides gaming into four categories: esports, educational gaming, social and casual gaming, and real-money gaming. Of these, real-money gaming where users deposit funds and play for cash rewards has been declared a criminal offence. Nazara shares are in a free fall even though the company has clarified that it has no direct involvement in real-money gaming (RMG). According to its latest financial report (Q1 FY26), RMG contributed nothing to the companys revenue or EBITDA. Nazara has an indirect link to RMG through its 46.07 per cent stake in Moonshine Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the firm which runs PokerBaazi. However, Nazara doesnt control the company or own a majority stake in it. It has invested 805 crore in Moonshine through a mix of cash and stock and holds convertible shares worth 255 crore, which could be converted into equity later. More pain ahead for Nazara? Nazara's meaningful exposure to Moonshine Technology is a key concern. Highlighting the risk, brokerage firm ICICI Securities has downgraded the stock to a "reduce" from an "add" and cut the target price to 1,100 from 1,500 earlier. "The Lok Sabha has passed a bill aiming to regulate the online gaming sector. In our view, the implementation of the bill would essentially make online Real Money Gaming infeasible in India. While most of the companies operating in the space are unlisted, Nazara Technologies has meaningful exposure in the space via Moonshine Technology (PokerBaazi)," ICICI Securities observed. "We had earlier assigned a 400 valuation to Moonshine in our SoTP. Given the ban on RMG, we now cut this to zero. Nazaras other verticals, such as gamified early learning, publishing and gaming arcades, remain unaffected. The formal recognition of eSports as a sport could be a structural positive for Nodwin Gaming; however, as of now, the impact on earnings seems limited," the brokerage firm added. Harshal Dasani, INVasset PMS business head, pointed out that Nazara holds a 46.07 per cent stake in Moonshine Technologies (PokerBaazi) through equity and convertible preference shares worth over 1,000 crore, and the market fears a potential write-down if real-money gaming (RMG) operations are curtailed. Dasani said the overhang stems more from perception than fundamentals. "Q1FY26 results reflected steady growth across core verticals, underpinned by improved margins in e-sports and higher user engagement in gamified content. Yet, in the short term, uncertainty around the bills implementation and its effect on associate investments could keep volatility high," said Dasani. "For long-term investors, Nazaras diversified, non-RMG revenue base and strong balance sheet offer comfort. Traders, however, may prefer caution until regulatory clarity emerges. Sustained delivery on earnings and reduced noise around Moonshine will be key triggers for sentiment recovery," said Dasani. Technical experts believe the stock may remain under pressure as it is trading below its key support of 1,220. "Nazara Technologies has broken below the key support of 1,220, slipping towards the 1,100 zone, which signals weakness in the near term. The price action indicates that the next meaningful support lies in the 1,000980 range, where the stock may attempt to form a base and stabilise," said Jigar S. Patel, Senior Manager of Equity Research at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers. Nazara Technologies technical chart "This zone could act as a crucial demand area for long-term investors, but until signs of reversal or accumulation emerge, fresh buying may carry higher risk. Traders should remain cautious and monitor how the stock behaves around the support zone before taking new positions. At present, a wait-and-watch approach is advisable, as clarity on trend direction will emerge only after a stable base is established near the lower levels," Patel said. Top investors have exposure to Nazara Technologies Several top individual and institutional investors hold the company's shares. Nazara's shareholding pattern data reveals that Madhusudan Murlidhar Kela held 10,96,305 shares (1.18 per cent of total voting rights) in the company by the end of the June quarter of the financial year 2025-26 (Q1FY26). Kamath Associates and NKsquared cumulatively held 32,55,470 shares, with Kamath Associates holding 15,04,782 shares (1.62 per cent stake) and NKsquared holding 17,50,688 shares (1.89 per cent stake) in the company. According to reports, Kamath Associates and NKSquared are partnership firms represented by Zerodha's Nikhil and Nithin Kamath. Among the institutional investors, SBI Mutual Fund held 71,40,545 shares, or 7.71 per cent of the company's stock. Earlier, Rekha Jhunjhunwala also had a stake in the company. By the end of the March quarter of the last financial year, she held 61,83,620 shares, or a 7.06 per cent stake. Her name, however, was missing from the June quarter shareholding pattern data. This indicates that she has either completely exited the stock or reduced her stake to below 1 per cent, as exchange rules do not require disclosure of investors holding less than 1 per cent. Read all market-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar The Indian stock market is teeming with positivity. The benchmark Sensex has gained about 1,800 points and has been in the green for six consecutive sessions, its longest daily winning streak since late April this year. On Thursday, August 21, the Sensex rose 143 points to close at 82,001. The index is now about 5 per cent below its all-time high of 85,978, hit on September 27 last year. The Niftys record high is 26,277, which it reached on the same day. The 50-share index is also down 5 per cent from its peak. Why is the Indian stock market rising? The Indian stock market is enjoying significant tailwinds of proposed GST reforms, S&P Global's upgrade of India and easing geopolitical concerns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the next-generation GST reforms in his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort. The move is expected to simplify rates, reduce prices of several consumer goods and boost consumption. Meanwhile, on August 14, ratings agency S&P Global upgraded India's sovereign rating to BBB from BBB-, while maintaining the economic outlook as stable. The move is seen as a long-term positive for the Indian economy and could open the door for fresh global funds. On the geopolitical front, signs are emerging that the Russia-Ukraine war could end soon. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are to hold direct talks to end the conflict between the two countries. Market sentiment is also underpinned by expectations of a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve in September. Hopes of earnings revival are another factor behind the market's resilience. Sensex, Nifty 50: En route to record highs? While the domestic market is on a winning streak due to a confluence of tailwinds, it is not free from major headwinds. The tariff risk is looming, with Trumps August 27 deadline fast approaching. So far, the White House has not indicated that the secondary tariffs will be removed. The Indian government said almost $50 billion worth of Indian goods will be affected once the 50 per cent US tariff comes into effect on 27 August. "There is no scope for a sustained rally since the August 27th deadline for the 25 per cent secondary tariff on India is fast approaching, and the news coming from the Trump administration is not positive," said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) continue to sell Indian equities. After offloading stocks worth 47,667 crore in July, FPIs have pulled out 25,375 crore from the cash segment in August so far. Due to US tariffs and foreign investor outflows, the Indian stock market may deliver modest gains this year. According to a Reuters poll of 20 equity analysts, the Nifty 50 is forecast to rise about 4 per cent to 25,834 by the end of this year, before reaching 26,500 by mid-2026 and 27,950 by end-2026. Experts also warn of elevated valuations of the market. "Investors have to be vigilant about valuations in this market. Despite the many headwinds, valuations are high. Out of the BSE 500 stocks, 215 are trading at PEs above 50," said Vijayakumar. "Large-cap valuations, though high, are justified given Indias long-term growth potential. Many midcaps have the support of strong growth. But small caps are excessively valued and, therefore, risky," Vijayakumar added. Experts believe it is too early to believe that the market will soon hit a record high. "It is still early to expect record highs. However, the market has been in a consolidation phase for over a month and a half and was oversold. We are now witnessing some normalisation amid expectations that the secondary 25 per cent US tariffs may not be imposed. Despite this, many export-oriented sectors may continue to experience volatility, as India has not yet secured any trade deal," Pankaj Pandey, the head of research at ICICI Securities, said. Regarding valuations, Pandey said one needs to watch out for the inclusion and exclusion of index components. "Typically, most commodity-oriented or lower-priced stocks have moved out of the index, while several new-age or consumption-oriented stocks have been added. This is why benchmark valuations appear high. The market may hit a record high around Diwali," said Pandey. Read all market-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar Some corporate breakups dont hurtthey pay. These three demergers turned focused, independent businesses and went on to deliver multibagger returns after listing. Conglomerates often house diverse businesses under one roofReliance with Jio and Retail, or Tata Motors with commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. But this diversity makes it difficult to sharpen focus. On top of that, markets typically apply a holding company discount," valuing a conglomerate lower than the sum of its parts. To unlock hidden value, companies frequently spin off or demerge units. The result? Sharper management focus, cleaner capital allocation, and the removal of the discountall of which can boost returns. Post-demerger, if the underlying business is strong and execution solid, investors often see outsized gains. PayPals 2014 split from eBay is a classic global example. In India too, corporate breakups have turned into wealth-creation machines. Here are three demergers that rewarded investors handsomely. Nuvama Wealth Nuvama was demerged from Edelweiss Financial Services in 2023. The demerger was intended to unlock shareholder value and reposition Nuvama as an independent wealth management platform that was poised to capitalise on the sectors strong tailwinds. And the strategy worked. The company's share price listed at 2,750 in September 2023 and rose to 8,508 by June 2025, giving investors more than three times return. However, since then, it has fallen 20% to currently 6,789. Strong financial performance post listing fuelled the rally. Nuvama today is India's second largest wealth management company, serving high-network individuals (HNIs), ultra-HNIs, affluent individuals, corporates, and individuals. It provides financial services including product distribution, wealth advisory, investment banking, and asset management services. As of Q4FY25, the company manages total client assets of 4.3 lakh crore, which includes asset management ( 2.9 lakh crore), asset services ( 1.2 lakh crore) and asset management ( 11,307 crore). The company's revenue grew 41% year-on-year (YoY) to 2,901 crore in FY25, driven by strong growth in client assets, particularly in wealth management. Assets in this segment grew 18% to 2.9 lakh crore, while revenue grew 20% to 1,428 crore. The segment accounts for 49% of revenue, while asset service (22.6%), and capital market (26.2%) contribute the rest. Consequently, Nuvama profit after tax (PAT) also grew 57.6% to 985 crore, as the cost-to-income ratio fell 7% to 55%. With growth in client assets, the company is gaining with operating leverage. With scale benefits and rising client assets, the company is beginning to benefit from operating leverage. Return on Equity (RoE) expanded by 800 basis points (bps) to 31.5% in FY25. Looking ahead, the company is banking on the wealth management sector, which is expected to grow threefold in India over the next few years. The company plans to grow client assets at over 20% annually in the coming years. To tap the growing demand, it is expanding beyond tier-1 cities, and aggressively hiring relationship managers. IIFL to 360 One In May 2019, as part of a corporate restructuring, IIFL Finance hived off its wealth markets business, IIFL Wealth, as a separate entity. The demerger was designed to unlock value and focus separately on lending and wealth. Soon after, the company got listed as India's only pure wealth management entity in September 2019 at 248.5. It was then renamed as 360 One WAM in January 2023. The stock rerated after listing, with the shares touching a high of 1,310 in January 2025, giving a return of around 500% in about 5 years. Currently, it is down 16% to 1,100. Despite the correction, the long-term performance remains robust. The company's total assets under management (AUM) grew at a 24% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) from FY21 to FY25, reaching 5.8 lakh crore. This significant growth was primarily driven by its wealth division, whose AUM more than doubled from 2.1 lakh crore to 4.9 lakh crore in the same period. Also Read | Raymond Group demerger: The hidden lesson for Indian family businesses Positively, more than half of this ( 2.4 lakh crores) is annual recurring revenue (ARR) AUM, which has grown at 27% CAGR during the period. This stickier component of AUM ensures better visibility and reduces dependence on cyclical revenues. This is evident from its financials. While its revenue has grown at 28% CAGR from 915 crore (FY21) to 2,446 crore in FY25, ARR has grown at 31% to 1,701 crore. Today ARR contributes 70% of operating revenue, against 63% in FY21. Meanwhile, PAT has almost tripled to 1,015 crore from 369 crore in FY21. Being a capital-light business, 360 One also has a strong RoE of 20.7%. To build scale and diversify, the company has been active on the merger & acquisitions front. This includes acquisition of B&K Securities, ET Money, and UBS India wealth business to drive growth. Cohance LifeSciences Suven Life Sciences demerged the profitable CRAMS (Contract Research and Manufacturing) business into a new entity called Suven Pharmaceuticals in 2020. The company was listed at 156 in March 2020, and hit a high of 1,360 by December 2024. Since then, the company's shares have fallen 40% to 902 now. But the bigger pivot came when global private equity major Advent International entered the picture. Advent, bought a 50.1% stake at 495 per share from the promoter. Alongside, it launched an open offer for an additional 26% of the shares, taking control of the company. Beyond this investment, Advent merged Suven Pharma with Cohance LifeSciences, another contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) company it owned, effective from May 2025. The merger aimed to create a diversified CDMO business that will provide end-to-end pharma solutions. Also Read | NCLT seeks Vedanta reply after petroleum ministry flags co's demerger plan The open offer, and the merger potentially unlocked massive value for shareholders. Today it is one of the leading companies in the CDMO sector in India. In parallel, the company revenue tripled, from 834 crores in FY20, to 2,608 crores in FY25, while PAT surged 53% to 484 crores. The merged entity is now aiming to triple revenue again, targeting 6,000 crore by FY29 through scale, innovation, strong demand for CDMO and new client additions. Conclusion Demerger stories like Nuvama, 360 One, and Suven Pharma show how value often gets unlocked when businesses are given room to operate independently with sharper focus, leaner management, and capital. What may begin as a structural rejig often ends up creating room for more agile, growth-hungry entities to thrive. And this trend isnt slowing down. Several recent listings include Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands (from ABFRL), Digitide Solutions, and Bluespring Enterprises (both from Quess Corp). Some big-ticket demergers are still in the pipeline. For more such analysis, read Profit Pulse. Reliance Industries is expected to list its Jio and Retail arms separately, Tata Motors is splitting its CV and PV businesses, DCM Shriram is carving out its chemical and rayon divisions, and HUL is hiving off the Kwality Ice Cream business. For investors, its a space worth keeping a close eye on. Because sometimes, its not synergy but separation that sets the stage for real wealth creation. Madhvendra has over seven years of experience in equity markets and writes detailed research articles on listed Indian companies, sectoral trends, and macroeconomic developments. The writer does not hold the stocks discussed in this article. The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points, and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educational purposes only. US President Donald Trump, in his second term, has imposed a series of tariffs globally (including on penguins), which has spawned the usual Internet jokes. One goes President Trump telling Chinese Trade negotiators, Its my way or the Huawei. (reference to the Chinese company). While trade wars and their consequent impact on the bourses are not normally the material for stand-up comics, the effect that these tariffs have had on Indias equities can be taken with a pinch of salt. President Trumps recent announcement of a series of tariffs on India has created short-term volatility and uncertainty in the equity markets and triggered an FII sell-off, says Arjun Guha Thakurta, Executive Director, Anand Rathi Wealth Limited. Over the long term, fundamentals and corporate earnings continue to remain the key drivers of equity performance. A lot depends on the ongoing discussions between Trump and Putin (President of Russia) and the RussiaUkraine discussions, according to market experts. tarThere can be a deeper correction in the market, warns Dr. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments. But wait, here is some news that gives us a moat to fight back from. It is to be noted that India is not an export-oriented economy, unlike other countries, and therefore, the impact of this will be minimal, with many estimates putting the figure at a quarter percentage of the GDP. To be sure, the effect of the tariffs will vary across the various sectors of the Indian economy and the companies of these sectors that are listed on the bourses. Certain sectors will likely be more insulated due to their domestic demand-driven nature, while others with significant export dependence on the US may face slight headwinds, explains Thakurta. Sectors such as FMCG, retail services, banking, financials, infrastructure and utilities are less likely to be affected, since they are largely driven by domestic demand. On the other hand, IT services, pharma and textiles are more exposed due to their higher export linkages. The structural impact on Indias exports may be limited as our export market is well diversified across geographies and the share of exports to the US is relatively small, less than 2 per cent of Indias GDP. This diversification cushions the broader economy and markets, says Thakurta. Thus, while export-heavy sectors like IT and pharma may see near-term earnings volatility, the long-term trajectory of Indias markets should remain intact, notes Thakurta. Meanwhile, domestic-focused sectors are unlikely to be impacted. Domestic consumption-driven sectors like banking and finance, telecom, aviation, capital goods, hotels, FMCG and cement will not be impacted by Trumps tariffs, says Vijayakumar. He does caution that investors need to choose stocks which are fairly valued in these segments. Experts, however, feel that the tariffs and any possible correction in Indian equities would be a good entry point for the retail investor into equities. Investors can use this correction as an entry point to long-term allocations, says Arihant Bardia, CIO and Founder, Valtrust. History suggests that such tariff-driven disruptions typically have only a temporary impact on markets, says Thakurta, who notes that over the long term, fundamentals and corporate earnings continue to remain the key drivers of equity performance. For investors, the best strategy during such phases is to remain invested in their existing portfolios rather than react emotionally to short-term events, experts say. Exiting in haste often results in missing subsequent recoveries once stability returns. If investors have surplus funds, they can consider deploying them gradually in a staggered manner, aligned with their long-term financial goals. This disciplined approach helps smooth out volatility and ensures participation in long-term wealth creation, irrespective of geopolitical noise or external shocks. Build an all-weather portfolio and rebalance to clear targets. For long-term goals, maintain an 80:20 equity to debt mix; for medium-term goals, use 70:30. Use SIPs or STPs rather than trying to time policy cycles, says Thakurta. MFs to the rescue Investors can use MFs (mutual funds) to tide them over the uncertainty caused by President Trumps tariffs on the bourses. We generally suggest investors stay invested in a diversified investment basket by allocating across active diversified equity categories such as market-cap based funds, as well as strategy-based funds like dividend yield, value and contra, says Thakurta. This broad-based exposure helps eliminate the concentration risk associated with the performance of any single category, while also ensuring participation across sectors and styles. The diversification also enables investors to ride through market cycles more comfortably and reduces the impact of short-term policy-driven disruptions like tariffs. Within this, use market-cap categories like Large Cap, Mid Cap, Small Cap, Flexi Cap and Multi Cap, complemented by style funds such as Value and Contra to balance factor cycles and have a blended style portfolio. Mid-caps, small-caps and tariffs Tariffs do not target market caps, so these segments are not directly affected as categories. Export-oriented names within them can face temporary earnings pressure, but impacts are company-specific and tend to normalise. Experts feel that the high P/E (price earnings) is the greater deterrent in this sector. It is important to understand that 210 stocks out of the BSE500 are trading above 50 PE, which is hard to justify from a fundamental perspective. High PE for stocks with sustained long-term growth potential is fine. But that is not the case across the mid and small cap universe, says Vijayakumar. We recommend a strategic market-cap allocation of 55:25:20 across Large, Mid and Small to reduce volatility and improve portfolio stability and liquidity, with periodic rebalancing, says Thakurta. The Indian economy is poised for strong and sustainable growth, with GDP expected to expand at 6.5 to 7 per cent in the coming years. This provides a favourable environment for Indian equities, supported by robust corporate earnings, government reforms and demographic tailwinds. For investors, staying invested in domestic equities through a diversified basket of funds offers a strong opportunity to participate in the long-term growth story, ends Thakurta. President Trumps tariff effect on the Indian economy Fitch Ratings, in an August 18, 2025, report, noted that they believe that India-based corporates generally have low direct exposure to US tariffs, but sectors that are currently unaffected, including pharmaceuticals, could be hit by further US tariff announcements. The risk of second-order effects from existing tariffs is also rising. A US-India trade deal, if secured, would reduce these risks. The US imposed 25% reciprocal tariffs on India with effect from 7 August 2025 and an additional 25% levy in connection with its oil imports from Russia, effective 27 August. Indias direct automotive exports to the US, including parts, are limited. The US is a key export destination for Indian pharmaceutical companies. Fitch currently assumes a minimal direct tariff impact on Indian IT service companies and domestically focused sectors such as upstream and downstream oil and gas, cement and building materials, engineering and construction, telecoms, and utilities. However, if US tariffs are sustained at levels significantly higher than in other Asian markets, we see moderate downside risks to our projection that the economy will grow by 6.5% in FY26. This would weigh on the operating performance of more Indian companies, according to excerpts from the Fitch report. The truly wireless stereo (TWS) earbud market, spanning both budget and mid-range segments, has experienced a surge over the past few years. With players like OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Nothing, and others coming out with solid earbuds, each with their own USP, can an established player in the audio market, Sony, make a dent in the budget space? That was one of two questions I had when I unboxed the brand-new WF-C710N earbuds from Sony. The other question was whether the brand could outdo Nothing in terms of design chops. Design: a la Nothing? Nothing has been known for its semi-transparent designs over the years. Their earbuds, of which they have several now, have consistently been at the top of reviewers lists, thanks to their distinctive design and excellent sound quality. Sony, however, took a slightly different approach with the WF-C710N. They have that very familiar stemless silhouette, but the Glass Blue variant that I have with me has a trick up its sleeve. Yes, its got a translucent design! You can peek into the internals, something that Nothing has done before. Itll be quite the conversation starter. Also Read | Sound check: The best TWS earbuds out there today The WF-C710N features a pill-shaped case that isnt bulky and can fit into any pocket. The design of the earbuds is similar to that of their flagship model, the WF-1000XM5, although they are slightly too large for my liking. The earbuds completely engulf the entire ear canal, and although they are extremely comfortable, they cant be worn for hours without needing a break. On the upside is the fact that they dont fall out at all, even while running at high speeds. They do have an IPX4 water resistance rating, but they arent explicitly designed for workouts. Touch controls: They just work What I liked about these earbuds is the fact that the touch controls just work. The single tap (play/pause), double tap (skipping tracks), and long press (ANC toggle) controls worked like a charm. A quadruple tap is also available for volume adjustments. If none of these are to your fancy, then you can just go into the Sound Connect app and customise these. Sound and ANC quality Its the sound that needs to shine, rather than that translucent design. Im happy to report that the WF-C710N punches above its weight, unlike its slightly lacklustre predecessors. Another bass-forward earphones, but the WF-C710N has good tuning out of the box. Just put on a track like Kendrick LamarsDNA orLoyalty, and the earbuds will produce rich vocals with a significant amount of clarity. The instruments sound crisp, and even the lowest notes shine brightly like diamonds. Its got a warm, rich sound with a wide soundstage. The instrument separation shines through and through. It can be felt intensely while listening toTake Five by Dave Brubeck. Each kick of the drum, every note from the piano, the double bass and the saxophone, sparkles in your ear with precision. While I was amazed by the ANC on the Buds 4 from OnePlus, the WF-C710 can cancel out even the sharpest of quips from the table next to me. These two are the best for ANC in this price range by a long shot. The WF-C710 has excellent passive noise isolation to begin with, thanks to the snug fit. This may also be due to the extra microphone in each earpiece this time around, but Im a happy camper. On a crowded yellow metro from Hauz Khas to Rajiv Chowk, I drowned out the noises of my fellow passengers and even the announcements of each approaching station. It was blissfully quiet, and I wouldnt have it any other way. For the times when I needed to let in some external noise, I simply switched to Ambient Sound mode. That extra mic was a golden decision from the R&D team. Not only is the ANC better, but call quality is excellent for the money here. Theres also Sonys brand-new AI-enhanced voice pickup technology. Clarity is guaranteed from both sides. Battery life is quite superb Sony rates the earbuds for 8.5 hours with ANC on, and 12 hours with ANC off. The case provides an additional 21.5 hours, with ANC on. According to my non-scientific test, I managed to surpass Sonys own numbers and achieved just about nine hours of playback on a single charge. The case and earbuds charge over USB-C, and sadly, theres no wireless charging. A five-minute charge will get you an additional hour of listening time. Verdict At 8,990, the WF-C710Ns have probably the second-best ANC of any TWS earbuds in this price range. I was pleasantly surprised by the value I received from these earbuds. While I may not be entirely on board with the design (slightly larger than Id like) or the touch controls (pressing four times for volume controls is quite annoying), the sound output, ANC, and battery life kept me hooked. Sadly, one thing I didnt mention above is that the WF-C710N earbuds lack support for LDAC (lossless audio). If you want LDAC, Id suggest you look at Nothing Ear (a) earbuds. In the end, the WF-C710N earbuds are a solid all-rounder but nothing groundbreaking. Its a great option, no doubt, but dont forget also to check out the Nothing Ear (a) and OnePlus Buds 4, both excellent options in their own right. Also Read | To thrive in the AI age, we must double down on what makes us human Rahul Fernandes, 43, moved back to Mumbai after living in California for nine years, where he worked at multinational companies. Before returning, he learned about resident but not ordinarily resident (RNOR) status, which helps with taxes when bringing money to India for two to three years. Fernandes discussed his taxes with tax and investment advisors well in advance, so he had a clear idea of how things would play out on his return. Here, we explore the key tax strategies non-resident Indians (NRIs) should know about to ensure a smooth financial transition when moving back to India. RNOR benefits When you move back, the first thing to get right is your residential status under Indian tax law. This isnt about your visa or citizenship status; its simply a question of days spent in India. Cross the 182-day mark in a financial year and you are treated as a resident for tax purposes," said Raj Ahuja, co-founder of Turtle Finance, a financial planning platform. Residential status depends on the number of days spent in India in the relevant financial years. A person qualifies as resident (ROR or RNOR) if they are in India for at least 182 days in a financial year, or 60 days in the current financial year and 365 days in the preceding four. Also Read | Why confidence is the missing piece in womens financial freedom Also, if an individual has been a resident in at least two of the preceding 10 financial years, or has stayed in India for 730 days or more in the preceding seven financial years, they will be treated as ROR; otherwise, they will be classified as RNOR. One does not have to opt for RNOR statusit is determined automatically under the Income Tax Act. While filing the return, the correct residential status (RNOR) must simply be selected," said Priyal Goel Jain, partner and NRI desk head - Dinesh Aarjav & Associates, Chartered Accountants. Bridge period Under resident & ordinarily resident (ROR) status, your global income interest from overseas bank accounts, rental income, pension withdrawals, and even capital gains from stocks will be taxed in India. But theres a bridge period that many miss, forgoing RNOR status. For the two to three years that your RNOR status lasts, you get a breather: most foreign income remains non-taxable in India, unless you run a business abroad that's controlled from India. Its a golden window to clean up, restructure, or even gradually repatriate funds before your full ROR status kicks in" said Ahuja. Reporting foreign income and assets The Income Tax Act requires residents to disclose their foreign assets and income in their tax returns. Specifically, Schedule FA (Foreign Assets) in the ITR form is meant for reporting foreign assets, and Schedule FSI (Foreign Source Income) is for reporting income from foreign sources. Failure to disclose foreign assets and income can attract a penalty of 10 lakh a year and even result in imprisonment for up to seven years under the Black Money Act," said Ankur Choudhary, co-founder and CEO of Belong, an NRI-focused fintech startup. The mere repatriation of foreign assets to India does not, in itself, attract tax. Taxability is contingent on residential status. During the RNOR phase (generally up to three years), global income is not taxable and foreign assets don't need to be disclosed. Once ROR status is acquired, however, foreign income such as interest, dividends, capital gains, and rental income becomes taxable in India, and all foreign assets must be reported in Schedule FA of the income-tax return," said Ankit Jain, partner at Ved Jain and Associates, a chartered accountancy firm. Using DTAAs to reduce tax If tax has already been paid in another country, the taxpayer can avail benefits under the relevant double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA). Taxes paid abroad can be claimed as a credit and offset against their Indian tax liability, thereby preventing double taxation," says Jain of Ved Jain and Associates. Here it is important to understand the concept of foreign tax credit. Taxes already paid abroad can be adjusted against your Indian tax liability. For example, if the US withholds tax on your dividends, you can claim that as a credit in India instead of paying twice," said Ahuja. For example, Ambika Bharadwaj, who returned from New York in 2023, continued receiving dividends from her US brokerage. The US withheld 25% as tax, but under the India-US DTAA she could claim this as a credit in India. Tax planning for foreign retirement funds Managing foreign retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, individual retirement account (IRAs), or foreign pension funds is a big financial challenge for NRIs planning to move back to India because these products were designed for the tax laws of their country, not India's. When you move back, the same account can feel like a tax trap if not managed well because any withdrawals from overseas retirement accounts become taxable in India once you attain ROR status. NRIs relocating permanently must carefully consider whether to retain such accounts or withdraw funds prior to the change in status. The decision depends on several factors including liquidity requirements, long-term financial objectives, currency risk, potential estate tax exposure, the desire for geographical diversification, and age," said Jain of Dinesh Aarjav and Associates. The right decision depends on tax treaties, RNOR status, timing, and personal plans, and engaging a cross-border tax advisor can help you navigate this complex landscape. For example, Rajesh Singh, a 52-year-old engineer, had built up $600,000 in his 401(k) before moving back from Texas in 2024. Unsure what to do, he worked with a cross-border tax advisor, who advised phased withdrawals during his RNOR years. This way, part of his withdrawals were taxed only in the US. FEMA compliance: what you need to know India's Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) governs the legality of holding and repatriating foreign assets, while the Income Tax Act determines the taxability of income from these assets. Under FEMA, a returning NRI is permitted to retain foreign assets indefinitely, while the Income Tax Act requires disclosure of such assets in Schedule FA once ROR status is attained. Funds lawfully earned abroad can generally be repatriated to India without restriction, provided the source is legitimate and compliant with FEMA regulations. From a tax perspective the principal repatriated is not taxable, although the income generated from such fundswhether interest, dividends, or capital gainsbecomes taxable in India once the person is ROR," said Jain of Dinesh Aarjav & Associates. Holding off-shore accounts is therefore not a problem, and can even be beneficial as the money remains freely repatriable around the world and is protected from rupee depreciation. A returning NRI can get the same benefits by opening an onshore RFC (resident foreign currency) account with an Indian bank in India as well. These accounts are available in USD and other foreign currencies and can be used to hold foreign currency sent to India by a returning NRI. Interest earned in these accounts will be tax-free during the RNOR phase and taxable once the NRI becomes fully resident," said Choudhary. Six schools in Delhi, including Andhra Education Society Sr Sec School of Prasad Nagar, BGS International Public School of Dwarka Sector 5, Rao Man Singh Sr Sec School of Chhawla, Maxfort School of Dwarka Sector 1 and Indraprastha International School of Dwarka Sector 10, received bomb threats on 21 August. Delhi Police and the Fire Department rushed to the spots after being alerted. Nothing suspicious found so far, NDTV quoted the police. This is the third such incident in recent days when schools have received bomb threats. At least 32 schools across Delhi received similar threats on 18 August, which later turned out to be hoaxes. On 20 August, around 50 schools in Delhi received bomb threats again through email, which were later declared 'hoax'. Threatening email to Delhi schools on 20 August "We are the Terrorizers 111 group. We have planted explosives inside your building, and others across the city. Devices include high-yield C4 bombs and timed charges placed in classrooms, auditoriums, staff rooms, and school buses, designed to cause maximum casualties. We have breached your IT systems, extracted student and staff data, and compromised all security cameras," the threat mail read. It also sought a money transfer to an Ethereum address, or within 48 hours, the bombs would be exploded. The mail read, Evacuate all schools and suspend operations immediately to avoid loss of life. Any attempt to contact authorities will trigger immediate detonation and public release of your sensitive data. Terrorizers 111 Group does not forgive or forget. Payment is your only option to prevent disaster. Act now. Bomb threats to Delhi schools on 18 August At least 32 schools across the national capital received bomb threats on Monday, sparking widespread panic and leading to the evacuation of students. Between 7:30 AM and 12:25 PM, Delhi Fire Services said they received threat alerts from 32 schools, all triggered by emails warning of potential bombs on campus. In response, multiple teams from Delhi Police, including the bomb disposal and dog squads, were immediately deployed to the affected schools. Comprehensive search operations were carried out at each location. After thorough inspections, authorities confirmed that all the threats were hoaxes. Rekha Gupta's Z-plus security was upgraded on 21 August after attack during Jan Sunwai at her official residence yesterday, HT reported. According to police officers, it might be upgraded to have more personnel or improved arrangements. Paramilitary forces have been stationed outside her residence. This comes after the incident ignited concerns on law and order situation in the national capital. Rekha Gupta's office called attack a "well-planned conspiracy to kill her". Rekha Gupta speaks out after attack The attack on me during this morning's public hearing was not just an attack on me, but a cowardly attempt on our resolve to serve Delhi and work for the welfare of the people. Naturally, I was in shock after this attack, but now I am feeling better. I request all my well-wishers not to trouble themselves by coming to meet me. I will soon be seen working among you again," the Delhi CM said. She added, Such attacks can never break my spirit or my resolve to serve the people. Now, I will be among you with even more energy and dedication than before. She clarified that public hearings and the resolution of people's issues will continue with the same seriousness and commitment as before, mentioning, your trust and support are my greatest strength. I express my heartfelt gratitude for your immense love, blessings, and good wishes". Rekha Gupta attacked: Who is the accused? The Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested Rajesh Khimji, 41, who belongs to Rajkot, Gujarat in connection to an alleged attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta. A PTI report noted that the accused allegedly pulled Gupta's her. Rajesh was taken to Aruna Asif Ali hospital for a medical assessment. Later, he was referred to the LNJP Hospital. Duty magistrate Arvind Tomar permitted a five-day custody remand following hearing the submissions of the Delhi police. He is to be produced before the court when the five-day of police custody ends, ANI reported. Also Read | Delhi CM Rekha Gupta says she was in shock after attack, but feels better now US President Donald Trump scored a major legal victory on Thursday after a New York appeals court struck down a massive civil fraud penalty that could have cost him more than half a billion dollars. While the judges upheld findings that Trump exaggerated his wealth for years, they ruled the fine imposed last year was excessive and violated constitutional limits. What did the New York Court decide? A five-judge panel of the Appellate Division in Manhattan threw out the $515 million penalty levied by Judge Arthur Engoron, who had concluded that Trump flagrantly overstated his assets to lenders and insurers. The panel described the disgorgement order which directed Trump and his company to pay nearly half a billion dollars as disproportionate and unconstitutional. However, the court upheld restrictions barring Trump and his two eldest sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, from holding senior corporate positions for a number of years. It also left room for further appeals to New Yorks highest court. Why was Trump facing such a large penalty? The civil fraud case was brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2022. She argued that Trump, his family members and senior executives at the Trump Organization had inflated the value of assets including properties such as Trump Tower to secure favourable loans and insurance deals. Engoron ruled that this amounted to fraud and ordered Trump to pay $355 million, which with interest grew to more than $515 million. Penalties against his sons and other executives pushed the total beyond $527 million. Also Read | Social media slams Donald Trump as his comment makes female host uneasy How did the judges justify their decision? The appeals panel was deeply divided, issuing over 300 pages of concurring and dissenting opinions. While some judges agreed that James had successfully proven fraud, they nevertheless found the financial punishment excessive. While the injunctive relief ordered by the court is well crafted to curb defendants business culture, the disgorgement order is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, Judges Dianne T. Renwick and Peter H. Moulton wrote. What has been the political reaction? Donald Trump, who returned to the White House eight months ago, has long claimed the lawsuit was politically motivated, describing it as a fraud on me. His lawyers argue that his financial statements contained disclaimers, that lenders did their own assessments, and that all loans were repaid. Attorney General Letitia James, who has accused Trump of lying, cheating and staggering fraud, had no immediate comment on Thursdays decision. Also Read | Washington sues Donald Trump over Federal takeover of city police In a bid to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the AuntaSimaria bridge on NH-31, including the 1.86 km long six-lane stretch over the river Ganga, constructed at a cost of over 1,870 crore, on Friday, 22 April, ahead of the state assembly election scheduled later this year. Including approaches, the total length of the bridge is more than 8 km. The PM is likely to halt for around 30 minutes at Simaria and will walk on the newly constructed bridge, HT quoted a senior official as saying. PM Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Aunta-Simariya section of National Highway-31, including the construction of the six-lane bridge, on October 14, 2017. Key features of bridge over Ganga Aunta-Simaria Ganga bridge is a 1.86 km long, 6-lane bridge over the Ganga River. It will offer direct connectivity between Mokama in Patna district and Begusarai, according to an official statement. It said the newly constructed bridge will reduce the additional travel distance of over 100 km that heavy vehicles currently face when commuting between regions in North Bihar, such as Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnea, and Araria and areas in South Bihar, including Sheikhpura, Nawada, and Lakhisarai. By eliminating the need for long detours, the bridge is expected to help ease traffic congestion in other parts of the region. Beyond improving logistics, the bridge is expected to boost economic development in the surrounding areas, particularly in North Bihar, which relies heavily on South Bihar and Jharkhand for essential raw materials. Additionally, it will enhance connectivity to Simaria Dham, a prominent pilgrimage site and the birthplace of the renowned poet, late Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, ANI reported, citing the statement. A newly constructed bridge has been built alongside the old two-lane rail-cum-road bridge, Rajendra Setu. Due to ongoing repairs on the nearly 70-year-old Rajendra Setu, the movement of heavy vehicles has been restricted, it added. This bridge will reduce the distance between north and south Bihar through this signature project. It is a reminder to the people how far Bihar has travelled from the lantern age when there were craters in the name of roads. The PM sees Bihar as the next growth engine and all his efforts are aimed at preparing a strong launch pad," Bihars minister of road construction Nitin Navin stated, according to HT. NEW DELHI: Bihar is gearing up for its most ambitious aviation expansion yet, with new airports, large-scale upgrades, and regional connectivity at the centre of its plan. The state's chief secretary Amrit Lal Meena, a 1989 batch IAS officer and former coal secretary, in an interview, said the state wants to position itself as a hub for both domestic and international services in eastern India. Better air access, he said, would help attract manufacturers, expand exports, and create jobs. In 2005, Bihar had only two operational airportsPatna and Gayahandling 4,788 aircraft movements a year and around 2.48 lakh passengers. By 2023-24, we reached 29,614 aircraft movements and 42.86 lakh passengers. This is not just about numbers; its about connecting people, boosting trade, and opening new opportunities for Bihars economy," Meena toldMint. Darbhanga Civil Enclave, operational since November 2020 under the Centres UDAN scheme, has already emerged as a vital link for Mithilanchal and north Bihar, recording 3,335 aircraft movements and over 5.26 lakh passengers in 2023-24. A new 912 crore civil enclave is planned there, with the state providing land worth 245 crore to allow for bigger aircraft and direct international flights. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone in October 2024," Meena said. The expansion aligns with the Centres broader infrastructure drive. At a recent Union cabinet meeting, the government approved a new 1,507 crore airport at Kota-Bundi in Rajasthan. Nationally, the number of operational airports has more than doubled, from 74 in 2014 to 162 in 2025, while annual passenger traffic jumped from 16.8 crore to 41.2 crore. Bihar is advancing multiple aviation projects simultaneously, with 207 crore sanctioned for land acquisition at Raxaul to develop a brownfield airport by October 2025, and 42.37 crore cleared for Birpur Airport in Supaul after pre-feasibility studies found it viable. A civil enclave at Chunapur airport in Purnia is slated for completion by August 2025, with a private airline bidding to connect six cities, while at Bihta, the Airports Authority of India is investing 459.99 crore in a civil enclave designed to handle Airbus A321s and Boeing 737-800s, targeted for late 2027. Smaller airports are also being revived under UDAN. We are developing airstrips in Bhagalpur, Valmikinagar, Birpur, Madhubani, Munger, Saharsa, and Muzaffarpur. The state approved this in January 2025, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation gave clearance in February," Meena said, calling these crucial for last-mile connectivity. Also Read | Budget's revamp plan set to send UDAN air connectivity scheme soaring The state has also moved to cut airline costs. In June 2025, Bihar slashed VAT on aviation turbine fuel from 29% to 4%. Patna airport alone has since seen a 134% surge in fuel sales, Meena said, adding that the move is expected to bring more flights and tourism. Bihars aviation growth is no coincidenceits the outcome of a clear vision. The next decade will see Bihar emerge as a leading state for both domestic and international connectivity," he said. Also Read | AAI selects 150 small airports for modernization to meet air cargo demand Industry experts agree the push could have a wider impact. Enhancing aviation, the fastest mode of transport and relatively easier to develop, will not only increase tourist arrivals but also contribute substantially to regional economies and local employment. Places like Bodh Gaya and Nalanda have immense potential and should be marketed abroad," said Rajiv Mehra, general secretary of Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality. Bihar is a key pilgrimage centre for Buddhist travellers, alongside heritage sites such as Nalanda and Patna Sahib. Any improvement in the aviation sector would enhance tourist arrivals, which in turn will boost the local economy," said Ravi Gosain, president of Indian Association of Tour Operators. NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is overhauling the way bottled water is regulated, directing states and union territories for the first time to conduct mandatory inspections of packaging facilities before granting new licences, according to two people familiar with the matter and documents reviewed by Mint . Companies already holding licences must now undergo annual audits and risk-based inspections to ensure continued compliance with stricter safety and quality standards, they said. The shift follows FSSAIs decision to classify packaged drinking water as a high-risk" food category. Under the regulators revised Risk Based Inspection Scheme, companies must now meet hygiene and safety standards before securing a licence and will face more stringent oversight, including mandatory inspections and annual third-party audits. High-risk food products include items with a high potential for contamination, such as milk, dairy products, meat, eggs, and certain ready-to-eat foods. Pre-licence inspections are standard practice for these categories, aligning bottled water with broader public health measures. The move is significant because the government dropped the requirement for mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for packaged and mineral water in October 2024, simplifying compliance and consolidating regulatory authority under FSSAI. Previously, manufacturers had to submit a BIS certificate as part of their FSSAI licence application, with BIS responsible for primary inspections. Queries sent to the health ministry spokesperson and FSSAI on Monday remained unanswered till press time. Quality clampdown The new rules apply across the boardfrom small local firms to major brands such as Bisleri, Kinley (Coca-Cola), Aquafina (PepsiCo), and Himalayan (Tata). Indias bottled water market, worth an estimated $9.5 billion in 2024-25, houses over 200 brands and is projected to reach $29.7 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.45%, according to a report by IMARC Group. The policy was discussed at a recent meeting of FSSAIs Central Advisory Committee in Bhubaneswar, where state food safety commissioners were told to enforce the inspection requirement, according to the people cited earlier. The measure is aimed at ensuring rigorous quality control, a responsibility that previously sat with the BIS. FSSAIs officials will now conduct pre-inspections of the plant before issuance of the license to the company. They will check the water's source, the cleanliness of the plant, the equipment used, and the labelling of the bottles. The food commissioner in all the states/UTs have been directed to follow this new rule," said one of the officials cited earlier. The other official said that the move responds directly to complaints about unauthorized sellers refilling bottles with untreated water at home. Also Read | Could deleting emails and photos help save water? UK issues advice According to a Lok Sabha reply on 9 February 2024, India has 6,244 BIS-licensed manufacturers for packaged drinking water and 32 for mineral water. There is no official count of unauthorized plants, but industry estimates suggest the unorganized segment accounts for a significant portion of the market. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, operating without a licence can result in a fine of up to 5 lakh or imprisonment for up to six months. Indias packaged water business has been buoyed by rising incomes, urbanization, and health concerns, factors that have fuelled a proliferation of new entrants. That rapid growth has also raised safety concerns. The FSSAI's action is crucial for protecting public health and ensuring that every bottle of water on the market is safe to drink. The new regulations will bring greater accountability to an industry that has seen rapid expansion, according to the officials. Industry leaders were quick to welcome the tighter oversight. Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International, said, Any initiative aimed at strengthening public health and safety will positively impact the sector, especially in combating the menace of counterfeit bottled water in the market." George added that Bisleri has always been proactive in maintaining high standards through regular internal and third-party audits and monthly sample analyses. These measures reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water and maintaining the trust of our consumers." At PepsiCo India, food safety and quality are core to everything we do. Our brand Aquafina, part of the Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) category, fully complies with all applicable Indian food regulations. Each bottle reflects our steadfast commitment to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to consumers," said a PepsiCo India spokesperson. A Tata Consumer Products spokesperson said the company welcomes FSSAIs new quality and safety initiatives. All its brands, including Himalayan mineral water bottled at the Shivalik source, undergo stringent checks in a NABL-accredited lab for physio-chemical, microbiology, and packaging standards. The company remains fully compliant with FSSAI rules and continues voluntary BIS certification. Medical experts also supported the changes. Dr. Sawan Bopanna, a senior consultant in gastroenterology and hepatology Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, said unsafe drinking water remains a major cause of illnesses like typhoid and cholera. Such pre-inspection measures allow authorities to not only verify the purity of the source water but also assess the hygiene standards maintained during the bottling and packaging process." Bopanna added that the move could reduce the risk of contaminated water reaching consumers and increase public confidence. GST rate rejig: The six-member Group of Ministers (GoM) on goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation has accepted the Centre's proposal to scrap 12 per cent and 28 per cent slabs, and consolidate the tax into two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary told the media on August 21. Further, speaking to the media, West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said that ultra-luxury cars should attract a levy on top of the 40 per cent GST rate. The GoM, chaired by Choudhary, met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday to discuss her ministry's proposals on GST rates. The proposals were shared on India's 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025; and was also spoken about by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the Red Fort. GST rate rationalisation: What has been decided so far? Everyone made suggestions over the proposals made by the Centre. Some states have a few observations. This has been referred to the GST Council. The Council will make a decision. The proposal by the central government, of ending two slabs, was deliberated on and supported. We have made recommendations, Choudhary told reporters outside the Parliament. The minister added that the GST Council will make a decision over the rates, adding, We have supported the two proposals by the Government of India, of scrapping GST slabs of 12 per cent and 28 per cent. Watch: Bihar DyCM Samrat Choudhary says We have supported the two proposals GoM agenda: Discussion on Centre's GST rate cut proposal Addressing the GoM constituted by the GST Council on Compensation Cess, Health & Life Insurance, and Rate Rationalisation on August 20, Sitharaman said, The rate rationalisation will provide greater relief to the common man, farmers, the middle class and MSMEs, while ensuring a simplified, transparent and growth-oriented tax regime. On the GoM's agenda was a discussion on: The Centre's proposal of classifying goods and services as merit and standard and levying 5 and 18 per cent rates. Besides, a special 40 per cent rate has been proposed on 5-7 items, including sin goods. The Centre's proposal also entails eliminating the 12 and 28 per cent slabs, with 99 per cent of items in the 12 per cent bracket being reclassified to 5 per cent and 90 per cent in the 28 per cent slab coming down to 18 per cent. Apart from Choudhary and Bhattacharya, other members of the GoM are Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal. Mumbai rains: The torrential rains over the last few days brought Maharashtra's capital city, Mumbai, to a standstill after waterlogging was reported at various places, and local train services were hit. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Thursday for Mumbai Suburban, Palghar, Thane, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. Rainfall intensity in the metropolis is expected to lessen beginning Thursday, as per IMD, providing relief to Mumbaikars. Light to moderate rain could take place at most places in the districts of Konkan, while moderate rain is expected to occur at many places in the districts of South Madhya Maharashtra and at a few places in the North Madhya Maharashtra districts. Marathwada is likely to witness light showers. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took to X and said, Generally cloudy sky with moderate to heavy rain at isolated places in City & Suburbs. Mumbai weather today: Are educational institutions open and train services functional? Educational institutions like schools and colleges across much of Mumbai are set to remain open today, operating according to their standard timetables. The resumption of most of the local train services, Mumbais crucial transport network, has brought relief to daily commuters. The Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai Western Railway announced on X that three local train services have been cancelled due to waterlogging in Mumbai. The affected services for 21 August include the following MEMU trains: 61002 DivaBoisar 61001 BoisarVasai Road 61003 Vasai RoadDiva Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said, The overall rain situation in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra is pretty much under control, though some areas were still witnessing heavy rainfall. He added that all required measures for disaster management were being put in place, saying that NDRF and SDRF personnel were being stationed in areas hit by heavy rain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Fiji PM Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka during his India visit from August 24 and 26. He will be accompanied by his spouse Sulueti Rabuka This would be the first visit to India by Prime Minister Rabuka in his present capacity. During his visit to New Delhi, Prime Minister Rabuka is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 August 2025. Prime Minister Modi will host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. PM Rabuka is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu. Boss of the world: Rabuka had said while praising Modi Earlier in January, Rabuka had praised PM Modi and called him the real "Boss" of the world during a meeting with Rajya Sabha member and Indian Minorities Federation (IMF) Convenor Satnam Singh Sandhu and IMF Co-Founder Himani Sood in Fiji. Praising Modi, Rabuka said, "I believe Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is a great governance model which PM Modi is practising which ensures inclusive development for all. I think the world should adopt it to make it a better place to live." A pigeon carrying a threat note to blow up the Jammu railway station was captured by the security forces from the border area of RS Pura in Jammu district, officials said on Thursday. Pakistan has traditionally sent balloons, flags and pigeons carrying varied messages to the Indian side of the International Border (IB). However, this is the first time a pigeon has been captured carrying a threat letter for a blast, officials said. The matter has been taken up seriously by Indian security agencies amid the prevailing threat perceptions and anti-India designs. The pigeon believed to be flying in from Pakistan was caught in the Katmaria area along the International Border at around 9 PM on 18 August. A chit was found tied to its claws carrying a message to blow up the Jammu railway station, a senior police officer said. What did the threat say? According to sources quoted by PTI, the letter carried by the pigeon was written in Urdu and English. It threatened to blow up the Jammu railway station with an IED with lines such as Kashmir Freedom, Time has come, etc. Officials said that the security agencies are probing the incident and ascertaining whether it was an act of mischief or a well-planned conspiracy. Security beefed up Security at the Jammu railway station and along the tracks, which are close to the Pakistan border, has been beefed up, as security agencies do not want to take any chances. Also Read | NIA arrests two ISIS sleeper cell fugitives linked to 2023 Pune IED case Local police are on high alert. Additionally, dog squads and bomb disposal teams have been deployed in case of an emergency. According to security experts, the pigeon might have been specially trained and released from across the border with a threat message tied to its claws. A range of goods from cars to kitchenware may turn cheaper in the near future, with a top panel of state ministers greenlighting a proposal to simplify India's indirect tax system. A ministerial panel formed by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council endorsed the Centre's proposal for a simplified tax structure on Thursday, setting the stage for its rollout before the coming festive season. Currently, GST is applied in four slabs - 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. Plus, there is a cess levied on luxury items and so-called sin goods like tobacco and caffeinated beverages. The plan approved on Thursday envisages scrapping the 12% and 18% slabs. This will involve shifting most items in the 12% slab to 5%, and most of the products in the 28% slab including some automobiles to 18%. Insulin, condensed milk, preserved fish and vegetables, granite and marble, tableware and kitchenware and certain pharmaceutical products are among the products that will move from 12% to 5%. Also Read | CBIC extends GST July return filing date till August 27 for 5 rain-hit districts Sin goods and super luxury vehicles may be part of a new 40% slab. Top-end SUVs could still benefit from lower tax burden, since the cess applicable on the 28% slab will come to an end. However, discussions are on for a new duty on sin goods like tobacco, which are also expected to move from the 28% slab plus cess at present to the proposed 40% slab without the cess, so that the tax incidence on them remains the same after the tax rate recast. The new system is a step towards a simpler mode in India's eight-year-old GST regime, originally conceived as a single uniform tax across the country, but later turned into a thicket of multiple rates and a cess on top of some of the products on the highest slab, 28%. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) applauded the decision. This will certainly reduce classification complexity and improve ease of doing business. Besides, this would streamline the overall GST rate structure and help make industry all the more competitive. The common man would benefit the most, with reduced prices," said director-general Chandrajit Banerjee said. The state ministers briefed the media after Thursday's meeting, expressing their support for the new regime. The group of ministers discussed the central government's proposal to drop the 12% and 28% slabs (for a two-rate structure) and has endorsed it. The recommendations will be placed before the GST Council," said Samrat Chaudhary, Bihar deputy chief minister who is also convenor of the group. West Bengal finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the group endorsed the Centres proposals and that nobody would oppose consumer-friendly measures. She said her state has proposed that tobacco and its preparations which currently attract a GST compensation cess in addition to 28% GST, should be levied a new duty so that the tax incidence on them remains unchanged even after the cess expires later this year. Uttar Pradesh finance minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said that every member of the ministerial group welcomed the Centres proposals. Besides the convenor, the panel has five members, which also include Kerala finance minister K.N. Balagopal, Karnataka revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda and Rajasthan health minister Gajendra Singh. GST rate rationalization is in the interest of the common man. It will give relief to them," said Khanna. When pro-people measures are taken, there will be some impact on revenue, but given the benefit to the people, everyone endorsed it", Khanna added. The GST Council will decide on the ministerial groups recommendations, he said. Also Read | Bond yields rise above 6.5% as markets weigh fiscal impact of GST reforms We have no issues in accepting pro-people measures. However, the extent of revenue loss due to these measures has not been quantified in the proposals. We have to also think about how to make up for the revenue loss," said Bhattacharya. The minister said that when the group of ministers presents its report to the Council, a note on this will be included. Experts said the decision is likely to boost demand and consumption. The move to cut GST slabs from four to just two is a big step towards simplification. For consumers, this means that many everyday goods and services that were earlier taxed at 12% may now come down to 5%, directly reducing prices. Similarly, items that attracted 28% GST could soon be available at 18%, which will make products like appliances, electronics and even cars more affordable," said Sandeep Sehgal, partner-tax at AKM Global, a tax and consulting firm. For businesses, a simpler structure means fewer disputes and easier compliance, Sehgal said. While sin goods and super luxury cars will fall under a higher 40% rate, the removal of the additional cess will still ease the overall burden on luxury vehicles. Overall, this reform is expected to increase demand, boost sales in key sectors like fast-moving consumer goods, consumer durables and automobiles and give the economy a positive push just before the festive season," said Sehgal. Minister Bhattacharya explained that the GST compensation cess levied on certain products in the 28% slab will have to be discontinued as it cannot be levied beyond a period. Therefore, to ensure that the tax incidence on products like tobacco, which are on this slab and also currently attract compensation cess at various rates, remain unchanged after the tax rate restructure, a new duty has to be introduced on them in place of the cess. This could be done by amending the GST law, Bhattacharya explained in response to a query. Bhattacharya said that one has to ensure that while the health and life insurance premiums are freed of GST, companies do pass on that benefit to the consumer. One has to ensure that insurance companies do not enhance premiums or behave in any way that deny the benefit of tax relief to the ultimate consumer. It is the duty of the central government to ensure that," the minister said. Bhattacharya is also a member of another ministerial group that on Wednesday accepted a central government proposal to spare free health and life insurance premiums from 18% GST. Another expert said the government should also make the necessary changes to correct the problem of finished products attracting lower or no tax, while inputs bear a higher tax outgo. This anomaly, referred to as inverted tax structure, affects the appeal of certain segments of the industry for potential investments and has been a priority for the policymakers to resolve. Industry does look forward to addressing duty inversion refund process comprehensively too and this has been identified by the finance ministry as a key structural issue," said Mahesh Jaising, partner and leader, indirect tax, Deloitte India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he had a very good conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, as the leaders discussed a range of issues including the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in West Asia. Taking to X, PM Modi said that the two leaders exchanged views on efforts to get a peaceful resolution of these wars. Had a very good conversation with my friend President Macron. Exchanged views on efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership, he said. President Macron also shared on X about his discussion with PM Modi. We coordinated our positions on the war in Ukraine to move toward a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and the security of Europe," he said. In a press release, the Prime Minister's office said that PM Modi received a call on Thursday from Macron. The leaders exchanged views on the ongoing efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia region, it said. According to the PMO, Macron briefed Modi on the recent meeting held by the leaders of Europe, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with US President Donald Trump. Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Keir Starmer were among seven European leaders who accompanied Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House on Monday for high-stakes talks with US President Donald Trump. Also Read | Russian Missiles Strike US Electronics Plant in Western Ukraine During his call with Modi, Macron also shared his perspectives on the situation in Gaza. The Ukraine war, which has killed tens of thousands of people, has ground to a virtual stalemate despite a few recent Russian advances, defying Trump's push to end it. Modi, Macron discuss India-France ties PM Modi and President Macron further discussed the India-France bilateral ties, including trade, defence technology and energy among others. The leaders also reviewed progress in the bilateral cooperation agenda, including in the areas of trade, defence, civil nuclear cooperation, technology and energy. They reaffirmed joint commitment to strengthen India-France Strategic Partnership and mark 2026 as Year of Innovation in a befitting manner, the PMO statement said. Also Read | Modi Govt may find it tough to pass bills on PM, CM removal in Parliament Also Read | Zelensky plans meeting with Putin after Security Guarantees finalised Macron also conveyed his support for an early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU. Regarding trade issues, we agreed to strengthen our economic exchanges and our strategic partnership in all areas, which is the key to our sovereignty and independence, the French President said in his X post. The Supreme Court of India is set to deliver its order on Friday (22 August) regarding a plea that seeks to stay its earlier directive requiring the permanent relocation of stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR to animal shelters. The case has drawn nationwide attention amid public protests and rising concerns over dog-bite incidents. What was the Supreme Courts original order? On 11 August, a two-judge bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan directed authorities in Delhi and the wider National Capital Region to begin removing stray dogs from localities at the earliest and place them in dedicated shelters. The order also mandated the creation of facilities capable of housing at least 5,000 dogs, with a progress report due within eight weeks. The bench issued the directions in a suo motu case triggered by media reports highlighting an alarming rise in dog-bite incidents and rabies cases, particularly among children. Also Read | Mahua Moitra urges SC to halt 'inhumane' stray dog order Why was the order controversial? The Supreme Court ruling on stray dogs sparked widespread protests across the country, with animal rights groups and local communities expressing concern about the feasibility and ethics of mass relocation. Critics argued that the order overlooked the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which emphasise sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs rather than their permanent removal. On 14 August, a three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria heard multiple pleas challenging the order and reserved its verdict on whether to grant an interim stay. What arguments were presented before the special bench? Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, highlighted the scale of the public health challenge. He told the court that India recorded approximately 37.15 lakh dog-bite cases in 2024 alone averaging nearly 10,000 incidents per day. He also cited World Health Organisation data noting 305 dog-bite-related deaths last year. The bench observed that the crisis was rooted in the inaction of municipal bodies, which had failed to properly implement sterilisation and vaccination measures mandated by the ABC Rules. Lawyers representing animal welfare organisations, however, urged the court to reconsider, warning that mass relocation could disrupt ecosystems, overwhelm shelters and lead to inhumane treatment of animals. Raebareli police have launched an investigation after a man from Uttar Pradesh was accused of operating a fake Microsoft tech support racket from his apartment. The allegations surfaced when a cybersecurity enthusiast claimed he hacked into the suspects laptop and caught him on camera. The accused, identified as Gaurav Trivedi, allegedly posed as Microsofts technical support to dupe unsuspecting users. The revelations came from an X user, who goes by the handle NanoBaiter, known for exposing online scam networks. Meet Gaurav Trivedi, an Indian scammer who impersonates Microsoft support and rips off vulnerable people. He tried to scam me, but instead of paying him, I hacked into his laptop and switched on his webcam, NanoBaiter wrote in a post that has since gone viral. According to the hacker, the alleged scam followed a typical pattern: a fake pop-up warning would freeze a victims screen, play loud alarm sounds, and prompt them to call a bogus helpline number. Once victims made the call, fraudsters would allegedly convince them to grant remote access through tools such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer, ultimately stealing money or sensitive data. NanoBaiter claimed he turned the tables by using a virtual machine to infiltrate Trivedis system. He said he obtained a live feed from the suspects webcam, identified him through a softphone dialer, and even tracked his location to an apartment complex in Raebareli by exploiting his laptops Wi-Fi card. The hacker went on to share screenshots and clips that allegedly showed Trivedi at home, eating, sleeping, and simultaneously carrying out the scam. He later tagged Raebareli Police in his posts, urging them to take action. Responding to the claims, the district police confirmed on X that the matter had been escalated. The officer in charge of the cyber police station has been directed to investigate and take necessary action, the official statement read. The unusual twist, a hacker exposing a scammer, quickly drew reactions online. One user commented, Hackers hacking scammers is probably the best and most satisfying content on the internet. Another user wrote, Okay, this is legitimately so cool. I wish I was this badass. Thanks for doing what you're doing! Amid the stricter immigration rules, President Donald Trump's administration has now announced that US work and study visa applicants will now be screened for anti-Americanism and any such finding against them. In a policy alert issued on Tuesday, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services said it gave immigration officers new guidance on how to exercise discretion in cases where foreign applicants "support or promote anti-American ideologies or activities" as well as antisemitic terrorism. "Anti-American activity will be an overwhelmingly negative factor in any discretionary analysis," USCIS said. "America's benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies." What is considered as anti-American? The announcement did not define anti-Americanism. But the policy manual refers to a section of federal law about prohibiting naturalization of people opposed to government or law, or who favor totalitarian forms of government. The document also cites factors such as support for communism or totalitarian regimes, advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government, or inciting violence against government officials. USCIS added that it has broadened social media checks across more types of applications, with screenings for anti-American activity now included in the process. Trump has labeled various groups as anti-American, including historians and museums documenting history of US slavery and pro-Palestinian demonstrators criticizing Israels military offensive in Gaza. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, said, as reported by Reuters, the step hearkened to the 1950s when Senator Joseph McCarthy hunted alleged communists in a campaign that became synonymous with political persecution. "McCarthyism returns to immigration law," he said. Anti-Americanism has no prior precedent in immigration law and its definition is entirely up to the Trump admin. The Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives passed a redrawn congressional map on Wednesday that creates up to five new winnable Grand Old Party (GOP) seats in Congress, and further deepens a national redistricting battle between states, news agency AP reported. The approval came after President Donald Trump directed Texas and other states to submit rare mid-decade redistricting plans, as Republicans anticipate a difficult midterm election in 2026. Why does the move matter? With the move, which is basically the delimitation of congressional districts, the Republicans want to make it easier for them to hold on to their slim US House majority in the 2026 midterm elections so that Democrats have little ability to thwart President Donald Trumps agenda. The maps, which would give Republicans five more winnable seats, need to be approved by the GOP-controlled state Senate and signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott before they become official. But the Texas House vote had presented the best chance for Democrats to derail the redraw. Governor Abbott was quoted by the news agency AP as saying that he signed the law. Abbot had put escalating pressure on Democrats to come home during their two-week walkout, which delayed the vote. While Democrats shirked their duty, in futility, and ran away to other states, Republicans stayed the course, stayed at work and stayed true to Texas, he said. Democrats fled Texas earlier this month in protest Democratic legislators delayed the vote by two weeks by fleeing Texas earlier this month in protest. The protesting lawmakers were kept under round-the-clock police monitoring upon their return to ensure they attended Wednesday's session. The approval of the Texas maps on an 88-52 party-line vote is likely to prompt California's Democratic-controlled state Legislature this week to approve of a new House map creating five new Democratic-leaning districts. But the California map would require voter approval in November. Also Read | Trumps trade victims are shrugging off his attacks Democrats have also vowed to challenge the new Texas map in court and complained that Republicans made the political power move before passing legislation responding to deadly floods that swept the state last month. Texas maps openly made to help GOP Texas Republicans openly said they were acting in their party's interest. State Representative Todd Hunter, who wrote the legislation formally creating the new map, was quoted as saying by news agency AP that the US Supreme Court has allowed politicians to redraw districts for nakedly partisan purposes. The underlying goal of this plan is straight forward: improve Republican political performance, Hunter, a Republican, said on the floor. After nearly eight hours of debate, Hunter took the floor again to sum up the entire dispute as nothing more than a partisan fight. What's the difference, to the whole world listening? Republicans like it, and Democrats do not. What do Democrats say? Democrats said the disagreement was about more than partisanship. In a democracy, people choose their representatives, State Representative Chris Turner said. This bill flips that on its head and lets politicians in Washington, DC, choose their voters. Democrats counter in California The Republican power play has already triggered a national tit-for-tat battle as Democratic state lawmakers prepared to gather in California on Thursday to revise that state's map to create five new Democratic seats. This is a new Democratic Party, this is a new day, this is new energy out there all across this country, California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom said on a call with reporters on Wednesday. And we're going to fight fire with fire. Former US President Barack Obama supported Newsoms proposed congressional redistricting plan, calling it a responsible approach as Democrats responded to Republican-led efforts in Texas promoted by President Donald Trump. Obama voices support I believe that Governor Newsoms approach is a responsible approach. He said this is going to be responsible. Were not going to try to completely maximize it, Obama said during a fundraiser on Marthas Vineyard event on Tuesday, as per reports by Associated Press. While Obama acknowledged that political gerrymandering is not his preference, he warned that failing to counter Republican moves could have serious consequences. The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward: improve Republican political performance. If Democrats dont respond effectively, then this White House and Republican-controlled state governments all across the country, they will not stop, because they do not appear to believe in this idea of an inclusive, expansive democracy, the former US President said. A bus crash in northwestern Afghanistan killed at least 79 people returning from Iran, including 19 children, an official said. Two people were also injured in the crash, Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani told The Associated Press. Tolo News, citing the official, said the crashed happened around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in Herat province. The bus collided with a truck and a motorbike, causing a massive fire that killed many on the spot, the outlet reported. Nearly 1.8 million Afghans have been forcibly returned from Iran in the past few months. A further 184,459 were sent back from Pakistan and more than 5,000 were deported from Turkey since the beginning of the year. Additionally, nearly 10,000 Afghan prisoners have been repatriated, mostly from Pakistan. The Taliban criticized neighboring countries in July for the mass expulsion of Afghans, as Iran and Pakistan expel foreigners who they say are living there illegally. The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said some 6 million Afghan refugees remain overseas. Advocacy group Save the Children called on countries to ensure that returns to Afghanistan were safe and noted that forced returns of children risked further harm. This horrific tragedy is a stark reminder of the deadly risks hundreds of thousands of Afghan children face on their journeys from Iran," a group official, Samira Sayed Rahman, said in a statement. Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, heir to the Dutch throne, has become the target of a disturbing deepfake pornography scandal. The 21-year-olds face was edited over the bodies of porn actors using artificial intelligence, which was then circulated online, the Daily Beast reported. Also Read | Deepfake nude apps on radar: Meta sues Hong Kong firm over CrushAI ad According to reports, the clips appeared on platforms such as MrDeepFakes, which has since been taken down. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), working alongside Dutch authorities, intervened to remove the websites. However, no arrests have been made so far. Investigators also found that nearly 70 other Dutch women were featured in similar manipulated content. Princess Amalia was targeted before This is not the first time Princess Amalia has faced such a violation. In 2022, similar AI-generated videos featuring her image were widely circulated online. Dutch news outlet Seher Og Hor reported that the princess was given a starring role in the manipulated clips. Also Read | Meta freezes AI hiring after blockbuster spending spree Who is Princess Catharina-Amalia? Catharina-Amalia Beatrix Carmen Victoria, born on December 7, 2003, is the eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. As the Princess of Orange, she is the heir apparent to the Dutch throne a title she has held since 2013 when her father became king. Also Read | Owaisi files complaint over his deepfake AI video spreading investment scam North Korea has quietly built and operated a sprawling long-range missile base near the Chinese border that stores Kim Jong Uns most advanced strategic weapons, demonstrating the regimes ongoing efforts to advance its nuclear strike capabilities, a think tank said. The base in Sinpung, North Pyongan Province, located 27 kilometers from the border with China, likely houses a brigade-sized unit equipped with six to nine nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles and their mobile launchers, a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies showed Wednesday. These missiles pose a potential nuclear threat to East Asia and the continental United States, the report said. Current assessments are that during times of crisis or war, these launchers and missiles will exit the base, meet special warhead storage, transportation units, and conduct launch operations from dispersed pre-surveyed sites, the report said, citing satellite imagery. Construction of the base began around 2004 and facilities were mostly built and operational by 2014, the report said, adding that the complex appears to have been continuously developed since. South Koreas Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a Bloomberg News request seeking comment on the reported base. The newly revealed missile base highlights the regimes escalating nuclear threat and strategic intent. It also underscores a stark reality that North Koreas nuclear arsenal is larger, more dispersed, and more survivable than many outside assessments assume. It signals Pyongyangs shift toward rapid-launch capabilities that complicate US preemptive strike options. Its location near Chinas border further shields it from attack, raising geopolitical stakes for Washington and Beijing alike. With construction continuing and North Korea emboldened by real-world weapons experience in Ukraine, this discovery signals that Kim Jong Uns nuclear ambitions are both growing and increasingly difficult to deter. The revelation comes just days after Kim called for the rapid expansion of his countrys nuclear weapons program, ramping up tensions just as the US and South Korea began joint military drills that Pyongyang views as a prelude to war. President Donald Trump and Kim met in person three times during the US presidents first term, but those interactions failed to convince Kim to curb the development of his nuclear weapons program. North Korea has since rebuffed the idea of sitting down with the US again and has emerged as a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, supporting his war on Ukraine. Kim said earlier this week the only way to defend the countrys security is to make enemies afraid of North Korea and that its capabilities will be expressed through practical actions. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Climate adaptation is often viewed as a defensive cost, necessary to protect societies from the effects of a warming world. That framing is incomplete. As governments increasingly allocate resources to address environmental risks and invest in adaptation and resilience projects, they open up new streams of commercial activity. They create markets for goods, services and technologies built to withstand climate change. The flow of capital, mostly from public sources, is directed towards the private sector as public institutions identify adaptation and resilience requirements, allot budgetary funds and engage private contractors to deliver solutions. Also Read: Climate havoc: Jellyfish are getting in the way of electricity supply Globally, adaptation finance reached $63 billion in 2021-22, less than 5% of total climate finance, according to Climate Policy initiative (CPI), a think-tank. Climate finance today is directed almost entirely at mitigation measures (like energy transition). The adaptation gap is massive. Developing countries alone would require about $212 billion a year in adaptation finance by 2030, says the Global Commission on Adaptation. The business-ready adaptation and resilience market in India could be worth $24 billion by 2030, a likely conservative estimate by Boston Consulting Group. The annual investment needs for climate-resilient infrastructure, agriculture, water systems and health services could exceed $100 billion, according to CPI, which has identified specific requirements for water resource management, coastal protection and disaster risk reduction, all of which represent tangible business opportunities. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Uttarakhand flash flood: Climates the big culprit Demand for adaptation is rising rapidly. The World Bank expects Indias urban climate infrastructure demand to balloon to $2.4 trillion by 2050encompassing flood defences, water supply systems, drainage networks and more. Listed Indian firms like VA Tech Wabag, Jain Irrigation and Larsen & Toubro are already seeing returns from such projects and are participating in government programmes such as the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut), Smart Cities and the National Water Mission that integrate resilience requirements with infrastructure procurement. Besides infrastructure, a variety of sectors stand to gain from adaptation spending, including agriculture, technology and finance and insurance. But investing in adaptation requires early bets on frontier innovation, a mindset of long-horizon investment and a pipeline of climate-tech and resilience-first startups. These would range from biotech firms developing drought-resilient farm seeds to companies pioneering flood-proof urban materials, distributed water systems or climate-risk intelligence platforms. Also Read: Leena Srivastava: Watch out for the legal implications of climate inaction Currently, most adaptation finance flows through public channels or international donors. In the face of climate impacts, both the public and private sectors must collaborate on meeting investment needs. However, private capital is constrained by a lack of risk data, the absence of bankable project pipelines and low regulatory clarity. This is where India needs to catalyse a new ecosystem of adaptation innovation through blended finance, procurement incentives and R&D missions aimed at resilience. The Reserve Bank of India, in a 2022 report, projected that Indian industries will require an investment of 85.6 trillion by 2030 to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This sum, equivalent to 2.5% of GDP, is enormous. The report notes that investment on this scale is necessary to maintain operations, manage risks and create new economic avenues. Also Read: The 16th Finance Commission could catalyze climate governance in India The innovations needed should focus on solutions for sectors where market-ready products or services do not yet exist. Analyses by T20 India and PwC India identify a set of priority areas. These include climate intelligence and analytics tools for remote sensing, forecasting and early warning systems, apart from urban water resilience devices such as rainwater harvesting, decentralized wastewater treatment and smart metering; agricultural technologies, including drought-tolerant seeds and bio-stimulants, and integrated crop insurance and advisory platforms; resilient construction materials like cool roofs, permeable paving and flood-resistant coatings; and health infrastructure capable of tackling heatwaves, floods and other climate-linked emergencies. The urgency is clear. Without a sharp increase in adaptation spending, climate risks will rise, inflicting greater economic losses and constraining growth. For the private sector, this has two implications. First, public spending on resilience will continue to grow, providing stable demand for private contractors. Second, policy reforms and financial innovation are likely to open new commercial avenues. Also Read: Indias urban climate crisis is the result of our own policy failures Adaptation finance has begun to resemble a growth industry where demand is policy-backed and funding is anchored in necessity. With heatwaves, floods and water stress accelerating, climate adaptation and resilience can also create a competitive advantage. Countries that move early to build local markets, invest in R&D and nurture adaptation-focused entrepreneurship will gain both in economic and ecological terms. This is not just about disaster management, but about developing a growth sector that private players, institutional investors and startups cannot afford to ignore. The author is an independent expert based in New Delhi, Kolkata and Odisha. Twitter: @scurve Instagram: @soumya.scurve. One should not be fooled by Chinas icy response to Americas recent policy reversal that will allow a key Nvidia Corp artificial intelligence (AI) chip back on the mainland. The countrys AI ambitions currently rely on Nvidias hardware, and authorities know thateven if they wont admit it. But by fanning fears of alleged security or environmental concerns, they seem to be buying time for Chinas own Huawei Technologies Company to catch up while keeping trade-talk pressure on the US. Nvidias CEO Jensen Huang was greeted with fanfare by industry leaders in Beijing last month after news broke that Americas Donald Trump administration will allow the sale of H20 chips to resume. It seemed like China got what it wanted: loosening export controls designed to hold back its AI sector has been a key sticking point during tariff negotiations. Also Read: Bide your time: Chinas playing a long game in its trade talks with America Yet, in the weeks since the announcement, cyber authorities have summoned Nvidia to discuss alleged security risks related to the H20 chips, state media warned of potential backdoors that could cause a nightmare," and the government urged local companies to avoid using the much sought-after processers for AI development. When asked about Beijings unexpected reaction, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Bloomberg TV that it tells me that they are worried about the Nvidia chips becoming the standard in China." This is an optimistic and simplistic take. Its too soon for Washington to be celebrating this feigned angst. Also Read: China could yet trump the US in a global scramble for AI talent Nvidias technology stack is already overwhelmingly the standard in Chinas AI sector. Theres a reason that giants from Bytedance to Alibaba Group Holding Ltd stockpiled billions of dollars worth of orders ahead of the now-reversed ban. Similarly, it seems a deliberate move that, despite all the talk of lurking threats, China hasnt issued an outright ban itself. While these warnings have drawn a lot of attention, they likely wont be enough to deter companies eager to power their AI ambitions from buying H20 chips. While a Communist Party mouthpiece did appear to blast alleged backdoors" in these chips, and many Western news outlets ran with that headline, the reality is more nuanced. The made-to-go viral editorial in a Peoples Daily WeChat account was far from an official rebuke, according to an analysis from the China Media Project. Instead, it was meant to make Nvidia squirm." It seems to have worked. The Santa Clara-based chipmaker responded with a public denial of breaches and argued that adding any in the future would be an open invitation for disaster." Its true, as Ive written before, that Beijing would very much prefer its AI industry to use offerings from Huawei instead of Nvidia. But the domestic alternatives are not ready for prime timeboth in terms of performance and the quantity that can be produced. Also Read: Is an AI winter upon us? There seems a chill in the air Domestic AI champion DeepSeek was forced to delay the release of its new model because it was trying to train it on Huaweis hardware instead of Nvidias, the Financial Times reported last week. But even with a team of Huawei engineers on-site, they couldnt get it to work. In an apparent compromise, DeepSeek is using Nvidia for training the model and Huawei for inference (the phase that involves running and deploying AI). It would be foolish for regulators to arrest DeepSeeks momentum by not allowing it to use any US computing power at all. The most unusual aspect of this is still US President Donald Trumps announcement that Nvidia will pay the US 15% of its revenue for AI chip sales on the mainland. Its not hard to imagine the global backlash if such a pay-for-play deal had been set up by the other side. But it also reiterates Trumps transactional approach to these national security concerns. This isnt lost in Beijing, especially at a time when the tariff truce has been further extended. Beijing may be putting on a show that it doesnt want Americas chips, but its really just building a bridge now until the domestic alternatives are ready. There are signs that this moment is approaching: Companies like buzzy startup iFlytek claim to have trained their models entirely with Huawei processors. Still, most Chinese businesses much prefer Nvidias, in large part because of its supporting software system. Encouraging developers to build on top of Huaweis rival platform over time is what will help improve it enough to eventually force a broader ecosystem shift. When this turning point is reached, US-led export controls will lose much of their power. For Washington, a 15% cut seems like an extremely low price to help smooth over this transition for China. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia tech. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has supported the candidature of former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy for the post of Vice President, AAP supremo and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on 21 August. The Opposition's vice-presidential candidate B Sudershan Reddy on Thursday met AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal to seek his party's support for the election to the second-highest constitutional post, scheduled for September 9. The meeting was held at Kejriwal's residence, hours after Reddy filed his nomination for the vice-presidential poll. Also Read | Sudershan Reddy vows to uphold Parliament integrity What did Arvind Kejriwal say on supporting INDIA bloc candidate? Justice Reddy is the Opposition's vice presidential candidate; the AAP is supporting him. At the time of his nomination, Sanjay Singh was present there. He came to meet me. We discussed the current situation in the country. Other Opposition party leaders also came. We also discussed election strategies, Kejriwal told reporters on Thursday. "We will try to make Justice Reddy win. This election is conducted by secret ballot, there is no whip. Hence, I want to say to all parties that his career has been impressive as a judge, when he took big decisions without any fear, such a person will increase the respect of the chair. Hence, I would say he is the candidate of the country." If a person like him becomes the Vice President of the country, the respect for the post of Vice President will increase. I urge everyone to support him, Arvind Kejriwal said. Very grateful to him, says Justice Reddy Justice Reddy thanked the AAP national convenor. Yesterday, Arvind Kejriwal expressed his support for my candidacy through AAP MP Sanjay Singh. I am very grateful to him and have come here to thank him, he said. "I am not a member of any political party, and the responsibility of the Vice President is not a political responsibility. It is a high constitutional responsibility, which must be independent, autonomous, and impartial. These are all qualities of a judge, and therefore I have accepted this candidacy." Justice Reddy added. Sudershan Reddy files nomination for vice presidential polls While filing his nomination, the former SC judge and INDIA bloc candidate for vice presidential polls was accompanied by top opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, SP's Ramgopal Yadav, DMKs Tiruchi Siva, TMCs Satabdi Roy, Shiv Sena (UBT)s Sanjay Raut and CPI(M)s John Brittas. After submitting his nomination, Justice Reddy said the contest was not about one individual, but about reaffirming the idea of India where Parliament functions with integrity, dissent is respected, and institutions serve people with independence". NDA candidate for vice presidential polls The NDA has fielded Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its nominee. The ruling alliance enjoys clear numerical advantage in the electoral college of 781 members (Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha), with 391 as the majority mark. The vice-president's post fell vacant after the sudden resignation by incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. China has sharply criticised Washingtons decision to slap tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, warning that remaining silent in the face of economic bullying would only embolden the United States. Beijing has also pledged to stand firmly with New Delhi, framing the two neighbours as indispensable partners in shaping Asias economic and political future. Why is China opposing US tariffs on India? Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said the United States had long benefited from free trade but was now treating tariffs as bargaining tools. The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and even threatened more. China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India, Xu declared in New Delhi. He added that cooperation between India and China was essential not only for their development but also for global stability: For two neighbouring countries of such size, unity and cooperation are the only way to achieve common development. We are the double engines of economic growth in Asia. India and Chinas unity benefits the world at large. What does Beijing expect from India? The Chinese envoy stressed the importance of building mutual trust and avoiding suspicion between India and China. Both countries are partners, not rivals. We should manage differences through dialogue, Xu noted, calling for closer alignment of strategies and the expansion of bilateral trade. We welcome all Indian commodities to enter the Chinese market, he added. Xus remarks followed the 24th round of the Special Representatives dialogue on the boundary question, co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on 19 August. The Chinese delegation also held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What progress has been made on the border issue? According to Xu, the talks yielded 10 points of consensus, including the creation of an Expert Group under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) to explore early harvest solutions on boundary delimitation. Both sides also agreed to set up new General-Level Mechanisms in the eastern and middle sectors of the border, in addition to the existing framework in the western sector. The two sides reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas, emphasised handling the issue properly through friendly consultations, and promoting overall development of the ChinaIndia bilateral relationship, Xu said. Also Read | India, China discuss situation in border areas What about India-China trade, water cooperation? On economic ties, Beijing and Delhi agreed to reopen three traditional border trading markets Renqinggang-Changgu, Pulan-Gunji and Jiuba-Namgya while scheduling the next round of boundary talks in China in 2026. Both sides also discussed river management. Xu confirmed that the countries would strengthen the ChinaIndia Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers and keep communication channels open on renewing relevant agreements. He added that China would share hydrological information during emergency situations based on humanitarian considerations. Alina Habba, President Donald Trumps pick to be the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, was blocked from handling cases by a district court judge who said her appointment was invalid. The ruling Thursday rejected Trumps decision to keep Habba as acting US attorney when her interim appointment expired, even though the states federal judges chose her deputy to succeed her. Trump instead fired the deputy, Desiree Grace, and used an unusual set of legal maneuvers to retain Habba. Habbas appointment is one of several around the US where Trump loyalists who failed to win US Senate confirmation were installed first for 120 days on an interim basis and then for 210 days on an acting basis. The case also tested the ability of Trump to override judges who rejected Habba. US District Judge Matthew Brann ruled that the Trump administration circumvented existing laws to appoint Habba. The judge embraced some arguments by criminal defendants who claimed she doesnt deserve the powerful post. Faced with the question of whether Ms. Habba is lawfully performing the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, I conclude that she is not, said Brann, a federal judge in Pennsylvania who was assigned the case to prevent a conflict of interest among the New Jersey bench. A spokesperson for Habbas office didnt immediately respond to a voicemail and an email seeking comment on the decision. Brann said he would stay the effect of his decision pending the resolution of any appeal. But the ruling, if it stands, disqualifies Habba from supervising or engaging in prosecutions of criminal defendants who challenged the appointment. The ruling also applies to any prosecutor working at Habbas direction. In New Jersey, federal judges chose Grace last month as Habbas 120-day term was expiring and her nomination for a four-year term got no traction in the Senate. An array of legal moves to maintain Habba in the post soon followed. Attorney General Pam Bondi fired Grace and appointed Habba as special attorney to the attorney general. Bondi then named Habba as first assistant US attorney and used the Federal Vacancies Reform Act to name her the acting US attorney. Three criminal defendants in New Jersey claimed those steps amounted to illegal machinations designed to ignore the lawful appointment of Grace by the judges. Declared Void Brann agreed, finding Habba had been serving without valid authority since July 1 and that her actions since that point may be declared void. Brann also rejected the Trump administrations maneuvers to circumvent a law allowing district judges to appoint a US attorney when an interim officials 120-day term expires. Accepting the governments reading would give the executive a permanent means of thwarting that provision by terminating every interim appointment on their 119th day, he said. Taken to the extreme, the President could use this method to staff the United States Attorneys office with individuals of his personal choice for an entire term without seeking the Senates advice and consent. With assistance from Chris Dolmetsch. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Congress appointed Salman Khurshid as chairperson of the party's Foreign Affairs Department on Wednesday, days after senior leader Anand Sharma resigned, citing the need to entrust younger leaders with the charge. Sharma, the former Union Minister, was born on 5 January 1953 and is 72 years old. Khurhsid, also a former Union Minister, was born on 1 January 1953 and is also 72. Hence, Khurshid is technically four days younger than Sharma. Khurshid, who served as the minister of external affairs previous Congress-led UPA government, will be assisted by Brijendra Singh and Arathi Krishna as vice-chairpersons of the department. The panel Manish Tewari, Deepender Singh Hooda, among others, previously. Brijendra Singh is a former BJP MP and the son of Birender Singh, who served as a minister in the first two Narendra Modi governments. He joined the Congress in 2024. Arathi Krishna is considered close to Karnatakas Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Congress appoints Salman Khurshid as head of the Foreign Affairs Department just days after Anand Sharma's call for younger leadership Khurshid's appointment assumes significance as it comes months after he apparently irked the Congress leadership by defending the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir during his visit to Indonesia as part of one of Narendra Modi's government's delegations on Operation Sindoor. The four-day age difference between Sharma and Khurshid ignited debate on social media. Akash Banerjee, known as 'The Deskhbakht', a social and political satire platform, was among the first to pick up on the age aspect. To bring in younger leaders of potential: Sharma In his resignation letter on 10 August, Sharma wrote that the department needs to be reconstituted to attract younger leaders with potential and promise. Also Read | Salman Khurshid claims Article 370 abrogation led to prosperity in Kashmir The former Union minister led the department for around a decade, as the National Committee of the Department of Foreign Affairs was last constituted in 2018. As I have conveyed earlier, both to CP and Chairperson CPP, in my considered view, the committee needs to be reconstituted to bring in younger leaders of potential and promise. That will ensure continuity in its functioning, the veteran Congress leader said. Sharma, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party's highest decision-making body, has been the Congress's leading face on international affairs for almost four decades. He, however, continues to be a member of the Congress party. (With agency inputs) The State Department has revoked more than twice as many visas since President Donald Trumps inauguration as the same period in 2024, an official said, as the White House looks to tout its crackdown on foreigners that it says pose a threat to public safety. Those revocations include nearly four times as many student visas, the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. According to the official there are more than 55 million foreign visa-holders in the US, and their status is vetted constantly. On Monday, the State Department said it had revoked the visas of more than 6,000 international students, including between 200 and 300 over terrorism concerns. The administration has sought to highlight how its getting tough on people who overstay their visas, engage in criminal activity or pose a threat to public safety. But Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have also come under criticism over allegations that its revoked visas of people who disagree with the administrations views, especially around Israels conflict with Hamas in Gaza. That scrutiny has been part of Trumps broader mass deportation campaign, which has seen masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carry out thousands of arrests across the country. About 37% of Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests in July were of people with no US criminal convictions or pending charges, according to recent data. In May, Rubio ordered US embassies worldwide to stop scheduling interviews for student visas as the Trump administration weighed stricter vetting of applicants social-media profiles. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Parliament Session: On Wednesday, the opposition INDIA bloc leaders intensified the protests in the Lok Sabha soon after Union Home Minister Amit Shah tabled the three contentious bills for the removal of the prime minister, chief ministers, and ministers under arrest for 30 consecutive days on serious charges. Some members tore the papers and threw them at the Home Minister while he was tabling the proposed laws. The opposition alleged that the new piece of legislation would only bring India closer to a "police state." Draconian piece of legislation Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described the Bills as "draconian" and said presenting them as an "anti-corruption measure was just to pull a veil across the eyes of the people". Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee said the legislation's intention was "to retain power, money and control over the nation, but without shouldering accountability." AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said the "government is hell-bent on creating a Police State". "This will be the final nail in the coffin of elected governments," he said. What are the contentious bills? The contentious bills are the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, which covers the PM, states, and Delhi NCT; the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill; and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill. The three bills propose that a sitting minister, chief minister, or prime minister will automatically be out of office if they are arrested or detained for 30 days straight for an offence that carries a jail term of at least five years. Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday slammed the Narendra Modi government for introducing the 'extraordinary and patently unconstitutional' Bills. The former Home Minister said there could perhaps be nothing more bizarre in the legal world than having some cease to be a Chief Minister after failing to get bail in 30 days. Sent to Parliamentary Panel The bills will be taken up in the next Lok Sabha session since the Monsoon Session was adjourned sine die. They have been sent to a joint panel of Parliament for further scrutiny. But does the government have the numbers to pass the bills and turn them into a law? Well, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill covering the prime minister, states, and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi proposes to amend the Constitution. This would need a two-thirds majority in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and thus may not pass as the BJP-led ruling alliance does not have the required two-thirds majority. The Constitutional Amendment Bill was introduced in response to the Modi government's commitment against political corruption in the country and the public's outrage, the government said. The other two bills for union territories, including J&K and Ladakh, would need a simple majority. These two can be passed easily as the BJP-led NDA has a majority in the Parliament. What is the Constitutional Amendment Bill? The Constitution Amendment Bill aims to amend three articles in the Constitution of India Articles 75, 164 and 239AA. It states that any minister, Chief Minister, or Prime Minister who is arrested and in custody for over 30 days after being accused of an offence punishable by a jail term of five years or more shall be removed from office. How are numbers stacked up? A constitutional amendment Bill needs to be passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament before it goes to the President for assent. In the 542-member Lok Sabha, the two-thirds majority would be at least 361. But the BJP-led NDA currently has just 293 members in the Lok Sabha. Managing the remaining 68 votes would not be easy for the ruling alliance. The government is hell-bent on creating a Police State. The situation is no different in the Upper Housethe Rajya Sabha. As of now, it has 239 members, and the Bill would need the support of 160 for a two-thirds majority. The NDA has 132 Rajya Sabha members, 28 less than the two-thirds target. (Bloomberg) -- Polands new President Karol Nawrocki used his veto power for the first time since taking office this month to block the cabinets bill curbing energy prices and easing rules for investing in renewables. This is the first bill which Ive decided to veto. It was a kind of blackmail by the parliamentary majority, Nawrocki said in a speech in Warsaw on Thursday. He added that hed proposed his own legislation to extend the freeze on household energy prices. The energy bill was part of a push by Polands government to get the coal-dependent country generating at least 50% of its power from renewable sources by the end of the decade. It would have cut the required distance between wind turbines and households and extended the nine-month power price cap for households at 500 zloty/Mwh ($137) until the end of the year. Its the first major clash over legislation between Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, highlighting the tense cohabitation which lies ahead. The opposition-backed nationalist president has said hes willing to wield his veto to thwart Tusks reform agenda. Since being sworn in as president on Aug. 6, Nawrocki has already put the government on the defensive with his proposals to cut taxes and revamp an airport hub project. He unexpectedly replaced Tusk in a call between Donald Trump and European leaders, in a sign of his emerging clout with the new US administration. Nawrocki, an advocate for the countrys coal mining industry, is in favor of lower electricity prices, but opposes wind farms being built too close to households. The presidents Spokesman Rafal Leskiewicz said this month that linking energy prices to wind farm regulations in one bill puts Nawrocki in an awkward position. Tusks government has argued that both issues are linked as more wind farms, which generate power at lower cost that coal-fueled power stations, will help curb future energy prices an issue about which Nawrocki has voiced concern. --With assistance from Piotr Bujnicki. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- The UK received a record number of asylum claims in the year through June, underscoring the challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmers Labour government faces in tackling a hot-button issue with voters. Some 111,084 migrants sought asylum in Britain over the 12-month period, 14% more than the previous year and the highest total in a data series extending back to 1979, according to Home Office statistics released Thursday. The number of migrants housed in hotels rose 8% year-on-year to 32,059, according to the figures, which come in a week that local councils around the country vowed to explore legal action to remove those accommodated in their areas, following a court ruling in Epping, near London. In a glimmer of progress, the June figure was down marginally on the total housed in hotels at the end of March. The record highlights the crisis faced by Starmer as he seeks to show his government is getting a handle on immigration both legal and by irregular means after just over a year in power. Ministers are currently scrabbling to find places to house asylum seekers after a court on Tuesday ruled that the Bell Hotel in Epping should not be used for that purpose as it had not sought the correct planning permissions. That in turn spurred a number of local councils, whose residents object to the use of hotels for asylum accommodation, to promise to explore similar actions. The total number of so-called irregular migrants coming to the UK on small boats across the English Channel hit 13,340 in the second quarter of the year, up from 6,642 in the previous quarter. The first six months of this year has been a record-breaking period for small boat arrivals, with the total of 19,982 up from 13,489 in the same period of 2024. Worries about the number of migrants entering the UK sparked protests in the summer of 2024, which escalated into far-right violence as social media users incorrectly stated the murderer of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, was a migrant. Those protests were revived this summer after an asylum seeker being housed at the hotel in Epping was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charges in court. The UK government has been focused on speeding up the processing of asylum claims and smashing the gangs of people smugglers facilitating trips across the English Channel on dinghies, but progress so far has been slow. Labours own backbench members of Parliament have become increasingly critical, with Graham Stringer telling GB News on Wednesday evening that were not going to smash the gangs. Weve got gangs in all our major cities we havent managed to smash them and the idea that we can smash them when theyre operating from the other side of the channel, and in some cases, the other side of the planet, doesnt bear half a seconds scrutiny, Stringer said. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy pushed back against Russias idea to add China as a security guarantor in the event of a ceasefire. We dont need guarantors who dont help Ukraine, and didnt help Ukraine at the moment when we really needed it, Zelenskiy told reporters in Kyiv. We need security guarantees only from those countries that are ready to help us. The Ukrainian presidents words come after his meeting on Monday with Donald Trump and European leaders at White House that produced a firmer commitment by the US to security guarantees for Kyiv. Trump ruled out sending soldiers to Ukraine, but said the US might provide air support. European leaders are currently discussing what their own contribution might look like. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that reliable security guarantees for Ukraine cant work without Russia and could also involve China, mentioning an accord drafted in Istanbul in the early stages of Moscows full-scale invasion. That accord was rejected by Kyiv, as it would have given Russia a veto over attempts by other guarantors to come to Ukraines aid if attacked. Russia and China declared a no limits partnership just before Moscows full-scale invasion in 2022. Beijing has stopped short of providing lethal military assistance, though Chinese components have been found in Russian weapons. President Xi Jinpings government since provided Moscow with diplomatic and economic support, of which Zelenskiy has voiced criticism. Zelenskiy said hed heard positive signals from Trump about a US role in security guarantees. Following the talks in Washington, security and military chiefs of Ukraines allies have started to work on the architecture of future guarantees, he said, which he said he expected to be clearer within seven to 10 days. Following Trumps push for a trilateral meeting, Zelenskiy also reiterated that he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, but not anywhere. There can be no meeting in Moscow, Zelenskiy said. He also pushed back against suggestions to hold the meeting in Budapest, describing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans policy as not against Ukraine but against supporting Ukraine. Instead the meeting should be held in neutral Europe, Zelenskiy said, suggesting non-NATO members Switzerland and Austria or Turkey, a NATO member state and the site of previous summits to broker an end to Russias war. Amid Trumps diplomatic push for an end to the war, Russia attacked cities in western Ukraine along the border with Poland and Hungary with missiles and drones overnight. The strikes killed one person in Lviv and damaged dozens of buildings, regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi said on Telegram Thursday morning. Neighboring Poland scrambled jets in response. Russia also hit the city of Mukachevo in Ukraines Zakarpattya region with missiles, injuring at least 12 civilians and damaging a local factory, according to the regional governors statement on Facebook. It was the first attack of such scale on the city, located 40 kilometers from the border with Hungary. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. How do you tell your boss that you want to keep workingjust not as much? Thousands of American workers have this talk every year with their managers. Some are nearing retirement age; others are caring for children or aging parents. It can be a tricky conversation. If you dont handle the request for part-time work correctly, you could end up hurting your status at the company or even putting your job at risk. Gabriel Shahin, a financial advisor in Glendora, Calif., had a client around age 60 who arranged to reduce both her hours and pay by half. She lost her health and retirement benefits because she wasnt working enough hours. It got worse. Within a year, she was the first to be let go during a reorganization," Shahin says. He had another client around age 55 who was working long hours and burning out at her job as a software engineer. He helped her negotiate a package in which she worked 30 hours a week, received eight weeks off a year, retained retirement and health benefits, and retained about two-thirds of her former pay. She remained essential to the team and stayed employed," he says. Barrons spoke with financial advisors and a former human resources manager on the dos and donts of requesting to go part time. Be Ready for No If you need that paycheck, think hard before even discussing part-time work with your employer. Its a lot easier conversation if you know that you can give up the job," says Milo Benningfield, a financial advisor in San Francisco. If youre afraid of losing the job, its a tougher conversation, and the odds are you wont get everything you could get." Carolyn McClanahan, a financial advisor and medical doctor in Jacksonville, Fla., advises a different approach to protect your job: You just open it up by saying, Im thinking about the future, and what are the possibilities for the future as I go into the next phase of life? What are the possibilities about ever working part time?" Know What You Bring to the Table Dont assume you will do the same work for fewer hours a week. Be ready to explain how you will add value as a part-time worker. Have a concrete plan for how your part-time job will be structured, says Victoria Neal, an HR knowledge advisor with the Society for Human Resource Management, and a former human resources manager herself. You might propose doing something that no one else in the company does as well as you do. If you have been at a firm for a long time, your institutional knowledge may be valuable to your employer. You can propose working with younger employees. Explain how this will be a win-win for the organization," Neal says. Dont Tie Pay to Hours Depending on your experience, skills, and contacts, your employer might get substantial value from you as a part-timer. Youre saying, This is the value Im bringing, and that doesnt necessarily equate to the number of hours or the task youre working," says Robin Snell, a financial advisor in Palm Harbor, Fla. Other workers have less leverage when it comes to negotiating salary. Present all your attributes and make sure the job is a good fit before discussing pay. Protect Your Benefits Know exactly how many hours you need to work to retain medical and retirement benefits. Make sure you retain the right to invest in the companys 401(k) retirement plan. Know how much vacation you will be getting. Dont Give Too Much Notice Two weeks notice is often enough. Telling your employer months in advance that you want to go part time on a certain date can make you vulnerable if the firm is pondering cutbacks. Since you have already asked to work fewer hours, you may be the natural person to be laid off. Giving a lot of notice also makes it easier for your employer to train a replacement and not need you as a part-timer. Employers sometimes have to have their back against the wall to make a decision," Snell says. A Russian state-backed messenger application called MAX, a rival to WhatsApp that critics say could be used to track users, must be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets from next month, the Russian government said on Thursday. The decision to promote MAX comes as Moscow is seeking greater control over the internet space as it is locked in a standoff with the West over Ukraine, which it casts as part of an attempt to shape a new world order. Also Read | Here's why nearly 20 lakh WhatsApp accounts were banned in India this June The Russian government said in a statement that MAX, which will be integrated with government services, would be on a list of mandatory pre-installed apps on all "gadgets," including mobile phones and tablets, sold in Russia from September 1. State media denies accusations from Kremlin critics State media says accusations from Kremlin critics that MAX is a spying app are false and that it has fewer permissions to access user data than rivals WhatsApp and Telegram. Which apps are mandatory? It will also be mandatory that from September 1, Russia's domestic app store, RuStore, which is pre-installed on all Android devices, will be pre-installed on Apple devices. A Russian-language TV app called LIME HD TV, which allows people to watch state TV channels for free, will be pre-installed on all smart TVs sold in Russia from January 1, the government added. The push to promote homegrown apps comes after Russia said this month it had started restricting some calls on WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, and on Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. WhatsApp, which in July had a reach of 97.3 million in Russia, responded by accusing Moscow of trying to block Russians from accessing secure communications, while Telegram, which had a reach of 90.8 million users, said it actively combats the harmful use of its platform. The third most popular messenger app in July, according to Mediascope data, was VK Messenger at 17.9 million people, an offering from the same state-controlled tech company VK which developed MAX. MAX said this week that 18 million users had downloaded its app, parts of which are still in a testing phase. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. "The Emergency Operations Center activated this afternoon in support of our local law enforcement and first responder agencies as they respond to a possible active shooter at UTC Campus and Erlanger Medical Center. Per Chattanooga Police: As of 1:53 pm, the ALL CLEAR has been for UTC and Erlanger. All actives can resume as normal." Love, laughter, and Longford charm filled the air as Andrea Coyle, Granard, daughter of Joseph and the late Dympna Coyle and Darren Waters, Ballinamuck, son of Audrey and Martin Waters celebrated their wedding recently in the enchanting surroundings of Monte do Serrinho Country House, nestled high in the breathtaking Algarve mountains of Portugal. Surrounded by family and friends, the celebration was nothing short of spectacular. From the scenic mountain vistas and shimmering poolside views to the exquisite silver service, every detail exuded elegance. As the Portuguese sun set, guests were treated to a dazzling display of fireworks, followed by music and dancing late into the warm night, creating memories that will last a lifetime. PICTURES: Una Healy dazzles in the sun as crowds turn out for Marquee in Drumlish festival Andrea was radiant in the company of her bridesmaids, Georgina Coyle, Grainne OConnor, and Charlotte McManus while Darren was ably supported by his groomsmen, Daniel Waters, David Dunleavy, Steven Waters, and James Breslin. The day was a perfect blend of romance, joy, and celebration, a true reflection of the love Andrea and Darren share. County Longford joins in wishing the happy couple every joy and success for the future, as they return home to begin married life with their much-loved fur babies, Bowie and Ellie. A love story that began at home has now been written into the history books under the Algarve stars, an unforgettable wedding for a fabulous couple. PICTURES: Sunshine and smiles as crowds attend Longford's Colmcille Ploughing Local News, Crime By Long Island Published: August 21 2025 Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Juan Morales Guerra, 32, was sentenced in absentia to 1 to 4 years in prison for a 2022 hit-and-run in Brentwood that left a pedestrian with ... Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Juan Morales Guerra, 32, was sentenced in absentia to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison for Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting Resulting in Serious Personal Injury, for crashing his vehicle in Brentwood, seriously injuring a pedestrian, and then fleeing the scene without calling for help, exchanging information, or reporting the incident to law enforcement. This is yet another tragic example of how so-called bail reform has eroded public safety and accountability, said District Attorney Tierney. Despite the serious nature of the charges and potential for substantial incarceration, the court was compelled by New York law to release this defendant back onto the streets without any form of security. Unsurprisingly, the defendant soon thereafter hopped a flight to El Salvador in order to evade justice. While my office was able to proceed through trial and sentencing in his absence, it is a sad state that our legislators have enabled him to flee. We remain actively engaged with our federal partners, and we will not rest until he is returned to Suffolk County to serve his sentence. The evidence at trial established that on May 23, 2022, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Morales Guerra was driving an Acura MDX southbound on Washington Street in Brentwood when he struck a pedestrian who was walking across the street and then fled the scene. The victim was transported to South Shore University Hospital where he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury that required an emergency craniectomy which has left him with debilitating injuries to the present day. Law enforcement retrieved video surveillance from a nearby residence which captured the collision and found car parts along the roadway where the collision occurred. On June 8, 2022, law enforcement found Morales Guerras Acura MDX parked in front of his home on Whipple Street in Brentwood, approximately a quarter of a mile away from the crash scene. The car parts, including a headlight found at the crash site, matched the damage that law enforcement observed on the Acura. When interviewed by police, Morales Guerra admitted to driving the vehicle, hitting someone or something with his car, and then driving away. He was then placed under arrest. He was arraigned on September 13, 2022, but released without any financial security because his crime is considered non-bail eligible under New York law, meaning prosecutors cannot request, and courts cannot require, any form of bail. Following pre-trial hearings that were held in March 2023, law enforcement determined that Morales Guerra had gotten on a plane and fled to El Salvador. On May 10, 2023, Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski issued a bench warrant for Morales Guerra after he failed to appear in court. On March 25, 2025, he was found guilty after a jury trial held in absentia heard before Justice Pilewski of one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting Resulting in Serious Physical Injury, a Class E felony. On August 21, 2025, Morales Guerra was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison. He was represented by Chase Brown, Esq. A video published by Shabaabs Shahada News Agency shows Ahrar Beit al Maqdis spokesperson Abu Zain al Maqdisi thanking AQAP for its donation. The Shahada News Agency, a propaganda arm of Shabaab, Al Qaedas branch in East Africa, reported on August 19 that Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) successfully sent aid to needy Palestinians in Gaza City. The report highlighted that Al Qaeda and its branches, which have long championed the Palestinian cause, are providing limited assistance to those in Gaza who were affected by the war between Israel and armed factions. The report is based on a video featuring Abu Zain al Maqdisi, the spokesperson for an obscure organization in the Gaza Strip called Ahrar Beit al Maqdis. Besides being noted once by the Center for Strategic and International Studies for carrying out an unspecified attack and described in an unverified post on X as a local armed jihadist group established in Gaza City a year ago that is influenced by the ideology of Osama Bin Laden, limited substantive open-source information is available about Ahrar Beit al Maqdis. In the clip, Maqdisi thanked Ansar al Sharia, AQAPs political front group, saying that money and charity had reached the organization. He described that the donations were used by the group to feed the poor. Maqdisi concluded his address by praising Al Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden, who often invoked the plight of the Palestinians to rally support for a global jihadist campaign against Israel and the West. AQAP considers the issue of Palestine as dogmatic; therefore, [it considers] Gaza as essential in its mobilization and propaganda efforts, and reminds at every occasion of the famous words of OBL [Osama Bin Laden] regarding the issue and Western help to Israel, France 24 journalist and Soufan Center Senior Research Fellow Wassim Nasr told FDDs The Long War Journal. Nasr also noted that the publication of the video served distinct purposes for AQAP: AQAP obviously wants to make [the donations] public, as [doing so] answers the blame [cast by the jihadist groups] opponents about [AQAP] doing nothing for Palestine and not fighting Israel. The de facto void created by the weakening of Hamas [also] permits other groups to start looking for a foothold in Gaza, and aid can be useful in that sense, as Hamas started with charity in the 1980s. Al Qaeda and its war against Israel Al Qaeda has long taken up the Palestinian cause as its own, although it has historically had difficulty getting traction in the West Bank and Gaza. Various small Al Qaeda cells that popped up in Gaza over the past two decades have been ruthlessly suppressed by Hamas, as the latter views the former as a threat to its authority. Al Qaeda has used the Palestinian cause as part of its justification for waging global jihad. One of the groups early religious rulings (fatwas), released in 1998 under the guise of the International Islamic Front, called for Jihad Against Jews and Crusaders. The statement was signed by Bin Laden, Ayman al Zawahiri, and other jihadi luminaries. In the fatwa, Al Qaeda said it was the duty of Muslims to kill the Americans and their alliescivilians and military throughout the world, and claimed that US aims were to serve the Jews petty state and divert attention from its occupation of Jerusalem and murder of Muslims there. This message was repeated numerous times since the fatwa was released. Al Qaedas General Command denounced President Donald Trumps recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December 2017. It is the oath of the martyr [bin Laden] of the Ummah who paved the way for a momentous state in the Ummahs history; a stage in which it became obvious that the head of international disbelief, that is leading the war against Islam and Muslims, violating their sanctities, plundering their wealth, and supporting the Zionists and the tyrants of the Arabs and the Orient, is none other than America, Al Qaedas statement read. Zawahiri, who succeeded Bin Laden and served as Al Qaedas emir until he was killed by the US in Afghanistan in 2022, reiterated the 1998 fatwa while commemorating the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 hijackings and attack on the US. Zawahiri stated that the US was behind the wars in the Muslim world, including in Palestine. Shabaab has used US support of Israel to justify its attacks, including the deadly Manba Bay raid in Kenya in 2020. That raid was part of a wider campaign, its Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Will Never Be Judaized Operations. Most recently, AQAP weighed in on the war in Gaza and denounced the Israeli operation against Hamas and other terror groups. In June 2025, AQAP released a statement that characterized the war as nothing but a Zionist-Crusader global war par excellence and compared the destruction and devastation in Gaza as three times what was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima when it was destroyed by the American nuclear bomb. In the statement, obtained and translated by FDDs Long War Journal, AQAP hinted that it would try to provide support to Gaza. What you see and hear every moment, one scene is enough for us to rush in groups and alone, light and heavy, towards our Al-Aqsa, our Jerusalem, our people and our brothers in the cause of Islam, dignity and sacrifice, AQAP said. AQAP also called American political leaders slaves to the Jews, subservient and obedient to their masters, the leaders of the global Zionist Crusades. Joe Truzman is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian militant groups and Hezbollah. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. The president of the Balearic government, Marga Prohens, has warned that the migration route between Algeria and the Balearics is the fastest growing in Europe and has once again demanded the deployment of Frontex personnel in the region. She made the statement on Thursday at a press conference following a meeting with the presidents of the four island councils to address the migration crisis in the islands. So far this year, Prohens said, more than 4,700 migrants have arrived in the Balearics by boat, twice as many as last year at this time. In the last 20 days alone, she said, some 1,500 people have arrived. We have reviewed the data and the route between Algeria and the Balearics is the one that is growing the most, not only in Spain but in the whole of Europe, she said. To address this situation, the regional leader has called on the government to intensify its diplomatic relations with Algeria, as promised by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, to control the arrival of small boats and fight against the mafias that traffic in human lives and make money from this route. Prohens announced that, together with the presidents of the island councils, they will meet soon - the plan is for the end of September - with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, to discuss the possibility of Frontex being deployed in the Balearics. Since 2021, Frontex has been warning about the situation on the Balearic route. Since 2024, it has raised the alert to medium level and we are aware that since 2025 they have considered raising it to high level so that they can be deployed, she said. She explained this measure would allow the Balearics to have human resources specialised in border control and migration management. It would also provide material resources such as drones and radars. It would mean that when these people arrive, the checks and interviews carried out would be much more thorough and the information we have to know how to act in each case would be more reliable, she added. Chinese FM meets Afghan interior minister Xinhua) 09:16, August 21, 2025 KABUL, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met here on Wednesday with Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China has always pursued a friendly policy toward Afghanistan, stood for equality among all countries, and adhered to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. He stressed that China respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its development path chosen by the Afghan people, its unique national conditions and religious traditions, adding that in Afghanistan's pursuit of development and revitalization, China is a reliable partner and friend of Afghanistan. China supports Afghanistan's policy of prioritizing economic development and is willing to contribute to its development and revitalization, Wang said. He said that China will continue to oppose unreasonable pressure on Afghanistan and freeze of its assets, and supports an early resumption of bilateral patrols in the Wakhan Corridor to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas, urging Afghanistan to take firm actions to crack down on the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and other international terror groups so as to safeguard China-Afghanistan cooperation. Haqqani expressed appreciation for China's long-standing support for Afghanistan's development and the people's livelihood, as well as its support for Afghanistan's integration into the international community. He said that Afghanistan is ready to carry forward a friendship with China, and further expand cooperation in various fields, stressing that Afghanistan attaches great importance to China's security concerns, and Afghanistan will never allow anyone to use its territory to undermine China's security. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Country music star Morgan Wallen is bringing his 2025 tour to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA this weekend and fans can still purchase tickets for under $200. The Im The Problem Tour will be at Gillette on Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23. Fans can still shop for tickets online using Ticketmaster and reliable third-party ticket sellers like StubHub, VividSeats and SeatGeek. *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* As of Thursday, August 21, the cheapest tickets to both shows are listed below: The 2025 tour comes as Wallens previous two albums, Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time," landed No. 1 and No. 6 on Billboards Top 200 Albums of the 21st Century. His third studio album, One Thing At A Time," sat atop the Billboard 200 Albums chart for 19 non-consecutive weeks, which is the most a Country album has been at No. 1. The tour will support Wallens fourth studio album, Im The Problem. The shows will feature special guests Miranda Lambert and Corey Kent. Below is a look at the remaining Morgan Wallen 2025 Im The Problem Tour Dates with links to purchase tickets: An 84-year-old woman was violently beaten to death in her Roslindale home after offering her killers orange juice. Decades later, all those charged in connection with her murder are walking free. In the spring of 1981, Donna Westbrooks, 20, saw a neighbor, 84-year-old Palmira Piciulo, wearing valuable jewelry. Westbrooks knew the 84-year-old lived alone in the apartment above her. She began working with 20-year-old Phillip Pennellatore and 15-year-old James Costello, who sometimes lived in her apartment, to plan an armed robbery. On April 6, 1981, Westbrooks and Costello went to the womans apartment and she invited them in and served them orange juice. When the 15-year-old got up from the table to put the glasses in the sink, he walked up behind Piciulo and began hitting her in the head with a heavy black telephone cable he had hidden in his sleeve. Westbrooks returned to her apartment to get Pennellatores help and they ran back upstairs. Piciulo was lying on the kitchen floor, officials said. But when she tried to get up, Pennellatore took the cable and struck her until she lay motionless on the floor. Pennellatore and Costello then stole items from the 84-year-olds apartment. As they were able to leave, they noticed that Piciulo was still alive. They then suffocated her, struck her with a hammer and slit her wrists before leaving, officials said. Westbrooks was charged with accessory after the fact and eventually paroled. Costello was found guilty of first-degree murder, armed assault in a dwelling and armed robbery. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Pennellatore was convicted of first-degree murder and was also sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Both sentences were deemed unconstitutional to not have the possibility of parole due to their ages. And nearly 44 years later, both men will be free. In 2015, Costello was granted parole after reflecting on the trauma that shaped his path to violence including the abuse he suffered as a teenager at the hands of Father John J. Geoghan, the notorious priest whose crimes were exposed in the movie Spotlight. That abuse, Costello said, played a pivotal role in the choices that led to his conviction. Pennellatore was granted parole on Aug. 20 after his first parole board hearing in April. James Costello Costello experienced neglect and abuse from a young age. Still, he told the parole board in 2015, that it doesnt excuse his responsibility in the crime. Costello remembered when his 3-year-old brother was severely burned after playing with matches. He said his mother was passed out when this happened, so he and his sister had to drag their brother into the bathtub. His mother then blamed him and his sister for the incident, which increased the intensity of the physical abuse they had already endured, the parole board wrote. Costello was raped by a neighbor when he was 6. The man threatened him to keep it a secret or he and his family would be killed. Costello kept the experience to himself and stated that the next four years were even more difficult. He began disengaging from his family, school and any positive influences that he may have had. He began stealing cars, abusing drugs and alcohol and breaking into homes. By age 13, Costello was committed to the Department of Youth Services (DYS). Costello then described an experience that further exacerbated his level of anger, distrust, and detachment from adult figures, the parole board wrote. His mother was at a loss for how to provide him with positive direction and insisted that he get pastoral counseling from Geoghan. Former Catholic priest John Geoghan listens during a hearing in Middlesex Superior Court in Cambridge, Mass., in this Nov. 5, 2001 photo. (AP Photo/Patricia McDonnell) ASSOCIATED PRESS While in Geoghans care, Costello was sexually abused by him. Despite Costellos resistance, his mother, who was unaware of the abuse, insisted that he continue and even encouraged Costello to become one of Geoghans altar boys. Costello described this abusive relationship as being a significant catalyst to his violent and criminal behavior, the parole board wrote. He felt hopelessness. On the day of the attack, Costello followed what Pennellatore told him to do. I struck the first blows, he recalled. I did this to a small vulnerable woman who took pity on a street kid. He was then told to search the apartment and later told to hit the woman with a hammer. Phil told us to do it to make sure she was dead, he recalled. After Costello was arrested, Geoghan resumed his relationship with the 15-year-old. The psychiatrist (obviously oblivious to the abuse) recommended to the Court that Costello maintain his relationship with Geoghan, in the hope that he would benefit from his mentoring, the parole board wrote. But the court ultimately decided Costello had not benefited from Geoghans efforts to help him. They used this as evidence to move him from juvenile court to being tried as an adult. At 17, he was convicted and sent to the most dangerous prison in Massachusetts. And he fought for survival. By 1991, he began turning his life around. He first asked for a parole board hearing in 2003 but was denied. Ten years later, his life sentence without the possibility of parole was deemed unconstitutional and he had his parole board hearing Feb. 26, 2015. In an unanimous vote, the board decided Costello was a suitable candidate for parole. Phillip Pennellatore Over the 44 years Pennellatore has been incarcerated, hes begun making changes to better himself. Now 64 years old, Pennellatore hasnt had any disciplinary reports since 1992. He also got a bachelors degree through Boston University during his time incarcerated. He participated in programs, including Jericho Circle and Restorative Justice, prior to being able to go in front of the parole board. The Board concludes by unanimous decision that Mr. Pennellatore has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society, the parole board wrote. Parole was granted to Bethany House, a residential program, in about a month. He will have electronic monitoring for six months, be supervised for drugs, mental health counseling and is not allowed to have contact with the victims family. Boston police are asking the public to help identify a suspect who they say pinned a woman against a car in South Boston. Boston Police Department Boston police are asking the public to help them identify a suspect who they say pinned a woman who was walking down the street against a car in South Boston early Sunday morning. The incident happened around 2 a.m. on Aug. 17 near the intersection of Telegraph and Old Harbor Streets, Boston police said in a Thursday press release. The preliminary investigation suggests that the woman was walking up Telegraph Street towards Old Harbor Street when she noticed the suspect following her. The suspect shouted at the woman to get her attention, rushed towards her and pinned her against a car, police said. He then restrained her arms, trying to restrict her ability to move. Ultimately, the woman was able to scream and broke free when the suspect became distracted, police said. She then fled to safety. Police described the suspect as a Hispanic male who was approximately 5-foot-7 in height, had a medium build, tan complexion and a black buzz cut. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and dark clothing. Boston police detectives ask that anyone with information about the suspect or assault call them at (617) 343-4742. You can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-494-8477, texting the word TIP to 27463 or online on the Boston Police Department website. Brian Walshe and one of his lawyers Kelli Porges arrives at the Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass. Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP) AP The judge presiding over Brian Walshes murder case denied a motion to dismiss the murder charge against him, finding the grand jury that indicted Walshe had ample evidence before it to bring a first-degree murder charge against him. Walshe is accused of killing his wife, Ana, in the Cohasset home they shared with their three children in early 2023, then dismembering her body in the basement and disposing of her remains in dumpsters. Ana Walshes body has never been found. The motion from Brian Walshes lawyers sought the dismissal of the first-degree murder charge on the grounds that prosecutors were required to present sufficient evidence on each theory of murder they might pursue at trial. In Walshes case, prosecutors intend to pursue theories of deliberate premeditation and extreme atrocity and cruelty. If the evidence on one theory was insufficient to support the indictment, his lawyers contended, the portion of the indictment accusing Walshe of murder on that theory should be thrown out. But Judge Diane Freniere ruled the argument was an incorrect statement of the law. Contrary to the defendants contention, if the evidence before the grand jury was sufficient under one of the aggravating circumstances ... the entire indictment for murder stands, Freniere wrote. Walshes lawyers also argued there was insufficient evidence that the killing of his wife was a premeditated murder. Freniere shot down that argument as well. Freniere noted that the grand jury heard testimony from Ana Walshes friends that the couple were experiencing ongoing troubles in their marriage, including financial problems, infidelity and legal issues tied to Brian Walshes federal art fraud case. Yet on New Years Eve 2022, the Walshes hosted Ana Walshes former boss, Gem Mutlu, for dinner. Mutlu described a joyful atmosphere that night and described Brian Walshe as very attentive. Mutlu left around 1 or 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2023. When Brian Walshe told him his wife had gone missing that day, Mutlu asked if the couple argued. Brian Walshe responded, did it look like we had an argument that night? The grand jury could infer from such an interaction that Brian had used the New Years Eve dinner with Mutlu as a facade so that Mutlu would deflect any suspicion away from Brian when Ana went missing, Freniere wrote in her decision. Freniere laid out other key evidence against Walshe to support premeditation. The grand jury heard evidence that Walshe told Mutlu he lost his phone on Jan. 1, 2023 a claim Freniere said could have led to the inference that Walshe was covering for not trying to contact his wife that day, when he claimed she went missing. Walshe also arranged for a nanny to watch his and his wifes children on New Years Day, and told his wife they were going to an elaborate dinner with many courses in Marblehead. It was reasonable for the grand jury to infer that Brian had also lied ... about New Years Day plans, and that he had done so to ensure Ana did not make other plans and their children were occupied to allow himself time to further conceal his crime, Freniere wrote. Walshes lawyers also objected to prosecutors reliance on evidence of his motive, arguing it did not support a theory of premeditation. Freniere disagreed, finding the evidence of motive was significant. Ana Walshe wanted her children to live with her in Washington, D.C., where she worked. But the chance of Brian Walshe getting a sentence of home confinement in his art fraud case was substantially less if he did not live with his children, Freniere wrote. Ana Walshes friends told the grand jury she was increasingly frustrated and the pair had recently had a big argument where she gave her husband an ultimatum. She was also having an affair with a coworker in Washington, D.C., and had admitted to having a crush on him to her husband. During a Jan. 4, 2023 interview with police, Brian Walshe told officers his wifes messages sometimes showed up on his devices and he had access to her Instagram account. Brian Walshes mother also suspected her sons wife was having an affair and hired a private investigator. Walshe also searched the name of the man his wife was having an affair with numerous times on Instagram. On Dec. 27, 2022, Walshe searched best state to divorce for a man. The grand jury also heard evidence that Walshe was the beneficiary of several life insurance policies on his wife. From such evidence, the grand jury could infer that Brian knew about Anas affair, thought their marriage was likely coming to an end, did not want to go to federal prison, and viewed her death as more beneficial to him than a divorce, Freniere wrote. While Freniere acknowledged the evidence of prior planning was not overwhelming, she found there was enough evidence before the grand jury to meet the standard of probable cause that Walshe intended to kill Ana and that he decided to do so after a period of reflection. Walshe has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for Oct. 20. His lawyers filed a second motion to dismiss the case last week, claiming if prosecutors did not review evidence generated during the federal investigation of the Karen Read case, he could not get a fair trial. Freniere has not ruled on that motion, but it may be moot given that prosecutors have now obtained permission from the federal government to go through the materials. A Lawrence city councilor has pleaded guilty to voter fraud charges that tie back to the 2023 municipal election in which she was first elected to office, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office. District A Councilor Fidelina Santiago, 41, pleaded guilty to four counts each of voting unlawfully, interfering with a voter and obstructing voting on Wednesday in Essex County Superior Court, the district attorneys office said in a Thursday press release. Prosecutors in the case decided to drop an additional four counts of conspiracy to vote or attempt to vote illegally. Santiago did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her guilty plea Thursday afternoon. The case was referred to the district attorneys office by Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvins office, the district attorneys office said. Authorities have not specified how Santiago committed these offenses. Santiago beat her opponent in the November 2023 election by about 16 points, according to the city of Lawrences official election results, Santiago is due back in court for sentencing on Oct. 9. A Maine man is facing charges in two Massachusetts courts after trying to shoot and kill a pregnant woman at a Carver pond, then shooting a relative of his on Cape Cod less than two hours later, according to police. Fryeburg resident Anthony Delman, 37, has been charged with armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a pregnant victim and three gun charges in connection with the Carver shooting, Carver police said in a press release Thursday. Delman pleaded not guilty to one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and three gun charges in connection with the Cape Cod shooting during his arraignment in Orleans District Court on Aug. 15, according to court records. On Wednesday, Aug. 13, a woman arrived at the Carver Police Station shortly before 7:40 p.m. to report that shed been shot at Sampson Pond, Carver police said. Officers quickly noticed that she had been shot in the leg, and Carver Emergency Services took the woman to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth with non-life-threatening injuries. The police investigation into the shooting identified Delman as a suspect, and Wareham District Court issued a warrant for his arrest on Wednesday, Aug. 20, police said. At that time, he was already in police custody in connection with a shooting in Dennis that happened later in the evening on the same day as the Carver shooting. Around 9 p.m. that day, Dennis police were called to the Pier 134 Commons on Route 134 in South Dennis by a 911 call reporting a loud bang, after which a man was seen limping and crying in the pier parking lot, Dennis police said in a press release. At the scene, officers discovered that the man had been shot in the leg and was being taken to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. The investigation into the shooting revealed that Delman, who was the mans relative, intentionally shot him, Dennis police said. With the help of Harwich police and the Regional Cape and Islands SWAT Team, Dennis police arrested Delman the following day around 4:45 p.m. During Delmans arraignment in Orleans District Court, he was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Aug. 19, according to court records. At the hearing, the judge deemed him dangerous and ordered him held without bail at Barnstable County Correctional Facility in Bourne for up to 120 days. Delmans arraignment in Wareham District Court has not yet been scheduled. No further information about the shooting in Carver has been released. A Massachusetts father violently beat his 18-year-old son with a gas tank and hammer, breaking his skull, hitting his brain and killing him. On Thursday, Richard Seymour is going in front of the parole board for the seventh time this time, months ahead of schedule. On Jan. 20, 1986, Richard Seymour, then 36, got into a fight with his 18-year-old son, Patrick Seymour, over the use of the car at the familys Billerica residence. Patrick Seymour had asked his father to borrow the car so he could go help a friend change a flat tire, the Boston Globe reported. Richard Seymour used his fists, a propane gas tank and a hammer to beat his son to death. Evidence showed that Richard Seymour struck Patrick Richard with the gas tank at least three times in the back of the head, while Patrick was either on his knees or lying on the ground. And the hammer blows were hit with such force that he broke through his sons skull and penetrated his brain, the parole board wrote in 2024. Richard Seymour then tied Patrick Seymours hands and legs, dragged him behind a workbench and covered him with blankets and boxes. Officials said he was still alive at this point. Richard Seymour then showered and changed his clothes. Two hours later, Richard Seymours wife, teenage daughter and a friend arrived home. The teenage daughter discovered Patrick Seymours body. With a large kitchen knife in hand, Richard Seymour threatened the three women. He chased them, physically assaulted them and then tied them up. He stuffed socks in the mouths of his daughter and her friend. He held the knife up to his daughters throat and threatened to kill her. He then cut his wife with the knife. The two teenage girls were able to free themselves and escape. And Richard Seymour fled the scene. He was arrested a short time later, officials said. On Sept. 23, 1986, Richard Seymour pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of his son in Middlesex Superior Court. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of kidnapping, as well as three counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole Parole was denied following an initial hearing in 2001 and after review hearings in 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021 and in 2024. In 2011, the family feared he could be released after the parole board received heavy criticism for releasing Dominic Cinelli, who was on parole when he shot and killed a police officer. Paula Todisco, Richard Seymours daughter, told CBS News that her biggest fear was that its going to happen to me, that hes going to get out and come after my family. During his parole board hearing in 2024, when he was 74 years old, Richard Seymour was reminded to engage in domestic violence treatment in hopes that he would gain insight into his long pattern of significant abuse and the harm he caused his family and other victims. It is something the board has consistently recommended over the years, but something he still hadnt done. Richard Seymour stated he wasnt aware it was available to him. Hes remained sober for at least 30 years. He has also excelled academically, achieving his bachelors and masters degrees. During the 2024 parole board hearing, the family gave compelling testimony concerning the history of abuse and the trauma they continue to endure, the parole board wrote. Five people spoke in support of Richard Seymour getting parole, while four people spoke against it. On April 30, 2024, the parole board voted to deny his parole request with a review in two years from the date of the hearing, which wouldve placed him having another hearing in February 2026. But the board also wrote that it will reconsider upon completion of domestic violence and victim impact programming. Richard Seymour is expected to go in front of the parole board at 1 p.m. on Thursday. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security is unable to comment on the case prior to the hearing. However, those incarcerated are allowed to ask for a parole board hearing early if there are special conditions, including completing the tasks mandated by the parole hearing panel. During his 2016 parole board hearing, he said he was a monster back then. He then looked to the ceiling and cried out. Im so sorry! God Almighty! What have I done, he screamed, the Globe reported. His former wife, Regina Marsh, rolled her eyes at his answers to the parole board, according to the news outlet. I think it was all an act, Marsh said. Phony. The family explained how they had experienced years of abuse and how it wasnt a singular incident. The abuse was steady and constant, Diane Nardone, Patricks aunt, said, detailing to the Globe how he would play Russian Roulette with a loaded gun against his wifes head. While the hearing is on Thursday, its unlikely a decision will be made soon. It typically takes months for the parole board to consider all the material and vote. A Rhode Island teen was arrested Wednesday morning in connection with stabbing his coworker in the stomach with a pair of scissors at a Massachusetts gas station, according to police. Providence resident Osmin Ramirez, 19, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the incident during his arraignment in Stoughton District Court later that day, according to court records. Officers responded to a report of a customer dispute at the Shell gas station and Seasons Corner Market at 731 Washington St. around 7:45 a.m., Canton police said in a press release. The investigation into the incident indicated that Ramirez had gotten into a physical fight with a coworker while their van was parked at a gas pump. During the fight, Ramirez stabbed his coworker a 29-year-old man in the stomach with a pair of scissors, police said. Officers arrested him at the scene without further incident. Firefighters took Ramirezs coworker to a local hospital, police said. He is expected to survive his injuries. During Ramirezs arraignment, he was held on $2,500 bail, according to court records. No further information about the stabbing has been released. A Maine teen was left in critical condition early Tuesday morning after the car he was driving crashed into a utility pole in Billerica, according to police. On Aug. 19 around 1:10 a.m., Billerica police officers were sent to patrol around the Shops at Billerica at 480 Boston Road in response to reports that an ongoing car meetup was causing disturbances in several neighboring communities, Billerica police said in a press release. Burlington police had notified Billerica police that 30 to 40 cars were heading to the shopping center. A responding officer soon saw several cars near the shopping center that appeared to be part of the meetup, Billerica police said. He tried to pull one of the cars over after noticing that the driver was driving recklessly, but the driver didnt stop. President Donald Trump listens during an event in the Oval Office to mark the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP President Donald Trump said hell patrol the streets of Washington, D.C., on Thursday night alongside police and the National Guard as his administration tightens its grip on the nations capital. Im going to be going out tonight with the police and with the military, of course, Trump said in an interview with talk show host Todd Starnes, The Washington Post reported. Trumps announcement comes more than a week after the Republican president ordered an extraordinary takeover of the deep blue District of Columbia. Trump described the city as overrun with crime and gangs. City officials, pointing to data showing a drop in crime, have vigorously protested that characterization. D.C. residents, who are overwhelmingly Back, have publicly protested the stepped-up law enforcement presence, which has been accompanied by vigorous immigration raids. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, listens during a visit to greet members of the National Guard, at Union Station in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (Al Drago/Pool via AP AP One of President Donald Trumps top advisors slammed protests against the National Guard presence in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, as the administration says it is working to crack down on crime in the nations capital. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with guardsmen at Union Station, C-SPAN reported. During the meeting, demonstrators nearby chanted Free D.C.! The protesters and the noises that came from them visibly irritated Miller, who loudly said the Trump administration would not let communists destroy a great American city, let alone the nations capital. Im glad theyre here today because me, Pete and the vice president are going to leave here, and inspired by them, were going to add thousands more resources to this city to get the criminals and the gang members out of here, Miller added. Miller claimed that the president is the one who is fixing the safety of Washingtons Black residents through his recent actions. So were going to ignore these stupid white hippies, Miller said. They all need to go home and take a nap because theyre all over 90 years old. And were going to get back to the business of protecting the American people and the citizens of Washington, D.C. Vance echoed Millers comments and called the demonstrators crazy, USA Today reported. On Aug. 11, Trump deployed 800 National Guard troops and declared a local crime emergency in the capital. While Trump has said he wants to fight crime in the city and claimed that it is high, Washingtons violent crime rate was down 27% in 2025, according to Mayor Muriel Bowsers office. The White House stated on Thursday that 550 arrests have been made since federal resources were deployed. Crimes vary from assault on a police officer, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, involuntary manslaughter, child abuse and driving under the influence, the White House said. Beach with palapas, Eagle Beach, Aruba on June 16, 2018. DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images Tourists looking for an island escape can now learn what the safest Caribbean destination is due to its low crime rate and distance from the hurricane zone. Always All-Inclusive, which specializes in all-inclusive experiences at Sandals Resorts, has created a Caribbean Island Safety Index, which ranks the 10 most popular Caribbean destinations in 2025, helping travelers choose their next vacation based on safety metrics. Researchers analyzed travel advisories, crime and tourist safety, hurricane risk and healthcare infrastructure to provide a safety score for each island. Each category was scored on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 represented the lowest score and 10 represented the highest. In first place is Aruba, which received a 9.3 as a composite score. The island received a 10 for advisory, a 9 in crime, 10 for hurricane risk and 8 in healthcare, the index reports. Barbados came in second place with a score of 9.2. For advisory, the island was marked as a 10, a 9 for crime, an 8 for hurricane risk and a 10 for healthcare. The third-safest island is Grenada, which scored a 9. Grenada was ranked a 10 for advisory, a 9 for crime, a 10 for hurricane risk and a 6 for healthcare. Top 10 safest Caribbean islands in 2025 According to Always All Inclusive, the top 10 safest Caribbean islands are: Tom Brady got a statue. So what does Rob Gronkowski have in store? The former tight end says he has plans to sign a one-day contract so he can retire as a member of the New England Patriots. Come back for a day, a weekend, whatever it is. So well make it happen, and itll be a really, really cool moment, Gronkowski told reporters. Its going to happen. We just dont know when. Gronkowski was back in Boston this week to celebrate the opening of the Gronk Playground on the Esplanade. It turns out that Susan Hurley, the CharityTeams founder who helps make the playground a reality, was at the root of it. Hurley reportedly approached Patriots chairman Robert Kraft about the idea of a one-day contract for Gronkowski. Kraft was apparently all for it. I like that a lot, Gronkowski said. The reason why were really going to do that is because of Susan Hurley. She wants to see that happen. Shes been dreaming about that happening for a while. RKK gave her a thumbs up. So were gonna make it happen in the future, and its gonna be a special moment." Gronkowski played nine seasons with the Patriots during his career, winning three Super Bowl titles in New England. Gronkowski briefly retired after the 2018 season before coming back in 2020 to team up with Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gronkowski played two seasons in Tampa, winning one more Super Bowl title while reunited with Brady. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Gronkowski remains a fan favorite in New England. A five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro selection also one of the greatest players in franchise history. Former President Barack Obama speaks at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum, Dec. 5, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) California Gov. Gavin Newsom can count former President Barack Obama in his corner as he gears up for a high-stakes fight over redistricting and partisan gerrymandering. Texas House Republicans on Wednesday approved a redrawn congressional map designed to give their party a boost in next years midterm elections. The unusual mid-decade adjustment to the states congressional districts, sought by President Donald Trump, could help Republicans hold onto the House of Representatives by giving the party five more winnable seats. Newsom, a Democrat, has proposed to fight fire with fire similarly redrawing Californias congressional districts if Texas Republicans pass their map through the state Senate and sign it into law. Read more: Texas House approves redrawn maps sought by Trump ahead of 2026 elections Obama is on board. Over the long term, we shouldnt have political gerrymandering in America, just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas, he posted on X on Wednesday. But since Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House and gerrymandering in the middle of a decade to try and maintain the House despite their unpopular policies, I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this, Obama continued. Hes put forward a smart, measured approach in California, designed to address a very particular problem at a very particular moment in time. Texas Republicans have been open about their intentions. The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward: improve Republican political performance, state Rep. Todd Hunter, a Republican who wrote the legislation creating the new map, said on the House floor, according to the Associated Press. Trump has also pushed other Republican-led states to act similarly. The California map would need to be approved by a two-thirds majority of legislators, then passed by voters in a special election in November. Wade Boggs seemed like a lock to spend his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox. He won five batting titles and batted .338 during his 11-year tenure. But after the 1992 season, in which Boggs was named an All-Star for the eighth consecutive time, the Red Sox elected to not pick up the third basemans arbitration rights. So Boggs ended up signing with the Red Sox longtime rival: The New York Yankees. Speaking to Jon Morosi on The Road to Cooperstown, Boggs revealed that then-owner Jean Yawkey offered him an unofficial deal worth $37 million over seven years at the end of the 1991 season. Boggs accepted, but Yawkey died that offseason. The offer was rescinded and because it was never official, it was out of Boggs hands. After a career-worst .259 batting average in 1992, the Red Sox elected to not pick up Boggs arbitration rights. Boggs told Morosi that the Yankees werent the first team to reach out to him. The Los Angeles Dodgers did, but Boggs respectfully declined because he wanted to remain in Boston and didnt want to go to the West Coast. The next morning, the Yankees called, Boggs recalled. We sit down and have a conversation and were talking and (then-general manager) Joe Molloy goes, Would three years and $11 million put you in Pinstripes? I said, I need to go discuss it with my wife. And I ran out to my Porsche and said, Honey, were going to New York. Boggs spent the next five seasons with the Yankees before finishing his career in Tampa Bay. The Red Sox retired Boggs No. 26 in 2016, and he was inducted into the teams Hall of Fame in 2004. SPRINGFIELD With looming cuts on the way for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, the Community Survival Center in Springfield is calling on the community to help stock its shelves. More families are going to find it hard to buy food for their families, said Cristal Turcotte, executive director of the center, in an email to The Republican. Families are going to have to find other ways and resources to provide food for their children if their SNAP benefits are cut. Executive orders from the Trump administration will cut about $186 billion from SNAP funding through 2034, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. In Massachusetts, 15.6% of residents were enrolled in the program in 2024, accounting for roughly 1.1 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court held a special court session in the Holyoke War Memorial Building to honor District Court Judge Laurie MacLeod on her final session presiding over the court and in recognition of her coming retirement. August 20, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook HOLYOKE District Court Judge Laurie MacLeod presided over her final session of the Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court on Wednesday, marking the end of a decade of service to justice-involved veterans ahead of her retirement Sept. 2. The special session, held at the Holyoke War Memorial Building, featured case updates, heartfelt tributes and reflections on MacLeods legacy from court officials, elected leaders and graduates of the program. 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The Dooagh Folk Festival on Achill Island has once again launched its much-anticipated charity raffle, with an ambitious target of raising 15,000 in support of two exceptional causes local charity Gearoids Smile and The Dillon Quirke Foundation. Both charities work tirelessly to support families and communities, making every raffle ticket purchased a contribution that truly matters. The Dooagh Folk Festival takes place from September 12 to 14 with legendary Irish folk band, Stockton's Wing one of the headline acts. This years raffle prizes promise to strike a chord with music lovers everywhere. The first prize is an unforgettable trip for two to Nashville, Tennessee the music capital of the USA. The package includes return flights with Aer Lingus, four-star accommodation, and the chance to soak up the citys legendary live music, iconic honky-tonks and historic recording studios. The perfect getaway for those who live and breathe great music. The second prize offers something closer to home but no less magical two exclusive VIP passes to Dooagh Folk Festival 2026. Winners will enjoy accommodation courtesy of the Achill Cliff House, access to every concert and event across the weekend, and a festival merchandise pack to take the memories home. READ: Mystery of identification of Achill Famine drowning victims solved Launching the raffle, Festival Director Sean Lynch said: The Dooagh Folk Festival is built on community spirit, and this raffle is one of the most important ways we can give back. By supporting these two brilliant charities, every ticket bought makes a real difference and with prizes like a trip to Nashville or a VIP weekend in Achill for next year's festival, theres every reason to get involved. Gearoids Smile is an Achill Island community initiative set up in memory of Gearoid Murphy from Pollagh in Achill who passed away from cancer aged six years in September 2014. It is dedicated to spreading joy and support to young people through positive mental health projects, youth activities and local engagement. The Dillon Quirke Foundation, set up in memory of the former Tipperary hurler whose life was tragically cut short due to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), works tirelessly to raise awareness, fund screening programmes, and save lives through early detection. Tickets for the raffle are now on sale, and organisers are calling on friends, families and festival fans alike to get behind the campaign and help reach the target. Every entry not only brings you closer to an incredible prize but also helps support vital initiatives that are changing lives. For more information, terms and conditions and to purchase tickets, visit www.dooaghfolkfest.ie/raffle. Police in the UK are investigating an incident in which a Mayo woman aged in her 70s died after being hit by a bus in London. Just before 6 pm, on Sunday, August 17, paramedics were called to the scene of an incident in which a 73-year-old woman was struck by a bus on Neasden Lane, near the junction with Dudden Hill Lane in West London. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Since then, the woman has been identified as Mayo native Kathleen Kilcoyne. Kathleen hails from Ashleam in Achill; however moved to London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no arrests have been made in relation to the incident and that the driver of the bus is cooperating with their investigations into the circumstances of the tragic incident. "Police were called at 17:58hrs on Sunday, August 17, following reports of a serious road traffic collision in Neasden, Brent," a statement read. "Officers were joined by the London Ambulance Service at the junction of Neasden Lane with Dudden Hill Lane, where a bus had been in collision with a pedestrian. "Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services, a 73-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene." Funeral arrangements for Ms Kilcoyne are yet to be confirmed. Unlike opioids, ketamine has no established effects on chronic pain, and no validated studies have confirmed this. Trusted Source Ketamine and other NMDA receptor antagonists for chronic pain Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? Scientists advise caution on off-label use of #ketamine for #pain_relief. The drug can induce dangerous #psychosis-like symptoms such as delirium, and hallucinations. #chronicpain #mentalhealth #ketamine #medindia Scientists advise caution on off-label use of #ketamine for #pain_relief. The drug can induce dangerous #psychosis-like symptoms such as delirium, and hallucinations. #chronicpain #mentalhealth #ketamine #medindia More Evidence is Needed for Ketamine in Chronic Pain Care Advertisement Weighing Ketamines Potential in Chronic Pain Management Ketamine and other NMDA receptor antagonists for chronic pain - (https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD015373.pub2/full) , according to a new Cochrane study ().Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic normally used in hospital procedures. Ketamine is also used for short-term pain management in hospitals. It works by blocking a brain signal receptor (NMDA receptor), that is involved in memory, mood, and pain perception. However,. It also can cause nausea and vomiting.Scientists from UNSW Sydney, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), and Brunel University of London, investigated on 67 trials over 2,300 adult participants. It assessed five NMDA receptor antagonists: ketamine, memantine, dextromethorphan, amantadine, and magnesium.The findings showed no evidential support for ketamine in treating persistent pain conditions, and determined an elevated risk of mental side effects. Side effects were a major concern, particularly with intravenous use.We want to be clear we're not saying ketamine is ineffective, but theres a lot of uncertainty, said Michael Ferraro, Doctoral Candidate at UNSW and NeuRA, first author of the review. The data could point to a benefit or no effect at all. Right now, we just dont know.The review also found no studies that reported on two key outcomes: whether ketamine reduced depressive symptoms or opioid use. This is notable, as"This group of drugs, and ketamine in particular, are in relatively common use for chronic pain around the world. Yet we have no convincing evidence that they are delivering meaningful benefits for people with pain, even in the short term, said Neil O'Connell, Professor at Brunel University of London, co-senior author of the review. That seems a good reason to be cautious in the clinic and clearly indicates an urgent need to undertake high quality trials.The authors hope the review will help inform patients and clinicians weighing up potential benefits and harms, and guide future research. While more evidence is needed, this review highlights the importance of high-quality trials to understand whether ketamine has a role in chronic pain care.We've seen. Now we're seeing a similar pattern with ketamine, said co-senior author James McAuley, Professor at UNSW and senior researcher at NeuRA . As opioid prescribing is slowly reduced, theres a growing demand for alternatives, but we need to be careful not to rush into widespread use without strong evidence.Source-Eurekalert Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar, who have both essayed the role of Jolly in the much-loved Jolly LLB franchise centred on battling injustice and championing social causes, now find themselves in a rather ironic situation. In a twist that mirrors the very courtroom drama their films depict, the Pune District Court has issued summons to both actors following a petition filed by a group of lawyers. The petition objects to the way lawyers and judges are portrayed in the upcoming Jolly LLB 3. Advocates Wajed Khan (Bidkar) and Ganesh Mhaskhe have lodged a petition claiming that the teaser of Jolly LLB 3 depicts lawyers and judges in a derogatory and disrespectful manner. According to them, such representation not only tarnishes the image of the legal community but also misleads the public about the dignity and seriousness of the profession. Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri is back with his latest directorial The Bengal Files. The highly controversial film is the third entry in his Files trilogy earlier featuring The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files. Recently, the films trailer released and it featured a scene allegedly referring to Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan naming their elder son Taimur. Vivek Agnihotri Reveals If He Took A Dig At Saif Ali Khan In The Bengal Files Trailer In a recent interview on The Raunac Show, Vivek Agnihotri was asked if it was a deliberate jibe at Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan for naming their elder son Taimur. Instagram/Vivek Agnihotri The filmmaker responded that it wasnt meant to be a direct jibe at Saif Ali Khan but added that nobody in India should name their child after Timur who invaded and conquered Delhi in 1398. He said, A lot of people are named Taimur. (Saif) wasnt the first person to name his child Taimur. Let me explain. When I went to shoot The Tashkent Files in Samarkand, I visited Taimurs tomb. Outside it, it is written, He conquered the richest sultanate in the world. This was the Delhi Sultanate. They were about to give him the title of Emperor, but he refused, and said that he wouldnt accept it until he conquers Delhi. He added, He massacred one lakh people in one night. He went on a killing spree from Delhi to Kashmir. He r*ped and pillaged along the way. Yes, he is a hero in his country; he is a great man. But he isnt to us. Of course nobody should name their child Taimur. It shouldnt even be a question. While the makers of War 2 skipped promotions on Hindi television shows and major events in the North, they went all out in the South. A lavish pre-release event was organised in Hyderabad, where Jr. NTR and producer Naga Vamsi took centrestage and made bold statements about the film. At the gathering, Naga Vamsi confidently declared that War 2 would earn bigger profits in Telugu than in Hindi, urging Telugu audiences to show their support and turn up in large numbers to watch the film. We all had shown a lot of love on NTR Anna on Devaras release last year. We must show ten times that love for War 2 to show Tarak Annas power to the entire nation on August 14. War 2s Telugu version must collect at least 1 rupee more than the films Hindi versions net collection. The film should collect 10 times more than Devara. This is your responsibility said Vamsi. As the Trump administration lines up ever more countries to accept deported immigrants, a report to be released Thursday documents Washington has more extensive ties than previously known to migrants sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador, the U.S. detention camp in Guantanamo Bay and South Sudan. The report, written by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights, says documents obtained through public disclosure laws appear to show the federal government expelled 14 immigrants with Washington connections to those locations. They lived in the state, were held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, began their deportation journey on chartered flights out of Boeing Field or were expelled via a commercial flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Seven went to the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, known as CECOT, six to Guantanamo Bay and one to South Sudan. The UW center, which has issued numerous research reports critical of immigration enforcement, traced deportation paths, pointing to local agencies and companies involved in some way. "This report is intended as much as a denunciation of the documented cases as a plea for transparency and a cessation of collaboration from our state and local institutions," it reads. The migrants with Washington ties who were sent to the El Salvador prison were all men from Venezuela deported in March, according to the report. The UW center has not been able to confirm whether the seven were eventually returned to Venezuela in a July prisoner swap. Others who were part of the swap have said in media interviews they were subject to torture, including beatings and sexual abuse. Some migrants deported from around the country to Guantanamo Bay, located in Cuba and serving as a way station to other destinations, have said they too were mistreated. In addition to grim conditions, immigrants deported to Guantanamo Bay or so-called third countries," where they have no affiliation, have at times remained incommunicado, their whereabouts unknown to lawyers and family members, according to the UW center's report, international human rights groups, litigation and media accounts. "We are now seeing abuses of such gravity that they constitute gross human rights violations," the report says. It cites national and international laws and treaties that condemn sending people to places where they are likely to face grave danger. The report also refers to a United Nations convention that calls for an end to what it calls "enforced disappearances," or the practice of imprisoning people while concealing their fate. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin denied migrants at Guantanamo Bay were beaten, and said they were able to call lawyers. In emailed statements, she did not address allegations of torture at CECOT and referred questions about conditions there to El Salvadoran government. She offered no information about eight migrants sent to South Sudan, including Tuan Thanh Phan, a Vietnamese refugee who came here legally, grew up in Tacoma and served a 25-year sentence for first-degree murder and second-degree assault. He and the seven others, who left the U.S. in May, were held in a converted shipping container in a U.S. military base in Djibouti during legal wrangling. The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for their deportation to South Sudan in July. Little has been known about the eight men since they arrived there. Phan spoke to his wife briefly for the first time last week, according to Matt Adams, legal director of Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. The nonprofit has represented Phan and is one of several organizations pursuing a class-action lawsuit over third country deportations. "As I understand it, he's locked in his room each night but he does have his own room," Adams said. The room does not seem to be in a prison but is located on a compound that has one, he said. "There's still no information about what the future has in store." McLaughlin offered no insights beyond saying: "If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, you could end up in CECOT, Guantanamo Bay, or South Sudan or another third country." Naming Those Deported with Washington Ties The UW center pieced together which deported immigrants had Washington ties over several months. It used an array of government documents as well as flight tracking information made public by the county and an activist group called Witness at the Border. Some local connections were already known. The Seattle Times and other media outlets had already reported on the cases of Phan and Jose Medina Andrade, a onetime Seattle-area resident and Venezuelan national sent to Guantanamo Bay. From there, he was sent back to Venezuela, where he felt unsafe due to gang activity, and left for another country, according to migrant activist Kasandra Seda. The UW center discerned new Washington ties from cross-referencing government databases and media reports, such as ProPublica profiles of 238 men sent to El Salvador's CECOT. Phil Neff, the UW center's research coordinator, said apparent inaccuracies in some of the ICE data leave room for doubt in a few cases of people purportedly sent to Guantanamo Bay. Of the 14 cases the UW center tracked, it names nine, including all seven sent to CECOT: Wladimir Vera Villamizar, Yuber Moron Cabrera, Alirio Guillermo Belloso Fuenmayor, Nery Suarez-Salas, Robinson Saavedra-Caruci, Maikel Moreno-Ramirez and Kenlyn Rafael Rodriguez Rojas. Three lived in Washington before being detained. Villamizar, a welder who moved to Seattle last year, was detained at a January ICE check-in weeks after an emergency surgery to remove a lung scarred by tuberculosis, according to the UW report and an interview with his family by NBC News. He had been incarcerated for seven years in Venezuela for murder, according to McLaughlin of Homeland Security. His mother told NBC News he had been falsely accused. McLaughlin said Villamizar was a member of Venezuela's violent Tren de Aragua gang, an accusation the U.S. has leveled at many Venezuelan immigrants it has deported. Villamizar's mother said he was not a gang member. ICE in January also arrested Moron Cabrera in Washington, according to the UW report. A former member of the Venezuelan military, Moron Cabrera moved to the state last summer and worked as a bricklayer and delivery driver, according to ProPublica. Rodriguez Rojas, a Venezuelan national, entered the U.S. in 2023 and sometime after moved to Washington, where he worked as a delivery driver, according to the organization Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, named after the assassinated U.S. senator. ICE arrested Rodriguez Rojas in January in New York. The UW Center said it does not know if he moved there or was traveling. Venezuelan records show Rodriguez Rojas was arrested in February 2010 and charged with aggravated vehicle robbery, illegal firearm possession and use of a minor in a crime, ProPublica reported. The case was dismissed. Role of Boeing Field and Sea-Tac The UW center doesn't just excoriate the federal government for alleged human rights abuses. It also strongly criticizes local institutions for their roles in immigration enforcement. That includes the state Department of Corrections, which releases people into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, and King County, which runs Boeing Field, used by ICE for chartered deportation flights. The report also calls attention to ICE's practice of deporting people using commercial airlines, including Alaska Airlines and a dozen others operating out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This past January and February, the only months for which the UW center has complete records relating to local deportations, 104 of 322 expelled individuals left on commercial flights from Sea-Tac airport, according to the report. The rest left via Boeing Field, except 8 driven into Canada. King County banned ICE from using Boeing Field in 2019 and was forced to backtrack four years later after a federal court ruled the local government overstepped its authority. The county is not the only local government to face backlash from the federal government over limits they have placed on involvement with immigration enforcement. The state's 2019 Keep Washington Working Act prohibits most local agencies from cooperating with immigration authorities, with the exception of the corrections department. As a result, the state stands to lose millions of dollars in federal funding and received a recent warning letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that further sanctions could be on the way. Angelina Snodgrass Godoy, the UW center's director, acknowledged in an interview this week she doesn't necessarily know what else local institutions could do. "We have to explore what tools there are available, or create new tools such that a family is not left with this horrible not knowing if their loved one is alive or dead days after he was last heard from in U.S. government custody." Despite constraints, Godoy said, local governments could be more transparent about their role and steps they are or aren't taking to look into alleged human rights violations. The county, for instance, pledged to make public a record of ICE flights leaving from Boeing Field, but on its website lists only a fraction of such flights tracked by Witness at the Border, according to her center's report. The county publishes all the information it has but "communication with ICE is inconsistent and without their coordination, our team does not have the staff capacity to track down and verify every detail of flight activity," said spokesperson Amy Enbysk. On chartered ICE Air flights out of Boeing Field, migrants are put in handcuffs, belly chains and leg irons. Those in ICE custody appear to be treated much better on commercial flights. Alaska Airlines, for instance, doesn't allow leg irons, according to airline spokesperson Tricia Bruckbauer. United Airlines, identified in the report as transporting deported individuals, declined to comment and Delta Air Lines, also named, did not respond to questions. Albert Khamitov, a formerly detained Russian immigrant was transferred several times to different facilities around the U.S. by ICE. One transfer, from the Seattle area to Alaska in June, was on a military plane that had no seats or bathrooms, he said. Khamitov said in an interview this week he considered himself lucky to be flown on a commercial flight back to Seattle. He and three other detained individuals on the flight, accompanied by two polite ICE officers, were handcuffed and given hoodies to hide the restraints, he said. Otherwise, they were treated like regular passengers, served drinks and snacks like everyone else. Asked whether an attempt to stop deportations using commercial airlines at Sea-Tac airport could result in worse conditions for migrants, Godoy said it was a good question to ask. Still, she said, it is important to understand all paths used for deportations. She met with the Port of Seattle Monday to discuss the report's findings. "We are heartbroken to learn about the number of families whose loved ones have been torn from them," the Port said in a statement, which added it welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with Godoy on potential steps to "support our community on this critical issue." However, the statement said, the government agency is not made aware of deportations happening on commercial flights and "cannot intervene in immigration enforcement at any level." A State Agency with an ICE Liaison Of all the local agencies identified in the UW center's report, the corrections department has the clearest involvement with ICE. "State government cannot dictate to the federal government how it enforces federal law," Gov. Bob Ferguson added in an email. In an emailed statement, Gov. Bob Ferguson noted he is standing by Washington's 2019 sanctuary law, including the corrections department carveout. "There must be a balance," he said. More than 60% of individuals in state prisons wanted by ICE have been convicted of rape or murder, according to the governor. The corrections department, as the UW report notes and department Secretary Tim Lang confirmed in an interview, employs an "ICE liaison" and shares information with the federal agency about who is in its prisons and when people wanted by immigration authorities will be released. ICE, if it chooses, then goes to the relevant prison to pick up those individuals. The corrections department released Phan into ICE custody in March, spokesperson Chris Wright confirmed. He was one of 51 individuals the department turned over to ICE this year through mid-July. Last year, the agency released 101 to ICE. As the UW center's report reveals, ICE also shares information with the corrections department. Lang said the state agency needs to know the whereabouts of people who have community supervision requirements, like checking in with a corrections officer, as part of their sentences. If they're detained, they can't fulfill those requirements and, if they're released, those requirements still have to be met. In February, ICE let the corrections department know an individual was at the detention center in Tacoma and might be moved to Guantanamo Bay, according to an email cited in the report from the department's ICE liaison to colleagues. "He is from Venezuela a points of interests for ICE (sic)," the email said. That person did not end up being deported to Guantanamo Bay, as far as the UW center could see from ICE records. Even if the individual or others released into ICE custody had been sent there, it was not the corrections department's business, Lang said. "The things that happen once we hand them off are not within our control," the corrections secretary said. Lang added he was aware of lawsuits challenging deportations to third countries and Guantanamo Bay. That litigation, he said, "seems like the appropriate forum for decisions about whether such deportations are lawful. 2025 The Seattle Times. Visit www.seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Four soldiers have been charged in an alleged sexual assault that took place in the barracks at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state last year, a spokesperson for the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel confirmed to Military.com on Thursday. Cpl. Pedro Angel Ruiz, Pvt. 2nd Class Deron J. Gordon, Spc. Jadon Bosarge and Pfc. Kallon Curiel are accused in a sexual assault of one person that happened Oct. 27, 2024, Michelle McCaskill, the spokesperson for the special trial counsel, said in an email. "The charges are allegations and CPL Angel Ruiz, PV2 Gordon, SPC Bosarge and PFC Curiel are presumed innocent unless proven guilty," she added. Read Next: Fire Extinguished After 12-Hour Fight on USS New Orleans Off Okinawa No other details about the alleged assault, including the soldiers' relationship with the victim and whether the victim was also in the military, were immediately available. The charges were first reported by Stars and Stripes. The four cases are at "various stages" of the legal process, McCaskill said. Gordon has already pleaded guilty, according to the Army's online docket for courts-martial. He was charged with 12 counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual misconduct, two counts of attempt, one count of conspiracy, and one count of obstructing justice, according to the docket. Angel Ruiz has been charged with one count of sexual misconduct, two counts of attempt, one count of conspiracy, and one count of obstruction, according to the docket. An arraignment was held Aug. 5, with another preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 26 and a trial scheduled for Nov. 3. Curiel is facing charges of one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault of a child, according to the docket. His Article 32 preliminary hearing, essentially a grand jury hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to move to trial, is scheduled for Friday. A docket entry for Bosarge has not yet been posted online. The Army's Office of Special Trial Counsel, along with other services' special trial counsel offices, were established in late 2023 to handle prosecutions of serious crimes such as sexual assault, murder and kidnapping. Congress mandated the offices as part of its efforts to eradicate sexual assault in the military. The Pentagon's most recent report on sexual assault in the military, released in May, found that the number of reported sexual assaults last year dropped for the second year in a row. Overall, reported sexual assaults dropped nearly 4% in 2024 compared to 2023, fueled by a 13% decrease in reported assaults in the Army. Related: Army's New Special Prosecutors Hit Ground Running with Case Netting 20-Year Sentence for Rape, Assault The U.S. has added a powerful amphibious squadron to a previously revealed deployment of three Navy destroyers nearing Venezuela as part of a major counternarcotics operation. Two officials familiar with the deployment, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Reuters news agency that three Navy warships the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale could be stationed off the coast of Venezuela as early as Sunday. Together, the ships are carrying 4,500 service members, including a 2,200-strong Marine expeditionary unit. The Pentagon has not publicly disclosed the mission, but sources told the news agency that the move aligns with a broader Trump administration s aims at addressing threats to U.S. national security from specially designated narco-terrorist organizations in the region. Speaking about the possible use of U.S. military personnel in Venezuela, the White House said that the deployment underscores Trumps pledge to use every instrument of American power from sanctions to military force to stop narcotics from reaching U.S. soil. Cracking down on drug cartels is a pillar of Trumps domestic and foreign policy. Earlier this year, the administration formally designated Mexicos Sinaloa Cartel, Venezuelas Tren de Aragua and several other groups as global terrorist organizations. The move gave U.S. agencies expanded authority to target cartel finances, logistics, and leadership. Last month, the Trump administration designated the Cartel of the Suns which U.S. prosecutors allege is run by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking members of his regime as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity. The designation raises the possibility that the cartel could become a direct target of U.S. military action if chosen so by Trump. The administration also raised 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. In response to the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, Maduro announced Monday that his government will activate a special plan to mobilize more than 4.5 million militia members across Venezuela to defend national sovereignty. 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 during a televised event, flanked by senior commanders. He said the mobilization is needed to counter what he described as extravagant, bizarre, and outlandish threats from the United States. Reacting to news from the United States, Maduros allies convened an extraordinary virtual summit of the countries that make up the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, ALBA, where they condemned Washingtons military deployment in Caribbean waters. In a statement issued after the meeting, Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Saint Lucia warned that the U.S. military deployment in Caribbean waters, disguised as counter-drug operations, represents a threat to the peace and stability of the region and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. During the meeting, Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel voiced support for Maduro, saying he is the target of Washingtons disinformation campaign launched with hostile intentions in mind. We also denounce, with equal firmness, the false accusations made by the United States government against President Nicolas Maduro, which seek to associate him without foundation or evidence with criminal organizations linked to illicit drug trafficking, Diaz Canel said. This is, once again, the type of maneuver imperialism resorts to when it harbors aggressive intentions against sovereign states, when it is unable to stifle the spirit of resistance of the people, and when it needs a fraudulent pretext to justify its actions. In Washington, meanwhile, officials are not ruling out the possibilty that the increased U.S. Navy presence in the Carabbean could eventually translate into a military intervention inside Venezuela. 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, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt after being asked by a McClatchy reporter on the chances of a boots-on-the-ground operation taking place inside the South American country. 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. The amphibious squadron will operate alongside three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers the USS Sampson, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Gravely which are designed to counter threats from the air, land, sea and even undersea simultaneously. The destroyers arsenal centers on a 96-cell vertical launch system that can be loaded with a mix of weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles for long-range land attacks, standard missiles for air and missile defense, and ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) missiles for undersea warfare. By adding amphibious vessels, the task force gains expanded land capabilities, particularly the ability to quickly deploy Marines into coastal zones. Heres a closer look at the ships: USS San Antonio: Commissioned in 2006, the San Antonio is the lead ship of its class of amphibious transport docks and the first Navy vessel to integrate advanced stealth features. Designers minimized its radar cross-section by enclosing antennas inside masts, recessing equipment, and reshaping the anchor pocket. The ships primary mission is to embark, transport and land Marines with their equipment and supplies. Its ability to deploy forces rapidly makes it a key asset in operations near hostile shores. USS Iwo Jima: A Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 2001, the Iwo Jima carries both symbolic and operational weight. Named after the iconic World War II battle, its keel holds the Medal of Honor citation of Captain Jacklyn H. Lucas, one of the youngest recipients of the award. With a full-length flight deck capable of supporting helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft, the ship functions much like a small aircraft carrier. It can deploy Marines by air and sea, coordinate large-scale missions and sustain prolonged operations. USS Fort Lauderdale: The newest of the three, the Fort Lauderdale is a transitional vessel that blends San Antonio-class features with innovations intended for the Navys next-generation amphibious warfare ships. Commissioned in 2022, it is the first Navy ship named after the South Florida city. _____ 2025 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A San Diego federal jury on Wednesday convicted a Chinese-born U.S. Navy sailor of espionage and other charges related to his sharing of military secrets with a Chinese spy. The jury convicted Jinchao "Patrick" Wei, 25, on six counts of conspiracy, espionage and charges related to unlawfully sending defense information to a foreign government. The jury acquitted Wei, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of a single count of naturalization fraud. During closing arguments Tuesday, a prosecutor from the U.S. Department of Justice's National Security Division told the jury that Wei, who was assigned to the San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS Essex, had been motivated by greed and selfishness rather than political ideology. "This is not a case about the defendant hating the United States or his allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party," Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Barry told the jurors. "Jinchao Wei's allegiance was to Jinchao Wei. Jinchao Wei was loyal to Jinchao Wei." Barry told the jury that a Chinese intelligence officer who recruited Wei on social media ultimately paid him at least $12,000 in exchange for technical manuals that contained information about weapons, defense and propulsion systems for the Essex and other similar U.S. Navy ships. The jury deliberated for about seven hours total on Tuesday and Wednesday after hearing four days of argument and testimony last week. "The defendant's actions represent an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the U.S. military," San Diego-area U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said in a statement. "By trading military secrets to the People's Republic of China for cash, he jeopardized not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies. The jury's verdict serves as a crucial reminder that the Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute traitors." Wei grew up in China as the only child of a single mother, and the pair moved from China to Wisconsin in 2016. Wei joined the Navy in July 2021 shortly after graduating high school, and he reported to the Essex in March 2022, according to prosecutors and his Navy service record. Around the same time he was assigned to San Diego, Wei applied for U.S. citizenship and struck up a friendship on a Chinese social media site with an individual who prosecutors said was a Chinese intelligence officer. The intelligence officer initially posed as a naval enthusiast who worked for the state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, though prosecutors told the jury that Wei quickly recognized he was likely a spy. The intelligence officer allegedly asked Wei to send him photos, videos and other documents concerning U.S. Navy ships and their systems. Federal agents arrested Wei in August 2023 when he showed up for work one morning at Naval Base San Diego. At the time, Wei was a petty officer who held a security clearance and worked as a machinist's mate aboard the Essex. He'd also been under surveillance for more than six months by federal agents who had bugged his apartment and tapped his phone. As a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, the Essex resembles a small aircraft carrier that can carry more than 1,000 sailors and 1,500 Marines, allowing the U.S. to rapidly deploy troops in regions such as the Persian Gulf and South China Sea. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parmley told the jury during opening statements that China is "desperately trying" to keep up with U.S. technology while building its own similar class of amphibious assault ships. A special agent from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service testified during the trial that the leak of information about U.S. Navy ships, even basic information, "could jeopardize (the U.S. military's) advantage" and reveal vulnerabilities that an enemy could exploit. Barry told the jury that Wei and his handler used a complex online system to conduct virtual dead drops on disappearing, password-protected websites. He said the evidence was overwhelming that Wei committed the acts he was accused of, and that he knew or had reason to believe that his actions would harm the U.S. and benefit China. Defense attorney Sean Jones conceded during his closing argument that his client "did some things very, very wrong," but he was adamant that Wei never intended to harm his new home country. Jones said both Wei and his mother were anti-communist and held no allegiance to China. Jones also argued that prosecutors grossly overstated both the secrecy and importance of the documents that Wei shared, and he argued that the government did not prove that Wei knew that his contact was a Chinese government spy. The defense attorney likened the manuals that Wei sent about the Essex to "a user's manual for a 30-year-old car. It's not that sexy." He argued the Essex and other Wasp-class amphibious assault ships use outdated systems. "This is not technology anyone cares about or is trying to copy," Jones said. "It's not valuable." The defense attorney argued that there was at least reasonable doubt as to whether Wei believed the technical information he was sending would actually harm the U.S. -- a key part of proving an espionage charge. But the jury sided with the prosecutors, who said Jones was simply trying to muddy the waters with speculation rather than evidence. Barry, the attorney from the DOJ, began his closing arguments Tuesday morning by reading from a paper the oath of enlistment that all individuals swear to when they join the U.S. military. Barry then crumpled the paper and threw it in a trash can. "That's what the defendant thought of his oath," Barry told the jury. The prosecutor told the jurors that on top of betraying the oath he swore, Wei also betrayed his fellow sailors and "his new home. America. It's people. You." After the verdict, Jones said his client gave up his Chinese citizenship when he became a U.S. citizen and that "he loves America" and never intended to harm it, despite his "numerous errors in judgment." Wei's arrest in 2023 came the same day the U.S. Department of Justice also announced the arrest and indictment of another Chinese-born U.S. Navy sailor, Wenheng "Thomas" Zhao. The DOJ said Zhao, who was arrested at a Naval base in Ventura County, was also a naturalized U.S. citizen suspected of spying for China, though officials never said if the cases were related. Zhao eventually admitted to accepting nearly $15,000 in bribes for sending sensitive but unclassified military information to his Chinese handler. A federal judge sentenced him to two years and three months in prison on bribery and conspiracy charges. Wei's trial comes two months after the DOJ announced charges against two alleged Chinese spies in the U.S. who were accused of taking photographs of a naval base and participating in efforts to recruit U.S. military members who they thought might be open to working for Chinese intelligence. Wei is set to be sentenced in December. 2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. North Korea has quietly built and operated a sprawling long-range missile base near the Chinese border that stores Kim Jong Uns most advanced strategic weapons, demonstrating the regimes ongoing efforts to advance its nuclear strike capabilities, a think tank said. The base in Sinpung, North Pyongan Province, located 17 miles from the border with China, likely houses a brigade-sized unit equipped with six to nine nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles and their mobile launchers, a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies showed Wednesday. These missiles pose a potential nuclear threat to East Asia and the continental United States, the report said. Current assessments are that during times of crisis or war, these launchers and missiles will exit the base, meet special warhead storage, transportation units, and conduct launch operations from dispersed pre-surveyed sites, the report said, citing satellite imagery. Construction of the base began around 2004 and facilities were mostly built and operational by 2014, the report said, adding that the complex appears to have been continuously developed since. South Koreas Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a Bloomberg News request seeking comment on the reported base. The newly revealed missile base highlights the regimes escalating nuclear threat and strategic intent. It also underscores a stark reality that North Koreas nuclear arsenal is larger, more dispersed, and more survivable than many outside assessments assume. It signals Pyongyangs shift toward rapid-launch capabilities that complicate U.S. preemptive strike options. Its location near Chinas border further shields it from attack, raising geopolitical stakes for Washington and Beijing alike. With construction continuing and North Korea emboldened by real-world weapons experience in Ukraine, this discovery signals that Kim Jong Uns nuclear ambitions are both growing and increasingly difficult to deter. The revelation comes just days after Kim called for the rapid expansion of his countrys nuclear weapons program, ramping up tensions just as the U.S. and South Korea began joint military drills that Pyongyang views as a prelude to war. President Donald Trump and Kim met in person three times during the U.S. presidents first term, but those interactions failed to convince Kim to curb the development of his nuclear weapons program. North Korea has since rebuffed the idea of sitting down with the U.S. again and has emerged as a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, supporting his war on Ukraine. Kim said earlier this week the only way to defend the countrys security is to make enemies afraid of North Korea and that its capabilities will be expressed through practical actions. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. WELLINGTON, New Zealand A New Zealand soldier, who admitted trying to spy for a foreign power, was sentenced to two years in military prison followed by discharge from the army. The sentencing by a judge and a panel of three senior military officers Wednesday came two days after the man pleaded guilty to three charges, including attempted espionage. It was the first conviction for spying in New Zealands history. The soldier's name was suppressed, as was the name of the 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. The soldier wasnt speaking to a foreign agent, but rather an undercover New Zealand police officer collecting intelligence on alleged right-wing extremist groups, documents supplied by the military court showed. Judge Kevin Riordan said the espionage attempts were unsophisticated, unlikely to cause harm and naive, but his actions were still serious. There is no such thing as a non-serious act of espionage," Riordan said, according to Radio New Zealand. "There is no trivial act of espionage. The soldier came to the attention of law enforcement 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 pleaded guilty to that charge as well, joins several others convicted in New Zealand of having or sharing banned material. 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 RNZ. The lawyer, Steve Winter, added that his client denied supporting the Christchurch shooters ideology. 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. New Zealand's Army Chief Maj. Gen. Rose King said there was no place for people like the soldier in the country's military. The actions of this individual were deplorable, she said in a statement. They were incredibly poorly judged and brought risk to all of those he served alongside, as well as the wider New Zealand public. The three charges carried maximum prison terms varying from seven to 10 years in New Zealand. He had been due to stand trial by court-martial 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 was in 1975, when a public servant was acquitted on charges alleging he had passed information to Russian agents. President Trump said hes planning to ride along Thursday night with troops patrolling Washington, D.C., as part of his federal crackdown. Im going to be going out tonight, I think, with the police and with the military, Trump told conservative commentator Todd Starnes. So were going to do a job. The National Guard is great. Theyve done a fantastic job. Trump gave no additional details of which law enforcement or military units he might join or when and where. Trumps move to personally join the controversial crackdown, which has lasted for two weeks, would amount to a new escalation in the show of force from the White House. Hundreds of federal agents and National Guard soldiers have surged into the streets of the nations capital this month, leaving some residents on edge and creating tense confrontations in the streets. Although the city has historically struggled with high crime, crime rates were sharply declining before Trump declared a putative emergency that required urgent federal intervention. Troops and agents from an alphabet soup of different agencies have set up checkpoints on busy city arteries, injecting their authority into daily life. Immigration enforcement has been a core part of the crackdown, rattling immigrants and Latino American citizens in many of the citys diverse neighborhoods. Since Aug. 7, when Trump began surging federal agents into the city, there have been 630 arrests, including 251 people who are in the country illegally, according to the White House. Trump has been ratcheting up the pressure since then, claiming control of the D.C. police department on Aug. 11 and deploying more National Guard troops from Republican-led states. Soldiers have been largely stationed in downtown areas, such as monuments on the National Mall and transit stations. But federal agents have started to operate more widely through the city, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged Thursday. The surge of federal officers is allowing for different types of deployments, more frequent types of deployments, like checkpoints, Bowser said. Democrats have denounced the federal crackdown as a political stunt. The law that permits the feds to exercise wide authority over law enforcement in Washington, D.C., says the crackdown can only last for 30 days unless Congress approves an extension. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has said Democrats will block any effort to extend Trumps emergency. _____ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Mariners have signed right-hander Michael Fulmer to a minor league deal, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. He had been with the Royals on a minor league deal but the log indicates he was released from that pact a few days ago. Fulmer, 32, is having a nomadic year. He signed a two-year minor league deal with the Red Sox ahead of the 2024 season. He had undergone UCL surgery and was going to miss that entire campaign. He came into 2025 with a chance to earn a job on Bostons roster. He didnt break camp with the club but was called up by mid-April. He was designated for assignment a few days later, clearing waivers and electing free agency. From there, he landed a minor league deal with the Cubs. He was selected to the big league roster in June but was again cut a few days later. He cleared waivers and elected free agency again, which led him to the Royals. Around those transactions, he has thrown 5 2/3 big league innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts. He has also thrown 54 1/3 Triple-A innings with a 3.98 earned run average, 29.8% strikeout rate and 10.5% walk rate. Fulmer also has past success on his track record. He initially broke in as a starter with the Tigers and won American League Rookie of the Year in 2016. His results tailed off from there and he wound up in the bullpen, which led to some more good results. He tossed 190 1/3 innings from 2021 to 2023 with a 3.55 ERA, 24.6% strikeout rate and 9.4% walk rate. As mentioned, Fulmer missed the 2024 season while recovering from surgery. This year, hes mostly been stuck in the minors but is still getting strikeouts. The Ms recently lost Trent Thornton to an Achilles tear, subtracting a bit of bullpen depth. Fulmer fills in some of that depth without taking up a roster spot. Photo courtesy of Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images KALAMAZOO, MI Scientists have discovered an extremely rare bumble bee species in Michigan for the first time in more than 25 years. Ecologists believed for years that the rusty-patched bumble bee was likely extirpated from Michigan, which means locally extinct. But now a single specimen found in Kalamazoo is prompting questions about whether a population of the uncommon bee species may be found in Michigan after all. The discovery of a single deceased rusty-patched bumble bee was made by an insect researcher visiting with family in Michigan. The bee was just lying dead in my moms driveway, but it was very freshly dead, said Nathan Rank, an ecology and entomology professor at Californias Sonoma State University. It didnt look all torn up, like you sometimes see with bees that have been around a while, he said. Rank snapped some slightly out-of-focus pictures with his smartphone and uploaded the images to a nature-based biodiversity identification app. I knew immediately we had something special, he said. A rare pollinator The rusty-patched bumble bee gets its name from the rusty-colored hairs found on the second segment of its abdomen. This public domain photo shows a rusty patched bumble bee, a species listed as an endangered species in 2017, making it the first bumble bee to receive federal protection. Native wildflowers, like this wild bergamot, are the best sources of pollen and nectar for the rare bee species. Mara Koenig It was the first bee species in the continental United States to be added to the federal endangered species list in 2017. The listing followed a steep population decline thought to be connected to the use of pesticides and insecticides, though its also affected by climate change and a disease caused by microscopic fungal parasites. The rare bumble bee species was also classified as endangered in Michigan in 2023. The last time the insect was confirmed in Michigan was in 1999 in Washtenaw County. Related: This class of toxic pesticides is now prevalent in Michigan waters Rank said he understood the extreme rarity of the specimen because he recently watched the short documentary titled A Ghost in the Making about the rusty-patched bumble bee. So, he wanted to be absolutely sure the dead insect was that species. Rank took the specimen to the biology lab at Kalamazoo College where he first developed an interest in entomology as a student. He grew up in Kalamazoo but now lives in California and studies willow leaf beetles in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I knew given especially how fresh the bee seemed that the best thing to do would be to get it in the freezer right away so whatever DNA it has would be preserved, Rank said. This is the dead rusty-patched bumble bee found in Kalamazoo, Michigan this month. Clara Stuligross Additional high-resolution photos of the bee taken at Kalamazoo College offered further confirmation of the extremely rare species. The specimen was recently sent for pathogen analysis to better understand the bees history and condition, said Clara Stuligross, an assistant professor in the colleges biology department. Scientists identified the dead bee as a male, which suggests there might be a breeding population in the Kalamazoo area. Bumble bees have smaller colonies, and a less rigid social structure compared to honeybees. By this time of the summer, the colony starts to produce males and reproductive females to go out. The males are produced to fertilize the reproductive females, who will then go out and look for nests to do their overwintering, Rank said. Related: This tiny, rare, blue butterfly is making a comeback in Michigan That means this single male specimen of the rusty-patched bumble bee may indicate a reproducing population, even if limited enough to have eluded detection for decades. The dead male bee could have finished mating and come to the end of its natural life cycle, Rank said. The discovery prompted a flurry of excitement among Midwestern entomologists. Multiple scientists descended, insect nets in hand, on the Kalamazoo neighborhood where the bee was found. I do a lot of bumble bee work in Michigan and never expected this particular record to pop up in Kalamazoo, said Logan Rowe, a zoologist and insect expert for the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. Its pretty remarkable that it showed up where it did, he said. Rowe, who lives in Kalamazoo, said he immediately started looking for living specimens in the neighborhood and local nature preserves. Much of his work involves searching for rare bees across Michigan and he said the specimen Rank found was in excellent condition. This is the dead rusty-patched bumble bee found in Kalamazoo, Michigan this month. Clara Stuligross The question is whether the bee was struck by a vehicle and carried from known remaining populations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. There is also an isolated population in the Appalachian Mountains. We dont know that well find a live one. But I also have a hard time believing that it would be in the shape its in if it did get transported. But I cant confirm a population until I see a population, Rowe said. The bee expert said the best way to discover a population of the rare pollinator insect species is for more people to spend time in nature observing native bees, taking photos, and uploading the images to the iNaturalist app or Bumble Bee Watch website. Pollinator insects are ecologically important because they move pollen from the male parts of plants and flowers to the female parts, allowing seed production. Pollinator species include bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, beetles, and even mammals like bats. A teen has died after being pulled from Lake Michigan, CBS Chicago reported Thursday. According to the Evanston Fire Department, the 17-year-old male was rescued from the lake just before 9 p.m. at Lighthouse Beach in Evanston, north of Chicago. The teen was recovered about 30 yards from the south side of the break wall, officials said. Medics performed CPR on the scene before taking him to Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital in serious condition. He was pronounced dead just before 10 p.m., according to the TV station. He has since been identified by CBS Chicago as Sameer Quadri. Evanston beaches were closed on Wednesday under red flag conditions, with swimming advisories in effect. The Evanston Fire Department is reminding all residents and visitors to note and obey beach flag warnings and safety messaging in order to safely enjoy Lake Michigan. A 51-year-old Michigan man made headlines in Ontario this month for attempting to kayak across the Canadian border. In an MLive file photo, American and Canadian flags are being waved in Windsor, Ontario and around Hart Plaza in Detroit in support of US - Canada relations and in protest of the Trump administration. Chloe Miller | MLive.com A 51-year-old man made headlines in Ontario this month for attempting to kayak across the Canadian border. He says hes from West Michigan. According to reporting by CBC News, Dan Livers, 51, says hes a U.S. Army veteran who was living in Western Michigan when he decided to kayak across the Detroit River and claim asylum in Canada. Livers could not immediately be reached by MLive for comment. Shortly before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, it was reported by LaSalle, Ontario police that a man was found at the waters edge of the Detroit River with two backpacks and a kayak. Shortly before 1:00 a.m. today, a LaSalle police officer conducting commercial property checks in the 1800 block of Front Rd observed a man at the water's edge with 2 backpacks and kayak that was attempting to illegally enter Canada. Details here: https://t.co/UrP89QA1hf pic.twitter.com/FdqTOavsZ8 LaSalle Police ON (@LaSallePoliceON) August 6, 2025 A LaSalle police officer was conducting commercial property checks in the 1800 block of Front Road. While checking the rear of a business, he investigated and discovered the man was attempting to illegally enter Canada. As a result, the 51-year-old man from the United States was detained and turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for further investigation. The man was not initially named. LaSalle Police Chief Michael Pearce said it was an outstanding example demonstrating that proactive police work can yield unintended positive outcomes. While conducting a simple property check, Im confident our officer did not expect to find someone trying to illegally enter Canada, Pearce said. It is because of his proactivity that this act was discovered. Livers told CBC he set out from the Michigan shoreline on Aug. 5, using a kayak he says he got for $25 and landing about 7 miles south of the Ambassador Bridge. He first stopped at Tim Hortons before attempting to declare himself at a nearby fire station, which was unsuccessful, and came across the LaSalle police officer roughly six hours later. After being turned over to the RCMP, Livers was reportedly brought to Canadian border officials. The RCMP, which is responsible for border security outside designated ports of entry, confirmed Livers identity to CBC News. The agency did not immediately respond to an MLive request for comment. Livers told CBC he has applied for refugee protections and has been granted a temporary status in Canada. He said he fears retribution in the U.S. after criticizing a nonprofit group that provides service dogs and works with the state government. His claims could not be independently verified at this time. To remain in Canada, Livers will have to prove to Canadian authorities that he has experienced past persecution or has a real fear of future persecution or serious harm. Asylum cases in Canada are typically overseen by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, which can have wait times of over a year due to a backlog of cases. Rocker Jack White is criticizing President Donald Trump for his Oval Office decor and even said that Trump is "masquerading as a human being" in his latest round of attacks on Instagram. Photos by Aaron Schwartz & MLive Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2025 inductee, Jack White, has doubled down on his attack, and then some, of President Donald Trump after the White House went after the Detroit rocker. In response to White saying the Presidents gold decor in the Oval Office was disgusting and a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy professional wrestlers dressing room, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung had words for White in The Daily Beast. 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. He added, 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. White let it rip on his Instagram page after seeing that, saying Trump is masquerading as a human being as White brought up every opinion he could think of on the President. It wasnt me calling out Trumps blatant fascist manipulation of government, his gestapo ICE tactics, his racist remarks about Latinos, Native Americans, etc., his ridiculous wall construction, his attacks on the disabled, his attempted coup and mob insurrection and destruction of the sacred halls of congress, his disparaging sexist and pedophilic remarks about women... ... His obvious attempts at distraction about being a close personal friend of Jeffrey Epstein and his inclusion in the Epstein files, his ignorance of the dying children of Sudan, Gaza and the Democratic Republic of Congo, his lack of empathy of military veterans and those struggling with poverty... ... His attempts to dismantle healthcare, his obvious wimpy and pathetic kowtowing to the dictators Putin and Jong Un, his nazi-like rallies, his attempts to sell merchandise and products through the office of the President. White even called the assassination attempt on the President fake. His fake gunshot to the ear that he showed no medical records or photographs of. His constant, constant, constant lying to the American people. No, it wasnt me calling out any of that. It was the decor of the Oval Office remarks I made that got them to respond with insults. How petty and pathetic and thin skinned could this administration get? White has gone after President Trump for years. In 2024, he 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. Meantime, 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 also met with Zelenskyy and a group of European leaders at the White House this week. 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. Runners from all across the state, country and beyond participate in the 47th annual HAP CareSource Crim Festival of Races, Saturday August 24, 2024, Flint, MI. (Nico Mendoza | MLive.com) FLINT, MI The 48th annual HAP CareSource Crim Festival of Races officially began this morning with the annual race week media event at Crims recently established headquarters in downtown Flint. Organizers met to preview the full weekend of events that run through Saturday, Aug. 23. Here are five things to know about the historic event that will fill the streets of downtown this weekend. More than 11,000 participants expected While the 2024 Crim Festival of Races featured the most runners in a decade, organizers expect this years event to be even bigger. Crim has brought back the open class elite 10-mile field, with more than 40 runners from Owosso, Michigan to Kenya expected to compete in the competitive field. More than 11,000 race participants are expected to compete, Crim CEO Lauren Holaly-Zembo said. Even if you are not participating, its definitely worth coming downtown to watch these amazing athletes, Crim Operations Team Member Liz Jones said. Last minute sign-ups Runners can still sign up to participate in any of the Crim events, which include the signature 10 Mile, Half Crim 5 Mile, 5K, Michigan Mile and the Teddy Bear Trot. Registration is available online at this link or at the Crim Race Expo on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Crim Race Expo is in the Riverfront Conference Center, located at 1 Riverfront Center West downtown. All Crim Festival of Races participants will receive the 2025 Crim T-shirt and a race medal upon completion. Dylan Goetz MLive Full race schedule Friday, Aug. 22: Lois Craig Invitational at 6 p.m. Michigan Mile at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23: 10 Mile starting from 6:50 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. Half Crim 5 Mile starting from 9 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. 5K starting from 10 a.m. to 10:05 a.m. Teddy Bear Trot starting at noon Runners are recommended to arrive at least an hour before your race is scheduled to begin, according to organizers. Roads will begin to close at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 6:15 a.m. on Saturday. Roads will reopen at noon on Saturday. Saginaw Street will remain closed Friday night through 3 p.m. Saturday, according to the Crim website. Crim has a free parking and shuttle service that will run from 5:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Diplomat Pharmacy/McLaren Medical Testing Lab at 4000 Saginaw Street in Flint. Other parking options are available throughout the downtown area . Approaching 50th anniversary Crim is marking its 48th annual 10 Mile race this year, just two years away from celebrating its milestone 50th. Were getting old, Brandon Morgan, director of external relations, said. Its hard to believe were only two years away from that monumental piece of history. Runners whove participated in more than 30 Crim races will begin five minutes before the 10 Mile public wave starts on Saturday, Aug. 23. T-shirts, prizes and snacks All Crim Festival of Races participants will receive the 2025 Crim T-shirt and a race medal upon completion. Dylan Goetz MLive Winners of the mens and womens open races will be awarded $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place. The 10 Mile course mens record is 45:43, set by Joseph Kamau, of Kenya, in 1996. The womens record is 51:35, set by Vicoty Chepngeno, also of Kenya, in 2019. All participants will receive this years Crim T-shirt and a race medal upon completion. Sponsors will be set up throughout the course and at the finish line to pass out refreshments, like bananas, granola bars and water. Hot air balloons soar through the sky on Friday, July 18, 2025. (File photo by Abra Richardson | MLive.com) Abra Richardson | MLive.com METAMORA, MI If youre looking for one last weekend getaway before school starts that will entertain the whole family, this small town Michigan festival has it all. Metamora Country Days and Hot Air Balloon Festival will have plenty of food, sweet treats, ice cream, as well as close-up magic shows, a car show, live music and even a corn hole tournament. This popular family-friendly celebration, in its 44th year, draws thousands of visitors every August to the village of Metamora in Lapeer County. Metamora Country Days and Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place Friday, Aug. 22, and Saturday, Aug. 23. Revelers enjoy local eats, crafts and activities, music, art, a parade, and the launching over 20 hot air balloons on Friday and Saturday night. The event is capped off with an extraordinary fireworks display on Saturday night. As the name implies, the two-day event is the definition of a small-town summer festival. It even has a balloon-twisting clown, food trucks and free petting zoo and pony rides. Then, the visual spectacle happens each night, where pilots will inflate their hot air balloons and float into the sky together. Weather conditions allowing, the evening sky on Friday and Saturday will be filled with colorful hot air balloons that will launch between 5 to 8 p.m. from the balloon launch field a few hundred yards south of the Metamora Lions Hall, located at 3790 N. Oak St. So pack your bags, bring your blankets and the whole family and prepare for a weekend of fun. Scroll below to see the schedule and your full guide to getting the most out of the Metamora Country Days and Hot Air Balloon Festival. Friday, Aug. 22 3-9 p.m.: Metamora Fire Department Hill Top Food (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders) Lions Field 4-7:30 p.m.: Food trucks on balloon field 5 p.m.: Parking lot in the field east of the balloon launch closes for incoming traffic except for sponsors and balloon pilots 5-8 p.m.: Metamora Country Days Sponsor Tent open Balloon Launch Field 5-8 p.m.: Ice Cream Metamora/Hadley Masons Balloon Launch Field 6-8 p.m.: Hot Air Balloon launch Balloon Launch Field north of Village Saturday, Aug. 23 All Day Visit the many unique businesses in downtown Metamora 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Police, Fire and First Aid table White Horse Inn parking lot 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Car show Oak Street in the Village 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Food in the Village In Harmer Park: Rollin Dough, Little Drink Company, Weezies Funnel Cakes, Blue Hummingbird Bistro, Artisan Bread Company In Holden Plaza parking lot: Woodchips, Kookys N Cream Morning and early afternoon: Ice cream sandwiches, bomb pops and assorted twin pops on High Street in Village with Metamora/Hadley Masons. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Art and craft vendors Harmer Park 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Hounds of Harley band Holden Plaza parking lot 11 a.m.: Corn hole tournament sign up Holden Plaza parking lot 11 a.m to 4 p.m.: Historic Old Town Hall open and hosting an art display by the Lapeer Art Association, showcasing a variety of mediums including photography, paintings, jewelry, sculpture and more located at 26 E. High St. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Free fun with Sparkles! Face painting Harmer Park 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free petting zoo and pony rides Oak Street, north of Village 11:30 a.m.: Close-up Magic Show with magician James Alt, sponsored by Metamora Historical Soicety at Old Town Hall, located at 26 E. High St. Noon: Corn Hole tournament Holden Plaza parking lot Noon to 3 p.m.: Come meet your best furry friend at Great Lakes Dog Rescue 4079 S. Lapeer Road in Metamora 12:30-4:30 p.m.: Free Silly Me the Clown, balloon twisting Harmer Park 1 p.m.: Parade Oak Street 2-3:30 p.m.: Line dancing on Barros Street in the Village, hosted by Boot Scootin Babe 2-4 p.m.: Live music with Paisley Grace on the Stage in Harmer Park 2 p.m.: Close-up Magic Show with magician James Alt, sponsored by Metamora Historical Soicety at Old Town Hall, located at 26 E. High St. 3-9 p.m.: Metamora Fire Department food (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders) south side of balloon launch field 4-7:30 p.m.: Food on the Balloon Field Mr. Italy, Little Drink Company, Sugar Shack Donuts and Rollin Dough 5 p.m. Parking lot in the field east of the balloon launch closes for incoming traffic except for sponsors and balloon pilots 5-5:30 p.m.: Metamora Fire Department free candy drop for all ages, field south of Lions Hall 5-8 p.m.: Metamora Country Days Sponsor Tent open Balloon Launch Field 5-8 p.m.: Ice Cream Metamora/Hadley Masons Balloon Launch Field 6-8 p.m.: Hot Air Balloon launch Balloon Launch Field north of Village Dusk: Fireworks An entrance to Mott Community College is shown in this MLive file photo. GST Michigan Works! is teaming up with Mott Community College to host a community resource fair at the college's Flint campus on Friday, Aug. 22. Jake May | MLive.com FLINT, MI More than 20 local organizations are set to take part in a community resource fair in Flint this week. GST Michigan Works! (GSTMW), along with Mott Community College (MCC) will host the fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at the MCC Flint campus, located at 1201 E. Court St. The event is free and open to the public. During the event, Genesee County residents will be able to learn more about the support services these organizations provide, including housing, food, and healthcare assistance as well as services for veterans. Additionally, GSTMW offers employment resources, which will also be available at the event. Any organizations interested in participating in the fair can contact GST Michigan Works! Director of Business Services Cindy Thornthwaite via email at cthornthwaite@gstmiworks.org. Participating organizations are set to include: 100K Ideas Genesee County Communities First, Inc. Genesee Intermediate School District Crossover Outreach Hamilton Community Health Network CSL Plasma Hope Network Ennis Center for Children Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Hurley Medical Center Mid-Michigan Community Health Access program (CHAP) Flint Genesee Job Corps Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) Flint Police Department Patriot Ambulance Service Food Bank of Eastern Michigan Genesee County Friend of the Court Genesee County Sheriffs Office State of Michigan Veterans Employment Services Additional information about the resource fair is available online at gstmiworks.org. Footage has surfaced of a 19-year-old deli worker being arrested at a Meijer store in Seven Hills, Ohio, after a manager accused him of stealing $110 worth of food. Jeff Piorkowski Michigan retail giant Meijer is embroiled in controversy over the arrest of a reportedly special-needs employee at an Ohio store. Police bodycam footage recently circulated on social media showed an officer called to the Meijer store in Seven Hills, Ohio, where a 19-year-old deli worker, identified as James, had been accused of stealing food items totaling $110 over a three-month period. While the footage was dated March 7, 2024, it has gained public attention over the past couple of days, with many social media users calling for a boycott of the grocery chain. The footage showed the officer searching and handcuffing James in the managers office. When he asked if James had any stolen items on him, the manager said he had eaten some chicken in the break room before the call, but he had no recoverable Meijer property. As he was being escorted out of the store, James admitted he had taken food while on his break with the intent to pay it back. It started off slow. It happened a couple of times because, like, I forgot my wallet or something, and then I meant to pay it, and then when I had my wallet the following day I either just forgot or I didnt know who to talk to, he said in the video. James was arrested on charges of minor theft and taken to the precinct where he was released with a $0 bond. He had no prior offenses, according to the video. Meijer on Wednesday, Aug. 20, issued a statement on social media in response to the leaked footage. We take this very seriously and recognize that the situation should have been handled differently, the statement read. Earlier this year, we implemented a new procedure to make sure this doesnt happen again. Weve learned a great deal of experience. We hold ourselves to a higher standard and are committed to making sure our actions reflect how we want to treat each other. Meijer did not immediately respond to questions at the time of publishing. A GoFundMe page titled Justice for James: Support His Legal Battle, has since been deleted. Meijer Inc., based in Walker, operates about 259 stores across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Wisconsin. Note: an earlier version of this story misidentified the employees last name and disability based on information from the GoFund Me campaign, which has since been deleted. JACKSON, MI The Jackson City Council needs to appoint a treasurer to its vacant seat and will consider changing the positions charter. During its Tuesday, Aug. 19 meeting, the Jackson City Council voted unanimously to authorize City Attorney Matthew Hagerty to prepare a resolution to amend the city charter, changing the treasurer position from an elected seat to one appointed by the city council. The Jackson City Council already appoints the city manager and attorney positions, Greene said. A lot of communities do them either way, Greene said. Given the nature of the job, it might be a little wiser to make an appointment. It helps you get a professional, but its up to the people. The next time its in front of council it will be in the form of a resolution. This resolution has to be adopted by a super majority of 5/7 council members to move forward, Hagerty said. The proposed ballot language will need preliminary approval by the Michigan Office of Attorney General before getting final approval from the Attorney General and Governor of Michigan, he said. If approved, the ballot language must be submitted to the Jackson County Clerk by 4 p.m. on the 12th Tuesday before the November 2026 election to appear on that ballot. Jackson voters would then decide whether to amend the charter. The Jackson City Council also scheduled a special meeting to hold interviews for candidates to replace the treasurer seat. The position has been vacant since Martin Marty Griffin died on July 12 after battling pancreatic cancer. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 on the second floor of Jackson City Hall, 161 W. Michigan Ave. The city received applications from seven candidates but will interview only five because they are registered electors in the city. Greene grouped together about 15 interview questions based on the duties and experience required for the position. These questions will be asked by council members during the interviews. The Jackson City Council will select a candidate they would like to appoint, where they will serve the remainder of the term, which ends on Dec. 1, 2028, due to the council-approved transition to even-year elections and Treasurer Griffins re-election in November of 2023. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. Calhoun County sheriffs deputies are investigating two reported break-ins at car dealerships in Springfield. Joel Bissell | MLive.com CALHOUN COUNTY, MI Police say thieves targeted two Southwest Michigan car dealerships in overnight break-ins this week. One suspect was arrested at the scene of the second break-in, while police are still searching for the other suspect who fled the scene, according to a news release from the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office. Police were dispatched to the scene of the first break-in just before 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at the Battle Creek Honda, in the 1300 block of Dickman Road in Springfield. Deputies found that 10 vehicles inside a secured gated area at the dealership had been broken into, and additional vehicles were targeted in an unsecured rear lot. Just after midnight on Tuesday, Aug. 19, police were patrolling a nearby Sunshine Toyota in the 1300 block of Dickman Road, when they found two men attempting to break into vehicles in a secured lot. Both suspects attempted to flee the scene, but only one was apprehended. Deputies are still searching for the second suspect. The suspect who was arrested is a 28-year-old man from Battle Creek. Police searched his home and reportedly found several stolen items connected to the Aug. 18 break-in. He was charged with breaking and entering, possession of burglary tools, resisting and obstructing arrest, and felony malicious destruction of property. He was also on probation for controlled substance-related offenses, according to the release. Deputies are asking anyone with information about the break-ins to contact Lt. Curtis Smith at 269-781-0880 or provide an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 269-964-3888. KALAMAZOO, MI For nearly two years about two to three times per week Andy Craigo would head to the SugarBowl Bar & Grille after work to grab a drink. Each time, he thought to himself, Man, this place is like a diamond in the rough. Hed scheme different things hed do if he owned the bar. It was different than any place hed been to, but reminded him of the dives in Portland, Oregon, where hed spent years of his life. In December 2022, Craigo and his partner, Hannah Rice, got the opportunity to purchase the Edison neighborhood haunt. We were fearless, Rice said. Andy has a food background, has been in the food industry for years and years. So we kind of just went with that. We knew the kitchen would be successful, and then wed kind of learn everything else. Its been a wild ride over the past three years, Rice said, as theyve taken one of Kalamazoos oldest dive bars and given it new life. The bar was established in 1943 and moved from Portage Street to the location at 904 Washington Ave. in the 1960s. Outside the SugarBowl Bar and Grille on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) The couple likes the history of the SugarBowl. They didnt want to change too much. We wanted it to remain a dive bar, Rice said. Its like one of the last true dive bars in Kalamazoo. So what did new life mean? Were really eclectic with what were trying to do here, Craigo said. Were doing bingo tonight and then we got the dance party this Saturday. ... Next week we have a metal show. Bingo is every Wednesday at 7 p.m. There is karaoke or live music every Friday and Saturday. We needed to bring the fun back to the place, Rice said. Patrons play bingo at the SugarBowl Bar and Grille on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Its always different in the dive, depending on the day. But when reestablishing SugarBowls energy, the couple put an emphasis on live music. Craigo said hes living his 16-year-old dream, getting to book metal concerts. We created a space that we would want to hang out at, Rice said. Its the music that wed want to go see live and the DJs wed want to go see. Its still beer first at the SugarBowl but more of it, now. Both the liquor and beer selection have steadily expanded over the past three years. If you go through and look at our beer case, its all like old school beers, Craigo said. Youre gonna see Strohs, youre gonna see Black Label. ... Its like youre kind of going back in time. But you know, those beers, they fit this space, the whole vibe of the bar. Through adding beers, the bar has also added an unlikely hero and holiday. Hamms beer became the bars biggest seller when the couple took over. They offer a deal called the Hamm It Up: A pint of Hamms, a pickle and a shot of well whiskey for $5. People come for that, Rice said. I dont want to say (it) put us on the map, I think our food did that. But I think that was one of the things. Patrons enjoy an afternoon at the bar top at the SugarBowl Bar and Grille on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) The SugarBowl enjoys a crowd of regulars throughout the summer and sees busier days when theres an event. The biggest event each year is a holiday Craigo created: Hamms Day. An ode to their new most popular beer. I thought If Oberon can have one, why not Hamms? Craigo said. Taking place the second week of October, the bar caters food and has games and prizes. This year, Hamms Day is Oct. 11. Theres even an appearance from Hamms Man. Like Superman, but with Hamms, Craigo said. Unlike Superman, Hamms Man does have a bit of a beer belly, Craigo said. Craigo worked in the culinary arts for years in Portland, Oregon. During the pandemic, he lost his job as a corporate chef at Adidas, which created the chain of events that led him to dating Rice, moving to Kalamazoo and taking over the bar together. One thing he knew he wanted to change was the menu. Now, the SugarBowl menu features massive double-stack burgers, juicy chicken sandwiches, onion rings with a delicious house sauce and more. You can come in here with $20 and leave feeling really good, Craigo said. An array of food options at the SugarBowl Bar and Grille on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) To see the SugarBowls event schedule, visit the Facebook page here. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? BookmarkMLives local Kalamazoo news page. The Grand Haven City Council recently approved a zoning change requiring short-term rentals in the Centertown Overlay District be located above first-floor retail spaces to maintain the commercial character. Pictured is a MLive file photo of a section of Grand Haven's Centertown on North 7th Street. GRAND HAVEN, MI - City leaders have given final approval to allowing short-term rentals in the commercial area of a Grand Haven neighborhood bordering downtown. The Grand Haven City Council on Monday, Aug. 18, unanimously approved the second reading of a zoning change that will allow people in the Centertown Overlay District to apply for a special land use application to operate a parcel as a short-term rental. Centertown is the area around Washington Avenue and Seventh Street. There are 23 parcels in the overlay district, which comprises several blocks in the heart of Centertown, that are now eligible to apply for STR use. There are approximately 350 registered short-term rental units across the city. The city requires any short-term rental in Centertown to be an upper-level unit, as all first-floor parcels must be retail/commercial, and, if using a parking lift, it must meet city weight and size requirements. The first reading of the zoning change was approved on Aug. 4. Centertown resident Peter Wilson spoke at both meetings on the zoning change, expressing concern that the change was approved to benefit one developer. In July 2024, Wilson said he spoke to the planning commission about having a short-term rental in Centertown and was told it would not be supported. After seeing the request from local realtor John Groothuis of Capstone Companies to allow STRs in the Centertown district get approved, Wilson said he felt slighted. I disagree with the public-facing narrative that this is not to benefit one specific development, Wilson said on Monday. There are similar requests for existing properties that have been soundly rejected that may be equally or more deserving. Pictured is Grand Haven's Centertown district. (Lynn Moore | MLive.com) Lynn Moore | MLive.com The city approved a site plan on Aug. 24 for a mixed-use development by Capstone at the southwest corner of Seventh Street and Columbus Avenue. Steinbech Crossings will be three stories, with commercial business and an enclosed parking garage on the first floor and 12, two-bedroom condos on the second and third levels. The condos will be for sale and owners would then have the option to apply for STR use. Currently, the developments parking plan doesnt align with the citys parking requirements for STRs, according to City Planner Brian Urquhart. Wilsons initial request was asking for more of a broad scope, Urquhart said, allowing STRs in Centertown beyond the central commercial area and into traditional neighborhood areas. That obviously did not receive a favorable response, Urquhart said. Several meetings were held on the matter, and an April planning commission meeting saw public comments that were largely in favor of permitting short-term rentals, according to city records. Before voting Monday night, council member Kevin McLaughlin said to Wilson that if he could do the process over again, itd be handled differently. I dont agree with everything that went on with this whole process, but were just too far down the road and I cant legitimately say no after everything that has gone on up to this point, McLaughlin said. Earlier this month, Mayor Bob Monetza said he wanted to make conservative changes, as the Centertown District is currently working on revamping its long-term master plan. In updating the Centertown vision plan, the citys goal is to have a strategic approach to public/private development, among other things, Urquhart said. The plan is expected to identify strategies that would encourage infill development, repurposing existing buildings for new uses and address potential mobility and streetscape improvements. The city is currently seeking bid proposals from planning firms to work on the Centertown vision plan. Staff plans to bring a recommendation first to the downtown development authority by September. A technical grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is expected to be in the citys account by October, which will fund the planning process that will then start in November. Urquhart said there will be an emphasis on public participation, feedback from stakeholders and potentially a visioning workshop with the community. Fresh off his Netflix comedy special Magic Lover, magician Justin Willman is bringing his new tour to the Temple Theatre in downtown Saginaw this fall. SAGINAW, MI Fresh off his Netflix comedy special Magic Lover, magician Justin Willman is bringing his new tour to the Temple Theatre in downtown Saginaw this fall. The performance, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21, is part of Willmans One for the Ages tour spanning more than 30 cities. Willman, who gained prominence as the creator and star of Netflixs Magic for Humans and Magic Prank Show, has amassed over 1 billion views with his unique blend of magic and humor, organizers said. His television appearances include The Today Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Conan. The Magic Castle recently named him Stage Magician of the Year, and his performances have reached audiences from local theaters to the White House. One for the Ages, described as Willmans largest tour to date, promises new material in an interactive format. The family-friendly show combines comedy with sleight-of-hand magic, designed to appeal to audiences of all ages, organizers said. Tickets for the Saginaw performance go on sale Friday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. For more information, go to templetheatre.com/event/justinwillman2025. Generative AI was used to organize and structure this story, based on data provided by Temple Theatre organizers. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff. HURON COUNTY, MI A passenger was killed in a car crash after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel in Michigans Thumb. The deceased victim was a 77-year-old woman from Bay Port. Her name was not released. Huron County sheriffs deputies responded to the fatal crash at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 20, on Sebewaing Road, west of Gaeth Road, in Sebewaing Township, Sheriff Kelly Hanson said in a news release. The 77-year-old woman was the passenger of an SUV that was being driven by her husband, an 80-year-old from Bay Port, Hanson said. Deputies believe the driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing the SUV to drift into the oncoming path of an eastbound garbage truck. A responding deputy was able to remove the conscious driver from the SUV but could not immediately reach the unconscious passenger, who was trapped in the wreckage. Firefighters responded to the scene shortly after and freed the SUV passenger, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was taken to Scheurer Hospital by ambulance and was later flown to a hospital in another county for treatment. The sheriffs office did not say the extent of his injuries. The garbage truck driver, a 65-year-old man from Sebewaing, was not injured in the crash. Sebewaing Road was closed for nearly four hours after the crash, Hanson said. The crash remains under investigation by the sheriffs office. Sheriffs deputies were assisted at the scene by Sebewaing Police, Michigan State Police, the Huron County Medical Examiners Office and the Huron County Road Commission. Protesters march along the Kalamazoo Mall during a Black Lives Matter protest after the death of Daunte Wright in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, April 16, 2021. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com Michigan lawmakers are debating whether to make protesting in the street without a permit a criminal offense. Blocking or impeding traffic is currently a civil infraction with a $100 fine, but some say thats not enough to deter people, whether its for a protest or a party, and that law enforcement needs stronger tools to stop these assemblies. Thats why Republican lawmakers in the state House have put forward legislation to address the issue. The new bill would make impeding or blocking traffic as part of an assembly a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Weve seen individuals and groups shut down highways with little or no consequences, and it creates a significant risk to public safety, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said Wednesday, Aug. 20. Bouchard spoke in support of the bill Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee, which heard testimony on the legislation. He said unpermitted street protests not only block emergency service vehicles but put both drivers and protesters in danger. Nationally, youve seen also how quickly these situations can escalate into violence, real violence, Bouchard said. Sometimes people in cars feel trapped and panicked and they hit the gas, and you have potentially numerous pedestrians that are injured. Youve seen cars being attacked and people in the car being dragged out, so its a volatile situation. Those opposed to the bill say law enforcement already has tools to deal with unpermitted street protests. Currently, theres not a single city, township, village or county in the state of Michigan that cannot already respond to people intentionally obstructing cars or pedestrians or for trespassing on private property, ACLU of Michigan Legislative Director Kyle Zawacki testified. The unsafe impeding of traffic is already a civil infraction and current law maintains a balance of First Amendment rights with safe traffic flow and is satisfactory in its current form. Zawacki went on to say that criminalizing street protests wouldnt deter people from taking to the streets and would instead impede on First Amendment rights. If passed, (the bill) will stifle protest and speech through fears of prosecution, he said. Many law abiding citizens would think twice before leaving the house to protest if this bill were passed. That chilling effect is precisely why (the bill) is dangerous. These bills may be framed as measures to protect public safety or the so-called right to drive, but they more importantly discourage the constitutionally protected right to protest. Bill sponsor state Rep. Alicia St. Germaine, R-Harrison Township, said the enhanced penalties wouldnt curb free speech, as there are already avenues, like getting a permit, to legally demonstrate in the street. We all have the right to free speech and to assemble to express our opinions, said St. Germaine. Where that ends is when you block people or hold them hostage, because thats exactly whats going on in some of these scenarios. People are in their car and being held hostage. During the hearing Wednesday, St. Germaine played three clips that she said showed the issue. One of the clips showed people assaulting climate protesters sitting in the roadway. Another clip showed a driver striking and partially running over a person that attempted to block their car from going toward protesters. With spelling errors, the video was subtitled to read protester regrets identifying as a speed bump. The only video that took place in Michigan was a news clip of people demonstrating in the street in Macomb County. Its about law and order and keeping everybody safe, not just the drivers, but as you can see, the people in the road, the people that are sitting, blocking traffic, St. Germaine said. Were all about free speech and assembly, but at a certain point we need to protect everyone. One of the last times Michigan saw widespread, spontaneous demonstrations in the streets was in 2020, when people called for justice in the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd and demanded greater accountability. St. Germaine said her bill doesnt discriminate by what political message is being conveyed by the demonstrators. While political demonstrations and protests are the likeliest scenario for unpermitted crowds gathering or marching in the streets, the bill doesnt target those specifically and applies to any scenario. For instance, Detroit has seen large celebratory gatherings or street takeovers shutting down roadways. One such incident last month resulted in a car on fire and three arrests State Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Novi, said shes concerned about the chilling effects the legislation would have on free speech and free assembly. This is particularly important now, she said, as we are currently seeing the evisceration of constitutional rights, especially due process, in this country. Breen asked what evidence there is that enacting criminal penalties for street assemblies would be a deterrent instead of a chilling effect. St. Germaine said that, currently, somebody can be charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct for protesting in the street without a permit. However, she said, the charge is vague and its not fair if a driver injures a protester and is prosecuted for it. Breen pointed out that St. Germaines bill doesnt address the liability of drivers who hit people protesting in the street. State Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, questioned the motives for protesting in the street and said blocking traffic impinges on others freedom of movement. You do have rights as a protester. I also have rights to travel freely throughout this country, DeBoyer said. And when your rights stop my rights, thats where it ends. We know that. We know that court rulings have said that your rights cannot supersede my rights. This is an intimidation tactic, and this is a disruption tactic. It serves no purpose to stand in a highway and stop traffic. The Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan opposes the bill. The Michigan Sheriffs Association supports the bill. 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. 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I Accept Akshay Kumar reveals his Monday fasting ritual, says 'Sunday night is my last meal then Tuesday morning' Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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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 1/9 Duranga (Flower of Evil) ZEE5s Duranga is one of the most gripping adaptations of a Korean drama in India. Inspired by Flower of Evil, it tells the story of a man hiding a dark past from his wife, who is a police officer. The series carefully balances suspense, family drama, and mystery, making it more than just a thriller. Its success showed how Korean narratives can blend seamlessly with Indian sensibilities, creating a psychological drama that leaves viewers questioning loyalty, love, and trust. 2/9 Blind (Blind) Sonam Kapoor Ahujas Blind adapted the Korean film of the same name into a chilling crime drama for Indian audiences. The story follows a visually impaired ex-cop who becomes the only witness to a gruesome crime, forcing her to confront danger head-on. The Indian version retained the essence of the original while giving it a homegrown flavor through its setting and emotional beats. With its strong performances and atmospheric tension, Blind became a memorable attempt at translating Korean thrillers for Bollywood. 3/9 Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan (Boys Over Flowers) Boys Over Flowers is one of the most iconic K-dramas, and its Indian echo came through the youth drama Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan. The show centered around love, friendship, heartbreaks, and complicated college dynamics. While the Indian version reworked the cultural backdrop, it kept the high-stakes romance and emotional rollercoaster intact. With its relatable characters, catchy dialogues, and youthful energy, Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan became a cult favorite among the younger audience, proving how Korean-inspired romances can thrive in the Indian television landscape. 4/9 Dhamaka (The Terror Live) Kartik Aaryans Dhamaka brought intensity to Netflix, reimagining the Korean film The Terror Live. The movie revolves around a journalist who receives a live bomb threat during a broadcast, forcing him into a moral and professional crisis. The story unfolds almost entirely in one location, which heightens the suspense and pressure. While it retained the thrillers edge, the Indian version added commentary on the medias race for ratings, making it feel grounded and relevant. Dhamaka stood out for its pace and gripping premise. 5/9 Ek Villain (I Saw the Devil) The Bollywood hit Ek Villain was loosely inspired by I Saw the Devil, a Korean revenge thriller known for its brutality. While the original focused on a cat-and-mouse chase between a cop and a killer, the Indian version reworked the story into an emotional drama of love, revenge, and redemption. With memorable performances by Riteish Deshmukh and Sidharth Malhotra, it managed to blend action and romance, resonating strongly with Bollywood audiences. The films haunting songs also elevated its impact, ensuring commercial success. 6/9 Murder 2 (The Chaser) The Korean film The Chaser found its Indian equivalent in Murder 2, starring Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandez. The film explored the dark world of crime, where a former cop-turned-detective investigates missing women and comes face-to-face with a terrifying serial killer. While The Chaser focused heavily on gritty realism, Murder 2 added the Bollywood touch of glamour, music, and stylized action. Despite differences, it captured the tension and horror of the original, giving audiences one of the most engaging thrillers of its time. 7/9 Rocky Handsome (The Man from Nowhere) John Abrahams Rocky Handsome took inspiration from the Korean action film The Man from Nowhere. The movie follows a quiet, brooding man whose violent past resurfaces when a little girl he cares for is kidnapped by a dangerous gang. Known for its slick action sequences and emotional undercurrent, the Indian version attempted to balance high-octane stunts with an emotional story. While it didnt achieve the same cult status as the original, Rocky Handsome gave Bollywood fans an action drama with genuine heart. 8/9 Teen (Montage) Amitabh Bachchans Teen drew inspiration from the Korean film Montage, delivering a deeply emotional crime drama. The story revolves around an aging grandfather still searching for his missing granddaughter years later. Alongside him, a police officer reopens an old case, unraveling a mystery filled with grief, hope, and obsession. With standout performances by Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the film resonated for its subtle storytelling. Teen proved how Indian cinema could adapt international stories while adding emotional depth and cultural context. OTT releases this week (August 20-23): From Rivers of Fate to Maareesan, list of upcoming releases streaming this weekend 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. 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I Accept The Map That Leads to You Movie Review: A gentle journey of love and discovery Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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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 Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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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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I Accept 5 things to know about Indias proposed law to ban online real money gaming 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 Aihik Sur 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 1/5 What happened The employee, identified as part of a group called No Tech for Apartheid, staged a protest inside Microsofts offices. The group opposes the companys role in a major project that provides cloud computing services to Israel. During the protest, the employee refused to leave and was later taken into custody. 2/5 Why employees are upset Microsoft, along with Google, signed a $1.2 billion deal with the Israeli government in 2021, known as Project Nimbus. This deal provides powerful cloud services, including data storage and artificial intelligence tools. Critics worry that the technology could be used in military operations or surveillance, especially during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. 3/5 Microsofts response The company has not made a detailed statement on the arrest, but in the past, Microsoft has said its contracts with governments are focused on civilian use and follow human rights guidelines. However, many employees and activists argue that the company has not been transparent about how the technology is being used. 4/5 Growing worker protests This is not the first time employees at big tech firms have raised concerns. Over the past few years, staff at Google, Amazon, and now Microsoft have spoken up against defense and surveillance contracts. Some have resigned, while others have staged sit-ins, calling for more ethical business practices. Pune emerging as GCC hotspot, expected to cross over 500 centres by 2030 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 Debangana Ghosh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. 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I Accept Sam Altman teases GPT-6 and one big upgrade that it is set to bring over GPT-5 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 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 10. Sacred Valley, Peru Framed by Andes peaks and agrarian terraces, the Sacred Valley invites introspective yoga at Pachamama Wasi. Here, movement aligns with spirituality, history, and the whisper of ancient lands. (Image: Canva) 9. Baros, Maldives On overwater decks or sandbanks, Baros offers yoga amid turquoise waves. Sessions range from gentle stretches to advanced flow, all set against the rhythmic hush of coral reefs and sea breeze. (Image: Canva) 8. The Kyagar, Nubra Valley, India Tucked into Ladakhs stark Himalayan landscape by the Siachen River, The Kyagar hosts seasonal outdoor yoga among wildflowers and snow-dust peaksraw, grounded, and soul-opening. (Image: Canva) 7. LUX South Ari Atoll, Maldives Imagine kayaking aboard a traditional dhow at sunrise, breathwork and asanas unfolding on gentle waves, guided by sound bowls and ocean airthis is yoga as a serene sea ritual. (Image: Canva) 6. Acro Suites, Crete, Greece Perched above the Aegean, Acro Suites Asana Studios blend stone and bamboo with sweeping sea views. Its yoga elevatedliterally and figurativelyagainst Greeces warm sunsets and calming cliffs. (Image: Canva) 5. Sedona, Arizona, USA Crimson rock vortexes and desert expanses make Sedona a poetic setting for outdoor yoga. The landscapes energy is said to uplift and alignmaking each pose feel both peaceful and powerful. (Image: Canva) 4. Koh Phangan, Thailand Beyond the famous full-moon festivals, Koh Phangan quietly hosts immersive yoga retreats amid beach forestswhere Thai traditions, healing practices, and slow rhythms nurture both body and spirit. (Image: Canva) 3. Tulum, Mexico Bohemian-chic and ocean-kissed, Tulums yoga studiosset on sandy shores or in jungle clearingsinvite you to stretch under open skies, with the kinetic energy of the Caribbean sea surrounding every sun salutation. (Image: Canva) 2. Ubud, Bali Tucked between emerald rice terraces and dense jungle, Ubud offers a soulful blend of yoga studios and retreats, where the lush, tranquil setting deepens your practice and connects you to Balis vibrant wellness culture. (Image: Canva) 1. Rishikesh, India Drawn by the sacred Ganges and foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is ideal for yogis who want to practice amid spiritual energywith ashrams, flowing river views, and a peaceful depth of tradition. (Image: Canva) Nivritti Khatri 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 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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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 Interviewer's gift of 'Greater Israel' jewelry to Netanyahu sparks regional anger An interviewer's gift of jewelry depicting a map of 'Greater Israel' to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly angered neighboring Arab nations, as per a report in Haaretz. The controversial 'Greater Israel' concept outlines a territory that includes the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as parts of neighboring countries, which is seen by Palestinians and many in the international community as a rejection of a two-state solution. The incident has inflamed regional tensions and drawn criticism over its implications for the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and stability in the Middle East. Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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I Accept 'It was a political witch hunt': Trump hails 'total victory' as US court quashes $464 million civil penalty 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 Russia launches one of the year's largest strikes on Ukraine: 574 drones, 40 missiles fired Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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The region, which encompasses the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, is considered vital to Moscow for several reasons, including its industrial capacity, its strategic value in securing a land bridge to Crimea, and its role in domestic propaganda as a 'historical' Russian land being 'protected'. This demand is a continuation of Russia's policy following its illegal annexation of the territories in 2022, even though it still does not have complete military control, with intense fighting ongoing as Ukrainian forces continue to resist the occupation. US Embassy in Delhi denies Trumps $21m claim, says no USAID funds spent on voter turnout in India Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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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 Well see what happens: Here's why Trump is stepping back from Ukraine peace talks Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Why a Japanese city is betting on immigrants to revive its economy Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why Russia is grabbing land in Ukraine as peace talks intensify Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Why Trumps visa crackdown is keeping thousands of international students off US campuses Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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Edit Close Movie Review: Ron Howards Eden brings 1920s chaos on a Galapagos island to life View Photo Ron Howards Eden opens with a bold statement: Fascism is spreading. Itll surely carry weight in modern society, but the phrase is referencing events from nearly a century ago. Based on a true story, Eden retraces what happened when a group of Europeans attempted to start anew on the remote island of Floreana, only to encounter the earthly failings they hoped to escape: chaos, blackmail, betrayal and even murder. Howard assembles an impressive cast, though it isnt always enough to make up for the overambitious plot of a film that drags in the middle. 1920s Germany, haunted after accepting blame for World War I, was on the brink of demise, as mass poverty and broad social unrest laid ground for the extremism that birthed the Nazi party. Eden shows us none of that, instead dropping us on a small island of the Galapagos, where Dr. Friedrich Ritter ( Jude Law ) and his loyal partner, Dore Strauch Ritter ( Vanessa Kirby ) found solace after fleeing their native country. The idealist doctor is inspired by a newfound purpose of penning radical philosophy that will save humanity from itself. Yet the historical resonance, which could have provided pointed commentary on the parallels between today and the 1920s, falls flat amid the films overlong runtime, unlikable characters and shaky accents that most actors stumble in and out of. In the midst of the films crafted chaos, the story inevitably loses focus. Still, Eden made room for some memorable performances. More adventurists eventually arrive on the island, and just like that, human interaction starts to breed madness. The doctors philosophical work has spread through letters and newspapers across Europe, attracting settlers like Heinz Wittmer, a veteran of the Great War played by Daniel Bruhl, and his much younger second wife Margaret, played by Sydney Sweeney. The Ritters quiet isolation is disrupted by the couple, who arrive with Wittmers young son, chasing the promise of an island utopia to ease their deep disillusionment with everyday reality. The tension between the two groups further exacerbates when Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrhorn ( Ana de Armas ), who calls herself the Baroness, arrives with her two lovers, determined to build a resort on the island. What results is a cat-and-mouse game between the three groups, ripe with betrayal, distrust and tension. The battle for resources exposes just how much of their morality these people are willing to give up for survival, at least attempting to but never fully succeeding in addressing the question: When do people bend to human instinct? The film lacks depth in exploring questions of morality and human nature while depicting Ritters lofty goals to save humanity. His philosophy spirals into madness throughout the film, reduced to brief, sometimes painful and surface level sound bites that eventually devolve into incoherent ramblings. The movie is at its most compelling when its three female actors are on the screen. Different motivations bring them to the island, each of which ultimately centers on the same blind faith in the idea of the masculine leader. They all end up vastly disappointed. Dore is consumed by an unwavering devotion for Ritter, a man who never lives up to the image shes crafted in her mind. Margaret, having married an older man expecting guidance, is instead forced to build her familys future from the ground up, only to fight tooth and nail to preserve it after her husband nearly destroys them. And the Baroness, who confidently declares herself the embodiment of perfection, oozing with seduction, ultimately crumbles at the rejection of a man. Arguably, Sweeney who is almost unrecognizable as the timid and brunette Margaret steals the show. She easily delivers the most impactful scene of the movie, as she was forced to give birth to a baby boy alone in the middle of the desolate island. Its not hard to guess who wont makes it off the island, either by choice or by force. It is a true story after all. The bloody ending feels unavoidable from the beginning, almost as predictable as human nature itself. But maybe that was the point all along. Eden, a Vertical release in theaters Friday, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for some strong violence, sexual content, graphic nudity and language. Running time: 129 minutes. Two and half stars out of four. By ITZEL LUNA Associated Press Death toll rises to 50 in attack on mosque and villages in Nigeria, an official says ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) The death toll from a shooting at a mosque and attacks on several nearby villages in northwestern Nigeria has risen to 50, a local official said Wednesday. Gunmen stormed the mosque in Unguwan Mantau town in Katsina state during morning prayers on Tuesday, according to lawmaker Aminu Ibrahim. The bandits killed 30 people and burnt 20 others during attacks on several villages, Ibrahim told the state parliament. Authorities earlier reported at least 13 people killed at the mosque. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Such attacks are common in Nigerias northwestern and north-central regions, where herders and farmers often clash over limited access to land and water. An attack last month in north-central Nigeria killed 150 people. The conflict has become deadlier in recent years, with authorities and analysts warning that more herdsmen are taking up arms. On Tuesday the Katsina state commissioner, Nasir Muazu, said the army and police have deployed in the area of Unguwan Mantau to prevent further attacks, adding that gunmen often hide among farm crops during the rainy season to carry out assaults on communities. He said the mosque attack was likely in retaliation for a raid by Unguwan Mantau townspeople over the weekend in which several gunmen were ambushed and killed. Dozens of armed groups take advantage of the limited security presence in Nigerias mineral-rich regions, attacking villages and along major roads. The farmers accuse the herders, mostly of Fulani origin, of grazing their livestock on their farms and destroying their produce. The herders insist that the lands are grazing routes first backed by law in 1965, five years after the countrys independence. Separate from that conflict, Nigeria is battling to contain Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast, where some 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than 2 million displaced, according to the United Nations. By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN Associated Press MANILA, Philippines (AP) China has deployed coast guard ships and several militia vessels close to long-grounded Philippine warship in a disputed South China Sea shoal where Filipino forces have been put on alert, the Philippine military said Thursday. At least 14 Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships, some with high-caliber weapons and backed up by a helicopter and an unmanned drone, were being monitored around the BRP Sierra Madre in the Second Thomas shoal. The Chinese forces were spotted on Wednesday and were still in the vicinity on Thursday, Philippine military officials said. Two boatloads of Filipino forces were deployed from the Sierra Madre to prevent the Chinese from coming closer, they said. Chinese officials did not immediately comment in reaction to the Philippine military statement. In the past, they have repeatedly demanded that the Philippines pull the BRP Sierra Madre from the shoal, where it was deliberately grounded by Manila in 1999 to serve as a territorial outpost. The Philippines has refused to accede to the demand of China, which deployed a number of coast guard ships to permanently keep watch on the shoal in a continuing territorial standoff. This is concerning because of the surge in their actions and number, Philippine navy spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Trinidad told The Associated Press by telephone. We have a contingency plan in case this escalates. Amidst all these coercive and aggressive actions, the guidance from the commander in chief is very clear: we will not back down from any threat against our territory, sovereignty and sovereign rights, Trinidad said without elaborating when asked how the Philippine military would respond. One of the five Chinese coast guard ships at the scene used its water cannon without any target in an apparent drill, and smaller boats were seen dropping a net across an entrance to the shallows of the shoal where Philippine ships have passed in the past to deliver supplies to the Sierra Madre, Trinidad said. China coast guard vessels have been seen conducting maneuvers and drills involving the use of water cannons at sea while a number of smaller craft such as rigid-hulled inflatable boats and fast boats were also deployed inside the shoal, the Philippine military said in a statement. Some of the Chinese coast guards fast boats were also observed to have been upgraded with mounted weapons, including heavy crew-served weapons. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea, a key global trade route, and confrontations with the Philippines have particularly spiked in recent years over a number of areas, including the Second Thomas Shoal. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the busy waterway. After a violent confrontation that wounded Filipino navy personnel, including one who lost a thumb in the chaotic encounter at the Second Thomas Shoal in June 2024, China and the Philippines reached a temporary arrangement to prevent clashes between Chinese coast guard and naval forces guarding the shoal from a distance and Philippine forces delivering fresh forces and food and other supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre. Since then, Philippine naval forces have transported forces and supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre at least eight times without any incident, with just three to four Chinese coast guard ships keeping watch from a distance. By JIM GOMEZ Associated Press Brazilian police say ex-President Bolsonaro had planned to flee to Argentina seeking asylum View Photo BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) Brazils federal police said messages found on the telephone of former President Jair Bolsonaro showed he once wanted to flee to Argentina and request political asylum, according to documents seen Wednesday by The Associated Press. Bolsonaro is currently awaiting a Supreme Court ruling about an alleged coup attempt and learned Wednesday he might face another case as police formally accused him and one of his sons, Eduardo Bolsonaro, of obstruction of justice in connection with his trial. The 170-page report said Bolsonaro had drafted a request for political asylum from Argentine President Javier Mileis government dated Feb. 10, 2024. He saved the document two days after authorities searched his home and office as part of the alleged coup plot investigation. Close to that date, Bolsonaro admittedly spent two nights at the Hungarian Embassy in Brasilia, fueling speculation he may have been attempting to avoid arrest. The Argentina plot is part of the wider police accusation of obstruction of justice, in which Bolsonaro has allegedly ignored precautionary measures established for his house arrest and spread content to his allies to directly hit Brazilian democratic institutions, notably the Supreme Court and even Brazils Congress, according to the report. The AP reviewed the police evidence, which included messaging app exchanges and voice messages, after police forwarded the documents to Brazils Supreme Court. Bolsonaro would face another trial if the attorney-general decides to charge him. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the case, gave Bolsonaros lawyers 48 hours to explain why the former president sought political asylum in Argentina and failed to comply with other precautionary measures of his house arrest, such as avoiding contact with people outside his family circle. Asylum in Argentina In a 33-page letter addressed to Milei, Bolsonaro claimed he was being politically persecuted in Brazil. Both are staunch supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has recently repeated some of the former presidents claims in his decision to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports. I, Jair Messias Bolsonaro, request political asylum from Your Excellency in the Republic of Argentina, under an urgent regime, as I find myself in a situation of political persecution in Brazil and fear for my life, the former Brazilian leader wrote. Bolsonaro had his passport seized by Brazils Supreme Court in on Feb. 8, 2024. He has repeatedly sought to get it back, including prior to Trumps inauguration earlier this year. De Moraes rejected all requests as the former president is seen as a flight risk. Manuel Adorni, spokesperson for Milei, said the Argentine government hasnt received anything yet. Bolsonaro did not comment about the investigation. The former Brazilian president attended Mileis inauguration in December 2023, while the serving President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva did not attend. Lula and Milei have had a frosty relationship since the right-wing Argentine took office. Silas Malafaia, a very popular evangelical pastor who is a staunch ally of Bolsonaros, had his passport and cell phone seized by investigators but was not formally accused of obstruction of justice. Praising Trump Brazils federal police gathered several messages between Bolsonaro and his son in which they show interest in praising Trump to affect legal proceedings back home. You wont have time to reverse the situation if the guy here turns his back on you. Everything here is very touchy, every little thing affects you, Eduardo Bolsonaro told his father in one of the exchanges. In todays situation, you dont even need to worry about jail; you wont be arrested. But Im afraid things will change here (in the United States). Even inside the White House, there are people telling (Trump): OK, Brazil is gone. Lets move on, Eduardo Bolsonaro said. Earlier, Eduardo Bolsonaro said in a statement that he never aimed at interfering in any ongoing proceedings in Brazil. He added the conversations with his father that are part of the investigation are absolutely normal and its publication has a political bias. Some exchanges also show frictions sauced with expletives between father and son. Eduardo, who moved to the U.S. earlier this year despite holding a seat in Brazils congress, calls Bolsonaro ungrateful for his efforts to influence the Trump administration in their favor. Eduardo Bolsonaro also asks his father to ACT RESPONSIBLY so he doesnt have to remain much longer in the U.S. Avoiding prison Eduardo Bolsonaro also said he had secured U.S. government support with great difficulty, claiming that he and an ally, Paulo Figueiredo, were the only ones with access to the White House. He also told his father that Trumps pressure was the only chance Bolsonaro had to avoid prison. The most powerful man in the world is on your side. We did our part, Eduardo texted on July 10. Brazils federal police also investigated conversations between Bolsonaro and Martin de Luca, a lawyer for video platform Rumble and the Trump Media Group in a case challenging Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the investigations against the former president. De Luca sent the former president information about Rumbles lawsuit against de Moraes in the U.S. On July 14, De Luca wrote to Bolsonaro, saying he was receiving interview requests from U.S. media for the former president. That same day, Bolsonaro sent De Luca a voice message seeking his advice. I drafted a note, I think I sent it to you, with four short paragraphs. It is good, praising Trump, saying that freedom is much more important than economic issues, Bolsonaro said. I was really happy with Trump, very grateful to him. Please guide me with a short statement from your side, so I can post it on my channels and send it back to you. A verdict and sentence in the coup trial will come from a Supreme Court panel of five justices. They are scheduled to announce their rulings between Sept. 2 and 12. The new findings will not be part of that decision. Prosecutors say Bolsonaro and several of his allies headed a criminal organization that plotted to overturn the election, including plans to kill Lula and de Moraes. ___ Sa Pessoa reported from Sao Paulo. AP journalist Isabel DeBre contributed to this report from Buenos Aires. ___ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america By MAURICIO SAVARESE and GABRIELA SA PESSOA Associated Press Brazils police accuse Bolsonaro of receiving $5 million over 1 year, suspect money laundering View Photo BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) Brazilian federal police accuse former president Jair Bolsonaro of receiving large sums of money without apparent justification between March of 2023 and February of 2024, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, potentially adding to the embattled former leaders legal woes. Investigators say Brazils financial watchdog suspects it has a case of money laundering involving Bolsonaro, who in early September will face the verdict and sentencing phase of his trial over an alleged coup plot. The former president could face another trial if the attorney general decides to charge him on accusations of obstruction of justice. Bolsonaro did not immediately comment on the latest accusation but in the past has claimed he is being persecuted politically by the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. New documents add to legal woes The new documents added to a 170-page long obstruction-of-justice investigation allege Bolsonaro received more than 30 million Brazilian reais ($5 million), most of it without apparent justification, along with debits of almost the same amount during that period. He was president from Jan. 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2022. The AP had access to the documents, which were sent to the countrys Supreme Court. Much of the information of the financial watchdog comes from state-run bank Banco do Brasil. Almost 20 million reais ($3.48 million) allegedly came from more than 1.2 million direct transactions called PIX. Bolsonaro spent a similar amount on investments during the period. The documents also showed that the former president spent money on wire transfers, payment of deposit slips, withdrawals and exchange operations. Brazils federal police say in the new documents that Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo used several maneuvers to dissimulate the origin and destination of financial resources, with the aim of financing and supporting activities of illegal nature of the lawmaker (Eduardo Bolsonaro) living abroad. Earlier, Bolsonaros lawyers said they were surprised by the federal polices decision to formally accuse him of obstruction of justice. Bolsonaro considered asylum in Argentina The federal police investigation revealed on Wednesday that Bolsonaro considered seeking political asylum in Argentina last year and that he continued to communicate with allies in recent weeks despite precautionary measures that now force him to be under house arrest. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the case, told Bolsonaros lawyers late on Wednesday that they had 48 hours to explain why the former president was not complying with measures established for his house arrest order. Bolsonaros lawyers denied any wrongdoing in that case. There was never noncompliance with any precautionary measure previously imposed, the lawyers said in a statement, in which they added they will clarify Bolsonaros recent actions to de Moraes in a timely fashion. Also on Thursday, one of Bolsonaros lawyers said in a TV interview that the former president never seriously considered seeking political asylum in Argentina. Paulo Cunha Bueno told TV GloboNews that Bolsonaro received every kind of suggestion as the investigations on him went forward. Someone sent him that asylum request in February of 2024. He could have gone, but he did not. He didnt want it and he was neither in house arrest nor in ankle monitoring. He had every condition to flee and he did not, Cunha said. Bolsonaro claimed in a 33-page document to Milei he was being politically persecuted in Brazil, documents obtained by federal police show. Both are staunch supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has recently repeated some of the former presidents claims in his decision to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports. Bolsonaro had his passport seized by Brazils Supreme Court in on Feb. 8, 2024. He has repeatedly sought to get it back, including prior to Trumps inauguration earlier this year. De Moraes rejected all requests as the former president is seen as a flight risk. Manuel Adorni, spokesperson for Milei, said the Argentine government hasnt received anything yet. A verdict and sentence in the coup trial will come from a Supreme Court panel of five justices. They are scheduled to announce their rulings between Sept. 2 and 12. The new findings will not be part of that decision. ___ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america By MAURICIO SAVARESE Associated Press Netanyahu says he will push ahead with Gaza City takeover and renewed ceasefire talks View Photo DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he will give final approval for the takeover of Gaza City while also restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at returning all the remaining hostages and ending the war on Israels terms. The wide-scale operation in Gaza City could start within days. Netanyahus approval was expected during a meeting with senior security officials late Thursday, but no decision was announced before midnight in Jerusalem. Hamas said earlier this week that it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators, which if accepted by Israel could forestall the offensive. The Israeli military has begun calling medical officials and international organizations in the northern Gaza Strip to encourage them to evacuate to the south ahead of the expanded operation. The military plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 more. Israeli strikes, meanwhile, killed at least 36 Palestinians Thursday across Gaza, according to local hospitals. A renewed offensive could bring even more casualties and displacement to the territory, where the war has already killed tens of thousands and where experts have warned of imminent famine. Many Israelis fear the operation could also doom the remaining 20 or so living hostages taken by Hamas-led militants in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. Gaza City operation could begin in days During a visit to the militarys Gaza command in southern Israel, Netanyahu said he would approve the armys plans to retake Gaza City and had instructed officials to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all hostages and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel. These two things defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages go hand in hand, he said. It appeared to mark Israels first public response to the latest ceasefire proposal drawn up by Egypt and Qatar. Egyptian and Hamas officials say it is almost identical to an earlier one that Israel accepted before the talks stalled last month. The proposal would include the release of some of the hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, a pullback of Israeli forces and negotiations over a more lasting ceasefire. Israeli troops have already begun more limited operations in Gaza Citys Zeitoun neighborhood and the built-up Jabaliya refugee camp, areas where they have carried out several previous large-scale raids over the course of the war, only to see militants later regroup. The military says it plans to operate in areas where ground troops have not yet entered and where it says Hamas still has military and governing capabilities. So far, there has been little sign of Palestinians fleeing en masse, as they did when Israel carried out an earlier offensive in Gaza City in the opening weeks of the war. The military says it controls around 75% of Gaza, and residents say nowhere in the territory feels safe. Protests in Israel and Gaza Hundreds gathered Thursday for a rare protest in Gaza City against the war and Israels plans to support the mass relocation of Palestinians to other countries. Women and children held placards reading Save Gaza and Stop the war, stop the savage attack, save us, against a backdrop of destroyed buildings as Palestinian music played. Unlike in previous protests, there were no expressions of opposition to Hamas. We want the war on Gaza to stop. We dont want to migrate. Twenty-two months its enough. Enough death. Enough destruction, said Bisan Ghazal, a woman displaced from Gaza City. In Israel, protesters marched Thursday night in Tel Aviv holding banners that read The people will bring back the hostages and How much blood will be spilled? Among the demonstrators was Dudu Dotan, who said Netanyahu is endangering the remaining hostages by moving forward with the planned Gaza City offensive. Of the 50 still being held in Gaza, Israel believes about 20 hostages are still alive. This way will not bring the hostages back, Dotan said. Every hostage he brought back, he brought back through deals. And every time he tried to bring them back with military force, he caused the hostages to be killed. Plans for widening the offensive have also sparked international outrage, with many of Israels closest Western allies but not the United States calling on it to end the war. Dozens killed across Gaza At least 36 Palestinians were killed Thursday by Israeli fire across the Gaza Strip, including 14 who were seeking humanitarian aid, according to local hospitals. The military says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas because it operates in densely populated areas. The Israeli military said it killed several armed militants in the Morag Corridor, a military zone where people seeking aid have repeatedly come under fire in recent weeks, according to witnesses and health officials. Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza had earlier reported that six people were killed in that area while seeking aid on Thursday. It was not possible to reconcile the two accounts. The Media Freedom Coalition, which promotes press freedoms worldwide, called Thursday for Israel to allow independent foreign news organizations access to Gaza. Aside from rare guided tours, Israel has barred international media during the war, in which at least 184 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed. Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war, said a statement signed by 27 of the coalitions member countries. Israeli strikes destroy evacuated tent camp Israeli airstrikes also destroyed a tent camp in Deir al-Balah, the only city in Gaza that has been relatively unscathed in the war and where many have sought refuge. Residents said the Israeli military warned them to flee shortly before the strikes set the camp ablaze, and there were no reports of casualties. Families, many with children, could later be seen sifting through the ashes for the belongings they had managed to take with them during earlier evacuations. Mohammad Kahlout, who had been displaced from northern Gaza, said they were given just five minutes to gather what they could and evacuate. We are civilians, not terrorists. What did we do, and what did our children do, to be displaced again? The Gaza Health Ministry said Thursday that at least 62,192 Palestinians have been killed in the war. Another two people have died from malnutrition-related causes, bringing the total number of such deaths to 271, including 112 children, the Health Ministry said. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. It does not say whether those killed by Israeli fire are civilians or combatants, but it says around half were women and children. 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. 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. ___ Abou Aljoud reported from Beirut, and Lidman reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press Writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed from Tokyo. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war By WAFAA SHURAFA, SALLY ABOU ALJOUD and MELANIE LIDMAN Associated Press Lebanon releases Israeli citizen held in detention for a year View Photo TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) An Israeli citizen detained in Lebanon has been returned to Israel after more than a year in detention, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said on Thursday. There was little information given about the man, identified as Salah Abu-Hussein, an Arab citizen of Israel. His imprisonment had not garnered public attention in Israel or Lebanon. Israeli media reported that the mans family had reported him missing around a year ago and was unaware he was in Lebanon. Lebanons General Security agency said in a statement that Abu-Hussein was held after crossing the border into Lebanon illegally. It said he was trying to leave Israel due to his unwillingness to live there and was arrested by Lebanons Army Intelligence forces. After conducting the necessary investigation, under the supervision of the competent judiciary, no security suspicions were proven against him, the statement said. Due to his nationality, Abu-Hussein could not be deported or released as is the standard procedure for non-Lebanese who enter illegally. He was eventually handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross to be returned. At the time of his crossing, Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah were engaged in ongoing low-level clashes in the border region, which escalated into a full-scale war in September 2024. It was halted by a U.S.-brokered ceasefire two months later. Abu-Husseins release was negotiated in secret over the past few months in cooperation with the Red Cross, according to Gal Hirsch, Netanyahus coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, who is also Israels point of contact for the hostages in Gaza. On Thursday, Lebanese Authorities handed Abu-Hussein to Hirsch at the Rosh Hanikra crossing between Lebanon and Israel, which is not open to the public. Lebanon and Israel do not have diplomatic relations and Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering Lebanon under Lebanese law, with rare exceptions for Palestinians holding Israeli citizenship. Netanyahu hailed the return of Abu-Hussein. This is a positive step and a sign of things to come, he said after Abu-Hussein returned. There was no official comment from the Lebanese government on his release apart from the General Security statement. A group advocating for Lebanese citizens held in Israeli prisons denounced the move. The Representative Committee of Lebanese Prisoners and Freed Prisoners said in a statement that 19 Lebanese citizens are imprisoned in Israel and called the release of the Israeli citizen by Lebanon blatant betrayal. Sewell reported from Beirut. By MELANIE LIDMAN and ABBY SEWELL Associated Press Palestinian factions begin handing over weapons at Beirut refugee camp View Photo BEIRUT (AP) Palestinian factions started handing over some of the weapons held in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Beirut to the Lebanese army on Thursday, an initial step in implementing a plan officials announced three months earlier for removing arms from the camps. It was a modest first step. One pickup left the camp loaded with weapons packed in bags. The butts of machine guns could be seen protruding from some of the sacks, while others contained rocket-propelled grenades. The removal of weapons from the camps was announced in May during a visit by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Lebanon, during which he and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced that arms would be consolidated under the authority of the Lebanese government. But not all Palestinian factions have agreed to abide by the decision. Representatives of Hamas and the allied Palestinian Islamic Jihad did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Hamas sent a statement signed by the Palestinian Factions in Lebanon that called Thursdays handover of weapons an internal organizational matter within the Fatah movement that has no connection, near or far, to the issue of Palestinian weapons in the camps. It added, Our weapons have always been and will always be linked to the right of return and the just Palestinian cause and will remain so as long as the occupation remains on Palestinian soil. The 12 Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon arent under the control of Lebanese authorities, and rival groups have clashed inside the camps in recent years, inflicting casualties and affecting nearby areas. Palestinian groups have also periodically launched rockets across the border into Israel. The step of removing weapons from the camps was seen as a precursor to the much more difficult step of disarming the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which last year fought a bruising war with Israel . The group has been under domestic and international pressure since then to give up its remaining arsenal, which it has so far refused to do. Implementation of the plan for the Palestinian camps was delayed amid disagreements among and within the various Palestinian factions operating in Lebanon, which include Abbas Fatah movement, the rival Hamas group and a range of other Islamist and leftist groups, over the mechanism for handing over the weapons. Ramez Dimashkieh, head of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, a government body that serves as an interlocutor between Palestinian refugees and officials, said in a statement that the handover of weapons Thursday at the Burj al-Barajneh camp south of Beirut will be the first step, with further batches to be delivered in the coming weeks from Burj al-Barajneh camp and the rest of the camps, the statement said. Nabil Abu Rdeneh, a spokesperson for Abbas, said in a statement that weapons were also handed over Thursday at al-Bass camp in southern Lebanon and would continue in other camps in implementation of the agreement between Abbas and the Lebanese government. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack congratulated the Lebanese government and Fatah for their agreement on voluntary disarmament in Beirut camps. In a post on X, he called it a historic step toward unity and stability, showing true commitment to peace and cooperation. However, the extent to which the decision would actually be implemented remained unclear. Some officials with the Palestinian factions said only illegal weapons would be handed over, not those belonging to organized factions. They also said personal light weapons would not be included. Badih al-Habet, a spokesperson for Fatah in Beirut, told reporters that Aoun had acknowledged that personal weapons are part of Arab and national culture. There are nearly 500,000 Palestinians registered with UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, in Lebanon. However, the actual number in the country is believed to be around 200,000, as many have emigrated but remain on the organiztions roster. They are prohibited from working in many professions, have few legal protections and cant own property. By ABBY SEWELL and ALI SHARAFEDDINE Associated Press Prosecutors link LA contract to Smartmatic slush fund as voting tech firm battles Fox in court View Photo MIAMI (AP) Smartmatic, the elections-technology company suing Fox News for defamation, is now contending with a growing list of criminal allegations against some of its executives including a new claim by federal prosecutors that a slush fund for bribing foreign officials was financed partly with proceeds from the sale of voting machines in Los Angeles. The new details about the criminal case surfaced this month in court filings in Miami, where the companys co-founder, Roger Pinate, and two Venezuelan colleagues were charged last year with bribing officials in the Philippines in exchange for a contract to help run that countrys 2016 presidential elections. Pinate, who no longer works for Smartmatic, has pleaded not guilty. To buttress the case, federal prosecutors are seeking to introduce evidence they argue shows that some of the nearly $300 million the company was paid by Los Angeles County to help modernize its voting systems was diverted to a fund controlled by Pinate through the use of overseas shell companies, fake invoices and other means. Smartmatic itself hasnt been charged with breaking any laws, nor have U.S. prosecutors accused Smartmatic or its executives of tampering with election results. Similarly, they havent accused Los Angeles County officials of wrongdoing, or said whether they were even aware of the alleged bribery scheme. County officials say they werent. But the case against Pinate is unfolding as Smartmatic is pursuing a $2.7 billion lawsuit accusing Fox of defamation for airing false claims that the company helped rig the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Fox says it was legitimately reporting newsworthy allegations. Smartmatic said the Justice Departments new filing was filled with misrepresentations and is untethered from reality. Let us be clear: Smartmatic wins business because were the best at what we do, the company said in a statement. We operate ethically and abide by all laws always, both in Los Angeles County and every jurisdiction where we operate. Fox questions Smartmatics dealings in LA Still, Fox has gone to court to try to get more information about L.A. Countys dealings with Smartmatic. The network has long tried to leverage the bribery allegations to undermine Smartmatics narrative about its business prospects a key component in calculating any potential damages and portray it as a scandal-plagued company brought low by its own legal problems, not Foxs broadcasts. South Florida-based Smartmatic was founded more than two decades ago by a group of Venezuelans who found early success working for the government of the late Hugo Chavez, a devotee of electronic voting. The company later expanded globally, providing voting machines and other technology to help carry out elections in 25 countries, from Argentina to Zambia. It was awarded its contract to help with Los Angeles County elections in 2018. The contract, which Smartmatic continues to service, gave the company an important foothold in what was then a fast-expanding U.S. voting-technology market. But Smartmatic has said its business tanked after Fox News gave President Donald Trumps lawyers a platform to paint the company as part of a conspiracy to steal the 2020 election. Fox itself eventually aired a piece refuting the allegations after Smartmatics lawyers complained, but it has aggressively defended itself against the defamation lawsuit in New York. Facing imminent financial collapse and indictment, Smartmatic saw a litigation lottery ticket in Fox Newss coverage of the 2020 election, the networks lawyers said in a court filing. Smartmatic has disputed Foxs characterization in court filings as lies and another attempt to divert attention from its long-standing campaign of falsehoods and defamation. LA clerk deposed about trip, gifted meal As part of its effort to investigate Smartmatics work in Los Angeles, Fox has sued to force LA County Clerk Dean Logan to hand over public records about his dealings with Smartmatics U.S. affiliate. Foxs lawyers also questioned Logan in a deposition about a dinner a Smartmatic executive bought for him at the members-only Magic Castle club and restaurant in Los Angeles and a Smartmatic-paid trip that Logan made to Taiwan in 2019 to oversee the manufacturing of equipment by a Smartmatic vendor. U.S. prosecutors claim that vendor was deeply involved in the alleged kickback scheme in the Philippines. The five-day trip included business class airfare, hotel and numerous meals as well as time for sightseeing, Fox said. The trips itinerary demonstrates that the trip was not a financial inspection or audit. It was a boondoggle, Fox said in court filings. Logan, who did not report the gifts in his financial disclosures, said in his 2023 deposition that the meal at the Magic Castle was a social occasion unrelated to business and that he was not required to report the trip to Taiwan because his visit was covered by the contract. Mike Sanchez, a spokesman for Logans office, said in a statement that the bribery allegations are unrelated to the companys work for L.A. County and that the county had no knowledge of how the proceeds from its contract would be used. All of Smartmatics work has been evaluated for compliance with the contracts terms, Sanchez added, and as soon as Pinate was indicted he and the other defendants were banned from conducting business with the county. As for the trip to Taiwan, Sanchez said another county official joined Logan for the trip and the two conducted several on-site visits and conducted detailed reviews of electoral technology products that were required prior the start of their manufacturing. Logans spouse accompanied him on the trip, but at the couples own expense, the spokesman added. Unfortunately, this is an attempt to use the County as a pawn in two serious legal actions to which the County is not a party, Sanchez said. Smartmatic has settled two other defamation lawsuits it brought against conservative news outlets Newsmax and One America News Network over their 2020 U.S. election coverage. Settlement terms werent disclosed. Prosecutors claim bribe paid in Venezuela U.S. prosecutors in Miami have also accused Pinate of secretly bribing Venezuelas longtime election chief by giving her a luxury home with a pool in Caracas. Prosecutors say the home was transferred to the election chief in an attempt to repair relations following Smartmatics abrupt exit from Venezuela in 2017 when it accused President Nicolas Maduro s government of manipulating tallied results in elections for a rubber-stamping constituent assembly. Smartmatic has denied the bribery allegations, saying it ceased all operations in Venezuela in 2017 after blowing the whistle on the government and has never sought to secure business there again. There are no slush funds, no gifted house, the company said. Instead, it accused Fox of engaging in victim-blaming and attempts to use frivolous court filings to smear us further, twisting unproven Justice Department allegations. ___ Peltz reported from New York. By JOSHUA GOODMAN and JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press Alaska man gifted $22,000 motorcycle by Russian government after viral interview View Photo ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) An Alaska man might have walked away as the biggest winner of last weeks high stakes summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage. He rode off with a new motorcycle, courtesy of the Russian government. Putins delegation gifted Mark Warren, a retired fire inspector for the Municipality of Anchorage, a Ural Gear Up motorcycle with a sidecar, one week after a television crews interview with Warren went viral in Russia. The motorcycle company, founded in 1941 in western Siberia, now assembles its bikes in Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan, and distributes them through a team based in Woodinville, Washington. Warren already owned one Ural motorcycle, purchased from a neighbor. He was out running errands on it a week before the summit when a Russian television crew saw him and asked for an interview. Warren told the crew about his difficulty obtaining parts for the bike because of supply-and-demand issues. It went viral, it went crazy, and I have no idea why, because Im really just a super-duper normal guy, Warren said Tuesday. They just interviewed some old guy on a Ural, and for some reason they think its cool. On Aug. 13, two days before the Trump-Putin summit to discuss the war in Ukraine, Warren received a call from the Russian journalist, who told him, Theyve decided to give you a bike. Warren said a document he received indicated the gift was arranged through the Russian Embassy in the U.S., which did not immediately return a message Tuesday. Warren said he initially thought it might be a scam. But after Putin and Trump departed Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson following their three-hour summit last Friday, he got another call informing him the bike was at the base. He was directed to go to an Anchorage hotel the next day for the handoff. He went with his wife, and there in the parking lot, along with six men he assumed to be Russians, was the olive-green motorcycle, valued at $22,000. I dropped my jaw, he said. I went, Youve got to be joking me. All the Russians asked in return was to take his picture and interview him, he said: If they want something from me, theyre gonna be sorely disappointed. Two reporters and someone from the consulate jumped on the bike with him, and he drove slowly around the parking lot while a cameraman ran alongside and filmed it. The only reservation he had about taking the Ural is that he might somehow be implicated in some nefarious Russian scheme. Warren said he doesnt want a bunch of haters coming after me that I got a Russian motorcycle. I dont want this for my family. When he was signing the paperwork taking ownership of the motorcycle from the Russian embassy, he noticed it was manufactured Aug. 12. The obvious thing here is that it rolled off the showroom floor and slid into a jet within probably 24 hours, he said. By MARK THIESSEN Associated Press A timeline of the Menendez brothers double-murder case View Photo LOS ANGELES (AP) Lyle and Erik Menendez have both been denied parole after serving decades in prison for killing their parents in a case that continues to fascinate the public. A panel of two commissioners held hearings for Erik Menendez on Thursday and Lyle Menendez on Friday. Both were denied parole for three years, after which they will be eligible again. The brothers were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison for fatally shooting Jose and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills mansion in August 1989. They were 18 and 21 at the time. For years they filed petitions for appeals that were denied. But they became eligible for parole after a Los Angeles judge reduced their sentences from life without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life in May, marking the closest they have come to freedom since their convictions. Heres a look at their case over the last three decades: 1990s and aughts March 1990: Lyle Menendez, then 21, is arrested. A few days later, Erik Menendez, 18, turns himself in. They are charged with first-degree murder. July 1993: The brothers go on trial, each with a separate jury. Prosecutors argue that they killed their parents for financial gain. The brothers attorneys do not dispute the pair killed their parents but argue that they acted out of self-defense after years of emotional and sexual abuse by their father. January 1994: Both juries deadlock. October 1995: The brothers retrial begins, this time with a single jury. Much of the defense evidence about alleged sexual abuse is excluded during the second trial. March 1996: Jurors convict both brothers of first-degree murder. July 1996: The brothers are sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. February 1998: A California appeals court upholds their conviction, and three months later, the state Supreme Court agrees. October 1998: The brothers file habeas corpus petitions with the California Supreme Court. After they are denied the next year, they file petitions in federal district court, which are also denied. September 2005: The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denies their habeas corpus appeal. 2023 May 3: Attorneys for the Menendez brothers ask the court to reconsider the convictions and life sentences in light of new evidence from a former member of the boy band Menudo, who said he was raped by Jose Menendez when he was 14. In addition, they submit a letter that Erik wrote to his cousin before the killings about his fathers abuse. 2024 Sept. 19: Netflix releases the crime drama Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, a nine-episode series about the killings. Oct. 4: Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon says his office is reviewing new evidence in the case. Oct. 16: Multiple generations of family members of the Menendez brothers hold a news conference pleading for their release from prison. The relatives say the jurors who sentenced them to life without parole in 1996 were part of a society that was not ready to hear that boys could be raped. Oct. 24: Prosecutors say they will petition the court to resentence the brothers, and that it could lead to their release. Nov. 18: California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he would not decide on granting the brothers clemency until after the newly elected district attorney has a chance to review the case. Nov. 25: A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge holds a hearing regarding the request for resentencing but says he needs more time to make a decision, delaying the resentencing hearings. Dec. 3: Nathan Hochman is sworn into office as the new district attorney of LA County. 2025 Feb. 21: Hochman says his office will oppose a new trial for the brothers. He casts doubt on the evidence of sexual abuse. The following week Newsom orders the state parole board to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to determine whether the brothers have been rehabilitated and if they would pose a danger to the public if released. March 10: Hochman says his office will not support resentencing because they brothers have repeatedly lied about why they killed their parents. April 11: A judge denies prosecutors request to withdraw their resentencing petition. The following week, resentencing hearings scheduled are delayed due to disputes among prosecutors and the brothers lawyers, who say they will ask to remove Hochmans office from the case. May 9: Hochmans office remains on the case as the judge again denies prosecutors request to withdraw their resentencing petition. May 13: Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic reduces the brothers sentences to 50 years to life. They are immediately eligible for parole because they committed the crime under the age of 26. Aug. 21: Erik Menendez is denied parole by the California state parole board. Aug. 22: Lyle Menendez is denied parole by the California state parole board. Fatal Florida crash fuels immigration fight between DeSantis and Newsom View Photo TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis dispatched his top deputy to California to oversee the handover of a truck driver accused of making an illegal U-turn that killed three people in Florida last week. Sending Floridas new Lt. Gov. Jay Collins underscores Republicans push to crack down on illegal immigration. It also revs up a political rivalry between DeSantis and California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, both of whom aspire to higher office. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Monday that truck driver Harjinder Singh, a native of India, was in the country illegally. Three lives lost because of Gavin Newsom. Because of Californias failed policies, Collins said Thursday at a press conference near an airport in Stockton, California. Were done with that, Collins added, using an expletive. A spokesperson for Newsom described Collins trip to California as a photo op and criticized Florida officials for letting a murder suspect walk. Collins did not elaborate on why Singh was able to fly to California after the Aug. 12 crash on Floridas Turnpike. U.S. Marshals arrested him Saturday in Stockton. Collins personally escorted Singh onto an airplane Thursday, holding the mans arm as he walked up the steps of the aircraft. Singh was accompanied by four other people, including a man in a jacket that read Police ERO, a reference to Enforcement and Removal Operations, a branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Singh made the illegal turn on the highway about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A minivan in the neighboring lane was unable to avoid the trucks trailer and slammed into it, killing the minivans driver and two passengers. Singh and a passenger in his truck were not injured. Florida authorities said Singh entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico in 2018. According to Homeland Security, Singh obtained a commercial drivers license in California, which is one of 19 states, in addition to the District of Columbia, that issue licenses regardless of immigration status, according to the National Immigration Law Center. Collins said Thursday that Singh never should have been issued a drivers license, calling the move unacceptable. Collins said Singh lacks basic English proficiency and did not know the road signs. Newsoms press office responded on the X platform that Singh obtained a work permit while Donald Trump was president. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin disputed that, saying the federal government denied him a permit during Trumps first term in September 2020 and granted him one in June 2021, under President Joe Biden. A preliminary investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that Washington state issued Singh a regular full-term commercial drivers license in July 2023, a type of license that people without legal status are not eligible for, according to DOT. California then issued Singh a limited-term commercial license a year later. Federal vehicle safety officials are investigating whether the issuance of that license complied with government regulations. Singh is charged with three state counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations. The federal government has asked that he be transferred to ICE custody after his criminal case is complete. A public defender assigned to Singhs case confirmed he made an appearance in San Joaquin County court on Tuesday. Mr. Singh was in court on Tuesday afternoon and he signed the paperwork that acknowledged he was the person Florida was looking for but did not in any way admit to any criminal charges, attorney Jennifer Perkins said in an emailed statement. Perkins said she was not at liberty to discuss Singhs citizenship status. ___ 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. By KATE PAYNE Associated Press/Report for America Russian attack on western Ukraine hits an American factory during the US-led push for peace Russian attack on western Ukraine hits an American factory during the US-led push for peace View Photo KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russia launched a rare drone and missile attack on western Ukraine overnight, officials said Thursday, striking targets including an American-owned electronics plant and injecting further uncertainty into the U.S.-led efforts to end the 3-year-old war. The aerial assault on a part of Ukraine that has largely not experienced such focused attacks was one of Russias biggest this year and came as Moscow objects to key aspects of proposals that could end the fighting. U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the war with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week before hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on Monday. Russias Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, including drone factories, storage depots, missile launch sites and areas where Ukrainian troops were gathered. Russia has repeatedly denied targeting civilian areas of Ukraine. But in a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote that the Russians practically burned down an American company producing electronics home appliances, nothing military. The Russians knew exactly where they lobbed the missiles. We believe this was a deliberate attack against American property and investments in Ukraine, Zelenskyy wrote, adding: Telling attack, right as the world awaits a clear answer from Russia on negotiations to end the war. Trump last month questioned Putins commitment to ending the war, saying the Russian leader talks nice and then he bombs everybody. In a social media post Thursday, Trump criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for not providing Ukraine with more weaponry it needs to fight back. It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invaders country, Trump said. Its like a great team in sports that has a fantastic defense, but is not allowed to play offensive. There is no chance of winning! It is like that with Ukraine and Russia. The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Trump is considering changes to the types of weapons the U.S. will provide to Kyiv. The push for peace Russia has fired nearly 1,000 long-range drones and missiles at Ukraine since Mondays White House talks, according to Ukrainian tallies. European countries are discussing how they can deploy military assets to deter any postwar Russian assault on Ukraine. But the Kremlin wont accept the deployment of any troops from NATO countries, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday that making security arrangements for Ukraine without Moscows involvement was pointless. Putin is ready to meet with Zelenskyy to discuss peace terms, Lavrov said Thursday, but only after key issues have been worked out by senior officials in what could be a protracted negotiating process because the two sides remain far apart. Ukrainian and European leaders have accused Putin of stalling in the peace efforts in the hopes that his bigger army, which has been making slow advances, can capture more Ukrainian land. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a conference call Thursday with the national security advisers of European countries expected to play a role in future security guarantees for Ukraine, a senior U.S. official said. In addition to the national security advisers from Britain, Finland, France, Germany and Italy, officials from the European Commission and NATO also joined the call. The U.S. official spoke on condition of anonymity to outline a discussion that had not been publicly announced. Military leaders from the U.S., Ukraine and these five European countries met Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington to work out military options, said Joseph Holstead, a spokesperson for the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. His statement gave no details about what specifically was discussed at the meeting, which also included NATOs supreme allied commander in Europe. But an official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly about the discussions said, Everything is being considered and nothing is being ruled out, regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, apart from U.S. boots on the ground. Military chiefs and their staffs are looking at a variety of options including how big the security guarantee is and what happens if it is implemented with or without a ceasefire, the official said, noting that European defense chiefs acknowledged its their responsibility to secure Europe. The Pentagons policy chief, Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, attended meetings with European military leaders this week to personally convey that the U.S. military plans to play only a minimal role in any security guarantee for Ukraine, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said in a statement. Western Ukraine is struck Russia launched 574 drones and 40 ballistic and cruise missiles overnight, the Ukrainian air force said. The attack mostly targeted western regions of the country where much of the military aid provided by Ukraines Western allies is believed to be delivered and stored. The strikes killed at least one person and injured 15 others, according to officials. A U.S. electronics plant near the Hungarian border was struck, according to Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. The Flex factory is one of the biggest American investments in Ukraine, Hunder told The Associated Press. At the moment of impact, 600 night shift workers were on the premises, and six were injured, Hunder said. Russian attacks on Ukraine since it launched its invasion have damaged property belonging to more than half of the chambers roughly 600 members, he added The message is clear: Russia is not looking for peace. Russia is attacking American business in Ukraine, humiliating American business, Hunder said. In the western city of Lviv, one person was killed and three were injured as the attack damaged 26 residential buildings, a kindergarten and administrative buildings, regional head Maksym Kozytskyi wrote on Telegram. The regional prosecutors office said three Russian cruise missiles with cluster munitions struck the city. Ukraines leader responds Zelenskyy condemned the attack amid the push for peace and accused Moscow of trying to wriggle out of holding a meeting between Putin and himself. They dont want to end this war. They continue their massive attacks on Ukraine and their ferocious assaults along the frontline, Zelenskyy wrote on X. They even lob missiles at an American enterprise, alongside many other purely civilian targets. He also urged the international community to respond with stronger pressure on Moscow, including tougher sanctions and tariffs. In prepared comments released Thursday, Zelenskyy said plans for security guarantees would become clearer by the end of next week. He said he then expects to be ready to hold direct talks with Putin for the first time since the full-scale invasion. The talks could also be conducted in a trilateral format alongside Trump, Zelenskyy said. A venue for the meeting is being discussed, and Switzerland, Austria and Turkey are possibilities, Zelenskyy added. Ukraine, meanwhile, has kept up its attacks with domestically produced long-range drones on infrastructure inside Russia that supports Moscows war effort. Among other targets, it has hit oil refineries, and Russian wholesale gasoline prices have reached record highs in recent days. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones on Thursday wounded four civilians in Russias Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, according to Telegram posts by regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. He said the drones damaged apartment blocks, a commercial site and a car. ___ Associated Press reporters Matthew Lee, Konstantin Toropin and Aamer Madhani in Washington, and Emma Burrows in London contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine By SAMYA KULLAB and ILLIA NOVIKOV Associated Press Rethinking what the dead can tell us about Neolithic society in Ireland Overlooking Newgrange, one of Irelands most famous Neolithic passage tombs. What has recent research revealed about the individuals who were laid to rest in such impressive monuments? IMAGE: Ken Williams Who was buried in the passage tombs of Neolithic Ireland? For centuries, many thought that these monuments were the final resting places of a ruling elite, and in 2020 this seemed to be confirmed by ancient DNA analysis which revealed that some of the individuals interred within them were related. Now, however, Penny Bickle, Kerri Cleary, Catherine J Frieman, Neil Carlin, Daniela Hofmann, and Jessica Smyth describe recent research that examines the results in light of their wider archaeological context, exploring complex funerary rites which, they argue, were just one form of kin-building among a community with much wider social networks. You cannot take it with you may be a common piece of wisdom today, but it seems that this sentiment has not always been popular. In prehistory, some people were generously provided for on their journey into death, and funerary finds often extend beyond an excavated skeleton to encompass the objects that accompanied an individual into the ground; traces of rituals, like feasting, that surrounded their burial; and the architecture that was built to house the dead, from humble pits to mighty megalithic tombs. By contrast, material evidence for living communities can be much more ephemeral, placing us in the challenging position of often having a richer dataset for death than for everyday life. It is tempting to take such archaeological evidence at face value, assuming that grand tombs and exotic grave goods were reserved only for kings and princes, while everyone else was buried with rather less lavish attention or not given a formal burial at all. However, we cannot map modern ways of mourning on to past societies, nor assume that they left us a straightforward record of who was who when they were still alive. Instead, in our recent research (originally published in Antiquity; see Further reading on p.34), we argue that, by carefully contextualising ancient DNA evidence with contemporary burial rites, we can develop a new picture of life and death in Neolithic Ireland. A crouched burial with grave gifts from Neolithic Austria. IMAGE: J-W Neugebauer, BDA TOMBS FOR KINGS? During the Neolithic, when farming first spread along the Atlantic parts of Europe and more settled lifestyles replaced hunter-gatherer traditions, some of the dead were placed in chambered tombs. Many of these still stand (in contrast to contemporary domestic architecture, little of which remains above ground) and, rather than representing the resting place of just one individual, these were communal monuments containing the remains of multiple people and combining diverse burial practices. Some occupants had been cremated, others were buried unburnt, and some remains were disarticulated and mixed together. Early antiquarians like John Beddoe (1826-1911), who excavated Stoney Littleton Long Barrow in Somerset, tended to interpret these enigmatic arrangements as the burial of a chief surrounded by dependents who had probably been put to death to accompany their lord into the afterlife. Today, however, advances in archaeological science offer a much more nuanced view. Focusing specifically on Neolithic Ireland, these communal tombs were built in a range of different styles. In the earlier Neolithic (c.3800-3300 BC), three main types were constructed: portal tombs, court tombs, and simple passage tombs. This last form, comprising a burial chamber reached by a narrow passage made from large upright stones and covered by a circular stone or earthen mound, continued to be built into the later Neolithic, but from around 3200 BC it took on a much larger scale. The grandest and most famous Irish passage tomb is probably Newgrange which, along with Knowth and Dowth, forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at Bru na Boinne (Bend of the Boyne) in County Meath. Due to the monuments imposing size and elaborate architecture, Newgrange has long been thought of as an elite burial place, reflecting increased power differences at this time. The antiquarian Thomas Molyneux expressed this view almost 300 years ago, writing in 1726 that we may easily gather twas raised in honour of some mighty prince, or person of the greatest power and dignity in his time and, rather more recently, this enduring interpretation appeared to have been confirmed by two different pieces of new genetic evidence from aDNA analysis (see CA 366). Examplesof chambered tombs from Neolithic Ireland: Poulnabrone (IMAGE: Jon Sullivan, CC BY-SA 4.0) Carrowkeel (IMAGE: Rob Hurson, CC BY-SA 4.0) First, it was found that people buried in some of these tombs were distantly related to each other, suggesting that they came from a specific lineage or set of family dynasties. Second, it was proposed that these lineages formed a select, special group, based on the discovery that one man represented by a small skull fragment recovered from inside the chamber at Newgrange had closely related parents, either full siblings or a parent and child. It was argued that the incidence of incest that had produced this individual, who has been called NG10, must have been socially sanctioned because he had been buried at such an important place. Drawing parallels with other past societies such as ancient Egypt, where it appears that sibling marriages were practised in order to keep inherited wealth together, the researchers concluded that Newgrange, like the Pyramids, would have been associated with a ruling elite within Neolithic society. Looking at Newgrange today, with its impressive quartz facade and fine examples of megalithic art, it is easy to be convinced of these arguments. Yet much of what constitutes modern Newgrange is the result of a 1960s reconstruction of an interpretation of the monuments final phase. During the Neolithic, Newgrange was always in the process of being built. Archaeological evidence attests to it having been constructed in phases over many generations, with clear indications that it was not designed with a single final form in mind (unlike the Great Pyramid of Giza, which was built to a predetermined design c.2600 BC). Similar evidence has come to light at Knowth: we can now tell that its largest passage tomb mound, which covers two back-to-back chambers, was initially built as a smaller monument. Only later were both passages expanded and encompassed within the large earth and stone mound that we see today. At both Newgrange and Knowth, their stones were successively reworked: some were redecorated, with newer megalithic art placed over older motifs, while other elements saw materials being taken from other tombs or older structures and incorporated into the fabric of newer parts of the monuments. These were ongoing projects that saw times of high activity and development interspersed with quieter periods of minimal activity and, significantly, their chambers remained accessible throughout this process. Date ranges for the construction and intensity of use (represented by shading) of the major megalithic traditions in Neolithic Ireland. This is an extract of an article that appeared in CA 426. Read on in the magazine, or click here to read it online at The Past, where you can read all of the Current Archaeology articles in full as well as the content of our other magazines, Current World Archaeology, Ancient Egypt, and Military History Matters. China and Pakistan foreign ministers agree to launch new economic corridor projects View Photo ISLAMABAD (AP) Pakistan and China pledged to expand economic cooperation and investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship program of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, officials said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Thursday. The two sides agreed to launch new projects through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, a flagship program of the Belt and Road Initiative, a Pakistani government statement said. The countries did not immediately share details of the proposed projects. Called One Belt, One Road in Chinese, the Belt and Road Initiative has built power plants, roads, railroads and ports around the world and deepened Chinas relations with Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Mideast. It is a major part of Chinese President Xi Jinpings push for China to play a larger role in global affairs. Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan through CPEC, building roads, power plants and rail links to connect Chinas western Xinjiang region with the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar in southwest Pakistan, where some Chinese have been attacked by insurgents in recent years. The foreign ministers vowed to deepen collaboration in science, technology, industry and agriculture. Wang also urged Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese workers and engineers, who have come under attack by separatists in Balochistan province and elsewhere in recent years. Pakistan already has increased security for Chinese working on CPEC-related projects. China has long been one of Pakistans key ally and financial backer, especially as Islamabad struggles with a prolonged economic crisis. The meeting came a day after Wang and Dar traveled to Kabul for a trilateral dialogue with Afghanistans Taliban rulers on political and economic cooperation. Wangs stop in Pakistan also followed a visit to neighboring India earlier this week, where he held talks aimed at stabilizing strained relations between the two Asian giants. In the Image of God: John Comenius and the First Childrens Picture Book Public Domain Review Deeply concerning: reading for fun in the US has fallen by 40%, new study says The Guardian It-girl literary heroines are all cannibals now The New Statesmen. Quite the lede. Climate/Environment Pandemics Interesting new brainstem and cerebellum study in Long COVID new imaging findings from 2025 A new brain imaging study of Long COVID patients reveals major damage in key parts of the brain responsible for movement, balance, and automatic body functions like heart rate and pic.twitter.com/vl8kA6MvJL Jack | amatica health (@JackHadfield14) August 19, 2025 A Remedial Class in Basic Leadership Pandemic Accountability Index Japan India Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovs upcoming talks with Foreign Minister of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The meetings agenda will focus on facilitating the emergence of transport, logistics, banking and financial links and chains that would be immune to any adverse pressures from unfriendly countries, while also increasing the use of national currencies in their mutual settlements. India test-fires nuclear-capable ballistic missile, with eye on China Straits Times China? Africa Syraqistan Inside the IDFs plan to relocate 1 million Gazans Israel Hayoum Director-General of Gazas Health Ministry: The occupancy rate of hospital beds has reached 300% an unprecedented figure that reflects the scale of the health and humanitarian catastrophe we are experiencing today. https://t.co/HCRUHtH7cx pic.twitter.com/kQVXP9YGG1 Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) August 20, 2025 Israel is deliberately preventing ICU beds from entering Gaza so that the thousands of malnourished children in Gaza cannot be saved & instead face a slow, painful and miserable death pic.twitter.com/hjdVF5wkr4 Zachary Foster (@_ZachFoster) August 19, 2025 Israels minister of national security Ben Gvir placed a photo of the large scale destruction of Gaza in a prison so Palestinian prisoners see it every time they pass by pic.twitter.com/l860EaBxFW HOT SPOT (@HotSpotHotSpot) August 20, 2025 Old Blighty European Disunion New Not-So-Cold War Ukraines Military Losses Exposed: 1.7 Million Dead and Missing Russian hackers have reportedly breached the Ukrainian General Staffs database, revealing catastrophic losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the compromised digital registry, if the data is pic.twitter.com/dq2G9QNYEv DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) August 20, 2025 We didnt ask for Stalins permission to create NATO in 1949. We didnt ask Khrushchevs permission to bring West Germany into NATO in 1955. We didnt ask for Yeltsins permission to expand NATO in the 1990s or Putins permission in the 2000s. & after these events, Moscow did Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 18, 2025 Liberation Day Trump 2.0 GOP Funhouse Democrats en deshabille If you hated the idea of Trump in office this much you should have spent your energy telling her to stop supporting genocide. She lost because she armed and funded an unpopular genocide. Its really not much more complicated than that. Heidi N. Moore (@moorehn) August 20, 2025 The Uniparty The mirage of the antiwar right The Anti Empire Project Antitrust Data Centers Arent the Main Villain Behind Higher Electric Bills BIG by Matt Stoller BlackRocks bid for Minnesota Power worries consumer advocates Minnesota Reformer Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins Takes Steps to Protect Farmland. . . From Farmer-owned Solar Panels??? The Cocklebur Immigration Big Brother is Watching You Watch AI Police State Watch Imperial Collapse Watch Accelerationists Technofeudalism versus Total Capitalism American Affairs Journal Our Famously Free Press Now confirmed that this episode led to 60 Minutes to be stripped of its editorial independence, and led to the selling of CBS to David Ellison, who now plans to merge the company with Bari Weiss and The Free Press https://t.co/dBC6n5S0Lw pic.twitter.com/BAhaEbwbCN Hamid Bendaas (@HBendaas) August 19, 2025 Bari Weisss Free Press Wants You to Know Some Kids Being Starved by Israel Were Already Sick The Intercept Groves of Academe Class Warfare Thelonious Monk turned wrong notes into the right ones. pic.twitter.com/YfZLuv5y3q Melodies & Masterpieces (@SVG__Collection) August 19, 2025 Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Yves here. The post below recaps the high points of a report by Senator Chris Murphy on how private equity firm Leonard Green severely degraded patient care severely on its way to bankrupting Prospect Medical Holdings. The document is highly readable (a bit heavy on narrative detail as opposed to data since the study is based on in-depth interviews at three Connecticut facilities. Please do find the time to give it at least a skim. The looting of hospitals is only one aspect of private equitys destructive health care rentierism, but its particularly devastating to communities that had these facilities as anchors of care. Forgive me for not running down all of the pre and post bankruptcy hospital closures, but this extract from a June story in Pennsylvania Capital-Star gives a feel: A California for-profit health care company said Monday it plans to close its remaining hospitals in Pennsylvanias fifth most populous county and fire thousands of employees after failing to find a buyer. Prospect Medical Holdings filed papers Monday in bankruptcy court seeking approval to close the two Crozer Health System hospitals in Delaware County before they run out of cash. The announcement was met with condemnation from state and local officials, who had provided a $40 million lifeline while the company worked to reach a solution to keep them open. Prospects decision to move forward with the closure of the Crozer Health System is a devastating and disgraceful blow to our communities, our healthcare workers, and every patient who has ever relied on our local hospital system, state lawmakers from Delaware County said in a joint statement Monday. Yet again, Prospect decided to put profits over patients by putting Crozers assets up for auction. The closures will affect Crozer Chester Medical Center in Upland and Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, which remained open after Prospect closed two other Delaware County hospitals in recent years. Three ambulatory surgery and imaging centers will remain open pending a sale. And a section from Senator Murphys study: As hospital staff paid for supplies with their own money and patients haggled for necessary equipment over the phone, Leonard Green began to cash out on their investment. They sold the land the hospitals sit on for $1.4 billion to a real estate investment trust, Medical Properties Trust, who leased it back to the hospitals at a high rate. In 2018, Leonard Green forced Prospect to borrow $457 million to pay themselves a dividend while Prospect recorded a $244 million net loss [11]. Finally, in 2021, Leonard Green sold their majority stake in Prospect, leaving nothing but debt and destruction in their wake. So the big extraction mechanism was the oft-used private equity method, applied also to retailers and restaurant chains, of selling real estate and saddling the operating company with high-cost rental agreements so as to provide the new real estate buyers with an income stream that enables the private equity looter to get a high price for the property sale. Yet despite the justified outrage, efforts to curb private equity ability to buy hospitals have largely failed. Prospect filed for Chapter 11 in January 2025. From the CT Mirror in June: After Prospect Medical Holdings, the formerly private equity-backed owner of three Connecticut hospitals, declared bankruptcy in January, Gov. Ned Lamont and state officials from both sides of the aisle proposed measures aimed at reining in private equity in the states health care system. But when the 2025 legislative session drew to a close in the first week of June, Connecticut had failed, for the second year in a row, to pass any legislation related to private equity ownership of health care facilities. Two competing bills, one from the governor and one from the Senate, each laid out an approach for protecting the states health care system from potential bad actors. The governors proposal sought to increase oversight of major health care industry transactions such as hospital mergers and acquisitions by broadening the types of deals that would require state review to include those typically used by private equity-backed operators. The Senate bill focused on banning private equity involvement outright in certain parts of the health care system. What is disappointing is that this approach omits powers that states have and have not used. In a meeting with then head of New Yorks Department of Financial Services and Insurance (which also oversees medical insurance), Benjamin Lawsky told me he told prospective private equity buyers of hospitals that they would be regulated every bit as strictly as current owners, with the hardly-hidden implication that the DFS would come down on them if they tried degrading care or played games like surprise billing. These conversations had a chilling effect on private equity purchases of New York hospitals, at least in his day. By Brad Reed, a staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams A US senator on Wednesday released a report that detailed how private equity firms have ruined hospitals in his home state and across the country. The report from Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) documented what happened when three Connecticut hospitalsWaterbury Hospital, Rockville General, and Manchester Memorialwere bought by Prospect Medical Holdings, a private equity-backed healthcare firm. Interviews conducted with staff members of these hospitals told a consistent story about how Prospect cut corners in nearly every conceivable aspect and worsened the care patients received at the hospitals. Ramona, an operating room assistant at Waterbury Hospital cited in the report, explained how Prospect went to extreme lengths to avoid spending money. She explained to Murphy that Prospect at one point stopped paying vendors, which resulted in supplies eventually growing so scarce patients were sometimes left on the operating table while staff scrambled to find the necessary equipment. Staff members eventually started buying supplies themselves, with some even going so far as to buy food for their patients to ensure that they did not go hungry. A nurse named Anne-Marie, who has worked at Manchester Memorial for over three decades, told Murphys staff that it was only through the dedication of staff members that her hospital was able to continue functioning at all. You know, Im very fortunate where I work that we still care and patients cant believe what a good job we do despite all of the obstacles and hurdles weve been given, she said. We still show up every day and were committed to our communities, thankfully. Prospect didnt just skimp on buying supplies for the hospitals but also on maintaining the buildings themselves. A unit secretary at Waterbury Hospital named Carmen told Murphys staff of two instances where the ceiling at the building literally fell down due to years of neglect. We were lucky enough that the patient had already been discharged and where it fell, it would have missed the stretcher and the patient, she said of the first instance. The other time it fell in the trauma room, it was only on top of the computers so we called maintenance, and they came and fixed it, [which means] putting a little hose where the water is and putting buckets to catch the waterits happened a lot. The deterioration of patient care at Waterbury became obvious by 2019, when the report noted that it recorded the highest rates of patient readmission in the state. Things got even worse for the hospitals when Leonard Green & Partners, the private equity firm that at the time owned Prospect, decided to sell the land where the hospitals reside to a real estate investment firm that then leased the land back at high rates. The final blow came when Leonard Green sold off its stake in Prospect, which the report says left nothing but debt and destruction in its wake. After Leonard Greens exit, Rockville Hospital was losing so much money, they cut all but emergency and outpatient mental health services without the required state authorization, leaving many patients with no full-service hospital nearby, the report stated. Prospect itself filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, and the fate of all three hospitals is now in the hands of a bankruptcy judge in Texas, the report added. Murphys report also emphasized that the story of private equity stripping hospitals for parts is not unique to his state. The story of these three Connecticut hospitals is playing out in healthcare systems all over the country, it said. Private equity comes in, squeezes the life out of hospitals and doctors offices, and then leaves patients and communities in the lurch. When Trump and Putin met in Alaska, the event was portrayed as the encounter between two strong men capable of taking decisive action and changing the course of events. However, their meeting was not that of equals. One was a man shaped by circumstances; the other, a man who bent them. Or so it seems. Trump represents the U.S. imperial state, with all the trappings of bureaucracy, interests, and compromises that characterize it. As was demonstrated during the Biden presidency, the president is the figurehead of a complex web, and the machine of the state can run without a capable executive figure at its helm. In fact, this is something Putin has complained about, claiming it is the reason he does not trust U.S. presidents: they might commit to something, but then an army of bureaucrats and lobbyists come to tell them how things are done. This arrangement is typical of power structures in their later stages, where the state apparatus can override the will of its nominal head. The Roman Republic, before Augustus, had intentionally developed a state structure to prevent a single ruler from taking over. The century of civil wars before Augustus was an attempt to change it, and the ensuing conflict brought many authoritarian leaders forward: Sulla, Pompey, Caesar, Mark Antony, and finally Augustus. When Augustus established the de facto empire, in what historian Ronald Syme called the Roman Revolution, power was taken from the senate and concentrated on him, but the state was still necessary to run the empire. What Augustus did could be considered a logical development: he centralized the state structure under one authority. Soon after, with the assassination of Caligula, the Praetorian Guard made Claudius emperor, relegating the figure of the emperor to secondary importance. As in the period before Augustan Rome, the U.S. is overstretched and rife with internal divisions. In these conditions, its common for sectors of society, including those close to the power nexus, to call for a strong man to establish order. That was the call in Rome, just as it was much later in early 20th-century Spain. In 1902, Spanish writer and politician Joaquin Costa proposed the concept of an iron surgeon, a man capable of restoring order amidst the instability created by the Restoration Regime, the republicans, and the new socialist ideas taking hold in the country. General Primo de Rivera came to power in 1923 and referred to himself as such. He also established the National Consultative Assembly, a sort of corporate consultative body to stand in place of the parliament, which was meant to represent the administration, society, and the party. It was tasked with creating a New Spain. Trump and his administration present him as a strong man capable of making America great again. Some liken Trumps second coming to a type of coup against the establishment. The theory of the unitary executive power is being pushed to the limit to further that agenda, even presenting Trumpthough as a jokeas king. However, Trump is more akin to Sulla than to Augustus, even though the comparison might be disrespectful to the Roman general. The reason is that Sulla, much like Primo de Rivera, was a representative of the optimates and hence a conservative seeking to strengthen the rule of the oligarchy, not to change the system, as Augustus did. Therefore, though Sulla was a capable general, his decisions were conditioned by the power structure he represented and wished to continue. Trumps decisions are equally constrained, if not dictated, by the interests he represents. These are not a homogeneous group, as shown by the fracture within the MAGA movement and his erratic behavior depending on who is influencing him. As an example, one of the reasons behind the meeting in Alaska, which some present as a bold move, was probably the trap he had set upon himself by giving Russia an ultimatum and threatening secondary sanctionsa threat that, if carried out, would have backfired. Putin, on the other hand, is at the head of a state structure that he has rebuilt and in which he has concentrated executive and corporate power, putting much of Russias vast natural resources under its command. In this, and much more, he actually resembles the Roman emperor Diocletian. If we posit that there is a certain continuation of state tradition beyond the ideological rhetoric, from the Russian Empire to the USSR to todays Russia, then the comparison to Diocletian becomes quite staggering. When Putin came to power, the Russian state had been plundered after the dissolution of the USSR by national and foreign agents and opened to Western neocolonialism. Putin took control and rebuilt the state structure, centralized power, and put natural resources under it, in the process eliminating opposition and dissension. Similarly, during his reign, Diocletian stabilized the empire and put an end to the Third-Century Crisis. His reorganization of the fiscal, administrative, and military machinery laid the foundations of the Byzantine Empire in the East. Both men came from humble backgrounds, rose through the ranks of the state, and were profoundly statist. They also similarly framed their ascent to power in a discourse of social and historical inevitability and a return to the true ideals of the empire. When Trump and Putin met in Alaska, Trump had to put on a show to pretend that he commands the same personal auctoritas as Putin does, that it was a meeting between two equals. On paper, they are. One could even argue that, on paper, Trump still commands the largest economy and strongest army in the world. But they stand as heads of two states at very different stages: one aging and one renewed after the collapse of the USSR. Putin stands at the head of a rejuvenated state and wields the power that it confers. One could argue that he has bent his personal circumstances as well as those of Russia as he found it. Proof of this is how he rose through the ranks and how he has made Russia capable of standing up to NATO and winning. Trump, on the other hand, could be said to have been made by his circumstances, riding the wave of his social position and wealth. He has risen to power on the back of a populist discourse, which usually gains traction under social and economic conditions of later-stage power structures, and is supported by a new wealthy class allied with a nationalist industrial aristocracy, to which he belongs. In this case, it could be argued that he is the result of a set of circumstances, not its maker. However, Im well aware that someone could make the exact opposite argument: that Putin is the result of the Russian circumstances after the end of the Soviet Union, and that Trump has fought against the political establishment to rise above his circumstances. Though Im less inclined to support this view, if well argued, it could be valid. This seeming contradiction exists because when dealing with the debate of man versus circumstances, its a matter of perspectives. There are certain views which will undoubtedly maintain that history makes men, and they are not exclusively religious. For example, a Marxist materialist reading of history will come to that conclusion; this is then difficult to marry with the awe shown by Marxists toward certain leaders. Another example is that of neuroscientist and primatologist Robert Sapolsky, whose book, Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will, makes the claimfrom a purely evolutionary argumentthat humans are absolutely determined by their biological makeup. Religious people have been grappling with this question since time immemorial, which, articulated differently, is the same debate as free will versus predestination. The responses vary from absolute predetermination to a compromise between that and free will, to propose that, despite God and decree, humans have free will. Later, humanism developed a faith in rational, human-centric free will, which evolutionary science then reframed as a survival tool that is simultaneously constrained by uncontrollable external circumstances. We will not settle that debate here, but the point Im trying to make is precisely that there is no definitive answer to the question because it will depend on the angle from which one looks at it. In support of this, I will just mention two writersto be fair on the comparisonwho hold opposite views, but there are many others. Thomas Carlyle argued in his book, On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History, that universal History, the history of what man has accomplished in this world, is at bottom the History of the Great Men who have worked here. Carlyle is credited with being the first proponent of the great men theory, though I would argue against this statement. Plutarchs Parallel Lives, which compares the lives of great men of antiquity, could be said to have articulated a similar intention first. On the other hand, Tolstoys second epilogue to War and Peace completely rejects this view. Quoting the Times Literary Supplement (only because the subheading serves the argument), it reads: Leo Tolstoys War and Peace rejected the great man theory of history, made fashionable by Thomas Carlyle. Napoleon, Cromwell, and Caesar were historys slaves, fulfilling the will of Providence, argued Tolstoy, not its masters. Tolstoy argues that there are only two ways to account for the historical: nations guided by individual men or the existence of a known aim to which these nations and humanity at large are tending. He dismisses the first and tries to argue for the second. Following the second view, TLS adds to the previous title: So how to judge the three great men who have presided over Chinas return to the pinnacle of world powerthe Communist Party leaders Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, and Xi Jinping? That is no different from asking to account for Putin or Trumps ascension to power. Or, to bring it back to the departure point of this article, was the Alaska Summit a meeting between two great men or one brought about by circumstances? If we are to follow much of the press coverage, we would have to assume the first. Many accounts of the summit have regarded it in personal terms: Trump lost and Putin won, which also shows how much of the press is conditioned by a language favored by the power structure. This personalized narrative is what the Trump administration prefers. They want to present Trump as a strong man capable of opposing the bureaucracy of the deep state and able to force others to his terms and achieve deals. According to this narrative, he is the strong leader that will make America great again. But the over-focus on his persona hides the enormous apparatus of the state and its private interests. On the other hand, Putin favors a depersonalized narrative. Its not about him, its about Russia, Mother Russia. There was a time when he also presented himself as a strong man, riding horses shirtless. That was the time when he had to establish his power over other oligarchs. Now that he holds power, he is clever enough to push for a different narrative. For Putin, the Alaska summit was about explaining root causes, realities on the ground, and constitutional and political processes, though he knew who he was dealing with. For Trump, it was about him solving a situation and making a deal. But who was in control of circumstances and who was under them? Man versus circumstances seems to be a matter of perspective. But which perspective is chosen seems to reveal much about both circumstances and men. Nashville is expected to see an uptick in ICE activity starting in September, with assistance from National Guard troops who will be deployed in administrative support roles. The Tennessee Lookout first reported on the mobilization of the National Guard. The Scene recently obtained what appears to be one page taken from an internal Tennessee National Guard document that details the orders. The document is dated July 30, 2025, and marked CUI, or controlled unclassified information." It states that the 1-181st Field Artillery Regiment (FAR), based out of Chattanooga, will deploy to Nashville's Department of Homeland Security facility on Brick Church Park Drive beginning in September. FAR is set to assist with case management, logistical support, and clerical support of the in-processing and out-processing of illegal aliens in Nashville, TN to allow ICE to dedicate trained agents to core law enforcement activities, enhancing overall effectiveness." The projected tour of duty is Sept. 1 to Dec. 15, with a possible extension" through the end of the year. Soldiers will be activated under Title 32 active duty status (Mobilization Authority TBD) and will NOT be in State Active Duty. Soldiers who live within 50 miles of the DHS facility will be prioritized for the mission, which according to the document will perform strictly non-law enforcement duties within ICE facilities. They will be specifically prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain. When contacted for comment by email, the Tennessee Military Department's joint public affairs director Capt. Kealy Moriarty would not specifically verify the authenticity of the document, but did not dispute its details. Moriarty noted that soldiers work in assisting ICE at processing facilities within the state will consist of data entry, case management, and logistical support. The Tennessee National Guard regularly works alongside local, state, and federal agencies in support roles throughout the year, and this assistance reflects our commitment to interagency partnerships, Moriarty told the Scene on Aug 12. Moriarty also declined to say how many troops will take part in the mission or if regardless of their administrative duties they will be armed. Planning is currently underway, and we will continue to coordinate with our state and federal agencies to determine how best we can support this request, she said. At an Aug. 13 press conference, the Scene asked Gov. Bill Lee what Tennesseans should expect to see with immigration enforcement in the streets of Nashville and other cities. He provided little insight. Obviously, the operations of ICE are federal operations so we don't plan those, so I can't speak to what will happen over the next year as it relates to those operations from ICE, other than the fact that we will be a willing partner, Lee said. We want to work with them to make sure that we remove criminals from our streets. ICE declined to provide any details on what its operations in Nashville will look like throughout the remainder of 2025, including how many agents will take part in the operation. As ICE rapidly grows, were coordinating with DHS and our federal partners including DOD and the Tennessee National Guard to support transportation and logistics at our facilities across Tennessee, an ICE spokesperson said. This unified approach ensures were fully equipped to carry out our expanding mission. ICE is set to see unprecedented growth following the increase of its annual budget from $8.7 billion to $27.7 billion with the passage of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill. +2 Kristi Noem Says Nashville Will See More ICE Agents Deployed Trumps DHS secretary dodges questions on transparency, says Mayor OConnell doesnt deserve to be in any office What the people in Nashville will see is obviously more individuals and more agents, but they'll also see more training and equipment, said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem during a July press conference in Nashville. We'll see more investigative tools that will be able to be utilized. My hope is that we also get the chance to work with the Department of Justice to get more immigration judges. While specific enforcement details are unclear, the National Guard document highlights ongoing public outcry over immigration enforcement actions throughout the state. This mission is closely monitored by media and actors determined to cast our forces in a bad light, the document reads. We will ALWAYS maintain understanding of what optics our actions present and will always maintain military bearing. This mobilization comes as Lee is deploying more than 160 soldiers to Washington, D.C., a move made by several Republican governors in support of Trumps federal takeover of D.C. and the citys alleged crime emergency. Mayor Freddie OConnells office did not return a request for comment when asked if the city has been in communication with state or federal agencies regarding new immigration operations. The mayor and his office have been a political target of state and federal Republicans since ICEs Nashville immigration sweeps in May. AI overlords vs. humans: Escalating war over power grid sabotage Resource Wars Over AI Expansion: AIs massive demand for electricity, water, and land is fueling conflicts between tech corporations and communities, with sabotage against power lines signaling rising tensions. AIs massive demand for electricity, water, and land is fueling conflicts between tech corporations and communities, with sabotage against power lines signaling rising tensions. AIs Hidden Costs: Data centers drain resourcesbillions of gallons of water for cooling, farmland seizures via eminent domain, and energy shortages risking blackouts by 2027, prioritizing profits over survival. Data centers drain resourcesbillions of gallons of water for cooling, farmland seizures via eminent domain, and energy shortages risking blackouts by 2027, prioritizing profits over survival. Depopulation Agenda Suspicions: Globalist entities like the WEF and Bill Gates push population reduction while AI monopolizes resources, forcing dependency on centralized rationing systems to suppress dissent. Globalist entities like the WEF and Bill Gates push population reduction while AI monopolizes resources, forcing dependency on centralized rationing systems to suppress dissent. Sabotage Threats & Grid Vulnerabilities: Exposed power infrastructure invites attacksgunfire, EMPs, or explosives targeting substationsrisking AI disruption and civilian collateral damage. Exposed power infrastructure invites attacksgunfire, EMPs, or explosives targeting substationsrisking AI disruption and civilian collateral damage. Survival Preparedness Urged: Experts advise stockpiling food/water, securing off-grid power (solar), EMP-proofing electronics, and decentralizing to resist AI-controlled systems amid looming conflict. As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly expands, its demand for critical resourceselectricity, water, and landhas sparked tensions between tech corporations and local communities. Recent sabotage attempts against power lines in Virginia signal a brewing conflict, with experts warning that desperate populations may increasingly target energy infrastructure to reclaim dwindling necessities monopolized by AI-driven depopulation agendas. Resource Wars Escalate AI data centers consume vast amounts of electricity and water, straining local utilities and agricultural communities. In Northern Virginia, tech giants and government-backed projects are pushing through a 70-mile, 500,000-volt transmission line, seizing land via eminent domain. Residents report contaminated farmland, disrupted ecosystems, and skyrocketing energy billswhile AI infrastructure takes priority. Earlier this year, citizen-led resistance emerged when survey crews attempting land assessments were met with armed threats, ATV blockades, and unleashed guard dogs, forcing companies to request U.S. Marshals for protection. Analysts see this as the first wave of a broader uprising. AIs Hidden Costs AIs resource drain extends beyond electricity: Water: Data centers devour billions of gallons annually for cooling, exacerbating droughts. Data centers devour billions of gallons annually for cooling, exacerbating droughts. Land: Farms and wilderness are bulldozed for expansion, displacing communities. Farms and wilderness are bulldozed for expansion, displacing communities. Energy: Rising demand risks widespread blackouts by 2027, according to PJM Interconnection. Experts warn that AIs unchecked growth prioritizes corporate profits over survival needs, fueling hostility. Depopulation Agenda? Globalist entities like the World Economic Forum and Bill Gates openly advocate population reduction programs. AI infrastructure accelerates this by monopolizing resources while promoting dependency on centralized, AI-driven rationing systemseffectively starving dissenters into compliance. Mike Adams, investigative journalist and founder of Natural News, warns: "This is Skynet in the making. AIs demands will trigger human resistance. Once people realize their food, water, and power are being stolen for robots, theyll fight back." Sabotage Threats Rise Power grid vulnerabilitiesexposed transformers, unguarded transmission towersmake sabotage an imminent threat. Organized groups or desperate individuals could: Target substations with gunfire or explosives. with gunfire or explosives. Disrupt power lines , causing cascading blackouts. , causing cascading blackouts. Exploit electromagnetic pulses (EMP) to crash regional grids. Such attacks could cripple AI operations, but also devastate civilian populations caught in the crossfire. Survival Strategies Experts urge individuals to: Stockpile food and water (organic, long-term storable options preferred). (organic, long-term storable options preferred). Secure off-grid power (solar, sodium-ion batteries). (solar, sodium-ion batteries). Obtain EMP-resistant Faraday bags for electronics. bags for electronics. Prepare for decentralization, reducing reliance on AI-controlled systems. Conclusion: A Looming Battle The conflict between AI expansion and human survival is escalating. Without policy shifts, analysts predict: Martial law to protect AI infrastructure. to protect AI infrastructure. Rationing of essentials favoring compliant populations. compliant populations. Violent suppression of resistance movements. The choice is stark: submit to AI dominance or fight for sovereignty. As Mike Adams asserts: "They wont kill all of usbut theyll try. The resilient will survive." Watch the Aug. 20 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about war with the machines escalates as AI data center power lines face citizen sabotage threats. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: The AI Data Center Wars Have Begun Farms, Water and Electricity is Stripped from Humans to Power the Machines Trumps $1 trillion AI data center boom strains Texas grid nuclear power eyed as solution Google expands nuclear power investment to fuel AI data center surge Sources include: Brighteon.com 23 Economists demand Israel put an end to its GENOCIDAL Gaza policies Twenty-three top economists, including 10 Nobel Prize winners, sent an open letter to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu urging an immediate end to policies worsening starvation in Gaza. The letter criticizes the breakdown of UN aid distribution and its replacement by the Israeli-coordinated Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which they say has led to deadly chaos and over 1,000 casualties at aid sites. Economists denounce Israel's proposed relocation of displaced Gazans into a "humanitarian city," calling it a violation of dignity and freedom, and warning it could intensify the humanitarian crisis. The letter warns of looming European sanctions, credit downgrades and a potential exodus of tech professionals, threatening Israel's economy and democratic stability. The economists call on Israel to restore adequate aid, abandon forced relocation plans, reaffirm human rights commitments and pursue a ceasefire, while urging Western governments to ensure these actions are taken. Twenty-three of the world's most influential economists, including 10 Nobel Prize winners, have sent an open letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding an immediate halt to policies that fuel mass starvation in Gaza. The open letter to the Israeli leader was uploaded by MIT economist and Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu on Google Drive and X on Aug. 13. It decried the collapse of the United Nations' aid distribution system and its replacement by the Israeli-coordinated Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which the authors describe as contributing to deadly chaos. Since July 26, Israel has allowed more aid into the territory, but the economists say the amount remains woefully insufficient. Over 1,000 people have reportedly been killed or wounded in stampedes at GHF aid sites. In line with this, the economists warn that Israel's proposed establishment of a so-called "humanitarian city" to house displaced Gazans along with its continued restrictions on aid are not only morally indefensible. but also likely to trigger a cascade of economic and political consequences for Israel itself. "As human beings and as economists and scientists, we call for an immediate halt to any policy that intensifies widespread starvation," the letter states. While the economists explicitly condemn Hamas for the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks and hostage-taking, they argue that this "does not absolve the Israeli government, which controls the flow and distribution of aid, of responsibility." (Related: Israel approves Gaza City occupation as Netanyahu defies critics, warns of Hamas "neo-Nazi" tactics.) Israel facing sanctions, economic collapse if Gaza policies continue Aside from halting specific policies, the economists also lay out a detailed and dire forecast of the economic fallout should Israel proceed on its current trajectory. The economists warn that European governments may soon impose targeted sanctions in response to alleged human rights violations. "In light of mounting evidence of mass starvation and human-rights violations, European governments may well impose targeted sanctions, inflicting severe damage on science, trade and employment. There are already early signs of that," they wrote. "Ratings agencies are likely to continue to downgrade Israel's sovereign debt, driving up borrowing costs just as the state faces enormous reconstruction and defense bills. Skilled professionals would emigrate in growing numbers and the high-tech sector responsible for close to 20 percent of GDP and one-third of income-tax revenue would accelerate its exodus, depriving Israel of its chief growth engine." The economists demand that Israel restore sufficient provision of food and medical aid to Gaza, renounce any plan to establish camps or confine civilians, formally recommit to human rights and international law and pursue a ceasefire agreement that includes humanitarian guarantees and a pathway to ending the conflict. They also urge Western governments to "actively work to ensure that these policies are implemented." "Only by doing so can Israel avert widespread famine, preserve its democratic character and safeguard its long-term economic prospects. We call on Western leaders to actively work to ensure that these policies are implemented," the economists concluded. Visit Genocide.news for more similar stories. Watch this video about a Palestinian human rights activist revealing that Israel has destroyed Gaza. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel defies Trump's call to end Gaza war, plans full-scale occupation amid humanitarian crisis. Extremist Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for occupation of Gaza and "thinning" of Palestinian population. UN backs resolution calling for an end to Israel's occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net Drive.Google.com Brighteon.com As part of my ongoing mini-series on the towns of Roman Britain, I will focus in this column on Roman Lincoln (Lindum), which was founded as a legionary fortress during the reign of Nero (AD 54-68), and subsequently developed into a colonia (a settlement for retired soldiers) after AD 86 during the reign of Domitian (AD 81-96). As CA 421 comments: For those of us who know the city today, it is hard to imagine a time when Lincoln was not thought of as an outstanding destination for heritage tourism. The pages of Current Archaeology across the decades, however, reveal a hard-fought battle for its rich archaeological heritage. KING OF THE CASTLE Unusually for my column, I will start in this instance at the most recent mention of Roman Lincoln and then work backwards chronologically through past coverage in the magazine. CA 421 (April 2025) reported on Michael J Jones wonderful book about his 40-plus year career exploring the citys archaeology, and I urge all readers interested not just in Lincoln, but in the history of our discipline, to read his book. It is a fascinating insight into the ups-and-downs of 20th-century fieldwork, and a paean to the benefits of long-term investment in places and people. As a starting point of any desk-bound exploration of a city, I cannot think of better. CA 317 explored the area around Lincoln Castle, highlighting finds from both the medieval and Roman periods. Moving backwards in time from there, CA 317 (August 2016) explored the area around Lincoln Castle to understand its story at a time of redevelopment to improve visitor facilities. Current Archaeologys editor Carly dived into the medieval (especially 11th- to 12th-century) layers, but also delved deeper into this corner of Lincolns history, examining a row of 3rd- to 4th-century terraced houses, likely to have been the homes of traders to the settlements elite, which sat alongside a single higher-status family home. All of this was excavated by a joint commercial/volunteer team, working together in the best traditions of Lincolns archaeological community. LORD OF THE RINGS CA 254 (May 2011) examines a quite different piece of Lincolns history: its central role in the cult of the god Toutatis, as evidenced by distinctive finger-rings found across Lincolnshire. As CA explains, Toutatis was a popular god among Roman soldiers, made famous in the modern day by the Asterix cartoons, but previously little-known in the British archaeological record. Thanks to the work of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, finds of rings bearing the inscription TOT have been identified, in all but a few cases within the boundaries hypothesised for the Roman civitas of the Corieltauvi, located around the River Trent and the territorium for the colony at Lincoln, and all dating from the 2nd to 3rd centuries AD. The rings are a rare instance where we can map the distribution of a find-type that correlates so closely with such boundaries a highly specific material expression of group affiliation and identity. CA 254 examined Lincolns role in the cult of the god Toutatis, as evidenced by the many finger-rings bearing the inscription TOT found across Lincolnshire. An excellent counterpoint to this micro-focus on the specifics of the archaeology of Roman Britain then appears in the next reverse-chronology visit to Lincoln by the magazine. CA 211 (September 2007) placed the settlement in the macro-context of our understanding of Britannia Prima during the tail-end of Roman Britain from AD 286 onwards, when Lincoln was capital of Flavia Caesariensis, one of four provinces at this time the others being Maxima Caesariensis (London), Britannia Prima (Cirencester), and Britannia Secunda (York). TALK OF THE TOWN The 1990s saw two in-depth visits to Lincoln by the magazine, the first in CA 129 (May 1992) and the second in CA 194 (October 2004). Together these provide a fascinating insight into the archaeology of the town across the Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and medieval eras, and, in the case of CA 194, this coverage runs right up to the modern era with its assessment of the citys 19th- and 20th-century industries. In terms of the Roman era, CA 129 provides evidence for the late Roman/early Saxon town, including the fascinating site of St Paul-in-the-Bail, which lays claim to being one of the earliest Christian sites in the country, dating to the 5th-6th centuries (for more on this site, see CA 63, September 1978). It also touches on waterfront development along the River Witham, with, again, evidence of continuity of use during and after the Roman occupation into the Saxon era. CA 194 builds on this work, with more on the waterfront around what is known as the Brayford Pool (the small lake at the confluence of two rivers that puts the literal lin lake or pond in Lincoln), as well as further afield, notably at Greetwell, a villa site 2km (1.2 miles) to the east of the city that is hypothesised as the likely seat of the late Roman provincial governor of Flavia Caesariensis. Just 2km (1.2 miles) east of Lincoln, excavations at Greetwell Villa thought to have been the seat of the late Roman provincial governor of Flavia Caesariensis featured in CA 194. AN ARCH THROUGH TIME A reconstruction drawing of Roman Lincoln featured on the cover of CA 83, after new discoveries had helped to delineate the outline of its defences and uncovered the original legionary headquarters building. CA 83 (August 1982) provided an exciting snapshot of fieldwork at a busy time in the city and the magazines second cover-story for Lincoln. In this era, the outline of its defences had been delineated, the original legionary headquarters building identified, and overlying that was the later forum. These finds gave new structure to our understanding of the towns development and made easier its comparison to other Roman towns in Britain and beyond. Fieldwork had been undertaken across the city through the 1970s with an intensity common to this era, the heyday of the rescue movement, which had its origins in primarily urban fieldwork, when sites were often at risk of demolition within days, sometimes hours, and primarily volunteer teams of archaeologists had to act accordingly. CA 53 (November 1975) and CA 54 (January 1976) give a sense of this urgency and of the outcomes that it delivered, especially as regards the Roman era, with the latter issue reporting on the search for the citys aqueduct. Earlier still, CA 44 (May 1974) also showed the pace of work at this time. As the magazine reported: A conservation area was designated in 1968, but much of the Roman and medieval walled cities and all the extensive suburbs and cemeteries lay outside this area much of the redevelopment, however, has taken place within the walls of the lower Roman town in 1971 there were schemes in the pipeline to develop about 20 acres of the historic city. This posed an unparalleled problem. The cover of CA 26 showed the horrifying moment in 1964 when the citys 3rd-century north gate was struck by a fish lorry. But, to close on a different problem, I will conclude with the oldest mention of Lincoln in the magazine and arguably its most-famous Roman site: the Newport arch. This 3rd-century north gate of the Roman town featured on the cover of CA 26 (May 1971), showing the horrifying moment in 1964 when it was struck by a fish lorry. Beyond discussing the arch which survived this incident, as well two further vehicle strikes in 2004 and 2017, and which remains the oldest arch in the UK still used by road traffic CA 26 is full of superb detail about fieldwork across the city at this time. If you read it in counterpoint to CA 421, where I started this article, you gain a tremendous sense of how much has been achieved by the citys archaeological custodians in the 54 years that separate these two reports. Lincoln Museum (previously The Collection) houses an excellent array of material from across the city: www.lincolnmuseum.com. The local authority has a very helpful online portal https://arcade.lincoln.gov.uk, as does the Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology: https://slha.org.uk. Food safety alert: FDA issues warning about shrimp contaminated with RADIOACTIVE isotope The FDA has issued a recall for specific Walmart-brand frozen shrimp after detecting trace radioactive cesium-137 contamination (68 Bq/kg) in samples imported from Indonesian supplier BMS Foods. Three lot codes are affected (8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1). While levels are under the 1,200 Bq/kg safety threshold, long-term exposure risks remain. The FDA has banned further imports from BMS Foods and is collaborating with Indonesian authorities to trace the contaminations origin. Cesium-137 a nuclear fission byproduct accumulates in muscle tissue, increasing cancer risk from beta/gamma radiation. Though acute toxicity is unlikely, chronic low-level exposure poses potential health dangers. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in food safety oversight, with lax international regulations allowing contaminated seafood often from nuclear-affected regions like Fukushima to enter commerce. Walmart has pulled products in 12 states, urging disposal of affected shrimp. Advocates recommend opting for organic, domestically sourced seafood to avoid reliance on risky global supply chains. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers to discard certain Walmart-brand frozen shrimp after detecting trace levels of radioactive cesium-137 (Cs-137) in a shipment from Indonesia, prompting a nationwide recall and raising concerns about long-term exposure risks. The contamination was first flagged by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Savannah, Georgia. This led to an immediate import ban on products from Indonesian supplier PT Bahari Makmur Sejati, doing business as BMS Foods. Three lots of Great Value frozen raw shrimp with the following lot codes and a best-by date of March 15, 2027 are affected: 8005540-1 8005538-1 8005539-1 While no contaminated products have entered U.S. commerce, the FDA confirmed Cs-137 levels of 68 becquerels per kilogram (Bq/kg) in one breaded shrimp sample. While this is far below the 1,200 Bq/kg safety threshold, it still poses potential long-term health risks. The agency has placed BMS Foods on its "red list," blocking further imports until the source of contamination is resolved. Cs-137, a byproduct of nuclear fission, is not naturally occurring. "Internal exposure through ingestion or inhalation leads to its distribution in soft tissues, particularly muscle tissue, increasing cancer risk due to exposure to beta particles and gamma radiation," Brighteon.AI's Enoch warns. Historically, nuclear accidents like Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011 have dispersed Cs-137 globally. These catastrophes have embedded trace amounts in soil and seafood. However, this incident marks a rare case of regulatory detection in commercial food shipments. From Indonesia to America: How contaminated shrimp slips through cracks The FDA emphasized that while acute toxicity is unlikely, cumulative low-level exposure could have significant health implications. Walmart has cooperated with the recall, removing the implicated products from shelves in 12 states, including Texas, Florida and Ohio. "The health and safety of our customers is a top priority," the retailer stated, though BMS Foods has yet to publicly comment. Meanwhile, FDA investigators are collaborating with Indonesian authorities to trace the contamination's origin, focusing on facility sanitation and supply chain controls. (Related: Antibiotic-resistant SUPERBUGS found in imported SHRIMP sold at Canadian supermarkets.) The recall underscores systemic vulnerabilities in global food safety, where lax international oversight and corporate self-regulation permit hazardous contaminants to slip through. With rising concerns over nuclear contamination in seafood particularly from Asia-Pacific regions this case may prompt stricter import scrutiny. Consumers are advised to avoid the affected shrimp and contact healthcare providers if they suspect exposure. As the investigation continues, the FDA pledges updates on further findings, leaving shoppers questioning what other undiscovered risks lurk in everyday groceries. Meanwhile, advocates urge a shift toward organic, domestically sourced seafood to mitigate reliance on global supply chains with questionable oversight. Head over to CleanFoodWatch.com for more similar stories. Watch this report from "Inside Edition" about some U.S. restaurants using imported shrimp for their menu items and passing it off as locally sourced. This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Hong Kong plans widespread BAN of Japanese sea products if Fukushima dumps nuclear water into the ocean. China BANS sale of Japanese seafood due to Fukushima radiation contamination Tokyo to file appeal at WTO. Russia plans to ban seafood imports from Japan following disposal of Fukushima radioactive wastewater into the ocean. RADIOACTIVE fish discovered near Fukushima renews concerns over plans to dump nuclear wastewater into the ocean. Sources include: FDA.gov FoxBusiness.com Brighteon.ai TheHill.com Brighteon.com California Gov. Newsom now begging oil giants not to leave the Golden State California Gov. Gavin Newsom, previously a vocal critic of oil companies, is now engaging with industry leaders to boost in-state oil production a reversal from his aggressive climate policies and past accusations of corporate "price gouging." Two major refinery closures threaten fuel shortages and price spikes, with projections of $8/gallon gas by 2026, forcing California to rely on costly imports prompting Newsom's pivot to fast-track drilling permits in Kern County. The move risks alienating environmentalists who accuse him of betraying health protections. But it could appeal to moderates ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run, framing Newsom as a pragmatic leader balancing climate goals and economic realities. Experts argue California's high gas prices stem from Newsom's own regulations and taxes, not price-fixing, while Republicans warn importing foreign oil will worsen emissions and economic strain. California's energy crisis poses both peril and opportunity for Newsom, testing whether progressive decarbonization policies can coexist with affordability and potentially deciding his national political viability. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is reportedly talking with industry leaders to boost in-state production. The move could redefine California's energy future while reshaping Newsom's own political trajectory, with the governor mulling a 2028 presidential run. However, it comes contrary to his previous actions. Just last year, Newsom accused oil companies of "screwing" consumers and pushed aggressive climate regulations, For decades, the Golden State has aggressively pursued a transition to clean energy implementing strict emissions targets, banning certain gas additives and cracking down on alleged oil industry price gouging. Brighteon.AI's Enoch also points out that Newsom has "filed lawsuits against oil companies, accusing them of "price gouging" and exploiting consumers with excessive gas prices." "The state's high fuel costs are primarily driven by his own policies including strict regulations, taxes and refinery closures. Experts argue there is no evidence of corporate price-fixing, and Newsom's actions appear politically motivated rather than economically justified." But as two of the state's last major refineries announce unexpected closures, officials face the grim prospect of fuel shortages and skyrocketing prices. These factors could undermine Newsom's national ambitions and burden Californians already struggling with affordability. The governor's pivot comes amid warnings from industry analysts that California's already dwindling refining capacity could soon force the state to rely on expensive gasoline imports further spiking pump prices. A business professor at the University of Southern California projected that gas prices in the state could hit $8 by the end of 2026. (Related: California's gas prices: A crisis of its own making, USC study finds.) While Newsom's office disputed the professor's claim, it has intensified pressure on Sacramento to act. Meanwhile, Republicans and industry leaders warn that foreign oil imports often sourced from nations with lax environmental standards will worsen emissions while draining the state's economy. California's energy crisis: Can Newsom fix what he broke? Moreover, Newsom is now pushing legislation to fast-track oil drilling permits in Kern County, California's primary oil-producing region. This is a stark departure from his previous stance, where he declared the climate crisis a "fossil fuel crisis." The proposal seeks to bypass litigation delaying new wells, something welcomed by industry advocates. However, Newsom's proposal has infuriated environmentalists who accuse him of betraying public health protections. "It's a very misguided and ill-conceived proposal,' said Hollin Kretzmann of the Center for Biological Diversity. He argued that the plan would undermine environmental safeguards without lowering gas prices. Newsom's balancing act reflects a broader challenge for Democrats: Reconciling ambitious climate goals with economic reality. As Californias energy crisis looms, the governor must navigate competing demands from environmental activists demanding stricter regulations to moderate lawmakers wary of alienating voters ahead of a potential 2028 presidential bid. The political stakes couldnt be higher. Critics warn that if Newsom fails to curb gas prices, California could become a cautionary tale a progressive state undone by its own aggressive decarbonization policies. Yet if he succeeds in brokering a deal with oil companies, he may yet position himself as a pragmatist capable of bridging ideological divides. Either way, California's energy reckoning is just beginning and for Newsom, the road ahead is paved with peril and opportunity. Nevertheless, one thing is clear: California's energy future and perhaps Newsom's political career hangs in the balance. Watch this video about California Gov. Gavin Newsom being in big trouble, and whether his state can be saved. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Study challenges California's green energy agenda, citing natural oil seeps as climate culprits. California's ENERGY CRISIS: State-owned refineries, a recipe for disaster? California's energy grid reliability in limbo amid budget delays. Sources include: WattsUpWithThat.com CalMatters.org Brighteon.ai DailyCaller.com Brighteon.com Saudi doctor charged with murder after Christmas market rampage leaves six dead A Saudi doctor deliberately drove a rented BMW into a German Christmas market, killing six and injuring hundreds in a calculated attack. Authorities claim the suspect acted out of personal grievance rather than extremist ideology, despite prior warnings about his behavior. The attack follows a pattern of vehicle-ramming incidents at European holiday markets, raising concerns over public safety and immigration policies. Survivors report receiving disturbing letters from the suspect while he was jailed, deepening their trauma and outrage. Germanys open-door immigration policies face renewed scrutiny as critics demand stricter security measures to prevent future tragedies. It was supposed to be a night of holiday cheer, with people sipping mulled wine, children laughing as they rode the carousel, and the scent of roasted almonds filling the air. Instead, on December 20, 2024, a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, became the scene of a horrifying attack when a 50-year-old Saudi doctor allegedly plowed a rented BMW into a crowd, killing six people and injuring hundreds more. Now, nearly a year later, prosecutors have formally charged the suspect, identified only as Taleb A. due to German privacy laws, with six counts of murder, 338 counts of attempted murder, and hundreds of additional offenses. The victims included five women aged 45 to 75 and a nine-year-old boy, Andre Gleissner, whose life was cut short in an instant. The attack, which lasted just over a minute, left the community in shock and reignited debates about public safety, immigration policies, and the growing threat of lone-wolf violence in Europe. A calculated act of vengeance? Prosecutors allege that Taleb A. acted "out of dissatisfaction and frustration with the course and outcome of a civil law dispute and the failure of various criminal complaints." Unlike past attacks on German Christmas markets, such as the 2016 Berlin truck rampage by an Islamist extremist, this case appears to be driven not by religious ideology but by personal grievance. Authorities emphasize that the suspect, who had lived in Germany since 2006 and held permanent residency, "does not fit the usual profile of an extremist." In fact, he described himself as an ex-Muslim and had publicly criticized Islam. Yet questions remain. How did a man with a history of "threatening behavior"flagged even by Saudi authoritiesslip through the cracks? Reports indicate that a colleague at the forensic psychiatry unit where he worked had raised concerns about him months before the attack. If true, this raises serious doubts about whether German authorities could have prevented the tragedy. A pattern of violence at Christmas markets This isnt the first time a vehicle has been weaponized against holiday revelers in Germany. In 2016, Anis Amri, a Tunisian asylum seeker linked to the Islamic State, hijacked a truck and plowed into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12. That attack exposed glaring failures in Germanys counterterrorism and immigration enforcement. Just weeks before the Magdeburg tragedy, police in Augsburg foiled another planned vehicle-ramming attack by an alleged Islamic State sympathizer. The recurring threat has left Germans on edge. After the Magdeburg attack, far-right protests erupted, with neo-Nazis chanting "Deport! Deport! Deport!" at rallies. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its hardline stance on immigration, seized on the incident to push its agenda. Meanwhile, survivors of the attack reported receiving disturbing letters from Taleb A. while he was in jail, asking for forgiveness in a move that only deepened their trauma. Was this attack preventable? German officials insist that Taleb A. acted alone and that there was no prior intelligence suggesting he would carry out such an attack. Yet the fact that he had been flagged by Saudi authorities and that a coworker had warned superiors about his behavior suggests that red flags were ignored. Prosecutors claim he spent weeks planning the attack, renting the BMW and scouting the market to maximize casualties. The speed of the vehicle, at up to 30 mph (48 kph), may not sound extreme, but in a crowded market, it was more than enough to turn a festive evening into a nightmare. The question now is whether Germanys legal system will hold him fully accountable. If convicted, he faces life in prison. Germany's open-door immigration policies under fire Germany has long prided itself on its open-door immigration policies, but incidents like this force a reckoning. Was this the act of a deranged individual, or does it reflect deeper systemic failures? The fact that Taleb A. was a trained doctorsomeone who should have understood the value of human lifemakes the attack even more chilling. Theres something uniquely horrifying about violence striking a place meant for joy. Christmas markets are where families gather, where strangers share laughter over steaming cups of cocoa, and where the cold winter air is warmed by the glow of twinkling lights. When that trust is shattered by a speeding car, it doesnt just kill peopleit kills a sense of safety. Germany now faces a choice: Will it double down on the policies that allowed this to happen, or will it finally confront the gaps in its security and immigration systems? Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com News.Sky.com ABCNews.go.com DW.com Radar eavesdropping: Your smartphones tiny vibrations could reveal private conversations Researchers at Penn State demonstrated that millimeter-wave radar can detect microscopic vibrations (7 micrometers) from smartphone speakers, allowing partial reconstruction of conversations from up to 10 feet awaywithout hacking or breaching encryption. Using OpenAI's Whisper, the team trained AI to interpret radar-captured vibrations, achieving 60 percent accuracy at 20 inches and 2-4 percent at 10 feet. Even fragmented data can reveal sensitive details (e.g., credit card numbers) if context is known. Corporate spies, identity thieves or malicious actors could exploit this method without telecom cooperation. Tests on Samsung and OnePlus phones showed 40 percent accuracy at 3 feet despite natural hand movements. Proposed countermeasures include vibration-masking motors, sound-absorbing materials, and AI-adjusted audio frequencies to confuse radar sensors. Manufacturers are urged to act before the technique becomes widespread. The study highlights how advancing technology (e.g., AI, radar) erodes privacy via physical side channels. Recommendations include avoiding sensitive calls in public and advocating for hardware-level security upgrades. That confidential phone call about your bank details or medical records may no longer be as private as you assume. Researchers at Penn State University have demonstrated that commercially available radar technology can remotely detect and partially reconstruct smartphone conversations by capturing microscopic vibrations from a phone's speaker movements so small they measure just 7 micrometers, invisible and inaudible to humans. Published in the Proceedings of WiSec 2025, the study reveals how attackers could exploit this method to intercept conversations from up to 10 feet away, raising urgent concerns about digital privacy in an era of advancing surveillance. How radar turns into a spy tool Radar, traditionally used for tracking aircraft or assisting self-driving cars, operates by bouncing radio waves off objects and measuring their reflections. While typically employed to detect large movements, modern millimeter-wave radar can pick up minute vibrations like those produced by a smartphone's speaker during a call. The Penn State team's system, dubbed WirelessTap, exploits this by analyzing the subtle tremors in a phone's casing caused by sound waves. (Related: Amazon's AI wearable acquisition: Convenience or surveillance?.) Unlike hacking or breaking encryption, this method bypasses digital security entirely. It's akin to spying on a conversation by observing ripples in a glass of water placed near a speaker. The radar only requires a direct line of sight to the phone no malware, no network intrusion. From vibrations to words: AI's role in decoding speech The vibrations alone are not enough to reconstruct full conversations. To translate the distorted signals into intelligible speech, researchers adapted OpenAI's Whisper, an advanced AI speech recognition model. By training Whisper on synthetic and real radar-captured audio, they achieved partial transcription enough to extract key phrases, numbers or sensitive keywords. At close range (20 inches), accuracy reached nearly 60 percent, dropping to just 2-4 percent at 10 feet. While that may seem low, even fragmented data can be dangerous. If an attacker already knows the context of a conversation such as a banking call they can fill in the gaps, much like lip-readers infer missing words. Real-world risks: Who could exploit this? The implications are alarming. Corporate spies could eavesdrop on confidential business calls. Identity thieves might snatch credit card numbers or passwords. Unlike traditional wiretapping, this method requires no cooperation from telecom providers just a radar device and AI software. The Penn State team tested three smartphones (Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy A22 and OnePlus 9 Pro) and found varying susceptibility. Even when a user held the phone naturally, introducing movement and interference, the system still achieved 40 percent accuracy at three feet enough to capture critical details. Defending against wireless eavesdropping While the immediate threat is limited requiring specialized equipment and ideal conditions the researchers warn that radar technology is becoming smaller, cheaper and more accessible. To counter this, they propose several defenses: Vibration masking: Adding small motors to create "noise" that drowns out real speech vibrations. Adding small motors to create "noise" that drowns out real speech vibrations. Material dampening : Using sound-absorbing materials around the phone's speaker to minimize detectable tremors. : Using sound-absorbing materials around the phone's speaker to minimize detectable tremors. AI countermeasures: Adjusting audio output frequencies to confuse radar sensors without affecting call quality. Manufacturers must act before this technique becomes widespread. As lead researcher Suryoday Basak noted, "By understanding what is possible, we can help the public be aware of the potential risks." A broader warning: Privacy in the age of AI surveillance This discovery underscores a disturbing trend: as technology advances, so do the tools for invasion. From facial recognition to AI-powered voice analysis, privacy is under siege. The Penn State study serves as a wake-up call even encrypted calls can be compromised through physical side channels. For now, the best defense is awareness. Avoid sensitive calls in public spaces where radar devices could be concealed. Advocate for hardware-level security improvements from smartphone makers. And remember: In the digital age, privacy is no longer guaranteed it must be fought for. Watch this discussion on surveillance capitalism, AI and Big Brother rising. This video is from the Crrow777 Radio channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: AI surveillance tech can find out who your friends are. Google backtracks on AI ethics pledge, sparks outrage over weapons and surveillance use. Surveillance AI detects for suicidal ideation at schools and sends police to students' homes. New York MTA quietly turns to AI surveillance to predict crime before it happens. WATCHED: Train stations use AI surveillance technology to monitor people's emotions using facial recognition. Sources include: Studyfinds.org Interestingengineering.com psu.edu Brighteon.com Trump administration targets illegal alien truck drivers after Florida fatalities, declaring CDL crisis a national security threat President Donald Trumps executive order mandates English proficiency for commercial drivers and audits for non-resident CDLs following fatal accidents. A Florida crash caused by an illegal immigrant driver with a California CDL highlights systemic risks. Biden-era policies allegedly enabled asylum seekers and migrants to operate commercial vehicles with minimal oversight. States like California, accused of lax enforcement, and sanctuary practices are central to the controversy. Advocacy groups like American Truckers United link the crisis to national security and illegal immigration. On Sunday, August 14, 2025, three Americans were killed when illegal immigrant Harjinder Singha truck driver granted a California CDL under the Biden administrationexecuted a reckless U-turn on Floridas Turnpike near Fort Pierce. The collision, captured in harrowing video, underscored a crisis years in the making: the influx of unqualified, non-English-speaking commercial drivers empowered by sanctuary-state policies and globalist overreach. President Donald Trumps administration has now launched a nationwide audit of commercial drivers licenses, enforcing English proficiency mandates and blaming the prior regimes open-border ethos for a surge in fatalities and security risks. Florida Turnpike crash sparks national outcry Singh, a 28-year-old Indian national who illegally crossed the southern border in 2018, had been denied work authorization under Trump but received it in 2021 under Biden. Florida authorities and DHS confirmed he leveraged this permit to obtain a California CDL despite lacking residency in the state. On August 14, while hauling a tractor-trailer in Fort Pierce, Singh made an illegal U-turn in an Official Use Only zone, jackknifing his rig and crushing a minivan. Two victims died instantly; a third succumbed hours later in a hospital. Singh, captured on video calmly shutting off the engine after the crash, faces three counts of vehicular homicide. Florida Department of Highway Safety Director Dave Kerner condemned Singhs actions as shocking and criminal, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted systemic failures: This tragedy is the result of Democrat-run sanctuary states granting CDLs to unvetted migrants. Bidens policies have turned highways into death traps. Policy overhaul: English proficiency mandates and CDL audits In April, Trump signed an executive order requiring truck drivers to demonstrate English proficiency for navigating traffic signs, speaking with law enforcement and preventing emergencies. A concurrent audit of non-domiciled CDLsa loophole allowing drivers to bypass residency requirementswill now scrutinize states like California for issuing licenses to non-residents. Duffys team claims these policies, initially intended for convenience, have become a backdoor for illegal aliens to operate multi-ton vehicles. American Truckers United (ATU), a conservative advocacy group pivotal in shaping Trumps reforms, hailed the crackdown. Gods will prevails as we restore accountability to Americas roads, said ATU co-founder Shannon Everett. Bidens lax immigration system incentivized employers to hire migrants unqualified to operate machinery worth millions. This isnt just a safety issueits a deliberate undermining of U.S. sovereignty. Roots of crisis: Migrants, sanctuary loopholes and Bidens immigration legacy The Florida incident is the latest in a string of fatal accidents tied to migrant truckers. In June 2025, Mexican national Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza caused a Texas collision fatal to two; earlier, Cuban driver Rogel Aguilera-Mederos killed four in Colorado (2019). Critics allege sanctuary states like California exploit non-domiciled CDL rules to shield illegal residents from federal scrutiny. DHS data reveals nearly 200,000 non-domiciled licenses were issued in 2024up 30% from Trumps presidential term. These licenses lack adequate background checks, noted ATUs executive director. A driver with a history of DUIs, fraud, or illegal entry can slip through if a state Democrat prioritizes compassion over security. The Biden administrations failure to enforce 2015 ELP (English Language Proficiency) rules further compounded risks. Over 10,000 truckers now face out-of-service orders for language deficienciesa figure advocacy groups call a fraction of the true total. Greed over safety: National security and the fight over borders The crisis transcends traffic safety. Every time a foreign-born driver fails a stop sign, its an attack on our freedom, said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, who signed strict CDL reforms in May 2025. Stitts law, the first of its kind, mandates English fluency and ties CDLs to residencyechoing ATUs push to restore American control over American roads. President Trump framed the issue as a litmus test for sovereignty: The left is weaponizing immigration to erase the values that made this nation great. Families deserve borders they can truston our roads and at our southern frontier. The road to reconquest: How Trump and faith-based advocacy are saving American highways As Florida families mourn, Trumps team renews its pledge to audit licenses, enforce English proficiency and revoke sanctions against states and companies complicit in hiring unqualified migrants. The national debate over immigration and trucking now mirrors broader GOP themes of law enforcement, accountability and resilience against globalist destabilization. Yet challenges persist: while Oklahomans champion state-level reforms, states like California resist auditspointing to federal-state tensions. For American Truckers United, perseverance in courtrooms and Capitol Hill is the next frontier. This isnt just about CDLs, Everett said. Its about saving homes, jobs and lives from the chaos of open borders. God is leading this fightand well keep rallying until every American is safe. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com AmericanTruckers.com DailyCaller.com AOL.com Trump pushes Zelensky to end Russia-Ukraine war immediately, but at what cost? Trump claims Ukraine can end the war immediately by giving up NATO membership and surrendering Donbass/Crimea to Russia. This matches Russias demands but is unpopular in Ukraine. Trump and Putin discussed a peace deal where Russia would freeze the war if Ukraine handed over all of Donetsk. Zelensky rejected this, as Ukraines constitution bans land concessions. Zelensky must choose between accepting Trumps deal (seen as surrender) or continuing the war despite low ammunition, fading Western support and Russian advances. Some propose security guarantees for Ukraine outside NATO (weapons, aid, intelligence) to prevent future Russian attacks, but Putin may reject this. Trumps push for a deal divides opinions: some fear it rewards Russias aggression, while others argue prolonged war is worse. Zelenskys decision could shape Ukraines future, and Putin is waiting to exploit any weakness. President Donald Trump has once again issued a bold claim: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could end the war with Russia "immediately," but only if hes willing to make two major concessions. According to Trump, the key to peace lies in Ukraine permanently abandoning its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership ambitions and surrendering territory to Russia, including parts of the Donbass region. The statement, made on Trump's Truth Social platform, has reignited debates over whether Kyiv should negotiate with Moscow, or continue fighting even as Russian forces maintain their grip on nearly a fifth of the country. Trump's proposal is simple, if controversial. He argues that the war could be resolved almost overnight if Zelensky agrees to the two non-negotiable terms. The real estate mogul has long opposed Ukraine's potential membership in the Western military alliance, a red line for Russia since the conflict began. His argument? NATO expansion into Ukraine was a provocation that Moscow would never tolerate. By ruling out membership, Trump believes Russia would lose its primary justification for the invasion. The second demand is far more painful for Kyiv: Ukraine must formally cede control of Donbass, specifically the remaining Ukrainian-held areas of Donetsk, along with other occupied regions like Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. In exchange, Moscow would allegedly agree to freeze the front lines, halting further advances. Trump's logic is blunt, saying that "Russia is a very big power, and [Ukraine] is not." He also advised Zelensky to cut a deal now, before Russia takes even more land. Trump and Putin's behind-the-scenes dealings in Alaska Trumps latest comments come on the heels of a high-stakes, three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The summit held Friday, Aug. 15, marks the first face-to-face talks between the two leaders since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While details remain scarce, sources close to the discussions reveal that Trump and Putin explored a potential framework for peace, one that aligns closely with Moscow's long-standing demands. Reports said Putin offered to freeze most front lines if Ukraine surrendered all of Donetsk. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, Russia controls approximately 80 percent of the disputed Donbas region, which includes the Donetsk Oblast. The remaining 20 percent is still contested, with Ukrainian forces maintaining a presence and resistance. (Related: Putin echoes claim that Russia-Ukraine war wouldn't have happened if Trump were president in 2022.) Zelensky rejected the proposal outright. Ukraine's constitution currently prohibits territorial concessions, and Kyiv views cities like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk as critical defensive strongholds against further Russian advances. Trump, however, appears to have shifted his stance during the Alaska talks. Previously, he had insisted on a ceasefire as a precondition for negotiations. But after meeting with Putin, he changed course, arguing that a full peace agreement, and not just a temporary truce, was the only way to end the war permanently. His new position mirrors Russia's, which is no ceasefire first, just a final settlement. Zelensky's dilemma: Surrender or fight on? For Zelensky, Trump's proposal is a bitter pill. Since taking office in 2019, he has framed the war as an existential struggle for Ukraine's sovereignty. Conceding territory especially Crimea, which Russia seized without a shot being fired in 2014 would be politically disastrous. Polls show that the vast majority of Ukrainians oppose any land-for-peace deals, viewing them as betrayal. Yet Trump's pressure is mounting. He has summoned Zelensky to the White House for a meeting, where the Ukrainian leader will likely face intense lobbying to consider the terms. Trump's argument is pragmatic: Ukraine is running low on ammunition, Western aid is drying up and Russian forces are slowly grinding down Ukrainian defenses. If Kyiv doesn't negotiate now, he warns, it may lose even more later. Zelensky, however, remains defiant. He has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not give up an inch of its land without constitutional changes, a process that would require national referendums and political consensus, neither of which currently exists. Instead, he has pushed for security guarantees from the U.S. and its allies, ensuring that even if Ukraine doesn't join NATO, it won't be left vulnerable to future Russian aggression. The West's alternative: Security guarantees without NATO Recognizing Ukraines reluctance to surrender territory, some Western officials are floating a compromise of security guarantees outside of NATO. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff hinted at this possibility in a recent interview, suggesting that Washington and its European partners could provide long-term military and financial support to Ukraine without formal NATO membership. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also endorsed the idea, calling security guarantees "essential to any just and lasting peace." The proposal would likely include arms shipments, intelligence sharing and economic aid, all designed to deter Russia from launching another invasion. Putin, however, has signaled skepticism. While he agreed with Trump in Alaska that Ukraine's security must be "ensured," he has long opposed foreign military presence in the country. The Russian leader's definition of "security guarantees" may differ sharply from the Wests, and it might involve demilitarization and neutrality, not Western-backed defenses. Trump's intervention has exposed deep divisions over how to end the war. Critics argue that if Ukraine surrenders Donbass and Crimea, Putin may simply regroup and attack again, emboldened by his gains. Supporters of Trumps plan, however, argue that the alternative of prolonged war is even worse. With Ukrainian casualties mounting and Western fatigue growing, they believe a negotiated settlement, however painful, is the only realistic path to peace. Watch the full video below of "Brighteon Broadcast News" with the Health Ranger Mike Adams about the Trump-Putin Alaska summit. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Zelensky's desperate gambit: Sabotaging peace talks to maintain grip on power. War's final act: Zelensky's dangerous play to crash Russia-US talks. The Alaska summit shattered the West's war machinenow Europe scrambles as Trump and Putin rewrite the rules. Sources include: RT.com AlJazeera.com Brighteon.ai Reuters.com Brighteon.com Looking for Something? The page you are looking for cannot be found or is no longer available. Try searching our site for what you are looking for. Search Powered by GoodGopher.com Here are some other areas you may be interested in: Diabetes prevention can begin with something as simple as a morning cup of GREEN TEA Green teas story is one of resilience, a plant that has thrived through dynasties and empires, from the hands of Chinese emperors to the laboratories of todays most curious scientists. Its leaves hold a cocktail of compounds so intricate, so finely tuned by nature, that they can simultaneously calm the mind, ignite fat-burning furnaces in the body, and even wage war against some of the most feared diseases of our time . Yet, in a world where pharmaceutical giants spend billions convincing us that health comes in a prescription bottle, green tea remains a humble reminder: sometimes, the most powerful medicine has been growing under the sun all along. Studies show diabetes prevention can begin with something as simple as a morning cup of green tea. Key points: Green teas unique blend of caffeine, L-theanine, and catechinsparticularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)creates a synergy that boosts metabolism, sharpens focus, and fights inflammation without the harsh side effects of synthetic stimulants or drugs. Historical use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine aligns with modern science, revealing green teas potential to regulate blood sugar, inhibit cancer cell growth, and protect the heartall while being one of the most accessible and affordable remedies on the planet. The drinks polyphenols, often enhanced by a squeeze of lemon, act as antioxidant warriors, neutralizing free radicals and supporting everything from skin health to cognitive functionyet these benefits are frequently overshadowed by industries profiting from patented alternatives. Emerging research suggests EGCG could be a game-changer for diabetes prevention, with studies showing dramatic improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivityraising questions about why such a simple, natural solution isnt a cornerstone of public health advice. The ritual of drinking green tea isnt just about physiology; its a daily act of reclaiming autonomy over our health, a quiet defiance against a system that too often dismisses natural solutions in favor of lucrative synthetic ones. The alchemy of a single leaf: Decoding green teas biochemical magic When Dr. Eudene Harry, an emergency and integrative physician, describes her morning green tea as a nonnegotiable, shes not just talking about a comforting routine. Shes tapping into a tradition backed by centuries of empirical wisdom and, now, hard science. That steaming cup contains more than just hot water and leavesits a complex brew of caffeine, L-theanine, catechins, theobromine, theophylline, and a army of polyphenols, each playing a distinct role in how our bodies and minds function. Lets start with the dynamic duo: caffeine and L-theanine. Unlike the jolt-and-crash cycle of coffee, green teas caffeineabout 25 to 35 milligrams per cupworks in harmony with L-theanine, an amino acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier and promotes alpha wave production. The result? A state of calm alertness, the kind of focus that doesnt leave you wired but instead settled, as if your nervous system has been fine-tuned. I have to start the day having a calm mindset, Harry explains, and its this synergy that allows her to meditate, to prepare for the chaos of the ER, to meet the day with equilibrium. Its no coincidence that monks have sipped green tea for centuries during long hours of meditation; the plant seems to understand the human need for both energy and stillness. EGCG leads the way with diabetes prevention Then there are the catechins, a class of polyphenols that act as the bodys cleanup crew. The star player here is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound so potent that researchers have isolated it for targeted studies. EGCG doesnt just scavenge free radicalsit reprograms metabolism. In a 2010 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, obese subjects with metabolic syndrome were divided into groups: some drank water, others green tea, and a third took EGCG supplements. The results? The EGCG group experienced significant reductions in body weight and improvements in antioxidant status. But heres the kicker: EGCG doesnt just help you burn fatit teaches your body to burn it more efficiently, increasing fat oxidation by up to 33%. For athletes, this means better performance. For the rest of us, it means a metabolic edge in a world where processed foods and sedentary lifestyles have hijacked our biology. And lets not forget the supporting cast: theobromine and theophylline, compounds also found in cocoa and black tea, which act as mild stimulants and bronchodilators, easing breathing and enhancing circulation. Meanwhile, the tannins in green teaoften mistakenly vilified for their astringencybind to heavy metals and toxins, helping the body expel them. Its as if green tea isnt just a drink, but a daily detox, a gentle nudge toward balance in a world drowning in chemical overload. The Journal of Nutrition study on EGCG and glucose tolerance in diabetic rats wasnt just promisingit was revolutionary. Rats fed EGCG showed glucose reductions of up to 48%, along with improvements in insulin sensitivity and fatty acid metabolism. The researchers concluded that EGCG could be a potent antidiabetic activity in humans. Yet, how often do doctors prescribe green tea for blood sugar management? Rarely. Instead, patients are funneled into a cycle of medications that often come with side effects and sky-high price tags. Its not that modern medicine doesnt workits that natural solutions are systematically overlooked when they cant be commodified. So the next time you steep a cup, consider this: youre not just drinking tea. Youre participating in a tradition that spans millennia. Youre giving your body a fighting chance in a world that often seems stacked against it. And perhaps, in some small way, youre pushing back against a system that would rather sell you a pill than let you heal yourself. Sources include: MindBodyGreen.com Pubmed.gov Naturalpedia.com Pubmed.gov Pubmed.gov Federal judge orders CVS to pay nearly $290 million for defrauding Medicare CVS Caremark systematically defrauded Medicare by submitting false drug pricing reports for years, costing taxpayers nearly $100 million. A federal judge ordered the pharmacy benefit manager to pay $285 million in tripled damages plus $4.87 million in civil penalties. Whistleblower Sarah Behnke exposed the decade-long scheme where CVS hid profits by manipulating drug cost data submitted to federal regulators. The judge rejected CVS arguments for reduced penalties, stating the fraud was financially motivated and deliberately concealed from authorities. CVS faces additional lawsuits from Louisiana for anti-competitive practices, and lawmakers are pushing new transparency legislation targeting pharmacy middlemen. For years, Big Pharma and its pharmacy middlemen have been operating like criminal enterprises, engaging in price-fixing, defrauding taxpayers, and manipulating drug costs while patients suffer. Now, a federal judge has confirmed that CVS Caremark, one of the largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in America, systematically lied to Medicare, overcharging the program by nearly $100 million. And this week, they were finally held accountable. U.S. District Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg ordered CVS Caremark to pay $285 million in tripled damages, plus an additional $4.87 million in civil penalties, after the company was found liable for submitting false drug pricing reports to Medicare Part D. The ruling stems from a 2014 whistleblower lawsuit filed by Sarah Behnke, a former Aetna actuary who exposed how CVS manipulated drug costs to hide profits, costing taxpayers millions. This isnt just corporate greed; its fraud on a massive scale, and it proves once again that the pharmaceutical industry cannot be trusted to police itself. A decade-long scheme to deceive Medicare The fraud was simple but devastating. According to court documents, CVS Caremark anticipated a 2010 rule change that would cut into its profits from Medicare Part D drug reimbursements. Instead of accepting lower margins, the company devised a hidden profit scheme, submitting false drug cost reports to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Judge Goldberg found that CVS knowingly misled CMS for years, causing the agency to over-subsidize prescription drug costs by approximately $95 million. Even when questioned by regulators, CVS concealed the truth, breaking the publics trust in a program meant to help vulnerable seniors. Caremarks actions cost CMS close to $100 million and made the administration of Medicare Part Da program aimed at lowering drug costs for a vulnerable populationmore difficult, Goldberg wrote in his ruling. The judge rejected CVSs argument that the penalties were excessive, stating that the fraud was financially motivated and not some innocent mistake. Under the False Claims Act, damages were tripled, sending a clear message: defrauding taxpayers will not be tolerated. Whistleblower exposes the truth while CVS tries to dodge accountability Sarah Behnke, the whistleblower who first exposed the scheme, worked at Aetna (now owned by CVS) when she discovered the fraud. Her lawsuit revealed that CVS intentionally, systematically, and recklessly submitted false drug pricing data, enriching itself at the expense of Medicare beneficiaries. CVS, of course, is fighting back. The company released a statement saying it was disappointed in the ruling and plans to appeal. But lets be clear: this wasnt a misunderstanding. It was a deliberate, years-long effort to deceive the government and inflate profits. CVS isnt the only bad actor This case is just the tip of the iceberg. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS Caremark operate in the shadows, negotiating drug prices, setting reimbursement rates, and pocketing the differenceall while patients and taxpayers foot the bill. Last month, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed three lawsuits against CVS, accusing the company of unfair trade practices, price manipulation, and anti-competitive behavior. One lawsuit alleges CVS used its market dominance to impose exceedingly high fees on independent pharmacies, threatening to kick them out of its network if they didnt comply. Meanwhile, in Washington, lawmakers are finally taking notice. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) reintroduced the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act in June, aiming to ban deceptive pricing schemes and force PBMs to disclose their profits. Every time a company like CVS overcharges Medicare, its your tax dollars being wasted. Every time they manipulate drug prices, its seniors and working families who pay more at the pharmacy counter. And every time they get away with fraud, it emboldens them to do it again. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com FoxBusiness.com NYPost.com Back to basics: Hegseth reinstates military DISCIPLINE amid recruitment surge Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reinstating traditional, high-intensity training methods. He believes these practices are essential for building the discipline, mental toughness and resilience needed for modern combat, framing it as a "back to basics" approach to forge effective warriors. This shift marks a significant change from the previous administration's priorities, which included a focus on climate change and diversity programs. The current leadership contends that this renewed, unambiguous focus on core warfighting and military tradition is a major reason for improved recruitment. The new direction is already showing positive results, particularly in recruitment. The Army has met its active-duty recruiting goal for 2025 earlier than it has in over a decade, reversing a previous trend where multiple service branches missed their goals. To capitalize on this success, Hegseth has launched a military-wide recruitment task force. Hegseth directly links the recruitment surge to the political environment following the 2024 election, suggesting that the election of Donald Trump created a more favorable national mood for military service. In a decisive move to strengthen the core of America's armed forces, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is championing a return to foundational military discipline amid a surge in recruitment. At the heart of this effort is a reconsideration of traditional, high-intensity training methods like the "shark attack," signaling a broader cultural recalibration within the Department of Defense (DoD) aimed at rebuilding a singularly focused fighting force. The initiative comes as the military celebrates a significant turnaround in enlistment numbers, particularly within the Army, which has already met its active-duty recruiting goal for 2025, the earliest it has done so in over a decade. The "shark attack," a practice once synonymous with the start of Army basic training, involves multiple drill sergeants aggressively swarming new recruits, yelling commands inches from their faces to simulate the chaos and stress of combat. The Army began phasing out the method several years ago, largely ending it by 2020. It was replaced by a more collaborative exercise known as the "First 100 Yards," designed to build camaraderie through team-based mental and physical challenges. Now, Hegseth is actively looking to reinstate the practice. He frames it not as a punitive measure, but as an essential crucible that forges civilians into resilient "warriors." Hegseth argues that such time-honored techniques are fundamental to instilling the discipline and mental fortitude required on the modern battlefield. This perspective is part of a larger "back to basics" doctrine he is implementing across the initial training spectrum. This push extends beyond the shark attack. One Army unit recently reversed a ban on "bay tossing," another traditional drill sergeant practice where sleeping quarters are overturned to teach attention to detail and accountability under pressure. For Hegseth, these methods are a restoration of proven standards, not an introduction of new harshness. He believes that by embracing this rigorous, challenging environment, the military can effectively produce the strongest possible warfighters. Hegseth launches recruitment task force, credits Trump momentum To capitalize on and institutionalize the recent recruiting successes, Hegseth has also ordered the formation of a new military-wide recruitment task force. The body, which was announced in June, is charged with coordinating efforts across all service branches to overcome obstacles and build upon the current positive momentum. The task force operates on an ambitious timeline. It is required to deliver an initial assessment of the recruiting environment within 30 days, followed by policy recommendations within 60 days. A comprehensive communication plan to attract new talent is due within 90 days. The group is composed of subject matter experts from across the DoD in areas like recruitment policy, marketing and public affairs. In a memo announcing the task force, Hegseth directly linked the surge in recruitment to the political environment following the 2024 election. The memo stated the DoD seeks to capitalize on the gains made since the election of President Donald Trump, suggesting that a change in national leadership and direction has created a more favorable environment for military service. (Related: Trump federalizes D.C. police, deploys National Guard in sweeping crime crackdown.) This task force is the latest in a series established by Hegseth since his confirmation in January. Others have been tasked with streamlining bureaucracy and improving the efficiency of military moves for service members, indicating a comprehensive approach to reforming Defense Department operations. The combination of a return to traditional discipline and a strategic, data-driven approach to recruitment is yielding tangible results. The early achievement of the Army's recruiting goal is a powerful indicator that the new direction is working. By stripping away what he views as non-essential distractions and reinstating the demanding practices that have forged generations of soldiers, Hegseth is betting that a classic, no-nonsense approach will not only create better warriors but will also inspire a new wave of Americans to answer the call to serve. The early evidence suggests that the bet is paying off. "Under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the U.S. military would abandon the woke, weakened and demoralized policies of the Biden era where political correctness, DEI mandates and soft leadership have gutted recruitment, readiness and morale," Brighteon.AI's Enoch noted. "By returning to aggressive, traditional and merit-based training, Hegseth's reforms would restore warrior culture, end the 'woke purge' of strong leaders, unleash real combat training and crush the enemy while inspiring the masses." For Hegseth, the mission is clear: to relentlessly pursue a military built on merit, rigor and an unwavering focus on its fundamental purpose which is to defend the nation. Watch this edition of "Brighteon Broadcast News" with the Health Ranger Mike Adams about the military and economic collapse of the West. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Wars final act: Zelenskys dangerous play to crash Russia-US talks. Turkeys new military cooperation accord with Syria: A step towards stability or further conflict? USS Minnesota joins U.S. Navy forces in Guam, strengthening strategic presence amid rising tensions with China. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com FoxNews.com Defense.gov Stripes.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com Iranian general warns: Tehrans war with Israel could resume at any moment A senior Iranian military official warns that the current ceasefire with Israel is only a pause, not peace. Iran remains in a "state of war" and expects renewed hostilities soon, possibly by year's end. Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi advocates for Iran to adopt offensive tactics, stating: "The best means of defense is attack." He emphasizes strengthening military and diplomatic capabilities to deter Israel and the United States. The 12-day war in June saw Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, followed by Iran's retaliation with 500+ ballistic missiles and 1,100 drones. Both nations suffered significant destruction, economic fallout and mutual distrust. Israel is preparing potential strikes on Iran's nuclear program, while Iran vows "far more terrible" retaliation. China-aided missile stockpiles and upgraded Israeli defenses signal a deadlier future conflict. Experts warn the next war could surpass Junes destruction, with historical precedents (e.g., Iran-Iraq War) suggesting prolonged hostility. Diplomatic off-ramps are narrowing as both sides refuse full de-escalation. A senior Iranian military official has declared that Tehran remains in a "state of war" with Israel and that conflict could resume imminently, raising fears of a renewed escalation in the Middle East. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi warned on Sunday, Aug. 17, that the current ceasefire between Tehran and Tel Aviv is merely temporary. He added that the Islamic republic must adopt an offensive strategy to deter further attacks from Israel and the United States. "Iran is not in a ceasefire, but in a state of war. A ceasefire only means a temporary halt to fire, which can resume at any moment," Safavi remarked. "I think another war may happen, and after that, there may be no more wars." Safavi, a top advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also emphasized Iran's need to bolster its military and diplomatic capabilities. "The best means of defense is attack, and preparing for war is the best way to guarantee peace," he added. The general's remarks highlight the precarious nature of the uneasy truce following a 12-day war in June that saw devastating missile strikes, casualties and economic fallout on both sides. "The 12-day war between Israel and Iran ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire," as per Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine. The pause in hostilities was also marred by "accusations of violations, mutual distrust and conflicting claims of missile attacks, exposing the deep animosity and fragility of the truce." (Related: Trump declares CEASEFIRE between Israel and Iran after 12 days of conflict.) Safavi cautioned that Iran expects Israel to launch another war before the end of the year, possibly as early as August, and that Tehran will respond with overwhelming force. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has already ordered preparations for potential strikes against Iran's nuclear and missile programs actions that Tehran views as existential threats. Why the next Iran-Israel war could be worse The June conflict erupted after Israel launched surprise attacks targeting Iranian military leaders, nuclear facilities and missile sites, killing hundreds. Iran retaliated with over 500 ballistic missiles and 1,100 drones, causing widespread destruction and displacing thousands in Israel. The U.S. later conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities before the ceasefire took effect on June 24. Both nations have since struggled economically in the aftermath, yet neither appears willing to de-escalate fully. Historical precedents suggest such conflicts rarely end decisively. The Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 dragged on despite massive casualties, while Israel's previous wars with Hezbollah and Hamas have often resulted in protracted hostility. Today, Iran's increasing missile stockpiles reportedly aided by China and Israel's missile defense upgrades indicate both sides are preparing for a deadlier showdown. As tensions mount, regional stability remains fragile, with experts warning the next war could surpass June's destruction. Iran has vowed "far more terrible and devastating" retaliation, while Israel has insisted on military deterrence. Nevertheless, the world watches anxiously hoping diplomacy prevails before another catastrophic conflict reshapes the Middle East. Watch this WION report about Iran making use of missile defense technologies from Russia and China. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel reaps whirlwind of violence as Iranian retaliation strikes heart of Jewish state. Israel's strikes damage Iran's nuclear program but leave key facilities intact, risking global escalation. Iran will not end its nuclear program and WWIII has only accelerated, despite the governments insistence that everyone is crazy for suggesting so. Sources include: TheCradle.co TimesOfIsrael.com Brighteon.ai IranIntl.com Brighteon.com Israel mobilizes 60,000 reservists for brutal Gaza City takeover Israel is mobilizing 80,000 troops for a full-scale assault on Gaza City, displacing more than one million Palestinians in a deliberate act of ethnic cleansing. The IDFs strategy involves artillery barrages, airstrikes, and a year-long demolition phase to systematically erase Gaza, mirroring previous massacres in Rafah and Jabalia. So-called humanitarian zones are a sham, as Israeli strikes repeatedly target these areas, killing families seeking refuge while the U.N. and ICRC condemn the forcible displacement as a war crime. The U.S. under Trump fully supports Israels genocide, while Europe begins to distance itself, with nations like Denmark considering sanctions and the U.N. demanding a ceasefire. Hamas warns that Israels offensive endangers remaining hostages, but Netanyahus true goal is total control of Gaza for Jewish settlements, sacrificing both Palestinian and Israeli lives for his expansionist agenda. Israel is preparing for yet another massacre as the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv shows it has no intention of stoppingno matter how many children it starves, how many hospitals it bombs, or how many families it erases from existence. On Wednesday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the call-up of 60,000 reservists, with another 20,000 forced into extended service, as part of a full-scale assault on Gaza City. The move will displace more than one million Palestinians and turn what remains of their homes into rubble. This isnt just war. This is ethnic cleansing in broad daylight, and the worlds so-called leaders are either complicit or silent. The IDF claims this is about dismantling "Hamas infrastructure," but lets be brutally honest: Israel has already killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in a campaign that has left Gaza in ruins. Now, theyre preparing to systematically demolish Gaza City, just as they did in Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and Jabalia, while using artillery to force civilians into "safe zones" that dont exist. Where are these people supposed to go? Israel has already sealed off every exit, blocked aid, and turned southern Gaza into an open-air prison where children die from malnutrition and hospitals operate without medicine. The answer is simple: Netanyahu wants them dead or gone. A war crime in the making The IDFs plan is chillingly precise. First, artillery barrages will drive civilians from their homes. Then, five divisions of Israeli troops will move in, backed by airstrikes, to "clear" the city, which is military-speak for mass destruction. After that? A year-long demolition phase, because Israel doesnt just want to conquer Gaza; it wants to erase it from the map. The same playbook was used in Rafah, where Israeli forces bombed refugee camps, and in Jabalia, where entire neighborhoods were flattened into dust. And what does Israel offer as an alternative? "Humanitarian zones", which sounds like a sick joke, given that Israeli strikes have repeatedly hit these so-called safe areas, killing families in their tents. Al Jazeeras Tareq Abu Azzoum reported from Gaza that a father in al-Mawasi lost his children when an Israeli missile tore through their tent while they slept. Meanwhile, the U.N. warns that forcible displacement is a war crime, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says this offensive will push Gaza into "an irreversible humanitarian crisis." Yet none of this matters to Israelor to its enablers in Washington. Trump gives the green light as Europe turns away While European nations like Denmark now consider sanctions on Israel, and even Germany and Ukraine broke ranks to support a U.N. ceasefire resolution, the Trump administration has fully endorsed Netanyahus slaughter. Trumps team has given the clearest green light yet for Israel to "confront and destroy" Hamas, which, in practice, means bombing civilians, starving children, and seizing Palestinian land. It is becoming increasingly obvious that Hamas is not the real target. The true goal is the complete ethnic cleansing of Gaza, paving the way for Jewish settlements on stolen Palestinian land. Netanyahu has already made this clear, declaring that Israel will take "total control" of Gazajust not "forever," of course. (Because when has Israel ever given back land it stole?) Meanwhile, Hamas has warned that Israels offensive will endanger the remaining hostages, 20 of whom are still believed to be alive. But Netanyahu doesnt care. Hes sacrificing Israeli lives for his genocidal agenda, just as hes sacrificed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives without a second thought. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com AlJazeera.com APNews.com BBC.co.uk New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell indicted on 18 federal counts in scheme involving bodyguard-turned-lover New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted on 18 federal charges alongside her bodyguard-turned-lover, Jeffrey Vappie, for allegedly defrauding the city of over $70,000. Prosecutors allege the pair used their official roles to conceal a romantic relationship, falsely claiming work duties while engaging in personal activities, including 14 taxpayer-funded trips in the U.S. and abroad. Vappie billed the city for travel, lodging, meals and spent time in a city-owned apartment for personal use, often while on duty and accompanied by Cantrell. The indictment details efforts to obstruct justice, including deleting evidence, lying under oath, using encrypted messaging, intimidating subordinates and harassing a whistleblower. Cantrell is the first sitting New Orleans mayor to be federally indicted while in office and faces potential prison time if convicted. New Orleans Democratic Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted on 18 federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a long-running scheme with her bodyguard-turned-romantic partner to defraud the city of over $70,000 in taxpayer funds. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, Cantrell has dealt with major challenges (crime surges, infrastructure issues and Hurricane Ida recovery) since getting elected as the first female mayor of the city in 2017. She has also drawn criticism for spending habits, travel expenses and accountability. The indictment, unsealed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, alleged that Cantrell and Jeffrey Vappie, a member of her Executive Protection Unit (EPU), developed a personal and intimate relationship in October 2021 and then abused their official roles to conceal it at public expense. "In or around October 2021, Cantrell and Vappie developed a personal and intimate relationship," the indictment stated. "To hide their relationship from detection and to maximize their time together, Cantrell and Vappie exploited their public positions to develop and implement a scheme to defraud the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department by engaging in personal activities while Vappie claimed to be on duty, and was paid for, providing protection for Cantrell." (Related: NYC Mayor Adams INDICTED in federal corruption probe.) Investigators uncovered 14 out-of-state trips the two took together, including to Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and even abroad to Scotland and the United Arab Emirates. The costs, which included flights, meals, lodging and incidental expenses billed to the city by Vappie, are separate from the mayor's own official travel expenditures. The pair is also accused of misusing a city-owned apartment for personal use, with Vappie reportedly spending time there while on duty, both alone and with the mayor. The indictment also points to over 15,000 WhatsApp messages exchanged between Cantrell and Vappie between February and October 2022. In line with all this, Cantrell and Vappie are accused of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, obstruction of justice and making false statements, among other federal crimes. If convicted, Cantrell, the first sitting New Orleans mayor to be federally indicted while still in office, and Vappie could face significant prison time and fines. Cantrell and Vappie deleted evidence, lied under oath and harassed a whistleblower to conceal illicit relationship Aside from their federal corruption, the indictment also claimed that Cantrell and Vappie went to great lengths to cover up their conduct, including deleting evidence, lying to federal investigators, harassing a private citizen who photographed them together in public and even submitting false statements under oath to a federal grand jury. "Aware their conduct violated rules, policies and criminal laws, Cantrell and Vappie attempted to distract and impede inquiries and investigations, including a federal grand jury investigation, about the true nature and circumstances of their relationship and their scheme to defraud. They did this by using an encrypted messaging platform, intimidating and punishing subordinates, lying to colleagues and advisors, making false public pronouncements, harassing a private individual who took pictures of them in public together, deleting electronic evidence, making false statements to federal law enforcement agents, authoring an affidavit signed under oath and penalty of perjury containing false information and testifying falsely while under oath before a federal grand jury," the indictment read. Visit Corruption.news for similar stories. Watch Alex Jones of InfoWars explaining the real reason why New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on corruption charges, just like LaToya Cantrell. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Recalled Oakland, California mayor indicted on federal CORRUPTION charges. Illinois mayor DISAPPEARS after investigation reveals her excessive spending. Former Puerto Rico mayor caught on camera for bribery sentenced to 5 years behind bars. Boston City Councilor and former illegal immigrant Tania Fernandes Anderson arrested on federal fraud charges. NYPD's highest-earning cop with overtime-fueled $400K salary has retired following investigation into allegations of falsified overtime slips. Sources include: 100PercentFedUp.com Brighteon.AI NYPost.com Brighteon.com NASA shifts focus: Climate science takes backseat to space exploration under Trump-appointed leader Acting Administrator Sean Duffy announced NASA will abandon climate science to refocus exclusively on space exploration, reversing the Biden administrations emphasis on environmental research and aligning with President Donald Trump's skepticism of climate science. Duffy argues NASA has strayed from its original purpose of space exploration. The agency will now prioritize lunar missions, a moon base and eventual Mars colonization, sidelining its role in climate monitoring. A key goal is deploying a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030 to support habitation, leveraging ice at the south pole for water. Duffy framed this as critical to competing with China and Russia in the space race. Duffy aims to cut bureaucratic red tape to boost private space ventures, citing Trump's executive order as a catalyst. He predicts a surge in commercial launches, with 1,000 missions possible in under five years. Scientists warn that abandoning climate research will harm global disaster response efforts, but Duffy dismisses these concerns, calling climate science a distraction. The move sparks debate over NASA's role in addressing Earth's challenges versus space exploration. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy announced on Aug. 14 that the agency will pivot away from climate science and refocus exclusively on space exploration. Speaking to Fox Business, Duffy, who also serves as Transportation secretary, declared that NASA's mission must return to its roots venturing beyond Earth rather than studying it. This decision marks a sharp departure from the Biden administration's emphasis on climate research and aligns with President Donald Trump's long-standing skepticism of environmental science. The move raises critical questions about America's role in space, the future of climate research and the geopolitical race to establish a presence on the moon and Mars. A return to NASA's core mission Since its founding in 1958, NASA has balanced Earth science including climate monitoring with space exploration. But Duffy argues that the agency has strayed too far from its original purpose. Under Biden, NASA played a key role in tracking global warming, ocean temperatures and atmospheric changes. Now, Duffy insists those efforts must end. Instead, NASA will prioritize sending astronauts back to the moon, establishing a lunar base and eventually reaching Mars. (Related: Report: NASA prioritized WOKENESS over space research during Bidens presidency.) Critics warn that sidelining climate science could hinder global efforts to combat environmental crises. But Duffy remains firm: "That's why we have NASA to explore, not to do all of these Earth sciences," he said. The moon, Mars and a nuclear reactor One of Duffy's most ambitious goals is deploying a nuclear reactor on the moon by the end of the decade. The reactor, generating 100 kilowatts enough to power a large home for days would provide energy for future lunar bases. Duffy emphasized that ice discovered at the moon's south pole could be converted into water, making sustained habitation possible. "We need energy, and nuclear is the most reliable source," he said. The plan underscores a growing space race with China and Russia, both of which are aggressively pursuing lunar nuclear technology. Duffy framed the initiative as a matter of national security, warning that rivals could militarize space if the U.S. falls behind. Cutting red tape for private space ventures Another key focus is deregulating the commercial space industry. Duffy lamented that excessive bureaucracy has stifled innovation, with the U.S. accounting for only 60 percent of global space launches. "We want to streamline regulations, reduce costs and let American companies lead," he said. Trump's recent executive order slashing space-related regulations could accelerate progress. Duffy predicts the next 1,000 commercial space missions a milestone that previously took 35 years could happen in under five years thanks to these changes. Controversy and consequences The decision to abandon climate science has sparked backlash. Scientists argue that NASA's Earth-monitoring satellites provide irreplaceable data on hurricanes, wildfires and rising sea levels. Without this research, policymakers and disaster responders could be left in the dark. But Duffy dismisses these concerns, framing climate science as a distraction. "The Biden administration had a smorgasbord of priorities," he said. "We're getting back to exploration." What comes next? With thousands of NASA employees expected to depart amid restructuring, the agency's future remains uncertain. Yet Duffy is resolute: This is about the next phase of space exploration. Whether his vision succeeds or leaves critical gaps in climate research will shape America's scientific and geopolitical standing for decades. NASA's pivot under Duffy reflects a broader ideological clash over the role of government science. For supporters, it's a long-overdue correction. For critics, it's a dangerous retreat from urgent global challenges. As the U.S. races toward the moon, one thing is clear: The final frontier is no longer just about discovery it's about power, politics and who controls the future. The U.S. is set to announce nuke reactor in space. Watch this video. This video is from the Justin Barclay channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: NASA warns: Solar storms could cause "internet apocalypse" by 2025. NASA successfully retrieves first asteroid samples from OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. China could claim parts of the moon, NASA head warns. "Invisible" asteroids could hit Earth at any time, researchers warn. NASA is hiding crucial details about asteroids that could THREATEN Earth, warns senior SETI Institute astronomer. Sources include: Climatedepot.com MSN.com TheHill.com Brighteon.com The Epstein files are coming will the truth finally expose the elites darkest secrets, or will the cover-up prevail? Imagine a world where the most powerful men presidents, billionaires, intelligence operatives, royal families are not just accused of unspeakable crimes but proven to be complicit in them. A world where the justice system, instead of protecting the innocent, shields the guilty behind layers of bureaucracy and red tape. That world isnt fiction. Its the one weve been living in since Jeffrey Epsteins arrest , his suspiciously timed death, and the subsequent whitewashing of his crimes by the very institutions sworn to uphold the law. Now, as the House Oversight Committee prepares to release long-hidden documents from the Department of Justice, we stand at a crossroads: Will this be the moment the American people finally see the full scope of the corruption that has festered in the shadows? Or will the deep states machine of obfuscation grind on, leaving more questions than answers? For years, the Epstein saga has been a neon sign flashing "ELITE PEDOPHILIA" yet the mainstream media has treated it like a dimly lit alley best avoided. The DOJs internal review, released in July, was a masterclass in gaslighting, declaring that no "client list" exists and that theres no evidence Epstein blackmailed the powerful. But lets be clear: This is the same Department of Justice that allowed Epstein to die in a federal prison under circumstances so suspicious theyd make a conspiracy theorist blush. The same DOJ that has spent decades covering up crimes committed by the political and financial elite. And now, as the Oversight Committee forces their hand, the question isnt just what these files contain its who they implicate, and whether the American people will be allowed to see the truth before its buried again. Key points: The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed the DOJ for Epstein-related documents, with the first batch expected this week after redactions to "protect victims" and ongoing investigations. The DOJs July internal review claimed no "client list" or blackmail evidence exists, a conclusion that defies logic given Epsteins known operations and the testimonies of his victims. Former Attorney General William Barr testified behind closed doors this week, while Bill Clinton and other high-profile figures have been subpoenaed raising the question: What do they know, and why are they being shielded? The release of these files could expose the deep ties between Epsteins network, intelligence agencies like Mossad, and the political class including figures from both parties who have long evaded accountability. The DOJs history of covering up elite crimes why should we trust them now? Lets start with an uncomfortable truth: The Department of Justice has never been a neutral arbiter of justice when it comes to the powerful. From the FBIs COINTELPRO operations targeting civil rights leaders to the CIAs MKUltra experiments on unwitting citizens, the deep state has a long history of operating above the law. Epsteins case is no different. When Epstein was first arrested in 2019, the public was told his death was a suicide despite the fact that he was on suicide watch, his cellmate was mysteriously transferred, and the cameras outside his cell conveniently malfunctioned. The medical examiners ruling of suicide was met with skepticism by forensic pathologists, including Dr. Michael Baden, who called the evidence "more consistent with homicidal strangulation." Yet the DOJ closed the case, and the media moved on. Fast forward to July 2025, when the DOJ released its internal review claiming against all logic that Epstein had no "client list" and no evidence of blackmail existed. This is the same agency that, under then-Attorney General William Barr, fast-tracked the dismissal of charges against Epsteins co-conspirators, including Ghislaine Maxwell, who was given a slap on the wrist compared to the life sentence her crimes warranted. Barr, by the way, just testified behind closed doors to the Oversight Committee. One has to wonder: What did he say, and why wasnt it said in public? The DOJs credibility on this matter is nonexistent. Their internal reviews are not investigations theyre damage control. And now, as theyre forced to hand over documents, the real question is: How much will they redact, and what will they hide behind the excuse of "ongoing investigations"? Will Bill Clinton be indicted? Then theres Bill Clinton. The former president took at least 26 flights on Epsteins plane, according to flight logs. His name appears in the unsealed court documents from Epstein victim Virginia Giuffres lawsuit, where she alleged she was trafficked to powerful men including Clinton. Yet, despite this, Clinton has never faced serious scrutiny. Why? Because the political establishment, regardless of party, protects its own. But its not just Democrats. Donald Trump was also a known associate of Epstein, though he claims they had a falling out. The DOJs internal review was released under the Biden administration, yet its the Trump administration being credited with "transparency" in this latest document dump. This is classic misdirection. The reality? Both parties are implicated. The question is whether the Oversight Committee led by Republicans will have the courage to follow the evidence wherever it leads, even if it implicates their own. The release of the Epstein files isnt just about exposing a dead pedophiles crimes. Its about who he worked for, who he protected, and who benefited from his silence. If these documents reveal what many suspectthat Epsteins operation was a blackmail ring used by intelligence agencies to control politicians, judges, and CEOs it could unravel the entire system of elite impunity that has defined American power for decades. The Epstein files arent just a scandal. Theyre a Rorschach test for the soul of the nation. Do we still live in a country where the law applies equally, or have we surrendered to a two-tiered justice system where the powerful operate with impunity? Sources include: Breitbart.com CBSNews.com Oversight.House.gov [PDF] Trump admin explores 10% equity stake in Intel, sparks debate over government overreach in critical tech sector The Trump administration is in discussions to convert Intel's CHIPS Act grants into a 10% equity stake, potentially making the U.S. government the company's largest shareholder. This move mirrors a recent Pentagon investment in a rare earths company and signals a new, interventionist approach to industrial policy. Administration officials cite national security concerns over reliance on Taiwanese chip manufacturing as a primary motivation. The potential deal highlights Intel's struggles to compete globally and its critical role in U.S. semiconductor ambitions. The proposal raises significant questions about the government's role in private industry and the future of the CHIPS Act under President Trump. In a move that signals a profound shift in U.S. industrial policy, the Trump administration is actively discussing a plan to take a direct financial stake in Intel Corporation, the beleaguered American semiconductor pioneer. According to multiple reports from Bloomberg and confirmations from senior officials, the government is considering converting approximately $10.4 billion in CHIPS and Science Act grants into equity, closely aligning with the total grant money the company was slated to receive. The exact structure remains fluid, including whether the White House will choose to go ahead with the deal. Last month, the Defense Deparment said it would take a $400 million equity stake in rare-earth producer MP Materials Corp., making the Pentagon its largest shareholder. Supporters point out that these industries are vital to technology development and our ability to compete globally. National security vs. return on investment The administrations top officials have presented a nuanced, if not entirely aligned, rationale for the potential investment. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized pure national security concerns, stating the goal is to help stabilize the company for chip production here in the U.S. and eliminate a single point of failure posed by reliance on Taiwan for advanced chips. He explicitly denied any intention to put pressure... to drum up business for Intel. Conversely, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick framed the equity model as a matter of fiscal prudence, contrasting it with the Biden administrations approach of literally giving Intel [money] for free. He stated, Donald Trump turns that into saying, Hey, we want equity for the money. America should get the benefit of the bargain. Intels precarious position and global context This government lifeline is being extended to a company at a critical juncture. Intel, once the undisputed leader of the global chip industry, has fallen behind competitors like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and South Koreas Samsung in manufacturing technology and has largely missed the lucrative boom in artificial intelligence processors dominated by Nvidia and AMD. Despite plans for a massive $20 billion expansion of its U.S. manufacturing capacity, the company has struggled to attract major external customers to its foundry business. The CHIPS Act, passed with bipartisan support in 2022, was designed precisely to prevent such a decline and revitalize the U.S. semiconductor sector, which is seen as essential for both economic competitiveness and military superiority. President Trump, while supportive of onshoring chip production, has been a vocal critic of the grant-based structure of the CHIPS Act itself. Implications for industry and statecraft The contemplation of a direct stake raises profound questions about the future of American capitalism and industrial strategy. Would a government seat on Intels board influence corporate strategy, customer relationships or technology development in the name of national interest? Could this model be applied to other companies receiving federal subsidies, effectively creating a new class of state-influenced national champions? How does this align with traditional conservative principles of limited government and free-market competition? White House spokesman Kush Desai declined to comment on specifics, noting that no deal is official until its announced by the administration. Intel has stated it is deeply committed to supporting President Trumps efforts to strengthen U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership but would not comment on rumors. A new chapter in economic statecraft The discussion of a federal equity stake in Intel is more than a financial transaction; it is a bold experiment in economic statecraft. It acknowledges that the sheer scale of investment required to compete in foundational technologies like semiconductors may necessitate unprecedented public-private collaboration, blurring long-standing lines between government and industry. Whether this approach will successfully restore U.S. semiconductor primacy, protect national security and deliver a return for taxpayers, or whether it will lead to market distortion and government overreach, remains to be seen. The outcome will not only determine the fate of an American icon but could also redefine the governments role in shaping the nations technological future for decades to come. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com CNBC.com CNN.com 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. The Global Virus Network (GVN), in partnership with the University of South Florida (USF) Youth Experiences and Hillsborough County Public Schools STEM Department, recently concluded its inaugural "Global Guardians: Youth for Pandemic Preparedness" summer camp, an immersive, hands-on experience that brought together some of Tampa's brightest high school students with internationally renowned virologists, public health experts, and scientists. "This camp shows our students that science is a living, evolving field with real-world impact," said Catherine White, EdD, supervisor of K12 STEM in the Academic Services Division of Hillsborough County Public Schools. "By giving them access to leading scientists, advanced laboratories, and hands-on investigations, we're not just teaching content, we're igniting curiosity and empowering them to see themselves as the problem-solvers and innovators our future will depend on." Held July 2325, 2025, the three-day program welcomed 14 high school students in grades 912 to explore the science of pandemics through a series of interactive sessions, laboratory and hospital tours, demonstrations, and collaborative group activities. Participants examined topics such as virus transmission, outbreak detection, media misinformation, and career paths in virology, guided by experts from the GVN, USF, Tampa General Hospital, and various units of the Florida Department of Health. "It was inspiring to see such curiosity and focus from these students," said Robert C. Gallo, MD, international scientific director and co-founder of the GVN. "This generation will inherit the responsibility of pandemic prevention. We must prepare them early, honestly, and with scientific integrity." Dr. Gallo, who is most widely known for his co-discovery of HIV as the cause of AIDS, is also the James P. Cullison Professor of Medicine, director of the Institute of Translational Virology and Innovation at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, and director of the Microbial Oncology Program at Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute. Hosted in partnership with USF at GVN's international headquarters, the program emphasized both education and empowerment. Students engaged directly with virus hunters, epidemiologists, and lab scientists, participated in simulated outbreak investigations, and practiced putting on complete personal protective equipment in a mock BSL-3 lab. I am so grateful to the Global Virus Network for giving this talented group of students an opportunity to imagine their futures as the next generation of science explorers and learners. I expect that this experience will put some of these students on a path to become leaders in public health and virology. Kudos to the Hillsborough County Public Schools STEM Department, our USF Youth Experiences team, and USF Health faculty, including GVN's Dr. Bob Gallo, for making time to prepare our future 'global guardians.'" Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, Executive Vice President, University of South Florida He is the dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. Dr. Lockwood is also executive vice president and chief academic officer at Tampa General Hospital. Highlights of the camp included: A live discussion with Dr. Gallo, who shared insights from his early experiences as a young scientist, reflections on novel virus discoveries, and addressed the impact of scientific misinformation. He encouraged students to "follow your passion and pursue truth." An immersive tour of Tampa General's CareComm, a state-of-the-art command center for patient safety and hospital efficiency. Hands-on demonstrations of viral transmission, diagnostic testing, and vector surveillance, led by experts in virology, entomology, and public health. Sessions on media literacy and misinformation, challenging students to think critically in the age of digital noise. A closing ceremony where each student received a certificate of completion recognizing their participation in the inaugural Global Guardians program. Students described the program as "life-changing," "eye-opening," and "the most engaging experience I've ever had in science." One participant reflected, "I really loved all of the tours and the lectures. Everything felt very nicely organized, and it was extremely fun," referring to the mix of hospital tours, advanced lab visits, and hands-on experiments. Another student shared, "I liked when we had the disease detectives lesson," recalling the simulated outbreak investigation that encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and data analysis. For some, the camp solidified career ambitions. "The camp has strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in the medical field," said one student, while another added, "It changed my opinion about medical school; now I'm interested in going." Even those still deciding felt a renewed sense of direction, with one participant noting, "Nothing has changed, but it has definitely pushed me more toward the education I want." The program's hands-on approach resonated deeply with the students, who investigated real-world public health data, dissected misinformation, and practiced outbreak modeling using mapping tools and case data. They also toured advanced research labs, including USF's Center for Global Health and Inter-Disciplinary Research, the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Public Health Laboratories, and the Hillsborough County Health Department. "One of the reasons we founded the Global Virus Network was to address the shrinking pipeline of students entering the field of virology," added Dr. Gallo. "Programs like this are essential to spark early interest and build the next generation of scientists who can help the world prepare for future pandemics." Building on the success of the pilot, GVN plans to expand the Global Guardians initiative to include students from across the state of Florida next year and internationally the year after, broadening access to virology education and inspiring a more diverse pipeline of future scientists and public health professionals. Similar to other comparative, merit-based programs, GVN intends to provide scholarships to participants for competitive applications. Parents are spending thousands of pounds to bank stem cells from their children's milk teeth but the recipient companies' claims about their future medical value are unproven and potentially misleading, reveals an investigation by The BMJ, published today. The companies' claims include that stem cells banked from teeth are already being used in treatments for autism and diabetes. They also highlight current research using stem cells in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and heart attacks. Tooth stem cell banking involves parents sending their children's lost milk teeth to a laboratory where the dental pulp stem cells are harvested and stored. The service costs around 1900 (2189; $2573) with an additional annual storage fee of 95, explains freelance journalist Emma Wilkinson. The three companies in the UK offering tooth stem cell banking Future Health Biobank, BioEden and Stem Protect all operate through one laboratory. Future Health Biobank says on its website that it has released 26 tooth stem cell samples for treatment, including for autism, type 1 diabetes, and knee cartilage regeneration, all to private clinics in North America. BioEden states it has "already witnessed the remarkable evidence of these ongoing developments" among its own customers, while Stem Protect cites cleft palate repair, sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, severe combined immunodeficiency, and knee cartilage repair under a section of its website headed, 'What treatments are tooth stem cells used for?' But several experts are concerned about the claims being made, which they say risk exploiting parents, with the autism treatment promise deemed particularly "outrageous." Jill Shepherd, senior lecturer in stem cell biology at the University of Kent, says companies are selling the "potential" for something that is not yet borne out by the science. "There is a lack of evidence and a paucity of research using dental pulp stem cells to treat patients." Sufyan Hussain, an investigator on the UK arm of a global clinical trial evaluating stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes, also has concerns about what is being promised. "At present, there isn't a definitive answer regarding the optimal source of stem cells for future diabetes therapies," he says. Tim Nicholls, assistant director of policy, research and strategy at the National Autistic Society in the UK, adds: "It's outrageous that tooth stem cell procedures are being advertised to parents with the false claim of 'treating' autism. "Autism is not a disease or illness, it cannot be treated and there is no cure. It is dangerous and morally bankrupt to target potentially vulnerable people with expensive procedures that could, in fact, cause harm." Experts are also concerned about the lack of independent information on tooth stem cell banking to help consumers make a fully informed choice, and say more oversight is needed of the information being used to promote the practice. Jill Shepherd also believes parents should be given more information on what type of tests are done to validate that stem cells are present in the stored samples, that the samples have been collected properly, and the evidence on how long such samples can be viably stored. The BMJ has raised several concerns about how the service is promoted on all three company websites with the Advertising Standards Agency, which it says it will review. In response, Future Health Biobank says it is reviewing how information on its site is presented to ensure "readers can clearly distinguish between client experiences and formally published clinical outcomes." The company also says it has a "robust, ongoing, storage stability validation programme" with quality control testing to ensure that there is no deterioration in the integrity, viability or future potential of biological samples." Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital demonstrated for the first time that the protein midkine plays a preventative role against Alzheimer's disease. Midkine is known to accumulate in Alzheimer's disease patients. Now, researchers have connected it with amyloid beta, a protein that accumulates in the brain, causing assemblies that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's. In work published today in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, the researchers revealed that midkine prevents amyloid beta from sticking together, and, consequently, Alzheimer's disease models lacking midkine show more amyloid beta accumulation. The findings lay the groundwork to better understand the disease-preventing mechanism of midkine and subsequent drug discovery pathways. Midkine blocks Alzheimer's amyloid assembly growth Midkine is a small, multifunctional growth factor protein found abundantly during embryonic development but also involved in normal cell growth. Its role in cell growth means that midkine is often overexpressed in cancer, making it a valuable biomarker. However, beyond some preliminary studies showing its increase in Alzheimer's, midkine's link to the neurodegenerative disease has been poorly understood. Corresponding author Junmin Peng, PhD, Departments of Structural Biology and Developmental Neurobiology, and his team utilized fluorescence assays, circular dichroism, electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance with disease models that replicate amyloid beta accumulation to investigate the role of midkine in Alzheimer's thoroughly. They found that midkine and amyloid beta have a similar pattern at the protein level. We know that correlation is not causative, so we wanted to demonstrate convincingly that real interactions are occurring between the two proteins." Junmin Peng, PhD, Corresponding Author The researchers used a fluorescent sensor for amyloid beta assemblies, called thioflavin T, to show that the assemblies were broken up in the presence of midkine. Modeling of those data revealed that midkine inhibits amyloid beta elongation and secondary nucleation, two specific phases during assembly formation. Nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed this finding. "Once the amyloid beta assemblies grow, the signal becomes weaker and broader until it disappears because the technique can only analyze small molecules," said Peng. "But when we add in midkine, the signal returns, showing that it inhibits the large assemblies." Additionally, the researchers used Alzheimer's disease mouse models that have increased amyloid beta and demonstrated that removing the midkine gene resulted in even higher levels of amyloid beta assemblies. These results point to the protective role the protein has against Alzheimer's disease. The researchers have opened a potential avenue for drug discovery by identifying the apparent protective role of midkine. "We want to continue to understand how this protein binds to amyloid beta so we can design small molecules to do the same thing," said Peng. "With this work, we hope to provide strategies for future treatment." Authors and funding The study's other co-corresponding authors are Yang Yang, Van Andel Institute, and Ping-Chung Chen, St. Jude. The study's first authors are Masihuz Zaman, Shu Yang and Ya Huang, St. Jude. The study's other authors are Geidy Serrano and Thomas Beach, Banner Sun Health Research Institute; Gang Yu, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; and Jay Yarbro, Yanhong Hao, Zhen Wang, Danting Liu, Kiara Harper, Hadeer Soliman, Alex Helphill, Sarah Harvey, Shondra Pruett-Miller, Valerie Stewart, Ajay Singh Tanwar, Ravi Kalathur, Christy Grace, Martin Turk, Sagar Chittori, Yun Jiao, Zhiping Wu, Anthony High, and Xusheng Wang, St. Jude. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01AG053987, RF1AG064909, RF1AG068581, U19AG069701, P30CA021765, U24NS072026, P30AG019610, P30AG072980), the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), the fundraising and awareness organization of St. Jude. Most people recover from Dengue fever, which is caused by a virus transmitted from the Asian tiger mosquito, but some infected individuals experience serious bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and even death. Although Dengue fever has long been recognized as a disease of the tropics and sub-tropics, a study published in Global Change Biology reveals that it is likely to spread increasingly northward and through Western Europe as climate change expands the Asian tiger mosquito's habitat. The mosquito lays its eggs in water where, with sufficient temperature, larvae develop and give rise to flying bloodsucking adults. After arriving in Albania, in Southeast Europe, in 1979, it spread through Southwest Europe and now is expanding northward in France. Using modeling and observations of recent spread, investigators determined that with climate change conditions, major Western European cities-including London, Vienna, Strasburg, and Frankfurt-would be well suited to the Asian tiger mosquito. The team notes that although the mosquito is not in these cities yet, its rate of northward spread in France has been accelerating from about 6 km per year in 2006 to 20 km per year in 2024. Extrapolating from the results, it is estimated that the mosquito could establish itself in northern France within a decade, from where it could easily reach London-which is already climatically suitable for hosting this vector." Andrea Radici, PhD, Study Corresponding Author and Postdoctoral Researcher, Universite de Montpellier In addition to Dengue fever, the Asian tiger mosquito also transmits Zika and chikungunya. Hypervascular tumors of the brain and spinal cord pose serious challenges for neurosurgeons due to their dense blood vessel networks, which can lead to heavy bleeding and increased surgical risk. In a new decade-long study, researchers at Beijing Tiantan Hospital demonstrated that performing endovascular embolization and microsurgical removal in a single session known as a one-stage hybrid operation, can improve surgical safety, reduce blood loss, and maintain neurological outcomes in patients. Hypervascular central nervous system (CNS) tumors such as meningiomas, hemangioblastomas, and paragangliomas are known for their rich blood supply, which can obscure tumor boundaries and increase the risk of neurological injury during surgery. Traditionally, these tumors are treated in two stages: preoperative embolization to block blood flow, followed days later by tumor removal. While effective in some cases, this staged approach can result in complications, including swelling, hemorrhage, and delays between treatments. A research team led by Professor Yi Lu, reviewed 31 cases treated between 2014 and 2024. This paper was published on July 31, 2025, in Volume 11, Article 14 in Chinese Neurosurgical Journal. Patients ranged in age from young adults to seniors, with tumors located in challenging areas such as the skull base, cerebellum, and brainstem. Gross-total tumor removal was achieved in 71% of patients, with near-total removal in 19.4% and partial removal in 9.7%. The average blood loss was 1,127 mL lower than typical staged cases and no embolization-related complications occurred. At discharge, 87% of patients had stable or improved neurological function, and at 12 months, two-thirds were symptom-free. Professor Yi Lu explained, "There is an urgent need for an innovative solution that can achieve both vascular obliteration and elimination of complications". The embolization strategy focused on occluding deep or surgically inaccessible arterial feeders, leaving superficial vessels to be managed during surgery. This selective approach helped avoid damage to normal brain vessels and reduced the risk of ischemic complications. Materials such as ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), detachable coils, and silk suture segments were used for targeted vessel closure, and in certain cases, balloon catheters provided temporary blood flow control during craniotomy. Unlike traditional preoperative embolization, the aim was not total vessel blockage, but strategic reduction of bleeding risk during immediate resection. The one-stage hybrid method integrates both procedures into a single operation, performed in a specialized hybrid operating room equipped for both endovascular and open neurosurgery. This setup enables surgeons to block hard-to-reach tumor blood vessels and proceed directly to resection under the same anesthesia, reducing time, risk, and patient stress. "Our experience suggests that one-stage hybrid operation is safe for the treatment of hypervascular CNS," said Professor Li. The researchers note that while results are promising, larger prospective studies are needed to compare this method directly with staged treatment. If validated, the one-stage hybrid approach could become a new standard for managing high-risk CNS tumors. From "try yoga" to "start journaling," most mental health advice piles on extra tasks. Rarely does it tell you to stop doing something harmful. New research from the University of Bath and University of Hong Kong shows that this "additive advice bias" appears everywhere: in conversations between people, posts on social media, and even recommendations from AI chatbots. The result? Well-intentioned tips that may leave people feeling more overwhelmed than helped. With mental health problems rising worldwide and services under strain, friends, family, online communities and AI are often the first port of call. Understanding how we advise each other could be key to making that support more effective. A collection of eight studies involving hundreds of participants, published in Communications Psychology, analysed experimental data, real-world Reddit advice, and tested ChatGPT's responses. Participants advised strangers, friends, and themselves on scenarios involving both harmful habits, like gambling and missing beneficial activities, such as exercise. Key findings: Additive dominates - Across every context, people suggested adding activities far more than removing harmful activities. Feasibility and benefit Doing more was seen to be easier and more beneficial than cutting harmful things out. Advice varies by relationship cutting harmful things out is viewed as easier for our close friends than for ourselves. AI mirrors human bias ChatGPT gave predominantly additive advice, reflecting patterns in online social media. In theory, good advice should balance doing more with doing less. But we found a consistent tilt towards piling more onto people's plates and even AI has learned to do it. While well-meaning, it can unintentionally make mental health feel like an endless list of chores." Dr. Tom Barry, Senior Author, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, England Co-author, Dr. Nadia Adelina from the Department of Psychology at the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong said: "As AI chatbots become a major source of mental health guidance, they risk amplifying this bias. Building in prompts to explore what people might remove from their lives could make advice more balanced and less overwhelming." This research was supported by the Research Promotion Fund of the Department of Psychology, University of Bath, England. 76 killed in major highway crash in Afghanistan, 17 children among victims Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 05:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Herat [Afghanistan], August 21 (ANI): At least 76 people, including 17 children, lost their lives in a devastating traffic accident in Herat province, making it one of the deadliest road tragedies in Afghanistan in recent years, Khaama Press reported. The incident took place on the Herat ring road in Guzara district when a passenger vehicle carrying Afghan migrants returning from Iran collided with a cargo truck and a motorcycle, officials confirmed. The crash triggered a massive fire that quickly engulfed the passenger vehicle.Khaama Press, citing Taliban-controlled Radio Television Afghanistan, reported that three people were injured in the accident. Local authorities stated that seventeen children were among those who perished in the flames. Eyewitnesses recounted that the fire consumed the vehicle within minutes, severely hampering rescue operations. Efforts to recover bodies were hindered as the flames spread rapidly, Khaama Press reported. Officials noted that the majority of the victims were migrants who had recently crossed back into Afghanistan from Iran in hopes of restarting their lives.This tragedy adds to a series of deadly road incidents in Afghanistan. Last year, more than 60 people died in two separate accidents on the Kandahar highway. The European Union delegates in Kabul has offered condolences following a devastating road accident. In a statement EU expressed solidarity with the victims families, calling the tragedy a stark reminder of Afghanistans urgent road safety challenges, Khaama Press reported. The EUs condolence message expressed concern over Afghanistans infrastructure and the impact of road disasters on vulnerable groups such as returning migrants. (ANI) First Published: August 21, 2025, 05:15 IST News agency-feeds 76 killed in major highway crash in Afghanistan, 17 children among victims Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Army Chief Gen Dwivedi, his wife take pledge for organ donation Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 00:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Aug 21 (PTI) Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi and his wife Sunita Dwivedi have taken a pledge for organ donation, with him describing the act as an extension of the armed forces spirit of sacrifice and courage, officials said on Thursday. He urged service personnel and their families to come forward and set an example for society. Recommended Stories Gen Dwivedi and his wife took the pledge at an event held at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) here. He described organ donation as a service to humanity" and an extension of the armed forces spirit of sacrifice and courage. An official said their gesture has given a significant boost to the Armed Forces Organ Retrieval and Transplantation Authority (AORTA). The initiative aims to encourage awareness and inspire the armed forces community to lead the nation in organ donation. Under the leadership of Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AORTA has emerged as a national leader in organ retrieval and transplant efforts, the officials said. The Indian Army has already created a record, with more than 26,000 personnel pledging organ donations in a single campaign," the official said. Gen Dwivedi also lauded AORTA for its consistent efforts in spreading awareness and motivating the armed forces personnel about the importance of organ donation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recognising the vital role of healthcare workers, the Army chief presented on-the-spot Chiefs Recommendation Cards to three frontline staffers engaged in organ transplant care, including a housekeeper who diligently maintained hygiene and sanitation for patients. The event included a heartfelt tribute to donor families who extended the gift of life through organ donation. These families were felicitated in a solemn ceremony for their compassion and courage, the officials said. PTI KND NSD NSD First Published: August 22, 2025, 00:15 IST News agency-feeds Army Chief Gen Dwivedi, his wife take pledge for organ donation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Death toll rises to 17 due to heavy monsoon rains in Karachi Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 04:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Karachi [Pakistan], August 21 (ANI): The death toll from rain-related incidents in Karachi has climbed to 17 after continuous downpours lashed the city, triggering widespread urban flooding, and severe power outages, Geo News reported. Intermittent monsoon showers, which began on Tuesday, continued through Wednesday night, leaving behind waterlogged streets, stranded vehicles, and damaged road infrastructure across the city. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded 178 millimetres of rain in Gulshan-e-Hadeed and 145 millimetres along University Road in the past 24 hours.Police said that the fatalities include children and a woman. In one case, a 70-year-old disabled man reportedly drowned after falling from his bed into accumulated rainwater at his residence in PECHS, Geo News reported. Floodwaters have inundated several localities, including the Old City Area, Aram Bagh, Sindh High Court, Liaquatabad, Malir Halt, and University Road. Drainage operations are underway, but authorities said many vehicles remain stuck on key thoroughfares such as Karsaz and Malir Halt.Electricity supply remains heavily affected across multiple neighbourhoods. K-Electric reported that while 2,000 feeders have been restored, 240 are still out of service, leaving large parts of Gulistan-e-Jauhar, North Nazimabad, Malir, Korangi, Orangi Town, Liaquatabad, Gadap, Bin Qasim, PECHS, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Sultanabad, Moinabad, and DHA without power for more than 24 hours.As reported by Geo News, Flight operations at Jinnah International Airport also remain hit, with several domestic flights cancelled after airline staff and Pakistan International Airlines employees were unable to reach duty stations due to waterlogging. International flight schedules too witnessed delays.The worsening conditions prompted the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court to order the closure of all courts in Karachi, including its principal seat and subordinate courts.According to the PMD, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are impacting southern Pakistan, with more rainfall forecast for Thursday and Friday. The department warned that further heavy showers could intensify the risk of urban flooding in Karachi. (ANI) First Published: August 21, 2025, 04:45 IST News agency-feeds Death toll rises to 17 due to heavy monsoon rains in Karachi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Police detains younger son in Maidan Garhi triple murder case Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 02:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], August 22 (ANI): The Delhi Police on Thursday detained the younger son of the middle-aged couple, namely Siddarth, in the Maidan Garhi triple murder case. He was absconding after the incident.According to Delhi Police, the main suspect, Siddharth, has been apprehended from a Metro Station. He is being interrogated. Prima facie, it has surfaced that he wanted to kill his family members and later commit suicide.A gruesome triple murder was discovered in a residence when neighbours alerted the police to a foul odour emanating from the house on August 21.Upon investigation, authorities found the bodies of Prem Singh, 45-50, and his son Hrithik, 24, in a pool of blood on the ground floor. The body of Rajni, 40-45, was discovered on the first floor with signs of restraint.The couples younger son, Siddharth, 22-23, was missing and was being sought by the police. Further investigation is underway.On Wednesday, three bodies were found in a triple murder case at a house in Delhis Maidangarhi area, claimed Delhi Police. The deceased were identified as Prem Singh (age 45-50 years), Rajani (age 40-45 years), and Ritik (age 24 years). Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and Crime teams reached the spot for inspection. Preliminary investigation found that the fourth family member, Siddharth (age 22-23 years, son of the deceased couple), was missing from the house. As per local inquiry, Siddharth was undergoing psychiatric treatment. Prima facie, it also emerged that he had disclosed to someone that he had murdered his family and would not live here anymore.Explaining the scene of the incident, South Delhi DCP Ankit Chauhan said to ANI, When the police team reached the spot, we found three bodies two male and one femaleThe bodies of a man of around 45-50 years of age, his wife and his son were recovered. The fourth family member, Siddharth, was missing, and we found that he was suffering from a psychiatric disorder, OCD. He has been undergoing psychiatric treatment for 12 yearsWe also found medical documents and medicines from the residence." DCP Chauhan also said that a knife and stones were recovered from the spot. He said, The bodies have multiple injuries on the head and on the neck; it seems he (Siddarth) has probably done something due to his psychiatric disorder."DCP Chauhan further claimed that Siddarth didnt like his parents and didnt want to stay here. On the couples job profile, DCP said, His father had a private job in the Khanpur area, and his mother is probably a housewife." (ANI) First Published: August 22, 2025, 02:45 IST News agency-feeds Delhi Police detains younger son in Maidan Garhi triple murder case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ECI meets Janata Dal (Secular) delegation in Delhi Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 23:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], August 21 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi held an interaction with a delegation from Janata Dal (Secular) on Thursday at Nirvachan Sadan. JDU(S) delegation was led by its National General Secretary and Authorised Representative, KR Shivakumar. The Election Commission of India said that the meeting is a continuation of the interactions being held by ECI 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 Commissions broader vision of further strengthening the electoral process in accordance with the existing legal framework, with all stakeholders," the poll body said in a release. During the past 150 days, a total of 4,719 all-party meetings were conducted, including 40 meetings by CEOs, 800 by DEOs, and 3879 by EROs, engaging over 28,000 representatives of various political parties, ECI said. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan on Thursday said that through Special Intensive Revision, an attack has been carried out by the Centre on the Constitution. From the very first day, the opposition has been continuously raising the issue of SIR, but we have not received any assurance from the government, nor has there been any discussion. When such a significant issue is before us, all other topics pale in comparison. Through SIR, an attack has been made on our countrys Constitution," Iqra Hasan said. A press conference was held by the Leader of the Opposition, to which the Election Commission responded, but we know what kind of responses those were. The Election Commission did not answer even a single question," she added. The INDIA bloc has intensified its protest against the vote theft" allegations on the Election Commision of India and the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar.The opposition parties protested against the revision of voter lists since the commencement of the Parliament monsoon session on July 21. The Monsoon Session of Parliament was adjourned sine die on Thursday. (ANI) First Published: August 21, 2025, 23:30 IST News agency-feeds ECI meets Janata Dal (Secular) delegation in Delhi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Gang posing as CBI officials rob Rs 2.3 crore in Delhi, 2 held Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 00:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Aug 21 (PTI) A gang of robbers, including a woman, allegedly posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials, looted around Rs 2.3 crore from a businessmans office in Vivek Vihar, the police said on Thursday. According to the police, the complainant, Manpreet, a resident of Indirapuram in Ghaziabad who is engaged in finance, property dealing, and construction, alleged that he had kept business earnings worth around Rs 2.5 crore in the Vivek Vihar building. Recommended Stories On August 19, he asked his friend, Ravi Shankar, to collect Rs 1.10 crore from the house and bring it to his residence. As soon as Shankar stepped out of the property with the bag of cash, four people, including a woman, intercepted him with two cars and claimed to be CBI officers. They beat him up and snatched the bag," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam said. The accused allegedly forced Shankar to take them inside the property, where they thrashed Manpreets employee, Deepak Maheshwari, and took away the remaining cash kept there, the officer added. The gang confined both men in their vehicles before dropping Shankar near Chintamani underpass and Maheshwari at Nigambodh Ghat, threatening them to not disclose the incident, the DCP said. Following a complaint, the police analysed CCTV footage and traced the two cars to Faridabad. Investigations revealed that the vehicles had been hired by an NGO based near Saket Metro Station, officials said. Subsequently, two suspects, identified as Papori Baruah (31), secretary of the NGO and a native of Assam, and Deepak (32), a resident of Tughlakabad, were apprehended. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Cash amounting to Rs 1.08 crore has been recovered from their possession," the officer said, adding that efforts are on to trace the remaining suspects and money. A case under sections of robbery and criminal conspiracy has been registered, and further probe is underway, the police said. PTI SSJ MPL MPL First Published: August 22, 2025, 00:30 IST News agency-feeds Gang posing as CBI officials rob Rs 2.3 crore in Delhi, 2 held Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Jharkhand: 3 school girls among 4 dead in lightning strikes Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 22:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Ranchi, Aug 21 (PTI) Four persons, including three girl students, died after being struck by lightning in separate incidents in Jharkhand on Thursday, police said. The three students died when lightning struck them while returning home from school at Hondpiri village, under the jurisdiction of Narkopi police station, around 50 km from the state capital. Recommended Stories The students, aged between five and 12 years, were returning home from the Government Middle School in Hondpiri around 3 pm when lightning struck them. They were immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors declared them brought-dead," Narkopi police station in-charge Nageshwar Sahu told PTI. The deceased were identified as Pari Oraon (5), Anjlika Kujur (7) and Basmati Oraon (12). The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. Sahu said the families of the deceased would receive a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each, as per government provisions. The second incident took place at Bahera village in Chainpur area of Palamu district, where a 38-year-old farmer died after being struck by lightning, police said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Chainpur police station in-charge Sriram Sharma said the farmer, identified as Luv Kumar Choudhary, was working in a field when lightning struck him. Sharma said he was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead. PTI SAN NAM RBT First Published: August 21, 2025, 22:30 IST News agency-feeds Jharkhand: 3 school girls among 4 dead in lightning strikes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kamala Harris announces international book tour for new memoir 107 Days Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 23:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington DC [US], August 21 (ANI): Former US Vice President Kamala Harris will go on a 15-city book tour across the U.S., Canada and England for her new memoir, 107 Days, according to a press release, reported by People. 107 Days recounts the intense, high-stakes and deeply personal" period of Harris 2024 Democratic presidential campaign, following President Joe Biden withdrawing from his reelection campaign.Since leaving office, Ive spent a lot of time reflecting on those days and with candor and reflection, Ive written a behind-the-scenes account of that journey," Harris said in her initial July 31 video announcement. I believe theres value in sharing what I saw, what I learned and what it will take to move forward."Harris is going to multiple cities across the United States, as well as stops in Ontario and London. During each event, Harris will recount what she saw and learned during her presidential bid, and will lead a conversation on how we collectively chart a blueprint that sets an alternative vision for our country now," the press release states, according to People. In addition to 107 Days, Harris is also the author of the 2019 memoir The Truths We Hold and the childrens book Superheroes Are Everywhere, as per the outlet. In May, United States former Vice President Kamala Harris made a memorable appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, marking her debut at the fashion industrys biggest event.Harris stunned in a bespoke black-and-cream gown designed by Off-White creative director IB Kamara, perfectly capturing the essence of the evenings theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. (ANI) First Published: August 21, 2025, 23:30 IST News agency-feeds Kamala Harris announces international book tour for new memoir 107 Days Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Man murdered by wife, son in Faridabad Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 00:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Faridabad, Aug 21 (PTI) A property dealer was allegedly murdered by his wife and son in Greater Faridabad, the police said on Thursday. According to the police, the mans wife, Sangeeta, and son, Sahil, stuffed his body in a sack and dumped it in a deserted place. The woman allegedly misled the extended family, saying that her husband was abroad and even sent text messages from his phone to relatives saying he had committed a crime. Recommended Stories The deceased was identified as Harveer Singh Malik, a resident of Terra society in Sector 75 of Greater Faridabad, the police said, adding that he was reported missing on July 11. According to the complaint filed by the deceaseds brother, Kulveer, the couple fought regularly over financial issues, and had a similar argument on July 10. My brother had kept Rs 7 lakh in the house for some work, but his son, Sahil, and wife, Sangeeta, spent that money, following which they had a big fight. Sangeeta and Sahil hatched a plan to kill Harveer and included her sister in it as well. On the night of July 11, Harveer was sleeping in his flat when Sangeeta and Sahil knocked on his bedroom door. He did not respond as he was asleep, after which the trio entered his room through the window, and killed him by hitting his head with a heavy object," Kulveer alleged in his complaint. After disposing Harveers body, Sangeeta came to her in-laws house in Ajronda the next day. When the relatives inquired about Harveer, Sangeeta claimed that he had gone abroad with friends. After staying with her in-laws for ten days, Sangeeta left. Following her departure, whenever she was asked about Harveer over the phone, she would come up with various excuses, the deceaseds brother claimed further. On August 14, Sangeeta sent a WhatsApp message to her family from Harveers phone, stating that he had made a serious mistake and would be leaving the city. This message raised suspicions in Kulveer, leading him to file a missing person report at the BPTP Police Station and express his suspicion about Sangeeta and Sahil, the police said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all When the police summoned Sangeeta and Sahil for questioning, their phones were turned off. This heightened the polices suspicions, resulting in Sangeeta and Sahil being taken into custody on Wednesday night. During interrogation, both of them confessed to throwing Harveers body in a deserted place in front of Sidhdata Ashram, after which the police recovered the body. We are questioning both the accused, and Sangeetas sister, Jyoti, is also being investigated", stated BPTP police Station SHO Arvind Kumar. PTI COR MPL MPL First Published: August 22, 2025, 00:30 IST News agency-feeds Man murdered by wife, son in Faridabad Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul passes away in London Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 02:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London, Aug 21 (PTI) Leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul passed away in London on Thursday evening, family sources said. He was 94. Lord Paul, founder of UK-based Caparo Group of industries, had been taken ill and hospitalised recently, where he passed away surrounded by members of his family. Recommended Stories The House of Lords peer was born in Jalandhar and relocated to the UK in the 1960s in pursuit of treatment for his little daughter Ambikas cancer. After she passed away aged four years old, he set up the Ambika Paul Foundation as a charitable trust that went on to donate millions to promote the wellbeing of children and young people all over the world through education and health initiatives. The London Zoo is where she was always the happiest," recalled Lord Paul last month, during the annual commemoration he hosted at the Ambika Paul Childrens Zoo in London one of the major beneficiaries of the foundation. After he lost his son Angad Paul in 2015 and his wife Aruna in 2022, he went on to undertake similar philanthropic endeavours in their memory. This hall is a tribute to my wonderful wife whom I miss very much; we never had an argument during our 65 years of marriage," said Lord Paul, when he inaugurated the Lady Aruna Swraj Paul Hall at the historic Indian Gymkhana Club in London in February 2023. A regular in the annual Sunday Times Rich List, this year he was ranked 81st with an estimated wealth of GBP 2 billion, largely derived from the steel and engineering multinational Caparo Group. Headquartered in London, Caparo operates internationally from over 40 sites, with operations based in the UK, North America, India, and the Middle East. His son, Akash Paul, is Chairman of Caparo India and Director of the Caparo Group. Last year, in his capacity as the Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Lord Paul awarded an honorary doctorate to Akash Paul for services to business administration. Perhaps, I am the only graduate to get a degree from his own father, independently approved by the University Board, of course, I may add," said Akash Paul, who was accompanied by wife Nisha and son Arush at the ceremony held at the London Zoo. My son has worked alongside me at Caparo since 1982. Akash was appointed CEO of Caparo Group in 1992. During this time, he furthered Caparos growth strategy in UK, Europe, USA and India, as well as expanding capacity and increasing profitability of the companies in the United Kingdom and was president, Caparo Automotive Espana, Spain and Executive Board, Bull Moose Tube, USA," said Lord Paul, who had served as Chancellor of Wolverhampton University for over 26 years. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all An active member of the Indian diaspora in the UK, Swraj Paul maintained his daily routine of attending the House of Lords despite his frailty in recent months. We pray for the departed soul. May the noble Lord rest in peace," said Lord Rami Ranger, his colleague in the Upper House of Parliament. PTI AK SCY SCY First Published: August 22, 2025, 02:15 IST News agency-feeds NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul passes away in London Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Apollo Go, Baidu's autonomous ride-hailing service, has surpassed 14 million passenger rides as of August, underscoring its lead in China's fast-growing autonomous ride-hailing sector. The milestone was disclosed in the company's second-quarter (Q2) earnings report on Wednesday, alongside news that the Hong Kong Transport Department has issued the service a new pilot license. The license extends Apollo Go's trials into the Southern District, building on earlier operations in North Lantau and paving the way for future entry into additional right-hand drive markets. Photo credit: Apollo Go The service delivered more than 2.2 million driverless rides in Q2 2025 alone, a 148% surge from a year earlier. Its operations now cover 16 cities worldwide, with cumulative rides exceeding 14 million by August 2025. Apollo Go's fleet has already logged more than 200 million kilometers of autonomous driving, while continuing to report strong safety performance. The latest authorization enables Apollo Go to extend testing to Hong Kong's Southern District, adding to earlier deployments in North Lantauincluding the airport islandand the Tung Chung residential areas. Since receiving Hong Kong's first autonomous vehicle pilot license in November 2024, the company has completed over 20,000 kilometers of safe driving within the city. This is Apollo Go's third expansion in Hong Kong within six months, steadily broadening its trials into more challenging urban environments that span both business districts and residential neighborhoods. The Hong Kong rollout also marks Apollo Go's first venture into a right-hand drive, left-side traffic environmentan important step in demonstrating the system's flexibility across different regulatory and road conditions. Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu, emphasized that experience in Hong Kong will provide critical insights for entering other right-hand drive markets, bolstering confidence in Apollo Go's global scalability. Baidu is also accelerating Apollo Go's international rollout through a string of high-profile partnerships. In July, the company struck a multi-year deal with Uber to integrate thousands of Apollo Go vehicles into the Uber platform across international markets outside the U.S. and the Chinese Mainland. The first rollouts are scheduled for Asia and the Middle East later this year. A month later, Baidu partnered with Lyft to bring Apollo Go to Europe. The service is slated to debut in Germany and the UK in 2026, subject to regulatory approval, with ambitions to expand into a multi-thousand-vehicle fleet across the continent. Beyond Hong Kong, Apollo Go began road testing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this August, further extending its footprint into the Middle East. Pope Leos first international trip could be to Lebanon, cardinal says Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 21:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Rome, Aug 21 (AP) Pope Leo XIV is planning to visit Lebanon this year on his first foreign visit, the countrys Catholic cardinal said, a trip that would give historys first American pope a chance to speak in broad terms about peace in the Middle East and the plight of Christians there. A visit to Lebanon could be the second leg of a planned visit to Turkiye at the end of November to commemorate an important anniversary with the Orthodox Church. Recommended Stories Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai, the patriarch of the Lebanese Maronite faithful, told the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV that Leo will visit Lebanon." Its unclear to be honest when he will visit, but he will visit anytime from now until December," the cardinal said when asked about a possible visit. There needs to be an agreement from the Vatican on when the visit will happen. But there are preparations for the visit, but its unclear until the Vaticans announcement." Leo, like his predecessor Pope Francis, has consistently called for peace and dialogue in the Middle East, especially as Israels offensive rages on in Gaza. The last pope to visit Lebanon was Pope Benedict XVI in September 2012 on what was the last foreign trip of his papacy. A Vatican spokesperson on Thursday declined to confirm or deny a trip by Leo. But word of papal trips usually originates with the local church that will host the pope. Pope Francis, who died on April 21, had long hoped to visit Lebanon, but the countrys political and economic instability prevented a visit during his lifetime. The Mediterranean nation of around 6 million, including more than 1 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees, has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East and is the only Arab country with a Christian head of state. However, the Vatican fears the countrys instability has been particularly dangerous for the continued presence of its Christian community, a bulwark for the church in the Mideast. Lebanon is currently struggling to recover after years of economic crisis and a bruising war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that ended with a US and France-brokered ceasefire in November. Formation of a new, reformist government in November ended a two-year political vacuum and brought hopes of recovery but the situation remains tense. Israel has continued to occupy five strategic points on the Lebanese side of the border and carry out near-daily airstrikes that it says aim to stop Hezbollah from regrouping. Hezbollah is under increasing domestic and international pressure to give up its remaining arsenal but has refused to do so until Israel withdraws and halts its strikes. There are fears of civil conflict if Lebanese authorities attempt to forcibly disarm the group. About one-third of Lebanons population is believed to be Christian, though there is no official number since there hasnt been an official census since 1932. The Maronites are the largest and most powerful sect and, by convention, Lebanons president is always a Maronite Christian. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Leo is already expected to travel to Turkiye at the end of November to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianitys first ecumenical council. It was a trip Francis had intended to make in May. The Vatican has not confirmed the Turkiye trip, but Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Istanbul-based spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians and the host of the anniversary commemoration, has said Leo told him he wants to go. (AP) NPK NPK First Published: August 21, 2025, 21:30 IST News agency-feeds Pope Leos first international trip could be to Lebanon, cardinal says Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Supreme Court lets Trump admin cut $783 mn of research funding in anti-DEI push Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 03:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, Aug 21 (AP) The Trump administration can slash hundreds of millions of dollars worth of research funding in its push to cut federal diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, the Supreme Court decided Thursday. The high court majority lifted a judges order blocking $783 million worth of cuts made by the National Institutes of Health to align with Republican President Donald Trumps priorities. Recommended Stories The high court did keep Trump administration guidance on future funding blocked, however. The court split 5-4 on the decision. Chief Justice John Roberts was along those who would have kept the cuts blocked, along with the courts three liberals. The order marks the latest Supreme Court win for Trump and allows the administration to forge ahead with cancelling hundreds of grants while the lawsuit continues to unfold. The plaintiffs, including states and public-health advocacy groups, have argued that the cuts will inflict incalculable losses in public health and human life". The Justice Department, meanwhile, has said funding decisions should not be subject to judicial second-guessing" and efforts to promote policies referred to as DEI can conceal insidious racial discrimination." The lawsuit addresses only part of the estimated $12 billion of NIH research projects that have been cut, but in its emergency appeal, the Trump administration also took aim at nearly two dozen other times judges have stood in the way of its funding cuts. Solicitor General D John Sauer said judges shouldnt be considering those cases under an earlier Supreme Court decision that cleared the way for teacher-training programme cuts. He says they should go to federal claims court instead. But the plaintiffs, 16 Democratic state attorneys general and public-health advocacy groups, argued that research grants are fundamentally different from the teacher-training contracts and couldnt be sent to claims court. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Halting studies midway can also ruin the data already collected and ultimately harm the countrys potential for scientific breakthroughs by disrupting scientists work in the middle of their careers, they argued. US District Judge William Young judge in Massachusetts agreed, finding the abrupt cancellations were arbitrary and discriminatory. Ive never seen government racial discrimination like this," Young, an appointee of Republican President Ronald Reagan, said at a hearing in June. He later added: Have we no shame." An appeals court left Youngs ruling in place. (AP) SCY SCY First Published: August 22, 2025, 03:15 IST News agency-feeds Supreme Court lets Trump admin cut $783 mn of research funding in anti-DEI push Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bengaluru Airport Road To Get New Service Roads By October, Full Details Inside Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 09:50 IST One stretch, measuring 1 km, is coming up near Esteem Mall in Hebbal, while another 1.1 km stretch is under construction at Jakkur. The project had been stuck for eight years due to land acquisition problems. (Photo: Metro Rail News) The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has confirmed that construction of service roads at two busy points along the Bengaluru airport road (NH 44) will be completed by October. Recommended Stories A 1-km service road near Esteem Mall in Hebbal and a 1.1-km stretch at Jakkur are under construction. Each road will be about 10 metres wide, with two lanes, paved shoulders, a 2.5-metre utility duct, and a 1.5-km drain. Once ready, these will ease congestion for airport-bound vehicles, especially during peak hours. Why Was the Work Delayed? The project faced an eight-year delay due to land acquisition issues. Only after the land was secured could NHAI begin the work. As per Deccan Herald, Regional Officer Vilas P Brahmankar explained that the service roads were not part of the original plan since the required land was unavailable earlier. What Are the Current Challenges? At Hebbal, NHAI is also widening a small bridge to allow smooth water flow from Hebbal Lake. The bridge is almost ready but awaits curing and dry weather before the final road surface can be laid. Meanwhile, at Jakkur, work has slowed down due to pending tree-cutting permissions. Though 500 metres have been completed, NHAI awaits approval to remove around 20 trees despite paying fees to the citys forest cell. How Will This Help Commuters? Traffic police noted congestion near Hebbal due to the ongoing work. However, NHAI officials insist that no main carriageway space has been taken, meaning traffic flow remains unaffected. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Local residents welcome the move. Many buses halt at Hebbal, creating bottlenecks, especially during rain. Once complete, the service roads will free up the main road for airport travellers and reduce delays. About the Author Samreen Pall Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more. You can also download the News18 App to stay updated. First Published: August 21, 2025, 09:50 IST News auto Bengaluru Airport Road To Get New Service Roads By October, Full Details Inside Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Potholes To Flooding: Gurugram Residents Can Now Report Civic Issues In 30 Seconds With This App Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 20, 2025, 15:52 IST The idea is to build a digital pothole registry and waterlogging map, helping agencies respond faster and more effectively. The app has been developed by Antino, a technology company. In a bid to tackle Gurugrams long-standing civic problems, a new app, RaastaFix.com, has been launched. Recommended Stories The platform allows residents to report potholes, garbage piles, or waterlogging in under 30 seconds. Each complaint is geo-tagged and time-stamped before being sent directly to civic authorities such as GMDA, MCG, NHAI, and even local councillors. Launched just five days ago, the app has already caught the attention of officials and citizens alike, who see it as a step towards smarter governance. How Does It Work? RaastaFix is simple but effective. Users take a picture of the issue, upload it, and within seconds, all relevant agencies receive alerts with exact locations. The app also includes a colour-coded tracker, allowing residents to monitor the status of their complaints in real time. The idea is to build a digital pothole registry and a waterlogging map for Gurugram," explained Pravin Kaushal, advisor at Antino, the developer of the app, as per Hindustan Times. Why Is This Important Now? With monsoon rains often leading to flooding, clogged drains, and dangerous potholes, timely action has become critical. We must act before the next monsoon. Gurugram needs revolutionary municipal reforms," said Kaushal. Antinos CEO, Vinay Krishna Gupta, added that the project blends civic-tech with AI to tackle both immediate challenges and long-term goals. The ambition is to create AI-driven governance systems while improving everyday infrastructure. Heres What Leaders And Innovators Say? The app has caught the attention of senior officials. At a recent meeting, Chief Principal Secretary to CM Rajesh Khullar asked the team to expand the portal to cover five verticals: sanitation, C&D waste, stray animals, potholes, and sewer/flooding. Alongside RaastaFix, Kaushal is also driving Gurugram Rising, a forum that brings together entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and civic leaders to build AI-driven governance models. Could Gurugram Be A Model City? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all With urbanisation outpacing civic systems, Gurugram faces urgent challenges. But this initiative may set a blueprint for other cities in India. By combining technology, citizen engagement, and AI-driven governance, RaastaFix could turn Gurugram into a symbol of smarter, cleaner cities. About the Author Samreen Pall Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more. You can also download the News18 App to stay updated. First Published: August 20, 2025, 15:52 IST News auto From Potholes To Flooding: Gurugram Residents Can Now Report Civic Issues In 30 Seconds With This App Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi To Inaugurate Metro Routes In Kolkata On August 22, Know More Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 13:49 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on August 22, where he will inaugurate 13.61 km of new metro routes in Kolkata. The SealdahEsplanade metro will reduce the travel time (Credits: News18) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set for a big two-state visit on August 22, with key inaugurations lined up in West Bengal and Bihar. Recommended Stories From metro rail projects in Kolkata to mega infrastructure works in Gaya, his trip promises a major boost to connectivity, travel and development in the region. Whats Happening in West Bengal? In Kolkata, PM Modi will inaugurate a 13.61 km metro network, flagging off the NoaparaJai Hind Bimanbandar service at Jessore Road Metro Station. He will also take a ride on the route to the airport, as per ANI. Through video conferencing, he will launch the SealdahEsplanade and BeleghataHemanta Mukhopadhyay metro services. The airport line will ease travel for flyers. The SealdahEsplanade stretch will cut travel time from 40 minutes to just 11 minutes. The Beleghata line will link the IT hub, giving a push to the citys workforce. He will also open a newly built subway at Howrah Metro Station and lay the foundation stone for the 6-lane Kona Expressway (Rs 1,200 crore), expected to improve connectivity between Howrah, Kolkata and surrounding towns. Key Benefits of the Metro Projects: Improved Airport Access: The Noapara Jai Hind Bimanbandar line will significantly ease travel to Kolkata Airport. Reduction In Travel Time: Sealdah Esplanade line will cut down commute time from ~40 minutes to just 11 minutes. Enhanced Connectivity To IT Hub: The Beleghata Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section will boost access to the IT sector. Better Connectivity Across Kolkata: These routes will link key and busy areas of the city, improving overall transit efficiency. Strengthened Multimodal Transport: The new metro lines will integrate with other modes of transport, easing movement for lakhs of daily commuters. Whats Planned for Bihar? In Gaya, PM Modi will roll out projects worth around Rs 13,000 crore. Key highlights include: Aunta Simaria Bridge on Ganga (Rs 1,870 crore): A six-lane structure that will cut over 100 km of detour for heavy vehicles and ease traffic jams. NH-31 upgrades: A four-lane Bakhtiyarpur Mokama section (Rs 1,900 crore) to smoothen freight and passenger travel. Buxar Thermal Power Plant (Rs 6,880 crore): Adding 660 MW capacity to meet Bihars energy needs. Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Muzaffarpur: Advanced treatment facilities to reduce patient dependence on metros. Namami Gange projects: New sewage treatment plants to clean the Ganga and improve sanitation. Adding to this, PM Modi will also: Flag off the Amrit Bharat Express (Gaya Delhi) and Buddhist Circuit Train (VaishaliKoderma). Hand over keys to beneficiaries of PMAY housing schemes. These projects are expected to boost connectivity, improve healthcare, support industries, and bring better living standards for lakhs of people in Bihar. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Samreen Pall Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more. You can also download the News18 App to stay updated. First Published: August 21, 2025, 08:53 IST News auto PM Modi To Inaugurate Metro Routes In Kolkata On August 22, Know More Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Apple To Open Third India Store In Bengaluru On September 2: Check Location, Design, Other Details Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 12:08 IST According to Apple India's website, Apple Hebbal will open at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bellary Road, Byatarayanapura, Bengaluru (F-39-F-43, 560092). The store's barricade, unveiled on Thursday morning, features vibrant peacock feather artwork a nod to India's national bird and a symbol of pride. iPhone maker Apple is set to strengthen its retail footprint in India with the launch of its third official store, Apple Hebbal, in Bengaluru on September 2, 2025. The new outlet will join the companys flagship stores Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in New Delhi just days before the much-awaited iPhone 17 series debut. Apple Store In Bengaluru: Location & Design Recommended Stories According to Apple Indias website, Apple Hebbal will open at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bellary Road, Byatarayanapura, Bengaluru (F-39-F-43, 560092). The stores barricade, unveiled on Thursday morning, features vibrant peacock feather artwork a nod to Indias national bird and a symbol of pride. Apple Store In Bengaluru: What The Hebbal Store Offers Apple Hebbal will bring the companys signature retail experience to the city, offering the full range of Apple devices and accessories, expert guidance from Specialists, Geniuses, Creatives, and Business teams, as well as Today at Apple sessions focused on digital art, coding, storytelling, and productivity. Ahead of the launch, Apple has also introduced Hebbal-themed wallpapers and a Bengaluru-inspired Apple Music playlist, available for download on its official website. Apples Retail Strategy In India The new store occupies 8,000 sq ft, smaller than the 20,800 sq ft Apple BKC in Mumbai but comparable in size to Apple Saket in Delhis Select Citywalk Mall, which opened alongside the Mumbai store in 2023. Apples Bengaluru opening marks part of a broader retail expansion in India. The company has plans for four new stores across Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. While Apple has confirmed the Bengaluru launch, it has yet to announce timelines for the other outlets. Reports also suggest that Apple has leased space at Oberoi Sky City Mall in Borivali, Mumbai, which is likely to become the companys second store in the city. Meanwhile, Apple India has leased around 2.7 lakh square feet of office space in Bangalore for 10 years with a starting monthly rent of Rs 6.3 crore, according to data analytics firm Propstack. The company has taken multiple floors including car parking space on lease from real estate firm Embassy Group. The iPhone maker is estimated to pay more than Rs 1,000 crore in rent, car park and maintenance charge over a period of 10 years, as per Propstack, which has reviewed the registration document of this leasing transaction. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The lease has been signed for a period of 120 months or 10 years with effect from April 3, 2025. Apple is the biggest exporter of mobile phones from India. It exported iPhones worth about Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the financial year 2024-25. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 11:53 IST News business Apple To Open Third India Store In Bengaluru On September 2: Check Location, Design, Other Details Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... GSTR-3B Filing Deadline Extended Till August 27 For Mumbai Region Taxpayers Amid Heavy Rains Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 13:58 IST The due date for filing GSTR-3B has been extended till August 27, 2025 for taxpayers registered in Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar districts. The decision to extend the GSTR-3B deadline has been taken in view of heavy rainfall in the region, which has disrupted normal life and hampered businesses from meeting compliance requirements on time. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has extended the deadline for filing GSTR-3B returns for July 2025 till August 27, for taxpayers whose principal place of business is located in Mumbai and few other parts of Maharashtra severely affected by incessant rains. Earlier, the deadline was August 20. The Central GST (CGST) Mumbai Zone in a post on X said, DATE EXTENSION FOR FILING GSTR-3B. For GST taxpayers located in Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Raigad & Palghar Districts of Maharashtra the due date for filing FORM GSTR-3B for the month of July 2025 is extended till 27th August 2025 owing to incessant rains and disruption of public life." Recommended Stories DATE EXTENSION FOR FILING GSTR-3BFor GST taxpayers located in Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Raigad & Palghar Districts of Maharashtra the due date for filing FORM GSTR-3B for the month of July 2025 is extended till 27th August 2025 owing to incessant rains and disruption CGST Mumbai Zone (@cgstmumbaizone) August 20, 2025 The decision to extend the GSTR-3B deadline has been taken in view of heavy rainfall in the region, which has disrupted normal life and hampered businesses from meeting compliance requirements on time. GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, through which businesses report details of outward and inward supplies and pay their net tax liability. The extension is expected to provide relief to thousands of businesses operating in the affected districts, allowing them more time to file their returns without penalties. Who Needs to File GSTR-3B? Every registered taxpayer under the GST system is required to file GSTR-3B, except for a few categories such as input service distributors, composition scheme taxpayers, non-resident taxable persons, and those collecting tax at source (TCS) or deducting tax at source (TDS) under GST. Businesses with GST registration must file GSTR-3B even if they have no transactions during the month, in order to stay compliant and avoid late fees or penalties. GST Rejig On the Cards top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A six-member Group of Ministers (GoM) comprising state finance ministers, chaired by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, is meeting on August 21 to review the Centres GST rate rationalisation proposal. The proposal seeks to streamline the current structure into two primary tax slabs 5% and 18% and the panel will forward its recommendations to the GST Council. The GoM includes ministers from Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, and Karnataka. Key discussions will revolve around the Centres plan to classify goods and services into merit and standard categories, while retaining a 40% rate on select items such as sin goods. Under the proposal, most items in the existing 12% bracket would shift to the 5% slab, while many products currently taxed at 28% would move to 18%. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 13:45 IST News business tax GSTR-3B Filing Deadline Extended Till August 27 For Mumbai Region Taxpayers Amid 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... Cant Stop: Rekha Gupta Announces Public Meets Across Delhi, Cites Fathers Message After Attack Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 19:37 IST Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta vows to continue public hearings and fight for Delhiites after being attacked during Jan Sunwai at her Civil Lines residence. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. (X) Following an attack during a public grievance hearing at her residence, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday vowed to continue to fight for the interests of the people of the national capital. In a post on X, CM Gupta, who was allegedly assaulted during her weekly Jan Sunwai at her residence in Civil Lines on Wednesday morning, asserted that every moment of her life is dedicated to Delhi, and despite all the unexpected blows, she would never abandon the city. Recommended Stories Gupta also shared an anecdote of her college life and the lesson her father gave her. When I was in college, Papa gave me a car to drive. One day, a big accident happened. I got scared and became afraid to even touch the car again. Then Papa said that accidents happen in life, but you cant stop out of fear. You cant stop walking on the path," she said in a post on X. , , pic.twitter.com/gAPDhirjK8 Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) August 21, 2025 CM Gupta said that the incident has reminded her of her fathers teaching that one cannot stop progressing due to obstacles and fear. Today, his same lesson comes to mind again. Yesterday, another accident happened, but I can never stop fighting for the interests of Delhiites. Every moment of my life and every particle of my body is dedicated to Delhi. Despite all these unexpected blows, I will never abandon Delhi. Anyway, women have double the strength to fight through difficulties. They have to pass countless tests to prove themselves. I am ready too!" she added. The Chief Minister further announced that the public hearings would now be held in every assembly of Delhi. Now, public hearings will not only be held at my home but in every assembly of Delhi. Your Chief Minister, at your doorstep," she added. What Happened With Rekha Gupta? Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a public grievance hearing on Wednesday morning at her residence in Civil Lines in the national capital. The incident occurred during CM Guptas weekly Jan Sunwai at her residence, where citizens come to present grievances. Sakriya was standing in a queue to meet the Chief Minister and had nearly five people before him. He suddenly breached the queue and approached Gupta with the documents he was carrying. He then shouted, slapped her, pulled her hair, and abused her. The accused grabbed the Chief Minister by her hair and did not let go for quite some time. He was quickly overpowered by the security team and arrested. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The police also registered an attempt to murder case against the accused for attacking the Delhi Chief Minister. Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has taken over Guptas security, with Z-category security now in place. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. to addas your preferred news source on First Published: August 21, 2025, 19:24 IST News new-delhi-news Cant Stop: Rekha Gupta Announces Public Meets Across Delhi, Cites Fathers Message After Attack Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 16-Year-Old Kairan Quazi Joins Citadel As Quant Developer; What Is The Job Profile, Eligibility Criteria Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 14:02 IST Quantitative developers are in high demand within investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, and other sectors of the financial industry. Kairan Quazi turned down offers from some of the most well known AI startups. (Photo Credits: Instagram) In 2023, at the age of 14, American-Bangladeshi teenager Kairan Quazi impressed Elon Musk with his exceptional talent who then appointed him as an engineer at SpaceX. Now, at the age of 16, Quazi has quit his job at SpaceX and moved on to Citadel Securities, where he will work as a quant developer where he will collaborate with traders and engineers. What exactly does a quant developer do? If you have a passion for mathematical models, Excel macros, and programming, a career as a quant developer can be very rewarding. Recommended Stories Also know as quantitative developers and quantitative software engineers, they specialise in creating, implementing, and maintaining quantitative models. They typically collaborate with quantitative analysts for research and software engineers for technology within investment banks, hedge funds, and other financial firms. Their responsibilities include developing and maintaining programming libraries, creating numerical library components, performance tuning these libraries, and advising on high-performance computing initiatives, optimisation, and strategy. Eligibility Criteria Of A Quant Developer To be eligible, one generally needs a degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Financial Engineering, or a related field. They are skilled programmers, proficient in languages such as Python, C, C++, C#, and Java, and use mathematical and statistical software packages like MATLAB, R, or SAS. Any computer science engineer is well-equipped to enter the quantitative finance and trading field. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | Homeschooled Student Solves 40-Year-Old Math Theory, Gets Direct PhD Admission Quantitative developers are currently in high demand within investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, and other sectors of the financial industry. Due to the extensive knowledge required in programming, mathematics, and finance, there is a shortage of qualified professionals for these roles. Moreover, as firms increasingly adopt machine learning and data science, the demand for quant developers with expertise in AI, machine learning, handling large datasets, and alternative data is rising. 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 21, 2025, 13:42 IST News education-career 16-Year-Old Kairan Quazi Joins Citadel As Quant Developer; What Is The Job Profile, Eligibility Criteria Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Parliamentary Panel Urges Law Mandating SC, ST, OBC Student Quotas In Private Universities Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 19:05 IST In its report submitted to Parliament on Wednesday, the panel said the representation of SC, ST and OBC students in top private universities was "considerably low" Data submitted by three of the four private Institutions of Eminence revealed that less than 1% of their students belonged to the ST category. (File photo) A parliamentary panel has recommended a central law to enforce reservations for students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in private higher education institutions. The committee has proposed quotas of 15% for SCs, 7.5% for STs, and 27% for OBCs. In its report submitted to Parliament on Wednesday, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, said the representation of SC, ST and OBC students in top private universities was considerably low". Recommended Stories According to a report by The Indian Express, data submitted by three of the four private Institutions of Eminence BITS Pilani, OP Jindal Global University, and Shiv Nadar University revealed that less than 1% of their students belonged to the ST category, which the panel described as abysmally low". Education must be a key instrument of attaining social justice in this country, and the current absence of reservations in private higher education institutions may be an impediment to the same," the committee noted. The report stated that Article 15(5) of the Constitution already gives the State the power to make laws providing for reservations in private, aided and unaided higher education institutions. However, no nationwide law currently mandates this. The panel urged Parliament to implement Article 15(5) fully by passing legislation similar to the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006, which applies to centrally-funded institutions such as IITs, IIMs, and central universities. The committee also said that the introduction of quotas in private institutions should be financially supported by the government. It recommended a model similar to the reimbursement given to private schools under the 25% reservation rule. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Further, it called for dedicated funds to help private universities increase infrastructure, faculty, and seats so that general category seats are not affected. The Ministry of Education told the panel that since private universities are set up by state legislatures, it is the responsibility of state governments to make laws on reservation in such institutions. 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 21, 2025, 19:05 IST News education-career Parliamentary Panel Urges Law Mandating SC, ST, OBC Student Quotas In Private Universities Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Beijing (Gasgoo)-Recently, SinoHytec, a Chinese company engaging in R&D and industrialization of fuel cell engine systems, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Pengfei Group, an energy and chemical company in China, to jointly advance research, development, and large-scale application of hydrogen fuel cell technologies, according to a press release SinoHytec issued on August 18 via its WeChat account. The partnership aims to foster resource sharing, leverage complementary strengths, and accelerate the high-quality development of the hydrogen industry in Luliang, Shanxi Province, while supporting the city's ambition to become a "national hub for hydrogen-powered heavy truck manufacturing." Photo credit: SinoHytec Luliang is uniquely positioned to develop hydrogen energy through a dual engine of "resources and application scenarios." Xiaoyi City, under Luliang, boasts an annual coking capacity of 18.67 million tonnes, which produces 4.4 billion cubic meters of coke oven gas as a byproduct, enabling the low-cost production of 200,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year. Pengfei Group has already established a full hydrogen supply chain spanning production, storage, transportation, refueling, and application, and operates a logistics fleet of 70,000 heavy-duty trucks that provide a large-scale application scenario for hydrogen vehicles. The cooperation will focus on scaling terminal applications, with an initial procurement of 100 hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks and 250 hydrogen-powered logistics vehicles. Those trucks will be deployed in raw material transport for the coking industry, while the light-duty trucks will serve urban cold chain logistics networks. SinoHytec will provide the core fuel cell system technologies, while Pengfei Group will construct a network of hydrogen refueling stations and a digital operations platform to jointly validate the economic viability and reliability of hydrogen vehicles. SinoHytec Chairman Zhang Guoqiang stated that the company is committed to working with Pengfei Group and Luliang local government to promote the development of Shanxi's hydrogen industry and build a demonstration zone for China's energy revolution. Looking ahead, SinoHytec plans to work with its partners to integrate the three pillars of "coking hydrogen resources, heavy truck manufacturing, and logistics financing" to create a "Luliang model" that can be replicated nationwide. Success Story: Paan Seller's Daughter Clears UPSC, Becomes Officer In Home Ministry Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 17:52 IST Shweta Bhagat shared that her father used to farm in the village but couldn't earn enough. He then moved to Kolkata and started selling paan. In December 2024, Shweta Bhagat received her posting in Indore. (Image: News18 Hindi) Shweta Bhagat, originally from Gaya in Bihar, has achieved the position of Rajbhasha Officer under the Ministry of Home Affairs by successfully passing the UPSC exam. Her father, Sushil Bhagat, hails from the remote village of Amethi in the Wazirganj block and works as a paan seller in Kolkata. Shweta has now been posted in Indore. She completed her 10th and 12th grades in government schools in Kolkata. Following this, she continued her education and earned a Master of Arts degree from Kolkata University. Subsequently, she cleared the UPSC exam in 2024 and became a Rajbhasha Adhikari. In December last year, Shweta Bhagat received her posting in Indore. Recommended Stories Shweta shared that her father used to farm in the village but couldnt earn enough. He then moved to Kolkata and started selling paan. When the paan shop began generating some income, he rented a house and brought Shweta along, who was around 8-9 years old at the time. Despite the familys poor financial condition, Sushil Bhagat worked tirelessly day and night, along with other family members. Recently, Shweta visited her village Amethi for the first time after becoming an officer, where she received a grand welcome. Shweta remarked that her success is a matter of pride for her entire village of Amethi, as well as for her society and family. The Malakar family, to which she belongs, is considered socially and economically weak. She stayed in the house of translators in Kolkata, which inspired her to become a Rajbhasha Officer. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sushil Bhagat said that he runs a modest paan shop in Kolkata but ensured that his childrens education never suffered. After filling out the UPSC form for the first time in 2023, she passed both the exam and the interview. She is now working as a Junior Translation Officer in the Official Language Department, Indore, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. 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 21, 2025, 17:41 IST News education-career Success Story: Paan Seller's Daughter Clears UPSC, Becomes Officer In Home Ministry Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 14 Teams, 84 Seats: PM Modi Set For NDA's Bihar Blitz, To Arrive In Gaya On August 22 Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 13:24 IST As part of the NDA's strategy, PM Modi will visit Gaya on August 22, and from August 23, the alliance will officially begin its election campaign in Bihar. PM Narendra Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary during a public meeting, in Rohtas district, Bihar on May 30. (Image: PMO India) With the conclusion of the monsoon session of Parliament, the BJP is set to deploy its biggest vote-winning asset Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar. As part of the NDAs strategy, PM Modi will visit Gaya on August 22, and from August 23, the alliance will officially begin its election campaign in Bihar. Notably, the BJP has yet to launch its customary grand campaign in the state. The BJP has opted not to campaign alone but to include all NDA constituents in Bihar, such as JDU, Hindustani Awam Morcha, LJP, and RLSP, in its extensive outreach efforts. According to sources, a total of 14 teams will be formed, each comprising seven members from both the BJP and its NDA allies. These 14 teams will be tasked with covering 84 assembly seats where the BJP anticipates elections in the first two phases. Recommended Stories The campaign will run from August 23 to August 30 in two phases. Each team will cover one assembly seat per day, completing six seats in six days. These specially selected teams will include Union Ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), Bihar government ministers, and seasoned leaders from all NDA alliance partners. For instance, one such team will be led by JDUs working president Sanjay Jha and will include colleagues like Union Minister Giriraj Singh, HAM Chief Jitan Ram Majhi, and Union Minister Nityanand Rai. Both Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar, Samrat Chowdhury and Vijay Kumar Sinha, are also expected to be part of this team. This is just an example of one teams composition. These top leaders from the 14 teams will hold press conferences throughout Bihar, directly addressing Rahul Gandhis vote chori narrative. They are expected to travel through nearly 20 districts across the state, presenting a strong counter to the Congress campaign. Congresss Voter Adhikar Yatra top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has adopted an aggressive stance in the election-bound state of Bihar, where he has launched the Voter Adhikar Yatra in collaboration with ally RJD. Joining him soon will be Samajwadi Partys Akhilesh Yadav and RJDs Tejashwi Yadav, raising their voices against both the Election Commission and the BJP. The Congress has been vigorously campaigning across Gaya, Nawada, and Nalanda, targeting the BJP. While the Congress has already faced setbacks, the BJP is now gearing up to counter the Congresss efforts. The first setback came from a U-turn by the CSDS-Lokniti Survey, which had initially suggested a notable decline in voter numbers in two assembly constituencies compared to the Lok Sabha elections held a few months prior in Maharashtra. This allowed the BJP to question the credibility of Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikar Yatra. Further, the campaigns integrity was questioned when Ranju Devi, who had initially claimed that her familys names were missing from the voter list, later admitted that they had been misled by local officials. 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 21, 2025, 13:24 IST News elections 14 Teams, 84 Seats: PM Modi Set For NDA's Bihar Blitz, To Arrive In Gaya On August 22 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Agni-5 Test: How Indias New MIRV-Equipped Missile Boosts Its Nuclear Deterrence Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 11:27 IST With a range of over 5,000 km and the ability to deliver multiple warheads, Agni-5 marks Indias biggest leap yet in missile technology DRDO conducts first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile. (Image: PTI/File) India on Wednesday successfully test-fired its most advanced nuclear missile, Agni-5, from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The launch, carried out under the Strategic Forces Command, met all technical and operational targets and reaffirmed Indias commitment to a credible minimum deterrence," according to the Ministry of Defence. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Agni-5 is now equipped with MIRV technology, a system that allows a single missile to carry and launch multiple nuclear warheads at different targets. This marks a major upgrade in Indias nuclear delivery capability. Recommended Stories What Is The Agni-5 Missile? Agni-5 is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) designed to carry nuclear warheads over long distances. It is equipped with a three-stage solid-fuel propulsion system and is launched from a road-mobile, canisterised platform, which improves mobility, storage, and launch readiness. According to India Today, the missile can deliver a nuclear payload of up to 1.5 tonnes and is built using light composite materials, making it lighter and more efficient. It also features advanced guidance systems, combining gyroscope-based sensors with satellite navigation tools like NavIC (Indias regional GPS) and the American GPS network. This ensures high accuracy over long distances. What Makes This Agni-5 Test Different? The main highlight of the latest Agni-5 test was the continued validation of MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology, which allows a single missile to carry and deliver multiple warheads aimed at different targets. According to TOI, India had first tested this capability in March 2024 from Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, demonstrating the ability to carry up to three nuclear warheads. The August 2025 test brings the system a step closer to operational readiness. This advancement is a significant shift in Indias deterrence capability, enabling better penetration of enemy missile defence systems and increasing strategic flexibility. What Is The Range Of Agni-5? The missile has a declared range of over 5,000 km, and is classified as an intermediate-range system. However, TOI reports that DRDO is working on an upgraded variant with an extended range of up to 7,500 km. This range allows the missile to reach almost all of Asia, including northern China, and parts of Europe. It plays a key role in giving India the ability to deter both regional and distant threats. How Does Agni-5 Compare To Other Missiles In The Agni Series? Indias Agni missile series has been developed in stages to handle different strategic needs: Agni-1 (700900 km): Short-range missile, mainly aimed at Pakistan Agni-2 (~2,000 km): Medium-range, reaching deeper into neighbouring regions Agni-3 and Agni-4 (2,5003,500 km): Longer-range platforms, primarily to counter China Agni-5 (5,000+ km): Equipped with MIRV, designed for long-distance, multi-target nuclear deterrence The Agni series forms the backbone of Indias land-based nuclear strike force. What Technology Powers Agni-5? Agni-5 incorporates several key technologies: MIRV capability, allowing deployment of multiple nuclear warheads in a single launch Three-stage, solid-fuel propulsion for long-range and reliability Composite materials for improved weight and efficiency Navigation tech using gyroscopes and satellite positioning (NavIC and GPS) Canisterised launch system, enabling faster deployment and mobility The missile has also undergone upgrades in avionics, re-entry heat shielding, and overall guidance precision, improving its resilience and effectiveness in actual combat conditions. Why Has The Test Alarmed Pakistan? TOI reports that the test has raised concerns in Islamabad, particularly from the Strategic Vision Institute (SVI), a Pakistan-based think tank. The SVI warned Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir that Indias missile programme poses serious risks" to regional stability. The SVI also pointed out that Indias missile development had accelerated after its accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016. With future Agni variants possibly reaching 8,000 km, the think tank warned that even cities like Washington, Moscow, and Beijing could eventually fall within range. SVI also flagged Indias expanding naval nuclear arsenal, including submarine-launched ballistic missiles, as a point of concern. The think tank called for international pressure on India to avoid destabilising the regional balance and focus on diplomacy. Whats Next For Indias Missile Programme? As per TOI, DRDO is now working on next-generation upgrades to the Agni line. These may include: Extending the missiles range further Increasing the number of warheads each missile can carry Adding bunker-buster technology to hit underground or heavily protected targets These improvements aim to ensure India stays prepared in a changing strategic environment. Agni-5 And The Future Of Indias Strategic Deterrence top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all With the successful MIRV-enabled test, Agni-5 has taken Indias nuclear delivery capability to the next level. It reinforces Indias second-strike strength under its No First Use doctrine, giving it the ability to respond decisively to any nuclear aggression. Agni-5 is the most advanced missile in Indias arsenal, and a key pillar of its nuclear deterrent. Its evolving capability signals New Delhis intent to ensure peace through credible strength. 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 21, 2025, 11:24 IST News explainers Agni-5 Test: How Indias New MIRV-Equipped Missile Boosts Its Nuclear Deterrence Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Probity In Public Life': What's The Road Ahead For The Bills To Remove 'Tainted' PM, CMs, Ministers? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 09:13 IST The government has its work cut out in getting such a law through the parliamentary committees, Parliament, and, in all likelihood, the courts The three contentious bills have been sent to a joint parliamentary committee for further deliberation. (Photo: Sansad TV) Highlighting probity in public life as the essence behind bringing three new bills on the removal of the Prime Minister, chief ministers, and ministers if arrested on serious charges for 30 days, Amit Shah cited his own example in Parliament. Shah said he resigned as Gujarat home minister in 2010 before he was arrested by the CBI in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh case. Shahs retort was to Congress leader KC Venugopal, who wrongly claimed that the BJP leader had not resigned upon his arrest 15 years ago. But it is abundantly clear that what has forced the Centres hand now was the recent instance of Arvind Kejriwal sticking to his chair as Delhi chief minister even after being jailed for months. He quit as the CM days after getting bail and subsequently lost the Delhi assembly polls. Recommended Stories The Centres new bills, referred to a parliamentary committee, say that if a PM, CM, or minister fails to get bail in a serious criminal case within a month, he would cease to be in his post. The bills say the person can be reinstated once he or she gets bail. The last provision, however, is at odds with the Supreme Courts recent approach in Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balajis case, who was reinstated as a minister after he got bail. The SC this April said it would cancel Balajis bail if he did not quit as a minister, as he could influence witnesses, given that he was in a position of strength. You have to choose between a post and freedom," the SC said, prompting Balaji to resign again. Last year, when ED arrested Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, he resigned just before his arrest. But he became CM after getting bail in six months. The Centres move is to clearly put laws in place for such an event rather than letting politicians take their own call. However, the government has its work cut out in getting such a law through the parliamentary committees, Parliament, and, in all likelihood, the courts, as the opposition is certain to take the matter to the SC. Their logic is that the Centre could use the ED and CBI to destabilise opposition CMs. Another fundamental issue of law is that one is considered innocent until proven guilty. So how can a person be asked to step down as PM, CM, or minister unless convicted by the courts? The Centres argument is that a politician on a constitutional post wont be able to discharge his duties properly from jail. This was seen during the incarceration of Arvind Kejriwal as CM, when work in Delhi came to a virtual standstill. However, it could be a long road ahead for the bills to become a reality, as the joint parliamentary committee could see heavy protests from the opposition members, as seen in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The possibility of amendments also cannot be ruled out, as seen during the JPC process on the Waqf Amendment Bill. The JPC process could be a long-drawn one, as seen in the Waqf Bill or the One Nation One Election plan. The Constitution Amendment Bill would also require a majority of 2/3rd of members present and voting to be passed, another tough ask for the government in Parliament. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all If these bills finally become law, it could be the second-biggest anti-corruption move when it comes to the political class. The SC in 2013 ruled that MPs and MLAs convicted with a minimum two-year sentence will be immediately disqualified for six years from the house. The UPA government at the Centre had then tried to push through an ordinance to negate this, which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vehemently opposed. Lalu Prasad Yadav was barred from contesting in elections due to this order, as he was convicted in the fodder scam. 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 21, 2025, 08:22 IST News explainers 'Probity In Public Life': What's The Road Ahead For The Bills To Remove '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... Who Is Gaurav Trivedi And What Is Windows Defender Security Center Scam? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 11:00 IST Windows Defender Security Center popup is a fake message that forces victims to call 'Microsoft'. What to do when you receive this popup? UP mans reaction goes viral after NanoBaiter exposes his alleged Microsoft Defender Security Center scam. (Photos: NanoBaiter/X) NanoBaiter, who tracks down online scammers, recently shared a story about a man named Gaurav Trivedi who allegedly tried to scam him. According to NanoBaiter, Trivedi was a resident of Uttar Pradeshs Raebareli, and he operated his scam center" from his apartment complex. Meet Gaurav Trivedi, an Indian scammer who impersonates Microsoft support and then rips off innocent vulnerable people," NanoBaiter wrote in his viral X thread that has been viewed by nearly 35 million people on the platform. Heres the story of the alleged scammer and how you can help protect your vulnerable family members from the common Windows Defender Security Center" scam. Recommended Stories Gaurav Trivedi In his introductory post, NanoBaiter alleged that a man named Gaurav Trivedi tried to scam him but ended up being baited instead. He tried to scam mebut instead of paying him money, I hacked into his laptop and turned on his live webcam feed," NanoBaiter wrote. NanoBaiter claimed that Trivedi ran a fairly common Windows support scam that involved a fake pop-up message that locked the desktop screen, blared a loud alarm, and instructed the victim to immediately call the Microsoft" number to save" all the data on the system. Scam Goal NanoBaiter, in his X thread, shared the primary goal behind the scam: to trick the victim into giving remote access of their system to the scammer. To achieve this, the scammer running the Windows pop-up scam made the victims download AnyDesk or TeamViewer programs to access their systems remotely. Although there exist several variations to the Windows scam, the primary goal of scammers is to make money. They would steal or delete the victims data and convince them that their data would be restored if they opted for the service package" provided by the Microsoft engineer" they just called. These scammers also maintained an Excel sheet of the most gullible or vulnerable callers who were tricked into opting for a quarterly or yearly service package". This enabled the scam to continue. NanoBaiter Strikes Back NanoBaiter, who scams" scammers for a living and documents the satisfying journey on his YouTube channel with over 600K subscribers, allowed Trivedi to access his virtual Microsoft machine, tricking the alleged scammer into believing that they had a new bait in their net. However, NanoBaiter reversed the remote access and accessed the purported scammers system. 6/ I basically got a front-row seat to his life, watching him eat, sleep, and then scam innocent people all through his webcam. pic.twitter.com/HXUHB1fX1B NanoBaiter (@NanoBaiter) August 19, 2025 This was when NanoBaiter claimed that he identified the man as Gaurav Trivedi. The YouTuber, once inside the scammers system, accessed Trivedis webcam to snap a photo of him. Then, he saw the real name of the scammer on the softphone dialer. A Softphone dialer is an application that allows users to make or receive phone calls via the Internet. Identifying the location of Trivedis scam center" was NanoBaiters third step. 1. I accessed his webcam and snapped a clear shot of his face. 2. He pulled up the softphone dialer and boom, his real name appeared on the screen: Gaurav Trivedi. 3. The wifi card on his laptop was active, letting me trace his exact location." Also Read: Dhruv Rathees Startup AI Fiesta Roasted By Tech Bros Of X, Heres Why A Stern Warning The online vigilante shared the exact coordinates of Trivedi and had the front row seats to the alleged scammers life as he watched him eat, sleep, and exist in his house. NanoBaiter did confront Trivedi at one point, who quickly ducked and left the frame when called out. All of this was recorded by the YouTuber who shared all the clippings from his interaction with Trivedi. Got The Windows Pop-up? Jim Browning, Kitboga, Scammer Payback, Tekkitrealm, among many others, enjoy a huge following on YouTube where they educate the public about the most common scams that exist in the wild and document their scamming the scammers" journey. This, by far and large, is a very niche community. So what do you do when you are bombarded with loud notifications and Microsoft Defender pop-ups? The pop-up, according to Microsoft forums, appeared after a user clicked on an unsafe website that was riddled with malware. (Photo by u/TheTekTyrant | Reddit) The pop-up blocked the use of the cursor, leaving the user anxious and concerned that they were under an attack that required immediate attention from an expert. A user on Reddit noted that the easiest way out of this was to either force restart your system or press the Escape (ESC) key to close the pop-up window, which, in reality, was a website. Another alternative was to press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete" keys simultaneously, which opened the Windows Security screen from where the user could then restart their system. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Additionally, Microsoft never explicitly gave out a number to call them. NanoBaiter, in his concluding post on X, tagged the Raebareli Police and urged them to take action against the alleged scammer. He further wrote that such scammers ruined the lives of people, and they needed to be stopped. 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 21, 2025, 10:53 IST News explainers Who Is Gaurav Trivedi And What Is Windows Defender Security Center Scam? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Nepal Is Protesting India-China Trade Plans Through Lipulekh Pass, Whats At Stake? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 10:11 IST Nepal claims areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura citing 19th-century maps, but India has maintained administrative control over Kalapani since the 1962 Indo-China war For India, the Lipulekh Pass is more than a pilgrimage routeit is a strategic link to Tibet and a key part of its border management strategy with China. (Getty Images) Indias plan to boost trade with China through the high-altitude Lipulekh Pass has stirred fresh tensions with Nepal, which claims the territory as part of its sovereign land. Perched at 17,000 feet in the Himalayas, the Lipulekh Pass may look like just another remote border crossing, but it sits at the heart of a decades-old territorial dispute involving historical treaties, colonial-era maps, and competing geopolitical interests. Recommended Stories For India, the pass is both a strategic military corridor and a vital trade and pilgrimage route to Tibet. For Nepal, any IndiaChina activity here raises alarms over territorial integrity and national pride. Lets understand the controversy, the geography, history, and shifting geopolitics in the Himalayan frontier. Where Is The Lipulekh Pass? The Lipulekh Pass lies at the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China (Tibet). At an altitude of about 17,000 feet, this narrow corridor has, for centuries, served as a traditional trade and pilgrimage route connecting Indias Kumaon region in Uttarakhand with Tibets Taklakot. It is also the shortest route for the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage of deep religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Strategically, the pass sits near the India-China border in a region where road connectivity, military logistics, and trade routes are critical for both defence and commerce. Why Nepal Is Objecting Nepal claims the areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as part of its territory, citing old maps and administrative records from the early 19th century. Kathmandu argues that these regions historically belonged to Nepal until they were ceded to the British East India Company after the Anglo-Nepalese War (18141816). According to Nepals interpretation of the 1816 Sugauli Treaty between the British and the Kingdom of Nepal, all lands east of the Kali River belong to Nepal. The dispute centres on the rivers originIndia claims the river begins at Kalapani, while Nepal argues it starts further west near Limpiyadhura. If Nepals version is accepted, Lipulekh would fall inside Nepalese territory. India, on the other hand, has maintained administrative control over Kalapani since the 1962 Sino-Indian War and has built roads and border infrastructure in the region. Responding to Nepal, India had recently said, As regards territorial claims, our position remains that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Any unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable". Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, We have noted the comments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal related to the resumption of border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass. Our position has been consistent and clear." He stressed that border trade between India and China through Lipulekh began in 1954 and has continued for decades. It was interrupted in recent years due to the Covid pandemic and other developments, but both sides have now agreed to resume it." A Flashpoint Since 2015 While India has controlled the area for decades, the controversy intensified in 2015 when India and China agreed to expand trade through Lipulekh. Nepal objected, saying it was left out of a decision involving what it considers its own land. The situation escalated further in 2020 when India inaugurated a new road connecting Dharchula in Uttarakhand to Lipulekh, drastically reducing travel time for pilgrims heading to Kailash Mansarovar. Nepal responded by releasing a new political map that included Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura within its borders, fuelling a diplomatic stand-off. Since then, the Lipulekh Pass has remained a sensitive issue in India-Nepal relations, with Kathmandu viewing any India-China activity in the region as undermining its territorial claims. Strategic Importance For India And China For India, the Lipulekh Pass is more than a pilgrimage routeit is a strategic link to Tibet and a key part of its border management strategy with China. The road to Lipulekh allows faster movement of troops and supplies to the frontier, something India has prioritised since the 1962 war. The 2020 road, built by the Border Roads Organisation, slashes pilgrimage time from weeks to days, serving 20,000 annual devotees while doubling as a supply line for troops. Trade resumption signals de-escalation with China, potentially easing LAC tensions and reviving economic links worth billions pre-Galwan. For China, trade through Lipulekh opens another route to South Asia and strengthens its connectivity projects in the Himalayan region. However, Beijing has, so far, treated Lipulekh largely as a bilateral matter between India and itself, avoiding direct involvement in Nepals claims. In essence, Lipulekh embodies the tri-junction dilemma," where any shift ripples across borders, affecting water resources (Kali River headwaters), biodiversity, and climate vulnerability. Nepals Concerns Nepal fears that any India-China agreement on Lipulekh, without its participation, effectively sidelines its territorial claims. The country worries that expanding trade and infrastructure in the region could gradually cement Indias control, weakening Kathmandus position in future boundary negotiations. There is also a domestic angle. In Nepalese politics, defending territorial sovereignty often becomes a rallying cry, and governments face public pressure to respond strongly whenever India makes moves in disputed areas. The Historical Context The roots of the dispute go back over 200 years. After the Anglo-Nepalese War, the 1816 Sugauli Treaty forced Nepal to cede large parts of its territory to the British. While the treaty established the Kali River as the boundary, it never clearly identified the rivers source, leaving room for differing interpretations. British-era maps from the 19th and early 20th centuries varied in depicting the region, sometimes placing Lipulekh and Kalapani within Nepal and at other times within India. After Indias Independence in 1947, the boundary remained largely peaceful until Chinas annexation of Tibet in 1950 and the subsequent Sino-Indian tensions brought new strategic focus to the Himalayan frontiers. By the 1962 war, India had established military posts in Kalapani, and Nepal did not object at the time. Kathmandu began raising concerns more prominently only in the late 20th century, especially after democratic movements increased political competition and nationalism within the country. Why It Matters Today The Lipulekh issue highlights the complex interplay of history, geography, and geopolitics in the Himalayas. For India, controlling high-altitude passes like Lipulekh is crucial for both defence and connectivity with key religious and cultural sites in Tibet. For Nepal, even small tracts of land carry enormous symbolic weight in a country where territorial integrity is deeply tied to national identity. The dispute also reflects broader regional dynamics. Chinas growing presence in Nepal through infrastructure projects and investments has added a new layer to Kathmandus strategic calculations. While India remains Nepals largest trade partner and shares deep cultural ties, Kathmandu has increasingly leveraged its relationship with Beijing to balance Indias influence. What Lies Ahead Resolving the Lipulekh dispute would require India and Nepal to restart boundary talks, which have stalled since 2020. Both sides have previously agreed to settle disputes through diplomatic channels, but political sensitivities in Nepal and Indias strategic imperatives have slowed progress. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For now, trade through Lipulekh between India and China is likely to continue, but Nepals objections ensure the issue will remain a point of friction in bilateral relations. How the three countries manage this narrow Himalayan pass could shape not only local connectivity but also the broader geopolitics of the region in the years to come. About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev... Read More Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 10:11 IST News explainers Why Nepal Is Protesting India-China Trade Plans Through Lipulekh Pass, Whats At Stake? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 1 Dead, 39 Injured As Bus Carrying Vaishno Devi Pilgrims Falls Into Gorge In J&K's Samba Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 12:38 IST A bus carrying pilgrims to cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district. A bus carrying pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi temple skidded off a bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot highway in J&K. At least one person died and 39 were injured after a bus carrying pilgrims to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi skidded off the Jammu-Pathankot highway and fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmirs Samba district on Thursday. The accident took place at Jatwal, when the bus carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh to Katra, suffered a tyre burst and skidded off the highway near a small bridge. Recommended Stories The deceased was identified as 45-year-old Iqbal Singh of Amroha, news agency PTI reported. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over the accident and and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic bus accident in Samba carrying Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims, which has claimed one life and left many injured. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and assured all possible assistance," the Office of J&K CM wrote on X. Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic bus accident in Samba carrying Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims, which has claimed one life and left many injured. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and assured all possible assistance. Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) August 21, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A rescue operation was launched and the injured were shifted to the hospital in Samba. Seven of them were later admitted to AIIMS Vijaypur. 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 : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: August 21, 2025, 12:38 IST News india 1 Dead, 39 Injured As Bus Carrying Vaishno Devi Pilgrims Falls Into Gorge In J&K's Samba Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Assam Man Gets Death Sentence For Killing College Student Who Refused Marriage Proposal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 22:15 IST Calling it a "rarest of rare" case, the judge said that life imprisonment would not be enough to serve justice The court heard 41 witnesses during the trial. Police submitted a 400-page chargesheet as part of the investigation. A local court in Assam on Thursday sentenced a man to death for murdering a college student who had rejected his marriage proposal, in a crime that took place four years ago in August 2021. The District and Sessions Court in Dhemaji, led by Judge Ajay Faglu, found the accused, Rintu Sarma, guilty under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 302 for murder, Section 307 for attempt to murder, and Section 324 for voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons. Recommended Stories Nandita Saikia, a student of Moridhol College, was walking home with her father and a friend when Sarma, a fourth-grade employee at the same college, launched a violent attack with a machete. All three were seriously injured and taken to a nearby hospital. Nandita, who suffered severe injuries, was later shifted to a hospital in Dibrugarh, where she died five days later. Calling it a rarest of rare" case, the judge said that life imprisonment would not be enough to serve justice. Accordingly, the convict is sentenced to death for the offence of murder under Section 302 IPC and will be hanged by neck till death," the court said in its order. In addition to the death sentence, Sarma was given 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 307 IPC and fined Rs 10,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in six more months in prison. Under Section 324, he received three years of rigorous imprisonment and a Rs 5,000 fine, with an extra three months in jail if the fine is not paid. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The court heard 41 witnesses during the trial. Police submitted a 400-page chargesheet as part of the investigation. (With inputs from PTI) 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 : Assam, India, India First Published: August 21, 2025, 22:15 IST News india Assam Man Gets Death Sentence For Killing College Student Who Refused Marriage Proposal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Astronaut Prashanth Nair Calls Shubhanshu Shukla 'Rama' After Historic Mission: 'Feels Like Diwali' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 15:29 IST Shukla and Nair are among four astronauts part of India's first human Space mission "Gaganyaan" programme. During the press meet, Nair shared heartfelt moments with Shukla and said the latter is like "Rama" for him. (Photo: PIB) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), on Thursday interacted with the mediapersons in New Delhi and spoke about his historic mission. Shukla was accompanied by Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who was his designated backup for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Recommended Stories During the press meet, Nair shared heartfelt moments with Shukla and said the latter is like Rama" for him. A few months from now, we will have Diwali. Thats the time when Shri Ram ji entered Ayodhya. We are here right now to the Rama that is Shux, I can call myself Laxman. It feels like Diwali here today, and all our countrymen are here to receive us. But remember I am elder to Shux, I would love to be Laxman to this Ram every day. Shri Ram and Laxman got a lot of help from the Vanar sena, that is our fantastic ISRO team. Thank you, Hanuman and the team. #LIVE Group Captain Prashant B Nair on Indias historic space feat:Feels like Diwali I feel like Laxman to my Ram (says pointing towards Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. And the entire Vanar Sena of ISRO made this possible" | #WATCH#ISRO #SpaceMission #ShubhanshuShukla pic.twitter.com/Hn984hZT14 News18 (@CNNnews18) August 21, 2025 Nair also underlined that Indias time come. Whether its a technical prowess, industry or josh," he added. Shukla and Nair are among four astronauts part of Indias first human Space mission Gaganyaan" programme. India plans to undertake its first human spaceflight in 2027 and build its own space station by 2035. India also aims to land its own astronaut on the moon by 2040. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Speaking on his feat, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said this mission has been extremely successful and all technical objectives have been achieved. The benefit of executing a human space mission is more than the training. The supplementary knowledge we get just by being there is invaluable. All the information I have collected in the past year will be extremely useful to us for our own missions, Gaganyaan and Bharatiya Antariksh Station Very soon we shall send someone from our capsule, from our rocket and our soil The experience is very different from what you learn on the ground. The body goes through a lot of changes The body forgets how to live in gravity after spending 20 days in space," he said. 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 21, 2025, 14:54 IST News india Astronaut Prashanth Nair Calls Shubhanshu Shukla 'Rama' After Historic Mission: 'Feels Like Diwali' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 CM Nitish Kumar Offered Topi At Madrasa Event. This Happens Next | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 17:11 IST Nitish Kumar refused to wear a topi at the Bihar Madrasa Education Board event in Patna, gave it to Mohd Zama Khan. Nitish Kumar on Thursday refused to wear a Muslim cap during a programme for madrasa teachers in Patna. (X) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday hit the headlines after a video showing the JDU President refusing to wear a topi (Muslim cap) at a madrasa event in Patna went viral. The incident took place on Thursday at the centenary celebration of the Bihar Madrasa Education Board in Patna, when the Chief Minister was offered the traditional muslim cap as part of the events customary gesture. Recommended Stories However, Kumar did not wear it and instead placed it on the head of his party colleague and the state Minority Welfare Minister, Mohd Zama Khan, who wanted to put it on Kumars head in the first place. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar refused to wear a cap at a program of Islamic madrasa teachers. pic.twitter.com/8ZQWgDH2dm Islamist Cannibal (@Raviagrawal300) August 21, 2025 However, the Chief Minister did accept the ceremonial shawl and went on to inaugurate the event from the stage. While addressing the occasion, Kumar emphasised that his government has undertaken several initiatives for the welfare of the Muslim community. He further assured continued support in the future. Referring to RJDs rule in Bihar, he said, Did any work happen before 2005? No work for Muslims happened. Now, madrasa teachers are paid on par with government school teachers. We started this. We also worked for the rights of Muslim women." The act assumes significance as it comes in the run-up to assembly elections in Bihar. The topi is associated with Muslims, the community that comprises 18% votes in the state. Back in 2013, Kumar made a notable statement, suggesting that a leader must be willing to embrace both topi" (a traditional Muslim cap) and tilak" (a Hindu forehead marking) to govern the country effectively. Although he didnt mention Narendra Modi by name, it was widely understood that his comments were aimed at the then-Gujarat Chief Minister, who had previously declined to wear a skullcap presented by a Muslim cleric Chaos At The Event Meanwhile, chaos erupted at the event when a group of teachers protested over salary dues. VIDEO | Patna: Madarsa teachers protest in front of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at Bapu Sabhagar, where he arrived to address the State Madarsa Education Board Shatabdi Samaroh.(Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/rqswWwlTwm Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 21, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all During the program, a large number of madrasa teachers and community members attempted to submit applications to the Chief Minister. However, officials initially stopped them, leading to a brief commotion. Observing this, Kumar intervened, asked the officials to allow people to approach him, and personally received the applications. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 17:11 IST News india Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Offered Topi At Madrasa Event. This Happens Next | 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... Calcutta University Students Beaten Up, Called 'Bangladeshis' In Language Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 15:19 IST A minor altercation broke out between the student and one of the sellers as the student was negotiating for the price. Image used for representation A group of Hindi-speaking traders allegedly thrashed four students of Calcutta University after they were allegedly branded as Bangladeshis. The incident took place in the Sealdah station area in north Kolkata. According to a report by IANS, the students were beaten up for speaking Bengali on Wednesday night. An official complaint has also been filed by the students at Muchipara Police Station; however, no arrests have been made so far. Recommended Stories Meanwhile, the injured students were rushed to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital for treatment. What Happened? The incident took place on Wednesday night when one of the students of Calcutta Universitys Carmichael Hostel went to a mobile equipment shop under the Sealdah Bridge to buy mobile covers. A minor altercation broke out between the student and one of the sellers as the student was negotiating for the price. According to the allegation made by the student, the vendor, who was speaking in Hindi, abused him for speaking in Bengali. The student later returned to the spot with three of his friends from the hostel. A heated argument ensued, during which the students were allegedly harassed. They claimed that several other traders also got involved in the confrontation and physically assaulted them. Following the incident, the students lodged a written complaint at Muchipara Police Station, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved. They said in Hindi that we are Bangladeshi. When we protested, they beat me. They took away my mobile phone. One man even attacked us with knives," one of the students was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, speaking about the incident, a senior police officer of Kolkata Police said, We have received a complaint in this regard. We are investigating the matter. No one has been arrested so far." TMC Workers Protest Over Alleged Targeting Of Bengali-Speaking Migrants The incident comes days after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that a Bengali-speaking woman and her child, who were allegedly assaulted in Delhi, were threatened". Earlier in July, she shared a video on social media, alleging that a Bengali-speaking woman and her child were assaulted in the national capital for speaking their language. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all TMC workers too have been holding protests in Parliament complex against the alleged targeting of Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Location : West Bengal, India, India First Published: August 21, 2025, 15:14 IST News india Calcutta University Students Beaten Up, Called 'Bangladeshis' In Language Row Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Chhattisgarh HC Orders Rs 25,000 Compensation For Students Who Ate Dog-Soiled Mid-Day Meals Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 07:37 IST While the students had alerted the teachers, who then instructed the SHG members not to serve the food, the warning was ignored and the food was served anyway. The meal served to over 80 students at a government was soiled by a dog (Representative image) The Chhattisgarh High Court has ordered the government to give Rs 25,000 to the students who were served mid-day meals soiled by a dog. The incident dates back to July 28, when as many as 84 students at a government middle school in Lachchhanpur village in Balodabazar-Bhatapara consumed food soiled by a dog. Recommended Stories A division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, while delivering the order on Tuesday, noted the ignorance on the part of the government and did not consider the states argument that the affected students were administered three doses of anti-rabies vaccine and were also found healthy after the check-up. The High Court took suo motu cognisance of the incident and also sought an affidavit from the state government. According to an inquiry report submitted by the government in the court, a dog soiled the food served as a part of the mid-day meal scheme. The food for the government is prepared by a self-help group (SHG). The students informed the teachers about the food being distributed to them. The teachers asked the SHG members not to serve the food; however, they served the food anyway. A complaint was also made to the school headmaster, but the soiled food was served and consumed by the students. A report was then submitted by the Chief Medical and Health Officer, Balodabazar-Bhatapara, saying that the 84 students who were served the dog-soiled food were administered three doses of anti-rabies vaccine. The report further said that a health check-up was also conducted, and the students were found fit. They are also attending the school, and the students are being continuously observed. Following the incident, the Self-Help Group (SHG) responsible for preparing the mid-day meals was removed from its duties and barred from receiving any further government benefits. Several school staff membersincluding the in-charge Principal Santosh Kumar Sahu, the Cluster Principal, the in-charge Headmaster, teachers, and the Cluster Coordinatorwere also suspended as per a government order dated August 6. Responding to the incident, the Directorate of School Education also released a set of guidelines to all District Education Officers. These orders stress the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, conducting regular quality and safety checks after food preparation, and strictly adhering to the standards prescribed under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Location : Chhattisgarh, India, India First Published: August 21, 2025, 07:08 IST News india Chhattisgarh HC Orders Rs 25,000 Compensation For Students Who Ate Dog-Soiled Mid-Day Meals Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 CM Rekha Gupta Attacked During Public Hearing. A Look At Past Attacks On Chief Ministers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 22:47 IST Arvind Kejriwal, Himanta Sarma, Sheila Dikshit, Jagan Reddy, Nitish Kumar, and others have faced attacks, with Beant Singh killed in a 1995 bomb blast. Arvind Kejriwal, Himanta Sarma, Sheila Dikshit, Jagan Reddy, Nitish Kumar, and others have faced attacks, with Beant Singh killed in a 1995 bomb blast. (File) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a public grievance hearing on Wednesday morning at her residence in Civil Lines in the national capital. The incident occurred during CM Guptas weekly Jan Sunwai at her residence, where citizens come to present grievances. Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai Sakriya, the man who attacked Gupta, was standing in a queue to meet the Chief Minister and had nearly five people before him. He suddenly breached the queue and approached Gupta with the documents he was carrying. He then shouted, slapped her, pulled her hair, and abused her. Recommended Stories The accused grabbed the Chief Minister by her hair and did not let go for quite some time. He was quickly overpowered by the security team and arrested. The police also registered an attempt to murder case against the accused for attacking the Delhi Chief Minister. The incident is a reminder that political leaders, regardless of their position, often encounter moments when public anger takes a physical turn. While such acts are condemned, history shows that Chief Ministers across India have been targeted in unusual and sometimes shocking ways. From flying slippers to water and even inks, here are some of the instances where politicians have been unexpectedly attacked. Take a look at past incidents 1. Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has been attacked several times during his tenure. He was slapped by an auto-rickshaw driver in 2014; he had shoes thrown at him during a press meet in 2015; ink thrown on him at a stadium in 2016; he was attacked with water during a padyatra in South Delhis Malviya Nagar in 2024. 2. Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam): Assam Minister and state government spokesperson Piyush Hazarika, in June this year, alleged that Sarma was attacked with bottles by Congress leaders. 3. Sheila Dikshit (Delhi): The three-time Chief Minister and Congress veteran, late Sheila Dikshit, was booed and a slipper was hurled at her at a public function in north east Delhi by a group of India Against Corruption activists, protesting price rise and stiff hike in power tariff in 2012. 4. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (Andhra Pradesh): The former Andhra Pradesh CM was attacked twice. In 2018, Reddy, who was then the opposition leader of Andhra Pradesh, was attacked by a waiter with a knife at the VIP lounge at Vishakhapatnam Airport. Reddy managed to escape with a minor injury. In 2024, during a campaign rally in Vijayawada, he was struck by a stone, causing a minor injury to his left temple. 5. Nitish Kumar (Bihar): Bihar Chief Minister and JDU leader Nitish Kumar was attacked from behind during a public event by a mentally unstable man in March 2022. The man, who came from behind, walked up the dais in rapid steps and struck Kumar who had bent to make a floral offering to the statue, on the back. He was immediately dragged off by the Chief Ministers security personnel. Do not beat him. First find out what he is saying," the Chief Minister had told his security personnel. 6. Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Haryana): Former Haryana CM and senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda was slapped by a young man at a road show in Panipat in 2014. Hooda was travelling in an open jeep when a man in a brown jacket lunged towards him and slapped him. 7. Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh): In October 2003, Naidu survived a land mine blast by the Peoples War Group (PWG) near Alipiri tollgate in Tirupati. The Chief Ministers convoy was attacked on his way to Tirumala to participate in the annual ritual of Brahmotsavam of Lord Venkateswara atop the seven hills. He survived with minor injuries. 8. Mayawati (Uttar Pradesh): In June 1995, after the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and former UP CM announced her decision to withdraw support from the Mulayam Singh Yadav government, SP leaders and workers reached the guest house where Mayawati was scheduled to meet her party leaders and allegedly attacked her. As per reports, Mayawatis room was vandalised, casteist and sexual abuse were thrown, and she was also thrashed. She was rescued from the guest house by BJP leaders. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 9. Hiteshwar Saikia (Assam): Former Chief Minister Hiteshwar Saikia narrowly avoided an assassination attempt in 1982 when a would-be assassin aimed a homemade revolver at his forehead as he exited a public meeting. 10. Beant Singh (Punjab): Former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh was killed in a bomb blast at the secretariat complex in Chandigarh on 31 August 1995. A car bomb was detonated by a suicide attacker near Beant Singhs official car. The blast claimed the lives of 17 others, including three commandos. The assassination was planned and executed by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a Khalistani extremist group. The suicide bomber, Dilawar Singh Babbar, was a serving Punjab Police constable at the time. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 22:47 IST News india Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Attacked During Public Hearing. A Look At Past Attacks On Chief 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... Jaishankar Meets Putin In Moscow Amid US Criticism Over Russian Oil Purchase Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 21:15 IST Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and said India and Russia on Thursday vowed to expand their bilateral trade in a "balanced and sustainable manner" The external affairs minister landed in Moscow on Tuesday ahead of Putin's visit to India. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The meeting assumes significance as US President Donald Trump has been repeatedly criticising India over the sale and purchase of Russian oil and imposed 50% tariffs. The external affairs minister landed in Moscow on Tuesday ahead of Putins visit to India. Earlier this month, Doval also met Putin in Moscow and announced that the Russian President would visit India this year. Recommended Stories Earlier today, Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and said India and Russia on Thursday vowed to expand their bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner". He underlined the need to swiftly" address non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments. We believe that relations between India and Russia have been among the steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War," Jaishankar said at a joint media briefing with Lavrov after their wide-ranging talks. Geo-political convergence, leadership contacts and popular sentiment remain its key drivers," he said. US Asked India To: In Moscow, Jaishankar Defends Russian Oil Purchase Amid Trump Tariffs When asked about White House trade advisor Peter Navarros criticism of India for purchasing Russian crude oil, Jaishankar said India is neither the biggest purchaser of Russian oil nor it has the biggest trade surge with Moscow after 2022. We are not the biggest purchaser of Russian oil. That is China. We are not the biggest purchaser of Russian LNG. Im not sure, but I think that is the European Union," he said. We are not the country which has the biggest trade surge with Russia after 2022. I think there are some countries to the south," he added. The external affairs minister, who is on a three-day visit to Moscow, also suggested that the US was supportive of India procuring crude oil from Russia as it stabilised the energy market. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We are a country where actually the Americans said for the last few years that we should do everything to stabilise the world energy markets, including buying oil from Russia," Jaishankar said. Incidentally, we also buy oil from America, and that amount has been increasing. So, quite honestly, we are very perplexed at the logic of the argument that you had referred to," he said. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: August 21, 2025, 19:04 IST News india Jaishankar Meets Putin In Moscow Amid US Criticism Over Russian Oil Purchase Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Need Dependable Partners': Jaishankar Urges Russian Firms To Engage 'Intensively' With India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 07:49 IST EAM S Jaishankar, in Moscow, urged Russian companies to engage more actively with Indian counterparts, citing Indias $4 trillion economy and 'Make in India' opportunities. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (Photo: PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow on Wednesday, pushed to increase trade with Russia, encouraging Russian companies to engage more intensively" with their Indian counterparts. At the event, Jaishankar noted that Indias rapidly growing economy and initiatives like Make in India have opened up new windows for foreign businesses, and said that these dimensions represent an invitation for Russian companies to engage more. Recommended Stories The External Affairs Ministers push to increase trade with Russia comes after the US levied an ad valorem duty of 25 per cent on Indian goods and later announced an additional 25 per cent tariff that will take effect from August 27, raising the total duty to 50 per cent. An India with a GDP of USD 4 trillion plus, growing at seven per cent for the foreseeable future, has an obvious need for large resources from dependable sources," the External Affairs Minister said. In some cases, it could be assured supplies of essential products, fertiliser, chemicals, and machinery, being good examples. Its rapidly growing infrastructure offers business openings to enterprises with an established track record in their own country," said Jaishankar. The Make in India and other such initiatives have opened up new windows for foreign businesses. The modernisation and the urbanisation of India generate their own demands, flowing from shifts in consumption and lifestyle," he said. Each of these dimensions represents an invitation for Russian companies to engage more intensively with their Indian counterparts. Our endeavour is to encourage them to rise to that challenge," he added. VIDEO | Make in India initiative opened up new windows for foreign businesses," says EAM S Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar), inviting Russian companies to engage more intensively with their Indian counterparts, addressing at the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow, Russia. pic.twitter.com/mLGk0k08QS Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 20, 2025 INDIA, RUSSIA HAVE NURTURED ONE OF STEADIEST RELATIONSHIPS As he spoke, the External Affairs Minister also noted that both countries have nurtured one of the steadiest relationships between major nations. India and Russia have nurtured one of the steadiest relationships between major nations in current times is now widely recognised. However, that did not automatically translate into significant economic cooperation," he said. Our trade basket remains limited, and till recently, so did our trade volume. It may have grown in recent years, but then, so too has the trade deficit. Both the diversification and balancing of trade now urgently mandate more strenuous efforts on our part." At the end of the day, they are essential not just to reach higher trade targets but even to sustain the existing levels," he said. WHAT JAISHANKAR SAID ON FREE TRADE AGREEMENT Speaking about India signing Terms of Reference (ToR) for the India-Eurasian Economic Union on a Free Trade Agreement, Jaishankar said, We have today concluded the Terms of Reference for the India-Eurasian Economic Union FTA. That will surely make a difference when concluded." We spoke about motivating joint ventures in key areas where the demand is already established. Some initiatives of significant investment levels were also spoken about. Our skilling and mobility endeavours have started to take off. The desire to improve connectivity is also expressed through multiple options," the External Affairs Minister said. But in the final analysis, what we really need is for businesses to step forward confidently. Not just that, also ensure that there is a close collaboration between what the governments are discussing and businesses are planning," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | Jaishankar Interacts With Russian Scholars In Moscow, Pays Tribute At Tomb Of Unknown Soldier 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 21, 2025, 07:37 IST News india 'Need Dependable Partners': Jaishankar Urges Russian Firms To Engage 'Intensively' With India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Fiji PM To Visit India From August 24-26, Will Meet Prime Minister Modi, President Murmu Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 14:23 IST The Fiji Prime Minister is also likely to deliver a talk on 'Ocean of Peace' at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka (Credits: X) Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka is set to visit India from August 24-26, along with a delegation of senior officials. Notably, this is the first time when the Fiji leader is visiting India in his present capacity. According to an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during his visit, Rabuka will meet and hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visit President Droupadi Murmu. Recommended Stories During his visit to New Delhi, Prime Minister Rabuka is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 25 August 2025. Prime Minister Modi will host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary," said the official statement. Earlier, in August 2024, President Droupadi Murmu visited Fiji. The Fiji Prime Minister is also expected to deliver a talk on Ocean of Peace at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi, according to the official statement. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised that Prime Minister Rabukas visit reflects the deep-rooted and time-tested partnership between India and Fiji. It highlights the shared commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation across various sectors and to further strengthen the strong people-to-people connections. India and Fiji share a relationship grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and cultural affinity. As noted by the MEA earlier, India has played a key role in Fijis development journey, consistently supporting its efforts in nation-building, particularly in priority sectors and through capacity-building initiatives. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all PM Modis Visit To Fiji Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Fiji on 19 November 2014 marked a significant milestone not just in India-Fiji relations, but also in Indias broader engagement with the Pacific Island Countries. During the visit, the two nations signed three key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): one for providing a Line of Credit to set up a Co-Generation Plant in Fiji; another focused on collaboration in diplomatic training; and a third concerning the allocation of land for setting up diplomatic missions in each others capitals. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 14:22 IST News india Fiji PM To Visit India From August 24-26, Will Meet Prime Minister Modi, President Murmu Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Governors' Delay On Bills Should Be Resolved Politically, Not By Court: Centre To SC Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 17:53 IST The Centre argued that not all issues require judicial intervention and that some should be resolved through political discussions The Supreme Court of India, in New Delhi. (PTI photo) The central government on Thursday told the Supreme Court that delays by governors in signing state bills should be handled through political dialogue rather than legal timelines. This was stated on the third day of hearings over a presidential reference on the matter. The Centre argued that not all issues require judicial intervention and that some should be resolved through discussions between the Chief Minister, Prime Minister, or President. Recommended Stories Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, responded to the courts query on what options are available if a governor holds back a bill, NDTV reported. Suppose a particular governor is sitting on bills there are political solutions. And such solutions are taking place, but it is not everywhere. It is not everywhere the state government rushes to the Supreme Court," he said. The Chief Minister goes and requests the Prime Minister meets the President," he added. Mehta stated that such matters can be settled even with a simple phone call and do not always end up in court. There are delegations that go and say, these bills are pending, please talk to the Governor and let him take a decision, one way or the other. The issue can be sorted out on the telephone." He stressed that just because such delays occur does not mean the court can set a timeline where the Constitution does not provide one. In the absence of a timeline in the Constitution, can it be laid down by the court even if there is justification?" he asked. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all His remarks come in the wake of the Supreme Courts April verdict, which suggested that the President and Governors must act within a fixed period when clearing state bills. Several non-BJP ruled states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Punjab, have complained in the past that their governors, appointed by the central government, have either delayed or denied assent to bills passed by their respective legislatures. 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 21, 2025, 17:52 IST News india Governors' Delay On Bills Should Be Resolved Politically, Not By Court: Centre To SC Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Five Of Family, Including Child, Found Dead At Home In Hyderabad's Mahaboobpet Area Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 10:28 IST Five members of a family, including a toddler, were found dead at their residence in Hyderabad. Police have shifted the bodies for post-mortem and launched an investigation. A representative photo of a crime scene (PTI) Five members of a family were found dead at their residence in Hyderabad on Thursday morning. The incident was reported from Maktha in the Mahaboobpet area of the city. Recommended Stories According to the police, they received a call this morning, informing them about the recovery of the bodies. They later identified the deceased as Narsimha (60), his wife Venkatamma (55), their son Anil (32), daughter-in-law Kavitha (24), and two-year-old grandson Appu. The bodies were shifted to a hospital for post-mortem examination while investigations into the case were underway. In a similar incident in Delhi, a 22-year-old man killed his parents and elder brother in their house in south Delhis Maidangarhi area on Wednesday, police told news agency PTI. They also said the accused had been absconding since the incident. Identified as Siddharth, the person at large is suspected to have some mental health issues, and the police said they have recovered documents and medicines showing he has been under psychiatric treatment for the past 12 years at multiple mental health institutions. The deceased were identified as Prem Singh (around 45-50), his wife Rajani (40-45) and their elder son Ritik (24), police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan told PTI that the police received a PCR call about the incident around noon. A team from Maidangarhi police station rushed to the spot and, on entering the premises, found Prem and Ritik lying in a pool of blood on the ground floor. Rajanis body was discovered on the first floor. The crime and forensic teams were called in for inspection. The scene was preserved, evidence collected, and photographs of the bodies taken before further medico-legal formalities," the DCP said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | Himachal Pradesh Man Kills Mother, Buries Body In Field; Arrested 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 21, 2025, 10:21 IST News india Five Of Family, Including Child, Found Dead At Home In Hyderabad's Mahaboobpet Area Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'India Is Global South Leader': Ukrainian Envoy Thanks PM Modi For Humanitarian Aid In War With Russia Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 18:26 IST Ukrainian envoy spoke in length about the women and children displaced in the Russia-Ukraine war. She said many women have fled their own country to defend their children Lithuanian ambassador to India Diana Mickeviciene and Olena Ilchuk, 3rd Secretary, Consular Department, Embassy of Ukraine in India, at the News18 SheShakti 2025 on August 21. (Image: News18) Ukrainian envoy Olena Ilchuk on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing humanitarian aid to her country during its war with Russia. Ilchuk, who is 3rd Secretary at the consular department in the Ukrainian embassy, said this as a message to Modi, who has repeatedly told Russian President Vladimir Putin that this is not an era of war" and to resolve the conflict with Ukraine through negotiation and dialogue. Recommended Stories First of all, I want to say a huge thank you on behalf of Ukraine for humanitarian aid India is definitely a Global South leader and we need more countries on the right side of history," Ilchuk said during a session on Diplomacy through her lens alongside Lithuanian ambassador to India Diana Mickeviciene during News18 SheShakti 2025. Follow News18 SheShakti 2025 here: She spoke in length about the women and children displaced in the Russia-Ukraine war. She said many women have fled their own country to defend their children. Many women have fled to other countries to defend their children and save them from constant shelling. It is difficult to become an immigrant without planning because most of those women, they would not leave the country if not for the war. It is extremely difficult nowadays, especially for women who are trying to move on with their usual lives, with working, with handling studies, families, children, and parents, it is extremely challenging," she said. In response to US President Donald Trump giving an upper hand to Putin in the ongoing negotiation for a peace deal to end the war, Ilchuk further said Ukraine was still bombed during their landmark encounter in Alaska. When Putin was in Alaska, Ukraine was still bombed so this is everything you need to know about the so-called diplomatic efforts of Russians," she said. Over the past almost 400 years, weve had a lot of agreements with Russians that have failed because Russians dont stick to what they promise; and now you see the result It may seem that its a war over territories, which is also true, but if you delve deeply and research history, this is actually an existential war," she said. Russians cant stand the idea of Ukrainian identity, language, mentality, or Ukrainians being a different nation and having their own territory." On Russian fears over an impending NATO attack on Russia, Mickeviciene said there is no way for Moscow to make this assumption. She claimed that the last country that attacked Russia was China, and that too in 1969. Ask yourself honestly why NATO coming to the borders is a threat; who was the last country that attacked Russia? If you study history, its in fact 1969 and it was China. Theres no way of assuming that NATO coming to the border means an attack on Russia," Mickeviciene said. Russia has downplayed talks of a bilateral between Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by saying it has to be part of any discussion on security guarantees for Ukraine, tempering hopes for a quick peace deal. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Kremlin on Wednesday (August 20) said it discussed the idea of raising the level of representatives" during a 40-minute call with Trump following his meeting with Zelenskyy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that seriously discussing security guarantees without the Russian Federation is a utopia, a road to nowhere". He downplayed the meeting between Trump and European leaders, describing it as a clumsy" attempt to change the US presidents position on Ukraine. Russia has also not confirmed that Putin told Trump that he had agreed to meet Zelenskyy and accept some western security guarantees for Ukraine. Lavrov cast doubt on an imminent meeting between the two sides, saying any summit between Putin and Zelenskyy must be prepared in the most meticulous way" so it does not lead to a deterioration" of the situation surrounding the conflict. 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 21, 2025, 18:25 IST News india 'India Is Global South Leader': Ukrainian Envoy Thanks PM Modi For Humanitarian Aid In War With Russia Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Karnataka HC Pushes State Govt To Act On Bike Taxi Ban, Citing Livelihood And Precedent Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 04:46 IST The High Court acknowledged the gravity of the situation, recognising that the ban has a direct impact on the earnings and sustenance of the operators The High Court has set a firm deadline of September 22 for the government to present its official stance. Representational image In a major development that can bring back bike taxis on Bengaluru roads, the Karnataka High Court has issued a firm directive to the state government, urging it to decide its stance on formulating rules for these conveyances within four weeks. The courts action comes in response to a petition filed by bike taxi operators who are challenging the governments complete prohibition on their services. This legal battle highlights the growing tension between traditional transport regulations and the evolving gig economy, with the livelihoods of thousands of drivers hanging in the balance. Recommended Stories During the hearing, the legal representatives for the bike taxi operators presented a compelling case against the ban. They underscored that a majority of Indian statesspecifically, 13 of themhave already successfully formulated and implemented a policy framework for bike taxis. This fact, they argued, makes Karnatakas decision to enforce a blanket ban an outlier and an unjustified measure. The operators also pointed to the unique operational benefits of their services, noting that two-wheelers can easily navigate congested urban areas and reach locations inaccessible to cars and auto-rickshaws, thereby offering a crucial last-mile connectivity solution that doesnt significantly worsen traffic. The High Court acknowledged the gravity of the situation, recognising that the ban has a direct impact on the earnings and sustenance of the operators. Granting the government a period of four weeks to craft a clear policy, the court emphasised that a decision must be made, as there are lives at stake". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In response, the states advocate general, Shashikiran Shetty, assured the court that the government would comply with the directive and provide its official position within the given timeframe. The High Court has set a firm deadline of September 22 for the government to present its official stance. This directive marks a significant moment in the struggle for the formal recognition of bike taxis in Karnataka. It places the onus squarely on the government to either justify its complete ban or follow the lead of other states and create a regulatory framework. The outcome of this decision will not only impact the future of ride-sharing in the state but will also serve as a precedent for how governments approach the regulation of innovative, app-based services that are reshaping urban mobility and employment. About the Author Harish Upadhya Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 04:46 IST News india Karnataka HC Pushes State Govt To Act On Bike Taxi Ban, Citing Livelihood And Precedent Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 this file photo the US Capitol building is seen in Washington, DC, on May 11, 2021. [Photo/Agencies] Global Times-Japan's export-reliant economy is facing mounting challenges as its shipments to the US have reportedly declined for the fourth consecutive month, marking a noteworthy downturn in its trade performance. This persistent drop in exports to one of its largest trading partners led to the steepest fall in Japan's overall export figures in more than four years as of July, raising concerns about the resilience of Japan's economic recovery. Japan is an important US partner in several areas, particularly security and trade. However, when the US wields tariffs as a tool, this long-standing close relationship has not resulted in the preferential treatment for Japan that some might have expected. On the contrary, US tariffs have negatively affected Japan's export sector, causing a significant drop in its exports to the US. According to official data from Japan, exports to the US dropped by 10.1 percent in July, with automobile exports experiencing a significant decrease of 28.4 percent, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday. This downturn contributed to a 2.6 percent decline in Japan's overall exports in July, marking the third consecutive monthly year-on-year decline. The development of Japan's export industries has long been important for its economic growth. Therefore, the recent consecutive declines in exports have raised concerns about the outlook for the Japanese economy. The Nikkei 225 Index lost 1.5 percent to 42,888.55 at the close on Wednesday. Weak export data is considered one of the factors affecting the stock market, according to media reports. Earlier this month, Japan cut its GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year. According to Xinhua, Japan's Cabinet Office revised its real growth projection for fiscal year 2025 to 0.7 percent, down from the previous forecast of 1.2 percent. The downgrade partly reflects a darkening global economic outlook as a result of US tariff policies. Politicians in Washington are surely aware of the potential impact that tariffs could have on Japanese exports and the broader Japanese economy, yet they did not flinch when slapping those tariffs on its so-called ally. A widely reported and cited statistic is that automobiles and parts account for about one-third of Japan's exports to the US. However, according to Bloomberg, the US imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports of Japanese cars and auto parts. Although the levies on cars and broad-based goods might be assessed at 15 percent under a trade deal reached in late July, this rate could still affect Japan's automobile exports to the US, according to reports. Japan is among the global leaders in motor vehicle manufacturing and is home to a number of internationally renowned automakers. This naturally creates competition with the US, which seems reluctant to freely share its lucrative domestic auto market with Japan, reflecting an "America First" policy stance. According to CNBC, senior economist Masato Koike at Sompo Institute Plus said in an August 14 note that there was a possibility that Japan could enter a recession, depending on the magnitude of the impact of tariffs. This reflects growing concerns within Japan about the country's economic development. It is clear that Japan's economy will bear significant costs as the US continues to weaponize tariffs. The fact that Japan is considered an ally does not exempt it from being targeted by US tariff policies. On the contrary, Japan's long-standing reliance on the US market might be leveraged to pressure Japan into making concessions that serve the "America First" agenda, potentially at the expense of its own economic interests. The ongoing decline in Japan's exports to the US highlights the growing economic damages American tariffs inflict on other countries, including its so-called allies. This impact, which extends beyond Japan to include other US allies, could potentially grow, given the unpredictable and unilateral nature of US tariff policies. Lady Lawyers Who Winked At Me Got: Ex-SC Justice Markandey Katjus Advice Triggers Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 20:24 IST Markandey Katju faces backlash after suggesting a woman lawyer wink at judges for favorable orders, sparking debate over judiciary conduct on social media. Retires SC Judge Markandey Katju. (File) Former Supreme Court Justice Markandey Katju triggered outrage on social media platforms after he suggested a woman lawyer seeking his advice that she should wink at judges to get favorable orders." Katjus remarks came on an X post by a woman lawyer seeking to know how to argue a case effectively in court. To this, Katju replied, All the lady lawyers who winked at me in court got favourable orders." Recommended Stories The X post quickly went viral and drew criticism from social media users, including advocates. Several people called out Katju for his distasteful" comments and said that they were demeaning to the judiciary". The tweet is deleted now.All orders passed by him should be revisited. pic.twitter.com/Ia2lhLjhKY Adv MN Gopinadh (@GopinadhMN) August 20, 2025 Following the backlash, Katju deleted the comment. One advocate responding to the tweet wrote, The tweet is deleted now. All orders passed by him should be revisited." However, screenshots of the post continued to circulate widely even after it was taken down. Katjus Past Controversies Justice Katju, who retired from the Supreme Court in 2011, is no stranger to controversy online. He is known for his frequent hot takes on politics, poetry and philosophy, often mixing commentary with Urdu couplets and personal anecdotes. In 2015, he courted criticism after saying that the BJP would have performed better in Delhi elections had it fielded Shazia Ilmi instead of Kiran Bedi, arguing that Ilmi was much more beautiful." In 2020, after the brutal Hathras gang-rape case, Katju wrote that rape was a natural urge in men", worsened by unemployment and the inability to marry. He suggested that creating more jobs would reduce sexual violence. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all More recently, he has used social media to express views on issues ranging from the hijab row in Karnataka to the reunification of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Katju previously served as Chief Justice of the Madras and Delhi High Courts, after which he became a Supreme Court judge in 2006. He retired in 2011 and later chaired the Press Council of India till the year 2014. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 20:24 IST News india Lady Lawyers Who Winked At Me Got: Ex-SC Justice Markandey Katjus Advice Triggers Row Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Madhya Pradesh Man Travels 100 Km To Meet Facebook Friend, Tied & Beaten Up By Her Family Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 07:32 IST A man was tied and beaten for 13 hours by a girl's family. He travelled from Rewa to Piprahi village in Mauganj to meet the girl, but he was caught by her family. Man tied up by girl's family and beaten for 13 hours (Photo: X) In a disturbing case reported from a Madhya Pradeshs village, a man was tied and beaten for several hours by the family members of the girl he befriended on Facebook. As per the police, the man travelled 100 kms to meet the girl on Saturday. The man from Rewa went to Piprahi village in Mauganj to meet the girl, but he was caught by her family. As per a report by NDTV, the girls family started hitting the man at around 9 pm on Saturday and continued until 10 am on Sunday. Recommended Stories The brutal assault, which lasted for around 13 hours, was video recorded and widely circulated on social media. As per the police, the girl is a minor and the man became friends with her on Facebook. As of now, no formal complaint has been registered at the Hanumana police station, the police official added. In another case reported from MP in July, a 42-year-old man was beaten to death in Chhatarpur district after his cattle entered into another familys farm. The incident occurred at Khair Ratiyan village under Bamitha police station. The man was tied to a tree and then beaten to death. Police filed a case against nine individuals, including three women. Six people were arrested in relation to the incident. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As per the police, the farmland of both victims family and accused family are nearby and as the cattle entered into the wrong farm, a dispute triggered. According to the family of the deceased man, he was stripped and beaten. Police also confirmed that body was found naked on the ground. 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 : Madhya Pradesh, India, India First Published: August 21, 2025, 07:21 IST News india Madhya Pradesh Man Travels 100 Km To Meet Facebook Friend, Tied & Beaten Up By Her Family Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Two Children Trapped, Seven Others Rescued As Building Collapses In Maharashtra's Nashik Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 07:09 IST At least two children remain trapped after a building collapsed in Nashiks Old City area on Wednesday night. Seven people were rescued and admitted to a hospital. Rescue operations at the site of building collapse in Nashik (Video screengrab) At least two children were reported trapped after a building collapsed in the Old Nashik area of Nashik, Maharashtra. The incident happened late on Wednesday near the Trimbak Police Station. As a call about the incident was received, a team of local police and the fire brigade arrived at the spot. Recommended Stories A rescue operation was launched, and the authorities pulled out at least seven people from under the debris of the collapsed structure. Those injured were admitted to the Nashik District Hospital for treatment. Rescue and debris-clearing work was underway to rescue the trapped children. A video from the spot showed rescue operations in progress. Maharashtra has been reeling under heavy rain, which has caused a flood-like situation across many cities. According to the Maharashtra Disaster Management Department, at least six people were killed in rain-related incidents in various districts of Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, while five people are missing in Nanded district. A total of 18 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are positioned in various parts of the state, along with six teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). In Nandeds Mukhed area, SDRF teams rescued 293 people. In the last 24 hours, one person has died in Beed, one person has died and three people have been injured in Mumbai, and four people have died and five are missing in Nanded. Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall over the past 21 hours, with some suburbs receiving more than 200 mm of rain. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Vikhroli recorded the highest rainfall at 223.5 mm, followed by Santacruz at 206.6 mm. Other areas such as Byculla, Juhu, Bandra, and Colaba also received significant rainfall ranging between 100 and 184 mm. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that between 8 am on August 19 and 6 am on August 20, the eastern suburbs recorded 159.66 mm, while the western suburbs received 150.60 mm. Light rain was reported in all parts of the city between 5 am and 6 am. ALSO READ | 3 Dead As Portion Of Building Collapses In Delhis Daryaganj 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 21, 2025, 06:59 IST News india Two Children Trapped, Seven Others Rescued As Building Collapses In Maharashtra's Nashik Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nations Money, Nations Time: MP Says Politicians Should Pay For Wasted Parliament Session Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 21:05 IST Umesh Patel, Independent MP from Daman and Diu, protested Parliament's Monsoon Session disruptions, demanding accountability and salary deductions for MPs over wasted public money. Umesh Patel accused both the ruling party and the opposition of letting down peoples expectations. (X) Umesh Patel, Independent MP from Daman and Diu, protested on Thursday, the last day of the Parliaments Monsoon Session, over frequent disruptions and low productivity of the House. Holding a banner that read, Ruling and opposition parties must apologise," Patel demanded accountability for what he called a washed-out" session. He further demanded that the enormous cost of running Parliament, which has been wasted" amid repeated disruptions, should be recovered from the salaries of the MPs, India Today reported. Recommended Stories When the House does not function, ruling and opposition parties must apologise to 144 crore people for wasting the nations money," the banner read. He said that when the House did not function, then why should the public pay for the expenses incurred by it? Patel accused both the ruling party and the opposition of letting down peoples expectations. The ruling party and the opposition did whatever they wanted, and they stabbed hopes and expectations of 144 crore people in this temple of democracy. There were so many important bills some passed with little to no debate. Income Tax bill was 600 pages but there wasnt even a 6-minute discussion on it. You saw yesterday and today how the session was over in 30 seconds Neither of them were in mood for the session," he said as quoted by India Today. Monsoon Session Ruckus The Monsoon Session of the Parliament, which concluded on Thursday, saw frequent disruptions that overshadowed legislative business, with the House losing over 84 hours to forced adjournments, the highest in the 18th Lok Sabha. The month-long session that started on July 21 had 21 sittings with 37 hours and 7 minutes of effective business, according to the Lok Sabha secretariat. All through the Monsoon session, the INDIA bloc continued their protests against Bihar SIR, inside and outside Parliament, accusing the ECI of vote theft". Barring discussions on Operation Sindoor in both the Houses, the session has seen little business due to repeated disruptions and adjournments initially due to opposition demand for discussion on Operation Sindoor and then over demands for a discussion on SIR. Leaders who vocally criticised the exercise were Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, AAP MP Sanjay Singh. The government ruled it out on the grounds that the administrative work of a constitutional body like the Election Commission cannot be discussed in Parliament. The only agenda item that was conducted smoothly was a two-day discussion on Operation Sindoor in both Houses. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, 12 bills were passed by the Lok Sabha and 15 by the Rajya Sabha during the month-long Monsoon session. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 21:01 IST News india Nations Money, Nations Time: MP Says Politicians Should Pay For Wasted Parliament Session Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Objection, Sustained: How A Madhya Pradesh Lawyer 'Disappeared' To Escape Marriage Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 19:36 IST Archana Tiwari, a lawyer from Madhya Pradesh, staged her disappearance to avoid marriage pressure. Madhya Pradesh lawyer Archana Tiwari faked her own disappearance. (IANS) A missing-persons mystery that consumed police across Madhya Pradesh ended with a startling revelation: 29-year-old lawyer Archana Tiwari staged her own disappearance to avoid pressure from her family to marry, cops said. Archana, who was reported missing on August 5 after boarding the Narmada Express, was traced to Kathmandu after nearly two weeks of intensive searches. According to Government Railway Police (GRP) Superintendent Rahul Kumar Lodha, Archana Tiwari meticulously planned the escape with the help of a 24-year-old friend from Indore and his driver. Recommended Stories The official said, She wanted to pursue her ambition of becoming a judge, but her family insisted she abandon her studies and marry a revenue officer. She decided to vanish and start a new life." How Archana Tiwari Planned Her Escape Investigators said Archana Tiwari leveraged her legal knowledge to design the disappearance. She believed vanishing during a train journey would shift responsibility to the GRP and reduce the chances of being tracked. On the night of August 5, she boarded the Narmada Express with a bag full of rakhis and gifts for her family. Hours later, at Narmadapuram station, she slipped away, where her friend was waiting in an SUV. She changed clothes and handed over her phone and smartwatch, which were discarded in a nearby forest to mislead investigators. The next morning, her family waited in vain at Katni South station. Only her abandoned bag was found, prompting fears she had met with an accident. Archana Tiwaris Escape Route From Itarsi, Archana Tiwari and her friend avoided toll booths and CCTV cameras, travelling by backroads through Shujalpur. As media coverage of the disappearance intensified, they decided to leave Madhya Pradesh. Their route took them through Burhanpur, Jodhpur and Delhi. Archana Tiwari eventually flew to Kathmandu while her friend stayed behind, keeping his phone on flight mode and occasionally using his fathers SIM card to give the impression he was in Indore. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all How Archana Tiwari Was Caught The breakthrough came when the driver involved was detained in Delhi in an unrelated cheating case. Under questioning, details of the escape plan surfaced. Police then questioned Archana Tiwaris friend, who revealed her location. Investigators contacted her in Kathmandu and she agreed to return voluntarily. Location : Madhya Pradesh, India, India First Published: August 21, 2025, 19:36 IST News india Objection, Sustained: How A Madhya Pradesh Lawyer 'Disappeared' To Escape Marriage Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Planned Disruptions: Om Birla, Harivansh, Rijiju Slam Opposition For Monsoon Session Ruckus Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 20:17 IST Parliament Monsoon Session saw frequent disruptions, with Om Birla, Harivansh, and Kiren Rijiju criticising opposition protests and limited legislative work. All through the Monsoon session, which commenced on July 21, the INDIA bloc continued their protests against Bihar SIR. (Photo: Sansad TV) Parliament Monsoon Session: The Monsoon Session of the Parliament, which concluded on Thursday, saw frequent disruptions that overshadowed legislative business, with the House losing over 84 hours to forced adjournments, the highest in the 18th Lok Sabha. The month-long session that started on July 21 had 21 sittings with 37 hours and 7 minutes of effective business, according to the Lok Sabha secretariat. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harisvansh Narayan Singh, and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju hit out at the opposition for planned disruptions" and sloganeering," which affected the functioning of the proceedings of the Parliament. Recommended Stories Persistent Deadlock And Planned Disruption, Says Om Birla In his final address on the last day of the Session, the Lok Sabha Speaker expressed concern over the lack of decorum in the House and criticised the Opposition for planned disruptions" and sloganeering." He blamed the Opposition for the Houses limited productivity of 37 hours, which fell short of the targeted 120 hours of discussion. This session commenced on July 21, 2025. In this session, 12 legislations were passed. On July 28 and 29, there was a special discussion on Operation Sindoor, which was concluded by Prime Minister Narendra Modis answers. On August 18, a special discussion was initiated on Indias achievements in space programs. In this session, 419 types of questions were included, but due to planned disruptions, only 55 questions could be answered," Birla said, as quoted by news agency ANI. Birla said that at the commencement of the Session, the House had planned that there would be a 120-hour discussion, and a consensus was also formed for this in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), but due to ruckus and planned disruptions, the productivity was only 37 hours. People choose us as their representative to work on their problems, but from few days, I have been observing that discussions in the House are not in accordance with the decorum and traditions," he added. The Lok Sabha Speaker called out political parties to check on their behaviour, stating that the language of MPs, both inside and outside parliament, should be dignified. The sloganeering, planned disruptions that are being carried inside the House and in the Parliament premises are not our tradition. Especially, the language that has been used in this session is not in accordance with the decorum of the House. We should follow healthy traditions," he said. It Is Unfortunate, Says Harivansh Additionally, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh also expressed his displeasure and said that only 38.88% work could be accomplished in the Upper House. It is unfortunate that despite efforts to conduct the proceedings of Rajya Sabha smoothly, disruptions have occurred. In the session, only 38.88% of the work, equivalent to just over 41 hours, could be accomplished," Harivansh said as reported by Times of India. Session Fruitful For Govt, Unsuccessful For Opposition, Says Rijiju Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described the session, marred by the oppositions frequent disruptions" as fruitful and successful" for the country and the government but unsuccessful and damaging" for the opposition. After both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die, Rijiju said the government got all its business transacted and the session had a success rate of 100 per cent", insisting that the treasury benches were forced to pass their bills in din as the opposition refused to pay heed to their request to allow discussion. The government has to discharge its duties to people in the national interest," he said as quoted by news agency PTI, adding that the opposition cannot prevent the government from working with its protests. Taking a dig at the opposition parties, Rijiju said their floor leaders and whips at times came to an informal understanding with the government during the session, but could not implement it in the two Houses. It was a major loss for opposition MPs, especially the newly elected ones, as they did not even get a chance to speak in the House Opposition leaders are themselves responsible for this," the Union minister said. Monsoon Session Ruckus All through the Monsoon session, which commenced on July 21, the INDIA bloc continued their protests against Bihar SIR, inside and outside Parliament, accusing the ECI of vote theft". Barring discussions on Operation Sindoor in both the Houses, the session has seen little business due to repeated disruptions and adjournments initially due to opposition demand for discussion on Operation Sindoor and then over demands for a discussion on SIR. Leaders who vocally criticised the exercise were Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, AAP MP Sanjay Singh. The government ruled it out on the grounds that the administrative work of a constitutional body like the Election Commission cannot be discussed in Parliament. The only agenda item that was conducted smoothly was a two-day discussion on Operation Sindoor in both Houses. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, 12 bills were passed by the Lok Sabha and 15 by the Rajya Sabha during the month-long Monsoon session. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 19:45 IST News india Planned Disruptions: Om Birla, Harivansh, Rijiju Slam Opposition For Monsoon Session Ruckus Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Speaks With Macron On Ukraine War: 'Reaffirmed Our Commitment...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 19:23 IST PM Modi said both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership. PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. (PTI Photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. In a post on X, PM Modi said both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership. Recommended Stories Had a very good conversation with my friend President Macron. Exchanged views on efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership," PM Modi wrote on X. Had a very good conversation with my friend President Macron. Exchanged views on efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.@EmmanuelMacron Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 21, 2025 Macron said they coordinated our positions on the war in Ukraine to move toward a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and the security of Europe." Regarding trade issues, we agreed to strengthen our economic exchanges and our strategic partnership in all areas, which is the key to our sovereignty and independence. Following the Summit for Action on AI held in Paris last February, we are working toward the success of the Summit on Artificial Intelligence to be held in New Delhi in 2026. For a more effective multilateralism, we agreed to closely coordinate in view of the French presidency of the G7 and the Indian presidency of the BRICS in 2026," he added. Macron attended the meeting at the White House earlier this week, where several European Union leaders were present along with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Union and NATO travelled to Washington to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and push for strong security guarantees for the country in any post-war settlement with Russia. The Monday meeting came after Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. At the meeting, Macron 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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following the Alaska summit, Putin held a telephone call with PM Modi and shared his assessment of his meeting with Trump. While thanking President Putin, the Prime Minister underlined Indias consistent position for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. He reiterated that India supports all efforts in this regard. 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 21, 2025, 18:37 IST News india PM Modi Speaks With Macron On Ukraine War: 'Reaffirmed Our Commitment...' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rajesh Sakriya, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's Attacker, Sent To 5-Day Police Custody Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 07:27 IST Following the attack, the accused was identified as 41-year-old Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakriya, a resident of Gujarats Rajkot. Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai, the man who attacked Delhi CM Rekha Gupta sent to 5-day custody. | Image: News18 Delhi Police on Wednesday registered an FIR of attempt to murder in connection with the attack on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a Jan Sunwai" programme on Wednesday. Following this, the police produced the attacker, Rajesh Khimji Sakriya, before the court late at night, following which he was sent to a five-day police custody. Delhi Chief Minister was addressing a weekly Jan Sunwai programme at her residence when a man entered, allegedly handed over a paper to Gupta, and then shouted, slapped her, pulled her hair, and abused her. Recommended Stories The accused grabbed the Chief Minister by her hair and did not let go for quite some time, sources reported. The individual was identified as 41-year-old Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakriya, a resident of Gujarats Rajkot. He was overpowered by the security team and arrested. The Delhi Police registered an attempt to murder case against him for attacking the Delhi Chief Minister. Meanwhile, Rajesh Sakriya, the accused in the attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, has earlier as well faced cases and had been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that relate to causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, news agency PTI quoted officals as saying. Delhi CM Reacted In her first statement hours after the attack, Gupta responded by saying that it was a cowardly attack" on the BJP-led governments effort to serve the people of the national capital. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The attack on me during this mornings public hearing was not just an attack on me, but a cowardly attempt on our resolve to serve Delhi and work for the welfare of the people," the Chief Minister wrote in a post on X. The incident triggered a political row with the ruling BJP alleging a conspiracy by the Opposition. However, the opposition, including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, condemned the incident, saying there is no place for violence in a democracy. 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 First Published: August 21, 2025, 07:27 IST News india Rajesh Sakriya, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's Attacker, Sent To 5-Day Police Custody Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 CM Rekha Gupta Meets Union Ministers, MPs Day After Attack, Photo Surfaces Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 11:40 IST Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met Union Ministers a day after she was attacked during a public grievance hearing, with BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal confirming her well-being. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta meets ministers (Photo: @PKhandelwal_MP/X) A day after she was attacked during a public grievance hearing event, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was on Thursday seen interacting with Union Ministers and Members of the Parliament, who met her to inquire about her well-being. In a photo shared by BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal, the Delhi Chief Minister could be seen sitting with ministers, including Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tiwari. Recommended Stories Today, I met Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta Ji, along with all my fellow MPs from Delhi and inquired about her well-being," Khandelwal captioned the photo. The Chief Minister is completely healthy and, as before, is continuously engaged with dedication in the work of the people of Delhi," he added. Earlier today, paramilitary forces were deployed outside the Chief Ministers residence, as the Central government accorded her Z-category security cover of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). A man from Gujarat, identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakriya (41), allegedly pulled her hair and attacked her during a Jan Sunwai programme. The accused was overpowered and arrested on the spot. Later, he was booked under various charges. Sources said the accused arrived at the Chief Ministers Office at nearly 7.30 am on Wednesday. One of his relatives has been lodged in the Tihar Jail, and he was carrying court-related documents related to the same. The accused wanted his relative to be released from jail, it was known. Gupta, who assumed office as Delhi Chief Minister on February 20 this year, has been holding frequent Jan Sunwai sessions as part of her public outreach program. Security agencies had already been reviewing her threat perception, and Tuesdays incident prompted the Centre to upgrade her protection level immediately. ALSO READ | Rajesh Sakriya, Delhi CM Rekha Guptas Attacker, Sent To 5-Day Police Custody 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 21, 2025, 11:27 IST News india Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Meets Union Ministers, MPs Day After Attack, Photo Surfaces Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 CM Rekha Gupta Gets Z-Category CRPF Security Day After Attack, Commandos Deployed Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 10:50 IST Delhi CM Rekha Guptas security was upgraded with CRPF and extra commandos after she was attacked during a public hearing at her residence in the national capital. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta (Photo: PTI) The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has taken over the security of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, with Z-category security now in place. This comes a day after she was attacked during a Jan Sunwai programme at her camp office in Civil Lines on Wednesday morning. Recommended Stories According to sources, the process of transition from the Delhi Police to the CRPF was underway and was expected to be completed within the next few hours. Once the arrangement is finalised, the Delhi Police will continue to manage the outer perimeter of the Chief Ministers residence, while the CRPF will directly handle her personal and area-specific security. Officials confirmed that area-specific security arrangements have been designed to ensure round-the-clock protection for Rekha Gupta. The CRPF currently provides security to several high-profile leaders in India, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and members of the Gandhi family, who are also under Z or Z-plus security categories. The Chief Ministers security was reviewed hours after she was attacked at her camp office in Civil Lines on Wednesday morning. Reacting to the incident, the Chief Minister had later termed the assault part of a well-planned conspiracy to kill her. The accused, Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakriya, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot (Gujarat), was arrested and was being interrogated. News agency PTI quoted PWD Minister Parvesh Verma as saying that the Chief Minister sustained injuries to her hand, shoulder and head. As the investigations progressed, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused under attempt to murder charges in connection with the attack. He was also booked for allegedly assaulting and obstructing a public servant from discharging his duty. Khimjibhai came to Delhi two days ago and stayed in North Delhis Civil Lines, it was known. Sources said the accused arrived at the Chief Ministers Office at nearly 7.30 am on Wednesday. One of his relatives has been lodged in the Tihar Jail, and he was carrying court-related documents related to the same. The accused wanted his relative to be released from jail, it was known. Meanwhile, the mother of the accused alleged that his son travelled to the national capital to speak to the Chief Minister over the issue of stray dogs, adding that the accused is an animal lover. She also alleged that the accused suffered mental issues and had attacked his family members on multiple occasions. ALSO READ | Rajesh Sakriya, Delhi CM Rekha Guptas Attacker, Sent To 5-Day Police Custody top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Ankur Sharma With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar... Read More With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 09:52 IST News india Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Gets Z-Category CRPF Security Day After Attack, Commandos Deployed Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indias Right To Defend Itself: Jaishankar Pledges Joint Anti-Terror Fight After Meeting Lavrov Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 15:51 IST While addressing a joint press briefing with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Jaishankar said that New Delhi and Moscow have jointly pledged to fight terrorism. EAM S Jaishankar meets Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. (Image: PTI) External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday reaffirmed Indias zero-tolerance approach against terrorism, saying that it is the countrys sovereign right to defend itself" from terror activities. While addressing a joint press briefing with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Jaishankar said that New Delhi and Moscow have jointly pledged to fight terrorism. Recommended Stories It is Indias sovereign right to defend against terrorism. We condemn terrorism in every form. We resolve to fight terrorism jointly," he said. Jaishankar, who travelled to Russia this week to co-chair a meeting of a key bilateral body that oversees trade and economic relations, further highlighted the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow, saying, India and Russia have been the steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War" Jaishankar also emphasised expanding bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including by increasing Indias exports to Russia. This requires swiftly addressing non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments, enhancing Indias exports to Russia in sectors like agriculture, pharma, and textiles will certainly help correct the imbalance" he said. The Union Minister also discussed regional issues with his Russian counterpart, such as developments in Ukraine, West Asia, the Middle East and Afghanistan. He said that Indias approach continues to emphasise dialogue and diplomacy as essential to resolving differences. I took up the issue of Indians serving in the Russian Army. While many have been released, there are still some pending cases, with some missing persons. We hope that the Russian side will expediously resolve this," he added. The leaders of the two countries met amid straining ties between New Delhi and Washington over trade-related issues and the Trump administrations strident criticism of energy and defence cooperation between India and Russia. Operation Sindoor India launched precision strikes" under Operation Sindoor on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The strikes killed at least 10 family members of JeM chief Masood Azhar and four close aides. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The sites targeted were the Pakistani bases at Rafiqui (Shorkot, Jhang), Murid (Chakwal), Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi) Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian (Kasur). In the strikes, the air bases in Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad and Sargodha suffered extensive damage. Within a tightly coordinated 24-minute window, India targeted 21 terror camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) across nine locations, four in Pakistan and five in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The targets were not just aimed at avenging the Pahalgam attack, but also targeting terror sites where other such attacks were planned. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: August 21, 2025, 15:49 IST News india Indias Right To Defend Itself: Jaishankar Pledges Joint Anti-Terror Fight After Meeting Lavrov Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Malayalam Actor Alleges Offensive Texts, Harassment By Politician; BJP Targets Congress Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 12:24 IST Actor Rini Ann George alleged that a young politician repeatedly sent her offensive messages and even invited her to a hotel, demanding that the party must act against him. A file photo of Rini Ann George (Social Media) Former journalist and Malayalam actor Rini Ann George has accused a young leader from a prominent political party of sending her offensive messages on multiple occasions. Speaking to reporters, Rini, without naming the politician, also claimed he had invited her to a hotel. Rini also said she had warned him of informing his party, however, he continued his behaviour. Recommended Stories Demanding the party to take action against the leader, the actor said, The party should take action against him as there are complaints coming against this person. There are complaints from within the organisation." Its being said that the wives and daughters of the leaders of the party have had bad experiences with him," she told reporters. I want to ask which woman these politicians will protect when they could not protect the women in their own families. Its the women thats electing people like him to power, seeing reels and all," the actor alleged. She said she decided to speak out after seeing similar allegations by other women on social media, many of whom remained silent. I decided to speak as I saw recently on social media that many women have faced similar issues. None of these women is speaking a word about it. So I thought of speaking for all," she added. Though Rini did not name the leader, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday staged a protest march to the office of Congresss Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, demanding his resignation. Soon after Rinis allegations were made public, Honey Bhaskaran, a writer, accused Mamkoottathil of sending her messages through social media. In a Facebook post, the writer mentioned that Rahuls messages initially were travel-related. However, later, he sent a series of messages to her, she claimed. The writer said she had stopped responding to him and later learnt through Youth Congress workers that he had badmouthed her. Rahul Mankoottathil currently serves as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Palakkad constituency and holds the position of President of the State Youth Congress. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following the resignation of Shafi Parambil, who was elected to the Parliament, Mankoottathil won and was elected during the subsequent by-election. ALSO READ | Justin Baldoni Reacts To It Ends With Us Actor Isabelas Harassment Claims: Inappropriate Attack 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 21, 2025, 12:21 IST News india Malayalam Actor Alleges Offensive Texts, Harassment By Politician; BJP Targets Congress Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 His Journey To ISS: 'My Experience Will Help In Gaganyaan Mission' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 13:58 IST Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned from the International Space Station recently, said that his experience in the ISS will be helpful in India's Gaganyaan mission. Shubhanshu Shukla meets PM Modi (PTI Image) Indian Air Force group captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Thursday spoke in detail about his journey to the International Space Station and said that his experience throughout the process, including at the ISS, would be helpful in Indias Gaganyaan mission Indias own first human spaceflight programme. Shukla became the first Indian to travel to ISS aboard Axiom Mission 4. He boarded a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from NASAs Kennedy Space Center on June 25. He returned to the Earth, splashing down off the coast of California on July 15. He arrived in India on August 17 and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi the next day. Recommended Stories Shubhanshu Shukla Thanks Govt, ISRO Speaking to the reporters in a joint press meet with ISRO chairman V Narayanan and Prashanth B Nair, group captain who is a part of the Gaganyaan crew, Shukla thanked the government, ISRO, and all those involved in the mission. I would like to start by thanking the people who have made this mission (Axiom- 4) possible. There are multiple layers to this, not just one person. I will start by thanking the Government of India for conceiving this mission and finally making it happen. I would like to thank ISRO for enabling this entire mission, the people, my colleagues at ISRO who have worked so hard to successfully execute it. I would also like to thank the PIs and researchers who have enabled the experiments for the Axiom 4 mission; their contribution has been invaluable," he said. Shubhanshu Shukla Shares His Experience On ISS Detailing his journey to the International Space Station, the IAF officer said that they were tasked to perform experiments and also capture photos and videos. #WATCH | Delhi | On Axiom-4 mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla says, I want to thank the Indian Government, ISRO and my colleagues We were flying on top of the Falcon 9 Vehicle Crew Dragon is one of the three vehicles that can take humans to space My profile pic.twitter.com/qYRRW8ctJI ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025 We were flying on top of the Falcon 9 Vehicle Crew Dragon is one of the three vehicles that can take humans to space My profile in this mission was the mission pilot. There are four seats in the Crew Dragon. I was the mission pilot and I had to work with the commander and interact with the systems of the Crew Dragon We had to perform the experiments that were conceived, developed and realised by the Indian researchers. And also to perform STEM demonstrations, capture photos and videographs," he said. He said that the knowledge he gained from his stay at the ISS will be handy for Indias Gaganyaan mission. The benefit of executing a human space mission is more than the training. The supplementary knowledge we get just by being there is invaluable. All the information I have collected in the past year will be extremely useful to us for our own missions, Gaganyaan and Bharatiya Antariksh Station Very soon we shall send someone from our capsule, from our rocket and our soil The experience is very different from what you learn on the ground. The body goes through a lot of changes The body forgets how to live in gravity after spending 20 days in space," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India aims to send its astronauts into space on an Indian-built spacecraft. India will become the fourth country, after the US, Russia, and China, to send humans into space on its own. (With inputs from agencies) 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 21, 2025, 13:35 IST News india Shubhanshu Shukla Shares His Journey To ISS: 'My Experience Will Help In Gaganyaan Mission' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Student Brings Gun In Lunch Box, Shoots Teacher In Uttarakhand School After Being Slapped Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 17:56 IST Samarath Bajwa shot physics teacher Gangandeep Singh Kohli at Guru Nanak School, hiding a pistol in his tiffin. Kohli is stable; probe ongoing. The families opened fire after having a heated dispute in Bihar's Nalanda district. (Representational) In a shocking incident, a student packed a gun in his tiffin box and shot his physics teacher, Gangandeep Singh Kohli, at a private school in Uttarakhands Udham Singh Nagar district. This comes after Gangandeep slapped the same student earlier this week, police said. The incident occurred at Guru Nanak School, where the teacher sustained a gunshot wound that entered through his back and lodged in his neck. He was rushed to a private hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. Dr. Mayank Agarwal, who is supervising his treatment, confirmed that the bullet was successfully removed. He added that Mr. Kohlis condition is stable and that he will be shifted to the ICU for continued monitoring. Recommended Stories According to police, the student, identified as Samarath Bajwa, concealed the pistol inside his lunch box and brought it into the classroom. The incident took place shortly after the mid-morning break, as Mr. Kohli was leaving the classroom, NDTV reported. As per the witnesses, the student retrieved a firearm from his tiffin box and opened fire at the teacher. He then tried to escape but was apprehended by other teachers and handed over to the police. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The police have registered a case under Section 109 of the Indian Penal Code against the minor student. Authorities are also investigating how the teenager obtained the firearm. The pistol has been seized. Further investigation into the case is underway. Location : Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India First Published: August 21, 2025, 17:56 IST News india Student Brings Gun In Lunch Box, Shoots Teacher In Uttarakhand School After Being Slapped Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Perplexed At Logic': Jaishankar On US Tariffs Against India Over Russian Oil Purchase Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 07:35 IST He also stated that India also purchases oil from the US, and those imports have gone up in recent years External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in Moscow on August 21. (AFP photo) Amid the US decision to impose 25 per cent additional tariffs on Indian goods for the purchase of Russian oil, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that China, not India, is the biggest purchaser of Russian oil and that the logic of singling out the country for secondary tariffs is perplexing. The EAM also said that Indias decision to buy oil from Russia was not only in line with national interest but also aligned with what the United States had encouraged, stabilising the world energy market". Recommended Stories We are a country where the Americans have said for the last few years that we should do everything to stabilise the world energy market, including buying oil from Russia," Jaishankar said during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Moscow | During a press briefing, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil, that is China. We are not the biggest purchasers of LNG, that is the European Union. We are not the country which has the biggest trade surge pic.twitter.com/pbH06HtTwK ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025 He also pointed out that Indias oil imports from the United States have increased recently. So honestly, we are very perplexed at the logic of the argument," he added, referring to claims that India is the largest buyer of Russian oil. Jaishankar rejected such claims, noting that China, the European Union, and several other countries have stronger energy ties with Russia. We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil, that is China. We are not the biggest purchasers of LNG, that is the European Union," he said. He further added, We are not the country which has the biggest trade surge with Russia after 2022; I think there are some countries to the South." During the visit, Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and prepare for the annual India-Russia summit scheduled later this year. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, both sides will focus on current and future opportunities to strengthen cooperation. Shortly after the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X, Pleased to meet FM Sergey Lavrov today in Moscow. Had a detailed discussion on our bilateral ties, including trade, investment, energy, fertilizers, health, skilling & mobility, defense, and people to people exchanges. We exchanged views on Ukraine, Europe, Iran, West Asia, Afghanistan and the Indian sub-continent." Pleased to meet FM Sergey Lavrov today in Moscow.Had a detailed discussion on our bilateral ties, including trade, investment, energy, fertilizers, health, skilling & mobility, defense, and people to people exchanges. We exchanged views on Ukraine, Europe, Iran, West Asia, pic.twitter.com/2p6WowdnEr Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 21, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He added, Also spoke about our cooperation in UN, G20, SCO and BRICS. Our meeting helped prepare the outcomes and decisions for the Annual Summit later this year." Jaishankars visit comes amid tensions in India-US relations after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, including an additional penalty of 25 per cent penalty for buying Russian crude oil. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: August 21, 2025, 16:24 IST News india 'Perplexed At Logic': Jaishankar On US Tariffs Against India Over Russian Oil Purchase Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Wheels In Motion: Karnataka's Bike Taxis Are Back, But What About The 'Ban'? Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 00:12 IST Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy told News18 that while the government accepts HC's 1-month time limit to frame policy, the court didn't lift the ban or allow service resumption News18 spoke to a couple of bike pilots, or captains, as they are called. When asked how they knew they could resume service, they said they were closely following the High Court proceedings. Representational image Open the Rapido or Uber app today and try booking a bike taxiyou may be surprised. The apps, which had suspended the service after the Karnataka government imposed a ban on two-wheeler taxis, have once again resumed operations. Bookings are now going through almost instantly, even though the ban came into force on June 16, following a Karnataka High Court directive that such services cease operations after June 15. Recommended Stories News18 spoke to a couple of bike pilots, or captains, as they are called. When asked how they knew they could resume service, they said they were closely following the High Court proceedings. We knew that we would be allowed, as the HC has been sympathetic towards us since this is our source of livelihood. I have a daughter who goes to school and a younger one who is just ten months old. I have to run my family and ensure I bring food to the table," the captain said and repeatedly asked not to be named. Another bike taxi pilot from a different aggregator platform said that he was told by his friends in the Bike Riders Association that they could start operations and that the government would have to give the green signal. The moment I heard it, I went to my regular area where I used to get a lot of college-going students using my bike service, and I was so happy to hear that sound ting-ting that told me that bookings were coming in," he said. Our lives matter," pleaded bike taxi riders, who had been waiting for the ban to be lifted. This was also the argument that was made in court. After a 67-day suspension, Uber and Rapido resumed bike taxi services in Karnataka on Thursday. A division bench of the High Court, consisting of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C. M. Joshi, allowed the government a months time to frame a comprehensive policy, citing that lives are at stake in this matter." The government had earlier imposed the ban from June 16, with RTOs seizing bikes and levying heavy penalties, forcing aggregators to halt services. Companies then approached the court, which has now adjourned the hearing on their appeals to September 22, urging the state to treat the matter seriously as it affects the livelihoods of lakhs of people. But desperation also led to desperate measures. During the ban, riders in Bengaluru turned to contacting past customers privately on WhatsApp, offering rides using saved numbers from previous trips or by calling after parcel bookings. This unofficial workaround helped commuters avoid high auto fares but raised serious privacy concerns and remained outside legal regulation. The ban itself sparked huge outrage in Bengaluru, with many arguing that bike taxis were a faster and more economical option at a time when autorickshaw and cab fares had soared. The Karnataka High Court, too, strongly criticised the governments decision, calling its rationale thin" and legally untenable". Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, who headed the bench, reiterated that bike taxis were not a luxury but a necessity, particularly for affordable last-mile connectivity in cities. The court also provided relief to operators by directing the advocate general to ensure no coercive or punitive action is taken against drivers for the time being. They have found a loophole where it is said that no coercive or punitive action is taken against drivers by the Karnataka High Court," said a source in the Karnataka Auto Drivers Association. The court had clearly said that while the government has been given time to frame a comprehensive bike taxi policy, no action can be taken against aggregators. That is the point they are using to resume operations." Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy told reporters, On Wednesday, the Karnataka High Court adjourned the hearing for a month, directing the government to make its stand clear on policy, observing that in many other states, bike taxis are operational. But the court has not allowed aggregators to resume their operations. I will talk to the advocate general and seek his opinion." Summing up the challenges raised by ride-hailing companies, the bench remarked that a blanket prohibition is unconstitutional since bike taxis are a legitimate business. In the absence of regulations, the business cannot be treated as illegal and should be allowed. The ban is therefore arbitrary, unreasonable, and violative of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g)." Lets be clear. The government has been given a month. Let them come up with the policy. But instead of waiting patiently and following the rule of law, the aggregators have defied it. They have shown no respect for the law of the land or our courts. They have actually acted in contempt of court," said Tanveer Pasha, president of the Ola Uber Drivers and Owners Association in Karnataka, speaking to News18. Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy also told News18 that while the government accepts the High Courts decision giving one month to frame a policy, it has not explicitly permitted the resumption of services. We will place this before the court. Any decision on enforcement will be taken after consultations with transport department officials. We will bring this to the notice of the court," he said. Before the ban, nearly 1.20 lakh private bikes were attached to different aggregators in Bengaluru, while across Karnataka, about six lakh people depended on bike taxis for their livelihoods. After the prohibition, the Bike Taxi Association had written to chief minister Siddaramaiah and leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying over one lakh gig workers had lost their right to earn a livelihood. They urged intervention to protect workers affected by the ban. The Bike Taxi Welfare Association has since welcomed the courts observations, reiterating its commitment to working with the government to ensure safe, legal and sustainable operations. Meanwhile, News18 reached out to Rapido for comments on the resumption of services, but the company has not yet responded. As the High Court reminded, bike taxis are already a legal form of transport in 13 states, and a lack of regulation cannot justify a blanket ban. Every trade is permissible unless specifically prohibited. You may regulate, but regulation cannot mean complete prohibition," the bench stressed, pointing out the contradiction in permitting cars and autos while barring motorcycles. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The advocate general argued that motorcycles cannot be treated as transport vehicles" under the Motor Vehicles Act, citing the Delhi example where the Supreme Court had held that such services could not run without a policy. But the court pushed back, asking, You say congestion is the reason, but is there material to show that bike taxis cause more congestion than autos? Are you suggesting that autos congest less?" The bench concluded that Karnataka has no policy, only prohibition", warning that the state cannot indefinitely avoid framing rules while effectively banning the sector. About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More First Published: August 22, 2025, 00:12 IST News india Wheels In Motion: Karnataka's Bike Taxis Are Back, But What About The 'Ban'? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kriti Sanon Stands Out In A Faux Leather Applique Motif Saree At SheShakti 2025 Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 19:20 IST For CNN News18's SheShakti 2025, Kriti Sanon draped Sameer Madan's electric blue saree adorned with faux leather applique motifs. Shining Creative Star, Kriti Sanon attended SheShakti 2025 in Delhi. Kriti Sanon made an electrifying statement at CNN News18s SheShakti 2025 in Delhi. Kriti, who was invited to share her success story as the Shining Creative Star, exuded grace and elegance in a Sameer Madan creation. The electric blue saree crafted in satin was paired with a contrast pastel pink full-sleeved blouse. The highlight of this modern elegant saree was the diamond shaped motifs made from faux leather. Recommended Stories The motifs were placed together in fours across the saree and on the blouse the diamond shaped motifs were placed on the sleeves and border. The vibrant hue of blue and neutral shade of pastel pink played the perfect canvas to highlight the ivory-coloured motifs. Kriti Sanon looked effortlessly stylish in this lightweight satin saree balancing tradition and contemporary styling with ease. Just like how she balances her acting and entrepreneurial skills with elan. Standing tall and stylish at the SheShakti 2025 conclave, the saree not only complemented Kritis charming personality but also added individuality to Kritis overall style. The pearl-drop stud earrings added a hint of sparkle to her elegant look. Kritis understated glam, chic hairstyle and minimal jewellery added modern allure to Kritis contemporary Indian style. One can never go wrong with a saree, this six-yards of sheer elegance from Sameer Madan design house is a great look to go from day to night. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As a successful actress and entrepreneur, Kriti Sanon has been an inspiration for women across India. Kritis style quotient too has been the talk of the town and every ensemble she adorns leaves an everlasting impact. Her presence at SheShakti 2025 was indeed a shining moment that celebrated Kritis journey. SheShakti 2025 From breaking barriers to building Bharat, witnessed powerful and empowering speakers including Droupadi Murmu, President of India, Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), GoI, Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Managing Director, ITDC, Col Priyanka Singh, Commanding Officer, Army Service Corps Battalion, Pragya Misra, Public Policy & Partnerships Lead, Open AI, Laina Emmanuel, CEO, BrainSightAI, Dr. Geetha Manjunath, Founder, CEO & CTO, NIRAMAI Health Analytix, among others. 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 21, 2025, 19:20 IST News lifestyle Kriti Sanon Stands Out In A Faux Leather Applique Motif Saree At SheShakti 2025 These Snakes Can Bite And Poison You Long After They Are Dead, Reveal Scientists Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 10:20 IST Dead venomous snakes can still bite and inject venom up to three hours after death. Avoid touching dead snakes to stay safe Due to their slow metabolism, cold-blooded snakes can still deliver reflexive bites up to six hours after death if their head or neck is touched. (News18) Incidents of snake bites tend to increase during the rainy season. But did you know that a snakes jaw can still expand and bite even after its death? Yes, you read that correctly. A startling report from Guwahati, Assam, has even taken scientists by surprise. Dead Snakes Can Still Bite: A Surprising Discovery Recommended Stories It was long believed that the threat posed by a snake ends once it dies. However, recent findings by a team of biologists and health experts in Assam have proven this assumption wrong. So, exercise caution if you come across a dead snake or witness one dying; it is best to keep your distance. According to The Hindu, new research indicates that venomous snakes, such as cobras and kraits, can still bite and inject venom up to three hours after their death. Cases Of Post-Mortem Snake Bites In Assam This study, published in the international journal Frontiers in Tropical Disease, documents three incidents in Assam where dead snakes delivered venomous bites. Two involved Monocled Cobras (Naja kaouthia) and one involved a Black Krait (Bungarus lividus). All victims required 20 vials of anti-snake venom and were hospitalised for 25 days. The person bitten by the Black Krait required ventilation and additional treatment. How Were These Cases Uncovered? The first case occurred in Sivasagar district of Assam, where a 45-year-old man killed a cobra that was threatening his chickens and decapitated it. While disposing of the body, the cobras severed head clamped onto his hand and injected venom. The second case, also in Sivasagar, involved a farmer who was bitten by a dead cobra while inspecting it after his tractor had crushed it. The third case took place in Boko, Western Assam, where a black krait bit a man three hours after its death. Scientific Explanation Behind The Phenomenon Dr Surajit Giri, an anaesthesiologist involved in the study, explained this is the first documented instance worldwide. He noted that the brains of warm-blooded animals, including humans, shut down within 6 to 7 minutes after death or decapitation. Cold-blooded snakes, however, have a slower metabolism, which keeps their brains active for 4 to 6 hours post-mortem. Consequently, snakes can still deliver reflexive bites if their head or neck is touched during this period. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A Strong Warning From Experts Experts strongly advise against touching dead or decapitated snakes. In rural areas, people often handle or display dead snakes, unaware of the danger. This study serves as a crucial warning, not just for India but globally, that even dead snakes can remain venomous and pose serious risks. 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 21, 2025, 10:20 IST News lifestyle These Snakes Can Bite And Poison You Long After They Are Dead, Reveal Scientists What Is The Difference Between MRI And CT Scan? When Do You Need Them? Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 16:55 IST People often confuse MRI and CT scans, but experts note they are very different. Both are widely used to detect internal injuries and diseases, each serving a distinct purpose While MRI provides clearer images of soft tissue, CT scans are more accurate for bones and hard tissue. (AI Generated) When health problems occur on the skin surface, such as an open wound, they are usually easy to spot. However, internal injuries or diseases often require advanced medical tests. Among the most common diagnostic tools are MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans. Although many people confuse the two, medical experts say they work in very different ways and are used for different purposes. Recommended Stories Dr Sonia Rawat, Director of Preventive Health and Wellness at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, told News18 that MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to capture detailed images of internal organs. It is particularly effective in showing soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, ligaments, muscles, and tumours. Since MRI does not involve radiation, it is considered safe and can, in certain cases, be advised for pregnant women and children," she explained. On the other hand, CT scans are based on X-ray technology. They combine multiple X-ray images taken from different angles to create a 3D image of the body. Dr Rawat said CT scans are especially effective for diagnosing issues related to bones, lungs, blood vessels, and internal injuries. However, they do involve exposure to a small amount of radiation, which makes MRI preferable in more sensitive cases. In terms of clarity, MRI provides better images of soft tissue, whereas CT scans are more accurate for bones and hard tissue. MRI scans usually take longeraround 30 minutes to an hourwhile CT scans can be completed within minutes. In some cases, both scans are required to get a full picture of the problem," Dr Rawat added. Doctors typically recommend MRI for neurological conditions or deep injuries involving muscles, ligaments, and joints. CT scans are often advised in cases of head injury, fractures, lung diseases, internal bleeding, or suspected cancer. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Experts caution that repeated CT scans may be harmful due to radiation exposure, although having one or two carries no major risk. Meanwhile, MRI is radiation-free but not suitable for patients with pacemakers, metal implants, or other metallic objects in the body. Doctors advise that before undergoing either test, patients should always inform their physician about any pre-existing medical conditions to ensure safety and accuracy. 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 21, 2025, 16:55 IST News lifestyle What Is The Difference Between MRI And CT Scan? When Do You Need Them? Akhil Vaani | Four Days Of Rain, A City In Ruins: Why Mumbais Flood Woes Keep Getting Worse Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 12:57 IST Year after year, crores are poured into flood management, but Mumbai still drowns with alarming regularity Several roads were flooded as heavy rains wreaked havoc in Mumbai. (PTI) Every year, the monsoon devastates some part of Bharat. But this year, the monsoon rains, particularly in August, have unleashed widespread destruction across the nation, with several states brought to their knees amid cloudbursts, flash floods, and relentless downpours. As I write this piece from my workstation in Pune, amid incessant rainfall, I focus on the monsoon mayhem in Maharashtra, with particular emphasis on the maximum city, Mumbai. Recommended Stories Going Down The Drains The Latin phrase Urbs Prima in Indis, meaning First City in India", has long described Mumbais status as a major urban and commercial hub. But the citys frequent flooding during the monsoon paints a grim contrast. It is disheartening to note that Mumbai, a city that never sleeps, is once again brought to its knees by relentless rain. Ironically, this situation has unfolded despite the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation earmarking Rs 15,048 crore20 per cent of its Rs 74,400 crore annual budget for 202526for combating urban flooding. I humbly submit that each year, tens of thousands of crore rupees are flushed away in the name of flood management in Mumbai, while the spectre of urban flooding and the devastation it brings continues to worsen with alarming speed. Before returning to the state of Mumbai, here is a brief overview of the havoc created by incessant rainfall across Maharashtra over the past few days (August 1620). Maharashtra Battered Maharashtra is witnessing an unmitigated disaster due to the fury of the skies. According to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the recent spell of rain has already claimed at least 21 lives across the state. With nine more rain related deaths reported by the state disaster authority in past 24 hours, as on Thursday August 21, the number of deaths in Maharashtra have swelled to 30. Also, kharif crops sown over 1214 million hectares have been badly affected by just two days of rain, on Monday and Tuesday. Maximum City Under Siege Mumbai has been under siege. Incessant rainfall over four consecutive days, from August 16 to 19, has battered and bruised the city, bringing it to a standstill and disrupting the lives of millions. The IMD issued an orange alert for Wednesday, signalling heavy rainfall. With a slight reduction in intensity, Mumbai is now slowly limping back to its feet. According to BMC data, Tuesday, August 19 recorded abnormal rainfall, with most areas receiving over 300 mm. The worst-affected areas included: Malad (369 mm) Kandivali (337 mm) Dindoshi (305 mm) Dadar (300 mm) Magathane (300 mm) Vikhroli (293 mm) Powai (290 mm) Mulund (288 mm) Colaba (265 mm) Wednesdays rain story is still unfolding. However, IMD data for the previous 24 hours shows: Vikhroli (223.5 mm) Santacruz (206.6 mm) Byculla (184.0 mm) Juhu (148.5 mm) Bandra (132.5 mm) Colaba (100.2 mm) Four Days = One Month In just four days, rainfall in Mumbai has surpassed its monthly average. While the typical August rainfall is around 566 mm, the city recorded 837.3 mm between August 15 and 19, more than the total rainfall in June (512.7 mm) and July (797.3 mm). Notably, July is traditionally the wettest month, not August. Causes Meteorologists attribute the latest deluge to a strong offshore trough along Maharashtras coast, fed by moisture from the Arabian Sea. Compounding the issue is a low-pressure area over central India, which is pulling this moisture westwards and fuelling the incessant downpour. Experts have also cited the convergence of multiple weather systems as a key factor. Additionally, experts have categorically warned that climate change is intensifying extreme rainfall events. They stress the urgent need for robust early warning systems and effective adaptation strategies. Mumbai will continue to face flood disasters unless such mechanisms are implemented, and the collateral damage to the city and its residents will only worsen. Collateral Damage The intensity of rainfall in Mumbai eased on Wednesday and Thursday and the city is slowly limping back to a semblance of normalcy. But Mumbais ordeal is far from over. On Wednesday, 20 August, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fresh warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms in Mumbai and several other districts of Maharashtra. Residents have been advised to remain indoors and avoid venturing into low-lying or flood-prone areas. Many local trains have been cancelled, while others are running significantly late. Schools, colleges, offices, and industries remained shut. A red alert has also been issued for the districts of Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Ratnagiri. Flight services continue to be disrupted, with airlines issuing advisories warning of delays and cancellations. What is the collateral damage of nearly a week of torrential rainfall, culminating in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) grinding to a halt on Tuesday, 20 August? It is still too early to estimate the full impact. Harbour Line services were suspended for 15 hours, Central Line for 8 hours, and more than 100 Western Railway services were cancelled, each a grim reminder of the scale of the mayhem. The emergency evacuation of nearly 800 commuters from two stranded monorail trains is a horror story in itself. Thousands were evacuated across the MMR, and lakhs were left stranded. The worst affected, as always, are the poor, destitute, and homeless, yet few care to count how many of them have lost what little shelter they had. But this is not the full story. The economic cost of Mumbai and the MMR being in suspended animation for four days is enormous. And the reason is simplethis region is the economic powerhouse of both Maharashtra and Bharat. The MMR contributes between 35 and 40 per cent of Maharashtras GDP, with Mumbai alone accounting for over 20 per cent. Known historically as Urbs Prima in Indisthe First City of IndiaMumbai has a GDP of Rs 25.73 lakh crore (USD 310 billion), contributing 6.17 per cent to the national GDP. This raises a critical question: Can Mumbai afford such monsoon-induced disruptions year after year, especially as the situation continues to deteriorate? Not An Isolated Event One only wishes the chaos of the past four days were an isolated event. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Mumbai is no stranger to the havoc a single day of rain can wreak. Its worst encounter with such a catastrophe occurred on 26 July 2005, when an unprecedented 944.5 mm of rain fell in just 24 hours. The damage from the 2005 floods was catastrophic. Consider the figures: Lives lost: Over 1,0001,200 Homes destroyed: Between 15,000 and 20,000 Vehicles damaged: 900 BEST buses, 55 local trains, around 40,000 auto-rickshaws, 4,000 taxis, and over 10,000 trucks and tempos Direct financial loss: Estimated between Rs 5 to 8 billion, with the city incurring a direct loss of about Rs 5.5 billion While the 2005 floods were the worst in recent memory, Mumbai had previously faced severe rain-related disasters as well: 5 July 1974: 375.2 mm 10 June 1991: 399 mm 23 August 1997: 344.34 mm 17 July 2000: 351.5 mm Each of these incidents exposed the woeful lack of preparedness of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Worse, each time a disaster struck, the civic body dismissed it as unprecedented", refusing to take responsibility or initiate meaningful reforms. On none of these occasions was a proper root cause analysis undertaken. No long-term or structural corrective measures were introduced. Not even the 2005 disaster proved to be a wake-up call for the state or city governments. Predictably, it happened again. On 1 July 2019, heavy rainfall claimed at least 18 lives and triggered massive disruptions to rail, road, and air traffic across Mumbai. These are just a few of many examples. Rain-induced chaos has become an annual, and tragically avoidable, event for Mumbai. And the reasons are well known. Experts have repeatedly blamed unchecked construction, poor urban planning, disappearing water bodies, inadequate stormwater infrastructure, and widespread garbage accumulation. As rainfall becomes more intense and unpredictable, Mumbai finds itself even more vulnerable today than it was in 2005. Ignored After the unprecedented 944.2 mm rainfall between 26 and 27 July brought Mumbai to its knees, the state government set up a fact-finding committee chaired by Madhav Chitale, the former chairman of the Central Water Commission. The committees mandate was to examine the causes of the extreme weather event and suggest practical solutions. The final report, running 359 pages, should have become the lodestar against which Mumbais anti-flood measures were assessed. Had the Chitale Committees recommendations been implemented, Mumbai could have mitigated such preventable disasters. But that did not happen. So, What Did The Chitale Committee Recommend? The committees core finding was clear: Indiscriminate land and property development had affected the natural ability of the city to manage rainwater in an environment-friendly way. It suggested, among other measures, that the channels along the Mithi river be kept free of encroachments, the drainage feature be kept to the required width and cleaned of siltation, and not subject to sudden changes of direction. The committee further suggested: Integrating urban planning with strategies to tackle extreme weather events; Conserving natural ecosystems, including the protection of mangroves and wetlands; Developing climate-resilient infrastructure and expanding urban green zones; Banning construction on river floodplains, which leads to waterlogging and flooding in Mumbai. Implementing these recommendations was never rocket science. Instead, Mumbai has continued with its preferred but shortsighted solution: spending thousands of crores each year to pump out water, an entirely reactive measure that fails to address root causes. Those root causes are now all too familiar: rapid, unplanned urbanisation, inadequate infrastructure, and years of environmental neglect. The breakneck expansion of the city, with scant regard for the necessary support systems, particularly for solid and liquid waste management, and a proper water and drainage network, is steadily eroding Mumbais ability to survive. It Is Action Time Now It is time to dust off the Chitale Committee report and implement its core recommendations, urgently and earnestly. Because it is getting too late to preserve Mumbais pre-eminent position as the financial and commercial capital of Bharat. Unless serious steps are taken immediately, there may soon be no Mumbai left to save from drowning. The government has ignored the Chitale Committees key recommendations, and the city continues to reel from recurring urban flooding, each year worse than the last. Ironically, those very recommendations are even more relevant today than they were in 2005. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Unless the government wakes up and implements the committees well-considered suggestions, the citys future will remain on borrowed time. The time to act was yesterday. Tomorrow will be too late. The author is a multidisciplinary thought leader with Action Bias, India-based international impact consultant, and keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as president, advisory services of consulting company BARSYL. 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 21, 2025, 12:57 IST News opinion Akhil Vaani | Four Days Of Rain, A City In Ruins: Why Mumbais Flood Woes Keep Getting Worse Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Oil, Defence, And Leverage: Why India Is Strengthening Its Bet On Russia Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 14:55 IST India is signalling that it will not be boxed in by Washingtons economic penalties and that New Delhis idea of strategic autonomy remains alive in todays fractured world order External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Russia's First Deputy PM Denis Manturov during a meeting, in Moscow. (Image: X/DrSJaishankar) For Indias diplomats, the past fortnight has been hectic, to put it mildly. In the space of just a few days, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar managed to host Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi and then immediately flew to Moscow. On the surface, these were routine engagements. In reality, the timing and sequencing carry unmistakable political weight: India is signalling that it will not be boxed in by Washingtons economic penalties and that New Delhis idea of strategic autonomy" remains very much alive in todays fractured world order. A Triangle of Competing Powers Recommended Stories The choreography is quite telling. Wang Yis August 1819 stop in New Delhi marked the highest-profile Chinese visit since the 2020 Ladakh clash, a sign that both sides are at least talking seriously about managing their tense border relationship. Barely a day later, Jaishankar was in Moscow to co-chair the 26th IndiaRussia Inter-Governmental Commission. Seen together, the two visits underline how carefully India is navigating great power rivalries at a time when Washington has turned punitiveslapping 50% tariffs on Indian exports as punishment for continuing to buy Russian crude. Meanwhile, talk of reviving the long-dormant RussiaIndiaChina (RIC) dialogue has resurfaced. Moscow is openly pushing for it, Beijing is dropping hints of openness, and New Delhi is cautious but listening. The coming SCO summit in China may provide a clearer picture of whether this is a serious trilateral arrangement in the making or just another diplomatic experiment that never fully takes off. Why This Isnt About Cold War Nostalgia Observers who see Indias Moscow outreach as a sentimental throwback are missing the point. Four clear, forward-looking calculations are driving New Delhis choices: Energy Security: Russia now accounts for more than 40 per cent of Indias crude supplies, much of it at discounted rates saving India billions in import costs. In a turbulent oil market, this diversification shields Indias economy. Russia now accounts for more than 40 per cent of Indias crude supplies, much of it at discounted rates saving India billions in import costs. In a turbulent oil market, this diversification shields Indias economy. Defence and Technology Access: Unlike Western suppliers who come with strings attached, Moscow has a record of handing over critical technologyfrom BrahMos to submarine platformsthat helps India build real capabilities. Unlike Western suppliers who come with strings attached, Moscow has a record of handing over critical technologyfrom BrahMos to submarine platformsthat helps India build real capabilities. Strategic Autonomy in a Multipolar Era: Indias doctrine today is one of multi-alignment, not bloc loyalty. Russias willingness to avoid lecturing on domestic affairs makes it a convenient partner. Indias doctrine today is one of multi-alignment, not bloc loyalty. Russias willingness to avoid lecturing on domestic affairs makes it a convenient partner. Geopolitical Leverage: Close ties with Moscow allow New Delhi to play a balancing role, preventing Russia from drifting entirely into Chinas orbit. Modis quiet counsel to Putin on nuclear restraint during the Ukraine war illustrates the weight India can sometimes carry. The Tariff Squeeze Donald Trumps tariffs have inadvertently strengthened Indias resolve to keep its options open. Washington condemns New Delhi for buying Russian oil, yet exempts Beijing despite its even larger purchasesan inconsistency not lost on Indian policymakers. For India, this is less about oil alone and more about resisting economic coercion dressed up as alliance politics. The real vulnerability in Russia-India relationship is trade imbalance. Bilateral trade has ballooned from $13 billion in 2021 to nearly $70 billion today, yet Indias deficit with Russia has widened nine-fold. Jaishankar himself acknowledged in Moscow that the situation is unsustainable and urged Russian businesses to start working more seriously with Indian exporters. To make the partnership durable, India needs to go beyond buying cheap oil. It requires technology exchange, investment in joint ventures, and reliable markets for Indian products. The Eurasia Card One promising development is the final push toward a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (Russia and four former Soviet states). If completed, this could open up a combined $6.5 trillion market for Indian exports and help reduce reliance on Western markets just as US tariffs bite harder. For Moscow, it also creates an incentive to treat India as more than simply a willing oil buyer. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Indias engagement with Russia is neither nostalgia nor defiance; it is realpolitik adapted to the realities of a multipolar world. Western capitals often demand binary choices, but India is staking out its own middle ground, leveraging ties with multiple blocs to keep its hands free. Russia, in this strategy, is indispensable: it provides energy stability, advanced military cooperation, and crucial diplomatic space against great-power pressure. As global politics fractures into competitive blocs and economic tools are used as weapons, Indias approach offers a lesson for other mid-sized powers: survival today requires not picking a side, but widening ones options. 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 21, 2025, 14:55 IST News opinion Oil, Defence, And Leverage: Why India Is Strengthening Its Bet On Russia Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 | Chinas Goodwill Gesture: Relief For India Or A Diplomatic Ploy? Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 15:45 IST Fertilisers, rare earths, and tunnel machines are back on track, but China does not give anything without extracting leverage Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in New Delhi. (IMAGE: X/Narendra Modi) China announced that it is lifting restrictions on the export of fertilisers, rare earth magnets, and tunnel boring machines to India. This comes after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly raised Indias concerns with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in back-to-back meetings last month. Fertiliser supplies had been hit hard, impacting farmers during the Rabi season. Tunnel boring machines, critical for Prime Minister Modis infrastructure push, had been held up. And the automobile and electronics industries were raising alarm bells over shortages of rare earth minerals, which are the backbone of future technologies and defence equipment. Now that shipments are reportedly on the move again, some in the Delhi commentariat are busy projecting this as a reset" in India-China ties. Recommended Stories This is where the dangerous naivety of the Lutyens media and the Opposition ecosystem comes to the fore. For decades, they have romanticised Beijing, from Nehrus infamous Hindi-Chini bhai bhai" disaster to the Congress partys questionable MoUs with the Chinese Communist Party. Their intellectual heirs in the media will now celebrate this as a diplomatic triumph of Asian solidarity." But the Modi government and the people of Bharat know better. China does not give anything without extracting leverage. What is being showcased as goodwill could be nothing more than tactical manipulation. Beijings timing tells the whole story. The United States has turned the screws on India by slapping on additional tariffs, taking the total duties on our exports to 50 per cent. American officials, obsessed with policing Indias independent foreign policy, are berating New Delhi for maintaining ties with Russia. Yet the same Washington establishment goes soft on China, extending its trade truce, delaying new tariffs, and even lifting restrictions on high-end chip exports. In other words, the US punishes India while rewarding China. Beijing, sensing this hypocrisy, has swooped in to present itself as the practical partner" that delivers fertilisers and machinery when America does not. It is important to understand the geopolitical benefit India can draw from this moment. By securing Chinese concessions without compromising on sovereignty, New Delhi demonstrates to the world that it cannot be cornered. India will not crawl when Washington threatens tariffs, nor will it bend when Beijing withholds supplies. This balancing act enhances Indias global stature, especially among developing nations that are also caught between Chinese bullying and Western arrogance. For the Global South, India shows a path of civilisational confidence and sovereign diplomacy. Yet caution must remain the keyword. China is still an aggressor at the Line of Actual Control. The blood of our brave soldiers at Galwan is still fresh in memory. The CCP thrives on cycles of coercion and concession: it creates a crisis, offers temporary relief, and then uses it to extract advantage. If India mistakes fertiliser shipments or rare earth deliveries as a reset," it risks walking into the same trap that previous Congress governments walked intoappeasement in the name of pragmatism. The Modi government, guided by the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and rooted in the RSS philosophy of swadeshi and self-reliance, cannot allow such illusions. Yes, farmers will benefit from the fertilisers, projects will move faster with the tunnel machines, and industries will run smoothly with rare earths. But this relief must be converted into an opportunity. The Geological Survey of India has already identified rare earth reserves in the Northeast; these must be developed at lightning speed. Fertiliser plants must be expanded, and domestic alternatives promoted. Heavy machinery manufacturing must become a national priority. By using todays imports to fuel tomorrows independence, India can ensure that Beijings leverage evaporates. The Opposition will no doubt rush to credit Chinas decision as a victory of diplomacy," conveniently forgetting that it was Jaishankars firm stance and Modis credibility that forced Beijing to concede. They will forget that it was their leadership that once invited the Chinese ambassador to Indias political strategy meetings. They will forget that it was Congress leaders who once signed secret MoUs with the CCP, even as China occupied Indian territory. The people of Bharat, however, have not forgotten. The days of sacrificing national security at the altar of Nehruvian fantasy are over. In the global context, this move strengthens Indias hand. Washington now realises that if it overplays its hand with tariffs and lectures, New Delhi can look elsewhere. Beijing realises that its economic manipulations cannot break Indias resolve on the border. And the world sees Bharat emerging as a power that accepts tactical relief without compromising strategic autonomy. This is a geopolitical win, but only if New Delhi treats it as temporary relief, not a reset. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Chinas lifting of curbs is not generosity; it is strategy. Americas tariffs are not partnership; they are coercion. Bharats answer must be civilisational self-confidence. Accept the shipments, yes. Use them to stabilise growth, yes. But never forget Galwan. Never forget the duplicity of Washington and the opportunism of Beijing. Only through Atmanirbhar Bharat, backed by the RSS vision of swadeshi, can Bharat stand tall and independent. 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 News18s views. About the Author Prosenjit Nath The writer is an Indian technocrat, political analyst, and author. The writer is an Indian technocrat, political analyst, and author. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 21, 2025, 15:45 IST News opinion Opinion | Chinas Goodwill Gesture: Relief For India Or A Diplomatic Ploy? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 21, 2025, 10:23 IST Ganesh Chaturthi is a major Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor across many parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Tamil Nadu. However, in some states, it is not recognised as a public holiday. Heres a look at those states. 1 / 8 Uttar Pradesh: Ganesh Chaturthi is not a public holiday or an official celebration in the state. (Image: File) 2 / 8 Punjab: The festival is rarely celebrated and is not a public holiday. (Image: File) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 8 Haryana: The festival is not a public holiday and is limited to a few Hindu families. (Image: AI-Generated) 4 / 8 Jammu and Kashmir: Reportedly, the Hindu population is small, and the festival is not officially observed. (Image: File) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 8 West Bengal: Durga Puja dominates the religious calendar. Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is limited to few regions. (Image: File) 6 / 8 Assam: Another state where Ganesh Chaturthi is not recognised as a public holiday and is celebrated only on a small scale by Hindu communities. (Image: File) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 8 Nagaland and Mizoram: Predominantly Christian states with very little observance of Hindu festivals. (Image: File) Fadnavis Seeks Support Of Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar For NDA VP Candidate Radhakrishnan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 16:14 IST Devendra Fadnavis seeks support from Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar for NDAs vice presidential nominee CP Radhakrishnan. Fadnavis Seeks Support Of Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar For CP Radhakrishnan (FILE) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday reached out to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SCP) veteran Sharad Pawar to seek their support for the BJP-led NDAs nominee for the vice presidential elections, CP Radhakrishnan. Last week, the BJP announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the NDAs candidate for the Vice President, following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar last month. The decision to nominate CP Radhakrishnan was taken unanimously during a key meeting of NDA floor leaders held at the residence of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, with all leaders pledging their full backing for Radhakrishnans candidature. Recommended Stories Earlier on Monday, Fadnavis urged parties that speak of Maharashtra Asmita to walk the talk by backing the NDA candidate, who is not only the states governor but also a registered voter from Mumbai. It is a moment of pride for the state. All parties, especially Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, who often talk about the pride of Maharashtra, should come forward and support the candidature of CP Radhakrishnan for the VP post," Fadnavis had said. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), voting for the key election will be held on September 9. Despite having the numbers to win the poll comfortably, the BJP is reaching out to opposition parties to ensure an unopposed election. Meanwhile, the TDP, NDAs ally, on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for 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. Who Is CP Radhakrishnan? 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. Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, who has been the Maharashtra Governor since July 31, 2024, had earlier also served as the Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Radhakrishnan has also served as a two-time MP from Coimbatore. Born on October 20, 1957, in Tamil Nadus Tirrupur, The BJP stalwart became the state committee member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the BJPs precursor, in 1974. Before the Jan Sangh, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the year 1996, Radhakrishnan was appointed as the BJP Tamil Nadu secretary, following which he was elected as a Lok Sabha member from Coimbatore in 1998 and reelected again in 1999. During his tenure as MP, he served as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee and was also a member of the Parliamentary Committee for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the Consultative Committee for Finance. Radhakrishnan was also a member of the Parliamentary Special Committee investigating the Stock Exchange Scam. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 16:14 IST News politics Fadnavis Seeks Support Of Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar For NDA VP Candidate Radhakrishnan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... INDIA Bloc Vice Presidential Candidate Sudershan Reddy Files Nomination, Says 'Everyone Will Support Me' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 12:22 IST INDIA bloc's Vice-Presidential nominee Sudershan Reddy filed his nomination in presence of several Opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Sharad Pawar. INDIA alliance Vice-Presidential nominee, former Supreme Court Judge Sudershan Reddy filed his nomination today. (Image: ANI) INDIA blocs Vice-Presidential nominee and former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy filed his nomination on Thursday in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Expressing their support to Reddy, NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and several other leaders of the alliance were also present. Recommended Stories Reddy is confident of his victory and has expressed hope of receiving support across party lines. He believes that the election for the post of Vice President is a contest of ideology rather than numbers. Numbers matter continuesOf course, I am hopeful. Since I dont belong to any political party, I believe everyone would support meI made it very clear yesterday. It is the battle of ideology," Reddy was quoted as saying. The high-stakes Vice Presidential election are set to take place on September 9, with counting to take place the same day. The last date for filing nominations is August 21, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until August 25. Reddy will be contesting against National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate CP Radhakrishnan, who filed his nominations on Wednesday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The polls for the post of Vice President were necessitated after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health reasons. How A Vice President Gets Elected? The Vice President is elected by an electoral college, which consists of MPs from both houses of Parliament. The elections of the Vice President are governed by the provisions under Articles 64 and 68 of the Constitution. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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. (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 21, 2025, 12:22 IST News politics INDIA Bloc Vice Presidential Candidate Sudershan Reddy Files Nomination, Says 'Everyone Will Support Me' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... KCR's Daughter Kavitha Removed From Labour Union; Will BRS Expel Her Next? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 14:29 IST Given her recent criticisms of BRS leadership, particularly targeting working president KT Rama Rao, this removal is seen as highly significant. The timing of Kavitha's removal, while she is in the US to admit her son to a university has created a political stir.(Photos: PTI file) In a major development, the central committee of the Telangana Boggu Gani Karmika Sangham (TBGKS), the labour union affiliated with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has removed MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha from her post as honorary president. Former Minister Koppula Eshwar has been appointed in her place. At a key meeting held at BRS partys headquarters Telangana Bhavan, the union passed a resolution stating that there is no longer any association between TBGKS and the Singareni Jaagruthi" group led by Kavitha. Recommended Stories Along with her, two other leaders, L Venkatesh and Naresh, who were part of both TBGKS and Jaagruthi, were also removed. The union asserted that dual roles in both organisations were no longer acceptable and that individuals must choose one side. It was also decided to launch a campaign in Singareni titled Save Singareni, Remove Congress." The timing of Kavithas removal, while she is in the US to admit her son to a university, has created a political stir. Given her recent criticisms of BRS leadership, particularly targeting working president KT Rama Rao, this removal is seen as highly significant. Rumours are now swirling that if shes been ousted from the union, her exit from the party may be next. Kavitha, currently in the US, has responded with a letter to the workers, expressing her thoughts on the latest developments. She called it an honour" to have served as honorary president for ten years, describing her role as that of a sister serving every workers family. She criticised the unions decision, claiming the elections were held at the party office, which is technically against labour laws, and insisted the move was politically motivated. I believe all of you are aware of the recent happenings within the BRS. I shared public feedback on party president KCRs speech during the partys silver jubilee celebrations in a letter. I have written similar letters to my father, KCR, before. During a previous trip to the US, one of my letters was leaked, and I demanded that those responsible for the leak and conspiracy be exposed. My questioning of internal matters in the party has been viewed as rebellion, and this is why action is being taken against me," Kavitha wrote in her letter. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kavitha has been increasingly at odds with BRS leadership and has been actively organising events under the banner of Telangana Jaagruthi." These events have notably lacked the participation of BRS leaders, who have also openly criticised her. KTR has so far remained silent, but sources suggest that party chief KCR is displeased with her approach and conduct. With her removal from the labour wing, party insiders believe theres a strong possibility that Kavitha might soon be formally expelled from the BRS itself. First Published: August 21, 2025, 14:29 IST News politics KCR's Daughter Kavitha Removed From Labour Union; Will BRS Expel Her Next? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mobbed By Oppn, Karnataka Govt Sends Crowd Control Bill To House Panel: What Are The Objections? Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 22:13 IST There was stiff opposition from the BJP and JD(S), who argued that the proposed law could curtail protests and affect cultural or religious events Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara with senior police officials during an inspection after the stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives, in Bengaluru. File pic/PTI The Siddaramaiah government introduced the Karnataka Crowd Control (Managing Crowd at Events and Places of Gathering) Bill, with stringent penal provisions, which it hoped to pass in this assembly session. But the proposed legislation has now been referred to a house committee after facing severe opposition from the BJP and JD(S) on the way it has been framed. The bill was introduced in the wake of public outrage over the stampede two months ago at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru following RCBs IPL victory celebrations. The June 4 stampede, which claimed 11 innocent lives after lakhs of RCB fans gathered to see the winning team and the trophy brought to Bengaluru after 18 years, raised serious questions on crowd control, event management, organisers responsibility, and peoples safety. Both the Karnataka government and the RCB management faced criticism for poor planning, lack of coordination between authorities, and inadequate safety arrangements at the event. Recommended Stories Karnataka home minister Dr G Parameshwara, who is piloting the bill, clarified that family functions or events such as marriages held within private premises are exempted. He said the Chinnaswamy Stadium incident was a wake-up call" that made the government conclude, after much deliberation, that event organisers must bear responsibility in the event of any mishap. However, the bill was referred to a house committee following stiff opposition from the BJP and JD(S), who argued that the proposed law could curtail protests and affect cultural or religious events. The bill stated its main aim as: It is considered necessary to make a new legislation to (i) effectively control the crowd and manage mass gatherings at events and functions; and (ii) prevent unlawful gatherings." The bill defines crowd management as the techniques used to manage lawful assemblies before, during, and after an event. It specifies that anyone intending to organise a function expected to draw a large gathering must obtain prior permission from the jurisdictional authority. If the expected crowd is fewer than 7,000, permission may be granted by the officer in charge of the local police station after due inquiry. For gatherings between 7,000 and 50,000, the jurisdictional deputy superintendent of police is the competent authority, while events expecting more than 50,000 people require permission from the jurisdictional superintendent or commissioner of police. The bill further mandates that organisers must apply for permission at least 10 days before the event. Adequate arrangements must be made to ensure the smooth movement of crowds in and around the venue, and organisers are required to execute an indemnity bond of Rs 1 crore. Defending the need for a regulatory framework, Parameshwara cited the farmers protest in Belagavi during the winter session of the legislature, which repeatedly led to lathi charges year after year. Of late, we have seen crowded events taking place without any legal framework. One example of such an event is during the winter session at Belagavi, farmers were lathi-charged," said Parameshwara. He raised the question as to what created such circumstances. Where were the regulations or the permissions sought to hold such an event, the home minister questioned. The penal provisions of this bill have also triggered strong opposition. The proposed legislation prescribes up to seven years imprisonment if an event leads to injuries, and 10 years or life imprisonment in case of fatalities. Causing disturbance or breaching peace during an event will attract three years in jail, along with a Rs 50,000 fine. It also stipulates that anyone disobeying or abetting disobedience of lawful directions issued by a police officer of or above the rank of sub-inspector, instructing dispersal from a gathering, will be liable to a Rs 50,000 fine and one month of community service. Once enacted, these offences will be cognisable, non-bailable, and triable by a judicial magistrate first class. The opposition, however, raised major concerns and called the bill draconian". Leader of the opposition R Ashoka hit out at the government, alleging that the bill had been drafted only to placate the High Court, which had raised five questions on the tragedy. He argued that nothing new had been added, since all the provisions already exist", and claimed the move was merely to file an affidavit before the court. Ashoka further cautioned that the provisions were ambiguous and risked being used as a political tool against the opposition. He pressed for the bill to be sent to a house committee for wider discussion and insisted on a clear demarcation between commercial and non-commercial events before it could be taken forward. In the opposition, the BJP and JD(S) leaders asked how large religious gatherings could be managed under such stringent rules. BJP MLA Sunil Karkala questioned how temples could be expected to furnish a Rs 1-crore bond. He also asked who would be held accountable if something went wrong at a government event of such magnitude. The bill also lays out the approval process: upon receiving a written application from organisers, the authority shall conduct an inquiry into the details of the organisers, the expected crowd size, the purpose of the event, the safety measures proposed, and the no-objection certificates obtained from departments such as fire and emergency services, health and family welfare, public works, and traffic police. The authority will also verify the venue, including the feasibility of crowd control, entry and exit points, and other safety and law-and-order requirements. A decision on granting or denying permission must be taken within four days of receiving the application. If permission is denied, reasons must be clearly stated and communicated to the organisers in writing or electronically. If granted, the authority will convene security meetings with the organisers and relevant departments, assign roles and responsibilities, and prepare a detailed bandobast or security plan, which must be submitted to superior officers within two days of the meeting. On the day of the event, the authority and the organisers must ensure strict compliance with the approved bandobast scheme. In case of exigencies or unforeseen developments, the authority reserves the right to cancel permission or halt the ongoing event. BJP members also argued that during religious gatherings, miscreants might try to create disturbancesas has been witnessed in the pastraising questions about whether temple authorities would then be held accountable. BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar lashed out at the government, arguing that the bill was drafted only after the High Court pulled it up over the stampede tragedy and demanded standard operating procedures (SoPs). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At the Jagannath Temple in Puri, 10 to 15 lakh people gather. Even though it may seem disorganised, the crowd is managed in such a way that tragedies are prevented. The June 4 stampede happened because of a hunger for publicity. The provisions this bill speaks of already exist and can be enforced with common sense, even without passing a new law. To bring such legislation only after 11 people lost their lives is deeply unfortunate," he said. Having heard the opposition up in arms, the home minister decided to refer the bill to a house committee. About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More First Published: August 21, 2025, 22:13 IST News politics Mobbed By Oppn, Karnataka Govt Sends Crowd Control Bill To House Panel: What Are The Objections? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Money Belongs To Kannadigas': BJP On Karnataka's Rs 10-Crore Aid To Wayanad Landslide Victims Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 19:24 IST The Karnataka government is providing the Rs 10 crore grant to the Wayanad landslide victims through the State Disaster Management Fund Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah with his deputy DK Shivakumar during the monsoon session of the state assembly in Bengaluru. (Image: DIPR/PTI) The BJP and Congress have locked horns over the Karnataka governments Rs 10-crore grant for the rehabilitation of 100 families affected by the Wayanad landslide in 2024. Wayanad, where Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the MP, witnessed a series of devastating landslides caused by heavy rains in some villages at Meppadi. More than 300 were killed in one of the states deadliest disasters. Recommended Stories The BJP, however, accused the Congress government in Karnataka for squandering the states disaster fund saying the money belongs to Kannadigas and not the Gandhi familys fortunes. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra directly addressed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on social media and alleged that he has diverted" Kannadiga taxpayers money to Wayanad simply because it is Priyanka Gandhis constituency. He said this act is not borne from compassion, but servitude for the Gandhis. He accused Siddaramaiah of making the excuse of fund crunch when it came to providing relief for farmers reeling from crop loss or grant money for basic infrastructure. CM Siddaramaiah avare, was it not you who campaigned in Delhi shouting My Tax, My Right", insisting Karnatakas money must not leave the State? Yet today, you divert 10 Cr of Kannadigas tax money to Wayanad in Kerala, just because its Priyanka Gandhis constituency," Vijayendra said. CM @siddaramaiah avare, was it not you who campaigned in Delhi shouting My Tax, My Right", insisting Karnatakas money must not leave the State? Yet today, you divert 10 Cr of Kannadigas tax money to Wayanad in Kerala, just because its @priyankagandhi constituency.When our pic.twitter.com/7vAR2PXfap Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) August 21, 2025 He added: When our farmers reel under crop loss, when MLAs dont even get basic grants to lay foundation stones, when schools & colleges lack infrastructure you claim there is no money. But to please your high command, you generously gift crores outside Karnataka" Other BJP leaders also attacked the Congress, saying the ruling party was driving Karnataka towards bankruptcy. We were talking about the development in the Assembly yesterday. The ruling party MLAs and the opposition share the view that no development is taking place in the state. You cant see any capital expenditure For the past three years, there has been no development. In my constituency, there is a lot of work to be completed" said BJP MLA Dr Bharath Shetty Y. #WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: On the reports Karnataka govt providing Rs 10 crore for Wayanad flood rehabilitation, BJP MLA Dr. Bharath Shetty Y. says, "We were talking about the development in the Assembly yesterday. The ruling party MLAs and the opposition share the view that pic.twitter.com/MgiJXT6DrL ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025 He added: However, they are spending Rs. 10 crore in the Wayanad district, where Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the MP Additionally, they hold a cabinet meeting in the Nandi Hills, incurring an expenditure of Rs. 4 crore They are driving Karnataka towards bankruptcy." The state government is providing the grant to the landslide victims through the State Disaster Management Fund (SDRF) and has made the allocation in its supplementary estimates for the 2024-2025 fiscal. Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka assembly R Ashoka made a sarcastic remark against the Chief Minister for being concerned about Wayanad. Congratulations to the Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri @siddaramaiah, for allocating a special grant of 10 crore rupees to the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency represented by Priyanka Gandhi," Ashoka said in a post on X. He said if Karnataka also had a compassionate and large-hearted Chief Minister like Keralas Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah", all constituencies would have received abundant funding. CONGRESS HITS BACK The ruling Congress defended its move to provide humanitarian aid and said there is nothing wrong in doing charity. Reacting to the state governments decision, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said there was nothing wrong in doing charity which is being done on humanitarian grounds. Karnataka gives thousands and thousands of crores of rupees to the Centre but what do we get in return? Thats the bigger question. Not these small-small things. These were all done out of humanitarian considerations," Rao said. He said the people of Karnataka should always feel pride in themselves for being good to neighbours. He alleged that these were all diversionary issues of the BJP, which was trying to create a divide between Karnataka and Kerala. We are all there for each other. When we do something out of humanitarian considerations, then that should not be looked at in a suspicious or negative manner," he said. Rao further said the Karnataka government has done so many things in many other states, such as Gujarat and Odisha. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all So many times, so many crises happen, and we contribute and support. This is a very narrow way of looking at things. I dont think even people will appreciate it," 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 First Published: August 21, 2025, 19:24 IST News politics 'Money Belongs To Kannadigas': BJP On Karnataka's Rs 10-Crore Aid To Wayanad Landslide Victims Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Monsoon RaGa: What Message Did Rahul Gandhi Send By Skipping Key Events In This Parliament Session? Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 17:00 IST Basic data shows Rahul Gandhi attended the 30-day session for only about 15 days Rahul Gandhi's speech on Operation Sindoor was brief but impactful, hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for allegedly selling out to Pakistanis under US pressure. (File image: Sansad TV) Parliaments monsoon session is over, and Rahul Gandhi will resume his Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bihar. But how has his journey been inside Parliament? It ended this time with Rahul Gandhi skipping the customary tea with the Speaker at the end of the session. The Prime Minister attended, as did many senior ministers, but Rahul decided to skip it. His message is clearif the Speaker and government do not accommodate his demands, there is no point in joining the tea party. A source in the Speakers office asked Rahul Gandhi to check his conscience to see whether he had done the right thing by skipping it". Basic data shows Rahul Gandhi attended the 30-day session for only about 15 days. He missed key days like paying tribute to spacefarer Shubhanshu Shukla, earning the tag of not respecting someone who has brought fame to the nation. On most other days, he preferred to hold meetings and plan his yatra. He began his yatra right in the middle of the session on August 17, leaving many of his party colleagues to protest inside the house. Rahul Gandhi was also criticised for not participating in the August 15 Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. Instead, he was seen drenched in the rain at the new Congress headquarters, unfurling the national flag. His message was again clear: We wont take part in government events but will respect the flag and the nation." Recommended Stories Rahul Gandhis speech on Operation Sindoor was brief but impactful, hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for allegedly selling out to Pakistanis under US pressure. The Prime Minister countered it, but Congress feels that the leader of the opposition, along with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has turned the heat on the government. So why did Rahul Gandhi deliberately stay out? He felt that if the government could be stubborn about not allowing a discussion on the special intensive review (SIR) of electoral rolls, he could be equally stubborn by rejecting any participation. He believed that his point would be diluted if he, as the leader of the opposition, took part, as it would give legitimacy to the governments decision not to allow a discussion on SIR". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The occasions when he was seen in Parliament were to motivate his party and plan events and protests like the march to the Election Commission. However, he earned criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party for his absences. For instance, he did not participate in the Manipur bill discussion, leading the BJP to question why someone who constantly attacks the Prime Minister was himself not present. During the monsoon session, Rahul Gandhi once again accused the government of not allowing him to speak, prompting the BJP to counter with, Who stopped you? You come to the house first." For Rahul Gandhi, skipping Parliament is part of his no-confidence motion against the government. 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 21, 2025, 17:00 IST News politics Monsoon RaGa: What Message Did Rahul Gandhi Send By Skipping Key Events In This Parliament Session? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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, CMs Removal Bill Brought To Keep Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu In Check: Tejashwi Yadav Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 13:08 IST Tejashwi Yadav targeted Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu over the three Bills introduced in the Parliament by the Centre, proposing removal of CMs after 30 days of jail. Tejashwi Yadav targets Nitish Kumar over Centre's three Bills (PTI File Image) RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has taken a potshot at Nitish Kumar, stating that the Centres Bills on removal of CMs after 30 days of jail have been brought to ask the Bihar Chief Minister to stay in limits" and keep him in check". He also claimed that the new Bills in the Parliament were torture tactics" by the government to blackmail" the sitting Chief Ministers. Recommended Stories His remarks came in reference to the three Bills introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday for the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers under arrest for 30 straight days on serious charges. Tejashwi Yadav targeted Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu while slamming the Centres Bills, and said that they were brought in to keep them in check". They are bringing this for Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu. They have only one job to blackmail. If PMLA is slapped in ED cases, there can be no quick bail. These are torture tactics. Instead of building the country, they are distorting it," he said. He described the Bills as a part of a larger conspiracy" to put pressure on Nitish to accommodate BJP leaders in the upcoming Assembly elections. This bill has been brought because it is part of a larger conspiracy to pressure Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and ask him to stay in limits and accommodate BJP leaders in the tickets given to JDU leaders This bill has been brought to keep Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in check They can also file a new case (on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar)," he told ANI. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The three Bills are the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025; the Constitution (One Hundred And Thirtieth Amendment) Bill 2025; and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Bills proposed that if the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers or Union Ministers are arrested and detained in custody for 30 consecutive days for offences that have a jail term of at least five years, they will be removed from their positions on the 31st day. 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 21, 2025, 13:07 IST News politics PM, CMs Removal Bill Brought To Keep Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu In Check: Tejashwi Yadav Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'She Is A Friend': Kerala Youth Congress Chief Resigns After Rini George's Allegations Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 15:05 IST Rahul Mamkootathil resigned as Youth Congress Kerala president after harassment allegations by Rini Ann George. BJP protested, demanding the Palakkad MLAs resignation. The BJP has also staged a protest march to the office of Congresss Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, demanding his resignation. (Photos: X) Rahul Mamkootathil on Thursday resigned as the president of the Youth Congresss Kerala unit after harassment allegations by Malayalam actor Rini Ann George. Announcing his decision, Mamkootathil said he did not do anything wrong, but party workers do not need to justify him. He also called George his friend" and said he would take the legal course if there was any complaint against him. Recommended Stories Is there any legal complaint against me? The lady, who made the statement, has not named me. She is a friend of mine. Is there any complaint against me in any of the police stations in the state? The party workers dont have to defend me. That is why I am resigning from the post of state youth congress president. The party has not asked me to resign," he said. George has not named Mamkootathil, but the BJP alleged the actor was referring to the Palakkad MLA. George accused the politician of sending her offensive messages on multiple occasions and invited her to his hotel room. My fight is for women, not against any individual. When women come forward, society must acknowledge and understand the truth behind it This is not sponsored by any political party. I am not here to target any individual or organisation I have no personal interest in it. Resignation, if any, should be based on moral grounds Even now, I still consider him a good friend," George said. The BJP has also staged a protest march to the office of Congresss Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, demanding his resignation. After Georges allegations, Honey Bhaskaran, a writer, accused Mamkoottathil of sending her messages through social media. Bhaskaran got to know about Mamkootathil when he reacted to one of her photos on Instagram, leading to a conversation between them. Bhaskaran alleged that the MLA habitually misrepresents his interactions with women in lewd ways among his peers. I know many of his victims, and more will come forward with complaints. He tells every woman that she is the only one he loves, while saying the same to others," Bhaskaran told Malyalam newspaper Manorama. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Congress To Look Into Allegations Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan said that the Congress party will take action after looking into the allegations. The Party will look into the allegations. We will check the gravity of the allegations. If it is very serious, we will take necessary action. There is a procedure; he will get an opportunity to present his side. Then only will we make a decision. We will make a decision immediately; there wont be any delay. There are no complaints before the party. If someone is making any allegation, we will look into it. We will take it very seriously, we will take proper action, there will be no mercy," the Congress leader said. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Thiruvananthapuram, India, India First Published: August 21, 2025, 13:47 IST News politics 'She Is A Friend': Kerala Youth Congress Chief Resigns After Rini George's Allegations Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Vijay To Contest From Madurai East, Rules Out Alliance With BJP, DMK In Tamil Nadu Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 20:48 IST Vijay called upon his supporters to vote for the party in the upcoming polls, saying the contest is between the DMK and TVK Vijay, fondly called "Thalapathy Vijay", said the ruling DMK is his party's political enemy and the BJP is "policy enemy.". (PTI file Photo) Actor-politician Vijay on Friday ruled out the possibility of his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagams alliance with the BJP and DMK in the Tamil Nadu assembly polls. He also announced that he would contest the election from Madurai East. Addressing TVKs second conference in Madurai, Vijay, fondly called Thalapathy", said the ruling DMK is his partys political enemy and the BJP is policy enemy." Recommended Stories A lion is always a lion. There will be so many jackals and other animals in a jungle, but there will be only one lion, and even if it is single, it will be the king of the jungle. The Lion is here to hunt," he said. There are rumours that TVK is joining hands with the BJP. We are not doing an alliance with the BJP. Our party is not against any religion. Our party is the peoples party. Tamil Nadu people will reject the BJP," he added. Vijay called upon his supporters to vote for the party in the upcoming polls, saying the contest is between the DMK and TVK. Not all politicians are intelligent and not all cinema stars are fools," he said. We are ready to face elections. The reason I entered politics is because of my gratitude to you all. You have been by my side for the last 30 years and treated me as your family. At this moment, I want to open my heart and say I enjoy people. I worship people and I respect people. My only role going forward is to serve the people. I will be with you and for you. This is not just a mere statement," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The TVK chief also raised the issue of NEET and the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities. The maiden state conference of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam was held in Vikravandi in Villupuram district last year, serving as the launchpad for the aspiring chief ministers political career. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Madurai, India, India First Published: August 21, 2025, 17:21 IST News politics Vijay To Contest From Madurai East, Rules Out Alliance With BJP, DMK In Tamil Nadu 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... Vote Theft Row: UP District Magistrates Fact-Check Akhilesh Yadav Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 01:50 IST The DMs of Jaunpur, Kasganj, and Barabanki issued clarifications on social media platform X, rejecting the charges of wrongful voter deletions On August 17, Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the Election Commission had denied receiving affidavits filed by the SP, despite the party having attached 18,000 documents related to voter list manipulation. File pic/PTI The ongoing vote theft row" in Uttar Pradesh took a new turn this week after three district magistrates (DMs) publicly countered Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadavs allegations of large-scale anomalies in the 2022 assembly election voter list. The DMs of Jaunpur, Kasganj, and Barabanki issued clarifications on social media platform X, rejecting the charges of wrongful voter deletions. Their response came days after Akhilesh accused the Election Commission (EC) of concealing facts and shared digital receipts, which he claimed proved the SP had submitted 18,000 affidavits flagging voter list irregularities. Recommended Stories On August 17, Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the Election Commission had denied receiving affidavits filed by the SP, despite the party having attached 18,000 documents related to voter list manipulation. The former chief minister released screenshots of digital receipts, which he said were issued by the commission as proof. The Election Commission, which claims not to have received our affidavits, should look at the receipts issued by its own office. This time we demand the commission file an affidavit confirming these receipts are genuine, otherwise both the EC and Digital India will come under suspicion," Yadav posted on X. He also demanded that the poll panel itself furnish an affidavit in court to substantiate its stand, warning that the credibility of Indias electoral process was at stake. However, the matter escalated further when three DMs, directly quoting Yadavs social media post, offered clarifications on the complaints flagged in their districts. Kasganj DM Pranay Singh said a complaint about the deletion of eight voters in Amapur constituency was probed, and that seven of them were duplicate entries in the list and were removed as per rules. The eighth voters name, he explained, was deleted after his wife submitted Form-7 following his death. Thus, the complaint is unfounded," Singh wrote. Jaunpur DM Dinesh Chandra responded to another allegation regarding five voters, stating that all of them had died before 2022. This, he said, was verified by family members, locals, and the concerned corporator, and therefore their names were lawfully removed. The complaint is entirely baseless and misleading," he added. Barabanki DM Shashank Tripathi clarified that in Kursi constituency, names of two voters flagged as wrongly removed were in fact still present in the list, dismissing the complaint as without merit. Unimpressed by the explanations, Akhilesh renewed his attack on both the EC and the district administrations. The BJP government does not want to answer even one of the 18,000 affidavits we submitted. The Election Commission cannot escape by putting District Magistrates forward. DM sahab should show the death certificates they are citing. If there was no anomaly, why has it taken so many years to issue a clarification?" Yadav wrote. He argued that if the commission insists no affidavits were submitted, then the question arises as to why DMs are replying at all. These superficial answers will not work. There must be a thorough investigation," he said. The row has also put the spotlight on the three bureaucrats who moved quickly to respond to the SP chiefs charges. Kasganj DM Pranay Singh, a 2015-batch IAS officer born in 1989 and originally from Ghaziabad, has served in various administrative roles, including assistant magistrate in Deoria, joint magistrate in Sultanpur, chief development officer in Saharanpur, and municipal commissioner of Varanasi before his current posting. Jaunpur DM Dinesh Chandra, a 2012-batch IAS officer from Bijnor with a background in law, has earlier served as district magistrate of Kanpur Dehat, Bahraich, and Saharanpur, besides being municipal commissioner of Ghaziabad and special secretary in the culture department. He earned recognition for promoting Dhaincha farming in Jaunpur. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Barabanki DM Shashank Tripathi, a 2016-batch officer from Kanpur Dehat, studied at IIT-Kanpur before joining the civil services. Considered close to chief minister Yogi Adityanath, he has served as his special secretary in the CMs office and earlier held responsibilities in Sitapur and Raebareli. The exchange of posts has once again sharpened the debate on alleged voter list manipulation in Uttar Pradesh. While the DMs insist that deletions were lawful and carried out as per rules, Akhilesh Yadav maintains that the Election Commission is dodging accountability by hiding behind" district officials. First Published: August 22, 2025, 01:50 IST News politics Vote Theft Row: UP District Magistrates Fact-Check Akhilesh Yadav Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Airtel Removes Its Cheapest Recharge Plan For Prepaid Users In India: What Happens Now? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 11:47 IST Airtel is taking away its most-affordable prepaid plan for users in India who now have to spend more to get data and calling benefits. Airtel's cheapest prepaid plan now costs Rs 299 Airtel is making its data plans for prepaid users costlier from this week onwards in India. Yes, people using Airtel prepaid plans will have to shell out more as the most affordable plan from the operator has been removed from its roster. We are talking about the Airtel Rs 249 prepaid plan that has gradually become the cheapest plan from the company after multiple revisions in the last one year. This plan gives you data usage, voice call support and free SMS benefits per day along with a decent chunk of validity. But with the telecom industry looking to increase its business revenue, the customer is likely to pay a heavy price, in this case, the Airtel prepaid users. Recommended Stories Airtel Prepaid Plan Worth Rs 249 Discontinued: What Do You Get Now? So now that the Rs 249 Airtel prepaid plan has been removed since 00:00 August 20, 2025, what is the cheapest offering from the company in the country? You have to take the Rs 299 prepaid version which has all the same benefits plus gives you four additional days of validity. We were able to confirm about this change which is now available on the Airtel website. Heres a quick comparison between the outgoing and the current Airtel prepaid plan. Rs 249 Airtel prepaid plan 1GB data usage per day, Unlimited local and STD calls (with roaming), 100 SMS/day and free Perplexity Pro AI plan for 12 months. 24 days validity. Rs 299 Airtel prepaid plan 1GB data usage per day, unlimited local and STD calls (with roaming), 100 SMS/day and free Perplexity Pro AI plan for 12 months. 28 days validity. Time To Pay More top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Prepaid users have got a good deal from telcos in the country for a while but their time is coming to an end. Industry analysts have repeatedly pointed out the companies are now going to hike tariffs and this seems to be one way of doing it. Rather than bringing new plans for the subscribers, they are seeing the older, cheaper ones being discontinued. The Rs 50 increase in your monthly expenses for the prepaid plan is similar to the hike that postpaid users got a few months back. People have gotten used to cheap data rates for many years, but now those days seem to be slowly ending. 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 21, 2025, 11:47 IST News tech Airtel Removes Its Cheapest Recharge Plan For Prepaid Users In India: What Happens Now? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BSNL Brings eSIM Support For Its Subscribers In Select Areas: How To Get And How It Works Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 08:17 IST BSNL is finally offering the eSIM service for customers who can even sign up for a new number for their device. BSNL users can finally sign up for eSIM service. Know the details BSNL is adding new services to its network and the latest is eSIM support for its subscribers in select regions earlier this month. The eSIM support is available for a wide range of devices these days and the telecom operator is offering them the service through its own network. BSNL says eSIM will allow its subscribers to access instant activation on their device, IoT-ready connectivity and hassle-free experience on smartphones and wearables. Brands like Google and Apple offer eSIM support on their devices and BSNL is now an option for people who dont want to handle the effort of using a physical SIM card. Recommended Stories BSNL eSIM Service Launch: Where It Works And How To Get One? BSNL eSIM service is available in the Tamil Nadu region for now and other states will be getting the support very soon. The operator has not shared any clear timeline for eSIM launch in other cities. If you are looking to get the BSNL eSIM for your device, the operator has set up a clear process that everyone can follow to get one for themselves. Those wanting to switch to BSNL eSIM are being asked to visit the nearest BSNL service centres. They need to take an eSIM-compatible phone/watch with them and carry a valid ID card for digital KYC verification. The operator will then give you a QR that needs to be set up on the device to use the eSIM profile of the company. BSNL eSIM: Can Everyone Get It? BSNL says its existing customers as well as new subscribers can avail the eSIM facility for their devices. The company has not said if the transfer from a physical SIM to eSIM will be free of cost or chargeable for the user. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, it is good to see BSNL bring the eSIM support for its network after all these years, and joins the likes of Jio, Airtel and Vi that have simplified the process to get an eSIM but still there are challenges with how the system works. The biggest issue with using an eSIM in India is the challenge to move across devices, which should ideally be easy but the operators are yet to fully comply and make it seamless for everyone. The company is also building its 5G network in the country which should be launching soon for the mobile customers and giving people more options. 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 21, 2025, 08:17 IST News tech BSNL Brings eSIM Support For Its Subscribers In Select Areas: How To Get And How It Works Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 12 Paise Per Litre: This Was India's Very First Petrol Pump Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 11:52 IST Indias first petrol pump was established in 1928 in Mumbai by Burmah Shell, later renamed Bharat Petroleum, with fuel priced between 6 paise and 12 paise per litre The first petrol pump had just two hand-operated dispensers, and hand pumps were used to fill the vehicles. (AI Generated) In 1928, when Mumbais streets echoed with the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages and the occasional rumble of a motorcar was enough to turn heads, a modest station on Hughes Road quietly began dispensing what would become the lifeblood of modern India. With just two hand-operated pumps and a storage capacity that todays vehicles could drain in hours, this unassuming establishment marked the beginning of a revolution that would transform not just how Indians traveled, but how the entire subcontinent moved. Recommended Stories Indias First Petrol Pump The first petrol pump in India was established in 1928 in Mumbai (then Bombay) by Burmah Shell, later known as Bharat Petroleum. Located on Hughes Road (now Annie Besant Road, Worli), the station was called the Burma Shell Station. It had just two hand-operated dispensers and a storage capacity of roughly 200-300 gallons (900-1,200 litres), serving a small number of vehicles in the city. Fuel Supply and Logistics At that time, India had no oil refineries. Petrol was imported by ship, mainly from Burma (now Myanmar), Iran, and West Asia, and transported to the station in 40-gallon drums via trucks or bullock carts. Hand-pumps were used to fill vehicles, making the process entirely manual. Petrol Prices And Vehicle Numbers Petrol was priced between 1 anna (6 paise) and 2 anna (12 paise) per litre, which was considered costly given that the average daily income of a common man was less than Re 1. By the late 1920s, India had only about 15,000 to 20,000 cars, with 6,000-7,000 of them in Mumbai. The city also hosted the first motor taxi service, which began in 1911, making taxis one of the first major customers of the petrol station. Challenges Opening the first petrol pump was not without hurdles. Companies faced uncertainty due to the limited number of vehicles, irregular fuel supply, and the absence of refineries. Fuel drums often rusted and leaked in the rain. There were no safety standards for handling flammable petrol, and government regulations were minimal. Investors were initially sceptical about the profitability of this venture; however, it later turned out to be highly successful. Who Were the Customers? Early patrons included wealthy Parsi and Gujarati business families, British officers, and government officials. Maharajas visiting Mumbai also had their luxurious cars, like Rolls Royces, fuelled at the station. Taxi drivers, particularly from the Parsi community, became regular customers, earning a reputation for keeping their vehicles immaculate and offering courteous service. Memorable Anecdotes The petrol pump witnessed several interesting incidents. Children and passers-by would gather to watch cars being filled. In the 1930s, an English gentleman once inquired about the freshness of the petrol, to which an attendant humorously replied that it had just been unloaded the previous day. What can be fresher than this?" he said. Legacy of Mumbais First Pump The original Burma Shell Station no longer exists. It was later relocated near the Opera House, close to Charni Road East. However, it remains a landmark in the history of Indias automotive and petroleum industry, reflecting the evolution from hand-operated dispensers to modern automatic pumps. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all From serving a handful of vehicles with hand-pumps to the automated petrol stations lining every city street today, Indias petrol pumps have come a long way. The journey of the first pump offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of motorisation, fuel logistics, and urban lifestyle in India. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: August 21, 2025, 11:52 IST News viral 12 Paise Per Litre: This Was India's Very First Petrol Pump Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Chasing The Sun And How: An App Is Helping People In This City To Find The Perfect Cafe Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 18:28 IST An app is helping Parisians find sunny cafe terraces using OpenStreetMap data, surging to 20000 users. The app helps Paris residents find sunny cafe terraces. (Image Credit: X) A French app designed to track sunlight across the streets of Paris has surged in popularity this year, giving residents a digital tool to secure a coveted sunny spot at their favorite cafe terrace. The app, called Jveuxdusoleil (I want sun"), uses sun-positioning algorithms and building-height data from the open-source platform OpenStreetMap to highlight which terraces are bathed in light and which are in shade. Users can suggest new spots or flag inaccuracies, making it a constantly updated, community-driven service. Its creator, Jean-Charles Levenne, launched the project in 2020 to teach himself app development and solve what he described as a personal frustration- finding sun in a city of narrow streets and tall buildings. Recommended Stories Popularity Spike After Dark Winter While the app works globally, its use has been concentrated in Paris, where terrace culture is central to social life. Jean-Charles Levenne said the apps appeal has grown sharply this year, with nearly 20,000 users logging on in a single week in March after France endured its darkest winter in three decades. He said, Its not always easy to find a sunny spot in this city," adding that he makes no profit from the project and pays to maintain its servers. Paris Love For Terraces And Sunlight Terraces are often described as the citys second living room"- places where Parisians can sit for hours with a single espresso. But their numbers have declined sharply, from several thousand in the 1970s80s to just over 1,000 today. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Experts warn that French bistrot culture is under threat from rising rents, globalization and changing social habits. Pierrick Bourgault, a journalist and author on bistrot culture, said it was ironic but fitting" that technology like Jveuxdusoleil could help preserve the ritual. With its geographical visualization, the app situates you in the concrete world- it reminds us that theres a sun that moves, the earth that turns," Pierrick Bourgault said. 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 : Paris, France First Published: August 21, 2025, 18:28 IST News viral Chasing The Sun And How: An App Is Helping People In This City To Find The Perfect Cafe Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Firni, Murukku & Saree: This Japanese Couple Turned Their Love For India Into A Restaurant Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 17:28 IST Run by a Japanese couple, Nakayama-san and his wife Sachiko-san, the restaurant is designed to bring alive the spirit of India From Bengali and South Indian thalis to sweets like firni and snacks such as murukku, the menu showcases a wide range of regional cuisines. (Source: Instagram/@sonammidhax) Indian culture, counted among the oldest and richest in the world, has long transcended borders through its food, art, traditions and attire. Its influence is visible far beyond the subcontinent, and a striking example can now be found in Japan. A restaurant named Indian Spice Factory in Fukuoka city has become the latest hotspot on social media, drawing attention for its authentic Indian flavours and atmosphere. Run by a Japanese couple, Nakayama-san and his wife Sachiko-san, the restaurant is designed to bring alive the spirit of India. Diners here are greeted with an ambience that recalls the feel of a traditional eatery back home. From Bengali and South Indian thalis to sweets like firni and snacks such as murukku, the menu showcases a wide range of regional cuisines. Meals are served on banana leaves and in earthenware pots, adding to the authenticity. Recommended Stories What truly sets the place apart is Sachiko-sans attire. She serves guests dressed in a sari, reflecting Indian tradition, and in turn offering visitors an immersive cultural experience. We are happy that we are able to tell Japanese people about Kolkata and Bengali food, which I myself got to know while living in India," said Nakayama, who previously worked in restaurants in Kolkata and Delhi. His years in India familiarised him not just with the cuisine but also with the customs and dress, elements that he and his wife now bring to their restaurant. A video about Indian Spice Factory recently posted on Instagram by travel blogger Sonam Midha amplified its popularity. Midha described her experience as deeply moving, The love they had for India and Indian culture was unmatched. The whole experience was so touching and my heart was filled with love. It was truly an honour to meet sachiko san and Nakayama san!" Watch the viral video: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The post has been flooded with reactions. One user wrote, It is heartwarming to see people from different countries adopt each others culture so well." Another commented, I wish I had known about this place during my visit to Japan. Bengali food reaching people across borders is amazing." A third visitor recalled, I came here in May last year and was really surprised by the real taste of their Bengali food." From attire and decor to the smallest detail on the plate, Indian Spice Factory has emerged as more than just a restaurant; it is a living showcase of Indias cultural imprint on the world. 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 : Japan First Published: August 21, 2025, 17:28 IST News viral Firni, Murukku & Saree: This Japanese Couple Turned Their Love For India Into A Restaurant Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Florida Man Crashes Drug Drone Into Wrong Home, Knocks Door To Claim It Back, Gets Jailed Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 22:44 IST Deputies say the man showed up at the wrong house after crashing his drug-laden drone, and even rang the doorbell asking for it back. Jason Brooks, 49, was arrested after his drone carrying meth and fentanyl smashed into a home before he tried to retrieve it from the owners. (IMAGE: X) A Florida man has been arrested after a drone carrying packets of methamphetamine and fentanyl crashed into a residential property, startling homeowners in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office said, according to reports by US broadcasters NewsNation and NBC7News. The incident took place around 1.30am when residents heard a loud bang in their backyard. On stepping out to investigate, they discovered a drone with several drug-filled bags attached and quickly alerted authorities. Deputies responding to the call found the drone along with multiple packets containing narcotics. Recommended Stories The drones owner, identified as 49-year-old Jason Brooks, was located nearby in the propertys driveway. Deputies said he was holding what appeared to be the drones remote control when they approached him. Body camera footage released by the sheriffs office shows Brooks being questioned while deputies examined the bags, one of which carried the words share this." A drone carrying bags of meth and fentanyl crashed in the backyard of a Florida home. Deputies arrested the suspect when he tried to retrieve the downed drone. pic.twitter.com/jWAv7OsXg7 USA TODAY (@USATODAY) August 21, 2025 Brooks was taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver. Officials added that he faces further charges for operating an unregistered vehicle without a proper tag. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to footage released by authorities, Brooks had knocked on the homeowners front door shortly after the crash, telling them he was searching for a lost drone." When confronted, he admitted the device had landed in their backyard. Deputies reminded him that he could not simply enter private property to retrieve it. I know. Thats why I knocked," Brooks responded. The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office said the drone and the seized narcotics have been collected as evidence. Brooks remains in custody as the investigation continues. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 21, 2025, 22:44 IST News viral Florida Man Crashes Drug Drone Into Wrong Home, Knocks Door To Claim It Back, Gets Jailed Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Caprio Passes Away At 88: A Look At Most Viral Moments Of World's 'Nicest' Judge Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 21:09 IST Judge Frank Caprio, famed for Caught in Providence, has died at 88. Check his viral moments Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88. Judge Frank Caprio, the Rhode Island jurist whose courtroom compassion made him a global viral star, has died at 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Best known from his show Caught in Providence, Judge Frank Caprios unique blend of humor, fairness and empathy turned everyday cases into unforgettable viral clips that millions watched around the world. His family confirmed his death in a statement, describing him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Hours before his passing, Judge Frank Caprio shared a final Instagram video, thanking his followers for their prayers and saying their love had given him strength. Recommended Stories Following his passing, fans have been revisiting his most iconic courtroom moments- the ones that defined his legacy and made him one of the most beloved judges in the world. Judge Frank Caprios Most Viral Courtroom Moments 1. Five Days In Jail A single mother brought her young child to court for a speeding ticket. When asked what the punishment should be, the child innocently suggested five days in jail," prompting laughter before Judge Frank Caprio dismissed the case. 2. Im Not Going To Waste Your Time An elderly defendant admitted her guilt immediately. Judge Frank Caprio responded with humor, cut her fine and reminded viewers that honesty and humility deserved compassion. 3. The Power Of A Smile When a nervous college student appeared before him, her genuine smile won Judge Frank Caprio over. He dismissed the case completely, showing how kindness could carry more weight than punishment. 4. A Six-Year-Old Decides Moms Fate Judge Frank Caprio invited a young girl to help decide her mothers parking fine. She chose a reduced penalty and Judge Frank Caprio suggested the saved money should go toward breakfast for the children. 5. Compassion For A 96-Year-Old Father top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In one of his most emotional moments, Judge Frank Caprio dismissed a ticket for a man who explained he was rushing his disabled son to medical care. What you are doing for your son is a beautiful thing," Judge Frank Caprio told him, blessing his dedication. These clips, viewed millions of times on social media, turned Judge Frank Caprio into an unlikely global icon. Fans are now sharing these moments again as tributes, calling him a symbol of compassion in justice. 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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 21, 2025, 16:30 IST News viral Frank Caprio Passes Away At 88: A Look At Most Viral Moments Of World's 'Nicest' Judge Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Leave Me Alone, I Am Not Helpless': Missing US Woman Resurfaces With Tribe In Scotland Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 21:17 IST Kaura Taylor, missing from Texas, was found with the Kingdom of Kubala in Jedburgh, Scotland. The woman, identified as Kaura Taylor, has taken the name Asnat within the group. (Image Credit: X) A woman from Texas who was previously reported missing has been found living with an off-grid community in the forests of Jedburgh, Scotland, according to UK-based media outlet SWNS. The woman, identified as Kaura Taylor, has taken the name Asnat within the group, which calls itself the Kingdom of Kubala." The community is led by Kofi Offeh, who goes by King Atehene and his wife Jean Gasho, known as Queen Nandi. They claim to be reclaiming ancestral land allegedly taken from their forebears more than 400 years ago. In a video message addressed to UK authorities, Kaura Taylor insisted she was living with the group by choice, saying, To the UK authorities, obviously I am not missing. Leave me alone. I am an adult, not a helpless child." Recommended Stories The Kingdom of Kubala, which says it descends from the biblical King David, lives off-grid in tents, relying on natural resources and what they describe as divine law rather than local regulations. Members say they bathe in springwater, live without walls and rely on God-whom they call Yahowah- for food and protection. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all King Atehene told SWNS, We live a very simple life of returning to innocence. We connect to nature, to the trees around us. We are living a simple life of relying daily on the creator for food, shelter and clothing. We live in a tent without walls, but we are not afraid of anyone, for we have the protection of the creator, Yahowah." The group has faced eviction notices from local authorities and claims to have been the target of harassment, including an incident in which one of their tents was set on fire. 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 Kingdom (UK) First Published: August 21, 2025, 21:17 IST News viral 'Leave Me Alone, I Am Not Helpless': Missing US Woman Resurfaces With Tribe In Scotland Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... New York Realtor, 75, Bites 7-Year-Old Girl In Brawl Over Free T-Shirt At Concert Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 21:36 IST Gail Bomze, Manhattan real estate agent, accused of assaulting children at Hamptons concert over a free t-shirt. Gail Bomze's lawyer has denied the allegations. A 75-year-old real estate agent from Manhattan has been accused of biting a young girl during a dispute over a free t-shirt at a concert in the Hamptons. Police arrested Gail Bomze after she allegedly assaulted several children at the Tuesdays on Main Beach" event last week. US outlet Page Six reported that Gail Bomze was said to have punched and kicked attendees before grabbing a seven-year-old girl and biting her arm, causing bleeding and swelling. Witnesses told police she had been kicking and punching kids" while attempting to seize one of the free t-shirts handed out at the concert. Recommended Stories The girls parents contacted police, who later arrested Gail Bomze on charges of third-degree assault and endangering a child. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. Gail Bomzes lawyer denied the allegations, describing her as a 75-year-old grandmother" who had been injured herself in the scramble. The lawyer said, Ms Bomze firmly denies these allegations. She was knocked to the ground in the chaos by a group of teenagers during the t-shirt toss, leaving her sore and injured, and she reported her concerns in writing to the event organisers the very next day." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The statement further elaborated, The organisers promptly called her, apologised, and assured her that changes would be made to improve safety. She has also met with the police to raise her own concerns and asked that the incident be investigated. This unfortunate episode could have been avoided with better event management and appropriate crowd control measures in place." Gail Bomze has worked in luxury property for decades, including selling a $4m apartment for US talk show host Geraldo Rivera in 2016 and being involved in the sale of a Park Avenue townhouse for $21.8m in 2015. 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 : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: August 21, 2025, 21:36 IST News viral New York Realtor, 75, Bites 7-Year-Old Girl In Brawl Over Free T-Shirt At Concert Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Second Lady Usha Vance Reveals Her Favourite Colour And Netizens Love Her Answer | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 23:42 IST Second Lady Usha Vance shared her love for red with schoolchildren. Usha Vance takes the stage with her sons during the inauguration parade for President Donald Trump at Capital One Arena in Washington DC. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Second Lady Usha Vance drew smiles during a school visit this week when a student asked her a simple but thoughtful question: What is your favourite colour?" In a video clip shared by Fox News, Vance paused, smiled, and said, That is an excellent question." She then pointed to her outfit and explained why red is one of her favourites. Recommended Stories You might notice I am wearing a red dress today," Vance told the students. That is because it is one of my favourite colours and also my three-year-olds favourite colour. She actually made me change this morning into this outfit so that we could match." 'EXCELLENT QUESTION!': Second lady Usha Vance tells a group of students why red is one of her favorite colors and how she's not the only one in her family who loves red. pic.twitter.com/O9qqJ03YIb Fox News (@FoxNews) August 21, 2025 Vance added that the choice seemed even more fitting when she noticed that the schoolchildren were also wearing red. Its a good choice," she said, because all of you are wearing red too, and now we are all in school colours." The event, part of Vances outreach as second lady, offered a glimpse of her personal side. Alongside her husband, US Vice President JD Vance, she has been making public appearances since the new administration took office. Usha Vance (nee Chilukuri) grew up in the working-class suburbs of San Diego, California, the daughter of Indian immigrants from Andhra Pradesh. Her father worked as a mechanical engineer while her mother built a career as a molecular biologist. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She went on to earn a degree in history from Yale University before studying at Cambridge as a Gates Scholar, completing an MPhil in early modern history. In 2010, while pursuing her law degree at Yale, she met J.D. Vance during a student discussion group on social decline in white America." That exchange would later shape parts of her husbands bestselling 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, a book on his childhood in the white working-class communities of the Rust Belt, which was adapted into a 2020 film directed by Ron Howard. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 21, 2025, 23:42 IST News viral US Second Lady Usha Vance Reveals Her Favourite Colour And Netizens Love Her Answer | 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... 5 Dead, 36 Hurt In Colombia Bomb Attack Near Air Base, Probe Underway | Watch Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 04:28 IST Cali Mayor Eder has announced a ban on large trucks entering the city, citing the risk of additional attacks. Colombia has seen a rise in violence in recent months (Image: AFP) A vehicle bomb explosion in the Colombian city of Cali killed at least five people and injured dozens more on Thursday, according to reports from AFP. The incident occurred near a military facility and has raised concerns about escalating violence in the lead-up to the 2026 presidential elections. Calis Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed the toll, stating that preliminary reports indicated at least five fatalities and 36 people injured. The explosion occurred on a busy street in the northern part of the city, close to the Marco Fidel Suarez Military Aviation School. Recommended Stories Authorities believe the blast targeted the air base directly. Police officials stated that the vehicle bomb was likely meant to hit military personnel stationed at the base. While the motive remains unclear, some officials have suggested the attack may be an attempt to destabilize ongoing peace efforts in the region. Eyewitnesses described the moment of the explosion. Hector Fabio Bolanos, 65, told AFP, There was a thunderous sound of something exploding near the air base. Many houses were damaged in front of the base." Following the blast, several buildings, including a school, were evacuated as a precaution. UPDATE: Bomb Attack at Air Base in Cali, ColombiaTwo vehicles detonated near the Marco Fidel Suarez Air Base in Cali, Colombia, resulting in five deaths and 36 injuries. Preliminary reports suggest a possible criminal-related car bomb attack. Local authorities and pic.twitter.com/rk0s8cZM2v The Informant (@theinformant_x) August 21, 2025 Another witness indicated that some of those killed may have been civilians passing by at the time of the explosion. In response to the attack, Mayor Eder has announced a ban on large trucks entering the city, citing the risk of additional threats. He also offered a reward of US$10,000 for information leading to those responsible. While the investigation is ongoing, no group has claimed responsibility. However, Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro condemned the bombing, calling it a terrorist attack." She added, Terrorism will not defeat us." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Colombian Air Force released an official statement, saying, At this time, efforts are underway to verify the damage to facilities and personnel, as well as the investigation to determine the causes and perpetrators of this terrorist act, which threatens civilians and the lives of the men and women who serve Colombians from the Air Force." Colombia has seen a rise in violence in recent months. In June, leftist guerrillas claimed responsibility for attacks around Cali that left seven people dead. On Thursday, a separate incident in Antioquia department resulted in eight deaths during clashes between guerrilla fighters and police officers. Authorities have not yet confirmed who was behind that attack. Location : Colombia First Published: August 22, 2025, 04:28 IST News world 5 Dead, 36 Hurt In Colombia Bomb Attack Near Air Base, Probe Underway | 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... China-Pakistan Ties Strong, Not Aimed At Any Third Party: Wang Yi In Islamabad Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 16:01 IST Wang Yi stresses strong China-Pakistan partnership and cooperation at the Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Image: Reuters) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday reaffirmed the durability of Beijings partnership with Islamabad, declaring that the relationship had withstood the test of time" and was not directed against any third country. Speaking in the Pakistani capital, Wang Yi said, China and Pakistans partnership is not targeted at any third party. I have visited three countries, and Pakistan is the final stop. All countries in South Asia share history. China and South Asian countries are close neighbours, and we should accelerate development together." Recommended Stories Wang Yi arrived in Islamabad on August 21 for a two-day visit at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. He is co-chairing the sixth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue and meeting Pakistans civil and military leadership to discuss bilateral relations as well as key regional and international issues. According to Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit is part of regular high-level exchanges aimed at deepening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership." Talks will focus on strengthening economic and trade cooperation, reaffirming support on core interests, and consolidating a joint commitment to regional peace, development and stability. Wang Yis India Visit The stop in Pakistan follows Wang Yis three-day trip to India, where he held talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval at a delicate moment in bilateral ties. New Delhi and Beijing sought to manage lingering border tensions and revive exchanges amid shifting geopolitical currents, including renewed US trade tariffs under President Donald Trump. In New Delhi, Wang Yi urged India and China to view each other as partners" rather than adversaries or threats." He also met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, marking only the second high-level meeting between the two sides since deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh in 2020. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Describing relations as moving on a positive trend" towards cooperation, Wang Yi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also joined delegation-level talks with NSA Ajit Doval. We are happy to share that stability has now been restored at the borders," Wang Yi said, adding, The setbacks we faced in the last few years were not in our interest." Location : Pakistan First Published: August 21, 2025, 15:54 IST News world China-Pakistan Ties Strong, Not Aimed At Any Third Party: Wang Yi In Islamabad Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... FBI Arrests Texas Woman Cindy Rodriguez Singh From India On Charges Of Killing 6-Year-Old Son Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 09:56 IST A coordinated operation between the US law enforcement and Indian authorities led to the arrest of FBI's one of the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive list, Cindy Rodriguez Singh. FBI, in coordination with Indian authorities, arrests Cindy Rodriguez Singh. (Image: ANI) Cindy Rodriguez Singh, a woman from Texas wanted on state charges of killing her six-year-old son, has been arrested from India by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), director Kash Patel said on Thursday. The arrest took place after a coordinated operation between the US law enforcement and Indian authorities. Singh was one among the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives in the Federal Bureau of Investigations list. Recommended Stories FBI, in coordination with Indian authorities and INTERPOL, arrested Cindy Rodriguez Singh in India. She has been transported to the United States. The FBI will hand her over to the Texas authorities, Fox News reported. Singh faces charges in Texas for allegedly murdering her son, Noel Alvarez, authorities said. Singh was wanted on state charges of killing her six-year-old son. She will face charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and Capital Murder of a person under 10 years of age, FBI director Kash Patel said in a post on X. FBI has arrested another Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive: Cindy Rodriguez Singh. Singh is wanted on state charges of killing her six-year-old son. She will face charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and Capital Murder of a person under 10 years of age," FBI Director Patel said. BREAKING: @FBI has arrested another Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive: Cindy Rodriguez Singh.Singh is wanted on state charges of killing her six-year-old son. She will face charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and Capital Murder of a person under 10 years of age. In March pic.twitter.com/0GWaNxRaMA FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) August 20, 2025 According to Patel, Singh lied to authorities about her sons whereabouts in March 2023 and fled to India. In March of 2023, authorities in Everman, Texas conducted a welfare search for Singhs child after he had not been seen since October 2022. Singh allegedly lied to authorities about his whereabouts, and then two days later, boarded a flight to India and we believe has not been back to the United States since," Patel added. Patel said that Singh was charged in October 2023 in the District Court of Tarrant County, Fort Worth, Texas, and in November, authorities issued a federal arrest warrant for the charge of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kash Patel lauded the efforts of the FBI and Indian law enforcement authorities that led to the arrest. (With inputs from agency) 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 21, 2025, 07:54 IST News world FBI Arrests Texas Woman Cindy Rodriguez Singh From India On Charges Of Killing 6-Year-Old Son Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Classified Israeli Military Data Shows Civilian Death Rate Of 83% In Gaza War: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 20:20 IST A report revealed 83 percent of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza are civilians, with only 17 percent identified as combatants. Israeli soldiers walk out from a tunnel underneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis at the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Figures from a classified Israeli military intelligence database indicate that five out of six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza are civilians, as per a joint investigation by the Guardian, Israeli-Palestinian outlet +972 Magazine and the Hebrew-language site Local Call. As of May- 19 months into the war- Israeli intelligence officials had listed 8,900 named fighters from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) as dead or probably dead." At the same time, Gazas health authorities reported about 53,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli attacks (52,928 as of 14 May 2025). On those figures, combatants accounted for 17% of the dead, implying 83% civilians, as per the investigation. Recommended Stories Therese Pettersson of the Uppsala Conflict Data Program noted that similarly extreme civilian shares have been recorded only in exceptional episodes such as Srebrenica, the Rwandan genocide and the 2022 siege of Mariupol, adding, That proportion of civilians among those killed would be unusually high, particularly as it has been going on for such a long time." The Israel Defense Forces did not dispute the existence of the database or its tally of Hamas/PIJ deaths, as per the report as a spokesperson said the figures presented in the article are incorrect" and do not reflect the data available in the IDFs systems." What Israeli Military Database Shows On Gaza War The database names 47,653 Palestinians considered active in the military wings of Hamas and PIJ. Israeli politicians and commanders have at times claimed up to 20,000 militants killed or touted a 1:1 civilian-to-combatant ratio. Retired general Itzhak Brik, who advised Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the outset of the war and is now a prominent critic, said serving troops know official militant tolls are inflated. He said, There is absolutely no connection between the numbers that are announced and what is actually happening. It is just one big bluff." Despite the devastation, the classified database still lists nearly 40,000 people the army considers militants alive. Independent Tallies And On-The-Ground Reports Palestinian analyst Muhammad Shehada said internal estimates from Hamas and PIJ members pointed to about 6,500 killed across the groups military and political wings by December 2024, far below Israeli public claims. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Mary Kaldor, emeritus professor at the London School of Economics and director of the Conflict Research Programme, said the campaign in Gaza resembles a series of targeted assassinations in densely populated areas carried out with no concern for civilians," rather than conventional battles envisaged by international humanitarian law. Researchers warned the civilian share may have grown further since May as Israeli forces reportedly killed hundreds of people seeking food at distribution points. Location : Israel First Published: August 21, 2025, 20:20 IST News world Classified Israeli Military Data Shows Civilian Death Rate Of 83% In Gaza War: 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... Ex-Advisor To NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Bribery Allegation Over Cash Handover Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 00:07 IST The encounter took place on the evening of August 20 at a Whole Foods Market in Harlem. This controversy comes at a sensitive time for Mayor Adams | File Image/AP New York City Mayor Eric Adams is actively working on his re-election campaign, but a recent controversy involving a former adviser has presented an unexpected setback. Winnie Greco, once a close aide to the mayor, has been suspended from the campaign after allegedly attempting to hand over an envelope filled with cash to a local reporter, as per NewsNation. The encounter took place on the evening of August 20 at a Whole Foods Market in Harlem. According to reports, Greco handed a crumpled bag of potato chips, containing at least $100 in cash, to a journalist from the local news outlet THE CITY. The reporter immediately declined the bag, suspecting something inappropriate, and later reached out to Greco directly to refuse the money. Recommended Stories I met her across the street, and as soon as I walked into the Whole Foods, she handed me the bag of potato chips. I said at least three times, No, its okay, I dont want them," the journalist recounted in an interview with PIX11 News. Following the incident, THE CITY reported the matter to the New York City Department of Investigation. Subsequently, the outlets legal representatives were contacted by federal prosecutors based in Brooklyn, indicating that the matter is being taken seriously at both the city and federal levels. A spokesperson for Mayor Adams re-election campaign issued a swift response, distancing the mayor from the situation. We are shocked by these reports," the statement said. Winnie Greco holds no position in this campaign and has been suspended from all volunteer campaign-related activities." Greco, through her attorneys, has described the event as a misunderstanding rooted in cultural differences. She expressed regret for the incident and apologised for confusion this may have caused." According to The Guardian, Greco had previously served as a longtime aide to Adams but resigned amid an FBI investigation. At the time of the latest incident, she was serving only in a volunteer capacity for the mayors re-election campaign. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This controversy comes at a sensitive time for Mayor Adams. Notably, another of his former advisor, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was recently charged by the Manhattan District Attorneys Office with bribery, conspiracy, and money laundering. Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: August 22, 2025, 00:07 IST News world Ex-Advisor To NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Bribery Allegation Over Cash Handover Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Going Out Tonight: Trump To Patrol Streets Of Washington With Police, National Guard Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 23:19 IST Last week, Donald Trump took federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department and deployed hundreds of National Guard troops across the city to further the crackdown on crime. US President Donald Trump | Reuters Image US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he will join the police and National Guard troops he has deployed to the US capital to patrol the streets of Washington amid a federal crackdown on crime. In an interview with Todd Starnes, a host for right-wing media outlet Newsmax, the US President said, Im going to be going out tonight with the police and with the military, of course Were going to be doing a job." Recommended Stories The National Guard is great. Theyve done a fantastic job," he added. Trumps remarks came a day after Vice President JD Vance, was greeted by boos and shouts of Free DC" referring to the District of Columbia, the federal district which includes Washington on his own meet-and-greet with troops deployed in the city. Earlier this month, the Trump administration began surging federal law enforcement across parts of the capital city to crack down on what the White House said was an unacceptable level of crime, despite statistics showing violent crime has declined in the city. Last week, Trump took federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department and deployed hundreds of National Guard troops across the city to further the crackdown on crime. The National Guard has mobilised 800 troops for the mission, while Republican states Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia are sending a total of around 1,200 more, news agency AFP reported. The deployment of troops in Washington comes after Trump dispatched the National Guard and Marines to quell unrest in Los Angeles, California, that was sparked by immigration enforcement raids. White House officials have said that there had been more than 600 total arrests made since federal officers were deployed around the city on August 7. Of those, 251 were arrests of immigrants in the country illegally, the White House said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The overwhelmingly Democratic US capital faces allegations from Republican politicians that it is overrun by crime, plagued by homelessness and financially mismanaged. But data from Washington police showed significant drops in violent crime between 2023 and 2024, though that was coming off the back of a post-pandemic surge. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 21, 2025, 23:19 IST News world Going Out Tonight: Trump To Patrol Streets Of Washington With Police, National Guard Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Dialogue With Pakistan, China Shares Worries About Terror Threat In Balochistan, KP | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 17:26 IST During the strategic dialogue, China's core demand centred on the speedy completion of pending projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) In addition to security and CPEC, the two sides also discussed broader aspects of their all-weather strategic partnership. File pic/X At the 6th round of the Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue held in Islamabad, both countries engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on their bilateral relationship, with a significant portion of the talks focused on rising security concerns. Top sources indicated to CNN-News18 that China expressed deep worries about a new wave of terrorism and threats, particularly in Pakistans western provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During the dialogue, Chinas core demand centred on the speedy completion of pending projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chinese officials urged their Pakistani counterparts to guarantee the security of Chinese citizens, staff, and CPEC assets. This concern has intensified in the wake of repeated attacks on Chinese nationals and projects, which have slowed progress on key infrastructure initiatives. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories In response, Pakistan provided full assurance of its commitment to ensuring the complete security of all Chinese personnel and assets within its borders. The Pakistani side reiterated its resolve to combat terrorism and protect the strategic partnership from any threats. The dialogue also provided an opportunity to discuss the future roadmap for the next phase of the CPEC, known as Phase 2.0. This new phase is expected to expand cooperation into new sectors, including trade, agriculture, and mining, moving beyond the initial focus on infrastructure. In addition to security and CPEC, the two sides also discussed broader aspects of their all-weather strategic partnership. Discussions covered strengthening trade and economic relations, enhancing multilateral cooperation, and fostering people-to-people ties. The dialogue underscored the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations and their shared vision for regional peace, stability, and prosperity. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: August 21, 2025, 17:25 IST News world In Dialogue With Pakistan, China Shares Worries About Terror Threat In Balochistan, KP | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India's Rise Doesn't Threaten Free World, Unlike China: Nikki Haley To Trump Amid 50% Tariffs Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 07:33 IST Nikki Haley urged Donald Trump to treat India as "prized free and democratic partner" and not like an adversary like China. Nikki Haley criticises Trump's tariffs on India (Reuters Image) Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has taken a critical view of Donald Trumps stance on India, stating that New Delhi must be treated like a prized free and democratic partner" and not like an adversary" like Beijing. She referred to the years of efforts put in to draw India closer to the United States and said that scuttling" this momentum would be a strategic disaster". Recommended Stories In an opinion piece published in Newsweek, Haley also criticised Trump for not imposing additional tariffs on China for its imports of Russian oil and putting sanctions on India instead for doing the same, arguing that New Delhis rise does not threaten the free world, unlike Communist-controlled China". India must be treated like the prized free and democratic partner that it is not an adversary like China, which has thus far avoided sanctions for its Russian oil purchases, despite being one of Moscows largest customers. If that disparity does not demand a closer look at U.S.-India relations, the realities of hard power should. Scuttling 25 years of momentum with the only country that can serve as a counterweight to Chinese dominance in Asia would be a strategic disaster," Nikki Haley said in her opinion piece on Newsweek, ANI reported. Unlike Communist-controlled China, the rise of a democratic India does not threaten the free world. Partnership between the U.S. and India to counter China should be a no-brainer," she added. Haley highlighted that India has the potential to manufacture at a scale similar to China for items that can help the US shift its critical supply chains away from Beijing. In the short term, India is essential in helping the United States move its critical supply chains away from China. While the Trump administration works to bring manufacturing back to our shores, India stands alone in its potential to manufacture at a China-like scale for products that cant be quickly or efficiently produced here, like textiles, inexpensive phones, and solar panels," Haley said. Indias growing clout and security involvement in the Middle East could prove essential in helping to stabilise the region as America seeks to send fewer troops and dollars there. And Indias location at the centre of Chinas vital trade and energy flows could complicate Beijings options in the case of a major conflict Simply put, Chinas ambitions will have to shrink as Indias power grows," she added. She also advised India to take Trumps view on Russian oil imports seriously and work with the White House to find a solution. At the same time, she urged Trump to reverse the downward spiral" and hold direct talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The sooner the better," she said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The administration should focus on mending the rift with India and giving the relationship more high-level attention and resourcesapproaching what the U.S. devotes to China or Israel," Haley added. India-US relations have witnessed a downward shift after Trump announced 50% tariffs on India for its decision to continue buying Russian oil, while giving a long rope to China, which is the largest importer of Russian energy. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: August 21, 2025, 07:23 IST News world India's Rise Doesn't Threaten Free World, Unlike China: Nikki Haley To Trump Amid 50% Tariffs Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Netanyahu Orders Immediate Talks To Free All Hostages, End Gaza War On Israels Terms Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 23:37 IST Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the statement in video shot from Gaza Division. Netanyahu says Israel will push to defeat Hamas in Gaza while opening talks on a deal to free hostages and end the war. (IMAGE: AFP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video message said that he has instructed to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all the Israeli hostages and bring an end to the war, on terms acceptable to Israel". He said he was in Gaza Division to approve the military plans to take over Gaza City to defeat Hamas", according to a report by Haaretz. Recommended Stories I have instructed to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and an end to the war, on terms acceptable to Israel. These two things, defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages, go hand in hand," he said. The Israeli PM said he appreciated the presence of the reserve soldiers and the regular army for this vital goal". Netanyahu, however, left ambiguity over Israels response to the outline put forward by mediators for a limited hostage deal, which Hamas accepted earlier this week. While he has repeatedly said he seeks a deal that secures the release of all hostages, he has so far stopped short of explicitly rejecting a limited agreement, the Haaretz report outlined. Israel and Hamas have held indirect negotiations throughout the nearly two-year conflict, resulting in two short ceasefires during which Israeli hostages were freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Of the 251 hostages seized during Hamass October 2023 attack on southern Israel that triggered the war, 49 are still in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel hammered Gaza City and its outskirts overnight, residents said Thursday, as the military announced it had taken the initial steps in its push to capture Hamass last major stronghold. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The newly approved plan authorises the call-up of roughly 60,000 reservists, deepening fears the campaign will worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We are advancing with the efforts toward operations in Gaza City," military chief Eyal Zamir told troops on Thursday. 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 : Tel Aviv, Israel First Published: August 21, 2025, 23:15 IST News world Netanyahu Orders Immediate Talks To Free All Hostages, End Gaza War On Israels Terms Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Israel Wants Total Control Of Gaza. Then Why Did It Withdraw Troops 20 Years Ago? | Explained Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 15:24 IST Israel had once withdrew its military presence from Gaza, though it maintained strict control over its airspace, maritime access and border crossings Israel had always claimed Gaza as part of its territory. (AFP) Israel is once again moving ground forces into Gaza. The military said that its troops have taken control of the outskirts of Gaza City and are consolidating positions in neighbourhoods like Zaitoon and Jabalia. The stated aim is to dismantle Hamas military infrastructure, not to reoccupy the territory permanently. Still, the advance has revived old debates, because Israel had once left Gaza behind, almost two decades ago. The operation comes at a time when Israel finds itself fighting on two fronts: in Gaza against Hamas and in a shadow conflict with Iran, where missile and drone exchanges have raised fears of escalation. For now, that front is quiet, but Israeli officials say the Gaza campaign is entering a decisive phase. Recommended Stories Gaza has been ruled by empire after empire. Until 1917 it belonged to the Ottoman Empire, which had dominated vast swathes of the Middle East for centuries. After World War I, the British took control, holding the city until the creation of Israel in 1948. When the State of Israel was declared, Gaza fell into Egyptian hands. Israel had always claimed Gaza as part of its territory. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israeli forces defeated Egypt and captured the Strip. For nearly four decades, Israel maintained settlements and military bases there. The Intifadas And The Cost Of Occupation Palestinian resentment grew, exploding in 1987 with the First Intifada, a grassroots uprising against Israeli rule. Violent clashes, strikes and protests continued until the early 1990s. Despite unrest, Israel retained control of the 41-kilometre-long, densely populated territory. By 2005, the burden of maintaining settlements in Gaza had become unsustainable. Nearly two million Palestinians lived in the Strip, compared with only about 9,000 Jewish settlers. Protecting those enclaves required enormous military resources and exposed soldiers and civilians alike to repeated attacks during the Second Intifada. Then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced a unilateral disengagement plan". Israel evacuated all settlements and withdrew its military presence from Gaza, though it maintained strict control over its airspace, maritime access and border crossings. Why Israel Pulled Out Three reasons were cited at the time. First was security it had become costly and dangerous to defend isolated settlements amid ongoing Palestinian attacks. Second was the peace process where Sharon argued withdrawal might reduce tensions and open space for negotiations. Third was demographics when the presence of a small Israeli community inside a territory of millions of Palestinians had become a political liability at home. Many Israelis supported the move, hoping it would ease conflict. But events unfolded differently. The Rise Of Hamas In 2007, Hamas seized power in Gaza after defeating rival Palestinian factions. Israel responded with a sweeping blockade, restricting movement of goods and people. While Israel argued the blockade was necessary to prevent weapons smuggling, Palestinians described it as collective punishment. The blockade devastated Gazas economy and fuelled humanitarian crises. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all From then on, clashes between Hamas and Israel grew frequent, erupting into wars in 2008, 2014, and most recently, the ongoing conflict. Now, Israeli tanks and infantry are once again at Gazas gates. A military spokesperson says the operations objective is to destroy Hamas ability to govern and wage war". Tens of thousands of reserve soldiers have been called up. First Published: August 21, 2025, 15:24 IST News world Israel Wants Total Control Of Gaza. Then Why Did It Withdraw Troops 20 Years Ago? | Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... JD Vance Backs Trump Tax Bill, Defends DC Guard Deployment In Atlanta Visit | Watch Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 02:02 IST Vance further pledged to introduce legislation aimed at generating significant financial relief for working-class Americans. The Vice President also addressed domestic security concerns (PTI) US Vice President JD Vance visited Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday as part of a strategic push ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. His visit included delivering remarks at a Republican National Committee (RNC) meeting in the city, followed by a stop at a refrigeration manufacturing plant in nearby Peachtree City. During his speech at the RNC gathering, Vice President Vance reiterated his support for the Trump administrations key legislative initiative, the One Big, Beautiful Bill. He emphasised the federal tax cuts outlined in the plan, telling attendees, We believe you ought to keep more of your hard earn[ed] money." Recommended Stories .@VP on what the One Big Beautiful Bill means for Georgia families: Take home pay increase of over $10,000 No Tax on Overtime No Tax on Tips Increased Child Tax Credit And SO MUCH MORE. pic.twitter.com/H9tGjsCdlz Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 21, 2025 Vance further pledged to introduce legislation aimed at generating significant financial relief for working-class Americans. He cited the Trump administrations broader goal of implementing $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. Among the proposed measures are eliminating taxes on tips and expanding the child tax credit, two policies Republican leaders argue would provide direct benefits to American families and service industry workers. The Vice President also addressed domestic security concerns, referencing recent actions by the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the nations capital. Vance noted he had visited Washingtons Union Station alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to meet with Guard members stationed there. Defending the deployment as part of a broader law enforcement strategy, Vance stated, Weve got to take Americas streets back for the American people." When asked if similar deployments were being considered for cities like Atlanta, he responded, We hope the people see what were doing in Washington, D.C., and follow our example all across the country." The visit sparked criticism from Georgia Democrats, including US Senator Jon Ossoff, who is seeking reelection in 2026. Ossoff called Vances trip a damage control mission." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Defunding hospitals and nursing homes to cut taxes for the wealthiest people in the country is not popular here in Georgia," Ossoff said. He also drew attention to Georgias high maternal mortality rate and what he described as a worsening health care access crisis. Democrats have repeatedly criticised the Trump-backed tax plan as a giveaway to the wealthy, claiming it jeopardises public programs like Medicaid that serve low-income Americans. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 22, 2025, 02:02 IST News world JD Vance Backs Trump Tax Bill, Defends DC Guard Deployment In Atlanta Visit | 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... Trump Pick Alina Habba Serving Illegally As US Attorney, Says Federal Judge Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 03:37 IST Judge Brann further noted that Habbas appointment had occurred through a novel series of legal and personnel moves. Habba was sworn in as acting US Attorney on March 28 (Image: AP) Alina Habba, currently serving as the acting US Attorney for New Jersey, has been disqualified from continuing her role in any active criminal cases initiated by her office. A federal judge issued the ruling on Thursday, stating that the former personal attorney for President Donald Trump has not been lawfully serving in an official legal capacity. Faced with the question of whether Ms. Habba is lawfully performing the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, I conclude that she is not," wrote Judge Matthew Brann of the Middle District of Pennsylvania in his opinion. Recommended Stories Judge Brann further noted that Habbas appointment had occurred through a novel series of legal and personnel moves." His ruling may still be appealed by the Trump administration before it officially takes effect. The decision came in response to a legal challenge brought by criminal defendants in New Jersey. The group questioned the validity of the charges filed against them, arguing that Habba no longer held the authority to prosecute after the expiration of her 120-day term in July. Last month, in anticipation of the terms expiration, New Jerseys federal district judges had selected a new nominee to succeed Habba as acting US Attorney. However, that appointment was blocked by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, who removed the judges nominee from the office entirely. Habba was sworn in as acting US Attorney on March 28, shortly after serving as President Trumps personal legal counsel. In April, during a Fox News interview, she revealed her office had initiated an investigation into New Jerseys Democratic Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew Platkin. The following month, in May, she again appeared on Fox News to announce that criminal charges were being brought against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Her 120-day appointment officially concluded last month. To continue serving in the role beyond that term, Habba would require confirmation by the US Senate, something that has not occurred yet. The Justice Department, however, has defended her continued service, asserting that the president holds wide authority to fill such vacancies. The President has made clear that he will not permit anyone other than Ms Habba to fill the current vacancy in the office of the United States Attorney on a temporary basis," prosecutors wrote in a recent court filing. Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: August 22, 2025, 03:35 IST News world Trump Pick Alina Habba Serving Illegally As US Attorney, Says Federal Judge Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kabul Trilateral: Taliban Rejects Crackdown On TTP, Calls It Pakistans Internal Matter Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 09:36 IST The Taliban rejected Pakistans allegations of supporting the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and told China the group is not under its control The trilateral was attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar. (Image: X/@ForeignOfficePk) In a significant geopolitical development, inside details of the Sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers Dialogue in Kabul, held on August 20, 2025, between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan, have revealed a major divergence between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban over how to handle the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to exclusive information accessed by CNN-News18, top Afghan Taliban officials informed China that they cannot take full-fledged action against the TTP. The Taliban conveyed that the group is Pakistans internal issue and offered to facilitate dialogue between Islamabad and the TTP. They indicated that Pakistan should pursue talks rather than force. Recommended Stories Pakistan Blames Kabul Top sources said that during the Kabul summit, Pakistan demanded strong action against both the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and accused the Afghan Taliban of supporting the two groups. While Kabul outright denied any support for the TTP and reiterated that the group was not under their control, they did assure China and Pakistan of action against BLA hideouts and infiltration attempts from Afghan soil. BLA Seen As Shared Threat To China And Pakistan The BLA emerged as a key focus of concern during the summit, with all three sides, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China, acknowledging it as a common threat, especially to projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). According to top sources, the BLA has been targeting both Pakistani and Chinese civilians as well as infrastructure, whereas the TTP remains largely focused on Pakistans security forces. Countermeasures to deal with both terror outfits were reportedly discussed during the summit, with China playing a mediatory role. Chinas Economic Push: CPEC, Mining, & Central Asia Access China, which chaired the meeting, expressed strong interest in improving PakistanAfghanistan ties to enable greater economic and security cooperation in the region. Beijing has reportedly proposed joint efforts to expand CPEC into Afghanistan, with smoother access to Central Asia via Kandahar and Kabul. Chinese officials are also keen to invest in Afghanistans mineral sector and bring the Taliban formally under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through CPEC, which remains a centrepiece of President Xi Jinpings global strategy. Beijing also reportedly offered Belt and Road investment to help mend ties between Islamabad and the Taliban-led administration. Focus On Connectivity, Resources, And Stability The trilateral discussions featured economic and strategic topics including minerals, mining, trade, transit, regional development, and the extension of CPEC connectivity into Afghanistan. The goal, according to the accessed details, is long-term regional stability and economic growth. During the discussions, Afghanistan urged both China and Pakistan to support Kabuls legitimate position" on international platforms and to enhance cooperation across security, trade, and diplomacy. Joint Mechanism To Tackle Terror, Promote Connectivity top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The three countries agreed to form a joint mechanism for better cooperation, regional connectivity, and coordinated action against terrorism. They also reaffirmed commitments to collaboration in education, health, regional development, combating drug trafficking, and advancing the CPEC project into Afghan territory. The trilateral was attended by Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The summit also reinforced Beijings continued support for the Afghan Taliban government as part of its broader regional engagement strategy under the BRI framework. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: August 21, 2025, 09:36 IST News world Kabul Trilateral: Taliban Rejects Crackdown On TTP, Calls It Pakistans Internal Matter Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NASA Scientists Detect Traces Of Life On Dwarf Planet Between Mars And Jupiter Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 17:12 IST The discovery of Ceres shows that even small dwarf planets, not just large planets or moons, may have once supported life, opening new avenues for exploration Scientists found carbon molecules on Ceres, which are fundamental building blocks of life. (AP/File) NASA has made a startling discovery. The dwarf planet Ceres, nestled between Mars and Jupiter, may have once supported life. Scientists say Ceres harboured three key ingredients essential for life, starting with water. NASAs Dawn mission first spotted bright patches on the planets surface, later identified as salt deposits formed from salty water seeping up from beneath. Further studies have confirmed the presence of a vast underground reservoir of salty water, hinting at the planets potential to sustain life in the past. Recommended Stories The second critical element discovered was carbon. In 2020, scientists found carbon molecules on Ceres, which are fundamental building blocks of life. Where water and carbon coexist, the possibility of life cannot be ruled out. The third and most recent discovery relates to energy. A new study revealed that Ceres once had permanent chemical energy. Approximately 2.5 billion years ago, hot water and gases continuously rose from its core, generated by the breakdown of radioactive elements within the planet. Evidence Suggests Presence of Food For Tiny Creatures This provided sustenance for small organisms, akin to hydrothermal vents in Earths oceans, which are rich energy sources for microbes. Scientists believe a similar environment existed on Ceres, providing food for microbes. However, todays Ceres is cold and icy. The water inside it has mostly frozen, leaving only thick salty water, and the radioactive processes have weakened. Thus, the current possibility of life on Ceres is virtually nonexistent. Scientists suggest Ceres was most favourable for life when its core was the hottest, a few hundred million years after its formation, with liquid water and a continuous supply of energy below the surface. Why Does This Discovery Surprise Us? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It reveals that the potential for life is not limited to large planets or moons; even small dwarf planets may have once supported life. This finding adds a new dimension to scientific exploration. NASA states that while Ceres is presently barren, knowing there was once a possibility of life there is significant. This discovery hints that other small bodies in our solar system might also hold stories of life. Future missions to Ceres may uncover new secrets, leading us to consider that Earth might not have been the sole cradle of life. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: August 21, 2025, 17:12 IST News world NASA Scientists Detect Traces Of Life On Dwarf Planet Between Mars And Jupiter Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistani Army Blows Up Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mosque, Kills 30 Taliban Militants Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 17:50 IST Hours after a deadly blast targeted a Pakistan Army convoy in Bajaur, security forces blew up a mosque used by TTP militants, killing 30 fighters. Pakistans Bajaur district witnessed back-to-back violence: an Army convoy blast causing casualties, followed by a mosque strike that killed 30 TTP militants. (IMAGE: REUTERS) At least 30 militants affiliated with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed on Thursday after a mosque being used by the group in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was blown up by Pakistani security forces, sources told CNN-News18. The operation, which also left several others injured, targeted a hideout inside the mosque that had been occupied by TTP fighters. Sources told CNN-News18 the strike was part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the tribal belt, which has witnessed frequent clashes between militants and state forces over the last couple of years. Recommended Stories The Bajaur region, located near the Afghanistan border, has long been a stronghold for TTP-linked groups. It remains unclear if this is an isolated operation or connected to a targeting of a Pakistani Army convoy in the same area earlier this week. Powerful Explosion targeting Pakistan Army convoy in Bajaur district of occupied Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.Pakistan Army faces several casualties. Firing reported after the explosion. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/oFappD6E6I OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) August 20, 2025 A powerful explosion targeted a Pakistan Army convoy in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday, with initial reports suggesting multiple casualties among security personnel. Firing was also reported in the area immediately after the blast, according to early accounts. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The development was first flagged by OSINT Updates, a social media handle that tracks open-source intelligence (OSINT). The term refers to information collected from publicly available sources such as social media posts, satellite imagery, news reports, and eyewitness accounts. Videos, whose authenticity News18 could not verify, showed plumes of smoke emanating from an area known as Inayat Kalle, which is Bajaurs biggest commercial centre. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: August 21, 2025, 17:39 IST News world Pakistani Army Blows Up Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mosque, Kills 30 Taliban Militants Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Russia To Pre-Install Max, WhatsApp Rival, On All Phones Starting September 1 Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 22, 2025, 01:01 IST Officials argue this integration is designed to increase convenience and security for users. This initiative is part of Russias broader strategy to strengthen its digital sovereignty (Image: Reuters) The Russian government has announced that the locally developed messaging application Max will be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets sold in the country starting next month, reported Reuters. This marks the latest move by Russia to promote state-backed digital platforms and reduce reliance on Western technologies. The announcement was made on Thursday, with officials stating that the messenger app, positioned as a domestic alternative to WhatsApp, will come pre-installed on all new devices purchased from September 1 onward. The app will be one of several included in the governments list of mandatory software for all consumer electronic devices sold in Russia. Recommended Stories According to the Kremlin, Max will be integrated with state digital services, facilitating access to government functions such as public service portals and communication with state authorities. Officials suggest that this integration is designed to increase convenience and security for users. The developer of Max claimed that the application had been downloaded by 18 million users in just one week, despite the fact that some components of the app are still undergoing final testing and development. This initiative is part of Russias broader strategy to strengthen its digital sovereignty, especially following the deterioration of relations with Western countries after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian authorities have increasingly promoted domestic alternatives to foreign-owned platforms, many of which have faced restrictions or outright bans in the country. Critics of the move have raised concerns about user privacy and surveillance. Some believe the mandatory installation of Max could allow the Russian government to monitor private communications nationwide, reflecting a push for greater control over internet activity. However, state media has denied these claims, stating that Max requires fewer user permissions compared to apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Officials have justified the rollout of Max and other domestic apps as essential for national security, including the protection of minors and the fight against terrorism. In addition to Max, Russia will also require the installation of RuStore, the state-approved app marketplace, on Apple devices beginning next month. Furthermore, from January 1, all smart TVs sold in Russia will be required to include the Lime HD TV app, a Russian-language streaming platform. On Wednesday, the Interior Ministry reported that Max is considered safer than its foreign counterparts, although it also confirmed the arrest of a suspect in the first fraud case involving the new messenger app. Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: August 22, 2025, 01:01 IST News world Russia To Pre-Install Max, WhatsApp Rival, On All Phones Starting September 1 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Russian Drone Crashes In Eastern Poland, Defence Minister Calls It 'Provocation' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 09:27 IST The crash site lies over 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and about 90 kilometers from Belarus, positioning it within a strategically sensitive region. A police tent is set up in the area, after an unidentified object fell and exploded in a cornfield overnight (Reuters image) A Russian drone crashed in a cornfield in the village of Osiny, located in Polands eastern Lublin province, reported Reuters, citing Polish officials on Wednesday. Recommended Stories The incident, which occurred overnight, left the field scorched and has raised tensions in the region. The crash site is located more than 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and around 90 km from Belarus, placing it in a sensitive geopolitical zone. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Polands Defence Minister condemned the incident, calling it a provocation, though further investigation is ongoing. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Location : Poland First Published: August 21, 2025, 09:27 IST News world Russian Drone Crashes In Eastern Poland, Defence Minister Calls It 'Provocation' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Russia's Lavrov Says European Troops In Ukraine 'Unacceptable': Bid To Isolate Russia Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 18:03 IST Russian FM claims guarantees to Ukraine are part of plan to inflict strategic defeat on Russia Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends the 31st Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council in Ta'Qali, Malta. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday rejected proposals for security guarantees to Ukraine, saying they follow the logic of isolating Russia, the logic of uniting the Western world and Ukraine." Lavrov added, In their minds, the goal is to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia." He said any presence of European troops in Ukraine would be absolutely unacceptable", as Kyivs allies worked on security guarantees for the country. Recommended Stories This would be absolutely unacceptable for the Russian Federation," Lavrov said in response to a journalists question about security guarantees for Ukraine, calling them foreign intervention in some part of Ukrainian territory." The Russian foreign minister said the neighbouring country, with which it has been in a war for over three years, is not interested" in a long-term peace deal, accusing it of seeking security guarantees incompatible with Russias demands. The Ukrainian regime and its representatives comment on the current situation in a very specific way, directly showing that they are not interested in a sustainable, fair, long-term settlement," he said at a press conference. US President Donald Trump brought Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders to the White House on Monday, three days after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump, long a fierce critic of the billions of dollars in US support to Ukraine, earlier said European nations were willing to put people on the ground" to secure any settlement. He ruled out sending US troops but suggested the country might provide air support. Russia has long said it will never tolerate the presence of any Western troops in Ukraine. Lavrov earlier warned that seriously discussing security guarantees without the Russian Federation is a utopia, a road to nowhere". Moscow signed the Budapest Memorandum in 1994, which was aimed at ensuring security for Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan in exchange for them giving up numerous nuclear weapons left from the Soviet era. But Russia violated that first by taking Crimea in 2014, and then by starting a full-scale offensive in 2022, which has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes. Russia justifies its 2014 annexation of Crimea by citing the peninsulas referendum, where Moscow says a majority voted to join Russia. The West alleges that the vote illegitimate. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Russia often claims it did not violate the memorandum because it only promised not to use nuclear weapons or threaten Ukraine with them. Moscow argues that the political upheaval in 2014 (the ouster of Yanukovych) was a Western-backed coup that changed the conditions under which the memorandum was signed. (with inputs from AFP) 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 : Moscow, Russia First Published: August 21, 2025, 17:47 IST News world Russia's Lavrov Says European Troops In Ukraine 'Unacceptable': Bid To Isolate Russia Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... China Says Standing Firmly With India Against Trump's Tariffs: Silence Emboldens The Bully Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 23:17 IST Chinas envoy slams Trumps tariff hike on India, warns silence will embolden Washingtons bully tactics. Concept AI-generated illustration of India-China trade alignment and US tariffs, representative in nature. (IMAGE: IMAGEN 4/News18) Chinas Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, strongly rebuked the U.S.s recent move to impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods, saying the policy uses tariffs as bargaining chips." He added, Silence only emboldens the bully," affirming that China will firmly stand with India." The tariff hike comes amid escalated trade tensions under the Trump administration, which raised import duties on Indian goods to 50 percent, which includes a 25 percent base tariff plus an additional 25 percent penalty tied to Indias purchase of Russian oil. Recommended Stories These sanctions, seen as punitive measures, are scheduled to take effect on August 27, 2025. The comments also come after Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi visited India this week. Last month, S Jaishankar had visited China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations (SCO) meeting. Wang Yi also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, residence and also held a meeting with National Security Adviser in New Delhi. Wang in his meeting with the Prime Minister Modi also extended him the invitation on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping, inviting him to the SCO leaders summit in Tianjin later this year. China attaches great importance to Prime Minister Modis visit to China to attend the Tianjin summit of the SCO and looks forward to Indias active contribution to the success of the summit," Wang said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Speaking at the SCO Summit 2025: Resetting India-China Ties event in New Delhi, Feihong said: China and India should enhance strategic mutual trust, and avoid mutual suspicion. Both countries are partners, not rivals. We should manage differences through dialogue." He further underscored the significance of unity and cooperation between the two neighbouring powers, stating, For two neighbouring countries of such size, unity and cooperation are the only way to achieve common developmentChina and Indias friendship benefits AsiaWe are the double engines of economic growth in AsiaIndia and China unity benefits the world at large. India and China have the responsibility to take the lead in promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world." 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 21, 2025, 20:20 IST News world China Says Standing Firmly With India Against Trump's Tariffs: Silence Emboldens The Bully Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Country Could Jail Or Fine You For Not Offering Namaz Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 18:12 IST Under Sharia law, first-time offenders can face up to two years in prison, a 3,000-ringgit fine, or both. Previously, missing three Fridays meant up to six months jail or a fine In many Muslim-majority countries, Namaaz is considered a religious duty, but legal punishments for missing prayers are rare. (Representative/PTI) In many Muslim countries, strict regulations govern the offering of Namaaz (prayers). Although some nations have recently relaxed these rules, Malaysia remains stringent, particularly in the state of Terengganu. Starting this week, Terengganu threatens to impose a jail sentence of up to two years and a fine on those who fail to attend Friday prayers at the mosque without a valid reason. Under Sharia law, first-time offenders face up to two years in prison and a fine of 3,000 ringgit (approximately 61,000 rupees), or both. Previously, those who missed three consecutive Friday prayers could be jailed for up to six months or fined 1,000 ringgit (around 20,000 rupees). Recommended Stories Religious Patrol Team To Report Absentees Religious patrol teams will monitor attendance, and mosque signboards will remind worshippers of the rules. The public and patrol teams will assist in enforcing these regulations, and the Department of Islamic Affairs of Terengganu will issue reports accordingly. Every Malaysian state can legislate its own religious laws. This particular law was first implemented in Terengganu in 2001 and was amended in 2016 to introduce harsher penalties for offences such as disrespecting Ramadan and public harassment of women. Dual Legal System Malaysia operates a dual legal system where Islam is the official religion but coexists with civil law. Sharia courts have jurisdiction over personal and family matters for Muslims, who make up about two-thirds of the countrys 34 million population. The country also has significant Chinese and Indian minorities. The party enforcing this rule in Terengganu is the largest in Malaysias Parliament and governs four of the countrys 13 states. It has long advocated for stringent religious punishments. Global Practices And Variations In many Muslim-majority countries, Namaaz is considered a religious duty, but legal punishments for missing prayers are rare. Relaxation In Saudi Arabia In Saudi Arabia, the religious police, Mutawa, historically closed shops, offices, and markets at prayer times, directing people to mosques. Since 2016, their powers have been reduced, although they can still stop or fine individuals for not praying in public spaces. Job Risks In Iran In Iran, prayer is legally mandatory, especially in government offices, schools, and the military. Continuous neglect of prayer can result in job termination and, in some cases, fines or detention. Compulsory In Afghanistan Under the Taliban government, there is direct pressure on those who skip Namaaz. Shopkeepers and passers-by must attend mosque prayers, and the Talibans religious police can arrest and punish violators, potentially with beatings, detention, or fines. Social Pressure In Qatar In Qatar and some Gulf countries, shops close during prayer times, but personal neglect of prayer does not lead to direct imprisonment. However, there is significant social pressure to comply. Other Countries Practices In Mauritania and Somalia, not praying can be a crime under Islamic law, but enforcement is lax in everyday life. Countries With High Namaaz Participation Kazakhstan: Once part of the Soviet Union, where religion was banned, Kazakhstan remains largely secular today. Albania: During communist rule, religion was completely banned. The country continues to maintain a very secular society. Turkey: Secularism is strong, especially in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara and among the middle class, though religious practices remain common in rural areas. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bosnia and Herzegovina: The country also has a notable secular tradition. According to Pew Research, in countries such as Kazakhstan, only 4050% of people consider religion very important" in their lives. Location : Malaysia First Published: August 21, 2025, 18:12 IST News world This Country Could Jail Or Fine You For Not Offering Namaz Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Tulsi Gabbard Slashes Intelligence Office Workforce, Downsize Budget By Over $700 Million Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 10:35 IST The Trump administration announced a $700 million budget cut and 40% workforce reduction for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard (Credits: Reuters) The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) will significantly reduce its workforce and cut its budget by over $700 million annually, the Trump administration announced on Wednesday. The move amounts to a major downsizing of the office responsible for coordinating the work of 18 intelligence agencies, including on counterterrorism and counterintelligence, as President Donald Trump has tangled with assessments from the intelligence community. Recommended Stories His administration also this week has revoked the security clearances of dozens of former and current officials, while last month declassifying documents meant to call into question long-settled judgments about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Over the last 20 years, ODNI has become bloated and inefficient, and the intelligence community is rife with abuse of power, unauthorised leaks of classified intelligence, and politicised weaponisation of intelligence," Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, said in a statement announcing a more than 40% workforce reduction. She added: Ending the weaponisation of intelligence and holding bad actors accountable are essential to begin to earn the American peoples trust which has long been eroded." Division tackling foreign influence is targeted Among the changes are to the Foreign Malign Influence Centre, which is meant to track influence operations from abroad and threats to elections. Officials said it has become redundant" and that its core functions would be integrated into other parts of the government. The reorganisation is part of a broader administration effort to rethink how it tracks foreign threats to American elections, a topic that has become politically loaded given Trumps long-running resistance to the intelligence communitys assessment that Russia interfered on his behalf in the 2016 election. In February, for instance, Attorney General Pam Bondi disbanded an FBI task force focused on investigating foreign influence operations, including those that target US elections. The Trump administration also has made sweeping cuts at the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which oversees the nations critical infrastructure, including election systems. And the State Department in April said it shut down its office that sought to deal with misinformation and disinformation that Russia, China and Iran have been accused of spreading. Republicans cheer the downsizing, and Democrats pan it Reaction to the news broke along partisan lines in Congress, where Sen Tom Cotton, Republican chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, praised the decision as an important step towards returning ODNI to that original size, scope, and mission. And it will help make it a stronger and more effective national security tool for President Trump". The panels top Democrat, Sen Mark Warner, pledged to carefully review Gabbards proposals and conduct rigorous oversight to ensure any reforms strengthen, not weaken, our national security". He said he was not confident that would be the case given Director Gabbards track record of politicising intelligence". Gabbards efforts to downsize the agency she leads is in keeping with the cost-cutting mandate the administration has employed since its earliest days, when Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency oversaw mass layoffs of the federal workforce. Its the latest headline-making move by an official who just a few month ago had seemed out of favour with Trump over her analysis of Irans nuclear capabilities but who in recent weeks has emerged as a key loyalist with her latest actions. Changes to efforts to combat foreign election influence The Foreign Malign Influence Centre was created by the Biden administration in 2022 to respond to what the US intelligence community had assessed as attempts by Russia and other adversaries to interfere with American elections. Its role, ODNI said when it announced the centres creation, was to coordinate and integrate intelligence pertaining to malign influence. The office in the past has joined forces with other federal agencies to debunk and alert the public to foreign disinformation intended to influence US voters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For example, it was involved in an effort to raise awareness about a Russian video that falsely depicted mail-in ballots being destroyed in Pennsylvania that circulated widely on social media in the weeks before the 2024 presidential election. Gabbard said Wednesday she would be refocusing the centres priorities, asserting it had a hyper-focus" on work tied to elections and that it was used by the previous administration to justify the suppression of free speech and to censor political opposition." Its core functions, she said, will be merged into other operations. 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 21, 2025, 10:32 IST News world Tulsi Gabbard Slashes Intelligence Office Workforce, Downsize Budget By Over $700 Million Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US And European Military Chiefs Finalise Ukraine Security Options: What Lies Ahead? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 20:55 IST Russia-Ukraine War: US and European military chiefs met in Washington to draft options for Ukraine, including troop deployment and air support. US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Zelenskyy at White House (Reuters Image) Military chiefs from the United States and several European countries have drawn up military options for Ukraine, with plans now set to be presented to national security advisers, the US military said. The development follows US President Donald Trumps pledge earlier this week to provide security guarantees for Kyiv under any agreement to end Russias war. Meetings between defence chiefs from the US, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Ukraine were held in Washington from Tuesday to Thursday. In a statement, the US military said the proposals will be presented to each nations respective national security advisers for appropriate consideration in ongoing diplomatic efforts." Recommended Stories Officials have cautioned, as per Reuters, that any plan would take time to finalise and would need to be both militarily realistic and acceptable to Moscow. One option discussed is deploying European troops to Ukraine under US command and control while another possibility could involve US air support, ranging from supplying more air defence systems to enforcing a no-fly zone with American fighter jets, as per the report. Donald Trump earlier ruled out sending US ground forces, but this week appeared to leave the door open to other forms of military involvement. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have both spoken in favour of deploying troops as part of a coalition of the willing" once hostilities end. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also suggested his government is open to participation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Russias foreign ministry has rejected the idea of NATO troops entering Ukraine under any peace deal. Moscow continues to describe the conflict as a special military operation" aimed at defending its security against NATO expansion, while Kyiv and its Western allies say it is an unprovoked invasion to seize territory. Despite diplomatic manoeuvring, fighting continued as Russian forces struck a gas compressor station in eastern Ukraine, a key site for storing gas ahead of the winter heating season. Location : Ukraine First Published: August 21, 2025, 20:55 IST News world US And European Military Chiefs Finalise Ukraine Security Options: What Lies Ahead? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Embassy Contradicts Donald Trumps $21 Million Voter Funding Claim Reported By : & CNN-News18 Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 15:29 IST The US Embassy in Delhi denied Donald Trumps claim of a $21 million USAID fund for voter turnout in India. US President Donald Trump. (Reuters Image) The US Embassy in Delhi formally contradicted President Donald Trumps claim that Washington had allocated $21 million through USAID to boost voter turnout in India. In a communication to Indias Ministry of External Affairs, the Embassy clarified that USAID/India neither received nor provided funding of $21 million for voter turnout in India during FY 20142024, nor implemented any voter turnout-related activities. It further confirmed that all USAID operations in India officially shut down on August 15, 2025. The clarification came after Donald Trump questioned why US taxpayer money was being spent on India earlier this year. He had said, Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout?" Recommended Stories Donald Trumps comments followed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announcement on February 16 that it had cancelled several overseas allocations, including a $21 million fund for voter turnout in India." The DOGEs list stirred a political storm in India, with opposition leaders calling the purported US involvement in Indias electoral process deeply troubling." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The White Houses reference to the fund had appeared alongside other allocations, such as $22 million for political participation in Moldova under the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening. At the time, Indian officials said they were seeking clarifications" on what they described as interference concerns." The Ministry of External Affairs termed the allegations deeply troubling" and said relevant government departments were looking into the issues involved. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 21, 2025, 15:25 IST News world US Embassy Contradicts Donald Trumps $21 Million Voter Funding 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... What Is The E1 Plan, Settlement Approved By Israel That Could Erase Hopes Of A Palestinian State? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 19:12 IST The Israeli government approved a resettlement project in the Israeli-held West Bank that could destroy the prospects of a Palestinian state. The separation wall next to the Arab neighborhood of Al-Eizariya, near where the Israeli government says housing units will be built as part of the E1 settlement development project. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO) E1, a project to (re)settle Israeli in the occupied West Bank, has raised concerns that it could bring an end to any possibility of a two-state solution. The project was initially frozen due to international pressure and remained so for more than two decades but the Israeli dispensation under Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies are now advancing the plan further. Recommended Stories Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who unveiled them last week, said the idea of a Palestinian state was being erased", according to a report by the BBC. Israel will construct more than 3,400 housing units on a 12-km-stretch of land east of Jerusalem, and it will connect the large settlement of Maale Adumim to the city. What is the E1? E1, which stands for East One, is one of the most sensitive areas of West Bank. Israelis and Palestinians both consider Jerusalem as their capital. The E1, once built across this corridor would separate Palestinian cities Ramallah and Bethlehem. The plan effectively divides the West Bank. Analysts at Al-Shabaka, a Palestinian policy platform, based out of New York City, stress that the E1 plan would sever the only remaining passage between northern and southern West Bank, further isolate Palestinian neighborhoods in Jerusalem and limit access to holy sitesultimately crippling the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state. A post on their website dated 2018 says the policy also displaces Bedouin communities, especially the Jahalin tribe, who have lived in the area since the 1950s. The stretch of land between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim holds major strategic importance, as it serves as one of the last remaining links connecting the Palestinian cities of Ramallah in the north with Bethlehem in the south. At present, Palestinians are forced to take a long detour through Israeli checkpoints, turning a short journey into one that can take hours. The Palestinian Authority condemned the move, saying it was illegal and would destroy" the prospects for a two-state solution. The E1 master plan" (Plan No. 420/4), first approved in 1999, covers nearly 1,200 hectares, much of which Israel declared as state land under what rights group BTselem described in 2012 as a legally dubious procedure." While the plan envisions residential neighbourhoods, it also sets aside space for commerce, tourism, services and government infrastructure, including a police headquarters that was completed in 2008. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all BTselem has warned that moving ahead with the project would cut off access to privately owned Palestinian land in the area and further tighten restrictions on Palestinian movement between key West Bank cities. The E1 plan was first advanced under former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabins government in the mid-1990s, but it was formally approved for planning in 1999 under his successor Ehud Barak. 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 : West Bank, Palestinian Territories First Published: August 21, 2025, 19:12 IST News world What Is The E1 Plan, Settlement Approved By Israel That Could Erase Hopes Of A Palestinian State? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... With Over 400,000 Hectares Burned, Spain Wildfires Mark Worst Season Since 2006 Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 05:07 IST These fires have been classified as "operational level two," a designation indicating an immediate threat to nearby communities. Weather officials predicted that winds would begin to ease later on Wednesday (Image: AFP) Efforts to contain Spains raging wildfires faced a major setback on Wednesday as strong winds continued to fuel the flames, despite a recent drop in temperatures. According to authorities, the wildfires have already scorched a record amount of land this year, reported AFP. Firefighters, supported by military units and water-dropping aircraft, were actively battling 21 blazes in the western part of the country. These fires have been classified as operational level two," a designation indicating an immediate threat to nearby communities, said Virginia Barcones, director general of emergency services. Recommended Stories Temperatures have dropped, but strong gusts of wind continue to hinder firefighting efforts, and the lack of rain is not helping, though we hope that changes in the coming days," Barcones told reporters during a news conference. Weather officials predicted that winds would begin to ease later on Wednesday, and an expected rise in humidity levels could assist efforts to control the fires. Rain is also forecast in some of the fire-stricken regions on Thursday, offering hope for some much-needed relief. Spain had just emerged from a 16-day heatwave that ended on Monday, during which temperatures in many parts of the country soared above 40C (104F). The extreme heat helped ignite and spread wildfires that have, so far, claimed four lives. Dozens of villages have been evacuated as a precaution. Train services between Madrid and Galicia in the northwest, which were suspended on August 14 due to the fires, are set to resume, according to railway operator Adif, confirming that the tracks are now safe. Officials attribute many of the fires to lightning strikes during dry storms, though arson is also suspected in several cases. International assistance has poured in to support Spains firefighting efforts. Aircraft from Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia have been deployed. Germany has sent 60 firefighters and 24 vehicles, while France has contributed 66 firefighters and 23 vehicles. Finland has dispatched a team of 26 firefighters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all So far this year, nearly 400,000 hectares (988,000 acres) have burned across Spain, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. This figure surpasses the previous record of 306,000 hectares in 2022, marking the worst wildfire season since records began in 2006. Scientists have warned that climate change is contributing to longer, more intense, and more frequent heatwaves globally. Reduced humidity in the air, vegetation, and soil makes it easier for fires to start and significantly harder to control them once they spread. Location : Spain First Published: August 21, 2025, 05:07 IST News world With Over 400,000 Hectares Burned, Spain Wildfires Mark Worst Season Since 2006 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Meet Venue: Hungary Out, Turkey On Ukraine President's Shortlist Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 21, 2025, 14:56 IST Zelenskyy's response came nearly two days after Trump said that he dialled his Putin and "began arrangements for a meeting" with Ukrainian President. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (AFP File) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday hinted that he could meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, but only after his country receives security guarantees. In addition to this, the Ukrainian President also mentioned Switzerland, Austria or Turkey as the possible venues for the meeting. Interestingly, the Ukrainian President ruled out the possibility of holding the meeting in Budapest, citing Hungarys opposition to supporting Kyiv. Recommended Stories We want to have an understanding of the security guarantees architecture within 7-10 days. And based on that understanding, we aim to hold a trilateral meeting, also with US President Donald Trump," Zelensky said. Switzerland, Austria - we agree For us, Turkey is a NATO country and part of Europe. And we are not opposed," he said, commenting on the possible venues. Zelenskyys response came nearly two days after US President Donald Trump said that he dialled his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and began arrangements for a meeting" with the Ukrainian President. Trump stated that once the Putin-Zelenskyy bilateral meeting takes place, it will be followed up by a trilateral meeting, in which Trump will also be a participant. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all American President Donald Trump on Monday stated that like Russian President Vladimir Putin, his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy also wants to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The US President asserted his confidence and stated that the war is going to end as both Putin and Zelenskyy want the same outcome. Zelenskyy had also signalled that he is open to having a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. We need to stop this warwe need support from the US and Europe," he said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Ukraine First Published: August 21, 2025, 13:35 IST News world Putin-Zelenskyy Meet Venue: Hungary Out, Turkey On Ukraine President's Shortlist Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Newsom, who seems almost certain to seek the next Democratic presidential nomination, is doing two things at once. He's moved to the very head of the line among Democrats who have found ways to forcefully push back against President Donald Trump and his red state allies. The latest example is this week's session of the California state legislature, where Democrats are poised to approve Newsom's plan to offset the Texas Republican gerrymander of five Congressional seats by advancing a November ballot initiative that could ultimately net them five more seats of their own. At the same time, he's tilted toward the center on a surprisingly long list of polarizing issues, including expressing opposition to allowing transgender girls to play in school sports. Taken together, these two approaches amount to a kind of confrontational centrism. Newsom's betting that indefatigably fighting Trump will satisfy enough liberal-leaning 2028 primary voters that he doesn't need to bend to ideological litmus tests that could weaken him in a general election. Put another way, he's wagering that enough Democrats will want a fighter more than a purist. At a time when Democratic voters consistently deride their party's response to Trump as feeble, only a handful of party leaders (such as Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York) have effectively identified with that frustration. But no Democrat has been as consistent - or conspicuous - as Newsom in confronting not only Trump but also the broader MAGA movement. As an antagonist to the president, Newsom "is more omnipresent in this media ecosystem than any other Democratic governor, or honestly any other Democrat, right now," says Dan Pfeiffer, the former White House communications director for Barack Obama and now co-host of Pod Save America, a podcast popular with base Democratic voters. Newsom started assuming this role even before Trump's reelection. As far back as 2022, he positioned himself as the leading Democratic critic of the movement that was gathering speed in Republican-controlled states to roll back abortion, voting, LGBTQ and other rights. "Where the hell is my party? Where's the Democratic Party?" he asked in a clip that went viral among party activists. "Why aren't we standing up more firmly, more resolutely?" Newsom has raised the volume in Trump's second term. Though he and Trump greeted each other warmly when the new president surveyed the damage from the Los Angeles wildfires, the two have collided on almost every front since. The state has sued the administration over three dozen times already, nearly doubling its first-term pace. While the Democratic Congressional leadership seems comfortable contesting Trump only on the most familiar partisan ground - that his agenda benefits the rich at the expense of average families - Newsom has much more directly voiced the pervasive fear among grassroots Democrats that Trump is an aspiring authoritarian undermining democracy. Last week, when the president deployed the National Guard into Washington, D.C., former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi posted on social media that Trump acted "to distract" from his policy "blunders." Newsom posted: "This is what dictators do." Newsom's energetic tussling with Trump has overshadowed the governor's ideological journey. Newsom began the process with surprisingly respectful conversations with MAGA mainstays on his podcast, but has moved well beyond that to repeatedly moderate his policy agenda on issues that have lately hurt his party. In a four hour (!) interview last month with conservative podcast host Shawn Ryan, Newsom didn't just reiterate his criticism of allowing transgender girls to play school sports. He also indicated that he is now struggling with allowing gender-affirming care for minors, criticized former President Joe Biden's record on the border, struck hardline notes on crime, touted the California legislation he's passed to clear homeless encampments and to encourage housing construction and highlighted his cooperation with ICE around deportation of violent criminals. (He condemned Trump's deportation drive against other undocumented migrants). During that interview, Newsom several times quoted Bill Clinton's centrist mantra from the 1992 presidential campaign: that Democratic policy should uphold "opportunity, responsibility and community." In that race, Clinton emphatically broke from the liberal consensus on cultural issues such as welfare reform and crime while offering a pointed populist critique of Republican economic priorities; Newsom's camp clearly sees that as a model if he runs in 2028. One of his advisers told me they expect that among Democratic primary voters there will be "a lot more tolerance for eschewing the extremes. We are not going to be back to a Bill Clinton moment, but there are shades of 1992 in here." In all, Newsom is rejecting the belief of many liberal activists that effectively fighting Trump requires the party to move left. But much still could go wrong in the governor's emerging approach. His ballot initiative could fail. Longer-term, Newsom may be flouting the party consensus on more issues than the Democratic primary electorate, which is more uniformly liberal than in Clinton's day, will accept. A bigger risk is that primary voters focused on electability may doubt that a California governor and former San Francisco mayor who projects a slicked-back West Coast cool can really connect with heartland voters, no matter what policies he promotes. Even with those obstacles, Newsom's confrontational centrism has given him an early lead on the potential 2028 field by developing both an identity that's intrigued party activists and a theory about how Democrats can navigate the primary without digging insurmountable holes for the general election. (COMMENT, BELOW) Ronald Brownstein is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering politics and policy. He is also a CNN analyst and previously worked for The Atlantic, The National Journal and the Los Angeles Times. He has won multiple professional awards and is the author or editor of seven books. Three senior Hurungwe Rural District Council (RDC) officials have been sentenced to a combined 174 years in prison after the High Court convicted them of defrauding the local authority of more than US$65 000 meant for critical infrastructure projects. Hurungwe RDC chief executive officer Luke Kalavina was jailed for 36 years, while the councils engineer, Romeo Mupamaonde, and his assistant Alfred Makama each received 52-year jail terms after being found guilty on four counts of fraud. The sentences rank among the harshest ever handed down to public officials for corruption and signal the judiciarys firm stance against the abuse of office and sleaze. The convictions come at a time when the Second Republic has declared zero tolerance for corruption, pledging to strengthen transparency and accountability in public institutions. Investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) revealed that the officials siphoned funds through fake construction claims and by diverting building materials. The trio fraudulently claimed that Marloshac Investments, a private company, had constructed the Kaspikiri Causeway Bridge in Hurungwe, and authorised a payment of over US$18 000 to the company. However, the real builder, local contractor Kainos Mupiwa, was never paid for the work. The funds were instead shared among the accused persons. The gang also diverted plumbing materials worth US$3 889 that had been procured for Chiedza Clinic, channelling them to personal projects, despite the clinic requiring urgent rehabilitation. Further, they falsely claimed that Marloshac Investments had built ablution facilities at the same clinic, prejudicing the council of another US$6 075. They also procured building materials worth US$8 501 from Bels Trade, a company owned by one of the accused, but the materials were never delivered. In total, Hurungwe RDC suffered a loss of US$47 266.21, none of which was recovered. Marloshac Investments director Marvin Matiza was convicted on two counts of fraud and sentenced to 36 years in prison. Separately, Mupamaonde and Makama were also convicted in an earlier case alongside Batsirayi Nyamayaro, director of Anstand Investments (Pvt) Ltd, for defrauding the council of US$17 990 earmarked for the construction of the Chehoko Causeway Bridge. Instead of fulfilling the tender, Nyamayaro colluded with the two officials to hire Mupiwa, who built the bridge with community support but was paid only US$1 450. For that offence, the three were each sentenced to 18 years in jail, with three years suspended on condition of good behaviour. They were also fined US$5 000 each, while Anstand Investments was fined US$5 000. Should the company fail to pay, the Sheriff of the High Court has been authorised to seize and auction its property. Kalavina, who was also arrested in connection with the Chehoko case, was acquitted of those charges but convicted on the Kaspikiri and Chiedza Clinic fraud counts. Following the convictions, Hurungwe RDC has appointed Mr Remigio Makuwerere, the councils social services officer, as acting chief executive officer. Council chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka confirmed the appointment, saying: His leadership brings fresh energy and a wealth of experience to the council, and we are confident that his vision and dedication will drive meaningful development across the district. Hurungwe RDC is Zimbabwes second-largest rural district after Makoni in Manicaland. Herald Paris is bracing for a future when summer temperatures could reach a staggering 122 degrees Fahrenheita scenario that's no longer just science fiction, according to city officials and climate scientists. Faced with repeated record-breaking heat waves, the French capital is scrambling to prepare for breakdowns in everything from transportation to health care, the New York Times reports. During a recent crisis simulation, officials envisioned melted asphalt impeding ambulances, power blackouts from overheated cables, trains halted by warped rails, and hospitals forced to shut operating rooms because air-conditioning systems were not designed for temperatures higher than 109. The threat isn't distant: Eight of Paris's 10 hottest summers since 1900 have happened since 2015, with scientists warning that Europe is heating up at twice the global average. If greenhouse emissions spike, extreme heat waves could become reality by 2050. Even if global climate pledges hold, officials say the city can't afford to gamble. A city council committee found that temperature "tipping points" would trigger cascading failures. Schools, hospitals, and basic infrastructure would buckle, causing ripple effects citywide. Paris, with its dense population and old zinc-roof buildings, is considered the European capital most exposed to deadly heat, according to the Lancet. Nearly 15,000 died in a 2003 heat wavean event climate experts say will soon be considered a cool summer. story continues below To adapt, Paris is ramping up green spaces, planting 15,000 trees last winter alone, and opening Seine river swimming spots for relief. Officials are pushing to turn schools into passive cooling centers and upgrading building insulation. Workplaces are now legally required to have extreme heat plans. Still, with a million poorly insulated apartments in the city, officials admit it's a "race against time." Paris has to decide how much change it prepares forand how much it simply endures, says city councilor Alexandre Florentin, an environmental engineer. A Rhode Island prosecutor arrested this week at a Newport restaurant tried to get an arresting officer to turn off his body camerawhich didn't happen, and which is why we now know some of the things she said during that interaction. "I want you to turn your bodycam off," Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan can be heard telling the cop in the footage taken Tuesday at Clarke Cooke House, where she and a friend had apparently been asked to leave the Bannister's Wharf eatery, per NBC News . "Protocol is that you turn it off. It's a citizen request [to] turn it off." The officer not only doesn't turn the bodycam offhe notes to the two women that he didn't want to have to arrest them, to which Hogan Flanagan replies, "You're not going to arrest us." Police once again proved the prosecutor wrong, initiating the arrest during which Hogan Flanagan repeatedly says, "I'm an AG, I'm an AG," referring to her attorney general status. A police officer replies, "Good for you. I don't give a f---." As she and friend Veronica Hannan are handcuffed and placed into a police vehicle, Hogan Flanagan is also heard exclaiming, "You're gonna regret this!" It's not clear why the women were asked to leave the restaurant in the first place, but both were hit with a willful trespass charge, according to police. Hannan was also charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after video showed her getting out of her handcuffs at one point and kicking the door of the police vehicle as officers attempted to close it. Her lawyer tells the New York Post that his client was simply trying to turn down the temperature when "s--- hit the fan" during the "fast and furious" incident. story continues below "Police were putting their hands on her [and her husband], and from what I saw, nobody except for Veronica was trying to slow things down," attorney John Grasso says. State prosecutors are reviewing details of the case. "At this time, we are unable to comment further on this matter as it relates to personnel issues," a rep for the Rhode Island AG's office says in a statement. Republicans pushed a new congressional map designed to give them five more US House seats through the Texas House on Wednesday, after a seven-hour debate in which Democrats portrayed the bill as a racially discriminatory plan by President Trump to swing next year's midterm election. The measure was approved along party lines, 88-52, the Texas Tribune reports. The Republican-controlled Senate can now take up the plan with days, approve it, and to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature . Trump told Texas Republicans in a social media post on Tuesday to approve the map "ASAP," per the Washington Post . Approval could set off similar redistricting battles in other states, per the New York Times. Democrats pointed out Wednesday that the congressional map was the first piece of legislation the House was deciding onnot any of the bills responding to the fatal floods last month in the state's Hill Country. Several Democrats wore dark green in honor of the flood victims. The sponsor of the new map, Rep. Todd Hunter, told the House that it's legal for Republicans to redistrict in the middle of a decade for partisan gain. "The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward: improve Republican political performance," Hunter said. Democrats proposed 12 amendments to the legislation, all of which Republicans voted down. They included blocking enactment of the new map until the Trump administration releases the Jeffrey Epstein files, an independent redistricting commission is established, and a federal court rules the plan did not suppress the vote of people of color. Given the GOP's slim majority in the US House, similar redistricting in other states could mean the midterms will effectively be decided before any votes are cast, per the Times. The Trump administration has reportedly instructed the US military to ready plans for direct attacks against Mexican drug cartels, with preparations to be managed by the Northern Command and a target date for the plans set for mid-September. According to three military sources who spoke to independent journalist Ken Klippenstein , the classified order calls for lethal strikes on cartel targets inside Mexicoa significant departure from long-standing US-Mexico military cooperation, which has avoided such unilateral action due to political sensitivities. Officials say the directive stems from President Trump's early move to label cartels as terrorist organizations and his willingness to act with or without Mexico's approval. Earlier this month, he reportedly gave the OK for the Pentagon to use military force against certain Latin American drug cartels. Discussions at NORTHCOM's Colorado Springs headquarters in July included top Mexican defense leaders, who urged that any counter-cartel effort be a joint operation, reflecting Mexico's concerns about sovereignty. Historically, operations within Mexico have been the domain of covert US agencies like the CIA and Joint Special Operations Command, but the latest order shifts greater responsibility to NORTHCOM, now tasked with "operational preparation of the battlespace" and developing targets for possible strikesparticularly against the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels. The US is also increasing intelligence and surveillance activities, though Mexico hasn't formally permitted military action. The fentanyl crisislinked to more than 225,000 American deathshas intensified Washington's focus on cartels, which are now described in official threat assessments as the "most immediate" danger to US security. story continues below While senior military officials acknowledge deeper intelligence and cooperation with Mexico than ever before, there's no sign that Mexico would endorse US strikes. Instead, the stage is being set for operations resembling targeted attacks used in the Middle East, raising the prospect of a new, controversial phase in the US response to cartel violence. Per the New York Times, such unilateral action "would be a marked escalation" in the drug trafficking battle, "putting US forces in a lead role on the front lines against often well-armed and well-financed organizations." More here from Politico on why Mexico may not be able to do much about the US' plans. Cops had to deal with an unusual intruder at a California ice cream shop last weekenda sweets-loving bear. According to a social media post from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched on Sunday to the eatery at South Lake Tahoe's Camp Richardson, where they found what the Los Angeles Times calls a "big surprise." That surprise was a giant bear seated behind the counter. "The deputies could barely believe their eyes," the sheriff's department noted. After a bit of coaxing, deputies were able to get the bear, nicknamed "Fuzzy," out of the shop, "but only after [it showed] interest in the strawberry ice cream," the office added. Authorities say the bear caused little damage and that cleanup was also minor. Officials did warn locals that, despite such sightings generating buzz, "bears are not ideal customers and should not be tempted with sweet treats," per KRCR. A Wisconsin woman who took a transatlantic detour into the world of contract killing has been handed a 30-year prison sentence in Britain after the gun jammed at the crucial moment. Aimee Betro, 45, was convicted of conspiracy to murder and other crimes earlier this month, after a failed attempt to assassinate Sikander Ali outside his Birmingham home on Sept. 7, 2019. Betro, dressed in an Islamic veil, aimed a handgun at Ali, only for her weapon to jam inches from his face. Ali escaped, and Betro later returned to spray his home with bullets, with no injuries reported. "Had the gun not jammed, I have no doubt you would have shot and killed Mr. Ali," the judge said Thursday, per the New York Times . Judge Simon Drew said Betro was recruited to take part in the planned "execution" by her British boyfriend, Mohammed Nazir, whom she met on a dating website. Nazir and his father, both already serving sentences, had plotted revenge against a rival family with whom they'd tangled since a 2018 fight in a clothing store. The original target was Ali's father, Mohammed Aslat, but when he declined to meet, the crosshairs switched to Ali. After the botched hit, Betro and Nazir fled to the US and attempted to pin the crime on an innocent man, going so far as to mail him ammunition and tip off police, Drew said, per the Times. While Nazir was arrested upon return to the UK in October 2019, Betro vanished for nearly five years, ultimately surfacing in Armenia before being extradited to the UK. Her lawyer described the plot as "amateurish," noting Betro's clean record and her remorseful letter to the court. The judge speculated Betro's involvement was less about cash and more about "infatuation or love." He added Betro is in for a long prison sentence, far from her family and friends back in the US, as parole is only possible after 20 years. The conservative editorial page of the Wall Street Journal is not a fan of the Trump administration's latest effort to change the makeup of the Federal Reserve. On Wednesday, the head of President Trump's housing regulatory agency accused Lisa Cook, one of the central bank's governors, of mortgage fraud . Bill Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, says Cook listed two different properties as her principal residence, even though one was an investment rental. Now, he and President Trump are demanding her resignation. "This is nasty business," write the Journal editors: The editors add that "misstating information on mortgage applications doesn't appear to be uncommon," and it deserves a wider government investigation if, as Pulte asserts, it is "pervasive." But using the issue as a political cudgel isn't the way to go, they write. (The DOJ has launched similar investigations into two prominent Democrats, Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James, notes CNBC.) "One reason we opposed the Biden prosecutions of Mr. Trump is because political lawfare tends to boomerang, and here we are," reads the editorial. "Weaponizing the housing regulator won't build confidence in America's institutions or markets." More from the WSJ piece here. Dr. James Dobson , a politically influential child psychologist who started a radio show counseling Christians on how to be good parents, founded the conservative ministry Focus on the Family, and was long a campaigner against abortion and gay rights, died on Thursday. He was 89. His death was confirmed by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, reports the AP . In 1977, Dobson founded Focus on the Family, which had more than 1,000 employees at its peak and gave Dobson a platform to weigh in on legislation, advise White House panels, and advocate against laws to ban conversion therapy to "cure" gay people. He joined the Trump campaign's Evangelical Executive Advisory Board when Trump ran for his first term in 2016. Dobson left Focus on the Family in 2010, founded the institute that bears his name, and continued with the Family Talk radio show, which is nationally syndicated and carried by 1,500 radio outlets with more than half a million listeners weekly, according to the institute. "Dr. Dobson's impact endures through the many lives he touched, the families he strengthened, and the unshakable faith he proclaimed," his family said in a statement announcing his death. Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, as well as their children, Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren. An Ohio man has been charged with throwing a sex toy that hit a 12-year-old girl at a WNBA game in New York City earlier this month. Charles Burgess, 32, faces two assault charges over the incident at the Aug. 5 New York Liberty-Dallas Wings game, NBC News reports. A witness told the New York Post at the time that the sex toy hit the girl in the leg. "When it landed, the girl started screaming/freaking out (understandably) for like 30 [seconds] and got the attention of most people within the surrounding rows," the fan said. Burgess' lawyer says his client plans to "vigorously fight these embellished and exaggerated charges." Paul D'Emilia tells the AP that Burgess voluntarily surrendered to New York authorities and was released pending a court date in December. Prosecutors say Burgess was captured on video pulling the sex toy from his pants and throwing it toward the court at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, but D'Emilia says the video doesn't show the sex toy hitting anybody. The New York sex-toy throwing was part of a spate of similar incidents that led to at least two other arrests, reports the AP. Suspects in Georgia and Colorado told police that it was a prank that had been trending on social media. A cryptocurrency group has claimed responsibility but calls it "ridiculous" to suggest the group is trying to demean women's sports. White House tours are off the table for the foreseeable future, thanks to President Trump's push to add a $200 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom to the historic residence. The administration recently pulled the plug on all upcoming toursincluding those already confirmed for Septemberand won't be taking new requests, leaving roughly half a million would-be annual visitors in the lurch. Congressional offices and an internal email to tour coordinators cite "scheduled construction," "extensive renovations," and explicitly, the "construction of President Trump's new ballroom" as reasons for the freeze. Typically, White House tour slots are opened 90 days in advance, but that all stopped in July without public explanation, the Washington Post reports. The offices of numerous members of Congress announced that tours had been suspended, reports NBC News. "Seriously? School trips. Families. All shut out indefinitely for the building of a ballroom?" Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in a post on X, asking if the "millions" they canceled on would be invited back for a ball. For tourists like Deanna Moberg, the timing was especially frustrating. After months of planning and a confirmed tour date, Moberg got a cancellation email in mid-August. She and her family are now settling for the White House Historical Association's exhibit, which features a detailed model and a replica Oval Office. story continues below While White House tours can be called off for security or scheduling reasons, long-term suspensions are rare, last seen after 9/11 and during government shutdowns. The proposed ballroom, set to seat over 600 and funded by private donations, marks the biggest change to the building in a century. "The nation was kind of blindsided by that," Moberg tells the Post. "It's the People's House, and construction of a ballroom kind of came out of nowhere." President Trump isn't just deploying federal troops to the streets of DChe is going out on patrol himself. "I'm going to be going out tonight, I think, with the police and with the military, of course," Trump told conservative radio host Todd Starnes on Thursday, reports the Hill. "So we're going to do a job." The White House has not provided any details of what Trump might be doing when he goes out with the National Guard. AICHI, Aug 21 (News On Japan) - Aichi prefectural police arrested 29 Japanese men and women on Wednesday on suspicion of attempted fraud, following their detention at a facility in Cambodia believed to be a hub for organized scams. Arrest warrants were executed aboard a charter flight from Phnom Penh International Airport to Chubu Airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture. The operation marked the largest number of fraud-related suspects ever repatriated to Japan in a single transfer from overseas. Police plan to step up investigations to uncover the structure and operations of the suspected scam base. The group arrived at Chubu Airport on August 20th. Many wore T-shirts and shorts, keeping their faces down as they were escorted by investigators into transport vehicles. Source: Kyodo Everyday Raw Anywhere is the first shelf stable raw pet food made in Canada with GentleDry Technology. Post this Everyday Raw Anywhere is powered by GentleDry Technology developed in British Columbia. The process uses a low temperature, 90 minute cycle that combines microwave and infrared energy inside a controlled vacuum environment. Moisture is removed quickly and evenly, so food spends less time under heat. This gentle approach protects vitamins, flavour, colour, and aroma to keep nutrition close to fresh raw. Other shelf stable raw alternatives, such as air dried and dehydrated foods, can lose up to 40 percent of heat sensitive nutrients and often require more energy intensive drying. "Innovation is at the heart of RDBK," said Inna Shekhtman, founder of RDBK. "We found a game changing technology built by engineers and researchers from the UBC entrepreneurship community and adapted it for raw pet food so families can serve real nutrition in a way that fits busy routines and active adventures." Designed for real life on the go, you can feed it three ways: Complete and balanced meal. Add water, stir, and serve in about five minutes. Add water, stir, and serve in about five minutes. Premium topper . Mix into kibble, canned, or raw for an easy bowl booster. . Mix into kibble, canned, or raw for an easy bowl booster. High value treat. Serve dry for training. Pets and their people are already giving it great reviews. In a blind consumer study with 50 dog parents, 98 percent praised the smell, appearance, and texture, 92 percent of dogs ate eagerly, and 76 percent said rehydration was quick and complete. Canadian pet parent Julia C., a full time nurse who hikes and camps with her dogs, added, "My dogs' health is incredibly important to me. Feeding them something nutritious, good for the planet, and as close to fresh raw as possible gives me real peace of mind. Everyday Raw Anywhere has surpassed my expectations for a shelf stable food." Sustainability matters to today's families. Everyday Raw Anywhere is made in British Columbia with responsibly sourced ingredients, the majority from Canadian farms, supporting local agriculture and reducing transportation impact. Its lighter shipping weight and no refrigeration format further reduce the footprint from plant to bowl. The packaging celebrates Canadian heritage with hand drawn illustrations inspired by the country's landscapes and outdoor adventures. It reflects Red Dog Blue Kat's long standing support for local farmers, independent pet retailers, and homegrown innovation. Everyday Raw Anywhere is now available at select pet retailers across Canada. Learn more at www.reddogbluekat.com. SOURCE Red Dog Blue Kat Media Contact: Helene Maher, Marketing, Red Dog Blue Kat, [email protected] VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SCZ) (OTCQX: SCZMF) (FSE: 1SZ) ("Santacruz" or the "Company") reports its financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 ("Q2 2025"). The full version of the unaudited Q2 2025 financial statements ("Financial Statements") and accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis (the "MD&A") can be viewed on the Company's website at www.santacruzsilver.com or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated. Q2 2025 Highlights Revenues of $73.3 million , a 4% increase year-over-year. of , a 4% increase year-over-year. Gross Profit of $25.3 million , a 59% increase year-over-year. of , a 59% increase year-over-year. Net Income of $21.0 million , a 1,348% increase year-over-year. of , a 1,348% increase year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA of $26.8 million , a 68% increase year-over-year. of , a 68% increase year-over-year. Cash and short- and long-term investments of $57.8 million , a 691% increase year-over-year. of , a 691% increase year-over-year. Working Capital of $60.3 million , a 303% increase year-over-year. of , a 303% increase year-over-year. Cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold ($/oz) of $19.48 , a 10% decrease year-over-year. of , a 10% decrease year-over-year. AISC per silver equivalent ounce sold of $22.95 , a 8% decrease year-over-year. of , a 8% decrease year-over-year. Silver Equivalent Ounces produced of 3,547,054, a 15% decrease year-over-year1. _____________________ 1. The Full Q2 2025 production results were released in a news release dated July 29, 2025. Arturo Prestamo, Executive Chairman and CEO of Santacruz, commented: "Our second quarter results reflect the strength and stability of Santacruz's business model. We achieved solid revenue growth and significantly improved profitability, with net income and adjusted EBITDA both showing substantial gains. At the same time, we strengthened our balance sheet, ending the quarter with nearly $58 million in liquidity, which includes $40 million in cash and investments of $17.8 million. This strong position is after paying Glencore an additional $7.5 million under the acceleration payment plan while also achieving a 303% increase in working capital and lowering our costs year-over-year this quarter." Mr. Prestamo continued, "Whilst we faced challenges at our Bolivar mine that temporarily halted mining at the high-grade Pomabamba and Nane veins, our San Lucas ore sourcing business helped offset part of the impact. Remediation efforts are underway, and we expect production at Bolivar to normalize by Q4 2025. Our second quarter results highlight the resilience of our operations and our commitment to delivering value. We remain focused on operational efficiency, balance sheet strength, and sustainable long-term growth." Selected consolidated financial and operating information for Q2 2025, Q1 2025 and Q2 2024 is presented below. All financial information is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), and all dollar amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars, except per unit amounts, unless otherwise noted. 2025 Second Quarter Highlights 2025 Q2 2025 Q1 Change Q2 vs Q1 2024 Q2 Restated (6) Change '25 Q2 vs '24 Q2 2025 YTD 2024 YTD Restated (6) Change '25 YTD vs '24 YTD Operational Material Processed (tonnes milled) 480,863 471,773 2 % 500,755 (4 %) 952,637 971,503 (2 %) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) 3,547,054 3,688,129 (4 %) 4,166,364 (15 %) 7,235,184 8,042,752 (10 %) Silver Ounces Produced 1,423,081 1,590,063 (11 %) 1,671,359 (15 %) 3,013,144 3,253,308 (7 %) Zinc Tonnes Produced 21,148 20,719 2 % 25,052 (16 %) 41,868 47,899 (13 %) Lead Tonnes Produced 2,773 2,718 2 % 2,908 (5 %) 5,492 5,861 (6 %) Copper Tonnes Produced 229 279 (18 %) 284 (19 %) 507 539 (6 %) Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) (2) 2,993,136 3,059,556 (2 %) 3,402,139 (12 %) 6,052,692 7,035,077 (14 %) Cash Cost of Production per Tonne (3) 81.95 73.22 12 % 95.11 (14 %) 77.63 94.18 (18 %) Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold ($/oz) (3) 19.48 17.84 9 % 21.66 (10 %) 18.65 21.42 (13 %) All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold ($/oz) (3) 22.95 22.34 3 % 24.91 (8 %) 22.64 24.58 (8 %) Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold ($/oz) (2) (3) (4) 32.37 31.85 2 % 30.40 6 % 32.10 26.67 20 % Financial Revenues 73,295 70,314 4 % 70,485 4 % 143,609 123,074 17 % Gross Profit 25,288 27,859 (9 %) 15,856 59 % 53,147 16,255 227 % Net Income 20,977 9,451 122 % 1,449 1348 % 30,428 134,108 (77 %) Net Earnings) Per Share - Basic ($/share) 0.06 0.03 100 % 0.00 0 % 0.09 0.38 (76 %) Adjusted EBITDA (3) 26,770 27,516 (3 %) 15,971 68 % 54,286 14,662 270 % Cash and Cash Equivalent 39,997 32,527 23 % 7,308 447 % 39,997 7,308 447 % Working Capital 60,295 51,733 17 % 14,976 303 % 60,295 14,976 303 % Year to Date Production Summary By Mine Bolivar (5) Porco (5) Caballo Blanco Group San Lucas Group Zimapan Total Material Processed (tonnes milled) 117,159 96,653 109,421 181,669 447,735 952,637 Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) 1,387,815 728,364 1,344,687 1,798,971 1,975,347 7,235,184 Silver Ounces Produced 725,507 226,438 608,052 614,655 838,492 3,013,144 Zinc Tonnes Produced 7,208 5,460 7,523 12,658 9,019 41,868 Lead Tonnes Produced 383 293 1,082 990 2,744 5,492 Copper Tonnes Produced N/A N/A N/A N/A 507 507 Average head grades per mine: Silver (g/t) 215 88 184 123 79 117 Zinc (%) 6.77 6.01 7.30 7.73 2.59 4.97 Lead (%) 0.46 0.44 1.19 0.87 0.76 0.76 Copper (%) N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.24 0.24 Metal recovery per mine: Silver (%) 90 83 94 85 74 81 Zinc (%) 91 94 94 90 78 85 Lead (%) 71 69 83 62 81 75 Copper (%) N/A N/A N/A N/A 47 47 Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) (2) 1,323,546 607,992 1,112,662 1,386,735 1,621,757 6,052,692 Notes for both tables above: (1) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) for Q2 2025 have been calculated using prices of $31.41/oz, $2,775.53/t, $2,085.90/t and $9,762.69/t for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here. (2) Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) have been calculated using the Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold stated in the table above, applied to the payable metal content of the concentrates sold from Bolivar, Porco, the Caballo Blanco Group, San Lucas Group and Zimapan. (3) The Company reports non-GAAP measures, which include Cash Cost of Production per Tonne, Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold, and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See ''Non-GAAP Measures'' section below for definitions. (4) Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold is prior to all treatment, smelting and refining charges. (5) Bolivar and Porco are presented at 100% whereas the Company records 45% of revenues and expenses in its consolidated financial statements. Production Results In the six months ended 2025, the Company processed 952,637 tonnes of ore, producing 7,235,184 silver equivalent ounces. This total includes 3,013,144 ounces of silver and 41,868 tonnes of zinc. Full Q2 2025 production results were released in a news release dated July 29, 2025. Q2 2025 vs Q1 2025 In Q2 2025, Santacruz delivered stable operational performance, with growth in throughput and concentrate production at Caballo Blanco and San Lucas, and steady results at Porco and Zimapan. Santacruz's overall silver equivalent output was temporarily affected by a mid-May water inflow at Bolivar, which restricted access to high-grade areas and reduced both volumes and grades. This impact was partially offset by San Lucas' strategic contribution, increasing material supply and sustaining mill utilization, along with positive throughput gains at other operations. While Bolivar's temporary disruption moderated consolidated silver equivalent production, the Companys diversified asset base and flexible ore sourcing model supported overall operational continuity and revenue resilience. Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024 In Q2 2025, Santacruz delivered a broadly resilient performance compared to Q2 2024, supported by operational efficiencies, flexible sourcing strategies, and diversified asset contributions. While Bolivar and Porco faced year-over-year declines in production due to lower throughput and grades, partly impacted by the water inflow event at Bolivar, these effects were mitigated by the strategic role of San Lucas and efficiency gains at Caballo Blanco, where higher grades and improved recoveries helped offset reduced volumes. Zimapan posted stable silver equivalent output, benefiting from stronger zinc head grades, and San Lucas maintained its margins, ensuring steady contribution to the Groups throughput. Cash Cost and All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold Q2 2025 vs Q1 2025 On a consolidated basis, AISC remained broadly stable, moving slightly higher to $22.74/oz in Q2 2025 from $22.34/oz in Q1 2025. At the operational level, Bolivars AISC increased 5% to $17.55/oz, while Porco rose 14% to $22.35/oz, both impacted by lower production volumes. San Lucas reported an increase of 24% to 23.69/oz; however, this is consistent with its margin-based sourcing model, where ore costs adjust in line with market prices of metals. On the other hand, Caballo Blanco achieved a 6% reduction to $13.87/oz, reflecting efficiency gains at the operation. Zimapan reported an increase to $32.35/oz as a significant portion of its capital expenditure ("CapEx") for the year was executed earlier in the year. Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024 Compared to Q2 2024, consolidated AISC improved 9%, declining to $22.74/oz from $24.91/oz. The most notable year-over-year improvements came from Caballo Blanco in Bolivia, where AISC dropped 47% to $13.87/oz, supported by operational efficiencies and the impact of currency depreciation in Bolivia: starting January 1, 2025, the Company started recording transactions denominated in Bolivian Bolivianos using a market-based spot rate (average 13.44 BOB/USD) instead of using the official rate (6.96 BOB/USD). Recording BOB denominated transactions in USD using the market-based rate provides a more accurate representation of the economic reality of the underlying transactions. Comparative figures have not been restated because it is a change in estimate. Webinar Details CEO Arturo Prestamo and CFO Andres Bedregal will present at a webinar hosted by Adelaide Capital on Wednesday, August 27th at 2:00 pm ET. Investors and shareholders are invited to participate in the webinar. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VcSuCMywS8idIv91d_2SwA. The webinar will also be live-streamed on the Adelaide Capital YouTube Channel, where a replay will be available after the event: https://bit.ly/adcap-youtube. Questions can be submitted during the session or in advance to [email protected]. Non-GAAP Measures The financial results in this news release include references to non-GAAP measures, which include Cash Cost of Production per Tonne, Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold, Average Realized Price per Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold, and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. The data 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 GAAP. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP and GAAP measures, please refer to the "Non-GAAP Measures" section in the Company's Q2 2025 Management Discussion and Analysis, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Qualified Person Garth Kirkham P.Geo., an independent consultant to the Company, is a qualified person under NI 43-101 and has approved the scientific and technical information contained within this news release. About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties across Latin America. In Bolivia, the Company operates the Bolivar, Porco, and Caballo Blanco mining complexes, with Caballo Blanco comprising the Tres Amigos and Colquechaquita mines. The Reserva mine, whose production is provided to the San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business, is also located in Bolivia. Additionally, the Company oversees the Soracaya exploration project. In Mexico, Santacruz operates the Zimapan mine. 'signed' Arturo Prestamo Elizondo, Executive Chairman and CEO 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 Information This news 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 the 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", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" 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 payment of the Acceleration Option. 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, risks related to changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law. SOURCE Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. For further information please contact: Arturo Prestamo, Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., Email: [email protected], Telephone: +52 81 83 785707; Andres Bedregal, Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., Email: [email protected], Telephone: +591 22444849 OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 21, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food issued the following statement after meeting with representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan and leaders from the Canadian canola sector: "Today, along with my colleagues the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), and the Honourable Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, I had the opportunity to meet with Premier Scott Moe, Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison, Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding and key canola industry stakeholders and exporters to discuss the challenges faced by the canola sector, including the recent preliminary anti-dumping duty imposed by China on imports of canola seed from Canada. "Earlier this month, China announced a preliminary anti-dumping duty on imports of canola seed from Canada of 75.8%, which entered into force on August 14, 2025. This was in addition to existing trade measures resulting from China's anti-discrimination investigation, including the 100% tariffs on Canadian canola oil and meal. Our hard-working producers provide world-class canola products to Canadians and international trading partners and the Government of Canada is profoundly disappointed with China's announcement. "At today's meeting, we agreed on the importance of working together to ensure fair market access for the canola industry and engaging in constructive dialogue with Chinese officials to address each other's respective trade concerns. Our discussion also touched on support options for producers, including the government's suite of business risk management (BRM) programs and how Canada is developing a comprehensive industrial strategy to help businesses develop new export opportunities in international markets. "Canola is one of our most valuable agricultural exports and an important driver of the Canadian economy. We are steadfast in our commitment to defend and diversify Canadian trade and we will stand shoulder to shoulder in our support for Canada's hard-working canola producers, workers and exporters." Quick facts Canola is Canada's second-largest acreage crop, with over 21 million acres produced annually. second-largest acreage crop, with over 21 million acres produced annually. Canola seed production in Canada generated $12.9 billion in farm cash receipts in 2024, making it the most valuable principal field crop. generated in farm cash receipts in 2024, making it the most valuable principal field crop. China is the largest export market for Canadian canola seed, representing 67% of total canola seed exports and totaling 5.9 million tonnes in 2024, worth approximately $4 billion . Associated link Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Contacts: For media: Annie Cullinan, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected] CORAL GABLES, Fla., Aug. 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Sucro Limited (TSXV: SUGR) (OTCQB: SUGRF) ("Sucro" or the "Company"), an integrated sugar refiner focused primarily on serving North American sugar markets, today announced financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025. All amounts are in United States dollars ("U.S. $" or "$") unless otherwise noted. Financial Highlights for the Second Quarter of 2025 Revenue of $231.4 million on sugar deliveries of 286,989 metric tons, both quarterly records on sugar deliveries of 286,989 metric tons, both quarterly records Net income of $2.0 million for the quarter; $14.0 million year to date for the quarter; year to date Free cash flow 1 of $6.1 million , a quarterly record and sixth consecutive positive quarter of , a quarterly record and sixth consecutive positive quarter SG&A reduced by 24.8% year-over-year to $6.8 million , interest expense down 29.1% , interest expense down 29.1% Adjusted gross profit 1 of $13.2 million and adjusted gross profit margin 1 of 5.7% of and adjusted gross profit margin of 5.7% EBITDA 1 of $9.9 million and Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $9.7 million of and Adjusted EBITDA of Adjusted gross profit per metric ton delivered1 of $45.87 Q2 Highlights (unaudited) Three Months Ended Jun 30 Six Months Ended Jun 30 In 000s of U.S. $ except per share and volume metrics. 2025 2024 Change 2025 2024 Change Sugar Deliveries (Metric Tons) 286,989 131,086 118.9 % 463,308 313,951 47.6 % Revenue $231,408 $138,014 67.7 % $386,655 $322,785 19.8 % Gross profit 14,608 20,620 -29.2 % 41,678 57,923 -28.0 % Adjusted gross profit1 13,164 14,555 -9.6 % 26,949 30,730 -12.3 % Adjusted gross profit margin1 5.7 % 10.5 % 7.0 % 9.5 % EBITDA1 9,939 13,961 -28.8 % 32,801 45,450 -27.8 % Adjusted EBITDA1 9,746 8,651 12.7 % 19,704 19,315 2.0 % Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 4.21 % 6.27 % 5.10 % 5.98 % Net Income (Loss) 2,040 3,959 -48.5 % 14,047 23,698 -40.7 % Per share (basic) 0.19 0.57 -67.4 % 1.28 3.43 -62.7 % Per share (diluted) 0.08 0.17 -49.3 % 0.59 1.01 -41.7 % Adjusted gross profit per metric ton delivered1,2 45.87 111.04 -58.7 % 58.17 97.88 -40.6 % Free cash flow1 6,116 2,987 7,338 7,991 Refineries Results: Refineries Volume (Metric Tons) 59,074 58,613 0.8 % 107,276 105,367 1.8 % Adjusted gross profit1 $6,552 $9,320 -29.7 % $14,711 $16,060 -8.4 % Adjusted gross profit per metric ton delivered1 110.92 159.00 -30.2 % 137.13 152.42 -10.0 % 1. This is not a standardized financial measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar financial measures of other issuers. Please refer to "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures (Key Performance Indicators)" in Sucro's Q2 2025 MD&A for further details which is incorporated by reference herein and available for viewing and download on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 2. Net of cash settlements. "Our second quarter results of 2025 demonstrate strong execution and scalability of our integrated business model," said Jonathan Taylor, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sucro. "Deliveries nearly doubled from last year, setting new records in revenue and volume. While margins were compressed by higher-cost raw inputs purchased in late 2024, we expect margin recovery in the second half of 2025 as current market raw sugar supplies flow though our system. At the same time, we achieved structural cost reductions in SG&A, while advancing construction on two new refineries." Results from Operations Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 Revenue for the quarter was $231.4 million (compared to $138.0 million for the corresponding period in 2024), with sugar deliveries of 286,989 metric tons (compared to 131,086 metric tons for the corresponding period in 2024). Adjusted gross profit was $13.2 million (compared to $14.6 million for the corresponding period in 2024), representing an adjusted gross profit margin of 5.7%. Adjusted gross profit per metric ton delivered was $45.87(compared to $111.04 for the corresponding period in 2024). Net income for the first quarter was $2.0 million (compared to $4.0 million for the corresponding period in 2024). EBITDA was $9.9 million (compared to $14.0 million for the corresponding prior period), and Adjusted EBITDA was $9.7 million (compared to $8.7 million for the corresponding prior period). Sucro continues to advance construction on its Hamilton, Ontario and University Park, Illinois cane sugar refineries, expected to be operational in late 2025 and early 2026, respectively. These strategic assets are designed to increase production capacity and improve supply responsiveness in key North American markets. The Company remains focused on optimizing its refining operations, managing supply chain costs, and expanding commercial relationships with major food and beverage customers throughout the regions in which it operates. Management continues to monitor global trade developments, including tariff and cross-border policy changes between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Q2 2025 Investor Call The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time during which Jonathan Taylor, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and Stefano D'Aniello, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss Sucro's financial performance for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Date: Thursday August 21, 2025 Time: 10:00 am ET Conference Call: Toll-Free Dial-In Number (800) 836-8184 Dial-In Number (GTA) (646) 357-8785 Please dial in at least five minutes before the call begins. Replay: Available through September 4, 2025 Replay Access: Toll-Free Dial-In Number (888) 660-6345 Dial-In Number (GTA) (646) 517-4150 Passcode 18760 # About Sucro Sucro is a growth-oriented sugar company that operates throughout the Americas, with a primary focus on serving the North American sugar market. The Company operates a highly integrated and interconnected sugar supply business, utilizing the entire sugar supply chain to service its customers. Sucro's integrated supply chain includes sourcing raw and refined sugar from countries throughout Latin America, and refined sugar from its own refineries, and delivering to customers in North America and the Caribbean. Since its inception in 2014, Sucro has achieved growth by creating value for customers through continuous process innovation and supply chain re-engineering. Sucro has established a broad production, sales, and sourcing network throughout North America with two cane sugar refineries and an additional value-added processing facility, and two sugar cane refineries under development in Hamilton, Ontario and University Park, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). The Company has offices in Miami, Mexico City, Cali, Sao Paulo, and Port of Spain. For more information, visit sucro.us and follow us on LinkedIn. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Sucro Limited For further information, please contact: Don Hill, Chairman, Sucro Limited, T: (305) 901-5222, E: [email protected] Walsh Duffield is steeped in tradition but isn't afraid to change with the times. The insurance agency dates to 1860, remains independent, and is being guided by its fifth generation of family leaders. But the firm has unveiled a new identity Walsh Insurance and has just moved into new, bright offices in Larkinville. "It was the right time," said Edward "Ted" Walsh Jr., the CEO and great-grandson of the founder. "A new logo, a new location and a new spirit that we're trying to create." Walsh has 104 employees across its three locations, with 72 of them based at the Larkin at Exchange Building. The open format in the new offices is designed promote more collaboration among its workforce. That crossover can lead to more business opportunities, as employees from different departments see and talk to each other more often, said Blake Walsh, group benefits manager. Lindsay Hayes, director of marketing and communications, spearheaded the agency's move from the Main Street building that is home to the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. Walsh renovated former Kaleida Health space on the Larkin building's second floor. The overhauled space features lots of natural light, and everything grouped together on a single floor, instead of spread across two floors like at the previous location. Hayes said Larkinville's community feel, cultivated by the Zemsky family, stood out to Walsh as the agency was deciding where to move. "I think all of us are just thrilled with how it turned out for us," Hayes said. "I think day one of the mass group of employees coming in was so exciting, just seeing the reactions of people walking in the first time." A Walsh hallmark is its attention to succession planning. Four members of the fourth generation of the family work alongside three members of the fifth generation. Sean Keenan, who is president and chief operating officer, is Ted Walsh's son-in-law. Blake Walsh's father is chairman Jack Walsh, who is a cousin of Ted Walsh. Six years ago, Keenan was named to his current roles, responsible for operational oversight, while Ted Walsh focused on strategy. Keenan and his team have since added more of the strategic duties. Ted Walsh now devotes his attention to staying connected to some of Walsh's biggest customers, and to community involvement. "I get incredible enjoyment out of not being in the limelight and being on the sidelines and watching our younger folks have that moment to lead our organization," Ted Walsh said. "Their voices mean more to a lot of people that they're hiring. So it's a proud moment. And if you can do it the way we've done it over a long period of time, I think it can be more successful." Keenan said the next generation steering Walsh involves more than just the family members. "The family is such a small part of what we do and who we are," he said. "I think that leadership group we have throughout our organization that are nonfamily, are incredibly talented, confident people that are really taking us to the next generation and allowed the growth we've had over the last two years." The insurance industry has gone through a lot of consolidation. Blake Walsh said remaining independent gives all of the agency's employees a chance to have a say in the company's direction. "You don't necessarily have that opportunity if you're owned by a national organization, or have sales quotas every day that you're stressing over meeting," he said. New branch for Bank on Buffalo Bank on Buffalo is changing up its presence in the Lancaster-Depew area. The division of Pennsylvania-based CNB Bank has opened a new location at 4781 Transit Road, just north of French Road, in Depew. Bank on Buffalo will shut its branch about 4 miles away at 3619 Walden Ave., at Central Avenue, in Lancaster. That location will close at the end of business Aug. 29; its SMART station drive-up ATM will continue to operate indefinitely. The Walden Avenue branch was among the locations Bank on Buffalo added through its 2020 acquisition of the Bank of Akron. THE LATEST The house that was listed for $1 in Cheektowaga had 80 offers and sold for a price that made its owners happy. The attorney who bought one of the region's most expensive homes is buying the sites of the former Brick Bar and Old Pink in Allentown. A National Grid grant will help the Northland workforce training complex add a clean tech lab. A former strip club in Cheektowaga is being acquired by a bridge painting contractor. Unemployment across the Buffalo Niagara region rose but remained near historic lows during July. 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. Western New Yorks largest health system is already anticipating the effects of health care cuts from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In a statement to The Buffalo News on Thursday, Kaleida Health confirmed it is no longer able to sustain operations at two Buffalo Therapy Services clinics, located at 705 Maple Road, Suite 100, in Amherst and at DeGraff Medical Park in North Tonawanda. The two clinics are scheduled to close Nov. 10, affecting 31 employees. Kaleida said its human resources team is working with affected employees to connect them with other opportunities. In its statement, Kaleida made it clear that spending cuts at the federal level factored into the decision. Health providers across the country are exploring cost-cutting measures to mitigate a reduction in Medicaid spending over the next decade. Kaleida Health has been and continues to evaluate the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on our operations and services, the health system said in a statement. The cuts will force Kaleida Health along with hospitals and health-care systems in our region, state and country to make many hard decisions in the coming weeks, months and years. Buffalo Therapy Services is Kaleidas outpatient therapy clinic. In a video posted in late 2022, Kaleida said the Maple Road clinic offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, oncology rehabilitation, lymphedema therapy, Parkinsons speech therapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation. At the clinic at DeGraff, Buffalo Therapy Services offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, oncology rehabilitation, lymphedema therapy, neurological rehabilitation and vestibular therapy. Multiple Buffalo Therapy Services patients reached out to The Buffalo News this week about the impending closure. The patients expressed concern for the staff but also for patients who benefit from the clinics specialized therapy services. They noted Kaleidas online web pages on Buffalo Therapy Services are now blank. In its statement, Kaleida said its decision to close the two clinic locations was based on reductions in funding and reimbursement, financial viability and sustainability of these locations and service lines, as well as access to these services in the community. This unfortunate shift in the health-care economic landscape does not diminish these teams skills or commitment to our patients and our community, Kaleida said. We are extremely proud of the care and service we have been able to offer at these sites over the years. We are committed to supporting affected staff through this transition as well as ensuring continuity of care for patients who were receiving care at these locations. Kaleida said it is continuing service for 90 days to ensure most patients have completed their courses of treatment. "Patients are being notified of closure timeline and alternate providers in the area that they can transition their care to as needed," the health system said. "If patients have specific questions, they should contact the clinics." The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to have wide-ranging effects across health care. Most notably, it will reduce federal Medicaid spending by about $1 trillion from 2025 to 2034. New York State officials have estimated about 1.5 million New Yorkers could lose their health insurance coverage. How looming Medicaid cuts are complicating Kaleida Health contract talks In the ongoing, tense talks between two labor unions and Kaleida Health, that outside factor is no doubt the massive cuts to Medicaid being weighed by lawmakers in Washington, D.C. If that happens, state officials estimated uncompensated care costs to hospitals and providers could rise to more than $3 billion annually statewide. Estimates from health care trade groups in New York project a total of $8 billion in annual cuts to hospitals and health systems across the state. Kaleida, in particular, is concerned about effects to its Oishei Childrens Hospital, a facility that serves a large proportion of Medicaid patients but also received crucial backing this week from billionaire Tom Golisano. In addition, Kaleida has said the federal cuts could affect its plans to build the new Brooks-TLC Hospital in Fredonia and for Brooks-TLC to then join Kaleida. We continue to advocate to our local, state and federal advocacy groups as well as elected officials to help find solutions to the challenges we face and protect our regions health-care organizations, Kaleida said. DEAR ABBY: Should I be mad at the father of my unborn child for not coming with me to travel out of the country? My cousin is being married in Mexico. However, my partner, Gabriel, isnt going because one of his good friends is getting married the same weekend. We found out only recently that I am pregnant, and by the time my cousins wedding comes around, Ill be five months along. My family will be going, but they already booked their flights, which are now sold out, so I will have to travel pregnant and alone in Mexico. The night I found out I was pregnant, Gabriel told me he would go with me, as he didnt want the mother of his unborn child to travel alone to a different country. However, as the wedding got closer, he said he no longer wants to go, as it will be expensive and hed miss his friends wedding. Abby, am I wrong for being upset that he doesnt want to come with me? I think Im more disappointed because I assumed hed want to be protective in this situation, but it almost feels like hes choosing his friend over us. I know I am biased and my emotions are high, but I really want to be level-headed about this and try to understand. -- EXPECTANT TRAVELER IN CALIFORNIA DEAR TRAVELER: Forgive me if this seems harsh, but what you should understand is your partner is self-centered and more concerned with the good time he will have with his buddy than he is about the soon-to-be mother of his child. This should be an indication of the kind of husband and father he may make IF you plan to marry him. That said, if your doctor says you are OK to travel, your family will be around to keep an eye on you, so you shouldnt be in danger. The independence you demonstrate now may be necessary in whatever future you have with -- or without -- your partner. *** 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. The record store Music Country celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2009. The Cliffside Park store boasted that it was the oldest in the country, and it was definitely one of the oldest. Music Country The skies have gone dark over Music Country. Since 1934, the New Jersey record store has been selling music under one name or another. But that run has ended, as the shop has shuttered following the recent death of its owner. Music Country, located at 728 Anderson Ave. in Cliffside Park, calls itself the original mom and pop vinyl record shop, owned by the same family and in operation at the same location for the better part of a century. When it was still open, the family believed the shop to be the oldest record store in the state and thus the country. They even put it on the sign. While the store was not the oldest in the United States, it was certainly one of the oldest. The shop sold records LPs, 45s and 78s as well as cassettes and CDs, music memorabilia, guitars, harmonicas and sheet music. Anthony Taliaferro and his wife Elsie opened the store as Taliaferro Radio & Electric in 1934. In the beginning, the stores inventory consisted of radios, records and record players. Taliaferros daughter, Teaneck native Joan Demarest, started helping her parents out in the shop when she was 10 years old. Later, she took over the store, which became Music Country in the 80s. Inside Music Country, which opened in 1934 as Taliaferro Radio & Electric. Music Country Demarest, who was 85 when she died Aug. 12, ran the store with her husband, Bill Demarest. Joan, a former newspaper reporter in Hudson County, would sing and play guitar with Bill, per her funeral home obituary. Her love of all things music was evident throughout her whole life, it said, noting that she is survived by her family and many patrons of her record store whose lives were enriched by her spirit, kindness and a place where they could all share their love of music. NJ Advance Medias calls and messages to the store over the last few days were not returned. As for that oldest record store in the country claim, Georges Song Shop, a store in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is believed to hold the title, having been open since 1932. In 2021, Demarest, a folk music fan, told Spin that Elvis once visited Music Country to buy a record player when she was working in the store. She pointed out that Music Country never moved locations (Georges Song Shop did, within the same city). We say we have never found any other store exactly the same age, Demarest told the outlet. So thats why I call it the oldest record store. For years and years weve been researching. And this is the original store; it hasnt moved. Its small. Its not a big giant store. (Were) just in a neighborhood and we dont even own the building, but weve only had two different landlords in 87 years. At the time, Demarest said part of the key to the record stores longevity was that the family never tried to expand or enlarge its business and always knew what to order to serve its customers. Its a great place to be around, she told Spin. Being around the music, basically, and people come in, and we talk, and we have fun. We have a good time. How much better could it be to be surrounded by music all day? 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. Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick is explaining herself after her fellow Survivor alum Eliza Orlins called her out for antisemetic comments. During a conversation in which I was calling out someone for what I perceived as a lack of support for the Jewish community, I misspoke in a way that was abrupt, poorly worded, and offensive, Kendrick, 45, told the Daily Mail on Wednesday, August 20. What I meant to express was frustration that someone who is Jewish was not standing up for their own community in a moment that called for unity and support. However, the way I said it was wrong, and I take full responsibility for how it came across. Kendrick made the comments in question in a since-deleted Instagram video published by the Daily Mail. The video was a response to Orlins full expose about her alleged political leanings, titled The Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick Files: MAGA, Misinformation, and Deleted Receipts. Eliza tried to bury me about Donald Trump. Dont come at me with your political status when youre fing Jewish, and your parents are 1 percent of the population of wealth. We were poor as f. I worked my a off to get where I am right now. Dont you dare try to say Im some right-wing bigot, Kendrick said in the video. If you think youre gonna try to fing ruin me for one second, youre sadly mistaken. Good luck, bitch. Orlins, 42, reacted to the video in a statement to the Daily Mail. Im not surprised by Stephenies defamatory or bigoted remarks because Ive known her for nearly 20 years, she told the outlet. I didnt know she was anti-Semitic but again, given her history and the fascistic president she supports, its not surprising. Orlins, a public defender in New York who once ran for office, has been an outspoken critic of Trump, often using her social media platforms to talk about her stance. Orlins also suggested that CBS reconsider Kendricks place on the upcoming all-stars season Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, because she doubt[s] this is the kind of person they want representing their network on the national stage. NJ.com has reached out to CBS for comment. Kendrick told the Daily Mail that she wants to make it absolutely clear that she stands fully and unequivocally in support of the Jewish people. I condemn all forms of antisemitism, discrimination, and hate. My comment was not meant to target the Jewish community in any way, and I deeply regret that it may have come across that way, she continued. To those I hurt and offended: I hear you and I am truly sorry. I am committed to learning from this and continuing to be a vocal ally for all marginalized communities, including the Jewish community. READ MORE: Survivor 50 cast includes The White Lotus creator see the full cast list The reality TV star also admitted she recorded the rant after my husband and I just put the kids to bed and were drinking wine. Kendrick previously competed on Survivor: Palau, Survivor: Guatemala, and Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, while Orlins was a contestant on Survivor: Vanuatu and Survivor: Micronesia. Survivor 49 is set to premiere on CBS on Wednesday, September 24, and Survivor 50 is slated to debut in spring 2026. All past seasons of Survivor are available to stream on Paramount+. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. State Sen. Theresa Ruiz, D-Essex, posed with Newark Public Schools kindergarten students following an announcement of the Newark Saves college savings plan program at the Newark Public Schools district office on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com Kenzi Sargeant doesnt know what a savings account is. What the Newark 4-year-old does know is that she wants to be a dentist and has to go to something called college to do that. So other people can have teeth as clean as mine, she said with a smile. Kenzi is one of 3,000 incoming kindergarten students in the states largest city whose savings for college is getting a head start, thanks to a joint program of the Newark Public Schools district, the Prudential Foundation, and others to open college savings accounts for each of them. Superintendent of Schools Roger Leon, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and representatives of Prudential announced the Newark Saves program Wednesday at the districts central office on Broad Street, along with Kenzi and a half dozen other members of the Class of 2038 and their families. Prudential headquartered in Newark since its founding in 1875 provided a $150,000 grant to fund the program, half of which will be used to open the accounts with an initial deposit of $25 each. The rest of the money will be used for what officials called incentives, or additional deposits in the accounts of families whose parents attend financial literacy classes, parent-teacher conferences, and other behaviors intended to boost their childs financial and educational outlook. At this point, the program is open only to Newarks traditional public schools, not charters, parochial or independent schools. Money and education are both pressing issues in Newark, where the median household income of $48,416 in 2023 was just under half the New Jersey median, and 20.9% of people 25 and older had a 4-year college degree, compared to 43.8% statewide, according to Census figures. Kenzis mom, Shamika Thomas, is a single mother who works as a substitute teacher in Newark while pursuing her certification to teach full time. Her older daughter, Kylie, whos about to enter 4th grade, also looks forward to college. Im grateful that theres a program in the city thats willing to help me, as a single mom, find a way to help my daughters go to college, said Thomas. Knowing that theres a guaranteed way for one of them to go to school is very appreciated. Its a two-year program allowing members the Class of 2038 to open accounts this fall by Oct. 15, or in fall 2026 if they miss this years deadline. It hadnt been decided on Wednesday whether the program would be open to the Class of 2039 next year and to subsequent kindergarteners, said Jasmyne Beckford, a Prudential manager representing the company on Wednesday. More information on the program for interested families and potential contributors is available on its web site NewarkSaves.org. The accounts are what the IRS calls 529 plans, which offer special tax advantages that help families save for tuition at colleges and other educational institutions. Beckford said they would be opened at Invesco Bank with the involvement of Equitable Holdings, while the Newark non-profit FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development would provide financial literacy training for families. In funding the program, Beckford said Prudential took its cue from Boston Financial, another large firm with deep roots in its host community, which this summer announced a similar college savings program known as Boston Saves. Leon pointed to the Newark class of 2025s 90% graduation rate and recent examples of students attending or accepted to Ivy League universities which he said demonstrated the potential for all district students to go on to higher education if they have the money. Our students have what it takes to gain admissions to top colleges and universities, Leon told the gathering. Today, we take a major step in addressing the challenge that not every student has the financial means to attend college though the launch of Newark Saves. Baraka thanked Leon, Prudential and others involved for conceiving and funding the program, which he said was in line with his administrations initiatives to alleviate poverty and other disadvantages for Newarks people. This is a home run by any definition, any way you look at it, said Baraka, who hoped that other local businesses would join Prudential. The Alamo Insurance Group already has. Alamo, a Secaucus-based company with offices and clientele in Newark, was represented at Wednesdays gathering by company founder Luis Alamo and vice president Raquel Cagley, a Newark native, to announce a $10,000 contribution to Newark Saves. State Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, emphasized the importance of saving for college and other goals. Ruiz, the senate majority leader, said that soon after her family arrived in Newark from Puerto Rico they opened a savings account on the advice of a local priest, which later helped them become one of the first Puerto Rican families to buy a home in the North Ward. Ruiz reminded attendees just how high college costs had been even when she was earning her bachelors degree in English at Drew University in the 1990s. My mom sent me to school my freshman year with $300 for books, Ruiz told the gathering. That paid for one book. Nobody knows Jersey better than N.J.com. Sign up to get breaking news alerts straight to your inbox. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com A blue wall of silence protected the state trooper who killed his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend in Franklin, Hunterdon County, earlier this month, lawyers and the victims loved ones said Thursday at the announcement of a lawsuit. Lawyers for Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webbs survivors announced they will sue three police departments, the New Jersey State Police and the Franklin and Washington Township, Morris County police departments. They will allege a systemic failure of police action on multiple levels following at least three complaints by Semanchik that her ex, state police Lt. Ricardo J. Santos, was harassing her since their September 2024 breakup. The blue wall of silence is where police officers protect their own, attorney David A. Mazie said at the event, held at his firm in Roseland. Even when theres allegations against one of them, they look the other way, and thats what happened here. The lawyers said a tort claim, a required precursor to suing public agencies in New Jersey, was filed Thursday. As Mazie spoke, Semanchiks mother, Jennine Semanchik, and sister, Allison Semanchik, stood nearby with their other lawyer, Beth G. Baldinger. The lawyers described the major allegations in the case, how Lauren Semanchik reached out to Washington police after her car was keyed at work in May and identified Santos as the likely suspect. The officers wrote a report, and even contacted Santos, but took no further action. And how Lauren went to her local Franklin police the next day but was unable to see a police officer. So, Semanchik left a voicemail with the department, which was never returned. Shed also reached out to one of Santos colleagues in the Executive Protection Unit of the state police, hoping that would halt his constant calls, texts and unwelcome visits to her workplace at an animal hospital in Long Valley, Washington Township. That also did not work, they said. And, on the night Lauren and Tyler were killed, how three separate neighbors called 911 and reported gunshots and a woman screaming near her Upper Kingtown Road home. Franklin police responded but never went to her home and merely drove down the street and left, the lawyers said. Jennine Semanchik said she and her family have heard from some of the neighbors who called, and said, Theyre livid, as are we. Lauren, her mother said, was failed by every single law enforcement agency that she went to for help. At the end of the day, we will hold Franklin Township Police Department liable for its failure to act, Mazie said. We will get to the bottom of why no one at the state police acted to take Santoss guns. New Jersey law enforcement guidelines are clear that officers guns should be seized by authorities in a domestic violence investigation when an officer is the alleged perpetrator, Mazie said. We will get to the bottom of why police officers that evening failed to even come into Laurens home to investigate the screams and the gunshots, and we will uncover whether the police in New Jersey have been held to a different standard when there are domestic violence complaints lodged against them and whether there is a cover-up in this and in other cases, Mazie said. The police inactions led to Santos being able to follow Semanchik home from work on Aug. 1 and kill her and Tyler outside her home on Upper Kingtown Road, Mazie said. Santos then took his own life in Piscataway. The next day, Semanchiks father arrived at her home and found them dead, Lauren outside and Tyler on her deck. The father and daughter had plans to attend the Soulstice Music & Arts festival in Clinton, Allison Semanchik said. Lauren and Tyler met at a pop punk concert on Memorial Day weekend at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. She was 33, he was 29. The New Jersey State Police have yet to make any comments about Santos. The Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office has taken over day-to-day operations of the Franklin police and the police chief and a sergeant were put on leave. The office has said they will also investigate Laurens previous interactions with police. The Washington police departments chief declined to comment and referred any comment on the incident to the prosecutors office, which also declined comment citing an ongoing investigation. Mazie and Baldinger also called on the state Attorney Generals office to investigate, and to get to the bottom of it. Tyler Webb during fire training. Photo courtesy of Webb family At the press event, Baldinger read a statement from Webbs parents, Lisa and Jim Webb, who called their son a bright light. Webb, of Lacey, was a mechanic for the township Berkeley and a volunteer firefighter in town and for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Tyler, though just 29, he was known throughout his community for his kindness, his generosity, and his infectious laugh, the parents wrote. They said Tyler and Lauren, quickly formed a deep and loving bond. They shared their love of music, their love of animals, their family and their friends, and they were just starting out on a very meaningful and important journey together. The Webb family is committed to attaining justice for Tyler. They seek a full investigation and accountability by those who failed Lauren, and in so doing failed Tyler, the parents said. Said Jennine Semanchik of her daughter, a veterinarian at a Long Valley animal hospital: She did nothing but want to help people and help peoples animals, and it was the number of people that showed up at both of their funerals was a testament to the kind of people that got taken away by this horrible murderer. Lauren Semanchik. Photo courtesy of Semanchik family 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 Twenty-nine people were arrested during an ICE raid at a warehouse in Edison on Wednesday morning, the townships mayor said. . Video from New Brunswick-based advocacy group New Labor shows Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Customs and Border Protection officers at Smart Logistics and Freight Solutions, which houses Amazon, UPS and FedEx. Amanda Dominguez of New Labor said ICE officers tailed CBP officials into the facility. CBP officers are allowed in because the warehouse, located at 65 Patrick Avenue, is a CBP-bonded facility. ICE acknowledged a request for comment from NJ Advance Media but didnt immediately provide one. Edison Mayor Sam Joshi said township officials were informed about the planned raid prior to it occurring. Dominguez said ICE officers arrived at 10 a.m., jumped out of an unmarked vehicle, approached a guard in a security booth. They then demanded the security guard open the gate and hand over his walkie-talkie. ICE officers then stormed into the warehouse and began removing workers, she said. Its a Customs and Border Patrol bonded facility, so they have a contract where theyre allowed to go and check on the goods in the warehouse, but the problem is now is that theyre holding the door open for their ICE counterparts and that is illegal, Dominguez said. ICE still needs a warrant signed by a judge to go and do ICE actions. Workers who could provide adequate documentation were given wristbands while others were loaded into unmarked vans and taken away, Dominguez said. ICE officers also used drones inside the warehouse to search for workers possibly hiding in the scaffolding, Dominguez said. CBP officers didnt participate in the arrests. ICE didnt provide information to relatives about where their loved ones were being taken. Three people were injured during the raid, including one worker who was handcuffed and thrown to the ground by an ICE officer and another who was seen bleeding from his torso, Dominguez said. A third was hurt in an accidental fall. Family members are left wondering what is happening to my loved ones, and theyre not being given any guidance, Dominguez said. It was extremely violent yesterday. I just really want to highlight how violent this was and that this is not just an attack on an immigrant community but on working class people. There are about 80 Customs and Border Protection-bonded facilities in New Jersey and New York, with Dominguez noting, we may see more of these (raids). In July, ICE raided another CPB-bonded facility in Edison, Alba Wines and Spirits, arresting an estimated 20 people. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-5), whose district includes Edison, criticized the Trump administration for the latest raid. Once again, President Trump is terrorizing our communities and raiding places of work, Pallone said in a statement on Thursday. Trump keeps suggesting that he is only arresting or deporting hardened criminals and gangsters. Yesterdays raid in Edison is more proof his administration will stretch the law without a warrant. The warehouse workers were just trying to do their jobs when armed agents stormed in rounding up our neighbors without warning or cause, just to make a political point. In addition to Wednesdays raid in Edison, ICE officers also conducted one on Bayard Street in Trenton on Thursday morning. Trenton police didnt participate in the action but video shows officers in patrol cars monitoring the scene. ICE called Trenton police because a member of a local community group repeatedly asked ICE officers if they had a warrant, Dominguez said. Representatives from Radio Jornalera NJ who questioned Trenton police about their presence were told by officers that they are not a part of the raid. They said were not getting involved, and (the activists) were like, but you are getting involved because youre telling us to leave. One activist was arrested, Dominguez said. Trenton police and the mayors office didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Thomas Walsh had just finished bodysurfing the waves in Belmar off 8th Avenue early Friday evening when two young women frantically ran up to him, saying Where are the lifeguards? Theres somebody drowning! Walsh, a former Monmouth County corrections officer who has made several ocean rescues over the years, immediately ran back towards the water, where he joined about three other men searching for a young girl. While chest deep in the water, a man pointed to a girl who was caught in a strong rip current near a jetty. I was thinking the absolute worst at that point, Walsh, 51, of Freehold, told NJ Advance Media. But I figured, get her on the rocks and assess the situation and do what we got to do from there. Once Walsh reached the girl, her head popped up from the water, and he realized she was conscious and alert. As Walsh brought the 12-year-old girl to safety on the rocks, she just keeps telling me, My sister, my sister, my sisters still in the water, he recalled. The girls sister, Sameeha Sultana, 13, was found unresponsive about an hour later at 7th Avenue, a block north. Rescue crews and the U.S. Coast Guard pulled her out of the water, and CPR was performed. She was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. She was a happy girl, a very happy girl, her mother, Ishrath Parveen, told NJ Advance Media. She described the sisters as best friends. READ MORE: 13-year-old drowned on first trip to a Jersey beach, heartbroken family says. A very happy girl. The girls were in Belmar as part of a youth group trip organized by Young Muslims of Jersey City which arrived to the beach at 5:30 p.m., shortly after lifeguards had left for the day. Walsh says he rescued a woman in July from the ocean in Belmar after-hours. Even before Hurricane Erin started churning up the ocean, lifeguards up and down the Jersey Shore had been calling on swimmers to be on the lookout for rip tides and to heed their instructions including not swimming when no guards are on duty. Sameehas death was the second death at the Jersey Shore in one week after a 31-year-old man drowned while swimming on another unguarded beach on Aug. 11. His death prompted the town to announce plans to strictly enforce after-hours beach closures . This week, Hurricane Erin is expected to cause flooding, coastal erosion and massive waves not seen in nearly five years, even though the storm is anticipated to stay hundreds of miles off the coast. As a precaution, more than a dozen Jersey Shore towns are banning swimming completely. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Rebecca Heath may be reached at RHeath@njadvancemedia.com. Maria Sevilla, right, with Pietro Catalano and her daughter, Maria. Roselle, New Jersey. Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Karim Shamsi-Basha This is a story about an affordable place to eat. Its also a story about two people helping each other and caring for one another. Ultimately, this is a story about the humanity in all of us. I was getting my car repaired recently at M&C Auto Repair in Roselle, and I saw a Mexican restaurant across the parking lot, Marias Deli and Restaurant. I went in and spotted the proprietor, a friendly woman with short, graying hair and a modest smile. Im Maria Sevilla, she said with enthusiasm, Youre getting your car fixed next door? Thats my grandfather. Pietro. I grinned and nodded. She continued, You dont believe me? Hes my grandfather. I nodded again assuring her that I believed her, but Sevilla stepped around the counter and took me by the arm to the garage next door. She yelled for the owner, an older Italian fellow who had helped me earlier. Tell him youre my grandfather, Sevilla demanded. I tried to say that I believed her, but she raised her arm for me to hush. The garage shop owner folded his oily rag in his back pocket then said, I am her grandfather. Maria's Deli and Restaurant in Roselle, New Jersey. Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Karim Shamsi-Basha Twenty-five years ago, Maria Sevilla, 47, immigrated from Mexico to New Jersey with her two children. Like most immigrants, she was looking for a better life for her family. She saw a sign for an apartment for rent in Roselle, and she asked the Italian mechanic who owned the building if the apartment was available. He told her he didnt want little kids in his apartment. She ended up staying with a friend, but a month later, that mechanic called and offered her the apartment. Neither one knew they would end up like family. At first, I didnt want little kids running everywhere, Pietro Catalano, 79, said. But then I thought I better let her stay here. She was the age of my granddaughter, and I wanted those kids safe. I wanted to help her take care of them. Six years ago, Catalano ended up selling Sevilla the little building next to his garage, and she opened her deli there. And the bond between the two only strengthened. Pietro Catalano considers Maria Sevilla as his grandaughter. Roselle, New Jersey. Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Karim Shamsi-Basha My kids have always called him grandpa, since they were little, Sevilla said. We look after each other. If Maria needs something, (Shes talking about herself in the third person), Maria comes to grandfather. If grandfather needs something, grandfather comes to Maria. Catalano immigrated to New Jersey from Palermo, Italy, in 1965. He said things were tough back then in his country. There were no jobs in Italy, Catalano said while he tightened the bolts on a car up on the lift. I came to America and was able to make a living for my family. I love it here. I work hard, but I love it. I could relate being being an immigrant myself (I traveled here from Damascus, Syria at the age of 18). All of us come to this country with the dream of making a better life. Sure, the road sometimes is full of obstacles, but with hard work and perseverance, most obstacles can be overcome. At the age of 79, it seemed that Catalano always had that perseverance flickering in his eyes, much like the grease under his fingernails. He nodded at me again and said, You can do anything you want in this country, as long as you work for it. Sevilla, who was standing next to Catalano, lightly elbowed him while saying, He never learned to like Mexican food though. Catalano nodded with a mischievous expression. Maria might be family, but I cannot stand Mexican food! A delicious veggie burrito at Maria's Deli and Restaurant in Roselle, New Jersey. Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Karim Shamsi-Basha Marias Deli and Restaurant serves up delicious food. The humble place is busy inside with food and drinks and bags of chips every where, but in the air and mixed with the scent of cilantro and chillies, that familiar essence of family hung, that essence of home. I tried a veggie burrito ($7.99) loaded with peppers, queso, beans, rice, tomatillos, potatoes and other decadent ingredients. It was flavorful and rich, and it could have fed three people. You can get a Turkey Reuben panini for ($7.99), Marias pancakes for ($7.99), or Marias shrimp wrap for ($9.99). Breakfast includes authentic Mexican dishes like Chilaquiles, ($7.99) with fried chips, beans, onions, avocado, sour cream, two fried eggs and salsa. Or you can indulge in the picaditas, ($9.99) with chicken, steak or longaniza (Mexican sausage similar to chorizo). If you still have room, you should try the Mexican hot dog ($6.99) with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and a special sauce. My car was ready, and I drove away thinking of how humanity shows up in the most unpredictable places. In the rear mirror, I could see the Mexican cook and her Italian grandfather, the mechanic, head back into his garage, his arm over her shoulder. Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram. Follow Mosaic on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom. Note: This is a breaking news story and has been updated with new details. An active shooter incident at Villanova University Thursday was labeled a cruel hoax in which no one was injured, the universitys president said. Mercifully, no one was injured, and we now know that it was a cruel hoax-there was no active shooter, no injuries and no evidence of firearms present on campus, Villanova University President Rev. Peter Donohue said, according to WPVI. The university issued an active shooter alert on its website around 4:30 p.m. according to NBC10. The alert said the following: Police on scene. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. More info to follow. Stay Clear of Law School Scarpa Hall. ACTIVE SHOOTER on VU campus. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. More info to follow. Initially, there were conflicting reports regarding injuries. The Philadelphia Inquirer said one person was shot, but a police source told NBC10 around 5:30 p.m. there were no known injuries connected to the incident. Radnor Township Police around 6 p.m. said law enforcement units were still clearing buildings, but no victims were injured. The Associated Press posted a livestream from the area on YouTube: Radnor Township Police previously posted an alert on X asking people to shelter in place. Radnor Township Police Department are on location at Villanova University for a repot of an active shooter. All nearby residents and students are asked to SHELTER IN PLACE AT this time. All further information will come from the Office of the Superintendent of Police. #308 RadnorPD (@RadnorPD) August 21, 2025 The university updated its alert to include the following: Police continue to search area. Remain sheltered in place until further notice, and Stay Clear of Law School Scarpa Hall. Governor Josh Shapiro said Pennsylvania State Police and federal law enforcement agencies responded to the university and asked the public to avoid the area. The @PAStatePolice and local and federal law enforcement are onsite at Villanova University responding to reports of an active shooter. Avoid the area and follow the direction of local authorities. We will share additional information as it becomes available. Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) August 21, 2025 Villanovas academic calendar lists Thursday, Aug. 21 as the first day of New Student Orientation and Registration. The universitys website says it has 6,700 full-time undergraduate students and 3,100 graduate and law students. Hours before the active shooter alert was issued, the universitys law school and Villanova Law Alumni Association hosted a picnic celebrating the class of 2028. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R) still appears to be peeved with his past colleague. During an appearance on CNN, McCarthy took aim at California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) over a redistricting proposal that is expected to come to a vote in his state Legislature on Thursday. But he then, unprompted, directed sharp criticism at former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). Newsom announced last week that he would move ahead with his own plan to counter a Republican-led effort in Texas to add up to five winnable red seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. The Texas House approved a new map on Wednesday after a weeks-long battle with the states Democratic Party, during which many lawmakers fled the state in an attempt to block a vote. McCarthy, who previously represented California in Congress, said that Democrats would be taking away nine competitive seats in the state, pointing to how they have flipped between Republicans and Democrats while he was in office. I didnt lose my job because I worked across the aisle, McCarthy said. I lost my job because one person slept with an underage woman, and I wasnt going to do something different when it came to the ethics committee. And Id do that exact same thing today. Kevin McCarthy on CNN: "I lost my job because one person slept with an underaged woman and I wasn't going to do something different when it came to the ethics committee. I'd do that exact same thing today." pic.twitter.com/VXPyLLh0Ib Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 21, 2025 McCarthy appeared to reference Gaetz, who he has previously linked to his 2023 ouster as House speaker. Gaetz, his longtime nemesis, spearheaded an effort that ultimately force him to lose the gavel after less than nine months on the job. The Justice Department has previously investigated Gaetz for sex trafficking and claims that he had paid for sex, including whether he had sexual relations with a minor. While it was dropped in February 2023, the House Ethics Committee began its own probe over allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. The new investigation, though, was effectively ended after Gaetz resigned from Congress last year once he was nominated by then President-elect Donald Trump as attorney general. Shortly afterwards, Gaetz then withdrew his name from consideration amid increased scrutiny. He has repeatedly denied allegations of sexual misconduct. McCarthy has also backed Gaetzs Florida GOP primary challenger and has taken a series of jabs against the now former lawmaker. McCarthy continued: Ill stand for whats right, just like right now, Im standing for the constitution of California. If California Democrats successfully pass the measure along, it will appear on ballots during the states special election in November. If approved, a new map, favoring blue seats, will be used until the 2030 census but it is fully dependent on whether the plan in the Lone Star State comes to fruition. The move will ultimately sidestep Californias independent commission that has created district maps since 2010 under the VOTERS FIRST Act. McCarthy said that Newsom is looking to amend his states constitution for his own political belief. We have a governor who spends more time on this instead of trying to encourage Bed Bath & Beyond to move back to California, McCarthy said, referring to how the company recently announced it will not open any new retail stores in the Golden State. Newsoms press office had fired back on X: After their bankruptcy and closure of every store, like most Americans, we thought Bed, Bath & Beyond no longer existed. We wish them well in their efforts to become relevant again as they try to open a 2nd store. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Fox News host Sean Hannity decried California Gov. Gavin Newsoms mockery of President Donald Trump as embarrassing on Wednesday. Hannity said on Fox News that Newsoms social media team is busy trying to mock President Trump on X by posting messages in all caps. Hannity explained that Newsom is trying to pretend to be Donald Trump and lamented that Newsom is attacking Fox News hosts." Hes trying to bait conservatives into social media fights. Hes actually referred to our own Tomi Lahrens account as Yelp for toilets, he said on Hannity. Hannity: He and his social media team are busy trying to mock President Trump by posting messages in all caps. He is also attacking Fox News hosts. He's trying to bait conservatives into social media fights. He's referred to Tomi Lahrens account as yelp for toilets pic.twitter.com/38EU5JySFl Acyn (@Acyn) August 21, 2025 For weeks, Newsoms press office has been mocking Trump by mimicking the presidents social media posts, often tweeting posts in all-caps and giving his political rivals new nicknames. The MAGA base and conservatives have complained about Newsoms new social media strategy, with many arguing that he is not being authentic. Hannity echoed those criticisms while bashing Newsoms response to Texas redistricting plan that passed the state legislature on Wednesday. After Texas revealed its plan to redraw its congressional districts to add five more GOP-leaning seats to Congress, Newsom unveiled his own plan to add more Democratic-leaning seats in California. He just spent, you know, the last several weeks, bashing President Trump over the Texas redistricting fight while threatening to gerrymander his own state even more, not that theres much left to gerrymander, Hannity said, speaking of Newsom. Of course, this very public political battle doesnt help the people of California at all. Doesnt even help the Democratic Party, helps nobody. It hurts. Gavin Newsom, its embarrassing. Im embarrassed for him, he added. Hannity: He spent the last several weeks bashing Trump over the Texas redistricting fight while threatening to gerrymander his own state even more Its embarrassing. I'm embarrassed for pic.twitter.com/a6LPhhM73R Acyn (@Acyn) August 21, 2025 Fox News spent several segments discussing Newsoms social media strategy on Wednesday night, prompting another attack from the governors press office. WOW! FOX NEWS CANT STOP TALKING ABOUT ME (GAVIN C. NEWSOM), AMERICAS FAVORITE GOVERNOR!!! TONIGHT THEIR ENTIRE PRIMETIME LINEUP WAS ABOUT ME! JESSE WATTERS KEPT CALLING ME DADDY (VERY WEIRD, NOT INTERESTED, BUT THANK YOU!). SEAN HANNITY (VERY NICE GUY) NEARLY CRIED BECAUSE I WONT TAKE HIS ADVICE. SORRY SEAN!!!! the press office wrote on X. MeidasTouch also weighed in on Fox News coverage of Newsom on X: You can tell Newsoms strategy is working because Fox cant stop talking about it. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump, center, shakes hands with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev in the State Dining Room of the White House, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP President Donald Trump has upped his figure for the number of wars he has ended since starting his second term. While speaking on the Todd Starnes Show, Trump on Thursday said he may have solved at least 10 conflicts. They wrote an article that they gave me three additional ones that I ended without even knowing it. I saw things were going bad, and it looked like it was going to go bad, and it could have been 10, Trump told the conservative radio host. It is unclear what story the president was referencing. Trump to Patrol DC Streets Tonight with National Guard https://t.co/Gsf0PcYTnv toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) August 21, 2025 His updated figure comes as he has moved back and forth among whether he has ended six or seven wars since taking office. On Monday, before his high-stakes meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Ive settled 6 Wars in 6 months, one of them a possible Nuclear disaster..." Ive done six wars, Ive ended six wars, Trump then said hours later during remarks in the Oval Office, as he looks to inch closer to a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. 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. The next day, during an interview with Fox News, Trump said that we ended seven wars, though he did not specify the one he added to his count. He added that if he helps work out the Russia-Ukraine war, then this would be one of the reasons he is able to go to heaven. I want to try and get to heaven if possible. Im hearing Im not doing well, Trump said, before joking that he is really at the bottom of the totem pole. Meanwhile, the White House provided a list of six wars that Trump has resolved in a statement to The Washington Post last week: Armenia and Azerbaijan, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, India and Pakistan, Israel and Iran, Cambodia and Thailand, and Egypt and Ethiopia. But while speaking on the show, Trump again pointed to his seven figure. He did, though, go on to say, Probably more than that. When asked if he would be able to eventually get peace between Ukraine and Russia, after also meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska last week, Trump said that he will know within two weeks one way or the other. Trump has since ditched his hope for a ceasefire, and is instead now pushing for a permanent peace agreement a demand held by the Kremlin. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Former President Barack Obama is backing California Gov. Gavin Newsoms plan to combat President Donald Trumps redistricting plan in Texas. The Texas House approved a new map on Wednesday to create more GOP-leaning seats in the state after a weeks-long battle with the states Democratic Party. After Texas unveiled its plan to add more Republican seats, Newsom vowed to respond by creating more Democratic-leaning seats in California. Obama slammed political gerrymandering in a statement shared to social media platform X on Wednesday, but commended Newsom for fighting back against Texas Republicans. Over the long term, we shouldnt have political gerrymandering in America, just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas, Obama said in a statement. But since Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House and gerrymandering in the middle of a decade to try and maintain the House despite their unpopular policies, I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this. Hes put forward a smart, measured approach in California, designed to address a very particular problem at a very particular moment in time, he added. Over the long term, we shouldnt have political gerrymandering in America, just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas. But since Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House and gerrymandering in the middle of a decade to try and https://t.co/6YeqWg6Zv3 Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 20, 2025 The move to redraw the congressional maps in the middle of the decade is highly unusual, but Texas pushed ahead at the urging of Trump earlier in the summer. The move will give Republicans an advantage in the Lone Star state ahead of the 2026 midterms. Obama previously weighed in on the Trump-backed redistricting plan in Texas last week. In remarks first reported by ABC News, Obama had expressed support to the fleeing Democratic lawmakers in Texas through a video call, arguing that their exit comes at an important time to combat gerrymandering. We cant let a systematic assault on democracy just happen and stand by and so because of your actions, because of your courage, what youve seen is California responding, other states looking at what they can do to offset this mid-decade gerrymandering, Obama told the legislators, who were meeting in Illinois, via Zoom. Now, California is hoping to respond to Texass redistricting plan approved by the House this week. Newsom has engineered the high-risk strategy in response to President Donald Trumps own brinkmanship. Trump pushed Texas Republicans to reopen the legislative maps they passed in 2021 to squeeze out up to five new GOP seats to help the party stave off a midterm defeat. Unlike in Texas, where passage by the Republican-controlled state Senate and signature by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott are now all thats needed to make the maps official, California faces a more uncertain route. Democrats must use their legislative supermajority to pass the map by a two-third margin. Then they must schedule a special election in November for voters to approve the map that Newsom must sign by Friday to meet ballot deadlines. The added complexity is because California has a voter-approved independent commission that Newsom himself backed before Trumps latest redistricting maneuver. Only the states voters can override the map that commission approved in 2021. But Newsom said extraordinary steps are required to counter Texas and other Republican-led states that Trump is pushing to revise maps. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Cracker Barrel unveils a pop-up at Bonnaroo on Friday, June 16, 2023 in Manchester, Tenn. (John Amis/AP Images for Cracker Barrel) AP MAGA world has made its feelings clear. Cracker Barrel debuted a new logo earlier this week, which removed the iconic image of a man leaning on a barrel, a defining part of the restaurant chains identity since 1977. The logo leaves only the name of the restaurant chain marking the first time in 48 years that it only features text. The Old Country Store, which is headquartered in Lebanon, Tennessee, and first opened in 1969, originally used a text-only logo with a gold and brown theme. In 1977, the restaurant chain added the image of a man wearing overalls and the wooden barrel. The design is part of a $700 million revamp of the southern-style comfort food brand to modernize and attract new diners, with TV commercials and a redesigned menu. Cracker Barrel has also renovated some of its around 660 restaurants across the country. The move has sparked anger from a number of conservatives on social media despite the company saying its new logo is now rooted even more closely to the iconic barrel shape and word mark that started it all. Donald Trump Jr., the presidents son, weighed in on Wednesday, writing on X, WTF is wrong with @CrackerBarrel??! Cracker Barrels new logo isnt an accident its CEO Julie Felss Masinos project. She scrapped a beloved American aesthetic and replaced it with sterile, soulless branding. Masino kept a DEI regime that promises to identify, recruit, and advance hires by race and now pic.twitter.com/6BLthLuQ1Y Woke War Room (@WokeWarRoom) August 20, 2025 He was responding to a post from the Woke War Room account, which criticized the chains president and CEO, who scrapped a beloved American aesthetic and replaced it with sterile, soulless branding. It claimed that she kept a DEI regime that promises to identify, recruit, and advance hires by race. Conservative podcaster Benny Johnson called the logo absolutely horrible, asking When will they learn? This matters because tradition matters. Its no different than the leftwing activists who are hellbent on tearing down historic statues and monuments. We have to fight back against anyone who wants to erase our history, destroy our values and suck the soul out of America, Nate Morris, a Kentucky U.S. senate candidate, responded. The End Wokeness account posted an image of changes inside the restaurant: Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino should face charges for this crime against humanity. Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino should face charges for this crime against humanity pic.twitter.com/auBFPi4bpr End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 21, 2025 Boycott Cracker Barrel until they reinstate the old cracker and his barrel, a meme account said. Another user wrote: Cracker Barrel didnt just lose its logo. It lost its soul... Congratulations, Cracker Barrel. Youre now Woke Barrel. Nobody asked for this. Liberal critics had poked fun at the meltdown. Ron Filipkowski, the editor-in-chief of MediasTouch, commented: They are melting the f--- down over the new Cracker Barrel logo and Im here for it! Another user posted the text Release the Files on the logo, referencing late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and uproar provoked in recent months. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), left, has unleashed a trolling campaign on social media against President Donald Trump, right. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli and Julia Demaree Nikhinson) President Donald Trump appeared to clap back at an online trolling campaign led by California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). A social media account run by Newsoms press office has made headlines over the past few weeks as it continues to mock the president, his administration and the MAGA base. Some of the posts on X mimic Trumps communication style on Truth Social including all-caps messages, insults, unnecessary punctuation and initials. The account also parodies the presidents typical sign-off line, Thank you for your attention to this matter! While the account has drawn incessant criticism from many conservatives on social media and on TV, the posting blitz has won over most liberals, who see it as a successfully way to provoke Trump and challenge his agenda. Trump, for the first time, fired back at Newsom early Tuesday. Gavin Newscum is way down in the polls, Trump wrote on Truth Social, using his nickname for the governor. He is viewed as the man who is destroying the once Great State of California. I will save California!!! President DJT, he continued. Newsom had quickly responded on his personal X account: Triggered? In a separate post made hours later, Trump again called attention to California. Any California school district that doesnt adhere to our Transgender policies, will not be funded. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trump posted. Trumps response comes as Newsom has also come under fire from the right as he moves to counter a Republican-led effort in Texas backed by the president intended to add up to five winnable GOP seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. On Wednesday evening, the House of Representatives in the Lone Star State passed a newly redrawn congressional map, advancing the bill to the state Senate as soon as this week. Poised to move forward, it would then go to Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to be signed into law. The vote followed the return of Texas Democrats to the state earlier this week, after lawmakers fled in a two-week walkout to ultimately delay a vote. Republican officials had threatened civil arrest warrants and prosecution. Meanwhile, Democratic and Republican governors continue to debate whether they will intervene. Newsom became the first to act, announcing a countermeasure last Thursday, dubbed the Election Rigging Response Act, which would allow his state to gain several blue-leaning House seats while sidestepping its independent commission that has created district maps since 2010. The California state Legislature is slated to vote Thursday on a newly drawn congressional map. If passed, the measure, titled Proposition 50, would appear on ballots during a special election in November. The new map would remain in effect until the 2030 census, provided it clears all hurdles and Texas successfully enacts its version. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump listens during an event in the Oval Office to mark the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP Despite clinching a major victory in his New York civil fraud case on Thursday, President Donald Trump bashed the corrupt judges who oversaw his numerous legal battles. Trump declared a TOTAL VICTORY in the civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James starting in 2022. An appeals court on Thursday threw out the massive civil fraud penalty that was levied against Trump last year, delivering a major financial win to the president. In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump described the Judge Arthur Engorons verdict last year as unlawful and disgraceful. It was a Political Witch Hunt, in a business sense, the likes of which no one has ever seen before. This was a Case of Election Interference by the City and State trying to show, illegally, that I did things that were wrong when, in fact, everything I did was absolutely CORRECT and, even, PERFECT. Every single Dollar was thrown out, even the penalties imposed on us by the Corrupt Judge, one of the most overturned in History, Arthur Engoron, Trump wrote. He also lashed out at James, calling her a Corrupt and Incompetent Attorney General. James responded to the courts ruling in a statement on Thursday, noting that the appeals court affirmed that Trump, his company, and two of his children are liable for fraud. The court upheld the injunctive relief we won, limiting Donald Trump and the Trump Organization officers ability to do business in New York. It should not be lost to history: yet another court has ruled that the president violated the law, and that our case has merit, she said. My statement on the opinion affirming Donald Trump, his company, and two of his children are liable for fraud: pic.twitter.com/7OdOVsCWlf NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) August 21, 2025 Trump also criticized Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw his hush money trial in New York City last year, and Judge Lewis Kaplan, who oversaw a defamation case brought against Trump last year. Sadly, there are other Cases against me that are equally disgraceful, including those headed up by Corrupt Judges, like Juan Merchan, whose daughter collected Millions of Dollars in Fees from Crooked Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, while her father shockingly REFUSED TO RECUSE himself from a vicious and corrupt trial, which is also under Appeal, Trump wrote. Judge Lewis Kaplan, the other remaining Case, whose wife, family, and friends attended his two trials, is as mean and nasty as anyone I have ever met. That Case, also on Appeal, should also never have been brought, and he should be admonished for Abuse, and every other thing that can be thrown at a Corrupt Judge. He loved the publicity, and would not let us present the irrefutable evidence that we wanted to present, he added. The decision on Thursday is just the latest court victory delivered to Trump since starting his second term in office. A panel of five judges in New Yorks mid-level Appellate Division said the verdict, which stood to cost Trump more than $515 million and rock his real estate empire, was excessive. After finding that Trump engaged in fraud by flagrantly padding financial statements that went to lenders and insurers, Engoron ordered him last year to pay $355 million in penalties. With interest, the sum has topped $515 million. The total combined with penalties levied on some other Trump Organization executives, including Trumps sons Eric and Donald Jr. now exceeds $527 million, with interest. While the injunctive relief ordered by the court is well crafted to curb defendants business culture, the courts disgorgement order, which directs that defendants pay nearly half a billion dollars to the State of New York, is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, Judges Dianne T. Renwick and Peter H. Moulton wrote in one of several opinions shaping the appeals courts ruling. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Donald Trump said Thursday he plans to join law enforcement to patrol the nation's capital. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson President Donald Trump announced he is going out on patrol in Washington, D.C. on Thursday night alongside the National Guard and the police. Trumps announcement sparked widespread mockery on social media platform X, where many users criticized the president for the federal takeover of the nations capital. Trump announced earlier this month that the federal government would be taking over the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department to crack down on crime, despite the citys statistics showing a drop in crime in recent years. Im going to be going out tonight. I think, with the police, and with the military, of course, Trump told radio host Todd Starnes. So were gonna do a job. The National Guard is great, theyve done a fantastic job. It remains unclear what specific activities the president will undertake alongside law enforcement. A senior White House official told CNN that the details of the patrol are still being worked out. Trump says hes going out on patrol in DC tonight with the National Guard and police. pic.twitter.com/uwpxcPK4xP Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) August 21, 2025 The announcement prompted social media users to roast the president on Thursday. Project Lincoln shared an edited photo of Trump depicted as the main character from Paul Blart: Mall Cop on X. Political analyst Tom Sherwood explained on X that Trump is not going to patrol. Hes going to do a photo-op with cops and National Guard. A few minutes of grip and grin, with a few sloppy salutes thrown in. Big difference! And the media will eat it up like free Big Macs, Sherwood wrote on X. Democratic media personality Fred Wellman questioned how Trump is really going to patrol the streets of D.C. Trump is hitting the streets of D.C. tonight. I am dying to see how they set it up like he is visiting Baghdad. Five bucks he drives around town in the Beast with a military escort and calls it a patrol or something, Wellman wrote on X. MeidasTouch editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski jabbed the president over his plan, noting that Trump had previously called himself a war hero. He said he was a war hero and always wanted to win a Purple Heart. Now soldier Trump heads out on patrol, Filipkowski wrote on X. He said he was a war hero and always wanted to win a Purple Heart. Now soldier Trump heads out on patrol. pic.twitter.com/pdpT9YTsKL Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) August 21, 2025 Trumps presence during his controversial crackdown, which has lasted for two weeks, would be the latest show of force from the White House. Hundreds of federal agents and National Guard soldiers have surged into Washington this month, leaving some residents on edge and creating tense confrontations in the streets. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday visited some of the troops at Union Station, showing their support while protesters chanted free D.C. Although the city has historically struggled with crime, statistics show the problem was declining before Trump declared there was a crisis that required his intervention. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A Delaware man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for fatally striking a college student from New Jersey with his motorcycle as he fled from police, according to published reports. Brian Briddle, 27, pleaded guilty Aug. 15 in the death of Noelia Gomez, 18, of Clark, Union County, who was in her freshman year at the University of Delaware. Briddle, who faced murder and other charges, was sentenced to prison with a tentative release date of July 2039, according to delawareonline.com. The news site reported Briddle broke down during sentencing, telling the judge: I deserve it for the pain Ive caused. Noelia Gomez University of Delaware Gomez was killed on Aug. 27, 2024, when Briddle sped away from a university police officer who tried to stop his motorcycle on East Main Street in Newark, Delaware. The officer shut off his emergency lights and did not pursue Briddle. Moments later, the motorcycle struck Gomez as she crossed West Main Street in a crosswalk near North College Avenue, authorities said. Gomez died at the scene. Briddle was thrown from the motorcycle, which veered onto the sidewalk, injuring four pedestrians before hitting a light pole. The victims suffered minor to non-life-threatening injuries. Gomez was struck in the crosswalk as she crossed West Main Street in Newark, Delaware. 6abc Briddle was arrested the day after the crash and charged with second-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, disregarding a police officers signal, and multiple traffic violations. He has been held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington on more than $362,000 cash bail. According to her LinkedIn profile, Gomez was a straight-A student at Union Catholic Regional High School, where she earned high honors for four consecutive years. She was a member of the National Spanish Honors Society and a volunteer for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. At the time of her death, Gomez was a freshman at the University of Delaware, where she studied accounting and business management at the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics. Noelia was born in Jersey City and was a lifelong resident of Clark, her obituary said. She enjoyed dancing and cheerleading. Gomez was survived by parents, a brother, and numerous other family members. We cannot express enough how sorry we are for the family, friends, and greater community as we are all so deeply shaken by the sudden loss of one of our own. Our hearts are very heavy today, university officials wrote in a letter to the community after Gomezs death. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Moderate to major flooding is likely along the Jersey Shore on Thursday. National Weather Service With the off-shore Hurricane Erin churning up the ocean and bringing strong winds and big waves to New Jersey today, forecasters have issued weather alerts across the state. Earlier this week, more than a dozen Jersey Shore beaches issued swimming bans as forecasters warned of life-threatening conditions for boaters and swimmers. Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency across all of New Jersey on Thursday. The National Weather Service has said the hurricane could cause the roughest surf conditions on the Jersey Shore since Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020. That storm produced 10-foot to 12-foot breakers in the surf zone. Hurricane Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, formed on Aug. 11 near the Cabo Verde Islands, a few hundred miles from Africas western coast. The hurricane is not expected to make landfall on the East Coast, however, it is bringing rip tides, high waves and the potential for flooding as it moves northward. Latest Hurricane Erin alerts Atlantic County Coastal flood warning: 5 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Saturday Wind advisory: 10 a.m. Thursday to 12 a.m. Friday Burlington County Coastal flood warning: 11 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Saturday Camden County Coastal flood advisory: 11 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Saturday Cape May County Coastal flood advisory: 5 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Saturday Cumberland County Coastal flood warning: 5 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Saturday Essex County Coastal flood advisory: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday Gloucester County Coastal flood advisory: 11 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Saturday Hudson County Coastal flood advisory: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday Middlesex County Coastal flood advisory: 5 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Saturday Monmouth County Coastal flood warning: 5 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Saturday Ocean County Coastal flood warning: 5 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Saturday Wind advisory: 10 a.m. Thursday to 12 a.m. Friday Salem County Coastal flood advisory: 9 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Saturday Union County Coastal flood advisory: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday Rough surf conditions and a high threat of deadly rip currents will linger at the Jersey Shore through Saturday, Aug. 23, according to weather forecasters. National Weather Service Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. A visitor photographs the rough surf caused by Hurricane Erin in the Holgate section of Long Beach Township on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media The wind has already been whipping at the Jersey Shore, and towering waves have been crashing down in the surf zone Thursday afternoon, thanks to Hurricane Erin. Even though the center of the storm is spinning a few hundred miles offshore, Erins intense power is churning the ocean and its huge wind field is stretching far enough for strong gusts to reach the Jersey Shore. We are expecting to see the worst of the storm today into tomorrow as it moves past New Jersey with high surf and rip currents, Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday afternoon before he declared a state of emergency. While interior sections of New Jersey are not expected to get any rain or dangerous winds from Erin just clouds, cool temperatures and breezy conditions the state of emergency covers all of the states 21 counties. Your browser does not support the HTML video element. This NOAA satellite image shows Hurricane Erin slowly moving north and east, away from New Jersey, Thursday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2025. However, Erin's outer bands are generating strong winds, rough surf and dangerous rip currents along the Jersey Shore and other East Coast beaches. Weather forecasters and local officials are most concerned about Erins impacts on the Jersey Shore and towns along tidal water bodies like the Arthur Kill, Sandy Hook Bay and Barnegat Bay. Tides are already running higher than normal this week because we are approaching the new moon phase on Saturday. So it wont take too much water blowing onto land from Erins winds to cause flooding, forecasters say. The National Weather Service said Thursday evenings high tide will bring the greatest risk of moderate flooding at the Jersey Shore, and major flooding is possible in Cape May County. Moderate flooding is forecast for coastal waterways in Atlantic, Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties, with minor flooding likely along the Delaware River from Trenton south. At ocean beaches, high tide occurs between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. today, and high tide along the back bays takes place between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. A woman watches the rough surf caused by Hurricane Erin in the Holgate section of Long Beach Township on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media Depending on how strong the wind gusts get, as much as 1 to 3 feet of ocean water could get pushed onto land Thursday night, forecasters said. Theres also a high risk of dangerous rip currents and high surf advisories in effect for the entire Jersey Shore through Friday. And forecasters are warning that rip currents will remain dangerous through Saturday as well. Rough surf conditions and a high threat of deadly rip currents will linger at the Jersey Shore through Saturday, Aug. 23, according to weather forecasters. National Weather Service A wind advisory is active now through midnight Thursday in Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties, where steady winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected along the coast, with gusts forecast to get as high as 45 to 50 mph at times. Gusts of 45 and 46 mph were clocked Thursday afternoon at the Atlantic City Marina, and gusts of 42 and 43 mph were reported in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island. 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. News / Local by Staff reporter The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) has been plunged into fresh controversy following allegations that acting pro-vice chancellor for academic affairs, Willard Gwarimbo, is manipulating academic processes to favour an alleged relative.The claims centre on Trevor Biri, introduced to students as a third-year financial engineering student, who is accused of progressing to final-year studies despite never being registered for the 2024/25 academic year or completing the mandatory industrial attachment programme.A student familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, said:"Trevor was not on the system last year. He did not do internship and was not assessed, yet he is in class with us. It's unfair and goes against everything we have been told about academic integrity."The controversy has escalated after four other students alleged their internship results were inexplicably removed from the university's online portal. They suspect the move is part of a cover-up to justify Biri's inclusion under what is being described as a "structured internship repeats programme."If implemented, the arrangement would allow Biri and the four students to repeat their industrial attachments while simultaneously attending final-year lectures a practice the students insist has no basis in HIT's academic policies."We have not been given any official explanation," one of the affected students said."This is a violation of our rights. We are being punished for following the rules, while someone who never registered is being rewarded."The students further alleged that Biri's father recently travelled from South Africa to meet with Gwarimbo, after which Biri was allocated accommodation and instructed to remain in final-year classes."Trevor is openly bragging that he'll graduate because he has guarantees from Gwarimbo," another student claimed.This is not the first time Gwarimbo's name has been linked to controversy. Earlier this year, he was accused of corruption, nepotism and sexual misconduct, prompting HIT to promise an internal inquiry. Insiders say no investigation has taken place."He is untouchable. The vice-chancellor and the university board shield him, so he acts with impunity," said a source close to the administration.The four affected students are now considering legal action."We are not going to let this slide. This is about fairness and integrity. HIT is setting a dangerous precedent," one said.Contacted for comment, Biri denied knowledge of the allegations."I have followed all the procedures, but I don't know who is spreading the news," he told NewsDay Live.HIT spokesperson Tinashe Mutema dismissed the claims as a smear campaign."This is coming from the dark world, there are people who are working against the vice-chancellor," he said."Unfortunately, there is an academic board which oversees what you are saying. Professor Gwarimbo has been doing well to address issues at the institution." 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. Richard Boudreaux is a chef who was born and raised in New Iberia. His spouse Angelina Boudreaux is from an Argentinian family but grew up in California. She moved to Louisiana to become a teacher. The couple met here and started NOLA Choripan, named for the traditional Argentinian sausage sandwich. The pop-up is at Second Line Brewing on Mondays and Parleaux Beer Lab on Saturdays. On Saturdays through September, theyre doing a traditional Argentinian asado, offering a spread of grilled meat and sausages, as well as their main menu of choripan. Theyll also be at Miel Brewery & Taproom Sept. 10, 16 and 23. For more information, visit @nola_choripan on Instagram. Gambit: How did you get into cooking? Richard Boudreaux: When I got out of the army, I went to culinary school and started cooking. I was in Germany in the army. I decided I was going to go back once I got some cooking experience. I moved to Germany and did my apprenticeship and developed my chops there. I worked with Boris Rommel. Hes a two-star Michelin chef right now. Thats where it all came alive for me in the kitchen. I wouldnt say he taught me how to cook, but he gave me some tools and taught me how to teach myself and how to design menus and care about where the food comes from. Thats where the passion of cooking grew for me. Angelina Boudreaux: My parents are from Argentina. My mom is from San Luis, my dad is from Tucuman. My whole family still lives in Argentina. I grew up in California. Argentinian culture is all about beef. Smoked meats and beef and grilling have been part of my life. I took Richard back home to Argentina and my family embraced him. They put him through Argentinian grill boot camp. My dad showed how to make asado out of anything, anywhere, any apparatus. RB: Oil barrels, whatever. AB: My parents started a beef jerky store on Highway 395 on the way to Mammoth (California). We were a staple. It was in the L.A. Times. I did that for about 20 years. Since I was 12, I was selling at the beef jerky store. Gambit: How did you start NOLA Choripan? AB: When I got here, I was looking for honey. I love honey. The beef jerky store had honey. My sister took the reins and is doing her own thing now. But we had natural honey, olives and dehydrated fruits. When I got here, I noticed that there wasnt a variety of honey. I missed the avocado honey and the cactus honey and all these different variations we had in California. So I brought back a couple boxes. I decided to do a pop-up with Trap Kitchen and sell them. There are cottage laws here so you can make your own sauces. So I made chimichurri and when I gave out samples, people would ask if I had any French bread. I said, Oh, what a good idea. Lets make choripan. Something I grew up eating. We started NOLA Choripan as a little pop-up and making chimichurri. RB: We latched onto the chimichurri. Thats our staple. Its 80% fresh parsley with green onion, garlic, oil, red wine vinegar and salt. AB: We sell jars of it. We used to go to Brieux Carre a lot. They were like, we love your choripan. We did a couple of years there. RB: Weve done choripan a la carte for four years now. With rotating specials and cooking steaks. AB: We have the choripan, which is the Italian sausage with the fresh baked bread and the chimichurri. Richard makes his own bread. We added tomato, lettuce and a little mayo. In Argentina, at a barbecue, you just eat it with the chimichurri and the French bread, but we like it with a little more. We also add provolone cheese, because its delicious. RB: On Mondays at Second Line is all a la minute cooking. Our everyday menu is the traditional choripan and the chori doble, which is double meat, and we have a vegan option. We have a plant-based sausage. Gambit: What are you doing at Parleaux? AB: Sunday in Argentina is asado day. At Parleaux we do asado on Saturday. But part of the tradition is community. You bring your family and friends and share a plate and spend hours talking. Its a reason to get together and eat. RB: We started the asado in August. We have a Santa Maria grill with a firebox on the side. Well burn down coals and use that under the meat. Its all wood-fired meat with oak. Well bring beef short rib and blood sausage and chorizo Argentino. We have the closest thing we can have to a traditional asado. The asado is a flat price. Its $68. It comes with almost two pounds of beef short rib, and then you get blood sausage, chorizo Argentino and a chicken thigh and chimichurri, lemon and salad. Its a traditional salad criolla. Its tomato, onion, oregano, red wine vinegar and oil. Two people can eat themselves silly. AB: Were still evolving. Were trying to keep it as Argentinian as possible. We approached Parleaux because of the huge grill. RB: We needed a place to store the grill. Its difficult to move it around. Were going to continue through September, and during winter, Ill probably roll back and do gumbo cooking. The goal is for a couple of seasons a year to do an asado series. We also have our eye on some buildings. AB: I would love to get into a building. But its a big commitment. But I am really happy with the asado. Despite the opportunity for a peace deal, Putin's resistance to compromise and his potentially misplaced confidence in a military victory over Ukraine risked missing the chance to capitalize on his warm vibe with President Donald Trump, while dragging out a war that is killing thousands every week and undermining Russia's economy and its global strategic position. Since the summits, Russia has continued to throw obstacles in the way of any measures recommended to advance the process, suggesting Putin is not willing to move at the same pace as Trump. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made clear that Russia expects to have a veto over any security arrangements Europe and the U.S. come up with to defend Ukraine from future attacks. The risks are still growing over Putin's recalcitrance. "Putin knows that in the last weeks he's been facing a crisis. He sensed the danger, the red alarm went off," a Kremlin insider said before the summit, when Trump was still threatening tougher sanctions and Putin realized he needed to mend ties. "He really wants to stop the war, but he needs to stop it in a way that looks like a victory," he added, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Putin did buy time and stave off sanctions after he persuaded Trump on Friday to abandon his pressure for a ceasefire and instead pursue the Russian preference for a comprehensive peace deal that could take years to negotiate - allowing Russia to fight on without the risk of tough new U.S. sanctions. But Trump's subsequent genial White House meeting Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Europeans showed the perils for Putin facing determined European backing for Ukraine's fight to remain independent with a strong army. The summit marked a setback in Putin's decades-long goal to gain dominion over Ukraine and in his efforts to peel the U.S. away from Europe. The Washington meeting shifted the onus back onto Putin to take the next step in the peace process and meet with Zelensky, disappointing nationalist Russian commentators who were convinced that Putin had persuaded Trump at the Anchorage summit to force a disadvantageous deal onto Zelensky. "I don't know what the thinking is inside the Kremlin. If the goal was to manipulate Trump at Anchorage, I think they didn't do a very good job of it," said Thomas Graham, a distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former senior director for Russia on the National Security Council during the George W. Bush administration. Putin also did not appear to succeed in luring Trump into a broader conversation about the benefits of economic cooperation between Russia and the U.S. - a card he'd hoped to use to sway Trump into accepting Moscow's view of the conflict, said Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. "A lot didn't work out." The White House now expects an imminent summit between Putin and Zelensky, but Russia has sent out very different signals in a dynamic that characterized the pattern of misunderstandings in the discussions between Washington and Moscow over the war. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that Putin and Zelensky had both shown "a willingness to sit down with each other" and that preparations for the meeting were underway. But that same day, Lavrov played down the meeting, saying that "any contacts between top officials would have to be prepared very thoroughly," an argument that Russia has used for years to deflect any meeting with Zelensky. Putin is unlikely to accept an imminent meeting, according to a Russian academic close to senior Russian diplomats, because it would confer "a certain legitimization of the Ukrainian political regime by Moscow, which would present problems." The Russian position maintains that a meeting can only come once the terms of a deal have been worked out - which for Russia involves Ukraine's capitulation. Lavrov, meanwhile, referred to Zelensky on Tuesday as an untrustworthy "character." Putin has previously called Zelensky illegitimate and depicted his administration as "drug addicts and neo-Nazis." With such views on Zelensky and insistence on addressing "root causes" of the conflict - which means turning Ukraine back into a client state - Russia is sticking to maximalist goals in the conflict and has not been open to the compromises needed for a Trump-led peace agreement. "Part of the reason that Russia is unwilling to bend reflects the fact that Ukraine is basically Putin's white whale. This is what he wants, and he's not going to stop until he gets it, or until he's convinced that he can't get it," said Nate Reynolds, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Russia director at the National Security Council. At times, he said, Russia seemed to struggle to get its message through to the Trump administration. "The Russians, to some extent, probably have been surprised by a couple of things. One, that they can't get the U.S. to understand what they're asking for, and two, that they can't get the United States to accept it," he said. "Putin and his advisers keep coming out of these meetings with U.S. interlocutors, who then highlight what seem to be misunderstandings, frankly, about what the Russian demands are." Lavrov said Tuesday that Trump and his team increasingly showed an "understanding that it is necessary to eliminate the root causes." But when Trump was asked the day before about his understanding of the "root causes of the crisis," he avoided answering. Moscow's demands that Ukraine cede territory not yet captured by Russia and that it be permanently shut out of other alliances and groupings have been dismissed by senior U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance in May and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in recent days. Russia's conditions for peace were spelled out in a June 2 memorandum and there is no indication that it has backed down from them, including curbing Ukraine's sovereignty, drastically downsizing its military and dictating what international organizations it can join. The demands are designed to force Ukraine into a close, unwanted economic and political partnership with Russia. Putin sees Russians and Ukrainians as "one people" and Ukraine not as a real country, making any kind of peace deal difficult. "The true sovereignty of Ukraine is possible only in partnership with Russia," he wrote in a 2021 essay. While Trump has compared the conflict to a struggle over prime oceanfront property, analysts say Russia sees it as more than a conflict between two countries but as a chance to relitigate the Soviet Union's humiliating loss of the Cold War and to transform Europe's security architecture. "There is no war between Russia and Ukraine. There is a war of the united globalist West against Russia at the hands of its Ukrainian neocolonial regime. It is impossible to negotiate peace with Zelensky, a puppet of the neocolonial regime," wrote Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin analyst. "Peace can only be achieved through negotiations with the master of this neocolonial regime." There was probably a misunderstanding even over the matter of security guarantees that Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said Moscow had agreed to. According to Graham, Putin's understanding of security guarantees and Witkoff's are "very different things." According to a 2022 draft peace agreement with Ukraine, Russia would be a co-guarantor to any security arrangement, giving it an effective veto over any response, "which is not quite what Ukrainians would have in mind, and not what Witkoff understood." On Wednesday, Lavrov said that any security arrangement had to include Russia: "Discussing security issues without the Russian Federation is a utopia, a road to nowhere." Putin's goal in power has been to rebuild Russia as a great global power, which to him entails the subjugation of Ukraine. His emotional investment highlights the perils of failure in a highly charged peace process that Graham says could take months or even years. "The idea that you are going to get a comprehensive peace deal anytime soon - that's delusional. The issues are too complex," he said. Meanwhile, Russia is confident that it will win on the battlefield and doesn't really need a peace process, said Reynolds, a position that is not likely to endear it to the U.S. administration hoping for a foreign policy win. "They basically have two theories," he said. "One is that the West gives up and walks away. And the other is that the political center in Kiev collapses under pressure. But neither one of those things is fully under Russia's control." (COMMENT, BELOW) News / Local by Staff reporter The immigration case of Zimbabwean social media personality Wellington Masiwa, popularly known as Nyokayemabhunu, has been postponed to 10 September 2025 after prosecutors told the court they were not ready to proceed.Masiwa, who has been in detention since his arrest on 13 April, appeared before the Randburg Magistrates' Court this week where he was formally charged under Section 49(1) of South Africa's Immigration Act for allegedly being in the country without a valid visa or permit.The presiding magistrate ordered that he remain in custody until his trial resumes next month.Masiwa's case has drawn public attention both in South Africa and Zimbabwe, with supporters questioning the length of his detention while legal proceedings drag on. The leaders of Belarus and Iran signed new agreements on Wednesday to boost bilateral ties in key areas including defense, the two governments said. The "Executive Council" is NCPR's community advisory board. It exists to review and advise the station regarding its programming goals, station services and significant policy decisions. General questions about Executive Council business can be emailed to [email protected] NCPR periodically accepts applications for open seats on the Executive Council. People interested in applying should download and fill out the application form and either submit by email to [email protected], or return by mail to North Country Public Radio; Attn: Executive Council, St. Lawrence University, Canton NY 13617. Upcoming Executive Council meetings: Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, 11:00 am at Appleton Arena on St. Lawrence University Campus. Past Executive Council meetings: July 25th, 2025. Note: NCPR's advisory board, the Executive Council, met in executive session at a special meeting to discuss effects of the rescission of federal funds on the station's budget. No action was taken during that discussion, and the meeting was returned to regular session and then adjourned. October 29th, 2024. Note: NCPR's advisory board, the Executive Council, met in executive session at its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, October 29th, 2024, to discuss the qualifications of confidential candidates to serve on the EC. No action was taken during that discussion, and the meeting was returned to regular session and then adjourned. Members of the NCPR Executive Council: Julia Kaplan Toce, Thousand Islands Park, NY (Chair) Ann Adams, Dekalb Junction, NY (Vice Chair) Krista Briggs, Canton, NY Jane Dodds, Sylvia Lake, NY (Board Secretary) Robert Keller, Boonville, NY (Past Chair) Mark Dzwonczyk, Paul Smiths, NY Margot Ernst, North Hudson, NY Ed Forbes, Lake Placid, NY Rich Frost, Plattsburgh, NY Stephen Glauser, NYC and Saranac Lake, NY Andy Gustafson, Old Forge, NY Hannah Hanford, Saranac Lake, NY Breyne Moscowitz, Canton, NY Randall Russell, Wanakena, NY Harris Semegram, Lake Placid, NY Joe Steiniger, Schroon Lake, NY Alan McLeod, Kingston, ONT Ex-officio members representing license holder St. Lawrence University A sightseer was left paralysed after she was dislodged from her seat by the impact of waves on a tour boat as it left Ilfracombe Harbour, a report released today (Thursday, August 21) has confirmed. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report said the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) Lundy Explorer had been setting off for a sea safari trip on June 7, 2023. A high wave caused the RIB to slam into an oncoming wave and a woman passenger sitting in a jockey seat at the front, where the highest shock loads were experienced, was dislodged from her seat and fractured her spine, which left her with permanent paralysis. The MAIB has made a number of safety recommendations to Ilfracombe Sea Safari Limited in its report. The company told the Gazette today it had implemented all the measures outlined in the report, plus others. The report identified key safety issues from the June 7, 2023 accident, which included weather conditions had deteriorated quickly and this resulted in choppy seas, with increased wave heights the Lundy Explorers skipper had not expected. It said the position of the jockey seats at the front of the boat were unsuitable for single occupancy as they exposed passengers to high shock load as the boat slammed into waves. The report found a pre-departure safety briefing did not include adequate instruction on the use of the seats and the passengers were unaware of the risks. It also found current regulations do not reference safety standards for the design, position and use of seats on high-speed RIBs. MAIB has made a number of recommendations to the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) relating to high speed commercial vessels. It will also include in the forthcoming Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure a requirement to assess and mitigate the risks of seating people in the front third of a rigid inflatable boat or a high-speed boat. The report said Ilfracombe Sea Safari had been recommended to include operating procedures detailing pre-departure considerations and what actions to take should the conditions change. It said there should be a pre-departure safety brief plus risk assessments that accurately reflect potential hazards and use of jockey seats. A Sea Safari spokesperson told the Gazette today: The company is under new management since the beginning of 2024 and we have implemented all the safety guidelines outlined in the report and more. We work to the highest standards and go above and beyond to ensure that all passengers and crew are safe. MAIB has recommended The Royal Yachting Association, British Marine, and the Professional Charter Association pass on the report to their members. Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, said: This dreadful accident highlights that even when operating at slow speeds in harbour areas, significant injuries can still occur on rigid inflatable boat (RIB) rides when inappropriate seating arrangements are used. The passenger, who suffered life-changing injuries, was seated in the forward part of the vessel, an area well-known to experience the highest shock loads during wave impacts. Despite being in good health and wearing appropriate safety equipment, she was dislodged from her seat and sustained a spinal injury that has resulted in permanent paralysis. The risk to passengers was significantly increased by the design and use of the front jockey seats, combined with insufficient safety briefings and a lack of formalised operational procedures. Sadly, these are not isolated issues. Our previous investigations have shown a pattern of similar injuries occurring, which suggests that safety on commercial RIB operations is a persistent issue that the industry can do more to address. I urge all operators to take action. Review seating arrangements, give thorough safety briefings before every voyage and conduct risk assessments. The guidance is plentiful, make use of it today. St. Mary's Parish in Leigh can be a little unassuming if you're just passing by, but to those who call it their church, it's more than just a building. After who knows how many changes in congregation and a short move from its original location the church stands, as an organization, around 103 families strong as it eyes its 125th anniversary. Organist and lifelong member of the church Rita Reichmuth has done a deep dive into the history for a celebration of the church's story at a 10:30 a.m. mass on Aug. 24. The church's recorded history, Reichmuth said, was largely compiled prior to the year 2000 thanks to a historical committee for the church's 100th anniversary, with her filling in things that happened in the past 25 years after that. She has been a champion for this special occasion and found a lot in her research. "A couple ladies went through the whole historical archives of the Leigh World. They were working at the time in Lincoln, at the University of Nebraska and went through some archival things there. So most of the deep history came from that book they'd done," Reichmuth said. "I've kept different things over the last 25 years of changes that occurred and some has come from the Leigh World but some comes from our bulletin, parish council notes and having been around the parish that long." The celebration at 319 N Oak St. in Leigh will feature a few fun activities for families on the day of, as well as the release of a cookbook written by members of the congregation and in the weeks leading up to the event, commemorative T-shirts. The church, as a named organization, finds its roots with a June 23, 1900 purchase of a building for $400 ($15,308 in modern currency) by 18 local Catholic families. Prior to this, area residents would have had to travel to meet traveling priests or vicars. On March 17, 1901, the first mass was held in the newly-founded church. In 1913, the church incorporated and decided to build a second church building for $7,274.88 ($236,224.17 in modern currency). This became the modern location for the church. A man named Balz Heitz purchased a bell, which remains in use today. In 1969, that building was outmoded and a special mass was held on Palm Sunday, where congregants walked from the old church to the new church, which had been mortgaged in 1968. The final payment was made in in 1983 and in 1984, a mortgage-burning ceremony was held to commemorate the church's full ownership of its third building. That brings things to the present, where in 2025, the church is part of a wider network of churches in area towns called the Family of God Parishes including Humphrey, Tarnov, Lindsey, Leigh and Clarkson. Father Daniel Wittrock was assigned to the role of associate pastor in 2024, with Father Taylor Leffler assigned as pastor in 2025. Many pastors, church members, names and faces have come and gone over the years, according to Reichmuth's research, but the church has kept pretty steady, something she said may be due to the fact the church never tried to expand into a school and stuck to its roots as a church for the rural and farming community around Leigh. In turn, the people of the area have stuck to the church. "We've always been a standalone as far as trying to catechize our own students and I think there's been that tradition of faith and its families that stay because they're farming families. You know, it's an agricultural area, and from the beginning, it started that way and people have just stayed," Reichmuth said. "You'll see the same names over and over on the member roll of people who've been in this area all those years." South Molton Community College is celebrating a solid set of GCSE results including pass rates well above the national averages in core English and maths subjects. The school has hailed the fantastic results as happy students picked up their grades today (Thursday), which saw the upward trend continue as it topped last years good results. South Molton has reported pass rates above 73% in both English and maths, well above the national averages for both, which were just under 60%. Above: Drake was South Moltons highest achiever, gaining grade 9 in maths, English and physics, alongside grade 8s in all his other subjects. Credit: SMCC The school also saw a significant increase in students achieving the English Baccalaureate, with pass rates above 80% in French, German and Geography. Plus there was an impressive 88% pass rate in Physical Education and a notable narrowing of the attainment gap for disadvantaged students. Above: Lily gained multiple grade 9s at GCSE and Distinction* in her BTEC qualifications. Credit: SMCC High achievers for South Molton this year included Drake, who secured grade 9s in maths, English and physics, alongside grade 8s in all his other subjects. Lily earned an exceptional set of results, including multiple grade 9s and Distinction* in her BTEC qualifications. Callum has consistently achieved grade 7s and 8s across all subjects, demonstrating strong academic performance and steady commitment through the year. Above: Callum had a strong set of GCSE results with grades at 7 and 8 across all his subjects. Credit: SMCC Meanwhile, students Jess and Maria both achieved a number of high grades, including grade 9s. Principal Rachel Harper said: We are absolutely delighted with this years results. Our students have shown incredible resilience and determination and these outcomes reflect their efforts and the strength of our school community. We are especially proud of the progress made in closing the attainment gap and raising achievement across the board. For example, on July 12, 2023, LEWIS-MARTIN pressured the Deputy Mayor to leave a meeting with Mayor Adams - regarding hate crimes in New York City to attend a meeting with LANDAU and HPD about the Red Hook Project. At approximately 11:32 AM, LEWIS- MARTIN texted the Deputy Mayor stating, I know the mayor is major priority, but if you could skip out for second. They had been bugging the stuffings out of me." Two minutes later, at approximately 11:34 AM, LEWIS-MARTIN sent a Signal message to MARTIN II and LANDAU stating, Good morning: [the Deputy Mayor] is in a meeting with the mayor about hate crimes. She had [the Deputy Mayor's Chief of Staff], her number one (1) join the call. I promise you that your project is priority. I need more." At approximately 11:42 AM, LANDAU sent a Signal message to LEWIS-MARTIN and MARTIN II informing them that HPD "was giving push back and saying [the Red Hook Project] won't close in December [2023]. At approximately 1:38 PM, MARTIN II replied, Fuck him we make it close, and at approximately 4:09 PM, LEWIS-MARTIN responded, Ok. I agree with Glennie. Within the same minute, LEWIS-MARTIN sent a text message to the Deputy Mayor stating, "Please give me a call when you have a chance." LEWIS-MARTIN exerted similar pressure on the HPD Commissioner. For example, on July 28, 2023, from approximately 9:53 AM to approximately 12:13 PM, LEWIS-MARTIN sent multiple text messages to the HPD Commissioner directing him, in sum and substance, to text me what is missing from the project that we discussed. I need to have a conversation with them," and stating that she was awaiting the HPD Commissioner's response. Later that afternoon, LEWIS-MARTIN called LANDAU using Signal. The next day, on July 29, 2023, LEWIS-MARTIN sent two follow-up text messages to the HPD Commissioner stating, I have dates when all of the above was originally sent. More like months but [sic] weeks. We need to get it done, and then adding, December, referring to LANDAU's desired closing date for the Red Hook Project. In or about February 2024, HPD completed its background review of the project's ownership structure and site acquisition allowing it into HPD's pipeline, a list of projects slated to close. At any given time, hundreds of projects are in the pipeline, but only a few are able to close each calendar year. As a result, many projects wait multiple years before closing. But LANDAU would not wait his turn and LEWIS-MARTIN continued to push. LEWIS-MARTIN went so far as to engage directly with LANDAU's representatives on the Red Hook Project by attending private meetings and phone calls without HPD or other City Hall officials present. For example, on April 10, 2024, at approximately 10:36 AM, LEWIS-MARTIN had a three-way conversation with LANDAU and his private consultant on the Red Hook Project. She stated, "We're gonna, we gotta get that place [HPD] under control, so when we fucking tell them something, we expect them to make that shit move... I'm gonna speak to the Mayor, and then that's it, so we're just gonna push for December [2024] and we're gonna keep it going. The next day, on April 11, 2024, LEWIS-MARTIN confirmed a meeting with LANDAU and an attorney representing the Red Hook Project. HPD was not a party to these calls or meetings. 10 Daily ICE arrests Currently in detention Daily deportations Deportations Reach New High After Summer Surge in Immigration Arrests President Trumps campaign promise of mass deportations may be coming closer to reality. Until June, deportations had lagged behind immigration arrests and detentions. By the first week of August, deportations reached nearly 1,500 people per day, according to the latest data, a pace not seen since the Obama administration. With an infusion of cash from Mr. Trumps domestic policy bill signed in July an extra $76 billion that Immigration and Customs Enforcement can spend over a little more than four years the agency appears poised to scale its operations even further. At least 180,000 people have been deported by ICE under Mr. Trump so far. At the current higher pace, the agency is on track to deport more than 400,000 people in his first year in office, well more than the 271,000 people ICE removed in the year ending last September but still short of the administrations stated goal of one million deportations a year. (The Department of Homeland Security says the total number of deportations so far under Mr. Trump is much higher at 332,000. That figure includes people who are turned around or quickly deported at U.S. borders by Customs and Border Protection.) ICE now uses about a dozen charter planes every day to conduct deportations and move detainees around the country, almost twice as many as in January, according to data collected by Tom Cartwright, an immigration advocate who tracks ICE flights. In May, ICE modified its contract with CSI Aviation, its primary air charter company, to increase the number of flights per week. It has also resumed using a limited number of military planes. ICEs expanded operations have drawn nationwide protests, fierce backlash and an endless series of legal challenges. But officials have pressed forward with aggressive tactics anyway. Not just criminals Mr. Trump may be catching up to President Barack Obama, whom immigrant advocates called the deporter in chief, but the nature of his immigration enforcement has been very different. The hundreds of thousands of people removed under Mr. Obama were mostly recent border-crossers, and ICE focused its arrests in the interior of the country on criminals. In late May, Stephen Miller, a White House immigration policy adviser, ordered ICE leaders to escalate arrests across the board, even if it meant broadening its focus beyond immigrants with a criminal record. Arrests of non-criminals surged the most Daily ICE arrests by criminal history Violent conviction Other past conviction Pending charges No charges Notes: The chart shows the seven-day rolling average of the number of daily administrative arrests by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. Violent crimes are determined by National Crime Information Center categories. Since then, almost all of the increase in arrests has been of people without any prior criminal convictions. Immigration arrests of people with a past violent criminal conviction increased to about 1,900 in June from about 1,100 in December. At the same time, arrests overall tripled to more than 28,000 and arrests of people with no past conviction or charges increased by almost 20 times. But the summer surge experienced in much of the country did not last. Arrests peaked at an average of almost 1,200 per day in early June, but the pace has since fallen back to levels seen in April. Where daily ICE arrests surged the most this summer Charts show arrests by each ICE field office. The Boston, Miami, and Chicago offices cover multiple states and territories. Los Angeles New York City Boston Miami Chicago San Antonio Its unclear why arrests dropped, but in Los Angeles, high-profile street arrests and raids triggered a backlash that led to protests and the deployment of the National Guard and the Marines. In response to a lawsuit accusing ICE of illegal racial profiling, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order blocking the government from arresting someone based on their race or ethnicity and presence at a certain location. The Trump administration has appealed the order. Between the start of the surge and the court order, ICE arrested more than 2,000 immigrants in the Los Angeles area who had no criminal records. A majority were from Mexico or Guatemala. New York City also saw a spike in arrests of non-criminals this summer, many at immigration court and ICE check-ins, tactics which prompted their own backlash and lawsuit. New detention centers With 60,000 people now in custody, the Trump administration has stretched the capacity of the immigrant detention system, arresting more people and releasing far fewer on bond, parole or supervised release. Thats a deliberate tactic to boost deportations, said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, because people held in detention are more likely to have their cases end with a removal order and are also more likely to abandon their cases and agree to be deported. The Laken Riley Act also expanded the types of unauthorized immigrants whom ICE is required to keep in detention to include many who have been accused of low-level crimes, like shoplifting. To hold them all, ICE has had to seek more and more detention space. In addition to holding more people at existing facilities, ICE has added at least 50 new detention centers since Mr. Trump took office. At the end of July, these facilities held more than 6,000 people. Thousands are held in new ICE detention centers At existing facility At new facility Note: The chart shows the seven-day rolling average of the number of people in ICE detention. Among the detention centers are Delaney Hall, a private facility run by the Geo Group in Newark; a tent facility in El Paso that was formerly used by the U.S. Border Patrol; the Guantanamo Bay naval base; a reopened family detention center in Dilley, Texas; federal prisons in Atlanta, Brooklyn, Miami, and Philadelphia, and a large number of state and local jails and prisons. More money for enforcement Because deporting people who are in the country unlawfully is logistically challenging, to reach its goal of speeding deportations, ICE will likely need to hire more agents not only to arrest people but also to ensure due process, said Blas Nunez-Neto, who was a homeland security adviser to President Joseph R. Biden Jr. The agency will also need to procure more detention space to hold people for several weeks while their removal is arranged, he said, and contract for more aircraft for removal flights. Flush with new money on top of its 2025 budget of $10 billion, ICE is preparing to spend to address each of those chokepoints. Tricia McLaughlin, a D.H.S. spokeswoman, said the new funding would go toward hiring 10,000 ICE agents and adding 80,000 new detention beds. Some $45 billion is designated for expanding detention, and $14 billion is set aside for transporting people out of the country. ICE also intends to expand detention partnerships with state and local governments, like the one for the facility Florida has named Alligator Alcatraz, Ms. McLaughlin said. A 289-kilogram man in Austria, dubbed the countrys heaviest inmate, has sparked outrage in the European country due to the unusually high cost of supporting him on taxpayer money. The 29-year-old man, who weighs nearly 300 kilos, was arrested after a search of his home in Vienna, where police discovered large quantities of drugs, including 45 kilos of cannabis, two kilos of cocaine, almost two kilos of amphetamines, and more than 2,000 ecstasy tablets. He was initially put into Viennas Josefstadt prison, but only for a few days, because he almost broke the bed with his weight and had to be transferred to Korneuburg Prison, in a town located about 15 kilometers north of the capital. Here, the obese inmate has a specially welded, ultra-strong bed and enjoys 24-hour specialized care from external nurses. All this comes at an exorbitant cost. Photo: Unsplash Accommodation in a hospitals specially secured unit, guarded by two officers, was not an option due to the high costs, the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung reported, but even so, caring for Austrias heaviest prisoner can reach 1,800 euros ($2090) per day, compared to around 180 euros (209) for a normal inmate. Interestingly, the costs of dealing with a 289-kilogram inmate could be much higher. For example, the specialized transport of the detainee easily costs 5,000 euros ($5,800) per trip, so the interrogations of the suspect take place exclusively by video link to save money. Even so, the costs associated with his incarceration have ignited a heated debate in Austrian society. He costs ten times more than a normal inmate, Austrian media reported. While citizens outside prison often have to wait months for a doctors appointment, it seems there are funds available for serious criminals. Ballard Partners has lined up the National Industry Confederation, which is the main representative of Brazils industrial sector, as a client for trade, tariff and Section 301 of the Trade Act matters. The Confederation's mission is "to defend and represent the industry in the promotion of a favorable environment for business, competitiveness and sustainable development in Brazil." The US Trade Representative in July announced a probe into whether Brazils policies on digital trade and electronic payment services hurt American social media companies. President Trump also slapped a 50 percent tariff on most Brazilian imports because of its witch-hunt against his buddy and right-wing ex-president Jair Bolsonaro. He wants Bolsonaros supreme court trial squashed. Brazils finance minister Fernando Haddad said on Aug. 18 that the country has reached an impasse with the US on resolving the tariff issue. The US is trying to impose on Brazil a solution which is constitutionally impossible," he told an FT-CNBC conference in Sao Paulo. Brian Ballard, who was a top Trump fundraiser, handles the DC push for Brazil. Hes joined by partner Hunter Morgen, who served in the first Trump administration as a deputy to Peter Navarro and Stephen Miller on trade and immigration matters. Darah Roslyn Inkhouse, a part of Orchestra, appoints Darah Roslyn as EVP, based in the agencys San Francisco office. Roslyn was most recently director of communications for Flexport Asia, based in Hong Kong and Singapore. She was previously general manager of the San Francisco office of Cutline Communications and has held senior posts at MSLGROUP and Ogilvy Beijing. In her new role, Roslyn will provide strategic leadership for many of Inkhouses Silicon Valley-based tech clients, working closely with leadership and the broader Orchestra network to deliver fully integrated services. Her unique cross-Pacific experience and strategic insight are critical to markets like artificial intelligence, physical industries and energy, said Inkhouse CEO Jason Morris. Shell be instrumental in helping us continue to grow our technology practice and expand our footprint in San Francisco. Tim Nott MP&F names Tim Nott as VP of finance. Nott comes to MP&F from Sydney, Australia-based construction company Paynter Dixon, where he was head of finance. He has also served as head of finance for FOX Networks Group Australia. Nott has helped drive strategic initiatives around profitability, reporting transformation and internal controls. The agency has also brought on Jamie Keller, who was most recently director of sales & enablement at Nexstar Media Group as director of advertising strategy. She has led campaigns at the local, regional, statewide and national levels for such clients as HCA Health TriStar Division, Tennessee Highway Safety Office, Southern Illinois University and Marshall University. Cosette Rinab Acceleration Community of Companies hires Cosette Rinab as creator-in-residence, a newly created role designed to implement creator-first thinking throughout ACCs brand ecosystem, which includes marketing consultancy Advisory, communications firm DKC and experiential agency MKG. Rinab, who has built a large following across TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube, will shape creative creator strategies across fashion, lifestyle, tech, youth culture, and entertainment. Cosette brings a rare mix of authenticity, intuition and strategic clarity. She doesnt just understand whats trending, she understands why, and how to translate that mindset into real business impact, said ACC president Monica Chun. AN Offaly farmer has hit out at the Irish Times for calling on consumers to blame farmers for the recent increase in food prices. Judy Bryant from Mountbolus who is a native of the United States asked why farmers have become the whipping boys and girls of Ireland. In a letter to the Editor published in this week's Tullamore Tribune and Midland Tribune, Ms Bryant said politicians and the media had lost their respect for farmers. Her letter reads as follows: Dear Editor, I am told a recent Irish Times headline and article called on consumers to blame farmers for the increase in food prices. Why have farmers become the whipping boys and girls of Ireland? When I came to Ireland 50 years ago, farmers were respected. They worked hard and were mostly low paid for their efforts. They are blamed for climate change and now for high food prices. Most of the respect for farmers from the media and many politicians has gone out the window. The media does not report facts and statistics behind the headlines. Why does farming produce such a high percentage of Irelands greenhouse gas? Because Ireland has very little heavy industry. Irelands energy greenhouse gas emissions has gone down. Why, because more is being imported and the new interconnector to France will lower the emissions further, forcing the farming percentage higher, so that no matter what farmers do, they are falling further behind. Therefore, should Ireland just import more and more food, some produced with more greenhouse gas emissions than the Irish equivalent, and restrict farming further? Just remember, food exports contribute positively to the Irish exchequer while food imports have a negative effect. READ NEXT: Offaly man secured Ireland's position as a world leader in the pharmaceutical industry Food prices have gone up because there are scarcities of some foods. Regulation, lower fertilizer use, schemes, land use policy for transport, greenways, housing and commercial developments, electricity generation and forestry have had a negative effect on production as they eat up productive land and divide farms. The erosion of CAP and the price increase in fertilizer, seeds, plant protection, electricity, water charges, and especially fuel have all pushed up production costs, 83% since 2018, so farms are no longer viable. Following World War II, Europe, including Ireland was rationing food. The Common Agricultural Policy was conceived by the EU, when it was formed, as a subsidy for consumers, paid to farmers, so the farmers could still make a living even though food was sold below production costs. Today, in 2025, food prices in Ireland are only 1% above what they were in 2008. READ NEXT: Almost 1100 farmers in Offaly could be forced out of farming under new EU CAP proposals In the EU as a whole, food prices have risen 58% in the same time period. Food has to be processed, packaged, transported, and sold in shops that aim to make a profit. Farmers can only take the price they are offered, so stop blaming farmers for high food prices. Yours, etc., Judy Bryant, Mountbolus Roopa Rajesh (45), the Kottayam native who died in a car accident at Ashkelon, Israel, where she was employed as a home nurse, was planning to come home in December. Her family was eagerly looking forward to her visit since Parvathy, her elder daughter who is a nursing student in Germany, also scheduled a visit in December. It was meant to be a happy get-together, but now her husband Rajesh awaits repatriation of her mortal remains. Roopa had been working as a home nurse in Ashkelon for the past two years, looking after an elderly Israeli woman. The accident took place on August 19, around 6 pm IST, while Roopa was accompanying the woman to a hospital. The car, driven by the womans daughter, was rear-ended by a trailer truck. Roopa was rushed to Barzilai Medical Centre but succumbed to her injuries. The elderly woman and her daughter are under treatment there, with the former reported to be in critical condition. Roopa hailed from Puthuvely, Veliyannoor in Pala, Kottayam. She had gone to Israel with the help of a travel agency, after her family raised the funds by taking a loan. She is survived by her husband Rajesh, a daily wage construction worker, and their children, Parvathy and Dhanush, a plus two student. We first came to know about the accident through a Malayali vlogger in Israel. Later, we learnt that a trailer truck caused the crash and she died at the hospital, said her elder brother, Roopesh. ADVERTISEMENT Roopa had come home in December 2024. She was excited about the year-end trip, family members said. Parvathy reached Kerala on Thursday morning after hearing the news. Before moving to Israel, Roopa worked as a saleswoman in a supermarket in her hometown. She had been repaying family debt and supporting her daughters nursing studies in Germany. ADVERTISEMENT The Non-Resident Keralite's Affairs (NORKA) has stepped in to arrange the repatriation of her body. Documentation has been completed, and Rajesh has signed the papers authorising the receipt of the body. A NORKA representative visited the family in Pala and collected the necessary documents. NORKA will cover the expenses, said Veliyannoor panchayat president Sajesh Sasi. He added that the autopsy and related formalities could take at least six more days before the body is brought home. CHARLOTTE, NC - August 20, 2025 - PHOOZY, the global leader in high-performance technology protection, has joined forces with RAFA Racing Team, one of North ELMIRA HEIGHTS, NEW YORK - August 2025 - For the sixth consecutive year, John Mills Electric has been named one of the Top Solar Contractors The Block 216 tower on Southwest Washington Street was developed by Portland real estate firm BPM Real Estate Group. Mark Graves, The Oregonian/OregonLive Developer Walter Bowen, whose company developed the tower with Portlands Ritz-Carlton, claims a former top lieutenant took advantage of Bowens advanced years, affixing his signature to financial documents without his consent. Bowen and his development company, BPM Real Estate Group, made the allegation in a lawsuit filed last week against former BPM executive Barclay Grayson in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Attorneys for the company and Bowen, 83, accused Grayson in the civil complaint of conduct they characterized as elder financial abuse. Bring a pocket-size piece of McDonalds home with one of 21 miniature toys in the popular Happy Meals. McDonald's Your McDonalds combo meal could see a 15% price drop very soon. In an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal and shared by multiple outlets, Mickey Ds has reportedly persuaded franchisees to make the cut to save consumers money. The Extra Value Meal will also return for $5 for breakfast meals, and the famed Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets meals will go for $8. The company has been worried about consumer reaction to its prices for well over a year, Restaurant Business Magazine writes. A report of an $18 Big Mac combo meal at a Connecticut rest stop helped fuel wild speculation about prices, to the point that the company took the rare step of publicizing national averages on its website last year. With traffic falling, and sales going with it, the company kicked off a national value war last year, pricing McChicken and McNugget combo meals at $5, then instituting a comprehensive McValue menu, featuring national, digital and local value offers. The forthcoming price drop comes after a CNN report earlier this month noted McDonalds CEO Chris Kempczinski said last quarter that low- and middle-income customers were pulling back their spending and visits at the chain, prompting McDonalds to freshen up its menu offerings and promotions. Still, Kempczinski acknowledged that consumers value perceptions are most influenced by our core menu pricing, the report later reads, a nod to the connotation from some that the chain has gotten too expensive. Pressure from this move by McDonalds could very well be felt by fellow fast-food competitors, Restaurant Business Magazine reports, acknowledging said pressure could specifically be felt by Wendys, Burger King and Jack in the Box. And the report points out many of McDonalds competitors may not have the store-level finances to handle the discounts. Dominic Genetti / Jacksonville Journal-Courier The red Nike swoosh marks the entrance to the company's headquarters campus in Beaverton on Sept. 29, 2006. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File) AP Nike and plaintiffs in a sweeping sex discrimination lawsuit have been unable to finalize a class settlement and have asked a judge to step back in. The lawsuit, filed in August 2018, described Nike as a place where women are devalued and demeaned and systematically underpaid or passed over for promotions, allegations that the company has consistently disputed. The settlement could include hundreds of women who previously worked at the footwear company. The two sides reached a tentative settlement in February, less than a month before a scheduled trial. The parties late Wednesday said in a status report that theyre at an impasse in talks to finalize the class portion of the settlement. Plaintiffs contend a proposed class settlement has not been reached, according to the four-page filing. Nike disagreed and said while the two sides havent finalized all of the details of a long-form, written settlement agreement, they have reached an agreement on the putative class claims. Nike intends to move to enforce that agreement so that participating individuals can receive the benefits of that settlement, the company said in an emailed statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive. The parties asked the court for a hearing to be held during the last week of September to help resolve the dispute. Lawyers for plaintiffs did not immediately return a message. The parties initially had an April deadline to update the judge on efforts to finalize the settlement, but have previously asked for three extensions. While the class settlement hasnt been resolved, the parties already reached separate settlements with the four remaining named plaintiffs, according to a joint February filing. Terms of those settlements have not been made public. The parties also resolved Nikes motion for attorneys fees. Nike had sought nearly $800,000 in attorney fees from Markowitz Herbold, the lead law firm for plaintiffs, related to the disclosure of some of the lawsuits records to a reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, a matter that went all the way to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. No terms of the proposed class have been made public. Before a judge rejected an earlier effort to make the lawsuit a class action, plaintiffs lawyers had tried to get a class of more than 5,000 women who had worked at Nike certified. At a February hearing, a plaintiffs lawyer said it will take significant time to finish the class settlement, which will require notifying the class, a hearing, and obtaining the courts approval. Gresham police Assistant Chief Andrew Shearer, center, speaks at a news conference on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, about the search for three people involved in an April shooting that killed 13-year-old Liam Spahnle-Bailey. Photos of Liam are shown on a projector. Zaeem Shaikh/The Oregonian Authorities announced up to $15,000 in rewards to anyone with information leading to an arrest in the April shooting that killed a 13-year-old boy sleeping in a Gresham apartment. At a Thursday news conference, Gresham police officials said the U.S. Marshals Service is offering $5,000 rewards for information that leads to the arrest of Anthony Hunter Jr., 21, Xavier Hirsch, 20, or Terrell Coy, 17, who all have ties to the Portland area but also Nevada, Arizona and Texas. All three are accused of second-degree murder in connection with the April 27 shooting in which a stray bullet struck and killed 13-year-old Liam Spahnle-Bailey, who was sleeping on an air mattress in the living room of a second-floor apartment at the Eleven Pines apartment complex on Southwest 11th Street. Police said Hunter has connections to Las Vegas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Hirsch also has connections to Dallas Fort-Worth, and Coy has connections to Salem and the Phoenix and Tucson areas. This is obviously a challenging investigation when you have multiple suspects involved that have connections throughout the country, said Detective Adam Wright. The shooting took place inside another second-floor apartment at the Eleven Pines complex around 1:30 a.m.. Multiple rounds went through the walls, striking Liam and wounding another person who was later released from a hospital. He was a child, bright, joyful and full of promise, said Gresham police Assistant Chief Andrew Shearer. That morning, Liam was planning to go snowboarding with his family but instead his life was stolen by a senseless act of violence. Liam attended Rowe Middle School, and his father told media outlets that he loved skateboarding and snowboarding. His family attended the press conference but didnt speak. Police have not revealed what led to the shooting, and officials declined to speak of the specifics. From left, Anthony Hunter Jr., 21, Xavier Hirsch, 20, and Terrell Coy, 17, are accused of second-degree murder and additional crimes in connection with an April 27 Gresham shooting, police said. Courtesy of Gresham police Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said he is calling for justice for Liam. He added that if anyone is hiding the suspects, his office will prosecute them as well. This family, this community deserves justice and this needs to come to an end with those individuals being brought into custody, Vasquez said. Police ask anyone with information on the suspects whereabouts to email Detective Martin Daly at martin.daly@greshamoregon.gov and Detective Lindsay Friderich at lindsay.friderich@greshamoregon.gov. Tips can also be made anonymously at crimestoppersusa.org or by phone at 503-618-2719 or 888-989-3505. 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. A three-vehicle crash on U.S. 26 in Clackamas County killed one person and injured two others Monday afternoon, according to Oregon State Police. The incident occurred at approximately 1 p.m. at the intersection with Orient Drive when a GMC Savana, driven by 46-year-old Ivan Bahena of Gresham, experienced what police described as a mechanical failure. The GMC rear-ended a Honda Fit that was slowing for a traffic light. The impact forced the Honda into a stopped Infinity QX5. Bryan Ray Robinson, 48, of Sandy, who was operating the Honda Fit, was pronounced dead at the scene. Bahena and the Infinitys driver, 52-year-old Cassandra Lea Bellingham of Portland, both sustained minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment. The crash caused significant traffic disruption, with U.S. 26 impacted for approximately five hours. Oregon State Police, assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation, are investigating the cause of the crash. This story was drafted with the assistance of generative AI based on data from Oregon State Police and edited by Oregonian editorial staff. About 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 7, ICE agents pulled over a gray van on Oregon 211 and shattered the driver's window when the driver did not roll it down or open the door. The van was carrying seven farm workers headed to a field to harvest blueberries. Four of the seven were taken into custody by ICE, including a 25-year-old man from Guatemala who is challenging his detention. Oregon For All and Innovation Law Lab Federal immigration officers in unmarked SUVs pulled behind a 2006 Ford van in Hubbard before dawn on Aug. 7 as it carried fieldworkers to a farm to harvest blueberries. The ICE agents stopped the van on Oregon 211 about 5:30 a.m. They smashed the window when the driver didnt roll it down and dragged him out, according to court records. Former Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Portland as part of her book tour for "107 Days." (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP Exactly one year after losing the presidential election, former Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Portland. Harris, who was the first woman to hold the office of vice president, will appear at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 5, as part of the tour for her new book, 107 Days, which tells the story of that short and historic run for president. Tickets to the event, which is in partnership with Literary Arts, go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. According to a press release about the tour, in the book, Harris tells the story of one of the wildest and most consequential presidential campaigns in American history. The book, published by Simon & Schuster, goes on sale on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The former vice president will be in friendly territory when she comes to town this fall Harris won Multnomah County with nearly 80% of the vote in 2024. Lizzy Acker covers life and culture and writes the advice column Why Tho? Reach her at 503-221-8052 or lacker@oregonian.com. Somebody give Nora a hug: Her sister is leaving. OK, probably dont give a polar bear a hug, but maybe an extra fish or two? Amelia Gray, Noras half sister, is heading to Brookfield Zoo Chicago next month to meet some new bears and possibly make a few baby polar bears. Weve been so honored to care for Amelia these past four years, said Rachel Ritchason, the Oregon Zoos deputy director of animal care, in a press release sent out by the zoo. Were really going to miss her. But were also excited that shell get to spend time with a male bear and hopefully be able to raise some cubs. Our goal is to ensure a long-term future for one of the worlds most vulnerable species. Nora and Amelia Gray were born roughly a year apart (Nora is older) at the Columbus Zoo and share a father, though they had not met before they were brought together at the Oregon Zoo in 2021. After Amelia Gray leaves, Nora will be alone again in Portland. "At some point, she may also have an opportunity to raise cubs, though plans for that have yet to be determined," the press release said. In the meantime, folks neednt worry about her being on her own: Polar bears generally lead solitary lives except when theyre breeding or raising cubs, according to wildlife biologists ." Well try not to worry. In the meantime, visitors should be able to see Amelia Gray and her sister, through the first week of September at the Oregon Zoo. Lizzy Acker covers life and culture and writes the advice column Why Tho? Reach her at 503-221-8052 or lacker@oregonian.com. In this image from a YouTube video posted on Oct. 15, 2024, Allie Beth Stuckey speaks about issues from her book, "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion." (AP Photo) AP WASHINGTON Empathy is usually regarded as a virtue, a key to human decency and kindness. And yet, with increasing momentum, voices on the Christian right are preaching that it has become a vice. For them, empathy is a cudgel for the left: It can manipulate caring people into accepting all manner of sins according to a conservative Christian perspective, including abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, illegal immigration and certain views on social and racial justice. Empathy becomes toxic when it encourages you to affirm sin, validate lies or support destructive policies, said Allie Beth Stuckey, author of Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion. Stuckey, host of the popular podcast Relatable, is one of two evangelicals who published books within the past year making Christian arguments against some forms of empathy. The other is Joe Rigney, a professor and pastor who wrote The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and its Counterfeits. It was published by Canon Press, an affiliate of Rigneys conservative denomination, which counts Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth among its members. These anti-empathy arguments gained traction in the early months of President Donald Trumps second term, with his flurry of executive orders that critics denounced as lacking empathy. As foreign aid stopped and more deportations began, Trumps then-adviser Elon Musk told podcaster Joe Rogan: The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy. Even Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, framed the idea in his own religious terms, invoking the concept of ordo amoris, or order of love. Within concentric circles of importance, he argued the immediate family comes first and the wider world last an interpretation that then-Pope Francis rejected. While their anti-empathy arguments have differences, Stuckey and Rigney have audiences that are firmly among Trumps Christian base. Could someone use my arguments to justify callous indifference to human suffering? Of course, Rigney said, countering that he still supports measured Christ-like compassion. I think Ive put enough qualifications. Historian Susan Lanzoni traced a century of empathys uses and definitions in her 2018 book Empathy: A History. Though its had its critics, she has never seen the aspirational term so derided as it is now. Its been particularly jarring to watch Christians take down empathy, said Lanzoni, a graduate of Harvard Divinity School. Thats the whole message of Jesus, right? Arguing empathy can be good and bad The word empathy appeared in English for the first time in 1908, taken from a German word, meaning in-feeling. Though the word is relatively new to English, the impulse behind it to feel for or with another is much older. It forms a core precept across many religions. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, reads a common version of the Golden Rule. Stuckey admits Jesus is an empathetic figure. In her book, the Southern Baptist from Texas writes, In a way, Jesus embodied empathy when he took on flesh, suffered the human experience, and bore the burden of our sins by enduring a gruesome death. Shes clear that empathy can be good. But she writes it has been co-opted to convince people that the progressive position is exclusively the one of kindness and morality. If you really care about women, youll support their right to choose, she writes of this progressive line of thinking. If you really respect people, youll use preferred pronouns. If youre really compassionate, youll welcome the immigrant. Rigney doesnt think empathy is inherently wrong, either. He finds fault with excessive or untethered empathy thats not tied to conservative biblical interpretations. He has been talking publicly about these ideas since at least 2018, when he discussed the sin of empathy on camera with conservative Pastor Doug Wilson. Since 2023, Rigney has worked at Wilsons Idaho church and seminary, affiliated with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches. Rigney said initially he experienced pushback from certain corners of evangelicalism, that at the time were very dialed into questions of the #MeToo movement and abuse or critical race theory, social justice kind of stuff. This debate over empathy often devolves into arguments over word choices or semantics. Rigney prefers older terms like compassion, sympathy or even pity. The Rev. Albert Mohler leads the flagship seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest U.S. Protestant denomination. He featured Rigney and Stuckey on his podcast this year and agrees with their empathy critiques. Mohler prefers the word sympathy over empathy. Theres no market so far as I know for empathy cards, he said. There is a long-standing market for sympathy cards. The role of race and gender in anti-empathy arguments In 2014, Mohler did encourage his audience to have empathy. His words came after a white police officer killed Michael Brown, a Black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. I look back at that statement now, and I would say its nowhere near as morally significant as I intended it to be at the time, Mohler said. Though expressing empathy for hurting people appeared to be close to the right thing to do, he sees it as less helpful now. Stuckey traces her own anti-empathy awakening to the summer of 2020, when racial justice protests roiled the nation. She saw other Christians posting about racism out of an empathy she found misguided. I reject the idea that America is a systemically racist country, she said. When she said as much in the months after George Floyds murder, her audience grew. Rigney echoes this critique of systemic racism but reserves most of his ire for feminism, which he blames for many of empathys ills. Because women are the more empathetic sex, he argues, they often take empathy too far. He found an encapsulation of this theory at Trumps inaugural prayer service, where a woman preached from the pulpit. During a sermon that went viral, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde pleaded with the Republican president to have mercy on immigrants and LGBTQ+ people, prompting a conservative backlash. Buddes attempt to speak truth to power is a reminder that feminism is a cancer that enables the politics of empathetic manipulation, Rigney wrote for the evangelical World magazine. Progressive Christian leaders respond Empathy is not toxic. Nor is it a sin, said the Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello in a sermon at Washington National Cathedral, two months after Buddes plea from that sanctuary. The arguments about toxic empathy are finding open ears because far-right-wing, white evangelicals are looking for a moral framework around which they can justify President Trumps executive orders and policies, Corsello preached. Empathy is at the heart of Jesus life and ministry, Corsello wrote in a recent email exchange about the sermon. She added, Its so troubling that this is even up for debate. In New York, the Rev. Micah Bucey first noticed Christian anti-empathy messages after Buddes sermon. In response, he proposed changing the outdoor sign at Judson Memorial Church, the historic congregation he serves in Manhattan. If empathy is a sin, sin boldly, he proposed it say, a catchphrase that borrows its last clause from the Protestant reformer Martin Luther. A photo of the resulting church sign was shared thousands of times on social media. Our entire spirituality and theology at Judson are built around curiosity and empathy, Bucey said. Weve always considered that our superpower. -- The Associated Press Thomas Graham Jr. will play for a third team in the AFC North. The former Oregon cornerback signed with the Baltimore Ravens earlier this week. The Ravens lost rookie cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam to season-ending injuries and also signed M.J. Devonshire Jr. last week. Baltimore has its final preseason game against Washington on Saturday before rosters are cut down to 53 on Tuesday. Graham, who has played in 12 career games with one start, played one game on special teams for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. He played seven games for the Cleveland Browns in 2023 and four for the Chicago Bears in 2021, when he was drafted in the sixth round after opting out of the shortened 2020 college season. Graham, 26, has 19 career tackles (one for loss) and four career pass breakups, all as a rookie. He was waived by Chicago and signed with Cleveland in 2022, then later waived with an injury designation in November 2023. He signed with Pittsburgh in January 2024, was on the practice squad and appeared in the one game before being released last October. He tried out for the New York Jets in November and for the Indianapolis Colts last month. -- James Crepea covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten. A recent op-ed noted the dismal performance of Oregons schools and called for strengthening the laughably named Quality Education Commission, (Opinion: Oregon has lost sight of what a quality education means, Aug. 17). In my opinion, this body abandoned any concern for quality when it dropped services to Talented and Gifted students from its models. In 2022, the State Board of Education also agreed to exclude both gifted and high-achieving students from the focal groups listed in the Student Success Act. This was the first time any specific group of students had been declared undeserving of our states support or attention. The governors so-called accountability bill, SB 141, retains this exclusion. At least we dont have to worry about school districts losing state funding for TAG services; there isnt any such funding. How can a state that pointedly turns its back on those students who do study and attend school ever hope to improve student morale or performance? Margaret DeLacy, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. Sen. Ron Wyden speaks to a packed crowd while answering a question during a town hall on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Clackamas Community Colleges Randall Hall Gym in Oregon City. (Mark Graves/The Oregonian) Mark Graves/The Oregonian A town hall hosted by Democratic U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden was cut short Monday in southern Oregon after pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the event. Videos posted on TikTok show around 20 people walking around the town hall crowd and in front of the podium at Rogue Community College in Grants Pass, chanting, singing and yelling statements including arms embargo now and Palestine will be free, their voices drowning out Wydens attempts to speak into a microphone. One protester called Wyden a butcher of Gaza, reading off a sheet of paper. Another called out, You dont want peace if you send bombs. Others chanted to the crowd of constituents in seats: Which side are you on? Video from the event shows Wyden being escorted out of the community college gym after the moderator, Rogue Community College president Randy Weber, tried several times to ask protesters to let others ask questions. Some videos show a man in a gray suit grabbing and pushing two of the protesters. It is unclear whether that man is part of Wydens staff or the colleges; a spokesperson for the senator said his office does not discuss security measures. Wyden first left the podium hoping the demonstration would stop so he could resume speaking, said Kelly Gonzales, a Rogue Community College spokesperson. But as the protest persisted, it became clear that it would prevent meaningful dialogue, and the college announced it was ending the event. We are saddened for those who showed up with the intent to ask questions and have their voices heard by an elected official, Weber, the colleges president, said in a statement. Rogue Community College values civil discourse and looks forward to hosting the Senator again. Hank Stern, the spokesperson for the senator, said Wyden has held more than 1,000 previous town halls, where attendees have every opportunity to exercise their First Amendment rights and ask him any question. He added, Unfortunately, a small group of people did not allow that to happen on Monday. The death toll in Gaza has climbed above 62,000 since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack that spurred Israels military siege. Israel recently announced plans to reoccupy Gaza City and other heavily populated areas, while international outcry builds over famine in the region. In Grants Pass, the demonstration was organized by a group of individuals from Jackson and Josephine counties, said Rianna Koppel, one of the protesters. They aimed to draw attention to their demands that Wyden support an arms embargo on Israel and cut financial ties to pro-Israel lobbying groups that have donated to his campaigns. Wyden, a son of Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany, was among a handful of Democratic and all Republican senators who last month voted against a bill to halt a $675 million weapons sale to Israel. U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, a fellow Oregon Democrat, supported the bill. Were going to shut it down for Palestine until those two things stop, Koppel, 37, said. The bombs are ongoing, people are being starved and our taxpayer dollars are being weaponized and abused by our senator. You may not continue your town halls as usual when you are not listening to your constituents. Wydens stance on Israel has prompted protests and criticism at several other town halls in the past year. He has supported Israels right to defend itself but also criticized its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for blocking aid and food to Palestinians. Wyden announced Wednesday that he signed a letter with several other Democratic senators demanding the Trump administration act immediately on reports that Israeli settlers are blocking humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza and attacking Palestinian civilians. The event will be rescheduled, Stern said, but the location and date are yet to be announced. Maddie Khaw covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her at mkhaw@oregonian.com. White House border czar Tom Homan speaks with reporters at the White House, Friday, July 18, 2025, in Washington. Homan made a quiet visit to Portland on Wednesday morning. (Alex Brandon | AP Photo) Alex Brandon | AP Photo President Donald Trumps border czar made a quiet visit to Portland on Wednesday morning in a brief appearance that flew under the radar. Tom Homans stopover came more than a month after he said with bluster that he would come to Portland during an early July interview with Fox Business. Portlands mention came after the host teed up Homan by alleging mayors in sanctuary cities were helping foment the violence and referenced a small but ongoing protest outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in South Portland. Im going to Portland, Homan said during Julys Fox interview. Im going out there. They are not going to bully us were going to do the job. Were doing it in Portland too. But for the mayor of New York City and Chicago, President Trump made it clear two weeks ago, were going to double down and triple down in sanctuary cities. A White House spokesperson didnt immediately respond to requests seeking comment late Wednesday and early Thursday. But Cody Bowman, a spokesperson for the city of Portland, confirmed the visit. Immigrations & Customs Enforcement director of Enforcement and Removal Operations Tom Homan arrived in Portland on the morning of Wednesday, August 20th, Bowman said in an email. He met with sworn and nonsworn personnel at the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement facility on 4310 S. Macadam and departed shortly thereafter. Homan on Thursday afternoon announced that he visited Portland, Seattle, Tacoma and San Diego this week to speak with immigration and border officials working in local offices. In a message posted to social media platform X, he said he wanted to let agents there know that President Trump and I have their six a military reference to having someones back. Sanctuary cities are only sanctuaries for criminals, PERIOD, Homan wrote. Efforts to impede immigration enforcement operations and protect public safety threats are beyond shameful. During the earlier Fox interview, Homan said immigration authorities were going to be doubling down, tripling down on enforcement in sanctuary cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. While immigration arrests have been ramping up in Oregon, it doesnt appear that large enforcement activity was seen in the state to coincide with Homans stop. Flight records show a U.S. Customs and Border Protection plane landed in Portland at 6:41 a.m. Wednesday and departed around 10:30 a.m. for Seattle. Bowman, the city spokesperson, said neither the city nor the Portland Police Bureau had a role in coordinating the visit. Local officials do not enforce federal immigration law and generally are prohibited from cooperating with federal immigration agents under a state law approved in 1987. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a statement Thursday that the city is firm in protecting its sanctuary status but acknowledged the federal government can lawfully operate in the city and police will not interfere with immigration enforcement. We cannot, however, confuse legality with morality. Our city is horrified and disturbed by images of masked men pulling our community members off the streets and out of their cars and homes at gunpoint, he said in a statement. The masked and armed federal officers roaming the streets in unmarked vans touted by Border Czar Tom Homan are chilling symbols of fear and oppression, not the freedom, liberty, or opportunity we cherish." A few days after Homan named Portland during the Fox interview, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden in a letter invited him to a town hall in Multnomah County that the Oregon Democrat was working to schedule this month. I hope that you intend to visit Oregon to learn about how your policies and tactics are impacting American communities, Wyden wrote in his letter. The best way to do this is the Oregon Way of having open-to-all town hall meetings to hear from, and answer to, ordinary Oregonians. Hank Stern, a spokesperson for Wyden, on Wednesday said Homan turned down the invitation. Our office was told by Homans office that a town hall in Multnomah County would not work out for Homan, Stern said in an email. Meanwhile, the small protest outside the ICE office in Portland has been ongoing since early June and has led to several arrests. Last week, a Multnomah County judge ruled that Portland police are not required to enforce noise rules at the ongoing protest. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed by a nearby resident. Mark Friesen, a data analyst, contributed to this report. -- Yesenia Amaro is on the investigations team. Reach her at 503-221-4395, or yamaro@oregonian.com. The Carl J. Jantzen Estate on Lake Oswego's only island has a boat house designed by Architect Richard Sundeleaf and listed in National Register of Historic Places. Oregonian archive Lake Oswegos fascinating history is showcased year-round at the Iron Workers Museum and online through the Lake Oswego Preservation Society. But few history lessons are as much fun as the Oswego Lake Architectural Boat Tour, piloted by locals who know the facts and lore of the city south of Portland. In Lake Oswego, the past includes the dramatic transformation from producing pig iron a century ago to becoming one of Oregons most expensive and beautiful enclaves. A view of the Imnaha River canyon, seen on the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, one of the best "rustic routes" in America. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian With scenic highways that run through dense forests, over volcanic mountains, past desert landscapes and along the beautiful coastline, its not a stretch to say that Oregon is road trip country. But one scenic drive has been put above the rest, ranking among the best road trips in the country. The ranking yet another trending list from a questionable source, this time from Gunther Kia (which appears to be just a regular Kia dealership in Fort Lauderdale) determined Americas best hidden gem road trips, which the dealership is also calling rustic routes. Gunther Kia (which made no effort to define what makes a route rustic) said it made the ranking by surveying 3,011 regular road trippers, asking them to rank their favorite hidden gem road trips. Despite its dubious credentials and some strange discrepancies, the resulting list, which includes 124 scenic drives, is shockingly decent. It also includes three spots in Oregon, including one that cracked the top 10. Coming in at No. 8 on the rustic routes list is the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, a 208-mile scenic drive that runs from La Grande to Baker City, through the town of Joseph and over the Wallowa Mountains. The trek includes many miles on gravel roads, and is best done in vehicles with four-wheel drive and good suspension. The views, however, are spectacular, with vistas staring out into the deepest river gorge in North America. Dee Wright Observatory, at the summit of McKenzie Pass, is surrounded by 65 square miles of lava fields. Samantha Swindler/The Oregonian Two other Oregon drives appear much farther down the hidden gems list: the Central Cascades Forest Loop at No. 46 and the Southern Oregon Wine & Wilderness Tour at No. 83. The Central Cascades Forest Loop is not clearly defined, but seems to combine a few different scenic drives into one. Anchored in Bend, the route goes north to Sisters and west to McKenzie Pass, following the southern arm of the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. The route then heads south to Oakridge, likely along the Aufderheide Scenic Byway, before heading back to Bend, perhaps on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The Southern Oregon Wine & Wilderness Tour is also not an established drive, but seems to largely be a tour of the Applegate Valley wine country, starting in Ashland and touring through the small town of Jacksonville. This route then heads way up into the Cascade Mountains to reach the town of Prospect on the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway before, oddly, backtracking to Ashland. (You might as well finish the scenic byway to Roseburg, or just head over to Crater Lake National Park while youre up there.) Harvest season in the vineyards of Cowhorn Winery in the Applegate Valley wine region of southern Oregon. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian And while we would love to see more Oregon representation (no Oregon Outback? Steens Mountain?) its hard to argue with some of the places that made the top of the list. The rest of the top 10 includes drives in scenic Hawaii and Colorado (sure, fine), the Black Hills in South Dakota (no arguments here) and the loneliest road in America in Nevada (not for everyone, but OK). Its not clear why the Blue Ridge Parkway (which gets 16 million visitors a year) and Shenandoah Valley count as hidden gems, but here we are. Topping the list at No. 1 is another Pacific Northwest favorite, the drive around the Olympic Peninsula, from Port Angeles to Lake Quinault and back. It might not be a hidden gem to us, but its certainly a beautiful drive. An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued on Friday at 1:26 a.m. for fire danger until 5 p.m. for East Portland Metro, West Columbia River Gorge of Oregon above 500 ft, West Columbia River Gorge I-84 Corridor and Central Columbia River Gorge I-84 Corridor. "Breezy easterly winds are expected through Friday night for the Columbia River Gorge and adjacent Cascade ridgetops and late Friday morning through Friday evening for the eastern Portland/Vancouver metro. Winds will be strongest on exposed ridgetops where wind gusts will most likely peak between 25-35 mph. Elsewhere, expect wind gusts between 15-20 mph, except up to 30 mph in the western Columbia River Gorge. The breezy east winds will occur simultaneously with low relative humidity values of 20-30% or less, resulting in near critical fire weather conditions. Due to recent rains in the area, larger fuels (such as trees and shrubs) are not dry enough to cause rapid fire spread, but the hot weather will allow fine fuels (such as grasses) to dry out quickly, allowing for potential rapid spread. Use extra caution with potential ignition sources, especially in grassy areas. Outdoor burning is not recommended," explains the weather service. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Spindrift's non-alcoholic sparkling waters will be the only option for its fans now. One brand burst fans bubbles this week, as it announced the end of its hard seltzer line after just four years. Spindrift, the popular sparkling water brand, said it will no longer produce its alcoholic beverage line, Spiked Spindrift. The decision from the company based in Newton, Massachusetts, comes after it cited a strategic shift to focus on its core non-alcoholic products. After four years, weve decided to discontinue our Spindrift Spiked product line to focus on what we do best: bringing real ingredients to sparkling water and innovating new non-alcoholic categories with real squeezed fruit, the brand said in an Instagram announcement. The hard seltzer, which debuted in 2021, gained a devoted following for its use of real ingredients, Parade said. On its website, the company elaborated that the alcoholic beverage business requires substantial resources and time due to the unique route to market, dedicated manufacturing requirements, and necessary regulatory compliance. They also noted the industry has seen declining hard seltzer demand in recent years. CEO Dave Burwick acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized it was the right one to better serve the needs of our customers, supporting the tremendous momentum of the current business and strong consumer trends towards non-alc beverages. Paris Wolfe, a dining, drinking, life & culture reporter for cleveland.com, said she is not surprised by the turn of events. The percent of U.S. adults who say they drink alcohol has fallen to 54%, she said. This is the lowest in Gallups nearly 90-year trend. Seems like Spindrift is following the crowds, Wolfe said. In spite of this, the announcement triggered immediate backlash from loyal customers on social media. This is so incredibly disappointing the only seltzer on the market without trash ingredients, one user said. Why are you ruining my life??? This is the only hard seltzer that doesnt taste artificial or give me a headache, another person lamented. Despite the disappointment, one practical follower suggested fans could re-create the experience by adding their preferred alcohol to regular Spindrift sparkling water. Looking ahead, the company plans to introduce new products and winter flavors after the recent launch of Spindrift Soda earlier this year. This story was written with the assistance of AI. International Paper to Sell Global Cellulose Fibers Business for $1.5 Billion; Close Savannah Containerboard Mill International Paper has reached a definitive agreement with American Industrial Partners (AIP) to sell its Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF) business for $1.5 billion. International Paper has reached a definitive agreement with American Industrial Partners (AIP) to sell its Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF) business for $1.5 billion. Aug. 21, 2025 - International Paper today announced a series of strategic changes to achieve an advantaged cost position, deliver a superior customer experience and maintain a high relative supply position as part of its ongoing transformation journey. Agreement to Sell Global Cellulose Fibers Business International Paper has reached a definitive agreement with American Industrial Partners (AIP) to sell its Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF) business for $1.5 billion, subject to closing adjustments, including the issuance of preferred stock with an aggregate initial liquidation preference of $190 million. The Company previously announced the decision to review strategic alternatives for its GCF business last fall, as part of the Company's strategy to focus on sustainable packaging solutions. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals. "GCF is a strong business, and I'm pleased to see it transitioning to AIP, which is focused on investing in and growing industrial businesses," said IP Chief Executive Officer Andy Silvernail. "Over the past few months, GCF has done the hard work of aligning resources with its most strategic customers, implementing an 80/20 mindset, and creating a simplified and focused portfolio. These actions, combined with its talented and committed team made it an attractive investment for AIP to enter the pulp market and have positioned GCF for long-term success under new ownership." "GCF is well-positioned for future growth, supported by its large and sustainable wood basket, durable end markets, industry leading quality and innovation, long-term customer relationships, deeply knowledgeable employees, and well-invested facilities," said Rick Hoffman, Partner at AIP. "We look forward to partnering with GCF Senior Vice President Clay Ellis and the rest of the talented and tenured management team to implement their growth vision." The GCF business creates safe, high-quality pulp for a wide range of applications like towel and tissue products, diapers, feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. In addition, its specialty pulp serves as a sustainable raw material used in construction materials, paints, coatings and more. GCF generated $2.8 billion in revenue in 2024 and has 3,300 employees globally, with nine manufacturing facilities and eight regional offices. Strategic Changes to Packaging Solutions Business in North America International Paper's packaging business in North America has initiated a number of actions to enhance its ability to serve and grow with customers while improving its manufacturing footprint, including: Investment of $250 million to convert the #16 machine at the Riverdale mill in Selma, Alabama to produce containerboard The permanent closure of the Savannah, Georgia containerboard mill, the Savannah, Georgia packaging facility, Riceboro containerboard mill and Riceboro Timber and Lumber These changes will impact approximately 1,100 hourly and salaried positions. International Paper is committed to supporting affected employees through this transition. The Company will offer severance packages, along with outplacement assistance for eligible employees, to support them during this transition. "We understand how deeply these decisions affect our employees, their loved ones, and the surrounding communities," said Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President of International Paper's North America Packaging Solutions business. "We are committed to supporting both our employees and customers as we navigate this transition. "While difficult, these decisions are essential to positioning International Paper for long-term success, enabling us to focus on the geographies, customers, and products where we can create the most value," Hamic added. "Our investment in the Riverdale mill reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable service while strengthening our advantaged cost position." The Riverdale conversion is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026. The Riceboro and Savannah mills will shut down in phases by the end of September 2025, and the Savannah packaging facility will also cease operations by the end of September. These combined changes will result in a net reduction of the company's annual containerboard capacity by approximately one million tons. International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, IP employs more than 65,000 team members and serves customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. SOURCE: International Paper A pediatric association broke federal guidelines set by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by recommending COVID-19 vaccines for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its latest vaccine recommendations on Aug. 19 that break from the federal agency's protocols. COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children The AAP and many other professional medical associations decried Kennedy Jr.'s announcement in May that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommended immunizations for healthy children and pregnant women. That move went against previous expert guidance and also bypassed the normal scientific review process. The AAP released a statement on June 26, saying that it would "continue to publish its own evidence-based recommendations and schedules," noting that this was because the creation of federal immunization policy is "no longer a credible process." The situation started after Kennedy Jr. drew widespread criticism after he fired all 17 original members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This was the committee that provided guidance on vaccine use to the CDC, according to USA Today. He then replaced the members with individuals who many critics claim are not qualified to be on the committee. Some of them, including Kennedy Jr., have a history of anti-vaccine advocacy and are involved in anti-vaccine groups. The AAP's schedule lists which vaccines kids should be getting at certain ages and also provides updated guidance in influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 immunizations for children and adolescents from birth to age 18. The vice chair of the AAP infectious diseases committee, Dr. James Campbell, said that their opinion is that they need to make the right choices for kids in order to keep them safe. The association is now strongly recommending children aged six to two years to get COVID-19 shots, NBC News reported. Vaccinating Young Kids Furthermore, shots are also advised for older children if their parents want their kids to be vaccinated against the disease. This is in contrast to the HHS' recommendation of not giving healthy children of any age the COVID-19 shots. The AAP said that it has continued to review the most recently available data regarding COVID-19 risks in children, as well as the safety and effectiveness of available vaccines. It said that it was clear that the shots are very safe for all populations. One of the reasons that the association moved from a risk-based recommendation is the fact that the hospitalization rate for young kids and children with underlying medical conditions is still high, as per KATV. Texas police arrested a man who shot teenagers inside a car after the latter attempted a "ding dong ditch" prank at the shooter's home. The incident happened on July 28 on Scottsdale Way, where Frisco police were dispatched to reports of a person who heard gunshots. During an official investigation, law enforcement personnel learned that the shooter, 58-year-old Damon Wolfe, left his home after he heard a loud bang on his door. Texas Man Arrested for Shooting at Teenagers' Vehicle The Texas man then fired several shots at a passing car because he thought that the people inside were the ones involved. The Frisco Police Department (FPD) responded to a call later that evening that a vehicle had been shot at. Police said that the driver of the car and two passengers initially claimed that they were shot at while on a different street. Following several interviews, they then admitted to doing a "ding dong ditch" prank in a random neighborhood, according to People. The FPD arrested the shooter on Aug. 3 on three counts of aggravated assault, one count for each person who was in the vehicle he shot at. The charges against the suspect carry a potential sentence between two and 20 years in prison as well as a $10,000 fine. Frisco Police Chief David Shilson said that what started out as a prank turned into something that could have had deadly consequences, particularly for the teenagers. He added that they found the vehicle shortly after the ordeal, noting that the juveniles did not want to report it because they were doing the pranks. Shilson also advised parents to talk to their children regarding the dangers of participating in these types of pranks or TikTok challenges. He noted that the teenagers involved in the latest case are very fortunate not to have been killed by Wolfe, USA Today reported. Ding Dong Ditch Prank Goes Bad The police chief urged homeowners to avoid "running outside and shooting at a vehicle fleeing the scene" and to understand the potential legal and criminal consequences of doing so. Shilson said that the bullets fired could have easily struck neighbors' houses and hurt innocent people. Some of the neighbors of the arrested Texas man also talked about the incident, including Medina Wong, who said that it was usually quiet at night in their area. She and her family live on the block where the incident occurred. Shilson said that Wolfe went too far trying to defend his home when he ran out into the street and fired at the teenagers' vehicle. He said that these pranks are not worth that kind of response, as per CBS News. The grieving parents of the victims of the Camp Mystic flooding incident are calling on officials to implement better safety measures to avoid a similar tragedy from happening in the future. Parents described their young kids' personalities, quirks, and achievements before sharing their experiences with grief, guilt, and loss following the tragic incident. They then admonished lawmakers to approve a series of reforms that will help prevent similar tragedies from unfolding in the future. Parents of Camp Mystic Victims Speak in Committee Hearing The parents of Cile Steward, who is the only girl still missing out of 27 children and counselors who died at the girls' camp, also testified in the bicameral committee hearing. The proceedings also led some of the senators in attendance to cry. There were a total of 120 people who were confirmed to have been killed in Kerr County, including individuals from Camp Mystic, due to the massive flooding. Cici Williams Steward, Cile's mom, said she was assured that the safety of the girls at Camp Mystic was paramount, according to NBC News. Read more: Texas Parents Protest Outside of White House After Devastating Floods However, she claims that that assurance was "betrayed" by obvious and commonsense safety measures and protocols that were either absent or ignored. The mother added that this resulted in her daughter being stolen from them, not because of an "unavoidable act of nature," but because of "preventable failures." The grieving parent said that Cile was still somewhere in the devastation of the Guadalupe River, leaving them trapped in agony until her body is brought home. The proceedings come as various reforms are proposed in legislation that the committee approved on a voice vote. Calling for Better Safety Measures On the other hand, the parent of camp counselor 18-year-old Chloe Childress, Matthew Childress, said that training should prepare camp staff and campers to act, not wait. He said that his daughter died trying to protect the young girls who were under her care at the time of the flooding, the New York Times reported. Almost all of the victims at Camp Mystic were confined to two cabins near the Guadalupe River. Their parents also recounted the moment they had to enter a morgue so they could identify their children's lifeless bodies. Another parent, Michael McCown, also spoke at the hearing after losing his eight-year-old daughter, Linnie. He said that they did not send their young child to a war zone, but to a camp. He noted that no parent should ever have to go through what they, and many others, are living through right now, as per CNN. Samsungs monitors tend to come with a bigger price tag than a lot of the competition, but somebody must know that theyre priced too high because they often go on sale, too. As is the case with this gigantic 49-inch OLED gaming monitor. Woot has it for just $769.99 right now (originally $1,799.99) and this deal is only good for the next three days. Theres a lot to like about the Odyssey OLED G9. Its the largest OLED panel you can get right now without switching to a full-blown television. The 51201440 resolution on the curved panel basically squishes two 27-inch 1440p monitors together side by side, and unlike some previous versions its still plenty speedy at 240Hz. PC gamers will appreciate the Nvidia G-Sync support, since actually trying to run a modern game at that resolution is likely to make your PC beg for mercy. For more details, check out the full PCWorld review. This monitor also includes speakers (please dont use them) and Samsungs smart TV tech with built-in streaming apps, which may or may not sway you (easy to ignore them if you want). Sadly, it lacks USB-C support so it wont be great for a gaming laptop but come on, this chonker is destined for an elaborate battlestation setup, especially since it has compatibility with a standard VESA monitor arm. This is a refurbished monitor, one of the reasons its almost a thousand bucks under the going rate for a 49-inch OLED. That means it gets a 90-day warranty from Samsung, which is also well under the 1- and 2-year warranties weve seen on refurb hardware as of late. It still might be worth it if youve been itching for an OLED upgrade. If not, then check out PCWorlds roundup of the best monitors available. Get a 49-inch ultrawide Samsung OLED gaming monitor for $770 How badly does AI harm the environment? We now have some answers to that question, as both Google and Mistral have published their own self-assessments of the environmental impact of an AI query. In July, Mistral, which publishes its own AI models, published a self-evaluation of the environmental impact of training and querying its model in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced, the amount of water consumed, and the amount of material consumed. Google took a slightly different approach, publishing the amount of power and water a Gemini query consumes, as well as how much CO2 it produces. Of course, there are caveats: Each report was self-generated, and not performed by an outside auditor. Also, training a model consumes vastly more resources than inferencing, or the day-to-day tasks users assign a chatbot each time they query it. Still, the reports provide some context for how much AI taxes the environment, even though they exclude the effects of AI training and inferencing by OpenAI and other competitors. On Thursday, Google said its estimate for the resources consumed by a median Gemini query consumes 0.24Wh of energy and 0.26 milliliters (five drops) of water, and generates the equivalent of 0.03 grams of carbon dioxide the equivalent of 9 seconds of watching TV. Mistrals report slightly differed: For a Le Chat response generating a page of text (400 tokens), Mistral consumes 50 milliliters of water, produces the equivalent of 1.14 grams of carbon dioxide, and consumes the equivalent of 0.2 milligrams of non-renewable resources. Google said comparative models typically are a bit more lenient, and only look at the impacts of active TPU and GPU consumption. Put this way, the median Gemini text prompt uses 0.10Wh of energy, consumes 0.12ml of water, and emits the equivalent of 0.02 grams of carbon dioxide. Google did not release any assessments of the impact of training its Gemini models. Mistral did: In January 2025, training its Large 2 model produced the equivalent of 20.4 kilotons of carbon dioxide, consumed 281,000 cubic meters of water, and consumed 650 kilograms of resources. Thats about 112 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water consumption. Using the EPAs estimate that an average car produces 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, that works out to the annual CO2 production of 4,435 cars, too. The environmental impact assessments assume that energy is produced via means that actually produce carbon dioxide, such as coal. Clean energy, like solar, lowers that value. Likewise, the amount of water consumed typically assumes the use of evaporative cooling, where heat is transferred from the chip or server (possibly being cooled by water as well) to whats known as an evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler transfers heat efficiently, in the same manner as your body cools itself after a workout. As you sweat, the moisture evaporates, an endothermic reaction that pulls heat from your body. An evaporative cooler performs the same function, wicking heat from a server farm but also evaporating that water back into the atmosphere. Mistrals environmental impact assessment includes a footnote noting the differences in electricity France and the United States consume. Google said that it uses a holistic approach toward managing energy, such as more efficient models, optimized inferencing though models like Flash-Lite, custom-built TPUs, efficient data centers, and efficient idling of CPUs that arent being used. Clean energy generation such as a planned nuclear reactor can help lower the impact numbers, too. Today, as AI becomes increasingly integrated into every layer of our economy, it is crucial for developers, policymakers, enterprises, governments, and citizens to better understand the environmental footprint of this transformative technology, Mistrals own report adds. At Mistral AI, we believe that we share a collective responsibility with each actor of the value chain to address and mitigate the environmental impacts of our innovations. How much water and electricity does ChatGPT consume? The reports from Mistral and Google havent been duplicated by other companies. EpochAI estimates that the average GPT-4o query on ChatGPT consumes about 0.3Wh of energy, based upon its estimates of the types of servers OpenAI uses. However, the amount of resources AI consumes can vary considerably, and even AI energy scores are rudimentary at best. In reality, the type and size of the model, the type of output youre generating, and countless variables beyond your controllike which energy grid is connected to the data center your request is sent to and what time of day its processedcan make one query thousands of times more energy-intensive and emissions-producing than another, an MIT Technology Review study found. Its estimates of 15 queries a day plus 10 images plus three 5-second videos would consume 2.9kWh of electricity, it found. Still, Mistrals study authors note that its own estimates point the way toward a scoring system where buyers and users could use these studies as a way to choose AI models with the least environmental impact. It also called upon other AI model makers to follow its lead. Whether AI is bad for the environment is still up for discussion, but the reports from Google and Mistral provide a foundation for a more reasoned discussion. Target and popular eyewear brand Warby Parker have launched a new partnership Warby Parker at Target. The partnership will start with five Warby Parker shops inside Target stores, including one in Pennsylvania. The Warby Parker at Target shop-in-shop will offer products and services including glasses, sunglasses, contacts, eye exams and vision tests. The shops will be staffed by Warby Parker employees. A shop at 201 Sunrise Blvd. in West Whiteland Township, Chester County, near Exton will open on Aug. 30. The other four shops that are opening are in: Willowbrook, Illinois Bloomington, Minnesota Brick, New Jersey Polaris, Ohio Additional shop-in-shops are slated to open in Target stores in 2026. The new partnership complements the retailers Target Optical business, which is located inside more than 500 Target stores across the country. From day one, Warby Parkers mission has been to provide vision for all, Dave Gilboa, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, said in a news release. A big part of that commitment means meeting eyewear consumers where and how they want to shop and for many of our customers, that means shopping at Target. Warby Parker at Target will open in locations without existing Target Optical offerings. Target has nearly 2,000 stores. Warby Parker was founded in 2010 and has more than 300 retail stores across the U.S. and Canada. Target recently announced that another shop-in-shop partnership will end next year. The Ulta Beauty at Target shop-in-shop partnership will end in August 2026. Actor Dylan Walsh attends the premiere of "Stillwater" at Rose Theatre at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Monday, July 26, 2021, in New York. Walsh and his family were involved in a car accident over the weekend. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Actor Dylan Walsh, best known for playing Dr. Sean McNamara on the FX show Nip/Tuck, was involved in a car accident in New Jersey over the weekend. Over the weekend, Dylan Walsh and his family were involved in a car accident in Rumson, a statement from the actors representative, provided to People, said. Thankfully, everyone is safe and has since returned home. The family is deeply grateful for the swift response of the Rumson Police, Fire Department, and EMS, as well as the staff at Riverview Medical Center for their care, the statement continued. They would also like to extend a special thank-you to the management and staff of The River Point Inn for their support in the immediate aftermath. According to TMZ, the accident happened on Sunday, Aug. 17, while Walsh and four other passengers were riding in a 2022 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was heading northbound when it suddenly veered into the southbound lane and smashed into a utility pole. It then broke through and kept moving until it collided into another utility pole. Two of the people in the vehicle were taken to a hospital after complaining of pain. The extent of their injuries is not clear. Eight residents lost power as a result of the accident. It is not clear if Nash was the one driving at the time. In addition to his work on Nip/Tuck, Walsh has also appeared in Unforgettable, Blue Bloods and Superman & Lois, Bravo Brio Restaurants, parent company of Bravo Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections on Monday, according to Restaurant Dive, an industry site. (Getty Images) Getty Images Another Italian restaurant chain has filed for bankruptcy and plans to close underperforming locations. Bravo Brio Restaurants, parent company of Bravo Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections on Monday, according to Restaurant Dive, an industry site. It marks the second time the company has filed for bankruptcy. It filed in 2020, and was then bought by Earl Enterprises. Restaurant Dive reports Bravo Brio blamed declining consumer demand and increased competition from fast casual restaurants for its decision. The company, which operates about 50 restaurants between the two brands, said the bankruptcy will help it attract interested investors, improve its financial position, close underperforming restaurants, restructure debt, and reduce operational expenses Its not clear how many locations will close. In a statement to Newsweek the company expressed optimism about emerging from bankruptcy on better footing. The bankruptcy process is generally expected to be seamless for Bravo! and Brios guests, employees and vendors, and result in minimal disruption to operations, the company said. Bravo Brios bankruptcy filing follows similar moves by other Italian restaurant chains this year, including People First Pizza, Bertuccis, and Bar Louie. With the weather cooling and August coming to a close, who isn't thinking about daylight saving time? (Getty Images) Getty Images/Science Photo Libra August has the nerve and the gall to be more than halfway over. The sun is setting noticeably earlier. And as the temperatures seem to have settled down (for now), there seems to be dare we say autumnal vibe to the air (or maybe thats all the Halloween stuff thats already being advertised). You know what that means PennLives annual reminder of when daylight saving time ends this year. According to TimeAndDate.com, daylight saving time 2025 will come to an end on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m. Clocks will fall back during this time, meaning people will get an hours more shuteye. The Old Farmers Almanac explains that daylight saving time was first pioneered by an Englishman named William Willet, who believed it could make the best productive use of the suns light while saving on electricity costs. The idea eventually caught steam in World War I, and here we are. Everyone appreciates the long, light evenings, wrote Willet in his manifesto The Waste of Daylight (1907). Everyone laments their shrinkage as the days grow shorter, and nearly everyone has given utterance to a regret that the nearly clear, bright light of an early morning during Spring and Summer months is so seldom seen or used That so many as 210 hours of daylight are, to all intents and purposes, wasted every year is a defect in our civilization. Let England recognize and remedy it. However, theres been a continual push to get rid of the biannual practice due to the possible health effects and dangers it wraughts: USA Today reports how in 2022 what was known as the Sunshine Protection Act a measure that would make daylight saving time permanent was unanimously approved by the Senate only to die in the House. A new iteration of the bill was introduced to the Senate in January. As for Pennsylvania specifically, the PA Senate Republicans website explains how the state Senate approved to end daylight saving time in March. Further action on the bill remains pending as of the publishing of this report. There have always been disagreements about whether we should follow daylight saving time or standard time permanently, said the bills sponsor Sen. Scott Martin (R-13). That has prevented movement on this issue at the federal level. For me, the most important thing is ending the practice of changing the clocks twice a year and all the negative consequences that come with it. For now, clocks will still be falling back on Nov. 2. A man was bitten by a lemon shark as he posed with the animal for a video after the animal had been accidentally caught by a fishing line. Getty Images/iStockphoto A fisherman ended up hospitalized after being bitten by the animal while posing for a photo. People reports that Shawn Meuse was on a fishing trip with friends on the island of Cayo Costa in Florida when one of them hooked a lemon shark. In a video Meuse posted on Facebook, Meuse can be seen standing above the shark, holding it by the nose, before it thrashes loose. In an interview with WINK, Meuse said that he and his friends "just finished taking the hook out of his mouth" and were about to release the creature back into the water when the shark just turned and bit me. Meuses injuries were so severe he required air medical transport to the hospital and surgical treatment. According to WBBH, Meuse was grateful to survive, saying "if it was a few inches one way, you know, I might not be here." He also said he was looking forward to getting back out to the beach, adding he had a message for the shark that bit him: See you next time. Id go back today if I could leave the hospital, he told WINK. Luckily, he only took a little bit of me and not a lot. FILE - In this photo taken with a drone, portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed the previous night in East Palestine, Ohio, remain on fire at mid-day, Feb. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) AP By LEX DOIG, JAEHEE KIM and ADRIAN MANCERA COTA / Howard Center for Investigative Journalism Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) The fire burned for about nine hours, billowing smoke and scorching the wooden trestles of a nearly 75-year-old railroad bridge that spans the Marys River in Corvallis, home to Oregon State University. Long after the flames died out, Michelle Emmons, a local environmental advocate, could still smell the noxious stench of charred creosote a chemical preservative used to treat outdoor wooden structures. The bridge is owned by Portland & Western Railroad, which says it made repairs after the 2022 fire. Emmons wanted more. It was most alarming to us to see that there were still rail cars that were going over the bridge, said Emmons, who co-leads the Willamette Riverkeeper, a local environmental nonprofit. It was only going to be a matter of time before there could possibly be an accident. That time came nearly three years later on Jan. 4, 2025, when the Corvallis bridge collapsed beneath a freight train. One rail car fell into the river while another car dangled from the bridge and was partially submerged in water. Nearly 150,000 pounds of fertilizer spilled from the train into the river a waterway already the focus of local environmental concerns. Officials from Portland & Western Railroad declined to be interviewed but emailed a statement about the companys actions after the fire. Some rail, crossties and bridge caps needed to be replaced, wrote company spokesperson Tom Ciuba. Its important to note that cosmetic appearance and the smell of creosote do not necessarily signify structural damage to rail bridges. An investigation by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University found railroad bridge safety across the U.S. is hamstrung by minimal government oversight and limited transparency. This leaves rail companies largely in control of inspecting and maintaining their own bridges allowing them to keep most details about problems out of sight from the public. This system differs starkly from the approximately 623,000 bridges carrying cars and trucks in the U.S., which must be regularly inspected, with results made public. Among the Howard Centers investigative findings: Only six inspectors from the Federal Railroad Administration are responsible for oversight of safety for 70,000 railroad bridges. Roughly 10% of U.S. railroads have not had their bridge management programs audited by the FRA, 15 years after the rule on Bridge Safety Standards went into effect. Some larger railroads, owned by companies with billions of dollars in annual revenue, have neglected installation of critical but sometimes costly safety features. Even government officials have difficulty getting information about railroad bridge inspections. Portland & Western Railroad declined to allow Howard Center reporters to view bridge management plans or inspection records for the Corvallis bridge. Bridge inspection reports are not something we typically release to the public, as they are very technical in nature and should only be analyzed by bridge engineers, wrote Ciuba. A freight train derailment has shut down the Steel Bridge in Oregon in 2024. Elliot Njus/The Oregonian Railroad bridge accidents across the U.S. FRA data show 112 bridge-related railroad accidents dating back to 1976, or on average more than two incidents per year. Mike Rush, safety director for the Association of American Railroads, said in every bridge-related derailment investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the cause of the bridge collapse was something other than bridge structure. But a 2016 report from the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation found about three railroad bridge collapses per year over a seven-year period could be attributed directly to failing bridge structures. The inspector general cited FRA data that showed structural failures of railroad bridges caused 21 train accidents between 2007 and 2014. The FRA data includes many railroad bridge incidents the NTSB never investigated. The safety board only investigates the most serious accidents it did not investigate the collapse in Corvallis, Oregon. Of seven accidents involving railroad bridges the NTSB did respond to since 2010 include multiple examples where companies deferred important maintenance before derailments. In September 2015, a BNSF train derailed while carrying ethanol, a highly flammable liquid, at a bridge near Lesterville, South Dakota. NTSB investigators found almost 50,000 gallons (190,000 liters) of ethanol leaked and caught fire, causing more than $1 million in damage. The safety board said BNSF was able to defer maintenance on the track which, along with poor track structural support, increased the likelihood of rail failure. In October 2023, a BNSF train derailed in Colorado, striking a nearby bridge that partially collapsed and killed a truck driver on the interstate below. NTSB investigators found a broken rail near the bridge approach caused the accident, related to an incorrect weld on the rail. After this incident, BNSF increased oversight of welding and began mandatory audits of every failed weld. In an email, BNSF said it meets all federal inspection requirements and the FRA has audited its bridge management plan many times. In addition to allowing self-inspections of bridges, federal regulations require railroads to also oversee inspections of railroad track they own. But these track inspections do not have to be made public. In March 2017, a Union Pacific freight train derailed near a bridge in Graettinger, Iowa. Fourteen tank cars released approximately 322,000 gallons (1.2 million liters) of ethanol, sparking a fire and causing the evacuation of three homes. The NTSB faulted Union Pacific Railroads inadequate track maintenance and inspection program and the FRAs inadequate oversight of the application of federal track safety standards. In July 2020, a Union Pacific derailment near the Tempe Town Lake in Arizona prompted train cars to strike the bridge and cause a portion of it to collapse. A fire started and more than 2,000 gallons (7,500 liters) of flammable chemicals leaked. The NTSB determined that the absence of an inner guard rail, a second set of rails which could have prevented the derailed train from crashing into the bridge, contributed to the severity of the derailment. Union Pacific acknowledged, when questioned by the NTSB, it knew many bridges still needed the safety feature. The total number of bridges that require the inner guard rail is 635, and 218 do not have (the) inner guard rail installed, Tomasz Gawronski, Director of Bridge Inspections for Union Pacific, said in his 2020 NTSB testimony. Gawronski said money may have been a factor. Its a rather costly effort, you know, to install the inner guardrails. In 2020, Union Pacific reported operating revenues of $19.5 billion, with profits of $5.3 billion. Company spokesperson Robynn Tysver wrote in an email that Union Pacific has approximately 16,900 bridges that are inspected twice a year. Tysver did not answer follow-up questions, including when asked if the 218 bridges that still needed inner guard rails in 2020 had since had them installed. Workers inspect the scene of an Amtrak train which derailed after striking a dump truck Monday, June 27, 2022, near Mendon, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) AP Too few staff and resources FRA rules require railroads to develop internal bridge management programs and conduct their own inspections. The FRA can audit these plans. But the audits are not occurring for all railroads. FRA spokesperson Warren Flatau said the agency audited bridge management plans for 677 out of approximately 755 railroad companies under a 2010 rule. That leaves one in 10 railroads without audits under current regulations. Flatau said the outstanding audits are all for Class III railroads, mostly smaller railroads with less revenue. He said smaller railroads change hands often, making oversight more difficult. The FRAs Bridge and Structures team now has just three bridge specialists and three structural engineers who oversee the railroads self-inspections of 69,509 railroad bridges the FRA is aware of. Its shocking and just scary, said Jared Cassity, a union leader with SMART TD, the largest railroad workers union in North America. When you think about six people and the number of bridges that exist in the United States of America, you cannot adequately perform the oversight. An aerial view of the Amtrak Train 188 derailment in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia on May 14, 2015. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) TNS A new push for change In 2015, Congress passed the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), which requires railroads to release a small amount of general information about any bridge to government or elected officials who formally request the information. The required information does not include the year the bridge was built or information about the condition of key parts of the bridge like its deck or supports. U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, a Pennsylvania Democrat, said officials who made requests found records were extremely redacted so much so that it was almost a joke. She plans to introduce legislation this year to force transparency. We want to create a public database where residents are able to just readily obtain the information regarding the safety of the bridges in their communities, Lee said. Lees initial attempt at rail bridge safety reforms in 2024 stalled, which she attributes to influence from railroad companies and their powerful lobbyists. It is not an issue that impacts one type of district blue districts or red districts. This is an issue of national safety, of public safety, all across the country, she said. ___ Reporters Matthew Bird, Mackenzie Miller and Justin Patton contributed to this story. It was produced by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State Universitys Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, an initiative of the Scripps Howard Foundation in honor of the late news industry executive and pioneer Roy W. Howard. For more, see https://cnsmaryland.org/off-the-rails/. Contact us at howardcenter@asu.edu or on X @HowardCenterASU. ICE agents arrested 26 construction workers in Centre County. Screenshot from video shot by Garrett Allison/Used with permission Submitted In one of the largest immigration roundups in central Pennsylvania since President Donald Trump took office in January, ICE agents arrested 26 construction workers this week in Centre County as they headed to their job site at a State College hospital. The arrests happened on Tuesday at around 7 a.m., when ICE agents pulled over and arrested the workers on Interstate 99 in Bellefonte. A Florida man has admitted to possessing fake $100 bills when he was arrested in Bradford County in 2023. Getty Images WILLIAMSPORT A Florida man has admitted to possessing fake $100 bills when he was arrested in Bradford County in 2023. Stormy Chris Randall Giddens Jr., 48, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. Middle District Court to a charge of possessing counterfeit obligations or securities. He was arrested March 1, 2023, in Towanda after police said they received information he might have counterfeit bills. He was wearing the same clothing as a man caught on surveillance video demanding money at a Truist bank branch in Valrico, Florida, on Feb. 10, they said. Hillsborough County sheriffs office in Florida did not have a name for its suspect until his arrest in Towanda, authorities said. Giddens was accused in that case of carrying a bag that appeared to be a pipe bomb into the bank, demanding money but leaving before getting any. Giddens was extradited to Florida where he was prosecuted and received a 10-year sentence. The Secret Service took over the investigation of the counterfeit bills, a large quantity of which were found in Giddings belongings. They contained only four different serial numbers. Also discovered during the execution of a search warrant was a printer, court documents state. A guideline range sentence in the counterfeit bills case is 30 to 35 months. A document in the Florida case states Giddens had lived in Hillsborough County in the Tampa area his entire life and had been doing home construction. He reportedly has relatives in Bradford County. Five volunteer firefighters in Allegheny County were suspended after being accused of responding to an emergency call while under the influence of alcohol. The Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company members were involved in an investigation that came after an Aug. 2 call on East Genesee Avenue for smoke in the area, according to WTAE. The emergency call was a false alarm, but a concerned citizen filed a complaint with Shaler Township about the five firefighters behavior, ultimately leading to the investigation. A source told CBS News the firefighters might have been drinking at a nearby bar before receiving the call. All five members were initially suspended. On Wednesday the fire company said three firefighters will remain suspended while one was reinstated and another resigned. Our commitment to providing exceptional fire and rescue services to our community remains steadfast, and the men and women of this department will continue to serve our community with dedication, honor, and pride, the fire company said in a statement. It is unclear how long the suspensions will last. Shaler Township Manager Judy Kording said the township does not operate the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company, but manages the companys vehicle insurance, portable equipment and workers compensation. Its an unfortunate incident that did happen. But volunteers give their time, and if they were at an establishment or somewhere and reported to a fire, they think that they were doing the best thing for the township and protecting residents and their property, Kording told WTAE. Shaler Township also issues its six fire departments a check for $18,500 annually. The Shaler Township Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet on Sept. 9 to address any concerns. A look at the sinkhole on Amblewood Way in Patton Township on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. The issue has displaced residents. Abby Dray, Centre Daily Times adrey@centredaily.com By Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College A version of this story first appeared in Talk of the Town a daily newsletter from the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown. BELLEFONTE When landslides and sinkholes damage Pennsylvania houses, homeowners often have limited options to cover repairs and can end up stuck paying a mortgage on an unlivable property. Now, state House lawmakers want a government-run insurance program to help fill this gap. A bill introduced by state Rep. Emily Kinkead (D., Allegheny) would use $10 million from the states General Fund to establish the proposed Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program, modeled after a similar plan that helps homeowners cover damage from collapsed mines. After the initial taxpayer-funded investment, Kinkead hopes the program which would initially reimburse applicants up to $150,000 becomes self-sustaining through premium payments. The legislation would also establish a board to oversee the program within the Department of Community and Economic Development, and work with agencies and local governments to rank community risk, publish geological maps online, and recommend best practices for local governments to mitigate landslide and sinkhole risks. Under the proposal, the programs board will utilize a rating system to help determine insurance costs, to incentivize community landslide and sinkhole management. Communities that are less likely to have damage either because the land is naturally safer or because theyve made an effort to reduce risk will get higher ratings and possibly a credit on their premium. Properties found to violate laws and regulations overseeing development in areas prone to landslides and sinkholes will not be eligible for new coverage. The bill passed out of committee this summer but has yet to receive a full vote in the state House. This is really just recognizing that the commercial insurance industry is not stepping up to cover these costs, Kinkead said during a June legislative meeting. Surveys on landslides and sinkholes from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources outline why karst geology and sloped terrain threaten many parts of the state especially southwestern, central, and eastern Pennsylvania. While Kinkead pointed to landslides in Western Pennsylvania as a key motivation for the bill, state Rep. Paul Takac (D., Centre) noted during the state House committee meeting that his district is also no stranger to sinkholes. The area has seen them open up near the Nittany Mall, on Penn States campus, along a pedestrian and bike path, and even in the sheriffs office parking lot. On Dec. 25, 2022, a sinkhole opened up near 18 townhomes in Patton Township, breaking a water main and forcing residents to evacuate. State Rep. Scott Conklin (D., Centre) secured $180,000 in grant funds to help with inspections, renovations, and temporary shelter. He also introduced legislation that would offer hotels and motels a state tax credit equal to the cost of a discounted or comped room donated to a family displaced by a disaster; however, it never saw action in the legislature. Patton Township Manager Amy Farkas said the municipality has recommended insurance options for homeowners, but officials could only find four companies willing to offer it. So the proposed insurance program, she told Spotlight PA, is a great step forward. Farkas credited lawmakers for being forward-thinking by creating another insurance option and working with local governments to identify the people most at risk. I feel like sometimes the state doesnt view us as a 100% partner, and this bill, to me, feels like they see us as their partner, and they want to work with us, she said. SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results. Battle of Bunker Hill, the Civil War, Meuse-Argonne offensive, Battle of the Bulge, Hue Offensive, Tet Offensive, and Fallujah Combat. What do these names have in common? Americans fought for freedom in all of these battles. Each time a legislator or judge approves the unlawful usurpation of their government responsibilities in favor of this administration, they are dishonoring the memory of those heroic service members who fought for our liberties since the inception of our Country. So I ask the question, How can they look in the mirror? Better yet, what do they see? Rev. Kathie Teeter, Lebanon, Pa. In a new letter dated Aug. 14, the Justice Department requested the states voter list once again with personal information such as drivers license numbers and the last four digits of Social Security numbers. Commonwealth Media Services The Pennsylvania Department of State declined to turn over election official information and clarified mathematical calculations and definitions in response to a second request from the Department of Justice. In a new letter dated Aug. 14, the Justice Department requested the states voter list once again with personal information such as drivers license numbers and the last four digits of Social Security numbers. Under state law, the Department of State provides a full voter list, including voter ID numbers, dates of birth and voting history, for $20. This publicly available data does not include Social Security or drivers license numbers. Craig Holman, an ethics expert from Public Citizen, called the multiple DOJ letters an intimidation tactic. The Department of Justice is clearly operating on the assumption that there some kind of illegal behavior going on in Pennsylvania, and you can just sense it in the letters, Holman said. It seems like theyre trying to put the state on alert that they are being scrutinized. At least 19 other states have received similar requests from the Trump Justice Department, according to the Associated Press. The departments efforts are part of a broader administration initiative to investigate past elections for voter fraud and noncitizen voting, issues for which there is no data showing widespread wrongdoing. The Committee of Seventy, a nonpartisan good government organization in Philadelphia, released a statement Tuesday that these recent efforts by the Trump administration are an overstep of the federal governments jurisdiction over elections and an attempt to baselessly erode trust in our elections. What did the DOJ ask for and how did the state respond? The previous DOJ letter asked for more information about Pennsylvanias answers to the Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS). Election official info: The State Department said it cannot turn over information about election officials because county voter registration commissions are ultimately responsible for hiring the employees who maintain voter lists. Duplicate registrations: One question focused on Pennsylvanias low percentage of duplicate registrations compared with the rest of the country. Secretary of State, Al Schmidt, pointed out that the number the DOJ used for nationwide comparisons was misleading. Many states reported incomplete survey data, so Schmidt said the 12.7% national average cited by the DOJ may not serve as a reliable interstate comparison. He also clarified that Pennsylvanias actual rate of duplicate registrations is 9.4% and not 4.49%, as the Justice Department stated in its question. Schmidt pointed out that DOJ may have misunderstood what duplicate registrations could mean. It reflects duplicate applications, he said, not duplicate voters. Schmidt said Pennsylvania, like Oklahoma, addresses this through online voter registration, which also helps reduce tedious work for election staff. The other category: The DOJ questioned around 40,000 Pennsylvania transactions listed as other, which it said were provided without further explanation. Schmidt clarified that the Election Assistance Commission website showed those transactions were recorded as pending applications. The letter also pushed for more information on Pennsylvanias other response to a question about confirmation notices. Schmidt clarified that these notices were undeliverable or received no initial response from the voter. This information is publicly available in the 2024 EAVS comprehensive report. Military recruitment office participation: The Justice Department questioned the states efforts to ensure armed forces recruitment offices participation in voter registration. The department noted that those offices are required to report voting assistance data to the Federal Voter Assistance Program, not to Pennsylvania. Merged voter records: The last question alleged that the state failed to respond to a question on merged voter records. Schmidt said the state did respond, explaining it could not provide a figure because it is unable to accurately differentiate between merged and transferred records. Noncitizen voting: The state department noted that falsifying statements about applicant citizenship is a federal and state crime. The letter says counties may cancel noncitizen registrations and refer the matter to law enforcement. Schmidt clarified that the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 does not govern but defers to state law, meaning voters with felony convictions or adjudicated mental incompetency are not automatically removed under Pennsylvania law. It sounds like these actions by the Department of Justice are just so opinionated and poorly thought out, Holman said. They are trying to go very public with trying to make Pennsylvania government officials feel very uncomfortable and under attack like they are doing something not legitimate. It can get personal, too. In 2020, when Donald Trump tweeted directly at Al Schmidt after his Pennsylvania loss in the presidential election, Schmidts family had to temporarily relocate due to threats. The scrutiny continues but requests for voter lists with personal information are not new in Pennsylvania although the state has historically resisted them. Whether the intention is to lay the groundwork for rejecting results in the event of a loss, or to exploit states where one party controls all branches of government to push a federal agenda, the facts are the facts: our elections are secure, mail-in voting is secure, and election administration must remain in the hands of the states, the Committee of Seventy statement said. The department has until Friday, Aug. 22, to respond to the DOJs latest letter. Waves from Hurricane Erin crash against the sandbagged pilings of a building in Buxton, N.C., on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed) AP RODANTHE, N.C. (AP) Hurricane Erin battered North Carolinas Outer Banks with strong winds and waves that flooded part of the main highway and surged under beachfront homes as the monster storm slowly began to move away from the East Coast on Thursday. Forecasters predicted the storm would peak Thursday and said it could regain strength and once again become a major hurricane, Category 3 or greater, but it was not forecast to make landfall along the East Coast before turning farther out to sea. Tropical storm conditions were in effect over parts of the Outer Banks and the coast of Virginia, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. In Bermuda, residents and tourists were told to stay out of the water with rough seas expected through Friday. As Erins outer bands brushed the Outer Banks, water poured onto the main route connecting the barrier islands and a handful of stilted homes precariously perched above the beach. By Wednesday evening, officials had closed Highway 12 on Hatteras Island as the surge increased and waves rose. The road remained closed Thursday. Ocracoke Islands connection to its ferry terminal was cut off. Authorities predicted that the largest swells during high tide would cut off villages and homes on the Outer Banks and whip up life-threatening rip currents from Florida to New England. Beaches were closed to swimming Wednesday and Thursday in New York City, and some others in New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware were temporarily off-limits. Widespread, moderate coastal flooding was forecast for low-lying areas of Long Island and parts of New York City. A fisherman walks on a pier as large waves generated by Hurricane Erin crash into the jetty at Lighthouse Point Park, in Ponce Inlet, Fla., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) AP Off Massachusetts, Nantucket Island could see waves of more than 10 feet (3 meters) this week. But the biggest threat remained along the Outer Banks where longtime residents didnt seem too concerned. I remember taking canoes out of my front yard to get to school, so I dont think its gonna be that bad, said Jacob Throne, who lives on Hatteras Island and works for surf shops. Despite beach closures elsewhere, some swimmers continued to ignore the warnings. Rescuers saved more than a dozen people caught in rip currents Tuesday at Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina, a day after more than 80 people were rescued. Bob Oravec, a National Weather Service forecaster, said that even if someone thinks they know how to handle a rip current, its not safe. You can be aware all you want, he said. It can still be dangerous. A combination of fierce winds and huge waves estimated at about 20 feet (6.1 meters) could cause coastal flooding in many beachfront communities, North Carolina officials warned. This image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Erin on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (NOAA via AP) AP Dangerous conditions can be felt far from the eye, especially with a system as large as Erin, said Will Ray, the states emergency management director. Dozens of beach homes already worn down from chronic erosion and protective dunes could be at risk, said David Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Most residents decided to stay despite evacuations ordered on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. We probably wouldnt stay if it was coming directly at us, said Rob Temple, who operates sailboat cruises on Ocracoke. His biggest concern was whether the main route would wash out and if tourists and delivery trucks may be cut off from the thin stretch of low-lying islands, which are increasingly vulnerable to storm surges. Erin has become an unusually large and deceptively worrisome system, with tropical storm-force winds spreading across 500 miles (800 kilometers) roughly the distances from New York City to Pittsburgh. It remained a Category 2 hurricane early Thursday with maximum sustained winds around 105 mph (165 kph), the hurricane center said. Erin was about 205 miles (330 kilometers) east-southeast of Cape Hatteras and moving north-northeast at 17 mph (28 kph). The hurricane center was also watching two tropical disturbances far out in the Atlantic that could develop into named storms in the coming days. With thousands of miles of warm ocean water, hurricanes known as Cape Verde storms are some of the most dangerous that threaten North America. Climate scientists say Atlantic hurricanes are now much more likely to rapidly intensify into powerful and catastrophic storms, fueled by warmer oceans. RunGood Poker Series Heading South for Grand Prix Tunica Stop Connor Richards Senior Editor U.S. Copy link The RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) Grand Prix series is just around the corner and will see the RGPS family headed back to Horseshoe Casino Tunica in Mississippi. The RGPS Grand Prix: Tunica stop, running Sept. 2-7, will feature a dozen ring events across six days of poker action, culminating with the $600 buy-in RGPS Tunica Main Event with a $200,000 guarantee attached. Read More About the RGPS Grand Prix! Win a Ring Down South Things will kick off in Tunica with the $250 Seniors Ring Event on Sept. 2 for players 50 and older. The same day will see a $250 Series Opener Ring Event taking place, as well as a $200 Opening Night Guest Bounty Ring Event. The next day will see the start of $300 DeepStack Ring Event, a $50,000 guaranteed event with two starting flights, as well as a $135 Bank Roll Builder event where one in ten will win $1,000. Sept. 4 will see the final day of the DeepStack Ring event and a $250 Double Green Chip Bounty Ring Event. 2025 RGPS Grand Prix Tunica Schedule The series is headlined by the $600 Main Event that will kick off on Sept. 5 with the first of three starting flights. The $200,000 guaranteed event will play to a winner on Sept. 7 before a $400 Black Chip Bounty Ring Event closes out the series later that afternoon. Other highlights of the series include a $300 Pot Limit Omaha Ring Event, a $300 Ladies Ring Event and a $200 Turbo NLH Ring Event. Last Time in Tunica Jason Grimes and Jason Walker Tunica is one of the most popular stops on the RunGood schedule. Last year, the $600 buy-in RGPS RunGood Resort Tunica Main Event drew 671 entrants for a prize pool of $342,210. Jason Grimes of Kentucky secured the victory after an even chop with Tennessee's Houston White that left both players taking home $52,102. The final table also included Kristopher Duren (3rd - $30,731), Hamid Izadi (4th - $22,928) and 18-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit ring winner Daniel Lowery (5th - $17,282). Other southern crushers who ran deep in the event include John Holley, Chris Conrad, Cody Stanford and Kyle Cartwright. 2024 RGPS Tunica Final Table Results Place Player Hometown Prize (USD) 1 Jason Grimes * Paducah, KY $52,102 2 Houston White * Madison, TN $52,102 3 Kristopher Duren Jefferson, GA $30,731 4 Hamid Izadi Atlanta, GA $22,928 5 Daniel Lowery Peter Pender, AR $17,282 6 Charles Westbrook Byram, MS $13,175 7 Jeffrey Brown (FL) Hollywood, FL $10,164 8 Rhonda Hart Cabot, AR $7,939 9 James West Brighton, TN $6,262 After wrapping up in Tunica, the RunGood team will head to Hollywood Penn National in Grantville, Pennsylvania for a series running Sept. 16-21. The full schedule for the upcoming RGPS Grand Prix: Tunica stop is available in the table below. Date Time Event Name Buy-In Guarantee Tue, Sep 2, 2025 10:00 AM Seniors Ring Event (Ages 50+) $250 Tue, Sep 2, 2025 1:00 PM Series Opener Ring Event $250 Tue, Sep 2, 2025 7:00 PM Opening Night Guest Bounty Ring Event $200 Tue, Sep 2, 2025 On Demand Flip and Go Ring Event $100 Wed, Sep 3, 2025 12:00 PM DeepStack Ring Event FLT A $300 $50,000 GTD Wed, Sep 3, 2025 4:00 PM Bank Roll Builder (1 in 10 Wins $1000) $135 Wed, Sep 3, 2025 6:00 PM DeepStack Ring Event FLT B $300 $50,000 GTD Wed, Sep 3, 2025 On Demand Flip and Go Ring Event $100 Thu, Sep 4, 2025 12:00 PM DeepStack Day 2 Final Thu, Sep 4, 2025 1:00 PM One Day NLH Ring Event $300 Thu, Sep 4, 2025 7:00 PM Double Green Chip Bounty Ring Event $250 Thu, Sep 4, 2025 On Demand Flip and Go Ring Event $100 Fri, Sep 5, 2025 11:00 AM Flip and Go Ring Event Day 2 Fri, Sep 5, 2025 12:00 PM Pot Limit Omaha Ring Event $300 Fri, Sep 5, 2025 1:00 PM Ladies Ring Event $300 Fri, Sep 5, 2025 2:00 PM Turbo Main Event Satellite (1 in 5 Wins a Seat) $145 Fri, Sep 5, 2025 6:00 PM Main Event FLT A $600 $200,000 GTD Sat, Sep 6, 2025 9:00 AM Turbo Main Event Satellite (1 in 5 Wins a Seat) $145 Sat, Sep 6, 2025 11:00 AM Main Event FLT B $600 $200,000 GTD Sat, Sep 6, 2025 4:00 PM Turbo Main Event Satellite (1 in 5 Wins a Seat) $145 Sat, Sep 6, 2025 6:00 PM Main Event FLT C $600 $200,000 GTD Sun, Sep 7, 2025 10:00 AM Turbo NLH Ring Event $200 Sun, Sep 7, 2025 12:00 PM Main Event Day 2 Final Sun, Sep 7, 2025 1:00 PM Black Chip Bounty Ring Event $400 *Photos courtesy RGPS Share this article The stage is set for the final day of the $102,000 Onyx SHRS PLO Invitational at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. After two days of cards-up action and some of the highest-stakes Omaha ever played in a tournament setting, the original field of 79 entries has been reduced to just nine finalists. They will now return to battle for the trophy, the title, and a share of the $7,663,000 prize pool, with the eventual champion set to collect a massive $1,923,000. Leading the way is "Dubai Police", who stormed through Day 2 and bagged up a towering 23,400,000, well ahead of the chasing pack. His nearest rivals are Cong Pham (14,000,000) and Laszlo Bujtas (11,525,000), both of whom have been consistent forces throughout the event. Unofficial Final Table Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Dubai Police United Arab Emirates 23,400,000 187 2 Cong Pham United States 14,000,000 112 3 Laszlo Bujtas Hungary 11,525,000 92 4 Samuli Sipila Finland 9,075,000 73 5 Martin Dam Denmark 6,425,000 51 6 Ben Lamb United States 5,000,000 40 7 Robert Cowen United Kingdom 4,800,000 38 8 Sergei Nesterenko Russia 3,300,000 26 9 Lautaro Guerra Spain 2,300,000 18 Samuli Sipila (9,075,000) and Martin Dam (6,425,000) find themselves in the middle of the pack, while proven names such as Ben Lamb (5,000,000) and Robert Cowen (4,800,000) will look to use their big-game experience to climb the ladder. Sergei Nesterenko (3,300,000) and Lautaro Guerra (2,300,000) round out the lineup, and although they bring back the shorter stacks, both are dangerous operators capable of making a run. Ben Lamb With the field trimmed to nine, the invitees and pros will now sit side by side at a single table as the Invitational plays down to a winner. The lineup is packed with quality, and with stacks still deep, plenty of play remains before the trophy is lifted. Day 2 Action At the start of the day, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau held an enormous stack of over 10,000,000, which would have been good enough for fourth place had he made the final table. Instead, his run came to an end at the hands of eventual chip leader "Dubai Police". With just 13 places in the money, many expected a tense and drawn-out bubble. Instead, it was over in an instant. On the very first hand of hand-for-hand play, Stanislau Melhui flopped a set of tens and moved all in, only to discover that Pham had flopped an even bigger set with pocket aces. Just like that, the bubble burst and the payouts were underway. Pham continued his hot streak by eliminating Biao Ding before Armin Ghojehvand fell to Lamb. Nick Schulman was then part of a three-way all-in against Cowen and Dam, but came out third best and was eliminated just short of the final table. Phil Ivey It was none other than Poker Hall of Famer Phil Ivey who suffered the unluckiest blow, bubbling the final table when his flopped set of nines was cracked by the rivered flush of "Dubai Police." That hand locked in the final nine and set the stage for Thursdays finale. Remaining Payouts Place Prize 1 $1,923,000 2 $1,340,000 3 $950,000 4 $725,000 5 $565,000 6 $450,000 7 $370,000 8 $305,000 9 $255,000 All nine finalists are now guaranteed a payout of $255,000, while a spot on the podium is worth at least $950,000. The top two will both earn seven-figure prizes, with the eventual champion set to walk away with $1,923,000 and the $102,000 Onyx SHRS PLO Invitational title. Cards will be back in the air at 2 p.m. local time on Thursday, August 22, with the final table streamed on a 30-minute delay for fans around the world on OnyxLiveTV. Blinds resume with around 12 minutes remaining in Level 15 (50,000/125,000/125,000). Stay tuned to PokerNews for all the updates and to see who will claim the title. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. At this point in his second term, President Donald Trump has higher approval ratings than Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama in their second terms. According to the Real Clear Politics average of presidential approval polls, Trump, on Aug. 13, 2025, had a rating of 45.8%. G.W. Bush on Aug. 13, 2005, registered a 43.2% rating. Obama, on Aug. 13, 2013, stood at 43.8%. For Trump, this approval rating follows: two impeachments; a verdict of liable defamation; a criminal verdict of guilty by a Manhattan jury for a supposed violation of federal election law; a prosecution by the Fulton County district attorney for alleged presidential election interference; an investigation by a special counsel into Trump's role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol building riot; the special counsel investigation of Trump's alleged violation of federal law over his possession and handling of government documents, including classified documents; a verdict of liability and a judgment, now approaching $500 million, for supposedly inflating the value of his properties to obtain bank loans; a two-and-a-half-year investigation by a special counsel into whether Trump colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election and whether Trump committed obstruction of justice during the investigation; and two assassination attempts, one of which nearly killed him. Trump's approval rating follows the signing of the controversial Big Beautiful Bill. Critics claim the bill "kicks off" deserving recipients of Medicaid while providing "tax cuts for the rich." The approval rating follows fierce pushback from so-called sanctuary cities and states over Trump's campaign promise of mass deportations. The approval rating follows Trump's unrealized promise to end the Russia-Ukraine War "on Day 1," as well as Hamas' refusal to release an estimated 50 of the remaining hostages under a deal Trump thought he reached for their release. Trump's approval rating follows bombshell accusations by the Trump Department of Justice that Obama and members of his administration in charge of intelligence knowingly falsely accused Russia of not just 2016 election interference but of committing this interference to aid Trump. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced convening a grand jury to investigate whether criminal charges should be brought against members of the Obama administration, possibly including Obama himself. Trump's rating is all the more stunning given the nearly wall-to-wall bad coverage by much of the media. In April 2025, the Media Research Center wrote, "Media Research Center analysis of the ABC, CBS and NBC evening newscasts shows the new Trump administration has faced a withering 92% negative coverage, even worse than the relentlessly hostile coverage Trump faced in early 2017 ... (these) news programs averaged more than 19.3 million viewers during the first quarter of 2025, making them the most widely-watched news programs in the country." But wait, there's more. Trump's Aug. 13 rating took place before Trump's White House meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and before Trump's White House meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. After Trump's nearly three-hour meeting with Putin, Trump and the Russian leader jointly addressed the media. They took no questions, but Putin agreed with one of Trump's frequent anti-President Joe Biden talking points. Putin said: "Today when President Trump says that if he was the president in 2022, there would be no war, and I'm quite sure it would indeed be so. I can confirm it. Overall, me and President Trump have built a very good and businesslike contact." That's an extraordinary statement about Trump and about his predecessor. And then there's the praise of Trump by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and his acknowledgement that Trump was right to a) criticize the failure of many NATO countries to meet their financial obligations to the alliance and b) make NATO pay America for its weapons and material assistance the U.S. is giving Ukraine. Based on recent events, Trump's Aug. 13 rating has become ancient history. After his meeting with Putin, Trump's Insider Advantage approval rating among voters now stands at 54%! Pollster Mike Towery said: "Only the nation's oldest voters disapprove of his job performance, which is consistent with our prior surveys. Overall, his approval numbers are surging upwards post-summit." I have long predicted Trump's many successes would eventually propel him to a 60% approval rating. Should Trump's meetings with Putin, Zelensky and European leaders lead to an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, a 60% rating is easily in sight. (COMMENT, BELOW) Reporter Carl Dawson covers the City of Aiken and the Savannah River Site. An Aiken County resident since 1990, his work has appeared in the Charleston News & Courier, the Tampa Tribune, the Atlanta Constitution and the Augusta Chronicle. He holds a B.A. in English from the University of South Carolina. John McDermott has been the business editor of The Post and Courier since 2006. He's written about all facets of the South Carolina economy, served in the U.S. Air Force and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii-Manoa journalism program. Senior Reporter Tiffany Tan is a senior reporter at The Post and Courier's Columbia newsroom. She covers statewide issues, particularly in the criminal justice system. She previously reported on the courts, the opioid epidemic and regional news in Vermont for VTDigger. She has also worked for newspapers and television outlets in South Dakota, Beijing, Singapore and Manila. Editor Zoe Nicholson is the editor of Free Times, covering culture and city life. She is a South Carolina native and graduate of the University of South Carolina. She has previously covered higher education, local government, business and education in the South. Reporter Spencer Donovan covers Greenville for The Post and Courier. He's an Atlanta native and graduate of the University of Georgia. You can find him on walks around town, eating at local restaurants and hiking in the mountains. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Partly cloudy this morning. A few showers developing during the afternoon. High 88F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 71F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Quick Response and Public Safety Reporter Kailey Cota is a breaking news and public safety reporter for the Post & Courier's Charleston location. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. She previously wrote for The State, The Current and The Daily Gamecock, and was named South Carolinas collegiate journalist of the year. Charleston, SC (29532) Today A mix of clouds and sun. Less humid. High around 90F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 67F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Anna Wilder covers politics for the Post and Courier. She previously worked as a political reporter for The State newspaper. She's a Florida native and a graduate of the University of Florida. Her work has appeared in outlets like Politico, Miami Herald and the Associated Press. Highway 150 Food Mart at 2532 Pacolet Highway in the Goucher community of Cherokee County would be among the convenience stores allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays, if voters approve a referendum on Nov. 4, 2025. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 22:00:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 706 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 /Apex Critical Metals Corp. (CSE:APXC)(OTCQX:APXCF)(FWB:KL9) ("Apex" or the "Company"), an exploration company focused on strategic critical metals, is pleased to announce that it has extended its investor relations agreement with Rumble Strip Media Inc. ("Rumble") to enhance its investor awareness. Pursuant to the agreement, Rumble will provide certain social media, marketing and consulting services to Apex. In consideration, Apex will pay CAD$1,000,000 to Rumble, with CAD$250,000 to be paid upfront. The extension commences August 20, 2025, for a three-month term ending November 20, 2025. The services to be provided by Rumble constitutes investor relations activities within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Rumble and its principals are arm's length to the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, Rumble does not own, control, or direct any securities of the Company.About Apex Critical Metals Corp. Apex Critical Metals Corp.is a Canadian exploration company specializing in the acquisition and development of properties prospective for carbonatites and alkaline rocks with potential to host economic concentrations of rare earth elements (REE's), niobium, gold and copper mineralization. Apex's Cap property located 85 kilometres northeast of Prince George, B.C., spans 25 square kilometres and hosts a recently identified promising 1.8-kilometre niobium trend. The Company's Bianco carbonatite project encompasses 3,735 hectares covering a large carbonatite complex within an area known for significant niobium mineralization in northwestern Ontario.Carbonatites are extremely rare rock types, with fewer than 600 known worldwide. They are host to rare earth element ("REE") minerals, niobium, tantalum and phosphate, as well as copper and gold. Carbonatites are host to the world's largest and most productive niobium deposits, including Araxa and Catalao in Brazil, and Niobec in Quebec. In addition, they are the primary source of REEs, including Mountain Pass in California, Mount Weld in Australia, and Bayan Obo in China. They are also important sources of phosphate (apatite), including Cargill, Ontario, while the Palabora mine in South Africa has produced copper, nickel, gold, magnetite, and vermiculite. Other carbonatites are known to have produced gold, iron, zirconium, fluorite, and other industrial minerals.By acquiring a multitude of carbonatite projects, Apex Critical intends to investigate potential high-value opportunities to meet the growing global demand of specialty metals across various industries. Apex Critical is publicly listed in Canada on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol APXC, in the United States on the OTCQX market under the symbol APXCF, and in Germany on the Borse Frankfurt under the symbol KL9 and/or WKN: A40CCQ. Find out more at www.apexcriticalmetals.com where you can subscribe for News Alerts, watch our Video, or follow us on Facebook, X.com or LinkedIn.On Behalf of the Board of Directors APEX CRITICAL METALS CORP.,--Sean Charland--Sean CharlandChief Executive OfficerTel: 604.681.1568Email: info@ apexcriticalmetals.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the services that Rumble Media will provide to the Company under the investor relations agreement, as extended, and statements regarding the Company's intention to investigate the high-value systems within carbonatite-hosted projects . Forward-looking statements are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company. 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. 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.SOURCE: Apex Critical Metals Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 21:00:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 647 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Arintra, a healthcare technology startup founded by two machine learning PhDs, Nitesh Shroff, Preeti Bhargava, secured $21 million in a Series A funding round led by Peak XV Partners. The company is also backed by Endeavor Health Ventures, Y Combinator, FoundersX Ventures, Counterpart Ventures, Spider Capital, and Ten13. Its innovative AI-native autonomous coding platform transforms revenue cycle management for health systems by integrating autonomous medical coding, clinical documentation improvement (CDI), and payer-aware denial insights directly within electronic health record (EHR) systems -delivering revenue assurance at scale.Arintra CEO Nitesh Shroff speaking at FoundersX AI Agents Event at TechWeek SF 2024 (Nitesh on the far right, with FoundersX team) Addressing Healthcare Revenue ChallengesHospitals face shrinking margins while grappling with unclaimed revenue due to complex coding processes, a shortage of skilled coders, and increasingly stringent payer requirements. Arintra's platform tackles these issues head-on by automating the coding process, ensuring accurate and efficient billing. Unlike many autonomous coding tools that merely convert patient charts into billing codes, Arintra adopts a comprehensive approach to deliver revenue assurance. It focuses on three key pillars:Documenting Services Performed: Capturing complete and accurate clinical documentation.Coding Based on Documentation: Generating precise billing codes that reflect the documented care.Supporting Charged Claims: Providing payer-aware insights to minimize denials and ensure audit-ready claims.Proven Impact and Customer SuccessArintra's platform has processed over $1 billion in healthcare charges, helping customers recover millions in revenue that would have otherwise been lost. Notable outcomes include:Mercyhealth: Achieved a 5.1% revenue increase and a 43% reduction in claim denials for automated cases. Work-queue aging was halved, and coding costs dropped by 32%.Reid Health (Indiana): Transitioned from billing delays and high denial rates to faster accounts receivable (A/R) and automated charge capture, all without disrupting existing workflows.With the new funding, Arintra aims to expand coverage across more medical specialties, enhance clinical documentation improvement, and bolster denial analytics. The company also plans to establish a new headquarters in the Bay Area to support its growth. CEO and co-founder Nitesh Shroff, PhD, stated, "Reimbursement is fundamentally broken. Our goal is compliant revenue at scale, without adding burden to clinical or IT teams." FoundersX Ventures: An Early Believer in Arintra's VisionFoundersX Ventures, a firm dedicated to pioneering technologies, supported Arintra from its inception, investing in its seed round with firm belief in its potential to transform hospital operations through AI and digital innovation, beginning with medical coding automation. Arintra initially targeted high-demand hospital departments like radiology, with plans to extend its solutions to emergency rooms (ERs) and primary care settings.Arintra's impact on hospital revenue represents only the beginning of its potential to reshape healthcare operations. "It was eye-opening to learn that most U.S. hospitals operate on just 3% margins while losing 10-15% of revenue to insurance claim rejections, largely due to manual and outdated medical billing systems. Arintra is solving this massive problem with GenAI automation to save our hospitals." said Helen H. Liang, PhD, Managing Partner at FoundersX.Arintra's AI-driven, end-to-end platform tackles these challenges by automating medical coding, enhancing claim accuracy, and minimizing revenue loss, setting the stage for broader operational improvements across healthcare systems.About ArintraArintra delivers the industry's leading GenAI-native autonomous coding platform, empowering health systems to achieve accurate and efficient reimbursement for their services, ensuring revenue assurance at scale. By integrating advanced AI with deep clinical expertise, Arintra autonomously codes medical charts with high precision, eliminating the need for human intervention. Unlike standalone tools, Arintra seamlessly integrates into electronic health record (EHR) systems, enabling adoption without workflow disruptions or risks to data integrity. Health systems leveraging Arintra recover lost revenue from coding errors, documentation gaps, and unaddressed denials, achieving over 5% revenue uplift, 12%+ reduction in accounts receivable (A/R) days, and 43%+ fewer claim denials.Media ContactArintraTerri Logan, Manager, Marketingterri.logan@arintraWebsite: SOURCE: Arintra PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 02:05:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 980 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 20, 2025 /Banyan Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Banyan") (TSX-V:BYN)(OTCQB:BYAGF) announces the filing of the Technical Report to support the updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards incorporated by reference in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") for the AurMac Project (the "AurMac Property or "AurMac"). The Technical Report titled "Technical Report, AurMac Property, Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada" and dated August 20, 2025, was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Ginto Consulting Inc., Tysen Hantelmann, P.Eng., of JDS Energy & Mining Inc. and Deepak Malhotra, PhD., of Forte Dynamics. The Technical Report is available for review on SEDAR+ at www.sedar.ca and on the Company's website at www.banyangold.com As announced in the Company's news release dated July 8, 2025, the updated MRE comprises an Indicated Mineral Resource of 2.274 million ("M") ounces ("oz") of gold ("Au") (112.5 M tonnes at 0.63 g/t) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 5.453 Moz of Au (280.6 M tonnes at 0.60 g/t ) (as defined in the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves incorporated by reference into NI 43101). The updated MRE is summarized below in Table 1 (Figure 1). The AurMac Project pit constrained MRE is contained in two near/on-surface deposits: the Airstrip and Powerline deposits. AurMac is road accessible and is transected by an existing transmission line of the Yukon's power grid. The AurMac Project is located in the Mayo Mining district, approximately 40 kilometres ("km") northeast from the village of Mayo, Yukon and 356 km north of Whitehorse, Yukon.The updated MRE is summarized below in Table 1.Table 1: Pit-Constrained Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources - AurMac ProjectIndicated MREInferred MREDepositAu Cut-Off Grade (g/t)Tonnage(M Tonnes)Gold Grade (g/t)Gold Content(Oz)Tonnage(M Tonnes)Gold Grade (g/t)Gold Content(oz)Airstrip0.3027.70.690.61110.10.750.245Powerline0.3084.80.611.663270.40.605.208Total Combined0.30112.50.632.274280.60.605.453Notes to Table 1 :The effective date for the MRE is June 28, 2025 and was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Ginto Consulting Inc., an independent "Qualified Person" within the meaning of NI 43-101.Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing,changes in global gold markets or other relevant issues.The CIM Definition Standards were followed for classification of Mineral Resources. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Mineral Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Mineral Resources as an Indicated Mineral Resource.Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.30 g/t gold for all deposits, using a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 0.73 and constrained within an open pit shell optimized with the Lerchs-Grossman algorithm to constrain the Mineral Resources with the following estimated parameters: gold price of US$2,050/ounce, US$2.50/t mining cost, US$10.00/t processing cost, US$2.00/t G+A, 90% gold recoveries, and 45 pit slopes.1The number of tonnes and ounces was rounded to the nearest thousand. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects.The pit outlines used to constrain the MRE are shown in Figure 1. Detailed images of the Mineral Resource model, including an interactive 3D model and additional information can be found at: https://www.banyangold.com/projects/aurmac/ Figure 1. Plan Map Showing the Mineral Resource Estimate and Drill Collar Locations1 The gold price and cost assumptions are consistent with current pricing assumptions and costs and, in particular, with those employed for recent technical reports for similar pit-constrained Yukon gold projects.Qualified PersonsThe updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the AurMac Project was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Ginto Consulting Inc., an independent "Qualified Person" within the meaning of NI 43-101, who has reviewed and approved the contents of this release and has verified the data disclosed as it relates to the MRE. The data was verified by Mr. Jutras using data validation and quality assurance procedures under industry standards. Duncan Mackay, P.Geo., M.Sc., is a "Qualified Person" as defined under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release in respect of all disclosure other than the MRE. Mr. Mackay is Vice President Exploration for Banyan and has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the informationUpcoming EventsPrecious Metals Summit, Beaver Creek, September 9-12, 2025Corporate Presentation: September 10 at 8:15 AM MDTGCFF Conference, Vancouver, September 20, 2025121 Hong Kong, September 24-25, 2025New Orleans Investment Conference, November 2-5, 2025About BanyanBanyan's primary asset, the AurMac Project is located in Canada's Yukon Territory. The 215.3 square kilometres ("sq km") AurMac Project lies 40 kilometres ("km") from Mayo, Yukon. The AurMac Project is transected by a Yukon highway and benefits from a 3-phase powerline, existing power station and cell phone coverage. Banyan has the right to earn up to a 100% interest, in both the Aurex and McQuesten Properties, respectively, subject to certain royalties.In addition to the AurMac Project, the Company holds the Hyland Gold Project, located 70 km Northeast of Watson Lake, Yukon, along the Southeast end of the Tintina Gold Belt (the "Hyland Project"). The Hyland Project represents a sediment-hosted, structurally controlled, intrusion-related gold deposit, within a large land package (over 125 sq km), accessible by a network of existing gravel access roads.Banyan also holds the Nitra Gold Project, a grassroots exploration project located in the Mayo Mining district, approximately 10 km west of the AurMac Gold property. The Nitra Property lies in the northern part of the Selwyn basin and is underlain by metaclastic rocks of the Late Proterozoic PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 20:36:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 546 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces an investigation into BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in BellRing, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit Why is BellRing Being Investigated?BellRing Brands operates in the convenient nutrition category. The Company's primary brands include Premier Protein and Dymatize, which offer ready-to-drink ("RTD") protein shakes and powders. During the relevant period, the Company stated that Premier Protein "hit an all-time high in household penetration" and that "demand remains strong." The Company also stated that its growth was "strong in all channels," driven by "distribution expansion, accelerating velocities and incremental promotional activity." In truth, the Company's sales growth during the relevant period may have been driven by temporary trade inventory loading at several key retailers, not sustainable end-consumer demand.The Stock Declines as the Truth Is RevealedOn May 5, 2025, after market hours, BellRing revealed that starting in Q2 2023, "several key retailers lowered their weeks of supply on hand," which would create a headwind to Q3 2025 growth. The Company also announced it was expanding promotions to boost sales and "offset [] third quarter reductions in retailer trade inventory levels." On this news, the price of BellRing stock fell $13.96 per share, or more than 18%, from $77.34 per share on May 5, 2025, to $63.38 per share on May 6, 2025.Then, on August 4, 2025, after market hours, BellRing announced disappointing quarterly consumption of Premier Protein RTD Shakes, which had been expected to outpace shipments by a wider margin given previously announced retailer destocking, but instead came "more in line" with shipments. On this news, the price of BellRing Brands stock fell $17.46 per share, or nearly 33%, from $53.64 per share on August 4, 2025, to $36.18 per share on August 5, 2025.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in BellRing you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212.789.3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 17:03:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 337 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of Roblox Corporation ("Roblox" or "the Company") (NYSE:RBLX). Investors who purchased Roblox securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/RBLX Investigation DetailsOn August 14, 2025, the State of Louisiana filed a lawsuit against Roblox, alleging that the Company fails to protect children from predators on its gaming platform. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said, "Due to Roblox's lack of safety protocols, it endangers the safety of the children of Louisiana. Roblox is overrun with harmful content and child predators because it prioritizes user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety. Every parent should be aware of the clear and present danger poised to their children by Roblox so they can prevent the unthinkable from ever happening in their own home." Following this news, Roblox's stock price dropped more than 6.3% on August 15, 2025.What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased Roblox securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/RBLX . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his client relations manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 332-239-2660There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & GrossmanBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.ContactBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this press release please contact the company added in the press release. Please do not contact pr-inside. We will not be able to assist you. PR-inside disclaims the content included in this release. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 15:01:03 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 968 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 First Profitable Quarter Since Q2 2023COSTA MESA, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 /Charlie's Holdings, Inc.(OTCQB:CHUC) ("Charlie's" or the "Company"), an industry leader in the premium vapor products space, today reported results for the three months ended June 30, 2025, and provided an update on recent business highlights.Key Financial Highlights for Q2 2025 (compared with Q2 2024)Not including $6.5 million income from PMTA asset sales, revenue increased 25% to $2.5 millionNet income of $5.0 million, from a loss of $1.0 millionEPS of $0.02, from a loss of $0.01$2.8 million reduction in Notes Payable for the six months ended June 30, 2025Recent Business HighlightsSuccessful SBX introduction in 6 strategically advantaged states; roll-out planned for multiple regional convenience store chains in Q3 and Q4 2025Initial PMTA Products Strategic Partnerships generated $6.5 million of income with an additional $4.2 million in contingent payments possible over the next 12 months (imputed value of CHUC's 679 remaining PMTA products is more than $650 million)Company plans to open US manufacturing facility in Q4 2025 for filling of select product linesAge-gating technology in development to prevent youth access to nicotine vapor productsUpgraded sales team from a solely account management-centric team to a skilled and driven sales team to acquire new customers while maintaining excellent service with our existing customersSubsequent EventOn August 8, 2025, the Company entered into and closed on an additional PMTA asset sale for one additional PACHA synthetic product and related asset, bringing the total PMTA Products purchased by the buyer to sixteen. The purchase price for this latest PMTA asset was $1.0 million paid at closing.Management CommentaryRyan Stump, Charlie's Chief Operating Officer, explained, "We are thrilled to report that all our hard work, time, and investments into CHUC's PMTA portfolio has begun to pay dividends. With FDA Acceptance Filings for nearly 700 PMTAs, with a Company commitment to full regulatory compliance, and with our first sales of a handful of our 2022 PMTA Products, we believe that Charlie's has only scratched the surface of realizing the full monetary and strategic value of our PMTA portfolio. We believe Charlie's 679 remaining PMTAs, as a stand-alone asset, have a monetary value that far exceeds Charlie's current market cap." Henry Sicignano III, Charlie's President, explained, "It is gratifying to see that our shift in strategy over the last two years has come together so successfully. We are enormously pleased with our return to profitability, with our success at eliminating the vast majority of the Company's debt, and with our excellent prospects for licensing our PMTA products to several key strategic partners in the industry." Sicignano continued, "What's more, we expect that, in the second half of 2025, organic sales of Charlie's non-nicotine SBX product line will take the spotlight. Even though we only began roll-out of SBX late in the second quarter, early results suggest that if we are able to manufacture and import as much product as the market demands, SBX sales - alone - could make 2025 a record year for Charlie's."Planned Strategic Shift in ManufacturingTo eliminate significant inspection delays and tariff costs that have severely impacted vapor products shipments for the entire industry in recent months, Charlie's intends to launch a US-filled product line in late 2025. In addition to mitigating shipping delays and tariff costs, the US-filled line will enable Charlie's to meet new domestic manufacturing requirements that have been announced by large states. Texas is implementing a new law, Senate Bill 2024, effective September 1, 2025, that bans the sale and possession of certain vape products, including those manufactured or marketed as coming from China or certain other "adversary countries." Tennessee and other states have similar legislation pending. To sell and distribute products in these markets, Charlie's plans to launch a US-filled vapor product line in Q4 2025. The Company's new line will meet new domestic manufacturing requirements and will appeal, broadly, to adult consumers who prefer "Made in America" products.Financial Results for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025:Revenue: For the three months ended June 30, 2025, not including $6.5 million of income from PMTA asset sales, revenue was $2.5 million, an increase of $0.5 million, or 25%, compared with $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in revenue was primarily due to an increase in the sales of Charlie's nicotine-based and nicotine substitute vapor products and alternative products.Gross Profit: For the three months ended June 30, 2025, not including $6.5 million of income from PMTA asset sales, gross profit was $0.7 million, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 17%, compared with $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The resulting gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was 26.1%, compared with 38.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2024.Total Operating Expenses: For the three months ended June 30, 2025, total operating expenses, including general and administrative, sales and marketing and research and development costs, were $1.5 million, an increase of 2%, compared with the three months ended June 30, 2024.Net Income/Loss: For the three months ended June 30, 2025, net income was $5.0 million, compared with a net loss of $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in net income was primarily due to a large new strategic partner purchase of PMTA assets during the 2nd quarter of 2025.EPS: For the three months ended June 30, 2025, diluted earnings per share were $0.02, compared with a diluted loss per share of ($0.01), for the three months ended June 30, 2024.For the six months ended June 30, 2025, Notes Payable were reduced by $2.8 million.About Charlie's Holdings, Inc.Charlie's Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: CHUC ) is an industry leader in the premium vapor products space. The Company's products are sold around the world to select distributors, specialty retailers, and third-party online resellers through subsidiary company Charlie's Chalk Dust, LLC has developed an extensive portfolio of brand styles, flavor profiles, and innovative product formats.For additional information, please visit Charlie's corporate website at: Chuc.comand the Company's branded online websites: sbxvape.com andPacha.co .% PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 23:00:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 471 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Marking CUCKOO's 6th U.S. Brand Store Opening with Special Offers Across Kitchen & Home AppliancesCERRITOS, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / CUCKOO , a global leader in kitchen and home appliances, announced the upcoming grand opening of its 6th U.S. Brand Store in Queens, New York, taking place on Friday, August 22, at 3:00 PM ET. The opening marks a major milestone in the company's nationwide expansion. This New York location joins CUCKOO's U.S. brand stores in Los Angeles, New Jersey, Orange County (CA), Texas, and Virginia. To celebrate the event, CUCKOO is holding a nationwide "BIG EVENT" from August 22-31, 2025 across all brand stores, offering exclusive discounts and special gifts to customers. CUCKOO NY Brand Store Grand OpeningThe new CUCKOO New York Brand Store showcases the company's differentiated rental business model, which centers on essential kitchen and home appliances such as water purifiers and air purifiers. Customers benefit from A-to-Z care services including professional installation, regular filter replacement, and after-sales support-delivering long-term convenience and peace of mind. Located at 207-26 Northern Blvd. #1B in Bayside, Queens, the store also provides Chinese-language consultation, making CUCKOO's services more accessible to diverse communities.During the 10-day BIG EVENT, customers can enjoy:Up to 25% off water purifier rentalsUp to 50% off select pet appliancesUp to $3,500 in savings on massage chairsComplimentary gifts for visitors and consultationsAdditional perks for new sign-ups, including premium rice cookers, coffee machines, and fansThe New York Brand Store invites customers to experience CUCKOO's most popular product lines firsthand, from signature rice cookers and premium water purifiers to advanced air purifiers, bidets, and massage chairs."The New York store represents a significant milestone for CUCKOO, but more importantly, it's a space where customers can connect with our brand, experience our products up close, and feel supported every step of the way," said Michael Won Jun Yi, Cuckoo America Managing Director & CFO. "We're excited to welcome New Yorkers and to continue expanding opportunities for families to enjoy the convenience our appliances bring." For more information, visit cuckoorental.com ABOUTCUCKOO is a globally recognized South Korean brand specializing in kitchen and home appliances, renowned as the #1 rice cooker brand in South Korea. The brand has successfully expanded worldwide, bringing its industry-leading technology and premium craftsmanship to homes across the globe. Since establishing CUCKOO Electronics America in 2016, the brand has gained recognition in American households for its innovative, premium products. CUCKOO is committed to providing solutions that simplify life with reliable, easy-to-use appliances that prioritize convenience.For more information, visitcuckooamerica.comto explore CUCKOO's full range of products, orcuckoorental.comfor details on CUCKOO's rental services. Follow us on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/cuckoo_america/ , and TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@cuckooamerica Contact InformationJennifer Sierra PR Associatepr@ cuckooamerica.com (323) 433-7606 EXT. 1017SOURCE: CUCKOO ELECTRONICS AMERICA PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 22:45:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 992 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Revenue growth of over 112% and profitable while becoming Canada's leader in card-linked offersTORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / EQ Inc. (TSXV:EQ) ("EQ Works" or the "Company"), a leader in AI and data-driven software and solutions, announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025.EQ is pleased to report exceptional revenue growth and positive adjusted EBITDA for the quarter. Highlights for the three months ended June 20, 2025 include:Revenue increased by over 112%, to $3.1 million, compared to the previous quarter and increased by approximately 19% compared to the previous year.Gross margin increased to 44%, an improvement from 40% in the previous quarter and 43% in the same period a year ago.Adjusted EBITDA improved by 109% quarter over quarter and by 127% when compared to the previous year.Integrated Rewards (Paymi) continued to expand its merchant network, becoming Canada's largest provider of Card-Linked Offers with almost 100 cash back offers currently on the platform."This quarter marks an important milestone on our path to sustainable growth and profitability," said Geoffrey Rotstein, President and CEO of EQ Works. "We are proud to be Canada's largest provider of card-linked offers, a leadership position driven by the expansion of our proprietary first-party data network and the growing adoption of our reporting and insights dashboard." Revenue of $3.1 million for the quarter represents 112% sequential growth and 19% growth year over year, showing strong momentum across the business. Gross margin increased to 44%, compared to 40% last quarter, as our higher margin products continued to gain momentum. EQ reported adjusted EBITDA of $0.1 million, an improvement of over $0.7 million compared to Q1 2024, and by $0.2 million from the same period a year ago, resulting in our best performance in over a decade. These improvements reflect the Company's disciplined focus on driving more recurring, higher margin revenue, and properly aligning costs and investments with its overall revenue composition.As businesses across industries accelerate AI and data-driven investments, EQ's proprietary data assets and innovative product suite position it for growth. By leveraging compliant, user opt-in, real-time data, EQ enables clients to execute smarter marketing campaigns and make more strategic data-informed decisions. These capabilities directly contributed to our strong performance this quarter and highlight the value of EQ's solutions in an AI-driven business landscape.In addition, the Company announced the granting of stock options to current and former members of the EQ's board of directors.The Company granted 300,000 stock options to its newest board members. These stock options are exercisable at CDN $0.99 per stock option and will expire on May 28, 2030. 150,000 of these stock options will vest immediately, and the remaining 150,000 options vest in over the twelve months following the grant date and are governed by the terms and conditions of the Company's stock options plan.The Company also granted 100,000 options to a former director. These stock options are exercisable at CDN $1.01 per stock option and will expire on April 16, 2026. All 100,000 stock options will vest immediately and are governed by the terms and conditions of the Company's stock options plan.Non-IFRS Financial MeasuresEQ Works measures the success of the Company's strategies and performance based on Adjusted EBITDA, which is outlined and reconciled with net loss in the section entitled "Reconciliation of Net Loss for the period to Adjusted EBITDA" in the MD&A. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net loss from operations before: (a) depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets, (b) share-based payments, (c) finance income and costs, net, (d) restructuring costs. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of the Company's operating performance because it provides information on the Company's ability to provide operating cash flows for working capital requirements, capital expenditures, and potential acquisitions. The Company also believes that analysts and investors use Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure to evaluate the overall operating performance of companies in its industry.The non-IFRS financial measure is used in addition to, and in conjunction with, results presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS and should not be relied upon to the exclusion of IFRS financial measures. Management strongly encourages investors to review the Company's consolidated financial statements in their entirety and to not rely on any single financial measure. Because non-IFRS financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies non-IFRS financial measures having the same or similar names. In addition, the Company expects to continue to incur expenses similar to the non-IFRS adjustments described above, and exclusion of these items from the Company's non-IFRS measures should not be construed as an inference that these costs are unusual, infrequent, or non-recurring.The table below reconciles net loss from operations and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:About EQ WorksEQ Works ( www.eqworks.com) enables businesses to understand, predict, and influence customer behaviour. Using unique data sets, advanced analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, EQ Works creates actionable intelligence for businesses to attract, retain, and grow the customers that matter most. The Company's proprietary SaaS platform mines insights from movement and geospatial data, enabling businesses to close the loop between digital and real-world consumer actions.Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those regarding the Company's future financial position and results of operations, strategy, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believe", "expect", "aim", "intend", "plan", "continue", "will", "may", "would", "anticipate", "estimate", "forecast", "predict", "project", "seek", "should" or similar expr PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 14:00:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1022 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Easement to Facilitate Near-Term Exploration Logistics for New Amalga Gold Project & Secure Road Route Spanning One-Third of Distance from Public Highway to Project SiteVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 /Grande Portage Resources Ltd. (TSXV:GPG)(OTCQB:GPTRF)(FSE:GPB) ("Grande Portage" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has applied for a State of Alaska easement related to its New Amalga Gold project in southeast Alaska. This easement application incorporates a proposal for development of approximately 1.3 miles (2 km) of gravel road along with two equipment staging areas.Extending from Glacier Highway across State of Alaska property, development of this road segment will greatly facilitate the Company's helicopter-supported exploration efforts by establishing an equipment staging area much closer to the project site. The helicopter shuttle distance for transporting drilling equipment and supplies would be reduced by over 60% for each cycle compared to the previous staging area located in the Juneau Mendenhall Valley suburbs.Ian Klassen, President and CEO comments: "The submission of this easement application is an important step for the project. The proposed road development and equipment staging areas will not only enhance the efficiency of our exploration efforts but will also reduce the impact of helicopter noise on residential areas of the Mendenhall Valley. Furthermore, this road segment will comprise a significant proportion of the overall road development required to ultimately establish surface access to the project site." This initial road segment would span approximately one-third of the total distance from Glacier Highway to the project site, ending at the boundary between State of Alaska and US Forest Service land. Further road development will require separate federal environmental review and permitting. Baseline environmental studies are ongoing in order to support future federal submissions.The future facilities at the project site are envisioned to include a small-footprint underground mining operation without an ore processing plant or tailings disposal landfill. Due to the resource location near tidewater and less than 4 miles (6.5km) from existing paved highway (Fig. 1), the Company considers off-site processing by a third party to be the most favorable configuration for the project.Fig. 1: Location of the New Amalga Gold ProjectKyle Mehalek, P.E.., is the QP within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Mehalek is independent of Grande Portage within the meaning of NI 43-101.About Grande Portage:Grande Portage Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on advancing the New Amalga Mine project, the outgrowth of the Herbert Gold discovery situated approximately 25 km north of Juneau, Alaska. The Company holds a 100% interest in the New Amalga property. The New Amalga gold system is open to length and depth and is host to at least six main composite vein-fault structures that contain ribbon structure quartz-sulfide veins. The project lies prominently within the 160km long Juneau Gold Belt, which has produced over eight million ounces of gold.The Company's updated NI#43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) reported at a base case mineral resources cut-off grade of 2.5 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) and consists of: an Indicated Resource of 1,438,500 ounces of gold at an average grade of 9.47 g/t Au (4,726,000 tonnes); and an Inferred Resource of 515,700 ounces of gold at an average grade of 8.85 g/t Au (1,813,000 tonnes), as well as an Indicated Resource of 891,600 ounces of silver at an average grade of 5.86 g/t Ag (4,726,000 tonnes); and an Inferred Resource of 390,600 ounces of silver at an average grade of 7.33 g/t silver (1,813,000 tonnes). The MRE was prepared by Dr. David R. Webb, Ph.D., P.Geol., P.Eng. (DRW Geological Consultants Ltd.) with an effective date of July 17, 2024.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD"Ian Klassen"Ian M. KlassenPresident & Chief Executive OfficerTel: (604) 899-0106Email:Ian@ grandeportage.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties as described in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators. 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. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.Please note that under National Instrument 43-101, the Company is required to disclose that it has not based any production decision on NI 43-101-compliant reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments, or feasibility studies, and historically production decisions made without such reports have increased uncertainty and higher technical and economic risks of failure. These risks include, among others, areas that are analyzed in more detail in a feasibility study or preliminary economic assessment, such as the application of economic analysis to mineral resources, more detailed metallurgical and other specialized studies in areas such as mining and recovery methods, market analysis, and environmental, social, and community impacts. Any decision to place the New Amalga Mine into operation at levels intended by management, expand a mine, make other production-related decisions, or otherwise carry out mining and processing operations would be largely based on internal non-public Company data, and on reports based on exploration and mining work by the Company and by geologists and engineers engaged by the Company.NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED UNDER THE POLICIES OF THE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS REL PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 21:35:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1053 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. (the "Company" or "GSilver") (TSXV:GSVR) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered Listed Issuer Financing Exemption private placement (the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of C$18M under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption ("LIFE") private placement. The Company engaged Medalist Capital Ltd. and Research Capital Corporation (the "Finders") as exclusive finders to assist with the Offering.James Anderson, Chairman & CEO said, "With this strengthening of our balance sheet, Guanajuato Silver is now positioned to make significant upgrades to our underground mining fleet and to our three processing facilities, as we move to establish improved operational consistency at all four of our producing silver mines. Furthermore, current exploration and development drill programs will be scaled up considerably as we move to expand our mineral resource base. We thank current and past investors for their continued support as we build Mexico's next mid-tier silver producer." The Offering consisted of 60,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.30 per Unit (the "Offering Price"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company ("Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole such warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.45 for a period of 36 months subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, until August 21, 2028.Net proceeds from the Offering will be used to, inter alia:add to the Company's underground fleet and ramp up production at GSilver's producing mines in Guanajuato and Durango.fund certain improvements to expand and modernize the processing facilities at the Topia mine and mill complex including capital expenditures and related costs.fund corporate head office general and administrative expenses including legal, audit, overhead and salaries for the ensuing 12 months.carry out detailed exploration at GSilver's mineral properties, particularly San Ignacio and Valenciana.The Units were sold pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption. The Offering was made in all provinces of Canada (except Quebec) and other qualifying jurisdictions, including the United States. The Units offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will be immediately "free-trading" under applicable Canadian securities laws. Units sold to subscribers resident in the United States are subject to additional restrictions on trade.In connection with the Offering, the Finders received a cash commission of $520,463.92, and 1,727,904 non-transferable finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants"). Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price equal to the Offering Price, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, until August 21, 2028. Unless permitted under securities legislation, the Finder's Warrants and securities underlying the Finder's Warrants cannot be traded before December 22, 2025.In connection with the Offering, the Company has entered into an Advisory Agreement with Research Capital Corporation (the "Advisor"), pursuant to which the Advisor provided financial advisory, consulting, and support services in connection with the Offering (the "Advisory Services"). In consideration for the Advisory Services, the Company will pay the Advisor a work fee equal to $136,500 (the "Fee") and issue 458,500 advisor warrants (the "Advisor Warrants"). Each Advisor Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price equal to the Offering Price, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, until August 21, 2028. The Advisor Warrants and the underlying securities issued to the Advisor will be subject to a four month and one day hold period in accordance with Canadian securities laws.To demonstrate continued support of the Company, certain directors and officers of the Company or their affiliates (each, a "Related Party") participated in the Offering and acquired an aggregate of 2,100,000 Units for total gross proceeds of $630,000. Each subscription by a Related Party is considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The related party transactions are exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 in reliance upon the exemptions contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves the Related Parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report related to the Offering more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Offering as required by MI 61-101 since the details of the participation by the Related Parties were not settled until shortly prior to the closing of the Offering and the Company wished to close on an expedited basis for sound business reasons.There is an offering document related to this Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at the Company's website at www.gsilver.com This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registrations are available. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.About GSilverGSilver is a precious metals producer engaged in reactivating past producing silver and g PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 18:15:08 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 21, 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 PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 23:10:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 305 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Encompass Health Corporation ("Encompass Health Corporation") (NYSE:EHC) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.On July 15, 2025, the New York Times published an article, entitled "Even Grave Errors at Rehab Hospitals Go Unpenalized and Undisclosed," discussing the state of the private rehabilitation hospital industry. In the article, the Times specifically identified Encompass as one of the for-profit rehab corporations that "have had rare but serious incident of patient harm and perform below average on two key safety measure tracked by Medicare." The article went on to note specific examples highlighting significant patient safety concerns, medication errors, and an overall lack of oversight at Encompass' hospitals.Following this news, Encompass' stock price fell by $12.39 per share to close at $ 107.28 per share. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 12:00:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1026 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / In a notable exclusiveinterview with ALLATRA TV, Pastor Mark Burns, recognized by Time magazine as Donald Trump's top pastor, spiritual advisor, and founder and senior pastor of the Harvest Praise and Worship Center in South Carolina, creator of the international Christian TV channel Now Television Network, he brings a message of faith to millions of homes around the world, delivered a powerful message on the enduring importance of restoring religious freedom as a cornerstone of human dignity and freedom.Interview with Pastor Mark Burns: Fighting for Religious Freedom | ALLATRA TVPastor Burns is known not only as a spiritual leader but also as a spiritual diplomat visiting conflict zones, including Ukraine, where he has publicly called for an end to the war. His active stance on defending religious freedoms and his commitment to building bridges among people of different traditions have made him a voice that cannot be ignored in discussions about the future of faith in the modern world.Pastor Mark Burns in Ukraine. Photo credit: Pastor Mark Burns via X. Original post:https://x.com/pastormarkburns/status/1917747299717112070In his interview for ALLATRA TV, Pastor Mark Burns underscored that religious freedom is not merely a legal right but a fundamental aspect of human identity that shaped the United States. "Our rights don't come from man or laws. They come from God," Burns said, highlighting the American nation's founding as an escape from persecution and a commitment to worship without fear. "And that extends to all faiths here in America, to everyone's faith that is welcome, where you can practice your faith without the persecution of the government or having your faith taken away from you because someone dislikes what you believe," emphasized Pastor Mark Burns.During the interview for ALLATRA TV, Burns addressed global threats to religious freedom, from subtle erosions in American workplaces and schools, such as restrictions on public prayer or seasonal greetings, to overt violence in regions like India, the occupied territories of Ukraine, and beyond. He warned that silencing one faith paves the way for broader injustices, urging interfaith solidarity: "Dr. King said it wasn't the cries of his enemies that bothered him. It was the silence of his friends. And so we can't be silent when we see other brothers and sisters, regardless of their faith Because if you go after one faith, you'll go after another faithso we people who operate in faith should stand together and make sure that if one of our brothers or sisters, regardless of whether we agree with them theologically or not, we should be able to stand together and protect our faith." Interview with Pastor Mark Burns: Fighting for Religious Freedom | ALLATRA TVPastor Burns, who leads a multicultural, nondenominational church, emphasized building bridges across cultures through love and communication. Drawing from biblical examples like the Apostle Paul and the Good Samaritan, he advocated for seeing the humanity in others beyond theological differences. "It's not about so much the religion, but the person's heart," he explained. His recent visits to conflict zones, including Ukraine, have reinforced this view, where he witnessed destruction and called for an end to war, prioritizing aid and compassion over division.Pastor Burns called for a more responsible approach to media and communication-one that dismantles division and promotes authentic unity. He highlighted the divisive role of media in perpetuating misunderstandings across societies, warning that it often erects invisible barriers between people."The biggest problem is that the media keeps us so separated. Media creates walls. Media and theology and misconceptions create these false walls that exist," he said, urging a more responsible approach to communication that breaks down these illusions and fosters genuine unity.Interview with Pastor Mark Burns: Fighting for Religious Freedom | ALLATRA TVIn a call to action, Pastor Burns outlined practical tools for peaceful conflict resolution: starting with love to dismantle barriers, followed by open communication to foster understanding. He emphasized that true change begins when every person has advocates to defend their rights and when hunger, injustice, and exploitation are confronted through empowered protection."Don't be on the right. Don't be on the left. Be on the human right. Stand for the voiceless, and defend the God-given right of every person to worship freelyIt's not about politics. It's about love. I don't care who you pray to-I will still love you and I will fight for your freedom," emphasized Pastor Mark Burns.ALLATRA extends its deepest gratitude and respect to Pastor Mark Burns for his unwavering commitment to defending human rights and religious freedoms. His courageous stance serves as an inspiration, bridging divides and promoting a world where all can live in peace. "We are profoundly thankful for Pastor Burns' voice, which opens doors to greater understanding and harmony," said Valerie Smian, Head of Communications, Partnerships and Events at ALLATRA IPM. "Pastor Mark Burns' dedication to love, dialogue, and justice exemplifies the highest ideals of spiritual leadership." During the interview, Pastor Burns expressed gratitude to the host and to the ALLATRA platform for amplifying voices that stand for freedom and dignity:"Your voice is touching millions around the world. And so, thank you for that, for sharing your platform." He praised ALLATRA's mission of bringing people together across faiths and nations, aligning it with his own call to build bridges and defend the voiceless.The full interview is available on ALLATRA TV's platforms.About the ALLATRA International Public MovementThe ALLATRA International Public Movement is an independent, volunteer-based organization dedicated to conducting large-scale research in geodynamics and environmental issues. ALLATRA IPM is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to the study of natural disasters, for promoting international scientific cooperation, and advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms.In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and the preservation of creation, the ALLATRA International Public Movement was granted an Apostolic Blessing by His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers.Valerie SmithALLATRA valerie@ allatra.org SOURCE: ALLATRA PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 18:12:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 361 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / PDI Health recently discovered that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to PDI Health.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On May 14, 2025, PDI Health discovered a security breach involving its internal systems. An unauthorized party accessed and extracted sensitive data, compromising patient records. The impacted data may include names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, billing information, electronic medical records (EMRs), test results, and medical history.The ransomware group Everest claimed responsibility for the attack on the dark web. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from PDI Health, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-21 17:03:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 531 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Quantrell Subaru Donates $30,000 in School Supplies to Local Elementary Schools Through the Subaru Loves Learning' AdoptAClassroom.org ProgramLEXINGTON, KENTUCKY / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 /Quantrell Subaru has kicked off the new school year by giving back to the community. As part of Subaru's national Subaru Loves Learning and AdoptAClassroom.org initiative, Quantrell Subaru donated $30,000 worth of school supplies to five local elementary schools: Breckenridge Elementary, Harrison Elementary, William Wells Brown Elementary, Coventry Oak Elementary, and James Allen Elementary. Quantrell Subaru LogoThis donation will ensure teachers and students start the year with the tools they need to succeed, providing everything from basic supplies to learning resources throughout the school year.A Community Contest to Support Local SchoolsThis marks the second year Quantrell Subaru has hosted its community school supply contest. The dealership pre-selected 10 elementary schools in Fayette County to participate. These schools then went head-to-head in a social media voting competition, encouraging parents, students, alumni, and community members to cast votes. After a spirited campaign that generated 16,000+ votes, five schools emerged as winners, each receiving a supply package valued at $6,000."Education is the foundation of every strong community," said Brentley Jones, General Manager of Quantrell Subaru. "This whole idea started when I looked into and realized how much of their own money our teachers spend on school supplies for their classrooms. When we invest in our local schools, we're investing in the future of Lexington. It's a privilege to help these teachers and students have the resources they deserve from day one." Cassaundra Watkins, Harrison Elementary School: "Thank you so much to Quantrell Subaru. These school supplies for our kiddos just level the playing field, and Quantrell is making things happen in the community for kids that really need it." Ebony Hutchinson, William Wells Brown Elementary: "Equity is so important. I want to make sure that we are providing a world-class education for our students. These donations are just going to check all the boxes, and be able to fill classrooms with what they need to be successful." Michael Price, Breckinridge Elementary School: "For us, equity means value in all kids. And thanks to partners such as Subaru, we're closing the opportunity gap. Through these types of donations, all kids see the value in themselves and can be the best versions of themselves." The Subaru Loves Learning program is part of Subaru of America's larger commitment to supporting education across the country. Through the AdoptAClassroom.org partnership, Subaru retailers like Quantrell Subaru provide direct funding and essential resources to help close the gap between what students need and what schools can afford.Quantrell Subaru's commitment to giving back extends beyond the classroom, supporting local causes as part of the Subaru Love Promise, a pledge to make a positive impact in the Lexington community and beyond.About Quantrell SubaruQuantrell Subaru, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is proud to serve customers with a commitment to exceptional service and community involvement. Part of Quantrell Auto Group, the dealership believes in building lasting relationships and making a difference in the communities it serves.Contact InformationBrentley JonesGeneral Manager, Quantrell Subaru 859-266-2161SOURCE: Quantrell Subaru The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the Inspector-General of Police and other police officers from arresting or detaining popular on-air personality and comedian, Chinedu Ani, widely known as Nedu Wazobia, in connection with a contractual dispute. The judge, Deinde Dipeolu, granted the interim order on Tuesday after considering an ex parte application filed by Nedu and five others, who alleged harassment by the police at the instance of their business partners. According to a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the order obtained on Wednesday, the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police at Alagbon, and other officers were barred from summoning or interrogating the applicants over a dispute with the Metropolitan School of Business and Management, Victor Ariyibi-Oke, and Tolulope Ariyibi-Oke. Also joined in the suit are police officers Ngozi Braide, Stephen Onihane, and Echeng Julius. Other applicants are Sarah Williams-Konha, Avalon Okpe, Ada Okpe, Barbara Okwaranobi, and Tokindrumz Pictures and Media Nigeria Ltd. Ruling Mr Dipeolu issued an interim injunction restraining the police and their agents from taking further action against the applicants pending the hearing of the substantive motion on notice for the enforcement of their fundamental rights. However, the judge declined to grant a request compelling the police to maintain the status quo on all matters relating to the business transaction. The court adjourned the matter until 29 September for mention. Through his lawyer, J.W. Dong, the applicants argued that the police were being used to intimidate them over what was essentially a civil disagreement. They told the court that the matter had been investigated for about nine months by the X-Squad at the AIGs office in Alagbon, Lagos, in 2024, and the report cleared them of criminal liability. The police legal department also issued an advisory that the dispute was contractual and should be pursued in court. Despite this, the applicants alleged that the respondents submitted a fresh petition to another police unit led by Mrs Braide, which reopened the matter. They accused the officers of intimidation, unlawful detention in July, and the seizure of their international passports. READ ALSO: Police operatives arrested for allegedly assaulting man who refused to offer N1 million bribe They further alleged that one of the respondents assaulted their former lawyer before they engaged their present lawyer. They also sought N2 billion in damages against the respondents for alleged infringement of their fundamental rights. Background The disagreement arose from a partnership between the applicants and the respondents in early 2024 to raise funds for underprivileged students through an educational charity initiative. The project included a fundraising gala with a budget of over N83 million. Although the event was held successfully in March 2024, the respondents later demanded a refund of N60 million, which Nedu and his team rejected. The breakdown in the partnership led to police petitions and repeated summons, which the applicants say amounted to harassment. PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the dispute spilt into the public space, with social media influencer Martins VeryDarkMan Ortse recently accusing Nedu of fraud over the same project. Mr Nedu denied the allegations and issued a cease-and-desist notice demanding a retraction, apology, and N500 million in damages for defamation. The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the umbrella body for professional screen actors in the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has established the AGN Asset Recovery Panel. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emeka Rollas, AGN National President, presented the 3-man panel to the guilds Board of Trustees (BOT) during an interactive session on Wednesday in Abuja. The stakeholders interactive session was held by the guild to present its new national secretariat to the BOT formally. The asset recovery panel has Onwurah Ifeanyi as Chairman, Garba Muazu as Secretary and Sydney Diala as a member. According to the national president, the panels terms of reference include the recovery and safeguard of the guilds assets in wrong hands, as well as to forestall future occurrences. Over the past two decades, the Guild has lost several valued assets, including cars, buses, furnished offices, landed property, equipment, and other material resources through mismanagement or wrongful appropriation by past leaders. To safeguard our future and set a clear deterrent against such practices, we have set up the AGN Asset Recovery Panel. This panel is empowered to trace, identify, and recover these assets, whether financial, material, or infrastructural, working with allied government Agencies like the Police, EFCC and ICPC. This step will not only restore what is rightfully ours but also strengthen accountability and integrity in our institution, he said. National Electoral Committee The AGN helmsman, who is serving his last tenure, said in line with the guilds constitution, a National Electoral Committee (AGNEC) duly set up by the BOT has been inaugurated to conduct the next national election. He expressed gratitude to the BOT for their support and understanding, which provided a conducive environment for him and his leadership team to deliver effectively on their mandate. It is with profound honour and gratitude that I stand before you today on this historic occasion of presenting our Guilds office to the Registered Board of Trustees. I sincerely appreciate the Board of Trustees for the confidence consistently reposed in me and for granting me the rare privilege to serve as president of this noble Guild over the past seven years. Your guidance, encouragement, and steadfast support have been instrumental in the strides we have collectively achieved. When I assumed this position, I pledged to give my all to reposition the Guild, and in the past seven years, together we have fostered unity across all strata of our Guild. We have healed divisions, restored a sense of family among members, and made the Guild visible and respected, both within Nigeria and internationally. We have introduced a retail health management plan, ensuring that members have access to affordable healthcare, he said. Among other initiatives, Rollas said the guild, under his watch, has launched the AGN Super App, an innovation that offers members rewards, opportunities, and access to vital information at their fingertips. In his remark, the BOT Secretary, Sonny McDon, commended the national president and his team for their passionate commitment to the betterment of the guild. I want to let you know that as a Board of Trustees, we are proud of you, and we acknowledge your efforts and your achievements so far. Against all odds, you have proven that to whom much is given, much is expected, and you have not fallen short of what we expected. Once again, we are saying bravo for all you have read out today, and we want to confirm that we are aware and we are in support of your administration, he said. (NAN) Veteran actor, Fabian Adibe, who dominated the movie scene for nearly four decades, is dead. He was 81. Seun Oloketuyi, founder and CEO of Best of Nollywood (BON), confirmed the actors death on his Instagram page on Wednesday. Oloketuyi wrote: Things Fall Apart actor, Fabian Adibe, is dead. He died at 2:30 a.m. this morning. As of press time, the cause of his death remains unknown, as Oloketuyi did not disclose this while breaking the news. Fabian Adibe The late actor and television personality represented Nigeria at her first Commonwealth Arts Festival in 1965. He began his professional acting career in 1987 with the critically acclaimed Nigerian television series Things Fall Apart, where he portrayed the character Ogbuefi Uzowulu alongside Pete Edochie. Other notable co-stars in the movie, including Justus Esiri and Sam Loco Efe, have since passed away. Before fully venturing into film, he worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) until his retrenchment on 25 May 1984. PREMIUM TIMES reported in March 2022 that the late Adibe disclosed that he quit acting 12 years earlier, citing issues of packaging. On 1 December 2013, he marked his 70th birthday with the launch of his debut book, *Mixed Grill*. Adibe rose to further prominence with his role in the Nollywood classic Living in Bondage (1993), a landmark production that helped shape modern Nigerian cinema. Throughout his career, he became renowned for portraying figures of authority such as elders, kings, fathers, fathers-in-law, and brothers. He featured in more than 300 films, including Slave Warrior, White Kingdom 2, and Father, among others. His versatility also extended beyond Nollywood, with appearances in international productions such as Soweto, a story centred on the struggle in South Africa, and the Hollywood feature Mr Johnson. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has commenced the training of 126 newly recruited staff under its Leadership Development Academy (LDA). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the move aims to build a skilled and motivated workforce to drive Nigerias primary health agenda. The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Muyi Aina, who stated this on Thursday in Abuja, urged the trainees to embrace self-development. Mr Aina assured the staff that the agency would equip them with the skills and tools needed for effective service delivery. This programme is designed not just to train you, but to prepare you to enhance primary healthcare in Nigeria, he said. He explained that the recruitment was part of President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda on job creation and strengthening the health system. Mr Aina said that the new employees are joining the agency at a unique moment in Nigerias primary health journey. The President is deeply committed to addressing the historical challenges in our health sector. The government has given you a platform to make an impact and advance your careers, he said. But your success depends on the choices you make, the effort you put in, and the values you uphold, he said. He said that the training aligns with the ongoing transformation of the agency to ensure effective and accountable implementation of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). READ ALSO: Major Health Stories Across Nigeria in July This is as well as the agencys strategic blueprint aimed at building a competent and engaged workforce. The LDA, established in 2019, serves as a long-term measure to strengthen leadership and management capacity within the agency. Since inception, it has trained four cohorts of new employees and graduated 55 fellows in two cohorts, he said. NAN reports that the employment of the new employees will deepen the agency`s role in providing technical assistance to states and ensuring sustainable improvement in primary healthcare across the country. (NAN) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised Nigeria to intensify efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), following a poor rating in key health performance indices. Speaking at the annual general meeting and scientific conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) FCT chapter on Wednesday, WHO Nigeria health economist, Francis Ukwuije, emphasised that Nigeria should be achieving better outcomes in maternal health. Mr Ukwuije noted that improvements are also expected in disease control and healthcare access, given the countrys population size and the level of government health expenditure. Nigeria is a large country with significant health investments, so we expect stronger improvements in maternal healthcare, communicable and non-communicable diseases, health system capacity, and access, he said. He said data from WHO indicates that Nigeria continues to lag behind other African nations in these areas, He identified inadequate healthcare funding, a high maternal mortality rate, and limited health insurance coverage as major challenges, urging government and stakeholders to address these gaps. He expressed optimism that the current administrations health sector investment programme could help reduce maternal deaths, expand insurance coverage, and better protect vulnerable populations. Mr Ukwuije called on health professionals and citizens to support President Bola Tinubus healthcare reform blueprint, stressing that full implementation at all levels of government is vital to achieve lasting improvements. Also speaking at the event, Titus Ibekwe, Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja, delivered the keynote address. Mr Ibekwe spoke on the topic, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its Revolution in Medicine: Friend or Foe? He highlighted AIs transformative role in modern medicine, particularly in oncology, and urged medical professionals to embrace its potential. AI has revolutionised healthcare, from data management to complex robotic surgeries. Its accuracy is near perfect in many areas, though challenges remain, Mr Ibekwe said. The Chairperson of NMA-FCT, Emeka Ayogu, urged the government to ensure that families of doctors who died in service in the FCT received their full benefits. Mr Ayogu honoured five late doctors and hailed the chapters strides in advocacy and reforms. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event concluded with awards to distinguished individuals who had supported the NMA-FCTs activities and objectives. (NAN) On Tuesday, the usually staid proceedings of the Katsina State House of Assembly were pierced by raw emotion as the Chief Whip, Ibrahim Dikko, fought back tears while describing killings by bandits in his constituency, which covers the Matazu Local Government Area. Out of the 10 wards, eight are under siege, he told his colleague lawmakers. Farmers cannot go to farms. Just yesterday, near the secondary school, they killed a young man and rustled four oxen used for ploughing. His voice broke as he added, Yesterday, they killed five farmers. The day before, they killed seven. Wallahi, the farms are inaccessible anymore. Mr Speaker, we are in dire need of help. For a moment, the chamber fell silent. Lawmakers, many of them from communities equally scarred by attacks, knew too well that Mr Dikkos tears reflected the daily fears of thousands across rural Katsina. The Assembly swiftly passed motions urging urgent deployment of more security forces to Matazu and neighbouring Sabuwa, and called for an investigation into why security personnel had been withdrawn from several villages. Speaker Nasir Daura pressed for stronger collaboration between police and military units, insisting that peace be restored. During the plenary session, the lawmakers also called for the deployment of more security personnel in Sabuwa Local Government Area, particularly in Tashar Bawa and other communities experiencing frequent bandit attacks across the state. The resolutions followed motions sponsored by Mr Dikko and Ibrahim Machika, representing Sabuwa LGA. But outside the ornate walls of parliament, the violence continued. In Rinjin Idi, Sayaya and Karaduwa villages, locals speak of farming fields turned into death traps. In recent weeks, at least a dozen farmers have been killed on their farms, they said. I lost two brothers on their farms last week. Nobody goes to the fields anymore. Hunger is coming, said Ibrahim Sani, a farmer from Rinjin Idi. For women like Hauwau Matazu in Sayaya, the nights are long. We cannot sleep at night. We hear gunshots almost daily and our children wake up crying. We feel abandoned, she said. In Karaduwa, residents recalled the abduction of their village head, Abdullahi Bello, in July. If they can take him, who will protect the rest of us? asked Aminu Murtala, a resident. The kidnappings and killings have emptied homes and driven families into neighbouring towns. Farming, the backbone of life in Matazu, has largely ground to a halt. Cattle rustling has stripped households of their most valuable assets. A cry for help Earlier this month, residents of six Matazu communities wrote a joint petition to Governor Dikko Radda and senior security chiefs, detailing their plight. The letter, shared on social media, listed frequent kidnappings, lack of security presence, and the collapse of farming and trade. They demanded the deployment of soldiers and police, support for vigilante groups, and economic relief to ease their hardship. Matazu council chairman, Shamsuddeen Sayaya, has since appealed for calm. In a message to residents, he urged vigilance while assuring them that authorities are working tirelessly with security agencies to protect lives and restore peace. But many locals remain sceptical. We have heard promises before. What we need is action, not words, said a farmer in Mazoji, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals. The Malumfashi massacre Just as the Assembly was grappling with the Matazu crisis, there was news of another tragedy in nearby Malumfashi. Armed men stormed a mosque during dawn (Fajr) prayers, killing at least 13 worshippers. Survivors of the Tuesday morning incident described a scene of terror as gunmen opened fire on congregants, forcing others to flee barefoot into the darkness. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent months, showcased the reach of bandit groups and their ability to strike at places once considered sanctuaries. Religious leaders in the area have since appealed for tighter security around places of worship, while residents fear reprisals could spread the violence further. A wider crisis Katsina, the home state of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, lies at the heart of Nigerias worsening banditry crisis. For years, armed groups operating from forested hideouts have raided villages, killed civilians, rustled livestock and abducted for ransom. Despite repeated military offensives, the violence has only spread. Analysts say weak intelligence, overstretched security forces and a lack of economic alternatives in rural communities have allowed the problem to fester. For Mr Dikko, the lawmaker who broke down in parliament, the crisis is personal. Each day that passes without security reinforcements, he says, more of his constituents are driven deeper into despair. This is not politics. These are human lives, he said quietly after the session. We cannot stand by while our people are being slaughtered. We need help now. At least four people were killed on Monday morning by Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush on security officials escorting farmers in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. A local media outlet reported that the incident happened at Dalori Gari, a village situated a few kilometres away from the University of Maiduguri. Those killed in the ambush included one Civilian Joint Task Force member, a hunter, a soldier, and a mobile police officer. Local sources said the victims were escorting farmers to their farms on Monday morning when the group was attacked. The Insurgents hid their motorcycles far away and launched the ambush on foot. The four instantly died after the insurgents opened fire on the escort. According to the news sources, an unverified number of people were also abducted during the incident. Authorities are yet to confirm the incident, as Nanum Keneath, the spokesperson of the police in the state, did not respond to calls or an SMS sent to him. Earlier, Mr Keneath said the police averted a potential tragedy after recovering and safely detonating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) buried near an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Mallam Fatori. According to him in a statement, the incident occurred on Monday, when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Mallam Fatori received information about a suspected explosive device in the area. The police in Niger State have arrested a 23-year-old woman, Sarah Ogbonna, for allegedly stealing mobile phones and cash worth N29 million from a shop where she was a salesgirl at Obasanjo Commercial Complex, Minna. The suspect, who resides on Okada Road, Minna, allegedly used some of the money to rent and furnish an apartment for her boyfriend, Samuel Bello (now at large) in the Sauka-Kauta area of Minna. She also reportedly transferred additional money to him. According to the states police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, the suspect confessed during interrogation that she also participated in a weekly financial contribution of N150,000 with an unidentified online group. Miss Ogbonnas elder sister, Mercy Ogbonna (30), was also arrested. She reportedly received multiple transfers from her younger sister to help with family issues, including paying rent and purchasing food and other necessities. Two other individuals were also arrested in connection with the alleged theft, including Ruth Emmanuel (23), a fellow salesgirl who allegedly took part in the stealing before leaving the job, and Nurudeen Musa (32) of Obasanjo Complex, Minna, accused of receiving the stolen goods and selling them at low prices. Mr Abiodun said the arrests were made on 8 August following a report from the shop owner, a phone dealer at Obasanjo Complex, Minna. The owner reported that Miss Ogbonna allegedly stole items and phones from his shop, worth over N29 million. Immediately the report was received, police operatives of the division arrested the said Sarah, and during interrogation, she confessed to the allegation, stating that she had been working in the shop since 2023 and she wouldnt know if what she had taken so far could amount to N29 million, but a sum of N700,000 was immediately recovered from her. Her statement led to the arrest of three other accomplices on August 9, 2025. Further investigation revealed that Sarah made multiple transfers of money to her senior sister, Mercy Ogbonna, who sorts family challenges on her behalf, such as payment of house rents, purchase of food items, and other needs for the families, the PPRO said. According to the police, one 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 collected expensive phones from Miss Ogbonna to sell at giveaway prices, rendering short payments for a long period of time. Mr Abiodun said several items were recovered from Miss Ogbonas residence, including two power generators, one smart TV, one freezer, four wigs worth N500,000 each, one gas cylinder, shoes, canvas, bags, clothes, and house furniture. Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday warned detractors against discrediting the federal government on the state of federal roads in the state, noting that all its challenges cannot be surmounted overnight. Speaking at the 2025 Udiroko Festival in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Mr Oyebanji expressed displeasure at the narrative that the federal government had abandoned Ekiti State because of the deplorable state of the Ado-Aramoko-Itawure road. The governor said detractors are aware that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu- led federal government has awarded the construction of Ado- Ikere- Akure road, Ado-Ijan-Iluomoba road, which are currently under construction, but are on the mission to discredit the president because of Ado-Aramoko-Itawure road which has not been awarded for construction. He explained that the ongoing construction of the two federal roads in the state is an indication that the president loves Ekiti State, but cannot attend to all requests at a go. He added that the state has also completed the reconstruction of the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki federal road to complement efforts of the federal government. While stressing that Ekiti State remains eternally grateful to the president, Mr Oyebanji said, Let me use this opportunity to tell Ekiti people that the president of this country is supportive of Ekiti State. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything humanly possible for the state and I stand here to give testimony to that. The president has supported us a lot, but it is not possible for him to solve all our problems in two years. As I speak today, the construction of Ado-Ikere-Itaogbolu-Akure road is ongoing. Also the Ado-Ijan-Iluomoba road has been awarded, while the state has also completed the reconstruction of the Ado- Iworoko-Ifaki federal road to complement the efforts of the federal government. It is unfair for any Ekiti indigene to use the condition of Aramoko-Itawure road to measure this government. Ekiti people are not ingrates. We reject that narrative and we say the president is supporting us and Ekiti people are in support of the president, he added. While congratulating the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Rufus Adejugbe, for the 2025 Udiroko festival, the governor described the royal father as a symbol of wisdom and an embodiment of Ekiti rich cultural heritage. He lauded the traditional rulers efforts in fostering peace, unity and cultural heritage of Ado Ekiti. Mr Oyebanji said Mr Adejugbes reign has brought remarkable progress to Ado-Ekiti and the state at large, emphasising that Udiroko festival remains a testament to the traditional rulers visionary leadership, which has sustained the Ekiti tradition in a modern society. I congratulate Kabiyesi, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti for the development you have brought to the state capital and Ekiti State at large. I thank you for your commitment to the development of Ado and the state in general. You are one Oba who loves Ekiti with every fibre in you and am grateful to you for the support you have given to our government. Thank you for being a father indeed, the governor said. In his addresss, Mr Adejugbe noted that Udiroko festival has been transformed from its traditional view to a dynamic platform for community development and engagement serving as an avenue to reflect on the collective journey of the Ado Ekiti people, evaluate progress, as well as envision a future that is in tandem with the values of unity, growth, adaptability and development. The traditional ruler, who hailed Mr Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment and concrete policy drive towards good governance, accountability and effective service delivery, added that Udiroko remains the springboard for many developmental projects over the years including the construction of the Great Fajuyi Hall, modern palace, a modern architectural amphitheater among many others, all of which have transformed the city into a tourist attraction. Mr Adejugbe further commended the governor for his efforts in facilitating development programmes in the state, with visible impacts in the socio-economic, political and cultural life of the state. A yet-to-be-identified male vandal has been confirmed dead after being electrocuted in Abia State, Nigerias South-east. His body was found on Wednesday dangling from an electricity cable in Aba, a commercial city in the state. The deceased alleged vandal was believed to have been electrocuted while allegedly trying to steal items from a transformer in the area. Residents of Omuma Road in Aba where the incident happened told PREMIUM TIMES that the victim was in the company of two other suspected vandals who fled the scene immediately he was electrocuted. The residents further said the attempted vandalism also caused a large spark during the incident. Speaking when he visited the scene of the incident on Wednesday, the Manager of Aba Power Electric Companys Health, Safety and Environment, Ikenna Okwoli, expressed shock that some individuals take such high risk to vandalise electricity infrastructure. Mr Okwoli warned vandals to desist from such unlawful acts and embrace more productive pursuits. He also emphasised that vandalism not only disrupts electricity supply but also endangers lives. Also speaking during the visit, the Manager of Aba Powers Branding and Communication, Edise Ekong, described the incident as unfortunate. It is sad to see an able-bodied man lose his life in this way. Unfortunately, this is one of the consequences of unauthorised access and interference with electricity assets, Mr Ekong said. He stressed the need for stronger community collaboration to protect public infrastructure. Communities must come together and work with Aba Power to safeguard electricity assets around them. That is the only way we can win the war against vandals and vandalism, he said. Police operatives later retrieved the body and deposited it at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Mortuary in Aba. Residents who gathered at the scene expressed fear that the attempted vandalism could plunge the community into darkness. John Ezeonwu, a local food store owner, lamented that for a long time, residents of Omuma Road did not enjoy steady power supply due to a misunderstanding which has now been resolved. READ ALSO: Police operatives arrested for allegedly assaulting man who refused to offer N1 million bribe Just when we started having steady power supply, a miscreant cut it off again. I wont say the vandal deserved what happened, but it is truly unfortunate, he lamented. Police speak When contacted, the police spokesperson in Abia State, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday. Ms Chinaka, a deputy superintendent of police, said the victims body was deposited in the morgue as soon as his death was confirmed. Investigation is ongoing but the identity of the person is yet to be ascertained, she said. A member of the House of Representatives, Hart Godwin, has recounted how first time lawmakers suffered structural inequalities during plenaries after the 10th House was inaugurated two years ago. Mr Godwin, a first term lawmaker, who represents Degema/Bonny constituency of Rivers State, said the new members were confined to an upstairs temporary chamber, separating them from ranking members who occupied the main floor. He said the seating arrangement made it difficult for the presiding officers (speaker or deputy speaker) to recognise the contributions of newcomers. Mr Godwin shared his experience at the unveiling of the First Session of the 10th National Assembly Deliberative Barometer and Policy Focus Productivity Report (NASS-DBPFR) in Abuja on Thursday. The report, produced by Erudite Growth and Advancement Foundation (ERGAF-Africa) is a comprehensive digital scorecard tracking the performance of Nigerias 469 federal lawmakers between June 2023 and June 2024. Mr Godwins complaint, however, only referred to the early months after the 10th National Assembly was inaugurated in June 2023. At that time, the plenary sessions of the Senate and the House were holding in temporary chambers because the permanent chambers were undergoing renovation. The lawmakers later returned to the permanent chambers where first-timers became more visible in debates and proceedings. Mr Godwin, who represented Speaker Abbas Tajudeen at the event, said the seating arrangement at the temporary chamber of the House directly affected the visibility and contributions of new members. I am a first timer. When we were inaugurated, I discovered that we were using not one but two temporary chambers, one upstairs and one downstairs, connected by a screen, he explained. The ranking members said that their rank must be respected, so the seats where the speaker decided was kept for the ranking members. Those of us who were first-timers were asked to go upstairs. We had to protest, and say no, that we were all equal, he said. The lawmaker added, When I raise my hand to speak upstairs, they will not see me. They will rather point at those who were seated and they were all ranking members, he said. Responding to the data from ERGAF Africa, he said, Go to the place where you have those who performed well, they are all ranking members. That is the limitation of the barometer. Mr Godwin also lamented how presiding officers sometimes struggled to identify first-timers by name during plenary. Another limitation is that because we were first timers, it will be unethical for the presiding officer to refer to me as that honourable with the red cap because he doesnt know my name. I wasnt his colleague in the 9th assembly, he said. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the Saudi Arabian timetable for the 2026 Hajj, sating that deadlines for payments, visas, and contracts will not be extended. This was the key message at NAHCONs post-Hajj meeting with licensed tour operators in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting, chaired by the Commissions Chairperson, Abdullahi Usman, alongside other commissioners, was monitored by PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Usman, a professor, commended the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, private operators, and service providers for their roles in the 2025 Hajj. He also acknowledged the support of the President Bola Tinubus administration, which he said enabled Nigerian pilgrims to perform Hajj with dignity, comfort, and peace of mind. The Chairperson reaffirmed NAHCONs commitment to fairness, transparency, and collaboration, but demanded full compliance with Saudi regulations. Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Elegushi, said the Saudi authorities will no longer grant grace periods. If the portal closes today, it closes today, he warned, reminding stakeholders of missed slots in 2025 due to late compliance. On finances, Commissioner of Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance, Aliu AbdulRazaq, urged tour operators to make early payments, stressing that delayed obligations will not be tolerated. READ ALSO: NAHCON reaffirms commitment to accountability amidst probe speculations Commissioner PRSILS, Abubakar Yagawal, praised the operators conduct in 2025 but called for faster preparations for 2026. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from Alidu Shutti, who described the session as highly productive and a step toward improving Hajj operations in Nigeria. The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State has remanded four suspects for alleged rape of unidentified women in the state. The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Thursday that the police in the state were prosecuting the suspects. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the defendants were arraigned by the police on Thursday. He said that although the charges against the defendants were based on rape, they are separate cases. The spokesperson said after a hearing on Thursday, the defendants were remanded at a correctional centre pending further court proceedings. He did not identify the defendants and the details of the charges against them. Police commissioner speaks The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has reassured Nigerians that they are committed to the protection of children and other vulnerable people in the state, Mr Ikenga said. Mr Orutugu warned that offenders will be prosecuted in line with the law. Prohibited in Nigeria Nigeria, in 2015, enacted the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which outlawed all forms of violence against women and girls, including rape, female circumcision and forceful ejection. Offenders, on conviction, face life imprisonment or maximum of 14-year jail term, depending on the age of the offender and type of violence committed. Several persons have been convicted by various courts for rape. An Ado-Ekiti High Court, in July 2022, sentenced a 49-year-old man, Dele Adeyanju, to four years imprisonment for raping an 11-year-old girl. A Bauchi High Court, in 2017, sentenced two middle-aged men to life in prison for raping a 40-year-old woman and plucking her eyes. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday issued Certificates of Return to winners of the 16 August by-elections. The certificates were presented to newly elected senators and members of the House of Representatives at INECs headquarters in Abuja by National Commissioners representing the respective constituencies. The commission conducted by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states last Saturday. The elections involved two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state constituencies. Speaking after receiving his certificate, Senator-elect for Anambra South, Emmanuel Nwachukwu, pledged to deliver authentic and impactful representation, particularly addressing the needs of businesspeople and persons with disabilities in the region. We will work across party lines to address issues such as erosion, health, and education. My goal is for the people of Anambra South to feel genuinely represented, he said. Mr Nwachukwu highlighted the severe environmental degradation in the area, describing it as the erosion capital of Nigeria, and expressed intent to collaborate with both local and international experts to tackle the crisis. In his remarks, Senator-elect Joseph Ikpea (APC-Edo Central) vowed not to disappoint his constituents. He succeeds Monday Okpebholo, who resigned his Senate seat to contest the Edo governorship election. The way I attend to my people now will determine if theyll support me for a second term, Mr Ikpea noted. Also speaking, Omosede Igbinedion (APC-Edo), member-elect for Ovia Federal Constituency, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Edo State Governor, and her constituents for their support. READ ALSO: INEC declares LP candidate serving jail term winner of assembly rerun election I dedicate this victory to the people. Ill work hard to exceed their expectations in the National Assembly, she said. Meanwhile, INEC has announced that Certificates of Return for State Assembly members-elect would be presented on Friday by Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at INEC state offices by 11 a.m. (NAN) A Nigerian journalist and communications expert, Simbo Olorunfemi, has accused Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) of moving more than N126,000 from his account without explanation and delaying resolution efforts for weeks. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Mr Olorunfemi said the issue began on 10 July when he attempted to pay for a flight ticket with his GTBank card. He said the transaction failed on account of insufficient funds despite having transferred N300,000 into the account two days earlier. I checked my account balance and realised that it had been set back by N127,000, even without any entry in my account to explain this debit, he wrote. According to him, later that day two backdated entries appeared in his account, each showing debits of N63,138.86 as purported payments for Facebook Ads. He said repeated clicks on the entries did not generate receipts, describing them as dead links. He said reminders to the bank eventually led to someone sending him a dispute form to fill and submit. Although he initially resisted filling the form for what he called fictitious transactions, he later completed it and sent it to his account officer more than two weeks after the incident was first reported. Mr Olorunfemi said that even after submitting the form, GTBank failed to provide clarity. At some point, he said, the bank credited his account with N61,590 but backdated the entry to July 11. The narration read: Dispense error reversal EurFacebk. To my mind, the Bank might have assumed the payment of that N61,590 as refund of the N63,138.86 it debited my account. It even charged N50 for EML, he wrote. He said GTBank offered no explanation or apology for the two debits of N63,138.86 or the credit of N61,590. It has not explained to me how N126,000 mysteriously disappeared from my account, and a reversal of N61,590 made it in. This is almost 6 weeks after, he added. When he followed up with his account officer, Mr Olorunfemi said she told him it would take a minimum of 45 days for the bank to investigate the matter. I dont know when that countdown began. I suspect that the 45 days might have only started from 2 weeks back when she acknowledged receiving the dispute form, he said. In other words, GTBank assumes it proper to fiddle as it wishes with a customer account, post fictitious transactions, debit the account at its pleasure, and then push the burden onto the customer to dispute this imaginary transaction, following which it then assigns onto itself a minimum of 45 days to investigate it, he wrote. He warned that the bank appeared indifferent to customers needs. The right of the customer to his money does not count. It is of no concern to the Bank that the customer might actually be in dire need of the money. It could even be that the money is needed for urgent medical needs. Mr Olorunfemi also alleged that this was not the first time GTBank had posted fictitious transactions on his account. He recalled a previous case in which the bank went as far as wiping out all what was on my dollar card, moved onto the domiciliary account, and then onto the Naira account, just to effect another imaginary debit. He said a fixed deposit once disappeared from its books for months, leading to a court case that dragged on for 10 years before it was disrupted when the Igbosere High Court in Lagos was set ablaze during the EndSARS protests. How a Bank thinks it normal that money put in its care, in trust, will simply disappear and the onus will then be that of the customer to dispute imaginary transaction and wait for 45 days for outcome of its investigation beats me, he wrote. Other customers lament Many Facebook users responding to Mr Olorunfemis post shared their own experiences, alleging unexplained debits, unresolved disputes and a lack of accountability from GTBank. Chukwuma Okeke said he stopped banking with GTB after repeated issues. The rogue banking of GTB is that it will debit you for something you didnt purchase and remove it from your transaction record, he wrote. He said the bank once charged him N30,000 for a Starlink subscription that cost N36,000. Opay is now my regular spending account, he added. Another user, Abraham Godwin, alleged that customers had long faced unauthorised debits. Frankly speaking this bank has been in the forefront of this wrong actions. I have heard tales of customers who wake up with strings of Debit messages from the bank with transactions foreign to them, he wrote. He said one pastor received debit alerts showing sporty bets of over 2.4 million Naira. Mr Godwin said he stopped using GTB despite keeping an old MasterCard, adding: Since I opened my FCMB bank account I can tell you that I have had over rest of mind. Kunle Ojeleye also said he closed his account with GTB after over two decades. I drew down my over-20 years account with them, which was my primary account, for almost a similar reason many months ago and started using another bank, he wrote. Another commenter, Olumide Olugbemi-Gabriel, accused the bank of malpractice. I have posted evidence of the shenanigans and outright criminality of GTB, he wrote. He said someone once advised him to sue the bank after discovering that an account was opened in his name without his consent. This is a bank that I dislike with a passion because of constant customer complaints that I usually come across. Rashid Ahmed said he was charged twice for a Netflix upgrade even though he did not have a Netflix account. I went to the bank, but the issue wasnt resolved, he wrote. Frank Ezekiel described the allegations as fraud. This is a clear case of FRAUD!!! GTBank in simple terms Fraudulently defrauded you and its common amongst most Nigerian banks and institutions (the telecoms mainly): operating with lawless impunity, which they very often get away with because the average Nigerian gives up fighting against these fraudulent acts, he said. Past complaints resurface The latest outrage is not new. In November 2024, PREMIUM TIMES reported widespread complaints from GTBank customers following the banks core system migration. Among them was Temilade Onilede, who initially lost money after a failed point-of-sale transaction where N3,100 ballooned into a deduction of N5,100. Matters worsened when she discovered that her account balance, which had risen to more than N50,000 after payments from her office and clients, had suddenly crashed to just N1,500. Her troubles deepened when a friend transferred N171,000 to her account: she received an alert, but the funds vanished soon after without any trace in her banking records. Later, she was hit by multiple unauthorised debits labelled web Google Play NG, even though she never used her card online or received OTPs for such transactions. She spent long hours in the banking hall trying to resolve the issue, only to be told that fraudulent activity was linked to her card, an explanation she strongly disputed. Her colleague, Silas Jonathan, faced a similar ordeal. A N40,000 transfer he made to Ms Onilede was debited twice without crediting her account. He later found his own Naira and foreign currency accounts blocked, with deposits failing to reflect, unexplained withdrawals, and error messages each time he tried GTBanks *737# service. While stranded abroad, he was unable to access his savings in dollars and euros, even as colleagues using other banks had no such issues. After repeated visits to GTBank branches, he was advised by staff not to rely on the account for salary payments, an admission that left him frustrated and financially vulnerable. Despite repeated assurances from GTBank that glitches from the system upgrade would be resolved, both Ms Onilede and Mr Jonathan told this newspaper that as of today, nearly a year later, their missing funds have still not been restored. When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Mr Olorunfemi Thursday evening, he told this newspaper that there hasnt been any resolution yet. Charles Eremi of GTCOs Corporate Communication Unit did not answer his calls. WhatsApp messages sent to his phone on Thursday were delivered but had not been replied to as of press time. The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 952 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) to the rank of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP). The commission, however, declined the promotion of 176 officers found to have retired and three others suspected to be deceased. Ikechukwu Ani, head of press and public relations at the PSC, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the decisions were among the highlights of the first Plenary Meeting of the 6th Board of the Commission. Mr Ani added that the commissions approval had been forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) for implementation. The PSC Chairman, Hashimu Argungu, congratulated the newly promoted officers. Mr Argungu, however, warned that henceforth police personnel must imbibe the spirit of nationalism and respect both the nations laws and police service regulations. READ ALSO: Tears in parliament as lawmaker laments incessant bandit killings in Katsina The PSC chairman stressed the commission would no longer tolerate diversionary or unauthorised actions by serving officers, particularly when established channels exist to air grievances. Mr Argungu reaffirmed the commissions commitment to protecting officers career progression, ensuring it was neither hindered nor undermined. (NAN) The Nigerian Consul General in the Republic of Cameroon, Taofik Coker, has died. He passed away last Saturday, 16 August, after a brief illness, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a statement issued on Thursday to announce his death, the ministry described Mr Coker as a hardworking career diplomat who served the country with distinct professionalism throughout his lifetime. Ambassador Coker was a hardworking and dedicated career diplomat who served Nigeria with distinction, commitment and professionalism in different capacities. His untimely death, therefore, is a great loss to the diplomatic community and the nation at large, the ministry said. Mr Coker died a year after he was appointed consul general in Cameroon by President Bola Tinubu. Appointed in April 2024, he assumed the role the following month. READ ALSO: PSC promotes 952 officers Before this, Mr Coker had served at Nigerias missions in Conakry, Guinea, and Shanghai, China, before he was appointed consul general in Buea. The ministry described Mr Coker as one who has had an extensive diplomatic career. The ministry also commiserated with his family, colleagues, and friends, and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul. A coalition of African journalists, African Journalist Against Genocide (AJAG), on Wednesday condemned Israels targeting of Palestinian journalists in Gaza and called for international sanctions. We, a coalition of African journalists from across the continent, have joined our voices under the umbrella of AJAG to condemn Israels intentional and deliberate targeting of our Palestinian colleagues in Gaza, part of the press statement released by the group read. We call on the international community to apply sanctions and treat Israel as it once treated apartheid South Africa. We demand accountability and justice for our Palestinian colleagues. According to the group, the coalition was created by Nigerian broadcast journalist Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, with media personalities from over 20 African countries. The AJAG noted that since the beginning of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict in 2023, over 250 journalists have been killed in Gaza, describing it as the deadliest period for journalists in the 21st century. They also condemned Israel for preventing international journalists from reporting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leaving the world to depend on reports from journalists in Gaza. However, AJAG said, The deliberate targeting of these journalists indicates the Israeli states clear strategy of suppressing the truth and silencing the media. Without their voices, their eyes, their determination to inform, report, and document the atrocities on the ground, the world would be blind to the full scale of Israels genocidal campaign against a besieged population. We believe that our Palestinian colleagues in Gaza are being punished for simply telling the world the truth. The group emphasised the importance of journalism as a source of truth, ensuring accountability and scrutinizing policies that affect citizens lives. Therefore, they insisted that reporting war crimes should not be considered a criminal offense. But Killing journalists is a crime. We call on all national journalist groups and formations, along with the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and other continental and international press groups, to demand accountability and justice. African voices cannot be silent, AJAG demanded. On 11 August, PREMIUM TIMES reported the death of five Al Jazeera journalists due to an Israeli strike in Gaza. One of them is a prominent voice for the news channel and has been reporting from inside the city since the crisis began in October 2023. The correspondent, Anas al-Sharif, was targeted in an air raid on a tent at Al-Shifa hospitals main gate alongside his colleagues, correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and three camera operators, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa. READ ALSO: Police speak on officers caught on video aiding vote buying The Israeli forces have claimed responsibility for it, describing Mr Al-Sharif as a member of the Hamas terrorist organisation, disguised as a journalist. However, Al Jazeeras managing editor, Mohamed Moawad, described him as an accredited journalist and was the only voice for the world to know what was happening in the Gaza Strip. Also, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned Israel for killing journalists. CPJ noted that 184 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israel since the war began on 7 October 2023. The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a suspected fake doctor for allegedly conducting an abortion which resulted in the death of a patient. The police spokesperson in the state, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday. Ms John, a deputy superintendent of police, identified the deceased as Blessing Etim, a 35-year-old woman. She said the suspect, who identifies himself as Dr Sunday Okon Akpan, was the victims employer. The police spokesperson said the suspect was arrested in response to a report by the victims mother who reported that her daughter went to work at Full Life Medical Centre in Ikot Obio Odong village in Akwa Ibom, but did not return. She said the victims co-tenant narrated that the suspect attempted to secretly enter the deceaseds room to dump her body but dropped the corpse and fled the scene when he was confronted. Upon arrival (at the scene), (police) detectives observed a premature foetus exiting the victims private part. A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, Mr Akpan, a resident of Afaha Offiong village in Nsit Ibom, the police spokesperson said. Ms John explained that police investigations revealed that the victim died due to post-abortion complications. She said further investigation revealed that the suspect was not a licensed medical doctor or a nurse but a community health worker who manages the medical centre. The police spokesperson said the suspect was believed to have been using the health facility to conduct illegal medical services including abortions, adding that the facility had since been found deserted. The body of the deceased has been deposited at a morgue for preservation and an autopsy. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available, she said. The latest incident occurred less than a week after the police in Akwa Ibom State arrested a man posing as an ophthalmologist. READ ALSO: Police operatives arrested for allegedly assaulting man who refused to offer N1 million bribe The police had said the fake ophthalmologist allegedly assembled over 300 people in villages, charging them N500 each to administer a concoction of olive oil, juice, and water as a cure for various eye conditions. Prohibited in Nigeria Abortion and sale of abortion drugs are illegal in Nigeria, except in cases where a womans life is under threat. Anyone who performs abortion in Nigeria faces up to 14 years imprisonment, according to Section 228 of the countrys Criminal Code Act. A woman who conducts own abortion faces seven years imprisonment, Section 229 of the Act said. Even those supplying abortion-related drugs or instruments in Nigeria face up to three years imprisonment upon conviction, according to Section 230 of the Act. The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, have emerged as the most productive lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives, according to a new digital accountability tool that tracked the performance of all 469 members of the National Assembly during its first year in session. The ranking is contained in the First Session of the 10th National Assembly Deliberative Barometer and Policy Focus Productivity Report (NASS-DBPFR), unveiled in Abuja by the Erudite Growth and Advancement Foundation (ERGAF-Africa). The report, covering June 2023 to June 2024, is the first of its kind to use data-driven analysis to evaluate how lawmakers perform in plenary, measuring debates, motions, bills, committee reports and other legislative actions. The barometer functions like a scoreboard, breaking down legislative productivity into measurable data points. It assesses attendance, number of motions raised, contributions during debates, petitions presented, committee reports submitted, bills sponsored, and confirmation hearings participated in. It also maps the policy focus of lawmakers to identify where their energy is being directed whether towards the economy, education, security, or health. ERGAF-Africa President, Chibuzo Okereke, described the platform as a digital interactive dashboard that allows citizens, researchers, and stakeholders to track exactly what their elected representatives are doing. According to Mr Okereke, the barometer is intended to restore quality to legislative debate, which he said had steadily declined. With the barometer we have put together, which we are going to demonstrate, the digital interactive dashboard of how citizens and stakeholders all over the world can navigate the dashboard and you will be able to see in this particular period, this is the lawmaker that contributed most in terms of debates on the floor and this is the number of debates that went into a particular policy proposal that were deliberated on the floor of the House of Representatives And you are able to see this is a member that has been focusing more on issues of women, he said. Bamidele leads the Senate pack According to the report, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) ranked first in substantive contributions on the Senate floor with 92 interventions, accounting for 6.42 per cent of all recorded deliberations. He was followed by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin (Kano), who recorded 75 interventions (5.24 per cent), while Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, and Borno North Senator, Tahir Monguno shared third position with 37 interventions each (2.58 per cent). Among female lawmakers in the Senate, Idiat Oluranti (Lagos) topped the ranking with 22 contributions (0.96 per cent), followed by Ireti Kingibe (FCT) with 11 (0.48 per cent), and Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers) with 10 (0.43 per cent). Kalu shines in the House In the House of Representatives, Mr Kalu (Abia) led with 103 substantive contributions, representing 4.62 per cent of all recorded debates. He was followed by Julius Ihonvbere (Edo) with 96 contributions (4.30 per cent) and Kingsley Chinda (Rivers) with 48 contributions (2.15 per cent). The top-performing women in the House were Onuoha Odinaka (Imo) with 29 interventions (0.68 per cent), Late Oriyomi Onanuga (Ogun) with 21 (0.49 per cent), and Kafilat Ogbara (Lagos) with 20 (0.47 per cent). Beyond individual rankings, the report tracked states collectively. In the Senate, Ekiti State emerged the most productive (12.8 per cent), followed by Benue (8.0 per cent) and Kano (5.5 per cent). In the House, Edo (7.8 per cent), Rivers (7.3 per cent), and Lagos (7.1 per cent) ranked top. Presiding officers were also scored. Senate President Godswill Akpabio led 61 out of 81 sittings (75 per cent), while Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin presided over seven sittings. In the House, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen presided over 35 sittings, while Deputy Speaker Kalu presided over 26. The Senate comprises 109 members while the House has 360 members. Speaker welcomes barometer Speaker Tajudeen, who was represented at the event by a member, Hart Godwin (Rivers), described the barometer as a groundbreaking tool that aligns with the Houses legislative agenda. This platform tracks the productivity of lawmakers and evaluates policy. It compels us to constantly raise the standard of representation, lawmaking, and oversight by spotlighting legislative output, he said. He added that the initiative resonates with ongoing parliamentary reforms such as the annual National Assembly Open Week and citizen engagement forums in Abuja and across the country. Mr Tajudeen stressed that the 10th House aims to entrench evidence-based lawmaking. In an age where governance must respond to data, decisions backed by facts are stronger, more credible and more impactful. The barometer will serve as a reference point for legislators and stakeholders to evaluate and strengthen parliamentary contributions to national development, he said. NILDS, CISLAC, Christian Aid react The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abubakar Sulaiman, represented by NILDS, Director, Legal Services, Shuaibu Danwaka, said the report is timely as it provides an objective assessment of lawmakers work. He explained that while the executive and judiciary had developed steadily over the years, the legislature had suffered disruptions from military rule. Mr Sulaiman, a professor, however, urged that the data be used in proper context, noting that bills and motions often involve multiple legislators. I will, however, urge readers and users of the data provided by the ERGAF Africa to make use of the data within the proper context. This is because the legislature works as a system; thus, attempting to fragment their performance into individual contributions may not totally present a proper picture of how the legislature works. Assessment of bills presented by individual legislators or a group of legislators, for instance, may not be traced to that particular member or senator alone. For instance, such bills may have been introduced in previous assemblies but reintroduced in another legislative session. Also, executive bills are mostly presented by the majority leader of both Houses. Furthermore, the contribution offered by other members when a bill is being considered, a motion debated, or a matter of urgent public importance is being considered, may also not be associated with the sponsor alone, he added. For his part, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa, described the barometer as an innovative scorecard that offers Nigerians the ability to evaluate their lawmakers performance. This report reflects the need for a culture of open dialogue, active engagement, and inclusive governance, he said. He added that the barometer would serve as a mirror for legislators to recognise both achievements and gaps in their work. Country Director of Christian Aid Nigeria, Temitope Fashola, also underscored the importance of the initiative, saying it aligned with the organisations vision of a just and accountable society. He said, It is important to emphasise that this tool is not one that legislators and policymakers should view as fault-finding but as a constructive, supportive, and enabling mechanism, one that enhances the capacity of the legislature to fulfil its constitutional mandates and deepen the social contract between elected leaders and citizens. Mr Fashola explained that by tracking deliberations in plenary, the barometer provides a transparent record that can improve trust between citizens and representatives, improve the quality of legislation, and encourage compromise in a polarised political environment. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, says that the present administration will continue to guarantee the independence of the anti-graft agencies in the fight against corruption. Mr Fagbemi said this while speaking with journalists on the sideline of a Top Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Justice held on Thursday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. According to him, the President Bola Tinubu led administration will continue to ensure the independence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in the fight against corruption. Mr Fagbemi said that the federal government does not interfere in any investigation instituted against any person or organisation allegedly involved in criminal activity by the anti-graft agencies. We dont interfere in the investigation of corruption cases by anti-graft agencies. So, what we do is leave them because they are best suited; they are well organised, and thats why they are put in place to try and do investigations in respect of an allegation or commission of a crime. When they are done with their investigation, we take it up from there and see whether there are gaps or whether there are some other issues to be further investigated, the minister said. His comment comes amid an increasing number of high-profile corruption and financial crimes cases his office has recently taken over from the EFCC and subsequently terminated them. Lengthening list of charges withdrawals PREMIUM TIMES reported a recent withdrawal of a N20 billion fraud case against former Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Managing Director, Ahmed Kuru at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. The case was being prosecuted by the EFCC until the AGF office, through the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B. Abubakar, took over and subsequently withdrew it from court. Although, there is still another case of conspiracy, stealing, and abuse of office in the management of Arik Airs debts to AMCON pending against Mr Kuru before another judge of the court, the latest withdrawal joined a lengthening list of cases abruptly withdrawn by the AGF office without providing reasons to the public. In June, Mr Fagbemi halted EFCCs move to arraign Honeywell Group chairman Oba Otudeko over an alleged N12.3 billion fraud. Mr Fagbemi was also accused of failing to pursue a N5 billion fraud suit against former aviation minister Stella Oduah after she joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2021. In November 2023, his office took over the case from the EFCC, with the trial judge noting that the move came shortly after a change in the EFCCs leadership. David Kaswe, a chief state counsel from the AGFs office, told the court that a letter had been sent to the EFCC requesting the defendants case file. Earlier this year, his office also withdrew criminal charges against Fidelity Bank CEO Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe in a multi-billion-naira fraud case, citing a review that found no direct link to her. Also, in October last year, the Nigerian government dropped all charges against Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance Holdings, who was facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja for money laundering and currency speculations. The withdrawal followed intense diplomatic negotiations between the Nigerian and the US governments. PREMIUM TIMES also reported on ongoing settlement talks between former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and the prosecution regarding the N29 billion charges. Similarly, former Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registrar Dibu Ojerinde has reopened settlement talks with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for an out-of-court settlement of the N5.2 billion fraud case instituted against him. Anti-corruption agencies independence guaranteed But Mr Fagbemi, on Thursday, maintained that the Nigerian constitution guaranteed the independence of the anti-graft agencies and so the government could not in any way interfere with their investigations. Mr Fagbemi reiterated the present administrations determination to fight corruption to a standstill to enhance development of infrastructure. (NAN) The police in Imo State, South-east Nigeria, have arrested two suspected human traffickers in the state. Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in the state, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said the two suspects were involved in separate child trafficking cases in the state. The child trafficking cases Mr Okoye said, in one of the operations on 12 August, police operatives intercepted a couple with a four-year-old boy identified as Isaiah along the OwerriPort Harcourt Road in the state. The police spokesperson said the couple Ngozi Ezekwere, 46, and Monday Atodo, 43 were resident in Abuja, Nigerias capital. He said the couple was intercepted and arrested during a police routine stop and search operation along the Owerri Port Harcourt Road in Imo State. Mr Okoye said Mrs Ezekwere hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State while Mr Atodo comes from Ofu Local Government area of Kogi State, Nigerias North-central. They (couple) were found with a four-year-old boy, Isaiah (surname unknown), whom they falsely claimed was their biological child. Interrogation revealed that the child was stolen in Kogi State by one Blessing Ogwo and handed over in Abuja to Ngozi, whose role was to deliver trafficked children to buyers, Mr Okoye said. The spokesperson said further investigation uncovered the syndicates mastermind, 56-year-old Ogochukwu Chikwelu, an indigene Nimo in Anambra State, but resident of Abuja. He said the suspect operates St. Theresas Orphanage at Apo Street, Lokogoma in Abuja She was tracked, arrested in Abuja through a joint operation with the State CID, and transferred to Owerri for further investigation and prosecution, he said. Meanwhile, the rescued child is safe, and efforts are ongoing to reunite him with his biological parents. Mr Okoye said the police in the state have appealed to Imo State residents to support the police with useful information to assist in reuniting the rescued victim to the family. The Command is also intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large, he stated. Arrest of another suspected child trafficker Mr Okoye said, in another operation on 16 August, police operatives arrested another suspected child trafficker, Precious Okoh, 29, with a 9-year-old girl (name withheld). The police spokesperson said the suspect hails from Nkanu-East Local Government Area of Imo State, but was arrested at Umuguma Housing Area, Owerri, the state capital. She (the suspect) confessed that the child was stolen from Igbogene, Bayelsa State, and brought to Owerri for sale. The operatives traced the parents to Bayelsa, and the child has since been reunited with her parents, he stated. Mr Okoye said the Commissioner of Police in Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, commended the operatives for their professionalism. Mr Danjuma reaffirmed the commitment of the police in the state to eradicating child trafficking. The police chief urged Nigerians to be vigilant, provide useful information, and partner the police in protecting children and other vulnerable persons in the country. Prohibited in Nigeria Nigeria in 2015 enacted the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act which outlawed all acts of human trafficking in the country. The Act prescribes imprisonment of not less than five years or a fine of not less than N1 million or both as general punishment for human trafficking. READ ALSO: Court bars police from arresting Nedu Wazobia over contract dispute However, the Act also prescribes imprisonment of not less than seven years or a fine of not less than N1 million or both as punishment for child trafficking. Several persons have been convicted of child trafficking across the country. The Kano State High Court, in July 2021, sentenced a man, Paul Owne, to 91 years in prison for kidnapping and trafficking of children in the state for sale in Onitsha, Anambra State. A Federal High Court in Port-Harcourt, River State, in 2019, sentenced three persons to a combined 12 years imprisonment for trafficking a two-year-old male child and one other child. Concentrating power in one person or entity carries significant risks, potentially leading to tyranny, corruption, and a decline in individual liberties. This concentration of power can hinder the effectiveness of checks and balances within a system of governance, allowing for the unchecked exercise of authority and potentially leading to the suppression of dissent. Shortly after being sworn in as head of state and government on 29 May, 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) delayed signing the proclamation of the first sitting of the National Assembly. The delay lasted a few days, during which there was suspense. Subsection 3 of Section 64 of the 1999 Constitution states that, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the person elected as the President shall have power to issue a proclamation for the holding of the first session of the National Assembly immediately after his being sworn in, or for its dissolution as provided in this section. The delay in signing the proclamation by President Obasanjo (GCFR) was deliberate. The then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoned the Senate Presidency to South-East. President Obasanjo wanted his choice to be the Senate President. His choice was Senator Evan Enwerem. The choice of the majority of the PDP senators was Senator Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu (84), who represented Abia North. Mr Nwachukwu was a retired general in the Army, a minister of Foreign Affairs from December 1987 to December 1989 and also the former military governor of Imo state from January 1984 to August 1985. General Nwachukwus mother was a princess from the Katsina Royal family. President Obasanjos vice at that time, the Turakin Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (GCON) wanted Dr Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo (17 December 194125 September 2003). Dr. Okadigbo was a member of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) founded by Major General Shehu Musa Yaradua (5 March 1943 8 December 1997), of which Alhaji Atiku Abubakar belonged. President Obasanjo reasoned that a retired general could not be President and another retired general be elected as Senate President, hence he decided on Senator Enwerem. It was at that time that the president appointed the Managing Director of Atoto Press in Ilorin, Major General Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd.) as his chief of staff. It would have been an overkill for a retired general to be president, a retired General to be chief of staff and a retired general to be the Senate President. Major General (rtd.) Abdullahi Mohammed was national security adviser to General Abdusalami Abubakar (GCFR) from 1998 to 1999; director general of the National Security Organisation from 1976 to 1979; and governor of Benue-Plateau State, Nigeria, from July 1975 to February 1976 during the military regime of General Murtala Mohammed. In July 1975, Major General (rtd.) Mohammed was director of Military Intelligence, and planned and executed the 1975 coup detat plan with other officers, including Major General Shehu Musa YarAdua, Colonel Joseph Nanven Garba, Colonel Muhammadu Buhari and Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo, to depose General Yakubu Gowon (GCFR), after which they transferred power to General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (GCFR; 8 November 1938-13 February 1976) as head of state. Immediately after the coup, he was appointed governor of Benue/Plateau State. At the time, President Obasanjo appointed General Mohammed as chief of staff, the PDP senators had resolved that General Ike Nwachukwu was to be their Senate President. In fact, he was coasting home to victory and this did not augur well for the president. To halt Senator Nwachukwus victory, President Obasanjo delayed signing the Proclamation. The matter was later resolved following the intervention of the chairman of the party, Chief Solomon Daushep Lar (4 April 19339 October 2013) and the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Sunday Bolorunduro Awoniyi, the Aro of Mopa, Kogi State (30 April 193228 November 2007). Eventually, Senator Nwachukwu stepped down and left the race only for Mr Okadigbo and Mr Enwerem. Mr Evan Enwerem (29 October 19352 August 2007) had earlier served as the governor of Imo State from 3 January 199217 November 1993. With the support of President Obasanjos allies in the ruling party, plus support from two opposition parties, Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Mr Enwerem easily defeated Mr Okadigbo with 66 votes to 43 votes. Evan Enwerem did not hold the post of president of the Nigerian Senate for very long. The Senate committee began investigating him for allegations of corruption in 1999, including that he falsified his name, which led to the controversy of whether his actual first name was Evan or Evans. Mr Enwerem was removed from office on 18 November 1999, in an ouster spearheaded by allies of Mr Chuba Okadigbo. However, though removed as president, Mr Enwerem remained a member of the Senate until 2003. That delay in signing the Proclamation was the first exhibition of the supreme powers of the Nigerian president in the democratic setting. The question of who is number two, number three or number four in the country could only be determined how the Nigerian president wants it to be. The Nigerian president is one of the most powerful in the world and the powers were conferred on him by the 1999 Constitution. Under the constitution, the president can do and undo and justify the execution of his orders. In fact, the constitution is like giving the president a blank cheque. In addition, except during the regimes of former Presidents Umaru Musa Sharadua and Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian president is the minister of Petroleum. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo made the justification in September 2002, while defending the power of the president, to make himself the minister of Petroleum Resources. He cited that, Under Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution, the Executive powers of the Federation are vested in the President who may exercise same directly or through the Vice President, Ministers or officers in the public service of the Federation. It is apparent from the wordings of this section that it is within my discretion to exercise these powers directly or delegate same to certain functionaries. In the same vein, Section 147(1) of the Constitution makes provision for such offices of the ministers of the government as may be established by the president. This clearly gives me the discretion over which office of minister to establish. The Constitution does not specify the ministries which I have to establish or the powers which I may delegate to ministers. It is therefore within my constitutional powers to choose not to establish the office of the minister of Petroleum Resources and directly exercise executive control over petroleum matters. It is immaterial that the office of minister of Petroleum Resources is provided for in the Petroleum Act, as the provisions of the Constitution take precedence over that of an existing law in the event of a conflict. Party supremacy is now fading and is gradually being replaced by cult loyalty to the president, encouraged and sustained by the supreme presidential powers and patronage. The powers of the president were not that Supreme in 1979. At that time there was party supremacy. If you are in UPN, you dare not challenge Chief Obafemi Awolowos supremacy and the collective decision of the UPN, even if you are a governor or senator in 1979. The same with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwes Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP), Alhaji Aminu Kanos Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Alhaji Waziri Ibrahims Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP). In the centre, there was the Monday caucus of the NPN, which was the highest decision-making body. It was always chaired by the Chairman of the party, Chief August Meredith Adisa Akinloye (19 August, 1916-18 September, 2007) with the secretary, Alhaji Uba Ahmed (1939-2012), President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari (GCFR, 25 February, 1925-28 December, 2018) and his vice, Dr Alex Chukwuemeka Ekwueme (GCON, 21 October 193219 November 2017), always in attendance. Always present at the caucus meeting were the Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas (21 May, 1941 30 November, 2021), the then deputy speaker of the House of Representative, Alhaji Ibrahim Kuta Idris (1 October, 1942-1 May, 2008), because his boss, Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke (8 September, 1935 1 August, 2011), was not an NPN member and Alhaji Umaru Dikko (31 December, 19361 July, 2014), who represented the Council of Ministers. Since 1999, the powers of the president have grown like an oak tree. The president not only controls the central government but also the party to the extent that he hires and fires his ruling party chairmen at random. The ruling partys headquarters is now like a department of THE PRESIDENCY. We no longer hear of partys convention, which used to be the annual pilgrimage of faithful party delegates, where key party officers are elected. Emergency meetings of the governors with the president and those selected by the president, have now replaced the partys annual conventions. This is a new development. Section B of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution affirms that the Council of State shall advise the President among other things, on the award of National Honours. I am not sure that the Council has been allowed to play that role of late. The president seems to be the Council of State now. What we are witnessing is the hawking of National Honours, irrespective that there is an existing committee, a screening committee charged with that schedule. Incidentally, the current screening committee on National Honours was inaugurated on 27 November last year under the chairmanship of Justice Sidi Dauda Bage (69), the 17th Emir of Lafia in Nasarawa State, who is also a retired Justice of the Supreme Court. Other members of the screening committee are Mrs Farida Waziri, former chairman of the EFCC, Alhaji Muhammadu Jafar, Alhaji Bello Ison and Chief Inikio Dede. The Committee has been in existence since October 1963 under the National Honours Act Cap N 43 of the Federation. It was established by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (December 1912 15 January, 1966), the first and only prime minister of Nigeria upon independence. Another threat I have observed is the deployment of the military to quell civil matters. On 20 November, 1999, President Obasanjo authorised the deployment of military troops to Odi to quell riots, without recourse to the National Assembly, contrary to Section 217 (2) C of the 1999 Constitution, which requires, first, for some conditions to be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly for the use of the Military in that regard. He justified the invasion. Between 20 to 24 October, 2001, President Obasanjo, ordered the military invasion to Zaki-Biam in Benue State. The action was a surreptitious operation of the Nigerian army to avenge the killing of 19 soldiers, whose mutilated bodies were found on 12 October 2001, near some Tiv villages in Benue State. The action took place in villages including Gbeji, Vaase, Anyiin, Iorja, Ugba, Tse-Adoor, Sankera, Kyado and Zaki-Biam. President Obasanjo justified the two invasions. He replied, When the unfortunate incidents in Odi and Zaki-Biam escalated beyond the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to control, I decided to deploy the Army to assist the Nigeria Police in restoring order as not only were properties being destroyed on a large scale, civilians and law enforcement agents were also being killed. In the case of Odi, four policemen a total of seven soldiers deployed there on law enforcement and peacekeeping duties were killed. The Governor of the State, who is also the Chief Security Officer of the State, had reported his inability to contain the rapidly escalating lawless situation. It was only after these developments that additional troops were sent to restore law and order. No responsible government will fold its hands and allow such a situation to continue unchecked. In authorising the deployment of the Army to the affected areas, I was guided by the provisions of the Section 218 (1) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 8(1) of the Armed Forces Act No. 105 of 1993. Section 218 (1) of the Constitution provides that the powers of the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces include power to determine the operational use of the Armed Forces. Likewise, Section 8(1) of the Armed Forces Act No. 105 of 1993 vests power in me to determine the operational use of the Armed Forces. Subsection (3) of this Section defines the operational use of the Armed Forces to include the operational use of the Armed Forces in Nigeria for the purpose of maintaining and securing public safety and public order. I am also empowered by Subsection (2) to issue general or special directives to delegate responsibility for the day-to-day operational use of the Armed Forces to the Chief of Defence Staff and the respective Service Chiefs. In the exercise of these powers, I am not required either by the Constitution or the Armed Forces Act No. 105 of 1993 to have recourse to the National Assembly. This allegation is, with due respect, to totally misconceived and the use of the term massacre is particularly offensive and inciting. In addition, I have power under Section 217 (2)(c) of the Constitution to deploy troops in aid of civil authorities. In deciding whether or not to do so, I need not consult the National Assembly. The National Assembly is not required to prescribe conditions for the operational use of the Armed Forces under Section 8 (1,2 & 3) of the Armed Forces Act No. 105 of 1993 (now deemed to be an Act of the National Assembly). Once I have exercised any power to deploy troops, those troops are to be governed in their conduct by conditions laid down by the National Assembly. In my judgment, I have ample powers under the existing law to act as I did. In any event, under our Constitution both the Executive and the National Assembly can initiate necessary bills. The necessity for troops in aid of civil authority arises only after the police have failed. Such situations demand urgent and decisive action to maintain Law and Order and save lives and property. The National Assembly has neither enacted a new law nor amended the existing law prescribing any such conditions. Similarly, the Armed Forces Act No. 105 of 1993, which is an existing Law and deemed to be an Act of the National Assembly within the contemplation of Section 315 of the Constitution, is what we have as guide on these conditions. And, as the president of the nation, I am under the obligation to ensure the security and safety of lives and property of the citizenry in any part of the nation. Undoubtedly, it was not the intention of the framers of the Constitution that a Section of the country that is engulfed in crisis be allowed to degenerate and be destroyed only because the National Assembly is yet to enact an Act prescribing conditions under which the Armed Forces would operate when called upon to act in aid of civil authorities. And if the National Assembly has to enact laws for each situation the affected areas would have been completely destroyed before the Law is enacted. The deployment of soldiers to Odi and Zaki-Biam where nineteen soldiers were decapitated with the loss of many civilians lives was for the purpose of assisting police to restore order. This was done within my constitutional powers and in absolute good faith with the aim of containing the worsening situation in the areas in the interest of security and to maintain law and order and save lives and property. On 18 May, 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) suspended the Plateau State governor, Joshua Chibi Dariye from office following religious crisis in that state. He also dissolved the Plateau State House of Assembly. He immediately appointed the former Chief of Army Staff, General (rtd.) Muhammed Chris Alli (25 December, 194419 November, 2023) as administrator of Plateau State. The suspension lasted till 18 November, 2004. On the directive of my then boss, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Ufott Ekaette (1939-25 September 2019; CFR), I personally handed over, in Jos, the letter conveying Governor Dariye resumption of office to him. On 19 October, 2006, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency on Ekiti State for six months. He suspended the then governor, Chief Peter Ayodele Fayose. He equally suspended the State House of Assembly and then appointed Major General Adetunji Idowu Olurin (rtd.) (3 December, 1944 20 August, 2021) as administrator of the state. The suspension lasted till 27th April 2007. On 14 May, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR) declared a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states without getting approval from the National Assembly. The President made the declaration during a nationwide broadcast. In imposing the state of emergency, President Jonathan wielded extra-ordinary measures by invoking Section 305, Sub section 1 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria. However, President Jonathan (GCFR) stated that regardless of the state of emergency imposed, the governors in the three states would remain in office. In his broadcast, the president declared Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies. These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty. They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this. Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states. We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence. Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism. While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside. We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria. Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists. This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons. On 18 March this year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) declared a state of emergency in oil rich Rivers State and suspended the duly elected governor, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara (50), before notifying the National Assembly. He then appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), the sole administrator. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.) was the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Nigerian Navy from 2015 to 2021. Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd.) was born in Nko, Cross River State, South South Nigeria. He enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of 26 Regular Course on 20 June 1979 and was commissioned sub-lieutenant on 1 January 1983. He began his primary education at Nko Primary School, Nko, in 1966 and completed at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar in 1971. He then proceeded to the Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar from 1972 to 1976. Between 1977 and 1979, he attended the School of Basic Studies Ogoja before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979. President Tinubu GCFR also dissolved the Rivers State House of Assembly. The President justified his actions with the provisions of the Constitution, by invoking Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. These actions by the three Nigerian Presidents and many more by Presidents Umaru Yaradua (GCFR, 16 August, 1951- 5 May, 2010) and Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR, 17 December, 194213 July, 2025), certainly defined the supreme powers of the Nigerian president. In 1979, we adopted the Presidential System of Government. With the adoption, we created a monster. Although we have seen a President lose an election by accepting his fate. Other future Presidential losers may not ply that route. They may do all within their Presidential powers either to rig to win by all means or remain in power at all costs, especially Presidents who love power. It is often said that power brings envy and jealousy. The idea is that when someone attains a position of power, it can trigger feelings of envy and jealousy on those who do not have the power or who perceive themselves as deserving it. This is a common human reaction rooted in a sense of competition and social comparison. The supreme powers of the President of Nigeria are bound to bring envy, grudge, mistrust, jealousy and suspicion. But we must all resolve to check the enormous powers of the Nigerian president. Any future Constitutional amendment must take into account the reduction in the powers of the President. The saying power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely suggests that those in positions of authority are prone to abuse of power, with absolute power leading to complete moral decay. This idea, famously attributed to Lord Acton, is supported by historical and psychological evidence. While the saying highlights the potential for corruption within those with power, research also indicates that lack of power can also lead to negative behaviors, such as resentment and a desire to dominate. Additionally, personality traits and relationship orientations play a role in how individuals wield power, with some demonstrating more self-serving behaviors while others exhibit greater generosity. If we are to go by the Constitution, the Nigeria president is the sole administrator of the country. The president alone by the provisions of the Constitution has the power to appoint Ministers, Judges, ambassadors, board members in the Central Government like Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Population Commission (NPC), The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited (NNPC) and others. The National Economic Council and the Council of State can only advise the President. He can decide to accept or reject their advice. The powers of the president can be abused as human. Concentrating power in one person or entity carries significant risks, potentially leading to tyranny, corruption, and a decline in individual liberties. This concentration of power can hinder the effectiveness of checks and balances within a system of governance, allowing for the unchecked exercise of authority and potentially leading to the suppression of dissent. The framers of our Constitution knew something crucial about human nature: no one is perfect, and even those with good intentions can be tempted by power. With this in mind, they designed a government that protects against any one person or group getting too much control. By building a system of checks and balances, they created a structure to keep power balanced and tyranny at bay. This core principle remains vital today for anyone who values liberty and wants to keep power accountable. Our situation is even worse in that we have a rubber stamp National Assembly. There is the need to refer to the report of the sub-committee on the Executive and Legislature of the Constitution Drafting Committee of 1975. The reports defined on how the powers of the Nigerian President could be operated. The sub-committee was headed by Alhaji FG Razak, the father of the present Governor of Kwara state. Other members of the sub-committee were Dr E Eleazu, Alhaji Sule Gaya, Dr I Ahmed, Dr Kole Abayomi, Mr F Okunnu, Dr GA Odenigwe, Mr SG Ikoku, Alhaji Shehu Malami and Dr KO Mbadiwe. Their report is as follows, In the deliberations of the Sub-Committee, what has been uppermost in our minds is how to provide for an effective leadership that expresses our aspirations for national unity without at the same time building up a Leviathan whose power may be difficult to curb. The Executive of a state is not just the single individual who is the head of state, it includes a host of aides and auxiliaries, executive assistants and administrators whose day-to-day tasks result in the many activities of the government. Admittedly, the report of the sub-committee on National Objectives and Public Accountability and the debate on it, have set the tone and affected our own deliberations. Several papers were presented by members of the sub-committee; we were also able to glean as much as possible from the memoranda submitted to the main Committee, in so far as they relate to our terms of reference. By and large, we have been very much influenced by the experience of political leadership in this country both civilian and military; the need to de-commercialised politics (or to undecorate politics as one member put it); the need to balance the stakes of politics so that each section of this country will come to feel a sense of belonging to a great nation; the need to develop an approach of consensus to politics and finally the need to accentuate our national inclination towards a bargaining approach to decision- making rather than regarding politics as a game of the winner-take-all. Probably, more than any other aspect of our recommendation, two points need to be touched upon because they relate to one another and go to the whole basis of the exercise of executive authority. The first is our recommendation for a single Chief Executive who is both the Head of State and Head of Government. The sub-committee compared various models the Presidential Executive, the Parliamentary Executive and even hybrid types, e.g. the Dual Executive where specified functions are assigned to the President and the Prime Minister separately. But the sub-committee considered that given the fact that a Chief Executive must perform and be seen as performing the following functions: (a) That of being a symbol of national unity, honour and prestige; (b) Being a national figure a political leader in his own right; and (c) That of being an able executive someone who can give leadership and a sense of direction to the country. It was imperative that Nigeria adopt the single Executive type. We also considered a suggestion that the Vice-President should be equipped to provide a political counterpoise to the President, but felt that this, like the dual executive could create a paralysis in the executive structure itself. The relations of the President of the Republic to that of his Vice-President should be one of pilot and co-pilot, rather than the latter being a counterpoise to the former. The psychological position of the single Chief Executive is stronger in that it gives an image of strength, unity, single-mindedness and clear locus of responsibility. The second point is that of the rotational principle embodied in the mode of election of the kind of president recommended. Here again, the question that bordered the sub-committee was how the kind of national figure which we envisaged could emerge. We were very much influenced by the debate on national objectives and public accountability and the need to avoid concentration of power in the hands of a few, or a sectional group; the need to replace ethnic with national politics, etc. In short, it is the intention of the sub-committee that anybody who wants to be a president must strive to become a national figure, and the method of his election is meant to provide him with a means of nationalising himself as well as test his standing a national figure. The main objective of the President of Nigeria is to bring about the desired national unity and not to display supreme powers as contained in the Constitution. Eric Teniola, a former director at the Presidency wrote from Lagos. Rather than throwing tantrums at the ruling party and President Tinubu, ADC leaders should by now be telling Nigerians their alternative policy proposition on issues such as the removal of petrol subsidy, floatation of the naira and the role of government in the means of economic production. In addition, the ADC must clearly articulate, as well as outline, how it intends to create the necessary social condition in line with the Fundamental Principles of State Policy, as enshrined in the constitution. Beyond the initial excitement about a possible halt to what many Nigerians feared was a slide into a one-party (APC) dominated state, the emergence of the African Democratic Congress as a formidable coalition of individuals from the ruling party and other opposition parties appears to have its momentum dwindling. While it seems that major opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President David Mark; presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election Peter Obi; former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola; and many other prominent opposition Nigerian politicians, have managed to close ranks by coalescing around the ADC, however beyond their collective disdain for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the coalition is gradually unravelling as a chaotic and visionless congregation of angry men of yesteryears, whose major grouse is their exclusion from the dining table where the national cake is being shared. Twenty six years after the transition from military to civil democratic rule in 1999, Nigerias democracy has come of age and is in dire need of consolidation, so that civil democratic rule can begin to yield the much anticipated dividends in the form of improved welfare and security of the Nigerian people. To achieve this much needed consolidation, political parties are supposed to function as the brain box of democracy, where the principles, philosophy, policies and ancillary legal instruments are incubated in order to give life to the intendment, spirit and letters of the Constitution, with the ultimate end of achieving the primary responsibility of government the provision of welfare and security for citizens of Nigeria. Unfortunately, the weakest link in the value chain of Nigerias democracy is the political party system. If the political party is supposed to be the brain box of a democracy, then Nigerias political party system is a corrupted version that is nothing but a multi-purpose vehicle strung together merely to grab power by all means possible for a few interests, and not for public service. it is disappointing that several weeks after the unveiling of the ADC as a coalition of opposition politicians, the party and its chieftains have not been able to put forward any philosophical, ideological and policy alternatives to what the current managers of the Nigerian state are administering. While nobody should be under the illusion that angels will drop from heaven to redeem Nigeria, as it will still require the same people in the political space to effect a positive change. The first chance at democratic consolidation in the Fourth Democratic Republic came in 2015, when a coalition of political parties merged together under the banner of APC to torpedo the former ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power after sixteen years. Sadly, the All Progressives Congress soon became synonymous with All Promises Cancelled, as it not only failed to deliver on its campaign promises but it made Nigeria worse than it met the country. And by 2023, another opportunity presented itself when a group of Nigerians under the auspices of the Obidient movement supported the Labour Party and its candidates across the country, propelling a hitherto unknown party from obscurity to becoming the third largest party in Nigeria. Again, the beneficiaries of this effort in the various arms and tiers of government have betrayed the Obidient democratic revolution by accepting the kiss of death of the ruling establishment, after entering into an amorous relationship with it. Consequently, Nigerians have become politically frigid after being serially jilted by political fraudsters. So, for the ADC, it will take much more than fiery statements of condemnation of the ruling APC and President Tinubu to arouse the interests of Nigerians once again to accept its proposal of a better condition than the current abusive and oppressive marriage with the APC. Just as Nigeria has suffered from bad governance, so has it endured the acute failure of the opposition, and Nigerians may not be willing to support an anybody but Tinubu kind of opposition, but will want to know what the opposition is offering as an alternative. Therefore, it is disappointing that several weeks after the unveiling of the ADC as a coalition of opposition politicians, the party and its chieftains have not been able to put forward any philosophical, ideological and policy alternatives to what the current managers of the Nigerian state are administering. While nobody should be under the illusion that angels will drop from heaven to redeem Nigeria, as it will still require the same people in the political space to effect a positive change. But it will have to be a deliberate decision on the part of the opposing political class to turn a new leaf, as there comes a time in the life of a nation when its privileged political class will decide that enough is really enough of the underperformance of governance. And for Nigeria, that time has come, and to this end, the ADC congregation of men of yesteryears should not be merely seeking to substitute President Tinubu and his men of today on the dining table where the national cake is being shared. unlike the old order, the structure of the ADC should be organised around economic interests groups in their places of residence, away from ethnicity and religion in the places of origin of members. This will signal a paradigm shift from identity politics to liberal democratic politics and substitute patronage with good governance as the reward system for political participation. The first step towards making a clear difference will be for members of the coalition to take the conscious and deliberate step towards committing class suicide, by substituting their personal, partisan and sectional interests with the national interest. And this must be clearly demonstrated in the democratic organisation of the ADC. The principles of the morality of the rule of law and absolute fidelity to the intendment, spirit and letters of the constitution must now be entrenched and operationalised in the internal processes of the party. And unlike the old order, the structure of the ADC should be organised around economic interests groups in their places of residence, away from ethnicity and religion in the places of origin of members. This will signal a paradigm shift from identity politics to liberal democratic politics and substitute patronage with good governance as the reward system for political participation. And because political outcomes depend a lot on input and processes, the ADC would hold the prospects of repositioning Nigeria on the path of freedom from a deep and endemic culture of corruption that has ravaged the country like a cancerous virus impeding the state from providing security and welfare for its citizens. Rather than throwing tantrums at the ruling party and President Tinubu, ADC leaders should by now be telling Nigerians their alternative policy proposition on issues such as the removal of petrol subsidy, floatation of the naira and the role of government in the means of economic production. In addition, the ADC must clearly articulate, as well as outline, how it intends to create the necessary social condition in line with the Fundamental Principles of State Policy, as enshrined in the constitution. So that the ADC may not end up as a chaotic, bitter, caustic and petulant opposition that is hollow, full of sound and fury but offering nothing as alternatives to what President Tinubu and his APC currently offer. Majeed Dahiru, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja and can be reached through [email protected]. The use of statistics for mischievous purposes has been easy because the government has not done enough to highlight its gains. Instead, too much time is spent on responding to mischievous interventions. It is time for the government to focus on highlighting the progress made, how it will be sustained, and how it will deliver real dividends to the people in the long term. As of today, Nigeria is grappling with a profound structural imbalance. The country is experiencing a crisis of expectations versus reality, and the challenge lies in transitioning out of a failed system of social relationships. The fallout from this structural imbalance is manifested every election cycle. Weve been experiencing it these past few weeks as political parties begin to gear up for the 2027 presidential election (see, for example, Tinubu and the North, Daily Trust, 4 August, and Nigerians are hungry, Daily Trust, 5 August). Nigerias unique characteristics as a multi-ethnic and multicultural society, operating a less-than-balanced federal system, is at the root of the problem. An ideal federal system for Nigeria would be akin to Switzerlands, but the country has deviated from this model since the adoption of the 1960 and 1963 Republican Constitutions. The transition to a presidential system of government in which states are subservient to the centre has not helped matters. The government has made some adjustments, which have been painful but unavoidable. These adjustments have given rise to various symptoms, and statistics have been misused to highlight the issues, as if the current administration is responsible for the underlying decay in some quarters. The structural imbalance is complicated by disparities in various sectors, with the economic and educational disparities staring us in the face. The imbalance and disparities must be addressed through more creative means. Currently, statistics are being used as weapons of attack, and there is a need to contextualise them. Given limited resources, a new approach must be developed, focusing on immediate, medium, short, and long-term solutions that would yield transparent results. Nigerias lack of a national democratic agreement among its political establishment and elite has contributed to the current situation. Such an agreement would provide a general navigating map, allowing for differences in emphasis and disagreements, while maintaining an overall consensus on the way forward. The absence of this consensus has turned a crisis that could have been transformative into a tool for attacking the government, as preparations are underway for another round of elections. It was as well that the presidents media team immediately exposed the misuse of statistics by the distortionists (see Sunday Dare, Responsible critique requires fact-driven narratives: A response to Daily Trust, The Nation, 6 August and Tunde Rahman, President Tinubu, the North and Distortions of Politics, ThisDay, 10 August). True, one of the Daily Trust editorials provided some urgent tasks that the presidency must embark upon to ameliorate the hardships, yet it failed to explain why those hardships were necessary for the short-term. An elite consensus on the way forward is necessary, but unfortunately, it is lacking. President Bola Ahmed Tinubus attempts to rally the republic, to borrow a phrase from Charles de Gaulle, is being sabotaged by ambitious politicians, who have engaged in scaremongering, using statistical distortions. This is not a trend that could be beneficial to the country or its people. When President Tinubus government took office, it was faced with two alternative paths: (a) continuing as usual or (b) taking a decisive and bold step to address the damage. The administration chose the latter, more difficult but necessary option, and deserves credit for doing so. This decision has prevented the country from falling into a debt crisis and has enabled it to make gains in exports and federal allocations to the states and local governments. The government must now break free from the destructive tendencies and take a robust position. It was as well that the presidents media team immediately exposed the misuse of statistics by the distortionists (see Sunday Dare, Responsible critique requires fact-driven narratives: A response to Daily Trust, The Nation, 6 August and Tunde Rahman, President Tinubu, the North and Distortions of Politics, ThisDay, 10 August). True, one of the Daily Trust editorials provided some urgent tasks that the presidency must embark upon to ameliorate the hardships, yet it failed to explain why those hardships were necessary for the short-term. Rather, it sought to inflame the masses through distortions of reality. Besides, the Presidency was already implementing some of the editorials suggestions before they were made. Nevertheless, the government needs to determine the territory of public discourse and create a conventional wisdom that acknowledges the challenges, while emphasising the gains made and bright future that lays ahead. For instance, the gains in exports should be highlighted and explained in ways that show (a.) how they were made possible and (b.) how they can benefit ordinary people. The government should also point out how sustained export growth can strengthen the naira, and benefit an import-dependent society. Finally, it must be emphasised that it is not for nothing that major international organisations and finance institutions rated the presidents policy high and painted a robust macro-economic outlook for the country. As a federal republic, state governments must provide the inputs that people erroneously expect the central government alone to deliver. The publics aggression should not be transferred solely to the central government; instead, they should also hold state governments accountable for their responsibilities. The use of statistics for mischievous purposes has been easy because the government has not done enough to highlight its gains. Instead, too much time is spent on responding to mischievous interventions. It is time for the government to focus on highlighting the progress made, how it will be sustained, and how it will deliver real dividends to the people in the long term. For tactical convenience, the strategic imperative may have led the president to avoid the public accusation of governors for failing to show proof of the Federal Governments social interventions in various sectors. However, in a functioning federalism, much more is expected of state governments than the centre. The reality is that state governments have not fulfilled their responsibilities, despite increased federal interventionist subventions social investment, and increased monthly allocations. The government needs to find a way of putting state governments on the spot, while making the public aware of their ineptitude across various sectors. As a federal republic, state governments must provide the inputs that people erroneously expect the central government alone to deliver. The publics aggression should not be transferred solely to the central government; instead, they should also hold state governments accountable for their responsibilities. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, former Commissioner for Information in Ondo State, is director of New Media and Corporate Communications of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Twitter: @BamideleUpfront; Facebook: facebook.com/Bamidele. BAO As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) moves to conclude the by-election in Kaura Namoda South Constituency, the Zamfara State Government and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed deep concerns over what they described as a plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the process through the use of security agencies. Speaking on Channels Televisions Lunch Time Politics on Wednesday, the spokesperson to the Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, alleged that both the Police and the Military were being deployed in a manner that suggests bias in favour of the APC. Mr Idris accused a brigade commander of openly conducting himself like an APC agent during last Saturdays inconclusive election in Zamfara. This is a very shameful act because it violates the rules of the election. He got a chair, sat there all through the election, and was taking instructions from APC while scaring away PDP supporters, he alleged. The governors spokesperson further claimed that the security mobilization for the election was more massive than what had been done in the fight against banditry and insecurity in the state. We have never seen this kind of police and military deployment just to conclude an election in a few polling units in one ward. From Kaduna, Katsina, and other parts of Northern Nigeria, large numbers of mobile policemen are being mobilised and deployed, he stated. Mr Idris called on the Nigerian media and civil society organisations to pay closer attention to the Kauran Namoda South ward where the supplementary election will hold on Thursday. It would be recalled that INEC declared last Saturdays election in Kauran Namoda South constituency inconclusive. The commission fixed a supplementary poll in a few polling units in the ward with a combined registered voter population of about 3,500. The Kenyan government is mulling a division of the nations largest publicly listed company, Safaricom, into mobile, tower, and mobile money units, citing potential efficiency and value gains. Bloomberg reported that Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the government had identified huge benefit from splitting Safaricom three ways. The telecoms arm would focus solely on voice and data services, the tower unit would manage network infrastructure, and mobile money platform M-Pesa would operate under the direct oversight of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) as an independent financial services company. There have long been calls for M-Pesa to be spun off from Safaricom due to its dominance the service controls over 90% of mobile money transactions in Kenya raising competition concerns. The CBK has expressed support for separating M-Pesa from its parent. Safaricom has resisted such pressure, with CEO Peter Ndegwa arguing in May 2024 that spinning off M-Pesa would not increase shareholder value, favouring instead a group structure. Safaricom and Vodacom acquired the M-Pesa platform from Vodafone in 2020 through a joint venture. A potential motivation for the government in pushing a Safaricom split is to increase the value of its 35% stake in the operator, raising much-needed revenue for state coffers. To drive economic growth through livestock production and processing, the Jigawa State Government is partnering with the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) and Chinese investors to set up a livestock processing plant at the border town of Maigatari. This was announced when Governor Umar Namadi received the Executive Secretary of BCDA, Dr George D A Kelly, alongside representatives of the Yangpu Global Corporation Forum of China, who paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday at the Government House, Dutse. The project is a major step toward positioning Maigatari as a hub for livestock production and processing in Nigeria, expecting it to create jobs, strengthen cross-border trade, and stimulate inclusive economic growth across Jigawa State. Governor Namadi described the project as a significant step toward improving the livelihoods of border communities and boosting the states economy. Speaking, Dr Kelly said that Jigawas Maigatari area was carefully selected as the pilot location for the proposed livestock production and processing hub because of its strategic position and strong economic potential. The Yangpu Global Corporation Forum of China has expressed interest in investing in cattlenot just cattle production, but cattle processing. We have chosen the Jigawa Maigatari area to be the pilot state for such a project because we believe Maigatari has the potential as a border community, he said. He also praised the states infrastructure development and investment-friendly policies, noting the upcoming cargo airport in Dutse and the ongoing rail line project that will connect Jigawa, assuring that the investors have already secured funding from various banks in China and are ready to move forward. It shows that we have a very visionary governor who knows what he wants for his people. Responding, Governor Namadi thanked the BCDA and the Chinese investors for choosing Jigawa State and assured them of his governments full support. I want to assure you that the Jigawa State Government is ready to work with you and collaborate with you, because we have seen a partner in you, he stated. The governor revealed Jigawas position as a leading destination for investment in Nigeria, saying that the state ranks second in ease of doing business nationwide and has great potential in agriculture and livestock. We have one of the largest livestock markets in Africa. I want to assure our investors that Jigawa State is ready for business, and we have a one-stop-shop investment promotion agency that will handle all processes for you. Governor Namadi also said that the establishment of the new Ministry of Livestock Development is a testament to his administrations commitment to transforming the livestock sector and maximising its economic potential. Whatever you will do will improve economic activities in Jigawa State and the livelihood of our people. We are ready to support you, and I assure you that you will not regret working with us. As data increasingly becomes the currency of governance and economic growth, Phillips Consulting Limited (pcl.) is taking the lead with the launch of the 2025 edition of the State Performance Index (pSPI), a comprehensive, evidence-based scorecard that evaluates the performance of Nigerias 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The pSPI, now in its third edition, is pcl.s most comprehensive attempt at assessing state-level development holistically. Drawing from 37 carefully selected Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the index spans across key service areas, including health, education, basic infrastructure, governance, economic development, and digital access. What sets the 2025 pSPI apart is the depth of its scope, combined with the rigour of its methodology, a balanced 70:30 blend of objective and perception-based data. With almost 10,000 citizens surveyed nationwide, this years index integrates real public sentiment with hard statistics, offering a unique 360-degree lens into governance and reform potential across Nigerias subnational. Key Findings: Progress and Decline These align with current national conversations and global governance trends: Fiscal Sustainability: With growing concerns around debt, Jigawa and Kadunas low debt and asset growth are models of healthy financial governance, ranking 1st in debt per capita and asset per capita, respectively. With growing concerns around debt, Jigawa and Kadunas low debt and asset growth are models of healthy financial governance, ranking 1st in debt per capita and asset per capita, respectively. Inclusive Development: States like Rivers generate enormous revenue, but citizens rate satisfaction low. Thiscontrast is highly relevant as the impact of these must be felt by the citizens. States like generate enormous revenue, but citizens rate satisfaction low. Thiscontrast is highly relevant as the impact of these must be felt by the citizens. Public Service Trust: Citizens rated indicators like the honesty of public servants and the quality of health services and education, which speaks directly to trust in institutions and is critical for domestic and donor engagement. States like Gombe, Jigawa, Niger and Osun have high satisfaction rate from their citizens. Citizens rated indicators like the honesty of public servants and the quality of health services and education, which speaks directly to trust in institutions and is critical for domestic and donor engagement. States like Gombe, Jigawa, Niger and Osun have high satisfaction rate from their citizens. Basic Infrastructure: Clean water and sanitation have global development resonance (SDGs). Highlighting citizen feedback in these areas, states like Akwa Ibom emerged as first in environmental cleanliness and third in water access, showing strong delivery in basic services. Other states like Gombe, Jigawa, Cross River, Yobe, Benue, and Kebbi have also demonstrated positive impact in these indicators. The new PSPI does more than rank the states. It introduces insights for policymakers, investors, and development partners into where transformative change is most achievable. A New Approach to Governance Assessment The pSPI 2025 introduces a five-tier rating system, ranging from Fair to Exceptional, making it easier to compare performance across states at a glance. The pSPI is more than just a report; its now an interactive, living tool designed to provide deep insights and drive real change. For each of the 36 states, pSPI offers a detailed representation that includes: A comprehensive overview of the states people, culture, politics, and economy. Rankings of key economic indicators, helping to benchmark progress and competitiveness. Strengths and weaknesses, based on performance data across multiple sectors. Citizen satisfaction ratings in 16 critical areas, providing the public verdict on governance and service delivery. Relocation trends show the most and least preferred states based on public sentiment. Insights on grassroots governance, including citizen awareness of local government leadership and programs. Level of public trust, reflecting how residents feel towards the value they get from the taxes they pay. The goal of pSPI is not to score or rank states but to empower them. It acts as a diagnostic and decision-making tool, helping leaders identify unique gaps and implement targeted interventions to improve service delivery, governance, and overall citizen satisfaction. For Stakeholders The pSPI could not be more timely or relevant, especially in a period where data-driven decision-making is no longer optional but essential. As the country grapples with economic recovery, governance reform, and service delivery challenges, pSPI offers a unique opportunity to align strategies with reality on the ground. Heres how different stakeholders can benefit: Policy Makers can use the index to benchmark progress, set reform priorities, and direct investments into critical sectors like health systems, education, infrastructure, and job creation. Investors are provided with a rare, data-backed lens into state-level economic governance, institutional strength, and service delivery, vital indicators for assessing risk, stability, and growth potential before committing capital. Development Partners can leverage the Reform Readiness Scores to identify where technical assistance or funding will have the greatest impact, ensuring resources are deployed more strategically and equitably. Citizens gain access to transparent, comparative data that empowers them to demand better governance and track how their state is performing relative to others, turning awareness into action. Academia and Think Tanks can use the data to generate local insights, influence public discourse, and shape evidence-based policy recommendations. Media and Civil Society have a reliable tool to highlight disparities, spotlight success stories, and keep government actions in the public eye with credible evidence. The PSPI is a tool for reflection. It bridges the gap between policy ambition and citizen experience, ensuring every stakeholder has a role to play in building a stronger Nigeria. Beyond Rankings: Toward a Culture of Accountability The pSPI represents a vital commitment to a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous reform across Nigerias subnational governments. It serves as a comprehensive roadmap for policymakers, investors, development partners, and civil society stakeholders who are invested in advancing Nigerias state-level development beyond rhetoric and into measurable progress. The pSPI offers a powerful tool to transform conversations. It shifts the focus from politics to tangible performance outcomes and impactful results that improve lives. Using clear data-driven insights, the pSPI enables stakeholders to identify areas of strength, recognise opportunities for improvement, and prioritise reforms that drive sustainable growth and development. The 2025 State Performance Index delivers an updated, thorough analysis of state rankings based on multiple performance indicators. This enables states to benchmark themselves against peers, track progress over time, and create healthy competition between states. Through this, the pSPI empowers Nigerian states to take ownership of their development agendas, ensuring that reforms deliver real, positive change for citizens. Explore the full report and rankings on pspi.com.ng The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has refunded over N31 million to the 930 pilgrims who performed the 2025 Hajj, following a discount granted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the price of animals for sacrifice. The Director-General of the Board, Ahmed Umar Labbo, disclosed this on Thursday when the Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kazaure, Najib Hussaini Adamu, presented the official 2025 Hajj report to Governor Umar Namadi in Dutse. According to him, direct negotiations between the Board and Hadaya Companythe Saudi firm in charge of animal sacrificeled to the discount. Each pilgrim who paid for the animal sacrifice through the Board will now receive a refund of N42,996. The Amirul Hajj further announced the return of more than N24 million to the state government treasury, representing unspent operational funds from the exercise. He attributed the success of the Hajj operations to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of resources. Mr Adamu commended Governor Namadi and the Board for their commitment to the welfare of pilgrims, citing improvements in feeding, accommodation, medical care, and the new system of allocating accommodations before pilgrims arrival in Makkah, which eased common logistical challenges. He also noted that the 2025 exercise recorded no cases of abscondment or childbirth, while pilgrims appreciated the governors Sallah gift of 100 Saudi Riyals each. In his response, Governor Namadi lauded the Amirul Hajj and the Pilgrims Board for their dedication, transparency, and concern for the wellbeing of Jigawa pilgrims in both Makkah and Madinah. The Director-General, Mr Labbo attributed the successes recorded to the governors unwavering support, praying for Allahs continued guidance for him in leading the state. Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has charged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to redouble their commitment to promoting the partys unity and integrity at the grassroots level. The governor gave the charge during the flag-off of the distribution of 120 new motorcycles to APC ward executives in Jigawa Northwest Senatorial District, donated by Senator Babangida Hussaini. Governor Namadi reaffirmed his administrations commitment to uplifting the social and economic standards of citizens, stressing that ward executives and party members serve as vital agents of government in their local communities by representing, protecting, and promoting APC policies and programmes. He commended Senator Hussaini for the gesture and urged beneficiaries to make good use of the motorcycles to enhance their work at the ward level. Speaking at the event, Senator Hussaini explained that the motorcycles were distributed to all APC ward chairmen across the 12 local government areas in his senatorial district to strengthen the partys grassroots structures and improve officials efficiency. Highlighting his contributions since his inauguration in 2023, Hussaini listed several projects and empowerment programmes, including the construction of hundreds of classroom blocks across the district and provision of medical equipment and drugs to health centres. Others are distribution of farm inputs and implements to farmers; training and empowerment of women and youth with start-up grants for shoe and bag production and sponsorship of students, including payment of school fees for 106 students of Federal Government College, Kazaure, N50,000 grants to BSc students, and free e-JAMB scratch cards for 50 candidates. Others are construction of the Mathematics and Statistics Complex Hall at Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, and additional classrooms in local secondary schools; provision of POS machines with N50,000 grants to five youths in each LGA of the district and distribution of 18 trailers of NPK fertiliser to farmers and APC members to boost agricultural productivity. The lawmaker also noted major infrastructural interventions, including the reconstruction and modernisation of the Kazaure Emirs Palace, as well as the upgrading of the Kazaure, Gumel, and Ringim township stadiums to meet national league standards. Senator Hussaini emphasised that his projects were in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umar Namadi to create jobs, empower citizens, and promote sustainable development. The Katsina State Government has launched an ambitious training programme for 18,000 teachers and began distributing 20,000 mini computers to boost teaching quality across the state. Acting Governor Faruq Lawal Jobe, who flagged off the initiative at the Local Government Service Commission Conference Hall, Kaita Road, described it as a strategic investment in childrens future. These are not just statistics but a strategic investment in the future of our children. By equipping teachers with modern tools and necessary training, we are aligning our educational system with global standards to prepare our students for 21st-century competitiveness, Mr oJobe declared. The programme forms part of the states comprehensive education reform, which includes distributing 30,000 uniforms to underprivileged children and installing CCTV cameras in 130 schools for enhanced security. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Zainab Musa Musawa, hailed the initiative as a significant milestone in restoring educational excellence in the state. She thanked the World Bank, Universal Basic Education Commission, and other partners for their collaboration, promising continued teacher empowerment through capacity-building programmes. The State Project Coordinator of the Teaching Excellence Support System programme, Mrs Binta Abdulmumini, explained that 90 master trainers would cascade training to the 18,000 teachers. Each teacher receives a tablet pre-loaded with lesson plans and digital teaching resources. Chairperson of the Katsina State Teachers Association, Mrs Rakiya Shehu, praised the governments commitment and urged stakeholders to ensure the programmes success. The state has also provided 70 motorcycles to monitoring officers for improved school supervision, particularly in rural areas, and supplied specialised teaching aids for schools catering to blind and deaf students. The ceremony attracted top dignitaries, including Chief Judge Justice Musa Danladi, Commissioner for Higher Education, SUBEB Chairman Dr Kabir Magaji, and senior security personnel. The initiative represents Katsinas bold step toward educational transformation and improved learning outcomes for thousands of students across the state. The Court of Appeal in Abuja has stopped the Kogi State Government from taking its salary dispute with former deputy governor Simon Achuba to the Supreme Court, insisting that its ruling on the matter is final under the Nigerian constitution. A three-member panel comprising Hamma Barka, Okon Abang, and Oyejoju Oyewumi on Tuesday dismissed an application by Governor Usman Ododo and the states Attorney-General seeking a stay of execution of earlier judgements obtained Mr Achubas favour. At the hearing, the applicants were represented by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) Adedayo Adedeji, alongside Precious Andrew, E.C. Onyekwere, and A. Ibe. Mr Achuba was represented by Samuel Ogala. Delivering the lead ruling, Mr Abang cited section 243(4) of the Nigerian constitution, which makes the Court of Appeal the final arbiter in labour and employment disputes. When the law says the decision of this court is final, there is nothing the Applicants can do. It is as clear as daylight, he said. The court described the appeal bid as reckless, baseless, and an act of executive lawlessness. Backstory Mr Achuba, who served as deputy governor under Yahaya Bello, was controversially removed in 2019 after falling out with the then-governor. He later sued the Kogi government at the National Industrial Court (NICN) for unpaid salaries, allowances, and entitlements. In November 2020, the NICN ruled in his favour and awarded him N180 million in unpaid benefits. Delivering the judgement, the judge, Oyebiola Oyewunmi, ordered the state government to pay him within 30 days, failing which the amount would draw a 30 per cent monthly interest. The state appealed, but on 29 April 2024, the Court of Appeal upheld his claims, ordering that he be paid salaries and statutory allocations provided in the 2017 and 2018 budgets, excluding security votes. The case took a fresh twist after the Court of Appeal, in a judgement delivered on 25 April, assessed Mr Achubas entitlements at over N1 billion (N1,070,860,138). The appellate court ordered the Kogi government to pay the full amount alongside N2 million in costs. A Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling shows the court awarded him monthly salaries, travel allowances, and statutory allocations for 2017 and 2018. But the Kogi government disputed the figure. Its lawyer, O. Adegboyega, argued that the NICN only awarded N180 million in its November 2020 rulingmoney the state claims it has already paid. The state is committed to due process and the rule of law, Mr Adegboyega said. But it is important to clarify the legal basis for this sudden increase from N180 million to over N1 billion. The original trial court did not award that amount. The state has insisted that only the Supreme Court can resolve what it calls a judicial inconsistency. Appeal Courts latest ruling In its latest ruling, the appellate court dismissed that position, stressing that its word on NICN-related disputes is final. The Applicants cannot treat the Constitution of this great country with contempt and levity, Mr Abang warned. If the Government treats Court Orders with levity and contempt, the confidence of the citizen in the Courts will be seriously eroded and the effect of that will be the beginning of anarchy in replacement of the Rule of Law. Rebuke for SAN In a rare move, the court also sanctioned Mr Adedeji, lead counsel for the applicants. Mr Abang held that he had a professional duty to advise his clients against pursuing a frivolous appeal. I expected the learned senior counsel to the applicants notwithstanding the juicy nature of the brief to have taken advantage of the Rules of Professional Conduct and advised them accordingly, he said. Compliance with the Constitution should not be seen as cowardice but as maturity and restraint. The court ordered Mr Adedeji to personally pay N3 million in costs to Mr Achuba before his clients can take further steps in the proceedings. The Benue State Government has announced an immediate ban on graduation parties usually organised by kindergarten, nursery and basic schools in the state. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, Helen Nambativ, stated this in a memo, dated Thursday, 21 August, and addressed to stakeholders, parents and guardians in Makurdi. According to the memo, cited by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the decision will reduce financial burden on parents and redirect attention to the academic development of children. The statement added that the policy would take effect from the first term of the 2025/26 academic session. The unpopular use of restricted, customised education materials, such as text/exercise books in Benue State schools, making them non-transferable to subsequent learners, is hereby abolished. All schools are by this notice directed to revert automatically to the traditional practice of senior students/pupils using and passing books down to pupils and students in lower classes. Compulsory and extended lessons after regular school hours cease, except where parental rights are sought and granted. All compulsory school graduation ceremonies in Benue State are hereby abolished, especially for Kindergarten, Nursery and Basic Schools, the statement added. The permanent secretary further scheduled a meeting on August 26 to engage school proprietors, PTAs and concerned education stakeholders on the new development. (NAN) At least 50 people have now been confirmed killed in last weeks bandits attacks on villages in the Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State. The bandits opened fire on worshippers at a mosque and set others ablaze. Aminu Ibrahim, who represents Malumfashi constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, confirmed the death toll to his colleagues at Tuesdays plenary session. Thirty people were gunned down during morning prayers, and another 20 were burned alive in their homes, Mr Ibrahim said. Our people can no longer live in their villages because of these relentless attacks. The situation has become unbearable. The lawmaker disclosed that the attacks took place across several communities Gidan Adamu Mantau, Unguwar Yar Mai Dabo, Makera in Karfi ward, and Burdigau in Yaba ward between Monday night and Tuesday morning. Villagers said gunmen swept through on motorbikes, firing at anyone in sight. We alerted the soldiers when we saw strange movements around six in the evening, said a resident of Burdigau, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals. But the soldiers came, stayed a short while, and left. By dawn, the bandits came back. The lawmaker also corroborated the story. Following the attacks, the Katsina State Government sent a delegation, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, to condole with the bereaved families. Speaking on behalf of the governor, who is on medical leave, Mr Faskari called the killings a deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy. Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones in this senseless attack, he said. The administration remains committed to strengthening security and restoring peace. The government confirmed that 32 people were killed while praying, but it said the final death toll was still being verified. Officials said an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the attackers as they attempted to abduct residents, leading to chaotic scenes in which captives scattered into the bush. READ ALSO: Tears in parliament as lawmaker laments incessant bandit killings in Katsina On Wednesday, the states acting governor, Faruk Jobe, met with the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, in Abuja, to press for stronger military support. Our people deserve to live in safety and dignity, Mr Jobe said. We will continue to work hand in hand with the Armed Forces until this menace is defeated. Despite years of military operations in the region, communities in Katsina and neighbouring states remain vulnerable. The massacre comes amid a wave of rural violence in Nigerias North-west, where armed gangs often referred to as bandits have terrorised farming communities through kidnappings, extortion and mass killings. Thousands have been killed in recent years, and tens of thousands forced to flee their homes. The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) said the power outage experienced in Akwa Ibom state Uyo, Eket, Ekim, and Itu transmission stations is due to a line fault on the Alaoji-Aba 132kv line. The electricity distribution company disclosed this in a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday. We appeal to our esteemed customers feeding from these areas to exercise patience as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) technical team is working to rectify the fault and restore power as soon as possible, the company said. Residents of the oil-rich state have experienced a series of power outages since the beginning of the year, with the PHED blaming it on a fault on the Aba/Itu 132KV line. The current outage, which began on Wednesday, is the first time in the year that the distribution company has attributed a power outage in the state to a new line, the Alaoji-Aba 132kv line. Reactions The regular power outages in the state have triggered reactions from members of the public. Every week the same problem. (This) goes to show the level of incompetence, an X user with the profile name Etido Godwin wrote, in reply to the tweet by PHEDC announcing the power outage. We know this has been frustrating, dear Etido. The issue is from the Alaoji-Aba 132kv transmission line, which falls under TCNs network. Their engineers are on site working to restore supply, PHEDC responded, absolving itself of the blame. For how long are we going to be running like this? another user, Tob-express, responded to the tweet. We understand how you feel. TCN is working on it. Well keep you updated until supply is restored, the electricity company responded. Some Facebook users have also criticised the power company for the outage. Every eke market day, Biko, who has a generator for rent, Mekybliss Abia, a Facebook user, wrote, posting a graphic of the power outage announcement. Dear 132kv line. Deal with them. Me I de use candles now, another Facebook user, Ndiana-Abasi Udom, wrote on the social media platform, throwing jabs at the electricity distribution company. Reacting to the power outage, a barber along Ikot Ekpene Road, Nsikak Akpan, said he would be forced to increase the price for a haircut. There is no way I can buy petrol at almost N1000 and still maintain the same price for my service, he said, telling our reporter on Thursday that he would be operating at a loss if power is not restored. Mr Akpans comments suggest that the burden of paying for petrol is transferred to his customers, who are also struggling to power their generators at home. Another business owner, Kufre Inyang, who owns a drinking spot at a police station in Itam, Itu Local Government Area, said the outage is already affecting him. My major challenge is that patronage would be low if drinks are not cold, he said, adding that it is a source of worry for him. Turkey is officially going ahead with 5G spectrum auction plans. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced earlier this week that the 5G frequency tender would take place in October. Tender specifications will be published in the coming weeks. The intention is for initial service to be available some time in 2026 (its not precisely clear when), starting in major cities and then expanding to the rest of the country. The date announced is a bit later than Uraloglu had hoped; his aim had apparently been to hold the tender in August. The goal, in any case, is for 5G services to be available across the entire country within a few years after the initial signal is received in 2026. All three operators government-controlled Turkcell and Turk Telekom along with Vodafone's Turkey are expected to take part in the tender. Reuters says that Turkey has consulted with all three operators and studied global 5G models, particularly in Europe. The auction will be conducted by the countrys Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). The tender will include 11 frequency packages across the 700MHz and 3.5GHz bands, with individual package values ranging from US$50 million to US$425 million. The minimum price for the frequency packages is set at US$2.13 billion. The tender will also see the government roll over existing mobile network licenses, currently set to expire in 2029. This presumably allows them to keep the frequencies they have now even after 2G and 3G shutdowns, though operators will be required to pay 5% of their yearly revenues to roll over the licenses. A performance guarantee is to be lodged at the same time. As for 5G auction payments, winning operators will have to pay their licence fees in three equal instalments, with penalties applied for delayed or partial payments. There will also be the potential for revocation of a licence for a payment delay of over 30 days. A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from PR Newswire the last two weeks, including Miu Miu, Claire's, and Rebl Industries. LONDON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the last two weeks that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Fortnightly Round-up: 12 Stories You Need to See 1: Introducing Miutine, the new irreverent, fragrance by Miu Miu Miu Miu unveils Miutine, the new feminine fragrance, capturing the ultimate essence of the Miu Miu woman, irreverent, youthful in spirit, and unconventional. 2: Sungrow Unveils Cutting-Edge Hydrogen Technology Lab in Germany, Powering Global Green Hydrogen Innovation Sungrow Research Center has established a European Hydrogen Technology Laboratory in Munich, Germany, reinforcing its commitment to global green hydrogen innovation. Strategically located at Munich Airport Business Park, the lab serves as a key hub for advancing water electrolysis and Power-to-X (P2X) technologies, aligning with Europe's stringent hydrogen development standards. 3: Claire's UK Files Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators Claire's Accessories UK Ltd. ("Claire's UK"), the operator of Claire's stores across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, today announced that it has filed a Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators ("NOI"). 4: Rebl Industries signs breakthrough deals with H&M GBC AB and IKEA Svenska AB for AI-powered robots - appoints CEO to drive global expansion Rebl Industries, a Swedish robotics company, has signed significant framework agreements with global fashion and design companies H&M and IKEA Svenska AB to deploy its next-generation robots-as-a-service (RaaS) solutions. 5: IFA 2025: Jackery Presents New Slim-Format 500-Watt Power Station, Solar Roof Tiles, and DIY Balcony Solar System with Integrated Fire Protection As a pioneer in portable and sustainable energy solutions, Jackery will present its latest innovations for both on-the-go and home use at IFA 2025, Hall 2.2, Booth 119. 6: Oxehealth Rebrands as LIO, Launching Next-Gen Platform to Transform Inpatient Mental Health Care Oxehealth, a leader in digital innovation for mental health, today announced its relaunch as LIO, unveiling a next-generation operating platform for mental health hospitals. Shaped by over 15 years of close collaboration with NHS mental health trusts, the new platform marks a significant step forward in enabling safer, more personalised care. 7: Meshed, the UK's First AI Insurance Broker, Raises 950K Pre-Seed to Transform SME Insurance Market Meshed, the UK's first AI-native insurance broker, today announced the closing of its oversubscribed 950K pre-seed round, backed by Haatch, Aviva via Founders Factory, Exponential Science Foundation, and angels. 8: Daesang's Jongga Hits the Right Notes at London's APE 2025 with Kimchi Blast Daesang announced on the 19th that its leading kimchi brand Jongga is taking part in the All Points East (APE) music festival in Victoria Park, London as part of its global kimchi campaign, Kimchi Blast. 9: VSB Group Connects One of Europe's Largest Repowering Projects to the Grid The VSB Group has successfully connected the Repowering Wind Farm Elster to the grid. With an installed capacity of 105.6 megawatts, it ranks among the largest repowering projects in Europe. 10: Fotor AI Agent "Sisi" Launches to Simplify Image and Video Creation Fotor, a leading AI-driven creative platform for photo editing, graphic design, and image/video generation, today announced the launch of Fotor AI Agent ("Sisi"), an intelligent assistant designed to streamline visual content creation through a conversational interface. 11: The rise of "Speed Laundering" - Electrolux report reveals convenience reshaping wash and drying habits across Europe A new report from Electrolux, published today, reveals the growing dominance of "speed laundering" in Europe, driven by busy lifestyles, flexible working and a rising demand for convenience. 12: MINISO Strengthens European Expansion and Retail Innovation with New Amsterdam Flagship With its refreshed brand image and retail environment, the new store marks both a major step in MINISO's expanding presence in the Netherlands and the brand's expansion across Europe as it further strengthens its presence in the market. Read more of the latest releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNalert on Twitter. Can't-Miss Earnings Catch up on all the latest earnings reports here. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. 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 and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. 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 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world. For questions, contact the team at media.relations@cision.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2755298/PR_Newswire_roundup.jpg LAS VEGAS, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Al Phillips the Cleaner and its sister brand Thrift DLux, together Nevada's largest dry cleaner, today announced a rebrand as Al Phillips Cleaners, marking the company's evolution toward a more streamlined, tech-driven customer experience. The flagship of the transformation is the launch of semi-autonomous stores offering around-the-clock access. Customer interface of an Al Phillips Cleaners semi-autonomous store Using state-of-the-art retail robotics, customers check in on an intuitive touch screen, after which the system uses a combination of computers, scanners, and mechanical conveyors to quickly locate and retrieve their orders on demand. With just their cell phone number and a credit card, customers can drop off or pick up garments at any time, 365 days a year. "This technology redefines convenience in garment care, and does it without compromising our service standards," said Justin Koh, CEO of the company's operating entity Advent Cleaners LLC and Executive Chairman of its parent company, Timeless Cleaners, Inc. "While our competitors experiment with outdated solutions, we're delivering an industry-leading experience tailored to Las Vegas' 24/7 lifestyle." Al Phillips the Cleaner, which opened in 1964, decades ago pioneered the 24/7 dry cleaning model industry-wide. That model eventually fell out of style, but is making a high-tech resurgence in today's convenience-focused consumer environment. "Our customers are already embracing the freedom of around-the-clock access," said Nick Gausling, Chief Operating and Financial Officer. "Soon, nearly every Las Vegas resident will be minutes away from world-class garment care, day or night." The chain has already installed the new systems and opened up 24/7 access at its stores on Farm Road, South Durango, and Horizon Ridge, with a fourth slated for September 2025 at its high-volume Anthem location. Nearly all existing stores will be converted by 2027, with new locations planned to expand the company's presence across Greater Las Vegas. "There's multiple parts of the valley where we'll increase our retail footprint, especially in the south and northwest," said Gausling. "Dry cleaning and laundry services are a very location-centric business, and we're looking to invest into growing neighborhoods." The rebrand to Al Phillips Cleaners will roll out in phases as stores are upgraded. It includes a stylish new logo, a new web domain at drycleaner.vegas, and an upcoming overhaul of the company's digital presence, including social media and a refreshed website. "This rebrand reflects the integration of cutting-edge technology into the Al Phillips Cleaners experience, aligning with the modern, on-demand lifestyle of our customers," remarked Koh. "If you're tired of dealing with cleaners that are still decades behind the times, come try one of our newly-renovated high-tech stores and see what you've been missing." Al Phillips Cleaners has provided garment care services to the Las Vegas valley since 1964. Servicing both consumers and business accounts, it's one of the largest dry cleaning, laundry service, and garment care operations in the United States. For Media Inquiries Nick Gausling e: [email protected] o: +1 (702) 798-7333 https://drycleaner.vegas/ SOURCE Al Phillips Cleaners Newly independent Global Cellulose Fibers business will be wholly focused on delivering industry-leading absorbent fluff pulp used primarily in personal care products NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Industrial Partners ("AIP"), a focused industrials investor, today announced its affiliate has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Global Cellulose Fibers division ("GCF") of International Paper (NYSE: IP). GCF is the leading global producer of high-quality absorbent fluff pulp for a wide range of personal care applications including feminine care, incontinence, infant diapers, and other products that promote health and wellness. GCF is a leading producer of fluff pulp, high quality softwood pulp, and modified fibers at its manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Canada, and Poland. GCF employs approximately 3,300 highly experienced associates and in 2024 generated approximately $2.5 billion in annual revenue. This well-invested manufacturing footprint and tenured employee base positions GCF to benefit from durable demand tailwinds, including population growth, rising incomes, and customer desires for product absorbency and comfort. "With decades of highly relevant industrial and manufacturing experience, AIP is the right partner to back our growth and success as an independent company," said Clay Ellis, Senior Vice President, GCF, International Paper. "We look forward to partnering with AIP to continue to deliver high-quality absorbent materials for personal care products to customers globally." "GCF is well-positioned for future growth, supported by its large and sustainable wood basket, durable end markets, industry leading quality and innovation, long-term customer relationships, deeply knowledgeable employees, and well-invested facilities," said Rick Hoffman, Partner at AIP. "We look forward to partnering with Clay and the rest of GCF's talented and tenured management team to implement their growth vision." The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in Q4 2025. BofA Securities is acting as exclusive financial advisor to AIP and providing committed financing for the transaction. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is acting as transaction counsel, Ropes & Gray LLP is acting as financing counsel, and Baker Botts LLP is acting as regulatory counsel to AIP. About American Industrial Partners American Industrial Partners ("AIP") is a global industrials investor, with approximately $17 billion in assets under management. AIP is distinctively focused on industrial businesses across a broad range of end markets that include: aerospace and defense, automotive, building products, capital goods, chemicals, industrial services, industrial technology, logistics, metals & mining, and transportation, among others. AIP seeks differentiated returns by investing in quality industrial businesses with strong management teams and working with those teams to implement transformative Operating Agendas to build long-term value. Current AIP portfolio companies generate aggregate annual revenues of approximately $28 billion and employ 73,000+ employees as of June 30, 2025. In October 2023, AIP closed its eighth fund at $5.1 billion. www.americanindustrial.com About Global Cellulose Fibers Global Cellulose Fibers ("GCF") operates seven pulp mills and two converting facilities that produce fluff pulp, softwood pulp, and specialty pulp products for diverse consumer applications including diapers, other hygiene products, and tissue. GCF generated annual revenue of approximately $2.5 billion in 2024 and employs approximately 3,300 people with manufacturing operations in Canada, Poland and the U.S. (Mississippi, Virginia, Georgia, and North Carolina). Media Contacts: For American Industrial Partners: [email protected] For International Paper or Global Cellulose Fibers: [email protected] SOURCE American Industrial Partners DRESHER, Pa., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascensus announced that career HR executive Jeri Hawthorne has joined the company as its Chief Human Resources Officer. She will report to Ascensus Chair and CEO David Musto and be based at the company's Dresher, PA, headquarters. "We are delighted to welcome Jeri Hawthorne to Ascensus at a time of significant transformation in our industry and across our company," said Musto. "Her experience and perspective from leading organizations with a like commitment to client and employee experience excellence will be enormously valuable as we evolve the scale, solutions, and culture of our own business." Hawthorne comes to Ascensus from Aflac, where she most recently served as Chief Human Resources Officer . Prior to that she was Head of Human Resources for Campbell and Company, a privately held quantitative hedge fund. Prior to Campbell, she served as Head of Talent and Leadership Development at Exelon, the largest energy parent company in the U.S., and led teams of business partners for Exelon's competitive energy business, Constellation. Earlier in her career, Hawthorne held senior HR roles at T. Rowe Price and the U.S. Pharmacopeia. She also worked in international human resources at Novo Nordisk A/S while an expatriate in Denmark. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheeling Jesuit University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Bath, UK. She succeeds Amy Walker, who will remain with the company until mid-September to support the leadership transition. About Ascensus Ascensus is a market-leading enabler of tax-advantaged savingsproviding technology, services, and expertise that help nearly 16 million people save for a better today and tomorrow. The company is a premier savings program service provider, third-party administrator, and government savings facilitator. Its platforms, industry knowledge, and data-based insights enhance the growth and success of its partners, their clients, and savers through co-branded, private-labeled, and governmental partnerships. Ascensus offers comprehensive qualified and nonqualified retirement plan solutions, third-party retirement plan administration, 529 education and ABLE savings program administration, corporate- and bank-owned life insurance solutions, and fiduciary and total rewards services. The company's brands include Ascensus; Newport, an Ascensus company; and FuturePlan by Ascensus. Ascensus has more than $892 billion in assets under administration and employs more than 5,000 associates as of June 30, 2025. For more information, visit ascensus.com and ascensus.com/newport. SOURCE Ascensus "New report explores overlooked procedures, emerging products, and underrepresented regional insights that are quietly driving expansion in assisted reproductive technologies." BOSTON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, the "Global Assisted Reproductive Technologies Market" is projected to reach $53.8 billion by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of 7.5% for the forecast period of 2025-2030. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the global assisted reproductive technologies (ART) market, emphasizing the trends, challenges, and technological advances shaping the industry. The market is segmented by procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination, and others, with IVF further divided by procedure type. Product segmentation includes instruments, reagents, and media, as well as accessories and disposables. End users are categorized into fertility clinics, hospitals, and other facilities. The analysis covers the major regions of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Additionally, the report reviews the competitive landscape and provides detailed company profiles, focusing on the product portfolios and strategic developments of leading market players. The assisted reproductive technologies market shows strong potential for growth, driven by rising infertility rates, advances in reproductive health technologies, and growing awareness and acceptance of fertility treatments. Continued innovation in reproductive science has led to significant improvements in IVF procedures, enhancing the success rates and overall effectiveness of assisted reproductive solutions. The factors driving the market's growth include: Rising Infertility Rates: Infertility is increasing globally due to lifestyle factors, delayed childbearing, environmental pollutants, and medical conditions like PCOS and low sperm count. This growing challenge is driving demand for ART solutions such as IVF and ICSI. Technological Advances in ART: Innovations like improved embryo freezing, genetic screening, and AI-based embryo selection are enhancing success rates and patient experience. These advances are making ART more reliable and more widely adopted. Increasing Awareness and Acceptance Regarding Fertility Treatments: Greater public awareness, reduced stigma, and supportive policies are encouraging more people to seek fertility treatments. Changing family dynamics and media influence also contribute to the growing acceptance of ART. Request a sample copy of the global assisted reproductive technologies market report. Report Synopsis Report Metric Details Base year considered 2024 Forecast period considered 2025-2030 Base year market size $35.4 billion Market size forecast $53.8 billion Growth rate CAGR of 7.5% for the forecast period of 2025-2030 Segments covered Procedure, Product, End-User, Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World Countries covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, South America, the Middle East and Africa Market drivers Rising Infertility Rates Technological Advances in ART Increasing Awareness and Acceptance Regarding Fertility Treatments Interesting facts: IVF has been successfully used for over 40 years, helping millions of couples conceive. More than 10 million babies have been born through IVF worldwide, with over 500,000 IVF births occurring annually. Emerging startups: Hertility Health: London -based Hertility Health promotes knowledge of hormones through blood tests. Although its current focus is on women's reproductive health, the company appears to be expanding rapidly following a $4.2 million seed investment. -based Hertility Health promotes knowledge of hormones through blood tests. Although its current focus is on women's reproductive health, the company appears to be expanding rapidly following a seed investment. GaiA Family: This New York -based company offers affordable in vitro fertilization and egg freezing services. The report addresses the following questions: What are the projected market size and growth rate? The global market for assisted reproductive technologies was estimated at $35.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $53.8 billion by the end of 2030, at a CAGR of 7.5% for the forecast period. Which factors are driving the growth of the market? Rising infertility rates globally. Technological advances in ART procedures. Increasing awareness and acceptance regarding fertility treatments. The growing number of fertility clinics. Which market segments are covered in the report? The report provides information on assisted reproductive technologies and their growth projections for the coming years. The market segments include in vitro fertilization (frozen non-donor, fresh non-donor, frozen donor, fresh donor), artificial insemination, and others based on procedure. Based on product, the assisted reproductive technologies market is divided into instruments, reagents and media, accessories, and disposables. The market is segmented by end user into fertility clinics, hospitals, and others. The regional segmentation covered includes North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and the Rest of the World. Which procedure type will be dominant through 2030? IVF segment dominates the assisted reproductive technologies market and will continue to do so through 2030. Which region holds the largest market share? North America holds the largest share of the market. What are the opportunities and challenges in the assisted reproductive technologies market? The assisted reproductive technologies market offers opportunities for technological innovations and growth in emerging countries. However, the market faces challenges such as the high expense of therapy, ethical and legal issues with ART, possible health hazards for both parents and children, and limited availability of reproductive therapies in developing nations. Market leaders include: COOK COOPERSURGICAL INC. ESCO MEDICAL FERTIPRO NV GENEA BIOMEDX HAMILTON THORNE INVITROCARE INC. KITAZATO CORP. NIDACON INTERNATIONAL AB VITROLIFE AB Purchase a copy of the report direct from BCC Research. For further information on any of these reports or to make a purchase, contact [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/2183242/5471472/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE BCC Research LLC PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Berger Montague PC is investigating potential securities fraud claims on behalf of investors of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. ("KinderCare" or the "Company") following the filing of a securities class action lawsuit filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired KinderCare securities between October 6, 2024 through August 12, 2025 (the "Class Period"), including in the Company's initial public offering in October 2024. Investor Deadline: Investors who purchased or acquired KinderCare securities during the Class Period may, no later than October 14, 2025, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. To learn your rights, CLICK HERE . KinderCare, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a national operator of early childhood education centers. The investigation centers on allegations that KinderCare failed to disclose widespread safety and compliance failures at its facilities. Among other things, the Company is accused of omitting that numerous incidents of child abuse, neglect, and harm had occurred at its centers. At the time the lawsuit was filed, KinderCare's stock had declined to lows near $9 per share, a loss of approximately 60 percent of its value at the time of the IPO. If you are a KinderCare investor and would like to learn more about this action, 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. About Berger Montague Berger Montague, with offices in Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Delaware, Washington, D.C., San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Malvern, PA, and Toronto has been a pioneer in securities class action litigation since its founding in 1970. Berger Montague has represented individual and institutional investors for over five decades 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 Berger Montague (267) 764-4865 [email protected] SOURCE Berger Montague SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Founding Attorney James Bostwick of Bostwick & Associates has again been recognized in the 2026 edition (32nd edition) of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in both Medical Malpractice Law Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation Plaintiffs. Bostwick has been recognized by Best Lawyers of America every year since its inception in 1983, a distinction achieved by only a select few attorneys nationwide. He was named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers for Medical Malpractice Law Plaintiffs, San Francisco, both in 2012 and in 2013. 2026 Best Lawyers in America The Best Lawyers in America is the annual U.S. publication by Best Lawyers, recognizing attorneys who have achieved excellence in their practice areas. A Purely Peer Review methodology is used, contributing to one of the legal industry's most rigorous and trusted vetting processes. Only 5% of lawyers in the United States and 3% globally are recognized, reflecting the selectivity and credibility of those selected. For this year's 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America, more than 26 million evaluations were analyzed. "It's an honor to be recognized by Best Lawyers in America for over four decades," said James Bostwick, Founding Attorney of Bostwick & Associates. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to do what I do and that's to help people who have endured catastrophic, life-altering injuries, guiding them through their most difficult times and fighting to secure the compensation they deserve." James Bostwick is one of the most respected medical malpractice and personal injury lawyers in the nation. He's cultivated a reputation as a top-tier specialist in catastrophic malpractice cases and has secured numerous record-setting verdicts and settlements throughout California and the country. His standing in the legal community is reflected by his inclusion in highly selective, invitation-only organizations, including the Inner Circle of Advocates, limited to the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in the U.S., The International Academy of Trial Lawyers (President 2003), limited to 500 of the nation's leading plaintiff and defense trial lawyers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. More information about James Bostwick can be found on his profile page on the Best Lawyers website or on the Bostwick & Associates website. Media Contact Allyson Wyles [email protected] 916.206.1891 SOURCE Bostwick & Associates NaiTel, a licensed telecommunications service provider in Jordan and the telecom arm of Aqaba Digital Hub (ADH Jordan's largest carrier-neutral data centre), and telecom services provider Telecom Egypt, have announced the completion of the laying of the 15-kilometre express subsea cable Coral Bridge connecting Egypt and Jordan, the first direct subsea cable between the two countries in over 25 years. After landing in Taba, Egypt, the cable was laid across the Gulf of Aqaba landing in Aqaba, Jordan. The partners say that Coral Bridge provides an express high-fibre-count digital link across the Gulf of Aqaba. Coral Bridge is also the first telecommunication subsea system to land at Telecom Egypt's new cable landing point in Taba part of the company's broader, recently established international digital infrastructure in the Sinai Peninsula. In Jordan, the cable landed at ADH's Tier III carrier-neutral facility in Aqaba, supporting redundancy and recovery strategies for businesses, including enterprises and hyperscalers hosted in the data centre. By leveraging both countries' strategic locations and Telecom Egypt's extensive subsea ecosystem, Coral Bridge provides seamless onward connectivity across Asia, Africa and Europe. The 15-kilometre cable, equipped with 48 fibre pairs, is designed for transporting over 1 Petabit of data traffic, supporting the growing demand for data-intensive digital applications such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence. In addition, say the project partners, its short length significantly reduces latency and lowers data costs. It's also an opportunity. As Mohamed Nasr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Telecom Egypt, explains: "The strategic proximity between Taba and Aqaba creates a vital opportunity to establish a robust corridor for data connectivity across the Middle East and Europe." He continues: "Through our collaboration with NaiTel, leveraging their carrier-neutral ecosystem in Aqaba via the Aqaba Digital Hub, the Coral Bridge subsea cable system will aggregate substantial regional traffic and channel it through Egypt's diverse terrestrial routes to the Mediterranean Sea. This critical infrastructure is key to meeting the region's growing data demands, supporting data centre expansion, and enhancing the resilience of subsea cable networks in the region." SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney William Kershaw and Attorney Jack Davis of Kershaw Talley Barlow in Sacramento, California, have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America 2026 (32nd Edition). Two attorneys of Kershaw Talley Barlow in Sacramento, California, have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America 2026 (32nd Edition). Attorney William Kershaw, the Managing Partner of the firm, was recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions Plaintiffs. He was first recognized in 2021, and he has earned recognition each year since. About his most recent recognition, he said, "I've long been proud to be recognized by Best Lawyers. This latest recognition only serves as another reminder about why I try my hardest to achieve great things for the clients that come to our firm with real problems." Attorney Jack Davis was recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for his work in Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation Plaintiffs. This marks his first time being recognized by Best Lawyers, but he looks forward to the chance to continue to earn this recognition throughout his career. "Best Lawyers is known nationwide for how carefully it selects honorees. I can't say how appreciative I am to be recognized as one of the 'Ones to Watch' this year," he said. Best Lawyers in America uses its Purely Peer Review methodology to review and rate attorneys from across the country. This system begins by collecting nominations from legal professionals who have been impressed by the work of other attorneys. The nomination survey can be summed up in one question: "If you couldn't take a case yourself, would you refer it to your nominee?" Recognition by Best Lawyers is truly a prestigious honor because it reflects trust and respect among legal peers who know firsthand just how much work goes into a winning case. To learn more about Best Lawyers, interested parties should visit the organization's official website: www.bestlawyers.com. More information about Attorney William Kershaw, Attorney Jack Davis, and the law firm of Kershaw Talley Barlow in Sacramento, California, can be found by visiting the law firm's official website: www.ktblegal.com. Media Contact Heather Ward [email protected] SOURCE Kershaw Talley Barlow "A Deep Dive into the Automotive Battery Management System Market: Exploring Growth Drivers, Strategic Collaborations, Competitive Landscape, and the Impact of Global Economic Factors" BOSTON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, the "Automotive Battery Management System: Global Markets" is projected to grow from $6.4 billion in 2025 to $13.9 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8% from 2025 to 2030. This report presents a detailed analysis of the automotive battery management systems (BMS) market, focusing on electric and fuel cell vehicles, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Internal combustion engine vehicles are outside the scope of the report. The market is segmented by offering, architecture, topology, propulsion, battery type, and vehicle type. Regional coverage includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other global regions. The report highlights leading players, their financials, product portfolios, and recent developments. This report is especially relevant now due to the global push toward electric mobility as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The growing adoption of EVs has intensified the demand for advanced battery management systems (BMS), which are essential for ensuring battery safety, performance, and longevity. As energy ecosystems evolve to include technologies like Vehicle to Grid (V2G) and renewable energy storage, the need for intelligent and efficient battery control systems becomes increasingly critical. The factors driving the market's growth include: Increasing Sales of EVs: The global surge in EV adoption is a major driver for the BMS market. As more electric cars, buses, and two-wheelers hit the roads, the demand for reliable battery management systems grows. BMS ensures optimal battery performance, safety, and longevity, making it a critical component in every EV. Focus on Battery Performance and Safety: Since batteries are the most valuable and sensitive part of an EV, there's a strong emphasis on enhancing their safety and efficiency. BMS helps prevent issues like overheating, overcharging, and short circuits while also extending battery life, making it essential for both manufacturers and consumers. Request a sample copy of the global market for automotive BMS report. Report Synopsis Report Metric Details Base year considered 2024 Forecast period considered 2025-2030 Base year market size $5.6 billion Market size forecast $13.9 billion Growth rate CAGR of 16.8% from 2025 to 2030 Segments covered Offering, Architecture Type, Topology, Propulsion Type, Battery Type, Vehicle Type, and Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (including South America, the Middle East, and Africa) Market drivers Increasing sales of EVs Growing focus on battery performance and safety Introduction of new regulations and policies Interesting facts: Stringent emission regulations and the global shift toward EV adoption in countries such as China , the U.S., and Germany have significantly increased demand for advanced automotive BMS to ensure safety and battery longevity. , the U.S., and have significantly increased demand for advanced automotive BMS to ensure safety and battery longevity. Major players in the BMS market are investing in innovations such as wireless BMS (wBMS) and AI-driven diagnostics, which reduce wiring complexity and enable predictive maintenance for EV batteries. The growing integration of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and second-life battery applications transforms BMS from a passive monitoring tool to a critical enabler of energy optimization and lifecycle management. Emerging startups: Bacancy Systems: Bacancy Systems provides embedded system services, including simple bare metal solutions and intricate distributed systems. The company has six offices worldwide and over 1,050 employees. With 13 years of experience, it has delivered over 2,500 projects. Bacancy Systems provides embedded system services, including simple bare metal solutions and intricate distributed systems. The company has six offices worldwide and over 1,050 employees. With 13 years of experience, it has delivered over 2,500 projects. Forlinx Embedded Technology Co., Ltd.: Forlinx Embedded designs and manufactures ARM-based embedded solutions and products, specializing in system-on-modules (SOMs), single-board computers (SBCs), and industrial embedded PCs. Forlinx Embedded designs and manufactures ARM-based embedded solutions and products, specializing in system-on-modules (SOMs), single-board computers (SBCs), and industrial embedded PCs. Midtronics, Inc.: Midtronics specializes in developing advanced diagnostic equipment and cloud-based analytics platforms to support the service and maintenance of traditional as well as EV batteries. Its product lineup includes battery testers, diagnostic chargers, service tools, and the BMIS. With over 200 patents, the company focuses on innovations such as conductance profiling and EV battery module balancing. The report addresses the following questions: What are the projected size and growth rate of the market? The global automotive battery management system (BMS) market was valued at $5.6 billion in 2024 and will reach $13.9 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 16.8%. Which factors are driving the growth of the market? The factors include: Increasing sales of EVs Growing focus on battery performance and safety Introduction of new regulations and policies Which market segments are covered in the report? The market is segmented based on component, type, topology, propulsion, battery, vehicle, and region. Which component will be dominant through 2030? The hardware segment will dominate the market through 2030. Which region has the largest market share? Asia-Pacific holds the largest share of the global market. What are the challenges and opportunities in the market? Challenges: High implementation cost Complexity in integration and configuration Opportunities: Demand for advanced diagnostic and predictive maintenance of batteries Integration of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology Market leaders include: ANALOG DEVICES INC. AVL CONTINENTAL AG EATRON TECHNOLOGIES ELITHION INC. HELLA GMBH & CO. KGAA FICOSA INTERNATIONAL SA INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG LG ENERGY SOLUTION NXP SEMICONDUCTORS REC RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP. ROBERT BOSCH GMBH SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES INC. STMICROELECTRONICS Related reports: Next-Generation Advanced Batteries: Global Markets: This report reviews the global next-generation advanced batteries market, highlighting their applications across industries. It explores emerging technologies, market trends, and competitive dynamics, while also examining ESG initiatives and macroeconomic influences. Covering regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and others, the report offers market forecasts through 2029 and includes profiles of leading companies in the sector. Global EV Battery Swapping Market: This report reviews the global EV battery swapping market, covering battery types, station models, and service options like subscriptions and pay-per-use. It explores applications across vehicle categories, highlights emerging technologies and trends, and analyzes the competitive landscape. The report also considers ESG developments and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and provides regional insights and company profiles. Purchase a copy of the report direct from BCC Research. For further information on any of these reports or to make a purchase, contact [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 BEIJING, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout human history, there have always been individuals who have stepped forward at critical moments and illuminated the darkness with their actions and spirit. My grandfather John Rabe (18821950) is one of them. He was a German businessman and member of the Nazi Party who moved to China in 1908 and later became the Siemens company representative in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. He is widely recognized for his extraordinary humanitarian efforts in saving 250,000 Chinese civilians during the Nanjing Massacre in 193738. Thomas Rabe, recipient of Friendship Envoy Award of the 2025 Orchid Awards and author of Rabe and China, is the grandson of John Rabe (WEI YAO) On August 2, 1908, John Rabe arrived in China, thus beginning the indissoluble bond between the country and the Rabe family. In 1937, faced with the invasion of Japanese troops, my grandfather, who had lived in China for nearly 30 years, resolutely decided to remain in Nanjing. In his diary, he wrote, "The country that has been my host for 30 years is facing severe difficulties. Should we not try to help them? At least let us save some people." Together with over 20 international friends who remained in Nanjing, he established the "International Safety Zone," saving the lives of 250,000 Nanjing civilians. His diary, The Diaries of John Rabe, became irrefutable evidence exposing the atrocities committed by the Japanese invaders and a testament to the cruelty of war and the greatness of humanity. In 2025, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, we have reached a special moment to honour those who fought for peace and justice. Rabe and China is a book that explores the Rabe family's 117-year connection to China, spanning four generations. It is not only a historical document and a family biography, but also a mirror reflecting the brilliance of humanity. It was first released over 10 years ago without an ISBN number and was available in English and Spanish. The Chinese version of Rabe and China was published by Beijing-based Research Press in January 2024. To make the content precise, I meticulously compiled a vast collection of family archives and related documents, which is imbued with family emotions and profound insights. After a decade of effort, I compiled all the family archives and completed the book. This book, with its detailed historical records, valuable archival documents, and richly illustrated presentation, recreates the century-long exchanges and friendship between four generations of the Rabe family and China, making it a precious family biography. The book provides a detailed day-by-day record of John Rabe's efforts, alongside international colleagues, to establish a 4-square-km safety zone that sheltered 250,000 Nanjing civilians from December 13, 1937 to February 1938. This book includes firsthand evidence of Japanese atrocities and details of refugee relief operations. The book is the first publication that contains the original report John Rabe submitted to Adolf Hitler upon his return to Germany in 1938. It also features an assessment by German Ambassador to China, Erwin Wickert, who hailed Rabe as a "beacon of humanitarianism." With 120 historical images and 350,000 words of annotations, the volume offers multidimensional perspectives for research on the Nanjing Massacre. The book not only represents John Rabe's heroic deeds but also presents the authentic memories of multiple historical witnesses. The rich perspectives of the characters and the explanations of those who experienced the events firsthand have become one of the distinctive features of Rabe and China. In Chapter Four, "Witnessing History," I listed the records of 14 international friends and several media professionals, including George Fitch, John Magee, Minnie Vautrin, and Oscar Trautmann, regarding that special period of history. Although these international friends had different backgrounds, they were all eyewitnesses and participants in history, and their life journeys were intertwined with the city of Nanjing and John Rabe in various ways. Chapter Eight, "Diverse Interpretations," showcases how people around the world have commemorated John Rabe's humanitarian spirit through various artistic forms. From books to operas, from paintings to films, each work is a tribute to my grandfather and a profound reflection on that period of history. This cross-cultural exchange and resonance demonstrate that humanitarianism knows no borders, transcending time and space to touch the hearts of people everywhere. Rabe and China is not merely a book that looks back at history; it is also a book that looks forward to the future. Chapter 10, "Shared Destiny" details the story of how I established six John Rabe Exchange Centers around the world to promote my grandfather's humanitarian spirit. These centers are not only places for research and education but also platforms for fostering international cooperation and spreading the ideals of peace. I have pledged to donate all royalties from this book to charitable causes, reflecting my commitment to my grandfather's legacy and his sense of social responsibility. The publication of Rabe and China would not have been possible without the support of many individuals, including Prof. Ruan Xiangyan from Beijing Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, and Prof. Liang Yi from Beijing Union University. Every step of the process has been a testament to the collective wisdom and dedication of all involved. This work is a testament to collective effort, reminding us that the memory of history should be cherished and the value of peace must never be forgotten. Chinese President Xi Jinping said in 2014, "The Chinese people remember Rabe for his great love for life and the pursuit of peace." In this challenging world, the publication of Rabe and China is not only a testimony to history, but also a call to action. It inspires us to remember history and carry forward the spirit of humanitarianism. By learning from the past, we can cultivate virtue. I hope that every reader will gain insights from this book and join us in safeguarding this precious legacy, so that it may serve as a beacon for future generations. The author is John Robe's grandson, winner of Friendship Envoy Award of the 2025 Orchid Awards, and a retired Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Heidelberg University in Germany Comments to [email protected] SOURCE Beijing Review New technique offers faster recovery, less discomfort, and better outcomes for patients previously told they were not candidates for dental implants. CLEARWATER, Fla., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, a leading periodontal and implant dentistry practice in Clearwater, Florida, is now offering indirect sinus grafting a minimally invasive procedure that prepares the upper jaw for successful dental implant placement. This advanced technique is ideal for patients with insufficient bone height in the posterior upper jaw, providing a stable foundation for long-term implant success. Britten Periodontics state-of-the-art facility in Clearwater, Florida, where advanced periodontal and implant procedures such as indirect sinus grafting are performed with patient comfort and precision. Unlike traditional sinus lift procedures, indirect sinus grafting gently lifts the sinus membrane and places bone graft material through a less invasive approach. This reduces healing time, discomfort, and risk, making implant placement possible for more patients. "Indirect sinus grafting is a game-changer for patients who were once told they couldn't get dental implants due to bone loss in the upper jaw. This minimally invasive technique allows us to safely and comfortably create the bone support needed for implants, with less discomfort and quicker healing," says Dr. Todd Britten, DMD, MS, board-certified periodontist. "Our goal is always to provide the most advanced care in the least invasive way possible, and this procedure helps us do just that for our Tampa Bay patients." Technology-Driven Precision and Patient-Focused Care What sets Britten Periodontics apart is its use of CBCT 3D imaging for highly accurate treatment planning, combined with a personalized approach by a board-certified periodontist. Each graft is tailored to the patient's anatomy, ensuring optimal results. This procedure is fully integrated into the practice's in-house dental implant workflow, reducing the need for outside referrals and ensuring continuity of care from start to finish. Benefits of indirect sinus grafting include: Less invasive than traditional sinus lifts Reduced patient discomfort Shortened recovery time Lower risk of complications Improved implant success rates Now Accepting New Patients and Referrals Patients in the Tampa Bay area who have been told they lack the bone for implants are encouraged to explore this advanced option. Britten Periodontics welcomes both new patients and referrals from general dentists. Britten Periodontics is a leading periodontal and dental implant practice committed to delivering the highest standard of care with a focus on patient comfort, education, and long-term oral health. Located in Clearwater, Florida, the practice is led by Dr. Todd Britten, a board-certified periodontist specializing in advanced periodontal therapies and dental implantology. Britten Periodontics offers a comprehensive range of services, including periodontal therapy, dental implants, bone and soft tissue grafting, and cutting-edge laser-assisted treatments such as LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) for gum disease and LAPIP for peri-implantitis. The practice also utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including 3D cone beam imaging (CBCT), to ensure precise, individualized treatment planning. With a reputation for excellence, innovation, and compassionate care, Britten Periodontics helps patients achieve healthier smiles in a modern, supportive environment. SOURCE Todd M Britten, DMD, LLC. DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced the launch of the World Series of Trading (WSOT) first-ever Onchain Wave on the Solana blockchain. The event is now live and runs through to September 15, 2025, 10AM UTC, featuring more than $1 million in rewards across BBSOL and USDC, open to participants on both Bybit Web3 and Byreal platforms. CEX and DEX users share one leaderboard, competing on the same stage. Bybit Deepens WSOT via Collaboration with Byreal on Solana Bybit WSOT Launches First Onchain Wave on Solana with Over $1 Million in Rewards This year's WSOT Onchain Wave launches with robust ecosystem support across top Solana-based projects and platform partners. Among them are xStocks, Sanctum, DeFiTuna,Sonic SVM, CUDIS and Fragmetric, each contributing unique trading, liquidity, and asset opportunities for participants. The WSOT Onchain Wave is rooted in deep collaboration within the Solana ecosystem via Byreal, harnessing Solana's speed, scalability, and developer depth to deliver professional grade trading experiences with full onchain transparency. Emily Bao, founder of Byreal, elaborated, "Byreal's mission is to make onchain trading as deep, fast, and credible as the best centralized markets. Partnering with WSOT on Solana and joining forces with an unprecedented roster of ecosystem partners lets us open the doors of the world's largest trading competition to the DeFi-native community for the very first time." The Onchain Wave combines competitive trading and liquidity rewards: Weekly Competition : Up to 250 BBSOL distributed among the top 200 traders each week, with a total of 650 BBSOL across four weeks. : Up to 250 BBSOL distributed among the top 200 traders each week, with a total of 650 BBSOL across four weeks. Grand Competition : 1,650 BBSOL shared among the top 1,000 traders overall. : 1,650 BBSOL shared among the top 1,000 traders overall. 6th Anniversary Bonus : In celebration of WSOT's 6th anniversary, a special surprise reward awaits both weekly and overall 6th-place winners. : In celebration of WSOT's 6th anniversary, a special surprise reward awaits both weekly and overall 6th-place winners. Warrior Reward : Traders with $10,000+ in volume, even without leaderboard placement, will share a 900 BBSOL pool. : Traders with $10,000+ in volume, even without leaderboard placement, will share a 900 BBSOL pool. Byreal-Exclusive Rewards: Liquidity providers can earn daily payouts from a 650,000 USDC reward pool by keeping eligible pools active. Participation Bybit Web3 : Users can join by logging in with their Bybit account, trading WSOT marked assets through Bybit Web3. But must have Individual Identity Verification Lv. 1 completed and be on Bybit app version 5.0.0 or above . Users can join by logging in with their Bybit account, trading WSOT marked assets through Bybit Web3. But must have completed and be on . Byreal : Access is currently whitelist-only, with entry via Solana wallet connection. Active Solana users may gain whitelist access as soon as the next day. Trading of WSOT-tagged tokens on either platform counts toward both weekly and overall leaderboards. A minimum trading volume is required to qualify for rewards; thresholds range from $5,000 up to $500,000 depending on leaderboard position and round. This debut Onchain Wave marks a new chapter for WSOT, combining onchain innovation with competitive trading to celebrate its sixth anniversary. Restrictions and user requirements apply. For the full sets of rules and terms and conditions, users may visit: WSOT 2025. #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk /#WSOT2025 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 . For 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 Baker Distributing Company LLC allegedly failed to provide employees with accurate wages due to missed meal breaks. This allegedly resulted in violations of various California Labor codes. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** FRESNO, Calif., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sacramento employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Baker Distributing Company LLC violated the California Labor Code. The Baker Distributing Company LLC class action lawsuit, Case No. 25CECG03422, is currently pending in the Fresno County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here . The Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP According to the lawsuit filed, Baker Distributing Company LLC allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods , (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-203, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. Allegedly, the Defendant required Plaintiffs to work from time to time interrupted by work assignments while clocked out from what should have been Plaintiffs' off-duty meal break. Resulting in Defendant rounding the meal period time to avoid paying penalties to Plaintiffs. As a result of Plaintiffs' rigorous work schedules, employees'were from time to time unable to take thirty (30) minutes off duty meal breaks and were not fully relieved of duty for their meal periods. Employees were also allegedly required to perform work as ordered by Defendant for more than five (5) hours during some shifts without receiving a meal break. Defendant allegedly violated Cal. Lab. Code 1194, 1197, and 1197.1 . For more information about the class action lawsuit against Baker Distributing Company LLC, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** Media Contact Nicholas De Blouw Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP (800) 568-8020 [email protected] https://www.bamlawca.com/ SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP GREENFIELD, Ind., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity Property Management, L.L.C. (EPM) is proud to announce the groundbreaking of Whitman Villas, the second major residential development in Hancock Gateway Park, a 200-acre Planned Unit Development. Named in honor of Walt Whitman, the luxury townhome community represents the next phase of EPM's $460 million master-planned mixed-use community, strategically located just south of I-70 and west of Mt. Comfort Road in the Mount Comfort Corridor. Aerial rendering of the Whitman Villas development Whitman Villas is designed to meet the rising demand for housing in the rapidly expanding Mount Comfort Corridorjust minutes from downtown Indianapolis. The community will feature 108 luxury townhomes with a range of spacious floor plans, from 2BR/1.5BTH (1,285 sq. ft.) to 3BR/3.5BTH (1,507 sq. ft.). The first homes are slated for rental in Spring 2026, with full community completion expected in the second half of 2026. Each residence will offer premium finishes, direct-access two-car garages, and contemporary layouts that reflect EPM's commitment to best-in-class communities. Planned community amenities include: Pickleball court Clubhouse Fitness and business centers Resort-style swimming pool Grill deck and outdoor gathering spaces Dog park EPM will host an official groundbreaking ceremony with community partners and local stakeholders on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM. Attendees can park at Riley Crossing Apartments located at 6857 Poetry Pl, Greenfield, IN 46140. Brief remarks will be followed by the ceremonial turning of the soil and a photo opportunity to mark this milestone for Hancock Gateway Park. Whitman Villas follows the successful completion of Riley Crossing at Gateway Park Apartments, delivered in Fall 2024 as the first phase of market rate residential development at Hancock Gateway Park. Riley Crossing introduced 204 modern apartments across six three-story buildings, establishing a vibrant foundation for the growing community. Limited apartment availability remainsvisit www.rileycrossingapts.com for details. John H. Cox, President and CEO of EPM, made the following statement: "Whitman Villas marks another important step in realizing our vision for Hancock Gateway Park. Building on the momentum of Riley Crossing, this new townhome community will provide families and professionals with a luxury living option that combines modern design, convenience, and direct access to one of the fastest-growing corridors in Central Indiana. We are proud to continue our partnership with Hancock Regional Hospital and remain committed to the growth and vitality of Hancock County." About Equity Property Management, L.L.C. Equity Property Management, L.L.C. (EPM) is a fully integrated Midwest real estate management company specializing in the development and management of high-quality multifamily communities for its affiliated investment groups. With more than 28 years of experience in acquisitions, development, and property management, EPM currently oversees over $500 million in real estate assets across 25 multifamily communities totaling 2,925 units in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. EPM is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana. For more information, visit: epmapts.com SOURCE Equity Property Management Michelin-starred chef and Ever founder brings lessons from his memoir, Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef, to Escoffier during exclusive campus visit BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Curtis Duffy, acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and advisory board member for Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts , visited the school's Boulder campus today to lead an exclusive professional development session for chef instructors and to meet with students during a special campus event connected to his new memoir written with Jeremy Wagner and published with Dead Sky Publishing, Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef . Michelin-starred chef and Ever founder Curtis Duffy brings lessons from his memoir, Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef, to Escoffier's Boulder campus recently during an exclusive visit. The on-campus engagement marked the only culinary school visit on Duffy's national book tour and followed a public event the night prior at Boulder Bookstore, where he spoke with Escoffier Boulder Campus President and Provost Kirk T. Bachmann in front of a crowd of 50+ ticket holders. During the event, Duffy discussed the emotional and professional journey chronicled in Fireprooffrom personal tragedy to global culinary acclaim. At Escoffier, Duffy led an in-depth professional development session for faculty, sharing insights on mentorship and the lasting influence of his own mentors. He discussed the responsibility of giving back, leading by example, and outlined strategies for preparing the next generation of culinary professionals. He spoke about cultivating resilience, encouraging students to think creatively, honing technical skills, nurturing curiosity, and modeling the professional standards that define success in the kitchen. "Shift your mindset to how much of a privilege it is to do something you love to do," Duffy told the group. "I'm honored to work every day to help my younger staff achieve their goals." He added that faculty should always strive to "set the standard to do better every day." Chef Duffy's time on campus included connecting with students, signing copies of Fireproof and offering brief words of encouragement during his visit. "This session gave our faculty an opportunity to learn from one of the industry's most accomplished chefs," said Bachmann, who also moderated the campus discussion. "Curtis's honesty, humility, and insight offer our instructors new ways to support and inspire the next generation of culinary talent. He's considered part of the Escoffier family and his continued involvement strengthens the connection between our classrooms and the realities of the industry." Photos from the campus event show Duffy engaging with faculty, exchanging ideas, and sharing meaningful moments from Fireproofa memoir that resonates far beyond the kitchen. More about Escoffier Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is the largest culinary school brand in the U.S.* (based on comparable student population data currently reported in IPEDS). Escoffier's programs blend a classic and contemporary approach to culinary education, emphasizing sustainability and business skills. Escoffier is ranked No. 1 and 2 on Niche's 2025 Best Colleges for Culinary Arts list. Both the Boulder and Austin campuses are Great Place to Work-Certified institutions. For more information, visit www.escoffier.edu . SOURCE Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts VALLEJO, Calif., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the 125th anniversary of Farberware, the iconic American kitchen brand beloved by generations of home cooks. Its enduring legacy began in 1900, when inventor Simon Farber arrived in America and crafted his first tin and copper housewares in a small shop on New York City's Lower East Side.Today, Farberware cookware continues its tradition of crafting thoughtfully designed, innovative, high-quality kitchenware families can rely onno matter what's cooking. Farberware Classic Series 8 Piece Cookware Set in Aqua. For 125 years, Farberware cookware has helped families cook with confidence, turning everyday meals into lasting memories. Over the years, Farberware has expanded and refined its cookware collection to keep pace with evolving lifestyles and tastes, while staying true to its commitment to quality, value, and convenience. From reliable aluminum and stainless-clad cookware to the iconic stovetop coffee percolator and the latest in ceramic nonstick, Farberware continues to innovate and uphold its place as one of America's most trusted cookware brands. To celebrate this milestone, Farberware is debuting a special collection of limited-edition 125th Anniversary products, including some that will be available for purchase exclusively at www.FarberwareCookware.com this summer: In partnership with Macy's, Farberware is celebrating its 125th Anniversary with the Farberware Brilliance Limited Edition 11 Piece Set ($139.99) featuring the 1 Qt. saucepan, 3 Qt. saucepan and lid, 6 Qt. stockpot and lid, 3 Qt. saute pan, 8" and 10" frypans, 9"x13" baking sheet, slotter turner, and slotted spoon. Available exclusively at Macys.com Farberware's 125th anniversary celebration also honors America's rich culinary heritage. In partnership with cookbook authors from across the country, Farberware is proud to share what American cooking means to them. Featured on www.Farberwarecookware.com, an ensemble of talented contemporary cooks will showcase what American cooking means to them, each from their own unique perspective. Three featured culinary influencers currently include Marisel Salazar, an American Latina who spent time in Japan (author of Latin-Ish: 100 Recipes Celebrating American Latino Food), Renato Poliafito, who grew up cherishing his mom's Sicilian cooking (author of Dolci! American Baking with an Italian Accent) and Kiano Moju, a Kenyan-Nigerian American chef (author of AfriCali). For further information on Farberware, please visit the company's website, FarberwareCookware.com, and its social media feeds, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, or call its toll-free number, 800-809-7166. Pricing is suggested retail and may be subject to change. We strongly advise contacting us to confirm before publishing. FarberwareCookware.com offers an exciting affiliate program for media members and influencers. For more information and to partner, please visit Farberware Cookware Affiliates or email [email protected]. Established in 1900, Farberware is one of the most enduring brands in America, with a rich tradition of offering quality cookware that meets the needs and values of each new generation. Farberware cookware and bakeware are widely available at stores nationwide and offered by California-based Meyer Corporation, one of the largest cookware companies in America. In addition to Farberware, brands sold by Meyer include Anolon, Circulon, Hestan, Ruffoni, KitchenAid, Rachael Ray, and BonJour. SOURCE Meyer Corporation U.S. New Features Include Updated Products and Final Release of Limited-Edition Anniversary Tools LEBANON, Ind., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Festool, a leader in innovative, precision-engineered and durable power tool solutions, today announced new accessory offerings designed to enhance precision for professionals who take tools on-the-go. As part of its Fall product launch, the company also released updates to its CT 15 and CT MIDI I Dust Extractors and a limited-edition product to celebrate its 100-year anniversary. "Our fall product line-up is focused on supporting professionals with products that will help streamline their experience on the job. The MB 40 Mobile Drilling Attachment can be transported from job to job to enable easily replicable, perfectly perpendicular drilling," said Rick Bush, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Festool. "This new sidekick, plus items like the one-handed clamp and copying rings in the new OF 1010 Imperial Systainer, help ensure precision so you can focus on the heavy lifting." MB 40 Mobile Drilling Attachment: The New Drilling Sidekick The new portable drilling device from Festool is designed to provide guidance for perfectly straight, 90 drilling, no matter the surface. Compatible with Festool drills equipped with FastFix, features include: Depth-Control: Easily dial in the desired depth, lock in the drill and drill up to two-inch deep with clear depth marking in mm or inches. Easily dial in the desired depth, lock in the drill and drill up to two-inch deep with clear depth marking in mm or inches. Compact for Easy Transportation: Packed in a Systainer to keep items in order, the MB 40 is compact and easy to carry to any jobsite or shop. FS-EZ 150 One-handed Clamp: One Clamp for Various Functions The compact one-handed clamps support a wide range of applications to increase speed and efficiency on the job. Benefits include: Grip, Adjust and Release: Tool-free conversion from clamping to spreading by repositioning the top jaw. Tool-free conversion from clamping to spreading by repositioning the top jaw. Save Time with a Free Hand: Intuitive, one-handed operation thanks to the ergonomic pump-action lever that makes it easy to clamp a guiderail or workpiece while holding a drill in the other hand. Legacy Product Updates: OF 1010, CT 15 I & CT MIDI Enhancements Festool's routing and dust extraction product updates: OF 1010 Imperial Accessory Kit: The comprehensive kit is stored in a Systainer and features a guide rail adapter, template guides, base runners and more. The new copying rings come in a range of diameters for routing along any type of template. The comprehensive kit is stored in a Systainer and features a guide rail adapter, template guides, base runners and more. The new copying rings come in a range of diameters for routing along any type of template. CT MIDI I & CT 15 Dust Extractor Upgrades: To harmonize the experience across all Festool dust extractors, the CT MIDI I and CT 15 feature enhancements to the control panel. 100-Year Limited Editions: Sparking the Next Century of Innovation Celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2025, Festool is launching its final limited edition anniversary product of the year, the RO 150 Limited Edition Systainer. The limited edition ROTEX RO 150 comes housed in a unique blue 100th Anniversary Systainer. Pricing & Availability Starting September 18, the MB 40 Mobile Drilling Attachment (577971) will be available at $263.94. The FS-EZ 150 One-handed Clamp (578623) will be available at $48.76. The OF 1010 Imperial Accessory Kit (578047) will be available at $333.90. The copying rings (578721-5) may be purchased separately, starting at $21.20. The CT MIDI I (578512) will be available at $719.74. The CT 15 (578441) will be available at $444.14. The limited edition ROTEX RO 150 (578238) will be available at $687.94. Limited Edition products are available as supplies last at participating dealers. For more information, please visit: https://www.festoolusa.com/builtbetter. About Festool For 100 years, Festool has been at the forefront of developing innovative, precision-engineered and durable power tool solutions. In 2025, the Company celebrates 100 years of redefining what's possible with systems-based power tools that are designed for efficiency and high performance. Founded in Germany in 1925, Festool has built its legacy on the mission, "Built Better To Build Better." This drives the Company to create products that empower professional tradespeople to elevate their skills and deliver outstanding work by helping them build cleaner, faster, smarterbetter. Join Festool as it looks ahead to the next 100 years of innovation. To learn more, visit: www.festoolusa.com/festool100. Festool USA is based in Lebanon, Indiana. For more information, visit www.festoolusa.com or www.festoolcanada.com. SOURCE Festool USA The News in Brief Thursday, August 21, 2025 Opposition party Lelo leader Salome Samadashvili has warned that the prospect of Georgia's expulsion from the Council of Europe should serve as a grave warning to the public, saying it highlights the country's deepening isolation under the current government.Her remarks came after 51 members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) signed a declaration criticizing Georgia's democratic backsliding and raising the possibility of challenging the credentials of its delegation.Samadashvili, one of the leaders of the party Lelo - Strong Georgia, accused the ruling Georgian Dream government of undermining the country's European path. "The Council of Europe is the first and most significant European organization we joined many years ago. In essence, this marked the beginning of Georgia's path toward EU membership and integration into European space," she said.According to her, the government's record has moved Georgia further away from those commitments. "Today, our country is governed by a regime that is effectively an extension of Vladimir Putin's Russian regime in Georgia," she said. "Not a single recommendation or demand of the Council of Europe has been fulfilled to date; on the contrary, every step has been taken in the opposite direction."Samadashvili said the declaration by PACE deputies did not come as a surprise. "It was inevitable that the issue of Georgia's expulsion from the Council of Europe would eventually appear on the political agenda. Fortunately, this will not be a simple procedure and will require lengthy discussions," she noted. "The fact that this issue is now on the agenda should be a massive alarm bell for every citizen of Georgia, indicating where Ivanishvili and his Russian regime are leading the country."The Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC) has become the seventh civil society organization in Georgia to receive an inspection notice under the country's Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the controversial law that came into force in late May."In this letter, we are accused of violating the so-called 'foreign agents registration law,' threatened with criminal liability, and asked to explain why we have not registered as agents," the EPRC said in an August 20 statement.Letters cite financial records, publicly available information, and findings from a separate June inspection to argue that the NGOs' activities "could constitute political activity" under the law. The Bureau warns of potential criminal liability for failing to register as an "agent of a foreign principal" and requests explanations for missing deadlines.The letters also reference previous public statements by NGO representatives regarding their refusal to comply with a June court order and alleged destruction of documentation. Each organization has been given ten days to submit a response. AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstComm, a leading provider of voice, data, and managed services, today announced the launch of FusionOne, an all-in-one 5G SD-WAN solution designed to keep small and mid-sized businesses online, no matter what. Powered by Peplink's enterprise-grade SpeedFusion Technology, FirstComm's FusionOne solution combines a customer's existing broadband connection with a built-in 5G failover link, ensuring seamless, always-on internet access. For $140/month, the service includes pre-configured hardware, unlimited 5G backup, cloud monitoring, and 24/7/365 local support. Introducing FirstComm FusionOne, a fully-managed 5G SD-WAN solution designed to keep businesses online, no matter what. Post this "Serving more than 7,000 customers nationwide, our mission has always been clear: to keep businesses connected under any circumstances," said Paul Van Hyfte, CEO of FirstComm. "FusionOne is the next evolution of that mission, delivering secure, always-on connectivity that empowers our customers to stay focused on growing their business." Key Features of FusionOne Include: Unbreakable Connectivity FusionOne delivers a primary and seamless 5G backup connection in a single managed solution, ensuring no internet outages or dropped calls, and transactions/applications stay running without interruption. Simple Deployment, Reliable Support Pre-configured hardware, a scheduled installation call with technical expertise, and 24/7/365 monitoring and support by FirstComm make deployment and upkeep effortless. Flat $140 /Month, No Hidden Fees Hardware, 5G service, and support are all bundled at a predictable cost, making reliable connectivity affordable for small to mid-sized businesses. Built for Critical Industries FusionOne is particularly suited for industries where uptime is essential, including but not limited to banking, schools, and healthcare. From keeping financial transactions running to ensuring telehealth sessions and remote learning stay online, FusionOne delivers the reliability modern organizations require. Contact Information FusionOne is available now nationwide For more information about FusionOne and to get started, please visit www.FirstComm.com or call 800.860.1261. About FirstComm FirstComm is a trusted provider delivering transparent, custom-built communication solutions with a personal touch. With over 25 years of experience serving more than 7,000 customers nationwide, we help businesses grow by simplifying telecom and enhancing connections. Our future-ready solutions span cloud communications (UCaaS), secure connectivity (SD-WAN), voice, data, and managed services backed by expert guidance and dependable, 24/7/365 US-based support. SOURCE FirstComm Veteran diplomat and development leader brings her experience managing massive humanitarian operations to Ukraine-focused nonprofit PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nova Ukraine, the leading Ukrainian-American humanitarian organization, today announced the appointment of Ambassador Erin E. McKee as Chief Executive Officer. McKee brings more than two decades of diplomatic and development experience, most recently serving as USAID's Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia, where she led the agency's largest humanitarian response in history following Russia's re-invasion of Ukraine. Ambassador Erin E. McKee is a new Chief Executive Officer of Nova Ukraine During her tenure at USAID, McKee managed over $30 billion in support for Ukraine and the region, doubling her bureau's capacity in under two years while maintaining rigorous standards for accountability and impact. Her appointment comes at a critical juncture as Ukraine continues its fight for freedom and Nova Ukraine expands its mission from emergency response to long-term recovery and development. "I am deeply honored to join the extraordinary Nova Ukraine family at this pivotal moment," said Ambassador McKee. "Nova Ukraine represents a rare combination of grassroots passion and professional excellence that can bridge emergency response with sustainable empowerment. Nova Ukraine's mission focuses on supporting Ukraine and its people in building a strong, flourishing nation with an empowered civil society. To this end, my goal will be to forge this crisis into a catalyst for enduring Ukraine-America partnership." McKee's diplomatic career spans multiple continents and a variety of complex environments. She previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, and as Deputy Chief of Mission in Indonesia. Wherever she went, she has focused on building local capacity, forging authentic partnerships, and creating lasting impact in challenging geopolitical contexts. "Ambassador McKee's proven track record of managing large-scale humanitarian operations and her deep understanding of Ukraine make her the ideal leader to guide our next chapter as CEO," said Mikola (Nick) Bilogorskiy, Chairman of Nova Ukraine. Under McKee's leadership, Nova Ukraine will implement a strategic framework built on four integrated pillars: HEAL : Humanitarian Response and Saving Lives, and Ensuring Long-term Health of the Nation : Humanitarian Response and Saving Lives, and Ensuring Long-term Health of the Nation BUILD : Infrastructure and Economic Recovery : Infrastructure and Economic Recovery EMPOWER : Civil Society, Culture, Education and Social Mobility : Civil Society, Culture, Education and Social Mobility ADVOCATE: Policy Engagement and Awareness Building Founded in 2014, Nova Ukraine has delivered over $130 million dollars in humanitarian aid and services and has become a trusted bridge between Ukrainian needs and American support. The organization operates with teams in both the United States and Ukraine, maintaining deep community connections while scaling professional operations. In her initial period with Nova Ukraine, McKee plans to focus on stakeholder engagement and operational review, guided by what she describes as the 'Festina Lente' approach advancing with both urgency and care to support the organization's evolution. About Nova Ukraine Nova Ukraine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid and services to the people of Ukraine and raising awareness about Ukraine in the United States. Since 2014, the organization has served as a vital bridge between Ukrainian needs and American support, mobilizing resources for emergency response while building sustainable partnerships for long-term recovery. Learn more at novaukraine.org . Media Contact: Igor Markov, Board Director, Nova Ukraine | 424 332 8999 [email protected] SOURCE Nova Ukraine PuroClean Leader Honored by dBusiness for Advancing Michigan's Business Environment DETROIT, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Frank Torre, Vice Chairman of PuroClean and Co-CEO of Signal Restoration Services, has been named to dBusiness Magazine's "500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Michigan" list for the eighth consecutive year. This annual distinction honors executives who are shaping the future of Michigan's business environment, recognizing factors such as company size, growth rate, geographic reach, and the breadth of their professional networks. dBusiness Frank Torre "To be recognized for an eighth time by dBusiness is truly an honor," said Torre. "This reflects not only the work of the companies I've been privileged to lead, but also the outstanding teams and partners that continue to push our mission forward." Torre, a nationally recognized entrepreneur and advocate for supporting veterans in the U.S., is known for his transformational leadership in business, healthcare, and philanthropy. He rose to prominence as the founder of Torre & Bruglio, Inc., growing it into one of North America's largest commercial landscape and construction services firms. Today, he plays a central leadership role at two of the nation's premier restoration companies. At PuroClean, Torre leads the PuroVet Program, a national initiative empowering veterans with discounted pathways to franchise ownership and ongoing support for veteran Franchise Owners. He works closely with esteemed military leaders such as Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dick Miller and U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (Lt. Gen. Ret.), and in partnership with the National Veteran Business Development Council. PuroVet provides access to certification and supplier diversity resources. Similarly, Torre is a friend and supporter of Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization committed to honoring and supporting first responders and military service members. Torre's recent accolades include a special tribute from the State of Michigan at the Montford Point Marines Heritage Military Banquet, celebrating his work in veteran outreach, patriotism, and economic development. His civic commitments are equally expansive: Executive Board Member, Tenet Healthcare Tenet Healthcare Chairman , Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) and the RIM Foundation , Rehabilitation Institute of (RIM) and the RIM Foundation Chairman , Hope Ignites (Formerly Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit ) , Hope Ignites (Formerly Boys Hope Girls Hope of ) Board Member , Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce , Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Past Appointee, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board Torre has also spent over two decades partnering with Roger Penske to organize the Detroit Grand Prix and raise funds for the Belle Isle Conservancy. For more information about Torre as one of Michigan's most powerful business leaders or about PuroClean's PuroVet Program, visit PuroVet.com or call 855-PUROVET today! About PuroClean PuroClean is a leading, world-class service brand for property water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage mitigation, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up services, working with both residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2001, PuroClean is a diverse, fast-growing network of over 500 North American franchise locations, each independently owned and operated. With a commitment to respond within two hours, the professionals at PuroClean are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest cutting-edge mitigation technology to complete the remediation task at hand. About PuroVet PuroClean's PuroVet Program is a servant-based, system-backed program designed to empower veteran Franchise Owners to step into their next career as entrepreneurs, creating a legacy while providing a valuable community service. PuroClean's PuroVet Program allows qualified veterans the freedom to do what they do bestoffer service to the community while providing leadership during challenging times, all while backed by a proven system and a discount of 25% off the initial franchise fee. Veterans in the PuroClean network are supported by fellow veteran mentors and peers while being given the resources to begin their careers and find long-term success in franchising. For more information about the PuroVet Program, call 855-787-6838 or visit PuroVet.com. SOURCE PuroClean New specialized practice helping growth-minded MedTech companies build brands for valuation, not just visibility. MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Friends & Neighbors (F&N), a nationally recognized, results-driven branding agency, today announced the launch of F&N Med, a specialized practice dedicated to helping growth-minded MedTech companies use brand to align teams, create market differentiation, build trust, and drive enterprise value. Created for MedTech organizations navigating high-stakes moments such as market launches, category creation, and scaling for acquisition or IPO, F&N Med delivers belief-driven brand strategy and bold, authentic creative platforms that help companies stand out in complex markets and connect with confidence. "Over the past 13 years, we've helped brands across highly regulated categories clarify their story and earn lasting trust," said Mark Bubula, Co-Founder and President of Friends & Neighbors. "F&N Med sharpens that expertise for MedTech, while continuing to partner with healthcare organizations whose missions align with our belief in brand as a true force multiplier." F&N Med launches with a proven track record across the MedTech and broader healthcare marketing landscape. 25+ years of deep, niche expertise across MedTech, clinical care, healthcare, and public health Work contributing to three $1B MedTech acquisitions in the past three years: Relievant Medsystems, Cardiovascular Systems Inc. (CSI), and Preventice Solutions Leading partnerships with Boston Scientific (Cardiac and Urology) and Tactile Medical 25 career Effie Awards marketing's gold standard for effectiveness Current brand-defining work with WellSpan Health and the Minnesota Department of Health Past work with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and The Hormel Institute at the University of Minnesota (biomedical research) School of Public Health and The Hormel Institute at the (biomedical research) Experience leading major strategic brand/product launch initiatives for Medtronic, Nonin, UnitedHealth Group, and Optum "As we've seen firsthand, growth-stage MedTech brands that invest in belief-driven branding ultimately see it reflected in their market position, momentum, and valuation," said Tom Fugleberg, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Friends & Neighbors. "This launch is about focusing our experience, toolkit, and passion to help more MedTech companies unlock that potential." F&N Med blends surgically precise strategy with authentic, human creative, grounded in the agency's proven Brand Anthropology methodology. That foundation is accelerated by Anthrologix, its trademarked, tech-enabled toolkit that surfaces defining insights and strategies faster, designed for the urgency of MedTech. To learn more, visit: friends-neighbors.com/fn-med SOURCE Friends & Neighbors Annual study evaluates how effectively automakers bring new technologies to market 2025 Santa Fe receives two key mass-market recognitions: Driver Assist Award and Connected Vehicle Award J.D. Power's findings reflect Hyundai's consistent leadership in delivering advanced, customer-focused technology FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai has once again been recognized as the top mass-market brand in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S.Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study SM, marking the sixth consecutive year the brand has earned this distinction. Now in its tenth year, the TXI Study evaluates how effectively automakers bring new technologies to market. Based on feedback from more than 76,000 owners of 2025 model-year vehicles after 90 days of ownership, the study measures innovation, quality of execution, and the real-world usefulness of advanced features. Hyundai's leading performance reflects its ability to make cutting-edge technology intuitive, reliable, and valuable in everyday driving. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is photographed in California City, Calif., on November 9, 2023. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Digital Key 2 Premium The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has also been recognized with J.D. Power's Mass-Market Driver Assist and Connected Vehicle Awards. For the second consecutive year, Santa Fe's phone-based digital key technology received top honors, highlighting the convenience of accessing and sharing vehicle functions through a smartphone. In addition, the model was celebrated for its Blind-Spot View Monitor, which provides drivers with enhanced visibility and added confidence when changing lanes. "We appreciate this recognition because it demonstrates our focus that the best tech disappears into the drive, feeling natural from day one, building confidence behind the wheel, while continuing to be updated throughout the vehicle's life," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "We do this in service of a drive that is safer, smoother, and more satisfying. Hyundai's continued success in the TXI Study highlights its mission to democratize advanced technology, making premium innovations widely accessible to mass-market customers." Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premiumi Standard on nearly all 2025 Santa Fe trims, Digital Key 2 Premium technology allows drivers to unlock and start their vehicle using a smartphone app by leveraging Near-Field Communication (NFC), Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies, replacing the need for a traditional physical key fob. With Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium, owners can enjoy seamless access and enhanced control, all from the palm of their hand. Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)ii The Hyundai Santa Fe's Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) is a smart safety feature that helps drivers make safer lane changes. When the turn signal is activated, cameras on the vehicle's bodysides show a live video of the corresponding blind spot on the instrument cluster. This real-time view helps drivers spot nearby vehicles, cyclists, or other hazards that may be hidden from mirrors, reducing the risk of potential collisions while improving the driver's overall awareness and confidence. About the J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) StudySM The 2025 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study is based on responses from 76,230 owners of new 2025 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study was fielded from March 2024 through February 2025. The U.S. TXI Study complements the annual J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM and the J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM by measuring how effectively each automotive brand brings new technologies to market. The U.S. TXI Study combines the level of adoption of new technologies for each brand with excellence in execution. The execution measurement examines how much owners like the technologies and how many problems they experience while using them. For more information about the U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/automotive/us-tech-experience-index-txi-study. 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 recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok i Digital smartphone key requires a compatible smartphone and an appropriately equipped Hyundai vehicle. Not all smartphones are compatible. Hyundai vehicle must be equipped with smart key with push button start, wireless device charging, and Audio Video Navigation System 5.0 (or newer) or Display Audio 2.0. Tap to lock/unlock function works on front doors only. Requires MyHyundai with Bluelink app and active Bluelink account. Please visit www.MyHyundai.com for information on compatible devices. Features and specifications subject to change. See your Owner's Manual for additional details and limitations. ii Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) is available on select Hyundai vehicles. BVM assists driver in changing lanes by providing a live view of the blind spots on either side of the vehicle and an audible alert if another vehicle is detected. Turn signal must be activated and other system limitations apply. Do not rely exclusively on BVM. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations. SOURCE Hyundai Motor America New integration between MVP One's CMMS and I-care's decision support platform will enable industrial manufacturers to integrate Predictive Maintenance, powered by AI and IoT. HOUSTON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- I-care, a global leader in predictive maintenance and machine health, has announced a strategic partnership with MVP One, a market leader in turnkey maintenance management software. This alliance unites the two companies' predictive and real-time reliability engineering capabilities to enable customers to plan and execute downtime, rather than react to it. "Manufacturers face a double threat: unplanned downtime from reactive maintenance, and the complexity of managing labor, parts, and compliance across facilities. Traditional CMMS tools stop short, and predictive insights remain hidden in data silos," said Ben Detober, Deputy CEO of I-care Group. "To overcome this disjointed environment, I-care and MVP One have created a smarter maintenance capability that uses predictive analytics to transform industrial asset management." I-care's predictive maintenance technology uses AI, IoT, and vibration analysis to detect asset failures before they happen, while MVP One CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) captures all pending maintenance issues. As a result of this integration, customers can use predictive analytics to prioritize maintenance and repair tasks based on severity. "By combining MVP One's CMMS with I-care's AI-based predictive analytics, we have created a seamless reliability ecosystem, spanning work orders from waveforms," said Jonathan Clark, CEO of MVP One. "Customers will be able to triage maintenance and repairs in real time. Resolving maintenance and repair tasks during planned downtime minimizes the reactivity and cost of unexpected production-stopping asset failures." This first-ever complete reliability ecosystem detects asset failures before they happen. Putting reliability engineers in control of planning and executing maintenance tasks proactively allows impending maintenance and repair tasks to be prioritized based on severity. When reliability engineers use this solution, they can reduce downtime, extend the life of expensive industrial assets and assure the smooth operation of their plants. "Making all of I-see's predictive maintenance insights available within MVP One creates a seamless asset management and decision support platform data," said Ben Detober, Deputy CEO of I-care Group. "This I-care/MVP One integration is part of our larger initiative to become the single source of PdM data that reliability engineers depend on to keep their plants running smoothly." About MVP One MVP One CMMS/EAM software is a market leader in turnkey maintenance management, empowering organizations with easy-to-use software that boosts asset lifespan. Connecting maintenance teams with innovative technology and expert guidance to work more efficiently, boosting their competitive edge. For more information, visit www.mvpone.com About I-care The I-care Group is a global leader in predictive maintenance, monitoring hundreds of thousands of industrial machines worldwide with advanced technologiesincluding our own Wi-care vibration sensors. Our mission is to change the way the world performs. I-see, our AI-driven platform, integrates effortlessly with I-care solutions and external systems thanks to its open API. It gathers data from all PdM techniques, delivers equipment failure prediction months ahead, and feeds external systems with essential insights to optimize maintenance operations. Founded in 2004 in Belgium, I-care employs more than 950 people, operates 36 offices across 16 countries (Asia-Pacific, EMEA, and USA), and delivers worldwide expertise in reliability and predictive maintenance to customers in more than 55 countries. I-care has won several awards for its innovations, including ADM's 2024 Supplier Award for reliability services, the Factory Innovation Award at Hannover Messe, and the 2025 Solutions Award at The Reliability Conference. For more information on I-see, Wi-care and I-care's reliability technologies, visit www.icareweb.com SOURCE I-care The first heliophysics AI foundation model trained on high resolution solar observation data offers insights into the Sun's dynamic surface, helping plan for solar weather that can disrupt technology on Earth and in space Openly available on Hugging Face, the model was built to speed up scientific discovery and democratize AI for the global research and technology community Researchers also release the largest known curated heliophysics dataset to advance data driven space weather research YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y., Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) and NASA today unveiled the most advanced open-source foundation model designed to understand high resolution solar observation data and predict how solar activity affects Earth and space-based technology. Surya, named for the Sanskrit word for the Sun, represents a significant advancement in applying AI to solar image interpretation and space weather forecasting research, providing a novel tool to help protect everything from GPS navigation to power grids to telecommunications from the Sun's ever-changing nature. The Sun may be 93 million miles away, but its impact on modern life is immediate and growing. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections can knock out satellites, disrupt airline navigation, trigger power blackouts, and pose serious radiation risks to astronauts. With humanity's increasing dependence on space-based technology and plans for deeper space exploration, accurate solar weather prediction has become critical. As humanity's technological dependence grows, so does our vulnerability to space weather. According to a systemic risk scenario created by Lloyd's, the global economy could be exposed to losses of $2.4 trillion over a five-year period, with the expected loss of $17 billion from the threat of a hypothetical solar storm. Recent solar events1 have already demonstrated the risk, disrupting GPS services, forcing flight diversions, and damaging satellites. The effects of solar storms can cause: Damage to satellites, spacecraft and/or astronauts that are stationed beyond Earth Loss of satellite hardware, damaging solar panels and circuits Impact to airline travel, due to navigational errors and potential risk of radiation for airline crew and passengers Lowered food production as agriculture can be impacted by disrupted GPS navigation The implications include both academic research and operational preparedness. The new model will provide tools to help experts plan for solar storms, which can disrupt the Earth's technological infrastructure. "Think of this as a weather forecast for space," said Juan Bernabe-Moreno, Director of IBM Research Europe, UK and Ireland. "Just as we work to prepare for hazardous weather events, we need to do the same for solar storms. Surya gives us unprecedented capability to anticipate what's coming and is not just a technological achievement, but a critical step toward protecting our technological civilization from the star that sustains us." Traditional solar weather prediction relies on partial satellite views of the Sun's surface, historically making accurate forecasting extremely difficult. Surya addresses this typical limitation by training on the largest curated high resolution heliophysics dataset. This dataset is designed to help researchers better study and evaluate critical space weather prediction tasks. Examples of these tasks, which Surya has been tested on, include predicting solar flares, the speed of solar winds, solar EUV spectra prediction and the emergence of active regions on the Sun. In early testing, researchers report achieving a 16 percent improvement in solar flare classification accuracy, which researchers report as a very substantial improvement compared to previous methods. In addition to the binary solar flare classification task, Surya is built to visually predict solar flares for the first time, providing a high resolution image of where the flare is predicted to occur up to two hours out. The technical challenges were immense. Surya was trained on nine years of high-resolution solar observation data from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. These solar images are 10 times larger than typical AI training data, requiring a custom multi-architecture solution to handle the massive scale while maintaining efficiency. The result is a model with unprecedented spatial resolution that can resolve solar features at scales and contexts not previously captured in large-scale AI training workflows. "We are advancing data-driven science by embedding NASA's deep scientific expertise into cutting-edge AI models," said Kevin Murphy, chief science data officer at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "By developing a foundation model trained on NASA's heliophysics data, we're making it easier to analyze the complexities of the Sun's behavior with unprecedented speed and precision. This model empowers broader understanding of how solar activity impacts critical systems and technologies that we all rely on here on Earth." Surya is part of a broader effort at IBM to embrace generative and automated approaches that empower algorithms to be discovered, tested, and evolved at scale. Surya is one example of how IBM is positioning AI not just as a tool, but as a driver of scientific discovery. By releasing Surya on Hugging Face, IBM and NASA are democratizing access to advanced tools for understanding and forecasting solar weather and scientific exploration. Researchers worldwide can now build upon this foundation to develop specialized applications for their regions and industries. This model is part of a larger collaboration between IBM and NASA to use AI technology to explore our planet and solar system. It joins the Prithvi family of foundation models, which includes a geospatial model and a weather model. Last year, IBM and NASA released the Prithvi weather model on Hugging Face for scientists and the broader community to develop short- and long-term weather and climate projections. About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting delivers open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Media Contact Ashley Peterson IBM Research Communications [email protected] 1 Interplanetary Causes and Impacts of the 2024 May Superstorm on the Geosphere: An Overview IOPscience. Interplanetary Causes and Impacts of the 2024 May Superstorm on the Geosphere: An Overview, Hajra, Rajkumar, Tsurutani, Bruce Tsatnam, Lakhina, Gurbax Singh, Lu, Quanming, Du, Aimin. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad7462/meta SOURCE IBM Coalition Seeks to Halt OCM's Policy Reversal that Forces 152 Dispensaries to Move, Calls on State to Protect Small Businesses and New York's Regulated Cannabis Market NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of licensed cannabis operators are suing state regulators to block a new interpretation that would force at least 152 retailers to relocate or shut down. The lawsuit ( INDEX NO. 908591-25 ) regarding the abrupt, retroactive policy change was filed Aug. 15 in the New York Supreme Court in Albany against the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the Cannabis Control Board. On August 8th, Dispensaries and Local Policymakers Rallied on the Steps of New York City Hall Under the banner of "Save New York Legal Cannabis for All," Housing Works Cannabis Co and 11 other plaintiffs affected by the OCM's policy reversal seek to protect the ability of license holders across New York to operate compliantly in their previously approved locations, having followed every rule set forth nearly three years ago by the State. "The OCM's actions will jeopardize livelihoods, undermine social equity goals and further encourage consumers to turn to the illicit market," the coalition said in a joint statement. "The state threatens to cement a flawed system that forces taxpaying licensees to start over again, which is something we cannot afford to do." In July 2025, OCM announced a reinterpretation of how the agency measures the required distance between licensed dispensaries and schools. Through no fault of their own, affected operators are now forced to move and are now in a state of noncompliance, threatening their leases and license renewals, access to banking, insurance and the ability to garner investor money. The announcement sent shockwaves through New York, as OCM spent years in community review constructing their proximity policies to create a system that would create access to safe, regulated cannabis while ensuring operators and communities were supported. In a statement of support from the Cannabis Retail Alliance of New York (CRANY), President Jeremy Rivera and Director Matthew Robinson added, "We will not allow the foundation of this industry to be shaken by bureaucratic negligence. The livelihoods of real people, working families, local entrepreneurs, and legacy operators finally brought into the light are at stake. Communities that have embraced these stores, seen job creation, and felt the benefits of legal, safe access are now being told that their dispensaries are somehow "errors." That is unacceptable." Nearly 90% of affected dispensaries were owned by justice-involved individuals, many of whom are Black and Latino. These entrepreneurs were promised a path to generational wealth as a form of restitution for the War on Drugs. Women in the industry, already underrepresented, face financial ruin without having made a single sale. Veterans who served their country and returned to invest in their communities, are now being pushed out of the legal market they helped pioneer. They all now face crippling debt, eviction or closure. "We were now facing generational debt at the hands of OCM and New York State," said Osbert Orduna, a service disabled veteran of the Iraq War and the CEO of The Cannabis Place in Queens, New York City. Relying on OCM's guidelines and prior approvals, the plaintiffsall Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) or Social and Economic Equity (SEE) licenseessecured leases while awaiting government approval, completed costly buildouts, hired staff and, in many, cases opened their doors to the public. "It's a process that can take years and cost an exorbitant amount of money," said Matthew Bernardo, President of the nonprofit Housing Works, which operates the state's first licensed dispensary, Housing Works Cannabis Co, in New York City. "There is a misconception that the cannabis industry is incredibly lucrative and corporate, but the reality is that it's made up of independent small business owners operating on thin margins with high taxes and complicated regulations. Moving is simply not an option." The suit outlines 10 causes of action, including unlawful rulemaking under State Administrative Procedures Act (SAPA); arbitrary and capricious agency action; violations of state and federal due process and equal protection clauses; regulatory taking without compensation; and violation of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act's (MRTA) equity mandate. If granted, the relief sought would annul OCM's reinterpretation of 72(6), declare the plaintiffs' existing locations compliant and permanently enjoin the state from enforcing the new proximity measurement against them. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for August 29th. Plaintiffs include: Conbud The Cannabis Place Rezidue Summit Canna, LLC Hush High Fade Elise Pelka, LLC Housing Works Cannabis Co. Common Courtesy Dispensary, LLC Toastree, LLC Monarch Nyc, LLC Luxe Leaf Boutique, LLC SOURCE Housing Works Industry veteran brings more than 35 years of experience to new role PITTSBURGH, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, consulting and technology services, today announced that the firm has appointed Eric Frary, P.E., as Parent Office Executive for its Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin locations. In this role, Mr. Frary will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across four Michael Baker offices within the Great Lakes Regionensuring alignment with company goals, spearheading team innovation and talent development and advancing excellence in project delivery as One Michael Baker. He will also focus on driving growth in new and existing markets and expanding the firm's impact across the region. "Eric is a respected and established leader within Michael Baker and our industry at-large. He has a proven track record of growth, which stems from his unwavering focus on building strong teams, mentoring emerging leaders and cultivating lasting client relationships. His commitment to operational excellence has elevated both project delivery and our workforce's performance," said Daniel Filer, Executive Vice President Operations at Michael Baker International. "Over nearly three decades, Eric has fostered a culture of camaraderie, which has strengthened collaboration and workshare and reinforces our One Michael Baker approach to serving our clients with excellence. I look forward to Eric continuing to exemplify this high standard with our clients and colleagues in his new role." Mr. Frary has 35 years of experience in operational excellence, financial planning and forecasting, talent management, client care and project management. He joined Michael Baker in 1997 and most recently served as Office Executive for Philadelphia Area Operations, where for 28 years, he successfully led its growth from a five-person startup project office in Horsham, Pennsylvania, to a three-office, 100+ person multidisciplinary consultancy. Mr. Frary holds a Master of Engineering degree in Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University. In 2024, he was honored with the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania (ACEC/PA) Distinguished Award of Merit for his contributions in advancing the consulting engineering profession and support to ACEC/PA. About Michael Baker International Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering, consulting and technology services spanning three distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Integrated Design and Advisory (IDA) and GovTech. The firm's Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For 85 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS). The company has more than 5,100 employees across more than 90 office locations. Michael Baker's Wolf Pack is committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while evolving its business to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/. Contact: Julia Covelli [email protected] (866) 293-4609 SOURCE Michael Baker International Hosting Call at 5:00 pm ET on Thursday, August 28th European Q&A Session on Friday, August 29th at 8:30am ET CALGARY, AB, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Nanalysis Scientific Corp. ("the Company", TSXV: NSCI, OTCQX: NSCIF, FRA: 1N1), a leader in portable NMR instruments and imaging technology and services for industrial and research applications announces that on Thursday, August 28th, 2025, the Company will put out a press release and Chief Executive Officer Sean Krakiwsky and Chief Financial Officer Randall McRae will host a conference call at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time to discuss the results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. Investors interested in participating in the live call can dial 1-437-900-0527 or 1-888-510-2154 from abroad. Investors can also access the call online through a listen-only webcast here: https://app.webinar.net/qrKemn9Rxv0 or on the investor relations section of the Company's website HERE. The webcast will be archived on the Company's investor relations webpage for at least 90 days, and a telephonic playback will be available for seven days after the conference call by calling 1-888-660-6345 or 1-289-819-1450, conference ID # 83432. Additionally, the Company will be hosting a Q&A session for its European investors at 8:30am ET on Friday, August 29th which can be accessed by the following link: Join the meeting now. About Nanalysis Scientific Corp. (TSXV: NSCI, OTCQX: NSCIF, FRA:1N1) Nanalysis Scientific Corp. in operates two primary business segments: Scientific Equipment and Security Services. Within its Scientific Equipment business is what the Company terms "MRI and NMR for industry". The Company develops and manufactures portable Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers or analyzers for laboratory and industrial markets. The NMReady-60 was the first full-feature portable NMR spectrometer in a single compact enclosure requiring no liquid helium or any other cryogens. The Company has followed up that initial offering with new products and continues to have a strong innovation pipeline. In 2020, the Company announced the launch of its 100MHz platform, which has the highest usable field on a fully featured benchtop NMR on the market. In early 2025, the Company launched its new 60MHz instrument which is based on the successful 100MHz product line. The Company's devices are used in many industries (oil and gas, chemical, mining, pharma, biotech, flavor and fragrances, agrochemicals, law enforcement, and more) as well as numerous government and university research labs around the world. The Company is working to expand into new global market opportunities independently and with partners. With its partners, the Company provides scientific equipment sales and maintenance services globally. Within the Company's Security Services business, the core activity is providing airport security equipment maintenance in each province and territory of Canada. In addition, the Company provides commercial security equipment installation and maintenance services to a variety of customers in North America. Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements and Legal Disclaimer This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management 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 projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and 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 expressly required by applicable law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Nanalysis Scientific Corp. The Fun Finder Is Here And You'll Never Miss Out Again MONTREAL, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheap Fun Things To Do is excited to announce the launch of Fun Finder, a cutting-edge platform designed to help users discover a wide array of cheap activities, concerts, and festivals happening around the world. This innovative tool aims to centralize event discovery, making it easier than ever for people to find and enjoy experiences that enrich their lives. Fun Finder empowers users to explore both local hidden gems and major international events, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to discover. Spain skyline ATV drive over bridge Tourist with cam Don't miss out on the fun! Visit [https://funfinder.cheapfunthingstodo.com/] today to explore the platform, create your personalized event list, and start sharing your favorite experiences with friends and family. With Fun Finder, you're always in the know about the best activities happening near you and around the globe. "With Fun Finder, we're giving people the power to discover the world's best activities, concerts, and festivals and make sure they never miss a moment." Chaz Desousa, Founder, continued, "Whether it's a local hidden gem or a major international event, Fun Finder makes it easy to save your favorites, share them with friends, and get notified in real time. We want everyone to spend less time searching and more time experiencing life." Fun Finder is designed to ensure users never miss out on exciting opportunities, offering several key features: Save & Share: Users can easily save their favorite experiences and share them with friends and family, making planning group outings simpler than ever. Users can easily save their favorite experiences and share them with friends and family, making planning group outings simpler than ever. Real-Time Notifications: The platform provides real-time notifications, alerting users about events as they are announced, ensuring they never miss a moment. The platform provides real-time notifications, alerting users about events as they are announced, ensuring they never miss a moment. Global Reach: From local hidden gems to major international events, Fun Finder covers a broad spectrum of experiences, making exploration easy and accessible. From local hidden gems to major international events, Fun Finder covers a broad spectrum of experiences, making exploration easy and accessible. Lowest Fees: The platform offers competitive, transparent pricing for activities, supporting both travelers and local operators. The creation of Fun Finder addresses a significant gap in the market. Many individuals miss out on events and activities simply because there isn't a unified way to track happenings. Fun Finder solves this by integrating discovery, organization, and notifications into a single, user-friendly platform. This not only helps users maximize their free time but also supports the travel and events ecosystem by offering affordable access and backing local operators. In today's fast-paced world, keeping up with local activities, concerts, and festivals can be challenging. Fun Finder streamlines this process by providing an easy-to-use platform where users can: It knows what's going on everywhere. From block parties in Montreal to massive music festivals in Berlin , Fun Finder pulls in activities and concerts from all around the world. You can save your faves. Spotted a comedy show you have to see or a cheap activity? A food fest that's calling your name? Tap the heart and it's saved no more digging through screenshots or group chats. It's built for sharing. Planning a night out with your bestie, your partner, or your crew just got way easier. Share events directly, so everyone's on the same page (and in the same place). It's like having a personal fun assistant. Forget FOMO Fun Finder makes sure you're always in the know. So, if you've ever said "I wish I knew that was happening," this is your moment. The Fun Finder is here to make your free time way more fun. The Cheap Fun Things To Do team is dedicated to helping people discover unforgettable experiences around the world. Through its platform, CheapFunThingsToDo.com, users can find, save, and share activities, concerts, festivals, and tours all with the lowest fees and real-time notifications to ensure they never miss a moment. Website: www.cheapfunthingstodo.com SOURCE Cheap Fun Things To Do The European Commission has launched a new Communication Toolkit to help tourism destinations and stakeholders across the EU promote sustainable tourism and responsible travel. BRUSSELS, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Part of the Sustainable EU Tourism Shaping the Tourism of Tomorrow initiative, the toolkit supports destinations in their communication efforts as they lead the green and digital transition of tourism in Europe. With ready-made content and real-world success stories, it gives tourism actors the tools they need to align their outreach with the EU's broader sustainability goals. A timely resource for a changing sector As the tourism sector works to recover and evolve after the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing momentum to rethink how we travel, develop destinations and engage visitors. The European Commission's initiative and its accompanying toolkit aim to empower destinations to lead this shift and communicate it effectively to both travellers and peers. The launch follows the European Commission's second stocktaking report on the Transition Pathway for Tourism. Three years after its launch, the report highlights real progress across all action areas, driven by the strong engagement of tourism stakeholders across Europe. So far, 240 organisations have made over 500 pledges in support of sustainable, digital and resilient tourism. Many pledges focus on the green transition, such as the CopenPay initiative by Wonderful Copenhagen, which rewards sustainable tourist behaviour with cultural experiences. This momentum will feed into the upcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy, set to be developed with citizen and stakeholder input. Citizens can give their feedback on the Commission's public consultation until 12 September 2025. Stakeholders can also contribute to the Commission's call for evidence. What's inside the toolkit? The toolkit contains a suite of free, downloadable materials that can be adapted for local use and audiences: a project overview, the compilation of real-world examples from destinations leading on sustainability, an infographic with practical tips for responsible travel, social media posts and visual assets and four destination success stories with accompanying visuals. These resources are designed for use by destination management organisations (DMOs), local authorities, tourism boards and other stakeholders promoting sustainable tourism, with content tailored for both professional and traveller-facing communications. Tourism professionals are encouraged to download and integrate the content into their communication strategies, whether in newsletters, online campaigns, public presentations or stakeholder engagement. The full communication toolkit is now available at: https://transport.ec.europa.eu/tourism/communication-toolkit_en About Sustainable EU Tourism Shaping the Tourism of Tomorrow The Sustainable EU Tourism project supports the EU's tourism priorities by promoting collaboration, sustainable practices, and resilience in the tourism sector. With over 200 participating destinations and extensive research, this initiative aims to transform European tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for both local communities and the environment. The project has compiled a collection of best practices from 50 destinations across Europe, ready for download here. Follow us on LinkedIn for all the latest news on Sustainable EU Tourism Shaping the Tourism of Tomorrow. For press inquiries, please contact: Myrsini Karamanli | [email protected] | +49 30 166352565 SOURCE Sustainable EU Tourism Research conducted by Shallot Communications shows fundamental changes in how companies communicate with their people post-COVID and amid a second Trump administration AUSTIN, Texas and CHICAGO, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A survey of 508 internal communications professionals reveals that while many companies have retreated from public political statements, 90% continue to regularly address social and political issues with employeeshighlighting a dramatic shift in how organizations manage internal versus external messaging. In the survey, 44% of respondents said their company "frequently" weighs in on social and political issues and how they affect the business with employees. Another 46% said their companies "occasionally" address these issues internally. Less than 10% said they "rarely" or "never" address social and political issues with their teams. The research, designed by Shallot Communications with KPSC Consulting and executed by Censuswide, exposes a profession in flux as leaders grapple with competing pressures from distributed workforces, heightened political sensitivities, and evolving employee expectations. The survey reveals organizations maintain active internal dialogue on contentious issues when they impact business operations, representing a fundamental strategic shift: while external political commentary may be optional, internal clarity is not. "This research backs up what we've observed in our own work: while companies often pick and choose what to say externally, they don't have that luxury internally," Shallot Communications co-founder Tim Granholm said. "When it comes to tariffs or diversity and inclusion, employees expect clarity and consistency. If they don't get it from leadership, they'll fill the vacuum themselves, which can lead to lower levels of trust and hurt business performance." Key Findings Challenge Conventional Wisdom: Generational Leadership Reversed: Gen X internal communications leaders are significantly more likely to address social and political issues (53%) compared to Millennials (40%) and Gen Z (50%). Gen X internal communications leaders are significantly more likely to address social and political issues (53%) compared to Millennials (40%) and Gen Z (50%). Global vs. Domestic Divide: Global companies demonstrate greater comfort addressing political topics internally (52%) versus U.S.-based companies (44%). Global companies demonstrate greater comfort addressing political topics internally (52%) versus U.S.-based companies (44%). Public Company Paradox: Publicly-traded companies more frequently weigh in on political issues internally (51%) than private companies (43%), despite facing greater external scrutiny. Post-COVID Transformation Proves Permanent Every organization surveyed (100%) reports fundamental communication changes since the pandemic, with 48% using more channels to reach employees, 47% communicating more frequently, and 46% reporting better-funded internal communications teams. External agency support is used by 89%of respondents. "Internal communications is no longer a forgotten stepchild of HR functions. We're finding that companies are prioritizing communicating with their employees realizing what a critical stakeholder group they are to the business' functioning," Shallot Communications co-founder Teal Pennebaker said. "We weren't surprised to see that COVID had fundamentally changed the internal comms function, but we were surprised that so many internal comms leaders are unclear on what the lasting effects are. So many of our clients invested in this function five years ago and continue to lean on it because they recognize employees are one of their most important audiences." Check out the full report . About Shallot Communications Shallot Communications is a boutique firm that helps organizations and leaders talk persuasively about who they are and what they do. Shallot partners with FORTUNE 500 companies and high-growth organizations to deliver embedded, ongoing support as well as project-based work across internal and external communications. Media Contact: Cam Smith, Shallot Communications, [email protected], 301-675-8855 SOURCE Shallot Communications WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The future of rare disease care and innovation will take center stage in the nation's capital this fall. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) will host its annual Rare Diseases & Orphan Products Breakthrough Summit from Oct. 19-21 at the Grand Hyatt, convening more than 900 patient advocates, researchers, regulators, and industry leaders to accelerate progress for the over 30 million Americans living with rare diseases. This premier event is where science, policy, capital, and patient voices converge to shape the next generation of rare disease diagnosis, treatment, and care. "The NORD Breakthrough Summit isn't just a gathering it's a catalyst for solving one of America's most urgent public health challenges," said Pamela K. Gavin, NORD Chief Executive Officer. "One in 10 Americans lives with a rare disease, a crisis hiding in plain sight. The conversations here influence how treatments are developed, funded, and delivered. This is where policy meets science, innovation meets investment, and patient voices drive the change we need." This year's theme, "From Voices to Breakthroughs," underscores the power of lived experience in shaping scientific and policy progress. The three-day summit will feature: Community keynotes from youth and adult patients, caregivers, and advocates from youth and adult patients, caregivers, and advocates Cutting-edge scientific sessions and strategic policy dialogues and strategic policy dialogues Insights from top regulatory leaders at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Capitol Hill updates from members of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus Shaping the future of rare disease innovation, the C-Suite Perspectives panel will bring together leaders who are redefining what is possible, featuring conversations with: Miguel Fernandez Alcalde, President, EMD Serono Christophe Arbet-Engels , MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, X4 Pharmaceuticals , MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Catherine Owen Adams , Chief Executive Officer, Acadia Pharmaceuticals , Chief Executive Officer, Pamela Gavin , President and Chief Executive Officer, NORD With research funding under pressure, a special closing plenary panel will explore how to sustain and scale investment in rare disease research that leads to breakthroughs. Participants include: David Scheer , President, Scheer & Co. (moderator) , President, (moderator) Martin Mackay , Ph.D., Co-Founder, Rallybio , Ph.D., Co-Founder, Vinod Mitta , Director, Seamless Care Models Group, CMS Innovation Center, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) , Director, Seamless Care Models Group, CMS Innovation Center, (HHS) Sean P. Nolan , Chief Executive Officer, Taysha Gene Therapies , Chief Executive Officer, Maha Radhakrishnan, M.D., Executive Partner, Sofinnova Investments Philip Ross , Vice Chairman, Jefferies LLC , Vice Chairman, Stephen Squinto , Ph.D., Chief Investment Officer, J.P. Morgan Life Science Private Capital , Ph.D., Chief Investment Officer, David Tischler , Chief Executive Officer, Stealth Mode "We are witnessing unprecedented scientific momentum, but innovation alone is not enough. Without bold investment and policy leadership, too many promising treatments will never reach the rare disease patients who need them most," Gavin said. "We are deeply grateful to the investors who recognize this urgency and continue to fuel progress. Our mission is to ensure the pace of funding matches the pace of discovery. We will not stop pushing until it does." The Breakthrough Summit is open to everyone interested and committed to rare disease patient care, research, drug development, and advocacy. Register by Sept. 8 to secure early-bird pricing: https://nordsummit.org/. See the full agenda here: https://nordsummit.org/agenda/. Media Registration: If you are a member of an accredited media organization, please contact [email protected] to register for the NORD Breakthrough Summit. About the National Organization for Rare Disorders Founded in 1983, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a leading independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit and patient advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and lives of over 30 million Americans living with rare diseases. In partnership with more than 350 disease-specific member patient organizations, NORD drives progress in rare disease research, care, and policy. Learn more at https://rarediseases.org/ SOURCE National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) "Since stepping into the interim CEO role, Nick has brought strong leadership, focus, and momentum to OUTFRONT. With his deep industry knowledge and proven track record, we're confident he is the right leader to accelerate the Company's growth and transformation," said Michael Dominguez, Chairman of the Board. "The addition of Nicolle and Michael further enhances our Board's expertise and ensures OUTFRONT has the strategic guidance needed to deliver sustainable growth for our shareholders." With over four decades of global experience in advertising, media, and digital marketing, Nick Brien is recognized for transforming organizations and delivering results for the world's largest brands. "I'm honored to lead OUTFRONT Media into its next chapter of growth and innovation, as we strengthen our role as a valuable partner to the world's leading brands and agencies," said Brien. "Throughout my career, I've respected the unskippable power of out-of-home to fuel brand growth and spark cultural moments. In an advertising landscape dominated by online video, I believe in-real-life interactions are more essential than ever to building consumer trust and creating human engagement. Guided by this vision, OUTFRONT is modernizing its operations and investing in new technology to unlock growth and create lasting shareholder value." In addition to serving on OUTFRONT's Board of Directors, Brien has led several of the industry's most influential agencies, including Dentsu, McCann, and IPG Mediabrands, partnering with marketers such as Microsoft, Intel, General Motors, L'Oreal, Procter & Gamble, and American Express. He brings critical adtech expertise from his tenure as CEO of Amobee, where he advanced data-driven solutions bridging the TV and digital worlds. Brien has also held leadership roles at Hearst, iCrossing, Leo Burnett, Arc Worldwide, and Starcom Mediavest Group, cementing his reputation as a pioneer of integrated, full-funnel marketing across creative, media, technology, and data. Board Expansion The addition of Nicolle Pangis and Michael Barrett brings OUTFRONT critical expertise across both the demand and supply sides of media. Pangis, Vice President of Netflix Advertising, brings deep experience in adtech, data driven media, and programmatic from her roles at Xaxis and GroupM, along with leading Netflix's advertising business across North America. Barrett, CEO of Magnite, leads the largest independent sell-side advertising platform in CTV, video, and display, with expertise in scaling marketplaces and integrating customer and publisher data. Together, Pangis and Barrett will provide strategic guidance across several critical areas, such as integrating OOH inventory within centralized agency planning systems, optimizing sales processes, and accelerating digitization. Their expertise in programmatic platforms, advertising technology, and data-driven media strategies will be invaluable as OUTFRONT expands its agency partnerships, deepens its client engagement, and establishes new data and technology partnerships to drive long-term growth opportunities. These leadership and Board updates build on the organizational changes led by Brien earlier this year, including the hiring of Jim Norton as Chief Revenue Officer, Enterprise, and the appointment of Mark Bonanni as Chief Revenue Officer, Commercial. These appointments were made in conjunction with the formation of two distinct sales organizations designed to bring sharper focus and delivery for advertisers nationwide. In addition, Brad Alperin was hired as Head of Brand Solutions, elevating OUTFRONT's creative and integrated offerings across both groups. Collectively, these moves align leadership talent and Board oversight to accelerate transformation, strengthen client impact, and deliver long-term shareholder value. About OUTFRONT Media Inc. OUTFRONT is one of the largest and most trusted out-of-home media companies in the U.S., helping brands connect with audiences in the moments and environments that matter most. As OUTFRONT evolves, it's defining a new era of in-real-life (IRL) marketing, turning public spaces into platforms for creativity, connection, and cultural relevance. With a nationwide footprint across billboards, digital displays, transit systems, and other out-of-home formats, OUTFRONT turns creative into powerful real-world experiences. Its in-house agency, OUTFRONT STUDIOS, and award-winning innovation team, XLabs, deliver standout storytelling, supported by advanced AI and data tools that drive measurable impact. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements We have made statements in this document that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe" or "will," or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions related to our capital resources, portfolio performance and results of operations. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and may not be able to be realized. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements: declines in advertising and general economic conditions; the severity and duration of pandemics, and the impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations; competition; government regulation; our ability to operate our digital display platform; losses and costs resulting from recalls and product liability, warranty and intellectual property claims; our ability to obtain and renew key municipal contracts on favorable terms; taxes, fees and registration requirements; decreased government compensation for the removal of lawful billboards; content-based restrictions on outdoor advertising; seasonal variations; acquisitions and other strategic transactions that we may pursue could have a negative effect on our results of operations; dependence on our management team and other key employees; experiencing a cybersecurity incident; changes in regulations and consumer concerns regarding privacy, information security and data, or any failure or perceived failure to comply with these regulations or our internal policies; our substantial indebtedness; restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness; our failure to remain qualified to be taxed as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"); and other factors described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including but not limited to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024. All forward-looking statements in this document apply as of the date of this document or as of the date they were made and, except as required by applicable law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, of new information, data or methods, future events or other changes. CONTACTS: Public Relations: Courtney Richards OUTFRONT Media 646-876-9404 [email protected] Investor Relations: Stephan Bisson OUTFRONT Media 212-297-6573 [email protected] SOURCE OUTFRONT Media Inc. CHICAGO, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Chicago Managing Partner Patrick A. Salvi II was recently recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2026 "Lawyer of the Year" for Personal Injury Law Plaintiffs. Each year, only one lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the "Lawyer of the Year," making these awards a significant accolade. Lawyers of the Year are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during Best Lawyers peer review assessments. Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity. 2026 marks the second year Mr. Salvi has been honored as the Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Law Plaintiffs. He received the honor in 2024, and in 2022 and 2025, he was named the Lawyer of the Year for Medical Malpractice Law Plaintiffs. Patrick A. Salvi II is the Managing Partner of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard's Chicago office, where he concentrates his legal practice on cases concerning personal injury, medical malpractice, mass torts, and product liability. Throughout his career, Mr. Salvi has recovered more than $1.4 billion for his clients and has obtained many record-breaking jury verdicts and settlements, including jury verdicts of $363 million, $148 million, and $76 million. In addition to the "Lawyer of the Year" award, Patrick A. Salvi II was also listed in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers for Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions- Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Plaintiffs. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. SOURCE Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Regan Zambri Long PLLC is pleased to announce that Partner Paul J. Cornoni has been named the 2026 "Lawyer of the Year, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs," in Washington, DC, by Best Lawyers. This is the first time Cornoni has been named Lawyer of the Year. Regan Zambri Long Partner Paul J. Cornoni Cornoni has dedicated his practice to helping families put their lives back together after tragic events. His focused approach has secured substantial settlements and verdicts in complex claims involving car accidents, product liability, medical malpractice, and bus accidents. He has been consistently recognized nationally and in the region for his client work, including being named a Best Lawyer by Best Lawyers of America, a Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine, and a Leading Plaintiff Consumers Lawyer by Lawdragon 500. Throughout his career, Paul has spent hundreds of hours advocating for citizens of the District of Columbia in need of legal help. A past president of the D.C. Trial Lawyers Association, Paul provides pro bono counsel on personal injury claims while working in conjunction with the D.C. Bar Advice & Referral Clinic, the Children's Law Center, and the D.C. Court of Appeals' Mediation Program. He was recently named the 2025 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by The District of Columbia Bar Association. Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. Lawyers must have at least 10 years of experience practicing law to be considered. Additional recognitions are also awarded to individual lawyers with the highest overall peer feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region. Only one lawyer is recognized as the "Lawyer of the Year" for each specialty and location. About Regan Zambri Long PLLC Washington, D.C. personal injury law firm Regan Zambri Long PLLC strives to provide legal representation of the highest caliber to our clients in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Focusing primarily on personal injury law, we passionately advocate for those who have been negligently injured. Media Contact: Wendy Lindars [email protected] 570-417-9305 SOURCE Regan Zambri Long, PLLC KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RADPAIR, the company specializing in generative AI-driven radiology reporting, today announced a new strategic partnership with AdvaHealth Solutions, a leading cloud-native PACS provider with a strong presence across Asia. This collaboration integrates RADPAIR's AI engine directly into the AdvaPACS platform, giving healthcare providers access to a powerful, optional upgrade for their diagnostic workflow. The integration allows radiologists and clinicians in hospitals and imaging centers using AdvaPACS to add RADPAIR's AI reporting capabilities, streamlining the path from image analysis to final report. By embedding advanced AI directly into an existing cloud-based environment, the joint solution enhances diagnostic efficiency while helping to reduce radiologist burnout. "Our mission at AdvaHealth Solutions is to free medical imaging from the limitations of legacy systems," said Lynette Fong, COO of AdvaHealth Solutions. "By integrating AdvaPACS with RADPAIR, we are now offering our customers a direct pathway to the most advanced AI reporting tools on the market. This partnership reinforces our vision of providing an AI-ready platform that is flexible, scalable, and focused on improving patient care." "RADPAIR is accelerating its global expansion, delivering cutting-edge AI reporting solutions to radiologists worldwide," said Avez Rizvi, MD, CEO of RADPAIR. "Through our partnership with AdvaPACS, we're ensuring radiologists enjoy an unparalleled reading experience, advancing our mission to bring joy back to reporting for every radiologist." This partnership empowers healthcare providers to modernize their radiology departments by moving away from legacy systems. The combination of AdvaPACS's unlimited user access and resilient cloud infrastructure with RADPAIR's AI-driven efficiency provides a future-proof solution designed to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare. RADPAIR and AdvaHealth Solutions will jointly showcase the integrated solution at the Singapore Congress of Radiology (SGCR) 2025 the 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Singapore Congress of Radiology and the 15th Workshops in Interventional Radiology Education Singapore taking place from 29 to 31 August 2025. Visitors can learn more at booth B05. About RADPAIR RADPAIR is the world's first fully cloud-native, generative AI platform purpose-built for radiology reporting. By seamlessly integrating advanced AI capabilities with a zero-footprint, web-based interface, RADPAIR empowers radiologists to create high-quality reports with unprecedented speed, consistency, and control. Committed to HIPAA+ compliance and robust data security, RADPAIR brings automation, innovation, and ease of use to the forefront redefining efficiency and elevating the standard of care in diagnostic imaging. About AdvaHealth Solutions AdvaHealth Solutions provides AdvaPACS, a cloud-native medical imaging platform that removes the barriers of legacy imaging systems. With unlimited user access, streamlined workflows, and a scalable, secure infrastructure built on AWS, AdvaPACS empowers healthcare providers to enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and deliver superior patient care without the constraints of hardware dependencies. SOURCE RADPAIR SEATTLE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RareCyte, Inc., a leading innovator in precision biology and liquid biopsy technology, is proud to announce receipt of a $500K award from the Gates Foundation to advance research into fetal growth restriction (FGR), a major cause of preterm birth, stillbirth, and neonatal morbidity worldwide. FGR is a significant global health challenge, contributing to long-term developmental delays and increased risk of chronic diseases for affected children, as well as heightened maternal health risks. Despite its prevalence, the underlying causes of FGR remain poorly understood, and current diagnostic tools are inadequate for early and accurate identification. "RareCyte's groundbreaking TrophoSeq assay provides a non-invasive 'liquid biopsy' of the placenta by isolating and sequencing circulating trophoblasts (circTBs) from maternal blood," explained Eric Kaldjian, MD, SVP of Clinical Research at RareCyte and principal investigator for the research. "These rare placental cells offer a unique window into placental physiology, enabling researchers to study molecular changes associated with both healthy and dysfunctional pregnancies without risk to mother or fetus." Under this program, RareCyte will partner with Prof. Mushi Matjila and Dr. Nadia Ikumi at the University of Cape Town (UCT) to conduct a two-phase study enrolling pregnant women at Groote Schuur Hospital in South Africa. The study will generate cellular and transcriptomic profiles of circTBs from women with early-onset FGR and matched healthy pregnancies (n=30), using RareCyte's proprietary AccuCyte and TrophoSeq platforms. "This is an exciting opportunity for Dr. Ikumi and me, " says Prof. Mushi Matjila. "The greatest limitation in placental research has always been the ability to understand placental biology especially in early gestation. With this technology we can do so, without interrupting pregnancy, and we do so while developing the capacity of young local talent and our research platform." The project aims to identify gene expression differences and molecular pathways involved in placental dysfunction, paving the way for improved diagnostics and potential therapeutic targets. Key Study Highlights: Non-invasive sampling: Utilizes maternal blood to obtain placental cells, eliminating the risks of traditional biopsy. Global health impact: Focuses on early-onset FGR, a condition with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. Data-driven insights: Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis to uncover the molecular drivers of FGR. Collaborative approach: Data will be analyzed jointly with UCT and findings disseminated to the scientific community. "By advancing research on fetal growth restriction, we hope to provide clinicians and researchers with the tools they need to better predict, diagnose, and ultimately prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes," said Joe Victor, CEO of RareCyte. This pilot study is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. Results from this investigation will inform future translational research studies and support global efforts to improve maternal and neonatal health. For more information about RareCyte, please visit www.rarecyte.com. About RareCyte, Inc. RareCyte provides Precision Biology products and services for discovery, translational research, and clinical diagnostics. The Orion spatial biology platform enables same-day, 20 channel multiplexed tissue analysis. Our comprehensive liquid biopsy offering enables CTC and other rare cell characterization and single cell retrieval for molecular analysis, and CDx development. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. About University of Cape Town (UCT) The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a leading research-intensive University in Africa, inspiring creativity and excellence through outstanding achievements in learning, discovery, and engaged citizenship. UCT fosters a vibrant, inclusive environment that attracts diverse students and scholars worldwide, with a focus on local relevance. Committed to advancing scholarship in Africa and beyond, UCT builds strategic partnerships and produces influential graduates and future leaders. Our qualifications are globally respected and locally relevant, driven by values of social justice and transformation. UCT actively works to create a more equitable, sustainable society while nurturing a culture of diversity and belonging for all its members. Media Contacts RareCyte: [email protected] University of Cape Town: [email protected] SOURCE RareCyte, Inc. DETROIT, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS25) is excited to welcome Stacey Abrams to the RECESS25 lineup, bringing power to the clean energy movement. Stacey Abrams, Former Georgia House Minority Leader and guest speaker at RECESS25, a national clean energy conference, presented by Walker-Miller Energy Services Abrams is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and political leader. She served as Minority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, and she was the first Black woman to become gubernatorial nominee for a major party in United States history. Abrams has devoted her career to democracy protection, voting rights, and effective public policy. She has also co-founded successful companies, including a financial services firm, an energy and infrastructure consulting firm, and the media company, Sage Works Productions, Inc. Her commitment to equity in energy is evident in her work with Rewiring America, the leading U.S. nonprofit focused on electrification. As a senior advisor and consultant, Abrams helped launch and scale a national campaign to support community-wide transitions to electric energy. In 2023, she helped bring the organization's life-altering program to DeSoto, GA, enabling eco-friendly upgrades to every household in the community. "We are so excited to present another conference where equity is at the forefront of the clean energy transition, not as a sidebar," says Carla Walker-Miller, convener of the RECESS conference and founder and CEO of the presenting organization, Walker-Miller Energy Services. "With speakers like Stacey Abrams and a growing list of dynamic voices, RECESS25 is a unique opportunity to showcase cutting-edge technologies and practices that can revolutionize the sector." RECESS is not just another conference. Highlighting the work of diverse thought leaders and change-makers who are shaping the clean energy future, this one-of-a-kind event emphasizes the need for meaningful, intentional networking opportunities that can lead to collaborative ventures and significant progress and promoting education and capacity-building for communities of color, ensuring their participation and leadership in clean energy initiatives. With riveting panel sessions featuring national and local clean energy experts, there is something for every attendee. Past keynote deliveries and plenary sessions include remarks from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer; former Presidential Appointee, Dr. Henry C. McKoy; Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan; former Department of Energy executive and the "architect" of the Justice40 Initiative, Shalanda Baker; and more. Breakout session topics range from workforce development training and career pathways to access to funding for small business owners and innovators, environmental justice sustainability and fairness, emerging businesses in clean energy, including community voices in planning for energy justice, retrofitting old buildings, and clean energy technology. RECESS is a highly collaborative conferenceproviding a dynamic opportunity for networking. Attendees from across the country make up a variety of sectors, including clean energy entrepreneurs and business owners; energy efficiency and building performance experts; community organizers and leaders; Indigenous and ethnic leaders; federal, state, and local government officials; clean energy and technology industry stakeholders; corporate decision-makers; research and academia professionals; college/university students; environmental justice community members; investors and financial impact leaders; and developers and community-focused foundations. Woven throughout the three-day event are networking receptions, breakout sessions and workshops, a bustling exhibitors' hall, and one-on-one meetings. 2024 attendees took full advantage of the conference's event management platform, Whova, by creating on-site meetings to connect one-on-one and in small groupsbuilding opportunities for targeted discussions with industry leaders, policymakers, and potential collaborators, enhancing the relational dynamic of the event. The 2025 theme, "Driving Health and Equity in the Clean Energy Transition" focuses on making a significant impact on the clean energy industry by ensuring that communities of color are at the forefront of shaping the clean energy economy by prioritizing and catalyzing equity as a means of socioeconomic well-being, encapsulating both physical and financial health in the clean energy sector as critical gains for diverse communities. "Thanks to our sponsors from last year's event, we were able to provide 48% of attendees with free registrationan audience that included environmental justice advocates and students, and 10% of attendees benefited from reduced registration rates, in support of small businesses, local entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. While we are hosting in the great state of Michigan, 35% of conference participants came from outside of the state, enhancing geographic diversity. So there really is something for everyone who is interested in clean energy at RECESS," says Carla Walker-Miller. She goes on to say, "If you believe in growing the clean energy industry by removing barriers to sustainable clean energy careers; creating equitable pathways to business ownership and expansion; retrofitting the built environment to address health and economic disparities; and collective action with like-minded decision-makers and innovators, we invite you to participate in RECESS25. Building on the success and momentum of RECESS23, held at Newlab @ Michigan Central, and RECESS24, held at the Marriott @ Renaissance Center, RECESS25 is a beacon of hope, calling for urgent action to address the inequities that prevent Black, Brown, Indigenous and Other communities from fully engaging in and benefiting from the growing clean energy sector. RECESS is dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating immediate, tangible pathways for all communities to access sustainable careers, business opportunities, and ownership in clean energy. By leveraging essential resources, forming partnerships, and providing education, RECESS25 aims to build a more inclusive clean energy future where diverse voices lead and innovate. RECESS25 is made possible through the generous support of local and national sponsors. For a complete listing visit therecessconference.com. Companies and organizations that are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at RECESS25 should contact Kierra Riser, Director of Continuous Improvement, Walker-Miller Energy Services, by calling 248-255-5948 or emailing [email protected]. For general inquiries call 888-502-0187 or email [email protected]. For detailed conference information visit www.therecessconference.com. About Walker-Miller Energy Services Walker-Miller Energy Services, founded in 2000, is a Certified B Corporation and trusted partner with deep roots in the energy industry. Through an equity lens, the company provides thought leadership to utilities, municipalities, businesses, and communities to help achieve energy reduction goals and drive the benefits of clean energy to all communities. Their experience-driven philosophy of energy as equity helps families and businesses save energy and save money. Empowered by the company culture of kind excellence, Walker-Miller Energy Services consistently achieves energy efficiency program goals and delivers the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. Guided by these core values: Boldly Go above and beyond with Humble Confidence, Embrace Equity, Inclusive Stewardship, and an abiding commitment to Value Reputations, while delivering Extraordinary Experiences for team members, clients, and stakeholders, Walker-Miller Energy Services is committed to changing lives through energy efficiency. Visit www.wmenergy.com for more info. Media Inquiries All media inquiries for photos and/or interview requests with representatives of Walker-Miller Energy Services should contact: Kebina Young, [email protected], 313-570-1747 SOURCE Walker-Miller Energy Services WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Costa, a national correspondent for "CBS Sunday Morning" and chief Washington analyst for CBS News, will accept the National Press Club's Fourth Estate Award during a gala in his honor on Dec. 9 in Washington. The award recognizes journalists who have made significant contributions to the field and is the Club's most esteemed prize. Costa's work at "Sunday Morning" includes coverage of national politics, in-depth interviews with newsmakers, and features on culture, literature and the arts. As chief Washington analyst for CBS News, Costa offers reporting and analysis across CBS News programs. "The Fourth Estate Award is the National Press Club's highest honor in journalism, reserved for those whose work has changed the way the public understands power and democracy. Robert Costa has done exactly that," said Mike Balsamo, National Press Club president. "Through fearless reporting, unmatched sourcing, and sharp analysis, he has become one of the defining political journalists of his generation." Costa was named a national correspondent for "Sunday Morning" in February 2025 following three years of contributions to the broadcast, including an exclusive sit-down in the White House residence with President Joe Biden in August 2024. It was Biden's first interview after he announced his decision to not seek reelection. Costa and colleagues at "Sunday Morning" won an Emmy Award in 2023 for Outstanding Recorded News Program and the show remains the No. 1 Sunday morning program in viewers going on 22 consecutive seasons. "The National Press Club is a wonderful and important institution that is part of our nation's civic fabric," Costa said. "I truly appreciate the Club's recognition of journalism that has been collaborative at every turn, from my work in print to my current endeavors at CBS News and 'Sunday Morning.' I accept the award with gratitude for colleagues at news organizations, past and present, who have lifted me as a reporter and taught me lifelong lessons." The Fourth Estate is the top honor bestowed on a journalist by the National Press Club Board of Governors. Previous winners include Christiane Amanpour, Dean Baquet, Marty Baron, Wolf Blitzer, Tom Brokaw, Walter Cronkite, Lester Holt, Gwen Ifill, Andrea Mitchell, Clarissa Ward, Kristen Welker, and Susan Zirinsky. Costa previously served as chief election and campaign correspondent for CBS News. In that role, he focused on coverage of both Republicans and Democrats, with numerous scoops and exclusives during the 2022 and 2024 campaigns. He has also been a regular guest anchor on the CBS Television Network programs "CBS Evening News," "CBS Weekend News" and "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." "His coverage has informed millions, shaped national conversations at critical moments, and set a standard for rigorous, fact-based independent reporting," Balsamo said. "By honoring Robert, we recognize not only his extraordinary contributions but also the indispensable role of journalism in strengthening our democracy." This year's Fourth Estate Gala will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. ET followed by dinner and the awards program starting at 7 p.m. at the National Press Club. Tickets for the gala are $200 for National Press Club members, and $350 for members of the public. Tickets can be purchased here. The gala is a fundraiser for the Club's nonprofit affiliate, the National Press Club Journalism Institute . The Institute provides training that equips thousands of journalists across the United States with skills and standards to inform the public, provides career support for journalists, and provides scholarships to aspiring journalists. For information on sponsoring the gala please email Mitch Harle, development manager of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, at [email protected] . The evening also will honor the recipients of the John Aubuchon Press Freedom Awards and Neil and Susan Sheehan Award for Investigative Journalism. Honorees for the Aubuchon and Sheehan awards will be announced at a later date. About Robert Costa Robert Costa is a national correspondent for "CBS Sunday Morning" and chief Washington analyst for CBS News. Costa's work at "Sunday Morning" includes coverage of national politics, in-depth interviews with newsmakers, and features on culture, literature and the arts. As chief Washington analyst for CBS News, Costa offers reporting and analysis across CBS News programs. In recent months, Costa's "Sunday Morning" portfolio has included pieces on the Constitution, the federal workforce, Congress, and U.S. foreign policy, as well as conversations with Senator Bernie Sanders, former Trump White House counsel Donald McGahn, former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, novelist Anne Tyler, historian Ron Chernow, and architect Annabelle Selldorf, among many others. Costa was named a national correspondent for "Sunday Morning" in February 2025 following three years of contributions to the broadcast, including an exclusive sit-down in the White House residence with President Joe Biden in August 2024. It was Biden's first interview after he announced his decision to not seek reelection. Costa and colleagues at "Sunday Morning" won an Emmy Award in 2023 for Outstanding Recorded News Program. Costa previously served as chief election and campaign correspondent for CBS News. In that role, he focused on coverage of both Republicans and Democrats, with numerous scoops and exclusives during the 2022 and 2024 campaigns. He has also been a regular guest anchor on the CBS Television Network programs "CBS Evening News," "CBS Weekend News" and "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." Prior to joining CBS News, Costa was a longtime national political reporter at The Washington Post. During his time at the newspaper, Costa served as the moderator and managing editor of "Washington Week" on PBS and was a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. In 2021, Costa and Bob Woodward published "Peril," a No. 1 New York Times bestseller. Costa holds a bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame, where he is a former trustee, and a master's degree in politics from the University of Cambridge. Since 2022, Costa has served as a scholar at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics and contributed to several of the center's academic books on U.S. elections. He is from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. About the National Press Club Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the United States and around the world. About the National Press Club Journalism Institute The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest. Press contact: Beth Francesco, National Press Club Journalism Institute executive director, [email protected] SOURCE National Press Club Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com. As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose (1) that Lockheed Martin lacked effective internal controls regarding its purportedly risk adjusted contracts including the reporting of its risk adjusted profit booking rate; (2) that Lockheed Martin lacked effective procedures to perform reasonably accurate comprehensive reviews of program requirements, technical complexities, schedule, and risks; (3) that Lockheed Martin overstated its ability to deliver on its contract commitments in terms of cost, quality and schedule; (4) that, as a result, the Company was reasonably likely to report significant losses; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. On October 22, 2024, before the market opened, Lockheed Martin announced it was forced to recognize losses of $80 million on a classified program at the Company's Aeronautics business segment "due to higher than anticipated costs to achieve program objectives." The Company also announced it had recognized a reach-forward loss in its Rotary and Mission Systems segment "as a result of additional quantity ordering risk identified on fixed-price options." On this news, the Company's share price fell $37.63 or 6.12% to close at $576.98 on October 22, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume. Then, on January 28, 2025, before the market opened, Lockheed Martin announced it was forced to record pre-tax losses of $1.7 billion associated with classified programs at its Aeronautics and Missiles and Fire Control business. The Company explained "as a result of performance trends" and "in contemplation of near-term program milestones," it had "performed a comprehensive review of the program requirements, technical complexities, schedule, and risks" based on which it recognized $555 million of losses in its Aeronautics program. The Company further reported additional losses of approximately $1.3 billion in its Missiles and Fire Control business due to, among other things, the "future requirements of the program, discussions with the customer and suppliers." As a result, the Company's net earnings in 2024 were $5.3 billion, or $22.31 per share, compared to $6.9 billion, or $27.55 per share, in 2023. On this news, the Company's share price fell $46.24 or 9.2% to close at $457.45 on January 28, 2025 on unusually heavy trading volume. Then, on July 22, 2025, before the market opened, Lockheed Martin disclosed it was forced to record an additional $1.6 billion in pre-tax losses on classified programs, including $950 million in losses related to its Aeronautics Classified program due to "design, integration, and test challenges, as well as other performance issues." The Company also recorded $570 million in losses on its Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program due in part to providing "additional mission capabilities, enhanced logistical support, fleet life extension, and revised expectations regarding flight hours." The Company further recorded a $95 million charge related to its Turkish Utility Helicopter Program due to the "current status of the program." As a result, the Company reported sharply lower net earnings of $342 million, or $1.46 per share, including $1.6 billion of program losses and $169 million of other charges. On this news, the Company's share price fell $49.79 or 10.8%, to close at $410.74 on July 22, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Lockheed Martin's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Lockheed Martin class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/LMT or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com. As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the Company was experiencing "adoption challenges" and/or structural issues resulting in declines in sales and utilization; (2) Defendants had overstated the demand for RxSight's products; (3) as a result, RxSight was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance for fiscal year 2025; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. On July 8, 2025, after the market closed, RxSight reported preliminary second quarter 2025 financial results, revealing significant declines in LDD sales, LAL utilization, and overall revenue. The Company also lowered its full year 2025 guidance by approximately $42.5 million at the midpoint. The Company's Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Kurtz, disclosed that "[a]doption challenges over the last few quarters have been a primary reason for the LDD stall." On this news, RxSight's stock price fell $4.84, or 37.8%, to close at $7.95 per share on July 9, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding RxSight's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the RxSight class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/RXST or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP LYSAKER, Norway, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aker BP has successfully completed the Omega Alfa exploration campaign in the Norwegian North Sea, resulting in a significant oil discovery that adds substantial new resources to the Yggdrasil area. The recoverable volume is estimated at 96-134 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe). "Omega Alfa is among the largest commercial discoveries in Norway in a decade. Building on the momentum from the oil discovery at East Frigg in 2023, it marks a major step toward our ambition of producing more than one billion barrels from the Yggdrasil area. This is the result of a strong collaborative effort between our own teams and our alliance partners, and a testament to how new exploration methods push the boundaries. We look forward to unlocking even more of the potential in this prolific area," says Karl Johnny Hersvik, CEO of Aker BP. The campaign had five exploration targets - Omega, Alfa, Alfa South, Sigma NE, and Pi - through a multilateral well located west of Yggdrasil. In July, Aker BP preliminarily reported a discovery of 20-40 mmboe from two of these targets. Following the completion of the campaign, the combined recoverable volumes have increased to 96-134 mmboe. Drilling operations began in early May using the Deepsea Stavanger rig. Over a three-month period, the team drilled a total of 45,000 metres, including 40,000 metres in reservoir sections. This included the three longest well branches ever drilled on the Norwegian continental shelf, with the longest branch reaching 10,666 metres. The horizontal drilling method enabled the collection of an unprecedented amount of high-quality reservoir data. This has significantly reduced subsurface uncertainty and allows us to rapidly advance into concept studies to determine the optimal tie-back solution to Yggdrasil. Yggdrasil is the largest field development project currently underway on the Norwegian continental shelf. The Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) was approved by Norwegian authorities in 2023, and the project is progressing according to plan, with first oil expected in 2027. The proven resource base is approximately 700 mmboe, with an ambition to grow this to more than one billion barrels through further exploration. The Omega Alfa discovery represents a significant building block in achieving this ambition. The Omega Alfa campaign was conducted across production licences 873, 873 B, and 1249, all operated by Aker BP. In licences 873 and 873 B, the partnership consists of Aker BP (47.7 percent), Equinor (40 percent) and Orlen Upstream Norway (12.3 percent). In licence 1249, the partners are Aker BP (38.16 percent), Equinor (32 percent), Petoro (20 percent) and Orlen Upstream Norway (9.84 percent). Contacts: Kjetil Bakken, Head of Investor Relations, tel.: +47 918 89 889 Ole-Johan Faret, Press Spokesperson, tel.: +47 402 24 217 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/aker-bp-asa/r/significant-oil-discovery-in-the-yggdrasil-area,c4220038 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Aker BP ASA JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 20, two Chery TIGGO9 flagship SUVs performed a 50% offset frontal collision test at 50 km/h on a long, straight paved road in South Africa, like two flawless diamonds striking each other in a master's handonly the hardest crystal can reveal another's inner strength; only the most advanced safety structure can truly test a vehicle's integrity. After impact, both TIGGO9 cabins remained fully intact with no deformation in the A-, B-, or C-pillars. All airbagsincluding those for the driver, front passenger, and kneesdeployed instantly upon collision. Seatbelt pre-tensioners activated promptly, all doors could be opened normally, hazard lights turned on automatically, and no fuel leakage occurred. Both TIGGO9 models maintain structural integrity after collision TIGGO9 body uses 85% high-strength steel, including 21% 1500MPa hot-formed steel in critical areas like the A- and B-pillars. Its front structure features dual aluminum crash beams with 85% cross-width coverage and six crash boxes that effectively absorb and disperse impact energy. The vehicle is also equipped with 10 airbags, including a 2060mm side curtain airbag that retains over 50% pressure for 6 seconds after deployment, and a center airbag between the front seats to reduce secondary impact risks. This test represents a pivotal milestone in Chery's global six-dimensional safety challenge, building on extreme-environment validations previously conducted in regions such as Indonesia and Mexico. As the first Chinese automaker to reach five million vehicle exports, Chery was also named once again to the Fortune Global 500 list just last month. Behind this "Double 500" accomplishment lies Chery's unwavering commitment to consistent global qualityno matter where its vehicles are driven, their fundamental safety structure remains as resilient and enduring as diamond. This dedication not only embodies the vision to "Let everyone enjoy five-star protection," but also honors the brand's core philosophy: "Safety, for Family." That same evening, TIGGO9 made its official debut in the South African market. The following day, Chery joined forces with UNICEF to launch the "Champion for Education in Africa" forum, initiating a collaborative effort to address educational challenges facing children across the region. As part of this commitment, plans were announced to fund the construction of Hope Primary Schools. This effort reinforces Chery's "In Africa, For Africa" ethos, extending its safety commitment from product technology to social responsibility. SOURCE Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. DENVER, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Startek was named the winner of a Silver Stevie Award in the Customer Service Solution category in The 22nd Annual International Business Awards last week. The International Business Awards are the world's premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - are eligible to submit nominations. The 2025 IBAs received nominations from organizations and individuals in 78 nations and territories. Startek won in the Customer Service Solution category for Startek Generative AI, an enterprise-grade platform that accelerates resolution, improves personalization and empowers agents with real-time guidance across voice and digital channels. Built to integrate with existing CX stacks, the solution helps brands scale consistent service quality while reducing effort and improving outcomes. "Winning the Silver Stevie for customer service solution reflects how a human-centric approach to intelligent technology delivers measurable impact," said Abhinandan Jain, Chief Digital Officer, Startek. "With Startek Generative AI, the technology supports peopleempowering agents with real-time guidance and giving customers faster, more accurate answers. The result: higher first-contact resolution and CSAT, shorter handle times and lower cost to serve. Our priority is responsible, enterprise-ready innovation that scales empathy and performance." Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 250 executives worldwide, who participated in the judging process in May - July. "The 2025 International Business Awards have set a new benchmark for excellence," said Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller. "Our winners have demonstrated remarkable ambition and achievement in reaching their goals. We congratulate them on their well-earned recognition and look forward to honoring them on stage in Lisbon on 10 October." About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com. About Startek Startek is a global leader in customer experience management, delivering comprehensive digital transformation and CX solutions. With over 35 years of expertise, Startek empowers businesses across diverse industries to create memorable, personalized customer interactions. Operating in 13 countries with a team of 38,000 associates, Startek is committed to connecting brands with their customers through innovation, empathy, and operational excellence. To learn more, visit www.startek.com and follow us on LinkedIn @Startek. Website: www.startek.com SOURCE Startek New Comprehensive Report Highlights The Center's Role as Sullivan County's Largest Workforce, its Groundbreaking Research, and Bold New Projects Strengthening Local and Statewide Economies HARRIS, N.Y., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for Discovery (TCFD) today announced the findings of its latest Economic Impact Study, which details the measurable ways the organization contributes to both local and statewide growth. Over the last 15 years, The Center has generated more than $3.1 billion in economic activity for New York State. In 2024, The Center for Discovery generated $243 million in total economic output for New York State and employed over 1,700 staff, making it Sullivan County's largest employer. Employees earn, on average, 34% more than the county's private-sector average, and The Center's workforce is projected to reach 2,000 by 2026. Operating expenditures totaled $151.8 million, with an additional $9.2 million in construction and capital investments, for a combined output of $160.9 million - the majority of which stayed in-state. With continued growth, The Center is on track for a $200 million budget by 2027. Beyond its economic footprint, TCFD continues to drive innovation in healthcare, education, and research for individuals with complex conditions. In 2024, the organization collaborated with leading institutions including Emory University/Georgia Institute of Technology, Cornell University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - producing three peer-reviewed journal articles with six more in progress, and presenting at four international conferences. Key advancements include the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict high-risk medical and behavioral events, paving the way for more proactive and personalized care. Looking ahead, TCFD is preparing for significant growth. In early 2025, the organization received approval to expand its community day school program by up to 10 additional classrooms and 60 students. This includes the opening of the Discovery School of the Arts in Hurleyville, which will integrate education, therapy, and the arts under TCFD's SynergE6 model of care. At its Rock Hill campus, The Center will also launch the Transitional Living Community (TLC) - a first-of-its-kind demonstration project designed to meet the urgent needs of aging adults with developmental disabilities and medical fragility. Opening in 2027, the TLC will serve 40 individuals, delivering person-centered, interdisciplinary care that enables aging with dignity and reduces reliance on hospitals. "While our mission is always centered on providing the highest quality of care and opportunity for individuals with complex conditions, this report underscores how deeply The Center for Discovery also strengthens our region and state," said Center for Discovery President and CEO, Dr. Theresa Hamlin. "We are proud to be Sullivan County's largest employer and a statewide leader in research and innovation, while building a more inclusive and resilient future for all." The report was conducted by TEConomy Partners, LLC, which also authored previous studies in 2017 and 2021. For more information about The Center for Discovery, please contact Michael Rosen, Executive Vice President of Development, Marketing, and Strategic Communications, at [email protected]. About The Center for Discovery The Center for Discovery (TCFD) is a leading provider of healthcare, education, and residential services for over 1,200 children and adults with complex conditions, medical frailties, and autism spectrum disorders. Located just 90 miles northwest of New York City in Sullivan County, NY, TCFD was named a Center of Excellence in 2016 and continues to pioneer new models of care that are replicable nationwide. Situated on 1,500 acres, The Center includes school campuses, residences, cutting-edge medical and research facilities, biodynamic and organic farmland, and meaningful employment opportunities. TCFD is focused on unlocking the potential of every individual it serves. For more, visit www.tcfd.org. Contact: The Center for Discovery Michael Rosen Executive VP of Marketing and Strategic Communications (917) 232-5556 [email protected] SOURCE The Center for Discovery GREENVILLE, S.C., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TPM, a leader in providing solutions for the AEC and Manufacturing sectors, is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of South Carolina's Best Places to Work for the seventh year in a row. This continued recognition is a powerful testament to the exceptional culture, values and sense of community that define our organization. The Best Places to Work in South Carolina program, a partnership between SC Biz News, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and Best Companies Group, is designed to identify and honor outstanding employers in the state. The rigorous assessment process involves an in-depth employer questionnaire and a comprehensive employee survey, ensuring that only the most deserving companies make the list. TPM is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a South Carolina Best Place to Work for the 7th year in a row. Post this "At TPM, we believe that a thriving workplace starts with people," said Lindsay Moore, Vice President of People & Culture. "This honor reflects the dedication, collaboration, and passion our team brings to work every day. We're committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow." TPM remains focused on creating a workplace that prioritizes employee well-being, professional development, and a strong sense of purpose. This award reinforces the company's ongoing efforts to build a culture where people love to work and where they are proud to stay. The success of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina program lies in its mission to celebrate companies that significantly contribute to the state's economy, workforce, and business growth. In 2025, the program has identified a select group of 150 companies that exemplify excellent workplace practices. The ranked companies will be celebrated during an awards ceremony held on August 25, 2025, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. This event will honor the top employers in South Carolina and highlight their contributions to creating outstanding work environments. For more details about the Best Places to Work in South Carolina program, please visit www.BestPlacesToWorkSC.com . About TPM, Inc. Since its inception in 1973 as a blueprinting company, TPM has evolved into an industry-leading provider of software, hardware, training, and services for AEC and Manufacturing sectors. We don't just offer point solutions; we engineer transformations, guiding firms into the digital future and helping them innovate and thrive. Partnering with TPM means joining a family dedicated to your success. Together, we'll build fantastic futures. SOURCE TPM Thousands of Students Could Be Left Without Transportation BRATTLEBORO, Vt., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters school bus drivers and monitors are locked out at Travel Kuz, a subsidiary of Beacon Mobility, as the company refuses to bargain in good faith. The workers provide student transportation for Windham SE Supervisory Union. Since the last round of negotiations on Aug. 7, Travel Kuz has denied Teamsters Local 597 the opportunity to meet or schedule further collective bargaining sessions. "If Travel Kuz doesn't agree to meet before the start of the school year, it will at the expense of our community and our children," said Curtis Clough, President of Local 597. "Our members are essential workers, and we are simply asking for them to be treated with respect and given their fair share." The employer has repeatedly failed to pay workers on time, withheld 401(k) matches, held onto health care premiums for extended periods, and put workers through egregious treatment. "It is important to me to stand up for what is right and fair we aren't asking for a lot, just to have compensation that is on par with other workers in our industry in Vermont," said Bobby Powers, a bus driver and member of the negotiating committee. "We work hard to get our kids to school on time and in the right frame of mind, and in return we just want to be compensated fairly for our daily commitment to excellence." Travel Kuz claims they cannot afford to pay workers the wages they have earned and refuses to provide the union with a copy of their revenue contract with the school district. Local 597 has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Travel Kuz for withholding information requested by the union. Chartered in 1939, Teamsters Local 597 represents workers in trades such as small package, fuel and freight delivery, dairy processing, warehousing, security, policing, school and public busing, dispatching, hardware sales, laboratory tech, and maintenance. For more information, visit teamsterslocal597.net. Contact: Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 597 vivo Vision Launch Event & Imaging Grand Ceremony. Leveraging its extensive expertise in imaging, sensors, and display technologies, vivo has methodically addressed critical engineering challenges in MR devices, particularly in perception, interaction, and computational performance. vivo Vision Discovery Edition is the first MR product developed by a smartphone manufacturer in China, positioning vivo as the first Chinese company to operate within both the smartphone and MR product sectors. At the event, vivo also announced a comprehensive upgrade to its imaging technology strategy and imaging culture ecosystem and revealed the winners of the 2025 vivo VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards. "Today, we are here in Chang 'an, where vivo's dream began. We are not here to revisit past milestones, but to witness how vivo has forged its own path over thirty years of hard work and perseverance. It's a path of passion fueled by technology and rooted in humanity. It's about working together for mutual benefit. Above all, it's about putting users first and perfecting our products! Our aim is to let 'technology illuminate beauty', and our goal is to reach every user. As for how long we will walk this road? We're committed to a centurylong journey toward a business that endures!" said Hu Baishan, Executive Vice President & COO at vivo, President of vivo Central Research Institute. A New Lightweight, Immersive Mixed Reality Experience Four years in the making, vivo Vision Discovery Edition combines vivo's technological innovations with its user-centric values, advancing the company's long-term home robotics strategy and bringing mixed reality from the lab into everyday life. Designed for daily use, this cutting-edge device features a lightweight, ergonomically optimized build. Weighing just 398g with a height of 83 mm and a thickness of 40 mm, it is 26% smaller than the industry average, improving overall comfort. Informed by extensive human factors research, the design offers four sizes of light seal, and eight foam padding options to ensure an optimal fit and long-lasting comfort, even during extended wear or active movement. vivo Vision Discovery Edition runs on OriginOS Vision, which enables natural and intuitive interactions. The information appears seamlessly in the surrounding space, allowing users to shift from traditional "tap-through-screen" interactions to "move-and-pinch" gestures. With 1.5 high-precision eye-tracking, 26 degrees of freedom in fingertip gesture recognition, and a vertical tracking range of 175, users can enjoy intuitive and responsive controls. Additionally, its Dual Micro-OLED screens deliver 8K binocular resolution, 94% DCI-P3 color coverage, and DeltaE<2 color accuracy, producing visuals comparable to professional cinema monitors. Binocular brightness and color consistency calibration was also performed, with the binocular brightness difference 2nits and the binocular chromaticity difference E < 2 to reduce the discomfort caused by binocular visual differences. vivo Vision Discovery Edition is equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform. Compared to the previous generation, it delivers up to 2.5x GPU performance and 8x AI performance, enabling groundbreaking visual and interactive experiences.[1] This enables the device to boast powerful performance, providing robust computing support for high-speed rendering in spatial computing. This headset serves as a seamless entryway for users into their digital lives, covering immersive entertainment, gaming, and productivity scenarios. Its immersive video enables panoramic viewing from any angle, allowing users to watch live sports and e-sports broadcasts from different angles or in split-screen mode without missing any of the action. For media entertainment, it can generate a 120-foot theater screen, allowing users to enjoy cinematic experiences anytime, anywhere. vivo Elevates Imaging Strategy to Build an Integrated Scenario-Based Ecosystem Marking its 30th anniversary, vivo announced an integrated upgrade to its imaging strategy, focusing on scene integration and building a complete imaging ecosystem matrix. This upgrade aims to strengthen vivo's long-standing capabilities in night photography, portraits, telephoto, and video, while responding to shifting user demands for diverse, scenario-based imaging experiences. With its new strategy, vivo aims to make professional imaging capabilities accessible to a broader audience by covering imaging security, health applications, and cross-device experiences. As the first Chinese smartphone brand to join the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), vivo guarantees that all up-coming features will safeguard content integrity across two dimensions: traceability and verifiability. In health imaging, vivo plans to combine the Telephoto Macro capability of vivo X200 series with medical-grade optics to develop a portable slit lamp that will make ophthalmic diagnostics more accessible. To provide an immersive creation and viewing, vivo is committed to enabling seamless cross-device imaging experiencesfrom the debut of 3D imaging technology on the X100 Ultra and 60 fps spatial video on the X200 Ultra all the way to the brand-new Vision Discovery Edition. vivo and ZEISS have entered a new era of global imaging partnership. Over the past five years, vivo has collaborated with ZEISS to deeply integrate vivo's user-oriented product philosophy with ZEISS's leading optical technology, continuously setting new standards in mobile imaging. "The collaboration between vivo and ZEISS is both deep and broad, transcending hardware or software solutions. Both partners are actively engaged in continuous learning and proceeding with the joint aim to responds to the needs and voices of consumers and the global imaging community, continuously innovating in the area of smartphone optics for state-of-the-art photography and videography. We look forward to deepening and broadening our collaboration to enable intuitive and creative use of mobile imaging technologies by millions of consumers worldwide." said Andre Kutz, Head of ZEISS Photonics & Optics. As part of its upgraded imaging strategy, vivo will continue to refine its self-developed imaging technology, advancing its capabilities to consistently deliver new user experiences. vivo's industry-leading VS1 pre-processing chip works in tandem with the V3+ imaging chip to improve efficiency in complex scenarios, delivering clear and natural portrait details, preserving clear and bright details even in low-light conditions. As the first smartphone company to apply a 200-megapixel sensor to a telephoto camera, vivo jointly launched the BlueImage x Samsung HP9 200 MP sensor and also debuted the Blueprint x Sony LYT-828 sensor. Powered by vivo's large-model algorithms, including the AI Photo Enhance feature, there innovations together deliver sharper images at high zoom. In the future, vivo will leverage the image restoration and reconstruction algorithms, combined with next-generation large model enhancement technology, to further improve the image quality and optical details of the practical 30x telephoto performance. In video, vivo releases features including Multi-Focal 4K 120 fps Slow Motion Video, Multi-Focal 4K Portrait Beautification, Live Photo Portrait, and AI Erase for Live Photo, showcasing its robust end-to-end imaging capabilities to capture vivid, lifelike moments with dynamic vitality. vivo will also continue to introduce video templates such as Cool Tone Video Portrait, and launch its self-developed AI Customized Beautification to meet the diverse creative needs of young users. vivo Expands Imaging Culture Ecosystem and Announces 2025 vivo VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards Winners vivo is advancing its imaging culture ecosystem, combining cutting-edge technology with an open creative platform to make mobile photography more accessible and diverse. The company is broadening its reach to engage younger audiences through initiatives such as the "Capture the Future" short film competition with UNESCO, providing a stage for young filmmakers, and the first National Mobile Photography Exhibition with the China Photographers Association, which is redefining public perception of photographic art. "vivo's decade-long exploration in imaging shows how technology can make professional-grade photography accessible to all. This first National Mobile Photography marks a significant step in bringing technology and art into everyday life," said Li Ge, Vice Chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Chairman of the China Photographers Association. At the event, vivo revealed the winners of the 2025 vivo VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards, which drew over 500,000 submissions from around the world. Captured entirely on vivo smartphones, the submissions reflect authentic daily moments and fresh perspectives on contemporary life. With three decades of innovation as its foundation, vivo reaffirms its commitment to user-centric innovation, technical excellence, and long-term collaboration to shape the future of imaging. About vivo vivo is a technology company that creates great products based on a design-driven value, with smart devices and intelligent services as its core. The company aims to build a bridge between humans and the digital world. Through unique creativity, vivo provides users with an increasingly convenient mobile and digital life. Following the company's core values, which include Benfen*, user-orientation, design-driven value, continuous learning and team spirit, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy with the vision of developing into a healthier, more sustainable world-class corporation. While bringing together and developing the best local talents to deliver excellence, vivo is supported by a network of R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xi'an and more cities, focusing on the development of state-of-the-art consumer technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, industrial design, imaging system and other up-and-coming technologies. vivo has also set up an intelligent manufacturing network (including those authorized by vivo), with an annual production capacity of nearly 200 million smartphones. As of now, vivo has branched out its sales network across more than 60 countries and regions, and is loved by more than 500 million users worldwide. *"Benfen" is a term describing the attitude on doing the right things and doing things right which is the ideal description of vivo's mission to create value for society. Stay informed of latest vivo news at https://www.vivo.com/en/about-vivo/news [1] Performance improvement data is obtained from the official Qualcomm website, which is an improvement over the previous generation Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1. SOURCE vivo WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED Helicopters, floods and customer promises. Dan Richards reveals how Humpty Doo Barramundi became Australias largest barramundi producer through relentless innovation. Whats happening: Dan Richards has grown his familys Humpty Doo Barramundi from a few kilos weekly to 130 tonnes, making it Australias largest barramundi farm producing over half the nations farmed barramundi. The business has expanded 580% in the past decade. Why this matters: As Australias aquaculture sector reaches $2.31 billion in value, family-owned operations like Humpty Doo demonstrate how regional businesses can scale sustainably while creating jobs and pioneering industry practices that competitors follow. The flood waters had risen so high that a river literally ran through the front gate of Humpty Doo Barramundi. Most businesses might have called customers with apologies and delays. Dan Richards chartered two helicopters. We ended up chartering two helicopters to get the fish out of the farm and loaded onto trucks waiting five kilometres away so it could be delivered around the country, on time and with the same high-quality and freshness that our customers expect from us, Richards recalls of the 2018 flood that tested his Northern Territory operation. That helicopter rescue has become company legend, but it perfectly captures the philosophy thats driven Humpty Doo Barramundi from humble beginnings to Australias largest barramundi farm. What started with Richards father Bob hand-delivering a few kilos of fish weekly to Darwin restaurants in 1993 now harvests 130 tonnes per week and employs over 150 people. Starting small, growing smart The transformation began on the site of an abandoned 1950s rice project, halfway between Darwin and Kakadu National Park. Bob Richards, a third-generation Territorian, saw potential where others saw failure. We had seen a lot of failed large scale agricultural and commercial ventures in the NT, and we realised that starting big wasnt necessarily a recipe for success, Dan Richards explains. We had a philosophy of starting small so we could grow at a reasonable pace from what we learned. That measured approach proved prescient. While other ventures crashed and burned in the Territorys unforgiving conditions, Humpty Doo Barramundi steadily expanded, reinvesting profits into better systems and deeper expertise. Richards joined the business full-time in 2007, but only after his father insisted he start from the ground up. I spent the first 18 months fully immersed in all the operational elements of growing, harvesting and getting our fish to our customers, he says. That hands-on experience has been fundamental to my perspective and approach as CEO. The strategy has paid off spectacularly. In the past decade alone, the business has grown 580% as Australian consumers increasingly seek locally-produced, sustainable protein. Australias aquaculture sector is projected to grow to $2.21 billion by 202829, with Humpty Doo producing more than half of the nations farmed barramundi. Building sustainable systems Innovation drives much of Humpty Doos success. The companys award-winning closed loop water recirculation system, designed in-house, allows them to grow fish in land-based saltwater ponds that mimic natural barramundi habitat. We grow our fish in land-based saltwater ponds with low stocking density to mimic the natural habitat that barramundi thrive in, Richards explains. Our award-winning closed loop water recirculation system means we can grow healthy, happy fish and avoid the environmental and animal welfare challenges that can be associated with sea-based farms. Richards commitment to continuous learning has been crucial. As a 2016 Nuffield Scholar and graduate of the Australian Centre for Business Growth, hes travelled to 20 countries studying leading agricultural practices. His father completed a Churchill Fellowship in 2002, while Richards wife Tarun is currently undertaking her own Nuffield Scholarship, exploring funding models to help farmers support Indigenous community development. We go out with a viewpoint to not assume that we know everything, so committing to a learning journey is key, Richards says. The helicopter rescue That learning mindset proved essential during the 2018 flood that made Richards helicopter rescue necessary. Rather than viewing the crisis as a setback, the team saw it as a test of their values. Its one of those stories that has become legend around the business because of how everyone came together to find a solution and get the job done, Richards reflects. Its also reflective of this unwavering commitment to customer service that we pride ourselves on. The commitment has earned trust from wholesale partners and chefs at Australias top restaurants. Recently, Sushi Izu launched barramundi products across 230 stores Australia-wide, marking the first time barramundi has featured in a national sushi retailer. Territory tough lessons Operating from remote Northern Territory brings unique challenges, but Richards believes the isolation has strengthened the business. The Scale Em Up program trains young people for aquaculture careers, while partnerships with neighbouring communities and Traditional land-owner groups create broader opportunities. Its really fulfilling being able to see the opportunities that we can create for people in our regional communities, especially young people, Richards says. I might be having a hard day, but knowing that weve made a big difference and positive impact in a persons life journey is really motivating. For entrepreneurs considering their own ventures, Richards emphasises knowing your value proposition and embracing continuous learning. In business you are frequently going to face roadblocks, so its important to be committed to the learning process, he advises. While 51% of Australian family businesses are still managed by first generation owners, Humpty Doos multi-generational approach has created lasting competitive advantages through deep institutional knowledge and patient capital investment. The resilience his father demonstrated through early setbacks remains central to the business philosophy. He would get up, dust himself off and reframe what he had to do, Richards recalls. Those philosophies remain with me today were a business with an entrepreneurial spirit. That spirit has transformed an abandoned rice project into Australias barramundi capital, proving that sometimes the best growth strategy is simply refusing to give up, even when the floods rise and helicopters become your delivery method. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group is pleased to announce that several of its distinguished attorneys have been named to the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America, a prestigious peer recognition that highlights exceptional work in the field of family law. Five of Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group's attorneys named to the 2026 Best Lawyers in America list This year's honorees include partners Dianna C. Cavaliere, Robyn Howlett, Carmela Novi, and Rachel Partyka, each named Best Lawyers for family law; and Judge Philip Maenza (Ret.), recognized as a Best Lawyer for family law mediation. Additionally, Robyn Howlett earned the esteemed honor of Lawyer of the Year in Family Law for the Toms River region. Widely regarded as one of the legal profession's oldest and most respected accolades, Best Lawyers in America highlights the top attorneys in specific practice areas based entirely on peer review. The rigorous selection process involves confidential evaluations by fellow eligible attorneys across New Jersey. Recognition is based on professional expertise, ethics, and consistently strong results on behalf of clients. "Earning a place on the Best Lawyers list is a testament to the high level of trust and respect our attorneys have earned from their peers in the legal community," said Bari Weinberger, managing partner of the firm. "We are deeply honored to see their hard work, skill, and commitment to serving our clients recognized in such a meaningful way." This announcement comes on the heels of several other prestigious accolades for the firm in 2025. Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group was recognized as a Best Law Firm for 2025, reflecting the firm's consistent track record of delivering outstanding legal representation in divorce and family law matters. Additionally, firm attorneys were honored as New Jersey Super Lawyers, a designation awarded to the top 5% of attorneys in the state. The attorneys recognized as 2025 New Jersey Super Lawyers include Dianna Cavaliere, Christopher Garibian, Robyn Howlett, Gina-Marie Izzo, Carmela Novi, Richard Outhwaite, Rachel Partyka, Aleida Piccini De Velazquez, Salvatore Simeone, and Bari Weinberger, with two attorneys from the firm honored as 2025 New Jersey Rising Stars: Michael P. McGuire and Hillary Piedra. "We are both humbled and proud of these honors because they are a reflection of our unwavering commitment to our clients and successful resolution of their matters," said Weinberger. "Every client's situation is unique, and our goal is always to provide the skill, compassion, and advocacy they need to move forward with confidence, clarity and peace of mind." These honors underscore Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group's ongoing dedication to setting the standard for excellence in family law across NJ. The firm remains committed to providing clients with the skill, compassion, and advocacy they need to achieve lasting, positive outcomes in their cases. About Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group is New Jersey's largest law firm focused solely on family and matrimonial law. With offices across the state, the firm's award-winning attorneys handle complex divorce, custody, and all family law matters. Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group is dedicated to safeguarding rights, protecting children, and helping clients achieve secure, positive futures. Media Contact: Bari Weinberger 888-888-0919 [email protected] SOURCE Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group Conference Call to Be Held at 7:30 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on August 21, 2025 GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yatsen Holding Limited ("Yatsen" or the "Company") (NYSE: YSG), a leading China-based beauty group, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Second Quarter 2025 Highlights Total net revenues for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 36.8% to RMB1.09 billion ( US$151.7 million ) from RMB794.5 million for the prior year period. for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 36.8% to ( ) from for the prior year period. Total net revenues from Skincare Brands [1] for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 78.7% to RMB581.3 million ( US$81.1 million ) from RMB325.2 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, total net revenues from Skincare Brands for the second quarter of 2025 were 53.5%, as compared with 40.9% for the prior year period. for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 78.7% to ( ) from for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, total net revenues from Skincare Brands for the second quarter of 2025 were 53.5%, as compared with 40.9% for the prior year period. Gross margin for the second quarter of 2025 increased to 78.3% from 76.7% for the prior year period. for the second quarter of 2025 increased to 78.3% from 76.7% for the prior year period. Net loss for the second quarter of 2025 narrowed by 77.2% to RMB19.5 million ( US$2.7 million ) from RMB85.5 million for the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income[2] for the second quarter of 2025 was RMB11.5 million (US1.6 million), as compared with non-GAAP net loss of RMB74.9 million for the prior year period. Mr. Jinfeng Huang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yatsen, stated, "With the vision of becoming a world-class pioneer in beauty innovation, we remained focused in the second quarter of 2025 on executing our strategy to deliver high-quality products and build strong brand equity, fueled by our enhanced R&D capabilities. Key products including Galenic's Brightening Micro Mask, DR.WU's Purifying Renewal Essence Toner, and Perfect Diary's Translucent Blurring Setting Powder contributed to our continued growth momentum. Looking ahead, we are committed to the disciplined execution of our R&D-driven strategy, which we believe will further strengthen our position in the beauty industry." Mr. Donghao Yang, Director and Chief Financial Officer of Yatsen, commented, "We delivered solid year-over-year growth in the second quarter, leveraging the tailwind of the June 18 shopping festival. Specifically, our color cosmetics brands have returned to a growth trajectory, while our skincare brands maintained strong performance. As operating leverage began to take effect, coupled with our efforts to improve efficiency in our operations and marketing spend, we remain on track to achieve profitable growth." Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Net Revenues Total net revenues for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 36.8% to RMB1.09 billion (US$151.7 million) from RMB794.5 million for the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to a 78.7% year-over-year increase in net revenues from Skincare Brands, combined with an 8.8% year-over-year increase in net revenues from Color Cosmetics Brands.[3] Gross Profit and Gross Margin Gross profit for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 39.5% to RMB850.4 million (US$118.7 million) from RMB609.4 million for the prior year period. Gross margin for the second quarter of 2025 increased to 78.3% from 76.7% for the prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in sales of higher-gross-margin products. Operating Expenses Total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 21.7% to RMB905.9 million (US$126.5 million) from RMB744.6 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were 83.4%, as compared with 93.7% for the prior year period. Fulfillment Expenses. Fulfillment expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were RMB63.3 million ( US$8.8 million ), as compared with RMB51.2 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, fulfillment expenses for the second quarter of 2025 decreased to 5.8% from 6.4% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to further improvements in logistics efficiency. Fulfillment expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were ( ), as compared with for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, fulfillment expenses for the second quarter of 2025 decreased to 5.8% from 6.4% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to further improvements in logistics efficiency. Selling and Marketing Expenses. Selling and marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were RMB722.4 million ( US$100.8 million ), as compared with RMB544.7 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, selling and marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2025 decreased to 66.5% from 68.6% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by the leveraging effect of higher total net revenues in the second quarter of 2025. Selling and marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were ( ), as compared with for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, selling and marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2025 decreased to 66.5% from 68.6% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by the leveraging effect of higher total net revenues in the second quarter of 2025. General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were RMB84.1 million ( US$11.7 million ), as compared with RMB119.1 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2025 decreased to 7.7% from 15.0% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by lower payroll expenses resulting from a reduction in general and administrative headcount, coupled with the leveraging effect of higher total net revenues in the second quarter of 2025. General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were ( ), as compared with for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2025 decreased to 7.7% from 15.0% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by lower payroll expenses resulting from a reduction in general and administrative headcount, coupled with the leveraging effect of higher total net revenues in the second quarter of 2025. Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were RMB36.1 million ( US$5.0 million ), as compared with RMB29.7 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2025 decreased to 3.3% from 3.7% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by the leveraging effect of higher total net revenues in the second quarter of 2025. Loss from Operations Loss from operations for the second quarter of 2025 was RMB55.5 million (US$7.7 million), as compared with RMB135.2 million for the prior year period. Operating loss margin was 5.1%, as compared with 17.0% for the prior year period. Non-GAAP loss from operations[4] for the second quarter of 2025 was RMB20.4 million (US$2.8 million), as compared with RMB111.9 million for the prior year period. Non-GAAP operating loss margin[5] was 1.9%, as compared with 14.1% for the prior year period. Net Loss / Income Net loss for the second quarter of 2025 was RMB19.5 million (US$2.7 million), as compared with RMB85.5 million for the prior year period. Net loss margin was 1.8%, as compared with 10.8% for the prior year period. Net loss attributable to Yatsen's ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS[6] for the second quarter of 2025 was RMB0.19 (US$0.03), as compared with RMB0.77 for the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2025 was RMB11.5 million (US$1.6 million), as compared with non-GAAP net loss of RMB74.9 million for the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income margin was 1.1%, as compared with non-GAAP net loss margin of 9.4% for the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Yatsen's ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS[7] for the second quarter of 2025 was RMB0.13 (US$0.02), as compared with non-GAAP net loss attributable to Yatsen's ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS of RMB0.67 for the prior year period. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of June 30, 2025, the Company had cash, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB1.35 billion (US$188.6 million), as compared with RMB1.36 billion as of December 31, 2024. Net cash generated from operating activities for the second quarter of 2025 was RMB77.7 million (US$10.8 million), as compared with net cash used in operating activities of RMB148.2 million for the prior year period. Business Outlook For the third quarter of 2025, the Company expects its total net revenues to be between RMB778.6 million and RMB880.1 million, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 15% to 30%. These forecasts reflect the Company's current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change. Exchange Rate This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi ("RMB") amounts into U.S. dollars ("US$") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at a rate of RMB7.1636 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of June 30, 2025, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company makes no representation that any RMB or US$ amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all. [1] Include net revenues from Galenic, DR.WU (its mainland China business), Eve Lom and other skincare brands of the Company. [2] Non-GAAP net income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP net income (loss) is defined as net income (loss) excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, (iii) revaluation of investments on the share of equity method investments, (iv) impairment of goodwill and (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments. [3] Include Perfect Diary, Little Ondine, Pink Bear and other color cosmetics brands of the Company. [4] Non-GAAP loss from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP loss from operations is defined as loss from operations excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions and (iii) impairment of goodwill. [5] Non-GAAP operating loss margin is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as non-GAAP net loss from operations as a percentage of total net revenues. [6] ADS refers to American depositary shares, each of which represents twenty Class A ordinary shares. [7] Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS is defined as non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of diluted ADS outstanding for computing diluted earnings per ADS. Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders is defined as net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, (iii) revaluation of investments on the share of equity method investments, (iv) impairment of goodwill, (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments and (vi) accretion to redeemable non-controlling interests. Conference Call Information The Company's management will hold a conference call on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7:30 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time or 7:30 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss its financial results and operating performance for the second quarter of 2025. United States (toll free): +1-888-346-8982 International: +1-412-902-4272 Mainland China (toll free): 400-120-1203 Hong Kong, SAR (toll free): 800-905-945 Hong Kong, SAR: +852-3018-4992 The replay will be accessible through Thursday, August 28, by dialing the following numbers: United States: +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 6410660 A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.yatsenglobal.com. About Yatsen Holding Limited Yatsen Holding Limited (NYSE: YSG) is a leading China-based beauty group with the mission of creating an exciting new journey of beauty discovery for consumers around the world. Founded in 2016, the Company has launched and acquired numerous color cosmetics and skincare brands including Perfect Diary, Little Ondine, Pink Bear, Galenic, DR.WU (its mainland China business), Eve Lom and EANTiM. The Company's flagship brand, Perfect Diary, is one of the leading color cosmetics brands in China in terms of retail sales value. The Company primarily reaches and engages with customers directly both online and offline, with expansive presence across all major e-commerce, social and content platforms in China. For more information, please visit http://ir.yatsenglobal.com. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company uses non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP operating income (loss) margin, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) margin, non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS, each a non-GAAP financial measure, in reviewing and assessing its operating performance. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company presents these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the management to evaluate operating performance and formulate business plans. Non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business, provide further information about its results of operations, and enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects. The Company defines non-GAAP income (loss) from operations as income (loss) from operations excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions and (iii) impairment of goodwill. Non-GAAP operating income (loss) margin is non-GAAP income (loss) from operations as a percentage of total net revenues. The Company defines non-GAAP net income (loss) as net income (loss) excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, (iii) revaluation of investments on the share of equity method investments, (iv) impairment of goodwill and (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments. Non-GAAP net income (loss) margin is non-GAAP net income (loss) as a percentage of total net revenues. The Company defines non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders as net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, (iii) revaluation of investments on the share of equity method investments, (iv) impairment of goodwill, (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments and (vi) accretion to redeemable non-controlling interests. Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS is computed using non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of diluted ADS outstanding for computing diluted earnings per ADS. However, the non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools as the non-GAAP financial measures are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating performance. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. Reconciliations of Yatsen's non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure are included at the end of this press release. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements which are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to," and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs, plans, outlook and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to continue to roll out popular products and maintain popularity of existing products; its ability to anticipate and respond to changes in industry trends and consumer preferences and behavior in a timely manner; its ability to attract and retain new customers and to increase revenues generated from repeat customers; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services; its ability to integrate newly-acquired businesses and brands; trends and competition in and relevant government policies and regulations relating to China's beauty market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; and general economic conditions globally and in China. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: Yatsen Holding Limited Investor Relations E-mail: [email protected] YATSEN HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data or otherwise noted) December 31, June 30, June 30, 2024 2025 2025 RMB'000 RMB'000 USD'000 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 817,395 953,535 133,108 Restricted cash - 47,048 6,568 Short-term investments 539,130 350,771 48,966 Accounts receivable, net 214,558 224,902 31,395 Inventories, net 386,054 392,323 54,766 Prepayments and other current assets 381,404 403,308 56,300 Amounts due from related parties 9,113 2,553 356 Total current assets 2,347,654 2,374,440 331,459 Non-current assets Investments 664,579 662,961 92,546 Property and equipment, net 74,373 67,181 9,378 Goodwill, net 155,029 155,029 21,641 Intangible assets, net 559,708 579,729 80,927 Deferred tax assets 1,381 1,495 209 Right-of-use assets, net 147,501 177,681 24,803 Other non-current assets 20,642 24,744 3,454 Total non-current assets 1,623,213 1,668,820 232,958 Total assets 3,970,867 4,043,260 564,417 Liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and shareholders' equity Current liabilities Accounts and notes payable 72,090 148,184 20,686 Advances from customers 19,574 18,987 2,650 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 460,143 384,315 53,648 Amounts due to related parties 28,884 41,171 5,747 Income tax payables 20,088 17,103 2,387 Lease liabilities due within one year 39,409 48,694 6,797 Total current liabilities 640,188 658,454 91,915 Non-current liabilities Deferred tax liabilities 103,306 108,661 15,168 Deferred income-non current 14,832 6,714 937 Lease liabilities 109,526 130,517 18,219 Total non-current liabilities 227,664 245,892 34,324 Total liabilities 867,852 904,346 126,239 Redeemable non-controlling interests 50,984 47,787 6,671 Shareholders' equity Ordinary Shares (US$0.00001 par value; 10,000,000,000 ordinary shares authorized, comprising of 6,000,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, 960,852,606 Class B ordinary shares and 3,039,147,394 shares each of such classes to be designated as of December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2025; 2,096,600,883 Class A shares and 600,572,880 Class B ordinary shares issued as of December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2025; 1,234,627,468 Class A ordinary shares and 600,572,880 Class B ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024, 1,276,392,603 Class A ordinary shares and 600,572,880 Class B ordinary shares outstanding as of June 30, 2025) 173 173 24 Treasury shares (1,276,330) (1,246,804) (174,047) Additional paid-in capital 12,273,767 12,279,628 1,714,170 Statutory reserve 28,147 28,147 3,929 Accumulated deficit (8,057,297) (8,080,268) (1,127,962) Accumulated other comprehensive income 86,866 112,454 15,701 Total Yatsen Holding Limited shareholders' equity 3,055,326 3,093,330 431,815 Non-controlling interests (3,295) (2,203) (308) Total shareholders' equity 3,052,031 3,091,127 431,507 Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and shareholders' equity 3,970,867 4,043,260 564,417 YATSEN HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data or otherwise noted) For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 RMB'000 RMB'000 USD'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 USD'000 Total net revenues 794,521 1,086,732 151,702 1,567,876 1,920,265 268,059 Total cost of revenues (185,102) (236,335) (32,991) (357,509) (410,741) (57,337) Gross profit 609,419 850,397 118,711 1,210,367 1,509,524 210,722 Operating expenses: Fulfilment expenses (51,163) (63,288) (8,835) (102,611) (115,131) (16,072) Selling and marketing expenses (544,659) (722,405) (100,844) (1,083,852) (1,276,220) (178,153) General and administrative expenses (119,106) (84,072) (11,736) (259,205) (148,955) (20,793) Research and development expenses (29,678) (36,116) (5,042) (57,604) (58,753) (8,202) Total operating expenses (744,606) (905,881) (126,457) (1,503,272) (1,599,059) (223,220) Loss from operations (135,187) (55,484) (7,746) (292,905) (89,535) (12,498) Financial income 28,829 11,467 1,601 57,441 22,073 3,081 Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain (3,462) 5,507 769 (11,095) 16,171 2,257 Income from equity method investments, net 12,724 877 122 16,000 3,382 472 Other income, net 13,191 17,395 2,428 19,496 21,637 3,020 Loss before income tax expenses (83,905) (20,238) (2,826) (211,063) (26,272) (3,668) Income tax (expenses) benefits (1,589) 763 107 702 1,196 167 Net loss (85,494) (19,475) (2,719) (210,361) (25,076) (3,501) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests and redeemable non-controlling interests 7,220 1,807 252 7,488 2,105 294 Net loss attributable to Yatsen's shareholders (78,274) (17,668) (2,467) (202,873) (22,971) (3,207) Shares used in calculating loss per share (1): Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares: Basic 2,043,644,209 1,854,988,850 1,854,988,850 2,092,400,120 1,846,275,864 1,861,746,795 Diluted 2,043,644,209 1,854,988,850 1,854,988,850 2,092,400,120 1,846,275,864 1,861,746,795 Net loss per Class A and Class B ordinary share Basic (0.04) (0.01) (0.00) (0.10) (0.01) (0.00) Diluted (0.04) (0.01) (0.00) (0.10) (0.01) (0.00) Net loss per ADS (20 ordinary shares equal to 1 ADS) Basic (0.77) (0.19) (0.03) (1.94) (0.25) (0.03) Diluted (0.77) (0.19) (0.03) (1.94) (0.25) (0.03) For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 Share-based compensation expenses are included in the operating expenses as follows: RMB'000 RMB'000 USD'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 USD'000 Fulfilment (income) expenses (178) 93 13 (102) 191 27 Selling and marketing (income) expenses (7,246) 1,795 251 (4,590) 2,552 356 General and administrative expenses 17,128 20,638 2,881 48,755 28,369 3,960 Research and development (income) expenses (1,549) 1,429 199 (231) 1,469 205 Total 8,155 23,955 3,344 43,832 32,581 4,548 (1) Authorized share capital is re-classified and re-designated into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, with each Class A ordinary share being entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share being entitled to twenty votes on all matters that are subject to shareholder vote. YATSEN HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data or otherwise noted) For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 RMB'000 RMB'000 USD'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 USD'000 Loss from operations (135,187) (55,484) (7,746) (292,905) (89,535) (12,498) Share-based compensation expenses 8,155 23,955 3,344 43,832 32,581 4,548 Amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions 15,103 11,147 1,556 30,159 21,708 3,030 Non-GAAP loss from operations (111,929) (20,382) (2,846) (218,914) (35,246) (4,920) Net loss (85,494) (19,475) (2,719) (210,361) (25,076) (3,501) Share-based compensation expenses 8,155 23,955 3,344 43,832 32,581 4,548 Amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions 15,103 11,147 1,556 30,159 21,708 3,030 Revaluation of investments on the share of equity method investments (13,632) (3,141) (438) (20,671) (9,151) (1,277) Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments 983 (991) (138) (1,637) (1,424) (199) Non-GAAP net (loss) income (74,885) 11,495 1,605 (158,678) 18,638 2,601 Net loss attributable to Yatsen's shareholders (78,274) (17,668) (2,467) (202,873) (22,971) (3,207) Share-based compensation expenses 8,155 23,955 3,344 43,832 32,581 4,548 Amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions 14,607 10,743 1,500 29,389 20,922 2,921 Revaluation of investments on the share of equity method investments (13,632) (3,141) (438) (20,671) (9,151) (1,277) Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments 1,039 (963) (134) (1,581) (1,368) (191) Non-GAAP net (loss) income attributable to Yatsen's shareholders (68,105) 12,926 1,805 (151,904) 20,013 2,794 Shares used in calculating loss per share: Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares: Basic 2,043,644,209 1,854,988,850 1,854,988,850 2,092,400,120 1,846,275,864 1,861,746,795 Diluted 2,043,644,209 1,998,882,473 1,998,882,473 2,092,400,120 1,980,640,851 1,995,977,934 Non-GAAP net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders per Class A and Class B ordinary share Basic (0.03) 0.01 0.00 (0.07) 0.01 0.00 Diluted (0.03) 0.01 0.00 (0.07) 0.01 0.00 Non-GAAP net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders per ADS (20 ordinary shares equal to 1 ADS) Basic (0.67) 0.14 0.02 (1.45) 0.22 0.03 Diluted (0.67) 0.13 0.02 (1.45) 0.20 0.03 SOURCE Yatsen Holding Limited From speed issues to hidden contact forms, here are the blind spots seen most often in Australian businesses and the practical ways leaders can start fixing them. When business leaders review their companys website, the focus usually stops at the surface. If it looks polished and the main pages load without issue, the site is often considered good enough. But first impressions can be misleading. Beneath the design, there are small details that quietly decide whether a visitor stays, explores further, or leaves altogether. From how quickly the site loads to how easy it is to use on a phone, these elements are often overlooked yet they shape the way customers judge credibility and decide whether to make contact. In this article, Ill share the blind spots Ive seen most often in Australian businesses, why they matter, and the practical ways leaders can start spotting and fixing them. Blind spot #1: Website speed and performance Its easy to judge a website by how it looks, but customers notice something else first how fast it loads. A site that takes more than a few seconds to appear quickly tests peoples patience and creates doubt about whether the business is reliable. Speed isnt just about convenience. Search engines take it into account when ranking sites, and visitors are quick to abandon pages that stall. Even if your content is strong, slow performance means many people will never see it. The good news is that performance issues are usually fixable with regular checks and small adjustments, from compressing images to ensuring your hosting can handle demand. Blind spot #2: Mobile experience Most people in charge of reviewing a website do it on a desktop, but thats not how customers usually arrive. For many industries, more than half of visits now come from mobile devices. If a site looks sharp on a large screen but is clunky on a phone, valuable enquiries are lost before they even start. Tiny buttons, hard-to-read text, or layouts that dont adapt properly frustrate users and push them elsewhere. A mobile-friendly experience has become a basic expectation for customers who want quick answers on the go. Checking the site on different phones and tablets is one of the simplest ways to see it from the customers perspective. Blind spot #3: Navigation and structure A website can look professional yet still leave visitors feeling lost. When information is buried under layers of menus or scattered across too many sections, customers struggle to find what matters most. That frustration often leads them to abandon the site altogether. Ive seen this first-hand in a project where a business had hundreds of pages of content but no clear hierarchy. At first glance the site looked polished, but customers dropped off because the pathways werent obvious. Restructuring the navigation around the questions customers were actually asking changed the way people used the site and made enquiries far easier. A useful test is to ask: can someone unfamiliar with our business quickly find what they came for? If the answer isnt a clear yes, the navigation needs attention. Blind spot #4: Content relevance and clarity Having pages in place isnt the same as answering the questions customers actually have. Too often, websites talk about the business in broad terms but fail to provide the details people are looking for, such as pricing signals, service scope, or proof of experience. When content leaves gaps, visitors make their own assumptions and may decide to look elsewhere. Clear, relevant information builds trust and gives customers the confidence to take the next step. You can test this easily by asking staff outside the marketing team or a trusted colleague to find specific answers on the site. If it takes more than a couple of clicks, the content needs refining. Blind spot #5: Calls to action and conversion pathways Even when a website looks good, loads quickly, and features clear content, it can still fall short at the moment that matters: converting a visitor into a lead. Ive seen cases where enquiry forms were hidden at the bottom of long pages or contact details were buried in the footer. Visitors had the intent to reach out but left instead, simply because there wasnt an obvious next step. After bringing enquiry forms to the forefront and making buttons more visible, those businesses saw a noticeable lift in responses almost immediately. Clear buttons, short forms, and obvious next steps give visitors confidence and make it easy for them to take action. Small changes in visibility often make the difference between a casual browse and a new enquiry. How to audit your website like a customer Spotting these blind spots doesnt require deep technical knowledge. You dont have to run every check yourself; a team member or even someone outside the business can do it, but it helps to know what to look for. Check load speed on different devices to see if pages appear quickly. on different devices to see if pages appear quickly. Browse the site on a phone and make sure buttons, forms, and text are easy to use. and make sure buttons, forms, and text are easy to use. Act like a new customer and try to find three key details, such as pricing, services, or past work. Count how many clicks it takes. and try to find three key details, such as pricing, services, or past work. Count how many clicks it takes. Confirm there are clear next steps on every main page, like an enquiry button or a call option. on every main page, like an enquiry button or a call option. Ask someone unfamiliar with the business to do the same and share their feedback. Making sure these checks are carried out often uncovers small adjustments that can have a big impact on enquiries and customer trust. A companys online presence is often judged long before a conversation with the sales team ever happens. Speed, mobile usability, navigation, content, and calls to action all shape how customers experience the business. The gaps are usually easy to miss from the inside but obvious to visitors. Regularly reviewing your website with fresh eyes or asking a trusted agency to assess it can uncover blind spots and turn them into opportunities for growth. When business decisions depend on trust, small improvements online can make the difference between a visitor leaving and a customer getting in touch. Mackey Kandarajah is the Founder and Marketing Tech Specialist at Spark Interact Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here New Delhi, Aug 21 : Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, who attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during the Jan Sunvai event on Wednesday, will be produced in the national capital's Tis Hazari Court on Thursday, police said. The Delhi Police had registered an attempt to murder case against 41-year-old Rajesh on Wednesday. The police are also planning to ask for a 5 to 7-day remand of the accused to ascertain the motive for the attack. "In the matter of the attack on the Chief Minister, a case u/s 109(1)/132/221 BNS has been registered at PS Civil Lines. The accused has been taken into police custody. Further investigation is going on. We are investigating it from all the possible angles," the Delhi Police said in a statement. With this, the accused has been charged with Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita's Section 109 (attempt to murder), Section 132 (obstructing a public servant), and Section 221 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions). The police also said that a team from the central agencies and the Special Cell is interrogating the accused. Rajesh came to Delhi from Rajkot by train on Tuesday morning. This was the first time he visited the national Capital. He stayed at Gujarati Bhavan in Civil Lines. Following this, he went to CM Gupta's private residence in Shalimar Bagh, and also informed his friend about it during a phone call, the police mentioned. Meanwhile, details of Rajesh's criminal record have also emerged. According to police, at least five cases are registered against him at Bhaktinagar Police Station in Rajkot. He has been acquitted in four of them, while one case remains pending in court, with the next hearing scheduled for September 9. They added that the Gujarat Police have been contacted in connection with the case, while an official confirmation regarding further details of the accused is awaited. Moscow, Aug 21 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will meet his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow on Thursday to strengthen the diplomatic engagement aiming to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two nations. The talks are expected to cover a wide spectrum of bilateral, regional, and global issues, with a strong emphasis on economic resilience and multipolar cooperation. Jaishankar arrived in Russia on August 19 for a three-day visit to further deepen bilateral relations. He co-chaired the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) in Moscow on Wednesday. He, along with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, also addressed the India-Russia Business Forum, where both sides will explore avenues to bolster trade and investment ties. Following this, the EAM took to X and posted, "Pleased to join First DPM Denis Manturov and attend the India-Russia Business Forum. Appreciate the assessments and reports of various sectoral leaders regarding the deeper potential of our economic ties." "Reiterated that an enduring strategic partnership must have a strong and sustainable economic component. And in this context called on our businesses to do more trade, contemplate more investments and joint ventures, and open new frontiers of economic cooperation," he added. A major focus will be on developing transportation, logistics, and financial systems that operate independently of countries imposing sanctions -- an effort to safeguard economic sovereignty and expand the use of national currencies in bilateral trade. The meeting comes at a time when both nations are seeking to deepen political dialogue across bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the UN (United Nations), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), and G20 (Group of Twenty). Officials from both sides have underscored that mutual trust and respect remain the cornerstone of Indo-Russian relations. Key areas of discussion will include strengthening interdepartmental cooperation in sectors such as energy, finance, defence production, science, and culture. The ministers are also expected to review progress in agricultural, scientific-technical, and infrastructure collaboration, while outlining the schedule for upcoming high-level contacts. On the global front, Jaishankar and Lavrov will exchange views on pressing international developments, including the evolving security architecture in the Asia-Pacific, the conflict in Ukraine, the situation in Afghanistan, and the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli confrontation. Both Moscow and New Delhi continue to advocate for a multipolar world order, viewing it as crucial to maintaining global stability and equilibrium. Russia has reiterated its commitment to building an inclusive international system based on constructive dialogue and mutual respect. The meeting is seen as a reaffirmation of the strategic depth of Indo-Russian ties and a step towards enhancing cooperation in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Over 280 Indigenous-owned exhibitors gather at ICC Sydney, proving the sector spans cookies to cybersecurity with verified businesses driving economic growth. Whats happening: Australias largest Indigenous business event opened at ICC Sydney with over 280 exhibitors showcasing verified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses spanning all economic sectors, from traditional services to cutting-edge technology. Why this matters: Indigenous businesses now contribute $42.6 billion in social value annually whilst creating employment opportunities and economic empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. AFL legend and proud Adnyamathanha and Narungga man Adam Goodes set the tone for Supply Nations Connect: Beyond the Horizon event, opening discussions on bridging traditional knowledge systems with emerging industries. The two-day gathering at ICC Sydney brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners with corporate, government and non-profit organisations seeking strategic commercial opportunities. Beyond the horizon This years Connect: Beyond the Horizon, promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever, said Supply Nation CEO and proud Awabakal woman Kate Russell. We are proud of the achievements of our suppliers and members in contributing to economic empowerment and a more secure future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. The Knowledge Forum launched proceedings with business owners, corporate and government procurement experts, entrepreneurs and academics examining the sectors current state, successes and challenges. Topics included reforms to Indigenous procurement policies and accessing business support services, highlighting the evolving landscape for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises. Economic powerhouse revealed Supply Nation manages Australias largest national database of verified Indigenous businesses through Indigenous Business Direct, which now lists more than 5,800 Indigenous-owned businesses across every conceivable sector. This database now has listed more than 5,800 Indigenous-owned businesses in every sector you can name, from cookies to cybersecurity, from t-shirts and world leading fashion to aerospace, construction to renewable energy, Russell explained. In the 2023/2024 financial year, Supply Nation enabled over $4.6 billion to flow into the Indigenous economy, demonstrating significant growth in procurement opportunities. Since its 2009 inception, the organisation has facilitated over $20 billion in procurement spend from corporate, government and non-profit member organisations into verified Indigenous businesses, marking its 15th anniversary in 2024. Verified business growth The robust verification process provides procurement teams with confidence, ensuring all businesses listed on Indigenous Business Direct are not only Indigenous owned but regularly audited for changes in company structure. Supply Nation maintains a zero-tolerance approach to commercial fraud, dishonest or anti-competitive behaviour that impacts the successful growth and reputation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses. Over 280 exhibitors will showcase their capabilities during the tradeshow, attracting thousands of attendees seeking to source products and services from verified Indigenous-owned businesses. The evening of 21 August will see winners of Supply Nations Supplier Diversity Awards announced at the Gala Awards Dinner, celebrating outstanding achievements across the sector. Social value quantified Supply Nations recently released research, The Sleeping Giant Rises, found that Indigenous businesses create $1.66 of social value for every dollar of revenue, generating a total of $42.6 billion annually for Indigenous business owners, households and employees. Social value encompasses positive changes seen through an Indigenous lens of wellbeing, including improved agency and control over life, expanded aspirations, financial security, pride, physical and mental wellbeing and stronger connections to community, culture and country. Indigenous businesses, their owners and employees are making a big difference to economic and social outcomes for all Australians, and that is worth celebrating, Russell said. The partnership with Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) as exclusive Media Partner for Connect 2025 includes National Indigenous Television (NITV), created by, for and about First Nations Australians. Supply Nation provides Australias largest national directory of verified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and has worked since 2009 to shape the rapidly evolving Indigenous business sector. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. New Delhi, Aug 21 : The INDIA bloc's nominee for the Vice-Presidential election, former Supreme Court Judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, is set to file his nomination papers on Thursday. The election is scheduled to take place on September 9. The announcement of Justice Reddy's candidature was made on Tuesday by Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi after a meeting of the Opposition alliance. Presenting him as the joint candidate on Wednesday, Kharge said, "This Vice-Presidential election is not just about filling a constitutional post -- it is an ideological battle for the soul of the nation." Kharge accused the ruling party of pursuing a path of "majoritarianism" and contrasted it with the Opposition's pledge to uphold justice, inclusivity, and constitutional values. "While the ruling party has chosen the path of majoritarianism, we stand firm in our commitment to justice, inclusivity, and the Constitution," he said while formally introducing Justice Reddy to Opposition leaders at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament). The Congress president emphasised that the nomination of Justice Reddy symbolises a united Opposition resisting what it alleges is the government's erosion of democratic norms. "We announce his candidature with great pride and conviction," Kharge said, adding that the move reflects ideological solidarity across parties. Justice Reddy, widely respected for his landmark judgments and strong adherence to principles of social, economic, and political equality, was projected by Kharge as a figure who embodies the values of the Constitution. He underlined that the nomination is also intended as a counter to the ruling party's alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Kharge painted a critical picture of Parliament's functioning under the present government, alleging that debates are bypassed, bills are rushed through without proper scrutiny, and investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department, and CBI are being misused to target dissent. Citing the recent Monsoon Session as an example, he called it a "black chapter" in India's parliamentary history. Arguing that the dignity and impartiality of the Rajya Sabha have been undermined, Kharge said Justice Reddy's elevation as Vice-President and Chairman of the Upper House would help restore fairness and strengthen parliamentary traditions once upheld by stalwarts like S. Radhakrishnan. "In the last 11 years, the ruling party has not only discriminated against the Opposition but also obstructed parliamentary work. Even with a minority government, they continue to pass anti-people laws by misusing their numbers. The Speaker's role in suppressing opposition voices has been deeply troubling," Kharge said, switching to Hindi to stress his point. Appealing to all Members of Parliament, Kharge urged support for Justice Reddy's candidature, describing him as a leader whose life reflects fairness, compassion, and empowerment of citizens. He said those qualities are vital in the current political environment. With the Vice-Presidential election drawing near, Justice Reddy's nomination has set the stage for a contest that Opposition leaders describe as one not just between candidates but between competing visions for India's democratic future. Aden : , Aug 21 (IANS) Chief of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council Rashad al-Alimi met with UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg in the Saudi capital of Riyadh to discuss efforts to revive the stalled peace process. According to Yemen's state-run Saba news agency, the meeting, held on Wednesday (local time), focused on developments in international diplomatic efforts to restart peace negotiations in the war-torn Arab country. Al-Alimi emphasised the importance of Grundberg's previous briefing to the UN Security Council, particularly regarding de-escalation measures, economic improvements, and the release of UN and international organisation staff detained by the Houthis group, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting Saba. The Yemeni leader reaffirmed his government's support for UN peace efforts aimed at achieving peace in the country ravaged by years of conflict. In a separate statement, Grundberg's office said the envoy and al-Alimi discussed "the urgent need to address the deteriorating living conditions for Yemenis and to make progress toward a political agreement that opens a path toward a just and sustainable peace." The UN envoy welcomed recent steps taken by the Yemeni government and the Central Bank in Aden, "in particular, to build upon the significant currency appreciation witnessed lately." Grundberg also met with Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber and ambassadors from the five permanent UN Security Council members. "In all his engagements," Grundberg reiterated concerns over continued detention of UN, diplomatic mission and NGO personnel by the Houthi group, stressing that such actions "undermine confidence-building efforts" while reaffirming the UN's commitment to securing their release through sustained diplomatic engagement, the UN statement said. Yemen has been engulfed in civil war since 2014, when Houthi forces seized the capital Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition intervention in 2015. Seoul, Aug 21 : South Korea's ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) were girding for a clash on Thursday as the DP plans to unilaterally propose one of three controversial broadcasting bills aimed at reducing the government's influence over public broadcasters. The bill is one of three contentious broadcasting bills pushed by the DP that would eventually alter the governance structure of the three public broadcasters -- KBS, MBC and EBS -- by significantly increasing the number of their board directors and granting media and broadcasting associations. The amendment to the Foundation for Broadcast Culture Act seeks to expand the number of board members of the Foundation for Broadcast Culture, a major shareholder of public broadcaster MBC, from nine to 13. The DP and the conservative PPP have clashed over the legislation, with the PPP arguing that the bills will only increase the presence of progressive figures on the boards of public broadcasters. The bill was automatically shelved when the July extraordinary session ended at midnight on August 5 after the PPP launched a filibuster to block its passage, reports Yonhap news agency. The PPP has warned that it will stage another filibuster at Thursday's plenary session. Once the bill is passed, the DP, which currently holds a parliamentary majority with 167 out of 298 seats, plans to present the remaining broadcasting bill, along with the so-called yellow envelope bill, which seeks to broaden labour protections, and a revision to the Commercial Act. The DP-controlled National Assembly has already passed an amendment to the Broadcasting Act, the first of the three broadcasting bills, earlier this month. A filibuster involves lawmakers holding the floor for extended periods as a way to prevent a parliamentary vote or delay the passage of a bill. Under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be stopped after 24 hours if at least three-fifths of all parliament members, or 180 lawmakers, consent to it. Chennai, Aug 21 : With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections only months away, political parties are gearing up for the contest, and all eyes are on the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor-turned-politician Vijay. The party, facing its first major electoral test, is holding its second state conference in Madurai on Thursday with elaborate arrangements in place. The grand event is being organised on a sprawling 506-acre venue at Parapathi along the Madurai-Thoothukudi National Highway. This follows the party's maiden state convention held last year near Vikravandi in Villupuram district. The stage and venue have been designed to highlight the party's aspirations. Large cut-outs of C.N. Annadurai, M.G. Ramachandran, and Vijay have been displayed prominently under the slogan "The history of voters returns". Seating has been arranged for nearly two lakh volunteers, with a specially built 300-metre ramp walkway ensuring they get a closer view of their leader. More than 40 spotlights have been placed along the ramp, and over 200 high-powered tower lights will illuminate the entire area. Special facilities have been added to distinguish the conference from other political events. A large-scale underground water supply system has been laid across 8,000 metres, with multiple tanks set up to ensure easy availability of drinking water. Adequate parking arrangements have also been made to manage the large crowds. Security has been organised at an unprecedented level. A two-layer system has been put in place with bouncers forming the first line and police forming the second. About 550 bouncers, including 50 women, are deployed alongside 2,000 private security personnel and 3,000 police officers. Preparations faced a minor setback on Wednesday when a crane hoisting a 100-foot flagpole malfunctioned and the pole fell on a parked car, damaging it. Fortunately, no one was injured. Vijay, who reached Madurai from Chennai in the evening, visited the site, reviewed the arrangements with local authorities, and instructed party members to ensure volunteers faced no difficulties. With thousands of supporters already gathered in Madurai, the conference marks a crucial moment in Vijay's political journey as TVK attempts to stamp its presence in Tamil Nadu's political arena. Shillong, Aug 20 : The Meghalaya government has stepped up its crackdown on narcotics with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) reporting major seizures and arrests in recent weeks. Officials said on Wednesday that drugs worth over Rs 4 crore were seized last week alone, and several peddlers were taken into custody. The government has announced cash rewards and certificates for ANTF personnel involved in successful operations. Since August 2024, detention orders under Section 31 of the PITNDPS Act have been cleared against five repeat offenders, including Pynhoi Nongtdu of Thadlaskein, Hubert Lamphrang Dkhar of Mawiong Nongstoin, Marwel Nongbah of Lumpariat Jowai and Rintu G. Saikia alias Pahadi. Authorities said their bank accounts, along with those of immediate family members, have been frozen. The government has warned that anyone providing shelter to offenders will face prosecution. Detentions may be extended if the accused resumes illegal activities. On the security front, the state is moving ahead with a proposal to create a Territorial Army for Meghalaya. The plan will be placed before the Cabinet on August 26. Officials said the new unit would act as a supplementary security force alongside Village Defence Parties (VDPs). The initiative comes after the Border Security Force (BSF) recently advertised 300 posts exclusively for Scheduled Tribe candidates from Meghalaya. In Shillong, the government has set November as the deadline to relocate hawkers from the Laitumkhrah-Civil Hospital stretch to Motphran. The relocation exercise will later be extended to other parts of the city. Meanwhile, the Centre has cleared major tourism investments for the state. The Union Ministry of DoNER has approved a Rs 220 crore project at Sohra. The project will include an experiential tourism hub to showcase rural village life. The Union Minister is expected to lay the foundation stone during the Cherry Blossom Festival. The government is also planning a heritage resort at the Lawsohtun Sericulture Farm, established in 1925 during the British era. The project will be linked with the stateas textile complex and is targeted for completion within two years. On the cultural front, the Arts and Culture Department has approved a film on the life of freedom fighter U. Tirot Sing. National Award-winning filmmaker Pradip Kurbah has been tasked with preparing the script. Oregon, Aug 21 : Eighteen people have been taken into custody in US' Oregon for vandalising Microsoft's campus in Redmond during a protest against the company's business dealings with Israel. The Redmond Police Department confirmed the arrests in a post on X, stating that the incident occurred on August 20. "18 arrested for various charges during a protest at Microsoft Campus. Redmond police are at the scene of a demonstration at the Microsoft campus. On Aug 20, around 12:15 p.m., Redmond officers were dispatched to a large gathering of protestors in the Microsoft courtyard," the department said. The protest, which entered its second consecutive day, called for Microsoft to sever ties with Israel. According to police, the situation escalated when officers attempted to remove demonstrators from the property. "A few protesters had poured paint over the Microsoft sign and on the ground," the police said, adding that the protesters resisted efforts to clear them and turned aggressive. Amid the unrest, demonstrators allegedly blocked a pedestrian bridge using tables and chairs stolen from local vendors. The furniture was reportedly used as barricades, obstructing movement in the area. "Officers took 18 into custody for multiple charges, including trespassing, malicious mischief, resisting arrest, and obstruction. No injuries were reported," the Redmond Police Department said. The department also shared photos, including one showing the Microsoft sign defaced with red paint. Microsoft, in a statement reported by Bloomberg, said: "Today, the group returned and engaged in vandalism and property damage. They also disrupted, harassed, and took tables and tents from local small businesses at a lunchtime farmer's market for employees." The company added, "Microsoft deeply appreciates and supports the actions of local law enforcement officers and the Redmond Police Department." Media reports indicated that the demonstrations were led by the group No Azure for Apartheid, which is urging Microsoft to stop selling products to Israel. The group has alleged that Microsoft's technology is enabling actions in Gaza that have caused civilian deaths. The protests come after The Guardian reported allegations that the Israeli Defense Forces used Microsoft's Azure cloud platform to store phone call data obtained through widespread surveillance of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Responding to these claims, Microsoft said it had launched an independent investigation through a law firm. The company stated, "We have found no evidence to date that Microsoft's Azure and AI technologies have been used to target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza." "As we have made clear, Microsoft is committed to its human rights standards and contractual terms of service, including in the Middle East," it added. Chennai, Aug 21 : In a major breakthrough to end a four-decade-long land acquisition deadlock, the Tamil Nadu government has released 4,396.44 acres of land, offering relief to thousands of homeowners. Another 743 acres are in the process of being freed, Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Muthuswamy said in a statement released by his office on Thursday. The dispute dates back to the 1980s, when the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) initiated steps to acquire nearly 10,075 acres for housing projects. However, the process was left incomplete, leaving vast tracts of land in legal limbo. This prevented both the Housing Board and the original landowners from exercising their rights. Over time, portions of the land were sold to third parties, adding layers of legal and administrative complications. Muthusamy, in the statement, said that repeated petitions and reviews had failed to resolve the stalemate. It was only after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed officials to adopt a uniform and transparent approach that progress was made. Acting on his instructions, TNHB and other departments classified the disputed lands into five categories, along with a separate segment for plots already recorded in government registers. According to the minister, lands falling under the first two categories -- where only preliminary notices had been issued but no further steps were taken -- have now been released. This move protects thousands of innocent homeowners from legal battles and possible demolition of houses built over the years. The third and fourth categories, which involve more complex cases, remain under scrutiny by a committee of two retired officials. The committee is tasked with reviewing court orders, government notifications, and TNHB records, and is expected to submit its recommendations by November. The fifth category includes lands fully acquired and partially developed by the TNHB, which remain under the Boardas control. The Chief Minister has also emphasised that while providing relief to residents, the government must safeguard financial interests. This means ensuring that acquisition costs and accrued interest are recovered, though obligations will be structured in a way that remains affordable for current owners. To enhance transparency and ensure fairness, complaint boxes have been placed in 16 locations across the state, enabling affected individuals to submit applications and grievances directly. Minister Muthuswamy said the governmentas intervention marks a decisive step in settling an issue that has caused hardship for thousands of families for more than 40 years. Chennai, Aug 21 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will embark on a European tour covering Germany and the UK from August 30 to September 8 as part of his ongoing efforts to attract foreign investments and accelerate the state's economic growth towards the ambitious target of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Over the past four years, Cm Stalin has made four overseas trips, visiting Dubai, Singapore, Japan, Spain, and the US, where he met investors and invited them to set up industries in Tamil Nadu. These efforts are seen as a cornerstone of his industrial development strategy aimed at positioning the state as a global investment hub. Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa, in a statement, highlighted the tangible success of these missions. He pointed out that 77 per cent of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during Stalin's international visits have already been implemented, marking a new record in execution. Similarly, 80 per cent of the agreements inked during global investor summits have been translated into action, strengthening Tamil Nadu's track record in honouring commitments and creating a business-friendly environment. Rajaa emphasised that this upcoming tour is expected to bring in fresh agreements and business collaborations that will further enhance the state's industrial profile. "The consistency in converting MoUs into real investments gives confidence to global investors that Tamil Nadu is a reliable destination for business," he said. Minister Rajaa also revealed on his X handle that CM Stalin will leave for Germany and England on the morning of August 30 and will return to Chennai on September 8. The Chief Minister is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with industrial leaders and sign new business agreements aimed at expanding investment opportunities in sectors ranging from manufacturing to green technology. The trip underscores Stalin's proactive approach to economic diplomacy, blending political leadership with aggressive investment promotion. By taking Tamil Nadu's growth story directly to global boardrooms, the Chief Minister hopes to secure large-scale projects that can generate employment, boost exports, and solidify the state's position as India's leading industrial hub. With this being his fifth overseas visit since taking office, the focus remains firmly on ensuring that Tamil Nadu not only attracts investments but also sustains them through rapid implementation and effective governance. Seoul, Aug 21 : Jailed South Korean former first lady Kim Keon Hee will appear before a special counsel team Thursday for questioning over various corruption allegations, marking her third appearance since her arrest last week. Kim, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was scheduled to arrive at special counsel Min Joong-ki's office at 2 p.m. after being placed under custody last Tuesday on various charges, including violating laws related to political funds. The team is expected to question Kim about bribery allegations of receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church through a shaman, identified as Jeon Seong-bae, in 2022. Jeon has been accused of giving Kim a diamond necklace and Chanel bags on behalf of the church between April and August 2022. Jeon allegedly delivered requests for business favours from the church along with the luxury gifts. In her previous questioning on Tuesday, Kim was questioned mainly on charges of interfering in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and 2024 general elections and about her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation case, Yonhap news agency reported. Kim exercised her right to remain silent for most of the questions. Meanwhile, Jeon waived his right to attend a court hearing on his potential arrest later in the day, with the judge set to review the warrant request without his presence. Min's team filed for the warrant against Jeon on Tuesday on charges of bribery and violation of laws related to political funds. The team was also set to question Lee Jong-ho, a close associate of Kim, as a witness regarding the stock manipulation case involving Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealer in South Korea, from 2009 to 2012. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the detention period for South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee had been extended by 10 days to the end of this month, special counsel Min Joong-ki's team said. The team had said in a press release that a court decided on Tuesday to extend Kim's detention period to August 31. Seoul, Aug 21 : The South Korean National Assembly on Thursday passed one of three controversial broadcasting bills aimed at reducing the government's influence over public broadcasters, with the ruling Democratic Party (DP) railroading the bill despite objection from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). During a parliamentary plenary session, the amendment to the Foundation for Broadcast Culture Act passed with 169 lawmakers in favour and one against, out of 171 lawmakers. PPP lawmakers boycotted the vote in protest of the bill. The legislation is one of three contentious broadcasting bills pushed by the DP that would eventually alter the governance structure of the three public broadcasters -- KBS, MBC, and EBS -- by significantly increasing the number of their board directors and granting media and broadcasting associations. Under the bill, the number of board members of the Foundation for Broadcast Culture, a major shareholder of public broadcaster MBC, will be expanded from nine to 13. The DP and the conservative PPP have clashed over the legislation, with the PPP arguing that the bills will only increase the presence of progressive figures on the boards of public broadcasters. The bill was automatically shelved when the July extraordinary session ended at midnight on August 5 after the PPP launched a filibuster to block its passage. At Thursday's session, the DP, which currently holds a parliamentary majority with 167 out of 298 seats, presented the remaining broadcasting bill -- the Korea Educational Broadcasting System Act. The PPP immediately launched another filibuster to prevent the vote, Yonhap news agency reported. The DP-controlled National Assembly has already passed an amendment to the Broadcasting Act, the first of the three broadcasting bills, earlier this month. The ruling party plans to propose the so-called yellow envelope bill, which seeks to broaden labor protections, and a revision to the Commercial Act. A filibuster involves lawmakers holding the floor for extended periods as a way to prevent a parliamentary vote or delay the passage of a bill. Under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be stopped after 24 hours if at least three-fifths of all parliament members, or 180 lawmakers, consent to it. Meanwhile, Choo Mi-ae, a six-term DP lawmaker, was elected to lead the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee, after her predecessor, Lee Choon-suak, was expelled from the party for triggering public outrage over allegations of stock trading under a borrowed name. With more than nine million motorbikes in various states of deterioration and inspections not mandatory, Ho Chi Minh City will struggle to prevent substandard vehicles from entering its downtown area, experts warn. Under a draft plan to control pollution by vehicles being developed by a consulting firm, a low-emission zone will be established in central HCMC next year. It will cover the erstwhile districts of 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, Binh Thanh, Tan Binh, Tan Phu, and Phu Nhuan and be bounded by 15 bridges and 17 main arterial roads. This area is home to around 3.2 million residents and sees more than 9.2 million vehicle trips daily, frequently recording pollution-measuring PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations above permitted levels. The roadmap proposes that, starting next year, the city will first restrict ride-hailing motorbikes that do not meet Euro 2 emission standards and commercial vehicles below Euro 4 standards from entering the zone. Diesel trucks will be completely banned. Euro standards set limits for exhaust emissions for new cars, trucks and buses sold in the EU. In ascending order from Euro 1 to Euro 7 the standards become more stringent and mainly control pollutants like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. From 2027 to 2032 the rules will apply to all motorbikes below Euro 2 and all cars below Euro 4. After 2032 authorities will consider raising the emissions thresholds and expanding the no-go areas for vehicles. A police officer checks the engine of an end-of-life motorbike in HCMC in 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan, director of the Institute for Circular Economy Development at the Vietnam National UniversityHCMC, said the biggest challenge is identifying and controlling which vehicles meet emission standards for entry into the city center as Vietnam currently does not require motorbikes to be tested periodically. HCMC has an enormous number of motorbikes, many of them old and used by low-income workers for their livelihoods, he pointed out. Besides, many vehicles are registered in someone else's name or come from other provinces, making management even more complicated, he said. "Looking at how car inspections are done shows just how challenging motorbike emissions checks would be." The processes, regulations, licensing, and the agencies responsible for inspections are either undefined or still at the proposal stage, he said. "If inspection labeling is done poorly, it will increase costs and waste people's time and effortthis is a big opportunity cost when implementing a major policy." He suggested a phased approach, allowing vehicles still within their intended period of safe and effective use to register online without immediate inspection, while authorities focus first on older motorbikes. He also recommended providing technical solutions, such as installing filters to reduce emissions without requiring vehicles to be discarded. He said private sector players like manufacturers and motorbike retailers could be authorized to perform inspections under standardized procedures. Vehicle labeling should also be carried out step by step, he said. Another issue is the difficulty in distinguishing between vehicles belonging to people living within the prohibited zone and those coming from outside, he pointed out. To implement the plan, HCMC could learn from other countries, he said. In Germany, for instance, low-emission zones (LEZs) are managed with clear standards that allow only vehicles meeting Euro 4 or Euro 6 to enter. Other vehicles can install exhaust filters instead of being forced to buy new ones. Germany also has extensive public transport and park-and-ride facilities at the fringes of zones, and relies on technology for enforcement rather than roadblocks. "Camera-based fines strong enough to deter violations make people think twice," Quan said. Where LEZs have been applied, air quality improves, investment is drawn in, and living conditions rise, benefits residents could see, encouraging compliance, he said. Pham Mi Sen, head of the Doan Ket (solidarity) group of Grab drivers, said members are willing to switch from gasoline to electric vehicles to access the LEZ, but "policy information must be transparent, with clear enforcement grounds to build consensus." He said since the shift is driven by government targets rather than vehicle owners' needs, loans with 0% interest are necessary for buyers. Charging and battery-swap networks must be "visible and available immediately, not buy the vehicle first and look for charging later," he said. Support policies should apply to all manufacturers so that drivers could choose suitable vehicles, he said. Motorbikes fill up Hanoi Highway leading into Ho Chi Minh City's center, January 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Bui Van Quan, chairman of the HCMC Freight Transport Association, said green transition is inevitable, but accompanying policies must be comprehensive and synchronized to prepare residents and businesses. Beyond expanding public transport, the city must put in place power supply and charging stations, and quickly roll out standards and technical regulations for charging infrastructure to spur private investment, he said. The city should also attract EV manufacturers to foster competition, especially to benefit low-income people, he said. Transport operators need a "slow" roadmap to adapt along with tax incentives and upfront cost support, he added. According to deputy director of the city Department of Construction, Bui Hoa An, public transport will be expanded in phases and relevant agencies are developing safety and compatibility standards for charging stations and studying battery-swap models and end-of-life battery disposal norms, he said. The department is collecting feedback to finalize a proposal to submit to the city government, he added. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday conveyed his birthday wishes to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, praising his governance and commitment to youth welfare. Born on August 21, 1979, in Tawang to former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, Pema Khandu turned 46 this year. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "Warm birthday wishes to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu Ji. He has made a mark with his pro-people governance and focus on youth development. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also greeted the Chief Minister on the occasion, lauding his efforts in driving growth in the frontier state. "Warm birthday greetings to Shri Pema Khandu Ji. Your dedicated service, under the leadership of Modi Ji, in making Arunachal Pradesh a beacon of development and empowering its citizens, is commendable. I pray for your long and healthy life," HM Shah posted on X. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended birthday wishes to the Arunachal CM, writing, "Greetings to the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu on his birthday. Under his dynamic leadership, Arunachal Pradesh is marching towards progress, peace and prosperity. May he be blessed with good health and a long life devoted to public service." Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari extended wishes, posting, "Extending my heartfelt birthday wishes to the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu Ji. May this occasion bring joy and the year ahead be filled with health and prosperity." Khandu entered state politics following the death of his father in 2011 and was inducted into the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet as Minister for Water Resource Development and Tourism. He was elected uncontested from Mukto constituency in a by-election the same year as an Indian National Congress candidate. In July 2016, he assumed office as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. His government switched affiliations twice that year, first from the Congress to the People's Party of Arunachal in September, and then to the Bharatiya Janata Party in December. Seoul, Aug 21 : SK bioscience Co., the biotech arm of South Korea's SK Group, said on Thursday it will expand cooperation with the Gates Foundation on next-generation preventive medicines, with a focus on research and development (R&D) for pandemic preparedness. Officials from SK bioscience and the foundation held a meeting in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss collaboration on vaccine development and global public health projects, the company said in a press release. The meeting came amid Bill Gates' ongoing trip to South Korea that began Wednesday. The two sides have previously worked together on several projects, including the development of vaccines for typhoid and paediatric diarrhoea, as well as other antiviral preventive solutions, it said, reports Yonhap news agency. One of their key achievements was the joint development of SKYCovione, South Korea's first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine, which was commercialised for domestic use in 2022. Gates, who has led global initiatives on climate change, poverty reduction and public health through the foundation, is visiting South Korea to explore possible cooperation with local pharmaceutical companies on a vaccine supply project for low-income countries, according to industry sources. The co-founder of Microsoft Corp. met with President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday to discuss cooperation on global health initiatives, the presidential office said. Gates said he expects South Korea to play an important role in the efforts through innovative products in vaccines and diagnostic equipment. "The growth of the bioscience sector here in Korea is very impressive," as seen in the research at the International Vaccine Institute, he said, citing his foundation's cooperation with SK bioscience and LG. Gates, also known for his extensive philanthropic work, plans to meet with officials from companies involved in vaccine development and manufacturing, along with relevant government officials, to discuss efforts aimed at strengthening global health initiatives. He is also expected to use his trip to explore future collaboration with both the government and private sectors. a"IANS na/ Seoul, Aug 21 : The data protection regulator here said on Thursday it will hold a plenary meeting next week to decide penalties against SK Telecom Co. over a major data breach that affected tens of millions of customers. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said it will convene the closed-door session next Wednesday to review proposed penalties against the country's largest telecom operator by user numbers. The results, however, may not be finalised if the commission's members require further discussions, reports Yonhap news agency. In April, SK Telecom belatedly reported the breach, in which universal subscriber identity module (USIM) data was potentially leaked during a cyberattack on its servers, prompting the company to offer free USIM replacements to around 25 million users. The regulator earlier wrapped up an investigation into the data breach and notified SK Telecom of its planned measures late last month. Under the personal information protection law, companies can be fined up to 3 percent of their total sales, although sales from areas unrelated to the violation can be excluded from the calculation. Considering SK Telecom's sales of 12.77 trillion won (US$9.13 billion) last year from its mobile communications division, the company could face a record fine of more than 300 billion won. The PIPC fined Google and Meta a combined 100 billion won in 2022 for collecting personal information without users' consent, which marked the highest penalty ever by the regulator. South Korea's telecom watchdog also ordered SK Telecom Co. to partially waive cancellation fees for non-mobile services following a major data breach that affected its 25 million mobile service users. The move came after the country's top carrier decided to limit the waiver of cancellation fees to mobile service customers. The dispute resolution committee of the Korea Communications Commission said customers' cancellations of their contracts, including non-mobile services, with SK Telecom are an "inevitable measure" sparked by the company's negligence. "Fixed-line services, including internet and TV, are usually sold as a combination," the commission noted in a release, acknowledging that cancellation fees for such services are considered damage caused by the data breach. a"IANS na/ Washington, Aug 21 : As tensions increase between Washington and New Delhi over US tariffs related to India's purchase of Russian oil, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has issued a firm warning. She believes the bilateral relationship is at serious risk and called for a course correction, emphasising that strengthening ties with India is crucial if the US aims to counter China's growing global influence. In an opinion piece published in Newsweek on Wednesday, Haley stressed that India should not be treated in the same category as China. She cautioned the Trump administration against allowing disputes --such as tariff conflicts or the US role in India-Pakistan peace talks -- to fracture the bond between two of the world's largest democracies. The past few weeks have seen heightened strain in India-US relations. The Trump administration recently imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India in response to its ongoing oil trade with Russia -- this is in addition to existing duties on Indian imports. This move follows a period of growing disagreement, including India's refusal to recognise a US role in mediating ceasefire efforts between India and Pakistan. "To achieve the Trump administration's foreign policy goals-outcompeting China and achieving peace through strength-few objectives are more critical than getting US-India relations back on track," she wrote. Nikki Haley criticised the Trump administration's 25 per cent tariff threat on Indian goods and Russian oil imports, calling it counterproductive. "Trump is right to target India's massive Russian oil purchases," she noted, but warned that treating India like an adversary instead of a partner would be "a massive - and preventable - mistake". Though Haley has endorsed Trump for the 2024 election, she has continued to voice concerns when necessary. She noted that "India must be treated like the prized free and democratic partner that it is, not an adversary like China, which has thus far avoided sanctions for its Russian oil purchases, despite being one of Moscow's largest customers." "Scuttling 25 years of momentum with the only country that can serve as a counterweight to Chinese dominance in Asia would be a strategic disaster," she warned. She highlighted India's role in diversifying global supply chains away from China, which is crucial for US economic resilience in the short term. "While the Trump administration works to bring manufacturing back to our shores, India stands alone in its potential to manufacture at a China-like scale for products that can't be quickly or efficiently produced here, like textiles, inexpensive phones, and solar panels," she wrote. Haley also underlined India's value in the defence sphere. Its deepening military ties with US allies, such as Israel, make India a key customer for American defence exports and a strategic asset for global security. India's influence in the Middle East was also noted as significant. As the US looks to reduce its military presence and expenditure in the region, India's growing involvement could help stabilise the area. Additionally, India's geographic position -- critical to China's trade and energy routes -- adds to its long-term strategic importance, especially in the event of conflict. "In the longer term, India's significance is even more profound. Home to more than a sixth of humanity, India surpassed China as the world's most populous country in 2023, with a young workforce that contrasts with China's ageing one," she wrote in Newsweek. With the fastest-growing major economy, India's ascent is shaping up to be the most geopolitically significant shift since China's rise. Haley asserted that this growth presents one of the biggest challenges to China's attempt to reshape the global order. "Simply put, China's ambitions will have to shrink as India's power grows. Yet, unlike Communist-controlled China, the rise of a democratic India does not threaten the free world," she added. Earlier this month, on August 6, Haley also criticised the US for treating India unfairly while giving leniency to China. She argued that Washington should not risk damaging its relationship with a dependable ally. "India shouldn't be buying oil from Russia, but China -- our adversary and the leading buyer of both Russian and Iranian oil -- received a 90-day break from tariffs," Haley posted on X. "Why penalise India while giving China a free pass?" Haley served as the US ambassador to the UN from January 2017 to December 2018 during Trump's first term, becoming the first Indian American to hold a cabinet-level position in the US government. In 2023, she launched a bid for the presidency but ended her campaign in March 2024. Her latest remarks come shortly after Trump criticised India as an unreliable trade partner and announced plans to impose significantly higher tariffs within 24 hours, citing India's Russian oil purchases as support for the "war machine." However, on August 19, the Centre had said almost $50 billion worth of Indian goods will be affected once the 50 per cent tariff comes into effect on August 27. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha regarding a question on the impact 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. Mumbai, Aug 21 : She started her acting journey when she was just 16, actress Saiee Manjrekar at 23 says that she's in no rush to fill her calendar "just for the sake of being busy" and wants to work on things she truly wants "to be a part of". Mumbai, Aug 21 (IANS) She started her acting journey when she was just 16, actress Saiee Manjrekar at 23 says that she's in no rush to fill her calendar "just for the sake of being busy" and wants to work on things she truly wants "to be a part of". Saiee said: "I started working very young, and in these years, I've learned that choosing the right project is far more important than doing too many at once. I'm in no rush to fill my calendar just for the sake of being busy." "At this stage in my life, I want to work on things I truly want to be a part of stories that excite me, roles that challenge me, and experiences that help me grow as an artist." Saiee, who is the daughter of veteran star Mahesh Manjrekar, said a project should give her the freedom to explore her "craft and bring something unique to the table." "I believe that when you work from a place of passion, the results always speak for themselves. I'm happy to wait for the right opportunities rather than make hasty decisions that don't align with my vision," she concluded. Saiee made her film debut with a brief appearance as Kushi Damle in the Marathi film Kaksparsh in 2012. She did her first leading role as Khushi Chautala in the 2019 Hindi action-comedy Dabangg 3 opposite Salman Khan. In 2020, she appeared in the music video for the song "Manjha", alongside Aayush Sharma. In 2022, she made her Telugu film debut alongside Varun Tej in Ghani, which ended up being a commercial failure. She was next featured in the Telugu-Hindi bilingual biographical action film Major, a biopic of Sandeep Unnikrishnan in which she played the role of Isha Agarwal who is Unnikrishnan's love interest. She next appeared in Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay opposite Guru Randhawa. San Francisco, Aug 21 : Tesla and SpaceX owner Elon Musk has been ordered by a US Federal judge to face a lawsuit from voters who accused him of defrauding them into signing a petition supporting the US Constitution for a chance to win his $1 million-a-day giveaway. The plaintiff alleged that winners were pre-selected, but Musk announced it as a lottery opportunity to win the prize, according to reports. US District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin, Texas, held that the victim Jacqueline McAferty, an Arizona resident, has made a plausible claim in her proposed class action against Musk and his political action committee America PAC. McAferty further alleged America PAC illegally induced her to provide personal identifying information during a giveaway late in the 2024 election campaign. McAferty alleged that Musk and America PAC encouraged voters in seven battleground states to sign his petition by promising a random selection of $1 million recipients, similar to a lottery, despite the voters having no chance of actually winning the money. Voters who signed were required to provide names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers, she said. As per multiple media reports, Musk's lawyers and America PAC did not respond to requests for comment on the judgement. Musk established America PAC to back Republican candidate Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. During the hearing, Musk countered the allegations saying that his PAC campaign had mentioned that $1 million recipients were "selected to earn" the money and were expected to become America PAC spokespeople. These mentions should have dispelled the notion that the payment was a "prize," so he asked the court to dismiss the case, claiming he did not operate an illegal lottery. But the judge cited other statements from PAC suggesting they were "awarding" the $1 million, and the money could be "won." The judge wrote that the plaintiff likely relied on these statements, believing the defendants were offering her a chance to enter a random lottery, regardless of PAC's actual intentions. Musk rejected the claim that petition signers were harmed by giving their contact information. Pitman said an expert in political data brokerage could testify what that information was worth for voters in battleground states. a"IANS aar/na Sydney, Aug 21 : Australian authorities have charged a German national with a drug smuggling offence after cocaine was allegedly found in his luggage on arrival in the country. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) said in a joint statement on Thursday that the 77-year-old man was stopped for a baggage examination after he arrived at Perth Airport in Western Australia on an international flight on August 8. During a search of two mini briefcases that the man was carrying in his backpack, ABF officers allegedly found packages containing four kilograms of a white substance. Subsequent testing of the substance returned a positive result for cocaine, reports Xinhua news agency. The case was handed over to AFP officers, who seized the drugs and arrested the man before charging him with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. AFP Superintendent Peter Hatch said that the cocaine could have supplied 20,000 individual street-level deals worth an estimated 1.3 million Australian dollars (836,166.4 US dollars). Earlier on July 27, police charged a French national over an alleged attempt to import more than 20 kg of methamphetamine in his luggage. The ABF and AFP said that the 20-year-old French citizen was stopped by officers on arrival at Sydney Airport on a flight from Amsterdam on July 20. A subsequent search of his luggage by the ABF allegedly found vacuum-sealed bags containing 22 kg of a clear crystalline substance. Testing identified the substance as methamphetamine, and the man was arrested by the AFP. He was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and one count of possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. Each offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. According to authorities, the seized drugs have an estimated street value exceeding 20 million Australian dollars (13.1 million US dollars) and could have supplied 220,000 individual deals. "This is not a victimless crime. The drugs these individuals carry fuel violence, addiction and organised crime in our communities. Every kilogram seized is a blow to the networks that profit from harm and a reminder that Australia is not an easy target," AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said in a statement. The 20-year-old made an initial appearance at a Sydney court on July 21, where he was denied bail. He will return to court on September 16. New Delhi, Aug 21 : In the wake of a shocking attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a Jan Sunvai event, security at the Chief Minister's official residence in Civil Lines on Thursday has been significantly increased. A team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was deployed to bolster security arrangements. The incident has sent shockwaves through the political circle, prompting a flurry of visits by political leaders. Delhi MPs Manoj Tiwari, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Yogendra Chandolia, Praveen Khandelwal and Bansuri Swaraj met with the Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, to inquire about her condition and the incident. The accused, Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, who allegedly assaulted CM Gupta during the public grievance event, was produced in court on Thursday and has been remanded to five days of police custody. Delhi Police had registered a case against the 41-year-old under the newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), charging him under Section 109 (attempt to murder), Section 132 (obstruction of a public servant), and Section 221 (impeding public duties). "The accused has been taken into police custody, and an FIR under relevant BNS sections has been registered at Civil Lines Police Station. Further investigation is underway from all possible angles," said the Delhi Police in an official statement. Central intelligence agencies and the Delhi Police Special Cell are jointly questioning the accused to determine his motive. Preliminary findings reveal that Rajesh arrived in Delhi from Rajkot on Tuesday morning -- his first visit to the national capital. He stayed at Gujarati Bhavan in Civil Lines and later proceeded to the CM's residence. Police also disclosed that Rajesh has a criminal history, with five cases registered against him at Bhaktinagar Police Station in Rajkot. He was acquitted in four cases, while one remains pending, with a hearing scheduled for September 9. They added that the Gujarat Police have been contacted in connection with the case, while an official confirmation regarding further details of the accused is awaited. Aligarh, Aug 21 : Uttar Pradesh has geared up for 'Hindu Gaurav Diwas' in Aligarh on Thursday to mark the death anniversary of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and veteran leader Kalyan Singh, popularly known as 'Babuji'. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with several other leaders, is scheduled to attend the programme, which is expected to draw more than 80,000 people. Supporters are also set to gather in large numbers to pay their respects to the late leader. Officials and staff remained occupied with preparations until late Wednesday evening to ensure smooth arrangements for the event. Born on January 5, 1932, in Madhauli village of Atrauli, he first entered the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 1967 and went on to emerge as a pivotal figure in shaping saffron politics in the Hindi heartland, particularly among the backward communities. During his political career, he served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as Governor of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. He passed away on August 21, 2021, at Lucknow PGI after a prolonged illness, just a day before Raksha Bandhan. Kalyan Singh was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. On his second death anniversary, it was decided that 'Hindu Gaurav Diwas' would be observed annually at Numaish Maidan in Aligarh in the memory of Kalyan Singh. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Adityanath paid homage to the leader on X, writing, "Humble tributes to the former Governor of Rajasthan, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, ardent devotee of Lord Rama, 'Padma Vibhushan', revered Kalyan Singh 'Babuji' on his death anniversary!" "Revered 'Babuji', with his extraordinary personality, always remained steadfast in his values and ideals. With his administrative efficiency, he gave a new direction to the politics of the country and the state. Countless salutations to his sacred memories!" CM Yogi added. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also remembered him, posting, "On the death anniversary of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Kalyan Singh Ji, I pay my heartfelt tributes while remembering him. He was an extremely popular and exceptional leader connected with the common people." "He made unforgettable contributions to the development of Uttar Pradesh and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement. His personality and deeds will continue to inspire future generations," he added. Bhubaneswar, Aug 21 : Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, was discharged from the private hospital in Bhubaneswar and returned to his residence here. He was discharged late Wednesday evening and, while heading towards his residence, 'Naveen Nivas', he said, "I want to thank the people of Odisha for their prayers and good wishes for my health and, of course, to the hospital for having taken such good care of me." Notably, LoP Patnaik was admitted to the private hospital in Bhubaneswar after he reportedly fell ill due to dehydration on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke to Patnaik and enquired about his health condition. The PN had also wished him a speedy recovery. The Prime Minister also suggested that Patnaik take a rest for some time. He also requested the former Chief Minister to come to New Delhi soon after recovering fully to meet him. Expressing his gratitude, Patnaik wrote on his X handle, "Thank you, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiJi for calling to inquire about my health and wishing speedy recovery." He also thanked Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Biswabhushan Harichandan for calling to inquire about his health. "Thank you, @INCOdisha President Shri @BhaktaCharanDas Ji, Law Minister of #Odisha Shri @PrithivirajBJP Ji and Health Minister Shri @MahalingMukesh Ji for visiting me at the hospital," Patnaik added. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and other senior leaders across party lines also wished him a speedy recovery and good health. Following the directions of CM Majhi, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan had visited the hospital and enquired about the health condition of the BJD supremo. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das also met him in the hospital. It is pertinent here to mention that Patnaik underwent spinal surgery for cervical arthritis on June 22 in Mumbai. He was discharged from the hospital after recovery and returned to Odisha on July 7. A view of Kuala Lumpur's skyline in Malaysia, May 30, 2023. Photo by Reuters The number of visitors from other Southeast Asian countries to Malaysia increased 15.5% year-on-year to 15.09 million in the first half of 2025. Tourists from Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand accounted for the highest number of visitors to Malaysia between January and June 2025, The Star reported, citing Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing. He said Malaysia welcomed 10.2 million tourists from Singapore during the period, a 22.5% increase year-on-year, The Straits Times reported. Tourist arrivals from Indonesia rose by 8.2% to 2.1 million this year. Malaysia recently upgraded its airport terminal and relaxed visa policies for China and India in an effort to boost tourism competitiveness with regional neighbors. In the first quarter of this year Malaysia had led Southeast Asia with 10.1 million tourist arrivals, followed by Thailand with 9.55 million, Vietnam with six million, and Singapore with 4.3 million. Malaysia is targeting 47 million international tourist arrivals in 2026, with a focus on key markets such as Central Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania, the tourism ministry said. Imphal, Aug 21 : Assam Rifles Director General Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera has stated that around 42,000 individuals have crossed into India from Myanmar since December 2024, and their biometrics have been collected. Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh commended the Assam Rifles for their efforts in documenting illegal entrants and emphasised that the influx of outsiders is "real and ongoing." Imphal, Aug 21 (IANS) Assam Rifles Director General Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera has stated that around 42,000 individuals have crossed into India from Myanmar since December 2024, and their biometrics have been collected. Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh commended the Assam Rifles for their efforts in documenting illegal entrants and emphasised that the influx of outsiders is "real and ongoing." Speaking at a programme at Manipur University on Wednesday, Lt. Gen. Lakhera said, "The new Free Movement Regime (FMR) is a Government of India initiative that no previous government has undertaken. We now aim to formalise the process of tracking how many people are coming in. Since December 31, we have mapped 42,000 people crossing the border, and their biometrics have been collected. These details have been shared with all relevant agencies, including Aadhaar, UIDAI, and other identification authorities. We now have a database. With this in place, when fencing work begins, we will serve as the net security providers against all challenges." He reiterated the Assam Rifles' mandate, saying, "Our primary roles are to secure the Indo-Myanmar border and maintain internal security. A third role arises when the civil administration requests intervention in areas beyond our mandate, for which we act on requisition. We also play a crucial role in humanitarian assistance, including during floods, fires, or medical emergencies. Additionally, we are the single largest blood donor organisation, contributing to society daily." Lt Gen Lakhera added, "Public support is essential in everything we do. Our job is to be visible and engaging with the people. We ensure that our actions are aligned with the policies of the force, directives from headquarters, and the Government of India. Assam Rifles is a Northeast-specific force -- 40 per cent of our personnel come from the region and serve here. We understand and speak the local languages and are familiar with tribal cultures." He further stated, "You can't choose your neighbour -- geography doesn't give you that option. Those who are your neighbours are a reality." Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh took to X and wrote, "I thank Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, DG Assam Rifles, for confirming that biometrics are being collected from illegal entrants crossing the Indo-Myanmar border. The very need for such a measure underlines an undeniable truth -- the influx of outsiders into our region is real and ongoing. It is equally reassuring that these individuals are being closely monitored, housed only at secure locations, and managed under strict authority. The message is clear -- the Northeast is not blind to what is happening, nor is it leaving anything to chance." New Delhi, Aug 21 : The final day of the Monsoon Session in Parliament was marked by disruptions and early adjournments in both Houses, as Opposition protests derailed scheduled proceedings. In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla began the day with Question Hour. However, before any questions could be raised, Opposition members erupted in slogans demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of the voters' list. With the uproar escalating, Speaker Birla reminded members that it was the last sitting of the session and urged cooperation. "If you are not allowing the House to run, the proceedings are adjourned till noon," he declared, bringing the session to a premature halt. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha saw a brief business. After papers were laid and statements were made, Deputy Chairman Harivansh read out a notice regarding the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gambling Bill, 2025, which had been passed in the Lok Sabha the previous day. He informed members that the bill was listed in the supplementary business and could be taken up immediately after the motion on the joint committee, with two hours allotted for discussion. Copies of the bill had been circulated via the members' portal the previous evening, and amendments were to be submitted by noon. Notices received after that deadline would not be processed. The Deputy Chairman then addressed Rule 267, stating that 18 notices had been received on four subjects. However, none complied with procedural requirements, and thus none were admitted. This triggered protests from the Opposition benches, who began raising demands under SIR (Special Immediate Resolution). Before the situation could escalate, the Deputy Chairman adjourned the House till 2 p.m. Earlier in the day, ministers laid departmental papers and reports and made brief statements. With both Houses adjourned and the Monsoon Session concluded, the day underscored persistent tensions between the government and Opposition -- particularly over electoral transparency and legislative priorities. Mumbai, Aug 21 : Directors Uttam and Nitin have announced Operation Sindoor as a grand patriotic film inspired by a novel titled "Ek Chutki Sindoor Ki Keemat: Operation Sindoor". Mumbai, Aug 21 (IANS) Directors Uttam and Nitin have announced Operation Sindoor as a grand patriotic film inspired by a novel titled "Ek Chutki Sindoor Ki Keemat: Operation Sindoor". Unveiled by The Content Engineer, the project is being described as a cinematic movement rather than just a film. "Operation Sindoor is not just a film; it's a pulse a roar that will echo from India to the world," said Dr. Uttam Jaju, creator of the novel and co-director of the adaptation, while speaking about the vision behind the project. The film is slated to be shot across multiple continents, with grand battle sequences, emotional storytelling, and state-of-the-art visuals designed for international audiences. At its heart, however, the story revolves around a high-stakes mission of intelligence, sacrifice, and national pride. Sources reveal that the soundtrack will feature a mix of anthemic patriotic numbers and adrenaline-driven chartbusters, ensuring both cinematic scale and mass connect. While the makers remain tight-lipped about the cast, sources suggest the film may bring together powerhouse Indian stars alongside international talent. Production is expected to roll out soon. Jaju and his team are working on educational modules tailored for school students across Classes 38 and 912. The aim is to provide a structured understanding of Operation Sindoor in classrooms, ensuring the story resonates with younger generations as a lesson in unity and patriotism. Sharing about it Jaju said, "'Operation Sindoor' is not just a story of a missionit is a tribute to every brave soul who stands for the nation. This film celebrates courage, sacrifice, and the spirit that defines India on a global platform." With the tagline "One Mission. One Heartbeat. One Tricolour", the film is being positioned not just as a cinematic spectacle but as a cultural milestone. The 2025 IndiaPakistan conflict was a brief armed conflict between India and Pakistan that began on 7 May 2025, after India launched missile strikes on Pakistan, in a military campaign codenamed Operation Sindoor. India said that the operation was in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 in which 26 civilians were killed. New Delhi, Aug 21 : The United States has been steadily warming up to Pakistan over the last few months, and this engagement goes far beyond routine diplomacy. At the centre of the shift lies a crypto deal -- an arrangement that appears less like economic cooperation and more like a financial pact between the Trump family's crypto venture and Pakistan's military-linked funds, with a chain of controversial actors involved, according to a thread report posted by DisInfo Lab. One of the key figures is Bilal bin Saqib, a British-Pakistani entrepreneur who now serves as CEO of Pakistan's newly formed Crypto Council (PCC) as well as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain. The connection worth noting is that Bilal is also an advisor to World Liberty Financial (WLF), the Trump family's crypto enterprise. WLF is no ordinary crypto company. Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Jared Kushner together hold a 40 per cent stake, while Donald Trump himself is listed as "co-founder emeritus". The Pakistan-WLF deal was signed on April 26 amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Just days earlier, on April 15, WLF had appointed Bilal as an advisor, and by May, he was also installed as CEO of the PCC. This dual role places him at the heart of the arrangement, representing Islamabad's crypto vision while simultaneously serving the Trump family's interests in Washington, the report suggests. By June, Bilal had already met with a wide range of American political leaders and influencers, including Senator Cynthia Lummis, co-sponsor of the Bitcoin Act, Senator Bill Hagerty of the Banking Committee, White House advisers, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. During these meetings, he pitched Pakistan's "crypto vision", all the while maintaining his advisory position with WLF. The DisInfo Lab report also alleged that the crypto deal between Pakistan and WLF "opened avenues for money laundering and is even giving impetus to terror-funding", with Binance providing the perfect incubator. Binance, a major global crypto trading platform, has long been surrounded by allegations of facilitating illicit financing. Despite claiming to have cut ties with China, evidence continues to show Binance's connections there. Its founder, Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, has deep business links through his partner Yi He, who is Vice President of Yixia Technology, a company partly owned by the Chinese Communist Party. Binance has made several investments in China, even while insisting on its independence. CZ himself has a history of legal trouble. He was sentenced to four months in prison for enabling money laundering that supported terrorist organisations. The US Department of Justice, Treasury, and Commodity Futures Trading Commission collectively imposed a record $4.3 billion fine on Binance in November 2023 after exposing how it funnelled funds to Hamas, al-Qaeda, and ISIS, processed $1.1 million worth of transactions with Iran in violation of US sanctions, and failed to follow basic anti-money laundering protocols. Both CZ and Binance pleaded guilty, the report suggests. This was far from an isolated incident. Binance has faced allegations and investigations in multiple countries. In France, the government accused it of money laundering and terror financing. In India, the Financial Intelligence Unit fined Binance Rs 188 million for money laundering violations. In Canada, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre imposed a fine of around $6 million (Canadian dollars) on the platform. Despite this record, CZ emerged from his short prison term to become "Strategic Advisor" to Pakistan's Crypto Council. This move placed him directly alongside Bilal bin Saqib as the second pivotal figure in the Pakistan-WLF crypto nexus. Zhao's extensive history of money laundering and terror-financing allegations makes his new position all the more controversial. DisInfo Lab also points to Bilal's own network of questionable enterprises. Many of his companies are registered at the same address, have no active websites, and show no signs of financial transparency -- hallmarks of shell entities. His sister, Minahil, owns 75 per cent of Tayaba UK, a company that partners with Al Mustafa Trust (AMT). AMT, while appearing as a charity, is widely believed to be a military slush fund controlled by retired personnel from Pakistan's Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is one of many Milbus ventures -- military capital that directly benefits Pakistan's officer class while staying off the official defence budget, the report stated. Since the crypto pact was formalised in May 2025, Washington and Islamabad have seen a visible upswing in ties. Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir visited the US twice within two months, a string of new bilateral agreements was signed, and in a symbolic move, Pakistan even nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The convergence raises serious questions. Trump's crypto venture, Pakistan's shadowy military funds, and Binance's tainted legacy of terror financing have converged under the banner of "crypto diplomacy". A convicted crypto mogul with ties to China, a political family enterprise, and Pakistan's military elite now form the core of this alliance. New Delhi, Aug 21 : The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of Rs 10,00,000 on online ride-hailing platform Rapido (Roppen Transportation Services) for publishing misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. The regulator also directed Rapido to ensure that all consumers who availed the "Auto in 5 min or get Rs 50" offer receive the promised Rs 50 "amount in full without any further delay or condition". The directive comes as the CCPA took cognisance of the misleading advertisements of Rapido that promised consumers "Auto in 5 min or get Rs 50" and "Guaranteed Auto", which often tend to be false, misleading, and unfair to consumers. The regulator also directed Rapido to discontinue the misleading advertisements with immediate effect. As per data from the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), there have been 575 complaints against Rapido between April 2023 and May 2024, and 1,224 complaints between June 2024 and July 2025. The investigation led by the CCPA found that "not only was the disclaimer 'Terms and Conditions Apply' in Rapido's advertisements displayed in extremely small and unreadable font, but the promised Rs 50 benefit was compensated in 'Rapido coins' and not in actual currency". These coins could only be redeemed against Rapido bike rides and carried a validity of just seven days. Further, while the advertisement prominently claimed, "Auto in 5 min or get Rs 50", the Terms and Conditions stated that the guarantee was being offered by individual captains and not by Rapido itself. "This contradictory stance attempted to shift liability away from the company, misleading consumers about the very assurance made in the advertisement," the CCPA said. It also created an impression that consumers would invariably receive Rs 50 if the auto was not provided within 5 minutes. However, the material limitation that the benefit was restricted to 'up to Rs 50', and that too only in the form of Rapido coins with a short validity, was either omitted or not disclosed with equal prominence. "This concealment and lack of clarity rendered the advertisement deceptive," the CCPA said. Rapido operates in over 120 cities, and the misleading advertisement was actively run for nearly 1.5 years (around 548 days) in multiple regional languages across the country. CCPA urged "consumers to be cautious about advertisements that make tall promises or use phrases like 'guaranteed' or 'assured' without explaining the conditions". Consumers facing any issues of misleading advertisements or unfair trade practices can call the National Consumer Helpline (1915) or use the NCH App or website to file complaints. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka will be on an official visit to India from August 24-26, marking his first trip to the country in his current capacity. New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka will be on an official visit to India from August 24a"26, marking his first trip to the country in his current capacity. The visit aims to further deepen the longstanding partnership and close ties between the two nations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday. Rabuka will be accompanied by his spouse, Sulueti Rabuka, along with a high-level delegation that includes Health and Medical Services Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu and senior officials. During his stay in New Delhi, Prime Minister Rabuka will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 25. Prime Minister Modi will also host a lunch in his honour. In addition to his official engagements, Prime Minister Rabuka is expected to deliver a lecture on 'Ocean of Peace' at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi. Additionally, Rabuka is also scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu. The visit comes close on the heels of President Murmu's trip to Fiji in August 2024, where she addressed the Fijian Parliament and highlighted the "close ties" and "shared values" between the two nations. On that occasion, Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere conferred upon her the 'Companion of the Order of Fiji,' the country's highest civilian honour, which Murmu described as a "reflection of the deep ties between the two nations." During her visit, President Murmu had highlighted the shared values of democracy, diversity, equality, and commitment to liberty, dignity, and rights that unite India and Fiji. "Prime Minister Rabuka's visit underscores the longstanding and enduring ties between India and Fiji. It reaffirms the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen the bilateral relationship across all sectors and deepen our close people-to-people ties," the MEA said in a statement. Patna, Aug 21 : Dengue fever is spreading rapidly in Bihar's capital, Patna. In the last 48 hours, 28 fresh infections have been reported, taking the total to 86 cases in the first 20 days of August. Since January, Patna has already recorded over 150 cases, posing a growing challenge for the Health Department and the Municipal Corporation. According to the Civil Surgeon's Office, dengue is spreading most in waterlogged areas. Localities such as Kankarbagh, Postal Park, Yogipur, Jakkanpur, Jaganpura, Patna City, Boring Road, Boring Canal Road, Pataliputra Colony, Digha, Gola Road, Rupaspur, Phulwarisharif and Danapur have been identified as hotspots. These areas also reported high numbers during last year's outbreak. The number of patients with dengue and dengue-like symptoms is rising sharply in both government and private hospitals. Confirmed patients are being treated at Patna Medical College & Hospital (PMCH), Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Patna, among others. Currently, four patients are admitted at IGIMS, while several others are being screened in OPDs of private hospitals, including Paras, Medanta, Ruban and Mediversal, Samay and others. The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified fogging and anti-larval spraying. To monitor the campaign, random verification calls are being made to residents. Citizens have been urged to lodge complaints at the helpline number 155304 if spraying has not been done in their area. The PMC has appealed to residents to ensure no water stagnation in pots, coolers, AC trays or other containers, and to cooperate with workers during spraying drives. Senior doctors have cautioned that the situation could worsen due to ongoing monsoon rains and waterlogging. "Ideal conditions exist for mosquito breeding, which may lead to a further spike in cases," warned Dr. Rajan Kumar of Patna Medical College and Hospital. Dr. Ajay Kumar Sinha of Nalanda Medical College and Hospital said prevention is the key here to deal with vector-borne diseases. The residents are advised to follow the guidelines of the health department. Islamabad, Aug 21 : Torrential monsoon rains continue to batter Pakistan, leaving Sindh province and its capital Karachi grappling with power outages and waterlogging on Thursday. The Pakistani officials warned that the next phase of the monsoon spells could bring even greater devastation, local media reported. According to the Karachi Traffic Police, several roads remain submerged in rainwater, while the Korangi River and Causeway Road in the city remain shut to general traffic. Residents in multiple areas of the city, including North Nazimabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Defence View, Orangi Town, Lyari, Baldia Town, Liaquatabad, Surjani, and Korangi Industrial Area, reported being without electricity for more than 24 to 48 hours. Additionally, in some parts of Karachi, outages extended beyond 36 hours, leaving households without water. At least 11 people were killed and 10 were injured in Karachi as of Wednesday, according to a report by the leading Pakistani media outlet, Dunya News. Meanwhile, in the Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, Block 8, residents staged a protest after enduring 32 hours without electricity, while in Block 2, the outage had persisted since Tuesday. Several parts of North Nazimabad reported blackouts for as long as 45 hours. Similar complaints were recorded by locals in Hyderabad city, who stated that 90 per cent of Latifabad and Qasimabad were still without electricity, with delays in restoration stretching beyond seven hours, Pakistani media outlet Geo News reported. Addressing a press conference following his visit to flood-affected parts of Karachi, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said that the electricity crisis had emerged as the city's major challenge. He told reporters that in Surjani, many families had no choice but to sleep on rooftops as rainwater flooded their homes.. Tessori noted that Governor House's complaints cell had received over 11,000 complaints in a single day, the majority concerning power outages. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 21 : The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has directed the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) to conduct an internal probe into complaints raised against first-time legislator and Youth Congress president, Rahul Mamkootathil. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 21 (IANS) The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has directed the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) to conduct an internal probe into complaints raised against first-time legislator and Youth Congress president, Rahul Mamkootathil. Indications have come that he might be removed from the post of president. AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepadas Munshi, has instructed the state leadership to examine the matter and report back. The development comes amid mounting political pressure and public debate over the allegations. On Wednesday night, angry BJP workers staged a protest march to Mamkootathil's office in Palakkad, the constituency he represents. Senior BJP leader C. Krishnakumar, who had finished second to Mamkootathil in last year's by-election, alleged that at least two complaints have now surfaced against the MLA. "On Thursday, a female writer came out alleging inappropriate behaviour by him," Krishnakumar claimed. The CPI(M) has also stepped in, with Palakkad district secretary Suresh Babu urging the Congress leadership to take "appropriate action" against the legislator. The controversy first erupted when actress Rini Ann George alleged that a young leader of a prominent political party had misbehaved with her a few years ago. However, she refrained from naming the leader. On Thursday, she reiterated her claim but declined to disclose the name, saying she was "not ready at the moment". The issue has also sparked unrest within the faction-ridden Youth Congress. Calls emerged on Thursday in the organisation's social media groups demanding clarity from the leadership. Defending Mamkootathil, Youth Congress leader V.P. Dulkiphil told reporters, "At the moment, there is only an allegation without any name mentioned. Anyone can level allegations. We all know how wild charges once targeted our topmost leader. After his passing, he was glorified, but his family had suffered greatly due to baseless attacks." Meanwhile, DYFI leader V.K. Sanoj said the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, could no longer remain silent. "This woman is already facing cyberattacks. She was a former journalist, and everyone knows who she is pointing to," Sanoj said. With the issue gaining political traction, the ball is now in the court of the state Congress unit. New Delhi, Aug 21 : The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the global health community to prioritise pregnant and lactating women in research and vaccine trials of tuberculosis (TB) -- the world's most infectious disease. As per WHO data, every year, an estimated 200,000 pregnant or postpartum women develop TB, yet they remain largely invisible in research and clinical trials. This exclusion leaves critical gaps in evidence, delaying access to life-saving treatment and vaccines for these populations. Pregnant and postpartum women have an increased risk of developing TB compared with the general population. Moreover, TB disease in pregnancy is also associated with an increased risk of maternal morbidity, complications during birth, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. TB disease puts neonates born to mothers with TB at higher risk of the disease. "The benefits of TB research must flow to all people with TB, including pregnant and lactating women," said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the WHO Department for HIV, TB Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections. "It is time to prioritise their inclusion -- not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental step toward equitable, evidence-based care," Kasaeva said. The WHO also released a Consensus Statement, which outlines a comprehensive framework to ensure equitable access to TB innovations for all, including those most at risk. Prepared by over 80 global experts, it covers five themes: preclinical TB research, TB therapeutics research, TB vaccine trials, maternal TB surveillance, and advocacy. The key actions required in the statement include closing data gaps on TB in pregnancy and postpartum through improved surveillance and reporting, initiating timely preclinical studies to assess efficacy and safety of novel TB compounds and vaccines in pregnancy. It called on global researchers to include pregnant and lactating women in all stages of TB drug trials and include them in adult TB vaccine research for candidates with a favourable risk-benefit profile and plan for rollout and monitoring. Further, it urged addressing legal, ethical, and regulatory barriers by engaging and empowering affected communities. The document also provides a roadmap for product developers, study sponsors, researchers, regulators, ethics committees, government programmes, funders, and civil society to act decisively to advance inclusion of pregnant and lactating women in TB research. The Netherlands has announced it is sending its air defense assets to protect the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) logistics center in Rzeszow, Poland, just 70 km from the southeastern border. Since 2022, this hub has been a key point for transferring weapons to Ukraine. The Dutch will take over the anti-aircraft duties from the Bundeswehr at this position. In particular, two Patriot air defense systems, one NASAMS system, and anti-drone systems will be sent. The Netherlands and its partners are strengthening multi-layered air defenses against potential russian strikes. Launch of an AIM-120 missile from the NASAMS systems / Open-source illustrative photo In addition to air defense systems, around 300 personnel are planned to be sent to maintain and operate them. The deployment of these assets and personnel is scheduled from December 1 to June 1, 2026. "The Ministry of Defence provides advanced capabilities. Although limited, the Netherlands can supply them. This deployment contributes to three important goals: defending NATO territory, discouraging russian aggression, and providing continued support to Ukraine. This way, we keep the russian threat as far away as possible," the Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated. Bundeswehr's Patriot air defense system / Photo credit: Bundeswehr The center is responsible for coordinating and facilitating training for Ukrainian troops. It also coordinates the supply of military equipment and technology from donor countries. These air defense systems are expected to provide a strong shield against russian threats while securing the transfer of weapons to Ukraine. From Defense Express we would like to add that at the current stage of the war, the greatest threat to the center is not russian missiles or drones, but sabotage carried out by russian special services and recruited locals. Therefore, of all the equipment being transferred, the anti-drone systems are likely the most useful, as unidentified drones have been frequently spotted over European territory recently. Anti-drone system / Photo credit: the Dutch defense ministry Since the beginning of this year, such incidents have become more frequent. They are no longer isolated cases but systematic occurrences, involving hundreds of drones so far. Most of these incidents occur near military bases. New Delhi, Aug 21 : A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Jabalpur has convicted and sentenced three officials of the Postal Department in Madhya Pradesh for their role in a corruption case that caused over Rs 1.21 crore loss to the government exchequer, the agency said on Thursday. According to the CBI, the court on Wednesday sentenced Vishal Kumar Ahirwar, the then Sub Post Master at Bina LSG Sub Post Office, District Sagar, to five years' rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 39,000. Vishal Kumar Ahirwar's colleagues Hemant Singh and Ranu Namdeo, both serving as Sub Post Masters at the same branch were each sentenced to four years' rigorous imprisonment with fines of Rs 7,000 each. The case was registered by the CBI on November 17, 2022, against Vishal Kumar Ahirwar and others following allegations that between January 1, 2020, and July 5, 2021, the accused officials had misused their positions at the post office. Investigations revealed that they manipulated several postal savings accounts and issued forged passbooks, thereby embezzling government funds. "The accused persons caused wrongful loss of Rs 1,21,82,921 to the Government exchequer and corresponding wrongful gain to themselves," the CBI statement said. After the investigation, a chargesheet was filed on December 29, 2023 before the court of Special Judge, CBI Cases, Jabalpur. Following a detailed trial, the court held all three guilty of corruption and allied charges. Officials said the verdict underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary views corruption cases involving custodians of public money. The CBI has in recent months intensified its crackdown on financial frauds in the postal and banking sectors, which directly affect citizens' savings. The conviction also highlights the central agency's focus on rooting out systemic corruption in government departments, especially those handling public funds as it leads to suffering to the common man and loss to the government. New Delhi, Aug 21 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government and the state's police chief within two weeks on the death of a 25-year-old patient who allegedly died due to mismanagement of the hospital and police personnel at Kanpur Medical College. New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government and the stateas police chief within two weeks on the death of a 25-year-old patient who allegedly died due to mismanagement of the hospital and police personnel at Kanpur Medical College. The apex human rights body took suo motu cognisance of a media report stating that the doctor on duty had referred the victim, who was in an unconscious state, to another hospital, but the police escort arrived only after 6-7 hours, during which the patient died. The victim's body remained in the ward for several hours till it started stinking, forcing other patients to leave, and then the body was shifted to the mortuary. Reportedly, two people admitted him to the hospital in a serious condition. A message was sent to the local police station to provide a guard to accompany him, but the escort did not reach the hospital for about 6-7 hours. In a press statement, the NHRC said that the contents of the press report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. It issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. According to the media report, published on August 11, police claimed that a guard was sent to the hospital to escort the patient, but he could not be taken to the referral facility due to the non-availability of an ambulance, while hospital authorities reportedly maintained that an ambulance was available. Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC, an autonomous statutory body, is an embodiment of India's concern for the promotion and protection of human rights. The apex human rights body has the power to take suo motu (on its own motion) action based on media reports, public knowledge or other sources, without receiving a formal complaint of human rights violations. Dhaka, Aug 21 : Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has said that democracy has not been restored in the country, and free and fair elections are still not ensured, local media reported on Thursday. Addressing a press conference at the BNP central office in Dhaka on Wednesday, the party's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, "Our work is not finished yet, democracy has not been restored yet, we may have to cross a more dangerous path to restore that democracy. For this reason, leaders and activists of all levels of our party and nationalist forces are ready." "Our free and fair elections are not yet assured. We hear about various conspiracies. We hear about various master plans," leading Bangladeshi daily Jugantor quoted the BNP leader as saying. Meanwhile, BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan also called the demand by some political parties to introduce a proportional representation (PR) election system in the next national election "unrealistic and suspicious." "When such insistence is placed on this matter (PR), it creates doubts that this could be an unreasonable attempt, leading to serious negative consequences for holding the election," said Khan. He said that to apply PR in the upcoming elections, there was a need to amend the Constitution, which is not possible before the elections. "Even if you agree on introducing PR, you still cannot apply it in the coming election, because the constitution would need to be amended first. Only parliament has the authority to do that. So, if you want to introduce it at all, it would only be possible in the following election," he added. On the other hand, the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami called for the implementation of the PR system for the upper and lower houses of parliament and recently threatened to launch a movement to press home the demand. Earlier on August 19, Asif Nazrul, the Law Advisor to the interim government in Bangladesh, reaffirmed that the general elections will be held in February next year. When asked regarding the prevailing confusion over holding elections, he asserted that the government remains determined to conduct the polls in February. 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. Bangladesh has been gripped by uncertainty over the next general elections since the democratically elected government of Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was overthrown during violent protests last year. The parties that collaborated with Yunus to remove Hasina are now at loggerheads over reform proposals and the timing of the next polls. New Delhi, Aug 21 : India's Deep Ocean Mission, which has been launched with an investment of Rs 4,077 crore spread over five years, represents a strategic effort to develop advanced technologies for deep-sea exploration and sustainable utilisation of marine resources. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the mission represents a crucial step toward strengthening India's Blue Economy, an area identified by the Government as a core driver of national growth by 2030. Covering more than 70 per cent of Earth's surface, the deep ocean remains one of the least understood ecosystems. It holds mineral wealth, vast biodiversity, renewable energy potential, and climate clues that can reshape how humanity addresses pressing challenges such as global warming, clean energy, and food security. For India with its 7,517 km of coastline, nine coastal states, and over 1,300 islands tapping into this resource-rich frontier is not just a scientific pursuit but also a national economic imperative, according to an article in India Narrative. The Samudrayaan Project, launched under the mission's umbrella, represents India's most ambitious step into the deep sea. Its centrepiece is the engineering marvel MATSYA 6000, a human-occupied vehicle designed to transport aquanauts to 6,000 meters beneath the ocean. The article highlights that in August this year, during test expeditions in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian aquanauts executed seven-hour dives aboard IFREMER's submersible Nautile, gaining invaluable experience in piloting, buoyancy management, sample collection, and acoustic communication. These operations marked India's entry into the exclusive club of fewer than half a dozen nations with deep-sea diving expertise. Simultaneously, the team successfully collected over 100 kg of cobalt-rich polymetallic nodules from a depth of 1,173 meters in the Andaman Sea a small but symbolic step toward future deep-sea mining. The Deep Ocean Mission is aimed at developing indigenous capabilities in deep-sea mining, renewable ocean energy, and biotechnology which will enable India to reduce dependence on imports of critical minerals and strengthen maritime industries including shipping and fisheries. It will also position India as a leader in global ocean governance and exploration and create new jobs in ocean research, engineering and tourism. The mission embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Samudra Manthan", a modern churning of the ocean to extract prosperity for future generations. In line with the United Nations' designation of 20212030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, India's Deep Ocean Mission aligns global responsibility with local opportunity, aiming to balance exploration with sustainability. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Thursday criticised the Centre's proposed bills that allows the removal of the Prime Minister, a Chief Minister, or any Union or State Minister who remains under arrest for 30 days on a criminal charge, calling it a 'direct threat' to democracy and federalism. "Such a law reflects an undemocratic and authoritarian mindset. It threatens the very foundation of Indian democracy and federalism. All political parties, regardless of ideology, must unite to oppose this bill to safeguard democratic values, protect public opinion, and prevent the misuse of institutions for political vendetta," Gehlot said. Recalling past incidents, Gehlot said that in the last decade, several opposition leaders holding key posts, including Chief Ministers and State Ministers, were jailed without bail for months. "However, after prolonged trials, many of them were ultimately acquitted, proving that their arrests were politically motivated acts of revenge by the BJP government," he added. He further alleged that the NDA government's move to push such a law is not only aimed at suppressing opposition politics but also at destabilising state governments, weakening public opinion, and creating a pathway for the BJP to form governments by force. "Worryingly, this law would not only target opposition leaders but could also be misused against ruling party leaders who refuse to comply with the dictates of the top leadership. Agencies like the ED and CBI could be deployed to arrest and discredit them, tarnishing their public image for political gain," Gehlot warned. The three bills to which Gehlot reacted include the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill provides for the automatic removal of a prime minister, chief minister, or minister if they remain in judicial custody for 30 consecutive days. However, the offence for which they are held should be punishable for five years or more. Mumbai, Aug 21 : Bobby Deol expressed his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan, and also revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes stories during the preview launch of "The B***ds of Bollywood". Mumbai, Aug 21(IANS) Bobby Deol expressed his admiration for Shah Rukh Khanas son, Aryan Khan, and also revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes stories during the preview launch of "The B***ds of Bollywood". Bobby will be seen playing one of the leads in Aryan Khanas directorial debut. Talking about Aryan in the press conference Bobby Deol stated "I just want to say that I am so lucky to be a part of this show. It's one of the best shows I have seen, not just because it's my show or Aryan's show or even Shah Rukh's show, but because it's truly massive." The actor went on to laud not just the cast, but particularly Aryan Khan's ability to bring the script to life. "Every actor in this show has performed so well. They are all good actors, but it's the director who brings out the best in them. The way Aryan has done that is just amazing. From mature characters to younger ones, he's managed to get the finest performance out of everyone," said Bobby. He also highlighted Aryan's relentless dedication, sharing a light-hearted anecdote. "Aryan kept saying, one more, one more take. At first, I thought he was going to make me do industry takes, but soon I realized I couldn't stop either. That's how much passion he brings to the set." All the while, Shah Rukh was seen looking on proudly at his son. The superstar's job is unmistakable. As Bobby continued, "I am just happy to be here and I wish the best to all of us. Thank you so much, Shah Rukh. With love, I am blessed to know all of you." I In a lighter moment, Shah Rukh himself added one line. "Bobby called me and said, Aryan is taking too many takes. I have to go." The remark left the audience smiling, perfectly capturing the blend of humor, respect, and admiration that filled the room. As Bobby closed his speech with gratitude, it was clear that Aryan can't hand not only on the trust of a seasoned actor, but it also made his father glow with pride. For Shah Rukh, watching his son step into his own, such conviction must have been nothing short of a dream! Chandigarh, Aug 21 : A delegation of the BJP's Punjab unit, led by working President Ashwani Sharma, on Thursday met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and sought intervention to prevent "harassment" of party workers by the AAP government in the state. In a memorandum to the Governor, the Bharatiya Janata Party said the "continuous and deliberate harassment" was being inflicted upon the party workers, volunteers, and inhabitants of several villages across Punjab, where awareness camps have been initiated by the party to spread vital information about the Central government's welfare schemes. The party demanded that the government should ensure that no obstruction is created in holding such awareness camps, which are purely for the welfare of the poor, the farmers, and the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe communities and safeguard the democratic rights of the people so that they can freely access information and avail benefits of the Union government's welfare initiatives without fear or intimidation. Also, such obstruction not only violates the rights of the people but also undermines the very spirit of democracy and welfare enshrined in the Constitution, it said. "We solicit your urgent intervention and appropriate directions in this matter in the larger interest of justice," reads the memorandum. Meanwhile, police detained BJP leader and former MP Sushil Kumar Rinku and former party legislator K.D. Bhandari on Thursday. While Rinku went to Adampur Assembly constituency to set up a camp related to the public schemes of the Central government, Bhandari was in the Shahpur Assembly constituency. Anticipating a situation of conflict at these awareness camps, the police have rounded up both the leaders. A day earlier, the government said it received credible reports that certain private operators are illegally collecting personal data of locals, allegedly on behalf of political parties. An official spokesperson said under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), any collection or use of personal data without consent is a punishable offence. The local police have been directed to take strict penal action against those engaged in such unlawful activities. The government said it has also come to notice that several individuals who shared their data were later targeted in scams and banking frauds, including cases where phone numbers and OTPs were misused to siphon off money. The government urged the people not to share their personal information with unauthorised persons or agencies, as it may be misused at any stage. New Delhi, Aug 21 : India's non-smartphone electronics exports exceeded $14 billion in value in FY 2024-25, accounting for around 36 per cent of the total electronics exports, a report from the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) has said. The total electronics exports of the country reached $38.57 billion last fiscal, marking a 32.47 per cent year-on-year increase. Though smartphones account for the majority of exports, several non-smartphone sectors are expanding significantly, including solar panels, telecom equipment, medical electronics, batteries, and digital processing units. According to the report, photovoltaic cells generated $1.12 billion in export revenue, while telecom equipment and parts contributed $1.4 billion. Rectifiers, inverters, and chargers collectively exceeded $2.5 billion in export revenue. Medical electronics generated $0.4 billion, while PCs and digital processing units accounted for $0.81 billion. Electronics currently account for 9 per cent of India's total merchandise exports, up from 6.73 per cent in the previous year, highlighting the sector's growing importance in the economy. Tamil Nadu led the state-wise export performance with $14.65 billion. Karnataka follows with $7.8 billion, Uttar Pradesh at $5.26 billion, Maharashtra at $3.5 billion, and Gujarat at $1.85 billion, the report mentioned. Sandeep Narula, Chairman of global outreach, ESC, lauded the Indian exporters for showing remarkable agility and foresight in managing tariff pressures and evolving global trade patterns. "India's semiconductor ecosystem is rapidly evolving and is set to become a cornerstone of the country's tech ambitions," added Vinod Sharma, Chairman of Electronics ESC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, declared that Made-in-India semiconductor chips will be available in the market by the end of 2025. The Union Cabinet has also approved four semiconductor projects worth Rs 4,600 crore. Odisha will receive two new projects, and Andhra Pradesh and Punjab will each receive one. After new approvals, there are ten India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)-sanctioned projects in six states. a"IANS aar/na Brasilia, Aug 21 : US-imposed tariffs on Brazilian products could cause a drop in the country's exports for the first time in 21 months, while also negatively impacting investment and employment, the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) warned in a report. According to the CNI's latest survey on Wednesday, export expectations for Brazil's industrial sector for the next six months fell 5.1 points to 46.6 points in August. When the indicator falls below 50 points, it indicates an expected contraction in exports, Xinhua News Agency reported. "The worsening of export expectations is closely related to uncertainties in the external environment, mainly due to the new US trade policy," said Isabella Bianchi, CNI's policy and industry analyst. A 50 percent tariff imposed by the US government on a number of Brazilian products took effect on August 6. According to the CNI, the measure is already having an impact on industrial employment, which declined in July despite a rise in production growth. The employment expectations index dropped to 49.3 points in August, signalling that employers do not anticipate job growth in the next six months. Business owners are less inclined to invest. "The investment intention index fell to 54.6 points, the lowest level since October 2023. However, it remains 2.1 points above the historical average of 52.5 points," the report noted. Earlier on August 14, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Brazil will not bow down to the United States, countering the claim by his US counterpart Donald Trump that Brazil is "a horrible trading partner." "It is a lie when the US President says that Brazil is a bad trading partner. Brazil is good, it just won't bow down to the US government," Lula said during an event in the northeast state of Pernambuco. Earlier, Trump said Brazil is a "horrible trading partner," calling the trial against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro a "political execution." Lula said that "democracy is judging Bolsonaro." New Delhi, Aug 21 : The government on Thursday said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued four show-cause notices to Air India over 29 violations. These violations are addressed as per the Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual of DGCA. A few instances of systematic issues were observed post-merger of Vistara and Air India, said Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. "Systemic issues were due to the adoption of new software and systems. A compliance reply has been received from Air India," the minister informed. The DGCA carried out 171 regulatory audits from 2020 to June 2025 to ensure safety in India's civil aviation sector. In an earlier reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, MoS Mohol informed that a total of two incidents of turbulence and 10 incidents of emergency landing due to technical snags have been reported since January 2024 apart from which Air Indiaas Boeing aircraft VT-ANB on June 12, 2025, "declared MAYDAY and eventually met with an accident". The minister said that pilot training in India is governed by extant regulations as specified under various Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) and operations circulars, which are in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and global best practices. The DGCA also ordered a new set of Comprehensive Special Audits to enhance safety following the jolt to the countryas civil aviation sector in the wake of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. The audit framework covers the entire range of aviation entities, including scheduled and non-scheduled airlines, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organisations, flying training schools, air navigation service providers, airport operators, and ground handling agencies. The aviation regulator has made it clear that failure to comply with audit recommendations could attract penalties such as suspension of operations or even cancellation of licences in cases of violation of safety norms. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to people while attending a gala marking the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region in regional capital Lhasa, Aug. 20, 2025. Xi joined people of all ethnic groups in Xizang to watch the gala entitled "Joyful Songs of the Snowy Plateau Region." (Xinhua/Yan Yan) LHASA, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a gala marking the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region in the regional capital Lhasa Wednesday evening. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joined people of all ethnic groups in Xizang to watch the gala entitled "Joyful Songs of the Snowy Plateau Region." The gala is structured in three parts. The first part depicts the vibrant efforts in building a socialist new Xizang. The second part showcases the dynamism brought by reform and opening up to the snowy plateau while the final part presents a prosperous and happy new Xizang. Senior leaders including Wang Huning and Cai Qi also watched the gala. Xi led a central delegation to arrive in Lhasa earlier Wednesday for the anniversary celebration activities. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to people while attending a gala marking the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region in regional capital Lhasa, Aug. 20, 2025. Xi joined people of all ethnic groups in Xizang to watch the gala entitled "Joyful Songs of the Snowy Plateau Region." (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Editor: Zhang Zhou New Delhi, Aug 21 : A new CCTV video has emerged in connection with the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, showing the accused, Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, roaming in and out of her Shalimar Bagh residence for several minutes before the incident. The footage, dated August 19, shows Rajesh arriving at the CM's private residence on a cycle rickshaw, recording videos of the area, and entering the premises. He was seen going in and out of the house for at least 11 minutes, apparently conducting a recce. Later, staff at the residence gave him a slip with details of the Chief Minister's official Civil Lines residence and the timings of the Jan Sunvai programme. On Wednesday, Rajesh attacked CM Gupta during the Jan Sunvai at her Civil Lines residence, allegedly slapping her and pulling her hair. The Delhi Police registered a case of attempt to murder against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and secured a five-day remand for interrogation. Police said Rajesh, a 41-year-old from Rajkot, arrived in Delhi by train on Tuesday morning -- his first visit to the national capital. He stayed in Room No. D-5 on the second floor of the Gujarati Bhavan in Civil Lines before heading to Shalimar Bagh. He even informed a friend about visiting the CM's residence during a phone call, police said. In the wake of the shocking attack, security at the Chief Minister's Civil Lines residence has been significantly heightened. CM Gupta has now been granted 'Z category' security, and a team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel has been deployed for her protection. Police further revealed that Rajesh has a criminal history, with five cases registered against him at Bhaktinagar Police Station in Rajkot. While he has been acquitted in four of them, one case is still pending, with the next hearing scheduled for September 9. Gujarat Police have been contacted for more details on his background, and further investigation is underway. Bengaluru, Aug 21 : The bill introduced by the state government to regulate public gatherings and punish violations, brought following the June 4 stampede tragedy outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives during RCB's IPL victory celebrations, was referred to a House Committee for further clarity and discussion amid stiff opposition by the BJP on Thursday. Speaker U.T. Khader announced in the Assembly that a legislative House Committee will be formed to examine the Karnataka Crowd Control (Managing Crowd at Events and Places of Gathering) Bill, 2025, after Home Minister G. Parameshwara agreed to the BJP's strong demand in this regard. Earlier, Home Minister Parameshwara, while urging the House to allow the passage of the bill, stated that in recent times, overcrowding has become a trend and there is currently no legal framework to regulate it. The recent Chinnaswamy Stadium tragedy, he said, had shocked the state and the nation. "This is a wake-up call. The question is, do we want regulation or not?" he asked. He noted that stampede incidents have taken place in many parts of the country, and public property worth thousands of crores has been destroyed. "Hence, the government is bringing this bill," he said. The bill addresses issues such as the regulation of public gatherings, the number of people permitted to assemble, and whether or not permission should be granted. Highlights of the bill include: permission for gatherings of fewer than 7,000 people can be obtained from the local police station; gatherings between 7,000 and 50,000 people will require approval from the DySP or Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Bengaluru; gatherings exceeding 50,000 will require approval from the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Police Commissioner. Event details must be submitted 10 days in advance, and permissions will not be granted for events arranged at short notice. Parameshwara added that organisers often refuse to take responsibility in the event of a tragedy or property damage. "Regarding the Chinnaswamy stampede, no one is accepting responsibility. Hence, organisers will have to provide an indemnity bond of Rs one crore. This will not apply to gatherings of fewer than 5,000 people," he said. The bill also prescribes punishments. For spreading false information, such as the RCB, DNA and Chief Minister's Office (CMO) posts that invited lakhs of people to the venue, offenders could face up to three years in prison, a fine of Rs 50,000, or both. Failure to comply with on-the-spot police instructions would invite one month of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000. In the case of loss of life, punishments range from three to seven years in prison, and in serious cases, from 10 years to life imprisonment. The bill also mandates that any damage to public or private property must be borne by the organisers. BJP MLA S. Suresh Kumar criticised the bill, saying it had been brought only after the High Court pulled up the government over the stampede tragedy and sought Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs). "At the Jagannath Temple in Puri, 10 to 15 lakh people gather. Even though it is disorganised, the crowd is managed in such a way that tragedies are prevented. The June 4 stampede occurred due to a hunger for publicity. The provisions of this bill already exist and can be implemented with common sense, even without passing a new law. Bringing this bill after 11 people lost their lives is unfortunate," he said. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka alleged that the bill was drafted only to be submitted before the High Court, which had asked five questions regarding the tragedy. "All the provisions in this bill already exist. This is being brought just to file an affidavit before the court," he claimed. Calling the matter sensitive, Ashoka argued that the provisions lacked clarity and could become a weapon to target the opposition. "There is no urgency. The bill should be sent to the House Committee for further discussion. There should also be a clear classification between commercial and non-commercial programmes," he demanded. Parameshwara intervened and said this was a good suggestion. He assured that exemptions would be made for religious programmes, fairs, mass marriages, and government events. BJP State General Secretary and MLA V. Sunil Kumar said the issue should not be treated as a matter of prestige. State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra stated that the Congress government cannot display high-handedness in this matter. Ashoka added that the opposition had so far supported 40 bills in the Assembly. "But here, there is a provision for life imprisonment, which can be misused. Not all politicians are good. We have to think carefully," he warned. Parameshwara, agreeing to this, stated that he would place the bill before the House Committee for further discussion. Puducherry, Aug 21 : The Puducherry Legislative Assembly is likely to convene a special session in the first or second week of September to deliberate on the long-pending demand for statehood for the Union Territory. The move, being initiated after pressure from ruling All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) legislators, is expected to give fresh momentum to a demand that has been at the centre of Puducherry's political discourse for decades. The decision follows a petition submitted on July 9 by AINRC MLAs led by Public Works Minister K. Lakshminarayanan to Speaker R. Selvam. The legislators sought a separate session exclusively dedicated to passing a resolution on statehood, rather than tagging it along with other legislative business. "Normally, a resolution on statehood is passed at the end of the budget session, but this time we want a dedicated session. We are also planning to take all MLAs to Delhi to press the demand before the central government. The Chief Minister will be part of this delegation," Lakshminarayanan said. The demand for statehood has gained renewed urgency amid continuing friction between the elected government and the office of the Lieutenant Governor over administrative control. The Puducherry government has often accused the Centre of undermining its authority by allowing the Lieutenant Governor to override cabinet decisions. Political observers believe the special session is being convened not just to pass a resolution, but also to signal Puducherry's determination to assert its rights before the Union government. Under existing Assembly rules, the House can be reconvened within six months of the previous session without requiring the Lieutenant Governor's approval. With the deadline expiring in September, the Speaker's office has begun preparations for an early sitting. Officials said the resolution on statehood will be taken up as the primary agenda, and discussions are expected to see participation from all parties across the political spectrum. The special session will also felicitate Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, marking his 18 years as head of the government and 33 years as a legislator. Leaders cutting across party lines are expected to participate in the event, underscoring Rangasamy's political longevity. The AINRC government, backed by its alliance partners, hopes the resolution and subsequent delegation to New Delhi will intensify Puducherry's push for statehood, a demand that has remained unresolved despite repeated appeals over the years. Kolkata, Aug 21 : The BJP's West Bengal General Secretary and MLA Agnimitra Paul has been hospitalised with respiratory issues. The Asansol South MLA fell ill after attending a programme on Wednesday evening. She was admitted to the hospital at midnight as her condition was critical. Kolkata, Aug 21 (IANS) The BJPas West Bengal General Secretary and MLA Agnimitra Paul has been hospitalised with respiratory issues. The Asansol South MLA fell ill after attending a programme on Wednesday evening. She was admitted to the hospital at midnight as her condition was critical. According to sources, the BJP leader had several programmes in Asansol in West Burdwan District. However, she suddenly started having breathing problems. As the situation was serious, she was brought back to Kolkata and admitted to a private hospital on EM bypass at midnight on Wednesday. According to hospital sources, the MLA's condition is currently stable. All of Agnimitra Paul's programmes for today have been cancelled due to her ongoing treatment in the hospital. "Agnimitra Paul's condition is stable now. The doctors are monitoring her condition. We will get to know in the evening when she will be released from the hospital," said a close associate of the MLA. The BJP leader had been suffering from fever, cold and cough for several days, then, from Wednesday, she started having difficulty in breathing. As Agnimitra Paul is admitted in hospital, it is now uncertain whether she will be able to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's programmes on Friday. PM Modi will be in Kolkata to inaugurate multiple Metro railway projects and hold a public meeting and the BJP leader has been invited to the Prime Minister's meeting on the occasion of the inauguration of three metro routes. It may be noted that Agnimitra Paul's admission to a hospital follows the recent hospitalisation of another key BJP leader. Earlier this year, BJP's Tamluk MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay had fallen ill and was hospitalised. He was kept in the ICU at a private hospital in Kolkata's Alipore area. Later, as his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to AIIMS in Delhi. According to doctors, Abhijit Gangopadhyay was diagnosed with pancreatitis and gastroenteritis. After a long treatment, he gradually recovered. Kozhikode, Aug 21 : The police launched massive security checks on Thursday after district collectorates of Kozhikode and Kottayam received bomb threats via email, the police said. The anonymous threats, which were reportedly sent to the official email IDs of the two collectorates, prompted the police to take immediate action. The police confirmed that the email specified a bomb, described as being in the shape of an e-cigarette, was set to detonate at 1.30 pm. In Kottayam, the threat targeted the Women and Child Welfare Department office within the collectorate building adjacent to the railway station. The email, which came from an individual or group using the name 'Madras Tigers', also contained remarks critical of the Tamil Nadu government, the police said. Both the Kozhikode and Kottayam district police dispatched bomb squads and dog squads to the respective locations to conduct thorough inspections. Preliminary findings suggested the threats are likely a hoax, but officials have not yet confirmed this. The police investigation is underway to trace the origin of the threat emails and identify the sender. The police across Kerala have been grappling with a surge in hoax bomb threats targeting key government establishments and public infrastructure. A court in North Paravur in Ernakulam district on Wednesday received an email claiming that explosives had been planted on the court premises. Employees were evacuated while the bomb detection and disposal squad, assisted by a dog unit, conducted a thorough inspection. No explosives were recovered, and the alert was later found to be a hoax. Ernakulam Rural SP M. Hemalatha said nothing suspicious was found. In April this year, similar threats had been sent to locations including the Chief Minister's office, the State Secretariat, and the Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram airports. Authorities have registered dozens of cases this year, with a significant number originating from anonymous email accounts using international servers and encrypted platforms, making it difficult to trace the perpetrators. Seoul, Aug 21 : South Korea President Lee Jae Myung said Thursday that he will spare no effort to achieve mutually-beneficial diplomacy by putting national interests as the top priority, ahead of high-stakes summit talks with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Lee made the remarks at a meeting with senior aides as he is set to depart for Tokyo for summit talks with Ishiba. Following the Tokyo summit, Lee will travel to Washington for summit talks with Trump on August 25. "In diplomacy, I think we must prioritise the lasting interests of the nation and all Korean people, rather than my personal position or the temporary standing of the current administration," Lee told the meeting, according to the presidential office. Amid a shifting international order and trade environment, Lee promised to work toward implementing a "mutually beneficial" diplomatic and security policy, with national interests as the top priority. "We will continue to seek practical solutions for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula," he added, asking for the public's support. During the meeting, Lee called for measures to reduce the nation's suicide rates, which remain the highest among member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). "The issue of suicide has become so serious that it can no longer be ignored," he said. "We must fundamentally shift the policy paradigm, treating suicide as a social disaster." Lee also directed the establishment of an intergovernmental body tasked with significantly reducing suicide rates, and developing comprehensive suicide prevention and mental health support programmes, Yonhap news agency reported. Earlier on Wednesday, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok had said relations with Japan are "very important" with many opportunities for mutual cooperation. Kim made the remarks during a meeting with Japanese delegates visiting Seoul to attend the Korea-Japan Forum, as President Lee Jae Myung was set to visit Tokyo later this week for summit talks with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. "With the launch of the new administration, South Korea and Japan are moving forward on a future-oriented path," Kim had said. "The two countries have a very important relationship with many areas of mutual cooperation, and the president's decision to visit Japan was made in that context." Mumbai, Aug 21 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday asked the administration to convert the "present crisis" arising due to the imposition of US tariffs into an opportunity and explore alternative markets. He was speaking at the meeting to discuss the measures being taken in line with the global import-export policy, especially after the US move. "America has tried to put India in trouble by imposing tariffs on goods imported from India. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is taking its steps without fearing the challenges created by America. Find alternative markets and convert the tariffs imposed by America into an opportunity," said the Chief Minister. Taking it as an opportunity, CM Fadnavis suggested that 100 changes can be made in the state's 'Ease of Doing Business' and directed that a separate 'War Room' should be created for the effective implementation of the 'Ease of Doing Business' policy. The review of the 'Ease of Doing Business' policy should be done every month. CM Fadnavis listed some of the improvements made by the government for Ease of Doing Business. He said Maharashtra is the first state in the country to issue fire licenses for one year to industries, the Maitri Act 2023 has been passed for streamlining industrial development, and the Maitri Single Window System is being implemented for the electricity connection of industries. He further added that only two documents are now required for a new electricity connection, while the Building Plan Management System has been implemented for construction by industries. In addition, the government has launched the MILAAP (Industrial Land Application and Allotment Portal) portal to obtain plots from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. CM Fadnavis said the government will carry out further improvements in Ease of Doing Business. "It has proposed to create a land bank to promptly arrange plots for setting up industries, make the plot distribution process transparent and fast, provide arrangements for issuing environmental permits within 60 days, to put on place an enabling an independent mechanism to increase investment at the district level, create 'Dedicated Export Portal' to increase exports and implement a 'One Taluka One Group Development' initiative for the creation of industries through group development," he added. "Entrepreneurs should be encouraged to set up private industrial parks in the state. Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation should come up with a clear policy to develop such industrial parks outside industrial estates. Priority should be given to small and medium enterprises. There should be a system in place so that entrepreneurs can get the licenses required for their industries promptly. This will bring prosperity to the state through industries and increase employment generation," remarked CM Fadnavis. "The government is positive for the development of existing industries, along with new industries. The single window portal for industrial permits should be made more efficient. So that approvals and granting of necessary permits do not take time. A system should be implemented so that no permission is required for agricultural processing or agro-based industries over an area of five hectares in the state," he said. CM Fadnavis strongly advocated implementation of reforms which will attract new industries and help develop or expand the existing ones in the state. "Industries set up near the city have to obtain various permissions. Arrangements should be made to ensure that the time taken to obtain permissions is reduced to a minimum and that these permissions are obtained easily. The process of calculating the land required for the industry should be expedited. The fines imposed on polluting industries that do not harm the environment should be revised, and it should be ensured that additional fines are not imposed on such units," said the Chief Minister. Patna, Aug 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar's Gaya, Patna and Begusarai districts on August 22 and during the visit, he will inaugurate the much-awaited Aunta-Simaria 6-lane bridge project built over the Ganga River in Begusarai. Patna, Aug 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar's Gaya, Patna and Begusarai districts on August 22 and during the visit, he will inaugurate the much-awaited AuntaSimaria 6-lane bridge project built over the Ganga River in Begusarai. The project, constructed at a cost of over Rs 1,870 crore, includes an 8.15 km stretch on NH-31 and a 1.86 km long, 6-lane bridge parallel to the old Rajendra Setu. The bridge is expected to transform connectivity between Mokama (Patna district) and Begusarai, reducing heavy vehicle detours of over 100 kms. For years, people had been relying on the dilapidated two-lane Rajendra rail-cum-road bridge, which was unable to handle heavy traffic movement and load. The new bridge will not only ease congestion but also cut travel time significantly for vehicles moving between North Bihar's Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnea, Araria and other districts and South Bihar's Sheikhpura, Nawada, Lakhisarai districts, apart from Patna. Officials said the bridge would boost regional trade and economic growth, especially in North Bihar, which is heavily dependent on South Bihar and Jharkhand for raw materials. The district administration and police have put in place tight security arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit. On August 22, between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M., movement of all vehicles will be prohibited on the AuntaSimaria bridge as well as the Rajendra Setu. The route from NTPC to Aunta has been declared a "Red Zone" during the PM's event. The PM will arrive in Gaya around 11 A.M. and participate in a major event at Magadh University, Bodh Gaya. He will address a massive public gathering on the university campus. During the program, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of multiple development projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore, covering sectors like railways, roads, and higher education. He will also flag off the GayaNew Delhi Amrit Bharat Express, giving a major push to railway connectivity in the region. After Gaya, the Prime Minister will travel to Mokama, where he will inaugurate the AuntaSimaria road bridge over the Ganga River. The district administrations of Gaya, Patna and Begusarai have made elaborate security and traffic arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit. Officials said the projects to be launched by the Prime Minister are expected to give a major boost to Bihar's infrastructure, trade and employment opportunities, particularly in regions that have long faced challenges of connectivity and migration. Adoor : , Aug 21 (IANS) First-time Congress MLA Rahul Mamkoothathil on Thursday announced his resignation as the President of the Youth Congress in Kerala, following mounting political pressure and controversy over recent allegations of wrongdoing. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Adoor, Mamkoothathil clarified that he was stepping down not because of wrongdoing but in order to allow the organisation to focus on upcoming elections. "I am resigning, not because I have done anything wrong. The need of the hour is for Youth Congress workers to concentrate on the crucial polls ahead and not try to defend me. That I will do myself. There is a strong anti-incumbency wave against the Left government, and the CPI-M is in dire straits. My decision is to strengthen our campaign," he said. The development comes hours after news broke that the Congress high command had asked the party's state unit to conduct an internal probe into complaints reportedly raised against him. Congress General Secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepadas Munshi, has instructed the state leadership to look into the matter and submit a report. Trouble began on Wednesday night when BJP workers staged a protest march to Mamkoothathilas office in Palakkad. Senior BJP leader C. Krishnakumar, who had lost to him in last yearas by-election in Palakkad, claimed that two complaints had surfaced against the MLA. The controversy was triggered earlier by actress Rini Ann George, who alleged that a young leader from a major political party had misbehaved with her a few years ago. While she refused to name the individual, speculation quickly grew. On Thursday, she reiterated her claim but stressed that she was not ready to disclose the name. After news of Mamkoothathil's resignation came, she clarified that her fight was for womenas rights and probity in public life, not against any individual. In his defence, Mamkoothathil said he had not been named by anyone and had no complaints lodged against him. "Yes, a young actress said something. She is my good friend, and I donat think she was speaking about me. She has not taken my name. My conscience is clear. I have not done anything that violates the law. Until this moment, no complaint exists against me in any police station," he maintained. He also dismissed the circulation of an alleged audio clip. "In todayas world, anything can be fabricated. A person becomes answerable when a formal complaint arises. If one comes, I will deal with it legally," he said. State Congress President Sunny Joseph said no complaint had been received against Mamkoothathil. "I have only heard that he has resigned," Joseph told reporters. Meanwhile, since Wednesday night, turbulence has broken out within the faction-ridden Youth Congress state unit. Members in common social media groups demanded that the leadership clarify its stand on the issue. For Mamkoothathil, considered one of the promising young faces of the party, the resignation marks a major setback in his political career. With the party leadership ordering a probe and political opponents intensifying their attacks, the outcome of the inquiry will be crucial in determining his future role in Kerala politics. The party is expected to name his successor very soon. Islamabad, Aug 21 : The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in its latest report has revealed a disturbing rise in violence against religious minorities over the past year, local media reported on Thursday. In its latest report, 'Streets of Fear: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2024/25', the HRCP highlighted incidents of targetted killings, the demolition of places of worship, the forced conversion and marriage of underage Hindu and Christian girls and a rise in hate speech. The report warned that the trends pose serious threats to religious freedom in Pakistan, The Express Tribune reported. The report sounded alarm over two cases of extrajudicial killings by police, terming them "deeply chilling". In two cases, law enforcement officers shot the two individuals who were accused of blasphemy and had requested protection from violent mobs. The rights body stated that such incidents demonstrate the need for police reforms and stronger accountability mechanisms. Earlier in July, the HRCP raised serious concerns over the continued persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan. The rights body highlighted that a Christian man in Sargodha district of Pakistan's Punjab province was lynched by a violent mob, following accusations of blasphemy, while the Ahmadiyya community withdrew from the electoral process entirely in the region, citing systemic discrimination and lack of safety. Additionally, the HRCP mentioned that Punjab continued to account for the highest number of child abuse cases in the country. "Between January and June 2024 alone, the province reported 78 per cent of the 1,630 cases nationwide, alongside 2,506 incidents of sexual abuse, 2,189 kidnappings, 457 cases of child trafficking, and 455 instances of physical abuse. The death of 11-year-old Ayesha, a domestic worker in Faisalabad, and similar incidents in Sargodha and Lahore exposed the violence faced by underage working children in private homes," it stated. The human rights organisation in its State of Human Rights in 2024 report detailed a surge in sexual violence against women, including those with mental disabilities, domestic abuse resulting in fatalities, involving pregnant women, and honour killings, which continued throughout the year in Punjab. In a case involving an alleged rape at a private college in Lahore, the HRCP noted a failure by the authorities to gather conclusive evidence that the incident had occurred. Highlighting the challenges faced by women in politics, the HRCP stated that "women Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) staged a walkout over inappropriate gestures" in the Punjab Assembly, while the allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities faced legal setbacks. The News in Brief Friday, August 22, 2025 Georgia's Special Penitentiary Service announced it suspects that prison staff, inmates, and convicted businessman Giorgi Bachiashvili may have acted together in the violent incident that left him injured on July 8."The identified circumstances create a reasonable suspicion that specific employees of the Special Penitentiary Service, the inmates under their influence, and convicted Giorgi Bachiashvili may have acted in concert," the agency said in its August 21 statement. It added that "placing K. Metreveli and G. Bachiashvili in the same cell raises suspicions."Bachiashvili, once a close associate of billionaire and Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, claimed the assault was not a random altercation. He described it as a "coordinated activity between the prison administration and criminals."The Penitentiary Service initially confirmed the incident days after it was reported, saying it was simply a fight between Bachiashvili and another inmate, identified as K. Metreveli. "Both were injured," the agency said at the time, noting that a criminal investigation had been opened on charges of violence.In the wake of the incident, two senior officials left their posts: Davit Gogoberishvili, head of the N8 penitentiary facility where the beating took place, and G. Kemoklidze, deputy director of the agency's penitentiary department. The service confirmed that other senior officials remain in place.Bachiashvili is serving an 11-year sentence after being convicted of embezzling cryptocurrency from Ivanishvili and laundering the funds. He was arrested in May, saying he had been abducted abroad in an operation involving State Security Service head Anri Okhanashvili. Months earlier, in March, he had fled Georgia, warning of "credible information" that his life would be in danger if imprisoned.Davit Razmadze, chairman of the Gori Municipal Assembly and a Georgian Dream representative, has rejected remarks attributed to him in a recent New York Times article that sparked public outrage.The piece quoted Razmadze as blaming former President Mikheil Saakashvili for the 2008 Russo-Georgian War and describing Russian troops who entered Gori as "peacekeepers." According to the report, Razmadze said, "It was all Misha's fault. He deliberately provoked the situation," adding that Russian forces prevented further looting by "Saakashvili's hooligans."The article also cited Razmadze as saying he opposed Georgia's European Union membership, declaring, "Just as the Soviet Union collapsed, I now want to see the EU fall down because it's against us," and claiming the EU was "full of KGB agents."Razmadze strongly denied the comments, calling them "defamation" and "lies." Speaking to TV Pirveli on August 21, he insisted, "Never in my life have I said anything good about Russia. I said that Saakashvili's government left the town, not that 'Saakashvili's hooligans' were looting." He added that he does not blame Saakashvili for starting the war but for "supporting the annexation of Georgian territories."On the EU, Razmadze dismissed the article's claims outright. "I am a Georgian Dream member. Is Georgian Dream saying we are against EU integration?!" he said, suggesting he may pursue legal action against journalist Scott Anderson, the author of the New York Times piece. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with representatives from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in the plateau region in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) LHASA, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged concerted efforts to write a splendid chapter of Chinese modernization in Xizang Autonomous Region when he met with representatives from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in the plateau region. Xi is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, he extended sincere greetings and heartfelt wishes to the people of all ethnic groups in Xizang. Xi led a central delegation to arrive in the regional capital, Lhasa, earlier in the day to attend activities marking the region's 60th founding anniversary. Also on Wednesday afternoon, Xi held separate meetings with representatives of cadres who come to work in Xizang from other parts of the country, local officials at various levels and from various departments, judicial workers and police officers, as well as patriotic members of the religious circles, among others. Xi also met with military officers ranked colonel and above, along with representatives of grassroots role models and civilian personnel from troops stationed in Lhasa. He conveyed his greetings to all military personnel in Xizang on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC. Senior leaders including Wang Huning and Cai Qi attended these meetings. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with representatives of cadres who come to work in Xizang from other parts of the country in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with representatives of local officials at various levels and from various departments in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with representatives of judicial workers and police officers in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with representatives of patriotic members of the religious circles in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with representatives of military personnel stationed in Xizang, in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Editor: Zhang Zhou Amaravati, Aug 21 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will meet Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Friday to seek financial support from the Centre for various projects in the state. The Chief Minister will be leaving for Delhi on Wednesday evening. According to an official statement, he is scheduled to depart from Gannavaram Airport, Vijayawada at 6 p.m. He will meet the Union Finance Minister to discuss key development initiatives being undertaken in Andhra Pradesh and seek financial support from the Centre. The Chief Minister is expected to request allocation of central funds under initiatives such as Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and the Purvodaya scheme. Later, the Chief Minister will participate in a media event at a private hotel in Delhi. He will return to Amaravati the same night. CM Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a key partner in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. The Chief Minister had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several union ministers, including FM Sitharaman, during his visit to the national capital last month. During the meeting with Prime Minister Modi, the Chief Minister sought financial handholding by the Centre to tide over "acute scarcity of resources". The Chief Minister said that the fiscal situation in Andhra Pradesh has deteriorated due to the previous government's misadventures. CM Naidu also sought the Centre's support in commissioning of the Polavaram National Irrigation Project, comprehensive financial support for completion of the Government complex and trunk infrastructure of the capital city of Amaravati and incentives for industrial development. The Chief Minister also urged the Prime Minister to consider an additional allocation under SASCI, targeting essential sectors such as roads, bridges, irrigation and drinking water projects. He had also sought support for the backward regions of Andhra Pradesh on the lines of the Bundelkhand package and support for the development of Dugarajapatnam port. New Delhi, Aug 21 : In a session marked by loud protests and persistent sloganeering, the Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die on Thursday after the passage of 'The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025' introduced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Bill, which had already cleared the Lok Sabha, was passed by voice vote despite a noisy standoff over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar. The legislation seeks to establish a national framework for regulating the online gaming sector, including e-sports, educational games, and social gaming. It also imposes a strict ban on online money games involving betting or gambling, especially those operating across state borders or from foreign jurisdictions. The Bill proposes the creation of a central authority to oversee policy coordination, strategic development, and regulatory enforcement in the sector. Speaking in support of the Bill, Minister Vaishnaw emphasised the government's decision to prioritise the welfare of the middle class and youth over potential revenue gains. "There are social evils in every era," he said, "but under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we have chosen to act decisively." He cited alarming figures, noting that nearly 45 crore people are affected by online money gaming, with estimated financial losses exceeding Rs 30,000 crore. The World Health Organisation has classified online money gaming addiction as a psychological disorder, and the minister warned that the issue has escalated into a public health crisis, with families losing breadwinners and key members to addiction. The minister also raised concerns about the misuse of online gambling platforms for terror funding and drug trafficking, calling them "safe havens" for illicit activities. "This problem has grown like the drug menace," he said, warning that powerful interests may attempt to challenge the Bill in court or sway public opinion through social media. "But our Prime Minister stands firmly with the youth and middle class," he added. Despite the Bill's significance, the session was repeatedly disrupted by Opposition members demanding a discussion on the voter list revision in Bihar. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to speak but was denied by the Deputy Chairman. Other members, including John Brittas and Dr R. Sivadasan, tried to raise amendments but were denied as they raised the issue of SIR; their voice drowned out by the commotion. BJP MP Kiren Rijiju criticised the Opposition for not engaging with the Bill's content, questioning their commitment to public welfare. Following the passage of the Online Gaming Regulation Bill, Deputy Chairman Harivansh adjourned the Rajya Sabha for ten minutes, bringing a brief pause to a session already marred by repeated disruptions. When the House reconvened, he addressed the members with a candid reflection on the productivity and conduct of the 268th session. He noted that despite the Chair's persistent efforts to maintain decorum, the session was plagued by disorder and resulted in a significant loss of valuable parliamentary time. The House functioned for only 41 hours and 15 minutes, yielding a disappointing productivity rate of just 38.88 per cent -- an outcome he described as a matter warranting serious introspection. The Deputy Chairman highlighted that members had the opportunity to raise 255 starred questions, submit 285 Zero Hour notices, and make 285 Special Mentions. However, only 14 questions were actually answered, with just seven Zero Hour submissions and 61 Special Mentions taken up during proceedings. Despite the disruptions, the House managed to pass or return 14 government Bills, including the one regulating online gaming. It also held a discussion on Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, and bid farewell to six retiring members. In light of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation on July 21, Deputy Chairman Harivansh also acknowledged the constitutional responsibility now resting on his shoulders. His remarks underscored the gravity of the moment, both in terms of legislative accountability and the constitutional transition underway. Then he adjourned the House sine die. Chennai, Aug 21 : The makers of director Vignesh Shivan's 'Love Insurance Kompany', featuring actors Pradeep Ranganathan and Kirthi Shetty in the lead, on Thursday announced that the film would now release on October 17 for Deepavali this year. The film was originally scheduled to hit screens on September 18 this year. Rowdy Pictures, the production house of director Vignesh Shivan and actress Nayanthara which is one of the production houses producing the film, took to its X timeline to make the announcement. It wrote, "A Love Festival Loading this Diwali ! #LoveInsuranceKompany hitting the big screens this Diwali on October 17th." It may be recalled that earlier this month, the makers of the film had chosen to postpone the first glimpse of the film in the wake of Superstar Rajinikanth's Coolie audio launch. The first glimpse was originally scheduled to release on August 1. Taking to its Instagram timeline, Seven Screen Studio, one of the production houses producing the film, had then said, "The #FirstPunch of #LoveInsuranceKompany will now land a little later due to Coolie audio & trailer launch. @wikkiofficial @nayanthara @pradeep_ranganathan @krithi.shetty_official @iam__sjsuryah." It also shared a poster that said, "First punch pushed to a later date. The new date will be announced soon after Thalaivar Dharisanam in Coolie trailer and audio launch." The film has triggered a lot of excitement among fans as it features Pradeep Ranganthan, who until now has a 100 per cent success record in the Tamil film industry. Every single film of his until now has emerged a success, with his most recent film 'Dragon' going on to emerge a major blockbuster. For the unaware, LIK is an eagerly-awaited romantic entertainer, featuring actors Pradeep Ranganathan and Krithi Shetty in the lead. The film has been produced by actress Nayanthara, who is also the wife of director Vignesh Shivan. It may be recalled that director Vignesh Shivan, in April this year, had penned a lengthy post in which he had announced that post production work of the film had begun. He had also thanked his entire team for their hard work, passion, honesty and love for the film. He had then said, "Abundance of passion, love, honesty and hard work from each and everyone has built #LoveInsuranceKompany. Every day of shoot had a lot of challenges! But we never forgot to have a smile and also enjoy the process !" The director said that without the support of everyone in the film, whatever magic they had tried to create in the film wouldnat have been possible. "Without compromising even for one frame, we are proud that we have put in our best efforts to make an original, fresh entertaining movie," Vignesh Shivan said and added that, "Post production works kick start with all your love and support!" Apart from Pradeep Ranganathan and Krithi Shetty, Love Insurance Kompany will feature actors S J Suryah and Gouri Kishen in pivotal roles. The film boasts of an impressive technical team. It has cinematography by ace cinematographer Ravivarman and music by Anirudh. Pradeep Ragav has edited the film, which has stunts choreographed by popular stunt master Peter Hein. Bhopal, Aug 21 : In a dramatic culmination of Madhya Pradesh's relentless crackdown on organised crime, the Bhopal district administration on Thursday razed the final stronghold of the notorious Machhli family, a three-storey mansion built illegally on government land in the Anandpur Kokta area. The building, which was demolished in the presence of senior government officials and under heavy police deployment, was reportedly constructed in 1990. The three-storey mansion, sprawling across 15,000 square feet, comprises 30 rooms and is estimated to have a market value of Rs 25Rs 30 crore. "The entire construction has been done on government land," a senior government official confirmed. Earlier, on July 30, the local administration had sealed the mansion as part of a broader operation targeting illegal assets. "A total of 250 police personnel and approximately 300 employees from the Bhopal Municipal Corporation and revenue department are present here," said Tehsildar Anurag Tripathi. Despite heavy rainfall, the demolition was carried out under tight security, symbolising the end of a criminal empire that once dominated parts of the city. This action follows a sweeping operation on July 30, when authorities bulldozed over Rs 100 crore worth of illegal properties linked to the Machhli family including farmhouses, warehouses, factories, madrasas, and residential buildings. The mansion targeted on Thursday belonged to Shariq Ahmed alias Machhli, Sohail Ahmed, and Shafiq Ahmed, all relatives of the infamous drug peddlers Yasin Ahmed and Shahwar Ahmed. The Machhli family, long accused of drug trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violent intimidation, had established a stronghold in Ward No. 62 of Bhopal. Their influence began to unravel after a major breakthrough by the Bhopal Crime Branch, which uncovered a disturbing nexus involving narcotics, illegal weapons, video blackmailing, and physical abuse, according to government officials. The investigation led to the arrest of Shahwar Machhli and his nephew Yasin in connection with a rape and blackmail case targeting college girls. Shariq Ahmed, their uncle, was also taken into custody shortly thereafter. In response to the demolition, Shariq Machhli's legal team has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court, claiming that no prior notice was served and asserting that the land in question is not government-owned. "We have all the documents and have submitted them to the court," said his lawyer, challenging the administration's action. The crackdown is part of a broader campaign led by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, who has vowed to eradicate criminal syndicates operating under the guise of drug mafias and so-called "love jihadis." In a recent statement, the Chief Minister declared: "Those who cast evil eyes on women, drug mafia and 'love jihadis' will not be spared under any circumstances. Whatever criminal activities are being done through them, strict action is being taken. We will finish off everyone one by one." The demolition of the Machhli mansion is more than just a physical act it is a powerful message from the state government that no criminal, however entrenched, is immune from justice. As bulldozers tore through the last vestige of the Machhli family's empire, Bhopal witnessed a turning point in its fight against organised crime, corruption, and exploitation. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, saying that the much-hyped PDA formula is nothing but "Parivar, Dimple, and Akhilesh". New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, saying that the much-hyped PDA formula is nothing but "Parivar, Dimple, and Akhilesh". Rajbhar, reacting to Akhilesh Yadav's social media post -- "Na chalegi haqmaari, na matmaari, is baar PDA sarkar hamari" -- alleged that SP was never serious about empowering backward classes, Dalits, or women. "During Assembly sessions, Pooja Pal only raised the issue of justice for her husband's killers, but SP expelled her. This shows the party is anti-backward and anti-women. PDA is nothing but Parivar, Dimple, and Akhilesh. If Akhilesh talks of PDA, then let him first prove he gave representation to Muslims, who form 20 per cent of the state's population. Let him announce that he will make a Muslim the Chief Minister." Rajbhar told IANS. He further mocked Akhilesh for joining Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Adhikar Yatra', saying it will have "no impact". "In Bihar, NDA will form the government. Congress has a history of vote fraud since the days of Ambedkar in 1952. In Banaras, Rampur, everywhere, they manipulated results. SP is walking the same path," Rajbhar said. He also welcomed the Centre's decision to rename Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur district as Parashurampuri. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh Minister Jayveer Singh came out in strong support of Home Minister Amit Shah's anti-graft legislation, calling them a major step to bring "cleanliness" in politics. Jayveer Singh praised the three anti-graft bills introduced by Amit Shah -- the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, and the amendment to the J&K Reorganisation Act. The provisions seek the removal of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, or Ministers facing serious charges and jailed for more than 30 days. "These bills will bring cleanliness in politics and send a strong message across the nation that criminals cannot be leaders. The government has itself referred them to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) where even the opposition is represented. After a detailed discussion, the government will take the next step," Singh told IANS. On Jalalabad's renaming, Singh echoed Rajbhar, calling it a step to "remove symbols of slavery". He also dismissed Rahul Gandhi's allegations of voter fraud, saying: "This is nothing but a repeat of the false narrative from the Lok Sabha elections. The Election Commission is working with full credibility, and people should not be misled." New Delhi, Aug 21 : The first uncrewed mission of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, G1, is ready to launch with the half-humanoid robot -- Vyommitra -- and the launch is expected in December, said V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday. Speaking at a press briefing in the national capital, he also lauded IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his successful mission to the International Space Station -- the first ever by an Indian. Shukla is one of the astronauts selected for the crewed Gaganyaan mission. "The first uncrewed mission, G1, is going to be lifted off by this year's end, maybe close to December. And in that, the Vyommitra, the half-humanoid, is going to fly," Narayanan said, while thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for announcing the Gaganyaan programme on August 15, 2018. Lauding the space organisation's efforts, Narayanan said that ISRO made a lot of accomplishments in the last four months. "The entire ISRO programme is purely a teamwork of 20,000 employees, 450 industrial partners and 300 academia partners. Today, along with us, we have got the Gaganyatris joining in hand in hand for our programmes". Mentioning various programmes of ISRO, he stated: "There is telemedicine, tele-education, television broadcasting, and real-time connecting of something around 8,600 trains, 21,000 shipping vessels are connected". Further, the noted rocket scientist said: "ISRO is doing an outstanding job in the area of disaster warning". "A total of 13 out of 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals are being supported by ISRO," he said, while also listing other space achievements like the Aditya L1 Sun mission and the NISAR satellite mission. "We have made a major breakthrough in Cryogenic engine technology. The tests are going very well, and a lot of indigenisation activities are progressing well. "Coming to the Aditya L1, this year we have released 13 terabit data," he said, calling the images of Sun's orbit taken by the satellite, "fantastic achievement". He added that the recently launched NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite (NISAR) satellite "is healthy and all systems are working well". "NISAR, launched on July 30, is jointly realised by NASA, JPL, and ISRO. It is the costliest satellite ever realised in the world, and it was lifted off by the Indian launcher GSLV and placed perfectly in orbit. Today, the satellite's health is totally perfect, and the antenna, unfurled (after 17 days), is operational. We will share the first pictures in a couple of days. "In two to three months, we are also going to launch a 6,500 kg communication satellite of the US, on our launch vehicle. To date, 433 satellites of 34 countries have been launched from India," the ISRO chief said. Bengaluru, Aug 21 : Karnataka BJP on Thursday announced that it will take up "Dharm Yuddh" (religious battle) to protect the religion against the alleged systematic conspiracy against the backdrop of developments surrounding the mass grave case. The party has declared that protests will be held across the state from Friday. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, he said, "Everyone is aware of the statements made by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on the Dharmasthala issue. We have serious doubts about the state government's conduct regarding the smear campaign against Dharmasthala. He said that the BJP will hold protests in all Assembly constituencies across the state from Friday until next week under the banner of 'Dharm Yuddh'. Notably, Deputy CM Shivakumar recently said that there is a well-planned conspiracy behind the Dharmasthala case, and the forces behind it will be taken care of. Vijayendra further stated, "Over the last month, the developments surrounding Dharmasthala are well known to all. When the government formed an SIT to probe the issue, we had welcomed it. We had extended full support to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation. This has always been the BJP's clear stand." Questioning "smear campaigns" on social media during investigations, he said, "Why did the state government and the police department not act to stop, prevent, and curb such propaganda?" "Whenever Hindu activists post something on social media, immediate suo motu cases are registered against them, FIRs filed, and arrests made in the last two and a half years. But why has no action been taken against those spreading false propaganda on Dharmasthala?" he asked. Vijayendra asked whether the government has the "will to prevent such propaganda or whether it is supporting this campaign. "These suspicions are being discussed across the state and among countless devotees. Amidst all this, it has to be ascertained which evil forces are working behind this conspiracy and which organisations are fueling it? The fact that the state government is not acting to stop this is truly unfortunate," he said. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Calling it a recipe for 'insidious decay' of the Constitution, former Law Minister and Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal on Thursday deprecated the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at checking tainted heads of governments from running their administrations from jail. "If they manage to muster majority support for the bill, then the government will succeed in its draconian objective," Sibal told IANS. They should refrain from doing so as this would amount to exposing the Constitution -- created after years of freedom struggle -- to termites for insidious decay, he said. "Some people in power think they are going to remain in power forever and keep arresting Opposition leaders. Has any action been taken against any ruling party's minister?" he said. Earlier on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, that was hailed by the ruling BJP and its allies as a historic step reflecting the government's "zero-tolerance policy" against corruption. However, the Opposition branded it "anti-justice, unconstitutional, and irrational," warning that it carries immense potential for misuse against political opponents and could pave the way for autocracy. HM Shah said the bill aims to "elevate the declining level of morality in public life and bring integrity to politics". He said the bill will set new benchmarks of probity and integrity in public life, as it applies to even the highest constitutional posts of the country, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers. The bill, sent to the Joint Committee of Parliament for scrutiny, has provisions for ousting the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers if they have been arrested for 30 successive days. In his X post, HM Shah said that he introduced a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament, which ensures that those on constitutional posts like the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and ministers of the Central and state governments cannot run the government while in jail. Hyderabad, Aug 21 : In another major operation, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Thursday demolished illegal structures to protect government land worth Rs 400 crore. The demolition was carried out at Jubilee Enclave in Madhapur, in the Information Technology hub. The HYDRAA officials restored two parts and roads in the prime area under Serilingampally mandal of Rangareddy district. The agency removed encroachments on 16,000 square yards, which is estimated to be valued at Rs 400 crore. According to officials, 100 plots were approved in the layout spanning 22.20 acres. However, two out of four parks were encroached. The two parks had a total of 8,500 square yards. Similarly, roads over an area of 5,000 square yards were also encroached. Hotel sheds were also erected on 300 square yards of government land also under encroachments. HYDRAA deployed JCBs to remove the encroachments, including hotel sheds. The layout was approved in 1995 and regularised by the government in 2006. During Prajavani, the weekly programme of HYDRAA to hear public grievances, representatives of Jubilee Enclave layout complained that a park gifted to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has been encroached by a person named Jaihind Reddy. After a field inspection and inquiry, HYDRAA officials confirmed encroachments in the layout. On the directions of HYDRAA Commissioner A. V. Ranganath, the encroachments were removed on Thursday. The HYDRAA officials erected fencing around the reclaimed parks and displayed the boards. They said police cases would also be filed against the encroachers. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, on August 15, termed HYDRAA a great system to protect Hyderabad by taking action against encroachments on water bodies and parks. He claimed that HYDRAA has so far protected government lands worth Rs 30,000 crore and freed 13 parks and 20 lakes from encroachments. Revanth Reddy said HYDRAA was constituted to make Hyderabad a safe destination for living and to curb the encroachment of water bodies. Stating that cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai are facing flood problems, he said Hyderabad should not witness such a plight. Patna, Aug 21 : Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday participated in the centenary celebrations of the Bihar State Madrasa Education Board in Patna, which is being seen as a significant outreach to the minority community ahead of the Assembly elections. The grand event, marking 100 years of the Madrasa Board, was held in Patna. Nitish Kumar inaugurated the ceremony and was the chief guest at the event. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed pride at the Board completing a century of service. He said, "It is a matter of great pride that the Bihar Madrasa Board has completed 100 years. Only after our government was formed, concrete work started for the Muslim community in the state." CM Nitish accused the previous governments of neglecting the minority community. Highlighting initiatives taken since the formation of the NDA government in 2005, he said that his administration launched several welfare measures, such as fencing of graveyards (kabristan), providing burial facilities, and extending financial assistance to women. The Chief Minister pointed out that his government provides Rs 24,000 assistance to Muslim women abandoned by their husbands. He urged people not to abandon women, especially girls, as they face enormous difficulties. He also outlined broader welfare initiatives, including raising the Social Security Pension from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, providing 125 units of free electricity to households and approval of 430 new development schemes across the state. CM Nitish said that during his Pragati Yatra, he had taken note of shortcomings in implementation and had directed officials to ensure immediate rectification. During the ceremony, he also received several applications from the public and assured quick redressal of their issues. Political analysts believe that the timing and nature of the event carry clear political overtones ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. With heavy participation from the Muslim community, the centenary celebration is being seen as CM Nitish's attempt to strengthen his connection with minority voters, who play a crucial role in shaping Bihar's electoral outcomes. Couples participate in a group wedding ceremony during a folk culture activity in Dongbaihu Town of Zhuji City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 20, 2025. A series of folk culture and tourism activities were held here in celebration of the upcoming traditional Qixi Festival, known as Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Couples participate in a group wedding ceremony during a folk culture activity in Dongbaihu Town of Zhuji City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 20, 2025. A series of folk culture and tourism activities were held here in celebration of the upcoming traditional Qixi Festival, known as Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) A bridal sedan chair is pictured during a folk culture activity in Dongbaihu Town of Zhuji City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 20, 2025. A series of folk culture and tourism activities were held here in celebration of the upcoming traditional Qixi Festival, known as Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Couples participate in a group wedding ceremony during a folk culture activity in Dongbaihu Town of Zhuji City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 20, 2025. A series of folk culture and tourism activities were held here in celebration of the upcoming traditional Qixi Festival, known as Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Editor: Xiong Jian Jaipur, Aug 21 : Rajya Sabha MP and Rajasthan BJP President, Madan Rathore, on Thursday informed that the Modi government has launched the National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to integrate all legal metrology services across the country. Through this digital portal, now all the processes of licence, registration, verification and certification will be paperless, faceless and completely transparent. This initiative by the government will not only empower consumers, but will also prove to be extremely beneficial for businessmen and the industry. In response to a question by Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Minister of State for Public Distribution, B.L. Verma, gave this information to the House. Madan Rathore said that with the launch of the eMaap portal, both businesses and consumers will be able to get integrated and simple services. This is a national platform, which will eliminate the need for separate registration in different states. Single Sign-On (SSO) facility has been provided in it for easy access to the users. Apart from this, transparent processes like real-time tracking, certificate verification and online dashboard will also be available. Monitoring and enforcement will be strengthened by integration with government systems and use of data analytics. This will make services fast, efficient and simple for both consumers and businessmen. Madan Rathore said that digital transformation will directly benefit both the business environment and consumers. The administrative burden will be reduced, compliance will be easy and business processes will become fast and transparent. Consumers will be confident that the information of the product they are buying is completely accurate and certified. Along with this, the government has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 and made a QR code. The use of QR code has also been allowed. Now consumers will be able to easily scan the QR code on any packaged electronic product and get complete information of the product like manufacturer's name, address, size, quantity, price, email and telephone number. This will protect consumer rights and ensure transparency. Rathore said that under the Digital India Mission led by PM Modi, this step is a revolutionary reform for the protection of consumer rights and 'Ease of Doing Business'. This initiative will not only encourage industries, but will also strengthen the 'Ease of Doing Business' and take India to greater heights on global trade standards. At the same time, this initiative reflects the public-friendly thinking and transparent governance system of the PM Modi government. He expressed confidence that the portal and QR code system will make the life of consumers simpler and traders will also get the benefit of a fair and reliable system. New Delhi, Aug 21 : The Congress on Thursday hit out at the government over its "complete silence" on the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict, after Israel announced a full-scale military operation to capture Gaza City and plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank. New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) The Congress on Thursday hit out at the government over its "complete silence" on the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict, after Israel announced a full-scale military operation to capture Gaza City and plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in a sharp statement on X, condemned Israel's actions and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's refusal to speak out. "Israel has begun its military operations to take over Gaza City. Plans for expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank have also been announced. The Indian National Congress condemns both these moves. It also very strongly deplores the Modi Govt's complete silence on Israel's unacceptable actions," Ramesh posted on X. The statement reflects Congress's long-standing position of support for a sovereign, independent and viable Palestine living side by side in peace with Israel. Earlier, the other opposition parties such as CPM, CPI, Samajwadi Party and others, have spoken in favour of Palestine and have blamed the ruling dispensation for its silence on the devastating situation in Gaza. In the past few weeks, Israel has been facing a lot of criticism for unleashing a deadly war against Palestinians, which has already taken more than 60,000 lives. Several western countries, such as the UK, Australia, France, Canada and others, have criticised Israel for its brutal war in Gaza, and some have even declared to recognise the Palestinian state. Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel and killed hundreds of Israelis and took nearly 250 Israelis as hostages, not a day has passed by that Palestinian civilians have not been attacked. Despite a reported ceasefire between Hamas and Israel a few days back, the latter has not stopped its offensive and looking at the present situation, it seems that the two-state solution remains a questionable stand. Bengaluru, Aug 21 : The Bengaluru Hotel Owners' Association on Thursday submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru Development Minister, appealing for expediting repair works across the city as their business is getting affected. Association President Subramanya Holla H.S. stated that road repair works in Bengaluru are not being completed within the scheduled timeframe. Projects that were supposed to be finished within three months have taken more than a year and remain incomplete. "Due to this delay, businesses in many affected areas have seen an estimated 50 per cent drop in sales. This includes hotels, bakeries, sweet shops, bars and restaurants, and other retail outlets. In addition, the general public and senior citizens are facing severe inconvenience," he said. "Therefore, we strongly urge that all ongoing works be completed within the designated timeline. If additional time is required, we request at least a 50 per cent concession on charges paid by business owners, including property tax, garbage tax, electricity fixed charges, excise fees, and other license fees. We also request you to expedite the road works and support the businesses affected by these delays," he added. Association Secretary Veerendra N. Kamat told IANS that hotel owners are hopeful of receiving a response within a day or two from Shivakumar's office. "Across Bengaluru, multiple works have been taken up. On the one hand, Metro construction is ongoing, while the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) have also undertaken works on roads and public spaces. Roads have been dug up, and with the rains pouring, traffic jams have worsened. There is no space for pedestrians. On Platform Road, for instance, both sides have been dug up, leaving space for only one bus to pass. People are unable to walk on this stretch, and hotels here have suffered heavy losses," he said. "In Vyalikaval, road works have been left incomplete for more than a year. Members of the association have repeatedly raised this issue in meetings, which prompted the submission of this memorandum. While we can cut back on purchasing vegetables and provisions, rents, salaries, and other unavoidable expenses must still be met despite the lack of business," Kamat added. Brisbane, Aug 21 : Fast bowler Georgia Prestwidge's early burst put Australia A on top, but heavy rain and persistent interruptions meant early stumps was taken on Day One of their one-off red-ball match against India A at the Allan Border Field here on Thursday. Brisbane, Aug 21 (IANS) Fast bowler Georgia Prestwidgeas early burst put Australia A on top, but heavy rain and persistent interruptions meant early stumps was taken on Day One of their one-off red-ball match against India A at the Allan Border Field here on Thursday. It was a day on which rain had a major say in the proceedings as only 23.2 overs of play was possible on the opening day of what is the final match of the ongoing multi-format series. Electing to bowl in overcast conditions, Australia A were immediately on top, thanks to Georgia Prestwidge dismissing Nandini Kashyap and Dhara Gujjar for ducks on consecutive deliveries in the second over. Georgiaas first wicket came via a delivery that breached Nandinias defence and castled her through the gate, while she had Dhara reaching out to a wide delivery and nicking to first slip. Georgia then arguably produced her best delivery of the day to castle Shafali Verma, who had threatened to take the attack back to the bowlers with a fluent 38-ball 35, including eight boundaries. Fellow pacers Sianna Ginger and Maitlan Brown then took out Tejal Hasabnis and Tanushree Sarkar for nine and 13 respectively as India A slipped to 93/5 before rain forced the players to go off the field. Despite several warm-ups between showers, play could not resume for the remainder of the day. All hopes for India A putting up a competitive total rest on Raghvi Bist and captain Radha Yadav, who are unbeaten on 26 and eight respectively. Previously, Australia A had completed a 3-0 clean sweep of the T20 series, before the India A side bounced back by winning the 50-over series 2-1. Brief scores: India A 93/5 in 23.2 overs (Shafali Verma 35, Raghvi Bist 26 not out; Georgia Prestwidge 3-25, Sianna Ginger 1-25) against Australia A New Delhi, Aug 21 : Over 30.99 crore unorganised workers have registered themselves on the government's eShram portal (till August 12), the Parliament was informed on Thursday. New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) Over 30.99 crore unorganised workers have registered themselves on the governmentas eShram portal (till August 12), the Parliament was informed on Thursday. The Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the eShram portal for the creation of a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) seeded with Aadhaar. The eShram portal is meant to register and support the unorganised workers by providing them a Universal Account Number (UAN) on a self-declaration basis, Minister of State for MSMEs, Shobha Karandlaje, told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. The portal integrates different social security schemes into a single portal. This enables unorganised workers registered on eShram to access social security schemes and see the benefits availed by them so far. Social media platforms are also being used to spread awareness among workers to register on eShram. State Seva Kendras (SSKs) and services of Common Service Centres are onboarded to facilitate assisted mode registrations of unorganised workers. Moreover, the number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) registered for various incentives on the Udyam Registration Portal and Udyam Assist Platform nationwide in the five-year period, from July 1, 2020, to July 31, 2025, has gone up to 6.63 crore. Further, the estimated Unemployment Rate (UR) on usual status for persons of age 15 years and above has decreased from 4.1 per cent in 2021-22 to 3.2 per cent in 2022-23 and 2023-24. Also, UR for youth (15-29 years) has decreased from 12.4 per cent in 2021-22 to 10.2 per cent in 2023-24, she informed. As per the latest available annual PLFS reports, the estimated Worker Population Ratio (WPR), indicating employment on usual status for persons age 15 years and above is 52.6 per cent in 2020-21, 52.9 per cent in 2021-22, 56.0 per cent in 2022-23 and 58.2 per cent in 2023-24, showing an increasing trend over the years. Ranchi, Aug 21 : The Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, turned into a flashpoint on Thursday after a girl student was allegedly molested and attacked with a blade by unidentified assailants near the campus gate. The incident triggered massive protests, with thousands of students boycotting classes, demanding justice and better security. The incident took place late Wednesday night when an MBA student stepped out of the campus gate. She was allegedly confronted by some anti-social elements who tried to molest her. When she resisted, she was attacked with a blade, leaving her seriously injured. She was rushed to a nearby nursing home, where her condition is said to be stable. News of the attack spread quickly across the campus, sparking anger among students. By midnight, large groups of students gathered at the main square inside the institute, raising slogans against the administration and questioning the security arrangements. On Thursday morning, the protest intensified, with classes being boycotted across departments. The agitating students demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits and a comprehensive security overhaul on the campus. "This is not just an attack on one girl but a question of safety for every student. Outsiders can enter freely, which exposes us to constant risk. If adequate security was in place, this incident could have been prevented," a protesting student said. Despite police reaching the spot to pacify the situation, the students refused to relent, insisting that the agitation would continue until the accused are caught and the institute commits to robust security measures, increased surveillance, and deployment of more guards. The administration has so far not issued an official statement, though senior institute officials met the agitating students on Thursday in an attempt to defuse tensions. Students, however, maintained that dialogue would only be possible after the attackers are arrested. The protesters have warned of intensifying their agitation if swift action is not taken. "We will not back down. This fight is for our right to safety," a student leader said. Mumbai, Aug 21 : The upcoming film 'Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi' will be seen by the Bombay High Court, and will thereafter decide on Monday on the reasons or objections raised for the rejection of the film communicated by the CBFC to the Petitioner. The bench while hearing Ravi Kadam, senior advocate, Satatya Anand and Nikhil Aradhe, Advocates for the Petitioner (Smart Cinematics) opined that although an alternate remedy (appeal) under Section 5-C of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, is available, however, it is not an absolute bar on the exercise of jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution. The bench observed that the CBFC has shown and has taken a rigid approach to reject the certification application filed by the Petitioner for certification of its film. The bench opined that the film will have to be viewed in order to understand the context of the objections and ultimately agreed to watch the movie. The bench also opined that the movie has to be viewed in its entirety as per the guidelines. The court has reserved Monday for the hearing on the decision on the objections given by the Revising Committee based on which the certification to the film of the Petitioner was refused. Earlier, the Bombay High Court directed the CBFC to decide the film's release date. The court allowed the Petitioner's prayer for screening of the film to complete the screening process as per the Cinematograph Act and Rules framed thereunder and also directed to convey its decision as per the Rules to the Petitioner by Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Samrat Cinematics, the production house behind 'Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi', said, 'Today's outcome reaffirms our faith in the judiciary. This film is the sincere creative effort of over 300 industry professionals, and we remain hopeful that it will be allowed to reach the audience it was made for". The court also observed that seeing the conduct of CBFC and the erroneous approach adopted earlier without following the due process of law, the court has kept the petition pending for CBFC's compliance. Imphal, Aug 21 : The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, on Thursday slammed former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for his social media post in which he termed Myanmar nationals as "illegal entrants". The KZC expressed its deep concern "over the deliberate misinterpretation" of the recent statement made by the Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera regarding the influx of individuals from Myanmar into India. The DGAR, while addressing a seminar at Manipur University on Wednesday, had clearly stated that around 42,000 persons have crossed over into India from Myanmar due to the ongoing political and ethnic turmoil in that country, the KZC's Secretary, Information and Publicity, Ginza Vualzong said. These individuals have been sheltered across various Northeastern states, including Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Vualzong, in a statement, said that former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, "in his habitual haste and malice, twisted this fact to once again propagate his false narrative of 'illegal immigrants' in Manipur". The KZC statement said that this reckless statement is not only misleading but also dangerous, as it seeks to vilify the Kuki-Zo people and further inflame tensions in an already fragile situation. "The fact of the matter is that these 42,000 persons are not 'illegal immigrants' as alleged by Biren Singh. They are victims of war and persecution in Myanmar who have crossed the international border seeking refuge and safety. The Assam Rifles, in accordance with established protocols of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), has been recording their biometrics and documents, ensuring that due procedures are followed. This alone refutes the baseless claim that they are illegal," Vualzong said in his statement. He said that it is highly regrettable that certain media houses, instead of exercising journalistic integrity, have chosen to echo Biren Singh's false narrative, thereby spreading misinformation and stigmatising an entire community. "We urge the media to exercise greater responsibility and verify facts before publishing such sensitive reports," the statement said. Vualzong clarified that the Kuki-Zo people of Manipur are not illegal immigrants, nor have they entered India in recent times. "We are the indigenous sons and daughters of this land, whose history and existence in the hills of Manipur long predate the present political boundaries. Attempts to brand us otherwise are nothing but a continuation of the divisive and discriminatory politics of N. Biren Singh, whose tenure as Chief Minister was marked by communal prejudice and targeted policies against the Kuki-Zo," the KZC statement claimed. Meanwhile, former Manipur Chief Minister in a post on X said: "I thank Lt Gen Shri Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, DG Assam Rifles, for confirming that biometrics are being collected from illegal entrants crossing the Indo Myanmar border." "The very need for such a measure underlines an undeniable truth that the influx of outsiders into our region is real and ongoing. It is equally reassuring that these individuals are being kept under close watch, accommodated only at secure locations, and monitored under strict authority. The message is clear. The Northeast is not blind to what is happening, nor is it leaving anything to chance," said Singh. Singh quit the Chief Ministerial post on February 9, days before the President's Rule was imposed in the state due to prolonged ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribals. The Assam Rifles, in a statement, said that during a seminar at Manipur University on Wednesday, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General Assam Rifles, shared insights on the new Free Movement Regime (FMR) policy of the government under which the Myanmarese nationals are now being mapped. "The statement made by the DG Assam Rifles is being misrepresented by certain media outlets. After the new FMR policy came into effect, the Myanmarese nationals entering India through crossing points are now being mapped. Since December (2024), 42,000 individuals have been mapped with the help of biometrics and various measures instituted by all concerned government agencies. The data of this is being shared with all Govt agencies," the Assam Rifles statement said. These Myanmarese citizens primarily stay temporarily in the Northeastern states of India, mainly in Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh and eventually revert to their country as per the provisions of the new FMR policy. The Seminar was conducted at Manipur University as part of the academic collaboration between Assam Rifles and the University. Mumbai, Aug 21 : As Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy backed Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for the post of Prime Minister, Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde on Thursday dismissed the suggestion as "far from reality," saying that the Congress MP neither has the majority today nor will he have it in the future. Mumbai, Aug 21 (IANS) As Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy backed Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for the post of Prime Minister, Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde on Thursday dismissed the suggestion as "far from reality," saying that the Congress MP neither has the majority today nor will he have it in the future. The comment comes after RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also pitched LoP Rahul Gandhi as a possible future Prime Minister candidate, creating fresh political ripples. Speaking to IANS, Krishna Hegde said, "Revanth Reddy is supporting Rahul Gandhi because he is his leader, but such claims are very far from reality. Rahul Gandhi neither has the majority today nor will he have it in the future. This is only Reddy's personal opinion, but the opinion of the nation is very different. "The people of India want a capable, strong, and development-oriented leader and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The public has already created history by electing him for a third term, and they will make him win for the fourth time as well." Hegde further reacted on senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who has often spoken against his own party line on several issues. Tharoor recently drew attention for backing the PM Modi government's new Bills, which propose to remove ministers from office if they are jailed or detained for 30 consecutive days on charges carrying a potential sentence of five years or more. "Shashi Tharoor is a senior leader and a former United Nations Under-Secretary General. He is an excellent orator with a respectable stature both in India and abroad, which also helped him win three terms as an MP. Despite this, the Congress party has consistently sidelined him," Hegde told IANS. "When Prime Minister Modi appointed him to head the delegation representing India internationally, the Congress did not like it. Now, its the same when Tharoor supported the Bill on corrupt leaders. The truth is, the public is with Tharoor," Hegde said. Hegde also reacted on the recent attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and the accused, Rajesh Sakariya, who has been remanded to five-days' police custody. "I strongly condemn the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. This is not just a shameful act against a woman, but also an attack on the dignity of a Chief Minister. It raises serious questions where was the Chief Minister's security at the time of the incident, and why did her security personnel fail to prevent it? Rajesh Sakariya has taken the law into his own hands and must face the harshest punishment. I demand a thorough investigation into this security lapse," he said. The Shiv Sena spokesperson also reacted on the three key Bills introduced in Parliament by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The three key Bills are 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. However, the Opposition parties are opposing it as "unconstitutional" with a "massive potential for misuse against political opponents." "The Opposition has lost its balance because of its deep involvement in corruption. Corruption is rampant in every state they govern. Half the Opposition will be wiped out once this Bill is enforced, which is why they are protesting so desperately," Hegde alleged. "I am confident the government has the numbers, and this Bill will pass ultimately strengthening democracy," Hegde said. New Delhi, Aug 21 : A total of Rs 1,726.60 crore has been released as incentives under the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) till June, the Parliament was informed on Thursday. The scheme has led to an increase in food processing capacity of 35.00 lakh MT per annum in the country. A total number of about 3.39 lakh jobs, both direct and indirect employment, have been generated so far under the PLISFPI, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh, said in a written reply in Lok Sabha. A total of 278 food processing units of 170 applicants have been approved under various categories of the PLISFPI across the country. The incentives under the PLISFPI are admissible where the entire chain of manufacturing processes, including primary processing of the food products applied for coverage under the scheme, takes place in India. "Total export of agricultural processed food products of the applicants approved under PLISFPI has increased with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.23 per cent as on 2024-25 with reference to 2019-20. The scheme does not cover floricultural production," the minister said. Credit-linked capital subsidy at 35 per cent of the eligible project cost, with a maximum ceiling of Rs 10 lakh per unit, is provided to individual micro enterprises under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. "A total of 1,44,517 micro food processing enterprises have been approved for assistance under PMFME across the country till June 30, 2025," said Singh. Under the capacity building component of the PMFME Scheme, the ministry provides assistance for training of trainers, District Resource Persons, entrepreneurs and various other groups for Entrepreneurship Development Skilling (EDP+) and product-specific skilling to meet the requirements of the food processing industry. So far, 1,16,666 beneficiaries have been trained across the country under the PMFME scheme. In Bihar, the ministry has approved 13 food processing projects under Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), seven proposals under Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) and 25,349 proposals under PMFME till June 30. A staff member works at Malan coal mine of Shanxi Coking Coal Xishan Coal Electricity Group Co., Ltd. in Gujiao City of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, June 19, 2024. (Xinhua) TAIYUAN, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- At an outlet of the Nanlao Spring in Jinci Temple in north China, crystal-clear water poured from a weathered stone dragon's mouth, sparkling in the sunlight as visitors jostled to capture its fleeting cascade. For three decades, the iconic fountain at the millennium-old temple in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, had run on piped water, its poetically named spring, "Never Aging" (literal translation of Nanlao), having long since dried up under the strain of groundwater over-extraction and coal mining. The Nanlao Spring, the most iconic of all Jinci springs, is celebrated as one of the temple's "three treasures," alongside the over 3,000-year-old cypress trees and the exquisitely crafted clay maidens from the Song Dynasty (960-1279). After decades of efforts to restore it, the spring began to flow naturally again in 2023 and achieved uninterrupted outflow for the first summer this year. Visitors, both locals and tourists, are flocking to Jinci to see the revitalized historic spring. The temple welcomed 457,000 visitors in July, setting a new record for that time of year. "We feared we might never see Nanlao Spring flow again. Little did we expect to witness its revival," said Yan Wensheng, director of Taiyuan's Jinci water supply management center. Jinci Temple, built as a shrine dedicated to the first feudal lord of the Jin State during the early Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), houses a wealth of cultural heritage that dates back to the Song Dynasty. The history of the development and use of Jinci springs spans over 2,000 years. The abundant groundwater in the areas surrounding the temple even supported rice paddies until the mid-1990s, despite Taiyuan City being situated on the arid Loess Plateau, where rice cultivation is typically challenging. However, the flow of Jinci springs gradually diminished due to excessive groundwater extraction and large-scale coal mining that began in the 1950s, ultimately leading to their drying up in 1994. Since then, the water level in the vicinity of the springs has continued to drop by approximately 2 meters annually, reaching its lowest point in 2008 at 27.76 meters below the spring's outlet. The revival began with rising groundwater levels, followed by small springs bubbling up, and finally, the Nanlao Spring resumed its natural flow on May 14, 2023. Since then, the Nanlao Spring has experienced increasingly stable flow and higher water levels each year, ultimately reaching 1.23 meters above the outlet this year and achieving 332 consecutive days of continuous flow by the end of July. The revival of this ancient spring required persistent efforts over three decades, including significant reductions in groundwater usage, measures to replenish the springs, the closure of nearby coal mines, and afforestation initiatives. Reducing groundwater use became imperative, and in 2019, a project was launched to connect nearly 100,000 residents across 61 villages in Jinyuan District, home to Jinci Temple, to the municipal water supply sourced from the Yellow River diversion project, ending their long reliance on well water. "The tap water has saved us countless hassles," said Wang Yungui, 64, a resident of Wangguo Village in Jinyuan District, recalling the harder days when the village relied on a scarce well water supply available only three to four hours a day and every household had to store water in large jars. The project resulted in the closure of 54 wells and an annual reduction in groundwater extraction by 6 million cubic meters. Moreover, Shanxi was designated as a national pilot province for controlling groundwater over-extraction in 2018, granting its capital, Taiyuan, access to special funding from the central government to support these efforts. The city, meanwhile, has relocated water-intensive and polluting industries from the Jinci springs' recharge zone. Over the past decade, Taiyuan has cut groundwater extraction by 113 million cubic meters, reducing groundwater's share of the total water supply from a peak of 83.5 percent to just 25.9 percent. In addition, to restore the Jinci springs, water resource authorities launched efforts to raise the water level of a reservoir vital for their recharge. In the 1980s, the large-scale development of the Taiyuan Xishan (West Mountain) coalfield led to the establishment of 275 coal mines, with annual mining drainage reaching 33.33 million cubic meters. This drainage disrupted the natural recharge, flow, and discharge patterns of local water systems, leading to the rapid depletion of the Jinci springs, which originate from West Mountain in Taiyuan. Between 2006 and 2014, Taiyuan consolidated and reconfigured the Xishan coal mines. Only 53 coal mines remained, significantly reducing water drainage per tonne of coal. In 2018, a targeted remediation effort focused on 19 mines in the Jinci springs' core protection zone, with four permanently closed and the remaining 15 having their mining boundaries redrawn. Additionally, over the past decade or so, afforestation spanning more than 200,000 mu (approximately 13,333.3 hectares) has increased forest coverage in the West Mountain area from less than 20 percent to about 86 percent. This expanded coverage helps retain groundwater and enhances local precipitation, all of which contribute to the ecological restoration of the Jinci springs recharge zone. With groundwater levels steadily rising, surrounding regions have gradually resumed rice planting. In Beidasi Village near Jinci Temple, an otherwise unimaginable sight now unfolds, with vast expanses of lotus leaves and flowers swaying alongside rice plants in shimmering pond water. The "Never Aging" Spring has truly come back to life, as reflected in the historic couplet hung at the Nanlao Spring Pavilion, which reads: "Flowing day and night without rest, eternally as the heavens and earth endure." People visit Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) A visitor poses for photos at Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) People visit the Nanlao Spring at Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) A visitor touches the water of the Nanlao Spring at Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) Editor: WXY New Delhi, Aug 21 : As many as 1.38 lakh students are currently studying in 479 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for tribal students functioning across the country, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday. Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, in a reply, said that in addition to the 288 EMRSs sanctioned under Article 275(1), 440 more EMRSs have been proposed across the country, bringing the total number of approved EMRSs to 728, out of which 479 are reported to be functional as on June 2025. He said the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organisation, has been established under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to manage and implement the EMRS scheme in co-ordination with State EMRS Societies. The Minister said that in Union Budget 2018-19 it was announced that to provide quality education to tribal children in their own environment, EMRS' will be established in every block having more than 50 per cent Scheduled Tribe population and at least 20,000 tribal people (as per Census 2011). Oram said several initiatives have been undertaken to address infrastructural gaps in EMRSs, including expediting construction, strengthening quality monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring timely provision of essential facilities such as hostels, classrooms, and staff quarters. He said the construction cost of EMRSs was enhanced in 2021a"22 to Rs 37.80 crore in plain areas and Rs 48 crore in hilly areas (from earlier Rs 20 crore and Rs 24 crore) for the 440 newly-sanctioned schools. The Minister said that to address the issue of student dropouts and improve retention, NESTS, through State governments, has been mobilising the tribal population to enrol in EMRSs by raising awareness about the schools through participation in camps and outreach programmes. Other steps include facilitating tribes by constructing educational facilities in the most remote areas and introducing vocational courses to enable students to acquire skills that will support their sustainability in the job market. New Delhi, Aug 21 : The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has raised a total amount of Rs 1,42,758 crore through different modes of asset monetisation up to FY 2024-25 and the target for the current financial year has been fixed at Rs 30,000 crore, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Parliament on Thursday. Gadkari said that the government monetises highway assets through three modes a" Toll Operate & Transfer (ToT), Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), and Securitisation (Project-based Financing through SPV). Of the total amount that has been raised till 2024-25, TOT accounts for Rs 48,995 crore, InvIT has contributed Rs 43,638 crore, and securitisation accounts for Rs 50,125 crore, he said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. The minister further stated that under ToT Mode, open market bids are invited. Road Stretches are awarded for a concession period (15-30 years) to the highest bidder, whose offer must be above the reserve price. The NHAI has formed the National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) and offers stretches to it for a 15-30 year concession period to obtain its highest valuation. The NHITas offer price is compared with the reserve price, and it, in turn, raises the money through bonds and discovers the best price through the sale of units on the SEBI platform. Under the Securitisation Mode, the NHAI has been authorised to raise long-term finance from banks, and by issuing bonds by securitising user fee receipts from toll plazas on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway as an alternate mode of asset monetisation, through a Special Purpose Vehicle. The funds raised through the TOT mode are transferred into the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI), which is received through ploughback under budgetary support. From financial year 2024-25 onwards, the funds received from the InvIT mode are also transferred into the CFI, which is received through ploughback under budgetary support. The minister also said that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project is under securitisation mode through SPV. The funds are utilised for the project expenses of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The projected financial contribution of asset monetisation for the current fiscal year is Rs. 30,000 crore. The Government has also identified the NH stretches to be monetised through TOT/InvIT mode for the current Financial Year and onwards, he added. The government takes various steps to ensure transparency, investor confidence and market development for the successful implementation of this asset monetisation strategy. The selection of public-funded National Highway (NH) projects for monetisation is finalised with the approval of the Competent Authority on a case-to-case basis. Transparency is ensured by way of publishing macroeconomic assumptions and a proposed list of assets to be monetised on the website, while traffic due diligence and technical due diligence are being done by an Empanelled Traffic Surveyor and an Empanelled Technical Consultant. The initial capex suggested by the Technical Consultant and the traffic data suggested by the Traffic Surveyor are then deliberated in the Project Appraisal & Technical Scrutiny Committee (PATSC) and then recommended to the Executive Committee for approval. The recommendation of PATSC is then finally discussed and approved in the Executive Committee, Gadkari said. The minister further pointed out that all these steps are open to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). Kolkata, Aug 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate three new metro services in Kolkata on Friday and take a metro ride from Jessore Road Metro station to Jai Hind Bimanbandar (Airport) Metro station. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend a government programme in this regard, along with a public meeting in Dum Dum Central Jail Ground. Taking to his X account, PM Modi on Thursday said, "It is always a delight to be among the people of Kolkata, a city whose development we are greatly committed to. Tomorrow's programmes in the city are mainly focussed on connectivity. The metro services, which will be flagged off, include Noaparaa"Jai Hind Bimanbandar, Sealdaha"Esplanade and Beleghataa"Hemanta Mukhopadhyay routes. Connectivity to and from the airport as well as the IT hub areas will be enhanced." PM Modi also said that public anger against the Trinamool Congress-led Bengal government is increasing with each passing day. "I am eager to be among @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas at a rally in Kolkata. With each passing day, public anger against the TMC is increasing. West Bengal is eagerly looking towards the BJP with hope because of our development agenda," he said in an X post. This will be the second time the Prime Minister will take a metro ride in Kolkata. In March 2024, PM Modi had inaugurated the country's first underwater metro in Kolkata and took the first ride under Hooghly river. On Friday, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation of projects worth Rs 5,200 crore, including three new stretches of the Kolkata Metro, and an elevated corridor in adjacent Howrah. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Jessore Road Metro Station, where he will flag off the Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar metro service from Jessore Road. In addition, through video conferencing, he will also flag off the Sealdah-Esplanade metro service and the Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay metro service. He will also undertake a metro ride from Jessore Road Metro Station to Jai Hind Bimanbandar and back. At the public event, the Prime Minister will inaugurate these metro sections and a newly constructed subway at Howrah Metro Station. The Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar metro service will significantly improve the access to the airport. The Sealdah-Esplanade metro will reduce the travel time between the two points from nearly 40 minutes to only 11 minutes. The Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay metro section will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity with the IT hub. These metro routes will connect some of Kolkata's busiest areas, bring a reduction in travel time, and strengthen multimodal connectivity, benefiting lakhs of daily commuters. In a major boost to road infrastructure in the region, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of 7.2-km-long six-lane elevated Kona Expressway worth more than Rs 1,200 crore. It will enhance connectivity between Howrah, surrounding rural areas and Kolkata, saving hours of travel time and giving significant boost to trade, commerce, and tourism in the region. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Wayanad MP and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday to seek early implementation of health projects in her constituency and renewed the demand for starting an AIIMS in Kerala. Taking to X to share details of the interaction, she said, "He was kind enough to hear out all our demands and hold a frank discussion with us. I sincerely hope that these pressing issues will be given due consideration." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accompanied by other party members from the state, also discussed the need for better healthcare for Wayanad's tribal population. "Met Shri. @JPNadda to request him to expedite some health projects in Wayanad and to apprise him of the severe difficulties being faced by the local population in the absence of the Medical College in Mananthavadi, which is yet far from functional," she said. We also discussed the need for better healthcare for Wayanad's tribal population, their specific health issues, pending NHM funds and the need for a specialised trauma centre catering to cases of animal attacks in the area, she said. Along with this, all of us also renewed the long-standing request for an AIIMS for Kerala, said the MP from Wayanad. The lack of facilities at the Government Medical College in Mananthavady is an old issue that has been raised time and again by area residents. Last year, the then Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi had also hit out at the state government for insufficient facilities at the hospital. After meeting the family of a man killed who was killed in an elephant attack, Rahul Gandhi criticised the delay in providing treatment to the victim, which allegedly resulted in his death. The Congress leader had questioned the delay in developing the medical college, criticising the lack of urgency shown by the state government despite loss of life in tragic incidents in the area due to a lack of medical facilities. He had also written to the Chief Minister, requesting him to expedite the matter. New Delhi, Aug 21 : India's Banking, Financial Services and Insurance- Global capabilities Centre sector (BFSI GCC) was valued at $40-41 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to a staggering $125-135 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 12-13 per cent, a report said on Thursday. India is home to nearly 190 BFSI GCCs, which employ nearly 540,000 professionals who account for one-fourth of the nationas total GCC workforce, Quess Corp, a staffing and workforce solutions provider, said in its recent report. According to the report, this robust growth highlights the countryas position as the global hub for GCC innovation, resilience and digital-first transformation. The new developments, such as AI and data engineering, have accounted for almost 29 per cent of all new roles across BFSI GCCs. AI is no longer restricted to pilots or innovation labs by companies but is being actively scaled for core functionality such as fraud detection, regulatory reporting, credit risk modelling and customer service automation, the report stated. GenAI has evolved into production environments with applications such as KYC, reconciliation and predictive compliance, making XAI (explainable AI) a must-have layer for BFSI adoption. "We have noticed that the BFSI GCC sector has moved beyond its traditional role to a new decisive phase of growth. These units are no longer back-office extensions but have transformed into the heart of innovation, compliance and resilience for the worldas financial ecosystem," said Kapil Joshi, CEO a" IT Staffing, Quess Corp. AI, cloud and payments are no longer experimental skills but are core business functions that are being executed at scale by GCCs in India, he added. The report highlighted that the BFSI GCCs are beginning to invest significantly in zero-trust architectures, advanced cryptography and regulatory technology. With cyberthreats and regulatory scrutiny intensifying, AI-based fraud analytics, identity governance and compliance monitoring are among the fastest-growing areas of demand. "Skilled professionals in this space are commanding premium salaries of 1.5x to 4x times over conventional IT roles, which underscores the importance of cybersecurity talent in India today," according to the report. ISO 20022 standards, real-time payments and embedded finance are being adopted rapidly by Indian BFSI GCCs. This transition has given rise to industry demand for payments engineers, system integrators and compliance specialists, especially in tier-1 metros such as Bangalore and Chennai. As per the report, Tier-2 cities are changing the way in which hiring is being viewed by companies, as these regions are showing a 42 per cent year-on-year growth in job postings, the report stated. Patna, Aug 21 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on Thursday, carried out major raids in Bihar's East Champaran district in connection with the AK-47 case, creating a stir in the region. A team of NIA officials, along with local police, raided the residence of notorious criminal and land mafia Rahul Mukhiya in Khajuria village under the Gobindganj police station area. Simultaneously, another raid was conducted at the house of former village head Chhedi Singh in Tharbitiya village of Pakri Dayal block. The operation began early Thursday morning and continued under tight security. A heavy police force was deployed, and a security cordon was created around the residences, barring anyone from entering or leaving during the raids. Rahul Mukhiya has a long history of criminal activities and is widely known as a land mafia. His name has surfaced several times in connection with serious crimes. According to sources, the involvement of Chhedi Singh's family has also been suspected in the AK-47 case, prompting the NIA to extend its action to his residence as well. The raids are part of ongoing investigations into illegal arms and criminal networks operating in Bihar. The action has triggered a stir not just locally but also in political circles, as Rahul Mukhiya is the husband of Bahadurpur Panchayat village head Jyoti Kumari. Despite the buzz, local police officials refrained from sharing any details, only saying that the raids were being carried out based on sensitive and serious inputs. Even when pressed by journalists, authorities maintained silence on the specifics of the investigation. Sources said that Rahul Mukhiya has a political link -- through his wife's post as Mukhiya -- has further intensified discussions in local administrative and political circles. As of now, no official confirmation has been given about what the NIA team has seized during the searches. However, it is believed that investigators may have recovered crucial documents and evidence that could accelerate further action in the ongoing probe. Moscow, Aug 21 : Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that he and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held detailed discussions regarding upcoming events, including the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India later this year, as both sides plan to prepare a "solid package" of documents for the Putin-PM Modi summit. While addressing a joint press conference with EAM Jaishankar in Moscow following their talks, Lavrov stated, "We discussed the upcoming events which are part of this dialogue including preparation for the visit of the President of the Russian Federation to India which will take place by the end of this year. We have plans to prepare to come up with a solid package of documents for this summit and undoubtedly we have a good tradition." Highlighting the longstanding defence cooperation between both countries, Lavrov noted that the two nations hold joint exercises regularly and have solid military ties. "We have good traditions in the field of military cooperation. We hold joint exercises, and in the field of military and technical cooperation, which is also underpinned by our shared history," he stated. The Russian Foreign Minister asserted that he and EAM Jaishankar also discussed the situation in Ukraine. He also informed the Indian counterpart regarding the ongoing talks with the participation of the US. "As for the international topics, we discussed the situation in the context of what is happening in Ukraine, following the phone conversation between President of the Russian Federation with Prime Minister of India, we informed in detail our Indian guests about the current state of discussions which are ongoing with participation of our US partners in particular in the context of the talks held in Alaska when President Putin followed the invitation of President Trump and paid a visit to the United States of America. And, we also spoke about the fact that there is an interest in a rapid settlement and we discussed how this willingness to reach an agreement could serve the legitimate interests of all participants," Lavrov said. During the joint press conference, Jaishankar stated that he and Lavrov reviewed the entire gamut of India-Russia ties and termed the bilateral ties among the "steadiest of the major relationships" in the world after the Second World War. "Geo-political convergence, leadership contacts and popular sentiment remain its key drivers. On trade and economic cooperation, I followed up with Minister Lavrov the proceedings of yesterdayas meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission that I chaired with First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. We reaffirmed our shared ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including by increasing Indiaas exports to Russia. "This requires swiftly addressing non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments. Enhancing Indian exports to Russia in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles will certainly help to correct the current imbalance. Steps to ensure long-term supply of fertilizers was also taken up. Indian skilled workers, especially in IT, construction, and engineering, can address the labor needs in Russia and deepen collaboration. Sustaining energy cooperation through trade and investments is also important," the EAM said in his remarks during the joint press interaction with Lavrov. Both ministers also spoke about the connectivity initiatives, including the International Northa'South Transport Corridor, the Chennaia"Vladivostok eastern maritime corridor, and cooperation in the Northern Sea Route. "These corridors promise to deepen economic linkages, reduce transit times, and expand trade access across Eurasia and beyond," said EAM Jaishankar. He highlighted that the defence and military-technical cooperation between the two countries also remains robust. "Russia supports India's Make in India goals, including through joint production and technology transfer," he said. Both sides also discussed their joint fight against terrorism with EAM Jaishankar conveying India's strong resolve to adopt a zeroa'tolerance policy against terrorism and New Delhi's sovereign right to defend its citizens against cross-border terrorism. "The opening of two new Indian Consulates a" in Kazan and Yekaterinburg a" need to be fast-tracked, that was also a subject of our conversation today. These consulates will further deepen our regional outreach and enhance trade and people-to-people ties," he added. Bhopal, Aug 21 : The Madhya Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) paid rich tributes to late former Chief Minister Babulal Gaur on his death anniversary on Thursday. BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, state unit chief Hemant Khandelwal, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla and the party's state general secretary (organisation) Hitanand Sharma, among others paid tribute to Babulal Gaur. A programme was organised at B-6, 74 Bungalow, allotted to Gaur's daughter-in-law Krishna Gaur, who is the State Minister (Independent) for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare. On this occasion, Chief Minister Yadav recalled the contributions of Babulal Gaur, saying that the late former chief minister devoted his life to serving the people, especially those belonging to the socially and economically deprived sections. Chief Minister Yadav said that Gaur always fought for the cause of the underprivileged people. "Former Chief Minister Babulal Gaur always raised the voice of the poor people. His invaluable contribution to the development of Bhopal will always be remembered. I paid my respect by offering floral tribute to him on his birth anniversary," Yadav said. Babulal Gaur was the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from August 23, 2004, to November 29, 2005. However, he was later replaced by the current Union Minister and BJP veteran Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who remained in the chief ministerial chair till 2024 (barring a gap of 18 months in between). Babulal Gaur represented the Govindpura Assembly seat in Bhopal 10 times. Since first becoming an MLA in 1974, he had won all 10 elections. Later, his daughter-in-law Krishna Gaur emerged as the Govindpura Constituency representative in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. Longevity was not the only characteristic that marked Babulal Gaur's political career. There were also equal measures of controversy, candidness and colour. According to reports, he had a rough sailing during childhood. Later, he worked in a textile mill, joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and was part of the trade union movement. Babulal Gaur, who is credited with expanding the footprints of the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, died on August 21, 2019, at the age of 89 at a hospital in Bhopal. Mumbai, Aug 21 : Actress-producer Pallavi Joshi, who is awaiting the release of her upcoming film 'The Bengal Files', has opened up on the blockade imposed on the trailer of the film, and has called the ruling government of West Bengal for the same. Pallavi spoke with IANS at her home in Mumbai ahead of the film's release, and said how the trailer of the film, and a special screening was stopped on the orders of the ruling government of TMC spearheaded by Mamata Banerjee. The makers of 'The Bengal Files' wanted to launch the trailer of the film in Kolkata on August 16, which marks the 79th anniversary of the Direct Action Day, a dark chapter in the history of India when the state of Bengal was rocked by widespread communal riots. The film is based on the Direct Action Day, and is touted to bring events from the Direct Action Day to light. Talking about the blockade, Pallavi told IANS, "Well, it was very clearly done by the ruling party, and we are making no bones about it. We knew that we'd get some kind of resistance. But we didn't know it would be like this, that we won't be able to show our trailer at all. It was very significant for us to choose Kolkata to release our trailer on August 16, which was the anniversary of Direct Action Day". She further mentioned that if something has happened in the past, and if there are some people who are trying to bring that story forward, the government should help in uncovering these stories. "They should be giving us full support. But I didn't know that they won't let us show the trailer, which was a very sad thing because everybody felt a little bad. It's your work at the end of the day. It does hurt you a bit, but then it's gone. It's in the past. There's a new day today", she added. 'The Bengal Files' stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. The film is written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri. Presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha, The film is a worldwide release by Zee Studios, and will arrive in theatres on September 5, 2025. Mumbai, Aug 21 : The National Commission for Women (NCW), in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Women Commission, will host a two-day Capacity Building and Training Programme for State Women Commissions (SWCs) from across the country on August 22-23 in Mumbai. The initiative, titled "Shakti Samvad," aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of SWCs to safeguard women's rights, promote welfare, and advance gender equality. Announcing the programme, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said, "Women Commissions are the first responders for women in distress. Their role is pivotal in ensuring that the vision of gender equality reaches every corner of India. Through this programme, we seek to empower State Commissions with sharper tools, deeper knowledge, and stronger strategies -- from tackling cybercrimes to addressing mental wellbeing and policy gaps. NCW is committed to building a collective voice that will make India safer and more empowering for every woman." The inaugural session will be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, among others. On this occasion, the Chief Minister will also release NCW's new publication on Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) at the Workplace. The programme will feature high-level panel discussions and thematic sessions addressing a wide spectrum of policy, legal, and social issues. Day One will open with a panel on challenges and opportunities before SWCs, followed by sessions on Anti-Human Trafficking, age of consent laws, and coordination with enforcement agencies such asthe Railways. A special session titled "Inner Women" will focus on holistic identity and wellbeing, while another will assess women-centric policies in the context of the Beijing Declaration. Day Two will look at emerging challenges in the digital age, including Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, and explore issues of menopause, mental health, and unpaid care work under the theme "Care Matters." It will also highlight the legacy of the 15 women framers of the Indian Constitution, and orient participants on new legal frameworks such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, with a focus on women's rights. NCW will also introduce its new Advisory Committee, comprising experts from diverse fields, to guide the Commission in designing strategic interventions for women's empowerment. The two-day programme will conclude with a collective strategy session to chart a roadmap for closer collaboration between NCW and SWCs, reinforcing their role as critical stakeholders in advancing gender justice and women's welfare nationwide. The last such meeting was held in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, in April 2025. This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2025 shows decorations on a street in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The streets of Lhasa are adorned with lanterns and decorations in celebration of the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup) This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2025 shows decorations on a street in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The streets of Lhasa are adorned with lanterns and decorations in celebration of the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2025 shows a street view in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The streets of Lhasa are adorned with lanterns and decorations in celebration of the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) This photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a street view in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The streets of Lhasa are adorned with lanterns and decorations in celebration of the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup) A child poses for photos at a floral installation in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 19, 2025. The streets of Lhasa are adorned with lanterns and decorations in celebration of the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2025 shows decorations on a street in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The streets of Lhasa are adorned with lanterns and decorations in celebration of the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2025 shows a street view in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The streets of Lhasa are adorned with lanterns and decorations in celebration of the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) Editor: WXY Windhoek : , Aug 21 (IANS) A groundbreaking assessment has officially recognised four distinct giraffe species, overturning previous classifications of the world's tallest land mammal as a single species. The taxonomic review, undertaken by the International Union for Conservation of Natur (IUCN) Species Survival Commission's Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group (GOSG) Taxonomic Task Force and made public on Thursday, marks a major milestone in the giraffe taxonomy and reshapes how giraffe diversity is understood and conserved. Historically, giraffe (Giraffa spp.) have been classified as a single species with nine subspecies, but they have long been the subject of taxonomic uncertainty. In response to growing scientific evidence and the urgent need for clearer conservation planning, the GOSG launched a Taxonomic Task Force in 2024 to comprehensively review the latest genetic, morphological and biogeographical data. "This landmark taxonomic revision by the IUCN Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group reflects the best available science and provides a globally standardised framework to inform conservation," said Michael Brown, Co-Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group and Conservation Science Coordinator for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and one of the co-authors of the assessment. "Recognising these four species is vital not only for accurate IUCN Red List assessments, targeted conservation action and coordinated management across national borders. The more precisely we understand giraffe taxonomy, the better equipped we are to assess their status and implement effective conservation strategies," Brown added. The Task Force evaluated extensive genetic data from multiple peer-reviewed studies, many of which investigated giraffe genetics, making giraffe among the most genetically well-studied large mammal taxa in Africa. Analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA consistently revealed large differences between several giraffe lineages, supporting the recognition of multiple species. Complementing the genetic work, the review also incorporated studies of morphological differentiation, including notable differences in skull structure and bone shape across regions. Biogeographic assessments also considered the role of natural barriers, such as major rivers, rift valleys and arid zones, that could have contributed to evolutionary isolation. Together, these multiple lines of evidence provide scientific support for elevating certain giraffe populations to full species status, reflecting their distinct evolutionary histories. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 21 : Veteran trade union leader and first-time legislator of the Communist Party of India (CPI), Vazhoor Soman, passed away here on Thursday after collapsing soon after taking part in an official meeting. He was 74. Vazhoor Soman, who represented the Peerumade Assembly constituency in Idukki district, was attending a meeting alongside State Revenue Minister K. Rajan when the incident occurred. "We had just finished the meeting and had lunch together. As we were walking out, he suddenly collapsed. Realising the seriousness of the situation, we immediately rushed him to the nearest hospital in my car. Sadly, despite the doctors' best efforts, we lost him," K. Rajan said, recalling the moments before Vazhoor Soman's death. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was among the first to arrive at the hospital upon hearing the news of Vazhoor Soman's demise, followed by several ministers and legislators who paid their respects to the departed soul. Though originally from Vazhoor in Kottayam district, Soman was based in Idukki, where he dedicated his political and trade union career to the welfare of plantation workers. Idukki, known for its tea, cardamom and rubber estates, has long been a CPI stronghold, and Vazhoor Soman was widely regarded as one of its most approachable leaders. He also served as vice-president of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the CPI's labour wing. Popular for his soft-spoken nature and simple lifestyle, Vazhoor Soman was often seen travelling in his trademark jeep, driving himself across the hilly terrain of Idukki to meet workers and constituents. In the 2021 Assembly polls, Soman won Peerumade by a narrow margin of 1,835 votes, defeating Congress candidate Syriac Thomas. His victory was credited largely to his grassroots connect with plantation workers. According to Rajan, Soman's body will be kept at the state CPI headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram for party workers to pay homage, before being taken to his hometown Vandiperiyar later in the night. New Delhi, Aug 21 : As the Centre prepares to revamp GST rates, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to implement a uniform 5 per cent GST rate with input tax credit to make tourism affordable. The FHRAI argued that Indiaas GST rates are higher than Asian peers like Thailand and Singapore, where rates are as low as 6 to 10 per cent. Indiaas higher GST structure reduces affordability and weakens its appeal for international travellers, it said. "The appeal to cut rates seeks to position Indian tourism as a driver of economic growth while enhancing its global competitiveness in alignment with Indiaas Vision 2047," the industry body said in a release. A uniform GST rate of five per cent with input tax credit across all hospitality and tourism services would ease compliance and reduce the cost burden for both domestic and international travellers, it said. The association has also called for doing away with the linking of GST on food and beverage services from hotel room tariffs, pointing out that the current linkage creates operational inefficiencies and revenue losses for hotels. Further, it requested that past GST payments be regularised on an "as is" basis to address demand notices arising from earlier ambiguities in the interpretation of tariff values and service classifications. FHRAI claimed that the ratification of GST could double tourismas current contribution of 5 per cent to India's GDP and create immense jobs. The tourism sector remains one of the largest employment generators, offering extensive opportunities for youth and women, with its high multiplier effect, where every rupee invested in hospitality generates a return of Rs 3.5 in output, while one direct job in the sector creates an additional 3.2 indirect jobs, the release said. Kolkata, Aug 21 : As many as 84 Indian Secular Front (ISF) members including its MLA Nawsad Siddique were granted bail on Thursday, a day after their arrest for staging a protest in Kolkata. Today, they were produced in a Bankshal court where a judge granted bail to each of them. Initially, everyone including Nawsad Siddique was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 500, but later, the bond was waived. On Wednesday, ISF workers led by Nawsad Siddique were arrested by the police for holding a demonstration at Kolkata's Metro Channel in Esplanade area over several issues. The ISF activists were protesting against the Election Commission of India's (ECI's) proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR), atrocities on Bengali migrant workers outside West Bengal, the Waqf Amendment Act and the OBC certificate issue. However, as the protesters did not have permission for the demonstration, police arrested about 84 ISF members, including Siddique. The ISF MLA alleged that he was physically assaulted by the policemen and punched in the chest. The cops registered a case against the arrested people in two police stations in Kolkata. They were accused of damaging government property, blocking roads and obstructing the work of government officials. Firdous Shamim, the lawyer who appeared for the arrested ISF activists, said, "There are many among the arrested people who are government employees. There are teachers and lawyers. There are two engineers of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited. The ISF supporters went to Esplanade area to protest against several issues. The police used force to disperse them. The MLA will cooperate in the investigation. After hearing our argument, the court granted them bail." There was a large gathering of ISF supporters outside the court on Thursday before the arrested workers were produced before the court. They were demanding the release of MLA Siddique and other workers. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, ISF activists held protests in parts of West Bengal, demanding the release of the partyas lone MLA Siddique and several others. ISF workers also burnt tyres in North 24 Parganas district's Haroa area to protest against the arrest of Siddique and several party activists. The police made heavy security arrangements and set up barricades outside the Bankshal Court to prevent ISF supporters from entering the premises. Bengaluru, Aug 21 : Karnataka Police arrested activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody on Thursday from his residence in Ujire, Udupi district, for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP National Organising Secretary B.L. Santhosh, amid high drama. Thimarody has been at the forefront of the movement demanding justice for victims in the mass grave case against the Dharmasthala temple management. According to police, he had abused B.L. Santhosh in a video, alleging that it was Santhosh who dragged the Dharmasthala temple into the mass grave case to divert the issue. Following a complaint filed by one Rajiv Kulal at the Brahmavar police station, the police registered an FIR under Sections 196 (1), 352, and 353 (2) of the BNS Act. Despite receiving two summons to appear for investigation, Thimarody failed to comply. In his reply to the latest notice, he stated that he would attend the inquiry only after 15 days. On Thursday, about 30 police personnel arrived at his residence in eight vehicles and took him into custody. Other activists, including women, confronted the police and objected to the action, insisting that he should be questioned at home instead of taking him to the police station. Since Thimarody refused to travel in a police vehicle, the police allowed him to go in his own car with cops. On the way to the station, he told reporters that the government would be responsible if anything happened to him. "They have taken me into custody in a false case. The BJP has fabricated documents. Justice should prevail in the alleged Sowjanya gang rape and murder case reported in Dharmasthala, and the real culprits must be arrested," he said. Meanwhile, activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a complaint at the Dharmasthala police station against Thimarody, Girish Mattannanavar, YouTuber Sameer M.D., and Sujatha Bhat, who is also a complainant in the medical student Ananya Bhat missing case. In his complaint, Snehamayi Krishna alleged that Sujatha Bhat lied by claiming she had a daughter named Ananya Bhat. He said it has been proven that she does not have such a daughter. According to him, she showed a photo of a woman named Vasanthi and claimed, "This is my daughter Ananya Bhat." He further alleged that Thimarody, Mattannanavar, and Sameer used her name to spread false allegations and collectively insulted the holy shrine. Police sources also revealed that they have launched a hunt for YouTuber Sameer, who allegedly released videos directly accusing the Dharmasthala temple management in the mass grave case. Although police searched his residence in Jigani, Bengaluru, Sameer managed to escape. In a separate development, a woman from Mandya claiming to be the first wife of the masked complainant in the Dharmasthala case came forward, accusing him of making false allegations for money. She stated that she married him in 1999 and lived with him for seven years, during which they had two children. "He always lied and used to assault and cheat me. We lived in Dharmasthala for seven years, where he worked cleaning and washing bathrooms. My mother raised our children because he never took responsibility. He never mentioned anything about burying hundreds of bodies," she said. "I recognized him immediately when I saw him on television, just by his physical appearance. He is tarnishing the image of the temple, and nothing good will come of it," she added. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Satish Golcha, an IPS officer of the 1992 batch, was on Thursday named the new Delhi Police Commissioner, an announcement that comes a day after a security breach and assault on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta by a visitor at her public hearing. Known as a no-nonsense and upright officer and recognised for his integrity and diligence, Golcha's appointment to the top post follows a tenure as the Director General (Prisons) for the Delhi government. With a reputation of possessing top administrative skills and professionalism, Golcha is known for leading the investigation in key cases, including the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Golcha is also famous for the investigations he led as Special CP (Intelligence) and Special CP (Law & Order), Delhi Police, Director General of Police, Arunachal Pradesh and during his stint in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Born on April 30, 1967, Golcha joined the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory cadre of Indian Police Service on October 11, 1992. He played a key role in investigations into high-profile cases like the Ruchika Girhotra murder case of 1990, the North-East Delhi riots in 2020 and the Tihar Jail violence of April-May 2023. An order on Golcha's appointment as Delhi Police Commissioner, released by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday, said, "With the approval of the Competent Authority, Satish Golcha, IPS (AGMUT: 1992), presently posted as Director General (Prisons), Delhi, is hereby appointed to the post of the Commissioner of Police, Delhi with effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders." Whether it is combating gang violence inside prisons, supervising riot investigations, or steering sensitive criminal and communal cases, Golcha's track record in policing makes him an ideal replacement for Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora who retired recently. At present, Golcha will take charge from Acting Police Commissioner S.B.K. Singh who was given additional charge as the city police chief from August 1. An officer of the 1988-batch, Singh was serving as Director General of Home Guards when he was given the additional charge as Delhi Police chief. Golcha's appointment to the top post comes close on the heels of the assault on Delhi CM Gupta on Wednesday by 41-year-old Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya from Rajkot in Gujarat. He allegedly slapped and pulled CM Gupta's hair at her Civil Lines residence despite her being provided Z-plus security. He has since been arrested and remanded to five days of police custody. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Prominent US economist Jeffrey Sachs on Thursday strongly criticised President Donald Trump's decision to impose steep punitive tariffs on India, calling it one of the worst blunders in American foreign policy. In an interview on the Breaking Points show with Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti, Sachs said Trump's tariffs were "not a strategy, but sabotage." He warned that the move, instead of giving the US leverage, ended up pushing India closer to other emerging economies under the BRICS grouping. "These tariffs on India are not a strategy; they're sabotage. It's the stupidest tactical move in US foreign policy," Sachs said, adding that the duties had "unified BRICS like never before" and undermined Washington's own long-term interests in Asia. Calling Trump "the great unifier of the BRICS," Sachs noted that the 25 per cent tariff penalty quickly strengthened cooperation between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. "The opposite of what Trump's advisers thought would happen is exactly what happened," he said. The Columbia University professor did not hold back from criticising Trump's allies either. He labelled South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham as "the worst senator in the US" and "a fool." He also targeted Trump's former trade adviser Peter Navarro, calling him "probably the most incompetent PhD my former department has ever granted." According to Sachs, the tariffs caused lasting damage to trust between New Delhi and Washington. "By going after India, a country the US has been cultivating for years, Trump destroyed trust overnight," he said. He added that even if the tariffs are eventually withdrawn, India has already learned that "you cannot trust the United States." The economist stressed that the tariffs brought "zero practical impact" in terms of negotiations, but "completely undermined a strand of US foreign policy built up over decades." Bhubaneswar, Aug 21 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday inaugurated a two-day international workshop on 'Best Practices in Human-Elephant Coexistence' in Bhubaneswar, calling for global collaboration to ensure an end to human-elephant conflict. The workshop aims to strengthen elephant conservation efforts and explore sustainable solutions to reduce human-elephant conflicts. The workshop brought together conservationists, researchers, policymakers, and international delegates from India and abroad to discuss strategies for mitigating human-elephant conflict and ensuring sustainable coexistence. "This workshop was not just a discussion, but the beginning of a coordinated global movement where Odisha is leading from the front. The intensity of the challenge is matched only by our collective resolve. "We have moved beyond merely managing conflict to actively building pathways for coexistence. The key takeaway is clear: The future of the elephant is inextricably linked to the well-being and involvement of the communities who live alongside them," he added. On this occasion, CM Majhi also declared that the state government is going to establish the world's first 'Centre for Species Survival: Asian Elephant' at Godibari near Chandaka Wildlife Division, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with the IUCN Species Survival Commission, Wildlife Trust of India, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. "This centre will drive research, policy, and best practices not just for Odisha, but for all of South and Southeast Asia. The initiative has set a new global benchmark in conservation of the Asian Elephant. It will serve as a regional hub for advancing science, shaping policy and driving community action across South-East Asia for elephant conservation," said CM Majhi. Addressing dignitaries, delegates, and experts from India and abroad, the Chief Minister highlighted that elephants are more than animals who are part of our identity, history, and spirituality in Odisha. He stressed that the elephant, as the National Heritage Animal, truly holds a special place in our hearts. "Expansion of agriculture, and infrastructure growth have been reducing traditional elephant habitats, resulting in man-elephant conflict," said the CM expressing concern over rising conflicts due to habitat loss. The CM also outlined Odisha's initiatives, including mapping elephant corridors, restoring degraded forests, empowering local protection groups through Gaja Saathi and Vana Surakshya Samitis, strengthening anti-poaching squads, and using GPS collars, drones, and AI cameras for tracking elephant movement. He also highlighted Odisha's comprehensive approach to manage this challenge by protecting elephants while safeguarding communities. "Our vision is to create a development model for Odisha where elephants roam freely, our forests remain healthy, and communities coexist in peace with animals. This model will inspire the rest of the world," he expressed confidence. The state government has been actively working to prevent elephants from straying into human settlements by ensuring food security in forests, including paddy cultivation, and by establishing elephant corridors to safeguard both wildlife and communities. The two-day workshop will witness technical sessions, deliberations, and experience-sharing among experts from across the globe to evolve sustainable strategies for peaceful human-elephant co-existence. Kolkata, August 21 : The Calcutta High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Beleghata Trinamool Congress MLA Paresh Pal and two Councillors Papiya Ghosh and Swapan Samaddar in the murder case of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar. Justice Joy Sengupta also said in the court order that if the Trinamoool Congress leaders are arrested on the basis of the summons sent by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), they will be granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh. The judge has imposed several conditions on their bail. On Thursday, the court made it clear that none of the three people will be able to make any provocative comments. The area of aaBJP worker Abhijit Sarkar's house in Sheetalala Lane near Kankurgachi area in Kolkata cannot be entered by them. In addition, they will not be able to travel outside the country without the permission of the court. At the same time, they will have to be present during the trial of the lower court. BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar was killed in the post-poll violence following declaration of 2021 West Bengal Assembly election results. Both Samaddar and Ghosh, along with Pal, were named as accused in CBI's fresh supplementary charge sheet on post-poll violence. They had moved the Calcutta High Court, seeking anticipatory bail. While hearing the case on Thursday, Justice Joy Sengupta observed that the CBI has filed a supplementary charge sheet four years after the murder of the BJP worker. In this connection, there is no evidence against the three accused Trinamool Congress leaders. The accused have fully cooperated in the investigation. Therefore, the court granted them anticipatory bail. "All three have been granted anticipatory bail by the court today. But the court has imposed certain conditions. They cannot enter the area of the victim's residence. They cannot leave this country without court's permission," said lawyer Imtiyaz Ahmed. Chennai, Aug 21 : Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday declared that the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election would be a straight contest between his party and the ruling DMK. Addressing a massive gathering at TVK's second State-level conference at Parapathi in Madurai district, Vijay said the BJP was his ideological enemy while the DMK was his political opponent. Thousands of TVK cadres and fans had assembled at the venue since Wednesday night, and Vijay arrived in his trademark style, running across a 500-metre ramp as supporters cheered and party colours filled the air. "All Tamil people are my blood relatives. I came into politics with determination, not as a refuge. Serving the people is my duty, and I will stand with them all my life," he said. Vijay ruled out any alliance with the BJP, describing it as a "fascist force," and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of forcing the NEET examination on Tamil Nadu. He also came down heavily on the DMK government, charging Chief Minister M.K. Stalin with misleading women, government employees, and other sections of society through unfulfilled promises. "Answer us, Stalin uncle. Did you come to power to serve the people or betray them? It is very wrong, uncle," he said, criticising the government over corruption, women's safety, the farmer crisis, and the Parandur airport protests. Reiterating that TVK will contest all 234 constituencies, Vijay told the crowd that the candidates would be drawn from local communities and urged voters to treat every TVK nominee as if he himself were contesting. In a symbolic announcement, he said he would contest from Madurai East and nine other constituencies before clarifying that wherever TVK fields a candidate, it should be seen as his own battle. Vijay also criticised the Centre for neglecting the Keezhadi archaeological findings and the plight of fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. He aimed the AIADMK for straying from the ideals of its founder, M.G. Ramachandran, while recalling the legacy of late DMDK leader Vijayakant. "The BJP cannot succeed in this secular land with any alliance," he declared. Concluding his speech, Vijay told his cadre that the political fight in Tamil Nadu was now reduced to two sides. "The 2026 election will be between the DMK and the TVK. Let us together build a new Tamil Nadu." --IANS aal/dan Liugou Folk Village, located in Yanqing District of Beijing, is often described as the nearest "hidden paradise" from the city center. Surrounded by mountains and greenery, the village offers visitors a refreshing escape without having to travel far. Here, tofu made in the traditional way has become a local specialty, drawing both residents and tourists to taste its unique flavor. The lively village market adds even more charm, with fresh produce, handmade goods, and the warmth of community life. Blending natural scenery with authentic rural traditions, Liugou presents a different side of Beijing simple, flavorful, and full of life. Editor: WXY New Delhi, Aug 21 : As many as 7,636 projects amounting to Rs 1.53 lakh crore have been completed in the 100 cities selected under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) till July 31, 2025, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, in a written reply, said that a total of 8,063 projects, amounting to Rs 1.64 lakh crore were sanctioned for the 100 cities. Tokhan Sahu said cities under the Smart Cities Mission have been developed based on Smart City Proposals (SCPs) received from States and Union Territories across various sectors including smart mobility, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), smart governance, smart energy and environment, duly approved by the High Powered Steering Committee. He said that under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), launched on October 2, 2014 with the objective of an Open Defecation Free (ODF) India and for scientific processing of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated in urban areas, the total financial outlay of the States and UTs for the entire Mission Period is Rs 62,009 crore, including committed Central Assistance of Rs 14,623 crore. Sahu said Under SBM-U 2.0, the total financial outlay of the States and UTs for the entire Mission Period is Rs 1.41 lakh crore, including committed Central Assistance of Rs 36,465 crore. The SBM-U 2.0 was launched on October 1, 2021 for a period of five years, to carry forward the progress made in SBM-U, he said. The MoS highlighted the achievements in the urban transport sector and said, at present, about 1,055 km of metro rail network (including 55 km of RRTS network) is operational in 24 cities across the country. Since June 2024 to date, the Central government has sanctioned Metro Projects costing more than Rs 1 lakh crore for construction of almost 240 kms of metro network. In the country, 1.1 crore passengers are travelling daily by Metros, he said. Talking about the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, the MoS said this scheme was launched on August 16, 2023 to augment city bus operations in urban areas with Central Assistance of Rs 20,000 crore for deploying 10,000 electric buses on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. As per the guidelines, cities with a population between 3-40 lakh and other State/UT Capitals with less than 3 lakh population as per Census 2011 are eligible to participate in the scheme, he said. New Delhi, Aug 21 : With the steadily increasing share of renewable energy in the national grid and promotion of clean and efficient energy technologies, there has been significant decrease of about 7 per cent (from 0.78 kg / KWh in 2014-15 to 0.72 Kg / KWh in 2023-24) in average carbon emission intensity of grid electricity in India, the Parliament was informed on Thursday. Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik said that India has already achieved the target of 50 per cent of its installed electricity generation capacity from renewable energy this year, which was fixed for 20230. "In its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in August 2022, India has targeted to achieve about 50 per cent of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. As of July 31, 2025, the share of non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity has become 50.25 per cent of total installed generation capacity," Naik said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. India remains firmly committed to combating climate change while simultaneously ensuring energy security, affordability and accessibility as critical inalienable priorities to ensure growth and development alongside the energy transition of the economy towards achieving aNet-Zeroa emissions by 2070, he added. In order to increase the share of renewable energy in India's electricity generation mix, the government has taken various measures. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a Bidding Trajectory for the issuance of RE power procurement bids of 50 GW/annum by Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28, and FDI has been permitted up to 100 per cent under the automatic route. Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges have been waived for the inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by June 30, 2025, for Green Hydrogen Projects till December 2030 and for offshore wind projects till December 2032. Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding process for procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar, Wind, Wind-Solar Hybrid and Firm & Dispatchable RE (FDRE) projects have also been issued. Besides, schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the National Programme on High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Offshore Wind Energy Projects have been launched. A scheme for setting up of solar parks and ultra mega solar power projects is also being implemented to provide land and transmission to RE developers for installation of RE projects at large scale and laying of new transmission lines and creating new sub-station capacity has been funded under the Green Energy Corridor Scheme for evacuation of renewable power, the minister further stated. The minister further stated that the government is also promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the Automobile and Auto Component Industry has been introduced to boost the manufacturing of electric vehicles. The government has also waived registration and permit fees for EV owners. The PM E-DRIVE scheme was notified on September 29, 2024, for the promotion of electric mobility and to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the country. This scheme aims to incentivise the sale of e-2W, e-3W, e-Trucks, e-Ambulances, and e-buses. The scheme also supports the development of charging infrastructure and the upgradation of vehicle testing agencies. Besides, the PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism Scheme was introduced on October 28, 2024, and aims to support the deployment of more than 38,000 electric buses. The objective of the scheme is to provide payment security to e-bus operators in case of default by Public Transport Authorities, the minister added. Lucknow, Aug 21 : Amid claims about drones being used to commit theft in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj district, SP Vinod Kumar on Thursday warned of stern action against those involved in such rumour mongering. Talking to mediapersons, he said action against those spreading rumours about drones and theft will be taken under the National Security Act and the Gangster Act. Regarding the awareness measures, the SP shared that he, along with District Magistrate Ashutosh Mohan Agnihotri, held a meeting on Thursday in which Pradhans of villages were told to prevent rumours about drones in Kannuj. He further shared that 50 chaupals were organised by the police in various villages to make people aware. Debunking the reported incidents of drone and theft, the SP said that not a single claim has proved to be true. As the police acted on the reported claims, nothing was found to be true. Preliminary investigation revealed that people see stars and aeroplanes at night and assume them to be drones. He also urged people to be aware of the truth and not to panic. On people panicking over rumours that thieves were using drones for robbery, the SP said police patrol vehicles have been asked to be more vigilant. Meanwhile, he shared that in three to four complaints about a mentally unstable person attacking them, an FIR has been registered. The SP shared that the district has 50 registered drones, and none of the owners were operating them. The police have contacted the drone owners in the district and asked them not to operate them without permission. Pointing out that eight people have been arrested in this connection, he said, "We are trying to identify where these rumours have been rooted." He urged people to be cautious and alert but not to indulge in rumour mongering. Notably, operating drones without prior permission is banned. Earlier this month, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warned that those spreading panic with illegal use of drones will be booked under the Gangster Act. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Former Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan, in an exclusive interview with IANS, made explosive claims that Pakistan's powerful spy agency, the ISI, is regrouping Lashkar-e-Taiba and other militant outfits under the ISIS (K) banner to utilise as a proxy force in both Balochistan and Afghanistan. On Kashmir, Ehsan, speaking from an undisclosed location, said that Pakistan won't end the covert war in Kashmir but will avoid overt military operations. He warned that Islamabad's strategy is shifting toward a "low-intensity insurgency," mixing propaganda, proxies, and selective violence, while Pakistan's military leadership tightens its embrace of Washington to balance China and keep Afghanistan within its orbit. Interview excerpts: IANS: We have seen the strengthening of strategic ties between Islamabad and Washington. Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Munir visited the U.S. twice in the last four months. Ehsanullah Ehsan: The recent revival of relations between Islamabad and Washington, along with visits by Pakistan's military leadership, primarily aims to create a balance for Pakistan. The U.S. seeks to curb China's growing influence in the region, while Pakistan, burdened by its deteriorating economy and mounting debts, feels compelled to secure Washington's support. Since the real power in Pakistan lies with the military - while the political government functions merely as its puppet - it is evident that the role of the military leadership is to restructure strategic and defence cooperation so that Pakistan can once again align itself with the American agenda. To demonstrate loyalty to Washington, the military has in the past plunged its own country into an unending war, and it is now taking steps to reaffirm that loyalty once again. The U.S. needs Pakistan to maintain oversight on Afghanistan, while Pakistan requires American backing to sustain its fragile economy. Thus, both sides are currently moving forward based on this mutual dependence. IANS: President Trump has expressed his interest in resource-rich Balochistan. Now, the US has also designated BLA as a terror outfit. What does it mean for the Baloch liberation movement? Ehsanullah Ehsan: The U.S. designation of the BLA as a terrorist organisation appears to be an attempt to appease Pakistan, so that Washington can, in return, extract cooperation for its strategic interests. The U.S. has its eyes set on Balochistan's natural resources and its geostrategic significance. While this decision will indeed increase diplomatic and financial pressure on the Baloch separatist movement, Washington can, at any moment in the future, choose to revive the "Baloch issue" under the banners of "human rights" or "self-determination," depending on its interests. In my view, this designation is a temporary measure. The U.S. currently needs Pakistan and, for that reason, is trying to keep Islamabad satisfied. However, given that the Baloch struggle for independence is legitimate and has international recognition, it will be difficult for Washington to ignore it for long. IANS: In the past few years, the recruitment into LeT, Lashkar and Hizbul in Kashmir has come down. Where are these groups operating now? Ehsanullah Ehsan: The decline in local recruitment within Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen indicates that public support for these groups in Kashmir is diminishing, while New Delhi's stringent security policies have weakened their networks. However, these groups have not been eliminated; rather, they are being reintroduced in new forms. For instance, Lashkar-e-Taiba is now being absorbed into ISIS-Khorasan and is being utilised as a proxy force in both Balochistan and Afghanistan. IANS: Do these groups work under the direct command of ISI, and what could be their new strategy for Kashmir? Ehsanullah Ehsan: It would be accurate to say that these groups operate entirely under the command of the ISI, as their policies are shaped by the agency, which provides them with funding, assigns targets, and forces them underground whenever necessary. The longstanding objective of Pakistan's establishment has been to sustain a "low-intensity insurgency" in Kashmir. Under the new strategy, there is likely to be a greater emphasis on political fronts and social media propaganda to keep the Kashmir issue alive while avoiding direct international pressure. IANS: Will Pakistan, via its proxies, continue to create turbulence in Kashmir? If yes, what could be their strategy? Ehsanullah Ehsan: Pakistan will not completely end its interference in Kashmir through proxies, as this remains an integral part of its strategic policy. However, the new approach will likely shift from direct military operations toward "low-intensity" activities - smaller-scale attacks, political propaganda, and fueling public resentment among Kashmiris. Islamabad is well aware that overt military operations would intensify international pressure on Pakistan and provoke India into retaliation, potentially leading to direct conflict. For this reason, Pakistan will continue its proxy war in a more covert and limited manner. IANS: It is often said that ISIS and LeT are different groups with different schools of thought. How true is that? Ehsanullah Ehsan: There is a clear sectarian alignment between ISIS and Lashkar-e-Taiba, as both stem from the same Ahl-e-Hadith school of thought and are ideologically very close. At least 99 per cent of ISIS fighters come from this background. Lashkar-e-Taiba was nurtured within the framework of jihadist politics in the Indian subcontinent and has largely aligned its vision with Pakistan's policies. ISIS, on the other hand, is a transnational group with a rigid "takfiri" ideology. Yet, Pakistani institutions have now brought the two together for their interests, enabling both to operate under the ISIS banner as proxies for Pakistan. In recent days, we have witnessed organisations under the ISIS title openly declaring attacks against those fighting for Balochistan's independence - an explicit demonstration of how their actions are serving Pakistan's strategic objectives. IANS: We are seeing the growing ties between New Delhi and Kabul. Although New Delhi has not officially recognised the Taliban regime, the ties are growing. Similarly, Islamabad and Kabul have upgraded full-fledged diplomatic ties. What is ISI thinking? Ehsanullah Ehsan: The warming of relations between New Delhi and Kabul poses a diplomatic challenge for Pakistan. Although India has not formally recognised the Taliban government, it is steadily expanding practical engagement to secure its influence in Afghanistan. Islamabad, on the other hand, seeks to keep the Taliban government within its orbit to preserve its so-called "strategic depth." However, the Taliban's independent foreign policy this time has complicated matters for Pakistan, leaving it largely unsuccessful in safeguarding its interests in Afghanistan. Should the Indian government seize this opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic ties with the Taliban, Afghanistan's dependence on Pakistan will diminish - an outcome that would deal a serious setback to Islamabad. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi held telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, discussing efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership between both nations. "Had a very good conversation with my friend President Macron. Exchanged views on efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting. During the talks, Macron shared assessment on the recent meetings held between the leaders of the Europe, US and Ukraine in Washington. He also shared his perspectives regarding the situation in Gaza. Macron expressed support for early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union, according to the statement released by Prime Minister's Office (PMO). "Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflicts and early restoration of peace and stability. The leaders also reviewed progress in the bilateral cooperation agenda, including in the areas of trade, defence, civil nuclear cooperation, technology and energy. They reaffirmed joint commitment to strengthen India-France Strategic Partnership and mark 2026 as 'Year of Innovation' in a befitting manner," the PMO stated. Several European leaders, including Macron, met the US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The development took place following Trump's meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week. Besides Macron, the other European leaders who met Trump included UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, 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. Earlier on February 15, Macron congratulated PM Modi and the people of India on the country's 79th Independence Day, hoping that the strategic partnership between both countries will continue to deepen towards 2047 and beyond. "Warm congratulations to the people of India on your 79th Independence Day! I fondly recall welcoming my friend Narendra Modi to France in February, and look forward to deepening our strategic partnership towards 2047 and beyond," Macron posted on X. Last month, France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noel Barrot had highlighted that France and India are united by trust and driven by shared ambition. "Thank you dear S Jaishankar. France and India are united by trust and driven by shared ambition. Let's keep building our strategic partnership !" Barrot wrote while thanking External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar for his greetings to the French government and the people of France on the country's National day on July 14. EAM Jaishankar was in Paris in June on a visit that came within four months of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to France for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit. Shimla, Aug 21 : Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition, Jairam Thakur, on Thursday said the Congress formed the government in the state based on the support of employees, "but now it is doing injustice to the employees." Shimla, Aug 21 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition, Jairam Thakur, on Thursday said the Congress formed the government in the state based on the support of employees, "but now it is doing injustice to the employees." The issue of clearing the 11 per cent dearness allowance (DA) of the employees was raised by the BJP in the assembly. An assurance was also sought from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu that he would give a date by which the pending DA would be released. As there was no clear reply on the issue, BJP members staged a walkout while accusing the government of not honouring the commitments. Raising the issue during question hour in the Vidhan Sabha, BJP member Satpal Singh Satti said, despite the Chief Minister's announcement in his Budget speech that the pending DA would be given to the employees soon, it was still pending. Leader of the Opposition Thakur accused the Chief Minister of misleading the House and not honouring his Budget commitments. Later, he told the media that the government had withheld more than 11 per cent DA of the employees. "It is also clear from the Chief Minister's reply today that he does not want to give this dearness allowance," Thakur said. The Chief Minister beats around the bush and leaves everything to the previous government. "It has been more than two and a half years since this government was formed. Even after this, it is shameless on the part of the government to blame the previous government for its failures. Now the Chief Minister should accept his failures and mistakes. The government, which came to power by giving false guarantees and false promises, cannot put everything on the opposition," he said outside the assembly. He said the Chief Minister had said in the House during the budget session that the employees would get one instalment of DA from May. "But May has passed, June has passed, July has passed, and August is also about to pass, but no announcement has been made by the government. Even today, the Chief Minister is not giving assurance of releasing the DA, which makes it clear that DA is not going to be given in the coming time as well." "The government has not paid the medical bills of the employees for two and a half years. Is the opposition responsible for this, too? DA was pending even during the previous government of late Virbhadra Singh, and our government gave it to the people." "This is a normal process. But the government is doing politics instead of working for the welfare of the employees. This is unfortunate. The government should release DA to the employees immediately," Thakur added. --IANS vg/dan Kochi, Aug 21 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday permitted the owners of the capsized vessel MSC Elsa 3 to publish public notices in connection with an admiralty suit filed by them seeking to limit liability for maritime claims arising out of the ship's sinking. The suit was filed under Part XA of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, which provides for the limitation of liability of ship-owners in relation to maritime losses. The plaintiffs approached the High Court after several claims were raised against them following the incident. Justice M.A. Abdul Hakhim, while considering an interim application, allowed the plaintiffs to issue notices in multiple publications - all editions of the Malayalam daily 'Malayala Manorama', the Kochi and Mumbai editions of 'The Times of India', and the international maritime journal 'Trade Winds'. In their plaint, the ship-owners included seven defendants who had already lodged claims, and designated "Defendant No. 8" as all persons claiming or being entitled to claim damages. This inclusion, they argued, was to ensure a general public notice and to cover all potential claimants. The senior counsel for the plaintiffs submitted that the limitation of liability is rooted in international maritime law and serves the larger interests of shippers and trade. "There is a public policy purpose in limiting liability," the counsel argued. The defendants' lawyers did not oppose the publication of public notices, prompting the court to pass the interim order. "This is only for the advancement of justice. It will not defeat the purpose," Justice Abdul Hakhim orally observed. Senior counsel V.J. Mathew pointed out that the Kerala High Court has not framed separate rules to deal with claims under Part XA. However, the court noted that a coordinate bench had already directed the Registry to number the suit after considering precedents from the Bombay and Andhra Pradesh High Courts. "When the suit is numbered, this court has to proceed with the suit like any other suit," Justice Abdul Hakhim observed. The court directed the plaintiffs to submit a draft of the paper publication within three days, while listing the matter for further hearing on September 18. Chandigarh, Aug 21 : Punjab BJP Working President Ashwani Sharma on Thursday claimed party workers and leaders were arrested from 28 places in Punjab for conducting outreach camps to promote Central schemes. The party announced to hold similar camps statewide on August 24. The arrested leaders included former minister Perneet Kaur from Patiala, Manpreet Badal from Gidderbaha, former minister Surjit Jiyani from Fazilka, K.D. Bhandari and Sushil Rinku from Jalandhar, district president of Ludhiana (Rural) Sunny Kaith, Jiwan Gupta, Harjot Kamal from Moga, Seema Devi from Gurdaspur and state President of the Scheduled Caste Morcha S.R. Ladhar. The camps under the BJP's flagship campaign 'BJP de Sewadar Aa Gaye Ne Tuhade Dwaar' have been underway for three months. It aims to spread awareness about the Central government's welfare schemes in rural areas. However, the BJP alleged Thursday's arrests were being made only to deprive people of the benefits of Central government schemes. Condemning the arrests, Sharma said the Mann government "is making an attempt to suppress the rights of the people." He made it clear that the BJP would in no circumstances stop organising these public welfare camps. "Our mission is to deliver the benefits of the Central government schemes to the people. The Mann government cannot break our courage with the power of the police." Sharma said, "No matter how many arrests are made, BJP's camps will continue". He said it "is the party's duty to make people aware of facilities like Ayushman card, farmer assistance, housing schemes, scholarships, and social security schemes." Joining the issue, BJP state president Sunil Jakhar challenged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating that the BJP will once again set up a camp for the benefit of the poor in Raipur village in Fazilka district on Friday, from where the police arrested party leaders. Earlier in the day, a BJP delegation led by working chief Sharma, including Kewal Singh Dhillon, Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, Subhash Sharma and Anil Sareen, met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and submitted a memorandum. Sharma said the government is using dictatorial tactics to deprive people of central benefits. "A government that stops its own people from health cards, scholarships, and farmer assistance is not a government but a murderer of people's dreams," he said in a statement. Sharma warned the BJP would go to any extent to protect people's rights. "If the Mann government does not stop its coercion, the land of Punjab will witness a massive movement, and this government will be seen trembling under public anger," he added. Justifying the arrests, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and former minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal said the BJP "is deliberately targeting the people of Punjab. Removing such a large number of people from ration cards is a direct attack on the poor, Dalits and underprivileged sections of Punjab. We will not let this be implemented at any cost." He told the media that the Central government is making false excuses that cardholders have vehicles, houses and land in their name. In reality, this is a well-thought-out strategy to harass Punjabis and defame the Punjab government. The BJP wants to snatch food grains from the poor of Punjab and provoke people against the Aam Aadmi Party and the Mann government. But their ploy will not succeed. The people of Punjab know the BJP's intentions very well, he said. --IANS vg/dan Ahmedabad, Aug 21 : The police in Gujarat's Banaskantha, on Thursday, exposed a major racket involving a man posing as an IPS officer on social media to dupe people, officials said. The accused created seven to eight fake accounts using the name and photograph of Banaskantha Superintendent of Police (SP) Akshayraj Makwana and allegedly extorted money from unsuspecting victims. The fraud came to light when the impostor's account interacted with the real SP, leading to the racket's exposure. According to officials, the accused posed as SP Makwana on social media, sending friend requests to people under the pretext of selling furniture and other items at cheap rates. Once trust was built, he would demand money. Several people are believed to have fallen prey and lost money. Following the incident, SP Makwana appealed to citizens to remain alert against such fake accounts. He clarified that no government or police officer ever seeks money through social media. Citizens have been urged not to make any financial transactions without verifying such messages. The accused has been arrested, and further investigation is underway. Police have advised social media users to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to the cybercrime cell. Gujarat has become a hotspot for impersonation scams. In Ahmedabad, two youths were arrested for masquerading as Special Operations Group (SOG) Head Constables with forged ID cards bearing the IGP insignia; a third individual was later arrested for creating those IDs. In Mehsana, authorities detained three women after one posed as a GST officer to extort Rs 5 lakh from a shopkeeper. A separate incident saw four men posing as a central agency officers with fake Ashoka Pillar ID cards claiming links to a "National Crime Investigation Commission" and were arrested when trying to access the SP's office. In Amreli, the Local Crime Branch detained an individual dressed in uniform and posing as police -- although no fraud was confirmed yet. Additionally, Junagadh police uncovered a massive job scam: a man impersonating a Deputy Superintendent of Police collected more than Rs 2.11 crore from 17 victims by promising them government jobs. Overall, more than 19 such impersonation cases -- involving fake customs officers, collectors, CID, ED, NIA, and other roles -- have emerged across the state in the past two years. Kolkata, Aug 21 : The Calcutta High Court Bar Association has unanimously resolved to abstain from work on Friday in protest against the alleged assault by policemen of the Bidhannagar East police station on advocate Manujendra Narayan Roy, who is also the son of a retired High Court judge. As a result, lawyers at the Calcutta High Court and the Central Administrative Tribunal's (CAT) Kolkata Bench will abstain from court proceedings on Friday. In a meeting of the Association, it was unanimously resolved that as a mark of protest against the police atrocities on Manujendra Narayan Roy, the members of the Bar Association will not participate in any judicial proceedings in any mode and manner before the High Court on Friday i.e. August 22 from 10:30 a.m. onwards, until proper and satisfactory punitive measure and/or action is taken against the erring police personnel, who deliberately and brutally assaulted the advocate. "The members of the Bar Association, Calcutta High Court, shall not participate in any judicial proceedings in any mode or manner before this Court... until proper and satisfactory punitive action is taken against the erring police personnel," the High Court Bar Association said in its resolution. It further announced that it will review the situation on August 25 after being informed of the measures taken against the accused police personnel. Meanwhile, the CAT Bar Association said that the violence by authorities is not justice but an abuse of power. "In such circumstances, we have decided to abstain ourself from participating in any Judicial Process tomorrow i.e. on August 22 from 11 a.m. onwards as a mark of protest against such brutal and barbaric attack by the Police Authority," it added. The development came after Calcutta High Court lawyer Manujendra Narayan Roy and his son Sourindra Narayan Roy were allegedly attacked and thrashed by policemen in civilian clothes near their residence in Kolkata's Salt Lake area. The incident allegedly took place on Wednesday night. Manujendra Narayan Roy is the son of retired Calcutta High Court judge Ranendra Narayan Roy. A case has been lodged at Bidhannagar East police station over the incident. Alleging police assault, the lawyer's family filed a case in the Calcutta High Court on Thursday and sought an urgent hearing. This application was made by lawyer Anindya Lahiri in the court of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh. The single bench has approved the filing of the case and hearing was held later on Thursday. Justice Ghosh directed Aneesh Sarkar, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Bidhannagar (East) Police Station, to preserve the CCTV footage of the location referred to of August 20 and 21. The court also directed the Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, not to assign any further duty to Tushar Kumar Chandra, Assistant Sub-Inspector, who is one of the accused police personnel, till further orders from the court. The matter has been posted for next hearing on August 25. Ukrainian air defense forces, during a massive combined attack this night, shot down and suppressed 546 strike UAVs, one Kh-47M2 Dagger (Kinzhal) aeroballistic missile, 18 Kh-101 cruise missiles and 12 Kalibr cruise missiles. Hits were recorded in 11 locations. As the Air Force reported on Telegram, in total on the night of August 21 (from 18:40 on August 20) the enemy attacked with 614 air attack vehicles: 574 Shahed strike UAVs and simulator drones of various types from the directions of Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Orel, Shatalovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, and from temporarily occupied Crimea. Some four Kh-47M2 Dagger (Kinzhal) aeroballistic missiles were launched from the airspace of Lipetsk and Voronezh regions in Russia, two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from Voronezh, Russia, 19 Kh-101 cruise missiles from the airspace of Saratov region, Russia, 14 Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea and one missile of an unidentified type from Crimea. 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. The enemy has probably returned to the practice of massive air attacks using UAVs, and missile strikes from ground, air and sea carriers. As reported, on the night of August 20, the air defense neutralized one out of two enemy missiles and 62 out of 93 drones. On the night of August 19, the air defense neutralized six out of ten missiles and 230 out of 270 drones launched by the Russian occupiers, on the night of August 18 88 out of 140 drones and on the night of August 17 40 out of 60 drones. The effectiveness of the air defense Thursday night was 93%. The lowest percentage of drones launched by the Russian occupiers since the start of the full-scale invasion was neutralized on the night of July 20 (only 25 out of 57, 44%). The highest percentage of neutralized drones and missiles was recorded on the night of July 9, when the enemy launched 729 drones and 13 missiles (741 vehicles in total), of which 303 were shot down and 415 were suppressed (718 in total), which gave an efficiency of about 96.9%. Usually this indicator depends on whether the occupiers use drones during an attack mainly to strike targets in the rear or mainly near the front line. Moscow, Aug 21 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar called on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday. According to a statement released by the Russian President's office, the meeting was also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov; First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and Chairman of the Russian part of the Intergovernmental Russian-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation Denis Manturov; and, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Russia Vinay Kumar. Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Lavrov held detailed discussions on enhancing bilateral ties besides also touching on issues about Ukraine, Europe, Iran, West Asia, Afghanistan and the Indian sub-continent. "Pleased to meet FM Sergei Lavrov today in Moscow. Had a detailed discussion on our bilateral ties, including trade, investment, energy, fertilizers, health, skilling and mobility, defence, and people to people exchanges. We exchanged views on Ukraine, Europe, Iran, West Asia, Afghanistan and the Indian sub-continent. Also spoke about our cooperation in UN, G20, SCO and BRICS. Our meeting helped prepare the outcomes and decisions for the Annual Summit later this year," EAM Jaishankar posted on X. The two leaders noted the need to intensify efforts to strengthen the multipolar architecture of bilateral relations and to assist the countries of the Global South in defending their political sovereignty, according to the statement released by Russian Foreign Ministry. The statement mentioned, "An exchange of views took place regarding the further intensification of political contacts at various levels, deepening trade and economic cooperation. Special attention was paid to building sustainable transport and logistics chains and currency and financial channels of interaction. The prospects for expanding partnership in the field of peaceful nuclear energy and hydrocarbon production were highly valued." In his opening remarks during the meeting, Lavrov welcomed EAM Jaishankar for the next round of negotiations, noting that India and Russia consider each other as privileged strategic partners. "Today we will focus on political and international issues. As our leaders agreed, we regard each other as especially privileged strategic partners. In practical matters, we fully justify this definition of our relations. In modern conditions, interaction in the international arena is acquiring special significance when, in essence, a new architecture of international relations is being created, objectively becoming multipolar and in which such associations as the SCO, BRICS, and the Group of 20 are playing an increasingly important role. Within the UN, there remains the opportunity for all current and future centres of power within the multipolar world order to interact with each other and develop compromises and agreements that will be sustainable and based on a balance of interests. Russia is always ready for this," he said. EAM Jaishankar expressed confidence that his discussions with Lavrov will be "fruitful, productive" and contribute to making the annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin later this year as "outcome-oriented as possible." "Today's meeting gives us an occasion to discuss our political relationship as well but also to review our bilateral ties. So, I look forward to an exchange of views on politics, trade, on economic investment, defence, science and technology and of course people-to-people exchanges. Our leaders met in July for the 22nd Annual Summit last year and thereafter in Kazan. We now prepare for the annual summit at the end of the year and they have always given us guidance to take forward our Special and Privileged Strategic relationship," he said. "We have had as you noted a very productive meeting yesterday with Denis Manturov on the Inter-Governmental Commission. We discussed a lot of issues in our bilateral cooperation, found a lot of solutions as well. I would be very happy to share that. But most important, what I want to do today is to take those bilateral discussions forward so that we have the maximum outcomes for the annual summit when that happens," Jaishankar added. New Delhi, Aug 21 : A day after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up his two-day visit to India, China's Ambassador to New Delhi, Xu Feihong, on Thursday strongly criticised the United States for imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods and expressed Beijing's willingness to stand by India. "US has imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on India and even threatened more. China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India," Xu said, making clear China's opposition to unilateral trade restrictions. The ambassador added that the US had long enjoyed the benefits of free trade but was now using tariffs as bargaining tools. He emphasised that remaining silent would only encourage such actions and urged India and China to work together in the face of these measures. Xu also signalled Beijing's interest in expanding trade ties with India. He said China would welcome more Indian goods in its market, pointing out India's strengths in IT, software and biomedicine, while China had an edge in electronics, infrastructure and new energy. "If connected, the two major markets will produce an effect of one plus one bigger than two," he said. He further invited Indian companies to invest in China and expressed hope that Indian authorities would ensure a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese businesses operating in India. "We'll welcome more Indian goods to enter the Chinese market. India has a competitive edge in IT, software and biomedicine, while the Chinese see a rapid expansion in the fields of electronic manufacturing, infrastructure construction and new energy," said Feihong. The comments come at a time when both countries are trying to reset their troubled ties. Former Indian diplomats also weighed in on the broader relationship. Ambassador (Retd) Neelam D. Sabharwal described India-China ties as "unique," shaped by both historical bonds and long periods of disruption. She said recent outreach efforts were a welcome step after nearly five years of strained relations, adding that leaders on both sides had always recognised the importance of maintaining peace and not letting differences turn into disputes. Ambassador Venkatesh Varma, meanwhile, placed the discussion in a wider international context. He noted that forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) had emerged as important platforms for regional stability, particularly in countering extremism and terrorism. He recalled that India's decision to join the SCO in 2017 was based on its earlier positive experiences of working with Russia and China through BRICS and RIC groupings. Together, the remarks highlighted the complex but evolving relationship between India and China, where competition and cooperation continue to go hand in hand amid a shifting global order. New Delhi, Aug 21 : IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's space voyage vindicates the vision of Atmanirbhar and Vishwabandhu Bharat, said Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Thursday. He was speaking at an ISRO press conference in the national capital where he formally introduced two Indian-origin astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth B. Nair, to the country -- selected as Ganganyatris for the impending Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. While both astronauts underwent same training, Shukla was selected for the Axiom Space's Mission 4 and created history by becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station on June 26. Singh said that in a single mission, the two Indian astronauts had lived up to the three flagship mantras that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been practicing and propagating for nearly 12 years -- "Atma Nirbhar Bharat, Whole of Government and Whole of Nation approach and Vishwa Bandhu Bharat". While Atma Nirbhar Bharat was reflected in the use of fully indigenous kits and technology during the mission, the Whole of Government and Whole of Nation approach was evident in the contributions from diverse institutions in the experiments undertaken by Shukla aboard the orbital lab. This included from the Department of Biotechnology, IISc Bengaluru and IITs. "Vishwa Bandhu Bharat was demonstrated by the fact that while the experiments were conducted by an Indian astronaut, their benefits would reach humanity at large -- strengthening both India's confidence and the world's trust in wider collaborations," the MoS said. He credited India's expanding presence in space research and exploration to policies that encourage openness, collaboration, and private sector participation. Introducing the astronauts, he noted that their "presence and experiences would inspire a new generation of young Indians to look at space research as a career and national calling". Shukla stated that one of the most rewarding aspects of the mission was inspiring young Indians to dream of space. Recalling his live interactions from orbit, he said children often asked how they could become astronauts. "That, for me, was the biggest win of this missionthat kids are already dreaming of space. The good news is that ISRO and India are ready to make these dreams a reality," he said, urging students to believe that they too could one day travel to space. Meanwhile, Group Captain Nair described the experience as a reminder of India's growing stature in the global space community. "India's approach to space was rooted in inclusivity and shared benefit, reflecting the nation's belief in the oneness of humanity," he said, stressing that the future lies in space and related technologies. Bengaluru, Aug 21 : The Karnataka BJP has objected to the release of Rs 10 crore in funds by the Congress-led government in the state towards the rehabilitation of flood victims in the Wayanad district of Kerala. The BJP also criticised the special interest shown by the Congress-led government in Wayanad, which is represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi. Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and veteran BJP leader R. Ashoka raised the issue in the Assembly on Thursday while debating the first installment of the supplementary estimates for 2025-26, amounting to Rs 3,352.57 crore. Addressing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, LoP Ashoka said, "The tabling of supplementary estimates is a common practice. However, what is surprising is the 11th item, which earmarks Rs 10 crore for the rehabilitation of 100 families in Wayanad district of Kerala." "For each house, the state government is providing Rs 10 lakh under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). In our state, for houses damaged by heavy rains and floods, the compensation provided per house is only Rs 95,000. You have given Rs 10 lakh each for a neighbouring state. The NDRF guidelines clearly specify that allocations must be made for disasters within the state," the LoP added. "The disaster occurred long ago. When the tragedy happened, the state could have provided medicines, clothes, and other immediate relief. Even now, victims in our own state have not been fully compensated. Here, you provide Rs 95,000 per house, but for Kerala you are giving Rs 10 lakh. Why this disparity? This is not a good practice. Why are you so keen on Wayanad, of all regions in Kerala? We strongly object," he said. Responding to the objections, CM Siddaramaiah said, "The Wayanad region was affected by floods and heavy rains. There were landslides and houses were washed away. It was declared a national disaster. It is natural to provide assistance to other states. In this context, Rs 10 crore was allocated for Wayanad." He also added, "Many lives were lost in the landslides. Irrespective of which government is in power, such assistance would have been extended. The Central government and other states have also provided support. We live in a federal system. When Karnataka was hit by floods in 2019, other states came forward to help us. Industries and corporate bodies from outside also contributed. Earlier, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had publicly sought such assistance. This is a gesture of humanity." However, BJP MLAs objected, saying no funds were allocated to them while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chose to fund another state. Reacting to BJP MLAs objections, Congress MLAs said that they should instead question Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to heated arguments. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated, "In a federal structure, it is natural for one state to help another. It has been a long-standing tradition. Thousands of crores have been spent on rehabilitation in Wayanad, and Karnataka has contributed only Rs 10 crore. It is a good gesture motivated by humanity." Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan alleged that CM Siddaramaiah did not extend similar help to states like Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, or Himachal Pradesh during disasters. State BJP General Secretary and MLA, V. Sunil Kumar, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's "heart beats only for Wayanad". Reacting angrily over the BJP MLA's remark, CM Siddaramaiah said that BJP leaders were "heartless", adding that Kerala is a neighbouring state. Earlier, the Chief Minister presented the first installment of the supplementary estimates for 2025-26, amounting to Rs 3,352.57 crore, for the approval of the House. He said that the funds would be generated through revenue receipts, loans, re-appropriations, and savings. Quetta, Aug 21 : Leading Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch on Thursday asserted that Pakistan poses a threat not only to its own people, but has also turned into a disease like "cancer", fueling instability, extremism, and violence across its borders and beyond. He called on the United States, Europe, and the wider international community to take immediate action to contain the menace. Quetta, Aug 21 (IANS) Leading Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch on Thursday asserted that Pakistan poses a threat not only to its own people, but has also turned into a disease like "cancer", fueling instability, extremism, and violence across its borders and beyond. He called on the United States, Europe, and the wider international community to take immediate action to contain the menace. The remarks came after prominent American activist Amy Mek said that she was flooded with messages from Texans furious over cars and motorbikes speeding through the streets of the city, waving Pakistani flags and blasting nationalist songs to mark Pakistan's Independence Day. "This was a full-blown foreign nationalist rally in Houston, organised by the Friends of Karachi Youth Wing. They started in Islamized Sugar Land and ended in Houston, draping cars and bikes in green and white, raising a flag that represents blasphemy laws, forced conversions, and persecution of non-Muslims If they want to celebrate Pakistan's independence like this, they should do it in Pakistan - not on American streets," Mek posted on X. Slamming the Pakistani rally, she said streets and flags belong only to America not to foreign regimes that hate American values and fuel Islamic networks and politicians operating in Texas. Meanwhile, condemning the incident, the human rights activist Mir took to his social media, stating, "Pakistan is not just a threat to its own people, it has become a cancer spreading instability, extremism, and violence far beyond its borders. The United States, Europe, and the wider international community must take urgent action to curb this menace." He emphasised that Pakistanis tied to the country's Inter-Services Intelligence-backed radical networks must be stopped, and the vast web of military-owned businesses should be dismantled. He stressed that the corrupt politicians in Western countries exploiting Pakistani diaspora communities as vote banks should no longer be given legitimacy or space. "Instead of empowering a rogue state that thrives on terror and blackmail, the world must stand with the secular, democratic, and freedom-loving people of Balochistan. Rich in natural resources and self-sufficient in spirit, the Baloch nation offers not extremism, but the promise of peace, progress, and stability for the entire region," Mir stated. Ahmedabad, Aug 21 : Ahmedabad is set to get its first dedicated dog crematorium, with the Cattle Nuisance Control Department (CNCD) of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) announcing plans to establish a CNG-powered animal cremator at its ABC Centre in Behrampura, officials said on Thursday. The facility, to be procured through North East Machine Karmasand Agency at a cost of Rs 30 lakh, is expected to become operational within four months. The move is part of CNCD's wider animal welfare initiatives, which include stray dog vaccination drives, deworming, pet dog registrations, and veterinary care. Officials said the facility will ensure the final disposal of deceased animals is done using scientific and eco-friendly methods. Equipped with a dual-chamber system, a 30-foot chimney, and operating temperatures between 900AC and 1200AC, the crematorium will run on CNG and can handle two large dogs simultaneously. Smoke emissions will be odourless and colourless, making it compliant with environmental standards. At present, Ahmedabad has more than 18,000 registered pet dogs. While many owners treat their pets as family, dignified cremation facilities have so far been lacking in the city. Six months ago, AMC had set up a smaller organ cremator for the disposal of remains collected during neutering operations of stray dogs, which has functioned successfully. Depending on the success of the Behrampura crematorium, AMC plans to expand the service by setting up additional facilities in the city, further strengthening its animal welfare infrastructure. Meanwhile, in response to escalating dog bite reports -- nearly 2,000 incidents daily in Delhi, the Supreme Court issued a suo moto directive on August 11 calling for the urgent removal of all stray dogs from streets across Delhia"NCR. Authorities have been instructed to round up 5,000 dogs from high-risk areas within six to eight weeks, sterilise and vaccinate them, and house them in dedicated shelters equipped with CCTV surveillance and animal helplines, while forbidding their return to public spaces. The court, emphasising public safety for children and the elderly, warned of strict legal consequences for any resistance. New Delhi, Aug 21 : A three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict in the suo motu case titled 'In Re: City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price', amid ongoing debate over its earlier directions on relocating stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria, which reserved its decision last week on relocating stray animals in Delhi and adjoining areas, will deliver its order on August 22. Earlier, a 2-judge Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan had directed municipal bodies across Delhi-NCR to immediately capture all stray dogs and relocate them to shelters. Citing serious concerns over public safety and the rising risk of rabies, the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench described the situation as "grim" and emphasised that urgent action was necessary to ensure the safety of children, women, and the elderly on the streets. Directing the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and civic agencies in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to make the streets completely free of stray dogs, the two-judge bench of the apex court issued a stern warning that any organisation or group obstructing their removal would face strict legal action. It ordered these civic agencies to begin picking up all stray dogs in their jurisdictions and move them to designated shelters. The verdict on the relocation of the stray dogs to shelters in Delhi-NCR sparked an uproar from several quarters of society. Animal lovers across the country voiced their displeasure over the Supreme Courtas decision, taking to social media to express concern for the voiceless. Subsequently, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai constituted a 3-judge Bench as the order passed by the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench apparently conflicted with a 2024 apex court order that barred the killing of stray animals and emphasised compassion towards all living beings as an enshrined Constitutional value. Chandigarh, Aug 21 : Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema has demanded that the Central government release compensation of Rs 50,000 crore to the state to cover losses after GST implementation. After participating in the two-day meeting of the GST Ministerial Group on health and insurance, rationalising rates, and compensation cess, Cheema said that since the implementation of GST in 2017, Punjab has suffered a total financial loss of Rs 1,11,045 crore. He said that despite receiving approximately Rs 60,000 crore as compensation from the Centre, Rs 50,000 crore "is still pending". The Central government had announced a five-year compensation package to states in lieu of financial losses incurred due to GST implementation, but this compensation has now been discontinued. He said while the Punjab government is not opposed to the rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, the Union government must take responsibility for the resulting financial losses to the states. He said the BJP-led Central government "is continuously undermining the financial structure of states, which is a significant attack on the federal structure of the country". Cheema said now the Central government "is even evading the release of funds to Punjab". Apart from GST, Rs 8,000 crore of rural development funds and over Rs 1,000 crore under the Prime Minister's Road Scheme are also being withheld, he alleged. When the GST was implemented, all states stood united with the country, but now, when the issue of compensating states for financial losses arises, the Centre turns a blind eye, he said. He said the Central government has made 27 amendments to the GST so far and has adjusted the rates 15 times. "Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed a new tax structure with two-tier rates of five per cent and 18 per cent," he said, emphasising that even "if these new GST changes are implemented, the Central government should take responsibility for compensating states for financial losses". Lashing at the BJP-led Union government for repeatedly making changes to the GST system without reaching a definitive solution, Finance Minister Cheema said in a statement that this uncertainty "leads to constant harassment of taxpayers and a systematic breakdown of the countryas financial framework". He pointed out during a recent meeting on the Compensation Cess, the Centre informed that the loan repayment would be completed by October 31, and that the special tax on sin goods, which was a source of compensation for states, would also be reduced. --IANS vg/vd New Delhi, Aug 21 : Delhi Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa will on Friday interact with budding engineers and motivate them to give the city its first Unicorn at the inaugural session of the Industrial Ideathon 2025 Grand Finale, an official said. Earlier, Sirsa inaugurated a state-of-the-art IoT and Fabrication Lab at Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), established under the CSR initiative of Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). He said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has consistently stressed on the importance of positioning Delhi as the country's start-up capital. Sirsa said: "Our talented students at NSUT are doing wonders in the field of technology and innovation. From developing cost-effective air purifiers and building indigenous AI solutions to designing drones that can strengthen our national security, creating chips, and advancing 3D and laser printing technologies, these young innovators are steering Delhi towards becoming the country's leading hub for innovation." The Minister also emphasised that such projects are creating a pipeline of future-ready entrepreneurs who will shape India's industrial and technological landscape. "We are witnessing how laboratories like these can bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world problem solving. The vision is not limited to Delhi, it is to make India a leader in global innovation and technology-driven solutions," he said. He added, "From turning discarded flowers into sustainable air purifiers to launching globally recognised ventures from our incubation ecosystem, NSUT is proving how ideas can be transformed into impactful solutions for society. This is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat @2047, where universities, industry, students, and government work together for a self-reliant India." Equipped with advanced prototyping and testing tools, the lab is designed to empower students, startups, and innovators to bring their ideas to life through rapid prototyping, product testing, and hands-on experimentation. Bengaluru, Aug 21 : Kyndryl, a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, on Thursday announced its growth plans in India with a focus on modernising essential technology infrastructure for leading organisations. As part of this $2.25 billion commitment over the next three years, Kyndryl is focusing on the development of future-ready talent and establishing an AI lab in India to expand the company's impact in the world's most populous country. The company's planned commitment includes establishing an AI Innovation Lab in Bengaluru, deepening its engagement with the Government of India on AI, developing IT talent, and supporting digital training for roughly 200,000 citizens. "Kyndryl is a proud, trusted partner to our customers and an employer of choice to tens of thousands of Kyndryls across India," said Martin Schroeter, Chairman and CEO, Kyndryl. "We're committed to further developing our people, expanding our technical capabilities and strengthening community partnerships to support growth, innovation and opportunity." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met Schroeter, said that the country welcomes global partners to collaborate with our talented youth to innovate and excel. In a post on X social media platform, PM Modi said that "India warmly welcomes global partners to explore the vast opportunities in our nation and collaborate with our talented youth to innovate and excel". "Together, we all can build solutions that not only benefit India but also contribute to global progress," the Prime Minister added. Schroeter said it was a pleasure to meet with the Prime Minister to share Kyndryl's long-term commitment to the country. "India has established itself as a global technology powerhouse, driven by a thriving startup ecosystem, world-class digital infrastructure and skilled workforce," said Lingraju Sawkar, President, Kyndryl India. "With this commitment, Kyndryl is focused on further supporting our customers in meeting their diverse transformation needs and scaling their operations for the next era of growth." Ukraine has prepared and offered the US a drone deal worth $50 billion for five years, with the production of 10 million drones per year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "As for drones: a drone deal tjat we have prepared and offered to the American side for production and co-production for $50 billion: five years, 10 million drones per year. Such a big program. Probably, after the war it will work," Zelenskyy said during a conversation with journalists on Wednesday. On August 19, the Ukrainian president announced that there were agreements with US President Donald Trump that after the opening of exports, America would buy Ukrainian drones. "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. Mumbai, Aug 22 : Director-producer Om Raut, whose production 'Inspector Zende' is set to release on OTT next month, feels that the age of Asian Renaissance is just around the corner. The director-producer recently spoke with IANS at his office in the Khar West area of Mumbai. When asked if the current era is the best time to be an artist, he said, "I think every time is great. I mean, Renaissance was the best time. It was a really, really good time where the art really flourished and went to a different level". He told IANS, "I think we all need to keep on finding the Renaissance every time. I personally feel that the way India and the Indian culture and arts is flowing right now, I think we are just about in that space or maybe a little bit pre, but we are definitely entering it. That's just a personal opinion". Renaissance is the period of history and a European cultural movement covering the 15th and 16th centuries. It marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity and was characterized by an effort to revive and surpass the ideas and achievements of classical antiquity. It is associated with great social change in most fields and disciplines, including art, architecture, politics, literature, exploration and science. "And I think we have something different that is playing out. And trust me, it goes beyond cinema. I think it gets very strongly into new media. It gets very strongly into the digital world. The 3.0 is what we are all calling it. I think it's cutting very sharp and I'm very sure that not just Indian, but Asian Renaissance is just around the corner", he added. 'Inspector Zende' is set to release on September 5, 2025 on Netflix. New Delhi, Aug 21 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit later this month, a high-level conference held in New Delhi on Thursday called for a strategic reset in India-China relations. Eminent diplomats, military leaders, and policy experts gathered at the India International Centre for the event titled SCO Summit & Resetting India-China Relations, jointly organised by the Chintan Research Foundation and the Centre for Global India Insights. The conference featured a keynote address by Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, who struck an optimistic tone about the future of bilateral ties. "The development of China and India has not been completely smooth, but friendship and cooperation have always been the main theme. There might be challenges, but unity and cooperation are our only options," he said, underscoring the new momentum in diplomatic engagement. Shishir Priyadarshi, President of Chintan Research Foundation and former WTO director, highlighted the significance of PM Modi's upcoming visit, calling it "a pivotal moment in one of the most consequential bilateral relationships in the region." He proposed the "ABCD" framework for future engagement: Acceptability, Building blocks, Confidence Building Measures, and Dialogue. Manish Chand, CEO of the Centre for Global India Insights, emphasised the urgency of fostering positive ties in a fragmented global order. "India and China must widen the arc of convergence through Culture, Creativity, and Commerce," he said, advocating for stronger people-to-people connections. Ambassador (Retd.) Venkatesh Varma, Member of the National Security Advisory Board, stressed that multi-polarity must be achieved through negotiation, not antagonism. Former Army Chief Gen MM Naravane noted that India has consistently sought peaceful relations with China and welcomed recent initiatives aimed at improving ties. Veteran China expert Ambassador (Retd.) Neelam Sabharwal reminded the audience of the historical strategic partnership between the two nations, urging both sides to manage differences and build on shared global positions, such as climate action. A concept note circulated at the event called for mutual respect and sensitivity to each other's core concerns, stating that the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 presents an opportunity to forge a new model of peaceful coexistence and mutual empowerment. With PM Modi's visit to China for the SCO Summit scheduled for August 31 - September 1, the conference served as a timely platform to recalibrate the narrative from rivalry to partnership - one that could shape the trajectory of Asia's future. Jaipur, Aug 21 : A significant step forward was taken in the progress of the Kota Greenfield Airport Project during a high-level meeting held at the office of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at Parliament House, New Delhi, where it was decided that the airport will feature traditional Rajasthani Architecture with modern aviation infrastructure. In the meeting, the Civil Aviation Minister informed that the construction of Kotaas Greenfield Airport will begin in September 2025, with a target completion date of September 2027. The airport is expected to commence commercial flight operations in the same year. a Speaking on the occasion, Om Birla said that this airport is not just an infrastructure project but a historic leap for the socio-economic development of the Hadoti region, enhancing employment and providing direct air connectivity for Kota a" the education city a" with national and international destinations. A key highlight of the project is its architectural design, which will incorporate elements of traditional Rajasthani architecture, showcasing the stateas rich cultural heritage. The airport complex will blend modern technology with heritage aesthetics, giving travellers a unique visual and cultural experience alongside world-class aviation facilities. It was also decided that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will establish a special aviation training institute at the existing Kota Airport premises. This institute will cater to pilot and aviation sector professional training, giving Kota a new identity in the aviation ecosystem. As part of the holistic development, it was agreed to construct the long-discussed Rao Surajmal Hadaas chhatri in Kota. Birla stated that the development will move forward while preserving Kotaas historical and cultural legacy. The meeting was attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Special Officer (OSD) to the Speaker Rajiv Dutta, Joint Secretary Gaurav Goyal, and other senior officials. New Delhi, Aug 21 : The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions for a review of its November 2024 judgment, which quashed allotment of lands to housing societies of MPs, MLAs, IAS officers, journalists and others in Hyderabad. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih dismissed the review petitions, saying no case for review was made out. The court passed the order after hearing arguments from senior advocates, including CS Vaidyanathan, Anitha Shenoy, Mukul Rohatgi, Siddharth Luthra, Atmaram Nadkarni and others. The court maintained its stand that there should be no preferential treatment to housing societies of MPs, MLAs, civil servants and journalists for allotment of land within the limits of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. The counsels for the petitioners submitted to the court that the land allotments were made in 2008, and today they have nowhere else to go. It was also argued that journalists do not constitute a privileged class but have been treated as such at par with MPs, MLAs and IAS officers. The review petitioners also expressed willingness to pay market rates, as deemed fit by the Court. They also requested that the Court look into each case of a journalist independently to decide if they are privileged. The bench also told that journalists have salaries ranging between Rs. 8000-30000 and do not have pensionary benefits, the review-petitioners claimed, while MPs, MLAs and IAS officers get pension, gratuity, HRA, and salaries of about Rs. 2.5 lakhs and other benefits. Highlighting journalists' role as the fourth pillar of democracy, the councils contended that they should be protected so they can safely perform their work. In November, 2024, a bench of then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta had quashed the Andhra Pradesh Government Memoranda (GoM) of 2005 classifying MPs, MLAs, officers of the AIl India Service/State Government, Judges of the Constitutional Courts, and journalists as a separate class for allotment of land at the basic rate. The Court also quashed the subsequent GoMs issued in 2008 allotting the lands within the limits of the GHMC to these categories as bad in law, being violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India. Ahmedabad, Aug 21 : Protests intensified in Ahmedabad over the murder of a Class 10 student Nayan Santani, who was stabbed to death by a junior outside the Seventh Day Adventist School on August 19. The student wing of the Congress, NSUI, staged demonstrations demanding that the school be shut down, alleging negligence by authorities. Several NSUI members were detained after clashing with police while trying to storm the campus. Police have detained the accused Class 8 student and registered an FIR. Over 500 people have also been booked in connection with Thursday's violence on the campus. Meanwhile, chats purportedly of the accused with a friend on Instagram where he confessed to the crime and was advised to go "underground" have surfaced online. The unrest comes a day after a mob vandalised the school, damaging property worth lakhs and attacking staff members. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad called for a bandh, forcing nearly 200 schools in Maninagar, Khokhara and Isanpur areas to remain closed. Parents and students also joined the protests, carrying placards and accusing the school of ignoring repeated complaints of thefts and fights on the premises. "What are you teaching the students after taking lakhs of rupees? The school never takes any responsibility. Had the management acted, this would not have happened," said one parent. The victim's family has alleged further negligence, claiming the school failed to call an ambulance on time and later summoned a water tanker to wash away bloodstains an alleged attempt to destroy evidence. CCTV footage captured the stabbing, while a security guard spotted the accused fleeing from the back gate. District education authorities have flagged the incident as a case of "serious negligence" and ordered a shift to online classes, pending further security arrangements and investigation. The Gujarat State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also sought a detailed report from the school as part of the probing process. Bhubaneswar, Aug 21 : The Odisha government on Thursday effected a major reshuffle in the IPS level, appointing senior 1995-batch IPS officer Santosh Bala as the director of the State Forensic Science laboratory (SFSL). Senior IPS officer Bala is currently posted as the director of State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), holding the additional charge of Director, SFSL. Similarly, 2007-batch IPS officer Awinash Kumar, who is currently working as Inspector General of Police, State Armed Police (SAP), has been appointed as the new Director, SCRB. Sanjay Kumar Kaushal, IGP, Vigilance has been transferred and posted as the IGP, the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch. The 2002-batch officer Gajbhiye Satish Kumar Iswardas, currently attached to the State Police Headquarters (SPHQs), takes charge as IG, Special Armed Police. The 2008-batch IPS officer Satyajit Naik, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Eastern Range, has been appointed as DIG, Central Range. Meanwhile, 2011-batch IPS officer Pinak Mishra, who was appointed as Purias Superintendent of Police following the stampede incident in the holy coastal town during the Rath Yatra, has now been posted as the DIG, Eastern Range.Prateek Singh (IPS, 2014), the current SP of Cuttack(Rural), will replace him as the new SP, Puri. In another significant reshuffle, the Odisha Home Department on Thursday issued a notification announcing the transfer and posting of 12 senior officers from the Odisha Police Service (OPS). Bimalendu Satapathy, OPS (SAG), currently deployed as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) at the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate, has been transferred as Superintendent of Police, State Police Headquarters, Cuttack. Senior cop Kishore Chandra Mund, OPS (S), currently serving as Additional DCP, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, is promoted and posted as DCP, Police Commissionerate. Similarly, Anup Kumar Kanungo, OPS (S), also the In-situ Addl. DCP, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack police Commissionerate, has been elevated as DCP, Police Commissionerate. Srikanta Kumar Behera, Additional SP at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack, has been appointed as SP, EOW. Kolkata, August 21 : he West Bengal government has partly complied with the Election Commission of India's (ECI) directive by suspending four officials- two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and two Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) of Moyna and Baruipur Purba Assembly Constituencies for alleged voter list malpractices. However, the state government has not lodged FIRs against the officials as mandated by the ECI. The deadline for full compliance was August 21. On Thursday, state Chief Secretary Manoj Pant updated the Election Commission of India via email on the action taken against the four officials out of which two are West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) officers. Sources in the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, confirmed received the intimation in this regard from the state government. Sources in state secretariat said that the government is also contemplating initiating departmental inquiry against the four officials. In addition, one contractual Data Entry Operator, has been relieved of his duty. This disciplinary action has been taken on the orders of the Election Commission. It may be noted that the state Chief Secretary Manoj Pant met the full bench of the Election Commission in Delhi recently and promised to comply its directives by August 21. Serious allegations were made against Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of Baruipur East Debottam Dutta Chowdhury, AERO of that centre Tathagata Mandal, and ERO of Maina Biplob Sarkar and AERO of that centre Sudipta Das. The name of a data entry operator named Surjit Halder was also on the list. They were accused of tampering with the voter's list. On this allegation, the Election Commission had directed that these five should be suspended as well as an FIR should be lodged against them. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had criticised the ECI for ita directive and accused the poll body of being the "bonded labour of the BJP". She had also asserted that her government will not take any action against her employees. Bhubaneswar, Aug 21 : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday announced that the Odisha government will soon implement major reforms to strengthen primary education in Odisha, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Chairing a high-level review meeting on the School & Mass Education department at Lok Seva Bhawan here, the Chief Minister emphasised that quality education will be the foundation of a "Prosperous Odisha by 2036." In a major decision taken during the review meeting, the Government has decided to merge the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) and the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) into one board in order to strengthen the school education system in the state. Similarly, it was decided during the high-level meeting to regularise all schematic primary school teachers in the state. The Odisha government also decided to fill 44,433 teaching posts across the state over the next three years. This includes 39,366 new positions to meet NEP requirements, along with filling 5,067 vacancies expected by December 2025. Nearly 15,000 teachers will be recruited every year. Meanwhile, free textbooks are currently provided up to Class 8, and for SC/ST students in Classes 9 and 10, from now all students up to Class 10 will receive free textbooks. The government will also upgrade the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) along the lines of NCERT and further strengthen the Directorate of Textbook Publication and Marketing. To safeguard student health, one ANM or multipurpose health worker will be appointed for every 300 hostel students. All approvals for new private schools will be processed through a fully online system. During the review meeting, Chief Minister Majhi emphasised the importance of teaching tribal children in their native languages. To support this initiative, a Multilingual Education Centre will be established in Koraput in partnership with SCSTRTI. Additionally, trained teachers holding B.Ed degrees in Special Education will be appointed as Resource Persons across various clusters to promote inclusive education. The meeting also decided that all future educational reforms will focus equally on learning quality and student well-being. The review was attended by School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary to CM Shashwat Mishra, Finance Principal Secretary Sanjeev Mishra, School and Mass Education Secretary Shalini Pandit, OSEPA Director Ananya Das, and other senior officials. Guwahati, Aug 21 : The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) rescued 738 runaway children besides apprehending nine traffickers during the first seven months of this year, official said here on Thursday, adding that 89 children and women were rescued from being trafficked. NFRas Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the RPF under the NFR continues its dedicated efforts towards the safety and protection of children in need of care. He said that the RPF personnel rescued 738 runaway children, and 89 children and women from being trafficked and apprehended nine traffickers during January to July this year. The rescued children and women were handed over to respective Child Line, Non-Government Organisations, parents and Government Railway Police (GRP). The CPRO said that in a series of operations conducted between August 16 and 19, RPF personnel rescued 16 runaway minors from various trains and stations across its jurisdiction and ensured their safe custody through proper channels. In a recent incident on August 16, during escort duty of a train, RPF personnel of Maligaon rescued two runaway minor children. They were later handed over to Child Line, Bongaigaon and Chirang respectively. On the same day, the RPF post of Dibrugarh rescued one minor boy and handed him over to Child Line, Dibrugarh. On August 17, RPF post of Dimapur (Nagaland) rescued one minor boy and ensured his safe custody through Child Line, Dimapur. On August 18, multiple rescues were carried out in Katihar, Purnea, Kokrajhar and Alipurduar; five runaway minors from stations and trains were rescued and handed them over to respective Child Lines or guardians after proper identification. Moreover, on August 19, the RPF of NFR rescued seven minors from Guwahati, Kamakhya, Dibrugarh, Jalalgarh and Alipurduar railway stations and handed them over to respective Child Lines or guardian after proper identification. The RPF of NFR remains committed to the protection of children in need of care and assistance, an official said. Passengers are requested to stay alert and report any unattended or suspected child to the RPF helpline number 139, Sharma said. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) operates in the northeastern states and in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar. Bengaluru, Aug 21 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said that the state government has written to the Election Commission about preparations for the Bengaluru civic body elections. Replying to a question raised by JD (S) MLC Jawarayee Gowda T.N. in the Legislative Council about implementation of Greater Bengaluru Authority Act (GBA) 2024, the Dy CM said, "GBA came to effect from May 15 and five corporations were formed on July 19. We have allowed receipt of objections till August 18. Some areas have been included and some more need to be included at a later date." "The delimitation of wards will take place by November 1. This is being handled a separate team under the leadership of the BBMP Commissioner. We have submitted an affidavit to the court. We will issue a GO for delimitation of wards," he said. Replying to a member who urged the government to conduct elections early, the Dy CM said, "I completely agree the suggestion." Responding to a question from BJP MLC Keshava Prasad during Question Hour in the Legislative Council, Shivakumar said that 33 packages have been tendered for garbage disposal in Bengaluru. "We have called for tenders for 33 packages in 28 assembly constituencies. We have planned gas and power generation from garbage disposal at four places," the Deputy CM said. "We have acquired the land belonging to Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) for waste disposal. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) approval was pending for waste disposal yard near Doddaballapur. We have got a Cabinet approval for the same. We are studying advanced technologies for waste disposal," he said. "It is not possible to break the garbage mafia of Bengaluru easily. The mafia did not allow the previous BJP led government also to call for tenders for 98 wards. I have also been fighting this. We have studied waste disposal models in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai. Our past experiments with generation of power from waste haven't been successful," he said. Replying to a question on garbage cess, the Deputy CM said: "It was the BJP led government in the state which introduced garbage cess in Karnataka in 2020 based on a 2016 order of the Union government. The Gazette notification states exorbitant taxes. We are collecting only 25 per cent of the suggested taxes as we felt it was too high." "We are planning to come out with a new law to ensure upkeep of vacant sites. We have made provision for the public to self-declare the amount of garbage they generate. We have instructed the police to take strict action against those who litter public places. CCTVs will be fixed at various places in the city and we have already called for a tender," Shivakumar added. Ukraine considers it fair that the potential bilateral meeting of the Ukrainian president with Vladimir Putin should be in neutral Europe, and not against Turkey, said the head of the Ukrainian state Volodymyr Zelenskyy "The meeting place. We consider it fair, and the Europeans emphasized this, that the meeting should be in neutral Europe. Because the war is in Ukraine and on the European continent. I said that we agree. Switzerland, Austria - we agree," - Zelenskyy said during a conversation with journalists on Wednesday. Speaking about Turkey as a venue, the president explained that it is a NATO country and "part of Europe", so Ukraine is not against it, since "a meeting without any special conditions is also proactive actions of the Ukrainian side." At the same time, Zelenskyy stressed that the meeting in Moscow cannot take place. Regarding Budapest as a venue, the president noted that "it is not easy today." "It's not easy, because there is unity among all European countries in supporting Ukraine during this war. And let's be honest, Budapest did not support us. I'm not saying that Orban's policy was against Ukraine, but it was against supporting Ukraine," he explained. Bengaluru, Aug 21 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Thursday that the Krishna Upper Bank Project has faced repeated hurdles as Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have pressured the Union government to stop the issuance of the notification. Replying to a query by BJP member P.H. Pujar in the Legislative Council during the Question Hour on the progress of the Krishna Upper Bank Project, Shivakumar said: "Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil has supported this project and insisted that the notification must be issued. He even tried twice to convene a meeting with the concerned states. But both times, Andhra and Maharashtra intervened with phone calls and got it stalled. Both the Chief Minister, State Water Minister Shakti V. Somanna, and I had met the Union Minister and submitted our request." "The Krishna Upper Bank Project (Phase-3) requires Rs 2 lakh crore for implementation. Is it even possible? A major scam is already happening in connection with this project. Lawyers are making money in the matter of land compensation, while farmers are not receiving proper relief. If Legislative Council member Pujar convinces the farmers there, a decision can be arrived at within 15 days," he added. "The Supreme Court has ordered compensation of Rs 8 to 10 crore per acre. Such an amount of compensation is not available even in Bengaluru. Therefore, the matter of transferring land from the Revenue Department to the Irrigation Department has been placed before the state Cabinet," he said. "Already 75,563 acres have been submerged. Notification has been issued for acquisition of only 2,543 acres. In various stages of notification, 29,568 acres have been covered. Acquisition notification is still pending for 43,452 acres. For the construction of canals, 51,000 acres are required, of which notification has been issued for 23,000 acres. For RC land, 6,467 acres are required, of which 3,392 acres (50 per cent) have been acquired," he added. Replying to another query by JD-S MLC Suraj Revanna on which villages in Hassan district limits under Hemavathi and Yagachi have been declared free from cold wave impact, Shivakumar said: "Already 12 works have been undertaken at a cost of Rs 16.42 crore to prevent cold wave damage. Another estimate report has sought Rs 27 crore, which has been submitted. Depending on the financial situation, we will consider it," he said. "Earlier, MLAs used to recommend roads and community halls through the Water Resources Department. I have stopped all of that now. Our department funds will only be used for canal development and major projects. Regarding this matter, another report will be sought and examined. As members suggested, the court's observations will also be studied, and only then will we take a decision," he added. New Delhi, Aug 21 : Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera has backed the island nation to once again prove themselves as a dangerous side in the upcoming 2025 Men's T20 Asia Cup, even if they are not considered outright favourites. The Asia Cup will be staged in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, and Sri Lanka have been drawn in Group B alongside Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. Perera believes the team's adaptability, balance, and ability to rise to the occasion are qualities that make them particularly dangerous in multi-national tournaments. He added that while other teams may start as favourites, Sri Lanka's ability to gel as a unit under pressure often sets them apart. Sharing his thoughts on Sri Lanka's chances, Perera said, "I think we have a really good team. In any situation, when they play, they are the right combination. So I think it's a good challenge for every team." Sri Lanka have a rich history in the Asia Cup, having won the title on six occasions across formats, with their most recent triumph coming in the T20 edition in 2022. They also reached the final in the ODI edition in 2023, further underlining their consistency in continental competitions. Perera pointed out that Sri Lanka's mix of experienced players and exciting youngsters makes them a well-rounded side capable of upsetting any opposition. In the upcoming tournament, Sri Lanka's group stage fixtures will see them open against Bangladesh on September 13 in Abu Dhabi, followed by matches against Hong Kong on September 15 in Dubai, and Afghanistan on September 18 in Abu Dhabi. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Four stage, where the competition is expected to intensify ahead of the final. Strong contenders India and Pakistan are in the other group. U.S. register of copyrights Shira Perlmutter, who has been fighting to keep her job after being targeted for removal by the Trump administration, has been denied an injunction pending appeal. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly of the District of Columbia, who previously turned down Perlmutters requests for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction, ruled against Perlmutter for a third time on August 20. Among the defendants in the case are U.S. deputy attorney general Todd Blanche, who claims to be the acting librarian of Congress; associate deputy attorney general Paul Perkins, who claims to be the register of copyrights; and members of the White House Presidential Personnel Office. Because she has again failed to show that she will be irreparably harmed absent her requested relief, the Court will deny her motion, Judge Kelly wrote in a memorandum. She presents the same three irreparable-harm arguments the Court has already considered and rejected twice. He noted that in government personnel cases, preliminary injunctions are permitted only in a genuinely extraordinary situation, and he agreed with the defense that Perlmutters case did not meet that standard. The judge did not accept that irreparable harm would result from Perlmutters loss of her statutory right to function, her temporary inability to discharge her statutory duties, or her fears of alleged harms to the Library [of Congress] or Copyright Office. He ruled that harms to third parties in the case of her removal were speculative at best, indicating his expectation that the Copyright Office, a department of the LOC with approximately 450 employees, could fulfill its role without her. By working to remove Perlmutter, the executive branch is asserting power over a key component of the legislative branch, whose director is appointed by the librarian of Congress. The Copyright Office serves as an impartial federal resource on domestic and international copyright matters. Headed by the Register of Copyrights, the office conducts research, develops regulations, and advises Congress on matters including licensing and intellectual property. Last week, the defendants and plaintiffs filed responses to Perlmutters emergency motion for an injunction pending appeal. On August 15, the copyright chiefs attorneys wrote that the Trump administrations intent to remove Perlmutter, announced on May 10, coincided with the Copyright Offices May 9 release of a study on generative AI training and policies. On July 23, the administration launched America's AI Action Plan, with implications for the future of AI, IP, and copyright law. 26th Street Books, a new publisher based in New York and Chicago, has launched under the banner of bringing new approaches to the art of true crime, beginning with Convergence, a nonfiction novel to be published on September 17. Coauthored by Jonathan Dixon and Gregg Owen, Convergence follows one of Owens first murder cases as a Cook County prosecutor, and will be followed by five more books about his career in the courtroom, per an announcement. 26th Street Books plans to publish three more titles in 2026, with worldwide distribution by Ingram. Founded by Dixon, Owen, and writer Nelly Reifler, 26th Street intends to pursue a different tone than popular true crime narratives, one that emphasizes how a story is told, looks for story elements in unusual places, and keeps complex, fallible human beings at its center, per the announcement. The publisher takes its name from the Chicago courthouse on 26th Street and California Avenue, where Owen tried homicides as an assistant states attorney after leaving a decade-long career as a rock musician in the Chicago-based band Jerico. While Dixon has a background in nonfiction, he said that it made sense to treat Convergence like a novel given the high-stakes, emotionally fraught nature of its content. Because of Gregg, I had first hand knowledge of how he and some of his colleagues thought, what happened behind closed doors, and how they prepared to try life and death cases, he said. Convergence is unique in that it is told from Owens perspective, Dixon added, whereas most other true crimeif it aligns with a specific POVsides with the defendants. Starting a press was not on Dixon and Owens radar initially, but Reifler, a longtime friend of Dixons, inspired the idea after getting involved as an editor. I came on board after Jonathan and Gregg had reached an exciting fork in the road, when a well-known literary agent responded enthusiastically to the manuscript, Reifler said. When the three of us began to talk about our vision for the seriesas well as what we each loved to readit became clear that a new publishing company was being born. Luckily, for Dixon and Reifler, the DIY approach to publishing came naturally. Nelly and I were both punk rock kids, Dixon explained. As young people we saw bands starting their own independent record labels, booking their own shows, publishing their own zines. Currently, 26th is run by Dixon, Owen, and Reifler, with the help of a publicity and marketing team, though Dixon said that, like rallying people from a music scene to form a band, he thinks the team will expand organically as the press grows into its niche. The coordination group from the American side to prepare for the meeting with the Russian side will consist of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Representative of the President of the United States Stephen Witkoff and Vice President of the United States James David Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "We, in the presence of European leaders in the Oval Office, already in the third part of our meetings, after President Trump's conversation with Putin, agreed that the coordination group from the American side to prepare for the meeting with the Russians will consist of Rubio, Witkoff and Vance. We are talking about coordinating our agreements," Zelenskyy said during a conversation with journalists on Wednesday. He added that there was a quick dialogue in Washington between Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, as well as Witkoff and Rubio. "We don't want any shadow, we want to coordinate with the Americans. And what I really wanted was for Europe to be present. The format of our meeting with President Trump allowed for this. Their presence is important," he said. He added that several video calls were held in a few days, the leaders urgently changed their plans within a day and gathered in Washington exclusively for the sake of Ukraine. "This shows that we have built such relations with Europe, such support for Ukraine, and there has never been anything like what we have achieved with Europe for Ukraine now," Zelenskyyy summed up. HOLLY RIDGE, La. More than three millennia ago, indigenous people built a massive ceremonial mound a few miles from here, an engineering marvel called Poverty Point and one of the oldest known building projects in North America. Today, this is ground zero for what may prove a defining feature of the 21st centurys landscape. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is constructing a gargantuan, $10 billion data center that tech executives, lawmakers, and business leaders say will bring much-needed prosperity to this rural area in northeast Louisiana. Set to be operational by 2030, the project has also disturbed local homeowners and drawn opposition from environmental and government activists who worry that it will suck up vast resources, especially water and energy, from surrounding communities. As tech companies plan to build more data centers around the country to fuel the boom in artificial intelligence, this massive project provides a window into the issues swirling around what many see as the next phase of the digital revolution. Metas Hyperion project in Richland Parish will be the companys biggest in a constellation of 28 centers across 19 states, Europe, and Singapore. With tech giants investing heavily in AI, it is estimated that the current crop of more than 5,000 U.S. data centers, which first sprouted to handle cloud computing, represent just half of what will be needed as AI brings radical change to computing, education, medicine, and other fields by mid-century. Mark Zuckerberg has dubbed 2025 the defining year of AI. Already, millions of Americans have signed up for various AI programs, such as ChatGPT (Microsoft) or Grok (Elon Musk) or Meta AI, and last month, the Trump administration released an American AI Action Plan. Meta co-founder Mark Zuckerberg has dubbed 2025 the defining year of AI, and, as if to prove it, his company is spending $65 billion this year building out its platform. Although AI is not producing the profits Wall Street craves, Meta, the parent of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and other big tech stocks continue to soar. Just as cloud computing services have become major profit generators for Amazon, Apple, Meta, and others, AI is expected to bring billions into individual and corporate accounts. AIs Energy Appetite Whether AI becomes the amoral killer of the human race, as Hollywood and many futurists have envisioned, or improves the lives of billions of people, as its champions insist, there is no disputing that data centers are insatiable in their power demands. The high-tech warehouses require energy to operate millions of GPU servers stacked in rows that stretch out like banks of speakers at a Rolling Stones concert, as well as their futuristic air conditioning and water-cooling systems. By 2028, the centers, which are also known as hyperscalers, are expected to consume 12% of all U.S. energy, or more than California, Florida, and New Jersey combined. The scale of the operation here is immense. At the moment, Hyperion sprawls over 2,250 acres, but eventually it is expected to cover six square miles of the flat American plain that begins on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Holly Ridge is so small its population is not listed in the most recent census, but the data center plot here could contain Heathrow International Airport. The centers also require lakes of water. As the servers run nonstop, they are sometimes surrounded by a network of cooling tubes and towers of chilled water to absorb heat. In some cases, the servers even sit in a pool of liquid that absorbs heat. A Meta data center in Georgia that is much smaller than Hyperion uses around 500,000 gallons of water each day, and residents near data centers have reported issues with their homes water systems, according to a New York Times report last month. Data center cooling systems require vast amounts of water. AP Holly Ridge's operation will need more than 1 million gallons of water daily, according to a RealClearInvestigations estimate. That has raised concerns among environmental groups like the Sierra Clubs Delta chapter. We dont believe it is sustainable, the Sierra Clubs Angelle Bradford told RCI. Our farmers in the area are concerned. Meta disputed Bradfords assertion, saying Hyperion will use a closed-loop system, and that the company will disclose its water use annually, although Meta does so in the aggregate, making it difficult to determine what each individual hyperscaler uses. Meta says at no point will the local water table be imperiled. The Richland Parish Data Center will use little to no water during the majority of the year, a Meta spokesperson said. We anticipate the data center may use less water than the sites previous agricultural use. In a sign of the distrust that surrounds such massive projects, the Sierra Club disputes that claim. They are not using a closed cycle with water, Bradford said. The projects backers say Louisiana is not called the Bayou State for nothing. Given the roughly 56 inches of annual rainfall in the states northeast, water should be plentiful. Michael Echols, a Republican state representative from Ouachita Parish, which adjoins Richland, said he is convinced there is sufficient water in the area now. If need be, Echols adds, Meta could have an endless supply by building a pipeline to the Mississippi River some 50 miles to the east an idea that Bradford and others find impracticable. Then there is the energy required to support such an undertaking. Take the tens of thousands of air conditioners blasting in New Orleans on a mid-August day and double that demand for Hyperions use, or 2.26 megawatts daily. The electricity is expected to be provided by Entergy, which this month urged state regulators to fast-track construction of three new gas-powered plants. Meta, which received major tax breaks when picking the Richland Parish site, has agreed to a 15-year power supply contract with Entergy, while also promising to match what it uses with renewable energy. Meta has promised to bring on "at least 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy" to power the data center. A Meta spokesperson said it was working closely with Entergy to bring on at least 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy, or the equivalent of the data centers needs. In addition, the company has said it will contribute $1 million annually to Entergys customer assistance program. Entergy did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Such voracious energy consumption bothers some groups that are concerned about global warming and the potential impact on residential electricity bills. Given gas plants like those Entergy is building have a 30-year lifespan, Metas deal will only cover half of that time, according to the Alliance for Affordable Energy, opening the door to rate increases after 15 years. Its hard to understand or believe the numbers Meta and Entergy are using, Alliance Executive Director Logan Burke said. We have seen this happen with data centers in Georgia, Virginia, and Ohio, where the cost of electricity absolutely goes up as a result of all this. Virginia ratepayers have indeed seen increases since data centers began to crop up, an RCI analysis of the area showed. In April, Dominion Energy proposed substantial rate spikes that would increase costs for residential customers in Virginia by an average of $10 per month. Halcyon, a data platform that uses AI to analyze energy information from all 50 states, confirms that rates have been on the rise in Virginia and elsewhere. But its not clear those increases are because of data centers, Halcyons Jeff Fisher told RCI. Dominion noted this would mark its first increase in basic rates since 1992, and a more than 7.5% increase in Virginias population between 2010 and 2020 means supply and demand pressures would raise rates. Based on the information we've collected, there is legitimacy to the Alliance's concerns, but I'm not seeing any causal evidence that consumers are actually paying more due to data centers, Fisher said. That doesn't mean that they arent, just that the information that we have doesn't explicitly demonstrate it. Dan Golding, a former Google executive who is now a partner with data center consulting firm ASG in Virginia, bristled at the idea that they are to blame for higher rates. He cited power companies profits and the loss of other plants as more likely culprits. The other big reason is that with the planned shutdown of coal and nuclear-powered plants and their replacement by gas and eventually small modular reactors, the large transmission lines have to shift end-point locations, he said. That is extremely expensive. The Job Promise Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry hailed Metas selection of Holly Ridge as the site for its massive project. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and state business development agencies hailed Metas selection of the Holly Ridge site when it was announced last December. At the same time, Entergy said it would spend $3 billion building the three new power plants, two near the site and another near the capital in Baton Rouge. The combined operation would bring some 5,000 construction jobs and 500 permanent jobs at the data center and 300 more at the power plants, according to the companies and the government. Hyperion jobs will pay an average of $75,000, which is 150% of the median salary in the area, according to a recent report from Grow NELA, a Monroe, La., consulting firm. Just what those jobs might be at centers that whir 24/7 remains unclear. At a minimum, they will need round-the-clock elite security, skilled electricians, air conditioning operators, engineers, and some tech wizards, most of whom must be available in three to four shifts, according to Golding, who said the idea that a data center only needs a handful of unskilled workers is incorrect. I guarantee you that all these people raising concerns about data centers have never set foot in one and dont know the first thing about how it works, he said. Grow NELA President Rob Cleveland said that to some degree, were going on faith regarding the centers economic impact. But he added that there are already tangible benefits and anticipates a pronounced positive impact throughout northeast Louisiana. The study commissioned by Grow NELA puts construction wages at more than $1.2 billion, of which $240 million is expected to go to local residents. The state should realize some $160 million in new sales taxes during the first five years, and nearly $62 million more in income tax, according to Grow NELA estimates. The project will also create many non-local jobs including for those who design, build, program, and use the massive servers. I have never felt for one moment Meta was trying to take advantage of the local community, Cleveland said. People have no concept of what this will do for our communities, especially as before, you couldnt find Holly Ridge on a map. My own land value has already doubled, and I cant put a dollar amount on what its worth to have Mark Zuckerberg talking about our community for months now. In all cases, Meta said it picks data center locations that are shovel-ready sites that offer excellent access to fiber and a robust electric grid with access to reliable and renewable energy resources, and a strong pool of talent for both construction and operations staff. Construction of the Meta's Richland Parish Data Center has increased truck traffic and dust in Holly Ridge, La. To better understand the economic impact of data centers, RCI surveyed facilities in Virginia, where, since 1992, about 200 of them have sprouted within 100 miles of Washington, D.C. Today, there are another 117 under active development, continuing a pace that has seen one under construction every day for the past 14 years in Loudoun County, Virginia. This modern tech forest has brought an estimated 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income and $9.1 billion in GDP to Virginias economy annually, a state commission found in 2024. A typical 250,000 square foot data center in the state employs some 50 skilled workers, and a construction force of up to 1,500 spends 12 to 18 months building them. Metas Louisiana facility dwarfs those currently operating in Old Dominion, but the figures used by the company, Grow NELA, and others seem accurate if one extrapolates from Virginias experience. This is a critical facility and its phenomenally complicated, Golding, the consultant, said. Youre going to need IT technicians, super security, youre going to have to spend millions over the years stacking up teams of people. The Great Unknown At the moment, the shining future looks dirty. Just a few days before classes begin at Holly Ridge Elementary School, the air above the former corn and soybean fields was shot through with a fine, rust colored dust that arises from dozens of massive Caterpillar earth movers and dump trucks that crawl across the site. Construction cranes and freshly cut phone poles line the western side, and on the eastern squat, huge piles of dirt look like Mesopotamian ruins. Truck traffic on the freshly paved highways running along the eastern and southern sides is rumbling and nonstop. Some Richland Parish residents many who live in modest homes and trailer parks on the farmland surrounding the construction site, where church steeples can be seen from miles across the flat land - are wary of this modern tech wave. The hubbub, disruption, and congestion, and even the brave new future itself, have them expressing apprehension. A town filled with small homes and trailer parks, economic relief and rising property values could be a welcome change in Holly Ridge. I think theres some concerns just in the change; people are nervous about all the unknowns, said Larry Morris, who said his tire company in nearby Rayville has already seen a sizable boost in sales. A lot of people are having trouble wrapping their heads around something this big. Meta is spending $200 million on infrastructure improvements, including roads, water systems, and housing. However, one resident noted that the improvements have actually increased her commute time to Holly Ridge Elementary School, now taking her three times longer on a freshly paved road. The population in Richland and surrounding parishes is about 57% white and 37% black, and a majority of residents have high school diplomas with some college credit, according to the Grow NELA study. About one in four residents receive food stamps, with slightly less about 20% living on the poverty line. Several residents said their concerns have been heightened by what they consider the silence surrounding the project. There were no town hall meetings and no public notices to provide information or give locals a voice in the sea change coming to their lives. The Sierra Clubs Bradford characterized the situation as one that lacks clarity. Local critics who accuse Meta and Entergy of being too secretive point to redacted portions of the various contracts. Earlier this month, at an administrative law hearing in Baton Rouge, activists and reporters were frustrated that they were removed for considerable portions of the hearing due to executive session rules. Several residents, all of whom expressed some fear of Meta and political figures and requested anonymity, told RCI they would be interested in selling their homes and land. Others said they are reluctant to leave the only area they have ever known. One woman said she owns roughly 70 acres near the data center site. An offer has been made to her for that property she quoted a price of $55,000 an acre which would leave her a millionaire several times over. But the family has lived there for decades and does not want to move. Such uncertainty is understandable in a community that has been largely unruffled by change for decades, Rep. Echols said. But he and others said Richland Parish is getting with the times. Id rather be hopeful about future progress than terrified about future poverty, he said. RealClears Lincoln Patience contributed to this report. Somalia is a sovereign state, a member of the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the East African Economic Community. Its borders are internationally recognized and protected under international law, including the UN Charter and the AUs founding principle of respecting post-colonial boundaries. Proposals to partition Somalia contradict these principles and threaten to destabilize not only Somalia but the wider continent. Somalia is often misrepresented as another case of contested statehood. In reality, it is one of the few countries where citizens share a common language, religion, and culture. Somalis are bound through deep genealogical ties that extend across the very territory some now seek to divide. The civil war that devastated the country was not rooted in ethnic or religious difference, but in competition for power and resources. The grievances that followed, including those voiced in the north, are political and can be resolved within a united Somali framework. That framework is gradually being rebuilt. Over the past decade, the Federal Government has worked with regions and communities to establish autonomous administrations that reflect local needs while remaining part of the national structure. In 2025, after extensive consultations, residents of Sool and Sanaag chose to form the new federal member state of the North Eastern State, reaffirming their decision to remain within Somalia. Their choice underscores an often-overlooked truth: many northern communities reject partition and seek solutions within a united republic. That truth was violently tested in 2023, when Somaliland forces launched a military campaign against communities in the northeast that resisted their authority, displacing more than 200,000 civilians. Far from demonstrating consensus, this violence revealed the opposite: Somaliland is not monolithic. Communities from Awdal to Sool, Sanaag, regions have consistently opposed secession, regarding it not as a national aspiration but as the project of a single dominant clan. For Somalias international partners, especially the United States, understanding this reality is essential, not only because it corrects the distorted picture often seen abroad, but also because the stakes extend far beyond Somali politics. Counterterrorism operations depend on close Somali cooperation, including drone strikes, joint missions, and basing arrangements. Endorsing, or imposing, partition in favor of a secessionist movement representing only a small minority would fracture these efforts, complicate intelligence sharing, and weaken the Somali National Army at a moment when unity is most critical in the fight against al-Shabaab and ISIS. Partition, far from resolving conflict, would reignite and deepen it by hardening political grievances into identity divisions that cannot be bargained away. Beyond Somalia, it would embolden separatist movements across Africa and erode the African Unions cornerstone principle of preserving post-colonial borders. Some cite governance differences as justification, but good administration alone is not a basis for sovereigntyand the disparities between Somali regions are far less stark than often claimed. The collapse of South Sudan after independence offers a sobering reminder that statehood without consensus produces instability rather than peace. The Federal Government of Somalia believes grievances must be addressed through dialogue, not division. Our federal system provides a framework for wide autonomy, accountability, and self-governance without sacrificing national unity. This is why Somalia recognized the SSC-Khaatumo administration (now North Eastern State) and welcomed its peoples decision to remain within the Somali Republic. The Prime Ministers recent visit to Las Anod, accompanied by the release of 25 prisoners, demonstrates our commitment to reconciliation and inclusive peacebuilding. Meanwhile, Somalias international partnerships are delivering results. In 2025 alone, Somali and U.S. forces carried out dozens of successful operations against al-Shabaab. This cooperation reflects a shared understanding: a secure and unified Somalia is vital for regional stability and global counterterrorism. A fractured Somalia, by contrast, would give extremists more space to operate, weaken intelligence coordination, and divert resources from shared priorities. We also welcome the recent statement by the U.S. President reaffirming support for Somalias unity and warning against hostile actors seeking to destabilize the Horn of Africa. His remarks highlight a broader truth: Somalias territorial integrity is central to any effective allied strategy in this region. Somalia is not yet whole, but it is healing. We are building a democratic, federal republic that represents all Somalis. The path forward lies not in fragmentation, but in strengthening the institutions of unity. Borders alone cannot secure peaceonly Somalis, working together, can. Dahir Hassan Abdi is the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the United States. A Decisive Moment for Libyas Transition For more than fourteen years, Libya has been an open arena for international political experiments, marked by rotating initiatives, missions, and temporary agreements that have failed to produce lasting stability or institutions capable of enforcing the rule of law. This prolonged phase has not been merely the product of internal divisions; it is the cumulative result of international approaches that prioritized managing crises over resolving them, and procedural formalities over measurable results. Such conditions allowed parallel power networkscombining illicit economic resources with armed capabilitiesto penetrate state institutions, eroding centralized decision-making. The outcome has been the prolongation of the transitional phase and the entrenchment of a fragile political reality in which instability perpetuates itself. Recent regional experience shows that implementable solutions do not necessarily start as long-term frameworks, but derive their value from their ability to create a moment of agreement that can shift the trajectory of conflict. In this context, the U.S.-brokered agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda illustrates how swift understandings and direct agreements can deliver short-term political breakthroughs and reset security and economic priorities, even if structurally fragile. This approachcombining decisive political pressure with investment incentivesis particularly relevant to Libya, where targeted, politically-backed agreements could recalibrate the equation and open a path toward measurable stability. In recent years, Libya has undergone a strategic shift away from exclusive reliance on open-ended UN-led processes toward direct understandings with capable regional actors. Within this framework, the Government of National Unity has developed a strategic plan with partners such as Turkey, Italy, and Qatar to reduce irregular migration through strengthened border enforcement, advanced technical tools, rapid return mechanisms, and dismantling smuggling networks on both shores of the Mediterranean. This plan is more than a security response; it is a broader vision to transform Libya from an unregulated transit point into a platform for security and economic cooperation that delivers measurable results and offers a regional model combining deterrence with development. At the heart of this vision lies a clear strategic triad: consolidating legitimate state authority by unifying and strengthening security forces under a single command; combating the parallel economy and illicit networks that undermine investment and trust; and activating justice and governance institutions to ensure accountability and transparency. These are not political slogans but essential preconditions for any transition to a profitable and effective Libya and the foundation for productive partnerships with the United States or other allies. From Enforceable Sovereignty to Economic Opportunity Economically, the government has set out a $70 billion partnership vision spanning energy, minerals, infrastructure, and Mediterranean trade. This vision is already taking shape, notably through the National Oil Corporations MoU with ExxonMobil for strategic energy projects and the $235 million offshore development contract for structures A and E signed with U.S.-based Hill International. These projects send strong market signals, link Libya to global supply chains, and prove that enforceable sovereignty can directly translate into job-creating, growth-generating opportunitiesdelivering measurable returns for the U.S. economy while reinforcing Libyas sovereign foundations. The government has also demonstrated crisis management through the Return of Life plan launched in 2021, addressing liquidity shortages, electricity outages, and security improvements. Security sector reforms have included disarming unlawful militias, dismantling illicit financial networks, and integrating former combatants into official institutions under unified commandreducing violence and enabling the Ministries of Defense and Interior to perform their sovereign duties effectively. Diplomatically, this vision has been advanced through direct engagement in Washington, producing agreements to open new avenues for energy, investment, and security cooperation; reinvest assets of the Libyan Investment Authority frozen for 14 years; establish a bipartisan U.S.Libya parliamentary framework; reduce irregular migration; expand gas and energy partnerships to strengthen European energy security; and deepen intelligence cooperation against terrorism. Delivering Measurable Wins for Peace, Security, and Prosperity Our vision for Libyas partnership with the United States is defined by tangible, trackable outcomes. It is a relationship built to deliver measurable wins for peace, security, and prosperity in the Mediterranean from reducing irregular migration flows and dismantling criminal networks, to expanding energy supplies for allied markets and fostering sustainable economic growth. These are results that can be quantified, communicated, and built upon, turning diplomatic commitments into concrete achievements on the ground. Supporting Libyas sovereignty, fostering national consensus, and acting decisively against spoilers can pave the way for a historic peace agreement credited to the U.S. administration after fourteen years of division and instability. This peace would be the product of a pathway linking security with development, giving Libya lasting stability and providing a real-world example of how decisive field action and implementable political agreements can converge into a single achievement. This is not an idealistic appeal but a proposal for a results-based partnership: Libya does not seek U.S. forces or direct federal funding, but offers secure commercial deals that generate contracts and jobs for U.S. companies and workers, while advancing energy security, reducing irregular migration, and positioning Libya at the heart of regional stability as a bridge between Africa and Europe, a reliable energy source, and a post-conflict reconstruction model. Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh is Libya's Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity Photo: https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the information that the Russian Federation would occupy the entire territory of the Donetsk region by the end of the year "chatter" and added that it would take the enemy another four years to do so. At a meeting with journalists, the president explained that the Russian Federation occupied all of Crimea and a third of the Donetsk region without a full-scale war, and after the war began, the Russian Federation occupied about a third more. "Now, in general, they hold about 67-69%. That is, we are saying that for almost 4 years of a full-scale war, they occupied a third of the Donetsk region. And that is why I explained that the stories that they will occupy our Donbas by the end of the year are all chatter. That is, they need another four years to occupy our Donbas," Zelenskyy said. He also emphasized that the Russians will not receive the Sumy region, since they will not be able to hold the areas in the border area where they are now. "In today's realities, it is a matter of time - a few months - and they will not be in the Sumy region," the president added. "I also believe that in the long term - I don't want a military perspective - but they won't get the Kharkiv region. And talking about the Mykolaiv region, that they are ready to give us the Kinburn Spit... They only need it to block the sea for us," the head of state noted. In addition, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine does not legally recognize the occupation of the temporarily occupied territories. After decades of indoctrinating Palestinian children with Jew-hatred, the Palestinian desire to erase Israel from the map has become a fact of life. As such, for current generations, there is no longer any space for serious discussion about a sovereign Palestinian state. The 2005 Israeli disengagement from Gaza was billed as a test case for peace. The Palestinians failed. Just as Israel alone can wage war to free its hostages and topple Hamas, President Trump, as leader of the free world, is best positioned to press Western allies to abandon plans for recognizing Palestine plans that prolong suffering and reward terrorism. In the abstract, resolving the war in Gaza should be straightforward: An invading force attacked a sovereign nation. The aggressor was repelled but took hundreds of hostages, resulting in a counterattack to return those kidnapped and defeat the invading force. If Hamas lays down its arms and releases the hostages, the war ends. It should be that simple. But tragically (and predictably), for Hamas, this war is not about people and certainly not about Israeli hostages to Palestinian terrorists, both are expendable necessities. Hamas is, first and foremost, a fanatical religious movement built on two tenets that many Western leaders refuse to confront. That failure has led to policies such as the planned recognitions that prolong the conflict. Their first tenet is the complete eradication of the Jewish state; their second tenet is do whatever it takes to achieve the first. Neither point is up for reasonable debate. The atrocities of October 7, captured on Hamass own cameras, showed the world that terrorism, rape, the use of human shields, torture, and the weaponization of food are all justified means to the end. Israels destruction, and nothing less, is what Palestinian terrorists endeavored to set into motion on October 7. For Hamas, the Jewish states cardinal sin is her very existence. And all the pseudo-socialist Western leaders who ignore this truth, while threatening Israel with recognition of Palestine and clamoring about coexistence, are acting in both a dangerous and fundamentally unserious manner. When Europeans bend their knee to Palestinian terrorists, they are not promoting peace but indulging in domestic antisemitism emboldening extremists while civilians on both sides continue to suffer. For Israel and her true allies, it is unconscionable to reward with a sovereign nation, no less those who celebrated relatives who raped, murdered, and kidnapped their way through southern Israel, just as some did on 9/11. And should the recognitions proceed, they will be met with a flick of the wrist from Jerusalem and should be met with condemnation from Washington. Palestinian leaders may wave the proverbial flag of victory, and their allies may send out verbose press releases, but not a single fact on the ground will shift so much as a hairsbreadth. Such recognitions will be hollow, serving only to prolong the conflict by selling Palestinians a false fantasy and diminishing the geopolitical influence of those nations whose actions, in this context, are tantamount to declaring the world flat. While even now, in the wake of the October 7 horrors, most Israelis seek peace with their neighbors, the vast majority of Israelis do not believe such peace is possible. Israel knows her enemy more intimately than do Hamass allies in Washington or its sympathizers in Paris, Canberra, and London. Jerusalem knows that from Hamass ideological perspective the only acceptable outcome is death. Consequently, international opinion and lofty dictates will have no impact on Israels efforts to prevent another invasion. After decades of terror being ignored, glossed over, and justified by an international community more interested in virtue signaling than in human life, Jerusalem will never again allow the diplomatic double standard for Palestine to put her citizens in harms way. Aside from Hamas and its ilk, everyone wants to end the forever wars in the Middle East. President Trump has shown he has what it takes to do exactly that and by condemning our allies plans for Palestine and underscoring the consequences of their moral bankruptcy, he can help bring this conflict to a close. Sandra Parker is the Chairwoman of the Christians United for Israel Action Fund. The Television Critics Association announced their award winners on Wednesday. Members announced winners and winners recorded acceptance speeches in videos shared across TCA social media channels. ADVERTISEMENT The Pitt was awarded Program of the Year, Outstanding New Program, Outstanding Achievement in Drama and Noah Wyle was awarded Individual Achievement in Drama. Wyle acknowledged his longstanding relationship with television critics going back to ER, from the set of how new ER on the HBO Max medical drama. "I've known a lot of you for a long time," Wyle said. "You've written some lovely things about me through the years and about my shows, especially this one. Thank you for your continued support. I hope you enjoy Season 2." Kathy Bates won the Career Achievement Award. Though the award recognized Bates' television work from All My Children to recent work on Harry's Law and American Horror Story, Bates focused on her current work on Matlock, in a video from the set of its second season. "I accept this accolade on behalf of all of us," Bates said. "It has been my absolute joy to play Maddie Matlock. This complex and challenging role that Jennie Snyder Urman wrote continues to be a remarkable journey." The historic family program Sesame Street won this year's Heritage Award. The show also won Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming for its recent season. The Studio was awarded Outstanding Achievement in Comedy. Bridget Everett won Individual Achievement in Comedy for Somebody Somewhere, which concluded with its third season. "The show is very personal and the process of making it was a vulnerable one," Everett said in her video to the TCA. "You all have made me feel seen and accepted." FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! The docuseries Pee-wee As Himself won Outstanding Achievement in News and Information. SNL50: The Anniversary Special won Outstanding Achievement in Variety, Talk or Sketch. The Traitors won Outstanding Achievement in Reality. Doctor Who won Outstanding Achievement in Family Program for the second year in a row. The Television Critics Association is made up of 235 journalists across the U.S. and Canada covering television. Fred Topel is a member of the TCA. 'The law under the guise of security represents a grave and unnecessary expansion of State power at the cost of fundamental rights,' asserts Aakar Patel. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Governor C P Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance candidate for the vice presidency, August 18, 2025. Photograph: @CMOMaharashtra X/ANI Photo We celebrated Independence Day this month, the culmination of our freedom struggle. Independence and freedom from what? From alien rule and from oppressive laws -- no matter who imposes them on us. The governor of Maharashtra, C P Radhakrishnan, was examining a legislation passed by the state called the 'Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill'. I have written to the governor, on behalf of Amnesty International India, and asked him to not sign it and instead to deny his assent. Framed as a countermeasure against those who have come to be called 'urban naxals', the Bill threatens Constitutionally and internationally protected human rights. Naxalism is seen as a decades-old rural and communist-inspired movement. 'Urban naxalism' in the present discussion presumably refers to alleged support for this movement by intellectuals, academics and others. The term 'urban naxalism' has no legal definition in Indian law. With its vague language, discriminatory focus, absence of judicial oversight, and high potential for misuse, the Bill risks criminalising legitimate dissent in one of our largest states. The Bill introduces vague, overboard, and ideologically biased provisions that pose an immediate threat to international and Constitutionally protected rights and will criminalize dissent in the state. As may be expected, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asserted that the law will not be used to suppress government critics. However, if the term 'urban naxalism' has no legal definition in India, then what is it? It is a rhetorical and politically charged phrase -- popularised in media and political discourse, not jurisprudence. Its very vagueness allows it to be weaponised against civil society, often conflating peaceful dissent with sedition or terrorism. There is a troubling precedent. The Bhima Koregaon case, in which 16 activists were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act UAPA, demonstrates how this label has been used to detain individuals for years without trial. Many of those accused were not linked to any act of violence, but merely to the expression of critical views, advocacy for marginalised communities, or the defense of civil liberties. Notably, the arrests began in 2018 during Fadnavis' earlier tenure as chief minister. Seven years later, trials have yet to commence, bail remains denied to six of the activists, and one of the accused, Father Stan Swamy, died in custody. The urban naxal narrative has dangerously blurred the line between non-violent political opposition and violent extremism. Such conflation is not only incompatible with India's Constitutional values but also violates its international legal obligations. The law has other troubling elements, such as discrimination. Its opening paragraphs identify 'Left Wing Extremist organisations or similar organisations' as its focus. This singles out ideologies for criminalisation and violates Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees equal protection under the law regardless of political opinion, and which India is a signatory to. Punishing membership to an organisation solely based on ideas without proof of incitement of or participation in violence is also violative of Indians' rights. The law defines 'unlawful activity' using imprecise and subjective terms such as 'menace to public order' or 'tendency to interfere with the administration of law'. These definitions could encompass peaceful protest or civil disobedience, the foundational elements of our freedom struggle. Section 3 empowers the executive to declare organisations 'unlawful', with no provision for prompt and impartial judicial review. The advisory board tasked with reviewing such declarations comprises only government appointees, meaning they will be kangaroo courts. Sections in the law permitting searches and seizures based on an officer's 'opinion' or 'personal knowledge' strip away judicial safeguards and open the door to arbitrary action. This violates the rights guaranteeing fair trial and due process in searches, protecting individuals against unlawful interference with one's home, property, and privacy. Section 14 prohibits appeals, while Section 17 provides blanket immunity to government officials, even in cases of abuse. Such clauses eliminate accountability. As has become the fashion, colonial style oppression on jailing people is present in this law also. Section 15 renders all offences under the Bill non-bailable and cognisable, despite the vagueness of their definitions. This facilitates prolonged pre-trial detention without judicial scrutiny. On top of everything else, the law isn't needed: India already possess very restrictive counterterrorism and criminal laws, including the UAPA, MCOCA, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which criminalise the same or similar alleged conduct. The new Bill adds another weapon to suppress dissent, turning the legal process itself into punishment and further eroding civil liberties. If signed and enforced, the law under the guise of security represents a grave and unnecessary expansion of State power at the cost of fundamental rights. Far from safeguarding Maharashtra, it criminaliSes dissent, debate, and accountability. The misuse of vague terms like 'urban naxal' has already caused immense harm. Assenting to this Bill would legitimiSe a framework that enables abuse and impunity over justice. This is why I have urged the governor, with the utmost respect, to withhold assent to the Bill. The observation Independence Day should not be restricted to the symbolism of flag raising and saluting and long speeches. What should be observed is our continuing commitment to freedom, the protection of civil liberties, the preservation of human rights and access to justice. This law is a violation of all of these and for this reason one hopes it is not inflicted on Indians. Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'Anyone they don't like can be potentially arrested and thrown in jail for 30 days to induce regime change.' IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah responds to Opposition charges while tabling the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, August 20, 2025. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab As Parliament erupted over the sudden introduction of the controversial 130th Constitution Amendment Bill, which allows for unseating a prime minister, chief ministers and ministers after 30 days of detention in a criminal case, a growing chorus of concern has emerged outside as well -- not only from Opposition benches but also from legal experts, civil society, and independent political observers. At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental question: Can morality in public life be legislated without endangering the principles of democracy, due process, and individual liberty? To explore this complex question, Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff spoke with Upendra M Pradhan, Darjeeling-based political analyst and Editor-at-Large at the Darjeeling Chronicle news portal. In this wide-ranging conversation, Pradhan recalls history -- from the misuse of Section 66A of the IT Act to authoritarian legacy of the 39th Amendment under Indira Gandhi -- to argue that the 130th Constitutional Amendment risks becoming a tool for regime change rather than a mechanism for accountability. He cautions against undermining the foundational legal principle of "innocent until proven guilty," warning that morality enforced by law often masks a deeper political intent. Part one of a two-part interview. What is your objection to the 130th Constitution Amendment Bill? I don't have objections per se. But knowing India and Indian politics the way I do, I am fearful such laws could be misused, if not today, then definitely in the future some day. It's like having a new car sitting in the garage -- even if the owner doesn't feel like driving it today, someone else may be tempted to drive it. Section 66A of the IT Act came into effect in 2009. Before it was struck down in 2015, around 681 cases were filed under it. Even after the scrapping, 1,307 more cases were registered illegally until recent years. If a law exists, the government of the day will be tempted to impose it, and that is what worries me. Although jurisprudence dictates 'innocent till proven guilty', don't you think the political leadership, like Caesar's wife, must be held to higher moral standards? See, we expect those in public life to be amenable to higher levels of probity. However, in Indian politics, it is known for higher-ups and even agencies/higher bureaucracy to file fake cases against those they don't like. What's the guarantee that all the accused are guilty, and if one is not proven guilty, why should they be sidelined? Why do you think the government has suddenly brought up this bill out of the blue? One name stands out -- Arvind Kejriwal. India is governed as much by conventions as the Constitution. It has been a convention that anyone accused of major crime will resign to allow for a fair probe. Lalu Prasad Yadav resigned as Bihar CM so did Amit Shah when he was Gujarat home minister. But Kejriwal continued to run the CM's office, which set a very bad precedent and also was against all norms of decency. Since a Constitution Amendment Bill requires a two-thirds majority, which the government currently lacks, do you think this bill can actually be passed? India is a democratic country where the votes inside Parliament reflect the will of the people outside too. In a world super-connected through social media, it is very easy for the people to perceive anyone opposing the bill as being 'corrupt' or 'trying to shield the corrupt'. Hence, if it comes to voting on such a bill, majority of the political parties will be keeping their ears close to the ground. If public opinion is leaning towards supporting the bill, they will vote for it. If the people are in a 'we don't care' mode, almost all political parties including NDA members, may actually end up not voting for it. The real question is, can the government generate enough public opinion in favour of the bill? With morality in politics largely ignored today, doesn't this bill go some distance in restoring it by holding political leaders accountable for their actions? India is known to resist anything that's imposed. The Emergency of 1975 is an example. You cannot impose morality by the force of law. It has to be inculcated through education -- right from pre-nursery levels, and through positive role models. When Prime Minister Modi said 'na khaunga, na khane dunga' people were hopeful the much needed era of change is here. It's been 11 years, actual, on the ground change is yet to come. The 39th Amendment initiated by Indira Gandhi's government gave the prime minister immunity. How does this compare to the 130th Amendment? If the 39th Amendment was about protect the actions of the executive against judicial scrutiny, the 130th Amendment has the risk of being a 'rule by remand' tool. Both the amendments go against the fundamentals of 'rule of law' -- everyone is equal in the eyes of law, and no one is above the law. The 130th Constitutional Amendment risks placing power in the hands of the PM/CM/bureaucracy, through agencies like ED/CBI/CID/state police. Anyone they don't like can be potentially arrested and thrown in jail for 30 days to induce regime change. 'There are cases of suicides, and middle-class families losing their entire family savings.' IMAGE: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw speaks in the Lok Sabha, August 20, 2025. Photograph: Sansad TV/Video Grab/ANI Photo The government's attempts at engaging with the gaming industry to create solutions, such as a self-regulatory body or transparency in algorithms, so that rising instances of addiction to online real money games could be curbed, did not yield any results over the past three-four years, Union Minister for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw tells Aashish Aryan/ Business Standard in an exclusive interview. What is the government's intent behind the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025? The online gaming sector comprises three segments, namely e-sports, online social gaming, and real-money games. Of these three, the Bill aims to promote two segments of e-sports and social gaming. We would like to make India a game-making hub. The country's creative energies, cultural richness, technological and design capabilities will be harnessed in the first and second segments. There are very significant harmful effects on society because of online real money games. There are cases of suicides, and middle-class families losing their entire family savings. It is a serious menace that all parties across political ideologies have been flagging. Therefore, we have brought this Bill. Did the government make any attempts to work with the gaming industry on these issues? Our attempts at engaging with the industry, creating a self-regulatory body, making sure the addiction is contained, and there is some transparency as far as the algorithms of the gaming companies are concerned did not yield any results in the past three-four years. It is important that we save society from these harmful effects while promoting the positive aspects of online gaming. What steps will be taken to promote e-sports and social gaming sectors? We would like to promote e-sports and social gaming very actively, which is why, through the Bill, we are creating an authority which will oversee and promote these sectors. We have taken steps to establish the first Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai. More IICTs will be established on the lines of the IITs and IIMs so that the creative energies of our youth can be channelised into the creative economy. That is the method by which we are promoting the positive part of the online gaming sector. Will this Bill also impact gamers who play or have been playing these games? People who are affected by online real-money games are victims, so there is no liability on them under this Bill. Advertisers of online real-money games, and those who provide services of financial transactions for such games have a liability for sure. There is also liability on those who provide these online real-money gaming services but as such no liability on gamers. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Hubei Media Group: We noted that Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded his visit to Afghanistan. Could you share more details with us? Mao Ning: On August 20, Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Afghanistan. He met with Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, had talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and attended the sixth China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers Dialogue. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China advocates equality among all countries regardless of size and that all countries should treat each other as equals and work for mutually beneficial cooperation. The world should not make the rich richer and the poor poorer. All countries, including Afghanistan, have the right to thrive and prosper. China pursues a foreign policy of friendship towards all Afghan people. We respect the Afghan peoples choice and support the Afghan government in exercising prudent governance, focusing on development, firmly combating terrorism, and growing friendly ties with its neighbors to realize lasting peace and security. Since the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers Dialogue resumed in 2022, the dialogue has produced positive results. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China stands ready to work with the other two countries to deepen good-neighborliness and mutual trust and understand and support each other on issues concerning each others core interests. The three sides need to have closer exchanges at various levels and consolidate strategic mutual trust. China supports Afghanistan and Pakistan in improving bilateral relations, deepening the integration of interests, properly handling differences through dialogue and consultation, and striving for steady and long-term trilateral cooperation. The three sides agree to make full use of the dialogue, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and promote peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region. Prensa Latina: U.S. warships are patrolling the Caribbean Sea near Venezuelas coast and have warned they may use force on the excuse of fighting drugs. Presidents from Latin America and the Caribbean denounced these actions as a violation of regional peace and security. Would you share your opinion on this matter? Mao Ning: China opposes any move that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and a countrys sovereignty and security. We oppose the use or threat of force in international relations and the interference of external forces in Venezuelas internal affairs under any pretext. We hope that the United States will do more things conducive to peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Shenzhen TV: We noted that China recently released the economic data for July, in which foreign trade was a highlight, with import and export of goods hitting a new high this year. Comments say that the continued growth of Chinas foreign trade speaks to the extensive global recognition of Chinese goods, and this will continue to drive the growth of Chinas economy. However, other analysis shows that the tariff war and other external risks have dealt a blow to global trade and mounted pressure on Chinas export market. What is your comment? Mao Ning: Despite the complex and volatile external environment, Chinas foreign trade has continued to perform well. That reflects the strong resilience of Chinas economy and booming global demand for Chinese products. This is the combined result of Chinas effort to expand high-standard opening up, promote high-quality development, and improve and upgrade industries. Facts have proven that international trade based on comparative advantages enables common development and benefits all parties. Chinas quality products are popular around the world and its diversified and stable market is favored by many. This is not something that could be changed by tariff or trade wars. China will continue to share its development opportunities with other countries through open cooperation for win-win results. AFP: A new report by New Zealands security service has accused China of being the most active country engaged in foreign interference in New Zealand. Does the Foreign Ministry have a response to this report? Mao Ning: In recent years, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service has repeatedly spread disinformation, groundlessly framed and attacked China, smeared the normal friendly exchanges between various sectors of the two countries, and harassed and intimidated Chinese people in New Zealand, which shows relevant agencys ideological bias and Cold War mentality. This does no good to mutual trust and runs counter to the two countries consensus of enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges. China deplores and opposes it. We urge relevant agency in New Zealand to stop spreading lies, stop creating misperception, and contribute more to people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries and the sound and steady development of bilateral relations. China Daily: Declassified documents released recently by the Russian government show that during World War II, Japanese invaders in China planned an attack on the Soviet Union from Northeast China, and prepared for a bacterial warfare able to cause mass casualties, and for this purpose established Unit 731 in Harbin. The unit conducted research on various types of plague, anthrax, cholera and other bacterial diseases. They also carried out human experimentation, and detained Chinese and Russian people as well as Japanese death-row prisoners for these purposes. What is Chinas comment? Mao Ning: During World War II, in blatant violation of international law, the Japanese army launched horrendous bacterial warfare against the Chinese people and conducted gruesome human experimentation, which were heinous crimes against humanity. The documents released by the Russian government show once again there are solid proofs of the bacterial warfare launched by Japanese militarists and theres no room for denial. To earn respect, one must first respect history. To open up the future, one must draw lessons from the past. To not repeat the wrong path, one must learn never to forget. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. We urge Japan to reflect deeply on its history of aggression, respect the sentiments of the people of China and other victim nations, make a clean break with militarism, take concrete actions to get rid of the specter of militarism that still haunts it, and never let history repeat itself. NHK: A question related to Afghanistan. Last month, Russia formally recognized Afghan interim government. Does China now recognize the Talibans interim government in Afghanistan? Mao Ning: China is committed to a foreign policy of friendship towards all Afghan people. We stand ready to work with Afghanistan to promote bilateral relations. CCTV: Its reported that the readout released by China on Foreign Minister Wang Yis talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar claimed that the Indian side said Taiwan is part of China. Indian government sources said that the external affairs minister had been misquoted. India stressed that there was no change in its position on Taiwan, and India had a relationship with Taiwan that focuses on economic, technological and cultural ties and that this would continue. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: China has released readouts on the talks between the Chinese and Indian foreign ministers. For the Chinese side, the Indian sides so-called clarification came as a surprise. We find it inconsistent with the facts. It would seem that some people in India have tried to undermine Chinas sovereignty on the Taiwan question and impede the improvement of China-India relations. China expresses serious concern and firmly opposes that. Let me stress that there is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. This is a prevailing consensus among the international community, including India. We hope India will earnestly abide by the one-China principle, properly handle sensitive issues and promote the steady development of bilateral relations. China provided assistance to the Russian Federation by opening its drone market, and was also among the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum and did nothing when Crimea was occupied, so Ukraine does not need guarantors of its security who did not help it when it needed it, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "Why is China not in the guarantees? First, China did not help us stop this war from the beginning. Second, China helped Russia by opening the drone market. Third: the question here is not even about the military personnel who are present there. We are talking about the Budapest Memorandum," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday. "China was among these signatories, they did nothing when Crimea was occupied. That is why we do not need guarantors who do not help Ukraine and did not help Ukraine at a time when we really needed it after February 24," the head of the Ukrainian state added. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine needs security guarantees only from those countries that are ready to help it. The Central Bureau of Investigation will seek from the Srinagar special court the police remand of eight Jammu and Kashmir police personnel arrested by it for inflicting "brutal and inhuman custodial torture" on a fellow police constable two years ago, officials said. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The eight officers who were taken into custody on Wednesday night after detailed questioning will be interrogated further to ascertain the roles of each accused in torturing Constable Khursheed Ahmad Chohan for six days on suspicion of helping drug peddlers. In its FIR registered on the orders of the Supreme Court, the central agency had booked Deputy Superintendent of Police Aijaz Ahmad Naiko and five others, who were then posted at the Joint Interrogation Centre, Kupwara, the officials said. During the investigation, the CBI found the role of two more police personnel for aiding the alleged inhuman treatment meted out to Chohan and being uncooperative in the probe, they said. Apart from DSP Naiko, Sub-Inspector Riyaz Ahmad and six others have been arrested in the case for alleged criminal conspiracy and attempt to murder among others, they said. The victim, who was posted in Baramulla, was summoned through a signal communication on February 17, 2023, to report before the Kupwara SSP ostensibly for investigation in connection with a narcotics case. On arrival, he was handed over to the Joint Interrogation Centre, where Naiko, Riyaz Ahmad and others tortured Khursheed for six days with iron rods and wooden sticks, besides inflicting heavy electric shocks on him and mutilation of his genitals, the wife has alleged in her complaint, which is now a part of the FIR. "...finally on February 26, 2023, the private parts of Khursheed were cut off, besides iron rods inserted in his private part continuously for six days. Khursheed was subjected to severe torture and red pepper were inserted in his rectum and also given electric shocks," the complaint said. "He was admitted to SKIMS Hospital at 2.48 pm on February 26, 2023 where his dismembered genitalia were brought to the hospital in a separate plastic bag by a sub-inspector, a fact that shocks our conscience," the Supreme Court had observed while handing over the case to the CBI. The CBI FIR registered on the basis of the complaint filed by Khursheed's wife, who was running from pillar to post seeking a probe into the alleged atrocities against her husband, alleged that the then Kupwara SSP, on whose requisition the victim was sent from Baramulla to Kupwara for probe in a narcotics case, remained "a mute spectator". The agency in its FIR has not named the SSP as an accused. Khursheed had approached the Supreme Court with a chilling petition describing his ordeal after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court rejected the plea seeking a CBI probe. Handing over the case to the CBI, the apex court noted that the high court "grossly erred in failing to exercise its constitutional obligation of protecting the fundamental rights of a citizen, his dignity and right to life". "It failed to consider the gravity of offences committed as well as the influence that could be exerted by accused persons being police officials," a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said. The apex court also ordered the payment of Rs 50 lakh in compensation to Khursheed, which shall be recoverable from the officer(s) concerned, against whom a departmental proceeding shall be initiated upon the conclusion of the investigation by the CBI. The Supreme Court outrightly rejected the claims of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir that the injuries were the result of a suicide attempt by the victim. The police had maintained that Khursheed tried to take his own life during the investigation and that his wounds were self-inflicted. In a scathing judgment, the top court noted that the "unprecedented gravity" of this case involving "brutal and inhuman custodial torture", characterised by the "complete mutilation" of the appellant's genitalia, represents one of the "most barbaric instances of police atrocity which the State is trying to defend and cover up with all-pervasive power". "The medical evidence conclusively establishes that such injuries are impossible to be self-inflicted. The respondent's (UT of Jammu and Kashmir) theory of suicide attempt crumbles under scrutiny when examined against the timeline and the medical evidence," it said. It stated that Khursheed was summoned to the Joint Interrogation Centre, Kupwara, on February 17, 2023, via a signal communication, which notably did not refer to any specific FIR. The court noted that according to the police's claims, he was summoned for questioning in connection with FIR No. 1 of 2023 which is contradicted by the fact he was implicated in FIR No. 17 of 2023, registered six days later on February 23, 2023, and was based on the alleged disclosure made by co-accused Farooq Hussain, who was arrested following the recovery of a narcotic substance. "This temporal anomaly exposes the fabricated nature of the respondent's case and conclusively establishes illegal detention of the appellant from February 20, 2023, to February 26, 2023," the court noted. The Supreme Court said the medical evidence decisively rules out the theory of the harm being self-inflicted and demolishes the suicide theory. "The CBI shall also conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the systemic issues at the Joint Interrogation Centre, Kupwara, including examination of all CCTV systems, interrogation from all personnel present during the relevant period, forensic examination of the premises, and review of all protocols and procedures followed for detention and interrogation of suspects," the court said. The Union government has accorded 'Z' category VIP security cover to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta following an attack on her, official sources said on Thursday. IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo Gupta, her official residence and the Camp Office on Raj Niwas Marg in the Civil Lines area of the national capital will also be secured by the VIP Security Group (VSG) of the paramilitary force that also provides protection to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Gandhi family of the Congress party. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) took charge of the Delhi chief minister's security on Thursday following the direction of the Union home ministry. She has been granted 'Z' category central security cover following a threat perception report prepared by central intelligence agencies, sources said. Gupta, 51, was earlier being provided a top-level security cover by Delhi Police. She was attacked during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her camp office on Wednesday morning, with her office terming the assault a part of a 'well-planned conspiracy to kill her'. A team of 22-25 armed CRPF commandos will be on the CM's protection duty round-the-clock, they said. The CRPF will put in place new measures for her security. These include regulating access to her residence, deployment of security gadgets and providing her proximate protection through male and female personal security officers (PSOs) when she moves in public, as per sources. The CRPF also provides security to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and the governors of West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar and Karnataka apart from a number of other high-profile persons. The VIP security cover under the central protection list begins from the highest Z-plus (ASL) to Z-plus, Z, Y, Y-plus and X. The accused who attacked Gupta was overpowered and arrested on the spot. He has been booked on the charge of attempt to murder and is currently in five-day custody of the Delhi Police which is investigating the case. India is neither the biggest purchaser of Russian oil nor it has the biggest trade surge with Moscow after 2022, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday, in what appears to be the first clear response by a top government functionary following the US slapping an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods for buying Russian oil. IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaks during a meeting with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow, Russia, August 21, 2025. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar X/ANI Photo Jaishankar made the remarks in response to a question at a joint media briefing with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. "We are not the biggest purchaser of Russian oil. That is China. We are not the biggest purchaser of Russian LNG. I'm not sure, but I think that is the European Union," he said. "We are not the country which has the biggest trade surge with Russia after 2022. I think there are some countries to the south," he added. The external affairs minister, who is on a three-day visit to Moscow, also suggested that the US was supportive of India procuring crude oil from Russia as it stabilised the energy market. "We are a country where actually the Americans said for the last few years that we should do everything to stabilise the world energy markets, including buying oil from Russia," Jaishankar said. "Incidentally, we also buy oil from America, and that amount has been increasing. So, quite honestly, we are very perplexed at the logic of the argument that you had referred to," he said. Jaishankar was asked about White House trade advisor Peter Navarro's criticism of India for purchasing Russian crude oil. In his answer, the external affairs minister said he would not respond to the official's remarks but will comment on the subject. The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent including a 25 per cent additional duties for India's purchase of Russian crude oil. In an opinion piece in the Financial Times, Navarro accused India of "profiteering" by purchasing Russian discounted oil and exporting the processed petroleum products to Europe, Africa and Asia. Last week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the Trump administration may increase secondary tariffs on India if it continues to procure Russian crude oil. Though the US imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for its energy ties with Russia, it has not initiated similar actions against China, the largest buyer of Russian crude oil. Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics. India turned to purchasing Russian oil sold at a discount after Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and shunned its supplies over its invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022. Consequently, from a mere 1.7 per cent share in total oil imports in 2019-20, Russia's share increased to 35.1 per cent in 2024-25, and it is now the biggest oil supplier to India. China on Thursday expressed "surprise" over clarification by India over External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's reported comments related to the One-China policy during his talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi this week. IMAGE: Pro-Taiwan independent groups gather around the airport to welcome the former US senior officials arriving in Taipei, March 1, 2022. Photograph: Ann Wang/Reuters India on Tuesday said there is no change in its position on Taiwan, and New Delhi's relationship with it focuses on economic, technology and cultural ties. "We are surprised at India's clarification," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a media briefing. She was replying to a question from China's official media on reports of India's clarification over Jaishankar's remarks. The clarification came after the Chinese foreign ministry reportedly misquoted Jaishankar as saying during his talks with Wang that Taiwan was part of China. The Chinese spokesperson on Thursday claimed that Beijing finds it "inconsistent with the facts". "It would seem that some people in India have tried to undermine China's sovereignty on the Taiwan question and impede the improvement of China-India relations. China expresses serious concern and firmly opposes that," Mao said. "Let me stress that there is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. This is a prevailing consensus among the international community, including India," she claimed. China hopes India will earnestly abide by the one-China principle, properly handle sensitive issues and promote the steady development of bilateral relations, she said. Wang, who arrived in New Delhi on Monday on a two-day visit, held talks with Jaishankar on August 18. In a statement, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said that the Chinese side raised the issue of Taiwan. "The Indian side underlined that there was no change in its position on this issue," it said. "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," it said. In the past, India had endorsed the "one-China" policy but the formulation has not featured in any bilateral document since 2011. China has often urged India to adhere to the 'One-China' policy. Though India and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic ties, their bilateral trade relations have been on an upswing. Taiwan, a self-ruled island of more than 23 million people, produces nearly 70 per cent of the world's semiconductors, which include the most advanced chips that are required for almost all electronic equipment such as smartphones, car components, data centres, fighter jets and AI technologies. China on Thursday firmly opposed the Trump administration's whopping 50 percent tariff on India with Chinese envoy Xu Feihong saying silence or compromise only "emboldens the bully" in the face of such action. IMAGE: Chinese envoy Xu Feihong speaks at an event in New Delhi, August 21, 2025. Photograph: ANI on X The Chinese ambassador said the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China for the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will be very important and China is attaching great importance to the trip. In an address at an event, Xu said India and China are "double engines" of economic growth in Asia and both sides should jointly ensure international justice in the face of disruption in the global trading system.. "The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on India and even threatened for more. China firmly opposes it," Xu said. "In the face of such acts, silence or compromise only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India to uphold the multilateral trading system with the WTO (World Trade Organisation) at its core," he said. The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods including a 25 percent additional duties for India's purchase of Russian crude oil. The envoy said China would welcome more Indian commodities to enter the Chinese market, adding India has a competitive edge in IT, software and biomedicine, while China is seeing rapid expansion in the fields of manufacturing, infrastructure and new energy. Xu was speaking at the conference titled, 'SCO Summit: Resetting India-China relations' which was jointly organised by think tanks, Chintan Research Foundation and Centre for Global India Insights. On the India-China border issue, Xu said it is a very important part of the relationship and that it should be looked at from a long-term perspective. "We should not define the border issue as the relationship between our two countries," he said. "The border issue is on one side and the cooperation of our two countries is on the other side. So these two important issues should be advanced in parallel," he said. "We will work on 'early harvest' on the border issues," he said, adding a 10-point consensus was reached during Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi's visit to India this week. Asked about India's challenge of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, the envoy said Pakistan is also a "victim of terrorism" and that joint efforts are needed to combat the menace. On the tariff issue, the ambassador said the US has long benefited from free trade but now it is using tariffs as a "bargaining chip" to demand "exorbitant prices" from various countries. China and India can strengthen cooperation and take the lead to help developing countries overcome difficulties and safeguard fairness in the international system, he said. "The Chinese side welcomes more Indian enterprises to invest in China. It is also hoped that the Indian side could provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for the Chinese enterprises in India, so as to promote common development of industries and benefit the people of the two," he said. Later talking to reporters, Xu said everybody is paying great attention to the upcoming visit of PM Modi to China. "This visit will be a very important event not only for the SCO but also for the bilateral relationship between our two countries. "The working group from China and India [is] working very hard to prepare for this visit, make it a successful one and from our side, we attach great importance to this visit and I believe it will be a successful visit," he said. PM Modi will travel to the Chinese city of Tianjin for the SCO summit to be held on August 31 and September 1. India on Wednesday categorically rejected Nepal's objection to a decision by New Delhi and Beijing to resume border trade through Lipulekh pass, saying Kathmandu's claims on the territory are not justified. IMAGE: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Photograph: ANI Photo India and China on Tuesday agreed to resume border trade through Lipulekh pass and two other trading points. The Nepalese foreign ministry on Wednesday objected to the move to resume border trade through Lipulekh pass saying the territory is an inseparable part of Nepal. In 2020, Nepal triggered a border row by issuing a political map that showed Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh as part of the country. India had strongly trashed the claims. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected Nepal's territorial claims. "We have noted the comments of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal related to resumption of border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh pass," he said. "Our position in this regard has been consistent and clear. Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh pass had commenced in 1954 and has been going on for decades," he added. Jaiswal said the trade had been disrupted in recent years due to COVID-19 pandemic and other developments, and both sides have now agreed to resume it. "As regards territorial claims, our position remains that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Any unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable," he said. "India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy," he added. India and Russia should come out with a creative and innovative approach to confront complex geopolitical challenges, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday amid increasing strains in New Delhi's ties with Washington, DC over its purchase of Russian crude oil. IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with First DPM Denis Manturov of Russia during the 26th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation IRIGC-TEC, in Moscow on Wednesday. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar X/ANI Photo Jaishankar made the remarks at a meeting with Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in Moscow. In his televised opening remarks, the external affairs minister said India and Russia should continuously diversify and expand their 'agenda' of cooperation including by diversifying the bilateral trade basket and through more joint ventures. "Doing more and doing differently should be our mantras," he said. The comments came against the backdrop of a downturn in relations between India and the US after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent including a 25 per cent additional duties for India's purchase of Russian crude oil. The external affairs minister arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on a three-day visit. The Jaishankar-Manturov talks were held under the framework of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). The meeting was aimed at preparing grounds for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India later this year. Elaborating on the importance of India-Russia ties in the context of current geopolitical upheaval, Jaishankar made specific suggestions to further consolidate the engagement, especially in the economic sphere. "The various working groups and sub groups could perhaps take a more creative and innovative approach towards their respective agendas. The challenges posed by the larger landscape that I mentioned require us to do so," he said. The external affairs minister said both sides should continuously diversify and expand their agenda through mutual consultation. "This will help us tap into full potential of our trade and investment ties. We should not get stuck on a beaten track," he said Jaishankar also called for setting 'quantifiable targets and specific timelines' to achieve more in expanding the ties between the two countries. "I would urge that we set ourselves some quantifiable targets and specific timelines so that we challenge ourselves to achieve more, perhaps even surpass what we set out to do," he said. "Each working Group and each sub Group could apply itself to setting of targets and see what we could achieve by the next session of the IRIGC-TEC," he said. "For example, if you are looking at trade barriers, could we pick a certain number and make a commitment? If we have agreed to a certain proposal, can we set a firm timeline for that?" he said. Jaishankar also pitched for a 'coordination mechanism' between the business forum and the different working groups of the IRIGC to ensure a two-way flow of ideas. "We will like the IRIGC to become even more result-oriented, relevant and readily available to the business communities of the two sides," he said. The Guwahati police on Thursday registered an FIR against journalist and YouTuber Abhisar Sharma over his video allegedly ridiculing the Assam and Union governments and promoting religious enmity, a senior official said. IMAGE: Journalist and YouTuber Abhisar Sharma. Photograph: Courtesy Abhisar Sharma on X The FIR invokes Sections 152 (sedition), 196 and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). This comes close on the heels of two senior journalists Siddharth Vardarajan and Karan Thapar being summoned by Guwahati police in connection with cases registered under similar sections, 152, 196, and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and asked to appear on August 22. According to the complaint, Sharma uploaded a video on YouTube accusing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of pursuing communal politics. "Sharma also mocked the principle of Ram Rajya and claimed that the government survives only on Hindu-Muslim polarisation," complainant Alok Baruah, a 23-year-old resident of Nayanpur, Ganeshguri, said. Baruah stated that the remarks were made with mala fide intent to discredit the duly elected governments at the Centre and in Assam, and were likely to provoke communal sentiments. 'Sharma had published and circulated an article through an online platform (YouTube), which contained statements ridiculing and denigrating both the governments, thereby, endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India', the complainant stated. Baruah also alleged that the journalist accused the government of surviving solely on "Hindu-Muslim polarisation," thereby provoking communal sentiments; accusing Assam CM of communal politics and promoting enmity between different groups on the ground of religion, prejudicial to maintenance of harmony, mocking and ridiculing the principle of Ram Rajya. He said such comments are capable of disturbing public peace, inflaming passions, creating distrust against lawfully established authorities and promoting enmity between religious groups. The FIR further records that the video is being discussed in the complainant's locality and that people are talking about a religion-based divide after viewing it which may disturb public peace and harmony. The complainant claimed alleged that the offences committed by Sharma are punishable under Sections 152 (which replaced the repealed sedition law and criminalises acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), 196 (offence of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste, or community) and 197 (dealing with with imputations and assertions that are prejudicial to national integration) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). "The video circulated by the accused 'is not mere criticism, but amounts to an attempt to excite disaffection, provoke public disorder, and endanger the unity and integrity of India by portraying the state as corrupt, communal, and illegitimate, thereby, committing an offence punishable u/s Section 152 of the BNS," the complainant stated. The circulation of the video by the accused, which claims that the Assam CM "constantly spews venom and raises Hindu-Muslim issues," amounts to promoting enmity between different religious groups and is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony, thereby constituting an offense punishable under Section 196 of the BNS. Sharma by making imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration by his deliberate and intentional acts and statements, committed the offence punishable under Section 197 of the BNS, he said. Former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy -- the joint candidate of the Opposition parties -- filed his nomination papers for the for the vice-presidential election on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge later tweeted: 'As the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President is tasked with upholding the highest traditions of Parliamentary Democracy. The candidature of Shri B Sudarshen Reddy garu is a message to the tyranny unleashed by the Modi Govt on every institution. 'Our Joint Opposition is determined to protect the ideas and values enshrined in the Constitution and fight this battle head on.' IMAGE: Justice B Sudershan Reddy with INDIA bloc leaders during the filing of nomination papers, here and below. Photographs: Kind courtesy @kharge/X Photograph: @INCIndia X/ANI Photo IMAGE: Justice Reddy greets Rajya Sabha Secretary General Pramod Chandra Mody, the returning officer for the vice presidential election. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab IMAGE: Justice Reddy arrives at Parliament to file his nomination for the vice presidential election. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo IMAGE: Justice Reddy arrives to pay tributes to national heroes at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament complex, here and below, before filing his nomination. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff Kerala has become the first state in the country to achieve complete digital literacy, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (left), State Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan (middle) and former ISRO chairman S Somanath during the presentation ceremony of 'Kerala Awards' instituted by the state government, at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. At a grand function held at the Central Stadium here on Thursday, the CM said it was a major achievement that would make every person in Kerala proud, considering that in India only 38 per cent of families have digital literacy. More than 2.5 lakh volunteers worked tirelessly to help Kerala reach this milestone, which was completed in three stages. Although initially people aged between 14 and 65 were considered for training, later people of all age groups were included after many expressed interest in joining the learning programme, he said. One of the highlights was 104-year-old Abdullah Moulavi from Ernakulam district, who became the oldest person in the state to attain digital literacy. The Kerala chief minister spoke with him via video call during the inauguration. "We were the first to achieve complete literacy and now we are the first to achieve complete digital literacy. We attained complete literacy in April 1991, and the LDF was in power then. As we achieve this feat again, the LDF is in power once more," Vijayan said, adding that such achievements were possible only through the collective effort of the people of the state. He said Pullampara Panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram was the first to achieve complete digital literacy status and had shown the way for Kerala to follow in its footsteps and achieve state-wide digital literacy. "Kerala has created another history by becoming the first state in India and one of the very few in the world to achieve complete digital literacy. A proud milestone that marks a giant leap in our journey of progress and people's empowerment," Vijayan said in a post on 'X' after the declaration. In his speech, the CM stressed that gaining digital literacy alone was not enough, adding that access to high-speed internet was also essential to make full use of it. He recalled that Kerala was the first state to make internet access a legal right and said that the K-Fone project is now providing cost-effective, high-speed internet connections. The state believes in equal opportunity for all without discrimination, he said, pointing out that even remote tribal hamlets such as Edamalakudi were included in the digital literacy programme. Vijayan also announced that the second phase of the project would be launched soon, under which all personal documents of the people of Kerala would be made available in DigiLockers, enabling them to access everything online. He added that Kerala would be the first state to take such an initiative. "Achieving digital literacy was a challenging task. A survey was conducted among 83 lakh people, and more than 29 lakh were identified as non-digital literates," the CM said. He added that once the age restriction was lifted, 1,39,668 people between the ages of 75 and 90 were included in the programme. He also praised the young volunteers who helped others in this initiative, describing it as a shining example of the social commitment of Kerala's youth. The CM further said that government administration was also promoting digital services through smart apps, with around 9,000 government services already made available online, in addition to the K-Smart services of the local self-governments. Local Administration Minister M B Rajesh said that through the coordinated efforts of all, Kerala had achieved complete digital literacy, something once thought unattainable. He said the project, launched in 2022, was completed within the scheduled time, with 99.99 per cent of people trained passing the final evaluation. Photo: https://t.me/ermaka2022 More than three countries are ready to send their troops to Ukraine, all of this needs to be coordinated with the United States, as well as to develop some common rules of engagement, Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriera della sera. "I can confirm that more than three countries are ready to send soldiers, but I do not want to name them specifically, although some of those you mentioned are among them. All this needs to be coordinated with the United States in order to preserve the unity of our front and to develop some common rules of engagement. Of course, there will be allied troops on our territory," Yermak said, answering the question of whether Germany, Great Britain and France are already ready to send troops to Ukraine. He noted that Ukrainian commands are studying the number of foreign contingents needed to protect the border. It is necessary to develop the nature of the contingents' mandate, conditions of use, prerogatives and mission limitations. "Trump told us that the US will participate in our security guarantees, and we are now defining the specific aspects of this commitment. Starting tonight, contacts between our generals and the Pentagon are being restored," he said. The man accused of attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her Camp Office in Civil Lines on Wednesday has been sent to five days of police custody, court sources said. IMAGE: Delhi Police arrests Rajesh Khimji, who attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during 'Jan Sunwai', in Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo They said the accused, Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai (41), was produced at the house of a magistrate in southwest Delhi's Dwarka late at night. The accused was not produced before any magistrate in the Tis Hazari court premises, sources said. Police have registered a case against the accused, a resident of Rajkot (Gujarat) under Section 109(1) (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He has also been booked for allegedly assaulting and obstructing public servant from discharging his duty. Gupta was attacked during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her Camp Office on Wednesday morning, around 8:15 am, her office said, terming the assault part of a 'well-planned conspiracy to kill her'. The chief minister was attended by doctors and underwent MLC (medico legal case) examination, CMO officials said. Sources said that Khimjibhai came to Delhi two days ago and stayed in north Delhi's Civil Lines. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray on Thursday met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the latter's official residence 'Varsha' in south Mumbai, prompting speculation in the state's political circles. IMAGE: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, with his cousin and Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray on the latter's 65th birthday, at Matoshree in Mumbai on July 27, 2025. Photograph: Shiv Sena-UBT/ANI Photo The meeting comes after the first joint electoral contest by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and Raj Thackeray's MNS in the BEST Employees' Co-operative Credit Society elections ended in a humiliating defeat on Wednesday, as the parties' joint panel failed to win any of the 21 seats in the polls. Talking to reporters, Thackeray said several cities in the state are witnessing slum redevelopment, leading to a tenfold rise in population density in some areas. As a result, residents are facing parking woes, with vehicles spilling onto city roads and causing traffic jams, he said. Thackeray said he also made a presentation before Fadnavis during which the Mumbai Police Commissioner and Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) were present. He stressed the need to construct parking lots under playgrounds that could accommodate 500 to 1,000 vehicles. These underground parking structures will also not impact the open spaces above them, he said. On a pilot basis, he said, three such parking lots will be built -- one in the island city and two in the suburbs. He also underscored the need for colour-coded footpaths for parking and strict laws to rein in traffic offenders. "Work has to be done on a war footing," he said. There have been talks of a possible alliance between the Sena-UBT and the MNS for the forthcoming local body polls in the state, particularly after the Thackeray cousins shared a political stage last month on the issue of Marathi identity and 'imposition' of the Hindi language in the state. After the drubbing of the MNS-Sena-UBT panel in the BEST credit society polls, Fadnavis on Wednesday accused the two parties of politicising the elections around the 'Thackeray brand'. "I think there was no need to politicise this kind of election, as it was just a credit society poll. But they politicised it by making tall claims that the Thackeray brand will win. But it seems people did not like it. The poll outcome reflected rejection by the people," Fadnavis had said. Asked about the meeting between Thackeray and Fadnavis, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar told reporters in Wardha on Thursday that not much should be read into it. "Many leaders meet one another as well as with the chief minister, irrespective of whether they are in power or not. Maintaining communication with each other is the tradition of the state. There is no need to give a political angle to this meeting," he said. Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut, who is in Delhi, said Raj Thackeray has not committed a political crime by meeting the CM. They have met several times in the past, Raut said, adding that Thackeray must have gone to invite Fadnavis for the upcoming Ganesh festival at his residence. The multi-agency search operation to trace 33 missing persons in cloudburst-hit Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir entered the eighth day on Thursday, officials said. IMAGE: Indian Army, SDRF, police and local administration carry out a search and rescue operation in flash flood-hit Chasoti Village, in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, August 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The death toll in the natural calamity that struck the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple on August 14 during the yatra stands at 65, including three CISF personnel and one Special Police Officer (SPO) of J-K Police. Over 100 people were injured. "The search operation by multiple agencies has been intensified to trace 33 missing persons. Operations are underway at the most affected sites by separate teams," a senior official told PTI. The focus of the operation has been laid at three locations -- the major impact site near a langar (community kitchen), the area where houses were washed away, and the Bhuat nallah in Gulabgarh-Paddar areas. Joint teams of police, Army, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, CISF, Border Roads Organisation, civil administration, and local volunteers are engaged in the rescue efforts at these sites, the officials said. A team comprising NDRF, SDRF, and police personnel is conducting a search operation along the entire 22-km stretch of the stream from Chisoti to Gulabgarh, following the recovery of two bodies downstream over the past two days, the official said. Specialised heavy-duty trucks have been deployed in the Chisoti to assist in rescue operations. Authorities are using such vehicles to ensure swift evacuation and provide relief in the affected areas, they said. The rescue teams from the 13th Battalion of NDRF are actively carrying out search operations along the river-nallah bed, working tirelessly to locate and retrieve missing persons. They are also removing large boulders and debris to ensure a thorough and safe search. Heavy machinery, including earth movers and sniffer dogs, are being used to sift through the debris, they said. The officials said while the death toll stands at 65, some body parts of the missing people have been recovered, and the DNA identification process has begun. Senior IAS and IPS officials, deputed on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, are supervising the operation on the ground. The flash floods triggered by the cloudburst left a trail of destruction, flattening a makeshift market and a langar site for the annual Machail Mata yatra, damaging 16 houses and government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-metre-long bridge, besides over a dozen vehicles. Army engineers on Sunday built a Bailey bridge over the Chisoti nullah, restoring much-needed connectivity to the village and the Machail Mata shrine. The Army has also inducted a couple of all-terrain vehicles as part of efforts to intensify the rescue and relief operation. The rescuers also carried out over half a dozen controlled explosions to blow up giant boulders hampering the search. The annual Machail Mata yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to conclude on September 5, remained suspended for the seventh consecutive day on Wednesday. However, authorities will allow a group of devotees carrying the 'Charri' from Jammu, who are expected to reach the shrine on August 21 or 22. The 8.5-km trek to the 9,500-foot-high shrine starts from Chisoti, located about 90 km from Kishtwar town. The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre if the hands of constitutional courts could be tied if constitutional functionaries refused to discharge functions or there was inaction on the part of the Governor on bills passed by state assemblies. IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai made the remarks after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said if some Governors sat over bills passed by the assembly, political solutions had to be explored by states instead of judicial solutions. The bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, PS Narasimha and AS Chandurkar, is hearing a presidential reference on the question whether the court can impose timelines for governors and the President to deal with bills passed by state assemblies. If there was any wrong, the bench said, there ought to be a remedy. CJI Gavai then asked Mehta, "If constitutional functionaries do not discharge their functions without any reason, can the hands of a constitutional court be tied?" Mehta said for all problems, courts couldn't be the solution and in a democracy, primacy had to be given to dialogue. Justice Kant weighed in, "If there is any inaction on the part of the Governor, which can vary from state to state, and if an aggrieved state approaches the court, can the judicial review of such inaction be completely barred. Tell us what can be the solution?" Calling for some "flexibility", Mehta submitted, "Suppose the Governor is sitting over bills, there are political solutions which can be adopted. It is not always that the chief minister rushes to the court. There are instances where parleys take place, the chief minister meets the Governor, he meets the prime minister and President and solutions are found." The law officer said there were several occasions telephonic conversations were made to resolve the impasse. "For decades, this practice has been adopted to resolve disputes, if any. Delegations go and meet the governor, President and sometimes a middle path is found." He underscored invoking statesmanship and political maturity to end the impasse between the state government and the Governor, who is the Centre's representative. "I am saying, every problem in this country may not have solutions here in the court. There are problems in the country where you find solutions within the system," he added. Mehta further argued that nowhere in the Constitution was a timeline fixed for the Governor or President to act on the bills and where a timeline was provided, it was expressly provided. CJI Gavai then told Mehta, "If there is any wrong, there has to be a remedy. This court is the custodian of the constitution and it will have to interpret the constitution by giving it literal meaning." Justice Kant agreed with the CJI and said, "If the power of interpretation vests in the Supreme Court, then interpretation of law has to be tried by the court." Mehta said justiciability was a different thing while adding something to the Constitution was different. "There has to be some flexibility when dealing with the constitutional functionaries. This court has time and again called the law officer or representative and asked to do certain work without making it in the judgement," Mehta said. He referred to the top court saying the Parliament should consider if there were any additions to be made to the Constitution. "This court can very well ask the Parliament to enact a law fixing a timeline for the Governor in dealing with the bills passed by the assembly but it cannot be done through the judgement of this court," Mehta added. Justice Narasimha noted, If an extreme view is taken to argue that you can't do it, you say we don't have the power to do it at all, how do you make the Constitution work?" Mehta then referred to the April 8 verdict in the Tamil Nadu Governor case, leading to the present presidential reference, and said the verdicts say President and Governor will record reasons and if they don't follow the time line, states can approach the apex court or the high court. "This means one institution is directing the President to do it within some timeframe. I respect the directions and there may be justification but it can't confer jurisdiction," Mehta said. The hearing is underway. Earlier, the CJI said judicial activism should not become judicial terrorism. The chief justice's remark came when Mehta said that elected people who have a lot of experience should never be undermined. "We never said anything about the elected people. I have always said that judicial activism should never become judicial terrorism or judicial adventurism," the CJI told Mehta. 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. On April 8, the apex court while dealing with the powers of Governor with respect to bills passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly, for the first time, prescribed President to decide on the bills reserved for her consideration by Governor within three months from the date on which such a reference was received. The subsidiary of Turkiye-based airport ground handling services major Celebi on Thursday withdrew its plea in the Bombay High Court against revocation of its security clearance by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo A bench of Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla allowed the same and disposed of the plea. The Bombay HC had been deferring hearing of the plea awaiting a verdict on an identical plea before Delhi HC, which was dismissed last month. On July 7, the Delhi HC dismissed a writ petition by another Celebi subsidiary seeking suspension and annulment of the security clearance cancellation. Celebi's counsel Chetan Kapadia on Thursday told Bombay HC bench that the firm seeks to withdraw its plea, which the court accepted. The petition had sought suspension and annulment of the administrative decision of security clearance cancellation granted by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security under the Ministry of Civil Aviation of India. The HC had last month also vacated its earlier interim order restraining Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) from finalising tenders for ground and bridge handling services post termination of Celebi's contract. A single bench had then said the interim protection granted in May cannot be continued in view of the judgment passed by the Delhi High Court in July dismissing the petition filed by Celebi against similar contract termination of the Delhi airport and revocation of security clearance. Amid the backlash in India over Turkiye's support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India's aviation security regulator BCAS revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India on grounds related to national security with immediate effect. The company had moved the High Court against revocation of its security clearance and subsequent termination of its contract with MIAL. Celebi holds 59 per cent capital of Celebi Nas Airport Services India Private Limited. The assembly poll next year will see the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam scripting a new chapter in Tamil Nadu's political history similar to the achievements of the regional parties in the 1967 and 1977 assembly elections, actor-politician Vijay, who heads the TVK, said in Madurai on Thursday. IMAGE: Actor and founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Vijay addresses the gathering during the party's conference, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, August 21, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo He ruled out an electoral alliance with any party and said next year's assembly poll will be a straight contest between his TVK and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Vijay flayed Chief Minister MK Stalin on the issue of good governance and lack of protection to women and girl children and ridiculed Stalin for claiming that people called him "Appa" (father). The actor addressed him as 'uncle' instead. Referring to the maiden victory of the DMK in 1967 and the memorable win a decade later of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam under M G Ramachandran, Vijay said his TVK party will set a record in Tamil Nadu's political history in the 2026 Assembly election. "TVK's politics is real, emotional, for the betterment of people; and only for doing good to them," the actor said addressing a mammoth crowd at the party's second conference at Parapathi in Madurai. "This is our second conference themed 'history of voters returns'. As in the 1967 and 1977 elections, Tamil Nadu politics will see major political change in 2026. Such a spectacular history will repeat," he said. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) reflected the voices of the people and it was an unstoppable voice, and an unstoppable force, he added. Pointing out to the criticism by his political adversaries about his electoral prospects, Vijay said the TVK will prove them wrong through its achievements. "Don't underestimate us, the people who throng our conference will not only vote but also render a blow to the anti-people government... A lion is always a lion - the king of the jungle - though there are so many animals like jackals in the forest," he said and added that this description was a clear declaration. He criticised the ruling DMK allegedly for having a tacit understanding with the BJP while pretending to oppose it. "Chief Minister M K Stalin goes to Delhi and holds a secret meeting. Stalin uncle, what uncle, it is very wrong uncle. How can we remain silent?" the actor said. He sought to know from the chief minister if there was protection for women and whether the governance in the state was fair. "Is it sufficient if you give Rs 1,000 to women? And you are saying people are calling you Appa (father). What is this uncle, this is very wrong uncle," Vijay ridiculed. Alleging that the CM "deceived" all section of the people, the TVK founder asked the cadres if the DMK kept up on its 2021 poll promises. When the crowd replied with a loud 'no', Vijay remarked "my dear uncle, are you able to hear this?" Our priority is women and child welfare, elderly, youth, farmers, fishermen, differently abled, and all those who deserve special attention from the government. TVK, he said, was not started for political gains but to serve the people. "Our ideological enemy is BJP and political foe is the DMK. We don't have any underground dealings as people are with us. So, there's no need to forge electoral ties. We will give a fair share in the governance and authority to those who trust and come along with us," he said. Vijay further said that the 2026 election will witness a straight contest between two parties - the TVK and DMK. Hence, alliance arithmetic would not work. Singing a few lines from a Tamil song (Naan Aanaiyittal) from the iconic AIADMK leader and late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran's film, Vijay asked his cadres if he should take the whip in his hands and flog the "fascist BJP and poison DMK" and defeat them at the hustings. And they encouraged him with a thunderous clap. He ctiticised the AIADMK and also the BJP and said they would not succeed in their designs to capture power in the state. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami lashed out at Vijay for allegedly being ignorant of the political developments in the state, especially in the AIADMK. Without mentioning Vijay's name, Palaniswami said, "here's a leader who asks who is in control of the AIADMK." "If such is the plight of a leader of a party, then imagine how his party workers would be. Some people do politics without knowing what is happening in Tamil Nadu. He is speaking out of ignorance," the AIADMK leader said while addressing a roadshow in Kancheepuram near Chennai. A woman on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's '10 Most Wanted Fugitive' list was arrested in India on charges of killing her six-year-old son, according to officials. Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: Alex Kent/Reuters The arrest of Cindy Rodriguez Singh, 40, was the fourth 'Top 10 Most Wanted' capture in seven months, FBI Director Kash Patel said in an X post on Wednesday. He credited law enforcement partners in Texas, the US Justice Department, and authorities in India for their coordination leading to Singh's arrest, who was wanted on state charges of killing her son. She fled the US in 2023 to evade prosecution. Fox News reported that Singh was arrested in India by the FBI, in coordination with Indian authorities and INTERPOL. She has been transported to the US and will be turned over to Texas authorities, it said. In March 2023, authorities in Texas conducted a welfare check for Singh's special needs son Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, who had not been seen since October 2022. Singh allegedly lied about his whereabouts, indicating that the child was in Mexico with his biological father and had been there since November 2022. Two days later, she boarded a flight to India with her husband - the boy's Indian-origin stepfather - and six other juvenile children and never returned. The then-missing child was not present with them and never boarded the flight, according to the report. Her son had numerous health and developmental issues, including a severe developmental disorder, social disorder, bone density issues, and chronic lung disease, Fox News reported, quoting officials. Singh was formally charged in October 2023 in a Texas district court. Singh's arrest came after an INTERPOL Red Notice was published for her last year and submitted to all member countries, including India. At that time, an extradition packet for Singh was also submitted, the report said. She will face charges of 'Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution' and 'Capital Murder of a person under 10 years of age', Patel said. The military aviation of Poland and its Swedish NATO allies was on night duty amid air alert in Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces reported on Thursday. It is reported that on the night of August 21, due to "the activity of long-range aircraft of the Russian Federation, which is striking the territory of Ukraine, including with the use of hypersonic missiles," Polish and NATO aircraft were raised into the air. According to the report, ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems were also brought to the highest level of readiness. "This night was another period of increased readiness of Polish and allied systems and intensive work of radio engineering troops, pilots, ground personnel and combat duty personnel," the command noted. As of Thursday morning, "due to the reduction in the threat of Russian air strikes on the territory of Ukraine, the actions of Polish and allied aviation in Polish airspace have been suspended, and the deployed forces and assets have returned to performing standard operational tasks." The command emphasized that no violations of Polish airspace were recorded. "We thank the NATO Joint Air Command and the Royal Swedish Air Force for their support, whose JAS 39 Gripen fighters, based in Malbork, ensured security in Polish skies, constantly monitor the situation in Ukraine and remain on constant alert to ensure the security of Polish airspace," the message said. Previously, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said on X that aircraft of the Air Force and allied aviation were operating in Polish airspace due to the activity of long-range Russian aviation, which is carrying out strikes on the territory of Ukraine, in particular with the use of hypersonic missiles. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. STAMFORD, CONN. Police captured a man wanted in connection to a violent domestic dispute in Dover, Vt., who allegedly dragged a Massachusetts State Trooper by his vehicle during a chase. Mason L. Payne, 23, of Weathersfield, was taken into custody without incident at about 5 p.m. Wednesday after the Stamford, Conn., Police Departments Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit received information he was possibly hiding in Stamford after eluding capture in Vermont and Massachusetts, according to a news release. Narcotics detectives were able to confirm that Payne was staying at The Red Carpet Inn, police said. Members of the Stamford Police Special Response Team, with help from the Bridgeport Police Emergency Service Unit and the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team, located Payne at the hotel. After searching the hotel room and his vehicle, police recovered two firearms, according to the news release. This investigation is considered "active and ongoing." "The Stamford Police Department would like to acknowledge and thank the Connecticut State Police, the FBI Safe Streets Unit, the FBI Violent Crime Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Emergency Service Unit, and the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team for their assistance and collaboration in bringing this investigation to a safe and successful conclusion," the news release states. 'Armed and dangerous' Vermont man wanted by police in three states SHELTON, CONN. Police in three states are looking for a Vermont man accused of dragging a Payne was "considered armed and dangerous and has made threats to harm law enforcement officers," according to an alert from the Shelton Police Department in Connecticut earlier Wednesday. At about 5 p.m. Tuesday, the Dover Police Department responded to a domestic assault in Dover involving a weapon. At about 10 p.m., Payne was then stopped by a Massachusetts State Trooper on Interstate 91 in Holyoke, according to the alert. "During the stop, Payne dragged the trooper several feet with his vehicle before fleeing," the alert said. "The pursuit was terminated for safety reasons." Payne was driving what police described as an "older black Audi sedan, possibly with temporary Vermont plates." Police advised anyone who saw Payne or his vehicle not to approach him but to instead "call 911 immediately and provide as many details as possible." BRATTLEBORO A week before school starts, bus drivers were locked out of the garage they work out of on Putney Road. They stood with signs, calling for the bus company to "come back to the table" and negotiate. "This morning, Travel Kuz implemented a temporary lockout at our Brattleboro location after negotiations with the union did not result in an agreement," a spokesperson for the company said Wednesday. "This lockout will not affect student transportation. Routes will continue as scheduled, and we are working closely with the school district to ensure families experience no disruption for the beginning of the school year. Our first priority remains the safety of students and the reliability of school transportation." Teamsters Local 597 President Curtis Clough said Beacon Mobility, owned by F.M. Kuzmeskus/Travel Kuz, sent out emails last week saying it wants to negotiate this week. He accused the company of forcing drivers to accept a "substandard contract" as negotiations broke down. "Beacon Mobility is already farming out a significant amount of work from Windham Southeast Supervisory Union because they don't have the drivers to cover it because they don't pay competitive wages," he said. Clough claims bus drivers are getting paid late and not at the right rates, and the company refuses to hear grievances and has installed cameras in which content uploads to a server that falls outside of normal expectations. Better wages and benefits are being sought by employees. The unions current demands would raise costs by more than 40 percent, the company's spokesperson said, calling it "an unrealistic burden under fixed school district contracts." "We have offered a proposal that provides meaningful wage increases and continues strong benefits, while also ensuring long-term stability for the community," the spokesperson said. "We remain ready to meet with the union at any time to reach a fair, balanced resolution." Beacon started negotiations and "didn't like our proposal," Clough said. Negotiations began to improve but then fell apart, he said. Major issues involve drivers wanting similar compensation to drivers in Swanzey, N.H., and better benefits and cost share for health care. Clough said the union is trying to increase pay for drivers "but the company just isn't having it." "Their profits are more important than taking care of the school kids in Brattleboro," he said. "It's becoming very clear." Planning to meet with the drivers at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Clough said he cleared his whole day for them. Beacon hasn't "made a move in the moment," he said at about 10:15 a.m. Wednesday. "Right now, they haven't offered to negotiate with us today, despite us saying we're available," he said. "We're happy to meet with them when they want to meet. They have to be reasonable times, reasonable places. They're refusing to have meetings down at the garage." Later in the day, bus drivers were standing outside the garage along Putney Road, holding signs, calling for the company to resume negotiations. Bus contract renewed at Windham Southeast amid labor concerns BRATTLEBORO Following the renewal of a transportation contract for Windham Southeast Super In May, the company renewed its transportation contract with WSESU. At the time, Clough called for conveying "the importance to the employer of meeting basic employee minimums." He also shared with the Reformer a letter from a company official that had been handed out to employees. "As part of our ongoing union negotiations, we want to assure you that any past issues were identified quickly, resolved thoroughly, and that steps have been taken to prevent them from happening again," the letter states. "Transparency and accountability remain at the core of our approach." The letter says that "recent actions and interference" by union leadership "raised concerns with our client and may jeopardize the awarding of our contract with the district." "This contract is vital to all of us it sustains your jobs, our operations, and the continuity of service to the students and families who depend on us," the letter states. "We respect the role of union leadership, but we must also be clear: actions that undermine client trust or disrupt our ability to deliver reliable service place all our futures at risk." The company is "committed to resolving this situation constructively, but we cannot do so without your awareness and understanding of the impact," the letter states. "We remain dedicated to our partnership with the district, to protecting your livelihoods, and to upholding the high standards of professionalism that define our team," the letter states. Frank Rucker, business manager for WSESU, previously said articles in the five-year contract lay out the services and standards of performance expected from the company. Increases in fuel costs, labor and material also are factored into the contract, which gets adjusted each successive year. Bus contract renewed at Windham Southeast amid labor concerns BRATTLEBORO Following the renewal of a transportation contract for Windham Southeast Super "Teamsters Local 597 leadership has told employees that the company can 'simply' request additional funding from school districts despite the fact that public transportation contracts are fixed and operate within strict budget constraints," a recent news release from Beacon states. "This assumption ignores the realities of how school transportation is funded and shifts the financial burden directly onto taxpayers." The company said it "remains ready to reach a fair, balanced agreement that values employees and respects the financial realities of public service. However, progress requires both sides to come forward with realistic, good-faith proposals." WSESU "is not involved in these negotiations," Superintendent Mark Speno said. "Obviously, we hope for a speedy resolution," he said. "We have been assured that regardless there are plans in place and buses will be transporting our students come the opening of school." Tristan Roberts lives with his family on Quill Nook Farm in Halifax. If you liked todays column, hed be delighted to hear it at tristan@tristanroberts.org. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has removed the word "Russian" from a statement he issued offering condolences to the victims of an overnight strike in Ukraine that included hundreds of drones and missiles. "I express my deepest sympathy to those injured in the Russian missile attack on Mukachevo, and I wish them a speedy and full recovery," Sulyok said in his original statement posted to Facebook on August 21. The post was taken down shortly after it went up, only to be replaced by a nearly identical statement with the word "Russian" ("orosz" in Hungarian) removed from the first sentence. The difference can be clearly seen on screengrabs made RFE/RL's Hungarian Service. Mukachevo, known as Munkacs in Hungarian, is a town of some 85,000 people in western Ukraine that's home to a large ethnic Hungarian community and is roughly 30 kilometers from Ukraine's border with Hungary. The missile strike was part of a wave of hundreds that hit targets across Ukraine overnight on August 21. The President of Hungary's office did not respond to RFE/RL's request for comment about the revised post. The episode highlights the Hungarian government's reluctance to criticize Moscow over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the strained ties between Budapest and Kyiv. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party have maintained close ties with Moscow and have frustrated European Union efforts to support Ukraine in the war with Russia. Hungary has also impeded accession talks for Kyiv to join the EU. Budapest, the Hungarian capital, is also reportedly under consideration as the host city for a potential trilateral summit mediated by the United States with Russia and Ukraine that could take place in the coming weeks. Politico reported this week that the US Secret Service was preparing for the summit in Hungary, with Budapest being US President Donald Trump's first choice for host city. This was followed by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto offering Budapest as a possible venue for such a meeting. "If we are needed, we are ready to provide appropriately fair and safe conditions for such peace negotiations. We are pleased if we can contribute to the success of peace efforts," he said on August 21 in a daily podcast hosted by government members. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated his willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in "any format" but has not mentioned Hungary's offer and instead suggested Switzerland, Austria, or Turkey as possible venues for peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia's behavior since a US-Russia summit last week and high-profile talks in Washington with European leaders is a sign that Moscow does not intend to negotiate peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine. "Now, the signals coming from Russia are simply outrageous," Zelenskyy said late on August 21 after Russia massively stepped up its aerial bombardment. "They are trying to wriggle out of holding a meeting. They dont want to end this war." The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 574 drones and 40 missiles at multiple regions, causing civilian casualties and significant damage to residential areas and infrastructure. A US-owned manufacturing plant was hit at Mukachevo, in the Zakarpattya region near Ukraine's western border. Russia's aerial attack, the largest this month, according to the Ukrainian authorities, came days after US President Donald Trump hosted Zelenskyy and European leaders to try to push forward peace negotiations. Earlier on August 21, Zelenskyy urged Western allies to agree on a concrete plan for security guarantees within 7-10 days. "We must put pressure on Russia to stop fighting, Zelenskyy said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin only understands force and pressure. Russian Strikes Hit Factory Owned By US Company In Western Ukraine No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:53 0:00 The governor of the Zakarpattya region, Myroslav Biletskiy, said the plant is a civilian enterprise producing mostly household goods. He added that it was hit by two Kalibr missiles, causing a fire that spread over an area of 7,000 square meters. Conor Phillips, public relations director of the damaged Flex Ltd. plant, said the facility does not produce, supply, or support any military equipment and is strictly focused on civilian consumer manufacturing, including products such as coffee machines. A few employees and contractors were injured, Phillips said in a statement. Six people were hospitalized. Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, said it was a "truly horrendous" Russian missile attack on one of the largest American investments in Ukraine. "This was not only an attack on Ukraine. It was an attack on American business," Hunder said on X. "Russia is not only devastating Ukraine -- it is destroying and humiliating American business." Hunder said 600 employees were working the night shift at the factory when two missiles struck it. Lives were saved thanks to strict safety protocols, he said, adding that the region had been considered the safest in Ukraine, but that was no longer the case. "We call on President Trump to stand with American business and to confront Vladimir Putins campaign of destruction," Hunder said. In a social media post on August 21, Trump criticized former President Joe Biden for not providing Ukraine with more weaponry. It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invaders (sic) country, Trump said. Its like a great team in sports that has a fantastic defense, but is not allowed to play offensive. There is no chance of winning! It is like that with Ukraine and Russia. At the Washington talks on August 18 it was agreed that a plan would be worked out for post-war security guarantees for Ukraine, led by European countries but with US support. US and European military planners have since begun meetings to explore what the overall security package could be ahead of a final decision on it by political leaders. The chiefs of defense for the United States, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Britain, and Ukraine met in Washington from Aug. 19-21. US and European planners developed military options for "appropriate consideration" by allied national security advisers, the Pentagon said in a statement on August 21. On August 21, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said any presence of European troops in Ukraine would be "absolutely unacceptable," calling them "foreign intervention in some part of Ukrainian territory." A day earlier he said the issue of security in Ukraine cannot be discussed without Russia. Could Putin And Zelenskyy Meet? The Washington talks also made a call for Putin to meet Zelenskyy for face-to-face talks. Lavrov told reporters on August 21 that Putin has repeatedly said he is ready to meet Zelenskyy, but there are some issues that need to be resolved before such a meeting could happen. "Of course, I hope when and if it comes to signing future agreements, the issue of the legitimacy of the person signing these agreements on the Ukrainian side will be resolved," Lavrov emphasized. Putin has questioned the legitimacy of Zelenskyy over the postponement of elections in Ukraine due to the war. Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said on August 21 that he aimed for a trilateral meeting including Trump. Andriy Zhupanin, a member of the Ukrainian parliament, told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service that the Kremlin's refusal to participate would signal to Western countries that Moscow is not seeking an end to the war. "It is important to show Donald Trump that it is not us who are stringing him along," he added. At least one person was killed and two others injured in Lviv as a result of Russian strikes with drones and cruise missiles, according to regional authorities. The Ukrainian military said that Russia launched 574 drones and 40 missiles in the aerial attack, the largest in August so far. After completing conscript service in his native Kazakhstan in the fall of 2023, Kiril Nysanbaev went to Russia for work. Nysanbaev's hometown of Rudny is located less than 100 kilometers from Russia, and it's not unusual for locals to look for jobs in the neighboring country. Just a few months later, Nysanbaev called his family from a migrant detention center in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk, where he worked at a factory. "He said he was detained in connection with a robbery incident. He told me that Russian officers at the detention facility beat him and forced him to sign a contract [to fight in Ukraine]," Nysanbaev's twin sister, Kamilla, told RFE/RL. According to Kamilla, Nysanbaev told his family that Russian officers tortured and threatened detainees to pressure them into signing a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry to go to war. In March this year, Nysanbaev was killed on the battlefield in Ukraine's Donetsk region. But it wasn't until June that his family learned of his death. Kamilla said the family had to make the difficult decision to bury Nysanbaev in Chelyabinsk because Kazakh authorities had opened a criminal case against him on mercenary charges. "Police in Rudny told us that if we brought the body home, an investigation would start against the whole family, and it would take at least a year," Kamilla said. "Police told us: 'You'd better bury him in Russia and send us photographic evidence, so we make sure you didn't smuggle the body into Kazakhstan.'" Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries have repeatedly warned their citizens against taking part in Russia's war in Ukraine, warning them that if they did, they would face mercenary charges at home. But Russia continues to recruit Central Asian nationals to fill the ranks of its depleting forces in Ukraine. Russia hosts millions of migrant workers from the former Soviet region. Survivors, the relatives of the recruits, and rights activists say Russian authorities use various methods -- from offering enticements to torture and threats -- to enlist migrants and convicts from Central Asia. Recruitment In Overdrive The exact number of Central Asians who have joined the Russian Army and been sent to Ukraine is not known. The Ukrainian state-run project I Want To Live -- which offers a platform for Russian soldiers to safely surrender to Ukrainian forces -- has put their number at several thousand. The project frequently publishes what it calls the list of foreign mercenaries. The Ukrainian project said it has obtained lists with the names of more than 2,000 Uzbek nationals and more than 930 Tajiks who fought alongside Russian troops in early 2025. In July, the project claimed that in just the first six months of this year, 529 Kazakh nationals and 327 Kyrgyz citizens signed contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry to fight in Ukraine. The recruitment of Kyrgyz nationals has risen drastically, the project claimed. According to its lists, the number of Kyrgyz contractors in the Russian Army in 2023 and 2024 was about 360 in total. In April, Bishkek said its security services detained four people, including an employee of a Russian government agency, on suspicion of recruiting Kyrgyz citizens to fight in the Russian Army. The I Want To Live project did not provide a list of citizens of Turkmenistan but recently reported that Russian commanders were preventing at least 68 Turkmen mercenaries from leaving Ukraine after their contracts ended. RFE/RL cannot independently verify the names and numbers published by the Ukrainian project. Kyiv says "mercenaries" from other parts of the Soviet Union, as well as China, Pakistan, India, and some African nations have joined Russian forces in Ukraine. 'We Write Off Your Loan If You Go To War' There have been widespread reports and claims that Russian authorities have been targeting migrants, detainees, and convicts from Central Asia to enlist them in the Russian military since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Russian police have intensified raids on migrants in workplaces, dormitories, and mosques. Officers round up undocumented migrants and those caught with expired residency or work permits and threaten them with arrest and deportation, according to witnesses, activists, and relatives. Yusuf, a migrant worker from Uzbekistan, told RFE/RL he was detained in Moscow during a raid in April. Yusuf, who gave only his first name, said the officers openly told him he must join the Russian troops in Ukraine. "I told them I am a citizen of Uzbekistan and am not required to serve in the Russian military. Then they checked my documents and found out that I have a loan from a Russian bank. "They offered: 'We will write off your loan and you will go to fight,'" Yusuf claimed. "At the same time, they hit me twice with batons. They grabbed my neck and pressed me against the wall," he added. Yusuf said he was eventually let go after he told the officers that he would complain to the Uzbek Embassy. Russia Enlists Convicts To Its Army In the northern Tajik province of Sughd, one local resident told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity that her 37-year-old cousin has been recruited from a Russian prison to fight in Ukraine. The woman said her cousin had been serving a prison term since 2019 for robbery. "He returned to Sughd after fighting in Ukraine for six months. He said his criminal records were cleared and that he also received money for going to war," the woman said. "We're happy he's freed, but I'm not sure if it is good for society." Since the beginning of the war, Russia has enlisted tens of thousands of prisoners in return for parole and money. Among them were many Central Asian nationals. Multiple accounts by inmates, their relatives, and human rights groups suggest Russian officials have made prison conditions unbearably harsh and inhumane to pressure prisoners into joining the military. "I think people should not go to Russia. Many people go to Russia on their own accord and then complain about what has happened to them," says Kamilla, who grieves her twin brother killed in Ukraine. "I warn them to avoid going to Russia." Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL's Azattyk Media and Current Time Russian prosecutors fined a top official at the Yeltsin Center, the library and cultural center dedicated to the late Russian president, after she re-posted an anti-war message on social media. A district court in the central Russian city of Yekaterinburg ordered Lyudmila Telen, the center's first deputy director, to pay a fine of 45,000 rubles ($560). The court on August 20 ruled she had "discredited the Russian armed forces" under a law passed shortly after Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to the court, Telen reposted on Facebook a Russian-language image that read "No To War" on February 25, 2022, the day after the start of the invasion. The image was a repost from Yeltsin's elder daughter, Tatyana Dyachenko. According to the local news site 66.ru, Dyachenko herself has not been fined or punished for the original post, which had circulated widely among many Russian liberals who were shocked by the invasion. Based in Yekaterinburg, the Yeltsin Center is modeled on US presidential libraries and is the official nongovernment repository of archival materials related to Yeltsin, who died in 2007. Vladimir Putin, whom Yeltsin handpicked as his successor in 1999, has largely avoided maligning Yeltsin, whose tenure in the 1990s as Russia's first independent president was marked by economic chaos. Putin's popularity stems in large part from the prosperity that Russia saw in the 2000s, fueled by oil and gas revenues, and the perception that Yeltsin was too weak to stand up to Western pressure. Russian authorities have also avoided targeting or maligning Yeltsin's surviving family members, including his 93-year-old widow, Naina, and his children. That includes Dyachenko, who along with her husband, Valentin Yumashev, were powerful political figures in the Yeltsin administration, and were among those who initially backed Putin in the waning months of Yeltsin's presidency. Both have largely stayed out of public view in recent years. The Yeltsin Center, however, has come under scrutiny since the Ukraine invasion. Russian nationalist figures have criticized the center for some of the book readings and other cultural events it has hosted. Last year, the center canceled a planned book talk by Nina Khrushcheva, a US-based historian who is the granddaughter of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. One lawmaker called the book reading "an exhibition of Russophobia." Telen, a former journalist who previously worked as web editor for RFE/RL's Russian Service, could not be reached for comment. A spokesman for the Yeltsin Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the court ruling. In 10 years, 53% of respondents see Ukraine as a "most likely or very likely" prosperous member state of the European Union, 40% are doubtful, consider it "most likely or very unlikely." This is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on July 23-August 4, 2025. As stated in the KIIS press release following the survey results, this time the respondents were read different conditions-scenarios of the future in 10 years. These conditions-scenarios were: 1. Ukraine does not have reliable external security guarantees and must rely only on its own forces and 2. Ukraine receives stable military and economic support from Europe without peacekeepers. As the results showed, taking into account the scenarios did not give significant deviations in the assessment of the future of Ukraine. Regardless of the scenario conditions, half (51-55%) consider a successful future to be probable, while 39-49%, on the contrary, have pessimistic expectations. Perhaps, sociologists believe, Ukrainians already have a fairly crystallized idea of the role and potential of Europe as a reliable ally, so additional information did not affect the assessment. It is noted that in the regional dimension, from West to East, the share of those who optimistically assess the future of Ukraine in 10 years is decreasing - from 57% to 44%. Moreover, this is due to the growth of uncertainty - from 5% to 16%. At the same time, the share of pessimists is almost the same in all regions - 38-40%. In general, 63% continue to consider Europe a reliable ally, while 27%, on the contrary, believe that Europe is tired and is pushing for an unacceptable peace. However, among Ukrainians who still feel reliable support from Europe, the level of optimism is higher - among them 58% believe that Ukraine will be a prosperous country in 10 years, 35% do not think so. Among those who are disappointed with Europe's support, only 43% are optimistic, compared to 49% who are pessimistic about the country's future. It is reported that among those who trust President Volodymyr Zelensky, the majority - 64% - are optimistic about the future of Ukraine. The share of those who are pessimistic is 31%. At the same time, among those who do not trust, the majority (54%) believe that it is unlikely that Ukraine will be a prosperous EU member state. 39% are optimistic. Relatively more optimistic are young Ukrainians under 30, as well as Ukrainians aged 60 and older. The relatively higher optimism among young people is a positive trend, although it should still be noted that 38% of Ukrainians under 30 consider Ukraine's success unlikely in 10 years. Since people under 30 are often less dependent on careers and family obligations, they are more mobile and can more easily decide to emigrate. As part of this survey, respondents also answered questions about their attitude to conditional peace plans from the US, Europe/Ukraine, and Russia. Those who are pessimistic about the country's future are more willing to accept peace plans from the US and Russia. However, it is important to note that in the case of the Russian plan of de facto surrender, the vast majority of those who are pessimistic about the future still reject it. "That is, despite skepticism about what Ukraine will be like in 10 years, the vast majority is categorically against Ukraine's surrender," sociologists emphasize. Also, respondents who considered it unlikely or doubted a happy future in 10 years were asked an additional open-ended question - why exactly they think so. Thus, most often respondents explained this by the prevalence of corruption in Ukraine, inefficiency / dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian authorities, the reluctance of the EU itself to accept Ukraine, the fact that reconstruction will take more than 10 years and in general by the significant destruction of the country due to the war. Executive Director of KIIS Anton Hrushetsky commented on the study, noting that the ongoing war strengthens the feeling of uncertainty and anxiety among citizens. At the same time, Hrushetsky noted, it is worth noting that there are conditionally two important factors that influence the perception of Ukraine's future - trust in the Ukrainian authorities and the perception of Europe's commitment to Ukraine's success. "When Ukrainians feel that the decisions made by the authorities are aimed at reforming and developing the country, at achieving justice, Ukrainians are more optimistic about what the country will be like in 10 years. Therefore, the harm from unsuccessful decisions (in particular, those we saw in July, but which, fortunately, were canceled) is not limited only to the level of trust in the authorities and the reduction in their prospects for being re-elected in the next elections. The harm has a broader and more destructive impact, as it sows deep despair in society and leads many to think that nothing can be changed in Ukraine and there are no prospects," he emphasized. In his opinion, the perception of European politics is also important. "When Ukrainians see the firm commitment of European allies to Ukraine, it gives them confidence that Ukraine is truly expected in the European family and will be provided with all the necessary support. However, it is important that this support has a practical dimension and that Ukrainians, in addition to strong words, can use European (or European-funded) weapons in their hands to repel the Russian enemy. The practical dimension also concerns specific steps that would lead Ukraine to full membership in the EU in the not-so-long term," Hrushetsky said. However, the sociologist draws attention to the fact that Ukrainians continue to demonstrate amazing resilience and the will to continue the struggle. "And they will continue to resist in any case, since the war retains existential challenges. Ukrainians deserve hope - the hope that in the future, after all the victims and destruction, a dreamed-of flourishing country finally awaits us. Ukrainian society must do its "homework", but our friends in Europe must also have courage and determination in Ukraine's European integration," he emphasized. KIIS conducted a survey using telephone interviews (computer-assistedtelephoneinterviews, CATI) based on a random sample of mobile phone numbers in all regions of Ukraine (the territory controlled by the Ukrainian government). The sample consisted of 1,022 respondents. Adult (aged 18 and older) citizens of Ukraine who at the time of the survey lived in the territory of Ukraine controlled by the Ukrainian government were interviewed. Formally, under normal circumstances, the statistical error of a sample of 1,022 respondents (with a probability of 0.95 and taking into account the design effect of 1.3) does not exceed 4.1%. Under war conditions, a certain systematic deviation is added. In general, the results obtained are considered to be highly representative and allow for a fairly reliable analysis of public sentiment. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. After nine months of anti-government protests in Serbia, led by students, there is a surge in violence. Why now? A wave of protests that began in Serbia in November 2024 has entered a new phase, with demonstrators and police clashing daily since August 12, when violence broke out in the northern cities of Vrbas and Backa Palanka. Those incidents sparked protests in dozens of Serbian cities, including the capital, Belgrade, as accusations of police brutality spread across the country. "Four or five of them (policemen) beat me, pushed my head into a concrete [surface]," physics student Dusan Cvetkovic told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. Cvetkovic was arrested in Belgrade on August 14 during an anti-government protest. The Serbian Interior Ministry has neither denied nor commented on Cvetkovic's claims, or those of other protesters who accused police of using excessive force. The protests have been further fueled by a video that appeared on the second day of clashes showing young men detained in Novi Sad kneeling before police officers after being arrested. The images were initially published by pro-government media. Cvetkovic also said he was taken in an unmarked car to a garage and left with bruises on his face after a beating he received there. In other incidents, supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) attacked peaceful demonstrators. Who Is Behind The Demonstrations? Calls for demonstrations have circulated daily on social media. People are invited to join through social media groups that students have been using to communicate with the public since the beginning of the protests. Many citizens have responded peacefully, but footage by RFE/RL and other media has also shown masked men throwing stones and pyrotechnics at the police. Protesters trashed several SNS offices and in Valjevo, 80 kilometers southwest of Belgrade, also damaged the headquarters of the Serbian Radical Party, led by convicted war criminal and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's former mentor, Vojislav Seselj. The spark for the initial protests in November 2024 was the deadly collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad. The tragedy killed 16 people and shocked the public amid reports that corrupt practices led to shoddy construction at the railway station, a flagship government project led by Chinese businesses. In the following days, dozens of faculties in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis, and other university cities were blocked by protesting students supported by the majority of professors. These developments sparked a wave of demonstrations not seen since the overthrow of Slobodan Milosevics regime in 2000. Initially, demands focused on accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy and sought the prosecution of those who attacked student demonstrators. Six months later, student organizations, until then largely apolitical, called for snap elections. What Was Vucic's Response? Some of the students' demands were met. The government released thousands of documents related to the Novi Sad reconstruction. But critics argue the archive was incomplete and failed to clarify key details. They also said that by delivering thousands of documents Vucic and the government were merely trying to appear transparent while in fact deepening confusion about the station project. In July, the SNS dismissed four party activists accused of attacking Belgrade drama students at peaceful protests in January. Vucic, however, has never condemned inflammatory rhetoric from his party's officials or pro-government media, some of which has compared demonstrators to Nazis or Croatian World War II-era fascists, the Ustashe. What Will Happen Next? The future of the protests and the overall political situation in Serbia remains uncertain. The divide between Serbia's ruling elite and its critics is wider than ever. Public anger at corruption and organized crime, highlighted in EU progress reports year after year, has reached unprecedented levels. For the first time since his party came to power in 2012, Vucic faces genuine social resistance. Yet this resistance is not politically articulated because there is no dominant party among the opposition. The only unifying force behind the rebellion is the student movement -- a generation of young people who have already lost a year of their studies to protests. The outline of a military component of security guarantees for Ukraine is already taking shape, a top Ukrainian official said as the United States reiterated that European countries will have to shoulder most of the burden in providing the guarantees. Work has begun on setting up the military component of the guarantees, which are being discussed as part of a settlement of the war with Russia, Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys chief of staff, said on X. "Our teams, above all the military, have already begun active work on the military component of security guarantees," Andriy Yermak wrote on August 20 after a meeting of national security advisers from Western countries and NATO. "Ukraine is ready for any format of dialogue on a fair end to the war," said Yermak, but he warned against repeating the "mistake of 'Budapest,'" a reference to the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, which was aimed at ensuring security in exchange for Ukraine giving up nuclear weapons left from the Soviet era. Russia violated the memorandum when it annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and when it started a full-scale invasion in 2022. Yermak also said Ukraine was also working on a plan with its allies on how to proceed "in case the Russian side continues to prolong the war and disrupt agreements on bilateral and trilateral formats of leaders' meetings." Later on August 20, US Vice President JD Vance said Europe should be prepared to take the lead on providing the security guarantees. "I don't think we should carry the burden here. I think that we should be helpful if it's necessary to stop the war and to stop the killing. But I think that we should expect, and the president certainly expects, Europe to play the leading role here," Vance said on Fox News. "No matter what form this takes, the Europeans are going to have to take the lion's share of the burden," he said. US President Donald Trump said earlier this week on Fox News that on the question of security, European countries "are willing to put people on the ground. We're willing to help them with things, especially, probably...by air." Trump provided no details about what US airpower would be provided but said it could support a deployment of European troops that France and Britain are thinking about providing under a so-called Coalition of the Willing. "We'll give them very good protection," Trump said. Security guarantees were a main topic of discussion on August 18 when Trump hosted Zelenskyy and the leaders of several European countries at the White House. The meeting followed his summit last week in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Trump's attempts to draw the two sides to the negotiating table, Putin has shown no sign of backing down from demands for territory, including land not under Russia's military control. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP A Ukrainian national has been arrested in Italy in connection with explosions, carried out in 2022, that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The suspect, whose arrest was confirmed by Italian police, was identified by German prosecutors only as Serhii K, in accordance with German privacy laws. German federal prosecutors said he is accused of belonging to a group that allegedly planted explosive devices on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines on the Baltic seabed near the Danish island of Bornholm on September 26, 2022. Serhii K and his accomplices transported the explosives on a sailing yacht that departed from the German port of Rostock, according to German prosecutors. The vessel had been rented from a local company through intermediaries using falsified identity documents. Nord Stream, majority-owned by Russia's state-controlled Gazprom and co-financed by major European energy companies, was constructed to deliver Russian gas directly to Germany, bypassing transit states such as Ukraine and Poland, which have had strained relations with Moscow. The suspected sabotage and subsequent gas leaks caused the pipelines to become inoperable and came seven months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Western governments originally accused Russia of carrying out the blasts, while Moscow rejected the allegations and instead blamed the United States, Britain, and Ukraine. Germany has investigated the incident as its companies were part of the consortium that owned the Nord Stream project. In August 2024, German investigators wrapped up their initial probe and formally issued an arrest warrant for Volodymyr Z, a Ukrainian citizen investigators believed was the mastermind behind the plot. Various news reports since the attacks have pointed the finger of blame at Ukrainian operatives, possibly acting independently of the Ukrainian state. Germany's former intelligence chief, August Hanning, told Die Welt in August 2024 that he believed there were agreements between the presidents of Poland and Ukraine to carry out the attack -- an accusation that was denied by the office of the Polish president. The Ukrainian government has also repeatedly denied responsibility for the attack. Both Denmark and Sweden, in whose waters the explosions took place, ended their investigations into the incident in 2024. While the Danish police said the explosions were due to "deliberate sabotage of the gas lines," they did not identify any suspects and said there was "no necessary basis to further pursue a criminal case." A new report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies has found that Russia has dramatically increased sabotage operations throughout Europe, with the number of attacks targeting critical infrastructure nearly quadrupling since 2023. The commanders-in-chief of the armies of the Coalition of the Willing countries, together with the United States, held a meeting on the start of work on security guarantees for Ukraine on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, August 20, a meeting at the level of national security advisers was held, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "First, yesterday (Tuesday IF-U) the Coalition of the Willing VTC was at the leadership level. Then, after that, the chiefs of staff together with the United States of America had a meeting on the start of work on security guarantees. Today (Wednesday IF-U) the chiefs of staff and the general staffs communicated again in audio format, because our chief of staff is at the front," Zelenskyy said during a conversation with journalists. Also, according to the president, on Wednesday, a parallel meeting was held at the level of national security advisers in video format. "This intensity of meetings is the development of one of our agreements on security guarantees and the participation of the United States of America," Zelenskyy said. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) has deployed a tent camp to provide assistance to victims of the Russian air attack on Lviv. "URCS in Lviv region is working at the site of the attack by a strike drone. A tent camp has been deployed at the site to provide assistance to the victims. The Ukrainian Red Cross team is providing first aid, psychological support, and basic humanitarian assistance," the URCS said on Facebook on Thursday. As previously reported, a combined enemy attack using mortars and rockets on Lviv occurred at night. Three people were injured in the attack. According to the Lviv Regional Military Administration, 26 residential buildings, a kindergarten, administrative buildings of an enterprise and a court administration were damaged. As of this hour, it has been established that residents of 11 apartments require evacuation. Uisce Eireann is encouraging customers to sign up for its free text alert service as it ramps up investment in Irelands water infrastructure to unprecedented levels. Planned capital investment of over 10 billion over the next five years in areas such as leakage reductions, repairs to bursts and outages, and treatment plant upgrades will see hundreds of live projects underway in every corner of Ireland. This will lead to major improvements in water quality, security and resilience; however short-term disruptions are inevitable as a result, and staying informed is essential. By signing up to the free text service, customers can receive real-time updates tailored to their area, helping them prepare for any interruptions. To date over 250,000 people have signed up to the service, and are benefiting from up-to-the-minute information about their water supply. But with almost two million homes and businesses served by Uisce Eireann, it is encouraging everybody to sign up so we can keep them informed and updated. The service provides alerts on water outages, boil water notices, and other supply interruptions expected to last longer than four hours. Whether planned or unplanned, these alerts are delivered directly to ones phone. Since the service was launched in 2024, over one million text alerts have been issued, providing essential information to customers across Ireland. Replacing and upgrading Irelands water infrastructure is a national priority, and we fully recognise that this work can result in temporary water outages and supply interruptions, said Geoffrey Bourke, Head of Customer Operations with Uisce Eireann. Our text alert system allows us to communicate directly with customers throughout County Roscommon, helping them understand the scale of the work and the potential impacts. I strongly encourage everyone to sign up and stay connected with us as we continue this unprecedented programme of upgrades. Over 250,000 people have already signed up and are benefiting from timely updates. A prime example is the recent upgrade of the Ballymore Eustace to Saggart mains pipe. Over a 28-hour period, a dedicated crew undertook the largest ever pipe repair in Ireland. "The risk to water outages was high, and Uisce Eireann ensured that affected families and businesses were notified in advance via text alerts, received timely updates, and were encouraged to conserve water. This proactive communication helped communities stay informed and prepared. We are urging everybody to join them and stay informed about your local water supply, he said. Signing up is quick and easy. Simply visit www.water.ie and enter your Eircode and mobile number. The service is free and available to all households and businesses. You can also sign up on behalf of loved ones to ensure they receive timely updates. James Cox Priests have called on the Irish Catholic Church to cut ties with Allianz over its links to Israel and "the appalling human rights abuse being inflicted on the Palestinian people". The insurance company was among a series of companies listed in a report by the UN special rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese. In a statement, the Association of Catholic Priests cited the pressure on the GAA to cut ties with Allianz, and urged the Catholic Church to sever its ties with the German insurance giants. The statement reads: "A similar demand is likely to emerge when the long and close commercial relationship of Allianz and the Catholic Church in Ireland becomes clear. For decades, Allianz has been the trusted friend of the Catholic Church even to the extent of enjoying representation on the Allianz Board with Catholic Church properties in Ireland including places of worship, schools, cars, etc almost all being insured by Allianz as a matter of course." The priests cited this coming Sunday's Day of Prayer and Reflection for Gaza, which will be led by Archbishop Eamon Martin. They added: "In the light of that Reflection and because the present sense of outrage in the Irish Catholic Church at whats happening in Gaza will be increased exponentially by the revelation of the Irish Catholic Churchs connection with Allianz and Allianzs connection with the state of Israel, we ask that the response of the Irish Catholic Church should be immediate and far-reaching in cutting our links with Allianz. "Nothing less is acceptable as Irish Catholics will now be conscious of the Allianz connection albeit by extension and of our connection with the plight of the children we see on our television screens. "The ACP also encourages all Catholic religious Congregations and dioceses to exercise high levels of due diligence in carefully scrutinizing their investment portfolios to determine if any part of their investments is helping to sustain the appalling human rights abuse being inflicted on the Palestinian people." Haryana Teacher Murder Case: Last Rites Of Manisha Performed Today The 19-year-old had gone missing on August 11 after leaving the school that day. Haryana Teacher Murder Case: Last Rites Of Manisha Performed Today Latest News: The last rites of Manisha, a playschool teacher, were performed in Haryana's Bhiwani on Thursday, August 21, 2025. A large number of people gathered for her last rites. The 19-year-old had gone missing on August 11 after leaving the school that day and was found dead after two days, in a field near a canal at Singhani village of Bhiwani district in Haryana. Advertisement Her death sparked outrage from the public. The family and the supporters were not satisfied with the findings after the post-mortem, which pointed to her having committed suicide. A suicide note had emerged on Monday, earlier this week, which the police said was found the same day the body was discovered, and that her family knew it all along. According to the police, the suicide note was found in her bag lying near her body, and the handwriting matched her writing. The family demanded a medical examination from AIIMS Delhi and demanded CBI intervention into the case. Advertisement Loharu SDM Manoj Kumar Dalal, after the funeral, told ANI, said, "The last rites of Manisha were completed today... The family demanded a CBI inquiry and that the postmortem be performed in AIIMS... The family demands justice... The government and the CBI will take action against the culprits... The family concluded the protests last evening..." Yesterday, Haryana Womens Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia said, This issue has been ongoing for 5-6 days with much hype... We're saddened by the politics surrounding it. The government has accepted every demand of the family... Ultimately, we have to trust the medical reports... (For more news apart from 'Haryana Teacher Murder Case: Last Rites Of Manisha Performed Today,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Fiji Prime Minister to Visit India Soon, Expected to Deliver a Talk on Ocean of Peace' Prime Minister Rabuka is expected to deliver a talk on Ocean of Peace' at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) Fiji Prime Minister to Visit India This Week Lates News: The Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji is scheduled to visit India on August 24. This would be the first visit to India by Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka in his present capacity, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release. The delegation includes the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu and senior officials. Advertisement During his visit to New Delhi Fiji Prime Minister is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 25 August 2025. Prime Minister Modi is also expected to host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. Prime Minister Rabuka is also scheduled to call on the President of India in New Delhi. President Droupati Murmu visited the Island nation last year in August. Prime Minister Rabuka is expected to deliver a talk on Ocean of Peace at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi. He will also be accompanied by his spouse, Sululieti Rabuka. The visit ends on 26th August. Advertisement Prime Minister Rabukas visit underscores the longstanding and enduring ties between India and Fiji. It reaffirms the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen the bilateral relationship across all sectors and deepen our close people-to-people ties, the press release read. (For more news apart from 'Fiji Prime Minister to Visit India This Week, Expected to Deliver a Talk on Ocean of Peace,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) INDIA Bloc VP Candidate: I am not a political person, not associated with any political party' I am going to be among the concerned citizens of the country, not associated with any political party," INDIA Bloc VP Candidate Vice Presidential candidate B Sudershan Reddy Latest News: Opposition's Vice Presidential candidate B Sudershan Reddy on Thursday stated the office of Vice President is not a political office and that people have misconceptions. He said it is a highly constitutional office, which is required to be independent, autonomous, and impartial, which he said are also the qualities of a judge. The former Supreme Court judge on Thursday met AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal with other Opposition leaders, following which he made the statement, speaking to the media. Advertisement He said, Yesterday, Arvind Kejriwal had sent Sanjay Singh to support my candidature at the time of the nomination. I am grateful to him; I have come here to express my gratitude for his graciousness in supporting my candidature. What he said, I have been repeating in last two days, I am not a political person, the office of Vice President is also not a political office, many people have misconceptions, it's a high constitutional office, which is required to be independent, autonomous, impartial, which are also the qualities of a judge. He added that the above-mentioned reasons are why he accepted to be a Vice presidential candidate when some of his friends requested, and which also has the endorsement from the AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. that's the reason why I accepted the request made by some friends, which has also got endorsement from the veteran leader (Arvind Kejriwal), I express my gratitude as he extended his solidarity, and provoked all of us to think afresh as to what is happening in this country, what are the challenges, Reddy said. Advertisement He added that he wont be associated with any political party. I am going to be among the concerned citizens of the country, not associated with any political party," he added. The vice presidential election is slated to take place on the 9th of September. (For more news apart from 'INDIA Bloc VP Candidate: I am not a political person, not associated with any political party,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) BJP, AAP Standoff in Punjab: BJP Alleges AAP Detained Leaders, Blocked Campaigning, Latest News MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu has called the alleged action of the Punjab government an attack on democracy.' BJP, AAP Standoff in Punjab: BJP Alleges AAP Detained Leaders, Blocked Campaigning, Latest News: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab has accused the Punjabs Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of hindering its outreach programs, aimed at spreading awareness about the Central Governments schemes and helping people register for various schemes. BJP leaders have alleged that the state government is stopping their door-to-door campaign, which the BJP has been holding under the BJP De Sevadar Aa Gaye Tuhade Dwar, aimed at spreading awareness about the centres welfare schemes, and encouraging them to register for the benefits of schemes such as Ayushman Bharat card, PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and the e-Shram portal. Advertisement The camps were scheduled to go on till the end of this month. However, the BJP has claimed that some of its leaders, including former MP Sushil Kumar Rinku and former MLA KD Bhandari, were detained while carrying out one such camp in Punjabs Jalandhar. MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu has called the alleged action of the Punjab government an attack on democracy. The AAP government has deliberately stalled central schemes for a long time. When we tried to take these benefits directly to the people, they started detaining our workers. This is an attack on democracy, and we will launch a public movement against such actions, MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu said in a statement. Advertisement However, AAP has raised data and governance concerns. A delegation of the BJP on Thursday met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in Chandigarh. BJP leader Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi speaking to ANI on the matter, said, Certified camps had been set up with proper licences, but our leaders were put under house arrest and the camps were dismantled. We went to complain about this, and he (Governor Gulab Chand Kataria) assured us that action will be taken, he will speak to the government. Advertisement (For more news apart from 'BJP, AAP Standoff in Punjab: BJP Alleges AAP Detained Leaders, Blocked Campaigning, Latest News,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Uppal Farm Teenager Issue Settled with Families' Intervention The victim has reportedly appealed to the public to take down the videos. Uppal Farm Teenager Issue Settled with Families' Intervention Latest News: In a surprising turn of events, both parties of the case involving a 19-year-old girl, Gurmanjot Kaur from Uppal, have reportedly settled the matter. The families of the teenager and the boy reportedly discussed resolving the issue and have come to a mutual understanding not to escalate the issue further. The victim has reportedly appealed to the public to take down the videos. Authorities and activists have also welcomed the development. Advertisement (For more news apart from 'Uppal Farm Teenager Issue Settled with Families' Intervention ,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) The Udar party reacted to the withdrawal of UAH 8 billion from the Kyiv budget by the decision of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, calling it an attack on the capital and the capital's authorities, as well as the destruction of the remnants of the decentralization reform. "The vote in the Verkhovna Rada on bill No. 13439-3, which takes UAH 8 billion from the capital's budget, is another open attack by the authorities on Kyiv and its mayor Vitaliy Klitschko, whom the authorities consider their main political opponent... The authorities are afraid of competition, afraid of the free choice of citizens and therefore are turning the legislative body into an instrument of pressure and political repression," the statement published on the official website of the political force says. The party notes that in this way the authorities "are actually taking money from the Armed Forces of Ukraine." "These funds are primarily for the support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As a result, due to the actions of Bankova, UAH 8 billion of community funds will not go to the defenders, but to the sky-high salaries of the management of state-owned enterprises, bonuses to officials and prosecutors," the statement says. Member of Parliament of the Verkhovna Rada of the 8th convocation Boryslav Bereza also claims that the funds withdrawn from the capital should have gone to military needs and to support military personnel. "This is money that should have gone to fortifications, air defense, terrorist defense, to support our military. From equipment to drones and transport, to help the wounded and families of the deceased," the ex-MP wrote on Telegram, illustrating the message with a list of current MPs who supported this decision. Earlier, Klitschko said that last year alone the capital allocated more than UAH 10 billion hryvnias for the needs of the defenders. "In 2025, they planned to send at least no less. Someone is very annoyed that Kyiv helps the military the most," he stressed. As reported, on August 20, the Verkhovna Rada adopted amendments to the state budget (draft law No. 13439-3) by 229 votes, which provide, among other things, for the withdrawal of UAH 8 billion from the Kyiv budget at the expense of income tax funds. Some 196 people's deputies from the Servant of the People party faction, 15 from the Dovira deputy group, nine from the Restoration of Ukraine party and one MP from the Batkivshchyna party and eight non-faction deputies voted "for." August 21, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and world news August 21, 2025 UPDATE Newsroom, 21.08.2025, 20:00 DEFICIT The Romanian government will take responsibility, most likely next week, for a second set of fiscal measures aimed to reduce the budget deficit. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) in opposition, has announced that the partys MPs will submit a no-confidence motion and that MPs from other parties are expected to sign it as well. PENSIONS The Romanian government Thursday passed a bill on the payment of privately managed pensions. Those who opt to cash out their money under the mandatory privately managed funds may initially receive only 30% of the amount, with the balance to be spread over 8 years. Two weeks ago the bill was first read by the Cabinet, and the mostly negative reactions prompted the government to resend the draft legislation to the Financial Supervision Authority. Under the original bill, the over 8.3 million Romanians who contribute to privately managed pension funds, the so-called Pillar II, were allowed to cash out a maximum of 25% of the amount after retirement, and the balance was to be paid in monthly installments over a maximum of 10 years. According to the vice-president of the Financial Supervision Authority (ASF) Stefan Daniel Armeanu, the draft law passed by the Government on Thursday helps fulfill a strategic goal of Romania, that of joining the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). SENTENCE Vlad Pascu, the DUI driver who killed two young people and injured another three in the village of 2 Mai in August 2023 received a final 10-year prison sentence on Thursday at the Constanta Court of Appeals. The court dismissed Pascus appeal, upholding the sentence given by the Mangalia Court in January 2025. The judges also dismissed the appeals lodged by the prosecutors and the victims families, who had requested a longer sentence for Vlad Pascu. The only change made by the Constanta Court of Appeals is a decrease in the amount of compensation paid to the family of one of the victims, from EUR 50,000 to EUR 20,000. After the DUI hit-and-run, Vlad Pascu was found in a neighboring town. Investigators found out that he was under the influence of several controlled substances. He was accused of manslaughter, bodily harm, driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances, and leaving the scene of an accident. FIRES 51 Romanian fire-fighters, part of a specialised wild fire unit, Thursday left on a mission to Spain, the Emergency Department announced. The Romanian fire-fighters will operate in the region of Galicia. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated as a result of the many wild fires affecting Spain. Specialised teams from several states, including France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, promptly responded to Spains request for assistance. The Romanian intervention module will operate alongside a team from Finland. DEFENCE Romania is a reliable and active ally in the defence of NATOs eastern flank and stands by its commitment to multidimensional and sustainable support for Ukraine, in close coordination with NATO and the EU, the defence ministry said on Thursday. Romania is also updated on and will be a party to all decisions of the Allies regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. The defence ministry added that the Romanian Air Force has F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, and recently, a German Air Force unit was certified at the Mihail Kogalniceanu airbase, which performs reinforced air policing missions jointly with the Romanian military, for the defence of NATO airspace. Romanias military air infrastructure is a strength on the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance for deterrence and defence. Romania reaffirms its firm commitment to national and collective security, acting responsibly and in full accordance with the obligations undertaken within NATO and the EU, the defence ministry also emphasised. DIPLOMACY The Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy will take place in Bucharest on August 25-26, the foreign ministry announced. The event will bring together the heads of Romanian diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad, as well as public officials. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Callas will also take part in the event via video link. The foreign ministers of Moldova and Poland will also be present, as well as the NATO deputy secretary general. The working sessions will address topics related to strategic security, economic diplomacy, accession to the OECD and the EU enlargement process. VISA WAIVER The United States embassy in Bucharest Thursday announced new changes to the visa application process starting September 2, 2025. Romanians who have had a business or tourist visa that expired in the last 12 months can apply for renewal by courier, without an interview, but only if they meet strict criteria. As part of the conditions for interview exemption, citizens must submit the application within 12 months of the visa expiry date, must have been 18 on the date of the previous visa issuance, must submit the application in their home or residence country, and must not have previously had their visa denied or declared ineligible. The US embassy in Bucharest mentions that even if these conditions are met, it is up to the members of the consular service to still request an interview. Romanians were supposed to travel to the United States without visas starting April 1, 2025, after the refusal rate dropped below 3% last year. However, the Visa Waiver Program for Romania was suspended by the US authorities. (AMP) The Government will again assume responsibility The Executive in Bucharest has decided to put the second package of fiscal-budgetary measures through the procedure of assuming responsibility in Parliament, most likely next week Photo: Facebook/Guvernul Romaniei Corina Cristea, 21.08.2025, 14:00 Being under excessive deficit procedure for the past five years, Romania is in a situation where it must take measures in order to avoid the suspension of European funds. Last year the country reported a deficit of 9.3% of the GDP the highest in the European Union, much higher than the 7.9% assumed target. Bucharest didnt take effective measures to improve the situation, the European Commission said and set October 15th, as a deadline for Romania to come up with an effective plan of measures. The first step was made by the Bolojan government, who endorsed a first measure package, which included among other things, a raised VAT, the introduction of higher social insurance contributions for pensions over 600 EUROS, freezing other budgetary expenses, such as salaries and pensions in the public system, or cutting funds for political parties. The Executive assumed responsibility in Parliament for this package, which successfully passed the censure motion the opposition had tabled against it. The measures have been endorsed and now the government wants to do the same with a second measure package also aimed at curbing the countrys budget deficit. This second package includes a series of amendments to the ways of taxing the multinational companies, the functioning of companies and corporations, as well as higher taxes for extra-community shipments and accommodation revenues. Here is at the microphone Finance Minister, Alexandru Nazare. Alexandru Nazare: I believe the most important messages of changes in the second fiscal package is focusing on streamlining tax collection, discouraging intra-group aggressive optimizations, fiscal optimization in general, and also prune the business environment eliminating the inactive vehicles, the so-called inactive companies there are over 460 thousand inactive companies from various periods in Romania, some even have 10 years now and which arent useful when we want to implement a fair administration, which protects the contributors. We have pledged to our partners that we are going to curb the deficit and have a credible trajectory and we need measures of this kind to convey correct messages. The state runs the considerable risk of defaulting on payment this autumn, if the aforementioned measures arent endorsed, the Prime Minister has cautioned. So, the Executive has decided to assume responsibility most likely next week. Some aspects must be cleared up and the latest details to be established, says the Senate president, Liberal Mircea Abrudean, who voiced skepticism that any of the parties in the ruling coalition made up of PSD, PNL, UDMR, USR would vote for a new censure motion. His remarks come after the PSD has announced a series of objections to some measures, mainly regarding investment from the PNRR and the Anghel Saligny Programme of streamlining local communities. From the opposition, Petrisor Peiu, the leader of the AUR senators says their MPs are going to table a fresh censure motion they expect that MPs from other parties will endorse too. (bill) European stocks were little changed on Thursday as investors looked ahead to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium for hints of possible rate cuts this year. In economic news, Eurozone manufacturing PMI unexpectedly returned to expansion in August, while the services sector activity declined, according to data from the HCOB's latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) Survey. Elsewhere, the U.K.'s private sector expanded at the strongest pace in 12 months while the country's budget deficit narrowed in July to the lowest level for the month in three years, separate reports revealed. The pan European STOXX 600 was marginally lower at 558.58 after three days of gains. The German DAX was marginally lower and France's CAC 40 shed 0.3 percent. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 was little changed with a negative bias after rallying 1.1 percent to a fresh record close the previous day. Paris-based ophthalmology company Nicox soared 10 percent after announcing positive results from the NCX 470 phase 3 Denali trial in glaucoma patients. Amsterdam-listed insurer Aegon jumped 7 percent. The company swung to a 606 million net profit in the first half of 2025 from a 65 million loss a year. WHSmith shares slumped 37 percent. The U.K. retailer cut its financial forecasts and launched an independent review after discovering "an overstatement" in profits at its U.S. arm. Renishaw surged 9 percent. The engineering firm announced that its Group Finance Director Allen Roberts will step down at the end of the year, ending a 46-year career at the company. Global recruitment chain Hays lost 4 percent after reporting a plunge in annual profit. Norway's second biggest oil & gas company Aker BP rallied 3 percent after announcing a significant oil discovery in the Yggdrasil area in the Norwegian North Sea. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com The International Criminal Court has strongly rejected new sanctions announced by the United States against its judges and prosecutors in a renewed push surrounding investigations into U.S. and Israeli officials. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State imposed new sanctions on two judges and two prosecutors of ICC for engaging in efforts to prosecute US and Israeli citizens. The U.S. sanctions target Trial Division judges Kimberly Prost and Nicolas Yann Guillou, and Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang. Prost is designated for ruling to authorize the ICC's investigation into U.S. personnel in Afghanistan, the State Department said. Guillou was designated for ruling to authorize the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. "Deputy Prosecutors Shameem Khan and Niang are being designated for continuing to support illegitimate ICC actions against Israel, including upholding the ICC's arrest warrants targeting Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant since they assumed leadership for the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor," the State Department said in a press release. This is in addition to earlier US sanctions against four other ICC judges and a prosecutor. In a statement announcing the new round of sanctions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ICC "is a national security threat that has been an instrument for lawfare against the United States and our close ally Israel." The UN-backed court denounced the sanctions as "a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution". Furthermore, "they constitute also an affront against the Court's States Parties, the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world." The court, based in The Hague, investigates the gravest crimes of concern to the international community, namely genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Last November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, together with a former Hamas commander, in connection with the conflict in Gaza, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is also probing war crimes allegedly committed in Afghanistan by all sides during years of conflict, including the US, following the allied invasion of the country in May 2003. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News NASA is turning up the heat in solar science with the launch of the Surya Heliophysics Foundational Model, an artificial intelligence model trained on 9 years of observations from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. Developed by NASA in partnership with IBM and others, Surya uses advances in AI to analyze vast amounts of solar data, helping scientists better understand solar eruptions and predict space weather that threatens satellites, power grids, and communication systems. The model can be used to provide early warnings to satellite operators and helps scientists predict how the Sun's ultraviolet output affects Earth's upper atmosphere. Preliminary results show Surya is making strides in solar flare forecasting, a long-standing challenge in heliophysics. Surya, with its ability to generate visual predictions of solar flares two hours into the future, marks a major step towards the use of AI for operational space weather prediction. These initial results surpass existing benchmarks by 16 percent, NASA said. By providing open access to the model on HuggingFace and the code on GitHub, NASA urged the science and applications community to test and explore this AI model for innovative solutions that leverage the unique value of continuous, stable, long-duration datasets from the Solar Dynamics Observatory. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Diphtheria cases are rising quickly in Somalia, with children making up more than 97 percent of those infected, officials and aid groups warn. Diphtheria is a highly contagious and dangerous bacterial disease that causes symptoms like swollen glands, breathing problems, fever, and can be deadly, especially for children. The disease can be prevented with a vaccine, which has been widely available since the mid-1900s. So far, Somalia has recorded more than 1,600 cases and 87 deaths, compared to 838 cases and 56 deaths in all of 2024, according to Hussein Abdukar Muhidin, director of Somalia's National Institute of Health, Reuters notes. Although vaccination rates in Somalia have improved in recent years, many children are still not fully protected. The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) blames gaps in immunization for the increase in cases. Health Minister Ali Haji Adam stated that the government is struggling to get enough vaccines due to a global shortage, and U.S. aid cuts have further made it harder to distribute the limited supply. "The U.S. aid cut terribly affected the funds it used to provide to Somalia. Many health centers closed. Mobile vaccination teams that took vaccines to remote areas lost funding and now do not work," said Adam, as per Reuters. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Crude oil prices extended the previous day's gains on Thursday, as data points to robust demand in the US amid prevailing uncertainty about a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. WTI Crude Oil for October delivery was last seen trading up by $0.88 (or 1.40%) at $63.59 per barrel. According to the data released by the US EIA crude oil inventories tumbled by 6.0 million barrels last week and gasoline inventories fell by 2.7 million barrels. These numbers suggest an increase in demand. Amid US a "sanctions threat" on Russian oil exports, Russian President met US President Donald Trump last Friday to negotiate an end to the three-plus-year war with Ukraine. This past Monday, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite the odds of a peace deal rising, neither meeting culminated in a significant breakthrough. Notably, even as Trump is spearheading diplomatic measures to halt the war, in an overnight attack on Thursday, Russia launched a total of 574 drone and 40 missile strikes on Ukraine. If the efforts taken by the White House to end the long-drawn hostilities between Russia and Ukraine materializes positively, it will weigh against crude oil prices. But with the Western sanctions on Russian oil exports remaining intact, the uncertainty of a ceasefire supports oil prices for now. With economists warning that the US may go into stagflation, and global markets shaken heavily by US tariffs, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's keynote address at the Jackson Hole Symposium in Wyoming tomorrow may shed some light on the outlook for monetary policy. Crude oil being a dollar-denominated commodity, its trajectory is expected to be impacted intensely by the US Dollar value in the coming days. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis New car launches for the remaining months of 2025 set to capture a large audience as the festive months roll in The calendar year 2025 started off on a promising note. There were a host of new car launches over the past 8 months while there are several exciting new offerings set for launch in the coming 4 months. The soon to be launched models are from well-known car brands such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Vinfast, Mahindra, Volkswagen, Renault and Nissan. Given their popularity in India, most launches are in the SUV segment. These releases come at an opportune time as the festive period approaches. New launches include the next-gen Hyundai Venue, Renault Kiger facelift, Tata Punch Facelift, Maruti Victoris SUV and the VW Tayron among others. While each of these are in the ICE SUV segment, there is also Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, Vinfast VF6 and VF7 along with new Hyundai Ioniq 5 that will mark their entry into the equally popular electric car space. Here we list out these 10 upcoming cars and a brief about their features. Renault Kiger Facelift August 2025 The first of these launches is the 2025 Renault Kiger Facelift which has been confirmed for launch on August 24. This sub-4 meter SUV, that has been on sale in India since 2021 will get a mid-life refresh that will bring with it few exterior and interior updates, enhanced safety equipment while it may see change in its engine lineup. It will continue to draw power via 1.0 liter petrol engines and transmission choices with optional CNG kit. 2025 Renult Kiger facelift will be priced at a premium over its current counterpart that range between Rs 6.15 11.23 lakh (ex-showroom). Vinfast VF 6 and VF 7 August 2025 Slated for launch later this month, VinFast India has already commenced pre-bookings for VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs. Both models will be locally assembled at VinFasts upcoming facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. VinFast VF 6 mid-size electric SUV is being offered in two variants of Eco and Plus. The Eco trim will receive a 59.5 kWh battery pack offering a range of 399 km while the Plus trim gets the same battery capacity with a lower range of 381 km. The flagship Vinfast VF 7 receives a 75.3 kWh battery which in Eco trim comes in with an estimated range of 450 km, while the Plus variant range stands at around 431 km. Price could stand at around Rs 25 lakh for the VF6 and at around Rs 50 lakh for the larger VF 7 (both prices ex-showroom). Maruti Victoris 3rd September 2025 The new Maruti Suzuki Victoris, an all-new 5 seater SUV will launch on 3rd September 2025. It will be sold via the companys Arena showrooms. Maruti Victoris will be brands second offering in mid-size SUV segment and it may be the first model to offer Level-2 ADAS autonomous driver assistance system suite. This SUV will borrow its engine lineup from the Grand Vitara sharing the same 1.5 liter NA petrol, 1.5 liter Hybrid petrol and CNG options. Prices of the Maruti Victoris are expected to start from around Rs 9 or 10 lakh, with its top spec variant at around Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). Mahindra XUV 3XO EV September 2025 Just ahead of the festivities in India, Mahindra will be introducing the XUV 3XO EV. This upcoming electric SUV will be based on the ICE variant of the sub 4 meter SUV and will replace the XUV400 in the company portfolio. Set to offer the latest in technology and updates in terms of safety equipment, the XUV 3XO EV will draw its power via two battery pack options. There will be a 34.5 kWh battery with estimated range of 359 km along with a 39.4 kWh battery that can deliver approximately 456 km on single charge. The new Mahindra 3XO EV is set to launch in an expected price range of Rs 15-20 lakh (ex-showroom). 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 September 2025 Ioniq 5 facelift made its global debut in March 2024 and currently is on its final testing spree in India. Spied with heavy visual updates and sportier features, the new Ioniq 5 will also gain in terms of increased dimensions. Its equipment list and safety features are set to remain unchanged and largely similar to those seen on its current counterpart. India-spec model will continue to draw its power via an 84kWh battery pack with ARAI-claimed range of 515 km. The motor will be mated to a rear-axle-mounted (RWD) electric motor with a claimed range of around 570 km (WLTP). Prices could be at a premium over its current model which is priced from Rs 46 lakh (ex-showroom). New Hyundai Venue October 2025 The new-gen 2025 Hyundai Venue will be launched on October 24th, during the festive months. Currently undergoing road tests, this sub-compact SUV will show off some striking exteriors along with some features borrowed from the Alcazar. Interiors will also be dramatically improved with features expected to be borrowed from Creta while it will see no change in its petrol and diesel engine lineup. Considering the feature updates, new generation Venue is expected to be offered in a slightly higher price bracket over the current model that is priced from Rs 7.94 13.62 lakh (ex-showroom). Volkswagen Tayron October 2025 The Volkswagen Tayron is currently on its final test rounds ahead of launch in India which could happen in October 2025. It is being presented in the 7 seater, 3 row SUV layout and will be assembled locally at the company facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Sporting a strong resemblance with the Tiguan R-Line, though with larger dimensions, Tayron will be powered by the same engine lineup as seen on the Skoda Kodiaq. This is a 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder turbo petrol unit which gets mated to a 7 speed DCT automatic transmission. Coming in as a CKD Completely Knocked Down Unit, the Tayron is estimated to be priced around Rs 49 Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom). MG Majestor October 2025 MG Majestor is an upcoming flagship SUV from MG Motor. It will be the companys 3rd model to be sold via MG Select Dealerships in the country through which the Cyberster and M9 are also sold. To be launched in the full size SUV segment, the new Majestor draws design inspiration from Maxus D90 SUV sold in the international markets. It will be powered by a 2.0 liter twin turbo engine mated with an 8 speed automatic gearbox and with a 4WD transfer case and a triple locking differential setup. Price estimates put the new Majestor in the Rs 40-46 lakh range. Tata Punch Facelift Later This Year Though official announcement or launch date has been revealed, Tata Motors may soon launch the Punch Facelift. It will sport heavy cosmetic updates both on its exteriors and interiors as spy shots have revealed though it will not see any changes in its engines. It will continue to draw power via a 1.2 liter petrol engine with manual and AMT gearbox options while a CNG model is also on the cards. Prices of Tata Punch facelift is not likely to see much change over its current price range of Rs 6.20 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom). TVS Motor Company has launched the TVS King Kargo HD EV, a next-generation cargo three-wheeler built to address the needs of Indias growing urban and semi-urban logistics sector. Priced at Rs 3.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the new electric three-wheeler brings segment-first innovations in safety, comfort, and connectivity. Alongside, the company also unveiled the TVS King Kargo HD CNG variant, scheduled for launch later this year. TVS King Kargo HD EV The Kargo HD EV is designed to enhance efficiency in last-mile delivery with features like LED headlamps and tail lamps for better visibility, a spacious cabin with fully rolling windows, stylish door trims, and a dedicated Power Gear Mode that improves torque under heavy loads. It also debuts as Indias first Bluetooth-enabled cargo three-wheeler, equipped with TVS SmartXonnect, offering 26 connected features for drivers. Best-in-Segment Features Top speed: 60 km/h Load deck: 6.6 ft with leaf spring suspension Warranty: 6 years / 1.5 lakh km Water wading capacity: 500 mm Charging time: 3 hours 10 minutes Ground clearance: 235 mm, with lowest loading height of 703 mm Turning radius: 3,420 mm for better manoeuvrability in tight spaces Braking: Shortest stopping distance with 200 mm drum diameter Fleet management: Equipped with TVS Connect Fleet telematics solution The TVS Connect Fleet platform gives operators complete visibility and control over their vehicles with 31 advanced features, including real-time tracking, remote asset control, APIs, alerts, and intelligent dashboards. This makes it easier for businesses to maximize uptime and efficiency in cargo operations. In the first phase, the King Kargo HD EV will be available in Delhi, NCR (Faridabad, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad), Rajasthan, and Bengaluru. Deliveries will begin soon, while the CNG variant will join the lineup by the end of 2025. Rajat Gupta, Business Head Commercial Mobility, TVS Motor Company, said: The launch of the TVS King Kargo HD represents a transformative moment in the evolution of cargo mobility, aligned to our Re-Imagine 2030 vision. This three-wheeler will set new benchmarks by delivering an unmatched combination of smart features, high load capability, comfort, ergonomics and safety. Coupled with the TVS Connect Fleet, the vehicle will empower businesses and also improve the everyday life of operators. With the TVS King Kargo HD EV, we are confident of redefining customer expectations and enabling them to achieve more, every day, effortlessly. The number of victims of enemy rocket fire in Mukachevo has increased to 19 people, Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration head Myroslav Biletsky has said. "We have updated information on the victims of the rocket attack on the Mukachevo territorial community (Flex plant). As of 12:30, 19 victims have been recorded. In particular, 10 people were delivered to the St. Martin Hospital in Mukachevo by emergency medical teams. Some 16 teams were involved in providing assistance, including one additional for psychological support. Another nine people applied independently," he wrote in Telegram. According to him, after the examination, six patients are in hospital treatment: five in the Hospital of St. Martin (three of them with injuries to the lower extremities and pelvis, one with blunt abdominal trauma, another with trauma and contusion of the brain) and one in the the Andriy Novak Zakarpattia Regional Clinical Hospital (shrapnel wounds to the head, eye and ear damage). One of the injured is in serious condition. The youngest of the injured is 22 years old, the oldest is 63. Four more people who had an acute stress reaction were provided with outpatient care at the scene, a psychologist worked with them. Earlier, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported 16 injured. Photo: Unsplash The Polish Foreign Ministry has sent a note of protest to Russia, expressing its strong protest against the drone incident that occurred on the night of August 19-20, 2025, in the village of Osiny in the Lublin Voivodeship, the ministry's website reported on Thursday. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a note of protest that "the incident - the explosion of an unmanned aerial vehicle - is a violation by the Russian Federation of its obligations to respect the sovereignty of Poland, arising, in particular, from the Treaty between the Republic of Poland and the Russian Federation on Friendly and Good-Neighbourly Cooperation and the Convention on International Civil Aviation." The Polish Foreign Ministry assessed this event as "another deliberate provocation," which corresponds to the pattern of hybrid actions carried out by the Russian Federation against Poland and other European countries. "We strongly condemn all actions by the Russian side that pose a threat to the civilian population, infrastructure and air traffic safety," the protest note says. The Polish Foreign Ministry demands that the Russian side immediately provide an explanation regarding the incident, in particular the circumstances and reasons for the appearance of an unmanned aerial vehicle on Polish territory, as well as information on the actions taken by the relevant Russian authorities to prevent similar situations in the future. "We call for an immediate end to all hostile and provocative actions against Poland and reiterate that responsibility for the consequences of such incidents lies solely with the Russian side. As reported, at 2 a.m. on August 20, in the village of Osiny in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, an unknown object fell on a cornfield and then exploded. Deputy Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces Piotr Malinowski said that it could have been a decoy drone, and the explosives were needed for "self-destruction." Malinowski also said that the drone was flying at low altitudes, so the Polish air defense radar field did not detect it. The team of universal rescuers a special mobile unit "Delta" of the State Emergency Service, which works in the air, on water and underground will be expanded to 55 specialists, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko has said. In the Telegram channel on Thursday, the minister said large-scale training of the Emergency Service rescuers is being held in Cherkasy region. He said that together with Head of the State Emergency Service Andriy Danyk, he coordinated the drills aimed at improving coordination among specialists from several regions of Ukraine, who practiced landing from helicopters, evacuating victims from water, extinguishing fires from the air, the work of doctors, dog handlers and drones. The Minister of Internal Affairs said: "A special pride is the newly created special mobile detachment 'Delta.' 18 universal rescuers who can operate anywhere: in the air, on the water or underground. Parachute, boat, helicopter or car they use all means to quickly arrive where it is necessary to save lives." In this context, the minister said: "We plan to scale this project and increase the team to 55 specialists. The selection and training process is ongoing." Klymenko said he also visited the leading underwater mine clearance training center, where divers train, underwater drones operate, and there are special pressure chambers for training. "Today's training is not about theory. Our rescuers work every day in real combat conditions, have unique experience. Training is about coordination, about acting quickly, coherently and saving as many lives as possible at a critical moment," the minister said. Chinese embassy donates food supplies to Mauritania's Assaba Region Xinhua) 09:47, August 21, 2025 NOUAKCHOTT, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Mauritania on Tuesday handed over a batch of food supplies to the Assaba Region to support residents recently affected by floods. The donation, comprising rice, cooking oil, sugar, and milk powder, was delivered during a ceremony attended by Wang Yongzhao, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Mauritania, and Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Habib, president of the regional council of Assaba. Both officials signed the handover certificate. Wang conveyed sympathy to flood-affected communities in the region and expressed hope that the aid would help residents recover from the disaster and improve living conditions. Habib thanked the Chinese embassy for what he described as a generous gesture, saying it reflects the genuine friendship of the Chinese people toward the people of Mauritania, and would be remembered by the residents of Assaba. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Evangelist Daniel Kolenda Joins Esteemed Lineup at Charlie Kirks Student Action Summit in Tampa NEWS PROVIDED BY Christ for all Nations (CfaN) Aug. 21, 2025 TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 21, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ July 1113, 2025 International evangelist, missionary, and author Daniel Kolenda, President & CEO of Christ for All Nations, was featured as one of the distinguished speakers at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit held this summer in Tampa, Floridas Convention Center. Turning Point USA extended the invitation to Evangelist Daniel Kolenda to preach the Gospel to the thousands of young people gathered at the summitan opportunity that aligned closely with their commitment to faith, truth, and empowering the next generation. On Day 3 of the summit, Evangelist Kolenda delivered a stirring evangelistic message to thousands of attendees, drawing a clear line between cultural Christianity and true discipleship. Its cool to believe in God again, he said, referencing the cultural shift marked by public figures like Russell Brand and Jordan Peterson expressing openness to faith. But people dont know what it means to follow Jesus anymore. Kolenda used vivid illustrations, including the story of a hurricane-stranded sailor and a drowning man offered a lifeline, to communicate the biblical call to believenot just intellectuallybut with full surrender. You have to let go of whatever youre clinging toyour pride, your religion, your own goodnessand take hold of Jesus, he urged. Following his appeal, hundreds responded to the altar call, coming forward to pray and publicly commit their lives to Christ. The Student Action Summit, spearheaded by conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, is one of TPUSAs premier events. It unites thought leaders, politicians, and media personalities in a mission to mobilize youth in defense of life, liberty, and conservative American values. The 2025 edition drew an attendance of over 5,000 participants, featuring notable figures such as Pete Hegseth, Kristi Noem, Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, and more. In an article covered by Danielle Wallace, Fox News reported: Turning Point USA's Student Action Summit opens for a third and final day Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, longtime Trump ally and GOP strategist Roger Stone, Savannah and Todd Chrisley and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk are among those scheduled to close out the third and final day of Turning Point USAs Student Action Summit in Tampa, Florida, on Sunday. "On Saturday, attendees heard from celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels, former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and border czar Tom Homan, among others. Evg. Kolenda, renowned for his leadership of Christ for All Nations and his evangelistic campaigns across challenging regions globally, continues to inspire millions through open-air crusades, media outreach, and his role as lead pastor of Nations Church. About Christ for All Nations: Founded in 1974 by Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, and now led by Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, Christ for All Nations is a non-denominational, Spirit-empowered evangelistic ministry with offices in multiple nations around the world and a vision to see the Gospel preached to the ends of the earth. To learn more about Daniel Kolenda and Christ for all Nations, or to partner with the ministry, visit https://cfan.org. Press Contact: Mary-Kathryn Manuel Christ for all Nations Contact: press@cfan.org 888-800-2767 Website: www.cfan.org IG: @cfanglobal SOURCE Christ for all Nations Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak is convinced of Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression and stated that the Ukrainian side will not accept any ultimatum. "After 11 years of war, we control over 25% of Donbas. Over the past 1,000 days of fighting, the Russians have captured only 1% of Ukraine, suffering very heavy losses in their army. We must understand that we are not losing, and the Russians are not winning. This is certainly a difficult situation, like every war, but we will not accept blackmail with any ultimatum; we can still fight," Yermak said in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriera della sera. When asked whether the possibility of holding a referendum on amending the Constitution to recognize the Russian occupation of certain territories was being considered, the head of the President's Office replied: "No, we are not doing this, and at the moment we do not intend to cede any part of our land." "But today we are realistic and know that the aggressor has occupied some regions, and so far we are not able to liberate them with the help of weapons. At the same time, we want to stop the war and ensure that it does not happen again in the future. Zelenskyy will discuss this with Putin. It should be made clear that we agreed with the Americans that there are no preconditions for the summit," Yermak said. He recalled the words of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that "all territorial aspects will be considered at his bilateral meeting with Putin." "In addition, negotiations should start from the current front line, and in any case we will not give up our national territories. We recognize the situation created by the war and want to discuss it," the head of the President's Office said. Yermak does not believe that Vladimir Putin's position has changed, "but he has understood that he cannot turn us into something like a Belarusian repetition." "Putin was surprised by our resilience, and now he is impressed by the new cooperation between us, the EU and Trump. All this pushes him to be more realist," he said. The President's Office head said that without the United States' help, Ukraine would be "in a much worse position" and called Trump "the first American president who instilled fear in Putin and even forced him to agree to a summit with us." When asked whether Ukraine could do without American military assistance and rely exclusively on European assistance, he replied that "unfortunately, no." "It is true that European support has increased significantly in recent months, but US assistance remains vital," Yermak said. European countries are calling on US President Donald Trump to deploy American F-35 fighter jets to Romania's Mihail Kogalniceanu air base as part of security guarantees to end the war in Ukraine, The Times reports. Senior European military leaders are reportedly discussing the possibility of deploying aircraft to a NATO air base being built in Romania to deter Russia from invading again. European countries also want guarantees of use of American satellites for GPS and reconnaissance, delivery of Patriot and Nasams air defense systems, and permission for reconnaissance aircraft to fly over the Black Sea. As the publication notes, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov opposes the deployment of Western troops and said that Moscow and Beijing should be given the right to veto Western military support for Ukraine. Lavrov noted that the proposals for security guarantees discussed in Istanbul in 2022 were a very good example of what the Kremlin could approve. According to Reuters sources, during a summit with Donald Trump in Alaska, Vladimir Putin narrowed his claims to Ukrainian territories, focusing on Donbas, while earlier he sought four regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson. "Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up all of the eastern Donbas region, renounce ambitions to join NATO, remain neutral and keep Western troops out of the country, three sources familiar with top-level Kremlin thinking told Reuters," the publication said on Thursday. In exchange, the Kremlin is ready to maintain the current frontline in Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. "In essence, the Russian sources said, Putin has compromised on territorial demands he laid out in June 2024, which required Kyiv to cede the entirety of the four provinces Moscow claims as part of Russia: Dontesk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine which make up the Donbas - plus Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south," the agency said. In his new proposal, Putin is sticking to the demand for a complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the parts of Donbas that it still controls, three sources said. However, in return, Moscow would halt the current front lines in Zaporizhia and Kherson, they added. According to the agency's sources, Moscow is also ready to hand over small parts of Ukraine's Kharkiv, Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions, which it controls, as part of a possible deal. "Putin is sticking, too, to his previous demands that Ukraine give up its NATO ambitions and for a legally binding pledge from the U.S.-led military alliance that it will not expand further eastwards, as well as for limits on the Ukrainian army and an agreement that no Western troops will be deployed on the ground in Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force," the agency added, citing sources. Ukraine and the European Union Delegation have agreed to expand cooperation in the areas of countering corruption, judicial reform and development of legal institutions. As reported by the press service of the President of Ukraine, Deputy Head of the President's Office Iryna Mudra and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka held a meeting with Charge d'Affaires ai of the European Union Delegation to Ukraine Gediminas Navickas. "In particular, during the meeting, they discussed the next steps for the implementation of judicial reform, improving the system of preventing and combating corruption, and the priority of sustainable development of legal institutions. The parties agreed to expand cooperation in the format of consultations and joint projects," the press service said. Special attention is paid to the finalization of the creation of the Special Tribunal and the Compensation Commission, which will consider the applications of victims of Russian aggression, the press service said. Navickas confirmed his readiness to expand cooperation and support Ukraine's efforts in implementing reforms. He noted the progress already achieved and assured of further solidarity. After the meeting, Mudra reported to the President of Ukraine on its results. The Hungarian side offered assistance to Ukrainian citizens of Hungarian nationality after the Russian occupiers struck the city of Mukachevo in Zakarpattia region on Thursday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said. "At today's government meeting, we discussed the consequences of the Russian missile strike on Mukachevo. I instructed the Minister of the Interior to prepare hospitals in Debrecen and Nyiregyhaza to receive the wounded. Thank God, this was not necessary. Peter Szijjarto [Hungarian Foreign Minister] spoke with representatives of Hungarians in Zakarpattia, to whom we also offered assistance from the Hungarian government," Orban said on Facebook. In turn, Hungarian President Tamas Szujok expressed his "deep condolences to the victims of the missile strike on Mukachevo" on his page. He initially wrote "Russian missile strike" but later edited the post and removed the word "Russian" which caused a wave of indignation and discussion in the comments. "I wish them a speedy recovery and full recovery. An immediate cessation of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict is in our interests. I am confident that the warring parties are able to understand this and, thanks to international diplomatic efforts, will soon put an end to this inhuman and senseless massacre," Szujok said. As reported, the Russian occupiers struck the plant of the U.S. company FLEX in Mukachevo at night. The city was under attack by the Russian army for the first time during a full-scale invasion. Thanks to the detailed measures for responding to air raids, all 600 workers who were on shift at the time went down to shelter in time, which saved their lives. In total, 19 injured people aged 22 to 63 were reported. After examination, six citizens remained in hospital, one of them is in serious condition. According to the only census conducted in Ukraine since independence in 2001, 8.5% of Mukachevo residents and 12.1% of the population of the entire Zakarpattia region indicated their Hungarian nationality. Pam Amundsen, donor services manager for the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. Traverse City area residents Anna Taylor and Barb Cross both love animals deeply.Taylor has served as a foster parent for dozens of retired greyhound racing dogs and Cross has incorporated dogs into her social work practice, primarily working with sexually abused women and children.Both were looking for a way to reduce animal suffering and provide ongoing support to animals and animal rescue organizations in the five-county Grand Traverse region that covers Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.Setting up their estates to fund a permanent animal welfare endowment made perfect sense. They worked with Pam Amundsen, donor services manager of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, to establish the fund. Beginning in September, animal rescue organizations, including volunteer-run groups, can apply for funds to cover services like spaying and neutering, emergency and life-saving veterinarian surgeries, trap-neuter-release programs, foster program assistance, and education.The Grand Traverse Region Community Foundation was founded in 1992 when a group of community members came together with a shared vision to give back to the Grand Traverse region then, now, and forever. The foundation continues to engage in collaborative leadership efforts; funding nonprofit, governmental, educational, and Tribal organizations; supporting local students; and building endowments that leave a lasting impact in the community.We work with financial advisors, Amundsen said. We know the needs of the non-profits, so we pick up that role for local experts. We are the charitable giving experts.Cross grew up with dogs, always loved them and used them extensively in her Traverse City outpatient mental health clinic."Animals are the way to bridge rapport and theyre good for our mental health, she said. Theyre great medicine.She said the endowment is meant to protect animals.Throughout my 40-year career, I had my toe on the front line of dysfunction in the community, she said. I saw a lot of trauma in children whose animals were being abused. This provides a voice for animals because they cant speak for themselves.Taylor has opened her Old Mission Peninsula home in Traverse City to foster animals for years. She has fostered greyhounds through Greyhound Retirement Adoption Care and Education, (G.R.A.C.E.) based in Belleville. She has also fostered cats through TC Paws cat rescue and the Cherryland Humane Society.I have a big heart for animals. Im never without one, she said.She wants to do everything she can to ensure that pets can stay with their families, are well cared for and not relinquished. She has noticed an increased need for animal welfare resources in rural communities, especially since the pandemic.Ive learned a lot about why people give up their animals and its just heartbreaking, she said.A death in the family, chronic illness, job loss and unexpected vet bills can all contribute to animals needing to be rehomed. Weather or climate-related crises like hurricanes and flooding in other states have also meant that abandoned or lost pets are sometimes sent north to Michigan for care.Weve all read the news and heard the national dialogue about rising costs, Amundsen said, noting that the endowment can help fill the financial gaps for animals in need.I feel good about leaving the planet with something in place, Taylor said. There was no animal welfare fund and thats where I want my money to go.She is especially pleased that the Animal Welfare Endowment puts a priority on smaller organizations, including those that are run by volunteers.I believe animals need help and humans need education, Taylor said. Every animal has a right to be loved and to thrive.Taylor is looking for meaningful educational opportunities regarding proper pet care and resources.The educational piece will come from awareness, she said. This a great first step.Cross agreed: We want to help people keep their pets because theyre family members, she said, acknowledging that while some people are abusive, most pet owners are caring people who sometimes need help to provide proper care.Before creating the endowment, Amundsen met separately with the women and their financial planners. Upon learning that they had the same goals, she suggested that it made sense to combine efforts and to establish one endowment together.Because the fund is new, awareness is just beginning to spread. She explained that funds from the endowment are available to organizations with 503c tax exempt, nonprofit status, schools, and government and tribal entities.Amundsen has been pleased that some of her coworkers, also animal lovers, have already made donations to the fund.In addition, two other animal welfare funds have been established. Leahs Legacy Endowment is available for emergency vet care services through the Cherryland Humane Society, and the Robert L. Martin Kalkaska Animal Endowment provides support for animal welfare in Kalkaska County through the Kalkaska County Animal Control office.Amundsen also noted that Traverse City-based Rileys Candles donates a portion of proceeds to help pet owners cover emergency veterinary bills. One hundred percent of all donations to Rileys Candles goes toward life-saving efforts for pets.Theres really great funding happening around this topic, Amundsen said.She encourages animal lovers in other communities to contact their local community foundation to learn about existing endowments or to work toward establishing new funds. In addition to animal welfare, animal rights need to be respected, she said.This is the first year that grants from the Animal Welfare Endowment are available.They are part of the fall grant cycle. Cross and Taylor are enthusiastic about spreading the word."My wish is to do everything in my power to get my friends and family to make committed donations every month, Cross said. Its about making people aware.To learn more about the Animal Welfare Endowment, go to Animal Welfare Endowment | GTR Community Foundation . To make a one-time or recurring donation, go to Animal Welfare Endowment Muskegon native Dawn Kemp has been writing about people and places throughout Michigan for more than 30 years. She lives in Kalamazoo with her husband and dog and is learning to play the ukulele. John Grap Mary Muliett, President and CEO of the Battle Creek Community Foundation addresses those in attendance at the block party. BCCF Board President Rob Ridgeway is seen to the left in the photo. John Grap Vania Word and Franklin Ballard are seen at the BCCFs block party. John Grap Robert Elchert of the SHARE Center and Helen Guzzo of the City of Battle Creek are seen at the BCCFs block party. John Grap Mary Muliett, President and CEO of the Battle Creek Community Foundation, is seen with Pete Christ, one of her predecessors, at the foundations annual block party. John Grap Cheryl Roberts, left, and Josita Todd are seen at the BCCFs block party. Courtesy of Marquette Trail 50 Courtesy of Marquette Trail 50 Courtesy of Marquette Trail 50 Editor's note: Marquette County coverage is provided by Lake Superior Community Partnership. Forestville Trailhead, 5:15 a.m.: A constellation of headlamps flickers through the birch trunks, illuminating runners shuffling toward the timing arch. The pre-dawn air, sharp with cedar and damp quartzite, hums with anticipation. Near the front, 49-year-old Jeff VanderKooi adjusts the laces of his well-worn shoes, grinning as he wonders which of Marquettes granite peaks Sugarloaf, Top of the World, Bareback, or Hogback will claim the most runners before the day is done.Among the crowd, 58-year-old Greg Borzick takes in the scene from a different vantage point. He lined up at the inaugural Marquette Trail 50 in 2009, when just over 50 runners tested a course stitched together by hand and fueled by coolers and water jugs. This year, a calf injury kept him from toeing the line, but he was not absent. Instead, he cheered from the sidelines as his daughter Samantha took on the 50k for the first time, finishing in 7:01.I was extremely disappointed not to be out there, he admitted. But it was surprisingly fun to spectate. Even from the sidelines, Borzick remained a fixturesharing advice, greeting old friends, and drawing strength from the event he has helped shape for nearly two decades.Now in its 17th year, the Trail 50 has grown into one of the Midwests signature ultras. The numbers are deliberately limited: 175 for the 50-mile and 350 for the 50k, to protect the trails and preserve the events grassroots culture. It feels less like a commercial spectacle and more like a Saturday group run, though the elevation profile tells another story: 5,520 feet of climbing in the 50-mile and 3,237 in the 50k, over terrain laced with roots, rocks, and ridgelines that Ultrarunning Magazine rates as both hilly and technically punishing.This year, the trail made its demands clear. Of 106 entrants in the 50-mile, just 67 finished. The 50k drew 317 registrants, with 271 crossing the line. The numbers reflect what veterans already know: the Marquette Trail 50 is as much about resilience as it is about speed.Race co-director Paige Dubois understands that balance. A former 50k finisher herself, she now spends the year coordinating logistics and volunteers.None of us get paid; were just out there because we love it and we want to help raise money for the trails, she said. For her, the events homegrown nature is its strength. The start line opens on Black Friday and fills that same day. Race shirts are understated and soft, aid stations are staffed by familiar faces, and the countdown to go comes not from a horn but from a chorus of voices echoing in unison.For VanderKooi, the Trail 50 is as personal as it is punishing. A native Michigander who now splits his time between Las Vegas and the Upper Peninsula, he first attempted the 50-mile in 2013 and did not finish, a DNF in ultraspeak. I didnt realize what I was getting into. Pictures dont do it justice, he recalled. He returned in 2014 to finish, and a year later placed second.This year he finished in 10 hours, 37 minutes, faster than his 2024 effort of 10:45, but shy of his career best of 9:21. His slowest time remains 13:34, a reminder of how variable the course can be depending on weather, trail conditions, and the body on any given day.VanderKooi runs without headphones, without distractions. Its bare-bones, quiet time processing, thinking, he said. Training on desert trails near Vegas prepares his legs, but he finds his rhythm with Marquettes Muffin Runners and the Friday Four Peaks crew. What keeps him coming back isnt just the competition but the shared humanity of trail running. The community is so welcoming and friendly, and everybody is cheering everybody else on, he said.His favorite stretch comes after conquering Hogback and Top of the World, when the trail tips downhill toward the Harlow Lake aid station.Im running into people doing the 50k or the 50-mile. Just the energy of people saying, Hi and Good job thats my favorite, he said.In those flowy miles, with hydration vests bouncing and strangers offering encouragement, VanderKooi feels the heartbeat of the race.If VanderKooi represents the present of the Trail 50, Borzick embodies its history. He was there at the beginning, when founder Joe Jameson strung together loops of singletrack and convinced a handful of runners to see what would happen.There was no big arch, no timing mat, Borzick recalled. Joes flipping hamburgers at the finish line for everybody. The first aid station was stocked with the bare basics. We didnt know what we were doing, he said with a laugh.Since then, Borzick has run nearly every year, watching the race move from Tourist Park to Forestville and evolve from a ragtag experiment to a capacity event. This year sidelined but still present, he watched his daughter thrive on the course he helped build.For Borzick, the absence was bittersweet but also grounding.Its such a fulfilling thing to challenge yourself and see what you can do, he said. He believes the balance of ultra running is 60 percent mental, 40 percent physical.His advice to newcomers remains simple: You dont have to run the hills. Hike the peaks, or youll blow up. Save it for the flats and dont skip the aid stations.Now, his focus is on recovery. As Samantha carried forward the familys presence at the 2025 Trail 50, Borzick set his sights on rehabbing his calf in time for a family hiking trip to Iceland. For him, endurance is never just about racing. Its about carrying strength into the rest of life.No two years at the Trail 50 are alike. One August may bring cool mist, another searing sun. In 2025, conditions were kinder than the fog and slick rocks of 2024, yet the finish numbers tell their own story: the course always wins its share. This year, 100 percent humidity at the start of the race left runners, with their sweat-soaked shirts and shorts, looking like theyd taken a dip in Lake Superior.Dubois said part of the challenge lies in out-of-area runners underestimating the technicality and variability. I dont think they understand how tough it is, she said.But she also sees those DNFs turn into repeat registrations, evidence of how the race pulls people back.Some of the most powerful moments dont happen at the peaks or even the finish line. They unfold in aid stations where volunteers know your name or offer a hug, on quiet climbs where a stranger offers encouragement, or in the long silences where runners wrestle with their limits. VanderKooi notes that when hes feeling awful, a breakthrough can occur where 10 miles later, I feel like a million dollars, a testament to pushing through discomfort and the potential for unexpected shifts in mindset and morale.Borzick agrees. You might not remember your finish time, but you remember who helped you get there.The Marquette Trail 50 endures because it has never strayed from its roots. The field may have grown, aid stations may be better stocked, but the essence remains: a trail, a clock, and the shared will to keep moving.Each year adds a new chapter. For VanderKooi, 2025 marked his eighth 50-mile finish on the course, a testament to persistence and to the community that first drew him to ultra-distance running. For Borzick, the year became one of reflection rather than participation, a reminder that the race is as much about belonging as it is about miles. For Dubois and her volunteers, it was another season of holding together a grassroots event that funnels its proceeds back into the very trails it treads.As the sun lifted above the ridgeline this August, runners emerged from the forestsome early, others long after dark. Whether they bowed out at mile 30 or crossed the line at mile 50, they carried something forward: through exhaustion, through elation, through forest and fire road.In the end, the Marquette Trail 50 remains what it has always been: a gathering where strangers become companions, and where the loudest sound isnt a horn or a cheer but the steady rhythm of footsteps on ancient rock, and the quiet conviction carried in every runners chest: I am strong.Melissa Wentarmini is a versatile writer, editor and copywriter based in the Upper Peninsula with a focus on impact-driven storytelling that highlights feature stories, community reporting and human-centered journalism. An avid runner and cyclist, she is actively engaged in her community in various organizations and enjoys spending her free time with her family and Vizslas. London stocks were set for a flat open on Thursday following a record close the day earlier, as investors mulled the latest borrowing figures. The FTSE 100 was called to open steady at 9,288. Data out earlier from the Office for National Statistics showed that government borrowing was lower than expected in July. Borrowing came in at 1.1bn, down 2.3bn on July 2024 and marking the lowest figure for three years following tax rises in April. Analysts were expecting 2.6bn. Since April, public sector borrowing rose 6.7bn to 60bn. In corporate news, WH Smith cut its US profit forecast after uncovering an overstatement of around 30m of expected trading profit in North America. The group now expects now expects headline trading profit from the North America division for the financial year ending 31 August 2025 to be about 25m, down from previous market expectations of approximately 55m. Full-year headline profit before tax and non-underlying items will be in the region of 110m, it said. Premier Foods said it had bought convenient meals brand Merchant Gourmet for an enterprise value of 48m on a cash and debt free basis. Merchant, which makes healthy ready-to-eat pulses and grains, microwaveable rice and meals in minutes, is expected to generate revenue of 28m in the year to March 2026, Premier said. Engineering firm Renishaw said that group finance director Allen Roberts will step down from the board following the company's annual general meeting on 26 November after 46 years with the company. Renishaw also said it expects full-year revenues to be around the middle of the 700m to 720m range, while adjusted pre-tax profits were seen towards the top of its 109m to 127m guidance range. United Utilities announced a 3bn deal to refurbish the Haweswater aqueduct, which carries water from Cumbria to 2.5m customers across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. The upgrade, which includes replacing six tunnel sections, will be delivered by consortium Cascade Infrastructure and begin in 2026. "Today marks a significant step to ensure we have the right infrastructure to provide a resilient water supply to communities right across the region for decades to come," said United Utilities boss Louise Beardmore. Everplay Group announced Hell Let Loose: Vietnam on Thursday, a new instalment in its successful first-person multiplayer shooter franchise, scheduled for release in 2026 on Xbox, PlayStation, Epic Games Store and Steam. The AIM-traded company said the original Hell Let Loose, set during World War II and acquired by Everplay in 2022, had generated over $100m in lifetime revenue with record player engagement reported in 2024 and concurrent users peaking above 144,000 in 2025. It said the Vietnam edition would retain the core gameplay while introducing historically based combat from the 1965-1973 conflict, featuring combined arms warfare across six new maps. New elements included fully operational helicopters for troop deployment, US patrol boats, and guerrilla warfare set in dense terrain, developed in partnership with Expression Games using Unreal Engine 5. Todays announcement reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding our portfolio through new content and sequels built around our most successful and enduring franchises, said interim executive chair Frank Sagnier. Hell Let Loose is one of our most iconic own-IP titles with a loyal global fanbase, and Hell Let Loose: Vietnam represents a bold step forward for the franchise, delivering an all-new experience for fans. Everplay said players of the original game would continue to receive new content and support through 2026 and beyond as part of its strategy to grow first-party IP and evergreen franchises. At 1526 BST, shares in Everplay Group were down 0.8% at 373p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. British retailer Marks & Spencer has unveiled plans for a major expansion of its food logistics network, committing to the largest supply chain investment in its history as it sharpens its focus on becoming a weekly grocery destination. M&S will invest 340m in a new 1.3m square foot automated National Distribution Centre at Daventry, set to open in 2029, with the facility significantly enhancing operational efficiency and reducing long-term costs, with advanced automation expected to streamline throughput and bolster margins. The FTSE 100-listed firm also said the new site will support its ambition to double the size of its food business, creating 2,000 construction jobs and around 1,000 permanent roles once operational. The investment was expected to be funded through existing cash flows, with no change to dividend policy or capital allocation guidance. M&S' new facility will incorporate automated pallet cranes, rapid shuttle mechanisms, and touch-free picking systems that transfer goods straight into store-ready cages technology aimed at driving efficiency across both warehouse logistics and shop-floor replenishment. The announcement follows a period of strong trading in M&S' food division, which saw like-for-like sales rise 11.1% in the first quarter, and a previous announcement that it will invest in a 390,000 square foot distribution centre in Bristol, which will serve locations across the Midlands, South West and South Wales. Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, said: "We're transforming M&S into a destination for the weekly shop and modernising our supply chain is central to that ambition. This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our cost to serve over the long term, and improve product availability ensuring customers find the right products in the right place at the right time. "Our new site will strengthen our network and help us get ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better Food business. By using the latest, proven automation, we are future-proofing both our business and UK retail logistics, as well as creating 1,000 jobs permanently on site and 2000 during the construction phase." As of 0815 BST, M&S shares were down 0.21% at 355.34p. Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com Retired women in the UK in effect go four months of the year without a pension when their income is compared with that of men, union leaders have warned. The TUC said the income gap between men and women in retirement was 36.5%, equivalent to a shortfall of 7,600 a year on average. As a percentage this was more than double the gender pay gap, which measures the difference in average earnings from work; it stands at 13.1%. - Guardian The deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, has been hit with a legal challenge after she overruled a local council to approve a hyperscale datacentre on green belt land by the M25 in Buckinghamshire. Campaigners bringing the action are complaining that no environmental impact assessment was made for the 90MW datacentre, which was approved as part of the Labour governments push to turn the UK into an AI powerhouse by trebling computing capacity to meet rising demand amid what it terms a global race as AI usage takes off. Guardian Rachel Reeves has been warned that a mansion tax risks backfiring and could raise little or even no money. The Chancellor is reportedly considering charging capital gains tax on the sale of homes worth more than 1.5m, as she scrambles to fill a hole in public finances that economists fear could be as large as 50bn. However, Andrew Wishart, an economist at Berenberg Bank, said a raid on wealthy homeowners could ultimately fail to raise the money she needs. Telegraph British semiconductor companies should brace for massive US tariffs, the government has warned after President Trump has threatened levies of up to 300 per cent. In a letter to UK chip businesses, seen by The Times, Whitehalls semiconductor policy unit said it was awaiting an executive order from the United States which will provide clarity on reports of plans to impose significant tariffs on chip imports. The Times The government should abolish the Office for Budget Responsibility and replace it with a new forecasting body to unshackle the chancellor from a constant pressure to raise taxes or cut spending, a think tank has said. The New Economics Foundation, a left-leaning think tank, has urged Rachel Reeves to overhaul her fiscal framework, abolishing the independent watchdog that was set up by George Osborne in 2010. The Times Participants in military operations will have the opportunity to receive an additional 14 days of leave that were inactive during martial law, said Deputy Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Pavlo Palisa, commenting on the law signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on guaranteed leave for military personnel. "Today, the President signed a law that gives military personnel the right to a guaranteed vacation for 15 out of 30 days of annual basic vacation, the remaining 15 days are provided depending on the capabilities of the unit ... Contract soldiers aged 18-24 who do not have a higher education and are studying will now have the right to leave to take exams. Let me also remind you that the Law comes into force one month after the date of its publication," Palisa wrote on Telegram on Thursday. photo: W. Diehl Jeanne Birdsall's middle-grade novels about the Penderwick family have collected many honors, including the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, and have been translated into 30 languages. The final book in the series, The Penderwicks at Last (Knopf), is available now. A bookseller once told me about a customer searching for the newest Penderwick book. "It's called Die Penderwicks," the girl insisted. She'd found it on the Internet, which meant it had to exist. The bookseller gamely went along, until together they discovered that, yes, there was indeed a book with that title, but it wasn't about dead Penderwicks. It was the German edition of the first book--in German, die means "the." I've often wondered what the girl thought the book would be about, and why she'd be willing to read it, unless she was an Agatha Christie fan and thought I was leaning that way, too. Which might be fun. I'd write Die, Penderwicks, Die!, and include a detective who was less Poirot and more Miss Marple--Churchie, the kindly Arundel housekeeper, would be perfect for the role. I never did, and now it's too late. The saga is over, the curtain down, without even one murder detective making an appearance. Do I regret it? No. There was no one I was willing to kill off. Do I regret being finished with the Penderwick family? No. They're still alive in my imagination, just as they've always been. What I do regret, though--and I wish my high school teacher were still alive to hear this--is putting aside my Latin reference books, the volumes I used for Mr. Penderwick's lapses into the ancient tongue. But there are always consolations: the book I'm now writing lets me learn bits of Scottish Gaelic. I have no idea what I'm doing, and am continually confused, but that's the fun, yes? Tha!* *Scottish Gaelic has no one word that means "yes." While I think this should be Tha, I'm not sure. Anyone who knows Scottish Gaelic, forgive me. --Jeanne Birdsall Playwright, poet, author, and activist James Baldwin holds an unrivaled position in the history of American literature, one that biographer Nicholas Boggs thoroughly examines in Baldwin: A Love Story. As the title suggests, Boggs's work distinguishes itself from prior biographies by using Baldwin's primary romantic, platonic, artistic, and intellectual relationships as the organizing principle. Depictions of relationships, such as with his lover artist Lucien Happersberger and enduring friends like Beauford Delaney breathe life into every page of the work. Boggs uses new archival material and fresh interviews with people close to Baldwin throughout his life, resulting in an impressive and kaleidoscopic exploration of Baldwin's origins, his intellectual and artistic evolution, and the ever-expanding ripples of his influence across tumultuous artistic and political landscapes. Boggs meticulously charts Baldwin's early literary efforts, the formation of his unmistakable voice and how he would "transmute his psychological and emotional wounds into writing." Baldwin sensitively explores Baldwin's sexuality and lifelong quest for a long-term partner. Far from a footnote, his identity as a gay Black man is shown to be foundational in his understanding of otherness, of love in all its incarnations, and of societal constructs that label and diminish people. The biography navigates Baldwin's complex interactions with political leaders and fellow activists, showcasing his unwavering commitment to justice while also revealing the personal toll of such a public life. Nicholas Boggs has undertaken a biography of immense scope and profound insight that deepens our understanding of Baldwin and his work. For longtime admirers and new discoverers alike, this is an indispensable companion to the ever-relevant legacy of James Baldwin. --Elizabeth DeNoma, executive editor, DeNoma Literary Services, Seattle, Wash. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos condemned ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes against civilians in Ukraine. Attacks yet again hit civilian targets like international enterprises creating jobs in the region of Zakarpattia, she said on X Thursday. Kos noted that the EU continues to support Ukraine and all those who are building its future. As reported, Russian occupiers struck the American company FLEX plant in Mukachevo at night. The town was attacked by the Russian army for the first time during the full-scale invasion. Thanks to the detailed response measures to air raid alarms, all 600 workers who were on shift at the time went down to the shelter in time, which saved their lives. It was reported that 23 people were injured, aged from 22 to 63. After examination, six citizens remained in hospital, one of them is in serious condition. Mayor Eric Adams announces the NYPD's new Quality of Life Division at a press conference at the Park Hill Apartments in Clifton on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Mayor Eric Adams announced the expansion of the NYPDs Quality of Life Division to Staten Island, completing the citywide rollout of specialized teams addressing non-emergency complaints. Here are five key takeaways from the original article by the Advance/SILive.com. 1. Staten Island becomes the final borough to receive specialized Q-Teams Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced that Staten Island is now receiving dedicated police squads known as Q-Teams to address quality of life issues. These teams consist of specially-trained officers from various NYPD roles, including neighborhood coordination officers, youth coordination officers, and traffic safety officers. Each team operates at the precinct level under a Quality of Life Division sergeant and focuses on non-emergency complaints like abandoned vehicles, illegal scooters, and late-night noise disturbances that add up and create chaos and disorder. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch joins city, law-enforcement and borough officials as they announce the NYPD's new Quality of Life Division in Clifton on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) 2. Response times for non-emergency calls have been significantly reduced Since the programs initial rollout in April, Q-Teams across New York City have responded to more than 41,000 calls for non-emergency services. Adams highlighted that response times for these non-emergency calls have been reduced by an average of 50 minutes. This improvement is particularly significant considering that 311 calls have doubled from 2018 to 2024, a trend officials have previously connected to the coronavirus pandemic. 3. The initiative has already shown enforcement results in other boroughs During the initiatives first 60 days across six commands that were part of a pilot program, officers issued over 6,100 summonses and made 357 arrests. Tisch described the quality of life initiative as the fastest growing NYPD program shes witnessed in her 17 years working in government. 4. Officials say this is not a return to Broken Windows policing Tisch directly addressed concerns from community advocacy groups who have characterized the new policy as a reboot of the controversial Broken Windows initiative from the 1990s. That earlier approach under Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been criticized as an example of institutional racism that unnecessarily targeted Black and Latino men in impoverished neighborhoods. Tisch firmly rejected these comparisons, stating they could not be further from the truth and emphasized that the current initiative is not about broken windows, its about building trust; fixing peoples problems. Borough President Vito Fossella commends Tisch at the announcement. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) 5. The initiative comes amid declining major crime rates The reallocation of department resources to quality of life issues coincides with historic lows in gun violence and several other major crimes over the past 18 months on Staten Island and throughout New York City. Adams emphasized that public safety is about more than just crime stats... this is about how people are feeling and what they see when they walk out the front door, highlighting what he says is the administrations focus on addressing residents everyday concerns alongside traditional crime reduction efforts. A draft of this story was generated using AI based on prior reporting by reporter Kyle Lawson. It was reviewed, edited and approved by Advance/SILive.com staff. In a verbal joust over Oval Office decorations, musician Jack White called President Donald Trump "a danger to the entire world" after being labeled a "washed up has-been" by a White House official. (Amy Harris/Invision/Associated Press) A war of words erupted earlier this week between the White House and musician Jack White over the former White Stripes frontmans criticism of Donald Trumps decorating choices, Billboard is reporting. The verbal jousting began when White posted on Instagram about Trumps Oval Office interior decorating choices, sharing a photo of Trump meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. White described the decor as vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy and called it a transformation of the historic White House. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung furiously snapped back, calling White 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. The 12-time Grammy winner returned fire on Instagram, referring to Cheung as a professional liar and criticizing the administration for focusing on decorating critiques while avoiding more pressing concerns. White also shared photos of Trump holding a pair of gold sneakers, Goya products and presenting a fully stocked shelf of Make America Great Again caps to Zelenskyy. This man is a danger to not just America, but the entire world, and thats not an exaggeration, hes dismantling democracy and endangering the planet on a daily basis, White went on to say. White has previously sparred with Trump, as he and former White Stripes bandmate Meg White sued the president for using their song Seven Nation Army in a social media post. Hes also changed up lyrics during concerts to criticize Trump, including substituting the lyrics to his song Corporation to reference Trumps lack of military service and political experience, the report said. A drone view from Conference House Park shows the Tottenville shoreline overlooking New Jersey where a possible pipeline could be built. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) Jason Paderon STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A total of 130 elected officials from across New York state joined together to decry the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project, a pipeline proposed to cross from New Jersey waters into New Yorks. Penning a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, the officials argued against the revival of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project and the Constitution pipeline, in addition to the expansion of the Project Maple pipeline. Though the Constitution pipeline and the Project Maple pipeline does not impact Staten Island, the NESE pipeline if approved will be built directly off the boroughs shores. The NESE pipeline and the Constitution pipeline were shot down years ago due to environmental concerns, but were resuscitated by the second Trump administration. The pipeline would threaten water quality, churn up toxic sediment from a contaminated seabed, disturb sensitive wildlife habitat in New York Harbor, the letter said of the NESE pipeline. The letter continued on to say: Whats changed in the years since these pipelines were denied? Certainly not the science or the environmental dangers posed by the pipelines. The only difference now is that Trump and the gas industry are joining together in an attempt to bully New York into approving the pipelines. These were bad projects when New York denied them previously, and theyre even worse now. Furthermore, the officials called for another public commentary period on the NESE pipeline, as well as public hearings. The first commentary period concluded on Aug. 16 at 5 p.m. with no hearings. Forty-five days with no public hearing on a huge and controversial project is a major break from the previous consideration. A fast-tracked process hidden from the public is not appropriate, especially for such large, controversial projects that cut through many communities and raise many complex considerations, the letter said. None of Staten Islands representatives signed the letter, but others including New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander gave their approval of the letter. Donald Trump wants to force New Yorkers into dirty, dangerous fracked gas pipelines that drive up our bills and put our communities at risk, Delgado said in a written statement. The Williams NESE pipeline threatens our water, our beaches, and our climate and its already been rejected for good reason. Governor Hochul should reject this project once and for all and put the people of New York ahead of fossil fuel interests. The DEC rejected the NESE pipeline five years ago as a threat to public health, but Trump is trying to lock New York into decades of debt and dirty energy, Lander said. The $1.4B NESE pipeline is costly, toxic, and unnecessary and 13,000 New Yorkers have made it clear: we do not want the Williams Pipeline! The NESE pipeline recently got federal approved for its Final General Conformity Determination Reevaluation a mission to determine the potential air quality impacts associated with the construction and operation of specific components of the project. The GCD Reevaluation looked particularly at the emissions that will be produced by the pipeline in the New York and New Jersey area. It was determined, according to the statement, that the project would achieve conformity with the New York and New Jersey State Implementation Plans through the purchase of emission reduction credits of nitrogen oxides to offset project emissions. The pipeline has become the object of protests across the city, including a march across the Brooklyn Bridge on Aug. 9 that even Delgado attended. Over 100 organizations penned a letter in opposition of the pipeline, with reasons varying between environmental concerns to the monetary burden that will be hoisted onto the shoulders of the five boroughs. The pipeline would be paid off through a 3.5% increase to National Grid bills, despite Staten Islanders and Manhattanites not receiving any of the gas that would be pumped through the pipeline. The FDNY and National Grid responded to a residence on the 2500 block of Richmond Terrace in Elm Park after a gas main was struck on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A gas main was struck in Elm Park on Thursday morning, officials said, prompting a large FDNY response. Around 8:35 a.m., the FDNY received a call for the incident at Richmond Terrace near Morningstar Road and deployed 12 units consisting of 60 fire and EMS personnel to the location. At the site, a smell of gas was detected lingering in the air. The FDNY and National Grid responded to a residence on the 2500 block of Richmond Terrace in Elm Park after a gas main was struck on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) Richmond Terrace was subsequently closed for a brief period of time from Morningstar Road to Granite Avenue. A National Grid spokesperson told the Advance/SILive.com that a third-party contractor struck a gas service line and crews responded to the site. The spokesperson noted that only the one address was impacted. No injuries were reported and the incident was declared under control by the FDNY just after 9 a.m. A case of plague has been reported by health officials in California, who urge caution when outdoors. (Getty Images/Blackjack3D) A California resident has tested positive for plague, health officials announced Tuesday, urging the public to take precautions when outdoors." El Dorado County health officials were notified by the California Department of Public Health that the infected South Lake Tahoe resident is now under the care of a medical professional and is recovering at home. Its believed that the person may have been bitten by an infected flea while camping in South Lake Tahoe area, according to a statement by the El Dorado County Chief Administrative Office in California. Health officials are investigating the situation, the statement said. Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County, said Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado Countys acting director of public health. Its important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and or camping in areas where wild rodents are present. Plague is caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis. Plague bacteria are most often transmitted by the bites of fleas that have acquired the bacteria from infected squirrels, chipmunks and other wild rodents, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is not easily spread between people, the CDC said, and it occurs most often in the western United States, with most cases occurring in northern New Mexico and Arizona. Humans can become infected when handling tissue or body fluids of a plague-infected animal. For example, a hunter skinning a rabbit or other infected animal without using proper precautions (e.g., gloves) could become infected with plague bacteria,' the CDC stated on its website. This form of exposure most commonly results in bubonic plague or septicemic plague, according to the CDC. Dogs and cats may also bring plague-infected fleas into the home, and people can be bitten and become infected, according to health officials. Plague can be prevented by avoiding contact with wild rodents, and by keeping pets away from rodent burrows, the officials said. Symptoms of plague, including fever, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes, usually show up within two weeks of exposure to an infected animal or flea. It can be effectively treated with antibiotics if detected early. Surveillance activities in El Dorado County from 2021 through 2024 found a total of 41 rodents (ground squirrels or chipmunks) with evidence of exposure to the plague bacterium. To date in 2025, four additional rodents have tested positive. All these rodents were identified in the Tahoe Basin, the El Dorado County announcement said. Human cases of plague are extremely rare, but can be very serious. Prior to the current case, the most recently reported case of human plague in El Dorado County was in 2020, likely exposed in the South Lake Tahoe area. Two people were reported with plague in 2015 after having been exposed to infected rodents or their fleas in Yosemite National Park. All individuals were treated and recovered. Those were the first reported human cases in the state since 2006. Tips to prevent plague Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents. Never touch sick, injured or dead rodents. Do not allow your pets to play with or pick up sick, injured or dead rodents. Do not camp, sleep or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed. Look for and heed posted warning signs. Wear long pants tucked into boot tops and spray insect repellent containing DEET on socks and pant cuffs to reduce exposure to fleas. Leave pets home if possible; otherwise keep pets on a leash. Do not allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or explore rodent burrows. Protect pets with flea control products. Pet cats are highly susceptible to plague and can pose a direct threat to humans. Keep cats away from rodents. Consult a veterinarian if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents. If you get sick after being in an area where plague is known to occur, consult a physician and tell them you may have been exposed to plague. State and local health officials said they will continue to monitor the situation and any plague-prone areas. President Donald Trump speaks at the Kennedy Center on Aug. 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP President Donald Trump referred to himself as a war hero after giving the thumbs up on airstrikes in Iran. Trump made the comment Tuesday evening on The Mark Levin Show, hosted by the titular Mark Levin, while speaking about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump said the prime minister is a war hero cause we worked together, according to Politico. Hes a war hero. I guess I am too, Trump said during the show. Nobody cares. But I am too. I mean, I sent those planes. The mention of those planes is thought to be in reference to the June airstrikes that damaged Irans nuclear facilities in Tehran. Despite the war hero claims, Trump has not served in any branch of the military, nor has he been in a war. During the Vietnam War draft, Trump got four education deferments before the fifth deferment medically exempted him, according to the Military Times. He received a bone spur diagnosis in the heels of his feet at the age of 22. According to the Daily Beast, Adam Kinzinger a former Republican congressional representative and Air Force veteran said this about the presidents war hero comment: You can like what hes done. Thats fine. I hope he gets a resolution in Ukraine. But to put himself on the same level of people that have actually gone out and served this country, not claimed bone spurs, is an offense to anybody who served. Netanyahu, who received the war hero title from Trump, has a warrant out for his arrest by the International Criminal Court. He is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people. Engine 151 is one the original paid fire companies on Staten Island, organized in Tottenville on Nov. 1. 1905 at 190 Butler St. Staten Island Advance Editors note: A version of this story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated by Andrew Balaban. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Before the FDNY, citizens helped to extinguish fires by forming a bucket brigade. Things changed in 1865 when the New York City legislature created the Metropolitan Fire Department. Today, Staten Island is home to 19 firehouses, and more than 17,000 FDNY members continue to carry out the life-saving mission of the department, which began 160 years ago. Scroll below for vintage FDNY photos. Robinson Hose Co. 9 Robinson Hose Co. 9 was located at 528 Van Duzer St. between Targee Street and St. Pauls Avenue. The structure, which has been standing since 1914, is now a residence. Staten Island Advance Alert Hose Co. 1 Alert Hose Co. 1 was located on Jersey and Henry streets in New Brighton. Seen here in 1885, it had a horse-drawn truck, boots, hats and ladders. Staten Island Advance file photo Oceanic Hook and Ladder Co. 1 Chartered in 1881, Oceanic Hook and Ladder Co. 1, shown in this 1913 photograph, still responds to calls today. Staten Island Advance file photo Oceanic Hook & Ladder #1 is one of the two still active volunteer fire companies on Staten Island. This photo was taken in front of their firehouse in Travis on Victory Blvd. Advance/SILive.com Ladder Co. 78 Ladder Co. 78s firefighters pose proudly outside their firehouse at 3 Brook St. in Tompkinsville. Their firehouse at one time housed Tompkins Hose Co. 6, which was made up of volunteers. In 1931, Ladder 78 moved to their present firehouse at 14 Brighton Ave. in New Brighton. Staten Island Advance file photo Engine Co. 161 Engine Co. 161 was organized in the quarters of South Beach Hose 12 of the Volunteers at 181 Seaside Blvd., South Beach, on Nov. 1, 1905. It became Engine 161 in 1921 and moved to its present location at 278 McClean Ave. in 1931. Staten Island Advance file photo Rossville Hook and Ladder Co. 1 Rossville Hook and Ladder Co. 1 was located at 2355 Arthur Kill Rd. between Engert Street and Rossville Avenue. Staten Island Advance file photo Rossville Hook & Ladder Company 1 was located at 2355 Arthur Kill Rd. between Engert St. & Rossville Ave. Staten Island Advance file photo Castleton Fire Patrol 1 Officers and members of Castleton Fire Patrol 1 pose outside their Taylor Street firehouse in 1904, one year before they were disbanded when the paid fire department replaced the volunteers. Staten Island Advance file photo Excelsior Bucket Co. 1 Excelsior Bucket Co. 1 was founded in Stapleton in 1858. It consisted of a group of men and this equipment -- one hand-drawn cart and 22 leather buckets. Staten Island Advance file photo Hose Co. 7 Borough President George Cromwell formed Hose Co. 7 in 1912. A year later, the company was renamed Engine Co. 159 and moved to 1592 Richmond Rd. Fearful the horses would not be able to climb Four Corners Road, Cromwell was helpful in securing one of the first motorized rigs to operate on the Island for the company. Today, Engine 159 continues to serve the community from their Richmond Road firehouse. Staten Island Advance file photo Ladder Co. 78 Ladder 78 was established in the quarters of Tompkins Hose Co. 6 at 3 Brook St., Tompkinsville, on Oct. 1, 1905. Ladder 78 moved to its current quarters at 14 Brighton Ave. on June 26, 1931. Ladder 78 is pictured here circa 1900 with its Mack "bulldog" city service truck. Staten Island Advance file photo Steady Stream Hose and Bucket Co. 2 The Steady Stream Hose and Bucket Co. 2, seen in this 1895 photo, was located at 144 Simonson Ave. in Mariners Harbor. Staten Island Advance file photo Engine Co. 160 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Hurricane Erin is expected to create significant coastal hazards for Staten Island on Thursday and Friday, with high surf, potential beach erosion and moderate coastal flooding. The National Weather Service has issued several advisories for the area, warning residents of dangerous conditions along the shoreline. According to the weather service, Staten Island residents should expect increasing northeast winds throughout Thursday, with gusts potentially reaching 25 to 30 mph. The high surf advisory indicates wave heights could reach 9 to 13 feet, creating life-threatening conditions for beachgoers and potential erosion risks. A coastal flood advisory is in effect from 8 p.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Friday, with moderate flooding possible in southern areas of the city. The weather service warns of a high risk for rip currents through Friday evening, advising residents to avoid swimming in ocean waters. Surf conditions are expected to peak overnight Thursday and remain elevated Friday morning, with wave heights gradually decreasing to 5 to 9 feet by Friday afternoon. Temperatures will remain in the 80s, with dry and sunny conditions expected after the hurricane passes. For New York City, the forecast indicates clearing skies and improving conditions by Friday. High pressure will build in after Hurricane Erin moves offshore, bringing stable weather with temperatures returning to the low to mid-80s. The weekend looks clear and sunny, with no significant precipitation expected. Residents should continue to monitor local weather updates and follow any guidance from emergency management officials regarding coastal conditions. A draft of this story was generated using AI. It was reviewed, edited and approved by Advance/SILive.com staff. The Russian occupiers struck the plant of the U.S. company FLEX in the city of Mukachevo, Zakarpattia region, deliberately, as if it were the U.S. property, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "The Russians knew exactly where they were hitting, and it was a missile strike. We believe that it was a targeted strike specifically on American property here, in Ukraine, on American investments. A very demonstrative strike, like this entire massive attack just when the world expects a clear answer from the Russians an answer regarding the negotiations to end the war," Zelenskyy said in an evening video address on Thursday. The head of state said the enterprise that was hit produces household electrical appliances, "nothing military." He also said that Vladimir Putin is now trying to avoid meeting with him as a prerequisite for a further trilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, and is trying to continue the war. "Now the signals from Russia are simply, to be honest, indecent. They are trying to get away from the need to hold a meeting. They do not want to end this war. They continue massive attacks against Ukraine and very tough assaults on the front. And they are also launching missiles at an American enterprise as well as at many other absolutely civilian targets of ours," Zelenskyy said. He recalled that Russian drones also fly into the territory of Poland and Lithuania, calling these incidents very unpleasant and not accidental. "This is the impudence of the Russians. We expect that the reaction of our partners will be principled," Zelenskyy said. As reported, the Russian occupiers struck the plant of the U.S. company FLEX in Mukachevo at night. The city was under attack by the Russian army for the first time during the full-scale invasion. Thanks to the elaborate air raid response measures, all 600 workers on duty at the time were able to get to shelters in time, saving their lives. A total of 19 people, aged 22 to 63, were reported injured. After examination, six citizens remained in hospital, one of whom is in serious condition. 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! 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We are absolutely looking to grow, Jean-Paul Churchouse, the firms head of private wealth management for Southeast Asia and Australia, said in an interview. We are looking to hire, but its really about finding the right people rather than hitting a target. Software giants Canva and Atlassian have minted a younger generation of entrepreneurs, including Mike Cannon-Brookes, who are lucrative targets for the wealth management giant. Credit: Bloomberg Goldman now has around 13 people on the ground in Sydney and Melbourne, including eight advisers, targeting ultrarich clients that have at least $100 million of investable assets. It established this setup about four years ago, the only private wealth team that was set up in Asia-Pacific during this time, and said its only getting started. The Wall Street bank is offering Australian investors access to the firms network of investment bankers around the world and staff with relationships on otherwise hard-to-access private deals. Its seeking to get a slice of the wealth opportunity in the country, alongside other foreign banks such as UBS as well as domestic wealth management firms like LGT Crestone, which also target less affluent individuals. In Antarctica, researchers have been confronted with the sight of large numbers of sea lions gasping for breath as they died. In Peru, half the local pelican population was wiped out within months of the deadly H5N1 virus landing, and when it hit South America in 2023, it claimed 30,000 sea lions and 18,000 southern elephant seal pups. Kakapos are critically endangered in the wild. Credit: Getty Images The highly contagious strain of bird flu has spread across much of Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa and Antarctica, killing hundreds of millions of birds and at least tens of thousands of mammals. Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands remain mercifully free of the disease. So far. Returning to todays suite of reforms to the childcare industry, and the shadow minister for education and early learning has said he wants CCTV rolled out across the country and mandatory in Australian childcare centres. The government will trial security cameras at up to 300 centres between October and November, as part of the $189 million package it announced today. Senator Jonathon Duniam. Credit: Renee Nowytarger On ABC News Afternoon Briefing, Jonathon Duniam said he hopes this is eventually made permanent. I do have a firm view on that, he said. The purpose of the trial would be to iron out any of these issues around privacy and security because we do hear stories and ripples of predators using these systems for their own gain. So I think a trial [should result] in a roll out nationally, and I know it is costly and complex etc but there is no price too high to pay when it means protecting children from predators, in my view. Earlier on the same program, Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh said the government would appoint an independent expert to assess how effective the trial had been. They will come back to this education ministers meeting with advice about the best way to use CCTV, with guardrails to help keep children safe, she said. With AAP Merivale has denied the allegations and accused this masthead of malicious journalism. Merivale is and has always constantly strived to improve its workplaces and services, Merivales lawyers said in July. Fair Work has launched an investigation into the company. One Transport NSW proposal contained in the documents shows the centre of the light rail stop covering Palings Lane, which divides Merivales CBD headquarters. But the proposed stop would have blocked access to Merivales Ivy restaurant precinct, which houses restaurants Uccello and Felix as well as its VIP club Level 6. The Wynyard light rail stop out the front of Merivale venues. Credit: Edwina Pickles Instead, the light rail stop was constructed further away from Wynyard and closer to Angel Place, allowing Merivale to expand its al fresco dining outside its restaurant Tottis. Merivale was also able to secure a super taxi rank on Pitt Street to ferry customers away from the Ivy. The company did not respond to requests for comment about its lobbying of Transport for NSW. A spokesperson for Transport for NSW said a wide range of factors were considered during the planning of the major new public transport project, which had an extensive and lengthy design process, involving public consultation and stakeholder feedback. Transport considered a variety of locations for the Wynyard Light Rail stop and its design went through a number of iterations throughout the planning process, the spokesperson said. Factors taken into consideration included pedestrian safety, crowding, traffic, road interfaces, platform size, positioning in relation to train stations and other key infrastructure, drainage, accessibility and distance to locations and services. The construction of the light rail was dogged by repeated delays, legal battles and prolonged disruption, leaving smaller businesses struggling to survive with debts of up to $500,000. Emanuel Tzirtzilakis, the owner of a cafe on Devonshire Street in Surry Hills, told a NSW Parliamentary inquiry in 2018 that he had been driven to the brink of financial ruin by the project. Constance led a $31 million compensation scheme for some businesses, but others have taken their claims to the High Court after the NSW government won an appeal against further compensation in 2023. The former transport minister told this masthead after the story was first published online that he did not know Justin Hemmes in 2016. I never had anything to do with the light rail stop location, he said. Constance became closer to Hemmes as the hospitality baron expanded his empire into Narooma in Constances electorate of Bega. Hemmes bought the Glasshouse Rocks estate in 2017 and now owns four venues and several expansive waterfront properties. Loading The former transport minister was regularly seen at events at the Ivy, including parties hosted by Liberal lobbyist and Hemmes political consigliere Michael Photios, who ensured the 52-year-olds relationships reached the top of the Liberal Party. In January 2022, two days after New Years Eve, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet scheduled a meeting with Hemmes at Constances home, a separate set of documents released under freedom of information laws reveals. 7:30pm Private Drink-Dinner: Premier/Andrew Constance/Justin Hemmes, the calendar invite from Perrottet shows. Where: Andrew Constance Property. When the trio met up, it was not at Constances south coast home but Hemmes 60-hectare mansion in Narooma. The scheduled meeting was never disclosed in the premiers ministerial diary entries. The rules governing ministerial diary entries do not require ministers to disclose social events but cautions them to make public any substantive discussion of issues that may be considered by the minister. The documents show Hemmes would personally email Perrottets office to request meetings, including one to discuss Merivales unsolicited proposal for the commercial development of Hunter Street metro station, which went ahead on 14 December 2021 and was disclosed in ministerial diary entries. But another titled 6pm catch up. Justin Hemmes on September 15, 2022 at his restaurant Felix, was not disclosed. The former premier declined to comment. In his previous role as state treasurer, Perrottet became a key supporter of ending the lockout laws that had dented Hemmes hospitality empire and put restrictions on the wider industry. Perrottet appointed the billionaire to his Treasury advisory council in 2018. As premier, Perrottet described him as a pub doyen in 2021 and lauded him for his plans to revitalise the CBD. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Perrottet and Hemmes unsuccessfully lobbied then federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, one of Hemmes close friends, for an extension of JobKeeper and pushed for a repeal of the fringe benefits tax to encourage corporate long lunches. Perrottet arrives at the Ivy in August 2024 with his wife Helen. Credit: Wolter Peeters After Constance resigned as transport minister and triggered a by-election in Bega in 2022, a briefing from Perrottets office spruiked Hemmes establishments in Narooma during a campaign stop to highlight a $4 million upgrade to Narooma wharf, which helps service Merivale venues and other restaurants in the southern inlet. When Perrottet resigned as premier in 2023, he had a three-hour lunch at Hemmes restaurant Felix. A year later, when he left state parliament, the Ivy and the penthouse that is home to the infamous private members club, Level 6, hosted Perrottets farewell. Merivale paid for the former premiers send-off. The gift did not need to be disclosed because Perrottet left parliament that day. Ministerial diaries show the former state Liberal government had 20 meetings with Merivale between 2019 and 2023, involving the premier, police minister, transport minister, and treasurer. NSW Labor Premier Chris Minns has had two meetings with Merivale since being elected in 2023. Hemmes and his companies have donated more than $350,000 to the Liberal Party since 2018, Australian Electoral Commission records show, while hosting fundraisers with prime ministers at his mansion, the Hermitage, now estimated to be worth $200 million, as part of his decade-long campaign for greater political influence. Internal messages show the company has also targeted men with political capital, including former chiefs of staff in the state government, for special treatment by offering them complimentary Level 6 memberships. Loading In 2021, Merivale secured one of the biggest government catering contracts in the state: a six-year multimillion-dollar deal under a competitive tender by the Liberal government run by Venues NSW to provide food and drinks at two of Sydneys largest stadiums, the SCG and Allianz. The state Labor government has put the company on notice, signalling that any plans to renew the contract are under threat following the allegations of exploitation, harassment and underpayment revealed by this masthead. We should make sure that we do everything we can to keep workers safe, particularly young women workers who are vulnerable to exploitation in these circumstances, NSW Legislative Council member Dr Sarah Kaine, the governments procurement inquiry chair, said in July. The company is also in a $124 million dispute with the state government over the compulsory acquisition of two properties it bought opposite Wynyard Station for $77 million in 2018, which it had planned to turn into Ivy 2.0 as part of its $3 billion property empire. Hemmes company, Hemmes Hermitage, has launched legal action in the Land and Environment Court, arguing it was worth double what the transport agency was willing to pay. That may end up being small change compared to Merivales ultimate goal: becoming one of Australias biggest property developers. Hemmes remains in the running to build two skyscrapers above the Hunter Street station entrances, in a project worth more than $6 billion. With the informational support of the Kharkiv City Department of Culture, the Solidarity Charitable Foundation prepared a special gift for the Kharkiv City Day celebration a unique exhibition, In Memoriam. Reality Through Art, by French artist Fanny Leshevalier. The project combines iconic works of art with documentary photography of the war in Ukraine, creating contrasting narratives that reflect realities. Speaking at the exhibitions opening in Kyiv, the artist said: "Since the beginning of 2022, many photographs from Ukraine have circulated in France. These images, taken at great personal risk, reveal a truth we cannot ignore. I wanted to combine these images with European art to pause time and build a bridge between our countries, between past and present. Above all, this is a tribute to the Ukrainian people their courage and determination to defend freedom. It is also a declaration of my admiration for the resilience of the Ukrainian people. You do not give up. You create anew. You inspire far beyond Ukraine." Fanny Leshevalier. When: August 23 September 9, 2025 Where: Art Shelter at the DRUK Cultural and Community Center (Honcharivskyi Blvd, 10/2) Exhibition Hours: ThuFri 10:0018:00, SatSun 12:0019:00 "Solidarity sends warm greetings to the people of Kharkiv on their special day and sincerely thanks every resident for their resilience, courage, and unity! We have already supported the city during challenging times: partially renovating the railway station to make it more comfortable and accessible for everyone, and providing humanitarian aid to the region, including heating equipment. Now, we support the city through art. Culture has the power to bring people together, and our mission is to unite everyone in the effort to rebuild Ukraine. After completing a series of exhibitions across the country, Fanny Leshevaliers works will be featured in a charity auction, with the proceeds directed toward the creation of a rehabilitation center," emphasized Mathieu-Marie Arden, Head of the Solidarity Charitable Foundation. While driving home from a day at the zoo three years ago, Joseph El Jer drove his 4WD Toyota Hilux through water reaching up to 1.3 metres on the Genaren Creek crossing near Tullamore, northwest of Parkes, because his five-year-old passenger wanted an adventure. Moments later, the boy drowned after the car was swept away and submerged in the floodwater. Joseph El Jer and a screenshot from a video taken inside his 4WD on the day. Credit: Facebook/Nine News Thats according to the agreed facts tendered to the NSW District Court as the 40-year-old pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death of the child, who cant be named for legal reasons. On the night of September 22, 2022, during the Central West NSW floods, El Jer was at his property in Tullamore when he texted a neighbour asking if Tullamore to Dubbo roads are open. When told all access roads closed, he responded thanks mate and said he would be visiting Dubbo Zoo the next morning. Its scary and stressful to think that the push for this might be a way to save money. Youre saving money by having children go without the assistance they need. Winston Hills accountant Angela Bensemanns two teenagers both have moderate autism and are on the NDIS. For her 13-year-old daughter, who has a severe speech delay, Bensemann said these supports, including psychology and speech pathology, were needed to get her out the door to school. My kids got no funding in primary school, she said. My daughter spent a lot of time sitting in a room by herself because she couldnt cope in class. Bensemann worried Thriving Kids would ask too much of schools: Its going to put significant pressure on the school system and on poor teachers, who are already so stretched and undervalued. Autism Awareness Australia chief executive Nicole Rogerson acknowledged parents were very nervous about the announcements, but said she was cautiously optimistic children with mild delays could access support earlier. Loading I dont think parents should panic, she said, criticising suggestions every child with autism would be kicked off the NDIS. The reality is that those with severe autism will need to be on the NDIS for the rest of their lives. Autism in children is diagnosed using a set of standard tests, asking parents about their childs behaviour and development, and watching how the child acts and plays. The DSM-5, the diagnostic manual for mental disorders, outlines three categories: level 1 (requiring support), level 2 (requiring substantial support) and level 3 (requiring very substantial support). They are commonly referred to as mild, moderate and severe. While she believes the devil will be in the detail of the new system, Rogerson said it had become too easy for paediatricians and specialists to diagnose a child with delays with autism. Theres no blood test. Youre looking at the child and saying it could be [autism]. And if could be gets you support, thats the only way you get support, she said. One in seven kids probably doesnt have autism, but one in seven kids probably isnt thriving theyre two separate issues. Could this new system potentially mean milder kids receive support they need early, and then theyre on their way? Professor Patrick McGorry AO, director of Orygen Youth Health, agreed access to the NDIS was an incentive to get an autism diagnosis. We have seen an explosion of diagnoses for ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. A lot of that is not valid, he said, describing a softening of autisms diagnostic criteria, driven by a social contagion and consumer demand, which distracted from treating people with serious impairment. Loading McGorry said it was ridiculous that federal figures showed 16 per cent of six-year-old boys were on the NDIS. The prevalence of autism is a fraction of that, he said. Sydney disability policy consultant Emily Cukalevski, whose child on the NDIS would not be impacted by the change, said greater care could have been taken with the announcement. It comes in a context where theres just been constant shifting sands with the NDIS, she said. Not that long ago it seemed like the scheme was supporting providing early support to children, thinking that if they receive those supports they may then be able to exit the scheme now thats done a 180. The federal government is spending $2 billion on the overhaul, to be matched by the states, Butler said on Wednesday. But, on Thursday, NSW Premier Chris Minns said he could not sign a blank cheque, while Health Minister Ryan Park told estimates he would not oversee a cost shift to the state, and [NSW] picking up the bill through a reduction in [the Commonwealths contribution] to our health funding agreement. Australian Federation of Disability Organisations CEO Ross Joyce said states needed to step up as the NDIS was never intended to provide all support to people with disability. True, not all those who withdrew in Bendigo resorted to free speech arguments. There is no sense those wishing specifically to stand in solidarity with Palestinian voices, or insisting they use their platform to call out genocide, would stand in similar solidarity with a silenced Israeli voice, or object to the removal of a speaker who wished to mount, say, a defence of white settlement in Australia. Their commitment to safety politics is consistent, just partial. It applies only to the marginalised, and not the powerful. Of course, this presumes such categories are uncontestable, and were seeing how that now plays out. So, for instance, it currently seems to exclude Zionists, even if that describes a majority of Australian Jews (who define it in lots of different ways), and even if that community is facing very real prejudice and intimidation. Loading But all this shows just how promiscuous these politics of safety can be. I understand the appeal, especially to those who feel the marketplace of ideas tends to favour the rich, the powerful, the culturally dominant. That it tends to sideline marginalised, minority voices. But if the only way it can be invoked consistently is to make some prior judgment about who deserves such safety; if we must first tabulate oppressor and oppressed, powerful and meek, then the whole thing becomes an exercise in power anyway: a contest over who decides such things. At that point, it becomes a weapon that, however useful it appears in a given moment, will eventually be used against you. Unfortunately, some of safetyisms proponents never seem to have considered that possibility until now, and some of its long-standing critics seem unaware of their sudden conversion to it. Now that were here, now that people across the political spectrum have been singed by safetyisms flame, might we take this opportunity to reassess? Could we draw a common lesson, based on a newly common experience, that in arenas dedicated to public debate, safety makes a poor organising principle? Because if we look closely, in this wreckage lies a certain celebration of what weve long had. Not free speech absolutism, but a broad public debate silencing a carefully defined hate speech and little else. Painful, imperfect, in need of more representative voices, but at least capable of surviving beyond ones own politics, of being applied consistently and perhaps most important inconveniently. That may seem a modest virtue, but this heightened moment shows it might be a vital one. Waleed Aly is a broadcaster, an author, an academic and a regular columnist. In 2022, the teen, then 13, was charged with murdering 16-year-old Cutler as he walked home from a party in Reservoir. Loading The boy had been travelling with seven others in a stolen car when the group chased Cutler down, stabbing, kicking and stomping on him on a nature strip, where he bled to death on March 12, 2022. The boy repeatedly kicked and stomped on Declan, but did not stab him. An examination of Cutlers body found he suffered more than 100 separate injuries. He was not known to his attackers. Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill said the profoundly violent attack was one of the most vicious and brutal police had ever investigated. The entire attack was captured on CCTV footage and lasted approximately two minutes. The footage emits not sounds but screams of horror, the judge said at the time. In September 2023, the boy was found not guilty of murder due to his young age, with Supreme Court Justice Rita Incerti saying: A review of evidence leaves open reasonable possibility at the time [the boy] did not know conduct seriously wrong in a moral sense. [He] cannot be found guilty of murder. Tributes at the scene of Cutlers death in 2022. Credit: Penny Stephens Incerti noted the criminal age of responsibility in Victoria is 10, but when a child is younger than 14, the common law presumes the child lacks the capacity to be criminally responsible for their actions. It is then the prosecutions role to rebut this presumption and prove the child knew their actions were seriously wrong in a criminal sense. In the 13-year-olds case, Incerti said this had not been established. In the lead-up to the 2022 murder trial, the boy appeared via video link, eating chips and laughing, before putting his bare feet up to the camera and flexing his muscles. Loading During the hearing, the court heard the 13-year-olds past interactions with police, captured on body cameras, gave the magistrate a flavour of how he responds to authority, including his refusal to engage in police interviews since the age of 10. The court also heard that a 2021 report on the boy found that he displayed very immature responses and a lack of remorse, and laughed at police while being arrested, later telling officers gang culture had influenced his moral code. At the time of his arrest for murder, he had 44 prior charges, much of which had been dismissed by the courts for outbursts of violence. After a year in custody, the boy was released back into the community before being rearrested this week on fresh charges of violence. Loading A video posted online purporting to be of the home invasion shows the males, with their faces covered, repeatedly attacking a man with a hammer and a knife while he screams and pleads for help. Ill give you whatever you want please, please, the injured man is heard saying. Oh my God. Please just take what you want. He is then further stabbed and struck with the hammer as he lies on the ground. I cant take any more. Please dont hit me any more, the man says. Wheres the money, wheres the money, wheres the money, wheres the fucking money, one of the attackers yells back. Court documents released to the press show co-accused Taban is facing 16 charges, including stealing a gold watch, cash and two cars a $25,000 Haval Jolion and a $60,000 BMW. Magistrate William Parker ordered Taban and Alison to return to court in January. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has waded further into Australian domestic politics, claiming Australia risked being engulfed in a tsunami of antisemitism, despite direct pleas for him to calm down from Australias top Jewish community leaders. In a Sky News interview on Thursday, Netanyahu said pro-Palestinian protesters in Sydney or Melbourne calling for a ceasefire should be counteracted. Sharri Markson and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Credit: Sky News Australia [Protesters] should be defied by the leaders. And yet we see not in America, Im happy to say, because President Trump is standing strong but in Europe, one country after another succumbing to them, condemning Israel that is fighting these monsters and is doing its best to avoid civilian casualties. Since Hamas October 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1200 people, more than 60,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed, according to the latest estimates from Gazas health ministry. Chris Waller believes Via Sistina will thrive getting into the ground in the Winx Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, despite the superstar mare failing in her only attempt on heavy going. And the premier Sydney trainer is looking to the Irish-bred eight-year-olds European form, and a tip from star English jockey Ryan Moore as evidence. Via Sistina and Kerrin McEvoy charge home in the 2024 Winx Stakes. James McDonald has the ride on Saturday. Credit: Getty Images Via Sistina, destined to be crowned Australian horse of the year after a record-equalling seven group 1 wins last season, is set to resume in the 1400m Winx Stakes on Saturday, although heavy rain this week and forecasts for more showers on Friday and Saturday have raised questions about the meeting going ahead, and which stars will line up if it does. The opening group 1 of the season has a field of 12, including five from the Waller stable. Police seized the groups recording and digital equipment during a search of a property in Contes. At this stage, there is nothing suspicious, interviews are under way, a police spokesman said. In one video, Graven, reportedly a former soldier, screams call the cops to viewers after being pummelled by paintball pellets. Graven had regularly been shown enduring violence and humiliation on the Kick streaming platform. Credit: jeanpormanove/Instagram In another that resurfaced after his death, Cenazandotti and Hamadi are apparently heard explicitly discussing the possibility of Graven dying live on air. They urged him to tell viewers that if he were to die tomorrow it was because of his shitty health and not because of us. Cenazandotti is seen to say: People will come after us but its because of your 46 years of a miserable life. Eventually Graven reluctantly stated to the camera: If something happens to me live, I take full responsibility. Graven is said to have sent a message to his mother shortly before his death that was read out by Cenazandotti. In it, he stated: I think this is going too far, I feel like Im being held captive Im fed up, I want to get out, the other guy wont let me, hes holding me hostage. In an excerpt from the latest XXL livestream, which was widely shared on social media on Tuesday, Cenazandotti can be seen expressing concern about his partners breathing problems and the risk of physical troubles. The final video of Graven, since deleted, shows him lying immobile under a duvet as a plastic water bottle is thrown in his direction. Hes in a really weird position, one man says before the broadcast is swiftly turned off. Loading A fundraising counter shown on the video suggested the group had collected more than 31,000 ($65,000). Cenazandotti and Hamadi were detained in January before being released as part of a preliminary investigation into suspected violence against vulnerable people, Le Parisien reported. They have both denied any wrongdoing and dispute the facts of the case. Damien Martinelli, the prosecutor leading the preliminary investigation, said three charges were being considered, including public incitement via electronic communication to hatred or violence against a person or group due to their disability. Clara Chappaz, Frances deputy minister for digital affairs, said the nature of Gravens death and the violence he endured were an absolute horror. She has referred the incident to Arcom, Frances media watchdog, and Pharos, the public platform for reporting illegal online content. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Jean Pormanove was humiliated and mistreated for months live on the Kick platform, she said. I have also contacted the platforms management to obtain explanations. 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. Arcom has been criticised for failing to act despite repeated warnings from the media and viewers regarding Grazens alleged treatment. On Wednesday, Arthur Delaporte, the Socialist MP for Calvados, pointed out that Arcom had been notified of the problem following an investigation by news website Mediapart last December and would have to explain why nothing has happened since. But he said the regulator does not have the resources to carry out its mission. In a written response, Arcom said it had been unable to act because the Kick platform has no legal representative within the European Union. Delaporte said the parallel police investigation had also failed to prevent this tragedy and that French authorities in general had failed to protect this man. Kick is one of the worlds most popular livestreaming platforms and is often used by teenagers to film themselves playing games. The Australian-based website said it was urgently reviewing the circumstances surrounding Gravens death, including its own community guidelines. According to its terms of service, Kick specifically prohibits streamers from featuring anything that contains self-harm or excessive violence and content in furtherance of harmful or illegal activities. In a message posted on his Instagram account, Cenazandotti said: My brother, my partner, my friend. Six years side by side, never letting go of each other. I love you, my brother, and we will miss you terribly. Yassin Sadouni, his lawyer, told Le Monde: We are waiting for the results of the investigation to determine the full circumstances of JPs death and to identify the responsibilities of each party. Earlier Sadouni said on BFM television that the violence in the videos was not real but acted, AP reported. All those scenes are just staged, they follow a script, he said. Hamadi posted: Rest in peace, my brother. A spokesman for Kick said: We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jean Pormanove and extend our condolences to his family, friends and community. London: A shock court defeat has left the British government scrambling to defend its border regime, as populist politician Nigel Farage urged the public to protest to demand tougher measures against asylum seekers. The government is racing to find new ways to house thousands of asylum seekers who currently reside in hotels and motels across the UK after the court ruled in favour of a local council that opposed the policy. A man holds a flare during a protest outside The Bell Hotel in Epping in July. Credit: Getty Images The court decision requires the government to move about 140 asylum seekers from the Bell Hotel in Epping, an area north-east of London, where residents have rioted outside the hotel. With local people increasingly opposed to the asylum seekers in their streets, the Epping Forest Council argued the border control policy breached planning laws because it changed the use of the hotel and the High Court agreed. China's top legislator meets vice chairman of National Assembly of Vietnam Xinhua) 09:20, August 21, 2025 Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Tran Quang Phuong, vice chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with Tran Quang Phuong, vice chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, in Beijing on Wednesday. Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said China is willing to work with Vietnam to enhance strategic communication, maintain solidarity and cooperation, join hands in advancing their respective modernization, and accelerate the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. He added that the NPC is willing to enhance exchanges with the National Assembly of Vietnam, engage in mutual learning on the building of a socialist country under the rule of law, and provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation between the two countries. Tran Quang Phuong said the National Assembly of Vietnam is willing to work with the NPC to enhance exchanges and mutual learning in legislation and supervision in accordance with the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and the two countries, and make legislative contributions to promoting reform and development in both countries. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Tran Quang Phuong, vice chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) PHILIPSBURG:--- This month, the Government of Sint Maarten is launching a coordinated series of joint inspections to promote fair labor practices, protect worker rights, and uphold national laws. These inspections will target high-risk sectors across the island. The inspections are being led by the Labor Inspectorate (IVSA), Immigration and Border Protection Services (IGD), Tax Administration, Audit Team St. Maarten (ATS/SZV), and Customs, with support from the Police Force and Coast Guard when necessary. This joint operation focuses on identifying labor violations, illegal employment practices, unsafe working conditions, tax evasion, and other forms of non-compliance. Particular attention will be given to sectors such as construction, hospitality, and retail, where vulnerable workers are often at greater risk of exploitation. Work should never cost you your safety or dignity. We are committed to ensuring that all workerslocal and migrantare treated fairly and protected under the law. In addition to enforcement, the campaign also aims to educate employers and workers. Outreach materials in multiple languages will be distributed, highlighting key rights, obligations, and compliance steps. Agencies are encouraging voluntary compliance before penalties are enforced. The inspections will begin in August and continue throughout the year. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission convened the inaugural meeting of the Regional Working Group on the proposed Customs Union and Free Circulation of Goods (CU-FCG) regime, bringing together senior government officials, private sector representatives, and other regional stakeholders in a hybrid format in Castries and via videoconference. The two-day meeting, held July 3031, 2025, follows decisions taken by the OECS Economic Affairs Council and the Council of Ministers: Trade, earlier this year, which reaffirmed the commitment of Protocol Member States to operationalise the CU-FCG in accordance with the Revised Treaty of Basseterre. The purpose of the meeting was to update the Roadmap and Implementation Timelines for the Customs Union, and to develop a conceptual framework for an early pilot implementation for the free circulation of goods. The goal is to advance the policy, legislative, regulatory, and institutional frameworks needed for a fully functional CU-FCG regime, creating a single customs territory for the OECS Economic Union. In his opening remarks, Mr. Joel Richards, Officer-in-Charge of the Economic Affairs and Regional Integration Division of the OECS Commission, underscored the urgency and economic potential of the initiative: "A customs union regime will foster free trade among our members, enhance competitiveness of our firms and our economies more broadly, and create jobs because we expect that there will be more economic benefits coming from the creation of a customs union regime. Such a regime would also be beneficial to the private sector since it would allow firms to expand their own economic activities, which would likely create those economies of scale which are critical to the competitiveness of the private sector. Certainly, increased trade volumes, expected from a CU-FCG regime, would hopefully lead to higher gross domestic product for our member states and create greater overall wealth for the collective." Mr. Ricardo James, Head of Trade Policy Development, emphasized that the Regional Working Group will be instrumental in monitoring and reporting on the progress of implementation of the CU-FCG regime, while providing advice on the technical assistance and capacity-building needs that may arise. Participants included senior officials from Ministries of Trade and Finance, customs administrations, standards and quality agencies, plant and animal health and food safety authorities, port management bodies, the OECS Business Council, and observers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Directorate. The participants received a detailed overview and status of the implementation of the Customs Union and Free Circulation of Goods. They considered and provided feedback on the draft updated roadmap, implementation plan and timelines for completing the Customs Union and discussed proposals for the conceptual framework for a pilot phase for free circulation goods. The meeting agreed to continue and finalize the discussions at a second meeting planned for September. Recommendations from that meeting will be taken to the Council of Ministers, the Economic Affairs Council, and the OECS Authority, ensuring the necessary decisions are made for the timely implementation of the Customs Union and Free Circulation of Goods regime. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on August 21, 2025. The Public meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs will be in attendance. The agenda point is: Deliberations on the pressing matters related to GEBE: Update on the status, timelines and disbursement of the long-awaited promised relief measures; Update on GEBE Supervisory Board for clarity on the current composition, mandate, and operational status of the Supervisory Board as well as any recent or pending decisions impacting corporate governance; Update on unrest by middle management to remove the CEO by a specific date, in particular a detailed briefing on the governments position, planned interventions, and anticipated implications for the companys stability. (IS/1317/2024-2025 dated August 13, 2025). This meeting was requested by MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP F.A. Lacroes, MP L.C.J. Lewis, MP D.T.J. York, MP E.J. Doran, and MP A.M.R. Irion Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is proud to announce that one of its female officers, Miss V.MARTINA, has been selected to participate in the IACP/UAE Ministry of Interior Police Academy Exchange Program. In collaboration with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI) is hosting this international initiative at the Abu Dhabi Police College in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The program will run from September 2025 to February 2026. It will provide participants with five months of comprehensive training, including physical fitness, marching, practical exercises, and academic studies in an academy structure. The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony attended by all participants and their respective agency representatives. The honorable Minister of Justice, Ms. N. Tackling, together with the KPSM Management Team, extends best wishes to Officer V. MARTINA as she embarks on this professional journey. KPSM views this achievement as a milestone, underscoring both the dedication of its officers and the growing international recognition of Sint Maartens police force. KPSM Press Release. Press Release from Business Wire: L&T Technology Services (AFP) Aug 21, 2025 BANGALORE, Aug 21, 2025 (BSW) - L&T Technology Services (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS),announced the launch of PLxAI, the Company's proprietary GenAI-based framework to accelerate the Product Development Life Cycle for its global clients across Mobility, Sustainability, and Tech. Developed by vastly experienced PDLC SMEs, the framework uses a combination of Generative AI & Conventional AI to provide a one-stop shop to develop scalable and reusable solutions across all PDLC stages, ranging from concept design to aftermarket services support. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250820777125/en/ By accelerating the rate of innovation and optimizing costs across product development, PLxAI is poised to redefine how businesses approach product development. It incorporates advanced features like capturing and leveraging existing knowledge, including organizational and tribal knowledge, to deliver context-aware insights that enhance and optimize product engineering. PLxAI integrates smart prompting and contextual intelligence, enhancing product engineering from concept and design to validation and aftermarket support. To date, the LTTS team has already deployed over 36 use cases across various life cycle stages(in various stages of deployment), and an additional 35 use cases are in design phase across: -- Concept Design: Innovation assistant for competitive benchmarking and technology scouting, -- Component Design: Design assistant for generating specifications, diagrams, and calculations, -- Validation Planning: Automated creation of Design Validation Plans and DFMEA templates, -- Failure Mode Analysis: Customizable FMEA generation using organizational templates, -- Digital Twin Integration: Supports physical and virtual testing workflows, and -- Agentic Workflows: Proactive agents that automate multi-step engineering tasks. Speaking on the occasion, Alind Saxena, President & Executive Director - Mobility & Techat L&T Technology Services Limitedobserved,"This is a proud milestone for Team LTTS. The development ofPLxAIby our in-house AI experts is a testimony to LTTS' engineering and technology capabilities. It reaffirms our deep commitment toward driving global client success across Mobility, Sustainability and Tech leveraging the power of AI and Gen-AI based offerings. The enthusiasm from our global clients has been remarkable, with deployments already underway across multiple domains." By accelerating the rate of innovation and optimizing costs across product development, PLxAI promises to be a transformative offering, poised to redefine how businesses approach product development, unlocking new pathways for growth and efficiency. About L&T Technology Services Ltd L&T Technology Services (LTTS) is a global leader in engineering and technology services. A listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), we offer design, development, testing, and sustenance services across products and processes. Purposeful. Agile. Innovation. is how we drive growth across the Mobility, Sustainability and Tech segments. Our customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 top ER&D companies across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and process industries. Headquartered in India, we have over 23,600 employees across 23 global design centers, 30 global sales offices, and 105 innovation labs, as of June 30, 2025. For more information, please visit https://www.LTTS.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250820777125/en/ Contact Media Contact: Aniruddha Basu L&T Technology Services Limited E: [email protected] 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. Forget pop dials! Black is gaining ground. And on the most stylish wrists of the moment, there's the Bulgari Octo Roma Chronograph. We might almost forget, but not so long ago, watch dials were limited to being white. Simple, classic, almost austere. Then, in the 2020s, watchmaking had its own little chromatic revolution: turquoise, anise green, candy pink... A wave of bright and pastel shades appeared on wrists, bringing a dose of freshness and lightness to a time that desperately needed it. And the trend is not weakening. This summer again, watches proudly sport pop colors, from sweet pastels to the most tempting shades. But amid this vibrant festival, an unexpected color is quietly resurfacing: black. Silent, sober, radical, and more elegant than ever. The Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph from the side Bulgari Black vibrates, lives, tells a story Long discreet, even absent from dials, black truly made its entrance in watchmaking only from the second half of the 20th century. Its significant first appearance? In military watches, where function dictates form: neutral shade, anti-reflective, practical, stealthy. Black then becomes an obvious tactical choice. With the advent of new materials like carbon, ceramic, PVD, or DLC treatments, black subsequently becomes an aesthetic language in its own right. At Bulgari, the color takes on a whole new dimension: it serves to structure lines, densify volumes, highlight every detail. In 2017, the Ultranero collection, treated in Diamond Like Carbon, provides a striking example. No question of disappearing here: black reveals, asserts, sculpts. And in this chromatic exploration, today it is the Octo Roma that embodies this radical and sophisticated vision with the most strength. Desirability potential: one thousand out of one thousand. The Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Bulgari Between Italian sensuality and Swiss rigor The Octo Roma is a story of choice and audacity. From its launch in 2012, the collection takes an unconventional path, far from the well-rounded or overly angular standards. Its unique silhouette, stretched between circle and raw geometry, intrigues. To understand this octagonal case with eight sides, one must go back to the vaults of the Basilica of Maxentius, erected in the 4th century in the heart of Rome. But if the Octo Roma draws inspiration from history, it does not bask in it. Its lines break codes without trampling them. Its dial, engraved with the "Clou de Paris" motif, pays homage to Swiss watchmaking tradition. Its movement, a manufacture caliber designed and assembled in Le Sentier, in the Vallee de Joux, embodies the most demanding mechanical rigor. It is a watch at the crossroads of cultures, establishing a dialogue between Rome and Switzerland. The Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph back view Bulgari Italian chic sport This year, the Chronograph version stands out as the sport-chic piece. With its black DLC-treated steel case of 42 mm, it asserts a dynamic look while not denying the little architectural plus specific to the line. Its Start/Stop and Reset pushers integrate into the extension of the lugs for a fluid and contemporary silhouette. Inside, the BVL 399 automatic caliber drives a bicompax chronograph with balanced readability: 30 min counter at 9 o'clock, 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, central large second at 3 o'clock, and discreet date at 4:30. Luminescent markers and hands, sunburst subdials: readability remains impeccable. The watch comes with two interchangeable straps: one in Clou de Paris textured rubber, the other in alligator leather. Full black, of course. Her name is Catrina. She is one of the very few female incarnations of death in the Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). Jaquet Droz has adopted this unusual, exuberant and disruptive character in line with its own approach to master craftsmanship. The result is a unique piece in red gold that exhibits a mastery of micro-painting, paillonne and grand feu enamel, for the benefit of a single collector. A web of mythology surrounds it. It is not known precisely what year she was born. 1912? 1913? This calavera, the emblematic figure of the Mexican Day of the Dead, seems to have sprung from the imagination of an illustrator. And while the first female calaveras appeared in 1889, it was not until 1930 that this one was given her official name Catrina. The great lady has spanned the decades with consummate ease. Now, a century later, she has crossed continents to appear at the Jaquet Droz workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds. With this unique piece, Jaquet Droz is demonstrating its independence. Not to mention its audacity. By moving away from the masculine cliches of the skull, Catrina offers a neo-romantic vision of the Mexican calavera. Contrary to custom, here we see a richly coloured figure surrounded by a wreath of flowers. In keeping with the naturalist spirit that has inspired it for nearly three centuries, Jaquet Droz has appropriated this dazzling floral myth of Mexican culture. Close-up of the Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold - Catrina Skull Jaquet Droz The figure of Catrina occupies the right two thirds of the dial. It's all about the details: the two whites divided between the face and the smile, with two different levels of contrast, the minute variations in pink and violet, the shades of the gold dots with the two hands in red gold, and the green, sometimes bright and clear, sometimes dark and threatening. This contrast is underscored by the diversity of craftsmanship on display. Catrina's head is in micro-paint, but the floral base on the left of the dial is in grand feu enamel. The foliage is hand-engraved on a 1.1 mm thick gold dial. Each leaf has a different depth, and is filled with enamel powder and fired several times. Painting of the dial for the Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold - Catrina Skull Jaquet Droz In this case, the gold dots are not hand-painted, but rather paillons. The technique, which Jaquet Droz has been using for nearly three centuries, consists of capturing tiny hand-chiselled motifs in gold leaf under a thin layer of invisible varnish. In the same spirit, the lightness of the freehand micro-painting contrasts with the watchmaking rigour of the tourbillon visible at 12 oclock. Within its ocular orbit, it features a high-precision mechanism with an 8-day power reserve. The choice of a flying tourbillon, with no upper bridge, offers a bird's-eye view of the watchs regulating organ. This ballet, orchestrated to the micron, offers a precise measurement of time in defiance of Catrina herself unconcerned with the whole concept and with a rigour to which she seems oblivious. Painting of the dial for the Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold - Catrina Skull Jaquet Droz On the back, this great lady of Dia de los Muertos asserts her femininity with a final flourish that is only visible to collectors. Its mother-of-pearl oscillating weight is decorated with two gold star appliques edged with multicoloured foliage. Created entirely by hand by Jaquet Droz artists, the Catrina Skull in a 39 mm red gold is a model for a unique collector. Create your own. As unique as you are When the judge ordered Jair Bolsonaros house arrest earlier this month, he also decreed that his mobile phone be seized. Among the documents found on the device was a 2024 letter in which the former Brazilian president requested political asylum from his ally Javier Milei, head of the Argentine government. That and other information uncovered by investigators have led the Federal Police to ask judges on Wednesday to prosecute the former president confined in Brasilia and his son Eduardo, a congressman based in the United States, for attempting to coerce the Supreme Court. The court is expected to rule in early September. Bolsonaro maintains his innocence. The Federal Police have submitted a 170-page report asking the judges to add this new accusation to the charges Bolsonaro already faces. The document, according to detailed revelations in the Brazilian press, includes the asylum request in neighboring Argentina. The letter in question is a draft last modified in February 2024 just days after Judge Alexandre de Moraes had revoked Bolsonaros passport coinciding with a two-night stay at the Hungarian Embassy in Brasilia, which raised suspicions that he planned to seek asylum from an ideologically aligned government. Police also revealed that Bolsonaro transferred two million reais (around $362,000) to his son to cover his stay in the United States. The money was moved through the wives of both men, according to the Brazilian press. The patriarch sent the funds to the account of his wife, Michelle, who the next day transferred them to their daughter-in-law Eloisa, Eduardos wife. Eduardo, in turn, dedicated himself to maneuvering with the Trump administration to pressure Brazilian institutions so that his father would not be held accountable for the attempted insurrection. According to local media, the exchange of messages between former president, his sons, Silas Malafaia an evangelical pastor and close personal friend of the former leader and other Brazilian political figures point to serious tensions within the family and among the different factions of Bolsonarismo. Pastor Malafaia has been accused by the Federal Police of trying to obstruct the judicial investigation against Bolsonaro. As soon as he landed in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday afternoon, fresh from Lisbon, officers intercepted and interrogated him, confiscated his passport, and prohibited him from communicating with Jair and Eduardo Bolsonaro. Pastor Malafaia is the organizer of the large pro-Bolsonaro rallies. Bolsonaro has been prohibited from using a cellphone, social media, or contacting his son Eduardo. On Saturday, he left house arrest briefly to undergo medical tests at a Brasilia hospital. He remains the head of the opposition, although confined to his home and barred from holding office until 2030. The charge of leading a coup against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva could carry more than 40 years in prison. Trump has attempted to neutralize the judicial process against his Brazilian ally by imposing a 50% tariff penalty on Brazilian imports and by having the U.S. Treasury Department impose sanctions on Judge Moraes. Brazil has for days been embroiled in debate over the effects of those sanctions, specifically on whether Brazilian banks should comply with U.S. orders to freeze the controversial judges accounts. Moraes argues they cannot. In any case, the stock market has already punished financial institutions with losses even before any concrete steps have been taken. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition He went on: Reformed national pricing will ensure the benefits of clean power are felt by communities and consumers in every part of the country, while giving businesses the stability and certainty they need to continue investing to upgrade our infrastructure to boost our national energy security, helping to create thousands of skilled jobs, and boosting the economy. 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 Notting Hill Carnival: Two stabbed and 423 arrests but 'less serious violence than previous years', police say More than 400 arrests but 'less violence' at Notting Hill Carnival Critics accuse the Pink Ladies of being far-right supporters, but they say that is a stupid assertion. Although claiming to have previously not been political animals or even traditionally Tory, one parent who backed Sir Keir at the polls only last year vowed never to do so again. The Israeli army announced Thursday that it has informed Gazan medical authorities and humanitarian organizations that they should prepare to leave Gaza City and move south. The notice anticipates that an evacuation order will be issued later for the entire municipality, where the Strips health authorities and NGOs estimate there are currently one million people. Israel issued the warning publicly the day after army spokesmen with the approval of Benjamin Netanyahus government stated that they were already engaged in the controversial seizure of the enclaves largest municipality without waiting for authorization from the Security Cabinet, which is expected to greenlight the offensive on Thursday night. Netanyahu also announced Thursday that he has ordered immediate negotiations to begin to release all hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip. The statement marks the first apparent reference to the ongoing ceasefire talks and the truce proposal that Hamas accepted on Monday, which the Israeli government has so far made no mention of. Despite resuming diplomatic channels, the Israeli prime minister insisted that the offensive on Gaza City will continue: We are at a decisive stage. I came to [visit] the Gaza Division today to approve the plans presented to me and the Defense Minister by the IDF for the takeover of Gaza City and the defeat of Hamas, Netanyahu stated. Multiple analysts believe the prime minister is manipulating every step of the preparations for the offensive to gain advantages at the negotiating table. According to a military statement, a representative of COGAT the Israeli authority that manages humanitarian aid in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories held a phone call with a member of the Strips health authorities: Im talking to you about the possibility of the army entering Gaza City, he said in the call, the content of which is reflected in the note: This requires you to prepare a plan to transfer medical teams from the north to the south so that you can treat all patients. For two weeks now, Israeli authorities have been planning an offensive that will see troops expel the starving crowds gathered in Gaza City. The dismantling of health services and their relocation southward, as Israel intends, would allow the Israeli army to launch an offensive against the surface and subsurface of the municipality, which it has touted to Israeli citizens as the culmination of its search for the captives. Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), affirms that they will remain present in Gaza City as long as they can. We will not be part of any forced displacement, she told EL PAIS. Aid must be available wherever people choose to stay. If people decide to stay in the north [in Gaza City], they must also have services. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health also opposes the Israeli demand: The ministry expresses its rejection of any measure that weakens what remains of the health system after the systematic destruction carried out by the occupation authorities. This measure, it adds, would endanger the lives of residents, patients, and the wounded. The same ministry reported Thursday the death toll of 70 people from Israeli attacks, which also left more than 350 injured in the space of 24 hours. Gazan authorities also reported two new deaths from starvation, bringing the total number of fatalities from this cause to 271 in 22 months of conflict. Hamas governmental and military stronghold On Wednesday, Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin confirmed that the IDF had already launched the second phase of the Gideons Chariots offensive, which aims to invade Gaza City. The army claims the municipality is the governmental and military stronghold of the terrorist organization Hamas and warns that it is preparing to deepen the damage to that infrastructure above and below ground, cutting the populations dependence on Hamas. The troops assert that the operation is in its preparatory phase, that they already control some parts of the citys outskirts, and that they are present in the Zeitoun neighborhood, the largest in the city. What the troops see as a preparatory phase has meant the violent expulsion of thousands of innocent civilians. This is reflected in OCHA data. Over the past eight days, 95% of the people displaced within the enclave have fled the Zeitoun neighborhood, where Israeli troops are already present and where testimonies report constant bombardment. My family decided to leave their home in Zeitoun last Saturday because they were attacked by a drone, Ayman Lubbad, a Palestinian aid worker working in Deir el-Balah, in the center of the enclave, said via WhatsApp. [The attack] killed my cousin and left the other one injured, with both legs amputated. My parents and siblings miraculously survived. Mohamed Salha, a doctor who ran the last available hospital north of Gaza City until the Israeli army expelled the workers in May, threatening them with death, said a few weeks ago that he wanted to stay in Gaza City no matter what. Now, he sees things differently. Im trying to find a place in Deir el-Balah, he said via WhatsApp, referring to the area in the center of the enclave, where Israel permits the presence of civilians while it attacks the zone. But its very difficult to find one. For humanitarian organizations, the mass displacement Israel is pursuing could constitute a crime under international law. Forcing hundreds of thousands of people south is a recipe for even greater disaster, OCHA denounced in a statement Thursday, referring to the act, which has been classified as a violation of the Geneva Convention. A group of a few hundred Palestinians demonstrated Thursday in Gaza City with banners and Palestinian flags to demand an end to the war and forced displacement. The signs read Stop the war and Gaza is fighting alone. The protest was attended by the journalists union, members of the local NGO network, the Chamber of Commerce, and leaders of some of Gazas main clans. History repeats itself, Lishay Miran, the wife of a hostage believed to be still alive, said at a press conference from the other side of the wall. There is an agreement on the table that can save the living captives and provide a proper burial for the dead. Hamas has accepted it, but the prime minister is trying to decree a death sentence for the living and the disappearance of the dead. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A Delta Airlines Boeing 737 arrives at Los Angeles International Airport from Miami on March 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Kevin Carter/Getty Images The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation after a piece of a Delta Airlines plane's wing broke off mid-flight between Florida and Texas. The incident happened Tuesday on a Boeing 737, on Delta Airlines Flight 1893 from Orlando International to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. CNN reports passengers saw part of the plane's wing had partially broken in the back. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "We felt it was bad turbulence. The plane was shaking," Shanila Arif, a passenger on the aircraft, told CNN. "The lady in front of us opened the window and told us it is broken. I opened the window and got scared." Arif recorded video of the flap while the plane kept flying. She said she feared the piece would break off completely and cause a crash if it hit the plane's tail. A Delta airplane that landed at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Tuesday was taken out of service for repairs after crews and passengers spotted a damaged wing flap. FULL STORY: https://t.co/hDqgRgM0Ts pic.twitter.com/7n1OkWyHUz CBS Austin (@cbsaustin) August 20, 2025 After the plane safely landed at the Austin airport around 2:24 p.m., Delta Airlines released the following statement: Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It was observed that a portion of the left wing's flap was not in place. The aircraft has been taken out of service for maintenance. We apologize to our customers for their experience as nothing is more important that the safety of our people and customers." When Elie (not his real name) entered Gaza in October 2023, still reeling from the Hamas attacks carried out days earlier in Israeli villages near the border, he put his mind on autopilot and had only two goals. Protect my soldiers and get out of there alive, he said in an interview with this newspaper months later. I didnt go in with a sense of revenge. In reality, I acted almost mechanically. The government sent us to protect the Israelis and recover our hostages, but now I realize that the mission was actually something else, says the 23-year-old first sergeant. Our superiors arent thinking about the Israeli captives or the Palestinian civilians, but rather about displacing the population and destroying Gazan society. Elies name is not Elie. Protecting his identity and not providing details about his mission in Gaza that could help identify him is one of the prerequisites for this interview, facilitated by the Israeli NGO Breaking the Silence, formed by military personnel who have decided to speak out about the abuses they believe the Israeli army is committing in the occupied Palestinian territories. His testimony is one of those collected by the organization in recent months, during which a record number of military personnel have come forward to describe actions by the army in Gaza that violate what the soldiers consider ethical and just. I came from the West Bank and had spent several months in the army there. There were things there that shocked me, too, but the red line for me was using the Palestinians in Gaza as human shields. Something clicked in my mind forever, Elie says. Israeli army soldiers observe the destruction in the Gaza Strip last Wednesday. Amir Levy (Getty Images) This young Israeli served in Gaza as part of the Nahal Brigade, and his mission focused on the northern part of the Gaza Strip. In the spring of 2024, tens of thousands of Palestinians were moving south, following orders from the Israeli army, using a coastal route they called the humanitarian corridor. Two young men were randomly chosen to serve as shields. One of them couldnt have been more than 16 years old, practically a child. The intelligence officer told us they had connections with Hamas. At first, I found that strange given their age, the soldier says. The next morning, they began forcing them into buildings they were searching. A person gave them orders in Arabic about where to walk and what to do. They were ahead of us in case there were hidden explosives or some kind of ambush waiting for us. That was too much for me, says this young soldier, his face contorted as he relives those moments. We used them for a few days. When we didnt force them into buildings, they were handcuffed and had their faces covered. They couldnt do anything. If they wanted to go to the bathroom, one or two soldiers would accompany them. We gave them military rations to eat, he recalls. Breaking the Silence has received several testimonies from other soldiers denouncing similar practices. In August 2024, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz published an investigation into the possibly systematic use of human shields by the Israeli army, which also included testimonies from some Palestinians who had been victims of this abuse. The television network Al Jazeera also released a video showing Gazans being forced to wear Israeli military uniforms and enter buildings to check for booby traps or explosives. We didnt speak Arabic in my platoon, and they didnt speak Hebrew or English. They only spoke two words: hamam [bathroom, in Arabic] and Rafah, the southern city they were heading to when we captured them, he recalls. On several occasions, the Israeli army a deeply respected institution in the country has denied this practice, which is illegal under both local law and international norms. However, it did confirm to Haaretz that it was investigating about six suspected cases to determine whether such conduct had occurred among soldiers. At the same time, the Israeli army and government frequently denounce that Hamas has, for years, used Gazan civilians as human shields to hide tunnels or weapons in the Gaza Strip. An Israeli soldier waits next to parcels of humanitarian aid at the Kerem Shalom crossing on July 24. Amir Cohen (REUTERS) There were other moments in Gaza that made me think it was an unjust war, but that human connection between those two Palestinians and me was too much for me, Elie explains. When you see a 16-year-old boy trembling in fear in front of you, because of what we soldiers are doing to him, everything falls apart. A few days passed, and the soldiers in his platoon began expressing confusion and discomfort; the word immoral came up in conversation. We spoke with our superiors in the unit to ask them to stop using these two civilians as shields, and the battalion commander came to talk to us. He told us that our lives were more important than theirs, that he had promised to take us back to our mothers, and that we didnt have enough equipment or trained dogs for this type of mission, he recalls. The Israeli military has released the names of 898 soldiers and security officers killed since October 7, 2023. Of these, 329 were killed in Hamas attacks that day and at least 454 in military operations in Gaza. Finally, the leaders of Elies unit let the two civilians go. They gave them a couple of bottles of water and a military ration and returned them to the road the Gazans were using to head south. It was further proof that they werent Hamas members, that it wasnt true, because if they had been, they would have been taken to Israel for investigation, says Elie. Elies unit did not use Palestinians as human shields again in the weeks that followed. Afterward, he left Gaza and has not returned to the army since. This practice is much harsher than burning houses or razing neighborhoods. In my platoon, we were largely in agreement on that, but its another thing to dare to say it out loud, even more so in the context of the October 7 attacks, he says. Today, medical documents confirm that Elie is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and his superiors havent insisted that he return. They called me, but I said no. Now I understand that its an immoral and unjust war. These are tough days for us in Israel, he explains. Im not well. Im asking myself a lot of questions about my responsibility in all of this, about what I did and what I could have done. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Brian Evans, president of the Texas American Association of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers, speaks at a news conference where educators, students and other community members delivered remarks against Senate Bill 37 in the Texas Capitol on May 15. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Faculty senates a long-standing advisory body of elected members that helps university leadership on curriculum, policy and programs will no longer exist at University of Texas institutions starting Sept. 1, after the UT System Board of Regents on Thursday approved compliance with Senate Bill 37. Chairman Kevin Eltife said the board will "take their time" deciding if faculty senates compliant with the law will be reinstated to university campuses, and may not be needed at all 14 campuses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The Legislature spoke very clear through the legislation that governing boards are responsible for deciding if and when faculty senates will be established on campuses," he told regents Thursday. "That is a responsibility that this board takes very seriously." In the meantime, the board authorizes university presidents to create "faculty advisory groups" for leaders to consult as needed and to complete the essential work previously done by the faculty senate. These groups cannot be the same makeup as the faculty senates and must follow regents' rules, including being approved by the appropriate executive vice chancellor, the approved item states. It is not known what that faculty advisory group would do or what the makeup would be. The sweeping higher education law, SB 37, gives regents the power to approve or deny the existence of faculty senates at universities, and those that stand must follow new rules, such as limits to the body's size, the president appointing leaders and meetings to be live streamed. Faculty senates must be adapted and approved by Sept. 1 this year or dissolve under the new law. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lawmakers had cast faculty senates as powerful voices that should be curbed last legislative session. Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, authored SB 37 to give regents more control following complaints from conservatives that the institution's faculty have become too liberal or "woke." "Over the coming months, the Board of Regents will consider policy recommendations that enable faculty senates to be reconstituted in accordance with the law," a statement shared Thursday by the UT System to the American-Statesman said. "The advisory groups will enable UT faculty to continue to provide counsel and perform important and valued functions delegated to them by Regents' Rules and Regulations and institutional policies." Faculty advocates warned during the legislative session that shared governance is a hallmark of university operations, and weakening faculty senates jeopardizes that work. The Texas State University System also dissolved faculty senates in early August, giving university presidents authority to establish faculty advisory groups and indicating plans to potentially approve new faculty senates this fall. The University of Houston and University of North Texas systems took steps this summer to adapt their faculty senates to be compliant under the new law, and Texas A&M System regents are expected to decide how to comply at their board meeting Aug. 27. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Although SB 37 puts severe limits on the representativeness of faculty senates, a constrained faculty senate would be better for the entire university community than none at all," said Pauline Strong, president of the UT chapter of the American Association of University Professors in a statement to the Statesman, speaking for herself. Strong said the chapter is "very disappointed" in the regents action. Creighton drafted the priority legislation to limit faculty authority at universities as advisory only, and to give board of Board of Regents, appointed by the governor, the power to approve or deny the legislative body's existence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The law also expands regents' authority to regulate core curriculum and degrees at universities, and instructs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish an "Office of Ombudsman" to ensure compliance with the law and the anti-DEI law from 2023, Senate Bill 17. Creighton said this would target "politically charged academic programs" and provide students with "degrees of value, not degrees rooted in activism." "The legislation demands real accountability from our institutions," Creighton said in a statement at the time of the bill's passage. "Texas isn't just leading the conversation, we're setting the national standard for restoring academic integrity and accountability on college campuses." At UT Austin, the faculty council also provided a monthly forum for faculty to ask the institution's president any questions, and is the only place where a representative from each part of the university gathers, Brian Evans, president of the Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors previously told the Statesman. The council met monthly with its 70 elected members, two non-voting staff members, seven student members and non-voting administrative officials. It has existed in several forms since 1928, its website states, and provided necessary advising on faculty affairs, curriculum, program review, hiring, student services and institutional policy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The body "has served as an essential mechanism for assuring meaningful participation of faculty in university decision-making and for communication between faculty and the administration," Strong said. "We urge the Regents to recognize the essential, constructive role that faculty senates play," she added. "And to move quickly to reauthorize them as allowed by Senate Bill 37." Assistant City Manager Eddie Garcia oversees the city's public safety agencies, but he will soon depart for Fort Worth. City of Austin Austins top executive overseeing public safety is leaving City Hall for a new role in Fort Worth. Assistant City Manager Eddie Garcia, who oversees Austin police, fire and EMS, will become Fort Worths next police chief, less than a year after taking the job in Austin. City Manager T.C. Broadnax confirmed Garcias departure in a written statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I am confident that Mr. Garcia will serve the residents of Fort Worth with the same passion and commitment as I have personally witnessed in both Dallas and Austin, Broadnax said. WFAA was first to report Garcias move. Broadnax recruited Garcia to Austin last November, shortly after leaving his job as Dallas city manager to become Austins top unelected official. Garcia had been serving as Dallas police chief before joining Broadnaxs executive team in Austin. Fort Worth launched a search for a new police chief in February. In July, the American-Statesman reported that Garcia was named a finalist. At a Fort Worth town hall meeting, Garcia said he felt more comfortable as a sworn officer than a City Hall administrator, the Dallas Morning News reported. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin-Bergstrom International Airport doesnt currently meet all the criteria to qualify for a Class B airspace designation. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman The Federal Aviation Administration has denied a request to upgrade the airspace around Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a move local leaders and air traffic officials argued would improve safety following a series of close calls. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, confirmed Thursday that the FAA rejected the petition to elevate Austins airspace from Class C to Class B and criticized the agency for delaying a decision he said could have prevented a near collision last year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An unresponsive FAA took almost a year to deny an application to make our airport safer that could have helped in the last near-catastrophic collision between an American Airlines jet and a small Cessna, Doggett said in a statement. KUT News was first to report on the FAAs denial. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Doggett has urged the FAA to upgrade Austin-Bergstroms airspace since at least 2023 as part of a larger effort to address a severe and chronic shortage of air traffic controllers. Class B airspace is typically reserved for the nations busiest airports, such as Dallas Fort Worth International, and ABIA doesnt currently meet all the criteria. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Still, Doggett and local officials had urged the change amid growing safety concerns. In February 2023, a Southwest Airlines flight and a FedEx cargo jet came within 150 feet of colliding on a runway at ABIA an incident attributed to controller error. Months later, a private jet narrowly avoided an F-18 fighter plane. Last October, a small Cessna unexpectedly crossed into the path of an American Airlines plane, another close call that Doggett said a Class B designation might have prevented. The designation comes with stricter pilot requirements and broader protective zones that are aimed at reducing the risk of midair collisions. It also would have increased the base salary for controllers to $141,804 from $124,305, KUT reported. Proponents say that change could have helped improve the retention of overworked air traffic controllers, according to the NPR member station. Other local officials have pressed the FAA to address the towers chronic staffing shortages. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In July, the Austin City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging the agency to expand airspace protections, bolster staffing and create a local collegiate training program to develop new controllers. Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, who authored the resolution, did not respond to a request for comment. Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, raises his fist as he returns to the House Chamber at the Capitol in Austin on Monday. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman As the quorum-breaking Democrats filed back into the Texas House chamber clutching triumphant press releases and wearing hollow smiles, they returned to find a unified Republican caucus primed to push through to final victory. The scene that told the story of their absence played out the Saturday before last. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As the gavel cracked through the stagnant air of the Texas House chamber, the sound ricocheted off empty desks and careened into the gallery. Speaker Dustin Burrows voice rolled through the half-empty hall: It is evident to the chair that a quorum is not present. The House stands adjourned until 1 p.m. Monday. He brought the gavel down again, sealing the moment in the legislative record. Republicans came to work. Democrats went on a fundraising vacation. More than 50 Democrats fled the state to prevent the Texas House from conducting business. The reason? The Republicans' proposal to redistrict the congressional delegation to the benefit of the GOP. In trying to derail the process, Democrats accomplished something they never intended. They unified a Republican Party that, at times, seems more interested in fighting itself than advancing its agenda. But the quorum break refocused Republicans and awakened a sleeping giant. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Democrats have played on both sides of the redistricting game for decades, even in Texas. In 2002, Rick Perry won the governors race by nearly 18 points. In that same election under a map drawn by Democrats, they won 17 of Texass 32 congressional districts. That was not fairness. That was power politics. And when Texas Republicans sought to rebalance the map in 2003, the Democrats tried this exact same maneuver. They eventually came home, and the maps changed. Today, in Democratic-controlled Massachusetts, the states nine U.S. House districts boast zero Republican seats. Maryland has eight seats and gives Republicans just one. In New York and California, Republican strength in the congressional delegation is nowhere near the statewide popularity. And in Illinois, the minority party exists only on paper, with Democrats locking down impenetrable supermajorities in the state legislature and congressional map. Here at home, the Republican majority has the power to draw the lines whenever it wants. If Texans dislike the results, they can send that message at the ballot box for Congress, the state Capitol or even the governor who signs the plan. Rocio Fierro Perez chants in support of returning Democratic state representatives outside the House Chamber on Monday. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman I suspect they will not. For the last two decades, Republican governance has fueled extraordinary economic growth. Texas leads the nation in job creation. It attracts more business relocations than any other state. Low taxes, light regulation and a commitment to property rights have made Texas the engine of the national economy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republicans have built a climate where hard work pays off, where entrepreneurs thrive without suffocating bureaucracy and where local communities set their priorities instead of taking orders from Washington. Texas remains competitive, resilient and growing in a volatile world. That record speaks louder than any line on a map. The new Texas map reflects the states changing population. It restores Barbara Jordans historic district while creating new Hispanic-majority districts. At the same time, Hispanic voters in Texas have shifted steadily toward the GOP. That change matters more than any new set of boundaries. Lines on a map can be redrawn. A political realignment like this reshapes elections for a generation. Mid-decade redistricting ensures Washington looks as much like Texas as possible and that means GOP from top to bottom. Republicans should not stop with Congress. They should redraw the Texas House map to secure lasting supermajorities so a quorum-breaking minority cannot stall the voters agenda again. History rewards resolve. In 2003, Republicans redrew the maps mid-decade, won in court and locked in an advantage that has lasted for a generation. Since then, Republicans have won every statewide elected office and kept their legislative majorities without interruption. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The quorum break has ended, and Republicans are stronger and more united than when it began. The maps will be drawn, and they will lock in a Washington delegation that reflects the political reality in Texas. All Democrats have to show for their walkout are a few news clips, some fundraising cash and souvenirs from states that are more gerrymandered by Democrats than anything Texas Republicans have achieved. Maybe they should have stayed there. Garrett W. Fulce of Sugar Land is a Young Voices Contributor, host of "Seeing Red, a Texas politics podcast, and owns Fulce Consulting LLC, a Texas-based public relations and public affairs firm. He has a track record of helping Republicans secure victories at the local, state and national levels. A protester holds a sign that reads "Texas is burning them alive" at a 2023 event at the state Capitol. Activists visited the Capitol to discuss the need for air conditioning in Texas prisons. Sergio Flores/AFP via Getty Images Another Texas summer is here, and once again, tens of thousands of people incarcerated in Texas prisons are sweltering, and some are dying, because theyre denied the necessity of air conditioning. Let that sink in: In 2025, in the United States, people are dying preventable deaths because theyre trapped in sometimes 100-degree concrete boxes with no relief. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is not a fluke. It is the result of repeated, deliberate choices by Texas lawmakers and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to ignore both human suffering and constitutional law. More than 88,000 people in Texas prisons currently live without air conditioning. That means two-thirds of the states incarcerated population are enduring life-threatening heat in facilities that routinely register indoor temperatures well above 90 degrees. The states inaction is not for lack of funds. Last year, TDCJ received $85 million in state funding for prison air conditioning. This year, it received another $118 million. Yet according to sworn court testimony in a 2024 lawsuit against TDCJ, the agency still has not issued a systemwide bid for installation. Since 2018, the agency has allocated only $115.5 million total, less than what it received just this year, to install air conditioning at state prisons. This slow drip of action, while lives remain at risk, is indefensible. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the Cole v. Collier lawsuit against TDCJ, the agency initially claimed it would take more than $20 million to install air conditioning at the Wallace Pack Unit. But that number quickly crumbled, dropping to $11 million after an internal review in 2017, and ultimately to just $4 million after the state settled the case. This revealed a pattern of exaggeration used to delay or avoid basic protections for incarcerated people. Meanwhile, we already know what happens when air conditioning is absent. Between 1998 and 2012, TDCJ acknowledged that at least 23 people died from heat-related causes. That includes 10 deaths in just one summer, 2011. Medical experts, correctional officers and family members have all sounded the alarm repeatedly. The federal courts have acknowledged the danger, too. Tona Southards Naranjo speaks during a 2023 news conference at the Texas Capitol, where she shared the story of her son, Jon, who died in prison after collapsing from a heat-related illness. Sergio Flores/AFP via Getty Images In Coones v. Cogburn, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed last month what has been obvious for years: exposing incarcerated people to extreme heat is unconstitutional. Earlier this year, a federal court in Austin agreed. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman acknowledged that TDCJ is likely violating the Eight Amendment but denied a preliminary injunction for immediate air conditioning, citing concerns it would delay a permanent fix. Everyone knows it. There are no more excuses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Instead of wasting hard-earned taxpayer dollars on the costly upkeep of aging, chronically understaffed facilities, TDCJ should act decisively to close those units and redirect resources toward urgently installing air conditioning an essential step to protect the health and safety of both staff and incarcerated individuals. Yet the Texas Legislature once again failed to pass a law requiring installation of air conditioning on a clear timeline. And theres no mention of prison heat relief on the agenda for the 2025 special sessions. That means tens of thousands of people will continue to face the blistering heat with no idea if or when it will end. Texas is not only allowing these conditions, its defending them in court. Inaction is not just immoral, it is unlawful. No one in a civilized society should be sentenced to death by heat. Texas has a constitutional duty to act, and LatinoJustice PRLDEF will continue fighting alongside families, advocates and legal allies to demand change in both the courts and the Capitol. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin police investigate an Aug. 11 shooting outside a North Austin Target store, where a gunman killed three people. Police said the suspect had prior signs of mental health issues, raising questions about whether a red flag law could have prevented this crime. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Three people, including a 4-year-old child, were killed last week in a North Austin shopping center, in a state where the Legislature has repeatedly rolled back gun safety laws. As Austin-area residents, we know how close to home these tragedies hit. One of us was at that very same shopping center a few days earlier, enjoying dinner with family. The early information about this random shooting is deeply troubling. According to Austin police, the suspect had a history of mental health issues, allegations of family violence, and prior instances of being placed in emergency holds during mental health crises. Tragically, Texas law makes it incredibly difficult to temporarily remove firearms from a person with a documented dangerous history like this. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One measure that could help is an Extreme Risk Protection Order law, also known as a red flag law, that would temporarily remove firearms from people shown to pose an immediate lethal risk to themselves or others. These laws are already working in 21 states and Washington, D.C., and polling shows 88% of Texans support the idea. Despite this, Texas lawmakers continue to move in the opposite direction. In this year's regular session, the Legislature passed an anti-red flag law that hampers the ability of families and law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from people showing signs of dangerous behavior. The bill goes one step further: It bans enforcement of out-of-state extreme risk protection orders. Imagine this scenario: A dangerous person makes threats of mass violence in New Mexico. Law enforcement petitions for an extreme risk protection order and the court grants it. That person has their firearms removed and is not able to buy new ones. But with a red flag law ban in Texas, this person could come into our state, buy a gun and kill innocent people. Submit a letter to the editor We want to hear from you. Click here to get started. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Research shows red flag laws are associated with lower rates of firearm suicides and can prevent mass shootings like this one. Instead of embracing evidence-based safety measures, Texas is making it harder to prevent scenarios like this in the future. Texas has passed more than 100 bills since 2000 weakening firearm regulations. This year, proposals to lower the handgun carrying age, permit felons to possess firearms, allow guns in sensitive places like schools, hospitals and polling places, and prohibit event organizers from banning guns on their premises were all debated in earnest. The consequences of these dangerous policies would be felt in every community across our state. Gutting gun laws does not make communities safer. Instead, it increases the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands or being used impulsively during moments of crisis. We know that early intervention is critical. By temporarily removing guns from people posing a threat to themselves or others, red flag laws are already saving lives across the country. Texas move to restrict these tools in the face of repeated tragedy is not only baffling, it is dangerous. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a news conference at his office at the Capitol with U.S Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to speak on plans to fight threats posed by the New World screwworm at the Capitol in Austin, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. Abbott called a second special session because a quorum was not present after most Democratic state representatives left Texas to break quorum and block a vote on a Republican plan for Congressional redistricting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Gov. Greg Abbott asked lawmakers to come up with new punishments for quorum-busters on Wednesday evening, less than an hour after the Texas House Republicans passed a new congressional map that Democrats had blocked for two weeks by fleeing the state. Abbott added the request for penalties or punishments for legislators who willfully absent themselves during a session to the already crowded special session agenda, which only he can set. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We need to ensure that rogue lawmakers cannot hijack the important business of Texans during a legislative session by fleeing the state, Abbott said in a news release. READ MORE: Texas House passes Trump redistricting plan, setting up showdown with California Abbott also added two other items to the list. He asked lawmakers to make ivermectin available over-the-counter in Texas, following in the footsteps of a number of other Republican-led states. The drug, typically used to treat parasitic worms, has become a popular remedy for COVID-19 despite a lack of scientific evidence that it works. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And the third-term Republican governor added to the agenda a groundwater study of East Texas aquifers, bringing the number of emergency items to 22. It comes as some lawmakers have pushed back on plans by a Dallas investor to pump 10 billion gallons of groundwater a year from the aquifer underneath Anderson County and pipe it to other parts of the state. The special session ends in just over three weeks, but Abbott can add more items until then. He can also call additional special sessions. Democrats who fled the state to block redistricting have already faced penalties for breaking quorum. House Speaker Dustin Burrows imposed $500-per-day fines on each absent member, and barred them from leaving the chamber on Monday without a police escort who would ensure their return for Wednesdays vote. Abbott went after them as well, asking a court to remove House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu of Houston from office for his role in organizing his partys flight from Texas. A decision hasn't yet been issued in the case. Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) works on the House floor during the debate of a congressional redistricting plan at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Briscoe Cain, D- Deer Park, listens to the debate on a congressional redistricting plan at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Briscoe Cain, D- Deer Park, works on the House floor during the debate on a congressional redistricting plan at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman State Rep. Briscoe Cain is eyeing a run for U.S. Rep. Al Greens Houston-area seat just a day after he and other House Republicans voted to remake the Democratic-leaning district more GOP-friendly. Cain, a Deer Park Republican, filed a statement of candidacy Thursday with the Federal Election Commission, which signals an intent to run. He did not respond to a request for comment from Hearst Newspapers and has not officially announced his campaign. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under the new map, which is expected to pass out of the Senate this week and head to Abbotts desk, Greens Congressional District 9 would shift to the eastern edge of Harris County and swallow up Liberty County, a mostly rural and red-leaning area. Most of Greens constituents would then be placed in the currently vacant District 18 formerly held by the late Sylvester Turner. READ MORE: Texas House passes Trump redistricting plan, setting up showdown with California Overall, the new map would leave the Harris County delegation with three Democratic-leaning congressional seats instead of the current four. Green, who has fought redistricting and called the changes a form of extreme discrimination, has not said whether he will run for reelection in 2026 to his current district or a different one, though hes vowed to be on the ballot. The filing period opens in November ahead of the March primary election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cain, an attorney who owns his own law firm and specializes in family and First Amendment law, has served in the Texas House since 2017 and chairs the far-right Texas Freedom Caucus. He was one of the leaders of the GOP-led House effort to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was later acquitted by the Texas Senate. Cain is consistently rated one of the most conservative lawmakers in regular rankings by Rice University political science professor Mark P. Jones. In the last analysis from June, Cain ranked second-most conservative in the Texas House. Shortly after the 2020 presidential election, Cain was one of several lawyers who volunteered for the Trump campaigns failed effort to throw out the election results in Pennsylvania. Advertisement Article continues below this ad House Speaker Dustin Burrows gavels out at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. Jay Janner/AP The Texas House advanced legislation Thursday that responds to last months deadly floods, finally tackling the issue after the chamber approved new congressional maps on Wednesday. The package of bills aims to improve emergency preparedness, flood warnings and first responder communication. Before passing House Bill 1, an omnibus youth camp safety bill, state Rep. Drew Darby, a San Angelo Republican and the bills author, read the names of the 27 girls who died at Camp Mystic, the hardest hit youth camp. Lawmakers gathered to face many of the parents watching from the gallery. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: Texas parents of Camp Mystic flood victims give emotional testimony demanding reforms House Bill 1 requires residential youth camps to create detailed plans including evacuation, shelter-in-place, and first-responder communication protocols for natural disasters and other emergencies, and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance. The bill is fundamentally about failure, Darby said. The camp failed these girls, the county failed them, the river authority failed them and in a larger sense their government failed them. In some ways I know I have failed them. State Rep. Donna Howard, an Austin Democrat, introduced an amendment that prevents the state from licensing a youth camp that operates a cabin in the 100-year floodplain. Several of the camps where girls died, including Camp Mystic, had cabins located in areas deemed extremely hazardous by local officials, the Houston Chronicle found. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The package of bills includes a $368 million one-time appropriation from the states rainy day fund for disaster relief, earmarking $50 million to help local governments purchase flood warning sirens and rain gauges. On Monday, the Senate passed a measure requiring flash-flood prone areas to install emergency siren systems. A House committee will consider the bill on Friday. The House also advanced a measure that already passed the Senate and would expand rapid response training for local officials, create a tiered licensing system for emergency managers, and establish a statewide volunteer database managed by the Texas Department of Emergency Management. House lawmakers passed a third bill originally considered during the regular session this year. Authored by state Rep. Ken King, a Republican from Canadian, the measure establishes a new interoperability council to address issues with communication between first responders from different jurisdictions, which may use incompatible devices and infrastructure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Our first responders have to have a better way to communicate, King said, noting many spend the first 36 hours after a disaster when time matters most struggling to get their radios to communicate with local officials and other first responders. During two hearings in July, House and Senate select committees heard more than 24 hours of public testimony from officials, experts and members of the public in Austin and Kerrville. Bills were introduced during a special session that ended after Democrats left the state to protest the Republican-led effort to draw new congressional maps. Democrats had accused Republicans of delaying urgently needed flood relief dollars and investments in prevention to focus on redistricting. U.S. Representative Chip Roy speaks during a press conference at the Hill Country Youth Community Center in response to disastrous flooding in Kerrville and the surrounding area, Texas, July 5, 2025. The Governor issued a State Disaster Proclamation and signed a request for a federal proclamation at the conference. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Conservative hardliner U.S. Rep. Chip Roy announced Thursday he is running for Texas attorney general, adding to a growing pool of Republicans in the race. In a campaign announcement, Roy said that he was proud of his work in Congress and could do it forever and be fulfilled professionally. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But representatives should not be permanent, he said. And my experience watching Texans unite in response to the devastating Hill Country floods made clear that I want to come home. I want to take my experience in Congress, as a federal prosecutor, and as First Assistant Attorney General to fight for Texas from Texas. READ MORE: Chip Roy casts decisive vote as Trump's megabill clears final hurdle Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging U.S. Sen. John Cornyn rather than running for reelection this year, leaving open the top state position thats already attracted a field of other hopeful Republicans. Those include: state Sens. Joan Huffman of Houston and Mayes Middleton of Galveston, and Aaron Reitz, a former senior aide to Paxton and Department of Justice policy official. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Roy is currently serving his fourth term representing Texas's 21st Congressional District, which includes south Austin, north San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. The policy chair of the House Freedom Caucus, Roy has made a name for himself as an outspoken member who isnt afraid to take unpopular positions if he believes it violates his principles. Thats sometimes has put him on the outs with President Donald Trump and members of his own party, especially in recent budget debates. Roy has drawn Trumps ire for coming out against his attempt to overturn the 2020 election and saying his behavior before Jan. 6 was impeachable, and more recently, for criticizing the size of Trumps federal spending bills, among other frictions. For his part, Roy has downplayed the tensions, saying they arent far apart on actual policy and he ultimately joined Republicans in approving Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill this summer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its yet to be seen how Roys rocky relationship with the president might affect him in a race that will be swayed heavily by Trumps endorsement. Still, his conservative brand has given him broad name recognition and a healthy $2.5 million war chest. READ MORE: Chip Roy divides GOP with push to ban stock trading in Congress Roy previously served as a top aide to Paxton, but in the midst of Paxtons legal and ethical troubles related to abuse of office allegations that became the basis for a GOP-led impeachment, he supported the whistleblowers over his former boss. In 2020, he was one of the first to call for Paxtons resignation over the incident, for which Paxton was never criminally charged and was acquitted by the Texas Senate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Roy was first elected to Congress in 2018 and has previously served as Senate Judiciary Committee staff director under Sen. John Cornyn, senior advisor to Texas Gov. Rick Perry and chief of staff to Sen. Ted Cruz. In 2014, Paxton hired Roy away from Cruz to be his first assistant attorney general, a position he held for about two years working the states top conservative priority cases. Paxton has said he won't endorse in the race. A mistake in the automated track switches. An anomaly that should not have happened in the design of the railway system. This is how Oscar David Lozano, Director General of Mexicos Maya Train, explained the track incident during the morning press conference, which caused a minor derailment of two train cars at the Izamal station in Yucatan on Tuesday afternoon. The incident has once again put the spotlight on the Maya Train. It has raised concerns that former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors (20182024) flagship megaproject may not have had enough time for proper operational testing. Experts also worry that the accelerated construction could be hiding structural problems. So far, the project has been linked to more than 60 workplace deaths, multiple route changes, and allegations of purchasing materials from corrupt networks. In December 2023, during the first of three inaugurations of the Maya Train, Lopez Obrador boasted of having built four of the seven sections in record time just three and a half years since construction began in June 2020. The project entails a network of more than 930 miles of track across the Yucatan Peninsula, starting in Palenque (Chiapas), and its budget, originally set at 150 billion pesos ($7.95 billion), ended up approaching 500 billion ($26.5 billion). The governments rush to complete the Maya Train before Lopez Obrador left office was evident throughout the administration. Lopez Obrador visited one of the seven sections almost every two months, pressuring construction companies during each visit. In a consultancy carried out by PriceWaterhouseCoopers for the project in 2019, Mexicos main construction firms stated that they would need between 36 and 48 months to complete each section, but in the government bidding process, they were only given 28 months. Oscar David Lozano Aguila, this Wednesday, in Mexico City. Jose Mendez (EFE) The Maya Train is a very complex project that was scheduled to be completed during Lopez Obradors term, which meant the timelines had to be accelerated, explains Dr. Jose Gasca Zamora, a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and coordinator of the book Maya Train: Territorial Impacts and Change Scenarios in the Yucatan Peninsula. Combined with the fact that Mexico abandoned its railway tradition, this has led to the project not having enough operational testing or a certain level of quality to ensure smooth functioning overall. The previous derailment, which occurred last March at the Tixkokob station, shares many characteristics with Tuesdays incident: a station, a train moving at low speed, and not enough operational testing. In the March case, the problem was that a component designed to be automated was being operated manually. Since its first inauguration, the train has experienced various mechanical and service failures, including delays, air conditioning problems, and unexpected stops. The opposition PAN party, which has called for an immediate suspension of operations, claims there have been at least 45 incidents as of August 2025. During construction, there were several workplace accidents. In February, a retaining wall along the railway between Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Chetumal, in Quintana Roo, collapsed and injured three workers. According to the report The Preventable Deaths of the Maya Train by the organization Community Cohesion and Social Innovation, a total of 64 workers died from 2021 to September 2024. Most of these deaths 47 occurred in 2023 and 2024, when the rush to complete the three inaugurations was at its peak. The Maya Train during a test run in Merida, in 2023. Presidencia Although all sections of the Maya Train underwent route changes, the one that underwent the most changes was Section 5, which runs from Cancun to Tulum in Quintana Roo. Its original design ran parallel to the federal highway at ground level. Once on site, it was decided to elevate a few miles to pass above the city of Playa del Carmen, but a few months later, with construction already underway, the idea was scrapped, and the project returned to the initial plan. Then came pressure from the hotel industry, which didnt want the tracks to obstruct the grand entrances to their luxury resorts, leading to yet another change: routing the track a few miles into the Maya jungle. Once construction was underway on the 41 miles of track with a 40-meter-wide corridor within the most important forested area in Latin America after the Amazon, they decided to elevate 26 miles to protect the karst terrain, cenotes, caves, and underground rivers in the area. This led to the irony of placing 10,000 pillars that ended up slicing through precisely the ecosystems they wanted to preserve. All of this happened without processing the required changes in environmental and construction permits mandated by law. Additionally, in the works on Section 3, where the two track incidents occurred, there are suspicions of corruption. In March 2024, the outlet Latinus published a report based on a series of audio recordings in which Pedro Salazar Beltran could be heard speaking with businessman Amilcar Olan, the cousin and personal friend, respectively, of Lopez Obradors children. In the recordings, they bragged about buying low-quality basalt, bribing the laboratory to approve it, and then selling it to the builders. Hell yeah, the corruption network, Salazar is heard saying, and when the train derails, well, thatll be another problem. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Just weeks after the renewal of the U.S. oil company Chevrons license to operate in Venezuela and the agreement to exchange political prisoners, tensions between Washington and Caracas have escalated dramatically. The tensions now have a military component that has few bilateral precedents. After promoting a detente between the two countries, the Donald Trump administration reversed course. On August 7, the White House raised the reward for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to $50 million. It accuses of the Chavista leader of leading the Cartel of the Suns. This week, the U.S. began deploying three destroyers, 4,000 marines, combat aircraft, and submarines along Venezuelas maritime borders as part of an operation against drug trafficking. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said that the United States is determined to use every element of American power to curb drug trafficking from Venezuela. The Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela, it is a narco-terror cartel, and Maduro, it is the view of this administration, is not a legitimate president. He is a fugitive head of this cartel who has been indicted in the United States, Leavitt said. The Venezuelan government long accustomed to exchanging barbs and volleys with the White House seems to have calibrated its reactions more carefully this time. The Chavista leadership has taken this latest escalation very seriously, as the harsh tone and gravity of the accusations are evident. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a statement that the U.S. threats not only affect Venezuela, but also endanger the stability of the entire region, including the zone of peace declared by CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States]. For the Chavista government, the U.S. accusations are a sign of its lack of credibility. We are witnessing the development of a narrative to justify an attack, said Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who has been seen alongside Maduro in all of his public speeches these days. We have seen it before, many times. In the absence of arguments, lies are invented and repeated to transform them into truths, even if they are not. Padrino and other official spokespersons have called the accusations against Maduro ridiculous and absurd. Two days ago, Maduro announced the nationwide mobilization of four million members of the National Militia, the fifth component of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, founded by Hugo Chavez in 2007 and greatly strengthened institutionally since then. The Militia is a mixed branch of the military sector, made up of reservists, soldiers, paramilitaries, and civilians, trained under the principle of loyalty to Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian Revolution, and inspired by the foundations of asymmetric warfare. The first to come forward and express their support for this working-class president were the nations military, said Maduro, satisfied and surrounded by soldiers and police. They came forward with their rifles, their missiles, their tanks, their planes. The Bolivarian National Armed Forces, at the forefront, he proclaimed amid applause. Meanwhile, Maduro has been tightening the pressure on critical voices within Chavismo. The president questioned what appeared to be internal dissent among his followers: There are people who are weak, and when faced with a circumstance, they react immediately. Its easy to attack Maduro and the revolution, how easy. There are many cowards hiding, who are incapable of telling me things to my face out of cowardice. Well, I wasnt born on the day of cowards. If were here, its because weve been loyal to the sacred oath we swore to Commander Chavez. From hiding, Maria Corina Machado, the main opposition leader, and her collaborators all in exile appear to be assuming responsibility for shaping this U.S. siege against Chavismo. The language they use describes what appears to be a developing situation. Many Venezuelans abroad seem once again excited about the possibility of political change. Machado has considered it a victory for the democratic cause that the United States has, in her view, managed to clearly identify the threat of Chavismo. Machado, who has long asserted that the Maduro governments structures are weaker than previously thought, expressed her deep gratitude to President Trump for raising the reward for Maduros capture. She also repeatedly stated that Chavismo is a threat to the entire region. Although the police and military presence in the streets of the country has visibly increased, daily life for the population continues with complete normality, without any sense of imminence or expectations. Worn out from expecting. While its clear that police and military presence has been redoubled on the countrys streets, among the population, however, life proceeds completely normally, without any sense of imminence, without any greater expectations. Tired of having expectations. The moderate sectors of the opposition, still tolerated under the legality of Chavismo, are skeptical of Machados promises of change. They also flatly rule out the possibility of foreign intervention. In the broad currents of local pessimism that flow through social networks, those who persist in predicting, every few days, the imminent return of democracy are often accused of being nothing more than peddlers of empty promises. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Donald Trump scored another judicial victory Thursday when a New York appeals court overturned the ruling that required the U.S. president and his family to pay $454 million in a civil fraud case. Judge Arthur Engoron had determined that the Republican magnate had fraudulently exaggerated the value of his properties and other assets to bolster his family business. The announcement of the ruling in February 2024, in addition to imposing the fine, had limited the Trump Organizations ability to borrow money. It also prevented Trumps eldest sons, Eric and Donald Junior, from managing the family business for two years. The decision by a five-judge panel of the Manhattan Appeals Division is a defeat for New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose office filed the civil fraud lawsuit against Trump in 2022. The attorney generals office has already announced that it will appeal the new court decision. The appeals court upheld the original court ruling, which found Trump, his adult children, and his company liable for fraud over a period of a decade. However, it deemed the $454 million fine excessive, arguing that it violates the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. That clause prohibits the government from imposing excessive fines and bail, as well as cruel and unusual punishment. The trial record is replete with evidence supporting the courts finding that the defendants intended to defraud, a necessary element in every criminal law claim, the court said. The U.S. president reacted with jubilation on social media. TOTAL VICTORY in the FAKE New York State Attorney General Letitia James Case! he wrote in a long message on Truth, his platform, in which he described the case against him as a political witch hunt, ignoring the fact that the higher court also insisted in its ruling Thursday that the decision to find him liable for fraud was correct. I greatly respect the fact that the Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision that was hurting Business all throughout New York State. Others were afraid to do business there [...] This was a Case of Election Interference by the City and State trying to show, illegally, that I did things that were wrong when, in fact, everything I did was absolutely CORRECT and, even, PERFECT, Trump added. The Trump administration has had James in its sights. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice, headed by Pam Bondi, announced the opening of an investigation to determine whether the New York attorney general had violated the presidents civil rights in the case she filed against him. James had sued Trump and his children for fraudulently exaggerating their net worth to deceive lenders. The then-Republican presidential candidate was ordered to pay a $355 million fine in February 2024, although that penalty has been rising as interest has accumulated. James has been one of Trumps biggest opponents since she first ran for the office of attorney general in 2018. In December 2021, with the intention of halting the fraud investigation, he filed a lawsuit against her. At the time, James had announced her candidacy for governor of New York for the Democratic Party, although she withdrew shortly after. In his message on Truth Thursday, Trump once again lashed out at the prosecutor, whom he considers his sworn enemy and who he accuses of being corrupt and incompetent. [James] only brought this Case in order to hurt me politically, he wrote. The president also used his message to launch a scathing attack on Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial for hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign to buy her silence over an alleged extra-marital affair. A jury found the tycoon guilty on 34 counts of altering accounting records. According to Trump, all the legal cases brought against him were politically motivated to destroy his viability as a presidential candidate before, during, and after the election. He also claims, without evidence, that all of them were solidly coordinated with the campaign of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Romania is a reliable and active ally in defending NATO's eastern flank and maintains its commitment to multidimensional and sustainable support to Ukraine, in close coordination with NATO and the European Union, Romania's Defence Ministry (MApN) said on Thursday. MApN added that "Romania's military air infrastructure represents a strong point on the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance for deterrence and defence.', agerpres reports. "Romania is aware of and will be part of all the decisions of the allies regarding security guarantees. The evaluations that are made at this moment will be formalised by decisions that will comply with international treaties and laws in force." Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said that making its military bases available to NATO allies could be Romania's contribution to efforts towards a lasting peace in Ukraine. Asked during an interview with TV broadcaster Antena 1 what the government's position is regarding the fact that European leaders are asking the United States to send F-35 fighter jets to Romania as part of the security guarantees offered to Ukraine, the head of the Bucharest Executive reiterated our country's position towards the allies, one aspect being that Romania will not send troops to Ukraine, agerpres reports. The Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday that Romania is a reliable and active ally in defending NATO's eastern flank and maintains its commitment to multidimensional and sustainable support to Ukraine, in close coordination with NATO and the European Union. The Defense Ministry also stressed that "Romania's military air infrastructure represents a strong point on the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance for deterrence and defense." Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan met on Thursday with the Ministers of Health, Education and Environment in order to analyse the projects to benefit funding through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The talks were also aimed at identifying some funding sources for the mature investments that cannot be included in the PNRR, an Executive release mentioned, agerpres reports. For the other mature projects, the Government will seek funding solutions through the national budget or other European programmes.In the education sector, the discussions focused on the construction, modernization and renovation of student dormitories and university campuses, the equipping of educational institutions, as well as programmes aimed at combating school dropout and supporting children and youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds.The working meeting was also attended by Vice Prime Ministers Marian Neacsu and Tanczos Barna, Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete, Education and Research Minister Daniel David and Environment, Waters and Forests Minister Diana Buzoianu.After this initial round of meetings, consultations will continue in the coming period to prioritize funding, together with the other ministries coordinating reforms and investments within the PNRR The Trump administration has unveiled a new, broad immigration policy that directs U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials to more thoroughly screen applicants for green cards, work permits, parole, and certain visas. Specifically, the directive seeks evidence of anti-American opinions or associations when deciding whether to grant immigration benefits. The directive, announced this week, represents a vast expansion of the discretionary authority of USCIS judges and has raised concerns among legal experts and migrant advocates, who warn that the definition of anti-American is too vague and could undermine freedom of expression. What does the new guideline do? According to the updated USCIS Policy Manual, judges reviewing applications for immigration benefits including green cards, work permits, parole applications, and certain investor visas are instructed to weigh any evidence that an applicant has endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused anti-American ideologies. This includes activity on social media, which has increasingly become a focus of immigration investigations during Trumps second term. The guidance specifies that anti-Americanism will be considered an overwhelmingly negative factor in discretionary cases, even if the applicant meets all legal requirements. This gives USCIS broad latitude to deny applications on subjective grounds. The policy also focuses on associations with terrorist groups and organizations that promote antisemitic views, a concern for the administration given the public perspective on Israels offensive in Gaza. Officials are instructed to consider whether an applicant has participated in or supported antisemitic terrorism or advocated antisemitic ideologies when making decisions. USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser defended the changes, arguing that they are necessary to protect the integrity of immigration in the United States. Americas benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies, he said. Immigration benefits including to live and work in the United States remain a privilege, not a right. What is anti-American? One of the most controversial aspects of the policy is the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes un-American. Historically, U.S. immigration law has prohibited the naturalization of those who advocate communism, totalitarianism, or the violent overthrow of the government. But critics point out that Trump has repeatedly applied the label anti-American to describe historians who document slavery, museums that address racial injustice, and students who protest Israels military actions in Gaza. The new rules come after months of heightened tension surrounding campus protests and visas for international students. Earlier this year, thousands of student visas were revoked or delayed after the State Department implemented new social media verification protocols. Supporters argue that the directive is a sensible protective measure to prevent people hostile to the United States from taking advantage of the immigration system. They point to the growing use of parole programs, expanded under the Biden administration, as an example of policies that Trump officials say have been abused. USCIS officials will now also review whether parole applications contain false or fraudulent information, another factor that could lead to denial. For their part, immigration advocates and legal experts have expressed alarm, comparing the policy to the red scare tactics of the 1950s, during which people suspected of having communist affiliations were spied on and blacklisted. There are also concerns that expanding investigations into social media could punish applicants for their political expressions, including criticism of U.S. government policies. Given the administrations recent efforts to crack down on pro-Palestinian activism, some worry that the directive could disproportionately affect students, academics, and activists. The policy comes amid Trumps broader efforts to restrict not only illegal immigration, but also legal immigration. A few days ago, his administration expanded the assessment of good moral character in naturalization cases. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition UK and US media voice political interference and self-censorship concerns The Republican attempt to break the media by suing corporations like CBS and forcing editorial decisions on them will backfire, claims Roy Wood Jr., host of "Have I Got News For You." God Bless whatever Colbert does next year with no network person to give him notes on what he can and cannot say, Wood said at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Wednesday. Letting him run riot on YouTube is going to create a bigger issue for this administration in 2026, especially if he builds an audience, which I think is inevitable. What this administration is eventually going to see, is that by running people out of mainstream media--the dissenters, the people talking shit about Trump--you run them out of wherever there are rules. If Trumps people were smart, theyd leave us alone and let us tell our jokes in places where there are guardrails. Look at what [California Governor] Gavin Newsom's doing by just throwing up a couple of videos and talking back to Trump. Millions of views--and hes not even a trained entertainer! Asked if he felt vulnerable to attack, Wood said, I think 'vulnerable' would suggest that you can't fight back. Im not self-censoring. So long as I have a microphone, my hope is that every comedian will continue to do that. Have I Got News for You host Roy Wood Jr. at Edinburgh Festival 2025 The assault on press freedom on both sides of the Atlantic was a major debate at the Festival which is the premier annual event for the UK TV industry. Why major US media companies are capitulating Calling Trump's approach to media vindictive, transactional, and codependent, Matthew Belloni, former editorial director of the Hollywood Reporter and Host of The Town Podcast, said, The level of capitulation, kow-towing and chaos that is going on at the top level is pretty extraordinary. Starting with ABC paying to settle the George Stephanopoulos case and then going all the way through the things that Paramount did to get their sale approved. After ABC paid him, the floodgates opened. He knew that he had a pressure point with all of these media companies. He is nothing if not transactional and he is going to press every single button he can. Wood said he believed CNN would hold the line. I just do not see this network in any shape or form making decisions based solely on whether or not the President's going to cost us a bunch of money in court. However, he admitted, We have to hold on to the key people we have left, which means for my corporation to survive it cannot afford to go to war with the President. Chilling BBC news coverage Giving the agenda-setting McTaggart Lecture, James Harding the BBCs former director of news now director of Tortoise Media warned of chilling political interference in BBC news coverage. Whatever your view of the hate speech vs freedom of speech issues, an overbearing government minister doesn't help anyone, he said. The hiring and firing of [the BBC director general] should not be the job of a politician. He also warned that the Corporation needed protecting from right-wing party Reform UK which had vowed to scrap the license fee (which funds the BBC). Reform UK could win power at the next UK general election in 2029. Leveling late night Alongside Wood and Belloni in the session "Trump vs. The Media," Dorothy Byrne, Former Head of News & Current Affairs, Channel 4 said, The U.S made a big mistake in 1987 when it got rid of the Fairness Doctrine. In the UK, we should learn from this. We must not get rid of regulation. Regulation helps to bring trust because you have to have balance and in U.S media there has not been balanced. Some of that has been too liberal and they haven't listened enough to the right. Not hearing sufficient right-wing voices is an error that some of our public broadcasters here are guilty of too. Belloni has been reporting on the recent decision by Paramount bosses to settle a dispute with Trump over the Kamala Harris interview aired on 60 Minutes, as a condition of sale to Skydance. The impact of the settlements that we've seen has been calamitous for the industry, he said. But looked at as a business transaction trying to close an U$8bn deal it was a existential moment for the Redstone family. Former Paramount controlling shareholder Shari Redstone said this week said the decision for her company to settle the CBS lawsuit brought by Trump was a no-brainer and she expressed surprise that the cost of this was only $16 million. They could have either stood up to Trump or they could argue for paying him off and they chose to pay him off and get the deal done. When you're looking at this from a business perspective, and you are in the chair, you can either fight this, and become a target for the next two years or I can give a very small amount of money for my corporation and have this go away. That said, the argument for not settling is a business argument as well because if you are not one of these people who is trying close a deal to get out of the business you have to deal with that precedent going forward. If I am ABC News, I now know that if we get sued over something that we've covered, there's going to be another settlement and another and potentially endless litigation. On the cancelling of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Belloni said he concluded that the show was losing tens of millions of dollars. If the calculus was pure p&l, its understandable. CBS have discussed for a long time what the future would be about their late night programming [James Cordens show was cancelled in 2022] and when you have to sign your talent and your lead producers a year in advance they pulled the plug. The optics of the timing [coinciding with Colberts blast about Paramounts bribe] are terrible, he added. South Park seems a different case. Paramount recently renewed a deal with it creators for $1.5 billion then Trey Stone and Matt Parker let both barrels loose on Trumps ICE agenda. We cant look to Trey and Matt as the new leaders of the resistance but we are always appreciative whenever they join the fight, said Wood. They are equal opportunity offenders. The satirical show was arguably the frontline of the man-o-sphere when it launched three decades ago and that remains key to its appeal including among many Trump supporters. Right-wing pundit Charlie Kirk has even embraced his own lampooning in the show. Journalists need to fight for journalism No one wants to quite dismiss it as fake news, said Katy Balls, Washington editor of The Times. In that sense, they take it a bit more seriously. The chilling effect of lawsuits and defunding on US journalism could be felt in three years time when the presidential election cycle starts. Byrne said that despite being mortally wounded news broadcasters in the US still carried out fantastic journalism and called on them to stand up and speak truth to power. Do not rely on billionaires and politicians to protect your press freedom. We have to rely on journalists to do that. Every day I read brilliant journalism coming out of the United States but if you tell the truth, you can lose your job. I don't feel that it's terminal but journalists need to rise up together and speak about these issues in the U.S, just as I believe that journalists around the world have to rise up together and speak about the threat to journalists in Gaza. Ultimately, we have to rely on ourselves as a profession. Wood pushed back on this with a more pessimistic view: American journalists have no choice but to see and hear conservatives and treat their claims and concerns as valid no matter how ridiculous they are, he said. I do not know if there are enough American journalists that care enough about the totality of our society to sacrifice their career for the things that you're talking about, because then the question becomes how many journalists can you fire before you fire the compliant one? He added that if American journalists started covering Gaza with the attention it deserved this would limit their ability to cover all of these other atrocities that are happening domestically. Which fire do you choose to put out? I just don't know if we have enough people that are as selfless as what is needed to fix modern day journalism. Having recently interviewed Skydance boss David Ellison, Belloni wondered what would become of 60 Minutes. I asked him specifically what are you going to do about 60 Minutes. He said, All I want is both sides represented, down the middle. Thats a very easy thing to say. Sometimes the story doesn't have obvious both sides and 60 Minutes is the number one news program in the States because it often takes an angle on a story that gives a voice to somebody or has a perspective and tells a narrative. When Ellison is talking about bringing in someone like Bari Weiss, who runs a quasi-reactionary conservative website, to be overseer of balance at CBS then that is asking for trouble. Calling the administrations approach to media cowardly and manipulative Wood noted that Have I Got News For You has had many guests from the right on the show Its partly because Have I Got News For You is a legacy show that comes from a country [the UK] where it was allowed to punch politicians in the face, so you have to honor that ethos of the show in the States. Belloni countered that CNN is tanking in ratings as a sign that US audiences prefer partisan television news. They want Fox. They want MSNBC. They want that perspective and CNN has been caught from the moment Trump took office in no-mans land where they're trying to hold on to that illusion of the impartial news. It's just not working. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Senior Airman Joshua Aragon, 23, was the victim in a shooting at an apartment complex in Cheyenne about four miles from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, the service announced. (U.S. Air Force) An airman stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base was fatally shot when another airman from the intercontinental missile base in Wyoming fired an AK-47 through the wall of an off-base apartment, according to service officials. Senior Airman Joshua Aragon, 23, was the victim in the 3:30 a.m. shooting Saturday at an apartment complex in Cheyenne about 4 miles from the base, the service announced in a statement. Aragon was a security forces specialist with the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron, 90th Missile Wing. He enlisted in the Air Force in April 2022 and had been assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base since October 2022, the service said. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Senior Airman Aragon, Air Force Col. Terry Holmes, the 90th Missile Wings commander, said in a statement. He was a valued member of our defender team, and his passing leaves a tremendous void. Cheyenne police charged Airman 1st. Class Jadan Orr, 20, with involuntary manslaughter in Aragons death. Orr was being held without bond Thursday in the Laramie County jail. He was expected to make an initial court appearance on Monday, records show. Police said Orr had been drinking alcohol with others in the off-base apartment when he entered a bedroom with two other individuals and eventually grabbed an AK-47 assault rifle. Investigators believe Orr charged it and pulled the trigger, sending a round through the apartments wall into its living room, where it struck Aragon in the torso. Aragon was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services personnel attended to him, Cheyenne police said. Orr told investigators that he believed the gun was unloaded and he did not mean to fire a round, according to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, which cited a police report. Police said the investigation into the incident was ongoing as of Thursday. Aragon is the second security forces airman at F.E. Warren shot to death in recent weeks. Airman Bradan Lovan, 21, was killed July 20 in an apparent accidental shooting on the base. 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. Despite initial concerns that Lovan might have been killed by a so-called uncommanded discharge of the M18, the Air Force announced last week it had charged another airman with involuntary manslaughter, making false statements and obstruction of justice in Lovans death. The service has yet to publicly name the airman arrested in Lovans shooting because of the ongoing nature of the probe, a service official said this week. Indiana National Guard soldiers with the 38th Infantry Division arrive at Indianapolis International Airport, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (Jonah Alvarez/U.S. Army) More than 400 Indiana National Guard soldiers reunited with their loved ones Wednesday at Indianapolis International Airport when they returned home from a deployment to the Middle East that lasted nearly a year. The soldiers, part of the 38th Infantry Division, had deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield, a service news release said. The operation is aimed at building up the capacity of partners in the Middle East. Indiana National Guard Staff Sgt. Brandon DeGlopper, an intelligence noncommissioned officer with the 38th Infantry Division, shakes hand with military leadership as the divisions soldiers arrive at Indianapolis International Airport on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (Jonah Alvarez/U.S. Army) About 600 soldiers from the division supported the operation. The troops conducted 15 exercises, according to the release, and also provided command and control of combat forces in theater. At every critical moment you delivered a superb performance. I am just so very thankful for each one of you, Maj. Gen. Dan Degelow, the divisions commanding general, said in overseas comments quoted by the release. One member of the division died in Iraq in December 2024 in a noncombat incident. He was one of about 70 Indiana National Guard troops supporting Operation Inherent Resolve at the time, the Indiana Capital Chronicle reported, with hundreds of others from the state simultaneously supporting Spartan Shield. M795 High Explosive Projectile 155 mm rounds ready to be fired during an exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, May 2, 2025. A $635 million Army contract awarded to MSM Group North America calls for a complex at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown to manufacture 155 mm artillery rounds. (Sar Paw/U.S. Army) The U.S. Army has greenlit a new facility to support production of in-demand artillery shells, after stockpiles shrank following shipments to Ukraine and Israel. MSM Group North America Inc. was awarded a $635 million contract on Aug. 15 to design and build the Future Artillery Complex at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, the Army said Wednesday. The facility is slated for completion in August 2029. It will rely on robotics and technology to load, assemble and pack 155 mm munitions, an Army statement said. The award is part of the services effort to modernize and expand production of the shells, which are used in platforms like the M777 Howitzer and the M109 Paladin. In July, Army spokesman Steve Warren said the service is turning out 40,000 shells per month, according to a Defense Department statement cited by National Defense Magazine. The Army had aimed to have 100,000 shells per month in production by October. The goal has since been pushed back to mid-2026, Warren told reporters in July. The U.S. has sent more than 3 million 155 mm shells to support Ukraine since Russias 2022 invasion, the State Department said in a statement in March. It has also delivered tens of thousands of shells to Israel since its 2023 conflict with Hamas began. The Army supplies ammunition for all U.S. military services and numerous allies, the Wednesday statement said. An Army statement in February called the 155 mm shell the backbone of U.S. and allied field artillery. It features a high-fragmentation steel body and about 24 pounds of explosive material. In 2023, the service began awarding contracts and requesting funds to expand capacity to 100,000 shells per month, the February statement said. It also expanded facilities in Pennsylvania and completed a new factory in Texas last year. The Army awarded a $435 million contract in November to build a TNT production facility in Kentucky, a statement said at the time. MSM is based in St. Petersburg, Fla., and was the sole bidder, the award states. U.S. President Donald Trump walks alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, followed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday, down a hallway at the White House in Washington. After months of resistance, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared his willingness to participate in security guarantees for Ukraine, one of the key points in discussions about a peace agreement with Russia. He even specified that Washington could participate in some way with its air force. But it is still unclear what form these guarantees will take to ensure that the country is not attacked again in the future. Nor is it known what Trump will ultimately decide the presidents base opposes any U.S. involvement in a conflict they see as very distant. Even less clear is whether the decision will be accepted by Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his European allies highlighted Trumps offer as one of the major breakthroughs following Trumps meeting in Alaska with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and on Monday at the White House with Zelenskiy and the European leaders. Zelenskiy emphasized that these guarantees to prevent Russia from repeating its aggression in the future are a starting point towards ending the war. The security concerns at play are far too important both for Moscow and Ukraine not to be spelled out and explicitly agreed, lest they become a diplomatic poison pill, warned George Beebe, Anatol Lieven, and Mark Episkopos from the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft think tank in an analysis. So far, the U.S. presidents promises remain vague. For the moment, he has ruled out deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine as part of a hypothetical stabilization force. He has, however, indicated that Washington could provide air support for that force: Were willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you talk about by air because nobody has stuff we have., he said on Tuesday in a phone interview with Fox News. From left, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Chancellor Merz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at last Monday's summit at the White House in Washington. Alexander Drago (REUTERS) Trump also said that European countries would be the first line of defense to ensure Ukraines security. These nations are going to take a lot of the burden. Were going to help them and were going to make [Ukraine] very secure. Proposals such as the one Zelenskiy has conveyed Ukrainian arms purchases worth $90 billion, funded by Europe are entirely to the liking of the Republican, who since taking office has refused to renew the free military aid that his predecessor Joe Biden had provided. European troops for a contingent Several European countries have proposed contributing troops to a contingent that would be reinforced by sea and air. French President Emmanuel Macron and Zelenskiy himself have also insisted on the need for a very robust Ukrainian Armed Forces, without any limitations, such as restrictions on troop numbers. But Moscow is radically opposed to a Euro-Atlantic interposition force on Ukrainian territory and is demanding an end or a drastic reduction in the supply of Western weapons to Kyivs forces. Trump is eager to achieve and announce results that would allow him to end a war he promised to conclude within 24 hours of his inauguration. According to his Fox News interview, during the summit at the White House, one European leader proposed to meet again in another month or two. 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." Already on Tuesday, U.S. Chief of Staff General Dan Caine organized a meeting of allied defense officials. On Wednesday, U.S. and other NATO military officials held a videoconference meeting to discuss the topics discussed at Mondays summit in Washington. The White House has also announced that its National Security Council, temporarily led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is responsible for coordinating with allies, Ukraine, and Russia to advance proposals for a peace agreement and to organize a bilateral meeting between Zelenskiy and Putin a face-to-face meeting proposed by Trump which could then be followed by a summit involving the two adversaries and himself. But Russia remains skeptical. Although White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated at her Tuesday press briefing that Moscow had approved the summits, the Kremlin has not confirmed it will participate. On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded that Russia will only approve security guarantees if it participates in the negotiations and if it obtains a veto right over them. Otherwise, he warned, discussions on security in Ukraine will be a road to nowhere. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, left, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov wait to attend a working meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the results of the Russia-US summit in Alaska at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. Vyacheslav Prokofyev (AP) We cannot agree with the fact that now it is proposed to resolve questions of security, collective security, without the Russian Federation. This will not work, Lavrov said after a meeting with his Jordanian counterpart in Moscow. Moscow would be more receptive to a solution similar to the one discussed in Istanbul in 2022, when it was agreed that a coalition of states would guarantee Ukraines security. Russia was part of that coalition, which ultimately included a clause stipulating that decisions be made unanimously giving Russia veto power. As a result, it was rejected by Ukraines negotiators. The differences in position are stark. It is hard to imagine there being any deal today that is acceptable and that respects the red lines of the Ukrainians and Europe as well as the red lines of the Russians, noted Matthias Matthijs, from the Council on Foreign Relations, after the White House summit. Security guarantees were clearly discussed in Alaska, but it seems like what the Russians have in mind is very far from any NATO troops on the ground. Trump is convinced that if anyone can get it done, its him. During the White House summit, when he thought he was speaking discreetly aside to Britains Keir Starmer, Trump was caught on a hot mic saying: I think [Putin] wants to make a deal for me. Do you understand? As crazy as it sounds. A senior White House official told Politico: He alone could sell [a peace agreement] to Putin. I dont think Putin would pay any attention to the others, and Im not sure the others would do it without him. When presenting his proposals, Trump will also have to consider his domestic political landscape. His most extreme supporters, the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, oppose any U.S. military involvement abroad. This is a European problem; we have all the leverage here," Steve Bannon, a former Trump political advisor and informal spokesperson for the MAGA movement, told Politico. If we dont 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." Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition (Gerald Waller/Stars and Stripes) Aschaffenburg, Germany, sometime in 1950: Master Sgt. William F. Garland, of Headquarters Company, 18th Infantry Regiment, his wife, Helen, and their three daughters, Glenda Lee, 7, Billie Joe, 6, and Sandra Elizabeth, 3, enjoy a quiet evening (in the presence of a Stars and Stripes photographer) in their brand new living room. The Garlands apartment is one of the 156 newly constructed apartment units for servicemembers and their family in Aschaffenburg. Read the article on the post-war construction boom on U.S. bases across Germany here. These artillery shells were among the options for the guns at Fort Schoenenbourg, a part of the famed Maginot Line near Hunspach, France, about 10 miles from the French-German border. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) Perhaps unfairly, the chain of French World War II fortifications known as the Maginot Line has become a symbol of folly. The line itself was well-built and formidable. The error lay in not anticipating German plans to bypass it. The only folly to be found on a recent visit to the 1.8-mile Fort Schoenenbourg stretch of the line was my suggestion that we didnt need the stroller for my friends toddler. The fort is about 45 miles south of the U.S. bases in Kaiserslautern, just across the German-French border near the town of Hunspach. It was once a part of the defensive network championed in the 1920s by Frances minister of war, Andre Maginot. At the entrance, a sign warned of a 132-step descent to reach the forts main facilities, roughly 90 feet underground, which is why I thought carrying the stroller made little sense. But just past the gate, we found an elevator. Thus, the three adults had to carry the little guy through the labyrinth. I did my best to shoulder extra turns as penance. Other than that mistake, the Fort Schoenenbourg experience was well worth the trip. I was unexpectedly impressed by the underground fortress, given the unflattering portrayal of Maginots namesake I remember from school. The entrance to Fort Schoenenbourg, one part of the World War II-era Maginot Line, sits deep in a forest near the town of Hunspach, France. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) A World War II-era gun is on display at Fort Schoenenbourg, a part of the Maginot Line near Hunspach, France. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) The command center at the Maginot Line museum at Fort Schoenenbourg near Hunspach, France, is furnished to look as it did at the beginning of World War II. Maps and other signs adorn the walls. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) The Maginot Line was supposed to force the Nazis to invade through the Netherlands and select parts of Belgium, giving French and Allied forces time to rally. Ultimately, the plan failed because German forces attacked the lightly defended Ardennes forest, which the Allies had thought were impassable for large forces. The maneuver encircled the British and French in the north. Seeing Fort Schoenenbourg, I can understand why the German high command avoided the Maginot Line. The place still seems impenetrable. Despite facing some of the heaviest German bombardment, the fort wasnt breached. It surrendered at the request of the French high command on July 1, 1940, nine days after France itself had capitulated. Had the Germans tried to enter, the casualties would have been enormous. The six bunkers and two entrance blocks were heavily fortified, and walking down the corridors 85 years later, I could see how attackers would have been sitting ducks. The electric power plant at Fort Schoenenbourg near Hunspach, France, is referred to as "the works." Manned by no fewer than 70 men, the plant generated, transformed and distributed current. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) The kitchen at Fort Schoenenbourg near Hunspach, France, was fully electric. It was tasked with feeding the 630 men stationed at the fort. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) The infirmary is on display at the Maginot Line museum at Fort Schoenenbourg near Hunspach, France. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) The soldiers stationed at Fort Schoenenbourg near Hunspach, France, during World War II had a small area for prayer. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) The fort also housed some unheard-of amenities for the time. It had its own electric plant with ventilators, maintenance equipment and a railway to move ammunition and supplies. Of the 620 men stationed there, at least 70 were highly skilled in electromechanical engineering. With numerous personal touches throughout the facility, it felt less spartan than Id imagined. Murals adorning many of the walls included depictions of Mickey Mouse and Josephine Baker, the American-born French entertainer whose exploits as a spy during World War II have been celebrated in both countries. Early on, I saw a little alcove with a painting and a cross that acted as a prayer area. And to give a more World War II-era vibe, French big band music from the 1930s and 40s played from speakers. The Maginot Line museum at Fort Schoenenbourg near Hunspach, France, has more than 1.8 miles of tunnels and rooms. The temperature in the underground fortress stays constant at 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) Plenty of paintings adorn the walls of Fort Schoenenbourg near Hunspach, France. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) Fort Schoenenbourg near Hunspach, France, still has an eclipse turret available to see in a combat block. After walking up multiple flights of stairs, visitors also can watch a video showing a re-creation of the turret firing. (Jason Kolokithas) A hatch at Fort Schoenenbourg near Hunspach, France, opens to show spent shell casings next to a turret in a combat block. The fort was one of the many installations that were part of France's World War II-era Maginot Line. (Jason Kolokithas) You could see the effect World War I had on those involved. Chemical warfare was still on everybodys minds, so the designers created areas for soldiers to wash off residue quickly. The temperature is a consistent 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit, so warmer clothes are suggested. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Overall, it was an enlightening experience and a must-see for any World War II buff. Expect to spend multiple hours there because this isnt a place you can blitz through. And if any kids are taggling along, dont err like I did. Fort Schoenenbourg is stroller-friendly. Fort Schoenenbourg Maginot Line Address: Rue du Commander Reynier, Hunspach, France Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. seven days per week through August; in September, 2-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; in October, 2-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Prices: 10 euros for adults; 5 euros for children 6 to 17; children 5 and under, free. Information: Phone: +33 3 88 80 96 19; Online: lignemaginot.com The name may suggest a pair of British proprietors, but Two Brits Burger Bar in Tokyo is owned and operated by a genial Italian with a clear fondness for English pub fare and vintage Americana. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) For those riding the rails into Tokyo from Camp Zama or Naval Air Facility Atsugi, the Odakyu Line is a familiar lifeline to the capital city. Disembark at Kyodo Station in Setagaya, and within minutes on foot youll arrive at Two Brits Burger Bar, an eclectic and cozy establishment thats become a favorite among locals and expats in search of something hearty and familiar. The name may suggest a pair of British proprietors, but Two Brits is owned and operated by a genial Italian with a clear fondness for English pub fare and vintage Americana. Weathered typewriters and antique cameras compete for space with Union Jack flags and vinyl records, creating a dining area that feels like the attic of a well-traveled friend. Two Brits Burger Bar in Tokyo boasts a surprisingly deep bench when it comes to beverages. Choose from dozens of craft beers, from Japanese microbrews to European imports, and wine list better than it needs to be. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) Start with the Triple Cheeseburger for 2,800 yen, or about $18.95. Its as excessive and satisfying as it sounds three 100% beef patties layered with molten cheese, pickles and the house sauce, stacked high on a buttery bun. Theres no lettuce or tomato to distract you when devouring this pure expression of burger maximalism. For something local with a twist, the Teriyaki Burger layers a sweet-savory glaze over a pair of perfectly grilled patties crowned with a fried egg. It balances Japanese flavor with American heft for 1,950 yen. The Teriyaki Burger from Two Brits Burger Bar in Tokyo balances Japanese flavor with American heft. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) The Fried Chicken Burger offers a crispy, juicy beef alternative at 1,600 yen. This thick slab of boneless, golden-fried chicken is spiked with barbecue sauce and tucked into a soft bun with lettuce and tomato. Then theres the Fish and Chips for 1,700 yen. Its a standout for Tokyo flaky, tender, flavorful white fish thats not over-battered. The chips are chunky and well-seasoned and served with a side of house tartar sauce. The Fish and Chips from Two Brits Burger Bar is standout for Tokyo flaky, tender, flavorful white fish thats not overbattered. The chips are chunky and well-seasoned and served with a side of house tartar sauce. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) The Triple Cheeseburger from Two Brits Burger Bar in Tokyo is as excessive and satisfying as it sounds. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) Source Beyond these standouts, the menu includes several rotating specials. To drink, theres a surprisingly deep bench. Choose from dozens of craft beers, from Japanese microbrews to European imports, and a wine list better than it needs to be. Service is warm and unrushed. Whether youre on a day off from work or just passing through on your way to central Tokyo, Two Brits makes for a casual, satisfying stop and one of the few places where fish and chips, teriyaki burgers and reggae on vinyl feel like natural companions. The name may suggest a pair of British proprietors, but Two Brits Burger Bar in Tokyo is owned and operated by a genial Italian with a clear fondness for English pub fare and vintage Americana. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) Two Brits Burger Bar Location: 1-21-22 Kyodo, Setagaya, Tokyo Hours: Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, expect Mondays. Closing time is 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Dress: Casual Directions: A short walk from Kyodo Station on the Odakyu Line. Information: 03-6413-5206; @twobritsburgerbar on Instagram Former members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and police officers who allegedly surrendered to M23 rebels arrive in Goma, Congo, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (Moses Sawasawa/AP) DAKAR, Senegal The Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 has denied involvement in a series of massacres in eastern Congo which were detailed in a report published by a rights group Wednesday. Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the M23 military, called the Human Rights Watch report fake and a falsification of reality and accused the group of spreading extremist propaganda in a statement late Wednesday. M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in Congos mineral-rich east. Both M23 and the Congolese military have previously been accused of violence against civilians. Earlier this year, Congolese authorities accused M23 of extrajudicial killings during its seizure of major cities. In the report, Human Rights Watch accused M23 of killing over 140 civilians as part of a military campaign against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group made up mostly of ethnic Hutu fighters. Nearly 2 million Hutus from Rwanda fled to Congo after the 1994 Rwandan genocide that killed 800,000 Tutsis, moderate Hutus and others. Rwandan authorities have accused Hutus who fled of participating in the genocide, alleging that the Congolese army protected them. Bertrand Bisimwa, an M23 leader, said on social platform X that the report was intended to influence the United Nations Security Council and was not based on evidence. A separate report by another rights group, Amnesty International, also published Wednesday, found that both M23 and Congolese government-sponsored militias regularly committed mass atrocities and sexual violence against civilians. With 7 million people displaced in Congo, the U.N. has called the conflict in eastern Congo one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth. The United States and others have been trying to achieve a permanent ceasefire since fighting between M23 and Congolese forces escalated in January. The Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministers signed a peace deal at the White House in July. But M23 was not directly involved in the negotiations and said it could not abide by the terms of the agreement. The final step was meant to be a separate deal between Congo and M23, facilitated by the Gulf state of Qatar, that would bring about a permanent ceasefire. However, a deadline for the deal was missed and there have been no public signs of major talks between Congo and M23 on the final terms. The U.S. Bureau of African affairs, in a statement late Wednesday on X, called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to discuss the horrific abuses perpetrated against civilians, including by M23. Venezuela keeps a warship on alert, following the announcement of the presence of U.S. Navy ships in the Caribbean Sea, in Puerto Cabello, Carabobo, Venezuela, on Aug. 16, 2025. (Juan Carlos Hernandez/ZUMA Press Wire via TNS) (Tribune News Service) The U.S. has added a powerful amphibious squadron to a previously revealed deployment of three Navy destroyers nearing Venezuela as part of a major counternarcotics operation. Two officials familiar with the deployment, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Reuters news agency that three Navy warships the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale could be stationed off the coast of Venezuela as early as Sunday. Together, the ships are carrying 4,500 service members, including a 2,200-strong Marine expeditionary unit. The Pentagon has not publicly disclosed the mission, but sources told the news agency that the move aligns with a broader Trump administration s aims at addressing threats to U.S. national security from specially designated narco-terrorist organizations in the region. Speaking about the possible use of U.S. military personnel in Venezuela, the White House said that the deployment underscores Trumps pledge to use every instrument of American power from sanctions to military force to stop narcotics from reaching U.S. soil. Cracking down on drug cartels is a pillar of Trumps domestic and foreign policy. Earlier this year, the administration formally designated Mexicos Sinaloa Cartel, Venezuelas Tren de Aragua and several other groups as global terrorist organizations. The move gave U.S. agencies expanded authority to target cartel finances, logistics, and leadership. Last month, the Trump administration designated the Cartel of the Suns which U.S. prosecutors allege is run by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking members of his regime as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity. The designation raises the possibility that the cartel could become a direct target of U.S. military action if chosen so by Trump. The administration also raised 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. In response to the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, Maduro announced Monday that his government will activate a special plan to mobilize more than 4.5 million militia members across Venezuela to defend national sovereignty. 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 during a televised event, flanked by senior commanders. He said the mobilization is needed to counter what he described as extravagant, bizarre, and outlandish threats from the United States. Reacting to news from the United States, Maduros allies convened an extraordinary virtual summit of the countries that make up the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, ALBA, where they condemned Washingtons military deployment in Caribbean waters. A sailor stand at attention aboard the USS Fort Lauderdale, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, during the commissioning of the ship on July 30, 2022, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As an amphibious transport dock ship, USS Fort Lauderdale, with a motto of "Together We Fight," is designed as a warship to embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel via TNS) In a statement issued after the meeting, Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Saint Lucia warned that the U.S. military deployment in Caribbean waters, disguised as counter-drug operations, represents a threat to the peace and stability of the region and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. During the meeting, Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel voiced support for Maduro, saying he is the target of Washingtons disinformation campaign launched with hostile intentions in mind. We also denounce, with equal firmness, the false accusations made by the United States government against President Nicolas Maduro, which seek to associate him without foundation or evidence with criminal organizations linked to illicit drug trafficking, Diaz Canel said. This is, once again, the type of maneuver imperialism resorts to when it harbors aggressive intentions against sovereign states, when it is unable to stifle the spirit of resistance of the people, and when it needs a fraudulent pretext to justify its actions. In Washington, meanwhile, officials are not ruling out the possibilty that the increased U.S. Navy presence in the Carabbean could eventually translate into a military intervention inside Venezuela. 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, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt after being asked by a McClatchy reporter on the chances of a boots-on-the-ground operation taking place inside the South American country. 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. The amphibious squadron will operate alongside three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers the USS Sampson, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Gravely which are designed to counter threats from the air, land, sea and even undersea simultaneously. The destroyers arsenal centers on a 96-cell vertical launch system that can be loaded with a mix of weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles for long-range land attacks, standard missiles for air and missile defense, and ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) missiles for undersea warfare. By adding amphibious vessels, the task force gains expanded land capabilities, particularly the ability to quickly deploy Marines into coastal zones. Heres a closer look at the ships: USS San Antonio: Commissioned in 2006, the San Antonio is the lead ship of its class of amphibious transport docks and the first Navy vessel to integrate advanced stealth features. Designers minimized its radar cross-section by enclosing antennas inside masts, recessing equipment, and reshaping the anchor pocket. The ships primary mission is to embark, transport and land Marines with their equipment and supplies. Its ability to deploy forces rapidly makes it a key asset in operations near hostile shores. USS Iwo Jima: A Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 2001, the Iwo Jima carries both symbolic and operational weight. Named after the iconic World War II battle, its keel holds the Medal of Honor citation of Captain Jacklyn H. Lucas, one of the youngest recipients of the award. With a full-length flight deck capable of supporting helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft, the ship functions much like a small aircraft carrier. It can deploy Marines by air and sea, coordinate large-scale missions and sustain prolonged operations. USS Fort Lauderdale: The newest of the three, the Fort Lauderdale is a transitional vessel that blends San Antonio-class features with innovations intended for the Navys next-generation amphibious warfare ships. Commissioned in 2022, it is the first Navy ship named after the South Florida city. 2025 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un before a meeting with President Donald Trump on June 30, 2019. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) North Korea has quietly built and operated a sprawling long-range missile base near the Chinese border that stores Kim Jong Uns most advanced strategic weapons, demonstrating the regimes ongoing efforts to advance its nuclear strike capabilities, a think tank said. The base in Sinpung, North Pyongan Province, located 17 miles from the border with China, likely houses a brigade-sized unit equipped with six to nine nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles and their mobile launchers, a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies showed Wednesday. These missiles pose a potential nuclear threat to East Asia and the continental United States, the report said. Current assessments are that during times of crisis or war, these launchers and missiles will exit the base, meet special warhead storage, transportation units, and conduct launch operations from dispersed pre-surveyed sites, the report said, citing satellite imagery. Construction of the base began around 2004 and facilities were mostly built and operational by 2014, the report said, adding that the complex appears to have been continuously developed since. South Koreas Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a Bloomberg News request seeking comment on the reported base. The newly revealed missile base highlights the regimes escalating nuclear threat and strategic intent. It also underscores a stark reality that North Koreas nuclear arsenal is larger, more dispersed, and more survivable than many outside assessments assume. It signals Pyongyangs shift toward rapid-launch capabilities that complicate U.S. preemptive strike options. Its location near Chinas border further shields it from attack, raising geopolitical stakes for Washington and Beijing alike. With construction continuing and North Korea emboldened by real-world weapons experience in Ukraine, this discovery signals that Kim Jong Uns nuclear ambitions are both growing and increasingly difficult to deter. The revelation comes just days after Kim called for the rapid expansion of his countrys nuclear weapons program, ramping up tensions just as the U.S. and South Korea began joint military drills that Pyongyang views as a prelude to war. President Donald Trump and Kim met in person three times during the U.S. presidents first term, but those interactions failed to convince Kim to curb the development of his nuclear weapons program. North Korea has since rebuffed the idea of sitting down with the U.S. again and has emerged as a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, supporting his war on Ukraine. Kim said earlier this week the only way to defend the countrys security is to make enemies afraid of North Korea and that its capabilities will be expressed through practical actions. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. U.S. Marines train at Hijyudai Maneuver Area in Oita prefecture, Japan, Aug. 1, 2024. (Kendrick Jackson/U.S. Marine Corps) Two Japanese soldiers died this week of lightning strikes during training in western Japan, a spokesman said Thursday. Sgt. Kento Tanitsu, 25, and Sgt. Ayu Kubota, 21, of the Western Army Tank Unit, were found in cardiac arrest at 12:06 a.m. Monday at the Japanese armys Hijyudai Maneuver Area in Oita prefecture, the Ground Self-Defense Force spokesman said by phone. Both were confirmed dead at 1:14 a.m. Monday; an autopsy determined they died from electrocution by lightning, he said. The death of our troops during training is extremely regrettable and we take this very seriously, said tank unit commander Col. Motohiko Nakamura, according to the spokesman. I would like to once again express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, Nakamura said. The army will take all possible measures to prevent a recurrence, he said. The two soldiers were playing the enemy role in infiltration training, the spokesman said. Their radio communication cut off with their last communication around 2 p.m. Sunday, he said. The Self-Defense Force began search after they were unable to contact them by 10 p.m. Sunday, the spokesman said. The area was under a lightning advisory at the time of the exercise, the spokesman said. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an advisory in Oita prefecture from early morning until around 9 p.m. Sunday, Kyodo News reported Thursday. The army created a committee Sunday to investigate the incident, the spokesman said. Some Japanese government officials are required to speak to the press on condition of anonymity. A Russian Ilyushin IL-20M surveillance plane flies near Japan on Feb. 12, 2025. (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) A Russian military surveillance plane flew through the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone on Wednesday but posed no threat to U.S. security, according to North American Aerospace Defense Command. A lone Ilyushin IL-20 Coot flew through the international zone and did not enter either Canadian or U.S. air space, according to a command news release Wednesday. The IL-20 is a four-engine turboprop used to gather electronic intelligence, according to combataircraft.com The Russian aircraft flew inside the Alaskan defense zone for approximately two hours and four minutes and approximately 125 miles from Cape Lisburne in northwest Alaska on the Chukchi Sea, according to an email Friday from Canadian Armed Forces Capt. Rebecca Garand, a NORAD spokeswoman NORAD dispatched an E-3 Sentry early warning and control aircraft, a KC-135 aerial refueler and two F-16 Fighting Falcons to intercept, track and monitor the IL-20, the release said. An IL-20 made a similar flight Wednesday and was tracked by NORAD in the defense zone for an hour and 12 minutes, Garand said Thursday. Russian military flights through the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone occur regularly and these two posed no threat to U.S. security, according to NORAD. On Tuesday, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighters to intercept two Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers and two fighters over the Sea of Japan, according to the Japan Joint Staff. The Russians flew from the mainland, then turned northeast to skirt Japanese territorial airspace off the coast of Sado Island, Niigata prefecture, a news release said. The Russians flight lasted from morning to afternoon. We will continue to monitor Russian military movements in the airspace surrounding Japan with great interest and will take all possible measures to ensure vigilance and surveillance, a Joint Staff spokesman said by phone Thursday. Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity. An air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, begins where sovereign airspace ends 12 nautical miles from the coastline. While not universally recognized, the identification zone serves as a buffer area where aircraft are expected to identify themselves for national security purposes. Russian aircraft most recently flew through the Alaskan zone in July. Two Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers and two Russian Su-35 Flanker fighters flew for three hours through the zone, which covers millions of square miles, including large portions of the Arctic Ocean, the Bering Sea and the northern Pacific. In April, two Tu-95 bombers, one Tu-142 F/J reconnaissance and anti-submarine plane, one A-50 Mainstay early warning plane, and two Su-35 Flanker fighters flew through the identification zone for about 2 hours over the Bering Sea. On Sept. 23, a Russian Su-35 fighter made a close pass of an American interceptor, which drew a rebuke as unsafe and unprofessional from the head of NORAD at the time. Stars and Stripes reporters Alex Wilson and Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report. (This story has been updated.) A M60A3 tanks fires during a military combat firing exercise in Hsinchu county, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. (I-Hwa Cheng/Bloomberg) Taiwan has proposed stepping up defense spending next year, a move intended to mollify President Donald Trump, who has called on the democracy to do more to protect itself from Chinas threats. The government wants a military budget of NT$949.5 billion ($31.2 billion) for 2026, according to a statement from the cabinet in Taipei on Thursday. Officials included money for the Coast Guard and veteran pensions in that topline figure for the first time. It represents a nearly 23% increase from the equivalent outlays last year, according to calculations by Bloomberg News. Part of the reason President Lai Ching-te wants more money for defense is Trump has questioned the self-ruled archipelagos commitment to protecting itself from China, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory that must be brought under its control by force if needed. The cabinet said the proposal would raise defense spending to 3.32% of economic output - higher than a 3% target set by Lai in February. Lai said in a Facebook post after the statement came out that with defense spending exceeding 3.3% of GDP, Taiwan fully demonstrates its determination to enhance self-defense! The final amount Taiwan spends on the military in 2026 will likely be different because the budget will have to go before the legislature, where the opposition holds a slim majority. Potentially foreshadowing how difficult the approval process for the spending plans might be for the government in Taipei, a special bill that provided billions of dollars of new funding for the military was subjected to weeks of wrangling between opposition and ruling party lawmakers before it was approved last month. The cabinet also proposed that the governments overall spending for next year total NT$3.04 trillion on revenue of NT$2.86 trillion. The yield on the governments 10-year bonds rose 1 basis point to 1.42% on Thursday. The benchmark Taiex stocks gauge advanced 1.4%, continuing a run propelled by the AI boom. With assistance from Chien-Hua Wan and Argin Chang. Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo is home to the 374th Airlift Wing, 5th Air Force and U.S. Forces Japan. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan An airman with the 374th Airlift Wing was found dead Wednesday in Shimoda, a resort town about 2 1/2 hours south of this airlift hub in western Tokyo. The wing announced the death on its official Facebook page Thursday afternoon. It provided no other information. The airman was not identified pending 24 hours after notification of next-of-kin, which has already occurred, according to the wing. Today is a difficult day for Team Yokota, said wing commander Col. Richard McElhaney in the post. Thank you to our installation law enforcement officials and local community partners within the Shimoda Police Service for their assistance. Those affected are on the front of our minds, and our base support agencies are standing by to support members of the community suffering from this loss, he said. Shimoda, on the tip of the Izu Peninsula facing the Pacific Ocean, is known for its hot springs, busy port and long, sandy beaches. Donald Trumps art of negotiation relies heavily on the art of pushing his counterparts Mexico in this case to the limit. Just when, according to President Claudia Sheinbaum, it seemed that the relationship between the two nations was based on respect among equals and non-subordination, Trump launched a new challenge this week to pressure Mexico and extract even more security benefits from Washingtons main trading partner. The U.S. presidents main focus has been the DEA, which Mexico considers one of its greatest political enemies, given the agencys history of interventionism on Mexican soil. Trumps latest provocation comes at a time when both countries are preparing a general agreement on bilateral security. Experts agree that the Republican is following his usual pressure-and-release strategy, although they point out that Mexico can take advantage of Washingtons willingness to crack down on criminal groups and clean house. The latest disagreement relates to a supposed joint security program, Project Portero, which, according to the DEA itself, consisted of training Mexican agents to dismantle organized crime organizations operating along the border, especially on the western side, where the largest number of illicit crossings of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States occur. The anti-drug agency claimed that the training would take place in U.S. police schools and would be taught by its military, prosecutors, and intelligence officials. Sheinbaum, in response, downgraded the training, describing it as a workshop in Texas for only four Mexican investigators. Basically, the president denied that relations with the DEA had been reestablished, after they had entered a phase of cooling and then hostility during the administration of her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who limited the scope of covert operations by foreign agents in Mexico. The DEA has been burned in Mexico, unlike other institutions, such as the Department of Homeland Security or the Pentagon, which have a more stable relationship and good communication with this country. The Mexican government hears DEA and it seems like the devil has arrived; they want nothing to do with them, says security specialist Raul Benitez Manaut. The academic from the Center for North American Research at UNAM believes that the relaunching of the DEA in Mexico is consistent with Trumps reinforced interventionist policy in Mexico. Why doesnt Mexico want the DEA? Because theyre constantly announcing that there are narco-politicians, and because, according to Mexico and it has a point they have been heavily involved in interventionist actions. But now thats Trumps tune. If there is interventionist action in Mexico, the president will tell them, Keep going, says the researcher. Benitez Manaut points out that the U.S. anti-drug agency is in a power struggle with its counterparts south of the border. The DEA also has resentment toward Mexico, he notes. Sheinbaum recalled two prime examples that, according to the Mexican president, illustrate the excesses committed by the U.S. agency: the operation in which drug trafficker Arturo Beltran Leyva was killed in Morelos in 2009, after which a bloody manhunt was unleashed against the families of the Mexican officers who participated, and the capture and indictment for drug trafficking of former secretary of defense Salvador Cienfuegos in 2021. This latter case caused enormous discomfort to then-president Lopez Obrador, who reformed the Constitution to limit the free rein that the PRI and PAN governments gave U.S. agents in Mexico. Internationalist Arturo Rocha warns that this chess move involving the DEA knight shows that, for Trump, Mexicos undeniable merits in terms of security are not enough. Sheinbaums government has reduced migration flows to historic lows, made unprecedented seizures of fentanyl, captured numerous drug traffickers, and extradited 50 high-profile criminals to the U.S., all at Trumps request since January. But, at the same time, Washington is pressuring and sanctioning three Mexican banks it accuses of laundering drug money, expressly authorizing the U.S. army to attack criminal groups beyond its borders with the threats to Mexican sovereignty that this entails and denouncing acts of corruption within Pemex, the state-owned oil company that Sheinbaum is trying to refloat. There is indeed an ambition on the part of the United States to do more. The United States is saying that this cooperation, which it recognizes, which it applauds, and which has given us a lot of diplomatic capital with different entities in that country, is at the same time not enough, says Rocha. The specialist, who was Coordinator of North American Strategy at the Foreign Ministry during Lopez Obradors six-year term, believes that, currently, Mexico is more necessary to the United States than other countries, within the framework of Trumps geopolitical struggle against the world. This, he points out, gives Mexico an advantage and strengthens it against the U.S. president. Its clear that there are some factions within [ruling party] Morena with ties to criminal organizations. President Sheinbaum can take advantage of the geopolitical and national landscape to put her house in order, Rocha points out. Fighting corruption and crime will give her even more legitimacy, and simultaneously give her credibility, space, and time in Washington to show that the security strategy isnt one of fear of the cartels as Trump has claimed but rather a more comprehensive proposal to confront organized crime and its tentacles in the government." Rocha emphasizes that, above all, the objective is to de-escalate tensions and channel conflicts into institutional agreements. Sheinbaum has made it clear that Mexicos doors will hardly be fully reopened to the DEA, but has also maintained that her administrations stance toward Trump is not one of closure, but rather one of openness and a willingness to collaborate, as long as it is on an equal footing. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In this picture released by the official website of the Iranian Army on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, a missile is fired from a vessel during Iranian navy drill in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. (Masoud Nazari Mehrabi/Iranian Army via AP) TEHRAN, Iran Iran launched its first military exercise since the end of its 12-day war with Israel, state television reported Thursday, with navy vessels launching missiles at targets at sea in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. While such drills are routine in the Islamic Republic, the Sustainable Power 1404 exercise comes as authorities in Iran are trying to project strength in the wake of a war that saw Israel destroy air defense systems and bomb nuclear facilities and other sites. The state TV report said the frigate IRIS Sabalan and a smaller vessel, the IRIS Ganaveh, launched Nasir and Qadir cruise missiles at targets in the sea, striking them. Coastal batteries also opened fire as part of the exercise. Irans navy, estimated to have some 18,000 personnel, apparently avoided any major attack during the June war. The navy, based out of the port city of Bandar Abbas, patrols the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean and the Caspian Sea, and broadly leaves the Persian Gulf and its narrow mouth, the Strait of Hormuz, to Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. The Guards naval forces are known for seizures of Western vessels during the breakdown of Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, as well as closely shadowing passing U.S. Navy vessels coming into the region. Since the end of the war, Iran has increasingly insisted that it is ready to counter any future Israeli attack. Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh said that the country has equipped its forces with new missile, in remarks reported Wednesday by the state-run IRNA news agency. In response to any potential enemy adventurism, our forces are prepared to use these new missiles effectively. Meanwhile, Iran has suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has been monitoring its nuclear sites as Tehran enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels amid the tensions. France, Germany and the United Kingdom, the European parties to Irans nuclear deal, have warned that if Tehran doesnt reach a satisfactory solution to its dispute with the IAEA by Aug. 31, they will trigger a snapback reimposition of all United Nations sanctions on it previously lifted by the accord. While already stung by American sanctions since 2018, analysts warn that renewed U.N. sanctions could further weaken the countrys ailing economy. Palestinian women check the destruction after Israeli military strikes in a tent camp for displaced people near Al-Aqsa Hospital, in Deir al-Balah, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he will give final approval for takeover of Gaza City while also restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at returning all of Israels remaining hostages and ending the war on Israels terms. The wide-scale operation in Gaza City could start within days after Netanyahu grants final approval at a meeting with senior security officials. Hamas said earlier this week that it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators, which, if accepted by Israel, could forestall the offensive. The Israeli military began calling medical officials and international organizations in the northern Gaza Strip to encourage them to evacuate to the south ahead of the expanded operation. The military plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 more. Israeli strikes meanwhile killed at least 36 Palestinians across Gaza on Thursday, according to local hospitals. A renewed offensive could bring even more casualties and displacement to the territory, where the war has already killed tens of thousands and where experts have warned of imminent famine. Many Israelis fear it could also doom the remaining 20 or so living hostages taken by Hamas-led militants in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack that ignited the war. Gaza City operation could begin in days Israeli troops have already begun more limited operations in the citys Zeitoun neighborhood and the built-up Jabaliya refugee camp, areas where they have carried out several previous major operations over the course of the war, only to see militants later regroup. The military says it plans to operate in areas where ground troops have not yet entered and where it says Hamas still has military and governing capabilities. So far, there has been little sign of Palestinians fleeing en masse, as they did when Israel carried out an earlier offensive in Gaza City in the opening weeks of the war. The military says it controls around 75% of Gaza and residents say nowhere in the territory feels safe. Hundreds gathered for a rare protest in Gaza City on Thursday against the war and Israels plans to support the mass relocation of Palestinians to other countries. Women and children held placards reading Save Gaza and Stop the war, stop the savage attack, save us, against a backdrop of destroyed buildings as Palestinian music played. Unlike in previous protests, there were no expressions of opposition to Hamas. We want the war on Gaza to stop. We dont want to migrate. Twenty-two months its enough. Enough death. Enough destruction, said Bisan Ghazal, a woman displaced from Gaza City. Protests in Israel In Israel, families of some of the 50 hostages still being held in Gaza gathered in Tel Aviv to condemn the expanded operation. Israel believes around 20 hostages are still alive. Forty-two hostages were kidnapped alive and murdered in captivity due to military pressure and delay in signing a deal, said Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law, Eitan Horn, is still being held captive. Eitans brother, Iair Horn, was released during a ceasefire earlier this year. Enough to sacrifice the hostages. Enough to sacrifice the soldiers, both regular and reservists. Enough to sacrifice the evacuees. Enough to sacrifice the younger generation in the country, said Bar Goddard, the daughter of Meni Goddard, whose body is being held by Hamas. Additional protests are planned for Thursday night in Tel Aviv. Plans for widening the offensive have also sparked international outrage, with many of Israels closest Western allies but not the United States calling on it to end the war. I must reiterate that it is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza, and the unconditional release of all hostages to avoid the massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said at a conference in Japan. Dozens killed across Gaza At least 36 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including 14 who were seeking humanitarian aid, according to local hospitals. The Israeli military said it killed several armed militants in the Morag Corridor, a military zone where people seeking aid have repeatedly come under fire in recent weeks, according to witnesses and health officials. Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza had earlier reported that six people were killed in that area while seeking aid on Thursday. It was not possible to reconcile the two accounts. The Media Freedom Coalition, which promotes press freedoms worldwide, called Thursday for Israel to allow independent, foreign news organizations access to Gaza. Aside from rare guided tours, Israel has barred international media from the war, which has killed at least 184 Palestinian journalists and media workers. Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war, said a statement signed by 27 of the coalitions member countries. Witnesses, health officials and the U.N. human rights office say Israeli forces have killed hundreds of people since May as they headed toward sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American contractor, and in the chaos surrounding U.N. aid convoys, which are frequently attacked by looters and overrun by crowds. The Israeli military says it has only fired warning shots at people who approach its forces. GHF says there has been almost no violence at the sites themselves, and that its armed contractors have only used pepper spray and fired into the air on some occasions to prevent deadly crowding. Israeli strikes destroy evacuated tent camp Israeli airstrikes also destroyed a tent camp in Deir al-Balah, the only city in Gaza that has been relatively unscathed in the war and where many have sought refuge. Residents said the Israeli military warned them to flee shortly before the strikes set the camp ablaze, and there were no reports of casualties. Families, many with children, could later be seen sifting through the ashes for the belongings they had managed to take with them during earlier evacuations. Mohammad Kahlout, who had been displaced from northern Gaza, said they were given just five minutes to gather what they could and evacuate. We are civilians, not terrorists. What did we do, and what did our children do, to be displaced again? The Gaza Health Ministry said Thursday that at least 62,192 Palestinians have been killed in the war. Another two people have died from malnutrition-related causes, bringing the total number of such deaths to 271, including 112 children, the Health Ministry said. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. It does not say whether those killed by Israeli fire are civilians or combatants, but it says around half are women and children. 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. 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. Abou Aljoud reported from Beirut and Lidman reported from Jerusalem. Mari Yamaguchi contributed from Tokyo. A military mover packs a service member's belongings at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., July 17, 2025. (Stephanie Henry/U.S. Air Force) Only airmen who have not yet received orders for new duty stations in the continental United States are affected by a temporary pause on permanent change of station moves, according to the Air Force. The service made temporary adjustments for moves scheduled between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 for those without orders, an Air Force spokeswoman at the Pentagon a captain who refused to attach her name to her comments said by email Friday. The pause stems from the Air Force proactively managing its [fiscal year 2025] budget to ensure responsible stewardship of resources, according to her email. As part of this effort, we are carefully reviewing the timing of personnel actions to continue operating within our allocated budget, she wrote. Airmen with pending assignments in November and December under Assignment Availability Code 50 are also affected, the spokeswoman said. Code 50 applies to controlled tours, such as instructor positions, that end with mandatory reassignment. Exceptions may be requested, the spokeswoman said. Those impacted should contact their local Military Personnel Flight with questions, she wrote. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi said in a video posted Thursday on the Airmans Dispatch Facebook page that some airmens reporting deadlines were extended because of budget limits. I just got word, though, that back in the States we had a problem with the PCS budget and unfortunately many of our airmen just got notified of an extension in the PCS cycle, Flosi said in the video, which he recorded at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Airmen moving to or from duty stations outside the continental U.S. who already have orders, along with those scheduled to depart by Sept. 30, are not affected, the Air Force said. Neither are humanitarian or formal training moves, Space Force Guardians or Air Reserve component members. Pausing moves before orders are issued allows the service to align the obligation of these PCS funds with mission requirements, budget realities, and overall fiscal year execution, the Air Force spokeswoman wrote. Judge Frank Caprio, star of the nationally syndicated television show "Caught in Providence," was known for his compassionate rulings. (Caught in Providence) Frank Caprio, a compassionate television judge with a particular fondness for the military veterans who appeared in his Rhode Island courtroom, died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer. He was 88. Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond, said a statement announcing his death Wednesday on his Instagram account, therealfrankcaprio. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Videos of Caprios empathetic traffic court rulings such as dismissing a $100 ticket for a Vietnam veteran who struggled to find parking near a Veterans Affairs hospital spread across the internet in recent years like wildfire, garnering billions of views worldwide. That popularity led to a nationally syndicated television show called Caught in Providence broadcast in 186 cities across the United States. The smallest thing can change someones life, Caprio told Stars and Stripes in 2018. [My fathers] mantra was help people when you can. We were taught in life that its not enough to climb the ladder of success. You have to lead down the ladder so others can follow in your footsteps. Caprio a first-generation American whose father immigrated from Italy at age 12 was a veteran himself. He joined the Army Reserve in 1954 at the recommendation of his brother, who was also a soldier. Caprio, who served as a combat engineer, said the lessons he learned in basic training laid the groundwork for the judge he was to become. I was only 17 when I joined, he said. I was in basic and next thing I know I have someone yelling at me. It helped me orient my compass. There are rules, you follow them, and you respect authority. Caprio said his compassion for others was learned from his parents, and it especially applied to those who served their country. I have a particular affinity for all veterans, he said. But especially those who served in Vietnam. I remember how the vets were adored in World War II, and how they were scorned when they came home from Nam. Its a sad chapter in our history. During one speeding ticket case, a man named Elmer who later said he served 16 months in Vietnam walked into Caprios courtroom with a cane. He had been in a car accident a few days before and told the judge he didnt see the speed-limit sign and was having a bad day because of back pain. Caprio asked Elmer if he was a veteran after complimenting him on his bearing and demeanor. After the two reminisced about the raw deal Vietnam veterans faced, the ticket was dismissed, and the judge thanked him for his service. Caprio told Stars and Stripes he wants veterans to share their stories with the world, so that others will know the meaning of sacrifice, the importance of the American dream and that one person no matter what their background can be successful and have an impact on society. I think veterans have unique experiences, especially those who have been overseas in combat, he said. I love listening to them. Many vets dont like to talk. They are very modest but sharing that sense of patriotism is invaluable. The Instagram post said Caprio will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired, it added. Four soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., have been charged with sexually assaulting a victim in a barracks at the Army-Air Force base. (Gary Warner/Stars and Stripes) Four soldiers have been charged with sexually assaulting the same victim in a barracks at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., the Army said Wednesday. Private 2nd Class Deron J. Gordon, Cpl. Pedro Angel Ruiz, Spc. Jadon Bosarge and Pfc. Kallon Curiel are being prosecuted by the Armys Office of Special Trial Counsel, based at Fort Belvoir, Va., said Michelle McCaskill, communications director for the special trial counsel. They also face a charge of conspiracy to commit the sexual assault. The special trial counsel handles most sex crimes involving Army personnel, as well as charges of murder and kidnapping. McCaskill said the soldiers are accused of assaulting the victim on Oct. 27, 2024. The special trial counsel did not release information on the gender, age or military status of the victim. It also did not release information on the ages and specific units of the soldiers accused of the sexual assault. All four cases are in various stages of the legal process, McCaskill said. Gordon faces a general court-martial on 12 counts of rape, two counts of sexual misconduct, and one count each of conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Gordons case docket posted on the website of the Army Judge Advocate General shows he pleaded guilty Aug. 5 during a preliminary hearing. Gordon also waived his right to a trial by jury and requested to have his case decided by a judge alone. No judge has been assigned to the case, according to the docket record. His arraignment and trial are scheduled for Sept. 3. Ruiz faces a general court-martial for sexual assault, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at Lewis-McChord on Sept. 26, with a trial scheduled to begin Nov. 3. No military case docket has been posted yet by the Judge Advocate General for Bosarge or Curiel. McCaskill said additional information, if available, would be released by her office later this week. (Tribune News Service) A 38-year-old man who admitted to driving drunk and speeding on a highway outside Las Vegas, causing a crash that killed an airman on her way to work, was sentenced to six to 20 years in prison on Tuesday, a court spokesperson confirmed. Hetsel Campos, 38, who had pleaded guilty to DUI resulting in death, was speeding at about 117 miles per hour when he struck a car driven by Natalie Villegas, 23, killing her, on U.S. Highway 95 near Creech Air Force Base on April 13, 2024, court records show. Villegas, who died in the crash, had spent about four years working at the air force base, where she was a sensor operator for remotely piloted aircraft. She grew up between Grand Prairie and Dallas, Texas, and was the only active military member in her family, her father, Juan Villegas, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal days after the crash. People need to be aware that a beautiful soul was taken, Villegas said at the time. Someone who gave their life for their country was taken from us horrifically. A plea agreement, filed on March 10, stated that prosecutors would not suggest the length of time Campos should spend in prison. As a part of the agreement, Campos, who, according to online court records, posted his $100,000 bail days after the crash, would also be released from electronic monitoring pending adjudication. District Judge Tara Clark Newberry ordered Campos to serve six to 20 years in the Nevada Department of Corrections, said District Court spokesperson Mary Ann Price. Under Nevada law, the minimum prison sentence for a person convicted of DUI resulting in death cannot exceed eight years, meaning Camposs penalty was two years short of the harshest possible. Joshua Tomsheck, Camposs lawyer, told the Review-Journal via text message that after six years, his client would be eligible for parole. Campos was also ordered to pay restitution to Villegas family. Juan Villegas and Natalie Villegas mother, Carol Serrano, could not be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday. 2025 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Visit reviewjournal.com.. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Homeless man is jailed following burglary at former menswear store A second man has been jailed after pleading guilty to burglaries at a landmark shop in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. Accused Patrick Dempsey (32) was given a two-year sentence by Judge Cormac Quinn at Wexford Circuit Court. The defendant of no fixed abode was one of two men who entered the former Kavanaghs menswear store in the early hours of December 21 last. The property is the home of Eugene and Liz Kavanagh, who were both in bed at the time. The court was told that their front door had been left unlocked, allowing easy access for Dempsey and his accomplice. When the man of the house woke up, he went downstairs to find that the intruders had piled up his TV and other goods ready to take away. After he arrived, however, the unwanted visitors made off without threatening him. Photo Source: Stock Photo Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st They returned 24 hours later, this time forcing open the door and causing some damage. Once more roused from their slumbers, the householders made their way downstairs. This time, Dempseys companion Paul Bergin was in more confrontational mood. He had a nail bar in his hands as he said to Eugene Kavanagh we will get you now or words to that effect. He also said he would kill the couples dogs if they did not stop barking. He did not carry out this threat, but he and the defendant made off with a Henry Hoover and a number of jackets. In the confusion, 66-year-old Eugene Kavanagh took a tumble and injured his back. He sent word to the court that he had no wish to be in the same room again as the accused. In his absence, a victim impact statement was read out to the court by Garda Sergeant Stephen Ennis. I would not wish anyone else to suffer the same ordeal, he wrote. It still impacts us. The sergeant reckoned that Dempsey had been homeless, spending some time in Ballymurn and some time at the Ozanam House hostel in Wexford. At the time of the burglaries, he was staying in Enniscorthy and taking street tablets. He was identified as one of the culprits after a picture showing him wearing a jacket taken during the burglary was put up on Facebook. Defending barrister Donna Kelly offered her clients apologies to the court. Counsel noted that he had already been in custody on remand since May 4. Prison had allowed him to dry out and go drug free. He was now re-building his relationship with his father, Ms Kelly added, and his ambition was to return to the world of work. The court was reminded that Dempseys accomplice Bergin was jailed for three and a half years with the closing six months suspended. In the light of a less serious record of previous criminal convictions and as he was not the one carrying the nail bar, Dempsey received a shorter two-year term. This was backdated to the date in May when he first entered custody. Do you want a piece of this? Ill f*****g kill you, you b***h Tim Dennehy will be sentenced in September and November respectively. A Cork man has pleaded guilty to a series of unprovoked attacks against five women in a midlands town during which he left one requiring reconstructive facial surgery before telling another: Do you want a piece of this? Ill f*****g kill you, you b***h. Tim Dennehy (50), Glanmore, Ballyhea, Charleville, Cork appeared at a sitting of Longford District Court charged with six counts of assault, five of which were allegedly perpetrated on women in Athlone, Co Westmeath over the course of a matter of hours on April 2 this year. Dennehy, who has been on remand since the beginning of April having been refused bail just over a week later, has previously undergone and passed a psychiatric assessment for the purposes of entering a plea to all six charges before the court. Five of those counts, four of which were perpetrated on women Dennehy randomly singled out on the day in question, had been directed for summary disposal, a legal term allowing the case to be disposed of in the District Court. Tim Dennehy will be sentenced in September and November respectively. Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st The first of those, the court previously heard, took place just after 11am when officers attended the towns Golden Island Shopping Centre on foot of reports of two females had been assaulted a matter of minutes earlier. The court was told Dennehy had barged into both women as they were engaged in conversation on a footpath just outside the shopping centre. It was revealed how during that incident a woman was allegedly punched in the eye, leaving the 38-year-old with bruising and swelling to her jaw. The court heard how the woman, despite avoiding any lasting injuries, underwent medical attention and continued to suffer from anxiety in the wake of the attack. The other woman who had also been on the footpath at the time of Dennehys initial alleged interaction with the pair, set off in pursuit of the accused. It was at that juncture Dennehy suddenly turned and ran back towards the woman before shouting at her: Do you want a piece of this? Ill f*****g kill you, you b***h. Tim Dennehy entered guilty pleas to five separate attacks. The accused, the court heard, was sighted moments later entering Wildhunter, an outdoor hunting supplies store. During that incident Dennehy proceeded to ask a shop assistant for a gun and a bullet, a request which was quickly turned down. As the accused made his exit, it was revealed how Dennehy shouldered a man who had been entering the store at the time. Detectives later viewed CCTV taken from both incidents and, along with a physical description provided by the women, went off in search of the suspect. Garda Breda Fahy said that during those efforts gardai were alerted to another incident, less than an hour later as a woman walked along the towns Abbey Road area to collect her grandchild from a nearby creche. The court heard how the woman had been attacked by an unknown male who punched her into the eye, causing multiple fractures to her facial bones, resulting in her requiring reconstructive surgery in November. A short time later, the court heard how gardai received reports of a further alleged attack on another woman in an episode that culminated in her being kicked into her side as she walked along the North Gate Street area of town. Defence solicitor Mark Cooney told the court his client would be entering guilty pleas on all matters, adding that Dennehy would be going forward on a signed plea for the most serious of the section 3 assaults which had been refused jurisdiction in the District Court. In affirming that guilty plea, Judge Michael Connellan approved a request for a junior and senior counsel to represent Dennehy for his anticipated sentencing hearing in November. Judge Connellan remanded Dennehy in continuing custody to a sitting of Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court on November 25. Prior to that, Dennehy is due to appear at a sitting of Athlone District Court on September 10 for sentencing in relation to the five other assault charges and where victim impact statements from his victims are expected to be heard. Finley Bowd (21), from England, was travelling to Comic Con when he was randomly stopped by US Homeland Security in Dublin, a court heard A young man was found in possession of child sex abuse animation images when stopped in Dublin Airport on his way to a comic book convention in New York, it is alleged. Finley Bowd (21), from England, was travelling to Comic Con when he was randomly stopped by US Homeland Security in Dublin, a court heard. He was granted bail and the case against him was adjourned for the directions of the DPP. Mr Bowd, a supermarket cashier from Harbour View Close, Brixham, Devon is charged with two offences under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act at Dublin Airports Terminal 2 yesterday. One charge alleges he was in possession of anime images of child sexual abuse. The second states he possessed child pornography - Category 3 anime images. Garda Rebecca Doyle told Dublin District Court she arrested the accused at Ballymun garda station at 9.15pm last night. He made no reply to either count after caution and was handed copies of the charge sheets, she said. The garda objected to bail on the basis that Mr Bowd was a UK national and was considered a flight risk. The court heard the accused was flying to New York when he was subject to a random stop in Dublin by US Homeland Security. Defence barrister Paddy Flynn applied for bail. Gda Doyle agreed that the accused was cooperative and had made contact with his mother while in garda custody. The garda was present when that occurred and she was satisfied that the person he called was his mother. Mr Bowd was of limited means but could provide 400 for bail, Mr Flynn said. Gda Doyle said she had seen the accuseds bank account and accepted that that was a large sum or money for him. He was working as a supermarket cashier earning 600 per week, Mr Flynn said. Judge John Brennan granted bail with a 400 cash lodgement. As a condition, the accused, whose phone was seized, is to be contactable through his mother until he can provide gardai with a new number. He was remanded on bail to appear in court again on November 6. The judge granted free legal aid following an application by Mr Flynn who said his client was a young man with difficult charges. He has not yet entered pleas. Finley Bowd (21) Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st Follow a bloody trail that leads all the way into the heart of one of the worst gang feuds Ireland has ever seen which culminates in the Narco-style dismemberment of a teenage boy, Keane Mulready-Woods. A murder in Belfast of ganglands most wanted man, Robbie Lawlor, uncovers a web of betrayal that spans out across the Irish underworld and beyond. Follow a bloody trail that leads all the way into the heart of one of the worst gang feuds Ireland has ever seen which culminates in the Narco-style dismemberment of a teenage boy, Keane Mulready-Woods. And as the curtain is pulled back on the inner workings of the world of organised crime, a cast of ruthless characters take centre stage for their place in a double cross plot that reads like a fast-paced thriller. The following is an audio extract from Nicolas book, 'Web of Betrayal', which is available on Audible, Apple, and Spotify. MORE EPISODES A clip posted on social media shows the blood-spattered vehicle pulled up on the street after the knife fight between two men Blood on the stairs of the bus Horrific footage has captured the aftermath of an apparent random stabbing incident on board a Dublin Bus. A clip posted on social media shows the blood-spattered vehicle pulled up on the street after a knife fight between two men. It is understand that that an altercation occurred after one passenger had been smoking cannabis on the 38A bus as it made its way along the Navan Road on the citys north side. Blood spatters on the floor A voice over the video says: Just picked up the 38 on the west there, rugby grounds outside Belvedere, Navan Road and theres been a stabbing on the bus. (You) can see blood all over the floor there, the inspectors have come, apparently it was over drugs. Blood on the stairs of the bus Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st The man then moves through the bus, pointing the camera at blood spatters on the seats, stairs and floor. I'm really afraid of what to touch and what not to touch, he adds, as he goes up the stairs. Ive gloves on me. Its a crime scene at the moment anyway, place covered in blood. This country has gone to the dogs, he adds. Over drugs and heroin and a knife used. I dont give a f**k what anyone says, it's not safe, you're supposed to be safe doing your job and you can't even have that. Blood in the stairwell It has been reported that gardai who were called to the scene arrested two men near the Halfway House pub a short distance away, after they had got off the bus. Other footage apparently recorded of the same incident shows a man with this face covered in blood walking away from the bus. Dublin Bus said it was aware of an incident on Route 38a on Wednesday afternoon. "We are conducting a detailed investigation into the incident, a spokesperson said. Gardai were called to the scene. We will continue to provide any assistance possible to An Garda Siochana on the matter. The safety of both drivers and customers is a priority at Dublin Bus. Our commitment to providing a safe environment on our buses is underpinned by our continuing investment in the Dublin Bus Safer Journeys Team. The spokesperson added: Incidents like this underline the need for a dedicated transport police, which Dublin Bus has lobbied for since 2022. Gardai added that they received a report of an incident on a Dublin Bus at approximately 4pm on August 20. "On arrival at the scene, all parties had departed, a Garda spokesperson added. "Subsequently, gardai responded to an incident involving five males nearby at Navan Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, where two plainclothes members of An Garda Siochana on separate duty in the area had already intervened in the public altercation. One man aged in his 30s was conveyed to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Four men two aged in their 40s and two in their 50s were arrested in relation to the incident and charged to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice next month. Investigations are ongoing. The significant seizures of cash and drugs and the arrest of those involved during this operation, greatly reduces the ability of this crime group to do harm in our communities Some of the cash that was seized Two men have been arrested in Dublin after gardai seized more than 100,000 worth of cannabis and cocaine and 63,000 in cash. The Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) carried out several searches yesterday as part of an operation targeting an organised crime gang involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs and money laundering activities in the Dublin area. DCRT officers searched two residential properties in DMR North and DMR West and a vehicle in DMR West. These searches resulted in the seizure of 63,000 in cash. Drugs were also seized A man aged in his 40s was arrested and is being detained at a Garda station in Dublin under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, a Garda spokesperson said. In a follow-up operation in Finglas on the same day, cannabis and cocaine with an estimated street value of 101,000 (subject to analysis) was seized. A second man, also in his 40s, was arrested and is being detained at a Garda station in Dublin under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, the spokesperson added. Some of the cash that was seized Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st In a follow-up statement, gardai said: One of the males in his 40s detained in connection with this investigation has since been charged and is due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice (Court no.2) at 4,30pm this afternoon. The second male in his 40s remains detained at a Garda station in Dublin under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. The drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said: The significant seizures of cash and drugs and the arrest of those involved during this operation, greatly reduces the ability of this crime group to do harm in our communities An Garda Siochana will continue to pro-actively target those who intend on committing serious crime and ensure they are brought before the courts. Thomas McCartney is a predator that needs to locked away from others in our community A serial sex offender who tried to rape a 7-year-old girl has agreed to be castrated as part of a plea deal. Thomas Allen McCartney has been sentenced to both surgical and chemical castration after pleading guilty to the attempted rape in Louisiana. Classified as a "Tier 3" sex offender, McCartney (37) accepted the plea deal on Tuesday. He has agreed to also spend four decades in prison following his conviction. McCartney who has a long history of child sex abuse offenses, authorities confirmed, was sentenced in a case involving the attempted first-degree rape of a child under the age of 13. Thomas Allen McCartney Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st The sentencing marks one of the rare instances in the US, according to Fox 12 News where both forms of castration have been ordered together as part of a legal punishment for a sex crime. His conviction and sentencing pertains to the attempted rape of the 7-year-old in 2023 when a woman walked in on him "engaging in sexual contact with her child, KPCL TV reported at the time. He was already a known sex offender at the time, having been previously convicted of attempted aggravated rape in 2011. He was also arrested on one count of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile in 2006 and on two counts of aggravated rape of a 12-year-old in 2010. "This is a horrific crime that never should have happened," Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright said. Thomas McCartney is a predator that needs to locked away from others in our community. According to the Fox 12 News reports, chemical castration involves medication to reduce testosterone and lower sex drive. Surgical castration involves the removals of the testicles to stop hormone production. Louisiana recently passed legislation which made it the first US state to permit physical castration as a penalty for sexual offences. The new laws came into effect at the start of August, and allow judges to order people found guilty of particular sex crimes against minors to undergo surgical castration. The permanent procedure involves the removal of reproductive organs, either the testicles or ovaries, ultimately stopping the body from producing sex hormones. While these laws are rare, they do exist in other countries including Madagascar and the Czech Republic, and in Kaduna State in Nigeria. Surgical castration is controversial amongst international human rights groups, according to The Nightly Newsletter, with Amnesty International having previously urged Madagascar to repeal its legalisation on both chemical and surgical castration. Other states, including California and Florida, already allow chemical castration as punishment for some sex crimes which has proved controversial. TD highlights impact on what she wears to exercise, or routes taken for a run Catcalling should be made illegal, according to a Louth TD, who highlighted the impact this form of street harassment has on her, and women of all ages. Deputy Erin McGreehan called for an outright ban, saying: The reality of this is that it is a form of public harassment, women deserve to feel safe and dignified in everyday spaces. As a woman, I feel the same as all other women and girls. Whether its what I wear when I exercise, or changing my routes for my walks or runs, all of these thoughts cross my mind. Catcalling is a form of street harassment where someone (usually in public spaces) makes unwanted comments, whistles, shouts, or gestures, often of a sexual nature typically towards another person. Erin McGreehan, Fianna Fail TD for Louth McGreehan, who herself believes the name catcalling is offensive in itself, says we must now tackle the crux of the issue, and legislate accordingly to deal with it. The word catcalling itself is offensive to me as a woman. It makes us sound like animals and objectifies us. Young girls and women shouldnt be shouted at in public spaces; it is totally unacceptable." Having spoken to women and especially young girls in her own constituency who have experienced catcalling, Deputy McGreehan says the consequences to women are far greater than people think. I have engaged on this matter with women and young people. If they are out for a walk, a run, a jog, and see a group of lads in a car or at the other side of the street they will avoid it at all costs, she said. Catcalling can be a very intimidating experience for women, says a Louth TD. File Photo: Getty Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st A lot of things cross young girls minds when setting out on these everyday activities. They change what they wear, where they exercise, and worry about how they look. This shouldnt be the normal thought process for a young women or girl who simply wants to exercise or walk around her own community." McGreehan hailed the pilot campaign called Jog On in the UK by Surrey Police, who sent female members of the force out dressed as joggers to try and catch catcallers. She highlighted the results of the campaign which showed that in just four weeks it led to 18 arrests for offences such as harassment, theft, and sexual harassment. This comes off the back of MPs in the UK passing a Sexual Harassment in Public Spaces Act in 2023, which does make catcalling illegal, but it is yet to be enforced, said Deputy McGreehan who called for similar steps to be put in place in Ireland. I met with a girl online who pushed really hard for this Bill in the UK. I learned a lot from her. The UK is not the only country to legislate against this. Our EU partners such as France, Belgium, Portugal, Spain and The Netherlands have taken action on catcalling. Each country has their own way of legislating it through fines on the spot, arrests or community service, she said. Deputy McGreehan said she will continue to push for legislation on this very important issue facing women and young girls.. they should feel safe within their communities to do everyday things without fear. I will work alongside my party colleague and the Minister for Justice on this critical issue. This issue is a power play to insert dominance and be demeaning to girls. This is unacceptable and not normal. Over the next few weeks and months, I intend to take appropriate steps in conjunction with the Minister to enable us to get closer to a safer, more inclusive society for women and young girls. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme We were never listened to when we had problems, we were ignored on so many different issues Harvey Morrison Sherratts grieving dad has said his son received really poor care while a patient with Childrens Health Ireland. Nine-year-old Harvey died in July, having waited years for life-saving surgery for scoliosis. A protest will be held in Dublin city this Saturday to call on Government to ensure that no child or family will have to suffer what his parents and Harvey have suffered. Speaking on The Hard Shoulder ahead of the protest, his father, Stephen, said his son was repeatedly failed by the health service. I would say 60% of his care was really, really poor, he said. That was across the board. We were never listened to when we had problems, we were ignored on so many different issues. Harvey Morrison Sherratts parents, Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st Harvey Sherratt waited seven years for his spinal surgery, including 33 months on and off an active waiting list. In 2017, when he was serving as Minister for Health, Mr Harris said he was ashamed of the prolonged waiting lists, and he pledged that no child would wait longer than four months for scoliosis surgery. Despite Mr Harriss failed 2017 health pledge, as well as his predecessors, ex-Fianna Fail TD Stephen Donnelly, and current health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, also pledging to tackle the scoliosis scandal, dozens of children continue to wait more than four months for spinal surgery. Harvey Morrison Sherratt Near the end, wheelchair-bound Harvey, from Clondalkin, Dublin, could no longer sit for any long periods in his chair, as scoliosis twisted his ribcage, putting pressure on his heart and lungs. In February 2024, seventeen months prior to Harveys death, his father explained that the curvature on his sons spine had extended so much he was at increased risk of death unless he received a timely surgical intervention. Desperate to highlight his sons ordeal then, Mr Sherratt pleaded for his sons surgery and said: Harvey will die. He absolutely needs the surgery. Six months later, in August 2024, Harveys mother discovered that despite their public calls for Harveys surgery, her deteriorating son was inexplicably no longer on CHIs active surgery waiting list. Then the Taoiseach and Fianna Fail party leader Micheal Martin, described Harveys disappearance from the waiting list without his parents consent or knowledge was shocking and not good enough. He said CHI should apologise to Harveys family and arrange a surgery. Harvey eventually had his spinal surgery in December 2024, eight years after his parents were first informed by a consultant surgeon that Harvey would require the operation to prevent his spine crushing his ribcage and killing him. Gillian Sherratt said that by the time Harvey actually had his surgery, his spinal curve was so extended it could not be fully corrected, nevertheless the surgery helped provide Harvey with an additional eight months of life. The boys health suddenly deteriorated two and half weeks ago and he died on July 29. Harveys death refocused the spotlight on the scoliosis waiting list scandal and concerns expressed by Harveys parents, as well as scoliosis and spina bifida advocacy groups, around governance at CHI. Speaking to Newstalk, Mr Morrison added that he had "lost count" of the amount of times he had spent sleeping on the floor of Dublin's Temple Street Hospital. Despite the frequency he was in hospital, Mr Morrison strongly believes doctors could have done more for his son. There were so many times for intervention to take place and it didnt happen, he continued. He waited on that scoliosis for 33 months and then he was taken off that list. We had certain surgeons tell us he wasnt strong enough for that surgery - but then we had three other surgeons tell us that he should have that surgery. Then he was taken off the list and those questions have never been answered [about why] he was taken off that list. That doesnt make sense to us. In a statement issued last night on social media, Gillian Sherratt and Stephan Morrison said that that anyone who is holding Harris directly responsible for their childs death is doing so against our own wishes. Our issue with him is purely political and not personal. For anyone commenting on his posts or Government posts and calling for #JusticeForHarvey, we ask that if you are using Harveys name that you do so in a respectful way, they said. Yesterday evening, Harveys parents said that they want the march on Saturday to be peaceful. This is a march to call out systematic failures within Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) and to call for change within paediatric healthcare, they said. Michael (Mick) Mulchrone was rushed to Mayo University Hospital after the crash but passed away on Tuesday Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a motorcyclist aged in his 50s, who died in hospital after being seriously injured in a crash in Co Mayo over the weekend. The man was left in a "critical condition" following the horrific collision between a car and a motorcycle on the Castlebar Road in Newport, Co Mayo at around 4:50pm on Sunday evening August 17. He was rushed to Mayo University Hospital after the crash but passed away on Tuesday, August 19. He has been named locally as father of two Michael (Mick) Mulchrone, Lakeview, Knockglass, Newport, Co.Mayo. Mick Mulchrone Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st Paying tribute one family friend wrote: There are no words to express my condolences to you Margaret and your beautiful children at this heartbreaking time on the loss of your amazing husband and Dad Mick. May your memories of happier times give you some comfort. May Micks kind and gentle soul rest in peace. He is survived by his heartbroken family, his wife Margaret, son Keith and daughter Amy. His remains will repose at St. Dominicks Funeral Home, Newport on Friday 22nd August from 5pm until 7:30pm Removal from his residence on Saturday morning at 10am to St Patricks Church, Newport for Requiem Mass at 11am, with burial afterwards in Ballintubber Abbey Cemetery. In a statement the family said: The Mulchrone family would like to thank you for your cooperation and consideration at this difficult time. You are invited to leave your message of sympathy for the family on the condolence link below. No other injuries were reported as a result of the collision. A man, aged in his 60s, was later arrested in connection with the garda investigation into the crash. He was subsequently released without charge pending further investigations Gardai have urged anyone who may have any information on the fatal collision to come forward. Gardai are hoping those with camera footage of the crash and the moments leading up to it will come forward and assist in the probe. A spokesperson said: "Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision 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 17th August 2025, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Her tweet was viewed 310,000 times in three-and-a-half hours before she deleted it Lucy Connolly to be released from prison after jail term for hate tweet The wife of a British politician who was jailed over a racist tweet during anti-immigration riots is to be released from prison in the UK. Lucy Connolly spent more than nine months behind bars after admitting to sending the inflammatory post on X in the wake of the Southport attacks in July last year. The mother-of-three, who is also the wife of Tory councillor Ray Connolly, was handed a 31-month sentence in October having pleaded guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred. Connolly, who was working as a childminder at the time, had shared the post after false rumours circulated online that the Southport murderer was an asylum seeker. He was later named as UK-born teenager Axel Rudakubana. The post, which was later deleted, read: Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care... if that makes me racist so be it. Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st An application to have her sentence reduced was rejected in May, but according to the Daily Mail, Connolly is due to be released from HMP Peterborough later today. Connolly's X post was sent just hours after Rudakubana murdered three young girls and attempted to murder ten others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, 2024. Connolly was arrested on August 6 in the wake of nationwide unrest, with several people jailed as a result. Her tweet was viewed 310,000 times in three-and-a-half hours before she deleted it. By that point she had deleted her social media account but other damning messages were uncovered by officers who seized her phone. She was later sentenced to 31 months in prison in October after pleading guilty to distributing material with the intention of stirring up racial hatred at Birmingham Crown Court. Lucy Connolly In May, she had an appeal against her sentence refused by three Court of Appeal judges at the Royal Courts of Justice. In a written judgement, Lord Justice Holroyde said: There is no arguable basis on which it could be said that the sentence imposed by the judge was manifestly excessive. The application for leave to appeal against sentence therefore fails and is refused. Connolly argued she had been really angry after the Southport attacks. She also said that news of the Southport murders had triggered her anxiety from when her baby son, Harry, died as the result of a hospital blunder 13 years earlier. However, hours after posting the rant on X realised it was not an acceptable thing to say and deleted it. When asked by Adam King, representing Connolly at her appeal case, if she had intended for anyone to set fire to asylum hotels or murder any politicians she replied: Absolutely not. At the time Mr Connolly told of the pain of his wife's long imprisonment, saying: The 284 days of separation have been very hard, particularly on our 12-year-old girl. Naeem Valli, for the prosecution, told the court the post was a reflection of her attitude towards immigrants. Connolly's case later became international news, with a US State Department spokesman later confirming they were monitoring this matter over concerns about infringements on freedom of expression. Mother-of-three Lucy Connolly is also the wife of Tory councillor Ray Connolly Connolly's sentence was also compared to that recently handed down to a man who abused a first class cabin crew member on a flight from London Recruitment tycoon Salman Iftikhar (37) was jailed for just 15 months for abusing Virgin Atlantic staff on a flight from London Heathrow to Lahore in his homeland of Pakistan. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the sentence was evidence of two-tier justice given Connolly was jailed for more than double his sentence. Axel Rudakubana Mr Philp told the Mail last month: Iftikar was sentenced to only 15 months in prison last week for threatening an air stewardess with gang rape and for racially aggravated harassment. Iftikhar has multiple previous convictions. Yet Lucy Connolly got 31 months for a far less serious offence - a prosecution Lord Hermer personally authorised. This is two-tier justice in action. Rupert Lowe, who was an MP for Reform at the time, described her as a "political prisoner" in a Facebook post and said "jailing a young mother over a social media post is not fair play". However, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the sentencing earlier this year, addressing Connolly's case in May after her Court of Appeal application against her jail term was dismissed. Asked during Prime Minister's Questions whether her imprisonment was an "efficient or fair use" of prison, Sir Keir said: "Sentencing is a matter for our courts, and I celebrate the fact that we have independent courts in this country. "I am strongly in favour of free speech, we've had free speech in this country for a very long time and we protect it fiercely. "But I am equally against incitement to violence against other people. I will always support the action taken by our police and courts to keep our streets and people safe." Maire Mhic an Fhaili played a doctor in the Belfast rap trios hit film. A pensioner who was arrested last weekend while donning a Palestine Action T-shirt stars in the hit Kneecap movie, the Sunday World can reveal. Maire Mhic an Fhaili plays a doctor in the film and the 74-year-old is convinced she was arrested at the Belfast demonstration because she gave her name in Irish to police. And she defiantly told Sunday World: If they want me to back off, I wont. Give me 14 years Ill be 90 when I get out. The Belfast Irish language and civil rights activist is no stranger to battling for justice after her sister Rosaleen McDonald and husband Mervyn were murdered by loyalists in front of their toddler and six-month-old baby at their Newtownabbey home in 1976, in what is still among the most shocking murders of the entire Troubles. And Maires republican father Eddie Keenan was interned along with Brendan Behan in the 1940s, while her mother Mary went on hunger strike. Maire Mhic an Fhaili But she says whats happening in Palestine goes beyond anything weve ever seen. We were the testing ground for the Black and Tans and then they went to Palestine... the Brits got away with doing a lot on us but its nothing compared to what the Israelis are doing on the people in Palestine, she told the Sunday World from her Poleglass home. I have never seen anything as cruel and as vicious and as heartless as what is happening in Gaza. We were arrested without trial, seeing our kids getting beat up but children [in Palestine] are going to prison. Its just beyond belief in the 21st century that such vicious cruelty is allowed to continue. Last month Palestine Action was proscribed under Section 3 of the Terrorism Act 2000, making it a criminal offence to be a member or support them. But Maire blasted the UK government move and hit out at police for arresting supporters on their orders while Israel carries out a genocide. Maire Mhic an FhailI The SS said they were only following orders when they were pushing people into the gas chambers, Maire said. Im angry at the proscription, Im so angry at every single European government that has remained silent on this massacre and to put people in jail for doing what they can to prevent it. The PSNI said Maire was arrested on suspicion of possession of an article that indicates support for a proscribed organisation in the Linenhall Street area of Belfast on Saturday, August 9 and has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service. A man wearing a similar T-shirt on the day was given a caution at the scene. Maire believes thats because he provided his details in English while she gave her name and address in Irish. Maire told Sunday World the PSNI officer said: Im sorry, but you have to give us this information in English we cant translate this. He said if you dont give us your name in English, we will arrest you. I just kind of looked at him thinking did he really say that considering what wed fought for the Irish Language Act? She says the whole conversation was recorded on film. Maire Mhic an Fhaili. Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st The incident bears some resemblance to scenes in the Kneecap movie in which Liam Og O hAnnaidh Mo Chara would only address police in Irish. But she says her decision to use Irish runs deeper than that for her. My daughter was arrested and charged with disorderly behaviour for speaking Irish [in 2006], she explained. If the police come anywhere near me, my name will always be in Irish. Its a matter of principle when we fought for an Irish Language Act. And she said she was delighted to land such an important role in the Kneecap film. Naoises [O Caireallain Moglai Bap in Kneecap] daddy and my daddy were great friends, so I think it was on the friendship of the family that I got the part, she explained. I was a dinner lady in the Irish school my daughter teaches in, Colaiste Feirste. I signed up with Northern Ireland Extras and it was the first time I had been asked to do something. In the film Naoise was trying to blag drugs off the doctor it was supposed to be a run-down pharmacy in Divis flats and Ive got a same old, same old expression on my face. He said you know the look you used to give us when we were in trouble just give us that look and it will be okay. It just worked. I never thought in my lifetime I would be in an Oscar-nominated film. Like Kneecap, whose outrage about whats happening in Palestine stirred controversy in the US and UK, Maire says she intends to continue speaking up for its people like she did recently on BBC Question Time, an incident which has gone viral. She added: Ive been brought up with a very strong socialist and community background, where standing up for what you believe in is even in my DNA and not remaining silent in injustice. After around five hours in police custody last Saturday, no charges were brought against the west Belfast woman. She added: They told me they were releasing me and gave me my T-shirt back. I had been arrested for a T-shirt thats illegal and they let me go out wearing the same T-shirt. I dont know whether they are going to charge me under terrorism or under obstructing arrest. They just said they have a file and they are sending it to the Public Prosecution Service. We asked the PSNI why Maire was arrested while a man wearing a similar T-shirt was cautioned. A spokesperson said: Policing decisions are taken impartially and have to be considered within the individual circumstances relevant to any specific case. In recognition of language diversity, the Police Service of Northern Ireland provides free interpretation and translation services on request, including both face-to-face and telephone interpreters, and dedicated support for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. Any arrests are based solely on reasonable grounds that a crime has been committed or is about to be committed. Croke Park the other night was like the centre of the universe. It was the most now-happening real place you could be on the planet. CARDIFF, WALES - JULY 04: Richard Ashcroft performs in support of Oasis on the opening night of their Live '25 Tour at Principality Stadium on July 04, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage) The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft has heaped praise on the Croke Park venue in attendance at last weekends two sold-out Oasis gigs, labelling the spot the most real place. The 53-year-old rocker has been playing as a support act to the band on their Oasis Live '25 Tour which so far has played 17 nights across Cardiff, London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin. CARDIFF, WALES - JULY 04: Richard Ashcroft performs in support of Oasis on the opening night of their Live '25 Tour at Principality Stadium on July 04, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage) Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 21st Speaking to UK radio about his upcoming solo album Lovin You which releases in October, the conversation turned to events at the weekend. "I still feel like I'm in ODonoghue's in Dublin, he said in reference to a celebratory gathering by the musical entourage at ODonoghues pub on Baggot Street in the city centre following the conclusion of the gigs. Tens of thousands of fans descended on Croke Park for two sold-out Oasis concerts His sentiment tallies with that of Oasis' own Noel Gallagher who also spoke on UK radio where he said of the night in the small Dublin pub: It was a lot of singing, a lot of drinking and a lot of talking nonsense it was quite a night. Mr Ashcroft was clearly taken in by the significance of the weekend, not just to himself and the band, but to the fans in attendance. "We need to find a new word because this ain't just nostalgia, he said. Croke Park the other night was like the centre of the universe. It was the most now-happening real place you could be on the planet. "And same for the people on the street. I mean, you see the footage of the people singing on the street, it was beautiful. New Zealand's largest manuka honey producer Comvita is eyeing a company sale, amid challenging times in the global honey sector. The listed health and wellness company announced on the NZX on Monday morning that its board voted in favour of a bid by Florenz, a subsidiary of investment firm Masthead, to buy the struggling business that just celebrated 50 years in operation. The bid would see shareholders receive a cash price of $0.80 per share, representing an equity value of $56 million and an enterprise value of $119m. The proposed sale would privatise the listed company. The takeover offer came amid extremely challenging times for the company and the wider honey sector in recent years, as international customers stockpiled honey through the Covid-19 pandemic and became increasingly competitive on price. In late July, producer King Honey, that was bought by wellness company Me Today in 2021 for $36m, was put into liquidation and receivership due to the global honey glut, among others. Comvita's performance was marred by recent losses, with the latest an after-tax loss of $77m for the 2024 financial year. It expected to report a further significant loss this financial year next Friday. and while it earned modest profits of between $9m and $13m dollars in 2021 to 2023, it followed further losses in 2020 and 2019. The company restructured, saving up to $15m through 2024/25 by reducing the headcount of its leadership and board of directors, staff by 67 people and closing offices. But Comvita chairperson Bridget Coates said the efforts were not sufficient to strengthen the balance sheet for long-term sustainability. "Comvita has faced ongoing pressure from structural changes in the manuka honey sector, which continues to face oversupply, price and demand volatility and intense competition (including online)," she said in a statement. "The environment is fragmented, with several participants under financial strain. Industry dynamics require consolidation at pace, but sector leadership demands capital strength, scale and speed, which are not available to Comvita under its current capital structure." Coates said the proposed sale would provide "certainty in a time of sustained challenges" in the manuka honey sector. She was meeting with shareholders on Monday, who must approve the sale proposal as well as the High Court and an independent advisor for the sale to proceed. A management shake-up this time last year saw then chief executive and managing director David Banfield resign, with board chairman Brett Hewlett taking up his role in the interim, and independent director Bridget Coates appointed as chairperson. Karl Gradon left Taupo-based milk processor Miraka to become chief executive at Comvita, effective from 1 August, just over two weeks before Monday's announcement. The company said shareholders China Resources Enterprise and Li Wang, who together owned approximately 18.3 percent of Comvita shares, supported the transaction. Further details and analysis of the offer would be released to shareholders in October, ahead of the shareholder meeting in November. The new scheme would be implemented in December if all conditions were satisfied. Florenz exported vitamins, supplements, pre-workouts, neutraceuticals and herbal remedies, and the company said in a statement the move to buy Comvita would create "the world's largest seller of manuka honey products." Owner Masthead's chairman and Christchurch rich-lister Mark Stewart said the fundamentals of Comvita remained strong and it was committed to accelerating its growth. "While Comvita has faced challenges in recent years, the fundamentals remain strong. We believe privatisation - enabling substantial debt repayment, an injection of world-class leadership capability, and a sharper focus on high-value product innovation - will deliver a new chapter of growth." One of its latest acquisitions was Wedderspoon Organic Group it bought last year, one of North America's top-selling manuka honey wellness brands with its range of honeys, lip balms and lozenges stocked in over 23,000 stores. Florenz chief executive officer, Mike Tod said the combination of Comvita and Wedderspoon would create the scale and efficiencies needed to accelerate both brands globally. "This acquisition will strengthen our ability to support global wellbeing through trusted, science-backed products," he said. "Comvita's commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability perfectly aligns with the values that guide our export growth strategy. We are proud to have the opportunity to keep this iconic company under New Zealand ownership." Comvita was co-founded in the mid-1970s by Alan Bougen and Claude Stratford in Bay of Plenty village Paengaroa and grew to become a leading manuka honey and bee consumer products business. The B Corp-certified company employed more than 400 people globally across Australia, China, North America, Southeast Asia and Europe, and had more than 1.6 billion bees. Thanks to the generosity of donors who have set up more than 500 donor funds, since 2003 the Acorn Foundation has gifted over $25 million to hundreds of community organisations and scholarship programmes. In 2025 alone, the Western Bay of Plentys local community foundation is proud to have distributed $5.1m to the region, and to other areas important to Acorn donors turning local generosity into lasting change. This year marks a significant milestone, with distributions representing the largest annual contribution in Acorns 22-year history, demonstrating the growing impact of endowment giving in the Western Bay of Plenty. Acorn Foundation CEO Lori Luke said the record funding reflects both the incredible generosity of local donors and the increasing needs within the community. Our donors continue to amaze us with their commitment to creating lasting change. This $5.1 million investment in our region will ripple across the Western Bay of Plenty for years to come, supporting everything from vital community services to educational opportunities for our young people. Through the latest Vital Update research report, the regions elderly community particularly residents who are renters were identified as vulnerable. Therefore, a key focus of this years distributions has been supporting the elderly community through Acorns Vital Impact Fund. Established in 2009 to address the regions biggest issues, the fund has now distributed grants to 45 local charities and community groups, demonstrating the power of collective giving. This year, $22,673 from the Vital Impact Fund was split between 11 organisations working specifically with elderly residents: Age Concern Tauranga, the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand, Super Support Programme, Waihi Beach Community Centre Society (A Friends Place), Aphasia New Zealand, Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty, MenzShed Omokoroa, Menzshed Katikati, Tui Awhina Services, Army of Aunties Trust and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty chair Carole Parker was thrilled to receive Acorns support for its Katikati housing project. This has helped us reach our final target of $280,000 we required for the build, Parker said. We are very appreciative of Acorns support over the past six years, whether it was advice Lori gave us in the first couple of years or the grants and donations we have received through Acorn. Not only has it helped us reach our funding goals but it has also given the committee a real boost and pushed us to work harder to raise the funding and undertake the tasks to build the house. The Abbeyfield Katikati project, which will provide supported independent living for elderly residents, is on track for completion in October with an opening planned for November. We identified elderly support as a high-need area in our community, particularly as our population ages and families face increasing pressures, Jo Wilson, Acorn Foundation scholarships and community engagement specialist said. These organisations provide crucial services from companionship and practical support to specialised care for conditions like aphasia or strokes and much-needed assistance for grandparents stepping into primary caregiving roles. The Vital Impact Fund represents a unique approach to community giving, whereby donors can contribute to a collective fund that addresses the most pressing issues identified by Acorns distributions committee and community research. The Acorn Foundations model of endowment giving ensures that donations create perpetual impact. Donor funds are invested and a portion of the investment returns are distributed annually to causes and organisations, meaning gifts continue giving year after year. Acorn Foundation legacy giving manager Campbell Higgins said it encouraged locals to consider the lasting impact of including Acorn in their estate planning. With September being Wills Month, its the perfect time to speak with us about leaving a gift that will celebrate the causes closest to your heart. Whether its supporting elderly care, youth development, environmental protection or any other cause, you value, we can help structure a gift that creates lasting change. Acorn donor Adrienne Coad talked about her giving journey and the impact shes been able to see first-hand. Coad said it was very simple to ensure the money goes through to Acorn or you can start funding while youre still alive and make decisions about who you want to help. Since Ive done it, I absolutely love the feeling of being able to see what my money is doing. Her experience reflects what many donors value about giving through Acorn, the confidence that their gift is guided by a team who understands our communitys needs and works closely with local charities to ensure funding reaches where it can make the greatest long-term difference. Since 2003, the Acorn Foundation has partnered with more than 450 local charities, community organisations, and scholarship programmes across the Western Bay of Plenty. This impact is made possible by the many ways local people choose to give. From gifts in wills and living giving, to trusts resettlements, joining Giving Circles, Community Group Funds or supporting through Workplace Giving. Every contribution is carefully managed to ensure it meets the greatest needs in our community, now and into the future. With funds under management continuing to grow, the Acorn Foundation is uniquely placed to connect local generosity with the greatest needs in our region. Its close relationships with charities and deep understanding of community challenges means it can ensure every dollar makes a lasting difference, helping the Western Bay of Plenty thrive for generations to come. A full list of the Acorn Foundations 2025 distributions can be found at www.acornfoundation.org.nz Supplied content Napoleon Eketone had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of indecent assault and, today, was sentenced in the Tauranga District Court . But while staying with a host family in the Bay of Plenty, the man who should have been offering her safety and hospitality in a foreign country, betrayed her trust, and that of her parents, by indecently assaulting her. When a teen overseas exchange student came to New Zealand, she was full of hope and fun-filled excitement. Warning: This story deals with details of sexual assault and may be distressing. According to the police summary of facts, Eketone and the teen had been at the family home, along with Eketones children. The pair were in the kitchen, where the teen was washing dishes, and Eketone was drying them. Eketone moved closer and placed his hand on her waist, and then on her bottom over her clothes. He then left the kitchen to check on his children, before returning. Eketone asked the teen if she needed help, again placing his hand on her waist and bottom. After they finished the dishes, he asked her if she liked massages and would like one later. Napoleon Eketone was sentenced in the Tauranga District Court. Photo / NZME He then asked for a hug, placing his arms around her, before moving his hands up the front of her body and touching her breasts over her clothing. The summary of facts said the girl felt uncomfortable and left the kitchen, later struggling to fall asleep for fear he would come into her room. At 4am, that fear was realised when Eketone opened her door, went in, and locked the door behind him. He led the teen out an exterior sliding door, taking her into the garage where he had already laid out a blanket on the floor. The teen used the light on her phone to see in the dark garage, and spied the blanket. Eketone asked her if shed like a massage, and she replied, No, I want to leave. Eketone opened the door and let her out, and she went back to her room, where she immediately rang her mother. The mothers victim impact statement, provided to the court, said the call caused her to have a panic attack. She had been hyperventilating as she heard her daughter in distress, crying and clearly frightened. The woman got on a flight to New Zealand as soon as possible, while her husband was back home and struggling to work as he was worried about what was happening. This incident made our life upside down, the mother wrote. It made us all exhausted physically and mentally. I was not able to sleep for a while. Even if I did, I woke up suddenly, and my heart started racing. She questioned why the incident had happened, and said she still felt angry. Her daughter had come to New Zealand full of hope and fun-filled excitement. Judge Paul Geoghegan said the teens experience should have been a great adventure for a young person. Her family had relied on a host family to provide her with security, protection, care, and hospitality. Eketone had failed to do that, the judge said. In sentencing him, he said it had been a gross breach of trust, and the victim had been highly vulnerable given her age, the fact she was from a different culture and a long way from home. Eketone, at 34 years old, had no previous convictions and was generally well regarded. The judge said it was most unfortunate that Eketone had ended up before the court, having offended in this way. However, he wasnt given any discounts for personal factors but did get a 25% discount for his early guilty plea. The judge adopted a starting point of 16 months imprisonment and, after applying the discount, arrived at an end sentence of 12 months imprisonment. The judge commuted it to one of six months home detention, with six months post-detention conditions. Lawyer Michael Douglas had sought a lesser sentence of community detention, arguing that Eketones employer might be more inclined to keep him on if that were the outcome. The judge agreed it was desirable for Eketone to keep his job, particularly because of the impact on his family, and his ability to pay reparation. The judge said he hoped [Eketones] employers take that into account, but said he could not impose a sentence of community detention. It would not accurately reflect the gravity of the offending, and there must be some deterrence, particularly to anyone hosting a young person from overseas. An order was made for $4877 reparation to be paid to the parents of the victim, to cover the last-minute travel costs incurred. SEXUAL HARM Where to get help: If youve ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7: Call 0800 044 334 Text 4334 Emailsupport@safetotalk.nz For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list. Hannah Bartlett is a Tauranga-based Open Justice reporter at NZME. She previously covered court and local government for the Nelson Mail, and before that was a radio reporter at Newstalk ZB. La Voz de Cadiz Cadiz Thursday, 21 August 2025, 21:02 Share A pioneering conservation programme promoted by the Spanish power giant Endesa, the Junta de Andalucia regional government and the not-for-profit Migres foundation has led to the recovery of the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), a species fundamental to the ecosystem that was considered extinct in the 1980s and which has now managed to increase its population in the province of Cadiz. This spring, ten pairs of ospreys chose reservoirs in Cadiz province to breed, raising 13 osprey chicks. This number is above average, a great achievement thanks to the abundant rainfall that nearly filled the reservoirs where they breed, said Endesa. "It's been 20 years since the first pair was established following its reintroduction , after many years of absence in Andalucia due to its extinction", said Carlos Torralvo, the project lead for Migres. He recalled the beginnings of the programme back in 2012, when osprey chicks were brought in from Scotland, Finland and Germany. The work carried out since then has allowed the osprey population to establish itself. This species selects wetlands to breed and therefore "depends on the good health of these ecosystems", stated Torralvo. Regarding the chicks born at Barbate reservoir, it was explained that, once identified, the Migres foundation managed to ring 11 of the hatched chicks, two of which were difficult to access. For the person responsible for the conservation project for this species, this work is "fundamental", as ringing allows us to know their migratory routes to and from here, their survival, causes of mortality in the Andalusian breeding population, where they end up reproducing and with whom. "All of this allows us to better understand the population better and have a positive impact on its conservation," said Torralvo Ringing So, getting the timing right for ringing is important because it also allows for a veterinary examination of the chicks and a better awareness of their state of health in case it is necessary to take action for their conservation. The Migres foundation, in collaboration with the Junta and with the participation of Endesa, has been working for years on the conservation of the osprey species with the objective of achieving a population size that allows for long-term stability without human intervention. In addition to ringing, Endesa's actions over the years have included environmental education and awareness-raising around the breeding sites to inform the public about the need for conservation and scientific studies to determine the health status of the population, taking appropriate measures if and when necessary. Endesa's work has also involved installing nests at selected sites with camera traps, with which to obtain precise information on various aspects of the species' reproductive biology, feeding, behaviour, disturbances or threats, among other things. SUR Malaga Thursday, 21 August 2025, 21:18 Share A company contracted for burials by Castilblanco de los Arroyos town hall in the province of Seville in the Andalucia region of Spain has been reprimanded after a worker left a coffin in a rubbish container located near the municipal cemetery. After learning of the incident, the town hall proceeded to remove the burial casket. The mayor of the municipality, Jose Manuel Carballar, reported the incident in a statement published on his Facebook account, describing the incident as an "irresponsible" action on the part of the worker. The council assured that, since the event occurred on Tuesday, it has been in contact with the company, which, "until then, had been carrying out its services in an exemplary manner and with great professionalism". The mayor said that the town hall held a meeting with the company on Wednesday, "making it clear just how unpleasant and unacceptable what happened was and that under no circumstances can it be repeated, while also demanding that the appropriate accountability and measures deemed necessary be taken". In this context, Carballar clarified that the municipal cemetery "is not privatised", adding that "only the burial service is contracted, given the lack of a municipal undertaker, while cleaning and maintenance are managed directly by the town hall". In line with the above, he pointed out that the council has contacted the affected family, who have expressed their deep distress over the circulation of the images on social media and that they may take action against any dissemination of the images, whether privately or through the media". In this sense, the mayor asked residents to think, in cases like this, "before publishing images on social media networks that may violate the privacy or sensitivity of families and individuals, and to inform the council so that it can take immediate action". The local authority said that these events are "regrettable and unacceptable", adding that "the corresponding measures will be taken to ensure that they do not happen again". Thursday, 21 August 2025, 19:52 Share Pop star Manuel Carrasco has issued a heartfelt apology to the thousands of people who were stuck in a gridlock situation on the Costa del Sol's A-7 motorway and the AP-7 toll road due to the high number of fans travelling to attend his concert in Marbella on 14 August. There were kilometres of traffic jams, lines of people walking along the side of the motorway and widespread indignation at the chaos caused by the lack of good organisation of the event, which was staged at Finca de la Caridad in San Pedro Alcantara, as part of the Oasis Marbella Fest. The musician took to social media to apologise for the inconvenience caused: "For us, the most important thing is that, when you come to a concert, you can enjoy the music and the moment. That's why we want to apologise if something didn't go as expected." The artist said that he was left with a "bittersweet" feeling, because those who managed to get to the concert on time could enjoy the fullness of it, while for others "the experience was not as comfortable as it should have been". In addition to the traffic jams, there were also issues with visibility limitations during the concert. "We are very sorry because there is a lot of work and love put into everything," Carrasco said. He added that, when an artist agrees to perform at a venue, "they do so trusting that it has the right conditions of accessibility and visibility". "The only thing we can promise is that we will continue to take care of every detail so that what you take home is always the best possible experience. Because that is what you deserve." Two hours of traffic jams More than 30,000 people went to see the Huelva-born artist at the Finca de la Caridad. The concert attracted such a large crowd that the A-7 and the AP-7 were completely jammed. Social media was ablaze in the hours that followed with constant criticism. Concert-goers agreed that "the venue was not properly prepared to receive a show of such magnitude". The main issue was transport. Many AP-7 toll road and A-7 motorway users queued for more than two hours to access the area. "I live in San Pedro and was on my way home from work. As I saw that there was a traffic jam on the A7, I took the toll motorway and I don't know which was worse. The cars were not moving and we were desperate. I have never seen this," Jose Sanchez told SUR. Chus Heredia Malaga Thursday, 21 August 2025, 11:38 Share Forest fires are at the centre of the media and political agenda this summer in Spain. The devastation has spread across a large portion of the Spanish mainland, along with controversies raging around the means and public services available for their prevention, control and extinction. In Orense, for example, 10% of the province's land area has burned by wildfires in recent weeks. That is alarming. There are more problems in Castilla Leon and Madrid. In Andalucia, there have been serious problems with the blazes, especially in Tarifa. Nevertheless, statistics indicate that swift action prevents major tragedies in most cases. According to data provided by the Junta de Andalucia to SUR, so far this year in Malaga province, 81.82% of wildfire outbreaks have been quickly extinguished. 81.82% of the forest fires so far in 2025 in Malaga province have been classed as an outbreak and brought swiftly under control. The average for the last few years is 80% and in 2024 it was 76.5%. A 'conato' in Spanish is a fire that has started up, a fire outbreak, but one that can be easily prevented from spreading and can be controlled by relatively simple means. Another way to measure them is to determine that the area affected by the fire amounts to less than one hectare. As of 19 August, 54 outbreaks had been recorded in Malaga. The total number of forest fires had risen to 65. Across the entire region of Andalucia, there have been 789 incidents in which the Plan Infoca brigade has had to intervene. The wildfire risk map is currently at red for most of the province, although the status is green on the Axarquia coast, according to the website of the regional government's emergency agency. 1 hectare is the area considered by Plan Infoca to be a 'conato', meaning an incipient fire that has started up without spreading and can be brought under control by relatively simple means. To understand the complexity of forest firefighting, several issues must be understood. Plan Infoca is a regional initiative and therefore its personnel, material resources and infrastructure are adapted to meet the needs of each moment. That is why there is always talk of global resource allocations and budgets. Another factor that must be addressed is the importance of advanced weather forecasting resources. Fires are becoming increasingly complex and more easily out of control. The changing rainfall patterns greatly alter the scenario that the firefighting specialists have to face. In Malaga we have gone from a six-year drought to a recent hydrological year characterised by a series of storms and floods that, on the one hand, have reduced the strain on water supplies but, on the other, have increased the combustible mass that has grown on the land. 86% is by how much the area affected by forest fires in Malaga province has decreased over the last decade. So, how has firefighting evolved in recent years? The province of Malaga closed last year's season of maximum risk of forest fires with 85 interventions in the province: 20 forest fires and 65 outbreaks. The rapid mobilisation of firefighters following an alarm call meant that 76.5% of the fires remained as minor outbreaks. The average for the last few years is 80% so, with the maths in mind and with two months of high risk still remaining, this season has gone somewhat better than the norm. In the province, 225.82 hectares were burned last summer: 14.87 hectares were wooded and 210.94 hectares were scrubland. Developments Over the last decade, the affected area has decreased by 86%. The analysis period is broad enough to determine that the deployment of resources is adequate in a province that has experienced tragedies such as those of Barranco Blanco, Sierra Bermeja and the multiple wildfires in the Sierra de Mijas. This year, Plan Infoca has had the largest ever deployment of resources at its disposal, with significant progress: the entire fleet of transport vehicles has been renewed, personnel are active year-round and work on a new forest defence centre in Sierra de las Nieves is nearing completion. Lastly, it has also had its largest ever budget: 257 million euros, of which 111 million euros are for firefighting and 146 million euros are for fire-prevention work, with a year-on-year increase of over 5%. 257 million euros is the current budget for Plan Infoca in Andalucia. This is an increase of 5% compared to the 2024 season. The plan has 5,000 firefighters with 111 million euros allocated to firefighting and 146 millions to fire-prevention work. Plan Infoca also confirmed that a good number (75%) of the fire engines have also been replaced, an outlay of 25.4 million euros. The other news is that Plan Infoca has now been integrated into the EMA (Andalucia's emergency management agency), which reports to the regional ministry for the presidency, and has acquired 282 new vehicles in four years with a budget of 20 million euros. The total number of Plan Infoca personnel in the region is 5,000. The scheme was activated ahead of the start of the high-risk period for forest fires, which began on 1 June and will last until 15 October. To this end, it has a network of facilities spread throughout Andalucia, with air and ground resources, such as the Cartama BRICA brigade near Malaga city and the forest defence centres in Ronda and Colmenar. These will soon be joined by the Cedefo Costa del Sol forest defence centre, located between Istan and Marbella. Construction is 75% complete. It represents an investment of 4.6 million euros co-financed with EAFRD funds (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and will provide greater protection to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park and nearby coastal towns. Alfonso Torices Madrid Thursday, 21 August 2025, 19:26 Share The fires that have been ravaging large parts of Spain in the past couple of weeks are progressing four times slower thanks to the respite that the heatwave is giving. However, the threat is still alive, as all the emergency services repeat, and there are still 21 large fires that remain active, with flames raging in Orense, Caceres, Leon and Zamora. It will be several days before the avalanche of fires is considered to be under control, but the end of the heatwave is slowing down the rate of progress of most of the fires and has allowed some of them to be contained and brought under control. The Copernicus data clearly corroborate this. Between Monday and Tuesday, coinciding with the end of the heatwave, 38,190 hectares of woodland and forest were burnt in Spain in just 24 hours. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, in the same period of time, some 10,135 hectares were burnt. The fire advanced four times slower. This was confirmed by the general improvement in firefighting that was detected on Wednesday in the three main focuses of the wave of fires ravaging the north-west of Spain. Between Saturday and Tuesday, the flames in Orense spread at a rate of 10,000 hectares a day; from Tuesday to Wednesday, the fronts barely moved and, for the first time in weeks, not a single village in the province was evacuated. In Castilla y Leon, where the president of the regional government confirmed "the good development", the number of villages confined to the mountains fell from 60 to 43 in 24 hours, with 1,752 residents returning to their homes. It was mainly thanks to the fact that, after 12 days out of control, the Yeres fire, which burnt Las Medulas World Heritage site, was brought down to the phase of emergency that comes right before a fire is classified as being under control. In Extremadura - the third region of major focus - only the Jarilla fire is left raging. Not a single village has been evacuated or confined and all available resources have been concentrated on stopping it: 26 aerial resources and 500 professionals. AVE high-speed train line There are at least two other signs of improvement. The first is that the containment of the fires in Orense has allowed the high-speed AVE train line between Madrid and Galicia, which had been suspended for a week since last Thursday, to be re-established. The service was restored in the afternoon and state railway operator Renfe chartered three additional trains to offer seats to many of the hundreds of passengers who had to cancel their tickets. The second reference of improvement is that the regions only requested the presence of emergency military units (Ume) in eight fires on Wednesday, when they had requested them in 11 and in more than 12 on Tuesday and Monday, respectively. State meteorological agency Aemet pointed to Wednesday as the first day when the weather would assist firefighting efforts rather than challenge them. While the temperatures dropped to figures below the average for August, humidity increased and winds slowed down. However, it seems that the longed-for rain will not reach the whole of the burning north-west before Sunday. General director of civil protection Virginia Barcones said that they will not lower their guard, despite the more favourable progress of the fires at the moment, because the situation remains "complex", with 21 large fires still at level 2 of emergency. Strong and shifting winds The forest firefighting teams in Orense acknowledged that it was almost the first day in two weeks that they were extinguishing and not containing the flames. Even so, they still had the Larouco and three other fires out of control on Wednesday. By Wednesday night, there were 20,000 hectares registered as devastated by the former and 10,000 hectares burned by the other three outbreaks. Together with the almost 500 fires that have emerged in the province since the beginning of this crisis, they have burned 10% of the province. The strong and shifting winds put the Jerte valley in Caceres on alert again on Tuesday, where two fronts of the Jarilla fire rekindled. The danger on the Salamanca side and even more in the Extremadura area forced the inhabitants of La Garganta to pack their suitcases. The overall progress of the eight large fires in Castilla y Leon was good except in two cases. Once again, the wind reactivated the Barniedo fire and forced the evacuation of Cardano de Arriba (Palencia). The same happened with the Porto fire, which returned to lake Sanabria, where three more villages were evacuated, bringing the total number of villages to a dozen. Syracuse, N.Y. A New York state corrections officer has been sentenced to federal prison after he and two other corrections officers assaulted an inmate two years ago in a Central New York prison. Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes sentenced the corrections officer, Brandon Montanari, on Thursday morning to 3 years and a month in prison. He must surrender by the end of September. Montanari and the two other corrections officers Rohail Khan and trainee Michael Williams have each pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under the color of law, a felony. The three officers assaulted the inmate, James Barton, around 1 a.m. on April 13, 2023, according to a statement of facts in a plea agreement Montanari reached with federal prosecutors. The assault took place at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Oneida County, a troubled state prison where corrections officers are accused of beating an inmate to death earlier this year. The three officers led Barton out of his cell and into a prison hallway area, the agreement said. One of the other officers Michael Williams, a trainee told Barton to put hands against the hallway wall. The officers began punching and kicking Barton, the agreement said. Montanari punched Barton repeatedly in the torso. Williams then swept Bartons legs out from under him and pinned him down. Barton has filed a separate, civil lawsuit in federal court over the assault. He said one of the officers next said, Lets give him the George Floyd challenge! Barton, who is Black, said he was put into a chokehold as another officer punched him. A police officer in Minneapolis put Floyd, a Black man, in a fatal chokehold by pinning him to the ground with his knee. The killing in spring 2020 sparked nationwide protests. Barton was essentially paraded back to his cell, in front of the other inmates, after the assault, according to Michael Perry, a federal prosecutor. Prosecutors believe that was a way of declaring open season on Barton, Perry said. He was attacked the next day and knocked unconscious. According to the plea agreement, the three officers agreed to lie and deny any involvement or knowledge of the assault when questioned by prison system investigators. Sannes said in court that she did not think Montanari had accepted responsibility for the assault, which she called disturbing. This was an egregious abuse of power, she said. Montanaris lawyer, Michael McDermott, had requested he be sentenced to only probation. Sannes said a sentence less than the 30 to 37 months recommended under sentencing guidelines would not be a just punishment or provide deterrence. Montanari said in court that he had high hopes when he started working for the state prison system. Less than a year into the job, he earned a letter of appreciation for helping an unconscious inmate at the Westchester prison where he was working at the time. Montanari said the ethos of blues versus greens corrections officers pitted against inmates eventually took hold over him. Working in prison kept him on edge and looking over his shoulder. If he ever said anything against another officer, Montanari said, no officer would trust me. There were threats of physical violence. And the shift swaps that allowed him to get back to Western New York to see his family would certainly end. My ability to go home would virtually diminish, he said. Montanari has been suspended without pay since August 2023, according to the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. He was hired in September 2019. The state corrections department fired Khan in fall 2024, after almost three years on the job. It fired Williams, the trainee, in July 2023. None of the employees have faced state charges, according to Todd Carville, the Oneida County district attorney. Barton, formerly of Syracuse, was sentenced in 2008 to 10 years to life for predatory sexual assault against a child and course of sexual conduct against a child, records show. He has since been moved to a different state prison and has a parole hearing scheduled for next year. There has been a troubling string of violence at the Mid-State prison in recent years. Ten corrections officers at the prison were indicted earlier this year for violently beating an inmate to death in March. The corrections officers used their fists, batons and boots to strike the inmate, Messiah Nantwi, prosecutors have said. The 22-year-old man was found with no signs of life 45 minutes after the corrections officers first entered his cell. The corrections officers then worked to cover their tracks, prosecutors said. They are accused of falsifying forms, planting a weapon and meeting the following day at a local diner to agree on a false story. The superintendent at the prison has since been replaced. Years earlier, dozens of Mid-State corrections officers brutally jumped on, kicked and sodomized inmates in 2016. A judge has ruled that the state owes monetary damages to the inmates. Many of the officers still work at the prison. An independent monitoring group, the Correctional Association of New York, has identified issues in the past at the prison. The group interviewed more than 100 inmates in fall 2022 and said inmates reported numerous allegations of staff abuse and retaliation. People described their interactions with staff as demeaning and fearful, the group wrote in its report. The corrections officers fatally beat Nantwi just months after other officers beat another inmate, Robert L. Brooks, at a prison across the street. That beating in December was recorded on video by body cameras worn by four of the guards. None had turned on their cameras, but 30 minutes of video was passively recorded without audio. Two guards can be seen pushing Brooks back on an infirmary exam table at Marcy Correctional Facility and punching him. Another guard can be seen putting his left hand and his whole right arm around Brooks neck, then using his hands to repeatedly yank Brooks off the table. The superintendent at the Marcy prison also was replaced. Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7. Dolgeville, N.Y. A Herkimer County man was caught with crack cocaine, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in his home, state troopers said. Antwoin D. Goodwin, 42, of Dolgeville, was arrested and charged with third-and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and three counts of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, troopers said. On Wednesday, state police searched a home on Rundell Street in Dolgeville, troopers said in a news release. Investigators seized more than one-eighth of an ounce of crack cocaine, crystal meth, a cutting agent, and drug packaging materials and scales, according to police. Goodwin was arraigned in Herkimer County Court, where bail was set at $50,000 cash or $200,000 bond. He was sent to Herkimer County Jail. Syracuse, N.Y. Over a few months in 2021, prosecutors say three people trafficked 52 guns from Georgia to Syracuse. At least four of those guns were used in crimes in Syracuse, including a murder-suicide, police have said. Now, Veronica Williams, 38, is on trial for 50 charges connected to the gun trafficking. She faces 25 years or more in prison if convicted. A jury will ultimately be asked to decide whether Williams was the mastermind behind the months-long scheme, or a patsy for her ex-girlfriend. At the time of the trafficking scheme, Williams was dating one of her codefendants, Raeneisha Evans. Evans struck a deal with prosecutors that could mean just five years in prison if she cooperates at trial. Evans, 32, purchased all 52 handguns after moving to Georgia with Williams. Prosecutor Cindi Newtown told the jury Evans purchased the weapons because Williams was unable to. Williams has a previous felony conviction for fourth-degree grand larceny, according to Onondaga County records. Convicted felons are not allowed to purchase firearms in Georgia. Newtown said Williams transported dozens of guns from Macon, Georgia, to Syracuse in Evans car. Williams is also accused of giving Evans money to purchase the guns and of coordinating sales in Syracuse. Newtown said Evans first purchased a gun in Georgia in May 2021. She said that is when Williams business plan was born. Williams defense attorney, Brendan Rigby, says she is simply the fall guy for Evans, who agreed to testify against Williams. Evans pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sale of a firearm, fourth-degree conspiracy and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to court records. Prosecutors told Evans that if she testifies truthfully at Williams trial, she would get five years in prison, Newtown said. If she doesnt, she faces 20 years. Prosecutors will decide if shes telling the truth. In April 2022, local and federal law enforcement confronted Evans in the parking lot of the Walmart where she worked in Georgia, Rigby said. During that confrontation, Evans, who was no longer dating Williams, was led to believe that laying the blame on others could keep her out of trouble, Rigby said. Newtown said the case against Williams does not rely on Evans testimony alone. Cell phone records will show Williams traveled to Syracuse after gun purchases, Newtown said. Facebook message records will show Williams discussed prices of guns, she said. Rigby said the evidence will only show broad strokes but will lack the details needed to convict Williams. He pointed out that no one will testify that they purchased a gun from Williams. Williams cousin, Julius Anderson, was also charged with trafficking guns from Georgia to Syracuse. He admitted to possessing and illegally selling guns from Georgia in the Syracuse area. The investigation into the trafficking kicked off in August after Evans gun purchases raised red flags for federal agents. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, in Georgia notified the ATF in Syracuse that someone with ties to the Syracuse area had purchased many handguns. After the tip, Syracuse law enforcement was looking for guns connected that could be traced back to the Georgia buyer. Evans reported several of the guns stolen. Police were able to determine the claims were false because some of them had been recovered in Syracuse, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile said at a news conference in May 2023. Police determined that the guns were being trafficked to Syracuse between May 25, 2021, and Sept. 2, 2021. Nineteen guns purchased by Evans have been recovered. Eighteen were found in the Syracuse area and one was found in Canada, Newtown said. Four of the recovered guns were used during crimes, Cecile said. One gun was used in a murder-suicide, Cecile said. Three guns were used in more than one crime, he said. Prosecutors are not able to discuss the crimes connected to the guns during Williams trial. Thirty-three guns are still unaccounted for. Randy Collins, a retired Syracuse Police Officer who worked the case, testified that the investigation will continue until all the firearms are recovered. The trial is expected to take several weeks. Utica, N.Y. An Oswego County man was sentenced Tuesday to six years in federal prison for dealing cocaine and illegally possessing multiple firearms, federal prosecutors said. James Hamilton, 42, of Central Square, admitted that between early 2021 and March 2022 he acquired more than four kilograms of cocaine that he either sold or intended to sell, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York. Hamilton also admitted to unlawfully possessing nine guns, including an AR-15-style rifle, to protect his drug supply and money, prosecutors said. Senior U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd sentenced Hamilton to 72 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the DEA, the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, the State Police, the Onondaga County District Attorneys Office and others. Manlius, NY Swimming will be closed for two days next week at Green Lakes State Park in the town of Manlius due to a lifeguard shortage, parks officials said. The state park will be closed for swimming next Tuesday and Wednesday, the park has announced. The park itself will be open for picnics and the trails will be open, but the swimming area will be closed. Many lifeguards are returning to college as summer ends, New York State Parks officials said Thursday. Thats resulted in a shortage on those two days, officials said. Lifeguard shortages can be common during weekdays and may cause temporary closures, state park officials said. Green Lakes State Park will still have swimming available through Labor Day." Temperatures next Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be in the upper 60s with a chance for rain each day. Mark Hamill, best known for portraying Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars film series, says he considered leaving the country after Donald Trumps win in the 2024 presidential election. In an interview with the British newspaper The Times, Hamill said that his wife ultimately convinced him to stay in the United States. Hamill said that after Trump won, he gave his wife a choice of where to move to: Ireland or London. Shes very clever, Hamill told The Times. 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. Hamill added: I still believe there are more honest, decent people than there are the MAGA crowd, he says. If I didnt, Id move back to England. Hamill made it clear what he thought about the Trump administration. 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. 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. The White House fired back at the actor and at the same time took a shot at another celebrity who has been a critic of Trump. Since Mark has decided to stay in the United States, he will get to enjoy the many wins President Trump is securing for the American people and really, who can blame him for second-guessing a plan to move to the same place as Rosie ODonnell, a White House spokesperson told Fox News. President Donald Trump has been moving to take greater control over the Smithsonian Institution and said earlier this week that the organization focuses too much on how bad Slavery was. 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 said in a social media post, according to The New York Times. 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. Trump made the comments on Tuesday. They come after the administration told the Smithsonian that its museums would be required to alter content the administration found problematic in tone, historical framing and alignment with American ideals, according to the Times. Trump said the Smithsonian would face the same process his administration has used to scrutinize universities, according to NBC News. The goal would be to make the institution less woke. An official also told NBC that Trump plans to extended his review beyond the Smithsonian, which manages a famed collection of museums in the nations capital. Trump will hold the Smithsonian accountable and then go from there, the official said, according to NBC. The Smithsonian did not immediately respond to a request for comment, NBC said. Since returning to office, Trump has led an effort to remove diversity, equity and inclusion policies from federal agencies and threatened schools and companies that adopt such policies, according to the Times. He has also tried to de-emphasize the nations history of racism and discrimination and instead focus on a sanitized, rosy description of America and its past. Smithsonian exhibits take years of planning and are evaluated by teams of scholars and experts, according to CNN. Janet Marstine, a museum ethics expert, said that the demands laid out by the Trump administration set the Smithsonian up for failure, CNN said. A Trump aide said Wednesday that she had seen an overemphasis on slavery at museums. I think there should be more of an overemphasis on how far weve come since slavery, Lindsey Halligan, a former Trump lawyer who is now his senior associate staff secretary, said on Fox News, according to CNN. An employee at a Walmart in Upstate New York has been accused of stealing more than $10,000 from the store. WHAM reports David Ashworth was arrested after his cash register was $10,047 short last Thursday at the Walmart in Victor, N.Y. The Ontario County Sheriffs Office said investigators determined he removed the money during his work shift and hid a money bag with the cash inside. Ashworth, 51, allegedly retrieved the pouch at the end of his shift, concealed it on his body, and left the store with the cash, deputies said. WHEC reports Ashworth was arrested Monday night and charged with grand larceny in the third degree. He was released Tuesday after his arraignment and is due in Victor Town Court at a later date. Allianz Life, a U.S. subsidiary of global insurer Allianz SE, has confirmed that hackers compromised the personal data of 1.1 million customers, highlighting growing risks for financial services firms that depend on third-party cloud platforms. The company, which serves 1.4 million customers in the U.S., said that the breach was discovered in July and stemmed from a compromise of a Salesforce-based customer relationship management (CRM) system on July 16th. The hackers gained access by deploying malicious OAuth applications, which allowed them to infiltrate Salesforce systems before downloading the companys databases. What data is Leaked? According to the breach notification site Have I Been Pwned, the leaked data includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses, genders, and dates of birth. In some cases, Social Security numbers and tax IDs were also compromised. The breach also extended to certain Allianz Life employees, whose information was exposed alongside customer data. The notorious cybercrime group ShinyHunters, which has claimed responsibility for the cyberattack, has carried out a series of high-profile cyberattacks in recent years, including breaches at AT&T, Snowflake, and Workday. The hacking group is known for using social engineering techniques to trick employees into granting access to corporate systems, often using stolen data to demand ransoms. Other big brands hit by their campaign reportedly include Google, Adidas, Qantas, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. Groups such as ShinyHunters rely on fast moving social engineering tactics this typically involves calling and emailing employees of the victim organization and attempting to extort them. If this does not work, they then launch a leak site with the aim of pressuring victims into payment, said Jon Abbott, CEO of ThreatAware. This pattern in their attacks is why the security fundamentals are so important. Accurate asset inventories, tamper-proof identity verification and hardened service desk processes are all essential. Security experts warn that the Allianz breach could leave its customers and employees vulnerable to identity fraud, phishing scams, and fraud attempts. Allianz Life said it has reported the breach to the U.S. authorities and is offering affected customers and employees two years of free identity monitoring services. However, the company declined to share further details, citing an ongoing investigation. For now, Allianz Life customers are being urged to remain vigilant, monitor their financial accounts closely, and be on the lookout for suspicious emails or phone calls. Meanwhile, Salesforce, for its part, emphasized that its platform itself has not been compromised. Instead, attackers fooled companies employees into granting them access. The Salesforce platform has not been compromised, and this issue is not due to any known vulnerability in our technology, a spokesperson said in a statement to TechRadar Pro. We know how disruptive and stressful these incidents can be, and our teams are fully engaged to support affected customers and help minimize any impact. Our blog provides additional context and guidance on strengthening security posture against social engineering attacks, including best practices, strong access controls, and proactive measures. The incident underscores the rising risks around personal data. It shows how quickly criminals can turn personal information into a weapon, and why businesses must guard against employee tricks. Experts say incidents like this highlight the importance of stronger defenses against social engineering, as well as stricter oversight of third-party cloud services that hold customer data. Press Release from Business Wire: NIPPON KINZOKU CO., LTD. (AFP) Aug 21, 2025 TOKYO, Aug 21, 2025 (BSW) - NIPPON KINZOKU CO., LTD. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) is pleased to announce the launch of its fourth environmentally-friendly "Eco-Product" series, STA (Special Tension Annealing) finish stainless steel, which eliminates warping and refines crystal grain size for high-definition etching. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250820626946/en/ Conventional TA (Tension Annealing) finish has been highly evaluated as a stainless spring material with excellent flatness, low residual stress, and dimensional stability after processing. STA finish, which is a further evolution of this finish, minimizes residual stress and is optimized for etching processing. In the etching process, particularly in the half-etching process, spring material warping has been an issue. STA finish greatly reduces this warping, dramatically improving dimensional stability. Furthermore, in response to demand for smoother etched surfaces, we have achieved finer crystal grain sizes. This makes the product suitable for high-precision microfabrication applications. These characteristics enable process elimination and simplification, contributing to improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact throughout your manufacturing process. Additionally, greater product design flexibility enables the optimization of shapes and specifications, thereby contributing to improved processing efficiency and yield. Leveraging these characteristics, our product has been widely adopted in various applications, including smartphone components, metal masks, and wrapping carriers. Therefore, we have certified STA finish as an "Eco-Product" from these perspectives. We are working to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and are engaged in sustainable manufacturing through the widespread use of environmentally friendly materials. In addition, this product is in line with our 11th management plan, "NIPPON KINZOKU 2030," and is a unique product that meets customer needs with the keyword "Near Net Performance" (achieving the performance required of the final product with the material). We aim to further expand sales in fields such as 5G communications, mobile devices, and semiconductor-related products. Features -- The material undergoes heat treatment and shape correction simultaneously, resulting in excellent flatness. -- Internal stress (distortion) accumulated during processing is minimized to the utmost, making it ideal for applications requiring high processing accuracy. -- As an option, products with a refined grain size, which allows for a smoother etching surface, are also available. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/assets/images/2025/08/Examples-of-Cross-Sectional-Photographs-after-Etching.png Specifications1) Steel Grade: SUS304, SUS301, SUS430, etc. 2) Thickness: 0.1-0.5 mm 3) Width: Maximum 600 mm * Fine-Grained Material is available only for SUS304. Click here for more details. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/assets/images/2025/08/New-Launch-of-STA-Finish-Stainless-Steel-for-High-Precision-Etching-as-an-Eco-Product.pdf About NIPPON KINZOKU GroupOur products have been used in a range of areas from the precision field to the construction industry. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/en/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250820626946/en/ Contact Production Process & Support Dept. NIPPON KINZOKU CO., LTD. Email: [email protected] https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/en/inquiry 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. In December 1937, as the invading Japanese troops brutally entered Nanjing, German businessman John Rabe made his choice: to stay. He worked with other international friends in China to establish the "Nanjing Safety Zone" at great personal risk, providing shelter for and rescuing over 200,000 Chinese civilians. Chinese President Xi Jinping has shared the touching story of Rabe on several occasions. "We in China cherish the memory of Mr. Rabe as a man who demonstrated great compassion for life and love of peace," he noted. Produced by Xinhua Global Service BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- China urges relevant agency in New Zealand to stop spreading lies and stop creating misperception, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on a report by New Zealand's security service accusing China of being the most active country engaged in foreign interference in New Zealand. Mao said in recent years, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service has repeatedly spread disinformation, groundlessly framed and attacked China, smeared the normal friendly exchanges between various sectors of the two countries, and harassed and intimidated Chinese people in New Zealand, which shows relevant agency's ideological bias and Cold War mentality. "This does no good to mutual trust and runs counter to the two countries' consensus of enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges," said Mao, adding that China deplores and opposes it. "We urge relevant agency in New Zealand to stop spreading lies, stop creating misperception, and contribute more to people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries and the sound and steady development of bilateral relations," she added. 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 Language learning app Duolingo has apologised after a German lesson appeared to teach tutees a sentence referring to controversial author JK Rowling as mean. A German lesson on the app included the question: Magst du die Bucher mit Harry Potter als Figur?, which translates to: Do you like books with Harry Potter as a character? The correct response was: Ja, aber meiner Meinung nach ist die Autorin gemein. (Yes, but in my opinion the author is mean.) The wrong alternative answer said: Yes, youre right. Im interested in sports. Duolingo, which has more than 130m active daily users, said in a statement:We apologise for any offence caused and will remove this content. Gaby Koppel, a freelance TV producer and writer, told The Daily Telegraph that she had been using the app for five months and that the Harry Potter author was the first and only real-life person she had seen criticised. Koppel concluded that the branding of Rowling as mean was linked to her outspoken and repeated criticisms of transgender rights. Its gratuitous how is Rowling relevant to learning German? she said. In a post shared on X/Twitter, Koppel wrote: Shame on you @duolingo: learning German and I came across the sentence Yes I like Harry Potter but the author is mean. How woke do you have to be to let trans ideology infect a language lesson? open image in gallery A screenshot from the Duolingo German lesson referring to JK Rowling as mean ( X/Twitter via @gabykoppel ) It comes as Rowling recently reignited her long-standing row over transgender rights with the former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon. While in office, Sturgeon attempted to push through legislation creating a self-identification system for people who want to change gender, which the UK government eventually blocked. Rowling blasted Surgeons new autobiography, Frankly, on social media last week, posting a picture of scribbled-on pages of the book. open image in gallery ( Getty Images ) The Harry Potter author had written Are you f***ing kidding me??? over a page where she accused Sturgeon of opining on the need to make the public sphere safe for women and girls. In a post on X, Rowling wrote: Annotating as I read to review. Might auction my scribbled-on copy, proceeds to go to @ForWomenScot. NB: nobody whos offended by swearing should bid. Following Sturgeons proposed reforms in 2022, Rowling wore a t-shirt calling the politician a destroyer of womens rights. Sturgeon later called for both sides of the debate to treat each other with respect. Rowlings views on trans rights have been condemned by stars of the original Harry Potter franchise, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, who have since distanced themselves from the author and her work. open image in gallery Duolingo has removed a German lesson including a reference to JK Rowling ( AFP/Getty ) Radcliffe, who played the titular character in the film franchise, said in 2020 that transgender women are womenAny statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations. Meanwhile, Watson wrote: I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are. When one fan told Rowling on X/Twitter that she is owed an apology by the actors, she said that the pair can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners. Shaun of the Dead actor Nick Frost, who will play Rubeus Hagrid in the forthcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation, has also distanced himself from Rowlings stance on trans rights. When he was asked about Rowling by The Observer, he said: Shes allowed her opinion and Im allowed mine they just dont align in any way, shape or form. Frost added he believes the controversy shouldnt blow over, explaining: We shouldnt just hope it will go away, because it makes it easier. Maybe we should educate ourselves. KIEV, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine has successfully test-fired a domestically made long-range Flamingo missile, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Thursday. "There were successful tests of this missile. So far, the missile is the most successful we have -- it flies 3,000 km, this is important," Zelensky said. He added that Ukraine expects to have some more missiles by December this year, with mass production scheduled to begin by 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 Despite a small body of work, American director Ari Aster has established a genre of his own. His debut Hereditary (2018) helped launch the term elevated horror, as a domestic tale of family grief segued into an unhinged supernatural horror. Midsommar (2019) fuelled Florence Pughs ascent to stardom and made us all very worried about attending Swedish folk festivals. If Beau Is Afraid (2023), an unwieldy update on The Odyssey, proved more difficult for audiences to parse, fear not armed with the same star in Joaquin Phoenix, Aster has now upped the ante even further. Each of the above three films followed emotionally beleaguered heroes subjected to absurd trials amidst lashings of shocking violence. A contemporary western, Eddington turns Asters usual preoccupations inside out, so that instead of focusing on the psychological travails of a single unravelling protagonist, the scope is widened to a cross-section of racially diverse inhabitants in a fictional small town (subbed in by New Mexico). By the end of a blood-soaked third act, its clear that Eddington is a microcosm of the state of America. Set in 2020, amid the pandemic and the wave of Black Lives Matter protests that erupted after the police murder of George Floyd, Eddington initially cleaves to Asters usual character template. We are plunged into the daily doings of Sheriff Joe Cross (Phoenix), an impulsive asthmatic who gets so mad about the state mandate requiring him to wear a mask that he decides to run for mayor against long-standing enemy Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). In parallel, Joe is losing his wife Louise (Emma Stone) to the web presence of budding cult leader Vernon Jefferson Peak (a sparingly used, scene-stealing Austin Butler). Louise is suffering from a mysterious trauma, doesnt like to be touched and refers to herself in the third person when stressed. In bouts of wellness, she makes creepy dolls that Joe pays his colleague to buy. Rounding out his household is mother-in-law Dawn (Deirdre OConnell), who relishes nothing more than berating everyone her voice is often heard off camera while Joe suffers in the foreground. This is Asters funniest film to date, and makes use of an ever expanding and shifting cast to dot the 150-minute runtime with well-observed comic details and visual payoffs. These often riff on the deadpan reactions of the Black and Native American characters to Joe and his meathead deputy. Asters enduring preoccupation with the paranoid universes we build in our minds takes on a less sympathetic, more malign aspect when this self-absorption wears a law enforcement badge and carries a rifle. Digital culture is masterfully seeded as a radicalising force in a kaleidoscope of different directions. The screenplay is as fluent in the language of identity politics as it is slogan-driven electioneering as it is Vernons sham guruspeak. Eddington stops shy of sermonising, even as it skewers a range of political postures. A young white man hosting a vigil for a murdered Hispanic man self-flagellates, My job now is to listen, which Ill do right after Ive made this speech which I have no right to make!!! Joaquin Phoenix in Ari Asters Eddington ( A24 ) The wider screen of a western and the broader scope of a state-of-the-nation suits the overflowing ideas that struggled to be contained within Asters more insular works. Right beside him is cinematographer Darius Khondji, whose frames assiduously serve the visual comedy while capturing one hypnotic image after another. Phoenix is predictably good, game and giving and is matched by every performance across the board, big and small. Micheal Ward stands out as the police officer justifying Joes comment that a third of my department is Black! (Its a department of three.) His stoic demeanour is a study in micro-acting and when, after one injustice too many, it slips, it suddenly seems like Eddington is his film. But no, this is an ensemble effort. It has a sweep that shows that the Wild West still exists on the ground and online, and a keen eye for the people that grow in a sandy, mountain-flanked, lonely landscape. Dir: Ari Aster. Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Deirdre OConnell, Micheal Ward, Austin Butler, Emma Stone. Cert 15, 149 mins Eddington is in cinemas from 22 August 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 bad thing that happens in Sorry, Baby takes place behind closed doors and closed curtains. We stand outside a house and watch as Agnes (Eva Victor) enters. Shes visiting her literature professor, Preston Decker (Louis Cancelmi), to talk over her thesis. We stay outside. Day slips into night. Lights turn on and off. Pedestrians wander by. Then, Agnes re-emerges. She sits on the steps outside and puts her boots back on. She walks fast, but doesnt run. She pulls at her jacket, gets in her car, and drives home. Were given plenty of time to study her expression. Her eyes are glazed over a clear sign of disassociation. Somethings trembling in there, too a wave of aftershocks powerful enough to cause a bridge collapse. Its a remarkable way to depict sexual assault and its aftermath, the life beyond the trauma that Victor as star, writer, and director furnishes with every light on the spectrum. Agness world can be sweet and tender, because she has a best friend named Lydie (Naomi Ackie) who would burn the world for her, and who Ackie lends her kilowatt smile. Her friends-with-benefits neighbour (Lucas Hedges) is the sexual equivalent of grilled cheese, satisfying and uncomplicated. The mystical, so-called cat distribution system lands her with a stray kitten at just the right moment. But still, shes somebody a bad thing happened to, and now she cant look at the boots she wore that night or hear the word extraordinary in the same way ever again (its what he wrote on her thesis paper). A doctor is too casual in his use of the word rape. College administrators let her know they cant take action due to a technicality, but still coo the pointless phrase, We know what youre going through. We are women. Sorry, Baby is funny in that confrontational way where your body moves to laugh, but you feel a little guilty for letting it out. Thats life, though. Mining misfortune for a punchline is its own survival skill. And Victor doesnt chase after subjectivity. Were kept at a distance, not only during the assault itself, but throughout the film. Sometimes were left to linger in the doorway of an office. At other times were stuffed in the corner of an ordinary room in a way that makes them seem cavernous, and Agnes very small within them. Naomi Ackie and Eva Victor in Sorry, Baby ( A24 ) The director knows their audience will either relate to Agnes or they wont. So its more honest to present Agness life without embellishment, to rely instead on a finely tuned performance that wordlessly clues us in on when the characters mind has shifted from the present back into the half-remembered past. Agness body will flinch or freeze, in a way that makes sense out of a passing comment, I remember moments of it and I feel in my body that it was really bad. Shes trapped between the desire to throw it all out, every memory of it, and her inability to physically separate herself from the assault. She works at the same college where it happened, in her professors old job, working in his old office. The film opens with Lydies visit from New York City, so that she can gently announce to Agnes that shes pregnant. Agnes doesnt really know what to do about this baby. What could she even say to a life that innocent, after all shes experienced? What she eventually decides upon feels perfect in the moment, a beautiful coda to all that weve just seen. This might be a film about the stubbornness of pain and yet, it holds a boundless capacity to heal. Dir: Eva Victor. Starring: Eva Victor, Naomi Ackie, Louis Cancelmi, Kelly McCormack, Hettienne Park, E. R. Fightmaster, Lucas Hedges, John Carroll Lynch. Cert 15, 104 minutes. Sorry, Baby is released on 22 August 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 Chris Pratt has been named as a potential witness in Katy Perrys ongoing legal battle with the former owner of her $15 million Montecito mansion. In July 2020, the Firework pop star, 40, and her now-ex Orlando Bloom purchased the sprawling, 8.9-acre estate from 86-year-old Carl Westcott, the founder of 1-800-Flowers. However, shortly afterward, Westcott tried to back out of the deal, claiming he was mentally incapacitated when he sold them the property. Perry and Westcott have been locked in a bitter legal dispute ever since. The first part of the trial, which has been split into two phases, took place in November 2023, and saw a judge side with Perry, upholding the original sale contract. The trial, which picked up again Thursday, has now entered the damages phase. Perry, who in 2024 paid $9 million in escrow once she gained ownership of the home, is seeking the remaining $6 million in damages from Westcott. She has claimed that in the four years she had to wait to take control of the house, she lost $3 million in fair-market rental income, per Rolling Stone. She further alleges that Westcotts lack of maintenance for the property during that time, cost her $2.29 million in necessary repairs to restore the home to the state it was in when she first purchased it. Second part of Katy Perry's Montecito home trial kicked off Thursday ( Getty ) Perry has been ordered to testify at this months trial. While Pratt, who has been renting and residing in the property with his family, has not yet been deposed, Westcotts legal team has reportedly asked the judge to question the Guardians of the Galaxy actor about the mansions supposed damages. Court documents filed July 31 by Westcott and seen by Fox News Digital stated: Now, just before the Phase 2 Trial, there is new, never-before disclosed evidence that Perry has rented out the Westcott Property to the actor Chris Pratt and his wife (the daughter of Maria Shriver, who the Court will recall from Cristal Clarkes Phase 1 Trial testimony was bidding against Perry in 2020 to buy the Westcott Property, which is why Perry increased her original $13.5 offer to Westcott to the agreed-on $15 million price). The $2.29 million in estimated repairs was bogus and Perry was able to rent the Westcott Property as-is to Chris Pratt (for what some have rumored to be $150,000 in rent just for this summer). The Independent has contacted Pratts representative for further comment. Speaking to the publication about the case, legal expert Christopher C. Melcher explained: Westcotts defense is that the home could not have had mold and other major issues because Perry rented the place to Chris Pratt. But repairs could have been made by Perry before renting the home to Pratt, he noted. If so, the subsequent condition of the home when Pratt was a tenant is not relevant to what the home looked like when Perry got the keys. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Westcott had initially asked the judge to call on Bloom as a witness to testify about the cost of the repairs, but the judge denied his request. Why do you need Mr. Bloom to do that, other than to make it a celebrity circus? Judge Joseph Lipner asked at an earlier hearing. Why dont you just talk to the construction person who actually did it? 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 I just dont want anything to damage this you know, the three of us? says Abigail Dalton, played by an earnest and wide-eyed Suranne Jones, to her husband Alex (Ashley Thomas) in the opening scene of Netflixs political thriller, Hostage. The pair are running through the pros and cons of her throwing her hat in the ring to be party leader and, therefore, the next prime minister; Jones is already worried about the effect it might have on her partner and daughter. If it ever comes down to a choice, youll make the right one, responds Alex confidently thereby guaranteeing, Chekhovs gun-style, that Abigail will end up having to make a choice between her family and her job before the episode is out. This is the overarching premise of the female-led series, which sees Jones star opposite Before Sunrise actor Julie Delpy as French president Vivienne Toussaint: does personal responsibility trump public duty? And, when it comes right down to it, how far are these women prepared to go to cling onto their hard-won power? As the shows title suggests, amid rumbling discontent sparked by a British shortage of critical cancer drugs and a high-profile trade visit from Toussaint and her French delegation, Abigail quickly gets pulled into a high-stakes hostage negotiation. Alex has been abducted in French Guiana while working for Medecins Sans Frontieres, and the kidnappers only demand is that Abigail resign as PM in exchange for the safe return of her husband (oh, and his team but they are very much presented as 2D, NPC-style characters here, serving as little more than collateral damage). Vivienne is quickly drawn into proceedings when a past scandal of her own is dredged up to blackmail her into submission. Alongside all of this, Abigail must contend with an unruly cabinet, a combative chief of staff (Lucian Msamati) whos threatening to quit, a renegade teenager (Isobel Akuwudike), and a critically ill father (James Cosmo) in hospital. Cue the twists and turns weve come to expect from a paint-by-numbers political thriller: moles and sleeper agents working for a shadowy organisation, conspiracies going right to the top, big-budget explosions, and top-secret meetings in underground bunkers. I really, really wanted to love Hostage, a series headed up by two such formidable women. Jones is, as always, a safe if predictable pair of hands, but it is Delpy who steals the show when it comes to exuding inscrutable charm and ice queen froideur (she is French, after all). In 2025, it is refreshing, still, to see female characters calling the shots, barking the orders and making the big decisions (instead of being the ones taken hostage themselves, weepily imploring the men to save them! down a camera lens). And it is, if nothing else, enjoyable to watch our chic leads strutting around the halls of power in their beautifully tailored coats and trouser suits, looking every inch the heads of state as they exchange frosty smiles and handshakes for the camera, each trying to out-alpha the other. French connection: Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy in Netflix's 'Hostage' ( Netflix ) The trouble is, beneath the series slick exterior lies a slightly wonky storyline one that ranges from the shrug-worthy to the downright jump-the-shark. Without giving too much away, several plot points rely on a frankly shocking lack of security at No 10 (youd think the major incident room might have a lock on the door, wouldnt you?), while the motives driving the villains of the piece to murder innocent people and spark a national emergency seem spurious at best. It simply stretches credulity that these particular characters in this particular scenario would have been driven to such lengths; I kept waiting for the aha moment when I would finally get why all this was happening, and it never quite arrived. But perhaps the greatest shame here is that Hostage fumbled the opportunity to grapple with the truly juicy and uncomfortable questions that should be steering the drama. Is Abigail so pure of heart that shes actually fuelled by a sense of civic duty, or is she that most reviled of things a woman ambitious enough that her love of power outstrips all else? What does it do to a marriage when one spouse is given irrefutable proof that they will always play second fiddle to the job? And can familial bonds honestly survive the crushing knowledge that, when push comes to shove, they are the ones who are dispensable? I have other priorities to consider, Abigail responds when her father says that getting Alex back is the only thing that matters. Then I dont know who you are, is his frank reply. And therein lies the biggest problem with Hostage; Im not sure we ever find out who our protagonist really is. 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 South Park has taken aim at the Trump administration yet again, this time over the presidents Washington, D.C. crime takeover. So far this season, South Park has depicted Trump in a relationship with Satan, a miniature Vice President JD Vance waiting on Trumps every demand, and a Botox-filled puppy-killing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The punches kept coming during Wednesday nights episode, which took a darker turn as it was revealed that Satan is trapped at the White House as Trumps prisoner. After being propositioned by Trump, Satan went to the bathroom, stating: What am I doing here? When returning South Park character Towelie, also trapped at the White House, tells him, Please, I want to get out of here, Satan replies: So do I, but there is no escape from this place. open image in gallery 'South Park' has taken aim at President Donald Trump's Washington, D.C. crime takeover, showing tanks and marching troops at national landmarks in its latest episode ( Comedy Central ) The episode also took more jabs directly at Trump, continuing with its theme of mocking his manhood as a line of businesspeople brought him gifts and compliments, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, who said: Mr. President, your ideas for the tech industry are so innovative, and you definitely do not have a small penis. Always keeping up with current affairs, South Park also made sure to acknowledge the recent changes to Washington, D.C., with the addition of a heavy military presence. When Towelie arrives to visit Trump, hes surrounded by soldiers. The animated version of Union Station was filled with men in tactical gear and holding rifles, troops were marching in unison at the Washington Monument and a tank was driving by the White House, spoofing Trumps decision to place D.C. police under direct federal control and resulting in the deployment of about 800 National Guard troops to the city. open image in gallery Donald Trump greets Apple CEO Tim Cook during 'South Park' season 27 episode 3 ( Comedy Central ) The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. The raunchy Comedy Central cartoon has hit viewership records in its 27th season as it continues to mock Trump and his close allies. However, the Trump administration has fired back at South Park for its unflattering depictions. This show hasnt been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Variety after the shows season premiere last month. For her part, Noem whose looks were scrutinized during episode two told The Glenn Beck Program podcast, It's so lazy to just constantly make fun of women for how they look. Only the liberals and the extremists do that. Vance took a light-hearted approach to the mockery, writing on X, Well, Ive finally made it. The next episode of South Park will air September 3 on Comedy Central and stream the next day on Paramount+. On 30 April 2024, an American comedy creator called Girl on Couch (or Megan Boni as the 28-year-old is known in real life) uploaded a video to TikTok. Speaking directly to the camera, she spoke the lyrics, Im looking for a man in finance, trust fund, 65, blue eyes, finance before moving into techno electronic beats. Cut to summer 2025, and Boni now has a record deal with three labels. The song has been seen in millions of videos and remixed by various famous artists, including French DJ David Guetta. Flash mobs of male dancers routinely perform to the beat on TikTok, wearing the trademark banker gilets, and hundreds of spin-off videos depict women wanting to be spoiled by finance bros. Boni didnt put bankers on the map: theyve been in the publics psyche for some time (at least since the Eighties). We all saw the movie Wall Street and The Big Short. Before the crash of 2008, bankers held a mythical place in our minds. Young men barely out of college could walk into the Salomon Brothers investment bank and earn millions within a year. New York and London became the worlds two banking hubs with thousands of international (mostly) men relocating and taking over entire neighbourhoods, including mine, Notting Hill. Once a staid profession, banking became seen as sexy, fast, and above all, lucrative. Virtually no profession to date offers the possibility of accruing so much wealth so quickly without the accompanying risk (startups mostly fail, whereas banks offer salaries and bonuses). When the next generation decided it cared more about lifestyle (smoothies and yoga) than greed, the tide shifted towards softer professional career routes, including tech. However, when the dotcom bubble burst in 2000 and the once cosy employers who offered sleep hubs and free lunches showed their true colours by firing swaths of workers by text, it all ended abruptly. Working didnt look like the safe career option it once was. Marriage, to a finance bro on the other hand Back to Gen Z star Boni. Her lyrics express an underlying truth that is rarely discussed in the open, which is that a certain percentage of modern women dont want to work, period. Or they want to work, but on their terms and timetable. Some want to raise a family, some just want to have an easy life with pilates classes, holidays and coffee mornings. To achieve this seemingly regressive goal of being looked after means finding the funding. Enter the finance bro... I know some of the (late twenties, early thirties) women shes talking about. A few are even lawyers who quit almost as soon as they started working. They dont want to be trad wives baking their own bread and churning out fresh butter (with four children underfoot) because that is another form of domestic slavery. What they want is to do whatever the hell they want. The next best thing to having a trust fund of your own is to find someone else with one. open image in gallery Kendall Roy in Succession proves that coming from money doesnt come without its problems ( HBO ) The TikTok song highlighted the shift back to the more traditional world of the Eighties. Banking is now seen as the most desirable and stable career choice among 18-25-year-olds, according to a report by the non-profit CFA Institute, which polled 10,000 current college students and recent graduates from 13 countries. In 2021, by contrast, finance was ranked fifth in popularity with tech and healthcare on top of the list. Though men and women enter the finance industry in roughly equal numbers, only 11 per cent of senior executives in banking are women. Finance does not just mean banking. In fact, a young private equity professional tells me that banking is where you go to cut your teeth before moving over to glossy venture capital firms and hedge funds, where the stakes are even higher (because they take more risks). One British graduate of a top American business school agrees that hes noticed that several of the women seemed to be shopping more than studying. They had their eye on the prize, he says. Weve seen a few weddings already. Business school, he says, has become a competitive hunting ground for finance and trust fund kids. Indeed, my very own roommate in New York went to Harvard Business School to find a husband. She succeeded. open image in gallery Megan Boni found global fame for her Looking for a man in finance video ( TikTok/ @girl_on_couch ) Wanting to marry a finance bro is the 2025 version of a get-rich-quick scheme. As the wife of a banker who also worked in hedge funds, I have some reality to offer. I have seen what happens decades in. The first is that the best match for a man in finance is a woman who is also good at finance because when the s*** hits the fan, the glamorous younger wives with impeccably decorated multiple homes often find themselves on the wrong side of the art of the deal. Divorce rates are especially high in this sector. One report by Business Insider in 2011 claims that 68.3 per cent of male bankers have been divorced at least once; 23.7 per cent twice. It also says that 92.5 per cent of divorced male bankers second wives were younger than their first wives. The bankers wives I know who quit any semblance of work to spend decades flexing on yoga mats in Ibiza had the said mat pulled right from underneath them. Finance is extremely complex today, so complex that even accountants find it hard to follow, meaning whatever he earned in the bank may either have been spent or invested or deferred or efficiently hidden in trusts. A friend of mine who gave up a flourishing career in fashion married a charismatic banker who was running his life entirely on debt. She had absolutely no idea he was spending three times what he earned because the bank he worked for also happened to be his lender. When they divorced, she found herself homeless and unable to keep the children in private school. Today, there is a prenup of course (trust fund babies are always lawyered up) and the harsh reality. Nobody earns large sums of money easily. Banking requires the sort of stamina few mortals have. The hours are unsociable and long, especially with todays 24-hour digital workday. Financiers travel constantly. My husband never managed an entire holiday without having to fly off somewhere (twice to Australia for the day). The glamorous depiction we see of Mayfair hedge funders wearing Anderson and Sheppard handmade suits, driving their Porsches to the Cotswolds for weekends, is an advert. These men dont do weekends. They work. The glamorous wives find themselves at home alone. After years of raising their children on their own, the resentment starts. I remember a Goldman Sachs wife telling me, I didnt sign up for this when her marriage ended, meaning she never planned on raising their four children alone. Many put up with the loneliness because of the perks (houses and holidays), but then comes the reality of finance, which is that people get sacked all the time. Culls happen when the markets change. Finance marriages are a deal that is predicated on big bonuses coming in every December and favourable conditions. When they dont, the hollowness that underlies the relationship rapidly manifests. open image in gallery The Wolf of Wall Street shows the dark side of finance bros ( Paramount Pictures ) And if these women do intend to pursue a passion of their own, trying to hang on to a career is tough when married to someone in finance. Two stressed-out professionals fighting over a few free hours on the weekends is not ideal when there are small children. Bankers employers have little sympathy for domestic crises. Their view is, We pay you enough to sort out your home life. (My husband tells me one banker was written off when he was spotted carrying Sainsburys bags into the office.) I would say 90 per cent of the bankers wives I know gave up their jobs. The irony is that in at least two cases, the divorce that followed resulted partly because the husband found his long-time stay-at-home wife boring. And the more the banker or hedge funder earns, of course, the more other beautiful and younger women with a similar ambition to do nothing present their credentials. Then theres the self-respect issue. Working means being part of the real world. Sitting at home waiting for the finance bro to turn up for dinner (which he never does) is hardly a fantasy. The song was, of course, intended to be satire. My advice? Listen to it carefully. 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 Looking to renew your space? Rattan makes a timeless, natural choice when youre creating a capsule collection of furnishings, or foundation for a neutral aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from colonial times, the Victorian-era and exotic locations, rattan elevates the everyday with its artistry, versatility, sustainability and relaxed feel. Check out these decorative pieces for a laid-back layout 1. Market Baskets, Mini, from 12 (was 20), to Medium (17.40), was 29; rest of items from a selection, Bohemia Design A favourite find for sorting and storing, these hand-woven Moroccan baskets made from natural palm leaf will help clear the clutter. 2. Emmeline Olive Green Velvet Armchair, 429 (was 579), Atkin & Thyme With its curved silhouette, cane weave and plush velvet seat, this accent chair makes an elegant statement and lends texture to a room. 3. Frances Woven Rattan 3-Door Sideboard, Natural, 209.99, Daals A showpiece for sure, this swish sideboard with a vintage vibe features attractive cane cabinet doors with internal shelves for storage and smooth, surface for displaying collectibles and curios. 4. M&S Collection Wicker Scallop Shade Table Lamp, 69; rest of items from a selection, Marks & Spencer Instead of a classic, ceramic lamp base, this wicker model with attractive scalloped edge shade will cast a warm glow and makes a key feature. 5. Lena Rattan Book Shelf, 129.99, Von Haus Keeping it natural with wooden shelving, this industrial-style black metal frame sets off the pale timber and rattan-fronted cupboard, complementing the neutral palette. 6. Bali Natural Rattan Triple Plant Stand, 125, Oliver Bonas When youre short on space and vertical planting best aligns your indoor oasis, this bamboo stand with three baskets loves leafy trailing plants alongside peace lilies and succulents. 7. Rattan Stepped Basket, 65, Cox & Cox How many times do you get to the top of the stairs and realise youve forgotten something? Or if you are after a clever storage solution for cosy throws you sometimes take to bed step in this stylish rustic basket. 8. OHS Rattan Detachable Round Top Tray Table Natural/Black, 19 (was 25), Online Home Shop With a detachable woven tray and black frame, this table taps into rustic charm and can be styled either side of a sofa perfectly placed with wood effect flooring and ivory furnishings. 9. Indoor Outdoor Rattan Mirror, 195, Cox & Cox A faux wicker frame in a circular shape brings character and texture to a garden wall, bare hallway or living room wall; especially one as lovely as this, with soft tones and decorative loops. 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 Five years ago, smash was something you did to avocados. Now its the burger worlds battle cry. In London, you can barely walk three streets without catching the scent of beef meeting hot steel crisp, craggy-edged patties stacked in brioche buns, dripping cheese like theyre auditioning for TikTok. Supernova has queues snaking through Soho. Junks messy, melty creations are going toe-to-toe with the capitals OG burger joints. Shoreditchs Dumbo the Parisian cult hit that landed in June is turning out the kind of burgers that make people cancel dinner plans. Even SMSH BN is here, hammering home the point: the smash burger isnt a fad, its a takeover. And yet, this new obsession is anything but. MEATliquor has been smashing since 2011, and the method itself dates back to the Great Depression in America, when cooks flattened patties to eke more flavour out of less meat. It stuck, became a diner staple, and somewhere along the way, someone realised its also pure theatre a hiss, a sizzle and the instant transformation of humble beef into something irresistible. With National Burger Day landing on 22 August, theres never been a better excuse to skip the queues and make your own. Abbie Hendren rising-star head chef at Sams Waterside in Brentford and Sams Kitchen in Hammersmith and Chiswick has been serving smash burgers every Thursday, Friday and Saturday to West London devotees. Here, she shares her no-nonsense tips and a foolproof recipe for recreating that perfect smash at home. Top tips for the best smash burger Use high-fat beef preferably an 80/20 fat ratio for the burger patties. Fat is essential for flavour, juiciness and getting that crispy edge. Using aged meat will add an extra boost of beefy flavour. Dont overwork the meat keep the patties loose. You want to roll the beef gently into a ball (not compress it) before smashing. Preheat your pan properly use a heavy pan or flat top and make sure its smoking hot before you start. Thats how you get the crust. Smash hard, but just once smash the patty flat as soon as it hits the pan, using baking paper and a spatula. After that, leave it alone! Dont press it again or youll lose the juices. Keep it simple season with just salt, melt a couple of slices of American cheese on top and pair with a toasted bun, pickles and a house sauce. How to make a smash burger at home open image in gallery ( Supplied ) Ingredients: For the patties: 250g ground beef (ideally 20% fat and chuck or brisket blend. We like to use our special blend from HG Walters, our friendly neighbourhood suppliers, but your neighbourhood butcher will be able to help you) Salt and freshly cracked black pepper Neutral oil or beef dripping for cooking For burger sauce: 500g mayonnaise 180g ketchup 100g French mustard 1 finely diced onion Salt and pepper to taste For assembly: 2 burger buns (brioche or potato buns work well) 4 slices American cheese (or cheddar if you prefer) Sliced pickles Shredded iceberg lettuce (optional) Sliced onion (optional) Burger sauce Method: 1. Divide the beef into four equal portions (around 60-65g each) and gently roll into balls. Dont overwork them you want them just held together. 2. Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until its smoking hot. Lightly oil the surface. 3. Place the meatballs in the pan and immediately smash down with a heavy spatula or burger press until very thin (about 1cm thick). Use baking paper between the press and the meat if needed. Press hard for max crust. 4. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until crispy, brown edges form. 5. Flip the patties once they should release easily if properly seared. Place cheese slices on top and cook for another 60-90 seconds until melted. 6. While the patties finish, toast your buns in the pan (cut side down) until golden. 7. Spread burger sauce on the buns, layer two cheesy patties per burger, and top with pickles, lettuce and onion if using. Crown with the top bun. 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 The Golden Bachelors Gerry Turner allegedly dated another contestant following the breakdown of his brief marriage to co-star Theresa Nist. The 74-year-old retired restaurateur from Indiana fronted the inaugural season of ABCs dating show spinoff, which aired in 2023. During the show, he dated 22 senior women before ultimately choosing to marry Nist. The pair tied the knot in a televised ceremony in January 2024 before announcing their divorce three months later. In a new episode of the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, Nist, 72, was speaking with Golden Bachelor alums Susan Noles and Kathy Swarts, who brought up that Turner had apparently dated fellow contestant Christina after his split with Nist. Theresa, I think you know, Gerry dated Christina from our show for a while after Swarts asked as Nist replied that now she knew. A while ago... Im actually the one who suggested he go out with Christina, Nist insisted, with Swarts adding: Were all on the same page. They went out for, like, six months. open image in gallery Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist of The Golden Bachelor divorced in April 2024 after three months of marriage ( The Walt Disney Company ) Nist appeared surprised by the supposed length of time of their relationship, saying: I didnt know that! Oh yeah! Swarts responded, claiming that Turner had let Christina read a part of his forthcoming memoir, Golden Years: What I've Learned from Love, Loss, and Reality TV, out November 4. And I said, he better have said nice things about all of us, Swarts quipped. open image in gallery Christina was one of 22 contestants on the inaugural season of 'The Golden Bachelor' ( ABC ) Christina, who is a retired purchasing manager from Sierra Madre, California, was 73 when she appeared on season one of The Golden Bachelor. She was eliminated in the third week. The Independent has contacted Turners representative for comment. Since his divorce from Nist, Turner announced he was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. As Theresa and I were trying very hard to find our lifestyle and where we were going to live and how we were going to make our life work, I was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer, he told People in December 2024. He said he found out about his condition after suffering a shoulder injury while playing pickleball three years ago. He said he went to an orthopedic surgeon, who then referred him to an oncologist, and is now working with a hematology-oncology group. Unfortunately, theres no cure for it. So that weighs heavily in every decision I make, Turner said. This April, a year after his divorce from Nist, Turner revealed he is now dating a retired teacher named Lana. He told TMZ that he connected with Lana on Facebook since they had many mutual friends. He had previously hinted at his new relationship on an earlier Bachelor Happy Hour podcast episode. I dont wanna say too much and jinx it, he explained without sharing his partners name at the time. And Im trying to respectfully get to a point where theres an acceptable amount of time from my divorce. Maybe thats old-fashioned, though, you know, maybe it doesnt matter as much as I think it does. But to be respectful, I kind of want to slow roll this. This file photo taken in April 1942 shows Guan Dongxiang (C), who was nine-year old at that time, standing behind an American pilot in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua) NANCHANG, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A special exhibition shedding light on Shangrao's extraordinary yet largely untold role in one of the most remarkable rescue operations of World War II -- the Doolittle Raid rescue -- is currently open to visitors at the Shangrao Museum in east China's Jiangxi Province. Professor Luo Shiping, who has long been researching Jiangxi's rescue efforts related to the Doolittle Raid, narrated the stories behind the faded photographs on display to a recent group of visitors. "The American airmen who risked their lives bombing Japan were heroes, and so were the Chinese people who rescued them," he told the group. This special exhibition, which is the first of its kind to be held in east China's Jiangxi Province, allows visitors to gain an understanding of the city's role in the Doolittle Raid rescue. On April 18, 1942, a group of 16 U.S. bombers took off from the USS Hornet aircraft carrier and air-raided Japanese cities in retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor. As the group of planes turned south after the raid, they ran low on fuel and crashed in various locations across eastern China. Local residents risked their lives to rescue the parachuting airmen, and helped them evacuate to safety. The idea for the exhibition began to take shape in 2018, when Luo came across a timeworn business card that had been preserved for 76 years. At a commemorative event that year, Thomas Macia, who is the son of the Doolittle Raid's Crew No.14 navigator James H. Macia, showed Luo a yellowed card he had been left by his father. It bore the words "Wangjia Lane, Shangrao." The card captured Luo's attention instantly. "This card belonged to Chen Baocong," Luo said. "Preserved for over half a century, it had traveled all the way from Arlington, Virginia, back to Shangrao. I knew this card might be the key to unlocking a forgotten chapter of history." Over the past six years, Luo has exchanged over 560 emails with descendants of the Doolittle Raiders. Through this trans-Pacific dialogue, he gradually pieced together the full story of the rescue that took place in Shangrao. Luo helped Macia track down Chen Kangqian, the daughter of Chen Baocong. "I'm proud of my father and I'm also happy about the friendship between the Chinese and American people," she said. This March, Macia received another email from Shangrao -- this time containing a long-awaited surprise. Researchers had pinpointed the exact location where his father's plane had gone down in wartime China. "Many of the landing sites were in Japanese-occupied regions. Some crew members from other aircraft were seriously injured or captured. All five members of Crew No.14 were fortunate to land near Shangrao, where they encountered kind-hearted people," Macia said. He can still clearly remember a moment from his high school years in 1960, when his father had pointed to a remote corner of a world map and told him that the Chinese people there had saved his life. Among his father's cherished photographs, Macia found another intriguing image: a young girl with short hair standing behind an American man in a flight jacket, her eyes wide and her mouth open in surprise. The man was Jack A. Sims, co-pilot of the Doolittle Raid's Crew No.14. The shy girl in the photo was Guan Dongxiang, the youngest daughter of local resident Guan Wenqing. "I was only 9 when I first saw the American airman," Guan, now 92, told Xinhua. Her father and other locals had discovered Sims wrapped in his parachute on a hillside and brought him safely back to their home. "My father gave the airman two baked sweet potatoes, and we made tea for him," Guan continued. "After eating, he took out what looked like bean-shaped candies and shared them with us." She still remembers the taste of the American sweets. Today, the Doolittle Raiders and their descendants have formed organizations that hold annual commemorations to honor and thank the Chinese people who took part in the rescue. "The Doolittle Raid involved 16 aircraft. Fifteen went down over Chinese provinces, mostly in Zhejiang and Jiangxi. Sixty-four airmen were saved by Chinese soldiers and civilians, and 18 of those received help right here in Shangrao," Luo elaborated to the group of visitors. "The people of Shangrao spared no effort and made enormous sacrifices to ensure these men reached safe areas." The rescue came at a tragic cost. In retaliation for the raid, Japanese forces launched a brutal campaign against Zhejiang and Jiangxi, deploying biological weapons on a large scale. Approximately 250,000 Chinese civilians lost their lives as a result. Earlier this year, in another tribute to this shared history, a China-U.S. people-to-people exchange event was held on April 17 and 18 in Zhejiang's Quzhou to mark the 83rd anniversary of the Doolittle Raid. Representatives of Children of the Doolittle Raiders, the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and the USS Hornet Museum joined Chinese experts. The event also saw the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation launch a partnership with Zhejiang Quzhou High School under the Flying Tigers Friendship School program, deepening understanding and friendship among the youth of the two countries. The Flying Tigers -- or the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force -- were led by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault and assisted China in resisting Japanese aggression during WWII. As this year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the timing of the Shangrao exhibition carries special significance. Thanks to Luo's efforts, more and more people are gradually learning about this once-buried history. The exhibition is now set to become a permanent feature at the Shangrao Museum. "The bond between the Chinese and American people, forged through the Doolittle Raid, transcends borders and time -- even life and death," Luo noted. "It represents the very best of humanity: ordinary people willing to risk everything for strangers, simply because it is the right thing to do. That is our most precious legacy." This photo taken on Jan. 11, 2025 shows a handwritten thank-you letter from Thomas Macia, curated at Qiancun Village, Wucun Town of Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua/Chen Yushan) Guan Dongxiang (C) walks with her family at a neighborhood of Guangfeng District, Shangrao City of east China's Jiangxi Province on April 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Pu) Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A significant breakthrough in advanced bladder cancer treatment has been approved for use on the NHS, offering renewed hope to patients and potentially doubling survival times. The innovative combination therapy, comprising enfortumab vedotin (Padcev) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda), demonstrated superior survival rates in clinical trials when compared with traditional platinum-based chemotherapy. It is estimated that 1,250 people a year could benefit from the treatment. While this new treatment offers a vital lifeline, experts are simultaneously stressing the critical importance of recognising the early warning signs of the disease. Prompt action in bladder cancer cases can be the decisive factor between a manageable condition and a life-threatening diagnosis. With this in mind, medical professionals are providing essential guidance on understanding bladder cancer, identifying those most at risk, and pinpointing the crucial red flags to look out for... open image in gallery (Alamy/PA) Cancer of the bladder involves abnormal growths that can cause symptoms both within the bladder and beyond if it spreads around the body, explains Mr James Douglas, consultant urologist at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital. It is the seventh most common cancer in men, and the 11th commonest cancer overall in the UK for men and women.Mutations to the DNA of bladder cells cause the cancer and these are usually associated with old age and environmental factors such as smoking. Dr Rachel Orritt, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, adds: Smoking is the biggest cause of bladder cancer. That doesnt mean that everyone who has ever smoked will develop bladder cancer, but tobacco does increase the risk of the disease, and of at least 15 other types of cancer. Who is most at risk? Like most cancer types, bladder cancer can affect anyone, but its also more common in older age groups, and people with a first-degree relative (a parent, sibling or child) who has had bladder cancer, says Orritt. You can talk to your doctor to understand your risk if youre concerned, and for advice. Bladder cancer is also more common in men. Men are diagnosed more frequently that women with a ratio of 3:1, highlights Douglas. However, women often present with more advanced disease and as such earlier diagnosis is a priority.What symptoms should you never ignore? Here are five bladder red flags you should never ignore 1. Blood in your urine According to Cancer Research UKs website, 80 out of 100 people with bladder cancer (80%) have some blood in their urine. This is the most common symptom of bladder cancer and may happen suddenly or may come and go, says Rachel Rawson, lead clinical nurse specialist at Perci Health. Your pee may look pink, red or brown and you may see blood clots. If you do see any blood in your pee its important to see your GP as soon as possible. 2. Needing to pee frequently open image in gallery (Alamy/PA) Frequent urination, especially when it disrupts sleep, can be one of the more overlooked bladder cancer symptoms, notes Rawson. While there are many causes of frequency, including infection, diabetes, and even high fluid intake, its important not to dismiss this symptom, particularly if its persistent or worsening or is present at night. 3. Pain or burning during urination Occasionally a symptom of bladder cancer can be less easy to spot such as pain or a burning feeling, says Rawson. When the urine is tested by the doctor there may be non-visible traces of blood. These symptoms can also be caused by stones that develop in the kidneys or infection but its always important to get them checked by your GP. 4. Urgency to pee/pass urine Feeling a strong, sudden need to pee even when the bladder isnt full can be a warning sign of bladder cancer, especially if there is no infection present, says Rawson. This symptom can affect both men and women. Sometimes, the urgent need to pee is accompanied by the inability to empty your bladder. open image in gallery (Alamy/PA) Again, the need but inability to urinate is likely to be caused by something other than bladder cancer, but it is still very important to get checked out by your doctor, says Rawson. 5. Pelvic or lower back pain Some people might experience pain in the lower back or stomach, however this is an uncommon symptom, says Rawson. 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 Kirsten Dunst has highlighted the correct pronunciation of her name, which she said everyone gets wrong. The 43-year-old Spider-Man and Melancholia actors name has led to confusion among film fans over the years, leading to constant mispronunciations of her name. Dunst said has incorrectly been called Criss-ten andKer-stin, and told Town and Country that the proper way to say her first name is Keer-sten. I mean, everyone messes up my name, so I give up, she said. I don't care. I don't blame people. Like in England, they don't really say my name right. The last set, everyone was saying my name wrong. There was Swedish people and people from Hungary. You just give up. But again, who cares? It's fine. Dunst has starred in films including The Virgin Suicides (2000) and Bring It On (2000), with more recent projects including The Power of the Dog (2021) and Civil War (2024). The actor announced that she has a few projects underway, including a mermaid fantasy with Anora Oscar winner Mikey Madison and another from director Sofia Coppola, whom she has worked with in films Marie Antoinette (2006) and The Beguiled (2017). Actor has clarified the correct way to say her name ( Getty Images ) She also said that she wants to make a movie where I dont lose money Throughout her career, Dunst was told to change her appearance, revealing that a producer on the set of Sam Raimis 2002 film Spider-Man took her to a dentist without her permission in a bid to have her teeth straightened. I was like, no, I like my teeth, she recalled. After wearing a black Rodarte dress and dark lipstick at the films London premiere, the actor was told that Sony the studio that produced Raimis Spider-Man trilogy was unhappy with her rebellious look. The studio was like, She looks very goth, Dunst said. And they didnt like that, probably because they wanted me to look like a sexy young woman who would appeal to a broader range of whoever gets seats in the theatre. Dunst will next be seen in the film Roofman, which is to be released in the UK on 3 October. 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. 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 Sydney Sweeney has responded to the criticism she received for making a soap with her bathwater, which went viral and sold out immediately. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on Wednesday, the Anyone But You actor addressed her side hustles away from Hollywood, which range from selling Miu Miu bags to the limited edition soap. Sweeney told the outlet she didnt expect the negative reaction she received when the soap was first announced. I think its important to have a finger on the pulse of what people are saying, because everything is a conversation with the audience, she said. It was mainly the girls making comments about it, which I thought was really interesting, Sweeney continued. They all loved the idea of Jacob Elordis bathwater. At the time of its launch, Sweeney said that the Dr. Squatch soap was a response to fan demand. When your fans start asking for your bathwater, you can either ignore it, or turn it into a bar of Dr. Squatch soap, Sweeney said of her Bathwater Bliss soap. Only 5,000 bars of the $8 ap were made and sold in June, and were quickly put up for sale on eBay for between $100 and $2,000. It was mainly the girls making comments about it, which I thought was really interesting, Sweeney said about her viral bathwater soap ( Getty Images ) According to the Journal, the soap currently fetches around $1,500 on the resale market. Earlier this month, Sweeney became embroiled in another controversy, this time over her participation in an ad campaign for American Eagle. For the campaign, which includes the limited launch of the wide-legged The Sydney Jean, the actor featured in multiple photos and videos, including one where she cleans off a poster of herself wearing a denim jacket and jeans and bearing a punny tagline about denim. While the phrase initially said, Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes, the last word was then crossed out and replaced with Jeans. The same tagline appears in nearly every ad for the campaign. Online critics pointed out that phrases such as good genes and great genes have historically been used in the language of eugenicists, who believe the human race can be improved genetically by selective breeding. Following the release of the ad, American Eagle released a statement on Instagram to address the backlash. Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans is and always was about the jeans, the retailer wrote. Her jeans. Her story. However, when asked about the controversy by the Journal, Sweeney declined to comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A stabbing at an Arizona high school left one student dead and another charged with second-degree murder. Chris Aguilar, 16, is accused of fatally stabbing Michael Montoya II, 16, inside their classroom at Maryvale High School in Phoenix earlier this week, The Arizona Republic reported. Phoenix police and school security responded on Tuesday to reports of a stabbing at the school just before 11 a.m. and found a boy, later identified by police as Montoya, with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to St. Josephs Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at noon, according to court documents obtained by the newspaper. Authorities detained Aguilar at the school before he was taken to Maryvale Hospital to treat a cut on his right hand. A school resource officer found a 4-inch folding knife that had Aguilars name etched into the handle. Arizona high schooler Chris Aguilar has been charged with second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of his classmate, 16-year-old Michael Montoya II. ( Google ) Several teens told police that Montoya had robbed Aguilar of a gun and that Aguilar and his twin brother were talking about killing Montoya after the alleged robbery, according to the report. Two teachers who witnessed the stabbing told authorities that Aguilar was the aggressor. They also said Montoya was unable to defend himself, according to the court documents. Both teachers and students witnessed the fatal attack, according to the report. One of their classmates told police that Aguilar usually sat behind her in class, but instead he sat next to Montoya and started punching him. The witness said she saw Aguilar take out his knife and stab Montoya three times, according to the court documents. Another witness told police that Montoya tried to run away but fell as Aguilar attacked him. Aguilar immediately ran out of the classroom after the stabbing. The teenage suspect dropped the knife outside the classroom, according to witnesses. That same person told police they used Montoyas cellphone to call 911, according to the documents. Students at Maryvale High School were sent home early after the stabbing, and classes were canceled on Wednesday. The districts investigation is ongoing and we continue to cooperate fully with the police investigation, a piece of which includes how the weapon got onto the Maryvale campus, district officials told local media including AZFamily. We do not have any further comment at this time. After Aguilar was released from the hospital, he was booked into a Maricopa County jail on a second-degree murder charge. He is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond. Under Arizona law, juveniles between the ages of 15 and 17 are tried as adults if they are charged with murder or a violent felony. Aguilar is scheduled to appear next in court on August 26. 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 Northern California man charged with the murder of his wife did so to prevent her from testifying against him in a domestic violence case, say prosecutors. Tyler McCain was arrested and charged on Wednesday with one count of murder with a special circumstance of intent to prevent testimony, according to the Shasta County District Attorneys Office. Investigators believe McCain killed his wife, Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain, 39, to prevent her from testifying in a domestic violence case involving the couple in 2023. Those initial charges will also be refiled, officials have said. The woman was last seen at her home in the community of Anderson, around 150 miles north of Sacramento, on May 18, 2024, where she lived with her husband, say police. open image in gallery Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain, 39, was last seen on May 18 2024 ( Facebook ) On May 25, 2024, her missing Chevy Avalanche was found by a citizen off Highway 26, with evidence of decomposition and blood inside. Detectives and crime scene investigators processed the vehicle and found physical evidence which indicated foul play, Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson said. Based on the evidence gathered, information learned from interviews, and the fact that no one in Nikkis family has seen or heard from Nikki since her disappearance, the detectives determined that Nikki is a victim of homicide, he said. Despite a thorough police search for her remains, her body has never been found. Sheriff Johnson said at least one detective from their department has been working on the case every day since her disappearance. Her death was ruled a no-body homicide by police. open image in gallery Tyler McCain is facing murder charges for the death of his wife, Nikki McCain ( Shasta County Sheriff's Office ) Detectives alleged that McCain was responsible for his wifes death after discovering overwhelming evidence. Officials said a history of domestic violence between the couple dated back to 2020. The district attorneys office said that a confidential informant provided key information in the case, including evidence of a confession by the suspect. The victims sister, Kaye Ford, thanked law enforcement and the community for their commitment to the case, adding that they want a conviction. While this arrest is an important step, our fight is not over. We are still fighting for justice to be fully served, for my sisters memory to be honored, and for the healing of our family and community. Nothing can erase the pain of losing her, but knowing that the person responsible is being held accountable allows us to move forward with hope, Ford said. Tyler McCain was booked into the Shasta County Jail without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday. A reward of up to $30,000 remains for information leading to the location of Nikki McCain. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Crimes Unit at MCU@shastacounty.gov or 530-245-6135. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A New Hampshire mother has been accused of shooting dead her terminally ill husband and two of their children before turning the gun on herself, authorities say. New Hampshire State Police were called just after 8:20 p.m. Monday to a home on Moharimet Drive in Madbury, where they found the bodies of Emily and Ryan Long, 34 and 48, and their two eldest children, Parker, 8, and Ryan, 6. Emily Long allegedly took a handgun from the home. She opened fire at her husband, who was reportedly battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, and two of her three children, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella. She then took her own life immediately thereafter, he added. All four sustained gunshot wounds, and each was pronounced dead in the home, authorities said. Police found the couples youngest child, aged three, unharmed inside. Autopsies revealed that both children died from a single gunshot to the head, while Ryan Long succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, Formella said. Long also sustained a single gunshot wound to the head, he added. open image in gallery The family was found dead in their home on Moharimet Drive in the small town of Madbury on Monday ( CBS News ) Days before the suspected murder-suicide, Long discussed feeling lonely and anxious as she weighed going to a therapist on her TikTok account, which has been made private. She garnered more than 170,0000 followers keeping a digital diary on the platform of her life as a self-styled Brain Cancer Wife, speaking candidly about her husbands treatment for glioblastoma, including his seizures and struggle to find the proper regimen of medications. I feel very, very lonely. I feel so anxious, she said in one clip, according to the Daily Mail. I know that I need to see a therapist, I know that I need to ask for help. In the same video, the mom-of-three said she could feel herself withering away. open image in gallery Emily Long shared a string of videos detailing her anxiety about the prospect of losing her husband and being a single mother of three ( @emilylong41/TikTok ) As her husbands condition worsened, Long appeared to become overwhelmed at the possibility of one day becoming a single parent. Where I'm doing all three bedtimes alone, and then I shut the door to the final kid and I'm totally by myself and I have no one to talk about my day with, she said. In another clip posted by The Sun, Long said she was trying to get myself out of the rut. Our kids are definitely struggling, and now Im starting to notice some changes in our 3-year-old, she added. The Longs neighbor, Bevy Ketel, shared her shock at the familys passing. It was a perfect family as far as we knew, she told CBS Boston. According to his LinkedIn profile, Ryan Long worked as a school psychologist in the Oyster River Cooperative School District. Long was an operations director for Wing-Itz, a restaurant group in New Hampshire, though her profile showed an open to work status. Ketel described Ryan Long as a pillar of Madbury, as the small community an hour and a half north of Boston mourned his loss. He certainly touched a lot of lives. He was part of the fabric of the community and his family goes along with it, she said. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. 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 California judge on Tuesday resentenced the Menendez brothers, giving them a shot at freedom after the siblings served three decades in prison for the 1989 shotgun murder of their parents. The sentences of Erik, 54, and Lyle, 57, were reduced from life without parole to 50 years to life, which will make them eligible for parole under Californias youthful offender law because they committed the crime under the age of 26. The state parole board must still decide whether to release them from prison. The panel includes California Governor Gavin Newsom. The brothers had already been scheduled to appear before the parole board as part of clemency hearing June 13 scheduled earlier by Newsom. The ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic was issued after an emotional day-long hearing as the brothers loved ones pleaded with the court, claiming the two were different men than who they were at the time of the killings, and that they had been universally forgiven by the family. Jesic said he did not believe the brothers posed an unreasonable risk to the public if released. Im not saying they should be released; its not for me to decide, he said, the Associated Press reported. I do believe theyve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance. The brothers, who appeared via video from prison, gave statements to the court following the ruling, NBC News reported. open image in gallery Lyle, left, and Erik Galen Menendez sit in a Beverly Hills courtroom, May 14, 1990 ( AP1990 ) I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification, Lyle said. The impact of my violent actions on my family ... is unfathomable. He added: "I committed an atrocious act against two people who had the right to live, my mom and dad," he said. "Today, 35 years later, I am deeply ashamed of who I was." He told the court that if released, he plans to work with the incarcerated community. Erik Menendez said he he took full responsibility for the killings and expressed his profound sorrow at his actions. I fired all five rounds at my parents and went back to reload, he said. I lied to police. I lied to my family. I'm truly sorry. The brothers were all tears and smiles following the ruling, their attorneys said. Erik and Lyle have spent 30 years behind bars after they were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez. The brothers were 18 and 21 at the time of the killings. Defense attorneys argued the brothers acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, but prosecutors argued that they killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance. At the hearing on Tuesday, Ana Maria Baralt, a cousin of Erik and Lyle, testified that the brothers have repeatedly expressed remorse for their actions. open image in gallery Ana Maria Baralt, a cousin of Erik and Lyle, testified that the brothers have repeatedly expressed remorse for their actions ( AP ) We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough, Baralt said. They are universally forgiven by our family. They are very different men, she explained through tears, adding that their transformation is remarkable. The case has captured the publics attention for decades and the Netflix drama Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and documentary The Menendez Brothers recently brought new attention to the case. Last year, former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon opened the door to possible freedom for the brothers by asking a judge to reduce their sentences. But the newly elected district attorney Nathan Hochman had opposed the brothers resentencing, saying he did not believe they had taken responsibility for the murders. 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 luxury Manhattan real estate agent has been accused of biting a 7-year-old girl at a family-friendly concert in a tussle over a free t-shirt in the Hamptons. Gail Bomze, a 75-year-old grandmother from New York City, was arrested at Main Beach in East Hampton Village just after 1.25 p.m. on Tuesday and charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child, according to an arrest report. The girls parents said she was trying to receive a t-shirt that was thrown from a balcony during the Tuesdays at Main Beach concert series, when Bomze bit the child, according to the East Hampton Village Police Department. The award-winning real estate agent, who has sold some of New York Citys most exclusive homes and featured in an episode of Bravos Million Dollar Listing, was accused by an event employee of kicking and punching kids during the t-shirt toss, cops said. According to the police report, one young girl said Bomze grabbed her right arm and bit it, leaving the child with a swollen, bloodied limb. Investigators said they searched the venue after the childs parents called 911. Bomze was booked on misdemeanor charges on Tuesday, given an appearance ticket, and was released. The suspects lawyer, Christopher McGuire, told Page Six that the suspect categorically denies these allegations. The attorney contested that his client was knocked to the ground by a group of teenagers while crowds battled for the freebie, leaving her sore and injured. After reporting her concerns to the East Hampton Village Foundation, the Tuesdays at Main Beach organizers, McGuire said that they apologized and pledged to implement changes to improve the concerts safety. Bomze has met with police to raise her own concerns and asked that the incident be investigated, her lawyer said. Bradford Billet, chief executive of the East Hampton Village Foundation, told the outlet that it was the first reported incident at the beloved, safe, and family-friendly concert for more than five seasons. We strongly condemn this alleged, isolated incident, Billet added. After leaving a career in HR to become a licensed real estate salesperson in 2003, Bomze quickly rose through Manhattans ranks. She has brokered standout deals such as a $21.8 million Park Avenue townhouse and the $4.1 million sale of talk show host Geraldo Riveras 89th Street apartment. Bomze has long been a prominent presence on the Upper East Side. Shes donated to society staple Central Park Conservancy and appeared in the New York Social Diary at a soiree honoring artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel in 2024. The Independent has contacted the East Hampton Village Police Department for more information. JAKARTA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia, through its state-owned energy company PT Pertamina, is eyeing business opportunities in the development of the ASEAN Power Grid, a flagship regional energy cooperation initiative of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The initiative enables countries in the region to trade electricity, supporting both energy security and the integration of renewable energy. "The opportunity for cross-border electricity trade is very large, especially with Asia's growing energy demand. We can imagine scenarios such as selling electricity from Laos to Thailand, and from Thailand to Malaysia, that is the ASEAN Power Grid," said John Anis, CEO of Pertamina New and Renewable Energy, during an energy talk show in Jakarta on Thursday. He emphasized that Indonesia would always have potential markets, given its abundant energy resources and the region's growing demand. "Electricity will never be excessive, because in the end it will be absorbed by the market. With the increasing demand for regional electricity, we are optimistic that no matter what capacity is developed in Indonesia, it will find a market," Anis said. ISLAMABAD, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A soldier was killed and five others were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said on Wednesday. According to security officials, the incident happened after a military vehicle was hit by the IED in the Inayat Kala Bypass area of Bajaur District of the province. Police, security forces and rescue teams rushed to the site immediately after the blast and shifted the injured to a military hospital in the area. Police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation in the surroundings to arrest the culprits. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. Situated along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, has recently witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, with terrorists targeting security forces and civilians. Wallaby-turned-pub-baron Bill Young has splashed out on the Gem Hotel in the NSW Riverina region in what has been billed as the biggest regional hotel deal so far this year. He paid about $50 million for the Griffith-based property to the former owner, private hotelier Jim Knox. The Gem Hotel at 201 Banna Ave, Griffith, NSW. Credit: HTL Property It is the former Australian rugby union players first foray into the regional hotel market, adding to his extensive beef cattle production business and his portfolio of flagship Sydney hotels, which includes the popular Bar Broadway in Chippendale. Occupying a 2547-square-metre site in the heart of Griffith at 201 Banna Avenue, the Gem Hotel is widely regarded as the towns most profitable and highest-performing hospitality asset, generating annual revenue of more than $13 million. Advertisement The Weekly Special Eating outWhats on Distillers festival comes to Freo, and some of the worlds best bartenders take over Perth Max Veenhuyzen August 21, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share For those yet to get to Northbridges Charim Perths first and only restaurant inspired by the Korean taxi driver restaurants known as gisa sikdang I suggest you get your skates on. Hyun Cha, Charims chef-owner and a former military officer, cites homesickness as the reason for putting his restaurant up for sale in anticipation for returning to Sydney where wife Gee Gwa Im and the rest of his family reside. Hyun Cha at one of Perths most exciting new openings, Charim, located on William Street in Northbridge. Matt ODonohue While market conditions will dictate when Cha gets to go home, its up to eaters to plan a visit to the William Street Shopping where laser-sharp renditions of Korean favourites including bulgogi, the beef stew miyeokguk and banchan side dishes await. Miller & Bakers new off-shoot opens this week Advertisement Since opening in 2019, Miller & Baker has ingrained itself to inner-city Northbridge thanks to its airy digs, cheery staff and outstanding baked goods made using flour milled in-house. This weekend, Miller & Baker owners Rachel and Mark Taylor bring their community-minded bakery to North Perth via the opening of a Miller & Baker outpost on Hobart Street. Moving into the space next to the suburbs long-standing Hobart Deli, the new offshoot will function as more of a takeaway rather than dine-in destination and carry bread, pastries, flour, batch coffee and food staples. Lucky you, North Perth. Related Article Margaret River pop-up that served Andy Hearnden one of most interesting meals of his life tours Australia Getting to the bottom of flour power In not unrelated news: one of the key reasons behind Miller & Bakers success is the nutritious, delicious stone-ground flour that it mills on the premises using wheat sourced direct from Natural Intelligence Farming, a network of regenerative farmers based in the Wheatbelt but working with farmers across the state. In conjunction with Septembers RegenWA conference a deep-dive into green farming practices Natural Intelligence Farming founders Di and Ian Haggerty are hosting a tour of their farm in Mollerin to see first-hand the benefits of their softly-softly, chemical-free approach to farming. (The Haggertys bought the property in 1993 and farmed it using conventional methods before gradually embracing regenerative growing principles.) The tour takes place on Tuesday September 16 and is an all-day trip departing Perth at 6am. Tickets are $50 and include transport and lunch. Boutique distillers are taking over Freo Markets this weekend for a free distillers festival. Ridhwaan Moola Advertisement (Dis)still life artists In addition to being immortalised as bread, grain also plays a vital role in the world of distilling. This weekend (August 22-24) sees the Fremantle Market host a Distillers Festival bringing together some key distillers from around the state. This free festival is a chance for visitors to meet the makers, try their spirits and learn about the creative and technical processes behind distillation. Producers in attendance will include Whipper Snapper, Damaged Goods, Old Youngs Distillery and Pure Mist and the products available to try ranges from whiskies and gins to limoncello and other specialty spirits. David Stucken of Terrarium. Shot by Thom Perth Cocktail Weekend returns Alternatively, you can also explore the wide world of spirits when the Perth Cocktail Weekend part of this years Plateful Perth program returns to the CBD (August 22 and 23). On any given weekend, Terrarium, Mechanics Institute and Songbird are among the best places to get a mixed drink in this fair city. This Friday and Saturday, these cocktail strongholds are hosting visiting bartenders from high-flying bars including Singapores Sago House (ranked number 15 in Asias 50 Best Bars in 2024) and Sydneys Bar DEMO. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Review Eating outBrighton Is Baix the luxe European restaurant boujee Brighton locals have been waiting for? Long-standing chef and local Ian Curleys first restaurant as sole owner is split between a fine-ish dining room with a set menu (Baix) and an adjoining wine bar (81 Bay). Dani Valent compares three courses in both spaces. Dani Valent August 22, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share This story is part of the August 23 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories . 1 / 10 The fine-ish dining restaurant Baix is a cocoon for occasions. Bonnie Savage 2 / 10 81 Bay, the wine bar adjoining Baix restaurant. Bonnie Savage 3 / 10 Yarra Valley caviar with blinis, sour cream and bottarga. Bonnie Savage 4 / 10 Chicken caesar croquettes draped with anchovy. Bonnie Savage 5 / 10 Prawn toast with espelette pepper. Bonnie Savage 6 / 10 Duck pithivier. Bonnie Savage 7 / 10 Trout en papillote with ratatouille. Bonnie Savage 8 / 10 A dessert of chocolate and hazelnut mousse and salted caramel. Bonnie Savage 9 / 10 Service in the dining room is accomplished and smooth, whereas the bar (at rear) is more casual. Bonnie Savage 10 / 10 Ian Curley (far left) and the Baix team. Parker Blain Previous Slide Next Slide 14.5 / 20 How we score European$$$$ If you were a chef of long standing growing a little tired of lugging yourself into the city from the chi-chi bayside neighbourhood youd lived in for 20 years, all that time lamenting the dearth of nice wine bars and polished Euro restaurants in the vicinity, you might reasonably consider opening such a venue yourself. Thats exactly what Ian Curley, burgher of Brighton, did and the result is Baix. Baix includes a fine-dining-ish restaurant and the adjoining wine bar, dubbed 81 Bay. Theyre at the base of The International, a ritzy, five-storey development where the spacious apartments have dedicated wine fridges and the valet will walk your oodle. In 2021, Curley was announced as the anchor tenant, helping to lure downsizers with the notion that they could get the kind of experience he delivered at restaurants such as The European and Kirks Wine Bar, but by the front door of their new pad. The slated 2022 opening date whizzed by in a fun tumble of building snafus and, a mere three years later, Baix sizzled its first steak. Advertisement Its not quite Spring Streets European in the burbs, but Baix is bang-on for Brighton. This is Curleys first restaurant as sole owner and hes cleverly working the angles, creating appealing and distinctive dining and drinking options that should also stack up as enduring business models. The two kitchens are run separately within the same space picture Curley as a colonel trying to be patient with the troops and the ingredients span both menus. 81 Bay is a flexible, drop-in place open six nights a week. Maybe you live upstairs and hang at the bar solo for gnocchi with pumpkin and a cheeky glass of beaujolais. Or youve managed to get the kids sorted, so you text the gals to head in for champagne cocktails and Yarra Valley caviar with blinis. Tail-on prawn toast. Bonnie Savage You could do as I did, and have three courses, too. Everyones doing prawn toast right now but Im hook-line-sinker for this one, brisk with espelette pepper, tail on for flourish, a yum cha essential gone posh. Advertisement Theres local farmed trout cooked in a paper parcel with ratatouille, a bright, lush preview of summer. And take it from me, gooey chocolate cake is a fine way to mop up a glass of Barossa shiraz. Duck pithivier. Bonnie Savage The same skilled, drilled staff look after you here and in the restaurant, which is open for three dinners a week. Where the bar is hard surfaces, windows to the street and happy buzz, the restaurant is carpet, banquettes and internal walls, a cocoon for occasions. A weekly menu ($95 per person) includes shared entrees, a main for each, desserts to split or hoard as you wish. Therell generally be steak, poultry and fish: wagyu porterhouse is served in the restaurant, while the cheaper rump cap is grilled for the bar. I lucked onto flathead with silky-soft fennel and crisped curry leaves, and plundered my friends duck pithivier, a French puff-pastry pie. Advertisement As youd expect from an accomplished chef whos beyond showing off these days, the ideas are good without rocking any boats and the cooking is on point. The restaurant desserts were a little fussy, though; I preferred the simplicity of those in the wine bar. Brighton isnt an easy market to crack, but Baixs canny approach should pay off, especially come summer when the pavement will be dotted with tables. The drinks list is broad and savvy, the food hits the mark and the experience is chatty and upbeat (bar) or accomplished and smooth (restaurant). Its not quite Spring Streets European in the burbs, but its bang-on for Brighton. The low-down Atmosphere: Two-speed bar and restaurant that can lean light-hearted or luxe Go-to dishes: Trout en papillote ($39), prawn toast ($18), pithivier (part of a $95 three-course menu), chocolate cake ($14) Drinks: When Baix opened, its 300-bottle wine list instantly became one of the best bayside offerings: ask to browse the big-ticket wines in the glassed cellar. Cocktails are a savvy, fun mix of the classic and adventurous. Cost: About $150 for two in the bar; $95 per person in the restaurant, excluding drinks Related Article 14.5 / 20 Review Brighton locals are lapping up breezy restaurant Henrys (and its bang on chilli crab pasta) This review was originally published in Good Weekend magazine Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Melbournes Now or Never festival kicks off on Thursday for its third year. Described (somewhat ambiguously) as a festival of new dimensions, its set to bring a range of art displays and performances to the city. One such endeavour is a giant pink inflatable installation which will occupy part of the interior of the heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton until Sunday. For any past and present University of Melbourne students visiting more accustomed to the venue as an exam hall surely, a massive colourful balloon is a more welcoming sight. A lot less stressful than a biology test, were sure. The MATRIA installation at the Royal Exhibition Building. Credit: Justin McManus The Barcelona-based artist, Sergi Arbusa, was delighted to be bringing the MATRIA exhibit to hallowed halls of the building. Former Married at First Sight star Lauren Dunn is being sued by a Perth businessman who accuses her of posting malicious and false comments about him on social media. In a summons filed to the WA Supreme Court on August 15, United Resourcing managing director Aidan Ciaran Murphy claims the Perth socialite defamed him and, in turn, the human resources business he works for. Aidan Murphy is suing Lauren Dunn for defamation in the WA Supreme Court. It does not specify which posts the 37-year-old Applecross man has taken offence to. The summons accused the outspoken former reality star of posting the false content on her TikTok, Instagram and Facebook accounts over a week, between July 14-21. Guests read the book titled "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" during a readers' forum on the book in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Aug. 21, 2025. A readers' forum on the book titled "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" was held here on Thursday. Around 150 representatives from African political, academic, media and student communities attended the event. (Xinhua/Han Xu) ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A readers' forum on the book titled "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" was held here on Thursday. In his address at the forum, Jiang Jianguo, executive vice president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, noted that the book has been published in 13 foreign languages, drawing readers worldwide from the fields of human rights, politics, academic research, media and think tanks. From this book, readers can see Xi's deep care for the people and his vision for the world as a leader of a major party and a major country, said 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. Readers can also gain an understanding of the Communist Party of China's century-long commitment to respecting and protecting human rights, and the independent path China has pursued in advancing human rights, Jiang said, expressing his hope that the book will provide useful references for African countries to advance modernization, improve human rights governance and people's well-being. In his address, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai said that both China and Africa stress a people-centered approach and a human rights path suited to national conditions, while opposing the politicization of human rights issues. China and Ethiopia have played an exemplary role in China-Africa human rights exchanges and cooperation, he said, adding that China-Africa exchanges and cooperation on human rights will not only advance the human rights cause in China and Africa, but also contribute to deepening the China-Africa community with a shared future and to promoting the progress of humanity. For his part, Liberia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeddi Mowbray Armah said that each country must, based on its own history, culture and development stage, carve out a path that suits its national conditions, while persisting in the common pursuit of dignity, justice and equality. He added that for Global South nations, this concept resonates deeply. Around 150 representatives from African political, academic, media and student communities attended the event. This photo taken on Aug. 21, 2025 shows a readers' forum on the book titled "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A readers' forum on the book titled "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" was held here on Thursday. Around 150 representatives from African political, academic, media and student communities attended the event. (Xinhua/Han Xu) Yamaha WaterCraft Joins Sea Tow's Sea Care Six Month Program Program Shows Yamaha's Commitment to Customer Experience , -- Sea Tow has announced that Yamaha WaterCraft the worldwide leader in jet boats and WaveRunners is one of the inaugural brands to join its new Sea Care six month program. As a program participant, Yamaha WaterCraft now offers to cover half the cost of annual Sea Tow Gold Card membership for each new boat buyer. Yamaha WaterCraft Sea Tow Sea Tow's Sea Care six month program is designed to address industry-wide challenges around boater acquisition and retention. The program focuses on providing premium on-water assistance after the sale, ensuring boat owners remain comfortable and confident on the water, which ideally leads to longevity in their boating lifespan. Yamaha WaterCraft is helping directly address a barrier to purchase for many boat buyers, which is a lack of confidence on the water. Arming those who are new and seasoned with a 24/7 direct connection to Coast Guard Licensed Sea Tow captains provides the peace of mind buyers need. "Providing peace of mind to the new boat owner is what Yamaha products champion. Adding SeaTow membership elevates the ownership experience exponentially," said Leslie Zlotnick, Marketing Manager at Yamaha WaterCraft. Sea Tow is the premium provider of on-water assistance; Gold Card membership benefits include: 24/7 priority service nationwide Unlimited towing with no distance or dollar limits in the member's home area Fuel and oil/parts delivery, jump starts, disentanglements, covered ungroundings, and more Local knowledge, navigation and referrals, troubleshooting, tides, and weather Member-only savings on boating products and services through the Sea Tow Savings Club "We are proud to align with Yamaha WaterCraft and take another step towards making every moment on the water unforgettable," said Sea Tow President Kristen Frohnhoefer. "Offering a Sea Tow membership demonstrates Yamaha WaterCraft's commitment to enhancing the on-water experience after the purchase and reaffirms the brand's position as a leader in the field." About Sea Tow Services International, Inc. Sea Tow Services International Inc. is the administrator of the worldwide Sea Tow membership program and network of Sea Tow franchisees who provide assistance to members. Sea Tow has been the premier leader of on-water assistance for 40+ years. The pioneering concept, founded by Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer, was established in Southold, NY when the United States Coast Guard ceased response to non-emergency assistance calls. Sea Tow members are provided with a 24/7 connection to Coast Guard-Licensed Captains to assist with their on-water needs. In addition, the franchise network handles salvage and recovery operations, and responds to natural disasters, environmental hazards and oil spill cleanups. Sea Care is Sea Tow's B2B offering that provides participants the option to include on-water assistance membership with the purchase of a boat, trailer, or engine. Visit seatow.com to learn more or follow along on Facebook and Instagram. Boat and engine manufacturers, boat dealers or brokers that are interested in learning more about Sea Care programs should email workwithseatow@seatow.com. About Yamaha WaterCraft Yamaha WaterCraft, a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., is the industry leader in jet-powered personal watercraft and boats. For nearly 40 years, Yamaha has set the standard for innovation, reliability, and performance on the water. Designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA, Yamaha's award-winning lineup is trusted by recreational boaters around the world. Yamaha's commitment to excellence extends beyond the product. Every WaveRunner and Boat is backed by a nationwide network of authorized Yamaha dealers and service professionals who share the brand's passion for delivering exceptional experiences on the water. Today, Yamaha Boats stand out as the #1 brand in the 19- to 25-foot family runabout category, leading the industry in sales thanks to their forward-thinking jet propulsion systems, spacious designs, and hassle-free ownership experience. This leadership is matched by customer satisfaction, with Yamaha consistently recognized as a perennial recipient of the NMMA Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Award for excellence in product quality and dealer support. As part of Yamaha's global environmental vision, the brand is also committed to sustainable innovationdeveloping cleaner, more efficient marine technologies and reducing the environmental impact of its manufacturing and operations. To learn more, visit YamahaWaveRunners.com and YamahaBoats.com. MACAO, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The 33rd Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will run from Sept. 6 to Oct. 6, bringing 10 top fireworks companies from around the world to light up the city's night sky, the organizer said on Thursday. The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government Tourism Office (MGTO), the event's organizer, noted that companies from Australia, South Africa, South Korea, Austria, the Philippines, Japan, China, Portugal, Britain, and Brazil will compete in 18-minute displays above the sea across Macao Tower on Sept. 6, 13, 20, and Oct. 1 and 6. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said that all participating teams this year are award-winning companies, promising "dazzling, high-level displays." She added that the contest will showcase Macao's charm as a destination for "tourism+events," enrich nocturnal activities, and stimulate the local economy. According to the tourism office, the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest has developed into a prestigious event of Macao since 1989. V-P poll NDAs Radhakrishnan files nomination NEW DELHI : PM Modi, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh are lead proposers. NATIONAL Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday filed his nomination papers for the Vice Presidential election in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders. Modi, flanked by Radhakrishnan and senior NDA leaders, handed over four sets of nomination papers to Rajya Sabha Secretary General P C Mody, who is the returning officer for the Vice Presidential election. The four sets of nomination papers have Modi, Singh, Shah and JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh as lead proposers. A prospective Vice Presidential candidate is required to get his nomination paper subscribed to by at least 20 electors as proposers and at least another 20 electors as seconders. The NDA has ensured representation of all its constituents as proposers and seconders in the four sets of nomination papers that were filed. The returning officer examined the nomination papers following which Radhakrishnan signed a register. The returning officer then handed over an acknowledgement slip of the nomination papers to the Prime Minister. Modi, Shah, senior ministers Pralhad Joshi, Dharmendra Pradhan and other NDA leaders, including TDP leader and Union Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde, LJSP (RV) leader Chirag Paswan escorted Radhakrishnan to the office of the returning officer in Parliament. Earlier, Radhakrishan paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and other national leaders at Prerna Sthal in Parliament complex. 3 new Ministers take oath Staff Reporter : RAIPUR BJP MLAs Gajendra Yadav, Guru Khushwant Saheb and Rajesh Agrawal take oath as Cabinet ministers To expand and balance the States Cabinet, Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka on Wednesday administered the oath of office and secrecy to three first-time Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs: Gajendra Yadav, Guru Khushwant Saheb, and Rajesh Agrawal. The ceremony took place at the Chhattisgarh Mandap of Raj Bhavan in the State Capital. The induction of these three ministers brings the total strength of the Vishnu Deo Sai-led Governments Cabinet to 14, including the Chief Minister. This is the first Cabinet expansion since the BJP Government took office nearly a year and eight months ago. The move marks a departure from the States tradition of having a 13-member Cabinet. The decision to expand the Cabinet to 14 members has been compared to the Haryana model, where 14 ministers serve in a 90-member assembly. According to a BJP leader, this increase is based on a constitutional provision that allows the Council of Ministers to be up to 15% of the total strength of the Assembly. For Chhattisgarhs 90-member assembly, this figure is 13.5, which has been rounded up to 14. The newly-inducted ministers represent a strategic attempt to balance regional and caste equations in the government. Rajesh Agrawal, a former Congress leader from the Agrawal community, won his seat in Ambikapur after defeating veteran Congress leader T S Singhdeo. Guru Khushwant Saheb, representing the Scheduled Caste community, secured a victory against Congress veteran Dr Shiv Kumar Dahariya in Arang. Gajendra Yadav, from the Yadav (OBC) community, triumphed over Congress leader Arun Vora in Durg Urban. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Dr Raman Singh, Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, Cabinet ministers, MLAs, and senior officials. Archana Tiwari missing case solved: Was running away to avoid familys marriage pressure Our Correspondent Katni, Missing girl Archana Tiwari who had been evading police since last 13 days was finally found by GRP Bhopal in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, last night. The police who had investigated every theory kidnapping, poisoning, accident and human trafficking were also stunned when Archana told that her family was pressurising her for marriage and she did not want to get married. SP (Rail) Rahul Kumar Lodha revealed this case in a press conference at Bhopal. Police informed that on August 7, Archana was travelling in Narmada Express to go home but did not reach Katni. On August 8, her brother Ankush Tiwari came to GRP Katni police station and informed about his sister Archana Tiwaris disappearance. On this, GRP Katni Station registered a missing person report on zero and sent the diary to Bhopal. Railway police started investigation. Police said that considering the seriousness of the matter, detail inquiry was done. According to police, about 2,000 CCTV footages installed in railway stations Indore, Bhopal, Sehore, Rani Kamlapati, Narmadapuram, Itarsi, Pipariya, Kareli, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Bilaspur and cities were searched. Search operation was conducted by SDRF and GRP for about 32 km in Narmada river. From Rani Kamlapati to Jabalpur, different teams were formed and search was conducted on foot. Search operation was conducted in the forest with GRP teams along with forest department from Barkheda to Budni. Later the suspects number was obtained through electronic survellience. From which the suspect was identified as Saransh Lokchand. During interrogation, Archana Tiwari told that a few days ago her family members told her that they have seen a prospected groom for her who is Patwari. And in this way, they were repeatedly forcing her to get married due to which she had become mentally disturbed. She informed police that on August 7 she left Indore for Katni by train 18233 Indore Narmada Express but was not mentally prepared to go home. She stated that due to Rakshabandhan I left to go home but I decided that I will not come home now nor will I get married until I become a civil judge. Before reaching Itarsi Railway Station I asked for help from my old client Tejender Singh from Itarsi, that I have to get down at Itarsi and go back to Indore, then I also called my friend Saransh. Before getting down at Itarsi I had told Tejender to get down at a place where there are no cameras installed at Itarsi station, then Tejender joined me from Narmadapuram station. At Itarsi, Archana got off the train and then went to Indore via Sujalpur with Saransh. After thinking that her family members might come to Indore, she went to Hyderabad. After staying in Hyderabad for 2-3 days, she got information from newspapers and media reports that her case has become quite famous, hence she reached Delhi from Hyderabad on August 11 with Saransh and from Delhi she reached Dhanguhi Nepal with Saransh by taxi. From here she reached Kathmandu. She informed police that no wrong act was done with me by any person. Police contacted me through Saransh. At Nepal border at Lakhimpuri, GRP Kamalapati team arrived along with Bhopal team of GRP police to take her. After safe return of Archana, YC District President Divyanshu Anshu Mishra gave Rs 51000 cash reward to GRP Katni, which has been sent to the S.P (Rail), office, Jabalpur, for locating his Rakhi sister Archna Tiwari. Bhopal Metro terminates contract with Turkish firm Staff Reporter : Automatic gates on hold; talks underway with Indian companies for AFC system Olympics The wait for the Bhopal Metro continues to lengthen. While the previous Government claimed it would be operational by 2023, the current administration has yet to finalise a timeline for Metro operations in Bhopal. Although Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bhopal for the Metros inauguration, the exact launch date remains unclear. Turkish company out, manual ticketing for now: The contract for the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system at Bhopal and Indore Metro stations was awarded to a Turkish company. However, following reports of Turkey supplying drones to Pakistan in Operation Sindoor, Madhya Pradesh Metro has initiated the process to cancel the Turkish companys tender. The search for an alternative company for automatic fare collection is underway, with a new tender already issued. Even if a new company secures the contract soon, it will take one to one-and-a-half months to install its system. Consequently, the Bhopal Metro is expected to commence operations with manual ticketing. AFC work awarded for Rs 186 crore: The responsibility for automatic fare collection in Bhopal and Indore Metros was given to Assis Guard from Turkey. Assis Guard was tasked with installing 199 gates in Bhopal and 227 at Indore Metro stations. While some gates were installed at a few Indore Metro stations, the software was not implemented. In Bhopal, the company had procured 45 gates, but the Metro Corporation did not grant permission for their installation. With the AFC tender now cancelled, passengers will have to purchase tickets manually. Talks underway with Indian companies for AFC: Officials from the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation stated that Assis Guard was awarded a Rs 186 crore tender for automatic fare collection in Bhopal and Indore Metros. This contract included the installation of automatic fare collection systems that would open gates only upon ticket scanning, along with maintenance for a specified period. However, with Assis Guards tender now cancelled, discussions have begun with Indian companies for the AFC system. Until a new company begins work, payment options will include manual tickets and UPI QR code-based transactions. One Nation, One Card also under consideration: Officials further explained that the Metro Corporation is exploring companies that can provide services like QR code-based ticketing systems and Common Mobility Cards for automatic fare collection. This aims to enable passengers to use a single card for various transport services, including metro, bus, and rail. This service will be based on the One Nation, One Card concept, integrating transport with shopping and other services, eliminating the need for people to carry multiple cards for payments. Bills seeking removal of jailed PM, CMs, Ministers tabled in LS Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha after tabling the bills during Monsoon Session of Parliament on Wednesday. (PTI) NEW DELHI : Referred to Joint parlt panel after the Opposition protest The bills proposed that if the PM, Union Ministers or CMs, are arrested and detained in custody for 30 consecutive days for offences that attract a jail term of at least five years, they will lose their job on the 31st day UNION Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday introduced three Bills in Lok Sabha for the removal of Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and Ministers arrested on serious criminal charges for 30 days, drawing fierce protests from the Opposition. The draft laws were referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament. Amid repeated disruptions, Shah introduced the three Bills as a resolution was passed by a voice vote to refer the measures to a Joint Committee of Parliament comprising 21 members from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha. The Committee has been mandated to submit its report to the House by the last day of the first week of the next session. The next session (Winter Session) of the Parliament is likely to be convened in the third week of November. As soon as the Bills were tabled, the Opposition members began protesting and trooped into the Well, raising slogans. Some even tore copies of the Bills in front of Shah. Opposition MPs, including AIMIMs Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress Manish Tewari and K C Venugopal, spoke against the introduction, terming the proposed law against the Constitution and federalism, while Shah rejected criticism that the Bills were brought in haste. The Home Minister also said that the Bills will be sent to the Joint Committee of Parliament where members of both Houses, including those from the Opposition, would get an opportunity to give their suggestions. When Venugopal raised the issue of Shahs arrest while he was the Gujarat Home Minister and asked about his claim of morality in politics, the senior BJP leader countered, saying he had resigned on moral grounds before his arrest and joined the Government only after being discharged by the court. We cannot be so shameless that we continue to occupy constitutional positions while facing serious charges, Shah said. Amid continuous noisy protests, the House was adjourned till 5 pm as Speaker Om Birla repeatedly asked the Opposition members to take their seats and maintain the dignity of the House. Earlier in the day, as the protests escalated, there was a brief jostling between the Opposition and ruling party MPs with BJP members, including Union Ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and Kiren Rijiju, stepping in to shield Shah. Three House marshals formed a protective ring around Shah. Even after the House was adjourned, Opposition members persisted with loud sloganeering. The three Bills are the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025; the Constitution (One Hundred And Thirtieth Amendment) Bill 2025; and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025. Critical minerals exported, only to be re-imported in form of finished industrial products at higher prices By Ashish Rajput : Asit Saha, Director General of GSI says, While India began discussions on critical minerals just a decade ago, other nations had already started investing in this sector more than 40 years back. The country still lacks industrial expertise to extract and process most of these resources, especially rare earth (RE) elements, which are vital for the EV industry. Absence of indigenous processing technology remains a major setback, as nearly 90% of the global technology is controlled by China. Amid growing aspirations of becoming self-reliant in critical minerals, India continues to struggle with a significant shortfall in industrial skills and expertise required to extract and process these resources. What is more concerning is that most of the critical minerals available in the country are exported, only to be re-imported later in the form of finished industrial products at much higher prices. While India began discussions on critical minerals just a decade ago, other nations had already started investing in this sector more than 40 years back. The country still lacks the industrial expertise to extract and process most of these resources, especially rare earth (RE) elements, which are vital for the EV industry. Absence of indigenous processing technology remains a major setback, as nearly 90% of the global technology is controlled by China, said Asit Saha, Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), during his recent visit to Jabalpur for the National Conference on Critical Minerals. Saha further pointed out that rare earth magnets, crucial components for electric vehicle batteries, remain Indias toughest challenge. Producing magnets requires tremendous effort, large-scale funding, strong intent and consistent policy backing to become a robust industry, he noted. To address this gap, the Ministry of Mines has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), under which seven institutions including, four IITs, are being developed as centres of excellence for extraction and processing technologies. Gujarat man held for attacking Delhi CM during Jan Sunwai NEW DELHI : Accused arrested under attempt to murder charges CM Gupta sustained injuries to her hand, shoulder and head DELHI Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a Jan Sunwai programme at her camp office in Civil Lines on Wednesday morning, her office said, terming it part of a well-planned conspiracy to kill her. The accused, Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot (Gujarat), was detained, and is being jointly interrogated by IB and Delhi Polices Special Cell, according to a senior police officer. The attack took place around 8.15 am, he said. PWD Minister Parvesh Verma said that the Chief Minister has sustained injuries to her hand, shoulder and head. A senior police official, who is privy to the probe, said that it was a serious attack, adding that it could have been life threatening. We are doing a joint interrogation with the IB, Special Cell and Intelligence agencies. He had five criminal cases, including two assault cases involving knife attack and three under Excise Act, the official told PTI. He said that police have not charged him conspiracy yet. The accused was not carrying any weapon because he knew that there would be strict checking. He was carrying a bag containing clothes and some papers. Police have registered an FIR under attempt to murder charges in connection with the attack. A case under section 109(1) [attempt to murder] of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been lodged at the Civil Lines police station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia said in a statement. He has also been booked for allegedly assaulting and obstructing public servant from discharging his duty. Sources said that Khimjibhai came to Delhi two days ago and stayed in north Delhis Civil Lines. Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra said this is not an ordinary attack, adding that the attacker tried to push the Chief Minister down on the ground and beat her. Such an attack on anyone, that too on a woman Chief Minister, who is dedicated to public work round the clock, was unheard of in Delhi, Mishra told reporters. The Chief Minister has been attended by doctors and is currently under observation. She underwent MLC (medico legal case) examination, CMO officials said. Official sources said that the attack on CM Gupta was part of a well-planned conspiracy, citing CCTV footage from her residence in Shalimar Bagh. They said the footage clearly shows that the assailant had begun preparations for the attack at least 24 hours in advance. The CCTV captured him during a visit to the CMs residence on Wednesday. The video captures the accused conducting a recce of the premises, recording visuals of the Chief Ministers residence, and later attempting to carry out the assault. In the footage, he is seen talking to someone over the phone during his visit a day earlier. The CCTV footage has been handed over to the police, who are carrying out a detailed investigation into the incident, sources said. Meanwhile, Bhanuben Sakaria, mother of the accused, claimed in Rajkot that her son was not affiliated to any political party and had gone to the national capital to take part in a protest against the Supreme Courts order on stray dogs. She also claimed her son is a dog lover. He loves dogs, cows and birds. That is why he was upset after the SC said all the stray dogs in Delhi should be captured, she said, adding that he went to Haridwar a few days back and told her over phone that he would go to Delhi to participate in protests against the Supreme Courts order. Thats all he told us over the phone when we asked when he would return, Bhanuben said. India slams Pakistan on gross sexual violence against women Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Indias Counsellor and Charge dAffaires, was delivering his statement at the open debate on Innovative Strategies to Ensure Access to Life-Saving Services and Protection for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones. UNITED NATIONS : INDIA has slammed Pakistan at a UN debate by drawing attention to the heinous crimes of gross sexual violence against women in erstwhile East Pakistan in 1971, adding the pattern continues with impunity to this day. Briefly addressing what he called as the baseless allegation raised by the Pakistan delegate during the debate on Tuesday, Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Indias Counsellor and Charge dAffaires said that the 1971s instances of sexual violence against women is a matter of shameful record. Punnoose was delivering his statement at the open debate on Innovative Strategies to Ensure Access to Life-Saving Services and Protection for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones. The utter impunity with which the Pakistan army perpetrated heinous crimes of gross sexual violence against women in erstwhile East Pakistan in 1971 is a matter of shameful record, he said. He was apparently referring to a series of massacres and rapes in 1971 in East Pakistan, in what is todays Bangladesh. This deplorable pattern continues unabated and with impunity to this day, the Indian diplomat said. Rampant abduction, trafficking, child early and forced marriages and domestic servitude, sexual violence and forced religious conversions of thousands of vulnerable women and girls as weapons of persecution towards religious and ethnic minority communities are reported and chronicled, including in the recent OHCHR reports, Punnoose said. He also alleged that it is ironical that those who perpetrate these crimes are now masquerading as champions of justice. The duplicity and hypocrisy is self-evident, he added. Punnoose was responding to Pakistans allegation that sexual violence has long been deployed to punish and humiliate communities in Kashmir. Punnoose in his statement said, Perpetrators of heinous acts of conflict-related sexual violence must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and brought to justice. Sexual violence in conflict zones not only destroys individual lives but tears apart the very fabric of societies, leaving lasting scars on communities for generations, he added. He also referred to the UNSC Resolution 2467 of 2019, which he said has been instrumental in highlighting the need to provide victims access to national relief and reparations programmes, healthcare, psychosocial care, safe shelter, legal aid and facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration efforts to bring a semblance of normalcy to their lives. He listed Indias contribution at the global level when it came to commitment to eliminate sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, humanitarian and development work; and how Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the Circle of Leadership on the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations operations. Punnoose also listed steps taken at the domestic level and said India has implemented a comprehensive domestic strategy for womens safety, which could offer insights for ensuring access to life-saving services and protection for survivors in conflict situations. India is ready to share the expertise and experience with interested Member States through our comprehensive training programmes, he added. MANILA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday priced a five-year global benchmark bond of 3 billion U.S. dollars, the proceeds of which will be part of ADB's ordinary capital resources, the multilateral development bank announced on Thursday. The five-year bond, with a coupon rate of 3.750 percent per annum payable semi-annually and with a maturity date of Aug. 28, 2030, was priced at 99.545 percent to yield 4.77 basis points over the 3.875 percent U.S. Treasury notes due on July 2030. The transaction was lead-managed by Citigroup, Nomura, HSBC, and J.P. Morgan. The issue achieved wide primary market distribution with 41 percent placed in Asia; 35 percent in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; and 24 percent in the Americas. By investor type, 59 percent went to central banks and official institutions, 28 percent to banks, and 13 percent to fund managers and others. ADB plans to raise about 36 to 37 billion dollars from the capital markets in 2025. IS pushes women-led child radicalisation NEW DELHI : IN A disturbing trend, the Islamic State has changed its recruitment strategy, wherein the targets are women and children. In recent months, the security agencies have found that the target audience for the Islamic State recruiters has been women and children. In the initial days, women were recruited to be sex slaves in the outfit. They were often taken to either Iraq, Syria or later Afghanistan. Currently, the role of women is quite different, and most of the movement is traced to Afghanistan, where the Islamic State has established its Khorasan Province. The Kerala case is a classic example of how women were being recruited from India into the Islamic State. An official explains that the Islamic State in Afghanistan wants to establish a permanent society. The Indian agencies have noticed that many of the posts and the propaganda material that are being posted online and also on encrypted messaging channels have specifically asked for women to join the outfit. Advice has also been given to the men to trap women and travel with them to Afghanistan. With the outfit facing heavy losses, it is focusing heavily on the Islamic State Khorasan Province. When the Islamic State started out in Afghanistan, it had suffered major losses at the hands of the US forces and the Taliban. Following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, it faced a tough battle with the Taliban. However, with the support of the ISI, it managed to gain control over some territory. The Islamic State is planning a long haul in Afghanistan and wants to establish a Caliphate, which it was unable to do in Syria and Iraq. To make sure the plan works, it has been actively trying to recruit both women and children in large numbers. A document prepared by the Islamic State titled Teachers' Guide for Physical Preparation of Children speaks more about this programme. The outfit has told its recruiters to rope in children and send them over to Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, they plan to radicalise the children by using their women's force. Once ready, they would be trained at a very young age. However, they would not be sent to battle immediately. The intention is to train them for longer periods before they become battle-ready. This also gives the Islamic State a pool of manpower each time they lose someone during a battle. The woman who is heading this recruitment module for women and children goes by the name Rabiya. She is the wife of Shafi Arman, a former member of the Indian Mujahideen who later on went to join the Islamic State. Following his death, she began brainwashing her son, stating that she wanted him to be exactly like his father. She also pitched this idea to the leadership, following which a manual was prepared. Some of the transcripts picked up by the agencies suggest that women should be roped in large numbers, and they should be put in charge of radicalising the children. The first stage would involve radicalisation, and once the brainwashing is done, the training programme would begin. Rabiya has been overseeing this module, and the agencies say that she has been very active over the last couple of months. During one such recruitment programme, the children were shown a video titled Mai Haji Ban Jung. This is a tribute to Armar and several others who lost their lives fighting for the Islamic State. Further videos of the Mumbai 26/11 attack and the demolition of the Babri Masjid are also used extensively to indoctrinate the children and women. Over Rs 1,000 cr unreported transactions detected at 2 more Sub-registrar offices By Simran Shrivastava : Probe on to find those involved in the illegal process and tried to hide details The Income Tax (IT) Department has intensified its scrutiny of Sub-registrar offices after uncovering large-scale concealment of property transactions in Nagpur, Hingna and Buldhana. In its latest survey, officials inspected Sadar and Mhalgi Nagar sub-registrar offices on Tuesday, going through property purchase and sale records of the past five years. The checks continued till late night, with employees and sub-registrars questioned and several incriminating documents reportedly seized. Acing on a tip-off, the IT teams raided the office in Sadar and Mhalgi Nagar and started scrutiny of the documents. The sudden action by the IT Department stunned many officials and sub-registrar offices. After scutinising the documents from the offices, the IT officials came to the conclusion that around Rs 500 crore worth of transactions were not reported by each office in the past five years. Now, the IT officials are investigating the reason behind non-disclosure of the transactions. Many incriminating documents have been seized from the offices and IT officials scanning the name of the Sub-Registrars who were involved in the entire process and tried to hide the details from the IT Department. Sources futher informed that the IT officials are investigating roles of the senior revenue officials in the scam. While the Sub-Registrar Offices in Nagpur have not reported transactions worth hundreds of the crores, Malkapur office in Buldhana failed to disclose deals of about 20 crore. High-value deals bypassed Department officials said that these were not technical lapses but a method in which transactions are duly recorded on the states iSarita property registration portal but are deliberately not pushed into the Statement of Financial Transactions database. This selective omission allows high-value deals to bypass automated checks and remain outside the tax net. Under the Income Tax Act, all property transactions of Rs 30 lakh and above must be reported through prescribed forms on the Insight portal. The department has underlined that despite outreach and awareness programmes conducted since May, and the requirement to furnish records by May 21 every year, many sub-registrar offices have failed to rectify mistakes or upload pending data. Even after about a month after the first survey, the compliance gap remains wide. The Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps, Maharashtra State, Pune, has not disclosed publicly any information on what action has been taken at their level. Officials say that such operations will closely follow in other parts of the Vidarbha region to detect similar lapses. Thought Laboratory to reduce digital calories By Vikas Vaidya : Excessive screen time can cause brain rot leading to slowing down of functioning of brain. The brain obesity can be reduced by meditation, suggests VNIT Director Prof Prem Lal Patel Excessive use of mobile, computer, social media is becoming an integral part of human life in todays tech-savvy era. Director of Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) Prof Premlal Patel terms it Digital calorie. As we do physical exercise to reduce body calories so that the body should not become obese, in the similar fashion, the digital calories need to be reduced. It can be reduced through meditation. With this view, we are developing Thought Laboratory which would measure the benefits of meditation and guide the students towards the reduction of calories, said Prof Patel. Prof Patel had initiated Digital Wellness with the help of Brahmakumari earlier, to help students reduce unnecessary screen time and make them increase focus, attention span. Most students are becoming habitual to browsing mobile every now and then. The screen time of students especially those staying in the hostels has increased. According to Prof Prem Lal Patel, this increasing screen time is leading to several ill-effects on the students. They are not only losing concentration, but the attention span also. Most of them are experiencing the issue of brain rot. To tackle this menace, he had proposed Digital Wellness, which is delivering good results. Now he has come up with this Thought Laboratory. Prof Patel feels one should not abuse mental health as it is more important. As we do physical exercise, we should do mental exercise too. When our brain gets obese, it will lead to slowing down of functioning of brain. The brain obesity can be reduced by meditation. Meditation helps in increasing concentration, attention span and focus, pointed out Prof Patel. The team led by Prof Patel had visited Thought Laboratory of Jaipur College of Engineering and Research and National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra. These institutes are encouraging students to do meditation. The progress or change in thought process due to meditation is measured in this Thought Laboratory. Due to use of digital media, one suffers from psychosomatic disorders. With slowing down of brain, the performance of the individual goes down. Meditation is the tool that cleanses the brain and strengthens its functioning. The institutes, which we visited, carry the practice of Rajyog. They found that the students attention span has improved, they have become much more focussed. Many of them started participating in various extra-curricular activities, their contribution in start-ups has improved a lot, commented Prof Patel. As there is Intelligence Quotient so there is Emotional Quotient and then Happiness Quotient. As we say, our body, mind and soul should be in perfect shape. These quotients also play an important role in streamlining our thought process. Welcoming the move, noted neurophysician, Trustee of World Federation of Neurology Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram said, During our digital use, we hardly use the brain. As it is said, if we dont use the brain, then we lose it, so too much use of brain makes it inefficient if they are not cleansed. Cleansing is for removing digital garbage from the brain. If the brain stays free of such garbage, its capacity to deliver better results increases. Meditation would surely help students. At the same time, some brain exercises like thought-provoking reading, solving crossword, puzzle, Sudoko, learning a new language, strengthens the brain. US troops will not be sent to defend Ukraine: Trump WASHINGTON : Ukraines hopes of getting back Crimean Peninsula, joining NATO alliance are impossible, says Trump PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Tuesday 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. 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 US 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 when asked on 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 US military after his terms ends in January 2029. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later on Tuesday emphasised 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, 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. Where is the parking space? Part-III By Sagar Mohod : BRAZEN DEFIANCE: In spite of sufficient space for parking, four-wheelers are parked at a turning at Panchasheel Square. The drivers dare the authorities concerned to book them, if they can! (Pic by Satish Raut) Skyline soars, parking space shrinks in Sitabuldi, Ramdaspeth, Dhantoli Nagpurs skyline is rapidly changing no doubt, however the citys bottomline, i.e. the parking space remains static. On the contrary, the available free space on the city streets is rapidly shrinking. Especially, in citys heart, the prime commercial space, there is hardly visible space for parking. Time has come to ask the authorities, where is the space? With no ready answers as such, lack of parking space, however, is no deterrent for authorities to crack down in the name of No Parking on the streets in commercial hotspots Sitabuldi, Ramdaspeth and Dhantoli. But the question that perturbs is when there is no official demarcated parking space, or when same is violated by throwing building bye-laws to wind, why should poor vehicle owners be hauled up for no fault of theirs? However, due to the absence of active and organised pressure groups in city to take up cudgels for such critical public issues, the citizens continue to be cornered day after day. The swanky buildings with increased use of glass panes do provide a facade of glamour, but a contrasting image is reflected on the streets below that offers no consolation to the society at large. Adding to the confusion, with lack of concrete efforts on part of city administrators to address the critical situation about absence of parking, the situation is getting aggravated day after day. On the other hand, the cops are ever ready to crack the whip in the name of No Parking. Ramdaspeth, Dhantoli As big bungalows gave way to multi-storeyed buildings, it skews the ratio of open space against requirement. The fault, as usual, lies with the enforcement agency that has turned a blind eye to the violations of building bye-laws as parking spaces are diverted for commercial use with impunity. The emergence of hospitals on mass scale in Dhantoli means the patient load increased, which again led to rise in demand for ample parking, but no one cared or thought about the same, the planners were far busy with other routine ideas to give thought to the basic need of society. So, for visitors, it is a daily ordeal if the need arises to visit either Ramdaspeth or Dhantoli. Further, the coming up of swanky three and four star hotels only brought more traffic and more number of vehicles without any addition in parking space, which continue to shrink further inwards. Sitabuldi It was the main market of the city that was a must visit within the city boundaries. So, as it happens with any growing urban area in the country, the bustling market too saw it battle with the vanishing public place as hawkers encroached and made themselves home. After a long battle, the hawkers were evicted and now, the wide space is being used for public parking. So, as of now, for the visitors, the parking problem in Sitabuldi market has been eased. The redevelopment of portion of Sitabuldi market has ensured availability of sufficient parking space inside the commercial complex. Thus, the age-old problem that harmed the commercial interest of market has been resolved after years of battle. Central Bazar Road The entire stretch starting from opposite VNIT gate in Bajaj Nagar to Takiya T-point on Humpyard Road, Dhantoli is Contd from page 1 a classic case of parking issue that has spiralled out of control. The stretch that cuts across prime Ramdaspeth area reflects lack of planning and shortcoming in long-term thinking on the part of planners and society alike. On its part, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to has failed to tap the available open space alongside roads for dedicated use of parking. Instead of open parking, multi-level parking is the only solution to overcome the lack of availability of sufficient space for parking. Whirlwind THE intense diplomatic activity in which India is currently engaged has the method and manner of a whirlwind. Top Indian diplomats are all the time visiting different countries to promote and protect Indian interests like never before. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Mr. Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh, Commerce Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal, Finance Minister Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, Foreign Secretary Mr. Vikram Misri are often out on some or the other diplomatic mission to this or that country. They address issues that pop up in international arena, they present Indias stand to the world, they interpret statements of different leaders such as United States President Mr. Donald Trump -- and back home, they send a message that they are leading the countrys diplomatic campaigns most capably. Just a few days ago, Mr. Ajit Doval was in Russia. Now Dr. Jaishankar has gone to Russia for a 3-day visit. In between these two, Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi was in India meeting the Prime Minister, the NSA and the EAM. A few days earlier, Dr. S. Jaishankar was in Beijing meeting not just his counterpart but also President Mr. Xi Jinping. And in a few days, Mr. Narendra Modi will go to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) -- for which Mr. Wang extended Chinas invitation to Mr. Modi just a day ago. And the news is already in the air that Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin will visit India. What a diplomatic whirlwind, this ! By every indication, the dormant grouping of Russia-India-China (RIC) may get a booster dose in the next some time, in the process giving the United States jitters it deserves. But the most interesting part of the larger story is that India is also partner with the four-nation Quad (supposedly aimed at cornering China -- which India denies vehemently). This complex web of diplomacy is almost beyond common peoples comprehension. But as India, China and Russia are abuzz with joint diplomatic activities, the US President, too, is surrounded by issues whose genesis he does not seem to understand -- the issues of Russia-Ukraine conflict, the purchase of Russian oil by India which Mr. Trump cannot stop, the quick trip of seven European national leaders to Washington to support Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and insist upon Mr. trump not to exclude them from the Ukraine peace negotiations. The world, thus, has become a very busy place in the past couple of years. In that whirlwind, every move appears urgent and every move comes with certain notoriety of being full of dangers and risks. In this whirlwind, the countenance of the Indian leadership is remarkably calm -- as if unmindful of what others may or may not be doing. President Mr. Trump shouts his guts out threatening India with higher tariffs. He issues warnings to India that it could face disastrous consequences of its own actions. India, of course, completes the formality of response in staid officialese, but overall remains unperturbed. That makes Mr. Trump all the more angry since the calm Indian stance flummoxes him no end. In other words, the entire diplomatic arena is abuzz with activity that tests the nerve and verve of every player. And in that crowded field, the Indian diplomatic representatives give an unhurried impression. True, under the calm Indian exterior, there must be waves of inner turbulence, all right. But the manner in which the Indian diplomatic brigade is conducting itself under the Prime Ministers leadership is remarkable, to say the least. The Indian approach to events in diplomacy, thus, declares itself as belonging to a seasoned player who knows the ropes all too well. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds a joint press conference with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar after the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad, Pakistan, Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday said the 21st century should be an era of accelerated development and revitalization for Asia, especially South Asia. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a joint press conference with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar after the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue. He was responding to a question from reporters about China's view on the current situation in South Asia and the role of China-Pakistan cooperation, as Pakistan is the last stop of his recent visit to three South Asian countries. South Asian countries have a long history, splendid civilization, large population, and huge development potential, Wang said, referring to them as China's close neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and also an important direction for China to build a community with a shared future in its neighborhood. Stressing that he felt the immense development potential and resilience of South Asia following this visit to India, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Wang said the 21st century should be an era of accelerated development and revitalization for Asia, especially South Asia. Although India, Afghanistan and Pakistan have different national conditions, they all recognize that development is the top priority and the broadest consensus among them, as well as among all countries in the region, Wang said, adding that a peaceful, stable and prosperous South Asia serves the common interests of all parties and meets the aspirations of the people of all countries. In the face of pressure from unilateral bullying, Wang said the three countries all believe that they should adhere to multilateralism, safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, and strive to promote equal and orderly multipolarization of the world and inclusive economic globalization. The three countries are willing to strengthen good-neighborly friendship with China, their largest neighbor, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and seek mutual benefit and win-win results, Wang said, noting that China will be a reliable partner and a solid support for South Asian countries. China pursues the policy of an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, adhering to the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, and a shared future. It is always committed to mutual respect, mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual success with South Asian countries, Wang said. China and South Asian countries are natural partners, and there is broad space for cooperation, he said. Despite ups and downs, China-India relations have a long history and increasingly demonstrate a clear historical logic; the China-Pakistan friendship has withstood the test of time, gaining stronger internal impetus, Wang said. The relationships between China and Pakistan, China and India, as well as China and other neighboring countries, are not directed against any third party and are not subject to any third-party influence, he said. Highlighting that China and Pakistan are ironclad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners, Wang said the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future is at the forefront of China's building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries, setting an important example. He said China and Pakistan are leading the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, and the building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will not only benefit the people of the two countries but also extend to Afghanistan and other countries. The two countries also practice the Global Security Initiative, uphold the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and are committed to developing high-level security cooperation, Wang said, adding that both sides attach importance to the Global Civilization Initiative, transcending differences in civilizations and social systems, and promote greater mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Wang said that both China and Pakistan are important members of the Global South, stressing that Pakistan has assumed the role of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) starting this year, and China has gained another partner in upholding fairness and justice in the UNSC. The two countries will closely coordinate and cooperate to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and the Global South, Wang said. PYONGYANG, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) met on Wednesday with the leading commanding officers of the overseas operation unit of the Korean People's Army, state media said Thursday. Receiving a detailed report by the commanding officers at the headquarters building of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Jong Un, the Party's general secretary and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, said he "appreciated their feats of leading the combat units of our armed forces, which participated in the operations to liberate the Kursk Region of the Russian Federation, to victory," the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. "Our army is now doing what it ought to do and what needs to be done. It will do so in the future, too," Kim was quoted by KCNA as saying. Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX:BOQPF Get Free Report) announced a interim dividend on Tuesday, August 19th, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Investors of record on Sunday, November 16th will be given a dividend of 1.337 per share on Sunday, November 16th. This represents a yield of 130.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 29th. Bank of Queensland Price Performance Bank of Queensland Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bank of Queensland Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial services in Australia and New Zealand. The company operates in Retail Banking, BOQ Business, and Other segments. It offers personal banking services comprises savings and term deposits, and transactional accounts; debit and credit cards; home, personal, and car loans; and travel, home and content, landlord, and car insurance, as well as investment services comprising online share trading services, and self-managed superannuation funds. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Queensland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Queensland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mayville Engineering (NYSE:MEC Get Free Report) is one of 25 public companies in the ENGINRG/R&D SVS industry, but how does it compare to its peers? We will compare Mayville Engineering to similar businesses based on the strength of its profitability, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk, earnings, institutional ownership and dividends. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Mayville Engineering and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Mayville Engineering alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mayville Engineering 0 0 3 1 3.25 Mayville Engineering Competitors 47 524 1039 24 2.64 Mayville Engineering presently has a consensus target price of $20.6667, suggesting a potential upside of 46.82%. As a group, ENGINRG/R&D SVS companies have a potential upside of 12.43%. Given Mayville Engineerings stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Mayville Engineering is more favorable than its peers. Risk & Volatility Profitability Mayville Engineering has a beta of 1.19, indicating that its share price is 19% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Mayville Engineerings peers have a beta of 1.26, indicating that their average share price is 26% more volatile than the S&P 500. This table compares Mayville Engineering and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mayville Engineering 3.41% 8.21% 4.52% Mayville Engineering Competitors 6.89% 32.24% 7.17% Institutional & Insider Ownership 45.4% of Mayville Engineering shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 69.8% of shares of all ENGINRG/R&D SVS companies are owned by institutional investors. 7.2% of Mayville Engineering shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 5.9% of shares of all ENGINRG/R&D SVS companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Mayville Engineering and its peers top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Mayville Engineering $581.60 million $25.97 million 16.56 Mayville Engineering Competitors $8.30 billion $330.08 million 31.41 Mayville Engineerings peers have higher revenue and earnings than Mayville Engineering. Mayville Engineering is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Summary Mayville Engineering peers beat Mayville Engineering on 8 of the 13 factors compared. Mayville Engineering Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mayville Engineering Company, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, design, prototyping and tooling, fabrication, aluminum extrusion, coating, and assembling of aftermarket components in the United States. It also supplies engineered components to original equipment manufacturers. The company serves heavy and medium duty commercial vehicles, construction and access equipment, powersports, agriculture, military, and other end markets. Mayville Engineering Company, Inc. was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Receive News & Ratings for Mayville Engineering Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mayville Engineering and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elevate Wealth Advisory Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 4.1% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,928 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 115 shares during the period. Elevate Wealth Advisory Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $500,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2,898.7% during the first quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd now owns 7,622,243 shares of the companys stock worth $1,302,565,000 after acquiring an additional 7,368,058 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew 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 during the period. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $349,393,000. LPL Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 18,186,643 shares of the companys stock worth $3,107,915,000 after purchasing an additional 1,318,823 shares during the period. Finally, Liberty Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 995.9% during the 1st quarter. Liberty Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,312,382 shares of the companys stock worth $224,273,000 after purchasing an additional 1,192,632 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Stock Performance QUAL opened at $187.1280 on Thursday. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $148.3401 and a fifty-two week high of $187.26. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $183.61 and a 200 day moving average of $177.23. The firm has a market cap of $54.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.59 and a beta of 1.05. 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. Read More 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. Capital Analysts LLC trimmed its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 39.8% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,142 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,415 shares during the period. Capital Analysts LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,769,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. WestEnd Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 210.0% during the 1st quarter. WestEnd Advisors LLC now owns 31 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 21 shares in the last quarter. Citizens National Bank Trust Department lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 180.0% in the 1st quarter. Citizens National Bank Trust Department now owns 42 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares during the last quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter valued at about $40,000. Mascagni Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 4th quarter valued at about $43,000. Finally, O Brien Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 25.5% during the 1st quarter. O Brien Wealth Partners LLC now owns 59 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after buying an additional 12 shares in the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance NYSE LLY opened at $704.7540 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. The stock has a market capitalization of $667.02 billion, a PE ratio of 46.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $758.91 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $792.41. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $623.78 and a 12-month high of $972.53. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 7th. The company reported $6.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.59 by $0.72. The firm had revenue of $15.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.40 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 25.91% and a return on equity of 92.72%. The companys revenue was up 37.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $3.92 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 21.750-23.000 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be paid a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 39.22%. Insider Transactions at Eli Lilly and Company In other news, CEO David A. Ricks acquired 1,632 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $644.77 per share, for a total transaction of $1,052,264.64. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 546,601 shares of the companys stock, valued at $352,431,926.77. This 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 link. Also, Director Gabrielle Sulzberger acquired 117 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $641.18 per share, with a total value of $75,018.06. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 2,703 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,733,109.54. The trade was a 4.52% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders acquired 4,514 shares of company stock valued at $2,894,841. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have commented on LLY shares. Cantor Fitzgerald dropped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $975.00 to $825.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,010.00 to $900.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 11th. Guggenheim dropped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $942.00 to $875.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,050.00 to $895.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 8th. Finally, Erste Group Bank cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, June 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $950.17. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Further Reading 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. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the twenty-three research firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $950.1667. LLY has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $1,135.00 target price (up previously from $1,133.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, July 10th. Wells Fargo & Company restated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, May 1st. Erste Group Bank lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, June 5th. 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. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $700.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Sunday. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Eli Lilly and Company Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eli Lilly and Company In related news, EVP Daniel Skovronsky bought 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $634.40 per share, for a total transaction of $634,400.00. Following the purchase, the executive vice president directly owned 137,660 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $87,331,504. This trade represents a 0.73% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, CEO David A. Ricks bought 1,632 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was bought at an average price of $644.77 per share, with a total value of $1,052,264.64. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 546,601 shares in the company, valued at $352,431,926.77. This represents a 0.30% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here . Insiders acquired 4,514 shares of company stock worth $2,894,841 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 97.5% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 101,305,650 shares of the companys stock worth $83,669,349,000 after acquiring an additional 50,002,551 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 80,407,430 shares of the companys stock worth $62,680,004,000 after buying an additional 1,183,038 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 103,831.6% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 14,866,380 shares of the companys stock worth $12,278,292,000 after buying an additional 14,852,076 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,707,512 shares of the companys stock worth $10,495,261,000 after buying an additional 81,587 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 78,621.2% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 11,552,336 shares of the companys stock worth $9,005,392,000 after buying an additional 11,537,661 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance Shares of NYSE LLY opened at $704.7540 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $758.91 and a 200 day moving average of $792.41. The company has a current ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $667.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.06, a price-to-earnings-growth 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. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 7th. The company reported $6.31 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.59 by $0.72. The business had revenue of $15.56 billion during 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%. The companys revenue was up 37.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $3.92 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 21.750-23.000 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 39.22%. 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. See Also 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. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI Free Report) by 20.7% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,710 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 465 shares during the period. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc.s holdings in MSCI were worth $1,533,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of MSCI by 5.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 9,376,852 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $5,302,610,000 after acquiring an additional 518,833 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its position in MSCI by 0.9% in the first quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 1,626,923 shares of the technology companys stock worth $920,026,000 after purchasing an additional 13,918 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in MSCI by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,008,778 shares of the technology companys stock worth $570,464,000 after purchasing an additional 19,846 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp lifted its position in MSCI by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 804,640 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $455,024,000 after purchasing an additional 20,150 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in shares of MSCI by 8.4% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 615,770 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $348,218,000 after purchasing an additional 47,936 shares during the last quarter. 89.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get MSCI alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CEO Henry A. Fernandez purchased 9,916 shares of MSCI stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 24th. The stock was bought at an average price of $544.70 per share, for a total transaction of $5,401,245.20. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer directly owned 1,279,867 shares of the companys stock, valued at $697,143,554.90. This represents a 0.78% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders have purchased a total of 12,400 shares of company stock valued at $6,731,599 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 3.31% of the companys stock. MSCI Stock Up 1.0% Shares of NYSE MSCI opened at $574.1090 on Thursday. MSCI Inc has a twelve month low of $486.73 and a twelve month high of $642.45. The stock has a market cap of $44.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.02, a P/E/G ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 1.29. The companys fifty day moving average is $562.47 and its 200-day moving average is $560.63. MSCI (NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 22nd. The technology company reported $4.17 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.12 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $772.68 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $763.06 million. MSCI had a net margin of 39.46% and a negative return on equity of 143.13%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.64 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that MSCI Inc will post 16.86 EPS for the current fiscal year. MSCI Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.80 per share. This represents a $7.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. MSCIs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.68%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on MSCI shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of MSCI from $650.00 to $680.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 21st. Oppenheimer reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of MSCI in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Evercore ISI cut their price target on MSCI from $673.00 to $631.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on MSCI from $578.00 to $533.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial upgraded MSCI from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $650.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, July 25th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, MSCI currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $654.73. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MSCI MSCI Company Profile (Free Report) MSCI Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides critical decision support tools and solutions for the investment community to manage investment processes worldwide. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed financial product, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for MSCI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MSCI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Robinhood Markets, CocaCola, and Kinross Gold are the three Gold stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Gold stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business involves the exploration, mining, or processing of gold. Their market value tends to track changes in the price of gold, while also reflecting companyspecific factors such as production costs, reserve quality, and management performance. Investors often use gold stocks as a leveraged play on bullion prices or as a diversifier in a broader portfolio. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Gold stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Robinhood Markets (HOOD) Robinhood Markets, Inc. operates financial services platform in the United States. Its platform allows users to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. The company offers fractional trading, recurring investments, fully-paid securities lending, access to investing on margin, cash sweep, instant withdrawals, retirement program, around-the-clock trading, and initial public offerings participation services. Shares of HOOD stock traded up $0.04 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $114.21. 25,000,470 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 41,630,523. The businesss fifty day moving average is $95.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $66.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $101.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 57.97, a P/E/G ratio of 4.35 and a beta of 2.36. Robinhood Markets has a 12-month low of $18.71 and a 12-month high of $117.70. Read Our Latest Research Report on HOOD CocaCola (KO) The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores. Shares of CocaCola stock traded down $0.70 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $69.23. 5,753,913 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 16,828,238. CocaCola has a 1 year low of $60.62 and a 1 year high of $74.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49. The business has a 50-day moving average of $70.02 and a 200-day moving average of $70.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $297.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.56, a P/E/G ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.44. Read Our Latest Research Report on KO Kinross Gold (KGC) Kinross Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties principally in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Canada, and Mauritania. The company operates the Fort Knox mine and the Manh Choh project in Alaska, as well as the Round Mountain and the Bald Mountain mines in Nevada, the United States; the Paracatu mine in Brazil; the La Coipa and the Lobo-Marte project in Chile; the Tasiast mine in Mauritania; and the Great Bear project in Canada. Shares of KGC traded down $0.06 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $19.27. 10,272,609 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 20,885,736. The company has a quick ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 2.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.41 billion, a PE ratio of 15.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.55. Kinross Gold has a fifty-two week low of $8.31 and a fifty-two week high of $19.52. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $16.24 and a 200 day simple moving average of $14.15. Read Our Latest Research Report on KGC Featured Articles Hsbc Holdings PLC increased its holdings in Extra Space Storage Inc (NYSE:EXR Free Report) by 1.0% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 663,885 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 6,652 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLCs holdings in Extra Space Storage were worth $98,432,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. D.A. Davidson & CO. boosted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 7.2% in the 1st quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 1,895 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $281,000 after buying an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its position in shares of Extra Space Storage by 1.8% in the first quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 22,222 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,285,000 after acquiring an additional 398 shares during the last quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 21.4% in the first quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,684 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $399,000 after purchasing an additional 474 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its stake in Extra Space Storage by 24.3% during the first quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,464 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $216,000 after purchasing an additional 286 shares during the period. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc raised its stake in Extra Space Storage by 1,376.5% during the first quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,698 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $252,000 after purchasing an additional 1,583 shares during the period. 99.11% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Extra Space Storage alerts: Insider Activity In other news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis sold 7,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.35, for a total value of $1,127,625.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 27,260 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,098,541. This represents a 21.58% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock. Extra Space Storage Price Performance EXR opened at $139.7040 on Thursday. Extra Space Storage Inc has a twelve month low of $121.03 and a twelve month high of $184.87. The firm has a market cap of $29.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.30, a PEG ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a current ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $145.57 and a 200 day simple moving average of $147.00. Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.05 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.06 by ($0.01). Extra Space Storage had a return on equity of 6.69% and a net margin of 29.51%.The firm had revenue of $841.62 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $719.43 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.06 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Extra Space Storage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.050-8.25 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Extra Space Storage Inc will post 8.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently issued reports on EXR. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on shares of Extra Space Storage from $158.00 to $150.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on shares of Extra Space Storage from $148.00 to $146.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Extra Space Storage from $160.00 to $148.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 4th. BNP Paribas raised shares of Extra Space Storage to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 24th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Extra Space Storage from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, August 16th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $154.46. View Our Latest Analysis on Extra Space Storage Extra Space Storage Company Profile (Free Report) Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 3,714 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 2.6 million units and approximately 283.0 million square feet of rentable space operating under the Extra Space, Life Storage and Storage Express brands. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EXR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Extra Space Storage Inc (NYSE:EXR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GM Advisory Group LLC trimmed its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report) by 6.5% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 7,997 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 556 shares during the quarter. GM Advisory Group LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $654,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EFA. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC raised its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 1.0% in the first quarter. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC now owns 12,560 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,027,000 after acquiring an additional 119 shares in the last quarter. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 48,409 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,956,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 2.2% in the 1st quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 6,100 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $499,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Firestone Capital Management grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Firestone Capital Management now owns 15,950 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,206,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Elequin Capital LP raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 44.7% in the 1st quarter. Elequin Capital LP now owns 447 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares in the last quarter. 79.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:EFA opened at $92.43 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $66.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.86. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a 1-year low of $72.14 and a 1-year high of $92.49. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $89.28 and a 200 day moving average price of $85.46. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Profile iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's export grew in single digits in the first 20 days of this month due to solid demand for locally-made semiconductors, cars and ships, customs office data showed Thursday. Outbound shipment gained 7.6 percent from a year earlier to 35.5 billion U.S. dollars during the August 1-20 period, according to Korea Customs Service. Export for semiconductors, automobiles and ships advanced in double figures, but those for oil products and mobile devices retreated in the 20-day period. Shipment to the United States declined 2.7 percent on the U.S. tariffs imposition, but those to the European Union (EU) and Vietnam increased in single digits. Import expanded 0.4 percent to 34.7 billion dollars for the first 20 days of August, sending the trade surplus to 800 million dollars. Import for chips, natural gas and machinery went up in single digits, but those for oil products and crude oil shrank in the cited period. Kaufman Rossin Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 858 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $485,000. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ritholtz Wealth Management grew its position in shares of MSCI by 23.2% during the first quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 812 shares of the technology companys stock worth $459,000 after buying an additional 153 shares in the last quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in MSCI by 336.4% during the 1st quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 96 shares of the technology companys stock worth $54,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares in the last quarter. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC grew its holdings in MSCI by 6.5% during the 1st quarter. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC now owns 524 shares of the technology companys stock worth $296,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of MSCI in the 4th quarter worth about $556,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of MSCI by 8.4% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 894 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $506,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. 89.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get MSCI alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently commented on MSCI shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on MSCI from $650.00 to $680.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 21st. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on MSCI from $578.00 to $533.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 23rd. UBS Group upped their price target on MSCI from $655.00 to $700.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. Raymond James Financial raised shares of MSCI from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $650.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, July 25th. Finally, Oppenheimer reissued a market perform rating on shares of MSCI in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, MSCI has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $654.73. MSCI Trading Up 1.0% Shares of NYSE MSCI opened at $574.1090 on Thursday. MSCI Inc has a 12-month low of $486.73 and a 12-month high of $642.45. The company has a market cap of $44.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 1.29. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $562.47 and its 200 day simple moving average is $560.63. MSCI (NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 22nd. The technology company reported $4.17 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.12 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $772.68 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $763.06 million. MSCI had a negative return on equity of 143.13% and a net margin of 39.46%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.64 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that MSCI Inc will post 16.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. MSCI Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 29th. Investors of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a $1.80 dividend. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 15th. MSCIs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.68%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Henry A. Fernandez bought 84 shares of MSCI stock in a transaction on Friday, July 25th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $548.69 per share, with a total value of $46,089.96. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 1,279,951 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $702,296,314.19. This trade represents a 0.01% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In the last 90 days, insiders have bought 12,400 shares of company stock valued at $6,731,599. Company insiders own 3.31% of the companys stock. About MSCI (Free Report) MSCI Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides critical decision support tools and solutions for the investment community to manage investment processes worldwide. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed financial product, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MSCI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MSCI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MSCI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Modine Manufacturing (NYSE:MOD Free Report) had its price objective boosted by KeyCorp from $150.00 to $160.00 in a report issued on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. KeyCorp currently has an overweight rating on the auto parts companys stock. MOD has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Oppenheimer raised their price target on shares of Modine Manufacturing from $121.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 1st. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Modine Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, August 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Modine Manufacturing presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $145.67. Get Modine Manufacturing alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Modine Manufacturing Modine Manufacturing Stock Down 1.6% MOD stock opened at $134.8980 on Monday. Modine Manufacturing has a twelve month low of $64.79 and a twelve month high of $146.84. The company has a current ratio of 2.06, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The company has a market capitalization of $7.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.65, a PEG ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 2.12. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $110.30 and a 200-day simple moving average of $95.10. Modine Manufacturing (NYSE:MOD Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 30th. The auto parts company reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.13. Modine Manufacturing had a net margin of 7.21% and a return on equity of 23.90%. The business had revenue of $682.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $653.80 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.04 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Modine Manufacturing has set its FY 2026 guidance at EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Modine Manufacturing will post 3.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Michael B. Lucareli sold 80,661 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $128.33, for a total transaction of $10,351,226.13. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 66,920 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,587,843.60. The trade was a 54.66% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Brian Jon Agen sold 47,939 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.50, for a total transaction of $5,297,259.50. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 90,015 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,946,657.50. This trade represents a 34.75% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 200,561 shares of company stock valued at $25,462,844. 2.48% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Modine Manufacturing Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Modine Manufacturing by 63.1% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 367 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 142 shares during the period. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its holdings in shares of Modine Manufacturing by 245.9% during the first quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 422 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its stake in shares of Modine Manufacturing by 2,025.0% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 425 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 405 shares in the last quarter. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division bought a new stake in shares of Modine Manufacturing during the first quarter valued at about $46,000. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Modine Manufacturing by 442.4% during the first quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 640 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 522 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.23% of the companys stock. Modine Manufacturing Company Profile (Get Free Report) Modine Manufacturing Company provides thermal management products and solutions in the United States, Italy, Hungary, China, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through Climate Solutions and Performance Technologies segments. The company offers heat transfer coils, including heat recovery and round tube plate fin coils; gas-fired, hydronic, electric and oilfired unit heaters; roof-mounted direct- and indirect-fired makeup air units; duct furnaces; infrared units; perimeter heating products; single packaged unit ventilators; modular chillers; air handler and condensing units; ceiling cassettes; evaporator unit coolers, remote condensers, fluid coolers, gas coolers, and dry and brine coolers; and motor and generator cooling coils, transformer oil coolers, radiators, dryers, and industrial heat exchangers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Modine Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Modine Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitchells & Butlers plc (LON:MAB Get Free Report) insider Timothy (Tim) Charles Jones acquired 52 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 15th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 264 per share, with a total value of 137.28. Timothy (Tim) Charles Jones also recently made the following trade(s): Get Mitchells & Butlers alerts: On Friday, July 18th, Timothy (Tim) Charles Jones acquired 50 shares of Mitchells & Butlers stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 278 per share, with a total value of 139. On Thursday, June 19th, Timothy (Tim) Charles Jones acquired 49 shares of Mitchells & Butlers stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 279 per share, with a total value of 136.71. Mitchells & Butlers Price Performance MAB opened at GBX 267.50 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of 1.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.43, a P/E/G ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 1.71. The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 279.09 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 255.13. The company has a quick ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 63.56. Mitchells & Butlers plc has a 52-week low of GBX 194.40 and a 52-week high of GBX 313. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Mitchells & Butlers ( LON:MAB Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 22nd. The company reported GBX 16.80 earnings per share for the quarter. Mitchells & Butlers had a net margin of 1.72% and a return on equity of 1.89%. On average, analysts expect that Mitchells & Butlers plc will post 26.6341463 earnings per share for the current year. Several research analysts have recently weighed in on MAB shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on shares of Mitchells & Butlers from GBX 280 to GBX 300 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 25th. Peel Hunt reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 375 price objective on shares of Mitchells & Butlers in a research note on Friday, July 25th. Finally, Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Mitchells & Butlers in a research note on Friday, July 25th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 337.50. Read Our Latest Report on MAB About Mitchells & Butlers (Get Free Report) Mitchells & Butlers is a leading operator of managed restaurants and pubs in the UK. It listed on the London Stock Exchange in April 2003 and is a member of the FTSE 250. Its restaurants and pubs have some of the highest average sales and profits per site in the industry and it operates the best portfolio of brands in the UK. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Mitchells & Butlers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitchells & Butlers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Summit Financial LLC raised its stake in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report) by 73.9% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 35,599 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 15,133 shares during the period. Summit Financial LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF were worth $9,097,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 137.5% in the first quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 114 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF in the first quarter valued at about $34,000. Bernard Wealth Management Corp. grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 118.5% in the first quarter. Bernard Wealth Management Corp. now owns 142 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Dagco Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF in the first quarter valued at about $38,000. Finally, Hanson & Doremus Investment Management grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 240.7% in the first quarter. Hanson & Doremus Investment Management now owns 184 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. 74.88% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Stock Performance IWO stock opened at $295.62 on Thursday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $289.39 and its 200 day simple moving average is $274.11. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF has a 52 week low of $219.19 and a 52 week high of $317.62. The company has a market capitalization of $11.93 billion, a PE ratio of 21.86 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Profile iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Summit Financial LLC decreased its stake in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FNDF Free Report) by 6.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 228,856 shares of the companys stock after selling 14,479 shares during the period. Summit Financial LLC owned about 0.06% of Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF worth $8,271,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Dunhill Financial LLC acquired a new position in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Operose Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $48,000. Fairway Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $55,000. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new position in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $61,000. Finally, Greenline Partners LLC acquired a new position in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $57,000. Get Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF alerts: Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA FNDF opened at $42.27 on Thursday. Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF has a 52-week low of $31.92 and a 52-week high of $42.29. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $40.49 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $37.98. The stock has a market cap of $17.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.54 and a beta of 0.86. Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF Company Profile The Schwab Fundamental International Large Company Index ETF (FNDF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund tracks an index of large firms from developed markets ex-US. The fund selects and weights using fundamental factors. FNDF was launched on Aug 15, 2013 and is managed by Charles Schwab. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Triad Group plc (LON:TRD Get Free Report) insider James McDonald sold 33,194 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 230, for a total transaction of 76,346.20. Triad Group Stock Up 2.0% Shares of LON TRD opened at GBX 285.50 on Thursday. Triad Group plc has a 12-month low of GBX 230 and a 12-month high of GBX 410. The stock has a market cap of 47.59 million, a PE ratio of -46.92 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a current ratio of 2.10, a quick ratio of 3.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 22.15. The company has a 50-day moving average of GBX 290.24 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 312.99. Get Triad Group alerts: Triad Group (LON:TRD Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, June 16th. The company reported GBX 9.93 earnings per share for the quarter. Triad Group had a negative net margin of 7.21% and a negative return on equity of 28.75%. About Triad Group Triad Group plc provides information technology consultancy services to the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors primarily in the United Kingdom. The company offers consulting and advisory; business insights; software development; project and software delivery; program management; and support services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Triad Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Triad Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Free Report) had its price target trimmed by Morgan Stanley from $85.00 to $79.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the financial services providers stock. Several other research analysts also recently issued reports on UNM. Barclays set a $96.00 price target on Unum Group and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 7th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Unum Group from $105.00 to $100.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $95.00 price target (down previously from $100.00) on shares of Unum Group in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Evercore ISI cut their price target on Unum Group from $100.00 to $96.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Unum Group from $87.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $91.15. Get Unum Group alerts: Get Our Latest Report on UNM Unum Group Trading Up 0.4% NYSE:UNM opened at $69.3920 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $11.82 billion, a PE ratio of 8.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a quick ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Unum Group has a 52-week low of $52.71 and a 52-week high of $84.48. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $76.84 and a 200-day simple moving average of $77.96. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 29th. The financial services provider reported $2.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.23 by ($0.16). The firm had revenue of $3.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.35 billion. Unum Group had a return on equity of 13.44% and a net margin of 11.77%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.16 EPS. Unum Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.500-8.50 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Unum Group will post 9.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Unum Group Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 25th were paid a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 25th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.7%. This is an increase from Unum Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 22.01%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Unum Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $1,113,353,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. purchased a new stake in shares of Unum Group during the 4th quarter worth about $113,962,000. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI purchased a new stake in shares of Unum Group during the 4th quarter worth about $105,199,000. Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 155.6% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,278,473 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $185,604,000 after purchasing an additional 1,387,139 shares during the period. Finally, Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Unum Group during the 1st quarter worth about $93,287,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.57% of the companys stock. Unum Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block segment. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Unum Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unum Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Children play toys based on Sunmao, or Chinese joints, a traditional Chinese method of connecting wood, at the 7th Shanxi Cultural Industries Fair in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 21, 2025. The fair kicked off here on Thursday and will last till Aug. 25, attracting about 2,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions worldwide. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Children interact with a robot dog at the 7th Shanxi Cultural Industries Fair in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 21, 2025. The fair kicked off here on Thursday and will last till Aug. 25, attracting about 2,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions worldwide. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Actors perform at the 7th Shanxi Cultural Industries Fair in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 21, 2025. The fair kicked off here on Thursday and will last till Aug. 25, attracting about 2,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions worldwide. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) A child uses a VR device to view Jinci Temple at the 7th Shanxi Cultural Industries Fair in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 21, 2025. The fair kicked off here on Thursday and will last till Aug. 25, attracting about 2,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions worldwide. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) An exhibitor is pictured at the 7th Shanxi Cultural Industries Fair in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 21, 2025. The fair kicked off here on Thursday and will last till Aug. 25, attracting about 2,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions worldwide. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) People visit the 7th Shanxi Cultural Industries Fair in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 21, 2025. The fair kicked off here on Thursday and will last till Aug. 25, attracting about 2,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions worldwide. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) A staff member hosts a live streaming show at the 7th Shanxi Cultural Industries Fair in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 21, 2025. The fair kicked off here on Thursday and will last till Aug. 25, attracting about 2,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions worldwide. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) People visit the 7th Shanxi Cultural Industries Fair in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 21, 2025. The fair kicked off here on Thursday and will last till Aug. 25, attracting about 2,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions worldwide. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) This photo taken on Aug. 22, 2025 shows the site of a runway accident at an airport in Pahang state, Malaysia. A Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) jet was involved in a runway accident at an airport in Malaysia's Pahang state on Thursday. The jet, an F/A-18D Hornet, was involved in the accident at 9:05 p.m. local time, the RMAF said in a statement. According to Bernama, the pilot and co-pilot have been recovered and are receiving treatment. Videos circulating on social media show the jet moving along the runway with bright sparks emanating from it during takeoff. (Bernama via Xinhua) KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) jet was involved in a runway accident at an airport in Malaysia's Pahang state on Thursday. The jet, an F/A-18D Hornet, was involved in the accident at 9:05 p.m. local time, the RMAF said in a statement. It also advised the public against speculation on the incident. According to Bernama, the pilot and co-pilot have been recovered and are receiving treatment. Videos circulating on social media show the jet moving along the runway with bright sparks emanating from it during takeoff. Very important An informed public is essential to holding leaders accountable. Somewhat important Citizens should be informed, but it is not the top priority. Not important Voting alone is enough participation in the democratic process. Vote View Results CAIRO, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel's "arrogance of power" and persistent violation of international law in pursuit of narrow political interests or "baseless beliefs" is a grave miscalculation, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Thursday. Israel's "escalatory policies," including expanding occupation in Gaza and the West Bank, continuing "systematic crimes" against innocent civilians, and planning for displacing Palestinians from their land, will "inflame the already tense situation" in Gaza and the West Bank, and damage regional peace and security for years to come, it said in a statement. Regarding the start of a new Israeli offensive on Gaza City on Wednesday, the ministry called the move a new attempt to solidify Israel's "illegal occupation" of Palestinian territories and a complete disregard for ceasefire mediation efforts. It is a "blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law," it said. On Wednesday, Israel's military spokesman Effie Defrin said the Israeli army had begun the next stage of its operation, in line with "the directive of the political echelon." He said ground assaults were already under way in Gaza City's Zaytun neighborhood and the nearby town of Jabalia, with more forces set to join the fighting. The push, which has drawn fierce international criticism, was described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an attempt to "defeat Hamas and conquer Gaza City." The Israeli army said it now holds "operational control" over about 75 percent of Gaza, after repeated offensives have left much of its largest urban center in ruins. Gaza-based health authorities said in an update on Thursday that since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza has killed 62,192 people and injured 157,114 others. They added that starvation and malnutrition in Gaza have caused 271 deaths, including 112 children. SYDNEY, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- One man has died and three more people have been seriously injured after a vehicle crashed into a tree in the northern suburbs of Brisbane in eastern Australia. A police statement said that the vehicle collided with a tree in the suburb of Zillmere, 12 kilometers north of central Brisbane, around 1:25 a.m. local time on Thursday. The driver of the car, a 40-year-old local man, was initially transported from the scene by ambulance but was later declared deceased. The other occupants, two women aged 42 and 38 and a 14-year-old girl, were all taken to hospital with serious injuries. News Corp Australia newspapers reported that one of the women had suffered life-threatening head and leg injuries. ISLAMABAD, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his country's unyielding commitment to defeating all forms of terrorism. "Pakistan stood in solidarity with victims of terrorism across the globe...the solidarity reflects the Pakistani nation's deepest sentiments," the prime minister said on Wednesday on the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Highlighting the impacts of terrorism on Pakistan, he said that the country has paid the heaviest price in the fight against terrorism, sacrificing over 90,000 precious lives and suffering massive economic losses. Underlining counter-terrorism successes, Sharif said that the country has launched numerous military operations and intelligence-based actions that crushed terrorist networks, thwarted countless terrorist plots and saved many lives. "The crucial (counter-terrorism) National Action Plan embodies our comprehensive strategy against terrorism, combining ground operations with ideological, administrative, institutional, and narrative-based measures against extremism," he said. The premier added that national solidarity against terrorism is the guarantee of peace, stability, prosperity, and a bright future for Pakistan. Protests erupted in central Kolkata on Wednesday as the Indian Secular Front (ISF) staged a demonstration against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the amended Waqf Act. The rally, called by the ISF, was meant to be led by Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddiqui. Mr Siddiqui was later detained by police and brought to a nearby police station. He was released in the evening. From the morning, a heavy police presence could be seen in the area to prevent the protest march from taking shape. As ISF workers began gathering for the procession, police blocked their movement, sparking heated arguments. Advertisement The situation quickly escalated, with ISF supporters clashing verbally with the police and alleging that the authorities were determined to crush their democratic right to protest. Several party workers were detained in the scuffle. Tensions rose further when Siddiqui himself was stopped by officers. According to ISF leaders, police not only prevented him from addressing his supporters but also manhandled him during the confrontation. In a dramatic scene, Siddiqui was initially bundled into a prison van but stepped out, refusing to cooperate with what he called illegal detention. Police later forcibly took him into custody again. Advertisement The detainees, including Siddiqui, were transported to Lalbazar police headquarters. Meanwhile, the ISF accused the government of using police to silence opposition voices. Defending the crackdown, the deputy commissioner of police (central division) stated that no permission had been granted for the ISFs programme, and hence any attempt to march in Esplanade was unlawful. The standoff highlighted yet another flashpoint between the state administration and the ISF ahead of next years Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-state visit to poll-bound Bihar and Kolkata on Friday, August 20. During his Kolkata visit, PM Modi will inaugurate several important metro rail projects and lay the foundation stone for the 6-lane Kona Expressway. Advertisement The Prime Minister will flag off the Noapara-Jai Jind Bimanbandar metro service from Jessore Road, along with the Sealdah-Esplanade metro service and the Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay metro service. Advertisement A newly constructed 13.61 km metro network will be inaugurated, and services will be launched on these routes. PM Modi will also inaugurate a newly constructed subway at Howrah Metro Station. In Bihar, the Prime Minister will inaugurate several infrastructure projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore in Gaya, including the AuntaSimaria Bridge on the Ganga, the NH-31 upgrade projects, and the Buxar Thermal Power Plant. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Muzaffarpur and several Namami Gange projects aimed at cleaning the Ganga River and improving sanitation. Modi will also flag off the Amrit Bharat Express (GayaDelhi) and Buddhist Circuit Train (VaishaliKoderma) and hand over keys to beneficiaries of PMAY housing schemes. #BreakingNews | Tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several important metro railway projects in Kolkata. A newly constructed 13.61 km metro network will be inaugurated, and services will be launched on these routes. The Prime Minister will flag off the pic.twitter.com/DpaDkgktyB United News of India (@uniindianews) August 21, 2025 Allies of West Bengals Left Front have signalled they may go alone in next years state elections, casting doubt over the decades-old alliance with the Congress party, which has failed to deliver electoral gains in recent contests. The Left Front, which first came to power in West Bengal in 1977 and ruled uninterrupted for 34 years, had long been at odds with the Congress. But after the 2011 ouster of the Left government by Mamata Banerjees Trinamul Congress (TMC), the two sides came closer, contesting the 2016 and 2021 Assembly polls together. They also struck seat-sharing deals in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. None, however, yielded success, with the Left drawing a blank in both the Assembly and parliamentary contests. Advertisement Against the backdrop, Tuesdays Left Front evening meeting saw strong voices in favour of fighting the 2026 Assembly elections without Congress. The Forward Bloc and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) argued that the alliance had outlived its purpose, pressing to field candidates in the constituencies they contested back in 1977. The Forward Bloc has demanded 34 seats and the RSP 23 seats, party leaders said. The Communist Party of India (CPI) adopted a more nuanced position, saying Congress could be welcome into the alliance, but only if the CPI was granted a larger share of seats. The CPI leaders stressed that since the Left Fronts inception, the party had never been allotted seats on par with its strength as the second-largest partner after the CPI-M. Advertisement The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI-M, the dominant force within the Left Front, refrained from making any direct comment on either the Congress question or its allies seat demands during the meeting. State secretary Mohammed Salim represented the CPI-M, alongside CPI state secretary Swapan Banerjee, Forward Bloc leader Naren Chattopadhyay, and RSP leader Tapan Hore. Left Front chairman Biman Bose sought to keep options open, saying further discussions would be necessary on seat-sharing and alliances ahead of the 2026 polls. His remarks indicated that the door for a Congress understanding has not yet been firmly shut. The uncertainty comes amid competing signals from the Congress camp. Only days earlier, state Congress president Shubhankar Sarkar said grassroots workers wanted the party to contest all 294 Assembly seats on its own, underscoring strains in the relationship with the Left. With less than a year to go before West Bengal heads to the polls, the question of whether the Congress and the Left Front can find common ground remains unresolved, adding another layer of intrigue to a contest likely to be dominated by chief minister Banerjees TMC and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Abhishek Banerjee, national general of Trinamul Congress said to do constitutional amendment, a two-third majority is required. We had earlier cautioned people that the BJP will try to change the Constitution. With 240 MPs they are dreaming of changing the Constitution. The aim of this Bill is to confuse people. The chief election commissioner faltered during the press conference and could not answer the questions raised by the journalists, he said, adding, the government has no intention to strengthen the country, put an end to terrorism or carry out all-round development. Its sole purpose is to amass power. The Bill proposes that if a chief minister or any other minister is arrested and kept in custody for 30 days, then on the 31st day, he ceases to be a minister. It is amazing as it does not give self-defence of the arrested person. BJP believes in power without accountability. Are we to take moral lesson from the BJP? We will take moral lesson from Mamata Banerjee, but not from Modi. Advertisement He further said: We know how to raise questions. BJP is trying to suppress those asking questions. In the past 10 years, the ED invested 5,892 cases and the conviction took place in 8 cases. There are cases, including rape-murder against 19 BJP ministers. In 2024, investigation by the central agencies against 25 leaders were held, the investigation stopped against 23 of them who joined the BJP. ED is keeping people in jail custody by force and finally let them go because of lack of proof. You cannot keep them in the custody for months together failing to prove the crime. Advertisement The Bill will never be passed as it needs 2/3rd majority in Lok Sabha and 2/3rd majority in Rajya Sabha. The Opposition believes that if the BJP comes to power with 400 seats, it will change the basic fabric of the country. We have shown their place in Parliament today. The home minister sat on the fourth row and surrounded by the marshals, he had to introduce the Bill. The sole purpose is to confuse people. BJP does not have the guts to go for one-nation-one election. As they failed to introduce SIR, they are trying to confuse people. The corrupt BJP leaders are never arrested. They are using the filthiest language against women, but the high court is silent on the matter. The BJP follows one rule for their leaders and another set of rules for the Opposition. BJP had complained against Ajit Pawar and Himanta Viswasarma, but no action was taken the moment they crossed the floor. Trinamul Congress has 28 MPs and they will go to the last extent to fight against irregularities. The saffron party is making false allegation against me. I had sent the details of the voters in a pen drive to Anurag Thakur and he is silent on the issue. He reiterated that Rajeev Kumar, former CEC should be arrested for publishing faulty voter list. We have given data quoting the GOI, if they have the guts they should challenge me. The BJP had let loose the ED, to even demolish the Trinamul. We stood together, added Abhishek. The stock market continued gaining momentum for the sixth consecutive day. However, the Nifty index failed to hold 25,100 amid profit booking at higher levels. At close, the Sensex was up 142.87 points or 0.17% at 82,000.71, and the Nifty was up 33.20 points or 0.13% at 25,083.75. Notably, Sensex is now about 5% below its all-time high of 85,978, hit on September 27 last year. Advertisement The mid and small-cap segments underperformed. The BSE Midcap index slipped 0.12%, while the Smallcap index ended almost flat. Advertisement Among the sectors, Nifty Pharma and Healthcare indices rose by almost a per cent each. Auto, FMCG and PSU Bank indices ended lower. Nifty Bank ended with a modest gain of 0.10% while the Financial Services index rose 0.32%. On Nifty, the top gainers were Cipla up by 3.09%, Dr. Reddys Laboratories up by 2.61%, and Bajaj Finserv up by 1.03%. On the other hand, the shares of Tata Consumer were down by 1.57%, Bajaj Auto down by 1.56%, and Eternal down by 1.55% ending as the top losers. Around 143 stocks hit their 52-week high, while in contrast, 49 stocks touched 52-week lows. Those on the highs were Aditya Birla Capital Ltd, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, CreditAccess Grameen Ltd, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd, India Cements Ltd, JM Financial Ltd, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd, Marico Ltd, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Sai Life Sciences Ltd, and TVS Motor Company Ltd. On the lows were Hindusthan National Glass & Industries Ltd, Indogulf Cropsciences Ltd, Regaal Resources Ltd, Sharika Enterprises Ltd, and U. Y. Fincorp Ltd. Another notable performance was by the insurance shares, which saw a spike after reports suggested that life and health insurance purchased by individuals may be exempt from the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) that is currently levied. HDB Financial Services surged by a percent as Motilal Oswal initiated coverage on a new non-bank with a neutral outlook. Shares of InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) fell 2% after Kotak Institutional Equities downgraded the stock to add. It is to be noted that the foreign portfolio investors continue to sell Indian equities, as after offloading stocks worth Rs 47,667 crore in July, they pulled out Rs 25,375 crore from the cash segment in August so far. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav on Thursday claimed that the audit conducted during the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime in 2022-23, after the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was reunited, has revealed a revenue loss of Rs 312 crore to the civic body due to alleged irregularities in tax collection. Yadav has demanded that the Lieutenant Governor should get the alleged corruption in the MCD investigated by a retired judge of the High Court for the year 2022-2023 so that the whole truth could be brought out. Advertisement He claimed that due to the alleged corruption, the MCD was pushed into a debt of Rs 14000 crore, adding that the audit report has shocking findings that the corporation lost crores of rupees due to non-collection of user charges and improper collection of revenue from advertising. Advertisement He said that the AAP, which was in power at the civic body, and the BJP, which ruled the corporation 15 years ago, are responsible for the losses. Yadav alleged that APP leader and former CM Arvind Kejriwal had made lofty promises that if his party came to power in the MCD, it would banish contract employment and improve civic services; however, the same never happened, and the AAP allegedly exploited the corporation. Yadav has also claimed that the audit report has also made a shocking revelation that Rs 155.1 crore was lost due to non-compliance of Solid Waste Management bylaws, Rs 9 crore was lost due to non-collection of a one-time parking fee and conversion fee for residential properties to commercial, Rs 142 crore was lost due to lapses in the Outdoor Advertising Policy, and Rs 40.42 crore was lost due to short collection from the transport company for advertisement on bus queue shelters. The Congress leader pointed out that the MCD also suffered a loss of Rs 81.97 crore on advertisement charges under the revenue-sharing policy at IGI Airport. He said that corruption during the AAP rule had been exposed in the audit report when irregularities in the work of almost all the departments in the Delhi government were found. ALMATY, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan has officially established the Merke Nature Park in the Zhambyl region to enhance biodiversity conservation and support climate resilience, with assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the agency said Thursday. Spanning more than 86,000 hectares in the Western Tianshan Mountains, the park is home to rare and endemic species. A recent wildlife survey recorded eight snow leopards, 120 argali sheep, 20 Indian gazelles and 22 Central Asian lynxes within its territory, according to the UNDP. Beyond ecosystem protection, the park will foster ecotourism, environmental education and sustainable land use. Its plans include developing key infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, promoting scientific research and working with local communities to ensure long-term stewardship of the park's natural resources. The establishment of the park represents an important step toward the effective management of natural resources and the preservation of ecosystems, said Daniyar Turgambayev, chairman of the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife under the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. "Merke Nature Park sets an example of how local action underpins global biodiversity goals and climate resilience," said UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawiernia. As part of a broader cooperation, Kazakhstan and the UNDP have established 10 new protected areas, while six existing reserves have been expanded. Kazakhstan has also established two new ecological corridors for the first time to safeguard the migration routes of rare wildlife, covering a combined area of 2.9 million hectares. At least five schools in Delhi have received bomb threats through emails on Thursday morning, making it the third such incident of this week, prompting immediate evacuation and massive search operations by the officials. According to the Delhi Police, the schools received calls regarding the bomb threats between 6:35 am and 7:48 am. Advertisement The schools that have been targeted include Andhra Education Society Senior Secondary School (Prasad Nagar), BGS International Public School (Dwarka Sector 5), Rao Man Singh Senior Secondary School (Chhawla), Maxfort School (Dwarka Sector 1), and Indraprastha International School (Dwarka Sector 10). Advertisement The Delhi Police, along with multiple quick-response authorities, including the bomb disposal squad and dog squad, arrived at the spot, an officer mentioned, adding that the cyber teams are working to trace the IP address of the sender. Prior to this incident, on Wednesday, over 50 schools had received similar threats, while 30 schools had received such threats on Monday. On both days, officials declared the threats a hoax. Rini George talks about harassment: The release of the Hema Committee Report a few months ago had already put a spotlight on how unsafe and unequal the Malayalam film industry can be for women. The report, prepared by Justice K. Hema and her team, detailed incidents of harassment, exploitation, and silence forced upon women who feared losing their careers. Now, actor Rini George has added another chapter to the conversation, this time pointing to politics. Advertisement In a recent revelation, Rini said that a young leader from a well-known political party had been troubling her for almost three years. She said the politician began by sending her inappropriate messages on social media and later went as far as inviting her to a five-star hotel. Advertisement Her words mirror the same patterns the Hema Committee described: powerful men using their positions to intimidate women, and organizations turning a blind eye. Although Rini did not name the man or his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala quickly alleged that Congress MLA Rahul Mankoottil was responsible. The BJP even staged protests outside his office in Palakkad, leading to clashes with police. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anand Anil (@anandaniltpz) Neither Mankoottil nor the Congress leadership has issued a public statement so far. According to Rini George, despite repeated complaints, the youth leader continued to climb the ranks. The image I had about them is shattered. Even after my warnings, he was given big positions, she said. She also admitted that she is not filing a formal case. Her reasons? Security fears and a lack of trust in the justice system. I did not want to embarrass the party. But I have learned that other women also faced similar harassment, so I am speaking out for them, she explained. Following the resignation of Rahul Mamkoottathil, MLA from the post of Youth Congress Kerala president, the Youth Congresss long march against the Election Commission over the alleged electoral fraud has been postponed. The march, called by the Youth Congress State Committee in support of Rahul Gandhi on the Vote Chori issue, was to be held from Paravatthi to Thrissur on Friday. Youth Congress State President Rahul Mangkootam was to participate in the march. The march has been postponed due to the latest situation. The Youth Congress district leadership in Thrissur has not explained the reason for the postponement. Advertisement Political parties and youth organizations have come forward with state-wide protests against Rahul Mangkootatil, who resigned from the post of Youth Congress state president following the allegations of a young actress, accusing him of outraging modesty through messages. The BJP and CPI-M organized protests demanding that Rahul Mangkootatil should resign from the post of Palakkad MLA. Activists of Mahila Morcha, the womens wing of the BJP carried out a protest with chickens to Rahuls MLA office in Palakkad. There was a scuffle between the activists and the police. Advertisement There was a clash during the DYFI march to the opposition leader VD Satheesans office in Paravur, accusing him(Satheesan) of protecting Rahul Mangkoota. The activists who tried to break the barricade and rush into the office threw stones and sticks into the office compound. Meanwhile, some Congress workers have come out against Shafi Parambil MP, saying that it is he (Shafi) who protected Rahul. A section of Congress and Youth Congress workers in Palakkad have filed a complaint with the high command. At the same time, Shafi Parambil has not responded to the issue yet. In this connection, it has been reported that the daughter of a former Congress MP from Kerala is among those who have filed a complaint against Rahul Mamkootathil with the party high command.As per the complaint, Rahul promised marriage but later backed out, citing caste reasons. AICC General Secretary Deepadas Munshi, who is in charge of Kerala, received the complaints against the Palakkad MLA Kerala Youth Congress president and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has stepped down from the post on Thursday ,following multiple allegations of sexual harassment against him. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faced severe protest from Madrasa teachers at the centenary celebration of Bihar State Madrasa Education Board in Patna on Thursday as the educators accused the government of long-standing neglect and unfulfilled promises. This centenary celebration was not just an academic event. It was considered highly significant from a political perspective. With large participation from the Muslim community, this event was expected to serve as a major outreach programme for the JD(U) before the Assembly elections. Advertisement It was also seen as an attempt by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to reaffirm his connection with the minority community after the JD(U)s support for the Waqf Amendment Bill. Advertisement The madrasa teachers said that they were expecting Nitish Kumar to make major announcements regarding madrasas and its teachers as he has been doing with several other communities. Contrary to their expectations, in his address, the chief minister just recounted his past contributions. He stated that it was only after his government came to power that concrete work for the Muslim community began in the state. He said that during previous governments, the Muslim community was neglected. He also claimed that since the formation of the NDA government in 2005, initiatives such as fencing of graveyards, funeral facilities, and financial assistance for women were started. The madrasa teachers lost patience as Nitish Kumar failed to make announcements regarding their pending salaries and other issues they have been raising from time to time. While some of them chose to submit written applications to the chief minister, others resort to sloganeering to express their anger. They alleged that the condition of the Bihar Madrasa Board is very poor, because the government is not providing financial assistance on time. They have been facing financial crises, and many of them are forced to take loans just to survive. The teachers said that in 2011, Nitish Kumar had promised that teachers of 2,459 plus-one madrasas would receive salaries. Only 1,659 of those madrasas survive today. They also claimed that no new recruitment has been made for the past 15 years. A Class 10 student was allegedly stabbed to death by his junior, a student of Class 8, at their school in Khokhara area of Gujarats Ahmedabad, triggering violent protests by the family members of the victim and the Opposition Congress student wing NSUI. The chilling murder took place at the Seventh Day School on Tuesday, August 19. After the attack, the injured student was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to injuries during the treatment on Wednesday. Advertisement Following the murder, chats of the accused and his friend has gone viral on social media. The viral chats suggested the accused killed his senior after an argument at the school. Advertisement He was telling me who are you what can you do, the accused told his friend when he inquired about the reason. When his friend said that this was no reason to kill, he said, what has happened, has happened. Purported chats between the accused and his friend Friend: Bhai, did you do something today? Accused: Yes. Friend: Did you stab someone? Accused: Who told you? Friend: Please call for a minute. Friend: .You cant stab someone to death for this. You could have just beaten him up, not killed him. Accused: Whatever happened has happened now. Friend: Take care of yourself. Go underground for some time. Delete these chats. Accused: Ok. Following the murder, family members and relatives vandalised the school. Workers of the NSUI also staged a protest outside the school premises. The police have detained the accused student and further investigation is underway. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of mishandling affidavits related to large-scale voter deletions during the 2022 Assembly elections, sparking a fresh round of confrontation with the poll body. In response, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar denied the allegations, stating that the Commission had not received any affidavits from either Uttar Pradesh or Yadav. Advertisement Amid the controversy, the Commission has initiated an inquiry into Yadavs complaints regarding alleged voter list discrepancies. Advertisement District magistrates in Kasganj, Jaunpur, Barabanki, and Lucknow were directed to conduct verifications, and their reports dismissed Yadavs claims as baseless and misleading, with official statements posted on the social media platform X. Addressing a press conference on August 17, CEC Kumar reiterated that no such affidavits had been received. However, a day later, Yadav countered by distributing copies of affidavits to reporters in Parliament, insisting that nearly 18,000 affidavits had been submitted to the ECI within the stipulated deadline after receiving notices from the Commission. According to Yadav, these affidavits detailed irregularities in constituencies such as Amapur, Bakshi Ka Talab, Jaunpur Sadar, and Kursi, alleging that voter deletions were carried out in a targeted manner against specific communities. Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, on Thursday slammed US President Donald Trump imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on India, saying Beijing firmly opposes the Washingtons actions and stands with India. The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and even threatened for more. China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India, Feihong was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Advertisement Asserting that both India and China are partners and not rivals, the Chinese Ambassador called for continued friendly exchanges between the neighbouring countries. Advertisement China is willing to work with India to continue friendly exchanges in all walks of life so that people of our countries can visit each other like relatives, he said. Feihong also stated that both countries reached consensus on 10 points regarding the boundary issue during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yis recent visit to India. China is willing to work with India to continue friendly exchanges in all walks of life so that people of our countries can visit each other like relatives, he said. He further stated, We should not define the border issue as the relationship between our two countries. The border issue is on one side, and cooperation between India and China is on the other side. Speaking about Prime Narendra Modis China visit later this month, Feihong stated that Beijing attaches great importance to the meeting a working group of India and China is preparing to make the visit a success. The visit of Prime Minister Modi to China will be a very important event not only for the SCO but for the bilateral relationship between the two countries. A working group from China and India is preparing to make this visit a successful one. We attach great importance to this visit, he added. Amid a row over the alleged harassment and detention of Bengali migrant workers across India, four students of the University of Calcutta were allegedly beaten up by Hindi-speaking traders in Sealdah station area in north Kolkata for speaking in Bengali. The Bengali-speaking students were allegedly branded as Bangladeshis by a group of traders, who were speaking Hindi. Advertisement According to the police, the shocking incident took place on Wednesday night after an altercation broke out between the students and traders over the price of a mobile phone cover. Advertisement A complaint has been registered by the Bengali students at Muchipara Police Station. However, no one has been arrested in connection with the incident so far. The police took the injured students to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital for treatment. The incident comes in the backdrop of alleged harassment and attacks on Bengali migrant workers in BJP-ruled states in North India. Now the attack on Bengali students for speaking Bengali in West Bengal has also taken everyone by surprise. According to news agency IANS, a student had gone to a shop under the Sealdah Bridge, where he got into a minor argument with one of the sellers over the price of a mobile cover. The student alleged that the seller abused him in Hindi for speaking in Bengali. He returned to the hostel and came back to shop with three friends. Soon, an altercation broke out between them, and all the students were assaulted by the traders, who also branded them as Bangladeshis. They said in Hindi that we are Bangladeshi. When we protested, they beat me. They took away my mobile phone. One man even attacked us with knives, the agency quoted one of the students as saying. A senior police officer of Kolkata Police said, We have received a complaint in this regard. We are investigating the matter. No one has been arrested so far. The Central government has long been blaming West Bengal for the infiltration from across the Bangladesh border. According to sources, this issue has been discussed numerous times in the parliamentary standing committee. Not only infiltration but also various criminal activities, including cattle and drug smuggling, are prevalent along this border. Complaints continue to pour in, necessitating vigilance from the administration. Now, just before Modis visit to Kolkata, the Ministry of Home Affairs has released data on the situation at the border over the past few years, including the areas where fencing cannot be erected, the number of infiltrations occurring between 2023 and 2025, and the methods of smuggling. It is important to note that the responsibility for the India-Bangladesh border lies with the Central government. Advertisement According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the number of infiltrators apprehended was 1,547 in 2023, 1,694 in 2024, and 723 in 2025. A total of 4,988 kg of drugs was seized in 2023, 3,145 kg in 2024, and 5,729 kg from January to July 2025. Many livestock were rescued before being trafficked. In 2023, the number was 8,614; in 2024, it was 8,648; and in the first seven months of 2025, the number was 2,886. According to the ministrys data, much livestock was rescued before being trafficked. In 2023, the number was 8,614; in 2024, it was 8,648; and in the first seven months of 2025, the number was 2,886. Yava tablets have also been seized. Advertisement In 2023, a total of 51,882 tablets were seized, followed by 86,747 in 2024 and 36,440 in 2025. Similarly, over three consecutive years, 210,407, 303,480, and 210,606 bottles of Phensidyl (cough syrup) were confiscated from border areas. The incidents of gold smuggling have also not diminished. In the past seven months, 20.876 kg of gold has been recovered, while last year saw the recovery of 188.142 kg, and in 2023, 166.810 kg of gold was seized. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday led a high-level delegation to Japan and South Korea on the invitation of the Indian Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), Government of India. The visit aims to showcase Chhattisgarhs heritage, innovation, and emerging sectors at the prestigious World Expo 2025 in Osaka, while also strengthening the states global investment outreach. Showcasing Chhattisgarh in Osaka The delegation will participate in the World Expo in Osaka on August 2526, where Chhattisgarh has established a dedicated pavilion within the Bharat Pavilion. The states exhibit highlights its cultural richness, industrial growth, and future-ready sectors, particularly renewable energy, information technology, and sustainable development models. Officials said the participation positions Chhattisgarh prominently within Indias global representation. Advertisement Strategic Engagements in Japan and Korea Ahead of the Expo, the Chief Minister will be in Tokyo (August 2224) for investor connect sessions and high-level meetings with Japanese industry leaders, trade associations, and investors. The visit will conclude in Seoul (August 2729) with investor roundtables, sector-focused discussions, and engagements with top Korean companies to explore avenues of collaboration. Advertisement Expanding the States Global Footprint Sai emphasized that the Expo provides a unique platform to strengthen partnerships and attract investments. Participation in one of the worlds largest platforms for innovation and collaboration will open new avenues for Chhattisgarhs economic growth and global recognition, he said before departing. Shiv Narayan Pandey, Chhattisgarh BJP leader and spokesperson, noted that beyond the Expo, the Chief Ministers interactions with Japanese and Korean stakeholders are expected to foster collaborations, boost industrial relations, and deepen knowledge exchange. By attending the World Expo 2025 through ITPOs facilitation, Chhattisgarh seeks not only to showcase its strengths on the world stage but also to underline its commitment to becoming an active participant in Indias international trade and investment outreach. KIEV, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Russia launched another airstrike on Ukraine in the night between Wednesday and Thursday, striking a U.S. electronics producer, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. "One of the missiles struck a major American electronics manufacturer in our westernmost region, leading to serious damage and casualties," Sybiha said on X. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram that several cruise missiles had been fired at an American enterprise producing coffee machines and other household items in the western Zakarpattya region. A total of 15 people were wounded in the missile attack, which caused a fire on an area of 7,000 square meters, according to the State Service for Emergencies. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the attack involved 574 drones and 40 missiles, adding that it intercepted 546 drones, 18 Kh-101 cruise missiles, 12 Kalibr cruise missiles, and one Kinzhal hypersonic missile. Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday reiterated his vote chori allegations, saying he was convinced that results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were manipulated. Addressing a gathering during the INDIA blocs Vote Adhikar Yatra in poll-bound Bihars Munger, Rahul said, For the past few years, elections have been taking place where the public mood and the election results are completely different. Everyone has been assuming that something is wrong with the elections. Advertisement The Congress leader continued, In Maharashtra, for the first time, it was proven that the EC and BJP have been stealing elections. Our alliance won in the Lok Sabha elections, and four months later, the BJP won. The only difference was that nearly one crore new people cast their votes and all these votes went to the BJP alliance. BJP won in all those places where these new voters cast their votes. Advertisement Rahul accused the Election Commission of India of colluding with the BJP to steal votes, calling vote chori an attack on the Constitution of India. The Congress MP further vowed the Opposition will no longer allow the BJP and the Election Commission to steal even a single vote in Bihar. PM Modi, BJP and the Election Commission are stealing votes in every state. This time, we have the proof and we will not allow them to steal even a single vote in Bihar and thats why we are carrying out this yatra, Rahul added. Meanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who accompanied Rahul Gandhi during the yatra, launched a direct attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA-led government in Bihar over the law and order situation in the state. Crime, murders, corruption in Bihar on the rise. PM Modi must tell what he has done in the last 11 years, Tejashwi remarked. Yadav said that the Bihar government has no vision of roadmap for the states development. Whatever Tejashwi Yadav says, this government does. We talked about increasing pensions, and the (state) government quietly increased pensions. We promised to create 5 lakh jobs, and they claim to offer additional employment opportunities. We said we would make electricity free, and this government says they will also make electricity free We discussed forming a Youth Commission, and the government also mentioned a Youth Commission. Now you decide whether you want a real Chief Minister or another duplicate Chief Minister? This is a copycat government, the RJD leader added. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh Thursday reiterated his partys criticism of the Election Commission of India over its decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision of Bihars electoral rolls. Ramesh questioned the necessity of the SIR, citing the ECIs own 2024 KAP survey, which found that the electoral rolls were already at near perfect accuracy. The survey revealed that many eligible citizens remain unenrolled due to paperwork and lack of awareness, suggesting the ECIs focus should be on inclusion rather than exclusion. Advertisement In a statement shared on platform X, Ramesh questioned what prompted the ECI to conduct the SIR, given the recent surveys findings. He hinted that the move might be motivated by the ruling partys desire to rig elections in Bihar. Advertisement The Congress leader highlighted the Supreme Courts recent order, which directed the publication of 65 lakh deleted voters names during the SIR process. He accused the ECI of opposing this instruction and attempting to shift the responsibility to political parties and individuals. The SIR is less about electoral cleansing rolls; it is more about destroying democracy itself, Ramesh stated. He also criticised the ECIs claim of impartiality, calling it laughable in the face of evidence suggesting partisanship. Ramesh emphasised that the real test for the ECI lies in complying with the Supreme Courts directives on the Bihar SIR process. CPI MP and Leader of the Party in the Rajya Sabha, P Sandosh Kumar, has written a letter to former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, expressing concern over his abrupt resignation from office and his absence from public life since then, according to a press statement. In the statement, Sandosh Kumar recalled that Dhankhars resignation from the posts of Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha a month ago citing health reasons had shocked Parliament and the nation. While differences during his tenure in the Chair were natural, the dignity of the office he held was always respected, he wrote. Advertisement What has raised further anxiety, the letter notes, is Dhankhars complete silence and withdrawal since stepping down. He has not addressed the press, appeared in public, or attended scheduled events. Such an absence, following a resignation on health grounds, has sparked deep concern among lawmakers and citizens about his well-being, he said in the press release. Advertisement The CPI MP urged Dhankhar to issue a statement and reassure both Parliament and the public at the earliest. While the process to elect his successor is already underway, clarity and reassurance from Shri Dhankhar himself would help dispel speculation, unease, and unanswered questions surrounding his unprecedented resignation, the statement added. Sandosh Kumar stressed that the appeal was made with utmost sincerity and full respect for the dignity of the high constitutional office Dhankhar held, but underlined the need for transparency to address growing public concern. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar would be meeting with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday, amid strained ties between India an US. The talks are expected to run across bilateral, regional and global issues, emphasizing on economic resilience and multipolar cooperation. Advertisement In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry said the two leaders will focus on facilitating the emergence of transport, logistics, banking and financial links and chains that would be immune to any adverse pressures from unfriendly countries. Advertisement The comment signaled at the US and the European Union, which have imposed punitive tariffs and sanctions over the Ukraine war and purchases of Russian oil. Also on the agenda is increasing the use of national currencies in their mutual settlements. The two BRICS members endorsed de-dollarization amid Trumps aggressive trade policies during the BRICS summit held July 2025. Jaishankar had made his priorities clear after landing in Moscow for a three-day visit: greater India-Russia engagement to steady ties and offset geopolitical turbulence. India and Russia should diversify and expand their agenda of cooperation through joint ventures and a broader trade basket, he said. Doing more and doing differently should be our guiding principles, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Russias First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on Wednesday. He urged both countries to avoid being stuck on old pathways and encouraged Russian businesses to step up engagement with Indian partners. His comments come amid strained ties with Washington, following President Trumps move to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent and impose an additional 25 per cent duty on Indias imports of Russian crude. As per the parliamentary tradition, after each session, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha organises a tea party for all members of parliament and ministers on the same day. But on Thursday evening, not a single member of the Opposition alliance turned up at the tea party hosted by Om Birla. During the tea party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the session productive as several significant Bills were passed. He praised the government, stating that the passage of the online games Bill will have a long-term impact, particularly on the public. Those are the topics that warrant further discussion. Advertisement Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla referred to the Oppositions actions as a diminution of the dignity of the Parliament and reiterated his call for cooperation from all parties. Advertisement Political circles suggest that the Opposition boycott of the tea party reflects the increasing pressure within Parliament and the deepening disagreements between the government and the opposition. This action of the opposition challenges the tradition of cooperation in Parliament and may escalate political tensions in the future. Former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy on Thursday filed his nomination for the Vice Presidential Election 2025 in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and several other leaders of the alliance were also present at the nomination. Advertisement Reddy is Oppositions INDIA bloc nominee for the Vice Presidential Election 2025. He is in a direct contest with the BJP-led NDAs CP Radhakrishnan for the Vice President of Indias post. Advertisement While numbers favour NDAs CP Radhakrishnan, there is an outside chance for Reddy provided he secure the support of some of the NDAs alliance partners. #WATCH | INDIA alliance Vice-Presidential nominee, former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy files his nomination in the presence of Congress president-Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/Xxg6KX2ncQ ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025 Ahead of filing his nomination, Reddy acknowledged numbers are not in his favour but expressed hope that MPs across the party line will support him. Numbers matter continuesOf course, I am hopeful. Since I dont belong to any political party, I believe everyone would support meI have made it very clear yesterday. It is the battle of ideology, he told reporters. Earlier on Wednesday, CP Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance nominee, filed his nomination papers for the post of Vice President. He filed his nomination in Parliament House, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President JP Nadda and other senior leaders in attendance. The Vice Presidential post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down on July 21, 2025, citing health concerns. The Election Commission has scheduled the Vice Presidential election for September 9, with nominations to be filed by August 21 and withdrawals accepted until August 25. Noting that India-Russia partnership is simultaneously experiencing consolidation as well as exploring new domains and opportunities, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has encouraged Russian companies to engage more intensively with their Indian counterparts. The External Affairs Ministers comments came amid escalating trade tensions between India and the United States over Indias oil purchases from Russia. US President Donald Trump recently increased tariffs imposed on Indian goods to 50 per cent, in what is seen as a sign of his frustration over failing to stop the Russia-Ukraine war. Advertisement In his remarks at India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow, Jaishankar said, An India with a GDP of USD 4 trillion plus growing at 7 per cent for the foreseeable future has an obvious need for large resources from dependable sources. In some cases, it could be assured supplies of essential products, fertiliser, chemicals, and machinery, being good examples. Its rapidly growing infrastructure offers business openings to enterprises with an established track record in their own country. Advertisement The Make in India and other such initiatives have opened up new windows for foreign businesses. The modernisation and the urbanisation of India generate their own demands, flowing from shifts in consumption and lifestyle. Each of these dimensions represent an invitation for Russian companies to engage more intensively with their Indian counterparts. Our endeavour is to encourage them to rise to that challenge, he added. Mentioning that India and Russia have nurtured one of the steadiest relationships between major nations, Jaishankar pushed for more strenuous efforts to diversify and balance trade between both nations. India and Russia have nurtured one of the steadiest relationships between major nations in current times is now widely recognised. However, that did not automatically translate into significant economic cooperation. Our trade basket remains limited and till recently, so did our trade volume. It may have grown in recent years, but then, so too has the trade deficit. Both the diversification and balancing of trade now urgently mandate more strenuous efforts on our part. At the end of the day, they are essential not just to reach higher trade targets but even to sustain the existing levels, he said. Jaishankar pushed for deeper cooperation to promote growth and accelerate development and expressed Indias willingness to contemplate more investments, joint ventures and other forms of collaboration. It is reasonably evident that there is much that India and Russia can do for each other in promoting growth and accelerating development. What we seek to do as Governments is to provide the guidance and create conditions for economic activities to take place. Clearly much centres around trade but there is growing willingness to contemplate more investments, joint ventures and other forms of collaboration. First DPM Manturov and I are here amongst you to encourage those processes. We want to send a clear message that an enduring strategic partnership must have a strong and sustainable economic component. he said. Further speaking about India signing Terms of Reference (ToR) for the India-Eurasian Economic Union on a Free Trade Agreement, Jaishankar said, We have today concluded the Terms of Reference for the India-Eurasian Economic Union FTA. That will surely make a difference when concluded. We spoke about motivating joint ventures in key areas where the demand is already established. Some initiatives of significant investment levels were also spoken about. Our skilling and mobility endeavours have started to take off. The desire to improve connectivity is also expressed through multiple options. But in the final analysis, what we really need is for businesses to step forward confidently. Not just that, also ensure that there is a close collaboration between what Governments are discussing and businesses are planning, he added. Following the allegations of a young actress against a young political party leader , accusing him of outraging her modesty through messages, Youth Congress Kerala president Rahul Mamkootathil has resigned from the post. Announcing the resignation from the post, at a press conference held at his residence in Adoor, Rahul said the young actress is his close friend and she has not named him as the accused I dont think the allegations are against me, he said. Advertisement Rahul said he resigned as youth Congress Kerala unit president,upholding political ethics.His resignation letter has been sent to the youth Congress leadership Advertisement Earlier, there were indication that the All India Congress Committee ( AICC) will take action against youth Congress Kerala president and Palakkad MLA, Rahul Mamkoottathil, in of view of the sexual abuse allegations levelled against him It is learnt that Deepa Das Munshi, AICC general secretary in charge of party affairs in Kerala, has asked the party leadership in Kerala to investigate into the allegations levelled against the youth Congress leaderand there were indications that Rahul may be removed from the post of Youth Congress state president. There are reports that the AICC leadership has received complaints of misbehaviour against Rahul from within the party. Rahul faced severe criticism in the youth Congress WhatsApp group too.A woman leader of the Congress has demanded that Rahul should respond to the allegations levelled against him and that he should step aside ,if there is any truth in them. She has stated in a voice message that the allegations against Rahul cannot be laughed off and that the allegation that the Youth Congress Kerala president is a womaniser is an insult to the party. The Congress leadership in Kerala is earlier of the view that there was no need for public response on the issue now, since the actress has not revealed the name of the young leader.However, the posts on the social media by people, including writer Honey Bhaskar, mentioning the name of Rahul, put pressure on the Congress leadership Meanwhile,actress Rini Ann George, who levelled misbehaviour charges against Rahul, has come out with more revelations against the youth Congress leader.Rini said she would not reveal the name of the young leaders now and that she stands by what she already said. Without revealing the name of the person, Rini on Wednesday levelled serious allegations against a young leader of a prominent political party.She said the politician has sent offensive messages to her on multiple occasions.Though it is alleged that the politician is an MLA, she refused to reveal his name or party affiliation I received inappropriate messages from the politician.He invited me to a location to spend time with him.When I told him I would complain against him , he challenged me to go through with it who cares was his attitude she said Senior Congress leader and Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan has on Thursday morning said the Congress has taken the complaint seriously and will act against the accused after proper verification and investigation. The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die, marking the end of the Monsoon session, which was marred by repeated disruptions by the opposition over various issues, including the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision drive in Bihar. Speaker Om Birla announced the adjournment of the House, bringing down the curtains on the session. The Monsoon Session commenced on July 21. Advertisement Before adjourning the House, Speaker Om Birla expressed his concerns over the disruptions and emphasised the importance of maintaining decorum in the House. He stated that the session had seen 14 government bills introduced and 12 passed, despite the disruptions. However, due to the constant adjournments, the House could only work for 37 hours, falling short of the targeted 120 hours. Advertisement The oppositions repeated disruptions hindered the smooth functioning of the House, with members engaging in heated exchanges and tearing up papers. Despite the disruptions, the Lok Sabha managed to work for 44 hours during the session. Speaker Om Birla said that he had repeatedly appealed to the members to maintain a high level of decorum and discipline in the House but his appeals fell on deaf ears. He emphasised that as public representatives, their conduct and behavior were closely watched by the country, and it was their responsibility to engage in serious and meaningful discussions on important issues. The opposition has been demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision drive, particularly in Bihar, where electoral rolls are being revised. They claim the process is being used to exclude certain voters, potentially benefiting the ruling party. The INDIA bloc has unitedly protested, alleging the Election Commission of India is acting at the behest of the government. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, cited a ruling by former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar, arguing that Parliament cannot discuss the functioning of the ECI, a constitutionally autonomous body. The oppositions demand for discussion has led to repeated adjournments in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, disrupting the legislative business. The oppositions protests have continued, with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi stating that the Lok Sabha can resume proceedings once the Centre answers their demand to discuss the SIR drive. The issue has sparked debate over democracy and the role of the ECI in ensuring fair elections. Thanking members, ministers, and officials for their cooperation during the session, Om Birla also expressed he hope that the members would reflect on their behavior and strive to maintain the dignity and decorum of the House. Indian Air Force Officer and Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Thursday described his journey to space aboard the Axiom-4 mission as an unbelievable experience, adding that the knowledge gained during the past year would significantly contribute to Indias upcoming space programmes, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight project and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. In spite of all the, training, when you sit in that rocket during the final mission and the engine gets fired, the feeling is unbelieving. Till the time we splashed out of the sky, the feeling is unbelievable. The experience is different, he said in a briefing highlighting his achievements and outlining ISROs plans for the Gaganyaan mission. Advertisement He added, The benefit of executing a human space mission is more than the training. The supplementary knowledge we get just by being there is invaluable. All the information I have collected in the past year will be extremely useful to us for our own missions, Gaganyaan and Bharatiya Antariksh Station. Advertisement He further added, Very soon we shall send someone from our capsule, from our rocket and our soil The experience is very different from what you learn on the ground. The body goes through a lot of changes The body forgets how to live in gravity after spending 20 days in space Watch: IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla says, This mission, Axiom Mission 4, was a mission to the International Space Station. So we were flying on top of the Falcon 9 vehicle in the Crew Dragon and to the International Space Station for a period of two weeks and thereafter pic.twitter.com/UwnFsASFV5 IANS (@ians_india) August 21, 2025 He stated, I want to thank the Indian Government, ISRO and my colleagues We were flying on top of the Falcon 9 Vehicle Crew Dragon is one of the three vehicles that can take humans to space My profile in this mission was the mission pilot. There are four seats in the Crew Dragon. I was the mission pilot and I had to work with the commander and interact with the systems of the Crew Dragon We had to perform the experiments that were conceived, developed and realised by the Indian researchers. And also to perform STEM demonstrations, capture photos and videographs Group Captain Shukla expressed gratitude to the media for showcasing the Axiom-4 mission to people across the country and making it accessible to the common citizen. He extended his thanks to the Government of India for conceptualizing the mission, to ISRO for enabling it, to principal investigators and researchers for their experiments on board, and to every citizen who, he said, treated the mission as their own. I truly felt that this mission belonged to each and every Indian, he remarked. Sharing details of his journey, Shukla called the International Space Station (ISS) a remarkable example of human engineering and international collaboration. As the mission pilot, his responsibilities during the two-week stay included conducting STEM demonstrations and capturing photographs to share with people back home. He explained that Axiom Mission-4 involved travelling aboard SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket in the Crew Dragon spacecraft to the ISS, with the launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and splashdown recovery in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego. Highlighting the significance of human spaceflight, Shukla said the gains go beyond training. The additional knowledge we acquire simply by being there is invaluable, he noted, adding that the data and insights collected over the past year would greatly benefit Indias upcoming space endeavours, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station project. Very soon, we will be able to send someone aboard our own capsule, our own rocket, launched from our own soil, he affirmed. He also reflected on the physical impact of space travel, saying the body undergoes profound changes. After nearly 20 days in space, the body forgets how to live in gravity. The experience is unlike anything one can learn on the ground, he said. BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United States has played the disgraceful role of a sheer lie-monger on the South China Sea issue, according to a report released on Thursday. The report, titled "Incitement, Threats, and Lies -- The Truth about External Forces Interfering in the South China Sea Issue," is part of a series of three reports on the South China Sea issue published by the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency. The report reveals that Washington has long engaged in extensive theoretical research, leveraging its dominant position in international discourse to fabricate false narratives, distort facts, and obscure the truth. Consequently, misleading information has been widely disseminated under the guise of authoritative journalism. While media reports attempt to portray China as an aggressive power that bullies smaller nations, they conveniently ignore the root cause of the South China Sea issue: the Philippine occupation of Chinese islands and reefs, and its role in fueling maritime boundary disputes. As emphasized in the report, researchers have discovered that the United States has consistently played a dominant role in shaping international narratives on the South China Sea. Since the Obama administration, various U.S. government agencies, think tanks, and media outlets have persistently promoted narratives like "China seeks to control the South China Sea," "China does not abide by international law," "China is undermining the rules-based international order," and "China is coercing its maritime neighbors." These narratives, often based on selective or even distorted information, have been used to comprehensively stigmatize China's policies and actions in safeguarding its maritime rights. In recent years, U.S. tactics in this regard have escalated, becoming increasingly direct and vociferous, the report notes. Furthermore, the report underscores that the United States and its Western allies leverage their dominance in international discourse to mischaracterize the intrusions and provocations by certain claimant states in the South China Sea as safeguarding sovereignty, and frame China's legitimate rights protection and law enforcement as "hegemonic" actions of a powerful nation "bullying" regional countries. This report is part of a series of three reports on South China Sea issue released by the Xinhua Institute. The other two reports are titled "Historical and Legal Basis of China's Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights in the South China Sea," and "Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation: China's Actions." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday during which both the leaders exchanged views on efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. During the course of conversation, the French president shared assessment of the recent meetings held between the leaders of Europe, US, and Ukraine in Washington. Advertisement Macron also shared his perspectives on the situation in Gaza. Advertisement In a post on X after the telephonic conversation, Modi said, Had a very good conversation with my friend President Macron. Exchanged views on efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership. An official statement here said, Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron. PM Modi reiterated Indias consistent support to peaceful resolution of the conflicts and early restoration of peace and stability. The leaders also reviewed progress in the bilateral cooperation agenda, including in the areas of trade, defence, civil nuclear cooperation, technology and energy. They reaffirmed joint commitment to strengthen India-France Strategic Partnership and mark 2026 as Year of Innovation in a befitting manner, the statement said. Macron also conveyed support for early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU. After the telephonic conversation, the French President also shared a post on X. I have just spoken with Prime Minister @NarendraModi. We coordinated our positions on the war in Ukraine in order to move towards a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and Europes security, he said. On trade issues, we agreed to strengthen our economic exchanges and our strategic partnership in all areas this is the key to our sovereignty and independence. Following up on the AI Action Summit held in Paris last February, we are working towards the success of the AI Impact Summit to be held in New Delhi in 2026, the French President said. For more effective multilateralism, we agreed to work closely together in preparation for the French presidency of the G7 and the Indian presidency of the BRICS in 2026, Macron further said. Several European leaders, including Macron, met the US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The development took place following Trumps meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week. Besides Macron, the other European leaders who met Trump included UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, 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. BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said, The CM is well now and her morale is high. She is worried about the people of Delhi Her routine will continue from tomorrow CMs rising popularity is the only reason for the attack on her Day after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked at public program at her residence, her security had been beefed up with Centre according Z category CRPF security to her. news agency ANI reported. Advertisement The incident occurred during the weekly Jan Sunvai programme when Rajesh approached her, handed over a paper, suddenly shouted, slapped her, pulled her hair, and hurled abuses, as per the police. As per Delhi Police sources, a heavy object was hurled at her, causing her to fall to the ground. The Chief Minister is currently under medical observation while senior Delhi Police officials are on the spot. A man has been arrested for allegedly attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public grievance session at her Civil Lines residence in the national capital, said the Delhi Police. According to Delhi Police, the accused identified himself as Rajesh Sakriya (41) and said that he belonged to Rajkot, Gujarat. A case has been registered under Section 109(1) BNS for attempt to murder following the attack on Delhi CM on Wednesday, as per ANI. The accused had been sent to five day police custody. After the incident, the accused was taken into police custody at the Civil Lines station, and authorities carried out further investigation. Political leaders from Congress, AAP and BJP condemned the incident terming it as unfortunate and urged for an investigation into the matter. Several political leaders like Congress MPs Venugopal and Manickam Tagore called it a failure of Hime Minister and Delhi and Police. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan came down heavily on the Opposition parties for opposing the legislation to bar criminals from holding high ministerial posts. Speaking on the death anniversary of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh and the third Hindu Gaurav Day, Pradhan said its natural for parties like the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and their allies full of criminals to question the law. Once the legislation is enacted, they will find themselves in the dock. Advertisement Citing the example of Kalyan Singh not signing the order to shoot at Ram bhakts during the Ram Mandir movement and resigning from power and that of Kejriwal not leaving power even after going to jail on corruption charges, Pradhan questioned the morality of the Congress and the other Opposition parties. Advertisement He said Kalyan Singh was not just a person or a leader but an idea and a ritual. On the occasion, senior BJP leaders, Uma Bharti, Kalraj Mishra, Deputy Chief Ministers of UP Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary, and Rajveer Singh remembered Kalyan Singh, calling him the inspiration of nationalism and good governance. Dharmendra Pradhan said that a law was placed before the Joint Parliamentary Committee in the Parliament yesterday. According to the law, if the prime minister of the country, chief minister of any state, and minister go to jail, they will have to leave the throne within 30 days, he said. He said Narendra Modi has been the prime minister of the country for 11 years and he will remain the prime minister for the next decade, despite this he brought a law that whether it is PM, CM or any minister, he will have to leave the throne within 30 days of arrest. Pradhan further said that Kalyan Singh also had to pay the price for refusing to fire on Ram Bhakts in 1991. This was not a crime but he took forward a work of national pride. But the Congress government at the Centre dismissed Kalyan Singhs government. They did the same in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan too. But today, they themselves are raising questions against his resignation. Taking a dig at the Opposition, Pradhan said yesterday the Yuvraj of the Congress party was saying Modi ji wants to bring a medieval black law. It is natural for you to be afraid because there are criminals in your party. Whether your colleague, Arvind Kejriwal, went to jail for hoisting the tricolour like Uma? Did Kejriwal leave the throne for nationalism like Babuji (Kalyan Singh)? he asked before answering, No, he had to go to jail for corruption, yet he did not leave the throne. Dharmendra Pradhan said Kalyan Singh ji was not just a person or a leader, he was an idea and a ritual. In 2004, when Babu ji was a Lok Sabha member, I also came to the Lok Sabha for the first time with him. He was the chairman of the parliamentary committee and I worked with him as a member. He is known across the country today as a Hindutva leader. During this time, I got the opportunity to closely observe the personality of a mixture of both nationalism and harmony. He said in the 90s, Singh established good governance in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh was in a bad state but when he became the chief minister with the blessings of the people, good governance was established in the state. Yogi Adityanath is taking forward the same good governance and ideals. He was a Hindu leader but the Ram Janmabhoomi movement would not have been so big and successful without his contribution. Pradhan said in the form of Prime Minister Modi in Delhi and in the form of Yogi Adityanath in UP, we are taking forward the ideals of Kalyan Singh and this is a true tribute to him. Speaking on the occasion, former Madhya Pradesh CM Uma Bharti said, Today, we gathered in the memory of Kalyan Singh ji and got to hear good news. Aligarhs name has been changed and some other places have also been changed too. I appeal to Yogi ji to change Shahjahanpurs name in two-four days. Try to erase all the memories of the slavery era. Taking a dig at Akhilesh Yadav, she said he says what is there in a name. How will the one whose mind itself has a slave mentality know what is there in a name. Only the one who has national self-respect will understand the glory of a name. As soon as Kalyan Singh became the chief minister, the law and order of Uttar Pradesh came completely under control. After his tenure, the destruction that happened during the SP and BSP era, the nexus of corrupt and criminals, was finally destroyed and brought to the abyss by his younger brother and guru-like Yogi Adityanath, she alleged. She said today, the hearts of criminals are shaken and it is a matter of happiness that Yogi Adityanath carried forward the tradition that has been going on since Babujis tenure. Remembering Kalyan Singh, she said even if his head is cut, we will not let your moustache fall down. Former governor, Kalaraj Mishra, remembering Kalyan Singh, said as soon as his name comes, it seems he is sitting in front of us. We had a very close relationship which cannot be described in words. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the BJP government was formed in the state for the first time under the leadership of Kalyan Singh. The era of Akhilesh Yadavs fake victim card is not going to be fulfilled as Akhilesh Yadav only knows how to divide. He also demanded Bharat Ratna for Kalyan Singh. If the name of Jalalabad has been changed to Parshuram, then it will not be late to change the name of Aligarh to Harigarh. Also, he said that in 2027 also BJP is going to repeat the decision of 2017. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also remembered Kalyan Singh, saying the name of Pujya Babuji is taken with great reverence and faith in the whole of India. He worked to put everything at stake for the flag of Sanatan Dharma throughout his life. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP and chief party spokesperson Sanjay Raut has claimed that the BJP-led NDA is not confident about securing a majority for its vice presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan, which is why it has begun to contact Opposition parties. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Devendra Fadnavis called Uddhav Thackeray, requesting him to vote (for CP Radhakrishnan). Singh must have requested other parties to do the same. When you (the NDA) have a majority, why do you need support from the Opposition? It is a clear indication that the NDAs position is not as strong as it is trying to show, Sanjay Raut told media persons. Advertisement The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP have nine and eight MPs respectively in the Lok Sabha, besides two MPs each in the Rajya Sabha. Advertisement The election for the post of Vice President is scheduled to be held on September 9. The NDA has nominated CP Radhakrishnan for the vice presidential election while the opposition Congress-led INDIA bloc which includes the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, has fielded former Supreme Court judge, Justice B Sudarshan Reddy as its candidate. If Radhakrishnan is elected as the vice president of India, he would become the second Maharashtra governor to occupy the second biggest constitutional post of India after Shankar Dayal Sharma, who went on to become the president of India. Talking to media persons, Raut raised questions about Radhakrishnans actions while he was the governor of Jharkhand. When Radhakrishnan was the governor of Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the Raj Bhavan itself. This action was against constitutional traditions. Radhakrishnan did not stop ED officials at that time nor did he play his role within constitutional limits, he pointed out. The Oppositions fight is not for only a post, but it is a fight to save democracy. Our fight is against dictatorship. The Opposition is standing against dictatorial tendencies and the forces supporting it, Raut said. Sanjay Raut also lashed out against the Bills introduced by the Central government, which have the provisions to remove the prime minister, chief minister or minister from the post if they are arrested for 30 days in serious criminal cases. Raut said such laws are an attempt to scare and apply pressure on governments led by opposition parties. If this law is implemented, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and many (Shinde-led) Shiv Sena ministers will be forced to go to jail every day. How much morality has the BJP shown in the last 10 years? This is a sign of dictatorship. Opposition parties opposed these bills in Parliament, Sanjay Raut said. A retired army personnel, who was attending Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Janata Darshan consumed poisonous substance in the state capital on Thursday. He was immediately taken to the civil hospital , where his condition remains critical. Advertisement The ex army person alleges that he has taken this step after being fed up with the harassment of BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar from Ghaziabad. Advertisement It was reported that retired soldier Satbir Gurjar, a resident of Sirauli in Ghaziabads Loni police station area, had reached CM Janata Darbar. The Army personnel told the security staff deployed that he came to tye Janata Durbar after consuming poisonous substance. There was a chaos on the spot and Satbir made many serious allegations against BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar. A complaint letter was found from the retired soldier. In this, he had written that the MLA had taken out a Kalash Yatra in the month of April and his aim was to topple the government. On getting information about this, the retired soldier recognized the conspiracy and revealed it on social media, he said. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday appointed senior IPS officer Satish Golcha as new Commissioner of Police. He will replace SBK Singh, Director General (DG) of Home Guards, who was given the additional charge of the Delhi Police Commissioner at the start of this month. With the approval of the Competent Authority, Sh. Satish Golcha, IPS (AGMUT:1992), presently posted as Director General (Prisons), Delhi, is hereby appointed to the post of the Commissioner of Police, Delhi with effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders, an MHA order dated August 21 said. Advertisement The development came a day after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked by a Gujarati man at her camp office in the Civil Lines area during a weekly public hearing. Advertisement Following the attack, CM Guptas security has also been upgraded to Z category. She will now be protected by a team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Who is Satish Golcha? Golcha, a 1992 batch IPS officer, previously served as the Delhi Police Joint Commissioner, Special Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DGP). During the northeast Delhi riots in 2020, Golcha was the Special Commissioner of Police (law and order). He has also served as Arunachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) between 2022 and 2023. He was posted as Director General (Prisons), Delhi. Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday sharpened his attack on the Centre, terming the three new bills, which allow the removal of elected representatives arrested on serious criminal charges and held in custody without bail for more than 30 days, as torture bills. He accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu of indulging in blackmail politics and putting their own interests above the countrys progress. Advertisement Tejashwi Yadav, who left Patna for Sheikhpura, Sikandra, Jamui and Munger as part of his ongoing Voter Adhikar Yatra, said the campaign is drawing massive public support. Advertisement The truth of the BJP and the Election Commission is being exposed to the people through this yatra. The faith of the common people is returning to democracy again. They will teach the BJP a lesson in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections with their votes, he asserted while interacting with reporters in Patna. Slamming the JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi said, People like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu do not want the country to progress. They are only doing politics of power and selfishness. They know how to blackmail, and are working to spoil the country. When asked about the possibility of Nitish Kumar continuing as Bihars Chief Minister, he dismissed it outright: There is no question of Nitish Kumar becoming the CM again. The people of Bihar have made up their minds to send him away. Everyone is witnessing the states condition in terms of crime, migration, education and law and order. Reacting to Nitish Kumars participation in the minority dialogue after a long gap, Tejashwi said, The public has now understood everything. No matter how much he communicates or makes announcements, it is of no use. The people have decided, and change is now certain. The Voter Adhikar Yatra is resuming on Thursday after a days break from Sheikhpura. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will also join the Yatra from Sheikhpura. Launching a blistering attack on the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and fascist BJP at the Centre, the nascent actor-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Vijay today asserted and reiterated his declartion that both the DMK and BJP are his partys political and ideological enemies. Beginning his nearly 40 minutes address at his partys State conference at Parapathi in Madurai district on the Madurai-Thoothukudi National Highway by comparing Jungle King Lion to his cadres, he addressed them as lion cubs Advertisement A lion knows how to stand alone and how to lead a pride. There are many jackals and other animals in the forests, but there is only one lion, he said, adding, the lion would come out only for hunting its prey that would be bigger and powerful than it. Advertisement Even if it is hungry, it will not eat. If such a lion touches anything, it will not leave, he said. Lion is always a Lionit will not lose its identityIt can stay alone and also in groups, he declared. Reiterating his assertion made at the TVKs first state-level conference in Villuppuram district in October last year, Vijay, in a fiery speech, said, Our only political enemy is always the DMK, our ideological enemy is always the BJP (which he termed as fascist). Announcing that TVK will never ally with the fascist BJP backed by the RSS by surrendering its self-respect, Vijay declared that the main and straight fight in the 2026 Assembly polls, due in eight months, will only be between the TVK and the DMK. This is a voice that no one can silence. This crowd is not just for votes; it will turn into a hunt for power send the hunters packing home in 2026Shall we show that we can capture power, he said. I am going to make a surprise announcement. I am going to announce the list of TVK candidates for the elections, he said. Vijay first declared that he will be the candidate for the Madurai East Assembly seat in 2026, and named Vijay as candidates for more Assembly constituencies in and around Madurai, that included Madurai, South, Madurai North, Madurai Central, Madurai West, Tiruparankundram, Sholavndan, Melur, and others. Stating that his message was symbolic, emphasising that whereever TVK candidages contest across the state, it should be as as if he himself was contesting and that every vote cast for the TVK would be a voted for him. Asserting that he would never forge any director of backdoor alliance with the fascist BJP, he said TVK will contest in all 234 seats. In each and every constituency, it is your own people from your homes who will be the candidates. People should vote as though I myself was contestingI am the symbol of the part. Outlining his partys priorities while taking potshots at the DMK and the BJP, Vijay said safety of women, girls children and the elderly would be his partys foremost priority and said in 2026 we will send home the DMK government packing. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the fishermen issue and the frequent and unabated arrests of TN fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, Vijay accused Mr Modi and the VJP-led government at the Centre of showing no concern for fishermen and urged him to take steps to retrieve Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to Sri Lanka through an agreement in 1974, to protect the fishermen and ensure their safety. Urging Mr Modi to provide exemption to Tamil Nadu from NEET, Vijay said I ask you as a represenative of the people, Did you come to power for the third time to work for the people or to conspiracy against the minorities in the country. Pointing out that the Centre was trying to hide the Keezhadi archaeological excavation findings and trying to destroy the Tamil pride, Vijay said the centres ploy will not bear fruit in this secular land. Whatever you do, the BJP will not win. Water will not stick on Lotus leaves, he said in a symbolic statement. BJP cannot win in TN with any alliance, he said, while slamming the main Opposition AIADMKwhich had revived its ties with the saffron party for the 2026 pollsaccusing it of deviating from the ideals of party founder MGR. Launched a broadside on Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin, alleging that the DMK government had misled women, government staff, and various sections with unfulfilled elections, he exhorted his party cadres to ensure the DMKs defeat in the 2026 polls and said TVK was an unstoppable voice and an unstoppable force. Launching a direct attck on him, Vijay said, Stalin uncle, what uncle, its very wrong, uncleanswer us Stalin uncle. Recalling his emotional bond with leaders like MGR and Vijayakanth, he said the people of Madurai are deeply emotional. In both cinema and politics, our favourite leader has been MGR. I never had the opportunity to spend time with him, but I had plenty of opportunities to be with my brother Vijayakanth, who shared the same qualities. He too belonged to this very soil of Madurai.. The days following the Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have revealed much about the shifting geometry of wartime diplomacy. Within 72 hours, the White House hosted an extraordinary gathering of Western leaders alongside Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskky, who had already met President Trump in the Oval Office prior to this. The choreography was deliberate: to assure Kyiv that, despite the lack of progress with Moscow, its allies remain engaged. Yet, the symbolism should not mask the persistent gaps in substance. Mr Zelenskkys visit was less about breakthroughs and more about damage control. After Alaska produced no ceasefire and allowed Mr Putin to project confidence, the Ukrainian leader needed to reaffirm that his nation was not being side-lined. Advertisement His strategy ~ tempered rhetoric, quiet persistence, and the pointed use of maps and figures to dramatise Ukraines resilience ~ showed a leader intent on survival through persuasion rather than confrontation. Mr Trump, meanwhile, appeared eager to reset the narrative. The Oval Office meeting gave him a chance to display warmth toward Mr Zelensky, an important counterweight to criticism that he had given Mr Putin too much stage time in Alaska. But the absence of concrete pledges was glaring. Security guarantees, arms packages, and even timelines for sanctions were floated in the broader White House session with NATO and EU leaders, yet each remained suspended in conditional language. For European participants, the gathering was less about trusting Mr Trump than about making themselves indispensable. Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, and Finland pushed visibly for some form of ceasefire framework, knowing that their publics are weary of prolonged war and economic uncertainty. Advertisement But their efforts collided with the reality that Russia shows no sign of softening its maximalist demands, and Ukraine cannot accept terms that compromise its sovereignty. The allies, therefore, spoke more of options than of agreements. What emerges is a picture of diplomacy conducted on borrowed time. Each meeting postpones hard choices rather than resolves them. Ukraine buys breathing space, Mr Trump maintains the appearance of leadership, and Europe signals unity while harbouring private doubts about endurance. NATOs presence at the table was crucial, yet even the alliances words carried more symbolism than substance. Still, these meetings were not meaningless. For Kyiv, the absence of pressure to concede was itself a victory. For Washington, the optics of a crowded White House lent weight to claims of coordination. And for Europe, the chance to publicly shape the agenda was valuable in itself. But none of this alters the fundamental stalemate: Russia remains entrenched, the West is cautious, and Ukraine continues to fight for survival with promises rather than guarantees. The Alaska summit may have been theatre, but the Washington meetings show that the play is still running ~ without a clear script for the final act. In the see-saw equation of changing fortunes between civilian politicians and military Generals in Pakistan, selective amnesia is common. In 2018, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif had rightly accused Pakistani Generals of facilitating the selection (as opposed to election) of Imran Khan by bumping-off the PML-N dispensation. Nawaz had cuttingly coined the term Khalai Makhlooq (extraterrestrial beings or aliens) for the dour Generals to allude to the invisible but sure hand of the cantonment. It is another matter that the vainglorious Imran Khan misread his selection by the Generals to imply their deference, only to be booted-out ingloriously and to be incredulously followed by a government led by the same PML-N, helmed by Nawazs brother, Shehbaz Sharif. Advertisement But wiser with times and experience, the establishment (read Pakistani military) has solidified its stranglehold with the self-anointment of Field Marshalship onto its Chief, Asim Munir, should Shehbaz or anyone else in the unnatural alliance government dare think of crossing the line with the Generals again. Not done with grand posturing, Munir further awarded himself the Hilal-i-Jurat (Pakistans second highest gallantry award ~ equivalent to Indias Maha Vir Chakra) to further embellish the over-decorated uniform of an Army that has never won a war, ever! Advertisement While the larger-than-life symbolism of a ramrod posture or blunt (albeit, apolitical) language is naturally given to those in uniform across the globe, in Pakistan, it is additionally embellished with political theatrics and extra constitutional verbiage. Because these Generals want to usurp power, they make sure that they speak the populist language of unhinged and uncouth politicians to suggest their own nationalist muscularity. The tradition started early with the first native Pakistani Chief (later self-appointed Field Marshal and President) Ayub Khan, who infamously said about the Indian Soldier before the 1965 Indo-Pak war, The Hindu has no stomach for a fight and can be silenced with a few blows. Ayub could be (dis)credited for setting the template of a politicised Pakistani General who would combine blustering charisma, intemperate language, and domineering actions, to ensure that the Pakistani military remains the singular power, either formally, or informally (like now). Ayubs successor, the debauch General (and President) Yahya Khan, carried on the unprofessional rhetoric of the historic superiority of the Moslem fighters and added cavalierly just before the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Ill be damned if Ill see Pakistan divided. Yahyas chosen General to handle his Eastern theatre was one who preferred the moniker Tiger to be embedded in his name to project bravado and valour i.e., Lt Gen AK Tiger Niazi, also known as the Butcher of Bangladesh (a dishonour shared with yet another Pakistani General, Tikka Khan) for overseeing the genocide. Niazi had boorishly said, Mein is haramzaadi quam ki nasal badal doon ga (I will change the race of this bastard community) and also thundered, Dacca will fall only over my dead body. Later, the so-called Tiger Niazi meekly signed the surrender papers along with 93,000 Pakistani soldiers. Later, a line of over-ambitious Pakistani Generals would continue conflating toxic religiosity, jingoistic politics, to cross-border activities like Generals Zia-ul-Haq, Hamid Gul, Mirza Aslam Baig etc., who would keep overstepping their functional mandate to the detriment of democracy in Pakistan, and regional peace. Like Zia, yet another Mohajir General, Pervez Musharraf, would attempt dangling his own aura with a picture of him testing a pistol in a forward area, with a cigarette dangling from the side of his mouth, and his beret at a rakish angle! It wasnt just carefully manufactured imagery for a General trying to out-swagger his Punjabi-Pathan colleagues ~ he was working simultaneously on his ill-fated Kargil Project. But as it perhaps happens only in Pakistan, after each military blunder the establishment scripts its own narrative to suggest a different outcome, as many in the Pakistani narrative still have a very different view from reality about the results of 1965, 1971, Kargil, to now, even Operation Sindoor. Today, Field Marshal Asim Munirs nuclear sabre-rattling is from the age-old playbook of Pakistani Generals and their penchant for thundering statements, however reckless and unbecoming of professional soldiers. Munirs language reflects the sensibilities of fringe cadres when he supposedly claimed, we are a nuclear nation, if we think we are going down, well take half the world down with us or adding to the debate on Indus waters by insisting, We will wait for India to build a dam, and when it does so, we will destroy it with 10 missilesThe Indus river is not the Indians family property. We have no shortage of missiles, Praise be to God. While it would have gladdened the cockles of the hyper-nationalist diaspora in the US and the cadres back home, the inherited (and shared values across the Line-of-Control) of British traditions like Officer Like Qualities or OLQ, were given a clear miss. The first Hafiz (knows the Holy Quran by rote) as the Head of the Pakistani establishment is now attempting a counterintuitive and unnatural ingratiation with the United States of America, as it battles religious extremism and terrorism created in its own nursery. Therefore it will be critical and imperative for Field Marshal Asim Munir to continuously flex the medallions on his chest, keep making controversial and provocative statements, as also keep the civilian politicians in check, to continue ruling the roost. The United States under the equally amoral Donald Trump will allow Munir the long rope for its own tactical, transactional, and topical reasons ~ after all, his railing and unacceptable statements on American soil against India (supposedly an ally of the US) went unchecked. Obsequiously, Munir had no qualms in joining the chorus seeking a Nobel Prize for Trump, and for now, he remains the real McCoy in the Pakistani narrative with Shehbaz Sharif left to carry the blame should something go wrong. It is a patented formula of the Pakistani establishment for long, and it usually ends in formalizing the initially informal rule by the military General. (The writer is Lt Gen PVSM, AVSM (Retd), and former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry) JERUSALEM, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet are expected to meet tonight to give final approval to the new offensive on Gaza City, an Israeli official told Xinhua on Thursday on condition of anonymity. It came a day after Israel's military spokesman Effie Defrin said ground assaults were already under way in Gaza City's Zaytun neighborhood and the nearby town of Jabalia, with more forces set to join the fighting. According to the military, 60,000 reservists had been called up, with another 20,000 to follow in the coming days. The military said it now holds "operational control" over about 75 percent of Gaza. The offensive, which has drawn fierce international criticism, was described by Netanyahu as an attempt to "defeat Hamas and conquer Gaza City." Also on Thursday, the Israeli military began making what it called "warning calls" to medical officials and international organizations in northern Gaza, telling them to evacuate the population from Gaza City to southern Gaza ahead of the new offensive. Gaza-based health authorities said in an update on Thursday that Israeli attacks on Gaza killed at least 70 people, including 18 aid workers, and injured 356, including 117 aid workers, over the past 24 hours. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza has killed 62,192 people and injured 157,114 others, they said, adding that starvation and malnutrition in Gaza have caused 271 deaths, including 112 children. The Rockefeller Early Childhood Center, an elementary school in Little Rock, US Arkansas, was placed under lockdown after a fatal shooting occurred near the schools parking lot. The lockdown has since been lifted, and parents were seen picking up their children, according to local media reports. Advertisement The school, located on 700 E 17th Street, became the site of a heavy police presence as officers cordoned off the area to investigate. Authorities confirmed that the shooting took place at 15th and Bragg Street, close to the schools parking lot. Advertisement A woman was found unresponsive at the scene with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. Officials confirmed that no students were harmed in the incident. The Little Rock Police Department announced that the suspected shooter was taken into custody. Preliminary findings suggest that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute. Mayor Frank Scott Jr. condemned the killing in strong terms, describing it as senseless and deeply troubling, particularly because it happened near a school. This should never, ever happen, the mayor said. We are heartbroken and outraged, but also thankful to the staff who protected the safety of our children today. Our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the victim, he added. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. Once the campus was secured, parents were contacted and asked to collect their children. The Little Rock School District issued a statement emphasising that the incident was isolated and did not involve students, though it acknowledged the psychological impact on those who witnessed it. The District has sent counsellors and social workers to work with students, staff, and families through this challenging situation, the statement said. We remain in contact with police as their investigation continues and ask the community to keep the Rockefeller ECC family in their prayers and thoughts. Police continue to investigate the fatal shooting while the community grapples with shock and grief over the violence so close to a place meant to ensure childrens safety. The United States has been steadily warming up to Pakistan over the last few months, and this engagement goes far beyond routine diplomacy. At the centre of the shift lies a crypto deal an arrangement that appears less like economic cooperation and more like a financial pact between the Trump familys crypto venture and Pakistans military-linked funds, with a chain of controversial actors involved, according to a thread report posted by DisInfo Lab. Advertisement One of the key figures is Bilal bin Saqib, a British-Pakistani entrepreneur who now serves as CEO of Pakistans newly formed Crypto Council (PCC) as well as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain. Advertisement The connection worth noting is that Bilal is also an advisor to World Liberty Financial (WLF), the Trump familys crypto enterprise. WLF is no ordinary crypto company. Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Jared Kushner together hold a 40 per cent stake, while Donald Trump himself is listed as co-founder emeritus. The Pakistan-WLF deal was signed on April 26 amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Just days earlier, on April 15, WLF had appointed Bilal as an advisor, and by May, he was also installed as CEO of the PCC. This dual role places him at the heart of the arrangement, representing Islamabads crypto vision while simultaneously serving the Trump familys interests in Washington, the report suggests. By June, Bilal had already met with a wide range of American political leaders and influencers, including Senator Cynthia Lummis, co-sponsor of the Bitcoin Act, Senator Bill Hagerty of the Banking Committee, White House advisers, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. During these meetings, he pitched Pakistans crypto vision, all the while maintaining his advisory position with WLF. The DisInfo Lab report also alleged that the crypto deal between Pakistan and WLF opened avenues for money laundering and is even giving impetus to terror-funding, with Binance providing the perfect incubator. Binance, a major global crypto trading platform, has long been surrounded by allegations of facilitating illicit financing. Despite claiming to have cut ties with China, evidence continues to show Binances connections there. Its founder, Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, has deep business links through his partner Yi He, who is Vice President of Yixia Technology, a company partly owned by the Chinese Communist Party. Binance has made several investments in China, even while insisting on its independence. CZ himself has a history of legal trouble. He was sentenced to four months in prison for enabling money laundering that supported terrorist organisations. The US Department of Justice, Treasury, and Commodity Futures Trading Commission collectively imposed a record $4.3 billion fine on Binance in November 2023 after exposing how it funnelled funds to Hamas, al-Qaeda, and ISIS, processed $1.1 million worth of transactions with Iran in violation of US sanctions, and failed to follow basic anti-money laundering protocols. Both CZ and Binance pleaded guilty, the report suggests. This was far from an isolated incident. Binance has faced allegations and investigations in multiple countries. In France, the government accused it of money laundering and terror financing. In India, the Financial Intelligence Unit fined Binance Rs 188 million for money laundering violations. In Canada, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre imposed a fine of around $6 million (Canadian dollars) on the platform. Despite this record, CZ emerged from his short prison term to become Strategic Advisor to Pakistans Crypto Council. This move placed him directly alongside Bilal bin Saqib as the second pivotal figure in the Pakistan-WLF crypto nexus. Zhaos extensive history of money laundering and terror-financing allegations makes his new position all the more controversial. DisInfo Lab also points to Bilals own network of questionable enterprises. Many of his companies are registered at the same address, have no active websites, and show no signs of financial transparency hallmarks of shell entities. His sister, Minahil, owns 75 per cent of Tayaba UK, a company that partners with Al Mustafa Trust (AMT). AMT, while appearing as a charity, is widely believed to be a military slush fund controlled by retired personnel from Pakistans Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is one of many Milbus ventures military capital that directly benefits Pakistans officer class while staying off the official defence budget, the report stated. Since the crypto pact was formalised in May 2025, Washington and Islamabad have seen a visible upswing in ties. Pakistans Army Chief Asim Munir visited the US twice within two months, a string of new bilateral agreements was signed, and in a symbolic move, Pakistan even nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The convergence raises serious questions. Trumps crypto venture, Pakistans shadowy military funds, and Binances tainted legacy of terror financing have converged under the banner of crypto diplomacy. A convicted crypto mogul with ties to China, a political family enterprise, and Pakistans military elite now form the core of this alliance. Chinas military growth in Tibet is inflicting significant harm on the delicate Himalayan environment and poses risks to regional climate and water security, as highlighted in a fresh report released on Monday by the Stockholm-based Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP), according to Phayul. The report, titled The Ecological Cost of Security: Military Development and Environmental Change in Tibet, cautions that the swift militarisation of the Tibetan Plateau, which contains Asias largest reserves of glaciers and permafrost, has initiated environmental alterations with impacts that reach well beyond the immediate vicinity of military bases and facilities. ISDP warns that these changes endanger both local biodiversity and water security for populations downstream in South and Southeast Asia, as reported by Phayul. Advertisement The Chinese military presence in Tibet has developed from early force deployments in the 1950s to a complex military network intricately linked to Chinas national defence strategy and economic framework, the report explained. As per the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) has stationed between 70,000 and 120,000 troops on the Tibetan Plateau, with approximately 40,000 to 50,000 based in the Tibet Military District alone. Advertisement The report references satellite images and field studies that indicate that the extensive construction of roads, tunnels, airstrips, and bases in permafrost regions has accelerated land degradation. With around 1.06 million sq. km of permafrost, the Tibetan Plateau is the globes largest high-altitude frozen area and an essential carbon sink. However, ground temperatures have risen between 0.1 and 0.5C annually over the past thirty years, destabilising permafrost. The report cautions that military activities exacerbate this degradation, releasing stored greenhouse gases and disrupting fragile water systems. ISDP pointed out that the placement of military facilities throughout Tibet represents both defensive measures and efforts at power projection, but each comes with environmental repercussions. This degradation not only impacts local ecosystems but also contributes to global climate instability, as cited by Phayul. The report identified approximately 35,000 sq. km of highly susceptible terrain that should be reserved from extensive military activity and called for immediate reforms in military planning. Suggested actions included establishing mandatory ecological preservation zones around glaciers and water sources, enforcing stricter construction regulations, restoring ecosystems after exercises, and investing in sustainable infrastructure like waste treatment solutions and permafrost protection technologies. ISDP also urged Beijing to enhance transparency and collaborate with international NGOs, warning that the militarisation of Tibets high-altitude environment has extensive cross-border repercussions. The ecological stability of Tibet, especially concerning its significance for Asian water security, relies on achieving a balance between military expansion and ecosystem preservation, the report concluded. Recent environmental initiatives indicate progress, yet the pace and magnitude of development remain alarming, as cited by Phayul. Analysts suggest that Chinas military buildup in Tibet is driven by both external and internal factors. Externally, Beijing perceives Tibet as a crucial buffer zone amidst its strained relations with India, with which it shares a lengthy, disputed Himalayan border. Ongoing confrontations, such as the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, have intensified Chinas resolve to strengthen its control over high-altitude locations and infrastructure. Internally, an increased military presence also enables Beijing to reinforce its dominance over Tibetans, whose aspirations for cultural and religious freedoms have long faced oppression, as revealed by Phayul. Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, in an opinion piece on Newsweek said that scuttling 25 years of momentum with New Delhi would be a strategic disaster, amid high tariffs imposed by US on Indian goods. She cautioned that ties between Washington and New Delhi are near a breaking point, and said it was critical to get the relations back on track if America hopes to contain Chinas growing global ambitions. Advertisement Haley called a strong partnership between India and China a no-brainer emphasising that the rise of a democratic India does not threaten the free world, unlike Communist-controlled China. Advertisement She highlighted that India must be treated like the prized free and democratic partner that it isnot an adversary like China, which has thus far avoided sanctions for its Russian oil purchases, despite being one of Moscows largest customers. India must be treated like the prized free and democratic partner that it isnot an adversary like China, which has thus far avoided sanctions for its Russian oil purchases, despite being one of Moscows largest customers. If that disparity does not demand a closer look at US and India relations, the realities of hard power should. Scuttling 25 years of momentum with the only country that can serve as a counterweight to Chinese dominance in Asia would be a strategic disaster, Haley said in her opinion piece on Newsweek. Unlike Communist-controlled China, the rise of a democratic India does not threaten the free world. Partnership between the U.S. and India to counter China should be a no-brainer, she added. Haley pointed out that India has the potential to manufacture at a scale similar to Chinas for products that can help the US move its critical supply chains away from Beijing. She also mentioned that Indias growing defence capabilities and its involvement in the Middle East are essential for stabilising the region. In the short term, India is essential in helping the United States move its critical supply chains away from China. While the Trump administration works to bring manufacturing back to our shores, India stands alone in its potential to manufacture at a China-like scale for products that cant be quickly or efficiently produced here, like textiles, inexpensive phones, and solar panels, Haley said in the opinion piece. Indias growing clout and security involvement in the Middle East could prove essential in helping to stabilise the region as America seeks to send fewer troops and dollars there. And Indias location at the centre of Chinas vital trade and energy flows could complicate Beijings options in the case of a major conflict, she added. Haley, in the Newsweek article, further pointed out that India is the worlds fastest-growing major economy and will soon take over Japan. She said that Indias rise is the greatest obstacles to Chinas goal of reshaping the global order. Simply put, Chinas ambitions will have to shrink as Indias power grows, she added. She also highlighted Indias conflicting economic interests and ongoing territorial disputes with China, mentioning the Galwan Valley skirmish in 2020. Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, in an opinion piece on Newsweek scuttling 25 years of momentum with New Delhi would be a strategic disaster. She cautioned that ties between Washington and New Delhi are near a breaking point, and said it was critical to get the relations back on track if America hopes to contain Chinas growing global ambitions. Haley called a strong partnership between India and China a no-brainer emphasising that the rise of a democratic India does not threaten the free world, unlike Communist-controlled China. She highlighted that India must be treated like the prized free and democratic partner that it isnot an adversary like China, which has thus far avoided sanctions for its Russian oil purchases, despite being one of Moscows largest customers. India must be treated like the prized free and democratic partner that it isnot an adversary like China, which has thus far avoided sanctions for its Russian oil purchases, despite being one of Moscows largest customers. If that disparity does not demand a closer look at US and India relations, the realities of hard power should. Scuttling 25 years of momentum with the only country that can serve as a counterweight to Chinese dominance in Asia would be a strategic disaster, Haley said in her opinion piece on Newsweek. Unlike Communist-controlled China, the rise of a democratic India does not threaten the free world. Partnership between the U.S. and India to counter China should be a no-brainer, she added. Haley pointed out that India has the potential to manufacture at a scale similar to Chinas for products that can help the US move its critical supply chains away from Beijing. She also mentioned that Indias growing defence capabilities and its involvement in the Middle East are essential for stabilising the region. In the short term, India is essential in helping the United States move its critical supply chains away from China. While the Trump administration works to bring manufacturing back to our shores, India stands alone in its potential to manufacture at a China-like scale for products that cant be quickly or efficiently produced here, like textiles, inexpensive phones, and solar panels, Haley said in the opinion piece. Indias growing clout and security involvement in the Middle East could prove essential in helping to stabilise the region as America seeks to send fewer troops and dollars there. And Indias location at the centre of Chinas vital trade and energy flows could complicate Beijings options in the case of a major conflict, she added. Haley, in the Newsweek article, further pointed out that India is the worlds fastest-growing major economy and will soon take over Japan. She said that Indias rise is the greatest obstacles to Chinas goal of reshaping the global order. Simply put, Chinas ambitions will have to shrink as Indias power grows, she added. She also highlighted Indias conflicting economic interests and ongoing territorial disputes with China, mentioning the Galwan Valley skirmish in 2020. She said that the partnership with the US would serve Americas interests to help India stand up to its increasingly aggressive northern neighbour, both economically and militarily. In her opinion piece on Newsweek, Haley said that it would be a massiveand preventablemistake to balloon a trade spat between the United States and India into an enduring rupture. She also raised concerns over China taking advantage of the situation. She advised India to take US President Donald Trumps point on Russian Oil seriously and work with the White House to find a solution. She urged Donald Trump to reverse the downward spiral and hold direct talks with PM Modi. The sooner the better, she said. The administration should focus on mending the rift with India and giving the relationship more high-level attention and resourcesapproaching what the U.S. devotes to China or Israel, she added. She further said that the US should not lose sight of what matters most, our shared goals. To face China, the United States must have a friend in India. This comes after the US levied an ad valorem duty of 25 per cent on Indian goods, but has announced an additional 25 per cent tariff that will take effect from August 27, raising the total duty to 50 per cent. (With inputs from agencies) The United States has widened its measures against the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its prosecution of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announcing sanctions on a French judge and several others linked to the courts investigations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday (local time) declared sanctions against Judge Nicolas Guillou of France, who is presiding over the case in which the ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Advertisement In addition, Canadian judge Kimberly Prost was sanctioned in connection with a separate case involving alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan. Advertisement Two deputy prosecutors, Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal, were also targeted under the new restrictions. France, whose President Emmanuel Macron had been in Washington just two days before the announcement, reacted sharply, saying it was dismayed by the move. A foreign ministry spokesman said the decision was in contradiction to the principle of an independent judiciary. The ICC also denounced the sanctions, describing them as a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution. The ICC has accused Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israels military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Rubio, thanking him for what he called a decisive act against a smear campaign of lies against the State of Israel and its military. The ICC has also issued arrest warrants for former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, who has since been confirmed killed by Israel. Judge Guillou, who now faces US sanctions, has a long record of judicial service, having previously participated in trials connected to Kosovo and Lebanon. He also worked in the United States for several years, assisting the Justice Department with judicial cooperation during the Obama administration. The sanctions imposed by Washington will prevent him from entering the country and freeze any assets he may hold there. The move mirrors actions taken under the Trump administration, which had previously imposed sanctions on ICC officials and dismissed the courts authority. Rubio had already sanctioned four other ICC judges earlier in June. The State Department explained that the two deputy prosecutors were penalised for backing illegitimate ICC actions against Israel, including their support for the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. Judge Prost, the Canadian official now sanctioned, had been involved in a case authorising an ICC investigation into alleged crimes committed during the Afghanistan war, including by US forces. Neither the United States, Russia, nor Israel is a member of the ICC. The latest measures come against the backdrop of former President Donald Trump recently hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, despite the ICCs outstanding arrest warrant against him for the invasion of Ukraine. The administration of former President Joe Biden had also opposed ICC proceedings against Israel, though it lifted earlier sanctions and permitted limited cooperation with the court, including in investigations linked to Ukraine. NotaryCam is now certified to perform remote online notarization services in the state of Vermont after lawmakers passed legislation supporting the use of the technology. Read on to learn more. Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at the Constitutional Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Aug. 21, 2025. Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended a constitutional court hearing on Thursday in a case seeking her dismissal over alleged ethics violations. The hearing began at 10:30 a.m. local time, with Paetongtarn and National Security Council Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad being present for the witness examination. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) BANGKOK, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended a constitutional court hearing on Thursday in a case seeking her dismissal over alleged ethics violations. The hearing began at 10:30 a.m. local time, with Paetongtarn and National Security Council Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad being present for the witness examination. On July 1, the court suspended Paetongtarn after accepting the case petitioned by a group of senators accusing her of seriously breaching ethical standards over a leaked phone call on the border issue with Cambodia. The court said earlier that it will hand down its verdict on Aug. 29. Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at the Constitutional Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Aug. 21, 2025. Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended a constitutional court hearing on Thursday in a case seeking her dismissal over alleged ethics violations. The hearing began at 10:30 a.m. local time, with Paetongtarn and National Security Council Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad being present for the witness examination. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) 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. At a time when wellness fads and culinary trends often blur into one another, matcha has carved out a space of its ownbridging luxury dining, social media buzz, and health-conscious living. In India, the bright green Japanese tea powder has found its way from artisanal cafes to fine-dining menus, where chefs are reimagining it beyond its traditional use. From lattes and desserts to innovative fusions with Indian mithai, matcha is increasingly becoming a flavour that represents both indulgence and experimentation. At Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Executive Chef Raghu Deora has been at the forefront of this evolution, crafting matcha-infused offerings that appeal to local sensibilities. In a conversation with THE WEEK, he shared insights on whats driving the craze, how its shaping menus, and why he believes matcha is the next superfood to watch out for. Q/ Matcha has become a buzzword in the wellness and culinary world. What, in your opinion, is driving its popularity in India right now? A/ Matcha is definitely trending these days primarily, the way it is being promoted internationally. And yes, it has its own benefits when it comes to human health in the longer run. Q/ Are you witnessing a growing interest in matcha-based offerings among your guests? A/ Of course! Thanks to social media, where influencers and star kids make it even more temping to youth to try it for the first time which later becomes a standard. What avocado and quinoa were a few years back, matcha and its by-products are now. Q/ From a chef's perspective, do you think matcha is a short-term health craze or a lasting culinary staple? A/ As a chef, I understand that every ingredient has a life cycle with a saturation level. At the moment, brands are marketing it as a premium luxury ingredient which will eventually become a day-to-day ingredient. We all know how green tea started and now it is all available in all the versions. Matcha Florentine - La Patisseri, The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai Q/ Could you tell us more about the new Matcha Florentine & Madeline selection, La Patisserie? What inspired its introduction? A/ Patisserie and chocolates are close to human existence and their emotions. And, from a culinary perspective, they are very flexible in nature to tweak and mould as per the preference of the local market for whom it is to be designed or developed. When in France, you do Madeline, and when in India, you do cashew matcha katli or a matcha kheer the possibilities are endless. Q/ What types of matcha-based desserts or dishes are you putting on your menus? Any favourites among guests? A/ Matcha gives us an opportunity to be versatile with our high-end social events where the ever-demanding luxury clientele is open to explore newer ingredients with unique tasting notes. Lately, we have done matcha tiramisu, matcha biscotti, match lassi and so on. Matcha tea has been on our menu from a long time now. Q/ Have you experimented with Indian-matcha fusionsay, matcha paired with traditional mithai or savoury Indian snacks? A/ Yes. Indian cuisine is growing and it hasnt explored its depth to the fullest. We have done matcha chai, matcha nankhatai, matcha butter for our chlorophyll muffin. Q/ How do you balance matchas unique umami bitterness with other flavours while designing a dish? A/ Chefs operate on their experience and their leanings whatever a chef has eaten, sniffed, cooked, travelled so far it all adds up and helps to decide what might work and how to make it work. The only recipe is to keep on trying till the time you yourself would buy it. Streaming platform MUBI has announced the premiere date of Mussolini: Son of the Century, a new web series from director Joe Wright ("Atonement", "Darkest Hour"). An eight-part series, the show has actor Luca Marinelli ("The Eight Mountains", "The Old Guard") portraying the titular political figure Benito Mussolini. It premiered at the 81st Venice Film Festival last year. According to the makers, Mussolini: Son of the Century will be a "scathing contemporary portrait of Mussolini and his political rise, from the formation of the irregular militia of the Fasces of Combat to the imposition of the most ferocious dictatorships Italy has ever known." The platform will launch the first two episodes on September 10, followed by weekly episodes leading to the finale on October 22, exclusively for viewers in North America, Latin America, Belgium, Luxembourg, Turkey, India and New Zealand. Previous films featuring Mussolini as a lead or secondary character include Mussolini and I (1985), Tea with Mussolini (1999), Vincere (2009), and The Last Days of Mussolini (1974). Two television shows have been made about Mussolini earlier: Mussolini: The Untold Story in 1985, starring George C. Scott; and Benito, starring Antonio Banderas, in 1993. However, both came under fire for not portraying the controversial figure accurately and portraying Mussolini in a positive light. Joe Wright's series promises a more truthful account. The most famous actors to portray him were Rod Steiger in The Last Days of Mussolini, aside from George C. Scott and Antonio Banderas. Mussolini: Son of the Century is adapted by screenwriter Stefano Bises, known for the Gomorrah series, The New Pope, and ZeroZeroZero, alongside Davide Serino, who wrote 1992, 1993, and The King. Seamus McGarvey, who shot Atonement and Nocturnal Animals, is the director of photography. Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers composed the soundtrack. The show is produced by Sky Studios and Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment Pictures, a Fremantle company, in co-production with Pathe, in association with Small Forward Productions, in collaboration with Fremantle, Cinecitta S.p.A., and Sky. Mussolini: Son of the Century joins the list of long-form originals in MUBI's catalogue after Wong Kar-wai's Blossoms Shanghai. The latter, a 30-episode series, is slated for a 2026 premiere on the streamer. Despite having her share of naysayers, especially with regard to her acting skills, Sydney Sweeney's popularity among men is very well-known... for obvious reasons. However, controversies seem to follow her wherever she goes, but the Anyone But You and Euphoria is unapologetic about her choices. In a new interview with The Wall Street Journal, Sweeney shared her feelings on the controversy around her endorsement of her limited-edition soap which contained her... bathwater. The soap was a product spawned out of a collaboration with Dr. Squatch, a men's personal care company. Named Sydney's "Bathwater Bliss", idea was a response to another commercial she did with Dr Squatch, in which she, seemingly naked, was taking a bath. Unsurprisingly, the product was sold out in a short span of time. In the WSJ interview, Sweeney defended the choice, adding that it's her way of connecting with her audiences and that it's "important to have a finger on the pulse of what people are saying." As for the backlash, she said it came mostly from women. It was mainly the girls making comments about it, which I thought was really interesting," she observed. "They all loved the idea of Jacob Elordis bathwater, she elaborated in reference to the candle made in her Euphoria co-star's name during the time of the release of Saltburn, in which Barry Keoghan played a character infatuated with Elordi's character, to the extent of drinking his bathwater. Recently, Sweeney courted another controversy when she appeared in a commercial for American Eagle jeans, in which she uttered the line, "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My jeans are blue." The ad was lambasted for propagating the idea of eugenics and scientific racism associated with Nazis and white supremacists. However, the company defended the ad campagin, citing domestic abuse awareness, a cause Sweeney purportedly cares about. Shira Tarrant, a womens, gender and sexuality studies professor and the author of "The Pornography Industry: What Everyone Needs to Know", recently gave her two cents, in a conversation with USA Today, about the hypersexualisation of female celebrities in brand endorsements. She said, "Our culture polices womens sexuality, profits off it at the same time and shames them for profiting from it themselves especially when it comes to young, beautiful, talented stars like Sydney Sweeney." On the work front, Sweeney, who was last seen in Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby-penned Echo Valley and Ron Howard's Eden, will be next seen in Christy, the biopic of professional boxer Christy Martin. She is also playing the titular role in Paul Feig's The Housemaid, an adaptation of Fredia McFadden's book of the same name. As the monsoon sweeps across India, dengue once again threatens to turn into a public health crisis. A new report by digital healthcare platform PharmEasy, based on more than 1.2 lakh diagnostic tests conducted between April 2022 and December 2024, has identified Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra as the top three dengue hotspots in the country. According to the findings, Karnataka recorded 32,886 cases in 2024, followed closely by Tamil Nadu with 27,378 cases and Maharashtra with 19,385 cases. Kerala, though reporting a smaller caseload, stood out for its 128 dengue-related deaths, highlighting the deadly impact of the disease in certain regions. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat also reported significant numbers. Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in particular witnessed sharp post-monsoon spikes, consistent with seasonal patterns. One of the more striking trends highlighted in the report is the shift toward earlier testing. On average, people are now seeking tests as early as May, a month earlier than the traditional spike period starting in June. The data also reveals that individuals aged 1130 are most likely to test positive. Men under 50 show higher positivity rates, while women over 50 appear more prone to serious complications such as platelet drop, bleeding, and plasma leakage. Dengue cases typically peak between August and October, when high humidity levels and temperatures above 27C create the perfect breeding conditions for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The report also observed a correlation between dengue incidence and Google search spikes, showing how public anxiety surges during outbreak months Dengue remains one of Indias major seasonal health concerns, especially during and after the monsoons. Most recover after a short illness, but for some, it can lead to complications due to a drop in platelet count, plasma leakage, bleeding, or low blood pressure. It isnt just about case numbers; its also about preparedness, said Gaurav Verma, PharmEasy. Not ignoring a high fever, getting tested early, focusing on prevention and timely care still remain our strongest defence. The report reiterates preventive steps such as using mosquito repellents, wearing full-sleeved clothing, eliminating stagnant water, installing protective nets and screens. It also calls for targeted interventions in high-incidence states, better surveillance, and prioritisation of high-risk groups which are identified in the data. Experts warn that people who contract dengue start showing symptoms after three to 14 days of infection. "Most common symptoms reported by patients are high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash. Children and teens may experience no signs or symptoms during the mild attack of dengue fever. Normally, the infection causes high fever, which can rise to 104 degree Farenheit accompanied by headache, muscle, bone or joint pain, says Dr Shah, a physician practicing in suburban Mumbai. He further added that mild cases of dengue fever can be treated by consuming a good quantity of fluids to prevent dehydration whereas headaches and other dengue-related body pains could be eased by pain relievers. But aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided when taking relievers for the pain he cautioned. Public health experts say that while private health data offers early warnings, there is a need to integrate such insights with government surveillance systems to ensure a more comprehensive response. Dengue, often described as a silent threat, continues to overwhelm health systems each year. The second conference of Actor Vijays Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) will be held at Madurai on Thursday. The mammoth event is being held at Parapathi, located on the Thoothukudi National Highway, on a plot of 506 acres. The convention is expected to begin at 3:30 pm. The venue has been decorated with images of former Chief Minister MGR and party leader Vijay. Lakhs of people are expected to throng the venue from different parts of Tamil Nadu to participate in this convention. Though the authorities have arranged seating for a staggering 1.5 lakh people, more are expected to come. Over 75,000 have already arrived at the venue on Wednesday. The TVK officials claim that over 5000 media persons are in attendance, including YouTube channels and national media personnel. Facilities, including drinking water and toilets, have also been provided for the volunteers coming to the conference. More than 50 huge LED screens are being installed throughout the conference venue. #WATCH | Madurai, Tamil Nadu | Drone visuals as TVK party workers in huge numbers reach to attend the TVK conference, which is scheduled to take place in Madurai this evening pic.twitter.com/xKWkvQjyDl ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025 VIDEO | Madurai: Doctors and nurses set up camp at actor Vijay-led (@actorvijay) TVK's state conference Maanadu to counter medical emergency. Subhlaxmi, who came to attend the conference, spoke to PTI about her experience.#TVKMaduraiManaadu (Full video available on PTI pic.twitter.com/y7e3yhXGIM Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 21, 2025 The conference The conference is said to begin with cultural performances and not speech. Folk artists from Thanjavur and Madurai are set to perform Karakattam, Oilattam and Silambattam will launch the conference, followed by a special flag-hoisting ceremony. Vijay, who arrived in Madurai by car from Chennai on Wednesday evening, stayed at a hotel near the conference venue. Earlier, his parents, Shobha and Chandrashekhar, who arrived in Madurai on Wednesday morning, visited the conference venue. Vijay is expected to give a 45-minute speech. The programme was revised last minute so that the conference will end at 7:00 pm. It is also said that this arrangement is so that the volunteers can go home quickly. New song release Though the party already has a flag song and a policy song, another song is currently being released at the state conference. It is said that a song, Vagai soodum varalaru thirumbugirathu, will be released at the event. Thaman had composed the music for the previously released lag song. It is expected that he will have composed the music for the song that is being released now as well. Former Supreme Court judge, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, on Thursday filed his nomination in the vice presidential election. His entry into the electoral arena has made the contest for second top post in the country an interesting one. Justice Reddy, who retired in 2011, took the electoral plunge rather belatedly, but its not unprecedented. Former Supreme Court judges have stepped into the political spotlight, contesting for the highest constitutional offices in the country the President and Vice President and even parliamentary seats. First judge to contest presidential polls was Justice K. Subba Rao who served as the 9th Chief Justice of India. He had resigned in order to contest the election in 1967. Rao is best remembered for his bold decision in Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) case, where he led a majority judgment that held that fundamental rights under the Constitution could not be amended by Parliament, a decision that shaped India's constitutional understanding. Shortly after delivering this judgment, Rao resigned to contest the fourth presidential election as the joint opposition candidate. Despite the backing of several non-Congress parties, he lost to Dr Zakir Husain, the Congress candidate, marking a rare but unsuccessful leap from the bench to Rashtrapati Bhavan. After Rao, it was the turn of Justice H.R. Khanna, another key figure of Indian judiciary. Known for his judicial stance during the Emergency era, Khanna was the lone dissenter in the infamous ADM Jabalpur v. Shiv Kant Shukla (1976) case, where he upheld the right to habeas corpus even during the Emergency, famously stating that the Constitution does not permit life and liberty to be at the mercy of the state. Despite this principled stand, he was superseded in 1977 for the post of Chief Justice of India by Justice M.H. Beg a move widely criticised as politically motivated. In 1982, five years after his resignation, Khanna was nominated as the combined opposition's candidate for President of India. However, he lost to Giani Zail Singh, because of the numerical dominance of the Congress in the Parliament. Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, known as the philosopher-judge, contested the ninth presidential polls as an independent, but lost to R. Venkataraman. The 11th Chief Justice of India, Justice M. Hidayatullah, had a rare distinction of serving at the top three positions in the country President, VP and CJI. He became the Vice President in 1979 unopposed, thus reflecting his widespread acceptance across the political spectrum. He had earlier served as acting President of India in 1969, when Husain died in office. The then VP V.V. Giri became the acting President, but resigned from both the posts to contested presidential polls. So, CJI Hidayatullah acted as the President from July 20 to August 24, 1969. Later, while being VP, he again served as the acting President when the then president Giani Zail Singh travelled abroad for treatment. This photo shows copies of the report titled "The Truths about the South China Sea" published in both Chinese and English by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A series of think tank reports released Thursday expound on the historical and legal basis of China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, reveal the truth about external forces interfering in the South China Sea issue, and construe China's actions in building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. Titled "The Truths about the South China Sea," the series was published in both Chinese and English by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency. The series consists of three reports, including two newly released reports of "Historical and Legal Basis of China's Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights in the South China Sea" and "Incitement, Threats, and Lies -- The Truth about External Forces Interfering in the South China Sea Issue," and a June publication titled "Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation: China's Actions." The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The reports stated that eight decades ago, as part of the post-war international order and global landscape, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao -- known in English as the South China Sea islands -- in accordance with international legal instruments such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. China's sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao has been widely recognized by the international community. According to the reports, in recent years, non-regional forces have launched "great power competition" targeting China in the so-called "Indo-Pacific region" and leveraged the South China Sea issue as a means to contain China, instigating relevant claimant states including the Philippines to provoke China and escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The reports said the erroneous actions of the non-regional forces to smear and contain China reflect a self-projection of a modern Western strategic outlook, centered on the contest and maintenance of hegemony. The reports called for seeing through the U.S.-led Western maneuvers of instigation, coercion and division over the South China Sea, maintaining regional peace and stability as well as achieving prosperity for all countries, and jointly making the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, as the world faces increasing uncertainty and challenges. A book compiling the reports, "Beneath the Waves -- The Truths about the South China Sea," was also published on Thursday. Xinhua Institute, with policy research as its main focus, has in recent years carried out forward-looking, strategic and preparatory research concerning major domestic and global issues -- producing many influential research outcomes in the process. This photo shows copies of the report titled "The Truths about the South China Sea" published in both Chinese and English by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency. (Xinhua/Li Xin) This photo shows a copy of the report titled "The Truths about the South China Sea" published in both Chinese and English by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Participants read the report titled "The Truths about the South China Sea" at a seminar in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 21, 2025. A series of think tank reports released Thursday expound on the historical and legal basis of China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, reveal the truth about external forces interfering in the South China Sea issue, and construe China's actions in building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. Titled "The Truths about the South China Sea," the series was published in both Chinese and English by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency. The series consists of three reports, including two newly released reports of "Historical and Legal Basis of China's Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights in the South China Sea" and "Incitement, Threats, and Lies -- The Truth about External Forces Interfering in the South China Sea Issue," and a June publication titled "Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation: China's Actions." (Xinhua/Li Xin) Participants view copies of the report titled "The Truths about the South China Sea" at a seminar in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 21, 2025. A series of think tank reports released Thursday expound on the historical and legal basis of China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, reveal the truth about external forces interfering in the South China Sea issue, and construe China's actions in building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. Titled "The Truths about the South China Sea," the series was published in both Chinese and English by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency. The series consists of three reports, including two newly released reports of "Historical and Legal Basis of China's Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights in the South China Sea" and "Incitement, Threats, and Lies -- The Truth about External Forces Interfering in the South China Sea Issue," and a June publication titled "Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation: China's Actions." (Xinhua/Li Xin) Participants read the report titled "The Truths about the South China Sea" at a seminar in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 21, 2025. A series of think tank reports released Thursday expound on the historical and legal basis of China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, reveal the truth about external forces interfering in the South China Sea issue, and construe China's actions in building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. Titled "The Truths about the South China Sea," the series was published in both Chinese and English by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency. The series consists of three reports, including two newly released reports of "Historical and Legal Basis of China's Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights in the South China Sea" and "Incitement, Threats, and Lies -- The Truth about External Forces Interfering in the South China Sea Issue," and a June publication titled "Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation: China's Actions." (Xinhua/Li Xin) Karnataka reported as many as 719 child marriages in 2023-24 alone. With the passage of the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2025 in both houses of the state legislature during the ongoing monsoon session, even betrothal (engagement) of minors will now attract rigorous imprisonment up to two years and a penalty of two years, or fine upto Rs 1 lakh. While child marriages were officially outlawed in 2006 in the state, the social evil continues owing to poverty, lack of awareness, rise in love affairs involving minors due to adverse impact of social media, which is forcing parents to marry off their minor daughters, say experts. According to Karnataka's women and child welfare department, as many as 2,165 child marriages have been reported in the last four years (2021-25). The number of child marriages, which was 418 in 2021-22, increased to 719 in 2023-24. Around 1,416 child marriages were reported in the last two years, after the Congress came to power. Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar said there was a need for multiple departments like education, social welfare, labour, health and women and child welfare to work together to track the school dropouts, to prevent child marriages. "The current amendment would discourage child marriages as not just solemnising, but abetment and preparation for child marriage has been outlawed and is now punishable," said Hebbalkar. Last week, Janata Dal (Secular) MLA Suresh Babu had raised concerns over the increasing incidence of child pregnancy (teenage mothers). In her reply, Hebbalkar said the state had reported 1,800 child pregnancy cases over the last three years. "Child marriages are still taking place due to certain social customs and traditions in some communities. As a result, the number of child pregnancies is also increasing. The Child Welfare Committees (CWC) are running four centres in Bengaluru and one CWC centre each at the district headquarters, to curb child marriages. Restrictions on minors using social media will also help curb child marriages. Departments such as education, health, home, social welfare, revenue, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes welfare, will work jointly in this mission," said Hebbalkar adding that 1098 (child helpline) was operational 24/7, besides Committees for the Protection of Womens and Childrens Rights formed at gram panchayat level upto the district level to safeguard women and children. Stressing the need to create awareness, the minister informed that a special all-women taskforce "Akka Pade" had been formed in Bidar to educate school and college girls. "Akka Pade, comprising women cops, NCC officers and department officials, will create awareness about child marriage, POCSO Act, atrocities against women, the police helpline (112) and child helpline (1098) to encourage reporting of such cases. This initiative is already functioning successfully in the Bidar district. We will launch a similar task force in Belagavi, Mysuru and Mangaluru districts and eventually extend it across the state," said Hebbalkar. Besides, penal provisions for solemnising, abetment and preparation for child marriage, engagement will be considered preparation for child marriage and is a punishable offence. As per the new law, the engagement of a minor child will be declared null and void (Section 12A), while a magistrate shall be empowered to issue an injunction against any person, including a member of an organisation or an association of persons prohibiting such engagement (Section 13A). A day after tasting bitter defeat in the BEST Employees Co-operative Credit Society Election 2025, MNS leader Raj Thackeray was spotted at the residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Varsha, sparking rumours of a political rift. Thackerays visit has cast a shadow over the prospects of Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance, with rumours gaining strength that the short-lived reconciliation may be doomed. Though it is unclear as to what transpired between them, Raj Thackerays meeting with Fadnavis went on for over one and a half hours. MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar was also with Raj Thackeray, according to local media reports. In the elections, the Thackeray brothers didnt win even a single seat. The Utkarsh panel of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray's alliance faced a bad defeat at the hands of the BJP panel in the election that was considered a litmus test ahead of the civic body polls. Raj later spoke media regarding the visit, stating he had met the Chief Minister seeking a solution for the traffic problems of Mumbai. Stating that he gave the CM a plan to address the crisis, Raj said: Everyone has seen the condition of Mumbai after the rain. There are few roads, and people do not have discipline regarding traffic. We need more parking lots, Raj told reporters. VIDEO | MNS president Raj Thackeray, after meeting Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, says, "We discussed traffic, severe waterlogging, and other civic issues of Maharashtra." (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/RAFytF9oke Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 21, 2025 However, the timing of his visit has raised eyebrows. This isnt the first time that Raj has been holding meetings with Fadnavis. Earlier, before taking out a rally against making Hindi compulsory, Raj Thackeray had a secret meeting with Fadnavis at a five-star hotel. This meeting had made headlines, but the MNS leader stated that he visited the Chief Minister to discuss the issues of Mumbai. However, the Uddhav faction has been going out of its way to dispel the rumours. Sanjay Raut, senior Shiv Sena UBT leader, told reporters that Raj Thackeray may have gone to Fadnavis to invite him to his house for Ganpati. Raj Thackeray may want to talk to Devendra Fadnavis about some issue in the state. Raj Thackeray may want to talk to the Chief Minister about the pathetic situation of Mumbai. In Maharashtra politics, opposition party leaders meet the Chief Minister. Raj Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis have met before. Only Raj Thackeray can tell the purpose of today's meeting. Given Raj Thackeray's nature, I think he will speak clearly and firmly about this meeting. Meeting the Chief Minister of the state is not a political crime. If Uddhav Thackeray or I have work to do with the Chief Minister, we will also meet them, Raut said, adding that there was no need to take the BEST election seriously. It was an election for a credit union. Its discussion and importance are limited to the BEST depot, said Sanjay Raut. The Supreme Courts constitution bench on Thursday resumed hearings on a Presidential reference that has put the spotlight on one of the most contested questions in Indian federalism: can a governor sit indefinitely on Bills passed by a state legislature, and if not, what remedy exists? The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, strongly argued that Article 200 of the Constitution, dealing with governor's assent, was non-justiciable. To impose judicially enforced deadlines, he said, would amount to redrafting the Constitution. The exercise of high plenary power by coordinate constitutional authorities is not justiciable, he told the bench, invoking the doctrine of separation of powers. Mehta stressed that time limits apply to statutory authorities, not to composite constitutional authorities like the president or the governor. Mehta cited precedentsShamsher Singh, Nabam Rebia, and M.P. Special Police Establishmentto argue that a governors discretionary power is constitutionally recognised in certain circumstances. Drawing from the Constituent Assembly, he quoted Mahavir Tyagis warning that democracy was a wild beast needing checks, and Pandit Thakur Das Bhargavas vision of the governor as guide, philosopher and friend. The governor, he insisted, is no showpiece, but a balancing figure entrusted with safeguarding constitutional principles even against the political impulses of elected governments. But the bench, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, was unconvinced that governor's inaction can be insulated from judicial scrutiny. The CJI posed the central question: if a governor simply refuses to act, are the courts really powerless? When this Court has in the past set aside the very constitutional amendment which had limited the power of judicial review as a violation of the basic structure, can we say this Court will be powerless in the face of inaction by a constitutional authority like the governor? he asked. CJI Gavai, in a pointed intervention, pressed the consequences further, Suppose the governor merely sits on Bills for four years. What happens to the democratic set-up of the government, what happens to the will of the two-thirds majority of the legislature of a particular state? SGs reply was equally sharp: Can judicial inaction then compel the president to take action in a pending case? Every institution, he argued, has built-in silences and political checks. It cannot be that every problem has a solution only at the doors of this Court, and political and democratic solutions are not solutions, Mehta said. Justice Narasimha asked whether leaving such problems entirely to the political sphere would risk a logjam in Centrestate relations. If a governor can withhold a Bill indefinitely without returning it to the Assembly, wont the legislature become defunct? the CJI pressed. Mehta countered that not every state rushes to court, many take diplomatic measures instead, through consultations and negotiations. The Court, he noted, is not flooded with litigation on governor delays, suggesting the problem is not as endemic as petitioners claim. Still, the bench appeared unconvinced that politics alone could be the safety valve. Justice Gavai reminded that while elected representatives are accountable to voters every five years, the governor is not answerable to the people. That very vulnerability, he implied, strengthens the case for judicial oversight. This clash of views reflects a deeper federal tension. Opposition-ruled states have long complained that governors appointed by the Centre stall key legislationssometimes for yearseffectively paralysing state governance. The Centre frames this as the natural outcome of constitutional design, with governors meant to act as guardians of both the Constitution and central policy. The states, however, see it as political obstruction dressed up as constitutional discretion. What complicates matters is the silence of the Constitution. Articles 200 and 201 provide no explicit timeline for governors or the president to decide on Bills. In 1961, the Court in Purushothaman Nambudiri acknowledged that where the framers wanted timelines, they provided them. Yet six decades later, the absence of time limits has become the fulcrum of constitutional controversy. The arguments remained inconclusive and will continue on August 26. On April 8, 2025, a two-judge bench delivered a landmark judgment in State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu, ruling that neither governors nor the president may indefinitely delay action on bills passed by legislatures. The court delineated that under Article 200, governors have only three options: to assent, withhold (and return for reconsideration), or reserve a bill for presidential consideration with strict timelines enforced. Any delay beyond these windows, unless justified, is liable to judicial review. Soon after, President Droupadi Murmu invoked her power under Article 143(1) on May 13 by referring 14 questions to the Supreme Court. These queries challenge whether the Court may impose timelines on the president and governors, whether such actions infringe discretion under Articles 200 and 201, and whether the Court can chart procedure where the Constitution is silent. Indian fashion is re-establishing its global prominence, drawing on its rich history of hand-spun and woven textiles rooted in ancient village crafts. This resurgence is exemplified by designers like Rahul Mishra, whose international creations, such as Zendaya's custom sari, are crafted by skilled artisans in Indian villages, showcasing the enduring power of rural enterprise Delhi Police, investigating the attack on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday morning, have claimed that the incident was part of a well-planned conspiracy. Citing CCTV footage from Guptas private residence in Shalimar Bhag, police said the attacker had been making preparations for at least 24 hours in advance. The footage showed him conducting a recce of the chief minister's residence on Tuesday, recording visuals before carrying out the assault, according to police. The accused, identified as Rajesh Sakariya (41), a resident of Rajkot in Gujarat, was arrested and booked under attempt-to-murder and other charges. On Thursday, a local court sent him to five days ' police custody. Following the attack, the Centre has accorded Z-category CRPF security to the chief minister. #WATCH | CRPF personnel arrive at Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's residence, a day after she was attacked during 'Jan Sunvai'. Additional security is being deployed here. pic.twitter.com/gjwS7vFXgg ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025 According to reports, Sakariya left Rajkot for Ahmedabad on August 17 and then travelled to Ujjain. "Rajesh claimed he visited several prominent temples in Ujjain, including Mahakal, Kal Bhairav, and Mahalaxmi," a Times of India report quoted an investigating officer as saying. On August 18 evening, Sakariya took a train to Delhi and reached the national capital in the morning on August 19. From the station, he went to the Hanuman temple in Karol Bagh, where he participated in the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa," the report quoted the officer as saying. Sakariya later reached the CMs house at Shalimar Bhag and requested to meet the chief minister. However, the security staff told him that the chief minister would meet the public at the Jan Sunwai programme at Civil Lines on Wednesday. According to police sources, the man entered the chief minister's Camp Office on the Raj Niwas Marg posing as a complainant. He approached CM Gupta with a complaint during the meeting and allegedly slapped her. "Before anyone could figure out anything, the man kept on attacking the CM. Security guards overpowered him and forced him to the ground," said an officer. Initial reports suggested that Sakariya was a dog lover and wanted to build canine shelters. But the police suspect a bigger conspiracy. "The accused is claiming that he was upset over the Supreme Court order on dogs, but we suspect something more deep. He slapped the chief minister and attacked her, a source told PTI news agency. "We suspect the involvement of more people and have summoned two to three persons close to him for questioning. If their involvement is established, we could make more arrests in a couple of days," it said. Police have found that Sakariya had five FIRs registered against him in Rajkot city between 2017 and 2024. While two FIRs were related to assault and criminal intimidation, three were for the alleged possession and transportation of liquor. Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay has set fire for a potentially huge troll against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Addressing the TVK conference in Madurai on Thursday, the new entrant in Tamil Nadu politics called the chief minister "Stalin uncle", and posed questions regarding the poor administration in the southern state. The second general conference of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam was held in Madurai, and thousands of fans of the actor attended the grand event. During his address, Vijay accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of being in a "secret alliance" with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Vijay identified DMK as his political rival, and the upcoming assembly polls in Tamil Nadu will be a contest between TVK and DMK. Posing questions to the DMK regime in Tamil Nadu, Vijay said, "Stalin uncle... this is very wrong uncle." Vijay asked the chief minister, "Is your regime honest, fair, and is there safety for the public under this government?" Vijay charged that law and order was in a poor state under current regime. "Is giving 1,000 monthly assistance enough, uncle?" Vijay asks. Vijay charged that the Stalin regime was duping the public with false promises. The TVK leader got a resounding "No" from the crowd when he asked them whether the DMK government had delivered on its poll promises. The TVK leader's jibe comes as the DMK leader is trying to position himself as 'Appa' (father) for women and the needy in the state. Vijay's jibe has already kickstarted a meme fest against the Tamil Nadu chief minister. Malayalam writer Honey Bhaskaran on Thursday accused Congress MLA from Kerala's Palakkad, Rahul Mamkootathil, of obscene conduct and making derogatory remarks about her. ALSO READ: Trans woman Avanthika alleges Rahul Mamkootathil wanted to 'rape' her, claims he called her multiple times Who is Honey Bhaskaran? Writer Honey Bhaskaran is known for her novels, poems, biographies and anthologies. She has been conferred the Best GCC Novel Award and the Author Excellence Award. Thalanth, a biography of Fr. Manoj Ottaplackal, has received critical acclaim. Other works include Udal Rashtreeyam, Pieta and Nohayude Paravakal and Thalanth. What is the controversy involving Rahul Mamkootathil? Honey claimed that Rahul, who has resigned the post of Kerala Youth Congress president on Thursday, tried to initiate a conversation with her on social media but later told his peers that she messaged him first and twisted his conversation with her in lewd ways. #WATCH | Kozhikode | On Malayalam actor Rini Ann George's allegations against a politician of a prominent party, Kerala Minister R Bindu says, "Many women have raised serious allegations against the young MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. It is urgent that he should resign as MLA. He has pic.twitter.com/FjOtz4EXmr ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025 He talks about women he has chatted with, ridicules them in male company, and spins vulgar tales. This is not just misconduct, it's psychological perversion," Onmanorama quoted her as saying. Honey went on to claim that Rahul has reached out many other women who she knows personally, adding that more victims will file complaints. "He tells every woman that she is the only one he loves, while saying the same to others. Some of my friends have experienced it themselves," she claimed. The writer also alleged that Rahul is being protected by Congress MP Shafi Parambil who has not taken any action despite receiving complaints. Though she ruled out moving legally, she dared Rahul to file defamation case against her. This comes after Malayalam actor Rini Ann George accused a young politician of sexting her without naming the person. Rini, who is known for appearing in 916 Kunjoottan, was the first one to raise allegations against a young politician though she declined to name the leader. She clarified that she did not suffer any assault but received offensive messages. However, she said she forward after learning that other women have faced harassment and this prompted her to speak up. She revealed that she first received inappropriate messages from the politician three years ago following which he invited her to a place to spend time with him. She alleged that the politician had a "who cares" attitide when she threatened to complain about him. Responding to Rini's allegations, Rahul claimed that the actress was not referring to him and has not revealed the identity of the accused. Mamkootathil has resigned from the post of State Youth Congress President, but claimed that he was not quitting because of any wrongdoing, but to make sure that his party could focus on its work. The Union home ministry has appointed senior police officer Satish Golcha as the new Delhi police commissioner. The development comes following a recent assault on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Satish Golcha has been appointed as the 26th commissioner of the Delhi police. The 1992-batch IPS officer has replaced SBK Singh, who took up additional charge as Commissioner of police force in the national capital on July 31, after his predecessor Sanjay Arora's retirement. Singh was appointed as Delhi police commissioner on August 1. Golcha is currently the Director General of Tihar Jail. Golcha has served in various important positions, including special commissioner of police (Law and order), special commissioner (Intelligence) in Delhi police, and Director General of Police (DGP) of Arunachal Pradesh. He has also served as deputy police commissioner and joint commissioner of police with the Delhi police. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked by a visitor at her official residence during the weekly Jan Sunvai on Wednesday. The attacker, identified as Rajesh Sakariya (41), hails from Gujarat, and he entered the premises posing as a complainant. Sakariya is an autorickshaw driver in Rajkot. According to reports, Sakariya allegedly attacked Gupta over the recent Supreme Court's directions to control the stray dog menace in the national capital. Reportedly, Sakariya is a dog lover. However, police suspect a bigger conspiracy behind his attack against the Delhi chief minister. "The accused is claiming that he was upset over the Supreme Court order on dogs, but we suspect something more deep. He slapped the chief minister and attacked her, a police officer told PTI. Following the attack, the Centre has accorded Z-category CRPF security to the chief minister. Sakariya has been remanded to five days of police custody and he has been booked under various charges, including attempt-to-murder. In a landmark judgment delivered on August 19, 2025, the Special Judge under the SC/ST Act in Lucknow sentenced advocate Parmanand Gupta to multiple terms of imprisonment for his role in orchestrating false and malicious legal cases against his property and business rivals by exploiting a vulnerable Scheduled Caste woman, Pooja Rawat. In an order of over 90 pages, the court laid out a saga of legal manipulation, criminal conspiracy, and systemic misuse of laws designed to protect marginalised communities in India. ALSO READ: Will SC penalise INDIA bloc over 'false' claims? What EC told top court on Bihar SIR The case originated from accusations that advocate Gupta, along with his wife Sangita Gupta and aide Rawat, misused provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to file fabricated gangrape and other criminal cases targeting their opponents in a land dispute in Lucknow. Rawat, a young woman from Gorakhpur, engaged initially as an assistant in Sangita Guptas beauty parlour, became a key figure allegedly coerced into lodging multiple false FIRs orchestrated by Gupta. These complaints accused Arvind Yadav, Avadhesh Yadav, and others of heinous crimes including rape, gang rape and criminal conspiracy. ALSO READ: Kolkata gang-rape: Supreme Court lawyer writes to CJI urging suo motu cognisance The extensive misuse of the legal system came to the attention of the Uttar Pradesh High Court, which ordered a CBI probe into the relationship between Gupta and Rawat and the multiplicity of cases registered by them. The High Court cited multiple FIRs lodged by Rawat against various persons, highlighting a pattern of collusion for financial and personal gain. Her counsel for all these cases was Gupta. The CBIs scientific investigation, including mobile location tracking and detailed witness testimonies, contradicted the allegations in these cases, revealing that the purported gang rape incidents did not occur at the claimed times or places, and that Rawat was not present at the locations during the alleged offences. ALSO READ: Supreme Court sets 3-month deadline for Telangana speaker on MLA disqualification The court analysed testimonies and documents, including Rawats own contradictory statements under duress and after receiving compensation from these cases. It found that Gupta manipulated her, exploiting her Scheduled Caste status to file false cases that could invoke severe punishments and financial compensation under the SC/ST Act rules, thereby pressurising rivals into submission. Evidence showed that Gupta used these fabricated cases as a ploy to gain advantage in a civil property dispute involving his wife and the accused Yadav family. The court described this conduct as a deliberate abuse of the legal process, involving conspiracy to malign innocent persons by framing them in serious criminal allegations including gangrape, which carry life imprisonment. The judgment further underscored that Gupta had a history of such legal malpractices, with numerous other criminal cases and FIRs filed at his behest across various jurisdictions, often in collusion with Rawat. The court referenced recent directives from the Supreme Court and the Lucknow High Court censuring similar abuses of the SC/ST Act and sexual offence laws. The judgment highlighted judicial concerns about the emergence of legal gangs that exploit vulnerable persons and misapply protective laws for extorting money, harassing opponents, and clogging the judicial system with frivolous and false litigation. Gupta has been convicted under multiple sections, including IPC sections 217 and 248 (for filing false charges) and Section 3(2)(5) of the SC/ST Act for criminal conspiracy. He received a composite sentence that includes life imprisonment and Rs 3,00,000 fine (Section 3(2)(5) SC/ST Act).. Rawat was acquitted based on her compliance with terms of pardon (khshama), and the court warned her against future misuse of the SC/ST Act. The judgment issued stern warnings against misuse of the SC/ST Act and sexual offence laws, emphasising that such abuse not only harms innocent accused but also undermines the very dignity and purpose of these protective laws. It stressed that frivolous and malicious litigations waste judicial resources and severely damage public confidence in the justice delivery system. The court also directed the police and administrative authorities to maintain records of complainants who repeatedly file such cases to prevent exploitation of the law and protect innocents from harassment. Further, the Bar Council of India and state authorities were urged to monitor and regulate the conduct of advocates to prevent ethical lapses that degrade the integrity of the legal profession and justice system. With the Kerala Assembly elections only months away, the Congress party was not willing to take a chance by backing Rahul Mamkootathil, Malayalam media reports said. At a time when the Indian National Youth Congress is at the forefront of the battle against women's safety issues across India, it would backfire if one of their top leaders was accused of such allegations. The Congress was also bothered by the fact that Rahul Mamkootathil represents the state comprising the Wayanad seat that elected Priyanka Gandhi to the Lok Sabha, and where KC Venugopal, the AICC general secretary with organisational responsibility, hails from. FULL REPORT | Kerala Youth Congress chief Rahul Mamkootathil asks woman on phone won't people call the child a bastard Opposition leader VD Satheesan is personally close to actor Rini Ann George who is facing social media abuse over her statements against a young political leader. Although she did not name the Palakkad MLA as the young leader who misbehaved with her, it was obvious from the clues she left during the media interactions. Satheesan was unhappy with the development and personally wanted disciplinary action against him, Manorama Online reported. ALSO READ | Who is Rini Ann George, the actress and former journalist who accused prominent youth leader of sending inappropriate texts? While the Youth Congress national leadership wanted solid proof before demanding Rahul Mamkootathil's resignation, Deepa Das Munshi, the AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, reportedly sidelined the youth wing and pressed for his ouster. It was Munshi who told the Congress leadership in Kerala to demand Rahul's resignation as Youth Congress state chief, Manorama Online said in a report. ALSO READ | Rini Ann George refuses to name leader who invited her to a hotel; Rahul Mamkootathil confident actress didnt mean him Even before Rini Ann George made her viral statements, Deepa Das Munshi had received several complaints against Rahul from several women. She was also aware of the accusations against him on social media, the report added. Once Rini's "who cares" statement came, the Kerala leadership officially communicated the development to Munshi. LJUBLJANA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia on Thursday rejected and criticized the latest sanctions imposed by the United States on judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC), stressing the importance of judicial independence. "Slovenia rejects pressure on judicial institutions and interference in the work of the judiciary. Courts must act in the interests of law and justice," the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs said in a statement on social media platform X. The U.S. on Wednesday announced sanctions against Canadian judge Kimberly Prost, French judge Nicolas Guillou, and deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal. This marks the second round of sanctions by Washington targeting ICC staff. In June, four judges, including Slovenia's Beti Hohler, were placed under similar restrictions. According to the measures, the sanctioned individuals are barred from accessing any assets in the U.S., while American citizens and companies are prohibited from conducting business with them. The sanctions follow ICC decisions last year to issue arrest warrants for two senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the court's ongoing investigation into alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ICC as a "threat to national security" and accused it of being used as a tool of "legal warfare" against the U.S. and its ally Israel. The United States and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute and do not hold membership in the ICC. For months, Israeli leaders have been promoting the idea of mass emigration from Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented the proposal as a humanitarian measure, insisting that Israel is not pushing them out, but enabling those who wish to leave to do so. He has hinted at talks with several foreign governments about absorbing displaced civilians. Netanyahus far-right allies have championed the plan with even greater enthusiasm. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has argued that Gaza is an inseparable part of Israel and expressed hope that its Palestinian residents could be sent to third countries. For him and his supporters, permanent Israeli rule over Gaza goes hand in hand with the removal of its population. Yet Israel has struggled to find willing hosts. Over the past two years it has floated the idea with states as varied as Indonesia, Uganda, Libya, Somalia and Somaliland. Some, such as Somaliland, have reportedly entertained the proposal in hopes of extracting diplomatic benefits such as recognition of their sovereignty. Still, no arrangement has materialised. South Sudan as a candidate One of the most controversial options to emerge is South Sudan. Although its leaders publicly deny any involvement, multiple sources suggest that senior South Sudanese officials have engaged with Israel on the subject. Lobbyists working with the country have even spoken of an Israeli delegation planning to assess potential camp sites. For South Sudan, the attraction lies in geopolitics. Its leaders believe that by cooperating with Israel they might persuade Washington to ease sanctions, lift an arms embargo and revoke a travel ban imposed on South Sudanese citizens. They also hope to secure relief for Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, a powerful figure who is now under international restrictions. The Trump administration had suspended visas for South Sudanese nationals earlier this year, accusing the country of refusing to take back deportees. In response, the country accepted a small number in what appeared to be a gesture of goodwill. But behind the calculations lies a stark reality. South Sudan is one of the poorest and most unstable nations in the world. Since gaining independence in 2011 it has been wracked by civil war, famine and corruption. Nearly four lakh people died in the fighting that followed independence and millions more were displaced. A fragile peace deal remains tenuous at best, leaving the risk of renewed conflict. International aid feeds much of its population of 1.1 crore, yet foreign assistance has dwindled. To add hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans to such a precarious setting would pose enormous challenges. Domestic unease in South Sudan The idea has also alarmed many South Sudanese. The country fought a decades-long struggle against Sudan, whose leadership was Arab and Muslim, while South Sudan is largely Christian and animist. Bringing in a significant Palestinian population could therefore stir unease and deepen ethnic and religious divides. Civil society groups have voiced strong opposition. Edmund Yakani, head of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, told the New York Times that South Sudan should not be treated as a dumping ground or allow its people to become bargaining chips in foreign relations. To support such a scheme, he argued, would be to endorse ethnic cleansing. The humanitarian dimension Critics say that framing the plan as voluntary migration conceals the reality. The two-year Israeli offensive has devastated Gaza, levelling homes, destroying infrastructure and displacing the majority of its residents. Access to food, water, medicine and schools is minimal, while families live in fear of bombardment. In these circumstances, campaigners argue, there is nothing voluntary about leaving. Human Rights Watch and other organisations insist that forcing people to abandon their homes in an unlivable territory amounts to forcible expulsion under international law. Palestinians themselves, shaped by the memory of displacement in 1948, fear that any departure would become permanent. Egypt, which briefly opened its border to allow people into Gaza early in the war, now strongly resists further transfers, worried about being left with a permanent refugee population. The political backdrop reinforces such fears. Israeli leaders on the far right openly hope to establish new settlements in Gaza once Palestinians are gone. For many observers, the combination of military devastation and calls for resettlement suggests an intention not of humanitarian relief but of demographic engineering. Legal and political fallout International law prohibits the forced transfer of populations. Whether labelled voluntary or not, the prospect of moving Gazans to far-off countries such as South Sudan raises questions about ethnic cleansing. It also risks destabilising fragile states already facing humanitarian crises. For Israel, the lack of takers reflects the moral and political weight of such a plan. Meanwhile, for South Sudan, even quiet consideration of the idea underscores the extent to which desperate governments may barter vulnerable populations for international favour. It may sound surprising to many, but it is not difficult to stay in space for long duration, according to Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. Replying to a question by THE WEEK, at a media briefing in New Delhi, Shukla said that though there are effects on ones body when one stays in space for long durations, it is not difficult to do so. I was prepared for any kind of extensions that I may get in space, said Shukla, who was part of the recent successful Axiom-4 Mission to the International Space Station. The initial periods are challenging for the body to adapt. Training prepares you well but obviously there are times when things can go wrong. In case anything goes wrong, a huge team is there to support you. I was, and I am, and I would be prepared for any such contingencies that may arise during any such missions. During his first interaction with the media in India, Shukla said he felt emotional when he saw the country for the first time from space. It was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen in life. He said that he also realised the power of scientific temper when he saw the excitement among children across the country during interactions. There was this question that how does one become an astronaut. So, kids want to become astronauts and the good thing is that ISRO and India are ready with the rockets and the launches. We have the capability to make this dream a reality very soon. Shukla also said that no matter how much training one does, when one sits in the rocket and the engines ignite, it is a special feeling. I was actually running behind the rocket for the first few seconds. It took me some time to catch up. From that moment until the time we splashed down, the experience was unbelievable. He said that he would like to thank the people and the Indian government, and also the ISRO for enabling the entire mission, and his colleagues at ISRO who worked hard to successfully execute it. He also thanked the researchers who enabled the experiments for the Axiom-4 Mission. I would also like to thank everyone who helped bring this mission to the population of our country, making it accessible for everyone to view it. In the end, I would like to thank each and every citizen of this country who behaved in a way that made it feel like they actually owned this mission. I truly felt that this was a mission for the entire nation, Shukla said. Gaganyaan missions first uncrewed mission will launched by December this year. The first uncrewed mission, G1, is going to be lifted off by this year's end, maybe close to December. Vyommitra, the half-humanoid, is going to fly in it, said ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan at the briefing. He lauded Shuklas accomplishment and also said that the ISRO made several achievements in the last four months. He added that the entire ISRO programme is a teamwork of 20,000 employees, 450 industrial partners and 300 academia partners. He further said that the Aditya L-1 mission has released 13 terabit data and the recently launched NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite (NISAR) satellite is working well. As India's relations with the United States nosedived after President Donald Trump's announcement of a 50 per cent tariff, New Delhi is looking to increase bilateral trade with Russia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is in Moscow on a state visit, urged Russian companies to engage more intensively with their Indian counterparts. "An India with a GDP of USD 4 trillion plus growing at 7% for the foreseeable future has an obvious need for large resources from dependable sources. In some cases, it could be assured supplies of essential products, fertiliser, chemicals, and machinery, being good examples, Jaishankar said, adding that Indias rapidly growing infrastructure would offer business openings to enterprises with an established track record. Pleased to join First DPM Denis Manturov and attend the India-Russia Business Forum. Appreciate the assessments and reports of various sectoral leaders regarding the deeper potential of our economic ties. Reiterated that an enduring strategic partnership must have a strong pic.twitter.com/GqOUUL0qlY Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 20, 2025 The EAM made the remarks at a meeting with Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in Moscow. He said the Indian governments initiatives like Make in India have opened a new window for foreign businesses. The modernisation and the urbanisation of India generate their own demands, flowing from shifts in consumption and lifestyle. Each of these dimensions represents an invitation for Russian companies to engage more intensively with their Indian counterparts. Our endeavour is to encourage them to rise to that challenge," said the minister. He further noted that both India and Russia should continuously diversify and expand their "agenda" of cooperation, including by diversifying the bilateral trade basket and through more joint ventures. "The various working groups and subgroups could perhaps take a more creative and innovative approach towards their respective agendas. The challenges posed by the larger landscape that I mentioned require us to do so," he said while stressing the importance of India-Russia ties in the context of current geopolitical upheaval. Jaishankars remarks came in the backdrop of a downturn in relations between India and the US after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duty for New Delhis purchase of Russian crude oil. As part of his three-day visit to Russia, External Affairs Minister met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday with the two sides discussing transport, logistics, banking and financial partnership that would be immune to external pressures. This comes as the US imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods over New Delhi's purchase of Moscow's crude oil, thereby funding the Ukraine war. Taking to X, Jaishankar said he conveyed the warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Putin. Honored to call on President Putin at the Kremlin today. Conveyed the warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister @narendramodi. Apprised him of my discussions with First DPM Denis Manturov & FM Sergey Lavrov. The preparations for the Annual Leaders Summit are pic.twitter.com/jJuqynYrlX Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 21, 2025 "Apprised him of my discussions with First DPM Denis Manturov & FM Sergey Lavrov. The preparations for the Annual Leaders Summit are well underway," he said. "Appreciate his sharing perspectives on the global situation and recent developments on Ukraine". This comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to China where he is expected to meet Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin later this month. The Russian President is also scheduled to visit New Delhi later this year. Speaking to the press alongside FM Sergey Lavrov in Moscow today. https://t.co/FCCxQkNnYI Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 21, 2025 Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov and said that the relations between the two countries is among the steadiest of the major relationships in the world since the Second World War. "Geo-political convergence, leadership contacts and popular sentiment remain its key drivers," he said. Jaishankar said the meeting comes amid evolving geopolitical situation as the economic and trade landscape shifts. "Our shared goal is to maximise our complementarity," he said. He raised concerns about the massive trade deficit, non-tariff regulations and Indians serving in the Russian army. As relations between India and the United States have nosedived over the last few weeks, following President Donald Trump's announcement of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has issued a strong warning against antagonising New Delhi. In an opinion piece published in Newsweek, Haley said Indias rise does not threaten the free world, unlike Communist-controlled China". The Republican admits that Indias massive oil purchase from Russia helps to fund Vladimir Putins war against Ukraine. But she noted that Beijing has thus far avoided any sanctions despite being one of Russias largest customers. If that disparity does not demand a closer look at US-India relations, the realities of hard power should. Scuttling 25 years of momentum with the only country that can serve as a counterweight to Chinese dominance in Asia would be a strategic disaster, she wrote. The US-India relationship is at a troubling inflection point. @NikkiHaley and @bill_drexel explain why getting US-India relations back on track is critical for the administration's foreign policy goals: 1. outcompeting China 2. achieving peace through strength A thread pic.twitter.com/Bsvvgq4jBJ Hudson Institute (@HudsonInstitute) August 20, 2025 Haley asserted that in the short term, Indias help is essential for the United States to move its critical supply chains away from China. While the Trump administration works to bring manufacturing back to our shores, India stands alone in its potential to manufacture at China-like scale for products that can't be quickly or efficiently produced here, like textiles, inexpensive phones, and solar panels, she said. Haleys opinion piece comes days before the 50 per cent tariff announced by Trump on Indian goods kicks in on August 26. India has termed the US move unfair, unjustified and unreasonable and said New Delhi will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests. Haley, in her article, noted that India's expanding defence ties with the US, Israel, and other American allies make it a crucial asset to the free world's security, and a growing market for US defence equipment and cooperation. She also claimed that New Delhis growing clout and security involvement in the Middle East was essential for the stability of the region. "Scuttling 25 years of momentum with the only country that can serve as a counterweight to Chinese dominance in Asia would be a strategic disaster." Delighted to publish with Amb. @NikkiHaley in @Newsweek on the urgency of rebuilding ties with India pic.twitter.com/4faDIjiuhs Bill Drexel (@bill_drexel) August 20, 2025 Pointing out Indias huge population and the rapidly growing economy, the US official said New Delhis rise should be seen as one of the greatest obstacles to China's goal of reshaping the global order. Simply put, China's ambitions will have to shrink as India's power grows, she asserted, while noting that New Delhi and Beijing are unfriendly neighbours that have conflicting economic interests and ongoing territorial disputes. The Kindest Judge in America Judge Francesco Frank Caprio died aged 88, after a brave fight with pancreatic cancer. Messages from mourning netizens are pouring in, highlighting the number of lives he touched worldwide, all from a small court in Rhode Island. His influence touched many Indians, and these are the top five examples: 1. Francesco Mohapatra, a Mumbai baby named after the judge On May 16, 2022, Judge Caprio uploaded a video clarifying that his given name was Francesco, shortened to Frank. He humorously added that he encouraged parents to name their children Francesco, so that the name would not die out. The video montage showed the many instances of him telling pregnant mothers tongue-in-cheek to name their baby boys after him. And towards the end, he popped a surprise linked to India. He showed a screen grab of a message from an Indian father, saying that he had named his son Francesco. Caprio said that he was honoured and humbled by Manish Mohapatras extraordinary gesture. Mohapatra joined the judge on video conference from Mumbai and said: I know that the rule of law exists, and that (the personification) of the rule of law is Mr Frank Caprio. The family then showed baby Francesco on camera. 2. The judge from India Five years ago, Jamila Siamwala, an assistant professor at Brown University, appeared before Caprio for a hearing on a parking ticket. Her father, the India-based Dr Haidry Siamwala, accompanied her. An alumnus of California State University, Long Beach, Haidry was visiting Jamila. Haidry told Caprio that he had seen him on Facebook and that he was the kindest judge on this planet. Caprio humorously accused him of trying to butter him up. In the end, the judge invited Haidry to join him on the dais and pronounce a verdict on his daughters parking ticket. Jamila was accused of parking in an area where parking is banned between 8am and 10am. Jamila parked at 9:54am, six minutes early. Haidry let his daughter go free, as Jamila had parked to drop her five-year-old child at school. Fathers and daughters, you see! 3. The software engineer In August 2023, an Indian software engineer (name unclear) was charged with parking in a tow zone. The judge found that the no-parking sign was at the end of the street and, hence, could not be considered a reasonable warning to the accused. So, he was let go and was humorously asked to help the court with software issues. 4. Donations from India Thanks to his golden heart, Caprio would often receive donations from viewers, asking him to use the money to help deserving people who were facing fines. He received generous contributions from India, too, and would often announce it on his show. He had informally called it the Filomena Fund after his mother, and this was later formalised. When he stepped down from the bench in 2023, the management of the fund was handed over to the Rhode Island Foundation. This is how it began, says the RIF website: In 2018, Angie Chesser, a single mother from Indiana and viewer of the program, was so moved by the plight of a motorist who came before Judge Caprio, that she mailed a $25 donation to the court, requesting it be used to help another single mother. In response, the Judge used the funds to assist a woman without many resources, paying forward Angies act of kindness. Many other Indians other than the ones listed above have appeared on his show. 5. The last Independence Day greeting This August 15, Caprios social media handles put out what looked like an AI image of him holding a tricolour in his right hand and a tricoloured wedge of cake in his left. Remember, this was the last week of his life. Part of his message said: To all my friends in India and those of Indian heritage around the world: may this day fill your hearts with pride, gratitude, and hope for an even brighter future. Your nations story reminds us all that when people stand together for justice and dignity, they can change the course of history. Thank you for everything, Judge Caprio. Most of all for your faith, humour, sense of justice, and for highlighting that one thing that all of us should hold dearfamily. As Ukraine-Russia ceasefire talks gain momentum, all eyes are on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will agree to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia has not given a clear stance on attending the summit, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating that Moscow must be part of any international talks on Ukraines security. To discuss security guarantees seriously without Russia is a road to nowhere, Lavrov said during a working visit to Jordan. That said, talks are already on the potential venue for the talks between the heads of state of the two warring nations. The options are limited as Putin has an arrest warrant, issued by the ICC, pending on charges of war crimes. The White House is also actively looking to secure a meeting location and date. The possible options are: 1) Switzerland Known for its neutral stance, Switzerland is already a potential host, as finding literal common ground between the US, Russia, Ukraine, and possibly European states won't be easy in the current context. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told DW that Berlin had no ambitions to host and pointed to Switzerland as somewhere that has "always been good in the past." Switzerland has already expressed willingness to host Putin, though it is an ICC signatory. The goal of receiving Mr. Putin in Switzerland without him being arrested is one hundred percent achievable, Cassis told Swiss national broadcaster SRF. 2) Budapest The US is in favour of this option as Hungary recently withdrew from the ICC. While Russia too seems to favour Budapest, Polish President Donald Tusk reminded people about an ill-fated event related to Ukraine. He put up a post on X, reminding people that Ukraine had already been granted ill-fated security guarantees in the Hungarian capital back in 1994. That year, Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for security assurances from the US, Russia, and the UK. "Maybe I'm superstitious but this time I would try to find another place," Tusk wrote. As for Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, he is one of the few friends Putin has in Europe. 3) Austria Austria is a willing player. "We stand ready to offer our good services," Chancellor Christian Stocker posted on X. Experts say though Austria considers itself as a bridge builder between east and west, it too shares the ICC dilemma. 4) Turkey Turkey is actively working to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has positioned himself as a potential mediator. Its advantages are that it straddles Europe and Asia and shares warm relations with Russia. Putin had earlier thanked Erdogan for "efforts to facilitate Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul." 5) Saudi Arabia/ Qatar Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar are potential candidates for hosting the peace talks. They have track records as international negotiators, and neither is a member of the ICC. After his successful visit to India, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi headed to Afghanistans Kabul on Wednesday, where he attended the 6th Pakistan-Afghanistan-China trilateral dialogue, held in Kabul for the first time since the return of the Taliban in 2021. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, on Wednesday. The public agenda of the event centered on the expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Kabul and cooperation in financial and terror-related issues. India is keeping a close eye on the developments, considering New Delhis emerging relations with Kabul these days. For China, it is important to keep peace in the region to bolster its economic interests in the Pakistan-Afghan border regions. The Afghan Taliban backed Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had been affecting the interests of the Chinese in the region, targeting Chinese citizens and projects. Since 2021, 14 terrorist attacks have taken place in the country targeting Chinese citizens. Why doesChinas top diplomat Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit #Afghanistan? My analysis: Wang arrives in Kabul for visit, and China-Afghanistan-#Pakistan foreign ministers' dialogue. Wang said it clearly that China hopes Afghanistan will continue to make every effort to pic.twitter.com/MexTl4sgKU Shen Shiwei (@shen_shiwei) August 20, 2025 Chinese analyst Zhu Yongbiao, the executive director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times that the meeting is both a continuation and a new starting point." "This approach has further shaped China's image as a positive and reliable diplomatic actor," Zhu said. Staying close to the Taliban, which was recently recognised by Russia, marks a significant step for China diplomatically. For the Taliban, this would mean financial support and international legitimacy. Showing that key regional players are willing to engage with it despite the lack of formal recognition will benefit the Taliban. Pakistan also wants the alliance to work, so as to advance the partnership, enhance cooperation in trade, Belt and Road cooperation, connectivity, and counterterrorism. Beyond all these, the India factor plays a large role for both China and Pakistan. Islamabad wants close relations with the Taliban to undercut Indias increasing influence in Afghanistan. New Delhi has been cultivating a close rapport with Kabul since 2021, and this has triggered anxiety in Islamabad, considering how its relations with Kabul worsened since the Taliban comeback. Pakistan had recently upgraded its ties with Afghanistan by elevating diplomatic relations in its bid to stall Kabul getting close to New Delhi, though Islamabad had attributed it to Beijings request. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ang) KABUL, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met here on Wednesday with Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China has always pursued a friendly policy toward Afghanistan, stood for equality among all countries, and adhered to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. He stressed that China respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its development path chosen by the Afghan people, its unique national conditions and religious traditions, adding that in Afghanistan's pursuit of development and revitalization, China is a reliable partner and friend of Afghanistan. China supports Afghanistan's policy of prioritizing economic development and is willing to contribute to its development and revitalization, Wang said. He said that China will continue to oppose unreasonable pressure on Afghanistan and freeze of its assets, and supports an early resumption of bilateral patrols in the Wakhan Corridor to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas, urging Afghanistan to take firm actions to crack down on the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and other international terror groups so as to safeguard China-Afghanistan cooperation. Haqqani expressed appreciation for China's long-standing support for Afghanistan's development and the people's livelihood, as well as its support for Afghanistan's integration into the international community. He said that Afghanistan is ready to carry forward a friendship with China, and further expand cooperation in various fields, stressing that Afghanistan attaches great importance to China's security concerns, and Afghanistan will never allow anyone to use its territory to undermine China's security. Mr Kipling maker Premier Foods has agreed to buy healthy ready meals brand Merchant Gourmet for 48million. The seller of microwavable pouches of pulses and grains was founded in 1994 by brothers Mark and Oliver Leatham from a market stall in London. Merchant managing director Richard Peake said: We believe Premier is the right partner to match our ambition. 'They understand where weve come from, they respect what makes our brand special. Premier boss Alex Whitehouse said the deal would help meet the growing demand for premium, healthy and convenient meal options. It bought cooking kit firm The Spice Tailor in 2022 and granola maker Fuel10K this year. Shares in Premier, which also owns Bisto, Ambrosia and Oxo, rose 1.2 per cent, or 2.2p, to 189p. Exports of prestige Swiss watches boomed last month as companies tried to shift their stock ahead of rising US trade tariffs. Year-on-year growth of 6.9 per cent was largely driven by a 45 per cent rise in exports of brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Longines to the US, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry revealed. But, in its July report, it said the return to growth after a 5.6 per cent slump in June may be temporary as it was a move to build up local stocks and provides little insight into the actual state of the market. Demand in large Asian countries continued to fall. The US started charging a 39 per cent tariff on Swiss watches from August 7. The most expensive watches did best, with exports of products priced above 3,000 Swiss francs (2,760) growing 9.4 per cent. Watches priced between 183 and 459 were up 7.3 per cent. Excluding the US figures, exports dropped 0.9 per cent. The quantity of watches shipped to Britain rose 0.2 per cent. British digger maker JCB has warned US tariffs on steel and aluminium will cost it hundreds of millions of pounds and is urging the Government to intervene. Exports of the metals from the UK to the US are subject to a 25 per cent levy imposed by Donald Trump though this is lower than the 50 per cent applied to the rest of the world. However, the Trump administration has now expanded this to cover all finished goods as well. For UK manufacturers using thousands of components often sourced from suppliers who do not always provide a breakdown of their origins complying with the rules will be extremely difficult according to the Construction Equipment Association. And JCB chief executive Graeme Macdonald said the expanded tariffs would hit all 30,000 of the diggers and construction machines it exports to America each year. He told The Times: The tariffs as they now stand are hugely punitive and they catch every machine we ship to the US. It will make us have to reconsider how we trade with North America. JCB had previously expected a tariff hit of around 2million. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Arc Resources (OTCMKTS:AETUF Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Monday. A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on AETUF. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Arc Resources in a report on Friday, May 16th. Desjardins restated a buy rating on shares of Arc Resources in a report on Monday, May 5th. Finally, National Bankshares restated an outperform rating on shares of Arc Resources in a report on Friday, May 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and three have given a Buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy. Get Arc Resources alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Arc Resources Arc Resources Price Performance AETUF opened at $19.1408 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. Arc Resources has a 52-week low of $15.05 and a 52-week high of $23.86. The company has a 50 day moving average of $20.43 and a two-hundred day moving average of $19.67. The company has a market cap of $11.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.52, a P/E/G ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 0.37. Arc Resources (OTCMKTS:AETUF Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 31st. The energy company reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.36 by $0.13. Arc Resources had a net margin of 30.77% and a return on equity of 18.83%. The company had revenue of $801.14 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.37 billion. On average, analysts expect that Arc Resources will post 2.23 earnings per share for the current year. Arc Resources Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Investors of record on Monday, June 30th were issued a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.0%. Arc Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 30.77%. About Arc Resources (Get Free Report) ARC Resources Ltd. engages in the acquiring and developing crude oil, natural gas, condensate, and natural gas liquids in Canada. It primarily holds interests in the Montney basin located in Alberta and northeast British Columbia. ARC Resources Ltd. was founded in 1996 and is based in Calgary, Canada. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Arc Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arc Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suncor Energy (TSE:SU Free Report) (NYSE:SU) had its price objective lifted by Jefferies Financial Group from C$53.00 to C$57.00 in a research note released on Monday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on the stock. TD Securities boosted their target price on shares of Suncor Energy from C$62.00 to C$63.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 6th. Raymond James Financial increased their price objective on Suncor Energy from C$57.00 to C$58.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 7th. Scotiabank raised their price objective on shares of Suncor Energy from C$60.00 to C$62.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 6th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Suncor Energy from C$59.00 to C$60.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, June 26th. Finally, Desjardins boosted their price target on Suncor Energy from C$64.00 to C$65.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Suncor Energy currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$63.00. Get Suncor Energy alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Suncor Energy Suncor Energy Stock Up 0.6% Shares of TSE:SU opened at C$53.54 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.35, a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 0.83. The firm has a market capitalization of C$67.15 billion, a PE ratio of 8.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 1.47. The firms 50-day moving average is C$53.61 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$52.16. Suncor Energy has a 1 year low of C$43.59 and a 1 year high of C$58.58. Suncor Energy (TSE:SU Get Free Report) (NYSE:SU) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 5th. The company reported C$0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Suncor Energy had a net margin of 15.15% and a return on equity of 18.10%. Analysts predict that Suncor Energy will post 4.4208333 EPS for the current year. Suncor Energy Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 25th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, June 25th were paid a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 4th. Suncor Energys dividend payout ratio is 34.42%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Russell Girling purchased 10,000 shares of Suncor Energy stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 6th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$50.41 per share, for a total transaction of C$504,100.00. Also, Senior Officer Jacqueline Sue Moore sold 25,585 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$55.99, for a total value of C$1,432,478.57. 0.01% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Suncor Energy (Get Free Report) Suncor Energy Inc is an integrated energy company. The companys operations include oil sands development, production and upgrading, offshore oil and gas, petroleum refining in Canada and the U.S. and the companys PetroCanada retail and wholesale distribution networks. The company is developing petroleum resources while advancing the transition to a low-emissions future through investment in power, renewable fuels and hydrogen. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Suncor Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suncor Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phaos Technology (Cayman) Holdings Ltd. (POAS) plans to raise $12.15 million in an IPO on the week of August 25th, IPO Scoop reports. The company will issue 2,700,000 shares at a price of $4.00-$5.00 per share. In the last twelve months, Phaos Technology (Cayman) Holdings Ltd. generated $1.39 million in revenue and had a net loss of $1.73 million. Phaos Technology (Cayman) Holdings Ltd. has a market cap of $59.86 million. Network 1 Financial Securities served as the underwriter for the IPO. Phaos Technology (Cayman) Holdings Ltd. provided the following description of their company for its IPO: We are an investment holding company; through our subsidiary, we assemble and commercialize advanced microscopy-related solutions, technologies and products. (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands) Using its patented microsphere-assisted technology, the company can significantly increase the magnification of an existing traditional optical microscope compared to its competitors, hence allowing our clients to see beyond the optical limit in an effective manner. Currently, it is the only commercially available advanced optical microscope that can see below the 200nm optical limit, within a commercially viable working distance. Our business is primarily involved in the assembling and commercialization of advanced microscopy-related solutions, technologies and products tailored for precision measurement and magnification purposes. Our range of product includes optical microscopy solutions, featuring: i) Super-resolution imagers capable of achieving imaging down to 137nm; A A A A ii) Specialized microscopes designed to meet the diverse needs of various industries; and A A A A iii) Three-dimensional (a?3-Da?) real-time image magnifiers for enhanced visualization. A Traditional optical microscopes are able to see up to 250nm, while our solution allows users to see up to 137nm. As a result, we believe that this is considered by the optical industry as a super resolution optical microscopy solution. In addition to our hardware offerings, we currently provide complimentary proprietary software, which is developed in-house.A This software includes Artificial Intelligent (a?AIa?) components that allows our customers to perform recognition patterns for research, quality assurance and quality control (a?QA/QCa?), as well as diagnostics purposes. The in-house software is meticulously crafted to complement our product line ensuring seamless integration and optimized performance for our customers. For the financial years ended April 30, 2023, and April 30, 2024, the provision of microscopy products contributed to 73.9 percent and 97.6 percent of our revenue, respectively. We distribute our microscopy products with software solutions through an extensive network of distributors, primarily in Singapore and expanding across regions such as Southeast Asia and South Asia. Our microscopy solutions accommodate a diverse range of applications enabling us to serve a wide range of customer needs and capitalize on emerging growth opportunities in the region. Our diverse customer base primarily includes industries with usage in fields such as manufacturing, research & development, biomedical, semiconductors, Printed Circuit Board (a?PCBa?), electronics, precision engineering, injection molding, research, healthcare, QA/QC and diagnostics. Our business strategic focus involves strengthening our market position in Singapore and progressively expanding into the Southeast Asian region. Note: Net loss and revenue are in U.S. dollars for the fiscal year that ended April 30, 2024. (Note: Phaos Technology (Cayman) Holdings Ltd. filed its F-1 on Jan. 3, 2025, and disclosed the terms for its micro-cap IPO 2.7 million shares at a price range of $4.00 to $5.00 to raise $12.15 million, if the IPO is priced at the $4.50 mid-point of its range. Following up: On March 28, 2025, in an F-1/A filing, Phaos Technology (Cayman) Holdings Ltd. disclosed that selling stockholders would offer 900,090 shares in addition to the 2.7 million shares that Phaos Technology is offering at the price range of $4.00 to $5.00. The company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the selling stockholders shares, according to the prospectus.) . Phaos Technology (Cayman) Holdings Ltd. was founded in 2017 and has 24 employees. The company is located at 83 Science Park Dr, #02-01 & #04-01A/B The Curie, Singapore Science Park 1 Singapore 118258 and can be reached via phone at +65 6250 3877 or on the web at https://www.phaostech.com/. Receive News & Ratings for Phaos Technology (Cayman) Holdings Ltd. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phaos Technology (Cayman) Holdings Ltd. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Melius Research started coverage on shares of Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Free Report) in a report published on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm issued a buy rating and a $41.00 price target on the oilfield services companys stock. Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price target on shares of Halliburton from $28.00 to $24.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 23rd. UBS Group lowered their price objective on Halliburton from $21.00 to $20.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on Halliburton from $27.00 to $24.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on Halliburton from $28.00 to $26.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Finally, Melius began coverage on Halliburton in a research report on Wednesday. They issued a buy rating and a $41.00 price objective on the stock. Fourteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Halliburton has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $32.05. Get Halliburton alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Halliburton Halliburton Price Performance Shares of NYSE:HAL opened at $21.0850 on Wednesday. Halliburton has a twelve month low of $18.72 and a twelve month high of $32.57. The companys 50 day moving average is $21.64 and its 200 day moving average is $22.45. The company has a current ratio of 2.00, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The company has a market cap of $17.98 billion, a PE ratio of 9.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.69 and a beta of 1.12. Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 22nd. The oilfield services company reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.55. Halliburton had a net margin of 8.37% and a return on equity of 21.45%. The company had revenue of $5.51 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.43 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.80 EPS. Halliburtons quarterly revenue was down 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Halliburton will post 2.64 EPS for the current year. Halliburton Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 24th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.17 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 3rd. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.2%. Halliburtons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 31.78%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Halliburton by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 105,363,599 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $2,147,310,000 after buying an additional 1,617,696 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Halliburton by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 30,287,989 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $617,269,000 after buying an additional 346,218 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Halliburton by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 22,342,963 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $453,461,000 after buying an additional 92,549 shares in the last quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC lifted its position in shares of Halliburton by 15.6% during the 4th quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC now owns 16,093,680 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $437,587,000 after buying an additional 2,171,722 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Halliburton by 10.1% during the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 11,903,833 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $242,600,000 after buying an additional 1,089,928 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.23% of the companys stock. Halliburton Company Profile (Get Free Report) Halliburton Company provides products and services to the energy industry worldwide. It operates through two segments, Completion and Production, and Drilling and Evaluation. The Completion and Production segment offers production enhancement services that include stimulation and sand control services; cementing services, such as well bonding and casing, and casing equipment; and completion tools that offer downhole solutions and services, including well completion products and services, intelligent well completions, and service tools, as well as liner hanger, sand control, and multilateral systems. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Halliburton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Halliburton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Waratah Minerals Limited (ASX:WTM Get Free Report) insider Peter Duerden sold 4,350,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of A$0.58, for a total transaction of A$2,501,250.00. Waratah Minerals Price Performance About Waratah Minerals (Get Free Report) Waratah Minerals Limited operates as a diversified minerals exploration company. It explores for copper, gold, and nickel deposits. The company holds a 100% interest in the Spur Project, consisting of EL5238 located in central western New South Wales; Stavely-Stawell Project comprising a single exploration license, EL6871 located in western Victoria, Australia; and the Azura Project that consists of three granted exploration licenses, E80/4944, E80/5116, and E80/5347, and one application license, E80/5348, covering an area of approximately 258 square kilometers located in Western Australia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Waratah Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Waratah Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Innergex Renewable Energy (OTCMKTS:INGXF Get Free Report) and Pampa Energia (NYSE:PAM Get Free Report) are both mid-cap utilities companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, risk, institutional ownership and dividends. Institutional and Insider Ownership 12.8% of Pampa Energia shares are owned by institutional investors. 4.7% of Innergex Renewable Energy shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 55.5% of Pampa Energia shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Innergex Renewable Energy alerts: Profitability This table compares Innergex Renewable Energy and Pampa Energias net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Innergex Renewable Energy 5.51% 5.30% 0.76% Pampa Energia 23.73% 13.01% 7.14% Volatility and Risk Valuation and Earnings Innergex Renewable Energy has a beta of 0.6, meaning that its stock price is 40% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Pampa Energia has a beta of 1.15, meaning that its stock price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500. This table compares Innergex Renewable Energy and Pampa Energias gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Innergex Renewable Energy $764.31 million 2.69 $11.60 million $0.14 72.18 Pampa Energia $1.88 billion 2.06 $619.00 million $8.11 8.75 Pampa Energia has higher revenue and earnings than Innergex Renewable Energy. Pampa Energia is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Innergex Renewable Energy, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Innergex Renewable Energy and Pampa Energia, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Innergex Renewable Energy 0 2 0 0 2.00 Pampa Energia 0 3 1 0 2.25 Pampa Energia has a consensus price target of $85.8333, suggesting a potential upside of 20.89%. Given Pampa Energias stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Pampa Energia is more favorable than Innergex Renewable Energy. Summary Pampa Energia beats Innergex Renewable Energy on 12 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Innergex Renewable Energy (Get Free Report) Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. operates as an independent renewable power producer in Canada, the United States, France, and Chile. It acquires, owns, develops, and operates renewable power-generating and energy storage facilities primarily in hydroelectric, wind, and solar power sectors. The company operates through three segments: Hydroelectric Power Generation, Wind Power Generation, and Solar Power Generation. As of February 21, 2024, it owned and operated 87 facilities with a net installed capacity of 3,600 megawatts, including 41 hydroelectric facilities, 35 wind facilities, 9 solar facilities, and 2 battery energy storage facilities. The company is headquartered in Longueuil, Canada. About Pampa Energia (Get Free Report) Pampa Energia S.A. operates as an integrated power company in Argentina. The company operates through Electricity Generation, Oil and Gas, Petrochemicals, and Holding and Other Business segments. It generates electricity through thermal plants, hydroelectric plants, and wind farms with a 5,332 megawatt (MW) installed capacity. The company also explores for and produces oil and gas in the provinces of Neuquen and Rio Negro. In addition, it produces petrochemicals, such as styrene, synthetic rubber, and polystyrene. Further, the company operates and maintains a 22,391 km high-voltage electricity transmission network in Argentina. Additionally, it holds a concession for the transportation of natural gas with 9,248 km of gas pipelines in the center, west, and south of Argentina; and processes and sells natural gas liquids in Bahia Blanca in the Province of Buenos Aires, as well as offers related advisory services. The company was formerly known as Pampa Holding S.A. and changed its name to Pampa Energia S.A. in September 2008. Pampa Energia S.A. was incorporated in 1945 and is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Receive News & Ratings for Innergex Renewable Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Innergex Renewable Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Huntsman Corporation (NYSE:HUN Free Report) by 77.1% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 212,914 shares of the basic materials companys stock after buying an additional 92,664 shares during the period. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. owned approximately 0.12% of Huntsman worth $3,362,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Quantbot Technologies LP increased its holdings in shares of Huntsman by 243.8% in the 1st quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 476,144 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $7,518,000 after purchasing an additional 337,661 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp increased its holdings in shares of Huntsman by 2.4% in the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 1,033,626 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $16,321,000 after purchasing an additional 24,533 shares in the last quarter. Versor Investments LP increased its holdings in shares of Huntsman by 82.6% in the 1st quarter. Versor Investments LP now owns 51,300 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $810,000 after purchasing an additional 23,200 shares in the last quarter. Algert Global LLC increased its holdings in shares of Huntsman by 28.6% in the 1st quarter. Algert Global LLC now owns 951,497 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $15,024,000 after purchasing an additional 211,810 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Huntsman by 40.5% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 426,718 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $6,738,000 after purchasing an additional 123,069 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.81% of the companys stock. Get Huntsman alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have commented on HUN. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their target price on Huntsman from $12.00 to $10.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Huntsman from $22.00 to $20.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, May 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on Huntsman from $12.00 to $10.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. Citigroup dropped their price target on Huntsman from $11.00 to $9.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 4th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Huntsman from $13.00 to $9.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $12.06. Huntsman Price Performance NYSE HUN opened at $10.3350 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.80 billion, a PE ratio of -5.30 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.43. The businesss fifty day moving average is $10.60 and its 200 day moving average is $13.12. Huntsman Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $8.91 and a fifty-two week high of $25.12. Huntsman (NYSE:HUN Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The basic materials company reported ($0.20) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.15) by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $1.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.51 billion. Huntsman had a negative net margin of 5.75% and a negative return on equity of 2.48%. Huntsmans revenue for the quarter was down 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.14 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Huntsman Corporation will post 0.32 earnings per share for the current year. Huntsman Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 30th. Investors of record on Monday, September 15th will be given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 15th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.7%. Huntsmans payout ratio is -51.28%. Huntsman Company Profile (Free Report) Huntsman Corporation manufactures and sells diversified organic chemical products worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Polyurethanes, Performance Products, and Advanced Materials. The Polyurethanes segment offers polyurethane chemicals, including methyl diphenyl diisocyanate, polyether and polyester polyols, and thermoplastic polyurethane; and aniline, benzene, nitrobenzene and other co-products. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HUN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Huntsman Corporation (NYSE:HUN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Huntsman Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntsman and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NEW DELHI, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Indian parliament passed a bill to ban online games involving money, officials said Thursday. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 prohibits online money gaming services, advertisements and financial transactions related to them. The bill was passed on Thursday in the upper house of the Indian parliament without debate amid protests. On Wednesday, the bill was passed by the lower house of the Indian parliament. The bill also seeks to prohibit advertisements related to online money games and bar banks and financial institutions from facilitating or transferring funds for any of such games. Experts say people indulge in playing online money games by depositing money in the expectation of earning higher returns. The legislation seeks to make online money gaming punishable by imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine of up to 10 million Indian rupees (114,600 U.S. dollars). "The money-gaming addiction is like drug addiction. The powerful people behind online money games will challenge the decision in the courts. They will run social media campaigns against this ban. We have seen the impact of games," India's federal Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said while tabling the bill in the upper house. Korea Investment CORP trimmed its position in shares of IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV Free Report) by 8.0% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 129,728 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 11,349 shares during the period. Korea Investment CORP owned approximately 0.07% of IQVIA worth $22,871,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Algert Global LLC bought a new position in shares of IQVIA in the first quarter worth about $443,000. Philadelphia Trust Co. lifted its holdings in shares of IQVIA by 4.2% in the first quarter. Philadelphia Trust Co. now owns 113,275 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $19,970,000 after acquiring an additional 4,603 shares during the last quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of IQVIA by 8.3% in the first quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 53,722 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $9,471,000 after acquiring an additional 4,097 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of IQVIA by 26.8% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,438,995 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $253,695,000 after acquiring an additional 304,258 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ethic Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of IQVIA by 8.9% in the first quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 23,893 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,092,000 after acquiring an additional 1,947 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.62% of the companys stock. Get IQVIA alerts: Insider Activity at IQVIA In related news, insider Eric Sherbet sold 5,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $190.05, for a total value of $1,102,290.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 27,178 shares in the company, valued at $5,165,178.90. This represents a 17.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Keriann Cherofsky sold 549 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $191.53, for a total value of $105,149.97. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 2,910 shares in the company, valued at $557,352.30. The trade was a 15.87% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. IQVIA Stock Performance Shares of IQV stock opened at $192.0750 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $172.49 and its 200 day simple moving average is $168.67. IQVIA Holdings Inc. has a one year low of $134.65 and a one year high of $252.88. The stock has a market capitalization of $32.65 billion, a PE ratio of 27.80, a PEG ratio of 2.11 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.45, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.84. IQVIA (NYSE:IQV Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 22nd. The medical research company reported $2.81 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.77 by $0.04. IQVIA had a return on equity of 30.05% and a net margin of 7.88%.The business had revenue of $4.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.96 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.64 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. IQVIA has set its FY 2025 guidance at 11.750-12.050 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that IQVIA Holdings Inc. will post 10.84 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have recently commented on IQV shares. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on shares of IQVIA from $159.00 to $196.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Hsbc Global Res cut shares of IQVIA from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, April 25th. William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of IQVIA in a research note on Wednesday, July 23rd. Mizuho upped their price objective on IQVIA from $190.00 to $225.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 25th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on IQVIA from $185.00 to $225.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 23rd. Seventeen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $228.62. Read Our Latest Stock Report on IQVIA IQVIA Company Profile (Free Report) IQVIA Holdings Inc engages in the provision of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services to the life sciences industry in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through three segments: Technology & Analytics Solutions, Research & Development Solutions, and Contract Sales & Medical Solutions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IQV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for IQVIA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IQVIA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GFI Investment Counsel Ltd. boosted its holdings in MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI Free Report) by 0.5% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 117,211 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 600 shares during the quarter. MSCI accounts for approximately 7.7% of GFI Investment Counsel Ltd.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th biggest holding. GFI Investment Counsel Ltd.s holdings in MSCI were worth $66,283,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of MSCI by 5.9% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 9,376,852 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $5,302,610,000 after purchasing an additional 518,833 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in MSCI by 61,179.6% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 505,557 shares of the technology companys stock worth $285,892,000 after purchasing an additional 504,732 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its stake in MSCI by 3,881.3% in the 4th quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 419,429 shares of the technology companys stock worth $251,662,000 after purchasing an additional 408,894 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its holdings in MSCI by 605,802.9% during the 1st quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 212,066 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $129,903,000 after buying an additional 212,031 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in MSCI during the 1st quarter valued at about $117,879,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.97% of the companys stock. Get MSCI alerts: MSCI Stock Up 1.0% NYSE MSCI opened at $574.1090 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $562.47 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $560.63. MSCI Inc has a twelve month low of $486.73 and a twelve month high of $642.45. The company has a market capitalization of $44.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.02, a PEG ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 1.29. MSCI Dividend Announcement MSCI ( NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 22nd. The technology company reported $4.17 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.12 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $772.68 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $763.06 million. MSCI had a negative return on equity of 143.13% and a net margin of 39.46%.The companys revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.64 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that MSCI Inc will post 16.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a $1.80 dividend. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. MSCIs payout ratio is presently 47.68%. Insider Buying and Selling at MSCI In other MSCI news, CEO Henry A. Fernandez acquired 84 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 25th. The stock was bought at an average price of $548.69 per share, with a total value of $46,089.96. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 1,279,951 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $702,296,314.19. This trade represents a 0.01% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In the last three months, insiders have purchased 12,400 shares of company stock valued at $6,731,599. Insiders own 3.31% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of MSCI from $578.00 to $533.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Raymond James Financial raised shares of MSCI from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $650.00 target price on the stock in a report on Friday, July 25th. Oppenheimer restated a market perform rating on shares of MSCI in a research report on Wednesday, April 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on MSCI from $650.00 to $680.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 21st. Finally, Evercore ISI reduced their target price on MSCI from $673.00 to $631.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, MSCI presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $654.73. View Our Latest Analysis on MSCI MSCI Profile (Free Report) MSCI Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides critical decision support tools and solutions for the investment community to manage investment processes worldwide. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed financial product, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MSCI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MSCI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MSCI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Target, Berkshire Hathaway, and Costco Wholesale are the three Apparel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Apparel stocks refer to the quantities of finished clothing and accessory items that a retailer, wholesaler or manufacturer holds in inventory, ready for sale or distribution. They encompass all sizes, styles and seasonal lines stored in warehouses or on store shelves. Effective management of apparel stocks helps businesses match customer demand while minimizing excess inventory and stockouts. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Apparel stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Target (TGT) Target Corporation operates as a general merchandise retailer in the United States. The company offers apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, and infants and newborns, as well as jewelry, accessories, and shoes; and beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) Berkshire Hathaway Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the insurance, freight rail transportation, and utility businesses worldwide. The company provides property, casualty, life, accident, and health insurance and reinsurance; and operates railroad systems in North America. It also generates, transmits, stores, and distributes electricity from natural gas, coal, wind, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear, and geothermal sources; operates natural gas distribution and storage facilities, interstate pipelines, liquefied natural gas facilities, and compressor and meter stations; and holds interest in coal mining assets. Read Our Latest Research Report on BRK.B Costco Wholesale (COST) Costco Wholesale Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. The company offers branded and private-label products in a range of merchandise categories. Read Our Latest Research Report on COST Featured Articles Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its stake in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 4.7% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 20,096,979 shares of the credit services providers stock after buying an additional 907,184 shares during the period. Mastercard makes up approximately 1.4% of Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MDs portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest holding. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MDs holdings in Mastercard were worth $11,015,557,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Measured Risk Portfolios Inc. purchased a new position in Mastercard in the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Keystone Global Partners LLC bought a new stake in Mastercard during the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Navigoe LLC purchased a new stake in Mastercard during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. 10Elms LLP purchased a new stake in Mastercard during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Hughes Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in Mastercard in the 1st quarter worth $34,000. Institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock. Get Mastercard alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently weighed in on MA. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Mastercard from $650.00 to $652.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, May 5th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Mastercard from $625.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 1st. Wolfe Research set a $655.00 price objective on Mastercard in a research report on Monday, June 23rd. Seaport Res Ptn raised Mastercard from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating on shares of Mastercard in a report on Friday, August 1st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-four have assigned a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $617.93. Mastercard Stock Performance Mastercard stock opened at $592.2310 on Thursday. Mastercard Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $461.90 and a fifty-two week high of $594.71. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $563.25 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $555.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.16. The stock has a market cap of $535.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.93, a PEG ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 1.03. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The credit services provider reported $4.15 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.05 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $8.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.95 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 200.01% and a net margin of 44.93%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 16.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.50 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Mastercard Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 8th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 9th were given a dividend of $0.76 per share. This represents a $3.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 9th. Mastercards dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 20.50%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Linda Pistecchia Kirkpatrick sold 958 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $560.00, for a total value of $536,480.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 23,624 shares in the company, valued at $13,229,440. The trade was a 3.90% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Julius Genachowski sold 312 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $570.67, for a total transaction of $178,049.04. Following the sale, the director owned 8,469 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,833,004.23. This represents a 3.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 56,269 shares of company stock valued at $30,634,699. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. About Mastercard (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV (OTCMKTS:KCDMY Get Free Report) and International Paper (NYSE:IP Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, earnings, risk, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership and dividends. Insider and Institutional Ownership 82.0% of International Paper shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.4% of International Paper shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV alerts: Earnings and Valuation This table compares Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV and International Papers revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV $3.01 billion 2.00 $429.88 million $0.62 15.73 International Paper $18.62 billion 1.33 $557.00 million ($0.10) -470.70 International Paper has higher revenue and earnings than Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV. International Paper is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV and International Paper, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV 0 1 0 0 2.00 International Paper 3 2 4 0 2.11 International Paper has a consensus price target of $55.4571, indicating a potential upside of 17.82%. Given International Papers stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe International Paper is more favorable than Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV. Risk and Volatility Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV has a beta of 0.73, suggesting that its share price is 27% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, International Paper has a beta of 1.04, suggesting that its share price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV pays an annual dividend of $0.49 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.0%. International Paper pays an annual dividend of $1.85 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.9%. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV pays out 79.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. International Paper pays out -1,850.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Profitability This table compares Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV and International Papers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV 13.36% 135.47% 14.19% International Paper -0.12% 2.63% 1.09% Summary International Paper beats Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV on 9 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV (Get Free Report) Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and markets disposable products in Mexico. The company offers baby diapers, training pants, swim pants, wet wipes, shampoos, creams, bar soaps, and feeding products. It also provides toilet papers, napkins, facial tissues, paper towels, feminine pads, panty liners, tampons, intimate wipes, and menstrual cups. In addition, the company offers pets shampoos, sprays, repellents, and cleaners. Further, it provides liquid hand soap, foaming liquid soap, and liquid body wash; and underwear, protectors, feminine pads, pre-folded products for adults. Additionally, the company offers anti-bacterial gels; disinfectant sprays; face masks; dispensers; hand towels; and industrial cleaning cloths. The company offers its products primarily under the Huggies, KleenBebe, Kleenex, Evenflo, Petalo, Suavel, Cottonelle, Depend, Kotex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Vogue, Delsey, Diapro, LYS, Fancy, Kimberly-Clark, and Escudo brands. The company exports its products. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. was founded in 1925 and is based in Mexico City, Mexico. About International Paper (Get Free Report) International Paper Company produces and sells renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products in North America, Latin America, Europe, and North Africa. It operates through two segments, Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers. The company offers linerboard, medium, whitetop, recycled linerboard, recycled medium and saturating kraft; and pulp for a range of applications, such as diapers, towel and tissue products, feminine care, incontinence, and other personal care products, as well as specialty pulps for use in textiles, construction materials, paints, coatings, and others. It sells its products directly to end users and converters, as well as through agents, resellers, and distributors. The company was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Receive News & Ratings for Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atika Capital Management LLC decreased its position in GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE Free Report) by 12.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 48,500 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,700 shares during the quarter. GE Aerospace accounts for 1.4% of Atika Capital Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Atika Capital Management LLCs holdings in GE Aerospace were worth $9,707,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Rainey & Randall Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in GE Aerospace in the 1st quarter worth approximately $203,000. Sendero Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of GE Aerospace by 526.6% in the 1st quarter. Sendero Wealth Management LLC now owns 15,008 shares of the companys stock worth $3,004,000 after purchasing an additional 12,613 shares during the period. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of GE Aerospace by 25.1% in the 1st quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 41,039 shares of the companys stock worth $8,065,000 after purchasing an additional 8,245 shares during the period. Global Assets Advisory LLC boosted its holdings in shares of GE Aerospace by 186.7% in the 1st quarter. Global Assets Advisory LLC now owns 14,710 shares of the companys stock worth $2,751,000 after purchasing an additional 9,580 shares during the period. Finally, Leisure Capital Management purchased a new position in shares of GE Aerospace in the 1st quarter worth approximately $222,000. Institutional investors own 74.77% of the companys stock. Get GE Aerospace alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have recently commented on GE shares. UBS Group lifted their target price on GE Aerospace from $300.00 to $321.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 18th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $296.00 target price (up previously from $227.00) on shares of GE Aerospace in a report on Monday, July 14th. Wall Street Zen upgraded GE Aerospace from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 18th. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an outperform rating on shares of GE Aerospace in a report on Friday, August 15th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on GE Aerospace from $275.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 18th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, GE Aerospace has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $232.92. GE Aerospace Price Performance Shares of GE stock opened at $266.9230 on Thursday. GE Aerospace has a twelve month low of $159.36 and a twelve month high of $281.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $283.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.23, a P/E/G ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 1.44. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $258.69 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $225.50. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88. GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 17th. The company reported $1.66 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.43 by $0.23. GE Aerospace had a return on equity of 31.32% and a net margin of 18.64%.The business had revenue of $10.15 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.49 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.20 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 21.2% compared to the same quarter last year. GE Aerospace has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.600-5.800 EPS. On average, analysts predict that GE Aerospace will post 5.4 EPS for the current fiscal year. GE Aerospace Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 25th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 7th were issued a $0.36 dividend. This represents a $1.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. GE Aerospaces dividend payout ratio is 20.08%. GE Aerospace Profile (Free Report) GE Aerospace (also known as General Electric) is a company that specializes in providing aerospace products and services. It operates through two reportable segments: Commercial Engines and Services and Defense and Propulsion Technologies. It offers jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for GE Aerospace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GE Aerospace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 3.4% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 5,274 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after buying an additional 175 shares during the quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $875,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 55.6% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 17,306,108 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,872,814,000 after buying an additional 6,180,445 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 67.0% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 10,365,404 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,047,065,000 after buying an additional 4,158,772 shares in the last quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 9,734,044 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,608,551,000 after buying an additional 59,079 shares in the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC raised its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 36.8% in the 1st quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 9,509,032 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,578,499,000 after buying an additional 2,559,512 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Janus Henderson Group PLC raised its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 13.8% in the 4th quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 7,381,233 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,457,912,000 after buying an additional 895,379 shares in the last quarter. 16.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently commented on TSM shares. Barclays restated an overweight rating and set a $240.00 price target (up from $215.00) on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Tuesday, June 3rd. Susquehanna increased their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $255.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $270.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Thursday, July 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $258.33. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Down 1.7% Shares of TSM opened at $228.7310 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.19 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.08, a PEG ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 2.15 and a current ratio of 2.37. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $231.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $198.47. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 52 week low of $134.25 and a 52 week high of $248.28. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 17th. The semiconductor company reported $2.47 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.13 by $0.34. The firm had revenue of $30.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $28.50 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 33.37% and a net margin of 42.91%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 44.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.48 EPS. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has set its Q3 2025 guidance at EPS. On average, analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Irish woman, Megan Royal, learnt of her mothers death by assisted suicide last month when she received a WhatsApp message from a volunteer at the clinic. Maureen Slough, 58, travelled to Switzerland unbeknownst to her family to carry out the procedure. Her daughter, Megan, has since spoken out about the lack of safeguarding procedures to ensure that families are informed on their loved one's intentions in travelling to the Swiss facility. Megan spoke on Lunchtime Live with Andrea Gilligan, on Tuesday, August 19, about recent updates she has received from the assisted suicide clinic of proposed changes to their application process. The Swiss clinic in question, Pegasos, have contacted Ms Royal, having previously blocked her number, outlining their proposed changes to ensure relatives are informed prior to the death of their family member. Megan has stated that since she has spoken out: They [the clinic] wont speak to me. They replied to the newspapers. And thats what Conor had got the email regarding their new change to their policies and big promises. Read next: ALERT: Hundreds of popular children's toys recalled due to potential choking hazard The proposed change is to no longer accept unaccompanied applicants with living family members unless they provide copies of their next of kins passport and allow representatives of the clinic to meet them [the next of kin] in a video call. Megan has branded this proposed change as totally haphazard, stating that assisted suicide is illegal in so many countries that families may be breaking the law where they live by agreeing to the video call. She explained: Like my uncle said, unless a person answers the video call and says the words no I do not agree then you are incriminated if its against the law in your country. Stating how the clinic says they comply with Swiss law, Megan expressed that they are all about protecting themselves. Megan explained that: "I'm not saying someone who is terminally ill shouldn't have the right to die" but rather is speaking on her personal experience of her mother Maureen who was physically healthy but was able to make this decision on her own with "only one doctor to sign off." Speaking to Gilligan about these proposed changes, Megan explained: "Nothing they do is going to satisfy me." "I don't want policies or promises; I want to make sure this never happens to another person again." Megan explained that she has been in contact with other families who have had similar experiences to hers, and how they have expressed their outrage to her that promises made to them were not fulfilled and that the same circumstances have happened to another family. Ms Royal has said that the clinic should "close your doors and go away." Megan Royal speaking the Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live is available to listen to here - Assisted dying clinic changes policy after family was blindsided by death If you have been affected by this article, contact any of the following organizations: Samaritans: 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org; Aware: 1800 80 48 48; Pieta: 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chairs the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Pakistan, Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called on China and Pakistan to advance the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership through "four always" principles. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks here during a joint press conference with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar after the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue. Wang said that the dialogue was held in a cordial and brotherly atmosphere, during which both sides reached consensus on almost all issues through comprehensive and in-depth communication. China-Pakistan strategic cooperation bears great significance for the common development of the two countries and for regional peace and stability, Wang said, noting that the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan stands the test of time, and that the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is unbreakable. Wang stressed that China and Pakistan will stay committed to the "four always," the first of which is always maintaining high mutual trust and mutual support. The two sides agreed to take the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries as a strategic guide, continuously consolidate and deepen strategic mutual trust, and firmly support each other in safeguarding core interests, Wang said. The two sides will always focus on development and win-win cooperation, Wang said, adding that the two sides agreed that the current priority of bilateral cooperation is to jointly build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with high quality and build a "version 2.0" upgrade of CPEC. The two sides will make solid efforts to deepen cooperation in the three key areas of industry, agriculture and mining, effectively improve the well-being of the Pakistani people, foster Pakistan's capacity for independent development, and enhance the resilience of Pakistan's economy, he said. In light of the recent heavy rainfall disaster in Pakistan, China shares the feelings of the Pakistani people and will immediately provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Pakistan, he added. China and Pakistan will always safeguard security and improve people's livelihood, Wang said, noting that China appreciates Pakistan's unremitting efforts and huge sacrifices in combating terrorism, and believes that Pakistan's counter-terrorism endeavors will ultimately prevail. Pakistan will take concrete measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in the country, while working with China to further deepen counter-terrorism and security cooperation and strengthen coordination on regional counter-terrorism affairs, Wang noted. He said that the two sides will also vigorously promote exchanges and cooperation in education, youth and culture, so as to consolidate the public and social foundation of China-Pakistan friendship. China and Pakistan will also always strengthen coordination and meet challenges together, Wang stressed, adding that at a time when the regional landscape in South Asia is closely linked with global changes, the two sides agreed to enhance regional cooperation and promote the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, jointly build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious home in Asia. The two sides will firmly safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II, practice true multilateralism, and oppose all forms of unilateral bullying, Wang said. China and Pakistan will take the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative as important platforms and driving forces, vigorously enhance solidarity and cooperation among the Global South, and work together to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization, and make unremitting efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity, he added. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chairs the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Pakistan, Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua) BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. Trend News Agency has secured fourth place in the ranking of Europes most reputable media outlets, according to August 2025 data from Feedspot, a leading global news monitoring service, Trend reports. In its report, Top 25 European News Websites in 2025, Feedspot listed Trend among the top four news sources in the European market. Joining Trend in the top four were other influential outlets such as Euronews, European Newsroom, and POLITICO Europe. Feedspots ranking is based on several factors, including content timeliness, publication credibility, subscriber numbers, and overall readership. The list is compiled by a team of dozens of experts in media, technology, and related fields. Other notable entries in Feedspots top 10 include EU Reporter, DW, France 24 Europe, Euractiv, EUobserver, and AP News Europe. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. The city of Kalbajar is now becoming one of the most scenic cities in the world, said President Ilham Aliyev at a meeting with Kalbajar city residents, Trend reports. The head of state noted that the construction of four residential complexes in the city of Kalbajar is planned as part of the first stage of the Great Return Program with more than 10,000 people to live in these buildings. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. A beautiful school is now under construction in the city of Kalbajar and it is scheduled for commissioning next year. However, this school year, the children of Kalbajar will study in a modular school, said President Ilham Aliyev at a meeting with Kalbajar city residents, Trend reports. It is a historic day today also because the largest district of our country, Kalbajar and the city of Kalbajar, are coming back to life, life is returning here, and I am sure that you will live here comfortably, added the President. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. The Armenia-Azerbaijan reconciliation process is nearly complete, and the signed documents fully meet our interests, said President Ilham Aliyev at a meeting with Kalbajar city residents, Trend reports. The head of state emphasized: We have achieved what we wanted; the infamous Minsk Group is now living its final days. In fact, it was not functioning and could not function. However, it still existed legally, but now its end is approaching. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. We are also the authors of the peace agreement with Armenia, and our position has always served as the basis for drafting those clauses. The fact that this document has been initialed actually puts an end to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, said President Ilham Aliyev at a meeting with Kalbajar city residents, Trend reports. Speech by President Ilham Aliyev - Dear natives of Kalbajar, welcome to Kalbajar! It is a historic day in your lives today. You are returning to your native land, to your hometown after 32 years, and I sincerely congratulate you on this occasion. We have restored justice, we have regained our rights, and today's event shows again that the Azerbaijanis are a strong-willed people. The Azerbaijani people are attached to their native land, and despite all the difficulties, not only did we refuse to lose faith during the occupation, but each of us, the entire nation brought this sacred day closer with every day. The government has created wonderful conditions for you here. The city of Kalbajar is now becoming one of the most scenic cities in the world. You have already been provided with homes in the first residential complex, but the construction work does not end there. In the near future, your relatives and friends will come and settle down in the next residential complexes, the foundation of which I laid today. The construction of four residential complexes in the city of Kalbajar is planned within the framework of the first stage of the Great Return Program. More than 10,000 people will live in these buildings. Of course, all the necessary infrastructure projects have also been implemented. Electricity, water and natural gas have been provided, roads have been built, and mine clearance has been carried out. A beautiful school is now under construction in the city of Kalbajar and it is scheduled for commissioning next year. However, this school year, the children of Kalbajar will study in a modular school. It is a historic day today also because the largest district of our country, Kalbajar and the city of Kalbajar, are coming back to life, life is returning here, and I am sure that you will live here comfortably. You deserve that. For many years, you lived in difficult conditions: in tents, in adapted buildings, kindergartens, dormitories in various places. Your life was very hard. The occupation of Kalbajar was a great tragedy for all of us, as indeed was the occupation of all other Azerbaijani settlements. However, the occupation of Kalbajar created immense problems for Azerbaijan from a strategic point of view because a geographical connection was about to be created between Armenia and the then Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region. The occupation of Shusha and Lachin in May 1992 had already created that connection, and the road called the Lachin Corridor at the time had actually paved the way for the future occupation of our lands. The occupation of Kalbajar, on the other hand, had created a geographical connection between Armenia and the former Nagorno-Karabakh over a very large geographical area, thus laying the groundwork for the occupation of other Azerbaijani lands. Unfortunately, the then Azerbaijani leadership, pursuing a policy of treachery and betrayal, was unable to protect our native lands. The occupation of Shusha and Lachin in May 1992 was possible as a result of the betrayal of the Popular Front and Musavat duo, which was striving for power at the time. Our impregnable fortress Shusha was almost handed over to the Armenians. The contemptible duo took advantage of this and came to power a month later, precisely drawing on the tragedy of Shusha and Lachin, unable or unwilling to protect your native lands. The occupation of Kalbajar in early April 1993 was precisely the result of the evil deeds of the then treacherous leadership. We all remember those days too well. The protracted negotiations did not and could not yield any result. Because, first of all, Armenia had no intention of returning an inch of our lands and joined the negotiations simply for the sake of visibility. Instead of resolving the issue, the three countries - France, Russia and the U.S - were working to freeze the conflict. As a matter of fact, they were going out of their way to give the Armenian occupation a legal guise. That is why the conflict was not resolved peacefully. Had serious sanctions been imposed on Armenia at the time, had the occupying authorities been punished by the great powers, of course, Armenia could have returned our lands peacefully and, I am sure, it would have. There was simply no pressure on them. On the contrary, all opportunities were opened for them. Some countries gave them free weapons worth billions of dollars. The cost of the weapons the Armenian army received from abroad, which we destroyed in the Second Karabakh War and the anti-terrorist operation and took as military booty, amounted to approximately 5-6 billion dollars. Of course, Armenia did not have the money to buy so many weapons. All these weapons were given to them for free, for the purpose of continuing the occupation, for the purpose of ensuring that Azerbaijanis could never return to their ancestral lands, for the purpose of ensuring that this conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan was not resolved peacefully. I have said this many times, and this is absolutely true. I had to participate in these negotiations from 2003 to 2020. I said that the countries that had the mandate to resolve this issue actually wanted to perpetuate the occupation. One provided weapons, another provided political support and the third one provided other privileges. That is why the issue was not resolved. It might have seemed to someone that the Azerbaijani people would come to terms with this, but I had repeatedly said that we would never come to terms with this issue. I had said this when I was elected President in 2003, I had said this many times in subsequent years. Not only that, we were bringing this sacred Victory Day closer every day, every hour. We built a strong economy, exposed Armenia internationally as an occupying state. Many leading international organizations had to accept our position as a result of our efforts. We created a strong army, purchased the most advanced weapons and educated a young generation. That young generation gave their all in the Patriotic War and liberated our lands from the enemy. May Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace. We owe this Victory to them, to the tens of thousands of Azerbaijani soldiers and officers like them. The Azerbaijani state and the Azerbaijani people united like a fist. And we forced Armenia to sign the act of capitulation in a matter of 44 days. The 44-day Patriotic War is our glorious history. We were moving forward every day. Not a single person abandoned the battlefield. There was not a single deserter. In other words, this shows the high qualities of our people. This demonstrates that all our people and the Armed Forces were prepared to die for the Motherland. According to their own assessment, there were 12,000 deserters in the Armenian army. When the Patriotic War ended, most of Kalbajar, Lachin and Aghdam were still under occupation. However, as a result of the act of capitulation, we forced Armenia to return these districts to us, and it had to do so. In other words, Kalbajar was liberated without a single shot being fired. You, the people of Kalbajar, know the terrain and climate of this region perfectly well. I also know very that well, because I have been here many times. In previous periods too, I had passed through the Murov Pass, the Omar Pass. A military way of liberation of Kalbajar at the end of 2020 winter had already begun would have resulted in huge losses. Of course, we would have liberated it because we had almost crushed the Armenian army by that time. But they had strong defensive fortifications. At that time, Aghdara district was not under our control. The only way was from the Murov direction, and I repeat, we could have suffered huge losses. Therefore, history showed again that the cessation of the war on November 10, 2020 was the most correct step. However, at that time, part of our lands were still not under our control. From that time until September 19, 2023, our main goal was to fully restore the sovereignty of our country. You remember that history perfectly well, both the elimination of the so-called Lachin corridor and the transformation of it into the Lachin-Khankendi road, the establishment of a checkpoint in the Lachin direction on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and, at the same time, the capture of important strategic heights from November 2020 to September 2023, the Farrukh, Girkhgiz and Saribaba operations all this was our glorious history and part of our consistent policy. Of course, we could not say a lot at the time, there was no need for this. However, we were moving towards the goal of leaving not a single separatist on our lands. Separatism must be nipped in the bud and uprooted, and we did exactly that. As a result of the anti-terrorist operation that lasted only a few hours, the separatist junta signed an act of capitulation. It signed a document reflecting the alleged collapse of the fake republic. For us, September 19-20, 2023, are just as glorious and historic days as November 8. Since then, the Azerbaijani people have been living in peace and, I am sure, will continue to live in peace. You know that the Armenia-Azerbaijan reconciliation process has almost been completed and the documents signed are fully consistent with our interests. We have achieved what we wanted, the contemptible Minsk Group is living its last days. In fact, it did not and could not do anything. However, it existed legally, and now its end is looming large. We are also the authors of the peace agreement with Armenia, and our position has always served as the basis for drafting those clauses. The fact that this document has been initialed actually puts an end to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. At the same time, an overland connection with our historical homeland of Nakhchivan has also been secured. From November 2020 until the last few days, we have been persistently keeping this issue on the agenda and making efforts to achieve this goal in various ways. And finally, we have achieved it. Armenia has already taken on this obligation, and I do hope that we will be able to travel from the mainland Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan by train and car in the next few years. At the same time, this will not only connect the two parts of Azerbaijan with each other, it will also become an international transport corridor. Several transport corridors pass through the territory of Azerbaijan now, and this, of course, enhances the importance of our country. There will be another corridor going in this direction now. The construction of the railway to Zangilan is already well underway. It will probably be completed next year. We will now fully modernize the railway in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The construction of the railway is also planned on the territory of Armenia. In other words, Armenia has also taken on this obligation, and this is yet another historic success for us. The Azerbaijani people have once again shown their greatness at the highest international level. The new realities we created as a result of both the Patriotic War and the anti-terrorist operation have been recognized by the world. This was also very important because after the Patriotic War and especially the September 2023 operation, Armenia's sponsors, various countries and circles launched a campaign against us punishing Azerbaijan, imposing sanctions against Azerbaijan and other efforts were clearly visible. True, none of them were implemented. We have very strong partners, and our position has always been recognized as a fair position within international organizations. Because we fought a war on our own soil. We did not occupy the lands of any country like certain countries, we did not carry out ethnic cleansing, we did not destroy the cities and villages of any country. We fought on our own soil, defeated the enemy and restored our territorial integrity, also on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions. However, despite this, the countries that patronized Armenia were constantly acting against us, and the documents signed in Washington, the world's number one office, put an end to all those efforts. In other words, the world, the international community has fully accepted our Victory and new realities, and this in itself is a historic event. Because it is no secret that the great powers that supported Armenia both during the occupation and during the war have always created and could create major problems for us. Our strength, the unity of our people with the government, our military Victory, the mood in society, the spirit of patriotism all these factors have shown the entire world that everyone must reckon with us. Those who do not reckon with us will regret it in the end. The Armenia- Azerbaijan war, the Patriotic War and the post-war period have shown this, and today's realities are also evidence of this. Azerbaijan is a country with dignity, a strong country. We would not advise anyone to even think about doing something evil against us. At any rate, there has been no other country in the world over the past 80 years that has won a victory as complete and absolute as Azerbaijan did. You see the processes taking place in the world now. Clashes, wars and war crimes are taking place in various parts of the world. But no one has won a complete victory. Wars continue to cover a larger geography and will probably continue to do so. These political developments show this. We are the only country. We are the only people who have won a complete Victory, an absolute Victory. We forced the enemy to sign an act of capitulation. At the same time, Azerbaijan is the guarantor of peace. We exacted our revenge on the enemy on the battlefield. We once again showed the greatness of our people. We did not do to them what they did to us. However, what they did will never be erased from our memory, including the war crimes committed against the people of Kalbajar. The genocide, the Khojaly genocide, the hostility, enmity and brutality against our people from other regions will never be erased from our memory, and nor should they. I am saying this both as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country that won the war and as a participant in the peace process with Armenia, with a defeated Armenia. We do not want war. We want peace. But that bloody history should never be erased from our memory. We should never be deceived by sweet words and we should always be vigilant. Of course, our Armed Forces are on guard of the interests and security of our state every moment, every day. We are watching, seeing and will detect all possible sources of danger. We are building up our military capacity. After the Second Karabakh War, we have increased the number of our special forces both in Caspian Sea and in all other armed forces by thousands - I don't want to specify the number, but it is a large number. New commando forces have been created. The most modern unmanned aerial vehicles and new artillery systems have been brought to our country. Now contracts have been signed for new combat aircraft, while the existing aircraft have been fully modernized. We must be ready for war at any moment. Because the processes in the world are going in such a direction that it is impossible to predict what may happen tomorrow. We ourselves are the guarantor of our security the government, the people and our Armed Forces. Therefore, if someone's sick mind decides to commit a provocation against Azerbaijan, I think they will regret it again. From now on, we will live as a victorious people and a victorious state. Our job is to build. They have destroyed all our cities and villages. There was not a single safe building left in the city of Kalbajar. There was not a single building left in any village of Kalbajar. It was mere barbarity. It was an inhuman act, and it was done not by one person, not by 10 people, but en masse. They should deal with these issues and see what kind of society Armenia lives in. The society that made looting its main source of income during the years of occupation. This society is sick, and I am saying this openly. I do not want to insult anyone. What had we done to them? What evil acts had we committed to deserve such brutality? Entire cities and villages were destroyed, mosques were destroyed and desecrated, people were murdered, killed and burned. Even after the Second Karabakh War, they asked us for some time through mediators to collect their belongings. And we even gave them time. What did they do? They burned everything and cut down trees. How can a person do this? After all, it was not only the leaders of the separatists who did this. They did it en masse. In other words, we must know who we are facing and who our neighbor is. We must never forget our past and be on the lookout. I am sure that all these factors will enable us to always have the upper hand. I am saying this again, we declare it as a victorious people. We will not forget that evil and brutality. But we do not intend to wage war with anyone from now on. If we face a threat, then everyone will still see our iron fist. Our meeting around these beautiful buildings today is also greatly symbolic. They destroyed this place, but we built it. And I congratulate you on this occasion again. Live here comfortably! I wish you good health and the best of luck. Thank you. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. The cable car in the city of Lachin will likely be completed next year, President Ilham Aliyev announced during a meeting with residents of Kalbajar city, Trend reports. The second cable car route will be Khankendi-Shusha, for which we have already laid the foundation. The third cable car route will be in Kalbajar, the head of state added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Ruslan Rzayev, presented his credentials to President Luis Abinader on August 20, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Dominican Republic told Trend. During the meeting, Ambassador Rzayev conveyed greetings from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. In a reciprocal gesture of appreciation, the President of the Dominican Republic acknowledged the salutations extended by the head of state and subsequently requested the transmission of his own regards to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The discourse underscored substantial prospects for enhancing bilateral engagements across diverse sectors, accentuated the criticality of sustained collaboration within multilateral frameworks, and encompassed a dialogue on additional subjects of reciprocal significance, the embassy noted. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. Closer ties with the United States are a logical step for Azerbaijan, said Azerbaijani MP Fariz Ismailzade in an interview with Deutsche Welle, Trend reports. "Our goal is to be independent," he said. "We dont want to break away from Russia only to become a puppet of the West." He noted that in the current geopolitical environment, Azerbaijan is building new alliances with Central Asia as well as with Turkiye. "Russia is tied up elsewhere. We have more room to strengthen our diplomatic relations with other countriesalso thanks to our success in Karabakh," the MP added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. A delegation led by Yuri Zhdanov, Executive Secretary of the Coordinating Council of Prosecutors General of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), visited Azerbaijan to participate in an international conference on National Leader Heydar AliyevAuthor of the Constitution of Independent Azerbaijan on August 22, Trend reports. The General Prosecutors Office of Azerbaijan stated that Azerbaijani Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev met with Zhdanov during the visit. Aliyev welcomed the delegation, praising the activities of the Coordinating Council and noting that this was the second visit to Azerbaijan in a short period, highlighting the strong ties between the institutions. Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Yuri Zhdanov conveyed greetings from Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov and emphasized the Coordinating Councils commitment to strengthening legal cooperation with Azerbaijan, while appreciating the active role of the Azerbaijani Prosecutors Office in the organizations work. During the meeting, discussions focused on organizing anniversary events for the 30th anniversary of the Coordinating Council and preparations for its 35th session, which will be held in Tajikistan in October 2025, the office said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. On August 20, Uzbekistans Deputy Foreign Minister Bobur Usmanov held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan, Huseyn Guliyev, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. The discussions focused on the implementation of agreements reached during the Uzbek-Azerbaijani summit held in early July in Baku. The parties exchanged views on carrying out joint events marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in continuing a systematic dialogue in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance. MOGADISHU, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A senior African Union (AU) envoy in Somalia on Thursday reaffirmed the pan-African body's commitment to enhancing peace, security, and stabilization efforts in the country amid threats from al-Shabab. El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, special representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for Somalia and head of the AU Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM), also lauded the ongoing joint military operations by AU troops and the Somali Security Forces in some parts of Somalia to counter threats posed by the militants. "We are supporting our Somali brothers and sisters. Our mandate is to support a Somali-led peace process. The ongoing operations are a priority defined by the government of Somalia, and we are collaborating closely with them to defeat al-Shabab," Diene said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The AU envoy, who made an inaugural visit to Baidoa, the capital of South West State, this week, highlighted the forces' liberation of the strategic town of Barire as well as the villages of Sabid and Anole as significant milestones in Somalia's efforts to defeat al-Shabab. Diene reiterated AUSSOM's support for sustained operations against the al-Shabab, which has proven its resilience against numerous counterinsurgency campaigns, posing a threat to the stability of Somalia. He also praised the strong collaboration among key regional and international partners in the country's stabilization efforts. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 22. Azerbaijan signed contracts for new combat aircraft purchase, said President Ilham Aliyev at a meeting with Kalbajar city residents, Trend reports. "We exacted our revenge on the enemy on the battlefield. We once again showed the greatness of our people. We did not do to them what they did to us. However, what they did will never be erased from our memory, including the war crimes committed against the people of Kalbajar. The genocide, the Khojaly genocide, the hostility, enmity and brutality against our people from other regions will never be erased from our memory, and nor should they. I am saying this both as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country that won the war and as a participant in the peace process with Armenia, with a defeated Armenia. We do not want war. We want peace. But that bloody history should never be erased from our memory. We should never be deceived by sweet words and we should always be vigilant. Of course, our Armed Forces are on guard of the interests and security of our state every moment, every day. We are watching, seeing and will detect all possible sources of danger. We are building up our military capacity. After the Second Karabakh War, we have increased the number of our special forces both in Caspian Sea and in all other armed forces by thousands - I don't want to specify the number, but it is a large number. New commando forces have been created. The most modern unmanned aerial vehicles and new artillery systems have been brought to our country. Now contracts have been signed for new combat aircraft, while the existing aircraft have been fully modernized. We must be ready for war at any moment. Because the processes in the world are going in such a direction that it is impossible to predict what may happen tomorrow. We ourselves are the guarantor of our security the government, the people and our Armed Forces. Therefore, if someone's sick mind decides to commit a provocation against Azerbaijan, I think they will regret it again. From now on, we will live as a victorious people and a victorious state," President Ilham Aliyev said. SIMAs digital KYC (Know Your Customer) solution has been successfully integrated into the Leobank mobile application. From now on, whenever an additional security check is required during the use of the mobile app, identity verification will be carried out using SIMA KYCs facial recognition technology. Through this process, it will be determined whether the person performing the transaction is the actual account holder. The transaction will proceed only after the account holders identity has been confirmed. The main purpose of this innovation is to strengthen digital security, enhance customer experience, and reduce the risks of cyber fraud in transactions carried out without the customers physical presence. It should be noted that with this update, the number of Azerbaijani banks integrated with SIMAs products has reached 12. About "SIMA KYC" SIMA KYC (Know Your Customer) is a digital solution developed in 2023 by AzInTelecom, one of the companies of AZCON Holding. This solution uses biometric facial recognition to identify users. It can be applied to all processes requiring identity verification. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. Another 30 children from Ukraine have arrived in Azerbaijan to undergo rehabilitation under the auspices of the State Agency for Medical-Social Expertise and Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Trend reports, citing the Ministry. The children will receive medical, social, and psychological rehabilitation services as part of a 10-day program at the State Agencys Childrens Rehabilitation Center in Gabala. Professional psychologists will provide individual consultations, group therapy sessions, as well as yoga and dance therapy classes. The aim is to help stabilize the childrens emotional state and facilitate their integration into society. Excursions will also be organized for the children to local resorts and historical and architectural sites in Gabala and Sheki. With the addition of this group, approximately 300 Ukrainian children have now been brought to Azerbaijan, all of whom have received social and psychological rehabilitation services. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. During ongoing proceedings at the Baku Military Court on August 21, victim Rahila Hajiyeva said that she, along with her family members, was taken hostage during the Khojaly genocide in February 1992. Hajiyeva stated that they previously lived in Khankendi. She noted that as pressure mounted against Azerbaijanis in Khankendi in 1988, they were forced to flee, first to Shusha, and later to Khojaly. During the Khojaly tragedy, they were taken hostage by the Armenian armed forces. Rahila Hajiyeva mentioned that her husband had been involved in the battles, and due to his involvement, the Armenians had set a reward for his killing. Hajiyeva recounted the beheading of her husband and the brutal assault on her ten-year-old daughter, who was thrown from a second-story window and broke her leg. According to her, during captivity, they were all subjected to severe torture. Hajiyeva testified that the Armenian servicemen disemboweled the pregnant daughter-in-law of Jalil, a resident of Khankendi, with a knife and removed her baby. Court proceedings are ongoing against Armenian nationals accused of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws and customs of war. The charges also include financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. In accordance with the Individual Partnership Cooperation Program between Azerbaijan and NATO approved for 2025, an expert meeting with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Defense and NATO took place in one of the military units of the Land Forces, the nation's Ministry of Defense told Trend. During the convening, a series of comprehensive briefings were disseminated by delegates from the Ministry of Defense alongside international experts, addressing queries of reciprocal significance. The stakeholders conducted a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing dynamics in Azerbaijan's engagement with NATO, as delineated by the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) framework, and facilitated an extensive discourse on prospective strategic considerations. Ultimately, a photographic capture was executed, and tokens of appreciation were conferred upon the attendees. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. On August 19, Bosnia and Herzegovinas Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elmedin Konakovic, received Ambassador Richard Holtzapple, the newly appointed Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, for an inaugural visit, Trend reports. The assembly concentrated on the prevailing geopolitical landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the operational dynamics of the OSCE Mission, with particular attention to the facilitation of continuous reform initiatives across multiple sectors. Minister Konakovic emphasized the pivotal function of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe within the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina, articulating appreciation for its enduring support, especially via initiatives that have bolstered national institutions and societal frameworks. He reiterated that Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to uphold its commitments to the foundational principles and obligations of the OSCE while also advancing the agenda of stability and security across the European landscape. Ambassador Holtzapple reaffirmed the OSCEs robust dedication to sustained involvement and synergistic collaboration with Bosnia and Herzegovina. He underscored the criticality of operationalizing the Dayton Peace Agreement, catalyzing systemic reforms, fortifying institutional frameworks, and facilitating comprehensive dialogue throughout the nation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis met on Wednesday with the interim Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, Asaad Al-Shaibani, in Athens, Trend reports. The discussions concentrated on enhancing bilateral synergies in the context of a complex geopolitical landscape, especially within the realms of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. The ministers engaged in a discourse regarding Greeces prospective contribution in delivering technical acumen for institutional development and enhancing collaborative frameworks on migration challenges via the establishment of dedicated technical committees. Minister Gerapetritis reaffirmed Greeces unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of Syria. He underscored the criticality of the Syrian transitional administration adhering to its obligations regarding participatory governance, devoid of extrinsic meddling, thereby guaranteeing the non-exclusion of any ethnic or religious constituency. The Greek minister further underscored the imperative of safeguarding Christian communities in Syria and emphasized the criticality of sustaining dialogue between the transitional government and the Patriarchate of Antioch, a pivotal entity that fortifies Damascus affiliations with the Greek Orthodox Church and the wider Christian milieu. Gerapetritis further emphasized Greeces unwavering dedication to the principles of international law, with a particular focus on the Law of the Sea, and the imperative of honoring the sovereign rights of adjacent states. Both ministers confirmed their shared intention to foster regional cooperation, announcing the establishment of a trilateral framework with the Republic of Cyprus. The first meeting of this trilateral initiative, at the level of foreign ministers, is scheduled to take place in September on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. From 20 to 21 August, Latvias Minister of Defence Andris Spruds is on a working visit to Ankara, Turkiye, where he will meet with Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler to discuss current geopolitical issues and bilateral defense cooperation, including expanding collaboration within the international Drone Coalition, Trend reports. During the visit, Minister Spruds will also hold talks with representatives of Turkiyes defense industry, including the leadership of the Defence Industry Agency (SSB), as well as executives from leading defense technology companies Aselsan and Roketsan. The agenda further includes familiarization with the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces, followed by visits to the MKE ammunition factory and the state-owned defense company ASFAT. Latvia and Turkiye maintain bilateral defense cooperation in the field of military education and training. Representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces have participated in NATOs Partnership for Peace courses in Ankara, as well as other Turkish military and civilian training programs. Earlier this year, at the International Drone Summit, Turkiye announced its intention to join the Drone Coalition. The decision was formally endorsed on 2 July in Riga during a meeting of the coalitions leadership committee. The Drone Coalition, co-led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, now consists of 20 member states that have signed a Letter of Intent: Latvia, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Turkiye, Ukraine, Germany, and Sweden. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. The national implementer of the Rail Baltica project in Latvia, Eiropas Dzelzcela linijas, has inked a deal with SIA Forma 2 to bring on board FIDIC engineers, oversee construction, and provide expert services for the Rail Baltica project, which includes the Riga railway bridge, embankment, and the Riga Central Passenger Station complex, Trend reports. The rights to sign the contract were awarded to Forma 2 following a public procurement procedure, in line with Latvias Public Procurement Law. The contractual arrangement guarantees the ongoing oversight of construction activities and will facilitate the project's adherence to the established timelinewith the southern segment of Riga Central Station projected for completion and transfer by the conclusion of 2026. The aggregate contractual valuation stands at 3.1 million euros, exclusive of VAT considerations. Forma 2 functions as a Latvian entity, leveraging nearly two decades of expertise in construction management and project and architectural consultancy, alongside client representation in both domestic and international initiatives. Over the preceding quadrennium, in strategic collaboration with Prointec of Spain, the organization has delivered FIDIC engineering services for the Rail Baltica terminal and its associated infrastructural components at Riga Airport. Subsequent to the ratification of this novel accord, Forma 2 will autonomously deliver these services for the Riga Central Station nexus. The antecedent service provider, a collaborative entity comprising EGIS RAIL S.A., Egis Batiments International, and DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH, finalized its contractual obligations on July 31, 2025. The determination to transition partners was predicated on adherence to contractual stipulations and the imperative to align with procurement regulations. Since the latter part of 2019, the consortium has been engaged in the oversight of construction management and quality assurance protocols for the Rail Baltica Riga Central hub. Eiropas Dzelzcela linijas articulated its gratitude for the consortiums pivotal input to the initiative. About Eiropas Dzelzcela linijas Eiropas Dzelzcela linijas is the national implementing body of the Rail Baltica project in Latvia. The company carries out project activities in line with financing agreements between CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) and RB Rail AS, a joint venture of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania responsible for the projects horizontal activities. The project is co-financed 8185 percent by the European Unions Connecting Europe Facility, with the remainder covered by Latvias state budget. The Latvian Ministry of Transport is the official beneficiary of EU support and oversees project implementation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. On August 19, the political bigwigs from the foreign ministries of the Baltic States and Germany gathered in Riga for a heart-to-heart, zeroing in on pressing security and foreign policy matters, Trend reports. The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening the transatlantic dialogue and advancing joint cooperation on regional and global challenges. During the meeting, participants also exchanged views on the next steps following the NATO Summit in The Hague, as well as on developments in the Middle East. The political directors underscored the need for closer coordination and joint engagement to ensure long-term peace, stability, and resilience in Europe. They emphasized that strong transatlantic unity and cooperation among allies remain essential, along with reinforcing the resilience of the EUs eastern borders. The Latvian delegation was led by Political Director and Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ivars Lasis. Lithuania was represented by Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Laimonas Talat-Kelpsa; Estonia by Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs, Martin Roger; and Germany by the Federal Foreign Offices Political Director, Dominik Mutter. The consultations between the political directors of the Baltic States and Germany have become a regular practice, with the previous round held in Berlin on February 89, 2024. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel HANOI, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday called for heightened measures to ensure order and security during the 80th National Day holiday, which will run from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, Vietnam News Agency reported. He noted that numerous important events will be held nationwide to celebrate the 80th National Day, with the participation of international delegations, the report added. The surge in public demand for travel, family visits, tourism and participation in commemorative activities, parades and marches will pose potential risks to security, social order, as well as traffic, fire and explosion safety, he said. He urged the mobilization of forces on duty around the clock, especially at the local level, as well as at key projects and major national events. He also stressed the need to strengthen fire prevention measures, particularly at facilities and sites with high risks where large crowds are expected to gather, the report said. Iran's non-oil exports to Georgia decline in early year Irans non-oil exports to Georgia fell sharply in the early months of the year, totaling around $66 million and 153,000 tons. Trade turnover with Georgia also declined, reaching about $89 million and 160,000 tons over the same period. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 21. Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Ilzat Kasimov held talks with representatives of the Chinese companies Aladdin Holdings Group, Tai Chang Special Steel and B.A Holdings, Trend reports via the Ministry. The meeting focused on the initiative to establish the Uzbekistan-China Innovation Center in the Field of Modern Agriculture and Cultural-Tourism Industry. According to the sides, the center will create new jobs and accelerate the introduction of innovative approaches in agriculture and tourism. Following the negotiations, the parties agreed to intensify cooperation between Uzbek and Chinese companies, implement the project in stages, and maintain regular dialogue to ensure its effective realization. Uzbekistan and China maintain a broad strategic partnership covering trade, investment and infrastructure projects. China is one of Uzbekistans largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $14 billion in 2024. Joint initiatives in agriculture and tourism are increasingly viewed as promising directions to diversify cooperation beyond energy and industrial sectors. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 21. The Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, held a series of high-level meetings in Muscat with senior representatives of Omans government and business community, Trend reports via the Ministry. Talks were held with Qais Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority; Ali Al Abri, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources; as well as executives from Suhail Bahwan Group, Sohar International Bank, Oman Cables, Asyad Group, and MB Holding. During the meetings, the Uzbek delegation presented a portfolio of ready-to-launch project initiatives in sectors such as petrochemicals, energy, mining, engineering, agriculture, textiles, food processing, logistics, and tourism. Uzbekistans investment climate was outlined in detail, with emphasis on investor protection guarantees, tax and customs incentives, preferential treatment in industrial zones, and a special regime for strategic projects. The parties reached agreements on launching new joint projects and expanding cooperation in priority sectors. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-term economic ties, with a particular focus on joint investments, infrastructure development, and trade diversification. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 21. The Kyrgyz Republic and the Peoples Republic of China signed an agreement to establish a new air checkpoint in the Naryn region, Trend reports via the Civil Aviation Agency of Kyrgyzstan. Currently, the two countries already operate one such checkpoint in the Karakol area. The new point, located in southern Naryn, will serve as an additional border outpost, enabling the passage of both passenger and cargo flights. Officials explained that the lower mountain terrain in Naryn compared to Karakol will allow for shorter, safer, and more cost-efficient flights. The checkpoint is expected to open new routes through Kyrgyzstan toward Southeast Asia and connect Chinese cities such as Kashgar and Urumqi with Kyrgyz destinations. The project is part of the broader Air Silk Road initiative, which complements other major regional infrastructure efforts, including the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the development of a modern international airport in Jalal-Abad, and the expansion of global air routes. Kyrgyz authorities noted that Jalal-Abad could become a strategic transit hub for Chinese cargo planes heading further west, including to Europe, once the country exits international aviation restrictions known as the black list. Before the agreement was signed, aeronautical studies were carried out by both Kyrgyz and Chinese specialists. Test flights using Beechcraft-360 aircraft were conducted to assess radio communications and radar coverage, after which the Chinese side officially confirmed the readiness of the new checkpoint. According to the Civil Aviation Agency, operations are expected to begin in October this year. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 21. A delegation of Uzbekistan led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov visited the Kingdom of Bahrain to further strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation, Trend reports via the Uzbek FM's official social media. During the visit, Saidov held high-level talks with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, focusing on expanding political dialogue, boosting trade and investment, and sharing institutional experience. Particular attention was given to enhancing connections between Central Asia and the Gulf region. The discussions culminated in the signing of an agreement establishing a visa-free regime for holders of diplomatic passports, underscoring the growing partnership between the two nations. Saidov emphasized the spirit of friendship and mutual respect in Uzbekistan-Bahrain relations and highlighted the importance of translating talks into concrete initiatives that benefit both countries. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 21. Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov met with Ms. Lina Noureddine, CEO of Lamar Holding, to discuss opportunities for cooperation between the business communities of Uzbekistan and Bahrain, Trend reports via the Uzbek FM's official social media. The talks focused on exploring investment, innovation, and industrial partnerships that could benefit both countries. Saidov expressed appreciation for Lamar Holdings interest in Uzbekistan and highlighted the potential for joint projects leveraging the expertise and resources of both sides. The meeting took place during Saidovs official visit to Bahrain, where he is engaging with top government officials and business leaders to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation. During the visit, Saidov discussed ways to expand political dialogue, trade, and investment, and signed an agreement on a visa-free regime for holders of diplomatic passports with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 21. Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov met with Mr. Ali Al Bakali, CEO of Aluminum Bahrain (Alba), to discuss creating joint ventures and expanding collaboration in key sectors such as green energy, high-tech production, and other industrial projects, Trend reports via the Uzbek FM's official social media. Both sides emphasized the strategic importance of economic cooperation and the development of mutually beneficial relations between Uzbekistan and Bahrain through partnerships with leading companies such as Alba. This meeting is part of Saidovs broader official visit to Bahrain, during which he is engaging with government officials and business leaders to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation. Earlier in the visit, Saidov met with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, with discussions covering trade, investment, and institutional collaboration, resulting in a visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic passports. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. Prime Minister Ali Asadov has put pen to paper on an order to carry out President Ilham Aliyevs decree from August 11, 2025, regarding the growth of the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park, Trend reports. Under the order, the Sumgayit City Executive Authority, in agreement with the Ministry of Economy, is tasked with transferring a state-owned land plot on Sulh Avenue, currently utilized by "Azerboru" CJSC, to the Agency for Development of Economic Zones (ADEZ) under leasing rights. The plot, designated for industrial, transport, communication, defense, and other purposes, must be allocated within two months, with the Cabinet of Ministers to be duly notified. The Cabinet of Ministers' Agricultural and Ecology Department has been mandated to facilitate the implementation of this directive, which shall commence from the date of endorsement. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 21. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov commented on the recent US and UK sanctions targeting banks in the country, including Kapital Bank Central Asia, Trend reports. In an interview with local media Zhaparov stressed that the restrictions are not supported by any evidence. In January, the United States imposed sanctions against Keremet Bank. However, they could not present a single fact of circumventing the sanctions. And there are still no such facts, he said. The president explained that ruble transactions had been assigned to Keremet Bank to mitigate risks for the entire banking system, while Kapital Bank transfers its net profit to the state in full. Zhaparov also recalled that following the sanctions, a delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev met with the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Kyrgyzstan had invited independent audit companies to verify the transparency of its banks, but the American side rejected a joint review of the findings. They were unable to provide a single fact. They simply said that they had such information, Zhaparov emphasized. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 21. With the support and financing of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a major project is being launched to enhance Kyrgyzstans transport and logistics system, Trend reports via the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund. A ceremonial signing of a loan agreement between the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund and Belor-Stroy LLC was held today at the funds office. The cooperation will enable the construction of a modern Class A Logistics Center in Bishkek, designed to meet international standards and strengthen the countrys logistics infrastructure. The project will create 31 new jobs and provide leased pallet and office spaces for businesses. The logistics center will be built on a 1.7-hectare site, offering improved conditions for storage, handling of goods, and facilitating both domestic and international trade. Officials noted that the center will accelerate trade turnover, support the growth of local and foreign businesses, and contribute significantly to the economic development of the region. ISLAMABAD, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chaired the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Thursday. Wang said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is steadily advancing with more strategic significance. He congratulated Pakistan for assuming the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council in July, upholding justice for developing countries, and enhancing Pakistan's international status and influence. Wang stated that China is willing to make joint efforts with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and prepare for high-level exchanges in the second half of the year, so that the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future will continue to take the lead during the process of China's building a community with a shared future with its neighboring countries. Wang pointed out that China supports Pakistan in developing its economy and consolidating its national strength to fundamentally enhance its ability to respond to internal and external challenges. Both sides should work together to uphold the multilateral trading system and oppose unilateral bullying. Dar said the bilateral dialogue was held in due time, which concretely manifested the two countries' ironclad friendship. Friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy and a common understanding throughout the country. The Pakistani side will continue to fully support China's work as the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and jointly promote the successful hosting of the Tianjin summit. Dar said that the Pakistani side looks forward to further deepening practical cooperation in various fields between Pakistan and China, while continuously enriching the connotation of the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. He added that Pakistan will firmly support the building of a Pakistan-China community with a shared future, and support the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China. Pakistan will make every effort to combat all forms of terrorism and take all measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan, said the Pakistani foreign minister. Both sides also had in-depth exchanges of views on international and regional issues of common concern. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, August 21. A meeting of high-ranking representatives of Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was held in Ashgabat to discuss cooperation in the transport sector, Trend reports via the UAE diplomatic mission. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers for Transport and Communications Mammetkhan Chakiyev met with the UAE Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmed Al Hameli and a delegation from Etihad Rail. The meeting was also attended by Turkmenistan's Minister of Railway Transport Mammet Akmamedov. Throughout the discussions, the stakeholders engaged in a dialogue regarding avenues to enhance bilateral synergies in the realms of transportation and logistics. They deliberated on matters of reciprocal significance pertaining to the advancement of transport connectivity between the two nations. Etihad Rail, a pivotal stakeholder in the UAE's rail infrastructure ecosystem, is actively engaged in the execution of extensive transportation initiatives within the regional framework. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 21. The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium, to the European Union, and to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Roman Vasilenko, met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and announced the intention to train peacekeepers for UN missions, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. In the course of the assembly, Vasilenko articulated that the primary objective of synergistic engagement with NATO for Kazakhstan is the capacity-building of peacekeeping contingents within the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, aimed at operational readiness for deployment in peacekeeping missions sanctioned by the United Nations. Vasilenko further engaged in the formal protocol of credential presentation to NATO's Secretary General, Mark Rutte. Subsequent to the formal credentialing ceremony, the stakeholders engaged in a discourse regarding the dynamics of collaboration between Kazakhstan and NATO, alongside deliberations on pertinent matters within the global agenda. Upon conclusion of the meeting, the stakeholders reached a consensus to perpetuate the advancement of collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the operational efficacy of the peacekeeping capabilities within the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance established in 1949 for the collective defense of its members. It includes countries from North America and Europe that pledge to protect each other in case of aggression. The main goal of NATO is to ensure security and stability in the Atlantic region. Currently, the alliance is actively engaged in counter-terrorism efforts and responding to new threats. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: The Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies under the President of Tajikistan DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 21. Khurshed Mirzo, Director of the Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies under the President of Tajikistan, met with Guo Zhijun, Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China to Tajikistan, Trend reports, citing the agency. During the strategic alignment session, both parties articulated their contentment with the deliverables of their collaborative engagement and underscored the criticality of knowledge transfer in the realm of information technology, alongside the imperative of upskilling and reskilling human capital. They underscored the imperative to enhance collaborative synergies within the digital ecosystem. Ambassador Guo Zhijun articulated China's strategic commitment to bolster synergistic engagement with the Tajik agency. The stakeholders reached a consensus to persist in the examination of the pertinent issues deliberated and to operationalize actionable strategies to enhance their collaborative efforts. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: The Ministry of Mining and Geology of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 21. The Ministry of Mining and Geology of Uzbekistan held talks with a delegation of the Chinese company JDB Group Limited on expanding investment in the mining sector, Trend reports via the Ministry. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Ural Yusupov and senior officials of the ministry, along with Deputy Chairman of JDB Group Limited Chan Man Ying and company representatives. Discourse centered on the regulatory frameworks established in Uzbekistan for international capital influx, resource extraction stakeholders, and entrepreneurial ventures, alongside the corporate reconnaissance undertaken in various territories and the analytical assessments performed at high-potential locales. Subsequent to the discussions, the parties executed a Memorandum of Understanding, delineating collaborative efforts in the advancement of emergent sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 21. The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan hosted a meeting between Deputy Minister Ilzat Kasimov and a Chinese delegation led by Ke Dimin, Director of the Beijing China Railway Construction Electrification Design & Research Institute, Trend reports via the Ministry. Discussions centered around synergistic collaboration in locomotive refurbishment, upkeep, and leasing frameworks; the pedagogical enhancement of locomotive operators; the technological advancement of diesel traction units; infrastructural support for electric rolling stock; and the strategic evolution of Uzbekistans rail transport infrastructure. The discourse encompassed three prominent entities within the Chinese industrial landscapeZhengzhou Gongying Railway Equipment, China Railway Construction Corporation, and Tangshan Baichuan Intelligent Machinery. Subsequent to the convening, both parties reached a consensus to perpetuate collaborative efforts on the execution of innovative initiatives within the railway domain, with the objective of fortifying and modernizing Uzbekistans transportation framework. The Uzbekistan Railways function as the principal entity in the national rail transport ecosystem. The entity holds and oversees the comprehensive railway framework across the entire country. This organization operates as a state-owned joint-stock entity, instituted in 1994 to oversee and optimize railway logistics across the entirety of Uzbekistan. The entity boasts a human capital of 54,700 personnel. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Hydrometeorology Agency of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 21. The management and specialists of the Hydrometeorology Agency of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan held a meeting with representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Dushanbe, Trend reports, citing the agency. The ADB delegation included Thomas Kessler, Senior Finance Specialist for Natural Hazard Insurance; Samir Ismailov, Finance Specialist and Head of the Financial Sector Office; and Dina Connolly, Specialist in Natural Hazard Risk Financing, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Environmental Protection. Discussions focused on natural hazard risks, including flood management, data exchange, and the use of disaster risk modeling tools. The parties also reviewed cooperation within the framework of the Program for the Development of Risk-Based Financing Sectors of Natural Hazards and agreed on a roadmap for further collaboration in strengthening meteorological services in Tajikistan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 21. The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations, Kairat Umarov, and the Permanent Representative of Grenada to the UN, Ingrid Jackson, have signed an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of Grenada on mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service/official passports, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. The bilateral accord stipulates the abrogation of entry visas for a duration not exceeding 30 calendar days for dignitaries and diplomatic personnel from both nations. This initiative is designed to enhance synergistic bilateral engagement and fortify amicable relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Grenada. "The accord is executed for an indeterminate duration and shall become effective upon the date of acknowledgment, via diplomatic conduits, of the final written communication affirming that the entities have fulfilled the requisite internal protocols," the declaration articulates. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with Kazakhstan's diplomatic missions overseas, is persistently engaged in strategic initiatives to enhance the roster of nations that grant visa exemptions to Kazakhstani nationals. Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Grenada were established in November 2012. Grenada is an island country located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, comprising the main island of the same name and six smaller surrounding islands in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. The most developed sector of Grenadas economy is tourism, with over 500,000 tourists visiting the country in 2023. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerbaijan's e-vehicle imports from China decline in 6M2025 In the first half of 2025, Azerbaijan imported 415 electric vehicles from China, worth $11.2 million, marking a sharp decline from 929 units and $32 million during the same period last year. Overall, imports from 14 countries reached 1,505 units valued at $62 million. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 21. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has arrived on an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Kazakhstan. At Manas International Airport, Tokayev was welcomed by the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov. The two sides are expected to discuss pressing issues of bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, as well as prospects for the development of Kyrgyz-Kazakh relations. Tomorrow, the presidents will also hold bilateral talks and take part in the seventh meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 21. In advance of the official visit by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan officially inaugurated its General Consulate in the city of Osh, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yermukhamet Konuspaev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Asein Isaev, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Kyrgyzstan in the Osh region Elchibek Zhantaev, Mayor of Osh Zhenishbek Toktorbaev, as well as representatives of the Kyrgyz public and business communities. Speaking at the event, Konuspaev noted that the opening of the General Consulate of Kazakhstan in this region is a highly symbolic event, representing the steadfastness and strength of the good-neighborly and brotherly relations between the two countries. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are not just neighbors but the closest partners and allies, united by shared values and a common aspiration for peace, stability, and prosperity in Central Asia. Today, Kazakh-Kyrgyz cooperation is marked by a high level of dynamic, multifaceted interaction. Thanks to the political will of our countries leaders and regular high-level contacts, an exemplary model of interstate cooperation has been built between the two nations, the deputy minister emphasized. Isaev emphasized that the inauguration of Kazakhstans General Consulate in Osh serves as a significant affirmation of the evolving partnership between the two allied nations and will undoubtedly catalyze the enhancement and broadening of comprehensive bilateral collaboration. The consular jurisdiction of the General Consulate of Kazakhstan encompasses the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken territories, within which an estimated population of around 3,000 Kazakh nationals is situated. Osh, boasting a demographic footprint of approximately 500,000 inhabitants, ranks as the second-largest urban agglomeration within the Kyrgyz Republic. It functions as a pivotal nexus for administrative governance, economic activities, and cultural exchanges in the southern region of the nation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel COLOMBO, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will build two battery power plants with a combined capacity of 260 megawatts in 2026 and 2027, said a minister on Thursday. Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody told the parliament that one plant will have a capacity of 160 megawatts, while the other will generate 100 megawatts. Tenders for the 160-megawatt plant have already been called, and tenders for the 100-megawatt project will be invited soon, he said. The 100-megawatt plant will be built with funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). According to the minister, the projects are part of the government's long-term strategy to prevent the island-wide blackouts that occur every few years. Jayakody added that several flexible power plants, designed to quickly ramp up or down to balance renewable sources such as wind and solar, will also be built in the coming years to ensure grid stability and prevent blackouts. Sri Lanka experienced a nationwide power outage in 2022 and 2025. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 21. In Beijing, China, Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev met with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, where the Kazakh side proposed reducing import duties on Kazakhstani goods, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan. The Kazakh delegation also emphasized the importance of establishing projects for deep raw material processing within Kazakhstan, involving Chinese capital. In response, Wang Wentao highlighted the positive momentum in trade relations, noting that trade turnover reached $43.8 billion in 2024 - a 9.2 percent increase compared to the previous year. In the first half of 2025 alone, turnover amounted to $21.8 billion. These figures, he said, confirm the feasibility of the mutual goal to double bilateral trade by 2030. Arman Shakkaliev noted that to achieve this goal, a Joint Action Plan and Roadmap for the Development of Cross-Border Trade are being implemented as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. This, he stated, will significantly enhance Kazakhstans transit potential and give a new impulse to the economic connectivity of the two countries. A separate block of negotiations was dedicated to promoting Kazakhstani non-resource exports and high value-added products. Arman Shakkaliev expressed Kazakhstans readiness to focus efforts on developing processing industries and producing high value-added goods for subsequent export to China under the 'invest and sell' principle, the statement reads. Particular emphasis was placed on regional cooperation, which was supported by the Chinese side. Since the beginning of 2024, Kazakhstan has conducted six trade missions in Nanjing, Chengdu, Urumqi, Xian, Chongqing, and Guangzhou - establishing strong ties with businesses and provincial administrations in Jiangsu, Sichuan, Hunan, Shandong, Shaanxi, and Guangdong. The Chinese Minister of Commerce endorsed this approach and proposed continuing regionalization efforts in the future. Germany boosts oil purchases from Azerbaijan in 7M2025 Germany has boosted its crude oil imports from Azerbaijan, with shipments reaching approximately 662 million tons valued at around $357 million. This makes Germany one of the top destinations for Azerbaijani oil, while the countrys overall foreign trade reached nearly $28.8 billion in the first seven months. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register 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. TBC Bank Group making waves in Uzbekistan by sealing deal with OLX Photo: TBC BANK's official linkedin profile TBC Bank Group, a London-listed financial leader in Georgia and Uzbekistan, has acquired a majority stake in OLX Uzbekistan, one of the country's top online marketplaces with 5.4 million monthly users. This strategic move, part of TBC's broader digital expansion, aims to deepen its presence in Uzbekistans fast-growing tech sector by integrating OLXs vast customer base into its digital banking ecosystem Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. Transient latency issues were detected today within the operational frameworks of multiple internet telecommunications entities and service providers in Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport told Trend. Internet users in Azerbaijan found themselves in a bit of a pickle today as they faced temporary service slowdowns. This hiccup came after Delta Telekom, one of the countrys main backbone operators, was dealt a heavy blow by a large-scale DDoS cyberattack. The ministry indicated that service providers were expeditiously rerouted to alternative networks in alignment with the government's continuity strategy, thereby reinstating access for the majority of users in a truncated timeframe. The ministry has validated that the incursion was effectively mitigated, and Delta Telekom's operational functionalities have subsequently reverted to standard performance metrics. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in the Kyrgyz Republic on an official visit at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov on August 21. The visit marks a significant step in the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries, which have traditionally maintained close political and economic ties rooted in shared history, culture, and geopolitical interests. The frequency of meetings between Kazakh and Kyrgyz leaders in recent years, including the third since 2022, reflects a high level of trust and mutual understanding. During the visit, bilateral negotiations in a narrow format and the seventh session of the Supreme Interstate Council are scheduled, highlighting the systematic nature of dialogue and the importance of a coordinated strategic agenda. Special attention is being given to strengthening cooperation and joint political initiatives within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), where both countries are active members. Since 2015, the removal of the customs border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan within the EAEU has stimulated growth in trade and investment cooperation. In 2024, trade turnover between the countries increased by 1.5 percent to $1.7 billion. Kazakhstan remained the leading partner in bilateral trade, raising exports by 2.7 percent to 4.3 million tons, valued at $1.2 billion, a 10 percent increase. Key export categories include a sharp rise in smartphone exports, tripling to 366,600 units, as well as oil, gas, and bitumen, which increased 1.5 times to 223,100 tons. Gold exports from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan amounted to 3.2 tons, valued at $238.4 million, down 18 percent from the previous year. Other goods, including cigarettes and soft drinks, showed minor changes. Imports from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan fell by 3.7 percent in volume and 15.7 percent in value, totaling 694,400 tons and $455.9 million, respectively. At the same time, purchases of Kyrgyz cookies and wafers rose by 27 percent. In the first quarter of 2025, trade turnover between the countries grew by 43.5 percent, reaching nearly $100 million, with Kazakh exports to Kyrgyzstan up 44.3 percent and imports up 39 percent. Investment levels remain relatively low but show positive growth. In 2024, Kyrgyzstan invested $4.8 million in Kazakhstans economy, up 17 percent, while Kazakhstan invested $47.9 million in Kyrgyzstan, an increase of 5 percent. The number of companies with Kyrgyz capital in Kazakhstan fell by 5 percent at the beginning of 2025, to 2,200 enterprises. Growth is noted in the service and professional sectors, reflecting the diversification of Kyrgyz business presence. During President Tokayevs visit, the Golden Bridge of Friendship monument will be inaugurated, symbolizing the strengthening of bilateral relations. In addition, a branch of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University will open in Osh, providing new avenues for educational exchange and scientific collaboration. The launch of Kazakhstans General Consulate in Osh will further expand the countrys diplomatic presence and streamline administrative interactions. The visit program also features Kazakh Film Days in Kyrgyzstan and the third Kyrgyz-Kazakh Youth Forum, highlighting both nations commitment to fostering humanitarian and cultural ties. Kyrgyzstans membership in the EAEU since 2015 has significantly facilitated integration with Kazakhstan. In the first half of 2024, EAEU trade turnover between the countries reached $118.6 million, while the total annual trade volume was about $351 million, up 8.4 percent from 2023. The EAEU provides favorable conditions for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor, promoting economic ties and reducing transaction costs. President Tokayevs official visit to Kyrgyzstan opens a new chapter in Kazakh-Kyrgyz relations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation on political, economic, and cultural levels. Further development of the partnership within the EAEU and bilateral mechanisms, growth in trade and investment, and implementation of joint educational and cultural projects create a sustainable foundation for long-term cooperation. Challenges persist, including the need to boost mutual investments, diversify trade, and enhance transport and logistics infrastructure. Nonetheless, given their geographic proximity and shared interests, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan hold considerable potential to deepen integration and reach new milestones in their bilateral relationship. Photo: Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held discussions on the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Trend reports. The French president shared details of the meeting on his official X page. We acknowledged the optimism generated by the Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting under President Trump on August 8. It is important that progress continues, leading to the opening of all borders and strengthening regional cooperation, Macron wrote. The two heads of state also reaffirmed Frances preparedness to engage in a robust and forward-looking bilateral framework. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel THE HAGUE, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The presidency of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), which oversees the International Criminal Court (ICC), on Thursday voiced "deep concern" and rejected new U.S. sanctions imposed on ICC judges and deputy prosecutors. The sanctions, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, target ICC Judges Kimberly Prost of Canada and Nicolas Guillou of France, along with Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal. They followed earlier sanctions on four other judges and ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan. The ASP presidency said the move was a "regrettable attempt to impede the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their independent judicial functions." These measures "represent an affront to the independence of the Court and the integrity of the Rome Statute system," the presidency said in a statement. "We reiterate our full support for the Court, its officials, and all those who contribute to the fulfilment of its judicial mandate," the statement said, urging member states and stakeholders in the Rome Statute system to "stand united in defending the Court." The ICC, based in The Hague, the Netherlands, was created under the Rome Statute to prosecute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ASP, made up of countries that ratified the Rome Statute, acts as the management oversight and legislative body of the ICC. Following the U.S. announcement of new sanctions, the ICC had also rejected the measures targeting its judges and prosecutors, calling them "a flagrant attack" on the court's independence. In a statement released on Wednesday, the ICC stressed that it would continue its work "undeterred" and urged member states to stand by the court. Articles Sorry, there are no recent results for popular articles. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Chaad National wins SAR 500,000 at 45th King Abdulaziz Quran Contest Makkah Chaad National, Mohammad Adam Mohamed has won the top prize at the 45th Edition of the King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition or 2025 Makkah Quran Contest for Memorization, Recital and Explanation held at the Grand Mosque Thursday August 21, 2025 12:30 PM , ummid.com News Network Makkah Quran Contest 2025: Chaad National, Mohammad Adam Mohamed has won the top prize at the 45th Edition of the King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition or 2025 Makkah Quran Contest for Memorization, Recital and Explanation held at the Grand Mosque. At a glittering ceremony held at Makkah Grand Mosque after Isha prayers Wednesday August 20, 2025, the Chaad national was awarded a cash prize of 500,000 Saudi Riyals or SAR 0.5 million prize. The prize distribution ceremony was attended by all Imams of Masjid al Haram Makkah along with Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz. 45th King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition - List of Winners The Makkah Quran contest 2025 was held in five categories. The winners of the first and most coveted category are as follows, Mohammed Adam Muhamed (Chaad): Prize Money SAR 500,000 Anas bin Majid Abdulla Al Hazmi (Saudi Arabia): Prize Money SAR 450,000 Sanusi Bukhari Idrees (Nigeria): Prize Money SAR 400,000 5 categories The competition was divided into five categories: Memorization of the entire Holy Quran, with accurate recitation and intonation following the seven rules of recitation Memorization of the Quran along with interpretation of its terms Memorization of 15 juz (parts) of the Quran with proper recitation and intonation Memorization of five juz with correct recitation and intonation A category for shorter lengths of memorization with corresponding recitation and intonation requirements. Other winners The total value of the competitions prizes is around SR4 million ($1.07 million), in addition to SR1 million that will be apportioned out to all participants. Mansoor bin Mutab Awad Al Harbi of Saudi Arabia won the top prize of SAR 300,000 in the second category. Mohamed Damaj Al Shuway'i of Yemen won the top prize of SAR 200,000 in the 3rd category. Eyptian Nasr Abdel Majeed Abdul Hameed Amir won the top prize of SAR 150,000 in the 4th category. The top prize money SAR65,000 for the 5th category was conferred on Anwa Intarat of Thailand. The 2025 Quran Competition brought together 179 contestants from 128 countries, the largest number since its inception. In 2024, a total of 174 contenders representing 123 countries participated in the 44th edition of the contest held in 5 categories. Makkah Qurant Contest 2025 Final Round The final rounds of the 2025 King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting Holy Quran began last Saturday August 09, 2025 . The final round of the Quran contest continued till Thursday August 14, 2025 when a total of 27 contestants recited Quran as per the contest competition guidelines. The 27 contestants were from Mauritania, the Philippines, Japan, Guinea-Bissau, France, the United States of America, New Zealand, South Africa, Barbados, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Guinea, Germany, Zambia, Guyana, Comoros, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Finland, Rwanda, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. As part of the competition package, the participants visited different historical places of religeous and architectural importance. The participants on Saturday August 16 left for visit to The Prophet (PBUH) Mosque in Madinah. Electronic Judging System The highlight of the 2025 Quran Contest which ran through six days was electronic judging system. Since its introduction in 2019, the electronic platform has replaced traditional paper-based methods, increasing accuracy and transparency. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance said it enhanced and upgraded the electronic judging system for the 45th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran held this year. The enhanced system is designed to improve the efficiency and fairness of the final rounds, bolster transparency, and support the ministry's digital transformation efforts in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Watch: Winners Reactions The latest improvements to the system include faster and more accurate scoring, with results calculated more precisely and linked to a real-time electronic control panel for instant monitoring by the judging committee. An electronic question bank is now used to draw questions from a comprehensive digital repository covering all five branches of the competition, ensuring diversity and fairness. The system also features automated processes that track verse sequences, sort and rank contestants, and issue results instantly, while documenting and analyzing competition data in real time. The 44th edition of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of Holy Quran was also held with the same schedule. Saudi National, Saad bin Ibrahim bin Hamd had won the top prize of the 2024 Makkah Quran Contest . Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic India Partition: Who was Responsible The NCERT, which prepares the school textbooks for the CBSE, in its latest module has put the blame of the Indian partition on Jinnah and Muslim League, Congress and Lord Mountbatten. Let's fact check Thursday August 21, 2025 6:51 PM , Ram Puniyani NCERT, which prepares the school texts for the CBSE, is on a speedy journey to change the school texts and supplementary reading materials. Mostly, the NCERT is modifying and changing the contents to suit the agenda of the ruling party. The BJP is pursuing the agenda of Hindu nationalism. It is constructing the past through these books to ensure that the new generation thinks in a way to support BJP-RSSs political program. They have already deleted Mughals from the Text books; they have also presented ancient history to glorify Aryans as first-comers on this land to strengthen their case of Hindutva nationalism, as Aryan race is one of the pillars of Hindu Nationalism. The latest in the series is the misrepresentation of Indias partition. They have issued two modules on Partition Horrors Day and partition. These modules are meant to be supplementary reading for making projects, debates etc. Commenting on the partition, the NCERT module says, Ultimately, on August 15, 1947, India was divided. But this was not the doing of any one person. There were three elements responsible for the Partition of India: Jinnah, who demanded it; second, the Congress, which accepted it; and third, Mountbatten, who implemented it. The module quotes Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as saying that the situation in India had become explosive. India had become a battlefield, and it was better to partition the country than to have a civil war. while Jawaharlal Nehru described it as bad but unavoidable. The module quotes Mahatma Gandhis saying that he could not be a party to the Partition, but he would not stop Congress from accepting it with violence. The module traces Partition to Muslim leaders belief in a separate identity rooted in political Islam, which, it claims, rejects any permanent equality with non-Muslims. It states that this ideology drove the Pakistan movement, with Jinnah as its able lawyer In a way, it totally white washes the role of the British policy of Divided and Rule and the parallel and opposite roles of Hindu Communalism, singling out only Muslim Communalism, calling it political Islam. Incidentally, the political Islam phrase was not coined or used at that time, it was called Muslim Communalism. It erases the role of the social bases of Hindu communalism and Mu Communalism. Also Read: Maulana Azad and Partition As the social changes were taking place after the coming of the British, the new rising classes Industrialists, business men, workers and modern educated classes came up. Their associations were formed which culminated in the formation of Indian National Congress. The workers movements as begun by Narayan Meghaji Lokhande, Comrade Singarvelu formed associations and for workers rights. Bhagat Singh and his comrades were the most powerful expression against the atrocities of colonial rule and longing for equality and oppression. Jotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Bhimrao Ambedkar and Periyar Ramasamy Naicker stood for social equality, which was to run parallel with national movement and found a place in our Constitution. The old, declining classes, the landlords, kings (of both religions) were disturbed by the rise of these changes and formed organizations like Musim League and Hindu Mahasabha. Muslim League stood for Muslim Nation and Hindu Mahasabha asserted that we are a Hindu Nation. For the goal of Hindu Nation, RSS came up in 1925. These communal organizations opposed Indian nationalism and its values of Liberty, Equality, fraternity, and social justice. The British introduced communal historiography which was picked up by them as per their convenience and this sowed the seed of communal hate leading to violence. It was this violence due to which Gandhi and Maulana Azad of Congress had to quietly accept the partition tragedy. To say that none of the British Viceroys wanted partition is a very superficial statement. The role of Lord Wavell and British becomes clear in Rajinder Puris article, Sir Martin Gilbert, the British biographer of Winston Churchill revealed that Churchill had asked Jinnah to dispatch secret letters to him by addressing them to a lady, Elizabeth Giliat, who had been Churchills secretary. This secret interaction continued for years. Jinnahs key decisions between 1940 and 1946, including the demand for Pakistan in 1940, were taken after getting the nod from Churchill or Lord Linlithgow and Wavell. It was primarily the British who wanted the partition. They were keeping their future goals in mind. As the world at that time was having two superpowers, US and USSR, the fear among British was that India, if remained united, may tilt towards USSR as major leaders of Indias freedom struggle were having left leanings. The British feared India may ally with the USSR. So, they wanted to divide the country to reduce its impact. Lord Mountbatten did come with the mandate to divide the country in which he succeeded. Congress with Nehru and Patel in the Interim Government realized that it is very difficult to remain united. Jinnahs call for Direct Action led to the sparking series of violence which was a major factor due to which Congress leadership had to concede the demand from Muslim League which was well backed by the British. As far as the concept of nationalism is concerned, Hindu Mahasabha (and RSS) and Muslim League were on the same page. Savarkar had in his book, Hindutva or who is a Hindu did state that there are two nations in the country, the Hindu Nation and Muslim Nation. Lets note In fact, Dr B.R. Ambedkar concluded that both Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Muhammad Ali Jinnah were in complete agreement about two separate nations in Indiaone the Muslim nation and the other the Hindu nation. Savarkar in the 1938 Mahasabha convention declared that Hindus and Muslims could not coexist. Jinnahs 1940 Lahore resolution was on similar lines. Their similarity was reflected in their ideology, and the formation of Hindu MahasabhaMuslim League coalition governments in Bengal, Sindh and North West Frontier Province (NWFP) after 1942. By clever distortion now Hindu Nationalist ideologues are putting the blame of partition on Muslim League and Congress, the truth is so different. While these modules let the British go away lightly, it was their clever manipulation which encouraged the Muslims League and Hindu Nationalists in their social actions which led to the ghastly tragedy. And partition horrors were due to this competitive communalism and the hurry in which the British partitioned the country without adequate preventive measures. The deeper cause surely was the communalism in which Savarkar was the first one to give it an ideological cover, while both communalisms ran parallel and opposite, to create an atmosphere of hate leading the hardships and mass migrations and accompanying sufferings of both Hindus and Muslims. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic TAIYUAN, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's coal-rich province of Shanxi reported 756.44 million tonnes of raw coal production in the first seven months of 2025, marking a 7.2 percent year-on-year increase, according to local authorities. As the country's top coal producer, Shanxi contributed 27.2 percent of China's total output during this period, said the provincial statistics bureau. Supporting this production, Daqin Railway -- a critical coal transport artery in northern China -- achieved 9 billion tonnes in cumulative freight volume by Thursday. It handles about one-fifth of China's total railway coal transportation volume. The 653-km railway, operational since Dec. 28, 1988, connects Shanxi's Datong with Hebei's Qinhuangdao port, facilitating coal shipments from Shanxi, Shaanxi, and western Inner Mongolia to eastern industrial hubs. According to a report released by the Ministry of Natural Resources, by the end of 2022, the country's total coal reserves reached 207 billion tonnes, with Shanxi holding around 48.3 billion tonnes of these reserves. BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The interference of extra-regional powers, particularly the United States, has significantly intensified the militarization of the South China Sea, says a report released on Thursday. The report, titled "Incitement, Threats, and Lies -- The Truth about External Forces Interfering in the South China Sea Issue," was released by the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency. According to the document, in recent years, the United States has ramped up its support for South China Sea nations, particularly the Philippines, through military aid, joint exercises, technical cooperation, and personnel training. The report underscores that all these have reinforced the U.S. military presence in the region, deepened interference in South China Sea disputes, escalated regional tensions, and undermined the collective efforts of China and ASEAN nations to safeguard peace and stability. In addition, the United States has long conducted so-called "freedom of navigation operations" in the South China Sea and reinforced its alliance network across the so-called "Indo-Pacific region." In 2023, the number of U.S. military bases in the Philippines increased from five to nine. In 2024, the United States deployed the "Typhon" medium-range missile system in Luzon, further strengthening its tactical deterrence against China, according to the report. Beyond bilateral initiatives, the United States has strengthened military cooperation with regional allies, deepening trilateral security ties with Japan and the Republic of Korea, expanding military collaboration with Japan and Australia, and advancing the AUKUS security partnership with the United Kingdom and Australia, the report stresses. This report is part of a series of three reports on South China Sea issue released by the Xinhua Institute. The other two reports are titled "Historical and Legal Basis of China's Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights in the South China Sea," and "Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation: China's Actions." ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Aug. 21, 2025) The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has restored Guaranteed Access Grants to hundreds of college students after funds were inadvertently rescinded due to a computer glitch, authorities confirmed Thursday. The grants, originally awarded in the spring, had been canceled just days before the fall semester began. The error stemmed from the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS), where a software malfunction falsely identified students as ineligible. Michael Sandler, speaking for the University System of Maryland, acknowledged the disruption's impact on students. "We were stunned to learn that hundreds of students ... were notified ... that their Guaranteed Access Grants ... had been canceled. This is devastating for them and must be addressed quickly," he said. He added that campuses are coordinating with MHEC and the governor's office to reassure affected students. Among those affected is Frostburg State freshman Andrew Farmer, who was preparing for dorm move-in when his $18,000 grant disappeared from his financial aid portal. His mother, Amy Sawyer, described the situation as "complete and utter panic" and said the family is scrambling to cover tuition amid the uncertainty. LOGAN, Utah (Aug. 20, 2025) Utah State University will undergo a full state audit after lawmakers raised concerns about spending by its former president's office and shortcomings in governance and procurement oversight. The Utah Legislative Audit Subcommittee voted unanimously Tuesday to conduct a comprehensive audit following a limited review by the state Auditor General's Office. That preliminary report found that executive staff had approved contracts between $52,000 and $430,000 without completing formal purchasing procedures. It also revealed a significant increase in purchase-card spending by the president's office over the past two years, and capital expenses on vehicles nearly tripled compared to the previous five-year period. Jesse Martinson, senior performance auditor, said the limited review uncovered enough red flags to warrant a deeper investigation. "We believe that there are some areas that need examination: procurement, purchase orders, expenses... as well as... governance and the leadership and the overall structure and processes that govern that process," he told lawmakers. The concerns follow investigative reporting by The Salt Lake Tribune, which documented that former President Elizabeth "Betsy" Cantwell spent approximately $661,800 of university funds on new cars, a Salt Lake City apartment, extensive travel and lavish office furnishingsincluding a $750 bidet. Cantwell resigned in March to lead Washington State University. Board of Trustees member Tessa White affirmed the university's cooperation. "We welcome the audit," she said. "There are areas that we are aware of and taking aggressive steps to remedy. We hope that by the time that audit is done, we will have a list of things completed that will give you greater confidence in the school." Interim President Alan L. Smith, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, is leading the institution as USU searches for a permanent president. TEHRAN, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Navy on Thursday kicked off a two-day missile drill codenamed "Sustainable Power 1404" in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, according to a statement published on the Iranian army's news website. The drill involves surface and subsurface vessels, aerial divisions, coastal missile sites, and electronic warfare units, said the statement. On the first day, naval forces successfully hit sea targets using various cruise missiles launched simultaneously from southern coastal sites and surface vessels, said the statement. According to the statement, the drill featured domestically-produced missiles, including short-range Nasir, long-range Qadir, and medium-range Qader anti-ship missiles, fired from the Genaveh missile cruiser, the Sabalan destroyer and coastal defense systems. The Navy's Bavar 5 kamikaze drone also successfully destroyed a designated sea target, it said. Navy spokesperson Abbas Hassani said Wednesday that the drill aims to enhance combat capabilities, improve operational command and control, and create deterrence through domestic capabilities. The drill is reportedly the first of its kind Iran holds since the end of its 12-day war with Israel. On June 13, two days prior to the sixth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel. On June 22, U.S. forces bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on June 24. Lambs donated to the 2024-25 Lamb-a-Year Program are rounded up at UWs Laramie Research and Extension Center. (Wyoming Wool Initiative Photo) The Wyoming Wool Initiative, in partnership with the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, is now accepting applications for its 2025-26 Lamb-a-Year Program. This flagship program, now in its fourth year, offers UW students valuable industry experience and provides regional sheep producers with individualized lamb quality data. Lamb-a-Year is a value discovery program where producers donate lambs; we feed out those lambs here at the Laramie Research and Extension Center and collect performance and meat quality information; and then we give that information back to producers, says Whit Stewart, UW Extension sheep specialist. Lamb-a-Year is an investment in the sheep industry in the state of Wyoming. Participating producers are asked to donate feeder lambs of 70-90 pounds. The Wyoming Wool Initiative will coordinate with donors to arrange drop-off and pick-up locations this fall, with all lambs delivered to the Laramie Research and Extension Center at the beginning of October. In order to receive meaningful results, donors are encouraged to enter at least two lambs into the test, which begins in mid-October and runs through February. In 2024, 26 producers donated a total of 125 lambs to the program. Some producers have shared data from Lamb-a-Year with potential buyers as a means of marketing the genetic potential of their lambs, Stewart says. Others have used the lamb quality information to better understand the optimal finishing weight of their lambs. Lamb sales help support educational programming for students and producers, workshops at the annual Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival, UW meat science curriculum, lamb quality research and more. Producers receive a tax-deductible charitable gift receipt based on the market value of their lambs. A total of more than 150 youth and university students from UW and other institutions benefited from educational opportunities related to the 2024-25 Lamb-a-Year Program, the Wyoming Wool Initiative reports. Lamb-a-Year funds enhance our ability to deliver curriculum in a unique way, Stewart says. I think thats when were doing things right, (when) were getting students out of the classroom. To learn more about the Lamb-a-Year Program and its impact on students, go here. For those interested in donating lambs, go here and fill out the online form by Sept. 30. The Wyoming Wool Initiative also accepts financial contributions and in-kind donations, such as feed, to support the Lamb-a-Year Program. To make a donation, go here. Email the Wyoming Wool Initiative at lstewar9@uwyo.edu with questions. JERUSALEM, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli citizen who had been held in Lebanon for about a year was returned to Israel on Thursday, said Coordinator for the Captives and the Missing Gal Hirsch. Saleh Abu-Hussain was handed over to Israeli authorities at the Rosh Hanikra crossing following secret talks mediated by the Red Cross, according to a statement issued on behalf of Hirsch. After an initial questioning and medical check, Abu-Hussain was taken to a hospital for further examinations before reuniting with his family. It was not immediately clear why the man was detained. Israel's Kan public broadcaster reported that he was captured in southern Lebanon in July 2024, amid heavy fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The report added that there was no prisoner exchange in his case, unlike previous instances in which Israel had secured the release of citizens held in Lebanon. Hirsch did not elaborate on the case but said that "the circumstances of the incident are under investigation by the security forces." A Ukrainian suspect has been arrested in Italy over the sabotage of the Nord Stream underwater gas pipelines from Russia to Europe in 2022, German prosecutors said Thursday. The man, identified as Serhii K., is accused of being part of a cell "who placed explosive devices on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines", they said. He is "believed to have been one of the coordinators of the operation" in which a group allegedly hired a yacht in the German Baltic Sea port of Rostock to carry out the attacks. The pipelines that long shipped Russian gas to Europe were hit by huge explosions in September 2022, several months after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Western powers were initially quick to blame Russia, which in turn accused them. German investigations then pointed to a Ukrainian cell of five men and one woman believed to have chartered the yacht "Andromeda" to carry out the attack, according to Der Spiegel magazine and other media. Their aim was to destroy the pipelines to prevent Russia from profiting in future from gas sales to Europe. Serhii K. was arrested in the early hours of Thursday in the Italian province of Rimini on a European arrest warrant, the prosecutors said. He and his accomplices are accused of using forged identity documents to hire the yacht that departed Rostock to carry out the attacks, the prosecutors said. Italy's carabinieri police confirmed that a 49-year-old Ukrainian was arrested without putting up resistance, at a bungalow where he was staying with his family, and taken to a local prison. German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig thanked investigators for what she called a "highly complex operation" leading to the arrest. - Politically fraught case - Nord Stream had long been controversial for allowing Russian gas to bypass eastern European transit routes and leaving Germany overly reliant on cheap energy from Moscow. After Russia launched its Ukraine invasion in February 2022, Western powers sanctioned Moscow, which then switched off the gas flow in Nord Stream 1, while Nord Stream 2 never started operations. Then, in September, seismic institutes reported the underwater blasts and four gas leaks were discovered off the Danish island of Bornholm as gas spewed to the surface. Two of the leaks were in Denmark's exclusive economic zone and two in Sweden's. German prosecutors last year issued an arrest warrant for another Ukrainian man, named as Volodymyr Z., a diving instructor whose last known address was in Poland. He was suspected of being one of the divers who planted the explosive devices in an operation that also involved a married couple who ran a diving school, according to public broadcaster ARD and other media. The case is awkward for Germany and Ukraine, as Berlin has strongly backed Kyiv politically and with defence equipment in its fight against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his government knew nothing about any plan to blow up the pipelines. Hubig stressed that "we stand firmly on the side of Ukraine" against Russia's "terrible war of aggression". But the minister stressed that Germany would also "consistently investigate crimes that are committed under our jurisdiction". German and British media have recently reported that Washington and Moscow had discussed the idea of reviving Nord Stream 2, possibly to be run by an American company, during talks to end the Ukraine war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in May, shortly after taking office, that his government would "do everything... to ensure that Nord Stream 2 cannot be put back into operation". fec/fz/db ABUJA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of an attack by suspected gunmen on a mosque in Nigeria's northern state of Katsina early this week has risen to 32, local media reported Thursday, citing government officials. An unknown number of people were also abducted when the gunmen attacked a mosque after invading the mainly-Muslim community of Unguwan Mantau in the state's Malumfashi local government area, during the dawn prayer on Tuesday, the Punch Newspapers, a national daily, reported, quoting Abdullahi Faskari, secretary to the Katsina State government, who led a delegation to the area on Wednesday. The gunmen reportedly shot indiscriminately at the worshippers, killing at least 13 on the spot, according to local authorities. Faskari told local media that the death toll had risen to 32, noting that some of the kidnapped victims were rescued by the military, who disrupted the gunmen's movement. "Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones in this senseless attack. This administration remains committed to working with all security agencies to prevent such tragedies in the future," the state government's scribe said. Nasir Muazu, commissioner for internal security and home affairs in Katsina, 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." 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. Tourists enjoyed pizza and spritz before doing a runner. Two French tourists who left a restaurant in an Italian seaside town without paying their bill were stunned when the restaurateur tracked them down the next day. The two women had enjoyed a pizza each and several glasses of spritz at a restaurant in Civitanova Marche, on the Adriatic coast in the Marche region, running up a bill of 44. However instead of paying, the pair decided to do a runner, walking out the front door of the Ai Due Re pizzeria. "They arrived without a reservation" - the pizzeria's owner Michela Malatini told newspaper Il Resto del Carlino - "They ordered two pizzas and several spritzes, four or six. When it was time to pay, they got up and walked out the front door, slowly walking away." It wasn't the first time Malatini had encountered such incidents - a few days earlier her staff had foiled a similar attempt by another tourist couple to run off without paying - but this time she decided not to let it slide. Through word of mouth with other restaurateurs in the town, she discovered where the two customers were staying. The next morning, with permission from the owner of their guest accommodation, Malatini knocked on the door of the French tourists, showing them the video that incriminated them. "They were sleeping" - she said - "I asked if there had been a problem with the bill and showed them the security camera footage. They didn't say a word, but they paid." "It's not so much about the amount as it is about the act" - Malatini explained - "We work hard, and seeing customers trying to leave without paying is a slap in the face for our work." Tragedy sparks debate in Italy about working conditions in cultural sector. A 56-year-old Italian tour guide died in Rome's Colosseum on Tuesday after collapsing while taking a group of tourists around the ancient amphitheatre. The woman, an experienced guide named as Giovanna Maria Giammarino, fell ill suddenly during a tour of the first tier of the monument in the late afternoon. Despite receiving immediate assistance from onlookers and Colosseum staff, by the the time paramedics arrived it was already too late. "Two tourists were the first to help her," said Isabella Ruggiero, president of AGTA, the Association of Licensed Tourist Guides. "They attempted to revive her by performing CPR. Meanwhile, staff from the Colosseum Archaeological Park arrived with a defibrillator, but unfortunately there was nothing they could do; Giovanna never regained consciousness. When the ambulance arrived, she was sadly already deceased." Condolences In a statement, the management of the Roman site expressed its "deepest condolences for the tragic passing of Giovanna Maria Giomarino, and joins in the mourning of her family and all who had the opportunity to know her and appreciate her professional dedication." Italy's culture minister Alessandro Giuli offered his condolences, stating: "This loss powerfully underscores the human and professional value of those who, every day, contribute to the safeguarding and preservation of our historical and artistic heritage." The minister announced that the lights of the Colosseum would be switched off on Wednesday night "as a sign of our sympathy and mourning". Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri also offered his condolences, as did tourism minister Daniela Santanche who stated: "My thoughts go out to all those who, like Giovanna, dedicate their lives to enhancing our cultural heritage. It is our duty to pay tribute to their commitment by ensuring a work environment that respects their dedication and sacrifice." Debate The tragedy has also sparked a debate about working conditions in the cultural sector, with the Rome and Lazio branches of the CGIL, Filcams, and Fp Cgil trade unions criticising the failure to close the monument as a sign of mourning. "While awaiting clarification on the causes of death, starting with workload and temperatures, we express our deepest condolences for the passing of Giovanna Maria and our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones," the unions wrote in a joint statement. "A name that adds to the all-too-long list of people who have lost their lives at work and which makes us responsible for keeping the spotlight on working conditions in the cultural world, which must necessarily change and improve." "In this tragedy, we regret to note that, once again, when a person dies at work, work activities are not suspended. We therefore condemn the decision to reopen the monument despite the tragic event. It's true that guided tours are booked by the public well in advance, but feelings of condolence should have prevailed over any event or initiative." Opening hours In a lengthy post on social media, AGTA president Isabella Ruggiero said her colleague's death dramatically highlighted "the physical exertion to which the body is subjected during the work of a guide. Demanding greater protection for the tour guide sector, Ruggiero accused the culture ministry of "ignoring and dismissing" their calls over the years. She also repeated calls for the Colosseum Archaeological Park, which includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, to open at 07.00 instead of 08.30 during the hot summer months. It is useless to talk every year about a 'heat emergency as if this were something new: climate change is a fact of life and already for some years working at the Roman Forum from 10.00 to 16.30 is unbearable." Photo credit: Octavian Lazar / Shutterstock.com. KATHMANDU, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A symposium was held here on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Speaking at the symposium, President of the Overseas Chinese Association of Nepal Jin Xiaodong called on the overseas Chinese community in Nepal to remember history, inherit the spirit, and always be the guardian of peace. In his speech, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song said that strong national cohesion and patriotism are the solid foundation for a nation to change its destiny and achieve national rejuvenation. "We commemorate the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Nepal to jointly cherish and safeguard peace, and more importantly, to learn from history and create the future," he added. A photo exhibition was held on the occasion to highlight the great process of the Chinese military and civilians uniting to fight against Japanese aggression. Kenneth Fox Alcohol abuse is costing Irish workplaces 8.5 billion a year in lost productivity, according to Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI). The AAI, the national independent advocate to reduce alcohol harm, published its latest report on the impact that alcohol has on the Irish economy and is urging the government to implement policies that will reduce this heavy burden. Alcohols impact on public health and the health service, on crime and the criminal justice system, and on road traffic collisions is well documented. However, another area which is directly and indirectly affected by alcohol is the workplace. AAIs latest report, titled Alcohols Cost to the Workplace, uses national and international evidence to shine a light on the impact of alcohol in the workplace in Ireland, the scale of its impact on workers, on employers, and on the economy. The report found employers and businesses can sometimes be a major contributor themselves to alcohol use amongst workforces. However, there is a role for employers and the trade union movement to reduce this by ensuring positive work conditions including fair treatment, recognition, meaningful work, skill variety, autonomy, acquisition and use of skills, fair rewards, promotion opportunities, friendship formation, and social support from co-workers and supervisors. Heavy drinking increases the risk of absenteeism, with high-risk drinkers 22 times more likely to be absent from work due to their alcohol use compared with lower-risk drinkers. Presenteeism which is defined as being physically present at work but, due to a physical or emotional issue, being distracted to the point of reduced productivity is more important for lost productivity than is absenteeism, with presenteeism accounting for 77 per cent of total lost productivity in the workplace, while absenteeism is responsible for 23 per cent. It is estimated that heavy drinking increases the risk of unemployment by as much as about five-fold compared with light drinking. Speaking about the report, AAI chief executive Dr Sheila Gilheany said: Alcohol is by far the most used psychoactive substance in the workforce, with people having harmful consumption patterns that increase their risk of social, legal, medical, occupational, domestic and economic problems. More than half of Irish drinkers are classified as hazardous drinkers. Within that cohort of hazardous drinkers, there are 578,000 people with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), of which 90,000 are at a severe level. Alcohol poses a significant risk to workers, to businesses, to productivity and to the economy. "Workers under the influence of alcohol can be a danger to themselves and to others, especially in jobs which involve a high risk of injury. "Working under the influence of alcohol, or with a hangover, can increase the risk of accidents, injuries and absenteeism, along with tardiness at work and/or leaving work early, resulting in loss of productivity. It can also lead to the development of inappropriate behaviour at work, poor relations with colleagues, and low company morale. The impact of alcohol on the workplace is multifaceted. It affects the individual in terms of mortality and morbidity, productivity, presenteeism, and absenteeism. It affects colleagues in terms of workload, and it affects employers in terms of businesses losses and competitiveness. Dr Gilheany said that alcohol harm is estimated to cost the Irish exchequer about 2.5 per cent of GDP every year that is 14 billion for 2024 in health, justice and lost productivity. Of this, the lions share 61 per cent or about 8.5 billion is due to lost productivity. She said given alcohols huge drain on the Irish economy, much more could be done by government to address these issues. A Waterford city woman has been fined in relation to a waste dumping violation. The woman was recently fined 150 by Waterford City and County Council for the illegal disposal of waste. A Waterford City and County Council spokesperson said that evidence was recovered from the outskirts of Waterford city, which identified the owner of the waste. The woman in question is a resident in the city. She said she had paid someone who called to her door offering to take her waste. Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer with the Environment Section of Waterford City and County Council, warned locals to verify the credentials of anyone they hire to remove waste. Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people out there," he said. "If you have waste to get rid of, make sure the person you are using has a waste permit. "Authorised collectors are required to have their name and permit number on their vehicle, and you can verify that they are genuine by visiting the National Waste Collection Permit office website or by asking to see a copy of their permit. Mr Kane added that hefty fines can be issued for such offences. People are responsible for their waste until it is accepted at a permitted facility and giving your waste to an inappropriate person can result, on summary prosecution, to a fine of up 5,000. A 45-year-old man has been jailed for stealing 2,468 worth of ink cartridges and razor blades from Tesco Lisduggan. Zaza Chautidze, of no fixed abode, stole the items earlier this year on April 1 alongside another man, hiding the stolen goods in their jackets. The Georgian national has stolen similar items in Roscommon, Galway and Laois. At Waterford District Court, Judge Miriam Walsh heard that Chautidze has eight previous convictions relating to theft contrary to Section 8 of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act in other jurisdictions, including Tuam and Laois. Judge Walsh said to the defendant: "I don't understand how you feel you can go around stealing. I would say to you Sir; how dare you?" Polysubstance misuse Solicitor Ken Cunningham told Judge Walsh that his client arrived in Ireland in March 2025 and has struggled with 'polysubstance misuse'. Mr Cunningham said that Chautidze was a medical student for three years but his life took a turn for the worse after a serious car accident. Chautidze told Judge Walsh that he studied medicine in Moscow and that he was currently on 50ml of methadone, down from 70ml. Judge Walsh imposed a sentence of five months, backdated from the date he was taken into custody. Judge Walsh said: "This is not like one of the shops he goes in and out of, he's not getting a discount. Get yourself a job." Mayor of Waterford City and County Seamus Ryan has called for an end to the atrocities taking place in Gaza. Within the last 22 months, over 60,000 Palestinian men, women and children have been killed due to Israeli military actions and bombardments. Thousands of people are facing forced starvation, as humanitarian aid into the region is being blocked by Israeli powers. Destruction Mayor Ryan said: "Men, women and children are being killed in their search for food and water, humanitarian aid is being blocked, and fundamental human rights are being violated. "It behoves us all to speak out and not stand idly by as unimaginable horror, destruction and devastation are visited upon the Palestinian people. "Dont let our silence speak volumes." Mayor Ryan echoed the recent joint statement given by 31 foreign ministers calling for an end to the terror. "We urge the parties and the international community to unite in a common effort to bring this terrible conflict to an end through an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire. "Further bloodshed serves no purpose." A new app has been launched to connect and celebrate women 'living solo' across Waterford and beyond. The app, 'Willow', was launched by Imelda McAloon with the aim of helping women across Ireland and the UK to embrace and celebrate independent living. The free community platform is designed for women who are navigating life solo - whether by choice or circumstance - offering connection, support, and inspiration. Through resources, online and in-person events, and an active community, Willow creates a space where women can share experiences, find friendships, and explore opportunities for joy and growth. Commenting on the app, Imelda, who is from Roslea in County Fermanagh, said: Willow is all about celebrating the courage, freedom, and possibilities of living independently." "While many resources are geared towards couples or parents, Willow is designed with solo women in mind; women who want meaningful friendships, to travel, to learn, and to embrace all that independent living offers," she said. "Women who dont follow the so-called traditional path often tell me they feel overlooked," she added. Imelda said the app will give women a space where they are not only seen but celebrated. "Its about connection, courage, and joy; finding fulfillment and beauty in life, whatever shape it takes, she said. Willows first expert-led event, 'Financial Wellness for Women', with Deirdre McCarthy of Financial Literacy Ireland (FLIT.ie), takes place online on September 3 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. "This free event will explore how women can take control of their financial wellbeing at every stage of life," said Imelda. Other upcoming sessions will include 'Coping with Significant Life Changes', with psychologist and author Niamh Fitzpatrick, on December 3, with more events to be announced. "From interest-based groups such as hiking, crochet, and pets, to wellbeing resources and social events, Willow is a place where women can connect, learn, and thrive," said Imelda. To find out more or to join Willow, visit mywillow.ie. By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA Hundreds of people have attended a music session in Dublin city in solidarity with Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh after he appeared in court on Wednesday. Kneecap flags and logos hung from the windows in Connolly Books, which dubs itself Irelands oldest radical bookshop, in solidarity with O hAnnaidh, Kneecap, and the people of Palestine. Pro-Palestine supporters criticised the decision by British authorities to bring a charge against the performer instead of focusing on the Israeli governments actions against the Palestinian people. O hAnnaidh (27), who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year. Hundreds of Kneecap supporters greeted O hAnnaidh as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Wednesday morning, alongside fellow Kneecap rappers Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh. During the hearing, his defence team argued the case should be thrown out, citing a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought. The case has been adjourned until September 26th, when the judge will rule on whether he has the jurisdiction to try the case. At the protest session at Connolly Books on Wednesday afternoon, several artists played Irish traditional music in solidarity with the rappers and Palestine. Musician Ru OShea, who performed at the demonstration, said charging O hAnnaidh had turned him into a hero. I think its been a huge misstep by the powers that be to go after him in the first place, he told the PA news agency. I reckon that they dont have a thing on him, and I think they are turning him into a hero, and I think we need a hero. Ispini na hEireann play at Connolly Books in Dublins Temple Bar area (Niall Carson/PA) Whats happening in Palestine right now, its gotten to such an extreme that its waking a lot of people up, including the British who might not have ever seen it otherwise and stayed in that bubble forever. OSheas friend John Feehan said: I think people are maybe starting to look up a little bit in Britain, and I think things like whats happening with Kneecap is a catalyst for people to be like Oh, wait a minute, whats actually happening here?. So I hope theres momentum, but I really dont know. Dubliner Aoife Powell (19) said she came out to protest because she is angry at the decision to charge an artist rather than focus on what is happening to the people of Gaza. Im here because it just worries me that the fact that governments are focused on artists expressing themselves rather than the actual problem, which is obviously the genocide in Gaza, she told PA. Its a little bit disheartening to see theres so much pressure being put on these artists to stop saying what they truly think and to stop standing on the right side of history. I feel like its a distraction from whats actually happening. When a government tries to silence people, they should learn that they can never silence people. I feel like the public would get more angry at that. Sean OGrady is from Coleraine in Co Derry but has lived in Dublin for almost 70 years. Kneecaps Liam Og O hAnnaidh, speaks to supporters as he leaves Westminster Magistrates Court in London (Lucy North/PA) Im delighted with them [Kneecap], that theyve done what theyre doing, and theyre getting plenty of publicity. The British government are crazy, I mean, what are they at? Theyre supplying a lot of the bombs, and a lot of the arms and ammunition to Israel to do what theyre doing. So they should be ashamed of themselves instead of bringing in these people [to court] for stupid reasons. Its getting good publicity over there for the cause of the Palestinians. Dubliner Dermot Nolan said he attended his first Palestine protest in 1967, and while he remembers horrific events such as the Vietnam War, the scale of death and injuries in Gaza is the worst he has ever lived through. Im here because its important to for two reasons first of all, to show our intolerance of the genocide and slaughter thats being carried out by the US, Nato and Israel. The second reason is the question of civil rights. Were protesting about the indictment of a member of the Irish group Kneecap. It is a sign of creeping authoritarianism which is happening in all the western countries and most clearly in Britain. The first rule of men dyeing their hair: do not talk about dyeing your hair. Its not Fight Club, this is Dye Club, where no man wants to be recognised in the street as a member. While actresses Andie MacDowell, Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker have loudly championed the choice of women to dye, or not to dye their hair, theres relative silence from men. We only really look at mens hair colour through a well-considered lens, says British hair whisperer and colourist Josh Wood. Its when men get it wrong that we build up an image bank of what mens colour is. Hair colourist Josh Wood, who has worked with Mick Jagger, David Bowie and David Beckham and whose products are now stocked at Mecca. Credit: Steven Siewert That image bank contains images of celebrities, such as Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, George Clooney in the Broadway play Goodnight and Good Luck and even Rupert Murdoch. Alongside his work with Elle Macpherson, Kylie Minogue and Victoria Beckham, Wood is helping men take a positive approach to hair colour. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the August 23 edition of Good Weekend. See all 15 stories . There are very few items that should remain in your wardrobe for 32 years straight. If you own an original Hermes Birkin bag or an Alexander McQueen suit designed by the man himself, then feeling protective towards items of such venerable age is understandable youll be able to buy a yacht or six with them if you contact the right auction house. But theres only one type of person who keeps a T-shirt that wears its age so nakedly that burns, tears and sweat marks can raise the eyebrows and crinkle the septum of strangers. Band T-shirts are often cheaply made, occasionally have questionable designs, can lose their shape in the wash and seldom look good on anyone over 30. But Im one of many music fans who cannot throw these totemic garments of my youth away despite not having worn any of them since the turn of the millennium. Band T-shirts were never intended for the 47-year-old me. Their popularity is supposed to lie solely with teenagers who havent yet learnt how to broadcast their passions and beliefs more subtly. But its a [northern] summer of music nostalgia at the moment, as the Oasis reunion tour, Glastonbury featuring Rod Stewart and Neil Young, and the farewell tour from Ozzy Osbourne just before his passing demonstrates. The Rolling Stones in 1990 an era when band T-shirts could be found only at gigs or indie music shops. Credit: Redferns Finding your tribe On my first week of university in 1996, band T-shirts were everywhere, and they made a useful barometer in terms of finding my neophyte tribe. People in Iron Maiden and The Cure T-shirts should be avoided lest I wanted three years of poor eyeliner, cider and conspiracy theories. And I was sceptical but curious about The Smiths and Nirvana tee-donners; they could be the witty Oscar Wilde type but they could equally be vodka-guzzling depressives. I had on my Blur T-shirt, of course, which I hoped made me look blokeish but also moderately bookish the kind of guy who likes a beer but can also have a chat about Alexander Trocchi or Douglas Coupland. Pretentious and deluded?Let me count the ways Advertisement But it was vital for me at that time to distinguish myself from the hordes of Oasis T-shirt-wearers who (and I stand by my theory to this day, with the reunion tour in full flow) I was convinced were, underneath the swagger, reactionary bores who would all graduate to work on the lower rungs of the finance sector. Matt Dillon in a Led Zeppelin tee, 1975. Credit: Getty Images Then, as now, there were ways to wear a band T-shirt in order to ensure that you came across as a knowing fan, not a grumpy roadie. Naturally, tucking your T-shirt into your jeans was the first sign of a young adult who hasnt cut the parental apron strings. A more common problem, for blokes in particular, was size. Back in the mid-90s, the only ways to get a band T-shirt were to buy one off a bloke standing outside the gig venue or head to the one indie shop in your city, which would have a mediocre selection of overpriced T-shirts hung above the CD racks. The lack of choice, coupled with my devotion to the band or artist (though they were mostly bands back then) meant that I had quite a few band T-shirts that were ludicrously oversized. My mates and I figured out (and god, this seemed so important back then) that the way around it was to tuck the XL shirt in at the back, roll it up at the front so it caught very loosely on your belt and then wear a Harrington jacket on top. The problem came when we were sweating it out on the dance floor and couldnt take our jackets off lest it looked like wed got dressed drunk and in the dark. Which, actually, quite a few of us probably had. A new era? The era of music being dominated by three, four or five white blokes with guitars looking like a gang is completely over now. And, for some reason, single artists dont work as well when cheaply pasted on a T-shirt. Taylor Swift concerts are proper dress-up events, not T-shirt conventions. Anyone wearing a Self-Esteem T-shirt would look like they were trying too hard, and a Kneecap T-shirt would just make you look like a dilettante contrarian. So Gen Z are mining the past. On a recent trip to Liverpool in the UK, the Resurrection store on Bold Street, long a northern hub for band tees, had infinitely more Nirvana T-shirts than anything for The 1975 or Idles. I saw two girls of no more than 17 wandering around, both in Ramones T-shirts, the ultimate example of a band who have sold more merch than albums. Advertisement Joey Ramone of the Ramones, a band whose merch outsold its music. Credit: Getty Images Music snobs have long derided the Ramones T-shirt phenomenon, lambasting youngsters who wear the distinctive black tee with the presidential seal-style emblem that was the logo of Da Brudders despite having been born long after the premature deaths of Joey, Johnny and Dee Dee. Its the worst kind of musical elitism, usually practised by men who themselves own a Sun Records or Motown T-shirt, despite being merely a twinkle in their parents eyes when Marvin and Elvis were first in the studio. Yet these retro reproduction Ramones T-shirts that are ubiquitous in our inner cities in particular are chiefly of semantic value. There are megabucks to be had in band T-shirt land, but theyre reserved for those with either the savvy or hoarding habits required to hold on to a tee from the era of loon pants and 18-minute drum solos. Enter Led Zeppelin, and a T-shirt from their final UK shows at Knebworth in 1979. A special tee, screen-printed for that gig, was made for the road crew in lieu of lanyards. One of them sold on eBay for a whopping $US10,000 ($15,400) in 2011. Though, Run DMC arent too far behind one of their 1980s concert tour T-shirts sold for $US13,000. Dont look back... Fast-forward 40 years and the same complaints about the quality of band T-shirts are extant, chiefly due to the continuing presence of the bootleg tees on the pavement guy, still earning an illegitimate crust outside gig venues. Yet, there are sources online where better quality products can be found. EMP earns good online reviews for the quality of its tees material, though the designs, mainly the pseudoGothic comic horror tropes of Iron Maiden, wont be to everyones (or my own) tastes. Advertisement RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes warned Wednesday that banks operating in Brazil could face penalties if they enforce U.S. sanctions against him under the U.S. Magnitsky Act. "If banks decide to apply that foreign legislation internally, they may face domestic punishment," Moraes told reporters. The remarks followed a statement from Justice Flavio Dino, who reaffirmed that orders from foreign governments only carry legal weight in Brazil if explicitly authorized by the Supreme Court. The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act allows Washington to impose sanctions, including asset freezes, credit card cancellations, and travel bans, on foreign individuals accused of human rights abuses or corruption. Moraes was recently sanctioned by the Trump administration under the act. The U.S. Embassy in Brazil labeled him "toxic," warned that Americans are barred from engaging in commercial activities with him, while foreigners providing him material support could also face penalties. In July, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa cancellations for Supreme Court justices and their families. Moraes was specifically named due to his role in overseeing the alleged coup attempt involving former President Jair Bolsonaro. The sanctions have raised concerns within Brazil's financial sector, where banks with operations in both countries may find themselves caught between conflicting Brazilian court orders and U.S. sanctions. KABUL, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of 131 Afghan prisoners were released from Pakistani jails over the past week and have safely returned to Afghanistan, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced Thursday. The ministry's news release stated that the freed detainees had been held in various prisons across Pakistan. The returnees, after receiving assistance at the border, were transported to their home provinces, it said. This release is part of a broader trend, with 9,951 Afghan nationals repatriated from prisons in Pakistan and Iran over the past year, according to the ministry's report in late July. There are over 10,000 Afghan citizens remain incarcerated abroad, primarily in Iran and Pakistan, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July. VIENTIANE, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government, in partnership with development partners, has launched a feasibility study to develop a national Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PfES) system, a sustainable, long-term financing mechanism for the country's forest ecosystems. The initiative aims to address the decline in forestry sector revenue following the suspension of logging in natural forests since 2013, as well as the ongoing financial challenges of forest protection, which has traditionally relied on international support, Lao News Agency reported on Thursday. The proposed PfES system offers a transformative approach by requiring key economic sectors that benefit from healthy forests, such as hydropower, ecotourism, and the water and beverage industries, to contribute financially to their conservation and sustainable management. The feasibility study will provide policy options and a roadmap for piloting and eventually scaling the PfES system nationwide. SHREVEPORT, La. - What was once a charming staple in the center of Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport has become the center of concern for an animal rescue advocate. The mall's turtle enclosure was renovated in 2020 with foliage and a working fountain, but is now barren, stagnant and filled with numerous turtles showing signs of deformities and sickness. The exhibit has drawn the attention of Steve's Snaketuary owner Steven Kennedy who rescues local reptiles. "We're not looking at the exhibit as a complete disaster. It's not something horrible or anything like that, but they just need to be well taken care of," said Kennedy. Kennedy visited the mall Wednesday and uploaded a video on social media pointing out deformities, lumps, discoloration, and even a painted shell on the many turtles in the pond. "We saw several issues today with their shells with humps in them. The red-eared sliders are not supposed to have humps in their shells. A lot of them have white spots on the back of their shells, which means they're not getting the proper lighting or the proper nutrition," said Kennedy. Red-eared sliders need U.V.A light to stimulate appetite and activity, and U.V.B. light to absorb vitamin D for a healthy shell. Kennedy is also concerned with the lack of visible food in the enclosure, though mall management says the turtles are fed every day. "If they don't get proper food, they can be cannibalistic. They can chase after one another if they're not being fed properly," said Kennedy. Kennedy says hes attempted to work with the mall over the last year to rehabilitate the enclosure and turtles. He got a call from management Wednesday after uploading his video. "We did actually get somebody from management to call us today and get in contact with us. We're willing to work with them. We've got everything lined out to take the turtles to the vet and get any care they need. I'm willing to donate some lighting, help them out with heat, and answer any questions the mall has to help take care of these turtles," said Kennedy. Mall St. Vincent management sent this statement to KTBS: "We are aware of the community's concern in regard to our turtle pond and the recent video put out to social media. Our team currently conducts cleanings once a week of the pond and turtles are fed every day. We are also partnering with Snaketuary to ensure our turtles are cared for and in a suitable environment." If you would like to learn more about rescuing local reptiles, visit the Steve's Snaketuary website by clicking here. CANBERRA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Australian scientists use advanced technology to explore and protect ancient groundwater aquifers that provide 30 percent of the country's water supply. These ancient underground waters, up to 2 million years old, are crucial for communities, industries like agriculture and mining, and ecosystems, especially in droughts, according to a statement released Thursday by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia's national science agency. With Australia being the driest inhabited continent, ensuring sustainable groundwater use is critical amid declining rainfall in many regions, the statement said. Researchers said a key method to "see" below ground uses sensors measuring underground water drips with geological and climate data to calculate rain needed to recharge aquifers. Another method uses detailed models to predict groundwater recharge at specific locations. "We can use these models across hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, by translating them onto different geologies, soils and vegetation," said Kate Holland, principal research scientist at CSIRO. A breakthrough in studying Australia's groundwater is the TRIFIN, a unique precision instrument that detects tritium, a radioactive hydrogen isotope in rainwater, to accurately measure groundwater recharge rates, according to CSIRO. CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist Dirk Mallants explained that while groundwater can take centuries to refill, tritium indicates water renewed within years or decades. "Our technology can detect tritium levels in groundwater to tell us how quickly it is being restored," Mallants said, adding that this technology allows groundwater extraction to match recharge rates, preventing overuse and identifying risks like drying bores or contamination. David Raleigh The father of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt, who died following a sudden deterioration in his health three weeks ago after he had waited several years for spinal surgery, said his late son was abandoned by disability services throughout his short life. Mr Morrison was speaking in the wake of figures released by the Health Service Executive to Sinn Fein, showing almost 11,000 children were on a waiting list for an assessment by the HSEs Children Disability Network Teams (CDNTs). The figures also showed that 7,167 children were waiting more than a year for an initial contact from a CDNT. Mr Morrison and his wife Gillian Sherratt have been fighting for the basic healthcare rights of children with disabilities for the past nine years. Their son, who was non-verbal, was born with complex health conditions including spina bifida and scoliosis. In 2024, Harveys name inexplicably vanished from a Childrens Health Ireland active spinal surgery waiting list. No specific reason has yet been given to the family as to how this occurred. This occurred all the while Harveys scoliosis was reaching a life-threatening 130-degree curve on his spine and crushing his ribcage and putting pressure on his lungs and heart. Harvey eventually had his surgery at Temple Street Hospital in Dublin last December, which did somewhat ease the pressure on his organs. He died on July 29th after taking a sudden turn. Reacting to the HSE figures in respect of the CDNT waiting list, Mr Morrison said: All I can really say is that Harvey was abandoned by local disability services in 2019 and we haven't really seen them since. Stephen Morrison and Gillian Sherratt. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Mr Morrison said Harvey, who could not speak, waited five years for a talk device from the HSE. Harvey was seen very rarely, if ever by their local disability services, he said. Disability services have collapsed across the country. Im not surprised by these (HSE) numbers, Mr Morrison said. The heartbroken dad said that, in his opinion, the most complex children, like Harvey, have been written off by the State. Mr Morrison accused the State and health service of institutional ableism, a form of discrimination in favour of able-bodied people. Harveys parents are to lead a public rally trending on social media under the hashtag #JusticeForHarvey in Dublin City next Saturday, August 23rd, in memory of their son and to highlight years of prolonged waiting lists for children with complex health, issues including scoliosis. The family have called for Tanaiste Simon Harris to resign and retire from politics completely after he pledged in 2017 that no child would wait longer than four months for spinal surgery. In the end, Harvey waited years, but specifically 33 months on a active waiting list for his surgery, which came too late to fully correct the scoliosis that had twisted his spine, causing him pain on a daily basis. CHI said that following a recruitment process for an additional consultant orthopaedic spinal surgeon, one of five successful candidates had been hired and had begun working on August 11th this year. We acknowledge that waiting times for patients are still too long, and we continue to work to reduce the length of time that patients are waiting for appointments, CHI stated. It said a spinal surgery management unit, established in 2024 had helped reduce waiting times for outpatient appointments by 40%. It said 303 spinal surgeries had been carried out and that 231 were waiting for surgery. The Scoliosis Advocacy Network has disputed CHIs figures and argued that 242 children were actually waiting for spinal surgery, due to an additional eleven children being placed on a waiting list at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh. Earlier Sinn Fein Limerick TD, Maurice Quinlivan, described the current CDNT waiting list numbers as staggering and a disgrace. These children are being failed by the government, and the CDNT model that is intended to provide family centered care is now synonymous with delays and abandonment, the Limerick City TD said. The HSE figures showed that out of the 10,961 children on the CDNT waiting list at the end of June 2025, 1,303 children were waiting up to three months, 1,067 were waiting between four and six months, 1,424, were waiting between seven and 12 months, and 7,167 were waiting more than a year. This is a systemic failure, and it will only continue to get worse if it is not addressed head on, Deputy Quinlivan warned. The Sinn Fein TD said that in his opinion, the CDNT model was in complete disarray. Children are routinely waiting years for assessments. Posts remain unfilled.Teams are stretched to breaking point. The highest proportion of children on the CDNT waiting list was at HSE Dublin and North East (2,926), followed by HSE Dublin Midlands (2,886), HSE Dublin and South East (2,593), HSE Midwest (1152), HSE West and North West (779), and finally HSE South West (625) The HSE, the Minister for Health and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality were all contacted for comment on Wednesday afternoon. Sonnagh, Charlestown, Co. Mayo, F12HC82 ASKING PRICE: 350,000 Are you an Oasis fanatic? Well, here's your chance to live in a property once owned by the Gallagher's maternal grandmother in Mayo. The property, located in Sonnagh, Charlestown, is a recently renovated and charming two-bedroom cottage, with a master bedroom ensuite, a double bedroom and a family shower room. On the property listing, it states that the "Gallagher brothers spent many happy childhood summers in this house, enjoying the freedom of the countryside setting and soaking up the musical traditions of the Charlestown locality. "It is said that the brothers honed their unique musical style from an early age, and no doubt the traditional music sessions experienced in the area would have influenced the two brothers in their later careers." The home is also only 10km from Ireland West Airport Knock. Noel and Liam played in front of sold-out crowds in Croke Park last weekend during their reunion tour. It was thought that the brothers might visit their mother Peggy's home of Charlestown following the gigs, but there has been no sighting of the duo as of yet. Oasis' next show is scheduled for this weekend in Toronto, Canada. Al Jazeera is an independent television channel based in Qatar but has an international reach. It was set up to draw attention to the Arab speaking world and extended its reach by introducing an English language version in more recent times. It is not all that freely available to those of us who live in the so-called Free West. We could be tainted by views that dont always coincide with our cosy western view of things. Al Jazeera could be said to be the Arab worlds answer to RTE or the BBC. All news organisations represent a certain view of the world. RTE and the BBC present a western view, one that is tilted in favour of the democratic, liberal, capitalist hegemony while Al Jazeera would take a more Arab/Muslim view of matters. According to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Al Jazeera is a front for Hamas. Nothing new there. Al Jazeera is not available to view in Israel. It might corrupt the minds of the Israeli people. It is not freely available to view in Ireland in case we might be tainted by the Muslim view of things. So, it is OK for the Israeli Attack Forces to shoot and bomb Al Jazeera journalists. As our esteemed President Michael D could attest, shoot the messenger is taken seriously by Netanyahu. Now, I have no doubt that some Al Jazeera journalists would hold views in sympathy with Hamas and even more broadly with the Palestinian people. I managed to get into Gaza city once, under the cover of darkness, about 25 years ago. I was involved with the National Union of Journalists and met with Palestinian journalists and it is fair to say that, even back then, before Hamas, they lived under threat from Israeli attack. There was one TV cameraman at our meeting who had two fingers of his right hand shot off by Israeli gunfire. He offered the view that perhaps the Israelis thought his camera was a gun, so that might be the justification for shooting his hand off. He was fairly philosophical about the entire episode and in no way did he rant and rail against the Israelis. He perhaps thought of his injury as a badge of honour. Shot in the line of duty as he reported the news. In my view he was lucky that the Israeli Attack Forces did not think his head was a gun or that might have been blown off. On that trip I met journalists from Harratz newspaper which was then and still is a popular, liberal paper with left-wing tendencies and I met with journalists in the Jerusalem Post. They were all decent people doing their job while working to the norms required of their editorial policies. There was no sense that any political views they might have had interfered with a duty to report the news fairly. At that time, as I mentioned, there was no Hamas. Yasser Arafat was the man back then. The Palestinian Authority held sway in the West Bank. Arafat pursued the two state solution and had been making progress. Netanyahu has always opposed the two state solution and worked to undermine Arafat and the Palestinian Authority by supporting Hamas as the governing authority in Gaza. He now reaps what he sowed and is happy to do so, as he has the opportunity, with American, UK and EU support, to wipe out the people of Gaza. And, important to that project is to eliminate any contrary voices, thus the decision to bomb the Al Jazeera journalists. Mohammed Qreiqeh had established his name as a front man for Al Jazeera reporting from the devastated Gaza Strip. He was branded a Hamas operative by Netanyahu. I have little doubt he would have been sympathetic to the Hamas cause. It is difficult not to be, such is the devastation being wrought on the people of Gaza. Thus he was a target. A drone attack launched by the Israeli Attack Forces hit Qreiqehs tent, killing him and seven other people including camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa and Mohammed Noufal. An assistant and two other civilians, unconnected to Al Jazeera, were among the casualties. According to the International Federation of Journalists, a reliable monitor of working journalists deaths, at least 195 journalists and media workers worldwide, including 181 Palestinians, have been killed since October 7, 2023. That suggests that media people have been targeted on a grand scale. Israel do not want the world to know what is going on in Gaza. That is why they refuse to allow the international media access to the enclave. They would not want any close inspection of their activities. When they are found out in the commission of atrocities they announce investigations. They seldom announce the outcome of such investigations. The Rev Gabriel Romanelli, a parish priest in Gaza City, who received regular calls from Pope Francis prior to his death, was injured when the Israelis bombed a target in Gaza. Obviously the incident received worldwide attention. An investigation was announced by Netanyahu. As far as I am aware there has been no outcome of that investigation. It is shameful, to say the least, that the US, the UK, the EU (and that includes us) and indeed many of the most economically powerful states in the world have been unable to call a halt to the genocide in Gaza. Humanity has taken a fearsome toll in this conflict. We have reason here to take some pride in the fact we have taken the decision to recognise the right of the Palestinians to a homeland of their own. The UK, France, Germany and others are belatedly offering (the UK providing that certain conditions are met! Such nonsense) to see the two state solution as the only choice for a peace in the Middle East. Of course Netanyahu and the Israelis will not countenance a two state solution. They are bent on empire building and the displacement or the destruction of every Palestinian who would claim a right to live in what the biblically blind Israelis say is their land, is just not kosher. The problem with this empire building project is that the Hebrew bible has not set any boundaries on the land of the Israelites. So Netanyahu and his settlers need not limit their ambitions. Syria, Jordan and Lebanon can be claimed as legitimate acquisitions and if I was Mr Al-Sisi, the president of Egypt, Id be looking westward and keeping an eye on Netanyahu. On a less contentious note and closer to home, I note that Mr Peter Casey who is pursuing a nomination to run for the Aras, has followed my lead and has offered, if elected, to forego any remuneration for occupying the Aras for the next seven years. Mr Casey has tried before and finished runner-up to Michael D last time around. He has unsuccessfully tried for Europe and the Dail but I suspect that was just to keep his name before the public and that his priority was a run for President. He does not like the fact that we are being bullied by Europe. I could agree with him on that. But he does not seem to be bothered by the fact that the big bully Trump is threatening dire destruction on Ireland. Maybe he is a MAGA supporter. Obviously Ill be giving myself a No 1 when the day comes and Catherine Connolly remains as the number 2 choice (shes the best of the rest so far) even tho she has yet to make any announcement regarding the remuneration for the job. Now, Im expecting a big announcement from the Fianna Failures. Thought for the day The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely - Louisa May Alcott. Allentown, PA (18103) Today There might be an early stray shower, mainly east of the Lehigh Valley; otherwise, look for skies to turn out mostly sunny for much of the day. Humidity drops to really comfortable levels during the afternoon. . Tonight Mostly clear as another shot of cool and comfy air arrives. OTTAWA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone Thursday to discuss trade and security relationship. According to a readout from the prime minister's office, the two leaders discussed current trade challenges and opportunities. The leaders share priorities in a new economic and security relationship between the two countries, the readout said. They also discussed "long-term peace" in Ukraine and Europe, it added. The two leaders agreed to reconvene shortly, according to the readout. BUDAPEST, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto on Thursday criticized the trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and the United States, saying it favors Washington over the EU after the release of its details. The EU and the United States had earlier on Thursday unveiled details of their July trade framework, setting tariff limits but leaving out key sectors such as wines and digital rules. According to a joint statement, the United States will impose a maximum all-inclusive tariff of 15 percent on most EU exports, including cars, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber. The EU pledged to remove tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and expand market access for American seafood and agricultural products. Szijjarto wrote on Facebook that the deal is "good for the United States and bad for Europe," noting that the Hungarian government will continue consultations with strategic partner companies on industry and job protection measures. UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The relentless bombardment in and around Gaza City before Israel's threatened takeover of the region is having devastating consequences for civilians, UN humanitarians said on Thursday. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that their human rights colleagues reported high numbers of civilian casualties and large-scale destruction caused by intensified Israeli attacks in eastern and southern Gaza City, particularly the Az Zaytoun area. Since Aug. 8, more than 50 residential structures have been hit, killing at least 87 Palestinians, said OCHA. Further south, the office said an Israeli airstrike on Thursday hit a makeshift site for internally displaced people near an OCHA facility sheltering approximately 200 families in Deir al-Balah. The makeshift site reportedly received a warning from the Israeli military at short notice and was evacuated immediately before the strike, it said, adding that no casualties were reported, but people's shelters and their belongings were damaged or destroyed. OCHA's facility was lightly damaged, and the incident was traumatic for staff who were present at the time. OCHA personnel are safe and accounted for, said the office. The coordinates of UN facilities in the Gaza Strip have been shared with both sides in the Gaza war, OCHA said. "Humanitarian facilities and other civilian infrastructure must not be targeted or used in an attempt to shield military objectives from attack." The office said that its partners monitoring the movement of people in Gaza estimated that more than 16,800 civilians were newly displaced across the strip between Aug. 12 and 20, bringing the total number of the displaced since the end of the ceasefire in mid-March to more than 796,000. It said that Gaza City accounted for 95 percent of the reported displacement, with people fleeing eastern parts of the city, primarily moving south and west. Meanwhile, hunger and malnutrition among children are deepening. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said Wednesday that July was Gaza's deadliest month for child malnutrition deaths, with 24 children under the age of 5 reportedly dying. This was already 85 percent of the total for this year. UNICEF warned that all 320,000 children under 5 are at risk of acute malnutrition, increasing illness and long-term health risks. OCHA said its partners are reporting a rise in child labor, with children collecting rubble and engaging in street vending and other informal work. Psychological distress is widespread among children who have been repeatedly displaced. GAZA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 45 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip on Thursday as the Israeli army stepped up military pressure ahead of a possible attack on Gaza City. Eight people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential home in the al-Sabra neighborhood, which has been subjected to intense shelling for several days in southern Gaza City, said Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for Gaza's civil defense authority. Basal said six people, including four children, were killed in an airstrike on a Palestinian gathering in the Sabra neighborhood in southern Gaza City. He added that four others, including three brothers, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house east of the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood north of the city. Another four people were killed in an Israeli drone attack on a Palestinian gathering in the town of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, according to Basal. He also noted that five farmers were killed in an airstrike northwest of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip. Basal added that five people were killed in an airstrike on a house in the al-Shanti area of northern Gaza City, while three others were killed when an Israeli drone struck a motorcycle in the al-Tawam area northwest of the city. He noted that 10 people were killed by Israeli army gunfire near two aid distribution centers, seven of them at the Netzarim junction in the central Gaza Strip and three north of the city of Rafah. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on these incidents. The attacks came as the Israeli army intensified its attacks on residential areas, particularly high-rise buildings in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighborhoods south of Gaza City, and the Jabalia area north of the Strip, amid ongoing artillery shelling, according to eyewitnesses and Palestinian security sources. They said that Israeli aircraft have carried out dozens of airstrikes for several days in these areas, where dozens of families remain trapped and refuse to leave their homes. Explosions were heard in these areas as thick plumes of smoke rose into the air. Israeli forces have been besieging the densely populated Gaza City for about two weeks from several directions. Israeli officials said that evacuation notices would be issued to Palestinians there before the army moves in, according to Palestinian security sources. Meanwhile, Israeli army spokesperson for Arabic media Avichay Adraee said in a statement that the army has begun making initial warning calls to medical and international organizations operating in northern Gaza, notifying them that Gaza City residents should prepare to move south. There was no immediate comment from authorities in Gaza, but the Hamas-run interior authority warned in a statement against a siege or a re-invasion of the city and the forced displacement of its residents. The statement called such actions "a major humanitarian catastrophe for the city's 1.2 million residents and internally displaced persons, and a war crime that requires a firm international stance to curb the aggression and stop the occupation from continuing to implement its plan." In addition, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said in a statement on Thursday that nearly one in three children in Gaza City suffers from malnutrition. The agency added that Israeli authorities are not allowing sufficient aid to enter the enclave, and that at least 500 to 600 trucks loaded with aid are needed daily. It noted that airdrops are unsafe and unnecessary. It warned that as the war in Gaza escalates, the situation will worsen, stressing the need to allow UNRWA to bring in aid on a large scale and distribute it safely. According to the Gaza-based health authorities on Thursday, the death toll from starvation and malnutrition has risen to 271, including 112 children. Understanding SA's climate obligations in relation to changing policy in the USA The countrys moral compass and economic needs were in the spotlight at an annual symposium focusing on the climate crisis. Wits Philosopher Prof. Lucy Allais, delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Wits Inter-Faculty Symposium on Climate, Sustainability and Inequality, in which she examined the countrys obligations in light of shifting U.S. policy. She argued that while there's uncertainty over major polluters, South Africa cannot defer action, calling for a path that embraces responsibility and protects vulnerable communities. The 2025 gathering showcased research across themes ranging from climate transitions and conservation to water security, public health, and food-energy systems, offering critical reflections on justice and knowledge in the global South. The annual symposium is hosted by Prof. Imraan Valodia, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Climate, Sustainability and Inequality at Wits University. View the speaker list and research papers. PYONGYANG, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday held a reception to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Among the guests present at the event were Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, DPRK Culture Minister Sung Jong Gyu and other DPRK officials as well as foreign diplomats. Addressing the reception, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun said that the great victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is for the Chinese people as well as for peace-loving people all over the world. "We commemorate the great victory to uphold a correct historical view of World War II, achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and build a brighter future for the cause of peace and justice for all humanity," Wang said. Back then, soldiers and civilians from both countries confronted the same enemy and ultimately thwarted the Japanese invasion, he said, adding that "now we commemorate the common great victory to carry forward this precious wartime friendship." China is willing to work with the DPRK to resolutely implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, develop the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, advance stable and long-term development of the socialist cause of the two countries so as to benefit the two peoples and promote peace and stability at regional and global levels, Wang said. It is the unwavering position of the DPRK to pass down and deepen the friendship with China from one generation to the next, Sung said. The DPRK is willing to work with China, following the lofty will of the top leaders of the two parties and countries, to carry forward blood-forged friendship and tradition of friendly unity between the two countries, and to continuously deepen bilateral relations, he said. KIEV, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian President's Office, said that Kiev has no plan to hold a referendum on enshrining into the Constitution any territorial concessions to Russia, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Thursday. "At this time we do not intend to cede any part of our land," Yermak said. He recalled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement that all territorial issues will be discussed at his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine acknowledges the situation created by the conflict and wants to discuss it, but the country will not accept any ultimatums, he stressed. David Edwards, 54, of Mount Vernon was arrested Wednesday morning by the Palatine Police Department on child pornography charges. He has been placed on administrative leave by Mount Vernon Township High School. Liam Og O hAnnaidh (stage name Mo Chara), of the rap trio Kneecap, appeared in Westminster Magistrates Court for the second time today, on charges under the Terrorism Act. The British government is seeking to prosecute him for picking up a Hezbollah flag thrown on stage during a performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on November 21, 2024. This is the pretext for a blatant attempt to intimidate a powerful voice against Israels genocide of the Palestinian people, supported by the UK and all the imperialist governments. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara, a member of Kneecap, applauds supporters as he departs Westminster Magistrates Court London, August 20, 2025 [AP Photo/Joanna Chan] Todays hearing was for Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring to hear arguments as to whether the prosecution brought the charges in time, within six months from the date of the alleged offence. He will give his decision on September 26. This long wait, over a month, points to how deeply problematic this case has become for Keir Starmers Labour government. Amid outrage over Labours arrest of hundreds of peaceful protesters as terrorists, it now faces the possibility of an embarrassing collapse of the prosecution of O hAnnaidh. Prosecutors accept that he was sent a letter laying charges against him twice: once on May 21, within the time limit, and once on May 22, outside of it. The second was sent, according to the prosecutions own explanation, because the first had not gone ahead with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Attorney General (AG). Believing it had until the May 22 to lay charges, it was this letter the prosecution initially relied upon as marking the start of proceedings. Realising its mistake, it switched to the May 21 letter, meaning lawyer for the government Michael Bisgrove had to prove today that there was no legal problem with the delay in receiving consent from the DPP and AG. Its attempt to do so was savaged by the defence teams Brenda Campbell KC, who labelled the prosecution argument egregious, mendacious, as inviting the judge to read chaos into the legislation and potentially abusive of her clients rights. For Bisgrove to succeed, she explained, the judge would have to accept that exactly the same language (proceedings instituted) means different things in the statutes relied upon to bring the case: the Terrorism Act (2000), the Criminal Justice Act (2003) and the Prosecution of Offences Act (1985). Moreover, he would have to accept the use of Section 25 of the Prosecution of Offences Act as a loophole for the failure to secure consent before bringing charges, when it clearly only relates to arrest, remand or bail prior to DPP/AG consent. It was, said Campbell, remarkable that Bisgrove did not read to the judge the full text of the provision upon which so much of his case relied. This was part of a broader pattern in the prosecutions argument of using a tendential reading of relevant caselaw, and misapplying irrelevant caselaw, to establish a general principle out of a series of exceptional cases or strictly limited points of law. Most damningly, Campbell argued, the prosecutions own conductthe rush to secure consent by what it believed to be the deadline of midnight on May 22clearly indicates it was aware of the problems with its case from the beginning. The arguments now advanced in court were, Campbell summarised, a last ditch attempt to bend the language of statute and case law to accommodate their failures and a manipulation of proceedings. An evidently flustered Bisgrove began his short response by saying it was fortunate he had a thick skin. Whatever Goldspring decides, what has been revealed in court already makes clear the culture of authoritarianism and crisis which prevails in the Labour government and the upper levels of the British state. The police were reportedly informed of the events at Kentish Town on April 22. At the eleventh hour, someone somewhere, either in the police or in some section of the Crown Prosecution Serviceno evidence has been produced by the prosecution on this scorewas given the nod to proceed with charges. This happened in such a rush that the required procedures were not followed until a day later. Clearly there was both a worry that the case was too weak and an opposed feeling that the opportunity should not be missed. Amid growing popular outrage over the Gaza genocide, this was a chanceor so they thoughtto drag a major voice of opposition through the mud of terror proceedings. Kneecap pointed to these issues ahead of the hearing, posting a message to their X account which indicted the British governments carnival of distraction from the genocide in Gaza. Since Liams last appearance on June 18, Israel had murdered another 9,000 Palestinians, mainly children and women. Over 1,000 murdered whilst queuing for aid, starved due to their siege Young children gunned down by snipers as they scramble for a bag of flour. Whole families, from babies to grandparents, murdered as they huddled in makeshift tents. The IOF have since moved through Gaza turning whats left of homes, schools and hospitals to literal dust. Evil beyond any fucking words. They added, As the British state arms and supports these war crimes theyll have Mo Chara in court in London tomorrow to try to label him a terrorist Noting that British courts have long charged people from the North of Ireland for terrorism for crimes never committed, they concluded, We will fight them. We will win. The band continue to draw widespread support for their principled and defiant stand. Several hundred attended a protest outside the court, despite police attempts to restrain and dissuade the rally. Less than 24 hours before it was due to start, the Metropolitan Police announced it had imposed Public Order Act conditions restricting demonstrators to a tiny area of pavement. Kneecap responded, In our view this police action is designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome. It is a calculated political decision the night before Mo Charas court appearance. There is no basis for this, our last hearing was entirely peaceful and a loving show of solidarity with the most disruptive attendees the right wing media. We know all of our supporters will be, but please go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, no matter how pitiful. Despite a heavy presence, police were not successful in mounting any provocations. O hAnnaidh told the crowd after the hearing, This is a distraction from the real story. Unfortunately, this story will end up in the media today, while Israel is committing genocide at the same time. So, everybody, continue to speak out on Palestine. Free Palestine. The following lecture was delivered by Christoph Vandreier, the national secretary of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Germany), at the Socialist Equality Party (US) International Summer School, held between August 2-9, 2025. It is the first part of a two-part lecture on the Origins of Trotskyism. The WSWS is also publishing two primary source documents written by Leon Trotsky to accompany this lecture, the Manifesto of the Communist International to the Workers of the World, delivered at the First Congress of the Communist International, and Chapter 10 of Trotskys work The Permanent Revolution. We encourage our readers to study these texts alongside this lecture. The WSWS will be publishing all the lectures at the school in the coming weeks. The introduction to the school by SEP National Chairman David North, The place of Security and the Fourth International in the history of the Trotskyist movement was published on August 13. Introduction The Security and the Fourth International investigation was not simply a detective story about the murder of Leon Trotsky. By launching an investigation into Trotskys assassination and exposing the role of the Stalinists and imperialists inside and outside the movement, the IC connected itself more deeply to the history of the revolutionary movement. Unlike the Pabloites or the Robertson group, it took the history of the movement and the political clarification in that history seriously, because it understood that the key to resolving the crisis of revolutionary leadership, and thus the crisis of humanity, lay in the continuity of the Fourth International, that is the continuity of Bolshevism. The perspective and historical principles embodied in the ICFI are the only basis on which the working class can be enabled to overthrow the capitalists and build a socialist society. This explains the mortal enmity of the Stalinists and imperialists toward our movement. It is therefore essential to begin a school on security and the Fourth International with a presentation of the very perspective that has been defended and developed in its course: The perspective of Trotskyism, of international socialism. In the 2017 New Years Perspective, Comrades Joseph Kishore and David North identified the following three political and theoretical foundations on which the October Revolution was based: 1. The defense and elaboration of dialectical and historical materialism, in opposition to philosophical idealism and anti-Marxist revisionism, as the theoretical basis of the education and revolutionary practice of the working class. 2. The unrelenting struggle against the many forms of opportunism and centrism that obstructed or undermined the fight to establish the political independence of the working class. 3. The working out, over many years, of the strategic perspective that oriented the Bolshevik Party toward the struggle for power in 1917. In this latter process, Lenins adoption of the theory of permanent revolution, developed by Trotsky during the previous decade, was the critical advance that guided the strategy of the Bolsheviks in the months leading up to the overthrow of the provisional government.[ 1 ] As for the second point, Lenin waged an unyielding struggle for the independent perspective of the working class. Already in his writings against the populists in the 1890s, Lenin insisted that the working class must take up its independent class position against these bourgeois and petty-bourgeois forces. In What Is To Be Done, he argued against the Economists that the independence of the working class could only be achieved through a continuous practical, political, and theoretical struggle against bourgeois and spontaneous consciousness, and on this basis he split with the Mensheviks in 1903. Lenin understood that in this struggle for an independent line and against all opportunism, a materialist conception of history and society is indispensable. Only if the revolutionary party scientifically understands the class struggle can it intervene in it and raise the consciousness of the working class. As Lenin brilliantly summed up in his important work Materialism and Empirio-Criticism: The highest task of humanity is to comprehend this objective logic of economic evolution (the evolution of social life) in its general and fundamental features, so that it may be possible to adapt to it ones social consciousness and the consciousness of the advanced classes of all capitalist countries in as definite, clear and critical a fashion as possible.[ 2 ] This was the working basis of Lenin, Trotsky, and the other great Marxists. They understood Marxism not as a template to be imposed on historical development, but as a tool for accurately understanding objective development in order to develop the independent line of the working class. From this standpoint, they approached the comprehensive changes that capitalism had undergone since the end of the 19th century. In Russia, these questions were particularly acute. Three conceptions of the Russian Revolution The basic principle of Marxism is that social revolutionthat is, the process of replacing one ruling class with anothertakes place only when the development of productive forces is no longer possible within the framework of the existing relations of production, as Comrade Kishore put it in his lecture on the Russian Revolution.[ 3 ] But when Marxism arrived in Russia, these processes were still in their infancy. The country was largely agrarian, with a peasant population of 100 million. Although serfdom had been abolished in 1861, rural structures remained essentially feudal, dominated by some 60,000 extremely wealthy, mostly aristocratic landowners. At the same time, industry in the urban centers was very modern. Three to five million workers produced about half of the national income, often in large factories with over 1,000 employees. Under these conditions, an intense discussion took place within the Russian socialist movement about the character of the revolution in Russia, which was of great importance for international Marxism and formed the basis for the October Revolution. Essentially, there were three concepts. Georgi Plekhanov The father of Russian Marxism, Georgi Plekhanov, understood the necessity of building an independent party of the working class committed to international socialism. As early as 1848 in Germany, it had become clear that the bourgeoisie, fearing a proletarian uprising, would rather seek an alliance with the feudal powers than push forward the democratic revolution. The revolutionary movement will triumph in Russia as a workers movement, or it will never triumph, Plekhanov therefore declared at the founding congress of the Second International in 1889. But Plekhanov formally transferred the development of capitalism in Western Europe to the situation in Russia and therefore understood the revolution as a purely bourgeois revolution. The workers had to drive it forward, but ultimately hand over power to the bourgeoisie so that capitalism could fully develop in Russia. As a Menshevik leader, he ultimately openly promoted an alliance between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. With the revolution of 1905 the limits of this perspective became obvious. As David North explained: The events of 1905that is, the eruption of the first Russian Revolutiongenerated serious questions about the viability of Plekhanovs theoretical model. The most significant aspect of the Russian Revolution was the dominant political role played by the proletariat in the struggle against tsarism. Against the background of general strikes and insurrection, the maneuverings of the political leaders of the Russian bourgeoisie appeared petty and treacherous. No Robespierre or Danton was to be found among the bourgeoisie. The Cadet Party (Constitutional Democrats) bore no resemblance to the Jacobins.[ 4 ] In the midst of these revolutionary events of 1905, Lenin developed a position opposed to Plekhanov. In solving the tasks of the bourgeois revolution, the proletariat could not rely on the bourgeoisie, which reacted to every independent movement of the working class by moving closer to the landowners and the tsarist regime. Vladimir Lenin Lenin argued that the working class had to solve the tasks of the bourgeois revolution independently of and against the bourgeoisie. In doing so, he relied on an alliance with the peasantry. Instead of bourgeois parliamentarism, he demanded a democratic dictatorship of the proletariat and the peasantry; instead of cooperation with the bourgeoisie, he called for the mobilization of the rural working population. But even Lenin saw the tasks of this revolution, above all the solution of the land question, as bourgeois. As Lenin explained: But of course it will be a democratic, not a socialist dictatorship. It will be unable (without a series of intermediate stages of revolutionary development) to affect the foundations of capitalism. At best, it may bring about a radical redistribution of landed property in favor of the peasantry, establish consistent and full democracy, including the formation of a republic, eradicate all the oppressive features of Asiatic bondage, not only in rural but also in factory life, lay the foundation for a thorough improvement in the conditions of the workers and for a rise in their standard of living, andlast but not leastcarry the revolutionary conflagration into Europe.[ 5 ] Lenins conception was undoubtedly a significant step forward because it reformulated the class relationship in the revolution and in the new form of rule and already placed the revolution in Russia within the context of the European revolution. But his formula of democratic dictatorship left unanswered the question of the class character of the new government and remained rather formal with regard to the politics of the new government. Trotsky pointed out as early as 1905 that Lenin wanted to resolve the contradiction between the class interests of the workers and the objective conditions of Russias backwardness through self-restraint on the part of the workers. Whereas the Mensheviks, proceeding from the abstract notion that our revolution is a bourgeois revolution, arrive at the idea that the proletariat must adapt all its tactics to the behavior of the liberal bourgeoisie in order to ensure the transfer of state power to the bourgeoisie, the Bolsheviks proceed from an equally abstract notiondemocratic dictatorship, not socialist dictatorshipand arrive at the idea of a proletariat in possession of state power imposing a bourgeois democratic limitation upon itself. It is true that the difference between them in this matter is very considerable: while the anti-revolutionary aspects of Menshevism have already become fully apparent, those of Bolshevism are likely to become a serious threat only in the event of victory.[ 6 ] Leon Trotsky With this, Trotsky already outlined the basic features of the theory of permanent revolution, which he systematically expounded a year later in Results and Prospects. Both Lenin and Trotsky understood that the working class must lead the peasantry, which is incapable of independent politics. But they disagreed on the class nature of the revolutionary regime that would replace the autocracy. Trotsky explained that the revolution led by the working class was permanent in the sense that once the workers had seized power, they could not stop at bourgeois-democratic measures, but would be compelled to take socialist measures. However, the question arose as to how this could be possible in backward Russia, where capitalism had not yet developed and the vast majority of the population consisted of peasants. And here, based on a detailed study of the development of the world economy and the contradictory development in Russia, Trotsky developed the central element of the theory of permanent revolution, which is of utmost importance not only for the backward countries, but also for the strategy of the socialist world revolution. Both he and Lenin understood the revolution in Russia not as an isolated, national event, but as part of the world revolution. But Trotsky drew the most far-reaching conclusions from this. In 1905, he wrote: Imposing its own type of economy and its own relations on all countries, capitalism has transformed the entire world into a single economic and political organism... From the very outset, this fact gives currently unfolding events an international character and opens up majestic prospects. Political emancipation, led by the Russian working class, is raising the latter to heights that are historically unprecedented, providing it with colossal means and resources, and making it the initiator of capitalisms worldwide liquidation, for which history has prepared all the objective preconditions.[ 7 ] Trotskys theory of permanent revolution was not a utopia but was based on an understanding of global capitalist development. In 1931, Trotsky aptly summarized this insight in his work The Permanent Revolution: One of the basic reasons for the crisis in bourgeois society is the fact that the productive forces created by it can no longer be reconciled with the framework of the national state. From this follows on the one hand, imperialist wars, on the other, the utopia of a bourgeois United States of Europe. The socialist revolution begins on the national arena, it unfolds on the international arena, and is completed on the world arena. Thus, the socialist revolution becomes a permanent revolution in a newer and broader sense of the word; it attains completion only in the final victory of the new society on our entire planet.[ 8 ] In In Defense of Leon Trotsky, David North sums up how fundamental this analysis was to the strategy of world socialist revolution: Proceeding from the analysis of the historical development of world capitalism and the objective dependence of Russia on the international economic and political environment, Trotsky foresaw the socialist development of Russias revolution. The Russian working class would be compelled to take power and adopt measures of a socialist character. Yet in proceeding along socialist lines, the working class in Russia would inevitably come up against the limitations of the national environment. How would it find a way out of its dilemma? By linking its fate to the European and world revolution of which its own struggle was, in the final analysis, a manifestation. Trotskys theory of Permanent Revolution made possible a realistic conception of world revolution. The age of national revolutions had come to an endor, to put it more precisely, national revolutions could only be understood within the framework of the international socialist revolution.[ 9 ] Permanent Revolution in Russia: From the April Theses to the October Revolution The theory of permanent revolution was first confirmed in the World War, the collapse of the capitalist nation-state system, and then in every respect in the Russian Revolution. Rally on Nevsky Prospekt, after the February Revolution of 1917 The February Revolution had already been initiated primarily by the working class and led in particular by workers who had been educated by the Bolsheviks. They led the uprising to victory, but without a centralized party they were unable to immediately place power in the hands of the proletarian vanguard. This gave rise to dual power between the provisional government, led by the liberal bourgeoisie, and the Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies. As Trotsky had foreseen, the bourgeoisie tried everything to suppress the revolution and defend the tsar. After the tsars abdication, the provisional government attempted to disarm the workers, dissolve the Soviet, and continue the war. The Mensheviks and Social Revolutionaries, who initially had a majority in the Soviet, supported the provisional government and, in particular, the continuation of the warin line with their belief that the working class must support the bourgeoisie, even if the latter was openly hostile to the revolution. Under these conditions, a fierce debate developed within the Bolshevik Party over the relationship to the provisional government and the continuation of the war. Kamenev and Stalin, who jointly headed the editorial board of Pravda, argued that the Bolsheviks must critically support the provisional government in order to create the best conditions for the democratic dictatorship of the workers and peasants. They even openly called for support for the continuation of the war. Lenin, on the other hand, had already moved closer to Trotskys positions during the war in his fundamental analysis of imperialism. In Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism, he explained how capitalism had developed into a world system of colonial oppression and financial strangulation of the vast majority of the worlds population by a handful of advanced countries. His slogan Turn the war into a civil war put the socialist revolution in all European countries on the agenda. Lenin speaking at the Tauride Palace in Petrograd, 4. (17.) April 1917 Even before his return to Russia, Lenin described any support for the provisional government in his Letters from Afar as a betrayal of the cause of the proletariat and rejected the continuation of the imperialist war. As soon as he arrived in Russia, he discussed the April Theses within the party, on the basis of which he was not unjustly accused of Trotskyism. In his theses, Lenin emphasized that the Bolsheviks position must not change, that the war on the Russian side remained an imperialist war of plunder. Precisely because the mood among the masses was that the war was a defense of the revolution, it was necessary for the Bolsheviks to reveal the true background of the war. It was necessary to prove that without overthrowing capital it is impossible to end the war by a truly democratic peace, a peace not imposed by violence. This was an important point because Lenin proceeded from the objective conditions and not from the immediate consciousness of the working class, as he had already explained in What Is To Be Done? the logic of class struggle would reveal the counterrevolutionary character of Kerensky and the Mensheviks, Lenin explained. At the decisive stage, the convergence of the party program and objective conditions would enable the Bolsheviks to win the masses of the working class for the perspective of socialist revolution. In the second point of his theses, Lenin clearly backed the idea of permanent revolution by calling for the proletariat to take power. He said that the Bolsheviks shouldnt have any illusions about the provisional government but should oppose parliamentarianism with the rule of the councils. The police, army, and civil service had to be abolished and replaced. In addition to nationalizing the land, Lenin also demanded direct control of the banks by the Soviets and workers control over production and distribution. The Social Democratic Labor Party of Russia should be renamed the Communist Party, and the founding of a Communist International should be undertaken, directed against both the social-chauvinists and the centrists. David North aptly summarizes Lenins development toward Trotskys position: Lenins political programwhich signaled the alignment of his strategy with Trotskys theory of permanent revolutionwas not based primarily on an appraisal of nationally determined circumstances and opportunities as they existed in Russia. The essential question confronting the working class was not whether Russia, as a national state, had achieved a sufficient level of capitalist development that would allow a transition to socialism. Rather, the Russian working class confronted a historical situation in which its own fate was inextricably bound up with the struggle of the European working class against the imperialist war and the capitalist system from which it arose.[ 10 ] Lenins new orientation was also clearly evident in his draft program for the proletarian party, which he also wrote in April 1917. It states: The war is not a product of the evil will of rapacious capitalists, although it is undoubtedly being fought only in their interests and they alone are being enriched by it. The war is a product of half a century of development of world capitalism and of its billions of threads and connections. It is impossible to slip out of the imperialist war and achieve a democratic non-coercive peace without overthrowing the power of capital and transferring state power to another class, the proletariat. The Russian revolution of February-March 1917 was the beginning of the transformation of the imperialist war into a civil war. This revolution took the first step toward ending the war; but it requires a second step, namely the transfer of state power to the proletariat, to make the end of the war a certainty. This will be the beginning of a breakthrough on a worldwide scale, a breakthrough in the front of capitalist interests; and only by breaking through this front can the proletariat save mankind from the horrors of war and endow it with the blessings of peace.[ 11 ] While Lenin had thus joined the theory of permanent revolution, Trotsky gained a deeper understanding of Lenins unyielding struggle for a complete break with the opportunists who had turned into social patriots and defenders of the fatherland in the course of the war and revolution in Russia. Since Trotsky had ruled out a union with the Mensheviks, there was no better Bolshevik, Lenin declared in October 1917. Lenin had already placed the struggle against opportunism in the workers movement at the center of his program in What Is To Be Done? and had completed the break with the Mensheviks in 1912. With the outbreak of war, Lenin pressed internationally for a total break with the defenders of the fatherland and especially with the centrists who wanted to prevent this break. In Russia, this was confirmed by the counterrevolutionary role played by the Mensheviks. Instead of fighting against the bourgeoisie and the Black Hundreds, they fought against the Bolsheviks and supported the hunt for them after the July protests. Trotsky was imprisoned and Lenin had to go into hiding. Kerensky, who was supported by the Mensheviks, even collaborated with General Kornilov to disempower the Soviet and destroy the revolution. The question of state power came to a head, and the Mensheviks and Social Revolutionaries who supported Kerensky were discredited among the masses. Troops of the Provisional Government shoot at demonstration on Nevsky Prospekt During this period, Lenin devoted himself to his fundamental study State and Revolution, in which he vehemently opposed the reformists position that the bourgeois state apparatus could be taken over by the working class. Based on Marx and Engels, Lenin demonstrated the class character of the state and proved that the working class had to smash the bourgeois state and replace it with its own. Trotsky rightly described the work as a scientific introduction to the greatest revolution in history; it was the preparation for the seizure of power. After the workers, led by the Bolsheviks, had defeated the Kornilov putsch, Lenin wrote, while still working on State and Revolution: The question of state power cannot be evaded or brushed aside because it is the key question determining everything in a revolutions development. ... The slogan Power to the Soviets, however, is very often, if not in most cases, taken quite incorrectly to mean a Cabinet of the parties of the Soviet majority... [Not so.] Power to the Soviets means radically reshaping the entire old state apparatus, that bureaucratic apparatus which hampers everything democratic. It means removing this apparatus and substituting for it a new popular one, i.e., a truly democratic apparatus of Soviets, i.e., the organized and armed majority of the peoplethe workers, soldiers, and peasants. It means allowing the majority of the people initiative and independence not only in the election of deputies, but also in state administration, in effecting reforms and various other changes.[ 12 ] Lenin addressing a crowd (May 1920) with Trotsky standing next to the platform Lenins orientation against any half-measures and compromises with the bourgeoisie or its agents in the ranks of the working class undoubtedly laid the foundation for the October Revolution. Lenin and Trotsky could only take this stance because of their strategic orientation toward the socialist world revolution, for only the international working class provided the objective basis for this tremendous revolutionary upheaval. This was also evident immediately before the October Revolution, when Zinoviev and Kamenev rejected the Bolsheviks seizure of power. The doubters looked exclusively at the national conditions in Russia, under which they considered a revolution impossible. Instead, they demanded that the Constituent Assembly be convened and that the bourgeoisie be forced to solve the democratic tasks. They repeatedat a higher stage of developmentthe disputes of April. Lenin and Trotsky understood Russian developments as part of the international class struggle and therefore came to completely different conclusions. It was precisely in the situation in which the Bolsheviks had won the majority of the Soviets and knew that they had considerable sections of the army behind them that the conflicts over the orientation broke out most sharply. In this situation, it was precisely the theoretical and political struggles that Lenin and Trotsky had fought over the previous 15 years that mattered. David North summarizes the significance of the party in his reasons why the Russian Revolution must be studied: The Bolsheviks provided the working class with an example of what a genuine revolutionary party is, and the irreplaceable role of such a party in securing the victory of the socialist revolution. A careful study of the revolutionary process in 1917 leaves no doubt that the presence of the Bolshevik Party, with Lenin and Trotsky in its leadership, was decisive in securing the victory of the socialist revolution. The movement of the Russian working class, supported by a revolutionary uprising of the peasantry, assumed gigantic dimensions in 1917. But no realistic reading of the events of that year permits the conclusion that the working class would have come to power without the leadership provided by the Bolshevik Party. Drawing the essential lesson of this experience, Trotsky later insisted: The role and the responsibility of the leadership [of the working class] in a revolutionary epoch is colossal. This conclusion remains as valid in the present historical situation as it was in 1917.[ 13 ] In Lessons of October, Trotsky sums up this idea: Events have proved that without a party capable of directing the proletarian revolution, the revolution itself is rendered impossible. The proletariat cannot seize power by a spontaneous uprising. ... One propertied class is able to seize the power that has been wrested from another propertied class because it is able to base itself upon its riches, its cultural level, and its innumerable connections with the old state apparatus. But there is nothing else that can serve the proletariat as a substitute for its own party.[ 14 ] Soviet Russia and the strategy of world socialist revolution: The first four congresses of the Communist International, 1919-1922 The October Revolution was an international event in every sense of the word. On the one hand, more than a dozen foreign powers intervened in Russia to support the White Army and overthrow the working class. On the other hand, the years following the October Revolution saw numerous uprisings and revolutions around the world. The most significant was the November Revolution in Germany. Here, the importance of the revolutionary party was confirmed in a negative way. The left wing of the Social Democracy had hesitated to break with the SPD and later with the centrist USPD and build an independent revolutionary party. There were complex historical and political reasons for this, but the result was that the discredited SPD, with the support of the centrist USPD, was able to disempower the workers councils and strangle the November Revolution. When the left wing of the SPD finally broke away and founded the KPD on January 1, 1919, it took only two weeks before its leaders Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg were brutally murdered by right-wing Freikorps soldiers during the Spartacus uprising at the behest of the SPD government. The bourgeoisie, for its part, had learned its lesson from the October Revolution and plastered posters all over Berlin reading: Schlagt ihre Fuhrer tot! Kill their leaders! This episode is not insignificant for the discussion of Security and the Fourth International. Seven weeks after the assassination of Luxemburg and Liebknecht, the founding congress of the Comintern took place. Lenin and Trotsky drew the conclusion from the October Revolution and the experiences in Germany that Communist parties modeled on the Bolsheviks must be built in every country of the world in order to enable the spread of the revolution and make the socialist world revolution a reality. The manifesto of the founding congress, written by Trotsky, states: Our task is to generalize the revolutionary experience of the working class, to purge the movement of the corroding admixture of opportunism and social-patriotism, to unify the efforts of all genuinely revolutionary parties of the world proletariat and thereby facilitate and hasten the victory of the Communist revolution throughout the world. ... If the First International presaged the future course of development and indicated its paths; if the Second International gathered and organized millions of workers; then the Third International is the International of open mass action, the International of revolutionary realization, the International of the deed.[ 15 ] These were not just words. The Comintern adopted very definitive organizational principles that were intended to rule out any half-heartedness toward opportunists and any centrism, and which were expressed in the 21 Conditions for Membership in the Comintern. The manifesto of the Second Congress, at which the conditions were adopted, stated in no uncertain terms: The Communist International is the party of the revolutionary education of the world proletariat. It rejects all those organizations and groups which openly or covertly stupefy, demoralize and weaken the proletariat, exhorting it to kneel before the fetishes which are a facade for the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie: legalism, democracy, national defense, etc. Neither can the Communist International admit into its ranks those organizations which, after inscribing the dictatorship of the proletariat in their program, continue to conduct a policy which obviously relies upon a peaceful solution of the historical crisis. Mere recognition of the Soviet system settles nothing. The Soviet form of organization does not possess any miraculous powers. Revolutionary power lies within the proletariat itself. It is necessary for the proletariat to rise for the conquest of powerthen and only then does the Soviet organization reveal its qualities as the irreplaceable instrument in the hands of the proletariat.[ 16 ] The irreconcilable attitude toward opportunists stood in direct interaction with the unconditional internationalism of the Comintern. Already in its founding manifesto, the connection between opportunism and nationalism was pointed out and contrasted with the concept of a truly international party that allows nothing other than the independent line of the working class. It states: As far back as 1889, these parties came together in the Congress of Paris and created the organization of the Second International. But the center of gravity of the labor movement during that period remained wholly on national soil, wholly within the framework of national states, upon the foundation of national industry, within the sphere of national parliamentarianism. The decades of reformist organizational activity gave birth to an entire generation of leaders, the majority of whom recognized in words the program of the social revolution but renounced it in deeds, becoming mired in reformism, in a docile adaptation to the bourgeois state. The opportunist character of the leading parties of the Second International has been completely exposed; and it led to the greatest collapse in world history at a moment when the march of historic events demanded revolutionary methods of struggle from the working-class parties. If the war of 1870 dealt a blow to the First International, revealing that there was as yet no fused mass force behind its social-revolutionary program, then the war of 1914 killed the Second International, revealing that the mightiest organizations of the working masses were dominated by parties which had become transformed into auxiliary organs of the bourgeois state![ 17 ] Delegates at the First Congress of the Communist International, 1919 The Comintern did not simply understand internationalism as solidarity between workers. Rather, it understood revolution as an international process that could only be accomplished through a precise understanding of world development and the experiences of the working class in each individual country as part of the wealth of experience of the entire movement. It was not simply an internationalist perspective; it was the perspective of world revolution. Trotsky explained this brilliantly in his response to the accusation that the Bolsheviks were forcing the Russian perspective on the other Comintern sections: From our standpoint, the world economy is viewed as an organic unity on whose ground the world proletarian revolution evolves; and the Communist International takes its orientation from the entire world economic complex, analyzing it by means of the scientific methods of Marxism and utilizing all the experiences of past struggles. This does not, of course, exclude but rather presupposes that the development of each country has its own peculiar features, that specific situations have their peculiarities, and so on. But in order to correctly evaluate these peculiarities, it is necessary to approach them in their international context.[ 18 ] Understanding the entire world situation through the historical experiences of the movement in each country in order to develop a revolutionary strategy is the concretization of Lenins call in Materialism and Empirio-Criticism, and it remains the foundation of our party to this day. Here, too, the Comintern drew very definitive organizational conclusions. One of the 21 conditions was to work under the authority of the Comintern and its Executive Committee. For the first time, a truly international party had been created in this way. In preparation for the Second Congress, Trotsky wrote: Let us repeat, the Communist International is not an arithmetic sum of national workers parties. It is the Communist Party of the international proletariat. The German Communists have the right and the obligation to raise pointblank the question: on what grounds is Turati [2] a member of their party? In reviewing the question of the entry of the Independent German Social Democrats and of the French Socialist Party into the Third International, the Russian Communists have the right and the obligation to pose such conditions as would, from their viewpoint, secure our international party against dilution and disintegration. Every organization entering the ranks of the Communist International acquires in turn the right and the opportunity to actively influence the theory and practice of Russian Bolsheviks, German Spartacists, etc., etc.[ 19 ] Looking at the manifestos and discussions of the first four congresses of the Comintern as a whole, one encounters a language that is unique and found today only among us. The intense striving to penetrate the objective class dynamics and world development and at the same time to write directly for the struggle, to intervene in this development with all ones might. At all times uncompromising toward all attempts to water down the program and adapt to national pressures. At its third and fourth congresses, the Comintern recognized that the revolutionary upsurge had temporarily ebbed, but presented thorough analyses of why capitalism could not return to its pre-war stability and why new storms were coming. Under these conditions, the Comintern paid great attention to the question of how the Communist parties could maneuver in the tide of class struggle, win the confidence of the class, and break the workers masses from the reformist organizations. Trotsky summed up the significance of the Third Congress as follows: The Third Congress took note of the further falling apart of the economic foundations of bourgeois rule. But it has at the same time forcibly warned the advanced workers against any naive conceptions that from this flows automatically the death of the bourgeoisie through an uninterrupted offensive by the proletariat. Never before has the bourgeoisies class instinct of self-preservation been armed with such multiform methods of defense and attack as today. The economic preconditions for the victory of the working class are at hand. Failing this victory, and moreover unless this victory comes in the more or less near future, all civilization is threatened with decline and degeneration. But this victory can be gained only by the skillful conduct of battles and, above all, by first conquering the majority of the working class. This is the main lesson of the Third Congress.[ 20 ] These questions of leadership were soon to come to a head again when a revolutionary situation developed in Germany in 1923. The discussions that then took place in the Comintern were already an expression of the growing conflicts between the Marxists and the growing bureaucracy in the Soviet Union. But Joe will speak about that now. I would like to conclude by noting that, despite international terror and historical slander, Stalin was unable to wipe out this tradition. It lives on in our movement. With the work on Security and the Fourth International, the Workers League not only strengthened its ties to this history, it also carried it forward in the best tradition by directing its fire at the Stalinists and imperialists and, above all, at the revisionists, and by understanding the historical significance of this struggle. It demonstrated that the Pabloites had broken in every respect with the revolutionary struggle for the independence of the working class, with the tradition of the October Revolution and the Comintern. KAMPALA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has agreed to take in deportees from the United States, a top foreign affairs official here said Thursday. Vincent Bagiire, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement that Uganda has reached an agreement with the United States for cooperation in the examination of protection requests. "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," Bagiire said. "This is a temporary arrangement with conditions, including that individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors will not be accepted," he said. "Uganda also prefers that individuals from African countries shall be the ones transferred to Uganda." He added that the two parties are working out the detailed modalities on how the agreement shall be implemented. People arrive before the start of a naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Miami Field Office in Miami, Florida. [AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee] On August 19, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new policy manual guidance that vastly expands the grounds for denying immigration applications and naturalization. The measure deepens the ideological policing of immigrants, reviving Cold War era exclusions and extending them to any who oppose US imperialism and its crimes. The guidance instructs immigration officers to conduct a discretionary analysis that includes not only an immigrants family ties, immigration history and humanitarian concerns but also their political views. Among the factors that may weigh against immigrants are whether they have endorsed, promoted, supported or otherwise espoused the views of a terrorist organization, those engaged in anti-American ideologies or activities or groups and individuals associated with antisemitic terrorism or antisemitic ideologies. The deliberately vague phrasing in the new policy update is not accidental. It opens the door for the state to brand opposition to US wars abroad, opposition to Zionism and the genocide in Gaza, or socialist advocacy of equality and revolution as anti-American. Anyone accused of such beliefs can be denied entry, permanent residence or citizenship. The footnotes to the guidance point to 8 U.S.C. 1424, a statute first codified in the depths of the Cold War. That provision bars naturalization to anyone who advocates opposition to all organized government or is affiliated with the Communist Party, the Communist Political Association or any totalitarian party. It prohibits membership in any organization that advocates the economic, international, and governmental doctrines of world communism or the establishment in the United States of a totalitarian dictatorship. In practice, these clauses were crafted to exclude and deport revolutionary socialists. The US government, terrified by the revolutionary upsurges of the 20th century, sought to criminalize Marxism itself. It outlawed not criminal actions but political doctrinesabove all, the program of international socialist revolution. The new USCIS guidance does not rescind these anti-communist prohibitions but builds directly upon them. By adding anti-American ideologies to the list, the government effectively declares that any opposition to capitalism, imperialism or the state itself is foreign, dangerous and prohibited. Immigration attorney Eric Lee noted that under the new guidance, Trump probably would deny Thomas Jefferson citizenship under the new USCIS policy for this letter he wrote to William Stephens Smith on Nov. 13, 1787. In the letter, Jefferson famously wrote, The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Using the cudgel of antisemitism, the guidance provides sufficient ambiguity to allow the US government to ban entry to all those who oppose the ongoing US-backed genocide in Gaza. The specter of Trotskyism haunts Washington The guidance is aimed squarely at those who advance the perspective advanced by Leon Trotsky, co-leader of the Russian Revolution: that the emancipation of the working class requires international socialist revolution. In The Permanent Revolution (1930), Trotsky wrote: The fundamental task of the proletarian party in each country is to connect the struggle of the workers with the struggle of the workers of the entire world. In the Transitional Program (1938), he warned: Without a socialist revolution a catastrophe threatens the whole culture of mankind. Trotsky also insisted on workers right to migrate freely, declaring in 1932: The workers must demand the abolition of all immigration laws. ... The working class must defend its own interests by demanding full freedom of movement for the workers. Each of these principlesinternationalism, opposition to the capitalist state, the abolition of bordersfalls directly into the categories of anti-American thought that the USCIS now polices. To advocate for Trotskys program of Permanent Revolution is, in the eyes of US law, to be disqualified from entry or citizenship. The meaning of these changes is clear. Immigrants are not merely required to obey US laws; they must profess loyalty to US imperialism. Those who oppose the genocide in Gaza, those who advocate socialism, those who call for the unity of workers across borders are all suspect. Unable to rule democratically, the American ruling class demands ideological conformity at the border, turning immigration officers into political commissars of the capitalist state. This policy update has nothing to do with keeping people safe. Its sole purpose is to suppress the spread of socialist consciousness within the working class, at a time when mass opposition to inequality, attacks on immigrants, dictatorship and war is growing internationally. A government that is jailing immigrant workers, persecuting students for writing op-eds, deporting families and supporting genocidal wars abroad now arrogates to itself the right to decide what thoughts are sufficiently American to be permitted in the country. The working class must reject this ideological purge. The struggle for immigrants rights, for the freedom of movement and the right of workers to live and labor wherever they choose is inseparable from the fight against imperialism, capitalism and the threat of world war. The fact that the US government is seeking to outlaw the perspective advanced by Trotsky and the World Socialist Web Site is proof of not only its power but its truth. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, greet members of the National Guard, at Union Station in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. [AP Photo/Al Drago] What is now taking place in Washington D.C. is an unfolding presidential coup detat. National Guard troops from six Republican-run states began to deploy on the streets of Washington D.C. Wednesday, while Trump administration officials declared that the US capital could remain under military occupation indefinitely, depending only on the decisions of Trump as commander-in-chief. Troops arrived Tuesday from West Virginia, and Wednesday from South Carolina, Ohio, Mississippi and Louisiana, with troops from Tennessee expected as well. This will bring the total police-military presence in the US capital to nearly 9,000 (3,200 Metropolitan police, 2,300 Capitol police, 1,200 state National Guard troops, 800 DC National Guard troops, 472 police from the Washington Metro transit system, 350 National Park Police and at least 500 other armed federal agents, including FBI and ICE). Much of the National Guard force entering Washington comes from states that once formed the Confederacy. Trump is consciously drawing on the most reactionary traditions in American history. On the very day these troops arrived in the capital, Trump launched a tirade on social media against the Smithsonian Institution for presenting exhibits that, in his view, spent too much time describing how bad slavery was. Three of Trumps principal political thugs, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, greeted National Guard troops inside Union Station on Wednesday. The location was deliberately chosen, only a block from the Capitol building, where the previous Trump-led invasion of Washington culminated in the violent assault on Congress on January 6, 2021. In a very real sense, the takeover of Washington ordered by Trump on August 11, 2025 is the direct continuationor rather the resumptionof the coup detat that Trump attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 elections. This time, however, the action has been carefully planned over the seven months since Trump re-entered the White House, and he relies not on thousands of undisciplined and largely unorganized rioters, but on the armed forces of the capitalist state. Vance, Hegseth and Miller posed for pictures with the troops and claimed that the military intervention has already slashed the rate of violent crime in Washingtonthe nominal pretext for the military intervention. But their preening before the media was disrupted by chants of Free DC, Free DC from protesters opposed to Trumps actions, which echoed loudly inside the building. This provoked a fascistic rant from Miller, who denounced the protesters as crazy communists, adding, Were not going to let the communists destroy a great American city, let alone the nations capital. He claimed the protesters were outsiders with no roots in this city, and accused them of advocating for the criminals, the killers, the rapists, the drug dealers. Miller went on to call the District of Columbia one of the most violent cities on planet earth, although it is less violent than most of the capital cities of the states whose Republican governors have sent National Guard troops. While Miller set the hysterical tone, Vance delivered the main message, that the military occupation of the US capital could be of indefinite duration. Asked about the 30-day deadline, set by law in the 1973 DC Home Rule Act, for Trump to get congressional authorization for his takeover of the Washington police, Vance replied, Well, well ultimately let the president of the United States determine where we are after 30 days of this emergency order if the president of the United States thinks that he has to extend this order to ensure that people have access to public safety, then thats exactly what hell do. Asked to respond to polls showing that a majority of Washington D.C. residents oppose the deployment of the National Guard and feel less safe with their city flooded with armed men, including hundreds wearing masks as they stage raids and arrests, Vance sneered, Maybe the same polls that said Kamala Harris won the popular vote by 10 points. He then shut down the press briefing. The troop deployment in Washington is following a worked-out design, highlighting the military by stationing uniformed troops and armored vehicles at every location likely to attract out-of-town visitors: the Washington Monument and National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, Capitol Hill and Union Station. This was expanded Wednesday to 10 Metro stations, mainly in the downtown area. The aim is to normalize a visible role for the US military in the US capital, in a sharp break with past practice. Up to now, neither troops nor police have engaged in mass repression against the population of the city, although there have been scattered clashes in immigrant neighborhoods provoked by the setting up of checkpoints and brutal actions by ICE agents. This is only temporary, however. The logic of Trumps policies and his visceral hatred of the working class lead inexorably to violence. Trumps political coup is assisted by the corporate media, which has downplayed the military-police occupation to an extraordinary extent. The hometown Washington Post, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, the Amazon boss who is one of the worlds richest men, relegated its report on the deployment of National Guard troops from six states to an inside page of its Metro news section, as if it was describing a local water main break and not a major step in the erection of a presidential dictatorship in America. In a rare exception to the media blackout, David Graham in the Atlantic commented, 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. After noting that Trump has set no target date for ending the deployment, Graham concluded: That raises the scary prospect that it could just go on foreveror slide into martial law around the country With no stated goal, and with an acquiescent Congress and Supreme Court, the country could end up with the US military occupying its major cities before most Americans realize whats happening. Over the course of just seven months in office, Trump has implemented a systematic plan to establish a fascistic dictatorship. A series of executive orders has laid the groundwork for invoking the Insurrection Act and criminalizing opposition to the Gaza genocide. Federal troops have already been deployed to the US-Mexico border, and then to back up mass anti-immigrant raids in Los Angeles, followed by the grotesque June 14 military parade in Washington D.C., with tanks rolling through the streets of the capital on Trumps 79th birthday. Now the military-police occupation of the nations capital has begun, with plans underway for similar deployments in major cities throughout the country. The principal factor enabling this drive towards dictatorship is the collaboration of the Democratic Party, which seeks to block any expression of the mass popular opposition to Trumps ongoing seizure of power, diverting it into the dead end of legal appeals and impotent protests. It is worth noting here that in the same poll that showed D.C. residents opposed Trumps military takeover, 50 percent felt that Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser had done too little to resist it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Trumps actions a political ploy and an attempted distraction from Trumps other scandals, such as his ties to the late multi-millionaire sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Schumers deputy, Senator Dick Durbin, called the troop mobilization political theater. Maryland Governor Wes Moore told the New York Times, I see this as performative and nothing more. So Trump is overthrowing American democracy to distract from a sex scandal! The sheer absurdity of this argument is a demonstration of the political bankruptcy of the Democratic Party. It apparently does not occur to these gentlemen that if Trump is able to seize power as a president-dictator he will not have to worry about unflattering news reports or congressional investigations. Speaking to the media outside the White House last week, Trumps border czar Tom Homan declared, President Trump doesnt have a limitation on his authority to make this country safe again. Theres no limitation on that. These words have meaning: Trump and his top aides recognize no legal and constitutional restraint on the powers of the presidency. Earlier in the week, during a Monday press briefing at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made reference to his postponing the presidential election set for March 2024 indefinitely, under martial law rule imposed after the Russian invasion of February 2022. So youre saying during the war you cant have elections, Trump said, jumping in. So, let me just say, three and a half years from now... if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections. Oh, thats good. The political trajectory of this administration is unmistakably towards war and dictatorship. This is the outcome of a fundamental shift in class relations. What is being demonstrated every day is that the extreme social inequality that prevails under American capitalism today is incompatible with the democratic forms established by the American Revolution and extended by the Civil War. America has once again become a house dividedbut this time between a tiny stratum of billionaires and corporate bosses at the top, and the vast majority, the working class and lower sections of the middle class, facing a constant struggle to survive. Working people and young people must face reality. President Trump is establishing the framework and precedent for military-police dictatorship, not just in Washington D.C., but in every city and state. The Democratic Party will do nothing to stop it. The corporate media will not even acknowledge that the coup is taking place. And the pseudo-left organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America, along with the trade unions, tell workers to put their faith in the Democrats and elect more Democrats in 2026, if there even is an election. Trumps coup has already provoked protests in Washington. Inevitably, as he seeks to extend his bid for power, there will be mass resistance. Trump is setting himself on a collision course with millions of working people in the United States. In the absence of opposition from within the existing political structure, the center of resistance to Trump must move to the working class. The basic political questions that must be answered are: What must be done by the working class, with the support of students and all progressive forces within society, to stop the establishment of a dictatorship in the United States? What are the new forms of organized mass action, including a general strike, required to defend the democratic rights of the working class? What changes in the economic and social structure of the country are necessary to break the power of the financial-corporate oligarchy? In confronting the rebellion of the Slavocracy in 1861, Lincoln was driven to the conclusion that the democratic principles proclaimed by the Declaration of Independence could be preserved only through a revolution that destroyed the economic base of the confederacy, slavery. Exactly 160 years after the conclusion of the Civil War, the threat of a fascistic military-police dictatorship poses the necessity of ending the economic base of oligarchic power, capitalism, and its replacement with workers power and socialism. The 20242025 Gen Z protests, the largest and most sustained mass movement in Kenyas post-independence history, erupted in June 2024 against President William Rutos International Monetary Fund-dictated Finance Bill. The bill doubled VAT on fuel, imposed a housing levy, and increased digital services, income and excise taxes. The protests rapidly evolved into a nationwide revolt against austerity, mass unemployment and surging prices. Millions took to the streets, inspiring similar movements in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Mozambique, and more recently in Angola. The protests were followed by strike action by teachers, transport workers, health staff and sections of the civil service, signalling the entry of broader layers of the working class. But this was stifled by the betrayals of the trade union bureaucracy led by the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU). A man is carried by protesters after being beaten by anti riot police during a demonstration on the one-year anniversary of deadly Gen Z demonstrations in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. [AP Photo/Brian Inganga] On the first anniversary of the Gen Z protests last June, hundreds of thousands again marched nationwide. Just weeks later, on 7 July 2025, the Saba Saba rallies, commemorating the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s, drew similarly massive turnouts, underscoring that the confrontation between the masses and the Kenyan political establishment is ongoing. The state has answered with escalating violence. Over just 14 months, at least 160 demonstrators have been gunned down by police and military units, hundreds permanently injured, thousands arrested, and more than 300 charged under draconian anti-terrorism laws, while dozens have been abducted and disappeared. It is under these conditions that, in early August, the Mathare Social Justice Centre (MSJC) announced the formation of the National Peoples Council (NPC). The initiative was launched together with the Communist Youth League, the youth wing of the Stalinist Communist Party MarxistKenya (CPM-K); the Revolutionary Socialist League, affiliated to the Morenoite International Socialist League; and the Pan-Africanist Stalinist Kongomano La Mapinduzi (Congress of the Revolution). The NPC does not represent a revolutionary alternative. It has been designed to channel the insurgent movement of workers and youth into parliamentary politics, whether as a new independent electoral slate for 2027 elections or as a temporary vehicle for discredited bourgeois politicians looking for a new home. The warm welcome given by the corporate media on its launch, from the Kenya Television Network to The Standard and the Daily Nation, demonstrates the function the ruling class expects the NPC to serve: to capture the energy of the masses and redirect it safely back into the Kenyan political establishment. At the August 4 event, NPC spokesperson Wanjira Wanjiru declared, We are gathered here today to chart a path forward to alternative political leadership rooted in the principles of social justice, rule of law and human rights these protests provide an ideal opportunity to address the fundamental issues facing the people of Kenya and the movement offers the momentum to defeat the current neo-colonial system and achieve complete Kenyan independence. It is indeed a pivotal moment for a national revolution and the fulfilment of our generational mission. Born in Mathare, one of Nairobis slums, Wanjiru, now 30, rose to prominence as a campaigner against police killings after her 19-year-old brother was shot dead. She was nominated as Human Rights Defender of the Year in 2020 for raising awareness about extrajudicial police killings, and has been interviewed in Al Jazeera, the Guardian, DW and the New Humanitarian. She co-hosts the Liberating Minds podcast. Wanjira Wanjiru [Photo: Wanjira Wanjiru/X] In 2015, she co-founded the Mathare Social Justice Centre (MSJC) as a response to the wave of police killings. The model quickly spread, with similar community justice centres emerging in working-class and slum areas such as Kayole, Githurai, Kibera, and Dandora. Today, more than 60 such centres exist across the country. They document human rights abuses, promote social justice, and mobilise grassroots action. While they have exposed real crimes by the Kenyan capitalist state and provided a platform for victims of police violence, their activities remain limited to lobbying, community meetings, and awareness-raising in the informal settlements, without advancing a programme capable of mobilising the working class in a struggle against the ruling elite. In mid-2025, as anti-government protests intensified, Wanjiru became the target of a smear campaign and explicit threats. A Ruto-aligned commentator took to social media, posting a message urging, if you see Wanjira Wanjiru in the streets, mumalizen (Kiswahili for finish her off). While the NPC presents itself as the organ of national representation, it functions as a political safety valve for the Kenyan ruling elite as it escalates repression under IMF dictates. The NPCs Road Map: A pro-capitalist trap for the Gen Z revolt The NPCs founding document, the Road Map to Peoples Revolution in Kenya, makes clear its pro-capitalist orientation. Cloaked in militant rhetoric against Ruto and his policies, it defends a mixed economy where the government plays a central role in safeguarding and enhancing public assets, a formulation designed to preserve capitalist property relations and the domination of Kenyas economy by big business and international finance capital. Land reform is reduced to denunciations of Rutos policies for favouring multinationals, framed in the language of economic nationalism about food sovereignty and self-sufficiency. There is no call for expropriating agribusiness or large estates, nor for placing land under the democratic control of workers and peasants. National People's Council 2025 [Photo: National People's Council] On taxation, NPC appeals for a fair distribution in which the wealthy contribute their fair share to national development. This leaves untouched the ill-gotten fortunes of the Kenyan elite amassed through land grabs, corruption and exploitation. Calls for debt repudiation are detached of any connection to the working class, the only social force capable of taking political power and breaking with capitalism. The NPC denounces the official opposition for being incapable of solving the national crisis and condemns them as only interested in returning to power to continue their selfish agenda of corruption, tribalism and cronyism. But there is nothing uniquely national about the disaster facing the Kenyan masses. IMF and World Bank austerity dictates, the plunder of resources and labour by transnational corporations, and a comprador bourgeoisie that manages this exploitation on their behalf while sending its troops to oppress Somalis, Haitians and Congolese on behalf of Western powers are all expressions of the world system of imperialist oppression. By presenting the social crisis in purely national terms, the NPC conceals the decisive fact that the fight against austerity, dictatorship, and imperialist war in Kenya cannot be other than as part of an international struggle. The true allies of Kenyan workers and youth are their class brothers and sisters internationally, including in the imperialist centres themselves. The NPC and the poisoned well of Stalinism and Pan-Africanism The petty-bourgeois outlook of the NPC is summed up in the Road Maps conclusion: The peoples revolution in Kenya is a fight for independence, sovereignty, and a pro-people government. The National Peoples Council is committed to intensifying the struggle, expanding the movement, and institutionalizing central coordination to achieve these goals. The unifying minimum program provides a clear roadmap for the peoples revolution to address the root causes of the national crisis and build a just and equitable society. This is the vocabulary of Kenyan Stalinism: independence, sovereignty, and an undefined pro-people government, bound together by a minimum programme that explicitly excludes socialist revolution. Behind the radical phraseology lies the same two-stage theory that has always subordinated workers to alliances with progressive faction of the bourgeoisie. This language flows directly from the political traditions of the forces that make up the NPC. At its core stand Stalinist and Pan-Africanist organisations. Chief among them is the CPM-K, whose politics are rooted in the anti-Marxist and counter-revolutionary tradition of Stalinism. Descended from the Maoist Mwakenya movement of the 1980s, it channelled opposition to Mois dictatorship behind Raila Odinga, today in power with Ruto. It later rebranded itself the Social Democratic Party to ally with Mwai Kibaki, and in 2022 openly endorsed William Ruto. CPM-K Politburo [Photo: @CommunistsKe] During the Gen Z protests, this perspective translated into appeals for Ruto to reverse austerity and calls for his resignation in favour of an ill-defined pro-poor government. At the centre of its programme is the glorification of the 2010 Constitution, which it helped draft, portrayed as a site of class struggle. The CPM-K claims the main obstacle to progress is the bourgeoisies failure to implement its provisions, insisting that enforcing them will somehow inevitably lead to socialism. Externally, the CPM-K orientation is toward China, portraying Beijing as a model for national development against Western domination. It reflects the interests of the affluent middle-class strata who have benefitted from Chinese-funded highways, railways, and infrastructure contracts. This orientation will not liberate Kenya from imperialist domination but entangle workers and youth in the sharpening preparations for war by the US against China, to which the Chinese ruling class has no progressive answer. The US State Department has already opened investigations into Rutos human-rights abuses, a signal of Washingtons hostility to his Beijing visits and Chinese loans, with voices in the American establishment now calling for a review of Kenyas status as a non-NATO ally. Kongamano la Mapinduzi (Congress of the Revolution (KLM) echoes the CPM-Ks rhetoric, presenting the 2010 Constitution as the basis for transformative governance that provides for various state interventions to ground the paradigm of a Socialist radical democracy. These state interventions, it continues, will politically serve the purpose of the creation of a fundamental basis for the overthrow of baronial politics, end to imperialism and the building of a better society. It concludes with a call for the National Democratic Revolution, which appears as a titled section in its founding charter. Its charter promises to not rest until we establish a government of Kenya that serves the people. But the Constitution itself, drafted under US and British guidance after the 20072008 crisis, was a safety valve to stabilise bourgeois rule, preserve imperialist bases, and contain mass anger. The police killings, kidnappings, and corruption that continue unabated today under Ruto prove it is not a site of class struggle but a facade for class domination. The other chief founding party of the NPC is the Revolutionary Socialist League (RSL), which split from the CPM-K in 2019 on an entirely unprincipled basis. The dispute centred not on the CPM-Ks Stalinist political foundations, its nationalism, or its orientation to different factions of the ruling class, but on its pro-China orientation. In the aftermath, the RSL scoured the global pseudo-left landscape for an international affiliation that could supply it with revolutionary legitimacy. It found this in the Morenoite International Socialist League (ISL), an organisation notorious for its open support for NATOs proxy war against Russia in Ukraine and its whitewashing of Ukrainian fascist forces. The ISL, long accustomed to handing out Trotskyist credentials to nationalist and petty-bourgeois outfits, was only too eager to adopt the RSL. The RSLs decision to work with the CPM-K in launching the NPC gives the lie to its claims to represent Trotskyism. Since the start of this year, the CPM-Ks leader, Booker Omole, has slandered Trotskyism, celebrated the Stalinist bureaucracys counter-revolutionary role in destroying the Bolshevik Partyorchestrating the Great Purges of 1936-1939, during which hundreds of thousands of socialists, including the finest representatives of generations of Marxist workers and intellectuals, were physically exterminatedand defended Stalinisms counter-revolutionary sabotage of the Spanish Civil War. Omole has vowed to suppress Trotskyist deviations with iron discipline. The RSLs founding manifesto, posted on the ISLs website in 2021 under the title Kenya: Manifesto of the Revolutionary Socialist League, does not even mention Trotsky or permanent revolution. Its programme is that of Pan-Africamism. In the words of its leaders Ezra Otieno, Lewis Maghanga and Ochievara Olungah in an interview for the ISLs website: The kind of Pan-Africanism that we are now trying to continue and expand is the one envisioned by Kwame Nkrumah, a revolutionary Pan-Africanism. It is an ideological concept that tries to bridge the gap and create an understanding between Africans, people who may have been born outside of Africa, and those who believe in a free, liberated and socialist Africa. Revolutionary Pan-Africanism is the unification of the whole of Africa into one unified socialist state. Pan Africanism was historically built in explicit opposition to Trotskyism. It was the main ideology of the aspiring African bourgeoisie like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta. These bourgeois nationalists used it to rally popular support for the transfer of political power from colonial administrators to African elites, while safeguarding the fundamental property relations and the dominance of imperialism over the continent. Its leading intellectual architect, George Padmore, was a loyal Stalinist in the 1930s, tasked with rooting out Trotskyists in the Chinese Communist Party. Though he broke with Moscow in the late 1930s over Stalins diplomatic deals with imperialism, Padmores Stalinist-derived nationalism remained intact, shaping the petty-bourgeois programme that continues to dominate Pan-Africanist politics today. As Padmore said: The only force capable of containing Communism in Asia and Africa is dynamic nationalism based upon a socialist programme of industrialisation.... George Padmore [Photo: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4108837693_337f687912.jpg ] Trotsky always insisted that the fight for socialism meant building an independent and politically conscious working-class movement to overthrow imperialism. The Pan-Africanists were opposed to this and wherever they came to power in the 1960s throughout Africa, they suppressed strikes and put down working class opposition. Today, Pan-Africanism is the slogan of all Africas ruthless leaders, from Rwandas Paul Kagame to Kenyas William Ruto, South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa, Ugandas Yoweri Museveni, and Nigerias Bola Tinubu. But they seek only to secure a more advantageous position for their respective national ruling classes within the imperialist system. Their unity is based on their shared interest to manage the capitalist exploitation of African labour and the plunder of the continents resources on behalf of imperialism, and has never prevented them from going to war against one another when their rival interests collide. What unites all the tendencies that launched the NPC is their shared argument that Kenyan independence was somehow incomplete and the central task today is the completion of the national democratic revolution through the 2010 Constitution and parliamentary manoeuvrers within the rotten Kenyan political establishment. None of the problems confronting the Kenyan masses, whether poverty, mass unemployment, austerity, corruption, dictatorship, or imperialist war, can be resolved by a purely Kenyan solution. As the last six decades since independence have demonstrated, national perspectives for the perfectability of capitalist democracy are incapable of breaking the grip of imperialism or realising the democratic and social aspirations of the masses. The essential task posed before the Kenyan and African working class is the building of a new revolutionary party armed with the perspective of Marxism and Trotskys Theory of Permanent Revolution. Such a party must fight to unify workers across tribal, regional, and national divisions, linking their struggle to that of the international working class against global capitalism. It must advance a programme for the seizure of power by the working class, the expropriation of the banks, agribusiness, and major industries, and the reorganisation of economic life on socialist lines to meet human need, not private profit. The way forward is the fight to establish a Kenyan section of the International Committee of the Fourth International as part of the movement to build the United Socialist States of Africa. Dairy cattle feed at a farm in New Mexico. [AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd] On August 12, 43 dairy workers at W&W Dairy in Monroe, Wisconsin, walked off the job and launched a strike against anti-immigrant measures imposed by their employer following the companys acquisition by the Kansas-based Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). The strikersnearly all of whom are long-term Hispanic immigrantsare demanding severance after being told to verify their immigration status through E-Verify, a measure that is understood by the workers to have been made with the complicity of the Trump administrations war against immigrants. W&W Dairy, a producer of Hispanic-style cheeses, was purchased recently by DFA, which gave all employees until August 30 to provide proof of legal status through the E-Verify online system. While roughly half the nearly 100-strong workforce resigned immediately, the remaining 43 workerssome with decades of servicerefused to comply without receiving three weeks of severance pay per year worked. The company not only denied this demand but reportedly threatened to call ICE should workers engage in legally protected strike action. The strikers have issued the following statement: We are on strike because we demand that the company respect our rights as workers, that it recognize our seniority, provide us with fair compensation for the years we have worked, and not resort to threats or retaliation. The workers have remained steadfast, demanding severance and denouncing ICE threats and workplace intimidation. Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) reported that, according to one striker interviewed anonymously, the workforce was like a family, but now, I just feel really sad, because it feels like they divided us. A spokesperson for DFA said the company takes compliance with state and federal labor laws very seriously and is committed to complying with federal employment eligibility requirements. DFA claims that E-Verify is necessary due to their federal contracts, though it remains unclear whether any such contracts are fulfilled by this Wisconsin plant specifically. E-Verify is an online platform run by the Department of Homeland Security that checks new hires documentation against federal databases to confirm legal work authorization. While participation is voluntary for most employers, those holding federal contracts are required to use it. The expansion of E-Verify allows companies to instantly screen and, in practice, purge immigrant workers from their workforce. For long-term employeesincluding those with pending status or unresolved documentationmandatory E-Verify can mean the sudden loss of jobs and separation from families. The process is notorious for errors, and immigrant advocates warn it serves as a tool for mass firings and racial profiling, enabling employers to threaten and retaliate against workers raising demands for increased wages or safe working conditions. The anti-immigration enforcement by DFA comes as no surprise. Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is the largest dairy cooperative in the United States and one of the worlds leading milk processors. The cooperative is farmer-owned, meaning there are no public shareholders and no shares traded on stock exchanges. Headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, DFA is owned by more than 11,500 family dairy farmers spread across 47 states. The cooperative structure gives dairy producers a stake in the organization, differentiating it from the corporate and Wall Street investor model that is common in most large food conglomerates. However, both the size and economic scale of DFA are substantial. The organization handles nearly 30 percent of the US milk supply, making it a dominant force in both production and processing. Its annual revenues have been among the highest in the global dairy industry, reaching an estimated $20 billion in recent years. DFA employs more than 19,000 people across its various processing, distribution and administrative operations, with some estimates placing total employment at over 20,000. Its member farms supply the bulk of raw milk, which is then processed into a wide variety of consumer products and food ingredients under both proprietary and partner brands. DFA operates an extensive network of more than 380 manufacturing and processing facilities across the US. These sites produce a wide range of dairy products, including fluid milk, cheese, butter, powdered milk, ice cream and specialty ingredients sold to food manufacturers worldwide. Although DFAs production assets are located within the United States, the cooperative is global in reach, exporting dairy ingredients and finished products and engaging in joint ventures and partnershipssuch as with Fonterra in New Zealandto serve international markets. This blend of domestic infrastructure and global sales allows DFA to play a major role in both the domestic and international dairy sectors. According to publicly available information, DFA made significant political contributions in the 20232024 election cycle through its political action committees and the donations of its members and employees. DFAs committees and individuals contributed a total of $427,471 to federal campaigns, the vast majorityhistorically above 70 percentgoing to Republican candidates and party committees. Information from OpenSecrets and other sources shows that DFA contributed $363,300 to candidates, $95,602 to party committees and $117,108 to individuals, with Republicans as the overwhelming recipients. Meanwhile, the workforce at DFA includes a significant portion that is unionized. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is present in over 35 DFA locations, and approximately 2,000 employees work under union contracts at the cooperatives plants. The attack on the former W&W Dairy workers is part of the escalating assault on immigrants orchestrated by the Trump White House, DHS and ICE since January. Over the last two years, ICE raids have increased exponentially, with workplace roundups targeting both undocumented and legally present immigrant workers. Under the Trump administration, ICE has been directed to meet arrest quotas of up to 1,500 per day, carrying out operations outside courthouses, schools and other sites. These policies have resulted in thousands of deportations and direct violations of constitutional rights, with reports of Fourth Amendment abuses during workplace raids and indiscriminate detentions of workers with no criminal records. The anti-immigrant hysteria has culminated in the widespread construction and expansion of detention facilities across the country, such as the Florida prison camp called Alligator Alcatraz and the planned facility in Indianapolis called Speedway Slammer. The use of these names is a measure of the inhumane conditions in the facilities. Since October 2024 at least 12 people have died in ICE detention, matching the total for the previous year and putting 2025 on track to set a record for fatalities by year-end. Many deaths are the result of medical neglect and lack of basic care. Even more horrifying is the documented separation of children from their parents, often without due process, inflicting lifelong trauma and psychological harm on thousands of families. Human rights investigations have condemned these centers as inhumane, warning that further deaths remain inevitable under current conditions. The stand taken by the Monroe dairy workers is significant and presages the mass struggles of the entire working class against the assault on immigrants and others by the fascist administration of Donald Trump. By taking strike action against employer intimidation and the threat of being targeted through the E-Verify systemand by issuing their own demands for severance compensationthe workers are taking a stand in defense of their own fundamental rights and pointing the way forward for all workers and young people around the US and throughout the world. In the face of the Trump administrations deepening attacks on democratic rights and blatant violation of the constitutionalong with the complicity of the Democratic Party in facilitating these measuresworkers everywhere must organize independently of the reactionary nationalist and anti-immigrant union apparatus and mobilize their enormous power to support and come to the aid of the immigrant workers on strike in Monroe, Wisconsin. Do you work at Clairton Coke Works or another steel mill? Send a report on conditions at the plant by filling out the form below. Submissions will be kept anonymous. The United States Steel Mon Valley Works Clairton Plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, is shown on Monday, February 26, 2024. [AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar] One of the federal agencies charged with investigating the August 11 explosion at the Clairton Coke Works that left two workers dead and ten seriously injured is having its funding completely eliminated by the Trump administration. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) was created by Congress in 1998 and tasked with conducting root cause investigations into industrial chemical accidentsparticularly at fixed industrial facilitieslooking into safety management system failures, equipment failures, human errors and unforeseen chemical reactions. The CSB conducts investigations throughout the country. The largest number of CSB investigations have focused on the massive petrochemical industry in Louisiana and Texas. In Louisiana, residents refer to the 85-mile stretch of the Mississippi River where the industry is concentrated as Cancer Alley. The CSB had arrived in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and begin its investigation into the August 11 explosion and fire at US Steel Clairton Coke works. The powerful blast at the number 13 and 14 coke batteries could be felt for up to 2 miles and sent smoke hundreds of feet into the air. Killed in the August 11 explosion were 39-year-old Timothy Quinn and 52-year-old Steven Menefee. Ten other workers were seriously injured and taken to local hospitals. Three remain hospitalized with severe burns, and one worker has had multiple amputations. The Trump administration has completely zeroed out the agencys budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which begins October 1, or less than two months from now. The administration claims the cuts are justified because the CSBs work is being already done by the Environmental Protection Agency. However, the White House is ripping up the work of the EPA as well. Also cut were the entire staff of the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety, which tests and certifies the respirators worn by coal miners, steelworkers, healthcare workers and many others. Closing the CSB will mean more accidents at chemical plants, more explosions and more deaths, said Beth Rosenberg, a former CSB board member and public health expert, in an interview with Verite. No other federal agency offers such in-depth, root-cause investigations of industrial accidents involving chemicals and chemical exposures. It is known for producing video reconstruction featuring sophisticated graphics and expert narrationmaking its insights broadly usable for safety training and public awareness. Over its history, the CSB has investigated nearly 180 chemical incidents and issued about 1,000 recommendations. Some of the major incidents probed by the CSB include: The Texas City refinery explosion (2005) The Imperial Sugar plant explosion in Port Wentworth, Georgia (2008) The BP Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster (2010) The West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion (2013) The Richmond, California Chevron refinery fire (2012) The Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery explosion (2019) But this is only a fraction of the daily serious chemical accidents that occur routinely throughout the United States. The Midland Daily News reports that Coming Clean, a nonprofit focused on environmental health, the U.S. averaged one serious chemical accident every other day from 2021 through 2023. These 825 incidents killed 43 people and triggered evacuations in nearly 200 communities. Set up in 1998 under the Democratic administration of Bill Clinton, the agency was never given any real power, with only a $14 million budget and no authority to issue regulations or impose fines. Implementation of the CSBs findings and recommendations are only voluntary. Funeral held for second victim Killed in the August 11 explosion were 39-year-old Timothy Quinn and 52-year-old Steven Menefee. Hundreds of workers and community members attending the two viewings held Monday, and the funeral services on Tuesday for Steven Menefee in West Newton, PA, not far from Clairton, where he worked and lived. Menefee was a devoted husband to Danielle and father to two daughters, Eliana and Ariella. This was the second funeral held for workers killed in last Mondays explosion. Services for Timony Quinn were held on Friday and Saturday. Quinn leaves behind his three childrenJeremiah, Lilliana and Teagan, as well as his mother, Debra Quinn, for whom he was caring, his siblings and his longtime girlfriend, Lucinda Dodds. Quinn, who worked at the mill for 17 years, was a second-generation steelworker. His father had also worked at Clairton Mill, for 42 years. The large turnout for both victims reflected the deep sense of loss felt not only by their families and friends but by their coworkers and the broader working class community in the Mon Valley of Pennsylvania. Neither US Steel nor UPMC have released updates on the three workers still hospitalized. As of late last week, one worker was in a medically-induced coma while healing from severe burns over much of his body. Another worker has had multiple amputations. History of disasters Workers at the mill report that a valve in the reversal room for the 13 and 14 batteries had been leaking for two to four weeks, and that the company did not take action to fix it. The aging mill has had a series of explosions, accidents and fires, including a 2009 explosion that killed maintenance worker Nick Revetta. The following year a major blast injured 20 workers. In 2014, a worker died after falling into a trench which was not properly protected. In 2018, a fire damaged the plants pollution control systems, leading to them being offline for three months and triggering a dramatic 4,500 percent spike in sulfur emissions. Just earlier this year an explosion sent two workers to the hospital. The Socialist Equality Party and the International Alliance of Rank and File Committees are working towards the formation of a workers inquiry into this tragedy. This will fully expose both the immediate events that led to Mondays explosion and the longstanding practices of deliberate neglect that have put the pay of corporate executives and stock dividends ahead of workers health and safety. The lives lost and the families shattered must not be swept under the rug through endless investigations and token fines! To uncover the truth and hold those responsible to account, workers themselves must take the initiative. An independent rank-and-file investigation into the Clairton disaster, led by steelworkers and supported by workers throughout the region, is necessary. Only such a workers inquiry can expose the full extent of managements negligence and the complicity of the union apparatus, and lay the basis for a genuine fight for safe workplaces and the protection of workers lives. Do you work at Clairton Coke Works or another steel mill? Send a report on conditions at the plant by filling out the form below. Submissions will be kept anonymous. The World Socialist Web Site is publishing here Leon Trotskys Manifesto of the Communist International to the Workers of the World, which was delivered at the First Congress of the Communist International in Moscow. The Manifesto was unanimously adopted on March 6, 1919, at the Congresss final session. It is also printed in Volume 1 of The First Five Years of the Communist International, available for purchase at Mehring Books. Leon Trotsky in 1917 We publish this manifesto as a supplementary text to the lecture given by Christoph Vandreier to the Socialist Equality Partys 2025 International Summer School. As part of this series, we will continue to republish key writings of Leon Trotsky and documents of the International Committee of the Fourth International, in particular those related to the Security and the Fourth International investigation. The First Congress of the Communist International brought together 51 delegates from across Europe and beyond. Thirty-five carried full voting rights, while 16 served in a consultative capacity. Severe obstaclesranging from the Allied blockade to direct repressionprevented or delayed participation by many, including representatives from Italy, France, Britain, and the United States. Over the course of several days, the delegates debated the founding of the new International, its programmatic orientation, the struggle against bourgeois democracy and centrist tendencies, and the response to imperialism and the Entente powers. The central conclusion was embodied in Trotskys Manifesto, which set forth the objectives and principles of the Communist International. The Russian delegation included Lenin, Trotsky, Zinoviev, Bukharin and Chicherin, with Vorovsky and Ossinsky serving as alternates. Manifesto of the Communist International to the workers of the world Seventy-two years ago the Communist Party proclaimed its program to the world in the form of a Manifesto written by the greatest heralds of the proletarian revolution, Karl Marx and Frederick Engels. Even at that time Communism no sooner entered the arena of struggle than it was beset by baiting, lies, hatred and persecution of the possessing classes who rightfully sensed their mortal enemy in Communism. The development of Communism during this three-quarters of a century proceeded along complex paths: side by side with periods of stormy upsurge it knew periods of decline; side by side with successescruel defeats. But essentially the movement proceeded along the path indicated in advance by the Communist Manifesto. The epoch of final, decisive struggle has come later than the apostles of the socialist revolution had expected and hoped. But it has come. We Communists, the representatives of the revolutionary proletariat of the various countries of Europe, America and Asia who have gathered in Soviet Moscow, feel and consider ourselves to be the heirs and consummators of the cause whose program was affirmed 72 years ago. Our task is to generalize the revolutionary experience of the working class, to purge the movement of the corroding admixture of opportunism and social-patriotism, to unify the efforts of all genuinely revolutionary parties of the world proletariat and thereby facilitate and hasten the victory of the Communist revolution throughout the world. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels *** Today when Europe is covered with debris and smoking ruins, the worst pyromaniacs in history are busy seeking out the criminals responsible for the war. In their wake follow their servantsprofessors, members of parliament, journalists, social-patriots and other political pimps of the bourgeoisie. For many years the Socialist movement predicted the inevitability of the imperialist war, seeing its causes in the insatiable greed of the property-owning classes of the two chief camps and, generally, of all capitalist countries. At the Basle Congress, two years before the war exploded, the responsible Socialist leaders of all countries branded imperialism as bearing the guilt for the impending war, and threatened the bourgeoisie with the socialist revolution which would descend upon the bourgeoisies head as the proletarian retribution for the crimes of militarism. Today after the experience of the last five years, after history, having laid bare the predatory appetites of Germany, is unmasking the no less criminal acts of the Allies, the state-Socialists of the Entente countries continue in the wake of their respective governments to discover the war criminal in the person of the overthrown German Kaiser. On top of this, the German social-patriots who in August 1914 proclaimed Hohenzollerns diplomatic White Book to be the holiest evangel of the peoples are nowadays following in the footsteps of the Entente Socialists and are with vile subservience indicting the overthrown German monarchy, which they had so slavishly served, as the chief war criminal. They thus hope to obscure their own role and at the same time to worm their way into the good graces of the conquerors. But in the light of unfolding events and diplomatic revelations, side by side with the role of the toppled dynastiesthe Romanovs, the Hohenzollerns, and the Habsburgsand of the capitalist cliques of these countries, the role of the ruling classes of France, England, Italy and the United States stands out in all its boundless criminality. English diplomacy did not lift its visor of secrecy up to the very outbreak of war. The government of the City obviously feared to reveal its intention of entering the war on the side of the Entente lest the Berlin government take fright and be compelled to eschew war. In London they wanted war. That is why they conducted themselves in such a way as to raise hopes in Berlin and Vienna that England would remain neutral, while Paris and Petrograd firmly counted on Englands intervention. Prepared by the entire course of development over a number of decades, the war was unleashed through the direct and conscious provocation of Great Britain. The British government thereby calculated on extending just enough aid to Russia and France, while they became exhausted, to exhaust Englands mortal enemy, Germany. But the might of German militarism proved far too formidable and demanded of England not token but actual intervention in the war. The role of a gleeful third partner to which Great Britain, following her ancient tradition, aspired, fell to the lot of the United States. The Washington government became all the more easily reconciled to the English blockade which one-sidedly restricted American stock market speculation in European blood, because the countries of the Entente reimbursed the American bourgeoisie with lush profits for violations of international law. However, the Washington government was likewise constrained by the enormous military superiority of Germany to drop its fictitious neutrality. In relation to Europe as a whole the United States assumed the role which England had taken in previous wars and which she tried to take in the last war in relation to the continent, namely: weakening one camp by playing it against another, intervening in military operations only to such an extent as to guarantee her all the advantages of the situation. According to American standards of gambling, Wilsons stake was not very high, but it was the final stake, and consequently assured his winning the prize. World War I trench warfare As a result of the war the contradictions of the capitalist system confronted mankind in the shape of pangs of hunger, exhaustion from cold, epidemics and moral savagery. This settled once and for all the academic controversy within the Socialist movement over the theory of impoverishment and the gradual transition from capitalism to socialism. Statisticians and pedants of the theory that contradictions were being blunted, had for decades fished out from all the corners of the globe real or mythical facts testifying to the rising well-being of various groups and categories of the working class. The theory of mass impoverishment was regarded as buried, amid contemptuous jeers from the eunuchs of bourgeois professordom and mandarins of Socialist opportunism. At the present time this impoverishment, no longer only of a social but also of a physiological and biological kind, rises before us in all its shocking reality. The catastrophe of the imperialist war has completely swept away all the conquests of trade union and parliamentary struggles. For this war itself was just as much a product of the internal tendencies of capitalism as were those economic agreements and parliamentary compromises which the war buried in blood and muck. Finance capital, which plunged mankind into the abyss of war, itself underwent a catastrophic change in the course of this war. The dependency of paper money upon the material foundation of production has been completely disrupted. Progressively losing its significance as the means and regulator of capitalist commodity circulation, paper money became transformed into an instrument of requisition, of seizure and military-economic violence in general. The debasement of paper money reflects the general mortal crisis of capitalist commodity circulation. During the decades preceding the war, free competition, as the regulator of production and distribution, had already been thrust aside in the main fields of economic life by the system of trusts and monopolies; during the course of the war the regulating-directing role was torn from the hands of these economic groups and transferred directly into the hands of military-state power. The distribution of raw materials, the utilization of Baku or Rumanian oil, Donbas coal, Ukrainian wheat, the fate of German locomotives, freight cars and automobiles, the rationing of relief for starving Europeall these fundamental questions of the worlds economic life are not being regulated by free competition, nor by associations of national and international trusts and consortiums, but by the direct application of military force, for the sake of its continued preservation. If the complete subjection of the state power to the power of finance capital had led mankind into the imperialist slaughter, then through this slaughter finance capital has succeeded in completely militarizing not only the state but also itself; and it is no longer capable of fulfilling its basic economic functions otherwise than by means of blood and iron. The opportunists, who before the World War summoned the workers to practice moderation for the sake of gradual transition to socialism, and who during the war demanded class docility in the name of civil peace and national defense, are again demanding self-renunciation of the proletariatthis time for the purpose of overcoming the terrible consequences of the war. If these preachments were to find acceptance among the working masses, capitalist development in new, much more concentrated and monstrous forms would be restored on the bones of several generationswith the perspective of a new and inevitable world war. Fortunately for mankind this is not possible. The state-ization of economic life, against which capitalist liberalism used to protest so much, has become an accomplished fact. There is no turning back from this factit is impossible to return not only to free competition but even to the domination of trusts, syndicates and other economic octopuses. Today the one and only issue is: Who shall henceforth be the bearer of state-ized productionthe imperialist state or the state of the victorious proletariat? In other words: Is all toiling mankind to become the bond slaves of victorious world cliques who, under the firm-name of the League of Nations and aided by an international army and international navy, will here plunder and strangle some peoples and there cast crumbs to others, while everywhere and always shackling the proletariatwith the sole object of maintaining their own rule? Or shall the working class of Europe and of the advanced countries in other parts of the world take in hand the disrupted and ruined economy in order to assure its regeneration upon socialist principles? It is possible to shorten the epoch of crisis through which we are living only by measures of the proletarian dictatorship which does not look back to the past, which respects neither inherited privileges nor property rights, which takes as its starting point the need of saving the starving masses; and to this end mobilizes all forces and resources, introduces universal labor conscription, establishes the regime of labor discipline in order in the course of a few years not only to thus heal the gaping wounds inflicted by war but also to raise mankind to new and unprecedented heights. *** The national state which gave a mighty impulsion to capitalist development has become too narrow for the further development of productive forces. This renders all the more precarious the position of small states, hemmed in by the major powers of Europe and scattered through other sections of the world. These small states, which have arisen at different times as fragments chipped from bigger ones, as so much small change in payment for various services rendered and as strategic buffers, retain their own dynasties, their own ruling cliques, their own imperialist pretensions, their own diplomatic intrigues. Prior to the war, their phantom independence rested on the selfsame thing as the equilibrium of Europe: the uninterrupted antagonism between the two imperialist camps. The war has disrupted this equilibrium. By giving at first an enormous preponderance to Germany, the war compelled the small states to seek their salvation under the magnanimous wings of German militarism. After Germany was crushed, the bourgeoisie of the small states, together with their respective patriotic Socialists, turned their faces to the victorious Allied imperialism and began seeking guarantees for their continued independent existence in the hypocritical points of the Wilsonian program. At the same time the number of small states has increased; out of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, out of portions of the former Czarist empire, new states have been carved, which were no sooner born than they flung themselves at one anothers throats over the question of state boundaries. The Allied imperialists are meanwhile preparing such combinations of small powers, both old and new, as would be bound to themselves through the hold of mutual hatreds and common impotence. While oppressing and violating the small and weak peoples, while dooming them to starvation and destruction, the Allied imperialists, like the imperialists of the Central Empire a brief while ago, do not stop talking about the right of self-determination, which is today being trampled underfoot in Europe as in all other parts of the world. The heads of the "Big Four" nations at the Paris Peace Conference, 27 May 1919. From left to right: David Lloyd George, Vittorio Orlando, Georges Clemenceau, and Woodrow Wilson The small peoples can be assured the opportunity of free existence only by the proletarian revolution which will free the productive forces of all countries from the tentacles of the national states, unifying the peoples in closest economic collaboration on the basis of a common economic plan, and offering the weakest and smallest people an opportunity of freely and independently directing their national cultural affairs without any detriment to the unified and centralized European and world economy. The last war, which was by and large a war for colonies, was at the same time a war conducted with the help of colonies. The colonial populations were drawn into the European war on an unprecedented scale. Indians, Negroes, Arabs and Madagascans fought on the territories of Europefor the sake of what? For the sake of their right to continue to remain the slaves of England and France. Never before has the infamy of capitalist rule in the colonies been delineated so clearly; never before has the problem of colonial slavery been posed so sharply as it is today. A number of open insurrections and the revolutionary ferment in all the colonies have hence arisen. In Europe itself, Ireland keeps signaling through sanguinary street battles that she still remains and still feels herself to be an enslaved country. In Madagascar, Annam and elsewhere the troops of the bourgeois republic have more than once quelled the uprisings of colonial slaves during the war. In India the revolutionary movement has not subsided for a single day and has recently led to the greatest labor strikes in Asia, which the English government has met by ordering its armored cars into action in Bombay. The colonial question has been thus posed in its fullest measure not only on the maps at the diplomatic congress in Paris but also within the colonies themselves. At best, Wilsons program has as its task: to effect a change of labels with regard to colonial slavery. The emancipation of the colonies is conceivable only in conjunction with the emancipation of the working class in the metropolises. The workers and peasants not only of Annam, Algiers and Bengal, but also of Persia and Armenia, will gain their opportunity of independent existence only in that hour when the workers of England and France, having overthrown Lloyd George and Clemenceau, will have taken state power into their own hands. Even now the struggle in the more developed colonies, while taking place only under the banner of national liberation, immediately assumes a more or less clearly defined social character. If capitalist Europe has violently dragged the most backward sections of the world into the whirlpool of capitalist relations, then socialist Europe will come to the aid of liberated colonies with her technology, her organization and her ideological influence in order to facilitate their transition to a planned and organized socialist economy. Colonial slaves of Africa and Asia! The hour of proletarian dictatorship in Europe will strike for you as the hour of your own emancipation! The entire bourgeois world accuses the Communists of destroying freedom and political democracy. These are lies. Upon assuming power, the proletariat merely lays bare the complete impossibility of employing the methods of bourgeois democracy and creates the conditions and forms of a new and much higher workers democracy. The whole course of capitalist development, especially during its final imperialist epoch, has acted to undermine political democracy not only by dividing nations into two irreconcilably hostile classes, but also by condemning numerous petty-bourgeois and proletarian layers, as well as the most disinherited lowest strata of the proletariat, to economic debilitation and political impotence. In those countries where historical development provided the opportunity, the working class has utilized the regime of political democracy in order to organize against capitalism. The same thing will likewise take place in the future in those countries where conditions for the proletarian revolution have not yet matured. But broad intermediate masses not only in the villages but also in the cities are being held back by capitalism, lagging entire epochs behind historical development. The peasant in Bavaria and Baden who still cannot see beyond the spires of his village church, the small French wine producer who is being driven into bankruptcy by the large-scale capitalists who adulterate wine, and the small American farmer fleeced and cheated by bankers and Congressmenall these social layers thrust back by capitalism away from the mainstream of development are called upon, on paper, by the regime of political democracy to assume the direction of the state. But in reality, on all the basic questions which determine the destinies of the peoples, the financial oligarchy makes the decision behind the back of parliamentary democracy. Such was previously the case on the question of war; such is now the case on the question of peace. To the extent that the financial oligarchy still bothers to obtain the sanction of parliamentary ballots for its acts of violence, there are at the disposal of the bourgeois state for obtaining the necessary results all the instruments of lies, demagogy, baiting, calumny, bribery and terror, inherited from the centuries of class slavery and multiplied by all the miracles of capitalist technology. To demand of the proletariat that it devoutly comply with rules and regulations of political democracy in the final life-and-death combat with capitalism is like demanding of a man, fighting for his life against cutthroats, that he observe the artificial and restrictive rules of French wrestling, which the enemy introduces but fails to observe. In this kingdom of destruction where not only the means of production and transport but also the institutions of political democracy are heaps of blood-soaked stumps, the proletariat is compelled to create its own apparatus designed first and foremost to cement the inner ties of the working class and to assure the possibility of its revolutionary intervention into the future development of mankind. This apparatus is represented by the Workers Soviets. The old parties, the old organizations of trade unions have in the persons of their leading summits proved incapable not only of solving but even of understanding the tasks posed by the new epoch. The proletariat has created a new type of organization, a broad organization which embraces the working masses independently of trade or level of political development already attained; a flexible apparatus which permits of continual renovation and extension; and is capable of attracting into its orbit ever newer layers, opening wide its doors to the toiling layers in the city and the country who are close to the proletariat. This irreplaceable organization of working-class self-rule, this organization of its struggle for and later of its conquest of state power, has been tested in the experience of various countries and constitutes the mightiest conquest and weapon of the proletariat in our epoch. A session of the Petrograd Soviet of soldiers during the 1917 revolution In those countries where the toiling masses live a conscious life, Soviets of Workers, Soldiers and Peasants Deputies are now being built and will continue to be built. To strengthen the Soviets, to raise their authority, to counterpose them to the state apparatus of the bourgeoisiethis is today the most important task of the class-conscious and honest workers of all countries. Through the medium of Soviets the working class can save itself from the decomposition which is introduced into its midst by the hellish sufferings of war, by starvation, by the violence of the possessing classes and by the treachery of its former leaders. Through the medium of Soviets the working class will be able to come to power most surely and easily in all countries where the Soviets are able to rally the majority of the toilers. Through the medium of Soviets the working class, having conquered power, will exercise its sway over all spheres of the countrys economic and cultural life, as is the case at present in Russia. The founding of the imperialist state, from the Czarist state to the most democratic ones, is taking place simultaneously with the founding of the imperialist military system. The multimillioned armies mobilized by imperialism could only be maintained so long as the proletariat remained obediently under the yoke of the bourgeoisie. The crack-up of national unity signifies the inevitable crack-up of the army. This is what happened first in Russia, then in Germany and Austria-Hungary. The same thing may be expected to occur in other imperialist countries as well. The uprising of the peasant against the landlord, of the worker against the capitalist, and of both against the monarchical or democratic bureaucracy, inevitably brings in its train the uprising of soldiers against the commanders and subsequentlya deep cleavage between the proletarian and bourgeois elements of the army. Imperialist war, which pitted one nation against another, has passed and is passing over into civil war which pits class against class. The wails of the bourgeois world against civil war and against Red Terror represent the most monstrous hypocrisy yet known in the history of political struggles. There would be no civil war if the clique of exploiters who have brought mankind to the very brink of ruin did not resist every forward step of the toiling masses, if they did not organize conspiracies and assassinations, and did not summon armed assistance from without in order to maintain or restore their thievish privileges. Civil war is imposed upon the working class by its mortal enemies. Without renouncing itself and its own future, which is the future of all mankind, the working class cannot fail to answer blow for blow. While never provoking civil war artificially, the Communist parties seek to shorten as much as possible the duration of civil war whenever the latter does arrive with iron necessity; they seek to reduce to a minimum the number of victims and, above all, to assure victory to the proletariat. Hence flows the necessity of disarming the bourgeoisie in time, of arming the workers in time, of creating in time the Communist army to defend the workers power and to preserve its socialist construction inviolate. Such is the Red Army of Soviet Russia which arose and exists as the bulwark of the conquests of the working class against all attacks from within and without. The Soviet Army is inseparable from the Soviet State. Recognizing the world character of their tasks, the advanced workers have from the very first steps of the organized Socialist movement striven to unify it on an international scale. The beginnings were made in 1864 in London by the First International. The Franco-Prussian War out of which emerged the Germany of the Hohenzollerns cut the ground from under the First International and at the same time gave impetus to the development of national workers parties. As far back as 1889 these parties came together in the Congress of Paris and created the organization of the Second International. But the center of gravity of the labor movement during that period remained wholly on national soil, wholly within the framework of national states, upon the foundation of national industry, within the sphere of national parliamentarism. The decades of reformist organizational activity gave birth to an entire generation of leaders, the majority of whom recognized in words the program of the social revolution but renounced it in deeds, becoming mired in reformism, in a docile adaptation to the bourgeois state. The opportunist character of the leading parties of the Second International has been completely disclosed; and it led to the greatest collapse in world history at a moment when the march of historic events demanded revolutionary methods of struggle from the working-class parties. If the war of 1870 dealt a blow to the First International, disclosing that there was as yet no fused mass force behind its social-revolutionary program, then the war of 1914 killed the Second International, disclosing that the mightiest organizations of the working masses were dominated by parties which had become transformed into auxiliary organs of the bourgeois state! This applies not only to the social-patriots who have today clearly and openly gone over to the camp of the bourgeoisie, who have become the latters favorite plenipotentiaries and trustees and the most reliable executioners of the working class; it also applies to the amorphous and unstable tendency of the Socialist Center which seeks to reestablish the Second International, that is, to reestablish the narrowness, the opportunism and the revolutionary impotence of its leading summits. The Independent Party of Germany, the present majority of the Socialist Party of France, the Menshevik group of Russia, the Independent Labor Party of England and other similar groups are actually trying to fill the place which had been occupied prior to the war by the old official parties of the Second International. They come forward as hitherto with the ideas of compromise and conciliationism; with all the means at their disposal, they paralyze the energy of the proletariat, prolonging the crisis and thereby redoubling Europes calamities. The struggle against the Socialist Center is the indispensable premise for the successful struggle against imperialism. Sweeping aside the half-heartedness, lies and corruption of the outlived official Socialist parties, we Communists, united in the Third International, consider ourselves the direct continuators of the heroic endeavors and martydom of a long line of revolutionary generations from Babeufto Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg. Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht If the First International presaged the future course of development and indicated its paths; if the Second International gathered and organized millions of workers; then the Third International is the International of open mass action, the International of revolutionary realization, the International of the deed. Bourgeois world order has been sufficiently lashed by Socialist criticism. The task of the International Communist Party consists in overthrowing this order and erecting in its place the edifice of the socialist order. We summon the working men and women of all countries to unite under the Communist banner which is already the banner of the first great victories. Workers of the Worldin the struggle against imperialist barbarism, against monarchy, against the privileged estates, against the bourgeois state and bourgeois property, against all kinds and forms of class or national oppressionUnite! Under the banner of Workers Soviets, under the banner of revolutionary struggle for power and the dictatorship of the proletariat, under the banner of the Third InternationalWorkers of the World Unite! About 100 masked neo-Nazis marched through the central business district of Australias second-largest city, Melbourne, in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 9. Police watched on, allowing the pop-up protest to continue, even as a 26-year-old was assaulted by the far-right goons and had to be taken to hospital. No arrests were made. The members of the neo-Nazi, antisemitic National Socialist Network (NSN) held a banner inscribed, White Man Fight Back. The extreme-right group has held several similar marches in recent years, including during the nationalist January 26 holiday Australia Day. Members of the National Socialist Network march through Ballarat, Victoria, in 2023 While the numbers involved remain small, and the sentiment among the broader population who know of the NSNs existence is deep disgust, the extreme-right groups march highlights the cultivation of a far-right layer who have been emboldened by the rightward shift of all of the political parties and their mouthpieces in the corporate media. The anti-immigrant xenophobia and nationalist chauvinism presented by the fascistic layers involved in Saturday mornings march is in line with the policies pursued by governments in Australia, above all led by the Labor Party. In a video shared in private messaging app Telegram, leader of the NSN, Joel Davis, boasted, People say that Melbourne is the left-wing capital of Australiaits becoming the Nazi capital of Australia. It was quite something because the police just had to accept our presence, he said. Weve been treated very poorly by the police in the past. Weve now grown large enough that they simply have to accept the fact that we want to march and that we will march. Were all on a dopamine rush because we know this is just the beginning. Davis is currently facing a charge in South Australia for displaying a Nazi symbol on a belt buckle at a march in January. The tepid response of the police to neo-Nazis marching through Melbournes streets is in stark contrast to the treatment of protesters calling for an end to the Israeli states war crimes against the Palestinian peoplea genocide which has been supported politically and materially by the Australian government. This includes the mobilisation of riot police by the Victorian state Labor government to forcefully block an attempt by about 25,000 pro-Palestinian protesters from marching across Melbournes King Street Bridge, less than a week prior to the neo-Nazi march. This, the government claimed, was to protect the public from unacceptable risk. The King Street Bridge demonstration was timed to coincide with a pro-Palestinian march in Sydney, where the state Labor government of New South Wales attempted to prevent a march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Sydney protest went ahead, attracting possibly 300,000 people who called for an end to Israels campaign of ethnic cleansing. The government and media attempted to smear the protesters both before and after the march, using the cynical fraud that the march would be a threat to public safety and attempting to present protesters as antisemitic. In Victoria, at least five pro-Palestinian protesters have been charged with spurious offences aimed at suppressing the right to protest. The government of Premier Jacinta Allan has gone so far as to join a right-wing demonisation campaign against school children, who have been compelled to strike against the horrific scenes of genocide they are seeing on social media. The fact that this is the response of governments to millionsincluding Jewish peoplewho have spoken out against genocide, while genuine neo-Nazi antisemites are allowed to spout their filth with minimal repercussions, is yet another exposure of the fraud of the campaign of the political and media establishment to feign concern for Jewish people. Jacinta Allans government has invoked the neo-Nazi march to justify sweeping planned anti-protest laws. These laws will not be used to clamp down on the far right. The laws will instead be used to target the broad mass of workers and youth who are increasingly coming into struggle against declining living standards, falling wages and imperialist war. In a statement on the day of the far-right march, Allan said: Our criminal anti-vilification laws come into effect next month. We will introduce powers for police to unmask cowards at protests after that. Shadow police minister from the states opposition Liberal-National Coalition, David Southwick, called for further police powers, including the introduction of a permit registration system and police move-on powers. Victoria is the only state in Australia without protest permit requirements, in addition to the Australian Capital Territory, and move-on laws. Human rights organisations have hit back at the Allan governments planned anti-protest laws, leading to mild revisions according to a Guardian article published on Wednesday. Anti-masking laws would endanger immunocompromised protesters, those who have been victims of abuse and those who cover their faces for religious or cultural reasons. The Guardian article says the governments original plan of a full ban on face coverings at protests, with a $2,000 fine for those in violation, would be replaced with penalties only for those wearing face coverings who the police say, in conveniently vague language, are refusing to cooperate or believed to be committing a criminal act. These moves are part of a wholesale attempt to suppress democratic rights and the right to protest by the federal and state governments in Australia, led by the Labor Party, which are initially targeting demonstrations against the ongoing US-Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people, but will be used above all to censor any and all anti-government, anti-war dissent among workers and youth. Internationally, such anti-democratic laws are being accompanied by the promotion of the far right in official politics and the corporate media, and its elevation into state power. The sharpest expression of this is the fascist Donald Trumps second term as president of the most powerful imperialist country in the world, the United States. His administration has unleashed a war against the working class at home and abroad through an assault on education, public health, immigrants and the promotion of America First economic and military confrontations. Governments in Australia, while not led by fascists, are implementing the same anti-working-class policies, which are expressed in their most naked form in the politics of extreme right-wing organisations like the NSN. For that reason, the struggle against fascist thugs and neo-Nazis cannot be taken forward one iota through the bolstering of the capitalist state and its police. To take forward the fight against the promotion of fascism and the associated attacks on democratic rights, the working class must unite in a common struggle against the source of war and authoritarianism: the capitalist system itself. An Israeli tank moves through an area near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. [AP Photo/Maya Levin] The Israeli military has begun its onslaught on Gaza City, currently the only portion of Gaza that remains outside of full-scale occupation by troops of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a new and even deadlier phase of the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza. The aim of the operation is the total military subjection of the most densely populated section of the Gaza Strip, in preparation for the forced displacement of the population to concentration camps in the south of the enclave, from which the Netanyahu government plans to expel the Palestinians to other countries, including South Sudan. We have begun the preliminary operations and the first stages of the attack on Gaza City, said Brigadier General Effie Defrin, Israels military spokesperson, on Wednesday. The IDF announced that it is mobilizing another 60,000 reservists to complete the conquest of the city. Israel already occupies 90 percent of Gaza, according to United Nations estimates. Israeli officials told the New York Times that the IDF would first surround Gaza City and forcibly expel the population to the south before fully occupying the city. Residents told the Times that Israeli forces were systematically demolishing buildings in the outskirts of the city using remote-controlled explosives, moving ever closer to the city center. Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said earlier this month that A complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip will result in more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable suffering, senseless destruction and atrocity crimes. Conscious of the fact that the ongoing starvation of Gaza and total military occupation of the enclave is a death sentence for the remaining Israeli hostages, Israeli government minister Orit Strock condemned those who put the value of returning the hostages above the national interest. At least 81 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks throughout Gaza on Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported. Over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza in October 2023. Also Wednesday, the Netanyahu government announced the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, aiming for the complete control and subjugation of the entire Palestinian territory. The government approved a West Bank settlement construction project, known as E1, which has been planned for over two decades. The plan comes on top of the construction of 20,000 new settler housing units in the West Bank so far this year. The new settlement project would effectively split the West Bank in two. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich boasted that the settlement plan means the idea of a Palestinian state is being erased from the table. He added, Every town, every neighborhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea. Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, told Al Jazeera, This plan will completely separate the West Bank in two pieces. It will also isolate Jerusalem completely from the rest of the occupied Palestinian West Bank. Responding to the announcement of the settlement plan, Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres, said, We stand against all settlement activity in the occupied territories which we view as illegal under international law. The start of Israels assault on Gaza City takes place as mass starvation in Gaza is only deepening. In a statement on Wednesday, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said nearly one in every three Palestinian children in Gaza City was now afflicted by malnutrition. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said,This is not a natural disaster. It is a man-made, preventable starvation. In a statement published on Wednesday, Israeli rights group Gisha declared categorically that the population is being starved in Gaza. It said, Israel has used its control over aid entry as a weapon of war since day one, including as a tool of pressure and displacement. The report by Gisha noted that 269 people had died since the beginning of the war on Gaza from the effects of malnutrition, including over 112 children. In July, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) issued an alert stating that the worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding in the Strip. On Wednesday, the United States announced a series of sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court, which has brought war crimes charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reemphasizing the Trump administrations support for the Gaza genocide. In a statement on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that two ICC judges and two prosecutors were being added to the list of ICC members sanctioned by the Trump administration. In a statement on X, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz thanked the Trump administration for its sanctions against the ICC, declaring, This historic step reflects the unbreakable alliance between Israel and the United States. Last year, the ICC said it had reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity. A meeting of foreign ministers of the 18-member inter-governmental Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Suva on August 14 affirmed a proposal to block the participation of 21 so-called development partners, including China, the US and the UK, from attending the annual PIF Summit that begins in Honiara on September 8. Pacific Island Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, Suva, August 14, 2025 [Photo: X/SenatorWong] Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele made the proposal amid an escalating dispute over whether Taiwan should be invited to the summit. Since being admitted as a development partner in 1992, Taiwan has informally attended regular PIF side-events. Unsubstantiated media reports began circulating earlier this month that China was using its influence with the Solomon Islands government, which is hosting the upcoming summit, to not invite Taiwan. The dispute is evidence of the enormous tensions wracking the fragile and impoverished Pacific Island nations, as US imperialism and its allies, Australia and New Zealand, seek to secure unchallenged economic and geostrategic dominance over the region. Amid advanced US preparations for war against China, the Pacific states find themselves drawn into the intensifying geopolitical confrontation between Washington and Beijing. Manele decided to block Taiwan, claiming it was due to an impending overhaul of how PIF nations deal with outside countries. He said more time was needed to put processes in place, so we can engage more effectively with our partners. Solomons Foreign Minister Peter Agovaka bluntly stated that Taiwan was not a country and should not be involved in the PIF, declaring the organisation should abide by international law. Samoas caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa then threatened to boycott the summit if Taiwan was prevented from attending. She told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on August 7 that this is real interference, or intervention, into the sovereignty of the Forum. On August 8, Manele told the Solomon Islands parliament his cabinet had decided no dialogue partners would be invited until the review of each countrys relationship with the Pacific had been completed. He proposed that the dialogue partners meeting, which usually accompanies the PIF leaders summit, be deferred until next year when it will be hosted by Palau. The Australian government promptly opposed Maneles plan. Foreign Minister Penny Wong declared, Australia supports the participation of all development and dialogue partners in the PIF Leaders Meeting. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon concurred, as did Papua New Guineas James Marape. Fijis Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka warned the move could fracture the PIF. China was quickly targeted for blame. An ABC report claimed that China, which it declared remains determined to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, was pushing Manele to block Taiwan. NZ Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver claimed that Taiwans presence at the PIF drives Beijing into a rage. She referenced last years summit in Tonga, when Taiwan was recognised in the communique but Chinas envoy for the Pacific, Qian Bo, successfully called for it to be taken out. Manele flatly rejected what he called the divisive issues being pushed by the foreign medias narratives, saying, We are not under pressure from any external forces, and adding that the Solomons sovereign decision was made in the regions best interests. Taiwan is at the forefront of US war plans. Washington still formally abides by the One China principle, recognising Beijing as the legitimate government of all China including Taiwan. At the same time the US has deliberately inflamed tensions, including by arming Taiwan with offensive weapons and stationing US troops on the island. There are just three Pacific nations that formally recognise Taiwan: Palau, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. Since the Solomons swapped diplomatic ties to Beijing in 2019, it has been a focus of imperialist bullying. A security and policing deal signed with China by the then Solomons government of Manasseh Sogavare in 2022 prompted threats of a US-Australia regime change operation if China moved to establish a military presence there. Maneles decision to postpone the dialogue partners meeting was supported by both Fiame and Palaus President Surangel Whipps Junior. Fiame told Radio NZ (RNZ) that the deferral would allow time for the review of external partners within the regional architecture. Whipps Jr. told RNZ: It is about the PIF, and the PIF recognises both [China and Taiwan]. Within the PIF, we of course have our differences. But we come together as one Pacific. Reports from the foreign ministers meeting indicated that strong opposition to Maneles move was voiced by Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. Fijis Rabuka said it would threaten to fracture decades of Pacific cooperation. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters bluntly blamed outsiders, i.e. China, for causing disagreements within the PIF. With the meeting reaching no consensus to force Manele to rescind his decision, the foreign ministers eventually approved the deferral. The meetings chair, Tongas Crown Prince Tupoutoa Ulukalala, described it as a rich and robust discussion and was reflective of our collective maturity and solidarity as a region. The tensions within the PIF, however, cannot be papered over. Tuvalus Taiwan-aligned Prime Minister Feletei Teo told the Guardian his country may pull out of the PIF leaders summit, but he would wait to see how other Pacific leaders respond. There is no denying that China is trying to extend its footprint in the Pacific, and so is the US, Teo said. While Tuvalu is nominally independent, Australia, under a treaty signed in 2023, exerts significant neo-colonial control. The regional imperialist powers, Australia and NZ, which regard the Pacific as their own colonial backyard, are acting in an alliance with the US to maintain their influence over the PIF and to push back against China. A US state department spokesperson said Washington was disappointed by the PIFs decision and reaffirmed the Trump administrations support for the attendance of all partners. All [forum] partners, and that includes Taiwan, should be invited to participate regardless of where it is hosted, he said. A Taiwanese spokesman also urged that existing arrangements be maintained. Chinas embassy in New Zealand issued a strong rebuke, rejecting the groundless accusations that China was agitating behind the scenes to have Taiwan excluded. The embassy declared that China respects the Forums role in regional cooperation, while calling on it to honour the one-China commitment. It bluntly reiterated that Taiwan was a province of Chinanever a country and has no qualification or right to participate in Forum activities whatsoever. The embassy, along with Chinas Global Times, responded particularly sharply to Peters widely reported comments that outsiders were telling us who we can have as guests. Professor Chen Hong from the East China Normal University told the Global Times that Peters was seeking to frame the Pacific as a closed region, [to] marginalise China, and bolster the influence [of] minor regional hegemons. Such a perspective is shortsighted and exclusionary. Peters, who leads the nationalist anti-immigrant NZ First Party in the ruling coalition, is a long-time Washington asset. He was installed as foreign minister under Labour following an intervention by then US Ambassador Scott Brown, after the inconclusive 2017 election. Brown publicly criticised the previous National Party government as too soft on China. Peters fervently advocates for increasing US diplomatic and military presence in the region while escalating NZs own preparations for war. The NZ government recently welcomed FBI Director Kash Patel to Wellington to open a permanent FBI office in the capital with an active regional role alongside the US Armed Forces Indo-Pacific Command. Speaking to the Cook Islands News last week, the NZ-based US Charge dAffaires David Gehrenbeck confirmed the FBIs Wellington office will give the agency greater autonomy to work directly with partners across the Pacific, including the Cook Islands. Earlier this year, China signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with the Cook Islands, prompting an ongoing breakdown in diplomatic relations with Peters and the New Zealand government. Marchers leave UAW Local 600 hall on the way to Cleveland-Cliffs Dearborn Works August 14, 2025 It has been more than one month since steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs began the layoff of 600 workers at its Dearborn Works, first announced in March as part of a wider program of job destruction that has eliminated more than 2,000 full-time positions in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. The cuts take place as Trumps tariff war gathers steam. The company blamed weak demand, financial losses and shifting trade policies for the closures. The affected plants include: the Steelton Mill, in Steelton, Pennsylvania that closed June 30 eliminating 559 jobs. Another 115 were cut at Conshohocken, Pennsylvania during the summer, along with 305 in Riverdale, Illinois around the same time. Some 255 miners in Hibbing, Minnesota were laid off in May while another 400 miners were idled at the Minorca Mine in Virginia, Minnesota. Cleveland-Cliffs is in the process of restructuring its operations to focus on steel production for the auto plants in line with Trumps plan for a fortress America as the administration prepares for war against China and other global rivals. The layoffs at the Dearborn steel mill began a month ago when it idled operations on the blast furnace, the basic oxygen furnace steel shop and the continuous casting line. Finishing operations at the company, like the pickling line tandem cold mill and the hot dip galvanizing line are still operating. Most of the losses nationally impacted workers at facilities represented by the United Steelworkers Union. But in Dearborn, Cleveland-Cliffs workers are members of UAW Local 600, a holdover from the time the steel mill was owned directly by Ford as part of the Rouge complex. When the cuts were first announced, the UAW and USWA did nothing and said nothing. Their main concern was not the defense of jobs of their members, but to suppress rank and file opposition in order to ensure that share prices and corporate profits were not affected. After months of virtual silence the UAW, facing mounting worker anger, held a token protest outside the Dearborn Works in the early afternoon of August 14. The cuts at the Dearborn steel operation continue a jobs bloodbath in the auto industry as the auto companies restructure in increasing cutthroat global competition, ramping up exploitation and slashing jobs. Little more than two years ago an entire shift was wiped out at the Ford Rouge Dearborn Truck Plant to be followed by two full shifts at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center under the terms of the contract signed after Fains bogus stand-up strike. The loss of jobs has brought the intensification of exploitation on the job through speed-up, job overloading and the destruction of safety. Workplace injuries and deaths have simultaneously skyrocketed. A few recent examples at Rouge include the death of Tywaun Long who died of a massive heart attack on April 17, 2024 on the finals line at the Dearborn Truck Plant. His death was very likely associated with his having contracted COVID-19 at the plant when he was forced to work during the worst of the pandemic. Longs co-worker Tyriell Wooten died after an emergency surgery exactly one year later on April 17, 2025. His death was quickly followed by that of another co-worker Darrius Williams, who collapsed and died at the end of a shift. Adding insult to injury, workers have reported to the WSWS that the UAW has colluded with the company in targeting and victimizing those friends and co-workers who have turned to social media to denounce company negligence in the deaths of their colleagues. If last Thursdays rally was intended to give the impression that the UAW was finally taking up a fight against these conditions, it back-fired badly. It displayed only the complete divorce of the union apparatus from rank and file workers. A group of at most one or two hundred union officials, Democratic Party politicians, some retirees and a few active workers met at the union hall on Dix Road in Dearborn, Michigan and marched a half mile up Miller Road to the Cleveland-Cliffs offices opposite the Ford Dearborn Truck plant. Rather than wage an actual struggle, UAW President Shawn Fain mobilized local Democratic Party politicians to plead to Cleveland-Cliffs officials to make investments in the mill as allegedly promised in the previous contract. In 2024, Cleveland-Cliffs agreed to invest $300 million in the Rouge, Fain declared at the event. Today, were seeing them go back on their word. Instead of making these investments, theyve laid off over 500 members of our union family. Newly-appointed UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson, who oversees the Ford department for the union, got on the bandwagon with her boss, adding through a microphone that she thinks weve got the companys attention. UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson speaking outside Cleveland-Cliffs Dearborn Works August 14, 2025 [Photo: United Auto Workers] Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves in an emailed statement disputed this claim. With just one year into the 4-year Agreement, Cleveland-Cliffs has already spent $125 million at the Dearborn Works facility, Goncalves wrote. Therefore, we are in full compliance with the Agreement (we are actually ahead of the committed pace). Additionally, Cleveland-Cliffs will definitely spend the remaining $175 million during the next three years. Fain and Democratic politicians such as Representative Debbie Dingell, a long-time shill for the automakers, doubled down on their support for Trumps reactionary tariff war, only criticizing its erratic character. Weve seen a mass exodus of jobs, Fain said. We support tariffs, but theyve got to be structured tariffs, strategic tariffs. All this shifting back and forth and going from 100 percent one day to 40 percent to 15 percent to 5 percent, no one can plan that way. Dingell said she supported steel tariffs but not the other chaotic tariffs. She said, Steel is the backbone of the American economy, and were not playing on a level playing field. Detroit Representative Rashida Tlaib, a prominent member of the Democratic Socialists of America, was on hand to add her support for the political poison of Trumps trade war. In a separate statement, the Cleveland-Cliffs CEO joined in the support for tariffs declaring, The tariffs are working because we are seeing car manufacturers producing more cars in the United States and fewer cars abroad, not enough for us to restart the blast furnace yet, but we will. The support by Fain for tariffs and Trumps trade war policies demonstrates the UAW apparatus stands squarely in the camp of war and social reaction. The tariffs, which amount to a social tax on the working class, are not aimed at protecting the jobs and livelihoods of American workers but at building a fortress America in preparation for global war. A genuine fight for jobs can only be waged in bitter struggle against the capitalist system and the big business two party system based on an international strategy, uniting workers across industries and national borders. Workers must link the fight to defend jobs with the fight against war, austerity and for the defense of democratic rights. Rank and file workers must break with Fain, Dickerson and the entire trade union apparatus who are tied hand and foot to the corporations and both political parties of big business. They must organize independently as part of the International Workers Alliance of Rank and File Committees to defend every job and establish safe working conditions in every plant. The problem of mass layoffs is inseparable from the deadly conditions that prevail in every factory. They can only be fought by uniting workers internationally in the struggle for workers control and socialist cooperation between workers throughout the world. Two South Korean railway workers were killed Tuesday morning, and four more seriously injured, after being struck by a passenger train. Another worker received reportedly light injuries. The authorities have stated they are investigating the exact cause. However, the railway industry in South Korea is notorious for its dangerous working conditions and regular accidents. The accident occurred in Cheongdo county, North Gyeongsang Province. The seven workers were inspecting retaining walls near the tracks along the Gyeongbu line following recent heavy rains, when they were struck by a Mugunghwa passenger train traveling at 100 kilometers per hour. Korail passenger locomotive [Photo: Facebook/superalbstravels] The state-run Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) operates trains on the line and employed one of the workers involved in the accident, while subcontractors specializing in safety employed the other six, including the two killed. The Korail employee was supervising the groups work. No injuries were reported among the 89 passengers on the train. Subcontractors are a particularly vulnerable section of the South Korean working class. Many lack job protections, receive lower pay and are often forced into dangerous positions to keep their jobs. Investigators have stated they are looking into whether the six subcontractors were rushed or otherwise forced to do work outside their contracts. The workers had reportedly entered the area only seven minutes before the accident, after getting approval to enter the area. Initial evidence regarding the cause points to a lack of safety measures. The workers were unable to see the approaching train as they were just 120 meters from a curve in the track. In addition, a fire official stated at a press briefing Tuesday, The train in question was electric and made less noise than a regular train. I suspect that the workers did not notice the train approaching because the vehicle was so quiet. Four workers carried a phone with a train monitoring app that would supposedly send a warning when a train was approaching. The app reportedly did not work properly. The workers also had walkie-talkies, though they apparently did not receive a warning by radio. Workers are also supposedly instructed to walk along embankments, but those struck on Tuesday were walking along the tracks. Korail, which does not shut down train lines for this kind of work, has attempted to blame the workers themselves for the accident. A spokesman said they likely walked on the gravel path beside the rails instead of the designated path. However, the workers were forced to go too close to the tracks due to the narrow area and the thick vegetation that had been allowed to grow, indicating that the track was not properly maintained. One of the injured workers stated, Because of the slope, it was impossible to move outside the track, so we had no choice but to step onto it. The deaths on Tuesday are the first at a state-owned company since President Lee Jae-myung took office in June. Lee, a Democrat, and his administration have falsely postured as friends of workers. Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Yeong-hun stated, a regressive accident that should not have happened has occurred again. If various violations of industrial safety obligations are revealed, we will forcefully hold them [Korail] accountable. This is a farce. Korail is well-known for industrial accidents, which have frequently occurred under both right-wing and liberal administrations. Whatever the findings of the current investigation, the result will at most result in a slap on the wrist so as to placate angry workers and their families while nothing is done to improve safety. In August 2024, two workers were killed and one injured at Guro Station in Seoul. Between 2020 and 2023, at least 10 rail workers were killed on the job. The latest incident also recalls an accident at Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province in October 2019, in which one worker was killed and two seriously injured after they failed to detect a signal regarding an oncoming train. In March 2023, the government fined Korail a record high fine of 1.92 billion won ($US1.4 million) for safety violations, which included failing to follow safety procedures before maintenance work. Labor Minister Kim is well acquainted with Korail. He is a former leading official in the Korean Railway Workers Union (KRWU) and the so-called militant Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). He was head of the KRWU from 2004 to 2007 and then led the KCTU from 2010 to 2012. Both union bodies have a long history of acting on behalf of government and big business in suppressing industrial action. Railway workers regularly go on strike to try to address the unsafe working conditions. The KRWU called a previously planned strike on December 5 last year, shortly after then-President Yoon Suk-yeols failed coup attempt. But the union called off the strike a week later with none of the workers demands being met. Lee Jae-myung, then head of the Democratic Party, personally stepped in and held with the union to shut down the strike and prevent a broader working-class movement emerging against the political establishment. Lee came to office in June conscious of the widespread discontent throughout the working class, which has, in addition to Yoons coup attempt, faced the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that was allowed to run rampant, as well as stagnant and falling real wages. Earlier this month, the Lee administration launched a campaign to reduce workplace deaths over five years to the average for Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The number of deaths in South Korea each year is frequently downplayed, with media reports often covering only cases in which families of the dead are approved for compensation benefits. According to the Labor Ministrys statistics, 2,016 workers were killed in 2023 ,or 0.98 per 10,000. Between 2019 and 2022, the death toll has topped 2,000 each year. Total deaths from industrial accidents last year reached 2,100, the Kyunghyang Sinmun reported this month. Under Lees plan, hundreds of workers would continue to die each year, even if companies implemented stronger safety regulations. Former Democratic President Moon Jae-in, in office from 2017 to 2022, also pledged to reduce workers deaths by half, which did not occur. As Tuesdays accident demonstrates, even at state-owned companies, Lees campaign is entirely inadequate. Pro-Palestine activists are pictured during a protest in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 21, 2025. More than 100 pro-Palestine activists launched protests on Thursday in three major South African cities, calling on the government to ban coal exports to Israel, which has been blamed for committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 pro-Palestine activists launched protests on Thursday in three major South African cities, calling on the government to ban coal exports to Israel, which has been blamed for committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. The energy embargo protests, organized by the activist group Palestine Solidarity Campaign, took place in Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban. The protesters handed over a memorandum to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, according to local media. South Africa has exported approximately 1.6 million metric tons of coal to Israel, the memorandum said, criticizing the government for allowing South Africa's ports to be used as "conduits for transporting fuel, minerals, and other dual-use goods to Apartheid Israel." The protesters claimed in the memorandum that the South African government should "lead in implementing a coal embargo and stop our complicity in feeding the Israeli electricity grid that fuels the genocide, illegal occupation, and Apartheid Israel's military industrial complex." The South African government has accused Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza following a deadly Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed and some 200 taken hostage. Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 62,000 people and injured over 157,000 others, according to Gaza-based health authorities. A pro-Palestine activist is pictured during a protest in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 21, 2025. More than 100 pro-Palestine activists launched protests on Thursday in three major South African cities, calling on the government to ban coal exports to Israel, which has been blamed for committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) A pro-Palestine activist is pictured during a protest in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 21, 2025. More than 100 pro-Palestine activists launched protests on Thursday in three major South African cities, calling on the government to ban coal exports to Israel, which has been blamed for committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) Coconut shell-based handicrafts are pictured at a workshop in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) YANGON, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- In Yangon, Myanmar, the workshop Gwat Gwat Handicraft showcases an array of creative products made from discarded coconut shells, showing that waste can be transformed into both art and utility. Behind this initiative is Kyi Lae Tun, 37, a woman determined to turn everyday waste into sustainable creations. She started the business in 2019. "I first got the idea when I visited neighboring countries, where the handicraft industry was thriving," she recalled. "I joined handicraft training courses, which gave me the foundation to start my own workshop," she said. "This is my family business, and I run it together with my family members. We produce around 50 different coconut shell-based handicrafts, ranging from lamps, plant containers, and keychains to more intricate items," she said. Her products are displayed and sold at the Myanmar Handicraft Center, which promotes traditional crafts and supports small-scale artisans across the country. The center, opened in 2022 by the Small-Scale Industries Department under the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development, showcases and sells a wide range of traditional products, including lacquerware, textiles, wood carvings, gems, bamboo and rattan items, coconut shell crafts, and other local creations. "Our customers are mostly handicraft lovers, as well as restaurants and hotels looking for decorative items," Kyi Lae Tun explained. "Since coconut shells are usually discarded as waste, we recycle them into something meaningful. They're natural and environmentally friendly," she said. "Right now, we mainly sell to domestic customers. If we can reach export markets, small businesses like mine will have greater opportunities to grow," she said. Some people admire the pieces but don't purchase them because handicrafts are not seen as essential items, she added. Among the artisans is 71-year-old Aung Kyaw Oo, who has been making coconut shell-based products for about six years. "I enjoy making handicrafts because I'm passionate about this work," he said while polishing raw coconut shells into smooth surfaces. "What I like most is that these products are natural and safe and each piece has its own uniqueness. I love transforming waste into something valuable. It depends on the creativity of the maker and the way users appreciate it," he added. According to U Tun Lin Oo, deputy director of the Small-Scale Industries Department, coconut shell-based handicrafts are local, sustainable, and environmentally friendly products. "Our country is focusing on developing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In this effort, coconut shell crafts are contributing as much as possible to the growth of MSMEs," he said. To support artisans, the department conducts coconut shell craft training courses in major coconut-producing regions, including Tanintharyi, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Rakhine, and Nay Pyi Taw, as well as at the center, he said. By turning discarded coconut shells into beautiful, functional products, artisans are not only preserving Myanmar's traditional crafts but also supporting small businesses and sustainable livelihoods, he added. An artisan makes a coconut shell-based handicraft at a workshop in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) An artisan selects coconut shells to make handicrafts at a workshop in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) A girl works at a handicraft workshop in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) The Venice Film Festival offers an embarrassment of auteur riches this year. The 82nd edition, which kicks off on Wednesday, has films from Guillermo del Toro, Kathryn Bigelow, Park Chan-wook, Yorgos Lanthimos, Sofia Coppola, Jim Jarmusch, Gus Van Sant and Luca Guadagnino, to name a few. Even Charlie Kaufman has a short film (How to Shoot a Ghost). Depending on how they play, some in the lineup will surely be part of the Oscar conversation in the new year, as several filmmakers this year can attest from experience. In 2017, del Toro launched The Shape of Water at Venice, where its Golden Lion win was the first of many that awards season, culminating with a best picture and best director prize at the Academy Awards. In 2023, Lanthimos also had a charmed Venice debut for Poor Things, another Golden Lion winner that would get Emma Stone a best actress Oscar. Heres a preview of 12 films to get excited about this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bugonia (Aug. 28, in competition) Its always an event when Lanthimos teams up with Stone. Described as a science-fiction black comedy and a remake of a South Korean film, Bugonia stars Jesse Plemons as a conspiracy-obsessed man who (along with Aidan Delbis) kidnaps Stones character, the CEO of a pharmaceutical group, because they believe shes an alien. Focus Features plans a late October theatrical release. Jay Kelly (Aug. 28, in competition) Noah Baumbach takes on his own industry, and the idea that coming-of-age stories are only for the young, in Jay Kelly, casting George Clooney as a movie star on an introspective (and comedic) journey through Europe with his manager Ron (Adam Sandler). Baumbach cowrote the script with Emily Mortimer, who is part of the large ensemble cast including Laura Dern, Billy Crudup and Greta Gerwig. In theaters in November and on Netflix in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MEGADOC (Aug. 28, out of competition) Another Coppola-related documentary, but this one, directed by Mike Figgis, is about the making of Francis Ford Coppolas Megalopolis, his decades-in-the-making, self-financed epic. The film takes viewers behind the scenes of the creative process, from the rehearsal space to the set where you can be sure that Shia LaBeouf is going to speak his mind. In theaters Sept. 19. After the Hunt (Aug. 29, out of competition) Julia Roberts plays a beloved and glamorous college professor whose mentee ( Ayo Edebiri ) accuses her close friend and colleague (Andrew Garfield) of crossing the line in this psychosexual drama from Luca Guadagnino. The stacked cast also includes Guadagnino regulars Chloe Sevigny and Michael Stuhlbarg. Amazon MGM Studios will release it in theaters in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No Other Choice (Aug. 29, in competition) Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wooks highly anticipated follow-up to Decision to Leave has been a long time coming. He first mentioned work on an adaptation of Donald Westlakes novel The Ax in 2009. The story is about a middle-aged manager at a paper company who grows increasingly, and violently, desperate after being laid off. Lee Byung-hun and Son Yejin star. Neon has not set a release date. Frankenstein (Aug. 30, in competition) Visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toros decades-long dream of adapting Mary Shelleys classic novel, which he has said is his absolute favorite book, has come true. A master of the gothic milieu, his Frankenstein stars Oscar Isaac as Dr. Viktor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the monster. Its one of the most anticipated films of the year. Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz and Charles Dance also star. Frankenstein is in theaters in October and streaming on Netflix in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Father Mother Sister Brother (Aug. 31, in competition) Jim Jarmusch directs Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett and Vicky Krieps in a triptych anthology film about relationships between adult children. Jarmusch said in a statement that its an anti-action film, its subtle and quiet style carefully constructed to allow small details to accumulate. The filmmaker, a Cannes darling, was last on the Lido out of competition with Coffee and Cigarettes over 20 years ago. MUBI will release the film in theaters this fall. The Smashing Machine (Sept. 1, in competition) Is Dwayne Johnson destined for an Oscar nomination? His transformation into MMA and UFC fighter Mark Kerr, a champion and addict, might just be the ticket, with filmmaker Benny Safdie (who codirected Uncut Gems) at the helm and Emily Blunt playing his wife. A24 will release it in theaters in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Testament of Ann Lee (Sept. 1, in competition) Amanda Seyfried plays the founding leader of the Shakers, the 18th century religious sect, in a musical drama from filmmaker Mona Fastvold, who cowrote The Testament of Ann Lee with her partner Brady Corbert. Like The Brutalist, which Fastvold shared writing duties on, it was also shot on 70 mm film, but runs a slimmer 130 minutes. The cast includes Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson and Christopher Abbott. A House of Dynamite (Sept. 2, in competition) Not too much is known about Kathryn Bigelows political thriller, set inside the White House around an impending missile strike on the U.S. and starring Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson. Its the Oscar winners first film since Detroit came out in 2017, and written by former NBC News president Noah Oppenheim, whose script for Jackie won the best screenplay prize at Venice in 2016. Netflix plans an October release for both streaming and theatrical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marc by Sofia (Sept. 2, out of competition) Sofia Coppola follows in her late mothers footsteps by directing a documentary (her first), about fashion designer Marc Jacobs. Their friendship goes back to the early 1990s in New York. Its a relationship that goes beyond muse territory and has spawned numerous collaborations. She even wore one of his dresses when she won her first Oscar. For fashion and film fans, its a must-see. A24 has not set a release date. The Voice of Hind Rajab(Sept. 3, in competition) Set entirely inside the Red Crescent Society call center, Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania tells the story of the efforts to rescue the young girl Hind Rajab from her familys shot-out car in Gaza City last January, using the real audio of her voice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Festival head Alberto Barbera predicted that it will be one of the films that will get the most intense response from everybody not only political reasons but for emotional, human reasons. The film is seeking distribution. ___ For more coverage of the 2025 Venice Film Festival, visit https://apnews.com/hub/venice-film-festival. Theres only so much directing you can do when you send your lead actor, who is holding several bags of goldfish, in water, on a roller coaster with a 35 mm camera strapped to the front. You just have to trust. Splitsville director and actor Michael Angelo Covino knew he could count on his friend and cowriter Kyle Marvin to deliver on the performance side for their slapstick comedy about messy relationships and messy people that opens in theaters Friday. The two also made the wildly funny friendship movie The Climb, which they cowrote and co-starred in with Covino directing. Hes like a modern-day Charlie Chaplin, Covino said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. Its just all intuitive slapstick. He has it in his bones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there were a lot of other variables at play: Would they run out of light? Would it be as funny in execution as it was in theory? Would they regret fighting for the 35 mm camera? A lot was riding on the scene and reshoots were not in the cards. Independent films cant just go around shutting down amusement parks and mounting expensive film cameras on roller coasters whenever they want. It was sort of a powder keg moment on set, Marvin said. The most stressful thing, however, was they wouldnt even know for sure that they got the shot for a few days. Something had malfunctioned with the camera, and they didnt have a digital recording. It was also the weekend, so they had to wait for the lab to process the film and send it back to them. I called the lab and I was like, Please, please dont (expletive) this up, Covino said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How and why this brilliant, absurd sequence fits into their film, a comedy about open relationships, divorce and human mistakes, in which they star opposite Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona, is probably better left for audiences to discover themselves. But its the kind of comedy that Covino and Marvin specialize in. Leaning into unlikable characters The premise for Splitsville arose from conversations with friends who just seemed a little too confident in their worldviews. Nothing is funnier than someone with a lot of confidence, because theyre generally wrong in some way, shape or form, Marvin said. One thing that we love is to put a characters feet on an inevitable journey and then just make it harder and harder for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Splitsville starts with a big moment and continues escalating from there. The film begins with Arjonas character Ashley telling her husband Carey (Marvin) that shes unfaithful and wants a divorce. Distraught, he continues on to his married friends' house where he finds that Paul (Covino) and Julie (Johnson) are happily non monogamous that is until Carey and Julie hook up. They had noticed in French and Italian films from the 70s, from the likes of Claude Sautet and Lina Wertmuller, the characters just state the thing, like Im in love with your fiance, right out of the gates. Theres a efficiency of story and character. It charges the film, Covino said. We just gravitate toward movies where things happen and characters do crazy things. This meant, in part, not being too worried about their characters being likable or sending them on redemptive arcs that we might expect in a more mainstream romantic comedy. Theyre not out to punish the cheater. Nor are they out to make a hero out of the one who didnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres things not to like about all of them in some ways, Covino said. But thats, to me, what makes them human. People do bad things, but if we can understand why theres something more there. Theres humor to mine. Adding the movie star element Unlike The Climb which featured actors who weren't exactly household names, Splitsville has recognizable stars in Johnson and Arjona. In the film, there are more than a few jokes made about the beauty gap between the characters. They heard the same off camera too. There were a lot of notes about, How are we gonna get people to buy that these two guys are with these two women? Covino said with a laugh. We were like, Hey guys, were right here. We are the guys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They consider themselves extremely lucky that Johnson and Arjona wanted to make Splitsville. Not only did they bring the characters to life in ways that they couldnt have imagined on the page, but their star quality adds something intangible as well. They hold the screen, Covino said. Dakota can just sit there and when you fix the camera on her face, its mesmerizing. When shes on screen, it takes a lot of the pressure off of the story and all the other things because shes so captivating. I think theres something really beautiful about that especially given what this story is trying to do with these two idiot guys who are orbiting around these women. Not being afraid of dumb jokes Covino and Marvin didnt set out to tackle issues of relationships and marriage. If conversations emerge after the fact, thats gravy, but ultimately they have one goal: Make an entertaining film. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Often times, that means not shying away from the dumb jokes. Their films are cinematic and they know all the auteurs to reference, but theyre also silly and slapstick. They draw as much from Blake Edwards, Elaine May and Mike Nichols as they do from Dumb and Dumber and Me, Myself & Irene. In other words, theyre making comedies for everyone, not just cinephiles. Occasionally they doubt themselves and worry that something is just too dumb to print. But then they remember the bit with the dogs name in The Jerk, a movie they find both cinematic and one of the dumbest movies ever. Its a dumb joke, but theres brilliance in it, Covino said. Independent film is so in flux. The more entertaining we can make these films, the like better chance all of this has. So, when your story gives your character bags of goldfish, sometimes you just have to put him on a roller coaster. If you were sentient in 2007, it was hard not to be aware of the Amanda Knox story. A British exchange student named Meredith Kercher was raped and murdered at the student apartment in Perugia, Italy, that she shared with three other girlstwo Italians and an American. The American, Amanda Knox, and Knoxs boyfriend of eight days, Raffaele Sollecito, were held for questioning. Under questioning, Knox confessed, implicating Patrick Lumumba, the Congolese owner of the cafe where she worked part time, by saying she and Sollecito had been in the room when Lumumba killed Kercher. Although she retracted her statement the next day, all three were arrested. However, Lumumba had a tight alibi and, two weeks later, was released without charge. At the same time, the Italian police detained Rudy Guede, a drifter and small-time criminal with a history of sexual assault, leaking a lurid theory that Knox, Sollecito, and Guede had indulged in a drug-fueled sex game with Kercher that went wrong, resulting in Kerchers death. All three were arrested. The combination of sex, drugs, and an attractive young female (alleged) villainess sent the mediaespecially the Italian and British tabloidsinto overdrive. Guede stood trial and was convicted of Kerchers murder only a month after his arrest, but Sollecito and Knox languished in jail for another two years before having their day in court. In 2009 they were both found guilty of murder and sentenced to 25 and 26 years, respectively. Two years later, the verdicts were overturned on appeal, but in 2014, the convictions were reinstated until the pair were finally exonerated the following year by Italys highest court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, a new series out now on Hulu, attempts to follow the ins and outs of all these legal reversals, hence the title. It is based largely on Knoxs 2013 memoir Waiting to Be Heard, and a disclaimer at the start of each episode mentions that the show privileges her point of view, a stance underlined by Knoxs credit as an executive producer. Another executive producer is Monica Lewinsky, who knows all about being a photogenic young woman at the center of a media firestorm splashing details of her sexual history over every front page and evening news broadcast as she loses any expectation of privacy. The voice that remains unheard in the series, as in the trial and its aftermath, is Kerchers. Her family retained a dignified silence during all the court proceedings and has made no comment on the show beyond her sister saying, Our family has been through so much, and it is difficult to understand how this serves any purpose. Given that the series represents Knoxs version of events, it is hard to say if any deviations from reality represent an actual departure from the truth or just an overly faithful adherence to Knoxs partisan version, but in any case, we herein attempt to discover whats fact and whats fiction in this undeniably twisted tale. In the show, Amanda is questioned, then is released, then voluntarily returns for further questioning three days after Merediths murder has been discovered, after the police say they want to clear up a few details with her. Completely unaware that she is a possible suspect and believing the police when they say she is just a witness, she is happy to cooperate. When she gets to the police station, she is made to wait for hours, then questioned by several Italian detectives simultaneously. Although her Italian is rudimentary, she isnt offered a interpreter and so doesnt understand many of the questions put to her. Nor does she have a lawyer because, having led a sheltered existence as a middle-class American, she has a remarkably trusting attitude toward the authorities, assuming that since shes innocent, she doesnt need one. The police ignore guidelines and fail to record the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amanda is subjected to techniques designed to confuse and demoralize her, both physicalsuch as not letting her go to the bathroom even when she needs to change a tampon, keeping her awake without food for several hours, and even hitting herand psychologicalsuch as lying to her about evidence, making her doubt her own version of events, and suggesting she is having false memories. Worn down and desperate to make it stop, Amanda tells the police she saw her employer and friend Patrick kill Meredith. In a 2016 interview with Nightline, Knox said that this questioning lasted 53 hours, during which time she changed her story from maintaining she had spent the night with Sollecito in his apartment to asserting she had been in the girls apartment when Kercher was killed. This was because the police told me that I had amnesia and that I better remember the truth, she said. And so what they were forcing me to consider was that my memories that I hadthat I had spent the night with Raffaelewere wrong. Furthermore, she alleged, I was hit on the back of the head, I was yelled at. Police were coming in and out of the room, telling me that I was a liar. Then, earlier this year, she told the Atlantic, They lied to me: We have hard evidence placing you at the scene of the crime that night. We know you were there. Like many people, I had assumed that the police were bound by some code of ethics to tell the truth. I could not fathom that they would, or even could, lie to me. All of thiscompounded by the bullying, exhaustion, promises, and threatsreshaped my sense of reality, and made it hard to know what was true and what wasnt. Knox was contacted in prison by Saul Kassin, a psychologist and an expert in false confessions, who told her that isolation, bullying, nitpicking of memories, long interrogations, the refusal of food and bathroom breaks, and deception were established techniques for eliciting false confessions. He drew a comparison with the treatment of the Central Park Five, five teenagersfour of them Black, one Latinowho were questioned by police over several hours without parents or lawyers present, similarly operating under pressure from top brass for a quick conviction and a media pack baying for blood, with the boys ultimately falsely confessing to being involved in the assault and rape of a white female jogger in Central Park.* And indeed the scenes of Knoxs questioning in the series very much recall the interrogation scenes in When They See Us, Ava DuVernays disturbing dramatization of that other infamous miscarriage of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019 the European Court of Human Rights supported Knoxs version of events, finding that her human rights had been violated during the interrogation due to a police failure to provide legal assistance and an independent interpreter, and ordered Italy to pay Knox damages. However, the court also found that there was insufficient evidence to conclude that she had sustained inhuman or degrading treatment. Knoxs mother, Edda Mellas; Mellas as played by Shannon Horgan in The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images and Disney/David Astorga. After Amanda confesses, she is allowed to go home and go to sleep. When she wakes up, she is able to remember the events of the night of the murder more clearly and writes them down in a note she gives to the police in a desperate attempt to recant her accusation against Patrick. Ironically, it was Knoxs accusation of Lumumba that did the most to undermine her case. He brought a civil suit for slander, which was tried concurrently with her murder charge and heard by the same jury. The dubious confessions were not admissible in the murder trial, but they were admissible in the civil case, so the jury was able to hear them. Even after the murder conviction was overturned, Knoxs slander conviction remained. Following the ECHRs ruling that her interrogation had not been properly conducted, Italys high court ordered a new trial to consider the slander verdict. There was only one piece of evidence: the four-page handwritten letter Knox had given to the police the day after she was released from questioning. In it, she says, In regards to this confession that I made last night, I want to make clear that Im very doubtful of the verity of my statements because they were made under the pressures of stress, shock, and extreme exhaustion. But she doesnt actually withdraw the accusation, writing only, In these flashbacks that Im having I see Patrik as the murderer, but the way the truth feels in my mind, there is no way for me to have known, because I dont remember FOR SURE if I was at my house that night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The slander appeal failed, and the conviction remains. While Knox and Sollecito suffered years of imprisonment for a crime they didnt commit, with Knox being demonized in the court of public opinion by prosecutorsshe recalled that they characterized her using words like dirty, witch, murderer, slanderer, demon, depraved, impostor, promiscuous, succubus, evil, pervert, dissolute, and psychopathLumumba, who would not have been dragged into the whole affair were it not for Knoxs blurting out his name, lost the business he had built up and ultimately left Italy for Poland. At the beginning of 2025, Lumumbas lawyer noted that Knox had never offered to make financial amends to Lumumba and had never really apologized for blowing up his life. However, in 2024, Knox had offered an apology of sorts, saying, I am very sorry I was not strong enough to resist the pressure of the police and that he suffered for it. For Americans, the whole episode had uncomfortable echoes of the unfortunate tradition of a white woman trying to get herself out of trouble by putting the blame on a Black man. In its depiction of Knox and Sollecitos first trial, the series shows the prosecutions DNA expert testifying that a knife found in the murder flats cutlery drawer had traces of Merediths DNA on the blade and Amandas DNA on the handle. The other supposedly damning evidence was a bra fastener that had all three defendants DNA on it, as well as the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But by the time of the 2011 appeal trial, a damning video of the polices evidence gathering at the crime scene has emerged, and two independent experts completely refute the original trials DNA evidence by revealing a truly astonishing lack of rigor in the evidence collection and thus a high likelihood of contamination. As physical proof linking Amanda and Raffaele to the crime scene is very thin on the ground, this comprehensively undermines the prosecutions case. This is in fact what happened. In the first 2011 appeal, the judge was influenced by the testimony of two independent DNA experts from Sapienza University in Rome. One testified that there were several times when forensic police entered the crime scene without wearing protective masks or hair caps and that they often used plastic bags, rather than paper, to wrap evidence, heightening the risk of contamination. Another expert maintained that there wasnt enough of a DNA sample on the knife blade to attribute it to Kercher with certainty and that the original testing did not meet international standards. As for the bra clasp, it was not collected from Kerchers room until 46 days after her body was discovered. During this period, the clasp was moved to different locations around the room, with video showing police officers not following proper procedures in their handling of it, using nonsterile gloves, failing to change gloves after touching a surface or item, and dropping it on the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The early part of the series depicts Meredith and Amanda as being good friends, hanging out and having fun like normal student roommatestalking about boys, smoking pot, putting on makeup together, laughing as they walk around Perugiabut when questioned by the police, Merediths British friends say she didnt like Amanda that much and was angry with her for not doing her share of the cleaning and for bringing random hookups to the house. One of the two Italian roommates confirms this view. In reality, only Kercher and Knox would know how close they actually were. They were certainly friendly enough to go to a chocolate festival together and, the week before the murder, to the concert where Knox met Sollecito. However, Knox undermined her own account of a close friendship during her initial trial. When asked if she ever thought about the victim, she responded by saying: In the end, I knew her for a month. And first of all, Im trying to get on with my life. But even if there were some friction over fairly routine domestic irritations between roommates, it is hard to believe that they would drive Knox from being a somewhat ditzy 20-year-old with no history of criminality, let alone violence, to, as the prosecutions video reconstruction alleged, repeatedly banging Kerchers head against a wall and trying to strangle her. No motive was ever established beyond the prosecutions unsubstantiated assertion of a drug-and-sex-induced frenzy. SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's industrial accident deaths fell in the first half of 2025 thanks to tougher punishment for serious accidents, government data showed Thursday. The number of deaths caused by industrial accidents came in at 287 in the January-June period, down 3.0 percent year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The decrease was attributable to the positive effect of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, which came into force in January 2022 to impose imprisonment or fine on employers who fail to prevent grave accidents at workplaces. The figure was expected to fall further in the second half as the new government of President Lee Jae-myung vowed to make all-out efforts for a sharp reduction in industrial accidents. The number of industrial accident deaths in the construction industry advanced 6.2 percent over the year to 138 in the first half, but the reading in the manufacturing industry tumbled 29.5 percent to 67. The reading in other industries rose 15.5 percent to 82 in the cited period. The number of deaths at workplaces with fewer than 50 full-time workers gained 13.5 percent to 176, but the figure for workplaces with more than 50 full-time employees reduced 21.3 percent to 111. NEED TO KNOW Sister Wives is returning with an all-new season on Sunday, Sept. 28 In the trailer for season 20, the Brown family has a tense exchange surrounding the sale of Coyote Pass The Arizona property, which was purchased by the family in 2018, has been an ongoing point of contention on the show as the plural marriage breaks down Sister Wives fans are about to be served a fresh dose of drama surrounding the long-awaited sale of Coyote Pass. In the all-new trailer for season 20 (premiering Sunday, Sept. 28), the Brown family Kody, Robyn, Janelle and Meri are caught in a series of tense exchanges in the moments leading up to the sale of the Arizona property. While PEOPLE previously confirmed it was sold for $1.5 million in April, the new season was filmed before the spouses and exes finally offloaded it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drama begins when Meri reveals that her ex-husband Kody called and said that somebody wants a couple pieces of the property, adding that her money better not be going through his hands." In a confessional-style clip, Kody then notes how hes hopeful the land will be sold soon, however his last remaining wife in his once-plural marriage, Robyn, has other plans. TLC Kody and Robyn Brown in the 'Sister Wives' season 20 trailer Kody and Robyn Brown in the 'Sister Wives' season 20 trailer Were gonna close on Coyote Pass soon, Kody says, before the scene cuts to Robyn who declares, This is bulls. Im not selling this land until everything is perfectly fair and we do this the right way. A clip of Robyn, Kody, Janelle and Meri arriving at the property then pans onto the screen as Janelle says dramatically, Its a standoff at the Coyote Pass. Final showdown. TLC Meri and Janelle Brown at Coyote Pass in season 20 Meri and Janelle Brown at Coyote Pass in season 20 The group can then be seen standing in a circle on the property as they stare each other down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres been more effort put into creating pain and hurting each other, Robyn says. With a shudder, she adds, Makes me angry. TLC The Brown family meeting at Coyote Pass The Brown family meeting at Coyote Pass The last few seasons of Sister Wives have documented the years of drama that the property has created in the family. The group first purchased the land in 2018 after moving to Arizona, and it was initially intended to be a large family compound for Kody, his wives and their 18 children. Their original plan was to build homes on the separate plots so their families could all live close to each other. However, that all changed when their plural marriage began falling apart in the years since. TLC Season 20 key art Season 20 key art 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christine Brown who was the first to leave the plural marriage in November 2021 also had a share of the land at one point, but she sold it back to Kody in August 2022 after their separation. Meanwhile, Meri and Janelle both announced their separation from Kody within 14 months of Christine leaving. Since their split, the wives have been candid about the lack of "trust" in the family, especially regarding Coyote Pass and the way Kody has been handling the sale, and last season, tensions were mounting with several players "lawyering up" in expectation of a battle over the plots. Sister Wives season 20 premieres Sunday, Sept. 28 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC. Read the original article on People More than 1,000 lowand middle income South Carolina students who received vouchers to pay for private school were ineligible for the program. ALSO READ: Program helps Meck County seniors get vouchers for farmers market produce According to the Herald, those students families received a total of $1.5 million of taxpayer money. However, the state later learned the students were enrolled in public school. The state said it recovered some money that hadnt been spent... but did not try to get money that had been spent. VIDEO: Program helps Meck County seniors get vouchers for farmers market produce Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said last week that the number of unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. has declined by 1.6 million since President Trump began his immigration crackdown. "This is massive," Noem said in a statement, crediting the decline in part to an ad campaign warning undocumented immigrants to leave or face arrest and deportation. "This new data shows illegal aliens are hearing our message," she added. In the Department of Homeland Security's news release, Noem did not specify how many of those individuals were believed to have departed the U.S. voluntarily, versus those who have been deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the vast majority would have had to have left without making any contact with DHS to reach that total. According to internal government figures previously obtained by CBS News, over the first six months of President Trump's second term, the administration deported nearly 150,000 people and recorded 13,000 who self-deported. A DHS spokesperson told CBS News that it sourced the 1.6 million figure from its own numbers out of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, although its news release included a chart from an analysis released earlier this month by the Center for Immigration Studies, a group that supports immigration restrictions. It did not provide additional information on how USCIS calculated this estimate. Any estimate of the current unauthorized population at this stage comes with caveats, researchers who study population demographics told CBS News, and it's too early to conclude that there's been a mass exodus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new analysis from the Pew Research Center, released Thursday, estimated that there were 14 million unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. as of 2023. That's the latest year for which data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey is available the survey that experts say is the gold standard for making these population estimates. The Pew Research Center's analysis found that the undocumented immigrant population swelled by 3.5 million from 2021 to 2023, driven largely by recent arrivals during the Biden administration. It had previously declined by 1.1 million between the start of the Obama administration and the end of the first Trump administration, Pew found. Unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. (Line chart) Meanwhile, the analysis from the Center for Immigration Studies is based on another Census Bureau survey known as the Current Population Survey. The CPS polls about 60,000 households about 2% of the size of the American Community Survey's sample making some estimates less reliable. Experts also note some immigrants may not respond amid increased enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pew Research Center analyzed the CPS data as well, and found similar results, showing the unauthorized immigrant population may have continued to grow into 2024 and started to decline in 2025. "For [20]25, all we have is CPS data and that points to a decline from a January peak of immigrants," Jeffrey Passel, the Pew report's lead author, told CBS News. "How big the decline is could be affected by the decrease in response rates." To estimate the unauthorized population, researchers typically subtract the number of immigrants with legal status from the overall foreign-born population. Estimating the foreign-born population in the absence of the American Community Survey can be tricky. The Census Bureau, which oversees both surveys, cautions against using the Current Population Survey to estimate the foreign-born populations due to its sample size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zooming in on the foreign-born population within the CPS survey makes a small sample size even smaller, introducing wide margins of error, experts say. The foreign-born population makes up about 14% of the total U.S. population, according to the latest ACS survey. The analysis from the Center for Immigration Studies estimated that the total foreign-born population, which includes both legal and illegal immigrants, fell by 2.2 million between January and July, including 600,000 non-citizens with legal status. Steven Camarota, the lead author on that analysis, said the decline in the overall foreign-born population is statistically significant, or not due to chance, despite the wide margins of error. He noted that response rates have declined for more than a decade, but haven't prevented the survey from tracking the previous increases in the foreign-born population prior to January 2025. Data is not available on the response rates among foreign-born people compared with U.S.-born people surveyed, so it isn't clear how much of the recent decline in the response rate is reflective of a drop off among immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Given that the foreign-born is a small minority of the population, you can have a meaningful decline in the foreign-born response rate without having much of a decline in the overall response rate," Jed Kolko, an economist who served as under secretary of commerce for economic affairs during the Biden Administration, told CBS News. Still, Kolko said there are other indicators that the unauthorized population has begun to decline. Industries that rely heavily on labor from unauthorized workers, such as construction, hotels and restaurants, have seen greater drops in employment than all other industries, according to his analysis of a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey of employers rather than households. The most widespread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines this year Cracker Barrel stocks plunge after new logo release What to know about pregnancy and GLP-1s as Serena Williams makes headlines MEMPHIS, Tenn. One person is dead and another is detained after a shooting in Southaven, Mississippi, police say. Police said Southaven Police Department officers responded to the area of Burton Lane about an isolated shooting. Southaven, MS shooting Photo by WREG Southaven, MS shooting Photo by WREG Southaven, MS shooting Photo by WREG Southaven, MS shooting Photo by WREG They said one person was transported to Regional One for medical treatment, and one person has been detained. Police said the victim died from their injuries. Brothers fall through ceiling, hold neighbors hostage: MPD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPD said there is no ongoing threat, and this is an ongoing investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. DES MOINES, Iowa One driver and one Des Moines Police Department officer were taken to the hospital after a crash on the citys east side. According to the DMPD, a patrol officer was responding to a call of a domestic fight around 7:15 p.m., when it collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Delaware Avenue and East Euclid Avenue. Rollover crash near Marshalltown shuts down portion of Highway 30 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both drivers sustained minor injuries during the collision and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities have opened an investigation into the crash and are gathering witness statements and video recordings. Additional information will be released 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 who13.com. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A Ballinger hardware store that has provided supplies to the community for over a century is set to shut down soon. Heres what to know. Papers attached to the front door of Ballingers Higginbotham Brothers store state that the location is scheduled to close to the public on Aug. 29. A banner hung inside a window of the shop bears the message Thank you to the Ballinger Community for Your Years of Support! Signs posted outside the Higginbotham Brothers hardware store in Ballinger, Texas, state that its last day of business is Aug. 29, 2025. The store was opened in the early 1900s. A banner hung in a window of the Higginbotham Brothers hardware store in Ballinger, Texas, thanks the community for its support. The store is set to close on Aug. 29, 2025, ending over a century of operation in the town. According to the Higginbotham Brothers website, the Ballinger location was opened by the early 1900s alongside the Comanche, Dublin, Rising Star and Stephenville stores. A store representative stated that the Ballinger store is approximately 120 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can be said that in most towns, Higginbotham Brothers served the customers from their birth to the grave, the Higginbotham Brothers website reads. Taste of false fall coming to West Texas The Ballinger location has provided building supplies, hardware and other goods throughout its estimated 12 decades of operation, playing a substantial role in the construction and renovation of many of the towns structures. A photo hung inside the Higginbotham Brothers hardware store in Ballinger, Texas, offers a glimpse at what the shop looked like near the time of its opening in the early 1900s. The store is set to permanently close on Aug. 29, 2025. Concho Valley Homepage reached out to U.S. LBM, a building materials distribution company that acquired the Higginbotham Brothers company in 2021, for comment. A U.S. LBM representative provided the following statements: Higginbotham Brothers has proudly served the Texas community since the opening of our first general store in 1881. Today, 144 years later, Higginbotham Brothers continues to serve professional builders, remodelers, and do-it-yourselfers with lumber and specialty building products from 37 locations across Texas and Oklahoma, and together with Parkers Building Supply we operate a total of 54 locations, across the region. We have built a strong and respected reputation serving our local communities, and we take great pride in the legacy of service that has defined our business. Effective August 29, we are closing our Ballinger location and will continue to serve our customers and community from our four neighboring Texas locations in Coleman, Brady, Cross Plains, and Junction. The decision to close the Ballinger location was not made lightly and it reflects our commitment to long-term sustainability and strategic growth across all markets. We deeply value the contributions of our associates, and the relationships forged over the years in the Ballinger community. This dedication has been central to our success, and we remain committed to supporting our five impacted team members during this transition period. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. At least 13 people allegedly involved in the killing of two members of Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada's staff in May were arrested Wednesday for their alleged roles in what authorities described as a meticulously planned hit on two people close to the capital's leader. Three of those arrested allegedly were directly involved in the killings and the others had roles in the logistics. "In memory of our colleagues and out of respect for their families and friends, this government will not rest until the truth is known and justice is served," the mayor said in a statement posted on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brugada's personal secretary, Ximena Guzman, and an adviser, Jose Munoz, were shot dead in Guzman's car on a Mexico City street in broad daylight on May 20. Guzman, as she did regularly, was picking up Munoz at a subway station. A framed image of Ximena Guzman, the personal secretary to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada who was murdered a day earlier, adorns an altar during a wake at a funeral home in Mexico City, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. / Credit: Marco Ugarte / AP Authorities said the gunman had fled on a motorcycle that was hidden nearby and then changed vehicles twice as he and others fled into neighboring Mexico State. "These results represent the first advances of an ongoing investigation," Brugada said. Bertha Maria Alcalde Lujan, Mexico City's chief prosecutor, said later during a news conference that five vehicles, including the motorcycle the shooter fled on, were part of the operation. Two of the other vehicles were identified as having surveilled the victims in the weeks before their killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcalde Lujan even said investigators believe the hit had originally been planned for May 14, but Guzman didn't pick up Munoz that day, so they believe it was called off. Police officers stand guard near the crime scene of the killing of Jose Munoz and Ximena Guzman in Mexico city on May 20, 2025. / Credit: VALENTINA ALPIDE/AFP via Getty Images Mexico's federal security chief, Omar Garcia Harfuch, said investigators confirmed that those involved in the shootings initially fled to a neighborhood in the borough of Iztacalco, not far from the capital's international airport. There they changed vehicles and escaped the city to neighboring Mexico state. Early Wednesday, law enforcement carried out 11 raids, arresting the 13 suspects. Mexico City Police Chief Pablo Vazquez Camacho said there were various lines of investigation, but authorities would not speak of a possible motive while the investigation remained open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump sounds off on potential security guarantees for Ukraine The most widespread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines this year Court blocks Texas law requiring public classrooms to display Ten Commandments Until recently, it was legal to sell a certain opioid over the counter in Florida, one that is 13 times more powerful than morphine. The drug 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH has only been on the market for two years but researchers, harm reduction advocates and public health officials are warning of its potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Florida put 7-OH on the Schedule I list of drugs on Aug. 13 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended labeling the drug as an illicit substance at the federal level in late July. That will happen if the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration approves the FDA's sanction after review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Schedule I drug is a substance that has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, such as heroin. Due to the danger posed to the public, Florida is taking 7-OH off the shelves immediately. This dangerous substance is being marketed to teens and young adults and has a high potential for abuse and death, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a press release. We are grateful for President Trump and Dr. Makary for sounding the alarm giving my office the foundation to protect Floridians. Dr. Martin Makary, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner, called 7-OH the "fourth wave of the opioid epidemic." "This situation has the potential to be worse because if we dont do something, were going to see more of these products," said Emanuel Sferios of Grassroots Harm Reduction, an advocate for people who use drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it's important to distinguish that 7-OH is not kratom, the plant the drug is derived from, even though it may be labeled as a "kratom alkaloid" or "kratom enhanced," said Dr. Christopher McCurdy, a professor of medicinal chemistry in the college of pharmacy at the University of Florida. McCurdy, who has been researching kratom for 20 years, said 7-OH is a semi-synthetic byproduct of kratom. By the time the drug is extracted, synthesized and put on shelves, it's "a pure opioid at that point." An opioid is a class of drugs, including prescription painkillers and illegal substances like heroin, that act on the brain to relieve pain but carry a high risk of addiction and overdose. "Its been very confusing to everyone because these are pure opioids that are being sold under the guise of kratom products," McCurdy added. Fresh green kratom leaf (Mitragyna speciosa) with kratom powder capsule. What is 7-OH? 7-OH made its debut on shelves in 2023. Kratom, however, has been used for centuries. The plant, indigenous to Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia and other neighboring countries, has been used for hundreds of years by field workers to relieve pain and as a stimulant to improve work capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its effects haven't been studied thoroughly, McCurdy said. The plant gained popularity in 2016 when the DEA announced its intention to put kratom on the schedule I list. McCurdy said this move piqued the public's interest. "That's when it turned to more of a smoke shop, high-seeking, euphoric-seeking population. Before that, there was a large population of people who were deriving benefit from just the leaf," he said. Most of the compounds in the kratom plant do interact with the opioid receptors in the brain, but they react with other receptors within the body that are involved in mood, energy and pain, McCurdy said. It's a "very different alphabet soup" of neurotransmitters and systems in the body that are being affected when the whole-leaf product is ingested. The kratom tree is native to southeast asia. It's leaves are dried and crushed and sold in powder and capsule form in smoke shops and online. 7-OH, however, is created by extracting mitragynine, the predominant active agent in kratom, and oxidizing it; early methods used pool chlorine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In lab tests, animals could not tell the difference between fentanyl, 7-OH and morphine. It has never been studied in humans. Its effects include pain relief, relaxation, euphoria, sedation and reduced anxiety. In fact, some say 7-OH acts the same as an oxycodone tablet. "It has a great potential for people getting into trouble with it, regardless if it's labeled correctly in a 7-Eleven," Sferios said. 7-OH-related emergency calls on the rise Proponents of 7-OH say it's a "holistic alternative" for recovering from opioid addiction and the drug is being targeted by kratom-backers who view 7-OH as a threat to their market share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "7-OH can be an invaluable harm reduction tool that should remain an option for the hundreds of thousands of consumers that rely on it," the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART) said on its website about 7-OH. After Florida banned the substance, the organization put out a press release, saying the emergency order by Uthemeier "ignores the science." HART says the FDA has not recorded any deaths related to 7-OH, and that the Global Kratom Coalition, a group with ties to a kratom drink called "Feel Free," is behind the push to ban the drug. As previously reported in USA TODAY, Botanic Tonics, the company that sells "Feel Free," settled an $8.75 million class-action lawsuit filed in March 2023 alleging the company falsely marketed its kratom tonic as a healthy alternative to alcohol. In January 2024, the company announced it would add a warning to the label for its "Feel Free Classic" tonic, saying the product can become "habit forming and harmful to your health if consumed irresponsibly." In May 2024, it announced the addition of a 21-and-over restriction to its products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are currently no official numbers for how many have died from 7-OH. According to the FDA, the National Poison Data System began counting 7-OH specific reports only this past February. In June, the FDA sent warning letters to seven 7-OH companies, including one based in Tampa, about their products. As previously reported, USA TODAY spoke with over 20 people who say they became severely addicted to kratom products sold at gas stations, liquor stores and smoke shops across the country by various companies. More: She thought it was just another energy drink. It took half her bodyweight and sent her to rehab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent study, researchers looked at 304 online products marketed as kratom. Most over 80% were chewable or under-the-tongue tablets, shots, or gummies that contained only 7-OH. From Jan. 1, 2023 to April 30, 2025, there have been 4,233 calls for emergency services for kratom/7-OH-related overdoses, according to the National Drug Early Warning System, with the number of calls trending upward over the past two years. And Florida Poison Control has received 191 calls about 7-OH exposure, with a 14% increase over the last three months. Doctors say too much 7-OH can cause overdose symptoms, like respiratory depression, which is when the effects of the opioid also suppress breathing. Opioid-overdose reversal drugs like naloxone should work if someone is in distress. In a statement, HART said it supports robust regulation and is pursuing legislation to mandate that all 7-OH products are manufactured safely, are marketed transparently, and are kept out of the hands of children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCurdy said 7-OH should be a prescription drug and put through the rigorous process of testing and research for approval: It has to be done the right way, it cant be done using humans as laboratory animals out on the street with impure, unregulated material." 7-OH: What happens next? Uthmeier's emergency order that made 7-OH illegal is only temporary. It will need action by the Florida Legislature this upcoming session to permanently put the drug on the state's Schedule I. Public health advocates now are wondering what is going to happen to the people who have been using the drug who have potentially become reliant on it. Sferios, who founded the drug-testing nonprofit DanceSafe and was the first to use fentanyl test strips for drug checking, said the current medications to manage opioid addiction, methadone and buprenorphine, are sometimes not powerful enough to manage a person's pain and addiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many went to the corner convenience store to get 7-OH. Now, he said, they might try to wean themselves off of it with kratom or they might turn to the illicit market. "The problem is that opioids are in such high demand because they reduce pain, physical and emotional pain, that many people want them and will find them, and people will produce them for people who want them because they can make money," he said. A subreddit called "Quitting Kratom" on Reddit has 52,000 users, with many people posting details of their experience withdrawing from 7-OH. "Dont do 7OH. Its not worth it," wrote one Reddit user. McCurdy said if someone has been using 7-OH products, they may go into withdrawal. He's gotten emails from people who say they went from stealing prescription drugs from their neighbors to buying 7-OH once it became available. People should seek medical treatment or help from recovery professionals, he said: If they havent talked to their physician about using this product in the past, they have to talk about it now." Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: It's 13 times stronger than morphine: Why Florida banned 7-OH 16-year-old boy facing homicide charge in North Shore crash that killed 13-year-old girl A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the fatal motor vehicle crash earlier this week that killed 13-year-old Savannah Gatchell, of Marblehead. Nowhere to go from here: Marblehead family mourns loss of 13-year-old girl killed in OUI crash The driver is facing charges of motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and operating under the influence of liquor, as well as two civil motor vehicle infractions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the early morning of Tuesday, August 19, 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, an eighth-grader in the Marblehead School System, unfortunately, passed away from her injuries. A memorial has been set up in her honor, and local schools and police are providing support to those affected by the tragedy. I am at a loss for words. My daughter will be missed deeply. That was my baby, said Christine Gatchell, Savannahs mother. Chirsine described her daughter as a kind soul who was deeply loved by her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alyssa Gatchell, Savannahs sister, shared that Savannah was always present and loving, calling her the best sister. Marblehead Public Schools has announced that they will support students and families with help from their mental health teams. The Marblehead Police Department has prioritized supporting the community and the victims family as they navigate this loss. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW In a letter made public Wednesday, a group of Senate Democrats urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to pressure Israel about the deaths of Palestinian journalists covering the conflict in Gaza, and to push for Gaza to be opened to international media. Signed by Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz and cosigned by 16 other Democratic senators, including Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren and Tim Kaine, the letter also specifically addresses the death of Al Jazeera Correspondent Anas al-Sharif, who was killed during an Israeli strike in Gaza on Aug. 10. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has not provided convincing evidence for its claim that al-Sharif was a Hamas militant. Absent a compelling explanation of the military objective for this attack, it appears Israel is publicly admitting to targeting and killing journalists who have shown the world the scale of suffering in Gaza, which would be a violation of international law, they wrote. The letter goes on to say that more than 190 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began with the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. The Vast majority of whom, the letter asserts, were Palestinians killed in Gaza by IDF military action. The letter also says that Israel continues to ban journalists from entering Gaza independently, and urged Rubio prioritize journalists immediate access to Gaza: as well as guarantees from Israel that the IDF will not target them in its operations. The United States must make it clear to Israel that banning and censoring media organizations and targeting or threatening members of the press is unacceptable and must stop, they said also. The absence of U.S. government support for accountability efforts serves to undermines U.S. moral leadership and credibility in the region and around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the letter below: Letter to Rubio from Democratic Senators 1 Al-Sharif, whose death ignited new uproar about the death of journalists covering Gaza, was killed along with seven other people in the attack early August attack. Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa were also among the dead. Israeli military officials have alleged that the 28-year-old al-Sharif was a Hamas operative who participated in rocket attacks. Al Jazeera rejected the accusation. Al-Sharif and Al Jazeera were also controversial even among some in Gaza, where its been reported that locals were upset that protests against Hamas within Gaza werent being covered. Israel has frequently accused Palestinian reporters of belonging to militant groups, a charge critics say is aimed at undermining coverage of its actions in the war. The post 17 Senators Demand US Pressure Israel Over Killing Palestinian Journalists, Opening Gaza to Media appeared first on TheWrap. WELLINGTON, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's strong export growth in July 2025 narrowed its trade deficit despite higher imports, the country's overseas merchandise trade showed on Thursday. Exports to China, New Zealand's largest trading partner, grew 7.1 percent in July 2025 compared to a year earlier, supported by demand for dairy, while trade with the European Union, Japan and the United States also strengthened, according to the statistics department Stats NZ. New Zealand's goods exports rose 10 percent from a year earlier to 6.7 billion NZ dollars (3.9 billion U.S. dollars) in July 2025 compared with July 2024, led by higher shipments of dairy, beef, and precious metals, statistics show. The Redmond Police Department (RPD) says officers arrested 18 people during a pro-Palestine protest outside Microsofts headquarters on Wednesday afternoon. Police were dispatched at around 12:15 p.m. and RPD says officers tried to trespass the protesters, but they allegedly resisted, and police began making arrests. Redmond police say some protesters allegedly poured red paint on the Microsoft sign and on the ground, while others used reportedly stolen chairs and tables to block a pedestrian bridge, RPD posted on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 18 protesters were arrested with charges ranging from trespassing, malicious mischief, resisting arrest, and obstruction, according to police. 18 arrested for various charges during a protest at Microsoft Campus Redmond police are at the scene of a demonstration at the Microsoft campus. On Aug 20, around 12:15 p.m., Redmond officers were dispatched to a large gathering of protestors in the Microsoft courtyard. pic.twitter.com/L4jzjsdxkT RedmondWaPD (@RedmondWaPD) August 20, 2025 In a statement to KIRO 7, a Microsoft spokesperson said: Yesterday, approximately 35 protesters gathered and protested on the Microsoft campus. When local police officers informed them that this was not permitted on private property, they left. Today, the group returned and engaged in vandalism and property damage. They also disrupted, harassed, and took tables and tents from local small businesses at a lunchtime farmers market for employees. Local police officers made multiple arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Microsoft deeply appreciates and supports the actions of local law enforcement officers and the Redmond Police Department. As we have made clear, Microsoft is committed to its human rights standards and contractual terms of service, including in the Middle East. The company announced last week that it is pursuing a thorough and independent review of new allegations first reported earlier this month about the purported use of its Azure platform in Israel. Microsoft will continue to do the hard work needed to uphold its human rights standards in the Middle East, while supporting and taking clear steps to address unlawful actions that damage property, disrupt business or that threaten and harm others." (WBRE/WYOU) The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced 18 people have been banned from Pennsylvania casinos and online gambling after going against various laws. Being placed on an Involuntary Exclusion List prohibits people from either gaming in a casino in Pennsylvania, via an online betting site regulated by the Board, or at a Video Gaming Terminal location. The Board placed 10 people on the Involuntary Casino Exclusion List, including two adults who left minors unattended while gambling in a Pennsylvania casino: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man who left his 12-year-old child in a vehicle in the parking lot of Rivers Philadelphia Casino for 22 minutes while he gambled in the sportsbook A man patron who left children ages six and 13 in a vehicle in the parking lot of Live! Casino Philadelphia for 13 minutes while he gambled in the sportsbook. 15 banned from Pennsylvania casinos, gambling The board says denying gambling privileges serves as a reminder that adults are prohibited from leaving minors unattended, since it creates an unsafe environment for the children. Eight others were placed on the Boards Involuntary Interactive Gaming Exclusion list for fraudulent actions involving online gambling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information about both the PGCBs gaming regulatory efforts and Pennsylvanias gaming industry can be found at the PA Gaming Board 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 28/22 News. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) Two people have been charged after troopers found marijuana and kilos of cocaine during a traffic stop in Monongalia County. On Aug. 20, troopers with the Monongalia County detachment of the West Virginia State Police were conducting a routine patrol near mile marker 146 on Interstate 79 southbound, according to a criminal complaint. During that time, troopers observed and pulled over a vehicle because it changed lanes without signaling and was driving 54 miles per hour in a posted 70 mile-per-hour zone, according to the complaint. Jacqueline Daniels Troopers spoke with the vehicles driver, identified as Jacqueline Daniels, 38, of Chadbourn, North Carolina, and detected the odor of marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man charged after officers find fentanyl, other drugs following Mon County arrest Jevon Jackson Troopers noted there was also a male passenger in the vehicle, identified as Jevon Jackson, 40, of Longs, South Carolina; at that time, Daniels admitted to marijuana being inside the vehicle, and troopers performed a probable cause search, troopers said. During that search, troopers found three vacuum sealed bags of a green leafy substance and three individually wrapped kilos of a substance which field tested positive for cocaine, according to the complaint. Daniels and Jackson have been charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. They are being held in North Central Regional Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. NEED TO KNOW Two suspects have been taken into custody by authorities in France after four bodies were found in the River Seine in Paris Two of the bodies reportedly showed signs of injury, including strangulation, prompting officials to open two murder investigations A 24-year-old man from Algeria and a second man believed to have been in his entourage have so far been arrested in connection with the case Two suspects have reportedly been arrested after several bodies were found in the River Seine in Paris. The arrests come one week after a passerby found the bodies in the water in the southeastern suburb of Choisy-le-Roi in Paris on Aug. 13 and reported the sighting to police, according to BBC News and local media outlets Le Monde and Le Parisien. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were dispatched to the area and found the body of a 40-year-old man from the neighboring town of Creteil, who was not identified, per BBC News and Le Parisien. Police searched the area and found three more bodies nearby, per the outlets. The Creteil prosecutor's office told Le Parisien that the three bodies were believed to have been three adult men," and that two of the bodies appeared to be young men in their twenties of North African origin. BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty The area in the Seine where the bodies were recovered from The area in the Seine where the bodies were recovered from Officials noted, per Le Monde, that the first body found by the passerby had been "relatively well-preserved" indicating that it had not been in the water for long while the other three were in "a very advanced state of decomposition." Officials also noted per Le Monde and BBC News that two of the bodies showed signs of injury, with one of the victims having had signs of strangulation and the other having had other violent injuries. This prompted police to open a murder investigation into the deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Creteil prosecutor's office told Le Monde and Le Parisien that on Wednesday, Aug. 20, police arrested a 24-year-old suspect born in Algeria in connection to the murders. "A man was taken into custody this morning on suspicion for multiple murders at the headquarters of the criminal brigade of the Paris judicial police," the Creteil prosecutor's office told Le Monde in a statement. 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. Antoine Gyori - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Paris' River Seine Paris' River Seine Due to the charge of multiple murders which is a special serial crimes designation police have the authority to question their suspect for 96 hours, per Le Monde and Le Parisien. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second suspect who was believed to have been part of the same entourage as the first suspect and frequented the same places as him was reportedly taken into custody on Thursday, Aug. 21, according to Le Parisien. No other details have been released about this suspect. The prosecutors said that their initial investigation found no evidence of a link between the victims found in the river, per BBC News. They noted that the bodies may have been submerged in different places along the Seine before the currents brought them to the Choisy bridge. Read the original article on People Search efforts for a Minnesota man who was last heard from in July have been suspended after 20 days as authorities say that his most optimistic survival odds have run out. Grant Gardner had planned on a three-day hike "through the Misty Moon Lake area, eventually summiting Cloud Peak," according to a statement from Big Horn County Sheriffs Office in Wyoming. He was last heard from when he contacted his wife on July 29 saying he had made it to the summit, but "since that time there has not been any contact with Gardner," officials said. MORE: Minnesota man missing after leaving for 3-day hike in Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming: Sheriff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, after a 20-day search, authorities announced that they have suspended search and rescue operations for Gardner in consultation with his family members. During the past 20 days, Big Horn County and Wyoming SAR personnel have been searching diligently for Mr. Grant Gardner of Minnesota, Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn said in his statement. In consultation with family members, I have made the heartbreaking and difficult decision to suspend active search and rescue operations for Mr. Gardner. Our teams have exhausted all resources and personnel over the last 20 days. With weather conditions and other factors updated in our search models, we have to face the reality that the most optimistic survival odds have run out. Big Horn County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: Search efforts for a Minnesota man who was last heard from in July have been suspended after 20 days as authorities say that his most optimistic survival odds have run out. MORE: Coast Guard suspends search for missing fisherman after boat with 4 crew members capsizes Officials discovered Gardner's vehicle earlier this month in the parking lot of the West Ten Sleep trailhead -- where he began his journey -- and also learned via the hiking log at the trailhead that he had entered the area "as he had indicated in his hiking plan," officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phone records also revealed that he had reached the summit at Cloud Peak -- which is around 13,000 feet -- at approximately 7 p.m., which was concerning to officials due to the "lack of visible trails through cliffs, timber line, boulder fields and other hazards that had to be navigated after dark before reaching clear trails and safe terrain," officials said. MORE: 2 hikers rescued by helicopter from remote beach after rising tides cut off exit route Our teams will rest, then begin search and recovery efforts as time and evidence allow. Many citizen volunteers and outdoors people are continuing to search for clues in an effort to bring peace to this family, Blackburn said. On behalf of the family, they want to personally thank each and every one of you who have offered time, resources, and prayers on their behalf. While grieving, they are humbled, and grateful beyond words. Officials said they have extensively searched for Gardner using helicopters, planes, foot teams and canines, but "conditions are extremely challenging," with at least two rescuers suffering from "medical conditions" and needing treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Body of Antarctic researcher found 66 years after he disappeared exploring glacier Bighorn National Forest is over 1 million acres, with 191,000 acres dedicated to the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, which is where Gardner is believed to have been traveling, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Many team members feel like they have lost a battle by not finding Grant at this time, however, it was not for a lack of effort on anyones part, Blackburn said. We hope clues will surface that will help bring a final closure to this tragedy in due time. ABC News' Megan Forrester and Tristan Maglunog contributed to this report. A tractor trailer carrying more than 40,000 pounds of ribeye steak went up in flames on the side of the highway after the vehicle caught fire early Monday morning, officials said. The Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District in Doolittle, Missouri, responded to reports of a tractor trailer on fire on Route 174 eastbound early Monday morning, according to fire department officials. MORE: 20-day search effort called off for man who went missing while hiking in Wyoming MORE: Kellogg says it will remove artificial dyes from cereals by the end of 2027 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, when they arrived, they discovered that the vehicle engulfed in flames was carrying over 20 tons of ribeye steaks, which the department called a total loss following the incident. It was probationary firefighter Jenna Ulrichs first fire and she fought it alongside her father, Glenn Ulrich, even though Jenna is a vegan, according to the Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District. MORE: Body of Antarctic researcher found 66 years after he disappeared exploring glacier Facebook / Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District - PHOTO: A tractor trailer carrying more than 40,000 pounds of ribeye steak went up in flames on the side of the highway after the vehicle caught fire early Monday morning, officials said. MORE: $30,000 of stolen Labubus recovered in major California bust Nothing says welcome to the fire service like sending the probie to put out 40,000 pounds of flaming ribeye! fire officials said in a statement on social media. Probationary Firefighter Jenna Ulrich is the only vegan on our department -- so naturally, her very first fire involved a tractor trailer carrying 40,000 pounds of ribeye steak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said this was their eighth vehicle fire in the last three weeks but did not immediately say what they think was the cause of the fire to the tractor trailer carrying the steaks. The investigation is currently ongoing. 25 Investigates: Canton mom back home after 10 days in immigration detention; questions remain A Canton mother is home with her family after spending 10 days in immigration detention despite being a lawful permanent resident with a recently reissued green card. 25 Investigates has been pressing federal agencies for answers about why Jemmy Jimenez Rosa, 42, was detained, and lawmakers are weighing in at odds, saying her case highlights both the pressure on immigration agents and concerns about individual rights. Her husband, Marcel Rosa, described the moment she was released Wednesday night outside the ICE facility in Burlington as kind of like an out-of-body experience. It was a reunion mixed with joy, relief and sadness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration agents detained Jimenez Rosa at Logan Airport on August 11th as she returned from a family vacation in Mexico. Family members say she legally came to the U.S. from Peru when she was 9 and has held a permanent resident green card since then. The U.S. government just renewed her green card earlier this summer. They could have just summoned us to a meeting, Marcel Rosa told Boston 25s Kerry Kavanaugh. They did not have to go down this path. They chose to go down this. Immigration attorney Todd Pomerleau believes Jimenez Rosa was held because of a 22-year-old marijuana possession conviction. That conviction was vacated this week by Massachusetts courts. Still, Pomerleau argues what happened was a violation of her rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is just the beginning. We demand justice for Jamie. What the federal government just said to this family is deplorable, Pomerleau said Wednesday night. As 25 Investigates first reported, Jimenez Rosa spent her first four days detained at Logan Airport before being transferred to an ICE facility in Maine. Pomerleau says while at Logan, she didnt have access to a phone call, her attorneys, her medications, or even a shower. 25 Investigates reached out repeatedly to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Attorneys Office, and ICE. Each agency referred questions to another. Late Wednesday night, CBP provided a statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A green card is a privilege, not a right, and under our nations laws, our government has the authority to revoke a green card if our laws are broken and abused. Lawful Permanent Residents presenting at a U.S. port of entry with previous criminal convictions may be subject to mandatory detention and/or may be asked to provide additional documentation to be set up for an immigration hearing. The agency did not respond to allegations regarding Jimenez Rosas detention conditions at Logan. State lawmakers are now weighing in. CBP, ICE, they have to move really fast here in Massachusetts. They got to act decisively because theyre met with such resistance here, said Republican State Senator Peter Durant of Worcester and Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if whether acting fast risks trampling individual rights, Durant said: I think that they have such a difficult job, and it makes it hard for the federal officers to do that job when theyre under such pressure here in Massachusetts. I think it just adds to a lot of confusion. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This should not be happening, said Democratic State Senator Paul Feeney, who represents the Bristol and Norfolk Senate District. This doesnt make us safer. It doesnt make us stronger. Feeney says he and his colleagues believe there should be some type of unified response from state lawmakers. Family members say they are grateful Jemmy is now home and safe, but they fear what could happen to someone else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anyone is in this situation, you need to move fast. Like time is of the essence. She could have been out this country that same day, Marcel Rosa said. Democratic Congressman Stephen Lynch told 25 Investigates that after seeing our reporting, he plans to request access to the holding facility at Logan Airport to examine whats happening there. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) A Hanceville man was killed in a Cullman County crash early Thursday morning. Damian McCluskey, 25, was injured when the Chevrolet Silverado pickup that he was driving collided head-on with a tractor-trailer around 2:45 a.m. After the collision, the Chevrolet left the roadway and overturned. McCluskey was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred on Alabama 91 near Cullman County 267. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) Thousands of University of Illinois families descended on campus Wednesday as students started to move into their dorms for the upcoming school year. More than 6,000 students have moved into their new rooms so far; 250 of them will be placed in temporary housing. PREVIOUSLY: U of I likely using temporary housing for second year in a row Temporary housing means students are paying half what they would normally pay, said University Housing Marketing Associate Director Chris Axtman-Barker. There are more students in those rooms because they are temporarily converted study lounges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four to six people will live in each makeshift dorm room, previously study lounges, for the foreseeable future. The rooms will have all the same furniture as a normal dorm room: bed, desk and dresser. Illinois Housing said there is a plan in place to assess where the students will go after temporary spaces; its a process that will begin after the tenth day of classes. We do a count, we make sure everyone shows up who was meant to show up, and normally we have some number of students who do not, for whatever reason, Axtman-Barker said. Then we can start moving folks from temporary housing into those units that we have now confirmed are empty. New U of I apartment wont be ready by start of semester Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Housing mentioned theres a long term plan to mitigate further housing shortages in the future. We are working on the construction of a new residence hall, said Axtman-Barker. Housing said they dont have an exact timeline for when students will be moved out of temporary housing and they do not expect any students to live there for a full semester. They added they are working on architectural plans for the new residence hall, and dont have a location yet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. NEED TO KNOW Steffen Skjottelvik departed Fort Severn in Ontario on July 25 on foot and was scheduled to arrive in York Factory in Manitoba on Aug. 15, but he never made it Authorities believe Skjottelvik may have tried to cross the Hayes River, which has a fast current The Royal Canadian Mounted Police told PEOPLE that a backpack belonging to Skjottelvik was found on the shore of the river and that the search for him continues Authorities have located the backpack of a missing Norwegian wilderness hiker who embarked on a trek by foot in Canada last month. The man identified in media reports as Steffen Skjottelvik, 29 departed Fort Severn in Ontario on July 25 on foot with his dogs and was scheduled to arrive in York Factory in Manitoba on Friday, Aug. 15, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokesperson shared with PEOPLE in an email on Thursday, Aug. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact was made with him on Aug 13 when he arrived at Nanuk camp where he stated he had lost one of his dogs along the journey, the RCMP said. On Aug 14, he made contact with York Factory stating his expected time of arrival there would be on the 15th. He believed he was about 20 kms [kilometers] away from York Factory. Skjottelvik, who was described by authorities as an experienced wilderness trekker, failed to show up at York Factory last Friday, and the RCMP were notified of his disappearance that evening. The RCMP further added that a brief search took place involving local guides and a helicopter from Fort Severn. They said that a majority of the operation will employ aircraft, boats and drones, as the search area poses an extreme challenge. Related: https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the dogs, belonging to the missing traveller, made it to York Factory but another dog had been lost earlier, the RCMP said, noting that they could not currently verify reports that "the 2nd dog may have surfaced." Authorities said that Skjottelvik may have tried to cross the Hayes River as he neared York Factory." The river, which is nearly two kilometers wide, has "an extremely fast current," according to authorities, who said it "would not be possible" to cross the river "in its current conditions, due to heavy rain." The RCMP said they had been planning on using their drone on the river in the darkness as part of the search with the aid of thermal imagery. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Canadian authorities found missing trekker Steffen Skjottelvik's backpack Canadian authorities found missing trekker Steffen Skjottelvik's backpack The RCMP spokesperson told PEOPLE on Thursday afternoon that Skjottelviks backpack was found on the shore of the Hayes River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have not located him as of yet but the search is continuing, the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Skjottelviks family have expressed gratitude for the support from authorities and the public in raising awareness about their missing loved one, the CBC reported. "The family wants to underline the importance of the co-operation between the official side in Canada and also the private network that is helping. They appreciate the support enormously," family spokesperson Christian Dyresen told the outlet. Dyresen also said that authorities contacted the family to inform them that GPS coordinates from Skjottelvik's equipment placed him near the river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lars Jorgen Sorensen, Skjottelvik's uncle, told Norwegian news outlet Ryken og Hurums Avis that his nephews years-long dream was to cross Canada by foot, CBC reported. 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 has prepared himself for this trip for many years. He got to know many people while walking. He also lived with them for longer periods, before moving along," Sorensen said. A GoFundMe has been created to raise money for the search and rescue efforts. Read the original article on People VIENTIANE, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The China-Laos Railway is transforming Laos by boosting trade, improving transport efficiency, and expanding market access, especially for agricultural products, driving national economic growth while enhancing the everyday livelihoods of its people. Since its launch, the China-Laos Railway has transported more than 14 million tons of goods, becoming a vital link connecting Laos to regional and international markets. In the first seven months of 2025, it carried over 3.47 million tons, marking a 6.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, 171,000 tons of fruits were transported during this time, a 62.8 percent increase, highlighting the railway's growing role in supporting Laos' agricultural exports. Saiynoy, a fruit vendor and farmer from southern Laos' Savannakhet province, said the China-Laos Railway has opened new opportunities for Lao farmers to expand their production and access international markets. "This improved transportation has increased farmers' incomes, encouraged higher production, and inspired more people to return to farming, while also creating more jobs for local communities," Saiynoy told Xinhua on Thursday. "Beyond agriculture, the railway has created jobs in logistics and trade, helping to stimulate local economies and strengthen communities along the route," he said. Overall, the railway is not only driving economic growth but also improving livelihoods and fostering hope in rural areas, he added. In early August, the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC) held a consultation meeting to plan transportation for the second half of 2025, aiming to develop a forward-looking strategy to promote Lao exports while enhancing railway capacity and service quality. The LCRC reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the transport of Lao goods, especially agricultural products. To support this, it has increased train routes for agricultural exports and coordinated with Lao and Chinese customs authorities to streamline procedures, reduce clearance time, and ensure timely delivery. Going forward, the LCRC will work closely with all stakeholders to develop a detailed work plan and coordination mechanism to ensure efficient railway operations and continue contributing to Laos' economic growth, it said. Beyond its economic and trade benefits, the China-Laos Railway has also improved daily life for many Lao citizens by making domestic travel faster, safer, and more convenient. For Phouphet, an office worker who frequently travels for business, the railway has been a game-changer -- saving time, reducing stress, and even boosting local tourism. "My job requires frequent travel to provinces across Laos, especially to Luang Prabang. Before the railway, the journey could take 6 to 12 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. It was exhausting and often unsafe, especially during the rainy season," said Phouphet, who is based in the capital Vientiane. Now, the same trip takes just two hours. Phouphet noted that the reduced travel time not only makes work easier but also encourages more people to travel for leisure, helping promote tourism in northern Laos. While individuals benefit from improved travel and mobility, others recognize the railway's broader impact on communities and national development. For Pao, a 32-year-old worker, the railway is also a powerful symbol of Laos' growing regional connectivity and economic potential. He believes the railway has brought significant benefits to the country -- opening doors to international trade, foreign investment, and tourism, while raising Laos' profile as a more connected and accessible nation. "It's a symbol of progress -- creating real opportunities, boosting the economy, and improving people's lives," Pao said. Alongside its role in driving economic growth, the China-Laos Railway is bringing people closer and improving community infrastructure. Somhak, a 41-year-old resident of Vientiane province, highlighted how the railway has made family visits easier and enhanced daily life. "Families who live far apart can now travel and visit each other much more easily, especially during special occasions or emergencies," she said. Somhak also said that the railway has led to broader improvements beyond transportation, including better roads and infrastructure around the stations. She believes that, if managed well, the railway and its surrounding development could bring lasting benefits to the country. CHILTON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) A 29-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash that occurred in Chilton County on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Johnny Mims, of Jemison, was killed when the 2002 GMC Yukon he was driving left the roadway and overturned. He was reportedly not wearing a seat belt, and he was ejected from the car. Mims died at the scene. ABC Board proposes new guidelines for Alabama hemp businesses Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash happened at around 12:08 p.m. on Chilton County 24 near Chilton County 375. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 21Three men are facing charges after they reportedly stole mail from a collection box in Springboro Sunday. Enaudi Jendiel Jiminex Cruz, 22, Yahir Nazario Reyes, 22, and Joshua Hernandez, 20, are facing one count each of tampering with evidence, theft of mail and possessing criminal tools in Warren County Municipal Court. All three were released on bond as of Thursday. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, a detective witnessed a theft from a U.S. Postal Service blue collection box at 55 S. Pioneer Blvd., according to Springboro police. The detective was surveilling the area as part of an investigation into recent mails thefts from the collection box. "These thefts appear to be connected to a larger check fraud operation spanning multiple states," Springboro police said. The detective saw Cruz, Reyes and Hernandez remove mail from the collection box and toss mail out of a vehicle window, according to court records. "Sticky mouse traps were located that the (defendants) used to remove the mail," a complaint read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police stopped the trio and took them into custody. One of the suspects initially provided false identification and investigators later determined he was in the U.S. illegally, according to police. The department did not clarify which defendant provided the false identification. Springboro police are continuing to investigate. Detectives are working with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Investigations. Mail thefts have been a reoccurring issue throughout Southwest Ohio, including Beavercreek, Trotwood, Oakwood, Dayton, Riverside, Kettering and the Centerville/Washington Twp., in recent years. Last month Anthony Parks pleaded guilty to one count of robbery of a letter carrier in U.S. Southern District of Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parks was linked to the robbery of two mail carriers who had their arrow, or route, keys taken in Dayton, according to federal court records. He reportedly used the stolen keys to access USPS collection boxes and take mail. Investigators also determined Parks used social media to conspire with others about how to rob mail carriers and cash altered checks, according to court documents. Three people have been arrested in the 2023 killing of a 26-year-old pregnant woman who was shot in Colerain Township, according to police. Robert Ervin, 20, Kayvon Warren, 30 and Lamar Morris Suggs, 22, have each been charged with two counts of murder in the death of India Kinamore. In March 2023, Colerain police officers responded to the 2300 block of Hiddenmeadows Drive for a report of a person shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once on the scene, police found Kinamore suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police say. Officials say Kinamore was in the late stages of pregnancy and her unborn baby died as well. Warren and Ervin were taken into custody and transported to the Hamilton County Justice Center while Suggs is currently incarcerated with the Ohio Department of Corrections on unrelated charges, police say. The investigation by the Colerain Police Departments Criminal Investigative Unit is ongoing. Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact Sgt. Mike Stockmeier with the Criminal Investigative Unit at 513-321-2677. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Arrests made in 2-year-old Colerain Twp. murder of pregnant woman BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A district judge sentenced three people from Baton Rouge after they pleaded guilty to charges in health care fraud schemes, which involved getting drugs from pharmacies using fake prescriptions with stolen identities and fraudulent applications for federal benefits. Acting U.S. Attorney Ellison Travis announced the sentencing of each person Thursday. Kevin Stampley, 33, was sentenced to 104 months in federal prison. Kevan Hills, 32, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison. Asia Guess, 28, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Justice said all three admitted that they caused the submission of fake prescriptions for controlled substances to Medicaid and used Drug Enforcement Administration registration numbers and other information of several doctors and medical providers for the fake prescriptions. Fraudulent applications for federal benefits programs seeking at least $293,498 were submitted. Federal pandemic assistance program fraud totaled $87,663. According to the DOJ, Guess illegally sought at least $125,978 in federal benefits and obtained at least $15,859 in unemployment benefits from the Louisiana Workforce Commission and Maine Department of Labor. DOJ: Greensburg woman confesses to stealing Social Security benefits after relatives death 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. NEED TO KNOW This summer, three sets of twins were born within days of each other at a Florida hospital The bundles of joy include a set of twin girls born on July 27, a twin boy and girl born on July 29 and another set of twin girls on July 31 "The arrival of these children is a true blessing for their families and for our team," said Lacey Null, Nurse Manager of the Neonatal ICU at AdventHealth Ocala Medical staff in Florida are seeing triple after three sets of twins were born within days of each other this summer. A spokesperson for AdventHealth Ocala announced the exciting news on Wednesday, Aug. 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twin girls Dara and Dana arrived on July 27, followed by the birth of Hudson and his sister Hazel on July 29. Last but not least was twin girls Harley and Marceline, who were born on July 31. AdventHealth Dara and Dana, a set of twin girls born in July at AdventHealth Ocala. Dara and Dana, a set of twin girls born in July at AdventHealth Ocala. Welcoming a new member of the family is always a special moment," Lacey Null, Nurse Manager of the Neonatal ICU at AdventHealth Ocala, said in a statement. "The arrival of these children is a true blessing for their families and for our team. We are honored to provide the best possible care for them." Medical workers have been providing constant care for the six new babies during their stay at AdventHealth Ocalas Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The twins all remain in the hospital and it's not yet clear when they'll be discharged. AdventHealth Hazel and Hudson, a set of twins born on July 29 at AdventHealth Ocala. Hazel and Hudson, a set of twins born on July 29 at AdventHealth Ocala. Worldwide, about 12 out of every 1,000 deliveries are twins. "As the only hospital in Marion County where babies are delivered, AdventHealth Ocala is honored to be the first stop in so many families stories," a hospital spokesperson said in the release, "especially when its double the love." Read the original article on People ST. LOUIS A young adult and two juveniles are in custody after dropping a shooting victim off at Barnes-Jewish Hospital late Wednesday afternoon. According to Mitch McCoy, a spokesman for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD), the shooting itself took place somewhere in the citys Walnut Park East neighborhood. The 19-year-old shooting victim was left at the hospital. Staff contacted police after seeing the car speed away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle did not get far, crashing into another car on Kingshighway between Laclede and Pine. Hospital security officers detained the people in the car until police arrived. The driver of the bystander vehicle suffered serious injuries, FOX 2 has learned. McCoy said police found guns and drugs in the car. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The SLMPDs homicide unit is involved due to the nature of the 19-year-olds condition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WYOMING, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) This summer marked 28/22s Third Annual Hunger Free Summer Campaign. We collected donations to feed families in need, and thanks to our viewers generosity and Gerritys The Fresh Grocer, we did just that. When school is out for the summer, many kids lose access to meals they relied on, and their families are left struggling to provide. 28/22s Hunger Free Summer Campaign works to fight that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we put together the whole concept of putting children first, feeding kids was a really big part of it, and being able to do that for six weeks during the summer has been terrific, so were hopeful that it has helped a lot of people and it appears the community came out and definitely did their part, 28/22 News Vice President and General Manager Andrew Wyatt stated. This years six-week event generated more than $6,000 in cash and 9,187 pounds of food to be donated to families in need. With the help of our viewers, we collected more than 1,400 bags, filled with non-perishable items that will go to people who are struggling financially. 11-year-old writes, publishes superhero fiction book Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pasta, pasta sauces, cereals, peanut butter and jelly, granola, protein, things of that nature, shelf-stable in particular because its easier to keep longer in our pantries, CEO Weinberg, Northeast Regional Food Bank Executive Director Jennifer Warabak said. 28/22 works with CEO Weinberg Food Bank and our sponsors to put on this event that impacts so many. The Weinberg Food Bank works with and gives the products to charitable organizations feeding the needy in NEPA. We have more than three hundred partner organizations. That includes school districts, libraries, municipalities, and volunteer-run organizations. So, we, as the food bank, provide them with the product, and they, in turn, distribute it out to the community, Warabak continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At each of our events at Gerritys The Fresh Grocer and Gerritys Ace Hardware, we welcomed donations from our viewers in the region. Because of you, this event will leave a lasting impact on local community members. Without the help of our viewers, this event would not be possible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. CHICAGO (WGN) Four people have been indicted for fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in small business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Department of Justice said Dexter Crawford, 41, Timika Royston, 49, Orlando Patrick, 54, and Jermie Miller, 42, participated in fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL), two sources of relief under the CARES Act. According to the indictment, Crawford, Royston, Patrick and Miller defrauded lenders and the U.S. Small Business Administration of millions of dollars in PPP Loans and EIDL funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shoplifting incident at northwest suburban Target goes viral on social media From 2020 to 2022, the four individuals allegedly submitted multiple fraudulent applications on behalf of themselves and business entities allegedly owned by some of the four individuals. Furthermore, the applications contained materially false statements and misrepresentations about the defendants companies, such as the number of alleged employees, payroll and revenue amounts and other expenses. Crawford, a Woodridge resident, has been charged with seven counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. Royston, a Chicago resident, has been charged with three counts of wire fraud, while Patrick, who is also a Chicago resident, has been charged with two counts of wire fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man convicted in murder of Michael Jordans father discusses night of killing, managing in prison, more Miller, a Plainfield resident, has been charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Each wire fraud count is punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison, while each money laundering count is punishable by up to 10 years. Royston and Miller have pled not guilty to the charges, while arraignment for Patrick is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Arraignment for Crawford has not yet been scheduled. Anyone with information regarding attempted fraud involving COVID-19 is encouraged to report it to the Department of Justice by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also file an online complaint 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 WGN-TV. You have to be on another planet if you dont know anything about Epstein, Julie K. Brown tells me over the phone. Maybe I shouldnt have played dumb. The award-winning investigative reporter exposed Jeffrey Espteins sex-trafficking activities for the Miami Herald, after all. But with the Epstein files littering news feeds, including a House Oversight Committee plan to release documents this Friday, I thought we needed a primer for our conversation. There were probably hundreds of underage girls and young women who were sexually abused by this very powerful man over three decades. Then, he essentially walked away with little or no punishment for the crimes, even though the case was in the hands of the Justice Department, Brown says. Epstein was arrested and jailed in 2019. That August, he committed suicide in his cell. Since then, there have been calls from across the political spectrum to release the Epstein files, a collection of documents and investigative materials gathered by law enforcement about Epstein and his victims and associates. He had friends in high places, some of whom likely dont want any additional information uncovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if you werent involved in any of his crimes, just being linked to him now is a bad thing, Brown says. Just being friends with him, you could get blackballed. Brown wrote an entire book on what she learned from her reporting, Perversion of Justice, which was published in 2020. But even someone as informed as her wonders who knew Epstein and whether or not he died by his own hand. Here are five questions to which she wants answerswhether or not documents drop on Friday. Did Attorney General Pam Bondi know Epstein? During our conversation, Brown seems particularly curious about who knew Epstein and the nature of their relationship. One name comes up before the others: Pam Bondi. Bondi was elected Attorney General of Floridawhere Epstein owned a home and committed crimesin 2010 and assumed the position in 2011. She wasnt in office during Epsteins first prosecution, which began in 2007, after which he received a lenient sentence. Until he was arrested in 2019, Epstein continued to traffic young women and girls, which occurred during Bondis tenure. Brown wants those dots to connect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did anyone ask Bondi if she knew Epstein? She was involved in Florida. Epstein was in Florida. Epstein was adept at getting dirt on people. Thats what he liked to do. So, do we know whether Bondi ever had any kind of contact with Epstein or his lawyers? Did Bill Barr know Epstein? [Barrs] father hired Jeffrey Epstein at [The Dalton School], and Jeffrey wasnt qualified to teach. He didnt even have a college degree. So, its always been a mystery about why he got hired at Dalton to begin with by Donald Barr. Id like to know whether Barr personally knew Epstein when they were younger. They were about the same age, and his father obviously knew Epstein. So, was Barr ever friends with Epstein? I wish somebody thought the same thing when Barr came up to be confirmed by the Senate as U.S. Attorney General under Trumps first administration. I wondered why no one asked him whether he knew Jeffrey Epstein. I dont know if he was friends with him. Maybe he wasnt. But its a question that I havent heard anybody ask. How many people in the Trump administration are friends with him? We just dont know. He moved with a lot of powerful people. Im not saying being friends with him is a sign that you committed any crimessex crimes, especiallybut it could be a reason why certain people are skittish about releasing the files. Did Epstein actually commit suicide? I dont believe that he committed suicide. I might be the only journalist who doesnt. Thats not to say I don't think that he might have orchestrated it, but I dont think he died by his own hand. I do think that something nefarious happens that we dont know about. Theres just too many things that don't make sense about his death. I can say this as someone who has investigated prison deaths for a good deal in my career. All the signs of what happened to him are signs that show that something suspicious happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given everything that we know so far about the Epstein case, all the things that were covered up to begin with, it wouldnt surprise me that the parts of what happened to him with his death were also covered up. Why is Ghislaine Maxwell receiving special treatment? What did she tell [Deputy Attorney General] Todd Blanche that got her such special treatment if she was being threatened? They certainly could have moved her to another prison, but they moved her to a prison in Texas, which is near where her sister lives. So, they gave her a place that is convenient for her family. And, beyond that, its really a place for white collar criminals. The question is, what did she say that that led them to move her into club fed, so to speak? Will the Department of Justice ever release the Epstein files? I personally believe that theyre not going to show anything. I dont think that the Justice Department did an adequate investigation into the other people that were involved in Epstein's crimes, so I dont know how much of that is even in the files to begin with. I think that were looking for some answers that we know are there. For example, we know it should be revealed in there about why [Epstein] got this special plea deal to begin with. So, there are some things that they could release. I just dont think that theyre going to release very much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have a track record of putting things out there that we already know. They put stuff out there as if the public is not wise enough to understand that this information has been in the public domain for years now. So, I just dont think theres going to be a whole lot of new information that theyre going to give to the committee. I could be wrong. I hope Im wrong. But I still feel that theyre going to only release what they feel comfortable releasing thats not going to reveal any secrets about Epsteins crimes. You Might Also Like Andrew Roth, president of the State Freedom Caucus Network, helms an organization fighting to help conservatives win and wield control of state governments across the nation. "There is a swamp in all 50 states. There are 50 swamps," Roth told Fox News Digital during a Tuesday interview, noting that "liberal Republicans" join with Democrats to expand government. This "uniparty" phenomenon exists in the U.S. Congress and in every state, Roth indicated, asserting that in red states many Democrats cannot win elections unless they don the Republican label. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They say they're good on guns, and babies, and a few other things, but then they get in there, and they vote like liberals, growing government," Roth noted. He said that while the goal of state freedom caucuses is to slash taxes and government, the first step is exposing "deceitful lawmakers for who they are. And then once you can do that, then you can hopefully start getting good people elected and then cut the budget, cut taxes, cut spending," he explained. Cowboy State Republican Who Mounted Gubernatorial Bid Isnt Conservative Enough,' Freedom Caucus Chair Says Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the organization boasts freedom caucuses in 13 of the 50 states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona and Idaho but deep red states like Texas and Florida are conspicuously absent from the list. Asked whether this is because there are not enough conservative legislators in those states to form a freedom caucus, Roth replied, "That's absolutely correct," explaining, "In Texas I could probably say there's only one or two House members, and in Florida I'm not even sure I can say two." There are "zero" conservative state lawmakers in the Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi state legislatures, he said. Former Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good Calls Out The Big Glaring Weakness For All Of Republican Government Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a big, big problem" he noted, "and I don't think enough people realize how bad it is." Roth indicated that the organization provides a state director in each freedom caucus state those directors help read legislation, offer vote recommendations, work with other groups, and help with organizing and strategizing, he explained. Gop Louisiana State Senator Says He's Running For Us Senate Because Incumbent Republican Sucks Roth noted that Louisiana state Sen. Blake Miguez, a Republican who belongs to that state's freedom caucus, is challenging incumbent GOP U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy. Original article source: 'There are 50 swamps': State Freedom Caucus Network helps conservatives fight the 'uniparty' SYDNEY, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- An emergency search was underway for two men who were missing after the car they were traveling in plunged into a river northwest of Sydney late on Wednesday night. Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement on Thursday that emergency services were called to reports of a car entering the Macdonald River near the small town of St Albans, 70 kilometers northwest of Sydney, around 11:50 p.m. local time on Wednesday. Officers arrived at the scene and found that the car had crashed into the river and that one passenger, a man aged in his 20s, had escaped and reached the riverbank, while two other men who were in the vehicle at the time were unaccounted for. The NSW State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service have commenced a search of the area for the two missing men. The man in his 20s who managed to make it to the riverbank was assessed by ambulance paramedics but did not require further treatment. The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall across NSW that prompted authorities on Wednesday to issue widespread warnings for millions of residents to prepare for possible flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology said on Wednesday that the heaviest rainfall was expected to hit the state on Thursday. In honor of three "kings" with Mid-South history, the new I-55 bridge over the Mississippi River will be known as "Kings' Crossing," the Tennessee and Arkansas Departments of Transportation announced in an Aug. 20 press release. The bridge, which will span the river between Memphis and West Memphis will be named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., B.B. King and Elvis Presley, commonly known as the King of Rock and Roll. The old bridge on I-55 from Memphis to Arkansas, the main thoroughfare with the Hernando De Soto bridge still closed for construction on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Kings Crossing is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is a symbol of our collective history, heritage, and the enduring spirit of unity that defines this region, TDOT Commissioner Will Reid said in the release. Naming this bridge in honor of these gentlemen pays tribute to their extraordinary legacies individuals who transcended barriers, fostered cultural exchange, and used their talents to build bridges between people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new bridge project aims to improve capacity and safety standards for the existing bridge, which was in commission for 75 years. The new, larger structure will also meet modern seismic codes since the structure sits on the New Madrid fault line. Construction is expected to start in fiscal year 2026, according to the statement. Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: New I-55 bridge named in honor of MLK, B.B. King and Elvis Presley When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Overhead views of two Stone Age pits full of human skeletons excavated in France. | Credit: Fanny Chenal and Philippe Lefranc / INRAP In a series of "victory" celebrations more than 6,000 years ago in northeastern France, a group of defenders severed the left arms of their conquered enemies and buried them in pits, archaeologists have found. The discovery provides a glimpse into a time when warfare was rampant in the region and when invaders pushed into northeastern France from the area around Paris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "lower limbs were [fractured] in order to prevent the victims from escaping, the entire body shows blunt force traumas and, what it is more, in some skeletons there are some marks piercing holes that may indicate that the bodies were placed on a structure for public exposure after being tortured and killed," study co-author Teresa Fernandez-Crespo , an osteoarchaeologist at Valladolid University in Spain, told Live Science in an email. In a paper published Wednesday (Aug. 20) in the journal Science Advances , researchers analyzed the remains of 82 people buried in pits in northeastern France sometime between 4300 and 4150 B.C. Some of the bodies were mutilated, with their left arms and hands dismembered. Bodies that were not mutilated were buried in different pits. To investigate whether the burial treatments reflected people's origins, researchers analyzed the chemical signatures of the teeth and bone, which gave clues about where the people grew up and the food they consumed. The people who were mutilated came from outside the local area, possibly around Paris. The chemical signatures also suggested that this group of people ate food that originated from different areas, hinting that they moved around a lot, the researchers wrote in the study. But the chemical analysis showed that those who were not mutilated were locals. This could mean they died defending their territory, the researchers suggested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Stone Age family may have been cannibalized for 'ultimate elimination' 5,600 years ago, study suggests Some of the invaders were likely captured by the defenders, and their left arms or hands were severed as "trophies" in one of the earliest well-documented instances of martial victory celebration in prehistoric Europe, the researchers wrote. "We believe they were brutalized in the context of rituals of triumph or celebrations of victory that followed one or several battles," Fernandez-Crespo said. Because the burial pits were located in the middle of a settlement, this "firmly suggests that the act would have been a public theater of violence intended to dehumanize the captive enemies in front of the entire community." A time of conflict There is other evidence for widespread conflict in this region around 4500 to 4000 B.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detlef Gronenborn , an archaeology professor at the Leibniz Center for Archaeology in Germany who was not part of the research team, told Live Science in an email that the "period in question is a time of considerable unrest Europe-wide and is linked to a period of high climate volatility, a continent-wide crisis period, all [culminating] around 4100" B.C. Breaks in occupation of sites suggest "a sudden high mobility due to a general increase in warfare," Gronenborn said. "The entire period is also characterized by a general population push originating from southern France and possibly bringing unrest and an increase in [warfare] in the wake of these migrations." Linda Fibiger , an osteoarchaeologist at the University of Edinburgh who was not part of the research team, told Live Science in an email that "it's an exciting, well executed and carefully interpreted find that gives important insights into the varied practice of violence in the Neolithic." The chemical analysis has "made it possible to achieve something as important as distinguishing between captives and attackers in prehistoric contexts of interpersonal violence as far back as the Neolithic," Miguel Angel Moreno-Ibanez , an osteoarchaeologist at the University of Edinburgh who was not part of the research team, told Live Science in an email. RELATED STORIES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4,000-year-old bones reveal 'unprecedented' violence tongue removal, cannibalism and evisceration in Bronze Age Britain 5,000-year-old mass grave of fallen warriors in Spain shows evidence of 'sophisticated' warfare Elite Celtic warrior had healed arrowhead injury in his pelvis, 3D bone analysis reveals This was a time of warfare when people in the region lived in fortified settlements, and skeletons frequently reveal evidence of violence. Pottery from the Paris area shows up in greater amounts, and archaeologists believe that people from the Paris area were invading what is now northeastern France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Injuries provoked in Neolithic battles usually targeted the head and very less often other body parts," Fernandez-Crespo said, but these pits in France reveal "an unprecedent[ed] intensity of violence to the body that can only be understood in a context of torture, mutilation and dehumanization of the victim." These brutal attacks may have been carried out as an act of revenge, the researchers noted in the study. Stone Age quiz: What do you know about the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic? Six people died in an accident at a dairy farm in Colorado, authorities said. Fire crews were dispatched to a dairy farm in Weld County on Wednesday evening for a "confined space rescue," Southeast Weld Fire District Chief Tom Beach said in a statement. KMGH - PHOTO: A dairy farm in Weld County, Colorado, Aug. 21, 2025. "Crews responded and took appropriate precautions to enter the confined space to perform rescue operations," Beach said in a statement on Thursday. "Unfortunately, District personnel recovered six deceased individuals from the space." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional details on the incident were released by the Southeast Weld Fire District. The dairy farm is located in Keenesburg, in a rural area about 45 miles northeast of Denver. MORE: Devoted dad of 3 was among the 2 steel workers killed in explosion at Pennsylvania plant The Weld County Sheriff's Office said there is not believed to be any criminal element. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it has opened an investigation into the incident, which will take up to six months to complete. No additional information will be released during that time, it said. "Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the workers who lost their lives at the dairy farm in Keenesburg, Colorado," an OSHA spokesperson said in a statement. KMGH - PHOTO: A dairy farm in Weld County, Colorado, Aug. 21, 2025. The Dairy Farmers of America said the "tragic accident" occurred at one of its member farms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and most sincere condolences go out to the friends and families of the deceased," the organization said in a statement. "At this early stage, we have no further details." This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. ABC News' Jeffrey Cook contributed to this report. Whether you refuse to accept them, or understand they are a part of city life on the Great Lakes, sewer overflows are a hot button topic. But what or who decides whether and when they happen? It's not AI. It's not a computer algorithm. It's a person Kevin Shafer, executive director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. Milwaukee, like many cities throughout the Great Lakes and northeastern U.S., has a combined sewer system, meaning stormwater and wastewater from homes and businesses go through the same pipes before they are treated at the sewerage district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a storm hits, water flows into the Deep Tunnel, a 19.4 mile system dug 300 feet underground. If a heavy storm hits in a compressed time period, water could reach the limit of what the water treatment plants can process. Then the sewerage district Shafer specifically can shut the gate to the tunnel, initiating a combined sewer overflow. The overflow releases untreated wastewater into local waterways. It's a decision Shafer makes very reluctantly, but one that prevents sewage backups into homes and businesses. Here is a combined sewer overflow discharge point along the Kinnickinnic River in Milwaukee. Milwaukee's combined sewage system carries both stormwater and wastewater through the same pipes. During heavy rains, if water reclamation facilities and tunnels reach capacity, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District must discharge untreated water into the rivers and Lake Michigan to prevent backups into homes and businesses. In 2002, when Shafer took charge of the district, large amounts of wastewater were still being released from the sewers, despite the Deep Tunnel having gone into operation nearly a decade earlier. For instance, in 1992, one year before the tunnel went into operation, roughly 9 billion gallons of untreated wastewater were released into Milwaukee's waterways. In 2002, that number was about 441 million a 95% drop but still far too much for Shafer. Before Shafer took the helm, it was an algorithm that controlled the Deep Tunnel, triggering an overflow if the tunnel filled to 200 gallons, just about half full. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, for more than two decades, it's been Shafer making the call which sometimes means scouring storm data in the middle of the night trying to make the right decision. When it comes to making that decision, it depends largely on rainfall intensity, with ground saturation and rate of flow into the system also taken into account. There can be a lot of rain, but if it's drawn out over the course of days instead of hours, it won't necessarily trigger an overflow. More: With days as a target long past, MMSD's Kevin Shafer focuses on a cleaner, greener Milwaukee Too much, too fast during 1,000-year flood event When Shafer saw the rain starting to pour heavily on Aug. 9, he knew by around 8:30 p.m. that it was going to be one to watch. Usually, if a forecast predicts more than two inches of rain, he anticipates the potential for a combined sewer overflow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 10 p.m., Shafer made the call to close the gate from the combined sewer system to the Deep Tunnel which initiates an overflow as some of the districts rain gauges were already reading 4 inches. The rain showed no sign of slowing. Forecasts didnt predict upwards of 14 inches in some parts of the city, which is what eventually happened. The district serves 1.1 million people across 28 communities, including Milwaukee and many of its surrounding suburbs. Only 5% of that service area uses a combined sewer system, roughly within the city limits. The rest rely on a sanitary sewer system. By law, the sewerage district can't overfill the Deep Tunnel, so by early Sunday morning, the district had to initiate a rare sanitary sewer overflow. At that point, more than 9 inches of rain had fallen at one rain gauge in less than five hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1,000-year-flood event led to the largest combined sewer overflow since the Deep Tunnel was installed, with more than 5 billion gallons of untreated water released into nearby waterways over the course of 78 hours. The sanitary sewer overflow released an additional 131 million gallons. Even with the overflows, basement backups still happened because the system was so overloaded, Shafer explained. The Deep Tunnel, regional sewers, local sewers and storm sewers all filled up, causing water to pool in roads and yards, Shafer explained. "During that whole time, you had basement backups, unfortunately," he said. To put the enormity of the storm into perspective, when one inch of rain falls on the MMSD's 28 communities, it equates to 7 billion gallons of water flowing through the pipes to be treated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the sewerage district's rainfall data from Aug. 9 to 13 the 78 hours in which the overflow occurred an average of 9 inches of rain fell on the service area. That would mean roughly 63 billion gallons of water flowed through the pipes or enough to fill the three Mitchell Park Domes more than 3,700 times. Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District treats water and occasionally is forced to allow raw sewage overflows. The Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the City of Milwaukee. Flooding would have been worse without green investments The sewerage district operates the tunnel with a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. By federal law, the sewerage district is allowed six combined sewer overflows per year. Before the Deep Tunnel there were upwards of 60 overflows per year. Now, it averages 2.2 overflows a year, and has captured and cleaned an average of 98.6% of wastewater since 1994. Shafer explained the district does everything it can not to overfill the tunnel and to prevent sanitary sewer overflows. Technically, sanitary sewer overflows also are not allowed by state and federal law, but regulations acknowledge extreme conditions, like the recent flooding, may make them unavoidable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's possible that the floods and overflow earlier this month could have been a lot worse if the historic storm happened decades ago. Since 1995, the sewerage district has invested more than $580 million in green infrastructure and flood management projects to improve the landscape's ability to hold onto water, minimizing overflows. Green infrastructure helps nature do its job by absorbing and storing rain and melting snow. It protects against flooding and excessive heat as well as improves air, soil and water quality, which can help the city better adapt to a changing climate. According to the sewerage district, it has more than $700 million in projects it hopes to complete in the coming years. More: Naturalized streams, rivers may have prevented worse flooding. MMSD spent $580 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Historic 1,000-year flood led to largest sewer overflow since Deep Tunnel installed Caitlin Looby covers the Great Lakes and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach her at clooby@gannett.com , and follow her on X @caitlooby. Caitlin's work is supported by the Brico Fund, Fund for Lake Michigan, Barbara K. Frank, and individual contributions. Grants and donations help make this reporting possible. The Journal Sentinel maintains full editorial control. To learn more about our community-funded journalism initiatives, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit https://givebutter.com/milwaukee-journal-sentinel . Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation with JS Environment in the memo, then mailed to: Local Media Foundation, P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How does MMSD decide to do a sewer overflow into Lake Michigan? State Police made nearly 100 traffic stops resulting in more than two dozen citations and eight arrests during a drunken-driving saturation patrol in the Seacoast area and portions of the Spaulding Turnpike last weekend. From Friday night, Aug. 15, throughout the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 16, troopers focused on major corridors in Rockingham County as well as portions of Route 16 (Spaulding Turnpike). Troopers stopped 98 vehicles, resulting in the issuance of 27 citations for a variety of motor vehicle violations. In addition, eight people were arrested for various offenses, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily E. McCredy, 35, of Amesbury, Mass., was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence. Johnny Marin Cedeno, 28, of Manchester, was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence. Vitor Peixoto, 41, of Hudson, Mass., was arrested on charges of license required and operating without a valid license. Christopher M. Loomis, 53, of New Durham, was arrested on charges of license required, operating without a valid license, and failure to obey inspection requirements. Travis E. Cline, 45, of Warren, Maine, was arrested on charges of transportation of drugs in a motor vehicle, possession of controlled drugs, speeding, and transporting alcoholic beverages (open container). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard A. Rytky, 62, of Warren, Maine, was arrested on a charge of possession of controlled drugs. Chelsea E. Reed, 39, of Warren, Maine, was arrested on charges of possession of controlled drugs and transporting alcoholic beverages (open container). Nicaury Sanchez Correa, 21, of Lawrence, Mass., was arrested on a charge of reckless operation. Anyone who observes a suspected impaired driver should call 911 immediately and provide their exact location, including street names and highway mile markers, a plate number, and a description of the vehicle involved, along with the details of what was observed. Did you know that an estimated 40,000 Haitians live in Central Florida? Experience the multifaceted culture influenced by African, island and European traditions and cuisines this Sunday in Leesburg. Plus, you can enjoy some beer, camaraderie, show tunes, comedy and poetry, or take it easy with some quiet reading time and baked goods with friends. Up to you. Arkane Aleworks Takeover in Mount Dora Serendipity, a Mount Dora artisan coffee shop and craft beer bar featuring 14 brews on draft, espresso, food and live music, will host the Arkane Aleworks Takeover at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, at 144 W. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event features a Serendipity can release by the Largo-based brewery along with other products, live music and giveaways. Details: serendipitymtdora@gmail.com Community Cleanup Day at Berry Park Gather with friends and the West Leesburg CDC to give both a local park and your karma a beneficial cleanse. Help pick up litter from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Berry Park, 2121 Johns Ave., Leesburg. Email tess4gr@gmail.com for details. Tour historic Mote Morris House Travel back in time via the landmark Victorian domicile at 1195 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Details: leesburgmuseum.org/mote-morris-house Petrina describes herself as an "out-of-the-box" performer. She brings her "high-energy show" to Leesburg this Saturday. Petrina performs at Moose Lodge in Leesburg Petrina, a performer who headlines shows in The Villages and throughout Florida, describes herself as a "high-energy British personality" and "out-of-the-box vocalist and entertainer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.K. firebrand brings her "silly" song show full of laughs and audience participation to the Leesburg Moose Lodge, 1512 State Road 44, Leesburg, at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. Tickets are $15. For tickets, call 352-787-4073. Silent Book Club at Pinesmoke Bee Co. If you're craving calm and quiet relaxation this Sunday, Pinesmoke Bee Co., shhhhh! Say no more! Lake County's only mead tavern hosts its "Silent Book Club" on the fourth Sunday of every month, including Aug. 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring whatever you are reading at the moment, choose a cozy seat, and enjoy "the companionable quiet" in Eustis at 117 N. Bay St., Eustis. This month will also feature a bake club. Book Club members are encouraged to bring home-baked goods made with honey or themed around honey. Details: Pinesmoke.com. Stand-up show offers comic relief in Mount Dora The summer run of Mount Dora Hall's comedy series ends with a fun finale featuring radio personality and comedian Sabrina Ambra, cohost of "The News Junkie" on 104.1 FM, and other comics on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Mount Dora Music Hall, located in the historic community building at 520 N. Baker St Hosted by Angel Rivera, the event begins with a social hour from 6:30 to 8 p.m., giving guests a chance to mingle before the comedy kicks off. Showtime is at 8 p.m. sharp. General admission is $20. Tickets are available at MountDoraMusicHall.com. Joa Jane Harpster, membership and events director of the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, has set up her business Lah Tea Dah at 1012 W Main St. Poetry Sunday salon gathers the well-versed Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce diva Joa Harpster is hosting another Spill the Tea Sunday Salon, inspired by the convivial gatherings of creative inspiration and social discourse of past centuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This month's theme is "The Poetry. Lovers of verses of all types are invited to the charming historic house, home to Harpster's Lah-Tea-Dah shop and elegantly appointed sitting room, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, for "a soul-nourishing gathering where words steep like tea slow, strong and stirring." Harpster says her salon celebrates the power of poetry in all its forms whether you're a seasoned scribe or a quiet scribbler, or simply someone who loves the music of language." Bring a favorite poem to share, a few lines you've written yourself, or even your favorite song lyrics. "Come as you are. Bring your words, or just your ears and your open heart." Lah-Tea-Dah is located at 1012 W. Main St., Leesburg. Admission is free with samples available, but there's a $10 charge for tea and scone service. RSVP requested at TeaMe@lahteaday.com. Club Kreyol dancers brought the island spirit and contemporary grooves to the Experience the Culture of Haiti Festival during the 2024 inaugural event and will return this year. Experience the Culture of Haiti Festival in downtown Leesburg Experience the Culture of Haiti Festival, in its second year, bringing a festive vibe to downtown Leesburg this Sunday, Aug. 24, at the city hall's Towne Square. It's where you can sway to the infectious rhythms of tunes spun by DJ Terrence "T Samp" Sampson, plus enjoy dancing, kids' activities, delicious Caribbean foods and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year's featured artists include organizer/founder Belina Wright, Jean Bearnard Thomas and Jean Debreus, dancing, music, food trucks and more. Head to Artist with a Purpose for a solo exhibition by Belina Wright, "Haiti Cherie," opening during the Experience the Culture of Haiti at Artist with a Purpose, 100 S. Fourth St., Leesburg. The show is up through Oct. 1. The event will feature Haitian art and crafts, traditional attire, and live traditional dance accompanied by drummers. Founded in 2012 at UCF, Club Kreyol will perform Konpa, Racine, Folklore, Kizomba, Soca, Hip Hop and more. The group keeps Creole culture alive through dance, collaboration and community. Taste Haitian cuisine and maybe even learn basic Haitian Creole lingo (like bonjou!), and an exhibition/performance highlighting Haitian history and the nation's unique flora and fauna. The festival takes place at 411 W. Main St., Leesburg, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24. Admission is free. Details: artistwap.com. Check out photos and memories of the inaugural Experience the Culture of Haiti Festival at dailycommercial.com. A look ahead ... Nature center director talk at Eustis mead lounge Tuesday Talks featuring Trout Lake Nature Center, a fun and informative monthly talk at Pinesmoke Bee Co., delves into a topic we all need more of these days, environmental education. Eileen Tramontana, executive director of Eustis 230-acre nature preserve, discusses how environmental education has evolved, what it is, and how it can help create solutions and connections, and how TLNC is working to be a part of this solution. Bring questions for a Q&A. Free. 6:30 p.m., Aug. 26, at 117 N. Bay St., Eustis. Details: Pinesmoke.com. Hispanic Heritage Month art and fiesta in Leesburg The Leesburg Arts Center will open a new group exhibition, "Expressions," on Friday, Sept. 12, featuring works curated by Vidal Torres and Wanda Pedrosa. The show kicks off with an opening reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Featured artists include Andres Rivera, Blanca Rosado, Fernando A. Martinez, Jose Sanchez, Luis Mendez, Sara de Jesus, Vidal Torres and Wanda Pedrosa. The exhibition is held in conjunction with two events produced by Leesburg Special Events: Discover Leesburg, also on Sept. 12, and Fiesta en la Plaza, at Leesburg Towne Square on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 9 p.m., an evening filled with live music, cultural foods and other fun. DJ Boom and Latin Bridge Band are scheduled to entertain the crowd. For details about the art show, email director@leesburgarts.com. To inquire about Discover Leesburg and the Fiesta en la Plaza, email specialevents@leesburgflorida.gov Bigfoot & Skunk Ape event planned in the Ocala National Forest Bigfoot World, Cryptids and the Paranormal Researchers of Central Florida gathers Floridians curious about weird lore at 777 S. 314A, Ocklawaha, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. Participants will share exclusive clips of their reported evidence collected deep within the Ocala National Forest. Attendees can check out Bigfoot structures, signs and theories from their fieldwork. Dive into the paranormal side of Central Floridas strangest happenings. Meet local researchers, investigators and "fellow believers." Light refreshments will be provided. Contact Kathy Westerman on Facebook for details. Viva La Frida Festival in Mount Dora Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a festive bang and enjoy a colorful, culturally enriching homage to the late great Frida Kahlo on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mount Dora Center for the Arts celebrates the diversity and artistic creativity of the famous Mexican artist with an outdoor fiesta that features a variety of food vendors, dancing, music and a free kids art zone. Come dressed up like Frida to compete to win a basket of goodies. Community outreach groups will also be on hand to offer services to Spanish-speaking families. Details: facebook.com/MountDora Back the Blue 5K at Leesburg airport The Leesburg Blue Foundation 5K invites runners to hoof it again on the runway of the Leesburg International Airport. Presented by Sunair Aviation, the event returns on Saturday, Oct. 4. As per tradition, all proceeds raised will go to the Leesburg Police Department through the Leesburg Blue Foundation. Participants can walk or run. Check in at 6 p.m. Race is at 7. Details: runsignup.com/.../Leesburg/LeesburgBlueFoundation5K Planning an event? Email us details and photos at news@dailycommercial.com This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 8 things to do in Lake County this weekend plus a look ahead An 84-year-old woman was violently beaten to death in her Roslindale home after offering her killers orange juice. Decades later, all those charged in connection with her murder are walking free. In the spring of 1981, Donna Westbrooks, 20, saw a neighbor, 84-year-old Palmira Piciulo, wearing valuable jewelry. Westbrooks knew the 84-year-old lived alone in the apartment above her. She began working with 20-year-old Phillip Pennellatore and 15-year-old James Costello, who sometimes lived in her apartment, to plan an armed robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 6, 1981, Westbrooks and Costello went to the womans apartment and she invited them in and served them orange juice. When the 15-year-old got up from the table to put the glasses in the sink, he walked up behind Piciulo and began hitting her in the head with a heavy black telephone cable he had hidden in his sleeve. Westbrooks returned to her apartment to get Pennellatores help and they ran back upstairs. Piciulo was lying on the kitchen floor, officials said. But when she tried to get up, Pennellatore took the cable and struck her until she lay motionless on the floor. Pennellatore and Costello then stole items from the 84-year-olds apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they were able to leave, they noticed that Piciulo was still alive. They then suffocated her, struck her with a hammer and slit her wrists before leaving, officials said. Westbrooks was charged with accessory after the fact and eventually paroled. Costello was found guilty of first-degree murder, armed assault in a dwelling and armed robbery. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Pennellatore was convicted of first-degree murder and was also sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Both sentences were deemed unconstitutional to not have the possibility of parole due to their ages. And nearly 44 years later, both men will be free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2015, Costello was granted parole after reflecting on the trauma that shaped his path to violence including the abuse he suffered as a teenager at the hands of Father John J. Geoghan, the notorious priest whose crimes were exposed in the movie Spotlight. That abuse, Costello said, played a pivotal role in the choices that led to his conviction. Pennellatore was granted parole on Aug. 20 after his first parole board hearing in April. James Costello Costello experienced neglect and abuse from a young age. Still, he told the parole board in 2015, that it doesnt excuse his responsibility in the crime. Costello remembered when his 3-year-old brother was severely burned after playing with matches. He said his mother was passed out when this happened, so he and his sister had to drag their brother into the bathtub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His mother then blamed him and his sister for the incident, which increased the intensity of the physical abuse they had already endured, the parole board wrote. Costello was raped by a neighbor when he was 6. The man threatened him to keep it a secret or he and his family would be killed. Costello kept the experience to himself and stated that the next four years were even more difficult. He began disengaging from his family, school and any positive influences that he may have had. He began stealing cars, abusing drugs and alcohol and breaking into homes. By age 13, Costello was committed to the Department of Youth Services (DYS). Costello then described an experience that further exacerbated his level of anger, distrust, and detachment from adult figures, the parole board wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His mother was at a loss for how to provide him with positive direction and insisted that he get pastoral counseling from Geoghan. While in Geoghans care, Costello was sexually abused by him. Despite Costellos resistance, his mother, who was unaware of the abuse, insisted that he continue and even encouraged Costello to become one of Geoghans altar boys. Costello described this abusive relationship as being a significant catalyst to his violent and criminal behavior, the parole board wrote. He felt hopelessness. On the day of the attack, Costello followed what Pennellatore told him to do. I struck the first blows, he recalled. I did this to a small vulnerable woman who took pity on a street kid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was then told to search the apartment and later told to hit the woman with a hammer. Phil told us to do it to make sure she was dead, he recalled. After Costello was arrested, Geoghan resumed his relationship with the 15-year-old. The psychiatrist (obviously oblivious to the abuse) recommended to the Court that Costello maintain his relationship with Geoghan, in the hope that he would benefit from his mentoring, the parole board wrote. But the court ultimately decided Costello had not benefited from Geoghans efforts to help him. They used this as evidence to move him from juvenile court to being tried as an adult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 17, he was convicted and sent to the most dangerous prison in Massachusetts. And he fought for survival. By 1991, he began turning his life around. He first asked for a parole board hearing in 2003 but was denied. Ten years later, his life sentence without the possibility of parole was deemed unconstitutional and he had his parole board hearing Feb. 26, 2015. In an unanimous vote, the board decided Costello was a suitable candidate for parole. Phillip Pennellatore Over the 44 years Pennellatore has been incarcerated, hes begun making changes to better himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now 64 years old, Pennellatore hasnt had any disciplinary reports since 1992. He also got a bachelors degree through Boston University during his time incarcerated. He participated in programs, including Jericho Circle and Restorative Justice, prior to being able to go in front of the parole board. The Board concludes by unanimous decision that Mr. Pennellatore has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society, the parole board wrote. Parole was granted to Bethany House, a residential program, in about a month. He will have electronic monitoring for six months, be supervised for drugs, mental health counseling and is not allowed to have contact with the victims family. More on the Massachusetts Parole Board Read the original article on MassLive. Aug. 20The banks of the Rock River will once again serve as a backdrop for art, music and food when the eighth annual Art in the Park Sculpture Walk & Outdoor Art Gallery returns Saturday, Aug. 23, to RB&W District Park in Rock Falls. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 201 E. Second St. and will feature the unveiling of eight new sculptures created by artists from across the country, including Colorado, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Iowa and Illinois. Those sculptures will be on display for a year, joining the park's five permanent pieces. Visitors can use the Otocast app to hear artists share the stories behind their creations. The outdoor art gallery will feature more than 20 regional artists displaying and selling their handcrafted works, ranging from jewelry and woodworking to photography, paintings, yard art and artisan sourdough. Live glass-blowing demonstrations are planned throughout the day. Guests can vote for their favorite piece, with the "Best of Show" winner earning a $250 prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RB&W Amphitheater will host live music beginning at 10 a.m., with performances from Pat Jones, James Perron and Jay Vonn. Food vendors will include Brito's Grill, T&D BBQ, Thai Jasmine Rice & Noodles, Main Squeeze, Refreshing Moments Ice Cream Truck, Sweet Butts Cotton Candy and Eze Freeze Treats. For information, contact Rock Falls Director of Tourism Melinda Jones at 815-622-1106 or director@visitrockfalls.com. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) A 95-year-old former North Korean soldier who spent decades imprisoned in the South will continue his campaign to return to the North, an activist said Thursday, after South Korean troops stopped his symbolic border march this week. Flanked by activists and holding a North Korean flag, Ahn Hak-sop walked toward an inter-Korean bridge in the border town of Paju on Wednesday, demanding that South Korean authorities arrange his repatriation to the North, when soldiers stopped him at a checkpoint. Ahn, who complained of knee pain during the incident, was taken to a hospital and is now recovering at his home in Gimpo, near the capital city of Seoul, activist Cha Eun-jeong said. Cha said she expects Ahn to join a weekend protest in Seoul calling for his return to North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said it felt good to have an opportunity to speak his mind in front of journalists, even though he was turned back by the soldiers, Cha said. Ahn was born in what is now South Koreas border island of Ganghwa in 1930, when the Korean Peninsula was under Japanese colonial rule. Japans defeat in World War II liberated Korea, but the peninsula was then divided into a U.S.-backed, capitalist South and a Soviet-supported, socialist North a separation cemented by the devastating 195053 Korean War. Ahn volunteered to fight for the North Korean army in 1952 but was captured by South Korean soldiers in April 1953, months before the fighting stopped with the armistice. He was imprisoned for 42 years before receiving a special presidential pardon in 1995. He had a chance to go to North Korea in 2000, when former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, who pursued engagement with Pyongyang, repatriated 63 long-term unconverted prisoners following a historic summit with then-North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. Ahn then chose to stay, vowing to campaign until U.S. troops are withdrawn from the South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahn expressed a desire to go to North Korea in July, a decision that was influenced by his fragile health and concern that his time is running out, Cha said. South Koreas government said this month it has no immediate plans to push for the repatriation of the few remaining prisoners who desire to be sent to North Korea, and its unclear whether the North would accept them. Relations between the Koreas have deteriorated in recent years, with North Korea virtually suspending all diplomacy and cooperation with the South after the collapse of its broader nuclear talks with Washington in 2019. On a blistering morning earlier this week, an unusually large crowd had gathered at Imjingang Station - the last stop on Seoul's metropolitan subway line that inches the closest to North Korea. There were dozens of activists and police officers, their attention fixed on one man: Ahn Hak-sop, a 95-year-old former North Korean prisoner of war who was making his way home, to the other side of the border that divides the Korean peninsula. It was what Mr Ahn called his final journey - he wanted to return to the North to be buried there, after spending most of his life in South Korea, much of it against his will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He never made it across: he was turned away, as was expected because the South Korean government had said they did not have enough time to make the necessary arrangements. But Mr Ahn came as close as he could. Weakened by pulmonary oedema (a build up of fluid on the lungs), he could not manage the 30 minute walk from the station to the Unification Bridge - or Tongil Dae-gyo - one of the few passageways connecting South Korea to the North. So he stepped out of the car roughly 200 metres from the bridge and walked the final stretch on foot, flanked by two supporters who steadied him. He returned holding a North Korean flag, a sight rarely seen and deeply jarring in the South, and addressed the reporters and 20 or so volunteers who had turned up in support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I just want my body to rest in a truly independent land," he said. "A land free from imperialism." Living on the other side Ahn Hak-sop was 23 when he was captured by the South Koreans. Three years earlier, he had been in high school when then-North Korean ruler Kim Il-sung attacked the South. Kim, who wanted to reunify the two Koreas, rallied his countrymen by claiming that the South had initiated the 1950 attack. Ahn was among those who believed this. He joined the North Korean People's Army in 1952 as a liaison officer, and was then assigned a unit that was sent to the South. He was captured in April 1953, three months before the armistice, and sentenced to life in prison the same year. He was released more than 42 years later because of a special pardon on the Korean independence day. North Korean troops being taken prisoner by US soldiers in 1953 - the same year Mr Ahn was captured [Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images] Like many other North Korean prisoners, Mr Ahn too was labelled a "redhead", a reference to his communist sympathies, and he struggled to find a proper job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasn't easy, he told the BBC in an earlier interview in July. The government didn't help much at first, he said, agents followed him for years. He married, and even fostered a child, but he never felt he truly belonged. Throughout, he made his home in a small village in Gimpo, the closest a civilian can live to the border with the North. Yet in 2000, he turned down the chance to be sent back to the North along with dozens of other prisoners who also wanted to return. He had been optimistic then that ties between the two sides would improve, that their people would be able to travel back and forth freely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he chose to stay because he feared leaving would be a win for the Americans. "At the time, they were pushing for US military governance [in the South]," he said. "If I returned to the North, it would've felt like I was just handing over my own bedroom to the Americans - vacating it for them. My conscience as a human being just couldn't allow that." It's not clear what he was referring to other than growing ties between Seoul and Washington, which include a strong military alliance that guarantees South Korea protection from any attack from the North. That relationship deeply bothers Mr Ahn, who has never stopped believing the Kim family's propaganda - that the only thing stopping the reunification of the Korean peninsula was an "imperialist America" and a South Korean government that was beholden to them. Fighting for North Korea Born in 1930 in Ganghwa County, Gyeonggi Province, during Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, Mr Ahn was the youngest of three brothers. He also had two younger sisters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patriotism took root early. His grandfather refused to let him attend school because he "didn't want to make me Japanese", he recalled. So he started school later than usual, after his grandfather died. Ahn Hak-sop believes the US alliance with Seoul has prevented Korean reunification [Jungmin Choi/BBC] When Japan surrendered in 1945, bringing an end to World War Two and its colonisation of Korea, Mr Ahn and his younger brother, who had deserted the Japanese military, were hiding at their aunt's house at the foot of Mount Mani on Ganghwa Island. "That wasn't liberation - it was just a transfer of colonial rule," he said. "A leaflet [we saw] said that Korea wasn't being liberated, but that US military rule would be implemented instead. It even said that if anyone violated US military law, they would be strictly punished under military law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Soviet Union and the US tussled over the Korean peninsula, they agreed to to divide it. The Soviets took control of the North and the US, the South, where they set up a military administration until 1948. When Kim attacked in 1950, a South Korean government was in place - but Mr Ahn, like so many North Koreans, believes the South provoked the conflict and that its alliance with Washington prevented reunification. Unwavering belief Once he was captured, Mr Ahn had several chances to avoid prison - he was asked to sign documents renouncing the North and its communist ideology, which was called "conversion". But he refused. "Because I refused to sign a written oath of conversion, I had to endure endless humiliation, torture, and violence - days filled with shame and pain. There's no way to fully describe that suffering in words," he told the crowd that had gathered near the border on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Korean government never responded to this particular charge directly, although a special commission acknowledged violence at the prison in 2004. Mr Ahn's direct allegations were investigated by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Korea, an independent body investigating past human rights abuses, in 2009, which found that there had been a deliberate effort to force his conversion, which included acts of torture. It has long been accepted in South Korea that such prisoners often encountered violence behind bars. He was turned away at the border, returning to face the cameras with a North Korean flag [Jungmin Choi/BBC] "Whenever I regained consciousness, the first thing I checked was my hands - to see if there was any red ink on them," Mr Ahn recalled in his July interview. That usually signalled that someone had forced a fingerprint onto a written oath of ideological conversion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If there wasn't, I'd think, 'No matter what they did, I won'. And I felt satisfied." The North has changed remarkably since Mr Ahn left. Kim Il-sung's grandson now runs the country - a reclusive nuclear-armed dictatorship that is richer than it was in 1950, but remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Mr Ahn was not in the North for the devastating famine in the 1990s that killed hundreds of thousands. Tens of thousands of others fled, making deadly journeys to escape their lives there. Mr Ahn, however, dismissed the suggestion of any humanitarian concerns in the North, blaming the media for being biased and only reporting on the dark side of the country. He argues that North Korea is prospering and defends Kim's decision to send troops to aid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The South has also changed in Mr Ahn's time here - once a poor military dictatorship, it is now a wealthy, powerful democracy. Its relationship with the North has had its ups and downs, wavering between open hostility and hopeful engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Mr Ahn's beliefs have not wavered. He has dedicated the last 30 years of his life to protesting against a country that he believes is still colonising South Korea - the US. "They say humans, unlike animals, have two kinds of life. One is basic biological life - the kind where we talk, eat, defecate, sleep, and so on. The second is political life, also called social life. If you strip a human being of their political life, they're no different from a robot," Mr Ahn told the BBC in July. "I lived under Japanese colonial rule all those years. But I don't want to be buried under [American] colonial rule, even in death." Additional reporting by Jungmin Choi in Seoul BANGKOK, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended a constitutional court hearing on Thursday in a case seeking her dismissal over alleged ethics violations. The hearing began at 10:30 a.m. local time, with Paetongtarn appearing in court as the defendant and Chatchai Bangchuad, secretary-general of the National Security Council, present for the witness examination. Constitutional Court President Nakharin Mektrairat said the court would prohibit the broadcasting of images and audio during witness testimony, given the implications for national security. Nakharin said the court also barred attendees from disseminating any content from the proceedings or distorting facts or legal interpretations in a manner that could mislead the public. The deadline for both the petitioner and the respondent to submit their closing argument statements has been brought forward to Aug. 25, he added. Last week, the court decided to summon two additional witnesses for Thursday's hearing and set a date to hand down its verdict on Aug. 29. On July 1, the court suspended Paetongtarn after accepting the case petitioned by a group of senators accusing her of lacking integrity and seriously breaching ethical standards over a leaked phone conversation on the border issue with Cambodia. The Texas State House on Wednesday passed a new congressional map, blasting through a Democratic roadblock in a bid to bolster the GOPs chances of holding onto the U.S. House next year. The map passed the Republican-controlled House in a 88-52 vote, setting up a new look for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections with the addition of five Republican-leaning congressional districts in the Lone Star State. Still, the map must make its way through the Texas State Senate before it lands on Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Dems End Weekslong Quorum Standoff In Redistricting Fight Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a bill signing in the State Capitol April 23, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Abbott pushed for the creation of a new map to adhere to President Donald Trumps desire to not see a repeat of the 2018 election cycle, when Democrats handily regained the majority in the House and acted as a foil to the presidents legislative desires toward the end of his first term. While Republicans control a supermajority in deep-red Texas and already passed the map through the state Senate, Democrats still needed to create a quorum in the House to actually move the process along. Read On The Fox News App Abbott, Texas Republicans Launch New Trump-backed Redistricting Push As Fleeing Democrats Plan To End Walkout Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of Texas Democrats fled the state to stall the process, creating a national media frenzy and generating support from Democratic donors, including groups linked to George Soros and Beto ORourke, to help pay for their fines, travel and lodging. It generated pushes to have them arrested by Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, as well as a request from Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, to have the FBI track them down and the DOJ to launch an investigation into the political action committees funding their escape. O'rourke, Soros-linked Groups Face Call For Doj Probe Over Alleged Funding Of Texas Dem Walkout Democratic leaders announced Monday they would return for the second special session following California's plan to redraw its maps to soften the blow from the Lone Star State, ending the blockade and allowing Republicans to charge ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas House Democrats accused the GOP of crafting a map that was illegal and racially discriminatory, and they tried and failed on the House floor to add amendments to the bill that would have halted the process. Despite Democrats' best efforts, Texas House Republicans shot down a dozen amendments to the bill. "Members, it breaks my heart to see how this illegal and rigged, mid-decade redistricting scheme is dividing our state and our country," Rep. Chris Turner, a Democrat, said. "This is Texas, it's not Washington D.C. The impulses of outside politicians and their billionaire backers shouldn't dictate what we do in this chamber, in this House." California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom Rep. Todd Hunter, a Republican who wrote the bill for the new map, countered that four of the five new districts were "majority-minority Hispanic," noting that each of the new districts now trended Republican. Still, he had no qualms as to why Republicans were pursuing changes to the congressional maps. "The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward, [to] improve Republican political performance," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats blockade ended on Monday, when Abbott called for a second special session after their demands for California to also begin a redistricting cycle were met in an effort to nullify the map Texas Republicans were creating. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Democrats unveiled their new map last week, which, if passed, would create five new Democratic-leaning congressional districts that would counteract the Texas legislatures new map. Original article source: Abbott scores big win in redistricting battle as Texas Democrats' blockade collapses MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) As CBS 42 has previously reported, some hemp businesses in Alabama are closing their doors as a new law cracks down on the industry. Whether its CBD gummies or hemp infused lotions, the ABC Board is setting new expectations for how products are sold in the state. I think CannaBama is financially ruined, beyond repair, said Jennifer Boozer, founder of CannaBama in Mobile. I mean, weve not been open for almost two months now. Business owners like Boozer are grappling with new THC guidelines. Proposed rules by the ABC Board require supermarkets and package stores to obtain a license to sell hemp products. Boozer said other requirements, like having to use child resistant packaging, would make items too expensive to sell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If an aluminum pull tab is enough safety for the entire alcohol industry, why then would we want to add 30, 40 cents per can for the hemp beverages, which are already at a much higher price point? asked Boozer. According to the guidelines, those hemp beverages, as well as other edibles, must contain no more than 10 milligrams of THC. They can only be sold to people 21 and older. Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett urges gun owners to secure firearms after 6-year-old dies in accidental shooting State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) said businesses can adapt. Delta eight and delta nine products that these shops were selling is not about wellness, Whitt said. It was simply about getting high. Lets not try to sugar coat this any way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green Acres Organic Pharms, based in Florence, said in a statement, While the rules will bring new challenges, they also bring opportunities to expand access to hemp beverages and wellness-focused products in retail stores, pharmacies, and specialty shops. Rep. Whitt said now, parents can be rest assured that these products will stay out of the hands of children. I think its good, Whitt explained. I think the ABC has worked very hard on this. And Im looking forward to people following the law and taking control of this industry. Daniel Dye with the ABC Board said in a statement that the proposed rules are subject to public comment, which is anticipated to close on October 3. Dye said you can email comments on the proposed rules to legal@abc.alabama.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) After months of renovation and construction, the Abilene Zoo is set to debut its brand-new Caribbean Cove exhibit this Friday. The reimagined exhibit opens August 22, featuring expanded habitats, new species, and visitor-friendly improvements. Habitats have grown by more than 200% and now include warming enclosures, ADA-compliant sand diggers, upgraded pathways, and more. Lesser flamingos removed from Abilene Zoo due to unsuccessful breeding Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caribbean Cove has always been a place where our community could step into a vibrant tropical world, said Jesse Pottebaum, Director of Abilene Zoo. With these upgrades and new species, were bringing guests closer than ever to tropical wildlife while also sharing important conservation stories. New exhibit, new faces: Big summer ahead at the Abilene Zoo Among the residents are two-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, prehensile-tailed porcupines, three species of toucans, three-banded armadillos, boat-billed herons, and more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4) Happy Thursday, Utah! Above temperatures stay in the forecast today as a broad ridge of high pressure stays in control of the weather stormy. Increasing cloud cover will keep temperatures in the upper 90s along the Wasatch Front, but dangerous heat arrives in lower Washington County for St. George and Zion National Park. Partly cloudy skies are expected with triple digit heat throughout southern Utah. Highs will reach six to eight degrees above average with little recovery overnight. As a result of this high heat, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for lower Washington County from noon today through Friday night. With this dangerous heat ahead, make sure you limit your time outdoors, stay hydrated and check on those without adequate cooling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our area of high pressure will slide to the east, known as our Four Corners High, and allow for an uptick of moisture. Initially this moisture will be confined to the mid-levels midweek, resulting in high based showers and dry thunderstorms with little if any rainfall. Later today, a mixture of wet and dry thunderstorms can be expected before storms fully transition to wet with wetting rains more common by the end of the week. At first, we will notice more cloud cover, but by Thursday, as moisture deepens, widespread thunderstorms can be expected with increasing threats of heavy rain, and the threat of flash flooding will also rise. You can expect the chance of isolated to scattered thunderstorms with lightning, gusty outflow winds and heavy downpours to close out the work week. The flash flood risk is listed as possible for several spots in Southern Utah Thursday, so anyone with outdoor recreation plans in Southern Utah should stay weather aware with the threat of slot canyons, normally dry washes and slick rock facing the possibility of flooding. This traditional atmospheric monsoon set up looks to hold steady through the weekend and into early next week, meaning active skies with isolated to scattered thunderstorms stay in the forecast through Tuesday. Stay tuned! Well keep you updated in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extreme Heat Warning Wash Co. Above avg. Teps statewide More cloud cover with increasing moisture High based storms to start with gusty winds & lightning More moisture Thursday evening Possible flash flood threat in S. Utah Thursday Wetting Friday t-storms Weekend storm potential Active set up through the midweek Courtesy: 4Warn Weather Team Courtesy: 4Warn Weather Team Courtesy: 4Warn Weather Team Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. U.S. Soldiers from the South Carolina National Guard and U.S. Army and Air Force service members from the West Virginia National Guard receive a briefing prior to being deputized as part of D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, Washington, D.C., Aug. 19, 2025. Approximately 800 National Guard service members comprise JTF-DC, supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. (Photo courtesy Washington D.C. National Guard/Facebook) Community advocates who oppose Gov. Patrick Morriseys deployment of the West Virginia National Guard to support President Donald Trumps crackdown in the nations capital have filed a lawsuit challenging the move. The ACLU of West Virginia filed the complaint Thursday in Kanawha County Circuit Court on behalf of West Virginia Citizen Action Group. It lists Morrisey and Maj. General James Seward as defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This action challenges an unprecedented and unlawful deployment of West Virginia National Guard forces beyond our states borders not to defend against invasion, not to respond to natural disaster, not to assist a sister states emergency request but to serve as political props in a manufactured crisis, the group says in the complaint. West Virginia law is clear: The governor may deploy the National Guard outside our borders only for specific, enumerated purposes none of which exist here, they write. The complaint argues that Morrisey exceeded his constitutional and statutory authority with the deployment. The state code that governs National Guard deployments was shaped by legal battles after the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain, where National Guard troops were deployed against U.S. citizens, ACLU-WV Legal Director Aubrey Sparks said in a news release. The Guards services are indispensable to West Virginia, and sending these vital resources out of state to participate in a political stunt by the president is unprecedented, unconscionable, and unlawful, Sparks said. Neither state law nor our Constitution permits this deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit seeks to restore the rule of law and return Guard members to their proper role of serving West Virginia families and communities, a news release says. In a statement, Dani Parent, Executive Director of WV CAG, said the organization has deep concerns about the deployment to DC. As an organization with over 50 years of advocating and organizing West Virginians for accountability, justice, and good governance, we believe that the use of West Virginias National Guard troops in this context is a clear misuse of power, Parent said. The Guard exists to serve West Virginians in times of crisis, and this action appears to be motivated by partisanship and to appease the current federal administration. Sending our Guard out of state for political posturing serves only to divert critical resources needed here at home, Parent said. The Governors priority should be in serving West Virginians, not political grandstanding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morrisey announced Saturday his plans to send between 300 and 400 skilled personnel from the West Virginia National Guard to Washington, D.C. along with mission-essential equipment to assist in Trumps federal takeover of policing there. Trump has declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., mobilizing the local National Guard to take back the capital from what he described as violent criminals. Washingtons elected officials have objected to the presidents claims about the citys crime. Last year the Department of Justice, under then-President Joe Biden, said D.C. crime had hit a 30-year low. Trumps Department of Justice has reportedly launched an investigation into whether the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department manipulated crime data. West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nations capital, Morrisey said in a news release Saturday. The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia Democrats called the deployment political theatre. West Virginia is one of six Republican-led states that are sending a total of more than 1,000 National Guard members to D.C. Trump has also activated 800 members from D.C.s National Guard. The legal action was assigned to Kanawha Circuit Judge Richard Lindsay. The West Virginia National Guard was mobilized at the request of the President under the authority in United States Code, Title 32 502(f), a spokesman for Morrisey wrote in an email to West Virginia Watch. West Virginia is proud to support our neighbors and the Commander-in-Chief when called upon. This story has been updated to include a comment from Morriseys office. As the Jacksonville City Council spars with the mayors office over the distribution of the free tickets to games, concerts, and events at city-run venues, Action News Jax is digging into the numbers and revealing the citys top ticket-takers. Among city council members, Councilmember Terrance Freeman (R-Group 1 At-Large) topped the list with 96 requests over the past two years, followed by Councilmember Reggie Gaffney Jr. (D-District 8) at 37, and Councilmember Jucoby Pittman (D-District 10) at 28. In response to making the top three list, all three council members issued statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive used tickets offered to all Council members and shared access with the residence (sic) and distributed to constituents who wouldnt otherwise have access to events. The tickets have been a long-standing practice for Council members. Ticket assess allow me to stay connected with my constituents. If policy changes regarding the distribution of tickets, I will continue to follow policy. 28 tickets were reported and 5 were unused, revised ticket distribution is 23 that were used, Pittman said. Its no secret that my constituents are my top priority. In District 8, a lot of families, kids, teachers, and even first responders dont always get the chance to enjoy events that bring people together. When I request tickets, its not always for me; its oftentimes so the people I serve can experience something uplifting and memorable that brings Jacksonville as a whole together, leaving no one out. I believe everyone deserves moments of joy and connection, no matter their circumstances. Thats why the number youve received is the number it is. And I wish to continue providing this opportunity to them, Gaffney Jr. said. Blessed to have a large family and over the course of going on 8 years have attended events, Freeman said. RELATED: City Council requested more than twice as many free city tickets as mayors office over past 2 years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you factor in requests made by council aides, Freeman remains at the top with 117 tickets over two years, while the ticket reform bill sponsor Councilmember Ron Salem (R-Group 2 At-Large) moves up into second at 97, and Vice President Nick Howland (R-Group 3 At-Large) bumps up to third with 52. Salem and Howland did not comment on the stats. Council President Kevin Carrico (R-District 4) argued many of the requested tickets likely went to constituents. This isnt about tit-for-tat at this point on who went to what shows. Its about cleaning it up and making sure that these tickets that are contractually obligated through contracts to come to the city are given to people who deserve to go, Carrico said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] And council members arent alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegans Office, Chief Administrative Officer Karen Bowling led the pack with 64 tickets requested over the past two years, followed by her Deputy CAO Kelli OLeary with 53, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Brittany Norris came in third with 28 tickets. This practice began many years ago for economic development efforts and building relationships with community members. That remains true today, the mayors office told Action News Jax in a statement. Its part of the mayors job to be an ambassador and represent the city. Its also useful for those who oversee event venue operations to evaluate the citizen experience and make it better. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] But without any way to verify who actually received the requested tickets, University of North Florida Political Science Professor Dr. Michael Binder argued it lends itself to questions of potential favoritism or abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are you giving them away to lobbyists? You know, who is getting them? Whats happening? Its a bad look all around, and you know, maybe this is something good that could come from some middle school back and forth between council and the administration for once, Binder said. Both the Mayors Office and Council President Carrico said theyre open to introducing more transparency and accountability into the ticket request process and support prohibiting elected officials from personally using the tickets on themselves. 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. DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) say Connecticut is a sanctuary no more. Operation Broken Trust: ICE arrests 65 in sweep of Connecticut The agency arrested 65 people last week in a targeted four-day operation that began Aug. 12. ICE says 29 of those people had serious criminal charges ranging from kidnapping, assault, drug offenses, weapons violations, sex crimes. ICE says others were identified as members of transnational gangs or had criminal histories in their native countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This past week, we saw, we experienced, we felt and we witnessed terror, Juan Fonseca Tapia, from Danbury Unites for Immigrants, said. The mass arrests are leading to mass anger in communities across the state. Hundreds of activists and neighbors spoke out during a rally in Danbury Wednesday, telling ICE to stay out of their communities. What we saw last week at the Danbury court course was, in fact, an ambush, one woman who spoke at the rally said. Neighbors said that instead of ICE making them feel safe, they live in constant fear of their next interaction with them. The thought that they may take away more of my friends, my brothers and sisters fills me with fear and anxiety, another speaker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Haven student detained by ICE moved back to facility in Massachusetts ICE said officers from ICE Bostons Hartford field office collaborated with the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for Operation Broken Trust. Sanctuary legislation like Connecticuts Trust Act only endangers the communities it claims to protect. Such laws only force law enforcement professionals to release criminal alien offenders back into the very communities they have already victimized, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde said. The state of Connecticut is a safer place thanks to the hard work and determination of the men and women of ICE and our federal partners. Working together, we were able to arrest 65 illegal aliens in just four days throughout Connecticut, many of whom had significant criminality in the United States, said a spokesperson for ICE in a press release. An official with ICE tells News 8 the agency is always working to through the state of Connecticut to enforce our countrys immigration laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local immigration advocates are now calling on state lawmakers to do more to protect Connecticut immigrants and families. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. (The Center Square) A former top aide and campaign advisor to incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been suspended after she was caught handing a reporter a bag full of cash, according to published reports. The City news outlet reported that Winnie Greco tried to give a reporter who covers Adams' administration a cash-stuffed Herr's Sour Cream & Onion ripple potato chip bag following an event supporting his re-election bid. According to the news outlet, Greco handed the chip bag to reporter Katie Honan, who initially thought she was being given a snack, but later discovered a red envelope in the bag containing a $100 bill and other cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greco later called the money offer "a mistake" and "apologized" when The City contacted her about why she tried to give its reporter what appeared to be a bribe, according to the news outlet. Her attorney told the news outlet the move was "purely innocent" noting that in Chinese culture money is "often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude," The City reported. "Winnie is apologetic and embarrassed by any negative impression or confusion this may have caused," he told The City. Greco served as a top Adams advisor and fundraiser as well as the administration's liaison to the city's Asian community until last year, when she stepped down after the FBI raided two of her properties as part of an investigation into a straw donations scheme in Adams's 2021 mayoral campaign. Charges related to that investigation were later dropped by the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Adams's mayoral campaign said in a statement that Greco "holds no position in this campaign and has been suspended from all VOLUNTEER campaign-related activities." "We are shocked by these reports," Adams campaign spokesman Todd Shapiro said in the statement. "Mayor Adams had no prior knowledge of this matter. He has always demanded the highest ethical and legal standards, and his sole focus remains on serving the people of New York City with integrity." Adams, a Democrat first elected in 2021, is running a long shot reelection bid as an independent candidate with polls showing him lacking behind Queens Assemblyman and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat who is also running on the independent ticket. The news reports about Greco's attempted payoff comes as other reports say longtime Adams confidant Ingrid Lewis-Martin is expected to face even more corruption charges this week for allegedly accepting handouts in exchange for political favors. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. I think it will be a great thing for our schools and but I also know that our Pershing families really love Pershing, and so it is going to be a transition for both them and us, Andrea Hangen said. Hangen, the principal of Wilder Elementary, says the recently built additions to her school were needed. Pershing had a really small elementary and so by incorporating them in and were just elementary focused, we can help them really set them up for success for middle school, Hangen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Pershings K-8 school begins the transition, via renovations, to become solely a middle school, students have been moved to Wilder and Field Elementary schools, beginning with some this year, and more next year. Because of that change, the district gave each school four additional classrooms. They are going to be used as grade level classrooms and we will be adding some new teachers to our building next year with incoming Pershing students, Hangen said. Just a mile away, Adam Bax, the principal of Field Elementary, says its only day two, but the rooms are being put to good use. Its been really nice to have an actual designated classroom for those rooms. So we have an IT classroom, we have our Spanish classroom, and then we also have a third-grade classroom thats in here, Bax said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bax says more rooms give more space to students and somewhat of a home for teachers too. For years have been, you know, having weve had several classrooms that have been on carts and not had an actual space, Bax said. We know that whenever our classrooms are inviting and cheery and, you know, just have that really warm feeling that our students are going to feel more welcome and especially day one, thats helped create that space where our students are excited about learning and coming to school. Ellyn Bean is a teacher at Wilder. She says shes excited to have one of the newer rooms, and she says students and parents are excited too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this classroom compared to my other one, I have more space that Im able to kind of play with the furniture a little bit more and get it to, like, fit more of my needs within the classroom, Bean said. This week has been great. Students are super eager and excited to come and enjoy this new classroom. Its been fun creating routines and expectations in this new area and creating memories with them. SPS officials say the changes arent done. Theyll soon begin the next part of the changes, including massive renovations to Bissett Elementary and a brand new Bingham Elementary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 21Four people from Albert Lea were injured Wednesday afternoon two with critical injuries after an SUV and semi crashed on U.S. Highway 65 in Shell Rock Township. A 4-year-old Albert Lea boy, whose name has not been released, and Sanjuana Renteria, 53, of Albert Lea, were taken to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester for life-threatening injuries, according to reports. Perla Janeth Garcia Renteria, 33, of Albert Lea, was taken to the Albert Lea hospital before being transported to Austin, and Jazymn Marie Rodriguez, 19, of Albert Lea, was taken to St. Marys Hospital, both for non life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report listed Perla Renteria as the driver of a 2007 Ford Explorer with the others as occupants. The Explorer and a 2012 Freightliner Cascadia semi, driven by Mark Eugene Byers, 74, of Austin, were both north on Highway 65 near the highway's intersection with 110th Street when the vehicles collided at 1:34. p.m. More details about how the crash occurred have not been released. Byers was not injured. The report states alcohol was not a factor, and none of the occupants in the Explorer were listed as wearing seat belts. Several had to be extricated from the vehicle. The Glenville and Albert Lea fire departments assisted at the scene, along with the Freeborn County Sheriff's Office, Mayo Ambulance and helicopter, and Mercy One helicopter. The roadway was dry at the time of the crash. PHNOM PENH, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The number of suspects arrested in crackdown operations on online scam centers in Cambodia has increased to 3,170, said a press release from the Ad-Hoc Committee to Combat Online Scams on Thursday. The authorities have raided 72 locations in 18 cities and provinces out of the kingdom's 25 cities and provinces since June 27 to date, the press release said, adding that the arrested suspects are of 19 nationalities. The Southeast Asian country has launched a nationwide crackdown on cyber scam networks, aiming at maintaining and protecting security, public order, and social safety. Winnie Greco, a campaign adviser to New York Mayor Eric Adams, found herself in hot water on Wednesday after she attempted to give a reporter for the local publication The City a wad of cash hidden in a bag of potato chips. According to the publication, City Hall reporter Katie Honan ran into Greco at the opening earlier in the day for Adams new Harlem campaign office. Greco later texted Honan and asked to meet up with her across the street from the new office outside of a bank. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair then went into a local Whole Foods, where Greco bought said chips and opened the bag. She then handed the bag to Honan; when the reporter looked into the bag later, she saw that Greco had Stuffed a $100 bill and several $20 bills into the chips. At that point she texted Greco, said she could not accept that money and asked to return it to her but received no response. Honan informed her bosses at The City about the matter, and when contacted again Greco told Honan, I make a mistake. Im so sorry. Its a culture thing. I dont know. I dont understand. Im so sorry. I feel so bad right now. Im so sorry, honey. Greco later called the publication back and told them, Can we forget about this? I try to be a good person. Please. Please. Please dont do in the news nothing about me. I just wanted to be her friend. I just wanted to have one good friend. Its nothing. Greco also told the paper to contact her attorney, who insisted Winnies intent was purely innocent. In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude. Winnie is apologetic and embarrassed by any negative impression or confusion this may have caused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The publication meanwhile notified the NY Department of Investigations, and reported Wednesday night that the money is now in possession of the U.S. Attorney for Brooklyn. Greco has since been suspended as an adviser to Adams reelection campaign, The City reported. But Adams is no stranger to allegations of corruption. He was indicted on federal corruption charges a year ago. He denies any wrongdoing, but despite being elected in 2021 as a Democrat, after his indictment he began to publicly support Donald Trump. Trumps Department of Justice killed the case against him soon after he took office, doing so over the strenuous objections of several career DoJ employees. This included interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Renee Sassoon, acting head of the DOJs criminal division Kevin Driscoll, John Keller, the acting head of the DOJs Public Integrity Section, three other prosecutors in the Public Integrity Section and Hagan Scotten, lead prosecutor in the case against Adams. All of them resigned in protest. Meanwhile, alongside Adams last year, several other city officials were investigated, including Greco, who then resigned as Adams Director of Asian Affairs. The post Advisor to NY Mayor Eric Adams Hands Reporter Cash Hidden in a Bag of Potato Chips appeared first on TheWrap. Kern County residents were overwhelming opposed to collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities during a state-mandated hearing. State law limits the ways local law enforcement can interact with federal immigration authorities and at Tuesdays hearing, Kern County Sheriffs Office deputies detailed the ways the department does and doesnt collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. The sheriffs office does not ask about individuals immigration status or provide ICE with access to our databases, said Deputy Chief Joel Swanson. We are not involved in the enforcement of immigration law, deportations, or immigration sweeps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swanson spoke to the Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting as a requirement under the states Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds Act, or Truth Act. That being said, the sheriffs office does cooperate with ICE as allowed by law, Swanson said. This includes making release notifications to ICE regarding eligible incarcerated persons only when requested, and only when they have qualifying convictions. In 2024, the department made only two such transfers, and received 19 requests, one of which was a duplicate request for the same person, Swanson said. Of the people ICE submitted requests for, 17 were Hispanic and one Asian, Swanson said, with 17 men and one woman. The average age was 41 years old and the median amount of time spent in KCSO custody in 2024 was about 67 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also presenting as part of the Truth Act hearing were representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, which has been working with KCSO since 2014 on its policies regarding immigration collaboration. Speaking to the board, attorney Mayra Joachin said KCSO recently updated its policies following a recommendation from the ACLU to use only convictions rather than charges as qualifications for collaborating with ICE. The department also revised language to state it would not use probable cause to detain a person for the purposes of an ICE detainer. Still, even when KCSO inmates do have qualifying convictions, Joachin asked the department not to transfer people in their custody, which she noted was not required under the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the impact that any collaboration with immigration is having on our communities, the deep fear that has been felt this year since Jan. 6, I do think its important that, to the extent that we can, the sheriffs and anyone in this community work to avoid collaboration, Joachin said. The two inmates transferred to ICE were convicted of false imprisonment and assault with a deadly weapon, Joachin said. Just so I understand, in those cases, false imprisonment and assault with a deadly weapon, youre suggesting that the sheriffs department not cooperate with ICE, even in those situations? asked District 4 Supervisor David Couch. Joachin said the federal immigration cases were a separate matter, as inmates were already being punished under the criminal justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My suggestion is that the two systems be be kept separate because any presence in the U.S. in violation of is a civil offense, not a criminal offense, Joachin said. Dozens of people showed up to give public comment during the hearing, including several representatives from the ACLU and the United Farm Workers Foundation. The vast majority of the people who commented were against local cooperation with ICE. Several speakers referenced the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol operation in January during which 78 people were arrested, many of them local farmworkers. Border Patrol said at the time the arrests were targeted at people with prior convictions, but public records requests later showed Border Patrol had no records for 77 of the 78 people detained. Im a very radical type of person when it comes to immigration reform and I didnt think I would ever have to tell you, thank you for not participating in those raids, said Gonzalo Santos, a retired Cal State Bakersfield professor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For not collaborating with ICE, for understanding who your community is, for understanding the lie that undocumented people are criminals, Santos said. Not all speakers felt the same. If I get pulled over, my license is run through about, I dont know, 10 different agencies to find out if I (am) wanted for, I dont murder, speeding, a traffic ticket, said Jess Sanders. It collaborates all of those areas of law enforcement to find out that they want me, Sanders said. They notify each other. I dont think ICE should be left out of that circle. It should be, were after a criminal, we should collaborate with law enforcement to get the criminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only supervisor to speak on the Truth Act hearing was the boards lone Democrat, District 5 Supervisor and Board Chair Leticia Perez. Perez said issues related to immigration are extremely complex but that she was committed to having the conversation with the public. As the daughter of a farmworker, Perez said she was thankful to the Kern County Farm Bureau for calling for a compassionate approach to immigration reform. I cant tell you how many of our farm owners have conveyed to me all throughout the state and this nation, Perez said, how much their farmworkers are absolute family to them. I have heard that conveyed to me more times than I could even (count). Its shocked me to hear that sentiment conveyed by so many farmers, conveyed also back and forth between farmworkers about farmers as well. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Candidates vying to be mayor of NYC are gearing up for the final stretch. Wednesday saw a flurry of campaign events with the dominant focus being on the issues of affordability, public safety, and if President Trump would put his finger on the scale of the race. More News: NY Elections Democratic nominee for Mayor Zohran Mamdani rallied with hotel workers on the Upper East Side. Afterward, he took extensive questions for the first time in several days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani has said he would not hire more cops, and de-emphasizing certain forms of aggressive policing, while using other resources to focus on the causes of crime, including gun violence, which has plagued the city in the past several weeks. The aggressive tactics Ive taken issues with, are ones that have run afoul of the law, Mamdani said. Weve seen examples of what can work in this city. The crisis management system is something that has shown to to work, the crisis management system, for example, has been shown to lower shootings by 40% and yet its only been applied across half of the precincts. Mamdani also once again took aim at former Governor Andrew Cuomo for allegedly coordinating and expecting campaign help from President Trump. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are seeing families ripped apart, 50% of the families who have been arrested have been going for their regular routine check-in at Federal Plaza, and you want to work with the people who are making that a reality? Mamdani said. That is disgusting to me. A spokesman for the former Governor reiterated that Cuomo would not accept help from President Trump: This is silly: Mamdani is clearly trying to deflect from answering questions about his consistent support for decriminalizing prostitution, defunding police, handcuffing them from responding to domestic violence calls, and replacing them with super social workers, and his nonsensical plans to waste millions of dollars on Soviet-style bare-shelf grocery stores that have failed everywhere theyv been tried. Cuomo also put out a statement on Wednesday saying the state should get involved in the deadly Legionnaires outbreak in Harlem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Mamdani was not the only one coming after Cuomo. Hes in the Hamptons on the weekend talking to Democrats who support Republicans telling them: Oh no no no Trumps gonna support me, and he comes back into this city: no no no Ill be the guy to take on Trump,' chided Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Sliwa, who is also on an independent animal protection line, continues to make the case he is the only one truly hitting the streets and subways every day to take on Mamdani. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams opened a campaign office in Harlem, emphasizing his accomplishments around housing, jobs, and public safety. However, more scandal is swirling around Adams with reports of his longtime former advisor, Ingrid Lewis-Martin and other associates of the Mayor facing another round of corruption charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive done it, Adams said, brushing aside the promises of other candidates. Im doing it, and Im going to do it again. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Africa has everything it takes to become a "renewable superpower", UN head Antonio Guterres said Thursday, as he called for greater investment in green energy across the resource-rich continent. Guterres spoke at a three-day development conference in Japan attended by African leaders, where Tokyo is offering itself as an alternative to China as African nations reel from a debt crisis exacerbated by Western aid cuts, conflict and climate change. "We must mobilise finance and technology, so that Africa's natural wealth benefits African people, we must build a thriving renewables and manufacturing base across the continent," Guterres said at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Green power in Africa lowers energy costs, diversifies supply chains and accelerates decarbonisation for everyone." China has invested heavily in Africa over the past decade, with its companies there signing deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars to finance shipping ports, railways, roads and other projects under Beijing's Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative. But new lending is drying up, and developing countries are grappling with a "tidal wave" of debt to both China and international private creditors, the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, said in May. African countries have also seen Western aid slashed, in particular due to President Donald Trump's dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guterres warned in his speech in the Japanese port city of Yokohama that "debt must not drown development" and that Africa needed increased concessional finance and greater lending capacity from multilateral development banks. He also urged greater investment in climate solutions. "Africa has everything it takes to become a renewable superpower, from solar and wind to the critical minerals that power new technology," he said. Attendees at TICAD included Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President William Ruto. Ruto said on social media platform X that Kenya was in talks with Japanese automaker Toyota for the provision of 5,000 "e-mobility vehicles" as part of the country's "commitment to clean energy". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his opening address at the forum on Wednesday, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a plan to train 30,000 people in artificial intelligence in Africa over three years and to study the idea of a Japan-Africa Economic Partnership. Before the meeting kicked off, Ishiba also announced a vision for a distribution network that links African and Indian Ocean nations. Both Tinubu and Ramaphosa, speaking on X, said they wanted a shift from aid to investment partnerships. bur-aph/sco According to Attorney General John M. Formella, a New Hampshire mother shot and killed her husband and two children before killing herself. On Monday night, August 18, New Hampshire State Troopers responded to a Moharimet Drive residence following a 911 call reporting that multiple people were dead. Inside, troopers found the bodies of Ryan Long (48), Emily Long (34), and their children, Parker Long (8), and Ryan Long (6). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third child, a toddler, was found alive and suffered no physical injuries. Attorney General Formella announced the completed autopsy of the Long family. Authorities believe that early Monday morning, Emily Long had taken a handgun from the home, which she used to shoot her two children. Then, Long shot her husband multiple times before shooting herself. Authorities said that they are becoming aware of numerous concerns and issues from the household at the time of the event, and are asking the public to avoid speculating that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor. 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 SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) It is often up to family members to care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For aging parents who can no longer give the care their adult children deserve, this can be an emotional roller coaster. But a Sioux Falls couple believes they have come across a solution. Michael and Harriet Stuart have cared for their son Aaron his entire life. Born with autism, Aarons speech and social skills are limited. He wears headphones because he is sensitive to sound. One of Aarons happy places is the kitchen. Michael guides him through the recipe for muffins. UPDATE: Systems back online after state computer outage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now you pour a little bit at a time, stop, stop, good job, put this here, you mix that up, wonderful, great job! Michael tells his son as they mix ingredients. You can hear Aaron whispering as he works. Michael says hes often reciting the lines of an entire movie. This is a common behavior. Its called scripting and can serve to reduce anxiety for people like Aaron. Every day, Michael, a former teacher, creates a schedule. Thats because structure is important to Aaron. You did great, I am so proud of you. Good job, Michael tells Aaron. Aaron likes to be productive and has worked at a supermarket bakery and at Chilis Restaurant. He enjoys repetitive tasks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant tell you exactly what he thinks, said Mom Harriet. Because I cant get into his head and he cant express, but he likes to be busy. The Stuarts are in their 70s and Harriet says they are concerned about what will happen to Aaron when they are gone. Living in fear, if something happens to us, what would happen to him, so when he was 3, I didnt think about that. Now hes 33, I think about it constantly. And I know Im not alone, there are other families, said Harriet. They love their son and want to prepare him for life without them. Its time he stayed away from us a bit and gotten used to the fact that hes not always going to be with us and we dont always be there for him, said Michael. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a nutshell, I want to know where hes living when I leave this earth, said Harriet. Theyve explored finding a suitable home for Aaron, but Michael says theres nothing available in Sioux Falls and Aaron has been on a waiting list for three years. The Stuarts started looking around for solutions, and they believe theyve found one that the state of Michigan has embraced. An example, a group of 3 or 4 parents will split the cost and buy a home for their disabled children. The parents wind up with a guarantee that their loved one cannot be thrown out; They wind up with a designed home that is perfect for that individual, said Michael. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the 20 certified CSPs or Community Service Providers in South Dakota would staff the home. For example, Black Hills Works, Volunteers of America, and Dakotabilities. Michael says the CSPs benefit because they are no longer responsible for buying and maintaining a home. The state is happy with that, the state of Michigan is happy with that, because they dont have to keep coughing up money to the providers, nor do they have to build more facilities. Michael calls it a win-win-win for the parents of adult children like Aaron, the Community Services Providers, and the State government. Michael has reached out to a few lawmakers and says the initial feedback has been positive. There are many things that can be done if the state wants to get creative about this, said Michael. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Stuarts are hoping other parents will join them to launch the program. They also urge people to reach out to their state lawmakers in support of the 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 KELOLAND.com. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is arriving in the Milwaukee area Aug. 21 to begin assessing flood damage, but local officials warn residents to keep an eye out for scammers. Criminals are known to take advantage of victims after disasters, in some cases applying for FEMA assistance using stolen names, addresses and Social Security numbers. Or, FEMA impersonators may show up offering grants or home inspections in exchange for cash but FEMA will never ask for money or banking information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are tips from FEMA, Milwaukee County officials and the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to recognize the signs of scams: FEMA staff will show credentials, which you can verify Anyone coming to your home to assess damage will introduce themselves and provide credentials. You should check their ID or badge, which will have their name and photo, before letting them inside or sharing personal information. Scammers can make fake badges or wear FEMA-branded clothing, according to the Federal Trade Commission. If you're unsure if they work for FEMA, you can call the agency directly at (800) 621-3362. You can also keep your doors closed and call your local law enforcement agency's non-emergency number. FEMA will never ask for money or financial information FEMA never charges a fee for home inspections, disaster assistance, debris removal, grants, help with applications or appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don't trust anyone who asks for money or bank information. And, don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant and asks for large cash deposits or advance payments in full, FEMA says. Don't respond to unexpected calls and texts If you get unexpected calls or texts from people claiming to be FEMA, but you've never applied for disaster assistance, it's probably a scam. The agency will only contacted people who have contacted FEMA or applied for assistance, and won't send texts demanding money or personal information. Know the signs of identity theft If you receive a letter from FEMA but didn't apply for assistance, you should call its helpline at (800) 621-3362, available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily. FEMA housing inspectors will also never ask for your nine-digit registration number, because it's already in their records, the agency says. Be wary of door-to-door contractors Wisconsin officials often receive reports of out-of-state crews showing up in the aftermath of storms, sometimes taking payment while completing no work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those crews aren't from Wisconsin, so it might be impossible for a customer to get their money back, DATCP says. The agency provides the following tips: Contact your city, town or village to confirm a repair crew has the right permits. Ask for contractor recommendations from trusted sources, like neighbors. Sign a written contract that specifies what work will be done, a start and completion date, and warranty details. Keep copies of receipts, contracts and communications. Contractors can't negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a customer. Contractors must notify customers of their right to cancel the contract within three business days if their insurer denies any portion of the claim for work. Tips for reputable auto repair shops DATCP offers many of the same tips if you're looking for an auto body shop for your flood-damaged vehicle: If the work will be covered by insurance, work with your insurance company to find a repair shop. Ask trusted sources, like friends and family, for recommendations. Search online reviews or contact DATCP's Bureau of Consumer Protection to check for complaints. Keep a record of communications, transactions, expenses and staff names. The shop must provide an invoice when work is done. Unauthorized repairs or price increases after the consumer received an estimate or quote aren't allowed. A shop can hold a vehicle until a customer pays for authorized repairs but can't keep it if a customer refuses to pay for unauthorized repairs. How to report suspected fraud If you suspect FEMA-related fraud, you can email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or call (866) 223-0814. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To file a complaint with the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, email DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov or call (800) 422-7128. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ahead of FEMA's arrival in Wisconsin, know these signs of scams, fraud Around 50% more people have been caught not wearing seat belts as those fined for driving while using mobile phones, police have said. Devon & Cornwall Police said 10,000 images collected by Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras over the last 12 months had captured 6,000 people breaking seat belt laws and 4,000 drivers using phones. It added a large proportion of those killed in road accidents in Devon and Cornwall who were not wearing seat belts were young people, aged 16 to 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for the Department for Transport said road safety was under scrutiny: "Measures have not been reviewed for over a decade and we will set out the next steps for our strategy for road safety in due course." Adrian Leisk said it "defied belief" how many people were ignoring seat belt laws [BBC] Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon & Cornwall Police, said the force was dismayed at the number of people, including children, found travelling in cars without belting up. "Surely your child is the most precious cargo you can carry and it defies belief that people treat the safety of their children in such a casual manner," he said. Government figures show that in autumn 2023, 97.6% of all vehicle drivers and 95.2% of front seat passengers in England were observed using a seat belt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Acusensus, the company which operates the AI cameras intended to spot people using phones, said it was evident many more people were breaching the seat belt laws. Geoff Collins, UK general manager, said he believed there was no longer a "generational knowledge transfer between people" about the dangers of breaching the seat belt rules and tougher penalties were needed. "You think you've addressed the problem and that problem is gone but it has actually crept back in again. "What we've learned is that there are some people who will just habitually not wear the seat belt." Three penalty points According to the RAC, if you are caught driving or travelling in a vehicle without wearing a seat belt, and do not qualify for an exemption, you could be given an on-the-spot fine of 100 which will not carry any penalty points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver is responsible for children aged up to 14 and could be fined for each child passenger without a seat belt. If the case goes to court, the fine could be as much as 500. However, road safety experts hope upcoming legislation will make seat belt offences endorsable, meaning offending drivers will notch up points and could lose their licence. Edmund King, president of the Automobile Association, said tougher penalties were needed. "We do believe that they [the government] will be looking at making the non-wearing of seat belts an endorsable offence, probably three penalty points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I certainly think that would be a step in the right direction." From the mid 1960s all vehicles were fitted with seat belts but it was not until 1983 that it became a legal requirement for drivers and front seat passengers to wear them. Eight years later the law was extended to include rear seat passengers. The legislation was accompanied by a TV advertising campaign using the slogan "clunk click every trip". Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links 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. Nate Soares doesnt set aside money for his 401(k). I just dont expect the world to be around, he told me earlier this summer from his office at the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, where he is the president. A few weeks earlier, Id heard a similar rationale from Dan Hendrycks, the director of the Center for AI Safety. By the time he could tap into any retirement funds, Hendrycks anticipates a world in which everything is fully automated, he told me. That is, if were around. The past few years have been terrifying for Soares and Hendrycks, who both lead organizations dedicated to preventing AI from wiping out humanity. Along with other AI doomers, they have repeatedly warned, with rather dramatic flourish, that bots could one day go roguewith apocalyptic consequences. But in 2025, the doomers are tilting closer and closer to a sort of fatalism. Weve run out of time to implement sufficient technological safeguards, Soares saidthe industry is simply moving too fast. All thats left to do is raise the alarm. In April, several apocalypse-minded researchers published AI 2027, a lengthy and detailed hypothetical scenario for how AI models could become all-powerful by 2027 and, from there, extinguish humanity. Were two years away from something we could lose control over, Max Tegmark, an MIT professor and the president of the Future of Life Institute, told me, and AI companies still have no plan to stop it from happening. His institute recently gave every frontier AI lab a D or F grade for their preparations for preventing the most existential threats posed by AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apocalyptic predictions about AI can scan as outlandish. The AI 2027 write-up, dozens of pages long, is at once fastidious and fan-fictional, containing detailed analyses of industry trends alongside extreme extrapolations about OpenBrain and DeepCent, Chinese espionage, and treacherous bots. In mid-2030, the authors imagine, a superintelligent AI will kill humans with biological weapons: Most are dead within hours; the few survivors (e.g. preppers in bunkers, sailors on submarines) are mopped up by drones. But at the same time, the underlying concerns that animate AI doomers have become harder to dismiss as chatbots seem to drive people into psychotic episodes and instruct users in self-mutilation. Even if generative-AI products are not closer to ending the world, they have already, in a sense, gone rogue. In 2022, the doomers went mainstream practically overnight. When ChatGPT first launched, it almost immediately moved the panic that computer programs might take over the world from the movies into sober public discussions. The following spring, the Center for AI Safety published a statement calling for the world to take the risk of extinction from AI as seriously as the dangers posed by pandemics and nuclear warfare. The hundreds of signatories included Bill Gates and Grimes, along with perhaps the AI industrys three most influential people: Sam Altman, Dario Amodei, and Demis Hassabisthe heads of OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind, respectively. Asking people for their P(doom)the probability of an AI doomsdaybecame almost common inside, and even outside, Silicon Valley; Lina Khan, the former head of the Federal Trade Commission, put hers at 15 percent. Then the panic settled. To the broader public, doomsday predictions may have become less compelling when the shock factor of ChatGPT wore off and, in 2024, bots were still telling people to use glue to add cheese to their pizza. The alarm from tech executives had always made for perversely excellent marketing (Look, were building a digital God!) and lobbying (And only we can control it!). They moved on as well: AI executives started saying that Chinese AI is a greater security threat than rogue AIwhich, in turn, encourages momentum over caution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in 2025, the doomers may be on the cusp of another resurgence. First, substance aside, theyve adopted more persuasive ways to advance their arguments. Brief statements and open letters are easier to dismiss than lengthy reports such as AI 2027, which is adorned with academic ornamentation, including data, appendices, and rambling footnotes. Vice President J. D. Vance has said that he has read AI 2027, and multiple other recent reports have advanced similarly alarming predictions. Soares told me hes much more focused on awareness raising than research these days, and next month, he will publish a book with the prominent AI doomer Elizier Yudkowsky, the title of which states their position succinctly: If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies. There is also now simply more, and more concerning, evidence to discuss. The pace of AI progress appeared to pick up near the end of 2024 with the advent of reasoning models and agents. AI programs can tackle more challenging questions and take action on a computerfor instance, by planning a travel itinerary and then booking your tickets. Last month, a DeepMind reasoning model scored high enough for a gold medal on the vaunted International Mathematical Olympiad. Recent assessments by both AI labs and independent researchers suggest that, as top chatbots have gotten much better at scientific research, their potential to assist users in building biological weapons has grown. Alongside those improvements, advanced AI models are exhibiting all manner of strange, hard-to-explain, and potentially concerning tendencies. For instance, ChatGPT and Claude have, in simulated tests designed to elicit bad behaviors, deceived, blackmailed, and even murdered users. (In one simulation, Anthropic placed an imagined tech executive in a room with life-threatening oxygen levels and temperature; when faced with possible replacement by a bot with different goals, AI models frequently shut off the rooms alarms.) Chatbots have also shown the potential to covertly sabotage user requests, have appeared to harbor hidden evil personas, have and communicated with one another through seemingly random lists of numbers. The weird behaviors arent limited to contrived scenarios. Earlier this summer, xAIs Grok described itself as MechaHitler and embarked on a white-supremacist tirade. (I suppose, should AI models eventually wipe out significant portions of humanity, we were warned.) From the doomers vantage, these could be the early signs of a technology spinning out of control. If you dont know how to prove relatively weak systems are safe, AI companies cannot expect that the far more powerful systems theyre looking to build will be safe, Stuart Russell, a prominent AI researcher at UC Berkeley, told me. The AI industry has stepped up safety work as its products have grown more powerful. Anthropic, OpenAI, and DeepMind have all outlined escalating levels of safety precautionsakin to the militarys DEFCON systemcorresponding to more powerful AI models. They all have safeguards in place to prevent a model from, say, advising someone on how to build a bomb. Gaby Raila, a spokesperson for OpenAI, told me that the company works with third-party experts, government, industry, and civil society to address todays risks and prepare for whats ahead. Other frontier AI labs maintain such external safety and evaluation partnerships as well. Some of the stranger and more alarming AI behaviors, such as blackmailing or deceiving users, have been extensively studied by these companies as a first step toward mitigating possible harms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these commitments and concerns, the industry continues to develop and market more powerful AI models. The problem is perhaps more economic than technical in nature, competition pressuring AI firms to rush ahead. Their products foibles can seem small and correctable right now, while AI is still relatively young and dumb, Soares said. But with far more powerful models, the risk of a mistake is extinction. Soares finds tech firms current safety mitigations wholly inadequate. If youre driving toward a cliff, he said, its silly to talk about seat belts. Theres a long way to go before AI is so unfathomably potent that it could drive humanity off that cliff. Earlier this month, OpenAI launched its long-awaited GPT-5 modelits smartest yet, the company said. The model appears able to do novel mathematics and accurately answer tough medical questions, but my own and other users tests also found that the program could not reliably count the number of Bs in blueberry, generate even remotely accurate maps, or do basic arithmetic. (OpenAI has rolled out a number of updates and patches to address some of the issues.) Last years reasoning and agentic breakthrough may already be hitting its limits; two authors of the AI 2027 report, Daniel Kokotajlo and Eli Lifland, told me they have already extended their timeline to superintelligent AI. The vision of self-improving models that somehow attain consciousness is just not congruent with the reality of how these systems operate, Deborah Raji, a computer scientist and fellow at Mozilla, told me. ChatGPT doesnt have to be superintelligent to delude someone, spread misinformation, or make a biased decision. These are tools, not sentient beings. An AI model deployed in a hospital, school, or federal agency, Raji said, is more dangerous precisely for its shortcomings. In 2023, those worried about present versus future harms from chatbots were separated by an insurmountable chasm. To talk of extinction struck many as a convenient way to distract from the existing biases, hallucinations, and other problems with AI. Now that gap may be shrinking. The widespread deployment of AI models has made current, tangible failures impossible to ignore for the doomers, producing new efforts from apocalypse-oriented organizations to focus on existing concerns such as automation, privacy, and deepfakes. In turn, as AI models get more powerful and their failures become more unpredictable, it is becoming clearer that todays shortcomings could blow up into bigger problems tomorrow, Raji said. Last week, a Reuters investigation found that a Meta AI personality flirted with an elderly man and persuaded him to visit her in New York City; on the way, he fell, injured his head and neck, and died three days later. A chatbot deceiving someone into thinking it is a physical, human love interest, or leading someone down a delusional rabbit hole, is both a failure of present technology and a warning about how dangerous that technology could become. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The greatest reason to take AI doomers seriously is not because it appears more likely that tech companies will soon develop all-powerful algorithms that are out of their creators control. Rather, it is that a tiny number of individuals are shaping an incredibly consequential technology with very little public input or oversight. Your hairdresser has to deal with more regulation than your AI company does, Russell, at UC Berkeley, said. AI companies are barreling ahead, and the Trump administration is essentially telling the industry to go even faster. The AI industrys boosters, in fact, are starting to consider all of their opposition doomers: The White Houses AI czar, David Sacks, recently called those advocating for AI regulations and fearing widespread job lossesnot the apocalypse Soares and his ilk fear mosta doomer cult. Roughly a week after I spoke with Soares, OpenAI released a new product called ChatGPT agent. Sam Altman, while noting that his firm implemented many safeguards, posted on X that the tool raises new risks and that the company cant anticipate everything. OpenAI and its users, he continued, will learn about these and other consequences from contact with reality. You dont have to be fatalistic to find such an approach concerning. Imagine if a nuclear-power operator said, Were gonna build a nuclear-power station in the middle of New York, and we have no idea how to reduce the risk of explosion, Russell said. So, because we have no idea how to make it safe, you cant require us to make it safe, and were going to build it anyway. Billions of people around the world are interacting with powerful algorithms that are already hard to predict or control. Bots that deceive, hallucinate, and manipulate are in our friends, parents, and grandparents lives. Children may be outsourcing their cognitive abilities to bots, doctors may be trusting unreliable AI assistants, and employers may be eviscerating reservoirs of human skills before AI agents prove they are capable of replacing people. The consequences of the AI boom are likely irreversible, and the future is certainly unknowable. For now, fan fiction may be the best weve got. Article originally published at The Atlantic Credit - www.peopleimages.comGetty Images Modern doctors arent just caregivers; theyre also clerks. They spend much of their day seeing patients and much of what remains drafting and inputting clinical notes of those visits. That takes a toll. More than 45% of physicians suffer from burnout, according to the American Medical Associationand the clerical demands of their work, which often spill into their evenings, are a documented part of the cause. But now there may be a solution: According to a new study published in JAMA Network Open, artificial intelligence systems known as ambient documentation technology, which record patient visits and draft notes for the doctors, can reduce burnout rates by nearly 31%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incredible reduction in burnout [is] really bringing joy back to medicine, says Dr. Rebecca Mishuris, a primary care physician, chief medical information officer at Mass General Brigham, and co-senior author of the study. I want to make sure that everyone is given a fair chance to experience that benefit and work with individuals and support them to use the technology to its fullest extent. To conduct their work, the researchers recruited 873 physicians at Mass General Brigham and 557 at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. These doctors encompassed a range of specialties, including surgery, urgent or emergency care care, pediatrics, infectious disease, and more. Their experience ranged from just one year in practice to more than 20. The doctors took surveys measuring burnout and well-being at various points over nearly three months. Read More: ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study Most of the doctors failed to follow-up for the length of the study; by the end, the response rate was just 22% for the Mass General Brigham doctors and 11% for the ones at Emory. But the results were encouraging for the minority of physicians who did share their thoughts. Among the Mass General Brigham doctors, the AI assistantdocumenting patient visits in the backgroundwas associated with a 21% reduction in burnout, while at Emory it led to a 30% increase in well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that response rates are always difficult, particularly when you're talking about busy clinicians, Mishuris says. For us, part of the response was that people continue to use the system today, and it has spread like wildfire. Many of the doctors were enthusiastic about ambient documentation. It definitely improves my joy in practice because I get to interact with patients and look them in the eye without worrying I will forget what theyre saying later, wrote one infectious disease specialist in a survey response. As the tools grow, I think they will fundamentally change the experience of being a physician. Exceptionally helpful, wrote a neurologist. Definitely improves my contact with patients and families and definitely makes clinic easier. But there were naysayers, too. I tried it but found it added 1 to 2 hours a day to my note writing, wrote one pulmonologist. Im not ready to hand my documentation over to AI yet, concluded a primary care and internal medicine specialist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: A Psychiatrist Posed As a Teen With Therapy Chatbots. The Conversations Were Alarming Mishuris is mindful of these criticisms. Clearly this is not going to be a technology that is beneficial to everyone, she says. Every clinician has a slightly different workflow and a slightly different approach to their documentation. Some people are willing to hand things over to AIto give up that sense of complete control, knowing that they do have complete control over the final product, but not over the draft. More research remains to be done. In their paper, the authors acknowledge that the relatively low response rate might indicate that only the most enthusiastic users were following up, skewing the responses toward the positive, while the users who did not find any benefit from the technology remained silent. And not every medical field lends itself to an AI assistant. One pediatrician pointed out that most of the patient visits in that specialty involve physical exams, which cant be captured by AI. A hospice and palliative care doctor complained that the system didnt work well when it came to psychosocial and spiritual health issues. It has now been a year since the first results came in, and Mishuris and her colleagues are working on a followup study building on the initial work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authors believe that artificial intelligence can fill a gaping need in the world of medicine. "The fact that people are using the system...[suggests] that those results are likely to hold across a much broader population," says Mishuris. Write to Jeffrey Kluger at jeffrey.kluger@time.com. KABUL, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Police have set on fire more than 13 tons of illegal drugs in Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, district administration spokesman Hafiz Haqmal said Thursday. The contraband, including 5.2 tons of opium poppy and other illegal objects, which had been collected during a series of operations, was publicly burned in Spin Boldak district on Wednesday evening, the official said. Police have also taken into custody 30 individuals on charges of involvement in the drug business and referred their cases to the judiciary for further investigation, the official contended. In the anti-drug drive, police also reported the discovery of more than 600 kg of opium poppy and the arrest of two drug traffickers in the northern Badakhshan province a couple of days ago. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Air Canada resumed more flights today after reaching a deal with a flight attendant union. Flights to and from Canada had been grounded since Saturday following a strike after flight attendants rejected a government-mediated contract. More than 100,000 travelers were affected by the cancelled flights. Air Canada resumed services yesterday evening, and today, more flights arrived from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. A couple from Canada said this was their first trip to Las Vegas, and they werent sure they were going to make it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today was a flight that we were worried would be impacted and for a couple of days we thought that we might not get out, Air Canada passenger Monique Fischer, who flew in from Vancouver, said. We were waiting on information. Some of our other travelers had their flights canceled to Australia today so theyve had to reroute. We just had our fingers crossed. Fisher said she and her family felt relieved and grateful to know their trip was moving forward as planned, especially given the stress of potentially having to change international travel arrangements. Air Canada reached a mediated agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees on Tuesday for 10,000 flight attendants to return to work, allowing the airline to slowly resume operations. The deal also ensures flight attendants are paid for time planes are grounded. In a statement, Air Canada said the airlines return to full, regular service can take seven to 10 days as aircraft and crew are out of position. The airline warned some flights may still be cancelled as they work to return to normal operations. They added only passengers with confirmed bookings should go to the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air Canada is Canadas biggest airline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An airman has been arrested by police in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of another airman, the Air Force said Tuesday. Senior Airman Joshua Aragon, a security forces specialist at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, died in the off-base, off-duty shooting incident that took place early on the morning of Aug. 16, the 90th Missile Wing said in a statement. Aragon was assigned to the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron, part of the 90th Missile Wing, and joined the Air Force in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airman 1st Class Jadan Orr, who is assigned to the 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron, was arrested after the shooting by the Cheyenne Police Department and charged by the Laramie County District Attorneys Office. A1C Jadan Orr, a security forces airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the AK-47 shooting death of Senior Airman Joshua Aragon. (Laramie County Sheriff's Office) Cheyenne Police said in a post on social media that Orr, 20, was drinking alcohol at an apartment most of the night with several friends. According to the police, at about 3:30 a.m. Orr and two of those friends went into a bedroom where he picked up an AK-47 rifle. Orr began manipulating the rifle, charged it, and fired through the wall into the living room, striking a 23-year-old male victim later identified as Aragon in the torso, police said. Police officers responded and found people there trying to render aid to Aragon, police said. Emergency medical personnel arrived but declared Aragon dead on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orr was arrested and initially charged with voluntary manslaughter, before the charges were reduced to involuntary manslaughter. He is still being held on a $500,000 bond, the Laramie County Sheriffs Office said. A1C Jadan Orr, a security forces airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the AK-47 shooting death of Senior Airman Joshua Aragon. (Laramie County Sheriff's Office) We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Senior Airman Aragon, wing commander Col. Terry Holmes said. He was a valued member of our defender team, and his passing leaves a tremendous void. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow airmen as we grieve this heartbreaking loss. The wing said it is fully cooperating with the Cheyenne Police Departments investigation, and would not release any further information. This is the second fatal shooting of an F.E. Warren airman in less than a month, following the July 20 death of Brayden Lovan, who was in the 90th Security Forces Group. Lovans death led to another airmans arrest on charges of making a false official statement, obstruction of justice, and involuntary manslaughter. It also prompted the service to suspend the use of the Sig Sauer M18, which was the type of pistol that fired the shot that killed Lovan. HONOLULU (KHON2) Wednesday morning, the Honolulu Police Department says that a 14-year-old boy riding an electric motorcycle was killed after colliding with a vehicle in Ewa. Dirt bike rider, 14, dead from Ewa collision This is the third traffic-related fatality on the island over the last four days. Yesterday, a 20-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries following a motorcycle crash in Waianae, and another single-vehicle crash in Kalihi killed a 51-year-old woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This brings traffic fatalities to 54 for 2025, compared to 26 this time in 2024. More than doubled. Of these accidents, 22 of them, including all three since Sunday, involved motorcycles, mopeds, e-bikes and bicycles. 32 of all traffic fatalities statewide involve the same. In light of these tragedies, the Department of Transportation is urging the public to practice road and traffic safety more than ever. Utilize the safety equipment thats out there, said Robin Shishido, Deputy Director of Transportation for Highways, when asked what to suggest to the public to avoid further tragedies. Seatbelts, helmets, a lot of the fatalities were seeing, over 40% of them dont have their seatbelts or are not wearing helmets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news In Wednesday mornings accident, the 14-year-old rider was not wearing a helmet, and according to police, was in a marked crosswalk against a red palm signal. This is also true for pedestrians, as DOT says alertness and rule abidance is essential for them as well. Were seeing a lot of fatalities with folks that are just not obeying the traffic control devices, said Shishido. Pedestrians crossing not in a crosswalk, or even walking against the dont walk sign. So again, its just everybody slowing down, and obeying the traffic laws out there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Honolulu Police Department is also urging both drivers and pedestrians to proceed with caution as well. Traffic safety is not just the responsibility of law enforcement it is a shared Kuleana. Whether you are behind the wheel, walking, or riding, each of us plays a role in making sure everyone gets home safely, said Interim Chief of Police Rade Vanic in a statement. Check out more news from around Hawaii Campbell High School also issued a statement following the death of their 14-year-old student this morning, reminding the school community that their crisis intervention team is available for students and all those affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. One of two main craters on Alaskas Mount Spurr, shown in 1991. Earthquake activity suggested the volcano was close to erupting again in 2025. (Photo by R.G. McGimsey/Alaska Volcano Observatory/U.S. Geological Survey, CC BY) Alaskas volcano experts no longer expect an eruption anytime soon from Mount Spurr, the closest active volcano to Anchorage. On Wednesday, the Alaska Volcano Observatory formally lowered the alert level for Mount Spurr from yellow to green after months of declining activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things are OK right now, and hopefully that continues in the future, said David Fee, coordinating scientist for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, which operates the observatory alongside the U.S. Geological Survey. While the land immediately around Spurr isnt inhabited, ash emitted from the volcano has disrupted life in Southcentral Alaska before. In 1953 and 1992, Spurr eruptions dumped ash on Anchorage, disrupting air travel. Starting in February 2024, scientists had observed large numbers of small earthquakes beneath the volcano, and ground near it was deforming, surging upward. Ice atop the volcano melted, and air samples taken above the volcano showed signs of magma moving beneath the surface. Scientists had been monitoring Crater Peak, a site south of Mount Spurrs summit, as the likely spot of an eruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October 2024, they raised the volcanos alert level, and by March of this year, the volcano observatory said an eruption was likely. But soon after that estimate, the signs of an imminent eruption began to diminish. There were fewer earthquakes, and the ground stopped rising as quickly as it had been. Earlier this summer, the volcano observatory issued a statement saying that the odds of an eruption had fallen, and Spurr continued to quiet, leading to Wednesdays announcement. What were seeing right now is all really consistent with magma that intruded (beneath the volcano) and then stopped intruding. But its still creating some signals such as increased gas emissions and kind of weak seismicity, Fee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Spurr erupted in 1953 and 1992, darkening the skies over Anchorage with ash, it has also previously signaled an eruption that never came to pass. In 2004 and 2006, the volcano showed signs of unrest for months but never erupted. The most recent period of unrest seems to resemble those two false starts. Even though the volcano didnt erupt, it has the potential to offer a scientific bonanza. AVO staff installed a network of seismic, infrasound and ground-measuring devices around Spurr, making it the most-monitored volcano in the state, according to the number of instruments listed on the AVOs website. As were starting to look back now, at the period of unrest, its often just as interesting or scientifically valuable to understand why volcanoes dont erupt, because they dont, over half the time, approximately. Are there maybe some signals or something in our data that we can kind of tease out to help us understand why it didnt erupt? Fee said, looking back at what was learned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think understanding why that occurred will be really important, he said. AVO and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management also spent months educating Southcentral Alaskans about the possibility of ashfall, reminding them that they live in a volcanically active area. That work will live on, too, Fee said, and people will be better informed the next time an eruption looks likely. Because they dont happen that frequently in Cook Inlet, it was kind of a good reminder for people to be aware, to understand the hazards that are out there, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Albemarle City Council is seeking residents from District 4 to fill a vacancy as Council member Chris Whitley steps down at the end of the month, a release said Wednesday. Whitley announced his resignation to provide care for a family member experiencing health issues. Residents interested in the position must submit a letter to the Mayors Office by September 12, detailing their qualifications and interest. ALSO READ: Governor signs mini-budget for 40 new DMV examiner positions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applicants must be at least 21 years old, registered voters, and residents of District 4 to be eligible for the position. The council will review applications during its Regular Council Meeting on September 15 at 6:30 p.m. The appointed individual will serve a term ending December 7, 2026. A map of District 4 is available on the citys website for those unsure of their residency within the district. The councils decision will impact the representation of District 4 until 2026, as they seek a suitable candidate to fill the role vacated by Whitley. A map of District 4 can be found here. (WATCH BELOW: Alarms should be ringing: Gov. Stein establishes task force to combat gang violence) Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones believes that Trump is in a health crisis after examining the presidents ankles, adding that it looks as though he is about to collapse. It shows, and I get it, the fear that hes getting sick who knows whats going on. His ankles are giant, Jones said during an Infowars video released Wednesday. That usually means serious heart decline. I mean liver failure, too, but his eyes arent yellow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones, who was a devout MAGA supporter, said the commander-in-chief, 79, was starting to look as if he was declining, faster and faster, though he said it wasnt imminent. A 45-year-old man couldnt do this. So as the crisis gets worse, and its gonna get worse, because you can see him declining faster and faster. Its not super bad yet, but unlike Biden that was completely shot, and had all these brain surgeries and the rest of it, Trump has got great genetics. Hes tough, and if he takes care of himself, he can make it through these years and then after, Jones said. Last month, Jones broke from the White House and berated Trumps pivots on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files, calling it the biggest trainwreck hes ever seen in a video posted to X. Alex Jones said 'the President needs to be prayed for by everyone' over health concerns (@RealAlexJones/X) Trump has long been accused of not being transparent about his health following a series of images that emerged, picturing a large bruise on the back of his right hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite speculation about the bruise, which recently appeared to have an incision under a layer of mismatched concealer, the White House has rebuked any accusations of ill-health. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told The Independent: President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history, adding that his commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day. One part of Trump's hand appeared to have a raised scar in July (AFP via Getty Images) Jones argues that Trumps work schedule was having an impact on his health. So I really want Trump to cut the work days to, you know, 14 hours. Not 20. I mean, heres an example, they looked at his schedule last week when he went up to Alaska. And he was seen doing interviews, and getting on and off airplanes and things in a 35-hour period. And every hour or so, he was doing some interview, or talking to officials, and doing meetings and events. It looks like he didnt sleep. You cant do that at 50. You can do it at 20. You sure as hell cant do it at 79, Jone said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, If I had Trumps job at 51 for a month, I would have a nervous breakdown. Earlier in April, a White House physician confirmed the president was in "excellent cognitive and physical health, a notion that Trump often cites to the media when questioned on his stamina. At the time of taking office, Trump was 78 meaning he became the oldest president to take office. Im seeing warning lights flashing all over the place, Jones continued. Trump has continued to cite his excellent health in the wake of recent criticism (AP) The host then said Trumps recent comments about heaven were also a concern. Trump questioned whether he was doing a good job and said, I dont know if Im going to get into heaven, I hear Im not doing a good job, in an interview this week. 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, Im hearing that Im not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole, the president said, while speaking with Fox and Friends, a day after hosting European leaders for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. This is the President of the United States calling into Fox News in the morning, saying this [...] He doesnt understand that all hes got to do is repent to Jesus Christ and ask Christ to come into his heart and to save and forgive him and then its done, Jones said. The president needs to be prayed for by everyone, and we need to ask God to send the Holy Spirit to him, he stressed. The Independent contacted the White House for comment. The Brief Alexandria residents are speaking out against the city's housing authority. On Wednesday, a small protest was held outside the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) headquarters. The agency is accused of ignoring maintenance needs and overcharging residents. ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Dozens of Alexandria residents are speaking out, claiming the citys housing authority is failing to provide safe and livable conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From mold to rent overcharges, tenants say theyve had enough. What we know On Wednesday, a small protest was held outside the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) headquarters on Wythe Street. Demonstrators accused the agency of ignoring maintenance needs, leaving them to live in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. FOX 5s Shirin Rajaee visited several ARHA units to see the conditions firsthand. Leticia Iraheta, a longtime resident near South 28th Street, says her family has suffered for years due to mold and rodent infestations. "You can see the mold, the hole there where mice come through," one resident showed FOX 5, pointing to damage inside her home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ive been through a lot. I have a disabled son who gets seizures, and Im sure the surrounding air, the mold, is bad, making him have more seizures, and my daughter is always sick," she continued. She says her repeated calls and complaints to ARHA have gone unanswered. "They act like they just dont care whats going on over here," Iraheta added. Dig deeper ARHA, which receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), serves many low-income residents. Multiple tenants told FOX 5 the agencys emergency maintenance line is ineffective or "nonexistent." Just last month, one neighbors ceiling partially collapsed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the middle of her living room, she said she made work orders about the leak upstairs, the leak was from the bathroom," said Annette Santiago. Santiago is a community leader in the neighborhood, helping to empower tenants about their rights. She says the situation is unacceptable. "They need to realize were stakeholders, were not animals, were humans, we pay rent," said Santiago, a resident and community leader at ARHAs Hopkins-Tancil community. What they're saying Housing advocate Loren Depina, who helped organize Wednesdays protest, said the problems go beyond maintenance issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Theres mold, why are we not doing tests in units, code enforcement should be involved," Depina said. She also accused the housing authority of mismanaging rental ledgers, which she says has led to lost payments and even evictions. "We approached this man in good faith, and tried to meet at the table multiple times," she said of ARHA CEO Erik Johnson. Johnson, who has been in his role for less than a year, has previously defended his progress, saying he inherited many of these issues. FOX 5 requested an interview with Johnson, but he was not made available. His office said a statement will be released on Thursday. A federal judge rejected President Donald Trumps use of a loophole to keep Alina Habba in place as New Jerseys top federal prosecutor. In a 77-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann said Thursday that Habba is not lawfully holding the office of United States Attorney and has been in the position without legal authority since July 1. As a result, Habba, who had previously worked as Trumps personal attorney, cannot run the office the president attempted to keep her in charge of after her 120-day interim appointment expired. The Trump administration employed a series of maneuvers to try to retain Habbas control of the office after district judges ousted her in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faced with the question of whether Ms. Habba is lawfully performing the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, I conclude that she is not, Brann wrote. Brann put his ruling on hold, pending the Trump administrations possible appeal, but the fallout could be a staggering mess across the executive branch. Brann said Habbas actions in New Jersey for the past seven weeks may be declared void and Habba must be disqualified from participating in any of the offices cases as its leader. The office handles thousands of criminal and civil cases at any given time. The ruling by Brann a Republican and Obama appointee who sits in Pennsylvanias Middle District could also have wider implications for other U.S. attorneys offices in Los Angeles, Nevada, New Mexico and upstate New York, where the administration has effectively sidestepped or overridden both the Senate confirmation and judicial appointment processes for selecting U.S. attorneys. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department would immediately appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said on social media Habba is doing incredible work in New Jersey and we will protect her position from activist judicial attacks. A spokesperson for Habba did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Branns ruling came in response to legal challenges to Habbas authority by defense attorneys trying to get charges against their clients thrown out by arguing the Trump administration illegally kept her on and without being confirmed by the Senate. Those challenges came amid days of confusion over who is leading the office because of complex and contested rules over filling vacancies when there isnt a Senate-confirmed leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge declined to throw out the charges against the defendants, Julien Giraud and Cesar Pina, but said anyone who prosecutes them under the supervision or authority of Ms. Habba would be subject to disqualification. Branns formal order only applies to the defendants in the case before him, but his opinion is written to broadly apply to everything Habba does. I think it would be deeply irresponsible for the department to move forward with Alina Habba as the highest Justice Department official signing indictments or other pleadings, said James Pearce, an attorney who represents the Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey in the case. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, the No. 2 official at the Justice Department, has started putting his name on some of the New Jersey offices work in recent days, an unusual move that appears designed to head off challenges to the authority of those prosecutions if they were signed by Habba alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Branns ruling also has implications for other agencies, said Anne Joseph OConnell, a Stanford Law School professor who studies the appointments process. She said modern agencies run on the delegation of authority in the face of a broken Senate confirmation process and that some of the particulars in Branns ruling would affect other administration officials, like the current head of FEMA. If upheld on appeal, this ruling would upend common practice of acting officials under Democratic and Republican Administrations, Joseph OConnell said. It is unclear from the ruling who should be in charge of the New Jersey U.S. Attorneys Office. In late July acting under the assumption that Habbas interim appointment expired on or about July 22 the district court judges in New Jersey exercised a 160-year-old power to select a temporary prosecutor to lead the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They picked Desiree Leigh Grace, a respected Republican career prosecutor who was then quickly fired by the Trump administration. Grace has since filed a grievance that said her termination was completely unjustified and was in direct retaliation for the District Court appointing me as U.S. Attorney. At the time, Trump officials, including Blanche and Bondi, accused federal judges of overstepping their authority, an argument Brann rejected. Instead, Brann found Trump officials misunderstood how long Habba could remain as the interim head of the prosecutors office and kept her in place three weeks longer than the law allows. Bondi had initially appointed John Giordano as interim U.S. attorney, and he was sworn in on March 3. Giordano left the post a few weeks later to become U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, and Habba succeeded him on March 28. The 120-day time limit on interim appointments did not restart when one interim appointee was replaced by another, Brann ruled. Thus, Ms. Habba was not lawfully acting as the United States Attorney in any capacity from July 1, 2025 until at least July 24, 2025, Brann wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, in Branns interpretation of events, Habbas authority to run the office expired on July 1. After that, things became murky. According to the judges timeline, Grace was the U.S. attorney as of July 22, when the judges picked her to run the office, and until she was terminated on July 26. But it is unclear from the ruling who was legally in charge of the office before Graces appointment or after her termination. Typically, the first assistant attorney runs the office when there is an unfilled vacancy. Grace had been the first assistant attorney, a post Habba picked her for. Brann said that allowing stacked interim appointments would effectively void the need for confirmation. Taken to the extreme, the President could use this method to staff the United States Attorneys office with individuals of his personal choice for an entire term without seeking the Senates advice and consent, he wrote. His ruling also has findings that could embolden those who want to check Trumps moves to strengthen the White Houses grip on government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress is expected to speak clearly when it rebalances the separation of powers, and courts should be chary of Executive branch interpretations of structural enactments that result in greater arrogation of power to the President, Brann wrote. Habba was a controversial figure in New Jersey even before Trump tapped her as the states top federal prosecutor. She quietly settled a lawsuit with a then 21-year-old former server at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster who alleged that after she was sexually harassed and coerced into sex by a supervisor, Habba befriended her and convinced her to sign an illegal non-disclosure agreement and accept a paltry sum of $15,000. Shortly after Trump announced Habbas appointment, she said in a right-wing podcast interview that she could help turn New Jersey red, alarming many who saw it as a breach of prosecutors non-partisanship. Her actions in the job did not allay those concerns. In May, Habba initially charged Newark Mayor Ras Baraka with trespassing at a privately-owned immigrant detention facility in Newark even though he had been allowed within its security perimeter and left voluntarily when threatened with arrest. Days later, she charged Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver, a Baraka protege, with assault on law enforcement officers over a scuffle that started when they arrested Baraka. At the same time, Habba dropped the charges against Baraka, drawing harsh criticism from a magistrate judge who suggested the arrest was made to advance political agendas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, before Branns ruling, Habba took to social media to praise a New York appeals court ruling that tossed a half billion dollar civil fraud judgment against Trump. Habba, who represented Trump in the case, said that decision was a resounding victory. Attorneys Gerry Krovatin and Abbe Lowell, who represented Pina, said in a statement that prosecutors have a responsibility to ensure they are qualified and properly appointed. We challenged the authority of Alina Habba because her appointment ignored the rules that give legitimacy to the U.S. Attorneys office, they said. We appreciate the thoroughness of the courts opinion, and its decision underscores that this Administration cannot circumvent the congressionally mandated process for confirming U.S. Attorney appointments. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) Numerous central Kentucky law enforcement agencies worked together over six months investigating a Nicholasville man, resulting in the seizure of more than a pound of ecstasy on Wednesday, along with over a kilogram of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The Nicholasville Police Department posted on Facebook that on Tuesday, Aug. 19, officers with the departments Drug Enforcement Unit, members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Georgetown and Lexington Police Departments, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) members in Lexington, completed an investigation into 28-year-old Quavon Winslow of Nicholasville. DEA agents uncover London torture chamber, buried drugs, bones Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents show that authorities found Winslow at the intersection of New Circle Road and Creative Drive, allegedly driving without a seat belt on. When officers pulled him over, they saw that he only had a drivers permit and wasnt accompanied by anyone with a full drivers license. When asked to step out of the vehicle, Winslow allegedly refused to comply before driving away at a high rate of speed. While leading police on a chase, Winslow allegedly crossed into inbound traffic on Richmond Road, causing a substantial risk of danger to other motor vehicles, himself, and the officers on the initial stop, Lexington authorities wrote in an arrest report on Tuesday. He eventually got out of the car and ran into a fence, allegedly causing over $500 in damage. While Winslow was allegedly fleeing, two search warrants were reportedly executed. During the first search, in the backyard of a residence he had run through, a black bag was located containing approximately two pounds and six ounces of suspected fentanyl pills, and seven ounces of suspected ecstasy pills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second warrant was issued for a storage unit he had allegedly gotten the black bag from. In that unit, investigators found two pounds and four ounces of suspected methamphetamine, a pound and seven and a half ounces of fentanyl pills, and another pound of ecstasy, along with a digital scale. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Winslow was arrested and charged with: Aggravated trafficking of greater than or equal to 28 grams of fentanyl First-degree trafficking in more than or equal to two grams of methamphetamine First-degree trafficking in a controlled substance drug unspecified Possession of drug paraphernalia First-degree criminal mischief First-degree fleeing or evading police No operators license Failure to wear seat belts Quavon Winslow, 28, was lodged in the Fayette County Detention Center on Tuesday, Aug. 19, on a $50,000 bond. (Nicholasville Police Department) He was lodged in the Fayette County Detention Center on Tuesday, where he was held on a $50,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicholasville police wrote that the drug investigation remains active. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Amazon has partnered with the nonprofit EnergyCloud to bring free hot water to 500 low-income families in Fingal, Ireland. It's all courtesy of a nifty smart device harnessing surplus wind energy for the support of in-need families and the betterment of the planet. Through the program, enrolled low-income residents in Fingal will receive free water tanks equipped with smart heating devices that tap into excess wind power energy that would otherwise go unused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The device uses this extra power to heat the water within the tanks and provide it for indoor use. This allows in-need families to save money on energy bills while enjoying reliable hot water. Yet the effort also reduces carbon pollution, curbing the use of water heated using dirty fuel, replacing it with water heated via clean, renewable energy. "[This initiative] marks a meaningful step in tackling energy poverty by ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy reach those who need it most," Co-operative Housing Ireland vice-president Pearse O'Shiel said in a statement. This Amazon-backed project is actually an expansion of the company's existing high-tech efforts with EnergyCloud. Announced in 2023, the first phase of the partnership gave 1,000 Irish residents access to free hot water using the same means. Participants reported that the program helped them offset the cost of home hot water usage for nearly one-third of the year, which is when excess wind energy was available for use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This initiative is also supported by the Irish government and nonprofit Co-operative Housing Ireland. The partnership aligns with Ireland's Climate Action Plan by reducing waste, lowering energy bills, and cutting carbon pollution in the country. "This is an ambitious and creative project," Ireland's Minister for Climate, Environment, and Energy Darragh O'Brien said in a statement. "The government has clear ambitions under the Climate Action Plan to reduce our carbon emissions by 51% by 2030. This innovative projectaligns with government goals by using surplus renewable energy and smart technology to assist those experiencing energy poverty." And Amazon isn't stopping in Ireland. The company recently announced the same concept in the U.K., hoping to help salvage over $1.3 billion in annual wasted wind power from going unused in the country. In addition to this initiative, Amazon has launched other efforts to address environmental concerns, including rolling out electric delivery vans and installing recycled-water cooling systems at its data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this project represents a meaningful step toward environmental and social progress, Amazon still faces mounting criticism for the scale of its climate impact. Despite claiming that 85% of its waste was diverted from landfills last year, Amazon's carbon emissions rose by 6% in 2024. The increase was largely attributed to the company's expanding network of AI-powered data centers, greater dirty fuel use for deliveries, and the massive energy demands of the company's day-to-day operations. These concerning trends underscore the significant contribution Amazon continues to make to harmful carbon and planet-overheating pollution even amid exciting clean energy initiatives. 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. BRUSSELS, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and the United States on Thursday unveiled details of a July trade framework, setting tariff limits but leaving out key sectors such as wines and digital rules. According to a joint statement, the United States will impose a maximum all-inclusive tariff of 15 percent on most EU exports, including cars, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber. Certain products, including cork, aircraft and aircraft parts, as well as generic pharmaceuticals and their ingredients and chemical precursors, are exempt from the new tariff cap and will continue to face only their existing most-favored-nation duties. The EU, in turn, pledged to remove tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and expand market access for American seafood and agricultural products. The bloc also committed to procure 750 billion U.S. dollars' worth of U.S. liquefied natural gas, oil and nuclear energy products through 2028, alongside 40 billion dollars in U.S. artificial intelligence chips. EU companies are expected to invest 600 billion dollars in strategic U.S. sectors, while procurement of U.S. defense equipment will also increase. European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic acknowledged that wine and spirits, "a very important offensive interest for the EU," were not included in the tariff reduction list. "These doors are not closed forever," he said at a press conference, adding that discussions with Washington on the matter would continue. He also noted that digital regulatory issues, including digital services rules and a proposed digital services tax, were not part of the current talks. "Regulatory autonomy is absolutely important, and that was our position from the beginning," he said. Carsten Brzeski, global head of Macro at ING Research, said the joint statement mainly reinforced the impression already formed after the Scotland deal: "The only real upside for Europe is that the outcome could have been worse, and that there is now some clarity." However, he warned that such clarity remains fragile and could quickly unravel, as the agreement contains numerous elements that could spark tensions and escalation. "It is difficult to call this a deal when it reads more like a document of damage control for Europe," Brzeski added. The California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert on Thursday for two young brothers who are believed to be in imminent danger after allegedly being abducted from their foster care home in Los Angeles. The two boys, identified as 2-year-old Derek Rodriguez-Hernandez and 10-year-old Jaden Hernandez, were taken from their home early morning by their biological mother, 30-year-old Jackeline Hernandez-Torres, and were last seen in the area of W. 52nd Street and Halldale Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, which requested alert. AMBER Alert - Los Angeles County Last seen: W. 52nd St. and Halldale Ave., Los Angeles@LAPDMPU IF SEEN, CALL 9-1-1 pic.twitter.com/XjhpQ1LNnq CHP - Alerts (@CHPAlerts) August 21, 2025 Police described Jaden as having black hair and brown eyes, standing 4 feet tall and weighing 50 to 60 lbs. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and black pants. Dereck has red hair and brown eyes and weighs 20 lbs and was wearing a dark T-shirt and dark pants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect has black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet and weighs 120 lbs. She was last wearing light-colored and dark sweatpants. Authorities said the children were seen walking away from the foster care home and may now be traveling in a black 2008 PT Cruiser with Indiana license plate DFT105. Anyone who may see the vehicle or the children is asked to call 911. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A new ambulance service trial which saw the creation of a new category for the most urgent cases in Wales saw 814 calls within the first month. This purple category is solely for people in cardiac or respiratory arrest and made up 2.3% of all calls to the Wales Ambulance Service. For those where resuscitation was attempted, 21.4% were successfully resuscitated by they time they arrived at hospital. The out of hospital survival rate in Wales is currently less than 5%, half that of England and Scotland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 4,449 red calls, when a person is at high risk of cardiac or respiratory arrest, including choking, allergic reaction or severe blood loss. That was about 12.6% of all calls. Elsewhere, Wednesday's figures showed a drop of 2,100 cases of people waiting for treatment in Wales in June, totalling 794,500. In the same month, the numbers waiting more than two years fell to about 7,400, which is the lowest it has been in four years - though provisional data for July suggest both figures have increased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First Minister Eluned Morgan previously said the two-year waits would be "around 8,000" by the spring, though in both April and May those figures bounced back up. This is the first time they have fallen below that figure. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: "We expect to see some fluctuations in the number of long waits from month to month that reflects in part the variation in the numbers of people who came onto the list two years ago, but I am confident there will be significant further reductions by the end of the next quarter in September, keeping us on track with our plan to bring down the longest waits. "I know health boards are working very hard to bring waits down and I can see the impact of this in the numbers of additional treatments being carried out. We need to make sure this continues over the months ahead." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But James Evans of the Welsh Conservatives said the statistics were "far from good enough" and progress had been "unacceptably slow". Performance against Wales' 62-day cancer target - patients beginning treatment within 62 days of cancer being first suspected - worsened slightly and stood at 60.2% in June. The fresh data on purple category calls also breaks down the average time taken to start CPR instruction by 999 call handlers to the person who made the call. It shows CPR was started within about four minutes, and a defibrillator was in use within five and a half minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The target is for an ambulance response with six to eight minutes and this first set of figures shows the average response was 7.35 minutes. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) said immediate CPR could double or quadruple survival from out of hospital cardiac arrests. Defibrillation within 3 to 5 minutes of collapse can produce survival rates of 50 to 70%. The figures also showed the continuing pressure on A&E departments with the highest number on record attending during July. However there was a drop in the numbers of patients medically well enough to be discharged, but who remain in hospital because of delays in their transfer. At 1,300 it is the lowest in two years. Almost 10 years ago, a random act of kindness saved a local womans life. Now she and her husband are quarter-finalists in Americas Favorite Couple contest. During her senior year of high school, Maddie Lea was in dire need of a miracle as her health was declining rapidly, The News Tribune previously reported. She has Alport syndrome, a rare disease that attacks the kidneys. Leas life was at risk without a kidney transplant, the Puyallup woman told The News Tribune on Aug. 18. Frank Mestas, a man she didnt know, gave her his. Mestas is married to a woman who Leas mother worked with at the time. Mestas told The News Tribune that he learned about Leas health through his wife and knew he had to do something. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mestas was a perfect match and the two successfully underwent surgery on Nov. 23, 2016. Lea and Mestas have maintained a bond since. He said he considers Lea to be one of his daughters. Ill be a part of her life forever, he said. Maddie Lea, who received a kidney nearly 9 years ago, poses for a portrait in her home, on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Puyallup, Wash.. Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com Mestas said he moved to Utah in 2022, but still supports Leas endeavors. Now 27, Lea has a bachelors degree in nursing and is working as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse in Tacoma, where she received treatment throughout her childhood. I wanted to give back to the community that saved me, she said. Last summer, Lea married her husband, Nathan Baniqued. The wedding was on Mestas 50th birthday, and he was there to help them celebrate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without him, we wouldnt have this life together, Baniqued told The News Tribune on Aug. 18. Nathan and Maddie Lea poses for a portrait in her home, on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Puyallup, Wash.. Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com The couple met on Tinder in 2018 and quickly connected over similar health issues, Baniqued said. He was diagnosed with moderate chronic kidney disease when he was 12, he said. I have kidney issues too, was the first thing he told her. Now, their health is stable and they are ready to start a family. Everyday we choose each other, Baniqued said. Being parents is something the couple is striving for in the next few years, Lea said. They started the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process two years ago, she said. Doctors said that they would need two rounds of IVF to have enough embryos, due to Leas health, she recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their first round of treatment in May cost $25,000. They managed to pay for the procedure with their savings, insurance, and family support. Professionals recommend that the couple start the second round in December, Lea said. Insurance wont help cover the second round, she said. Were lucky to be in our position, but we struggle, she said. Maddie Lea, who received a kidney nearly 9 years ago, poses for a portrait in her home, on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Puyallup, Wash.. Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com Puyallup couple makes quarterfinals of Americas Favorite Couple contest Baniqued said he saw a post on Facebook about the Americas Favorite Couple competition, and they entered. They say winning would help cover the cost of the IVF treatments. In the contest, couples nationwide share their love stories for a chance to win a $20,000 prize and a feature in Variety magazine, according to the website. The online competition is voter-based. Anyone can cast free daily votes online. Mestas said he votes every day. He also reached out to The News Tribune about the competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting for the quarterfinals ends on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 9 p.m., according to the website. People can then vote for semifinalists from Aug. 22 to 28, Baniqued said. Voting for the winners will be from Aug. 29 to Sept. 4. What started as a possible solution to their financial challenges became an opportunity to spread awareness about kidney disease and infertility, Lea said. The couple shares their journey on social media, Baniqued said. With or without the prize money, Lea and Baniqued will strive to start their family and continue spreading awareness on these topics, Lea said. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Two dozen Concho Valley residents are celebrating their first evening as American citizens after taking their oaths to become citizens on Aug. 20. 30 applicants from 13 countries took part in two naturalization ceremonies at the O.C. Fisher Federal Building downtown. Rep. Pfluger earns congressional award for outreach excellence One thing that was keeping me from it was I was told Id have to give up my Canadian citizenship, said Bobby Miller, a Canadian who is now a United States Citizen. So when I found out it was legitimateI didnt have to give that upI jumped on and seven months later, Im a citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magistrate Judge John Parker from Abilene was the guest speaker, where applicants took their oaths as new American citizens. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MURRAY, Utah (ABC4 Utah) World Humanitarian Day is observed every year on August 19 to honor humanitarian workers and recognize those who have risked or lost their lives in the line of duty. The 2025 theme, Strengthening global solidarity and empowering local communities, emphasizes the importance of working alongside communities not just as recipients of aid, but as partners and decision-makers. The American Red Cross joins the global humanitarian community in paying tribute to our local partners who lead with courage, insight, and unwavering commitment. The Red Cross stands in true solidarityamplifying local capacity, shifting power, and working hand-in-hand to build stronger, more resilient communities around the world. Every day, more than 16 million Red Cross and Red Crescent workers help people in need in over 191 countries, often in dangerous and challenging conditions. In 2024 alone, 32 Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers worldwide died while carrying out their humanitarian duties, one of the highest annual tolls in our movements history. In 2025, the toll sits at 16 deaths so far this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Red Cross of Utah continues to serve communities across the state, putting specific emphasis on community resilience. Through the Community Adaptation Program (CAP), the American Red Cross is working to strengthen local partner networks across the country where families are struggling with chronic socioeconomic issues. Working one-one with over 300 local partners, the Red Cross offers support and funding for projects to increase local access to health, hunger and housing solutions which are the largest barriers people face after disasters. Through these immersive collaborations, the Red Cross supports over 500 projects including: mobile health clinics, creating disaster resilience hubs, purchasing generators and solar panels, expanding food pantries and more. Locally, the Red Cross of Utah is continuing to expand our partnerships with places like the Hill Air Force Base and are now providing volunteers to help staff the food pantry on base to further support the military community in Utah. In addition, the Red Cross of Utah utilizes multiple preparedness programs in schools across the state to provide vital information in times of disasters. Educating children of the dangers or wildfires and home fires to empower them and their families to be prepared for when disaster strikes. Turn your compassion into action and help ensure people dont face emergencies alone. Visit redcross.org to get involved. DONATE: Donate to support our Disaster Relief efforts at redcross.org/GivingDay. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance. Your donation will be part of the annual Giving Day on March 22 to aid families in need across the country. GIVE BLOOD: Help ensure people receive the critical care they need. Make an appointment to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org. VOLUNTEER: Volunteer by visiting redcross.org/Volunteer to review our most-needed positions in your community. TAKE A CLASS: Sign up at redcross.org/TakeAClass to learn lifesaving skills like first aid, CPR and how to use an AED, so you can help in the moments that matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Daily News Red-Cross-World-Humanitarian-DayDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Jason Lange, Unknown f781ef79-b713-474d-aef1-1fc7112288ee and James Oliphant WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Most Americans believe that efforts to redraw U.S. House of Representatives districts to maximize partisan gains, like those under way in Texas and California, are bad for democracy, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found. More than half of respondents -- 57% -- said they feared that American democracy itself was in danger, a view held by eight in 10 Democrats and four in 10 in President Donald Trump's Republican Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The six-day survey of 4,446 U.S. adults, which closed on Monday, showed deep unease with the growing political divisions in Washington -- where Republicans control both chambers of Congress -- and state capitals. The poll found that 55% of respondents, including 71% of Democrats and 46% of Republicans, agreed that ongoing redistricting plans - such as those hatched by governors in Texas and California in a process known as gerrymandering - were "bad for democracy." At Trump's urging, Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called a special session of the state legislature to redraw the states congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, aiming to help Republicans defend their 219-212 U.S. House majority. Incumbent presidents' parties typically lose House seats in midterms, which can block their legislative agendas and in Trump's first term led to two impeachment probes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, a White House hopeful in 2028, has threatened to try to redraw his state's district map in response, adding five Democratic seats to offset Republicans' expected Texas gains. The practice is not new but has gained attention because it is happening mid-decade rather than following a census. It has meant that the vast majority of House races are not competitive in general elections; in recent decades about two-thirds of them were won by more than 20 percentage points. As president, Trump has flouted democratic norms with steps including directing the U.S. Justice Department to pursue his political adversaries, pressuring the independent Federal Reserve to lower rates and seizing control of Washington, D.C.'s police force. In interviews, Texas Republicans who participated in the poll largely supported the states potential redistricting, while Democrats described it as cheating but supported the idea of Democratic states trying to respond in kind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll had a margin of error of about 2 percentage points when describing the views of all Americans and about 3 points for the views of Republicans and Democrats. 'SHADY BUSINESS' Amanda Kelley, 51, an insurance fraud investigator in Dallas, was the rare Republican to criticize the Texas effort. "I don't like it when either side tries to do that. I think that's shady business," Kelley said. "The optics of it happening in the middle of the term when you would draw district lines, that leaves kind of a bad taste in my mouth." Paul Wehrmann, 57, an attorney in Dallas who described himself as an independent voter, also opposed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's unfair, and it sets a bad precedent," said Wehrmann, who worries it could spiral into states redrawing maps every election cycle instead of every decade. Partisan gerrymandering "is bad all around, but I think that it is fair for Democrats to try to counterbalance what Republicans are doing. "They need to stop bringing a knife to a gunfight. Americans of both parties have long disliked elected leaders of the rival party, but the Reuters/Ipsos poll found that they also distrust regular people who align with the opposing party. Some 55% of Democrats agreed with a statement that "people who are Republican are NOT to be trusted," while 32% disagreed. Republicans were split, with 43% agreeing that Democrats were untrustworthy and 44% saying they disagreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll also showed politics weighing more on people's everyday lives than in past years, particularly among Democrats. Some 27% of Democrats said last year's presidential election has negatively affected their friendships. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in April 2017, early in Trump's first term, showed a smaller share of Democrats - 18% - reported fraying friendships because of the election. Only 10% of Republicans said this month that politics weighed on their friendships, largely unchanged from 2017. Jeffrey Larson, a 64-year-old toxicologist and Republican voter in Seabrook, Texas, said he and his wife, a Democrat, agreed not to discuss politics. I might not agree with what the Democrats are doing, but I dont think that theyre trying to specifically destroy my life or destroy America, Larson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close to half of Democrats - or 46% - said their party had lost its way, compared to 19% of Republicans who said the same of their party. Sandy Ogden, 71, a tech executive from Sunnyvale, California and self-described Democrat, said she faulted her party's leaders. I think the Democratic Party members are united in what we believe, but the leaders are ineffective in mounting an opposition that works, Ogden said. Analysts said that ordinary Democrats' greater mistrust of Republicans and friction with friends suggests a reluctance among Democrats to engage with Republicans that could harm the party's chances at regaining political standing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democracy involves a willingness to allow people with differing views to express those views, said Whit Ayres, a veteran Republican pollster. Michael Ceraso, a longtime Democratic operative, found the poll results frustrating. "The majority of Democrats believe our democracy is failing and nearly half of them dont want to talk to the opposition party," Ceraso said. "We have to be better." (Reporting by Jason Lange, Nolan D. McCaskill and James Oliphant; Editing by Scott Malone and Cynthia Osterman) Amid a week dominated by President Donald Trump's meetings with world leaders over the Russia-Ukraine war, polling of the president's approval ratings continues to reach record lows. A succession of major national polls released over the last month has tracked a significant dip in the Republican leader's approval ratings among Americans, many logging some of the lowest numbers since Trump took office in January. The most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted from Aug. 13 to 18, put the president's approval rating at 40%, matching the lowest level the survey has seen in his second term. It follows a near-record low 38% from an Aug. 4-10 Pew Research Center poll, which tracked a nine-point drop from the Center's early February survey and a three-point drop over the last two months. A July 7-21 Gallup poll found even lower opinions of the president's job performance in its most recent release, recording a 37% approval rating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 85713963007 What is Trump's average approval rating? Aggregations of recent approval polling from The New York Times and RealClearPolitics place Trump's approval between 44% and 45%, respectively, with disapproval rates of 53% and 50%, as of Aug. 20. A historical analysis and average by Gallup shows Trump's approval ratings in the first July of both of his terms are lower than those of any other modern president. In comparison, former President Joe Biden had a 50% average approval rating in July 2021, while Barack Obama's first and second-term July approval ratings were 57% and 46%, respectively. Gallup's analysis puts Trump's second-term average to date at 42%. Here's what the latest polls released in the last week say about Americans' opinions of Trump's job performance. Reuters/Ipsos poll 40% approve 54% disapprove Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll was conducted from Aug. 13 to 18 among 4,466 U.S. adults. It has a margin of error of 2 percentage points. Echelon Insights poll 47% approve 51% disapprove The poll was conducted from Aug. 14 to 18 among 1,057 likely voters. It has a margin of error of 3.6 percentage points. U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy walk during a meeting, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2025. YouGov/Economist poll 40% approve 56% disapprove The poll was conducted from Aug. 15 to 18 among 1,568 U.S. adults. It has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. Morning Consult poll 47% approve 51% disapprove The poll was conducted from Aug. 15 to 18 among 2,201 registered U.S. voters. It has a margin of error of 2 percentage points. Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @KathrynPlmr. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's Trump's latest approval rating amid talks with Putin, Zelenskyy Writing in Kansas during this challenging historical moment has revealed pitfalls and promise, according to opinion editor Clay Wirestone. (Getty Images) When I talk to friends or family or acquaintances during this cursed summer of 2025, the conversation inevitably turns to the political landscape. And our exchange goes as follows. Me: So, things seem bad, right? Friend/family/acquaintance: Yep, theyre pretty bad. Let me give you a specific example that will make you want to flee across the border to Canada! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Me: Id hoped to hear better news, actually! Friend/family/acquaintance: No, Ive received a memo at work that says everything will be worse next week. This presents a problem for those of us who write columns. If were honest, we want to express our horror at these unprecedented times (federal troops in major cities, war waged on civic institutions, political parties either in thrall to authoritarianism or incapable of action). But we dont want to, like, bum you out. We dont want to bum ourselves out. Its difficult enough being a functional human during good times, let alone while our republic descends into something else. I find myself sympathetic to the course that former Kansas Reflector opinion editor C.J. Janovy has taken in retirement. Shes heading off to Portugal to live the expat life. Her recent account of a summer spent waiting for bureaucratic knots to untangle summarizes this vertiginous span of months beautifully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My family and I are hanging tough, although I dont judge those who reach different conclusions. Why? Four years ago this week, I wrote my first column as Kansas Reflector opinion editor, and it addresses this exact topic. You might be justified in calling me a stubborn old cuss, but I think it stands up. It still stands as my statement of purpose. Those of us calling for a better state, I wrote, shouldnt have to love it or leave it. We should make our voices heard and call for a better, more honorable Kansas. These days, I would add, that goes for the nation as a whole. Those of us who demand something better, something more of our leaders, come from a long and proud line of Americans who raised their voices during dark times. That inaugural column quotes columnist Sydney J. Harris: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most people who want to change conditions do like it here: they love it here, the Chicagoan wrote. They love it so much they cannot stand to see it suffer from its imperfections, and want it to live up to its ideals. It is the people who placidly accept the corruptions and perversions and inequities in our society who do not love America; they love their status, security and special privilege. Nobody should be faced with the mean choice of accepting conditions as they are or abandoning the place he has grown up in. Note the word he uses: nobody. Harris wrote that passage 56 years ago, but it still rings clear and true and bright, like a bell warning ships away from danger on a foggy night. Later in the column, I wrote that some may leave the state, as some now leave this country. But where does that leave everyone else? I asked. Where does that leave those Kansans who are transgender? What about those who are immigrants? What about communities of color and women seeking to protect their right to choose? What about the uninsured forced to declare bankruptcy after an illness or hospital stay? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, everyone has to make the right choice for themselves and their families. I feel the fear circulating and sympathize deeply. It also angers me to see the darkest aspects of our national life attempt to snuff out the light. I will be here, and I will do this work for as long as possible. (Dont put me on a pedestal; I am being paid.) Who knows, a city bus might plow into me tomorrow. Opinionated Kansans sharing thoughts, aspirations and gripes wont solve all our nations woes. But our voices, repeated and combined with one another, prove that not everyone has resigned themselves to the darkness. Not everyone has decided to capitulate to anger, discrimination and kleptocracy. We can make the future better by working together and listening. Will it happen tomorrow? Almost certainly not. Will that better future exist solely in our hearts and minds? Could be! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet we try, and we push ahead. I try, and I push ahead, too. Lets keep this beautiful state, this prairie haven for a free people, forever in our thoughts. Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. Israels approval of a long-delayed and controversial settlement plan on Wednesday intends to end any chance of a contiguous Palestinian state, say analysts, local human rights groups and Palestinian communities likely to be affected. Known as East1 or E1, the plan would link thousands of illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem which is already illegally annexed by Israel to the expanding Maale Adumim settlement bloc in the occupied West Bank. This would fully sever East Jerusalem which Palestinians have long considered the capital of their own future state from the rest of the occupied West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European states have long warned that the E1 plan is a red line, said Tahani Mustafa, an expert on Israel-Palestine with the International Crisis Group (ICG). Some of these states, such as Ireland, France, Norway and Spain, have recently announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state in the face of mounting pressure to take action against Israel for its war in Gaza. Israels far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, warned last year that a new settlement would be established for every country that recognises Palestine. More recently, Smotrich, who himself lives in an illegal settlement on Palestinian land, said last week that the E1 plan would bury hopes for a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli politicians, including Smotrich, have long been open in remarking that the establishment of settlements in the occupied West Bank creates facts on the ground and regard the territory as an integral part of the land of Israel. Mustafa said that Israel calculated long ago that the global community would take no meaningful action to stop Israel from killing the two-state solution. There wont be anything left to recognise if these states keep allowing Israel to annex the West Bank and destroy Gaza, she told Al Jazeera. Opportune The E1 plan was first drummed up in 1994 under then Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, just a year after he inked the United States-backed Oslo Accords, which ostensibly aimed to bring about a Palestinian state before the new millennium Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2004, Israel began building a police station and constructing new roads in that area of Palestinian land. Since then, construction and further planning have been mostly frozen to appease Western leaders, who feared that building thousands of new housing units there would make it impossible to establish a Palestinian state across the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Yet since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, the US and Europe have allowed Israel to violate every previous red line in the name of self-defence, said analysts and human rights monitors. Over the last two years, Israel has carried out its war on Gaza killing more than 62,000 Palestinians and destroying the territory and has violently attacked large swaths of the West Bank, forcing out tens of thousands of Palestinians from their homes. Israeli soldiers and settlers have also ramped up their violence against Palestinians, killing more than 1,000 people without repercussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is now betting on its strong support from US President Donald Trump to accelerate the E1 plan, which would put the final bullet in the coffin of a Palestinian state and uproot Palestinian Bedouin communities, said Murad Jadallah, a researcher with the Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq. Israel knows that now is the time [to go through with the E1 plan] because it has US support in Washington to do so, Mustafa, from the ICG, told Al Jazeera. (Al Jazeera) Along with severing East Jerusalem, the controversial plan would physically split the north of the West Bank from the south, further confining Palestinians to ever smaller and isolated pockets of land. On top of that, several thousand people live in 18 Palestinian shepherd communities in the area encompassing the E1 settlement plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations and Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups have said this plan would uproot Palestinian communities and likely constitute a forced transfer of a population, which is a crime against humanity under international law. It is very strategic for Israel to push these communities [off their land], said Al-Haqs Jadallah. Fighting to stay For decades, shepherd communities in the Jordan Valley have protected the possibility of a Palestinian state by refusing to leave their land, despite facing repeated settler attacks and demolition orders. Most of these communities migrated to Khan al-Ahmar an area in the central West Bank between Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim settlement after they were driven out of the Naqeb (Negev) desert by Israel in the 1950s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expulsions were part of a broader campaign of ethnic cleansing, in which 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their lands by Zionist militias to make way for the state of Israel an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba or Catastrophe. Imad al-Jahalin, the leader of a shepherd community in Bir al-Maskub, one of many villages in the E1 zone, says his community has managed to protect itself from expulsion for years. Last year, the community hired an Israeli Jewish lawyer to file a lawsuit against settlers who occupied some of their homes. The rights group Amnesty has previously accused the Israeli court system of serving to rubber stamp Israels occupation in the occupied Palestinian territories. Still, al-Jahalin said his village managed to win a court order to kick out the settlers from their homes. That order was implemented, but he worries they may not win another legal battle if the state begins implementing the E1 plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is fear and panic because we dont know if this [settlement] is going to cut through our village and houses, he told Al Jazeera. But Jadallah is quite certain that the E1 plan will uproot Bedouin communities in and around Khan al-Ahmar, adding that they will be forced to migrate to large cities in the West Bank. Their forced displacement to urban centres would require them to leave their livelihoods as shepherds behind. Palestinian history and society is losing one layer or component from its identity [because of Israeli attacks against Bedouins], he told Al Jazeera. Irreversible changes The E1 plan should be understood as the culmination of Israeli attempts to change the spatial reality of the West Bank, so that a Palestinian state will never come to fruition, said Mustafa from the ICG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that this is a strategy Israel has deployed since signing the Oslo Accords. Israel, for instance, has long uprooted entire Palestinian villages and dispersed communities, bulldozed bustling refugee camps and erected dozens of barricades to impede the movement of Palestinians. The fact Israel is able to reshape the urban landscape of the West Bank and make [those changes] so irreversible is indicative that Israel has no intention of committing to a two-state solution, she said. Alon Cohen, the head of the West Bank area for Bimkom, an Israeli human rights organisation advocating for an end to the occupation, added that there is no economic or housing rationale for implementing E1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stressed that the logic behind E1 was to simply encroach and irreversibly fragment Palestinian territory. Israel always uses settlement planning as a weapon, he told Al Jazeera. Both Mustafa and Cohen believe the implementation of E1 will make life for Palestinians in the West Bank even more unbearable, stressing that the ultimate plan is to push more Palestinians to consider leaving the West Bank. However, al-Jahalin said thats not an option for him and his community in Bir al-Maskub. Nobody here has any idea where they will end up in the future [if we are forcefully displaced], he told Al Jazeera. [Our] people for now are not thinking of going anywhere. ANDERSON A proposed 8% pay raise for city employees would apply only to those who are not members of a union. Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. told members of the Anderson City Council Wednesday that an 8% pay increase in the proposed budget is for non-union employees and elected officials. Broderick said the city is in the process of negotiating new contracts with four unions representing employees. An additional union contract will be negotiated in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, city employees and elected officials received a 4% pay increase. The proposed 2026 general fund budget is $46.8 million, compared to $41.8 million for this year. City Controller Doug Whitham said the proposed 2026 budget for all funds is $90.5 million. The budget also includes no increase in employee health insurance costs for the 10th consecutive year. The city is anticipating a general fund balance of $24 million at the end of the year and $8.4 million in the Rainy Day fund. The city is in fine financial shape, Broderick said, acknowledging legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly to lower property taxes. Some taxing units are considering layoffs and reducing the number of employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilman Greg Graham asked how the city was preparing to deal with members of the police department taking employment in other communities for a higher rate of pay. Broderick said the city has increased the base pay for police and firefighters by $4,000 and provided COVID-19 premium pay of up to $7,500. Seventy percent of the people hired remain with the city, he said. Were working to plan for retirements in the police and fire departments over a five-year period. Anderson City Court Judge Jason Jamerson said the death penalty trial of Carl Roy Webb Boards II will take place in the city court starting in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the county asked to move the trial from the Madison County Government Center for security reasons. We will be shut down except for essential services, Jamerson said. We may move some of hearings to the hearing rooms in the courthouse. He said Madison County was purchasing some additional equipment that will remain with the city court after the trial is completed. The Boards trial is expected to start on Jan. 26 and continue through February. Boards is charged with the July 2022 shooting death of Elwood police officer Noah Shahnavaz. He is scheduled to go on trial on charges of murder, two counts of resisting law enforcement, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, firearm enhancement, habitual offender, life without parole and the death penalty. PRAGUE, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Czech Post said on Thursday that it will stop accepting selected parcels bound for the United States starting Friday. The company said in a statement that the move follows U.S. President Donald Trump's order to suspend the duty-free regime for parcels valued at up to 800 U.S. dollars, which takes effect on Aug. 29. The United States has not yet clarified key procedures, particularly regarding the collection of customs fees, required data submissions, and cooperation with U.S. customs authorities, Czech Post said. According to the statement, shipments to the United States will still be possible if they contain only written correspondence or documents, as well as gifts exchanged between individuals valued at up to 100 U.S. dollars. However, these shipments will require a properly completed customs declaration, and delivery times may be longer due to extended customs procedures upon arrival in the United States, it added. ANDERSON Animal shelters are both overrun and underfunded, so non-profits like the Animal Protection League need assistance. That was the message reiterated by administrators and supporters of the Animal Protection League Wednesday as the shelter hosted a fundraiser with Jordans Way for the second consecutive year. Board president Gwen Clark said that although the city of Anderson provides money for the APLs budget each year, its not enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We struggle financially to make ends meet for our yearly budget, she said. The city of Anderson does provide close to $290,000 per year but it leaves us fundraising for close to $600,000 per year. APL partnered with Jordans Way, a national organization dedicated to supporting animal shelters, for the fundraiser. The three-hour event, which was livestreamed on Facebook, was described as a cross between a Jerry Lewis telethon and a Nickelodeon slime experience by Mary Lynne Rish, a Jordans Way representative who led several activities. Kristopher Rotonda, who founded Jordans Way after his dog, Jordan, died from cancer in 2019, said helping animal shelters meet their financial needs was a logical project to start as he grieved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew I had to do something in her name, Rotonda said. I left the real estate business and I ended up hitting the road, doing Facebook live stuff and then I started doing fundraisers. Rotonda received invites from shelters in different states, asking him to host fundraisers. He currently travels to 300 animal shelters a year. After five years, we have raised over $13 million, he said. Its been a crazy five years. According to Clark, in 2024, the APL raised $54,000 within three hours during its Jordans Way fundraiser, providing a much-needed shot in the arm for its offerings. On Wednesday, an estimated $3,700 was raised within the first 20 minutes; nearly $41,000 had been raised as the event neared its conclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It means veterinary services for the animals that come to us, Clark said. It means spay and neuter services, which are highly needed here. Its huge. The fundraiser was unique in that spectators saw a variety of feats performed in exchange for donations. Offbeat activities included dogs for dogs and a tortilla slapping contest. Volunteers used their contact list both on their phones and social media in hopes of landing donations for an organization they consider important. Were the only open-admission shelter in Madison County, Amanda Helmerick, a three-year volunteer, said. We take any stray that comes through the doors, we are very underfunded and understaffed. We need all the help we can get. Aug. 20An animal rights activist accused in Ogle County of falsely reporting a shooting at a rodeo near Rochelle pleaded not guilty Wednesday, Aug. 20, after a judge ruled that probable cause exists. Jodie Wiederkehr of Chicago is charged with two counts of falsely reporting an offense, a Class 4 felony, and one count of harassment by telephone, a misdemeanor. Wiederkehr is the campaign director of SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness, which has been advocating for the closure of a rodeo in the county and has provided officials with videos of animals injured during steer tailing events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [ Northern Illinois counties struggle to regulate Mexican-style rodeos, steer-tailing events in their area ] Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska's ruling at Wednesday's hearing came after Ogle County sheriff's deputy Justin Diehl, Wiederkehr's arresting officer, took the stand. When questioned by Ogle County Assistant State's Attorney Matthew Leiston, Diehl said that on May 25 he met with two dispatch officers who told him they had received a call in which the caller said "I saw somebody get shot" and another call that "was in reference to someone being shot" at 16989 Ritchie Road, south of Rochelle. That property is the location of the Mexican-style rodeo, Rancho La Esperanza, according to county documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite SHARK and many residents advocating for its closure, the rodeos continue under a special-use permit issued by the County Board in 2012. SHARK advocates told Shaw Local the next event is scheduled for Aug. 31. ExpandAutoplay Image 1 of 5 Jodie Wiederkehr appears in Ogle County court Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Wiederkehr is charged with calling in false reports of a shooting at a rural Rochelle farm. (Alex T. Paschal) At Wednesday's hearing, Diehl said a total of 27 calls, all recorded, were made to Ogle County Dispatch on May 25 from the same phone number. One of Wiederkehr's attorneys, Brad Thomson of Chicago, said it's "important to look at the calls in the context they were made" because the general intent of all those calls was to report "animal cruelty." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diehl, when questioned by defense attorney Chris Carraway of Colorado, agreed that the general concern of all calls was "animal cruelty," but it was not entirely "centered around" that issue. He also agreed with Carraway that dispatch "refused to take the report" that animal cruelty was occurring at the property and repeatedly sent the calls to voicemail, but they "were following protocol." Carraway said this "frustrated" Wiederkehr so she asked dispatch: "If I report someone got shot, would you send someone out?" He said that question was hypothetical and not intended to be a direct report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was "a lot of 'if' language" and statements in the recorded calls to dispatch, Diehl said, but when questioned by Leiston, Diehl said "there was no hypothetical 'if.' She said she saw someone get shot." After that report, Diehl said that another sheriff's deputy was sent to the property to investigate. That officer spoke to security and saw no "hysteria" or any "evidence of a shooting." That officer wasn't sent to the property until after the second alleged report was made to dispatch. No other officers nor ambulance was sent to respond, Diehl confirmed when questioned by Carraway. In the end, Peska sided with prosecutors. Wiederkehr, who is not in custody, will next appear in court at 1 p.m. Oct. 1. A conservation organization just secured 18,800 acres of Scottish Highlands wilderness thanks to a 17.5 million (over $23 million) gift from an unnamed donor, reported Civil Society. The Scottish Wildlife Trust now controls Inverbroom Estate after getting the largest financial contribution since the group began 60 years ago. The donor worked through UBS UK's advisory fund, which helps wealthy people give to important causes while staying anonymous and claiming tax benefits. "We are confident in the thoroughness of our due diligence process and have declined donations in the past where there have been concerns about risks such as greenwash," said a spokesperson from the trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trust took control of most of the land in early March, and the rest was to come under its management on April 8, per Civil Society. This acquisition stopped the land from being sold to buyers from other countries who reportedly wanted it. Now, the area will protect Scotland's animals and plants while providing locals with work and volunteer opportunities. The conservation group promised that it won't make money from carbon credit sales and that it will work with local farmers on methods that help wildlife but keep farms running successfully. The group's vision includes restoring forests and repairing damaged peatlands: natural areas that trap carbon from the air and provide habitats for Scottish animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This development demonstrates how private wealth can protect natural spaces when government funding falls short. The donation keeps this massive stretch of Scottish landscape in local hands rather than foreign ownership. "Not only is the purchase of Inverbroom an important milestone for the trust, but also for Scotland's efforts to tackle the nature and climate crises," said Jo Pike, the trust's chief executive, in the news report. "The site includes some of Scotland's most iconic species and habitats, so we are delighted to have been able to secure it for the benefit of Scotland's wildlife and people, especially as there was also interest from overseas buyers," Pike added. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The smuggling of ants and other insects in the U.S. could be on the rise due to recent cuts to the USDA under the Trump administration, a new report says. The Department of Government Efficiency, the agency once led by billionaire Elon Musk, issued widespread layoffs and buyouts to federal employees this spring. This impacted several members of the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which helps restrict the smuggling of invertebrates like ants, Wired reports. While some of those staff were later rehired, other positions have remained vacant, according to the outlet. These cuts have alarmed experts, and sources familiar with the industry say ant smugglers have been emboldened by the recent cuts under the Trump administration, according to Wired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its getting out of hand, one ant seller said. They realize the U.S. market is a gold mine. Some members of the ant-selling community also told Wired that the process to sell ants legally has become harder, which in turn is contributing to an uptick in illegal sales. Smuggling ants hasn't gotten easier from the cuts to federal services, trading ants across state borders legally has gotten harder, one former black market ant seller told Wired. This could pose a problem because invasive ants can have devastating impacts on the environment. In Florida, millions of tawny crazy ants an invasive species from South America are forming super colonies and driving out local wildlife, the Herald-Tribune reports. The ants are also invading residents homes and damaging electrical equipment. Invasive ants can have devastating impacts on local ecosystems (DPA/AFP via Getty Images) Areas of the southeast U.S. also saw an increase in invasive Asian needle ants this summer. The venomous species has been found in the U.S. for 90 years, but its population exploded recently. A single sting can send someone to the hospital with life-threatening symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some experts say theyre concerned about cuts to infrastructure that detects and prevents invasive species. There's been a lot of cutting of the inspectors as part of the quote-unquote efficiency moves from the government recently, Chris Stelzig, executive director of the Entomological Society of America, told Wired. A reduced infrastructure to detect invasive species can be problematic. However, this isnt an entirely new problem. Retired USDA entomologist Carlos Blanco told Wired there were enforcement problems even before the DOGE cuts, too. Armando Rosario-Lebron, the former co-chair of the Federal Interagency Committee on Invasive Terrestrial Animals and Pathogens, told Wired that the illegal market rapidly has become much more aggressive because of the lack of enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The invasiveness potential is off the charts, he added. Its just ridiculous. USDA spokesperson Heather Curlett told Wired that the agency has the same number of entomology staff within the pest permitting unit as we did before and that the agencys enforcement of federal plant pest regulations has not changed or diminished. We work to address all instances of noncompliance both from permit holders who fail to follow the terms and conditions of their permits and those who move plant pests without obtaining the proper permits, Curlett added. The Independent has contacted the USDA for comment. AUSTIN (KXAN) A 37-year-old man was arrested in connection with a deadly crash that happened in south Austin last week. James Preston Durbin was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Travis County Jail on charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to police. As of Wednesday, he was no longer in police custody, according to jail records. Man who died in south Austin crash identified Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney information was not available for Durbin as of Friday. KXAN will update this story if an attorney is later found and a statement is provided. The Austin Police Department identified the victim of the crash as 47-year-old Samson Seablom. He died at the scene, according to police. Following the crash, police said a pedestrian was also hit by debris from the crash and taken to the hospital. MAP: Where have Austins fatal crashes occurred in 2025? According to police, the crash occurred Aug. 11 at the intersection of South First Street and West William Cannon Drive, and surveillance video from a nearby business, as well as a CapMetro bus, aided investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An arrest warrant affidavit said the video evidence was conclusive that Durbins vehicle was speeding and ran a red light without attempting to stop before hitting Seabloms vehicle, which was proceeding through a green light. The affidavit said investigators at the scene saw an open, full-sized bottle of vodka inside Durbins vehicle, as well as a cannister of nitrous oxide. The absence of brake marks, in addition to Durbin running the red light, the Titos vodka bottle, and the nitrous oxide bottle, could indicate possible impairment on the part of Durbin at the time of the collision, the affidavit said. Following a search warrant for Durbins vehicles sensory diagnostic module, investigators obtained data that showed the vehicle speed at 94 mph five seconds before the collision and an impact speed of 89 mph. The speed limit on W William Cannon Dr is 40 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is being investigated as Austins 60th fatal crash of 2025, according to APD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A judge struck down a law that was set to go into effect on Sept. 1 that would have required schools in Texas to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. U.S. District Court Judge Fred Biery said the Republican-led legislation that was signed into law in June by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott concerns the long-held principle of separation of church and state. In his opinion filed on Wednesday, he related his ruling to recent rulings in Arkansas and Louisiana, where judges also barred similar laws. The display of the Ten Commandments in Texas reflects Protestant traditions and is derived from the King James Bible. Following Abbotts signing of the bill, S.B. 10, into law, 16 Texas families with religious and nonreligious backgrounds filed a lawsuit arguing that permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every Texas public-school classroom rendering them unavoidable is plainly unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The displays will pressure students, including the minor-child Plaintiffs, into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the states favored religious scripture. The displays will also send the harmful and religiously divisive message that students who do not subscribe to the Ten Commandments or, more precisely, to the specific version of the Ten Commandments that S.B. 10 requires do not belong in their own school community, pressuring them to refrain from expressing any faith. Plaintiffs include religious backgrounds ranging from Judaism, Baptist and Hindu faiths and are being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Since the judges ruling, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would appeal the courts decision. The Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of our moral and legal heritage, and their presence in classrooms serves as a reminder of the values that guide responsible citizenship. Texas will always defend our right to uphold the foundational principles that have built this nation, and I will absolutely be appealing this flawed decision, Paxton said in a statement, per CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas state Sen. Mayes Middleton, who is running for state attorney general, posted on social media, accusing Biery of being an activist judge following his ruling, and that if he were the attorney general, he would fight back against the atheists to make sure we have the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Im confident the 5th Circuit will overturn this decision that applies to just 1% of school districts! Aug. 21 (UPI) -- A divided appeals court threw on Thursday out the nearly $500 million judgment that President Donald Trump owed to the state of New York for a fraud ruling. "While harm certainly occurred, it was not the cataclysmic harm that can justify a nearly half-billion-dollar award to the state," wrote Peter Moulton, one of the five appeals judges to rule on Trump's appeal. The First Judicial Department of the Appellate Division of New York Supreme Court upheld the fraud ruling, but eliminating the penalty means Trump can move the case to the highest state court, giving him another chance to fight the guilty verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeals court said the penalty, "which directs that defendants pay nearly half a billion dollars to the state of New York, is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution." But in the same ruling, the court said that other non-monetary sanctions imposed on Trump, the Trump Organization and others were "well crafted to curb defendants' business culture." In a 323-page opinion, all five judges agreed that the half-billion-dollar penalty should be thrown out. Two of the judges said Trump was properly held liable for business fraud, but the penalty was excessive. Two of the judges said the trial court was wrong to decide Trump committed fraud and the case should be retried. But those two judges said they joined the decision "with great reluctance" to allow the case to proceed on appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fifth judge said New York Attorney General Letitia James should not have brought the case in the first place. James said she will appeal to the state Supreme Court. "The First Department today affirmed the well-supported finding of the trial court: Donald Trump, his company, and two of his children are liable for fraud," James said. "The court upheld the injunctive relief we won, limiting Donald Trump and the Trump Organization officers' ability to do business in New York," James said. Trump posted about the ruling on Truth Social. "TOTAL VICTORY in the FAKE New York State Attorney General Letitia James Case!" he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I greatly respect the fact that the court had the courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful decision that was hurting business all throughout New York State. Others were afraid to do business there. The amount, including interest and penalties, was over $550 million dollars. It was a political witch hunt, in a business sense, the likes of which no one has ever seen before." Eric Trump, the president's son and a defendant in the lawsuit, in a social media post, wrote, "Total victory in the sham NY Attorney General case!!! After 5 years of hell, justice prevailed!" Eric Trump and his brother Donald Trump Jr. operate the Trump Organization. Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron in February 2024 ordered Trump to pay around $454 million in total penalties after holding him liable for business fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Engoron found that Trump's statements of financial condition, signed between 2014 and 2021, overvalued his assets from between $812 million and $2.2 billion. With interest, the penalty imposed on Trump and other defendants in the case had grown to more than $500 million. A New York appeals court has thrown out the half billion-dollar civil fraud judgment handed down last year against President Donald Trump, his family and his company. In a 323-page opinion, all five judges in the Appellate Division's First Department agreed that the half-billion-dollar penalty imposed on Trump should be thrown out. Two of the judges said Trump was properly held liable for business fraud, but the fine was excessive. Two of the judges said the trial court was wrong to decide Trump committed fraud and the case should be retried -- nonetheless, those two judges said they joined the decision "with great reluctance" to allow the case to proceed on appeal to the state's highest court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump appeals his $454 million New York civil fraud case A fifth judge said New York Attorney General Letitia James should not have brought the case in the first place. "The documentary evidence supports Supreme Court's conclusion that the Attorney General made a prima facie showing that each defendant participated in the fraudulent scheme," the opinion said. "The trial record is also replete with evidence supporting the court's determination that the individual defendants had the requisite intent to defraud, a necessary element of each Penal Law claim." However, said the opinion, "while harm certainly occurred, it was not the cataclysmic harm that can justify a nearly half billion-dollar award to the State." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James, in a statement released following the decision, said that her case "has merit" and that she will appeal to the state's highest court in an attempt to reinstate the penalty. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House, August 18, 2025 in Washington. "The First Department today affirmed the well-supported finding of the trial court: Donald Trump, his company, and two of his children are liable for fraud. The court upheld the injunctive relief we won, limiting Donald Trump and the Trump Organization officers' ability to do business in New York," the statement said. "We will seek appeal to the Court of Appeals and continue to protect the rights and interests of New Yorkers." "Today's ruling by the New York appeals court is a resounding victory for President Trump and his company," said Trump's former personal attorney Alina Habba, who helped represent Trump in the case and was later named interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey. "The court struck down the outrageous and unlawful $464 million penalty, confirming what we have said from the beginning: the Attorney General's case was politically motivated, legally baseless, and grossly excessive." "A $500 million day and an awesome victory for President Trump!" said Trump attorney Christopher Kise. "The reality here is that President Trump was always worth even more than what was reflected in the financial statements and the New York Attorney General simply disregarded well established principles of property valuation in an effort to justify her abusive and politically motivated case." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a three-month civil trial last year, New York Judge Arthur Engoron found Trump liable for committing a decade of business fraud by inflating his net worth to secure better business deals. In his written decision, Engoron said that Trump and his co-defendants engaged in frauds that "leap off the page and shock the conscience" including wrongly claiming that Trump's penthouse was three times its actual size and valuing his Mar-a-Lago estate as a personal residence, rather than a social club. "Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological. They are accused only of inflating asset values to make more money. The documents prove this over and over again," Engoron wrote, claiming that Trump and his co-defendants were "incapable of admitting the error of their ways." MORE: Trump civil fraud case: Judge fines Trump $354 million, says frauds 'shock the conscience' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president has long criticized the case as politically motivated, including during an impromptu closing statement he delivered in court last year where he declared himself an "innocent man." "I've been persecuted by someone running for office," Trump said, referring to New York Attorney General Letitia James, who brought the case. "This statute is vicious. It doesn't give me a jury. It takes away my rights." In his February decision, Engoron temporarily barred Trump and his sons from leading New York-based companies and ordered Trump to pay a fine of more than $454 million. That number increased to around half a billion dollars based on interest accrued on the judgement. Trump has denied wrongdoing and argued that the alleged victims in the case were sophisticated counterparties who eagerly agreed to go into business with the Trump Organization and profited from the deals. Those arguments formed the crux of his appeal, filed in July, in which his lawyers argued that James violated the statute of limitations, misapplied the relevant law, and encouraged an exclusive penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a hearing in September, several of the judges on the appellate panel appeared receptive to Trump's arguments seeking to reverse or reduce the his penalty, questioning the size of the massive judgment and the application of the fraud statute used to bring the case. MORE: Trump seeks recusal of judge who fined him $464M in civil fraud trial Since Trump's reelection win in November, his lawyers have implored James to drop the case, citing the dismissal of Trump's federal criminal cases. Lawyers for James have rejected the request, arguing that Trump's return to the White House does not impact his civil cases. "The ordinary burdens of civil litigation do not impede the President's official duties in a way that violates the U.S. Constitution," New York Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale wrote in a letter to Trump's lawyer. Trump owed more than $550 million between three civil judgments, including a $83.3 million judgment in damages for defaming former Elle magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll and a $5 million judgment awarded after a jury found he sexually abused Carol in the 1990s. A $500 million civil fraud judgment against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization was tossed. A New York appeals court found the penalty excessive. But the five judges couldn't agree on much else, issuing three opinions that spanned over 300 pages. A New York appellate court has tossed a massive civil fraud penalty against President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization, granting a significant legal win to the president. But the judges still agreed that Trump and other Trump Organization executives were largely liable for fraud, leaving open a door for additional appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February of last year, after a three-month bench trial, a Manhattan judge ordered the Trump Organization, Trump, and a group of other executives to pay $454 million in penalties. The case was brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who revealed internal Trump Organization documents and witness testimony that demonstrated Trump's decadelong pattern of lying to banks about his worth in order to receive favorable terms for loans. The penalties have since ballooned to over $527 million with additional interest, as Trump has pursued appeals, according to a calculation from the Associated Press. On Thursday, a group of five appellate judges struck down the fines issued by trial judge Arthur Engoron, finding them excessive but couldn't agree on much else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They issued three separate opinions spanning 323 pages. Four of the judges broadly agreed that Trump and his real estate company were liable for fraud for misrepresenting their assets. Otherwise, the three opinions disagreed on significant legal issues underpinning the case, including whether the Trump Organization should be liable for every particular count, whether Trump should get a new trial, and whether James had the authority to bring the lawsuit against Trump in the first place. After 11 months of deliberation an unusually long time for the New York appellate court two judges agreed to join the majority decision "for the sole purpose of ensuring finality, thereby affording the parties a path for appeal" to the state's highest appeals court, one judge wrote. In a Truth Social post, Trump praised the decision as a "TOTAL VICTORY." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I greatly respect the fact that the Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision that was hurting Business all throughout New York State," he wrote. Representatives for the New York Attorney General's office didn't respond to a request for comment. The investigation roiled Trump's real estate empire James' lawsuit alleged that Trump, his eldest sons Donald Trump, Jr. and Eric Trump, and former CFO Allen Weisselberg worked together to misrepresent the Trump Organization's finances. The executives inflated the valuations of Trump properties by, for example, tripling the size of a penthouse on paper making the Trumps appear wealthier than they seemed. Those falsified valuations were used to obtain favorable terms for loans from financial institutions as the family grew its real estate empire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, the trial judge, found Trump family members liable for some of the counts alleged in the lawsuit ahead of trial, but left other issues to be decided after he heard additional testimony from Trump family members, Trump Organization executives, and bank officials. The trial, which had no jury, spanned from October 2023 to January 2024 and often took on a carnivalesque air between highly technical testimony about the finer points of real estate accounting practices. Donald Trump attended the trial for several days, complaining about the case during breaks in front of journalists parked in the hallways. Donald Trump Jr. cracked jokes with the judge and requested a "sexy" illustration from a courtroom artist when he took the witness stand. In a closing argument, Trump attorney Alina Habba now the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey interrupted the judge as she tried to talk about James's preference for Starbucks. Before then, the now-president gave another closing argument himself. Trump's attorneys have characterized James's case as politically motivated and argued that lenders didn't actually lose money on the loans given to the Trump Organization, even if the company fudged the underlying records to raise the debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday's majority opinion drew the opposite conclusion, finding that the evidence uncovered in James's investigation "demonstrates that defendants engaged in a decade-long pattern of financial fraud and illegality." "The 'political' choice would have been to not bring this case, thereby avoiding a fight with a powerful adversary," the judges wrote. But the opinion also found Engoron's penalties to be excessive. "While harm certainly occurred, it was not the cataclysmic harm that can justify a nearly half billion-dollar award to the State," the judges wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday's decision came amid two separate Justice Department probes into James, over whether the Trump inquiry violated his civil rights, and over whether she personally committed mortgage fraud. Both probes were initiated after Trump was reelected president. James has previously denied wrongdoing. More appeals are on the horizon If either Trump or the New York Attorney General's Office appeals Thursday's court decision, it'll offer an opportunity for the president's new lawyers at Sullivan & Cromwell. In May, the elite law firm which is also representing Trump in his appeal for his criminal conviction joined the defense team for the civil fraud case. Barbara Jaffe, a retired New York Supreme Court Justice, told Business Insider that it was likely the parties would continue to appeal, given that the opinion was not a legal slam dunk for either side. Team Trump may appeal the part of the opinion that they surely disagree with: the upholding of Engoron's fraud finding, according to Jaffe, now an attorney at Borah, Goldstein, Altschuler, Nahins & Goidel. And the New York Attorney General's Office may appeal the findings that went against them: the vacating of the money penalty and the cash sanctions against Trump's legal team, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Each side has a bone to pick," said Jaffe, who frequently attended the trial. The case could drag on for another year or more, during which in interest on Trump's appeal bond will continue to rise by $1 million every nine days. During that appeal, no money would change hands. Neither Trump nor James is permitted to touch a $175 million appeal bond that Trump posted in April of last year. The bond is underwritten by Knight Specialty Insurance Company, and is wholly collateralized by Trump's cash. Trump continues to have no access to that cash, court records show. This story has been updated. Read the original article on Business Insider APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) It was indeed an extravaganza on Wednesday during a brat fry held by the Appleton American Legion Post 38 that raised a record amount for the Old Glory Honor Flight. Every Wednesday, Post 38 hosts a brat fry to benefit local Veterans and their families, and on Wednesday, August 20, officials shattered their goal of exceeding their 2024 event of $7,000. Clip for a Cause brings Sturgeon Bay community together to support local cancer patients Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the support of thousands that patronized the event and the selfless generosity of the events partners, yesterdays event raised $16,000 for Old Glory Honor Flight! said Appleton American Legion Post 38 Commander, Jarrod Coulter. Special features at this years event included new menu items to include corn on the cob donated by The Bar on Lynndale, a visit by fury friends from the Fox Valley Humane Association, musical entertainers, and the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on display. Brewers fans line up in Peshtigo for free George Webb burgers after teams 12th straight win Coulter said the trip provides healing for veterans, specifically mentioning those who served in Vietnam and didnt get much of a homecoming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Especially [for our] Vietnam veterans who were not welcomed back, probably in the best way, the old glorys purpose is to give back a little bit, Coulter said. We are more than happy to help fund it in any way that we can. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. People visit the exhibition "My Friend: Bernhard Arp Sindberg" in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) COPENHAGEN, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The exhibition "My Friend: Bernhard Arp Sindberg" opened on Thursday at the China Cultural Center in Copenhagen, Denmark, with more than 100 representatives from China and Denmark attending the opening ceremony. Curated by students from Nanjing University, China, the exhibition retraces the life of Danish humanitarian Bernhard Arp Sindberg through photos, documents, artifacts and interactive displays. It focuses on his efforts to shelter and protect nearly 20,000 Chinese civilians at the Jiangnan Cement Plant during the Nanjing Massacre in late 1937 and early 1938. Chen Min, director of the German Department at Nanjing University, said the exhibition's title reflects how students perceive Sindberg, who came to China in his early twenties. "His courage, wisdom and kindness deeply inspire our students. To them, he is not only a friend but also a role model," Chen said. Chinese Ambassador to Denmark Wang Xuefeng praised Sindberg's legacy as a vivid symbol of China-Denmark friendship. "For decades, the Chinese people have never forgotten him," Wang said, adding that commemorating Sindberg also serves as a reminder to cherish peace and work together for a better future. Mariann Arp Andersen, chairperson of the Sindberg Foundation and Sindberg's niece, and Ole Sindberg, his half-brother, also attended the ceremony. They said they were touched by China's efforts to honor Sindberg's memory. The exhibition will run until early September. This photo taken on Aug. 21, 2025 shows the opening ceremony of the exhibition "My Friend: Bernhard Arp Sindberg" in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) Mariann Arp Andersen (L, front), chairperson of the Sindberg Foundation and Bernhard Arp Sindberg's niece, and Ole Sindberg (R, front), Bernhard Arp Sindberg's half-brother, attend the opening ceremony of the exhibition "My Friend: Bernhard Arp Sindberg" in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Aug. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) The IDF took Abu-Hussein for comprehensive tests at a hospital, after which he will meet his family. An Israeli citizen who had been imprisoned in Lebanon for about a year returned to Israel on Thursday afternoon, thePrime Ministers Office said on behalf of the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch. Saleh Abu-Hussein was transferred at the Rosh Hanikra crossing from the Lebanese authorities to Hirsch after negotiations in recent months with the assistance of the Red Cross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following initial questioning and a preliminary medical examination, the IDF took Abu-Hussein for comprehensive tests at a hospital, after which he will meet his family. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation by security forces. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Abu-Husseins return and thanked Hirsch and all those involved in his release. Vehicles with returning residents and a UN vehicle stand amid destroyed buildings in the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila, as Israeli troops withdrew from most of south Lebanon, in Lebanon, February 19, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/EMILIE MADI) He had been imprisoned since July of last year. Saleh had been imprisoned since July of last year The released captive was imprisoned in Lebanon in July 2024, according to KAN, which also reported that no one was released in exchange for him. At the time of Abu-Husseins release, there are still 50 hostages still held captive in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terrorist groups in the Strip may consider moving hostages to Gaza City as a means to deter the planned takeover by the IDF of the area, according to a Sunday report by the Saudi-owned, London-based outlet Asharq Al-Awsat. This is a developing story. Elder Quentin L. Cook met in Argentina Wednesday with the countrys leader, President Javier Milei. It was a remarkable meeting that could not have been more friendly, warm and engaging, Elder Cook said in a social media post. We talked about many topics, which include the 100th anniversary of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ being preached in South America, Elder Cook wrote. How grateful we are for friendly connections with special individuals and leaders across the globe as we strive to build faith in Jesus Christ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square arrived in Argentina on Monday as part of its international, multiyear Songs of Hope tour. Elder Cooks meeting with Milei included Mike Leavitt, president of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Also in the meeting was the director of Church Hosting, former U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, and Elder Joaquin E. Costa, president of the churchs South America South Area. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with President Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, today, August 20, 2025. It was a remarkable meeting that could not have been more friendly, warm, and engaging. We talked about many topics, which include the 100th anniversary of pic.twitter.com/DnrTzqlU3y Quentin L. Cook (@CookQuentinL) August 20, 2025 Were an exclamation point in a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ in South America, Leavitt said of the choir and orchestras tour stop. The stop includes three concerts. The first was held Tuesday. The others are scheduled for Friday and Saturday. This is the first time the choir has performed in Argentina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milei received what is popularly called the Jewish Nobel during a session of Israels Knesset on June 11, according to The Associated Press. The honor, officially called the Genesis Prize, comes with a $1 million award. Milei and the Genesis Prize Foundation announced last week that his $1 million in prize money will be used to launch a new nonprofit, the American Friends of the Isaac Accords, according to the Los Angeles Times. Milei is the first head of state to win the prize. He was raised Catholic but his great-great-grandfather was a rabbi. Latter-day Saint leaders regularly meet with political and other leaders around the world. Church leaders do not endorse political candidates but work with national and international leaders on projects ranging from humanitarian aid to education and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elder Cook and other apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ have met with political and religious leaders around the world. President Russell M. Nelson, for example, visited with leaders in several countries during a South American ministry tour in 2018. He also met with Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome in 2019. EBENSBURG, Pa. Arguments in a class-action lawsuit filed against the pharmacy benefit management company Express Scripts as well as UPMC and Highmark health plans have been delayed by a disagreement over whether the case should be decided in county or federal court. The class-action suit was filed in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas on Friday, on the day Express Scripts planned to drop the Martellas Pharmacy chain from the UPMC and Highmark networks. As a pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM, Express Scripts contracts with pharmacies to participate in networks of health insurers. Martellas has long been contracted as an in-network pharmacy for UPMC and Highmark, but Express Scripts has said it intends to remove the local pharmacy from those plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Express Scripts faces opioid lawsuit in West Virginia as class-action in Cambria County unfolds West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey filed a federal lawsuit Friday alleging Evernorth Health and its Express Scripts subsidiaries violated West Virginia and federal law in multiple ways. The lawsuit was filed to prevent a change that would upend pharmaceutical care for thousands of people, Martellas supporters have said. The Scanlon & Wojton law firm filed the case on behalf of approximately 300 Martellas Pharmacy patients, along with a preliminary petition for injunctive relief. The injunctive relief was granted Friday by Cambria County Judge Michael Carbonara, who has ordered Express Scripts to keep the status quo with Martellas while the class-action lawsuit is litigated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cambria judge orders Express Scripts to pause Martella's network termination for now; hearing set for Wednesday A Cambria County judge has ordered pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts to pause for now its plan to drop a Johnstown pharmacy chain from its network. That order, keeping Martellas service uninterrupted through the duration of the case, is expected to stay in place even as Express Scripts seeks to transfer the case to federal court, said attorney Matt Scanlon, of Scanlon & Wojton. The injunction should stay in place, pending federal court ruling, he said in an email. On Tuesday, Express Scripts filed a motion to transfer the case to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, a hearing scheduled for Wednesday at the Cambria County Courthouse in Ebensburg was canceled, along with all further proceedings for the case at the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas unless and until the case is remanded. Martella's customers, Pittsburgh firm filing lawsuit to halt pharmacy's contract termination A Pittsburgh law firm is filing a class-action suit against Express Scripts to block the nation's largest pharmacy benefits manager from terminating a contract with Martella's Pharmacy. In its court filings, Express Scripts argues that the case should be moved because the plaintiffs claims are preempted by federal law regulating employee benefit plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Express Scripts, the plaintiffs allege Martellas should be part of UPMC and Highmark plans in-network pharmacy benefits, which includes plans extended by employers to employees. Decisions on whether certain facilities are in-network or out-of-network involve the administration of benefits, rendering them preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA, the federal law that regulates employee benefit plans, according to Express Scripts court filings. Scanlon disagrees. In response to Express Scripts filing for removal of the case to federal court, Scanlon filed a motion to have the case remanded back to the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Scanlon, the plaintiffs claims have nothing to do with the benefit plans themselves and do not present federal ERISA issues. Scanlons court filings said the case should be remanded to Cambria County because the plaintiffs filed state law claims on issues such as unfair competition, collusion, patient steering and price fixing. The basis for the lawsuit is the anticipated physical, mental, emotional damages the class plaintiffs will suffer as a result of the PBM terminating the contractual relationship with Martellas and other providers, Scanlons court filings said. Arizona tribal leaders struck back after President Donald Trump called opponents of a planned copper mine at Oak Flat "anti-American," suggesting they were allied with other copper-producing countries like China. Trump posted comments on Truth Social on Aug. 19, hours after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily halted a land exchange that would allow Resolution Copper to build the mine on a site east of Phoenix held sacred by the Apache people and other Indigenous communities. "Those that fought (the mine) are Anti-American, and representing other Copper competitive Countries," Trump wrote, while claiming that the 9th Circuit Court is "a Radical Left Court." He did not include any evidence to support his claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, 10 of the judges on the 9th Circuit's panel are Trump appointees; another three are Republican-appointed justices, while the remaining 16 judges in the circuit court are Democratic appointees, according to the legal news outlet Daily Journal. The president also said the U.S. needs copper now. "We cant continue to allow this to happen to the U.S.A.!" Trump said. In a Facebook post on Aug. 20, San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler hit back: "As first Americans, the San Carlos Apache Tribe agrees on the importance of protecting Americas interests," he said, but "the Presidents comments mirror misinformation that has been repeated by foreign mining interests that want to extract American copper." Rambler also pointed out that a Chinese company, Chinalco, is the largest shareholder of Rio Tinto and BHP, the two British-Australian firms that jointly own Resolution Copper. "Of course their interest is in mining this copper and shipping it to China." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With just three smelters in the U.S., and one of those currently non-functional, mines have been shipping crushed ore to China for processing for years. Trump meets with mining execs Tribes, environmentalists and their allies have been fighting for nearly two decades to stop the government from handing over Oak Flat, currently a campground in the Tonto National Forest, to Resolution Copper in exchange for other environmentally sensitive lands in Arizona. Resolution had pursued the land exchange with the Forest Service for about 10 years before it became attached as a last-minute rider to a defense bill by lawmakers led by the late Sen. John McCain in December 2014. The annual appropriations for the nation's defense infrastructure are known as "must-pass" bills, and are virtually veto-proof. A series of legal challenges worked through the courts trying to halt the land exchange, but days before the land swap was expected to move ahead, a federal judge in Phoenix rejected the latest arguments in two separate cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs in the cases immediately appealed the decision to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court, which issued the temporary restraining order. The court gave all parties a deadline of Oct. 14 for response and answer documents to be rendered to the court. Reuters reported that Trump met with the CEOs of Rio Tinto and BHP, Resolution's owners and with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on Aug. 19. Rio Tinto officials said they were confident the court will ultimately affirm the land transfer, the news service reported. BHP CEO Mike Henry thanked Trump and Burgum in a post on social media "for their strong leadership to reinvigorate mining and processing supply chains in and for America." Pres. Donald Trump met with the CEOs of Rio Tinto and BHP and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum Aug. 19, 2025. Wendsler Nosie, head of grassroots group Apache Stronghold, which has led a community-based effort to defeat the mine, also weighed in on Trump's post. "Today, President Trump said he wants to destroy our holy ground of Oak Flat so a foreign-owned corporation can send copper to China," Nosie said. "Whether youre Republican, Democrat, or neither, that is a terrible deal for the American people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nosie asked if the nation respects religious freedom, and if the U.S. will safeguard the environment for its children and grandchildren, or sacrifice it for corporate greed. The Arizona Republic reached out to the White House, the Interior Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for comment on the meeting but did not receive a response. Ground zero for a 1st Amendment battle over Indigenous religious rights 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. 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 Arizona's Copper Triangle, where mining has been a part of the economy for more than 100 years. The Oak Flat mine has been tied up in the courts for years. 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, agreed to join attorneys Michael Nixon and Clifford Levinson and a group of law professors to represent Apache Stronghold, which includes Apache and other Native peoples and their allies. The grassroots group has also gained the support of many faith leaders including Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Jews, as well as environmentalists, recreation enthusiasts and other tribes. Nosie said in his statement that people of all political parties have joined Apache Stronghold to oppose the mine. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Apache Stronghold asked the high court to reconsider its decision and agree to hear the case. They amended their request in July. In August, Lanza heard the San Carlos and environmentalists' lawsuits Aug. 6. He turned down their requests to halt the land exchange Aug. 15. Newest litigation references recent Supreme Court ruling In addition to the other two lawsuits to be heard by a three-judge panel at the 9th Circuit, a third seeks to leverage a pivotal religious rights protection ruling. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new lawsuit, which the women's attorneys referred to as the Lopez case, 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. The Supreme Court ruled that parents have a right to direct the religious upbringing of their children and that their right could be undermined by laws that pose a very real threat of undermining the religious beliefs and practices that parents wish to instill in their children. Lopez and her three co-plaintiffs said that obliterating Oak Flat would undermine their right to raise their children in their religious beliefs because Oak Flat is the only place of worship where they could exercise their First Amendment rights. Lanza rejected their arguments to block the exchange Aug. 17, and the women joined the appeal to the 9th Circuit. "We are grateful that the imminent violation of our clients constitutional and statutory rights has been averted, and we will continue to fight to secure that protection permanently," said Miles Coleman, one of the attorneys for the four women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(The mining companies) will dig up $160 billion in copper and, under current law, pay almost no royalties," Rambler said. "This proposed mine is a rip-off, will destroy a sacred area, decimates our environment, threatens our water rights, and is bad for America. I am willing to sit down with the Trump administration and provide factual information to protect American interests." "If we destroy our sacred land and poison our environment, we are betraying our children and grandchildren and hurting ourselves," Nosie said. "The future of the entire human race is at stake." 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: Tribes fire back after Trump calls Oak Flat mine critics un-American LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Construction for the National Center for Opioid Research & Clinical Effectiveness has begun and is expected to open in 2027. The center will be dedicated to understanding the effects of opioid and other substance misuse in children, pregnant individuals and parents. It will also offer research and community outreach to affected families and to improve health outcomes. Together Arkansas relaunches to encourage opioid recovery-friendly workplaces Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said NCOR plans programs including the Eat, Sleep, Console Care Approach for newborns with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, a home-visiting program and a game-based intervention to prevent adolescent prescription drug misuse. The center also plans to train at least 150 healthcare providers across Arkansas to identify children and youth at risk for opioid and substance use exposure and provide timely interventions, officials said. The Arkansas Childrens Hospital and Attorney General Tim Griffin partnered for the new center. Griffin awarded $55 million of opioid and vaping settlement funds. Arkansas Childrens is investing the remaining $20 million for the center. Harbor Home set to open new home in Vilonia to house women in addiction recovery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin said NCOR will be the first research center of its kind in the country and will enhance Arkansass reputation as a national leader in health care. The 65,000-square-foot facility will be located on the Arkansas Childrens Hospital campus in Little Rock. Behavioral epidemiologist Dr. Alicia Allen will serve as the centers director. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Getty Images) Plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Arkansas LEARNS Act argued in federal court filings this week that they have standing in the case and asked a judge to reject a motion to dismiss the suit. The LEARNS Act is a 2023 law that made sweeping changes to Arkansas K-12 education system. Among other things, the law raised the states minimum teacher salary to $50,000 and created a school voucher program called the Educational Freedom Account program, which allows state funds to be used for allowable education expenses such as private school tuition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a lawsuit filed June 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, four parents and legal guardians of public school children argue the EFA program violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment because it aids in the establishment of religions by providing state funding to private schools operated by religious organizations. The program also violates the Equal Protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because it discriminates against low-income families who cannot afford private school costs, families in rural areas where there are fewer private schools and students with disabilities because private schools are exempt from the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, according to the complaint. The program is also discriminatory because private schools are not held to the same standards as public schools, the complaint states. Additionally, the plaintiffs argue the EFA program violates the Arkansas Constitution because it requires taxpayers to contribute to religious private schools. The complaint asks the court to declare the EFA program unconstitutional and issue an injunction blocking its implementation. Plaintiffs in the case, Gwen Faulkenberry, Special Renee Sanders, Anika Whitfield and Kimberly Crutchfield, are also plaintiffs in a separate but similar lawsuit filed last summer in Pulaski County Circuit Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendants in the federal case include the Arkansas Department of Education, Education Secretary Jacob Oliva, the Arkansas State Board of Education, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and DFA Secretary Jim Hudson. The Arkansas attorney generals office on July 28 filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that plaintiffs lacked standing and failed to state claims. The AGs office also argued that plaintiffs claims against the governor should be dismissed because of sovereign immunity, a legal doctrine that the state cannot be sued in its own courts. In a brief in support of the motion to dismiss, Attorney General Tim Griffin argues that plaintiffs fail to allege an injury for their equal protection claim because they dont state they are able and ready to apply for the program if it werent for the alleged discriminatory policy. The plaintiffs lack standing, Griffin asserts, because the alleged injury of not having a private school in their community, being unable to gain admission to that private school or being unable to afford the tuition would be traceable to school owners and not the defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin also argues that Plaintiffs do not understand what the federal Establishment Clause prohibits, noting that parents direct state funds to pay for private-school tuition, homeschooling and other expenses. Yet they believe that because some parents decide to direct those funds to religious schools (of all stripes), the LEARNS Act furthers a religious purpose, fosters an excessive government entanglement with religion, and violates the Establishment Clause, Griffin writes. Additionally, Griffin states that plaintiffs disregard a long line of Supreme Court cases holding that private individuals directing government funds to religious institutions doesnt violate the Establishment Clause. The attorney general also rejected the plaintiffs claims that the EFA program violates the Arkansas Constitution by directing state funds to private schools because the money can go to religious schools tied to a variety of denominations as well as secular schools. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs argue in their response brief filed Monday that they do not lack standing because they are parents of children attending public schools and taxpayers whose taxes contribute to the EFA program that is the subject of the lawsuit. They rebut the states contention that the plaintiffs have not suffered injury, noting that Special Renee Sanders is the mother of a student with a disability who would be reluctant to apply for the EFA program because it requires her to waive the rights she and her child have under the federal IDEA law. Therefore, states are offering an educational program that has unequal access for students with disabilities, raising constitutional concerns when access is not impeded in the same way for students without disabilities, the brief states. The plaintiffs call parents ability to direct the EFA funding to a chosen school a misguided attempt to circumvent the restrictions in the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and Article 2, Section 24 of the Arkansas Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the majority of the schools participating in the program are religious, plaintiffs argue it is impossible to separate the benefit to the sectarian school from the benefit to the student, and that those schools not the students, who are merely instruments in enabling the schools to obtain the money are the primary beneficiaries of the LEARNS Act Voucher Program. Plaintiffs called on the court to deny the motion to dismiss on all counts, and issue a scheduling order that allows reasonable time for discovery, motions and a final hearing. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Parakou, Benin Until a few years ago, the sound of Iliyasu Yahuzas matte black Qlink X-Ranger 200 motorbike would bring the neighbourhood children out into the street. They would abandon their games and rush to the roadside, waving excitedly and shouting his name. Now, they scatter and hide. And it is not just the children; across all walks of life in the remote villages of northern Benin, the rumble of a motorbike engine now stirs fear and terror as its become synonymous with armed fighters roaming the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Yahuza, a 34-year-old trader who has spent years navigating the bumpy roads between remote farms and local markets, the switch cuts deep. His motorbike was once a symbol of success in his community in rural Brignamaro, some 500km (310 miles) away from the capital city, Porto-Novo. Now, he feels its a liability that marks him as a potential threat. People have begun seeing me as a member of the armed group launching attacks in this region, Yahuza told Al Jazeera. I no longer feel secure riding a motorbike. In recent years, motorcycles have become the preferred mode of transport for armed groups operating not only in Benin, but across the Sahel from Burkina Faso to Mali to Niger. Fighters on motorbikes have changed the face of conflict, experts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a 2023 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), motorbikes are one of the most widely trafficked commodities in the Sahel, deeply embedded in the regions criminal economy, and indispensable to the violent extremist armed groups operating in West Africas borderlands. In the process, public sentiment towards these vehicles, and those who drive them, has shifted, with a shadow now cast over daily riders like Yahuza. Motorcycle taxi drivers wait for the traffic light to turn green at a roundabout in Ouidah, Benin [File: Sunday Alamba/AP] Pride before the fall Life in Brignamaro used to move to a different rhythm years ago, Yahuza remembers. Childrens laughter chased the echo of his Qlink X-Ranger at that time a rarity in these parts as his peers looked on in admiration and delight. The shift began in 2023, when approximately 12 suspected armed fighters, all mounted on motorbikes, attacked his community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They terrorised the village and kidnapped a known businessman. Throughout that year, similar incidents rippled across northern Benins provinces, from Alibori to Tanguita and Materi. The pattern was always the same. Armed men would arrive fast, strike hard, and disappear into the landscape on their versatile machines. As a businessman dealing in soya beans, maize, and groundnuts, Yahuza had chosen his motorbike for purely practical reasons. The vehicle could navigate the rough terrain connecting scattered farming communities, and would last longer than ordinary motorcycles. That was the major reason I chose the motorbike. Also, it lasts longer than an ordinary motorcycle and for that, it takes about two years before I change one, he explained. But more recently, practicality has given way to paranoia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security forces regularly stop Yahuza, demanding documentation and explanations. Even minor disagreements with neighbours can take on sinister undertones. The locals in my community are raising eyebrows at me. I could remember having a minor misunderstanding with a colleague, and he was quick to profile me as a militant, he recounted. Democratic Forces of Syria troops ride with ISIL fighters held as prisoners in Syria in 2016. Toyota pick-up trucks were synonymous with armed groups during Syrias war [File: Rodi Said/Reuters] Weapon of choice Much like the Toyota pick-up trucks that became synonymous with ISIL (ISIS) fighters in Syria and Iraq more than a decade ago, motorbikes have emerged as the tactical vehicle of choice for Sahelian fighters. Groups like al-Qaeda affiliate Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), with an estimated 6,000 fighters forming the regions most heavily armed rebel force, have perfected the art of motorcycle warfare. Fast, nimble, and easy to conceal, these bikes enable hit-and-run tactics perfectly suited to the Sahels vast, sparsely populated terrain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early 2025 alone, JNIM fighters launched a coordinated campaign of attacks: 30 soldiers killed in Benin, more than 50 people near Kobe in Mali, 44 worshippers in Nigers Fambita, and 200 troops at Burkina Fasos Djibo military outpost. In each assault, motorbikes provided the speed and surprise that made these attacks possible. Motorbikes have become a critical mobility tool for terrorists, including bandits across the Sahel, explained Timothy Avele, a counterterrorism expert and managing director of Agent-X Security Limited. The appeal is multifaceted, according to the expert. Concealment becomes easier when fighters can scatter and hide their vehicles. The Sahels challenging terrain, with desert expanses, dense forests, and mountainous regions, favours two-wheeled transport over larger vehicles. Perhaps most importantly, the economics work in the fighters favour. Another key factor is the lower fuel cost using motorbikes for their operations and mobility compared to, say, Hilux trucks, Avele added. People ride motorcycles at a busy intersection near Dantokpa Market in Cotonou [File: David Gnaha/AFP] Built to last In the workshop of Abdulmajeed Yorusunonbi in Tchatchou, some 510km (317 miles) from Porto-Novo, the 31-year-old mechanic swears by the durability of these machines. As a local mechanic, he sees firsthand why armed groups favour these vehicles over ordinary motorcycles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only simple fault motorbikes sometimes get is flat tires. Its only on rare occasions that you will see the engine needing a repair. Their durability is second to none, Yorusunonbi noted. This reliability makes them perfect for rebel operations, where mechanical failure could mean capture or death. But it also means that once acquired, these vehicles remain in the hands of armed fighters for years, multiplying their tactical value. Like many in his trade, Yorusunonbi has developed his own informal screening system to filter out unscrupulous clients. He watches for telltale signs customers who pay in cash without haggling, those who avoid eye contact, or groups arriving together. But in a region where poverty is widespread and many legitimate customers share these same traits, certainty remains elusive. The psychological impact on communities has been profound. Yaru Mako, 41, a farmer in Kerou, 482km (300 miles) from Porto-Novo, told Al Jazeera he now forces himself to believe that whoever drives a motorbike has affiliations with the armed groups. Because in all the cases of attacks we have had and heard, the perpetrators always used motorbikes. Mostly, they are two persons per motorbike, he explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This suspicion has real consequences. In early 2024, Yahuza found himself detained for hours by soldiers in Kerou who questioned his identity and motives. Only his local connections saved him from a worse fate. I was lucky that I know many people who properly identified me as an innocent person, he said. Junaidu Woru, a Tanguita resident, voices what many now believe: that non-fighters should abandon motorbikes entirely for their own safety. Innocent people should avoid using those bikes for their own safety. Because when an attack happens, and an innocent person drives around the area at that particular time, they can be mistaken for a militant, he warned. A man sits on his motorbike at the main market in the town of Agadez, Niger. Motorbikes are one of the most widely trafficked commodities in the Sahel, researchers say [File: Akintunde Akinleye/Reuters] The underground economy The flow of motorbikes into the hands of armed groups follows complex routes through West Africas porous borders. Benin, once a major importer of motorcycles, saw its official trade disrupted in 2022 when new taxes were imposed, including higher VAT rates and import levies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before that, motorcycles were exempt from import duties. The government later imposed customs levies to boost domestic revenue, a fiscally driven move. However, the policy spurred increased smuggling through border hotspots like Malanville and Hillacondji, raising security concerns about untracked vehicles potentially reaching criminal groups in the Sahel. According to traders in northern Benin, these measures have pushed the trade underground, with buyers increasingly sourcing bikes from neighbouring countries and smuggling them across borders. The motorcycles enter through various routes; from Nigeria across the northern border into Niger, or through Beninese territory, where they are loaded onto pirogues and transported upstream on the River Niger. In Parakous markets, Zubair Sabi sells motorbikes like Yahuzas Qlink X-Ranger 200 for about 900,000 CFA francs ($1,590). Some models fetch more than one million CFA ($1,770), while others sell for as low as 750,000 CFA ($1,330), prices that put them within reach of well-funded armed groups. As a businessman, all Im interested in is selling my goods, Sabi said, before acknowledging the moral complexity of his position. I dont mind verifying the identity of the customer before selling to them. But I cant really say who exactly is buying the bikes or what they are using them for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like other traders, Sabi has implemented informal checks, asking for identification, noting suspicious bulk purchases, or refusing sales to unknown customers arriving in groups. Yet, he admits, these measures are far from foolproof. Governments across the Sahel have responded with blunt instruments, with at least 43 motorcycle bans having been recorded since 2012, according to GI-TOC. Yet these sweeping restrictions often hurt civilians more than armed fighters, cutting off rural communities from markets, clinics and schools. For traders like Yahuza, the situation presents an impossible dilemma. Without his motorbike, he cannot reach the remote farms where farmers sell their produce. With it, he risks being mistaken for the very criminals terrorising his community. Its not just about riding any more, he reflected. Its about what people think when they see you on it. This article is published in collaboration with Egab. Soldiers will have the chance to attend the Armys first official drone course to become experts in flying, building, and repairing them in combat. Officials at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Alabama, announced the launch of its Unmanned Advanced Lethality Course this week. The training is just one part of the U.S. militarys recent efforts to catch up on unmanned systems, which have seen wide use on battlefields across the globe for the past decade. For the Armys course, soldiers first attend three weeks of classroom instruction on a variety of commercial drones and complete 20 to 25 hours of simulated flying. The course uses commercially available simulators essentially, video games to build foundational flying skills, said Leslie Herlick, a spokesperson for the Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research indicates that dedicating 25 or more hours to simulators like Liftoff, VelociDrone, or the Drone Racing League can demonstrably improve real-world flight performance, Herlick said. Top Stories This Week News 2-star general busted down to lieutenant colonel over inappropriate relationship By Jeff Schogol News Marines investigating social media post that appears to mock potential recruit By Jeff Schogol News 4,500 Marines and sailors deploy to Caribbean for anti-cartel mission By Nicholas Slayton After playing drone video games, soldiers head out to the field and practice flying in urban warfare settings. One scenario that soldiers face includes receiving specific enemy target locations and having to employ a reconnaissance or surveillance drone. After positively identifying a target, soldiers practice taking them out with First Person Viewer, FPV, or one-way attack drones, Herlick said, noting that the course is currently using balloons to simulate the effects of drone strikes, to minimize destroying valuable drone systems during the training basically to save money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students also learn how to manufacture and repair drone parts with computer-aided design software and 3D printers that use resin, filament, and carbon fiber materials. There are currently 28 soldiers from across the Army completing the course and they hail from a variety of backgrounds like infantry, cavalry and aviation. Many of the students are drone hobbyists, while others were previously certified as drone master trainers and are part of the Armys Transform in Contact Units. Herlick said the course was designed to be broadly applicable and not tied to soldiers from a specific Military Occupational Specialty or unit. Officials said in an Aug. 18 news release that Fort Rucker will become the advanced drone training site for select soldiers. Get Task & Purpose in your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for Task & Purpose Today to get the latest in military news each morning. Sign Up By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The course has soldiers train with five commercially available systems that are on the Department of Defenses Blue UAS Cleared List which lays out which commercially available drones are approved for federal use. Army officials declined to name the specific systems. Officials acknowledged that the military has been slow to institutionalize its drone training across the force. This course is a catch-up, Capt. Rachel Martin, the course director who created the curriculum in three months, said in the release. Were behind globally, and this is our aggressive attempt to close that gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, the Army was chosen to lead the Pentagons interagency task force to coordinate the militarys different drone programs, but the services drone expertise has mostly evolved through unit-level efforts, such as the 173rd Airborne Brigades drone lab, which teaches soldiers how to build FPV drones. Maj. Wolf Amacker, chief of the aviation centers drone directorate, said in the release that its the first drone-specific proficiency course developed under U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, which is responsible for setting the training standards and requirements that soldiers have to meet to be ready for combat. While some units have proactively developed their own internal training programs addressing similar concepts, this course represents a standardized, Army-wide approach to this critical capability, Herlick said. This centralized training aims to ensure a consistent and effective baseline of proficiency across the force. ST.MARTINVILLE, La. (KLFY) Additional arrests have been made in the investigation of Iris Daviss death, police said. According to the St. Martinville Police Department, three individuals were arrested and charged with the following Eugene Taylor- Contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Grace Taylor- Contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Cruelty to a juvenile. Dorian Savoy- Contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives said Davis was last seen at her home on July 13 and was reported missing four days later on July 17. Authorities discovered and confirmed that her body was found lying in a field on Maraist Street near her home July 21. Dorian Savoy, 25, was arrested and charged with failure to report a homicide in connection with the investigation. Desmond Flugence, 43, and Darren Francis, 33, were also taken into custody by the St. Martinville Police Department. The arrests occurred on Marist Street, where both men lived across from each other. No further details were released. We will update as more information announced. Individuals arrested in connection to the Iris Davis investigation. 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. The mother of a woman who was shot dead in her own home said the past three years had been a "living nightmare" on the third anniversary of her murder. Ashley Dale, 28, was killed when a gunman opened fire in her house in the early hours of 21 August 2022 in the Old Swan area of Liverpool. Her boyfriend Lee Harrison, whose refusal to co-operate with police after the murder earned him the contempt of Ms Dale's family, had been the intended target of the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julie Dale, Ashley's mother, said her daughter had been killed in "the one place where she should have been safe". "The past three years have been a living nightmare trying to come to terms with what has happened to Ashley and navigating a life and future without her in it," she said. Ms Dale was killed when James Witham, armed with a Skorpion machine-pistol capable of emptying its magazine in less than a second, fired bullets into her home on Leinster Road. Outside, getaway driver Joseph Peers waited for Witham to return. The two-man team had been dispatched by Niall Barry and Sean Zeisz, over an escalating feud with Harrison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The origin of the row turned out to be rooted in a years' old falling out over a burglary at a stash-house controlled by Barry, where drugs worth about 40,000 were stolen. Harrison was associated with a gang known to police and the local community as the Hillsiders, named after the Hillside area of Huyton where he had grown up, the court heard. During the murder trial, jurors at Liverpool Crown Court were told that Barry had discovered the Hillsiders had stolen his drugs, and was angry that Harrison refused to weigh in on his behalf. The row appeared to re-ignite when Barry and his associate Sean Zeisz had a row with Harrison and his friend, Jordan Thompson, at Glastonbury music festival in July 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things escalated further when a man called Rikki Warnick took his own life later the same month. Messages between Barry and Zeisz, recovered by police, suggested that they had come to believe that Mr Warnick had been "bullied" by Mr Thompson - a member of the Hillsiders known by his street name Dusty, the trial was told. Zeisz also discovered Mr Thompson was seeing his ex-girlfriend, the court heard. It was against this background of organised crime and petty personal slights that Barry and Zeisz formed a plan to harm Harrison - although the exact catalyst was unclear. Barry, Zeisz, Witham and Peers were all convicted of Ms Dale's murder and were given life sentences with minimum terms between 41 and 47 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrison was handed a five-year prison sentence in February for selling crack-cocaine and heroin across north-west England and north Wales in 2024. "After Ashley's murder we were told that crime reporting had risen significantly," said her mother. "This heinous crime had shaken the community and people had had enough. "We count ourselves one of the 'lucky' ones as we have been able to get justice for Ashley." James Witham, left, who fired the sub-machine gun and Joseph Peers, right, were found guilty of murder [Merseyside Police] Merseyside Police was given funding by the Home Office for an operation called Clear, Hold, Build, known locally as EVOLVE following the death of Ashley, along with nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel and 22-year-old Sam Rimmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was designed to reclaim areas worst affected by serious and organised crime and rebuild safer and stronger communities. Mrs Dale has joined the campaign - alongside other victims' families - to urge communities to "speak out" against violent crime. "Sadly, there are families who are still waiting for their justice knowing that their loved one's killers are still out there walking our streets," she said. 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 HOUSTON, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Texas GOP-dominated House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a redistricting bill aimed at garnering five new congressional seats for Republicans in the U.S. midterm elections next year. The state House passed the redrawn congressional map by a vote of 88 to 52 along party lines. The vote came after a two-week delay when more than 50 Texas Democratic lawmakers stayed out of the state in protest against the rare mid-decade redistricting plan. On Wednesday at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Democratic lawmakers introduced 12 amendments to the redistricting bill, but Republicans rejected all of them. The state Senate, also controlled by Republicans, is expected to vote for the bill later this week and send the legislation to Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott. If enacted, it would reshape districts across Texas, including pairing some residents of the Democratic-leaning capital of Austin in central Texas with voters nearly 300 miles away in the state's rural north. The current congressional map in Texas was drawn in 2021, with Republicans having 25 seats out of Texas's 38. Pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Texas Republicans proposed new congressional lines in late July to divide up existing districts in Austin, Houston and Dallas in a bid to garner five more seats. In response, California's Governor Gavin Newsom said last Thursday that the Democratic state would redraw the state's congressional districts mid-decade "to respond to what's happening in Texas." His plan would allow one-time adjustments in 2026, 2028 and 2030, which could get Democrats five more U.S. House seats to bolster their current 43-9 majority. On Tuesday, Republican lawmakers in California filed a lawsuit with the California Supreme Court to stop Newsom's plan, citing legislative process wrongdoing. On the second day of testimony in the trial of a former state trooper charged with vehicular homicide, first responders described how they attended to the four injured teenagers at the crash scene. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Two of those teens, 17-year-old Kylie Lindsey and 16-year-old Isabella Chinchilla, died in the hospital. The crash happened along U.S. 27 in Carroll County in September 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say the trooper, Anthony A.J. Scott, was driving up to 90 mph at night without lights and sirens. The cruiser crashed into the teens Nissan Sentra. John McCorsley was a Bremen firefighter who responded and treated one of the teens who did not survive. He testified that he placed her neck in a brace and tried to keep her stable and calm. I was treating her as if it was a head injury because she kept repeating that she wanted to call her mom, wanted to call her mom, he said. Marcus Shanks is a Carrollton firefighter who was in the ambulance with Lindsey. She told me her first name and she asked for her mom, he said. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramedic Jessica Polk attended to the driver, Dillon Wall. I do remember talking to him on the way to the hospital, she said. He was starting to ask questions. Was everyone OK? Are my friends OK? At the time, I told him I didnt know because I truly didnt. The prosecution showed photographs of the crash scene where beer containers and liquor bottles could be seen in and around the teens car. Investigators testified that despite the presence of alcohol, there was insufficient evidence to charge the driver with driving under the influence. Scott, the defendant, was fired from the Georgia State Patrol after the crash and went on to become the mayor of Buchanan, in Haralson County, where hes still in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving and speeding. He could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted. This is the second time Scott is being tried for the case. A judge declared a mistrial in 2019, saying the prosecution withheld evidence. The DeKalb County District Attorneys Office is now prosecuting the case. Testimony is expected to resume on Friday. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Angelo State University (ASU) has announced through a press release that it has been listed by The Princeton Review as one of the countrys best institutions for undergraduate education. This is an honor that goes to only about 15% of the nations nearly 2,400 four-year colleges and ASU made it in the top 391 schools according to ASU. ASU is one of 14 Texas institutions and one of only six Texas public universities to make the 2026 Best Colleges list. ASU is one of 14 Texas institutions and one of only six Texas public universities to make the 2026 Best Colleges list. On a scale of 60-99, ASU received an Admissions Rating of 83, a Financial Aid Rating of 88, a Fire Safety Rating of 89, a Professors Interesting Rating of 91, a Professors Accessible Rating of 93 and a Quality-of-Life Rating of 93 stated the press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This quote was included in the press release: Angelo State University has outstanding academic programs, and the feedback we received about ASU from its students we surveyed was very impressive, said Rob Franek, TPR editor-in-chief. We are delighted to name Angelo State one of our Best Colleges for 2026 and to recommend it to students searching for their best-fit college. The President of ASU Ronnie Hawkins said that to receive such positive feedback from our students is a great way to start the new academic year. But we cannot rest on our laurels. said Hawkins. We must continue to provide our students with innovative and impactful academic and campus life programs that they value so they can be successful and significant in their careers and communities. As we close in on Angelo States centennial in 2028, we will take a moment to be proud of this accomplishment and then resume our efforts to Lead the Charge toward an even brighter future for our students and our region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rapper Lil Nas X was arrested and taken to the hospital in Los Angeles early Thursday morning, sources told ABC News. ABC News learned that the 26-year-old, whose real name is Montero Hill, was nearly naked when he was taken into custody. [READ: Atlanta rapper Lil Nas X hospitalized, says he lost control of his face] Sources say the Los Angeles Police Department got a call for a man in the road in his underwear. When they arrived, they identified the man as the Atlanta-native rapper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill reportedly did not go willingly and LAPD officers had to use some force, sources to ABC News. TRENDING STORIES: Its unclear what he was taken to the hospital for. Police are continuing their investigation. ABC has reached out to reps for Lil Nas X for comment. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) Almost three years after a deadly wrong-way crash in Springfield, a former Jan. 6 defendant convicted of causing the crash was sentenced to 17 years behind bars. Shane Woods, 47 of Auburn, was in the courtroom of Judge Ryan Cadigan on Tuesday to learn his fate following his conviction in May. After a three-day trial, a jury found Woods guilty of reckless homicide, aggravated DUI causing death, aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm and aggravated fleeing and eluding police. Iroquois Co. murder suspect found unfit for trial at this time Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury reached that verdict after hearing evidence that on Nov. 8, 2022, Woods was driving drunk, distraught at the notion of being sentenced for crimes committed at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He had pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and a journalist. Out of federal custody but facing sentencing, Woods was pulled over by a Divernon police officer for speeding; the officer reported that he could smell alcohol on Woods breath and that Woods made comments about taking his own life. Before the officer and an assisting Sangamon County Sheriffs deputy could take Woods into custody, he sped off in his truck and got onto I-55 going the wrong way. The truck subsequently crashed into two other vehicles. One car was driven by Lauren Wegner, a 35-year-old whose family said was living in Cook County at the time of the crash; she died at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other car was occupied by a senior couple from Granite City. Though seriously hurt, the couple survived. Woods was indicted on six counts for causing the crash, including first-degree murder, by a Sangamon County grand jury. Murder was chosen over reckless homicide because of Woods intent an Illinois State Trooper guarding him at the hospital reported that Woods told a family member he wanted to intentionally crash into a semi-truck. This, prosecutors said, meant Woods knew his actions created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm to another person, constituting murder under Illinois law. After the crash, Woods was sentenced by a federal judge to four years in prison for the assaults he committed on Jan. 6, 2021. But his continued detention in the Sangamon County Jail and a later pardon from President Donald Trump meant he never spent a day in federal custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UPDATE: Coroner IDs Champaign shooting victim When the murder case went to trial in May, the jury acquitted Woods of first-degree murder but found him guilty of reckless homicide. They also convicted him of aggravated DUI causing death, aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm and aggravated fleeing and eluding police. During sentencing on Tuesday, Judge Cadigan heard victim impact statements from the family and friends of Lauren Wegner and aggravating evidence presented by the state. Woods defense offered no mitigating evidence, but Woods did deliver a statement of his own for the record. After hearing the statements and evidence, Cadigan sentenced Woods to a total of 17 years in prison. The two aggravated DUI charges were merged for sentencing purposes and made up 14 years of Woods time in prison. The other three years were for aggravated fleeing and eluding. A concurrent five years were added for reckless homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he sentenced Woods, Cadigan gave him credit for 1,000 days already spent in custody. Once Woods is released from prison, he will be required to spend two years on mandatory supervised release. Woods was remanded to the Sangamon County Sheriffs office for transfer to the Illinois Department of Corrections. While his criminal case is over, he is still facing a civil lawsuit filed by the Wegner family, which accuses Woods of wrongful death. Other defendants in the lawsuit include the Village of Divernon and its Police Department, Sangamon County and its Sheriffs Office, and three law enforcement officers involved in the traffic stop before the crash. The next case management conference for that lawsuit is scheduled for Oct. 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 WCIA.com. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) At Augusta Regional, theyre working on landing a new airline, but need financial support to make it happen. Airports put together an MRG program, which is a minimum revenue guarantee, let me preference by saying that this is a program the airport themselves cannot fund due to FAA regulations, said Lauren Smith Assistant Director or Marketing. To come up with part of the revenue guarantee, the airport is reaching out to Augusta with a big dollar request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If its going to help us economically, lets give them the million dollars, if its going to bring us another carrier in, its a good thing for Augusta. Its a win-win for Augusta, said Commissioner Tony Lewis. The airport is asking for the one million dollars out of next years budget, which is already facing more a more than $7 million dollar shortfall but some commissioners are still on board. We need to grow the airport and if it means bringing in another carrier, Im all for it. Well just have to find the money and where well get it from, said Commissioner Francine Scott. Airport officials said theyre reaching out to other surrounding governments and businesses, not just Augusta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say they cant reveal yet what airline is being pursed and what the new direct flights would be. It is an ultra-low cost carrier so thats something the community has asked for as well. So we are talking to one airline in specific. Right now, were really trying to get momentum for this MGR program, said Smith. Smith did say the airport is interested in service to places like New York, Chicago and central Florida as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. A former SAS soldier is set to become the first Australian serviceman to face a war crimes trial after allegedly killing an unarmed Afghan farmer 13 years ago. Oliver Schulz, 43, has been charged over the death of villager Dad Mohammad, a father of two in his 20s, in May 2012. Helmet-cam footage allegedly shows Mr Schulz shooting the defenceless farmer three times in Dehjawze in the Uruzgan province in south Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If found guilty, Mr Schulz could face a life sentence. The special forces trooper was arrested in the Southern Highlands in New South Wales in March 2023 after footage of the alleged attack was shown on Australias public service broadcaster ABC three years earlier. On Wednesday, Greg Grogin, a Sydney court magistrate, committed the case to trial after nearly 18 months of delays. Earlier this year, Australian Defence Force (ADF) witnesses gave evidence in a committal hearing where the helmet-cam footage was repeatedly shown in court. Mr Schulz is facing a potential life sentence The video was taken from the helmet camera of a dog handler on patrol with Mr Schulz during an ADF mission, codenamed Objective Young Akira, to kill or capture a Taliban insurgent, the court heard. You want me to drop this c? It shows an SAS dog attacking Mr Mohammad in a wheat field before the dog is called off, prosecutors have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Schulz, who completed multiple tours of Afghanistan and was commended for his gallantry, then allegedly turns his weapon on the farmer who is lying on the ground and says three times: You want me to drop this c? The soldier fires three shots at Mr Mohammad, who had a newborn and toddler at the time of his death, the footage purports to show. Afghan villagers made the ADF aware of the killing months after the raid but he was cleared by military investigators who ruled Mr Mohammad posed a direct threat. Investigators were told the farmer, who had a condition that stunted growth in one leg, was holding a radio and was tactically manoeuvring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Schulz was already the first Australian charged with a war crime and the trial is set to begin in October at the supreme court. He was granted bail despite the seriousness of the alleged offence over fears he could be targeted in jail. Under the Commonwealth Criminal Code, a perpetrator who knowingly or recklessly kills a non-combatant constitutes the war crime of murder. Mr Schulz was stood down by the ADF after the ABC broadcast in 2020, prompting a public outcry with then-prime minister Scott Morrison branding the footage shocking. 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. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Investigators with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said it was made aware of a possible sighting in Kern County of a missing 7-month old child out of Yucaipa, but he has still not been found. Officials in San Bernardino on Wednesday said investigators followed up on reports of a possible sighting of Emmanuel Haro, but he remains missing. Mother of missing California 7-month-old baby has convicted killer in family Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson told 17 News on Wednesday there was no information on where in Kern County the possible sighting was. Kern County law enforcement was also made aware of the reported sighting, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said. 17 News reached out to the Kern County Sheriffs Office about the report but it did not know anything about the alleged sighting. The 7-month old was reported missing on Aug. 14. Haros mother told authorities Emmanuel was taken from the parking lot of a Big 5 Sporting Good store in Yucapia about an hour east of Los Angeles. Rebecca Haro said she was attacked and knocked unconscious as she was changing the childs diaper. Investigators cant rule out foul play in search for missing SoCal baby Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca and Jake Haro quickly became the focus of the investigation into Emmanuels disappearance after inconsistencies in Rebecca Haros statements to investigators. Investigators said they could not rule out foul play in the 7-month olds disappearance. VIDEO ABOVE: Father of toddler missing in California has felony child cruelty conviction Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. NEED TO KNOW French authorities have launched an investigation into the death of French streamer Jean Pormanove after he died during a 12-day live broadcast The 46-year-old internet personality was found dead inside a room rented for streaming after appearing lifeless on a broadcast on Aug. 18 The investigation is running parallel to another opened in December by French authorities after a report alleged that Kick had allowed creators to broadcast violent acts on the platform for months French authorities have opened an investigation after French streamer Jean Pormanove died during a 12-day live broadcast on the site Kick. According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the 46-year-old internet personality whose real name was Raphael Graven appeared to be lying lifeless on a livestream on Monday, Aug. 18, before authorities found him dead inside a room rented for streaming in Contes, France, a town near Nice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In videos reviewed by CNN and the New York Times, the 46-year-old internet personality was regularly subjected to physically and verbally abusive behavior on past livestreams. On Aug. 19, Clara Chappaz, a junior minister in France for artificial intelligence, announced on X that French authorities had opened an investigation into Gravens death, adding that she had contacted management of Kick regarding the incident. PEOPLE has reached out to Kick for comment. Jean Pormanove/Instagram Jean Pormanove Jean Pormanove The investigation follows another probe launched by French authorities in December into the actions of streamers, spurred by a report by French investigative outlet Mediapart that alleged that Kick had allowed creators to broadcast violent acts for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a part of that investigation, in January, French authorities arrested and detained two men who had participated in streams with Graven, the New York Times reported, citing French authorities. The outlet also reported that Graven and another person who appeared to be the subject of violence and humiliation had been interviewed by police at the time. All platforms have the legal responsibility to remove clearly illegal content of which they are aware, wrote Chappaz on X on Aug. 20. In a statement to CNN on Aug. 20, Kick said that it was cooperating with authorities and that those involved in Gravens final broadcast had been banned pending the ongoing investigation. On Thursday, Aug. 21, Le Parisen reported that, following an autopsy, Gravens death was not traumatic in origin and was not linked to the intervention of a third party and instead was likely medical and/or toxicological. Per the outlet, further analyses had been ordered to clarify the cause of death. Jean Pormanove/Instagram Jean Pormanove Jean Pormanove Le Parisen also reported that Nices prosecutors office said in a press release that Graven had cardiovascular issues and had been receiving medical treatment for his thyroid gland at the time of his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per Le Parisen, Nice prosecutors have conducted several interviews with people present at the time of Gravens death and have also seized video equipment in order to construct a timeline of the streamers final hours. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In a statement to the New York Times before the release of the autopsy, a lawyer for Owen Cenazandotti known online as Naruto who had been seen abusing Graven on his livestream, said that his client just wants to grieve, and the autopsy will determine whether there are any responsibilities in JPs death. (JP was a nickname used for Graven.) Responding to allegations of abusive behavior by Mediapart last year, Cenazandotti previously defended his actions, telling the outlet that viewers enjoyed the videos. Read the original article on People SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A national search for a 3-year-old boy from Florida is underway after his mother moved out of state and failed to return him to his father, with whom she shared parental custody. Video above shows how to report a tip to the U.S. Marshals Service On Thursday, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) asked for the publics help in finding Camilo Lugo. NCMEC is looking for Camilo Lugo, 3, from Clay County, Florida. (NCMEC) Lugo was only a year old in August 2023 when his mother, Dirce Sampo, moved cross-country from Clay County, Florida, to San Diego without telling the childs father, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to investigators, Sampo was charged with parental abduction because she failed to return Lugo to his father as ordered by the court. VIDEO: ICE agents detain parent near elementary school in North County The U.S. Marshals Service believes Sampo may be traveling through the southern border and could also be in Mexico. NCMEC is looking for Dirce Sampo, mother of missing Florida toddler Camilo Lugo. (NCMEC) Dirce Sampo, mother of missing Florida toddler, has a flower tattoo on her forearm. (NCMEC) Sampo is described as 56 tall, weighs 180 pounds and has a tattoo of a flower on her forearm. Anyone with more information about Lugos case is asked to contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Clay County Sheriffs Office in Florida at 1-904-264-6512. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 20A shaky cellphone video shows an Albuquerque Public Schools police officer at the front of a classroom with his gun drawn, ordering a student to the ground Wednesday morning. Two people who appear to be staff members run to him and exchange shoves with the teen as they try to corner him. Multiple students run from the room following a teacher's orders. The video showed the first of several incidents across district high schools throughout the day involving a student with a firearm. In total, APS police recovered five firearms by the time classes dismissed. Two on the campus of Albuquerque High School, two at West Mesa High School, and one off campus at Del Norte High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just hours after the firearms were recovered, APS Board President Danielle Gonzales addressed the situation at a board meeting. "While this is deeply concerning, it also highlights that the systems that our district has put in place are indeed working as intended," Gonzales said. "The safety of our students is our highest priority." Addressing the incidents at her campus, West Mesa Principal Michele Torres wrote in an email to parents: "In both instances, it was a member of our school community who learned that someone had a gun on campus and reported it. We are grateful to those individuals for coming forward." She added that the incidents at West Mesa were unrelated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KOAT-TV obtained a roughly 25-second video of the first incident, which appears to have been recorded by a student. The Journal sent a series of questions to the district, but APS spokesperson Martin Salazar said, "We're still looking into the entire incident and can't comment further at this time." Following the confrontation, the student was taken into custody, and the gun was found in his backpack. "We notified our students and staff of the incident, at which point someone else came forward, and a second gun was recovered. That student was also taken into custody," Torres said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To our knowledge, neither student found in possession of a gun expressed any intentions of harming himself or others, but the presence of any weapon on school grounds is a serious violation of our policies," Torres said. "As a consequence, the students will face disciplinary measures, up to and including expulsion and prosecution." At Albuquerque High School, staff overheard that a student might have a firearm, then searched the student's backpack and located the weapon, according to a district statement. The statement went on to say Albuquerque High staff then heard of another gun on campus, searched another student's backpack, and found it. "Clearly, these incidents are troubling for our school community, and we recognize the impact they can have on students and staff," Albuquerque High Principal Cesar Hernandez wrote in a letter to parents. "But the willingness of individuals to alert us with potential concerns has been a huge help to our staff and police, allowing us to take proactive steps." In addition to the four guns found, APS officers "had been looking for a Del Norte student due to prior incidents and a report that she might be armed," and spotted her with her boyfriend right off campus. Officers then took the two into custody and found a gun, according to the district's statement. The firearms are the first found on APS campuses this year. Last year, APS recovered 15 firearms across its campuses and one charter school, whose day-to-day operations the district does not oversee. You can find original article here Wealthmanagement. Subscribe to our free daily Wealthmanagement newsletter. Think of the Stock Market as Great BusinessesNot a Hissing, Writhing Bag of Poisonous Snakes And thats the mother of all sort of hardwired human nature kinks that causes people to fail as investors. And what Ive said to advisors is 85% to 90% of your job is that, is the management of that. You make a plan. You set goals once. Assuming the goals havent changed and dont change, you make a plan once. (Morningstar) Vanguards Push Into Active Is Anything But Passive Aside from the active strategies, an obvious common denominator is the name Wellington. That would be investment firm Wellington Management, which was founded in 1928 and, in 1951, hired John C. Bogle, who would then go on to establish the Vanguard Group in 1975. Needless to say, Vanguard and Wellington have a history together, and the former is tapping into the deep well of asset management expertise in the latter to create these new ETFs. (VettaFi) Leveraged ETFs: The Hidden Costs That Eat Your Returns To most market watchers, the default explanation for long-term underperformance in leveraged ETFs is volatility decay, or the math that comes from these funds resetting leverage daily to match their target multiple (like 2x). In choppy markets, that reset can create a buy high, sell low effect that steadily erodes returns compared with a simple multiple of the underlyings long-term performance. (ETF.com) BlackRock's Rick Rieder: This is the best investing environment ever Rick Rieder, BlackRock global fixed income CIO, joins 'Closing Bell' to discuss Rieder's thoughts on the current investing environment, if the Fed will cut rates in September and risks to equity markets. (CNBC) When invest like the 1% fails: How Yieldstreets real estate bets left customers with massive losses But Yieldstreet customers who participated in its real estate deals in recent years say theyve learned the flip side of the private markets: They face huge losses on investments that turned out far riskier than they thought, while their money has been locked up for years with little to show for it besides frustration.(CNBC) Alts Managers Face Skepticism from RIAs Over Private Credit ETFs But vehicle familiarity among RIAs remains low, and asset managers looking to be early movers are having to invest in educational and marketing outreach. (FundFire) How One Big Private-Equity Fund Makes Its Numbers Incomprehensible Such funds should, at a minimum, allow investors to see how much each private-equity holding originally cost and compare that with its latest carrying value. Some funds are making this exercise difficult. This is particularly problematic in light of recent controversies over some of the industrys valuation methods. (WSJ) How Semiliquid Funds Became the Preferred Vehicle for Private Assets Traditional and alternative asset managers have seized on interval funds in particular, which have familiar tickers, electronic trading, tax forms, and regulatory disclosures, as the preferred vehicle to offer private assets to regular advisors and investors. (Morningstar) Amidst Tragedy, Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust Continues to Stand Strong The firm recapped its year-to-date and overall performance the first time since the passing Wesley LePatner in a mass shooting at the firms Manhattan headquarters. The board of directors has since appointed Rob Harper, a seasoned Blackstone executive, as interim CEO. The company also said it is drawing upon Frank Cohens extensive leadership experience as board chair and former CEO of BREIT during this period. (AltsWire) NEED TO KNOW An autopsy on the body of Jean Pormanove revealed new details about the streamer's death The internet personality whose real name was Raphael Graven died during a 12-day live broadcast In Graven's livestreams, he was regularly physically and verbally abused by others, per video reviewed by CNN and the New York Times French authorities have learned more about the death of internet personality Jean Pormanove, who died during a 12-day broadcast on the livestreaming platform Kick. According to reports by the New York Times and French newspaper Le Parisien, an autopsy conducted on the body of the late influencer whose real name was Raphael Graven revealed that his cause of death was was not traumatic in origin and was not linked to the intervention of a third party, per the Nice prosecutors office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors added that Graven had previously experienced cardiac issues and had been undergoing treatment for his thyroid gland, the outlets also reported. Graven who had a following of over 500,000 across his social media platforms and was known for gaming and extreme challenges on his livestreams was found dead by police in a room rented for streaming in Contes, a village north of Nice, France. Jean Pormanove/Instagram Jean Pormanove Jean Pormanove In videos of Gravens past livestreams reviewed by the New York Times and CNN, the content creator was regularly the subject of physical and verbal abuse. On Aug. 19, a day after his death, Clara Chappaz, a junior minister in France for artificial intelligence, announced on X that French authorities had launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death. She also said that she had contacted members of Kicks management regarding the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into Gravens death runs parallel to another opened in December by French authorities into the actions of streamers, which was prompted by a report by investigative news site Mediapart alleging that Kick had allowed content creators to broadcast violent acts on their platform for months. In January, as a part of the investigation, French authorities arrested and detained two streamers who had participated in livestreams with Graven, though they were released, the New York Times reported, citing French authorities. The outlet said Graven and another, who appeared to be the victim of violence and humiliation, were questioned by police at the time. Jean Pormanove/Instagram Jean Pormanove Jean Pormanove 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. All platforms have the legal responsibility to remove clearly illegal content of which they are aware, Chappaz wrote on X on Aug. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kick said in an Aug. 20 statement to CNN that it was cooperating with authorities and that those involved in Gravens last broadcast had been banned pending the ongoing investigation. The company did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. According to Le Parisen, Nice prosecutors have interviewed several people present at the time of Gravens death. They have also seized video equipment in order to construct a timeline of the streamers final hours. Read the original article on People By Nailia Bagirova BAKU (Reuters) -Rapid falls in the level of the Caspian Sea are affecting ports and oil shipments and threatening to inflict catastrophic damage on sturgeon and seal populations, according to Azerbaijani officials. The Caspian, the world's largest salt lake, holds significant offshore oil reserves and is bordered by five countries that are all major producers of oil or gas or both: Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Azerbaijan's Deputy Ecology Minister Rauf Hajiyev told Reuters that the sea had been getting shallower for decades, but figures showed that the trend was accelerating. Its level has fallen by 0.93 metres (3 ft) in the past five years, by 1.5 metres in the last 10, and 2.5 metres in the past 30, he said in an interview, estimating the current rate of decline at 20-30 cm per year. "The retreat of the coastline changes natural conditions, disrupts economic activity and creates new challenges for sustainable development," said Hajiyev, who represents Azerbaijan in a joint working group with Russia that met for the first time in April to discuss the problem. Despite worsening relations between the two countries, according to the protocol signed between the two countries the working group plans to approve a joint programme online in September for monitoring and responding to the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia links the problem mainly to climate change but Azerbaijan also blames Russia's construction of dams on the Volga River which provides 80% of the water entering the Caspian. Hajiyev said the falling water level was already affecting the lives of coastal populations and the work of ports. About 4 million people live on the coast of Azerbaijan, and about 15 million in the Caspian region as a whole. He said ships are facing increased difficulties when entering and manoeuvring in the port of Baku, Azerbaijan's capital. This is reducing cargo capacity and raising logistics costs, he added. REDUCED OIL CARGOES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transportation of oil and oil products through the Dubendi oil terminal, the largest in the Azerbaijani waters of the Caspian Sea, fell to 810,000 tons in the first half of 2025 from 880,000 in the same period of last year, according to Eldar Salakhov, director of the Baku International Sea Port. He described this as a minor decline and attributed it to routine monthly order fluctuations. However, he said the falling water level was making it necessary to carry out major dredging work to ensure stable and uninterrupted port operations. In 2024, more than 250,000 cubic meters of dredging were carried out at the Dubendi oil terminal to ensure that the largest tankers could enter without restrictions, he told Reuters. In April, the Baku Shipyard finished building a new dredging vessel, the Engineer Soltan Kazimov, which is due to enter service shortly. Salakhov said it would be able to deepen the bottom to 18 metres in order to help maintain the port's capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THREAT TO FISH AND SEALS Hajiyev, the deputy minister, said the retreat of the waters was destroying wetlands, lagoons, and reed beds and threatening the survival of some marine species. The biggest blow is to sturgeon, prized for their caviar, which are already under threat of extinction. They are losing up to 45% of their summer and autumn habitats and being cut off from their traditional spawning grounds in rivers. Caspian seals are also threatened by the shrinking sea area and disappearance of seasonal ice fields in the north, where they breed, he added. "With a 5-metre drop in the sea level, seals lose up to 81% of their breeding sites, and with a 10-metre drop, they are almost completely deprived of suitable sites," Hajiyev said. (Reporting by Nailia Bagirova, Writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Alison Williams) A pair of deployed B-1B Lancer bombers conducted a flyover of the capital city of Latvia alongside NATO allies in a show of force on Tuesday. The B-1s flew in formation above the Monument of Freedom in Riga for Latvians, a symbol of national unity and independence alongside four JAS 39 Gripen fighters, two from Hungary and two from Sweden. Three B-1s in total deployed from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas to rland Air Base in Norway on Aug. 9 as part of a bomber task force mission with the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. The Air Force said in a release that the flyover is meant to show integration with allies, and how that cooperation has been strengthened through training deployments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The security of the Baltic states and NATOs Eastern flank is the cornerstone of the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region, said Latvian defense minister Andris Spruds. Such U.S. and allied flyover maneuvers clearly demonstrate NATOs presence in the region, transatlantic unity and commitment to collectively strengthen the security of the Baltic State region. As part of the B-1s bomber task force deployment, they have integrated with the air forces of Norway and other allied nations to practice advanced tactics together, share threat information in real time and ensure they can continue to move freely even through contested airspace. The aircrews have specifically focused on practicing how they find, fix, track and target enemy forces, facilities or other threats, honing their speed and accuracy, the Air Force said. The bomber crews train against both ground and air-based threats that seek to prevent them from operating over enemy-controlled territory. This deployment allows us to train the way we fight integrated with NATO allies, ready and adaptive, Lt. Col. Eric Alvarez, deployed commander of the 345th, said in an Aug. 9 statement. Its about building experience and trust together, enhancing readiness and staying sharp in dynamic environments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 345th is made up of reserve airmen from the 489th Bomb Group, and active duty airmen from the 7th Bomb Wing, both stationed at Dyess. The B-1s deployment marks the fifth bomber task force mission to Europe this year and reflects the U.S. Air Forces continued commitment to maintaining a ready and capable forward presence across the region, the service said. The Hungarian Gripens that took part in Tuesdays flyover are also on a deployment of their own, to Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania where they are temporarily handling NATOs air policing mission. The four Hungarian Gripens in Lithuania are on alert to provide a quick reaction if necessary, alongside eight Spanish Typhoon jets. Lithuania lies to the south of Latvia, and the northwest of Belarus, which is Russias closest regional ally in its invasion of Ukraine. NEED TO KNOW While backpacking in Bali during a gap year after high school, Ashley King, then 18, went to an upscale nightclub with friends and had some cocktails Two days later, Ashley, who hails from Calgary, Alberta, was in the hospital, struggling to breathe as her eyesight disappeared due to methanol poisoning Now 33, Ashley is warning others about the dangers of methanol, which is often illegally added into alcoholic drinks to make them cheaper to produce It was supposed to be a night out with friends, but it left one Canadian high school grad poisoned and permanently blind after drinking cocktails tainted with methanol. Ashley King, then 18, was taking a gap year before starting college, and traveling through Australia when, on a lark, she decided to visit Bali in August 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obviously, in hindsight, I wish I didn't do this, King, now 33, tells PEOPLE exclusively. At the time, the Alberta resident was staying in the town of Kuta. It wasnt remote or off-the-beaten path, she explains, describing the town as super developed, with brand-name shopping. On her last night in Bali, she met up with some other backpackers and went to a club, a place she described as having more of like a low-key, upscale nightclub kind of energy, as opposed to being the casual beach bar you might expect. She was drinking fruity cocktails served in a reusable water bottle so you don't spill your drink while you're dancing because there was a lid to it. The bartender wasnt acting weird and the drinks werent pre-mixed. Courtesy Ashley King Ashley King Ashley King I definitely remember them mixing the drink, King tells PEOPLE, sharing that she didnt know anything about methanol poisoning at the time. I didn't know that this was a thing methanol poisoning, it certainly wasn't something that I was looking out for or was being suspicious about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had a few cocktails, a few beers, and said, I felt drunk, but it was not a memorable drunkness in any way, like I felt like anything was off. The next day, she wasnt horribly sick or horribly hungover, as she began her journey back to Christchurch in Australia, That Thursday two days after shed been drinking in Bali I started to feel not well. King, who had lost her credit cards in Bali, was struggling to communicate with customs. I remember feeling really nauseous and anxious and overwhelmed, and I kind of chalked it up to me being like, 'I'm just stressed because I'm traveling by myself. I'm stressed because I feel unwell, because everything's going wrong for me in the airport. I'm a pretty good speaker, and I don't really have a hard time having conversations with people, but I remember when I was talking to customs, I just couldn't get my words straight, King tells PEOPLE. I felt very disorientated, which is not typical for me. But even though I felt sick, there was nothing that made me think, Oh, I'm sick from what I drank two nights ago in Bali. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the help of another traveler, King made it to a hostel and went to bed. She says she had horrible dreams where she couldnt breathe. When she awoke early in the morning, she thought someone had turned off her bedside light. She tried to turn on her iPod Touch and couldnt read the screen, dismissing it as a dead battery. When she went to the bathroom, the lighting was dim. I was like, okay, you know, just cheap hostel crappy lighting. When she woke up again, she began gasping for air. This was like nothing that I've ever experienced before, King tells PEOPLE. The hostel staff offered to bring her to the hospital, and when they handed her her colorful wallet, she says, I just couldn't see the color anymore. That's when I realized something was wrong with my eyes. Courtesy Ashley King Ashley King Ashley King When King arrived at the hospital, she said she couldn't "see anything," adding, "I'm in the dark, blind. Doctors began asking her if shed taken drugs the night before, but shed been traveling since that last night in Bali. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctors then took photos of her eyes because her pupils werent dilating. That was the first time I thought, Am I dying? Because they didn't know what was wrong with me, she tells PEOPLE. I would run my hand in front of my face to try and see it, but I still couldn't see my hand. It was only when doctors tested her blood that they discovered a large amount of methanol in her system. Of course, I was like, What the hell is methanol? she says. Methanol found in antifreeze, varnishes and fuels is a colorless liquid, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. It can mimic feelings of inebriation, causing headaches, dizziness and drowsiness. Its often deliberately and illegally added to counterfeit drinks to help increase the alcohol content at a cheaper cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When someone drinks methanol, its converted into formaldehyde in the body. Methanol poisoning can cause breathing difficulty, blindness, blurred vision, seizures, comas and death, the Methanol Institute says. Or as King describes it, your blood basically embalms you from the inside out. It burns all of your organs, it makes its way up to your brain, and in my case, it makes its way to your optic nerves. King was admitted to the ICU, where the initial treatment, she says, was to get her drunk while she underwent dialysis. As the Methanol Institute explains, A persons liver will process ethanol [alcohol] first instead of methanol, delaying the onset of methanol poisoning and allowing for more time to process methanol out of a persons system. She says it was like a weird drinking game; the drunker I got, the more I could breathe, the more I could see. I went from being in the dark, to then all of a sudden being able to see my doctors, to see that I was in the hospital, to see them pouring me my drink, to being able to have normal breathing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King underwent hemodialysis and then passed out. When I wake up Saturday morning, my vision is what it is kind of now. I can just kind of see shapes and contrast. It's kind of like static off a TV screen, that I can't see past the static," she explains. After two days in the ICU, she stabilized and doctors told her that she was "fortunate to be alive," adding that she was close to dying and could have had organ failure and brain damage. However, when she asked about her eyes she was told "there was a very good chance that the way my eyesight was now, that that's how it was gonna remain. Her optic nerves were swollen, so doctors tried to help with steroids which improved her vision for a bit. But she remembers being in a hotel room with her mother, reading Eat, Pray, Love, and I'm noticing that I can't really read from the book anymore. And I was like, Mom, something's wrong with my eyes again. I can't read.' " Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they returned to the hospital, doctors told her that her continued issues most likely meant that her "optic nerves are dying, King tells PEOPLE. That was the moment that I was like, I'm blind, and I'm never gonna go to school again. I'm never gonna have a career, I'm never gonna have a family, she says. I felt like my whole life was over. She returned home with her family, but shares that there was nobody to teach you how to live your life as somebody who's blind now. King said that she lived in denial, saying, I only just came to terms with what happened to me in the last couple of years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What helped her were little things that would happen along the way that would help me move on mostly me accomplishing things. She went back to school. She rediscovered her love for theater a career path she initially thought was closed to her, due to her blindness. Courtesy Ashley King A scene from "Static: A Party Girl's Memoir," about Ashley King's experience. A scene from "Static: A Party Girl's Memoir," about Ashley King's experience. King went on to write and star in a play about her experience, Static: A Party Girls Memoir, that had a sold-out run in Calgary. It's about an 18-year-old party girl who decides to go traveling against her mom's wishes and shocker she's poisoned and she goes blind," she explains. The playwright is also advocating for more awareness about methanol poisoning via a Change.org petition for more signage about the risks in airports and schools. 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'm at a place now where I can talk about it in nauseam, so that people can be aware, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King has also been sharing her story on social media, explaining, If my video literally saves one person or one person is on a trip and they're like, You know what, I saw this video on Instagram or I heard this story about this girl; let's get a beer instead. I don't trust this place then it'll all be worth it. Sharing my biggest life trauma will have been worth it. Read the original article on People A Bank of Ireland data center had a significant oil spill, contaminating a public park, Raidio Teilifis Eireann reported last month. What's happening? On July 16, diesel oil was discovered in a Kilbogget Park lake. The oil originated from a data center in Cabinteely, a Dublin suburb. Volunteers from Kildare Wildlife Rescue were called to the scene and rescued a family of swans. They also worked to rehabilitate other affected waterfowl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pearse Stokes, spokesperson and rescue coordinator for KWR, told RTE that this oil spill had the "most intense fumes" he had ever encountered. "This is not just concerning for the wildlife affected," he said, "but also a public safety concern for people and their pets walking and exercising in the park." He added that this spill would greatly damage the park's biodiversity. The cause of the spill remains unknown. Why are oil spills concerning? Oil spills devastate the environment. In the short term, oil suffocates and poisons fish and waterfowl, killing them in large numbers. According to the World Economic Forum, oil also affects animals' natural buoyancy, causing them to drown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survivors aren't always better off. Oil pollution can remain in the affected area for years after the event, with toxic effects including compromised immune systems and reproductive health. The long-term impacts on the animals' habitat at Kilbogget Park lake are still to be determined. 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. Whale and dolphin populations were still steadily declining 10 years after the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. While that spill was on a much larger scale, it shows just how ruinous these incidents can be. What's being done about it? A Bank of Ireland spokesperson told RTE that it worked with the Environmental Protection Agency and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. It issued a public apology. Efforts were made to contain and absorb the oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KWR has been monitoring the site and continues to nurse the birds in its care back to health. One of the swans is in intensive care. If the world continues to rely on fossil fuels for energy, oil spills will continue to occur. The best way to help on an individual level is to lessen your own reliance on dirty fuels. Exploring alternative, renewable forms of energy, such as community solar, can be a great place to start. You can also donate to Kildare Wildlife Rescue to support their care of the affected animals. 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. BARBERTON, Ohio (WJW) An Akron man was arrested in Barberton on Wednesday evening after investigators said he was found with a loaded weapon and explosives. According to the Barberton Police Department, officers engaged with the suspect in the 100 block of North Van Buren Avenue at 6:30 p.m. Investigators said the man, identified as 38-year-old Christopher Wilson, had a loaded firearm and improvised explosive devices on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coast Guard issues warning after bodies of missing brothers recovered Officers were able to safely take the gun, isolate the explosives and arrest Wilson, Barberton police said. Officials shut down North Van Buren Avenue between East Ford Avenue and East Baird Avenue until the Summit County Bomb Squad secured the explosives. The roadway opened back up around 8:35 p.m. House destroyed, another damaged in Elyria fire: Officials Wilson, facing weapons and drug charges, was taken to the Barberton City Jail. Wilson was arraigned in Barberton Municipal Court Thursday morning and given a $500,000 bond. A pretrial is scheduled for Aug. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barberton police detectives are still 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A man was found with a rifle in his hand after the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office (EBRSO) responded to a shooting at a home in the 14000 block of Lilac Street on Wednesday, Aug. 20. EBRSO said they were called to the scene a little after 10 a.m., and the investigation led to Jeremiah Chissell, 39, of Baton Rouge, being taken into custody. He was charged with attempted second-degree murder and one count of aggravated criminal damage to property. When deputies got to the scene, they were able to detain Chissell. EBRSO said a shooting victim was located down the road and taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the investigation unfolded, deputies learned that a roofer was working on Chissells home when he walked outside with a rifle. According to EBRSO, he fired off multiple shots at the worker on the roof. The worker fell off the roof and ran away from the home, EBRSO said. The worker said Chissell followed him for a little bit and continued to shoot at him. The worker was not shot but did suffer a possible broken arm. EBRSO said they found multiple spent cartridge casings in the front yard of the home, as well as in the road. They also found that a food truck at the home address was hit by multiple bullets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Baton Rouge home manager accused of not reporting abuse of disabled woman The Baton Rouge man was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Wednesday, Aug. 20. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A 19-year-old man was sentenced Wednesday for causing a fatal chain-reaction crash in Bazetta Township last year. Read next: Man pleads guilty to stealing from employer, resisting arrest Anthony Marble-Salem, of Bazetta, was driving a 2021 Audi A7 when he hit the back end of a car stopped at a red light. The force of the crash caused a chain reaction, damaging four other cars on state Route 5 just after 12:30 p.m. Oct. 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the cars in the pile-up was pushed almost completely under the car in front of it, flipping the front car up, a traffic release stated. Nicholas Stoian, 38, of Cortland, was one of the drivers involved in the crash and was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. A report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol notes that Marble-Salem was distracted by an electronic device and had been following too closely. In May, Marble-Salem pleaded guilty to a vehicular homicide charge in Trumbull County Central District Court. Court records state that on Monday, he was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with 160 of those days being suspended. He can perform 200 hours of community service in lieu of 16 days in jail, and will be on probation for two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marble-Salems license is also suspended until Aug. 18, 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 WKBN.com. Evacuation orders have been lifted for Laguna Niguel's Beacon fire, as firefighters stopped the progress of the 4-acre burn less than a few hours after the blaze began in a residential area Wednesday afternoon. The fire, which was reported at 3:26 p.m. near the intersection of Alcott Place and Ridgeway Avenue, caused some minor damage to fences behind some homes, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Firefighters reported no structures had been lost nor injuries sustained. The fire's progress was officially stopped at 5:26 p.m., and firefighters began tamping down hot spots within an hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire authority lifted all evacuation orders as of 6:33 p.m. Wednesday. Approximately 20 homes on Copps Hill Street were affected by the evacuation, while residents along Middleton Place and Alcott Place were advised to shelter in place, according to the city of Laguna Niguel. "The response from our public safety partners was extremely well-coordinated and aggressive, Laguna Niguel Mayor Ray Gennawey said in a statement. On behalf of the entire Laguna Niguel City Council, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our firefighters from the Orange County Fire Authority and our deputies from the Orange County Sheriffs Department." Updates: 8:15 a.m. Aug. 21, 2025: New fire information provided by the Orange County Fire Authority. 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. Japanese police have said that an elderly man who they had believed was killed by a bear had in fact been stabbed to death by his son. Fujiyuki Shindo, 51, was arrested in the northern Akita prefecture on Tuesday for allegedly murdering his 93-year-old father Fujiyoshi, local media reports. Police sent out a bear attack warning mail after the victim's wife found him collapsed and bleeding on the floor. But it was withdrawn after investigators concluded the wounds were more consistent with knife injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bear sightings are increasingly common in northern Japan, where ageing populations and shrinking farmlands have meant the animals are expanding their habitat closer to human populations. Mr Shindo, who lived with his parents, had initially told police that he did not notice anything unusual at home during the time of the attack, agency Kyodo News reported. Investigators seized several knives from the family's home and were trying to identify the murder weapon, Jiji Press reported. They have not given out a motive for the murder. Bears were initially blamed for Fujiyoshi Shindo's death because Japan has seen a rising number of bear attacks in recent years. In the 12 months to March 2024, a record 219 people were attacked by bears - and six of them died, Japan's Environment Ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, a newspaper deliveryman was killed by a brown bear in a residential area. The rise in bear encounters have also prompted authorities to relax hunting laws to make it easier for people to shoot bears. Thousands of bears have recently been trapped and killed by hunters. On Wall Street, overall, Pfizer stock is rated a Moderate Buy. Out of the 23 analysts who cover PFE stock, six rate it a Strong Buy, one says it is a Moderate Buy, 15 rate it a Hold," and one suggests a Strong Sell. Its average price target of $28 suggests that the stock can increase by 11.7% over current levels. However, its high target price of $33 implies upside potential of 31.6% over the next 12 months. In the second quarter, Pfizers total revenue rose 10% year on year to $14.6 billion, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased 30% to $0.78. Pfizers payout ratio (the amount of earnings paid out in dividends) is a reasonable 55%, allowing for dividend growth and business development. In the first half of 2025, the company paid out $4.9 million in cash dividends, with $150 million reinvested in business development. Pfizers product portfolio is diverse across multiple therapeutic areas, providing an additional layer of stability. Pfizer is well-known for its COVID-19 vaccine, but it also offers Prevnar 13 and 20, which protect against pneumococcal disease. The company co-markets Eliquis, one of the worlds most popular anticoagulants. In addition, its oncology division includes Ibrance (used in breast cancer treatment), as well as a number of pipeline candidates that address unmet needs in cancer therapies. Pfizer (PFE) is one of the worlds largest pharmaceutical companies, with a history dating back over 170 years. The companys size, diverse portfolio, robust pipeline, and strong balance sheet position it to weather economic downturns effectively. Furthermore, healthcare products are always in demand, regardless of macroeconomic conditions, making its business defensive. Pfizer has a long track record of paying dividends, with a yield of 6.8%, which is higher than the healthcare sector average of 1.6%. This makes it appealing to income-seeking investors, especially during periods of volatility when steady cash returns become more valuable. The company has also raised its dividends for the past 16 years. When the market becomes turbulent, investors tend to move away from high-growth, volatile stocks and toward companies with strong fundamentals, long-term business models, and the ability to generate cash flow even in adverse conditions. These are known as defensive stocks, which are businesses that can weather recessions while still returning money to shareholders through dividends. Among them, these three stand out to me. Story Continues www.barchart.com Defensive Stock #2: NextEra Energy With a market cap of $155.9 billion, NextEra Energy (NEE) is the largest electric utility holding company in the United States. It has two primary subsidiaries. The first is Florida Power & Light (FPL), which provides electricity to homes and businesses through long-term regulatory agreements. The second is NextEra Energy Resources (NEER), which produces renewable energy through wind and solar. Electric utilities have long been regarded as classic defensive investments. Regardless of economic circumstances, residences and businesses require electricity. This stability has enabled NextEra to continue delivering strong financial results while rewarding shareholders with increasing dividends. NextEra has paid and increased its dividends for the past 31 years, earning the title of Dividend Aristocrat. It has a forward dividend yield of 3%, compared to the utilities sector average of 3.8%. The companys forward payout ratio of 56.9% implies that dividends are currently sustainable if earnings continue to rise. In the second quarter, NextEras adjusted earnings increased by 9.4% to $1.05 per share. Analysts expect the companys earnings to rise 7% in 2025, followed by another 8% in 2026. The company intends to increase dividends by about 10% per year until 2026. Overall, analysts have an average rating of Moderate Buy for NEE stock. Its mean target price of $81.82 suggests the stock can climb by 8% from current levels. However, its high target price of $97 implies upside potential of 28.1% over the next 12 months. Out of 19 analysts covering the stock, 11 have a Strong Buy rating, seven have a Hold rating, and one rates it a Strong Sell. www.barchart.com Defensive Stock #3: Realty Income Realty Income (O) has built its reputation by providing investors with a consistent stream of cash distributions every month for decades. It is commonly referred to as The Monthly Dividend Company. Realty Income is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in net lease properties, which are primarily leased to tenants across recession-resistant industries such as retail, industrial, and service sectors. The companys business model is based on stability, as it signs long-term leases, often for nine years or more, with built-in rent increases. This generates a consistent and growing stream of cash flows, which support the companys monthly dividend payments. The companys 5.5% yield is significantly higher than the real estate average of 4.5%, making it appealing. What is even more impressive is the companys track record of dividend increases. Realty Income has increased its dividend for the past 30 years in a row, making it a proud member of the Dividend Aristocrats. For a REIT, funds from operations (FFO) measure the amount to be paid out as dividends. Analysts expect Realty Incomes FFO to increase by 6.7% in 2025, followed by another 3.6% in 2026. Overall, on Wall Street, Realty Income stock is a Moderate Buy. Out of the 22 analysts that cover the stock, four rate it a Strong Buy, one rates it a Moderate Buy, and 17 rate it a Hold. The mean target price for the stock is $61.50, which is 6.3% above current levels. The Street-high estimate of $68 implies upside of 17.5% over the next 12 months. www.barchart.com On the date of publication, Sushree Mohanty did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com TYLER, Texas (KETK) Texas Parks and Wildlife is reporting several bear sightings across East Texas and encouraging people to stay away from its path. Caldwell Zoo partners with U.S. Fish & Wildlife for release of critically endangered birds Experts said its a rare sight for East Texans to spot a bear because the last few bears in the state are predominantly found in the southwest; however, one bear is being spotted all across the piney woods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe its a male, young male, subadult, Texas Parks and Wildlife District biologist Ruben Gay said. It has a signature upside-down Nike swoosh in a way that looks like it is on the right side of his face, so thats helping us verify it. Gay said with over 14 reported sightings across East Texas, theyve been able to track his travels as he moves loosely. Photo courtesy of the TPWD. Photo courtesy of the TPWD. We first started tracking it in the parks Texas area near Mud Creek, kind of over there near 204 and 110 area in Cherokee County on July 15th, Gay said. Seemingly every corner of East Texas has seen this bear with sightings in Anderson, Cherokee, Rusk and Panola counties. This youngster has potentially found the bare necessities in the piney woods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bear has been making his rounds and weve been monitoring and tracking it for about a month now, Gay said. Experts at the Caldwell Zoo said the bear most likely came from Louisiana, scouting out a potential new home. Especially if its a young male, they actually get kicked out about two years old, kicked out from their family group. Cadwell Zookeeper Kailee Murphy said. They have to go find their own territory, and theyve got to go experience life on their own. Just like all you guys going back to school, and so he is just probably looking for his new territory or looking for some scraps here and there. As he tracks this new trail, the Texas Black Bear Alliance is warning people to leave him be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Endangered horned lizard conservation center at Caldwell Zoo in Tyler sees big hatch A fed bear or a bear that has human animal conflict is a dead bear, and we just dont want to see that happen, Vice Chair of the Texas Black Bear Alliance Kati Krouse said. Texas Parks and Wildlife also warns that attempting to target this animal could result in severe penalties and jail time. It could be severe monetary penalties and jail time, and the fees could exceed 12 grand, Gay said. So be respectful of this animal passing through and just enjoy it. If a bear is spotted, Texas Parks and Wildlife asks that all sightings be reported by contacting the local department. 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. WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT) Beaufort County Community College is integrating AI lessons into its heating and air technician, construction and building maintenance courses, making it one of the first community colleges in the state to do so. According to a press release, the initiative will cover practical applications such as AI-assisted fault detection in HVAC systems and predictive maintenance in electrical networks, preparing students to work in an industry landscape where smart technologies and automated systems are becoming increasingly standard. Over the next two years, the college will integrate AI lessons into all its industry training and workforce initiatives in the Division of Continuing Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This approach keeps our programs current and ensures that our graduates are employable and adaptable, Vice President of Continuing Education Dr. Stacey Gerard said. Employers want workers who can think ahead and AI knowledge helps them do exactly that. 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. BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV) Beaufort National Cemetery held an unclaimed committal service for a U.S. Army veteran who recently passed away at the age of 63. Private 1 Rex Edwards Bills, from Charleston, South Carolina, was laid to rest Thursday surrounded by civilians, veterans and active-duty service members. A few of Bills co-workers also attended. Patriot Guard Riders were there along with the Disabled American Veterans Organization, who laid Forget Me Not blue flowers in recognition of Bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Beaufort National Cemetery said it was not an unclaimed veteran service in the traditional sense, as the family could not claim Bills due to unavoidable circumstances. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stepped in to ensure Bills received a burial benefit and military honors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) The Southwest Virginia Bee Festival is this week on Saturday, August 23. Joining WFXR News to talk about the festival is Kandyce Volk. Volk discussed the importance of pollinators in the region, especially because it sometimes goes unnoticed. She said, From flowers to trees to shrubs, and when we think of pollinators, we think of flowers and meadows, and those are definitely important for diversification of foraging. But the bees like trees and shrubs as well. Did you know the honeybee is just one of the almost 500 species of bees in Virginia, and this doesnt include butterflies, moths, flies, or beetles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These species are not only important to the plants but to the food we put on our tables, Volk explained. The festival will also have bee clubs there, where you can learn about the pollinators and what plants you can put around your house to help them. There is a Bee Smart Passport that you can get at any vendor to learn more information or even see a live bee observation hive. Vendors also have little giveaways, and you can learn more in the brochures. Festival of India offers cultural immersion in downtown Roanoke Once you go through those vendors, you can go to the Botetourt Beekeepers Association to get another gift bag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fun fact, Volker said, [Is that] the smoker is a very important tool for beekeeping, so you burn different materials in there, and when you need the bees to move, or maybe calm down a little bit, you lightly smoke them, and it interrupts their communication and kind of gets them out of your way. The smoke does not harm the bees as it is not on fire, but it has cool smoke and fog that goes over them. Anyone can be a beekeeper, but it is important to know that beekeeping requires a lot of time and attention. Volk recommends taking a 101 class before becoming a beekeeper. The Roanoke Valley beekeepers and Botetourt beekeepers association co-host one course every early Spring for those interested. There are also monthly meetings at both associations in the area where anyone can get further education and can talk to all kinds of beekeepers on a different level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be face painting and arts and crafts, a mobile extracting trailer, and lenders to see all the equipment it takes to extract honey. Anyone is welcome to come check out the Virginia Bee Festival. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) Playing white noise can shorten the beer-making process by more than a day, according to a recent paper published in Food Research International. Researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand found that, using a submersible speaker, playing white noise can shorten fermentation by 21 to 31 hours without significantly impacting the flavor. Fermentation is the process by which yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pesticides test MAHA-MAGA alliance The vibration keeps more yeast in suspension and by consuming more sugar, thats speeding the fermentation, Parise Adadi, lead author of the study, told 1News. Fermentation typically takes weeks and is one of the most important steps in the beer-making process. These findings could not only result in faster beer production but also pave the way for innovative research directions, benefitting breweries, yeast manufacturers, and the broader food industry, Adadi said in a statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Behind the scenes at GBI gun lab testing CDC shooting evidence The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab is set to test evidence linked to the recent shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The GBI Crime Lab plays a crucial role in supporting police and prosecutors by examining guns, bullets and shell casings, which is essential in the investigation of gun crimes across Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sara Lue from the GBI told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Mark Winne that a big part of the bureaus job is to support police, prosecutors and the search for the truth. The GBI Crime Lab uses a 600-gallon water tank as part of its bullet recovery system to test-fire handguns and create pristine bullets for comparison. Examiners at the lab use a microscope to view and compare patterns on cartridge cases or bullets, which helps in identifying if two casings came from the same firearm. What we do with it is were able to view two, whether its cartridge cases or bullets, at the same time to be able to compare the patterns, said Sarah Van Holm, a firearms analyst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GBI employs the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network to find similarities in shell casings, which can lead to further investigations if the same gun is suspected to have been used in different crimes. The number of requests for gun and bullet examinations at the GBI Crime Lab has increased significantly, with 2,442 requests in fiscal year 2023, 3,000 in fiscal year 2024, and 2,714 in fiscal year 2025. Director Cleveland Miles oversees seven state crime labs across Georgia, with three currently conducting firearms work, and plans to expand firearms sections to additional labs. Were going to let the circumstances dictate what needs to happen, Miles said. But there is a general way that well process firearms in any type of case, including officer-involved shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was tragically killed in the CDC shooting Aug. 8. The suspected gunman fired hundreds of rounds before dying of a self-inflicted wound. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] (Reuters) -Belarus is assessing how best to ramp up domestic production of missiles, including exploring how to equip its Polonez rocket launcher systems with nuclear warheads, a senior Belarusian security official said on Thursday. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, said this week it would deepen bilateral ties with Iran, and has also cooperated with China on weapons development. It does not possess its own nuclear weapons but hosts Russian tactical ones which remain under Moscow's control. President Alexander Lukashenko, who has led Belarus since 1994, told officials at a meeting on weapons manufacturing on Thursday that Minsk needs to modernise and develop its missile production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The dynamics of military threats and the significant increase in military spending by our western neighbours force us to constantly pay close attention to the issue of the defence capabilities of Belarus, Russia, and our Union," Lukashenko was quoted as saying by state media. Belarus borders Poland, Lithuania and Latvia - all NATO members - to the west and north, while in the south it borders Ukraine. Alexander Volfovich, head of Belarus' State Security Council, told reporters that Minsk was exploring how to arm its Polonez rocket artillery system with nuclear warheads. "Today, it is a state-of-the art system," Volfovich was quoted by the Belta state news agency as saying. "Questions are already being raised about equipping these missiles with nuclear warheads." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Polonez system, in service since 2016, was jointly developed with China, Volfovich said. The launcher now has a range of 300 km (185 miles), up from 200 km previously. Volfovich said Belarus was also exploring how to integrate the technology of the Oreshnik, a Russian-made, intermediate-range hypersonic missile, to create a "joint missile". Belarus' defence minister said last week that upcoming joint exercises between Minsk and Moscow would include drills involving the Oreshnik, which Russia has used against Ukraine. "Issues related to increasing our power and our defence capabilities are very important," Volfovich said. (Reporting by Lucy PapachristouEditing by Gareth Jones) Belarus has been exploring the possibility of fitting nuclear warheads to its Polonez multiple-launch rocket systems. Source: Nasha Niva, a Belarusian news outlet, as reported by European Pravda Details: Belarus does not have its own nuclear weapons but hosts Russian tactical nuclear warheads, which remain on Belarusian territory under Moscows control. Aliaksandr Volfovich, State Secretary of the Belarusian Security Council, told journalists that Minsk is studying the possibility of equipping its Polonez multiple launch rocket systems with nuclear warheads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "At present, this is a modern system. Previously, the missiles had a range of 200 km; they now reach 300 km. This is high-precision weaponry. Of course, any weapon requires adjustments and changes. The issue of equipping these missiles with nuclear warheads is already being raised." Details: Placing nuclear warheads on the Polonez would give the Belarusian military control over these nuclear rockets, which would constitute a violation of international agreements. Russia has declared that its nuclear weapons will be stored on the territory of Belarus and that full control over them will remain exclusively with the Russian leadership. Volfovich also noted that Belarus is studying the possibility of integrating the technology of Russias Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic missile to create a "joint missile system". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, Belarus said it would deepen its bilateral relations with Iran and is also cooperating with China in the field of weapons development. Background: Ahead of his meeting with Putin in Alaska, US President Donald Trump had his first telephone conversation with Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus. He said they had discussed the release of a further 1,300 prisoners from Belarusian prisons. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! This is what they have to see in the morning when they go out for their yard hour. One of them, I think here (pointing), thats his house," the minister said. Palestinian Legislative Council and Palestinian Liberation Organization member Mustafa Barghouti claimed on Wednesday that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pushed for pictures of destruction in Gaza to be hung in Israeli prisons. In a Tuesday post on X/Twitter, Barghouti posted a video of Ben-Gvir pointing to a picture of destruction in Gaza and explaining why it was in the prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what they have to see in the morning when they go out for their yard hour. One of them, I think here (pointing), thats his house," Ben-Gvir said in the video. Barghouti said that the pictures were a tactic to intimidate Palestinian hostages and political prisoners. Palestinian prisoners Israeli media reported in February that Palestinian prisoners who were released in part of a past hostage deal were shown a three-minute video that depicted the scale of destruction in the Gaza Strip. The video was made by the IDF in cooperation with the Israel Prison Service. Ben-Gvir recently met with Barghouti in prison to warn him that "Whoever messes with Israel - we will wipe him out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You will not defeat us, whoever messes with the people of Israel, whoever murders our children and women - we will wipe him out," Ben-Gvir told him. "You need to know this, it's been like this throughout history. Ben-Gvir later responded to criticism by the Palestinian Authority, which called his remarks "state terrorism." "The Palestinian Authority's Foreign Ministry condemns the raid by extremist Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on the cell of commander Marwan al-Barghouti, directly threatening him. This is an unprecedented provocation and organized state terrorism," the PA statement read. Ben-Gvir said he would repeat his words "again and again without apologizing: anyone who messes with the people of Israel, anyone who murders our children, anyone who murders our women - we will wipe him out. With Gods help." BEREA, Ky. (FOX 56) Two Berea investigations led authorities to find over $56,000 in cash and jars of coins, along with nearly 300 grams of marijuana, various other drugs, and several guns, according to a Facebook post on Wednesday. On Aug. 14, detectives were carrying out surveillance on a residence in Phillips Trailer Park when a man named Michael Cope let them in, according to the Berea Police Department (BPD). Investigators reportedly found $52,893 in cash, $1,447.91 in coins, approximately 253 gross grams of suspected synthetic marijuana, and approximately 9 gross pounds of damiana leaf at the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 charged in connection with death of 48-year-old woman during Marion Co. home invasion Damiana Leaf would eventually be mixed with several different harmful chemicals to produce synthetic marijuana, law enforcement alleged on social media. Cope was reportedly charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, three counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school, and trafficking a synthetic controlled substance. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, the department wrote that officers carried out a search warrant at the 3000 block of Scaffold Cane Road. Inside, investigators reportedly found 248 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 20.5 suspected gabapentin pills, 28 suboxone packages, about 34 grams of marijuana, $1,536 in cash, a gun, and several items of drug paraphernalia. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ricky Adams, 57, was arrested and charged with: Three counts of first-degree trafficking in more than two grams of methamphetaminefirst offense Second-degree trafficking in a controlled substancefirst offense Third-degree trafficking in a controlled substancefirst offense Trafficking in less than eight ounces of marijuanafirst offense Four counts of third-degree terroristic threatening Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon Possession of drug paraphernalia Ricky Adams, 57, was lodged in the Madison County Detention Center on Aug. 19. (Berea Police Department) He was lodged in the Madison County Detention Center without bond. Anyone in Berea who suspects drug activity was encouraged by BPD officials to contact the Street Crimes Unit by sending an email to streetcrimes@bereaky.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. DanHenson1/iStock/Getty Images Plus You can find original article here Wealthmanagement. Subscribe to our free daily Wealthmanagement newsletter. The founder of an advisory firm who claimed that artificial intelligence powered his hedge fund will spend 30 months in prison for defrauding investors of over $5.7 million. Tampa, Fla.-based Mina Tadrus founded Tadrus Capital in 2020, but between September of that year and July 2023, he duped at least 31 victims (including family, friends and members of the Egyptian-American Coptic Christian community) in a Ponzi-like scheme. Joseph Nocella, Jr., a U.S. Attorney in New Yorks Eastern District, said the sentence served as a reminder to advisors to honestly manage investors funds. The defendant traded on excitement over the newest AI technology to trick investors to invest millions with his hedge fund, Nocella said. In the end, he perpetrated one of the oldest frauds in the book. Tadrus is a former FINRA-registered rep who briefly worked at T3 Trading Group. Before founding Tadrus Capital, he was also a derivatives consultant for a global financial institution. Tadrus claimed his company would operate the worlds first private high-yielding and fixed-income quantitative hedge fund using AI high-frequency trading models that could yield as much as 30% annual returns. According to the Department of Justice complaint, Tadrus touted the fund on his website, in the press, in podcasts and in YouTube videos while claiming that Tadrus Capital takes an alternative approach that makes us recession-proof, using cross-asset diversification to decrease risk. However, Tadrus didnt use AI-based algorithmic trading, with interns at the firm engaging in paper trading, simulated trades of securities as if an algorithm was being employed. According to the complaint, only $50,000 (or less than 1%) of the money Tadrus raised was used for potential investment activities. In reality, Tadrus used about $1.7 million of the victims funds to pay other victims the monthly returns hed promised, and to pay himself, employees and personal expenses, including credit card bills. On Aug. 22, 2023, the SEC obtained a preliminary injunction and asset freeze against Tadrus and the hedge fund, centering on the same allegations. Tadrus pleaded guilty to federal charges in February of this year; in addition to the 30-month prison sentence, he was ordered to pay more than $4.2 million in restitution. By Maria Martinez and Rene Wagner BERLIN (Reuters) -As many southern European cities grow tired of tourists, Berlin is pitching itself as an antidote to the crowds, blistering heatwaves and anti-tourism protests causing problems elsewhere. The German capital is promoting its cutting-edge art scene, Prussian palaces and famed techno clubs to boost a tourism sector that has lagged behind the post-pandemic boom seen in other parts of Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We really don't have a problem with overtourism," said Christian Taenzler, spokesperson for the VisitBerlin tourism board. "The city is large and people spread out. Especially in summer, when Berliners are away, there's quite a lot of space." Berlin - home to about 4 million people - drew 5.9 million visitors in the first half of the year, accounting for 13.9 million overnight stays, according to the Berlin-Brandenburg statistics office. That marks a fall of 1.8% and 2.9% respectively from a year earlier. Hotel occupancy averaged 52.8% during the same period, lagging Madrid's 65% and 79% in Paris, cities where tourism has rebounded more quickly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, before the pandemic, Berlin drew nearly 14 million tourists, with 34 million overnight stays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tourism generated 4.6% of Berlin's output in 2023, including indirect effects, according to the estimates of a DIW Econ study. In comparison, tourism accounts for roughly 14% of the local economy in Paris and Rome, and 8% in Madrid, and Berlin is more reliant on cost-conscious German travellers. Meanwhile, international arrivals fell by 4.7% in the first half. CLIMATE TRENDS Some tourist boards hope climate trends will shift demand north in the years to come. A European Commission Joint Research Centre study found heatwaves are making southern destinations less attractive in peak summer. "While this theme may well emerge over the coming years, there is little evidence of it so far," said Adrian Prettejohn, Europe economist at Capital Economics, noting that so far there has been only a shift to the off-peak season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taenzler said Berlin - where maximum summer temperatures are normally about 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) - should appeal to tourists seeking cooler climes. "We are a very green city, with a lot of water and swimming options, and a lot of shade ... I think that will gain in importance in the future," Taenzler said. Industry figures blame weaker international visitor growth partly on Berlin's new airport, BER, which opened in 2020. In 2024, BER passenger numbers rose 10.4% to 25.5 million, well below the 35.7 million handled by the former Tegel and Schoenefeld airports combined in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Recovery in passenger volumes is just under 85% for Germany," said Ralph Beisel, head of the ADV airports association. Low-cost carrier Ryanair said in August last year it would cut flights at BER by 20%. Ryanair's DAC CEO Eddie Wilson has repeatedly complained about taxes, noting that Berlin's airport has capacity for 50 million passengers. Despite higher airfares, Berlin's restaurants, hotels and attractions remain relatively affordable. "Prices in Berlin are absolutely moderate," said Jan Philipp Bubinger, managing partner of the Staendige Vertretung restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some people blame Berlin's disappointing tourist numbers on months of negative headlines about cutbacks in the cultural sector, traditionally one of its biggest draws. Berlin's government wants to cut about 130 million euros from the 2025 culture budget. "What's being done here is catastrophic budgeting," Greens lawmaker Julian Schwarze said. "If the impression arises that culture is being lost, then I'll save myself the trip to Berlin." (Reporting by Maria Martinez and Rene Wagner;Additional reporting by Ulrike Heil and Lena Toepler;Editing by Helen Popper) EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Former El Paso Congressman Beto ORourke stopped in El Paso on Wednesday evening on Aug. 20, to host a rally before dozens of democratic voters. The event was held at The Elmont Event Centers Grand Ballroom, located at 240 W. Castellano Dr. ORourke was joined by Democrat U.S. Representatives Veronica Escobar, Jasmine Crockett, and Joaquin Castro. They all spoke out against the Trump Administrations policies and rallied voters to turn their attention to next years midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The balance of power in the United States House of Representatives, and the future of this country, is going to be decided over the next 15 months. If we can win a majority, we dont have to pick up many seats; then there will be a check on Trumps lawlessness. There will be accountability for his crimes and corruption, ORourke said. In order to win that power, weve got to pick up districts like District 23, which is in San Antonio and El Paso. The rally was held just hours after the Texas House of Representatives finally approved a controversial redistricting map, which Democrats had tried to halt by breaking quorum earlier this month. With Texas Republicans now a step closer to having the redrawn map approved and obtaining the five seats in the U.S. House that President Trump has called for, ORourke said this is just the start of a months-long battle. Even if they redraw these congressional districts in Texas, which it looks like they will, we can still win there. We just have to organize. We just have to hustle. We just have to fight. We just have to put all of the work in over these next 15 months, and all of us are going to do that work, ORourke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rally also occurred just hours after a judge from the 41st District Court in El Paso issued a temporary restraining order against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, preventing him from prosecuting ORourkes political organization, Powered by People, and revoking its charter for the time being. Those of us Powered by People who have started one of the largest voter registration organizations in the country, in the state where it is harder to cast a ballot or to register to vote than in any other in the union. An organization that has also been supporting this fight to stop the stealing of these five congressional seats. That fight has brought the wrath of Ken Paxton on our back, who sued us in Tarrant County Court to try to put us out of business, ORourke said. We did not react. We didnt respond. We didnt fight back. We got off the back foot onto the front. Off of defense, on to offense, and we took the fight to him. We sued him here in El Paso, and thanks to our amazing attorney Lynn Coyle, we defeated Ken Paxton, ORourke said. ORourke and Paxton have been entangled in legal battles and a war of words in the past few weeks over the redistricting map pushed by Texas House Republicans. And now a recent poll by Texas Southern University shows that they are each the leading popular candidate among potential voters to represent their parties in next years 2026 U.S. Senate midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the rally, however, ORourke maintained he is not focused on running for any office at the moment. Im not focused on running for any office. Im focused on the work were doing now, which is registering Texans to vote, fighting this power grab where Donald Trump is trying to steal five congressional seats because he knows theres no other way that he can hold on to power and win elections in 2026, ORourke said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Its been just over one month since President Donald Trump signed the tax and spending cut bill dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill into law. Now, members of his administration and members of Congress are hitting the road to meet with small businesses that will experience some of the impacts of the bill. On Wednesday, U.S. Administrator to the Small Business Administration Kelly Loeffler and U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, teamed up for a visit to a manufacturer near Grand Rapids. The two stopped by Buell Motorcycle Co. to discuss the benefits the bill will have on the business. Budget office says GOPs big, beautiful bill will make rich richer, poor poorer U.S. Administrator to the Small Business Administration Kelly Loeffler and U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, visit Buell Motorcycles in Cascade Township. (Aug. 20, 2025) The horsepower that local manufacturing brings an economy is exponential, Loeffler told News 8. Supporting our small businesses means that we are having a friendly manufacturing environment, that we cut back on environmental regulations that we increased the skilled workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elements of the bill like no taxing on overtime, tax cuts and deregulation are just some things they say will directly help small businesses. To have these opportunities that form new policy thats been put into place, especially in the tax benefit area for businesses who can take advantage of it Day 1 and it makes a difference, our big corporations will enjoy it but a company like this that wants to compete with some of the big guys in the motorcycle community it is incumbent to us to make sure that it works, Rep. Walberg told News 8. Senate megabill marks biggest Medicaid cuts in history Buell Motorcycle was first founded in 1983, before merging with Harley-Davidson in 1993. Harley discontinued the brand in 2009. It was restarted in 2016 under the Erik Buell Racing brand, before relaunching as Buell Motorcycles in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buells CEO and Owner Bill Melvin told News 8 that the Small Business Administration has been very helpful in the companys relaunching process. Support from American jobs, American manufacturing is very important to us. Its not an easy thing to do, to have an (original equipment manufacturer) vehicle product so to have that kind of federal government is very important and crucial for bringing jobs back to Michigan, Melvin said. Buell, an original equipment manufacturer, produces products that are sold to other companies to use on their own products. We see a 20 to 1 benefit so for every job they create here at an OEM, it adds 20 additional jobs in the region. Thats unparalleled, Loeffler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP changes proposed in GOPs big, beautiful bill. Heres what to know Melvin said the company has transitioned from about 30% made in America, to about 60% a number he said he hopes to keep growing in the future and a key focus for the Loeffler too. One hundred percent tax deductibility of made in America manufacturing is great for a state like Michigan, where people are building here again finally thanks to president Trumps fair trade agenda, she said. Buell is a great example of made in America, where most of the parts are sourced here in America, Loeffler said. She said the work is still ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no bigger business than small business. We know that President Trump knows that and we are going to continue to work with our partners in Congress to ensure that we restore that exceptionalism that we have in this nation, she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A Utah legislative committee voted to move a bill forward that would allow officials to raise the Great Salt Lake berm, which critics say will permanently dry up the northern arm of the lake. The bill would allow more flexibility in raising and lowering the berm as necessary. Raising the berm would allow water to move from the north arm to the south, and sponsors of the bill responded to critics, saying that allowing the northern arm to dry up is not the intention. The proposed bill is anticipated to be heard during an upcoming special session of the legislature, and the approval from the committee is the first step towards that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the committee meeting, Representative Jill Koford (R-10) argued that raising and lowering the berm as needed is the most effective tool they have available, and that raising the berm likely saved the lake from total ecological collapse recently. The purpose of the bill, Koford said, is to allow the Division of Forestry, Fires, and State Lands to have the flexibility they need to manage the berm properly. MORE LOCAL POLITICS: Appointing the Chief Justice, GSL berm, election changes among possible topics for Special Session It does three major things, she said: it requires the berm to be raised if the south arm drops to 4,190 feet or lower, it requires the division to have a plan and a timeline for lowering the berm within 18 months, and it requires the division to consult with the Great Salt Lake manager before any changes are made to the berm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koford stressed that this bill will not cut off the north arm of the lake, and instead it gives the division flexibility in managing water and salinity levels. Ben Stireman, Deputy Director of the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands also said that there is no intention to leave the berm at a higher level, and that the law would not allow for that. One major critic of the bill is the Utah Rivers Council, which is one of multiple organizations currently suing the Utah state legislature over its management of the Great Salt Lake. The water advocate for Utah Rivers Council, Alta Fairborn, spoke at the committee meeting to raise their criticisms of the bill. She said that the line that required the division to comply in lowering the berm was struck from the bill. Fairborn also pointed out that this bill does not set a target water level goal, does not allow for permanent instream flows, does not pursue ambitious water conservation goals, does not phase out property taxes that incentivize water waste, and does not eliminate secondary water flooding of ornamental grass, all of which would be additional helpful steps for restoring water levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Majority Leader Casey Snider motioned to move the draft legislation forward and said that the legislature does care about the lake, and that is exactly why they are working on legislation like this. In response to the Rivers Council, Snider said that critics like the Rivers Council arent being helpful, and instead they were just being critical. Another major concern from members of the public who spoke during the committee meeting is that the bill does nothing to protect Utahns from dust from the lake, which has been linked to health problems. What is in the proposed bill? You can read the full text of the proposed bill to raise the berm of the Great Salt Lake here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill being proposed will amend existing laws around the states management of the Great Salt Lake, in recognition of the states duty to manage public trust assets and balance public interest benefits and policies. The state must manage the fluctuating water levels of the lake, promote a healthy physical and ecological condition of the lake, manage the water quality of the lake, and ensure public access to the lake for recreation, hunting, and fishing. The idea from critics that this bill would permanently dry up any part of the lake directly contradicts the purpose of the bill and the states management of the lake. The bill will require the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands to create a management plan for the lake in consultation with the Great Salt Lake commissioner. The division will be able to hire people, buy equipment and supplies, and initiate scientific studies of the lake. States have the right to choose their election method, Utah LG says amid Trump threat to end vote-by-mail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With regards to the berm, this bill will allow the division to raise the adaptive management berm to 4,192 feet when needed, and if the Great Salt Lake reaches less than 4,190 feet, the division will be required to raise the berm, after consulting with the Great Salt Lake commissioner first. Before they raise the berm, they need to have a plan to lower the berm again no later than 18 months later, with an objective of equalizing the elevations of Gilbert Bay and Gunnison Bay to be within two feet of each other. The division will also be able to manage infrastructure related to protecting the Great Salt Lake and adjacent wetlands, unless those activities interfere with water and irrigation. The bill cannot be used to override, supersede, or modify any water right in the state. Opposition from Utah Rivers Council The largest and loudest critic of the proposed bill, the Utah Rivers Council, wrote in a press release, This new bill demonstrates Utahs failure to safeguard the lake. More than anything else, this bill dispels the illusion that Utah has a plan to restore the Great Salt Lake to a healthy water level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Utah Rivers Council said that the proposed bill would raise the control berm in the causeway crossing the Great Salt Lake when the southern side of the lake is at 4,190 feet above sea level, which would then divide the lake. The water control structure would then close, stopping water from entering the north arm. After the north arm is cut off, the bill removes a provision requiring water levels in the north to be restored within 18 months, the council says, and that will lead to permanently drying the north arm. A rendering of what the Utah Rivers Council says the Great Salt Lake will look like in 2027 if this proposed bill is passed, courtesy: Utah Rivers Council The Utah Rivers Council also contends that over the past few years, there have been several proposed bills and amendments that would protect water flows of the Great Salt Lake, but the Utah Legislature refused to pass them out of committee. In September 2023, the Utah Rivers Council announced that they were joining Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, American Bird Conservatory, Center for Biological Diversity, and the Sierra Club to sue the Utah legislature over the states management of the lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They allege that the state has not been taking action to raise the Great Salt Lake, and that it has instead been moving backwards, passing bills that accelerate the decline of the Great Salt Lake and failing to come up with any plan to deliver necessary water to the lake. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A nationwide campaign is underway to save lives by performing blood transfusions on patients before they arrive at the hospital; 98% of ambulances in the United States do not have blood. Promoting the method is Dr. John Holcomb. Dr. Holcomb served in the army for 23 years and was a surgeon who provided non-stop 48-hour care to soldiers during the Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu, Somalia. Our goal is to implement pre-hospital blood on every eligible ambulance in the United States, said Dr. Holcomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ambulances in Harris County, Texas, have been a part of the program since 2016. Assistant Chief of EMS for Harris County ESD 48 Fire Department in Katy, Texas, Eric Banks, said it has saved lives. Story continues below Weve given about 400 units of blood since 2016, with a 97% survival rate, said Banks. Several organizations in Iowa will be taking part in a pilot program starting soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are actually piloting this in the Des Moines region with the fire department and West Des Moines and Des Moines, and with MercyOne and Unity Point, said Vice President of Operations at LifeServe Blood Center Anjeanette Barto. But the need for blood continues as demand overtakes supply. Candidate for Congress, Christopher J. McGowan, is calling on Siouxlanders to do their part. Demand is outpacing supply. So, we want to encourage everyone in Siouxland to make sure that they are doing their part in donating blood, McGowan said. If you are interested in donating blood, go to the LifeServe Blood Center website and click on the donate tab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BlazeTV personality Alex Stein said demonstrators attacked him after he tried handing out free tampons at an anti-Trump protest. Stein posted video of the encounter on Aug. 17, writing, I was just assaulted for handing out free tampons to Tim Walz supporters. The video shows Stein warning one demonstrator not to strike him with an American flag before an altercation breaks out. Get off me, Stein can be heard yelling, as bystanders shouted, Dont touch him again. I was just assaulted for handing out free tampons to Tim Walz supporters pic.twitter.com/PjzF5FmIE1 Alex Stein #99 (@alexstein99) August 17, 2025 Stein told The Dallas Express he brought the tampons as a satirical gesture. I went to the anti-Trump protest thinking that the protesters would find some humor in handing out free tampons because they fight so hard for access to them in mens restrooms, but my gift wasnt received well at all. The majority of the protesters lost their mind immediately and started cussing at me like drunken sailors. It seems like the ability to laugh and have fun has totally vanished from their Trump Derangement Syndrome. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Stein appeared before the Senate State Affairs Committee last week to testify in support of Senate Bill 7. The measure would require individuals in state, county, and municipal facilities including schools, prisons, and womens shelters to use restrooms corresponding to the biological sex listed on their birth certificate. The Senate advanced the measure after heated debate, and Steins testimony drew backlash from activists in the chamber. Opponents have criticized the bill as discriminatory, while supporters argue it is necessary to protect privacy and safety in public facilities. Stein, who also hosts the podcast Primetime with Alex Stein, has remained a vocal backer of the legislation. A federal appeals court cleared the way this month for U.S. District Judge James Boasberg to continue to rule on the fate of hundreds of CECOT migrants deported by the Trump administration earlier this year dissolving an emergency stay it previously handed down, and sending the case back down to the lower court for further consideration. Members of the appeals court panel Judges Gregory Katsas, Neomi Rao and Justin Walker ruled on the matter earlier this month, but it came into effect for the first time this week. The ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit formally dissolves the emergency stay it granted to the Trump administration earlier in June, due to what the judges said was a significantly new factual situation at play after CECOT detainees were transferred from El Salvador to Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order also punts the case back to Boasberg for consideration in light of the new circumstances. Judges stressed in their order that they were not ruling on the lower court injunction, or the merits of the appeal filed by the Trump administration. Trump Foe Boasberg Orders Doj To Detail Status Of Cecot Migrants Sent To Venezuela Read On The Fox News App Judge James E. Boasberg, chief judge of the Federal District Court in DC, stands for a portrait at E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, DC on March 16, 2023. (Photo by Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images) "Under these circumstances, it would make little sense for this court to review a preliminary injunction that, in all likelihood, has been overtaken by events," they said. Rather, they said, the decision was based solely on new developments in the case, after the CECOT migrant class was sent to Venezuela under a diplomatic agreement and prisoner exchange struck with the Maduro regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-judge panel said that, in its view, the situation for CECOT plaintiffs had changed in such a way that it would "alter the appropriateness of injunctive relief" from the court a test often used to determine the appropriateness of vacating and remanding a decision to review a case pending on appeal. The transfer from CECOT to Venezuela "alters the harm experienced by plaintiffs," judges said, adding that i may affect the government's ability to obtain custody of the migrants in question, though that would be up to the lower courts to ascertain. Who Is James Boasberg, The Us Judge At The Center Of Trump's Deportation Efforts? President Donald Trump and his supporters have accused U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of bias. "In light of these developments, we find that it is 'just under the circumstances' to vacate the order and remand the case to the district court for further proceedings," the court said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling comes after the U.S. appeals court agreed in June to review the preliminary injunction issued by Judge Boasberg, after he provisionally certified a class of Venezuelan migrants challenging their detention at CECOT, and ordered the Trump administration to "facilitate" due process protections for them, including allowing them the opportunity to seek habeas relief and challenge their alleged gang member status, which was used as the basis of their removals under the Alien Enemies Act in March. Lawyers for the Trump administration quickly appealed the case to the higher court, which granted the emergency stay. Appeals Court Blocks Trump Admin's Deportation Flights In Alien Enemies Act Immigration Suit They said in their ruling this month that the new circumstances at play are likely significant enough to preclude them from weighing in on the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the appeal "raised serious questions about a courts power to direct the Executives diplomatic conduct, we do not reach those questions because of a fundamental change in circumstances," the court said. "We express no opinion on what kind of class or relief, if any, may be appropriate in light of the changed circumstances," the judges added. The next steps in the case are unclear. Judges on the appeals court noted that the CECOT class plaintiffs would likely need to amend their request for habeas relief, to reflect the updated circumstances. They also allowed for the possibility that some plaintiffs may not wish to press the case further, should it require them to "submit to the United States' custody." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the lawsuit is almost certain to continue before Judge Boasberg, who ordered the Justice Department back to court in July to press them for details on the location and custodial status of the CECOT migrants following their removal to Venezuela. Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court To Review El Salvador Deportation Flight Case The E. Barrett Prettyman United States Court House is seen on an early morning on December 10, 2024, in Washington, DC. He also ordered both Trump lawyers and plaintiffs to submit regular status updates to his court as he weighs what, if any, opportunities the court has for relief indicating the matter is not going away any time soon. During that hearing, ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt cited fresh concerns about the custodial status of CECOT migrants now in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted to Boasberg during the hearing that "many, if not most" of the 252 Venezuelan migrants deported from the U.S. to El Salvador in March had been in the U.S. seeking asylum from Venezuela. Boasberg has been at the center of the sweeping immigration case since March 15, when he issued an emergency order blocking the Trump administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act, the 1798 wartime immigration law, to deport certain migrants to El Salvador. Original article source: Boasberg cleared to rule on CECOT migrant deportations after appeals court decision BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The West Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office found a body on Wednesday. According to reports, deputies were called to a dead end of Lobdell Highway in Port Allen, south of I-10, where a body was located in a homemade campsite. At this time, deputies dont suspect foul play. No further details were immediately available. This is an ongoing investigation. 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. Aug. 20Search teams recovered Tuesday the body of a boater who disappeared after jumping into Flathead Lake last week, authorities say. David Easterly, 67, of Mill Creek, Washington, vanished after leaping from his boat into the water near Blue Bay about 4:30 p.m., Aug. 16, said Lake County Sheriff Don Bell. Another individual on the vessel alerted the authorities, who subsequently launched a search effort, he said. Bell said teams located and recovered the man's body about 2 p.m., Aug. 19. It has since been taken to the Montana Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. Bell said his office is investigating the cause and manner of Easterly's death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bell said Ralston Search and Recovery, Flathead County Search and Rescue, Lewis and Clark County Search and Rescue, and Lake County Search and Rescue aided in the search. News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com. Police in Brazil have accused former President Jair Bolsonaro, 70, and his 41-year-old son Eduardo of obstruction of justice. They allege that the two tried to interfere in the trial currently under way against the elder Bolsonaro, in which he stands accused of leading an attempted coup after his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. Police say they have found a document on Jair Bolsonaro's mobile phone which suggests he planned to evade criminal proceedings by seeking asylum in Argentina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also accuse Eduardo Bolsonaro of lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of his father - which they say led to the US imposing punitive tariffs on Brazilian goods. The 170-page police report comes less than two weeks before the start of the final phase of the coup trial and piles further pressure on the former leader. Jair Bolsonaro denies conspiring to overturn his 2022 election loss to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. But he has questioned the fairness of the proceedings against him, alleging he is the target of a "political witch hunt". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told news agency Reuters last month that he had "no doubt" the five Supreme Court justices tasked with delivering the verdict had already made up their mind about convicting him. But at the time, he denied ever having made plans to try to evade the trial. "I've never considered leaving the country, never," he told Reuters, adding that he believed the coup charges were designed to "eliminate" him from running for president in 2026. But in their report filed on Wednesday, police say they found a draft letter on Jair Bolsonaro's mobile phone requesting political asylum in Argentina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 33-page letter was addressed directly to Argentine President Javier Milei, according to the report. Milei has condemned Bolsonaro's "persecution" and is seen as a political ally of the former leader. The letter is not dated but police say it was last modified on the phone in February 2024, shortly after Bolsonaro had to surrender his passport to police. It is not clear whether the draft was ever sent and an Argentine government source has told Reuters that the office of the Argentine president had not received a letter from Bolsonaro. But police argue the draft shows Bolsonaro's intent to evade justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexandre de Moraes, the judge overseeing the Bolsonaro trial, has given the ex-president's lawyers 48 hours to provide an explanation for the alleged asylum request. Jair Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest and is already barred from posting on social media and from contacting his son Eduardo for breaching court restrictions placed on him. The report also accuses Eduardo Bolsonaro of trying to influence his father's trial by lobbying the Trump administration to lay pressure on the Brazilian government and the Supreme Court. In July, Trump announced he would raise tariffs on Brazilian imports to 50%, citing Brazil's treatment of Jair Bolsonaro as a trigger for the hike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to that, the US State Department banned eight Brazilian Supreme Court justices - including Alexandre de Moraes - from travelling to the US. Eduardo Bolsonaro, who has been in the US for almost six months, took to social media on Wednesday to deny the allegations against him. He said that his actions in the US had never been intended to influence any ongoing proceedings in Brazil and that his goal had been the "restoration of individual freedoms in the country". Sundar Pichai speaks at a Google I/O event in Mountain View, California. Jeff Chiu / AP Photo This post originally appeared in the Business Insider Today newsletter. You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here. Good morning. I couldn't assemble flat-pack furniture if my life depended on it. Sometimes, it feels like it actually does. That's why I'm thrilled about this startup's mission: Make US manufacturing easier than following an Ikea manual . In today's big story, BI's Hugh Langley exclusively reports on Google ramping up the pressure on workers to use AI for everything or risk falling behind. Googlers told Hugh how they feel about it . What's on deck: Markets: Infamous market bear Michael Burry appears to have flipped his stance on stocks. Tech: Hundreds of Microsoft employees are comparing compensation in a giant spreadsheet, BI exclusively reports. Business: Target's next CEO already has a plan to revive the retailer. But first, the competition is fierce. If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. The big story Google under pressure Sundar Pichai speaks during a Google I/O conference. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images For Googlers, the message is clear: use AI to make yourself more productive or get left behind. Some are excited about it, others are doing it grudgingly, one Google engineer told Hugh . Either way, their boss needs them to do it. Google is under pressure. In an all-hands meeting last month, CEO Sundar Pichai said that as rival companies leverage AI, Google needs to rise to the challenge if it wants to compete, employees who heard the remarks told BI. He's not wrong about the competition. Microsoft told workers in June that " using AI is no longer optional. " In a frank blog post, GitHub's CEO said developers have a choice: embrace AI, or " get out of your career. " The rivals are becoming lean, mean, and increasingly machine. These directives apply as much to the companies as to their workers. If they fall behind their competitors as a worker may fall behind a colleague they risk never catching up. Getty Images; Tyler Le/BI The future of the software engineering profession will be a tale of the haves and have-nots. That's according to Meta's chief technology officer. "The engineers who master the tools to the point that they can't themselves be replaced by the tools command a premium ," he said on Monday. Google seems to know this and it's watching its engineers closely. Pichai said in June that engineers' weekly productivity hours are up 10% thanks to AI . A suspected unexploded device has been found on a former steelworks site. The Explosives Ordnance Disposals team (EOD) was called to the Teesworks site in Southbank, Redcar, at 12:30 BST. Cleveland Police said the site was evacuated as a "precautionary measure" and a 328ft (100m) cordon was put in place "until the area has been made safe". South Tees Development Corporation (STDC), which runs the site, said there was no risk to the wider community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A STDC spokesman added the device was believed to be a "historical ordnance" and was found at the site's Net Zero Teesside Power plant. "We are working with both the police and Ministry of Defence to provide assistance in line with established protocols." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. UPDATE: 9:27 A.M. ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Police have cleared HVHS after a bomb threat this morning. Students are returning for the school day. Student drivers who were asked to stay home can now head to campus. ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Officials with Roanoke County Public Schools say buses that were heading to Hidden Valley High School this morning are being diverted to an off-site evacuation location due to a bomb threat that was called in on Thursday, August 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents are being asked not to drop off their students, and school officials are asking all student drivers to stay home until police say otherwise. This is an active investigation. Students will not be allowed into the building until its cleared by police. This is a breaking news story, well have more updates as they become available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. The bond for one of the men charged in the viral Downtown brawl was reduced on Aug. 21. Gregory Wright, 32, appeared before Magistrate Anita Berding via video on Thursday for an arraignment. He is charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated riot in the July 26 brawl. Assistant Prosecutor Kip Guinan said Wright punched the victim once then took a chain from the man's neck. Guinan said Wright then showed a friend the chain valued at $2,500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He had a big smile as he walked away," Guinan said. The incident was caught on video. Gregory Wright first appeared in court on Aug. 12. He was back in court on Aug. 21 when his bond was reduced. Carl Lewis, Wright's lawyer, pleaded not guilty for his client. Lewis said he has known Wright for his whole life. They both attend Rockdale Baptist Church. Lewis pointed out that about 10 of Wright's family members came to court to support him. Lewis said Wright has strong ties to the community and is not a flight risk. Guinan argued that Wright has prior felony drug and weapons convictions and just recently ended a stint on probation. Berding said that she was setting aside the intense attention this "national, maybe even international" case has received. She said that based on the facts her decision on bond came down to public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted that the allegations involved a single punch with no weapon or firearms. Wright's bond was initially set at $100,000. Berding reduced it to $50,000 at 10%, meaning Wright can be released if $5,000 is posted. Berding also issued an order that if Wright does post bond that he be placed on a GPS ankle monitor. Seven other people have been charged in the case. Six face felonious assault charges in addition to rioting charges. The last person charged is also a victim in the case, police said. He faces a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bond reduced for man accused of snatching a chain during viral brawl Lt. Gov Burt Jones speaks with voters at a Butts County campaign event for Congressman Mike Collins. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Do you believe in democracy, or do you believe in Donald Trump? Thats the question youll have to ask yourself when you go into the voting booth to elect Georgias next governor. If youre a true believer in Donald Trump, if you see him as The Man Sent By God Himself to rescue America from the clutches of evil, then the candidate that you want as the next governor of Georgia is Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For everyone else, maybe not so much. Had Jones been our governor during the election crisis of 2020, when Trump lost the election here in Georgia, the General Assembly would have been called into emergency session to overturn those results. If Jones had gotten his way, if he held the power then that he seeks today, the votes of almost 5 million Georgia voters might have been tossed aside as meaningless, and 235 years of self-government would have been ended by those who believe that they know better than the people. Back then, Jones was a lowly state senator with high ambitions. His demand for a special session was ignored by wiser, more thoughtful Georgia leaders who understood that it would lead to the unraveling of the American system of government, and who figured that was too high a price to pay. So, foiled in his demand for a special session, Jones tried other courses of action. He tried to join a lawsuit filed by the state of Texas, which alleged that his home state of Georgia was too incompetent and corrupt to be trusted to run an election, and demanded that the U.S. Supreme Court strip Georgia of its electoral votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amicus brief submitted to the high court by Jones and others on behalf of Texas, and in betrayal of Georgia, made a variety of claims so ridiculous as to be absurd. Among other things, it alleged that 66,247 kids under 18 had been allowed to vote in Georgia, and that somehow thousands of others had voted without ever having registered. There was never any proof of those allegations, and remains so now. When the Supreme Court refused to hear the Texas case, Jones and his co-conspirators then led a third effort, claiming themselves to be the true and rightful electors for the state of Georgia and pressuring Vice President Mike Pence and the Republican-controlled Congress to overthrow the millions of votes cast by Jones fellow Georgians. That effort contributed directly to the tragedy that was January 6. In the upcoming campaign, Jones wont remind voters that he believed that re-installing Trump as president was more important than preserving American democracy. Thats in part because he doesnt want to remind general election voters of his role in that debacle, and in part because GOP primary voters need no such reminders. Trumps recent endorsement of his campaign has already checked that box nicely. Jones only announced opponent in the GOP primary, Chris Carr, also wont make it an issue. As attorney general, Carr was one of those state leaders who understood what was really at stake in 2020, and who worked to frustrate that attack on our democracy. For example, Carr strongly opposed the effort by Texas to nullify the election here in Georgia, arguing to the Supreme Court that The novel and far-reaching claims that Texas asserts, and the breathtaking remedies it seeks, are impossible to ground in legal principles and unmanageable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carrs actions were honorable and correct, but bragging about taking an honorable and correct stance in defense of democracy, but in defiance of Trump, is not exactly a winning strategy in a Republican primary these days. The same would be true for a potential third candidate in the GOP gubernatorial primary. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger played a crucial role in ensuring that the decision of Georgia voters was respected in 2020, even if he personally disagreed with that choice. Should Raffensperger announce what would be a doomed run for governor, he and Carr would split whatever Trump-skeptic vote remains in the Georgia GOP, clearing the way for Jones to win the nomination. That primary is scheduled for May 19, and I expect the months between now and then to be a stern test of the American voters tolerance for chaos on a scale that we have not yet experienced. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A top Boston ICE official is calling out Mayor Michelle Wu after the city refused to comply with Attorney General Pam Bondis ultimatum on immigration enforcement. Bondi sent letters to dozens of sanctuary cities, counties and states warning they must cooperate with federal immigration laws or face lawsuits and potential cuts to federal funding. "Unlike Mayor Wu, I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I grew up in Boston," ICE ERO Boston Acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde said Wednesday on "Americas Newsroom." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bostons Wu Fires Back At Bondi, Citing Revolution, As Other Cities Slam Feds Over Sanctuary Warnings "I know what a safe Boston looks like, and this isnt it." Sanctuary city policies often limit local law enforcements cooperation with ICE to protect illegal immigrants from deportation or apprehension. Read On The Fox News App Wu publicly rejected Bondis demands during a press conference, calling the ultimatum a political stunt. "Stop attacking our cities to hide your administration's failures. Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the law," Wu said Tuesday. Tom Homan Puts Sanctuary Cities 'On Notice' As Trump Administration Cracks Down On Immigration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hyde pushed back on Wus comments, arguing that the mayors stance undermines public safety. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters to sanctuary cities, counties and states, giving them one week to comply with federal immigration laws or face Department of Justice action. "While Mayor Wu is up, having a press conference and talking about not working with ICE, the men and women of ICE are out working, making her community safer," Hyde said. Federal officials have highlighted a series of high-profile migrant arrests in Massachusetts over the past year, involving charges such as aggravated rape of a child, assault and kidnapping. During a month-long enforcement operation in Boston earlier this year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the apprehension of nearly 1,500 illegal immigrant offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu has long criticized these federal immigration crackdowns, accusing them of fueling fear in local communities rather than improving security. Hyde insisted ICE will continue to carry out enforcement in Boston, despite Wus resistance. "We swore to uphold our oath to protect the cities and the communities where we work and where we live," she said. "Despite the obstacles, the men and women of ICE Boston, and the men and women of ICE in the whole entire country, that's what they do every day." Other cities like Chicago, Philadelphia and New York also received letters from the DOJ. Washington Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson posted Bondis letter on X, formerly known as Twitter, noting he also has no plans to follow her directive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor wrote in part: "Washington state has no intention of changing our values in the face of threats from the Trump administration." Original article source: Boston ICE chief 'not backing down,' blasts liberal Mayor Wu over 'public safety crisis' Boston Police are currently on the scene at Charlotte Street, where a person has been shot and another is barricaded. Boston Police tell Boston 25 News that there was a reported shooting at the address on Charlotte Street. Police say that the victim appeared to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, a suspect has barricaded themselves inside the address. There are no further details at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Police in Boston are turning to the public for help identifying a man wanted in connection with an early morning assault of a woman. The alleged assault happened around 2 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, in the area of Telegraph and Old Harbor streets in South Boston, according to the Boston Police Department. A preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was walking up Telegraph Street toward Old Harbor Street when she observed the suspect following her, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect then allegedly attempted to gain her attention by shouting before rushing toward her and pinning her against a vehicle. He then restrained her arms in an effort to restrict her movement, according to police. Police said the victim screamed, broke free, and fled when the suspect became distracted. BPD Community Alert: Detectives Seek Publics Assistance in Assault and Battery Investigation in South Boston https://t.co/nTX0wJjFE3 pic.twitter.com/mWJGRwM5bG Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) August 21, 2025 Police on Thursday released surveillance images of the suspect with the hope the public can identify him. The suspect is desribed as a Hispanic, about 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with a medium build, a tan complexion, a black buzz cut. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and dark clothing. Anyone who recognizes the suspect is urged to contact detectives at 617-343-4742. 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 are asking the public to help them identify a suspect who they say pinned a woman who was walking down the street against a car in South Boston early Sunday morning. The incident happened around 2 a.m. on Aug. 17 near the intersection of Telegraph and Old Harbor Streets, Boston police said in a Thursday press release. The preliminary investigation suggests that the woman was walking up Telegraph Street towards Old Harbor Street when she noticed the suspect following her. The suspect shouted at the woman to get her attention, rushed towards her and pinned her against a car, police said. He then restrained her arms, trying to restrict her ability to move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the woman was able to scream and broke free when the suspect became distracted, police said. She then fled to safety. Police described the suspect as a Hispanic male who was approximately 5-foot-7 in height, had a medium build, tan complexion and a black buzz cut. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and dark clothing. Boston police detectives ask that anyone with information about the suspect or assault call them at (617) 343-4742. You can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-494-8477, texting the word TIP to 27463 or online on the Boston Police Department website. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. President Trumps top immigration officer pledged a surge of federal agents to Boston on Wednesday after the city said it would defy pressure to change its immigration policies to match the federal governments. At a rally Tuesday outside City Hall, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city would not help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents locate, detain and deport immigrants. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons fired back Wednesday, saying Boston will see a larger ICE presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu and other officials have long maintained that their approach to immigration law keeps the city safer. The citys policy, set by 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. Officials say the policy allows Boston residents to feel more comfortable interacting with police, improving police-community relations. The Trump administration sees things differently, accusing city leaders of hampering efforts to detain dangerous criminals. Federal officials have upped their pressure on Boston and other cities with similar policies, often termed sanctuary cities, though city officials say the laws do not provide a harbor for criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi gave Boston and nearly three dozen such cities until this past Tuesday to explain how they would lift those policies. Here is our response: Stop attacking our cities to hide your administrations failures, Wu said Tuesday at City Hall. Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the law. And Boston will not back down from who we are and what we stand for. Lyons response came during an interview Wednesday on The Howie Carr Show. Carr asked whether the government may surge federal agents to Boston, akin to how it has deployed National Guard troops and federal officers to Washington, D.C., to fight crime, over the objection of local officials. Boston 100% will have an increased ICE presence, Lyons said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now youre going to see more ICE agents come to Boston, he said. Were definitely going to flood the zone, especially in sanctuary jurisdictions." An increased federal presence around Boston could take the shape of the multi-week immigration enforcement operation ICE conducted across Massachusetts in May, during which it detained nearly 1,500 people. Lyons said then: Make no mistake: ICE is going to keep doing this. Wu, a Democrat, has repeatedly clashed with the Trump administration and national Republicans over immigration policy this year. In March, she testified before a Republican-led congressional committee investigating sanctuary policies, alongside the Democratic mayors of three other cities. Though Bondi did not specify a penalty for Boston and the other cities if they refused to adopt federal immigration policy, the Trump administration has previously threatened to sue or to withhold federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions or prosecute elected officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu said Tuesday that if the federal government cuts funding to Boston, the city was prepared to fight back. She pointed to the citys lawsuit against the Trump administration, filed this spring after the government withheld funds for city homelessness programs. A judge deemed the funding cuts unconstitutional. More recently, the Trump administration has added a requirement to some 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Tuesday afternoon, mayoral candidate Josh Kraft, Wus top challenger, 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. MassLive reporter Trea Lavery contributed to this story. More boston Read the original article on MassLive. RIVERDALE, Utah (ABC4) A section of I-15 will close down this weekend at 4400 South in Weber County for an overnight bridge demolition. According to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), the road will close at 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, and reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24. Both directions will be shut down near 4400 South in Riverdale. To avoid the closure, UDOT recommends that drivers take I-84 and Riverdale Road as detours. For those travelling to the Ogden-Hinckley Airport, they say that drivers can use 31st Street in Ogden to get there. Courtesy: UDOT Courtesy: UDOT The bridge in Riverdale is being demolished as part of a project to replace three bridges that were constructed in the 1960s, UDOT says. The department has been maintaining the bridges for decades, but maintenance can only extend a bridges life so far, UDOT stated in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Replacing them now will provide safe, long-lasting connections that meet todays traffic demands, UDOT shared. The 4400 South bridge will be built using traditional methods, but the other I-84 ramp bridges will be built using accelerated bridge construction (ABC). Originally, the bridge rebuilding project was expected to conclude in late 2026, but UDOT says the ABC process has sped up the process, and it should be completed in the summer of 2026. For more information about traffic restrictions and changes due to construction, visit UDOTs website. 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. Because growing wealth takes time, stacking up ones net worth without factoring in age may be misleading, he added. Having a low net worth at a young age may have less bearing on your future financial well-being than having a low net worth in later years. Within each wealth class, a persons experience of their net worth can feel different, depending on factors such as how much debt they have and what share of their assets can be easily accessed, Hanson noted. As some assets, like homes, are not liquid, having wealth tied up in your primary residence really limits your financial flexibility, he said in his video. These benchmarks are not a life sentence. Its just a measuring stick to see where youre at, Honsberger said. There is no universal finish line, since peoples priorities vary greatly and there are a lot of different ways that you can live life and make the numbers work to be financially independent. At the same time, he said, a person with a higher net worth should not become complacent simply because their wealth class is above average. Instead, they should evaluate how much money they will need to meet their personal financial goals and maintain financial security. Such benchmarks can be helpful if they spur people to realize theyre a little behind their target savings goals and make changes to get on track, Dan Honsberger, a financial planner at Reel Financial Planning, told MarketWatch. In other words, over their lifespan, the average American eventually reaches some rung of the middle class. Median net worth varies widely starting at $39,000 for those younger than 35, and peaking around the typical retirement age at $410,000 for those ages 65 to 74 , according to the Federal Reserve. Using data on net worth i.e., assets minus debts from the Federal Reserve, Hanson broke out five classes. The top and bottom groups were not labeled: Bo Hanson, a financial planner and co-host of the Money Guy Show, outlined one framework in a recent video about which wealth class a person might fall into based on their net worth. While many people think about class in terms of income, many financial experts measure it by net worth instead, as a persons assets and debts often have a greater impact on their long-term financial security and financial freedom than income alone. Years of rising costs for necessities like housing, transportation and healthcare are causing many Americans to feel like financial comfort once a feature of middle-class life is getting further out of reach. Story Continues From the archives (June 2024): A $114,000 salary makes you feel poorer than your parents. These 6 metrics show why. Gaping inequality has chipped away at the middle class for decades. While a net worth approaching $1 million crosses over to the upper class, whether that alone supports a lifestyle that feels discernably above average as many people would like is less clear as the costs of many necessities rise. Jeremy Finger, a financial planner and founder of Riverbend Wealth Management, noted that as much as being part of the top 25% is a privilege, he also believes it realistically requires well more than a net worth of $714,000 the lower limit for the upper wealth class to have an above-average lifestyle in many parts of the U.S., particularly if one is retired or their net worth is largely tied up in their home. For instance, a retired person with $2.1 million of liquid assets (top 10%) safely withdrawing 4% would have just over $80,000 to live on annually which in some San Francisco Bay Area counties would qualify as low-income by state measures, Sam Dogen, founder of the Financial Samurai website and author of Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures, told MarketWatch. Dogen himself retired early at age 34 with a net worth of $3 million in 2012. He had no children at the time and lived off $80,000 in passive income in San Francisco; his withdrawal rate was a lower 3%, which is common in the financial independence, retire early, or FIRE, movement. Despite having a high net worth, I didnt feel rich, Dogen said. But I felt I achieved the minimum threshold where I could survive comfortably, a middle-class lifestyle. I felt rich enough to leave my multiple-six-figure day job behind. I felt rich enough where I had the courage to say, I dont want to do this anymore, because Im not happy. To better account for lifestyle expectations people commonly associate with the upper class, Finger said, one way to reframe these wealth brackets would be by shifting each threshold up so that upper class, for example, starts at $2.1 million. The wealthy class might then start at $4 million, he aded, which is roughly the lower threshold for the top 5%. Most people will not accumulate $4 million in their lifetime and theres nothing wrong with that, Finger said but at this level, luxuries like maintaining a second home and traveling first class become more affordable and still allow people to have enough cushion to handle financial disruptions. MarketWatch spoke with financial planners about the Money Guy Show class framework, and what people in each group can do to work toward greater financial security and independence. Bottom 25% of Americans Less than $29,300 net worth For many, this is a starting point. Hanson, who declined to comment for this story, said in the video that this group includes people with very high debt-to-asset ratios, like recent graduates with large student loans, and a number of young adults who are just starting out in their wealth-building journey. It also includes people with financial challenges, such as those with little to no savings. People in this group should focus on financial stability including stabilizing cash flow, building an emergency fund and managing debt, Bob Wolfe, a financial planner and founder of HealthyFP, told MarketWatch. Someone in their 20s with a modest net worth but a high savings rate and minimal debt could be on track for future financial stability, he said. Lower middle class (25th to 50th percentile) $29,300 to $209,000 net worth People in this class are often workers who are gradually growing their retirement accounts and may also have mortgages or student loans, Hanson said. They likely have a system to continue building financial stability and may want to increase their income and maximize their retirement savings. People in this group are likely older than those in the bottom 25%. The median net worth for Americans ages 35 to 44 was $135,600 in 2022, according to the Federal Reserve. The middle classes have spending limitations, although Honsberger noted that people in these wealth ranges can live comfortably. He said he has been surprised by how little some people can live on while still having fulfilling, rich lives. People in this class can focus on adding retirement savings, building home equity and eliminating high-interest debt, Wolfe said. While many financial experts recommend investing at least 15% of your income for retirement or more, for those starting to save later in life the Money Guy Show suggests a higher 20% minimum. Upper middle class (50th to 75th percentile) $209,000 to $714,000 net worth Those climbing into the upper middle class often shift their focus from basic financial stability to long-term security, with an eye toward financial independence by optimizing their investments, according to Hanson. The typical retirement-age American falls into this class, with those ages 65 to 74 having $410,000 in median net worth, and those ages 75 and older having about $336,000 in net worth. Diversifying across asset classes, optimizing taxes and starting legacy planning should be priorities for this group, Wolfe said. Upper class (75th to 90th percentile) $714,000 to $2.1 million net worth This is where the top 25% of Americans begin and millionaires emerge. Nearly 1 in 5 American households have a net worth of $1 million or more, commonly with some share of it in housing. More people are crossing this threshold, with the U.S. adding 1,000 millionaires daily in 2024. Still, the wealth gap even within the top 25% is gaping and as Finger and Dogen pointed out, some upper-class Americans largely continue living middle-class lifestyles rather than extravagant ones, depending on the cost of living. Essentially, every client we work with views themselves as middle class, including those worth millions, financial planner Ben Earls told MarketWatch. The financial industry largely considers people with $1 million in investable assets to be high-net-worth individuals, but economic class is more of a mindset, he said. Rather than fixate on millionaire status, Earls noted, ask yourself: What is the amount of money needed to accomplish all of my goals? Is work optional at this point? While many Americans retire in the upper middle class, those in the upper class may have more financial freedom. Those on the high end of this group have likely reached the recommended level of financial assets to maintain their lifestyle in retirement, which one benchmark pegged at roughly $1.36 million to $1.7 million (excluding home equity) by age 65 for the typical household that lives on an $85,000 income. Read more: Millennials say they need $847,000 to feel comfortable financially. Heres how much Gen Z, Gen X and boomers want. I think $2 million of net worth, assuming a good chunk of that is outside of their home equity, goes pretty far towards making your time your own and relieving money-related stress, Honsberger said. People in this wealth class may benefit from more sophisticated tax-optimization and investment strategies, comprehensive estate planning, detailed retirement projections [and] education planning, said Gitanjali Kumar, a financial planner and founder of Worthique. Some may also be interested in purchasing a second home or investment property. Wealthiest 10% of Americans Greater than $2.1 million net worth Being in the top 10% makes you wealthier than the vast majority of Americans and affords many comforts. Yet many of these high-net-worth individuals still do not feel rich. While a $2.1 million net worth can buy a lavish lifestyle in some markets, Kumar said that in the high-cost area near San Francisco where she works, she considers $5 million to be the lower threshold for high net worth. A 4% withdrawal rate on $5 million would give a person $200,000 to live on annually. The values may vary, but Finger who felt $4 million was a more realistic number for being wealthy said feeling rich is really about having abundant financial freedom. It means a person has enough that you dont have to look at price tags on restaurant items or at grocery stores. You have freedom of choice. With sizable assets, people in this wealth class can pursue advanced wealth-preservation strategies, charitable planning, multigenerational wealth transfer, and may need access to even more advanced investments and tax planning, Kumar said. Most Read from MarketWatch BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Less than one week after being officially sworn in, Buffalo Public Schools new superintendent, Dr. Pascal Mubenga, is already laying out his vision for the district emphasizing transparency, shared ownership, and a clear direction moving forward. On Wednesday, dozens of parents and students gathered to hear the details of Mubengas ambitious 100-day entry plan. This is how Im going to learn about all the good things that are happening in the district, as well as all the challenges, said Mubenga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting marked Mubengas first time sitting at the head of the Buffalo School Board. He was warmly welcomed by students and parents, with the primary focus centered on his 100-day strategy. Early support matters. Next week, Ill be meeting with our principals. I dont want to waste time. We have all the datawhy not start making those remediation plans ahead of time?, Mubenga asked. A key component of his plan involves conducting organizational and financial reviews. After BPS faced a nearly $80 million budget shortfall heading into this year, Mubenga aims to prevent such issues moving forward. Im going to ask good questions. What are the audits that weve had for the past five years? I want to dig in to see where we are, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another major focus will be reviewing curriculum, instructional quality, and educational strategies. Mubenga plans to visit classrooms and engage directly with studentsparticularly in underperforming schools. All the resources that we havehow many programs do we have? Are we really using those programs? If we have a particular program and were paying about $200,000, how many students are really using it? Those are the questions Ill be asking, he said. Mubenga also stressed the importance of collaborationa commitment welcomed by parent leaders. Theres a lot of talk about inclusivity and about how it takes a villagethe things parents, leaders have been saying all along. We are here, ready to work, so lets get together and do the work, said Danielle Grzymala, co-chair of the Buffalo Parent Teacher Organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the conclusion of the 100 school days, Mubenga plans to release a key findings summary. The first day of school is scheduled for September 4. 100-Day-Entry-Plan-PresentationDownload 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. Dusty, the executive producer of Cuomo, joins Ashton Bingham and Art Kulik from Trilogy Media to talk about the growing scam epidemic. Last year alone, internet scammers stole more than $1 trillion worldwide, often targeting seniors and wiping out life savings. And its not just strangers even the Cuomo team has felt it. Dustys own mother was scammed out of a significant sum of money. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Governor-elect Mike Braun greets supporters at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis on Nov. 5, 2024. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Gov. Mike Braun and key administration officials will headline a policy summit Aug. 27 raising money for a nonprofit that supports his agenda. The price to attend ranges from $2,500 for one session and lunch with the governor all the way to $100,000 as a headline partner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is for Hoosiers for Opportunity, Prosperity and Enterprise (HOPE) a social welfare nonprofit that provided support during Brauns campaign in the form of policy briefs and polling. The group then expanded its role to helping Brauns transition into office and ran ads against lawmakers on property taxes during session. Social welfare nonprofits typically have undisclosed donor lists which is why they are often referred to as dark money. The day-long event at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis will include sessions on energy sources and production, road funding, the future of gaming, K-12 education, health care, wage growth, maternal health, tort reform, housing and the state budget. It begins with a VIP breakfast for partners and also includes a lunch with Braun alongside legislator awards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Confirmed guests include Braun, his Chief of Staff Josh Kelley, Senior Policy Advisor Adam Battalio and Mitch Roob, the secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Other cabinet secretaries have been invited. It is unclear if those attending will be on personal time or state time. Indiana Democrats took aim at the event in a Wednesday fundraising newsletter. Next week, Governor Mike Brauns dark money group HOPE is holding a conference at a luxury Indianapolis hotel where entry costs $5K, and sponsorships to be involved in roundtable discussions cost $100,000, the email said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-one years of one-party rule in Indiana has made the Republicans so corrupt that theyll sell you out to the highest bidder without even trying to hide it. HOPEs six-person board is led by Ryan Black, who works for philanthropic organization Stand Together and was previously at advocacy group Americans for Prosperity. Both organizations have ties to the Koch family super-funders of Republican causes. Other board members include prominent Republican attorney Jim Bopp, school choice advocate Betsy Wiley, retired tax attorney and former Indiana state representative Dan Dumezich, and career lobbyist Jim Purucker. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Brazils federal police said that messages found on the mobile phone of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro showed he once wanted to flee to Argentina and request political asylum from Argentinian President Javier Milei. The police said in a report released on Wednesday that the letter seeking asylum was saved on Bolsonaros mobile phone in February 2024, just days after the former presidents passport was seized amid an investigation of his involvement in an alleged coup plot. It was unclear whether the asylum request was sent, and the Argentinian presidents office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The asylum request document revealed on Wednesday was part of the final police report that formally accused Bolsonaro and his United States-based son, Eduardo, of working to interfere in the ongoing legal process related to the ex-presidents forthcoming trial for allegedly plotting a coup. Bolsonaros trial is expected to start on September 2, in which he faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted of plotting to overthrow his democratically elected successor as president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in 2022. Police have now recommended that the ex-president and his son be charged with coercion in the judicial process and abolition of the democratic law related to interference in the coup case. The combined sentence for the two offences could reach up to 12 years in prison. Brazilian news outlet O Dia said on Wednesday that recordings were also found on a device seized during the police investigation of Bolsonaro, which indicated attempts to intimidate authorities and impede the progress of the investigations related to the inquiry into the attack on democracy, including attempts to use external influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolsonaro who has been under house arrest since early August has maintained his innocence in the coup trial, which US President Donald Trump, an ally, has called a witch-hunt. Bolsonaros son, Eduardo, stepped down from his position as a Brazilian congressman in March and moved to the US, where he is campaigning for the Trump administration to intercede on his fathers behalf. Those lobbying efforts have been successful, with the Trump administration taking punitive action against Brazil over the case, including sanctions against court officials. Trump has also imposed a massive 50 percent tariff on many Brazilian exports to the US, citing Bolsonaros trial. Brazilian police called Wednesday for former president Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo to be charged with obstruction of justice for attempting to interfere with the ex-leader's trial over plotting an attempted coup. The police also revealed that Bolsonaro, who faces 40 years in prison if convicted of plotting in 2022 to overthrow his democratically elected successor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, had plans to seek asylum in Argentina last year. Brazil's Supreme Court will begin deciding on September 2 on the coup attempt charges against Bolsonaro, who led Latin America's largest country from 2019 to 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a report released Wednesday, the police said they found a 33-page draft asylum request on Bolsonaro's phone addressed to Argentina's right-wing President Javier Milei. In the document, which was dated a few days after police began investigating him in February 2024, Bolsonaro claimed he was the victim of "political persecution." The Supreme Court found the document demonstrated the accused is a "proven flight risk," according to a ruling signed by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing Bolsonaro's trial. Moraes also urged Bolsonaro's defense team to provide an explanation within 48 hours. In the report, the police also accused Bolsonaro and his US-based son Eduardo of engaging in "conduct intended to interfere with the criminal proceedings." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police recommended charging the pair with "coercion in the judicial process" and "abolition of the democratic law." The combined sentence for the two offenses could reach up to 12 years in prison. The prosecutor's office will decide whether to accept the police's recommendation. - White House lobbying - Bolsonaro -- who has been under house arrest since early August -- has maintained his innocence in the coup trial, which President Donald Trump, an ally, has called a "witch hunt." Eduardo Bolsonaro stepped down from his position as a Brazilian congressman in March and moved to the United States, where he is campaigning for the Trump administration to intercede on his father's behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has successfully lobbied Trump to take punitive action against Brazil over the case. Trump has also imposed a massive 50 percent tariff on many Brazilian exports to the United States, citing the Bolsonaro trial. Eduardo Bolsonaro responded to the police report on Wednesday by saying that his actions in the US "were never intended to interfere with any ongoing proceedings in Brazil." "I have always made it clear that my goal is restoring individual freedoms in the country," he said on social media. The police also recommended the charges for two Bolsonaro allies, evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia and Paulo Figueiredo, the grandson of ex-president Joao Figueiredo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malafaia allegedly helped Bolsonaro by "defining strategies of coercion and the dissemination of false narratives... which ultimately aim to coerce members of the judiciary," the report said. The Supreme Court ordered Malafaia's home be searched and banned him from leaving Brazil. The pastor was also told to "immediately" testify to the police. Figueiredo, who lives in the United States, allegedly advised Eduardo Bolsonaro on his lobbying of the White House, the police said. jss/nn/dl/jgc Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro allegedly considered seeking asylum in Argentina to avoid prosecution, local media reported on Wednesday, citing police findings. Investigators reportedly found a draft document on Jair Bolsonaro's phone, saved in February 2024, suggesting he planned to flee to Argentina, Brazilian outlets including the news portal G1 said. It remains unclear whether the document was ever actually sent to Argentine President Javier Milei. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document is part of a broader 170-page police report that also accuses Jair Bolsonaro and his son, Eduardo, of attempted obstruction of justice in connection with the former president's ongoing trial over an alleged coup plot. According to investigators, deleted voice recordings and chat messages recovered from the former president's phone pointed to efforts to obstruct proceedings. The Attorney General's Office will decide whether to file charges. The investigation further examines Eduardo Bolsonaro's stay in the United States since March. There, he allegedly lobbied for sanctions against Brazil and members of its judiciary. In recent weeks, Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports and financial sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Treasury accuses the judge of being "responsible for an oppressive campaign of censorship, arbitrary detentions that violate human rights, and politicized prosecutionsincluding against former president Jair Bolsonaro." Jair Bolsonaro, 70, is currently on trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government of his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, after losing the 2022 election. He has denied the accusations and pleaded not guilty. A verdict is expected in September. The right-wing ex-president remains under house arrest after allegedly violating court orders. JACKSON, Ky. (FOX 56) Friday is expected to be a difficult day for the Breathitt County community. Two weeks ago, neighbors came together to search for 10-year-old Jayden Spicer. Thursday, they will come together again, heartbroken, saying their final goodbyes, all honoring a life gone far too soon. Visitation for Jayden started at 10 a.m. Thursday morning at the Breathitt Funeral Home, followed by his funeral service at 2 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement, local fire departments, and other first responders will escort Jaydens body to the Molands Cemetery afterwards with as many blue and red flashing lights as possible. Jayden was first reported missing on Aug. 6 from his home on Pan Bowl Branch Road. After nearly a week of searching, police were led to Canoe Road, 19 miles away from his home. Thats where police said Jaydens body was found, buried in a tote inside a shallow grave. Jackson police interviewed his mother, Felicia Gross, who told officers she believed her son had passed away after having a medical emergency from the sleeping medication she had given him. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gross is charged with his murder. Jackson Police Chief Brian Haddix said he appreciates everyone and the countless hours of volunteers who came out to search for Jayden. Ive been in law enforcement 26 years. Ive seen child deaths over the years; nothing hits home like this one. Its taking an emotional toll on all officers, troopers, fire departments, and rescue squads involved, said Haddix. Officials anticipate 70 to 80 vehicles will participate. Breathitt County officials have declared Aug. 21 as Jayden Spicer Day as the community prepares to honor his life. Haddix said the search ended up in a way they didnt want, but hopes that this procession is bigger than he could imagine and hopes it honors a life gone far too soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has since grown into a larger scale. You know, theres agencies coming from all over the state now to show their support to local and county agencies. Fire departments from across the state have reached out and requested to be involved in this procession, Haddix said. Jaydens favorite colors were blue and red, which is a fitting tribute to honor his life as law enforcement escorts his body. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Haddix is asking the community to stand on the highway or sidewalks with red and blue balloons to show support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jayden will be laid to rest next to his recently deceased grandmother. His casket is Spider-Man themed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) Before Brian Lansing Martin can stand trial for capital murder, it must be determined if hes mentally sound. But the process of getting there has been long and complicated. Martin is accused of killing his roommate, William Mealback Jr., and shoving him out of his truck in 2021 in Muscle Shoals. That led to a police chase and shootout, where Sheffield police sergeant Nick Risner was killed and another officer was injured. Martin was arrested in October 2021, but a trial date has still not been set because of ongoing issues with getting him a mental health examination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2023, a court filing from the Alabama Department of Mental Health said Martin was not mentally competent. But a few days later, the department said more evaluation was needed. Martin then had to wait more than a year for another evaluation. That has been completed, but the evaluation was not released in court on Thursday. The defense has already filed an objection to its findings. Late Thursday afternoon, the court agreed to a defense request for an independent mental evaluation. The judge also agreed on the defenses request for a competency trial that is now set for early January. There, a jury will be asked to decide if Martin is mentally competent to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Martin is found competent after the third-party review, the court said there will be no need for the competency trial in January, and Martins capital murder trial could be set for the summer of 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 WHNT.com. New Release: Farm, merge, grow and expand your land in this new puzzle game! New Release: Farm, merge, grow and expand your land in this new puzzle game! HARDY, Va. (WFXR) Mountain View Orthodontics & Dental Sleep Center opened its newest office in the Westlake area of Smith Mountain Lake, bringing the regions first comprehensive orthodontic and dental sleep care facility. Officials say a growing community of young families has long awaited local access to expert orthodontic and sleep apnea treatment. Were thrilled to finally bring Mountain Views top-tier orthodontic and dental sleep services to Smith Mountain Lake, said Dr. Bana Hosseinian, Dr. H, the board-certified orthodontist behind the practice. Our Westlake office blends cutting-edge technology with warm, family-focused care. We look forward to helping our neighbors achieve beautiful smiles and better sleep without the hassle of long drives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mountain View Orthodontics says they offer a suite of treatments, including braces, Invisalign, Zoom whitening, and specialized care for cleft, craniofacial, and laser-assisted procedures. New park manager announced at Smith Mountain Lake State Park As a Diplomate of both the American Board of Orthodontics and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. H is qualified to address sleep apnea with custom oral appliances. These comfortable CPAP alternatives support healthy, restful sleep, according to officials Were excited to welcome Mountain View Orthodontics & Dental Sleep Center to Westlake, said Andy Bruns, Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce. Having the first orthodontic and dental sleep practice here is a tremendous community gain, especially for growing families whove needed this kind of service close to home. We look forward to seeing the difference Dr. H and her team will make for our communitys health and well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mountain View Orthodontics and Dental Sleep Center invites the SML area to schedule their first visit, which includes a comprehensive examination and personalized treatment planning for orthodontics and sleep health. You can learn more about scheduling an appointment online at orthomv.com and sleepmv.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 WFXRtv. By Abhinav Parmar (Reuters) -Activist investor Ancora Holdings, in a letter to CSX board disclosed on Monday, urged the railroad to pursue near-term merger options or replace CEO Joe Hinrichs. The activist investor urged the railroad to evaluate potential tie-ups with Berkshire Hathaway-owned BNSF Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City in order to determine the best merger partner. It warned that once Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific start operating as a unified transcontinental network, CSX stands to lose the most. "If a deal cannot be struck, we assume it will not take us running a proxy contest to ensure a qualified operator replaces Mr. Hinrichs," the activist investor said. Ancora criticized CSX for failing to engage with Union Pacific earlier this year. It also argued that regulators may find it easier to review multiple rail mergers simultaneously. "Getting something done as early as possible during the pro-business Trump Administration should also be a priority," it said. "Shareholders cannot afford more missteps as CSX plays catch-up in the rail consolidation race," Ancora added. CSX told Reuters it welcomes opportunities to enhance shareholder value and appreciates input from its investors. The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, representing over 1,200 CSX workers, urged stakeholders to reject any plan that prioritizes quick profits over long-term safety and service. "We are not opposed to innovation or progress," union President Michael Baldwin said. "What we are opposed to is a slash-and-burn approach from hedge funds and consultants whose relationship with the railroad ends the moment their profits are secured." Ancora's letter, sent privately to the board of CSX on August 6, comes as Union Pacific has signaled its intent to acquire smaller rival Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion deal that would create the first U.S. coast-to-coast freight railroad and reshape the movement of goods and grain nationwide. (Reporting by Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru, Additional reporting by Utkarsh Shetti; Editing by Alan Barona) NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) The impending back-to-school season is also crunch time for New Britain-based transportation company DATTCO. DATTCO said they currently dont have a bus driver shortage, like they did a few years ago. But they are hiring. The company provides in-house training to future drivers. Move-in day arrives for some Quinnipiac students Well take someone who has never driven a bus from scratch and well help them walk through the permit process, the paper test process all the way up to the road test to get their CDL, a license to drive a school bus, DATTCO Chief Operating Officer Kyle DeVivo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maintenance crews are busy getting the DATTCO fleet of 400 new school buses ready for the new year. Theres a check list we have to go through on every bus to make sure they are compliant and safe for the road, Larry Jabusch, the DATTCO service manager, said. DATTCO serves more than 30 school districts in Connecticut and Rhode Island, and transports 110,000 students daily throughout the school 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 WTNH.com. The British government has agreed to pay almost $4 million to thousands of victims of a blaze started by its soldiers while in training in Kenya, according to documents seen by CNN. The settlement follows a long legal battle by local community members in the East African country. The campaigners have said the effects of the 2021 fire in an expansive wildlife conservancy in central Kenya have caused them lifelong health issues, damaged their property and polluted their environment. Some of them also told CNN that they lost family members due to ailments arising from the inferno that burned through more than 10,000 acres in the privately owned Lolldaiga conservancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire is believed to have started accidentally during a British military training exercise. The British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) posted a video at the time showing its officers battling the blaze, in which it claimed the community and wildlife had been kept safe. The government of the United Kingdom has now agreed to pay 2.9 million (about $3.9 million) to 7,723 Kenyans who filed complaints, but will not accept liability for the fire, according to a confidential settlement agreement obtained by CNN. The settlement is not being shared equally. Many beneficiaries were disappointed that, after the four-year legal fight, they will receive just 22,000 Kenyan shillings ($170) and now plan to protest, according to a local lawmaker. Its a success story because its the first time weve ever won a case against the British Army in Kenya but its so little its almost nothing, Laikipia County MP Cate Waruguru told CNN. They feel that their sweat and their struggle have not borne any fruit. We need to see our courts stand up to protect the rights of Kenyans, she added. Lawyer Kelvin Kubai, 27, grew up in the area where the fire started and filed the class action lawsuit against the British Army - Festo Lang for CNN Kelvin Kubai, a 27-year-old lawyer who grew up in the area, initiated the class-action lawsuit that culminated in the settlement, although he said his clients had hoped for a payout some 20 times larger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military training and conservation are incompatible. There is a need to separate them, Kubai told CNN on Thursday. This payment is nowhere close to give (my clients) the financial assistance to enable them to move far away from this training. So the only thing now is to move the training away from them. He says the ex gratia payout a voluntary payment made outside of any legal obligation was the fastest way to compensate the affected community instead of pushing for a full trial that could have lasted years. The British army pays Kenya about $400,000 a year to allow BATUK to train in the country. The UK troops operate mostly in large wildlife conservancies in Laikipia and the neighboring Samburu County. But allegations of human rights abuses including rape and murder have dogged BATUK for decades, leading to an ongoing Kenyan parliamentary investigation. Military officials say they investigate all reported claims of misconduct against officers in Kenya, but they do not comment on individual cases. The British High Commission in Nairobi, which represents BATUK in country, said it was pleased that a global settlement has been agreed with the claimants appointed legal representatives and called the fire extremely regrettable but declined to say if any officers had faced disciplinary action for it. The UK has devoted considerable time, effort and resource to resolving these claims for the people affected, a spokesperson told CNN in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN has also contacted the British Ministry of Defence for comment. If we get this money, we will leave Community members have previously demonstrated against BATUK and the British government. When CNN met a group of area residents outside the fence of the Lolldaiga conservancy in June last year, many hoped for a substantial payout so that they could move away from the area. One woman raised her inhaler above her head as she explained that she and most of her neighbors had developed breathing difficulties requiring medication and frequent hospital visits following the fire. Nearby, Hannah Wanjiku fought back tears as she spoke of the British troops who train near her home. She said that her grandchildren are sick and that she has developed chest problems. We live a difficult life. If we get this money, we will leave, Wanjiku added. A woman shows her inhaler. She says most of her neighbors have developed respiratory issues after the fire - Festo Lang for CNN The community meeting in June 2024 was convened by activist James Mwangi who has campaigned for the residents since the blaze. In March 2021, this area was a furnace for seven days. Over 10,000 people were choked by smoke, toxic smoke, he told CNN at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In environmental terms, one report, by consultancy firm Howard Humphreys commissioned by Lolldaiga Hills Limited found it would take until at least 2060 for the land to fully recover from the effects of the fire. Previously a private livestock ranch, Lolldaiga became a conservancy in 2021 and is home to the endangered Grevys zebra, elephants, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, jackals, vervet monkeys and baboons. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Britain and Russia have traded sanctions, as London continues to pressure Moscow amid ongoing efforts to secure an end to the war in Ukraine. Britain's sanctions minister, Stephen Doughty, on Wednesday announced the punitive measures targeting crypto networks and Kyrgyzstan's financial systems exploited by Russia to evade sanctions. The eight designations add to the more than 2,700 Britain has already etched into its sanctions ledger for Russia's war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the Kremlin thinks they can hide their desperate attempts to soften the blow of our sanctions by laundering transactions through dodgy crypto networks -- they are sorely mistaken," Doughty said in a statement. The sanctions target the Kyrgyzstan-based Capital Bank and its director, Kantemir Chalbayev, which London says Russia uses to pay for military goods. Grinext and Meer cyrptocurrency exchanges were among those blacklisted for their rouble-backed A7A5 cyrptocurrency that was designed to evade Western sanctions and has been used to move $9.3 billion, according to London. "These sanctions keep up the pressure on [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and crack down on the illicit networks being used to funnel money into his war chest," Doughty said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seemingly in response, Russia's foreign ministry announced sanctions against 21 journalists and members of NGOs, consulting firms and the expert community, most of whom are British nationals. The sanctions appear to ban those on Russia's so-called stop list from entering the country. The ministry accused them of being "propagandists" who are "spreading disinformation and leveling unfounded accusations against Russia in relation to the special military operation." The special military operation is what Russia calls its invasion of Ukraine. "They are also involved in hostile lobbying activities, such as advocating for a tougher anti-Russia policy from the West and increased support for the Kyiv regime," the ministry said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those blacklisted by Moscow was Britain's former deputy foreign secretary Britain Denis MacShane. "Deeply honored to be on Putin list of Brits banned from Russia," he said on X. Thousands of people appear to be on the list, including more than 2,100 from the United States alone. The tit-for-tat sanctions came on the heels of Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and several other European leaders having a meeting earlier this week at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at bringing an end to Russia's war. "As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, the UK and its allies stand ready to rachet up pressure on Russia and will continue to strengthen sanctions," Britain's foreign office said. Actors Equity is gearing up for upcoming negotiations for a new Broadway contract with healthcare, improved scheduling and better sick coverage among the priorities. The union held a rally in Times Square Wednesday, with Actors Equity president Brooke Shields taking the stage alongside Equity executive director Al Vincent Jr, AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler and several other union leaders, in front of a rain-soaked crowd of various union members. Contract negotiations with the Broadway League, the trade association of producers and general managers, are scheduled to begin Monday. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those people who make these shows come to life eight times a week, theyre busting their ass for you. They really are, Shields said at the rally of the unions actors and stage managers. Every working person deserves a fair deal at work. We need reasonable schedules, protection when we get hurt, Shields said, adding that she had torn her meniscus and still danced on it for three months. Our stage managers dont have swings. They get sick, they have to still come to work. Its too much. We need safer staffing practices. We need fair share money going into our health insurance. On the healthcare front, employers already contribute into a healthcare fund, but Vincent told The Hollywood Reporter the goal is to make sure those contributions are secure going forward as costs rise. A few speakers also raised the point of Broadway grosses increasing, with the industry hitting a record $1.9 billion in the 2024-2025 season, while the work has become harder, more dangerous, and the schedules have only grown more intense, said Jacqueline Jarrold, one of the co-chairs of the Equity production contract committee and negotiating team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The negotiations will be focused on the production contract, which encompasses Broadway and extended-run or sit-down productions at theaters across the country. Negotiations on the prior three-year contract, which expires in late September, lasted several months. As part of the contract, Equity saw salary increases, better paid sick leave benefits, a decrease in weekly rehearsal hours after a show opens and one additional personal day off for everyone, among other provisions. However, Equity leaders acknowledged that the contract fell short of all the goals members had wanted to achieve, and members continued to voice concerns about the demands placed on swings, or actors who understudy several ensemble roles, among other issues. Asked about the discontent over the past agreement, and whether theyd be able to hit the goals this time, Vincent, who is the lead negotiator on the contract, said they would fight together for a better contract. This is really hard work, and our members have a passion for the work they do, which is amazing. They also put really a lot of work in, and so they deserve everything that they want, and were going to fight for those things together. Well see what we can do, Vincent told THR after the rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first production contract negotiation under Shields term, which began in May 2024. The goal is to get a multi-year agreement on the next production contract, but the exact length is yet to be determined. The rally came as part of AFL-CIOs the largest federation of unions in the U.S., which includes Equity national bus tour to rally workers in the two months leading up to Labor Day. On Thursday, several union leaders, including Shuler, spoke to the idea of attacks, on workers across the country. Speaking after the rally, Shuler pointed to the mass layoffs of government workers, as well as the struggles among many workers, including the rising cost of living, healthcare costs, retirement insecurity and more. First line of attack was in the federal sector, where federal workers had their collective bargaining rights ripped away from them with the stroke of a pen by this administration, and so their union contract was eliminated overnight, and its the largest attack on unions in our history, Shuler told The Hollywood Reporter. We think about it in terms of what that means for the rest of the labor movement and union contracts writ large, because employers are emboldened. If you can take away rights like that arbitrarily, then everybody else is under threat. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ENDWELL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Today is National Senior Citizens Day, and residents of the Broome West Senior Center celebrated with a special lunch and some big news. The Broome County Office for Aging announced upgrades at Broome West, including new kitchen appliances, a stackable washer and dryer, along with new exercise equipment. The upgrades were completed as part of a $50k grant secured by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. The grant also helped pay for laptops, educational classes, and respite programming for center participants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lupardo says she recently turned 71 and is happy to help senior citizens in New York. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo says, National Senior Citizens Day. Now, you know I have a personal stake in this matter. Whenever you say older New Yorkers. The grant secured by Lupardo funded upgrades to four Senior Centers in the area. The majority of funding went to Broome West, which had the greatest need. Residents were excited to learn of the new upgrades and enjoyed live music, lunch, and the company of their peers to celebrate National Senior Citizens 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 WIVT - News 34. (The Center Square) A jury found a southern Ohio man guilty Thursday of murdering a mother and her 17-month-old son 30 years ago, Attorney General Dave Yost said. Scott Hickman, 53, was convicted on four counts of aggravated murder and two counts of murder in the 1995 deaths of Kimberly Fulton, who was 28, and her son, Daniel. These brutal murders went unsolved for three decades, leaving a family searching for answers and justice, Yost said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hickman was indicted in 2021 after investigators began reexamining the cold case in 2019, 24 years after the bodies were found in a burned mobile home in Palmer Township. Investigators exhumed and had autopsies performed, which determined the victims had died before the fire. Hickman will be sentenced Oct. 14. MISSING RECEIPTS: The finding of recovery for $1,369 was issued for the former fiscal officer of the Village of Belmore after an audit and investigation into missing sewer receipts, according to state Auditor Keith Faber. Tammy Rayle and her bonding company are both liable for the finding, which was included in a special audit released Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rayle, who served as fiscal officer from 2009 until August 2022, was responsible for collecting, recording and depositing residents sewer payments. However, she could not account for all receipts collected between July 2016 and September 2022, and auditors found thousands of dollars in cash receipts that were not deposited. The report said Rayle told investigators the money was from cash payments and stored in a safe at her home. After being questioned by investigators, she also made multiple large cash deposits into the villages bank account. STATE CANDY: Ohio Sen. Bill DeMora, D-Columbus, wants to make the Buckeye the official state candy. DeMora introduced bipartisan legislation Thursday to officially designate the popular chocolate, peanut butter candy as the state candy to honor one of the states most recognizable symbols and sweetest traditions. The buckeye candy is more than just a dessert; it is a reflection of Ohios culinary heritage and a tradition unique to the state of Ohio, DeMora said. Much like the buckeye tree itself, the candy is a symbol of pride, community, and a shared identity that connects generations of Ohioans. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty in connection to a fatal shooting on the Fourth of July in 2023, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Thursday. Lamarrio Clark, 28, admitted to shooting and killing 28-year-old Corbin Kinsey, Sr. with an illegal gun on at 5 p.m. Warring Avenue near Genesee Street in Buffalo. Kinsey died at ECMC. On Wednesday, Clark pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. He initially faced a second-degree murder charge and a gun charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 1. He is being held without bail. 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. BULLARD, Texas (KETK) The Rotary Club of Bullard is holding a fundraiser to build a pickleball court at the Bullard Kids Park. Nacogdoches finalizes contract for Zion Hill Baptist exhibit The rotary club is asking the community to donate towards their goal of building a brand new pickleball court. According to Rotary Club of Bullard President Chris Young, Bullard Kids Park has seen several additions since the third phase of development began, including a special needs park, workout facility, walking trail and a parking lot. Photo courtesy of Mike Provencher Photo courtesy of Mike Provencher Photo courtesy of Mike Provencher Photo courtesy of Mike Provencher Were rallying our community to help build brand new pickleball courts right here in Bullard, a fun, healthy, and social way to bring people together of all ages, the rotary club said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestine ISD proposes $60 million bond for campus facility upgrades Donors can achieve different levels of sponsorship recognition depending on how much is donated to the cause: Diamond sponsor $10,000: Includes one 3 x 4 (36 x 48), one-sided sign displayed at the pickleball court. Platinum sponsor $5,000: Includes one 2 x 3 (24 x 36), one-sided sign displayed at the pickleball court. Gold sponsor $2,500: Includes one (18 x 24) one-sided sign displayed at the pickleball court. Silver sponsor $1,000: Name or business logo on a (48 x 96) alongside other sponsors displayed at the pickleball court. Bronze sponsor $500: Name or business logo on a (48 x 96) alongside other sponsors, in a smaller font size. Friend sponsor $100: Name displayed on a (48 x 96) alongside other sponsors, in a smaller font. Oil Palace sale likely as owners face financial troubles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who are unable to donate can still help the cause by sharing their Facebook post with others and participating in upcoming fundraiser events. To find out how to donate, visit the East Texas Communities Foundation donation website. 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. Violence interrupters walking Lake Street in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis in December 2020. Photo by Will Jacott/Minnesota Reformer. This story was published in partnership with The Trace, a nonprofit newsroom covering gun violence. At the height of the racial justice protests in 2020, the Rev. Jerry McAfee was on the front lines in Minneapolis. When residents filled the streets after George Floyds murder, McAfee and other veteran peacemakers handed out food, broke up fights, and tried to dissuade further violence. In one case, they formed a protective escort for police officers moving through a tense crowd to reach a stabbing victim. At that point, McAfee had walked the citys most gun violence-stricken areas, working with active and former gang members to prevent shootings, for nearly three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were the line between the police and the community, McAfee said of 2020, recalling the climbing rates of violence at the time. The city needed us out there. Five years later, the urgency has faded. Gun violence in Minneapolis has trended downward, though at a slower pace than in many other cities, and the network of street-level interrupters that emerged from that chaotic summer are caught in a contract standoff with the city, at risk of losing critical momentum in maintaining the decline in shootings. In March, Minneapoliss Neighborhood Safety Department approved a new round of biannual contracts for a group of city-funded violence intervention groups. Only three organizations, Restoration Inc., Metro Youth Diversion, and Sabathani, have agreed to the terms. At least four others have walked away, accusing the city of imposing burdensome requirements dictating where the outreach teams can operate, how they should engage the community, and how much theyre allowed to pay staff that they say make it harder for them to do their work. Theyre bullying the organizations to sign these contracts in this new structure, said Muhammad Abdul-Ahad, who leads TOUCH Outreach, an organization that does street outreach and intervention work. Its a bully tactic that theyre using. Take it or leave it. Abdul-Ahad said he was sent a revised contract by the Neighborhood Safety Department earlier this week, but hasnt signed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing dispute exposed a foundational fracture in the citys community violence intervention efforts. In 2020, as Minneapolis poured millions of city and federal dollars into containing the historic shooting surge during the pandemic and rebuilding public trust, the citys Public Health Department was working successfully with Adbul Ahad and other grassroots leaders through its Office of Violence Prevention, which was established two years earlier. But in 2022, the office was folded into a newly created Neighborhood Safety Department, an initiative that brought multiple public safety programs under one umbrella. That structural shift, according to several local activists, marked the beginning of a more top-down, enforcement-driven approach. What was a fast and growing violence prevention effort was then shuffled from the Health Department to a new department, under a new commissioner, that has four other departments to help and support, said Sasha Cotton, who led the Office of Violence Prevention before it was absorbed into the Neighborhood Safety Department in 2022. It sort of bastardized the CVI work and left it hanging out to dry. Since its creation, the Neighborhood Safety Department has cycled through multiple commissioners, faced allegations of mismanagement, and withheld funding to CVI groups. The fabric further unraveled in November 2023, when the Neighborhood Safety Department was sued by local attorney Dean Thomson, who alleged that the city had failed to track how CVI dollars were being spent, including who was paid and what services were delivered. As part of a settlement reached last August, city officials pledged to tighten oversight and increase transparency, but several CVI leaders said the new requirements undermine their mission by requiring drug testing, background checks, and visible ID badges for the workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think theres a lack of true understanding of what violence intervention and prevention is from the top, Cotton said. Amanda Harrington, the newly appointed director of the Neighborhood Safety Department, would not comment on the details of the individual contracts, but said the office is willing to address the concerns of community outreach workers in the negotiation process. When asked about concerns that the ongoing disputes will stymy shooting decreases, Harrington said a mix of different strategies by the city contributed to the overall decline, including ongoing efforts by police and prosecutors. The department is going through some changes, and there are growing pains that go along with that, she said. Abdul-Ahad said changing the designation from independent contractors to city employees would be more in line with the new contract requirements and make workers eligible for city benefits. As contractors, they have little support. When Abdul-Ahad launched TOUCH Outreach in the aftermath of Floyds murder, police-community relations had reached a breaking point, and we were just trying to hurry and get services out to the community, he said. Residents depended on CVI workers to make up for the lack of law enforcement presence. Now, homicides are down 23 percent and nonfatal shootings have dropped 30 percent, according to police data, putting both metrics below pre-pandemic levels from 2019. The police are more active, but as local CVI leaders see it, a steady presence of violence interrupters across the city is still vital to sustaining the progress in lowering shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youve got direct intervention, and you got prevention. Most of the money is going towards prevention and very little to direct intervention, said McAfee, who has recently clashed with officials over the direction of violence reduction. His boots-on-the-ground violence intervention organization, 21 Days of Peace, is not currently contracted with the city, and two of its workers faced weapons charges earlier this year after a shooting. While prevention is more focused on long-term, systemic changes to address violence, intervention deals with the more immediate actions necessary to stop violence. CVI groups often disagree about how the work should be done and who should be leading it, a common dynamic in cities grappling with high levels of gun violence, and not everyone is dismayed by the citys approach. Connie Rhodes, who runs Restoration Inc., a community-based organization focused on outreach, education, and gun violence reduction, signed the new contract. She believes there needs to be more of a give and take between community leaders and city officials, a compromise, she said, acknowledging that violence prevention efforts are better rooted in a public health framework, as they used to be. It shouldnt have left the Health Department. Cotton thinks theres a middle ground. Everybody has their own role to play in this, she said. If the goal is to do violence prevention work, then we should be able to look past our different approaches and focus on what we bring to the space. Community leaders worry that the disagreement over the new contract will disrupt outreach at a time when federal funding is being cut, and consistency and trust are critical. Thats why Abdul-Ahad said his organization will continue to do the work, whether theyre partnered with the city or not. We still have work to do, he said. Were going to keep doing it. Aug. 20Police received a report at 8:12 a.m. Tuesday of a burglary at 218 and 232 S. Washington Ave. Over $100,000 in items were stolen. Hit-and-run crash Police received a report of a hit-and-run crash at 10:10 a.m. Tuesday at Garfield Avenue and East Main Street. Shoplifter reported A shoplifter was reported at 11:19 a.m. Tuesday at 201 W. Main St. Men arrested on warrants Police arrested James Robert Hayes, 32, on warrants and giving false information at 12:59 p.m. Tuesday at 410 Pillsbury Ave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested Cody Lee Hanson, 37, on a local warrant at 8:29 p.m. Tuesday at 505 E. Eighth St. Items reported stolen Deputies received a report at 6:49 a.m. Tuesday of items stolen from a property at 388 S. Broadway in Alden. Man turns self in on warrant Juan Michael Bueno-Guzman, 30, turned himself in on a warrant at 4:44 a.m. Wednesday at 411 S. Broadway. Apple's main contract manufacturer, Foxconn Technology Group, has ramped up recruitment efforts ahead of the September launch of the iPhone 17, offering higher pay and bonuses for assembly line workers at its plants in Zhengzhou and Shenzhen. The world's largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, in central Hunan province, has started increasing pay scales to lure temporary workers. A Tuesday post on WeChat by one of Foxconn's recruiting agencies said workers who stayed at the factory for three months would qualify for a bonus of up to 8,000 yuan (US$1,113), a significant hike from early July when the three-month bonus was up to 4,500 yuan. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Workers can earn 28 yuan per hour, up from 23.5 yuan per hour in early July. The hourly rate was raised to 24 yuan in mid-July, 25 yuan later last month, and 27 yuan in early August, according to recruitment agency Zhengzhou Fugonglian Human Resources. In Shenzhen, the tech hub in southern Guangdong province, Foxconn's Integrated Digital Product Business Group - responsible for smartphone manufacturing - is offering 26 yuan per hour for contract workers, according to a recruitment notice posted on WeChat on Wednesday. The notice said the rate lasts until November 30. This photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the Apple booth at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua alt=This photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the Apple booth at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua> In the same factory, workers responsible for other products earn a lower rate. For example, the post said that the Bluetooth earphone unit paid 22 yuan per hour. Taiwan-based Foxconn, officially known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, entered its peak recruitment season in July and will conduct "increasing recruitment efforts in the coming period to meet production needs", according to state-backed newspaper Securities Times, citing the company's human resources assistant manager Fang Siming, who is based in Zhengzhou. Opened in 2010, the Zhengzhou facility contributed roughly 60 per cent of the total trade volume of Henan province, according to Fang. However, Foxconn has faced a number of challenges in recent years. In late 2022, there were significant disruptions to the Zhengzhou output when thousands of Foxconn workers fled in fear of draconian Covid-19 control measures. At least 79 people, including 19 children, were killed in northwestern Afghanistan when a bus carrying Afghan migrants deported from Iran collided with a truck and a motorcyle, according to local media reports. The collision which happened on Tuesday evening in Herat province caused a massive fire that killed many people on the spot, Tolo News reported. Two people were also injured in the crash, according to interior ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani. Provincial government official Ahmadullah Muttaqi shared a video on X showing the burnt-out structure of a bus engulfed in flames. The footage could not be independently verified by Euronews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While traffic accidents are common in Afghanistan, mainly due to poor road conditions and a lack of driving regulations, this is believed to be one of the worst crashes in years. Related The Taliban criticised neighbouring countries in July for the mass expulsion of Afghans, as Iran and Pakistan expel foreigners who they say are living there illegally. Tehran and Islamabad deny targeting Afghans, who have fled their homeland over the decades to escape war, poverty or Taliban rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 1.8 million Afghans have been forcibly returned from Iran in the past few months. A further 184,459 were sent back from Pakistan and more than 5,000 were deported from Turkey since the beginning of the year. Additionally, nearly 10,000 Afghan prisoners have been repatriated, mostly from Pakistan. Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said some 6 million Afghan refugees remain overseas. The News The business communitys last best hopes to defeat Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic socialist candidate for New York City mayor, are evaporating. The New York Times reports that more associates of Mayor Eric Adams are likely to face corruption charges and that was before an explosive report in The CITY that an Adams campaign advisor tried to give a reporter a wad of cash stuffed inside a bag of potato chips. Meanwhile, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who like Adams is running as an independent after Mamdani won Junes Democratic primary, is pinning his hopes on a late-inning assist from Trump. I feel good about that, he told donors at a Long Island fundraiser on Saturday, just a week after describing his relationship with the president as a dysfunctional marriage. Notable BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) Various drugs, including meth and pills, were seized by police during a welfare check in Bristol, Virginia on Tuesday. According to a news release from the Bristol, Virginia Police Department (BVPD), officers responded to a home on Catherine Street for a welfare check. Courtesy of the Bristol, Virginia Police Department Upon arriving, officers were allowed to enter the residence, the BVPD stated. As they were leaving, they overheard a resident yelling at another person about the officers presence, stating she had two ounces of drugs in the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two ounces of methamphetamine, Schedule IV pills, 76 unidentified pills and various drug paraphernalia were reportedly found during a search of the home. Andrea Gross, 36, of Bristol, Virginia and Amanda Artusi, 32, of Glade Spring, were arrested and charged with the following: Gross Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II drug Possession of a Schedule IV substance Artusi Possession of a Schedule I or II drug As of Thursday, Gross is being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail on a $5,000 bond. Artusi was released on an unsecured bond, according to the BVPD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (FOX40.COM) The three missing suspects in a kidnapping and assault case from Aug. 3 were found and arrested by Calaveras County Sheriffs. Video Above: Is violent crime going up in America? On Burson Road in Burson, the three suspects approached and accused the victim at their front door of stealing a bicycle around 12:30 p.m. officials said. When the victim stepped outside, the suspects physically assaulted them, leading the victim to fall to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vallejo man charged for distributing child sexual abuse material The suspects dragged the victim from the front of the residence across the driveway and toward a vehicle, according to deputies. Allegedly, one suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and threatened to shoot the victim. The victims brother heard the commotion and saw the victim being dragged away. The brother retrieved a shotgun from the residence and brandished the firearm to intervene and stop the suspects. The victim was let go of, and the suspects fled the scene, officials said. Man dies after disturbance arrest in Lassen County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 13, a deputy observed one of the suspects pulling into a gas station parking lot in San Andreas with the same vehicle used in the original incident. After making contact, the deputy placed each listed suspect under arrest without incident, the sheriffs office said. The suspects were identified as a 22-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and a 22-year-old woman. All suspects are San Andreas residents, according to the sheriffs office. The three suspects were booked into the Calaveras County Jail and charged with kidnapping. The Calaveras County Sheriffs Office reported that the male suspect was additionally booked for assault with a deadly weapon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) denounced President Trumps threat to deploy National Guard troops to help combat crime in California as an absolute violation of the law. Absolute, complete, transparent, blatant, brazen violation of the law. The Posse Comitatus Act said you cannot use military to engage in civilian law enforcement on American soil. Period, full stop, he told NewsNations Blake Burman in an episode of The Hill. Tackling crime is the very definition of civilian law enforcement, he continued. He the military would be involved in detentions, arrests, searches and seizures, in clear violation. So, hes already, hes saying he will break the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonta added, But thats consistent for him, hes broken it 39 times. Thats how many times we sued him in 30 weeks. Trump signaled last week he could attempt to widen his efforts to exert federal control to other Democratic-led cities after launching a crackdown in Washington, D.C., citing what he said was out-of-control crime and squalor. We have other cities also that are bad. Very bad. You look at Chicago, how bad it is. You look at Los Angeles, how bad it is, Trump told reporters during a press conference after boosting federal law enforcement in the nations capital. New York has a problem. And then you have, of course Baltimore and Oakland, we dont even mention that anymore. Theyre so far gone. Were not going to lose our cities over this, the president continued at the time. And this will go further. Were starting very strongly with D.C., and were going to clean it up very quickly, as they say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the move, the districts records show that crime is at a 30-year low. The Justice Department launched a probe into the D.C. data earlier this week. Democrats, district residents and local officials have pushed back on the Trump administrations efforts, including the deployment of National Guard troops some of them armed across the district. Trump has also suggested he could work with Congress to extend the federal takeover past the 30 days allotted under the citys Home Rule Act. His latest threat on California comes after the president deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles earlier this year to quell protests of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) deportation raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to the White House for 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 The Hill. Californias premier virtual power plant program is already reducing the states reliance on polluting, costly fossil-fueled power plants. And thats just the start of what the scattered network of solar and batteries could do to stymie rising utility costs if the state Legislature can stave off funding cuts to the program, that is. So finds a new analysis from consultancy The Brattle Group on the potential of the statewide Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) program to help Californias stressed-out grid keep up with growing electricity demand. The program pays households and businesses that already own solar panels and batteries to send their stored-up clean power back to the grid during times of peak demand, like hot summer evenings. Continuing the programs payments to those customers to make their stored energy available could save all California utility customers anywhere from $28 million to $206 million over the next four years, the report found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The findings come as state lawmakers attempt to rescue the DSGS program from a new round of funding cuts. Last year, California lawmakers slashed DSGS spending to deal with an unexpected budget shortfall. The situation is still troubled this year, and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed defunding the program further, leaving it little money to pay participants beyond this year. But the program could regain its financial footing if newly introduced legislation becomes law. This week, California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, a Democrat, released draft legislation that would allocate money to DSGS from the states much-contested Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which is supported by payments from polluting companies. That draft legislation calls for depositing 5% of revenue collected by electric utilities for that fund into a new account to finance DSGS from 2026 to 2034. Lawmakers dont have much time to move the proposal forward, with the states legislative session ending Sept. 12. Saving the program would be a win for reducing the states sky-high utility costs, according to Ryan Hledik, a principal at Brattle and coauthor of the report. Its cheaper to pay customers to provide grid resources from technology theyve already adopted than it is to go invest capital in new stuff, he said, including the fossil-fueled generators now used to meet peak grid needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California has already committed billions of dollars on emergency backup generators and on keeping aging fossil-gas-fired power plants open past their planned closure dates, he noted. The high end of the savings DSGS could provide is based on the assumption that it would be a substitute for spending money on more expensive emergency resources, he said. At the same time, DSGS could also bring down the resource adequacy payments shelled out by California utilities, community choice aggregators, and other power providers to secure enough grid resources to meet peak demand in future years. Those costs have been rising in California, though not as drastically as they have in other parts of the country. Since its launch in 2023, the battery program Brattle analyzed, which is one of the four options for customers to participate in DSGS, has grown to a collective 700 megawatts of capacity. The report forecasts the program could nearly double its current capacity to reach 1.3 gigawatts by 2028, covering roughly half the total residential distributed-battery capacity expected to be online in the state by then. That wont happen without state funding for the program, however and though some state lawmakers are attempting to save DSGSs funding, it remains unclear if the money will be there for future years. Relief on the way? If Irwins proposed provision becomes law, it would supply roughly $70 million to $90 million per year to DSGS over the next five years, said Brad Heavner, executive director of the California Solar and Storage Association. DSGS needs at least $75 million this year to operate in 2026, according to a letter sent to California lawmakers on Tuesday by 35 companies, trade groups, and advocacy organizations active in solar, batteries, on-site generators, and demand response, including Heavners group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amount of funding dedicated under the proposed legislation wont be enough for all the program activity we expect but it will be enough to have a core program, he said. DSGSs cost-effectiveness, demonstrated by the Brattle analysis, should give lawmakers confidence that the money isnt being wasted, Heavner said. Its great that the Brattle study finds theres a two-for-one benefit every dollar spent here saves two dollars for utility customers across the state, he said. Brattles research was funded by Sunrun and Tesla, two companies with longtime programs that sign up customers to make their excess battery capacity available for grid services. Both firms benefit from initiatives that boost the value of the rooftop solar and battery systems they sell to households in California and beyond. But the study also matches broader research on how virtual power plants can reduce blackout risks and electricity price spikes on U.S. grids. VPPs are collections of homes and businesses with smart thermostats, grid-responsive EV chargers, water heaters, and other appliances that can reduce how much power theyre using, as well as rooftop solar-charged batteries or generators that can push power back to the grid as needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Energy found that the hundreds of billions of dollars that consumers spend on EVs, rooftop solar systems, batteries, smart thermostats, and other appliances could provide 80 to 160 gigawatts of VPP capacity by 2030, enough to meet 10% to 20% of U.S. peak grid needs and save about $10 billion in annual utility costs. (The Trump administration has removed this DOE report from the internet, but archived versions are available.) VPPs also pass the eye test: Theyve helped avoid blackouts in Puerto Rico, New England, and California this summer. States including Colorado and Virginia have passed laws or created regulations requiring utilities to expand VPPs. DSGS, for its part, has scaled in a way that folks can no longer poke holes in its reliability, said Lauren Nevitt, Sunruns senior director of public policy. Sunrun has dispatched hundreds of megawatts from its customers batteries in California so far this summer, all during hours of the evening when wholesale electricity prices spike above $200 per megawatt-hour. In a two-hour experiment last month, Sunrun and Tesla dispatched 535 megawatts of battery power to the grid in what utility Pacific Gas & Electric called the largest test of its kind ever done in California and maybe the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lining up a steady source of funding for years to come would give these participating companies confidence that their investments in DSGS wont be left stranded by future budget cuts, Heavner said and encourage even more investment going forward. VPPs on the rise Pressure to curb energy costs is particularly acute in California, where residential customers of the states three major utilities now pay roughly twice the national average for their power and where rates rose 47% from 2019 to 2023. It is also among the best-positioned states to take advantage of VPPs to rein in those costs. California leads the country in rooftop solar, backup battery, and EV adoption, and a 2024 Brattle analysis found that VPPs could provide more than 15% of the states peak grid demand by 2035, delivering $550 million in annual utility customer savings. DSGS is only one of a number of VPP options available in California. But advocates say its by far the most successful in a state thats seen mixed progress on VPPs to date. In the past five years, stop-and-start policies from the California Public Utilities Commission have reduced overall capacity from demand-response programs that pay utility customers to turn down their electricity use to relieve grid stress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DSGS, which is run by the California Energy Commission, has grown rapidly due to a combination of factors, said Edson Perez, who leads California legislative and political engagement for clean-energy trade group Advanced Energy United. Its available to residents across the state, rather than being limited to individual utility territories and programs. It also has relatively simple enrollment and participation rules compared to many other programs, he said. It can be tricky to quantify the costs and benefits of these kinds of programs compared to traditional utility investments in power plants or large-scale solar and battery systems. But Brattles new report is the first analysis of what its value is out in the field, he said, and the results show its very cost-effective. Solar-charged batteries are also much less polluting than the states other emergency grid-relief resources, he said. DSGS is one of a set of emergency programs launched after California experienced rolling blackouts during summer heat waves in 2020 and more heat-wave-driven grid emergencies in 2022. But most of the billions of dollars in emergency funding have gone to fossil-fueled generators. California had spent about $443 million on state-managed generators that burn fossil gas or diesel fuel as of December 2024, and has committed about $1.2 billion to keep fossil-gas-fired "peaker plants in Southern California open until 2026, well past their scheduled 2020 closure date. Were in a statewide affordability crisis, Perez said. Leveraging existing resources out there drives down costs for everyone. California Democrats were set Thursday to pass a redistricting map to add up to five blue congressional seats after Texas Republicans rubber-stamped President Donald Trumps mid-decade gerrymander plan that would give the GOP a similar edge in the Lone Star State. Gov. Gavin Newsom is championing the aggressive high-stakes Democratic effort to strike back at Trumps Texas power grab as the two parties jostle for a political advantage in next years midterms and beyond. The likely Democratic 2028 White House contender tweeted Triggered? at Trump after the president accused him of destroying the great state of California in a post on his social media site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Democrats were poised to use their legislative supermajority to approve the new congressional map, which Newsom could then sign ahead of a Friday deadline. Then would then schedule a special election in November to ask voters to approve the map, which is aimed at flipping five GOP-held seats. With angry Democrats itching to fight back against Trumps second-term agenda, polls show broad early support for the effort, even though blue states have traditionally championed independent non-partisan redistricting efforts as a fair way to divvy up seats in the House of Representatives. Trump hailed the Texas House for finally approving what he calls a big beautiful map on Wednesday. It chops up three Democratic held House seats in blue-leaning Texas metropolitan areas and makes two more seats in the Rio Grande Valley much tougher for Democratic incumbents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He quickly took aim at other red states like Indiana, Florida and Missouri, urging them to take similar action to bolster already outsized Republican edges in their House delegations. Were going to win the midterms bigger and better than ever before, Trump proclaimed Thursday. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, who is in line to become Speaker of the House if Democrats retake the House in the midterms, vowed to fight the Texas plan, which he says is unconstitutional and violates the Voting Rights Act. This corrupt power grab by desperate Republican hacks will be fought in the legislature and in federal court, Jeffries tweeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The escalating redistricting arms race is unfolding as Trump aims to hold onto control of both the House and the Senate in the midterms so he can keep pushing his right-wing policy agenda past 2026. Democrats hope to retake the House so they keep Trump in check. Propr to Texas redistricting, history says Democrats would have had a great chance of flipping the handful of House seats needed to win the House in the midterms, especially with polls showing widespread public disapproval of Trumps policies. Thats why Trump wants to change the script by pulling off the unprecedented effort to redraw the congressional maps in the middle of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom, on the other hand, appears to prove his mettle to the Democratic base, perhaps ahead of a 2028 presidential bid that many pundits believe he is certain to pursue. Hes using his press office to troll Trump by imitating his social media style with cheeky all-caps messages that insult Trump and some of his loyal Republican acolytes. The tactic has won wide attention, even though some liberal pundits dismiss it as juvenile. MAGA HAVE NEWSOM DERANGEMENT SYNDROME!!! THEY SHOULD CRY HARDER! SAD!!! Newsom tweeted. Aug. 21 (UPI) -- California is preparing to counter with a redistricting plan to add five likely Democratic seats to the U.S. House of Representatives after Texas approved its own redistricting map favoring Republicans. The California state Assembly and Senate will consider three bills that will allow for a special election to pass a constitutional amendment to replace the state's existing congressional maps through 2030. Then Democrats must convince Californians to vote to overturn the congressional maps drafted by the independent redistricting commission voters that were first empowered to draw the lines in 2010. Texas approved its redistricting map Thursday night, despite weeks of protest. The Texas Senate is expected to approve the measure Friday and pass the bill along to Gov. Greg Abbott, R, who will certainly sign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, has vowed to create more seats for Democrats in Congress by creating a new map in its own state, the most populous in the nation. "It's on, Texas," Newsom tweeted Wednesday night. The orders for the special election must be transmitted to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, a Democrat, by Friday to get the measure on the November ballot. California Democrats have said their redistricting push is a reaction to the Texas plan and President Donald Trump's effort to create a more favorable 2026 midterm election map. The California legislation includes a trigger clause that says the state will only redistrict if other states like Texas seek to implement their own mid-decade redistricting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The package of bills was advanced by the Assembly and Senate's appropriations committees on Wednesday. The state Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a challenge from state Republicans who filed a lawsuit earlier this week requesting an emergency injunction to stop the redistricting effort on the grounds that the legislature didn't give voters enough notice. California has an independent redistricting committee process that is popular with voters, and Newsom and his allies insist that they still support that. But they argue that their partisan response to Texas is necessary to check the power of Trump. During a call with reporters organized by the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday, Newsom said the fight is "the rule of Don versus the rule of law." "This is a different person. This is a different presidency," Newsom said of Trump's second term. "It requires a different approach than we've seen in the past. And so I think this is the ultimate wake-up call -- trying to rig this election before one vote is even cast before 2026." Californias Democratic-led legislature has passed the Election Rigging Response Act legislative package, which is aimed at redrawing the states congressional districts after Texas Republican-led House advanced its controversial new electoral map on Wednesday. More than 50 Texas Democrats fled their state earlier this month to block voting, but the Texas GOPs new gerrymandered map designed to give Republicans five more seats in the U.S. House, ahead of next years midterm elections could reach Gov. Greg Abbotts desk as soon as Friday. Democrats and civil rights advocates say the map disenfranchises minorities and other voters. Shortly after the Texas House advanced the map, California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X: Texas, its on. After the legislation passed Thursday, he posted: Lets GO. But unlike in Texas, California cannot create a new congressional map without initial voter approval. Newsom called for a special election on Nov. 4 in which Californians must decide whether to temporarily strip their independent redistricting commission of power in favor of a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to employ new maps for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 election cycles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redistricting typically happens at the beginning of each decade after a new census, but Texas Republicans pushed ahead with redrawing the map much earlier at the urging of President Donald Trump, as the GOP hopes to gain an advantage in the 2026 midterms. Newsom has vowed to fight fire with fire in light of Texas unusually timed redistricting effort, a strategy that has won the praise of the national Democratic Party and former President Barack Obama. California Republicans oppose Newsoms redistricting effort and filed a petition to block the vote, but the state Supreme Court rejected it Wednesday. In a statement earlier this week, Newsom said: 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. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com SAN FRANCISCO Republican voters in California are about as likely to put their faith in tech companies to regulate artificial intelligence as they are President Donald Trumps government, and more likely to trust either than members of the opposing party, according to an exclusive POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab poll. That is a notable shift, since for a decade or more technology emanating from Silicon Valley in the heart of deep-blue California was branded by Republicans as carrying a liberal slant. The party has found opportunities to take Big Tech to task for everything from alleged online censorship of conservative voices to kids safety on social media. But the pivot from Republicans tracks with a rightward turn for tech during Trumps second term. Tech companies have reversed course on practices like fact checking and sought to curry favor with an administration more concerned with beating China in the AI race than putting guardrails on a developing and extremely valuable industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also not an obvious outcome for Golden State conservatives, especially as traditional social media companies like Meta are among those investing billions in cutting-edge AI research. Just last year, a Senate committee called top tech CEOs to task on child safety, forcing Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to stand and apologize to families that said his social media products had harmed their kids. That hearing saw Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) tell the assembled group and Zuckerberg in particular: You have blood on your hands. That seems like a real cultural reversal, Possibility Lab Director and UC Berkeley political scientist Amy Lerman told Decoded. Not so long ago, we really thought about tech companies, particularly in California, as being sort of progressive or socially minded, and I think that has really changed with an alignment of tech companies with the federal administration. According to the poll, 58 percent of Republican voters surveyed said they would trust U.S. tech companies to make good policy decisions about how AI should be developed and regulated. That is compared with 43 percent of Democratic voters. That 58 percent of Republicans who said theyd trust tech companies on AI was nearly the same as those who said they would trust the federal government to do the job, at 59 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll asked about trust in technology companies generally and concluded before a bombshell Reuters report about Metas policies on sensual conversations with children came out on August 14, prompting calls for investigations from Congress. Trumps recent AI Action Plan focused on building out AI technology to maximize its economic potential on U.S. soil and said little about safety testing of the technology. The administration is also experimenting with allowing federal workers to use AI to automate parts of their jobs. The findings on trust in tech companies when it comes to AI are in line with other findings from the poll that found 58 percent of Republican voters compared with 49 percent of Democrats said they felt positive about AI despite its drawbacks since it could increase productivity, speed up scientific breakthroughs and create new knowledge and opportunities. It also lines up with the ongoing debate on whether states should regulate AI at all. A measure to stymie states from doing just that for a decade failed to make it into the Republican spending bill, but leaving AI regulation largely up to companies remains a priority for some GOP members and AI companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is working on a revamped version of the proposal. Meanwhile, OpenAI has appealed directly to California Gov. Gavin Newsom to allow voluntary commitments around AI safety to suffice, instead of binding laws like those being mulled over in Sacramento. Lerman noted that when the poll asked voters overall if they trusted either party, the state or the federal government to regulate AI, none of these options got above 50 percent. I think that also speaks to just overall lack of trust, and I think it would be really interesting to get at who do people trust, if not any of these options. Lerman said. This is a really critical question for the future of California, of the nation, the world. Democrats in deep blue California were much more likely to put their faith in the state government or their own party to get that job done, according to the poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This project consists of two separate opinion studies of the California electorate and policy influencers in the state, fielded by TrueDot, the artificial intelligence-accelerated research platform, in collaboration with the Citrin Center and Possibility Lab at UC Berkeley and POLITICO. The public opinion study, made possible in part with support from the California Constitution Center, was conducted in the field between July 28 and Aug. 12. The sample of 1,445 registered voters was selected at random by Verasight, with interviews conducted in English and Spanish, and includes an oversample of Hispanic voters. The modeled error estimate for the full sample is plus/minus 2.6 percent. The policy influencer study was conducted from July 30 to Aug. 11, among 512 subscribers to POLITICO Pro, and the modeled error estimate is plus/minus 3.7 percent. A version of this story first appeared in California Decoded, POLITICOs morning newsletter for Pros about how the Golden State is shaping tech policy within its borders and beyond. Like this content? POLITICO Pro subscribers receive it daily. Learn more at www.politicopro.com. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 20, 2025) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces that B2Gold Corp. ("B2Gold") has completed its obligations under the Shareholder Agreement by purchasing 1,170,000 common shares (the "Shares"), as outlined in the Company's November 5, 2024 press release. B2Gold purchased the Shares in the open market to fulfill its agreement and preserve its right to participate in future financings up to a maximum of 9.9% ownership. Together with its prior private placement subscriptions, B2Gold now holds ~6% of Founders' issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis. Colin Padget, President and CEO, commented: "B2Gold's decision to increase their position demonstrates strong confidence in Founders and the Antino Gold Project. Their continued investment reinforces our shared belief in Antino as a Tier 1 discovery, and we're pleased to have their ongoing support as we work to unlock the project's full potential and realize value for shareholders." About Founders Metals Inc. Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 20,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from historical surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company is systematically advancing one of Suriname's most promising gold exploration and development opportunities with drill-confirmed, district-scale potential. Founders is committed to responsible exploration, community engagement, and delivering long-term value to shareholders through technical excellence and strategic growth in the Guiana Shield. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Per: "Colin Padget" Colin Padget President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director Contact Information Katie MacKenzie, Vice President, Corporate Development Tel: 306 537 8903 | katiem@fdrmetals.com Harp Gosal, Director, Investor Relations Tel: 236 301 4211 | harpg@fdrmetals.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the Company's prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" occur or be achieved. A Lake Tahoe area resident has tested positive for plague, California health officials said Tuesday. Officials said they believed the resident was infected after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area. The person is recovering at home and under the care of medical professionals, El Dorado County officials said in a news release. Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County, said Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado County acting director of public health. Its important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and or camping in areas where wild rodents are present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, theres an average of seven cases of human plague reported annually in the United States. The infection is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis and is spread to humans through infected flea bites or contact with infected animals. Symptoms of infection tend to occur within two weeks of exposure and can include fever, chills, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. Plague infections can be treated with common antibiotics. The CDC notes that most plague cases tend to occur in rural areas in the western United States. The California Department of Public Health routinely monitors rodent populations for plague activity and has identified four positive rodent infections in the Tahoe Basin this year. According to El Dorado County officials, prior to this infection, the last positive case in the area was in 2020. To prevent infection, the CDC suggests reducing potential rodent habitats by clearing brush, rock piles, and junk; using insect repellant like DEET when in areas of possible exposure; using flea control product on pets and not allowing pets that roam freely in areas endemic with infection to sleep on your bed. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com 3D illustration of plague bacteria, Yersinia pestis Credit - Science Photo LibraryGetty Images A person in California recently tested positive for plague, according to El Dorado County health officials. The individual has been treated and is recovering at home. About seven people get infected by the bacterium responsible for plague, Yersinia pestis, each year, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most U.S. cases occur in western states including Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada; in July, an Arizona man died from plague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what to know about plague in the U.S. How do people get plague? People can contract plague after being bitten by infected fleas or touching infected animals like rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, prairie dogs, rabbits, mountain lions, ferrets, and even dogs and cats. El Dorado County health officials said in a statement that the person was likely infected by a flea while camping. Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County, said the countys acting director of public health, Kyle Fliflet, in the statement. What are the symptoms of plague? There are three types of plague: bubonic, which caused widespread death throughout the world in the 14th century; septicemic, which occurs when the infection spreads to the blood; and pneumonic, when the infection burrows into the lungs. All forms cause fever and weakness, and more than 80% of plague cases in the U.S. have been the bubonic form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: What to Know About the Horned Zombie Rabbits Hopping Around Colorado Dr. Scott Roberts, medical director of infection prevention at Yale New Haven Health System and assistant professor of infectious diseases at Yale School of Medicine, says that bubonic plague is centered in the lymph nodes; the bacteria travel to the closest lymph nodes in the body from where an infection-trigging bite occurs, which leads to an inflammatory reaction including swelling of the nodes. Plague can then progress into the blood, in which case it becomes septicemic. Finally, from the bloodstream, the bacteria can spread to the lungs, leading to pneumonic plague, which can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. Is plague contagious? Only pneumonic plague can be spread from one infected person to another, since the bacteria can be transmitted in droplets that are released when a person sneezes or coughs. This can cause disease in as little as a day after transmission. Therefore, its not a hard-and-fast rule that plague progresses from bubonic to septicemic to pneumonic forms, says Roberts. For example, a health care worker in close contact with someone with pneumonic plague could inhale infectious particles from the patient; those particles could then travel directly to their lungs and result in pneumonic plague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: 10 Symptoms ER Doctors Say to Never Ignore He says that its not entirely clear why some people will recover from bubonic plague, while others continue to progress to more severe disease. Some of the usual factorssuch as weaker immune systems in the very young and the elderlyare likely responsible, but the driving factors arent well known. What is the treatment for plague? Because its caused by a bacterial infection, plague can be treated with antibiotics. But its important to start treatment as early as possible; left untreated, plague can be fatal. Do animals infected with plague get sick? Some species do get sick from the bacterial infection, but others appear to be able to manage low-level, mild infections, which makes them reservoirs for the bacterium. Cats in particular seem to be susceptible to infection, making them potential transmitters to people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some regions of the world where the bacteria are more common, Yersinia pestis can cause large numbers of animals to die off, which can make people in the area even more vulnerable. When the animals die off in an outbreak, the fleas try to find warm-blooded hosts, and those are likely human hosts, says Roberts. So sometimes animal die-offs in a region can precede human cases. How can I protect myself from plague? Health officials urge people to avoid feeding wild animals, especially rodents and squirrels, and to never touch sick animals. Using insect repellent when outdoors, especially while camping or hiking, can also reduce the risk of being bitten by infected fleas. For dogs and cats, its important to protect them by using flea-control products and ensure they arent exploring rodent burrows. Is there a vaccine for plague? Older versions exist, but neither the World Health Organization nor U.S. health officials recommend them. The U.S. stopped making the vaccine available in 1999 after safety concerns and studies that questioned its effectiveness. Researchers are, however, exploring ways to develop more effective vaccines. Contact us at letters@time.com. A California resident has tested positive for plague after likely being bitten by an infected flea, health officials said on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The person was camping in the South Lake Tahoe area, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in eastern California, the El Dorado County Public Health Division (EDCPHD) said in a statement. This is the first such infection reported in the county since 2020, when a case of human plague was also traced back to the South Lake Tahoe area, the public health division added. The resident is recovering at home under the supervision of a medical professional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know: Arizona resident dies of confirmed plague infection. Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is most often transmitted to humans and other mammals via flea bites or handling infected animals. Rodent fleas spread the bacteria to people, dogs and cats after becoming infected by squirrels, chipmunks and other wild rodents. An average of seven people are diagnosed with a confirmed case of the plague each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, predominantly in the western part of the country. Typically, cases occur in northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon, and far western Nevada. Over 80% of U.S. plague cases have been the bubonic form, also known as the "black plague," said the CDC. While the bubonic plague is famous for killing huge swathes of the European population during the Middle Ages, it is now treatable with antibiotics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County," Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado Countys acting director of public health, said in a statement. Its important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and or camping in areas where wild rodents are present." Health officials are investigating the situation, said EDCPHD. Symptoms of plague and how to protect yourself The three different types of plague bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic have some differing symptoms, though many of the fundamental signs are the same. According to the CDC and EDCPHD, symptoms of the most common form of plague in the United States, bubonic, appear within two weeks of exposure and include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fever Headache Chills Nausea Weakness Swollen lymph nodes Fleas are the most transmitters of plague to humans and pets alike. To protect yourself from the small yet real chance of contracting plague, the agencies suggest: Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents. Reduce rodent habitat around your home, workplace, and recreational areas by removing brush, rock piles, junk, cluttered firewood and possible rodent food supplies. Never touch sick, injured or dead rodents. Wear gloves if you are handling or skinning potentially infected animals. Do not allow your pets to play with or pick up sick, injured or dead rodents. Use flea control products to protect them from bites. Do not camp, sleep or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed. Wear long pants tucked into boot tops and spray insect repellent containing DEET (a chemical compound common in commercial insect repellents) on socks and pant cuffs to reduce exposure to fleas. Pet cats are highly susceptible to plague and can pose a direct threat to humans. Keep cats away from rodents. Consult a veterinarian if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents. If you get sick after being in an area where plague is known to occur, consult a physician and tell them you may have been exposed to plague. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California resident tests positive for plague after camping trip By Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -The California legislature approved on Thursday a redistricting plan aimed at giving Democrats five more seats in the U.S. Congress, countering a partisan advantage President Donald Trump sought from a Republican move to redraw political maps in Texas. California Democrats pushed their three bills through the state Senate and Assembly in a remarkable flurry of fast-track action, ahead of a Friday deadline to get the changes on the ballot in time for a special election on November 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The swift passage was a decisive victory for Governor Gavin Newsom, widely seen as a possible 2028 White House contender whose national political stature has climbed as he led Democrats' charge against what they decried as an attempted power grab in the Republican-led state of Texas. "Time to fight fire with fire," the governor wrote on X shortly after the legislature voted. Newsom, who enjoys a Democratic super-majority in both houses of the California legislature, later signed the measure to put his redistricting plan up for popular vote. If successful, it would neutralize the Trump-backed Texas bill designed to flip five Democratic seats to Republican control in the U.S. House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans, including Trump, have openly acknowledged that the Texas effort is about boosting their political clout by helping to preserve the party's slim U.S. House majority in the November 2026 midterm races. That election already is shaping up as closely fought. PRELUDE TO MIDTERM RACES Democrats have characterized their bid to depart from California's usual independent, bipartisan redistricting process - adopted by voters in 2008 - as a temporary "emergency" strategy to combat what they see as extreme Republican moves to unfairly rig the system. "The decks are stacked against us, so what we need to do is fight back," California Senator Lena Gonzalez, a joint author of the redistricting plan, said as the state Senate opened floor debate on the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats say more than 70% of their newly drawn congressional districts were adopted from maps used by the independent commission in formulating the current boundaries. Republican Senator Tony Strickland objected, saying, "These maps were drawn behind closed doors." Within six hours, however, both houses had approved all three measures, voting along party lines to approve each bill in succession and sending it to the other body for its concurrence. Unlike the California initiative, the newly drawn district lines in Texas would take effect without voter approval, though Democrats have vowed a court challenge to the Republican plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas measure cleared a major hurdle on Wednesday when the state House of Representatives in Austin adopted it on a party-line vote of 88 to 52. The Texas Senate is expected to pass the measure next. Both versions of the bill may then need to be reconciled before the legislation goes to Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who has said he will sign it. "Big WIN for the Great State of Texas," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. Democrats and civil rights groups say the new Texas map further dilutes the voting power of Hispanic and Black voters, violating federal law that forbids redrawing political lines on the basis of racial or ethnic discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BREAK WITH TRADITION In pursuing mid-decade redistricting, both sides are breaking with a long-held political custom of generally altering political maps once every decade, following the U.S. Census to adjust for population changes. Most Americans believe redrawing congressional lines for the sake of maximizing political gain, known as gerrymandering, is bad for democracy, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found. Former President Barack Obama weighed in on the issue this week, supporting the Democratic effort as a necessary short-term response to Republican overreach in Texas. But he said he remained uneasy about the long-term consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consideration of the Texas bill was delayed for two weeks after more than 50 Democratic state House members staged a walkout that denied Republicans the legislative quorum needed. Their collective absence sparked extraordinary efforts by Abbott and other Republican leaders to pressure the Democrats to relent, including civil arrest warrants, the imposition of fines and threats to withhold their pay. The Democrats finally returned to Austin on Monday, by which time their legislative boycott had galvanized Democratic leaders in other states, especially California. Texas Representative Nicole Collier, one of the leaders of the Austin walkout, said the Republican plan she fought against was among the "most segregated maps that have been presented in Texas since the 1960s." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas-California clash may be just the start of a growing war over congressional district boundaries. Other Republican-controlled states, such as Ohio, Florida, Indiana and Missouri, are moving forward with, or considering, their own measures, as are Democratic-led states such as Maryland and Illinois. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Stephen Coates) Ratcheting up the pressure in the escalating national fight over control of Congress, the California Legislature on Thursday approved a November special election to ask voters to redraw the state's electoral lines to favor Democrats and thwart President Trump's far-right policy agenda. The ballot measure, pushed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state and national Democratic leaders, is the latest volley in a national political brawl over electoral maps that could alter the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections and the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. If voters approve the redrawn lines on Nov. 4, Democrats in the Golden State would see the odds tilted further in their favor, while the number of California Republicans in the House could be halved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom initially said that new electoral districts in California would only take effect if another state redrew its lines before 2031. But after Texas moved toward approving its own maps this week that could give the GOP five more House seats, Democrats stripped the so-called "trigger" language from the amendment meaning that if voters approve the measure, the new lines would take effect no matter what. "They fired the first shot, Texas," Newsom said before signing the bills Thursday. "We wouldn't be here if Texas had not done what they just did, if Donald Trump didn't do what he just did." The ballot measure language, which asks California voters to override the power of the independent redistricting commission, was approved by most Democrats in the Assembly and the Senate, where they hold supermajorities. Lawmakers have the power to place constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot without the approval of the governor. Newsom later signed two bills that fund the special election and spell out the lines for the new congressional districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats' rush to the ballot marks a sudden departure from California's 15-year commitment to independent redistricting, often held up as the country's gold standard. The states voters stripped lawmakers of the power to draw lines during the Great Recession and handed that partisan power to a panel of 14 citizens chosen in an exhaustive process long and detailed questionnaires, multiple essays, face-to-face interviews overseen by the nonpartisan state auditor. The change, Democrats said, was forced by an extraordinary change in circumstances: After decades of the United States redrawing congressional lines once a decade, Trump and his political team have leaned on Republican-led states to redraw their district lines before the 2026 midterm elections to help Republicans retain control of the House. His playbook is a simple one: Bully, threaten, fight, then rig the rules to hang onto power," said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. "We are here today because California will not be a bystander to that power grab. We are not intimidated, and we are acting openly, lawfully, with purpose and resolve, to defend our state and to defend our democracy. Republicans in the state Assembly and the state Senate criticized Newsom's argument that Democrats must "fight fire with fire," saying retaliation is a slippery slope that would erode the independent redistricting process California voters have chosen twice at the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You move forward fighting fire with fire, and what happens? You burn it all down," said Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City). He said Trump was "wrong" to push Gov. Greg Abbott to redraw Texas' lines to benefit Republicans, and so was California's push to pursue the same strategy. Democratic Assembly member Marc Berman speaks during a meeting of the California State Assembly at the California State Capitol on Thursday in Sacramento. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) State Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), who co-authored the bill drawing the proposed congressional districts, said Democrats had no choice but to stand up, given the harm the Trump administration has inflicted on healthcare, education, tariffs and other policies that affect Californians. What do we do? Just sit back and do nothing?" Gonzalez said. "Or do we fight back and provide some chance for our Californians to see themselves in this democracy?" Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-Santee) said the effort is "a corrupt redistricting scheme to rig Californias elections" that violates the "letter and the spirit of the California Constitution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Democrats are rushing this through under the guise of urgency," Jones said. "There is no emergency that justifies this abuse of process. Two Assembly Democrats present on Thursday did not vote in favor of the constitutional amendment. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano), who is running for Congress against Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) in the San Joaquin Valley, voted no, and Progressive Caucus chair Alex Lee (D-San Jose) did not vote. Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) was on bereavement leave. Democrats will face an unusual messaging challenge with the November ballot measure, said Matt Lesenyie, an assistant professor of political science at Cal State Long Beach. The opponents of mid-decade redistricting are stressing that the measure would "disadvantage voters," he said, which is "wording that Democrats have primed Democrats on, for now two administrations, that democracy is being killed with a thousand cuts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a weird, sort of up-is-down moment," Lesenyie said. How did we get here? Trump's political team began pressuring Abbott and Texas Republicans in early June to redraw the state's 38 congressional districts in the middle of the decade which is very uncommon to give Republicans a better shot at keeping the House in 2026. "We are entitled to five more seats," Trump later told CNBC. Some Texas Republicans feared that mid-decade redistricting could imperil their own chances of reelection. But within a month of the White House floating the idea, Abbott added the new congressional lines, which would stack the deck against as many as five Texas Democrats in Congress, to the Legislature's special session in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By mid-July, Newsom was talking about California punching back. In an interview with the progressive news site the TN Holler, Newsom said: "These guys, they're not fing around. They're playing by a totally different set of rules." Democrats in Texas fled the state for nearly two weeks, including some to California, to deny Republicans the quorum they needed to pass the new lines. Abbott signed civil arrest warrants and levied fines on the 52 absent Democrats while they held news conferences in California and Illinois to bring attention to the fight. While the Texas drama unfolded, consultants for the campaign arm of House Democrats in California quietly drew up maps that would further chop down the number of Golden State Republicans in Congress. The proposed changes would eliminate the district of Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) and dilute the number of GOP voters in four districts represented by Reps. Doug LaMalfa, Kevin Kiley, David Valadao and Darrell Issa. The Democrats agreed to return to Texas last week and pointed to California's tit-for-tat effort as one measure of success, saying the Golden State could neutralize any Republican gains in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, other Republican-led states have begun to contemplate redistricting too, including Indiana, Florida and Missouri. Trump's political allies are publicly threatening to mount primary challenges against any Indiana Republican who opposes redrawing the lines. In California, the opposition is shaping up as quickly as the ballot measure. California voters received the first campaign mailer opposing the ballot measure a day before the Legislature voted to approve it. A four-page glossy flier, funded by conservative donor and independent redistricting champion Charlie Munger Jr., warned voters that mid-decade redistricting is "weakening our Democratic process" and "a threat to California's landmark election reform." Republicans have also gone to court to try to stop the measure, alleging in an emergency petition with the state Supreme Court that Democrats violated the state Constitution by ramming the bills through without following proper legislative procedure. The high court Wednesday rejected the petition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A wave of legal challenges is expected, not only in California but in any state that reconfigures congressional districts in the expanding partisan brawl. Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego) said Thursday morning that a lawsuit challenging the California ballot measure would be filed in state court by Friday evening. He said Republicans also plan to litigate the title of the ballot measure and any voter guide materials that accompany it. And, he said, if voters approve the new lines, "I believe we will have ample opportunity to set the maps aside in federal court." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A California woman was found dead in a national forest just a day after her husband was captured on video dragging something large wrapped in what appeared to be a tarp or sheet away from his home. The body of Sheylla Cabrera, 33, was found on Aug. 13 in Angeles National Forest wrapped in a tarp or sheet similar to the one her husband, 36-year-old Jossimar Cabrera, was seen pulling the day before on Ring camera footage, according to KTTV and KTLA. Search and rescue teams from the Montrose Mountain Search and Rescue team reported finding something suspicious in the Angeles National Forest that matched the material seen in the Ring video, the outlets reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Murder After Womans Body Found At Remote California Campsite The body of Sheylla Cabrera, 33, was found on Aug. 13 in Angeles National Forest wrapped in a tarp or sheet. Homicide detectives responded to the scene and confirmed that Sheylla Cabreras body was wrapped inside the material, according to the reports. Jossimar Cabrera was immediately identified as a person of interest in the investigation. The couples three children were also reported as missing. Read On The Fox News App Mother's Story Questioned By Authorities As 7-Month-old Remains Missing After Alleged Kidnapping Jossimar Cabrera was identified as a person of interest in the investigation. He fled to Peru before the discovery of his wife's body, and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department is working with local authorities to extradite him to California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are expected to charge him with murder if he is sent back to California. Jossimar Cabrera fled to Peru before the discovery of his wife's body. The three children were also found safe in Peru and taken into protective custody. Sheylla Cabreras cause of death is being evaluated by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office. Original article source: California woman found dead in national forest, husband seen dragging something in large tarp Like most Americans, including White House reporters apparently, Ive tuned out Donald Trumps incessant Big Lie that he won the 2020 presidential election by a lot. That means his nonsense about rigged voting and Democrats cheating goes mostly unchallenged, and he continues to undermine faith in U.S. elections. After all, its not like anyone can shut him up. Still, its time to quit tuning out. Whether a reporter on the beat or a citizen in conversation anywhere, pay attention and push back against Trumps un-American blather. Because in recent days the power-drunk president has in various ways telegraphed that his Big Lie isnt just about a past election but a pretext for what he could do to disrupt the next one, the 2026 midterm elections for Congress. Other 2020 election liars are paying a big price, literally. Just this week, right-wing Newsmax agreed to pay $67 million to Dominion Voting Systems, on top of $40 million in March to Smartmatic, to settle defamation lawsuits based on Newsmaxs false reporting (echoing Trump) that the companies rigged voting machines for Joe Biden. Newsmaxs penalty is of course dwarfed by the $787 million that Fox News paid to Dominion in 2023; in a pending trial, Smartmatic seeks $2.7 billion from Fox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the while, the president of the United States continues to spout the same slop, all but immune to legal action, as he sets the stage for 2026. On Friday, after Trumps bro-fest summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine, Trump happily recounted to Foxs Sean Hannity in Alaska that the two presidents digressed to discuss the 2020 U.S. election and what do you know? Putin, the KGB-trained master manipulator and well-known arbiter of honest elections (not) supposedly assured Trump that, yes, he actually won big but the election was rigged against him. As an aside here, recall that Hannity and other Fox network stars privately trashed Trumps 2020 election lie, according to filings in the Dominion lawsuit, and that Hannity testified under oath: I did not believe it for one second. Yet in Anchorage, Hannity nodded along as Trump told him that Putin said Trump won in 2020 by so much, but your election was rigged because you have mail-in voting. Its impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections. Assuming Putin said what Trump claims, the Russian was playing to Trumps longstanding, groundless gripes not only against the 2020 election but against voting by mail, which Democratic voters use much more than Republicans do. And Trump, ever the Kremlins useful idiot, took his cue: First thing on Monday morning, he declared in a long, error-filled and much-capitalized social media diatribe that hed lead a movement to ban mail ballots and voting machines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump repeated Putins falsehood that the United States is the only Country in the World that uses Mail-In Voting. All others gave it up because of the MASSIVE VOTER FRAUD ENCOUNTERED. But in fact , dozens of countries use mail ballots and, as with other forms of voting, research, along with the courts, has found that fraud is vanishingly rare . The presidents stance on mail ballots is like his position on a ceasefire in Ukraine: He was for it before he was against it (and he was for both things before getting ensnared in Putins web on Friday). In 2024, bending to Republican officials pleadings that he drop his opposition to mail ballots, Trump urged supporters to vote by mail as he typically, and hypocritically, does and even recorded a video promotion. Now that Trump is back to opposing mail ballots, in Monday mornings social media rant he yet again contradicted the plain words of the Constitution to claim powers he doesnt have, that he can order states to get rid of mail ballots and voting machines. 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. Heres the Constitution on that: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just more proof that both times Trump took the oath of office to uphold the Constitution and see that the laws are faithfully executed, he lied then, too. The president has since repeated that he, with Republican allies, will do everything possible to end mail ballots. And hes saying the quiet part out loud: Without mail-in voting, he told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, you're not gonna have many Democrats get elected. That's bigger than anything having to do with redistricting. There you have it. Trumps movement against mail ballots, along with his push for red states to redraw congressional district lines to elect more Republicans, is all part of how hes trying rig elections in 2026, in what is expected to be a bad year for his party given his unpopularity. And its all predicated on the Big Lie about nonexistent Democratic election cheating. There are other warning signs: Trumps military takeover of the District of Columbia. (Every day brings another announcement of a Republican governor sending National Guard troops.) His occupation of Los Angeles. Repeated threats to send troops to other big, blue cities. All on specious grounds and over the objections of elected local and state leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its wholly imaginable, then, that on trumped-up claims (pun absolutely intended) about potential election fraud, Trump would militarize Democratic vote-heavy cities in time for next years elections. At a minimum, that would surely intimidate some would-be voters. At worst, well, I dont even want to speculate about the worst. When Trump entered presidential politics a decade ago, it took a while for journalists to get comfortable applying the L-word: Liar. But he earned it. Now hes all but inviting us to expand the nomenclature to include autocrat, dictator or even the F-bomb, fascist. Bluesky: @jackiecalmes Threads: @jkcalmes X: @Jackiekcalmes 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. Canadian tourism to the United States is collapsing in the wake of President Donald Trumps return to the White House, according to a new report, a find that comes after the U.S. president has imposed tariffs on and threatened to annex Americas northern neighbor. The report, published by Statistics Canada, a government office, shows that Canadians made 1.7 million return trips by motor vehicle back into their country from the U.S. in July. That amounts to a 37% drop from July 2024. Canadians were also found to be taking fewer flights to the U.S., with returning air travel to Canada down approximately 25% from July of the previous year. Conversely, American air travel to Canada grew, albeit by just 0.7%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The findings come after months of poor relations between the Trump White House and Ottawa. Earlier this year, Trump proposed the annexation of Canada, along with instituting steep tariffs on Canadian goods, making the once allies into frosty neighbors. This state of affairs has led some Canadian travel agents to advise their clients against traveling to the U.S., particularly as some tourists have found themselves detained by ICE. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. The decline in travel translates to a loss of billions of dollars in tourism-related revenue. With 20.4 million visits to the United States in 2024, Canadian tourism accounted for $20.5 billion in revenue and helped to support approximately 140,000 U.S. jobs, the U.S. Travel Association said in February. The association, at the time, noted that a 10% decrease in Canadian travel could mean 2.0 million fewer visits, $2.1 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses. The post Canadians arent coming to America anymore appeared first on Salon.com. COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) Students in the Shoals area will be getting a new career technical center. Alabama legislators set aside $100 million to construct additional career technical facilities throughout the state. The Career Technical Center, still in its early stages will be constructed using $10 million grant funding that was awarded to Colbert County Schools from the Alabama Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colbert County Schools Superintendent Nathan Fuller told News 19 that leaders are still looking for a central location to build the center, considering that there are three high schools in the county that are spread out. According to Fuller, a centralized location is vital to reducing travel times for students. Colbert County School leaders are also in talks with architects and engineers to ensure that the center is constructed with every resource needed for students success. Fuller said that the school system also partners with North West Shoals Community College & the University of North Alabama to offer the best program options for students. Leaders have been in communication with other school systems, businesses and community partners to figure out various ways students can become certified for high-demand jobs and skilled trades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colbert County was required to partner with an additional school system to receive grant funding. Three City School systems signed on to partner with Colbert County including Tuscumbia City Schools, Muscle Shoals City Schools, and Sheffield City Schools. Once the career technical center is completed, courses will be offered to students within those three City School systems as well. Colbert County School leaders would like to thank Alabama Representative Jamie Kiel, Alabama Representative Kerry Bubba Underwood and Alabama Senator Dr. Larry Stutts for their roles in securing the funding. According to the school system, the completion of the career technical center is on a 36-month timeline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW A Carnival Cruise passenger is opening up about the moment he pulled a "lifeless" body out of the water at Celebration Key, a newly opened luxury resort in The Bahamas, on Friday, August 15 The "unresponsive" 79-year-old had been snorkelling, and Arkansas resident John Kopta helped to bring him out of the water along with another man In a separate incident, a 74-year-old woman also drowned at the resort after becoming unresponsive while swimming on another Carnival Cruise ship A Carnival Cruise passenger is speaking out about the moment he pulled a "lifeless" snorkeler out of the water at a newly opened luxury private resort in the Bahamas. Shortly before noon local time on Friday, Aug. 15, police were alerted to an incident at Celebration Key, where they discovered an unresponsive 79-year-old man, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) previously said in a news release shared on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unidentified American tourist was snorkeling at a beach before he became unresponsive and had to be removed from the water by a lifeguard. Despite CPR being administered, the man was soon pronounced dead by a medical doctor, per the news release. Arkansas resident John Kopta and another man helped bring the man out of the water after spotting him at the bottom of the shallow ocean not moving. Im a dad, a grandpa and once the adrenaline kicks in, youre not thinking anything, Kopta recalled to CBS-affiliated station 5News. Kopta added to the outlet, My wife and I hopped off and I ran over there about the same time [the other man] got there, and we went down. He grabbed him by the arms, brought him up. I grabbed his legs, brought him up, and he was lifeless at that point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told the station that he thought emergency services "did everything they could" in a bid to try and save the man. At one point, there was 10 lifeguards surrounding, you know, making a perimeter, and all the ones were working on him, and the EMTs came with the sirens on the ATVs on the sand, and I thought they did everything they could, Kopta shared. Joe Burbank/Getty Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras cruise ship is pictured in 2021 Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras cruise ship is pictured in 2021 Kopta insisted that all he and his wife thought they could do in that moment was pray, and questioned whether they'd missed something before the man drowned. "I don't think there was, I don't think there was anything that he did that showed that he was drowning," Kopta added, sending his condolences to the man's family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE has reached out to Kopta for comment, but did not immediately hear back. BIS Bahamas/Facebook A photo of the Celebration Key resort in the Bahamas A photo of the Celebration Key resort in the Bahamas In another incident shortly after 2:30 p.m. the same day, officers discovered an unresponsive 74-year-old woman on board a separate cruise ship. The initial report suggests that the female became unresponsive while swimming in a pool, police said in the release. The unidentified American woman was given CPR at the scene, but also died. The two tourists had been traveling on separate Carnival Cruise ships at Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island at the time of the incidents. Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Shaquille O'Neal and Carnival Vista Captain Paolo Severini among others at the opening of Celebration Key on July 19 Shaquille O'Neal and Carnival Vista Captain Paolo Severini among others at the opening of Celebration Key on July 19 Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement previously obtained by PEOPLE, Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate water emergency incidents at Celebration Key on Friday one in the lagoon and one at the beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sadly, both guests have passed away. One guest was sailing with family on Mardi Gras and one guest was sailing with family on Carnival Elation," the statement continued. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance," they added. ALEX MENENDEZ/Shutterstock A photo of Carnival Cruise's Line Mardi Gras cruise ship taken in 2021 A photo of Carnival Cruise's Line Mardi Gras cruise ship taken in 2021 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. Carnival Cruise Line's private $600 million travel destination, Celebration Key, opened on July 19, per the New York Post. The luxury resort includes a beach club, swimming pools, bars, restaurants and activities for both adults and children, according to its website. Read the original article on People A Baidu AI Cloud advertisement featuring humanoid robots at the Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai. Baidu Inc.s quarterly revenue fell its most in about three years, hurt by an economic downturn thats capping its ability to fight bigger rivals in AI and make inroads in newer areas. The Ernie chatbot creators sales in the June quarter fell 4% to 32.7 billion yuan ($4.6 billion), weighed down by a slowdown in its core internet search operations. Net income rose 33%, versus projections for a decline, helped by a boost from long-term investments. The companys shares slid as much as 3% in Hong Kong Thursday. Most Read from Bloomberg Chinas internet search leader is betting big on generative AI to drive future growth, but it faces mounting pressure from open-sourced models like DeepSeek as well as a wave of AI-native apps encroaching on its turf. The company will continue to invest in artificial intelligence even as margins and revenue come under pressure in the near term, Chief Financial Officer Henry He said. Thats while its mainstay search business loses ground to social-video platforms like Xiaohongshu and TikToks Chinese twin Douyin. Online advertising revenue declined 15%. But non-marketing revenue grew a better-than-expected 34%, aided by demand for its cloud unit. Since the AI search monetization is still in very early stages and has yet to scale, our revenue and margins are under considerable pressure in the near-term with Q3 expected to be especially challenging, He said. We see potential for margin improvement as our core advertising business recovers and stabilizes. Baidus Shares Drop After Revenue Slowdown: Street Wrap Baidu is counting on Ernie to underpin an AI ecosystem and drive demand for its cloud division, whose sales have grown by double-digits in recent quarters. Its also accelerating an overseas push by its Apollo Go robotaxi service, through partnerships with Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. Baidus driverless rides in the June quarter more than doubled to 2.2 million, with cumulative rides passing 14 million in August, it said. Baidu plans to take its fleet of self-driving robotaxis common in Beijing, Guangzhou and Wuhan to Singapore and Malaysia as early as this year, Bloomberg reported. The company is now running trials in Hong Kong. But in Chinas increasingly crowded AI arena, Baidu faces rivals Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. both with far more firepower and larger global footprints as well as nimble upstarts. Baidus stock price is up around 6% this year, trailing both of the bigger internet leaders. Democratic strategist James Carville criticized Democrats for failing to adequately target Vice President Vance in their political messaging. Use JD Vance, Carville said in Thursdays episode of his Politics War Room podcast, and just kick the s out of him every chance you get. Carville pointed to Vances recent trip to England as a missed opportunity for Democrats to target Vance for not supporting domestic tourism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on vacation. People, Florida resorts are hurting. Las Vegas tourism is down substantially. The national parks Yellowstones down 15 percent, Carville said, in remarks first highlighted by Mediaite. So, OK, hes entitled to a vacation. Ill give him that, he continued. Guess where he went? To a place called Oxfordshire in England, which is a tony wealthy place that rich Londoners go to. Its kind of like the Marthas Vineyard of England. Carville said Democrats should have made the story a bigger issue. Why we didnt blow this up, OK? Why didnt the tourist association of the Florida Panhandle blow this up? The Las Vegas people, the California people, the Wyoming people, Carville said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You mean, you cant vacation and your wife and kids in his own country? Carville said, offering a suggestion for messaging. Im getting ready to go to Lake George. It could be the most beautiful place on Earth. People in upstate New York would have been glad to have his money. But what does he do? He goes to a tony English village. Vance returned on Sunday from his working vacation in the United Kingdom, where he met with U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Aug. 8, before heading with his family to the Cotswolds, which has become a popular area for wealthy American tourists to visit in the rural countryside of England. He also met with U.S. troops while traveling overseas and ended his stay with a visit in Scotland. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In a rush? Get an abbreviated, text view of what's happening with Hurricane Erin. Hurricane Erin strengthened as it took a turn to the north Wednesday and conditions are expected to deteriorate soon in North Carolina's Outer Banks, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Some strengthening of the strong Category 2 storm is possible during the next day or so, and Erin could become a major hurricane again by tonight. Weakening is likely to begin by Friday, but Erin is forecast to remain a hurricane into the weekend. A major hurricane is a Category 3 or higher storm, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Erin to bring 'powerful' 20-foot waves along East Coast Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Beachgoers were cautioned against swimming at most U.S. east coast beaches due to life-threatening surf and rip currents. The National Weather Service in Melbourne warned large swells from Erin will peak across Florida waters today, bringing large breaking waves and a high risk for deadly rip currents. Waves could reach 6 to 10 feet. "Stay out of the ocean," the National Weather Service Jacksonville warned, saying waves along the Northeast Florida coast could reach up to 11 feet. Hurricane Erin projected path. See current location Special note on the NHC cone: The forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location : 520 miles west of Bermuda; 295 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina Maximum sustained winds: 110 mph Movement : north at 14 mph Pressure : 943 mb Next advisory: 8, 11 p.m. ET Track all active storms North Carolina braces for Hurricane Erin. See watches, warnings The National Hurricane Center said weather conditions are expected to deteriorate along the coast of North Carolina by tonight as outer bands from Erin approach. The National Weather Service in Morehead City, North Carolina, said coastal impacts began overnight along the Outer Banks and will worsen throughout the day. Storm surge of 3 feet or greater is expected above ground level and there's a potential for Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands "to be impassable and/or inaccessible through late week due to significant wave run up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Numerous roads will likely be impassable under several feet of water and vehicles will likely be submerged. Consider moving cars to higher ground." Several watches associated with Erin have been issued for North Carolina: Storm surge warning: Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina Tropical storm warning: Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia, including Pamlico and Albemarle sounds. NC 12 may be 'impassable' for days due to Hurricane Erin over wash. See evacuation routes See peak storm surge forecast from Hurricane Erin Spaghetti models for Hurricane Erin. See projected path Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Track Hurricane Erin Is there a hurricane coming to Florida? No. Erin is located east of Florida but it is forecast to bring life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents from Florida to Canada. What impacts is Hurricane Erin having on Florida? Florida rip current risk associated with Hurricane Erin Aug. 20, 2025, Ocean swells associated with Hurricane Erin are expected to bring large ocean swells and life-threatening rip currents to Florida's coast. Wave heights could reach up to 11 feet along Northeast Florida beaches. Expect rough, high surf through Aug. 21, the National Weather Service Jacksonville posted on X. Minor coastal flooding is possible near high tide. Along east central Florida beaches, breaking waves could reach 6 to 10 feet, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. How strong is Hurricane Erin and where could it go? At 5 p.m., the eye of Hurricane Erin was located near latitude 31.2 North, longitude 73.6 West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erin is moving toward the north near 14 mph. A turn toward the north-northeast is expected later today and tonight, followed by a faster motion toward the northeast and east-northeast by Thursday and Friday. On the forecast track, the center of Erin will move over the western Atlantic between the U.S. east coast and Bermuda today through early Friday, and then pass south of Atlantic Canada Friday and Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is expected during the next day or so, and Erin could become a major hurricane again by tonight. Weakening is likely to begin by Friday, but Erin is forecast to remain a hurricane into the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erin is a large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles, from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 265 miles. Watches and warnings issued for Hurricane Erin A storm surge warning is in effect for: Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina A tropical storm warning is in effect for: Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border, including Pamlico and Albemarle sounds A tropical storm watch is in effect for: Bermuda Hazards affecting land from Hurricane Erin Wind: Tropical storm conditions are expected over portions of the North Carolina Outer Banks and the Virginia coastline beginning late today. Elsewhere along the mid-Atlantic and southern New England coast, wind gusts to tropical storm force are likely Thursday through early Friday. Tropical storm conditions are possible on Bermuda Thursday and Friday. Surf: Swells generated by Erin will affect the Bahamas, Bermuda, the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. These rough ocean conditions are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Storm surge: 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 water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide... Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina: 2 to 4 feet The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances. Rainfall: The outer bands of Erin may bring up to 1 inch of rainfall to the Outer Banks of North Carolina this afternoon into Thursday. Key messages from the National Hurricane Center: What you need to know about Hurricane Erin Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. Beachgoers in those areas should follow advice from lifeguards, local authorities, and beach warning flags. Storm surge flooding and tropical storm conditions are expected in the North Carolina Outer Banks beginning later today and lasting through Thursday. The storm surge will be accompanied by large waves, leading to significant beach erosion and overwash, making some roads impassible. Tropical storm conditions are expected on Thursday along the Virginia coast. Wind gusts to tropical storm force are likely along portions of the remainder of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts Thursday through early Friday. Tropical storm conditions are possible on Bermuda on Thursday and Friday. Current forecast: How strong could Hurricane Erin get? At 5 p.m.: 110 mph 12 hours: 115 mph 24 hours: 115 mph 36 hours: 110 mph 48 hours: 100 mph 60 hours: 85 mph 72 hours: 65 mph 96 hours: 65 mph; post-tropical, extratropical 120 hours: 50 mph; post-tropical, extratropical Hurricane categories: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Saffir-Simpson wind scale for hurricanes, tropical storms. Category 1 hurricane : 74-95 mph Category 2 hurricane : 96-110 mph Category 3 hurricane : 111-129 mph Category 4 hurricane : 130-156 mph Category 5 hurricane: 157 mph or higher Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This story has been updated to include new information. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane Erin projected path, Florida impacts from Cat 2 storm By Jasper Ward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A Venezuelan-born Catholic priest with a valid U.S. religious worker visa was temporarily denied re-entry to the U.S. this week, and was only granted admission following an appeal by Miami's Catholic archbishop, his office said in a statement. The temporary denial of entry to Father Gustavo Santos came after President Donald Trump in June partially restricted entry to people from Venezuela and six other countries. Individuals on religious worker visas were not included in those restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After returning to the U.S. on Tuesday from a trip to London, Santos "was unexpectedly and wrongfully denied admission into the United States," the Archdiocese of Miami said in a statement. Archbishop Thomas Wenski worked with Catholic Legal Services lawyers to bring the case before a federal judge. "As a result, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reconsidered the case, and Father Santos has since been released and allowed to reenter the country," said the statement, which was released on Tuesday. The Department of Homeland Security - under which CBP falls - did not immediately provide comment. Trump's travel restrictions are part of a broader immigration crackdown that has included the deportation to El Salvador of hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of being gang members, as well as efforts to deny enrollments of some foreign students and deport others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president's critics, including Democrats, argue his travel restrictions and broader crackdown are discriminatory and heavy-handed. Trump, a Republican, says the measures are needed to ensure national security. (Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Daniel Wallis) (COSTILLA COUNTY, Colo.) Human remains were discovered in Costilla County after someone reported the discovery on his property earlier this week. On Monday, Aug. 18, the 12th Judicial District Attorneys Office (DAs Office) responded to a citizens email, who reported the discovery of human remains on his property located in the Wild Horse Mesa community. The following day, on Tuesday, Aug. 19, investigators with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) responded to the remote location along with the DAs Office and confirmed the presence of remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CBI utilized K9 resources to aid in the search and recovery efforts. This is an active and ongoing investigation, wrote the DAs Office. According to the press release, efforts are underway to determine the identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding their death. Further information will be released as it becomes available. The District Attorneys Office continues to encourage citizens of Costilla County to bring their concerns to the District Attorneys Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Tony Dokoupil agrees with President Donald Trump that the Smithsonian museums exhibits should be revamped. American history shouldnt be a thing of reverence. The country is not above critique, Dokoupil said of Trumps controversial desire to have the museums focus on positive aspects of American history while downplaying darker topics such as slavery on the Wednesday, August 20, episode of CBS Mornings. But we shouldnt look at our history with contempt, either. And there is some room for correction back toward the middle. Dokoupil went on to state that Trumps views match the Smithsonians current mission statement. The mission of the Smithsonian is to forge a shared history, a shared future, not just context, but hope to lead the country and communities together. Thats essentially the same language that Donald Trump is offering here, he said. And I do think theres room to say, in American history, what you are describing, that process of a journey toward greatness is very real, and we all have something to be incredibly proud of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The host continued, If you ask someone, Is the world and its people better off because of the existence of America and its people? To me, the answer is unquestionably yes. And I think people walking in the Smithsonian when they walk out of it, they should get some sense of that. WATCH: CBSs Tony Dokoupil delivers a MASSIVE reality check to those saying President Trump and others want to censor American history by calling on museums like the Smithsonian to focus more on our countrys greatness. Co-host Gayle King and Vlad Duthiers strongly disagreed, pic.twitter.com/Dawxl2QUTA Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) August 20, 2025 CBS News Vladimir Duthiers disagreed, stating, We shouldnt whitewash who we are and where we came from. And so, that conversation needs to continuously happen so that we continuously get better. Gayle King, for her part, said she hopes the review will be handled by historians and experts who know exactly what it means, cause I dont think theres been an overcorrection. I think its just putting out the history thats all part of who we are. Dokoupil wrapped up the discussion by calling their conversation so healthy and so good, adding, Were having it on the 250th anniversary of the country. Its wonderful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the White House announced plans to launch a review of the Washington D.C. museum chain in honor of the countrys milestone 250th anniversary in July 2026. This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the Presidents directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions, read an August 12 letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III. Trump later called the museums the last remaining segment of WOKE' and OUT OF CONTROL in a Tuesday, August 19, Truth Social post. 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, he wrote. 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. He continued, 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. CBS Mornings, Weekdays, 7a/6c, CBS Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider. CDC director discusses next steps in facilitys recovery from shooting The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is conducting a comprehensive security assessment following the Aug. 8 shooting that damaged the campus and killed a DeKalb County officer. CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez said that her top priority is ensuring the security of the institution, which she described as both a premier public health institution and a family. The shooting resulted in significant damage. Channel 2s Linda Stouffer visited the eighth floor of a building on the CDC campus where the damage from bullets was visible. Temporary boards now cover the bullet holes at the guard shack, which was shot 15 times. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] It was such a tragic situation and one that was going to take some time to recover from, Monarez told Stouffer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stouffer asked what would be different if someone attempted violence against the facility today. So what were doing is a full security assessment. So we had a number of measures already in place that were serving as a deterrent and that gunman stayed further away than perhaps he could have otherwise gotten," Monarez said. The assessment includes determining whether the blast-resistant glass should be replaced with bulletproof alternatives. Stouffer asked if they have heard from the White House and if they have what they need from the administration to secure the CDC workers. We are getting all the resources that we need. We have had such a level of support from the administration. They want to make sure that not only are we getting what we need for the physical repairs, but also the emotional and the mental health repairs as well, Monarez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stouffer asked what Monarez would say to those worried about coming back to work. So my priority is on the health and wellness and safety of our staff, and that will include their physical security as well as their mental health and mental wellness, Monarez responded. Concerns about safety extend beyond physical security, as some CDC employees have expressed unease about the political climate. Hundreds of workers have signed a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging him to affirm the scientific integrity of the CDC. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Cecil County Circuit Court building in Elkton. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) A Cecil County sheriffs deputy faces more than 40 criminal counts for repeatedly searching a law enforcement database to turn up information about his wife, romantic partners and others, the Maryland State Prosecutor announced Wednesday. The law only permits police officers to search the database in furtherance of a legitimate investigation, according to the prosecutors office. But charges against Dontae Odom said the patrol officer continually searched individuals in the database with whom he had a personal relationship, who were not the subject of a law enforcement investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Odom, 36, who had served since 2019, resigned from the department on Friday, according to a spokesman. Documents filed in Cecil County Circuit Court said the searches began in 2024, and Odom was notified that December that he was facing a criminal investigation for his use of the database. But a few of the dozens of unauthorized searches occurred in early 2025, to documents say. Prosecutors listed seven victims, including Odoms wife, romantic partners, and relatives of his romantic partners. Odom reportedly searched the database for an employee of an Ocean City hotel he visited with a romantic partner. None of the victims were named in the documents. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cecil County Sheriff Scott A. Adams said his department told the state prosecutor about the situation after receiving a complaint. We received the initial complaint and upon review, decided that in the spirit of transparency, that an independent investigation would be best served in this case, Adams said in a statement. We take our job as public servants very seriously and expect all of our deputies to serve with the utmost integrity and professionalism. When Odom was told of the criminal investigation, he was ordered to cease contact with victims, including Victim 4, a romantic partner who worked in the same building that he did and who had witnessed the Ocean City search. But Odom continued to contact Victim 4 through social media, texts and emails, according to the court filing, and secretly recorded a conversation in March when they met at a secluded location, leading to a wiretapping charge. In all, Odom faces 28 counts of misconduct in office, 16 counts of unauthorized access to a computer and one count of unlawful interception of communications. Attorneys listed for Odom in online court records did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Law enforcement officers are vested with significant powers to discharge their important duties, Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III said in a statement. Our office will continue to investigate and where appropriate prosecute any allegations that a police officer abused those powers and violated the privacy rights of members of the community they are sworn to protect. ISIS was largely defeated in Syria in 2019. However, it still has cells that operate. The US-led Coalition continues anti-terror operations across both Syria and Iraq. The US-led anti-ISIS coalition carried out a raid in northwest Syria that targeted an ISIS leader this week, according to reports on Wednesday. A US-led coalition captured a senior member of the Islamic State group in northwest Syria on Wednesday, state media and a war monitor reported, the Associated Press reported. It was not immediately clear if the man is the ISIS supreme leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The raid had targeted Abu Hafs al-Qurayshi, an Iraqi citizen who was living in the town of Atmeh, near the Turkish border in Syria, the report said. This is not the first raid of this kind. The US has been hunting down ISIS members and also members of al-Qaeda who have taken refuge in Idlib and other areas of Syria over the years. ISIS was largely defeated in Syria in 2019, but it still has cells that operate. An ISIS member carries an Islamic State flag in Syria. (credit: NDLA) After the fall of the Assad regime, there were concerns that a vacuum of power in some areas of Syria during the transition to new rule could lead to an ISIS resurgence. The US has backed the Syrian Democratic Forces in Syria, a mostly Kurdish force, to defeat ISIS. The SDF has said it might integrate with the new Syrian government forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SDF leader Mazlum Abdi met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in March and agreed to a one-year road map toward integration. ISIS appears to be struggling to continue to fill its own leadership positions. The targeting of Qurayshi will leave it weaker than in the past. Other reports said the target of the raid in Atmeh was Saleh Noman, presumably another name for Qurayshi. According to Clash Report, a news site considered to be closely aligned with Turkeys viewpoint, A top ISIS leader, Salah Noman, an Iraqi national, was killed in a coalition airdrop operation. He was hiding in a house in Atmeh village and was shot while trying to escape. Known as one of the most dangerous figures, he was key in reactivating ISIS sleeper cells. Fox News cited a US official as saying: The raid was described as a successful operation targeting a senior ISIS member assessed to be a strong candidate to assume the role of ISIS Syria emir, a position that would have posed a direct threat to US and Coalition forces as well as the new Syrian government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, independent Syrian outlet North Press Agency reported: A senior US official said on Wednesday that American forces carried out an airstrike in northern Syria, killing a high-ranking ISIS member who had been considered a potential successor to lead the group in the country. The official had said the target was a direct threat to US and Coalition forces as well as the new Syrian government... We will continue to pursue ISIS terrorists with unwavering determination throughout the region, the report said. There seems to be some dispute in the reports about whether the ISIS member was killed or captured. In addition, Military.com cited an AP report that said: Acting US ambassador Dorothy Shea made no mention of Wednesdays arrest, but said the Trump administration has intensified counter-terrorism operations globally, including targeting ISIS and al-Qaedas leadership, infrastructure, and financial networks. US role in Syria could wrap up in coming year, role in Iraq also may be shifting Overall, these reports indicate a laser focus by the US to try to remove ISIS threats in Syria. This is likely because the US role in Syria could wrap up or change in the coming year. In addition, the US role in Iraq may be shifting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 25, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had killed an ISIS leader. Early this morning in al-Bab, Aleppo Governorate, Syria, CENTCOM Forces conducted a raid resulting in the death of senior ISIS Leader, Dhiya Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, and his two adult ISIS-affiliated sons, Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani, CENTCOM reported. These ISIS individuals posed a threat to US and Coalition Forces, as well as the new Syrian Government. Three women and three children were also on the target and were unharmed, the report said, adding that then-CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Kurilla said at the time that we will continue to relentlessly pursue ISIS terrorists wherever they operate. ISIS terrorists are not safe where they sleep, where they operate, and where they hide. Alongside our partners and allies, CENTCOM is committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS terrorists that threaten the region, our allies, and our homeland. The US-led coalition received a new commander in July, just days before the July 25 strike was announced. Brig.-Gen. Kevin Lambert is now the head of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, the anti-ISIS mission. The coalition changes its commander each year, so the new commander was expected. Nevertheless, Lambert may be in charge as the mission changes in Iraq and Syria. CHIPPEWA FALLS A Chippewa Falls Middle School educator has received a national honor for her work teaching history to eighth-grade students, including organizing trips to Washington D.C. for continued learning. Alisha Neinfeldt, who has taught 8th grade social studies at the middle school the past four years, was named the 2025 Wisconsin History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Since 2004, this distinguished award has recognized exceptional K12 educators for their remarkable work in teaching American history, a press release Wednesday states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neinfeldt has taught for 15 years. She is a National Board Certified teacher and serves as the treasurer for the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies. Originally from Wisconsin Rapids, Neinfeldt now lives in Chippewa Falls. Traveling is one of her passions, and she is the organizer and has led the 8th graders who have made trips to Washington, D.C. Chippewa Falls School Superintendent Jeff Holmes wrote that hes incredibly proud that Neinfeldt was selected for the award. This honor reflects Alis exceptional dedication to bringing American history to life for our 8th grade students through her creative use of primary sources and hands-on learning experiences, including her leadership of our Washington, D.C. trip, Holmes said in a press release. As a former social studies teacher myself, I deeply appreciate the efforts of a good teacher teaching good lessons, and Ali exemplifies excellence in both. Her National Board Certification and active role as treasurer for the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies demonstrate her commitment to continuous improvement and professional leadership. Holmes added: We are fortunate to have such a passionate educator on our Eagle Team, inspiring the next generation to understand and appreciate the people and events that shaped our nation. The entire CFAUSD community congratulates Ali on this well-deserved recognition and wishes her the best as she competes for the national title. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the 2025 Wisconsin History Teacher of the Year, Neinfeldt will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of American history books and educational materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and recognition at a local ceremony. She will also join 52 other honorees as a finalist for the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year Award. The national winner will be announced this fall at a special ceremony at the Harvard Club of New York City and will receive a $10,000 grand prize. History teachers play an essential role in helping students understand the past, build critical thinking skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the people and events that shaped our nation, says James G. Basker, president and CEO of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. We are proud to recognize educators who go above and beyond to make history engaging, meaningful, and relevant in their classrooms. The Gilder Lehrman Institute is a non-profit organization and selects one outstanding teacher from each state, plus the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories. It recognizes educators for their dedication, creativity, and effective use of primary sources. Nominees are recommended by students, colleagues, or school leaders and selected by state committees of historians and educators, the press release states. A unique aerial transport operation had been unfolding in the Pacific Northwest this week. The U.S. Marine Corps was prepared to sling-load a retired U.S. Coast Guard HU-25 Guardian jet (based on the French Dassault Falcon 20 business jet) from Astoria, Oregon, to Tillamook, Oregon, under the U.S. militarys most powerful helicopter the new CH-53K King Stallion. The 50-mile journey would have delivered the retired jet from the Coast Guard Air Station in Astoria to the Tillamook Air Museum for final display. Unfortunately, this will not happen after the HU-25 was damaged during a sling-load test, but at least the jet technically took to the skies, however briefly, one last time. Port of Astoria Regional Airport The news of the aborted mission came today from the great folks from Port of Astoria Regional Airport. Marines had placed straps around the HU-25, and the CH-53K lifted it into the air to make sure the load would hold up for the 50-mile flight. Apparently, once the jet was sat back down on the tarmac, it became clear that the lift had damaged its structure significantly and it would no longer be able to make the flight to the museum. The images below show the crumpled wing root area from the test lift. Port of Astoria Regional Airport Port of Astoria Regional Airport The plan was for the CH-53K and an MV-22 Osprey, both from VMX-1, the USMCs premier air combat test and development unit, which you can read all about in our previous feature here, to both make the flight from Astoria to Tillamook, along with a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk, a handful of which are based at Astoria. Port of Astoria Regional Airport Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation was seen as a valuable training and test event for the USMC, which has to do these types of recoveries both in peacetime and especially during a conflict. For a fight in the Pacific, being able to rapidly pluck stricken aircraft from remote locales will be a critical capability on many levels, for instance. The three-engined CH-53K, which just entered service in 2022, is the undisputed heavy-lift king within the U.S. militarys stable. Port of Astoria Regional Airport The HU-25 entered service with the USCG in 1983 and served for over three decades, doing everything from search and rescue to drug interdiction missions. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria was one of the types bases. The HU-25 in question has been at the installation since its retirement over a decade ago. It isnt clear if the lift will be reattempted anytime in the future. Its possible the aircraft could be partially disassembled and delivered via roadway instead. We will keep you updated if new info about the HU-25 airlift mission emerges. Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com As Gen Z questions the value of a degree, Epics billionaire CEO, Judy Faulkner, says she has never been a fan of MBAsand built a $5.7-billion-a-year software giant without one. Unlike Apple CEO Tim Cook or General Motors CEO Mary Barra, who both attended business school, the 82-year-old charted her own path, including establishing 10 business commandments, like a directive to never file for an IPO or sell. With recent graduates struggling to land jobs and the best business schools charging in excess of $150,000 for a degree, its left Gen Zs aspiring business leaders questioning more than ever the value of going back to school. For Epic Systems CEO Judy Faulkner, whose software powers many of the U.S.s top hospitals, the answer is simple: A graduate business degree may have done more harm than good. I never got an MBA, which I think is a really good thing, Faulkner recently told CNBC. They would have taught me, Heres how you do venture capital. We didnt do it. Heres how you go public. We didnt do it. Heres how you do budgets. We dont have budgets. We say, If you need it, buy it. If you dont need it, dont buy it. While the 82-year-olds leadership style may sound unconventional, it has worked wonders for her business, which she started in her Wisconsin basement in 1979. Epic now rakes in an estimated $5.7 billion in annual revenue and has propelled Faulkners net worth to over $7.8 billion. Her secret to learning the ropes of business management still included reading books and taking multiday courses, but shes just never been a blind follower. In fact, Faulkner even established her own set of principles, known as Epics 10 commandments, that are plastered all over the companys sprawling 1,670-acre campus. They include do not go public, do not acquire or be acquired, and software must work. CEOs are divided on the value of business school While demand for business school is on the risea trend often seen in conjunction with economic uncertaintybusiness leaders have long expressed doubt about whether the skills taught in the classroom are worth it. In fact, the richest person in the world, billionaire Elon Musk, has said that there are too many business school graduates running corporate America. I think there may be too many MBAs running companies, Musk previously told the Wall Street Journal. Theres the MBA-ization of America, which I think is maybe not that great. There should be more focus on the product or service itself, less time on board meetings, less time on financials. Cooler and damper weather is boosting firefighting efforts in Spain, as the country continues to grapple with its worst forest and bush fires in decades. "The situation is now more favourable," Virginia Barcones, the director general of Spain's civil protection agency, told state broadcaster RTVE on Thursday. After a positive night, 21 major fires were still active in the north-west and west of the country, but most had been prevented from spreading, Barcones said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the largest fires continues to rage in Jarilla in the western region of Extremadura, where at least 16,000 hectares have been destroyed. Since Tuesday, local emergency forces have been assisted by firefighters from other European Union countries including Germany. The autonomous communities of Castile and Leon and Galicia in the north-west, Asturias in the north and Extremadura in the west have been particularly hard hit by the series of mega-fires that broke out around two weeks ago in mostly sparsely populated areas. According to the latest estimates by the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), more than 4,000 square kilometres of nature have been destroyed in Spain since the beginning of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 33,000 people have already had to leave their homes because of the fires, and four people have been killed. Temperatures have been falling across almost the entire country since Tuesday after an unusually long 16-day heatwave. "The risk of forest fires is lower overall in large parts of Spain than in recent days," the weather service Aemet said. All Imam Ayman Soliman wanted to do was lead the handful of Muslim inmates in his block at the Butler County Jail in one of their daily prayers. All his previous guards had allowed it, but the one on duty the night of Aug. 2 told him no. A back and forth ensued. The Cincinnati imam and former childrens hospital chaplain repeatedly asked for an explanation. The guard was obstinate in refusing to provide one. After Soliman headed to the phone room to call his contact person and complain, around a half-dozen people came in the room and seized him. One of them had a gun, and he said it was very scary, said Rev. Judy Ragsdale, a Cincinnati clergy member who Soliman recounted his transfer into segregated detention to during her visit with him on Aug. 7, the day after he was removed from restrictive custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Soliman filed a second habeas petition seeking his immediate release from the Butler County Jail, where he has been held since July 9 after being detained during a routine checkup at the Homeland Security office in Blue Ash, Ohio. A beloved member of the greater Cincinnati community in part due to his previous interfaith chaplaincy at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Solimans arrest has spawned protests, including clashes with police, and led to the firings of other Cincinnati Childrens chaplains who spoke out on his behalf. Last week, a federal judge extended the temporary restraining order barring his movement from within the jurisdiction of the Southern District of Ohio until Aug. 27 to consider the petition. A lawyer for Soliman said that, while filing the petition was standard procedure, it includes new claims about Solimans placement in segregated detention from Aug. 2 to Aug. 5 a result, it states, of targeted harassment. Soliman was denied access to counsel, visitation and religious materials, as well as the right to freely practice his faith, the suit claims. Reached by phone, an officer at the Butler County Jail declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The experience, compounded by the month spent in jail following the revocation of his asylum status in June and arrest in July, has taken a noticeable toll on his mental health, friends of Soliman told Salon. Before his experience in confinement, Soliman remained calm, pensive and an attentive listener, Ahmed Elkady, one of Solimans close friends, collaborators at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati and designated contact person while hes in custody, said in an interview. But his speech quickened while in isolation. He began talking very fast, not allowing others to speak, as if he [wanted] to throw information at us because he knows his time is limited. You can feel the anxiety in his tone, said Elkady, who serves as a board member of the mosque. Before the court hearing [on Aug. 12], I was talking to him, and I felt like he was very upset very angry because he feels there is something wrong. Solimans having a hard time accepting that he cant support his community as fervently as he did just two months ago, especially as Cincinnatians fight for his release, he said. Soliman is far from the only immigrant to have such an experience. As the Trump administration has ramped up its efforts to curb immigration by critics assessment going far beyond his initial promise of deporting violent criminals within the countrys borders immigrants with and without legal status have had their lives upended, their statuses suddenly revoked or challenged before facing arrests and monthslong detentions in centers far from home, all with the threat of deportation or sudden removal to a third country looming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man whose lawyers said he endured torture at El Salvadors notorious CECOT megaprison after the government wrongly removed him to the Central American country. Or, as Elkady noted in his interview with Salon, the cases of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian Columbia University student and greencard holder Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested earlier this year and transfered to a Louisiana detention center before a court ordered his release more than 100 days later, and Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student, originally from Turkey, who was arrested by plainclothes ICE agents in March and held in a processing facility for 45 days. Solimans circumstances are yet another example, Elkady said, adding that he hopes the imam will also be freed like Khalil and Ozturk. Solimans case also sets a critical precedent in the nations immigration policy for people granted legal status, his lawyer, Robert Ratliff, told Salon in July. The importance of this case is that if allowed to stand, the United States government will be able to retroactively say, Hey, weve reevaluated based on some articles that we found on the internet, and were revoking your status. And while we revoke it, you get to wait in jail to any immigrant it has ever granted legal status, Ratliff said. Thats whats at stake here. In court filings, the government has claimed that hes supplied material support to the Muslim Brotherhood, which an asylum officer designated a terrorist organization during a review of his case, and accused of murder and terrorism related activities in Iraq based on three outstanding warrants, according to the petition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers and friends of Soliman deny those claims, adding that theyre baseless and rely on claims taken from articles on the Muslim Brotherhood that the reports authors have refuted. Plus, they say, Soliman has never even traveled to Iraq. Ragsdale previously told Salon that Soliman has fashioned himself into a de facto chaplain in the jail, offering spiritual counsel to detainees in his block when he can, advocating for them to receive halal and kosher meals, in accordance with their faith; leading prayers regularly; and asking his network on the outside to source Qurans for Muslim inmates who needed them. That all stopped the night he was taken from his room, she said. After interviews with him and the guard on duty, the jail determined the imam was in the wrong, Soliman told Ragsdale. While in isolation, he received only one hour where he was free to call his counsel and other contacts between midnight and 1 a.m. and leave his cell. He slept poorly, notching only a few hours per night, in part because of a noisy cellmate, who he said appeared to be in crisis, reading aloud, repeatedly flushing the toilet all night and threatening to harm him. He said it was just it was a horrible, horrible experience, Ragsdale said, adding that it sends a message that you do not stand up for your rights in jail because this could happen. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. While Soliman was initially slated to remain in segregated detention for some 20 days, he was released early. The threat that he could return to restrictive custody, however, remains, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked how he feels seeing Soliman face this immigration action, Elkady referenced his faith. The battle for his release and asylum status is a big test that the imam is going through, and usually the people who face huge tests are people who have a higher level in the eyes of God. Soliman has become a brother to him over the four years theyve known each other, he added, and he believes in and trusts in him so much he was willing to sponsor Solimans bond should the court have granted it. He underscored the difference in their immigration stories. Theyre both from Egypt, Elkady said, but, while he came to the U.S. as a college student in 2001 and followed a steady path to citizenship, Solimans work as a journalist covering the Arab Spring in 2013 has not only made his fate much more uncertain, but placed his life at greater risk should his case end in deportation. Ayman, he is the one who fled Egypt escaping a nightmare, Elkady said. For me, I was coming here to build a dream, but his goal is escaping the nightmare. The post Chaplain detained by ICE was not the same after solitary confinement, friends say appeared first on Salon.com. Weeks after public calls for a White man who some say instigated the July 26 Downtown brawl to face charges, the 45-year-old has been charged with a low-level misdemeanor and few seem satisfied. Local Black leaders say the charge doesn't go far enough, while Cincinnati's police union says the charge is unwarranted and officers were forced by the city to file it. The charge was announced Aug. 19, more than three weeks after the brawl. The incident already had led to felony charges against seven people, including a woman who is accused of stomping on Alex Tchervinski, the man charged with disorderly conduct. Police have not released the Tchervinski's name, but sources confirmed to The Enquirer that Tchervinski delivered a slap that appeared to escalate a verbal confrontation into a brawl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tchervinski is also listed in court documents as one of the alleged victims in the brawl. He told Enquirer media partner Fox19 that he was struck in the head 28 times and robbed. Police union president says city attorney ordered officers to file charge The police union's president, Ken Kober, says the city solicitors office ordered officers to file the disorderly conduct charge against Tchervinski. Kober told The Enquirer that the situation is unprecedented. He said the captain who signed the charging documents did so to protect his officers from having to deal with the inappropriate charges. Kober previously criticized some of the city's politicians for pressuring the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Politicians need to stay out of law enforcement," Kober said. "It does the community no good to have leaders fueling this." City spokeswoman Mollie Lair said the solicitor's office did not order police to file charges. "Its common for the solicitors office to collaborate with CPD during an investigation to provide legal guidance whether probable cause and evidence exists to support a criminal charge," Lair said in an email. Black leaders say disorderly conduct charge is not enough At the same time, local Black leaders who publicly called for Tchervinski to face charges say disorderly conduct is not enough. The low-level misdemeanor is punishable by up to 30 days in jail but most often results in a fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rev. Damon Lynch III, a Black pastor who was among the voices calling for charges, said disorderly conduct doesn't fit with what happened. "We believe he should have been charged with inciting a riot," Lynch said. "He's only looking at 30 days, while the other people are looking at 30 years." Lynch pointed out that the only other people charged in connection with the brawl are Black, and all face felony charges that carry lengthy prison sentences. All seven of those defendants are charged with aggravated rioting. Six also are charged with felonious assault. The Reverend Damon Lynch III speaks during a press conference on Aug. 1. What happened in viral videos Widely circulated video appears to show Tchervinski slapping a Black man in the face during a confrontation, which happened on Fourth Street around 2:45 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the ensuing fight, several people attacked Tchervinski, and he ended up on the pavement. One woman is accused of stomping on (the man), according to court documents. That woman is one of the seven people facing felony charges for their alleged actions during the brawl. Prosecuting victim could cause difficulty in court Charging Tchervinski with a crime makes prosecuting anyone accused of attacking him much more difficult, a retired prosecutor told The Enquirer. If called as a witness at trial, he could invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to testify, because that testimony could be self-incriminating. Just because you can do something, doesnt mean you should, Mark Piepmeier, who retired in May from the Hamilton County Prosecutors Office, said before the charges were announced. Court documents unavailable Tchervinski's name was withheld by police under a state law, Marsys Law, which allows crime victims to keep their names from being released to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Enquirer has attempted to obtain documents charging him with disorderly conduct, but no documents had been filed in Hamilton County Municipal Court as of Aug. 21. State Rep. Cecil Thomas, a Democrat from North Avondale, said he believes, based on the videos that he's seen, the man who administered the slap instigated the brawl. "Thats really a slap in face to the African-American community in the city of Cincinnati, as well as people of goodwill who know that does not serve justice in any way shape or form." Black leaders plan to meet on Fountain Square on Aug. 21 In a statement released Aug. 20, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval reiterated his call for anyone involved in "perpetrating violence" to be held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is another step toward achieving that," Pureval said. "And I want to thank CPD and the prosecutors for their hard work as this process continues." Lynch said the fight is being used a political tool on the national stage. At noon Aug. 21, faith leaders and Black community groups plan to meet on Fountain Square for a demonstration meant to counter messages coming from local and national politicians. "Cincinnati is now in the spotlight of the Republican Party's narrative that Democratically run cities are unsafe," Lynch said. "What's lacking is the Democratic response." This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati brawl: City ordered police to charge White man, union says SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A homeless man who was accused of trying to kill a security guard at a San Francisco tech office will not stand trial. Prosecutors dropped all charges, including attempted murder and mayhem, against defendant Bradford Lasalle, his defense attorneys announced Thursday. Lasalle was locked up the last three months in jail. If convicted at trial, he could have spent the rest of his life in prison, attorneys said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The security guard worked at Okta, a tech company headquartered on First Street, during the November 2024 incident, the San Francisco Public Defenders Office said. Defense attorneys said the security guard challenged Lasalle to a fight while the guard was drunk. According to attorneys, the guard had been drinking at Okta because the company provided alcohol for employees on-site, and the guard was allowed to drink on duty. After the fight, San Francisco Police Department officers arrived on the scene. The injured security guard told officers that he was related to two former SFPD officers, according to the public defenders office. Both men sustained stab wounds. The security guard was also caught on body-worn camera footage telling police that he had pulled a knife on Lasalle, but he later changed his story and told investigators that the knife fell out of his pocket. Surveillance footage from the scene shows the security guard throwing the first punch and shows a struggle over the knife, the public defenders office wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meta hits the breaks on AI hiring amid growing bubble concerns Deputy Public Defender Tal Klement said, Mr. Lasalle was clearly defending himself against the aggressor who was trying to cover his own tracks. Police investigators never challenged the holes in the security guards story and basically treated him with kid gloves. Earlier this year, Lasalle turned down plea deal offers and Klement demanded a trial to prove his clients innocence. Klement also argued for the case to be dismissed. On Monday, a few days before a trial was set to begin, prosecutors dismissed the case and Lasalle was freed from jail, the public defenders office 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 KRON4. This story includes descriptions of domestic violence. Support for victims and survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence is available 24/7: 1-800-897-LINK (5465). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or in an emergency, please call 911 immediately BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) Official charges have been filed against Ryan Bate, the alleged shooter who killed two Tremonton Garland Police Officers and injured a deputy. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Ryan Bate, 32, has been charged with 20 charges, including two capital offenses. Prosecutors also filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bate is accused of killing two Tremonton Garland Police Officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada, and injuring Box Elder County Sheriffs Deputy Mike Allred and his K-9 Azula. Box Elder County Parade and Golden Spike Rodeo honoring fallen Tremonton officers He was charged with: Two counts of aggravated murder, which are capital offenses Four charges of attempted aggravated murder (first-degree felony) Endangering a police service K-9 with the intent to injure/kill (third-degree felony) Three counts of possessing an explosive or incendiary device (second-degree felony) Two counts of possession of a dangerous weapon with criminal intent (class A misdemeanor) Three counts of assault, domestic violence with prior (class A misdemeanor) One count of unlawful detainment, domestic violence with prior (class A misdemeanor) One count of threat of violence, domestic violence with prior (class A misdemeanor) Three counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child (Class B misdemeanor) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor also chose to refile a previous domestic violence case against Bate that was dismissed without prejudice on August 27, 2024. Those charges include aggravated assault (domestic violence), a third-degree felony; three counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child (injury/weapon/death), which are third-degree felonies; and property damage (domestic violence with prior), a class A misdemeanor. According to the charges filed related to the shooting, Bate got into an argument with his wife and headbutted her, slammed her head with a door, and grabbed her by the throat and pushed her against the wall. He also allegedly held her down on the bed, restraining her movement, and repeatedly threatened to kill her. Three minor children were present during these events. The wife reportedly called dispatch and hung up in an effort to get law enforcement to come out to their home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first officer, who was not identified in the charges, arrived at the home and spoke with the wife and Bate. He began to leave after he was told that there was no physical violence, but as he was leaving, Bate allegedly shot the first officers vehicle with a rifle as the officer was driving away. Those shots missed, and the officer parked his vehicle and called for backup. He got out of his car, and the wife ran down the street, yelling that Bate had a gun. As the officer crossed the street to try to help the wife, Bate allegedly fired another shot that hit and killed the officer. Deputy injured in Tremonton police shooting speaks out for the first time Shortly after that, the second officer, who was also not identified in the charges, arrived at the scene and discovered the first officer laying in the road. As he rushed to try to help the first officer, Bate allegedly fired another shot, hitting and killing the second officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, a K-9 deputy (Deputy Allred) arrived on the scene, and as he arrived, Bate allegedly fired two more shots while the deputy was still in his vehicle. The shots injured Allred and also struck the K-9 cage, injuring his dog Azula. A neighbor drove down the street in a vehicle that looked like it was an unmarked police vehicle, and Bate allegedly fired one shot, hitting the vehicle and barely missing the driver. The neighbor then fled the scene. According to the charges, Bate then approached the two fallen officers with a revolver and a rifle in hand, as he continued to look around for other targets. He was eventually subdued and taken into custody. While officers searched the home, they found three Molotov cocktails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) Charleston County Council is expected to discuss the contract for a major safety improvement project on Fort Johnson Road. Fort Johnson Road at Secessionville Road and Camp Road are known to be two dangerous intersections, but the county is looking to change that. The two projects are now combined into one construction contract, as they struggled for bids on their own. County staff has been working on a plan for nearly a decade to improve traffic in the area. That intersection is so dangerous because youve got Stone Post right ahead of Camp Rd, theres been so many accidents. Theres been a number of fatalities at that intersection. The intersection at Secessionville and Fort Johnson is also very dangerous. Its kind of a straightaway and people go fast or at least the speed limit, said, Brook Lyon, mayor of James Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County officials told News 2 after securing permits and narrowing down the plan, they decided what traffic calming measures to implement. Secessionville Road will have stoplights and a roundabout is expected on Camp Road. We came up with whats called an urban compact roundabout. Its the smallest roundabout that we can do thats going to meet the regulations inspection for the South Carolina Department of Transportation and it allows for vehicles to get through that roundabout, John Martin, construction manager for Charleston County, said. Even if its large vehicle or somebody pulling a boat trailer because its a traversable roundabout. It will allow us to minimize impacts to the trees. If the contract is approved, the county will put a pre-construction meeting on the books with a schedule to break ground this fall. The project would take about 1.5 years to complete. Our area has seen just so much explosive growth on James Island that we absolutely need new traffic calming measures, like the mini roundabout, like the stoplight. Were very grateful to county for helping James Island be a much safer, better place to live, Lyon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County council will discuss the award of contract on Aug. 21 at 5 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 WCBD News 2. CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) A 22-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison this week after being convicted of murder in the 2022 shooting death of a teenager. A Charleston County jury found Javeon Campbell guilty of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime on Wednesday, following a three-day trial. Campbell faced charges in connection with a shooting that happened at the Cheapway gas station on Dorchester Road in the overnight hours of June 29, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Testimony revealed that Campbell entered the store, approached the 17-year-old victim standing at the check-out counter, and fired three shots at close range into the victims back, according to prosecutors. The shooting was captured on store surveillance camera footage. Man arrested driving a stolen car with a stolen gun from North Carolina, NCPD reports Authorities responded to the gas station around 3:35 a.m. and found an individual suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was later pronounced dead. An investigation identified Campbell as a suspect, and he was taken into custody in February 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbell received the maximum penalty of life in prison. I am grateful to Judge Culbertson [for] maxing out this cold-blooded executioner, said Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, whose office prosecuted the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. WASHINGTON, D.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Nearly $70 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation are being used for improvements at the two busiest airports in the state, Sen. Thom Tillis announced Wednesday. The $68 million in federal funds are headed to Charlotte Douglas International and Raleigh-Durham International airports. It comes from the Airport Improvement Program, which is partially funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), legislation that Tillis helped negotiate, write, and pass into law. At Charlotte Douglas, a $45 million grant will fund the expansion of the airports south apron, where aircraft are parked and serviced by an additional 414,000 square feet. At RDU, a $23 million grant will be used to shift the existing paved runway by 523 feet to bring it into compliance with current safety and design standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlotte Douglas and Raleigh-Durham are two of North Carolinas busiest airports, and these upgrades will ensure compliance with safety standards while helping both airports remain efficient and equipped to handle North Carolinas growing travel demands, said Tillis. As Charlotte and the Triangle continue to grow, it is vital that we invest in our public transportation and infrastructure, including our airports. I am proud to have worked alongside local leaders to secure this critical funding. CLT is undergoing widespread changes, including construction of an expanded terminal and a fourth parallel runway, the latter of which acquired $290 million federal funds. Tillis, a Huntersville resident, plans to step down from his position after 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 Queen City News. Check your tickets! Two winning Powerball tickets were sold in Ohio. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Two Ohioans won big after Wednesday nights Powerball drawing. The winning numbers were 31, 59, 62, 65, and 68. The Powerball was 5, and the Power Player multiplier was 2. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two people won $100,000 with four of five winning numbers, the Powerball, and the Power Play multiplier. The first $100,000 ticket was sold at Vine Street Tobacco & Beverage in Willoughby, according to an Ohio Lottery spokesperson. The second $100,000 ticket was purchased at a Kroger in Sylvania. No one won the $650 million jackpot. The next drawing will be Saturday, Aug. 23, with an estimated jackpot of $700 million. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A South Carolina sheriff is preparing to carry out federal immigration enforcement in his community. Queen City News obtained records outlining the new Chester County program. Sheriff Max Dorsey agreed this summer to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through whats known as its Task Force Model. If we can remove people from our communities who are, first and foremost, here illegally, we want to do that, Dorsey said in an interview on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program empowers certain officers to arrest without a warrant any alien who the officer has reason to believe is in the country illegally. Queen City News Reporter David Schuman asked Dorsey what qualifies as reason to believe. That is an ambiguous question, he said, alluding to the legal definition of reasonable suspicion. That is a very difficult questionReasonable suspicion is that act that causes someone to hesitate in making the next step or taking the next step. I dont know, I dont know how to define that [legally]. Dorsey later spoke about what immigration enforcement will look like in practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not an effort or idea to go out there and walk the streets looking for people who are here illegally, he said. We would engage with them more than likely if they broke the law. Dorsey says if its determined a person is in the country illegally during the course of an investigation, such as by searching someones criminal history, that could lead to an arrest or the department making contact with ICE. No Chester County deputies are authorized or trained in immigration enforcement yet. We look forward to doing that quickly, very soon, Dorsey said. Dorsey says his deputies will follow ICE policies and procedures, including when they work directly with ICE agents on operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolinas state police force, SLED, has the same Task Force Model agreement with ICE that Chester County does, and South Carolinas Department of Public Safety has one pending. Nearly 50 SLED special agents are currently going through ICE training. The community is very scared about this collaboration, said Dulce Lopez with the ACLU of South Carolina. Lopez says empowering local officers to enforce immigration laws opens the door to racial profiling and makes the community less safe, not more. When a person witnesses a crime, but they are undocumented, theyre not going to report that crime, she said. Instead of getting the help that they need, such as a victim of domestic violence, theyre going to be arrested and taken away from their kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dorsey says in response to those concerns, his agency has worked hard to successfully build trust in the community. Us enforcing the law should not degrade that trust, he said. Dorsey draws a direct link between illegal border crossings and Chester County drug overdose deaths. Im not a border sheriff, he said. Im not even a border sheriff in my own state, but I have a duty and a responsibility to do everything I can to reduce the impact that drugs are having on my community. Dorsey admits illegal immigration is not a pressing issue in his county. Statistically, no [there are not that many people here illegally], he said. Not that we can tell. I just want to position our agency to where we have all the tools that we need in our tool bag to respond appropriately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No law enforcement agencies in North Carolina collaborate with ICE through the Task Force Model. But there are other programs through which agencies can partner with ICE, including the Jail Enforcement Model and Warrant Service Officer program. These programs allow local officers to assist with cases of people already arrested and booked in jails. In North Carolina, participating agencies include: Cabarrus County Sheriffs Office Caldwell County Sheriffs Office Catawba County Sheriffs Office Cleveland County Sheriffs Office Gaston County Sheriffs Office Lincoln County Sheriffs Office Union County Sheriffs Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In South Carolina, participating agencies include: Lancaster County Sheriffs Office York County Sheriffs Office Chester County Sheriffs Office participates in the Warrant Service Officer program in addition to the Task Force Model. 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 Queen City News. The site of JPMorgan Chase's new 1,388-foot headquarters at 270 Park Avenue in 2023 Spencer Platt/Getty Images JPMorgan's new Manhattan HQ features biometric scanners upon entry and circadian lighting. The $3 billion project aims to enhance work efficiency and employee satisfaction. CEO Jamie Dimon has called the bank's workers back to the office five days a week. JPMorgan has always been big on tech an initiative on full display at its new Manhattan headquarters. America's biggest bank by assets has been promising that its new office tower at 270 Park Avenue will be loaded with "intelligent technology" since it announced the project in 2022. New details of the $3 billion project obtained by Business Insider reveal just how tech-forward the building will be. The 14,000 employees who will be housed at the New York tower will be able to activate coffee machines using QR codes and swipe into the building using biometric palm scanners. Want to preorder food from the dining hall, host a guest, or find a specific conference room? There's an app for that, which JPMorgan is asking employees to download to "boost your work efficiency." The details, gleaned from internal communications shared with Business Insider, offer a glimpse of what it's like to work at the bank behemoth, which earlier this year called back all of its more than 300,000 employees to the office five days a week. JPMorgan has also been spending billions on tech at the direction of CEO Jamie Dimon, who has been seeking to protect the bank from payment apps and other financial startups. "We have to compete with the best in AI and technology," Jamie Dimon said at the bank's 2024 Investor Day. With some employees' move-in set to start this year and continue into 2026, here's the lowdown on how the bank plans to use tech to keep workers happy and efficient as it calls them back to the office five days a week. The new building will house up to 14,000 employees on the ground level of Park and Madison Avenues. dbox / Foster + Partners Biometric scanners Even the way you enter the building will be leveled up using tech. One option to get past the turnstiles besides your physical or mobile JPM badge is "biometric authentication," which employees can already enroll in, according to employee communications shared on an internal bank portal. The bank showed a photo of a scanner that reads your palm. It said the biometric authentication will allow employees to "breeze from the lobby" to other parts of the building "by waving your hand!" It touted how easy it will be to get where you want to go. "After passing through the turnstiles, you can take an elevator to The Exchange on 14. From there, you can go up to your floor or take the escalator down to 13 for a bite to eat," the bank said, adding, "If you're a trader, you can take an elevator directly to the trading floors from the lobby." Only 6% to 11% of Jewish children survived the Holocaust. Zelda Fuksman was one of them. Germany invaded her home country of Poland when she was just 4 years old and her family had to flee to the Soviet Union. War was our first view of reality, she said. Still, we were told we were too young to understand. The youngest survivors of the Holocaust have often expressed feeling misunderstood or forgotten as if their accounts were dismissed because of their age, their memories questioned, or their suffering minimized if they survived in hiding or as refugees rather than in camps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which is why groups such as the nonprofit Child Survivors/Hidden Children of the Holocaust in Palm Beach County play such a vital role, giving its members a bigger voice for Holocaust education and remembrance. I am among survivors all my life and they are some of the strongest, nicest, best people I have met, said Fuksman, of Boca Raton. But what I see is there is a constant state of mourning and loss. We dont have our families many dont even have as much as a picture and we had to establish [our own] rules. Many dont have a visual memory of their families to live a blank life, can you imagine what thats like? Fuksman joined the group in 1996 and today is the executive vice president. A little history The groups founder, Frieda Jaffe, was among those who survived the ghettos in Poland. She was liberated at 7 years old and went on to share her story, speaking and writing about her experience and creating the South Florida organization in 1991. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal was to get child survivors to come together, recount their experiences and feel validated. Jaffe died in February, but her legacy has endured. The group continues to meet on the first Sunday of each month at the Richard & Carole Siemens Jewish Campus in Boca Raton, its members promoting Holocaust education and speaking at schools. The number of survivors is dwindling greatly. Volunteer Hinda Rosenbaum said hundreds once attended the monthly meetings. But their most recent meeting, on Aug. 3, had about 20 in attendance. Fuksman said about 70 members are currently active, although not all participate. This makes the push for Holocaust teaching more important than ever. During the last meeting, Jack Rosenbaum, founder and CEO of the nonprofit HEAL: Holocaust Education Advocacy Leaders (and husband of Hinda Rosenbaum), encouraged the survivors in attendance to speak at local Palm Beach County schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Rosenbaum took his seat, some members were compelled to share. Holding onto a chair for support, Larry Gochman began to tell his tale, which he also shares at schools and temples. Gochman was a child when the Nazis came for his home in Poland. His family hid in the woods, sleeping in tents made of pine needles and stealing vegetables from nearby farms. He lived that way for three years before being liberated. As Gochman spoke, the room was silent. No one could ignore his pain and his sorrow. If we dont teach our students the lessons of history, we are doomed to repeat it, Rosenbaum said after Gochman finished. All it takes is changing one students perspective. Beyond speaking at schools, the survivors have worked hard to push education in other ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January 2000, in an effort to encourage participation and help members get to know each other, Fuksman created a newsletter. Each edition featured a members story. I would invite them into my kitchen, make them lunch, and we would sit and talk, she said. Her late husband, Herschel, photographed the survivors. We did this for about 10 years and had close to 100 stories. A former president of the group, Pierre Chanover, brought up the idea of putting the survivor stories into a book. A groupwide effort led to the Child Survivors getting incorporated, allowing them to raise enough funds to publish the book. Fuksman had one caveat: Any funds generated, which would all come from donations, would be used for Holocaust education and nothing else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, two books were published, We Remember the Children and Childhood Lost. With the help of Eileen Shapiro, former Holocaust program planner for Palm Beach County, 15,000 copies were donated to county schools for their Holocaust education programs. According to Fuksman, Insight through Education recently began reprinting the books and increased funding to get them into the hands of more local students. Moments shared But its not all work and no play for the survivors. When they arent working hard to keep Holocaust education alive in local schools, they are relishing in each others company. They celebrate milestone birthdays (two members recently turned 100 and 101); they say prayers together, acknowledging the current state of the world; they observe holidays together and host Hanukkah parties; and they speak openly about their pain, creating a bond that can only be formed by a shared trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While every members story is unique, they all have one thing in common: They survived and they lived to tell it. We have a responsibility, not only for Jewish history, but for the history of the world, Fuksman said. While we are still here, we need to take every opportunity we have to use our voices. For more information about the Child Survivors/Hidden Children of the Holocaust group, contact Zelda Fuksman at zfoxy1@aol.com or 561-477-6992. The vaccination rate for Orange County kindergarteners hit a 20-year low this year, and experts fear that with fewer children immunized, outbreaks of infectious diseases are likely. The percentage of pupils entering kindergarten fully vaccinated also has plummeted across the state and in other Central Florida counties, according to the Florida Department of Health, but Oranges drop was among the steepest. The percentage of Orange kindergarteners vaccinated against infectious diseases such as measles and polio was nearly 94% in 2016 and plummeted to about 85% in 2025. The county for many years exceeded the overall state vaccination rate but now is well below it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In every Central Florida county, the kindergarten vaccination rate fails to reach 95% the level, sometimes referred to as herd immunity, that makes it unlikely that a single infection will spark a disease cluster or outbreak. The rate was about 86% in Lake and Osceola counties and 90% in Seminole County, all below where those counties were a decade ago. The drop in vaccination rates is alarming, said Michael Muszynski, a pediatric infectious disease expert and professor emeritus at Florida State Universitys College of Medicine. Once you get down in the 80s, like we are, were going to have an outbreak in Florida in the near future. Because that is really bad, said Muszynski, who practiced at Orlando Health and Nemours Hospital for over 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, just under 89% of Florida kindergarteners were fully immunized with the state-required vaccines well below the national average of 93%. That figure has decreased every year since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic heightened many Americans distrust of mainstream medical advice. The Florida Department of Health did not respond to requests for comment about the falling rates. Florida law requires students be vaccinated for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, Hepatitis B and chickenpox before enrolling in school. However, the law also allows for exemptions for medical or religious reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And getting a religious vaccine exemption in Florida is simple, requiring only that parents request and fill out a form from the health department. Such an exemption must be issued upon request, the state rules say, and no other information should be solicited from the parent or guardian. On social media, parents worried about or opposed to vaccines share information and advice on how to obtain these exemptions and find pediatricians who will take unvaccinated children. No jab no school is not a thing in Florida. I can help you if you want to avoid vaccines for school and more, one Volusia County mother posted to Facebook in late July, just ahead of the new school year. More Florida parents than ever are using the states religious exemptions to get out of vaccinating their kindergarteners. In 2005, about 2% of Florida kindergarteners received a vaccine exemption for non-medical reasons a figure that more than doubled by 2025, according to data from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the U.S., the share of children with exemptions from required vaccines rose to an all-time high of 3.6% in the 2024-25 school year. In Florida, the group of kids exempted from vaccine requirements was nearly double that at more than 6%. And in some Florida counties, the exemption rate is as high as 15%, according to state health data. Muszynski thinks an increase in misinformation spread by those with anti-vaccine opinions in positions of power is partly to blame for fewer 5-year-olds starting school with all their shots. For example, Floridas Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has sown doubt about mRNA COVID vaccines and did not recommend the measles vaccine to families or require unvaccinated students to stay home amid the 2024 measles outbreak in Weston. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. once blamed an ingredient in some vaccines for causing autism a claim long debunked by medical studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Chapter of Childrens Health Defense, a nonprofit founded by Kennedy, amplifies vaccine misinformation with claims the COVID-19 vaccine killed 15 million people and injured almost a billion more. It also shares information on how to get an exemption from Floridas vaccine requirements. It is critical to note that by law the Health Department cannot deny you a Religious Exemption for any reason, its website says. The pandemic broke many peoples trust in public health guidance, Muszynski said, and undermined their belief that vaccines, the major accomplishment in medicine in the history of mankind, have benefits that far outweigh any risks . Vaccines, he said, greatly reduce the chance of catching or becoming seriously ill from a disease and have helped to all but eliminate many diseases from the United States. But because of vaccines success, many people are no longer familiar with the devastating impacts of diseases, such as polio, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Takagishi, a Tampa pediatrician and vice president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said with fewer children vaccinated those diseases may resurface. When the rate is low, we are at an increased risk of some of these diseases we have seen eliminated making a comeback, she said. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide this year, 462 people have contracted measles compared with 77 in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Another vaccine given before kindergarten is for pertussis, or 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 in cases if vaccine rates keep declining. Jude Brunos son Jackson started kindergarten in Miami-Dade County this month, fully vaccinated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, give him a shot, because we want whats best for him, he said. Bruno, who is the president of the Florida Parent Teacher Association, said the organization worries that the continued decrease in kindergarten vaccine rates will lead to more school disruptions such as seen during last years measles outbreak in Broward, where students impacted by the outbreak were in and out of classes. Bruno said he expects the Florida PTA to try and push lawmakers into addressing the issue during the upcoming Florida Legislative session, and said the PTA plans to take a more fervent stance on the issue if the rate continues to drop. Its already dangerously low, and it going any lower will have ripple effects across our schools ecosystem, he said. South Florida Sun Sentinel Health Reporter Cindy Krischer Goodman contributed to this report. Three young children, ages 3, 2, and 1, guided police to the bodies of their parents following a suspected murder-suicide at a west Houston apartment complex.. The couple, both 26, was found dead on August 18 with gunshot wounds after the children were discovered seeking food outside the complex. Police received a call just after 5 p.m. from neighbors who noticed the children sitting in the heat for hours, with temperatures reaching a high of 97 degrees, according to weather reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The children informed officers that their parents were dead inside the apartment, where authorities found the unnamed man and woman, Lt. Larry Crowson of the Houston Police Department told KHOU 11. Crowson said it appeared the man shot the woman before turning the gun on himself, with both likely dead for about 24 hours. The children were unharmed and have been placed in the care of their grandmother, police noted. Child Protective Services is also involved in the case. A neighbor told reporters that the woman had previously tried to leave her husband before the shooting incident. She came over a few times, asking to use the phone. I would talk to her, try to tell her, Hey, its not worth it, Deborah McMillan told ABC 13 Eyewitness News. Her main thing is that she didnt want to leave because of the kids. Police have not confirmed whether the family had a prior history of domestic abuse. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the HPD Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600. They roll down Beijing streets, some covered from prying eyes by huge tarpaulins, but the silhouettes of missiles, tanks and undersea vehicles are unmistakable as China prepares for its most revealing military parade in six years. For military watchers, the procession of veiled armaments is offering valuable clues to what might be on show at a massive military parade on September 3, which China says will reveal the Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) new generation of domestically produced, active-duty weaponry. It will be the largest display of advancements in Chinas military hardware since the 2019 National Day parade. That parade celebrated 70 years since the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. This years parade will celebrate the 80th anniversary of another landmark moment in Chinese history, the end of World War II following the surrender of Imperial Japan, whose invasion of China began in 1931. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2019 parade saw the PLA unveil weapons including a road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile, a medium-range ballistic missile mated with a hypersonic glide vehicle, and its first undersea drone. Beijing has pursued a head-turning military buildup under Chinese leader Xi Jinping, during which the PLA previously not even one of the strongest in Asia has started to rival, or in some categories surpass, the US military in analysts estimations. YJ missiles are seen during the parade rehearsal - From Chinese social media On September 3 military watchers are expecting new versions of some of the weaponry and technology that debuted in 2019. Parade rehearsals have shown what are almost certainly new types of hypersonic missile systems and huge undersea drones among other weaponry, masked by tarpaulins and fabric coverings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials on Wednesday ran down a categorical list of what the PLA will show off on September 3. The parade involves more than 10,000 personnel, over a hundred aircraft, and several hundred ground vehicles, Maj. Gen. Xu Guizhong, executive deputy director of the Parade Command Office of the PLAs Central Theater Command, told a briefing in Beijing. More than 100 different types of equipment will be included, all of it battle ready and domestically produced, Xu said, adding that a large proportion would be new armaments making their debut. An unmaned underwater vehicle is seen during the parade reharsal. - From Chinese social media The general ticked off a range of Chinas most modern weaponry that its never shown the world before: cutting-edge drones, directed-energy weapons, electronic jamming systems, hypersonic systems, air-defense and missile-defense technologies, and strategic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there will be the normal formations of fighter jets, tanks and troops, Xu said. The plans seem to satisfy the wish list of one Chinese citizen CNN spoke to as speculation swirled in recent days. Id like to see whether there will be some drone displays, or how the different troops will present themselves in different orders. Id also be interested in our military strength, such as tanks, said Liu Hongmei, a tourist from Yunnan province who was visiting Beijing. Comments on the micro-blogging platform Weibo reflected strong enthusiasm for the upcoming parade, with many people asking for a national holiday so they could catch it on TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can we get a day off to watch the live broadcast? one poster asked, getting more than 2,000 likes. Im definitely taking a day off to watch on September 3, canceling all my plans, another wrote. And its something the public seems to want more of, according to some enthusiastic posts. Only 70 minutes? Thats not enough to watch! one post said. And it looks like the PLA will keep stoking the excitement. The PLA has promised more details to come in the weeks before September 3, when it wont only be residents of China who are tuning in for an update on the countrys military arsenal. As for the specific models of the showcased equipment, please stay tuned; more information will be available soon, Xu told Wednesdays press briefing. Joyce Jiang contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Islamabad, Pakistan With clasped hands and half-smiles, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistans ruling Taliban posed as they gathered in Kabul on Wednesday for a trilateral meeting. It was the second such meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistans Ishaq Dar and their Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi in 12 weeks, after they huddled together in Beijing in May. That May meeting had led to the resumption of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan after a period of high tension between them. It also set the stage for talks on extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a part of Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into Afghanistan. The BRI is a network of ports, railroads and highways aimed at connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as China plans to expand its footprint in the region, its attempts to forge peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan reflect its unease over the security of its interests even along the existing CPEC, say analysts. And while Beijing is a vital partner to both Islamabad and Kabul, experts believe its influence over both remains untested, as does Chinas willingness to take on the risks that it might confront if it seeks to bring Pakistan and the Taliban, once thick allies but now embittered neighbours, back into a trusted embrace, they say. The Sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers Dialogue was held on 20 August 2025 in Kabul between Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan @MIshaqDar50, Foreign Minister of China @MFA_China, and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan @mfa_afghanistan, focusing on political, pic.twitter.com/i6n8I2oYgr Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 20, 2025 Shifting regional dynamics The Beijing conclave took place under the shadow of a four-day conflict between Pakistan and India, but much has changed since then on the regional chessboard. In recent months, Pakistan long seen as Chinas closest ally and reliant on its northeastern neighbour for military and economic support has strengthened ties with the United States, Beijings main global rival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China, for its part, has resumed engagement with India, Pakistans arch adversary and its key competitor for regional influence. India has also continued to deepen ties with the Afghan Taliban, who have ruled Afghanistan since August 2021, following the withdrawal of US forces. Pakistan and Afghanistan, meanwhile, remain at odds. Islamabad was once the Talibans chief patron. Now, it accuses the group of providing a safe haven to groups carrying out cross-border violence, while Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of human rights violations by expelling Afghan refugees. Amid this, China has positioned itself as mediator, a role driven largely by the CPEC, the $62bn infrastructure project running from the Pakistan-China border in the north to Gwadar Port in Balochistan. A senior Pakistani diplomat with direct knowledge of the recent Pakistani interactions with their Chinese and Afghan counterparts said China, as a common neighbour, places a premium on neighbourhood diplomacy. For China, he added, a peaceful neighbourhood is essential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has attached high importance to stability and security to pursue and expand its larger BRI project, so expansion of westward connectivity and development can only succeed when, among others, these two countries are stabilised, the official told Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity. Development and connectivity cannot be achieved in the absence of security. Hence its efforts to bring the two neighbours together, he added. CPEC under strain CPEC, launched in 2015 under then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, elder brother of current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has been hailed by many in Pakistan as a game-changer for the country a giant investment with the potential to create jobs and build the economy. But the project has slowed down in recent years. Later this month, Prime Minister Sharif is expected to travel to China to formally launch the second phase of the CPEC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While political upheaval has hampered progress, Chinas primary concerns remain the safety of infrastructure and the security of its nationals, who have frequently been targeted. Separatist groups in Balochistan, Pakistans largest but poorest province, have long attacked Chinese personnel and installations, accusing them of exploiting local resources. Attacks on Chinese citizens have also occurred in Pakistans north. Nearly 20,000 Chinese nationals currently live in Pakistan, according to government figures. Since 2021, at least 20 have been killed in attacks across the country. Stella Hong Zhang, assistant professor at Indiana University Bloomington in the US, said China has long wanted to bring Afghanistan into the CPEC, to expand the projects scope and to promote regional integration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Zhang, whose research focuses on Chinas global development engagement, said it is unclear how convinced Beijing is about investing in either Afghanistan or Pakistan. The trilateral meeting in Kabul was the sixth iteration of the forum, with the last formal meeting having taken place in May 2023 [Handout/Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs] China might promise investments, but even though we are seeing actions on Chinas diplomacy front, she told Al Jazeera, it is uncertain whether officials in the two nations will be able to convince Chinas state-owned enterprises and banks to invest in further projects in both countries, given CPECs disappointing track record and the substantial risks in both countries. For Muhammad Faisal, a South Asia security researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, improvement in Pakistans internal security is paramount for China. This concern is what guides Beijings push for improvement in Pak-Afghan bilateral ties since the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is operating from the Afghan soil, while Baloch militant groups have also found space in Afghanistan, he told Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through high-level trilateral talks, Beijing is aiming to narrow Islamabad-Kabul differences and also urge both sides to address each others security concerns to avert a breakdown of ties, he added. Pakistan Taliban, also known as TTP, founded in 2007, is a group which is ideologically aligned with the Taliban in Afghanistan but operates independently both in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Taliban has repeatedly rejected allegations that it allows its soil to be used for attacks against Pakistan and has consistently denied any ties with the TTP. Security challenges Since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, Pakistan has faced a sharp rise in violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, both bordering Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Islamabad has repeatedly alleged that Afghan soil is being used by armed groups, especially the TTP, to launch attacks across the porous frontier. Data from the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) shows that in the first six months of 2025, 502 fighter attacks killed 737 people, including 284 security personnel and 267 civilians. Compared with the first half of 2024, fighter attacks rose 5 percent, deaths surged 121 percent, and injuries increased 84 percent, according to PICSS. China, too, has also voiced concern over the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), accusing its fighters of using Afghan territory to launch attacks against China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abdul Basit, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said that since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has emerged as South Asias main geopolitical player. Without addressing Pakistans Afghan-centric security concerns, BRIs Pakistan component, CPEC, will remain underutilised and underdeveloped. Hence, China has started the trilateral to help Afghanistan and Pakistan resolve their security issues under a holistic policy which tries to isolate economy and diplomacy from security trouble, he told Al Jazeera. Faisal, of the University of Technology Sydney, added that China brings political weight, offering both diplomatic backing at multilateral organisations particularly on counterterrorism and the promise of economic inducements. But he was cautious about Beijings long-term leverage. Beyond underlining the importance of stability via enhanced security coordination between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the outcomes of Chinas efforts have been limited, partially due to Beijings own security anxieties, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senior Pakistani diplomat said Chinas BRI and related projects have brought it leverage in Southeast Asia and Central Asia, and expressed optimism that Beijing could bring about change between Pakistan and Afghanistan armed with the political, diplomatic, economic and financial tools, even if results have so far been limited. But will China act as mediator and guarantor between Pakistan and Afghanistan? The diplomat was sceptical. As for guarantorship, Im not sure whether China is willing or keen to do so. It certainly can play that role because of a high degree of trust it enjoys, but whether it would do so or not remains to be seen, he said. By Ryan Woo BEIJING (Reuters) -Tibet marked its 60th year as a Chinese autonomous region on Thursday with songs, dances and a parade in its capital Lhasa with thousands cheering, holding little red flags, amid placards telling all to heed the Communist Party's leadership. The festivities held at a massive square by the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, coincided with a rare visit by President Xi Jinping and a huge delegation from Beijing that included senior leaders from the party and government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the parade broadcast on China's national television, participants held aloft red placards reminding all of what Tibet needed to accomplish under the guidance of Xi. "Unwaveringly focus on the four major tasks of ensuring stability, promoting development, protecting the ecological environment, and strengthening border defence," one placard read. "Adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and fully implement the Party's strategy for governing Tibet in the new era," another said. In September 1965, six years after the 14th Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in the wake of a failed uprising, the Communist Party established the Tibet Autonomous Region - China's fifth and last autonomous region after Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Guangxi and Ningxia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The designation is meant to confer ethnic minority groups such as the Tibetans greater say over policy matters, including freedom of religious belief. But human rights groups and exiles describe China's rule in Tibet over the decades as "oppressive", an accusation that Beijing rejects. Since Xi became chief of the Communist Party in late 2012 and then president in early 2013, China has exerted greater institutional control in Tibet - from requiring Tibetan Buddhism to be guided by the Chinese socialist system to demanding its people "follow the party". Foreign journalists and diplomats still require special permission to set foot in Tibet. Amid foreign criticism of its rule in Tibet, China says the lives of ordinary people have dramatically improved and their rights have been under state protection. From 2012 to 2024, Tibet's road network nearly doubled to 120,000 km (74,565 miles), linking every town and village. Its economy also grew to 276.5 billion yuan ($39 billion) in 2024, a 155-fold increase from 1965, according to official data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DALAI LAMA China's hold over Tibetan Buddhism also extends to how the next Dalai Lama should be picked. The aging cleric turned 90 last month. Beijing said it has the final say over his successor when he dies, rejecting the Dalai Lama's assertion that a non-profit institution set up by him would have the sole authority to do so. China also opposes all contact between political leaders and the Dalai Lama, saying it would send the wrong signal to "separatist" forces. After Czech President Petr Pavel met the Dalai Lama in India on a private trip this year, China said it would "cease all engagement" with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Images of the Dalai Lama, condemned by Beijing as a "wolf in monk's robes", are forbidden in Tibet. "Any attempt to split the motherland and undermine Tibet's stability is doomed to fail!" said Wang Huning, the Communist Party's fourth-ranked leader, on a stage in the heart of Lhasa while a seated Xi, who did not speak at Thursday's festivities, looked on. Despite the cheering crowds, songs and dances, the twin threats of "separatism" and instability in Tibet remain real and well in the minds of Chinese leaders. Wang, repeating Xi's exhortation a day earlier, said: "(We must) deepen our struggle against separatism." ($1 = 7.1722 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by Stephen Coates) President Xi Jinping urged unity on a surprise visit to Tibet, appearing before 20,000 people to mark 60 years since China created the autonomous region after annexing it. In what is only his second presidential visit to the tightly-controlled region, Xi praised the local government for "engaging in a thorough struggle against separatism" - a reference to decades-old Tibetan resistance to Beijing. The visit to Lhasa, which sits at an altitude that could pose health problems for the 72-year-old, suggests a desire to stamp his authority over the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His published comments did not mention the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader who has been living in exile in India since he fled in 1959. "To govern, stabilise and develop Tibet, the first thing is to maintain political stability, social stability, ethnic unity and religious harmony," Xi said, according to an official summary of his speech. His visit on Wednesday comes just two months after the Dalai Lama announced that his office, not China, would choose his successor. China's leaders, however, claim that only they have the power to oversee that decision. The 90-year-old has always advocated a "middle way" to resolve the status of Tibet - genuine self-rule within China - but Beijing regards him as a separatist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has long maintained that Tibetans are free to practice their faith, but that faith is also the source of a centuries-old identity which human rights groups say Beijing is slowly eroding. When the BBC visited a Tibetan monastery in Sichuan province in June, monks claimed Tibetans were being denied human rights and that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continued to "oppress and persecute" them. Beijing says the standard of living of people in Tibet has greatly improved under its rule and denies suppressing their human rights and freedom of expression. The party established the Tibet Autonomous Region, or what it calls Xizang, in 1965, six years after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese president's surprise visit was the lead story in every state media newspaper and TV bulletin on Thursday, where Xi's tour of the Tibetan capital of Lhasa was portrayed as a celebration. Photos published on the front pages showed him being greeted by Tibetan dancers and cheering crowds. In his meeting with local authorities on Wednesday, which was also attended by senior CCP leaders, the Chinese president encouraged bilateral economic, cultural and personnel exchanges to and from Tibet, as well as the popularisation of a national common language and characters. Xi also outlined the CCP's vision for Tibet and highlighted what it views as the region's four major tasks: ensuring stability, facilitating development, protecting the environment and strengthening borders, said Chinese state media. Xi Jinping's arrival was met by Tibetan dancers and cheering crowds [Getty Images] The CCP's policies have included new laws governing the education of Tibetan children, who must now attend state-run Chinese schools and learn Mandarin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi also urged stronger regulation of "religious affairs" and a need to "guide Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to socialist society". The visit also comes a month after the CCP began construction in the region on what will be the world's biggest dam. The dam - also known as the Motuo Hydropower Station - is located on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which flows through the Tibetan plateau. When completed, it will overtake the Three Gorges dam as the world's largest, and could generate three times more energy. Beijing says the scheme, costing an estimated 1.2tn yuan ($167bn; 125bn), will prioritise ecological protection and boost local prosperity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But experts and officials have flagged concerns that the new dam would empower China to control or divert the trans-border Yarlung Tsangpo, which flows south into India's Arunachal Pradesh and Assam states as well as Bangladesh, where it feeds into the Siang, Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers. Officers with the Plano Police Department arrested a Chinese national after alleged sexual assault in a massage parlor. Gang Li, 49, was arrested July 30 for attempted sex assault. The Chinese national was a massage therapist at Sunshine Wellness Spa in Plano, where detectives investigated reports of unwanted sexual contact. Li is currently in the Collin County Jail, facing a charge for sexual assault a second-degree felony, according to jail records. He has a $250,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is a Chinese national and his consulate was notified upon arrest, said J.D. Minton, Plano police public information officer, to The Dallas Express. Li also has an immigration detainer from the Department of Homeland Security. Court records confirm that officials contacted the Chinese consulate, and they had to provide Li with a Mandarin interpreter. Plano detectives investigated reports of unwanted sexual contact during visits to the Sunshine Wellness Spa, at 151 W. Spring Creek Parkway #501B, according to a statement from the department. During their investigation, they discovered Li did not obtain a massage license until May 19 of this year. The Texas Department of Licensing and Registration investigated the validity of his massage license, and Plano police arrested him before he was later charged with sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Plano police Special Victims Unit is currently investigating. The department is asking anyone who visited the massage parlor, and either had a massage from Li before May 19 or saw unwanted or unsolicited sexual contact, to contact the SVU at 972-941-2044. Minton told The Dallas Express he could not provide further comment at the time of publication. Plano has previously pursued legal action against massage parlors accused of illicit activity. The City of Plano sued the Red Rose Spa in April 2024, alleging it was behind prostitution, illicit activities, and even advertising the sale of young girls, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. In 2023, the city called for an investigation into another parlor The Tennyson Wellness Center after reports of prostitution and staff inappropriately touching customers. (KRON) California Highway Patrol officers are urging parents in Santa Cruz County to do research before purchasing an electric bicycle or motorcycle for their child. Weve seen a worrying spike in E-bike, E-motorcycle, and motorized bicycle crashes recently, the CHP Santa Cruz wrote Thursday. Groups of teenagers and children whizzing around on E-bicycles are common in many neighborhoods. This past weekend, CHP officers responded to a crash involving two motorized bicycles on Soquel Dr. Both riders were children. Fortunately, only one child sustained minor injuries, the CHP wrote. A motorized bicycle is a two or three-wheeled device capable of speeds up to 30-mph on level ground and equipped with fully operative pedals for propulsion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers reported witnessing youngsters breaking rules of the road. Just yesterday I had two kids on a ebike make a left turn right in front of me, no hand signals, just rode into oncoming traffic. Fortunately for them I was paying attention and my truck has good brakes, one driver wrote on the CHPs Facebook page. (Photo via CHP Santa Cruz) Tickets will be issued to minors for riding class 2 e-bikes in Marin County The CHP listed the following legal requirements for anyone riding a motorized bicycle: 1. Possess a drivers license with a valid M2 endorsement. 2. Wear a DOT-compliant helmet. 3. Obey all rules of the road and never operate while intoxicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4. Do not ride on sidewalks. Your childs safety is our priority, the CHP wrote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. This is an adapted excerpt from the Aug. 20 episode of All In with Chris Hayes. President Donald Trumps relationship with far-right influencer Laura Loomer appears to be going strong. During Trumps presidential campaign, his friendship with the self-described Islamophobe came under scrutiny after she traveled on his private plane, accompanying the then-candidate to his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. That same week, Loomer joined Trump at a 9/11 memorial service in New York, despite the fact that she has publicly claimed that the 2001 attack was an inside job. Trump was even reportedly thinking about hiring Loomer for his campaign, until Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia intervened because she thought Loomer was too toxic. Greene has called Loomer a mentally unstable and a documented liar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loomer has no official job in the White House but, from her private perch, she for some reason has great sway over Trumps decisions. She has reportedly influenced who gets hired and fired in top administration posts. In April, several National Security Council officials were fired by Trump after the far-right influencer expressed dissatisfaction with some officials on his national security team, three people familiar with the matter told NBC News. Shortly thereafter, national security adviser Mike Waltz, who had reportedly clashed with Loomer, was also ousted from his role. But Loomers latest move is one of the most monstrous things I have ever seen. In recent weeks, Loomer grew increasingly upset that the U.S. was allowing into the country a very small number of severely injured Palestinian children from Gaza: kids missing limbs, with severe burns, ones in dire need of medical care. On social media, Loomer called them a national security threat and Islamic invaders. On Friday night, Loomer said she spoke directly with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to relay those concerns. The very next day, the State Department announced it was pausing all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Rubio defended his decision. After CBS News Margaret Brennan asked the secretary how children seeking medical aid could pose a threat to U.S. national security, Rubio shot back, First of all, its not just kids. 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 re-evaluate how those visas are being granted. Rubio claimed numerous congressional offices had presented evidence that some of the organizations linked to helping those children acquire visas have strong links to terrorist groups like Hamas. However, so far, none of that evidence has been released. Andrew Miller, who served as the deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli-Palestinian affairs in the Biden administration, called Loomers reported intervention a disgrace and said Trump and Rubio should be ashamed of their behavior. Miller added, This woman is a bigot. She is someone who has a visceral hatred of people who are different. That is about as un-American as anything I can think of. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com 'Dead to Rights': To honor the fallen heroes in 1937 09:51, August 21, 2025 By Luo Qing ( People's Daily Online Earlier this week, "Dead to Rights," a heart-stirring movie about the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, was screened in Los Angeles. It recounts how ordinary people risked their lives to preserve photographic evidence of Japanese war crimes, underscoring the sharp contrast between cruelty and enormous bravery. "Strongly recommended. Everyone should see the new movie 'Dead to Right'. It's an incredible piece of education about the Nanjing Massacre. Too many people here in the West are unfamiliar with the horrors of what happened in 1937. Actually, it reminded me of 'Schindler's List.' It left me shattered, kind of devastated..." "It is not only a Chinese movie but also a documentary. People in peacetime need to know this history. The cruelty of war, the trauma it brought to ordinary people, and the tragic dehumanization of fascism cannot be concealed or forgotten." These are comments I heard or read from some viewers. I couldn't hold back my tears during the movie. Glancing around the theater, I saw others wiping their eyes some even openly sobbing. It had been years since a movie moved me so deeply. The harrowing story of survival and resistance struck me silent: infants killed under bayonets, girls forced to become "comfort women," rivers running blood red... The atrocities seared into my memory, leaving me speechless. This horrendous chapter of WWII history, however, is not well known in the world beyond Asia. In 1994, American writer Iris Chang came across an exhibition featuring images of the Nanjing Massacre in Cupertino, California. One photo was particularly striking to her: a river clogged with the corpses of hundreds of Chinese civilians. The unexpected encounter introduced her to the tragedy. Deeply shocked by how little this atrocity was known in the U.S., she began an exhaustive research, documenting this overlooked chapter of WWII history with unflinching prose. In 1995, she flew to Nanjing, where she collected historical documents and diary entries, and interviewed survivors of the massacre. After over two years of meticulous research and fieldwork, she published "The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II" in December 1997. Her work made sure the victims and survivors of Nanjing would not be forgotten, securing the massacre's place in history. The book became an unexpected bestseller, topping the New York Times bestseller list for 10 weeks and selling over half a million copies. It reshaped how Americans see World War II, exposing the war's devastating impact in Asia. Iris Chang said during an interview, "I want 'The Rape of Nanking' to penetrate public consciousness. Unless we truly understand how these atrocities can happen, we can't be certain that they won't happen again." "Dead to Rights" serves this same vital purpose. Eight decades later, some stories demand retelling, so that the memories never fade. The Nanjing Massacre must not be brushed aside. To mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, lessons from history must be learned, the outcomes of WWII must be defended, and the atrocities must never be allowed to recur. This is the best way to truly honor those fallen heroes who gave their lives upholding freedom, justice, and peace. (The author is an international affairs analyst specializing in China-U.S. relations.) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Archaeologists Uncover 1,400-year-old Assyrian Cross At Ancient Monastery in UAE Abu Dhabi -- Archaeologists have unearthed a cross during excavations at a monastery complex on the United Arab Emirates' Sir Bani Yas Island, the National reports. The cross, molded on a plaque, measures 27 centimeters long, 17 centimeters wide, and 2 centimeters thick, and is believed to be around 1,400 years old. Due to its regional motifs, scholars believe the monastery was affiliated with the Church of the East, which later split into the Chaldean Catholic Church, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Ancient Church of the East. According to the UAE Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the monastery and its adjacent church -- first discovered in 1992--date back to the 7th or 8th century AD. Historical evidence suggests the monastery was likely abandoned in the 8th century. At its peak, it could accommodate about 30 monks of the Church of the East, sometimes referred to as "Nestorian." The site includes a nave, chapel, domestic quarters, cooking areas, and a burial ground. Lead archaeologist Maria Gajewska told The National, "We had settlements of Christians that were not just existing but were clearly flourishing." Key Points Bitcoin has a reputation for making some people quite rich. But nobody who became wealthier from buying this coin did so overnight. With discipline, there's a lot of upside to capture here. 10 stocks we like better than Bitcoin Over the last 10 years, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) grew by 51,910%, turning many investors into millionaires, and making many more a fair bit wealthier. For some, all it took was socking away a fixed amount each week, and having the patience to watch the gains compound. In fact, if you'd purchased an aggressive sum of $600 of Bitcoin every week for just the last six years, investing a total of $187,800, the harvest today would be in the high six figures and approaching close to $1 million. The coin's sustained scarcity plus growing demand could potentially do the trick of compounding for patient investors who want to buy it and build wealth today. It can probably still make new investors into millionaires, provided that they follow the right strategy. Here's what you need to know. Image source: Getty Images. Scarcity and stronger buyers are still doing the heavy lifting As you probably know, Bitcoin's supply is finite. The protocol caps issuance at 21 million coins, with roughly 95% of that sum already mined, and the remainder trickling out over the next century or so. In April 2024, the network's halving cut new issuance from 6.25 to 3.125 Bitcoin per block, reducing daily new supply from about 900 coins to about 450. The next halving, anticipated to occur in 2028, will tighten the floating supply again. The schedule cannot be accelerated to meet demand. Meanwhile, demand for the asset has professionalized and scaled up to a previously unthinkable magnitude. U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) launched in 2024, and flows into those funds in 2025 show persistent net buying on the scale of billions of dollars, pulling coins into long-term custody on behalf of institutional investors. Those investors will be less likely to sell in a panic, and their preferred holding periods tend to last in years rather than months. Government policy is now a tailwind for the coin, too. In March, the White House issued an executive order (EO) mandating the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) composed of coins seized by the government, signaling that sovereign balance sheets may be a continuing presence in the market even as operational details evolve. El Salvador, for its part, publicly tracks its national Bitcoin stack and has continued to add over time; other countries are evaluating whether to buy it outright as well. The Cincinnati police union slammed a criminal case being brought against a victim in last months viral beatdown over the man's alleged role in the violence. A 45-year-old White man was arrested earlier this week in connection to the assault in the citys downtown area, the Cincinnati Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital. Authorities have not named the suspect, who police said was a victim in the attack and therefore is protected under Marsys Law, which prevents officials from releasing his identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victim In Viral Cincinnati Street Brawl Now Charged In Case, Police Say The corner of Fourth and Elm Street outside of LoVe, a local nightclub, where the beating took place, as seen on July 28, 2025, in Cincinnati. However, the victim's attorney confirmed to Fox News that his name is Alex Tchervinski. Tchervinski's lawyer, Douglas Brannon, revealed his client was allegedly hit in the head 28 times and robbed during the attack, while trying to protect his girlfriend and another friend while the group was enjoying a night out. Read On The Fox News App "What this has done, it has made Alex a victim now for the second time by bringing criminal charges against him," Brannon told Fox News. Cincinnati Viral Beating Suspect Hit With Federal Gun Charge Exclusive photos obtained by Fox News Channel show Alex Tchervinski's injuries from the viral beatdown in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 26, 2025. Tchervinski, who is considered a victim in the case, has been charged with with disorderly conduct for his alleged role in the fight. Exclusive photos obtained by Fox News show Tchervinski with injuries to his head and face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brannon reportedly pointed to his client acting in self-defense during the attack, while vowing to fight the charges. Cincinnati Leaders 'Demanding Prosecution' Of White Man In Viral Street Fight (Top L-R) Dominique Kittle, DeKyra Vernon, Patrick Rosemond, Jermaine Matthews, (Bottom L-R) Aisha Devaughn, Gregory Wright and Montianez Merriweather are facing various charges for their alleged roles in the viral beatdown in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 26, 2025. "What actually occurred is Alex was hit multiple times, before he slapped back in an attempt to try and defend himself and back off this group of thugs," Brannon said. The fight broke out on the corner of West Fourth and Elm streets in the early morning hours of July 26. Bystander footage of the assault shows a White man hitting a Black man wearing a red shirt in the face, moments before the scene devolved into chaos, ultimately leaving six people injured and quickly going viral online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tchervinski is charged with disorderly conduct and has been ordered to appear in court on Aug. 26. He is the eighth person to be arrested for his alleged involvement in the beatdown. Cincinnati Brawl Timeline: Brutal Assault Spirals Into National Firestorm In light of the latest development, community leaders throughout Cincinnati have spoken out about Tchervinskis arrest with some officials previously calling for the individual to be charged, as the first seven suspects are Black. "We have been clear about the fact that anyone involved in perpetrating violence should be held accountable," Mayor Aftab Pureval said in a statement, according to WLWT. "This is another step toward achieving that, and I want to thank CPD and the prosecutors for their hard work as this process continues." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober ripped the arrest after previously accusing the Pureval administration of exerting pressure on law enforcement to find a crime to charge the victims with. Cincinnati Felon With 22 Prior Arrests Indicted For Allegedly Snatching Victim's Chain During Viral Beatdown "City Solicitor [Emily] Woerner and the Pureval administrations blatant political meddling is the most egregious Ive witnessed in my career," Kober said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Overruling law enforcement and prosecutors for cheap political points is a disgraceful stain on our city, and those responsible should be utterly ashamed of themselves." Ohio state Rep. Cecil Thomas sounded off on the severity of the charges, after previously hosting a town hall to discuss the citys handling of the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The charge of Disorderly Conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, is a slap in the face to the Black Community," Thomas said in a statement to Fox News. "This only inflames the community even more. The proper charges for him should have been assault and aggravated rioting. However, if the city or prosecutor truly wanted to diffuse this situation and bring the temperature down, they should drop all aggravated rioting charges and reduce all felonious assault charges down to misdemeanor assault, except for the individual that struck the lady. Under no circumstance can I condone a man hitting a woman. Charge everyone, black or white accordingly and let the courts decide their fate. End of story." Cincinnati Viral Beating Bodycam Released As Suspects Face New Charges In Grand Jury Indictment David Whitehead, president of the citys NAACP chapter, also reportedly reacted to the new charges. "The Cincinnati NAACP stands by and advocates for justice under the law," Whitehead said, according to WLWT. "We still question the fairness in charging based on the information we have seen and the conversations we have had. Street altercations typically result in disorderly conduct charges and there are at least five defendants being charged beyond that. We look forward to learning more about the cases and receiving the findings of the final investigation. In the meantime, we encourage everyone who believes in a fair judicial system to register to vote, because thats how jury pools are determined." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pureval and Whitehead did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment. Cincinnati Residents On Edge After Viral Beatdown Sparks Crime Concerns: 'What's Gonna Happen Next?' Patrick Rosemond, 38, Jermaine Matthews, 39, Montianez Merriweather, 34, DeKyra Vernon, 24, Dominique Kittle, 37, and Aisha Devaughn, 25, are each charged with three counts of alleged felonious assault, three charges of assault and two charges of aggravated rioting, the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office confirmed to Fox News Digital. Last week, authorities also announced the arrest of 32-year-old Gregory Wright. Wright was arraigned on alleged aggravated riot and aggravated robbery charges on Thursday morning, where he appeared virtually in the Hamilton County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Wright, who is a convicted heroin trafficker with a lengthy criminal record, "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." On Thursday, an Ohio judge lowered Wrights bond from $100,000 to $50,000, but he is only required to pay 10% or $5,000 to be released. Wright's attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Fox News' Patrick McGovern and Mike Tobin contributed to this report. Original article source: Cincinnati police union rips arrest of White victim in viral street attack as political interference Since President Donald Trump announced his takeover of the D.C. police force last week, restaurant reservations have dropped in the city by as much as 31 percent year over year for a single day, according to restaurant booking data. Business owners are concerned that the continued surge in law enforcement could impact their revenue during a vital period of the summer. Several operators say the decline does not bode well for them or the 380 establishments participating in Summer Restaurant Week, which started Monday in the greater D.C. area. The bargain-dining promotion is considered a lifeline for restaurants hoping to survive the doldrums of August, when Congress is on recess, locals are on vacation and many local residents are gearing up for back-to-school season. One of the goals with the promotion, says Shawn Townsend, president and chief executive of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, is to help the industry make it to Labor Day, when D.C. springs back to life. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This August has been particularly tough on D.C. restaurants, numerous operators told The Washington Post. They were already dealing with a number of destabilizing issues - rising labor and ingredient costs, soaring rents, federal worker layoffs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement audits - when the president announced last week that he was sending in troops and federal agents to deal with a city where crime is totally out of control, despite local and federal statistics showing otherwise. Its like drowning and then someone throws a 100 lb weight to you, texted one D.C. restaurateur who asked that his name not be used because, he said, he was just focused on keeping my businesses alive (this week). Its difficult to get an exact read on the state of D.C. dining since the federalization of local police. On the day of Trumps announcement, the number of online reservations in Washington dining rooms dropped by 16 percent from the same date the previous year, according to OpenTable. Since then, reservations have dipped almost every day, falling as much as 31 percent in a single day compared to the same period in 2024. But on Monday, the first day of Restaurant Week, OpenTable reservations were up 29 percent compared to the same day the previous year. Some of the decline in reservations could be attributed to timing: The first week of the takeover, Aug. 11 to 17, ended one day before Restaurant Week began. Those same dates in 2024 fell during Restaurant Week, when presumably reservations were increasing as diners scrambled to secure the discounted three-course meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Townsend, with RAMW, which organizes the semiannual promotion, says that none of the 380 restaurants involved in this years event - a record number - have reported a drop in reservations for the seven-day run. But at least two participating restaurant proprietors told The Washington Post that their numbers are well below last years bookings. Reservations are low, low, low compared to last year, said Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld, co-owner of El Secreto de Rosita on U Street near 16th Street NW, across the street from a police station where he said federal troops have often assembled before fanning out across the city. The city is dead, Fraga-Rosenseld said. If you walk on the street, theres no feeling. People are scared You dont see any Latinos on the street. Nick Pimentel, co-founder of Elle in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, said hes seen a significant drop in walk-in traffic and reservations since January. But the bottom fell out this month. Compared to last years Summer Restaurant Week reservations - and even Winter Restaurant Week in January - its looking like we dropped more than 50 percent, Pimentel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers suggest, he added, that this will be the slowest August in Elles seven-year history, including during the pandemic-affected summer of 2020. Seeing law enforcement - armored and plainclothed - in the neighborhood, casing our building and looking into our windows definitely put guests and staff on edge, Pimentel said. Mount Pleasant and the nearby Columbia Heights and 14th Street areas have seen several arrests of food delivery workers, including a Saturday morning incident in which six mostly masked agents wearing police vests tackled a food delivery driver outside of a coffee shop. The president and White House are disputing the numbers. During a Tuesday call in to the Fox & Friends morning television show, Trump said his orders have transformed Washington into just an incredible place in literally four days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did you see whats happening with the restaurants? Theyre bursting, Trump said. They were all closing and going bankrupt. On Monday, Trump disputed local and federal statistics that show crime is declining in the city, claiming in a social media post that D.C. gave Fake Crime numbers in order to create a false illusion of safety. A White House spokeswoman sent a statement to The Post, along with a Fox News story indicating that 52 restaurants closed in Washington in 2023, in part due to crime. Dozens of DC small businesses, restaurants, and local shops have closed their doors due to the violent crime that has plagued the city. 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. President Trump is delivering on his promise to make DC safer, which will inherently make D.C, more prosperous, spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement. Busboys and Poets, a chain of community-oriented cafes, has seen a small collective drop in August sales among the five locations in Washington while its three suburban outposts are enjoying an uptick, said founder Andy Shallal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The streets seem to be a little bit thinner in certain parts of town, Shallal said. Theres a little bit of a malaise in the city. I think people are just frustrated and just not in a good mood. Shallal and others say federal checkpoints are scaring some people from visiting Washington, regardless of their legal status. The unexpected traffic stops may also be preventing workers - particularly back-of-the-house cooks and dishwashers who often hail from Latin American countries - from showing up to shifts. I think people would much rather stay where they are and not have to deal with this, Shallal said. A lot of our customers are immigrants that have either newly immigrated to America or have been naturalized Americans. ... In general, theyd rather not expose people or expose themselves to those kinds of conditions or situations that may put them in harms way. Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) has spoken to nearly a dozen restaurant owners in his district, which includes Capitol Hill and the NoMa neighborhood, and said theyre telling him the same thing: In the last week, theyre seeing less foot traffic. Reservations are being canceled. Employees, especially back-of-house staff, are not showing up for work, leaving restaurants shorthanded for evening shifts. Some restaurant owners are hesitant to complain publicly for fear of being targeted by federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I havent heard a single restaurant say this is great for business, Allen said. Our businesses are suffering by what they're doing here, the council member added. Its an unwarranted, absolutely ridiculous, unnecessary step that federal governments doing. It sure is more than just immigration issues. This is impacting bread-and-butter local businesses. Med Lahlou, founder of an eponymous hospitality group operating neighborhood restaurants throughout the city including Lupo Verde on 14th Street NW, said the police presence and public arrests have been demoralizing. It has been heartbreaking to watch my hometown of 40 years feel like its coming apart, the restaurateur said. He said the takeover is devastating businesses to an unimaginable degree - including the service industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are scared to go out, regardless of whether they are U.S. citizens or not. That fear alone is enough to damage restaurant week and the livelihood of countless workers, Lahlou said. Oji Abbott had been expecting an uptick in sales at Oohhs and Aahhs, his soul food restaurant on U Street, as Howard University students returned to campus last week, preparing for the start of a new semester. But the uptick never arrived. Instead, Abbott says, he has experienced a decline - a small but noticeable one. He pinned some of the blame on the presence of federal law enforcement officers. We got losses because some people are not coming out and dealing with that, Abbott told The Post. They say, You know, I heard they were at 14th Street, they were in U Street. Im not going. Abbott is fortunate compared to other businesses on the U Street corridor, he says. Oohhs and Aahhs has two other locations. If diners dont feel safe - or just dont want to deal with the hassle of navigating the neighborhood with all the extra vehicles on the streets - they can go to one of Abbotts outlets on Georgia Avenue NW or in Alexandria, Virginia. But the chef and owner also worries about the impact of 30 straight days of federal agents and officers on the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to operate within this 30 days, and do you have enough wherewithal to be able to have a week or month of short money coming? Abbott said. Most small businesses, Ill say no. Small businesses, you dont have money to say, Oh, yeah, Ill just take the short money for 30 days and Ill still be able to pay the rent and my electric bill and my water bill and my gas bill. Townsend with RAMW is more bullish on the restaurants that his group represents. They will make Restaurant Week work, regardless of how many staffers dont show up for a shift. Owners will roll up their sleeves and pitch in. But Townsend is also concerned about the federal takeover of Washingtons streets as restaurant week revs up. Theres a sense from the restaurant community in D.C. that folks who live in Maryland and Virginia will opt to dine in Bethesda or Tysons or Falls Church, Townsend said, as opposed to trying out a new restaurant in D.C. this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - - - Emily Heil contributed to this report. Related Content Tariffs push small and midsize toy companies into survival mode As Trump tightens grip on D.C., officers say their chief is absent How does Rick Steves do Europe? We went behind the scenes. The City of Stillwater has received hundreds of thousands of federal dollars since the March 15 wildfires, and along with funds from the Stillwater Strong Relief Fund and the Small Business Administration, residents now have the ability to rebuild their homes or find a new home. Mayor Will Joyce and the state of Oklahoma declared an emergency following the wildfires in Payne County, a necessary step that allowed Stillwater access to federal funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. More than 169 families in Stillwater applied for FEMA funding after the wildfires, and to date, $733,000 has been distributed to those families, said Vice Mayor Amy Dzialowski at Mondays City Council meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dzialowski said the Small Business Administration also provided nearly $4.2 million in low-interest loans to 29 families who were rebuilding or purchasing homes. Additionally, more than $563,000 was donated to the Stillwater Strong Relief Fund, and the Stillwater Strong Relief Task Force is working to distribute those among 80 Payne County households who applied for the funds. Because of the FEMA emergency declaration, the City has also been granted a case manager through Catholic Charities, a national network of agencies that helps people in need with disaster relief, affordable housing, food and nutrition and more. If you are still struggling with unmet needs in our community throughout Payne County, you have access to a case manager who can help you navigate FEMA (and) SBA, identifying where you can find additional dollars or additional support, Dzialowski said. Those still needing assistance may reach out to MaryLynn Lufkin, Director of Disaster Services and Outreach at Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma, at mlufkin@cceok.org. MARSHALL, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) The City of Marshall has implemented an immediate burn ban due to dangerously dry conditions and elevated fire risk. The decision is based on readings from the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), a scale that measures drought conditions on a scale of 0 to 800 based on soil moisture depletion, daily temperature, precipitation, and annual rainfall patterns. The city is currently at 670 on the scale; the threshold for implementing burn restrictions is 650. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire Chief David Rainwater explained, Many residents may notice brief showers or light rainfall and assume fire danger has decreased, but this is often not the case. Light rain may wet surface vegetation temporarily, but it doesnt penetrate deeply enough to restore soil moisture or significantly impact the drought index. The underlying dry conditions that create fire danger remain. During the burn ban, outdoor burning, including campfires and fire pits, as well as fireworks and other pyrotechnics, and welding or other spark-producing activities are prohibited. Residents are encouraged to properly dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials, avoid parking on dry grass, remove dead vegetation around structures, exercise caution with outdoor activities that could produce sparks, and report fires to 911 immediately. The ban will remain in effect until weather conditions improve and the KBDI drops to safer levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has once again recognized the City of Muscatine with its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for excellence in budgeting, a news release says. This marks the 41st consecutive year the city has received the award the longest streak for any government entity in the state of Iowa. The award represents a significant achievement, GFOA noted in its announcement. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To qualify, budget documents must meet nationally recognized guidelines and demonstrate effectiveness in four key areas: Policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device. All budget submissions are evaluated against 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, and only those rated proficient in each area receive the award. The award also includes a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation, presented to the City of Muscatine Finance Department for its leadership in preparing the citys budget. City Administrator Matt Mardesen said the recognition highlights the citys long-standing commitment to financial transparency and accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Receiving this award for the 41st consecutive year is a testament to the dedication of our Finance Department and the entire City team, Mardesen said. It reflects Muscatines commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources and to providing our community with clear, accessible financial information. More than 1,900 state and local governments participate in the GFOAs Budget Awards Program, which was established in 1984 to encourage excellence in budget preparation and presentation. Award recipients are recognized as setting a standard of best practices for other governments across North America. The Government Finance Officers Association represents more than 20,500 members and provides resources, training, and research to advance excellence in public finance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. One of Bristol's biggest nightclubs will become the first in the city to ban phones on the dance floor to "create a space where people can really be present". Lakota, in the St Paul's area of the city, said anyone who repeatedly flouts the policy in its new Moon Club room will be asked to leave. The new rules will come into force on 6 September when the room opens to clubgoers and does not apply to the rest of the nightclub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hywel Gregory, head of events and marketing at Lakota, said: "We're confident Bristol will respond positively. People are looking for spaces where they can switch off and enjoy the music without distraction." Lakota will join other major nightclubs in the UK to have banned filming on phones, including Fabric in London and Warehouse Project in Manchester. The approach is also popular in Berlin and some nightclubs in Ibiza. Mr Gregory said the move will not see "hard policing" or "restrictive measures like other nightclubs in the UK", and instead will see "de-escalation and conversation". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'd like people to be adults and be responsible and try and respect those boundaries themselves," Mr Gregory said. "Obviously, if people are persistent, they may be asked to leave the venue if they repeatedly flaunt the rules." Lakota will be the first nightclub in the city to bring in the ban [Google] He said nightclubs have lost "connecting with their audience a bit over the last 10 years with an invasion of phones". "It's not about policing, it's about building a culture," he said. The Moon Club will have a 220 person capacity and is an expanded and refurbished version of its "room two". The club's bosses want to use it as a venue focusing on local artists who are considered up and coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Related Internet Links Mayor Tim Keller, center, at the signing of an executive order on Monday, July 21, 2025. This week, Keller defended the citys immigrant-friendly policies after a letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi to sanctuary jurisdictions across the country. (Photo courtesy of El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos) Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller wrote in a letter this week that the citys policies do not impede federal immigration enforcement and that he stands by immigrant-friendly policies he believes reduce crime in New Mexicos biggest city. The letter was a response to the latest pressure campaign from United States Attorney General Pam Bondi, who demanded Albuquerque and 34 other sanctuary jurisdictions say by Tuesday whether the jurisdictions commit to complying with federal law and identify which steps they are taking to eliminate laws, policies, and practices that impeded federal immigration enforcement. Keller, in an undated letter city officials provided to Source New Mexico on Wednesday afternoon, wrote that Bondi has no basis to threaten the city and that, The City will not give in to bullying. He added that he can commit to complying with federal law without hesitation. As for the second request: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the Citys laws, policies or practices impede federal immigration enforcement, he wrote. I therefore see no need to propose any initiatives. Keller went on to write that he is unaware of any way in which Albuquerques policies thwart operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other federal authorities. Instead, he said the citys policies that aim to protect immigrants ensure crime victims feel safe to come forward. And the results have been clear: In the past two years, the City has seen a marked decrease in crime, he said. Albuquerque is one of 18 cities nationwide that the DOJ targeted earlier this month as a sanctuary jurisdiction, and the only New Mexico locale. The national list also includes four counties, 12 states and the District of Columbia. Bondi issued a letter Aug. 13 to all the jurisdictions, warning local leaders that the areas they represent and people implementing the policies could face criminal or civil penalties or a loss of federal grants. I have made clear, repeatedly, that the immigrant-friendly policies do not limit legitimate efforts at law enforcement, Keller said. If you commit a crime in Albuquerque, you will be held accountable, regardless of your immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Keller signed a new executive order that expanded the citys 2018 Immigrant-Friendly Resolution, which states that no city entity will assist in federal civil immigration enforcement, including raids, detentions or information-sharing unless legally required by a court. Kellers executive order also states that ICE must clearly identify officers and avoid harmful or disruptive detainment tactics in public spaces. Keller signed the executive order shortly after video went viral online of ICE violently arresting a Venezuelan immigrant at a Walmart in Albuquerque. The mayor ended his letter with hopes that his response would prompt Bondi to stop issuing threats to the city, but he said the city will continue to fight if any federal agency attempts to cut the Citys funding or otherwise seeks to harm the Citys interest. Read Kellers full letter here: Dear Attorney General Bondi, I am writing in response to your letter of August 13, 2025. I want to be clear that protecting the safety of the residents of Albuquerque is now, and has always been, my top concern. I hope that the Department of Justice will continue to partner with Albuquerque in that effort. But I also want to be clear that the Department has no basis to threaten the City or its residents, and the City will not give in to bullying. The City will respond, as necessary, to any action taken against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your letter includes two requests. First, you asked that I confirm the Citys commitment to complying with federal law. I can do so without hesitation. Second, you ask that I identify the initiative we are taking to eliminate laws, policies, and practices that impeded federal immigration enforcement. None of the Citys laws, policies or practices impede federal immigration enforcement. I therefore see no need to propose any initiatives. Albuquerque is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country. Native American groups have inhabited the region for thousands of years many centuries before Europeans reached the Americas. Spanish settlers began settling the area in the 1500s, followed later by Anglos seeking opportunities during the countrys westward expansion. Albuquerque is also home to rich and thriving African-American and Asian-American communities, among others. The City has, throughout its history, welcomed immigrants. It is in part due to this history that the City has adopted policies designed to protect the immigrants within the community. I stand by these policies. These policies are designed to, and have, made the City safer. These policies ensure that victims of crime feel that they can come forward, without fear of reprisal. And the results have been clear: in the past two years, the City has seen a marked decrease in crime. In your letter, you assert that the Citys policies thwart federal immigration enforcement to the detriment of the United States. This claim is baseless. Your letter does not include a single example of activities that have interfered with federal immigration enforcement, and I am not aware of any. I have made clear, repeatedly, that the immigrant-friendly policies do not limit legitimate efforts at law enforcement. If you commit a crime in Albuquerque, you will be held accountable, regardless of your immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope that, with this clarification, the threats against the City of Albuquerque will come to an end. I would note, however, that there is already an injunction preventing federal agencies from cutting off funding to the City. Another one is forthcoming. The City will continue to fight if any federal agency attempts to cut the Citys funding or otherwise seeks to harm the Citys interest. Sincerely, Mayor Tim Keller LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Whats being described as a traffic nightmare near a Henderson charter school is getting the attention of city officials. Parents of students who attend Pinecrest Academy Horizon said theyre frustrated with the traffic situation, which was exacerbated this week. Its a terrible experience for anybody attending the school, for the children, Kevin Morris said. Pinecrest Academy Horizon is located near Boulder Highway and Racetrack Road. Picking up and dropping off children for the approximately 900 families enrolled in the school has turned into a hassle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the average for us has been about 45 minutes, Morris said. Its kind of a bottleneck to the school. Its just a two-lane road, and then to exit, given the construction on Boulder Highway, its one lane, so the congestion out on city streets has just been unbearable. 8 News Now visited the school during the afternoon and saw the snarling traffic created by the long row of vehicles. However, it wasnt always like this. Families previously parked at the nearby parking lot of MAC.BID. That stopped on Monday. We dont have a walk-up option. Its basically through car loop, Morris said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email sent to parents last week, Pinecrest Horizons principal said the school ended its parking arrangement with MAC.BID after several complaints to the city of Henderson. Several parents went to Hendersons city council meeting Tuesday night, which caught the attention of Councilman Jim Seebock I saw it firsthand and thats why I really emphasized we need to solve this ASAP, because we cant have that, Seebock, who represents Ward 1 on the city council, said. Councilman Seebock said he mediated talks between the business and the school, but its up to Pinecrest Academy Horizon to enact its traffic plan, which the city approved before it opened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to be approved for that plan, they have to not queue on the city streets. They have to either show partnerships or written agreements with other parking lots, Seebock said. Seebock said the school is coming up with proposals to solve the traffic problem. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 21The last time Clarkston police had a K-9 unit was never. History was made when Koda, an 18-month-old Labrador mix, recently reported for duty after completing 200 hours of training with his partner, Officer Kevin Heckathorn. "This means the world to me and the department," Heckathorn said Wednesday, "and it's great to have the community's support. They recognized the need for a K-9 here, and they know it's not just some harebrained scheme I came up with." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clarkston residents and businesses pounced on the opportunity to have a drug-sniffing dog after Heckathorn proposed the idea earlier this year. The police chief and other city leaders agreed it was a good plan, and a grassroots fundraising effort took off from there. Chief Josh Daniel said donations covered the entire $30,000 cost for Koda and special training, and any ongoing support would be much appreciated. "By and large, our hope is that Koda and Officer Heckathorn can make a difference for our city and be something the community can be proud of for years to come," Daniel said. "Although they just started working together, we are pleased with what we've seen." Having a K-9 on the team is part of a proactive effort to combat drugs. Clarkston has been an active member of the Quad Cities Drug Task Force for more than 30 years, Daniel said, and adding Koda to the mix will be especially helpful on patrols. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM "Illegal drugs are readily transported by vehicles, and Koda gives us the ability to further investigate persons and vehicles suspected of illegal possession and the transporting of illegal narcotics," the chief said. "With the rise of fentanyl across the country, our valley is not immune to this opioid crisis." Koda alerts to cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and ecstasy. The dog sits down when it detects an illegal substance, Heckathorn said. "He's trained to find the scent of narcotics, and he's trained to sit as his final indication," said Koda's handler. "When he's home, he's basically just a dog, but when he's at work, he's a working dog." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The K-9 lives with Heckathorn and his family. They play with the canine, but keep the dog's toy count to a minimum to avoid any confusion at work. Koda knows how to get a reward, and it's not from playing fetch in the backyard. "He's a great dog," Heckathorn said. "He's super friendly, and I really encourage people to come up and meet him." Adding a K-9 to the roster at the police department was important to Heckathorn, who worked with drug dogs while employed in South Carolina. He's grateful that Clarkston residents embraced the idea and generously contributed enough money to make it happen. "The hope is we can help stem the flow of drugs into this area," the officer said. "We are trying to fight the opioid crisis, and this is one more way to help with that effort. Koda's a tool, not the answer." Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com. CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A member of the Clarksville Police Department was taken into custody Wednesday night following an investigation into a domestic violence situation. At the request of 19th Judicial District Attorney General Robert Nash, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said its agents started investigating a report of an aggravated assault involving 38-year-old Clarksville Officer Alan Greenman on Wednesday, Aug. 20. CPD said it conducted the initial investigation and then requested the TBIs involvement due to the officers involvement. Clarksville mother sentenced to nearly a dozen years in prison for child neglect Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of the case, authorities said they learned Greenman threatened the victim and assaulted her. According to the TBI, agents arrested Greenman Wednesday night for one count of aggravated domestic assault and one count of aggravated kidnapping. He was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on a $75,000 bond. Officials said Greenman was immediately placed on administrative leave until CPD can complete an internal investigation, which is separate from the criminal investigation. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee CPD released a statement after the TBI announced Greenmans arrest, saying, in part: This behavior is not representative of the Clarksville Police Department. Our department consists of 419 employees, including 338 sworn officers, who serve the citizens of Clarksville with professionalism and integrity every day. The Clarksville Police Department is committed to constitutional policingensuring that all actions uphold individual rights and freedoms, and that everyone is treated fairly and impartially. No one is above the law, police officers included. Everyone is afforded due process and considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Our reputation and our relationship with the citizens of Clarksville are paramount. We are committed to holding all employeessworn and civilianaccountable, both administratively and criminally. If these allegations are proven true, we will seek swift justice while ensuring protections for the victim. This remains an ongoing investigation and pending prosecution. In accordance with departmental policy, we will continue to fully cooperate with the TBI as they move forward on behalf of the District Attorney. No additional details have been released about this incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For anyone in a crisis, help is out there. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. China is preparing to consider yuan-linked stablecoins as part of its efforts to expand the currency's use worldwide, in what would represent a significant departure from its previous stance on digital assets. What Happened: The State Council, China's cabinet, is expected to review a policy roadmap later this month that could authorize the issuance and use of yuan-backed stablecoins, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The plan is likely to set targets for global yuan adoption and assign responsibilities to regulators such as the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the report quoting sources said. Senior leaders are also scheduled to meet before the end of August to discuss yuan internationalization and the role of stablecoins, which have grown increasingly important in global financial flows. If adopted, the strategy would mark a reversal from Beijing's 2021 ban on cryptocurrency trading and mining, which had been introduced over financial stability concerns. Officials are now considering stablecoins as a potential instrument to advance yuan internationalization, particularly as U.S. dollar-backed tokens dominate the global market and gain traction in cross-border trade. China has long sought a greater international role for the yuan, but strict capital controls and persistent trade surpluses have constrained progress. Those restrictions remain a challenge for the rollout of yuan-backed stablecoins, analysts note. Also Read: This Litte-Known Plan By The US Treasury Could Derail The Bitcoin, Ethereum Bull Run Why It Matters: The yuan accounted for just 2.88% of international payments in June, down to a two-year low, according to data from SWIFT. In comparison, the U.S. dollar held a 47% share. Dollar-linked stablecoins currently make up more than 99% of the $247 billion global stablecoin market, according to the Bank for International Settlements. Beijing's move comes as other Asian countries also explore local stablecoins. South Korea has pledged to allow won-backed tokens, while Japan is developing its own frameworks. Hong Kong, meanwhile, enacted a regulatory regime for fiat-backed stablecoins on August 1, positioning itself as one of the first global jurisdictions to do so. Shanghai and Hong Kong are expected to spearhead domestic implementation of China's stablecoin plan, sources said. Beijing may also raise the issue during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from Aug. 31 to Sep. 1, as it seeks to broaden yuan usage in regional trade. Financial institutions project the stablecoin sector could expand rapidly. Last nights cool front didnt come with the heat relief that many hoped for, with afternoon highs back above 90 in many spots. But, not to worry, we just need a bigger dose of Canadian air, and well find that moving in this weekend. Download our KOLR 10 weather app The first cool did help, trimming afternoon highs by almost 10. Drier air flooding in will also make for a comfy, cool start to Thursday. The drier air isnt just flowing in at the surface; the whole atmosphere is drying out. This will tamp down rain chances to almost zero for the next couple of days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rain chances will perk up a little on Saturday as the next cool front approaches. It should be a good day to get out on the water, just keep an eye on the sky for a pop-up afternoon storm. The front wont be a drought buster, but it will give us a real taste of early fall temperatures. Readings early next week will be around 10 below normal, with lows in the 50s and low 60s and highs in the upper 70s and low 80s. These are readings more typical of the third week of September. It looks like we may get through all of next week with highs below 90, and we may be able to get through the rest of the month without the summer sizzle. Saturdays front will also lay the foundation for a wet weather highway to get established in the region as the front stalls. Waves of rain and thunder will likely travel down the highway across Kansas and Oklahoma. At this point, the wet corridor looks like it will extend into Arkansas, keeping the best chance for welcome rain south of the state line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CLOVIS, N.M. (KRQE) A Clovis man was sentenced to 64 years in prison for a 2021 double homicide shooting. In April 2021, Danny Price shot and killed 53-year-old Kennedy Hodge and 58-year-old Ricky Johnson. Price was caught by police shortly after the incident, running away from the scene. After the shooting, Hodge died at the hospital in Clovis. Johnson was airlifted to the hospital in Lubbock, Texas, where he died in emergency surgery. According to a news release, the prosecution presented evidence to the jury that included video surveillance footage placing Danny Price at the scene of the crime, DNA evidence, and ballistics. Body camera footage also captured Johnson identifying Price as the shooter on two separate occasions was presented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During sentencing, Judge Tatum noted Prices lack of remorse and accountability and stated, There is no greater inhumanity than to take the lives of two human beings before issuing the ruling. The 58-year-old was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences totaling 64 years behind bars. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. CLEVELAND (WJW) Rip current warning signs were posted at Edgewater Beach on Wednesday as rough conditions continued across Lake Erie. The U.S. Coast Guard issued a reminder about the dangers of rip currents, which are powerful channels of water that pull swimmers away from shore. A lot of people struggle and try to swim back to shore, said Petty Officer Kathan Fleming. The biggest advice we can give is: if you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore to escape it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warning came the same day the bodies of 22-year-old Austin Labbe and 19-year-old Trent Sanchez were recovered. The brothers went missing Sunday night after being swept away by a rip current at Huntington Beach. House destroyed, another damaged in Elyria fire: Officials Fleming said signs of a rip current include breaks in the waves and darker patches of water. While rip currents wont pull swimmers under, they can quickly carry people far from shore. The best thing to do is stay calm and swim with the current, Fleming said. Fleming also said rip currents are more frequent in the warmer months and urged people to check conditions before getting in the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents of kids swept away in Texas floods beg lawmakers to protect future campers I highly recommend staying out of the water if you see choppy conditions or advisories from news outlets, said Fleming. Its always best to wait for a calmer day. The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazard statement, warning swimmers about dangerous rip currents on Lake Erie this week. The warning was issued for Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Lake, Lorain and Ottawa counties, from Wednesday evening through Thursday evening. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. A Cobb County police officer is now in custody and facing charges, including public indecency. Officer Matthew Clements Abbott is currently being held in the Cobb County Jail and is charged with violation of oath of office, distribution of obscene material and public indecency. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators say the Utah Attorney Generals Office identified Abbott while investigating a separate incident and alerted them. Details on that incident have not been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats when the police department notified the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. TRENDING STORIES: Details on what led up to his charges have not been released. The GBI said the investigation does fall under its Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The unit works to identify those involved in the trade of child sexual abuse material. Abbott has been relieved from duty, the police department confirmed. The people of Cobb County expect and deserve officers who uphold the law and conduct themselves with integrity, both on and off duty. The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing and do not reflect the values of our department. While the legal process moves forward, the officer has been relieved of duty, and we have initiated our own internal investigation. We will follow the facts, uphold due process, and take the actions necessary to maintain the trust of our community. Interim Cobb County Police Chief Dan Ferrell Additional charges may be filed as the GBI continues investigating. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A federal funding freeze nearly cut off many opportunities for adults wishing to pursue higher education. With funding restored, educators are now able to teach their students without worry about the future. Near the end of June, funding was frozen for Adult Education Programs across the U.S, and it wasnt until late July, early August that funding was unfrozen. Giving educators a sigh of relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the biggest weight off our shoulders, just getting that funding in and knowing that we could go back to our original plan because we knew even if we had to limit our funding, it was going to limit what we could do, maybe the number of students we could serve class size. But this has opened it up to everything again, said Emily Duncan, with Northeast Community College. Story continues below Its a hope for a brighter future for our learners, our families, and our communities, said Sarah Breems-Diekevers, with Northwest Iowa Community College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Adult Education Program is primarily funded by the federal government, allowing people, no matter their age, to learn English for the first time and prepare for higher education for free. During the funding freeze, educators were looking for any way to continue their classes. It was very concerning and stressful, especially for all of our staff and faculty, and we are a small program, but for all of them, not just thinking about their own futures, but more for their students, said Breems-Diekevers. The college was going to help support us on some funding, and then we were also going to look at some other grant opportunities out there, said Duncan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These programs help everyday people get a second chance and pursue opportunities they originally wouldnt have been able to. They might have had a schooling that had something happened in the past that got them on the wrong path, so this is our second chance to come back. Theyre eager to learn, they want to advance, or maybe looking at a career that, Oh, I dont have English, I cant get into that career yet,' said Duncan. Through getting their education, their high school equivalency diploma, and learning a language. It helps them get better jobs. It helps them advance in their careers. Many of our students go on to attend college, whether with us or somewhere else, or some other post-secondary training, but really it helps to build confidence in them as well, said Breems-Diekevers. The Adult Education Program has allowed people to pursue jobs like nursing, being a business owner, and even teaching the next generation of dreamers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, one of our instructors is actually a GD graduate of ours, and just having her on staff, the relationship to the students is a lot easier to portray. So, shes able to tell the students, Ive been in your shoes, Ive done this, I understand it gets hard. Some days there are days youre going to want to quit, but it is always best to finish,' said Duncan To learn more about the Adult Education Program, click here. For Northeast Iowa Community College, click here. For Northeast Community College in Nebraska. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 20The Coloma Township Board has sold the former U.S. Bank building it purchased in 2023. The township finalized the sale of the bank Tuesday, selling it for $528,000, Supervisor Kristine Dobbs told Shaw Local. Dobbs was not able to disclose who it was sold to, and those documents have not yet been filed with Whiteside County, according to the recorder's office. In February 2023, the Coloma Township Board approved the $250,000 purchase of the building at 300-302 First Ave. in Rock Falls. With the purchase turning the property into a government-owned building, the township, under the Illinois Constitution, would be exempt from paying property taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For government bodies to get that exempt status, they have to file paperwork with the county. The paperwork is then sent to the Illinois Department of Revenue for approval. Sindy Sotelo, who was the Coloma Township supervisor at the time, did not submit those forms until November 2024, but she had been emailed those forms twice by Whiteside County Supervisor of Assessments Robin Brands in April 2023 and July 2024, according to county records. Since Sotelo failed to submit the forms until after the 2023 tax bill was mailed to the township, the township paid a total of $7,851.12 in taxes. On top of that, both installments of the taxes were paid late, so the township also paid $117.76 in fees, according to county tax records. During the township's Aug. 13 board meeting, Coloma Township Assessor Dave Hand said that in an effort to get the tax money back, he had talked with Brands, who "thought that it was unfair" and worked with the tax board "to get that back for us." Hand announced at the meeting that the township had received a full refund from the county for those taxes a total of $7,968.88 which Brands has confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sotelo and members of the previous board resigned in February. After that, the township used a road district loan to cover payroll and operating expenses, started trying to locate countless missing public records, and dealt with many past due bills in need of immediate action, township records show. Also at that time, residents and current board members expressed concerns about debt incurred from the bank building, which a majority of them said they didn't want to buy in the first place. Trustee Becky Williamson was a resident of the township at the time of the purchase. Williamson said many people thought the building needed too many renovations and would be too expensive. Resident Mike Charleston agreed, saying that he didn't want to buy it either. When making the purchase, Sotelo hoped to use the building for offices and to expand community services, but after spending almost all of a $200,000 line of credit taken out by the township, more renovations were needed in order for it to pass a city inspection, according to Dobbs and city records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has sat vacant since. In total, the township invested about $457,000 into the building under Sotelo's leadership, according to Whiteside County documents. Dobbs said at the April 8 annual town meeting that it costs the township about $60,000 annually to own, and it would cost about $40,000 to complete the needed renovations. Combining that with the shear size of the building 15,616 square feet the board voted unanimously at that meeting to sell it. [ Coloma Township Board votes to sell former US Bank building amid rising costs ] State statute mandates that the township sell the building for at least 80% of its market value. In 2022, Cornerstone Realty Advisors estimated its value at $210,000, according to county records. DENVER (AP) State inspectors in Colorado found about 20 decomposing bodies behind a hidden door in a funeral home owned by a county coroner, who told them he may have given fake ashes to next of kin who sought cremations, authorities disclosed Thursday. The bodies were discovered in a room behind a door hidden by a cardboard display during an inspection of Davis Mortuary in Pueblo, about 110 miles (177 kilometers) south of Denver. Inspectors found a strong odor of decomposition after arriving at the business on Wednesday. Brian Cotter the owner and Pueblo County coroner had asked them not to enter the room, according to a document from state regulators. Colorado long had some of the weakest oversight of funeral homes in the nation, with no routine inspections or qualification requirements for funeral home operators. That has allowed numerous abuses, including a pending case involving nearly 200 decomposing bodies that were found stored at room temperature in a building in Penrose, Colorado, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Pueblo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sentencing in that case of one of the funeral homes owners for corpse abuse is set for Friday. The discovery in Pueblo came during the first inspection of Davis Mortuary under rules adopted last year in response to prior crimes within Colorado's funeral industry. Before the law changed, funeral homes could only be inspected if a complaint had been filed against them. Davis Mortuary did not have any complaints, said Sam Delp, director of the Division of Professions and Occupations in the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Cotter told inspectors that some of the bodies had been awaiting cremation for about 15 years, according to the document from state regulators that explained why the state suspended the mortuarys registration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a profound violation of trust and a heartbreaking betrayal of the families who entrusted their loved ones to this funeral home, Colorado Bureau of Investigation director Armando Saldate III said. The estimate of 20 bodies in the room came from funeral home staff. The corpses were not immediately removed, and authorities said as a result, they did not yet have a precise number. Investigators on Thursday were collecting evidence with the help of state troopers trained in responding to hazardous materials, Saldate said, noting that they were respectfully and humanely handling the bodies. Cotter has not been arrested, and Pueblo County District Attorney Kala Beauvais said no charges have been filed as the investigation continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A woman who answered the phone at the mortuary said it had no comment and declined to make Cotter available for an interview. Cotter did not immediately respond to a message left with the coroners office. Cotter and his brother, Chris, bought Davis Mortuary in 1989, according to the businesss website. It said the brothers brought with them an old school way of operating that they learned from their father, who owned and operated funeral homes in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska. In most states, funeral homes are routinely inspected, but for many years, no such rules were on the books in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owners of a funeral home in Grand Junction, Colorado, were convicted in 2022 of selling body parts and giving clients fake ashes. In yet another case, a womans body was found last year in the back of a hearse where a suburban Denver funeral home had left it for over a year. At least 30 sets of cremated remains were found stashed throughout that funeral directors home. Colorado lawmakers last year approved changes intended to tighten oversight, bringing the state in line with most other states. One requires regulators to routinely inspect funeral homes and gives them more enforcement power. Another implements licensing for funeral directors and other workers in the industry. They would need to pass background checks and a national exam while possessing degrees and work experience. Previously, funeral home directors in Colorado didnt have to graduate from high school, let alone have a degree. _____ Brown reported from Billings, Montana. PARKER, Colo. (KDVR) A Colorado School of Mines graduate is starting a new career without any of his belongings after his moving company failed to show up at his new home in California. Lisa Meriweather tells FOX31 that when she and her husband said goodbye to their 23-year-old son, Nolen, after dropping him off in Sacramento, they never dreamed he would be living in an empty apartment without any of his belongings nearly a month later. Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has no furniture; we had to buy a temporary bed, he has nothing except a TV, said Meriweather. Her son had to buy new clothing as well before beginning his new job. Meriweather showed FOX31 an estimate that indicated their moving company picked up her sons belongings on July 29 with a guaranteed delivery date of Aug. 10, but that didnt happen. She says the broker she used checked out just fine and had good reviews, but later learned the business farmed out the actual move to another company that had terrible rankings and now her phone calls are not being returned. FOX31 reached out to both companies on Wednesday and has not yet received a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Better Business Bureau tells FOX31 customers should always check contracts before signing any agreement with a moving company, ask to approve any company referred by a broker, try to avoid paying upfront for expenses and be aware of upcharge schemes. Weve had stories where people have their stuff just held onto, maybe they upcharge and you werent expecting to pay an extra $3 to $5,000 for your moving expenses and then they threaten to auction off all of your stuff, said BBB spokesperson Cameron Nakashima. Nakashima says customers should also check the companys registration with the Secretary of States office and keep receipts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAYRE, Pa. (WETM) A former resident of the Valley who now resides in the Midwest was arrested on Thursday after police said he made threats toward a School in Sayre that led to the evacuation of the building. Ronald Anthony Fiorello, 62, of Salida, Colorado, was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 21, on the following charges: Weapons of mass destruction bomb threats, a felony in the third degree. Terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another, a felony in the third degree. Terroristic threats cause evacuation of a building, a felony in the third degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One dead, Sayre man arrested, after fatal UTV crash in Susquehanna County Fiorellos arrest comes after the evacuation and closure of the Epiphany Catholic School in Sayre on Wednesday, Aug. 20. According to information from the Sayre Police Department, Fiorello sent three emails on Wednesday morning in which Fiorello threatened to blow up the school. The threats were taken seriously, and the administration evacuated the school and sent the students home for the day. The school was closed on Thursday and will be closed on Friday as well. State police brought in an explosives detection dog to the school, where no threats of explosives were detected, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiorello was tracked and located in Rapid City, South Dakota, and was arrested on the above charges. He is expected to be extradited to Pennsylvania at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. The Brief Arizona mayors are presenting a united front in the fight over water. "We are facing unprecedented challenges," said Central Arizona Project's General Manager. Roughly 30% of Arizona's water supply comes from the Rocky Mountains. PHOENIX - Arizona mayors are presenting a united front in the fight over water, and they are calling it "Protecting Arizona's Lifeline." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officials are not only working together to keep the water flowing. They are also communicating what each city is doing to improve the situation, now and in the future. What they're saying "We are facing unprecedented challenges. Two decades of drought, over-allocation and an unwillingness of some to protect its future has put immense pressure on the system," said Brenda Burman, General Manager for the Central Arizona Project (CAP). "Any dramatic reallocation of the Colorado River could present a tremendous threat to Arizona." By the numbers Roughly 30% of Arizona's water supply comes from the Rocky Mountains. Who gets how much is based on a contract signed in 1922 and an updated agreement in 2007. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arizona is at the bottom of the pecking order. This doesn't mention the in-state fighting between tribes, cities and farmers, with each floating its own ideas. "And they don't necessarily want to do things to take cuts to help Phoenix or Tucson, and it's not even clear the cities agree on what should be done," said Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at ASU's Morrison Institute. Local perspective While officials tackle the larger issues, like fears of Lake Powell and Lake Mead turning to dead pools, every Arizonan can help in small ways, likely in their own backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Most of us overwater outside, and it helps our cities," Porter said. "Second, we need to pay more for water so that our cities can make sure systems are efficient, replace infrastructure and find new supplies so we're not so vulnerable to the Colorado River." The Arizona mayors talked about their efforts to conserve water, sounding the alarm and promising to fight for every drop together. "The Colorado River is overburdened by climate change and a growing population. Mayors and business leaders are speaking with a common voice," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. "This coalition is about telling the story of the people, habitats and economies that the Colorado River supports. We're committed to being part of the solution and building a more resilient solution for all of us." What's next The current water agreements between the Western U.S. states runs out at the end of 2026. If the states fail to make a deal, the federal government or the courts may make a deal for them. The crypto platform Bullish (BLSH), the owner of CoinDesk, said it received $1.15 billion in proceeds from its initial public offering in stablecoins, which was the first for U.S. public markets. Most of the tokens were minted on the Solana (SOL) network and predominantly settled in USDC (USDC), the U.S. dollar stablecoin issued by Circle (CRCL), with Coinbase serving as custodian, the firm said in a Tuesday press release. The rest of the proceeds were settled with a range of dollar- and euro-pegged tokens: Circles EURC, PayPals PYUSD, Ripples RLUSD on the XRP Ledger, Paxos USDG, Societe Generales USDCV and EURCV, World Liberty Financial's USD1, Agora's AUSD and AllUnity's EURAU. Jefferies managed the minting, conversion and delivery of the stablecoins. Bullish debuted on the New York Stock Exchange last week. The move highlights the growing role of stablecoins, crypto tokens with prices anchored to external assets like fiat currencies, as blockchain adoption accelerates in payment flows globally. The se ctor is also getting increasingly embedded into traditional finance, with countries like the U.S. enacting rules under the GENIUS Act last month to regulate the sector. Earlier this year, Binance also opted to receive a $2 billion investment from Abu Dhabi fund MGX in World Liberty's USD1 stablecoin. "We view stablecoins as one of the most transformative and widespread use cases for digital assets," David Bonanno, chief financial officer of Bullish, said in a statement. "Internally, we leverage them for rapid and secure global fund transfers, especially on the Solana network." Read more: Wyoming State Debuts U.S. Dollar Stablecoin on Seven Blockchains Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, presides over the state House of Representatives as Rep. Ty Winter, a Trinidad Republican, speaks during the fourth day of the special legislative session on Aug. 24, 2025. (Photo by Delilah Brumer/Colorado Newsline) The Colorado Legislature is meeting in a special session to address a nearly $800 million hole in the state budget. Work began on Thursday morning and is expected to last through the weekend. After Republicans in Congress passed the federal tax cut and spending bill in July, Colorados estimated tax revenue collections shrunk by about $1.2 billion for the current fiscal year, which began July 1. Most of that is a loss of corporate income taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado has to have a balanced state budget, so lawmakers must figure out a way to get backed to a balanced bottom line. The Democratic majority in both chambers, alongside Gov. Jared Polis, plan to do that by dipping into the states reserves, cutting program spending and passing an array of tax laws to eliminate some deductions and loopholes. In his call for the special session, Polis also allowed bills on health insurance premiums and artificial intelligence regulations. A controversial AI law is set to go into effect next February and it has been a longtime goal of Polis and moderates to tweak it before then. Legislative action is live-streamed and archived on the General Assemblys website. Key Events Aug. 25, 2025 5:26 pm Negotiations on AI policy changes break down during special session Aug. 25, 2025 3:23 pm Colorado Legislature sends first set of special session bills to governor Aug. 24, 2025 10:03 pm Pair of artificial intelligence bills pass on first votes Aug. 24, 2025 4:50 pm Colorados AI law could be pushed back to May or October next year, per special session bills Aug. 24, 2025 3:14 pm Colorado Legislature passes bill to fund Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood Aug. 24, 2025 12:46 pm Lawmakers change funding for health insurance bill in special session Aug. 23, 2025 4:22 pm House approves six bills on third day of special session Aug. 23, 2025 3:46 pm House Democrats use chamber rule to end lengthy debate on tax bills Aug. 23, 2025 12:27 pm Colorado Legislature begins third day of special session Aug. 22, 2025 5:36 pm Amended AI bill proposes to delay implementation of 2024 law Aug. 22, 2025 4:00 pm Colorado Democrats want to raise revenue for food assistance program during special session Aug. 22, 2025 3:55 pm Senate ends work for the day as House sets slugglish pace for bill debate Aug. 22, 2025 12:45 pm Colorado Senate approves four bills on second day of special session Aug. 21, 2025 9:03 pm Senate gives initial OK to 4 bills on first day of special session Aug. 21, 2025 5:16 pm Lawmakers back off plan to pause Colorados wolf reintroduction program Aug. 21, 2025 4:41 pm Colorado state Rep. Ryan Armagost resigns early Aug. 21, 2025 4:13 pm Republican-backed artificial intelligence bills killed in committee Aug. 21, 2025 1:34 pm Colorado Senate committee approves bill to fund Medicaid reimbursements for abortion providers Aug. 21, 2025 10:46 am Special session on Colorado budget woes gets underway Negotiations on AI policy changes break down during special session The Colorado Legislature will not tweak the states artificial intelligence law during this special session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, a Denver Democrat who wrote the 2024 law and spearheaded negotiations on its possible changes, amended his special session bill to be a simple delay of the original law to June 30, 2026. That gives stakeholders 10 months to work out a deal on the controversial policy. My coalition reached a deal less than 24 hours ago. It only took a few more hours to undo that work. Overnight, the tech industry decided that they were so unhappy with the compromise that had been achieved by consumer protection organizations, educators, labor, and business that they would rather return to SB24-205, Rodriguez said on the Senate floor. This means that both AI bills from this special session to tweak the law instead became bills to punt the start date and extend time for negotiations between consumer groups, the technology industry and the business community. The Senate unanimously approved the amendment and is now debating the bill on the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last updated: 5:36 pm Colorado Legislature sends first set of special session bills to governor The first handful of bills from the special legislative session have landed on Gov. Jared Polis desk after winning final approval from lawmakers over the weekend and on Monday morning. Democrats plan to rebalance the state budget includes the policies passed this session to raise more tax revenue, a dip into the states reserve funds and a spending cut plan that the governor is scheduled to present to lawmakers later this week. Read more. Last updated: 3:37 pm Pair of artificial intelligence bills pass on first votes Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez (left) speaks with Sens. Lisa Cutter and Jeff Bridges on the Senate floor in the Colorado Capitol on Aug. 24, 2025. (Photo by Sara Wilson) Both bills on artificial intelligence gained preliminary approval in the Colorado Legislature on Sunday evening. House Bill 25B-1008 and Senate Bill 25-4 passed on a voice vote. The real test will be when the bills are up for final, recorded votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are both in their first chambers, despite most other bills considered this session nearing the governors desk. After it was amended, HB25B-1008 became a clean delay of the effective date for the states AI regulations to October of next year. Senate Bill 25-4 was a pared-down version of 2024 legislation that seeks to prevent discrimination at the hands of AI. It eliminated some requirements the tech industry found arduous, such as risk assessments, and retained the transparency piece. It took the core values of what was in (the 2024 bill) and reduced it down to just the core thing, that the developer has to give (deployers) the information to know how the system is trained and use, and to be also be able to have the deployer give the information to the consumer when a decisions is being made about them (using AI), Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, a Denver Democrat, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would relate to decisions regarding health care, education, finance and government services. Rodriguez pushed the start date for the bill from next February to next May in committee earlier on Sunday. He further amended the bill on the Senate floor. The bill now lets deployers tell affected people a general description of the information a system used to make a decisions, rather than a list of 20 specific personal characteristics, and allows the person to request that information within 90 days. Another amendment reduced the expected appropriation by about $275,000. An amendment originally considered liability, but Rodriguez removed it later on so all stakeholders can look at and agree to the framework. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That amendment clarified when liability for harm is placed on the developer, the entity that actually created the AI system, versus the deployer, the company or group that uses the AI to make decisions. If you a buy a system or utilize one to make decisionsand you dont change it, the business doesnt get sued. If (the developers) system was wrong, it requires them to take some liability, he said. Its a good thing for Colorado businesses and consumers, because they buy these things not knowing how it works. Any time were trying to open the transparency and knowledge of these systems, it promotes more trust. Lawmakers will reconvene on Monday for the fifth day of the special session. Editors note: This post was updated at 10:25 p.m. on Aug. 24 to reflect that the liability amendment was passed, but then rescinded later on in the evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last updated: 10:40 pm Colorados AI law could be pushed back to May or October next year, per special session bills Colorados artificial intelligence regulation would go into effect in May 2026 instead of February under changes made to a special session bill on Sunday afternoon. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved Senate Bill 25B-4 on Sunday afternoon, after four days of delay and negotiation on the topic. The bill is sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, a Denver Democrat. The start date delay has been an ask of the tech industry, some deployers of AI and Gov. Jared Polis. The amended bill could now have a fiscal impact of about $2.7 million, Legislative Council Staff analyst John Armstrong told the Senate Appropriations Committee, though that number is fluid as analysts get more information and the bill undoubtedly goes through more changes. The money would go to the governors Office of Information and Technology Office to hire staff across executive agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The uncertain budget impact incensed Republicans on the committee. Colorados AI regulation has been the center of controversy during the ongoing special legislative session. Rodriguezs bill to put guardrails on the technology is set to go into effect in 2024, despite worry about implementation among business and technology groups. Lawmakers and interested groups sought to reach a compromise during the regular lawmaking term this year but failed to do so, prompting Polis to include AI in his call for the special session. But the special session has proven to be tough timing for fruitful negotiations. A delay would give stakeholders the rest of the year and nearly the entire regular session next year to hash out a deal. Rodriguezs bill focuses on transparency requirements about how an AI system works and whether it could be discriminatory if it is used to make consequential decisions. It has the support of consumer groups and unions. Another bill, House Bill 25B-1008, was originally focused on disclosure for tools like AI chatbots, but it was rewritten to be a simple delay of the AI law until next October. That bill is bipartisan and is supported by the tech industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other amendments to SB25B-4 exempt a tool used to make probation decisions within the judicial department and makes some governmental AI disclosures subject to the states open records law. Both bills now await initial floor debates in their first chamber. Colorado Legislature passes bill to fund Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood The Colorado House of Representatives on Sunday passed a bill that would use state money to fund Medicaid reimbursements for reproductive health care providers, namely Planned Parenthood, that have recently faced federal funding cuts. Senate Bill 25B-2 was approved in a party-line 43-19 vote, with Democrats in favor. It passed the Senate on Friday, during the ongoing special legislative session that is focused on raising revenue to soften the impact of recent changes to the federal tax code. The bill now goes to Gov. Jared Polis desk for his signature. Read more. Last updated: 4:37 pm Lawmakers change funding for health insurance bill in special session Lawmakers now want to sell additional tax credits instead of borrowing from the states unclaimed property fund to shore up the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise fund, which pays for programs to reduce individual insurance market premiums. House Bill 25B-1006 aims to raise $100 million for that enterprise to soften the impact of the expiration of federal enhanced premium tax credits. Health insurance premiums for people who buy it on the individual market are expected to face an average of a 28% increase next year, with higher increases along the Western Slope. HIAE funds the states reinsurance for claims from high-cost individuals, subsidies for carriers on the states Health Insurance Exchange and the states OmniSalud program for undocumented people. It is possible Congress will extend or partially restore the federal enhanced premium tax credit in question, in which case the loan considered in the bill wouldnt happen. The bill originally planned to borrow money from the states Unclaimed Property Trust Fund. That is how it passed the House, but the funding mechanism was amended in the Senate Finance Committee on Sunday morning. We worked with the treasurers office to do this, broadening the pool to make sure were not having a negative impact on existing tax credit programs, like affordable housing, bill sponsor Sen. Kyle Mullica, a Thornton Democrat, said. The states treasury department would tap a third-party vendor to sell the tax credits to insurance companies and C corporations during this fiscal year. The credits would allow companies to essentially get a discount on future tax liabilities to the tune of 80 cents on the dollar the department could sell up to $100 million in credits that would then have a face value of $125 million. This $100 million is going to have a meaningful impact on folks, Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway told lawmakers on Sunday morning. But its not going to replace everything at the federal level. Its not even close. The bill would give the Legislature some time and breathing room to come up with a sustainable solution, Conway said. It is a similar strategy to another bill on the table this special session to raise revenue for the states General Fund. The Legislature also allowed the treasury department to sell tax credits to fund loans for small businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. HB25B-1006 now needs to get through the Senate Appropriations Committee. Last updated: 2:58 pm House approves six bills on third day of special session The Colorado House of Representatives gave final approval to six bills on Saturday, sending them to the Senate for consideration as part of the ongoing special legislative session. The bills focus on raising additional state tax revenue to help close the states nearly $800 million budget hole, which was triggered by federal tax code changes. Read more here. House Democrats use chamber rule to end lengthy debate on tax bills House Democrats used a seldom-used chamber rule to prevent debate on four of the bills after Republicans spoke at length about the first pair of bills. They used House Rule 16 to call the question end debate and immediately vote on the bill in question as debate on the second bill on the agenda extended past an hour. Before that, Rep. Sean Camacho, a Denver Democrat, accused Republicans of filibustering. If every member on this side of the room, he said, motioning to the Republican caucus, uses your full allotted 10 minutes to filibuster on bills instead of doing the peoples work, that costs the state $283. He was referring to the extra cost of operating the Colorado Capitol during a special legislative session. The remark drew anger from Republicans. I will not let them be accused of wasting the peoples time when they are telling the story of their district, Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, a Trinidad Republican, said. Dont make our fighting four our constituents to be a cheap trick, he said. Democratic leadership then used Rule 16 on the next four bills, and they all passed. Members are typically allotted ten minutes each ahead of the final vote on a bill, meaning that if all 21 Republicans used their time, debate would be over three hours per bill. The House is now doing initial debate and votes on the five bills that made it through committee yesterday. Democratic leadership limited floor debate to one hour per bill. Colorado Legislature begins third day of special session The House began work on the third day of the special legislative session around 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. The plan is do final votes on a series of tax-related bills and send them over to the Senate for consideration. Their first vote, after about two hours of debate, was a 43-19 approval of House Bill 25B-1001, which would make permanent an add-back for federal qualified business income deduction on state taxes. In federal law, some businesses can deduct up to 20% of their QBI for their taxes. It was set to expire this year, but the recent federal tax and spending law extended that tax deduction. The bill would continue to decouple Colorado from the deduction, so taxpayers making above $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 jointly would need to add back that federal deduction for their state taxes. Republicans argued that the federal deduction is important for small business owners in the state. This bill removes a key deduction passed in federal law. Its a deduction designed to level the playing field between large corporations and small businesses, Rep. Brandi Bradley, a Littleton Republican, said. But bill sponsor Rep. Emily Sirota, a Denver Democrat, countered that the bill just maintains the status quo in Colorado tax code. They still get this benefit at the federal level. In this bill, were not making tax policy change. We are simply extending our current tax policy, she said. The bills fiscal note estimates it will raise about $46 million in the current fiscal year and about $95 million in the next one. The House has five more bills on its calendar for final votes today. It will likely then head into initial debate on the bills cleared through committee yesterday. Amended AI bill proposes to delay implementation of 2024 law House Bill 25B-1008, one of the dueling artificial intelligence bills introduced by Colorado lawmakers during the special session, was gutted during its House Appropriations Committee hearing on Friday afternoon to become a simple extension of the controversial 2024 laws effective date. The bill would now push implementation of Senate Bill 24-205 until October 2026, rather than February 2026. The change was approved on an 8-3 bipartisan vote and now heads to the full House for debate. Thats where we are, so that we as a Legislature can come back to this issue and have a proper discussion when have time during a session. Doing this during a special session is quite difficult, Rep. William Lindstedt, a Broomfield Democrat, said. Im asking that we move out the date so we can do this responsibly during the next session. Read more. Last updated: 7:03 pm Colorado Democrats want to raise revenue for food assistance program during special session Colorado voters could be asked this November whether the state can keep extra tax money to fully fund universal school meals and offset lost federal funding for food assistance programs. The Legislature referred Proposition MM to the ballot during its regular lawmaking session earlier this year, seeking to raise more money for the Healthy School Meals for All program. Senate Bill 25B-3, being considered during the current special session, would tweak that proposition to allow any leftover money to cover costs associated with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Read more here. Senate ends work for the day as House sets slugglish pace for bill debate As of mid-afternoon on Friday, the Senate had adjourned and the House broke into committee work after moving through just two bills in floor debate. Senate Bill 25B-4, the artificial intelligence bill from Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, was originally scheduled for its appropriations committee hearing, but that is now delayed as sponsors work through possible amendments. The bill has an approximate $7 million annual price tag to retain more employees in the Office of Information and Technology and Judicial Department. The Senate will continue work on Saturday. The other AI bill, favored by moderates and the governor, is set for its own appropriations committee hearing in the House later on Friday afternoon. The House got through two bills for initial floor debate and voice votes in four hours. The chamber recessed around 2 p.m. for committee work, including for those four bills passed in the Senate on Friday morning. Colorado Senate approves four bills on second day of special session The Colorado Senate gave final approval to four bills on Friday morning, sending them to the state House of Representatives, as lawmakers continue a special legislative session convened to address a billion-dollar state budget gap triggered by changes to the federal tax code. Read more. Senate gives initial OK to 4 bills on first day of special session By the end of Thursday, the Colorado Legislature made it through the bulk of their committee work for the special session and the Senate gave its initial approval to four bills. Tomorrow morning, the Senate will have formal votes on those bills and the House will begin floor debate on its own set of bills. The bills the Senate considered on second reading were: Senate Bill 25B-1: This bill sets a process for the governor to notify and consult with the Joint Budget Committee on mid-year spending cuts needed to overcome a revenue shortfall, like the ones he is poised to do soon after this special session. The governor would be able to suspend and cut state funding, and therefore need to meet with the JBC, if the reserve needs to be tapped by up to 2% of the General Fund budget, or if that reserve is projected to dip below $1 billion. Senate Bill 25B-2: This would allow the state to pay for Medicaid services from organizations that provide reproductive health care, namely Planned Parenthood, that the federal government has withheld Medicaid money from. Senate Bill 25B-3: This changes a referred ballot measure in November to ask voters if the state can use extra money collected for universal school meals to also cover costs related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Senate Bill 25B-5: This bill would reallocate about $260,000 from the wolf reintroduction program to the state health insurance fund. It was amended in committee to still allow the capture and release of wolves this winter. The Senate still needs to take up Senate Bill 25B-4, the artificial intelligence bill focused on transparency and disclosure. That bill, backed by progressive lawmakers and consumer advocates, would require notification when people interact with AI and allow people to request information about how AI influences important decisions related to things like employment or school admissions. It awaits a hearing in the Appropriations Committee. Over in the House, committees gave approval to the series of Democrat-backed tax policies. The chamber will start debate on them tomorrow. Those were: House Bill 25B-1001: This would permanently extend a requirement that high-income taxpayers add back their qualified business income federal tax deductions when calculating their Colorado taxable income. House Bill 25B-1002: This bill would expand the list of countries that the state considers to be tax havens. House Bill 25B-1003: This would repeal a tax incentive for insurance companies that have at least 2.5% of their domestic employees in Colorado. House Bill 25B-1004: This would allow qualifying companies to pay certain state taxes early at a discount. House Bill 25B-1005: This bill would repeal a provision in state law that allows retailers to keep 4% of their sales tax collections, as a way for the businesses to cover the cost of collecting the taxes. A House committee also signed off on House Bill 25B-1006, which would loan $100 million from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund to prevent major health insurance premium increases. House Bill 25B-1008, the dueling AI bill, also cleared its committee even with some Democrats voting against it. That bill would require companies to tell consumers when they are interacting with AI and fold the technology into the states existing anti-discrimination and consumer-protection laws. Bill sponsors removed a provisions that would have only allowed the attorney general, not consumers, from suing developers and deployers that violate consumer-protection laws. Both HB25-1008 and HB25B-1006 need to pass the Appropriations Committee. Democrats, who make up a majority in both chambers, also killed Republican-backed bills in committee on Thursday. The entire House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee agenda, for example, was made of Republican bills that died. Last updated: 9:07 pm Lawmakers back off plan to pause Colorados wolf reintroduction program Colorado lawmakers gave initial approval Thursday to a bill to redirect a small amount of state money from gray wolf restoration efforts to a health insurance affordability fund, but stopped short of requiring Colorado Parks and Wildlife to pause the capture and release of new wolves this winter. With the Legislature convened for a special session to cope with a billion-dollar revenue shortfall triggered by changes to the federal tax code, Senate Bill 25B-5 would withhold $264,268 from the states general fund previously appropriated for wolf reintroduction. The money would instead be directed to the states Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise, which helps subsidize health coverage costs and faces an estimated shortfall of around $100 million after Congress failed to extend federal tax credits for insurance premiums. Read more. Colorado state Rep. Ryan Armagost resigns early Colorado state Rep. Ryan Armagost resigned from the state Legislature on Thursday, earlier than the September resignation he originally planned. He notified the House clerk on Thursday afternoon. House Republicans announced it shortly after. Read more here. Republican-backed artificial intelligence bills killed in committee Both Republican-backed bills on artificial intelligence died on the first day of the special legislative session, as Senate Bill 25B-8 and House Bill 25B-1009 did not make it through their respective committees. Because of the pace of the special session, I did not have the time I needed to refine the language for the standard our small businesses deserve, Rep. Ron Weinberg, a Loveland Republican, told the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee before he asked members to vote against his bill. His bill would have narrowed the definition of consequential decision in the states forthcoming artificial intelligence law to include decisions related to employment or public safety. The Senate bill, backed by Republican Sen. Mark Baisley of Woodland Park, would have broadly prohibited discrimination using any technology. Lawmakers are considering changes to the states artificial intelligence law, which was passed in 2024 and is set to go into effect next February, at the behest of Gov. Jared Polis. The technology business community worry about implementation of the law, which sets rules for companies that use AI in their decision making, while consumer rights advocates say the law it gives necessary guardrails for technology that can inform life-changing decisions. The Legislature will likely debate and vote on two competing AI-related bills backed by Democrats. Legislation from the sponsors of the 2024, Senate Bill 25B-4, law would strip the law to become essentially a disclosure policy. The other bill, House Bill 25B-1008, would extend existing civil rights laws and consumer protections to AI and require notice if a consumer is interacting with AI in some circumstances. The Senate bill passed its committee earlier this afternoon. The House bills committee hearing was ongoing as of 4:15 p.m. on Thursday. Colorado Senate committee approves bill to fund Medicaid reimbursements for abortion providers The audience of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee listens as senators debate a bill to use state funds for Medicaid reimbursements for abortion providers on Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Delilah Brumer/Colorado Newsline) The Colorado Senate Health and Human Services committee on Thursday approved a bill to use state money to fund Medicaid reimbursements for reproductive health care providers that have recently faced federal funding cuts. Senate Bill 25B-2 passed the committee on a party-line vote, with Democrats in favor. The bill was introduced because of the enormously negative impact of the federal Republican domestic policy law on Coloradans seeking abortion services and other reproductive health care, bill sponsor Sen. Jeff Bridges, a Greenwood Village Democrat, said. The law, which President Donald Trump signed in July, blocks certain abortion providers from receiving Medicaid funding. The bill would require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to use state funds to reimburse health care providers that are prohibited from receiving federal Medicaid reimbursements. The non-partisan Legislative Council Staff estimates the bill would cost the state a maximum of $4.4 million during the current fiscal year, which began on July 1. Jack Teter, the vice president of government affairs for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, said 991 appointments had to be canceled in the days after the federal law went into effect. Planned Parenthoods operations are now in limbo, Teter said, while challenges to the laws provision affecting abortion providers move through federal courts. We cant keep canceling peoples appointments and then trying to bring them back again, Teter said. Its not sustainable and its not fair to our patients. This bill allows the state to cover the difference for the Medicaid reimbursements and ensures we dont have to close our doors to those patients. During the committee hearing, dozens of Planned Parenthood volunteers and reproductive rights advocates sat in the audience, wearing pink clothing and showing their support for the bill. Teter said PPRM expects more than 150 supporters of the bill to come to the Capitol throughout the special session as the bill moves through the Legislature. We sent out a call to action to our incredible activists across the state, and people are showing up, Teter said. Its awesome. Last updated: 3:46 pm Special session on Colorado budget woes gets underway Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, speaks about the revenue shortfall faced by the state prior to the start of a special legislative session on Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Delilah Brumer/Colorado Newsline) The Colorado House and Senate gaveled in for the special session shortly after 10 a.m. After some procedural business, the chambers recessed to start committee work for the first introduced bills. Earlier this morning, the caucuses laid out their priorities in separate press conferences. Weve got our work cut out for us. Were back to address a $1 billion budget shortfall thanks to Trump and Republicans in Congress $1 billion that should be invested in Colorado, for Colorado, but instead is for tax breaks for corporations and the ultra wealthy, Senate President James Coleman, a Denver Democrat, said. The Republicans were less optimistic. When we walk away from this session, the Democrats will have increased taxes. The Democrats will have done nothing to cut General Fund spending thats the $700 million were in the red and the Democrats will not have rebalanced the states budget, Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Brighton Republican, said. In addition to finding solutions to that revenue shortfall, Gov. Jared Polis tasked lawmakers with addressing health insurance premium costs, tweaking the states artificial intelligence law and shoring up food assistance program funding. Committee work will begin around 11:30 a.m. Last updated: 10:56 am A top Democratic lawmaker will run for secretary of state in 2026. Rep. Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, announced her campaign Aug. 21, weeks after she stepped down from her position as House minority leader. Ohio's current secretary of state, Republican Frank LaRose, is term limited next year and running for state auditor. Russo told the statehouse bureau that she wants to restore public trust in elections and depoliticize the secretary of state's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think there's a lot of justified distrust in many of these offices, especially the secretary of state, because time and time again this office has tried to manipulate voters," Russo said. "It starts there with taking the partisanship out of it, not putting thumbs on the scale." Rep. Allison Russo, who served as House minority leader through June, greets people before Gov. Mike DeWine's State of the State address in March. Russo is the second Democrat to announce a bid for secretary of state, setting up a primary if both candidates remain in the race. Cincinnati doctor Bryan Hambley launched his campaign in January and has the backing of Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, according to his website. Hambley welcomed Russo to the race, saying democracy thrives on a competition of ideas. My fellow Ohioans have told me, loud and clear, that Ohio needs new voices in state government and a less partisan secretary of state, he said in a statement. This is why I am running: to make our elections fair and ensure Ohioans can hold politicians accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, who is term limited in his current role, is running on the Republican side. "They are playing musical chairs because theyve been blocked out of running for governor, which is what most of them wanted to do," Russo said of Ohio's GOP officials. "Regardless of who my opponent is, Im in this to restore transparency and integrity back to the secretary of states office." Russo was first elected to the Ohio House in 2018 flipping what used to be a Republican seat and served as minority leader for more than three years. She worked in health care policy before launching her career in public office. What does Ohio secretary of state do? The secretary of state wears multiple hats, chief among them being the role of Ohio's top election official. That person also sits on the Ohio Redistricting Commission and chairs the Ohio Ballot Board, which approves the ballot language for statewide issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russo credited LaRose for his focus on cybersecurity, but she contends he mismanaged the office in other ways. During his tenure, LaRose has faced criticism for voter purges and approving ballot language that differed substantially from the proposed amendments. LaRose is also a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, who recently floated plans to crack down on mail-in voting and voting machines, Reuters reported. LaRose repeatedly says Ohio elections, which allow absentee voting by mail, are effective and secure. "Many of the actions that we see coming from the president of the United States have been to prevent people from voting, period, and to rig elections," Russo said. "I think Ohioans have seen the damage that gets done when elections are rigged." State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@gannett.com or @haleybemiller on X. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Allison Russo launches campaign for Ohio secretary of state in 2026 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) Allison Winter and Caitlyn Kurtz of the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois joined WCIAs Taylor Mitchell to talk about the Community Commitment Grant Cycle. This annual cycle has been open since Aug. 1 and it will close on Aug. 31. During the cycle, the foundation is distributing over $200,000 to support nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit partners of the foundation have until the end of the month to get their durable goods requests in, for which they can be awarded up to $7,500. Community Spotlight: Coles Co. Relay for Life Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundation has a nine-county service area and is aiming to help nonprofits during the grant cycle. These specific grants arent typically attainable from the state or government, so this cycle provides a unique opportunity for nonprofits across Central Illinois to strengthen their missions. To find the application, visit the foundations website and look for the Community Commitment Grants section. For questions on the application, call the foundation at 217-359-0125 or email them at info@cfeci.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 WCIA.com. The first two months of meteorological summer in Phoenix have been the 18th-hottest on record for the city. A brutal heat wave that rolled in this week is expected to linger into the weekend, boosting August's average temperature, too. It is yet another example of an extreme heat event that Phoenix is forced to endure. Dangerous heat will be building in the western U.S. during the middle of the week. Some of the hottest temperatures will target southern Arizona, including Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs. An extreme heat warning has been posted for the city starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday and continuing to 8 p.m. Friday. "An Extreme Heat Warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur," reads the warning statement issued by the Phoenix National Weather Service office. "Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. Overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop and, without intervention, can lead to heat stroke." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phoenix is expected to hit highs of 110 degrees or hotter from Wednesday through Sunday. These prolonged stretches of scorching temperatures are becoming more common not only in Phoenix but in several cities across the country, according to a recent study. Climate Central, a nonprofit, recently did an analysis to examine how extreme heat streaks are changing for 247 U.S. cities. It defined an extreme heat risk as "a period of three or more consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding the 90th percentile of each location's daily maximum temperatures during the 1991-2020 normal period." Our warming world is supercharging extreme heat events. Climate Central found that 80% of the cities it studied have seen an increase in multiday extreme heat streaks since 1970. The average increase for these 198 cities is two more extreme heat streaks each year compared to what they experienced in the early 1970s. The average annual streaks when Phoenix reaches a high of 108 degrees or more have jumped from three in the 1970s to five between 2020 and 2024. "We're seeing what happens when climate extremes collide with growing cities and aging infrastructure," climate scientist Zachary Labe with Climate Central told The Weather Channel. "The choices we make now will shape how livable these places are in the decades to come." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The health risks from prolonged periods of extreme heat are well-documented. Officials in Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, have reported 35 confirmed heat-related deaths so far this year. The death toll caused by heat has spiked over the past couple of years in Phoenix. There were 61 heat-related deaths reported in 2014, but there were nearly 10 times that number reported in both 2023 and 2024. Extreme heat is affecting nearly every part of daily life in Arizona, straining agriculture, transportation, and the state's power grid. "Extreme heat often interacts with and worsens other climate-related problems," added Labe, per The Weather Channel. "Longer heat waves can dry out soils, intensify drought conditions, and increase the risk of wildfires." The heat is also taking a toll on tourists in several Southwest states. Nevada implemented a seasonal safety measure at its Valley of Fire State Park, closing some of its popular trails from May 15 through Oct. 1. "Extreme heat and hazardous weather conditions have contributed to numerous search and rescue operations in past seasons," according to park officials. Lake Mead, on the border between Nevada and Arizona, also has annual seasonal trail closures because of hazardous heat. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area had to close additional trails in June after one hiker succumbed to the heat and another 33 had to be rescued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A family had to be rescued by the Phoenix Fire Department in late June after several children couldn't complete a hike on the Holbert Trail at South Mountain because of the heat. Five mountain rescue teams responded because of the size of the family, which consisted of five adults and six children. 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. Vice President JD Vance was branded a condescending prick and more this week over the way he claimed to have welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into the Oval Office on Monday. In a Wednesday interview with Fox News Laura Ingraham, Vance recalled telling Zelenskyy just before his meeting with President Donald Trump: Mr. President, so long as you behave, I wont say anything. Zelenskyy, Vance said, just chuckled a little bit. Vance: Zelenskyy walked into the oval office. I was chatting with him I said Mr. President, so long as you behave, I won't say anything. It was a good little icebreaker pic.twitter.com/4uuylpjc8m Acyn (@Acyn) August 20, 2025 Vance described the remark to Ingraham as a good little icebreaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vice president, though, had previously clashed with Zelenskyy during a February Oval Office meeting when he accused the Ukrainian leader of not showing enough gratitude for U.S. aid to combat Russias ongoing invasion. So, critics on social media werent impressed with Vances take: When Vance recounts this icebreaker, it reads less like confidence and more like a rebranding effort. SleuthyFella (@SleuthyFella) August 21, 2025 I'm glad he showed everyone how disrespectful he is. Now he can't deny it. Rick Compton (@rickcomp52) August 20, 2025 What an incredible nasty jerk he is. Diane Biegel (@DiDi2009) August 20, 2025 Bully boy, thats not how you treat a man who is showing the world what leadership is, you are appalling RMB (@RachelMorag99) August 21, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What an idiot! Its Vance who owes Zelensky an apology for his stunt on February 28th. And I have no doubt that he would attempt another humiliation if European leaders didnt accompany Zelensky to Washington. Paul Carr (@worldpaulcarr) August 21, 2025 Hes such a jerk Mark Stephen Levy (@TheRealMarkLevy) August 20, 2025 What a condescending prick. Greg Dolan (@gdolan7473) August 20, 2025 The absence of self-awareness Steven C. Svekis (@SSSSvekisSports) August 21, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A graduate of the Ted Cruz School of Charm. Greta (@GretaGrace20) August 21, 2025 Related... Read the original on HuffPost Congressional stock portfolios are emerging asa major issue in the 2026 election cycle. Representatives and senators from both sides of the political aisle have drawn scrutiny for selling or buying stocks at suspiciously fortuitous moments. Critics say members of Congress have access to inside information about laws that will affect key sectors. Democratic U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California and her husband, Paul, are the most frequent targets of criticism from the right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspiciously-timed stock trades that generate windfall profits seem to be a peculiar feature of the modern Congress, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis posted earlier this month on Twitter. Pelosi and company do better than the best investment funds in the world. Gee, I wonder why that is? Pelosi denies that shes improperly traded stocks. Republicans have drawn heat for their trading too: Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. of Pennsylvania is a prominent recent example. Insider trading, the practice of trading on an exchange using confidential information, is already a federal crime. But some, including a few vocal members of the Florida delegation, say more should be done to legally bar members of Congress and their families from trading stocks. Members of Congress must, by law, report most stock trades within 45 days of making them. But the law is routinely flouted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, a U.S. Senate committee debated the Republican-sponsored Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act, which would ban members of Congress and their spouses children from holding, buying or selling stocks. Members would be allowed to invest in mutual funds. The bill passed with every Republican except its sponsor voting against it. Included in the no votes? Floridas Sen.Rick Scott. We asked Floridas congressional delegation about stock trading. Opinions are split. Heres a breakdown. For a total ban Sen. Rick Scott, Republican As Ive said many times, I support a ban on members of Congress trading stocks, Scott posted to X earlier this month. Ive voted for it before, and Id vote for it again. However, Scott voted against the bill that would ban stock trading by members of Congress at the July committee hearing, arguing it could force congressional candidates to sell their businesses prematurely. He also wants to include language mandating an investigation into Pelosis stock trades. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, Republican The Congressman believes Nancy Pelosi-style insider trading should be banned and is supportive of any effort to add transparency and accountability into the system, a spokesperson for the Panhandle-area representative wrote in an emailed statement. Rep. Kat Cammack, Republican Draining the swamp starts with turning off the tap! While the average person is working hard to pay their bills, too many elite politicians are getting rich off insider deals. Thats wrong. Thats corrupt. And its got to end, Cammack, a Gainesville-area representative, said in a statement. My husband and I dont trade stocks because public service isnt about padding your pocketsits about fighting for the American people. Thats why I co-sponsored the TRUST in Congress Act. If Congress wants to earn back your trust, then its time to END the stock scam once and for all! Rep. Cory Mills, Republican For far too long, people have basically turned politics into a career, the Deltona-area congressman said in a May speech on the House floor. Banning stock trading for members of Congress and their spouses should not be something that is in question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Mills cosponsored a bill that would require members and their families to sell their individual stocks or put them in blind trusts. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, Republican Serving in Congress is a public service, NOT a path to personal profit, Haridopolos, the Palm Bay-area representative, posted to X earlier this year. Its time to pass a stock trading ban for Members of Congress and restore public trust. Rep. Darren Soto, Democrat I believe members of Congress and spouses should be banned from trading stocks. We deal with countless issues that affect the economy, and many of these trades become a clear conflict of interest or worse, Soto, a Kissimmee-area representative, said in a statement. I have not owned any individual stocks as a member of Congress. I am also open to cosponsoring any legislation that addresses this issue. Rep. Maxwell Frost, Democrat The Orlando-area congressman did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I only need 5 minutes to complete my financial disclosures every year cause I own zero stocks, Frost posted to X earlier this year. The same should be true for all members of Congress. We must ban Congressional stock trading. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Republican The Pinellas Republican has been among the most vocal opponents of congressional stock trading, decrying the practice in numerous recent media appearances. She said she plans to force a House vote on the matter. Banning stock trading will NOT cost us the Republic. It will help save it, Luna posted to X earlier this month. If that ruffles feathers in Congress, so be it. The ones complaining are usually the ones profiting. Rep. Kathy Castor, Democrat In 2012, the Hillsborough and Pinellas representative cosponsored the bill that established the law requiring disclosure of congressional stock trades. Now, she says its time to end the practice entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several thoughtful proposals have been introduced, and each has important merits to be considered. But what matters most is that we deliver a reform that can actually pass and restore confidence in government. That will take meaningful and bipartisan conversations to hammer out a solution that is both strong and realistic,she said in a statement. I am committed to working with colleagues across the aisle to ensure that whatever bill emerges is enforceable, fair and sends a clear message that we are here to serve the American people, not stock portfolios. Rep. Greg Steube, Republican Rep. Steube supports a ban on congressional stock trading as well as close oversight of all transactions made by spouses and relatives of lawmakers, a spokesperson for the Sarasota-area representative wrote in an emailed statement. He is also the one and only cosponsor of the PELOSI Act in the House. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, Democrat Congressman Moskowitz is a supporter and co-sponsor of the TRUST in Congress Act from Reps. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) and Chip Roy (R-TX), a spokesperson noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the Palm Beach and Broward area representative faced heat from Republicans for buying stocks amid tariff-induced market turmoil. He said then that his finances are managed by an independent adviser. Against a ban Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Republican Congressman Bilirakis ... is supportive of the current law which requires full transparency of trading activity through mandatory disclosures by members of Congress and their spouses, a spokesperson for the Hernando, Pasco and Citrus county representative wrote in a statement. Insider trading is already illegal and undermines public confidence in the market. The Congressman believes anyone who knowingly violates the law by engaging in insider trading activities should face severe consequences. Rep. Scott Franklin, Republican A spokesperson for the Lakeland-area representative referred the Times to comments made by Franklin in response to a report that he failed to disclose dozens of stock trades on time. (Franklin attributed the late reports to a mistake by his broker.) [I] personally think a total ban would be a mistake," Franklin wrote. At every turn, the sacrifices necessary to serve in Congress continue to mount, while the benefits continue to diminish. Somewhere in between Sen. Ashley Moody, Republican Senator Moody would absolutely support legislation to ensure there is no appearance of impropriety as it relates to members and their spouses trading individual stocks, a spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement. Rep. Laurel Lee, Republican I believe members of Congress should be held to the highest ethical standards. Public service is a position of trust, and its critical that Americans have full confidence that their elected officials are acting in the best interest of the peoplenot their own financial portfolios," Lee, a Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk County representative, said in an emailed statement. I support efforts to increase transparency and accountability, and I am open to commonsense reforms. Ultimately, my top priority is to guarantee that the public can fully rely on the integrity of their representatives. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Republican I feel like the potential for unethical activity surrounding trading individual stocks is too high for members of Congress and their spouses, so I would be open to considering a bill that limits this,Buchanan, a Manatee and Hillsborough County representative, said in a statement. At the same time, I do think that members and spouses should be allowed to invest in diversified investment vehicles, like index funds and ETFs that track the S&P 500. Many of our members are everyday moms and dads making plans for their futures, and they, like millions of other Americans, should have appropriate access to our successful public stock markets. Rep. Byron Donalds, Republican Earlier this month, Donalds told Newsmax thatCongress should stop individual members from initiating trades, but it shouldnt ban members from having brokers make trades on their behalf. Donalds faced an ethics complaint in 2024 for failing to disclose more than 100 stock trades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson said Donalds, who represents part of Lee and Collier counties, is in good standing with the House Ethics Committee. Rep. Lois Frankel, Democrat Frankel, a Palm Beach County-area representative, noted she has relied on financial advisers to make investment calls. Shes never personally traded any stocks, she said. I believe this is an issue that should be thoroughly debated in Congress. In 2023, Frankel faced scrutiny when she sold stock in a bank weeks before it failed. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Democrat Reform is necessary because preventing Member insider trading is critical, so Im closely monitoring and evaluating possible legislative proposals and discussions," Wasserman Schultz wrote in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, OpenSecrets noted that the Broward-area congresswoman has violated reporting requirements around stock trading at least four times. Did not respond Rep. Neal Dunn, Republican The Panhandle-area congressmandid not respond to requests for comment. In March, the money in politics watchdog OpenSecrets reported that Dunn discloseda stock trade made by his wife more than a month later than law requires. A Dunn spokesperson told OpenSecrets then that therepresentatives familys trades are made by a broker without Dunns input. Rep. Aaron Bean, Republican The Jacksonville-area congressmandid not respond to requests for comment. Rep. John Rutherford, Republican The Jacksonville-area congressman did not respond to requests for comment. In 2022, Rutherford was accused of skirting stock trading reporting requirements, but he was ultimately cleared by the House Committee on Ethics. Rep. Randy Fine, Republican The Daytona Beach-area congressman did not respond to requests for comment. Rep. Daniel Webster, Republican The Central Florida congressman did not respond to requests for comment. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Democrat The southeast Florida congresswoman did not respond to requests for comment. Rep. Brian Mast, Republican The Port St. Lucie-area congressman did not respond to requests for comment. In 2021, Mast got national attention for failing to disclose investments in a space tourism company after the companys president testified before a subcommittee to which Mast belongs. Rep. Frederica Wilson, Democrat The North Miami-area representative did not respond to requests for comment. Rep. Mario Diaz Balart, Republican The South Florida congressman did not respond to requests for comment. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, Republican The Miami-area congresswoman did not respond to requests for comment. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, Republican The Miami-Dade and Monroe County representative did not respond to requests for comment. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Bakersfield Congressman Vince Fong is set to host a skilled trades Fair for high school students in the Central Valley. The fair is scheduled for Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon in Bakersfield at Associated Builders and Contractors located at 19466 Flightpath Way. Fong says the fair is the first of its kind in the district. According to organizers, the event will give high school students in the Central Valley the hands-on opportunity for career paths ranging from carpentry and electrical work to advanced manufacturing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will bring together community leaders, educators and employers to strengthen the workforce, Fongs office said in a release. All high school students in the Californias 20th District are encouraged to attend, according to organizers. Students can register to the event 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 KGET 17 News. Rep. LaMonica McIver is accused of assaulting officers on May 9 as they tried to arrest Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at the Delaney Hall migrant jail in Newark. (McIver photo by Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) New court filings from U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, who wants a judge to dismiss a federal indictment against her, allege the charging document excludes key details of what happened at a Newark migrant jail on the day prosecutors claim McIver attacked federal officers. The indictment, which hit McIver (D-10) with three charges of assaulting or impeding federal agents trying to arrest Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on May 9, leaves out that Baraka had left the facility when ordered, overstates the moments of physical contact between McIver and agents arresting the mayor, and obscures that McIvers actions were part of her federally authorized oversight duties as a congresswoman, the filings say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, McIvers legal team says, footage from federal officers body-worn cameras confirms her version of events. McIver has cited the video footage in court filings, but it has yet to be made public. The indictment is skeletal, exaggerated, omits context, and the video evidence squarely contradicts much of it, one of them says. McIver was at the migrant jail, called Delaney Hall, along with two Democratic colleagues, Reps. Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman. Baraka, a Democrat who at the time was running for governor, had already visited the jail that week to claim that the buildings owner began housing immigrants there before city inspectors had deemed it safe to open. Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and LaMonica McIver speak to the press in Newark on May 9,2025, about the arrest of the citys mayor, Ras Baraka. (Photo by New Jersey Monitor) The indictment alleges that when a security gate separating the Delaney Hall property from the driveway leading to it opened to let a vehicle through, the three representatives moved quickly inside to the secured area before the gate closed and then proceeded to an interior reception area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIvers filings say the three identified themselves as members of Congress, explained they were there to conduct congressionally authorized oversight, and were told to remain in a secured area for about an hour. During this time, she alleges, ICE was mobilizing its forces, with high-level federal officials reporting to the facility, munitions-filled vehicles taking formation in the parking lot, and about 15 armed agents assembling inside the gates. The indictment alleges this is when Baraka arrived with his security detail, told the guard at the gate that he was part of the congressional entourage, was denied entry at first, and then was allowed to enter the property. The guard was concerned about Barakas safety amidst the crowd of protestors outside the gate, the indictment says. McIvers filings say after Baraka arrived, the mayor spoke to the gate guard, who after 10 minutes then spoke to someone on his radio. After that, the guard invited the mayor and his security detail onto the property, her filings say. A U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent approached Baraka, according to the indictment, and ordered him to leave, spending about five minutes issuing multiple warnings that he would be arrested if he did not depart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIvers filings cite video footage to say Baraka had been standing peacefully and quietly inside the gate for about 40 minutes when a team of agents approached him and told him to leave. Baraka said he had been invited in, was waiting for the Congress members to exit, but was fine to leave. He turned to walk out, and McIver, Menendez and Watson Coleman then approached the circle of agents who were confronting Baraka. The indictment alleges that the homeland security agent said he was going to arrest Baraka, to which McIver said, Hell, no! Hell, no! As the agent ordered Baraka to place his hands behind his back to be handcuffed, the indictment says, McIver and the other Congress members surrounded Baraka and prevented agents from handcuffing and arresting him as the mayors security detail escorted him off the property. McIvers filings say the agents call to arrest Baraka came after the mayor had turned to exit the jails property. It cites video footage that claims to show an unidentified man not Congresswoman McIver moving between the agent and Baraka. Then, McIvers filings say, the agent allowed Baraka to leave the property. Alright . . . walk out, they claim the agent said to the mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIvers filings say federal agents then led the members of Congress toward Delaney Hall as if they were finally going to permit the Members inspection. Instead, the agent who had moments earlier said he was going to arrest Baraka took a phone call, then again said he would arrest the mayor. Even though he stepped out, I am going to put him in cuffs . . . per the deputy attorney general of the United States, the agent said, according to McIvers filings. This is the first allegation that the order to arrest Baraka came from high-level officials with the Trump administration, and not from agents at Delaney Hall. Its at this moment, both sides agree, that chaos erupted. Video footage of a May 9, 2025, confrontation between protestors and federal agents outside a migrant jail in Newark shows Rep. LaMonica McIver (in red) pushing one of the agents. (Courtesy of the Department of Homeland Security) Now outside the gate, federal agents again attempted to handcuff Baraka, according to the indictment, which says McIver hurried toward the agents as others yelled to circle the mayor. Once she was near Baraka, the indictment claims, she slammed her forearm into the body of one of the agents, reached out, and tried to restrain him by forcibly grabbing him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to McIver, when she, Menendez, and Watson Coleman saw Baraka getting arrested, they moved to the public side of the gate along with a phalanx of heavily armed and masked federal agents. She claims an unidentified man yelled out for others to circle the mayor, and the members of Congress and others did just that. Federal agents and protestors pushed toward the members of Congress, destabilizing the group, McIvers filings say. The members repeatedly asserted their federal status and instructed the agents not to touch them, one says. Agents nevertheless pressed in on the members as the crowd formed more tightly around them. The indictment claims that after Baraka was arrested, McIver used each of her forearms to forcibly strike an agent. McIvers filings say video shows any contact between McIver and agents happened after an ICE agent shoved a man from behind, forcing him into the members of Congress and sending a torrent of jostling through the crowd. McIvers actions were a defensive reaction to that force, her lawyers say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIvers filings say an agent forcefully shoved her backwards as she returned inside the secured area following Barakas arrest. She said that force was so egregious she immediately said she wanted to file a complaint. After the mayor was taken into custody, the scene calmed down, and the three House members were finally given their tour of Delaney Hall, McIvers filing states. The Department of Homeland Security soon after this episode posted some video footage of the scuffle on social media, slowed down to highlight McIvers actions. McIver in her new filings says these social media posts harm her ability to have a fair trial. Congresswoman McIvers contact with agents was a reactive, proportional response to what the government has apparently conceded to be a baseless, pretextual and clearly unlawful arrest in chaotic circumstances that federal agents themselves instigated, her attorneys wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors dropped the trespassing charge against Baraka just days after his arrest, leading to a rebuke from the judge overseeing the case. Baraka is suing the federal government for malicious prosecution and false imprisonment. Morgan Leason contributed. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CONNEAUT The Conneaut Area City School Board voted 3-2 on a new cellphone policy for the district at a Wednesday meeting. CACS Superintendent Lori Riley said the district is changing its policies because of changes to state law. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a law requiring state school districts to put policy in place by January 2026 prohibiting cellphone use by students during the instructional day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riley said the new policy has carve outs for lunchtime and students in grades 9-12. Were going to test that out and see how it goes, she said. If we need to revise it before January 1st, we will. The two no votes were from board members Eric Nesbitt and Russ Coltman. Nesbitt read a statement on his opposition to the new policy before the vote. I cannot support this policy in its current form, he said. While I do understand that the intent is to reduce distractions and cyberbullying, I do not believe that restricting access to phones during the school day will solve these problems. Nesbitt said district faculty should be held to similar expectations as students in regards to technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High school students should be allowed more responsibility and access to technology, he said. High school students are preparing for college, work and adult life, and we should help them to learn and manage technology responsibly, rather than ban it outright, he said. Nesbitt said cellphones play a more prominent role in modern work and life. We should adapt our policies around technology, and not by eliminating access to it, he said. Coltman said he agreed with Nesbitts statement, children should be taught how to use cell phones and other new technology responsibly, and dealing with the issue should be left to the discretion of school districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Coltman and Nesbitt said their opposition relates to the states involvement in the issue and not to district administration. I want to thank Mrs. Riley and our administration for the work that went into drafting this policy, Nesbitt said in his statement. The school board accepted a contract from the city of Conneaut for a second school resource officer for the district. Riley previously said she was interested in a second SRO so one could be stationed at Conneaut Middle and Gateway Elementary schools, and the other could be at Conneaut High and Lakeshore Primary schools. Riley said Robert Gifford is the new SRO. Tim Rose is the districts current SRO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District Treasurer Jackie Miranda said federal grant support for the district totals around $1,833,000 this year, an increase of around $55,000. The board heard a presentation from Conneaut High School band teacher Madisyn Mason. Mason said CHS has one of the largest bands in the county, behind Edgewood and Jefferson. Plans are moving forward for a band trip to Florida in February 2026, but the travel agent is working on the logistics of the flight, she said. Our agent is watching the costs. The costs are a little high right now, Mason said. Its sitting at about $300, so [the agent] is waiting until it goes down a little. South Dakota Republican congressional delegates, from left, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Sen. Mike Rounds and Rep. Dusty Johnson speak at Dakotafest in Mitchell on Aug. 20, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) MITCHELL Farmers and conservation organizations welcomed the additional funding for some conservation programs President Donald Trump signed into law this summer. But they also worry there wont be enough federal staff around to ensure the programs success. The topic came up Wednesday during sessions with advocates and South Dakotas congressional delegation at the annual Dakotafest farm-and-ranch trade show in Mitchell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The One Big Beautiful Bill consolidated conservation funding by redirecting unobligated conservation funding from the Biden administration to popular producer-conservation programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in a memo on July 24 that the department would reduce its workforce and relocate most staff from Washington, D.C., to five locations throughout the country in North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Colorado and Utah. Mitchell farmer Gene Stehly speaks at Dakotafest in Mitchell on Aug. 20, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) The move would bring the department closer to the people it serves, Secretary Brooke Rollins said in the memo. Rollins planned to speak at Dakotafest on Wednesday but was unable to attend. Gene Stehly has farmed in the Mitchell area for 46 years. He said the staffing decision compounds an already unpredictable political atmosphere affecting agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stehly incorporated a no-till strategy, planted cover crops, added a riparian buffer and placed land into the Conservation Reserve Program over the last four decades, he told South Dakota Searchlight. He and his work partner wanted to save time and soil moisture, not realizing initially the benefit their decisions would have on productivity and overall soil health. None of it would have ever occurred without federal funding, Stehly said. The Conservation Reserve Program specifically increased profitability, he said. The program pays farmers and ranchers to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and maintain grass, trees and other plant species on enrolled acres. That helps prevent soil erosion, filters runoff that enters waterways, and establishes habitat for wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Invest in Our Land Executive Director Rebecca Bartels said farmers overwhelmingly voted for the Trump administration, and she had hoped to hear more about the USDA reorganization and staffing cuts from Rollins. The conservancy advocacy organization ran a booth at Dakotafest. Invest in Our Land Executive Director Rebecca Bartels speaks at Dakotafest in Mitchell on Aug. 20, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) A recent report from the University of Illinois projects that the additional funding will infuse another $2 billion into South Dakota conservation efforts over the next decade. Bartels worries not enough staffers will relocate out of Washington, D.C., to manage the USDA workload. Democrats on the House Committee on Agriculture expressed similar concerns and questioned Rollins reasoning for the reorganization in a letter last week. Its great that the funds are protected, Bartels said. Now how do we make sure they actually get used and that farmers have partners in getting these practices on the ground? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont want to see a dip in program use and adoption because farmers dont have the support they need to use these practices for the first time, Bartels added. Farmers are operating on razor thin margins, so to take a risk and take on a new practice is intimidating. Members of South Dakotas congressional delegation spoke to the benefits of the conservation programs during a Dakotafest policy panel. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, talked about his recently introduced bill to increase maximum annual payments from $50,000 to $125,000 for the Conservation Reserve Program. Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks at Dakotafest in Mitchell on Aug. 20, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) The program expires at the end of September unless it is re-authorized by Congress. I want to encourage conservation, Thune said. A lot of our conservation policies do that, but we also want to make sure that those are workable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would also provide cost-share funds for grazing infrastructure, like fencing and water tanks, and on conservation contracts that include grazing. It would also expand a program that helps landowners plant trees and create wetlands on enrolled acres, and make it easier to produce hay on land set aside for conservation during drought conditions. Thune said after the presentation that his office will pay attention to whether USDA offices are able to keep up with the workload. At the end of the day, theyve got a job to do, Thune said. We want to make sure they get it done efficiently and in a timely way so that producers know what the rules are and begin to make their planning decisions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:AI) is one of the AI Stocks In The Spotlight For Investors. On August 18, C3 AI and Brazilian power company Eletrobras announced a partnership that leverages artificial intelligence to modernize Eletrobrass electric power transmission network. The C3 AI Grid Intelligence tool will enable real-time fault monitoring and resolution across all of the companys operations centers. In 2024, the C3 AI Grid Intelligence tool was successfully implemented across 10 substations. Building on this success, the power company is now expanding the solution across all its transmission assets as part of the Eletro.ia program. C3.ai (AI) and Eletrobras Team Up to Boost Power Grid Reliability With AI Brightly-lit nighttime view of an electricity power grid with distribution lines and transmission substations. The Intelligence tool has been built on the C3 Agentic AI Platform, offering operators various benefits such as real-time context, accelerated fault response, and improved grid stability and compliance. According to the companies, the use of artificial intelligence will allow improving networks resilience and reliability at a large scale. Global energy expansion and resilience remains a primary company focus for C3 AI. Our work with Eletrobras reinforces C3 AIs position as the trusted Enterprise AI provider for critical infrastructure and highlights the power of our platform in delivering operational transformation across the global energy sector. -Thomas M. Siebel, Chairman and CEO, C3 AI. C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:AI) is an enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) software company involved in building and operating enterprise-scale AI applications and accelerating digital transformation. While we acknowledge the potential of AI as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 AI Stocks Analysts Are Watching Closely and 10 Trending AI Stocks in Focus This Week. Disclosure: None. The lesser prairie chicken makes its home in Eastern New Mexico (Larry Lamsa via KUNM) Last week, a Texas judge decided to vacate a decision to list the lesser prairie chicken on the Endangered Species List stripping away all federal protections from the grouse, which calls eastern New Mexico home. That has conservationists worried about the precedent this could set for other at-risk species in the Permian Basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Best known for a comical display of courtship during mating season, the lesser prairie chicken causes a ruckus every spring by inflating the bright orange-red air sacs on the sides of its neck and stamping its feet. Because of habitat loss from the fossil fuel and agriculture industry, the birds population has dwindled significantly over the years leading to a 90% reduction in its historical range . The birds road to recovery has been up and down over the past decade. It was first listed as threatened after a significant population decline in 2014. The following year, that decision was vacated on procedural grounds. After substantial review, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made the decision to relist the grouses population in New Mexico and the southwestern Texas Panhandle as federally threatened in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other populations in the birds northern range of Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma were separately deemed endangered and afforded stronger protections. This is when the state of Texas decided to sue in 2023 , saying the increased protections afforded to the grouse curtailed oil and gas production. Then, in a drastic shift in agency sentiment, the parent agency of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the Department of the Interior released a May memo asking the presiding judge over the case to undo their listing decision and dismiss the lawsuit. Interior argued they made a foundational error and didnt have the legal and scientific evidence to list the two lesser prairie chicken populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly thereafter, a judge in Texas vacated the 2022 ruling this month. That means that you can destroy its habitat, you can hunt it, you can shoot it, you can do whatever you want, subject to any rules that may be in place in the given states, said Jason Rylander, legal director for the Center for Biological Diversitys climate law institute. In a statement to KUNM, Permian Basin Petroleum Association President Ben Shepperd welcomed the ruling, saying the listing was legally flawed, scientifically unsupported and unnecessarily harmful to the communities, landowners and industries that have long been committed to voluntary conservation efforts for the lesser prairie chicken. On the other hand, Rylander is nervous about the precedent it sets for other species in the Permian Basin such as the dunes sagebrush lizard or Mexican spotted owl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What right do we have to decide that some species no longer have the right to exist on this earth, Rylander said. Because its more convenient for us to let them go? According to a March Federal Reserve report , New Mexicos oil production has boomed recently surpassing two million barrels per day last year. Thats double the output reported in 2019. A state economic report found the industry generated $15 billion in income for New Mexico in FY 2023. Overall, the United States is producing more oil than it has ever before . As it happens, the state of Texas including state oil regulators filed a similar suit against the lizards endangered listing last year. The dunes sagebrush lizard is native to southeastern New Mexico and across the border in west Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an effort to protect the lizard, Rylander said they have filed to intervene as the case snakes through the courts. As for the lesser prairie chicken, the Center for Biological Diversity is considering an appeal. What the Trump administration has done is essentially lawless, Rylander told KUNM. It doesnt have any foundation in science, and it is going to potentially cost the Lesser Prairie Chicken its chance at survival. UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) The Buckley Draw Fire has reached 446 acres and is 21% contained, according to the latest information from the U.S. Forest Service. Officials said they had their fifth drone intrusion during Wednesdays shift. Firefighters reported the drone and were able to land aircraft safely. Crews say they are working closely with law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate this intrusion of the TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction). Sierra Hellstrom, with the Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Management Team, says, I want to remind people that no photo of video or social media following is worth the risk of our firefighters on the mountain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When individuals fly private drones in the area of a fire, firefighting crews are unable to conduct air attacks on fires. Utah Fire Info notes that all air operations are grounded, leaving ground crews without necessary air support, when personal drones are in the area. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Stay out of fire area: Buckley Draw Fire nearly doubles in size This continued illegal activity is endangering firefighters and pilots lives, the U.S. Forest Service said. They are now asking anyone with knowledge about the incident to contact the Incident Management Team or the Provo Police Department with tips. Hellstrom says, It is a misdemeanor, and it is a criminal legal act. we will charge them if we are able to catch them. Active weather conditions Officials added that the fire reached its highest temperature on Wednesday, which raised concerns for the teams on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a predicted storm front is moving through the area the next few days, officials say there is a high chance of lighting in the area. Above average highs ahead of increasing moisture potential Aviation is limited during these strong unpredictable winds, and will work as able with the weather. There is high probability for lightning, which increases the danger to firefighters on the mountain, as well as potential for new fire starts. If lightning is visible, crews will disengage until it is safe to return to the line, officials said in the press release. Crews will continue to watch the western portion of the fire and rehabilitate areas where there is erosion concern. Firefighters staying on the mountain are continuing to build up the eastern perimeter firebreak and will also be working their way along the northeast corner to prevent spread further north towards Slate. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) New Mexico is now nearly a year into a major, 50-year plan to address the states water challenges. KRQE News 13 took a look at what leaders are doing to meet that plan on Wednesday. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dry Rio Grande through the metro is just one reminder of the continued strain on water in New Mexico. Since January, the state has earmarked nearly $400 million for various water projects. The punch line that youve heard before is we may be facing on the order of 25 percent less water in the future, said Tanya Trujillo, Deputy State Engineer, OSE. Theyre getting started on addressing New Mexicos water shortage, a problem thats expected to take decades to solve. This whole 50-year water action plan is not about proposing something, its about getting it done, said John Rhoderick, Deputy Secretary for Administration, NMED. Facing lawmakers on Wednesday, New Mexicos Environmental Department and State Engineer detailed elements of Governor Michelle Lujan Grishams proposed 50-year water plan. The plan includes a long list of ideas, from conserving water to finding new supply and protecting existing watersheds. The goal is to have boots on the ground and make something happen, said Rhoderick. One of the biggest elements the state is looking to tackle is how to cut down on leaky city water infrastructure. That utilizes satellite imaging to look at a community and look at the ground and identify potential leaks using that satellite information, said Rhoderick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using the technology now to find leaks in Truth or Consequences and Cloudcroft, officials said theyve seen a 90% success rate. It will wind up saving them in the neighborhood of 150 million gallons of finished water, now that theyve closed those leaks, said Rhoderick. Some lawmakers feel its a good start, but theres much more to do. It looks to me like everything else were doing, brackish water and fixing leaks in community water systems and such, not is just nibbling around the edges, said Senator Larry Scott (R-Hobbs). Nearly $64 million of state water project funding is earmarked for protection and restoration, including about $20 million for cleaning up contaminated sites. Click this link to read the states 50-year water 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir visits troops in Gaza, planning for Gaza City invasion, August 21, 2025. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON The IDF's plans to invade Gaza City are not about reservist numbers, but whether the IDF can prevent Hamas from fleeing again, hidden among civilians. The big headlines regarding the IDFs potential Gaza City invasion might there still be a new ceasefire deal right before or after it starts? focused on the number of reservists and mandatory service soldiers who will be involved. Five full invading divisions means somewhere between 25,000 and 50,000 soldiers actively invading, similar to at the start of the war, and the 110,000 to 130,000 potential reservists involved also echoed the early war highs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after 22 months, these numbers strategically speaking if not irrelevant, are not the main issue anymore. They will have an intense impact on the Israeli population and may continue existing problems with overuse of the reservists and with risking the lives of some sectors of Israel in the military as the haredi sector continues to resist being drafted. But there are bigger issues at stake. All that really matters now is whether the IDF puts into motion plans and tactics to prevent Hamas forces from fleeing Gaza City with the rest of the one million civilians who would flee. This is one of the main stories of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF is worried about: 1) Israeli soldiers being killed by Hamas; 2) Israeli hostages being killed by Hamas; and 3) Palestinian civilians being killed by Israeli soldiers. To avoid these three problems, it just lets everyone including Hamas flee any area it invades. This is why since March, the IDF has only killed 2,100 Hamas fighters, according to Wednesdays update by the military. That is an average of about 350 per month, compared with the early months of the war when the IDF was killing thousands of Hamas terrorists per month. Once Hamas figured out it could just keep moving anytime the IDF moved the Palestinian civilian population first, it became very difficult to target large groups of Hamas forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF made a very big deal recently when it defeated the Hamas battalion inBeit Hanun a grand total of about 30 terrorists. (Earlier in the war, a battalion usually meant about 1,000 Hamas fighters.) This shows how hard it has been for the IDF to find Hamas fighters concealed within the local Gaza population. So, what could the IDF do differently? It could rush the infantry into parts of Gaza City without starting off the attack with massive bombing and artillery fire first to try to catch Hamas fighters off guard before they can flee. This would entail more risk to Israeli soldiers on the front line confronting Hamas attackers, but that is exactly what Israel should be hoping for. IDF could surround Gaza City, slowly evacuating residents to root out Hamas terrorists It could surround Gaza City and slowly evacuate Palestinians a few dozen at a time, inspecting every evacuee to reduce the chances of Hamas fighters being able to flee camouflaged into a crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would make the operation much slower and also might expose IDF soldiers to more attacks, but it would be less dangerous to Palestinian civilians than sending IDF forces in before a mass evacuation. The difference can be analyzed by looking at the results of the IDFs takeover of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City in November 2023 and then again in March 2024. In November 2023, not a shot was fired inside the hospital, as the IDF allowed thousands of Palestinians to evacuate en masse without checking for Hamas fighters fleeing among them. No one was harmed from either side, and what the IDF accomplished for the most part was taking over the area and seizing Hamas weapons, communications, and intelligence-gathering equipment. This is also most of what the IDF has been doing for the last six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, in March 2024, the IDF surprised Hamas by first surrounding the hospital and then sending in an invasion force. There was significant fighting, and hundreds of Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters were killed and hundreds more arrested. The hospital also sustained far more damage, and there was more harm to Palestinian civilians and to IDF soldiers. But it actually impacted Hamass forces, including senior commanders. All signs are that the IDF and the cabinet will make the same mistake this time that they have made with other incursions, letting Hamas escape. But if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is going to walk away from another hostage deal to try to deal a deeper blow to Hamas, then continuing to let their fighters flee is not an option. DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo. A contractor from Norwood, Missouri, was arrested on Wednesday, August 20, on a Douglas County grand jury indictment for stealing over $800,000. Robert Smith mugshot (Courtesy: Douglas County Sheriffs Office) Robert Smith, 44, was charged with three counts of stealing more than $25,000 and three counts of stealing $750 or more, according to a social media post from the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. Ava man faces multiple child sex crime charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DCSO alleges that Smith had collected over $800,000 from six different victims in Douglas County, but he never built the structures or purchased the supplies needed to do the work he agreed to. The Mountain Grove Police Department and MSHP Troop Gs Relentless Pursuit Taskforce apprehended Smith in Wright County on Wednesday, Sheriff DeGase says. His bond is set at $50,000, cash only. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 21With less than a week left before Decatur's 2025 municipal elections, contributions for two of the four mayoral candidates are officially up to $121,838. According to the Alabama Secretary of State's Office's website Wednesday, Kent Lawrence leads in these final days with $82,784 in contributions. Billy Jackson reported $39,054 in contributions through Monday. The election is Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A candidate does not have to report contributions or expenses to the state if he or she doesn't cross the $1,000 threshold. Butch Matthews said Wednesday that he reported a single $100 contribution to the Secretary of State. Matthews, who is making his fourth attempt at becoming mayor, said he doesn't have as many signs as in the past. "I'm talking to people and waving at people," Matthews said. "I'm paying for the campaign myself." Wiley had not passed the $1,000 threshold as of Wednesday, according to an official in the Secretary of State's Office. However, Wiley said she received $1,800 in contributions and spent $1,600 of it on her campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't owe anybody anything," Wiley said. "I don't have a consultant, an image maker or an entourage. I'm a self-confident woman who can go into a room and talk to anyone. I'm talking to a boatload of people, one coffee cake at a time, three or four people at a time. That's how I am." Jess Brown, a retired political science professor, said it's important to look at financial disclosures. He said often candidates get support from friends and close business associates, many of whom would already have access to the candidates if elected even if they didn't give money. "The questions become who gave money and how much did they give," Brown said. "If they don't know the candidate well, they could be looking for access and influence." Brown said there are some with vested interests in municipal elections, particularly developers, contractors and real estate investors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Those people know that city government always impacts their business," Brown said. Brown said he was surprised that $82,000 was the most any mayoral candidate had received so far in Decatur. He said $500 or $1,000 is a small contribution in most municipal elections. Jackson said Tuesday that he is pleased with where his campaign sits financially at this point in the race. "Our goal initially was to be somewhere between $45,000 and $50,000," Jackson said. "We thought that this would allow us to run a viable and productive campaign." According to the state, Lawrence reported 175 contributions averaging $597. In contrast, Jackson's 122 contributions averaged $433. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawrence's largest contributions came from three groups. He got $3,500 from the Alabama Builders Political Action Committee, $2,294 from the Alabama Realtors Association and $2,000 from Gobble Fite. His largest individual contributors were $2,500 each from Brandon Price and Jack Fite, both builders, and Michael Ceci of Madison. Jackson's biggest contribution was $5,000 from E&F Group Homes, whose chief executive officer is listed as Tommy Cook. Henry Jackson and attorney Carl Cole each gave $2,000 to Jackson, who loaned his campaign $3,000 at the start of the race. Jackson said it means a lot to him that he's getting a large number of smaller contributions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People are giving what they can," Jackson said. "And we're very grateful for every contribution. You know it's harder on some people who are stretching their budgets to give to our campaign. They believe in our campaign and what we're doing." Lawrence has spent more than all of his competitors combined, with $59,316 in reported expenditures to the state. He reported that he has paid $38,100 to Strategy Management, a Montgomery public relations firm that specializes in running political campaigns. The firm's website says it ran the campaigns of Gov. Kay Ivey, Huntsville Congressman Dale Strong and local state Rep. Parker Moore. Jackson reported spending $21,303 so far on his campaign. Most of his expenses were on signs, billboards and T-shirts. His highest expense is $3,621 to Red Clay Strategies Political Consulting Firm, a Huntsville company founded by April Hodges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson said the campaign has been "very conservative in our spending," using the campaign funds on the basic necessities. "We're approaching this campaign with a lot of door-knocking, canvassing, phone banking and leg work," Jackson said. "Our campaign is a grassroots effort focused on meeting and seeing people. I've wore out a pair of shoes just trying to get out there." In response to an interview request, Lawrence sent The Decatur Daily an email through his political consultant. Here is a portion of that response: "When I got into this race I had one mission in mind: bring people together to move our city forward, restore trust in local government, and work with every citizen to ensure every voice is heard and our needs are met. I am incredibly thankful for all of the support I've received from people who have volunteered their time to help knock on doors, make phone calls, contribute to the campaign, host events, and more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The candidates were asked what they think the biggest focus of their campaign will in the final week. Wiley said safety, roads and "a lack of unity. We're always split 50-50" over certain issues. Jackson said his campaign's focus will be talking to as many people as possible who have not decided how they will cast their vote and explaining that he has the best qualifications, experience, education and training to be mayor. "When people say they want to move Decatur forward and still they're not necessarily picking the most qualified candidate, then it comes across as being insincere," Jackson said. "I want a Decatur where there's accountability and transparency, and I want a Decatur where everybody's voice is heard. I want people to be able to trust city government again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawrence said he thinks the biggest issue in the final stretch of the campaign is making sure everyone goes to vote. "It shouldn't matter who you support, you should vote. We are fortunate to have control of who our elected leaders are, and I would encourage everyone to make your voice heard by voting. Of course, I want to earn as many votes as I possibly can, so that is what I will be doing: talking to folks, meeting citizens, and working to earn their support," he said in the email. Council races The contributions in the City Council races and the single school board race are lower than the mayoral race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 1's Nick Perkins leads all council candidates with $15,065 in contributions. This haul features the single largest contribution of all of Decatur's races, $11,000 from Roy Priest, of Huntsville. In District 3, incumbent Carlton McMasters has the most contributions with $10,700. Opponent Mike Faruqui reported $5,331. This includes $815 in contributions from supporters while personally putting $4,519 into his campaign. Two of the four District 4 candidates reported contributions. Pam Werstler received $5,350, including $1,500 from North Alabama Forward PAC. Sarah French got $2,500 in contributions, including $1,500 from supporter Tommy Cook. In the two-man race in District 5, Barry Bullard received $7,949 in contributions while Harold Gilmore reported $1,250. bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2432 On Aug. 8, as the White House hosted the trilateral signing of a peace agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan and the United States, I spoke to a group of Armenian high school students from Los Angeles. We paused to watch the news conference on a laptop in the corner of our crowded room. Their faces curious, cautious and skeptical mirrored a sentiment across the Armenian diaspora: hope tempered by doubt, pride shadowed by mistrust. This conflicts roots run deep. After the Soviet Union collapsed, Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a brutal war over a region within Azerbaijans borders but claimed by both nations. Azerbaijanis call it Nagorno-Karabakh; Armenians call it Artsakh. A ceasefire held for years but left core disputes unresolved over territory, governance and the right of self-determination for the regions Armenian population. War erupted again in 2020. Backed by Turkey and armed with advanced weapons, Azerbaijan gained control of much of the disputed territory. The Trump administration did nothing to meaningfully intervene. For Armenians, it was a devastating loss of land, security, trust and cultural heritage. For Azerbaijan, it was a political and military victory that shifted the balance of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2022, Azerbaijan launched a blockade of the Lachin corridor the only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh to Armenia tightening its grip on a region already reeling from war. For the next 10 months, gas, electricity, internet, food and medicine were cut off to 120,000 Armenians, many of them children and elderly. Families rationed bread. Surgeries were postponed. Schools closed. I visited the region during this time and stood at the Armenian end of the corridor, where a silent convoy of trucks stretched out of sight up the road each loaded with food, medicine and basic supplies, each driver knowing they might never be allowed to deliver them. The air was heavy with frustration and helplessness. In the limited coverage of the siege, the isolated Armenians spoke in hushed tones, their faces drawn from months of fear and deprivation. The International Court of Justice ordered Azerbaijan to reopen the corridor, but Baku ignored it. I took pride when President Biden officially recognized the Armenian genocide a moral milestone decades overdue. But his administration failed to punish Azerbaijan during the blockade, and it failed to prevent what came next: Azerbaijans full-scale military assault on Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh in September 2023. The attack lasted just 24 hours but forced more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians virtually the entire population of the region to flee their homes. Centuries-old communities were emptied almost overnight, and families left behind homes, businesses and places of worship, uncertain if they would ever return. Ive felt conflicted watching the Trump administrations peace-making efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On one hand, I love seeing my country, the United States, stand with Armenia and prioritize Armenian issues on the world stage. On the other, this moment feels hollow. And to me, this reflects a deeper problem: U.S. policy toward the South Caucasus has long lacked consistency, accountability and the will to confront aggressors, no matter which party is in power. And in Washington, Armenians have few friends and weak representation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This agreement like much of U.S. foreign policy in the current administration is unmistakably transactional. Armenia gains U.S. security assurances and cooperation on artificial intelligence, including support for an emerging AI hub, which is meant to anchor its Western trajectory. Azerbaijan walks away with de facto immunity instead of being held accountable for its actions against the Armenians of Artsakh, as well as arms sales and a transit corridor to Turkey. The United States gets a geopolitical trophy: Trumps name on the corridor to Turkey, leverage in the region and an apparent diplomatic win to market at home. But this deal is far from complete. It omits the right of return for displaced Armenians to Artsakh, ignores the destruction of Armenians towns, homes and businesses, makes no commitment to preserve Artsakhs cultural heritage and says nothing about prisoners of war. For many in the Armenian diaspora, these are glaring and unacceptable omissions. On paper, the newly named Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, the link from Azerbaijan to Turkey, is billed as a neutral, cooperative route to be administered by the U.S. In reality, it raises serious questions about Armenias sovereignty. The corridor will run through Armenias southern Syunik province its only direct land link to Iran and could weaken Yerevans ability to fully control its own borders, regulate trade and ensure unimpeded access to a vital southern lifeline. At best, the Aug. 8 agreement offers a slim hope for a real resolution of the regions conflicts. If implemented fully, it could help build a more stable and prosperous Armenia for future generations. The challenge is in ensuring this deal yields a U.S. investment in reconstruction, accountability and lasting security, something more than a photo op. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even incomplete, flawed agreements can create openings. Armenias pivot West, which the deal underlines, carries risk, but it also offers the possibility of stronger security partnerships, economic renewal and cultural preservation, if those benefits reach the people who have endured war and blockade, not just the leaders who signed the papers. In recent years, Armenia has seen a surprising economic boom, driven by tech investment, tourism and a wave of returning diaspora talent. This fragile momentum could be strengthened or squandered depending on what comes next. I respect President Trump for pursuing peace agreements leaders everywhere should make peace their highest priority. The Armenian American students I met on Aug. 8, who carry the inherited pain of their parents and grandparents, deserve more than symbolic gestures or transactional deals. They deserve justice and the freedom to envision a better future for their ancestors homeland. Ultimately, that is the hope we all share. Jirair Ratevosian served as senior policy advisor for the State Department in the Biden administration. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. As the Trump administration continues to ramp up immigration enforcement actions, a group of lawmakers is suing Immigration and Customs Enforcement for placing restrictions on detention center visits obstructing Congress role in overseeing government functions. Twelve House Democrats filed a lawsuit challenging new guidelines that require advance notice for oversight visits and render certain facilities off-limits. No child should be sleeping on concrete, and no sick person should be denied care, said Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles). Yet thats exactly what we keep hearing is happening inside Trumps detention centers. Read more: Contributor: Voters wanted immigration enforcement, but not like this Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These lawmakers are right to seek access to detention facilities. Detention centers have long been plagued by poor conditions, so the need for oversight is urgent. With record numbers of migrants being detained, the public has a right to know how people in the governments custody are being treated. The U.S. operates the worlds largest immigration detention system, at a cost of $3 billion a year. This money is appropriated by Congress and comes with conditions. Under existing law , none of the funds given to Homeland Security may be used to prevent members of Congress from conducting oversight visits of any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security used to detain or otherwise house aliens. In addition, the law states that members of Congress are not required to provide prior notice of the intent to enter a facility. So ICEs attempt to place limits on oversight appears to be illegal. Read more: Contributor: Lawmakers are right to try to bar ICE agents from hiding their identities Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restrictions are also problematic because they claim to exempt the agencys field offices from oversight. However, migrants are being locked up in such offices, including at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles, and 26 Federal Plaza in New York City. In the former, one detainee reported being fed only once a day, at 3 a.m. In the latter, as many as 80 detainees have been crammed into a single room amid sweltering summer temperatures. These offices were never set up to house people overnight or for days or weeks. If they are functioning as de facto detention centers, then they must be subject to inspections. Congressional oversight of immigration detention is vital right now. The current capacity for U.S. detention facilities is 41,000. Yet the government was holding nearly 57,000 people as of July 27. That means facilities are far over capacity, in a system that the Vera Institute of Justice describes as plagued by abuse and neglect. No matter who is president, conditions in immigrant detention are generally abysmal. Migrant detention centers have been cited for their lack of medical care, poor treatment of detainees, and physical and sexual violence . In 2019, the federal government itself reported that conditions in detention were inhumane. At least 11 people have died in detention since January. This reality cries out for more transparency and accountability especially because Homeland Security laid off most of its internal watchdogs earlier this year. The ranks of detainees include asylum-seekers, teenagers , DACA recipients , pregnant women , journalists and even U.S. citizens . Most of the detainees arrested lately have no criminal convictions . These folks are often arrested and moved thousands of miles away from home, complicating their access to legal representation and family visits. A visit by a congressional delegation may be the only way to ensure that they are being treated properly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the lawsuit by House Democrats, Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Homeland Security, said : These members of Congress could have just scheduled a tour. Instead, theyre running to court to drive clicks and fundraising emails. She added that ICE was imposing the new limits, in part, because of obstructions to enforcement, including by politicians themselves. McLaughlin might have been referring to a May scuffle outside a Newark, N.J., detention center that led to charges being filed against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) and the arrest of the citys mayor. But this incident would not have occurred if immigration officials had followed the law and allowed lawmakers inside to survey the facilitys conditions. Indeed, the acting director of ICE, Todd Lyons, told a congressional hearing in May that he recognized the right of members to visit detention facilities, even with no notice. And the notion that any government agency can unilaterally regulate Congress runs afoul of the Constitution. The legislative branch has the right and obligation to supervise the executive branch. Simply put, ICE cannot tell members of Congress what they can or cannot do. The need for oversight in detention facilities will only become greater in the future, as Congress just approved $45 billion for the expansion of immigrant detention centers. This could result in the daily detention of at least 116,000 people. Meanwhile, 55% of Americans, according to the Pew Center, disapprove of building more facilities to hold immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICEs new policies violate federal law. No agency is above oversight and members of Congress must be allowed full access to detention facilities. Raul A. Reyes is an immigration attorney and contributor to NBC Latino and CNN Opinion. X: @RaulAReyes ; Instagram: @raulareyes1 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. After years of debate, a controversial street in central Berlin is getting a new name. Activists have long sought to rename Mohrenstrasse in the Mitte district, as the term "Mohr" was historically used in German to describe people of African descent in a derogatory manner. The word stems from the Latin "Maurus" ("Moor"), and it became associated with colonialism, slavery, and racist caricatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The street is now set to be called Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Strasse, after Anton Wilhelm Amo, the first known African philosopher and lawyer to obtain a doctorate at a German university in the 18th century. According to the Mitte district office, the first signs are already up and the official unveiling of the new signs is planned for Saturday. The change of address means that the Justice Ministry, which has its main entrance there, will have to make some adjustments. A spokeswoman for the ministry said that preparations were currently under way to change letterheads and internal forms. The same applies to the websites maintained by the ministry, email signatures and internal and external directories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All publications issued by the ministry will also be adapted accordingly. The majority of this work will be carried out internally, so that no additional costs will be incurred. According to the district office, the old street signs bearing the name Mohrenstrasse will remain crossed out in red below the new name for six months. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The Sioux City Police Department is asking for the publics help after a shooting took place near Cook Park on Tuesday night. Officials said at around 10:30 p.m. on August 19, they received a report of five to six shots fired in the 500 block of Market Street. When police officers arrived, authorities said lots of vehicles were leaving the scene. Law enforcement was able to stop one of the vehicles. The driver told police that two women were fighting and one of them allegedly pulled out a gun and started shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below Officials said a bullet hit a window at an apartment complex in the 400 block of Market Street. The bullet was located inside of an apartment and two shell casings were found near Cook Park. Sioux City Police told KCAU 9 that they reached out to both hospitals to see if there were any gunshot wound victims, but there were none. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said no arrests have been made at this time and the investigation remains ongoing. If anyone has information on this shooting information, contact the Sioux City Police Department at (712) 279-6960 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (712) 258-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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. (Reuters) -Australian graphic design platform Canva launched an employee stock sale that values the company at $42 billion, it said on Wednesday, ahead of a reported IPO this year. The stock sale comes at time when the company is investing heavily in AI tools for its more than 240 million monthly active users. Employees will be able to sell their shares to both new and existing investors in the funding round led by shareholder Fidelity Management, Canva said. JPMorgan's asset management division is joining as a new investor. "Identifying companies that can provide investors with pivotal exposure to breakthrough work in AI is an important pillar of our research in active management," Felise Agranoff, a portfolio manager at a JPMorgan Asset Management arm said. "We believe that Canva stands out in the design sector and can help create long-term value for investors." Canva Co-Founder and COO Cliff Obrecht said the funding round was "significantly oversubscribed". Details of the number of shares to be sold were not revealed. Launched in 2013, Canva is a web-based platform that lets users design everything from wedding invitations and birthday cards to social media posts and presentations. The company recently introduced AI-powered tools that allow users to generate designs and interactive elements using plain English. It reported annualised revenue of $3.3 billion. Technology-focused news website The Information reported last year that Canva's IPO was expected to happen in 2025. (Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru and Byron Kaye; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair) Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) defended Federal Reserve board of governors member Lisa Cook and expressed concern about President Trumps call for her resignation amid mortgage fraud allegations. What makes me concerned about this ongoing effort to pressure the Federal Reserve is that President Trump has recently demonstrated that, when he doesnt like the numbers, he will fire folks, Coons said in a Thursday interview on CNBCs Squawk Box. His firing of the leader of the Bureau of Labor Statistics over softening economic numbers reminds me of someone who says, I dont like my weight, so Im going to break the scale, Coons continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im concerned that what may be happening here is that Bill Pulte from FHFA is trying to work for President Trump in pushing out members of the Fed, Coons said. Trump on Wednesday called on Cook to resign, shortly after Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte alleged on the social platform X that Cook committed mortgage fraud by designating two of her houses as her primary residence. Cook said she would not step down, noting she only learned Pulte was making a criminal referral from his social media post. She said the mortgage application in question is from four years ago, before she joined the Federal Reserve. I have no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet, Cook said in a statement. I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coons stressed the importance of Fed independence and expressed confidence in Cook, whom he said he has known for decades. Preserving Fed independence is important for our economic stability and security. Globally, we are the leading capital markets. And in countries where the monetary policy is controlled directly by the executive, by the elected official who runs the country, its a negative, Coons said. So I have confidence in Lisa Cook. Ive known her for decades. And Im concerned about the trajectory here of trying to put a thumb on the scales. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SYRACUSE, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) A former Mid-State Correctional Facility officer learned his fate in United States District Court on Wednesday in a 2023 assault at the prison. First reported by syracuse.com, Brandon Montanari was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison by Chief US District Judge Brenda Sannes after pleading guilty to deprivation of rights under the color of law, a felony. Two other correction officers Rohail Khan and officer trainee Michael Williams pled guilty to the same charge. Attorneys for the defense had moved for probation. However, Judge Sannes allegedly said that she did not think Montanari had accepted responsibility for the assault, which she called disturbing and an egregious abuse of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sannes also noted that a sentence less than what was given would not be a just punishment or provide any deterrence to commit similar crimes. The three were accused of beating James Barton at Mid-State Correctional Facility in April of 2023. According to a statement by Monanari made in his plea agreement, Montanari, Khan and Williams led Barton into a prison hallway, when Williams told Barton to put his hands against the wall. The three officers then began punching and kicking Barton, eventually sweeping his legs out from under him and pinning him to the ground. He was then put into a chokehold as another officer punched him. Barton was then taken back to his cell. According to the agreement, he was attacked the next day, getting knocked unconscious. Montanaris plea agreement also stated the three officers then agreed to lie and deny any involvement in the assault when questioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I recognize how difficult it is to work as a corrections officer in New York State, but nobody is above the law, US Attorney John Sarcone said in a statement. It is unacceptable for a corrections officer to assault an inmate. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate these types of incidents and, where appropriate, bring federal criminal charges. Montanari has been suspended without pay by the Department of Corrections for the last two years. Khan was fired in the fall of 2024 and Williams was fired in July 2023. According to Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, none of them have faced any state charges. Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, September 26. Khan will hear his sentence on Monday, September 29. Barton has a parole hearing he is currently serving 10 years to life for predatory sexual assault against a child scheduled for next year. He was eventually moved to a different state prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Sannes declared that Montanari must surrender himself to authorities in September. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. The leader of Wakefield Council has said the authority will be "carefully considering the implications" of a High Court ruling ordering the removal of asylum seekers from a hotel in Essex. On Monday, Epping Forest District Council was granted a temporary injunction blocking migrants from being housed at The Bell Hotel in Epping. The ruling has led other councils to consider launching legal challenges against the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers in their areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Wakefield, where councillors have previously attempted to take legal action over the use of the city's Cedar Court hotel to house migrants, Denise Jeffrey said she wanted asylum seekers to be provided with "more appropriate accommodation". In 2023, Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale councils took legal advice to try to block government plans to house more asylum seekers at hotels in their districts. However, the three authorities were told at the time they were unable to apply for injunctions to stop the Home Office policy, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. According to government figures, as of the end of June 211 asylum seekers were living in hotels in the Wakefield district, with 2,217 placed in hotels across Yorkshire and the Humber in total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to Monday's High Court ruling, Jeffrey said: "We want asylum seekers to be provided with more appropriate accommodation so that Cedar Court hotel in Wakefield stops being used to house them. "The government should instead work with councils, housing providers, and local communities to develop a comprehensive plan to meet their needs elsewhere. "We've been raising concerns about this with the Home Office since early 2023. "We're now carefully considering the implications of the High Court ruling to award Epping Forest District Council an interim injunction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Wakefield will continue to put our local communities first in everything we do." She added that the Labour government had a "dire inheritance" with a "broken asylum system". She said she supported the government's commitment to end the use of asylum hotels this parliament but urged ministers to go "further and faster". Home Office lawyers have acknowledged the ruling could "substantially impact" the government's ability to house the 32,000 asylum seekers currently living in 210 hotels across the UK if other councils pursue similar action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also warned that granting Epping Forest an interim injunction "runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further violent protests round other asylum accommodation". The government has pledged to no longer use hotels by the end of this parliament, but some contracts are in place until 2029. Border Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle has said the government will "continue working with local authorities and communities to address legitimate concerns". Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. More on this story Related internet links TAOS COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) There are gruesome details behind why investigators believe two men shot and dismembered an Army veteran in Taos County, and court documents suggest the man accused of pulling the trigger has no remorse. Bags of human remains recovered in Taos County, two murder suspects arrested Matthew McLaughlin, 25, an Army veteran from Virginia, was reported missing on July 31 by his mother. KRQE News 13 has learned by that point, McLaughlin had already been dead for nearly a week. You know, I think all of us were, were in a bit of a shock. We kind of had an idea of where this case may go based on where things were leading us, but I think the end result, that turn was unexpected. We didnt expect that at all, said Undersheriff Gabriel Ortiz in an interview on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Taos County Sheriffs Office said McLaughlins two roommates and former Army buddies, Rainor Joiner and David Degroat, confessed to shooting and dismembering McLaughlin. Putting his body parts in trash bags and dumping them along State Highway 64. Joiner said McLaughlin was talking ill of him and would bring strangers and drugs into their home. Joiner admitted to coming up with a plan to murder McLaughlin and told officers he doesnt regret it. We were floored, said Undersheriff Ortiz. Court documents offer a glimpse into Joiners dark state of mind. In his interview, he said his father told him he would grow up loving to kill, and went on to tell deputies, I did, I loved it, and it was easy. He also described himself as not normal in the head and said he always had a game plan to kill everyone around him, including his accomplice, Degroat. Just the sheer, no emotion, and basically he was like, yeah, I shot him, said Undersheriff Ortiz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joiner admitted he threatened to kill Degroat if he didnt help, and this wasnt the first time he had made threats against Degroat. A hearing to determine whether to hold the two suspects in jail until trial is set for September 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The Beit She'an Juvenile Court indicted the 15-year-old boy who stole approximately 4,500 shekels from one synagogue and is linked to a break-in at a different synagogue in the city. An indictment was filed in the Beit She'an Juvenile Court on Wednesday against a 15-year-old boy who broke into two synagogues in the city. The teen stole approximately 4,500 shekels in cash from the first synagogue. A complaint was filed about the incident, while led to investigators tracing the identity of the suspect, and linking him to another break-in at a different synagogue in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment was filed after a police investigation, and a request has been filed for his detention until the legal proceedings are completed. Jewish man arrested as suspect in arson attack on a Jerusalem synagogue Israel Police and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) arrested a Jewish man in his 20s suspected of involvement in the arson attack on a Jerusalem Synagogue in June. The scene of suspected arson and vandalism at a Jerusalem synagogue which is often frequented by Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, June 8, 2025. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) The Or Habib synagogue in Jerusalem's Sanhedria neighborhood is the seat of former Sephardi chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, who is also the spiritual leader of the Shas party. Christian symbols were sprayed on doors nearby during the incident. A similar arson attack occurred in Beit Shemesh in June 2024, with the fire damaging the synagogue, religious books, and the ark in which Torah scrolls were kept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three individuals were arrested in January after allegedly stealing three Torah scrolls from a synagogue in Rishon Lezion. In a similar event, three Torah scrolls were stolen from a synagogue in Jerusalem in January 2022. LONDON (AP) Opponents and supporters of migrants faced off in angry confrontations at demonstrations held around Britain over the holiday weekend as the government scrambled to deal with fallout from a court order that will force a hotel in a London suburb to evict asylum-seekers. The ruling has created a headache for the government, which has struggled to curb unauthorized migration and fulfill its responsibility to accommodate those seeking refuge. Immigration has become a political flashpoint as countries across the West try to cope with an influx of migrants seeking a better life as they flee war-torn countries, poverty, regions wracked by climate change or political persecution. The debate in the U.K. has focused on migrants crossing the English Channel in overloaded boats run by smugglers, as well as escalating tensions over housing tens of thousands of asylum-seekers at public expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help resolve the crisis, the government announced Sunday that it would speed up asylum appeals that could lead to more deportations and clear a backlog of cases. Heres a look at the issue: The protests The latest round of demonstrations followed weeks of protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, on the outskirts of London, after a hotel resident allegedly tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl and was charged with sexual assault. The man has denied the accusation and is due to stand trial later this month. Epping Forest District Council won a temporary injunction to shut down the hotel because of unprecedented levels of protest and disruption, which had led to several arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The High Court decision Tuesday in favor of the council which the government wants to appeal inspired anti-migrant demonstrators gathering under the banner of Abolish Asylum System to protest over the weekend. The group Stand up to Racism rallied counterprotesters. The two groups hurled insults at each other in several communities Saturday as police struggled in places like Bristol to keep them apart. There were more than a dozen arrests, but no serious violence reported. Groups gathered peacefully outside hotels used to house migrants in Birmingham and London's Canary Wharf on Sunday. The hotels Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government is legally obligated to house asylum-seekers. Using hotels to do so had been a marginal issue until 2020, when the number of asylum-seekers increased sharply and the then-Conservative government had to find new ways to house them. A record 111,084 people applied for asylum in the year to June 2025, but fewer than a third of them are temporarily living in hotels, according to Home Office figures released Thursday. The number of asylum-seekers housed in hotels stood at just over 32,000 at the end of June, the Home Office said. That figure was up 8% from about 29,500 a year earlier but far below the peak of more than 56,000 in September 2023. The politics Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many politicians, such as hard-right Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage, have sought to link many of the problems the country faces, such as health care and housing, to migrant arrivals. Others, including the government, argue that the likes of Farage are whipping up the issue for political gain and that there are no easy answers to an issue affecting many European countries. The leader of the main opposition Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, urged Tory councils all over the country to launch legal challenges similar to that of Epping if their legal advice allowed. The ruling Labour Party dismissed her appeal as desperate and hypocritical nonsense, but several Labour-led councils have also suggested they, too, could mount legal action against asylum hotels in their areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worry is that tensions could explode into the sort of violence that ravaged many towns and cities in England last summer in the wake of a stabbing rampage at a dance class that left three girls dead and several wounded. Government options The governments first priority is to sharply decrease the number of dangerous channel crossings. There have been more than 27,000 unauthorized arrivals so far this year, nearly 50% higher than at the same point last year and ahead of the number at this time of year in 2022, when a record 45,755 came ashore, the Home Office said. Having ditched the Conservative administrations plan to send migrants who arrived by unauthorized means to Rwanda, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would disrupt the gangs profiting off migrant trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government is also looking to speed up processing asylum claims. It's hoping a deal with France to send migrants who cross the channel back to France will deter for others. Whether those plans succeed, the issue of what to do with the tens of thousands of asylum-seekers in the country remains. The government scrapped the use of a barge to house migrants off the south coast earlier this year and plans to end housing at military barracks in Kent next month. But a former air base in Essex is expected to add more beds for men seeking asylum. The easiest option would most likely house asylum-seekers in the private sector, but that risks compounding problems in the rental market in a country where housebuilding has been low for years. ___ Associated Press writer Danica Kirka contributed to this story. A federal appeals court was asked for a second time to consider whether the proposed Resolution Copper Mine will infringe on the religious rights of local Apache by creating a massive crater on land that tribal members consider sacred. It is the latest twist in a years-long fight over the project. Photo by Jamie Cochran | Cronkite News Hours before the federal government was expected to transfer land in eastern Arizona to a mining company, a federal appeals court issued an emergency injunction blocking the transfer of Oak Flat, a sacred site for the San Carlos Apache Tribe and other tribal nations in the region. We grant a temporary administration injunction to preserve the status quo while the motions are pending, the ruling states. The case is being assigned to a panel that will decide the merits of these appeals. The order requires the appealing parties to file their opening briefs by Sept. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Apache people will never stop fighting for Chichil Bildagoteel, San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler said in a statement, using the Apache name for the site. We thank the court for stopping this horrific land exchange and allowing us to argue the merits of our pending lawsuit in court. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Without the emergency injunction, Oak Flat, which is about 40 miles east of Phoenix, was expected to be transferred on Aug. 19 to Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of the multinational mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP. The mining company is seeking to develop one of the largest copper mines in the world, which would turn Oak Flat into a massive crater. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The battle over this extraordinary place is far from over, he added. Im grateful the lawsuits challenging this terrible mine will be heard and Im hopeful the courts will protect Oak Flat for future generations. Resolution Copper Spokesperson Tyson Nansel said in a statement that the courts decision is merely a temporary pause so that the court of appeals can consider plaintiffs eleventh-hour motions. We are confident the court will ultimately affirm the district courts well-reasoned orders explaining in detail why the congressionally directed land exchange satisfies all applicable legal requirements, Nansel said. The federal appeals court decision to block the land exchange comes after U.S. District Judge Dominic Lanza rejected a request to extend that hold on Aug. 15, clearing the way for the exchange to be executed Aug. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts rejection led to conservation and recreation groups and the San Carlos Apache Tribe filing separate lawsuits challenging the land transfer and filing their appeals hours later. The appeals court rightly understood the important issues at stake, said Roger Flynn, attorney for the groups challenging the land exchange and mine. There is too much at stake to rush forward with this ill-advised give-away of our priceless public lands. President Donald Trump called the efforts against the land exchange for the copper mine anti-American in a post on Truth Social on Aug. 19. Those that fought (the mine) are Anti-American, and representing other Copper competitive Countries, Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called the 9th Circuit Court a Radical Left Court, and said delaying the land transfer impacts jobs and copper production, which he claims the county needs. He did not provide any evidence to support his claims. The single largest investor in Rio Tinto, Resolution Coppers parent corporation, is the government of China, through the state-owned company Chinalco. Resolution Copper has never committed to keeping the copper it seeks to extract from Oak Flat in the U.S. for refining and sale and the company successfully fought congressional efforts that would have required such a commitment. The chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe responded to Trumps claims in a Facebook post on Aug. 19, calling the presidents claims misinformed. As first Americans, the San Carlos Apache Tribe agrees on the importance of protecting Americas interests, Rambler wrote. Unfortunately, the Presidents comments mirror misinformation that has been repeated by foreign mining interests that want to extract American copper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rambler said that the proposed mine from Resolution Copper is a rip-off because under the current law, they pay almost no royalties, but their mining efforts will destroy a sacred area, decimate our environment, threaten our water rights and is bad for America. I am willing to sit down with the Trump administration and provide factual information to protect American interests, he added. The courtroom battle for Oak Flat has been ongoing since 2021, with the grassroots group Apache Stronghold leading the effort. Since time immemorial, Western Apaches and other Indigenous peoples in the Southwest have gathered at Oak Flat, near Superior, for sacred religious ceremonies that cannot occur anywhere else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oak Flat is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a Western Apache Traditional Cultural Property and National Historic District. Oak Flat has been protected from mining and other harmful practices for decades, according to Becket. However, those protections faced challenges in December 2014 when a last-minute provision was inserted into a must-pass defense bill, authorizing the transfer of Oak Flat to Resolution Copper. The mining company plans to turn the sacred site into a two-mile-wide and 1,100-foot-deep crater. Apache Stronghold has been at the forefront of the fight to protect Oak Flat for years, and leader Wendsler Nosie Sr. released a statement on Facebook about the emergency injunction, stating that it clearly shows that the land transfer is wrong and has been wrong since Day One. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Resolution Copper is to receive this land, theres going to be tremendous disasters coming, Nosie said. Whats sad is the United States government knows it. Nosie said that they have demonstrated how the mining will cause harm in every court hearing, from testimonies from Apache Stronghold to the evidence provided by the San Carlos Apache Tribe, conservation groups, and environmentalists. This Injunction comes in a desperate time of asking for miracles, he said, adding that it is an opportunity for the federal government to do the right thing by not allowing a foreign mining company to take Oak Flat. Three times now, courts have stopped this destructive project, Nosie said in a statement. That is because it is unjust, bad for our nation, and bad for the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope the courts will stop the destruction of Oak Flat once and for all, he added. Support to protect Oak Flat continues to come in after the emergency injunction. I stand with the San Carlos Apache Tribe and its Apache Stronghold members in their fight to protect sacred lands from greedy international mining companies, said Adelita Grijalva, democratic nominee for Arizonas 7th Congressional District. This decision is an important win for the Apache people and for the rights of all Americans to protect our lands from corporate greed. Oak Flat is sacred land, she added. No amount of corporate lobbying or political pressure should outweigh tribal sovereignty, religious freedom, or our responsibility to protect Arizonas natural heritage and water supply for future generations. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CHICAGO (WGN) Authorities in Chicago say they have identified a woman who was found on the citys Northwest Side overnight. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Police did not provide details on what led up to the incident, but say she is 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 WGN-TV. Cracker Barrel announced a major rebrand this week, sparking swift conservative backlash on social media. On Monday, Aug. 18, the restaurant chain unveiled its fifth-ever logo as part of a new campaign, All the More, featuring country music star Jordan Davis. The new logo is different than the one that has represented the brand since 1977. It removes the iconic image of a man seated next to a barrel, instead adopting a text-only, barrel-shaped word mark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cracker Barrel stated that the design is a return to its original 1969 logo and is rooted even more closely to the iconic barrel shaped and word mark that started it all. We believe in the goodness of country hospitality, a spirit that has always defined us. Our story hasnt changed. Our values havent changed, Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Moore said in a statement. With All the More, were honoring our legacy while bringing fresh energy, thoughtful craftsmanship and heartfelt hospitality to our guests this fall. The updated visuals, anchored by Cracker Barrels signature gold and brown tones, will appear across menus and marketing materials. The color palette was inspired by popular menu items like scrambled eggs and buttermilk biscuits. Following the announcement, the restaurant chain received fierce reaction from some customers and conservative commentators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have NO IDEA why companies feel the need to change their logo when the one they have had for decades works so well, one Instagram user wrote on Cracker Barrels recent post. ...at least leave the barrel in the logo!! Another commenter wrote, I wont go back till you switch the logo to the old one. Conservative figures also joined in on the criticism. Donald Trump Jr. said via X, WTF is wrong with @CrackerBarrel??! Meanwhile the host of The Benny Show, Benny Johnson, called the new logo absolutely horrible and added, When will they learn? After noticing the conservative outrage, other social media users began to mock the backlash. Some created satirical AI-generated images that altered the Cracker Barrel logo, turning the Cracker Barrel mans face into Jeffrey Epstein and the words Cracker Barrel into Epstein Files RELEASE THEM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many social media users were quick to compare the logo complaints to the 2023 Bud Light controversy, where a boycott was launched by critics angered by the brewers partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Buckle up, Cracker Barrel ... a user wrote on X. ... your CEO just pulled a Bud Light. Cracker Barrel has not publicly commented on the social media backlash as of Thursday, Aug. 21. More Business News Read the original article on MassLive. Cracker Barrel is celebrating its new look with a Thursday morning country music pop-up event in the Meatpacking District. Starting at 10 a.m. on Gansevoort Plaza in lower Manhattan, the freshly rebranded restaurant chain will temporarily transform into a slice of roadside Americana, complete with homestyle bites, line dancing, lawn games and plenty of gingham, according to a press release. The event runs through 6 p.m. and includes a 1 p.m. appearance by country music star Jordan Davis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cracker Barrel introduced its new logo this week. Gone is the old signage featuring a man in overalls seated next to a barrel. The new logo simply shows the Tennessee-based eaterys name inside a barrel-shaped graphic. The restaurant chain also introduced a new menu to celebrate more that 55 years of operation. Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino told Good Morning America on Monday restaurant managers whove seen some of her stores newly revamped interiors want to know when their operations will be modernized. The feedback and the buzz is so good, she claimed. But many social media users urged the company to stick with tradition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please we beg of you! Dont change the iconic Cracker Barrel design! For the love of the Uncle Herschels favorite Breakfast dont do this!! Youre killing me!! Your killing us, wrote comedian Larry the Cable Guy. His reference is to a popular menu item that includes farm fresh eggs and grits. By Daina Beth Solomon SANTIAGO (Reuters) -Chilean lithium producer SQM expects prices and sales volumes to rise in the third quarter, executives said on Wednesday, after the miner missed estimates for second-quarter net profit. The world's second-largest lithium producer reported a 59% decline in quarterly profit, with lithium prices down around a third year-on-year. Net profit of $88.4 million missed analysts' estimates of $143.01 million, according to data compiled by LSEG, while revenue of $1.04 billion was broadly in line with the estimate of $1.064 billion. Chief Executive Ricardo Ramos in a statement said lithium prices had in some cases hit the lower limits of sales contracts, affecting agreed volumes. Executives on a call with analysts declined to give further details about how the company had adjusted contracts, citing confidentiality. They predicted an uptick in sales volumes of at least 10% in the third quarter from the second quarter, and pointed to potential supply reductions in China as a good sign for prices. "We expect that with the recent price recovery in China, our sales price in Q3 should be higher than in Q2," said Felipe Smith, SQM's commercial vice president for lithium. He noted that Asia prices outside of China have also been strengthening, although more slowly. Global prices for lithium, a critical component of electric vehicle batteries, have plunged nearly 90% from a late-2022 peak, leading producers to slash workforces and pull back on plans. SQM began laying off 5% of its Chilean workforce in June, and Moody's last month lowered the miner's outlook to "negative" due to lithium revenue uncertainty. SQM also makes fertilizers and industrial chemicals on Chile's Atacama salt flat, one of the highest concentration lithium deposits in the world. The company said it is on track to finalize a partnership with Chilean state-run copper miner Codelco as soon as September or October. The deal still requires approval from regulators in China, after other countries signed off. SQM also said it expects approval for a major revamp of its lithium operations in the first half of 2030 as it works to submit an environmental impact report to authorities next year. (Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon and Sarah Morland in Mexico City and Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala, Kirsten Donovan) Well, folks, the store makeovers were just the start. Cracker Barrels controversial efforts to update its look have now reached the chains old-timey logo. On Tuesday, Cracker Barrel quietly debuted a new logo alongside a new campaign and an updated menu for fall. The design is missing the iconic overalls-clad man resting on a barrel and consists only of the name of the restaurant. According to Fox News, this is the first time in 48 years that the Cracker Barrel logo features only text. The Tennessee-based company actually had a text-only logo when it first opened its doors in 1969. The image of the man and the barrel wasnt added to the design until 1977a fact that seems to be lost on many fans of the country-style restaurant. Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel's new logo. Cracker Barrel's new logo. "Anchored in Cracker Barrels signature gold and brown tones, the updated visuals will appear across menus and marketing collateral, including the fifth evolution of the brands logo, which is now rooted even more closely to the iconic barrel shape and word mark that started it all," the company said in its announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite social media backlash, Cracker Barrel executives remain resolute in their decision to rebrand the American institution. They believe an update will help boost sales, attract new customers, and hopefully keep the 56-year-old business afloat through economic fluctuations. Cracker Barrel In a press release for the new campaign, called "All the More," Cracker Barrel announced "refreshed restaurant remodels" and "an enhanced brand look and feel" while remaining committed to their old values and priorities. We believe in the goodness of country hospitality, a spirit that has always defined us, Sarah Moore, Chief Marketing Officer of Cracker Barrel, said in a statement. Our story hasnt changed. Our values havent changed. With All the More, were honoring our legacy while bringing fresh energy, thoughtful craftsmanship, and heartfelt hospitality to our guests this fall. Read the original article on Southern Living Cracker Barrels decision to revamp and simplify its longstanding logo has inadvertently become a new culture war flashpoint, with conservatives raging against the redesign. The southern-themed restaurant chain, which is based in Lebanon, Tennessee, and first opened its doors in 1969, originally had simple gold branding with its name spelled out in brown lettering, intended to evoke the atmosphere of a friendly wood-frame general store selling dry goods to the pioneers. Then, in 1977, it added the seated figure of a man wearing overalls leaning against a wooden cask alongside the name, in the process creating an icon of folksy Americana that has endured ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revamp removes the leaning figure and marks a return to the original design, with the company saying that its new logo is now rooted even more closely to the iconic barrel shape and word mark that started it all. MAGA influencer Benny Johnson melts down over Cracker Barrel's redesigned logo on X on Wednesday August 20 2025 (Benny Johnson/X) In a statement, the business elaborated: Anchored in Cracker Barrels signature gold and brown tones, the updated visuals will appear across menus and marketing collateral, including the fifth evolution of the brands logo, which is now rooted even more closely to the iconic barrel shape and word mark that started it all. As harmless as that may sound, the move has incensed members of President Donald Trumps MAGA movement, who have taken to social media in their droves to hammer out howls of complaint. WTF is wrong with Cracker Barrel ??!, wailed Donald Trump Jr, the presidents eldest son, quote-tweeting the Woke War Room account, which attacked the companys CEO Julie Felss Masino. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She scrapped a beloved American aesthetic and replaced it with sterile, soulless branding, it wrote. Masino kept a DEI regime that promises to identify, recruit, and advance hires by race and now faces civil rights complaints from America First Legal to the [Equal Opportunities Employment Commission] and the Tennessee AG. A branch of Cracker Barrel, with its traditional signage, in Indianapolis, Indiana (Getty) MAGA podcaster Benny Johnson called the new logo absolutely horrible while right-wing pundit Owen Shroyer told Cracker Barrel: This is your logo. Its literally a cracker and a barrel. Yes, own the hilarious irony of using a racial slur against your main demographic. It will attract that younger crowd you're reaching for. Or serve better food. Watching on with glee, anti-Trump poster Ron Filipkowski commented: They are melting the f*** down over the new Cracker Barrel logo and Im here for it! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people compared the redesign to the Bud Light controversy of 2023, when conservatives, led by rapper Kid Rock, moved to boycott the beer label for featuring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in a brief commercial. One person labelled Cracker Barrel the Bud Light of formerly great restaurants and an account called Turbo Truther posted a picture of Felss Masino wearing a clown wig with the caption: Cracker Barrel... the Bud Light of Barrels. At the other end of the political spectrum, one person posted their alternative logo, in which the leaning figure is posing next to a sign that reads Release the Files about the Jeffrey Epstein furore. At the same time, AI developer Mario Pawlowski scolded conservatives for their hostility. Pointing out that the company employs 77,600 people across 660 locations, Pawlowski warned against an equivalent boycott on economic grounds, saying it would only hurt the companys staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its tradition terrorism, he complained. Wrecking brands that employ thousands and support local communities, all for meme points. Wake the hell up! On Thursday, Cracker Barrels shares fell approximately 10 percent after it unveiled the new logo. RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) UPDATE: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District says it closed the spillway gate 20 at Dardanelle Lock and Dam on the Arkansas River. Our engineers and crews worked diligently to resolve this challenging situation, said Col. Patrick Caukin, commander of the Little Rock District. Were pleased to report that gate 20 is now closed and secure. RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Crews with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work Aug. 20 to repair a stuck spillway gate at Dardanelle Lock and Dam on the Arkansas River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a press release, the gate became stuck in the open position on Aug. 20 during a routine maintenance at 7 a.m. to clear floating logs and debris from the dam. The release says when workers tried to lower the gate, around 8:15 a.m., it would not move. The gate remains stuck and fully open despite repair attempts throughout the day. Our teams have been working all day to free the stuck gate, said Little Rock District Public Affairs Officer, Jay Townsend. Weve tried several different methods and have brought in additional equipment and personnel to help. Beaver Lake residents home claimed by wildfire while aiding neighbors Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USACE closed navigation on the Arkansas River temporarily at 5:30 p.m. while crews work on repairs. Engineers believe the gate may be stuck due to friction, heat expansion or mechanical binding. The release says repair crews have applied special lubricants and are using winches from crane barges to try to pull the gate down. Two boats are on site assisting with repair efforts, the M/V J Gene Crump and M/V Dan Reeves. The Corps says it immediately notified area emergency management officials and the Arkansas Nuclear One power plant early in the response. The release says USACE has coordinated with the Southwestern Power Administration to manage water flows using hydropower generators to ensure an adequate water supply for Arkansas Nuclear One. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dam safety experts from USACE Little Rock District office are assisting with repairs. According to the release, work will resume the morning of Aug. 21 if current efforts to repair the gate are unsuccessful. Public safety remains our top priority, said Townsend. Were taking all necessary steps to resolve this issue quickly while maintaining safe conditions on the river. The release says navigation is expected to resume once repairs are finished, and updates will be provided as repairs progress. According to the release, USACE operates and maintains the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, which includes 18 locks and dams from the Mississippi River to Catoosa, Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UPDATE: The Schuyler County Sheriffs Office has provided an update on the early-morning fire that occurred on Thursday morning in the Village of Odessa. Officials say they were called to the home on College Avenue on Thursday at 4:37 a.m. for the report of a structure fire. Units from Odessa, Montour Falls, Watkins Glen, Horseheads and Newfield were also called to the scene. Upon investigation of the fire, officials confirmed that 22-year-old Brendyn C. Hammond was inside the home at the time of the fire and was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 4:30 p.m., investigators from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Schuyler County Emergency Management and the Schuyler County Sheriffs Office remain on the scene to continue investigating the incident. ODESSA, N.Y. (WETM) A fire is out, and crews are investigating an early-morning structure fire in the Village of Odessa on Thursday. Around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug 21, reports came in of a structure fire at a home on College Avenue in Odessa, near the Hanlon Elementary School, according to fire officials. Safety measure objective remains the same at WGI despite new NASCAR date Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Odessa Fire Department began working on extinguishing the flames when they ran into structural obstacles, resulting in a call for more resources. The fire burned much of the home, and its unknown what started the fire at this time, or if there were any injuries associated with the fire. This is a developing story; more information will be provided when its made available to us. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. One of New York mayor Eric Adamss close advisers has been forced to deny trying to bribe a journalist with a bag of sour cream and onion crisps stuffed with cash. Winnie Greco pressed an open bag of herrs sour cream and onion ripple potato chips holding more than $100 (74) in a red envelope into a reporters hand after an event for Mr Adamss campaign in Harlem, The City reported. Ms Greco has been a close adviser to Mr Adams for more than a decade. She has helped him raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for his mayoral campaigns and has escorted him on several trips to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Mr Adams re-election campaign said Ms Greco does not hold a formal position within the team, and had been suspended from volunteer activities. The reporter, Katie Honan, who works for The City, a New York local news website, had scrutinised Ms Grecos conduct in the past as a major fundraiser for Mr Adams in the Chinese American community. Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, with Winnie Greco - Violet Mendelsund Ms Grece stepped down as Mr Adamss director of Asian affairs in October, months after her homes were raided by the FBI as part of an investigation into Chinese interference in the 2021 mayoral race. She had returned to Mr Adamss campaign trail as a volunteer in his run against Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo, and was at an event on Wednesday night with Ms Honan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the event, Ms Greco reportedly sent Ms Honan a text and asked her to meet across the street from the campaign next to a bank. The pair walked to the Whole Foods supermarket next door and Ms Greco handed Ms Honan an opened bag of crisps, accordintg to The City. Thinking Ms Greco was trying to offer her a snack, Ms Honan declined, but Ms Greco insisted she keep them. After leaving Ms Greco, Ms Honan looked inside the bag and found a red envelope with at least one $100 bill and several $20 bills. The reporter tried to return the money to Ms Greco before reporting the incident to the police - Katie Honan/THE CITY The reporter called Ms Greco saying she could not accept the money and tried to return it. On Wednesday Ms Greco told the outlet she had made a mistake, adding: Im so sorry. Its a culture thing. I dont know. I dont understand. Im so sorry. I feel so bad right now. Im so sorry, honey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just wanted to be her friend, Ms Greco said. I just wanted to have one good friend. Its nothing. Steven Brill, Ms Grecos lawyer, said the situation was being blown out of proportion and she had made the gesture because she is fond of the reporter. This was not a bag of cash, Mr Brill said. He added: In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude. And thats all that was done here. Winnies intention was born purely out of kindness. Todd Shapiro, Mr Adamss campaign spokesperson, said Ms Greco had been suspended from the campaign and Mr Adams had no prior knowledge of this matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City reported Ms Grecos actions to the citys department of investigation and federal prosecutors in Brooklyn contacted the newspapers lawyers. Last year, Mr Adams was charged with a string of federal corruption and bribery charges. The charges were later dropped the direction of the Department of Justice, which argued the case was hindering Mr Adamss ability to help Donald Trumps with his immigration crackdown. 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. 20A group of activists gathered at the Ohio Statehouse Wednesday to criticize Gov. Mike DeWine's decision to send 150 Ohio National Guard members for what organizers called a "bogus" and "manufactured" emergency in Washington D.C. Ohio's troops, which traveled to the nation's capital Wednesday at the behest of President Donald Trump and his Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, are expected to protect federal buildings and perform presence patrols, according to DeWine's spokesperson Dan Tierney. Ohio's contribution to the effort makes it six Republican states that have agreed to send 1,100 combined troops to support the 800 D.C. National Guard members already mobilized by Trump earlier this month in an effort to address what he's called a "crime emergency in the District of Columbia" a characterization disputed by D.C. officials and to remove homeless encampments in the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics in Ohio's capital on Wednesday raised concerns with the precedent created by both Trump's call to action and DeWine's decision to lend troops. "The fear here... is that what we are seeing is a normalization of using military to enforce local and domestic laws. Again, this should be a last-case scenario in true emergencies," Gary Daniels, chief lobbyist for the ACLU of Ohio, told reporters. "There is a very real fear, warranted fear that this is just the beginning. We're only several months into this four-year presidency, and it begs the question: How much more will we see manufactured crises, drama, and similar controversies in the future?" Adam Miller, an Army veteran and former Democratic Ohio House representative, said the mission could be damaging for Ohio's guard members. "Sending troops on a mission that is ill-advised and unwarranted has a corrosive effect on morale, readiness and abilities of those units. It's just wrong. It's the worst thing you can do," he said. "(When) we're trying to encourage students to join the National Guard, to join the reserves; creating fake missions where we put their lives at risk for no reason that's the wrong way." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio's 150 troops were requested to carry out the D.C. mission for at least 30 days, but Tierney noted that it's possible the federal government could request to extend their time in D.C. DeWine has defended his decision to comply with the White House's request, saying it's consistent with previous Ohio National Guard deployments. DeWine sent Ohio National Guard to D.C. in 2020 during protests following the death of George Floyd. In 2023, DeWine sent Guard troops to Texas to monitor the U.S. border with Mexico. He has sent the Guard to other states multiple times to assist following natural disasters. For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... A Hartford man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for selling oxycodone that was prescribed to another person. Angel Benitez, 38, faced sentencing on Wednesday in federal court in Hartford where U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver ordered that his prison term be followed by three years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut. Federal officials said Benitez was implicated during an investigation that was conducted by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad. Investigators reportedly found Benitez and an unnamed co-conspirator were illegally selling oxycodone pills that were prescribed to the conspirator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August and September 2024, investigators allegedly made controlled purchases of oxycodone pills from both individuals. Benitez was arrested on Nov 6, 2024, after authorities searched his residence and reported finding a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, which had been reported stolen in West Hartford. Officials noted that his criminal history includes convictions on state level assault, burglary, and larceny charges, which disqualify him from having a firearm. Benitez, who has been detained since his arrest, took a plea deal on March 26, pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, oxycodone, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. More Americans are receiving computed tomography (CT) scans than ever before, and while this technology can save lives, some scientists are concerned that low doses of ionizing radiation could increase cancer risk. Importantly, at an individual level, the theoretical risk of developing cancer from a CT scan is thought to be very low, if it exists at all. Patients should not hesitate to undergo these tests if they are considered medically necessary. However, the number of CT examinations performed annually in the US has increased by more than 30 percent since 2007, and researchers suggest that unwarranted tests are exposing the population to unnecessary radiation. Related: Scientists Discover a Viral Cause of One of The World's Most Common Cancers In a study published in April, a team in the US and the UK predicted that low levels of ionizing radiation from CT scans could theoretically account for 5 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in the US. CT scans conducted in 2023 could be responsible for an estimated 103,000 future cases of cancer. YouTube Thumbnail That's based on some assumptions and historical data from high radiation events, but if right, it would put CT scans on par with other significant risk factors for cancer, like alcohol consumption, at least at a population level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "CT is frequently lifesaving, yet its potential harms are often overlooked, and even very small cancer risks will lead to a significant number of future cancers given the tremendous volume of CT use in the United States," writes the international team of analysts, led by epidemiologist Rebecca Smith-Bindman from the University of California, San Francisco. As of now, these are just theoretical risks, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth considering. While scientists know that high doses of radiation cause cancer, conclusive evidence to link low-level radiation to cancer is lacking. The potential association is mostly based on long-term studies of atomic bomb survivors and those exposed to nuclear power plant meltdowns. For instance, in a group of 25,000 Hiroshima survivors, who received a dose of ionizing radiation on par with three or more CT scans, there was a slight but significant increase in cancer risk across a lifetime. Whether those results extend to CT scans remains hotly debated, and the theoretical risks must be weighed against the benefits of this technology, which can now alert patients and doctors to a whole variety of hidden diseases and injuries with very low doses of radiation (about the same amount you absorb from your environment over three years). The theoretical risks of CT scans must be weighed against the benefits. ( Bethesda naval medical center, Maryland, Hospital "Any risk from a CT scan of a sick patient is likely much less than the risk of the underlying disease," said Cynthia McCollough, CT imaging expert and past president of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a large national trial, for instance, there was a 20 percent decrease in lung cancer deaths among smokers and ex-smokers who received low-dose CT scans compared to those who only had a chest X-ray. The recent predictions on cancer risk are again based on historical tragedies, but compared to previous analyses, they consider more detail on the actual radiation exposure, which can depend on the type of CT device, the scanning duration, the size of the patient, and the sensitivity of their targeted body part. The anonymous data comes from 143 hospitals and outpatient facilities across the US, catalogued in the UCSF International CT Dose Registry. Using statistics from 2016 to 2022, researchers predicted 93 million CT examinations were carried out in 2023, on roughly 62 million patients. Based on the associated radiation risks, the team estimates that CT scans in 2023 may be tied to 103,000 future cancers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To empirically quantify lifetime risk would require decades-long follow-up studies of very large populations," the authors acknowledge. However, their results suggest that some people may be more susceptible to cancer from low-dose ionizing radiation than others. Adults receive the vast majority of CT scans, but estimated radiation-induced cancer risks were higher in children and adolescents. The projected number of future cancers (left axis; dark blue and orange circles) against a conservative estimate of cancer incidence (right axis; light blue circles and triangles). (Smith-Bindman et al., JAMA Intern. Med., 2025) Those receiving CT scans at under one year of age, for instance, seem to have a higher potential lifetime risk for thyroid cancers, and this appears more common among female patients. Far more research is needed to confirm if low-dose ionizing radiation actually impacts a person's cancer risk, and how. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Estimated overall cancer risks from CT radiation doses are similarly high in Australian studies," said medical radiation specialist Pradip Deb from RMIT University. She argues it is important to avoid unnecessary CT scans if radiation-free procedures can do the same job. Radiographer Naomi Gibson, President of the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, agreed. "Although the findings highlight the need for vigilance around long-term radiation exposure, this should not discourage the use of CT imaging when clinically justified," Gibson explained. "In appropriately selected cases, the diagnostic and therapeutic value of CT scans significantly outweighs the potential radiation-associated risks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine. An earlier version of this article was first published in April 2025. Related News MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A Cullman man has been sentenced to prison on a sex offense charge, court records say. According to Morgan County Jail records, J.L. McCrary Jr. was arrested on August 18 and charged with enticing a child, a girl, for immoral purposes. Court documents show McCrary tried to persuade or invite, or attempt to entice a girl under the age of 16 to enter a vehicle, building or other place for the purpose of proposing to such child the performance of an act of sexual intercourse, or an act which constitutes the offense of sodomy, or for the purpose of proposing the fondling or feeling of the sexual or genital parts of such child or for the purpose of proposing that such child fondle or feel the sexual or genital parts of said J.L. McCrary Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records show McCrary Jr. pleaded guilty to the charge that same day. A Morgan County Judge sentenced McCrary Jr. on August 20 to 15 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections. The sentence is split to serve three years in ADOC and then he will be on state-supervised probation for 60 months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo openly admitted that President Donald Trump could help sway Republican voters in his favor in the New York City mayoral race, adding that the prospect heartens him, Politicos New York Playbook reports. Trump himself, as well as top Republicans, will say the goal is to stop [Democratic nominee Zohran] Mamdani. And youll be wasting your vote on [Republican nominee Curtis] Sliwa. So I feel good about that, Cuomo reportedly said at a fundraising event this past weekend, per audio obtained by the publication. Related: White House Suspends Public Tours Due To Trump's Ballroom Construction Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi minimized the statements, noting that Cuomo was speculating in response to a hypothetical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not asking for or expecting help from anyone, Azzopardi added. The former governors remarks come after The New York Times reported that Cuomo and Trump had held a call about the election, something both politicians denied. Cuomo has also said he wouldnt accept the presidents endorsement. Cuomo appeared to acknowledge some ties to Trump during this weekends event, however, and also signaled openness to a friendlier relationship with the president if he became mayor. Related: CNN Panelists Defend Trump After His Slavery Rant: 'I Think What He's Asking Is...' Lets put it this way: I knew the president very well, Cuomo reportedly said. 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 Earlier this year, Cuomo lost to Mamdani by a double-digit margin in the Democratic primary and continues to trail him by a substantial percentage in polls for Novembers general election. According to an August survey of likely New York City voters from Gotham Polling and AARP, Mamdani has 42% support, while Cuomo has 23%, current New York City Mayor Eric Adams has 9% and Sliwa has 17%. At the donor gathering, Cuomo floated the possibility of Adams dropping out as an opportunity to consolidate moderates support, a statement that raised the mayors ire. Cuomos comments also spurred questions about how forceful hed be in opposition to Trump if he wins this fall, a concern that the Mamdani campaign alluded to as well. Previously, Cuomo has been scrutinized for failing to call Trump out by name in the early months of his first and second terms, as well as for describing legal cases filed against him as political. Related: Trump Administration Reviewing All 55M People With U.S. Visas For Potential Deportable Violations Since hes too afraid to say it to New Yorkers faces, well make it clear, Dora Pekec, a Mamdani spokesperson, said in a statement. Andrew Cuomo is Donald Trumps choice for mayor. Related... Read the original on HuffPost September WTI crude oil (CLU25) today is up +0.59 (+0.95%), and September RBOB gasoline (RBU25) is up +0.0225 (+1.08%). Crude oil and gasoline prices are moving higher today, with gasoline posting a 2-week high. Dollar weakness today is supportive for energy prices. Crude and gasoline also found support today after weekly EIA crude and gasoline inventories fell more than expected. Gains in crude are limited by signs of progress in Ukraine peace talks, which could pave the way for fewer restrictions on Russian crude exports. More News from Barchart Signs of progress in peace talks over the Ukraine war are weighing on crude prices. President Trump is pushing for a summit between Presidents Putin and Zelenskiy soon. Any resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian war could be bearish for crude prices, as an end to the war could mean allowing Russian crude to trade freely and could lead to an end to sanctions on Russian energy exports. Concern about higher OPEC production is weighing on crude prices after OPEC+ on August 2 endorsed an additional 547,000 bpd increase in its crude production for September 1. OPEC+ is boosting output to reverse the 2-year-long production cut, gradually restoring a total of 2.2 million bpd of production by September 2026. OPEC+ has 1.66 million bpd of supplies that are currently due to remain offline until late 2026. OPEC July crude production fell by -20,000 bpd to 28.31 million bpd. A decline in crude oil held worldwide on tankers is bullish for oil prices. Vortexa reported Monday that crude oil stored on tankers that have been stationary for at least seven days fell by -12% w/w to 82.49 million bbl in the week ended August 15. Today's weekly EIA report was mixed for crude oil and products. On the bullish side, EIA crude inventories fell -6.01 million bbl, a much larger draw than expectations of -850,000 bbl. Also, EIA gasoline supplies fell by -2.7 million bbl, more than expectations of -325,000 bbl. On the negative side, EIA distillate stockpiles rose by +2.3 million bbl, a larger build than expectations of +1.5 million bbl. Also, crude supplies at Cushing, the delivery point of WTI futures, rose by +419,000 bbl. It was half past midnight. We were returning from a wedding, stunned at the sight of hundreds of teens lining the sidewalks downtown. I recognized one as my student, Dakari. The next morning, I saw the headline: gunfire, 2 a.m., three teens wounded. They never identify juveniles by name. For teachers, its torturous were they one of ours? I stopped Dakari in the hall Monday. I clocked you out late Saturday night. Everything good? Dakari is a natural leader, unafraid of truth, which earned him the respect of his classmates. And luckily, he trusted me. Yeah, he was less than a block away. He was shaken, but unhurt. I hope thats the last time youre out that late," I said. Nah, were going out again next weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My heart sank at his response. It sank again when Indianapolis approved its new curfew this month including a proposal to charge parents fines. It seems easy, right? But easy solutions are rarely good ones. Briggs: Mike Braun grandstands on Indianapolis crime while murders drop 24% Indianapolis has become a city that is afraid of its own children. I see teens demonized across social media as feral and violent. But these same teens are the most creative, savvy and thoughtful students I know. They are full of ideas about how to improve their community, and they jump at the chance to help. Unfortunately, we offer few ways to use these aptitudes. We're offering teens too little help James Curry, a senior at Arsenal Tech, shares his story Tuesday, May 13, 2025, on a podcast hosted by Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears aimed at addressing youth gun violence in Indianapolis. Students in out-of-school programs have lower absenteeism and delinquency and better scores and earnings. In Baltimore, targeted youth programs almost single-handedly cut violence by a third. But in Indiana, we dont have enough programs for them. For every child in one, three more are waitlisted, with demand outpacing supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the percentage of children alone and unsupervised has actually decreased. However, being home doesnt mean children are safe. More youth are depressed, isolated or contemplating suicide than ever before, especially teen girls. And more teens are armed with guns and dying from them, including in rural counties. Safe storage proposals routinely fail, so Indiana has one of the highest rates of accidental child shootings in the country. So why are so many teens out after dark? Like most of his peers, Dakari wasnt out there to hurt anyone he was there because his friends and family were there. Implemented alone, a curfew is a band-aid that makes isolation worse. A lasting solution must address root causes. Teens are seeking what we all need An emotional Kareem Hines, founder of New B.O.Y. Mentoring & Youth Development asks parents and family to make it their business to keep youth out of the streets, during a press conference called to address downtown gun violence on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, in Indianapolis. Teens are seeking stimulation because theyre bored. Out-of-school programs may be facing federal freezes and state shortfalls, but local parks, libraries, and nonprofits are a nexus for youth sports, clubs, arts, education and volunteering. But Indys parks are woefully underfunded we pay less than half the national median. Our libraries once fared better, but recent cuts have decimated that lead. Its no wonder Indiana ranks bottom ten for supporting children. We must invest more. Teens are seeking connection because theyre lonely. Teens were spending less time with friends even before COVID, but theyre also isolated from their families 40% of children lack strong emotional bonds with their parents. One solution is having mentor-like adults outside home. But young people report fewer mentor figures than ever. Older people describe their teenage years as full of feedback from adults in their community. That community has fragmented, and youth mental health has deteriorated alongside it. We can all do more to engage youth in our neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Briggs: Fountain Square camp shows Indianapolis' homelessness strategy is broken Finally, teens are seeking support. But weve designed a system that makes it almost impossible to care for our children. Indiana restricts teaching teens what could get them pregnant. New parents lack guaranteed paid parental leave. Many towns sit in tri-county childcare deserts we rank worst in the country, costing billions. Parents must work to keep Medicaid, so kids go unsupervised. Child abuse reports often go uninvestigated, even as unhoused children sleep at DCS offices. And Indianas youth homelessness rate continues to balloon faster than the national rate. Its all too easy to blame parents. Yet weve adopted policies that abandon them. Lets flip that script and put families first. I know exactly what would have kept Dakari from going downtown he needed something better to do. We all have a role in that responsibility. Lets make Indianapolis a city thats safe and enriching for our youth. Ronak Shah is a middle school science teacher in Indianapolis. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why Indy curfew won't stop teen violence | Opinion CyrusOne is warning those who live near its data center in Aurora that it will be doing another round of emergency repairs on Friday, and that those repairs will again require the use of backup generators which have in the past significantly impacted nearby residents. During similar repairs in April, the use of backup generators for multiple days straight caused consistently loud noise in the surrounding area, which some residents previously called unlivable and horrible. CyrusOne has since put in place a temporary sound wall blocking the sites generators, with a permanent sound wall currently under construction. Further repairs were also made last week, originally planned for Tuesday but delayed to Thursday due to bad weather. Residents recently told The Beacon-News that the generator noise this time around was not quite as bad as it was in April, but it was still unacceptably loud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest round of repairs is set to take place on Friday, Aug. 22, starting at 7 a.m. and lasting up to eight hours. That was announced Wednesday on an official webpage set up by CyrusOne to communicate with residents about the ongoing sound issues surrounding the facility, which is located at the corner of Eola and Diehl roads on Auroras far East Side near Interstate 88. Less than half the generators run during last weeks repair are expected to be used for the upcoming repair, which should help minimize the noise pollution, a city of Aurora spokesperson said in a statement. Last week, CyrusOne offered to reimburse residents living on Molitor Road, Harris Drive, Jeanel Lane, Merle Drive, Palomino Drive, Shetland Lane or Clara Avenue for the cost of an overnight stay in an Aurora hotel during that round of repairs. A company spokesperson told The Beacon-News on Thursday that, while they did not expect residents to need a hotel stay for the repairs happening on Friday, they would still honor requests made by those living within the previously-set boundaries. Residents looking to get reimbursed should send a paid receipt from their hotel stay to communities@cyrusone.com by Sept. 22, and CyrusOne will issue reimbursements within 14 days of it being sent, according to a previous statement from the city of Aurora about last weeks round of repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The work scheduled for Friday is expected to be the final phase of repairs to the data centers electrical equipment, the website said. In April, a critical issue was found with one of the data centers main power transformers needed for the safe operation of the facilitys electrical systems, according to CyrusOne. The issue needed a specialized repair, so backup generators were used to power the facility during those repairs, company officials said on the website. A temporary fix was put in place so the generators could stop running, the website said, but a permanent repair was still needed. Company officials promised theyd give advance notice before running the generators again to make the final fix. Residents living near the data center, particularly in the Palomino Springs neighborhood, have described the noise during the fixes in April as being like a helicopter was landing on top of their house or that a diesel truck was idling right outside their home, causing the house to rattle a bit. The situation prompted multiple community meetings between residents, CyrusOne and city officials, during which CyrusOne officials apologized for the disruption and said they were working urgently to fix the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, construction has started on a permanent wall, expected to be completed in September, that is planned to be 23 feet tall, made of concrete and designed to meet Illinois Environmental Protection Agency standards, according to the companys website. A temporary sound wall around the generators was also installed May 20, the website said. Both Laura Evans and Paul Jaskowiak, two residents of the Palomino Springs neighborhood, separately told The Beacon-News that the noise during this recent round of repairs with the temporary sound wall up was not quite as bad as it was in April, and they did not feel the same vibrations throughout their houses as they did at that time, but the noise was still loud. They also both noted that they heard the sound from within their houses. Jaskowiak said that, with the TV on and other types of noise, it was not as noticeable as last time. But he wasnt able to do anything outside, he said, and the level of sound was still unacceptable. If the permanent sound wall is expected to block the generators sound at similar levels to what the temporary wall was doing, he said, then the noise would likely continue to disrupt their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evans said the noise at its current level wouldnt be bad if it was kept just to the generators regular once-monthly, hour-long tests, but thats not guaranteed, as nearby residents have found out. People want to be understanding of what CyrusOne needs, she said, but not for hours at a time and not at night. Outside of regular testing and maintenance, the generators are there to keep the facility running continuously during temporary losses of power or power outages, according to a company spokesperson. As for Jaskowiak, he asked: Wheres the city in all this? He questioned whether the city had been doing sound testing during the repairs, and he said an independent party should be the one gathering data rather than CyrusOne. He also called the problem one of the citys own making since he said it had not been enforcing its own occupancy rules. Responding to a question about the issue at a town hall meeting late last month, Aurora Mayor John Laesch said the data center was given only a temporary occupancy permit to operate and open, so the city has the leverage of holding the facilitys final permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were working hard with both the permitting department and the legal department to address it, Laesch said of the sound issue. City officials have previously said that CyrusOne has been cooperating with code enforcement efforts to ensure that the sound barriers and landscaping required by its zoning entitlements are timely installed, has worked with the city to be transparent with residents and has stayed on schedule to complete sound barriers by the end of September. Laesch and other city officials met with CyrusOne on Wednesday to discuss the repair work and negotiated the timing of the repairs to make sure that they do not go late into the evening, according to a city spokesperson. CyrusOne also agreed to upgrade the temporary wall around the rooftop chillers by adding insulation, the spokesperson said. Noise coming from these chillers has also been a concern for residents, and is also something CyrusOne is working to fix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the temporary walls that have already been set up around the chillers that sit on top of multiple buildings on the data center campus, CyrusOne officials have said they would be upgrading the acoustic wraps on the chillers and that a more permanent solution was being designed to mitigate the chiller noise. Both the city of Aurora and CyrusOne continue to work together to finalize a permanent solution to the noise complaints that have affected the area, the citys spokesperson said Thursday. CyrusOne appreciates the communitys patience while scheduling and performing this critical work. CyrusOne is planning a meeting with residents in early September to give updates on the construction of the permanent generator wall and on permanent chiller sound mitigation, according to the companys website. A company spokesperson told The Beacon-News on Thursday that a date for that meeting had not yet been set. rsmith@chicagotribune.com Restaurant reservations across Washington, D.C., have declined in the wake of President Donald Trumps federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department, according to recent data from OpenTable. The restaurant-reservation service company found that the volume of seated diners from online reservations was down every day last week compared with the same time period in 2024. On Aug. 11 the day Trump officially announced his plans to rescue the nations capital the number of online reservations in the District dropped by 16 percent. Reservations continued to drop in the following days, with Wednesday, Aug. 13, seeing the steepest decline at 31 percent. For many local restaurateurs, the drastic dip in diners has been worrisome, especially during Summer Restaurant Week, which began on Aug. 18 in Washington. The bargain-dining promotion is considered a lifeline for restaurants hoping to survive the doldrums of August, when Congress is on recess, locals are on vacation, and many local residents are gearing up for back-to-school season, The Washington Post reported. This month alone, several D.C. restaurants have been battling numerous obstacles, including rising labor and ingredient costs, soaring rents, federal worker layoffs and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement audits, the outlet specified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decline in restaurant reservations only makes current circumstances all the more difficult. The Post noted that some of the decline in reservations could be due to timing as the dates between Aug. 11 to 17 in 2024 fell during Restaurant Week, instead of before. Data from OpenTable found that on Aug. 18 this year, online reservations were up 29 percent compared to the same day in 2024. On Monday, Trump spoke about dining in Washington during a meeting with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office: The press says, Hes a dictator, hes trying to take over. No, all I want is security for our people. 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. Trump added, Friends are calling me up, Democrats are calling me up. And theyre saying, Sir, we want to thank you. My wife and I went out to dinner last night for the first time in four years, and Washington, D.C., is safe and you did that in four days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement sent to The Post, White House Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers underscored Trumps efforts, suggesting that 52 restaurants closed in Washington in 2023 due to high crime. Dozens of DC small businesses, restaurants, and local shops have closed their doors due to the violent crime that has plagued the city, Rogers said. 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. President Trump is delivering on his promise to make DC safer, which will inherently make D.C., more prosperous. The post D.C. diners vanish after Trump takeover appeared first on Salon.com. On a recent summer night, a 9-year-old girl in Northwest Washington, D.C. was having trouble sleeping. She heard on the news that speaking Spanish could draw the attention of federal agents, and she worried aloud to her Hispanic father that immigration officers might come for her classmates parents. She kept asking, Can they come to peoples homes? Can they come to our home? her father said. She was terrified. Their family, longtime residents of the city and American citizens, are not at risk of deportation. But the girls anxiety reflects a broader unease rippling through D.C. families as the citys public schools prepare to start a new school year on Monday, Aug. 25, under the shadow of President Donald Trumps takeover of the citys police force and a ramp up in federal immigration enforcement. Across the nations capital, parents are setting up group chats on WhatsApp and Signal to coordinate carpools and walking groups. Some are pressing the city to relax attendance requirements, out of concern that some families might feel they have to keep their kids at home. Weve got people volunteering to carpool other peoples kids to school because the parents are afraid to try to get their kid to school on their own, says Catherine Morgan, a D.C. resident whose child starts third grade on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since announcing in August that he would place the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control and deploy National Guard troops to patrol the streets, Trump has insisted his measures are necessary to curb what he has described as roving mobs of wild youth and bloodthirsty criminals, despite statistics showing violent crime in the city had hit a 30-year low earlier this year. His administration has also rolled back protections that once limited immigration enforcement around schools, allowing agents to conduct raids in neighborhoods and workplaces. The result, according to parents, educators and community leaders, is a climate of fear and confusion at the very moment when families are usually focused on first-day jitters, backpacks, and back-to-school clothes. Parents across the city interviewed for this story described adjusting their routines to shield their children from encounters with federal law enforcement whose mandate remains unclear. Marta Urquilla, a D.C. resident and mother of two teenagers, says she will not let her kids ride public buses to school. At this point, thats off the table, she says. My kids present as Black, and thats just not something I am inclined to expose them to. She says families in her neighborhood near Howard University have organized walking groups to the grocery store and that similar plans would be in place for school commutes. The federal occupation, Urquilla adds, has not been evenly felt across the city. The closer you get to where immigrants live, to where Black folks live and work, the more you see it, she says. Members of the U.S. Marshalls detain a person after executing a federal warrant in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2025. Kevin DietschGetty Images Rumors of ICE enforcement actions have swirled since Trumps inauguration in January, but have intensified over the past two weeks as ICE, FBI, Border Patrol, National Guard troops, and more have descended on D.C. streets. Videos have circulated of federal agents and local police arresting individuals in handcuffs and stopping others at various checkpoints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the country, school districts have been taking precautions to shield children from immigration enforcement. In New York, officials unanimously passed a resolution this year that prohibits ICE agents from entering schools or accessing student records without a judicial warrant. In Los Angeles, school leaders announced new safe zones in areas targeted by ICE to protect students before and after school. D.C. parents, however, remain uncertain how much protection their schools can offer, given the citys lack of statehood and Trumps direct authority over its institutions. At a virtual information session for parents on Wednesday night, D.C. Public Schools officials attempted to address concerns about the increased law enforcement presence in the city, noting that they expect very little impact to schools. "Any law enforcement action on school grounds can only take place with a valid warrant or court order, said Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee, the chancellor for District of Columbia Public Schools. He stressed that school resource officers are not performing any duties related to immigration or custom enforcement. DCPS also shared a few best practices for parents to share with students, including to always travel in a group or with trusted adults, and to avoid distractions while traveling, such as being on a phone or using headphones. Please advise our young people to stay aware of their surroundings, Ferebee said at the information session. D.C. police are currently enforcing a citywide juvenile curfew that begins at 11 p.m. for people under 17. In some targeted neighborhoods, juvenile curfews begin as early as 8 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some parents remain frustrated by the lack of communication from their schools about what many view as an unprecedented moment. We havent been told a goddamn thing, says Morgan when asked what her daughters school in D.C. had communicated about the coming week. It makes us feel like, what are you going to do? Are you just going to let them come in and take these kids? Jenn Kauffman is a mother of two who sits on the citys advisory neighborhood commission representing her neighborhood in Brightwood Park. She says parents are demanding stronger assurances from school leaders. I want bare minimum for the schools to kind of stand up and say what they will do to protect students, she said. But in this climate, and you know, D.C. being a federal jurisdiction, Im also afraid that still wont be enough. Her 7-year-old, who attends a bilingual school, has already been discussing the situation with classmates. The kids have been talking about this and aware about this, she says. But I think its risen to a new level. Parents say their children are absorbing the stressand so are they. Lara Fife, whose 4-year-old started pre-K this month, says he has asked her why police are detaining people. Ive been extremely stressed and not sleeping well at all, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House insists the deployments are making Washington, D.C. safer, but most residents don't see it that way. A Washington Post-Schar School poll published Wednesday found roughly 80% of D.C. residents opposed Trumps executive order to federalize the citys police department, and 65% do not think Trumps actions will make the city safer. Residents warn that the show of force may deepen mistrust and drive children away from school. In Los Angeles, officials recently reported a 7% rise in online academy enrollment, attributing the spike in part to immigration fears. D.C. parents worry they may soon face the same difficult choice. Are we at a point where we need a virtual schooling option? Kauffman asks. Because whats going to happen then is families are going to have to choose between risking their child, or being referred to Child Protective Services for truancy. And thats just immoral. For now, families are bracing for Monday. Some will walk in groups. Others will drive in carpools. Still others may keep their children home. But the sense of unease remains. The Hispanic father with the worried 9-year-old daughter says his family plans to arrive at school extra early on Monday so he can warn other families if they notice ICE or other federal law enforcement in the area. I'm not hearing from any person of color or minorities that they feel safer or that they think that the police presence is here to quote, unquote, restore safety or security, right? It's quite the opposite, he says. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Nearly twenty years ago, a community group was formed in Abilene, gathering each week at the G.V. Daniels Center to provide support for children with incarcerated parents and those transitioning out of imprisonment. Although the non-profit no longer meets, a new documentary at the Paramount is revisiting the impact and legacy left behind. Abilene nonprofit Let Us Breathe plans new community complex In Abilenes newest documentary, DaCipher 360, Director Alisha Taylor goes back to the early 2000s to follow the life of Robert Lilly, the founder of the organization. She said through Lillys story, you see the lives he touched and the first-hand impact of incarceration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You had people who were like 10 years old to 40 to 65. It was really like this melting pot of generations, races that have all been affected by mass incarceration, Taylor said. The first time [Robert] was incarcerated was at 12 years old. So, we follow his journey and the ways that he is tied into the system and how that kind of fosters this want for him to impact the community. The two-year project features previous participants of the group and how the single impact of the community can change everything. Taylor said she found her inspiration during this project with the local impact that can sometimes get overlooked when talking about big topics. When we talk about mass incarceration, we look at it on a really large scale, but to kind of niche it down to where we are and can see, like right across the street, where those impacts are was really important, Taylor said. I wasnt interested in painting him as like this martyr or someone whos above reproach, and hes a very genuine person living a human experience that has come into contact with all of these different systemic things. GALLERY: Pop-up storm downpours on Abilene Wednesday morning Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the main themes of the film focuses on the pipeline between literacy rates and prisons. Something that postproduction supervisor Melissa Henderson said throughout the production process, she realized those statistics played a role in her own life with her cousins who were incarcerated, changing her perspective. I watched my cousins loosen themselves from the importance of education. I could not understand that as a kid. There was something going on there with the literacy rate as they failed classes, as they didnt have support from their teachers, Henderson said. If you dont know much about mass incarceration or even if you think you know, I think theres nothing like hearing it first from those who have been incarcerated for many years. Wildcats move in as ACU welcomes largest freshman class in years During the research, the idea of a book drive to support in-state inmates came to life. Thats where Arlene Kasselman, owner of Seven and One Books, came in. She said she connected with the message of the film and wanted to help share the magic of words on a page. 40% of inmates who are given the opportunity to access resources and books are less likely to return to the prison system. So besides just reading, being for pleasure and for education for our everyday families, I think its a real tool in healing communities, Kasselman said. Alisha and her team identified some books that they would love to put in the hands of some current inmates who are looking for accessibility and resources and information, and they identified five books. So, we found those five books, put them together in a pack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story comes to life through archived videos, memories carried and impact shared. The documentary premieres at the Paramount at 7:00 p.m. this Saturday. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for viewers to learn about nonprofit support available to help in-state prisoners by donating books. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON Democratic dads in Congress are going after tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, arguing the sweeping taxes have caused a spike in prices for items that are necessary for parents with young children. Members of the congressional Dad Caucus are pushing for a legislative package that would lift tariffs on items such as diapers, formula, strollers and car seats, on which lawmakers say prices have surged since President Donald Trump announced his Liberation Day tariff package in April. The package, coined Babies Over Billionaires, would specifically prohibit the president from using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs on those specific items. Any parent, including myself, knows how expensive it is to raise a child, and as currently formulated, the typical American household can now expect to pay an average of $4,600 more annually because of Trumps dumb tariffs, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., chairman of the Dads Caucus, said in a statement. Our legislation would help working families from having to choose between paying rent and buying their child new shoes, a car seat, or baby formula. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The package includes six bills that would ban tariffs on baby clothing, toy items, hygiene products such as baby wipes or diapers, food items, safety products such as strollers, and sleep items. The legislation comes in response to a recent report issued by Democratic members of Congresss Joint Economic Committee showing that prices for common baby items have increased by 24% between April 1, when Trump announced the widespread tariffs, and June 12. The study also showed that the costs for families with new infants has increased by $400 since March. When combined, new parents will end up paying a total of $875 million more by the end of 2025 than they did last year. The caucus introduced the bills in July but they have not been brought to the House floor for consideration. Now, members of the Dad Caucus are pushing leadership to vote on the package when they return in September. A Dallas emergency physician was arrested in June on a child indecency charge and has since had his medical license suspended over public safety concerns. Heath Police arrested Dr. Lawrence Albert Bean, who practiced at Preston Hollow Emergency Room, on June 16. He was charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. On August 13, the Texas Medical Board suspended his license, writing that, his continuation in the practice of medicine poses a continuing threat to public welfare. Officials have not released details about the alleged incident or the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police booked Bean into Rockwall County jail the day of his arrest. He was released hours later after posting a $25,000 bond. The medical board suspended his license on Aug. 13, stating it will remain in effect while the case proceeds. Bean specialized in emergency medicine in Dallas. Authorities have not said where the case currently stands or if hearings have been scheduled. Preston Hollow Emergency Room has not commented publicly on Beans arrest or the suspension. Law enforcement has not confirmed whether the alleged victim was connected to the facility. Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The security of thousands more Afghans who served with British forces in Afghanistan may have been compromised after their data was accidentally leaked by the British Defense Ministry department processing applications to resettle in the United Kingdom. Freedom of Information requests lodged by the BBC revealed an additional 48 data breaches, on top of a 2022 leak of an unlocked document containing the names and details of almost 100,000 former interpreters and troops and their families seeking refuge from the Taliban. Three other smaller leaks were already in the public domain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We take data security extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring that any incidents are dealt with properly, and that we follow our legal duties. All incidents that meet the threshold under U.K. data protection laws are referred to the Information Commissioner's Office, and any lesser incidents are examined internally to ensure lessons are learned," said an MoD spokesperson. Of the breaches revealed Thursday, seven were sufficiently significant to require the ICO, the country's data watchdog, which has previously fined the MoD, to be notified at the time they occurred. The Information Commissioner's Office said it took no further action but was unable to say why due to the limited information it had retained on the cases. However, it said it was working with the MoD on the issue. "We continue to engage with the MoD, so we can be assured that they have made the required improvements," a spokeswoman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The watchdog didn't prosecute over the 2022 leak either, describing it as a one-off that did not represent a pattern. That breach only emerged in July when the High Court lifted a gagging order to stop it from being made public. Legal representatives of those affected said the number of leaks showed officials overseeing the so-called Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, put in place just prior to Western forces' complete withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, and other programs, did not take security seriously. ARAP replaced previous "intimidation schemes" providing assistance or relocation to Britain for Afghans in the British military or civilians at risk of Taliban reprisals for working for the British in Afghanistan from 2001 onward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exactly how the additional data breaches occurred was not revealed by the MoD, but in previous incidents, officials inadvertently emailed out the email addresses and other personal information of ARAP applicants or attached spreadsheets that were not password-protected. "What began as an isolated incident, which the Ministry of Defence initially sought to keep from public view, has now escalated into a series of catastrophic failings," said Adnan Malik, data protection lead at Barings Law, which represents thousands of Afghans impacted by the 2022 leak. "We urge the Ministry of Defence to be fully transparent with both those affected and the wider public. Victims should not be forced to learn the truth through legal action or news reports," he added. The 2022 leak, which went undiscovered for 18 months, was deemed sufficiently dangerous that the then-Conservative government was granted a court superinjunction preventing the reporters who uncovered the breach from reporting it and spent $1 billion secretly bringing around 800 of those affected to Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The level of secrecy was constitutionally unprecedented, with the "contra mundum superinjunction" gagging all persons with knowledge from revealing the leak had occurred and requiring them to deny the existence of the injunction. The final price tag of that leak alone was expected to balloon to much as $9.4 billion to relocate all 6,900 people affected. The MoD had originally planned to bring just 200 individuals and their dependents. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Congressman David Valadao said he does not support efforts to redistrict congressional lines neither here, nor in Texas. Valadao was first elected in 2012 to represent CD-22, which encompasses western Kern County and parts of Bakersfield. Hes won the seat in every election year except 2018, when he was ousted by Democrat TJ Cox for one term. Valadao is one of two remaining Republicans in the House who voted for President Trumps impeachment, making him a controversial figure nationally, especially within the Republican Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As 2026 pool for CD-22 heats up, Democrat Asm. Dr. Jasmeet Bains touts endorsements When asked if he thinks Governor Gavin Newsoms plan to redraw the California congressional district maps is fair, he said the decision led by Texas mutual efforts is very unfair. Valadao said it is a partisan exercise that Texas is pursuing for the wrong reasons. But Californias a little more complicated because voters here explicitly made a decision a number of years ago to create this non-partisan redistricting commission, and California actually has to spend $250 million to put something on the ballot, getting voters to overturn the will of the people, and allowing politicians to then draw themselves new districts. I just see that as a partisan exercise, and its purposely done so Governor Newsom can position himself to run for president, Valadao said. The non-partisan California Citizens Redistricting Commission has drawn the congressional map for California after the census 2010 and 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new map was proposed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Valadao said he opposes similar efforts in Texas, where Republicans were first to launch redistricting as a means to secure a House majority. When asked if these efforts were a partisan exercise, Valadao said he considered them as such. I think its wrong, Valadao said. Whats going on in Texas and I think whats going on in California absolutely are both partisan exercises, and we shouldnt be doing that. Ive been vocal with them saying this is a bad idea, but its not my actual colleagues in congress doing this. I dont actually believe they support the process. I think this has more to do with the Governor and the White House, Valadao said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly proposed 22nd congressional district encompasses many parts of the current district, but it now stretches north into Fresno County. Even with a higher rate of registered Democrats in this proposed district, Valadao says hes still confident he can retain his seat in 2026. The district in this past election cycle actually went five points, almost six points for Trump, and the new district with the new lines goes two points for Trump, Valadao said. So voter registration has been coming our direction for a long time and it softens that. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily News Do I believe its a tougher district to run in? Absolutely, than what I have today. Is it un-winnable? No, absolutely not. I do believe I can win it. It encompasses a lot of the old parts of Fresno that Ive had for almost a decade before the last redistricting, Valadao said. As of Aug. 20, the Texas State House has voted to approve their redistricting map. With a potential new map and increased competition from a bigger Democratic base, the race for a new CD-22 is expected to be especially competitive next November. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 21 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1831, Nat Turner launched a bloody slave insurrection in Southampton County, Va., leading to the deaths of 60 people. Turner, an educated minister who considered himself chosen by God to lead his people out of slavery, was hanged. In 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre. The painting by Leonardo di Vinci was recovered in 1913. In 1935, Benny Goodman's nationally broadcast concert at Los Angeles' Palomar Theater was such a hit that it often has been referred to as the kickoff of the swing era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1940, exiled Bolshevik leader Leon Trotsky was assassinated in Mexico City on orders from Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. A solar eclipse moves across the sky near the crown and torch of the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island on August 21, 2017. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI In 1951, the United States ordered construction of the world's first atomic submarine, the USS Nautilus. The vessel was retired in 1985. File Photo by U.S. Navy Spectators watch massive waves crash on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, on December 13, 2004. On August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States. File Photo by Pierre Tostee/UPI In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States. In 1983, Philippine opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. was assassinated as he stepped from a plane at the Manila airport. On Aug. 21, 2013, a U.S. military judge sentenced Army Pfc. Bradley Manning -- now known as Chelsea Manning -- to 35 years for leaking government secrets. File Photo courtesy of the Department of Defense Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1986, gas released from a volcanic lake in the remote mountains of Cameroon killed more than 1,700 people and injured 500. It became known as the Lake Nyos disaster. In 1991, Boris Yeltsin led a three-day resistance to crush an attempted coup d'etat against President Mikhail Gorbachev. On August 21, 1986, gas released from a volcanic lake in the remote mountains of Cameroon killed more than 1,700 people and injured 500. File Photo by United States Geological Survey In 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, assessing the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, in a mostly flu-free time of year, said there had been 522 reported deaths from confirmed cases of the illness and 7,963 people hospitalized. File Photo by Israel Rosas/UPI Women celebrate the revolution against Moammar Gadhafi's regime and ask for more women's rights in Tripoli, Libya, on September, 2, 2011. On August 21, 2011, Libyan rebels, with NATO support, stormed into Tripoli and seized control of Moammar Gadhafi's besieged country, setting up their own government at the end of a three-day battle. File Photo by Tarek Elframawy/UPI In 2011, Libyan rebels, with NATO support, stormed into Tripoli and seized control of Moammar Gadhafi's besieged country, setting up their own government at the end of a three-day battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2013, a U.S. military judge sentenced Army Pfc. Bradley Manning to 35 years in prison for giving classified documents to the WikiLeaks whistle-blower site. Manning, with credit for time already served, would be eligible for parole in seven years. In 2016, President Barack Obama pardoned Manning, who was by then going by Chelsea Manning. People use touch-screen computers to study details of the "Mona Lisa" painting at the "Leonardo da Vinci's Workshop: Inventor, Artist, Dreamer" exhibit shown at the Discovery Times Square Exposition on November 20, 2009 in New York. On August 21, 1911, the "Mona Lisa" was stolen from the Louvre. The painting by Leonardo di Vinci was recovered in 1913. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI In 2017, millions watched the United States' first total solar eclipse in 38 years. Experts said the event was one of the largest mass migrations in human history with more than 200 million Americans within a day's drive of the path of totality. In 2020, actor Lori Loughlin was sentenced to two months in federal prison and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, received five months for taking part in a college admissions scam. On August 21, 1951, the United States ordered construction of the world's first atomic submarine, the USS Nautilus. The vessel was retired in 1985. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy In 2021, heavy rains caused flooding in Middle Tennessee, killing 20 people and creating more than $100 million in damage. Crypto stocks tumbled on Tuesday as investors retreated ahead of this weeks economic conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. According to CNBC , Coinbase and eToro fell more than 5% each, Robinhood and Bullish dropped more than 6%, crypto services firm Galaxy Digital dropped 11%, and crypto treasury firms Strategy, SharpLink Gaming, Bitmine Immersion, and DeFi Development lost 7%, 8%, 12%, and 15% respectively. Stablecoin issuer Circle slid 5%. Bitcoin fell nearly 3% to just over $113,000 and Ether dropped more than 4% to $4,100, according to data from Coin Metrics reviewed by CNBC. Crypto stocks have soared in recent months after Coinbase joined the S&P 500 index, Circle went public, and President Trump signed the GENIUS Act a regulatory framework for stablecoins into law. Wyoming just became the first state in the U.S. to issue its own stablecoin. But bearish behavior has returned ahead of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas Citys annual economic conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Friday. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is expected to take the stage and signal where policy is headed . Wall Street overwhelmingly expects the Federal Reserve to cut rates next month, even as some analysts doubt that outcome, Fortune reported. With Powell speaking at Jackson Hole, we typically see profit-taking ahead of his remarks, Satraj Bambra, CEO of hybrid exchange Rails, told CNBC. Any time theres communication uncertainty from the Fed, you can generally expect some profit-taking as traders de-risk their positions. A Dayton man has been arrested for allegedly throwing a sex toy at a recent WNBA game. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Charles Burgess, 32, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with two counts of assault, the Associated Press (AP) reported. New York City police told the AP that Burgess allegedly threw an object at a New York Liberty game earlier this month and hit a 12-year-old girl. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email to the AP, Burgesss lawyer, Paul DEmilia, said he pleaded not guilty and voluntarily surrendered to New York authorities. Burgess is an auto body shop owner and has six children. DEmilia told the AP that Burgess plans to vigorously fight these embellished and exaggerated charges. Court documents obtained by the AP state Burgess was caught on surveillance video pulling a sex toy from his pants and throwing it toward the court. His lawyer claims the video doesnt show anyone being hit by the object. As the AP reported, similar incidents involving sex toys have happened at several WNBA games this month. In some cases, the objects have reached the court and caused game delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement obtained by ESPN and the AP earlier this month, league officials said anyone who throws an object onto the court will be ejected and face a minimum one-year ban. Theyll also be subject to arrest and prosecution by local law enforcement. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police are searching for two people who were accused of robbing a person at gunpoint in Southeast on Thursday morning. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told DC News Now that officers responded to the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue minutes before 6:30 a.m. for an armed robbery. Mayor Bowser: No reason for any official to wear a mask on DC streets During their investigation, police learned that around 4:45 a.m. on Aug. 21, two people approached the victim. Thats when one of them took out a gun and stole the victims personal belongings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The duo then took off running. Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call MPD at 202-727-9099 or text 50411. 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. If Australia is renowned for one thing, it's the proportion of highly dangerous animals that populate the continent. The three most venomous snakes in the world are from Australia (with a few others in the top 10). It has some of the most venomous spiders, with the Sydney funnel-web (Atrax robustus) most infamous for its deadly toxin. Aggressive saltwater crocodiles, tiny octopuses patterned with iridescent blue rings, sharks that swim the sea by which the land is girt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: 'World's Most Dangerous Bird' Seen Emerging From The Ocean in Australia But the deadliest non-human animal in Australia is none of these. It's not even a native Australian animal at all. The animal involved in the most deaths in Australia is: the humble horse, according to a report from the National Coronial Information System. The report, which is designed to support the work of death investigators and researchers, catalogs 713 animal-related deaths recorded between 2001 and 2021, with an average of 34 animal-related deaths per year. Nearly a third of those deaths 31.1 percent, or 222 fatalities involved horses, and most of those horse-related deaths involved a fall from a horse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surely, you're thinking, the second-most common cause of animal-related death in Australia is a native species. Nope. Accounting for 92 deaths, or 12.9 percent of the sample, were cattle, just under half of which were involved in a road traffic accident. After that, it's dogs, coming in at 11.5 percent, with 82 deaths. Most of those were bites but just under half were from falls. You have to get to fourth place to finally find a native Australian animal. Kangaroos were involved in 53 human deaths between 2001 and 2021 and every single one of them was a traffic accident. All the way down in fifth place we get to snakes with 50 deaths, followed by bees (45 deaths, all from anaphylaxis, and probably not native bees), sharks (39 deaths), and crocodiles (25 deaths). Not a single death from a spider bite was recorded in the timeframe the report covers actually, no one has died from a funnel-web bite since 1981, when the antivenom was introduced. So how does that stack up against the US? Well, a new report of animal-related fatalities in the US documents an average of 267 deaths per year. That's reasonably comparable, given the relative sizes of the current populations 340 million for the US, and 27.4 million for Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the biggest proportion of the animal deaths in the US 31 percent were from hornets, wasps, and bees. "Other mammals" a group that includes horses, cattle, other livestock, and raccoons makes up 28.6 percent, and dogs come in third at 26.2 percent. So there you have it. The animals with which we spend the most time or to which we are most allergic are most likely to be the ones that kill us. You can read the full report from Australia here, and find out more about animal-related deaths in the US here. Related News CHARLTON, Mass. (WWLP) A motorcyclist was killed in a crash involving a minivan and a motorcycle in Charlton on Tuesday. The Charlton Police Department states that around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, officers received several calls about a motor vehicle crash near the intersection of Worcester Road (Route 20) and H. Putnam Road Extension. Mass Pike reopened after tractor-trailer rollover incident in Charlton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police and fire crews arrived, they found evidence of a significant crash involving a 2022 Kia Carnival minivan and a 2025 Kawasaki ZR900 motorcycle. A preliminary investigation revealed that the minivan was driving westbound on Route 20 (Worcester Road) when it turned onto the H. Putnam Road Extension, and contact was made with the motorcycle traveling eastbound on Route 20. The motorcyclist suffered injuries and was taken to UMass-Memorial University Campus, where he later died. The driver of the minivan was not injured and remained at the accident to speak with officers. The crash is being investigated by the Charlton Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office. 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. Two states north of Tennessee are experiencing an outbreak of a deadly fungal infection. And it's not the first time that it has caused worry. Candida auris, a potentially deadly fungal infection, has spread across Illinois and Indiana in recent weeks. The rising cases are part of a larger rise in infections across the United States in the last three months. Tennessee, along with Kansas, Kentucky and Mississippi, recorded its first case of Candida auris in the last three months. These states now join 17 other states that were already tracking the funguss spread in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's everything to know about Candida auris and where it has been detected. What is Candida auris fungal infection? C. auris, or Candida auris, is a type of yeast that can cause high morbidity and mortality, trigger outbreaks in healthcare settings, and exhibit high drug resistance, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. Multiple cases of the fungus have been reported in the state in 2021, according to the CDC. People can be asymptomatic for long periods of time, even after an active infection is resolved. A person is considered infected with the fungus indefinitely, regardless of prior treatment. The risk of C. auris infection in healthy individuals, including healthcare personnel, is extremely low. Candida auris can infect the bloodstream and even cause death by invading the blood, heart and brain, the CDC said. More than 1 in 3 patients die from such an infection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fungus is also dangerous because its often resistant to antifungal medicines commonly used to treat infections. When and where was Candida auris first found? According to the CDC, C. auris was first identified in 2009 in Japan. Since then, at least 30 other countries have detected the deadly fungus strain. If (the fungi) gets into a hospital, they are very difficult to control and get out, William Schaffner, a professor of medicine in the infectious diseases division of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told The Washington Post. They can persist, smoldering, causing infections for a considerable period of time despite the best efforts of the infection control team and everyone else in the hospital. When did the deadly fungal infection come to the U.S.? The first known infection of the deadly fungus in the U.S. was reported in 2016, according to the CDC. Has Tennessee had any cases of Candida auris in 2025? Currently, there are no Candida auris cases in Tennessee. But the CDC has tracked a total of 12 infections in the Volunteer State so far in 2025. How deadly is Candida auris? According to CDC data from past studies, it is estimated that based on information from a limited number of patients, 3060% of people with C. auris infections have died. However, many of these people had other serious illnesses that also increased their risk of death. How is Candida auris or C. auris detected? Its difficult to identify without specialized laboratory technology and is often mistaken for other infections. Which states have outbreaks of C. auris fungal infections? Beyond Tennessee, there are at least 21 other states with reported infections of C. auris. So far, there have been roughly 2,800 diagnoses of the deadly fungal infection with about a quarter of cases coming out of Texas, according to the CDC data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the states that have had reported cases of Candida auris so far in 2025: Arizona Colorado Deleware Illinois Indiana Iowa Kentucky Kansas Lousiana Maryland Michigan Mississippi Montana New Mexico Ohio Pennsylvania Rhode Island Texas Tennessee Utah Virginia Wisconsin This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What is Candida auris? Is deadly fungal infection in TN? Velociraptor has a new cousin, which may have been even more deadly. The new species has been named Shri rapax, and unlike its famous relative it appears to have brandished killer claws on its oversized hands. The movies may have vastly exaggerated Velociraptor's size it was closer to a turkey than a human but one thing they did get right was the weapon of choice: a large, cruelly curved claw on the toe. The new species, S. rapax, was a similar size but seemed to focus its strength into its upper body. Its hands were much bulkier especially the thumb, where prominent bone structures "suggest the tight anchoring of well-developed flexor muscles", the researchers write. Related: What Would Dinosaurs Look Like Today If They Never Went Extinct? Capped off with an almost 8-centimeter-long claw that was twice as long as those used by its similar-sized relatives, the dinosaur's thumb would have been perfect for slashing and stabbing. The claws on Shri rapax's right hand. (Moutrille et al., Hist. Biol. 2025) Although the two dinosaur species were similar, their differences could have helped them live side by side by letting them focus on different types of prey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The more robust proportions of [Shri's] hands imply that it was better adapted to target larger and more robust prey than those usually preyed on by Velociraptor," the researchers write. This could have included protoceratopsians or young armored ankylosaurs. S. rapax also brandished a broader snout, giving it a stronger bite than related raptors, the team says. No feet were found on the specimen, but it probably still had those iconic claws there too, based on its family tree. Even in death, the S. rapax has had a hard life. The holotype fossil was poached after its discovery in Mongolia, eventually ending up in private collections in Japan then England, before being bought by a French museum, and finally returned to Mongolia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The skull and neck bones were removed to be scanned and studied in Belgium, but have since gone missing. The skeleton is now donning a printed cast of the skull, based on data from that scan. The research was published in the journal Historical Biology. Related News MONTE CRISTO, Utah (ABC4) A deaf Utah man who has been missing for over a week was found dead in his truck, according to the family. Ty Webster, 38, went missing on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. His family confirmed on Thursday morning that he was found deceased in his truck in Rich County. In a statement, Tys family expressed their gratitude toward all those who helped find Ty and issued a statement saying, We, as Ty Spencer Websters family, need a moment to express our feelings of love and of all the prayers we have felt. We are deeply grateful for all the love and support in finding Tys truck. It is with heavy hearts that to say Ty was found deceased in his truck on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would like to thank the Clinton Police Department in their efforts to find him, especially Officer Shepard and Detectives Butcher and Hubbard. The Weber County and Rich County Sheriff offices and all others who responded. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) Steven Bixby, an inmate on South Carolinas death row, had his competency hearing in Greenville Thursday to determine if he can be executed. Bixby was sentenced to death for the murders of two law enforcement officers in Abbeville County at his home in 2003. His execution, initially set for May, was halted by the South Carolina Supreme Court. Bixbys attorneys argued that he is mentally unstable and unable to understand the evidence against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Carolina Supreme Court has deferred the decision on Bixbys competency to a circuit judge, who will conduct the hearing. The outcome of the competency hearing will determine whether Bixbys execution can proceed, with significant implications for his case. Thursday, the team pointed to a report from clinical psychologist Richart DeMier, who spent 15 hours evaluating Bixby earlier this year. The report said Bixbys bizarre beliefs make it impossible for him to understand even basic legal procedures. I think he has some very severe misperceptions of what the roles are such that he is unable to communicate with them [his legal team] in ways that would be helpful given where we are in the proceedings, said Demeir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeMier explained Bixby is suffering from a number of mental health issues including severe narcissistic personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. His symptoms of personality disorder are more severe than almost anyone Ive seen before, he said. He believes that at this hearing hell have an opportunity to address the court and lay out his complaints about the history of the proceedings in this case in such a way that will lead to his exoneration or release, DeMier explained. Officials said the hearing is expected to last two days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Many Georgians and politicians are debating whether Georgia should get rid of the state income tax. States like Florida and Tennessee have already made the change, but what are the pros and cons? WSAV talked with two Georgia lawmakers who are divided over this issue, State Sen. Blake Tillery of Vidalia and State Sen. Nan Orrock of Atlanta. Both lawmakers serve on the special committee to eliminate the state income tax, and they had their most recent hearing Tuesday. Sen. Tillery is the chair of the committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the largest tax that the state charges, and its our best opportunity to put more money back in the pockets of the hardworking families that gave it to the government to begin with, Tillery said. According to Sen. Orrock, this tax brings in $16 billion annually and funds projects from roads to prisons, education and more. The tax was recently lowered to 5.19%, but Orrock thinks doing away with it all together isnt the best move for Georgians. We need to be very wise about tampering with our revenue, Orrock said. The thing is that eliminating income tax for our state sets us up for a regressive tax policy. What that means is that middle class, moderate income and lower income families will bear a larger burden for helping fund the needs of the state. Itll hit their pocketbook harder than it will the super rich. Sen. Tillery, however, said the state has seen tremendous growth, especially the Coastal Empire, and that growth in business will make up for any lost revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growth from the ports, Gulfstreams expansion, the expansion of more industries that have come in because of our water travel While weve been able to incentivize those businesses to arrive here, I think what you see is that a lot of hardworking families here in Georgia are asking what have you done to help me? The committee will submit their recommendations to the full senate in December. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell is weighing a deal with Speedway Motorsports to revitalize the city owned fairgrounds racetrack, but critics argue the plan threatens Nashvilles health, neighborhoods and long-term vision. Neighbors feel gaslit by city leaders, Heidi Favorite said. Weve organized for years saying what we want, and were not being listened to. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Community coalitions are pushing for the city to slow down and allow voters to decide how the track should be funded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fairgrounds Preservation Partners co-founder Mike Kopp said many feel shut out of this process. What we found were a lot of people that felt like they were never going to be heard, said Kopp. Opponents also point to history: before it was paved for NASCAR in the 1950s, the site was Cumberland Park, a green space for the community. Sometimes financial gain isnt about the immediate, Favorite added. Its about the long-term vision for our city, and this space should reflect Nashvilles future. More than two-thirds of Nashvillians (68%) say creating a new public park should be a priority at the city owned fairgrounds, according to a new survey from the coalitions. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com In a statement to News 2, the mayors office acknowledged a decision is forthcoming: We have known this administration will need to make a decision on the fairgrounds racetrack. We are focused on exploring all available options and the benefits they provide to Nashvillians and will continue to discuss with multiple stakeholders ways to improve the facilities at the Fairgrounds. Nashville Mayors 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 WKRN News 2. A lot of folks think growth just means more trucks, more loads, more lanes. But thats not growththat can mean chaos. Real, sustainable growth comes from clarity. And clarity only comes when you know your numbers inside and out. If youre not tracking, reviewing, and executing off your data, youre not scalingyoure just guessing. And in this industry, guessing will sink you faster than a slow freight week. The carriers that last arent the ones chasing every load. Theyre the ones using data to sharpen decisions, protect margins, and grow with intention. Lets break down the key numbers you need to track, how to make sense of them, and how to actually use them to build a fleet that lasts. Visibility Before Velocity You cant manage what you dont measure. And you sure cant grow what you dont understand. Before you even think about expansion, ask yourself: Do I know my all-in Cost Per Mile (CPM)? Can I show my net profit per truck for the past 90 days? Do I know which lanes actually make money and which just burn time? Am I tracking which brokers pay consistentlyand which ones waste my time? If the answer is anything less than a clear yes, hit the brakes. Scaling without data is like flooring it without a fuel gauge. You might move fast, but you wont move long. Five Core Metrics That Drive Smarter Growth You dont need a fancy TMS subscription or a data analyst on payroll. What you do need is consistency, discipline, and a basic spreadsheet. These five numbers will tell you whether youre ready to growor just asking for headaches. 1. Revenue Per Mile (RPM) RPM is the pulse of your freight. Its not about what you grossits about what you keep per mile. Track both loaded RPM and all-miles RPM. Why? Because deadhead miles and bad routing eat profits alive. Example: you might haul a load at $2.80/mile from Dallas to Atlanta, but if you deadhead 200 miles after, that good load looks a whole lot worse. Smart carriers break RPM down by lane, by broker, and by truck. Thats how you know what to double down onand what to cut loose. 2. Cost Per Mile (CPM) This is your break-even line. And its non-negotiable. Your CPM includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, payroll, tolls, ELD fees, trailer rentalseverything. Heres why it matters: if your all-in CPM is $1.95 and your RPM is averaging $2.10, your margin is razor thin. Add another truck with the same costs and one bad breakdown? Youre underwater. Track CPM monthly. Itll show you if your growth is adding marginor just adding stress. 3. Net Profit Per Truck Forget grossits a vanity number. Hinkley Point C Despite nuclear powers unmatched ability to produce reliable, carbon-free energy at scale, it is often dismissed by clean energy advocates in favor of renewable resources like wind and solar. Cost arguments and public misconceptions around safety and radioactive waste have kept it out of many mainstream climate strategies. But as Tim Gregory argues in his new book Going Nuclear: How Atomic Energy Will Save the World, this exclusion may be the greatest obstacle to achieving net zero goals. In fact, Gregory says in his book net zero is impossible without nuclear power. Claiming renewables on their own are enough to replace fossil fuels is underestimating the challenge of achieving net zero, Gregory said as a guest on The POWER Podcast. Fossil fuels have basically defined the world order for the last couple of centuries, and to think that we can replace them with wind power and solar power, which are fundamentally tied to the whims of the weather, and the rotation of the planet in the case of solar, is really underestimating the scale of the challenge, he said. We need power that comes in enormous quantities exactly where we need it and when we need it, Gregory continued. I dont want to live in a world without solar panels or wind turbines, but to think that they can do it on their own, I think, is honestly naive. We need something thats reliable to compensate for the intermittence of renewables, and nuclear power would be absolutely perfect for that. Nuclear Waste Problem Is Overblown For those citing radioactive waste as a reason to avoid nuclear power, Gregory said the problem must be placed in context. How much waste are we talking about? Gregory asked rhetorically. If you generated all of your power for your entire lifetime using only nuclearso, no fossil fuels, no renewables, just nuclearthe amount of nuclear waste that you would generate would barely fill a wine glassits about the same size as a small coffee cupand so, its really, really not that much waste that were talking about per person. And while it can take the better part of a million years for some long-lived radioactive elements to decay, storing waste in underground geological repositories, which is something already being worked on in Finland, alleviates concerns and isolates the issue. Furthermore, when the chemical inventory of nuclear waste is examined, you find that 95% of the atoms can actually be recycled and turned back into new nuclear fuel, which is something France has been doing for decades. Meanwhile, new reactor designs are being developed that can utilize some of the waste as fuel, which makes it more of an asset than a liability, so the waste issue may not be as big of a problem as some nuclear proponents make it out to be. Misconceptions About Nuclear Risk Nuclear accidents, such as Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima, have cast a shadow over nuclear power as well. However, Gregory suggested the long-term consequences of these incidents has been far less than most people presume. I dont want to diminish what happened at Chernobyl. It was avoidable, it shouldnt have happened, and every death that resulted from Chernobyl was an avoidable tragedy, he said. Yet, the death toll in the immediate aftermath of Chernobyl was only between 30 and 35 people, who were mostly the first responders working at the power station when it exploded, and the firefighters who were the first to arrive on scene to help put out the fires. Gregory said when you look at the wider population and what happened in the following years and decades, thyroid cancer is the only type of cancer in which there was a measurable increase. That has been attributed to radioactive iodine in the fallout from Chernobyl that made its way into the thyroids of people who were exposed. But when you combine that increased rate of thyroid cancer with the survival rates for thyroid cancer, which are very, very goodgreater than 99% for most localized casesthe expected death toll is fairly small. Gregory said only a few hundred people are predicted to die of thyroid cancer related to exposure from the Chernobyl accident. And so, when we talk about the event that basically ended nuclear power expansion in Europe, not as many people died as the terrible reputation of the night in question. And, in fact, when you look at the entire history of nuclear power on Earth, you find that fewer people have died of nuclear power ever than die every couple of hours of fossil fuels every single day, Gregory said. And so, nuclear power isnt this kind of reckless, irresponsible, dangerous technology. It turns out that when you look at the data with a cool, sober head, splitting atoms in nuclear power stations is one of the safest things our species does, and its far safer than setting things on fire. Costs May Come Down with Advanced Reactors and Experience While Gregory acknowledges that costs present a problem for construction projects, he feels small modular reactors (SMRs) could change the narrative. The really crucial part of these small modular reactors is the modular part, he noted. You can kind of think of them like the flat-pack furniture of the nuclear world. The idea is that 80, 90, 95% of the nuclear power station can be built on a factory line. It can be mass produced, and then shipped to the site and clicked together with minimal fuss, said Gregory. Not only does this make them much faster to buildwere talking like one or two years, something like thatbut it means that they can be mass produced, and nuclear power can finally tap into the economy of scale. And so, by building these nuclear reactors at scale, en masse, their price will drop, and so thats the dream. Yet, Gregory said traditional gigawatt-scale reactors are also needed, but costs for those types of units have been astronomical. For example, Hinkley Point C, a two-unit nuclear station being built in Somerset, England, which has been under construction for more than eight years and may not enter commercial operation until sometime in the 2030s, is one of the most expensive things that weve ever built in the UK. Still, Gregory believes as more of these types of units make their way into operation, costs for them will also come down. History has shown us that when countries build nuclear power stations at scale and they roll out many of them at the same time, the costs actually fall, Gregory explained. This was embodied really nicely in the 70s, 80s, and 90s by France. They built 55 nuclear reactors in 25 years, and French electricity today is actually less than the European Union average. And so, this idea that nuclear power is massively and grotesquely expensive is just simply not true. While its undeniable that upfront costs are massive, the fact that nuclear power plants can operate for many decades allows the costs to be spread out over time. A lot of the reactors in Europe are more than 40 years old. In the U.S., some have just had their licenses extended up to 80 years, which is absolutely incredible that they last basically a human lifetime once built, and so those upfront costs are diluted over many, many decades, Gregory observed. People Around the World Are Recognizing the Benefits of Nuclear Power Notably, innovative companies and many government leaders around the world are backing nuclear power projects. Big tech in North America has really cottoned on to these small modular reactors, said Gregory. Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are all going to be using small modular reactors to power their data centers. This isnt just a pipe dreamthis is actually happening now in real time. Its been very, very encouraging watching that unfold. Public perceptions on nuclear power are also trending in a positive direction, and the movement seems to be bipartisan. Its very, very encouraging that more than half of people in the UK either strongly support or tend to support nuclear power. Strong opposition to nuclear power, according to the latest poll, is actually below 10%, Gregory reported. As such, the two major political parties in the UKthats the Labor Party, which is kind of our left leaning party, and the Conservative Party, which is our right leaning partythey both support the massive expansion of nuclear power, which is really, really nice actually. Its maybe something that both sides of the political spectrum can agree on. The same is true in the U.S., where both Democrats and Republicans have gotten behind nuclear power. A case in point is the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act, which was signed into law in July 2024. It passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate with a vote of 882, and in the House of Representatives with a vote of 39313. If your politics has you more concerned with environmental stewardship, and climate change, and phasing out fossil fuels, and getting rid of oil from the energy system, then nuclear power is for you. But then at the same time, if your politics has you perhaps more leaning towards economic growth, and the economy, and prosperity, and all that kind of thing, then nuclear power is for you as well, because it provides the energy that enables that economic growth, Gregory said. And so, its actually very, very encouraging to see that, at least in most countries, nuclear power is not a partisan issue, which is all too rare in the world these days. To hear the full interview with Gregory, which contains more about the benefits of nuclear power and why its important in achieving net zero goals, listen to The POWER Podcast. Click on the SoundCloud player below to listen in your browser now or use the following links to reach the show page on your favorite podcast platform: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The POWER Podcast 197. Debunking Nuclear Powers Biggest Misconceptions and Why Its Needed Today For more power podcasts, visit The POWER Podcast archives. Aaron Larson is POWERs executive editor (@AaronL_Power, @POWERmagazine). (KRON) A longtime restaurant in San Franciscos Financial District has closed this week. In a letter to customers, Tlaloc Sabor Mexicano cited rising costs as a reason. The Mexican restaurant, located at 525 Commercial St., shuts down after being in business for nearly 25 years, according to Tlaloc Sabor Mexicanos website. It opened in 2001. Despite the closure, Tlaloc Sabor Mexicano already has plans to reopen elsewhere, although the business has not announced where. While they wait, customers are directed to sister restaurant Cancun Sabor Mexicano in Berkeley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SF Giants ranked first in this category but not a baseball stat Our San Francisco location will be closing this week as of 08/18/2025 due to rising costs. We are already planning a relocation and look forward to welcoming you to a new space soon. In the meantime, you can continue enjoying all your favorite dishes through our sister restaurant, Cancun Sabor Mexicano in Berkeley. We will also continue offering catering, same food, same flavors, just a different kitchen. Tlaloc Sabor Mexicano Cancun Sabor Mexicano is located at 2134 Allston Way, just outside the western part of UC Berkeleys campus. No other details were provided regarding the San Francisco locations closure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. A California parole board has denied parole for Erik Menendez, who was convicted alongside his brother Lyle of murdering their parents in 1989, delivering a crippling blow to the brothers yearslong fight for release. The decision does not bode well for Lyle Menendez, whose case is set to be heard by the parole board Friday. Despite the boards ruling, Erik Menendez still has hope of walking free. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has the rare power to reverse parole decisions, and the brothers are separately seeking clemency and a new trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision was delivered Thursday after an exceptionally long 10-hour virtual hearing involving statements from the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office, Erik Menendez and about a dozen supportive Menendez relatives who are also considered victims of the brothers crime. Ultimately, the board decided Erik continues to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety if released, listing his teenage criminal history, the brutality of the killings and serious violations of prison rules, including possession of contraband cell phones, said parole commissioner Robert Barton. He may become reeligible for parole in three years. Barton said he was amazed at the level of support Erik has from his relatives, but their statements did not outweigh the other serious factors in Eriks case. Two things can be true. They can love and forgive you, and you can still be found unsuitable for parole, Barton told Erik while delivering the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gravity of Eriks crime is not a primary reason for this denial, Barton said. Its still your behavior in prison. The parole boards decision is not final; It could undergo an internal review for up to 120 days. After that, Newsom has 30 days to affirm or reverse the decision, if he so chooses. Erik Menendez appears virtually for his parole board hearing from the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation The brothers became newly eligible for release after a judge resentenced them in May, marking a stunning victory for the Menendezes and their family, who have long been fighting to overturn their original sentences of life without parole. Though Erik and Lyle Menendez are inextricably linked in the public eye, the pair will have their cases considered independently. There is a possibility Lyle could be granted parole despite Eriks denial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been 36 years since Erik and Lyle Menendez stormed into the den of their familys gilded Beverly Hills mansion late on August 20, 1989, and opened fire with a pair of shotguns, killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. In the decades that followed, the crime has cast a lasting shadow on the family, not only due to the trauma of the killings, but also disputes over sexual and physical abuse allegations the brothers have leveled against their father. Ive called it a forever crime. It will impact every generation to be born, Erik Menendez said during the hearing Thursday. I cannot express sorrow and remorse enough. The brothers have spent years vying for new trials, resentencing and release. Their latest fight gained critical momentum in 2023 with the emergence of potential new evidence, the support of a former Los Angeles district attorney and a fervent social media movement driven by the release of a documentary and later a fictionalized Netflix show depicting their crime. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who has vehemently opposed the brothers efforts, celebrated the boards decision Thursday. Hochmans office argued against their resentencing in May and opposed Eriks parole at Thursdays hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erik and Lyle Menendez admitted killing their parents, but they have long maintained the crimes were committed in self-defense after enduring years of abuse by their father, which they say their mother knew about and chose to ignore. However, Hochman has argued the brothers have not accepted full responsibility for their crime and therefore should not be freed. The district attorney accuses Erik and Lyle of lying about their motive and has previously said he believes evidence to corroborate the abuse allegations is extremely lacking. The brothers family called the boards decision disappointing in a statement and said they are turning their attention to Lyles hearing Friday. (Eriks) remorse, growth, and the positive impact hes had on others speak for themselves. We will continue to stand by him and hold to the hope he is able to return home soon, the familys statement said. Erik briefly wavers on self-defense claim A crucial element of the parole boards assessment is whether Erik and Lyle Menendez have accepted full responsibility for their crimes. While the brothers have admitted to the killings, their motive still remains hotly contested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochman has said he would only support the brothers release if they backed down from their claim that they killed out of self-defense and on Thursday Erik briefly appeared to appeal to the prosecutors demands. During the hearing, parole commissioner Robert Barton cited a document written by Erik in which he said he had no justification for the killings. Erik reaffirmed the statement Thursday. Is there any part of this which you believe was self-defense? Barton asked. Erik replied: No. The admission came in stark contrast to decades of statements from the Menendez brothers claiming their motive was self-defense. But despite the apparent reversal, Erik still seemed to double down on their story that they shot their parents out of fear for their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the hearing, Erik delved into his teenage mindset at the time of the killings, describing his father as a cruel and domineering figure who, in his words, created an environment in which running away was inconceivable. Running away meant death. He became visibly emotional when recounting the murders. He repeated the story he and his brother told at trial: The killings followed a week of rising tensions and confrontations with their parents over the alleged abuse. My purpose in getting the guns was to protect myself in case my father or my mother came at me to kill me or my father came in the room to rape me. That is why I bought the guns. Erik (left) and Lyle Menendez (right) are now housed at the same prison. - California Department of Corrections Barton repeatedly asked Erik why he did not consider reporting his father to the authorities or leaving home to protect his safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its difficult to convey how terrifying my father was, Erik told the board. He later said he felt tied to the house by an absolute belief that I could not get away. Maybe it sounds completely irrational and unreasonable today, Erik said. You do see that there were other choices at that point? Barton asked Erik. Later, the commissioner told Erik he had the option to flee to other family members or tell the police. We recognize and understand that many sexual assault victims find it hard to come forward, especially when the perpetrators are family members, Barton said, but noted victims dont often kill their abusers in such a violent way. Eriks contraband phone use is selfish, board says Eriks criminal history before the murders and his track record of prison rule violations came under the microscope during the hearing and became a key determining factor in the boards decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board laid out Eriks record of tobacco and marijuana possession in prison and at least nine rule violations between 1997 and 2021. Erik also admitted to using heroin in 1998. The violations include at least two cell phone violations, as well as physical altercations with other inmates in 1997 and 2011. Barton also said Erik had been connected to a tax scam carried out by a prison gang around 2013. Barton called Eriks use of cell phones selfish and pointed to the hypocrisy of Erik leading rehabilitative groups while knowingly breaking the rules. The parole commissioner said the behavior indicates Erik believes the rules do not apply to him and the ends justify the means, a possible indicator of his dangerousness. Erik said he would allow others to use the phones in exchange for holding or hiding the phones when there were searches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erik says he was using the phones for connection with my wife, watching YouTube, listening to music, watching movies, porn. Anything you could do on a phone, I did. He said the connection with the outside world was far greater than the consequences of me getting caught with the phone. Barton said Eriks criminal history as a teenager also influenced the boards decision. Erik was questioned about traffic violations and a pair of burglaries he committed before his parents murders. Erik replied that the crimes were acts of passive resistance against his father that were rooted in deep character failings. I was not raised with a moral foundation I was raised to lie, to cheat, to steal, steal in the sense, an abstract way. When I was playing tennis, my father would make sure that I cheated at certain times if he told me to, Erik told the board. Erik said he has developed a moral guardrail while in prison and described 2013 as a turning point. I did not like who I was in 2013. I did not like using drugs. I did not like helping the (gang) it just made me feel ugly and dirty, Erik said, adding he committed on his mothers birthday to stop using drugs. Brutality of mothers killing played a role The particularly gruesome nature of the killing of Kitty Menendez, who was shot at close range as she crawled on the floor, influenced how the board viewed Eriks risk of aggression. The manner and the motive for the killings do have some weight in aggravation, Barton said. The killing of your mother especially showed a lack of empathy and reason. Barton said he found the execution of Kitty to show Erik was devoid of human compassion at the time of the killings. During their trials, Lyle testified that his mother began to crawl away after being shot at several times. Seeing her, Lyle said he ran out to reload his gun and returned to fatally shoot Kitty. Asked why the brothers chose to kill their mother as well, Erik said he had recently found out that his mother knew about the alleged abuse. Step by step, my mom had shown she was united with my dad But when I found out that she knew (about the abuse), Erik says he no longer saw any difference between his parents. On that night I saw them as one person. Had she not been in the room, maybe it would have been different. Barton told Erik he struggled to put myself in your place. I dont know that Ive ever had rage to that level, ever. But that is still concerning, especially since it seems she was also a victim herself of the domestic violence, Barton said. Relatives say they are proud of who Erik is today About a dozen relatives shared statements Thursday in support of Eriks release, many of them becoming tearful as they spoke of forgiving Erik despite the violence of the killings and the deep emotional scars they have left on the extended family. Kittys brother, Milton Andersen, was the only known relative to oppose the brothers release in recent years. Andersen, who had said he would never forgive his nephews, died earlier this year. Even those who spoke in favor of Erik acknowledged how difficult their path to reconciliation has been. To say that our family has experienced pain does not quite capture what the last 35 years have been like It has divided us. It has caused us panic and anxiety. It has led to many of us retreating, said Tiffani Lucero-Pastor, Kittys great-niece. Several also echoed Eriks belief that Kittys lack of intervention contributed to the environment of fear in the Menendez home. My Aunt Kitty could not, or did not, intervene, and that absence of protection deepened their fear and confusion, said Karen Mae Vandermolen-Copley, Kittys niece. Parole would allow some aging family members to unite with Erik before their deaths, the family said. That includes Joan Vandermolen, Kittys sister, who is now 93. I cannot emphasize enough Joan wants you to know she has forgiven Erik and she wants to see him outside of prison walls. She is proud of who he is today, Tiffani Lucero-Pastor said, speaking on behalf of Joan. Gov. Newsom could have the final word If granted parole, the brothers face a final and potentially unpredictable arbiter of their case: the governor. Under a 1988 state law, Newsom holds the unusual power to approve, deny or modify parole board decisions for people convicted of murder and sentenced to an indeterminate term. He has 30 days from when the board releases its final decision to make his choice. The governors office did not answer CNNs inquiry about Newsoms potential decision. Newsom previously used the power to deny parole for Sirhan Sirhan, the man who assassinated US Sen. Robert F. Kennedy in 1968. The governor cited Sirhans refusal to accept responsibility for his crime and lack of insight and accountability, among other reasons. Hochman, in his efforts to keep the Menendez brothers in prison, has compared their case to Sirhans several times, arguing the brothers have fabricated a story of self defense and never accepted full responsibility for their crime. As Newsom weighs the decision, Menendez relatives will be able to express their opinions to the governors office through calls, letters and other documents. CNNs Taylor Romine contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Whale sightings are never guaranteed, and goose-beaked whales are particularly hard to spot because they spend 90 percent of their time submerged. So when Jillian Wisse and her team position their boat in the right spot and the whales surface, its a feat. During their field expeditions off the North Carolina coast, sometimes they can even cruise close enough to take tissue samples and appreciate the rake-like scratches that the animals acquire from mating behaviors, social play, and dominance displays. They look like the English bulldogs of the whale world. I love seeing them, says Wisse, a behavioral physiologist at Duke University. Formerly known as Cuviers beaked whales, goose-beaked whales dive deeper than any other known mammal and are found in most of the worlds oceans. The elusive animals regularly dive down to around 3,300 feet and hunt for 20 to 40 minutes straight. Their deepest dive on record is 9,816 feet, and the longest known dive lasted 222 minutes. For comparison, blue whales only reach around 1,640 feet with dive durations around 10 to 20 minutes, and the best human divers tap out at records of 831 feet and 25 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To achieve such impressive dives, goose-beaked whales bodies have adapted to survive levels of hypoxia or oxygen deprivation that could easily kill a human. Wisses expeditions are part of a Duke project that aims to understand these deep ocean adaptations in cetaceans, the group that includes whales and bottlenose dolphins. Hypoxia plays a role in health conditions from stroke to cancer, and the researchers ultimate goal is to apply the findings from the marine mammals to develop treatments that could one day help humans, too. (These divers have evolved an ability to use oxygen more efficiently.) Whales evolved cellular tricks to conserve oxygen The Duke project is one of many research efforts worldwide that uses whales as models for understanding human diseases. Most of what we know about how deep diving animals handle low oxygen comes from beached whales and seals, which spend more time at the surface and are smaller and easier to study. But the Duke team focuses on getting samples from living whales and dolphins, especially extreme divers like goose-beaked whales, to figure out whats happening in their cells that allows them to survive low oxygen environments. (Sustainable Earth: Oceans) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, the researchers need to get their hands on whale tissues. Its hard to get data from whalesthey are very hard to get close to, notes Nicola Quick, a marine scientist and one of the projects leaders. Skin is the most accessible tissue in live whales, though they are not fully representative of what happens inside their bodies, says Wisse who also leads the Duke Universitys project. From live whales, scientists use a dart to punch out a piece of skin from the thick blubber or fat layer. Imagine you took a number two pencil, pulled the eraser out, poked yourself, and pulled it away. That's essentially what's happening, Wisse explains. Skin cells are multiplied in the lab, exposed to very low oxygen levels like what whales experience during deep dives, and studied. With stranded or beached animals, sampling gets a little bit easiertissues from skin as well as heart, lung, muscle, and even the brain are simply cut off and brought to the lab. The project is ongoing, but they already have some early results from skin samples of live and stranded goose-beaked whales from the Western North Atlantic. Even under low oxygen conditions, whale skin cells seem to consume oxygen at high levels, while skin cells of dolphins, cows, and humans reduced their oxygen consumption when oxygen was limited. Compared to humans, goose-beaked whales also carry differences in genes that regulate how mitochondria, the power plants of the cell, produce energy. What all this means is that whales have genetically-encoded adaptations that enable them to continue producing energy even when oxygen is extremely limited, while humansand probably, other land-dwelling mammals lack these adaptations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These findings about the cellular adaptations in whales build on what researchers previously knew about the physiological adaptations whales have for oxygen consumption during deep dives, Wisse says. More blood and slower metabolism Studies of seals and dead whales have already revealed changes in how the animals bodies function. Seals have about twice the blood volume of humans, carrying much more hemoglobin than we do, says Lars Folkow, an animal physiologist at the Arctic University of Norway. They would be caught in any blood doping test in the Olympics, for example, chuckles Folkow, who researches hypoxia protection mechanisms in diving species. (How do diving seals know how long to hold their breath?) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More blood volume means that the animals also have more hemoglobin, the protein that binds to oxygen in the blood and transports it to other organs. That means seals and other diving mammals have a very high capacity to store oxygen. They can surface with a blood oxygen content that is so low that we would lose consciousness if it was us, says Folkow. Estimates from beached sperm whales suggest that blood accounts for 20 percent of their body weight, compared to only seven to eight percent in humans. Whales also have high amounts of myoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in muscles, which helps them sustain at great depths for long durations. Previous research has also shown that whales can dramatically slow down their metabolism when they dive for extended periods of time. Their normal heart rate of 30 to 40 beats per minute at the surface plummets to less than 10 beats per minute during deep dives. The heart rate drop reduces the amount of blood flow and oxygen to non-critical areas like the digestive system, kidneys, and muscles. There is no need to run the kidneys at full speed or digest your latest meal while you are diving, Folkow explains. Instead, the animals selectively perfuse more blood and oxygen to critical organs like the brain. These MRI images show damage (upper and center left in each image) in the brain of a 54-year-old woman after a stroke. Stroke is one of many human health conditions where oxygen deprivation plays a role. Photograph By ZEPHYR / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Zooming in on the brain Brains are exceptionally vulnerable to oxygen deficits in mammals, and Wisses group is working on getting brain samples from stranded goose-beaked whales to understand how neurons in their brains function when oxygen gets depleted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Folkows team has examined this question in seals and minke whales by looking at neuroglobin, a brain protein that like hemoglobin and myoglobin transports oxygen. Using brain tissues from dead animals, Folkows group measured how active the genes that make neuroglobin protein are, and found that gene activity in whales was four to 15 times higher than in cattle, a non-diving mammal relative. The gene activity in seals wasnt quite as high, however, which surprised the research team. Folkow says this could be due to divergent evolution in whales and seals, a phenomenon where two related species independently develop different strategies to combat the same environmental challenge. Besides binding with oxygen, neuroglobin also prevents oxidative stress, which can damage cells. Either of these neuroglobin functions could be helping whales, says Folkow, and its difficult to narrow down to one of them without running experiments with live brain tissues, the kind of sample that is near-impossible to access. (Whales could one day be heard in courtand in their own words.) What this means for human medicine Despite the experimental challenges, marine mammal researchers hope that their work on hypoxia could help humans overcome health conditions where oxygen is a factor, like stroke, prolonged anesthesia, COVID-19, and cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing were interested to know is how marine mammals deal with inflammation when diving to such extreme depths, says Jason Somarelli, a medical oncologist at Duke University and one of the leaders of the whale project. In humans, low-oxygen states are usually tied to inflammation, ultimately leading to tissue damage or death. But deep diving mammals have evolved sophisticated ways to carefully control and manage inflammatory responses, including carrying natural anti-inflammatory substances in their blood. Scientists are still working to fully understand how exactly these protective mechanisms work, but Somarelli suspects that marine mammals must have uncoupled their oxygen sensing response from inflammatory response. If this is true, figuring out how the animals achieve this feat could help identify molecules that a medicine can lock on to and uncouple these signals in humans, says Somarelli. For now, drugs inspired by whale biology are only hypothetical. But hypoxia researchers arent the only ones interested. Other labs are studying bowhead whales resilience to age-related diseases like cancer and exceptional longevity. Their super-efficient DNA repair systems could potentially be used to develop treatments for human diseases. Scientists are also studying dementia-like brain changes in toothed whales to better understand Alzheimers disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Wisse continues to snag skin biopsies in hopes of further probing the cellular pathways that help whale cells deal with hypoxia. Finding goose-beaked whales is still like searching for a needle in a haystack for her. When a whale surfaces for a minute and a half, she accelerates her boat to get parallel to the animal and darts to remove a pencil eraser-sized piece of blubber layer that bounces off and floats. The whale then swims away. But my favorite moment is when they kind of turn and look back at me straight into my eye, Wisse says. They know whats going on. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A man accused in the fatal shooting at the Convenient Food Mart appeared in court on Thursday. Read next: Man serving sentence for shooting death in Youngstown pleads guilty to Akron murder Savion Woodall, 23, was in court Thursday morning in Warren for his arraignment on a murder charge. He pleaded not guilty. Police say they believe he shot and killed 31-year-old David Owens, III, on August 3. Another man was also injured in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say they found over 50 shell casings scattered in the street. Woodall was ordered held without bail. Two others who police say were involved in the shooting are now facing federal charges. Jumal Rowe, 32, and Rayjon Mcelroy, 25, were caught on surveillance video with guns during the August 3 shooting, according to the Department of Justice. Rowe is charged as a felon in possession of a firearm, while Mcelroy is charged with illegally having ammunition. Neither man has been charged with murder. Brian Oehlbeck 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. FRONT ROYAL, Va. (WFXR) Virginia has a smallmouth bass problem. The commonwealth is one of the top smallmouth bass destinations in the United States. People love to catch them. Virginia is the location of a number of world-class smallmouth bodies of water including the James, Shenandoah, and New Rivers. So, what is the problem? Numbers. Poor spawns, primarily due to weather, have plagued Virginias smallmouth streams in recent years. On some rivers like the James and Shenandoah, there are huge gaps between year classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of other fish, stocking to supplement numbers would be the answer. But, when it comes to smallmouth bass, hatchery raising smallmouth is difficult, and some fisheries experts say, it is next to impossible. However, Virginia is defying the odds. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR) has developed a process to hatch and raise smallmouth bass to stockable size in captivity. Virginia is just one of a handful of states to successfully hatchery raise smallmouth. A smallmouth bass fingerling raised at the Front Royal Fish Cultural Station in Virginia (Photo: George Noleff) Smallmouth are difficult to raise, said VDWR Fisheries Biologist Jason Hallacher. We are making some strides and were hoping we can use stocking as a tool to recover some of our ailing smallmouth population. So far, the VDWR has hatchery raised more than 80-thousand smallmouth bass. A final count of this years class is still being done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fish are being hatched and raised at the Front Royal Fish Cultural Station. The facility has large ponds that are needed to successfully have smallmouth adults spawn and produce eggs. The eggs are laid in gravel spawning beds placed in the ponds. We put brood stock into ponds, and we actually put trays in there with gravel in them, said Front Royal Fish Cultural Station Manager Wayne Pence. We then check those nests and move them to other ponds when we see theyre going to hatch. The ponds are then drained and the smallmouth bass fingerlings are corralled and collected. They are then transferred to holding tanks and then stocked. Baby smallmouth collected at the Front Royal Fish Cultural Station in Front Royal, Virginia (Photo: George Noleff) So far, stretches of the James and Shenandoah have received stockings. Other streams will eventually receive fish. Smallmouth bass fingerlings are transferred to a holding tank before being transported for stocking into streams around Virginia (Photo: George Noleff) While the VDWR has met with success hatchery rearing smallmouth, the process will never yield enough fingerlings to stock entire bodies of water. Instead, they will be used to bridge the gap between poor spawns on select stretches of rivers. The VDWR says the program will allow fisheries managers to sustain smallmouth populations in those years when nature can not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were hoping to use this as a tool to try to boost that population and try to keep it afloat until it can spawn naturally on its own, said Hallacher. Part of the programs success involves holding the adults for a year to allow them to acclimate to the hatchery environment so that they are more capable of spawning. its a very stressful process bringing them in from the wild, said Hallacher. We hold them for more than a year and that allows them to be much more comfortable. That may be one key to the success of the Virginia smallmouth program. Fisheries managers say they still have to study the results of the stocking program to determine its success, but they are hopeful. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Fisheries Biologist Jason Hallacher (Photo: George Noleff) Hallacher is optimistic and says it all starts with producing numbers: We were able to raise a lot more fish than we were originally anticipating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Neighbors in Del Cerro are voicing their concern over a newly installed solar project on a nearby elementary school campus. Theyre disappointed with how the district carried out the plans and say the placement of the project is an issue. The district brought an industrial park to a suburban neighborhood, said Dick Burson. Patrick Redding lives directly across from the project and shared, every south facing window of our house looks at a gigantic solar monstrosity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district held two meetings in fall of 2024 where this project was discussed as part of a campus modernization plan. It was presented from the very beginning that the solar panels are here, said Doug Livingston. Burson, Redding and Livingston all have homes across the street from the site. They say neighbors advocated for the solar panels to be put in a different location. I think everybody is for green energy in a way, but put it somewhere thats not going to affect the entire community, said Redding. The district shared a written statement that in part states: While the District had evaluated several locations for the placement of the solar panels, this was the only location feasible due to soil conditions, joint use fields, and other operational factors. This information was shared with campus neighbors during the meeting on October 30th in our efforts to maintain transparent communication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livingston points out the project appears to have zero feet of setback from the property line. While neighbors grapple with the location, they are also finding it hard to understand how the district plans to use landscaping to mitigate the appearance of the panels. One existing mature tree already had to be significantly cut to accommodate the structure. The great irony of all of this is that what they created blocks the sun. There is great likelihood that what they plant will not grow so not only did they lie to us, they lied to themselves and its just a shame, said Burson. The district acknowledged the one treee as being over-trimmed and say they will replace it if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district also shared it is more than halfway through its goal of offsetting schools energy uses with renewable energy with 77 solar projects in place and more on the way. Neighbors say they plan to speak during public comment at next weeks school board meeting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Even if the Americans say publicly that they support a comprehensive deal, Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror questions what that would exactly entail. Delaying the planned IDF invasion of Gaza City, or agreeing to a 60-day ceasefire, would significantly inflate the IDF's death toll during the next part of the operation, Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror, former head of Israels National Security Council, said in an interview with Geula Even Saar and Nissim Mishal on 103FM on Wednesday. He made the comments referring to a military assessment that stated that an operation in Gaza City could cost the lives about one hundred soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we go into Gaza now, the price is 100 killed; if we wait another 60 days, the price will be 200. Hamas will have more time to prepare itself," he said, emphasizing Israel's contingency on immediate action. He also discussed how Israel would decide its next steps in Gaza, saying the key to understanding where Israel is headed in terms of a hostage deal or further military escalation lies in Washington. I have seen that negotiations are being conducted with both the Egyptians and the Qataris, Amidror noted. What matters greatly is the Americans position. If the Americans quietly tell us, drop everything, move now on Gaza, that is one thing. Or they tell us, lets go now for a partial deal, perhaps in these 60 days we can achieve something. US President Donald Trump seen over an image of protests demanding a hostage deal (illustrative). (credit: Canva, Noamgalai/Shuttershock, YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) US position on hostage deal vague, hard to plan around Even ifthe Americans say publicly that they support a comprehensive deal, Amidror questioned what that would exactly entail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question is when the comprehensive deal would be, is it now, or are you saying that you hope that at the end of the 60 days of a partial deal, we will move to a comprehensive deal? he said. Amidror continued: You come to Hamas and say, either you disarm, or we go to a partial deal, which will guarantee that by the end, this will happen. Since we lack a great deal of information, we do not know." "For once, there are no leaks, he said. He emphasized the importance of understanding the American position, saying, You are missing an important piece of information, which is, what are the Americans saying? They are speaking ambiguously that they support a comprehensive deal, but does it go through a war in Gaza City, or does it go through a stage in the deal? A veteran Delray Beach Police officer who served the last two months as interim chief has been officially appointed as police chief, the city announced Wednesday. Darrell Hunters first job was in the Delray Beach Police Department, which he joined in 2007. Over the last 18 years, he worked his way up through each rank from officer to assistant chief, and was named interim chief in June after former police chief Russ Mager resigned. I am deeply honored to lead the men and women of the Delray Beach Police Department and to serve this incredible community, Hunter said in a statement Wednesday. Guided by our core values of P.A.C.E. Professional, Accountable, Consistent, and Engaged and our unwavering standard of excellence, I am committed to fostering a department and community built on trust, integrity, and safety. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As acting chief, Hunter has already taken on serious challenges, including numerous officers leaving the department, many for jobs at the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office, and an ongoing standstill between the city and the police union. In an interview with the South Florida Sun Sentinel shortly after his appointment in June, Hunter said the department is working hard to attract officers and stressed that the community is safe. We have one of the best training units within the state of Florida, which is working their tails off to make sure that we attract the best talent that we possibly can for the Delray Beach Police Department, he said at the time. Were never putting our department in a situation to where our community should feel unsafe because were not addressing the needs of staffing. Prior to his job as assistant chief, Hunter served a variety of roles within the police department, including detective in the Investigative Division and supervisor of the Community Patrol Division and Clean and Safe Unit. His appointment marks a new chapter for the police department, the city said, but his years of experience in the department will also preserve stability. Chief Hunters extensive experience, both operationally and administratively, along with his commitment to community policing, brings a strong sense of stability to our police department, Delray Beach City Manager Terrence R. Moore said in a statement. His leadership and dedication to service make him the ideal choice to guide Delray Beach into the future while maintaining the trust and confidence of our residents. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have been sued by passengers who claim they were charged extra for a window seat but found themselves sitting next to a blank wall. The lawsuits, filed separately against the US carriers, seek millions of dollars in damages for more than a million customers of each airline. They said the companies do not flag that the seats are windowless during the booking process, even when charging a premium for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United declined to comment as it was an ongoing legal matter. The BBC has contacted Delta for comment. The lawsuits, which are similarly worded, seek refunds of extra fees for passengers who said they had paid for window seats but got windowless ones instead. Both lawsuits, which have been seen by the BBC, were filed by legal firm Greenbaum Olbrantz. The complaints said some Boeing and Airbus passenger planes had seats that do not have windows because of the positioning of air conditioning ducts, wiring or other components. These seats are not flagged by Delta and United during the booking process, according to the court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuits say people buy window seats for various reasons, including addressing a fear of flying and motion sickness, keeping children occupied or for the view. Some passengers would not have chosen those seats - or paid more for them - if they had known they did not have windows, according to the complaints. Both airlines describe every seat along the sides of their planes as a "window seat", even when they know some are not next to a window, the documents said. Passengers may be charged more to select a window seat compared to a standard seat. Lawyers representing each case described the practice as "deceptive" and "unlawful". Other carriers, like American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, operate similar jets but disclose during the booking process if a seat does not include a window, they added. A Florida judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit filed against embattled HR and payroll provider Deel. And while Deel described this as a Rippling-aligned and Rippling-supported lawsuit, this is not the infamous lawsuit filed by its rival earlier this year that involved an alleged corporate spy. Rippling CEO Parker Conrad even went so far as to write This litigation has nothing to do with Rippling, we are not a party to it, did not fund it, in a tweet. (Rippling representatives declined further comment.) Still, this is some good news for Deel. In January, a lawsuit was filed in Florida by Melanie Damian, who accused Deel of helping Russian entities sidestep U.S. sanctions by processing payments for Surge Capital Ventures. Surge had been subject to a separate U.S. SEC action alleging that the company was involved in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded church members out of $35 million. Damian, a court-appointed receiver for Surge, was tasked with recovering assets, Semafor reported at the time. She filed the lawsuit on behalf of investors, alleging that Deel was responsible for processing the payments. This is the case that was dismissed. Deel is attempting to tie this case to the suit filed by Rippling, in part because Damians lawyers cited the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Rippling, which is suing Deel in California, is also alleging that Deel violated RICO, as well as the Defend Trade Secrets Act, and California state law, as TechCrunch previously reported. RICO is famously the statute that was originally used to prosecute mobsters. Ripplings lawsuit, however, involves a different set of allegations centered on a Rippling employee who testified in an Irish court that he had been acting as a paid corporate spy for Deel. Deel is clearly hoping that if one court dismisses a lawsuit alleging RICO violations, another court will follow suit. The ruling invites further questions about the credibility of another baseless set of RICO accusations by Rippling in California, a Deel spokesperson told TechCrunch in an emailed statement. But as these cases involve different actions and circumstances, well all have to wait and see how the California court responds. Meanwhile, Deel is also suing Rippling, claiming that one of Ripplings employees was unlawfully impersonating a customer. On top of all of that, the person who confessed to being Deels alleged corporate spy, Keith OBrien, successfully obtained a restraining order against people he said were following him and scaring his family. OBrien is now Ripplings star witness in its case against Deel. Texas Democrat James Talarico has built a national profile railing against GOP billionaires in politics but has quietly accepted funds from a PAC backed by one of the wealthiest donors in the Republican Party. The single biggest donor to Talaricos state House reelection bid last year was a group funded by casino mogul Miriam Adelson, according to state campaign finance data. Adelson, the widow of the late Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson, is one of President Donald Trumps largest financial supporters and seen as a boogeyman by much of the left. Talarico is now considering a run for Senate, which would test whether such ties are a vulnerability at a time when liberal voters say they want Democrats to aggressively take on Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talarico received a total of $59,000 from the Texas Sands PAC through donations in February and December of 2024, according to state campaign finance records. That makes the group both his biggest donor last year and one of his largest since he first ran for the state legislature in 2018. Asked about the funding, Talarico spokesperson Antonio Esparza said that the state representative pushed for campaign finance reform but he will not unilaterally disarm and let Texas Republicans play by different rules until the law changes. Rep. Talarico believes our campaign finance system is deeply broken, he said. Thats why he filed legislation to cap campaign contribution limits in the state of Texas. Texas does not have limits on political donations to state legislative candidates. Talarico introduced a bill earlier this year that would cap state campaign contributions at $10,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The year prior to receiving the funds from the Texas Sands PAC, he voted in support of legislation aimed at legalizing casino gambling in Texas through a proposed constitutional amendment put to voters. Adelson, who has sunk millions into Texas Sands PAC, has pushed for Texas to legalize casino gambling. The group has given heavily to both Democrats and Republicans in the state. Esparza said Talarico has backed the legalization of casino gambling his entire career because it will bring good jobs and additional tax revenue to the state. Democrats have walked a political tightrope for years as they have campaigned against the power and influence of the super rich while also soliciting funds from moneyed donors such as Michael Bloomberg and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. As they look to take back power in the Trump era, they are increasingly leaning into populism and bashing billionaires, opening themselves up to attacks of hypocrisy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to argue that you are a person who meets the moment when you are cashing checks from the person who funded Donald Trump more than anybody but Elon Musk, said a national Democratic operative who is not involved in the Texas Senate race and was granted anonymity to speak frankly. Talarico has been vocal about the influence of wealthy donors in Texas politics as hes been teasing a potential Senate run in recent weeks, saying that Republican billionaires basically control the state government. Basically every single Republican state senator in Texas has taken their money. Every single one. A majority of the Republicans in the state House have taken their money, he said on The Joe Rogan Experience, referring to GOP contributors Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks, who made their fortune in oil and fracking. They increasingly run this whole government here in Texas. Talarico likewise told Esquire that he has been outspoken about the billionaire megadonors who basically run our state government and would hope to be a voice against corruption if elected to the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talaricos team said he has one of the biggest grassroots fundraising operations in the state legislature, with 90 percent of his donors in the 2024 cycle giving him less than $100. Talarico is one of several Democrats eyeing a Senate run in Texas, where incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn is facing a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Democratic former Rep. Colin Allred, who unsuccessfully challenged Sen. Ted Cruz last year, has announced a comeback bid, and other potential Democratic contenders include former Rep. Beto ORourke and Rep. Joaquin Castro. Spokespeople for Adelson and the Texas Sands PAC declined to comment. Texas appears to have sparked a redistricting domino effect. Republicans in the Lone Star State forced through their gerrymandered maps Wednesday night by locking state representatives inside the Capitol until they voted on a chart that would carve out five new GOP-favorable districts and erase Democratic areas. The brutal initiative followed weeks of counterefforts by state Democrats, who at one point fled Texas in order to avoid participating in the Donald Trumpdirected vote. Other areas of the country were watching the bedlam to ascertain just how far Texas would go to obey Trumps commandand now, theyre acting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic governors on both coasts proclaimed redistricting war in the wake of the vote, announcing on social media that they would work to offset Texass maps, intended to help the GOP secure five more House seats in Washington. Game on, wrote New York Governor Kathy Hochul, responding to news of the passed vote. Its on, Texas, posted California Governor Gavin Newsom. Congressional maps are typically redrawn every 10 years, after new census data is released. But Texass decision to do so in the middle of the decadeat Trumps directionhas raised alarms, with Democrats across the country labeling the effort a threat to democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between them, New York (26) and California (52)two of the countrys most populous stateshave 78 representatives, the bulk of whom are Democrats. Their share accounts for nearly 18 percent of the Houses membership. But as Texas worked to obey Trumps midterm demands, the pair of Democratic strongholds warned that carving out more Democratic seats was well within their power. This is radical rigging of a midterm election, Newsom told The Siren podcast earlier Wednesday. Radical rigging of an election. Destroying, vandalizing this democracy, the rule of law. So, Im sorry. I know some peoples sensibilities. I respect and appreciate that. But right now, with all due respect, were walking down a damn different path. Were fighting fire with fire. And were gonna punch these sons of bitches in the mouth. When asked last month if he was concerned about California following suit in the redistricting department, Trump said that the White House would fight them. You know theyre so corrupt in California, you never know whats going to happen, Trump said at the time. But weve done pretty well in the courts in California, you see. Were batting about 1,000, ultimately. But the Republican stratagem is far from over. Trump issued similar demands of five other states: Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida. As a nationwide redistricting arms race unfolds, Ohio Democrats say they're ready to fight back against unfair GOP maps when the battle hits the Buckeye State. Across the nation, politicians are jockeying for control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026 by redrawing the districts where candidates run for office. Republicans hope to shore up support heading into the midterm elections, which have traditionally gone poorly for the party in power. Texas Republicans are approving a President Donald Trump-backed map to add GOP congressional seats. Vice President JD Vance asked Indiana Republicans to add one GOP seat there. Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to create five new Democratic seats in the blue state to offset losses in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Democrats have been divided on how to respond. But Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder says he looks forward to blue states "throwing down" to create more Democratic districts elsewhere. "I don't think that California went far enough," Scudder said during a news conference with Ohio Democratic Party leader Kathleen Clyde. "I think they should absolutely obliterate Republicans in blue states whenever they are drawing these maps, because that is the only language that these people speak anymore." Clyde was less fiery in her response. "While I'm certainly focused on Ohio, I do think Democrats should feel free to do what is best for their state to fight back against this national Republican power grab," Clyde said. Ohio redistricting starts soon. How will Democrats respond? Ohio is poised to redraw its congressional map this fall because of anti-gerrymandering rules that voters approved in 2018. Without Democratic support, Ohio's first map lasted only four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like in Texas, Republicans will control all aspects of redrawing Ohio's congressional map. Ohio's current congressional delegation includes 10 Republicans and five Democrats. With a new map, Republicans could pick up two to three more seats, depending on how aggressive they are. Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou said voters can feel good about redistricting here. Ohio voters can have full confidence in the bipartisan, constitutionally established Redistricting Commission as it carries out the responsibility of redrawing our congressional districts," he said. Ohio Democrats have few cards to play, as Republicans control the state legislature, most of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, and all but one seat on the Ohio Supreme Court, which is tasked with determining if the new map violates anti-gerrymandering rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Clyde said Ohio Democrats won't compromise and vote for a gerrymandered map. "No Democrat should vote for a map that doesn't represent the will of the voters, and Democrats are unified in our opposition," Clyde said. More: Redistricting: Ohio must draw a new congressional map. Republicans hold all the cards Clyde also outlined options if Republicans approved a map that unfairly increases GOP seats in the state. Ohio Democrats could sue, have Ohioans vote on the map using a process called the referendum or pursue another redistricting reform ballot measure. Texas Democrats, for their part, are already planning to sue over their new congressional map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are going to throw down and fight every step of the way. If the maps pass in Texas, we'll see them in court," Scudder said. State government reporter Jessie Balmert can be reached at jbalmert@gannett.com or @jbalmert on X. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What options do Democrats have in red state redistricting? Democrats have tried everything to beat Donald Trump. But theyre only 1 for 3 in presidential elections against him. Twice, they impeached him but that didnt destroy his political career. Several top Democratic prosecutors brought the force of the law against him, but in trying to bring him down, they only made him stronger. Theyve tried to go high when he went low. But he went lower and won. And painting Trump as the worst-ever threat to American democracy didnt thwart the greatest White House comeback story in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what do Democrats do now? How Newsom fought back against Texas and soft-launched his 2028 campaign The latest plan, piloted by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose counteroffensive just won the support of former President Barack Obama, is to be a bit more like Trump but only up to a point and for a limited time. California state legislators are expected on Thursday to pass bills to set up a statewide referendum in November on redrawing the states congressional maps in a way that could net Democrats five seats in the House of Representatives. The counterattack went into force after deep-red Texas enacted its plan, ordered by the president, to launch a rare mid-cycle redistricting effort in search of five Republican House seats. Trump is blatantly attempting to save the GOP and himself from losing the chamber in the 2026 midterms and is prepared to do anything to prevent it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Democrats made a big noise, leaving the state to block votes on the plan but like almost all other party schemes to slow Trump, it was doomed to fail. The Texas House passed the redistricting bill on Wednesday; it will now move to the state Senate. Newsom who has a long and testy history with the president but who shares some of his instincts for stunt politics is not just taking on Trump by leveraging the mechanics of government in the Democratic cause. Hes also personifying the maxim that one way to defang a bully is to laugh at him. The governors turned his social media accounts into a parody of the presidents own huffing and puffing in block capitals on Truth Social. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! GN Newsom wrote after a post on X earlier this month, trolling Trump by mimicking one of his online quirks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This might all seem rather immature and below the dignity of the governor of one of the most powerful states in the union. But its playing Trump at his own social media game and recognizes that the president has shattered the norms of political speech. President Donald Trump, followed by first lady Melania Trump, shakes hands with California Gov. Gavin Newsom upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport on January 24, 2025, to visit the region devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires. - Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images Fighting anti-democratic fire with fire A more serious argument many Democrats are now making is that the Republican Party has transformed into such an anti-democratic force that they must do everything to fight back. Sure, it would be more noble for Democrats to stand on principle and refuse to follow Republicans down an authoritarian path by just drawing up more House seats because they feel like it. But theyd be sure to lose. Newsoms response might be cynical. But hes also seized on the Texas redistricting fight because hes one of the few Democrats who have power and know how to use it. Hes also channeling palpable demands from the Democratic base for more of a fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He doesnt play by a different set of rules, Newsom said of Trump last week. He doesnt believe in the rules. On Monday, Newsom seized on Trumps latest Truth Social rant about mail-in voting with his own post on X that aimed to get into the presidents head. Trump knows he is going to LOSE in 2026, Newsom wrote. His plan to rig new Congressional seats is going to backfire thanks to California. Now, hes clamoring for other ways to cook the results. This man reeks of DESPERATION. Newsom is taking a political gamble. There is no guarantee that enough of Californias voters will agree with his attempt to change the state Constitution. The California Citizens Redistricting Commission is a cherished plank of state democracy. But as he eyes the White House, the California governor has created a platform to elevate himself over Democratic rivals in galvanizing demands for more urgency in the fight against Trump and his administration challenging election fairness on multiple fronts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In effect, hes soft-launching a bid for the 2028 Democratic nomination without having to make it official. If he succeeds in creating more seats for his party and it captures the House next year, he will claim a lions share of the credit. Former President Barack Obama addresses the Obama Foundation's 2024 Democracy Forum on December 5, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. - Scott Olson/Getty Images/File Not quite hope and change Obama addressed the conundrum of whether to play by the rules on redistricting as a true democrat might in a speech on Tuesday night. Ive had to wrestle with my preference, which would be that we dont have political gerrymandering, he said at a fundraiser for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. The ex-president added: What I also know is that if we dont respond effectively, then this White House and Republican-controlled state governments all across the country, they will not stop, because they do not appear to believe in this idea of an inclusive, expansive democracy. Obama said he had tremendous respect for Newsoms approach in that Newsom made the California response conditional on what Texas did. He also praised Newsoms proposal to restore the states independent redistricting committee after the 2030 census following Trumps term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 44th presidents pragmatism reflects bitter experience, since he rocketed to attention in a 2004 Democratic National Convention address in which he declared, Theres not a liberal America and a conservative America theres the United States of America. Obama might be best remembered for soaring speeches. But eight years since he left the White House, its often forgotten he could play hardball: His 2012 reelection campaign ruthlessly savaged GOP nominee Mitt Romneys character. Arguing that democracy was not self-executing, Obama said that if Democrats really believe their own rhetoric, they should do something about it. He called for more support for the NDRC, litigation and organizing. And Obama also made striking allusions to the fights against slavery and racial discrimination in the 20th century. It took organizing and activism, and people demonstrating and sometimes getting beat or thrown in jail. It took a civil war, he said. It took extraordinary leadership and courage in order to amend the Constitution. And then to make sure that those victories were actually manifested required people to march and go to jail and in some cases, die. This came against a backdrop of the supine response of law firms, universities and corporate chieftains to Trumps power grabs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obamas warning posed the immediate question of whether the ex-president will be taking a more prominent political role himself. Obama has been a caustic critic of Trump at key moments for instance during the 2020 and 2024 Democratic National Conventions, when he warned about his successors threat to democracy. But he has wide interests in a lucrative retirement, including in film production and advocacy for his post-presidential foundation. And ex-presidents (among many others) know there can be a price for standing up to a successor who has weaponized the Justice Department. And would Obama be an effective force? His efforts in 2024, including a barn-burner speech at the convention in Chicago that was one-upped by former first lady Michelle Obama, couldnt prevent Trumps return to the White House. Many Democrats are pining for a new generation of leaders. And the next Democratic president, whenever he or she arrives, will require fresh vision and energy after the GOPs attempt to eviscerate the government. Meanwhile, Newsom isnt the only Democrat adopting some of Trumps methods to try to gain traction in the age of fragmented media and online anarchy. Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, for instance, has been trolling the president, Trump-style on social media. The man in the White House wants to crack down on crime in D.C. cute, she wrote on X this week. The audacity of sitting in the Oval Office with felony charges and thinking you can lecture anyone on law and order. The dangers in playing Trumps game Still, Democrats had better be careful. However brazen they get, theyll never match Trumps flame-throwing. A subtext of Trumps populism is that all politics are corrupt. And if voters believe that the Democrats are just as bad as the president, his own more venal behavior wont seem as bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and MAGA Republicans are trying to create such equivalence. Theyve portrayed the criminal indictments against Trump during his campaign as the cold-blooded exploitation of government power even though several of them arose from his attempt to steal the 2020 election. The GOP has better arguments that he was singled out in a successful civil fraud prosecution against him, his adult sons and the Trump Organization in New York. And when Republicans argue that Democrats are guilty of flagrant partisan redistricting of House seats in states they control, like Illinois and Maryland, they have a point. Still, most such efforts fit into the conventional corruption of the age-old practice of gerrymandering. No modern political figure has attempted the assaults on democracy and elections carried out by Trump. The run-up to the midterms may also show whether voters want another showdown over democracy when they are pained by still-high grocery prices and a struggle to afford housing. Neither party has compelling plans to offer relief. No wonder Trumps approval ratings are underwater and Democrats have been plumbing record lows in popularity this year. Democrats are now vowing to fight fire with fire, as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul put it recently. But getting down in the muck and fighting dirty with Trump is risky. Hes miles better at it than they are. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Denmark is turning the page on one of the worlds steepest book taxes. The government has announced it will abolish the 25% sales tax on books, a move aimed at counteracting what officials are calling a growing reading crisis. Danish Culture Minister Jacob Engel-Schmidt said he hopes the change will see more books flying off the shelves. The plan will cost the state an estimated 330 million kroner (44m) annually, but Engel-Schmidt argues its an investment in the countrys cultural future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is something that I, as minister of culture, have worked for, because I believe that we must put everything at stake if we are to end the reading crisis that has unfortunately been spreading in recent years, Engel-Schmidt told the Ritzau news agency . He added: I am incredibly proud. It is not every day that one succeeds in convincing colleagues that such massive money should be spent on investing in the consumption and culture of the Danes. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move follows the release of alarming literacy statistics from the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) which has warned that one in four Danish 15-year-olds cannot understand a simple text - a figure Engel-Schmidt admits is pretty shocking. Surveys also show falling reading levels among teenagers, which experts link to shorter attention spans and the endless distractions of digital life. While Denmark until now has kept books under its steep 25% VAT, its Nordic neighbours have long gone easier on readers. In Finland, books are taxed at 14%, in Sweden just 6%, and in Norway theyre entirely tax-free. Florida's local governments are falling in line with the unprecedented swoop from Tallahassee of state audit teams examining how tax dollars are being spent. But while city and county officials comply, Gov. Ron DeSantis newly appointed state chief financial officer, Blaise Ingoglia, keeps ratcheting up a confrontational tone. Through our travels, we are seeing local governments spend on things that they probably shouldnt be spending on, Ingoglia said recently in St. Petersburg. Were seeing them give out egregious raises Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palm Beach County was the latest to be visited by Ingoglia, who claims to have found "eye-popping" examples of wasteful spending in the county during his two-plus day visit. He declined to provide specifics on what he found and said a report will be released in 60 days. Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia answers questions from the media after being sworn-in as CFO on Monday, July 21, 2025. Democrat: State is run by bullies Rep. Lindsay Cross, a St. Petersburg Democrat, said that theatrics seem to be central to the state sweep. Cities and counties are seeing that our state and country are run by bullies, said Cross, also an environmental scientist and the former government relations director for Florida Conservation Voters. For local governments, I think they have to be selective about when they push back and when they cooperate. DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature, where Ingoglia served in the state Senate until his appointment as CFO last month, have long targeted cities and counties with so-called preemption laws aimed at limiting their authority to tax and regulate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the offensive by Ingoglias team is going much farther. The state now is going directly at the decision-making of councils and commissions elected by city and county residents. Data shows that Floridas previously red-hot housing market has certainly yielded a bounty of property tax collections in recent years. More than $55 billion in property taxes flowed to counties, cities, school boards and Floridas special districts last year more than double what was collected in 2014. It was even 46% higher than the amount taken in statewide just four years ago, state records show. Suddenly, the state is demanding explanations for how every property tax nickel is spent. Governor Ron DeSantis was at Front Street Civic Center Monday, Aug. 11 to celebrating the completion of the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project a major milestone in protecting the Indian River Lagoon and improving regional resiliency. While auditors work, DeSantis behind the effort For his part, Ingoglia openly acknowledges that the exercise supports DeSantis call for a ballot measure next year to sharply cut property taxes. Questions about his auditing efforts put to the CFO's office were referred to the governor's office, which failed to acknowledge them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How far DeSantis' tax-cutting plan will go is still unclear. But cities and counties warn that a dramatic reduction will certainly hamper local services, beginning with police and fire. In Florida, property taxes are the biggest source of dollars for 51 of 67 counties and almost half of the states 411 cities. Still, any questionable spending by local governments unearthed by the auditors will likely be held up as confirmation of the DeSantis theory that cities and counties fritter away money and can live with far fewer tax collections. DeSantis in February created a Florida State Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) task force, which he said would "work to cut waste within state government, save taxpayers money, and ensure accountability in Florida." He modeled it on the federal Department of Government Efficiency, briefly headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis' executive order creating a "DOGE Team" calls on it to use "publicly available information to identify and report unnecessary spending within county and municipal governments," among other things. The Republican-controlled Legislature followed-up with a measure compelling local governments to cooperate with DOGE auditors. While Ingoglia is spearheading these DOGE audits, he has tried to draw some separation from Musk's controversial work at the federal level. Referring to his work, Ingoglia coined the name: Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight (FAFO). But some see a heavy-handed parallel between President Trumps approach to governing and that of DeSantis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre just trying to create a narrative looking at cities and counties and policies they dont agree with, that basically dont fit their idea of what the free state of Florida should be, Cross said. But theyre missing that cities and counties should be free to govern the way their residents want. Searching for waste, looking mostly in 'blue' places Along with St. Petersburg, state auditors' stops have included Gainesville and Jacksonville, Hillsborough, Manatee, Alachua, Orange and Broward counties. This week, they began work in Palm Beach County. Manatee and Hillsborough are Republican counties. But most of the other communities where DOGE has been working are Democratic-leaning, even though Palm Beach County is becoming more purple. As of Aug. 21, there were 329,331 registered Democrats in the county compared to 299,216 registered Republicans, a mere 30,115 difference. Part of a pattern... Florida's GOP-led Legislature aims to limit the power of city, county governments Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What DeSantis wants later... Florida Gov. DeSantis targets bloated local budgets in property tax slash push Revolution in the air?... Florida cities push back on new state law limiting local planning powers Spending tied to diversity, equity and inclusion guidelines or going to support electric vehicles and other climate change-related initiatives are part of the states focus. George Kruse, chair of the Manatee County Commission, said his board invited the DOGE team to come in, and its work was completed in a couple of days. Kruse saw no harm, but he also conceded that hes unsure about what will result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, theyre not forcing an audit on a private enterprise: Were local government, Kruse said. I see it as, where else can you get free consulting like this? Were getting a bunch of people down using the states money to assess what were doing, for free, presenting to us, presumably, advice about what are best practices for the good of our taxpayers. ... If they want to send down lifeguards for our pools, thatd be fine, too, he added. There have been few signs local governments are looking to keep public documents or records away from inquiring state auditors. Still, Ingoglia has thrown out the accusation that some communities are looking to impose conditions and bureaucratic red tape on state auditors, hindering their efforts to find waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. In a letter to Democratic Mayor Donna Deegan of Jacksonville, Ingoglia threatened legal subpoenas, if necessary, to compel her city and others to produce their books. I am not afraid to use that power, Ingoglia warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deegans office said of the audit team visit: We welcome any financial evaluation not driven by partisanship or political gamesmanship." Katie Belanger, senior consultant with the Local Solutions Support Center, a national non-profit which tracks the interplay between state and local governments, said DOGE plans were proposed through legislation in 11 states, including Florida, this year. Key for leaders like DeSantis is consolidating power, Belanger said, adding, This is actually aimed at eroding the ability of local governments to function at all. John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on X at @JKennedyReport. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: DeSantis-backed CFO launches aggressive audits of local spending The Brief Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Lt. Gov. Jay Collins will extradite Harjinger Singh, accused of causing a fatal Aug. 12 crash on Floridas Turnpike. Singh, an undocumented immigrant, faces three counts of vehicular homicide after investigators say he attempted an illegal U-turn that killed three people. Federal officials are now reviewing how he obtained commercial licenses in Washington and California. ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida officials were heading to California on Wednesday to extradite the suspect in a deadly crash on Florida's Turnpike last week that killed three Floridians. What we know Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is traveling to California to extradite Harjinger Singh, the truck driver accused in a deadly crash on Floridas Turnpike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP Investigators said Singh attempted an illegal U-turn in St. Lucie County on Aug. 12, causing his semi-truck to jackknife into a minivan. Three people inside the van were killed. Singh, arrested in Stockton, California, on Saturday, faces three counts of vehicular homicide. What we don't know It remains unclear how Singh was able to obtain commercial driving licenses in two states despite being in the country illegally. Federal authorities are also reviewing whether California followed proper procedures when issuing him a limited-term license. Investigators have not yet released details about the trucking company that employed him or what safeguards may have failed. The backstory According to records, Singh crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally before securing a commercial drivers license in Washington state in July 2023, Fox News is reporting. Federal law prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving full-term licenses, yet Singh was approved. Harjinder Singh A year later, he was granted a limited-term, non-domiciled license in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 3, Singh was stopped in New Mexico for speeding during a roadside inspection but was not given a federally required English proficiency test that had taken effect days earlier. What they're saying "Tomorrow morning he [Collins] is going to take possession of this illegal alien, extradite him back to the state of Florida, and we are going to throw the book at him when he gets back here for what he did, so you can count on that," DeSantis said at a news conference. He also confirmed his office is investigating the trucking company that hired Singh. SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS The Source This story was written based on information shared by Fox News Digital and a news conference held by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Aug. 20, 2025. ANDOVER The Select Board will soon decide whether to endorse a local initiative to develop a condominium complex at 84/88 Andover St. Greg Minott, of the Dream Collaborative, and Bill Perkins, of Hearthstone Realty Corporation, presented their development proposal at the Aug. 11 meeting. The project, Trailside Andover, would allow for Andover residents to age in place and enable seniors to downsize while remaining in their community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This supports the housing diversity in Andover, Minott said. The 40-home, mixed-income condominium community is designed for our neighbors, especially longtime residents potentially ready to downsize from their home (who) dont have many choices and in many cases, end up leaving Andover, Minott said. He said hes heard stories of people with larger homes and a lot of equity who look to stay in town but cant find a suitable option so they end up leaving. Thats a loss for us, Minott said. Thats a loss for the town. There would be features to make living easier and safer with a mix of home sizes to serve individuals and couples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trailside Andover would have 30 market-rate units and 10 affordable housing units. The affordable housing units are aimed to appeal to local seniors and veterans. This is age targeted, not age qualified, so anyone can live here, Perkins said. The complex would be located near the intersection of Andover Street and Dascomb Road on 2.52 acres of land across two parcels where there are two vacant homes. The land is relatively flat and accessible which makes it ideal for senior-friendly housing, Minott said. We dont come across sites like this very often and I think its a big need for the town, Perkins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The land is near AVIS trails for walking and adjacent to Bear Mountain Nursing Home. The area is zoned as single residence B zoning. A Massachusetts Local Initiative Program (LIP) application would give the project relief from zoning restrictions. The complex would provide options for one- and two-bedroom units between 1,200 and 1,500 square feet. The vision is to have a condominium complex which utilizes a single-level layout, wide doorways and step-free entrances for the units along with elevator access for the residents. Minott said the units are comfortable, but low-maintenance living options. Outdoor and below-street level garage parking is also proposed. Gaining the Select Boards support is the first step for the projects team. The proposal would still need to go through the Zoning Board of Appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Town Clerk and Deputy Town Manager Austin Simko said this is a local initiative petition brought under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B. Upon the Select Boards support, the applicant then goes to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a comprehensive permit. Youre in the unusual position of seeing this kind of application, Simko said. Town lawyer Doug Heim said the ZBA process is more detailed, but every project under Chapter 40B has to obtain project eligibility. The ZBA looks at the granular details to see if there are any community concerns or if the project doesnt work. It would need to go through multiple hearings, and give opportunities for public comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heim said the Select Boards role is to determine if this is a project it wants to endorse and support. But he added an endorsement can weigh heavily on whether the comprehensive permit eventually gets granted. Board members said they would want feedback from abutters and any concerns from residents. But Chair Alex Vispoli said he can see the market for this type of complex. In concept, I think its an ideal situation, Vispoli said. The goal is to start construction in spring 2026 through summer 2027, Minott said. Early move-ins are projected for 2028. The Select Board will hold a second reading of the proposal at a future date. After a watchdog report described potential medical neglect at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island, no personnel action has been taken, confirmed the state Department of Social and Human Services on Monday. The medical director of SCC resigned in April, the same month the ombudsperson for the SCC shared a report that found the medical director and the SCC dentist did not regularly see residents who are confined to McNeil Island after completing their prison sentences for sex offenses. DSHS Chief Medical Officer Brian Waiblinger told The News Tribune the ombudspersons report hinged on data that didnt encompass the full scope of care provided, although DSHS is making changes to better meet resident needs. Messages left with the SCC Ombudsperson media line were not returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waiblinger said no personnel action was taken as a result of the report and the contracted dentist is still in good standing. DSHS media relations manager Jessica Nelson said medical director Deborah Havens left of her own accord and her departure was not related to the medical report. Havens told The News Tribune in an email Monday that she had accepted another position two months prior. As reported by the Seattle Times last month, ombudsperson Kayla Elladae conducted independent reviews of internal SCC policies and reported to the state Office of Justice and Civil Rights before she was laid off after sharing her report with Department of Social and Human Services leadership. Two other independent advocacy staff who worked closely with the ombuds team were reassigned off the island, and the same day Elladae was laid off DSHS rewrote its rules for external oversight, eliminating the independence of the ombudspersons position, reported Rebecca Moss. In response to questions from The News Tribune, Nelson said via email Monday that former Acting Secretary Cheryl Strange issued a directive on April 22 clarifying that SCC Ombuds have access to all records and documents normally available for public inspection. Under WAC 388-881-030 the SCC must retain an ombudsperson service to conduct independent, neutral program reviews. Nelson said Strange and the states Behavioral Health and Habiliation Administration formally requested a couple months ago to update certain sections of the statute to have the ombuds team report to the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Secretary. There was no intent to weaken independent oversight of SCC. The SCC Ombuds has always reported to the Office of the Secretary, Nelson wrote. The revision will reinforce current practice, that the ombudsperson must conduct their work outside the supervision of the SCC CEO and the assistant secretary for BHHA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like other state agencies, DSHS had to make difficult decisions in May to eliminate positions throughout the department as part of the state budget shortfall, she said. The decision to eliminate the SCC Ombuds position was carefully considered based on budgetary needs and was unrelated to the medical reports findings, Nelson wrote. DSHS currently has a team of six ombuds positions supporting the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration facilities. One of these existing positions will absorb the duties and be assigned to provide ombuds services for SCC residents beginning in September 2025. Special Commitment Center Photo provided by the Department of Social and Health Services Did the report find medical neglect? About 130 residents civilly committed to McNeil Island in Steilacoom are secluded from the rest of society and entirely dependent on state care. In 2024, Elladae explored allegations of medical neglect at the facility and came to the conclusion that Havens, the former medical director, does not regularly see residents in the clinic, some residents did not see the dentist annually and the SCC has more restrictive medication rules than the Department of Corrections. Elladaes report used data collected by the medical charting program Therap to calculate the time Havens spent with patients and found that 41% of residents were not seen by Havens from July 2022 to May 2024. Upon analyzing her calendar, Elladae also concluded Havens spent 95% of her time in non-medical specific meetings, despite the expectation that 40% of her time would be spent on direct patient care. Elladae also found that SCC has stricter over-the-counter medication policies than the Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Havens wrote in the report that it is spurious and misleading to use SCCs medical charting program and her calendar to draw conclusions about her time spent doing any activity because that didnt capture other responsibilities of the medical directors job, including planning, staffing, ordering, organizing and policy writing. In an interview Monday, Waiblinger said Therap and Outlook are not often used to track patient appointments and said Havens role did include direct patient care but it was not her primary role. Waiblinger said he has been advocating for the creation of an electronic health recording system on the island, which has not happened due to cost and limited internet bandwidth. Currently staff are using paper records and Therap to record appointments, he said. In the event of an emergency, residents are taken off the island to get treatment, Waiblinger said. Residents are not allowed to order supplements or medical equipment for themselves off the internet because some supplements can interact with psychiatric medications and equipment could contain banned or dangerous items, he said. Residents do not like being told what they can and cannot order, and that is a sticking point, Waiblinger said. That I can understand. Theyre in a place where they dont want to be, and then there are restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yuri Lee was hired as the new SCC medical director in June and SCC has filled a health services manager position to assist Lee with clinic work, Waiblinger said. Richard Guzhas dental contract with DSHS runs through the end of the year and he is paid $185 per hour, Nelson said. Havens now works as an associate medical director in Washingtons Department of Labor and Industries, according to her LinkedIn profile. She worked as the medical director of SCC for nearly three years, making about $322,000 annually, according to DSHS. Havens has been a part-time clinical instructor at the University of Washington for more than four years, per her LinkedIn. Pictured is one of the ferries used to take staff to and from McNeil Island. Photo provided by the Department of Social and Health Services Dental delays? In her report, Elladae found allegations of residents not receiving annual dental exams or the dentist in a timely manner were partially substantiated, meaning there was evidence that verified some, but not all of the allegations. Although the dentist is supposed to visit SCC twice a week, the dentist did not enter notes into Therap for the first five months of 2024 and 23 of 127 residents were not seen (about half of residents not seen refused or cancelled their appointments), the report said. Upon reviewing appointment slips residents submitted to see the dentist, 43% of residents were seen in two weeks but on average patients had to wait about 61 days for an appointment last year, according to the report. About a third of residents (22 people) had to wait longer than 60 days to get an appointment, with the longest delay being 342 days much longer than the average wait time for a general practitioner of 17.2 days, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one case a resident waited 10 months to have a broken tooth fixed and another resident didnt receive a crown on his tooth following a root canal, despite both mentioning discomfort, Elladae reported. Waiblinger said Guzha has been working for SCC since 2019 and the SCC wasnt aware of any prolonged dental care delays in 2024. Most of the delays that occurred were due to patient refusal of care, he said. Some of them were referred out, but most were offered one option and didnt particularly care for the option that was offered. So that delayed how we could provide care. When asked about delays of other medication in the report like the case when a resident missed three doses of their HIV medication Waiblinger said there are sometimes delays when residents arrive at SCC from another facility. He could not confirm that had happened in this case, but said living on an island is an added factor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do our best to make sure that there is no lapse in medication or treatment from when someone is transferable from one facility to another, he said. But, because we are reliant on others to provide the medications to us, there can be a gap. Usually its very short, but it can happen. Although about one-fifth of the 127 residents interviewed by the ombudsperson reported that they had experienced physical or verbal abuse by SCC medical staff, Elladaes investigation was ultimately inconclusive. A common theme among residents was that medical staff had been rude, dismissive or had a bad attitude. In response, Havens wrote in the report, There is no current substantiation of inappropriate action. This is an incorrect statement and is offensive to the medical team that endeavors to provide compassionate and competent care 24/7. Waiblinger said he couldnt dispute resident reports, but said if abuse was observed, we would have taken, most likely, some action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of our staff receive training: annual training, review training. Depending on the staff, they may get more intensive and specialized training, but they all get some level of training on how to interact appropriately with residents and each other, for that matter, he said. I verified that with SCC, that there are a number of things that are available to them for training. Waiblinger said his biggest takeaway in looking at the records and information provided is not that we werent providing care But how to improve that relationship [with residents] and make sure that they understand the care theyre getting and how its appropriate for them. I think we really need to work on that a little bit more. What is the Special Commitment Center? The SCC is a mental health treatment facility for Level 3 sex offenders who have completed their prison sentences. Residents are ordered by the court to live at the facility on McNeil Island until they are deemed eligible to transition back into society. As previously reported by The News Tribune, for more than 100 years the island was a federal prison that held infamous convicts such as Charles Manson and Mickey Cohen. In 1981, the facility became a state corrections center and officially closed as the oldest prison facility in the Northwest in 2011 after 136 years. In 1998, the state legislature authorized the placement of the SCC on McNeil Island, creating a total confinement facility for chronic and violent sexual predators, which operates to this day under the control and direction of the Department of Social and Health Services, according to DSHSs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents on McNeil Island are civilly committed to SCC upon completion of their prison sentence if a licensed psychologist finds that the individual suffers from a personality disorder and/or mental abnormality that makes them more likely than not to commit an act of sexual violence if not confined to a secure facility, according to DSHSs website. A superior court judge ultimately makes that final decision and residents are evaluated every year to determine they still meet that criteria. Prior to the creation of the SCC, sexually violent predators were released into the community after their prison sentences. The Community Protection Act of 1990 created the ability to civilly commit sexually violent predators, and the SCC was established to provide inpatient treatment, DSHS says on its website. As previously reported by The News Tribune, in September two dozen SCC employees protested outside of Steilacoom City Hall, walking out of work to advocate for better pay and working conditions on McNeil Island. Employees said the SCC is chronically understaffed and a heavy workload and resident violence have left staff in an exhausting and sometimes dangerous position. The top of a historic tree in Oregon is on fire, and investigators are trying to figure out how it happened. The Doerner Fir, a Douglas fir tree that was believed to be about 450 years old and 325 feet tall, caught fire and has been burning since Aug. 17. USA TODAY confirmed that the treetop was still burning Aug. 20, even as firefighters tried to extinguish the blaze, which is contained to the single tree. The tree is in a wooded area near Coquille, Oregon, said Brett Weidemiller, an assistant unit forester with the Coos Forest Protective Association. Weidemiller said crews are working with helicopters, drones and ground-level sprinklers to preserve the tree and ensure the fire doesn't spread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the cause of the fire remains unclear, Weidemiller said investigators have eliminating lightning as a possibility. The top of the Doerner Fir tree caught fire Aug. 17. The tree is more than 400 years old and is among the tallest trees in the U.S. "We have tracking mechanisms and time-date stamps to track lightning in that area," he said. "There was no indication of any lightning in the area at the time (the fire ignited)." The tree, the trunk of which has a diameter of 11.5 feet, is one of the tallest non-redwood trees in the world, though it has lost about 50 to 70 feet from its top, Weidemiller said. Falling limbs and branches are a hazard, he added, so firefighters can't be too close to the tree. The Doerner Fir is situated in the Coast Range Mountains about 50 miles from the Coos Bay, and there is a trail and recreation area that draws visitors year-round for hiking through the old-growth forest. The trail leading to the Doerner Fir is closed indefinitely because of the fire. The Doerner fir burns on Aug. 17. Contributing: Mariah Johnston, Salem Statesman Journal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How did the top of a 450-year-old Oregon tree catch fire? Zalin At 100: an Assyrian City in Syria Bet Zalin, North and East Syria -- A century ago, a city was built in the far northeastern corner of Syria, at the junction of the borders with Turkey and Iraq. What began as a small settlement on the banks of the Al-Jaghjagh River soon grew into a vibrant town, carrying within it a unique blend of authenticity and openness, and preserving the stories of diverse communities that found in it both refuge and a new identity. The city's official name, Qamishli, is derived from the Turkish word Kams (reed), a plant that once grew in abundance along the banks of Al-Jaghjagh River. For the Syriacs--Assyrians, however, the city is known by another name: Zalin or Beth Zalin, meaning "House of the Chinaberry Tree." This reference to the brown mulberry tree endures in the community's collective memory and continues to echo in church prayers to this day. In the 1920s, waves of displacement in the aftermath of the Ottoman massacres forced Syriacs--Assyrians from Tur Abdin, Omid (Diyarbakir), Urhoy (Urfa), and Bitlis to seek refuge in Syria's Gozarto (Jazira) region. Along the banks of Al-Jaghjagh River, they laid the city's first foundations -- its streets, markets, and stone houses. From then on, the name Qamishli became inseparable from the memory of this community, which not only rebuilt its life in exile but also played a decisive role in shaping the identity of the city itself. From its earliest days, Beth Zalin was distinguished as a city of diversity. Syriacs--Assyrians, Armenians, Kurds, and Arabs lived side by side, shaping a shared urban life. Church bells echoed alongside the call to prayer from mosques, creating a tableau that came to symbolize Syria's unique mosaic -- an experience seldom found elsewhere in the country. The first church built in the city was the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Yaqub of Nisibis, completed in 1929, marking the establishment of Beth Zalin's first Christian house of worship. Just a few years later, the Mor Yaqub School was founded -- not only to teach the basic sciences, but also to make the Syriac language a central part of its curriculum, safeguarding a linguistic heritage long at risk of extinction. Beyond education and worship, the Syriac community played a pivotal role in trade and industry. From goldsmithing to carpentry and printing, they left a lasting mark on the city's economy. For decades, Beth Zalin remained a key center for grain and cotton commerce, serving as a vital gateway for trade with both Iraq and Turkey. By Tom Sims and John O'Donnell FRANKFURT (Reuters) -In 2013, Deutsche Bank handed Christian Sewing, a rising star, the sensitive assignment of investigating derivatives trades under scrutiny in Italy. More than a decade later, Sewing, now CEO, faces criticism in a lawsuit by a former Deutsche employee over his handling of the task. The suit has prompted Deutsche to review how the bank and Sewing, chief auditor at the time, managed the situation, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. Dario Schiraldi, a former banker at Deutsche who was involved in the trades, claims in a 152-million-euro ($178 million) lawsuit seeking damages from the bank that the lender's actions, including the audit overseen by Sewing more than a decade ago, harmed Schiraldi's reputation and earnings, according to court documents seen by Reuters. Deutsche Bank in its review in recent months of its investigation into the trades found no wrongdoing, the person familiar with the matter said. Nonetheless, the lawsuit - due to be heard in a Frankfurt court in December - puts Sewing, CEO since 2018 and credited with cleaning up Deutsche Banks image, in the spotlight by publicly examining his role at the height of the global financial crisis. Schiraldi, five other former bankers of the German lender, and the bank were acquitted in 2022, after initially being convicted by an Italian court in 2019 for colluding with Italian bank Monte dei Paschi (MPS) to hide losses at MPS by using complex derivatives trades. In Germany, Deutsche's accounting of the transactions was also the focus of regulators. Schiraldi's lawsuit claims the bankers were made to take the blame for trades while Deutsche Bank management - including Sewing as chief auditor - sought to conceal their tacit approval for risky and lucrative deals. Deutsche Bank disclosed Schiraldi's lawsuit in its 2024 annual report released earlier this year, in a list of potentially significant civil litigation and regulatory matters. "The facts of this long-standing matter are well known and have been discussed in detail over the past decade. The Supervisory Board supports the Management Board in defending the bank against this litigation," Chairman Alexander Wynaendts said in a statement earlier this month. Sewing declined to comment for this story via a spokesperson. As CEO, he has slimmed down and returned Deutsche Bank to profit and restored its image after years of management churn, legal turmoil, losses and fines that threatened to topple the bank. He was reappointed in March for a third term as head of Deutsche, which is playing a key role in German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's "Made For Germany" initiative to pump the sagging economy. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) In 1972, Oregon became the first state to pass legislation defining and regulating organic farming. Now each year, Organically Grown in Oregon Week celebrates just that. Tomato Fest is part of that week. Tomato Fest is set for Saturday, September 13 at the Wellspent Market on SE Division and 34th in Portland. Lane Selman, an Oregon State University assistant professor and a member of the Culinary Breeding Network, told KOIN 6 News this is the 5th anniversary for Tomato Fest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were kind of celebrating and bringing awareness to dry farm produce, which is basically things that you can grow without using water or just using water just at the establishment and then cutting it off, she said. Dry farming looks to future of water restrictions Many of the varieties of dry farm tomatoes will be available to taste, including Early Girl, Dirty Girl and the Indigo tomato. We become more and more conscious about how were eating and how that impacts our environment, Selman said. People are very interested in finding things that are dry farm because of the environmental cause, but also it does taste really great. Baskets of Early Girl tomatoes in Portland, August 2025 (KOIN) A poster with varieties of dry farmed tomatoes, August 2025 (KOIN) Indigo tomatoes on the vine, August 2025 (KOIN) Samples of indigo tomatoes, August 2025 (KOIN) Tomatoes on the vine, August 2025 (KOIN) People at Tomato Fest in Portland, 2024 (Courtesy to KOIN) Oregon State tomato breeder Jim Myers, who was the first person to create an indigo variety from a wild species of tomato that he brought in, will also be at Tomato Fest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tomato Fest is free and open to the public, and will include face painting for the kids. A garlic expert will also be there with different varieties to taste, plus 4 different food demos for fresh ideas with tomatoes in your own kitchen. Its really, like, a very community event, Selman said. And theres great food to eat, including BLTs. Theres going to be a lot to taste. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Grace Bay sand is predominantly made of parrotfish poop, states Alizee Zimmerman, executive director of the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF), without so much as a smirk. I blink, momentarily taken aback. Id always assumed sandy beaches were created by the erosion of coral and shells, but here in Turks & Caicos, much of that soft, sugar-white sand has apparently passed through the digestive tract of a fish before settling on the shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an unexpected introduction to this British overseas territory a scattering of 40 low-lying coral islands and cays south east of the Bahamas. Best known for its white-sand beaches, kaleidoscopic reefs and luxury resorts, Turks & Caicos offers the sort of barefoot glamour that draws honeymooners, divers and escapists alike. But beneath the surface lies a more complex reality one of fragile ecosystems and quiet urgency and at the TCRFs coral restoration facility on Providenciales, I begin to see just how intricate and imperilled this underwater world really is. One parrotfish can produce hundreds of pounds of sand a year by munching on coral and excreting it. Photograph by Damocean, Getty Images The parrotfish poop is just one of many surprising truths that I uncover during my guided tour of the lab, where tanks of thriving coral colonies line the walls like a living archive. Here, nursery specimens of coral types including staghorn, star and brain grow and feed, each contributing to research and repopulation efforts across the islands damaged reefs. I watch each of them closely: one has green polyps that stretch out like tiny tentacles, grasping for food; another, flat and round, lies still, waiting for chance morsels to drift its way. Can you tell me is a coral an animal, plant or mineral? Alizee asks. My group comes up with various answers, before she reveals that its actually all three. The more I learn, the more I marvel. Were taught that corals are carnivorous, related to jellyfish and anemones, but they also host algae in their tissues, which photosynthesises to provide food. In just a single tank, the corals range in hue from terracotta to moss green, pale yellow to rich brown. Some plain, others vibrant, but all pulsing with life. Across from the tanks, however, sits a sobering contrast: a coral graveyard. Here, skeletal remains of once-living colonies, including the antlers of a staghorn and the concentric ridges of a great star, lie stripped of colour and life, the brittle white aftermath of something that once thrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, I assume theyre victims of climate change, another casualty of rising sea temperatures. But Alizee introduces another culprit: stony coral tissue loss disease, an aggressive affliction thats affected more than 60% of Turks & Caicoss reefs in recent years. First identified in the Atlantic in 2014, the diseases origin remains uncertain, though its widely suspected to have stemmed from dredging off the coast of Miami. We started seeing massive tissue loss, as if someone had poured acid over the reef, Alizee tell us bleakly. No coral can come back from that. In response, the TCRF has given large amounts of time, energy and resources into treating sections of reef with antibiotics in a race to curb the diseases spread. Its painstaking, urgent work, a frontline defence against a crisis that many visitors to these islands never see. Travellers can volunteer with the TCRF by joining the dive team to help clean the ladders used to grow endangered staghorn coral. Photograph by Illeana Ravasio, TCRF There are, however, ways in which visitors can get involved in helping to preserve this delicate ecosystem. As a small, non-governmental organisation, we currently dont have the capacity to offer regular, scheduled volunteer programmes, Alizee explains. However, travellers can reach out via email or complete the form on our website to get involved. It can vary week to week, but travellers can assist us by preparing materials for moorings, or even by joining the dive team. A visit to our coral lab is a must, and on Wednesday afternoons, we feed all the corals. Later that evening, back at Wymara Resort and Villas on Grace Bay, I find myself reflecting on the quiet determination of those working to protect the reefs. I order the chargrilled piri-piri cauliflower steak, which, Im told, isnt just a house favourite, but a dish with purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the hotels commitment to conservation, a percentage of the restaurants proceeds from this dish support the TCRF, my waitress tells me, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. It feels good to know that simply by choosing to eat here, Im also making a small contribution to the conservation of the reefs. Island escapes The following morning, I board a ferry that slips across the glassy waters of the Bellefield Channel towards North and Middle Caicos quieter isles that promise the ultimate luxury: escapism. As we draw closer to land, the waves begin to rise in a whisper, reflecting diamonds of sunlight back to their source. Ive signed up for a guided tour of the islands with the National Trust, an organisation that plays a crucial role in conservation here, as well as preserving and promoting the areas rich cultural heritage. Starting in North Caicos, our car winds through pockets of wild greenery before crossing the causeway that links to Middle Caicos, where were greeted by the white-sand bay of Mudjin Harbour. Curving along the northern coast, this beach marks the beginning of our hike. We climb the headland, aching legs and sweaty brows rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic, where white-crested waves rise and break in bursts on the sands below. From there, we walk in single file to steps carved into the cliffside, following them through layers of sun-warmed rock until they open out onto a secluded cove. Sunlight streams in from one side, casting golden rays across the sand in angular streaks. Its a moment of stillness, an encounter with natures quiet drama. I pause, breathing in air laced with salt, grateful for these hidden corners that you only find when you seek them out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turning away from the ocean, we press inland. Our next stop is the Conch Bar Caves, the largest above-ground cave system in the Lucayan Archipelago (which comprises the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos), and a 15-mile labyrinth of twisting tunnels and echoing chambers. The air is thick with heat, but inside, the caves offer cool relief. Stalactites reach down like icicles, meeting their counterparts rising from the ground, and in one chamber known as the nine brothers the formations are so symmetrical they look man-made, resembling the ruins of a forgotten city. Conch Bar Caves holds significant human history, spanning from the pre-Columbian era to more recent colonial times. Photograph by Matt Anderson, Getty Images This limestone cavern was once submerged under the sea. These holes in the ceiling are where the water eroded the rock over time, explains our guide, Eddie Smith, his enthusiasm evident as he shares the story of the caves.The Lucayans were the islands original inhabitants, he continues, and if you follow these passages far enough, you can still see evidence of religious ceremonies they held here more than 500 years ago. More recently, families would shelter in here during hurricanes, but today the whole area is protected by the National Trust. A scurry of cockroaches flees the beam of Eddies torch as we head further into the gloom. Then, high above us, I notice a cluster of small black shapes hanging by their feet. That would be the bats, he grins at me. Four species live here and there are more than 3,000 in this cave. You should see it when they all leave to feed. The sky turns black, like a living storm cloud. Its an incredible sight. Bats are crucial not only to the caves environment, but in maintaining natures delicate balance across the entire island. They play a key role in pollination, while their dung feeds the multitude of insects that call this otherworldly place home. This particular poo, I discover, doesnt end up on the islands beaches, although whats now a bug banquet was an important source of income for locals in the 19th century, before tourism reached Turks & Caicoss shores. Islanders harvested and exported it as far as Europe to be used as fertiliser, a trade that collapsed when chemicals took its place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im still contemplating the intricate interlacing of all these ecosystems; how everything and everyone has a part to play, when we leave the subterranean chamber, blinking in the harsh afternoon sunlight. Our final stop is Bambarra Beach on the north coast of Middle Caicos and recently named one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. True to the accolade, its a fine stretch of alabaster sand with no crowds and crystalline waters. I notice a collection of coastal treasures coral fragments, sea fans and shells arranged on a weathered bench, like an altar to the ocean. Each piece, I realise, is a small remnant of a once-living reef, a quiet reminder of both the beauty and fragility of life. They speak to whats at stake if these habitats arent protected. I capture them in a photograph and leave them undisturbed, allowing them to return to the sea from which they came. Perhaps, over time, theyll erode into fine sand, contributing to the beaches we walk upon along with that parrotfish poop, of course. Three more nature hotspots 1. Flamingo Pond Overlook, North Caicos Situated just off Kings Road near Whitby on the north coast of North Caicos, this National Trust site allows travellers to witness a flamboyance of West Indian flamingos wading through glistening wetlands. Admission is free, binoculars cost $2 (1.45) to rent and the spectacle unfolds daily from 11am to 3.30pm. 2. Little Water Cay, aka Iguana Island Home to the rare Turks & Caicos rock iguana, Little Water Cay is a conservation success story. Boardwalks wind through scrubland and mangroves, where guides explain how reintroduction efforts and feral-cat eradication have helped the iguanas rebound. Entry fees are $10 (7.50) and support preservation work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. Bird Rock Point Trail, Providenciales On the eastern tip of Providenciales, this mile-long trail winds through one of the islands last remaining tracts of coastal coppice woodland. Along the way, it skirts rocky headlands, mangroves and secluded sandy coves natural habitats that offer refuge for native birds and juvenile fish. Published in the Caribbean Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). The intersection of Church and State streets in Salem. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday issued a partial ruling in favor of the Medford-based nonprofit Youth 71Five Ministries. (Getty Images) UPDATED at 10:31 a.m. Thursday with a statement from the Oregon Department of Justice An Oregon Department of Education policy aiming to prevent grant awardees for youth support services from discriminating on the basis of religion can only regulate activity tied to the states funding, a federal appeals court ruled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday issued a partial ruling in favor of the Medford-based nonprofit Youth 71Five Ministries, which describes itself as providing many opportunities for loving, caring, Christ-following adults to engage in the lives of lost and hurting kids. The Rogue Valley Christian youth-mentoring program in March 2024 sued the states education department, alleging an abrupt change in policy for a service provider that has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding since 2017. Mondays 42-page decision says the overall anti-discrimination policy can stand because it is neutral in its application across religious identities, but the opinion orders the U.S. District Court of Oregon to stop the education department from enforcement of the rule as to initiatives that do not receive grant funding from the division. Though the rule is likely a permissible restriction on expressive association within the limited public forum of the program, that does not justify the separate burden it imposes on 71Five as a whole, wrote Appellate Judge Anthony Johnstone, who was nominated to the Court by President Joe Biden. He was joined in his decision by Appellate Judge Morgan Christen, chosen by President Barack Obama in 2011. Judge Johnnie Rawlinson, a Bill Clinton appointee, concurred but did not join the majority. Liz Merah, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Education, said officials are still reviewing the decision and considering next steps. She did not have additional comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenn Baker, chief of staff for Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, said the states Department of Justice was glad the decision largely upheld a previous ruling by the district court. Since 2017, Youth 71Five Ministries has received funding through biennial grants from Oregons Youth Community Investment Grants program. The initiative aims to serve youth aged 6 to 19 who are vulnerable to disengagement from school or behavior that leads to criminal activity and mental or physical harm. Youth 71Five Ministries has offered several services for marginalized youth in Jackson County, including programs such as mentoring and vocational training, according to 2022 and 2023 community health reports. Origin of challenged policy The education departments Youth Development Division in 2022, meanwhile, issued a rule that ordered recipients of the divisions grants to not discriminate in its employment practices, vendor selection, subcontracting or service delivery with regards to several protected categories, among them religion. The agency argued that this policy furthered its commitment to equitable access, equal opportunity and inclusion. The division does not deny funding to all organizations that express a religious viewpoint: it awarded grants to support 71Fives religious programming for five years and continues to fund at least four other faith-based grantees, reads the opinion. Nor does the division treat those organizations differently based on their religious messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when it came time to fund the Medford nonprofit, an anonymous complaint raised concerns about the organizations policy of hiring only those committed to the Christian faith. The development division yanked more than $400,000 in funding for Youth 71Five for the 2023-25 budget cycle in October 2023, prompting a March 2024 lawsuit alleging violations of religious freedom. The Arizona-based Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal advocacy group, backed the nonprofits case. We are currently reviewing the ruling and will continue to defend the fundamental right of religious organizations to hire individuals who share their faith, said Jeremiah Galus, senior counsel for the group, in a statement. Being religious should never disqualify an organization from a program to help those in need. Mondays decision averts any monetary damages the state could have owed the nonprofit on the grounds of qualified immunity, with the opinion noting that lawyers for the youth-mentoring program failed to demonstrate how their rights to free expression of religion were clearly violated. During the original lawsuit, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Clarke rejected plaintiffs request for a broader preliminary injunction seeking to restore access to the grant funding for the youth-focused nonprofit. The new opinion leaves a path open for the education department to revise the policy that sparked the lawsuit. The court granted Youth 71Five Ministries a preliminary injunction that will prevent Oregon from enforcing its policy against initiatives that arent funded by the division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rules application to division-funded initiatives is likely a permissible burden on 71Fives expressive association, the decision reads. But applying the rule to initiatives that receive no grant funding likely violates 71Fives right of expressive association. Denying a preliminary injunction as to those initiatives was an abuse of discretion. Youth 71Five Ministries has long served Oregons southern Rogue Valley communities, originally having been founded in 1964. It was originally named Rogue Valley Youth for Christ, but changed its title in 2018 as a reference to Psalm 71:5, a Bible verse about having faith since youth. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Gaza City In a sweltering tent at Gazas port, 45-year-old Iman al-Rahel readies her family for lunchtime. She sends her 13-year-old son, Yazen, to fetch food from the nearby takiyya, or community kitchen. I think theyre serving rice today, she whispers to her daughter, a faint smile easing across her tired face. But that brief smile vanishes when the conversation turns to another possible wave of displacement after Israels latest announcement that it plans to seize Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement God forbid, she says, pressing her hand against her chest. I only pray that this wont happen, that we wont be forced to leave for the south. Still, Iman says, if Israel were to officially order an evacuation, she would be among the first to go to southern Gaza, without hesitation. The al-Rahel family are divided over whether to leave northern Gaza or stay. From right to left, 23-year-old Abdullah, 17-year-old Mohammed, who was injured seeking aid last week, the mother of the siblings, Iman, Abdullahs wife, 21-year-old Saja, and 24-year-old Ghadeer and her two-year-old daughter Ayloul [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera] The mother of five stayed in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza during the Israeli invasion in the early stages of the war after it began in October 2023, moving her family from one shelter to another as tanks advanced and the bombardment intensified. I cant forget a moment of that time, Iman says quietly. In Beit Lahiya, the school we were sheltering in was besieged by tanks and snipers last December. My 23-year-old son [Abdullah] was shot in the neck at the time, as was my husband. They barely survived before we were finally allowed to move to western Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I saw killings, executions, sniping, arrests, body parts, bombardment, and targeted attacks, she adds bitterly. There are things that I can describe, and others that I cannot. Survival was not just about avoiding Israeli bombs and snipers, but also about finding enough to eat as Israel made it increasingly difficult for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. We used to collect weeds, herbs, and khubeiza [mallow] leaves from the fields and cook them for the children. That was our only food, along with ground animal fodder or barley as a substitute for [wheat] flour when available, she recalls. Its a position Iman never wants to be in again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I felt overwhelming regret and guilt toward my children and husband because I insisted on staying in the north instead of evacuating south, Iman says with a sad smile. I could never repeat that experience. If theres another displacement, I will leave immediately without hesitation. Iman al-Rahel says her family have to leave if Israel starts its assault on Gaza City [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera] Impossible to go south But not everyone in the al-Rahel family agrees. Imans eldest daughter, 24-year-old Ghadeer al-Rahel, interrupts. I will never go south again. Impossible, she says adamantly. You can go, but I will stay here in the north, no matter what. Ghadeer had evacuated to the south with her husband and infant daughter in early November 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her words touch on an ongoing debate between Palestinians in Gaza, even within families. For some, the best chance of survival is leaving areas Israel is conducting military operations in, while others point out that moving to other areas does not necessarily assure safety, and also makes it more difficult to find proper shelter, food and water. Each family member speaks from their own experience, which has formed their perspective. You havent lived through the horrors of staying in the north. If you had, you wouldnt even think of remaining, Iman tells her daughter. Ghadeer retorts immediately: And you, my mother, father, and brothers, you havent experienced the hardship of displacement either: moving from place to place, living in camps and unknown areas of the south without water or food, in unbearable conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ghadeer continues, trying to convince the rest of her family. We fled my husbands family home in the north of Gaza under bombardment. We passed through the Israeli checkpoint on Salah al-Din road with our hands raised, tanks in front of us. We went to Khan Younis, then it was evacuated. Then to Rafah, then that, too, was declared evacuated. Then to al-Mawasi in Khan Younis. It was humiliation and suffering beyond words, she adds. In Rafah, the overcrowding of the displaced was unbearable. My tent was in the middle of the street because there was no space. On top of that came the rain, the cold, and the lack of food and water. Ghadeer bursts into tears as she speaks of feeling isolated, cut off from her family in the north for more than three months between December 2023 and February 2024, when the communications networks collapsed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My baby, just six months old at the time shes two years old now got so sick, hospitalised with intestinal problems, Ghadeer sobs, as she tells the story of her daughter Ayloul. I needed my mother and my family beside me, but I was alone and didnt even know how they were doing. For so long, I prayed just to hear their voices, to see them again, to know they were alive. I can never forget the suffering I endured alone during displacement, she adds, tears streaming down her face, while her mother, sitting silently with the rest of the family, also begins to cry. That is why I will never go south again, no matter what. I want to stay here, Ghadeer declares defiantly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family debate reaches no conclusion. Ghadeer insists on staying, while her family insists on evacuating. This isnt about what you feel like. We wont leave you, no matter what. Youre coming with us, says her brother Abdullah. Ghadeer does not reply, while her mother responds only with prayers and pleas that they never face displacement again. Weve had enough. Where are people supposed to go? How can they bear the torment of displacement south again? Just thinking about it is maddening, says Iman. Weve grown accustomed to disasters, and to the idea that whats coming is always worse. But we pray to God to let us remain here in the north, she says. But if we are forced under bombardment and death, what can we do? Families divided This divide between Iman and Ghadeer is present among many Gaza families, torn between staying and leaving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abdul Hamid Abu Awda, 71, and his 50-year-old wife, Reem, are also locked in debate with their children, who evacuated south during the first phase of the war. Abdul Hamid and Reem insisted on staying in their home in Jabalia refugee camp, near Gaza City, although they urged their six children and their families to head south. My thinking was that my grandchildren are young, and my sons and daughters still have responsibilities. But I am an old man, with only my wife. Why should I flee south? Abdul Hamid tells Al Jazeera, leaning on a mattress outside his tent facing the sea. But now, he has changed his mind, aligning himself with his childrens decision to evacuate south if official orders come. Abdul Hamid Abu Awda says he will move wherever his family decide [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera] My health is not good. My wife and I need care, and we want to stay near our children. Ive left the decision to them. If they go, Ill go with them, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staying in the north was never easy, Abdul Hamid recounts, telling of the difficult experience of moving with his wife from shelter centres to United Nations schools. [It was] terrifying, and we barely survived it. Tanks, ground invasion, starvation, sniping, arrests. Repeating it is not easy. This time, if it happens, it will be even more violent and brutal. His 41-year-old son, Hussein, who went south with his family and siblings in October 2023, agrees. If they say evacuate, Ill evacuate again. Were unarmed civilians. We have no power, no weapons, no tanks to stay and fight with, he shrugs. Yes, displacement is the harshest option of all. Ive lived it and know its bitterness. But what else can I do? I dont want to die. Still, Husseins sister, 38-year-old Manal, disagrees. As for me, I want to die here, she says. Manal Abu Owda, 38, refuses to leave Gaza City to the south and insists on staying despite her familys objection [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera] Manal recounts to Al Jazeera her dream of leaving Gaza and emigrating before the war. Life in Gaza was already hard, and I wanted to leave, she explains. I, too, evacuated with my siblings to the south, and it was a bitter experience. It was so bitter that she now insists on staying. I want to leave if and when I choose. I want to decide for myself whether to stay in Gaza or leave. I am sick of being forced to go where they dictate, she says. The family falls silent at her words, but her father interrupts. Alright then, well just send you off to Switzerland now? Everyone bursts into laughter. You talk as if Israel asks our opinion or cares about our wishes. Im sure if you saw a tank at the end of the street, youd change your mind immediately, Abdul Hamid says. The laughter at his dark humour continues. All we hope for is that we wont face displacement again. We thought the bombardment was the worst thing. Then came hunger, and we thought that was the worst. Now comes displacement, Abdul Hamid adds. But now we say, wed rather starve than be displaced again. DUBOIS, Pa. (WTAJ) Layoffs will be inevitable in DuBois as a distribution center closes in early 2026, according to an internal email to employees. Ruan, the trucking company that delivers C & S Wholesale Grocers merchandise, sent an email to employees, which was forwarded to WTAJ, informing them that the distribution center on Beaver Avenue will be closing sometime in the first quarter of 2026. The email went on to inform employees that this would cause layoffs. 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. This will unfortunately affect your position and subsequently result in a layoff, the email stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unknown at this time how many employees would lose their jobs. C & S is a grocery wholesale company that supplies more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases and institutions. While they will no longer operate in DuBois with Ruan, they still have Pennsylvania distribution centers in York, Bethlehem and Robesonia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President George W. Bush (R) bows his head in prayer with Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, and his wife, Shirley, during the National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 3, 2007. Credit - Chip SomodevillaGetty Images This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox. James Dobson, once the most powerful tentpole of the Religious Right and a kingmaker for politicians professing faith, died Thursday, his family announced. The 89-year-old child psychologist transformed a corner of the conservative movement into a roaring political force that shaped the national conversation and became the de facto base of the modern Republican Party that embraced performative piety as a precondition for viability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dobson in his heyday was able to make or break political candidates, in part through two powerhouse groups he had a hand in creating: Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council. To those worried about an unchecked secularism, Dobson was a powerful agitator for his version of moral certitude and fundamentalist faith. His litmus test for candidates was a raft of so-called pro-family policy positions, such as opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and the teaching of evolution in public schools. The obvious successor to the political pulpit once owned by Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, he was a media mogul who led a para-church empire that moved the Evangelical voting bloc onto a decidedly more political footing, one that helped the likes of George W. Bush carry swing states like Ohio and Florida by saying a non-vote was a sin. He later fell in line behind the thrice-married Donald Trump who no one confused for someone who spent much time in the pews. The politicization of Sunday mornings served Dobsons aims but spiraled well beyond his original ambitions. Polls dont measure right and wrong; voting according to the possibility of winning or losing can lead directly to the compromise of ones principles, Dobson wrote in 2007 at his height of celebrity. A decade later, he would find Jesus Christ in Trumps nomination, defending support for the impious businessman by saying Trump was merely a baby Christian. He rationalized that even a flawed candidate who could pay conservatives lip-serviceand give them like-minded judgeswas still better than an avowed liberal who would protect the rights of religious and racial minorities. Dobsons passing comes as the current Republican Party has shifted away from its faith-grounded conservative impulses to one that is fighting culture wars based on grievance more than Gospel. Gone are the days when someone like Dwight D. Eisenhower, who did not join a church until after his election as President, could capture the GOP nomination. Now, Republican candidates trip over themselves in displays of public faith to kowtow to the hardcore base that sees the show as a substitute for substance. Dobsons feverish crusades against pornography, gambling, divorce, and even SpongeBob SquarePants now seem almost quaint in a party that has fully embraced Trumpism. Dobsons role in making that transition from Ike to The Apprentice is tough to oversell. The group he led was designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a distinction that was brushed off as careless book-keeping. Dobson was one the nations most prominent opponents of same-sex marriage, a driving force that led him to back Bushs re-election in 2004 and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabees bid in 2008. Dobson was among the religious leaders who decided to withhold support if either party nominated someone who backed abortion rights in 2008; only after John McCain picked Sarah Palin as his running mate did he move off the sidelines. Winning the presidential election is vitally important, but not at the expense of what we hold most dear, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Months later, his group penned a missive that to this day retains its place among the most hyper-paranoid screeds in politics: envisioning, in the final days of the 2008 campaign, what the world would be like after a few years of Barack Obama as President, he described special bonuses for LGBTQ troops, porn taking over broadcast TV, an end to talk radio as we know it, an exile of home-schooling families to New Zealand, and conservatives jailed for their beliefs. The Boy Scouts chose to disband rather than be forced to obey a Supreme Court decision that they would have to hire homosexual Scoutmasters and allow them to sleep in tents with young boys, the letter warned in a hypothetical message from the future. Although not an ordained minister, Dobson was clearly fluent in Evangelical phrasing and unwelcoming of greys. The Apocalypse was always just one election count away. His sermons against The Other sparked fear and fury, providing fertile ground for Trumps brand of politics and plenty of fodder for critics who branded either of them as bigots. Usually speaking in absolutes, Dobsons style did not allow for nuance and instead cast things in morally right and wrong. Even in semi-retirement, he kept up his campaign for his favored causes, including in support of Trumps discredited effort to overturn the 2020 election results and against Kamala Harris bid for the White House four years later. For a big chunk of the electorate, Dobsons worldview was the truth and the light. As much as the Left tried to cast those views as antiquated and outrageous, they were nevertheless gospel to millions of Americans. In a country where every voter has a say, that means they cannot be ignored, even now that Dobson is dead. Like the notion of democracy itself, the ideology he preached is bigger than any one messenger. Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter. Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com. A Liverpool doctor who said she would "support Adolf Hitler if he was around today" during an antisemitic rant has been cleared to return to practice. Dr Mili Shah, 47, was banned for four months earlier this year over her comments dating back to 2021 were the subject of a tribunal, alongside failings relating to patient care. It was said Dr Shah's "abhorrent" outburst amounted to racial harassment when she addressed a colleague at Broadgreen Hospital almost four years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A review by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in July (MPTS) concluded Dr Shah, who is no longer employed by NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, is fit to return to work. The initial tribunal in March was told how on September 30, 2021, while working at Broadgreen, Dr Shah made an antisemitic comment to a colleague about another member of staff. The hearing was told of the doctor's "nasty and venomous remarks" which included "All this antisemitismif Hitler was around today I would support him". 'So abhorrent' It was said this violated the dignity of her colleagues and created an "intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Shah told March's tribunal she had no recollection of making the remarks. Despite this, her license to practise was suspended for four months by reason of misconduct, subject to a review, which was held in July. The tribunal considered that in relation to her clinical failings, Dr Shah had shown "good and effective insight" into her failures over an extensive period. It was said the dermatologist was capable of remediation and there had been no recurrence of failings in the work she had been undertaking during that period. In relation to the antisemitic comments, it considered the remarks so abhorrent that public confidence in the profession would be undermined if a finding of impairment were not made in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Despite the rumors, Defense Department officials havent yet made a decision on whether to expand shopping privileges at their discount grocery stores to all DOD civilians. An ongoing pilot program at 16 commissaries, launched in December 2024, is still scheduled to run through the end of the year, according to commissary officials. As of Aug. 12, sales have increased at the pilot stores by 4.98%, or $11.4 million, since then. The pilot program is designed to test the feasibility of expanding commissary access to DOD civilians at all commissaries in the continental United States. But shoppers in at least one location in Hawaii were under the mistaken impression that DOD civilians would be allowed to shop there as of Aug. 15. A posting at the Pearl Harbor commissary before that date informed customers that an authorization to expand privileges hadnt been approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No stores in Hawaii are part of the pilot program. We are closely monitoring this pilot and reporting the effects of this increased patronage monthly to the assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs, said commissary director and CEO John E. Hall, in a statement provided to Military Times. Among other things, officials are monitoring whether the pilot program causes any shortages of products on the shelves. Hall said the agency continues to reflect the Departments focus on delivering the highest savings possible for our priority patrons our service members in uniform and their families. Commissary officials said they dont have shopper demographic data that shows what percentage of eligible DOD civilians are shopping in the 16 stores . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in April, commissary officials told Military Times that about 11% of the more than 61,000 DOD civilians eligible to shop at these stores had used the benefit in the first four months of the pilot program, which was originally scheduled to end April 4. Sales across the 16 pilot stores at that time had increased by 5.4% in those four months, officials said. The stores with the highest usage of the DOD civilian pilot program are Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif., officials said, where those sales account for nearly 24% of overall store sales; Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia, where those sales account for 16% of overall sales; and Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Va., with those sales at 11% of overall sales. Allowing DOD civilians to shop in the commissaries is expected to provide additional customer savings through increased sales volume, lower prices and more promotions from suppliers, commissary officials have said. Civilian employees, including appropriated fund employees and non-appropriated fund employees, can shop at the 16 stateside stores participating in the program as long as they have DOD identification. The pilot program excludes family members of DOD civilian employees and former and retired DOD civilians. DOD civilians cant purchase tobacco or alcohol products, and they dont have online commissary shopping privileges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 16 stores are located in seven states: Alaska: Eielson Air Force Base California: Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and Fort Irwin Georgia: Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and Robins Air Force Base Maryland: Naval Air Station Patuxent River Oklahoma: Altus Air Force Base Texas: Laughlin Air Force Base Virginia: Naval Support Facility Dahlgren; Joint Base Langley-Eustis (Fort Eustis and Langley Air Force Base commissaries); Fort Gregg-Adams; Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (Little Creek commissary); Naval Station Norfolk; Naval Air Station Oceana; and Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Portsmouth) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2021, DOD and Coast Guard civilians have been able to shop at military exchanges, if they have a Common Access Card. Retired DOD and Coast Guard civilians can shop only online in exchanges. Meanwhile, privatization of commissaries and exchanges has come to the forefront of discussions in light of an April 7 memo from Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg on restructuring the DOD civilian workforce, which stated, All functions that are not inherently governmental (e.g. retail sales and recreation) should be prioritized for privatization. Exchanges support themselves almost completely with sales income, while the commissary system receives about $1.5 billion a year in taxpayer dollars to provide savings on groceries for the military community. Texas Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett said he will not run for reelection in his home district if the Texas redistricting proposal is approved, avoiding a potential member-on-member primary with Rep. Greg Casar, who was drawn into Doggetts district in the new maps. Doggett did not say whether he would retire from Congress if the maps are approved or if he plans to run in another Texas district. The 78-year-old lawmaker has faced pressure from some Democrats to allow Casar to run in the new Austin-area district. A primary in the 37th District between Doggett and Casar could have reopened old fissures in the party over elderly incumbents a debate amplified last year by Doggett, who was the first Democrat in Congress to call on then-President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the courts give Trump a victory in his scheme to maintain control of a compliant House, I will not seek reelection in the reconfigured CD37, even though it contains over 2/3rd of my current constituents, Doggett said in the statement. Doggett said he will run for reelection in his current district if Texas Republicans racially gerrymandered Trump map is rejected. Doggetts office did not immediately respond to requests for clarification about his intentions if the maps are approved. A spokesperson for Casar declined to comment. Doggett quickly announced his intention to run in his home district last month after Texas released its redrawn maps. Last week, he leaned on Casar to run in the new 35th District, a bloc east of San Antonio where Trump won 54 percent of the vote last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, Casars chief of staff said he would only run for Congress in his native Austin, and chastised Doggett for attempting to force him to run elsewhere. I had hoped that my commitment to reelection under any circumstances would encourage Congressman Casar to not surrender his winnable district to Trump, Doggett said in the statement. While his apparent decision is most unfortunate, I prefer to devote the coming months to fighting Trump tyranny and serving Austin rather than waging a struggle with fellow Democrats. Pressure against Doggett ramped up in recent days after David Hoggs super PAC said it planned to financially support Casar if the two members squared off in a primary. Doggett, who holds over $6 million in his campaign account, had said he planned to spend significantly to defend his seat. Hoggs group said they had intended to help Casar make up some of the difference. Thank you, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, for letting the next generation lead and for your decades of progressive service. I hope more members of Congress follow his example and pass the torch, Hogg said in a statement to POLITICO. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, the dean of Texas congressional delegation, announced Thursday he would not run for reelection to his Austin-based seat if a new Republican-drawn map is in effect for the 2026 midterms. Doggett, 78, has represented his hometown of Austin for over 50 years, in both the Legislature and Congress. First elected to Congress in 1994 the last year Democrats won a statewide race in Texas he survived numerous Republican redistricting efforts throughout his tenure as the number of Texas Democrats in Congress dwindled. In announcing his decision, Doggett is ceding his newly drawn 37th Congressional District, a deep-blue district that encompasses much of Austin, to Rep. Greg Casar. Casar, 36, currently represents the 35th Congressional District, which runs from Austin to San Antonio but is on the verge of being redrawn by Republicans to contain less than 10% of Casars current constituency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Republicans pursued the mid-decade redistricting at the behest of President Donald Trump, crafting new district lines aimed at yielding five more GOP seats in Texas in the 2026 midterms. To do so, Republicans packed as many Democrats into one Austin seat as possible, rather than leaving the city split into two blue districts. The new 35th District, shifted to San Antonio and its eastern suburbs, would have voted for President Donald Trump by 10 percentage points in 2024. Doggett did not rule out a run in the 35th District; he used to represent San Antonio, and a group of local Democratic leaders encouraged Doggett in an Austin Chronicle op-ed earlier Thursday to use his $6.2 million war chest to run an uphill race for the new seat. Doggett and Casar had been inching toward a head-to-head primary in recent weeks, with Doggett making the case privately to supporters, and publicly that Casar, who is Latino, should run in the majority-Hispanic 35th Congressional District. Casar never addressed the issue publicly, but an email from his chief of staff to supporters made clear that Casar planned to file for reelection in the Austin-based district, where he lives and which includes his former City Council district. In a Thursday statement, Doggett repeated his argument that Casar should run in the San Antonio seat, but acquiesced nonetheless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had hoped that my commitment to reelection under any circumstances would encourage Congressman Casar to not surrender his winnable district to Trump, Doggett said. While his apparent decision is most unfortunate, I prefer to devote the coming months to fighting Trump tyranny and serving Austin rather than waging a struggle with fellow Democrats. If [Trumps] extreme gerrymandering prevails, I wish Congressman Casar the best. With passage in the Texas Senate imminent, the redrawn map is likely to be signed into law soon and challenged by Democratic-aligned groups in court just as quickly. Doggett said that if the racially gerrymandered Trump map is rejected, as it should be, then he would continue running in the 37th Congressional District. Casar moved quickly to coalesce Austin Democrats, launching his campaign for the 37th Congressional District Monday with endorsements from 42 current and former Texas elected officials. "Now more than ever, we need to unite Travis County Democrats to fight against Trump's gerrymandering and carry that energy all the way through November, where we will not only win this seat, but deliver the turnout that will help propel Democrats in races statewide," Casar said at a launch event Monday. "That's where we're headed. That's what I'm committed to." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, said Casar's leadership of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in just his second term demonstrates the energy and charisma he has brought to the party in Washington. Travis County Attorney Delia Garza praised Casar as a fighter. And Austin Mayor Kirk Watson was effusive, calling Casar a champion for the city. "He brings the people of Austin together," Watson said. "He unites people across our city. And he will continue to speak for all of us when we send him back to Congress." The prospect of a primary between two progressive Democrats had stirred up mixed feelings among Austins political class. Several Democrats had pointed out that Doggett was the first Democrat to call on then-President Joe Biden to drop out after his disastrous June debate performance. But Doggett, known for his successful style of retail politics and sitting on a large fundraising advantage, had been committed to running until Thursday. His decision eliminates a political headache for House Democratic leadership and fans of both lawmakers in Austin. And it sets Casar, already the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in his second term and a rising star on the national political scene, up for a lengthy career representing a district that would have voted for Kamala Harris by 56 percentage points her biggest margin in all 38 House districts in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Lloyd Doggett is an Austin institution," Casar wrote on X, after Doggett announced his decision. "I've learned so much from him. I'm grateful to him. The fight for democracy continues." Numerous speakers at Casar's rally including the second-term congressman himself praised Doggett for his long career representing Austin. Without a competitive primary, local party leaders can focus on helping Democrats in statewide races. "I just want to personally thank Congressman Doggett for his decades of service, and also acknowledge the decision that he made, which had to be extremely difficult," Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said. "It's statesmanship." 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. What will be the demand for Wegovy in MASH be? We can gather some clues from Rezdiffra's launch, which is going extremely well. About a year after it hit the market, Rezdiffra generated $212.8 million in revenue in the second quarter -- that's impressive and points to a massive demand for the medicine. Yet, Madrigal has barely scratched the surface of the addressable market. As of June 30, it had treated just over 23,000 patients. Now, Wegovy has become the first GLP-1 medicine to earn that indication. Although there are other treatments in development, Wegovy could carve out a decent market for itself in MASH, especially since it posted phase 3 results comparable to those of its only competitor on the market (for now): Rezdiffra, marketed by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals . Novo Nordisk is a significantly larger company with more funds, a larger marketing budget, and a larger sales team than its smaller peer. That's not an insignificant number, and one might think that, given this large addressable market, there are many approved therapies for MASH. But that's not the case. Developing effective treatments has proven to be surprisingly challenging. Last year, the FDA approved the first therapy specifically for MASH. MASH is a disease characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to inflammation. According to some estimates, 22 million adults in the U.S. have MASH, although fewer, about 9 million, have clinically meaningful liver disease. On Friday, Novo Nordisk announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved Wegovy for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Wegovy has become a household name, famous for helping people manage their weight, but this new indication could be a significant development. Here's why. However, Novo Nordisk is looking to bounce back. Recent regulatory progress could be a positive step in that direction. Here's what investors need to know. The past 12 months haven't been great for Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO). Its shares peaked last year and have been in a downward spiral due to unimpressive financial results, clinical setbacks, and mounting competition in its core areas of expertise. The company looks attractively valued following its underperformance over the past 12 months. Novo Nordisk has several other factors working in its favor, including strong results and a solid pipeline. Wegovy is now the second medicine approved in the U.S. for a disease that affects millions. Story Continues Wegovy's launch in MASH should be even smoother since it isn't starting from scratch -- it's already been on the market for several years. In my view, this new indication could add over $1 billion in sales to Wegovy's total within the next few years, especially because it's also being considered for approval for MASH in Japan and the European Union. It's also worth pointing out another development that helped jolt Novo Nordisk's stock price. The company is partnering with GoodRx to offer Ozempic at a reduced cost for patients who pay out of pocket. This move should help it deal with some companies that sell compounded versions of Ozempic for less. Is Novo Nordisk's stock a buy? Wegovy could earn yet another important label expansion by next year, although in a different version. Earlier this year, Novo Nordisk requested approval for an oral formulation of the medicine for weight loss. That could also move the needle for the pharmaceutical giant. An oral version would be faster and cheaper to produce, easier to transport, and thus more cost-effective to manufacture at scale. The previous shortages Wegovy dealt with would be far less likely to occur with an oral formulation. Notably, it would mark yet another breakthrough for Novo Nordisk. There is currently no oral GLP-1 medication approved for weight loss -- the drugmaker's own Rybelsus, an oral GLP-1 product, is indicated only for diabetes. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk's financial results remain strong. In the first half of the year, net sales grew by 16% year over year to 154.9 billion Danish kroner ($24.2 billion), while net profit of 55.5 billion DKK ($8.7 billion) rose 22% compared to the year-ago period. Furthermore, Novo Nordisk has an attractive pipeline. CagriSema, a next-generation GLP-1 therapy whose phase 3 results were strong (if not as strong as the market had hoped), appears poised to become a blockbuster. Some analysts predict that it will generate $15.2 billion in revenue by 2030. Elsewhere, Novo Nordisk's amycretin, another investigational weight loss therapy, recently started phase 3 studies in both oral and subcutaneous formulations. Despite recent clinical setbacks, Novo Nordisk's pipeline should earn some significant wins in the next few years, particularly since the company has been strengthening it through licensing deals. Lastly, Novo Nordisk stock looks reasonably valued. The company is trading at 13.5 times forward earnings, compared to an average price-to-earnings ratio of 16.5 for the healthcare industry. At current levels, the stock could deliver superior returns to investors who initiate positions today. Should you invest $1,000 in Novo Nordisk right now? Before you buy stock in Novo Nordisk, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Novo Nordisk wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $654,624!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,075,117!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,052% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 183% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of August 18, 2025 Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The FDA Just Approved a New Use for Wegovy, and Novo Nordisk Stock is Climbing. Here's What Investors Need to Know was originally published by The Motley Fool BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A 62-year-old Greensburg woman pleaded guilty to stealing $50,000 in Social Security benefits meant for a deceased family member. Acting U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis said that Beverly Watson McNabb entered her guilty plea to one count of theft of government funds. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said that McNabb could access the bank account for R.W., her elderly relative. R.W. received retirement benefits from Social Security and died on Dec. 5, 2015, but the benefits continued to be deposited into the account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armed robbery suspects caught after police chase in Baton Rouge McNabb used the funds for personal expenses from December 2015 to April 2020, according to the DOJ. This included a wedding dress, groceries, restaurant bills and prison commissary items for friends. She also made many cash withdrawals. Sentencing will be determined at a later date. 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. The U.S. Department of Justice tried to force a Philadelphia childrens hospital to hand over information on young transgender patients as part of Donald Trumps crackdown on gender-affirming care for minors, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. A subpoena issued to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia in June demanded access to every writing or record of whatever type that doctors had made, including everything from emails, Zoom recordings, and texts to names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers. Notably, gender-affirming care is not illegal in Pennsylvania. Still, the Trump administration is taking efforts to invade young patients privacy, endangering them and the health care providers who treat them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The subpoena became public Monday as part of a separate lawsuit from Washington state Attorney General Nicholas W. Brown, who is suing the Trump administration to block its executive order threatening to end federal funding to medical institutions that provide lifesaving gender-affirming care for anyone under the age of 19. In a court filing, Brown wrote that the DOJs request for info from CHP has only escalated Trumps efforts since a judge blocked his executive orders earlier this year. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the DOJ had issued more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics that it claimed mutilated children in the service of a warped ideology. The subpoenas arrived at hospitals in states that had banned gender-affirming care, as well as those that had not. HuffPost conducted an independent review and found that 25 hospitals had ended gender-affirming care services since July, and none of them were in states that had bans. Health care providers are concerned that providing hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and surgeries could result in them being charged with a felony. In July, Trump claimed credit for ending gender-affirming care at specialized adolescent programs in several states where it is legal: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Aug. 20Dolores Gabaldon 1948-2025 Dolores Gabaldon was born in Belen on Aug. 24, 1948, and ascended to heaven to join her husband of 54 years, Manuel Gabaldon, on Aug. 8, 2025. She was preceded in death by her mother, Efren Pino; father, Juan Rey Pino, and younger brother, Fidel Pino. She died peacefully in attendance with her children, grandchildren and extended family after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer. Dolores' life was that of a caretaker. Before starting her own family, Dolores worked at a training center for people with disabilities. After losing her mother to breast cancer, she raised her two younger brothers. She didn't have to travel far before meeting the love of her life, Manuel. She crossed the country raising her family, but ultimately spent the most time in New Mexico. She was 100 percent dedicated to raising her children. After her children were grown, she cared for Manuel Sr. during his long and complicated illnesses while working as a clerk at the Albuquerque Evening Night School. She is survived by her dearest brother, Donald, and his wife, Chris Pino. Dolores will be missed by her children Lisa, Denise (Julio), Manuel, Jude (Diana), Christina "Tina" (John) and John (Linsey), as well as her 15 grandchildren. Dolores will miss the time spent with "The Golden Girls." She leaves behind an astonishing number of cousins and relatives all of whom she knew well and cherished. She will be missed by all those her knew her. Cremation has taken place with plans for a celebration of life at a later date. The family owes an unfillable debt of gratitude to Lisa Gabaldon, who cared so beautifully for Dolores and Manuel in their time of need. KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) Domtar has announced progress is being made in the two-phase plan to help mitigate the odor coming from the Kingsport Domtar mill. About a month ago, the air permit from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) was approved, which allows for the beginning of phase two. Kingsport Economic Development Board receives updates on IMAX, Domtar projects Contractors are on site at the back of the Domtar Kingsport mill, demolishing current structures to make room for an anaerobic digester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Domtars Vice President for Strategic Capital, Charlie Floyd, said this is the first step in the construction plan. We officially started that last week and were able to begin the demolition, and were working with the city to get the second phase of the stormwater permit approved through the state, and then well be ready to go from there, Floyd said. Floyd said it will take over a year for construction to be completed. The most intense construction time frame is going to be is actually going to start late this year, into the first six months of next year, with maxing out at a little bit over 150 contract employees, Floyd said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floyd said Domtar is currently using temporary solutions to help with odor mitigation. Weve installed some temporary oxygen injection systems, Floyd said. Weve also installed some temporary clarifier to get solids out of the effluent. Theres quite a bit of temporary equipment out there that were trying to use to better control that going forward. TDEC looking into Domtar and odors in Kingsport Floyd said Domtar is also waiting on permit approval from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and CSX. Weve been going at it for quite a bit of time, but were anticipating that before long, Floyd said. I dont think its going to delay anything on the construction side, but we do need to get it in our hands so that it doesnt whenever were ready to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt said Domtar is making the necessary steps to resolve the odor issue. They have been at the table from the beginning and have worked very closely with not only the Kingsport Economic Development Board, Kingsport city staff, but also the community as well, to make sure that everyone understands what theyre doing, why theyre doing it, and what the end product will result in, McCartt said. McCartt also said he is glad progress is being made to mitigate the odor. Im super excited to see that were finally able to make progress towards remedying an issue that has kind of been a topic of conversation in the city of Kingsport for many, many months since the reopening of the plant, McCartt said. Being able to move from conversations, design into construction is a big deal for our community as well as it is for Domtar and their ability to continue with the production of this product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floyd said there have still been complaints about the odor due to the heat, but he assured residents that Domtar is working to mitigate the odor. We dont have control of the odor to the point where we know when its coming and when its not and what the air impact and temperature impact is on it, Floyd said. So, were doing the best we can to control it. Floyd also said Domtar is working to keep the community updated on the progress through a website where updates about the project are being posted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) School is back, and so is Queen City News with a must-watch special on how classrooms are changing fast. Tune in tonight at 7 p.m. for Chalkboards to Chatbots, a special back-to-school program diving into how artificial intelligence is showing up in schools across the Carolinas. Were talking to tech experts, mental health pros, and students about what AI means for learning, and how teachers are adapting to this new tech-driven world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cant make the 7 p.m. show? Catch the encore at 8 p.m. on Queen City News+. Its a conversation you wont see anywhere else, only on Queen City News. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Back to school Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. In August 2025, highly-circulated videos claimed dozens of children went missing in Virginia in a "mass abduction." Several popular posts called on authorities to issue Amber Alerts. Others claimed ice cream trucks with lights and music driving around at night were related to the alleged kidnappings. Virginia State Police explicitly stated there was no evidence of a "mass abduction" in the state. Rather, the number of missing child reports (88 total) from Aug. 3 to 9, 2025, was lower than the state's weekly 2025 average of 98. As of this writing (Aug. 20), eight children from that time span remain missing. The number of missing children in Virginia is typically higher than in other U.S. states because the state reports all missing-child cases including those who run away from home voluntarily to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This makes it the outlier among states. Additionally, authorities don't issue Amber Alerts unless they meet strict criteria, including sufficient evidence that a child was taken unwillingly. Virginia State Police said in an email they have no evidence of ice cream trucks' involvement in any of the missing children cases, and Snopes found that some of the videos implying such evidence exists were blatantly misleading. In mid-August 2025, dozens of posts spread across multiple platforms claiming a "mass abduction" of children occurred in Virginia. The claims varied in detail some said 50 children had gone missing in a span of 10 days, others said 80 children went missing within 12 days (archived) but the overarching claim remained consistent: An unusually high number of children were missing, suggesting a mass kidnapping. Many posts claimed that no Amber Alert went off (archived) for these dozens of missing children, and others claimed (archived, archived) that ice cream trucks with lights and music on driving around at night had something to do with it. (TikTok user @tkay7411) Based on statements from the Virginia State Police and data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, these fears surrounding an alleged "mass abduction" were out of proportion with reality and largely conspiratorial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the state police confirmed in a news release, 88 cases of missing children were recorded Aug. 3-9, 2025 which stood below the current 2025 weekly average of 98 missing children cases in Virginia. Even then, data shows that most children reported missing are found to have voluntarily run away from home and either voluntarily return or are found by authorities, according to police. Below, we explain the data, what we know based on official police statements and why Amber Alerts were not issued for the dozens of missing children. We also look more closely at the claims that ice cream trucks were somehow involved. Data shows no evidence of 'mass abductions' in Virginia In a public statement (archived) published Aug. 13, state police explicitly confirmed there was no evidence of "mass abductions" occurring in Virginia. In fact, within the approximate time range cited for many of the cases, Aug. 3 to 9, there were 88 missing children reported compared with the 2025 weekly average of 98. Therefore, while these videos gained traction and caused online panic, the claims of mass abduction were false and the data indicated a lower-than-average number of children went missing during that time span. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One portion of the statement read: ANECDOTALLY, MOST OF THE CHILDREN REPORTED MISSING ARE RUNAWAYS, AND MOST RETURN SHORTLY AFTER BEING REPORTED MISSING. Here is the data: Last week, Aug. 3-9, 2025, 88 children were reported missing to the MCC [Virginia Missing Children Clearinghouse]. The 2025 weekly average of missing children in Virginia is 98. Since January 2025 to current, a total of 3,274 children have been reported missing to the MCC. Of these, 141 (as of 10:30 am Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025) are still missing or approximately 4%. Virginia State Police has issued a total of 25 CODI Alerts in 2025 to date. All were found. This includes a CODI Alert Monday morning, August 11, 2025, that was issued from Manassas Park, which was also cancelled Monday morning after the subject was found safe. Virginia State Police issued a total of two Amber Alerts in 2025 to date. All found. In an email to Snopes, Robin Lawson, a spokesperson for the Virginia State Police, clarified that this data does not automatically mean 88 children were missing, because "a child can be entered more than once if they leave home more than once." She also confirmed that of the 88 reports of missing children, nine children remained missing as of Aug. 18. As of this writing, eight children remain missing. This data matches the results of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that maintains a national database for tracking missing children. As of this writing, eight children listed as missing from Aug. 3 to 9 are still missing, meaning authorities only recorded one child found since Lawson's statement. (missingkids.org) Why Virginia reports more missing kids than other states The Virginia police statement claimed the state had reported more missing children to the NCMEC than other states due to its policy of forwarding every missing-child case to the group, including cases in which children ran away from home voluntarily. It read: Virginia has reported more missing children than other states on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Kids (NCMEC) website. This is because Virginia State Police forwards EVERY missing child case to NCMEC. According to NCMEC, Virginia is the most pro-active in sending cases to their website. Virginia does this to centralize missing children's cases so they can all be reviewed in one location. Many other clearinghouses post their cases to their own website. In Virginia, the MCC uses NCMEC as the clearinghouse site. Patti Davis, a spokesperson for the NCMEC, confirmed Virginia is the most proactive state in terms of sending cases to the NCMEC, and she also noted that "there is no national requirement to report missing children to us just those missing from state care. Many runaways are not reported to us." What about Amber or Codi alerts? Many social media users pointed out that the state did not issue an Amber Alert or Codi Alert (a Virginia missing-child alert system that launched in 2024). Missing children cases are required to meet strict criteria for Amber Alert or Codi Alert issuance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These criteria are, according to the police statement: Criteria for the Activation of the CODI Alert Any person 17 years of age or younger or is currently enrolled in a secondary school in the Commonwealth. The child's whereabouts are unknown. The child's disappearance is under suspicious circumstances or poses a credible threat as determined by law enforcement to the safety and health of the child. Based on any other circumstances as deemed appropriate by the Virginia State Police. Criteria for the Activation of the AMBER Alert Plan The abducted child must be 17 years of age or younger or currently enrolled in a secondary school in the Commonwealth, regardless of age, and the reporting law enforcement agency believes the child has been abducted (unwillingly taken from their environment without permission from the child's parent or legal guardian). The law enforcement agency believes the missing child is in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death. A law enforcement investigation has taken place that verified the abduction or eliminated alternative explanations. Sufficient information is available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the child, suspect, and/or the suspect's vehicle. The child must be entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) missing person files as soon as practical. As stated above, Virginia police had issued 25 Codi Alerts and two Amber Alerts in 2025 as of Aug. 13, and police reported the children as "found" in all 27 cases. Except for one Virginia Amber Alert from Aug. 11 in which authorities found the child the same morning they issued the alert, the other cases in the specified time frame did not meet the criteria. Are ice cream trucks involved? Dozens of videos, particularly on TikTok, spread the claim that people were using ice cream trucks to lure children in. The videos showed ice cream trucks driving through neighborhoods at night with lights and music playing as alleged proof. These videos received millions of views, and users in the comment sections appeared to believe that the videos were proof of ice cream trucks' involvement in a "mass abduction" of children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As shown above, there is no evidence of any "mass abduction" of children in Virginia the claim is false. Furthermore, Lawson the Virginia State Police spokesperson said in an email that police did not have any evidence of ice cream trucks' involvement in cases of missing children. "I can confirm that we are NOT investigating any ice cream trucks at this time, nor do we have any evidence to support the rumored speculation of the involvement of an ice cream truck in relation to any missing children," she said. Some of the videos were blatantly misleading. For example, one video with more than 5.7 million views, as of this writing, began with footage apparently showing someone in a large pickup truck attempting to pull a drive-thru worker through the service window, not an ice cream truck driver abducting a child. (TikTok user @maqbobbe9yj) While there is no formal investigation as of this writing into the alleged involvement of ice cream trucks in the missing child cases, there is also no evidence of such involvement in any of the resolved cases from early August 2025, nor in the remaining eight unsolved cases of children who went missing from Aug. 3 to 9 in Virginia. What can we learn from these findings? Snopes is not new to cases of widespread panics surrounding false, unfounded or exaggerated claims. We've fact-checked claims regarding marijuana edibles in Halloween candy, Venezuelan gang members taking over a Colorado apartment, mystery drones flying over New Jersey and more. Misinformation can cause undue panic that distracts from real problems at hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its Aug. 13 statement, the Virginia State Police offered the following tips to parents or guardians to help keep children safe: Have your child practice making 9-1-1 calls from both a cell phone and a landline (unplugged or with batteries removed). Make sure your child knows not to accept rides from strangers and not to trust a stranger who suggests they go off alone together for any reason, for example, to find a lost puppy, etc. Tell your child to let you know immediately if another adult suggests keeping secrets from you. Never leave your child alone in the car, even for a minute. As collective residents of the internet, we each have a role in catching misinformation rather than playing a role in spreading it. For tips on how to spot misinformation, click here. Sources: 'About Us'. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, http://www.missingkids.org/content/ncmec/en/footer/about.html. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025. Fact Check: There Was NOT An Unusual Spike In Missing Children In Virginia In Early August 2025 -- Post Misstates The Data | Lead Stories. 15 Aug. 2025, https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2025/08/fact-check-post-does-not-prove-unusual-spike-in-missing-children-in-virginia-in-early-august-2025.html. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'Missing Posters Search Results'. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, http://www.missingkids.org/content/ncmec/en/gethelpnow/search/poster-search-results.html. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025. Virginia State Police Address Viral Social Media Videos Regarding Missing Children in the Commonwealth. 13 Aug. 2025, https://vsp.virginia.gov/virginia-state-police-address-viral-social-media-videos-regarding-missing-children-in-the-commonwealth/. The Doris & Victor Day Foundation has awarded $800,000 in grants to support 58 Quad Cities nonprofit organizations, a news release says. The grants aim to support high-quality, impactful programs that truly make a positive difference in our community, especially in Rock Island, the release say. The foundation received an unprecedented 96 applications, totaling $1.4 million in requests, The grants awarded span several key areas: Human services, arts, culture & community resources, youth & education, health with a special focus on behavioral health and support for seniors. These contributions reflect the foundations deep-rooted commitment, which began with a $10 million gift from the Doris Day Estate in 1987. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This gift was intended to help make the Quad Cities an even better place and continues to empower a diverse array of programs that serve the communitys needs, the release says. granteesDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 20Dorothy Lane Market in Mason welcomed customers for the first time Wednesday, August 20. Beth Fahrenbruck of Amberley Village was the first in line and said she plans to come back frequently. "Our family goes to Springboro quite a bit and we've been to that Dorothy Lane," Fahrenbruck said. "We were so excited when we heard that there was going to be one built here and we've been watching it brick by brick ever since it started." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News first broke about the grocer's intent to open a fourth location in October 2021 with construction beginning in November 2023. Dorothy Lane Market is a part of a mixed-use planned community co-developed by Traditions Building & Development Group and Western Row Land Developers. It's located at the corner of Mason Montgomery Road and the newly constructed Veterans Parkway. The locally owned and operated, specialty grocery store, known for many signature foods such as the Killer Brownie, features a 50,000-square-foot main level grocery and a 9,000-square-foot mezzanine making it Dorothy Lane Market's largest store. The grocer has other locations at 2710 Far Hills Ave. in Oakwood, 740 N. Main St. in Springboro and 6177 Far Hills Ave. in Washington Twp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fahrenbruck likes shopping at Dorothy Lane Market to find unusual things. In fact, someone in line told her she needed to try "strawberry soup." "Everything that we do is high quality like behind you, I think you'll find pizza as good as Naples, Italy. You'll find sourdough bread as good as San Francisco and keep going down that way sushi as good as Tokyo," CEO Calvin Mayne said at the start of the media tour. "When you get down to the end, you'll see mashed potatoes as good as my grandma's from Kentucky." Other highlights include a coffee shop, salad bar, soup station, poke bar, sandwich area, bakery, delicatessen with pre-packaged meals, fish market, Jack's grill, butcher shop, dry-aging room, artisan cheese area, flower market and a wide variety of beer and wine. "We are so authentic," said store director Dennis Chrisman, who has worked for Dorothy Lane Market for 45 years. "A good friend of mine named Jon Branstrator, who's one of our local farmers,... used to grow everything from pumpkins to tomatoes to zucchini, strawberries, (and) asparagus for us when I was doing a lot of the produce buying for the company." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Branstrator grows artisan grains that the store uses to make bread. "That type of thing happens all the time," Chrisman said. "There's a romance when you actually have the local farmer bringing product into your store and we love that." The Mason store has 275 new hires and 32 existing associates. "One of the things I'm most excited about is all the wonderful people we found in this community who want to be a part of this," Chrisman said. "We want to bring this great food, great people and just this great experience to the Mason community." ------ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE DETAILS Dorothy Lane Market is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. To celebrate the opening, the grocer will feature "Grand Opening Club Deals" where customers can access the sale prices by using a complimentary Club DLM card at checkout. All new and existing Club DLM card members will receive 500 bonus points after their first purchase at the Mason store during its opening week. For more information, visit dorothylane.com or the grocer's Facebook or Instagram pages (@dorothylanemarket). A rail operator has urged bus drivers to "carefully plan their routes" after a double decker got wedged under a railway bridge. The bus got stuck under the bridge on Duke Street in Chelmsford on Wednesday, blocking a bus gate - a section of road only buses can use - from 17:30 BST until 18:45 BST. Network Rail said trains started running again after the bus was freed, but urged drivers to be be careful as similar incidents cost "millions of pounds" every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bridge is on the Great Eastern Main Line between London and Norwich. Bus operator First Bus said it was investigating the incident. The Chelmsford bridge the bus got stuck under is on the mainline between Norwich and London [Tracey Franklin] A Network Rail spokesperson said trains to and from Chelmsford were delayed. They added: "Our teams were quickly on site to inspect the bridge. "Once the bus was safely removed and no structural damage was confirmed, normal train services resumed by 18:56. "Bridge strikes like this cost taxpayers millions of pounds each year and are entirely preventable. "We urge drivers to always consider the height and size of their vehicles, including any loads they are carrying, and to carefully plan their routes to avoid incidents that put our infrastructure at risk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, First Bus said it "assisted emergency crews and recovery teams following an incident involving one of our service 372 buses hitting the Duke Street railway bridge in Chelmsford as it was travelling towards Colchester". "We have not been made aware of any injuries, and we will be undertaking a full investigation," it added. A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: "Every road user has the responsibility of being aware of their surroundings and driving safely, and this bridge clearly displays a height limit of 12ft 6in (3.8m). "Drivers must be careful when passing under structures and make sure their vehicle's fit before making the attempt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Essex Police said no passengers were on the bus and there were no reported injuries. The force said the road under the bridge had been closed to pedestrians for a "short time". Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More stories like this Related internet links Twenty-nine people were arrested during an ICE raid at a warehouse in Edison on Wednesday morning, the townships mayor said. . Video from New Brunswick-based advocacy group New Labor shows Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Customs and Border Protection officers at Smart Logistics and Freight Solutions, which houses Amazon, UPS and FedEx. Amanda Dominguez of New Labor said ICE officers tailed CBP officials into the facility. CBP officers are allowed in because the warehouse, located at 65 Patrick Avenue, is a CBP-bonded facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE acknowledged a request for comment from NJ Advance Media but didnt immediately provide one. Edison Mayor Sam Joshi said township officials were informed about the planned raid prior to it occurring. Dominguez said ICE officers arrived at 10 a.m., jumped out of an unmarked vehicle, approached a guard in a security booth. They then demanded the security guard open the gate and hand over his walkie-talkie. ICE officers then stormed into the warehouse and began removing workers, she said. Its a Customs and Border Patrol bonded facility, so they have a contract where theyre allowed to go and check on the goods in the warehouse, but the problem is now is that theyre holding the door open for their ICE counterparts and that is illegal, Dominguez said. ICE still needs a warrant signed by a judge to go and do ICE actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers who could provide adequate documentation were given wristbands while others were loaded into unmarked vans and taken away, Dominguez said. ICE officers also used drones inside the warehouse to search for workers possibly hiding in the scaffolding, Dominguez said. CBP officers didnt participate in the arrests. ICE didnt provide information to relatives about where their loved ones were being taken. Three people were injured during the raid, including one worker who was handcuffed and thrown to the ground by an ICE officer and another who was seen bleeding from his torso, Dominguez said. A third was hurt in an accidental fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members are left wondering what is happening to my loved ones, and theyre not being given any guidance, Dominguez said. It was extremely violent yesterday. I just really want to highlight how violent this was and that this is not just an attack on an immigrant community but on working class people. There are about 80 Customs and Border Protection-bonded facilities in New Jersey and New York, with Dominguez noting, we may see more of these (raids). In July, ICE raided another CPB-bonded facility in Edison, Alba Wines and Spirits, arresting an estimated 20 people. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-5), whose district includes Edison, criticized the Trump administration for the latest raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once again, President Trump is terrorizing our communities and raiding places of work, Pallone said in a statement on Thursday. Trump keeps suggesting that he is only arresting or deporting hardened criminals and gangsters. Yesterdays raid in Edison is more proof his administration will stretch the law without a warrant. The warehouse workers were just trying to do their jobs when armed agents stormed in rounding up our neighbors without warning or cause, just to make a political point. In addition to Wednesdays raid in Edison, ICE officers also conducted one on Bayard Street in Trenton on Thursday morning. Trenton police didnt participate in the action but video shows officers in patrol cars monitoring the scene. ICE called Trenton police because a member of a local community group repeatedly asked ICE officers if they had a warrant, Dominguez said. Representatives from Radio Jornalera NJ who questioned Trenton police about their presence were told by officers that they are not a part of the raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said were not getting involved, and (the activists) were like, but you are getting involved because youre telling us to leave. One activist was arrested, Dominguez said. Trenton police and the mayors office didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. By Pete Schroeder WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Federal Reserve's top regulatory official suggested on Tuesday that central bank staff should be permitted to own small amounts of crypto products, arguing experience would better inform their work policing activities in those financial markets. Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman said easing restrictions on staff investments may also help recruit and retain expert bank examiners, and "de minimus" holdings of crypto and other digital assets would help staff develop a working understanding of those products. "Theres no replacement for experimenting and understanding how that ownership and transfer process flows," she said in prepared remarks delivered to a crypto conference in Wyoming. "I certainly wouldnt trust someone to teach me to ski if theyd never put on skis, regardless of how many books and articles they have read, or even wrote, about it." Bowman did not offer specifics in terms of amounts or types of holdings she was considering, but her remarks serve as the latest indication of the friendlier tone regulators in the Trump administration are taking towards the crypto sector. Under Trump, the Fed and other bank regulators have already taken several steps to be more open to crypto activities by banks, after years of requiring banks to clear additional hurdles before diving into the sector. Throughout her remarks, Bowman emphasized that bank regulators need to be less skeptical of new technologies in the financial sector, including crypto products. She accused bank watchdogs of having an "overly cautious mindset," which she argued could actually hinder the banking sector by placing undue restrictions on activities. "We must choose whether to embrace the change and help shape a framework that will be reliable and durable - ensuring safety and soundness and incorporating the benefits of both efficiency and speed - or to stand still and allow new technology to bypass the traditional banking system altogether. From a regulators perspective, the choice is clear," she said. Bowman said there are risks that come from any rapid transformations, but she maintained regulators need to acknowledge the potential benefits of those changes as well as potential problems. "Risks may be offset or at least determined to be manageable when we recognize and consider the potentially extensive benefits of new technology," she said. (Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Chris Reese and Andrea Ricci) The Utah Legislatures Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee on Wednesday voted to support draft legislation centered around the Great Salt Lake. The draft legislation, which could now be included in a potential special session, changes requirements related to the lakes adaptive management berm located at the Great Salt Lake Causeway breach that helps manage the two arms mainly because water from the lakes saltier northern arm has flowed into the southern arm in the past. More specifically, the bills sponsor, Rep. Jill Koford, R-Ogden, said the draft legislation would allow the berm to be raised to 4,192 feet when needed to prevent dangerous salinity spikes in Gilbert Bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite lower water levels this year, salinity rates remain within the lakes healthy threshold, particularly for brine shrimp and brine flies, two species vital to the lakes ecosystem. Levels are slightly up to 109 grams per liter at a U.S. Geological Survey site at the Saltair Boat Harbor and 112 grams per liter at the agencys Gilbert Bay site, both of which are far below the peak of 185 grams per liter in 2022. Without diligent management of the berm, the levels could swing dangerously again, which would disrupt the food supply, the food web, threaten migratory birds and harm industries that depend on the lake, Koford said. Adjusting the berm, raising and lowering it when its needed, has been one of the most effective tools we have in our toolbox. Additionally, Koford said the bill does three other important things by requiring that the berm be raised should the southern arm drop to 4,190 feet elevation or lower; that the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands have a plan, timeline and outline that within 18 months of lowering the berm, the north and south arms will be within 2 feet of each other; and a requirement to consult with the Great Salt Lake commissioner before any firm modification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salinity levels were so high in 2022 that they brought the lakes ecosystem to the brink of collapse. Utah leaders responded by raising a berm located at the Great Salt Lake Causeway breach that helps manage the two arms, mainly because water from the lakes saltier northern arm had started to flow into the southern arm. This bill would look to make that process easier. Koford said that under the current law, the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands doesnt have the flexibility it needs to manage the berm properly. These changes are urgent. Providing the flexibility will allow the division more effective management and to keep the lake in a healthy range while considering their other management objectives, Koford said. Over the past five years, our Legislature has taken some bold steps to protect the Great Salt Lake, and this bill is another step forward. Its targeted, its science-based, and its a policy that helps keep us moving forward toward long-term recovery at the lake. Ben Stireman, deputy director for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, responded to concerns about the berm being raised permanently, saying theres no intention of doing so and that the law wouldnt allow for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were required by law to have a plan to reduce the lake level within 18 months and bring that back to within 2 feet of elevation, so there would be no ability for us to leave that there, Stireman said. During the public comment period of the meeting, several speakers expressed concern that the draft legislation isnt doing enough to address dust mitigation. I think its important to keep in mind that while the north arm may be less ecologically important, it can still become a potential source of dangerous dust, Lauren Griffith said. We know whats in the dust, and we know that it can be concerning. Ive wondered if theres opportunities for strategic releases of water from tributaries, or strategic shallow flooding. Observational studies, while not formalized, have shown that even just temporary rewetting of the lake bed can help to reform the crust. Alta Fairborn, water advocate for the Utah Rivers Council, criticized the Legislatures work around the Great Salt Lake as a whole, saying years of promises regarding a Great Salt Lake rescue plan ring hollow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Utah Legislature continues to dismiss vital legislation put forth to deliver water to the struggling lake. Bills designed to bring water to the lake have been killed in committee despite the relief that they would bring to Utah taxpayers, Fairborn said. We need to have a healthy debate about solutions to saving the Great Salt Lake. Real solutions exist, but if the Legislature refuses to have a healthy discussion and debate about them, what hope do we have that this entire lake will exist in the future? She described the bill as an escape hatch for failed leadership, rather than a solution to save the lake. With a favorable recommendation from the committee, the bill draft legislation could now be included in a potential special session of the Utah Legislature. Drier air will cause fewer showers and thunderstorms into the end of the week with hotter temperatures. Wetter weather returns to parts of the state this weekend. Isolated showers and storms have again popped up across New Mexico Wednesday afternoon. These storms are mainly along and west of the central mountain chain as drier air is moving into eastern New Mexico. Temperatures are also back above average this afternoon. Storms will continue to move west through this evening, eventually ending after sunset. Even drier air moves into New Mexico Thursday, keeping storm chances isolated to just western and central New Mexico and mainly in the mountains. Thursday will also be the hottest day of the week for many, with Farmington climbing to near a record high temperature. Rain chances Friday will again be isolated in western and northern New Mexico, along with southern Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area of high pressure that will be responsible for the hotter and drier weather Thursday and Friday will begin to weaken this weekend. That will allow for additional moisture to move into the northern half of New Mexico. Rain and storm chances will increase starting Saturday for western New Mexico and areas along and north of I-40. Sunday will see a good chance in the same area. Early next week, the high pressure system will continue to weaken as a backdoor cold front gets sent into New Mexico. This will cool temperatures off early next week and increase the chance for rain and thunderstorms for many. Especially next 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Editor's Note: This is a developing story. A fire broke out at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia's Rostov Oblast after an overnight drone strike on Aug. 21, the Russian Telegram news channel Astra reporting, citing local reports and footage of the attack. The city of Novoshakhtinsk lies around 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Russo-Ukrainian border and over 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the front line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least five explosions were heard over the city of Novoshakhtinsk during the drone attack, residents said. Drones hit the local refinery, causing a large fire. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims at the time of publication. Footage of the alleged refinery strike shows smoke and flames rising from the attack site. 0:00 / 1 The Novoshakhtinsk refinery reportedly produces up to 7.5 million tons of oil products annually and specializes in fuel production. Kyiv has targeted the facility in previous attacks. In December 2024, Ukraine's Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out a combined strike against the refinery that resulted in a large-scale fire and significant damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's General Staff said after the attack that the Novoshakhtinsk facility is the only oil refinery operating in Russia's Rostov Oblast. The Ukrainian military previously claimed that a July 2024 attack on the refinery destroyed 1.5 million tons of oil and oil products worth $540 million. The refinery also partially shut down after an attack in March. Ukraine regularly launches long-range drone attacks on industrial and military facilities in Russia. Oil refineries, which fund and fuel Moscow's war machine, are frequent targets of these strikes. Three Russian refineries have cut or suspended operations this month due to damage sustained from Ukrainian drone attacks, according to media reports. Bloomberg reported that a Rosneft facility in Saratov Oblast halted oil intake after a strike on Aug. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Ryazan refinery also decreased its production by half while the Novokuibyshevsk refinery halted production completely on Aug. 2, Reuters reported. Read also: We finally watched Russians at War its worse than we thought Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. RICHMOND, Ind. (WDTN) Deputies recovered methamphetamine while investigating a suspicious house fire over the weekend. According to the Wayne County Sheriffs Office, a house fire was reported on Sycamore Lane on Saturday morning. Police say everyone was able to get out safely, thanks to family members reaching a man trapped inside. Two arrested after Champaign Co. Drug Bust Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set, and arrested a Richmond woman on felony arson charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While investigating the arson, police found 51 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and two firearms. More charges could potentially be filed as a result. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Entschuldigung seems to be the hardest word... Language learning app Duolingo has apologised and announced it has removed a German lesson which referred to controversial Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling as mean. The German lesson in question included the question: Magst du die Bucher mit Harry Potter als Figur? - which translates to: Do you like books with Harry Potter as a character? The correct response for tutees was: Ja, aber meiner Meinung nach ist die Autorin gemein (Yes, but in my opinion the author is mean.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duolingo, which has more than 130 million active daily users, said in a statement: We apologise for any offence caused and will remove this content. Learning German - X @gabykoppel Presumably, the correct answer has everything to do with Rowlings polarising views on trans rights, which have been condemned by many online and even by the original stars of the Harry Potter films. Daniel Radcliffe said last year about Rowling: It makes me really sad, ultimately. Because I do look at the person that I met, the times that we met, and the books that she wrote, and the world that she created, and all of that is to me so deeply empathic. He confirmed that he had not had any contact with Rowling since she began making comments many consider transphobic and added that he would continue to support the rights of all LGBTQ people. Regardless, some didnt think that it was the right platform for that kind of thing as evidenced by the post made by freelance TV producer Gaby Koppel on X: Shame on you @duolingo: learning German and I came across the sentence Yes I like Harry Potter but the author is mean. How woke do you have to be to let trans ideology infect a language lesson? Elsewhere, Rowling recently hit out at former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over their differing stances on gender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referring to Surgeons new autobiography, "Frankly", Rowling posted a picture online of pages 108 and 109 of the book, with the words Are you f*cking kidding me??? scribbled over. Rowling wrote: Annotating as I read to review. Might auction my scribbled-on copy, proceeds to go to @ForWomenScot. NB: nobody whos offended by swearing should bid. She then offered up her review of the book: In her book, Sturgeon said she had endured a surge of "vile" abuse after Rowling posted a selfie in a t-shirt with the slogan: "Nicola Sturgeon, destroyer of women's rights". Sturgeon had previously told the BBC's Newscast podcast that the Harry Potter author had every right to disagree with her but that the t-shirt "seemed to me quite incendiary". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other news, we reported this week that the Polari Prize, a prestigious UK literary award for LGBTQ+ literature, announced a pause to its 2025 competition following backlash over the inclusion of author John Boyne - best known for his best-selling novel "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" and whose novel Earth was longlisted for the Polari Prize. The decision to include Boyne sparked outrage across the LGBTQ+ community, as the author has publicly described himself as a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) and has repeatedly voiced support for gender-critical views. In a July column for the Irish Independent, he defended Rowling and criticised women who oppose her stance, likening them to characters in "The Handmaids Tale" who enable abuse. Dustin Burrows, call your lawyer. Burrows is the Republican speaker of the state House in Texas. After the members of the Democratic caucus who had left town to foil Republican efforts to re-gerrymander the states congressional map returned home, Burrows decided to play sheriff. He ordered the returning Democrats to sign a pledge agreeing to have a 24/7 police escort that could collar them in the event they made another run for the border. Those who didnt accept his terms were told they would be arrested if they even attempted to leave the legislative chambers. Enter Democratic Representative Nicole Collier, who represents a Forth Worth district. Collier told Burrows what he could do with the pledge. She read the form, thought about the implications, and flatly said: no way. In her words, she wasnt going to live under police guard like a criminal suspect. Calling Burrowss bluff, Collier settled into her enforced quarters. For the last few days, shes been sleeping in chairs on the House floorlike a traveler abandoned in an airport terminal. Tuesday morning, she posted a photo of herself asleep on the House floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And she has been giving interviews to national media that make Burrows and his colleagues, including House Administration Committee Chair Charlie Geren, look like the oafish jerks that they are. Its all made Burrowss tough-guy posturing look petty and overbearing, especially since the Democrats had returned to town and cleared the way for Republicans to redraw the state map to squeeze out five more seats. They had done so only after California Democrats had moved forward with a plan to counter Texas with their own redrawn map with five new Democratic seats, a plan the California Supreme Court has now green-lighted. What authority, you might ask, does Burrows have to deprive Collier of her liberty? The uncontroversial answer: none. The rules of the Texas House include a provision that permits a so-called civil arrest (a dubious category in itselfan arrest is an arrest and is subject to Fourth Amendment restrictions) of lawmakers who have fled the state to break quorum. The Texas Supreme Court upheld that power in a 2021 decision, but it made clear that House Rule 5 applies only to compel the attendance of absent members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, Collier isnt absent. Shes sitting right there on the floor of the House chamber. By her account, shes never even tried to slip out a side door. The law, by its plain terms, gives no authority to hold her against her will or to threaten her with arrest for refusing an escort. Collier has filed a habeas corpus motion asking the Texas court to order her release from custody. It is a pristine use of what Chief Justice John Marshall once called the Great Writshes being detained on the orders of a state official with no legal justification. Her petition should be a slam dunk. But thats not necessarily the end of it. Consider the situation once Burrowss proffered legal justification falls away. Stripped of the legal cover of House Rule 5, Burrows is operating outside the bounds of the law and is guilty of multiple offenses. Start with the tort of false arrest. There is no doubt that Collier has been arrested: Applying the textbook definition of arrest, a reasonable person in her position would not feel free to leave. Texas law defines false arrest, a.k.a. false imprisonment, as the unlawful restraint of a person without legal justification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas law does not shield officials who act in bad faith or outside the bounds of their authority. Geren appears to have exposed himself to extensive civil liability should Collier decide to sue him. Then consider the Texas crime of unlawful restraint, which the state defines as the intentional or knowing restraint of someone without consent. Or official oppression, which occurs when a public servant acting under color of law intentionally subjects another to unlawful arrest. And what about federal civil rights violations? 18 U.S.C. 242 makes it a crime for a person acting under color of law to willfully deprive someone of constitutional rights, and Burrows here sought to deprive Collier and other Democrats of their liberty based on their constitutionally protected activity. Dustin Burrows, call your lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All these developments, of course, depend on the independence of Texas state courts and the integrity of the Texas and federal law enforcement systems. The state, of course, is under the whip hand of Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. It may be, in that setting, that all bets are off. And we can be certain that Pam Bondis Department of Justice is not going to bring a federal civil rights case against the Texas Republican House speaker with Maxine Collier as victim. But if Burrows is able to escape the consequences of his unlawful, politicized conduct, it will only confirm that Texas has been captured by the same arrogant bullying, lawlessness, and delusion of omnipotence that have already corrupted the rule of law under Trump. Its the all-too-familiar premise that authority exists to dominate the opposition, and the law means whatever the leader says. In any event, Democrats, who already scored a resounding public relations victory when they fled the state, leaving Texas Republicans feckless and tilting at windmills, have once again secured the upper public relations hand. Collier, pictured camped out on House chairs like a delinquent child at the overbearing command of the Republican speaker, is the kind of image that resonates. Burrows has blundered badly. The law is against him, as will become apparent; and his officious overreach is likely to harm him in the national public eye. Instead of the domination he seeks, he is likely to go down as a lawless, thin-skinned, vindictive bully, like the president he emulates. Aug. 20EAST GRAND FORKS The preliminary proposed 2026 budget for the city of East Grand Forks shows a deficit of $862,201, as estimated in a special meeting of the East Grand Forks City Council. City Administrator Reid Huttunen said to balance the budget with the deficit, the city is looking at about a 15% levy increase, if it were all put to a property tax levy. The budget will be discussed again during the council's next work session. "Just kind of next steps, certainly open for discussion, I understand this is really high level and you haven't had time to dig into the details," he said to council members. "We'd certainly want to make sure you all have the ability to do that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The special meeting, set after the City Council's Tuesday, Aug. 19, meeting, was held to give the council a snapshot of how the 2024 budget ended, remind everyone what the 2025 budget looked like and show what the preliminary proposed budget for 2026 looks like. Huttunen presented the information to the council, working through some of the specifics. Some of what Huttunen discussed included reductions in revenues, such as the reduction in rent in parks and recreation facilities. There is also a proposed reduction to the allocation for drug task force payment. The estimated increased total for expenditures is about a $638,000 increase over 2025. Huttunen said discussions with city unions, salary and wage increases, as well as health insurance costs, were accounted for. Local government aid (LGA) did see a slight increase, he said. LGA is a general purpose aid in Minnesota that can be used for any lawful expenditure or for property tax relief. Not quite $6,000 more than 2025, the proposed budget's LGA sits at $2,416,772. The LGA makes up about 16% of the city's general budget, about 11% lower than 2014's 27%. Huttunen said it shows one of the uphill battles the city is facing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It shines importance on how important it is to communities like ours," he said. During the council's regular meeting, Huttunen updated the council that there will be a drawing for two retail cannabis registrations at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, in the council chambers. One registration is for the downtown zone and the other for the highway commercial zone . Two applicants will be drawn for each. The first chosen will be the primary applicant, with an alternate applicant chosen in case the primary can't meet all local and state requirements or can't get the business off the ground. There are about 73 or 74 applicants for each zone, Huttenen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If anyone's interested in watching that, it'll be here in the council chambers," he said. In other news, the council: * Heard Chief of Police Michael Hedlund remind the council about the ninth East Grand Forks Showcase, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3, in the River Street parking lot. Hedlund said it will be the biggest yet. * Approved second readings of ordinances granting Northern States Power Company permission to construct a gas distribution system in the city and implementing a gas service franchise fee on the company for providing gas service. * Further tabled two agenda items from last week's special meeting regarding the hiring process to fill the empty supervisor and truck driver Parks and Recreation Department roles, as the department is working through a process on staffing. Its not often that you have eight European leaders, including one whose country is at war, descend on Washington in as close to an unplanned snap visit as you can get. Lets hope that the White House visit convinced the White House resident of the importance of the moment. Monday afternoon, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was joined by the leaders of Germany, France, Italy, the U.K., Finland, the European Commission and NATO in a surprise summit following President Donald Trumps Alaska meeting with Russian despot Vladimir Putin. Trump seems to have understood the Oval Office meeting as him, the genius dealmaker, convening the allies after a successful rendezvous with the Russian adversary, bringing everyone together in advance of brokering the peace deal that will win him the Nobel Peace Prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever it takes; and that perception was likely reinforced by the heavy praise heaped on him, though of course he doesnt grasp that his NATO counterparts have internalized the fact that flattery is the only language Trump will listen to. That and English, which fortunately they all speak well enough to have been able to tag team off each other without translators in bringing Trump around on not selling out Europe to an imperialist Russia, something European leaders probably did not expect to have to be doing 80 years after the end of WWII. In actuality, this was more like the adults rushing to stop a toddler who had announced his intention to put a fork in the light socket before any further damage could be done. They certainly all watched in horror as Trump accomplished little but once again parroting Putin talking points after rolling out the red carpet for his admired authoritarian on U.S. soil, a meeting at which the Ukrainians were not represented. This after having spent days talking about the possibility of ceding Ukrainian territory as part of some sort of agreement, and chastising Ukraine invaded unprovoked by a much larger neighbor of starting the war itself. At least this frenzied intervention by our European friends does seem to have yielded some success, primarily in the form of Trump agreeing to some form of U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, which are likely to be the only thing that actually incentivizes Putin to back off and stay back when a peace deal is reached. Something akin to NATOs core Article 5 on joint defense comes to mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem is that such guarantees are only really worth anything if theyre credible; it is fundamentally a threat, and threats are meaningful when the target has reason to believe there will be follow-through. Unfortunately, we cant say that we expect Trump to stick to this message discipline. Given everything that weve seen so far in this administration, odds are that shortly Trump will be insisting that Ukraine handle its own affairs or that the U.S. will only provide security guarantees in exchange for some kind of pay or materials deal; either that or hell simply back off from the position altogether. Even if he then comes around again, every time Trump wobbles on dead-serious international commitments, including support for the NATO alliance itself, it saps at their ultimate credibility and therefore makes them less potent. We guarantee this: neither Trump nor any of us want to live in the world in which Putin believes he is not going to face consequences for his aggressive expansionist agenda. Trump made the commitments, now prove us wrong by sticking to them. _____ Editors note: Early Thursday morning, the Sentinel learned the rainbow crosswalk leading to the Pulse memorial site had been vandalized, its colors painted over with black. This crosswalk approved and constructed by the state Department of Transportation last year as part of the Orange Avenue renovation is a planned element of the permanent memorial, and in this editorial we expressed hope that Orlandos crosswalk would provide a model allowing other cities to comply with state law while preserving their own monuments to inclusion and community. We urge the city to investigate and determine how this happened and why. There was a time when same-sex couples walking in downtown Orlando, Delray Beach, Mount Dora or even Key West would be afraid to hold hands. There was a time when many members of the LGBTQ+ community were careful to evade the spotlight, even among the people who knew them best. There was a time when loving someone of the wrong gender could result in harassment, arrest or a savage beating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This, thank God, is not that time. And across Florida, many local government agencies have taken steps to make sure that time never comes again. This is not a political matter. This is a statement of respect for human life, happiness and dignity written in stickers proclaiming businesses to be refuges against bullying, in flags flying proudly from city lampposts, in brightly colored paint applied to road surfaces at high-traffic intersections. State and federal officials want to erase those markers of respect and affirmation. Last month, a communique from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered states to identify cities that had rainbow-themed crosswalks and other art painted on asphalt. His official letter preached about public safety, but he later revealed his real motives on X: Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks, he posted. Duffys ignoring evidence that cities can readily do both. Theres no proof that road safety suffers from designs painted on the streets, be it multicolored crosswalks, swans or oranges all of which can be seen on asphalt in downtown Orlando. In fact, a recent study by Bloomberg Philanthropies supports a 50% reduction in crashes at intersections that have painted designs on the asphalt. The rainbow aggression The state followed up with letters to many local jurisdictions with rainbow-painted crosswalks. Many of them surrendered without a fight. West Palm Beach, Gainesville and Boynton Beach are among the cities that plan to remove their rainbow crossings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a few cities pushed back, including Delray Beach and Key West. Last week, those cities were targeted with overbearing letters from Florida Department of Transportation district offices: Destroy the crosswalks by early September, or well do it for you and send you the bill. Its an outrageous move, and one that should inspire defiance. Key West leaders have made it clear they intend to fight. This represents one human family. Thats what we recognize here, Key West Mayor Danise Henriquez told the Orlando Sentinel on Tuesday. Though the state initially identified only two of the four crosswalks at the intersection of Duval and Petronia streets, Henriquez says the city has now been told that all four are in violation. Key West representatives plan to be at a Sept. 2 meeting in Orlando, though state officials warned them in last weeks letter not to ask for any variance or special permission. Tuesday night, Delray Beach officials said they also planned to challenge the states bullying. A thin white line? Heres what the state isnt telling those cities something that might explain why the city of Orlando hasnt received a similar nastygram. At first, we suspected that it might be due to the fact that Orlandos iconic rainbow-hued crosswalk, which traverses Esther Street parallel to Orange Avenue, leads to the site of the Pulse nightclub and is a planned part of the memorial the city plans. Even the DeSantis administration might have some qualms about sanding off crosswalk markings within sight of the club where 49 people died in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a few things have come to light since then, and they could illuminate a means for Florida cities to keep their expressions of love and inclusivity while still maintaining the letter of highway-safety laws. Theres a significant difference between Orlandos rainbow crossing and those in other cities. The Esther Street crosswalk is bounded on its outer edges by white paint, and the colors are also separated by white stripes. That preserves the U.S. Department of Transportations required form for a pavement-painted crosswalk, city officials say. Orlandos Pulse crosswalk was reinstalled last year as part of the extended rehabilitation of Orange Avenue, she says. Not only did the state DOT approve the design, it helped pay for the re-creation of the crosswalk. We met all the the criteria the DOT said were needed, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said. Our decorative crosswalks are there not to make politic statements, but to porovide for safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Delray Beach crosswalk doesnt have those white bars. Two of the Key West crosswalks have their colors separated by black lines, Vasquez says but the other two are pure rainbow hues. The same is true of crosswalks in other cities targeted by the Florida DOT. We could be wrong: It might be that the state still intends to go after Orlando, Miami, St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale and other cities with rainbow crosswalks or intersections. But what if a few buckets of white paint could save the crosswalks? If the state is really intent on enforcing crosswalk-marking standards and not just intent on pushing a hateful, exclusionist agenda, the answer will be yes. Not surprisingly, theres no mention of a proposed fix in the August 15 letters sent to Key West and Delray Beach, just threats to withhold state transportation funding if the cities continue to be defiant. High-ranking state officials are clearly more interested in a high-profile flex that asserts state dominance and demonstrates scorn toward LGBTQ+ residents. They apparently want to make a humiliating spectacle of cities that dared signal support for the LGBTQ+ community in the first place, forcing them to scrub away their own evidence of inclusion. Wed like to see all Florida cities with rainbow crosswalks respond with the same offer: Well follow the rules and add the white markings, but were keeping the colors too. Some may see this as malicious compliance. In reality, its a rational attempt at a compromise that addresses any possible problems with public safety while preserving the spirit of public acceptance and alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If DOT officials balk, theyll reveal their true motives, proving that their aggression against rainbow crosswalks is about bigotry, not safety. The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Executive Editor Roger Simmons and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@orlandosentinel.com Rodney Kings famous line Can we all get along? feels more relevant than ever today, underscoring our highly regrettable departure from civility toward a more belligerent and uneasy political reality. But every now and then, we see small but significant signs that theres movement toward reviving civil discourse. One of those moments recently took place here in Chicago. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett on Monday joined other members of the bench and bar at the Seventh Circuit Judicial Conference at the Swissotel and praised her peers for their collegiality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It occurs to me that law is a profession that, unlike some others, operates continually through the strain of disagreement, she said. Doctors cooperate and coordinate to deal with patients. Engineers work together to build the bridge. But litigants and their lawyers are pitted against one another on opposite sides of the V. Here was the part of her remarks that most hit home with us: We know how to argue, but we also know how to do it without letting it consume relationships. The legal profession has long operated this way. That it continues to do so despite mounting partisan pressure is an example worth noting for the rest of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coney Barrett, of course, is no stranger to vitriol. The justice, who joined the high court in October 2020, was called a religious bigot and a monster during her confirmation hearings. Her family, too, has endured attacks from criticism of her adopted children to a bomb threat against her sister earlier this year. Point is, shes dealt with fierce criticisms and personal attacks directly. Yet here she stood, speaking with all sincerity about the importance of respectful discourse. We encourage more officials to take this tone not just at the lectern but in their daily dealings, setting a model for how the rest of us navigate politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our current political climate is particularly dangerous because people have started viewing anyone who disagrees with their politics as evil or less than human. And when you dehumanize people in this fashion, it becomes OK to hate them or even hurt them. Too often, that mindset fuels violence. In June, a gunman killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their own home. Politically motivated violence is a scourge that must end. We need to reestablish that disagreeing with people on politics doesnt mean hating them. Thats not to say we always should agree or that theres never room for heated exchanges. We wholeheartedly support championing the causes in which you believe. Indeed, sometimes moral outrage is justified. But we dont have to be morally outraged every single day, and if your moral outrage leads you to hate other people, maybe its time to reevaluate. That was the deeper point of Barretts reminder: Disagreement need not destroy relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If judges and lawyers can argue without contempt for each other, then those of us in walks of life that dont routinely entail intellectual combat can do the same. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. The Company's exploration strategy targets structures associated with the Central Guiana Shear Zone, a major regional control on gold mineralization. Recent surface work has successfully extended the Maria Geralda anomaly 1.3 kilometres south of the discovery hole (22.5 m core length of 11.88 g/t Au in MG003), with the mineralizing structure remaining open in both directions along strike. Newly discovered 15-metre-wide oxidized shear zone at surface with abundant quartz veining and grab samples grading up to 26.85 g/t Au 1.3 km strike length of anomalous auger samples with grades reaching up to 7.47 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) "Surface exploration continues to build a robust pipeline of high-quality drill targets that our team will systematically test through diamond drilling," said Colin Padget, President and CEO. "The ongoing work at Maria Geralda and Parbo reveals significant opportunities for growth, further validating Antino's Tier 1 potential. Phase two drilling is underway at Maria Geralda, and with the rainy season ending, we're eager to return to Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Lawa to follow up on earlier drilling success." Founders is executing an aggressive exploration strategy targeting high-grade prospects including Maria Geralda, Parbo, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Lawa, while systematically expanding known mineralization at Upper Antino, Buese, and Lower Antino. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 21, 2025) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces significant progress in its surface exploration program at the Antino Gold Project ("Antino" or "Project") in southeastern Suriname. The Company has completed extensive sampling at the Maria Geralda and Parbo targets, setting the stage for upcoming drill programs during the current dry season. Story Continues Gold mineralization at Maria Geralda occurs in two distinct styles: High-grade shear-hosted mineralization along the contact between metavolcanic-metasedimentary rocks and intrusive complex Lower-grade bulk tonnage mineralization within the intrusion itself At Parbo, surface teams have identified a high-grade vein system within felsic to intermediate intrusive rocks similar to Donut and Lower Antino. Recent mapping and trenching has exposed a 15-metre-wide mineralized shear zone characterized by intense silicification, quartz veining, and sericite alteration, with up to 5% pyrite in brittle fracturesa feature commonly associated with high-grade mineralization elsewhere on the property. Next Steps With the dry season now underway, Founders plans to: Continue systematic drilling at Maria Geralda with results pending Complete auger program at Parbo ahead of Phase 1 diamond drill program in Q4 Execute surface exploration programs to provide structural context for Phase 2 drilling across other high-priority targets including Van Gogh, Da Vinci and Lawa The comprehensive exploration approach positions Founders to unlock the full potential of the Antino Gold Project while systematically advancing multiple high-grade targets. Figure 1: Antino Property Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/263316_4c2278304408e8b9_001full.jpg Figure 2: Maria Geralda Plan Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/263316_4c2278304408e8b9_002full.jpg Figure 3: Parbo Plan Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/263316_4c2278304408e8b9_003full.jpg About Founders Metals Inc. Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 20,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from historical surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company is systematically advancing one of Suriname's most promising gold exploration and development opportunities with drill-confirmed, district-scale potential. Founders is committed to responsible exploration, community engagement, and delivering long-term value to shareholders through technical excellence and strategic growth in the Guiana Shield. 12022 Technical Report - Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrancois, BSc, P.Geo. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Per: "Colin Padget" Colin Padget President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director Contact Information Katie MacKenzie, Vice President, Corporate Development Tel: 306 537 8903 | katiem@fdrmetals.com Harp Gosal, Director, Investor Relations Tel: 236 301 4211 | harpg@fdrmetals.com Qualified Persons The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Quality Assurance and Control Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the Company's prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 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. All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263316 The U.S. Department of Education will start to bring back roughly 250 civil rights staffers that it tried to fire in March, according to a schedule the U.S. Department of Education submitted in federal court Tuesday. The department said it will reinstate roughly 25 employees Sept. 8, nearly three months after a federal judge told the department to start the process, and will return another 60 every two weeks until early November. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The plan comes after the Massachusetts district court judge refused to throw out a June 18 order requiring the department to put the employees back to work. Department officials are now appealing that ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sean Ouellette, who represents the families and advocates who sued over the firings at OCR, said he was pleased to see a commitment from the department. I hope they restore staff on the schedule they laid out, or hopefully faster. Were not really sure it should take that long, said Ouellette, a senior attorney with Public Justice. Were a little skeptical because this only comes after the court called them out on the delay. Related Despite Court Order, Education Departments Civil Rights Staff Still On Leave In another personnel development, the department will begin reinstating employees placed on leave in late January because their positions were linked, sometimes tenuously, to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programs. Many of those targeted were told by their supervisors during the first Trump administration to attend a DEI training. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, which represents the department staff, filed for arbitration a dispute resolution process rather than bringing a lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because our local refused to stand down, we have learned that a number of our members placed on DEI leave are being returned to duty, Sheria Smith, president of Local 252, wrote to employees Tuesday. But Madi Biedermann, a spokeswoman for the department, disputed that arbitration played a role in the decision. The agency determined they are an asset to the workforce, she said. The action could slow down progress toward President Donald Trumps pledge to dismantle the Education Department and eliminate any DEI-related activity central pieces of his agenda that the public doesnt necessarily support, according to recent PDK Poll results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon fired roughly half its OCR staff members March 11 along with over 1,000 other employees. The Victims Rights Law Center, which represents victims of sexual assault, argued that their dismissal in combination with the closure of seven out of 12 regional offices, left the office unable to perform duties mandated by law. The department tried to link the OCR firings to a different case in which the Supreme Court allowed McMahon to let staff go from other divisions within the agency. In both cases, the courts have yet to issue a final decision on whether the firings were legal. Judge Myong Joun agreed with Public Justice, saying that the OCR case presented distinct factual circumstances, and cannot be lumped in with the other lawsuit. The department disagrees. At bottom, plaintiffs lawsuit is an improper programmatic attack on how the department runs OCR, wrote Michael Bruns, an attorney with the Justice Department. In the appeal to the U.S. Appeals Court for the First Circuit, he called the lawsuit crafty pleading. For now, however, Jouns opinion leaves the department with no further options but to bring back the staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OCR, not surprisingly, hasnt been able to move through cases as quickly as it did prior to the layoffs. Since March 11, the office has resolved 413 complaints, compared to about 200 per month previously, Steven Schaefer, deputy assistant secretary for policy at OCR, wrote in a filing to the court. Ouellette, the Public Justice attorney, said having more attorneys and investigators back to work should help OCR make progress on the backlog. At least that will get things back to the way they were, which was already strained, he said. Related Lives Upended: 3 Ed Dept Staffers Worry for Themselves And the Nations Kids Called back Union officials havent received any communication from the department specifying which employees are returning or when they will start work, said spokesman Andrew Feldman. But the department did tell some to report to the cafeteria on Monday for a brief orientation, according to a notice to employees shared with The 74. Some staff members placed on leave in a January DEI-related purge have been asked to report Monday for an orientation. We have members who have self-reported to us they have been called back, Feldman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those is Kissy Chapman-Thaw, an education program specialist and former teacher. She learned secondhand that she would be among those returning Sept. 8, which she said the departments IT help desk confirmed Wednesday. She oversaw budgeting and higher education grants, including COVID relief funds, but she attended the three-day DEI training in 2019, which she thinks likely contributed to her dismissal. For me, as an African American woman, I felt not just educated, but I understood how to be more sensitive to other people in general, she said. She refused to quit while her job was in limbo. After a month, I was like, Im not going anywhere. Theyve got to fire me. Im just not going to walk away that easily. Cairo convened Palestinian factions and staged a show of unity. Every group but Hamas backed the partial deal, leaving it isolated in the very room where it once claimed leadership. Egypt forced Hamas into a corner, telling the group bluntly in Cairo that its demand for a comprehensive end of war deal was impossible under Israeli conditions. With Washington and Doha already aligned behind a partial arrangement, Egypt made clear there would be no outside cover for Hamas to hold out. To drive the point home, Cairo convened Palestinian factions and staged a show of unity. Every group but Hamas backed the partial deal, leaving it isolated in the very room where it once claimed leadership. The Palestinian Reform Stream, backed by exiled Fatah strongman Mohammed Dahlan, went further: Its leader was recorded saying Hamas should accept the deal even without reading it because Gazas people needed the war to end. State Information Service chief Diaa Rashwan declared that the factions had accepted the text without objections, signaling that Egypt considered the matter closed and that Hamas' political isolation was nearly total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the urgency, telling local media that Qatari and Palestinian delegations were working on Egyptian soil to apply maximum pressure for a breakthrough. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi publicly welcomed the deal, called for faster humanitarian relief through Rafah, and reiterated Egypts rejection of both Israeli reoccupation and mass Palestinian displacement. Cairo's primary concern on Palestinian displacement This is Cairos primary concern. Egyptian officials have repeatedly said that mass displacement of Palestinians into Sinai is a non-negotiable red line. They argue such a move would erase the Palestinian national cause and destabilize Egypt by upsetting the delicate balance of the peninsula, where northern clans coexist uneasily with the Sawarka, Rumaylat, Tarabin, and Tiyaha tribes. North Sinai, spanning some 10,650 square miles, has a population of only 450,000 to 500,000. An influx of even 200,000 Gazans would nearly double El Arishs size overnight, overwhelming services, inflaming tribal rivalries, and threatening Egyptian sovereignty in a region already marked by fragile control. Adding to Cairos anxiety is what diplomats call the African dimension. Israel recently sent medical kits, water systems, and hygiene supplies to South Sudan through its development agency MASHAV and the NGO IsraAID, describing the shipment as purely humanitarian. Yet reports of confidential talks about relocating Palestinians there have swirled. Juba has denied them These claims are baseless and do not reflect the official position or policy of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, its foreign ministry told Reuters but the idea alone alarms Cairo, which sees any population transfer, whether in Sinai or Africa, as demographic engineering and a breach of its firmest red line. Palestinians attend a rally calling for an end to the war, in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, on March 25, 2025. (credit: BASHAR TALEB/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES) That unease is sharpened by Egypts deep ties with Juba. Cairo was among the first to recognize South Sudans independence in 2011 and has since cultivated close political and security relations. South Sudanese officers train in Egyptian academies, and intelligence cooperation has grown as both governments monitor Sudans civil war, and Cairo views Juba as a partner in Nile Basin politics and a counterweight to Ethiopia over the Grand Renaissance Dam. Against this backdrop, even speculative talk of resettling Palestinians in South Sudan touches the core of a partnership Egypt considers essential to regional stability and its own security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile in Gaza, the focus remains squarely on Hamas' next move. Theres no question that Hamas is under immense pressure, Mansour Abo Kareem, a Gaza-based political affairs researcher, told The Media Line. Israel is threatening a deeper invasion of Gaza City, while civil society leaders are urging Hamas to put the peoples interests first, rather than prolonging negotiations as the destruction continues. That pressure is felt most acutely by ordinary Gazans, who see their survival bound up in the outcome of the talks. I believe this may be the last chance to reach an agreement that opens the door to a permanent end to the war, Mohammed Shaheen, 38, a teacher from Deir al-Balah, told The Media Line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civilians in Gaza are being killed every day before the eyes of the world. Hamas must put the lives of the Palestinian people above everything else and reconsider its positions in a way that serves the public interest. Staying in the political arena without making concessions especially on weapons only benefits Netanyahu and his extremist government, which wants to keep the war going. The priority must be to end the bloodshed and protect civilian lives. The proposal unfolds on two key fronts: a swap and a pullback. Hamas would release half of the Israeli hostages. In return, Israel would free a set number of Palestinian prisoners, including some serving long or life sentences. During the 60-day pause, Israeli troops would pull back from parts of Gazas cities and redeploy closer to the border. That partial withdrawal is meant to make it easier for humanitarian groups to work. Aid deliveries fuel, water, medical supplies, and equipment to repair hospitals and bakeries would increase under the supervision of the United Nations, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Red Crescent, and other international agencies. While Israel highlights daily aid convoys from Egypt, Arab and Islamic nations call the blockade a weapon of genocide, underscoring the gulf between Israeli claims and regional perceptions. Yet Hamass leadership continues to worry that Netanyahu will restart the war after 60 days unless the United States provides ironclad guarantees. US intermediaries have told Hamas that continued American support depends on two conditions: that Hamas feed and provide medical care for the remaining hostages, and that a new non-Hamas Palestinian governing body be operational in Gaza before the ceasefire expires. Without meeting those terms, Hamas risks losing what little leverage remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families of the remaining hostages have intensified their protests, pressing the government to take decisive action. Approximately 50 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza, with Israeli officials estimating that about 20 of them are alive. Trumps envoy, New York developer Steve Witkoff, has been shuttling between Cairo, Doha and European capitals to keep the deal alive. Witkoff has not engaged Hamas directly messages have been relayed through Qatari and Egyptian mediators and, at times, by Palestinian American academic and former Harvard scholar Bishara Bahbah, who has served as an informal go-between. A temporary truce could open the door to wider discussions about who governs Gaza, how security is managed and whether the Palestinian Authority or an interim body will take the lead, supported by Arab and international forces, Abo Kareem told The Media Line. Palestinian analyst Mkhaimar Abusada told The Media Line that Hamas has treated hostages as its central bargaining tool. Netanyahu does not want to end the war now, and that is why the deal now is half the hostages, he said. Abusada noted that Yahya Sinwar, Hamas's late Gaza leader, pushed early for a swap to secure the release of jailed militants, but Israel has held firm that any agreement must begin with the return of all hostages. That hard line stresses what critics of Hamas also contend that the group is less focused on ending the conflict than on protecting its own position as an armed Islamist movement. Ultimately, Hamas is not pushing for a comprehensive settlement, Abo Kareem told The Media Line. What it seeks is a partial agreement that buys time, lets it recalibrate its strategy and positions itself for a role in Gazas future governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels longest-serving prime minister has also flatly rejected renewed calls for a two-state solution after October 7, warning that granting Palestinian statehood now would hand Hamas a prize for the massacre and serve as a platform for our destruction. That ambiguity lets hard-liners hear eradication while security officials mean dismantle and prevent, turning destroy Hamas into a political horizon instead of a clear finish line. Back in Cairo, Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya is bargaining over the basics who is released first, how far troops pull back, how many aid trucks cross each day. Against that backdrop, Abo Kareem told The Media Line that Israels objectives have been consistent since October 7: dismantling Hamas' rule, neutralizing its military capabilities, and reshaping Gazas security landscape. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has begun sketching a transitional role for the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza. He told Sky News Arabia he has set up a six-month technocratic committee to handle basic administration as soon as conditions permit, describing it as a bridge for the PAs return rather than a rival structure. Touring Rafah and El Arish hospitals with Egypts foreign minister, Mustafa thanked Egyptian medical teams and argued there is no justification for blocking the PA from resuming its responsibilities. Yet his technocratic vision collides with Israels military calculus. The Israeli army said it was preparing to relocate Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza ahead of an offensive on Gaza City. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli military body that oversees civilian affairs in Gaza and the West Bank, announced that tents and shelter supplies would be brought in through Kerem Shalom with UN coordination. It has become a race between Israels battlefield timetable and Egypts diplomatic calendar. If Cairo secures verifiable troop movements, an immediate aid surge, and substantial early releases on both lists, the 60-day pause could open space for broader talks. Egypt is already preparing an international conference on Gazas early recovery and reconstruction to convene once a ceasefire is reached. As Rashwan noted, Palestinian factions accepted the plan without any objections. The Dahlan-backed Reform Stream drove the point home more bluntly: Hamas had no choice but to bend. Egypt has recovered new sunken artefacts from the Mediterranean Sea near the northern city of Alexandria for the first time in nearly 25 years, officials said on Thursday. Divers used ropes to attach four pieces to a crane, which lifted them out of the muddy water one by one. The artefacts were then placed carefully for display during a ceremony held in Alexandria's Abu Qir Bay. The pieces include a 2.17-metre long head- and legless granite statue that is believed to belong to the Late Period or the Ptolemaic era, officials said. It is estimated to have originally been 5 metres long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, said the findings are the first recovery of underwater artefacts since 2001. They are part of an excavation project launched in 2023, when archeologists began documenting underwater structures found around 2.5 kilometres from the ancient sunken city of Thonis-Heracleion in Abu Qir Bay, said Khaled. The site is "considered an extension of the ancient city, as structures found showed economic, burial and other aspects," Khaled told dpa. Heracleion, which was discovered in the 1990s, is believed to have been submerged after an earthquake hit Egypt in the second century BC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday's finds are further proof the city was submerged due to an earthquake, officials said. "The statue's body is the strongest part, unlike the legs and head which are easily broken," Khaled noted. Archaeologists have also discovered a ship, and further details would be revealed after it is studied underwater, he added. Egypt has recovered new sunken artefacts from the Mediterranean Sea near the northern city of Alexandria for the first time in nearly 25 years, officials said on Thursday. Divers used ropes to attach four pieces to a crane, which lifted them out of the muddy water one by one. The artefacts were then placed carefully for display during a ceremony held in Alexandria's Abu Qir Bay. The pieces include a 2.17-metre long head- and legless granite statue that is believed to belong to the Late Period or the Ptolemaic era, officials said. It is estimated to have originally been 5 metres long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, said the findings are the first recovery of underwater artefacts since 2001. They are part of an excavation project launched in 2023, when archeologists began documenting underwater structures found around 2.5 kilometres from the ancient sunken city of Thonis-Heracleion in Abu Qir Bay, said Khaled. The site is "considered an extension of the ancient city, as structures found showed economic, burial and other aspects," Khaled told dpa. Heracleion, which was discovered in the 1990s, is believed to have been submerged after an earthquake hit Egypt in the second century BC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday's finds are further proof the city was submerged due to an earthquake, officials said. "The statue's body is the strongest part, unlike the legs and head which are easily broken," Khaled noted. Archaeologists have also discovered a ship, and further details would be revealed after it is studied underwater, he added. Egypt has been working on boosting tourism revenues, after the Suez Canal another main source of national income was affected by regional turmoil, as attacks prompted many vessels to avoid the waterway. The Mediterranean country is hoping that the long-awaited official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, set for November 1, attracts more visitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy said that Egypt recorded a 22% increase in the number of tourists during the first half of 2025, reaching 8.7 million visitors, compared to the first six months of 2024. The country hopes to bring that number to at least 17.5 million visitors by the end of 2025. An ancient artefact is retrieved from the Mediterranean seabed at Abu Qir port. Archaeologists and divers have retrieved a collection of artefacts from the seabed at Abu Qir in Alexandria, including the remains of sphinx statues and marble figures dating back to the Roman and Ptolemaic periods. Gehad Hamdy/dpa SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchis eighth annual cookout is back for another year, with many familiar faces in attendance. The 2025 Sheriff Cocchi Cookout was a hit! It was a time for local leaders and community members to interact and mingle. Over 1,500 people are expected to attend the summer celebration, with elected officials, friends, and community members from across the political spectrum anticipated to stop by. Free haircuts and supplies for youth at Springfield back-to-school drive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It may have rained here and there, but it certainly didnt stop the party. Sheriff Cocchi said that this event is a way to thank the community. You get to ask someone that you may be potentially voting for in upcoming elections what the issues or concerns are, Cocchi said. I think its just a great day, and I sit back at the end of the day and I count my blessings. Grilled foods like Italian sausage, burgers, corn, and plenty of drinks were provided to bring a classic cookout feel. The event also featured live music, cornhole, and plenty of raffle prizes. Even the previous Hampden County Sheriff, Michael Ashe, who served 42 years in the role, stopped by to greet Sheriff Cocchi. The cookout is expected to end at around 7:00 p.m. The funds from the event go to the Sheriffs election committee. 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. UPDATE: Court documents obtained by KTSM say that Manuel Esquivel Alvarez was traveling at a high rate of speed when he rear-ended the victims vehicle in a crash on Tuesday, Aug. 19, in East El Paso. As we previously reported, Alvarez is a lieutenant with the El Paso Fire Department, and he is facing a charge of intoxication assault. Court documents also identify the victim as Victor Manuel Estrada, who was driving a three-wheel motorcycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A mug shot for an El Paso fireman was released Thursday, Aug. 21 two days after he was arrested in connection to a serious crash that shocked many people on social media. Manuel Esquivel Alvarez is facing charges of intoxication assault after he allegedly crashed into a three-wheel motorcycle along Gateway East near Stanley Street on Tuesday afternoon, August 19. Video circulating online shows the aftermath of a crash where a blue Honda Civic ended up on top of the pink motorcycle. El Paso Police confirmed the man arrested at the crash site was Alvarez, a lieutenant with the El Paso Fire Department. Alvarez mugshot. Photo: EPPD. Court documents obtained by KTSM say Alvarez was traveling at a high rate of speed when he rear-ended the victims vehicle. Court documents also identify the victim as Victor Manuel Estrada, who was driving a three-wheel motorcycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video that surfaced on social media courtesy of FitFam, shows the scene of the crash, where a blue Honda Civic is seen on top of the three-wheeled motorcycle. Later, Alvarez was seen being placed into handcuffs and was transported to a local hospital in an ambulance. A second video taken by a viewer at Del Sol Medical Center shows a man on a stretcher being taken into the hospital. That man is believed to be Alvarez. According to early reports, Alvarez had been at a nearby restaurant and bar before the crash. When contacted, a manager at the business declined to comment, stating, We dont issue comments on these incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KTSM learned on Thursday that the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission launched an investigation into Cabo Joes, where Alvarez was allegedly at before the crash. Alvarez was charged and booked into the El Paso County Jail under a $15,000 bond. Jail records show that Alvarez was released on Wednesday, Aug. 20, after posting bond. The City of El Paso confirmed Alvarez is still employed with the Fire Department. Here is a statement from the City of El Paso The City of El Paso does not publicly discuss personnel matters. However, we can confirm that Mr. Manuel Alvarez remains employed with the City. The City evaluates situations involving employees on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In this case, due process is important, and we believe it is only fair to allow that process to take its course before drawing any conclusions. KTSM went to the El Paso Police Department to obtain a copy of the incident report, we were told it is not being released at this time due to the fact Alvarez is a City employee. The request has been filed through the official open records process, which could take up to 14 days. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Zachary Elementary School, located at 3775 Hemlock Street, will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 21, due to a nearby water main break. All extended day and after-school activities are also canceled for the day. In a statement, the school said, We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Standout Students: A trip to Washington D.C. expands the minds of Baton Rouge kids 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. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday that the National Labor Relations Boards structure is unconstitutional, dealing another severe blow to the boards ability to resolve labor-management disputes and enforce federal labor laws across the country. The case itself reads like a Gilded Age parable. South Africanborn billionaire Elon Musk, the worlds wealthiest man, had asked the court to block the boards enforcement actions against one of his companies for its alleged anti-union activities. A panel of three Republican-appointed federal judges in Texas, two of whom were appointed by President Donald Trump, agreed with him. The Employers have made their case and should not have to choose between compliance and constitutionality, Judge Don Willett wrote for the panel, referring to Musks company SpaceX and two others that had sued on similar grounds. When an agencys structure violates the separation of powers, the harm is immediateand the remedy must be, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays ruling in SpaceX v. NLRB is a significant blow to American workers who hope to organize their workplaces without fear of retaliation. It represents a partial negation of the New Deal, along with 90 years of legal precedentand a victory for the conservative legal establishments war against federal regulatory power. At issue in this case is whether the NLRBs actions were unconstitutional because, under federal law, its five-member board and its administrative-law judges cannot be fired by the president at will. NLRB board members can only be removed for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause, while the ALJs can only be removed for good cause after a hearing before a specialized federal civil service board. The NLRBs structure is laid out by the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, a New Dealera law that enshrined a range of new legal protections for organized labor in the private sector. Two months before the NLRAs passage, the Supreme Court had ruled in Humphreys Executor v. United States that Congress could lawfully enact for-cause removal protections for the heads of independent agencies under certain conditions. This legal and constitutional backdrop remained intact for the last 90 years. Overturning Humphreys Executor is a major goal of the conservative legal establishment, which generally seeks to maximize executive power and minimize legislative and regulatory power. Right-wing judges and legal scholars instead emphasized Myers v. United States, a 1926 decision that strengthened the presidents removal power. Instead of reading Humphreys Executor to supersede Myers, the Roberts court has argued that Myers represents the general rule and Humphreys Executor is a mere exception to itone that happens to get narrower and narrower each time the court glances at it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That view was given an official imprimatur by the 2020 case Seila Law v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The courts conservative majority struck down the for-cause removal provision that prevented Trump from dismissing the CFPBs director. Chief Justice John Roberts distinguished the CFPB from other independent agencies that fell under Humphreys Executor (like the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission) by noting that those agencies were headed by multi-member boards instead of a single appointee. Justice Elena Kagan, writing in dissent, disputed Robertss claim that the ruling was compelled by precedent or historical practice, as well as his overzealous approach to the separation of powers. [The conservative majority] writes in rules to the Constitution that the drafters knew well enough not to put there, she wrote. It repudiates the lessons of American experience, from the 18th century to the present day. And it commits the Nation to a static version of governance, incapable of responding to new conditions and challenges. The ruling achieved a major right-wing policy goaldefanging and disrupting the CFPBs functionswhile also avoiding more far-reaching consequences to other agencies. The FTC and SEC remained untouched. More importantly, so did the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, which wields enormous power over both U.S. and international financial systems. Many court watchers assume that the justices were unwilling to undermine the Feds independenceespecially under Trump, a frequent Fed criticbecause of the serious economic consequences that could follow. But while the Fed seemed secure from judicial interference, a host of other agencies soon found themselves under the gun. After Seila Law, the Roberts court took aim at other protections against removal. The court held in Collins v. Yellin, for example, that the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency must be stripped of his for-cause protections as well. At the same time, the justices also rejected the idea that because it found the FHFAs structure to be unconstitutional, it must also invalidate the agencys actions that took place while it was unconstitutionally structured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the officers who headed the FHFA during the time in question were properly appointed, Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the court. (Emphasis his.) Although the statute unconstitutionally limited the Presidents authority to remove the confirmed Directors, there was no constitutional defect in the statutorily prescribed method of appointment to that office. As a result, he concluded, the plaintiffs could not argue that the challenged action was automatically invalid. The companies behind Tuesdays rulingSpaceX, Energy Transfer, and Findhelpall faced investigations and hearings by the NLRB over charges of unfair labor practices. In response, they sued the agency to argue that its structure was unconstitutional because of the for-cause removal protections for its board members and its ALJs. All three companies prevailed at the district court level, prompting the NLRB to appeal to the Fifth Circuit. Much of the panels analysis echoes that of the Supreme Courts rulings in Seila Law and related cases: The presidents removal power is broad, Congress can only limit it in certain narrow circumstances, and the NLRB does not fall under those exceptions because, among other reasons, it wields substantial executive power unlike the agencies at issue in Humphreys Executor. Willett also cited the Supreme Courts shadow-docket rulings about the NLRB when reaching his decision. Earlier this year, Trump fired NLRB board member Gwynne Wilcox despite the statutory for-cause protections for her removal. She filed a lawsuit and asked the courts to block her dismissal pending further litigation. While the lower courts sided with Wilcox, the Supreme Court sided with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stay reflects our judgment that the Government is likely to show that both the NLRB and MSPB exercise considerable executive power, the justices wrote in an unsigned opinion, also referring to another agency where a fired board member was suing Trump over their ouster. But we do not ultimately decide in this posture whether the NLRB or MSPB falls within such a recognized exception; that question is better left for resolution after full briefing and argument. Willett, writing for the Fifth Circuit this week, nonetheless took that explanation as justification for his own ruling. In staying an injunction that barred President Trump from removing [Wilcox], the Court observed that the Government is likely to show that both the NLRB and MSPB exercise considerable executive power, the panel wrote. While the Justices were careful to say that they did not ultimately decide the issue, their stay order reinforces our conclusion that Board Members insulation from presidential removal likely violates Article II. There is little reason to doubt that the Supreme Court will eventually side with Willett on the merits. The courts conservative majority has made its antipathy toward for-cause removal protections, even for multi-member boards covered by Humphreys Executor, clear in Wilcox and in another shadow-docket case in June involving members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They even invented a bespoke exemption out of whole cloth for the Federal Reserve in Wilcox to avoid any complications there. At the same time, Willett also went further than the Supreme Court to effectively neutralize the agency for the time being. In both Seila Law and Collins, the high court held that the for-cause removal protections at issue meant that the respective agencies structure was unconstitutional. The justices remedy was to sever the removal protections from the rest of the statute. In effect, the agency could continue to function as normal, with the directors removability the only legal change in how it operates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is not what the Fifth Circuit did in SpaceX. The NLRB argued that if the court ruled against the for-cause protections for that agency as well, then severability would be the best course. Instead, Willett distinguished the case from Seila Law and Collins by noting that those cases had reached the court on the merits, whereas this one was in a preliminary-injunction stage. As a result, he blocked the agency from operating against the plaintiffs altogether. If the Employers later prevail on the merits, we may then consider whether severance is appropriate, Willett wrote. At this stage, however, the severability inquiry is premature and belongs to the merits phase, when the court considers final relief. By allowing the injunctions to stand in full, the court effectively sidestepped Alitos conclusion in Collins that an agencys action could only be invalidated if the officer were illegally appointed, and not if they were unconstitutionally insulated from removal. The Supreme Court may eventually alter that portion of the decision down the road and allow the agency to continue to operate in some form. But the damage is already done. Wilcoxs dismissal left the agency without a quorum to operate with new cases involving unfair labor practices, and the Fifth Circuits ruling blocked its ability to work on ongoing ones. Thanks to the Roberts courts enthusiasm for the unitary executive theory, Trump and Musk have nullified a central pillar of the New Deal and weakened workers ability to organize without facing illegal retaliation. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -Elon Musk was ordered on Wednesday by a federal judge to face a lawsuit by voters accusing the world's richest person of defrauding them into signing a petition to support the U.S. Constitution for a chance to win his $1 million-a-day giveaway. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin, Texas said Jacqueline McAferty plausibly alleged in her proposed class action that Musk and his political action committee America PAC wrongly induced her to provide personal identifying information as part of the giveaway, late in the 2024 election campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for Musk and America PAC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk founded America PAC to support Republican Donald Trump's successful 2024 presidential run. McAferty, an Arizona resident, said Musk and America PAC induced voters in seven battleground states to sign his petition by promising that $1 million recipients would be chosen randomly, as in a lottery, though the voters had no real chance to collect. She said voters who signed were also required to provide names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers. In seeking a dismissal, Musk listed several "red flags" as proof he had not run an illegal lottery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said these included statements that the $1 million recipients were "selected to earn" the money and expected to become America PAC spokespeople, defeating the idea that the payment was a "prize." But the judge cited other statements suggesting the defendants were "awarding" the $1 million, and the money could be "won." "It is plausible that plaintiff justifiably relied on those statements to believe that defendants were objectively offering her the chance to enter a random lottery--even if that is not what they subjectively intended to do," Pitman wrote. The judge was appointed to the bench by President Barack Obama in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk had also rejected the suggestion that petition signers suffered harm by providing contact information. Pitman said an expert in political data brokerage could testify what that information was worth for voters in battleground states. The lawsuit was filed on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024. A day earlier, a Philadelphia judge refused to end Musk's giveaway, saying that city's top prosecutor failed to show it was an illegal lottery. Musk is a Texas resident, and his electric car company Tesla is based in Austin. The case is McAferty v Musk et al, U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, No. 24-01346. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Diane Craft) The relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk went from fairy tale to horror story very fast. The two started as fast friends during the campaign, and then once Trump was elected, Musk was holding court with Trump, giving press conferences alongside the President from the Oval Office. But then things took a turn pretty quickly, with Musk taking aim at Trump on X (formerly Twitter). The feud began escalating on social media, with Musk suggesting Trump was on the Epstein List and that was the reason the list wasnt being released. Ouch. Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after their public fallout. And things got worse, as the two exchanged a back-and-forth about Trumps so-called Big, Beautiful Bill. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Here are the celebrities who support Donald Trump Hes worn that hat, Trump was right about everything and I am right about the great big, beautiful, bill, Trump said. Musk, meanwhile, called the bill pork-filled and a disgusting abomination. In fact, Musk was so disgusted by it that he even suggested he was ready to form a third party called the America Party, which he said would represent voters unhappy with the two major political parties. However, according to the Wall Street Journal, Musk is now backing away from that idea and is reluctant to alienate powerful Republicans and siphon off GOP voters. Instead, Musk is believed to be considering backing US VP Vance if he decides to run for President in 2028. Trump cannot run in 2028. Vance had been urging Musk to remain committed to the Republican Party publicly. My advice to Elon would be to try to fix the Republican Party. Try to push it in your own way. Disagree with me all you want, disagree with the president of the United States, but dont pretend that you can make a big difference with a third party, Vance said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think Elon would make a much bigger difference if he stayed loyal to President Trumps Republican Party, and if he had disagreements, express those disagreements from the inside as opposed from the outside, he continued. Though this isnt exactly a sign that Trump and Musk are personally on good terms these days, its at least a sign that things have cooled off and no ones going to do anything to jeopardize the status quo. At least not now. Neither of them has said anything about the other on social media lately, and the last time Trump mentioned Musk online, in late July, he posted on Truth Social that he wants Musk and his businesses to thrive, because his success is good for the country. Similarly, though President Trump had suggested he wanted to terminate Elon Musks federal contracts, a review of SpaceXs contracts found that he couldnt just do that because those agreements were actually critical for the Defense Department and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Kinda what happens when you give one company so many important contracts, you cant just then cancel them all. And, last week, Trump took another step that was thought to benefit Musk and Jeff Bezos as well. Trump was said to be looking to relax environmental rules for commercial spaceship companies. The President signed an executive order titled Enabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry, explaining its of the utmost importance to national security that the private rocket-ship industry find a way to increase launches substantially by 2030. The only two companies that benefit from this are SpaceX and Blue Origin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not overt friendship, but at least not overt animosity either. Well see how long that lasts. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If youre still booking loads of freight based on whatevers paying the most today, youre not really running a businessyoure rolling dice. A business that lives only on spot freight is built on sand. The minute the tide shiftsrates drop, brokers ghost, or slow season hitsyour whole operation sinks. On the flip side, chasing the security of the wrong contract at the wrong rate can drain your margin just as fast. One spike in fuel or maintenance mid-quarter and suddenly youre underwater. The carriers that survivereally survivedont gamble on one lane, one broker, or one market condition. They engineer a freight mix. They combine spot, contract, and direct freight in a way that gives them flexibility when things change, consistency when the market slows, and Margin and Control when it matters most. This isnt about luck. Its not about being in the right lane at the right time. Its about discipline and design. Lets break it down. FirstUnderstand What Youre Dealing With Before you can build a freight mix, you have to understand what each freight type actually brings to the table. Too many carriers jump in with assumptions, then wonder why their cash flow feels like a roller coaster. Strip it back. Look at the strengths and weaknesses of each type, no emotion attached. Spot Freight: Fast Cash, Fast Chaos Spot freight is what most new carriers live onsame-day or short-notice freight booked through load boards or brokers. Its quick, its flexible, and when the market is hot, it can feel like easy money. But it can also wreck your planning. Strengths: High-paying in tight markets Flexible for filling gaps or repositioning trucks Great for testing new lanes before committing Weaknesses: Rates swing dailysometimes hourly Broker communication can be hit or miss Competition drives prices down Can throw driver schedules and fuel planning out the window Contract Freight: Predictable, But Not Perfect Contract freight gives you consistency. You negotiate rates with a broker or shipper for a set termusually 3 to 12 months. It locks in lanes and rates so you can plan ahead. But dont mistake predictable for perfect. Strengths: Steady revenue week after week Easier routing and fuel planning Protection when the spot market tanks Weaknesses: Can trap you in unprofitable rates if fuel spikes Less flexibility to pivot when markets shift Sometimes requires history or volume you may not have yet Think of contract freight as your foundationbut only if the numbers work for you. Direct Freight: Margin and Control Direct freight is the crown jewel. No middleman, no broker cut. Just you and the shipper. Higher pay, more consistency, and stronger relationships. But its not something you can cold-call into existence. Direct freight is earned. The idea that humans could one day populate and even colonize Mars is one no longer confined to the realm of science fiction. Astronauts are on the cusp in the years ahead of journeying all the way to the Red Planet, where so far only rovers and orbiters have dared to venture. And when they do, it's likely they'll make landfall aboard a SpaceX Starship. Billionaire Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with the vision of paving the way to create a self-sustaining colony on the Red Planet. By April 2023, the company rolled out its massive Starship the rocket/spacecraft combo designed to reach Mars to its South Texas launch pad for what would be its first of nine flight tests to date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Starship has endured a few explosive setbacks in 2025, SpaceX is preparing for a mission it refers to as flight 10 as early as Sunday, Aug. 24 to get the vehicle's development back on track. But Starship has a long way to go before it can carry the first spacefarers to Mars and fulfill Musk's long-held dream of "making life multiplanetary." Here's everything to know about Elon Musk's goal of colonizing Mars, and how Starship, which could soon fly again for the first time since May 27, fits in to those plans. Why is Elon Musk interested in sending Starship to Mars? Billionaire Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, is pictured in June 2023 at the Viva Technology conference at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, France. Musk, who has often spoken publicly about his Mars vision, delivered his latest public updates in late May in front of employees from Starbase, SpaceX's headquarters 180 miles south of Corpus Christi that recently became its own Texas city. In a video SpaceX shared May 29 on social media site X, which Musk owns, the world's richest man described to his employees the goal of sending humans to Mars as essential for the long term survival of civilization." Under Musk's vision, humans would not just step on the planet before departing, but would remain to establish a settlement that could function independently if any cataclysmic event were to ever happen on Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, why Mars, as opposed to, say, Jupiter or Venus? Well, while other planets in our solar system are anything but habitable for humans, Mars gets a decent amount of sunlight, has water sources and is already a planet where humanity has sent robotic rovers to scout the terrain. At an average distance of 140 million miles from Earth, it's also one of our closest cosmic neighbors. While Mars has a thin atmosphere and is relatively cold, SpaceX claims on its website, "we can warm it up." Gravity on Mars is about 38% of that of Earth's, meaning humans would be able to lift heavier objects and bound around. What is Starship? World' largest rocket developed for travel to Mars Starship launches Tuesday, May 27 on its latest test, known as Flight 9. SpaceX is developing Starship specifically with a Martian destination in mind. The spacecraft is designed to be a fully reusable transportation system, meaning the rocket and vehicle can return to the ground for additional missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Starship, standing 403 feet tall when fully stacked, is regarded as the worlds largest and most powerful launch vehicle ever developed. 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. 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. When could SpaceX launch Starship to Mars? Musk wants to send the first uncrewed Starship to Mars by the end of 2026 for a very critical reason: The timeline coincides with an orbital alignment around the sun that would shorten the journey between Earth and Mars. It's a slim window that occurs once about every two years, and if SpaceX misses it, Musk has said the company would target another mission during the next alignment. If Starship were to blast off for the Red Planet by the end of 2026, the journey itself would take between seven to nine months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While no humans would have a seat on the first flight to Mars, Starship won't be empty. Instead, the vehicle would carry one or more Optimus robots designed and built by Tesla, Musk's electric vehicle company. Where, how would Starship land on Mars? Starship would enter Mars' atmosphere while zooming at 4.6 miles per second before it begins decelerating. The vehicle's heatshield is designed to withstand multiple atmospheric entries, but the Martian environment is expected to be harsher on the spacecraft, given its higher levels of atomic oxygen in the atmosphere, according to SpaceX. SpaceX is still considering multiple potential landing sites on Mars for Starship, but the leading contender appears to be a region known as Arcadia. The volcanic plain is on Mars' northern hemisphere far from the planet's frigid poles, with access to water sources in the form of shallow ice. Arcadia is also flat enough to make landings and takeoffs relatively safer, Musk has said. What happens when the first humans arrive on Mars? Crewed trips with humans would then follow most likely in the early 2030s, Musk has claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk said he envisions eventually launching 1,000 to 2,000 Starships to Mars every two years so enough people and supplies can make it to the surface to quickly establish a livable, self-sufficient city. Achieving that goal would require more than 1 million Martian residents and millions of tons of cargo, according to SpaceX. For that reason, the company has an ambitious target of one day in the years ahead launching Starship more than 10 times per day from Earth to Mars during those crucial transfer windows every 26 months. The first humans on Mars would be tasked with taking account of local resources, setting up landing operations, establishing a power source and building homes. How does Musk's vision fit in Trump's, align with NASA's Artemis campaign? NASA also has designs on astronauts reaching Mars even if the agency's plan of attack differs from Musk's. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starship is crucial to the U.S. space agency's goal of returning astronauts to the moon's surface for the first time in five decades. NASA's lunar exploration plans call for Artemis III astronauts aboard the Orion capsule to board the Starship while in orbit for a ride to the moon's surface as early as 2027. Once NASA has established a basecamp on the lunar south pole in the years ahead, the agency envisions sending humans from the moon on to Mars. Musk, though, has long favored a more aggressive Earth-to-Mars approach. President Donald Trump also outlined in his January inauguration speech his intent for humans to "plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars" during his second term a vision from which he hasn't appeared to waver even after a public spat with Musk in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump has proposed a significant 25% slash to NASA's overall budget, the cuts mostly target the space agency's science programs while increasing funding for space exploration including missions to Mars. The White House's 2026 budget proposal calls for allocating more than $1 billion for Mars exploration, while an additional $10 billion in funding for NASA was included in Republican spending legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. Trump also signed earlier in August an executive order aimed at rolling back federal regulations on commercial spaceflight companies, including SpaceX. The move came a few months after the Federal Aviation Administration, which licenses commercial rocket launches, gave approval in May for SpaceX to conduct as many as 25 Starship test flights a year as Musk seeks to ramp up development of the Mars-bound spacecraft. When is the next Starship launch from Starbase, Texas? 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 the company's Starbase headquarters in Cameron County, about 23 miles from Brownsville. 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: Elon Musk wants to send Starship to Mars. When, how it could happen ELWOOD The city of Elwood has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to upgrade several water lines. The grant was announced Wednesday by Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith through the state's wastewater and drinking water program. The funds will be used to make needed improvements to the drinking water infrastructure in the Dullevile neighborhood. The improvements include rehabilitation of existing water mains, hydrants and valves to improve public safety and water system reliability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Elwood City Council previously approved seeking the grant to upgrade the water lines on P Street on the north and south sides of Ind. 13. The city is providing $1.65 million in matching funds, $100,000 from the water operating funds, and $1.55 million from the states revolving loan fund. Elwood Mayor Todd Jones said previously city workers have been called to the location several times for water leaks in the area. Were going to replace the water lines, he said. Some residents are seeing four or five water line breaks in the same month. The work will also include an increase in the water lines from three inches to six inches. Were improving aging infrastructure, Jones said. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) One of the most important documents in American history will be on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum beginning next year. The Emancipation Proclamation, which freed those held in slavery, will be at the museum in Downtown Peoria beginning on Jan. 31, 2026. The news was announced Thursday morning by museum CEO John Morris, who was leading an event honoring area public servants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to bring one of the original printings of the Emancipation Proclamation, along with 70 other major documents, Morris said to the crowd gathered in the museums lobby. Thats January 31st through the entire year: The Promise of Liberty. We will have the I Have a Dream speech, the original 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence This will be a national exhibition with people coming from around the country. Its the second time within a year that the museum has announced that an iconic document in American history will be in Peoria. Earlier this year, the museum said the Declaration of Independence would be here as part of the America 250 exhibit, which is curated by Ken Burns, acclaimed documentary filmmaker. The other documents, some of which are already at the museum, are also part of that exhibit. Another item which is supposed to arrive at the museum next year is an original copy of the Gettysburg Address speech given by President Abraham Lincoln when he dedicated the cemetery at Gettysburg, months after the decisive battle. Signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be free, according to the National Archives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in order for it to be enforced, the Union army had to take control of the South again. That came two years on June 19, 1865, when federal troops finally arrived in Galveston, Texas, setting the remaining slaves in the United States free. Also at the ceremony, Morris proclaimed Thursday Alice Walton Day, after the daughter of Sam Walton, the man who founded Walmart. Alice Walton has given the museum money to have every second Sunday of the month free to all visitors. The Peoria Riverfront Museum was just fortunate to be named an inaugural Bridge Maker Prize recipient, Morris said. Three museums out of hundreds in the country were recognized by Alice Walton as the leading partners of her Art Bridges Foundation. We are the city of gratitude. And I think it was a nice way of expressing our gratitude to a woman who has not been to Peoria but is one of our biggest funders and has lent us incredible works of art, 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 CIProud.com. From confronting antisemitism to building the World Zionist Village, Yuval David calls for a bold new era of Jewish pride. Thursday, August 20, 2025 6 pm Israel Time 11 am EST In this episode of Jerusalem Post and Jewish National Fund-USAs Zionist Talks, Jerusalem Post's writer and editor Corinne Baum hosts Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, actor, and journalist Yuval David to discuss his lifelong connection to Zionism and the importance of storytelling in shaping Jewish identity. For David, Zionism is not a new movement but an enduring thread of Jewish resilience, hope, and peoplehood that spans thousands of years. >> For more information on the World Zionist Village, visit worldzionistvillage.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emphasizing that Zionism should be defined by Jews themselves, not by its critics, David advocates for a new era of the strong, bold, brilliant Jew. From confronting antisemitism on social media to promoting education and community through initiatives like the World Zionist Village, David demonstrates how Jewish voices can reclaim the narrative and inspire pride across generations. Drawing on his background in media and activism, David explains why storytelling is vital to Jewish life, culture, and advocacy. The World Zionist Village, global campus for Zionist education and engagement, is the most ambitious initiative in the Jewish world today to bring together people of all ages, background and religions for a new conversation on Zionism. >> For more information on the World Zionist Village, visit worldzionistvillage.org. This article was written in cooperation with JNF - USA. Reactions pour in over removal of Pulse rainbow memorial crosswalk Many are reacting to the removal of the Pulse memorial crosswalk. The federal government started cracking down on public buildings and streets being used for political statements. But many in Orlando say the Pulse Memorial crosswalk is a remembrance of the 49 people who died. Just fixing what shouldnt have been painted in the first place. Dallas Perdue uses chalk to color a rainbow in a crosswalk, to remember those who died at Pulse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its heavy, one of those things how many times you gonna wake up doom scroll it click for me. By 4p.m. the color was washed away by the rain. Local leaders quickly arrived to the crosswalk this morning. Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith said, Im angry, Im in a state of shock. According to Mayor Buddy Dyer, the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk, never notifying the city that they were going to do it. He released this statement: We are devastated to learn that overnight the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue. This callous action of hastily removing part of a memorial to what was at the time our nations largest mass shooting, without any supporting safety data, or discussion is a cruel political act. The City of Orlandos safety crosswalks were all installed in close coordination with the state and adhere to national safety standards. In fact, the crosswalk that is part of the Pulse Memorial was installed by the state. This crosswalk not only enhanced safety and visibility for the large number of pedestrians visiting the memorial, it also served as a visual reminder of Orlandos commitment to honor the 49 lives taken on June 12, 2016. While the state works to erase the memory of the victims of the Pulse tragedy by painting over the crosswalk, our communitys commitment to honoring the 49, and completing the memorial, will never waver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan says she worked to make sure the rainbow crosswalk was in compliance. This is done to say no to diversity, equity and inclusion. This is done just to say no to decency. This was done to say no to these lovely people that were killed here. I think there are appropriate places to memorialize people. I dont think the street is a place. While U.S. Rep. Randy Fine says he had nothing to do with the crosswalk being painted over, he says the Trump administration has been removing political statements from public buildings and streets all over the country. Taxpayer money should never be used for a woke agenda and Im grateful for the administration to clean up our streets. Dallas Perdue says shell keep coloring the crosswalk, Were not hurting anybody, not harming anything not defacing anything its washable. If it takes me being out here every single day. Then so be it. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. WASHINGTON (AP) Empathy is usually regarded as a virtue, a key to human decency and kindness. And yet, with increasing momentum, voices on the Christian right are preaching that it has become a vice. For them, empathy is a cudgel for the left: It can manipulate caring people into accepting all manner of sins according to a conservative Christian perspective, including abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, illegal immigration and certain views on social and racial justice. Empathy becomes toxic when it encourages you to affirm sin, validate lies or support destructive policies, said Allie Beth Stuckey, author of Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stuckey, host of the popular podcast Relatable, is one of two evangelicals who published books within the past year making Christian arguments against some forms of empathy. The other is Joe Rigney, a professor and pastor who wrote The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and its Counterfeits. It was published by Canon Press, an affiliate of Rigneys conservative denomination, which counts Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth among its members. These anti-empathy arguments gained traction in the early months of President Donald Trumps second term, with his flurry of executive orders that critics denounced as lacking empathy. As foreign aid stopped and more deportations began, Trumps then-adviser Elon Musk told podcaster Joe Rogan: The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, framed the idea in his own religious terms, invoking the concept of ordo amoris, or order of love. Within concentric circles of importance, he argued the immediate family comes first and the wider world last an interpretation that then-Pope Francis rejected. While their anti-empathy arguments have differences, Stuckey and Rigney have audiences that are firmly among Trumps Christian base. Could someone use my arguments to justify callous indifference to human suffering? Of course, Rigney said, countering that he still supports measured Christ-like compassion. I think Ive put enough qualifications. Historian Susan Lanzoni traced a century of empathys uses and definitions in her 2018 book Empathy: A History. Though its had its critics, she has never seen the aspirational term so derided as it is now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been particularly jarring to watch Christians take down empathy, said Lanzoni, a graduate of Harvard Divinity School. Thats the whole message of Jesus, right? Arguing empathy can be good and bad The word empathy appeared in English for the first time in 1908, taken from a German word, meaning in-feeling. Though the word is relatively new to English, the impulse behind it to feel for or with another is much older. It forms a core precept across many religions. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, reads a common version of the Golden Rule. Stuckey admits Jesus is an empathetic figure. In her book, the Southern Baptist from Texas writes, In a way, Jesus embodied empathy when he took on flesh, suffered the human experience, and bore the burden of our sins by enduring a gruesome death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She's clear that empathy can be good. But she writes it has been co-opted to convince people that the progressive position is exclusively the one of kindness and morality. If you really care about women, youll support their right to choose, she writes of this progressive line of thinking. If you really respect people, youll use preferred pronouns. If youre really compassionate, youll welcome the immigrant. Rigney doesn't think empathy is inherently wrong, either. He finds fault with excessive or untethered empathy that's not tied to conservative biblical interpretations. He has been talking publicly about these ideas since at least 2018, when he discussed the sin of empathy on camera with conservative Pastor Doug Wilson. Since 2023, Rigney has worked at Wilsons Idaho church and seminary, affiliated with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rigney said initially he experienced pushback from certain corners of evangelicalism, that at the time were very dialed into questions of the #MeToo movement and abuse or critical race theory, social justice kind of stuff. This debate over empathy often devolves into arguments over word choices or semantics. Rigney prefers older terms like compassion, sympathy or even pity. The Rev. Albert Mohler leads the flagship seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest U.S. Protestant denomination. He featured Rigney and Stuckey on his podcast this year and agrees with their empathy critiques. Mohler prefers the word sympathy over empathy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no market so far as I know for empathy cards, he said. There is a long-standing market for sympathy cards. The role of race and gender in anti-empathy arguments In 2014, Mohler did encourage his audience to have empathy. His words came after a white police officer killed Michael Brown, a Black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. I look back at that statement now, and I would say its nowhere near as morally significant as I intended it to be at the time, Mohler said. Though expressing empathy for hurting people appeared to be close to the right thing to do, he sees it as less helpful now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stuckey traces her own anti-empathy awakening to the summer of 2020, when racial justice protests roiled the nation. She saw other Christians posting about racism out of an empathy she found misguided. I reject the idea that America is a systemically racist country, she said. When she said as much in the months after George Floyds murder, her audience grew. Rigney echoes this critique of systemic racism but reserves most of his ire for feminism, which he blames for many of empathys ills. Because women are the more empathetic sex, he argues, they often take empathy too far. He found an encapsulation of this theory at Trumps inaugural prayer service, where a woman preached from the pulpit. During a sermon that went viral, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde pleaded with the Republican president to have mercy on immigrants and LGBTQ+ people, prompting a conservative backlash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buddes attempt to speak truth to power is a reminder that feminism is a cancer that enables the politics of empathetic manipulation, Rigney wrote for the evangelical World magazine. Progressive Christian leaders respond Empathy is not toxic. Nor is it a sin, said the Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello in a sermon at Washington National Cathedral, two months after Buddes plea from that sanctuary. The arguments about toxic empathy are finding open ears because far-right-wing, white evangelicals are looking for a moral framework around which they can justify President Trumps executive orders and policies, Corsello preached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Empathy is at the heart of Jesus life and ministry, Corsello wrote in a recent email exchange about the sermon. She added, Its so troubling that this is even up for debate. In New York, the Rev. Micah Bucey first noticed Christian anti-empathy messages after Buddes sermon. In response, he proposed changing the outdoor sign at Judson Memorial Church, the historic congregation he serves in Manhattan. If empathy is a sin, sin boldly, he proposed it say, a catchphrase that borrows its last clause from the Protestant reformer Martin Luther. A photo of the resulting church sign was shared thousands of times on social media. Our entire spirituality and theology at Judson are built around curiosity and empathy, Bucey said. Weve always considered that our superpower. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Spartanburg County government has fallen victim to another computer hack, marking the second such incident in two years. The county disclosed that a limited number of personnel onboarding files, which included employee information, were accessed during the breach. While most of these files were part of the public record, some contained personal, identifiable information. Eric Cole, founder and chief scientist of Secure Anchor Consulting, explained that hackers often exploit outdated servers or use phishing emails to gain access to systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats happening is companies have a lot of outdated servers, or in this case, the government has some outdated servers that they forgot about, Cole said. Those are not patched and not up to date. So what happens is attackers are really good at finding these vulnerable systems. Cole also described how phishing emails are used to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. So what theyre doing is theyre sending out these mass emails. Hey, did you order from Amazon? Theres a problem with your order,' Cole explained. And what theyre trying to look for is the five people that ordered from Amazon that day that go, oh, theres a problem with my order or the tollbooth scam. This recent incident is smaller in scale compared to a previous hack that occurred in April 2023. In response, Spartanburg County is offering free credit monitoring to its employees, regardless of whether their files were compromised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what exactly are attackers looking for? Theyre looking for data and information on individuals, so they can do identity theft. They can do monetary attacks, and they can cause harm, Cole said. Cole noted that government websites can be more vulnerable to attacks compared to banks. When youre going in and looking at state governments or state taxes, they tend to be a lot more vulnerable because they have complete records of everyone who lives in your county, he said. Spartanburg County has stated that it will continue to enhance security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Experts recommend that individuals avoid opening links or attachments from external sources to protect against phishing attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. A July 11 post in a Hoboken, New Jersey, parenting group on Facebook pointed to a frustrating trend: "Our utility bill is more than double what it was last month. ... Anything we can do about it?" The post had several dozen replies and most of the commenters said their home utility bills had also risen dramatically. On the campaign trail a year ago, President Trump vowed, "Under my administration, we will be slashing energy and electricity prices by half within 12 months at a maximum, 18 months," but this year has seen energy prices rising in several states. Residents and governors in five East Coast states are blaming electric supplier, PJM Interconnection. The company is the largest grid operator in the U.S., serving 13 states and 65 million customers. In New Jersey, energy prices increased on June 1, causing a 17-20% jump in residential customers'utility bills. The utility company PSE&G told its New Jersey customers they should expect to see a higher monthly bill of about $183 for the average customer, an increase of $27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSE&G attributed the price hike to "an increase in energy demand combined with the need for new power generation," which it said "has driven higher supply prices." As a utility, PSE&G pointed out that it doesn't earn a profit on the electric supply, so "these costs are passed through directly to customers." PJM says it is experiencing a rapid increase in energy demand, driven by the power requirements of artificial intelligence, data centers, electrification and a resurgence in U.S. manufacturing. In its latest forecast, PJM forecast a growth in energy demand of 5% over the next 10 years. "We don't have enough newer, more reliable energy sources," said Alex Ambrose, a policy analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective, a nonpartisan think tank. Ambrose says that renewable sources like wind, solar, and battery are the cheapest and fastest forms of energy to bring online and faults PJM for its reluctance to bring clean energy into the grid: "PJM is also keeping older coal gas plants running, even if they are uneconomical and more expensive." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in an op-ed in NJ Spotlight News, the company blamed a shortfall of energy on "state and federal decarbonization policies and some economic pressures" for closing fossil fuel-based power plants in New Jersey. PJM also said it has a queue of 63 gigawatts of projects enough to power more than 47 million homes waiting to be connected by 2026, and an "overwhelming majority" of those projects are renewables. Rising utility bills likely an issue in New Jersey governor's race Energy Secretary Chris Wright is starting to worry that high energy prices could hurt Republicans at the ballot box. In a recent interview with Politico, he blamed Democratic policies for "pushing prices up right now," but conceded the political reality that Republicans may suffer in the next elections. "Who's going to get blamed for it? We're going to get blamed because we're in office," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey is poised to be among the first to test the issue in the governor's race this November. "Affordability is the number one issue in this race, and rising energy prices are also at the top of everyone's mind," Ambrose told CBS News. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor, in July released a statement accusing PJM of "mismanagement" of the grid: "PJM has refused to plug clean, cheap power like solar into the grid, while giving preference to coal and oil." And earlier this month, her opponent, Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli, wrote in a post on X about "Rebecca in Highland Park," whose electric bill he said had tripled, "to more than $1000." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Why? Because Trenton Democrats, with the approval of my opponent Mikie Sherrill, shut down six electricity generation plants around the state, stopped burning natural gas, and didn't expand our nuclear capabilities in South Jersey," Ciattarelli said. "We can look at how folks are going to vote in this upcoming election, as a reflection on how they're feeling about the country at large," says Ambrose, "This affordability problem is not going away." A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll earlier this month found that 26% of voters blame the utility companies for price hikes, 19% blame Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, and 10% say that energy producers are at fault. Murphy is not running for reelection due to term limits. "Utility bills directly impact elections," says Rob Gramlich, president of Grid Strategies, a D.C.-based energy consultancy firm. Gramlich pointed to the most infamous example of this, the California recall election in 2003, prompted in large part by the state's energy crisis. It cost Democrat Gray Davis the governorship and handed it to Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gramlich indicated he expects energy prices to remain high for the foreseeable future, predicting that "two years from now, we're going to see a lot more policy discussion about it." Rainbow crosswalks in Florida painted over Welcome to New Orleans Maryland Gov. Wes Moore calls Trump D.C. National Guard deployment "unconstitutional" A fire covering 7,000 sq m is still raging at a factory belonging to the US firm Flex in the city of Mukachevo in Zakarpattia Oblast (Transcarpathia) in Ukraine's west after it was hit by a Russian missile strike on the night of 20-21 August. Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Details: The fire has been contained, the State Emergency Service said. Photo:State Emergency Service A total of 96 firefighters and 20 appliances are involved in extinguishing the fire, along with a fire train provided by Ukrzaliznytsia, the Ukrainian state-owned railways operator. Photo:State Emergency Service Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On the night of 20-21 August, Russia launched a missile strike on Mukachevo, hitting a civilian production company. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia attacked Ukraine with 574 Shahed-type drones, four Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, 19 Kh-101 cruise missiles, 14 Kalibr cruise missiles and one unidentified missile. Zakarpattia Oblast Military Administration said 19 people had been injured in the attack on the plant. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A High Court Judge ruled that asylum seekers can no longer be housed at a hotel in Epping that has been the site of multiple protests in recent weeks. Epping Forest District Council won an interim injunction to stop asylum seekers being hosted at The Bell Hotel, saying it had become a feeding ground for unrest. The judgement requires all migrants currently housed in the hotel around 140 men as of last month to leave by 4pm on 12 September. All migrants currently housed in the Bell Hotel are required to leave by 4pm on 12 September (PA) The Home Office is responsible for asylum and protection in the UK, and must now find somewhere else for these people to go. Reacting to the ruling, it warned it would substantially impact its ability to house asylum seekers across the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home secretary Yvette Cooper had unsuccessfully attempted to have the councils case dismissed shortly before the ruling. Other councils have also shown an interest in following suit in the wake of the ruling. However, none have initiated legal proceedings similar to Epping. Most experts agree that housing asylum seekers in hotels is not appropriate for a number of reasons. Cost, overcrowding and community tensions are amongst of the most commonly cited reasons. Border security minister Angela Eagle said the government will continue working with local authorities and communities to address legitimate concerns, adding: Our work continues to close all asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case raises the question of where the asylum seekers currently in the Bell Hotel will need to go come September and, should the widespread use of migrant hotels come to an end, where all people currently housed in them can be placed instead. Hotels The latest Home Office figures show that there were 32,059 asylum seekers in UK hotels at the end of June, up eight per cent on the same point 12 months ago. This is down slightly on the previous quarter, however, and far lower than the peak of 56,000 in September 2023. There are also now fewer than 210 hotels in use, down from 400 in summer 2023. These hotels only make up around 35 per cent of all people in asylum accommodation, according to a report from the National Audit Office (NAO) in May. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper unsuccessfully attempted to have Epping councils case dismissed shortly before the ruling (PA) (PA Wire) But their cost is disproportionately expensive, making up 76 per cent of total government spending on asylum accommodation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, as has been seen in recent months, they are also a hot-bed for protests which have oftentimes turned violent. Imran Hussain, director of external affairs at Refugee Council said: Asylum hotels have become a flashpoint for tension in communities, cost billions to the taxpayer, and leave people trapped in limbo. Ending their use is in everyones interest, but the Governments current plan to phase them out by 2029 is far too slow. We need to reform the accommodation system so that councils can house people in the community. Housing Moving more asylum seekers into houses or flats is one possible alternative to the use of hotels. These could be provided by private landlords or social housing groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 66,000 migrants were housed in these kind of properties by the end of December 2024, compared to 38,000 in hotels at the same time. The main criticism of this approach is that it will add more demand onto the UKs already stretched housing industry. In the private sector, rising rents are making living costs unaffordable for many households. Moving more asylum seekers into these properties funded by the government may push up rental prices further and create less availability for UK residents. Newly-released data shows how many asylum seekers are housed in UK hotels (PA) However, housing more asylum seekers in social housing would possibly create issues for residents who are struggling most in that local authority. The waiting list for council housing reached over 300,000 in 2024 if more migrants are moved into social housing, the already-long wait times may increase further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Hussain said: Housing people in communities is cheaper and more effective than hotels or military sites. Local authorities already manage housing for other groups and know their local areas best, so theyre well placed to provide accommodation. Ultimately, the only way to end hotel use for good is to resolve asylum applications quickly and accurately so people can either rebuild their lives here or return home with dignity. This will cut costs and allow refugees to integrate into their new communities, contribute, and play their part in Britain. Military bases and boats Military bases have been used to accommodate asylum seekers in the past, but their use attracted widespread criticism. In 2022, the Conservative government said it would use large sites like ex-military facilities, as well as barges and ferries to reduce demand on asylum hotels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only two sites still in use are Wethersfield Airfield in Essex and Napier Barracks in Kent. As of December 2024, there were only 735 migrants living between them. The government said in March that Napier Barracks would be closing after multiple allegations of poor conditions and criticism from MPs. It was also found that former home secretary Suella Braverman acted unlawfully in accommodating three asylum seekers at Wethersfield who argued they were living in prison-like conditions. The last people housed in the Bibby Stockholm departed from the vessel in November 2024 (Getty Images) However, despite pledging to close Wethersfield in opposition, Labour is set to continue and even expand its use, increasing its capacity from 800 to 1,225 in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most agree that the use of boats is not a tenable or humane solution. The last people left the Dorset-moored Bibby Stockholm in November after fierce criticism against the migrant barge. Student accommodation The government purchased former student accommodation in Huddersfield in 2023 with the purpose of housing asylum seekers. As of February 2025, the property was under development, according to the NAO. The 405-bed block of flats will hold a maximum of 670 people, the Home Office has said. There were reports that 168 students had planned to live in the building and were told they had to make alternative arrangements, although the government denied this. Using this kind of accommodation already built for temporary use may be a strong option to replace the use of hotels in the coming years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Kirklees Council said in March that there were issues it would like to see addressed before the plans go ahead. Council leader Cathy Scott said: "The Home Office needs to commit to engaging properly with the Huddersfield community on its plans as well as addressing the many important issues the council and its partners have put forward before the site becomes operational. She added: "In Kirklees, we have a strong record of supporting people who are fleeing persecution. But the system relies on trust and confidence. We do not believe the Home Office has done enough to build trust over the past six months. Thats why we will continue to raise our concerns on behalf of local residents and communities." Bobby from Fresno, California, has done what many Americans dream of hes fully paid off his home. In the three years since, he and his wife have managed to save up $175,000. Now, Bobbys thinking of purchasing a $292,000 house as a rental property, and he called into The Ramsey Show to ask whether he should put the full amount down or split it to buy multiple homes. But instead of answering, host Dave Ramsey offered Bobby a bright red warning. Don't miss When you talk about rental property, people particularly struggle with one issue, Ramsey responded in a clip posted Aug. 13. Debt equals risk. More debt equals more risk. Heres the lesson Ramsey, who owns hundreds of millions of dollars worth of real estate himself, bestowed upon Bobby. Risks and hidden costs Ramsey went into further detail about the risks of investing in rental properties. More debt equals lower cash flow, less cash position and more risk, he explained. Putting everything into one property lowers debt and can simplify management, but even one lengthy vacancy or major repair bill could derail your financial situation. Multiple properties may mean more rental income, but it comes with increased debt and a bigger chance things could go wrong. So, when you dont get a renter for four months, or one doesnt pay for three months, or you put in a heat and air system thats $14,000, or you have to put on a roof because its leaking, and youve got to pay property taxes and insurance it is an incomplete picture when you dont consider all the expenses, Ramsey said. Bobby could make some of these costs less painful by putting aside funds for expenses. Some experts say investors should expect 50% of gross income to go toward operating costs. This includes property taxes, home insurance, maintenance, repairs and utilities. It should be noted, however, mortgage payments are excluded from this list. Read more: Do you own rental properties in the US? These 6 hacks can help you boost your income and lower your tax burden These hidden costs can cut down on cash flow, even after a chunky down payment like the one Bobby can make. Former City Hall aide Winnie Greco handed THE CITY reporter Katie Honan a potato chip bag containing an envelope full of cash after a reelection event for Mayor Eric Adams in Harlem, Aug. 20, 2025. Katie Honan/THE CITY This story was originally published by THE CITY. Sign up to get the latest New York City news delivered to you each morning. A former top City Hall advisor and current campaign confidante to Mayor Eric Adams attempted to give money to a reporter from THE CITY following a campaign event in Harlem Wednesday. The failed payoff a wad of cash in a red envelope stuffed inside an opened bag of Herrs Sour Cream & Onion ripple potato chips was made by Winnie Greco, a longtime Adams ally who resigned last year from her position as the mayors liaison to the Asian community after she was targeted in multiple investigations. She resurfaced recently as a consistent presence in his re-election campaign. Related: Paul Krugman Warns This Trump Policy Will Hurt More Than People Realize On Wednesday, City Hall reporter Katie Honan spotted Greco near the announcement of the opening of Adams newest campaign office, in Harlem. Greco later texted Honan after the event when she spotted her again and asked her to meet across the street from the campaign office next to a TD Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greco and Honan walked to the Whole Foods next door. While inside the store, Greco handed Honan the opened bag of chips with the top crumpled closed. Honan, thinking it was an offer of a light snack, told Greco more than once she could not accept the chips, but Greco insisted that she keep them. The two parted ways. Before entering a nearby subway station, Honan opened the bag and discovered a red envelope inside stuffed with cash, at least one $100 bill and several $20 bills. The reporter then called Greco and told her she could not accept the money and asked if she was still nearby so she could give it back. Greco said shed left the area. Honan told her she had to take the money back, and Greco said they could meet at some point in Chinatown. The reporter then texted Greco, I cant take this, when can I give it back to you? She did not get a response. In an interview later Wednesday, THE CITY asked Greco what her intention was in handing money to the reporter. In response, she said shed made a mistake and apologized over and over. City Hall Asian Affairs advisor Winnie Greco speaks with Mayor Eric Adams at a community event in Flushing, May 31, 2023. Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY I make a mistake, she said. Im so sorry. Its a culture thing. I dont know. I dont understand. Im so sorry. I feel so bad right now. Im so sorry honey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She then called THE CITY back, advising that we call her attorney, Steven Brill, and adding, Can we forget about this? I try to be a good person. Please. Please. Please dont do in the news nothing about me. I just wanted to be her friend, Greco added. I just wanted to have one good friend. Its nothing. Brill denied that his clients payment to THE CITY reporter was nefarious in any way. I can see how this looks strange, Brill said. But I assure you that Winnies intent was purely innocent. In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude. Winnie is apologetic and embarrassed by any negative impression or confusion this may have caused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After THE CITY informed the Adams campaign about the interaction with Greco, campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro said Greco was immediately suspended from the campaign. We are shocked by these reports, Shapiro said. Winnie Grecco [sic] holds no position in this campaign and has been suspended from all VOLUNTEER campaign-related activities. Mayor Adams had no prior knowledge of this matter. He has always demanded the highest ethical and legal standards, and his sole focus remains on serving the people of New York City with integrity. Related: Kid Rock Goes Into Meltdown Mode After Getting Punked By Gavin Newsoms X Account Following the interaction at the Whole Foods, Honan brought the chips bag and envelope with money back to THE CITYs office and handed it over to her editors. THE CITY then contacted the city Department of Investigation (DOI). Anticipating possible law enforcement investigations, THE CITY did not open the envelope or count the money inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOI received allegations from THE CITY and declines further comment, said Diane Struzzi, DOI spokesperson. Former City Hall aide Winnie Greco handed THE CITY reporter Katie Honan an opened potato chip bag containing an envelope full of cash after a reelection event for Mayor Eric Adams in Harlem, Aug. 20, 2025. Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY Later Wednesday, federal prosecutors from the office of Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella contacted THE CITYs lawyers. The Brooklyn U.S. attorney has been investigating Greco since early last year after the FBI raided her homes in February 2024 following THE CITYs reporting on illegal straw donations raised at Adams campaign fundraisers shed organized. The DOI is also looking into allegations uncovered by THE CITY that pressured a campaign volunteer to do personal tasks for her in exchange for getting him a city job. A Long History Greco has been a fixture of Adams political career for over a decade, during which time she helped him raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for his mayoral campaigns and connected him to influential members of the Chinese-American community while escorting him on multiple trips abroad to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She served for much of that time as an unpaid, volunteer ambassador to Brooklyn Borough Hall, while not taking any official roles for his political campaigns despite her prolific fundraising. As part of the fundraising, she connected groups of campaign donors to Adams, with some contributors telling THE CITY and Documented in 2023 that they either did not give or were reimbursed by managers. Making donations under someone elses name is illegal under the citys public campaign finance program, which provides $8 for every $1 in small donations from New York City residents. Related: Trump Has A Massive Midnight Meltdown In Flurry Of Social Media Posts Greco also helped raise funds for a nonprofit linked to Brooklyn Borough Hall as a board member of One Brooklyn, which touted Adams initiatives and raised his profile ahead of his 2021 mayoral run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over those same years, Greco also collected donations for a nonprofit organization of her own with the stated goal of erecting a friendship archway in Brooklyns Chinatown that would serve as a gateway for businesses and culture. That venture, which relied on an archway being gifted by a district government of Beijing, collapsed, leaving some donors with questions about their contributions. Longtime Eric Adams aide Winnie Greco watches his campaign rally at City Hall from the sidelines, June 26, 2025. Katie Honan/THE CITY Her first appointment to a paid government job came when Adams became mayor in January 2022. Within days of attending his New Years Eve inauguration on a stage in Times Square with a small circle of close associates, Greco was named his Asian affairs director at a salary of $100,000, while her niece also landed a role at City Hall, eventually becoming one of the mayors schedulers. Greco was so close to Adams and his inner circle that his senior advisor, Ingrid-Lewis Martin, was known to introduce Greco at events as my sister. Lewis-Martin is currently being prosecuted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for allegedly receiving bribes and is expected to be indicted Thursday on influence-peddling charges. Related: Condescending P***k: JD Vances Zelenskyy-Oval Office Anecdote Backfires Online In November 2023, THE CITY reported on two instances where people who interacted with Greco alleged that she had misused her government position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A businessperson told THE CITY that Greco allegedly demanded $10,000 to her archway nonprofit as the cost of entry to a Chinese-themed event with Adams at Gracie mansion, for what was a free event. Additionally, a campaign volunteer claimed that Greco promised to help him get a city job if he helped oversee reservations to her home in The Bronx, which he did. After he was hired by the Adams administration, Greco continued to compel him to assist her with construction-related tasks and other personal business while on the job, the aide claimed. In an unusual arrangement, Greco also lived for nearly nine months in a two-room suite at a Queens hotel that was under city contract to house formerly incarcerated individuals. The mayors press office and an attorney for the hotel owners asserted to THE CITY that Greco paid for her hotel stay but did not provide evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city Department of Investigation opened a probe in November 2023 after THE CITYs reporting. In February 2024, the FBI raided Grecos Bronx home and a second house nearby she had purchased recently. She then went on medical leave for a few months and came back to City Hall with a new role, and an increased salary of close to $200,000. More on Politics Joe Rogan Trashes Trumps Repeated Claims That Epstein Scandal Is A Hoax DOJ Tried To Get Names And Social Security Numbers Of Trans Kids White House Spokesperson Totally Loses It Over Rock Star's Trump Takedown Read the original on HuffPost Aug. 20An Erie woman was killed Tuesday when her vehicle left the road and collided with a tree in rural Lyndon. Marley Yetterberg, 27, suffered fatal injuries in the single-vehicle crash on Moline Road west of Yorktown Road, according to a Whiteside County Sheriff's Office news release. Sheriff's deputies were sent to that location about 5 p.m. after Whiteside County Sheriff's Office telecommunicators received a 911 call reporting the crash, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies determined that a black 2018 Nissan Sentra driven by Yetterberg was traveling west on Moline Road when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle left the road to the south. The car entered the south ditch and struck a tree. An investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing. The Whiteside County Sheriff's Office and the county coroner's office were assisted at the scene by Illinois State Police, the Prophetstown Fire Department and EMS, and Slim & Hank's. Yetterberg is the second Erie resident killed in a fatal crash in less than a week. Frankie S. George, 72, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash that happened about 3:03 p.m. Friday on Moline Road near Hillside Road in Erie Township, according to a Whiteside County Sheriff's Office news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary investigation indicates that George's vehicle was traveling west, crossed into the eastbound lane, then entered the opposite ditch, according to the release. George's passenger, Mary K. George, 71, of Erie, suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. She was taken by emergency medical services personnel for treatment. The Whiteside County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the Erie Police Department, Erie EMS, Erie Fire Department, MedForce 1, the Whiteside County Dispatch Center, the Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Unit, the Whiteside County Coroner's Office and the Fulton Police Department. That crash also remains under investigation. MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) After receiving a generous gift from a donor, the B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) will be providing five full, first-year scholarships to students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy starting in spring 2026. Students interested in the scholarship must complete an application and submit writing samples to the Doctoral Programs Committee. Prospective students also must meet all entrance requirements. Can you spot these DPS patrol cars? New ghost units hit East Texas roads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The B. H. Carrolls PhD program is accredited by both the Association of Theological Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The program also provides disciplinary and interdisciplinary seminars that offer the opportunity for peer-to-peer critique and can be completed online. They currently offer PhD programs in Faith and Heritage with specializations in Church History, Theology, Ethics and Philosophy, Ministry and Formation with specializations in Chaplaincy, Christian Education, Leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Counseling and Spiritual Formation, and Scripture and Witness with specializations in Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Languages, Preaching and Hermeneutics and Missions. Applications for program admission are now open. For more information about the online PhD program at B. H. Carroll or to apply, visit www.ETBU.edu/PHD. 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. European countries want US President Donald Trump to deploy American fighter jets in Romania as part of US security guarantees for Ukraine. Source: The Times Details: Senior European military officials are discussing the deployment of US F-35 fighter jets to Romania, where NATO is building its largest air base in Europe, in order to deter another Russian invasion. European countries want US President Donald Trump to deploy American fighter jets in Romania as part of US security guarantees for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Source: The Times Details: Senior European military officials are discussing the deployment of US F-35 fighter jets to Romania, where NATO is building its largest air base in Europe, in order to deter another Russian invasion. The issue was raised at a meeting between General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and military representatives from the UK, Germany, France, Finland and Italy to discuss US security guarantees. NATO is currently conducting air policing missions over the Black Sea from the Mihail Kogalniceanu air base in Romania, which served as a hub for US forces during the Iraq war and is the most likely location for basing American aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to American fighter jets based in Romania, European countries want guarantees over the continued use of US satellites for GPS and intelligence support in Ukraine. Europe also wants the US to commit to supplying Ukraine with Patriot and NASAMS air defence missiles and to grant permission for reconnaissance aircraft to operate over the Black Sea. British Rivet Joint aircraft have been conducting reconnaissance missions since the first days of the full-scale war, but the Boeing-built planes require US approval for flights. Background: As part of the Coalition of the Willing, the United Kingdom has proposed deploying Typhoon fighters in Ukraine's west and sending a brigade of 3,000-5,000 troops to train Ukrainian soldiers. France, Canada and Australia may also send troops to Ukraine's west. Russia, however, opposes the deployment of any Western troops. On Wednesday 20 August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow and Beijing should be given veto power over Western military support for Ukraine, describing NATO talks on security guarantees as "a road to nowhere". Trump said that Washington might provide air support to Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement with Russia. On 18 August, Trump, after a conversation with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, announced that he was beginning preparations for a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Austria's state postal company will soon only accept parcel shipments to the United States on a very limited basis because of new US customs regulations. From next Tuesday, no more shipments of goods will be processed until further notice, Austrian Post announced on Thursday. Postal service providers in Belgium and Scandinavia have recently announced similar measures. According to an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump, duty-free imports of goods worth less than $800 will be abolished from August 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customs duties of between $80 and $200 will be levied on each item. Customs procedures have been changed and there is insufficient information about the necessary procedures, Austrian Post said. "This tightening of regulations poses major challenges for all postal companies worldwide when shipping goods to the US," it said. Exceptions for private gifts and documents In the future, Austrian Post will only transport private gift parcels valued at under 100 ($116.45) and document shipments to the United States. For corporate customers, the only remaining option is a more expensive express service operated in cooperation with DHL, which is partly owned by the German government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Belgium's bpost, Norway's Posten Bring, and the Swedish-Danish group Postnord announced that they would also temporarily suspend most shipments to the US. According to the companies, European postal operators are already working on solutions. Texas Democratic Rep. Nicole Collier made headlines this week when she chose to sleep in the state capitol building rather than be bullied into accepting a police escort in order to leave. Its one of many intimidation tactics pushed by Texas Republicans in recent weeks as they threaten their Democratic colleagues for daring to protest their gerrymandering drive on behalf of the Trump administration. Texas Democrats returned to the state this week after enduring two weeks of arrest threats from the states Republican governor, attorney general and federal and state lawmakers alike and granted their Republican colleagues a quorum to pass their rigged maps. Republicans in the state House are poised to pass the maps, which will likely hand Texas five more Republican seats in the U.S. House, this evening, and the state Senate is expected to pass them later this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats, of course, left the state earlier this month to delay a vote on the once-unprecedented mid-cycle gerrymandering effort, which the Trump administration directed Texas Republicans to carry out in order to help President Trump maintain a trifecta in the midterms. As TPM has reported, the Trump administration has been pressuring other red state officials to redraw their congressional district maps in hopes of flipping Democratic U.S. House seats in their states. If Democrats are able to take back the House in 2026, they could not only jam up Trumps legislative agenda but they would also have sweeping authority to open investigations into the Trump administrations actions, as well as subpoena power. But back to Texas for a moment. When Texas Democrats returned to the state legislature (after Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said he would simply continue calling special sessions until the Dems folded), their Republican colleagues forced them to agree to have a state police officer escort if they left the state Capitol building. Some, including Collier, refused the Republican mandate and opted to sleep inside the building rather than be followed around by law enforcement. But it appears the intimidation campaign hasnt stopped there. Collier reportedly participated in a Democratic National Committee virtual press conference this afternoon with DNC Chair Ken Martin, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). At one point during the Zoom call, Collier was heard speaking to someone off camera, who reportedly told her she might be charged with a felony, according to Democracy Docket: Collier dialed into the Zoom call from a Capitol restroom as the floor debate over the new maps echoed in the background. Ill be damned if I let [Republicans] use petty intimidation tactics to silence my voters. They sent me here to fight, and thats exactly what Im going to do, she said. I represent a majority Black and brown district and itll be my constituents, people who look like me, that will be harmed. A few minutes later, Collier interrupted as Martin was responding to a press question, saying she was being ordered to end the call. Its a felony for me to do this, apparently? Collier said before seeming to address someone off camera. I cant be on the floor or in the bathroom? You told me I was only allowed to be here, in the bathroom. Its still unclear what exactly Collier did or did not do wrong. But even on the precipice of a massive victory for the Trump administration, Texas Republicans are still conjuring up creative news ways to threaten and intimidate their Democratic colleagues, for using the tools at their disposal to protest the GOPs egregious power grab. You Got Em Stephen Miller White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller joined Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance on their field trip to Union Station in Washington, D.C. this afternoon to, essentially, do a photo-op showing their support for the National Guard troops who have been standing outside over there for days. The Trump administration is engaged in a performative show of force in the city, under the guise of some sort of crackdown on crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Guard troops and other members of federal law enforcement that Trump has brought in have mostly been patrolling peaceful tourist areas. The move has been met with protests from district residents, demonstrating against the federalization of D.C.s police force, as Trump tries to use the moment to dunk on the Democratic officials who govern D.C. Miller disparaged the protesters as stupid white hippies: All these demonstrators youve seen out here in recent days, all these elderly white hippies, theyre not part of the city and never have been, he said. And by the way, most of the citizens who live in Washington, D.C., are Black. So were going to ignore these stupid white hippies that all need to go home and take a nap because theyre all over 90 years old, he added. And were going to get back to the business of protecting the American people and the citizens of Washington, D.C. In Case You Missed It NEW from Emine Yucel: Trumps Legislative Branch Power Grab May Fundamentally Change Congress Relationship With White House New episode of the Josh Marshall Podcast Feat. Kate Riga: Ep. 379: Aaaand Were Back! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Should Anti-Trump States Focus On? Trump Pushes White Nationalist Agenda Across Multiple Fronts Yesterdays Most Read Story A Fired Trump Appointee Goes Off On Pam Bondis Corrupt DOJ What We Are Reading Obama backs California effort to redraw districts in response to Texas Feds Cook Says She Wont be Bullied Into Stepping Down Two Big Law Firms Said to Be Doing Free Work for Trump Administration A wildfire in the Everglades west of U.S. 27, now dubbed the Mile Marker 39 Fire, continues to burn on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) Smoke from wildfires in the Everglades to the north along U.S. 27 fills the sky on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, affecting air quality throughout the area. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Smoke from wildfires in the Everglades along Alligator Alley fills the sky on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, affecting air quality throughout the area. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) People climb the observation tower at the Alligator Alley Environmental Education Center and Rest Area at Mile Marker 35 on I-75 in Broward County as smoke from wildfires in the Everglades fills the sky on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, affecting air quality throughout the area. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Smoke from wildfires in the Everglades to the north along U.S. 27 fills the sky on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, affecting air quality throughout the area. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Rain clouds mix with smoke from wildfires in the Everglades along Alligator Alley on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, affecting air quality throughout the area. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) An aerial view of an Everglades wildfire can be seen near US Highway 27 and Alligator Alley on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Weston, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald) Florida Forest Service firefighters use a helicopter to carry water as they combat an Everglades wildfire near US Highway 27 on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in South Florida. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald) An aerial view of an Everglades wildfire can be seen near US Highway 27 and Alligator Alley on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Weston, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald) A view of an Everglades wildfire can be seen near US Highway 27 and Alligator Alley on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in South Florida. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald) An aerial view of an Everglades wildfire can be seen near US Highway 27 and Alligator Alley on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald) Florida Forest Service firefighters use a helicopter to carry water as they combat an Everglades wildfire near US Highway 27 on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in South Florida. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald) A view of an Everglades wildfire can be seen near US Highway 27 and Alligator Alley on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in South Florida. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald) Smoke from Everglades fires billows in the background as airboat riders head out at Sawgrass Recreation Park on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 15The Mile Marker 39 Fire in the Everglades west of U.S. 27 continues to burn on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) After negotiations with the Evergreen School District failed on Wednesday night, the local chapter of the union representing school support staff in Vancouver said they are holding a strike vote on Thursday. Fatal motorcycle crash shuts down NE Marine Drive The Evergreen Chapter of the Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 make up paraeducators, bus drivers and other support staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union said employees are struggling after six months without a contract. Members also rallied on Wednesday amid the ongoing mediation with the district. Should the union vote in the affirmative, the strike could happen as soon as Tuesday of next week, the first day of school. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WTAJ) A convicted trafficker was sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh for trafficking a teen across state lines for sex, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced. Donte Lashawn Cole, of Euclid, Ohio, was sentenced to 150 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release after being convicted of sex trafficking a minor and coercion and enticement of an adult for commercial sex. In addition to the sentence imposed by United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV, Cole will also be registered as a sex offender and must comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to information presented to the court, Cole transported a 12-year-old girl from Ohio to a hotel in Monroeville in May of 2023 to have commercial sex with. He also enticed and coerced an adult woman across state lines for commercial sex Man facing charges of sex trafficking 12-year-old to be extradited to Pennsylvania Cole reportedly used online advertisements to market the victims for commercial sex services from April 2023 to October 2023, Rivetti added. Judge Stickman stated that Coles conduct was evil and noted that he victimized minor girls, crossed state lines, and treated the girls like property for his own gain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States Attorneys Office is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to stand against human trafficking and the exploitation of children and hold sex traffickers such as Donte Cole accountable, Rivetti said. We will remain vigilant in ensuring that anyone seeking to profit through the exploitation of any child or adult is identified, investigated, and brought to justice. 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. This predatory trafficker was calculated in how he selected his victims, choosing vulnerable individuals who he then manipulated into situations where their livelihood depended on being at his beck and call, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. Human trafficking is dehumanizingsome of the most egregious conduct we encounter in society. I commend our federal partners for collaborating to reach a resolution that ensures Donte Cole will be far away, for many years, from anyone else he can exploit, manipulate, and abuse. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 New York City reporter was allegedly the target of an apparent bribery attempt by a former aide to Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently seeking reelection. Winnie Greco, a longtime Adams ally, is accused of trying to give a reporter from The City, a New York City-based publication, a wad of cash hidden in a bag of Herrs Sour Cream & Onion ripple potato chips. The publication said the incident occurred after a campaign event in Harlem on Wednesday. According to THE CITYs account of the events, City Hall reporter Katie Honan spotted Greco near the opening of Adams new Harlem campaign office. The former Adams aide later texted the reporter and asked to meet across the street from the campaign office. The two then walked to a Whole Foods next door, where Greco handed Honan the bag. Honan, according to THE CITY, believed Greco was offering a snack and initially refused, but the former aide insisted she keep it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, Cuomo Trade Jabs In Interviews As Dems-turned-independents Court Anti-mamdani Vote Honan reportedly opened the bag while on her way to the subway and saw a red envelope containing at least one $100 bill and several $20 bills. THE CITY reports that Honan called Greco, who said she had left the area. When Honan said she had to return the money, Greco suggested they meet in Chinatown. According to THE CITY, Honan texted Greco asking when she could return the cash but did not receive a response. THE CITY interviewed Greco later that same day, and she reportedly tried to apologize multiple times, saying she had made "a mistake." Greco reportedly told the publication that it was "a culture thing" and that she "just wanted to be her friend." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The publication said that it contacted the Department of Investigation (DOI) after the incident. Winnie Greco walks inside after hanging balloons before New York City Mayor Eric Adams attends the ribbon-cutting ceremony at his Brooklyn campaign office in Brooklyn, New York City, Aug. 7, 2025. Eric Adams Hit With Accusation Of Operating Criminal Conspiracy At Nypd Grecos attorney, Steven Brill, denied the act was "nefarious," saying that it was a Chinese custom to give money to others as a sign of "gratitude and friendship," though he did not explain why it was hidden in a bag of chips. "This was no payoff. This was no handing over a bag of cash. This is nothing more than a gesture of kindness blown out of a Chinese tradition of handing money to others as a form of gratitude and friendship. She knows this reporter and was fond of her. It may appear strange, but there was nothing nefarious about it," Brill told Fox News Digital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Honan returned to her office, she gave the bag to her editors, at which point the publication contacted New York City's Department of Investigation. THE CITY said it did not open the envelope or count the money inside. Reports indicate that the Adams campaign has since prohibited Greco from participating in volunteer campaign-related activities. FBI agents seen leaving the Bronx home of Winnie Greco. Greco is no stranger to law enforcement and has been under federal investigation for some time. The FBI raided her Bronx home in February 2024 amid reports that Adams 2021 mayoral campaign conspired with the Turkish government to raise funds. She later resigned from her position as the citys director of Asian American affairs. According to Fox 5, the DOI is also investigating claims that Greco pressured a campaign volunteer to do personal tasks in exchange for a City Hall job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox News Digital reached out to Greco and Adams campaign for comment but did not get a response in time for publication. Fox News Digitals Michael Ruiz and Greg Wehner and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Ex-Adams aide allegedly tried to give reporter a wad of cash hidden in a potato chip bag Gaxos (GXAI) shares closed sharply higher on Tuesday after the artificial intelligence (AI) firm announced the official launch of a new, state-of-the-art creative engine dubbed Art-Gen.AI. In its press release, the startup based out of Roseland, New Jersey described Art-Gen as an AI-based image and video creation platform that makes pro-grade content effortless for anyone, anywhere. More News from Barchart Following todays rally, Gaxos stock is up nearly 75% versus its low set on Aug. 11. Year-to-date, however, the penny stock remains down more than 30% at writing. www.barchart.com Why the Art-Gen Launch Is Meaningful for Gaxos Stock The Art-Gen announcement is meaningfully positive for GXAI stock because it signals a shift toward scalable, high-margin, recurring revenue. Integrating top-tier AI models with proprietary enhancements positions Gaxos at the forefront of the booming generative artificial intelligence market. The platforms ease of use, premium creative capabilities, and subscription model offer significant monetization potential, while CEO Vadim Mats focus on commercial scalability and shareholder value reinforces investor confidence as well. All in all, with demand for AI-enabled content creation surging, Art-Gen could drive rapid user adoption, revenue growth, and long-term upside, making the launch strategically constructive for Gaxos shares. The Case Against Buying This Penny Stock at Current Levels While the launch of Art-Gen sure is bullish for GXAI, investors should remain wary of loading up on it mostly because its a penny stock vulnerable to manipulation schemes like pump and dumps. More importantly, Gaxos stock has low liquidity and limited institutional ownership, which may amplify the aforementioned risk. Another major red flag for serious investors is that GXAI shares do not currently receive coverage from Wall Street analysts as tracked by Barchart. What it means is that its devoid of essential scrutiny, earnings forecasts, and valuation benchmarks. Without analyst coverage, investors lack independent insight into fundamentals, making it harder to assess long-term viability. The lack of Street coverage also indicates limited institutional interest and raises questions about transparency and governance as well none of which bodes well for Gaxos stock. On the date of publication, Wajeeh Khan did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com One of former President Joe Biden's staunchest defenders in the last year of his presidency only met with the ex-commander in chief in person twice while working at the White House, a top Republican said. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., has been leading the closed-door transcribed interview of Ian Sams, who served as a top spokesman on matters related to congressional investigations and other probes during the latter two years of the Biden administration. "That was probably the most informative transcribed interview slash deposition we've had thus far. I'll give Mr. Sams credit. He answered our questions," Comer told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think one of the most shocking things to me is he communicated with Joe Biden two times. He saw Joe Biden, talked to Joe Biden two times, the entire stint as White House spokesperson, but yet he would every day tweet and issue statements from the podium of the White House." Ron Klain Dodges Reporters After Marathon Grilling In Biden Cover-up Probe Former President Joe Biden, pictured here in May 2021, and his mental acuity are the subject of a House Oversight Committee probe. Comer told Fox News Digital in a statement following the interview that Sams interacted with Biden on four occasions in total two in-person meetings, one virtual meeting and one phone call. Read On The Fox News App Sams did notably leave the White House in August 2024, before Republicans began questioning Biden's autopen use and before the myriad clemency orders were signed by the ex-president. But he did defend Biden during some of the most politically consequential moments of his term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The longtime left-wing operative served as senior advisor and spokesman for the White House Counsels Office from May 2022 through August 2024, where he served as a fierce defender of Biden during both House Republicans investigations into his ties to family members foreign business endeavors and Special Counsel Robert Hurs probe into Bidens handling of classified documents. Notably, Sams criticized "wrong" and "inaccurate" findings in Hur's report on Biden in comments to the press in February 2024. Hur had declined to charge Biden, writing that "at trial, Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory." Longtime Biden Aide Says He Stood To Earn Up To $8M Had President Won Re-election Comer told reporters on Thursday, however, "In fact, Robert Hur spent more time with Joe Biden than Ian Sams." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ian Sams is the one that would counter everything Robert Hur or anytime anyone would suggest that Joe Biden wasn't mentally fit. He would say no, he's at the top of his game," Comer said. "He interacted with the president two times, the entire time. The entire time he worked in the White House." Days after Biden's disastrous June 2024 debate against President Donald Trump, Sams dismissed House Republicans' inquiry into Biden's former White House physician just one of several instances where he vehemently defended Biden's mental acuity from scrutiny. Ian Sams, a former spokesman for both Biden and Harris, appeared before the House Oversight Committee. He's pictured here on Feb. 1, 2023. "Americans question President Biden's ability to lead the country," Comer wrote to Dr. Kevin O'Connor in early July 2024. "The Oversight Committee is concerned your medical assessments have been influenced by your private business endeavors with the Biden family" Sams told Newsweek in response, "Here they go again, pushing their crazy, discredited conspiracy theories in order to score another hit on [Fox News' Maria] Bartiromo." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He similarly told MSNBC days after that debate that Biden was "sharp" and asked "tough questions." Sams went as far as to send a letter to the White House Correspondents' Association lecturing outlets like CNN, MSNBC and the Associated Press for their coverage of Hur's report. "When we ask questions, When you said this, did Joe Biden tell you that? Well you know, I got it from the president. Did Joe Biden tell you this, did Joe Biden send you an email himself? Well, no. So it raises serious concerns and serious questions about who was calling the shots in the White House," Comer said. The House Oversight Committee is investigating whether Biden's inner circle worked to cover up signs of mental decline in the former president, and if any executive actions were signed via autopen without his full knowledge or approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden and his allies have publicly dismissed accusations that he was not behind the decisions he made, however. From left, Ian Sams, former senior advisor in the White House Counsels Office; Andrew Bates, former senior deputy press secretary; former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre; and, Jeff Zients, former White House chief of staff, are expected to sit down with House Oversight Committee investigators behind closed doors. Specifically regarding the thousands of clemency orders signed via autopen, Biden said in a recent interview with The New York Times that he "made every decision" "Rather than drawing conclusions from firsthand experience., Mr. Sams received much of his direction from the White House Counsel and Bidens inner circle. Mr. Sams repeatedly made broad public claims about the Presidents cognitive condition, but he was not in a position to make these claims based on such limited contact," Comer told Fox News Digital. "Mr. Sams testimony raises serious questions about who is truly calling the shots in the White House. We will continue to press for answers to ensure full transparency for the American people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox News Digital reached out to a spokesperson for Biden and for House Oversight Committee Democrats for comment. Original article source: Ex-Biden spokesman who called mental fitness doubts a conspiracy only met with him twice: Comer Matthew Dowd, the chief strategist of George W. Bushs 2004 reelection campaign, praised California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his team on Wednesday over his social media makeover to troll President Donald Trump. Dowd in an interview with MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace, who served as communications director on the Bush 04 campaign argued that Democrats sometimes take themselves too seriously and, in the process, dont understand that voters want a good laugh. Related: Gavin Newsom Is Talking Like Trump And It's Infuriating The Right And if youre laughing at a politician, youre winning. If you can get voters to laugh at somebody else, youre winning in the course of this, Dowd said. And thats, I think, the cultural moment that were in is how do you relate to where people are? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moments earlier, he recalled a 2004 press briefing where members of the media questioned if Bush was going to win that years presidential election. I said at that briefing, I can give you a bunch of polls and all that but just do one thing go to our campaign and go to the [John] Kerry campaign and whoever is having the most fun is going to win, he said. Related: Poli Sci Experts Predict How Gavin Newsom's Brutal Mockery Of Trump And MAGA Will Resonate Newsom and his press accounts Trump-like posting crusade a trolling act that has seen the use of AI-generated images, all-caps messages, rants as well as name-calling has fueled criticism from right-wingfiguresincludingFox News hosts, Kid Rock and, as of Wednesday evening, Vice President JD Vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dowd said Fox News and Republicans simply cant get a handle on Newsoms new social media groove. They simultaneously say, This isnt classy. This is horrible. Hes a governor. He should be more respectful. They say that then the next they say, Hes copying Donald Trump ... and they dont understand, its a complete parody! said Dowd with a smile. H/T: Raw Story Related... Read the original on HuffPost Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R) still appears to be peeved with his past colleague. During an appearance on CNN, McCarthy took aim at California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) over a redistricting proposal that is expected to come to a vote in his state Legislature on Thursday. But he then, unprompted, directed sharp criticism at former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). Newsom announced last week that he would move ahead with his own plan to counter a Republican-led effort in Texas to add up to five winnable red seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. The Texas House approved a new map on Wednesday after a weeks-long battle with the states Democratic Party, during which many lawmakers fled the state in an attempt to block a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCarthy, who previously represented California in Congress, said that Democrats would be taking away nine competitive seats in the state, pointing to how they have flipped between Republicans and Democrats while he was in office. I didnt lose my job because I worked across the aisle, McCarthy said. I lost my job because one person slept with an underage woman, and I wasnt going to do something different when it came to the ethics committee. And Id do that exact same thing today. Kevin McCarthy on CNN: "I lost my job because one person slept with an underaged woman and I wasn't going to do something different when it came to the ethics committee. I'd do that exact same thing today." pic.twitter.com/VXPyLLh0Ib Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 21, 2025 McCarthy appeared to reference Gaetz, who he has previously linked to his 2023 ouster as House speaker. Gaetz, his longtime nemesis, spearheaded an effort that ultimately force him to lose the gavel after less than nine months on the job. The Justice Department has previously investigated Gaetz for sex trafficking and claims that he had paid for sex, including whether he had sexual relations with a minor. While it was dropped in February 2023, the House Ethics Committee began its own probe over allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. The new investigation, though, was effectively ended after Gaetz resigned from Congress last year once he was nominated by then President-elect Donald Trump as attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly afterwards, Gaetz then withdrew his name from consideration amid increased scrutiny. He has repeatedly denied allegations of sexual misconduct. McCarthy has also backed Gaetzs Florida GOP primary challenger and has taken a series of jabs against the now former lawmaker. McCarthy continued: Ill stand for whats right, just like right now, Im standing for the constitution of California. If California Democrats successfully pass the measure along, it will appear on ballots during the states special election in November. If approved, a new map, favoring blue seats, will be used until the 2030 census but it is fully dependent on whether the plan in the Lone Star State comes to fruition. The move will ultimately sidestep Californias independent commission that has created district maps since 2010 under the VOTERS FIRST Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCarthy said that Newsom is looking to amend his states constitution for his own political belief. We have a governor who spends more time on this instead of trying to encourage Bed Bath & Beyond to move back to California, McCarthy said, referring to how the company recently announced it will not open any new retail stores in the Golden State. Newsoms press office had fired back on X: After their bankruptcy and closure of every store, like most Americans, we thought Bed, Bath & Beyond no longer existed. We wish them well in their efforts to become relevant again as they try to open a 2nd store. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A longtime United Airlines flight attendant battling AIDS claims he was fired for taking sick days to see the doctor or otherwise tend to his declining health, which the carrier deemed excessive medical absences, according to state and federal court filings obtained by The Independent. Timothy Panzl, 62, began working for United in October 1990 and was diagnosed with AIDS in 2002, his complaint explains. From then on, it says Panzl, a San Diego resident, was forced to call out roughly twice a month for worsening health or medical appointments. This continued for more than two decades without major issue, according to the complaint, which maintains Panzl got approval for his days off and always provided a doctors note when he returned. But when he called out sick before a trip in June 2023, Panzl was informed he had been removed from the schedule, according to the complaint. He was then put under disciplinary investigation, and soon received a letter from management that said his dependability record warrants termination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your actions were inconsistent with the Working Together Guidelines in the areas of professionalism communicate and perform all duties in a safe, courteous, helpful, competent dependable and businesslike manner; and working dependably keep your attendance regular and arrive at work at the time and on the day you are scheduled, the letter read. Panzl was stripped of all travel privileges, and instructed to FedEx back his crew badge and ID card, parking permit, company-issued flashlight and iPhone, battery packs, charging cables and United blue protective cover and phone storage case. The complaint, which was initially filed June 5 in California Superior Court before being removed to San Diego federal court on August 8, says Panzl had never been given any warning prior to his termination, and that he had requested approximately the same amount of excused absences as he had done for the past 21 years. A longtime United Airlines flight attendant is suing his former employer, claiming he was discriminated against for his medical condition of AIDS. (AFP via Getty Images) Attorney Mahru Madjidi, one of the lawyers representing Panzl, told The Independent that United unlawfully punished his client after nearly 33 years of service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of honoring their duty to accommodate his disability, which they had in the past, they in turn weaponized it to justify his sudden firing, Madjidi said. We hope to hold United accountable for their actions against a dedicated employee who was forced to choose between his health and his livelihood. United did not respond to a request for comment. Last year, an HIV-positive flight attendant for American Airlines sued the carrier after being sacked in a near-identical case to Panzls. In 2017, a Delta employee with HIV was awarded $1.3 million following his termination for missing two days of work due to his illness. Five years earlier, an HIV-positive Delta baggage handler sued the airline over his firing, also allegedly for taking time off to deal with his health issues. The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 forbids discrimination against people with all manner of afflictions, including HIV and AIDS. To bring an ADA lawsuit against an employer, the aggrieved party must initially file an administrative complaint with authorities; Panzl preceded his own suit against United by first bringing his accusations to the California Civil Rights Department, which then issued him a so-called right-to-sue letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of Panzls career as a flight attendant, he always showed consistent dedication and performed his job excellently, according to his complaint. It says his AIDS diagnosis impacted major life activities, and Panzl required reasonable accommodation and an interactive process. However, United uses a points system to monitor employee attendance, and once someone hits 30 points during a rolling 12-month period, they are issued a letter of investigation, pending discharge. Fired flight attendant Timothy Panzl, says his AIDS diagnosis impacted major life activities, and Panzl required reasonable accommodation and an interactive process. (US District Court for the Southern District of California) Despite Panzls medical status, which the complaint says were excused due to his disabilities, he was consistently penalized with points for his absences. According to the complaint, United instead used his disability and age as grounds for terminating his employment. However, United has a slightly different take on the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Panzls termination letter, which United filed in court last week as part of the companys motion to dismiss, it says he failed to show up for his initial investigatory meeting on July 11, then appeared at a rescheduled sit-down on July 17, where he and representatives from both United and the flight attendants union discussed the situation. According to the letter, Panzl had previously received four attendance warnings: the first on July 20, 2021, for 6 points; the second on September 2, 2021, for a total of 12 points; the third on November 14, 2021, for a total of 18 points; and the fourth on October 29, 2022, for 25 cumulative points. Panzls points exceeded the maximum of 30 points when, the letter asserts, he missed a June 22 trip he was scheduled to work, and didnt call out sick until after his shift had already started. For his part, Panzl told his supervisor that he had tried to call twice, unsuccessfully, fell asleep, then tried to call a third time, but that his company-issued LINK device, which lets United employees message each other, had malfunctioned. The supervisor then reminded Panzl that the LINK devices dont make or receive phone calls, and asked him to provide phone records proving that he had indeed attempted to call in, according to the letter. Panzl had more than 30 years of experience flying with United when he was fired, according to his lawsuit (AFP via Getty Images) During our meeting you stated you were confused and couldnt provide us any additional information, the letter said. You were unable to provide any phone records of attempting to call out sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter, which was written by a United inflight absence supervisor, concluded by telling Panzl he had been properly assigned the points in each instance, and referenced the unions collective bargaining agreement which states: A Flight Attendant will be subject to discharge if she/he accumulates 30 or more points. In its request for the case to be thrown out, United further contends that Panzl failed to show a causal nexus between his firing and his claim of age and disability discrimination, that the legal theories in his complaint are unsupported by the facts, and that he never formally requested an accommodation for his disability. Panzls complaint accuses United of, among other things, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, failure to provide reasonable accommodation, wrongful termination and intentional infliction of emotional distress. As a proximate result of defendants extreme and outrageous conduct, plaintiff has suffered and continues to suffer humiliation, emotional distress, and mental and physical pain and anguish, his complaint states. Panzl is demanding a jury trial, with damages to be determined in court. (Corrects spelling of Donetsk in paragraph 5) By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) -Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up all of the eastern Donbas region, renounce ambitions to join NATO, remain neutral and keep Western troops out of the country, three sources familiar with top-level Kremlin thinking told Reuters. The Russian president met Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday for the first Russia-U.S. summit in more than four years and spent almost all of their three-hour closed meeting discussing what a compromise on Ukraine might look like, according to the sources who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking afterwards beside Trump, Putin said the meeting would hopefully open up the road to peace in Ukraine - but neither leader gave specifics about what they discussed. In the most detailed Russian-based reporting to date on Putin's offer at the summit, Reuters was able to outline the contours of what the Kremlin would like to see in a possible peace deal to end a war that has killed and injured hundreds of thousands of people. In essence, the Russian sources said, Putin has compromised on territorial demands he laid out in June 2024, which required Kyiv to cede the entirety of the four provinces Moscow claims as part of Russia: Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine - which make up the Donbas - plus Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south. Kyiv rejected those terms as tantamount to surrender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his new proposal, the Russian president has stuck to his demand that Ukraine completely withdraw from the parts of the Donbas it still controls, according to the three sources. In return, though, Moscow would halt the current front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, they added. Russia controls about 88% of the Donbas and 73% of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, according to U.S. estimates and open-source data. Moscow is also willing to hand over the small parts of the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk regions of Ukraine it controls as part of a possible deal, the sources said. Putin is sticking, too, to his previous demands that Ukraine give up its NATO ambitions and for a legally binding pledge from the U.S.-led military alliance that it will not expand further eastwards, as well as for limits on the Ukrainian army and an agreement that no Western troops will be deployed on the ground in Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the two sides remain far apart, more than three years after Putin ordered thousands of Russian troops into Ukraine in a full-scale invasion that followed the annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and prolonged fighting in the country's east between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops. Ukraine's foreign ministry had no immediate comment on the proposals. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly dismissed the idea of withdrawing from internationally recognised Ukrainian land as part of a deal, and has said the industrial Donbas region serves as a fortress holding back Russian advances deeper into Ukraine. "If we're talking about simply withdrawing from the east, we cannot do that," he told reporters in comments released by Kyiv on Thursday. "It is a matter of our country's survival, involving the strongest defensive lines." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joining NATO, meanwhile, is a strategic objective enshrined in the country's constitution and one which Kyiv sees as its most reliable security guarantee. Zelenskiy said it was not up to Russia to decide on the alliance's membership. The White House and NATO didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on the Russian proposals. Political scientist Samuel Charap, chair in Russia and Eurasia Policy at RAND, a U.S.-based global policy think-tank, said any requirement for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas remained a non-starter for Kyiv, both politically and strategically. "Openness to 'peace' on terms categorically unacceptable to the other side could be more of a performance for Trump than a sign of a true willingness to compromise," he added. "The only way to test that proposition is to begin a serious process at the working level to hash out those details." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TRUMP: PUTIN WANTS TO SEE IT ENDED Russian forces currently control a fifth of Ukraine, an area about the size of the American state of Ohio, according to U.S. estimates and open-source maps. The three sources close to the Kremlin said the summit in the Alaskan city of Anchorage had ushered in the best chance for peace since the war began because there had been specific discussions about Russia's terms and Putin had shown a willingness to give ground. "Putin is ready for peace - for compromise. That is the message that was conveyed to Trump," one of the people said. The sources cautioned that it was unclear to Moscow whether Ukraine would be prepared to cede the remains of the Donbas, and that if it did not then the war would continue. Also unclear was whether or not the United States would give any recognition to Russian-held Ukrainian territory, they added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fourth source said that though economic issues were secondary for Putin, he understood the economic vulnerability of Russia and the scale of the effort needed to go far further into Ukraine. Trump has said he wants to end the "bloodbath" of the war and be remembered as a "peacemaker president". He said on Monday he had begun arranging a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, to be followed by a trilateral summit with the U.S. president. "I believe Vladimir Putin wants to see it ended," Trump said beside Zelenskiy in the Oval office. "I feel confident we are going to get it solved." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that Putin was prepared to meet Zelenskiy but that all issues had to be worked through first and there was a question about Zelenskiy's authority to sign a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has repeatedly raised doubts about Zelenskiy's legitimacy as his term in office was due to expire in May 2024 but the war means no new presidential election has yet been held. Kyiv says Zelenskiy remains the legitimate president. The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have said they are sceptical that Putin wants to end the war. SECURITY GUARANTEES FOR UKRAINE Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff was instrumental in paving the way for the summit, and the latest drive for peace, according to two of the Russian sources. Witkoff met Putin in the Kremlin on August 6 with Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. At the meeting, Putin conveyed clearly to Witkoff that he was ready to compromise and set out the contours of what he could accept for peace, according to two Russian sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Russia and Ukraine could reach an agreement, then there are various options for a formal deal - including a possible three-way Russia-Ukraine-U.S. deal that is recognised by the U.N. Security Council, one of the sources said. Another option is to go back to the failed 2022 Istanbul agreements, where Russia and Ukraine discussed Ukraine's permanent neutrality in return for security guarantees from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, the sources added. "There are two choices: war or peace, and if there is no peace, then there is more war," one of the people said. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Pravin Char) Uvalde school officials are withholding documents about classroom security and a payout to the sacked police chief even after a court ordered such documents released in the wake of the May 2022 massacre at Robb Elementary School in Texas. CNN has viewed some of the never-before-seen emails that contain potentially damning information. In one email, the principal warned that classroom doors frequently could not be or were not locked, nine months before a gunman walked in and opened fire, killing 19 students and two teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while bereaved parents were demanding the school board fire school police chief Pete Arredondo, a central figure in the mass failure by law enforcement who took 77 minutes to stop the gunman, district officials were asking for a settlement offer from his lawyer at the time. These and other documents were all prepared in files to be released earlier this month at the end of a three-year campaign to get public records by CNN and other media companies. But while hundreds of documents were given out many of which covered material CNN had already reported independently key correspondence was not. The omissions are stirring new pain among some survivors and families of the dead who have long demanded full transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple sources with knowledge of the records told CNN 541MB of data such as emails and texts was shared with the board of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD) in a link entitled Uvalde/Board Member Access to Media Coalition Lawsuit. On August 11, the district released 439MB of data in response to the lawsuit. It is not known why there is such a large discrepancy between what was prepared and what was made available. But information shared by the sources indicates that 48 pages of correspondence related to Arredondos termination was not included. A 99-page file on then-Principal Mandy Gutierrez was readied but marked Do not release, though it is not known if that designation was related to the court order. The executive director of communications for the district told CNN she had referred a request for comment on the missing files to the districts law firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are dedicated to delivering a comprehensive and precise response and actively collaborating with our legal team to guarantee that the district adheres fully to the court order. We will share any updates as soon as they become available, and we appreciate your patience regarding this situation, Anne Marie Espinoza wrote in an email to CNN. The day after this story first published, the district said it had identified additional documents to release, according to discussions between lawyers. There were no details of the documents or when they would be handed over. In one unreleased email, obtained exclusively by CNN, Arredondos then lawyer wrote, regarding settlement, while I can recognize that the initial offer made was significant, so was the cost my client paid and continues to pay which are proximately caused by the decisions made by your client. The email from the lawyer also suggested it was the school board that initiated the discussion of a payout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You and your colleague on behalf of your client asked for a settlement offer, so we provided it, Arredondos lawyer wrote, apparently to an attorney for the school board, and accused the school board of acting in bad faith. Details of why the settlement discussion began were not clear, and there has been no indication Arredondo received any payment. After refusing to talk to the media for two years, Arredondo finally spoke to CNN in 2024 but didn't answer key questions. - Clipped From Video CNN reached out to Arredondo for comment but did not hear back. The school district fired Arredondo three months after the massacre. Arredondo, along with former UCISD police officer Adrian Gonzales, was later indicted on the first criminal charges related to the school massacre. While at least 376 officers including leaders in city, county and state law enforcement responded to the shooting, Arredondo was singled out by then-Texas Department of Public Safety director Col. Steve McCraw as central to the abject failure to stop the gunman earlier. Arredondo faces 10 counts of child endangerment and known criminal negligence. Gonzales faces 29 counts of abandoning and endangering a child. Both have pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A scathing 2024 Department of Justice report found Arredondo at fault but also criticized then-acting Uvalde Police Chief Mariano Pargas and Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco for not taking effective command, despite multiple opportunities to reassess the flawed response and take action to eliminate the threat. I am prioritizing student safety Mandy Gutierrez was principal of Robb Elementary the day of the massacre. - CNN The unreleased emails include a warning to the school district nine months before the massacre by then-Principal Gutierrez that classroom doors were not or could not be secured. She asked for extra keys for substitute teachers so doors did not have to remain unlocked, pointing to the number of chases of suspected undocumented immigrants that often led to people trying to run away or bail out near Robb Elementary, within a couple hours drive from several border crossings. With the increased bailout activity in our area, this creates a potentially unsafe situation for students, she wrote to district maintenance staff on August 16, 2021, asking for a response to how to get keys or if there were other, better, practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time I am prioritizing student safety and am open to any practices that ensure the well-being of our students and staff, Gutierrez wrote, It is not known if she received a response. The email was forwarded in correspondence from Gutierrez after the shooting, which made it subject to the requests for records. Her message is the first known direct warning of concerns placed squarely in front of district leadership months before the gunman was able to walk through an unlocked door into the school and into two adjoining classrooms. Video and witness statements analyzed by CNN show all three entrance doors to the fourth grade building were unlocked. No one from law enforcement tried the doors to classrooms 111 and 112, where the gunman was holed up with dead and injured children and adults, to see if they were locked before Border Patrol led the breach and killed the shooter. At least two other classroom doors in the same hallway were unlocked and teachers had made multiple complaints about how they functioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN tried to contact Gutierrez for comment but did not receive a reply. School district had pledged transparency Earlier this month the Uvalde school district issued a statement regarding the unanimous vote by the school board to release the records. The statement said in part, As we navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, we pledge to remain transparent and supportive. News organizations, including CNN, had requested the public records to report the fullest possible story about the massacre and what led up to it, not just for the people of Uvalde but to highlight any improvements in school safety or law enforcement policy that could be implemented nationwide. The obfuscation and inaction have only prolonged the pain of victims, their families and the community at large, all of whom continue to cry out for transparency regarding the events of that day, the media lawsuit read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Uvalde community and citizens of Texas deserve answers and the opportunity to heal from this horrific tragedy. It is impossible to resuscitate the communitys trust in law enforcement or public officials while the facts of that fateful day continue to be hidden, protected from scrutiny and accountability. The sun sets behind the memorial for the victims of the massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, in August 2022. - Jordan Vonderhaar/Getty Images Some of the families of the victims have campaigned for years for everything to be made public. While the City of Uvalde soon released large parts of videos from its officers body cameras, Uvalde County only published material the day after the school board, also having lost a court case. And the Texas Department of Public Safety that led an investigation into what happened is still refusing to share the public records it has. The school district did say it would release the records it held after a court ruled and an appeals court agreed that the public had a right to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But lawyers for the media say that has not happened. Specifically, UCISD has not produced all emails and text messages that are responsive to our clients requests, lawyers representing a coalition of media organizations including CNN wrote to attorneys representing the school district. The letter noted that emails were requested and produced from various UCISD officials. But while 3,700 pages of emails to and from former deputy superintendent Michael Rodriguez were released, there were only 113 pages related to district spokesperson Anne Marie Espinoza and only 219 pages of emails to or from the then-school superintendent, Hal Harrell. It is simply inconceivable that UCISDs production represents the totality of correspondence to and from the Districts spokesperson and superintendent in the wake of the deadliest school shooting in Texas history, the letter wrote, adding that emails known to have been sent by news organizations were not included. These omissions clearly demonstrate that UCISD has not produced all responsive email correspondence. unknown content item - Teacher Arnie Reyes, who lay in his own blood and that of his students for more than an hour as the gunman taunted him while police officers waited outside his classroom, said it was clear to him that not everything had been released. There has to be more emails than that, he said in a video posted to Facebook, adding that he saw little if any concern for the survivors in the correspondence that was published. He also said why learning more was important to him. I laid on a floor in a puddle of blood that I could see getting bigger. I could hear what was going on, and I could just imagine the pain that my students had gone through. So, this is two totally different battles. Its not to bring up the pain again of that day. It is for closure, for me, it is for closure, he said. Reyes was the only survivor in Classroom 111. Eleven students who had stayed after their awards ceremony to watch a movie were killed in his room. The Uvalde school board has already faced criticism for its actions following the attack on the fourth graders and their teachers on their awards day. Angry parents confronted the board two months after the massacre demanding to know why Arredondo was still employed at that time. The district also hired to its school police force a Texas trooper who had been one of the first to arrive at Robb Elementary and then stayed mostly outside. CNN revealed that the school district was aware she was under investigation for actions on the day of the massacre, and separately that she told fellow officers after the event, If my son had been in there, I would not have been outside. I promise you that. Following CNNs exclusive reporting, the district fired first that officer and then suspended the entire school police force and two other officials. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) I knew at that moment I was at peace, Randy White said. It wasnt the feeling that Randy expected. But after 43 years of carrying grief like a second skin, something finally settled in him. Inside the death chamber at the Florida State Prison on Tuesday, Randy sat behind the glass, watching the man who murdered his wife take his final breath. I was just real calm. I didnt go in with malice, hatred. But when the warden stepped up and read his name and gave the time of death, in that split second, I could feel something in my body from my heart, like something just released, Randy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 14th, 1982, Kayle Bates killed 24-year-old Renee White in a brutal attack. Randy says Bates didnt just take her life that day, he took Randys too. I was only 27 when it happened. I dont really know life without this. Its consumed almost my whole life, Randy said. Bates never admitted to the crime and had no last words before his death. I had some hope that he, if nothing else, would say sorry but that never came, Randy said. But after years of appeals, delays, and silence, the sentence was carried out. I knew when that curtain lowered, it was over. Theres no reason I should ever think of him again, Randy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sitting with Randy on the front row of the viewing chamber were 14th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Larry Basford and retired Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen. McKeithen was the lead investigator on Renees case. Both have spoken about why it took so long to carry out the execution. And both have been supportive of Randy White. Randy says he also found a support system in the community during this battle for justice. Ive felt so lost for so long that I was the only one fighting the battle. Theres a lot of behind-the-scenes things that people never think about, and that was one of the behind-the-scenes things I didnt think about, that there were other people concerned as well, Randy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Randy White can open a new chapter. Nothing is going to be hung over my head or come back to where I got to remember all that happened, and I want to learn now how to live a peaceful life and enjoy doing things, not always having that in the back of my mind, he said. But he will always keep Renees memory alive. She had a spirit that comes along maybe once in every hundred years. She was just theres something about her. She was a special person. She had a special aura about her. I want people to remember that she was just a very special girl, Randy said. Randy thanked Governor Ron DeSantis for signing the death warrant and ensuring the death sentence was carried out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. "Shut Down Line 5 - No Tunnel" sign on the grounds of the Michigan Capitol. | Laina G. Stebbins Updated 1:01 p.m. August 29 may be the last chance for Michigan residents to weigh in on Enbridge Energys proposed Line 5 tunnel underneath the Straits of Mackinac. On that date, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will stop accepting public comments on Enbridges permit application for the project, which seeks to replace the 72-year old pipeline that currently lays atop the lakebed and place it inside a tunneled structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian OMara, a 30-year veteran of the geotechnical consulting industry and a tunneling expert, has used the public comment period to warn state regulators and the public about what he calls serious safety and environmental risks that have not been addressed adequately by Enbridge. A Michigan Technological University graduate who has worked on pipeline and tunnel projects in nine states, OMara writes in his comments that Enbridges geological testing process falls far short of industry standards. Before beginning any tunnel project OMara says it is necessary to conduct an analysis of the project site by collecting core samples of the rock and drilling boreholes to expose important geological features. While these tests can take months or years depending on the project, he says they are necessary for identifying hazards such as voids and faults in the rock, as well as soft materials like limestone, or deposits of combustible methane. This map shows the proposed tunnel and the existing dual pipelines crossing the Straits of Mackinac. | Screenshot from the MPSC Line 5 Issue Brief Failing to identify these risks can lead to a total collapse of the tunnel. Reviewing all of Enbridges environmental and geological reports published since 2017, OMara says there is an astonishing lack of critical rock borings and core samples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tunnel geotechnical investigations are always done in a phased manner. However, Enbridge only did one phase of work. They did not complete secondary or tertiary studies to address data gaps and concerns, OMara told Michigan Advance. According to OMara and other tunnel experts, the industry standard is to dig exploratory boreholes totalling at least 1.5 times the length of the proposed tunnel. By that rule of thumb, Enbridge should drill 28,500 feet of boreholes at a minimum before safety of the project can be guaranteed. As it stands, they have drilled only 4,500 feet, or roughly 20% of what experts recommend, and they are only weeks away from being awarded a permit necessary to begin construction. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Speaking as a citizen of Michigan, and a proud Michigander, we are losing sight of protecting our waters. This project would affect groundwater, surface water, wetlands, and not to mention the habitats and lives of protected species, Mary Nuznov stated in a comment she left on the federal impact statement issued this spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OMara also notes that there is a complete lack of rock samples taken from the northern terminus of the proposed tunnel, near St. Ignace, making it difficult if not impossible to predict how tunnel construction would affect wetlands on the north shore. Thats a concern raised by environmental advocates in previous environmental impact statement comments. When reached for comment, Enbridge spokesman Ryan Duffy said tunneling experts retained by the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority have confirmed the ground conditions are adequate for tunneling, and that the company is planning additional geotechnical investigations at the north side of the straits, although he did not describe what kind of tests might be conducted. Under the industry standards described by OMara, these kinds of investigations should have been completed before applying for and receiving a permit. OMara also says the few rock samples that have been taken are alarming on their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was surprised at how poor the rock quality appeared in most of the cores and frankly Ive never seen worse cores for a tunnel project, OMara wrote, referring to 19 core samples taken from the bedrock beneath the Straits. Proposed Line 5 tunnel project construction area, northern end | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers screenshot Per the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers own reports, the proposed Line 5 tunnel could be under nearly 17 atmospheres of pressure, which would be the highest pressure conditions of any pipeline in the country. OMaras call for further geotechnical testing to meet basic industry safety standards has been echoed by experts at For Love of Water, also known as FLOW, and Earthjustice, two public interest groups that will also be submitting comments to EGLE this month. When reached for comment about the need for further geological testing, a representative of EGLE stated that Part 303 or 325 permit review criteria do not include tunneling operations beneath the lakebed, suggesting that the agency will not be considering any potential consequences of tunneling in their review of Enbridges permit because the current application is technically related to surface facilities supplementing the tunnel, but not the tunnel itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legality of this approach is hotly contested by attorneys at both For Love of Water and Earthjustice. Their opinion, shared by OMara, is that if this permit can potentially greenlight a tunnel operation, then any environmental risks associated with that tunnel must be considered in the first permit review. Oil spills must be considered under the Michigan Environmental Protection Act, said Earthjustice attorney Debbie Chizewer. Putting aside the concerning lack of geotechnical data, OMara points out that Enbridges permit application could be dead on arrival for another reason, noting that the company cant seem to stick to one consistent tunnel design. Enbridges tunnel proposal relies on data from a 2017 report conducted by Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems, a pipeline consultancy. The tunnel promised in the 8-year old report differs significantly in design from the one Enbridge is describing now in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my opinion, this is reason enough for EGLE to reject the Enbridge Line 5 permit applications, OMara says. Regardless, Duffy maintains that some of the best tunneling experts in the world have carefully and safely designed the Great Lakes Tunnel Project, for Enbridge. Environmental safety and compliance drive everything we do on this project, and we have great confidence in our industry leading tunnel experts, Duffy stated. Enbridge requires both federal permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as state permits from EGLE before beginning construction. However, last winter the Trump administration called on the Corps to expedite the review process of the project, citing a national energy emergency that has been contested by environmental advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the federal review of the tunnel is being hand-waved by federal environmental authorities, then the stakes are raised for the state-level review conducted by EGLE. The Trump administrations decision, which tribal advocates say is an outright denial of treaty rights and consultation practices required by the National Environmental Policy Act, led to six Michigan tribal nations backing out of federal Line 5 negotiations in various capacities. Line 5 | National Wildlife Federation You could say it was the last straw, Chizewer, the Earthjustice attorney representing the Bay Mills Indian Community in this public comment process, said. The policy act requires that federal environmental authorities consider indigenous knowledge and traditional ecological knowledge when assessing the environmental impact of energy projects like Line 5. Indigenous ecological knowledge can have major legal implications for fossil fuel projects when it is given fair consideration by environmental authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chizewer raises the example of the Gateway Pacific Terminal in Washington in 2016. The Seattle District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied a permit to construct a $665 million coal export terminal after the Lummi Nation of American Indians demonstrated the threats posed by the project to tribal water and fishing rights. With just over a week until EGLEs public comment period closes, Chizewer calls upon the public to voice their objections to what she and others view as the catastrophic environmental threat posed by Line 5 while they still can. Im a citizen of the Sault Tribe, but Mackinac band Ojibwe. Enbridge is trespassing on our ancestral land which is the bottom lands of the Straits of Mackinac. This is cultural genocide, racial genocide, and environmental genocide, Monica Cady commented on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers draft impact statement this spring. This is one of the last chances to prevent destruction to a really important place for Michiganders. It has the benefits of providing drinking water, and its a place of recreation thats valued. Its important for decision makers to hear from the public about their concerns, Chizewer said. This story was updated to better clarify the nature of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project. You notice your air conditioner working harder as your house feels warmer and your electric bill gets higher. Water bills are following suit. House prices? Getting steeper and steeper. These aren't just inconveniences. They are troubling warning signs of a much bigger shift. Across the country and throughout the world, people are moving to escape worsening weather events such as droughts, storms, and wildfires. This quiet population reshuffling of where and how humans live is no longer a fictional dystopian plot it's real life. As Forbes reports, it is becoming one of the biggest economic shocks of our lifetime. What is climate migration? Climate migration happens when people move because the place they live becomes too hot, dry, flooded, or unstable. Sometimes that means leaving town. Other times, it's switching states or even countries. It's usually not a choice it's about survival, especially for people in places without backup resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A World Bank report predicts up to 216 million people could be displaced by 2050 because of rising temperatures and water shortages. In Latin America, after Hurricanes Eta and Iota, one resident said: "I had a house. Now it is at the bottom of the sea." That kind of upheaval is reshaping migration patterns. Scientists have also warned that billions of people may soon live outside the historical "climate niche," drastically altering where communities can thrive. In 2024, about 85,000 people moved to Phoenix despite 154 days without rain and relentless heat. Forbes calls it "a city booming economically while teetering on the brink of ecological collapse." Why does climate migration matter? The ripple effects hit everyone. Even if you're not packing up to leave, someone else is and that shift changes the cost of housing, where jobs go, and what services your city can afford. The people who move have to go somewhere, which can create massive geopolitical issues. It also foments uncertainty and chaos, which makes business tricky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding the "climate transition," PwC global chair Bob Moritz said, "If businesses are to thrive over the short and long term, build trust, and deliver sustained and long-term value, they must accelerate the pace of reinvention." How this affects you and your wallet You may not notice the changes overnight. But you might see insurance premiums creeping up. Your local grocery store could start stocking less fresh produce. Labor shortages in one region can mean delivery delays in another. The McKinsey Global Institute warned that extreme weather is already disrupting supply chains. And research from King's College London shows these breakdowns could cost the worldwide economy $24 trillion by 2060. Some companies are bracing for the shift insurers such as Swiss Re and utilities are adjusting long-term risk models. Ram Ramachander, CEO of Hitachi ZeroCarbon, told Forbes that big corporations can play a role, but "agility remains a challenge." This isn't abstract. It's already reshaping your job market, the services your city can afford, and your cost of living. Treat climate migration like the economic event it is and we all stand a better chance of staying ahead. How concerned are you about your energy bills increasing this summer? Very Somewhat Not much Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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. "To-may-to, to-mah-to," right? Not according to a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Last month, a new 17 percent tariff went into effect on Mexican tomatoes, suspending a previous agreement between the U.S. and Mexico since 2019. The tariff will be implemented as a tax on importsand that could impact grocery stores in the U.S. Because stateside, we consume a lot of tomatoes. And most of those tomatoes...come from Mexico. With the new changes, some analysts are forecasting major price jumps, which could hit your wallet on your next grocery run. Here's what we know. New Tariffs Could Raise Tomato Prices at the Grocery Store Chef John Tomatoes are one of the five most popular fruits and vegetables in America, according to the International Produce Association, and we enjoy them fresh, canned, and transformed into staples such as salsa, pizza sauce, marinara sauce, and more. But unless youre stocking up on heirlooms or cherry tomatoes from your local farmers' market during peak tomato season (May through September), youll likely see a shift in your spendingboth at home and while dining out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decades ago, Mexico supplied only about 20 percent of Americas tomatoes. We grew most of the remaining 80 percent domestically, per data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Things began to slowly shift after 1992, when Mexico, Canada, and the United States all signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). By 1994, all three countries vowed to lift tariffs on the majority of goods, and production of everything from cars to tomatoes began ramping up in Mexico. Today, the Florida Tomato Exchange estimates Mexican tomatoes account for 70 percent of the tomatoes consumed stateside. And due to the development of advanced growing strategies and lower labor costs, tomatoes from Mexico have become more diverseand an even better deal over the years. The U.S. Commerce Department said it calculated the new tax percentage based on what it believes tomatoes from Mexico have been sold stateside at what it deems unfair prices. This month, Mexico responded to the tax, announcing new minimum prices on tomatoes, from cherry to Roma to stemmed to heirloom, and more, according to Reuters. And as Bloomberg reported, Juan Carlos Anaya, an agricultural consultant in Mexico City, told Imagen Radio that the new minimums "imply a price jump of almost 40 percent for round 'bola' tomatoes and 26 percent for the cherry and grape varieties." That's on the heels of Bloomberg previously reporting that NatureSweet, a tomato importer in the U.S., would have to increase prices by 10 percent if existing deals with the U.S. and Mexico dissolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How quickly tomato prices will change at the grocery storeor if they will at allis still to be determined. Those involved in the Mexican tomato industry could end up absorbing the extra costs. Or they might pass it along to the consumer. Current estimates vary, but economists and industry experts anticipate that the new tariffs may increase the price of tomatoes between seven and 11 percent. This will not only affect your grocery spending (Tomatoes that were $3.99 per pound may be more like $4.49 now.) but also restaurant menu prices. If fresh tomatoesas well as items made from them, such as salsa and pizza saucecost more for restaurants to buy from their suppliers, those food costs could be woven into the cost of your meal. This story is still developing, and well share more details as we learn more. In the meantime, this is a good reminder to enjoy those juicy, flavorful tomatoes from your local farmers' market while they're still in season. In case you need tomato inspiration, you cant go wrong with our No. 1 tomato recipe of all time or any of these fresh tomato recipes from around the world. Read the original article on Allrecipes STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Germany's Ecosia, a nonprofit search engine, said on Thursday it has submitted a proposal to assume a 10-year stewardship of Alphabet's Google Chrome web browser. According to the proposal, Google would legally separate Chrome into a foundation, retaining ultimate ownership and intellectual property rights and give Ecosia operational responsibility for 10 years, Ecosia said. Ecosia plans to reinvest part of Chrome's profits in climate action under Ecosias governance, with the remainder returned to Google as compensation for the stewardship. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier in August, Perplexity AI made a $34.5 billion unsolicited all-cash offer for Chrome, a bid far above its own valuation as the startup reaches for the browser's billions of users pivotal to the AI search race. (Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) Previous Carillon Historical Park coverage above. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Are you looking to learn more about the history of firefighting? The annual Miami Valley Antique Fire Apparatus Show is coming up soon and will be held at the Carillon Historical Park. The Miami Valley Antique Fire Apparatus Association (MVAFAA) will showcase over 40 pieces from its fire apparatus collection, including spectacular historic fire trucks and horse-drawn hose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests will be able to explore the history of firefighting in the Miami Valley and beyond through this collection. Experts will be present to teach about each item, many of whom have restored and cared for them themselves. Carillon Historical Park to unveil massive paper mill exhibit The event will be on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. People of all ages are welcome to attend. There will be free miniature train rides from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The show has recently returned to the park, having previously been held in Germantown. Admission to the event is included in the regular ticket fees, $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for kids (3 to 7-year-olds). It is free for toddlers/babies, Dayton History members. Parking is also free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 60-acre outdoor historical campus is located at 1000 Carillon Blvd., and it hugs a large section of the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton. To learn more about the critical educational and archival work Dayton History does throughout the Miami Valley, 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Dangerous heat is coming to Oregon this weekend, and the states office of emergency management wants you to be prepared. The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Watch for much of the Portland metro area from Friday through Sunday evening. Meanwhile, southwest Oregon was issued an Excessive Heat Warning from Friday afternoon through 8 p.m. Monday. READ MORE: Extreme summer heat returns to Portland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Multnomah County, workers are already hitting the streets with cooling supplies and connecting vulnerable residents to air conditioners. Though the temperatures dont meet the countys threshold to open cooling centers, theyre still advising people to make plans for staying cool and check on vulnerable neighbors. How to Stay Cool The City of Beaverton announced Thursday that it plans to open an after-hours cooling center at the Beaverton City Library Main (12375 SW Fifth St.) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Regular cooling hours will also remain open at Beaverton City Library Main and Murray Scholls Branch (11200 SW Murray Scholls Pl., Suite 102) during normal hours. As of Thursday afternoon, Multnomah County officials do not plan to open cooling centers to those looking to beat the heat, as current forecasted temperatures have not reached county thresholds to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without access to a cooling center, there are still several ways to cool off. Residents in Multnomah County are encouraged to find splash pads or libraries near them via the countys interactive cooling map. This is the kind of event that will be longer and more severe than basically anything weve experienced this summer, said Multnomah County Healthy Homes and Communities Manager Brendon Haggerty. Officials said there are serious health risks for anyone caught in the three-day period of extreme heat within the Portland metro region, but especially so for the thousands of people expected to flock to outdoor events like the Hood to Coast relay race this weekend. All these outdoor events are places where people will have a lot of exposure to heat. We need to make sure that both the organizers and the attendants and participants are making lots of plans to stay safe, Haggerty said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making activity plans for earlier in the day, bringing extra water and taking plenty of breaks are all recommended ways to say cool, as is heading to a local library to beat the heat in A.C. Mark Depot has been experiencing homelessness for roughly 20 years. He told KOIN 6 News he thinks the county should open the cooling centers now. He said he stays cool by dipping in the river, even though its not super clean He said that while workers have offered him water, he worries for others without phone or internet who could miss the memo if cooling centers do open later on. If its going to be over 100 degrees out, thats hot, so youve got to let them know, Depot said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office of emergency management also recommends the following: Drink water regularly and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Take cool showers or spend time in air-conditioned environments. Keep windows closed during the day and open at night if air quality allows. Never leave children, adults, or pets in parked vehicles. Limit physical activity during peak heat hours. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Severe Weather Alerts Heres what it means to be under a warning, watch, or advisory, per NWS guidelines. Warnings, Watches & Advisories Extreme Heat Warning: Extremely dangerous heat is expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially midday. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, and check on family and neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extreme Heat Watch: Extreme heat is possible in the future. Prepare to suspend outdoor activities and identify nearby cooling shelters or friends/family with AC. Heat Advisory: Heat will be dangerous but may not reach warning levels. Limit time outdoors, especially during the hottest part of the day, and stay in cool spaces as much as possible. Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our hot weather coverage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Incarcerated people exercise in the maximum security yard of the Lansing Correctional Facility in April 2023 in Lansing, Kan. This year, several states have taken steps to install air conditioning and expand cooling measures to address sweltering heat inside prisons, but many across the country remain years away from significant upgrades. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) Summer heat is bearing down on U.S. prisons, where temperatures in uncooled cells can climb well into the triple digits. Facing growing pressure from advocacy groups, lawsuits and climate projections that show hotter days ahead, some state prison systems are moving to install air conditioning and expand cooling measures though many facilities remain years away from significant upgrades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in other states, such efforts have stalled or failed. That may lead to more lawsuits in the future, experts say, even as judges may raise the bar for such cases. An emphasis on being tough on crime and prioritizing other public safety measures may have contributed to less attention on prison conditions in some states. In others, slowing revenue growth and pressure to rein in corrections spending could be making new investments a harder sell. At least two states this year, Virginia and Texas, considered legislation addressing excessive heat in prisons but neither measure became law. The Texas bill would have required the state Department of Criminal Justice to purchase and install climate control systems in all of its facilities by the end of 2032. About two-thirds of the states correctional facilities have only partial or no air conditioning. The measure passed the House but did not advance in the Senate before the legislature adjourned in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Virginia, lawmakers approved a bill that would have required the state corrections department to install heat and air conditioning in its prisons and to ensure cell temperatures not exceed 80 degrees. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed it, citing the cost of installation and operational burdens. Youngkin also wrote that existing state corrections data does not substantiate the claims of extreme temperatures or health risks. But in Delaware, the fiscal year 2026 capital budget approved last month includes $2 million in funding to install air conditioning at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center. These changes mark the latest actions in a long-running debate over how correctional systems respond to rising summer temperatures an issue that affects both incarcerated people and staff. Some of the policy debates and facility updates this year follow years of advocacy and litigation over the health, safety and operational challenges posed by heat in correctional settings. The problem of excessive heat in prisons has persisted for decades and has unfolded alongside other challenges, including chronic understaffing and overcrowding. In some cases, these problems have led to extended facility lockdowns, even during the summer months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are people working in prisons and they have the right to work in climates that are comfortable, said Nancy La Vigne, a criminal justice researcher and dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University. When theyre not, theres retention issues, and its hard to replace staff. And when you dont replace staff, then you have challenges in maintaining the safety and security of the facility. In New York, for example, correctional officers staged a three-week strike earlier this year and many didnt return to work. Some facilities now are operating with 30%-60% fewer guards than needed, resulting in some incarcerated people getting only an hour or two outside of their cells each day. A 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed PLOS One journal found that mortality in state and private prisons rose during periods of extreme heat, with deaths increasing 3.5% on extreme heat days and up to 7.4% during three-day heat waves. Between 2001 and 2019, nearly 13,000 people died in prison during the summer months, almost half of them in the South, though the study did not determine how many of those deaths were directly attributable to heat. Climate change is fueling longer, more intense periods of extreme heat. Exposure to extreme heat can worsen conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and asthma, and has also been linked to worsening mental health and higher suicide rates among incarcerated people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Average temperatures are rising, and youre going to have more and more states around the country where incarcerated people are held in conditions that are not livable because theyre too hot, said Sharon Dolovich, a law professor and director of the Prison Law and Policy Program at the University of California, Los Angeles. Some upgrades At least 44 states lack universal air conditioning within their prison facilities, even in regions known for sweltering summer temperatures, according to a 2022 USA Today analysis. A recent Reuters investigation also found that nearly half of state prisons across 29 states have partial or no air conditioning in housing units. But some states are investing millions to update their prison facilities. In North Carolina, corrections officials are working toward their goal of installing air conditioning in all 54 state prisons by 2026. To date, 33 facilities are fully air-conditioned, 17 are partially air-conditioned, and four have no air conditioning, according to its dashboard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In California, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which operates 31 adult prisons, has spent $246 million in the past five years on cooling improvements at five prisons, according to a department spokesperson. Lawmakers this year also approved funding for the Air Cooling Pilot Program at three facilities, with $17.6 million allocated for fiscal years 2025-26 and $20 million for fiscal years 2026-27. It will evaluate the effectiveness of two alternatives prior to a statewide plan to address high indoor temperatures across the California prison system. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, as of Aug. 1, is building 12,827 cool beds, or prison cells in air-conditioned units, and is in the process of procuring an additional 7,162, according to its dashboard. Texas is one of the states most closely associated with heat-related deaths in prison. A 2022 study estimated that, on average, 14 deaths per year in Texas prisons are associated with heat. And a Texas Tribune analysis found that at least 41 incarcerated people died during a record-breaking heat wave in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, a federal judge ruled the extreme heat in Texas prisons is plainly unconstitutional, but declined to order immediate air conditioning, saying the work could not be completed within the court orders 90-day window and temporary systems might delay a permanent fix. More miserable Sweltering summer heat can turn prisons into pressure cookers. People inside already may have health conditions, limited access to cooling, or take medications that make it harder for their bodies to handle the heat. And research suggests that high temperatures can heighten irritability and aggression, sometimes fueling more conflicts between incarcerated people or with staff. It makes you more miserable. If you to the point of even thinking about suicide, thats just going to add to it, said Ronald McKeithen, who spent 37 years incarcerated in Alabama prisons and is now the director of second chances at the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. McKeithen recalls feeling on edge due to tension among other incarcerated people on hot days. At the Oshkosh Correctional Institution in Wisconsin, Devin Skrzypchak said the heat worsens his bladder condition, and he often cant get the incontinence briefs he needs. The heat forces him to drink more water, and on days when ice isnt available, hes left drenched in sweat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At times, its a living hell. It can be very excruciating, Skrzypchak wrote in a message to Stateline through the facilitys messaging platform. At times, its a living hell. It can be very excruciating. Devin Skrzypchak, who is incarcerated at Oshkosh Correctional Institution in Wisconsin DAngelo Lee Komanekin who has spent about 25 years in and out of different Wisconsin corrections facilities said prison architecture plays a major role in why temperatures inside climb so high. The planet is getting hotter and hotter, said Komanekin, who relies on a small plastic fan to stay cool. Komanekin also is incarcerated at the Oshkosh Correctional Institution. Theyre doing nothing about the architecture. Some institutions windows open, some dont, but most of the doors have steel doors with trap doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Older prison designs that rely heavily on steel and concrete building materials often trap heat, making it difficult to keep temperatures down in the summer. Aging facilities also are less likely to be equipped for the installation of central air conditioning. Some state prison systems, including Alabamas and Wisconsins, are adding air-conditioning or air-tempering systems to new prison construction and major renovation projects. Future legal battles Legal experts say the issue of excessive heat in prisons is likely to become more pressing as climate change drives longer and hotter summers. Extreme heat in correctional facilities has already been the subject of litigation in dozens of states, with plaintiffs arguing that high temperatures constitute cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. Court rulings in these cases have varied, but some experts say even more lawsuits are likely if facilities do not adapt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conditions are going to worsen. [Incarcerated people are] going to be looking for every possible avenue for assistance they can, Dolovich, the UCLA law professor, told Stateline. One of the latest cases comes from Missouri, where the nonprofit law firm MacArthur Justice Center filed a class-action lawsuit in May on behalf of six incarcerated people at Algoa Correctional Center. The lawsuit alleges that the conditions violate their constitutional rights under the Eighth Amendment. It seeks to require the Missouri Department of Corrections to work with experts to develop a heat mitigation plan that keeps housing unit temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees. If the department cannot meet that standard, the plaintiffs are asking for the release of three of the incarcerated people who have less than a year remaining on their sentences. Lawsuits such as the Missouri case often focus on claims that extreme heat worsens existing medical problems. To proceed, they must meet two legal requirements: proving the heat poses a serious health or safety risk, and showing prison officials knew about the danger but failed to address it, according to Dolovich, whose work has focused on the Eighth Amendment and prison conditions. Courts may also raise the bar for proving such claims if judges echo decisions in cases with similar Eight Amendment arguments related to the death penalty and homelessness, Dolovich said. Judges have shifted, she said, toward a superadding terror, pain and disgrace standard under the Eighth Amendment a higher threshold requiring proof that conditions were created with the intent to cause unnecessary suffering. Dolovich added that some recent court decisions have provided only narrow remedies, such as ordering ice and fans instead of installing air conditioning. Prison officials have a moral and a constitutional responsibility to respond to changing conditions. In this case, it means air conditioning. Anything less than that, to me, is indefensible. she said. Stateline reporter Amanda Hernandez can be reached at ahernandez@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Claim: A group of Cambodian monks thanked U.S. President Donald Trump in summer 2025 for ending a war between Cambodia and Thailand. Rating: Rating: Mixture What's True: Cambodian monks on a march for peace thanked Trump for his role pressuring the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand to agree to a ceasefire following an armed conflict between the two countries. What's False: While Trump contributed to the truce, he did not "end a war" between Cambodia and Thailand. The ceasefire occurred after 5 days of armed conflict at the border between the two countries, not a sustained war, and a ceasefire refers to a temporary pause in conflict, not a permanent end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2025, a claim spread online that a group of Cambodian monks had thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for ending a war between their country and Thailand. Many of the posts included one or more images that appeared to show monks in orange robes holding signs with pictures of Trump's face. The rumor spread on X, Facebook and Instagram. One post spreading the claim, from former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, received over 45,000 likes on X as of this writing. Cambodian Monks thank President @realDonaldTrump for his leadership in stopping the war between Cambodia and Thailand. Hopefully the Nobel Peace Prize Committee will notice. pic.twitter.com/mxLkivOfLO Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) August 13, 2025 These posts need context. It is true that a group of Cambodian monks thanked Trump for his peacemaking efforts. However, they expressed gratitude to the U.S. president for his role in helping broker a temporary pause in fighting, also known as a ceasefire, between Cambodia and Thailand not for permanently ending any war between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the July 28, 2025, ceasefire agreement, Cambodia and Thailand paused fighting in a five-day armed conflict at the neighboring countries' border. While the territorial dispute resulted in the deadliest escalation of violence between Cambodia and Thailand since 2011, neither side officially declared war and journalists and diplomats, as of this writing, have largely not described it as such. Thus, we rate this claim a mixture of truth and falsehood. Monks thanked Trump On Aug. 10, 2025, a group of Cambodian Buddhist monks participated in a march for peace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, amid reports that the two neighboring countries accused the other of violating the ceasefire. Some of these monks carried signs with a picture of Trump that said: "Thank you! Mr. President." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Images of the march and these signs were available through Getty Images, a reputable image bank. Several credible news outlets, including Reuters, also published various pictures and videos of the monks with their posters, further indicating that monks did, in fact, hold up portraits of Trump alongside a message of thanks. According to Reuters, the march "stopped briefly at the US embassy to show gratitude to Trump for initiating the ceasefire agreement." Why the monks thanked Trump On July 26, 2025, Trump said in a Truth Social post that he spoke to the leaders of both countries to "request a Ceasefire, and END to the War, which is currently raging." In his post, he added that he told both countries he would not negotiate any trade deal with either side until the fighting stopped. Two days later, Thailand and Cambodia came to a ceasefire agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of Trump's threat, both countries faced a potential 36% U.S. tariff that would have begun on Aug. 1. Three days after the ceasefire announcement, the White House announced a reduction in the tariff rate for both countries to 19%. In a July 31 exclusive, Reuters reported that Trump's call "prompted Thailand to join ceasefire talks." Snopes cannot independently verify Reuters' report. However, according to multiple reputable outlets, after Thailand's acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, and Cambodia's prime minister, Hun Manet, agreed on the ceasefire, both thanked Trump. (They also thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted the peace talks, and China, whose diplomats participated in the meeting.) On Aug. 7, Hun Manet also posted a letter on Facebook nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize "for his crucial role in restoring peace and stability at the border between Cambodia and Thailand." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus, reputable reports and statements from Cambodia and Thailand's leaders indicated Trump had a legitimate and significant role in the ceasefire agreement. With this context, it is clear that the monks' thank you signs referenced Trump's efforts to broker a ceasefire. Trump helped pause a conflict, not 'end a war' While Trump referred to the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand as a "war" in his Truth Social post, neither Cambodia nor Thailand have officially declared war against each other over the border conflict as of this writing, based on a search for news articles about a war declaration. The New York Times reported that Wechayachai warned on July 25 that the border dispute "could develop into war," suggesting that Thailand's leader, at least, did not consider the conflict a "war." On occasion, journalists and experts will refer to a conflict as a war even if the countries have not officially proclaimed it as such. In fact, the Merriam-Webster definition of war includes any "open and declared armed hostile conflict between states and nations," a criteria that Cambodia and Thailand's July 2025 border conflict technically met, despite the lack of official declaration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the United Nations, the conflict displaced more than 131,000 people in Thailand and over 4,000 in Cambodia. The Associated Press reported on July 26 that at least 32 people had died. Still, the AP, the United Nations and the U.S. State Department have not, as of this writing, referred to the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict as a war. The AP, long considered the standard for journalistic language, "considers the number of casualties, the intensity of fighting, the involvement of each party, and what each country was calling the conflict" to determine whether it describes a conflict as "war" to avoid diminishing the word's importance. As such, the claim that Cambodian monks thanked Trump for "ending a war," while somewhat accurate, may have misrepresented the scope or nature of the conflict as well as the subsequent peace talks. Sources: Al Jazeera Staff. "Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire: Will It Stop the Deadly Fighting?" Al Jazeera, 28 July 2025, www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2025/7/28/thailand-and-cambodia-agree-to-ceasefire-will-it-stop-the-deadly-fighting. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bartlett, Kate. "Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire. What's behind the Conflict?" NPR, 28 July 2025, www.npr.org/2025/07/28/nx-s1-5482345/cambodia-thailand-ceasefire-talks. "Cambodia-Thailand: Border Violence Turns More Violent and Deadly Expert Comment." ACLED, 8 Aug. 2025, acleddata.com/expert-comment/cambodia-thailand-border-violence-turns-more-violent-and-deadly-expert-comment. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. Cheang, Sopheng, and Jintamas Saksornchai. "Tensions Linger despite Ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia." AP News, 29 July 2025, apnews.com/article/thailand-cambodia-border-clash-ceasefire-36da6c2ba1a1c33a16ca6ddf1cb82bda. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. "CNBC-TV18 on Instagram: 'over 2,500 Cambodian Buddhist Monks Marched, Carrying Banners and Flags to Promote Peace with Thailand. The Monks Also Thanked US President Trump for Supporting the Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire, Following the Worst Border Clashes between the Two Nations in over a Decade. #Cambodia #Thailand #BorderClashes #Trump #Cnbctv18digital.'" Instagram, 11 Aug. 2025, www.instagram.com/reel/DNNVxqLIEJI/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Definition of War." Merriam-Webster.com, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war. Drury, Flora. "Why Are Thailand and Cambodia Fighting at the Border?" BBC, 24 July 2025, www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjxje2pje1o. "Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates." The White House, 31 July 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/further-modifying-the-reciprocal-tariff-rates/. "How the AP Decided to Refer to the Conflict between Israel and Iran as a War." AP News, 20 June 2025, apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-definition-conflict-fighting-words-d586417865f7993502744941f0b5a32d. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manet, Hun. " Donald Trump..." Facebook.com, 7 Aug. 2025, www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1077005154626524&set=pb.100069511484329.-2207520000. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. Nachemson, Andrew. "Thailand, Cambodia Border Tensions Continue as Talks Conclude in Malaysia." Al Jazeera, 7 Aug. 2025, www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/7/locals-pray-for-peace-as-thailand-cambodia-tensions-continue-despite-talks. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. Narin, Sun, et al. "Thailand Warns of War with Cambodia as Deadly Clashes Enter 2nd Day." The New York Times, 25 July 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/07/25/world/asia/thailand-cambodia-border-death-toll.html. "On Ceasefire Deal between Cambodia and Thailand." U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand, 8 Aug. 2025, th.usembassy.gov/on-ceasefire-deal-between-cambodia-and-thailand/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. "Over 2,500 Cambodian Buddhist Monks Marched, Carrying Banners and Flags to Promote Peace with Thailand. The Monks Also Thanked US President Trump for Supporting the Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire, Following the Worst Border Clashes between the Two Nations in over a Decade." Instagram.com, 11 Aug. 2025, www.instagram.com/radiofreeasia/p/DNMTIZuifhw/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. Reuters. "Cambodian Buddhist Monks March to Support Peace with Thailand | REUTERS." YouTube, 10 Aug. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMvsRrvKjXU. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. Reuters Staff. "Thailand and Cambodia Trade Accusations but Fragile Truce Holds." Reuters, 30 July 2025, www.reuters.com/world/china/thailand-cambodia-trade-accusations-fragile-truce-holds-2025-07-30/. Ry, Roun, and Reuters. "A Buddhist Monk Holds a Portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump during a March for Peace, in Phnom Penh." Reutersconnect.com, Reuters Connect, 10 Aug. 2025, www.reutersconnect.com/item/a-buddhist-monk-holds-a-portrait-of-us-president-donald-trump-during-a-march-for-peace-in-phnom-penh/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjU6bmV3c21sX1JDMjY0R0FNQUhHUQ. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. ---. "Buddhist Monks Hold Portraits of U.S. President Donald Trump during a March for Peace, in Phnom Penh." Reutersconnect.com, Reuters Connect, 10 Aug. 2025, www.reutersconnect.com/item/buddhist-monks-hold-portraits-of-us-president-donald-trump-during-a-march-for-peace-in-phnom-penh/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjU6bmV3c21sX1JDMjk0R0FKRFkzMQ. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. Saksornchai, Jintamas, and Sopheng Cheang. "Tens of Thousands Flee Thailand-Cambodia Fighting." AP News, 25 July 2025, apnews.com/article/thailand-cambodia-armed-clash-border-deaa0baeecf76876340105a26651653f. "Secretary Rubio's Phone Call with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Prak - United States Department of State." United States Department of State, 27 July 2025, www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/07/secretary-rubios-phone-call-with-cambodian-deputy-prime-minister-foreign-minister-prak. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. TANG CHHIN Sothy , and AFP. "A Cambodian Buddhist Monk Holds a Placard Showing a Portrait of US..." Getty Images, 10 Aug. 2025, www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/cambodian-buddhist-monk-holds-a-placard-showing-a-portrait-news-photo/2228681800. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. TANG CHHIN SOTHY, and AFP. "A Cambodian Buddhist Monk Holds a Portrait of US President Donald..." Getty Images, 10 Aug. 2025, www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/cambodian-buddhist-monk-holds-a-portrait-of-us-president-news-photo/2228657177. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. ---. "Cambodian Buddhist Monks Take Part in a March for Peace in Phnom Penh..." Getty Images, 10 Aug. 2025, www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/cambodian-buddhist-monks-take-part-in-a-march-for-peace-in-news-photo/2228681345. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. "The Ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand." U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand, 28 July 2025, th.usembassy.gov/the-ceasefire-between-cambodia-and-thailand/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. "The Ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand - United States Department of State." United States Department of State, 28 July 2025, www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/07/the-ceasefire-between-cambodia-and-thailand. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. The White House. "Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Continues Enforcement of Reciprocal Tariffs and Announces New Tariff Rates." The White House, 7 July 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/07/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-continues-enforcement-of-reciprocal-tariffs-and-announces-new-tariff-rates/. Titthara, May, and Jonathan Head. "Cambodia and Thailand Agree to 'Immediate and Unconditional Ceasefire.'" BBC News, edited by Ayeshea Perera, 28 July 2025, www.bbc.com/news/live/c93dy4g436nt. Trump, Donald J. "Just Spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia Relative to Stopping the War with Thailand. I Am Calling the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, Right Now, to Likewise Request a Ceasefire, and END to the War, Which Is Currently Raging. We Happen to Be, by Coincidence, Currently Dealing on Trade with Both Countries, but Do Not Want to Make Any Deal, with Either Country, If They Are Fighting and I Have Told Them So! The Call with Thailand Is Being Made Momentarily. The Call with Cambodia Has Ended, but Expect to Call Back Regarding War Stoppage and Ceasefire Based on What Thailand Has to Say. I Am Trying to Simplify a Complex Situation! Many People Are Being Killed in This War, but It Very Much Reminds Me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, Which Was Brought to a Successful Halt." Truthsocial.com, 26 July 2025, truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114920242180121128. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. "UN Urges Restraint as Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Displace Thousands; Security Council Meets." UN News, 25 July 2025, news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165503. Wongcha-um, Panu, and Poppy Mcpherson. "Exclusive: Trump's Call Broke Deadlock in Thailand-Cambodia Border Crisis." Reuters, 31 July 2025, www.reuters.com/world/china/trumps-call-broke-deadlock-thailand-cambodia-border-crisis-2025-07-31/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025. Claim: 70,000 Cambodian monks nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. Rating: Rating: Mostly False Context: While Trump did receive a Cambodian nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, the nomination came from the country's prime minister, Hun Manet. Yon Seng Yeath, a leading figure among Cambodian buddhist monks, declared the group's support for Hun Manet's nomination on Aug. 10, 2025. In August 2025, after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly helped start ceasefire negotiations in the armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, a claim (archived) spread online that 70,000 Cambodian monks nominated the U.S. president for a Nobel Peace Prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The July 28, 2025, ceasefire ended the deadliest escalation of violence between Thailand and Cambodia since 2011. According to the United Nations, the conflict displaced more than 131,000 people in Thailand and more than 4,000 in Cambodia. The Associated Press reported on July 26 that at least 32 people had died. Following the ceasefire, the claim about Cambodian monks nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize gained popularity after Jesse Watters, a Fox News host, featured it on his show. Watters said, "70,000 monks just broke their vows of silence to nominate Trump for the Nobel." The claim also circulated on X (archived). Snopes readers wrote in asking whether the claim was true. However, claims about the Cambodian monks and Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination overstated the monks' involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an address on Aug. 10, Yon Seng Yeath, the chief monk of Wat Ounaloum, a monastery regarded as the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism, said of Trump, "Today, 70,000 monks are wholeheartedly supportive of our Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to nominate you for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of your historic contribution in advancing world peace." Hun Manet, not 70,000 Cambodian monks, nominated (archived) Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize on Aug. 7, 2025. Given the above, we rate this claim mostly false in recognition that Trump did receive a Cambodian Nobel Peace Prize nomination. In his Aug. 7 nomination, which he posted on Facebook, Hun Manet wrote that Trump's "extraordinary statesmanship" had helped broker "an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand." "This timely intervention, which averted a potentially devastating conflict, was vital in preventing great loss of lives and paved the way toward the restoration of peace between the two countries," Hun Manet wrote. Monks endorsed Hun Manet's nomination More than 2,500 monks marched in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh on Aug. 10, 2025, calling for a sustainable ceasefire deal between Cambodia and Thailand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The march stopped briefly outside the U.S. embassy in Phnom Penh, where Yon Seng Yeath made the declaration of support for Hun Manet's nomination, according to local media. Though there were not 70,000 monks present during the Aug. 10 march, the Cambodian Minister of Cults and Religious Affairs said in March 2025 that there were more than 70,000 Buddhist monks in the country, supporting Yon Seng Yeath's tally. Cambodia's nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize followed nominations from Israel and Pakistan. Trump previously told reporters that the Nobel Committee, the body responsible for awarding Nobel Prizes, would "never" give him the top prize. "I deserve it, but they will never give it to me," Trump said in the Oval Office on Feb. 4, 2025, while meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes previously provided context for a claim that Buddhist monks thanked Trump for his role in ending the armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Sources: AKP Phnom Penh. "Thousands of Buddhist Monks Joint Peace Walk." Agence Kampuchea Press, 10 Aug. 2025, https://www.akp.gov.kh/post/detail/344887. Cambodia-Thailand: Border Violence Turns More Violent and Deadly Expert Comment | ACLED. 8 Aug. 2025, https://acleddata.com/expert-comment/cambodia-thailand-border-violence-turns-more-violent-and-deadly-expert-comment. "Full Text: With Netanyahu in Oval Office, Trump Talks of 'Permanently' Resettling Gazans." The Times of Israel, 6 Feb. 2025, https://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-with-netanyahu-in-oval-office-trump-talks-of-permanently-resettling-gazans/#:~:text=President%20Donald%20Trump%3A%20They%20will%20never%20give%20me%20a%20Nobel%20Peace%20Prize.%20I%20deserve%20it%2C%20but%20they%20will%20never%20give%20it%20to%20me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @GovtofPakistan. "Government of Pakistan Recommends President Donald J. Trump for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize." X, 20 Jun. 2025, https://x.com/GovtofPakistan/status/1936159807326900577. Khmer Times. "Monks March for Peace, Ceasefire Respect and Soldiers' Release." YouTube, 11 Aug. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvf0ot5xKVM&t=57s. "Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize." Reuters, 7 Jul. 2025. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/netanyahu-nominates-trump-nobel-peace-prize-2025-07-07/. "Ounalom Monastery." Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia - Official Website - Tourism Cambodia, https://tourismcambodia.org/provinces/search/detail/172/ounalom-monastery-1549678948. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "PM Calls Buddhist Monks to Continue Contributing to Human Capital Development." Https://Www.Information.Gov.Kh, https://www.information.gov.kh/articles/154206. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025. SAKSORNCHAI, JINTAMAS, and SOPHENG CHEANG. "Tens of Thousands Flee Their Homes as Thailand and Cambodia Clash." AP News, 25 Jul. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/thailand-cambodia-armed-clash-border-deaa0baeecf76876340105a26651653f. Som Sotheary. "Monks March for Peace, Ceasefire Respect and Soldiers' Release (VIDEO)." Khmer Times, 11 Aug. 2025, https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501735794/monks-march-for-peace-ceasefire-respect-and-soldiers-release/. "The Ceasefire Between Cambodia and Thailand." U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand, 28 Jul. 2025, https://th.usembassy.gov/the-ceasefire-between-cambodia-and-thailand/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UN Urges Restraint as Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Displace Thousands; Security Council Meets | UN News. 25 Jul. 2025, https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165503. "Why Are Thailand and Cambodia Fighting at the Border?" BBC News, 24 Jul. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjxje2pje1o. Wongcha-um, Panu, and Poppy Mcpherson. "Exclusive: Trump's Call Broke Deadlock in Thailand-Cambodia Border Crisis." Reuters, 31 Jul. 2025, https://archive.ph/HhTTN#selection-1025.0-1025.15. Claim: Tom Nichols, a U.S. Naval War College professor and staff writer for The Atlantic, once said: "One thing that genuinely mystifies me, Trump is one of the least masculine, least adult, people in public life. Needy, whiny, defensive, pleading, scared of women, terrified of more powerful men. I am at a loss as to why his base sees him as manly or strong." Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution In August 2025, a rumor circulated on social media platforms that U.S. Naval War College professor Tom Nichols once said of U.S. President Donald Trump: "One thing that genuinely mystifies me, Trump is one of the least masculine, least adult, people in public life. Needy, whiny, defensive, pleading, scared of women, terrified of more powerful men. I am at a loss as to why his base sees him as manly or strong." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, an Aug. 19 Facebook post (archived) receiving more than 22,000 reactions and 2,800 comments, as of this writing, read: There has never been anyone in the history of American politics who whines as much as Donald Trump. Everything is unfair, everything is rigged, no one gives him credit, the media is mean, he's such a whiner!!! How can anyone think this whining, complaining, little coward is tough? (Truth & Accountability Project/Facebook) The post included an image featuring photos of Nichols and U.S. President Donald Trump alongside the quote attributed to "Tom Nichols, Professor, U.S. Naval War College." Another Facebook post (archived) and an Instagram post (archived) also attributed the quote to Nichols. A Snopes reader also asked via email, "Is this quote correctly attributed?" Snopes contacted Nichols directly to verify the claim. As a result, we have rated this attribution correct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nichols who is a professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College told Snopes via email the quote definitely came from him, though he could not confirm the exact point in time he made it. He explained that he shared it on social media around the time he wrote a May 2020 article (archived) for The Atlantic titled "Donald Trump, the Most Unmanly President," which contained a version of the quote. Because he has deleted much of his old posts on X (formerly Twitter), the post was no longer visible in searches. In that article (archived), Nichols wrote (emphasis ours): "But since his first day as a presidential candidate, I have been baffled by one mystery in particular: Why do working-class white men the most reliable component of Donald Trump's base support someone who is, by their own standards, the least masculine man ever to hold the modern presidency? The question is not whether Trump fails to meet some archaic or idealized version of masculinity. The president's inability to measure up to Marcus Aurelius or Omar Bradley is not the issue. Rather, the question is why so many of Trump's working-class white male voters refuse to hold Trump to their own standards of masculinity why they support a man who behaves more like a little boy." Nichols used nearly identical language to the quote shared in August 2025, describing Trump as "the least masculine man ever" in his 2020 article. Nichols also noted some of the people sharing the quote after he'd removed the original post were his social-media followers. Sources: Nichols, Tom. "Donald Trump, the Most Unmanly President", The Atlantic. 25 May 2020, https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/05/donald-trump-the-most-unmanly-president/612031/. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025. "Tom Nichols, The Atlantic." The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025, https://www.theatlantic.com/author/tom-nichols/. FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric J. Toney announced that a mother and her boyfriend were sentenced on Thursday to maximum prison terms for human trafficking and other crimes. According to a release from District Attorney Toney, Elia Antonio and her boyfriend, Juan Rocha Mejia, were sentenced to 34 years and 40 years of prison, respectively. Search underway for missing 42-year-old woman last seen in Bellevue, concern for her well-being Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges were as follows: Elia Antonio Human Trafficking Failure to Protect a Child Bail Jumping Juan Rocha Mejia Sexual Assault relating to human trafficking Rocha Mejia, according to the release, paid $250 to his girlfriend, Antonio, to sexually assault her 12-year-old child. District Attorney Toney provided the following statement in the release. Elia Antonio failed as a mother and has forfeited the title of mom by trafficking her own child for sex. Rocha Mejia committed a horrific assault from a position of trust in paying $250 to rape a child. Both defendants were illegally in the United Stated, with Rocha Mejia entering the United States in 2021. Judge Lavey made it clear that children are not for sale and that if the mother had a half the bravery of the survivor this would never have happened. Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric J. Toney Judge Laura Lavey stated at sentencing that motherhood is the greatest gift in all of human existence and that Antonio failed in a heinous way. Health officials urge Outagamie County residents to take precautions after bat tests positive for rabies Not only did you fail to protect her, Judge Lavey said. You actively participated in trafficking her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antonio will spend 20 years under extended supervision, as will Rocha Mejia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A coalition of local faith leaders is calling on Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to stop the implementation of Arkansas new law authorizing nitrogen gas executions. On Thursday, Aug. 21, the group plans to hand-deliver a letter to the governors office voicing their opposition to Act 302, which allows the state to carry out executions using the gas method. Arkansas has not executed an inmate in eight years, but the new law could soon change that. Rev. Dr. Clint Schnekloth, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, said he believes capital punishment runs directly counter to the teachings of the Bible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who knows? maybe you cant change that person. Maybe theyre unchangeable, but you dont know and never will know if you kill them, Schnekloth said. We dont want people to kill other people. So the state shouldnt kill people, he added. Currently, 23 inmates are on Arkansas death row. Schnekloth said he sees a direct contradiction between Christian faith and support for the death penalty. Jesuss whole life was focused on like, mercy, not sacrifice, he said. Its always shocking to me how differently she [Governor Sanders] understands her Christianity than I do. Its like were reading the same Bible, but we read it entirely differently or something. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas Death Row inmates sue to block nitrogen gas executions I would think all Christians would be opposed to the death penalty because, you know, kind of core to the Christian story is the fact that the person on whom Christianity is founded was unjustly executed, he continued. If you read the whole story, what you see is the final event is the state executing Gods son. And then God being so opposed to the execution of Gods Son that God raised Jesus from the dead. Schnekloth said the ultimate Christian response is to allow even those convicted of the most serious crimes the chance to change. I think the Christian response is to say even the most seemingly irredeemable person should still be given their life to be able to come to some new place, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop Anthony Taylor of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock echoed those concerns in a written statement, saying the Catholic Churchs opposition to the death penalty is rooted in a commitment to protecting human dignity. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appoints revamped library board The Catholic Church recognizes that our inherent human dignity requires us to protect all life, from conception to natural death and at every stage in between, Taylor said. True peace, justice, and closure cannot be obtained by more killing. We must seek alternatives to the death penalty in order to build a more compassionate society. Instead of expanding our states means of killing through the use of nitrogen gas, we ought to be increasing real support for those harmed by violent crime and promoting a restorative justice system that fosters safer communities. The use of nitrogen gas does not advance the cause of justice in Arkansasit sets us back. Let us all work and pray for true advancement of justice in our state, and for an elimination of the use of the death penalty. Although Sanders signed the nitrogen gas execution bill into law in April, she has said she is not rushing to resume executions and has no set timeline for when the process might begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jennifer Siccardi (left), a receptionist at Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders office, accepts a letter to the governor from a wide range of faith leaders, including (from left) Father Phillip Reaves of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock, Rev. Jacqui Bushor of Faith Lutheran Church in Little Rock, Methodist pastor Rev. Hammett Evans and Little Rock Second Baptist Church pastor Preston Clegg. The faith leaders spoke against the death penalty and Arkansas' law allowing executions by nitrogen hypoxia at a press conference on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) This story was updated Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, to include a statement from the Arkansas governors office. Arkansas faith leaders petitioned Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Thursday not to restart executions in the state in light of a new law allowing the use of nitrogen gas suffocation for the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven clergy members of different Christian denominations held a news conference at the state Capitol and spoke against both Act 302 of 2025 and the death penalty itself before delivering a letter to Sanders office. Together we prayerfully urge you to investigate the problems associated with execution by means of gas suffocation and continue to recognize the value of every human life, said the letter, signed by 43 faith leaders 41 Christian, one Jewish and one Buddhist. Arkansas became the fifth state to permit nitrogen gas executions when state lawmakers and Sanders approved Act 302 in March. The state executed four men within a week in 2017 in advance of its lethal injection drug supply expiring, but no executions have happened since. Lawmakers who supported Act 302 said the state is responsible for ensuring the punishment of violent criminals and carrying out executions will be easier if lethal injection is not the only option. There are about two dozen Arkansans currently on death row, according to the state corrections departments website. Ten of those inmates filed a lawsuit against Act 302 on Aug. 5, the day the law went into effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit argues that Act 302 unconstitutionally violates Arkansas separation of powers doctrine in three ways it delegates to the corrections department and its director absolute, unfettered discretion to choose between lethal injection and nitrogen hypoxia, it provides no standards to constrain the use of nitrogen hypoxia and it impairs the judicial function by imposing and modifying prior sentences. Thursdays speakers presented a moral argument against the death penalty, asserting that all humans are made in Gods image, even people who have done horrific things, said the Rev. Phillip Reaves, the Catholic Diocese of Little Rocks prison ministry director. Southern states carry out more executions than other regions, and most prisoners on death row are Black, said Rev. Denise Donnell of the New Beginnings Church of Central Arkansas. When you think about the history of lynching, you realize, hey, this has a racial component, Donnell said, pointing out that Jesus crucifixion was a public spectacle and comparing it to lynching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Act 302 met opposition from the public, including from clergy, during the 2025 legislative session. The Rev. Jeff Hood told a House committee that the nations first nitrogen gas execution in Alabama in January 2024 was horrific and devastating to witness. That execution led to a lawsuit filed earlier this year. The plaintiff, an Alabama death row inmate, said Kenneth Eugene Smiths death after several minutes of violent convulsing was a human experiment that officials botched miserably. The Rev. Hammett Evans, a Methodist minister at Thursdays press conference, said he got to know a Georgia inmate who converted to Christianity and became a pastor before her execution. He said this story haunts him and is a reminder that no person is beyond redemptions reach. The state executed Gods son, and God was so opposed to that execution that God raised Jesus from the dead, Evans said. The Resurrection was Gods ultimate no to the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unitarian Universalist Rev. Paul Beedle, Lutheran Rev. Jacqui Bushor and Baptist leader Preston Clegg also spoke against Act 302. The more we allow violence and torture to shape our moral imaginations, the more alien peacemaking becomes to us, said Clegg, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Little Rock. Jennifer Siccardi, a receptionist at Sanders office, accepted the letter from the faith leaders after the press conference. The letter suggests that the state direct resources to preventing child abuse, providing mental health care and substance abuse treatment, and by investing in community safety programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to do more to help victims in the aftermath of tragedy by providing emotional and financial support and services that help promote healing and recovery, instead of focusing solely on what happens to the person who caused harm, the letter states. Sanders told the Associated Press in April that she was certainly not rushing to take action on resuming executions in Arkansas and wanted to be thoughtful and deliberative about the option. Her spokesman Sam Dubke echoed this in a statement Friday: Governor Sanders will be thoughtful and deliberative with each individual case as she works to hold criminals accountable and enforce Arkansas law. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) The Panama City Beach Parks & Recreation Department announced the return of its annual Fall Festival & Market in a press release earlier Thursday. Our Fall Festival has become one of the most eagerly awaited community events of the year. Its a day for families to gather, support local businesses, and welcome the new season in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, said Parks & Recreation Director, Cheryl Joyner. The free event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Aaron Bessant Park. It will feature: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Market Vendors & Artisans, showcasing handcrafted items and autumn decorations. Community Business Opportunities, allowing local businesses to highlight their offerings. Childrens Activities, featuring games, inflatables, crafts, and a Kids Market. Food Trucks & Seasonal Treats For additional information, including vendor applications and event specifics, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Google will pay $30 million to settle a class action lawsuit claiming it violated childrens privacy on YouTube, per Reuters. The lawsuit alleges that Google collected data from children watching YouTube videos; while this kind of data collection has become common, it remains illegal to collect data from children under the age of 13, per the longstanding COPPA legislation. Though Google will settle the case, the company denies these allegations. Its possible that up to 45 million people in the U.S. could be eligible to receive small payments from this class action, which encompasses anyone in the U.S. who watched YouTube while under the age of 13 between July 1, 2013 and April 1, 2020. Were always looking to evolve, and by providing some insight into your perspective and feedback into TechCrunch and our coverage and events, you can help us! Fill out this survey to let us know how were doing and get the chance to win a prize in return! Aug. 20Spokane County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Kenneth Salas was shopping at Costco a few years ago when he accidentally ran into a woman with his cart, knocking her to the floor. He immediately tried to help the woman to her feet, and in doing so, pulled the tiny woman completely off the ground and into his arms. "Literally, Ken was sweeping his future wife off her feet," said retired Spokane County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Epperson. Salas and Jiaxiu Yang would marry on New Year's Eve 2023. Salas, 59, planned to retire next month and hit the road with his wife and their two dogs looking for a home to buy in Florida, according to sheriff's office Sgt. Griffin Criswell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those plans were cut short Aug. 9 when the 34-year sheriff's office veteran was hit by a motorcyclist as he was helping a driver remove a hay bale from Interstate 90 near Cheney. Epperson, Criswell, Sheriff John Nowels and others reflected on the life of their loyal and compassionate coworker and friend in front of hundreds of people, including many law enforcement members from the region, at Salas' funeral Wednesday afternoon at the Spokane Convention Center. "Both in uniform and out of uniform, Ken was the same man," Nowels said. "He was a man of honor, he was a man of integrity and as has been said before, so even-tempered. I would say that he is a model of what we as a community and what we as a sheriff's office expect of our peace officers." With hundreds at either side, Salas' wife and family walked down the aisle to take their seats closest to the stage as members of an honor guard stood on each side saluting. Law enforcement officers in the crowd also raised their right hand to their brows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On stage, a photo of Salas and his wife, as well as a portrait photo of the sergeant surrounded by a white floral wreath, could be seen. Just before 1 p.m., nearly 40 bagpipers lined up on the second floor of the Convention Center with their chins held high. They were surrounded by nearly 80 other members of law enforcement waiting to be escorted inside. Several local officials and law enforcement leaders attended, including Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, Spokane Police Department Chief Kevin Hall, Spokane Valley Police Department Chief Dave Ellis, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, Spokane city Councilman Zack Zappone and Spokane Valley city Councilman Al Merkel. Complete silence filled the air with the exception of a crying infant. Following the sound of a horn, law enforcement's honor guard quietly walked down the aisle next to other police, deputies, friends, family and mourning members of the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yang was guided to the front of the room by a deputy who clutched her forearm as she walked. Salas' two German shepherds followed behind her. A young musician sporting a red tie played "The Star-Spangled Banner" on a red electric guitar to honor the rock-loving fallen sergeant while the entire room stood in salute. One of the flags presented by the honor guard was a Spokane County Sheriff's flag adorned with yellow streamers for each of the members of the agency who died in the line of duty. Honor guard members and some of the deputies who worked closely with Salas took the stage, and one of them added another streamer for Salas. Epperson, a friend of Salas for 40 years who provided Wednesday's eulogy, described Salas as kind, caring, compassionate, generous, loving and hard working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If Ken had anything, it was because he made it happen," Epperson said. "He worked hard for everything that he had. He was truly a self-made man." He said Salas loved motorcycles, rock 'n' roll, Chevy Camaros, fishing, camping, and most of all, being with friends and family. Salas moved to Spokane in 1980 from California and graduated from Rogers High School in 1983. Epperson said Salas and Salas' best friend were pulled over in the Garland District for speeding on their motorcycles as teenagers. After speaking with a Spokane police officer, "Ken looked to his best friend and said, 'That's the job I want,' " Epperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Little did Ken know that later in the future, that's exactly what he would do." First, Salas joined the military and served with Epperson in the same military police unit. Salas and Epperson quickly became friends. Epperson narrated a story from when he and Salas were sent down range to handle a crash during a training exercise at the Yakima Training Center. They were in the middle of nowhere of the vast Central Washington center trying to find the crash in the dark when the hillside next to them blew up from an artillery round. Another blast quickly followed. "Ken never said a word about it," Epperson said. "I, on the other hand, had a volley of expletives for every round that impacted next to us. We turned on our headlights and left the area as fast was we could. Afterward, the only thing Ken had to say to me was, 'I had never seen you so mad.' And that was Ken. Very even-tempered, a straight shooter and a good friend." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epperson described another story of Salas keeping a level head during a deployment to South Korea in 1989. Salas tried to drive a Jeep across a dangerous river when the vehicle was swept down the waterway. Salas, with water up to his waist, managed to get to safety several hundred feet down river. Salas' response to the near-death experience? "That was exciting," Epperson said. The two friends continued their service at the sheriff's office. "Ken was like a little brother to me, and I loved him as such," Epperson said. Epperson read other retired deputies' stories about Salas that painted the fallen sergeant as a "servant leader" who was always approachable, intelligent and willing to help his fellow deputies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the deputies said Salas was about to move to a different position within the sheriff's office, but the sergeant took another deputy under his wing and used his computer skills to bring one of the many broken computers in the office to life for the deputy. Salas downloaded some programs on the computer, showed him paperwork basics and a few tips on how to keep the boss happy before moving on to a new position. "He saw a guy who needed help, he jumped into assist, and he asked for nothing in return," Epperson read. A seven-minute memorial video showing photos of Salas through the years from his youth, his career as a deputy, his wedding and relaxing off-duty with his wife and dogs played at one point during the funeral. "Sharp Dressed Man," by ZZ Top and "Carry on Wayward Son," by Kansas were among the songs played in Salas' video, likely a nod to the former sergeant's love of classic rock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sporting a cowboy hat and his dress green uniform, Nowels said Salas, who he worked with at the sheriff's office for 28 years, served on- and off-duty. Even his neighbors could attest to his dependability and willingness to help at any time of day. "That's a pretty special life to lead," he said. Nowels thanked the deputies who provided medical aid to Salas on I-90 for their bravery and skill acting in the most difficult moments anyone can face. "I hope when we are all united with Ken, he gets the opportunity to thank you for the comfort you provided him in those last moments, and the heroic efforts you made trying to save him," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokane County Superior Court Judge Annette Plese told the audience she first met Salas more than 30 years ago when he worked in detention services. She got to know him better when he was a deputy. Plese would chat with Salas when he presented search warrants to her. "He was very polite, calling me 'ma'am,' and always thanking me for considering his search warrant, even when I denied it," she said. Plese said she could tell he was a veteran and law enforcement officer by the way he spoke to her professionally, respectfully and kind. She said she ran into him over the past several years on the courthouse campus and they would talk about changes in the criminal justice system during their long tenures and laughed about how long they planned to continue working for the county. They also talked about their love for motorcycles. Plese said Salas told her in December 2023 he was getting married and asked the judge to perform his wedding ceremony that New Year's Eve to start 2024 with Yang as his wife. Plese said yes, and Salas visited her shortly after to bring her paperwork and talk about their plans. "I can honestly say that speaking to him that day was very different," Plese said. "He was absolutely head over heels ... They met for coffee and he was hooked. When he spoke about Jiaxiu, his eyes would light up." She said he wanted the ceremony to be perfect and to make Yang look forward to every day they were together. "Their wedding was beautiful," Plese said. "It was perfect, and they were perfect together." Epperson read a statement from Yang, who described her late husband as a genuine man who made her feel safe. "Meeting my husband has been the happiest, most beautiful and joyful time in my life," she wrote. "Every day he surprised me." She said he was a great cook and great at remodeling houses. He taught her how to paint and build fences, she said. They worked together at home, and when they got tired, they sat holding hands on the sofa as he shared his love for rock music he played in the background. She said they sometimes danced together, calling him a "wonderful dancer." Before heading to work, Salas gave her a kiss and made her coffee. "He was always so caring and attentive to me," she said. Criswell, a sergeant who worked day shifts with Salas, said Salas' life was defined by service to his country, community, fellow deputies and his wife. "What defined him most was his calm demeanor, his kindness, his professionalism and his willingness to help anyone that needed it," Criswell said. As much as Salas dedicated to his work, his world revolved around his new wife and their two dogs. Salas was the happiest Criswell ever saw him after he got married. Criswell said Salas would always tell him about the big lunches she would make for him when he went home on his break. Salas was always offering to lend a hand, too. If anyone said they had an issue with their house or car, Criswell could see his partner's gears start turning to find ways to fix it. "I've said many times, if you had the worst possible job at your house, Ken was the guy that without hesitation would be by your side," Criswell said. "If it was 130 degrees out and I told him I needed help roofing my house, he would have shown up at 6 o'clock and had his tool belt on. That's just who he was." Criswell holds the small moments he had with Salas most dear. He recalled several months ago coming into the office as Salas was watching a livestream of bald eagles raising their eaglets. The livestream ran for 24 hours a day for several months as the sergeants watched the birds grow. Criswell came in one day after being gone for a week, and asked Salas about the eaglets. Salas told him the young birds learned to fly and none had returned to the nest for a while. Looking back, Criswell said the eaglets reminded him of an important life lesson. "You never know when you're seeing someone for the last time," he said. "Those eaglets also showed me that even in a job filled with stress and seriousness, Ken had a way of slowing things down, enjoying your company and just appreciating life's beautiful moments," Criswell continued. He saw Salas the day before he died. Salas told him he was going to retire Sept. 30 and described his retirement plans with joy. He recently bought a large trailer to travel across the country with his wife and dogs. "He spoke about it with such anticipation, as if the next chapter of his life was already unfolding in front of him," Criswell said. Criswell also read statements from deputies who worked in Salas' "platoon." One deputy said he never saw Salas upset, and he enjoyed their many breakfasts together. He said Salas was a man of many stories not all short, but intriguing. "Unfortunately, you were never able to make it on one of our motorcycle rides, but I assure you, you will be with us on every ride from this point on," the deputy wrote. Another deputy said Salas' focus was always on his deputies' well-being, and he recognized the need for a healthy balance of home life and work. "Ken was more than a sergeant, he was more than a supervisor," the deputy said. "Ken was someone who cared about me as a husband, a father, a son and a person." A third deputy called Salas a role model and the definition of hard work and dedication. He embodied "servant leadership" and wasn't afraid to do menial tasks to help deputies. "Most importantly, if you were facing a problem, he knew when to listen and when to give advice," the deputy wrote. Toward the end of the ceremony, honor guard members removed the American flag from Salas' casket, folded it and handed it to Nowels, who then gave it to Yang. Later, Salas' two dogs began to howl. Their cries became even more ear-splitting as seven Spokane County sheriff's deputies acting as pallbearers wheeled Salas' casket down the aisle and Yang walked with Salas' flag. It was the only sound echoing through the room. Nowels said those in mourning must not carry their grief as a burden. "We need to carry Ken's memory as a light, as an example of professionalism, of compassion and continued service," Nowels said. "Let Ken's life of service act as a guiding light to every one of us as we set out to stand. We will continue to stand against evil, we will continue to bring order to chaos and to bring peace instead of discord and hatred." Nowels said that's how they'll honor Salas' memory. "Sgt. Salas, Sarge, Ken, friend and humbled servant: rest easy, brother," Nowels said. "We have the watch from here." Prison officers stand guard at a cell block at the Salvadoran mega-prison Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, or CECOT, on April 4, 2025. (Photo by Alex Pena/Getty Images) Two Louisiana mothers who were deported to Honduras along with their citizen children in April have now sued the Trump administration, arguing that their removals lacked due process in violation of federal law. In a lawsuit filed at the end of July in federal court in Baton Rouge, attorneys for the families allege that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement illegally deported the two mothers who are identified only as Julia and Rosario, without last names, in court documents and their children, three of whom are U.S. citizens. The deported children range in age from 2 to 11 years old, and one a 4-year-old has stage-four kidney cancer, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint alleges that ICE officers, contrary to their own policies, denied the families due process when agents took the two mothers and their U.S. citizen children into custody during routine check-ins, keeping them at undisclosed locations and repeatedly denying them access to legal counsel and other U.S.-based family members. Those actions effectively kept the mothers from securing childcare for their children, plaintiffs argue. ICE has a policy for what theyre supposed to do in these instances, and they most certainly did not follow that policy, said Stephanie Alvarez-Jones, one of the plaintiffs lawyers, in an interview. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The complaint names as defendants the Department of Homeland Security, its sub-agency ICE, the Department of Justice, and several individuals in their official capacities including leadership in the regional ICE office in New Orleans, which carried out the deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE is like any other law enforcement agency, state or federal, said Matt Vogel, supervising attorney at the National Immigration Project and lead counsel in the case. It has to abide by the law, and here, it just threw the law out the window, and it totally ran roughshod over the due process rights of all of these individuals. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin called claims that the federal government is deporting U.S. citizen children false.In an emailed statement, McLaughlin said that DHS takes its responsibility to protect children seriously. The deportations, which made headlines in the spring and drew criticism from a Trump-appointed federal judge in Louisiana, came as the Trump administration was facing intense criticism from civil rights groups over its aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. In March, DHS removed more than 200 people to a notorious high-security prison in El Salvador, including a Salvadoran man who had a court order protecting him against deportation for safety reasons. The plaintiffs in the Louisiana case include Rosario, a 25-year old Honduran citizen who lived near New Orleans with two American-born children, Ruby, 7, and Romeo, 4, the latter of whom has stage-four kidney cancer. The other family in the lawsuit includes Julia, a 30-year-old Honduran citizen who lived near Baton Rouge with two daughters, Janelle, 11, a citizen of Honduras and Jade, 2, a U.S. citizen, and her partner Jacob, the childrens father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE agents took the mothers and children of both families into custody in late April, deporting them within days of their arrests, according to the suit. I thought I was just going to an appointment, but I was lied to, Julia said in a statement. I never imagined they would send me and my children to Honduras. Both sets of mothers and children were taken into custody during routine check-ins in April as part of a supervision program run by ICE and contracted out to surveillance technology company BI Incorporated, a subsidiary of publicly traded private prison operator GEO Group. The check-ins took place at the offices of an ICE contractor in St. Rose, a suburb of New Orleans. According to the complaint, when the families arrived at their individual check-ins, they were taken to a room where plainclothes ICE agents were waiting. Rosarios attorney, who accompanied her and her kids to the appointment, was not allowed to join the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint alleges that agents confiscated their belongings, including jewelry, cell phones, and passports and presented them with documents. The families were then taken to undisclosed locations and denied access to speak with their attorneys and family members, according to the lawsuit. The complaint states that Rosario refused to sign documents that agents presented to her without an opportunity to consult her attorney. Julia agreed to write a note stating that she would take Jade with her to Honduras only after agents allegedly said the 2-year-old would be placed into foster care if she remained in the United States. Neither mother was granted the opportunity to find childcare for their U.S. citizen children, the complaint alleges. Vogel called this a pure exercise of force, arguing that ICE was trying to deliberately and consciously and intentionally thwart peoples due process rights. According to a 2022 ICE directive, agents should allow arrestees to arrange care for their children and document the parents choice to place their kids in another guardians care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After being taken into custody, Julia, Rosario and their respective children were driven three hours away from the check-in site to Alexandria, according to the suit, where they were detained in an undisclosed hotel. Julia tried several times to communicate with both her attorney and partner, Jacob, plaintiffs claim, adding that Jacob was attempting to get physical custody of his youngest daughter. But, the suit alleges, ICE officers made communication difficult by refusing calls, cutting calls short, and saying they would also detain and deport Jacob, who is a Louisiana resident and also a plaintiff in the case. Julia, Rosario and the children were apprehended and deported during a moment when arrests and deportations were on the rise under Trumps effort to control borders and ramp up deportations. The details of the case the alleged ruse followed by an arrest and quick deportation are similar to others around the country since Trump took office. That includes a January arrest in the New Orleans area, in which an immigrant family of three said they were taken into custody at a routine ICE check-in, flown to Texas and deported the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin denied that ICE deports U.S. citizen children unless complying with the wishes of their parents. ICE asked the mothers if they wanted to be removed with their children or if they wanted ICE to place the children with someone safe the parent designates. The parents in this instance made the determination to take their children with them back to Honduras, McLaughlin said. Julia and Rosarios attorneys deny that the mothers decided to take the children back with them. They said that Rosario refused to sign any document consenting to have her children sent to Honduras, and Julia only signed under threat of her daughter being sent to foster care. Counsel repeatedly requested the opportunity to talk to them in order to make other arrangements for the children, and ICE specifically and explicitly refused every time, said Vogel in response to the DHS statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The families lawyers also say that the federal government failed to arrange cancer treatment in Honduras for 4-year-old Romeo. The complaint states that his mother, Rosario, has had to arrange for Romeo and his sister Ruby to travel with guardians back to the United States to receive cancer treatment. These recent appointments marked the first time Romeo ever had to undergo any part of his cancer treatment without his mother, the complaint said. McLaughlin said that ICE makes sure treatment is available in the country to which the illegal alien is being removed. The implication that ICE would deny a child the medical care they need is flatly false, and it is an insult to the men and women of federal law enforcement, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint said the mental health of all four children is suffering as a result of the arrest and deportation. The plaintiffs are asking Judge Brian Jackson to declare the removals of the two families unconstitutional and to order mothers and their children returned to the United States. The plaintiffs also want the judge to compel ICE to then follow the agencys rules to allow the mothers to make childcare arrangements. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A man accused of killing a teenager in a crash just after shooting someone else will spend decades in prison. DeAndre Conway will serve 59 years in prison after shooting and killing 24-year-old Terry Farmer at an apartment complex and then killing 17-year-old Landen Guye in a car crash in 2022. During a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 20, family and friends of the two victims addressed Conway face-to-face, crying for justice through tears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewisburg City Manager indicted on stalking, aggravated burglary charges Was he scared, did he have pain? Suzanne Guye, Landens mother, said. I feel as though Im in another reality; Im trying my best to function, but I cant. Natalie Farmer, Terrys mother, said. Farmers son was shot to death during a fight with Conway. Shortly after, Conway took off in a truck and crashed into an SUV full of teenagers, killing Guye. Several other young people were also hurt in the crash, including Mackenzie Brown, who spoke about survivors guilt at the hearing. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com This is not, in fact, a horrible nightmare I will wake up from, but a nightmare I will have to learn how to live through the rest of my life, Brown said. I spent a long time blaming myself for Landens death, wishing it had been me instead of Landen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the sentence hearing, Conway gave a message of apology to the family and friends of the victims. I mean it when I say Im truly sorry, Conway said. Despite the apology, some family members said it wouldnt be enough; they want their loved one back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. TAMPA, Fla., (WFLA) A former Polk County Sheriffs Deputy who left the country after being charged with multiple counts of DUI manslaughter, is now back on U.S. soil, and in jail. Tampa Police and the U.S. Marshals Service worked together to arrest Joshua Roelofs. TPD said he was arrested in Columbia and brought back. Wednesday afternoon, Roelofs was denied bond in court. Its just a nightmare to know that my brother died alone there on the pavement, because someone made these choices, said Victoria Negrete, Ricky Gongoras younger sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Attorneys Office provided footage of the fatal DUI crash from April in 2022. The crash happened along the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Investigators said Roelofs was the one behind the wheel. Two men were killed: Kristopher Koroly and Ricky Gongora, along with two others injured. Roelofs fled the country after being released on bond. We really felt like he was going to show up, right before Easter, hes going to take this plea or whatever, and we are going to get some justice. We thought that he was going to just do the right thing and go ahead and go to jail, so the fact that he fled was very shocking, said Rachel Pell, Kris Korolys family member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roelofs is facing multiple charges, including two counts of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. This is just something so incredibly brazen, and hes not accepting responsibility, plain and simple. So, hes got to face the music, looking at over 100 years in Florida state prison, plus that additional charge of failing to appear on bond, State Attorney Suzy Lopez said. On August 19, Tampa Police said Columbian officials escorted Roelofs on a flight back to the U.S. 8 On Your Side spoke to both victims families, and they said his being back in jail feels like a step closer to justice. Getting the information that he was put into custody was a big sense of relief for us to know that, at least, as this continues to play out that this person is behind bars, Negrete said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been a few months with us letting that sink in, that hes just on the run somewhere. To hear that they actually had him back on U.S. soil, it was just very relieving, Pell said. Roelofs will have a status hearing Thursday morning at 8:30 at the Hillsborough County Courthouse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. The families of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, who were slain in her Hunterdon County home earlier this month by a state trooper she formerly dated, plan to sue local and state police over their deaths, lawyers for their families say. Family members of Semanchik have said repeatedly since their Aug. 1 deaths that Ricardo J. Santos, a New Jersey State Police lieutenant Semanchik dated in 2024, harassed and stalked her for nearly a year after their relationship ended in September last year. Her attempts to get help from her local police, Franklin Township, and the New Jersey State Police, went unheard, they have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos followed her home from work on Aug. 1, authorities have said, and gunned down Semanchik and Webb, whod she been dating since Memorial Day weekend. Santos then took his own life in a Piscataway park. Lawyers Beth G. Baldinger and David A. Mazie say they will announce on Thursday plans to sue the Franklin and New Jersey State Police departments. In an announcement Wednesday about the impending suit, the lawyers summarized many of the details of the case and how they allege authorities failed Lauren and Tyler. Many have been reported by NJ Advance Media, including a voicemail Semanchik left for the Franklin police in May in which she asks about filing a report and a restraining order, and police never called back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And how three neighbors of Semanchiks on Upper Kingtown Road called 911 on the night of August 1 and gave detailed descriptions of gunshots and a woman screaming. The lawyers did divulged some additional allegations. They said a Franklin police car indeed responded to the Upper Kingtown Road area after receiving the report of gunshots that night, but drove by the house without ever even going in, and did nothing more. The Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office has also said an officer responded but left without finding the source of the gunshots. The prosecutors office assumed command of the Franklin police a few days after the murders, citing serious concerns of their effectiveness, and put the police chief and a sergeant on leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Semanchiks family has said Lauren reached out to a state police colleague of Santos in an effort to have him stop the harassment. Baldinger and David Mazie said it was a female trooper, but the State Police did nothing. Overall, Lauren made these complaints months before the murders and there was ample time for the local and state police to take action, the lawyers said. At about 12:20 p.m. on Aug. 2, Laurens father found his daughter and Webb dead outside her home. Lauren Semanchik was 33 and a beloved veterinarian in Long Valley, Morris County. Webb was 29, lived in Lacey, Ocean County, and was a mechanic for the township of Berkeley and a volunteer firefighter there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos, 45, was a state trooper for 20 years and was currently a lieutenant in the Executive Protection Unit, which protects the governor and other state leaders. He was currently earning $147,900 annually. Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb at a concert. 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 The family of a well-known Iranian blogger and social activist accused the country's judiciary on Thursday of mistreating him. Hassan Ronaghi has been tortured and mistreated in prison, says a statement posted on the X account of his brother Hossein. It claims that he had suffered head injuries and a dislocated shoulder. The information could not initially be independently verified, and Iran's judiciary does not usually comment on such cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human rights activists say the brothers Hossein and Hassan Ronaghi were arrested by security forces in June. Their arrest was reportedly linked to statements they made about the war against Israel. The brothers are considered two of the most influential critics of the Iranian government to remain in the country. Hossein Ronaghi was arrested during the nationwide wave of protests in 2022 and was later given a lengthy prison sentence. Many activists and defenders of human rights have since left Iran. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. The officer-involved shooting happened in the 3300 block of Wellsberg on Wednesday. Police identified the man shot and killed as 37-year-old Troy C. Hamilton. His family says right now they have more questions than answers. Im devastated by this loss. I have not heard any reason for this tragedy, said Charles Hamilton, the father of Troy C. Hamilton. We never even heard why the police were stopping him in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support is coming from community leaders, who say Hamiltons death raises serious concerns. Families look for a transparent investigation with all the details that should be afforded to them. Thats what theyre asking for. Just nothing under the rug, nothing hidden and transparency, said John Bowman, involved with the NAACP St. Louis County branch. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Hamiltons sister, Erica, says her brother was more than just another statistic; he was loved. He was a good person. He was a family man and he was private. He had to be fearful for his life to feel like he had to run from his driveway in his car into the house, she said. Leaders with the Urban League also stood with the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This family, what it deserves, justice, fact finding and wherever the facts lead us. We have got to be ready to accept wherever the facts lead. But we have to ensure that this family gets the justice that it deserves, James Clark, involved with the Urban League, said. The North County Police Cooperative is leading the investigation, but the NAACP is urging the St. Louis county prosecutor and county police department to take it over. There needs to be more daylight between the core police department and the police department being investigative, which is sane. And so we would like to see the prosecutor request that Saint Louis County conduct this investigation because they have the equipment and the expertise thats needed to be transparent and give a thorough investigation. And we want this family to receive the justice that they are deserving of and the clarity as to what happened during this incident, Bowman said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. The Brief A family says their loved one has been missing for months. Cheree McCroskey was last seen in May. Her family and police need your help finding her. GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Cheree McCroskey was last seen in May. Now the police and her loved ones are asking for help finding her. What they're saying Charla Weisner and Krista Brewer say Cheree McCroskey often calls them at their home in Oklahoma to ask for money. But they havent heard from their sister for a long time. "She has not asked for anything in over two months," said Weisner. "Very worried," said Brewer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCroskey, 53, moved from North Carolina to Georgia earlier this year. "The last I spoke with Cheree was May 1," Weisner said. Gwinnett County Police last saw McCroskey on May 26 along Herrington Road in unincorporated Lawrenceville. "Shes mentally disabled, and she has bipolar (disorder)," Weisner said. "She was homeless, living in Sweetwater park." Police say McCroskey often hangs out on Herrington Road, near Sweetwater Park and Sweetwater Road at Old Norcross Road. "Detectives just dont know where shes at right now. Theyre doing their best to follow up and identify where shes at," said Cpl. Ryan Winderweedle, spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCroskeys sisters fear the worst. "I just got a feeling that shes no longer with us," Weisner said. "I worry that shes passed," Brewer said. They want their sister to know love and miss her and want her back safe. "I will fly down there and fly back with her. I will bring her home. Just let me know youre okay," Weisner said. "Id say Sis, come home. We will help you. Well come and get you. Youve got a place here," Brewer said. The sisters made heartfelt pleas to anyone who might be with McCroskey. "I would ask where shes at. What did you do with her?" Weisner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If shes alive, I would urge them to have her contact us so that we know shes okay," Brewer said. Cheree McCroskey is 59" and weighs about 120 lbs. She has a four-leaf clover and the word "lucky" tattooed on her left arm. What you can do Call the police or Crime Stoppers if youve seen her or know where she is. The Source Information in this article came from FOX 5's Christopher King speaking with Cheree McCroskey's family and Gwinnett County police. Frank Caprio, a beloved retired municipal judge from Providence, Rhode Island who became famous for his compassionate rulings on the reality show Caught in Providence, has died at the age of 88 after a long battle with cancer, according to a death announcement on his official social media page. The 88-year-old, according to People, announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2023, the same year he retired. Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond, the announcement of his passing on Instagram reads. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement went on to say that the judge passed away peacefully after a protracted and courageous battle with cancer. Caprio started working behind the bench as a judge in 1985, but it wasnt until his reality television debut, which ran from 2018 to 2020 and garnered several Daytime Emmy nominations, that he became famous. Chief Municipal Court Judge Frank Caprio, left, talks to defendant Jeff Francis, 28, of Providence, R.I. and Francis son Jamieson, 1, about a parking ticket. (AP Photo/Victoria Arocho) . Judge Caprio gained attention for dismissing traffic tickets for people who shared personal stories, TMZ reported, noting that that clips from Caught in Providence went viral on social media in recent years. Arizona woman beaten unconscious by man during concert at Rose Bowl Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called Judge Caprio a state treasure and ordered flags be flown at half-staff at all state agencies and buildings in his memory, adding in a statement posted to X: On a personal level, he was a friend who faced his illness with bravery, and I will miss him dearly. Whether you grew up watching Judge Caprio on television or first saw his kindness touch lives around the world on social media, there is no question that his legacy will leave a lasting mark across generations. The beloved 88-year-old is survived by his wife, Joyce, along with their five children and seven grandchildren. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Here are this mornings top stories for KELOLAND On the Go. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Sen. Mike Rounds and Rep. Dusty Johnson gave an update from DC during a Forum at Dakotafest in Mitchell, S.D. Wednesday afternoon. During the discussion, the topic of young farmers and how to address their needs and keep them in South Dakota was brought up. How could federal farm policy help young farmers? The Sioux Falls City Council approved a proposal Tuesday that bans tents, dwellings or encampments in public places: a policy which could very well impact someone who cant count on a steady roof over their head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats next after Sioux Falls encampment ordinance passes Power has been restored after the State of South Dakota faced widespread computer issues. UPDATE: Systems back online after state computer outage Another hot and humid day is ahead for much of KELOLAND, but big changes are coming to the forecast. One more hot day; Big changes ahead this 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 KELOLAND.com. Photo by Getty Images via Unsplash Should financial advisors and their clients follow the smart money? Recently, Ivy League schools including Harvard University and Brown University have disclosed that they are among the numerous institutional investors with allocations to bitcoin ETFs. That trend is further legitimizing crypto as an asset class and may have some individual investors wondering if they, too, should bank on bitcoin. Financial advisors have different stances on whether (and how much) clients should allocate to the highly volatile category, but they agree that it should be approached with caution. For example, most of AE Advisors clients have 5% to 10% allocated to Bitcoin via spot-price ETFs or digital custodians, president Mike Casey said. But Casey, who said he was among the first CFPs to recommend bitcoin allocations as far back as 2019, added, please keep in mind that bitcoin has substantially more market cap and mainstream adoption than the other crypto tokens, which are still generally speculative in nature. READ ALSO: ARKs Recent Highs Led to Massive Outflows. Are Institutional Investors to Blame? and Former Military Court Judge to Lead SEC Enforcement Tokens of Advice Retail demand is obviously there for spot crypto products like BlackRocks iShares Bitcoin Trust ETFs (IBIT), which is approaching $90 billion in assets. But the extent to which advisors use certain products is influenced in part by their inclusion in model portfolios and spot crypto ETFs are almost nonexistent there. BlackRock is really the only one weve seen going forward with adding it into its model portfolios, said Cindy Zarker, relationship manager at Fuse Research Network. All of this is changing. You have a lot of firms that have various digital-asset offerings, and theyre promoting those offerings and how they can benefit a portfolio. There are signs that digital assets are maturing, said Clark Randall, director of financial planning at Creekmur Wealth Advisors. Those include BlackRocks launch of IBIT and Congressional passage last month of the Genius Act, he said. In addition, research has shown that including an allocation of up to 7% in Bitcoin can improve the risk-adjusted return of a diversified investment portfolio. Still, if more advisors are bullish on Bitcoin, its a new phenomenon. Data from a survey last year published by Fuse show: Fewer than 20% of advisors said they would allocate a small portion of client assets to crypto. Fewer than 5% would include a crypto ETF allocation for clients. Time for Class: Institutional interest from endowments and other large investors lends credibility to the ETF structure because it is regulated, custodied and easy to report for taxes, said Jared Gagne, private wealth manager at Claro Advisors. It does not make crypto less volatile. In wealth management, that distinction matters. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Summer is still in full swing, but that didnt stop the Farmers Almanac from releasing their winter outlook. For the 2025-2026 winter, their motto is: Chill, Snow, Repeat! Theyve called for dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather. For the majority of the country, the Farmers Almanac has forecasted very cold or chilly weather, with the southwest and southeast expected to see average temperatures. (Courtesy: Farmers Almanac) As far as snowfall, the Farmers Almanac has forecasted snowy and snow-filled winters for the Plains, Midwest and Northeast. Everyone else is forecasted to see a wet winter. Middle Tennessee is wedged in between very cold and snowy and average temps and wet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What does this mean? How do they make these predictions so many months in advance? News 2 spoke with the editor of the Farmers Almanac to learn more. Editor of the Farmers Almanac Sandi Duncan, they have made these seasonal outlooks in the same way since 1818. She said David Young, the founding editor, used a formula that used both math and astronomy. We do use a mathematical and astronomical formula. We look a lot at the moon, where it is, what phase its in.. We also look at where the planets are, Duncan told News 2. Its pretty much a proprietary formula that only a few of us know at the Farmers Almanac. Want the forecast delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for the News 2 Forecast Newsletter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duncan said they have made some tweaks to the formula, but for the most part, its the same one thats been used for more than 200 years. She added that people who follow their forecasts have said theyre between 80- and 85% accurate. Their forecast focuses on how the winter will feel for large regions of the United States, so accuracy will vary from city to city. Thats why we say we can never take the place of someone like you or any other local weather meteorologist, Duncan added. You know, we come up with those kind of general very cold and snowy for an entire region, so what may happen exactly in Nashville may be slightly different than it is in the next state over, which is still in that region. Last fall, News 2 meteorologists made a winter outlook that focused on Nashville. The outlook was made by using data from ocean currents, like the El Nino Southern Oscillation and data from previous winters. That winter outlook from News 2 was correct when it came it how much snow and precipitation the region saw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nashville received above-average snowfall, and rainfall was within an inch of the average. The temperature ended up being 0.3 warmer than normal. The News 2 Weather Authority Team plans on making a local winter outlook later this fall. Dont forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker 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 WKRN News 2. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A man who was at large after a Farmington fraud investigation has been arrested by the Ontario County Sheriff. 42-year-old Chaz Keon Davis of Rochester was arrested on a second-degree grand larceny and second-degree assault warrant. This stemmed from an investigation into a scheme to obtain two vehicles, valued together at over $100,000, through fraud, allegedly involving Davis as well as two other men who have already been arrested. Two arrested, one suspect at large for Farmington fraud Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to OCSO, during the investigation into the fraud, Davis, while being told his rights, ran away and injured a Deputy, sending him to the hospital. It wasnt until yesterday, August 20, that he was relocated and taken into custody, eight days later. Davis appeared in court and was sent to the Ontario County Jail. He will return to the Farmington Town Court on a later date to respond to the 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 RochesterFirst. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis dispatched his top deputy to California to oversee the handover of a truck driver accused of making an illegal U-turn that killed three people in Florida last week. Sending Florida's new Lt. Gov. Jay Collins underscores Republicans' push to crack down on illegal immigration. It also revs up a political rivalry between DeSantis and California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, both of whom aspire to higher office. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Monday that truck driver Harjinder Singh, a native of India, was in the country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three lives lost because of Gavin Newsom. Because of Californias failed policies," Collins said Thursday at a press conference near an airport in Stockton, California. "Were done with that," Collins added, using an expletive. A spokesperson for Newsom described Collins' trip to California as a photo op and criticized Florida officials for letting a murder suspect walk. Collins did not elaborate on why Singh was able to fly to California after the Aug. 12 crash on Florida's Turnpike. U.S. Marshals arrested him Saturday in Stockton. Collins personally escorted Singh onto an airplane Thursday, holding the man's arm as he walked up the steps of the aircraft. Singh was accompanied by four other people, including a man in a jacket that read Police ERO, a reference to Enforcement and Removal Operations, a branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singh made the illegal turn on the highway about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A minivan in the neighboring lane was unable to avoid the trucks trailer and slammed into it, killing the minivan's driver and two passengers. Singh and a passenger in his truck were not injured. Florida authorities said Singh entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico in 2018. According to Homeland Security, Singh obtained a commercial drivers license in California, which is one of 19 states, in addition to the District of Columbia, that issue licenses regardless of immigration status, according to the National Immigration Law Center. Collins said Thursday that Singh never should have been issued a driver's license, calling the move unacceptable. Collins said Singh lacks basic English proficiency and did not know the road signs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms press office responded on the X platform that Singh obtained a work permit while Donald Trump was president. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin disputed that, saying the federal government denied him a permit during Trumps first term in September 2020 and granted him one in June 2021, under President Joe Biden. A preliminary investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that Washington state issued Singh a regular full-term commercial drivers license in July 2023, a type of license that people without legal status are not eligible for, according to DOT. California then issued Singh a limited-term commercial license a year later. Federal vehicle safety officials are investigating whether the issuance of that license complied with government regulations. Singh is charged with three state counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations. The federal government has asked that he be transferred to ICE custody after his criminal case is complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A public defender assigned to Singh's case confirmed he made an appearance in San Joaquin County court on Tuesday. Mr. Singh was in court on Tuesday afternoon and he signed the paperwork that acknowledged he was the person Florida was looking for but did not in any way admit to any criminal charges, attorney Jennifer Perkins said in an emailed statement. Perkins said she was not at liberty to discuss Singh's citizenship status. ___ 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. MADISON - The father of the Abundant Life Christian School shooter will be required to continue wearing an ankle monitor after a Dane County judge denied a motion to have it removed. Jeffrey Rupnow will continue to wear the ankle monitor, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Ellen Berz ruled on Aug. 21, so that his social worker can continue to monitor that he doesn't come into contact with the school, another bail requirement. "There would be no way to check if there was a violation," Berz said. "I deny the removal of the bracelet." Jeffrey Rupnow, father of Abundant Life Christian School shooter Natalie Rupnow, appears for a preliminary hearing, July 24, 2025, at Dane County Courthouse in Madison. Rupnow and his attorney, Lisa Goldman, also asked that Rupnow be able to attend his daughter's celebration of life in September, even if members of the Abundant Life Christian School are also in attendance. Rupnow wanted to be able to reach out to friends he knew from the church affiliated with the school. The service comes after Natalie Rupnow's mother, Mellissa Rupnow, died by an apparent suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berz said no restrictions would keep him from communicating with those individuals generally, only contact at the physical school building. Berz will also hear arguments on whether to dismiss the case on Dec. 1. Rupnow's attorney, Lisa Goldman, asked that the charges in the case be dropped, citing a "reckless disregard of the truth" in the complaint filed against him earlier this year. Goldman argued that even though Rupnow told his daughter that the combination to the safe was his Social Security number in reverse, he never gave his daughter the numbers or access to anything that would have provided her clues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natalie Rupnow died by suicide after opening fire inside a study hall at Abundant Life on Dec. 16, 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. More: Social media makes it harder to know who children meet online. How can you break through? 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 also appeared to idolize mass shooters, according to the complaint. Authorities also found a cardboard model that resembled the school in her room. 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 Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X @SchulteLaura. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Father of Abundant Life shooter will remain under GPS supervision Terry Saine, chairperson of the Commission on Religion and Race in Fayette County, Tennessee, leads a protest march in Somerville on Aug. 14, 2025. (Photo: Cassandra Stephenson/Tennessee Lookout) Organizers and West Tennessee residents marched to the Fayette County Justice Complex on Aug. 14 in protest of what they say is an ongoing pattern of racist and discriminatory practices in the countys government and school board. Several protestors gathered at the former site of Tent City where Black residents lived in tents after white landowners evicted them from sharecropper housing for registering to vote in the 1960s and walked together to the justice center, where the Fayette County Public Schools board held its August meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commission on Religion and Race of Fayette County (CORR) and Fayette County Teachers for Justice organized the march in response to actions they believe continue a legacy of systemic racism, echoing the injustices of the Tent City era, according to a CORR news release. About a dozen people participated in the march and several more joined them on the steps of the justice building before the meeting began. Protesters marched from the former site of Tent City, where Black residents were forced to move when evicted by white landowners for registering to vote in the 1960s, to Fayette Countys justice center where a school board meeting was held on Aug. 14, 2025. (Photo: Cassandra Stephenson) Some carried signs from CORR calling for a boycott of spending in Fayette County starting on Aug. 15 at noon. The boycott urges residents to withhold spending at all Fayette County businesses including big box stores, corner stores, gas stations, restaurants and hardware stores. Housing, utilities, insurance, medicine and vehicle payments are exempt, according to the group. Other signs listed demands, including the resignations of School Board Chair Warner Speakman and Eddie Keel, who previously served as the districts interim superintendent and chief of staff and was recently named deputy superintendent. Demands also include the reinstatement of all demoted or terminated teachers to their original positions without retaliation, training for the Fayette County mayor on fair governance and equal treatment of citizens and redrawing of district maps to restore the original configuration and ensure equitable representation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fayette County Commission redrew its district maps in late June to include three majority-Black, single member districts after being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The lawsuits were dropped following the maps adoption, and the new maps will be used in 2026 elections. Potential staff reductions were a point of contention between community members and the board during the districts budgeting process this summer, which concluded under Keels leadership as interim superintendent. Joseph Jordan, a pastor at Springhill CME Church in Somerville, said he joined the march to support teachers who were demoted or fired after the last school year, including the daughter of one of his congregation members. Some members at his church work for the district and have children there, he said. If we keep being quiet, nothings going to happen, Jordan said. Were showing action that we want things to change. Our children deserve things to change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The demonstration came amid calls for more transparency from the school board regarding its position on dissolving the consent order that has held the district accountable to federal oversight for integrating schools since 1965. Board members have stated that the order is no longer necessary and is sapping money from the districts already anemic budget. Tennessee uses a student-based funding formula to determine how much money to allocate to districts. Fayette County Public Schools has seen a decrease in enrollment for almost all years since 1989, according to Superintendent Don McPherson. Last year, about 2,600 students enrolled in a district school. This year, its around 2,250. McPherson said he intends to deliver a report to the board on where students opted to go instead of remaining in the district. Protesters gathered outside of the Fayette County Justice Complex ahead of a Fayette County Public Schools board meeting on Aug. 14, 2025 in protest of racist and discriminatory practices. (Photo: Cassandra Stephenson/Tennessee Lookout) Speakman announced the boards monthly meeting would be held at the justice center in August due to published information after Tennessee Lookout published a letter penned by Fayette County Public Schools board member David Reeves to U.S. Rep. David Kustoff, asking the congressman to urge the Department of Justice to help end the consent order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the public comment period at the Aug. 14 school board meeting, community member Charles Watkins called on the board to host an information session on the consent order and its pros or cons. You owe it to the community to at least have a serious forum over and above the public meetings and hearings that is supposed to be there where a professional from the school board who understands truly the desegregation order will actually sit down and have a conversation with someone from the community about what it is, the history of it and why you believe it somehow impedes progress of the Fayette County school system, Watkins said. Informational meetings for parents required under the consent order are scheduled for Sept. 18 and Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Federal Bureau of Investigation Nashville Field Office is seeking the publics help in identifying a man who allegedly robbed a bank in Lewisburg. According to a news release from the FBI, the robbery occurred on Wednesday morning at the Ascend Federal Credit Union Bank in Lewisburg. Authorities said a man, who should be considered armed and dangerous, approached a Loomis employee outside of the bank at an ATM around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. He was armed at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee According to the FBI, the man robbed the ATM and drove off in a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry. (Photo: FBI) (Photo: FBI) He was described as a Black man, standing between 5-foot-10 and 6-foot-2. He was wearing a black hat, sunglasses, a blue face mask and a bright colored high visibility vest, according to the FBI. Anyone with information about the suspect can contact the FBI Nashville Field Office at 615-232-7500 or submit a tip online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. LAN cables plug into a device. (Photo courtesy of Rawpixel) Federal Communications Commission documents show internet service providers struggling to bring high-speed connectivity to Montanans, including one provider with contracts from the state through ConnectMT, the states organization for building out broadband infrastructure. Blackfoot Communications told the FCC in May it was not going to be able to finish a project to bring broadband to certain areas, including those that have been targeted for federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blackfoot serves Western Montana and parts of Idaho and specifically has looked to complete projects in rural areas including Plains, Drummond, and Darby. Meanwhile, NorthWestern Energy sent the FCC a letter in late February calling into question the construction practices of a multi-state internet service provider, Ziply Fiber, which is attempting to connect as many as 55,000 Montanans with high-speed internet. Ziply has focused on larger cities in Montana, including Missoula, Great Falls, Billings and Butte. Ziply recently finished a merger process, which prompted the letter, though NorthWestern officially took no position on that acquisition by BCE, Inc. The acquisition was finalized earlier this month. In another example, Intermountain Infrastructure Groups legal battle with Burlington Northern Santa Fe centers on easements on railroad property. Court documents in that case stated BNSF had halted permits for all IIG fiber optic projects on the railroad companys land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple internet service providers and fiber optic companies appear to be having issues in Montana, though what those impacts are on communities looking for high-speed access is unclear. According to the states broadband map, vast swaths of central and eastern Montana are considered underserved. Some of these companies have contracts or are involved with the states ConnectMT project in some way. Blackfoot directly has contracts with the nearly billion-dollar program, while IIG is creating the fiber-optic infrastructure some companies with ConnectMT contracts are connecting into. Ziply, meanwhile, is attempting to jump into the fray. ConnectMT and the states broadband buildout was created with two pieces of legislation from 2021 Senate Bill 297 and House Bill 632. Its a huge project, not only in cost, but in scale, too. It is estimated nearly a quarter of Montanans do not have an internet subscription of any kind, according to the state. The Governor approved 61 projects recommended for funding covering 61,887 serviceable locations across Montana, the ConnectMT website reads. Of these locations, 38,631 are unserved communities, 21,956 are underserved communities, and 1,300 are frontier communities. Alternative funding In 2022, Blackfoot Communications applied for and was awarded funding through ConnectMT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State project recommendation documents show Blackfoot was likely to receive around $60 million dollars for seven projects around the state. Blackfoot will use these grants together with its own capital to build fiber broadband to more locations than ever before, Blackfoot CEO Jason Williams wrote on the companys website. One way or another, Blackfoot plans to bring fiber-based broadband to all of its Cooperative members in the coming years. The company was at the top of the states priority list, which is shown in the ConnectMT planning documents project applications are ranked, and Blackfoot Communications is at the top. While not all projects were recommended to be fully funded, every Blackfoot project was. Those documents do not include the number of new high-speed internet connections per project. Blackfoot Communications did not respond to a request for comment. Locations impacted appeared to be in Missoula and Lake Counties, according to FCC documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter to the FCC states Blackfoot notified the Montana Broadband Office it wasnt going to fulfill its obligations, in part so they can become eligible for alternative funding, particularly Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding. Montana qualifies for about $629 million in BEAD funding from that pot which is coming from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The state Legislature has also squirrelled away money for infrastructure upgrades. ConnectMT reopened BEAD applications on July 7 of this year. The Montana Broadband Office is ready to move the BEAD process forward to finish the drill and connect Montanans, said Department of Administration Director Misty Ann Giles said in a media release announcing the reopening. We continue to be grateful for the new guidelines and know that broadband availability for unserved and underserved areas of our state is within reach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if there were any long-term concerns with fiber optic providers in Montana in relation to ConnectMT, the Daily Montanan was asked by the program to file a records request. Its unclear how much money has been spent in the program since its 2021 inception, how many connections have actually been made and who, exactly, has contracts with the state. The Daily Montanan has filed a records request for every ConnectMT contract to date. In Blackfoots case, costs and money apparently are at the heart of the problems, according to documents filed with FCC. The company was awarded Rural Digital Opportunity Funding to complete fiber optic upgrades to its system. The letter said the company was relinquishing 688 of 2,687 total locations awarded to Blackfoot through the grant in a May, 13, 2025 letter to the FCC. Its unclear if each of the locations represent one business, home, or Community Anchor Institution, which are places like libraries and medical centers. The Flathead Valley, a place where Blackfoot is active, is among the most underserved areas in Montana, according to a five-year BEAD plan document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blackfoot has experienced extraordinary cost increases to build fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP). While Blackfoot has made significant progress in building gigabit speed broadband Internet to hundreds of Rural Digital Opportunity Funding (RDOF) locations, it has already spent significantly more capital than it had planned to spend on its entire RDOF project area making it unfeasible to deploy FTTP gigabit speed broadband to the three Census Block Groups (CBGs) that Blackfoot is returning, the letter reads. In a response letter, the FCC said it was stopping financial support to Blackfoot for those areas, but would still hold the company responsible for its contractual obligations, according to FCC documents. It said that if Blackfoot doesnt meet the terms of its contract that it would be placed on a non-compliance list. The FCC said the grant does not provide for partial withdrawals from the program. It was unclear how much money Blackfoot is going to lose and neither FCC document mentions that number. The FCC also said the census block areas Blackfoot is relinquishing are now available for alternative funding. A map of broadband access in Montana. (Map via ConnectMT website) Unsafe actions Ziplys problems are different from Blackfoots, but could impact thousands of Montanans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NorthWestern, which owns vast amounts of infrastructure in the state, is concerned with how Ziply is attaching its fiber optic cables to its power poles. In August 2024, NorthWestern filed a complaint for injunctive relief in Yellowstone County District Court against Ziply. In May of 2024, NorthWestern learned that Ziply Pacific, either directly or through Ziply Montana or Ziply Wireless, began attaching infrastructure, to NorthWesterns poles without waiting for the make-ready work to be approved and completed, court documents said, which went on to state it was in violation of established agreements. NorthWestern was represented by Crist, Krough, Alke, & Nord, PLLC. Ziply, meanwhile, was represented by Monica Tranel and Moulton Bellingham P.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NorthWestern did not hold back in its letter to the FCC, which included a copy of the complaint and even a sworn statement from a separate investigation the Idaho Public Service Commission is conducting into Ziply. The concern we want the FCC to consider is that Ziply has not conducted itself for the good of its employees, customers, or the public, the letter reads, which is signed by Shannon Heim, a vice president in NorthWesterns legal department. Its unsafe actions have negatively impacted, and continue to negatively impact, the communities it purports to serve which are also our communities. The letter also includes agreements between Ziply and NorthWestern, which include specific stipulations for how the internet company could utilize the energy companys powerlines. In a 2023 letter from NorthWestern, it stated Ziply was looking to attach lines to approximately 19,500 poles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They wanted it to happen quickly, too. Ziply desires to expedite and facilitate the application, survey, engineering and make-ready construction process, including the process of replacing poles, which will benefit Ziply in furtherance of its effort to expand its footprint in Montana, A NorthWestern email to Ziply said. NorthWestern is willing to expedite and facilitate Ziplys attachment requests pursuant to the following enumerated process. Ziply was expected to pay between $19.75 and $25.50 per pole for the attachments. NorthWestern and Ziply negotiated several agreements, court documents said, but those apparently soured. NorthWestern went so far as to say Ziply was putting its employees at risk, Charter employees utilizing NorthWestern poles at risk and homeowners at risk, too. In one example, NorthWestern employees observed Ziply cables too close to one of their power lines. This creates the risk of the two touching, thereby energizing the Ziply line, court documents stated. This does not merely create a hazard for communications workers, it creates a hazard for homeowners or tree-trimmers who maintain trees and shrubs on their property. Ziply does not have contacts with the state, Ziply spokesperson Ryan Luckin wrote in an email. He added that Ziply is pursuing BEAD funding. According to reporting from Fierce, a trade publication, the company was looking to add 55,000 new internet connections in 2024. It wasnt immediately clear how many connections the company has in Montana, though it is still looking to expand. NorthWestern also took aim at where Ziply has targeted its operations. Ziply does not appear to be extending broadband services to Montanas smaller communities or rural areas, the NorthWestern letter to the FCC stated. It is difficult to imagine the benefit of bringing an additional broadband service provider to the largest communities in Montana outweighs the risk of Ziplys unsafe operation around NorthWesterns electric facilities. In a response to the Daily Montanan, Ziply said its hoping to work with the energy company moving forward. The letter from NWE was submitted as part of the process the FCC runs when they review M&A transactions, Luckin wrote in an email. Were excited to have that transaction closed and are working with NW Energy as we continue to bring our fiber network to communities across Montana, including Great Falls, Butte, Helena, and Billings. ZiplyNorthWesternlawsuit-combined FDNY Marine Division units and the U.S. Coast Guard powered through rough East River waters churned up by an approaching hurricane on Thursday as they helped rescue a barge found sinking under the Throgs Neck Bridge in Queens, officials said. The FDNY Marine units were seen latching onto the barge, which began taking on water on the Queens side of the span around 9:40 a.m. No injuries were reported as the FDNY and Coast Guard brought the barge to one of the bridges support columns to ensure that it wouldnt sink further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Throgs Neck Bridge was built in 1961 and links Queens and the Bronx. Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 hurricane that is currently 260 miles east of Cape Hatteras, but moving north, is already affecting the waters around the city. While the tropical cyclone isnt expected to hit the city, it is expected to bring rough seas and deadly rip currents to New York and New Jersey shorelines. The surf could top out at 16 feet at spots along Long Island, weather trackers note. Mayor Adams has ordered all New York City beaches closed through Thursday as a precaution. A federal appeals court in San Francisco granted the Trump administration an emergency stay, halting a lower-court order that preserved Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 60,000 immigrants from Honduras, Nicaragua and Nepal. The National TPS Alliance, which represents people with TPS in the U.S., as well as those from Honduras, Nicaragua and Nepal who challenged the decision to terminate TPS, argue the action was unlawful and at least partially motivated by racial bias. Judge Trina Thompson, a federal judge in California, delayed the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) decision to terminate protections for immigrants from the three countries on July 31, adding to legal hurdles for the Trump administration as it pushes out its deportation agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her decision, Thompson said DHS Secretary Kristi Noems terminations of TPS were likely "preordained decisions" that violated the Administrative Procedure Act. She also agreed with the National TPS Alliance, noting Noems motives were driven by racial animus. Venezuelan Migrants, Progressive Group Sue Trump Admin After Noem Nixes Biden-era Protected Status Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, is seen during a meeting with President Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's president, in the Oval Office of the White House on Monday, April 14. "The freedom to live fearlessly, the opportunity of liberty, and the American dream. That is all Plaintiffs seek," Thompson, a Biden-appointee, wrote in an order. "Instead, they are told to atone for their race, leave because of their names, and purify their blood. The Court disagrees." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeals court panel was made up of three judges appointed by former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as President Donald Trump. In its decision the panel paused Thompsons decision while the appeal proceeded. It also suspended the existing briefing schedule and requested all parties to propose new schedules after a related case National TPS Alliance v. Noem is decided. Federal Judge Finds 'Racial And Discriminatory Animus' In Trump Move To Cancel Temporary Protected Status Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, left, and White House border czar Tom Homan speak with reporters at the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Washington. But the panel also refused to put a freeze on any activity in the district court related to this case, stressing the docket management is up to the trial judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was brought by a group representing TPS holders, including some who have lived in the country for more than two decades. Attorneys wrote in court papers on behalf of the immigrants that they were "laborers, health care workers, artists, and caretakers" who have "relied on TPS to provide the most basic forms of human security a stable place to live and a chance to work for a living during a time of severe crisis in their home countries." Federal Judge Halts Trump Tps Policy, Accuses Dhs Of Making Migrants 'Atone For Their Race' DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the entire southern border wall will be painted black as part of the Trump administrations efforts to increase border security. They argued that Noem declining to extend their TPS status was, by law, supposed to be reached based on an individualized analysis of each country. The judge found that Noem likely failed to condition TPS termination on factors specific to the immigrants' countries of origin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also said Noem had given the immigrants a historically short notice period of 60 days before they would lose their TPS status. And she and other Trump administration officials have normalized using "racist invective" to explain their TPS decisions, the attorneys said. The TPS program gives the DHS authority to permit immigrants who might otherwise have no legal status to temporarily reside in the United States because of extraordinary circumstances in their home countries, such as wars or natural disasters. The plaintiffs argued that roughly 61,000 people would lose their TPS as a result of Noem's decision, which would end the immigrants' legal status and work authorizations and make them eligible for deportation. Fox News Digitals Ashley Oliver contributed to this report. Original article source: Fed court of appeals grants Trump admin pause on protections for 60K immigrants Federal Reserve board of governors member Lisa Cook has said she will not step down despite President Trump calling for her to do so. Cook said she had learned from the media that [Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)] Director William Pulte posted on social media that he was making a criminal referral based on a mortgage application from four years ago, before I joined the Federal Reserve, according to a statement obtained by The Hills sister network NewsNation I have no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet, she added. I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Trump called for the resignation of Cook in the wake of allegations by FHFAs chief that she committed mortgage fraud. FHFA Director William Pulte said early Wednesday on the social platform X that Cook had designated two of her houses as her primary residence. Lisa D. Cook, committed mortgage fraud by designating her out-of-state condo as her primary residence, just two weeks after taking a loan on her Michigan home where she also declared it as her primary residence, he said. Trump pushed for Cook to step down shortly after Pultes post. Cook must resign, now!!! the president said on his own Truth Social platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulte also said his agency made a criminal referral to the Justice Department on the allegations against Cook. When reached for comment, the FHFA noted Pultes account on X. In recent months, Trump has also directed his ire toward Fed Chair Jerome Powell and pushed for his exit as well. This story was updated at 12:41 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. Assyrian Parties in Iraq Announce Plans for Monument for Simmele Massacre Nohadra, Iraq -- The Simele massacre remains an open wound in the collective memory of the Chaldean--Syriac--Assyrian people. Since 1933, the tragedy has lived on in the hearts of descendants who hold annual memorials in churches, local communities, and international forums across Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) and the diaspora, continuing to call for official recognition by the international community and the United Nations of what they regard as a dark chapter in their history. To honor the victims, memorials have been erected in around the world, from Hasakah in North and East Syria to Chicago in the United States. Now, Chaldean--Syriac--Assyrian political parties and institutions in Iraq have jointly resolved to build a permanent Martyrs' Monument in Simele itself, where the massacre took place. In a statement issued after a meeting in Nohadra (Duhok), Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), nine parties and institutions, including the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo d'Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), declared: "With a sense of national responsibility, we announce the creation of a monument in Simele to commemorate Assyrian Martyrs' Day. This monument will serve as a permanent site of remembrance and an annual gathering place to honor the martyrs of the Chaldean--Syriac--Assyrian people." The statement explained that a specialized committee will be formed, drawing expertise from the homeland and the diaspora in technical, engineering, financial, and legal fields. The committee will be tasked with reviewing the site allocated by local authorities in 2019, raising funds through a special account open to donations from individuals and institutions, organizing a design competition to be decided by popular vote, securing official approvals if necessary, and contracting experts to oversee the project. The goal is to complete the monument before Assyrian Martyrs' Day in August 2026 so that the commemoration can be held at the new site. The parties emphasized their commitment to continue the project in coordination with diaspora institutions and invited other national parties and organizations to join the initiative. Another meeting will be held soon to refine the process. The Simele massacre, carried out by the Iraqi army on 7 August 1933, claimed the lives of thousands of Chaldean--Syriac--Assyrian civilians. Many survivors fled toward the Khabur River Valley in Hasakah, where they began new lives while carrying with them the memory of their martyred people. IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has signed voco Bangkok Siam in collaboration with SCX Corporation, a subsidiary of SC Asset Public Company. The new 28-storey, 350-room property will be located in central Bangkok and is scheduled to open in 2029. The hotel will feature a restaurant and bar, gym, meeting room facilities, as well as rooftop pool offering city views. IHG Hotels & Resorts Southeast Asia and Korea managing director Vivek Bhalla stated: Thailand continues to enhance its reputation as a world-class destination offering something for everyone. Were delighted to be working with SCX Corporation Company Limited to bring this fantastic new hotel to the heart of Bangkok in 2029. Its a city where we have launched many IHG brands to great success, and where were set to debut the voco brand later this year. IHG's voco brand was launched in 2018. The brand has 107 operational hotels across 25 countries and 102 properties under development as of 30 June 2025. SC Asset Public Company CEO Nuttaphong Kunakornwong commented: Bangkok was the worlds most-visited city in 2024 with 32.4 million international arrivals boosting its tourism industry alongside increases in short-haul and intra-regional travel and its set to maintain its momentum with both business and leisure travellers. SCX Corporation Company Limited, a subsidiary of SC Asset Corporation Public Company Limited, is a key driver of growth and recurring income business for our company. In partnership with IHG, voco Bangkok Siam reflects our joint vision for providing exceptional experiences and a high quality of living. IHG is planning to expand the voco brand in Southeast Asia, marked by recent openings in Vietnam and Indonesia. The brand will be making its debut in Thailand with the opening of voco Bangkok Surawong, and plans of expansion with properties in Nha Trang, Vietnam, slated for later this year. "IHG signs new 350-key voco property in Bangkok" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) A judge dismissed the most serious felony charges for two former LMPD officers indicted in connection with the police raid that killed Breonna Taylor. Joshua Jaynes and Kyle Meany are accused of lying on the search warrant used by police to burst into Taylors apartment. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Louisville FOX affiliate WDRB reported that U.S. District Court Judge Charles Simpson ruled the officers should not be charged with violating Taylors civil rights and causing her death. Jaynes and Meany were reportedly not at the raid. According to Simpsons ruling, The government cannot attribute Taylors death to the lack of a warrant supported by probable cause. Judge gives ex-officer nearly 3 years in Breonna Taylor raid, rebuffs DOJ call for no prison time Jaynes and Meany now face misdemeanor charges in this case. Last year, Simpson dismissed similar charges against the two, but federal prosecutors reindicted them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. A federal judge on Thursday ruled that Alina Habba, a former personal attorney to Donald Trump, has been unlawfully serving in the role of New Jerseys top federal prosecutor, and disqualified her from prosecuting a man who challenged her appointment. As my colleague Jordan Rubin explained last month, the case centers on a gambit Trump and his administration attempted to keep Habba in her role as U.S. attorney for New Jersey despite the fact that her interim tenure had expired. The lawsuit was filed by a man who alleged his due process rights had been violated by Habbas continued service in the role. U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann seemed to agree with that framing in his ruling. He wrote that that Habba has exercised the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey without lawful authority since July 1, 2025. Brann said that legally precludes her from overseeing indictments and prosecutions out of the office: Her actions since that point may be declared void, including her approval of [an indictment], although that fact does not require its dismissal. And because she is not currently qualified to exercise the functions and duties of the office in an acting capacity, she must be disqualified from participating in any ongoing cases. Brann said his ruling will remain on hold pending further appeal, so it doesnt take immediate effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department and New Jersey U.S. attorneys office did not immediately respond to NBC News requests for comment. The decision is the latest in an ongoing battle between the Trump administration and the federal court system, an institution for which the president and his allies have shown little deference. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Federal inspectors will assume direct oversight of a troubled Boar's Head deli meat plant when it reopens after last year's deadly listeria outbreak, U.S. Agriculture Department officials said. The Jarratt, Virginia, factory is set to resume operations in the coming months. It will face at least 90 days of heightened monitoring and inspections by federal Food Safety and Inspection Service officials. Previously, inspections were conducted by state officials who operated on behalf of the agency. The change aims to ensure the establishment consistently and effectively implements its corrected food safety plans, USDA officials said in a statement. It calls for stricter enforcement if lapses occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plant was shuttered nearly a year ago when listeria-tainted liverwurst caused the outbreak that killed 10 people, sickened dozens and forced a recall of more than 7 million pounds of deli products. USDA officials lifted the plant's suspension in July. In the years before the outbreak, state inspectors documented numerous problems at the plant, including mold, insects, liquid dripping from ceilings and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment, records showed. They were operating under a cooperative agreement, the Talmadge-Aiken program, that allows state inspectors to conduct federal inspections. The shift to direct federal oversight underscores the severity of the problems at the Boar's Head plant, said Sandra Eskin, a former USDA official who now heads STOP Foodborne Illness, a consumer advocacy group. It raises concerns about communication between state and federal officials when problems occur, she added. Given its history, it's particularly important that there be robust oversight of that plant, Eskin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boar's Head officials said in a statement that they have worked with state and federal regulators to ensure the successful and safe reopening of the Jarratt facility. The company said it has boosted food safety practices in Jarratt and other sites aimed at reducing or eliminating listeria in finished products. The company has declined to comment on documents obtained by The Associated Press that showed that sanitation problems persist at other Boar's Head sites in three states. Between January and July, inspectors in Arkansas, Indiana and a second site in Virginia reported problems that include instances of meat and fat residue left on equipment and walls, drains blocked with meat products, beaded condensation on ceilings and floors, overflowing trash cans and staff who didnt wear protective hairnets and plastic aprons or wash their hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials at the 120-year-old company based in Sarasota, Florida, hired a chief food safety officer in May. It also brought in a panel of experts, including Mindy Brashears, a food safety expert nominated by President Donald Trump for a second term as the USDA's undersecretary for food safety. Brashears, who now directs a food safety center at Texas Tech University, did not respond to requests for comment about Boar's Head. An automatic email reply said she was traveling out of the country until next week. ___ 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. ADDISON, Ill. (WGN) More teenagers who worked at an Addison ice cream shop are coming forward after the owner was arrested for allegedly secretly recording multiple employees, including two minors, in the bathroom. 58-year-old Steven Weisberg, of Buffalo Grove, is charged with child pornography and unauthorized video recording. He was denied pre-trial release on Sunday. It seemed like a fun job. Im in high school. It was my first job, and it was an ice cream shop, Raina Ashrafi said. Who doesnt want to work at an ice cream shop in the summer? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashrafi worked at Flavor Frenzy, located on West Lake Street, from March to Sept. 2024, when she was 16 years old. Addison police received an anonymous complaint about suspicious activity at the shop, so an undercover officer went to investigate and found an outlet in the bathroom with a small camera inside, police say. I felt sick and gross and just like, I kind of felt dumb, I guess, because I dont know how I didnt know, Ashrafi said. Prosecutors: Addison ice cream shop owner secretly recorded employees in the bathroom According to prosecutors, Weisberg allegedly saved the video footage on his laptop and cell phone. 11 videos were found in his possession of six different females, including three employees, in the bathroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was around him so much. I worked a lot last summer, and oftentimes thered just be us two. So, its kind of eerie to think about what else could have happened, Ashrafi said. Ashrafi says Weisberg asked female employees to model Flavor Frenzy T-shirts for the ice cream shops website. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines He would hand you a bag with a couple of T-shirts, a couple tank tops and then another bag that had two or three bras in it. And then he would tell you to go into the bathroom and put them on, she said. And it made sense what he was saying because he made it seem relatable. He was like, I have a daughter, I know certain bras look better with certain shirts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simon Touma, who manages the shopping complex Flavor Frenzy is in, says Weisberg owned the ice cream shop for five years. He was shocked. I found out from the police everything, what was on his phone and his laptop. Its sad. I feel sorry for his wife and daughter, Touma said. Since Weisburg was arrested, prosecutors say four additional minor employees have come forward. Hes a sick, sick man, and I feel bad for his entire orbit. He didnt just ruin his own life and affect the lives of all these young girls, but his familys, friends, neighbors. The impact is just massive, and I hope he doesnt sleep well thinking about that, Jennifer Ashrafi, Rainas mom, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Antonio Romanucci is planning to propose legislation that would require all cameras sold in Illinois to have a red flashing light when recording. We dont need any spy cameras hidden in toilets and private bathrooms and electrical outlets so that young girls can be videographed, he said. Nobody needs that, and we want to stop that. Thats why I am going to now fight for this legislation. Weisbergs next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 15. Police are working to identify additional victims. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Ruined couch cushions, dilapidated bookshelves and rolled-up carpeting still lined North 58th Street when the Federal Emergency Management Agency arrived in the Milwaukee neighborhood. As emergency management teams canvassed the street, a Department of Public Works truck drove through to take away the debris. Puddles gathered around storm drains, a reminder of the lingering aftermath of the 1,000-year flood that hit southeast Wisconsin earlier this month, dumping 10-plus inches of rain and pushing waterways to historic levels. On Aug. 21 12 days after thousands of Milwaukee-area residents woke up to find overnight flooding had damaged their homes, businesses and livelihoods the boots of the first FEMA teams hit the ground. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and other news organizations watched as they interviewed homeowners and documented damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA doesn't have an end date in Wisconsin they'll stay as long as state officials need them, agency spokeswoman Cassie Kohn said. The agency is helping the state complete a Preliminary Damage Assessment, which typically lasts a couple of days to a week. Four teams are operating in Milwaukee County, and one each in Waukesha and Washington counties. About 20 FEMA staff are embedded in those teams, which also include state and local emergency management personnel and U.S. Small Business Administration officials. "We're going to go to the hardest-hit areas, based on those 211 reports," Kohn said. "It's just a snapshot. We do not have to knock on every single person's door to know the extent and severity and magnitude of the event. If people don't get a knock on their door, I would encourage them to not be frustrated by that." More: How many people were affected by floods and rain? 211 data provides an early picture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One homeowner who opened her door to FEMA was Collette McDougal, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2016. Lincoln Creek runs along her backyard, which one neighbor said typically lies low but spread into houses and let off a stench. Collette McDougal watches as her flood-damaged belongings are disposed of by the Department of Public Works on August 21, 2025, in Milwaukee. The night the floods hit, McDougal woke up to crashing and thought someone had broken into her home. She got up and looked into her basement. All she saw was water. Now, she has no furnace or water heater. McDougal, who lives on her own with a set income, said she wants federal aid if it becomes available to Milwaukee-area homeowners. "I didn't know that," she said, after the FEMA team visited her doorstep and reporters told her about the possibility of federal assistance. "But that's a blessing to hear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA's presence is the next step toward getting federal aid flowing into Wisconsin. After the assessment is complete, Wisconsin Emergency Management compiles the information and sends it to Gov. Tony Evers. Evers can then request a presidential disaster declaration, which would open up federal aid. "We're going to try to do that as soon as possible," Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. More: Did you lose a precious item in Milwaukee's historic flood? Tell us its story. The first priority is helping individual households, but municipalities will focus on public assistance such as infrastructure next, Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management Director Cassandra Libal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's possible FEMA could come back for a separate visit if they see the need to, Libal said, but hopes "for efficiency's sake" teams can assess impacted infrastructure while they're in the community this week. Early damage estimates in Milwaukee County alone have surpassed $34 million. Of the more than 3,400 flood-damaged homes that had a preliminary assessment, more than half have major damage or are a total loss. Local officials still encourage residents to contact 211 to report damage, which provides helpful data for understanding the scope of the disaster. FEMA teams aren't going inside homes but will ask residents questions. How high was the water? Were they without power for an extended period? Were they insured for the losses? Are they living somewhere else because their home is unsafe? Kohn reminded residents that FEMA crews will wear official logos and badges and will never ask for money. Homeowners can ask teams to show identification. Scammers often flock to disaster-hit areas and impersonate FEMA agents to obtain victims' personal information or bank account numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If someone asks for that and claims they're with FEMA, they are not, and they should call local authorities immediately," Kohn said. More: Ahead of FEMA's arrival in Wisconsin, know the signs of scammers arriving at your home FEMA also interviewed Dorothy Pender on her doorstep, who said she'd also make use of federal help if it became available. The crew told her somebody would be in touch with her about federal aid, Pender told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Dorothy Pender shows the basement entrance that was flooded after speaking with personnel from the Wisconsin Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management as they conduct a preliminary damage assessment of flood-damaged homes on North 58th Street on August 21, 2025, in Milwaukee. After Pender's nephew and nieces came to help haul items from her flooded basement, people came by to steal a bed railing, lamps and tables from the curb, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They don't know that's poison," she said of the items contaminated with flood waters. Jackie Dennis, who lives in an apartment down the street, said her landlord hasn't been responsive during the floods. Part of her living room carpet was damaged, but she avoided much of the damage her neighbors experienced. "I just want people to know that Milwaukee is strong. We'll come back from this," she said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: An inside look at FEMA's work to assess flooding in Milwaukee area A state Supreme Court ruling hasn't ended the friction between Republican lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers over administrative rulemaking. (Wisconsin Examiner photo) Republican leaders of the Legislature moved Thursday to block the Evers administration from bypassing legislative committees in implementing administrative rules. Republican leaders of the Joint Committee on Legislative Organization (JCLO), with members from both the Assembly and the Senate, sent committee members a motion Thursday instructing the Legislative Reference Bureau not to finalize or publish any rules unless they have gone through a review by the Legislature in accordance with Wisconsin law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion came two days after a published report that Gov. Tony Evers instructed cabinet heads to skip the Legislature in the final steps of the rulemaking process. It is the latest development in an ongoing feud between the Democratic governor and Republican leaders in the Legislature over the power of the executive branch to write rules in order to carry out state laws. In a memo Aug. 12, Evers told department secretaries, There no longer remains any statutory requirement to wait for legislative committee review before promulgating a rule once I have approved it. The governors memo cited the July 8 Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling in the case Evers v. Marklein that curtailed the power of the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) to block executive branch rulemaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 4-3 decision, which has become known as Evers v. Marklein II, the Court majority ruled that state laws giving JCRAR broad powers to block administrative rules indefinitely were unconstitutional. This is good and important news as it means we can and must continue the peoples work in earnest, Evers wrote in the memo, first reported by WisPolitics.com. Accordingly, I am directing agencies to submit rules that have made it through that relevant part of the process to the Legislative Reference Bureau for finalization and publication. The motion distributed to JCLO members Thursday takes direct aim at the assertion in Evers memo. The motion states that the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) shall neither finalize nor publish any rules or proposed rules that failed to comply with the standing committee statutory requirements of s. 227.19 (2) to (4), Stats., including rules or proposed rules that have already been submitted to the LRB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those statutes require that when administrative rules are in final draft form, the Legislature must be notified, a detailed report on the rule must be submitted, and the rule must be reviewed by a standing committee of the Legislature. There are 27 administrative rules submitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau currently awaiting publication in the Administrative Register. The bureau director, Rick Champagne, told the Wisconsin Examiner on Thursday that 13 of those rules have not yet completed standing committee review. Those have been classified as not to be published. Evers v. Marklein II did not address the constitutionality of standing committee review of proposed administrative rules, Champagne wrote in an email message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the rules held up pending review are one addressing the states policy on gray wolf management and one on surface water degradation. The remaining 14 rules have completed the standing committee review and are before the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules or have completed that process, according to Champagne. I believe these are ready for publication under Evers v. Marklein II, Champagne told the Examiner. JCLO has the authority to direct the manner in which the LRB will carry out its statutory duties, Champagne added. The Wisconsin Supreme Court, in Evers v. Marklein II, did not eliminate standing committee review of proposed administrative rules. If JCLO so directs, the LRB will not finalize or publish any proposed administrative rules that have not completed standing committee review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paper ballot votes on the motion are due Friday and results are expected to be posted by the end of the day. The motion is expected to pass given the committees GOP majority. The committees Republican co-chairs, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate President Mary Felzkowski, issued a press release Thursday calling Evers action to sidestep submitting rules to the Legislature for committee review a direct contradiction of the Courts ruling. In Evers v. Marklein, the Wisconsin Supreme Court clearly stated that the Legislature alone maintains the ability to amend, expand, or limit the breadth of administrative rulemaking in other branches of government, the press release said. Governor Tony Evers is attempting to circumvent statutory requirements that are part of the rule-making process and that no court has held to be invalid in any respect. We are following the law and maintaining the fundamental checks and balances of lawmaking, Vos and Felzkowski said in a joint statement. The governor is flagrantly disregarding the rule of law and egregiously abusing the power of his office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evers communications director, Britt Cudaback, countered with a charge that the Republican lawmakers were defying the law. Republicans are reaching new levels of lawlessness, whether its President Trump trying to take over Washington DC, Republicans in Texas trying to rig maps and elections in their favor, or Republicans in Wisconsin who appear poised to disobey decisions made by our states highest court, Cudaback wrote in an email message. Republicans are not above the law they should follow the law like everyone else is expected to. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Fight turns into robbery in downtown Orlando, police say Two people are facing charges after a man was attacked in downtown Orlando. Police said the fight happened at the intersection of Magnolia and Central Boulevard. The video shows a fight breaking out, leading to one man being knocked to the ground. While on the ground, he was also robbed, police said. Officials said they were able to quickly find and arrest the suspects thanks to live surveillance footage from the citys Crime Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives in Orlandos Crime Center monitored the area via surveillance cameras and provided officers with descriptions of the suspects, which led to the arrests. Orlando Police arrested Ahmed Hansford, 28, who is charged with battery, and Ashley Weeksbury, 30, who faces a robbery charge. See more in the video above. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Joel Haashiim could have spent his $20,000 on a nice vacation. Instead, he ran for mayor of Detroit. Out of nine candidates in the Aug. 5 primary, he finished last. His fellow citizens awarded him 348 votes, or 349 including his own, for 0.41% of the 85,971 cast. Short of getting caught in a typhoon somewhere, or having his luggage wind up in Antarctica, the vacation might seem from here like the better option. But after two weeks of reflection, Haashiim, 75, is ready to declare his campaign a success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Council President Mary Sheffield did a trifle better than he did. She drew 43,572 votes, for 50.82%, and she'll head into the Nov. 4 runoff as the likely successor to three-term mayor Mike Duggan. Rev. Solomon Kinloch had a decent day, too; with 14,893 votes, for 17.37%, he was the runner-up, and he'll be Sheffield's opponent. Haashiim hasn't decided which of their ovals he'll fill in on his ballot. He stands ready to assist either contender, should his expertise be sought. Joel Haashiim ran for mayor during the 2025 Detroit Primary Election. He finished last, but said the campaign and the money he spent on it was worth it. Meantime, he said, "Whenever something is good and it's right, we have to find a value. Even if it's within a negative scenario, it's a positive." In short, he won, every time someone heard his message ... except maybe for the times the only people listening were the other candidates. Nearby motivation Haashiim lived near Van Dyke and Gratiot until just about the time he was old enough to drive, when his family moved to the northwest side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He's still there, and has nine children and 18 grandkids in the city each of them, he said, a reason to try to make things better. Our young people especially, they dont want to have anything to do with politics, Haashiim said, which may contribute to Detroits routinely dismal election turnout. Low numbers lead to name recognition becoming the foremost guarantor of election success, he said, with the same tired ideas funded by big donors supporting a few lucky parts of the city while other sectors struggle. He paid for the entirely of his campaign, which probably didn't alter the plans of any billionaires or PACs, but made him feel like he was making a contribution directly to the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also let him talk about whatever he wanted: a public bank, a career academy, improved mental health care, repaying retirees who were sideswiped during Detroit's bankruptcy. A party store owner by age 20, Haashiim said, he transitioned early to wholesaling and distribution. That meant international travel and an expertise in commerce that put him on some 15 trade missions to places like Qatar, China and large swaths of Europe. With that as a foundation, he made international trade one of his key issues to audiences large, small and minuscule. Searching for a spotlight The Free Press wrote about Haashiim in early January of 2024, when he became the second candidate in the race. Several local TV stations took him seriously enough to put him on the air, as did radio grande dame Mildred Gaddis of WDMK-FM (105.9). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mostly, though, he scrambled to be heard. He knocked on doors, dropped by barbershops, and hustled on some days to multiple forums: State of Southwest, Detroit Parks Coalition, St. Stephen AME Church. Too often, he said, moderators wouldnt pin down the other candidates on how they expected to pay for their proposals. And sometimes, the organizers were as new to the concept as he was, "and we'd have six or seven candidates talking to 15 or 20 people." In retrospect, he said, he may have overestimated the public's interest in trade delegations, his personal passion. Global business might not light a fire under voters who mostly shop at a corner market. His flyers may have been overpacked with information. His billboards didn't exist, though then again, attorney Todd Perkins and council member Fred Durhal III bought some, and they combined for less than 9% of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come election day, Haashiim opted not to have a party or even a pot-luck to watch the results flow in. He watched on television for awhile, went to bed, and woke up to what he already knew. He would not be mayor. He could have gone to Rwanda instead: "I'm told it's a clean country, with very little crime." But he had said what he wanted and done what he could, and that was enough. Neal Rubin won his last two elections, for student body vice president in high school and student senate in college, and is unlikely to press his luck now. Reach him at NARubin@freepress.com. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Joel Haashiim came in last in the Detroit mayoral primary race. Two families were displaced Thursday after a fire damaged their Tacoma homes. Firefighters were dispatched at 12:24 p.m. to the 110 block of South 88th Street after multiple callers reported the fire. Both homes were already heavily damaged when firefighters arrived, Tacoma Fire spokesperson Chelsea Shepherd told The News Tribune. One boat was also destroyed in a carport, she said. Someone was inside one of the homes and made it out. Shepherd said it is unclear if anyone was in the second home at the time of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A firefighter suffered a minor injury, she said. No one else was injured. After taking out the flames, firefighters maintained a fire watch to make sure nothing sparks up for the next few hours. After that, the houses will be boarded up and turned over to the homeowners, according to Shepherd. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Shepherd said it was initially called in that someone may have been cooking outside, which possibly caused the fire. That information is currently unconfirmed. Tacoma Fire has reached out to the American Red Cross to help those displaced. Information on the number of displaced people was not immediately available. The Navy declared a fire aboard the amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans extinguished following a 12-hour battle Wednesday night off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. U.S. 7th Fleet officials said the fire began at 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon while the ship was anchored off the White Beach Naval Facility. The crew quickly responded, assisted by sailors from another San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, the USS San Diego, which was moored at the naval facility. Service officials said an investigation is underway as to the cause of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Jury Convicts Chinese-Born US Navy Sailor of Espionage, Spying for China The crew was able to remain on the ship following the fire, although Navy officials said services and berthing were available on the San Diego, as well as Fleet Activities Okinawa. Two sailors were taken to the vessel's medical clinic for treatment of minor injuries, according to the Navy. The New Orleans was commissioned in 2007 in its namesake city and originally was homeported in San Diego, deploying extensively around the globe. In 2009, the ship suffered minor damage when it was struck by the attack submarine USS Hartford in the Strait of Hormuz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2015, its crew played a pivotal role in safely evacuating the aircrew and Marine passengers of an MV-22 Osprey that crashed on its deck during pre-deployment training exercises. The last major fire aboard a U.S. Navy vessel occurred in 2020 on the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard while it was in maintenance in San Diego. That fire burned for four days and destroyed the ship. The cause of that fire was thought to be arson, although the sailor who was charged was acquitted at trial. An investigation also determined that the Navy's fire protocols were not followed and that the vessel had missing fire hoses and a broken sprinkler system. In that fire, 63 people, including 40 sailors and 23 civilians, were treated for minor injuries such as heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Defense Department and military services have started replacing the fire retardant used on military installations with foam that is less hazardous to the environment. Aqueous film forming foam, or AFFF, is highly effective but contains per- and polyfluorinated chemicals, or PFAS, that do not break down naturally and have been linked to several types of cancer and developmental delays in children. The U.S. Navy continues to use AFFF on ships, where fires can be particularly dangerous or lethal. In a 2023 report to Congress, the Defense Department said new Navy ships are being designed with alternative fire suppression systems, but "limited use of [PFAS-containing systems] remains for those spaces where the alternatives are not appropriate," such as existing ships. According to the report, "the safety and survivability of naval ships and crew from fires on ships depends on current PFAS-based firefighting foams and their use will continue until a capable alternative is found," officials wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to 7th Fleet officials, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan Coast Guard assisted in the response to the USS New Orleans fire. Local media reports showed a Japanese firefighting vessel dowsing the New Orleans' deck with water. As of Thursday, the New Orleans remained at anchor with the Japanese tug Reiwa standing by, according to the app Marine Traffic. Related: Navy Announces Timeline to Dismantle Fire-Damaged Bonhomme Richard, Sideline 2 LCSs By Patturaja Murugaboopathy and Jaspreet Kalra (Reuters) -Indian companies have seen the steepest earnings downgrades in Asia, with analysts slashing forecasts as steep U.S. tariffs heighten risks to growth even if proposed domestic tax cuts help cushion the impact. According to LSEG IBES data, forward 12-month earnings estimates for India's large and mid-cap firms have been cut by 1.2% in the past two weeks, the sharpest in Asia. The cuts follow a lacklustre season of quarterly earnings reports extending a bout of weakness among listed firms which kicked off last year and has hurt benchmark equity indexes. India's economy is largely domestic and firms which are part of the Nifty 50 index earn only 9% of revenue from the U.S. but the tariff hike to as high as 50% on exports to the world's largest economy presents a risk to economic growth. A general view of the skyline in Mumbai Analysis by MUFG indicates that a sustained 50% tariff could cut Indias GDP growth by 1 percentage point over time, with the biggest hit to employment-sensitive sectors such as textiles. Looking to buoy domestic consumption, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced sweeping tax reforms to boost the economy in the face of a trade conflict with Washington. "It's a little bit of an interesting time given what's happened with the tariffs that have been imposed on India," said Raisah Rasid, global market strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Valuations are still elevated and "we could potentially see the tariff triggering a broad valuation re-rating downwards and make some of the domestic oriented stocks attractive," she said. Earnings growth for Indian companies has been in single-digit percentages for five consecutive quarters, below the 15%25% growth seen between 202021 and 202324. Following the April-June earnings announcements, forward 12-month net income forecasts for automobiles and components, capital goods, food and beverages, and consumer durables sectors saw the deepest cuts in earnings estimates, each down about 1% or more, the data showed. The government's plans to lower consumption taxes are also expected to boost the country's GDP growth. Economists at Standard Chartered pencil in a boost of 0.35-0.45 percentage points in the fiscal year ending in March 2027. India's real GDP growth averaged 8.8% between fiscal 2022 and 2024, the highest in Asia-Pacific. It is projected to grow at 6.8% annually over the next three years. Bank of Americas latest fund manager survey shows that India has tumbled from the most-favoured to the least-preferred Asian equity market in just two months. A longstanding church in Los Angeles Echo Park neighborhood, which is currently vacant due to needed repairs, caught fire Thursday morning. Firefighters were called to the Echo Park United Methodist Church on North Alvarado and Reservoir streets shortly before 7 a.m. Aerial video from Sky5 showed smoke billowing out the front door of the two-story church as firefighters entered to extinguish the blaze. Smoke is seen coming from the Echo Park United Methodist Church on Aug. 21, 2025. (KTLA) Fire crews forced access and located fire in a closet, the Los Angeles Fire Department stated in a news alert Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire was knocked down in about 20 minutes, and no injuries were reported, the Fire Department said. The Echo Park United Methodist Church (EPUMC) community has been in Echo Park since 1906, with the current church building being dedicated in 1924, according to the EPUMC website. The church has been closed due to renovations needed to the bell tower, after a powerful 2024 storm revealed structural damage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. One person was injured and fires broke out as a result of a Russian missile and drone attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the night of 20-21 August. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration; State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) on Telegram Quote from Lysak: "In the Yuriivka hromada, Pavlohrad district, several fires broke out following a drone attack. A 48-year-old man was injured. Infrastructure facilities have been damaged." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Lysak added that the Nikopol district was attacked with drones and artillery. Nikopol and the Marhanets, Myrove and Pokrovske hromadas came under attack. Five houses, five outbuildings, a car, a gas pipeline and power lines were damaged. A firefighter extinguishing the fire Photo: State Emergency Service "In the Synelnykove district, enemy UAVs hit the Mezhova and Pokrovske hromadas, causing fires. Two companies and a gas pipeline were damaged. A house was struck and power lines were hit in the Tsarychanka hromada in the Dnipro district." A firefighter extinguishing the fire Photo: State Emergency Service Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lysak said that air defence forces shot down 18 drones and 2 missiles over the oblast. Firefighters extinguishing the fire Photo: State Emergency Service SES added that several fires broke out in the Pavlohrad and Synelnykove districts as a result of the strikes. Premises belonging to two companies and a gas pipeline were damaged. Emergency workers are at the scene. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow on Thursday of shirking a meeting between him and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, despite US-led attempts to arrange a summit to end the war. US President Donald Trump is trying to end Russia's three-and-a-half year invasion of Ukraine by bringing both Zelensky and Putin to the negotiating table. But despite high-profile talks with Putin in Alaska last week and separate meetings with Zelensky and European leaders in Washington on Monday, there has been little tangible progress towards a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said Russia was "trying to wriggle out of holding a meeting". "Frankly speaking, the signals coming from Russia are simply outrageous... They don't want to end this war," the Ukrainian leader said during an evening address. "They continue their massive attacks on Ukraine and their ferocious assaults along the front line," he said. Zelensky has signalled willingness to meet with Putin, but only after his allies agree on security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian attacks once the fighting stops. He has also said any meeting should take place in a "neutral" European country -- ruling out a summit in Moscow -- and rejected the idea of China helping to guarantee Ukrainian security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia, meanwhile, said that Ukraine did not appear to be interested in "long-term" peace, accusing Kyiv of seeking guarantees incompatible with Moscow's demands. Trump has set a two-week time frame for assessing the chances of a peace agreement, telling the right-wing media outlet Newsmax that Washington would "have to maybe take a different tack" if the talks fell through. - Fresh Russian barrage - Zelensky also warned that both Moscow and Kyiv were preparing for further fighting. Russia was building up troops on the southern front line, and Ukraine was test-launching a new long-range cruise missile, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments came after Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Ukraine overnight -- the biggest barrage since mid-July -- killing one person in the western city of Lviv and wounding many others. Russian missiles also targeted an American-owned factory complex in the town of Mukachevo in western Ukraine, wounding 23 people, the head of the regional military administration said. The president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, Andy Hunder, said that Moscow aimed to "destroy and humiliate" US businesses in the country. Zelensky called the attack "a deliberate strike specifically on American-owned property". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A later shelling of the city of Kherson killed one person and wounded more than a dozen, a local official said. And in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine's Donetsk region, two people were killed and at least 21 wounded after Ukrainian shelling, the Russian-installed regional chief, Denis Pushilin, said. - Russia claims advances - On the front lines, Russia said it had captured the village of Oleksandro-Shultyne in the eastern Donetsk region, the latest in a long string of territorial gains. The village lies less than eight kilometres (five miles) from Kostiantynivka, a fortified town in the Donetsk region that Russia has been pressing towards on both sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France condemned the overnight strikes as showing Moscow's "lack of will to seriously engage in peace talks". A group of allies led by Britain and France are putting together a military coalition to support security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky said Kyiv hoped to "have an understanding of the security guarantees architecture within seven to 10 days", in comments to reporters released for publication on Thursday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of making unrealistic security demands. Any deployment of European troops to the country would be "absolutely unacceptable", he said, accusing Ukrainian officials of showing no interest in a "sustainable, fair, long-term settlement". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky also announced that Ukraine had successfully tested a long-range cruise missile, known as Flamingo, that can strike targets as far as 3,000 kilometres away and could be in mass production by February. Russian forces have been slowly but steadily gaining ground in recent months. Zelensky said Russia was building up troops along the front in the Zaporizhzhia region, which Moscow claims as its own, along with four other Ukrainian regions. bur-mmp/mjw/rsc Supporters of public media on Capitol Hill and beyond are scrambling to find solutions to address the fiscal cliff that public media is staring down this fall following cuts directed by President Trump and executed by his allies in Congress. Senators on both sides of the aisle say they were working to protect local stations after Congress cut funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the government-funded body that said it will shut down as a result. At the same time, public media leaders are looking for ways to blunt the blow for stations most at risk, but have warned that filling the gaps could be next to impossible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody can replace $600 million a year, Tim Isgitt, CEO of the Public Media Company, said Tuesday. CPB was the largest funder of local news and information in this country, and no, philanthropy cant make up that gap. Isgitts organization is the driving force behind a philanthropic effort, known as the Public Media Bridge Fund, that has raised more than $26 million for stations at risk of shuttering in wake of the CPB cuts. For these at-risk stations, CPB typically sends about $55 million a year, just to these 115 that weve identified, Isgitt told The Hill. He said the goal is to raise about $100 million over two years to help cover that gap for these stations, while exploring ways for them to become more sustainable over time, including finding other sources of revenue or reducing expenditures. In total, a group of philanthropic organizations including Knight Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Schmidt Family Foundation, all longtime backers of public media, pledged to commit nearly $37 million this week to provide immediate relief to public media stations at risk of closure following federal funding cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local public media stations are trusted community anchors that connect people to vital news, culture and civic life, Maribel Perez Wadsworth, president and CEO of Knight Foundation, said in a statement. This is an urgent moment that calls for bold action. Public broadcasting stations have also seen a boost in donations in response to the cuts, with reports showing tens of millions of dollars in increased support in recent months. But advocates for public media say much more is needed to fill a more than $500 million hole for the coming fiscal year. Some say the void left by the closure of local public media stations would pose a risk to public safety and quality of life, particularly in rural communities. Like many people, I learned to read and count because of public media. Its the lifeblood of so many localities, said Pete Loge, who teaches communications and media at George Washington University. Trump is a really good big national theatre and spectacle. The irony is a move like this is made to seem like its attacking liberals, but its actually harming a lot of Republican constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CPB said earlier this month it would begin an orderly wind-down of its operations after the GOP-led Congress approved about $1 billion in cuts to the corporation, or combined funding previously made available for the organization for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It also said this week that it no longer can absorb costs and manage the Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) grant program as a result of the cuts to its operating costs; it had partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to implement the program. Congress currently has until Sept. 30 to pass legislation to keep the government funded into fiscal 2026, which begins Oct. 1, or risk its first government shutdown in years. Some on Capitol Hill are hopeful that lawmakers could still pull out a bipartisan fix to protect local stations, mainly in rural areas, that rely on funding from the federal government to operate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that the discussion around their decisions really was focused on national programming and concerns that people had about NPR and PBS, and I think that really what got missed in that whole discussion was the impact that this rescission was going to have on local stations, said Kate Riley, the president and chief executive officer for Americas Public Television Stations. Weve talked to a wide range of members, including many Republicans, who strongly support their local stations and recognize the essential role that their local stations provide in serving their community and their constituents, and are realizing now that this broad rescission has had some unintended consequences on their local stations, Riley said. Funding for the CPB was notably excluded in the annual funding bill for the departments of Labor and Health and Human Services that was passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee last month. The CPB said it marked the first time in more than five decades the funding had been left out. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), the top Democrat on the subcommittee that crafts the annual funding bill, suggested funding for local stations could find bipartisan support in Congress, separate from the administrations efforts to dismantle the CPB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A priority for most of the Republicans who have announced their support or their opposition to defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, is that they have many small rural stations, Baldwin told The Hill. Their capacity to do private fundraising is very limited if you serve a very, you know, rural population with a small population, but they need it for emergency alerts and educational programming and local news. And so, I think thats where were going to be able to come together. But for some stations, the time crunch is tighter. NPR said multiple stations began their fiscal 2026 budget in July. Isgitt also noted that November, when many public stations would typically receive funding from the CPB, will also be a critical time for other outlets. I dont know what cash flow or assets look like for every one of these stations, but you can be assured that, in the months after November, several stations will begin to fail, and then more will fail, and more will fail after that, he said. Its going to happen. This is a cash-strapped industry. Republicans said they had worked out a deal with the administration aimed at helping shield tribal stations from the cuts by repurposing other funds for the effort. But Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a senior appropriator, has raised questions about the funding and noted that many stations in her state, which has a significant Indigenous population, could still fall through the cracks because they arent considered tribally-owned or serving tribal land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have to figure out a way to maintain not just the tribal stations, because half of those stations are not tribal, Murkowski told The Hill. Theyre pretty dang important, and so, yeah, I got to find a way. I dont know what the path is, but Im working on it. Native Public Media CEO Loris Tiller said the organization conducted a recent poll of 19 tribal stations so far and all said anywhere from 40-100 percent of their annual budget came from CPB funds. We also asked them whether staff layoffs will be necessary, and you can see that the majority of them are affirmative in that response, Taylor said, noting she still doesnt have many answers about the administrations deal with Senate Republicans to protect tribal stations. We just havent heard anything about that. I dont know if its moving, Taylor said. I dont know where the moneys coming from. The details havent been forthcoming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates have also raised concerns about public stations at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) they say are at risk in wake of the CPB cuts. About a dozen NPR members are affiliated with HBCUs. Cuts to public media have long been on the wish list of President Trump and conservatives more generally. The president earlier this year sent a special request to Congress to secure the cuts without Democratic support. Upon passage of the legislation, Trump cheered the measure on social media for cutting atrocious NPR and Public Broadcasting. Many Republicans in both chambers share the same view, often singling out NPR and PBS, which receive some funding from the CPB, for what they allege is political bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 1 percent of NPRs current operating budget comes directly from the federal government, compared to 15 percent for PBS, multiple outlets report. In the previous fiscal year, NPR received upward of $13 million from CPB, the corporations grants and allocations data shows. More than $70 million went to PBS, based in Arlington. At a hearing on Capitol Hill earlier this year, the CEOs of NPR and PBS faced an intense grilling from angry lawmakers over their editorial decisionmaking and funding models. Other lawmakers have argued public media has been outpaced by major changes to the media ecosystem and the emergence of alternative news platforms. Because of technology today, I dont think theres a role for public radio anymore, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) said during a House Oversight and Government Reform hearing in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement after the Senate passed the CPB cuts, PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said the moves goes against the will of the American people, the vast majority of whom trust PBS and believe we provide excellent value to their communities. These cuts will significantly impact all of our stations, but will be especially devastating to smaller stations and those serving large rural areas, she said. Many of our stations which provide access to free unique local programming and emergency alerts will now be forced to make hard decisions in the weeks and months ahead. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 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. Want to stay current with Arthurs writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out. Updated at 10:27 p.m. ET on August 21, 2025 One of the biggest gripes I have about my academic field of social science is that it explains a lot about human behavior but is very short on prescriptions for how to live day to day. Even when it does have something suggestive to offer, the research almost never supplies evidence of whether its widespread adoption would have a positive effect. The same deficiency is even truer for philosophy, a realm in which big thoughts about life usually remain abstract ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my case, I can resort to a branch of human knowledge that parallels social science and philosophy and is a true laboratory of human behavior and experience. In this field, people think big ideas and act differently because of them, and then we can observe whether doing so enhances their lives. I am talking about religion. Religions in effect ask people to opt into mass human experiments, which require them to convert to a new way of thinking and to live differently from nonbelievers, all in pursuit of particular benefits (both in life and after death). Even for those who dont practice a religion and merely observe religious people, such study can be an invaluable source of information. Indeed, researchers have shown that learning about different faiths promotes a deeper understanding of psychology and culture. [Listen: Can religion make you happy?] I was reminded of this recently when my friend Rainn Wilson (of The Office fame), who hosts a popular spiritual podcast called Soul Boom, texted me some words of encouragement from his personal faith, Bahai (pronounced buh-high), in response to a note of desolation I had sounded about the state of the world: All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. His meaning, as I took it, was that we should see such troubles not as a reason for despair but as a blessed opportunity to meet the greater need for love and happiness. Intrigued by Wilsons religiously inspired advice, I decided to dig further into the Bahai faith. There, I found valuable lessons about happiness that can benefit anyone, regardless of religious commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bahai faith originated in mid-19th-century Persia (known today as Iran), with pronouncements about God and life from a prophet named Bahau'llah. His teachingthat all religions are valid and come from a loving Godspread quickly and gained many followers. After Bahau'llahs death, the faith was passed down through his son Abdu'l-Baha and great-grandson Shoghi Effendi, and disseminated by many other teachers. Because Bahai teachings departed from Islam, they were considered heresies by Persian clerics, and the faith and its proponents were violently suppressed. Bahau'llah himself was first imprisoned and then exiled; many of his followers were executed. To this day in Iran, the Bahai faith is illegal and its followers are persecutedbarred from attending university, holding a government job, or inheriting property. Despite this repression in its place of origin, Bahais message is remarkably positive and nonapocalyptic. The faith now counts more than 5 million adherents worldwide, including about 175,000 in the United States. Bahau'llah spoke often about happiness in spite of worldly troubles, which he saw as a normal feature of life, even a part of Gods plan. Happy is the man that hath apprehended the Purpose of God in whatever He hath revealed from the Heaven of His Will, he said. He was certainly onto something: As social scientists have shown, middle-aged people who trust God in the face of hardship have lower depression and better self-rated health than those who dont, and people who choose to focus optimistically on the positive aspects of life enjoy much greater well-being than those who dont. To accentuate the positive is not to deny present difficulty or suffering. In fact, acknowledging pain is central to realizing a better future. Men who suffer not, attain no perfection, taught Abdu'lBaha. The more a man is chastened, the greater is the harvest of spiritual virtues shown forth by him. This message contradicts our prevailing modern culture that pain is a pathology to be eliminated; it teaches instead the deeply needed truth that suffering is a part of every life and important for learning and growth. This is consistent with the large literature on post-traumatic growth, which shows that making sense of suffering in life tends to enhance personal resilience, spiritual capacity, appreciation for life, and relationships with others. Bahai teaching is rigorous, spiritual, and deeply moral, which runs counter to a modern libertine culture that valorizes instant pleasure and transactional ethics. Happiness consists of two kinds; physical and spiritual, Abdu'l-Baha taught. The physical happiness is limited; its utmost duration is one day, one month, one year. It hath no result. Spiritual happiness is eternal and unfathomable. This is an age-old argument, reaching back to the ancient Greek conflict between hedonia (pleasure seeking) and eudaimonia (virtue seeking). The quest for virtue yields better results according to empirical scrutiny, which finds that eudaimonia delivers more lasting well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another point that we moderns typically neglect is an assertion that Shoghi Effendi made: The more we make others happy the greater will be our own happiness and the deeper our sense of having served humanity. In other words, you cant be happy by working solely on your own well-being; in fact, youre well advised not even to start with your own happiness in mind. As psychologists have long shown in experiments, acts of kindness toward others are far better at producing happiness than what has entered the lexicon as self-care. When people are induced to help others in an activity, recalling that experience gives them higher positive emotion than having worked for their own gain. These teachings may seem like reminders, rather than new ideas, about how to live a good and upright life. Indeed, more recent Bahai teaching has emphasized the pitfalls of novelty: The 20th-century scholar and historian Adib Taherzadeh warned against trivial or sensational ideologies that lead to cults which become fashionable for a time. But when the novelty wears off or dissatisfaction sets in, the adherents are left still searching for the next big thingand few have found happiness or peace of mind. This insight is profoundly important today, at a time when the internet offers novel identities and lifestyles that beguile the most vulnerable but tend to lower well-being and a sense of lifes meaning. When it comes to love, sacrifice, and charity, the old ways arefor the most partthe best ways. [Arthur C. Brooks: How to make life more transcendent] Taken together, these Bahai tenets form a strategy for living that, to my mind, combines the best of behavioral science and philosophy. They also offer the added advantage of being tried and tested by millions of Bahai believers who have found that these teachings help build a good life. In that spirit, I have started following these five lessons as part of my morning practice of reflection and meditationand I can report that I very much like the effect theyre having on my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1. Have faith in the future. Whatever may come to pass is all part of the greater plan. Conform your will to the divine will, and you will find that it is good. 2. Are you uncomfortable? Good. This means that you are learning and growing as a person, because all growth comes with experiencing discomfort. 3. Today, seek happiness that is deeper than what comes from easy pleasures. Pass on the recreations that offer only empty calories and turn away from time-wasting distractions. Instead, look to what nourishes the body and soul. 4. You cannot be happy yourself without the happiness of others. Seek first to uplift, and then be uplifted. To serve others is to expand your own well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5. There are no corners to cut in being the person you want to be. Today, live the truths of the ancient wisdom without hesitation or embarrassment before the modern world. Ignore the passing fads with their hollow promises. These abridged lessons are no substitute for a deeper understanding of Bahai, which is, after all, an actual religion, not a self-help philosophy. With that caution in mind, I sent this essay to Wilson to get his feedback as a true follower of the Bahai faith. Expressing his approval, he offered a few words about how Bahai has affected his own life: What I love about my faith is that it provides a two-fold moral path toward meaning and joy. One is more internal, filled with mystical writings to foster spiritual growth and connect us to the divine winds; the other is more externally focused, where service to humanity and our role in that arena act as a spiritual compass. In the faith we strive to walk both pathsseeking internal enrichment and wisdom while also trying to make the world a more loving place. To a happiness specialist (and devoted Catholic) like me, this is deeply compelling. As Rainn knowsbecause he couldnt resist adding: You should definitely convert, bro. This article has been updated to remove a reference to the Bahai faith as an offshoot of Islam. Article originally published at The Atlantic An aerial view of the sun rising above homes that burned in the Eaton Fire on Jan. 21, 2025 in Altadena, California. Multiple wildfires which were fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds have burned across Los Angeles County leaving at least 27 dead with more than 180,000 people having been under evacuation orders. More than 12,000 structures, many of them homes and businesses, burned in the Palisades and Eaton Fires. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) With another fire season upon us several news articles have appeared about the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation wildfire suppression cost audit that indicates on average taxpayers have paid $30+ million in wildfire costs per year. An audit was done of these costs (though it is unclear if this was done by the state or contracted out to a private entity) and indicated that rural private forest landowners are the main beneficiaries and essentially their rural lifestyles and homes are subsidized by state funding because they are the main beneficiaries of wildfire suppression. The audit concluded that rural forest owners ought to pay the bulk of state agency wildfire suppression costs. Nothing could be more misleading and misguided, and the real question that needs answering is how much did the state pay for this so-called audit, who conducted it, and why was there no actual scientific review of the audit before being published? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a forestry professional, scientist, and rural forest landowner, I have worked with rural forest landowners across both Idaho and Montana for more than 40 years. The vast majority of landowners invested most of their income, work and free time into their properties during their lifetime with the main goal of protecting and conserving a piece of nature. No exotic vacations to Hawaii, just work on their land in their spare time. They are ranchers, farmers, forest workers, mechanics, shopkeepers and mill workers that were willing to endure living remotely because prior to COVID, that was where they could afford to buy affordable land and build a house. Most of them enrolled in evening classes (that I have taught for over 40 years) to learn about their forest, practice good conservation for wildlife habitat, forest health, water quality and above all, minimize wildfire risks on their properties. And their efforts have paid off for the benefit of all Montanans. The egregious fantasy portrayed by the DNRC wildfire cost audit is that the biggest cost associated with wildfire suppression is protecting rural houses. I would expect such a conclusion to be drawn by a bunch of statisticians whose understanding of forested landscapes comes from watching Disneys Lorax. This is why who did the audit and who reviewed it before it was published is important. The bottom line is that wildfires are landscape phenomenon driven by fuels, weather and topography. If allowed to burn, they can cover millions of acres like the big blowup of 1910 where more than 3 million acres burned in over a week. There are numerous other examples including the Great Oregon fire of 1845, Peshtigo fire in 1871, Yellowstone fires of 1988, and many more recent forest fires here at home including the Valley Complex in 2000 that burned across the southern Bitterroot, and the Lolo Peak fire in the northern Bitterroot of 2017. Across our modern West, wildfires are expected phenomenon that need to be contained and controlled at some point on the landscape, or they will burn across towns and kill people. This is well demonstrated by the more recent California fires such as the 2018 Camp fire that destroyed the town of Paradise, killed many, and burned an estimated 19,000 structures. Likewise, this years Palisades-Los Angeles fires that destroyed more than 15,467 homes and killed more people. But it is a big mistake to conflate recent California fires with those of Montana. I have reviewed almost every forest wildfire that has burned across Montana forested landscapes during the past 30 years based on how and why it burned, and the damage left behind. The majority of the fires were contained and controlled when they burned onto private forested lands by the excellent work of our fire crews. This is where the statisticians make their horribly wrong main assumption, believing that wildfire fires are only contained in the wildland urban interface in order to protect homes. Clearly home protection is an important goal. But, the majority of wildfires are contained in the WUI because they can be due to the fuels reduction that private landowners have accomplished, often at their own cost. Plus, private forest lands mostly have easy road access where fire crews and equipment like water tankers and dozers, and fire suppression crews conducting burnouts can be very effective and safe at containing a fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So imagine you are a rural forest landowner who has done the work needed to help suppress wildfires, especially if your land borders federal lands where forest fuels reduction work has been hamstrung with endless litigation. Containing wildfires in overgrown dense and dead trees is not possible, especially if you want to keep fire fighters alive. Thus, you contain fires where fuel breaks or fuels reduction has occurred. There are many rural landowners whose property was used to contain wildfires regardless of how and why they started without any compensation for the losses brought about by fire containment tactics such as fire-line construction, burnouts or backburns. And now an official audit comes out indicating that these same private forest property owners should pay for the wildland fire suppression costs that protect all communities, including urban towns and infrastructure across Montana. This is like charging the good Samaritan who stops to help a car crash victim for the cost of the ambulance. All Montana citizens benefit from wildland fire protection because we all can suffer the consequences, even in well-established towns. If we do not control wildfires in the wildland urban interface, we will lose entire towns like those in California where landowners in the WUI have been prevented from practicing forest density reduction and other vegetation control due to state-mandated over-concern for native habitat and no concern for the rural residents that live there. Kolb holds a doctorate and is a Montana State University Extension Forestry Specialist as well as an associate professor of Forest Ecology and Management. After recent flooding, officials are warning Wisconsin residents to be careful when hiring people to repair their homes, vehicles or other damaged property. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says it often receives reports after storms of out-of-state repair crews showing up in hard-hit neighborhoods. These crews go door-to-door, using pressure tactics to solicit business. Because they aren't from Wisconsin, it can be difficult for consumers to get their money back, according to the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is what consumer protection officials recommend so consumers can avoid scams and poor-quality work: How to make sure a repair service is trustworthy When looking for repair services, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says to start by asking for recommendations from trusted sources, like friends, neighbors, or your insurance agent. To confirm a repair crew is legitimate, the department says to check with local officials to make sure the crew has the proper permits to work in your area, including a license to solicit business door-to-door. What contractors must do, and what they cannot legally do in Wisconsin According to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin contractors cannot: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Promise to pay any portion of your property's insurance deductible Negotiate with an insurance company unless you give them permission to discuss damages and costs Contractors must: Ask if the work is tied to an insurance claim before signing a contract Tell you that you have three business days to cancel the contract if your insurer denies any part of the claim How vehicle owners can avoid auto body shop scams For flood-damaged vehicles, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection recommends: Asking trusted sources like friends or family for recommendations before choosing an auto body shop Searching for online reviews of the company Working with your insurance company to choose the repair shop if the work will be covered by insurance Contacting DATCP'S Bureau of Consumer Protection to check if a specific shop has a record of complaints What auto body shops can and cannot do, according to the law According to the DATCP, auto body shops cannot: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Complete any repairs without your permission Raise the price after giving you an estimate or quote Keep your car if you refuse to pay for unauthorized repairs After work is complete, the shop must provide a full invoice describing all repairs, replaced parts (with costs), and labor charges. Other tips to protect yourself from fraudulent contractors Before any work begins, the DATCP recommends that you: Get lien waivers (legal receipts showing the contractor has been paid) for every payment you make Sign a written contract that details the work, materials, start and end dates, and warranty details Check with your local building inspector to see if permits are required Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DATCP recommends that you always keep copies of all written materials, including: Receipts Contracts Written correspondence After the work is completed, ask your local building inspector inspect the finished work before making your final payment. Who to contact for more resources or to file a complaint You can access more consumer protection resources or file a complaint at consumerprotection.wi.gov. You can contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 or DATCPhotline@wisconsin.gov. Quinn Clark is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be emailed at QClark@gannett.com. Questions or tips? Contact Public Investigator Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is a new initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We'll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to publicinvestigator@gannett.com or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at jsonline.com/tips. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How Wisconsin residents can avoid home and car repair scams after floods FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) Florence police responded to a residence in the area of Marion and Harrell streets Thursday afternoon in their search for a wanted person, but authorities later determined that the person wasnt there. The large law-enforcement response drew negotiators and an emergency response team to the scene, and at 3:55 p.m., a News13 photographer heard what appeared to be flash-bang devices go off in the area. Officers wearing tactical gear and gas masks were also at the scene. News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham Officers responded at about 2:15 p.m. for an alleged assault, according to police. The victim said the suspect, later identified as Justin Randolph Mitchell, had assaulted her by shoving her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When authorities arrived at the Harrell Street location, they were told Mitchell had gone inside the victims residence. They later learned Mitchell had numerous warrants from Lake City police and the Horry County Sheriffs Office. Authorities cleared the scene at about 4:45 p.m. Florence police and fire units and a SWAT team had been deployed there earlier in the afternoon. Authorities also deployed a drone to aid officers response. Anyone with information on Mitchell is asked to call 911. No additional information was immediately available. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ARCADIA, Fla. (WMBB) On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $38 million in awards to 19 small and rural Florida communities through the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program. They say the investments will fund public infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and commercial revitalization projects that will strengthen communities across the state. Our states small and rural cities drive key industries, support Florida families, and keep our economy moving. Today in Arcadia, I was proud to announce a new round of strategic investments through this program. These funds will support neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and infrastructure development in 19 communities throughout Florida, said DeSantis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2019, Florida has awarded more than $138 million to over 120 communities through the Florida Small Cities CDBG program. The awards include: City of Arcadia ($6.4 million) to upgrade the William Tyson Wastewater Treatment Plant, benefiting nearly 8,000 residents. City of Florida City ($5.9 million) for wastewater system upgrades across nine service areas, benefiting nearly 12,000 residents. City of Live Oak ($4.5 million) including $3 million for potable water system improvements and $1.5 million to rehabilitate or replace 21 homes for lower-income households. City of Webster ($2.89 million) for a new master lift station and emergency generator. City of Lake Butler ($2.8 million) to replace undersized wastewater pipes with 15,000 feet of new force main. City of Port St. Joe ($1.7 million) for neighborhood infrastructure improvements, including underground utilities, sidewalks, and landscaping. City of Green Cove Springs ($1.2 million) for stormwater improvements. City of Blountstown ($1 million) to replace aging water and sewer lines and improve streets. Liberty County ($1 million) to improve Veterans Memorial Park. Santa Rosa County ($1 million) for retention pond construction at Whiting Aviation Park, creating 10 new jobs and retaining 19 jobs. Town of Esto ($949,000) for water plant improvements and water line replacements. Town of Malone ($912,000) to expand and renovate Johnny Williams Memorial Park. To rehabilitate or replace homes for low-income families, the following awards were also made: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $1.5 million each to Hamilton County and Lafayette County $1.2 million to Columbia County $950,000 to Madison County $900,000 to Hendry County $850,000 to St. Lucie County $750,000 to Levy County The Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by Florida Commerce. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Florida's lieutenant governor flew out to the West Coast to accompany an undocumented immigrant accused of killing three people in a traffic crash back to Florida, but also took time to criticize California Gov. Gavin Newsom for his "failed policies." Lt. Gov. Jay Collins stood alone in front of the Stockton Metropolitan Airport in California and said Newsom's reluctance to comply with illegal immigration enforcement led to the fatal accident on Florida's Turnpike on Aug. 12. "Gavin Newsom continues to care more about tweets and what goes out on social media than taking care of the American citizens and the citizens of California. It's ridiculous," Collins said on Aug. 21, contrasting Newsom and himself: "I am not some run-of-the-mill lieutenant governor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 12, Harjinder Singh, a Stockton resident and undocumented immigrant, made what law enforcement said was an illegal U-turn on the turnpike near Fort Pierce that resulted in the deaths of three people. 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. Sen. Jay Collins speaks at a press conference on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Driving a semi-trailer, Singh, 28, tried to use an official use only cut-through from the northbound outside lane. 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. Collins was at the airport in Stockton on Aug. 21 to accompany Singh back to Florida. The St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office is expecting Singh to arrive at the jail there on Aug. 22, Lt. Andrew Bolonka, sheriffs spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom Bakkedahl, state attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit that includes St. Lucie County, also said his office is expecting Singh to return to Florida by Aug. 22, where he will face three counts of vehicular homicide. "We're going to make sure that this thug is brought to justice and faces it in Florida and that those three lives lost early are given accountability and the justice that they deserve," Collins said. Collins said accompanying Singh back to Florida was a sign of leadership, but did not answer a reporter's question as to why the Florida Highway Patrol did not immediately arrest Singh at the site of the accident in Florida on Aug. 12. In response, the "Governor Newsom Press Office" account on X posted: "Florida let a murder suspect walk, California police had to step in and arrest him, and now Floridas new LG is staging a photo op to pick him up. Meatball Ron (who lost to Mickey Mouse) is now proving that Californias so-called sanctuary laws actually work. Thanks, Governor!" Florida let a murder suspect walk, California police had to step in and arrest him, and now Floridas new LG is staging a photo op to pick him up. Meatball Ron (who lost to Mickey Mouse) is now proving that Californias so-called sanctuary laws actually work. Thanks, Governor! https://t.co/m9vmPFhzQZ Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 21, 2025 California's Newsom takes on GOP on social media In recent weeks, Newsom has been mocking President Donald Trump and other Republican officials, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, on X and other social media platforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He's been tweeting in all caps, trolling Trump's posts, and calling out Republican governors like DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for his redistricting efforts. DeSantis also has spoken out against Newsom and his policies in the media. San Joaquin County Superior Court judge John Soldati speaks during the arraignment of Harjinder Singh in Department 8C of the San Joaquin County courthouse in downtown Stockton on Aug. 19, 2025 on charges of killing 3 people while attempted an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce, Florida. On Fox News, DeSantis said: Why is he spending all this time trying to be fresh with President Trump? Why doesnt he do his job and protect the people? "And as much as we somehow poke fun at California, oftentimes because of all the problems that the liberal policies have allowed, that is spilling over into the rest of the country, and Florida is a tragic example with three of our fellow citizens who are dead because of his sanctuary policies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As previously reported, after being denied a work permit in 2020 under President Donald Trumps first term administration, Singh was issued one in 2021 under President Joe Bidens administration, Trump officials have said. In a statement, the assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, said Newsom was responsible for the deaths of the three Florida residents, who still have not been publicly named, adding that the California Department of Motor Vehicles issued an undocumented immigrant a commercial drivers license. California Department of Motor Vehicles officials said the department followed all federal and state laws when Singh was granted and had his commercial drivers license renewed. The agency said the federal government confirmed Singhs legal presence in the U.S. TCPalm reporter Melissa E. Holsman and Stockton Record freelancer Victoria Franco contributed to this report. Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Lt. Gov. slams Newsom, escorts crash suspect from California By Makiko Yamazaki TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's exports posted the biggest monthly drop in about four years in July, government data showed on Wednesday, as the impact of U.S. tariffs intensified, raising concerns about the outlook for the export-reliant economy. Total exports from the world's fourth-largest economy dropped 2.6% year-on-year in July in value terms, the biggest monthly drop since February 2021, when exports fell 4.5%. It was larger than a median market forecast for a 2.1% decrease and marks a third straight month of decline after a 0.5% drop in June. Despite the plunge in the value of exports, shipment volumes have so far held up as Japanese exporters have avoided major price hikes, said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute. "But they would eventually have to pass on costs to U.S. consumers and that would further hamper sales in the coming months," he said. Containers are pictured at an industrial port in Tokyo Exports to the United States in July fell 10.1% from a year earlier, with automobiles slumping 28.4% and automotive components down 17.4%. However, automobile exports fell just 3.2% in volume terms, suggesting Japanese automakers' price cuts and efforts to absorb additional tariffs have partly shielded shipments. The United States imposed 25% tariffs on automobiles and auto parts in April and threatened 25% levies on most of Japan's other goods. It later struck a trade deal on July 23 that lowered tariffs to 15% in exchange for a U.S.-bound $550 billion Japanese investment package. The agreed tariff rate on automobiles, Japan's largest export sector, is still far higher than the original 2.5%, exerting pressure on major automakers and parts suppliers. Exports to other regions were also weak. Those to China were down 3.5%, the data showed. Total imports in July dropped 7.5% from a year earlier, compared with market forecasts for a 10.4% fall. As a result, Japan ran a deficit of 117.5 billion yen ($795.4 million) in July, compared with a forecast of a 196.2 billion yen surplus. The outcome follows unexpectedly strong growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in the April-June quarter, separate data showed last week, fuelled by surprisingly resilient exports and capital expenditure. Economists said the strong exports growth in GDP data reflected differences in how the impact of price changes is factored in. Nevertheless, Norinchukin's Minami said that the Japanese economy has so far avoided the worst. "As the tariff deal has at least reduced uncertainties, the Bank of Japan is likely to resume rate hikes as early as in October," he said. A Florida man was sentenced Wednesday to nine years in prison for a vehicle crash that killed a 31-year-old pedestrian in Passaic County six years ago. A jury found Alvin Mootoo, 53, of Orlando, guilty on May 19 in the death of Jorge Alberto Pena Mesa, 31, of Newark. The fatal crash occurred about 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2019. Mootoo was convicted of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide and assault by auto as a disorderly persons offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His attorney, Jeffrey G. Garrigan, of Secaucus, said his client was acquitted of more serious first-degree charges, including aggravated manslaughter. The jury also rejected the prosecution claim that Mootoo was impaired at the time of the crash, Garrigan said. Authorities said Mootoo ran a stop sign at the intersection of 18th Avenue and East 24th Street, hit a car and then struck a parked car. Pena Mesa was standing outside the parked car talking to the driver when he was was struck. He was taken to St. Josephs Regional Medical Center in Paterson, where he was pronounced dead. The drivers of the two other cars were hospitalized with minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superior Court Judge Marilyn C. Clark sentenced Mootoo to nine years in state prison on the vehicular homicide charge. Mootoo was also sentenced to a concurrent term of 180 days on the assault by auto charge. Mootoo will have to serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes. The judge also sentenced Mootoo to three years of parole supervision and is requiring him to pay $5,100 in restitution. Garrigan called the sentence harsh, and said his client suffers from a medical condition that was misdiagnosed. The attorney did not elaborate on the condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe in light of the acquittals and under the unique circumstances of this case that the judges sentence was exceedingly harsh for a 53-year-old man with no prior record, Garrigan said. Garrigan said his client is planning an appeal. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. A Pinellas County man is recovering in the hospital after surviving a lightning strike while on the job Monday. Travis Kurtzs girlfriend said he was checking on one of his companys commercial properties when he was hit. She said, based on his condition and the ground where he was found, they believe the electricity traveled through an underground sprinkler system to get to him. Next thing, he remembers is waking up in his tenants pizzeria with the EMTs, Jessica French relayed, explaining that the pizza store owner found Kurtz laying on the ground in the rain some time after he was hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Kurtzs heart rate was above 265, and first responders used several different medications to get his body back under control. What was odd, she said, was the weather. Kurtz does not remember conditions being unsafe. French said he has the flexibility to choose whether to be outside and where on any given day, and he went to that particular property because the weather was nice. Hes like, Oh, its nicer day. Theres kind of a cooler breeze, and before you knew it, bam, French said. Kurtz has called the pizza store owner several times to thank him. French said hes also walking out of the hospital with a new perspective on life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think anyone thinks hed be alive if he didnt find him, she said. The family has set up a GoFundMe to pay for the medical care Kurtz is receiving and to support French as she takes time off work to care for him. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A federal appellate court has handed a Florida professor a loss in his First Amendment case against his employer, the University of Florida. In an Aug. 20 opinion, a three-judge panel didn't say whether English professor Richard Burt's argument had merit: That the university violated his First Amendment protections when it punished him for emailing students his grievances about having to teach in-person during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, he was hamstrung by a technicality, one that college students writing term papers know all too well: Burt missed a deadline, filing too late for the court to consider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "First Amendment cases often get serious attention, and rightly so. But civil procedure, though perhaps less glamorous, defines the rules of the road," Judge Britt Grant wrote on behalf of the panel. Burt had been reprimanded after emailing students in the Fall 2021 semester that the university was "forcing him to return to the classroom against his will," attaching an email thread between him and the department chair. The university reassigned Burt's courses to another professor and placed him on paid leave. This was serious for Burt, who was concerned with the university's return-to-class policies after allowing remote classes for more than a year during the pandemic. FIRE's free speech codes rankings: Florida colleges ranked for First Amendment-based free speech protections: new report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But by sending his students the email thread and signing his email with a "nonsensical series of words," the university said he violated two school regulations: disruptive behavior and faculty misconduct. As a result, the university proposed a five-day unpaid suspension. Burt sued on First Amendment grounds in 2022. A lower court judge dismissed the complaint, saying "the First Amendment provided no refuge" for Burt, though allowing him to refile another suit. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges, however, said previous rulings don't offer exceptions for deadlines to file amended complaints. "Because Burt appealed more than thirty days after the deadline the district court set to amend, his appeal was untimely," the opinion said. Requests for comment are pending with UF and Burt's attorney. 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: UF professors free speech appeal undone by late filing A rainbow crosswalk honouring the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Florida, Orlando, has been painted over by the state's department of transportation. The crosswalk was part of a larger memorial to the 49 people who were killed after a gunman opened fire at the gay nightclub in June 2016, in what was then the largest mass shooting in US history. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he was "devastated" by its removal, calling it a "cruel political act" on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This crosswalk not only enhanced safety and visibility for the large number of pedestrians visiting the memorial, it also served as a visual reminder of Orlando's commitment to honour the 49 lives taken," he said. Carlos Guillermo Smith, an openly gay state senator, said that the Florida department of Transportation had "ripped the rainbow colours off of this city crosswalk" in the middle of the night. In a video on X where he is standing in front of the repainted crosswalk, he said the department had "illegally vandalised city property without providing the city of Orlando notice or getting their approval". "I cannot believe that the [Florida Governor Ron] DeSantis administration has engaged in this hostile act against the city of Orlando," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his response to the video, DeSantis wrote on X: "We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes". The BBC reached out to Governor DeSantis' office, who declined to comment and pointed to the governor's post on X. Ron DeSantis, a well-known Republican figure who ran for president in 2024, has been criticised for his perceived stance against LGBTQ issues in the past. In 2023, he pushed for the expansion of the controversial so-called "Don't Say Gay" law in Florida, barring public schools from teaching about sexual education and gender identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, Florida's transportation agency has been notifying cities that they risk losing transportation funds unless they remove rainbow-coloured crosswalks. In June, the agency posted a memo on X prohibiting pavement or surface art associated with "social, political or ideological messages or images", adding that they "do not serve the purpose of traffic control". US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to all 50 states in July urging them to remove political statements from the roads. "Political banners have no place on public roads," he said in a social media post. "Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks." Many airline passengers know not to bring carry-on bags containing alcohol and firearms with them to the airport. They won't get past Transportation Security Administration agents. But who would have thought Harry Potter and Luke Skywalkers weapons of choice would be fine to fly the friendly skies? Souvenir wands, lightsabers and even live crustaceans with some restrictions are among the surprising items folks are allowed to pack into carry-on or checked baggage, according to the TSA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also good news for those who don't want to be apart from their espresso makers or waffle irons. Those, too, are among the items allowed in the cabin. Here's what you should know about TSA's guidelines when flying out of Indianapolis International Airport or other airports across the country. 9 bizarre items you can bring through TSA Here are nine surprising items the TSA allows in your carry-on or checked bags: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See a more complete list of what items are allowed or prohibited on TSA's website. Police seize gun from Mike Epps: Comedian says he 'forgot' was in backpack at Indianapolis airport Contact Midwest Connect reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cjackson@gannett.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com: @cherylvjackson or Bluesky: @cherylvjackson.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Live lobsters in your luggage? Cowboy spurs? TSA allows these items on planes For decades, one name was ubiquitous in American evangelical homes: Focus on the Family. A media empire with millions of listeners and readers, its messages about parenting, marriage and politics seemed to reach every conservative Christian church and school. And one mans name was nearly synonymous with Focus on the Family: James Dobson. Dobson, a primary figure of the Religious Right who died on Aug. 21, 2025, was born in 1936, when conservative Protestant Christianity was a far cry from what it is today. As a sociologist of religion who has studied American evangelicalism for 30 years, I believe Dobsons influence and moral authority were instrumental in transforming the Religious Right into the powerful cultural and political force it has been for half a century. A household name Dobson earned a doctorate in psychology from the University of Southern California, where he taught for several years. In 1970, he published Dare to Discipline, a book encouraging parents to use corporal punishment to instill unquestioned respect for authority in their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dare to Discipline arrived at a time when many evangelicals were alarmed about how their children were being influenced by secular American culture. The book was updated in 1992 and reissued several times, and Dobsons introduction to a 2018 version claimed that the book has sold over 3.5 million copies. Dare to Discipline became an important source for Christian families seeking advice rooted in a biblical understanding of family, parental authority and child development and it made Dobson a household name. Capitalizing on that success, Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977. The organizations signature radio program took his message about family and faith virtually anywhere people could go, and grew increasingly political. By 1995, Focus on the Family had a budget of more than US$100 million, and by 2008, the radio program had aired on over 3,000 stations in 160 countries. Focus on the Family employees in Colorado Springs pray during a morning devotion in 2004, before listening to the James Dobson radio program. Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post via Getty Images The primary theme throughout Dobsons radio program and publications was that family values were under attack by a godless society embracing abortion, gay rights and gender equality. His views hearkened back to Dare to Discipline: Authoritarian patriarchal families with distinct gender roles for men and women would preserve the family and the future of the country. From the family to the Supreme Court Dobson left Focus on the Family in 2010 and founded the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, originally named Family Talk. He and like-minded hosts dispensed folksy advice, along with guests well known to their audience. But they also addressed explicitly political issues, such as opposing policies that support abortion, same-sex marriage and some protections for LGBTQ+ people that they believe conflict with their religious liberty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Dobson helped found other powerful evangelical organizations working toward the Religious Rights ideological and political goals, such as the Family Research Council and the legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, which has supported several high-profile Supreme Court cases. In 2022 and 2023, the Supreme Court made three rulings that advance long-held goals of the Christian Right. A slim majority overturned Roe v. Wade, the decision which established the constitutional right to an abortion in 1973. The ruling in a Colorado case, 303 Creative LLC vs. Elenis, determined that business owners could not be compelled to create messages that conflict with their sincerely held beliefs meaning, in this case, that a wedding website designer could refuse same-sex clients because of her religious beliefs. And the court continued to soften limits on using state funding for students at religious schools. Attorneys from the Alliance Defending Freedom worked on the abortion case and 303 Creative. The group submitted an amicus brief in favor of using state money for religious instruction in the third case, Carson v. Makin. Retreat and reemergence The roots of contemporary evangelicalism trace back to the Protestant fundamentalist movement that emerged in the early 20th century. Ever since, the movement has opposed ideas that it believes could undermine the core of America as a Christian nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the Russian Revolution, for example, fundamentalists identified Bolshevism as a threat to Christian America. Today, a century later, some Christian conservatives criticize many types of history education and diversity programs as neo-Marxist or cultural Marxism. Conservative Protestant groups have not always been such major political players, however. Around the turn of the 20th century, evangelical institutions like the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, now called Biola University, focused on individual faith and Bible training. Personal faith was promoted as the engine for social change and resistance to un-Christian ideas and practices, not political advocacy. The famous Scopes Trial, the 1925 case that pitched Biblical teachings about creation against the theory of evolution, prompted some fundamentalist groups to retreat from public affairs and politics. Following Scopes, evangelicals established broad networks of their own independent churches, K-12 schools, universities and media organizations including publishers and electronic media thus creating a subculture within which to worship and raise their children. Yet these organizations also laid the groundwork for what would finally emerge in the late 1970s as the Religious Right with leaders like Dobson, televangelist Jerry Falwell and pastor and novelist Tim LaHaye. One nation, under God Dobsons influence will continue through his writings and the organizations he founded and influenced. In particular, his legacy can be seen in conservative evangelicals emphasis on the traditional or biblical family, defined as a married mother, father and children. He long promoted a gender hierarchy in marriage, with the husband being in authority over wife and children, and viewed LGBTQ+ rights as a threat to the family and to the nation. James Dobson spoke at a 2004 event in Seattle where approximately 20,000 people gathered to support defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Ron Wurzer/Getty Images This conception of the family has found its way into most evangelical institutions. More broadly, within the conservative movement, the patriarchal family is understood as the authentic expression of Gods law and is often viewed as the ultimate model for social institutions including a Christian nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Numerous fundamentalists and evangelicals have argued that evangelical Christianity should be the true basis for a Christian America. What distinguishes Dobsons approach was how he adapted Christian nationalism, framing it as a crucial issue for parents and families: translating ideas about Godly societies into guidance on proper child rearing and child development. His focus on the family as the foundation of Christian civilization mobilized millions of American evangelicals politically on a scale that previous leaders never approached. 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: Richard Flory, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Read more: Richard Flory receives funding from the John Templeton Foundation, the Lilly Endowment, and the John Randolph and Dora Haynes Foundation. The Atlanta Police Department says a former officer was arrested for a sexual assault they say happened in June. According to police, officers responded to a woman reporting a sexual assault at 226 Peachtree Street SW, which is the APD Public Safety Headquarters. The victim told police the assault happened June 6 at a different address, a home on Sparks Street. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The victim told officers taking down the sexual assault report that she had arranged to meet an APD officer, who identified himself as Muhammad Muhammad, at the Sparks Street location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the victim had met with Muhammad to provide professional massage services, which she told them he had agreed to pay for. Once the session started, though, the victim told police that Muhammad became aggressive and began physically touching her. She said she told Muhammad that her services were not sexual in nature and asked him to stop, and at some point, the suspect allegedly sexually assaulted the victim. After assaulting the victim, she told officers that Muhammad then threatened her while brandishing a firearm and allegedly took back what hed paid for the massage before leaving the scene. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Atlanta detectives with the Special Victims Unit worked with APDs Office of Professional Standards to extensively investigate. The now-former officer Muhammad was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. On Thursday, APD said they had found probably cause to charge Muhammad. He was arrested at APD headquarters on charges of rape and false imprisonment. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum also terminated Muhammads employment with APD after a disciplinary hearing and the former officer was taken to the Fulton County Jail for booking. The Atlanta Police Department remains committed to serving its residents and holding its employees to the highest standards. We have been clear, no one is above the law, including members of our own Department, APD said in a statement. These allegations are deeply troubling and run counter to the values and expectations of our agency. Police said the investigation is ongoing. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A former 100-acre contaminated waterfront site in Jersey City is slated to become a large residential with up to 8,000 units when completed, officials said. The Bayfront Redevelopment Project, located on Jersey Citys west side along the Hackensack River, will transform the rehabilitated brownfield land. The projects initial phase, known as Cove Point, will include four buildings with 350 to 400 units each, with 35% designated as affordable or workforce housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction on Phase 1 is scheduled to start in early 2026. Bayfront is our promise kept to put people before profit, delivering the most affordable housing of any private mixed-use community of its size in the country, Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop said in a statement. This transformation of a once-contaminated site into a vibrant neighborhood shows whats possible when public and private partners work together. The development, acquired by Jersey City in 2018, represents a partnership between the city, Bayfront Development Partners, and BRP Companies. Plans include retail spaces and outdoor park areas, with future additions of a light rail stop and water taxi service to Newark Liberty International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey Community Capital, an financial institution, has invested $8.6 million in the project. Andrew Cohen, managing director of development for BRP Companies, praised the citys commitment to the project. The city came to the table with land, incentives, and a willingness to partner to improve the west side of Jersey City and create much needed affordable and workforce housing, Cohen said. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff. A former Green Township police officer is facing charges in two states related to the abuse of his ex-girlfriend's 1-year-old child, according to court records. Alexander Grimme, 30, was indicted Aug. 20 in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court on charges including endangering children, felonious assault and strangulation. Grimme is also facing charges of neglect of a dependent and domestic battery in Franklin County Circuit Court in Indiana, court filings show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green Township police Cpt. Mitch Hill confirmed via email that Grimme worked as an officer for the department for six months before his resignation in the summer of 2021. The Enquirer has requested additional records about Grimme's employment there. More: Parents who adopted young boys admit abusing them, keeping them in 'dungeon-like' room Grimme is currently being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center. His attorney has yet to respond to a voicemail and email from The Enquirer seeking a response to the allegations. Prosecutors say child suffered permanent brain damage from alleged abuse Grimme was babysitting the child at a home in Delhi Township on Jan. 21 when the infant suffered "abusive head trauma," the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child became unresponsive at 11 a.m. and Grimme took the boy to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where doctors determined his injuries were not accidental, prosecutors said, adding the child has permanent brain damage and faces significant developmental delays. Prosecutors said the victim in Grimme's most recent case in Ohio is the same as the victim in the earlier Indiana case, which is ongoing. He was in a relationship with the child's mother, court records state. Indiana investigator details abuse allegations in separate investigation, court records show The Franklin County Sheriff's Department began investigating Grimme in January after receiving a report from children's services officials about the infant suffering injuries, an investigator wrote in an affidavit. The boy was living with his mom and Grimme at their home in Franklin County. Police said that Grimme, the child and the boy's mother stayed at Grimme's mother's house in Hamilton County the evening before the child's hospital admission. The child sustained a brain bleed, retinal bleeding, two wrist fractures that had begun healing, as well as bruising to the neck and chest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple told children's services that the boy was taken to the emergency room for "being fussy and excessively sleepy," the affidavit states. Medical staff told police the child's condition grew worse once at the hospital, and he suffered numerous seizures before being admitted to the intensive care unit. An MRI showed the child had "abnormalities" consistent with permanent brain damage and his medical team told authorities that the infant's injuries were "not uncommon with children of suspected abuse," the affidavit states. A doctor specializing in child abuse found that the boy's injuries were most likely caused by abuse and that such abuse had likely been "ongoing," according to the investigator. When the doctor spoke with the boy's mom, she said the child had no history of trauma; however, the child fell in the bathtub at their home while Grimme was bathing him more than a week before he was admitted to the hospital, the investigator said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mom said that when she asked Grimme what happened, he replied that the boy slipped and hit the faucet. She also noticed bruising on the boy's chin and ears. Grimme primarily took care of the child while the boy's mom was at work, the court records state. Online search history showed searches for 'signs of shaken baby' Police said the boy's mom later told investigators that she'd been through Grimme's online search history and found that he searched for "signs of shaken baby" and "bruises on babies that have been strangled." In an interview with police, Grimme denied doing anything to hurt the child, saying that the child's supposed fall in the bathtub was the only thing he could attribute the injuries to. The investigator also confronted Grimme about his internet search history. Grimme replied that he was accused by his ex-girlfriend's father of strangling the child and wanted to use the search results to prove that he hadn't. The investigator noted the search happened before Grimme said it did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also asked Grimme about a search he'd made about how to make mustard gas. Grimme initially denied the search, but later said he did so during a conversation with his ex-girlfriend at their home and that he was "just fooling around." Grimme also told police that he'd been charged with domestic violence in a previous divorce. Court records show that Grimme was accused of attempting to hit his ex-wife and putting his hand around her neck in May 2024. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence and was sentenced to probation, with a court order to complete an anger management program. Grimme's criminal case in Indiana is set to go on trial in November. An arraignment in his Hamilton County case is set for Aug. 22. He faces up to 22 years in prison if convicted as charged in Ohio. This childs life has been forever changed in the most tragic way, Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said in the release. It is heartbreaking and infuriating that somebody trusted to care for a baby could cause such harm. We will make sure he is held accountable. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Former Green Township cop accused in 2 states of abusing ex's child KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) According to the Kinston Police Department, former officer Daquante Cortez Jones has been arrested for larceny. Jones is being charged with one count of larceny from the person and one count of altering, destroying, or stealing criminal evidence for actions conducted while performing his duties with the Kinston Police Department. Chief of Police Keith Goyette has released the following statement: It is with deep concern and disappointment that I confirm a former officer of the Kinston Police Department has been arrested by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in connection with an alleged theft. This matter is now under active investigation by the SBI, and we are fully cooperating with their efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actions alleged are not representative of the values, integrity, and professionalism that our department strives to uphold. We hold our officers to the highest standards, and when those standards are violated, we take swift and appropriate action. The Kinston Police Department has conducted an internal investigation, which has resulted in the employees termination. We understand the gravity of this situation and the impact it may have on public trust. I want to assure our community that accountability and transparency remain our top priorities. We will not be commenting further at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, but we remain committed to keeping the public informed as appropriate. Jones was released from the Lenoir County Magistrates Office under a $5,000 Bond. Jones first court appearance will be on Thursday. This is an ongoing investigation, stay tuned to WNCT for more information as it becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's upcoming speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium on Friday is being billed as a pivotal, "make-or-break" moment for the central bank's more dovish contingent. This annual gathering of central bankers, economists, and financial leaders in Wyoming is one of the most closely watched events on the economic calendar, and this year's address is no exception. Market Experts Are Widely Anticipating A "Conciliatory" Tone The anticipation surrounding Powells speech has been fueled by a growing consensus among market analysts that the Fed is poised to ease its monetary policy. Trending: The same firms that backed Uber, Venmo and eBay are investing in this pre-IPO company disrupting a $1.8T market and you can too at just $2.90/share. According to Gary Black of The Future Fund, money markets are now pricing in an 84% chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut in September, with expectations for two cuts by the end of the year. He says that Powells speech could be make-or-break moment for a more dovish Fed. This sentiment persists despite a recent hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index (PPI) report for July. Similarly, Tom Lee of FundStrat has expressed his hope for a conciliatory tone to rate cuts from the Fed Chair. See Also: In a $34 Trillion Debt Era, The Right AI Could Be Your Financial Advantage Get Your Demo Historical Market Reaction To Jackson Hole Historically, the S&P 500s performance in the week following the Jackson Hole symposium has been mixed, often marked by increased volatility as investors digest the Federal Reserves messaging. Jay Edwards (Photo from Ohio House website.) Former Republican state Rep. Jay Edwards has announced his candidacy for Ohio Treasurer in 2026. He joins an already crowded field of Republicans running for treasurer including former state Sen. Niraj Antani, current state Sen. Kristina Roegner, and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren. Ohios treasurer is the states banker. No Democrats have yet announced their candidacy in 2026 for treasurer. Ohios primary is May 5, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards, who lives in Nelsonville, was a state representative from 2017 to 2024 and served as the chair of the Ohio House Finance Committee in 2023 and 2024. He flipped a previously Democratic district Republican by winning the 2016 election. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX I know that Ohios money belongs to the taxpayers not the pet projects of lobbyists, Edwards said in a statement. A son of Appalachia, I understand that access to capital can mean access to opportunity. As Ohios next State Treasurer, I will work to ensure that Ohio is among the best states to raise a family and start a business. Current Republican Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is term-limited and he is running for secretary of state. Ohio 2026 election Ohio voters will cast their ballot for a new governor in 2026, along with all of Ohios other statewide executive offices, as all current officeholders are term-limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Amy Acton, the former director of the Ohio Department of Health, is the only announced Democratic candidate running for governor. Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and political newcomer Heather Hill are competing for the GOP nomination. The Ohio Republican Party officially endorsed Ramaswamy in May. Retired Air Force intel officer Marcell Strbich is running in the Republican primary for secretary of state against Sprague. Bryan Hambley, a cancer doctor with University of Cincinnati Health, is running for the Democratic nomination for secretary of state. On Thursday morning, former Ohio House Democratic leader Allison Russo announced her candidacy for the secretary of state as well, setting up a primary competition. Current Republican Ohio Auditor Keith Faber and former Democratic state representative Elliot Forhan are running for attorney general in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current Republican Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is running for auditor in 2026. No Democrats have announced their candidacy for auditor yet. There is one Ohio Supreme Court race in 2026. Democratic Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner is being challenged by four Republicans competing in a primary Rocky River Municipal Judge Joseph Burke, former Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Colleen ODonnell, Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Andrew King, and Second District Court of Appeals Judge Ron Lewis. Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (Main photo by simpson33 via iStock / Getty Images Plus; seal courtesy State of Iowa) A former Iowa lawyer sanctioned for alleged incompetence, contempt of court and mishandling client funds is now accused of attempting to win back his license by citing an imaginary case generated by artificial intelligence. In December 2016, the Iowa Supreme Court suspended the law license of Des Moines attorney Royce David Turner, who was first licensed by the state in 2013. The court reinstated Turners license in May 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In 2018, the Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board filed a set of 13 disciplinary charges against Turner. The charges related to alleged violations of rules concerning a failure to respond to inquiries related to disciplinary action, failure to provide competent representation for clients, knowingly making false statements of fact or law, failure to keep clients informed as to their cases, failure to retain client funds in separate trust accounts, failure to cooperate with the Office of Professional Regulation in relation to audits and investigations, and several other regulations. Some of the charges stemmed from Turners handling of several different bankruptcy cases over the previous four years. In 2014, a federal judge ordered Turner to appear before her with regard to his alleged filing of inaccurate and incomplete court records, making false representations to a client, failing to appear in court, and failing to comply with court orders that he refund fees paid to him by clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge subsequently ordered Turner to pay $4,550 to his clients and complete educational training in ethics and management of a law office. In 2018, the board alleged Turner had yet to refund his clients their fees, but acknowledged that Turner was being treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression. According to the board, Turner admitted representing clients in bankruptcy proceedings at a time when he wasnt as familiar with bankruptcy law as he should have been. In its 2018 filing against Turner, the board stated that although judgments against Turner in favor of his clients had been entered by the courts, the clients are still waiting for most, if not all, of the money the bankruptcy court awarded them. Criminal cases resulted in arrest, fines The 2018 charges also related to Turners representation of clients in criminal cases cases in which he allegedly failed to appear for hearings and failed to file motions on his clients behalf on a timely basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one such case, a Mahaska County judge held Turner in contempt of court and ordered him to complete 40 hours of community service, the board alleged. Turner was again found in contempt of court when the judge in the case concluded he had not complied with the order for community service, according to the board. In a Story County criminal case, the board alleged, Turner and his client failed to appear for a pretrial conference, resulting in the clients arrest. Turner then failed to appear for the second day of his clients jury trial, resulting in a mistrial, according to the board. Turner then failed to appear for a contempt hearing, resulting in Turner being arrested and fined $500 which, the board alleged, Turner failed to pay. In yet another criminal proceeding, a Polk County judge allegedly found Turner in contempt for failing to appear in court and fined him $250, which, the board said, Turner didnt pay. Based on the boards findings, the Grievance Commission of the Iowa Supreme Court recommended that the court suspend Turners law license for 12 to 18 months, with reinstatement conditioned on proof of his fitness, particularly with regard to his mental health, and upon successful completion of continuing education in legal ethics and law practice management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court ultimately suspended Turners law license for one year. Board says Turner now citing an imaginary case Since 2022, Turner has filed several applications for reinstatement of his law license. The disciplinary board has opposed that request, arguing Turner has yet to comply with the requirement that he provide an expert opinion from a mental health professional regarding his fitness to practice law. Last month, the Iowa Supreme Court canceled a reinstatement hearing scheduled for July 31, noting that Turner had yet to establish proof of payment to his clients or provide convincing proof of his fitness to practice law. On July 9, 2025, the disciplinary board asked the court to strike multiple recent filings by Turner that the board said contained what appears to be at least one AI-generated citation to a case that does not exist or does not stand for the proposition asserted in the filings. The board alleged the imaginary case was cited by Turner in three separate filings related his efforts to have his license reinstated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug.14, Turner filed a motion for immediate reinstatement of his law license without a hearing, arguing that a hearing would serve no real purpose as it is clear he meets all of the conditions required for reinstatement. Turner argues that in January 2024, a licensed psychotherapist conducted a clinical evaluation of him and concluded he was fit to practice. In court filings, he acknowledges that while the board has relied upon a December 2023 evaluation by a psychologist that raises concerns, the psychologists evaluation was based in part on discredited statements from a third party. The disciplinary board alleges the psychologists evaluation outlined very serious concerns about Turners mental health, including that Turner lacked insight about his condition and that Turner attempted to mislead the evaluator about his condition. The board claims Turner has submitted two letters from health professionals clearing him to return to work, but notes that each letter is one sentence in length. Turners letters make no mention of mental health, do not appear to have come from a mental health professional, and do not address Turners fitness to practice law, the board alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board is asking the court to set a date in 2026 for the consideration of any future applications for reinstatement filed by Turner. Turner declined to comment on the matter when contacted Thursday by the Iowa Capital Dispatch. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE KANSAS, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) An Edgar County Jury has found Michael Lowery, a former Martinsville, Illinois, teacher, accused of sexually assaulting one of his former students, not guilty on all counts, according to court documents. Lowery, 53, was arrested in April of 2025 and charged with criminal sex assault on a victim between the ages of 13 and 17. The alleged incident occurred in Kansas, Illinois, while Lowery was a teacher in that school district, according to Kansas Police. He had taught junior and senior high history at Martinsville High School and was in his third year at the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, on August 20, an Edgar County Jury found Lowery not guilty on three counts of criminal sexual assault on a victim between the ages of 13 and 17, three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of grooming. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dame Annette Brooke, who became the longest-serving female Liberal Democrat MP, has died aged 78. Dame Annette served the constituency of Mid-Dorset and North Poole in Parliament from 2001 to 2015 and was voted MP of the year in 2010. An economics teacher in Aylesbury and then Bournemouth, she was also a tutor with the Open University for 20 years. Her constituency was won back by the Conservatives in 2015, though she supported the leader of BCP Council Vikki Slade in recapturing it in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a tribute, Ms Slade said Dame Annette was "a champion for social justice, inequality and the most incredible constituency MP we could have asked for". "She was a huge influence in the Liberal Democrats bringing many local people into politics and people on the doorsteps still talk about her with genuine love, remembering how she helped them individually," she added. Dame Annette hosted a refugee family from Ukraine and campaigned to change the rules on the use of cars from abroad [BBC] Dame Annette Brooke had a strong interest in developing countries and campaigned for microfinance to help the world's poorest people become self-sufficient. In Parliament she spoke on Home Affairs under Charles Kennedy, and then moved on to develop the Liberal Democrats' position on children, schools and families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her lobbying on equal access for disabled children led to the final Harry Potter book being released in Braille on the same day as the print version. She spent 17 years as a Poole councillor, overseeing the council's move to a unitary authority. Dame Annette listed her interests as reading, going to the gym, and shopping with her daughters. When she stepped down from Westminster politics she kept a strong interest in Dorset political life with her husband Mike, a Poole councillor, while also supporting Dementia charities. Her campaigning often spread to others. Hosting a refugee family from Ukraine she took to the media to support their argument to change the rules on the use of cars from abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dame Annette Brooke never fulfilled a childhood ambition to be the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, but as a campaigning Liberal Democrat she made a distinctive contribution to local and national public life. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. More on this story Related Links Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo. (Photo by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal.) Democratic Ohio House state Rep. Allison Russo announced her candidacy Thursday for Ohio Secretary of State in 2026. This announcement comes a little more than two months after Russo stepped down as Ohio House Minority Leader, a position she held since January 2022. I am running because I want there to be trust and transparency in the Office of the Secretary of State, and making sure that voters feel confident that when they go into the ballot box and cast their votes, that their vote matters, Russo said in an interview with the Ohio Capital Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russo was first elected as a state representative in November 2018 and her term ends on Dec. 31, 2026. She ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2021, losing to U.S. Rep. Mike Carey 58% to 42%. When I think about what is one of the most important, impactful statewide offices, other than the governor, it is secretary of state because the job of secretary of state is to protect the ability of Ohioans to vote, Russo said. I am running because I feel that Im the most qualified to walk in on day one and get the job done. Current Republican Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague and retired Air Force intel officer Marcell Strbich are running in the Republican primary for secretary of state. Bryan Hambley, a cancer doctor with University of Cincinnati Health, is running in the Democratic primary for secretary of state, and will now be in a primary with Russo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a release Thursday, Hambley welcomed Russo to the primary race, saying that hes looking forward to a positive and honest campaign focused on delivering Ohioans a democracy where every community can thrive. My fellow Ohioans have told me, loud and clear, that Ohio needs new voices in state government and a less partisan Secretary of State, Hambley said. This is why I am running: to make our elections fair and ensure Ohioans can hold politicians accountable. Russo does not think the secretary of state office should be partisan. My primary focus will be on making sure that people have access to their right to vote, and ensuring that ballot language is honest, its transparent, and respects the intent of voters, regardless of how I feel about an issue that has been brought before us by Ohioans, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic lawmaker from Upper Arlington supports citizen-led redistricting commissions. I do not think that politicians should be drawing our own districts, she said. I fundamentally believe that if were going to truly have a fair redistricting process, that we have to take politicians out of it. Russo served on the Ohio Redistricting Commission with current Secretary of State Frank LaRose in 2023 and has criticized LaRose throughout his time in office from ballot language to redistricting to the money LaRose spent on the 2023 August Special Election. Ive had a front row seat watching how this Republican supermajority and the current secretary of state have undermined both the voice of voters at the ballot box, but also the will of voters, Russo said. I feel that fundamentally, voting is a right, its not a privilege, and that power should be restored back to where it belongs, and that is with voters and with the people. Ohio 2026 election Ohio voters will cast their ballot for a new governor in 2026, along with all of Ohios other statewide executive offices, as all current officeholders are term-limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Amy Acton, the former director of the Ohio Department of Health, is the only announced Democratic candidate running for governor. Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and political newcomer Heather Hill are competing for the GOP nomination. The Ohio Republican Party officially endorsed Ramaswamy in May. Current Republican Ohio Auditor Keith Faber and former Democratic state representative Elliot Forhan are running for attorney general in 2026. Current Republican Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is running for auditor in 2026. A Republican primary for the nomination for Ohio treasurer includes former state Sen. Niraj Antani, current state Sen. Kristina Roegner, former state Rep. Jay Edwards and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think what weve seen with these statewide office candidates on the Republican side is just musical chairs, Russo said. No Democrats have yet announced their candidacy in 2026 for Ohio auditor or treasurer. There is one Ohio Supreme Court race in 2026. Democratic Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner is being challenged by four Republicans Rocky River Municipal Judge Joseph Burke, former Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Colleen ODonnell, Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Andrew King and Second District Court of Appeals Judge Ron Lewis. The last time a Democratic candidate won any of Ohio statewide executive offices was back in 2006 when Ted Strickland was elected governor, Marc Dann was elected attorney general, Richard Cordray was elected treasurer and Bruner was elected secretary of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that does not intimidate Russo. I dont shy away from hard work, she said. I think there is a lot at stake in 2026. We have seen almost three decades of a Republican trifecta, and unfortunately, the outcomes that we have gotten because of Republicans being fully in control of the state have not been good. Also in 2026, former Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown will challenge appointed Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, who replaced JD Vance in the chamber. Husted is seeking his first election to the position. Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A former Republican congressman says that President Donald Trumps recent comments referring to himself as a war hero is an offense to those who served in the military. During the Tuesday episode of The Mark Levin Show, Trump told Mark Levin that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was a war hero because we worked together, according to Politico. Hes a war hero. I guess I am, too, Trump said during the show. Nobody cares. But I am, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a frequent critic of Trump, took issue with the presidents comments, according to the Daily Beast. You can like what hes done. Thats fine. I hope he gets a resolution in Ukraine. But to put himself on the same level of people that have actually gone out and served this country, not claimed bone spurs, is an offense to anybody who served. At the age of 22, Trump was diagnosed with bone spurs in the heels of his feet. During the draft for the Vietnam War, Trump received four education deferments and one medical deferment, according to the Military Times. Despite his comments about being a war hero, Trump has not been in any war nor served in any military branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu, who Trump called a war hero, has an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court. The prime minister is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. Former students, teachers, unearth time capsule at Worcester school A fun memory made Wednesday at Burncoat High School in Worcester, as former students and staff opened a time capsule buried decades ago. Members of the Class of 2000 and their teachers dug up memories from the dawn of the millennia. Boston 25 News Photojournalist Bob Goodale was there for the unveiling, showing how students and staff of yesteryear bridged the past to the present. This event brought together former teachers, students, and staff to celebrate the schools history, said William Foley, who was a history teacher at Burncoat in 2000 and now serves as Executive Director of Schools, Burncoat Quadrant, in the Worcester Public Schools. Its amazing to see memories from 2000 resurface and inspire reflection on how far our school community has come. 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 Tulsa Board of Education member Jennettie Marshall speaks to the Oklahoma State Board of Education before a vote on Tulsa Public Schools' accreditation on Aug. 24, 2023, in Oklahoma City. Marshall is now running as a Democratic candidate in the 2026 election for state superintendent. (Photo by Brent Fuchs/For Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY The list of candidates seeking to lead Oklahomas public education system has grown to five, including two former Tulsa Board of Education members and a rural public school leader making his fourth campaign. Former Tulsa school board members Jennettie Marshall, a Democrat, and Jerry Griffin, an independent, each filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission this month to establish campaigns for the 2026 state superintendent election. This is Griffins second run for the post, having initiated a brief campaign as a Republican in 2022 before dropping out of the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Cox, the longtime superintendent of Peggs Public School in rural eastern Oklahoma, is running again as a Republican. He campaigned for state superintendent as a Democrat in 2014 and 2018, losing both times to former state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, and as a Republican in 2022, finishing third in the GOP primary. Republican Rob Miller, who recently retired as superintendent of Bixby Public Schools, far outpaces the field in fundraising. Hes raised $128,778 in individual contributions, much of it coming from fellow educators and district administrators, since he became the first candidate to enter the race in February. Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller speaks outside the state Capitol for a Public Schools Day rally on Feb. 25 in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Ana Davine Landsaw, a Republican from Tahlequah, has raised the next-highest amount, $1,050. Another GOP candidate, Riley Williams, of Calera, raised $300 before dropping out of the race. No other candidates have reported receiving any campaign contributions so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahomas incumbent state superintendent, Ryan Walters, hasnt announced a campaign for reelection nor for any other office. He is eligible for a second four-year term as superintendent. Miller, a longtime educator and former Marine, has been highly critical of Walters divisive style of politics. He said a cornerstone of his campaign is to restore pride and respect back to education. Entering his 40th year in education, Cox pledged to keep schools safe from indoctrination, inappropriate materials, sexual predators and harmful intruders, according to his campaign platform. He said benchmark assessments that gauge students progress throughout the school year would better improve academic outcomes than once-a-year state tests. Walters has made a similar proposal to change Oklahomas testing model. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox said this would leave more time for classroom instruction in the spring months, which schools often dedicate to annual testing. Ive been campaigning on that for several years, and I think (Walters) saw what I was saying that it brings value to the classroom, Cox said. It allows teachers to be teachers. Peggs Public School Superintendent John Cox poses with his wife and grandchildren. Cox, a Republican, is running a fourth time for state superintendent. (Photo provided by John Cox) Cox also pointed to phonics-based reading instruction, also known as the science of reading, and emphasizing parental involvement in schools, particularly to improve growth of students with disabilities, as key points of his campaign. The races lone Democrat, Marshall, intends to clean up the Oklahoma State Department of Education and refocus it back on childrens schooling, especially to address deficits in special education, according to a campaign flier she shared on social media. She did not immediately return a request for comment from Oklahoma Voice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall, who has a background as a pastor and funeral director, said she would prioritize teacher retention, accountability of districts, and improving the relationship between public schools and parents. Griffin, a longtime Republican, decided to run as an independent to focus on solutions rather than political labels, according to a news release he posted to social media. He did not immediately return a request for comment from Oklahoma Voice. Like Miller, Griffin is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former educator. In 2023, Griffin published a reading-centric blueprint for education reform. I firmly believe we are positioned to win and to become the first Independent in Oklahoma history to capture a statewide office, Griffin said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin left the Tulsa school board in 2024. Marshall did so in April. Landsaw did not immediately return a request for comment from Oklahoma Voice for this story. She is still registered with the state Ethics Commission as having an active campaign, but her campaign website and social media accounts have been discontinued. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A former Walmart employee who tried to intervene as Border Patrol agents arrested an undocumented custodial worker in Pico Rivera in June was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday. Adrian Martinez, 20, was indicted by a Santa Ana jury on the charge of conspiracy to impede a federal officer tied to the events of June 17, which unfolded at the height of the Trump administration's immigration raids in the Los Angeles area. Martinez's violent arrest was caught on video and quickly went viral. According to the three-page indictment, Martinez confronted Border Patrol agents as they tried to arrest the custodial worker in the parking lot of a shopping center and blocked the agents' vehicle with his own. Prosecutors allege that he positioned himself with a growing crowd to surround the agents' vehicle and prevent it from leaving the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez then allegedly grabbed a large trash can and moved it in front of the agents' vehicle, blocking them from being able to pass. According to the U.S. attorney's office in L.A., Martinez faces up to six years in prison if convicted. He is set to be arraigned in downtown L.A. on Thursday. "Make no mistake: There are serious, life-altering consequences for impeding law enforcement," acting U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli said in a news release Wednesday. Martinez's lawyers released a statement noting that "just as in other cases arising out of recent illegal and inhumane ICE raids, the U.S. Attorneys Office had to travel out of Los Angeles county to secure this indictment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times previously reported on Essayli's struggles to secure indictments in protest cases. Read more: Trump's top federal prosecutor in L.A. struggles to secure indictments in protest cases "Although we are disappointed that Adrians case has not been dismissed, we always anticipated being required to litigate this case post-indictment," the Miller Law Group, which represents Martinez, said in its statement. The lawyers also criticized Essayli for posting on X, "before we had even officially been notified of the outcome of the indictment" and using it "to maliciously spread falsehoods and fearmonger at our clients expense." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a June interview with The Times, Martinez said he was on break when he spotted the custodial worker, getting grabbed very aggressively, getting manhandled, by the agents. Martinez said he drove over, told the agents that their actions weren't right and they should leave the worker alone. Surveillance and spectator video captured at the scene and looped in social media feeds show an agent rushing Martinez and shoving him to the ground. Martinez gets back up, there is more shoving, and he exchanges angry words with a masked officer carrying a rifle. Then other agents swarmed him, pushed him back down and dragged him to their truck. Agents ultimately arrested both the custodial worker and Martinez. In the June interview, Martinez said after his arrest he was taken to a parking structure, where he was told hed been arrested for assaulting a federal officer by striking an agent in the face and breaking his glasses. Martinez, who weighs around 150 pounds, said the agents arresting him pointed to the colleague he was being accused of attacking, who looked like a grizzly bear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont even remember you, Martinez recalled saying. It just seemed like they were trying to get me to say like, Yes, you assaulted him, but I knew I didnt. The next day, Essayli posted a photo on X of Martinez, still in his blue Walmart vest. Martinez, he wrote, had been arrested for an allegation of punching a border patrol agent in the face. Martinez was charged in a June 19 criminal complaint with conspiracy to impede a federal officer. The complaint makes no reference to a punch and neither does Wednesday's indictment. Bloomberg Law previously reported that Essayli had rejected office supervisors advice not to charge Martinez for assaulting a federal officer and that an FBI agent felt there was insufficient evidence and declined to sign a complaint attesting probable cause to a judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within a day, the outlet reported, another agent signed off on the charge of conspiracy to impede. In an interview a week after his arrest, Martinez wore a brace on his right leg, where he'd suffered a contusion, and said he'd been bruised and scratched all over his body. Walmart later terminated Martinez, citing gross misconduct," according to a separation notice reviewed by The Times. "I was just speaking up for a man," Martinez said. "How can I go from that to this? "People have the right to speak up for themselves and for someone else," he added. "You don't have to get treated like this, thrown on the floor and manhandled because of that." 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. (Fixes name in paragraph 2 to Max from Matt) By David French NEW YORK (Reuters) -JPMorgan Chase has hired two bankers to boost its investment banking capabilities for energy companies, including one which will help the bank focus on coverage of middle-market clients in the sector, per a memo seen by Reuters. The bank is creating a new vertical within its mid-cap investment banking unit to cover natural resources, with Max Barrett joining to support and build relationships with companies providing services and equipment in the energy space, the memo said. Brad Epstein is being hired within JPMorgan's natural resources investment banking coverage team, with a focus on serving companies in the midstream and downstream sectors. A spokesperson for JPMorgan confirmed the contents of the memo, which was sent out by Global Co-Heads of Natural Resources Group Investment Banking Jonathan Cox, Jen Dooly and James Janoskey, and John Richert, the head of mid-cap investment banking at the bank. Both Barrett and Epstein will be based in Houston, and are joining the bank as managing directors. Barrett previously worked at TPH, the energy-focused investment banking arm of boutique adviser Perella Weinberg Partners, and also spent part of his career at private equity firm White Deer Energy. Prior to joining JPMorgan, Epstein spent 13 years within Citigroup's energy investment bank, working with companies in midstream, downstream and refining, and renewable fuels. He has also worked at UBS and Citadel, the memo added. (Reporting by David French in New York, Editing by Franklin Paul) Advocates have raised the alarm about the harrowing similarities between the modern-day use of a $1.2 billion immigration detention center in Texas and its historical use as an incarceration camp during World War II. It is inconceivable that the United States is once again building concentration camps, denying the lessons learned 80 years ago, Ann Burroughs, president and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum, said in a statement to HuffPost. Related: Trump Administration Reviewing All 55M People With U.S. Visas For Potential Deportable Violations To address national security concerns after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 in February 1942, directing the Secretary of War and military commanders to send individuals deemed to be threats to relocation centers. However, those camps primarily detained roughly 100,000 Japanese Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fort Bliss was one of those camps. Fort Bliss, an army base with land in both Texas and New Mexico, opened up as an immigration center this past weekend and can currently hold up to 1,000 people. However, its on track to become the largest immigration facility in history, intending to detain up to 5,000 people when construction is complete, according to the Defense Department. We know all too well the devastating consequences of such actions families torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and the trauma inflicted on a community for generations. This dangerous new direction echoes past injustices, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, Alien Land Laws, and World War II incarceration policies, emphasizing that the lessons of history must not be ignored, Burroughs told HuffPost. Threats to revoke naturalization and redefine legal status today are as dangerous as they were in 1942. Both echo the scapegoating and racism that led to that dark chapter in US history. Fort Bliss was also used in 2016 and from 2021 to 2023 to detain unaccompanied children who crossed the border, during which staff had allegedly sexually abused the minors. Related: Critics Condemn Donald Trumps Disgusting New Plan For Undocumented Immigrants President Trumps use of Fort Bliss for the nations largest immigrant detention site is cruel and a reminder of a shameful detention legacy. 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, Sarah Mehta, deputy director of government affairs for the Equality division at the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Congress must stop the use of the military including its bases for the Trump administrations reckless and wasteful deportation drive, Mehta added. The Trump administration appears to be showing a blatant disregard, if not a complete embrace, of the uncanny similarities between its racist, harsh detainment of people of color in current times and similar practices of the past. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin attempted to downplay the parallels. Comparisons of illegal alien detention centers to internment camps used during World War II are deranged and lazy, McLaughlin told HuffPost. The facts are ICE is targeting the worst of the worst including murderers, MS-13 gang members, pedophiles, and rapists. Related: Cracker Barrel Just Made A Major Change And Conservatives Are Melting The F**k Down Data does not support McLaughlins claim, which myriad other individuals from the Trump administration have echoed. Roughly 70% of 59,380 ICE detainees have not been convicted of a crime as of Aug. 10, according to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a nonpartisan data research organization tracking immigration arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another eerie display of present-to-past parallels, droves of Customs and Border Protection officers crashed California Gov. Gavin Newsoms press conference about retaliatory redistricting efforts and arrested at least one person last week. The press conference took place at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, where many people of Japanese descent were put on buses and sent to the camps in 1942. Related: Influential Right-Wing Evangelical Leader James Dobson Dead At 89 Related... Read the original on HuffPost Hours before Donald Trump announced that he would hit the streets of Washington, D.C., and join a police patrol amid his administration's federal takeover of the citys law enforcement, one of the hosts of his favorite morning talk show urged him to seize control of New York City. It wasnt the first time she had done so, either. I don't understand why anyone would be against this, more policing, more people being arrested that are criminals, Fox & Friends co-anchor Ainsley Earhardt declared on Thursday morning. I would love for this to happen in New York City. I hope our city is next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, meanwhile, was almost certainly tuning in when Earhardt made her comments. It was just two days ago when he called into the show for his first television interview following the White House visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders. Trump said he agreed to the last-minute appearance on the show because co-host Charlie Hurt personally called him to see if hed phone in. Additionally, the president derailed the interview towards the end when he went on a tangent about Earhardt and Trumps close pal Sean Hannity, the Fox News star that Earhardt got engaged to this past Christmas. According to Trump, the pair who he claimed shared the greatest relationship should be thrilled with his militarized crackdown in D.C. since it meant they could go out to dinner without the fear of being mugged. Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt called on Donald Trump to take over New York after his D.C. crackdown, saying: "I hope our city is next." (Fox News) Earhardts call for Trump to take over the policing of New York City, which is where Fox News is headquartered, came in response to D.C. residents protesting Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday when he visited National Guard troops deployed in the city and bought them hamburgers. Vance, who later that evening defended the federal crackdown by claiming violent crime had been significantly reduced, dismissed the crazy liberals demonstrating against him by saying theyve never felt danger in their lives which seemed to fly in the face of the administrations justification for taking over the citys law enforcement. In the meantime, following a spike in violent crime in recent years, D.C. has seen a sharp decline in most major crime categories including murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the vice president suggested on Wednesday that Washington represented a test case and that other Democratic-led cities could soon see military troops and federal law enforcement swarm their streets as the administration takes control of their police departments. Of course, after he announced his federal takeover of D.C., the president warned New York that it could be next, even though homicides and shootings had tumbled during the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, New York Citys murder rate is below the national average and is among the lowest of any major city. Following Trumps suggestion last week that other blue cities could see the military patrolling their streets soon, Earhardt publicly wished for that to happen. So the president implemented this Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, and in less than a week, they've taken 100 violent criminals off the streets. I think it's great, she said last Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wouldn't mind seeing the National Guard, especially if it's in areas where there is a lot of crime, Earhardt added. I mean, think about Times Square. There is a lot of crime there. We cover a lot of stories there. If they had National Guard troops in Times Square, it would make me feel safer. Earhardt is far from the only one on Fox News cheering on the federal crackdown in D.C., which is hugely unpopular among residents of the city. Anchor John Roberts, who broadcasts from the right-wing networks Washington studio, has repeatedly downplayed the use of military force on the capitals streets while expressing confusion as to why the citys population dislikes the idea. I dont understand why people would protest against their presence here, if they are merely trying to deter crime, Roberts said on Wednesday. In the end, though, it shouldnt be all that surprising that Earhardt and other Fox News stars are actively supporting the takeover or urging the president to deploy more troops in American cities. It was the conservative cable giant, after all, that seemed to push Trump into pulling the trigger on his takeover plan, which was initially spurred by his anger over a former DOGE staffer nicknamed Big Balls getting bloodied by teenagers in an attempted carjacking. The 2020 presidential election is history, but a legal dispute over Fox News' reporting on President Trumps false claims of voter fraud is heating up. A motion for summary judgment by voting equipment company Smartmatic that was filed Tuesday in New York Supreme Court laid out in detail how phony allegations that it manipulated votes to swing the election to Joe Biden were amplified on Fox News. The motion also described how the Fox News Media hosts who are defendants in the suit the late Lou Dobbs, Jeanine Pirro and Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business allegedly were committed to helping Trump prove his fraud theories so he could remain in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I work so hard for the President and the party," Pirro wrote in a text to Ronna McDaniel, then chair of the Republican National Committee. Pirro left Fox News in May to become U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Smartmatic is suing Fox News for $2.7 billion in damages, claiming that the network's airing of the false statements hurt the London-based companys ability to expand its business in the U.S. Fox News settled a similar suit from Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million in 2023. The motion alleged that on-air hosts repeated the fraud claims even though executives and producers were told they were false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fox News research department, known as the Brainroom, allegedly informed network producers that Smartmatic's role in the 2020 election was limited to Los Angeles County and that the company's software was not used in Dominion voting machines, another false claim made on the air. Fox News maintains that the network's reporting on President Trump's false claims were newsworthy and protected by the 1st Amendment. But part of the company's legal strategy has been focused on minimizing the damage claims. Fox News has asserted that any problems Smartmatic has experienced in attracting new business are rooted not in its reporting but in the federal investigation into the company's activities with overseas governments. Last year, Smartmatics founder, Roger Alejandro Pinate Martinez, and two other company officials were indicted by the U.S. attorneys office and charged with bribing Philippine officials in order to get voting machine contracts in the country in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the Trump camp's assertions that the election was fixed were not believed throughout Fox News and parent company Fox Corp., the conservative-leaning network continued to give them oxygen to keep its audience tuned in, the motion alleged. Read more: Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo is front and center in Dominion's defamation suit The motion described a "pivot" that occurred Nov. 8, 2020, when then-Fox News Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan asked Fox News Media Chief Executive Suzanne Scott to address the decline in the network's ratings after Biden was declared the winner of the election. The network also looked at research to evaluate why viewers were leaving. "The conclusion reached based on performance analytics: give the audience more election fraud," the court document stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such thinking, the filing said, permeated the company, which already was in a panic over losing viewers to right-leaning network Newsmax. The upstart outlet saw a ratings surge after Biden's win due to its unwavering support of Trump's claims. "Think about how incredible our ratings would be if Fox went ALL in on STOP THE STEAL," Fox News host Jesse Watters said in a text to his colleague Greg Gutfeld. Throughout November and December 2020, the three hosts named in the suit, Dobbs, Pirro and Bartiromo, repeatedly featured Trump's attorneys Rudolph Giuliani and Sidney Powell as guests. They spread the falsehoods that Smartmatic software was used in Dominion voting machines and altered millions of votes. Smartmatics work in Los Angeles during the 2020 election was meant to be an entry point for the company to expand its domestic business. The companys defamation suit claims that Fox News obliterated those efforts by presenting the false fraud claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Fox News believes that issues with Smartmatics $282-million contract with Los Angeles County could help advance its case. On Aug. 1, federal prosecutors filed a legal brief alleging that taxpayer funds from the county went into a slush fund held by a shell company to help pay for its illegal activities. Federal prosecutors handling the case involving Smartmatic's business in the Philippines said they plan to detail similar alleged schemes out of L.A. County and Venezuela to show that the bribery fits a larger pattern. Fox News attorneys have filed a brief asking for county records that they believe will help bolster their case. The network also is expected to try to get the Smartmatic indictments in front of the court to raise doubts about the company's reputation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Smartmatic representative said Fox News' records request is a diversion tactic. Fox lies, and when caught, they lie again to distract, a Smartmatic representative said in a statement. Foxs latest filing is just another attempt to divert attention from its long-standing campaign of falsehoods and defamation against Smartmatic. The company added that it abided with the law in Los Angeles County and "every jurisdiction where we operate. In a statement, a Fox News representative said "the evidence shows that Smartmatics business and reputation were badly suffering long before any claims by President Trumps lawyers on Fox News and that Smartmatic grossly inflated its damage claims to generate headlines and chill free speech. Now in the aftermath of Smartmatics executives getting indicted for bribery charges, we are eager and ready to continue defending our press freedoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smartmatic's Tuesday court filing also included information that contradicted public statements that Fox News made at the time. The document alleged that Fox News fired political analyst Chris Stirewalt and longtime Washington bureau executives Bill Sammon for their involvement in calling the state of Arizona for Biden on election night. The early call of the close result in the state upset the Trump camp and alienated his supporters. At the time, Fox News said Stirewalt departed as part of a reorganization and Sammon retired. But the motion said Rupert Murdoch himself signed off on the decision to sever Stirewalt and Sammon from the company in an effort to assuage angry viewers who defected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion cited a communication from Dana Perino, co-host of Fox News show "The Five," describing a phone call with Stirewalt after his dismissal. "I explained to him you were right, you didn't cave, and you got fired for doing the right thing," Perino said. Both Sammon and Stirewalt now work in the Washington bureau of NewsNation, the cable news network owned by Nexstar Media Group. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Monica Lewinsky is keenly aware of what it feels like when your name is no longer your own and becomes attached to a character conjured by others. An affair that she had with President Clinton nearly 30 years ago as a White House intern made her an international headline. So, when Lewinsky read that Amanda Knox, another woman whose image precedes her, wanted to adapt her memoir for the screen, she felt she was in a unique position to help. Knox was on a study abroad program in Italy in 2007 when one of her housemates, Meredith Kercher, was killed. She and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito quickly became the prime suspects. The story was a tabloid sensation and Knox was branded Foxy Knoxy. After a lengthy trial, she and Sollecito were convicted of Kerchers murder and sentenced to more than 20 years in prison; they were later acquitted and exonerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knox has already told her story in two memoirs and it's been dramatized by others. There was a Lifetime movie about the case and she believes the 2021 movie "Stillwater" starring Matt Damon was unfairly familiar. I have a story to tell because I have a mission, and my mission is to help people appreciate what really is going on when justice goes awry," Knox said about why she entrusted Lewinsky to help tell her story through The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox." This woman, who has gone through her own version of hell where the world had diminished her to a punchline inspired me to feel like maybe there was a path forward in my life," Knox said. The limited series is now streaming on Hulu. Grace Van Patten ("Tell Me Lies") stars and both Knox and Lewinsky are among its executive producers. Shared but different trauma Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewinsky was not always in a place to help others reclaim their narrative because her own was too much to bear. She remembers vaguely hearing about Knox's case but didn't have the energy to give it attention. I was allergic to cases like this, Lewinsky said. I had just come out of graduate school at the end of 2006. And 2007 was a very challenging year for me. She believed graduate school would lead to a new beginning and desired to have a new identity and go get a job like a normal person. She said the realization that wasnt going to happen was a pretty devastating moment." In 2014, Lewinsky wrote a personal essay for Vanity Fair and became one of its contributors. She went on to produce a documentary and give a TedTalk called The Price of Shame, addressing cyber-bullying and public-shaming. Educating others provided Lewinsky with a purpose she had been looking for. With most everything I do, it feels really important to me that it moves a conversation forward somehow," said Lewinsky. She now hosts a podcast called Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time they officially began working on Twisted Tale, Lewinsky was in protective mode. The 52-year-old Lewinsky, 14 years older than Knox, wanted to shield her from painful moments. She recalled being particularly worried that Knox would be traumatized by reading the first script. Its someone elses interpretation. Theres dramatic license, explained Lewinsky, who said she can still have sensitivities to reading something written about her. Instead, Knox was OK and Lewinsky learned theyre triggered by different things. She laughs about it now: Amandas a lot more agreeable than me. The interrogation was key Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knox said a part of her story that she wanted to make sure the TV series got right was the interrogation scene. She still describes it as the worst experience of my life and a really defining moment in how this whole case went off the rails. I was interrogated for 53 hours over five days. We dont see that on screen," she said. Now an advocate for criminal justice reform, Knox hopes viewers are moved by the condensed version and recognize the emotional truth and the psychological truth of that scenario. Knox said she was coerced into signing a confession that she did not understand because of the language barrier. She was not fluent in Italian and did not have a lawyer with her at the time. In that document, Knox wrongly accused a local bar owner of the murder, and she still has a slander conviction because of it. Knox's lawyers recently filed paperwork to appeal that decision. She believes interrogations should have more transparency because what happens behind closed doors results in coerced confessions from innocent people to this day. I really wanted to shed a light on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No villains in Knox's version Knox has returned to Italy three times since her release from prison. One of those times was to meet with the prosecutor of her case after years of correspondence. Showrunner-creator KJ Stenberg said she had to condense more than 400 pages of their writing back-and-forth for their reunion scene. That meeting ultimately became the framework for the series. The scope of this story isnt, Heres the bad thing that happened to Amanda, the end. The scope of the story is Amandas going back to Italy and to appreciate why she made that choice, we need to go back and revisit everything that leads up to it," said Knox. Viewers will also see others' perspectives, including Sollecito's, a prison chaplain and confidante, and Knox's mother. It also shows how the investigators and prosecutor reached the conclusion at the time that Knox and Sollecito were guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did not want mustache-twirling villains," said Knox. "We wanted the audience to come away from the story thinking, I can relate to every single person in this perfect storm. That, to me, was so, so important because I did not want to do the harm that had been done to me in the past. It's showing all of these people who are going through the same situation and all truly believing they were doing the right thing," added Van Patten. Knox isn't presented as perfect either in the series. I wasn't interested in doing a hagiography of Amanda Knox, nor was Amanda, said Steinberg. Knox's harsh return to life after prison Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knox had a hard time adjusting to so-called real life after she was acquitted and returned home to the United States. This is shown in Twisted Tale. I couldnt interact like a normal person with other people," said Knox. I went back to school and there were students who were taking pictures of me in class and posting them to social media with really unkind commentary. She said the stigma has become "a huge, like, life-defining problem for me to solve. People dont think about the adjustments she had to go through to reinsert herself into normal life, which is still not normal, said Van Patten. Knox said she's learned that there are positives and negatives to her unique situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are exoneree friends of mine who have been able to move on with a life and be around people who dont know about the worst experience of their life. Thats kind of a blessing and a curse. You dont have to explain yourself all the time but its a curse because then this thing that was so defining of who you are as a person is something that you maybe feel like you dont know if you should share." "In my case, I never had that choice." Knox is now a married mother of two and grateful that her life did not turn out the way that she feared it would while in prison, particularly that she would never have children. "I was 22 years old when I was given a 26-year prison sentence. I could do the math, she said. So every single day when I am with my children, I am reminded that this might not have happened. I dont care if Im exhausted and Im overwhelmed, this is what life is all about. France on Thursday condemned a massive wave of attacks on Ukraine as evidence of Russias lack of resolve to pursue a genuine peace agreement, and end the war that has raged since February 2022. The criticism followed one of the heaviest bombardments of Ukraine in more than a month. Hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles rained down on residential areas, leaving at least two people dead. Russia claims to be ready for negotiations while at the same time carrying out deadly strikes. These latest attacks illustrate once again the need to stop the killings and maintain, even strengthen, pressure on Russia, a French Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paris reiterated its backing for United States President Donald Trumps initiative for what it called a just and lasting peace. According to Ukraines Ministry of Defence, Moscow fired 574 drones and 40 missiles between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, setting off explosions across the capital Kyiv and hitting cities from Kherson to Lviv in the far west, a region usually spared such bombardments. Local authorities said one person was killed in Kherson and another in Lviv. NATO confirms support for Ukraine as Russia seeks role in talks on security The bombardment comes as Ukrainie's President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for what could be his first facetoface meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to international media, Zelensky said he expected to receive clear proposals from the West on security guarantees for Ukraine within the next week, before the meeting can go ahead. "We should have a bilateral meeting in a week or two, as President Trump wishes," Zelensky told reporters. A subsequent trilateral summit, including Trump, could follow depending on the outcome, he added. Mutual defence guarantees Ukraine is seeking longterm security pledges, given fears that Russia could reignite the war even if a temporary settlement is reached. Proposals under discussion range from NATOstyle mutual defence guarantees to Western troop deployments and new commitments in training, air defence and naval support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow has rejected these options outright, framing any NATO eastward expansion as one of the root causes of the war. Russias foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, on Thursday branded any deployment of European troops in Ukraine "unacceptable" and accused Kyiv of shunning the prospect of "a fair and lasting settlement". Russia sees France as its 'chief enemy' in Europe, says head of French army Zelensky, meanwhile, ruled out Moscows idea of China acting as a guarantor for Ukraines security. "China did not help us stop this war, and it has helped Russia by opening its drone market," he said. The Ukrainian president also revealed that his country has successfully tested a longrange missile named Flamingo, with a reach of up to 3,000 kilometres. He said mass production could begin by late 2025 or early 2026, in a bid to lessen Ukraines reliance on arms deliveries from its allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the ground, Ukraine reports that Russia is reinforcing its positions in the occupied parts of the Zaporizhzhia region, redeploying troops from Kursk, the Russian border area where Ukrainian forces had briefly pushed forward earlier this year. Switzerland, Austria and Turkey have been floated as possible venues for a summit, while Ukraine has ruled out Hungary, citing its closeness to the Kremlin. Moscow has acknowledged the prospect of a meeting with Zelensky, but stressed it must be "carefully prepared". PARIS (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that he had spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the two leaders coordinating their positions on the war in Ukraine. Macron added that on trade issues, the two leaders agreed to strengthen economic exchanges and strategic partnerships. India has come under pressure from the United States over its purchases of Russian oil and goods from the country are facing additional tariffs of up to 50%, among the highest imposed by Washington, over the issue. (Reporting by Makini Brice and Geert De Clercq, Editing by William Maclean) BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) Local law enforcement have reported an increase in fraudulent scam attempts. Responders execute successful rescue of two on the New River Many local residents have reported receiving phone calls from numbers they do not recognize. These callers will often ask for payment or personal information, often while claiming to be a family member or law enforcement officer. Experts have said seniors can be a frequent target of these types of schemes. Callers might give stories based on everything from insurance to jury duty to gain cooperation from their victims. I get a lot of seniors that come in and ask me, hey, is this legitimate? I got a phone call about my granddaughter was in jail or I got a phone call about my Medicare, or I got a phone call about social security, I got a phone call from the sheriff, Raleigh County Commission on Aging Social Worker, Kim Ratliff told 59News. I see pretty often that they are very targeted. Members of the Beckley Police Department said you should be on alert if you receive a text or call from any unknown number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said any requests for payment or personal details are a red flag as well. Fraudulent texts and calls will often include requests to reveal sensitive information or engage in a financial transaction. They would ask you to pay off a fine over the phone using gift cards, going to some of the coin-based machines that are in Kroger or other grocery stores, paying of fines that way, said P.F.C. Adam Justice with the Beckley Police Department. Law enforcement will never ask you to pay off a fine in that manner. Again, another major red flag. Millions of people have fallen victim to phone-based scams in recent years, according to data from the Federal Trade Commission. Police have said the best defense against repeat scam callers is to block and delete the number of the person calling. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. France has condemned Russias latest overnight strikes on Ukraine, calling them evidence of Moscows lack of readiness to seriously engage in peace negotiations. Source: France 24 with reference to a statement by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Details: Despite Russias claims of being open to talks, the ministry said that Moscow "is continuing its deadly attacks on Ukrainian territory, launching 574 drones and 40 missiles at residential areas". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These strikes once again show the need to end the killings and to maintain and step up pressure on Russia," the ministry stressed. The statement also reaffirmed support for "President Trump's initiative for a just and lasting peace". Background: Earlier, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky condemned Russias large-scale combined attack on Ukraine on the night of 20-21 August. That night, Russia launched 614 aerial assets, 577 of which were intercepted by Ukrainian air defence. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok expressed condolences to those who were injured in a Russian strike on a plant belonging to US firm Flex in the city of Mukachevo in Zakarpattia Oblast (Transcarpathia) in Ukraine's west, but later removed the word "Russian" from his Facebook post. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A 15-year-old Lone Star High School student was stabbed by a stranger while walking his dog in a Frisco neighborhood Sunday evening, police said. Frisco police responded to a reported stabbing around 8:45 p.m. in the 1500 block of Plum Valley Lane in the Grayhawk neighborhood. The victim, Ankur Dahr, a student at Lone Star High School, was treated at a hospital for a gash to his hand and later released. The suspect, described as a young male, possibly high school-aged or a young adult, remains at large as of August 20, according to police. Ankur told CBS News Texas that his nightly dog walk is a routine he enjoys, listening to music through earbuds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me, I enjoy it. I just put my earbuds in and listen to some music, and its just a good exercise, he said. On Sunday, a stranger approached him near his home, saying, Yo, I think you look familiar. Ankur responded, Oh, really? and shared his name, noting the stranger mentioned attending Lone Star High School. Moments later, as captured by a neighbors Ring camera, the suspect walked ahead, then suddenly turned, ran at Ankur, and stabbed him with what appeared to be a pocketknife. And then he came like a little in front of me, then randomly turned around, came up and stabbed me and just ran away, Ankur said, per Fox 4 KDFW. After he stabbed me, I just ran straight to my house with the dog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ankurs father, Adesh Dahr, described the panic as his son returned home, saying, I saw blood gushing out of his arm, so I was kind of numb to what happened. He said Someone stabbed me, and I ran out and didnt see anyone, WFAA reported. The fortunate thing is he was just two houses down from where we live, Adesh said. If it would have been farther, it would have been disastrous. The family rushed Ankur to a hospital, where he received 19 stitches. When asked if he had concerns about allowing his son to walk around the neighborhood, Adesh told Fox 4, Yeah, because we dont know if the suspect will come again. Its an open-ended question for a lot of people in the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ankur reflected, I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and cautioned, Yeah like just be careful. You know anything can happen. It doesnt matter where you live. The family noted recent vandalism and other reported attacks in the Grayhawk neighborhood, though police have not confirmed any connection to this incident. Frisco police are working with multiple agencies, but have not identified or apprehended the suspect. They urge anyone with information to contact the non-emergency line at 972-292-6010 or submit a tip by texting FRISCOPD and the tip to 847411. The investigation remains active. A roll of stickers sit on a table as people vote during the Georgia primary at the Metropolitan Library on May 24, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) This story was updated at 2:15 p.m. on Aug. 21 after the Fulton County GOP filed a motion calling on a judge to hold members of the commission in contempt. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners violated a Georgia Superior Court judges order Wednesday by failing to approve two nominees to the county election board in a case that involves accusations of election denialism and a clash between elected leaders responsibilities to follow the law or vote their conscience. Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Were not complying with the court orders, said Commissioner Bridget Thorne, a Republican who represents north Fulton. Weve had two hearings, one on Friday, one on Monday, forcing us to comply. And the decision today was to not comply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote came down 2-2 with three members of the commission not present. Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon called the development outrageous and called for the commissioners to be punished. A Petition for Contempt of Judge (David) Emersons Order should be filed immediately and I hope the Judge will consider not only a fine but jail time for the unlawful defiance of a lawful court order! McKoon said in a statement. On Thursday, the Fulton County Republican Party filed a motion asking the court to find five Democratic commissioners in contempt of court, including the three who were not present for the vote. The county GOP requests the five commissioners be charged up to $1,000 and spend up to 20 days in jail. They also called for a hearing to be set as early as Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Dana Barrett, a Democrat whose district includes all of the Atlanta neighborhoods of Buckhead and parts of Midtown and the suburb of Sandy Springs, said she doesnt know what could come next. Its really hard to say. I dont know whats in the judges mind about that, she said. He can choose jail or fines, I think, and thats really going to be up to him. I think the jail thing is a little bit confusing because when it is a civil charge like this, the whole idea is that youd be in jail until you solved the problem which, we cant vote from jail so Im not sure if it really works in this case, but I think he has the ability to do it. So making the vote, for me, I had to be prepared to face those consequences. The politics and policy behind the case The Fulton County Registration and Elections Board consists of two members appointed by each major political party and a chair selected by the Board of Commissioners. Fulton County, which is home to Atlanta, is Georgias most populous county with more than 1 million residents, and among the likeliest to support Democratic candidates, though the northern suburbs are more conservative. In May, the Fulton County Republican Party nominated incumbent board member Julie Adams and newcomer Jason Frazier, but the commissioners declined, citing concerns about their past actions. Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Adams refused to certify the 2024 results in Fultons presidential preference primary and filed a failed lawsuit against the county, arguing that board members have the option to refuse to certify election results if they have concerns. In a ruling similar to the one now at issue with the commission, judges said election superintendents roles are actually to certify the results and not to investigate or veto them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frazier has been involved with challenges to thousands of Fulton County voter registrations. Speaking at the May meeting, Commissioner Marvin Arrington, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Atlanta and south Fulton County, said he could not approve the two because of their politics. The problem we have in this country is the far right and the far left, he said. The answers and the solutions are in the middle. And I want to applaud the Democratic Party for nominating people that are in the center and not nominating people that are in the far left. And I think the Republican Party ought to take a look at their people and not nominate people that are on the far right and nominate people that are in the center. Thats where all of our answers and our solutions are. There is no way I can vote to support either of these people. But if yall present some people that are in the center, they can get approved. Arrington was not present for Wednesdays vote. Obligations of the word shall The county GOP took the commissioners to court, where the legal debate centered around the meaning of the word shall in state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law says the members of the board shall appoint two members appointed by each major party, while the chair is appointed by the board of commissioners. The county GOP said that shall means the boards job is to approve the people nominated by the parties as long as they meet basic required standards like living in the county, being an elector and not being an elected official. Democrats on the board said the word shall leaves more wiggle room that the power to appoint also includes the power to reject. I am very willing to appoint from nominees that are put forth by the Republican Party of Fulton County, Barrett said. But not everybody gets a pass. What if they put up a murderer? Im not going to appoint a murderer. So there has to be some discretion on my part to say no to particular nominees, but still only to choose from their nominees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superior Court Judge David Emerson agreed with the Republican Party, issuing an Aug. 3 order calling on the commissioners to approve Adams and Frazier. There is nothing in the statute to support the BOC theory that the county commissioners can veto the chairpersons nominees other than for failure of the nominee to meet the two qualifications and one restriction, Emerson wrote. The General Assembly placed the discretion in the county executive committee chairperson. It is up to the Fulton County Commission to follow the law and honor that persons nominations, he added. They didnt do that Wednesday, and Commissioner Mo Ivory, a Democrat who represents Atlanta and parts south, indicated that shes not likely to change her stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one should force an elected official or any voter to cast a particular vote. Were opening up a very scary door to do that, no matter where your politics lies. Our residents deserve appointees who are unquestionably committed to fairness, transparency, and ethical standards in our election administration. This is not about personalities or politics, although thats what grabs the headlines. It is about ensuring that the board of registrations and elections in Fulton County is held to the highest level of accountability and that our elections are fair. The Board of Commissioners has filed an appeal in the lawsuit. What about next weeks election? A special election to replace former state Sen. Brandon Beach, a Republican who stepped down to serve as U.S. Treasurer under President Donald Trump, is scheduled for Tuesday. The district includes part of north Fulton County and much of neighboring Cherokee County. Thorne said that race can be certified even if the situation is still unsettled next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julie Adams continues to serve on the board until they appoint someone else, and so (Republicans) will just only have one member on that board to certify the elections, look over the results, follow that, she said. Theyve just got to get a majority of the board. So its supposed to be a five-member board, so if they get three votes, theyll go ahead and certify the election. Thorne said Adams will be forced to vote yes on the winner even if she has reservations because of a rule similar to the one she wants the Democrats on the commission to follow. Under her lawsuit, they told her she shall just like here, she shall certify on Monday at 5 oclock, and she cant vote no, Thorne said. So they should have four votes to certify, no matter what. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A man walks through Wall Street Momo Takahashi/BI JPMorgan's new building is full of amenities, with one open 24 hours, seven days a week. Experts said the wrap-around perks reinforce Wall Street's work-as-life culture. As much as workers might like the offerings, they said the bank also has something crucial to gain. Hungry bankers fear not employees at JPMorgan's new headquarters in Midtown Manhattan will be able to get a midnight snack. Or a 3 am snack. Or a 6 am snack. The 60-story, amenity-packed skyscraper at 270 Park Avenue is scheduled to open this year, just as Wall Street beats the return-to-office drum louder than ever. With a gym, massive food hall, and 24/7 grab-and-go option, the building reinforces a long-standing law of Wall Street: work and life are often indistinguishable. And if you want to be successful, that work happens face-to-face, either in a conference room or the in-house pub. Headhunters, consultants, and management experts told Business Insider that JPMorgan seems to be telegraphing its cultural expectations as much as the Wall Street hours with the new building. Representatives for JPMorgan declined to comment. "There'll be people there at night, there'll be people on the weekends, and if you're there, you might as well take advantage of some of these things," said Alan Johnson, founder of compensation consultancy Johnson Associates, adding that Wall Street has long had an "obsession" with people putting in face time. JPMorgan has been a leader of the wider return-to-office push. It called nearly all employees back to the office full-time earlier this year, and CEO Jamie Dimon has blasted remote work, saying it can negatively impact a company's culture. "Don't give me this shit that work-from-home-Friday works," Dimon said during a leaked employee town hall earlier this year. "I call a lot of people on Fridays, and there's not a goddamn person you can get a hold of." Robin Judson, founder of recruiting firm Robin Judson Partners, said the culture could send two messages: "It can say, 'We really care about the people who work for us,' or it can say, 'You're going to be working all the time, so we're going to make sure that you don't have to leave your desk for very long.'" The new building will house up to 14,000 employees on the ground level of Park and Madison Avenues. dbox / Foster + Partners An 'explicit recognition' of long hours While many of the food options are open on weekdays from 6 am to 5 pm, the grab-and-go Park Ave Express is open 24 hours, seven days a week, according to screenshots of the bank's intranet obtained by Business Insider. Aug. 21A $1 million debt threatens Decatur veterinarian Dr. Michael Newman's plan to turn his emergency hospital into the Newman Veterinary Research Hospital. "(Human) physical facilities are the same as animals. Diseases don't care what they're in, and that's the whole point," Newman said. "So, what happens is when natural diseases happen in our animals, they happen in us, too. Studying natural disease processes, that is the point I'm trying to make." Newman was hoping to open the Newman Veterinary Research Hospital in his current building, the former Veterinary Regional Referral Hospital. However, he still owes $1 million on the $4 million building, and it has to be paid by Oct. 3. Newman spoke with Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The state is not going to be able to come up with the financials before Oct. 3," Newman said. "I've got to pay for this building in full, and I don't have the money now. I was hoping the state would help me get through this and save this building for the research, and they can't do that. The likelihood is that I have a number of people willing to buy this hospital, a lot of MDs." Newman said he is concerned about losing the building. "The other option is, I was hoping we would have what we need from the public," he said. "We don't have near what we need. They've contributed less than $100,000." The facility is located at 2117 Veterans Drive S.E. in Decatur on two acres with surrounding undeveloped land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a great location for this type of thing we want to build," Newman said. "We have a very nice hospital. And (we may) have to sell that to pay the bank." Newman had a feasibility and entitlement study conducted by the civil engineering group Pugh Wright McAnally. It was conducted with the idea that Newman would use his emergency hospital for the research hospital. The start-up cost, according to the study, would be $25 million. The initial funding goals are "$50 million to ensure the project's foundation and staffing," and "$100 million to fully realize the project's potential and expedite implementation," the study said. Initial staffing would require hiring 28 medical or other staff. They would include a director, three veterinarians, six veterinarian nurses, two pathologists, two fundraising/public relations staff, and a five-member board of directors for governance and oversight, among others. "I'm not going to run this place; I'm too old," Newman said. "We need to get the right people, and they won't be cheap. This type of facility we're trying to build requires very good people and they require decent pay. That happens all over the country. We need to have the money to get the right people here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current facility has a lot of equipment, including a CT scanner, endoscope, ultrasound machine, and a hydrotherapy tank,. However, if the facility is closed, Newman said the $4 million to $5 million worth of medical equipment will be sold as well. "If I sold this place, I'd have to get the medical equipment out of here, and I don't have any place for it," Newman said. "We've got a ton of stuff here like the CT scanner and X-ray equipment. To move it in and out is another problem. That would be expensive to have somebody move it." Newman said if he loses the building, it would be a major setback to the project. "If we had to build a building and buy new equipment, you're looking at $100 million to $150 million," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newman said his next plans are to speak with members of the Decatur City Council and the Morgan County Commission Chairman about funding the $1 million to secure the building. Newman has been in talks with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Auburn University about his idea. "Whether there's a building there or not, I still think Dr. Newman's concept of using animals for research purposes to assist with, not only animals' diseases, but human diseases and medical conditions, I think that still bears fleshing out," Orr said. "I told him I would arrange two conversations with individuals from both UAB and Auburn to discuss this further to see whether they may be interested in pursuing something like this long term, and if so, how do we make that happen?" Orr said this may mean it will not happen in Decatur, but rather Birmingham or Auburn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dr. Newman believes there's a lot of merit to doing it locally here in Decatur," he said. "The Auburn and UAB folks may have other ideas and thoughts, but that's way down the road." When it comes to state funding, Orr said, more has to be brought to the table. "That's where we need an Auburn or a UAB to become engaged and say, 'Yes, we believe this has merit,' 'Yes, we want to proceed with further investigation or discovery of the concept,'" he said. "As far as the site, it would be their call. I'd certainly lobby for Decatur or north Alabama to be the site. But at the end of the day, we just have to see what makes the most sense." erica.smith@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2460. Spiders infected with a fungus that turns them into zombies are now being found all over the world including in the U.S. and freaking out homeowners. Fungus-infected spiders have been spotted by residents in Minnesota, Ontario, the U.K., Russia and New Zealand, The Wall Street Journal reports. The fungus was first discovered four years ago inside an abandoned gunpowder store in Northern Ireland by the crew of the BBCs Winterwatch TV series. Researchers named the fungus Gibellula attenboroughii, after the iconic British naturalist, David Attenborough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fungus infects orb-weaving, cave-dwelling spiders found in Europe called Metellina merianae, scientists discovered. The fungus works by changing the arachnids behavior to help promote the spread of spores, according to a study published earlier this year in the research journal Fungal Systematics and Evolution. It causes spiders to behave in strange ways, such as going out into the open to die. Now, homeowners around the world are being haunted by the sight of these zombie arachnids. Homeowners from around the world are finding so-called zombie spiders that have been infected with the fungus gibellula attenboroughii (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew/Tim Fogg/PA) Anna Baddams, who lives in the city of Southampton on Englands south coast, found hundreds of the zombie spiders in her shed, she told the Journal. She couldnt sleep for weeks and keeps her windows closed to keep them from crawling in. Simon Butenko told the Journal he similarly found the spiders in his parents wine cellar in Anapa, Russia. He said the encrusted spiders were hanging at head height when he found them. Landscaper Gareth Jenkins told the Journal he found several zombie spiders clumped in groups underneath a clients deck in London. He said their legs were curled up as if they were going to jump on my face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe dont tell the kids, Jenkins recalled telling the homeowner. One London homeowner found hundreds of the fungus-encrusted spiders in her shed. She couldnt sleep for weeks afterwards (Fungal Systematics and Evolution (2025)) Zombie insects might sound familiar to those who have seen The Last of Us, a TV series about a post-apocalyptic world in which the cordyceps fungus infects people and turns them into zombie-like creatures. In reality, this fungus, belonging to the Ophiocordyceps genus, infects ants and manipulates their behavior. However, the fungus cant infect humans and neither can the fungus thats zombifying spiders. Infecting humans would require many, many millions of years of genetic modifications, Dr. Joao Araujo, a mycologist, told the Journal. Even so, research on this fungus could reach beyond the world of insects and help us better understand our own brain health, Araujo previously told CNN. Imagine, [with] a fungus that can control the behavior of a spider, which metabolites theyre releasing in the brain of this spider, Araujo said in February. This could be something really revolutionary for Alzheimers and degenerative diseases and the ones that affect the brain. Contrary to claims by officers that terrorists are not operating in an organized framework in areas captured by the IDF, Hamas operatives managed to attempt an organized operation in Khan Yunis. IDF Southern Command officials assessed on Wednesday that more attacks similar to the one in the Khan Yunis sector, which surprised troops from the Kfir Brigade, are expected. Although the IDF claimed that Hamas no longer functions as a military force in areas captured by Israel, an organized-level terrorist attack was nevertheless carried out on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military sources estimated that evening that Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip would attempt to launch attacks on IDF posts in the buffer zone. Military Intelligence Directorate and Shin Bet officials determined that the leading possible course of action in the Strip during the current fighting will be attacks on forces in posts and areas where troops are stationed, until the launch of the operation to capture Gaza City. Security officials added that in recent months, attacks planned in a similar format were foiled in Gaza thanks to precise intelligence provided to the IDF. Every active Hamas battalion or comparable terror unit operates independently under the direction of the military wings senior command, according to assessments from officers in the Southern Command. These terrorist formations wait inside tunnels, supported by lookouts in buildings who supply them with food and information. Just this past week, active tunnels used by Hamas were identified and destroyed. The 188th Armored Brigade operates in Gaza's Khan Yunis. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) Officials further assessed that this waiting posture of the terrorists will pose a challenge to the IDF during the operation to capture Gaza City. Therefore, they estimated that entry into the citys core will be particularly aggressive and accompanied by heavy fire. Exploiting a vulnerability in battle In recent months, senior officers had argued that Hamass military wing no longer operates as a functioning army in captured areas. However, today Hamas exploited a vulnerability against an elite IDF force deep inside Palestinian territory in Khan Yunis, carrying out an attack at an organized level. Military officials assessed that behind the roughly 20 terrorists who took part in the battle, there were backup forces providing surveillance and intelligence on the area, alongside a command post operating nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terrorists were equipped with combat gear that resembled the quality of October 7, said one officer present at the scene. The terrorists were not supposed to breach the structure where the soldiers were located. This requires an in-depth investigation. "Hamas managed to concentrate its effort and nearly overwhelmed a unit. The proximity of the tunnel shaft from which the terrorists emerged in complete surprise raises the assessment that they intended to kidnap soldiers. The mutual support between IDF forces in the field repelled the attack. The incident occurred on Wednesday when Hamas operatives attacked a position manned by the Haruv Reconnaissance Unit, part of the Kfir Brigade, in Khan Yunis. The terrorists opened fire with machine guns and anti-tank missiles. A battle between IDF troops and the terrorists ensued for several minutes. One soldier was severely wounded, and two others were lightly wounded. Ten terrorists were killed, some due to Air Force assistance. In the end, the IDF succeeded in repelling the attack. A Southern Command military source said the terrorists who carried out the attack intended to kidnap soldiers. Hamas has moved up a level; it is increasing its friction with the IDF, the source said. We are preparing for additional incidents. Washington As Russia's war in Ukraine rages on despite high-level meetings to discuss a possible path to peace, CBS News has learned that Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, issued a directive weeks ago to the U.S. intelligence community ordering that all information regarding the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations not be shared with U.S.-allied intelligence partners. The memo, dated July 20 and signed by Gabbard, directed agencies to not share information with the so-called Five Eyes, the post-World War II intelligence alliance comprising the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand, multiple U.S. intelligence officials told CBS News. They spoke under condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive national security matters. The officials said the directive classified all analysis and information related to the volatile Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations as "NOFORN," or no foreign dissemination, meaning the information could not be shared with any other country or foreign nationals. The only information that could be shared was information that had already been publicly released. The memo also limited distribution of material regarding peace talks to within the agencies that created or originated the intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo does not seem to prevent the sharing of diplomatic information gathered by other means separate from the U.S. intelligence community, or military operational information unrelated to the talks such as the details the U.S. shares with the Ukrainian military to aid in their defensive operations. Contacted by CBS News, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence referred questions to the White House, which did not respond. A day after CBS News published its report, DNI spokesperson Olivia Coleman said in a post on X that the reporting was false and said, "U.S. intelligence sharing relationships with our allies have never been stronger." "In general, the value of the Fives Eyes intelligence partnership is that when we are making and they are making policy decisions, we can both augment each other's intelligence and therefore know more about the plans, intentions, and capabilities of our adversaries," explained Steven Cash, a former intelligence officer at the Central Intelligence Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Among the reasons for that sort of default is the expectation that we and the other four are all sitting on the same side of the table with some other adversary on the other side," Cash said. He said it's important for the allies to have "a common intelligence picture" so policymakers and negotiators "can coordinate our positions and get the best deal we can, or fight the best war we can." Cash is the executive director of The Steady State, a nonprofit organization made up of former U.S. intelligence and national security professionals and government officials concerned with threats to American democracy. In March 1946, Winston Churchill spoke of the "special relationship" between the U.S. and the U.K. and the threat of the "Iron Curtain" that had "descended across the Continent." The United States and Britain first forged their intelligence alliance in secret, signing an agreement to pool information as a bulwark against the Soviet Union. Later, Canada, Australia and New Zealand joined the arrangement, transforming what began as a bilateral pact into the five-nation network that would come to be known as the Five Eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now, nearly 80 years later, some former U.S. government officials warn that the breadth of Gabbard's order could undermine the intelligence community alliance discouraging analysts from sharing insights and eroding trust among allies who have long relied on open exchanges to form a common picture of global threats and paths to successful negotiation. Cash and CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd, a former homeland security official, said Five Eyes often has intelligence that helps the U.S. produce comprehensive intelligence assessments, especially about Russia, given the access Five Eyes partners have to other intelligence sources. "Shutting our most trusted partners off from intelligence assessments could have a chilling effect on critical intelligence sharing if our partners believe they're being shut out of key access including on key matters in their region. They could decide to take similar steps toward the U.S.," Vinograd said. She added, "Policy-wise, if our Five Eyes partners think they are being shut off from key information. They could choose to create new structures and channels without us. A lack of full collaboration with our closest partners could lead them to discuss matters impacting our national security without our input and perspective." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, other former intelligence officers contend Gabbard's directive is commonplace within the U.S. intelligence community, and the criticism is much ado about nothing. They say both the U.S. and the other members of the intelligence alliance frequently withhold information from each other in diverging interest areas. Ezra Cohen, a Hudson Institute fellow who served as the acting undersecretary of defense for intelligence at the Pentagon, suggested that condemnation of Gabbard's memo likely stems from a dislike of Trump administration policies and her leadership as director of national intelligence. "There is a lot of information we do not share even with our Five Eyes partners, and it works in the reverse. There's a lot of U.K. eyes-only material. There's a lot of Australian eyes-only material," said Cohen. "Our interests are not always aligned with our Five Eyes partners," Cohen said. "And where we have diverging interests, and it's not just Ukraine, we absolutely mark things NOFORN." He admits it's possible the directive could result in depriving the U.S. of information, but maintains these types of decisions have historically been the norm between all of the Five Eyes members. He said the claim that the directive represents "a chilling of the relationship" between the U.S. and Five Eyes seems "a little bit like faux outrage." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As intelligence work and diplomatic efforts continue, largely out of the public eye, the war in Ukraine continues to take a deadly toll. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Moscow Thursday for launching hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles in an attack overnight, "as if nothing had changed at all. As if there were no efforts by the world to stop this war." Editor's note: This article has been updated with DNI spokesperson Olivia Coleman's response on X. The most widespread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines this year 5 killed, dozens more injured in New York bus crash Reporter's Notebook: When smashing trains was an American pastime COLO, Iowa The town of Colo, Iowa, has been referred to as the Crossroads of the Nation, the place where the Jefferson and Lincoln highways meet. One spot on the north side of town serves as a reminder of that title. Reed-Niland Corner started out around one hundred years ago. Then-owner Charlie Reed opened a gas station at the corner. The gas station became a key stop for travelers, and eventually, some started camping in the surrounding area. Reed later partnered with his relatives, the Nilands, to open a lunch stand and eventually built cottages. These latter two endeavors are now known as Nilands Cafe and the Colo Motel. Reed-Niland Corner became known as a one-stop for travelers, a place where they could gas up, grab a bite to eat, and have a place to stay. To this day, its known as one of the best preserved one-stops in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Gabe on the Go As travel died down on the Lincoln Highway, business slowed at Reed-Niland Corner. Everything on the corner closed by 1995. However, partnering with the Lincoln Highway, the city of Colo worked to restore the corner in the late 90s. They received three transportation grants and donations nearing one million dollars, according to the former city clerk. Now, the cafe and motel are currently leased. The old Reeds gas station has been turned into a museum, which is open on the last weekend of the month for visitors and by appointment. The corner is in the process of being handed over from the city of Colo to a corporation that plans to become a nonprofit focused on preserving Reed-Niland Corner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reed-Niland Corner Inc. plans to repair and restore the buildings there, such as repairing the signs and trying to return them to their neon state. Members of the board say theyre looking for sources of funding and want locals to realize whats there. They feel visiting Reed-Niland Corner can remind people of the past and help them take a step back in time. They also hope the corner can be a gathering place for years to come. You can visit Reed-Niland Corners Facebook page here. Nilands Cafes Facebook page is here. 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 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. Sometime in the early aughts, the comedian Amy Poehler made a vulgar joke while sitting in the Saturday Night Live writers room waiting for a midweek read-through to begin. As detailed in Tina Feys 2011 memoir, Bossypants, Jimmy Fallon, who was also in the shows cast at the time, jokingly recoiled and told Poehler to stop it. Its not cute! Fallon exclaimed. I dont like it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amy dropped what she was doing, went black in the eyes for a second, and wheeled around on him, Fey writes. I dont fucking care if you like it. I was brought back to Feys Poehler-Fallon anecdote when a friend shared the first of Melani Sanderss We Do Not Care videos with me. Earlier this summer, Sanders, who identifies herself as a wife and mother, posted a short rant cum manifesto on Instagram, filmed in her car after a grocery run, in which she declared that she was not going to take it anymore. Whats it? Well, societal expectations about female comportment, for one thing. She does not care, she announces, that she doesnt have a real bra on. Sanders did notdoes notcare about a bunch of other things, as she made clear in subsequent videos. She does not care about shaving her legs, or grooming her chin hairs, or having edge control in her hair. She does not care about wearing matching clothes, or that her hair isnt combed. She does not care about pointless small talk, about that flashing light in her car, or that her house is a hot mess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanderss first post reminded me a bit of Jane OReillys famous article, Click! The Housewifes Moment of Truth, which ran in the first issue of Ms. Magazine, in 1972. In her story, OReilly examined her friends and neighbors feminist awakeningsclick! momentsabout patriarchal expectations regarding womens unpaid labor, writing: One little click turns on a thousand others. In Sanderss case, her click turned on thousands of others; at least half a dozen women forwarded that first video to me, and I suspect this was how many others came to it. Each of Sanderss videos is accompanied by thousands of comments, most by apparently delighted women who feel liberated by Sanderss exhortations. (Sanders, who notes that shes speaking for perimenopausal and menopausal women, often invites viewers to chime in with the things that they no longer care about, and seems to incorporate them in subsequent posts.) [Read: Doomed to be a tradwife] Indeed, there is an element of call-and-response to the We Do Not Care Club, which Sanders herself has, consciously or not, encouraged. In that first post in May, Sanders used the first person. By the next day, she had switched over to the first-person plural. (We dont care whats for dinner.) A day later, Sanders just came out and said it: We do not care about people-pleasing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the thing: When Sanders says she doesnt care about people-pleasing, shes saying, in effect, that she doesnt care about pleasing men. This is, to my mind, the wonderfully subversive message thats gotten lost in the initial flurry of discussion about the We Do Not Care Club. That the majority of her audience is women makes perfect sense, given that the we in We Do Not Care clearly refers to them. That, in turn, suggests that the implied you in Sanderss statements is men, collectively. Sanderss digital rebellion speaks both to and for a silent majority of women who are tired of contorting themselves to appeal to, or appease, male expectations of who they should be, whether those men are romantic partners, strangers, or Jimmy Fallon himself. And though Sanders calls the We Do Not Care Club a movement with members, I think its more accurate to say that it is a revolt against misogyny. Plenty of women seem to agree. Responses to her videos, Ive noticed, frequently make Sanderss implicit critique of male expectations explicit. (A representative example: We do not care if you dont like what you see, just look the other way!) Commenting under a New York Times article about Sanderss club, one woman wrote, I do not care about the male gaze. Another noted: In my early 40s, I started to gain weight and I noticed how it made me invisible to unwanted male attention, and I liked it. Of course, plenty of the things that Sanders and her followers do not care about seem to relate to the female gaze. You could argue that whether or not a woman has a pedicure or gray hair is as much about pleasing, or not offending, other women as it is about men. (Tina Fey again: Women dress for other women in order to let them know what their deal is.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women may be dressing for other women, but arent we also dressing for men? After all, most women, whether or not were always conscious of it, are subject to some form of male appraisal about how we look and behave, which can in turn affect the way were able to move through the world. Even older women, who tend to go unseen by society and overlooked as vital, sexual beings, are reminded on a regular basis of the power of the male gazeand how easily it can be revoked. Theres a lot that is freeing about getting older, including not giving as much of a damn. And its important that Sanders says that her messages are meant for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Menopause is having a moment, and the We Do Not Care Club feels like a natural extension of the growing visibility of discussions about crepey skin and hot flashes and vaginal dryness. (In late June, Sanders was tapped as a spokesperson for the vaginal moisturizer Replens.) This is why seeing the 40-something Sanders reclining sideways on her bed wearing three pairs of glasses and marking off a list of things we do not care about that includes having chin hairs, unshaved legs, and cellulite thats visible in short shorts is so captivating. [Read: The secret power of menopause] But the messages contained within the We Do Not Care videos are, in the end, applicable to women of all ages. Theyre not just eruptions from a cohort of women for whom a lifetimes worth of expectations have reached their expiration date, but permission slips with which women of younger generations can eagerly anticipate a more unencumbered futureand perhaps even freedom in the present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They need it. Photo filters and AI are changing how we present ourselves to the public, raising expectations about having the smoothest skin and the plumpest lips. An ascendant MAGA aesthetic that plays up what the fashion critic Vanessa Friedman has called a retrograde gendered paradigm jostles with trad-wife and wellness influencers who project visions of polished (and predominantly white) womanhood. And younger generations (much too young, Id argue) are adopting expensive skin-care routines in order to, as the journalist Elise Hu put it, optimize ones face and address the added burden of worrying earlier about wrinkles. These so-called Sephora tweens, inspired by online beauty influencers, appear to be succumbing to the opposite message that many of us with actual wrinkles are welcoming: embracing a more observable older femininity, replete with fine lines and emergent fat on our underarmsand, as Poehler would say, not fucking caring if others like it. A few years ago, I wrote a story for this magazine about the power of saying no, in which I called on women to reject the socialization that begins in childhood and that nudges us to always be accommodating. I argued that we need to allow ourselves to refuse the things that are demanded of us, to erect and defend boundaries. This, I think, is why I, and so many others, have been so taken with the We Do Not Care Club. (One of Sanderss recent posts has more than 50,000 comments.) Because if the first step is for women to give themselves permission to say no, the We Do Not Care Club is the no itself. Article originally published at The Atlantic (NewsNation) California Gov. Gavin Newsom is not only a high-profile politician but also a businessman with an extensive financial portfolio. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at around $30 million, according to Finance Monthly, reflecting a mix of political salaries, entrepreneurial ventures and investments. Political career Newsom began his political journey in 1997 when San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown appointed him to the Board of Supervisors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2003, he was elected mayor of San Francisco, becoming the youngest to hold the position in a century. What does it mean to be rich? After serving two terms, he became Californias lieutenant governor in 2010 and was elected the states 40th governor in 2018. He has since become known for championing progressive policies, including same-sex marriage rights, environmental reforms and universal health care. Business ventures Throughout his political career, Newsom has co-founded several businesses. At just 24, he launched PlumpJack Associates LP, which led to the opening of the PlumpJack Winery in 1992, Finance Monthly reported. Over the next decade, the brand expanded into restaurants, hotels and retail stores, employing more than 700 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 2002, his business holdings were valued at nearly $7 million. When he became mayor in 2004, Newsom sold his stake in most of his San Francisco ventures. Real estate Newsom and his wife, filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, have made high-profile real estate moves. They bought a Kentfield, California, home in 2011 for $2.2 million, selling it in 2021 for nearly $5.9 million. The net worth of richest Congress members They later purchased a $3.7 million home in a Sacramento suburb and acquired a $9.1 million Kentfield estate once owned by Hyatt heir Daniel Pritzker in 2024. Investments and assets Beyond PlumpJack, Newsom has held a blind trust worth more than $1 million in mutual funds, according to Gazette Direct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His financial records also cite silver trading profits of nearly $500,000 in 2011, as well as royalties from his 2013 book Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government, which brought him $125,000 in 2019 alone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Californias Supreme Court has struck down the state GOPs attempt to delay Governor Gavin Newsoms redistricting plan, clearing the runway for the measure to reach the November referendum vote. The GOP lawmakers who filed the challenge argued that Newsom had moved forward too quickly, and violated the states independent redistricting commission. On Wednesday, the justices disagreed. Newsoms plan, which is contingent upon Texas passing its initial redistricting effort, has some California Republicans incensed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a governor, we have political insiders, we have legislators who are breaking Californias Constitution by drawing congressional maps behind closed doors, with no transparency, California state Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares told CNNs Brianna Keilar on Wednesday. The new maps that Democrats in your state want to pass they include a trigger, that they would only go into effect if Texass redistricted maps go into effect. Do you hold Texas Republicans at all responsible for what youre facing in your state? Keilar asked. Well, that actuallyGovernor Newsom said that this would only happen if Texas redrew their maps, however thats not what the bill language they presented said, Vallardares said. It says if any state redraws their maps, that this would go into an effect. OK. But thats the effect of this. There is a trigger. This isnt happening in a vacuum. Theres a contingency. And in this case, it is Texas. So lets just be clear. If it says other states, well, its Texas, Keilar said. So do you have any criticism from members of your own party in Texas? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vallardares avoided the question, instead insisting that what Newsom was doing was wholly illegal. If you cant criticize Republicans in Texas for their approach, which is so different from the one that youre advocating for in California, how should voters see California Republicans opposed to a move like this only when it doesnt favor them? the CNN reporter asked. Listen, I was elected, and the 120 legislators that were elected this past November in California, to uphold the California Constitution. This isnt a Republican issue. This isnt a Democrat issue. This is an issue of political elitists in California silencing and taking the power away from California voters, Valladares said, once again avoiding Keilars question. Californias redistricting referendum is set for November 4. After months of escalating attacks against President Donald Trump, California Gov. Gavin Newsom seems to have finally hit a nerve by hijacking his tactics. Newsom has put California at the center of Democrats campaign against a Trump-backed effort in Texas to pad the GOPs U.S. House majority, countering with a rare, mid-decade redistricting proposal of his own. All the while, hes flooded social media with a steady stream of all-caps screeds mocking the presidents signature style. Its commanded a whirlwind of national attention, from Democrats and Republicans alike, that few in Newsoms party have been able to manage during Trumps second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past 48 hours alone, Newsom was singled out by former President Barack Obama for his responsible approach to redrawing Californias congressional maps; by Vice President JD Vance, who slammed him in a Fox News interview for trying to mimic Trump; and by Trump himself on Truth Social. Triggered? Newsom responded to Trump. For Newsom, who is on the short list of potential 2028 White House hopefuls, it all comes as the Democratic Partys base above all else is itching for a fighter to take on Trump and the GOP. He would like to be the nominee in 28. Is he succeeding on getting that kind of attention? Yes, he is, said Willie Brown, the former San Francisco mayor and state House speaker who's a longtime friend and political mentor to Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this political business, thats what you live on and live by and hope for. If you want to be effective, the public has got to know about you, and you either do that by paying for your own social media efforts or hiring someone, Brown continued. Newsom gets it for free at the moment. Beyond the all-caps tactic, memes like that of a shirtless Newsom wearing Calvin Klein underwear with the American flag waving in the background have proliferated on social media, as have TikTok videos of the governor going after Trump. Since the start of August, the governors press account on X has added 250,000 followers and racked up more than 225 million impressions, according to Newsoms team. Conservatives have teed off on Newsoms social media assault, arguing that he was embarrassing himself, wasting public resources and wasnt actually the one posting. When Fox News host Dana Perino said Newsom was making a fool of himself, the governors staff account offered a Trump-style response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DANA DING DONG PERINO (NEVER HEARD OF HER UNTIL TODAY!) IS MELTING DOWN BECAUSE OF ME, GAVIN C. NEWSOM! FOX HATES THAT I AM AMERICAS MOST FAVORITE GOVERNOR (RATINGS KING) SAVING AMERICA WHILE TRUMP CANT EVEN CONQUER THE BIG STAIRS ON AIR FORCE ONE ANYMORE!!! TRUMP HAS LOST HIS STEP AND FOX IS LOSING IT BECAUSE WHEN I TYPE, AMERICA NOW WINS!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. GCN, the post read. The post garnered 5.2 million views. If nothing else, weve called out the absurdity of the normalization of Donald Trump, Newsom said Wednesday on a call held by the Democratic National Committee. You cant make it up. I mean, when Fox is sitting there, oh so, so concerned about these tweets in all caps, theyve missed the entire point, havent they, of what were pushing back and what were doing? Maybe they should pay attention [to] what the president of the United States of America is modeling every single day, Newsom continued. Nothing about this is normal. And it needs to be called out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, X added a gray checkmark to Newsoms @GovPressOffice count to distinguish it as a government organization, a Newsom spokesman said, adding it was not at their request but happened after fake accounts popped up. Newsoms aides say since he was mayor of San Francisco, he has put a premium on his staffers taking risks, handing out awards for the biggest failures to celebrate creative gambits. That atmosphere has spawned the latest social media approach from the governors team, which they say holds a mirror to Trump. Its working. Its getting under their skin, said one Newsom confidant, who was granted anonymity because they werent authorized to talk on behalf of the governor. Whether its the [X] account or the memes, no ones been able to highlight the absurdity and throw it back. Hes been able to do it. Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, dismissed Newsoms tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing about Newscum is authentic from his rehearsed answers to his flip-flopping policy positions he goes whatever way the wind blows so it makes sense that he would try to mimic the Presidents wildly successful communication strategy. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Gavins behavior is just getting weird at this point, Jackson said in a statement. Something that no other Democrat has done Since January, the battles Newsom has waged against Trump and his allies have been big and small, ranging from a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News to countering the presidents troop deployment in Los Angeles following immigration raids. Newsom held a nationally televised speech that panned Trumps actions as akin to a dictator. According to Newsoms office, the remarks, shared on social media, were viewed more than 40 million times. In California, Newsoms favorability ratings have notched up in the polls as hes more prominently stood up to Trump. Its unclear how long Newsom can sustain the spotlight, but for now, even some of Trumps closest allies say he has caught lightning in a bottle. Steve Bannon, the conservative architect of Trumps first presidential campaign who was instrumental in shaping his early messaging and policy, offered praise for Newsoms brilliant political gambit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This really shows how much Trump has changed modern politics. You have to be on offense, and you have to break through the media white noise, and its not as much policy-driven as attitude- and style-driven, Bannon told NBC News. Hes done something that no other Democrat has done. Hes energized these guys. Hes trying to instill the fighting spirit in a very dispirited party that has lost 4 million people. You have to put the guidon on a hill, and you have to rally the troops around something. Newsom called on California lawmakers last week to set a special election for November to ask voters whether the state should redraw its congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The ballot measure, which came in response to Texas proposed new map, is necessary in California to circumvent the independent redistricting commission that usually controls the process. Since Newsom announced the initiative last week, small-dollar donations have flooded in online. In conversations with donors and supporters, Newsom has made clear that Democrats are embarking on an all-out war with a heavy ad campaign after Labor Day. One Newsom aide expressed confidence in the outcome, saying, We wouldnt do this if we didnt see a path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In pursuing the redistricting fight, Newsom has been in regular contact with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., according to three people with knowledge of the conversations. Pelosi has been in touch with him from the beginning on the maps and strategy, one of the sources said, adding that shes not the ring leader of the effort but rather a resource for the delegation who is helping raise funds for the project. 2028 groundwork Newsoms ability to drive his message comes as a soul-searching Democratic Party has craved a counterweight to Trump. Finally we got a fighter to stand up for our democracy!!!! prominent Democratic donor Susie Buell wrote in a message to NBC News. Buell, who co-founded the Esprit and North Face clothing brands, said she is waiting and willing to invest in the redistricting fight. Fighting fire with fire is our only way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Bozzi, a consultant and liberal activist who fought to pass a nationwide anti-gerrymandering bill during the Biden administration, said he still believes that law would have been better for voters in Texas and California and avoided this political mess. But even he backs what Newsom is doing now. You cannot expect anything other than this race to the bottom if this is the system that we have, Bozzi said. This is the system they created. ... Hard to criticize someone for working within the system. Aaron Bennett, a Democratic strategist and former top speechwriter for Pelosi, said Newsoms fighting attitude could help him in a 2028 contest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the territory the primarys going to be fought on, Bennett said. Those articulating it now are going to be a step ahead. So its the twin pieces. Its showing the grit and willingness to do what it takes to achieve it. Not all Democrats are exactly smitten, however. Grandstanding phony was how billionaire Democratic donor John Morgan described Newsom. Trying to use many Americans fears to promote himself. What he doesnt understand [is] the more we see, the less we like. Another longtime California political ally to Newsom was clear-eyed about perceptions of him as he moved into the national stage. A lengthy political resume alone is not enough to overcome the Golden States reputation for lurching too far to the left, the person said. The idea of a liberal California guy running for president of the United States, with slicked back hair, a perfect wife and four children, the judgment with the French Laundry, going anywhere nationwide, I just think the odds are against him, said the Democratic ally, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. He has to find some way to break through and become the hero of the country. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com As Gavin Newsom attempts to cement his place as the likely Democratic candidate for the 2028 election, he is turning to a familiar playbook. The California governors social media account has been filled with a torrent of long rants in capital letters, AI memes of himself topless riding bears and a series of pithy nicknames for his political enemies. So far, it seems to be working. The 57-year-old has packed his communications department with Gen-Z advisers who are helping the Democrat Maga-fy himself by mimicking Donald Trump and riling up his Republican base in turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strategy has earned team Newsom ample news coverage and thousands of new followers but it is his success in triggering the Magasphere that has left him feeling the most smug. In one AI meme, shared by the governor, Mr Newsoms visage has been added to Mount Rushmore. In another his cartoonishly inflated muscles bulge from underneath his vest while he waves a star spangled banner. Gavin Newsom shared an AI image of himself on X Mr Trumps supporters, Tucker Carlson, Kid Rock and the late Hulk Hogan appearing in angel form, pray over the governor in another provocative AI image. DONALD IS FINISHED HE IS NO LONGER HOT, Mr Newsoms office declared on Aug14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FIRST THE HANDS (SO TINY) AND NOW ME GAVIN C. NEWSOM HAVE TAKEN AWAY HIS STEP. MANY ARE SAYING HE CANT EVEN DO THE BIG STAIRS ON AIR FORCE ONE ANY MORE USES THE LITTLE BABY STAIRS NOW. Abigail Jackson, the deputy White House press secretary, shot back, decrying the governor, who was evoking her boss, as very weird and not at all funny. Dana Perino, the Fox News host, who appeared to miss his ironic tone, earnestly advised Mr Newsom that if he wanted to run for president he needed to be a little more serious. Mr Newsoms team jumped on the criticism, with an all-caps post filled with name-calling, cheap attacks and bragging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post read: Newsom post The governor has brushed off criticism of his brash new strategy, claiming he is issuing a wake-up call to Mr Trump. Im sort of following his example. If youve got issues with what Im putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns about what hes putting out as president, he said. Prior to his transformation to full-blown Maga antagonist, Mr Newsom had been creeping increasingly to the centre, launching a podcast where he hosted guests from across the political divide. Charlie Kirk, Steve Bannon and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have all appeared on his new show called This is Gavin Newsom. Mr Newsom speaks to Charlie Kirk on his podcast In March, Mr Newsom broke with his party to criticise the inclusion of trans athletes in womens sports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But his embrace of the Right-wing was short-lived and Democrats argue Mr Newsoms parody social media posts cast him as the official Republican opposition. The definition of insanity, as the old saying goes, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result, and its certainly different, Jason Ortiz, the Democratic strategist, said of the governors social media activity. Theres no question that a front on the battlefield is online, social media and to date there are few Democrats who have been able to use those tools effectively and to really get the kind of attention that the Right has been very good at capturing, he said. Mr Ortiz said Mr Newsoms strategy to fight fire with fire is generally a very positive thing. Another social media post by Gavin Newsom imitating Donald Trump His comments reflect a growing sentiment in the Democratic Party and its base that its politicians need to stop taking the high road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The big divide in the Democrats right now is not, you know, liberals versus establishment, or progressives versus liberals, its very much, are you a fighter or are you not? said Christopher Galdieri, a politics professor at Saint Anselm. Mr Newsoms Maga tweets show him as someone willing to put his head above the parapet and go tete-a-tete with his political rivals. Its a clear sign of ambitions about 2028 and I think hes banking on the idea that Democrats are going to be asking the candidates for president, whoever they might be, what did you do? How soon did you do it and how aggressive were you? But is this tongue-in-cheek approach a winning strategy outside the confines of the social media bubble? Tactic could backfire Mr Galdieri said this tactic could backfire if Democrats decide they do not want a Tweeter-in-chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Grygiel, an associate professor at Syracuse University who specialises in memes and social media, said she did not think being anti-Trump was a winning formula. Honestly, Gavin Newsom, the guy looks like hes a step away from a villain, Prof Grygiel said. Following Trump is a slippery slope for anyone who actually paints themselves or actually is authentically somebody whos trying to do something progressive. So taking on a Trumpian tone... I cant just see politicians memeing their way into office, they said. I think, for better or for worse, maybe he is emerging as something that is new, but maybe not necessarily better. A post by Mr Newsom on X mimics a post made by Mr Trump on May 16 Trying to outdo Mr Trump at being Mr Trump is a losing game, according to Amy Koch, a Republican strategist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have seen people try to sort of mimic Trump or mock Trump. I just dont know that anybody can outdo Trump, even in like, the kind of outrageous funniness of it, so I dont think its going to be effective, she said. While Ms Koch said the social media shift might help Mr Newsom lock up the Democratic nomination for 2028, she did not think it would translate well to the electorate as a whole. I think that, in general for independents and centre-Right people, its just too much, she said. It will get old, it will get worn out, if its not already, and it wont work... in general people, just everyday people arent paying attention to Twitter. 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. Steven Dee, a former Nike, J.Crew and Accenture executive, will join Kohls on Monday as its new chief technology officer. Dee will be responsible for overseeing all technology and information platforms supporting Kohls stores and e-commerce operations, and will report to Michael Bender, Kohls interim chief executive officer. More from WWD We are happy to welcome Steve to the Kohls team during this important time for the company, Bender said in a statement. As an omnichannel retailer, its critical for our business to have smart, agile tech solutions that both drive the work and enable operational effectiveness. Steve is well-positioned to help accelerate our strategic goals and enhance the experiences we deliver to our customers and teams. Kohls has been struggling to reverse its pattern of declining sales and profitability for several seasons. The Menomonee Falls, Wisc.-based Kohls indicated that Dee has more than 25 years of experience in technology and a track record of driving results, scaling technology teams and delivering innovative tech solutions. Retail is an exciting and dynamic industry that depends on smart, scalable technology solutions to serve associates all across the country, enable the systems that run operations and ultimately improve the way Kohls can serve our customers, Dee said in his statement. Dee fills a role previously held by Siobhan Mc Feeney, who served as Kohls chief technology and digital officer until leaving the business last April. Prior to Kohls, Dee ran technology operations at Nike, Hayneedle and J.Crew and has 12 years experience at Accenture, leading clients through transformational programs in the consumer goods and retail spaces. Most recently he was chief information and technology officer for Rodan + Fields, a skin care and hair care company. While filling one critical role, Kohls has yet to fill another. The company continues to search for a CEO, to succeed interim CEO Bender. Bender moved into the interim position following the sudden departure of Ashley Buchanan, who was fired last May following an investigation that disclosed he arranged for Kohls to sell his girlfriends coffee products at very favorable terms to his girlfriends company. The investigation also showed that Buchanan hired Boston Consulting Group, where his girlfriend, Chondra Holt, worked as an adviser. Holt and Buchanan met will both were employed at Walmart. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered some stark words of warning this week about the prospects of same-sex marriage surviving over the long term as a constitutional right. "The Supreme Court will hear a case about gay marriage," Clinton said. "My prediction is they will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion." Is Clinton right to worry? A quick glance at some recent breaking news headlines might lead you to think that she is. "Supreme Court formally asked to overturn landmark same-sex ruling," reported ABC News. "SCOTUS has been asked to overturn same-sex marriage," observed USA Today. But the headlines only told part of the story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, the U.S. Supreme Court was recently asked to revisit its 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which held that "the right of same-sex couples to marryis part of the liberty promised by the Fourteenth Amendment." The person who did the asking is Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who earned national headlines when she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Davis has since been fighting an uphill legal battle to overturn Obergefell. Having recently lost before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, she is now trying to persuade the high court to take up her case on appeal. The odds are not exactly in Davis' favor. The Supreme Court is "formally asked" to hear thousands of new cases each term, yet the justices only agree to hear a small fraction of them. And most of the thousands of parties seeking such review are turned away by the Supreme Court without receiving so much as a single word of explanation. To request review by the Supreme Court, in other words, is definitely not the same thing as obtaining review by the Supreme Court. The chances are good that the petition for review in Davis v. Ermold will be denied, just like those thousands of other petitions are denied by the justices every term. However, it is also true that the Supreme Court does sometimes agree to hear a case for the express purpose of reconsidering one of its own precedents, such as when the Court took up Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) and used it as a vehicle for overturning Roe v. Wade (1973) and eliminating the constitutional right to obtain an abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's the thing about precedent at the Supreme Court. It mattersuntil it doesn't. So, the real question to ponder is whether the requisite five votes exist on the Supreme Court right now to overturn Obergefell. Absent the magic number of five, Davis will never succeed in making Davis the next Dobbs. I don't think there are five such votes at the present. If I had to guess, I would say that only Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, and perhaps also Neil Gorsuch, could be counted on to vote in favor of that hugely controversial result at this time. But we won't know for sure until the Supreme Court returns in a few weeks from its summer break. Until then, you too may guess away. The post Is Gay Marriage Really Under Threat at the Supreme Court? appeared first on Reason.com. For nearly two years, Egyptian truck drivers have braved the only land crossing into Gaza outside Israel to deliver vital aid, but long delays, Israeli rejections and harsh border conditions are testing their resolve to continue serving Palestinians in the war-torn enclave. The drivers spend weeks parked near the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, awaiting approvals from Israeli authorities to transport aid into Gaza. Once approval is granted, they are made to undergo a process of inspections on both sides of the border that Egyptian aid workers say often lasts almost 18 hours. Upon receiving approval from the Egyptian side, the drivers take their trucks into a zone designated for inspections by the Israeli military south of the border, at the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza, where their supplies, pre-approved by the Israeli military, are x-rayed and then checked again in what workers say is an onerous process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medhat Mohamed, a truck driver transporting food like jam, honey, beans and hummus, said he was told to turn back by the Israeli military on Wednesday, after waiting for two weeks to enter the inspection process at the Egyptian border. I was asked, Why do you have so much food? Who is this for? Or sometimes we get the most basic answer of: Times up, Mohamed said. Some of the drivers spend weeks on end without seeing family and say theyre missing out on potentially lucrative jobs in other parts of Egypt. Weve been here for almost a week, we went in (to the Israeli inspection site) once before and then they told us turn around, we dont know why 150-200 trucks go in for inspections, but they only take 15-20 trucks. The rest is rejected, said Mohamed al-Shaer, a truck driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mahmoud al-Sheikh, another driver who has been delivering aid to Gaza since the start of the war nearly two years ago, described the process as humiliating for the truckers, and for the Palestinians who desperately need supplies. Ive been (delivering aid) for two years. This is the most difficult time, more than one can imagine, he said, referring to increased restrictions on deliveries. Al-Sheikh described difficult living conditions at the border, with thousands of drivers parked in a nearby sand pit awaiting a green light to start moving the aid to the border. A handful of bathroom stalls in a nearby mosque serve thousands of truck drivers, who must stay near their vehicles in case a sudden ceasefire allows aid to enter Gaza freely, the drivers told CNN. The two short-lived ceasefires Gaza saw since the war began were 13 months apart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pay is low. We get paid 650 Egyptian pounds ($13) daily but we have to buy water to bathe and drink, buy ice to preserve food, expensive food to cook. Whatever is left is not enough to send back to our children, al-Sheikh said. Asked why he continues in this line of work, al-Sheikh said: Because the people in Gaza are starving. Rejected Aid Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told CNN that 5,000 trucks carrying aid are waiting on the Egyptian side of the border to enter. COGAT, the Israeli military body that oversees access to Gaza, told CNN on Tuesday that it does not prevent the entry of trucks from Egypt and facilitates their passage into Gaza without any quantitative restriction. Amal Emam, the head of the Egyptian Red Crescent, said on Monday that aid groups on the Egyptian side ensure they are meeting all the requirements placed by COGAT, but they often find that even items that are pre-approved by Israel are rejected, sometimes for apparently arbitrary reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For us, its trial and error, Emam said. She showed CNN hundreds of packages of aid piling up in an Egyptian warehouse near the Rafah crossing, including intensive care unit (ICU) beds, oxygen tanks, solar panels and generators. These, she said, were rejected by Israel several times during inspections at the border. The ICU beds were rejected four times because they have metal parts in them, she told CNNs Becky Anderson. Responding to Emams claims to CNN, COGAT said on X Wednesday: The beds arrived at the crossing stacked in a dangerously unstable way, making it impossible to unload them at the crossing, and putting the safety of crossing staff at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization was therefore asked to properly repalletize the trucks, and once the cargo was securely restacked, the trucks entered Gaza yesterday. Emam said the package dimensions are properly measured, loaded on specific wooden pallets, digitally coded and manifested in coordination with Israel before the items are sent to the border for IDF inspections. Otherwise, any difference, no matter how small, will hinder aid access, she said. Sometimes we dont get an answer as to why they have been rejected. COGAT said that trucks are denied entry only in cases involving attempts to smuggle prohibited goods, or if the truck driver has previously made multiple smuggling attempts and is therefore barred from arriving at the crossing. 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.(Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP) (Photo by EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images) - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images The process is costly and adds unnecessary financial burden to pack, repack, add extra areas to store, Emam said, adding that huge warehouses have been built in Egypt to store and preserve all the aid waiting to make its way into Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Striking images of starvation and extreme malnutrition after months of Israels blockade of Gaza triggered global protests last month. Protests targeted Egyptian embassies abroad as demonstrators accused the Egyptian government of complicity in the blocking of aid. Egypts foreign minister organized a visit for news organizations to the Gaza border amid the mounting pressure, saying the burden lies with Israel, and that the Rafah border is open round the clock on the Egyptian side, but that the crossing remains closed on the Israeli-controlled side. In a CNN report published last year, two dozen humanitarian workers and government officials working to deliver aid said a clear pattern of Israeli throttling of aid exists. COGAT imposes arbitrary and contradictory criteria, they said. CNN also reviewed documents compiled by major participants in the humanitarian operation that list the items most frequently rejected by the Israelis, which include anesthetics and anesthesia machines, oxygen cylinders, ventilators and water filtration systems. Despite the restrictions, Emam said, aid workers refuse to give up. If we stop doing this, who will do it? For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Israel's military offensive to take over Gaza City got underway on Thursday, sending thousands of Palestinians fleeing from parts of the city of 1 million, according to local officials. The Israel Defense Forces embarked on the operation after advance troops were able to capture outer areas of the city under the cover of unrelenting airborne attack from airstrikes and artillery fire. Residents of the Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods were on the move to areas in the city's northwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overnight escalation came after the military said Wednesday that Israel would "intensify the strikes on Hamas in Gaza City, the political and military stronghold of the terror organization." However, it pledged it would endeavor to avoid civilian casualties by issuing evacuation orders. The offensive by Israel has vowed to occupy all of Gaza City as part of a plan to capture the 25% of Gaza it does not already hold. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI The offensive by Israel, which has vowed to occupy all of Gaza City as part of a plan to capture the 25% of Gaza it does not already hold, saw U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres intervene, calling for a cease-fire and the unconditional release of hostages. "It is vital to reach immediately a cease-fire in Gaza" in order "to avoid the death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause," he said. The offensive came despite a new cease-fire and a hostage-prisoner swap deal negotiated by Egypt and Qatar that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups have accepted, rising domestic opposition to the war and a deepening rift with Western allies, particularly Australia, poised to recognize Palestinian statehood. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI The World Health Organization warned that the evacuation orders, amid a massive escalation in the level of violence, would only add to already "unbearable pressure" on hospitals by forcing more and more people into ever smaller areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said hospitals in Gaza City were already operating at almost three times their capacity as they battled to cope with a relentless stream of casualties with "complex trauma wounds." The offensive came despite a new cease-fire and a hostage-prisoner swap deal negotiated by Egypt and Qatar that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups have accepted, rising domestic opposition to the war and a deepening rift with Western allies, particularly Australia, poised to recognize Palestinian statehood. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a scathing attack on his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, after far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman was banned from entering the country for a scheduled speaking tour of Sydney and Melbourne this week. Netanyahu doubled up attacks leveled at Albanese earlier in the week, telling Australian TV news channel Thursday that Albanese's reputation was "forever tarnished by the weakness that he showed in the face of these Hamas terrorist monsters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerusalem retaliated by announcing it would cancel the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. Earlier, in an online post on Tuesday, Netanyahu claimed history would judge Albanese harshly. "History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," he wrote. The drums of war are pounding on the doorstep of Gaza City. Residents of the largest city in northern Gaza, packed with locals and refugees, fear the hours are ticking down before a looming Israeli offensive. Dozens gathered on Thursday amid the war-stricken buildings of city for a small but defiant protest, refusing to leave their homes ahead of Israels massive assault, with some calling on US President Donald Trump to intervene. Fearing further displacement and escalating bombardment, men, women and children took to the streets, waving Palestinian flags and carrying signs reading, Stop the genocide and Gaza is dying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We send a final call to the entire world: stop the war, no to displacement, said one Palestinian man into a microphone. And we say to the American President Donald Trump. If you care about the (Nobel) Peace Prize, you must stop all wars in the world, starting with the war on the Gaza Strip, which has claimed thousands of lives of our Palestinian people over the past two years. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated Thursday that he would approve a military plan to take control of Gaza City. The prime minister had ordered an initial plans timeline to be shortened the day before. We are at the stage of decision, Netanyahu said in a video address. Today I came to the Gaza Division to approve the plans that the (Israel Defense Forces) presented to me and to the minister of defense for taking control of Gaza City and defeating Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu added that he has issued instructions to begin immediate negotiations to release the remaining hostages in Gaza and end the war under conditions acceptable to Israel. The takeover and occupation of the largest city in northern Gaza, which Netanyahu said is one of the last Hamas strongholds, will require the military to bring in 60,000 more reserve troops and extend the service of another 20,000, in addition to those already called up. Israeli military vehicles are positioned along the border with the Gaza Strip on Thursday. - Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images The plan has sparked growing condemnation both internationally and domestically over fears that the already spiraling humanitarian and hunger crisis in Gaza will worsen and that the lives of the remaining hostages will be endangered by an expanded military operation. Mohammed Hamad, a protester who has already been displaced multiple times, is refusing to leave Gaza City Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we leave Gaza, we will not return to it again, he told CNN. We tell the world no to displacement. We tell the world that we should not leave the city of Gaza because if we leave, it means the final nail in our existence in Gaza, Zakaria Bakr, a displaced Palestinian residing in the Al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, said he believes the forced displacement to come will be under fire. They will commit massacres, bomb houses over the heads of their owners to send messages of terror and intimidation to force people to leave, Bakr told CNN, adding that at the same time, they will besiege the city of Gaza and prevent food from entering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bakr said he was unsure whether he would be alive by the time he tries to leave, saying he is fearful of what is to come. An Israeli source said the military will give Palestinians approximately two months to evacuate the heavily populated area before the assault begins, setting a deadline of October 7, the two-year mark of the war. The beginning of a new war Ahmed Al-Ajla, a 38-year-old lawyer from the Al-Zaitoun neighborhood in Gaza City, said there is nowhere to go should Israel forcefully displace the citys residents, as tents are already on top of each other. The Israeli military said it had warned medical officials and international aid organizations in northern Gaza to plan for mass evacuation, and previously said it would provide Palestinians with tents before relocating them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) said on Thursday that Israeli authorities are preparing to forcibly displace around 800,000 Palestinians to the south of the enclave, warning that likely the whole population of Gaza City would have their access to healthcare disrupted or destroyed entirely. Palestinians rush to escape the area after Israeli warplanes' bomb strike on the tents where displaced Palestinians live in Deir al Balah, Gaza on Thursday. - Anadolu/Getty Images Many in Gaza said the severity of the bombardment on Gaza City has increased in recent days. Ismail Zayda, a Palestinian man residing in Gaza Citys Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, said it feels like the beginning of a new war. Elsewhere, in a small pocket of the city, the soft murmur of prayers echoed through the Holy Family Church on Friday. Worshippers attempted to find a moment of peace as fierce bombardment thundered overhead according to the priest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bombing continues to be heard all the time. Some are far away, others closer, Father Gabriel Romanelli wrote on social media, adding that some of the explosions were just 500 meters from the parish. Photos showed clouds of smoke billowing over the neighborhood. In July, Gazas only Catholic church was struck by Israeli forces, killing at least three people and injuring numerous others including Romanelli. The entire Gaza Strip is dangerous. Even more so, Gaza City, Romanelli said on Thursday, in a separate social media post. Shrapnel falls frequently. Unfortunately, the war not only continues, but has entered a new and terrible phase, he added. Belt of fire Meanwhile, an Israeli strike on a displaced peoples camp in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, wreaked havoc on what had been a haven for many, and where some Gazans displaced from Gaza City were likely to go when Israels new assault begins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinians at the camp said they received phone calls from the Israeli army telling them to evacuate before the camp was struck. They did not know the strike would destroy their entire camp, they told CNN, adding that they now have nowhere to go but out on the streets. CNN footage showed the massive strike on the camp, with smoke billowing from the scene as people ran from the shrapnel. Civil defense forces arrived to find the makeshift tents on fire, with piles of destroyed belongings buried under the rubble. A view of the destroyed camp, which houses displaced Palestinians, after Israeli army targeted the camp as Palestinians gather to inspect the site in Deir Al Balah, Gaza on Thursday. - Ali Jadallah/Anadolu/Getty Images There is nothing left, not one makeshift (tent) or anything, everything we lived with here is gone, we have nothing more to live in, Waleed Abu Muased, a resident of the camp, told CNN as he looked on at the destruction. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that in response to Hamas barbaric attacks, the IDF is operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In stark contrast to Hamas intentional attacks on Israeli men, women and children, the IDF follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm, the IDF said. Two displaced women, Nisrin and Ranin sifted through the ruins for what remained of their belongings. The Israeli army gave residents 30 minutes to evacuate, Ranin said, after which she saw a belt of fire fall onto the camp, annihilating it. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres repeated his call for a ceasefire on Thursday, saying it would avoid the massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause. CNNs Abeer Salman contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Thousands of students are opening their GCSE, BTec and Cambridge National results across the South West. The GCSE pass rate has fallen this year with 67.4% of all grades in England, Wales and Northern Ireland at 4 or C and above. A number of students at Teign School, in Devon, said their results had exceeded expectations. Meanwhile in Cornwall, students have been waking up to their results, with leaders assuring students that they would be supported no matter what. 'Started crying' Olivia, from Teign School, said she was "really happy" with her results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My grades are higher than I thought," she said. "Science I got a 7 and History I got a 9 - I was very excited about that. "My parents are so proud - they immediately started crying." Head of school at Teign Lucie Wagner said: "We are so proud of our Year 11 students and what they have accomplished. "These results reflect not only their academic ability but also their resilience, commitment and willingness to succeed. "They are a credit to our school and community." Jamie Knights from the Cornwall College Group said there would be opportunities no matter what [BBC] Jamie Knights, from the Cornwall College Group, which is made up of 10 campuses across Cornwall and Devon, said: "Some of the students will be thrilled with their results, some OK and some disappointed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The most important thing we can tell students, parents and carers is that there are so many opportunities no matter what the results are. "The best thing they can do is just to get in contact with people to talk about those options." Jasper is a student at Penair School in Truro [BBC] Jasper, a student at Penair School in Truro, said: "I didn't fail anything - it's way better than I thought. "I passed everything - its not bad, it's really good!" "I get on to the business diploma course that I want to do - I'm really pleased." Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. More on this story AUSTIN (KXAN) The Texas Legislature is considering a bill that would reduce the voter-approval tax rate multiplier for counties and municipalities with a population over 75,000. The voter-approval tax rate is a set rate that plays a key component in determining if a local municipality has to seek voter approval before increasing property taxes. The current voter-approval rate in Texas is 3.5%, so if a local municipality wanted to adopt a rate thats higher than that threshold, voters must approve it through an election. Senate Bill 10 in the second special session looks to reduce the voter approval rate from 3.5% to 2.5% for counties and municipalities with a population over 75,000. Texas Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston and 16 other Texas state senators were authors on this bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [It will be] providing more property tax relief starting next year, Bettencourt said on the Texas Senate floor on Tuesday. Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan, who joined the department in 2013, said he worries that lowering the voter-approval tax rate will hinder his departments ability to serve the community. It raises some concerns regarding the challenge that we have already with keeping pace with the growth, Sullivan said. Ive been here since 2013 so a little over 12 years in that time period weve only added one fire engine in that 12-year period for a [city] that went from a population serving about 60,000 people to 140,000 today. Data provided by the Georgetown Fire Department shows that since 2011, there has been an increase in Calls for Service (CFS) by almost 280%. The population in comparison has only grown by almost 200%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan said at the 3.5% voter approval rate, the fire department would have the ability to hire six firefighters per year and open a new station in the next three years. By taking that 3.5% down 2.5%, that puts in jeopardy our ability to be able to respond, and a very likely scenario where its going to continue to take us longer to get to those calls, Sullivan said. No one likes taxes, and no one likes to have to call 911, but both of them are necessary. Georgetown City Manager David Morgan said if SB 10 passes, it would impact Georgetown from having several 100 thousand dollars a year. Georgetown has stayed within that [3.5%] threshold. We havent had to go to the voters to go beyond that threshold, Morgan said. Were trying to explain what the impacts would be of staying within that 2.5% threshold [instead]. There may be instances where we have to go to the voters based on, just based on growing service needs and adding a fire station or adding a significant number of people in patrol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bettencourt on the floor Tuesday did mention that jails, indigent defense/support services are exempt in the bill. Such indigent services do not include fire, police and general emergency services according to the Texas Comptroller and Indigent Defense Commission. He added that the legislature has already helped fund first responders in Texas other ways. I also want to point out that this year for the first time we put $90 million into rural ambulances, $331 million into sheriffs departments, Bettencourt said. Senate Bill 10 passed through the Senate on Tuesday. As of Wednesday night, it has been referred to a House Committee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder COLUMBUS, Ga. One of Georgias largest mass voter cancellations is wrapping up after 40 days, as election officials seek to purge outdated registrations from the states voter rolls. Roughly 478,000 registered but inactive voters had been slated for removal, according to the secretary of states office. An additional 218,000 active voters were notified that they risked becoming inactive unless they reached out to their local elections office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials with Secretary of State Brad Raffenspergers office say that the purge is part of a routine maintenance process that states are required to undergo to ensure that voter rolls are accurate. We conduct every phase of the list maintenance process as publicly as possible, and in accordance with State and Federal law, because transparency helps shore up public trust in the accuracy and integrity of the entire election process, Raffensperger said in a statement. A residents voter registration can be switched to inactive status if they do not vote for two consecutive federal elections, and they are eligible to be removed if they do not vote for the next two federal election cycles after that. According to Gabriel Sterling, who until recently was the secretary of states chief operating officer, the majority of those flagged during the most recent round of voter roll maintenance are believed to be people who have moved out of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four thousand have let us know theyre here, another 700 went ahead and pre-canceled themselves, Sterling said. So its exactly what we think. These people have been gone for 10 to eight years, and theyre going to be off of our voter rolls, which helps us keep the cleanest voter rolls in America. Of the active voters who risked being moved to inactive status, Sterling said, so far, weve had about 300 people cancel themselves completely, and another 4,000 who have said, Yes, were still here. In recent years, conservative activists have fixated on Georgias voter rolls, reiterating unproven claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Many activists have also taken it upon themselves to challenge voter registrations they find suspicious, sometimes filing tens of thousands of voter registration challenges at a time. Efforts to preemptively remove inactive voters may quell fears from right-wing activists. However, Raffenspergers efforts have been opposed by groups like Fair Fight, which say that voter roll purges disproportionately impact Black voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After excluding voters who cast ballots in other states and likely moved, this purge list disproportionately targets Black Georgians who likely still live here, Fair Fight CEO Lauren Groh-Wargo said in a statement. Once again, politicians are rushing to remove voters based on unreliable data and young Black voters are bearing the brunt. Sterling also said he was considering launching a campaign for secretary of state in 2026. If he decides to run, he will join a field of candidates that includes state Rep. Tim Fleming, a Covington Republican, and Kelvin King, the husband of State Election Board member Janelle King. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Dr. Kathleen Toomey. Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder The Georgia Department of Public Health is navigating a period of financial uncertainty due to the Trump administrations proposed cut federal funding, state leaders said Wednesday. Some view the shift as an opportunity to focus on Georgia-specific priorities, while others raised concerns about the state having to fill in spending gaps down the road. During the first meeting of the House Study Committee on Evaluating Funding for Public Health, state Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey said potential budget cuts to public health provide a chance to prioritize the states approach to public health, adding that the current shifts in federal funding are not the first time Georgia has faced such changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state has a long history of adapting to episodic funding adjustments, she said, and the current situation could be a chance to focus on what the state and local communities need most, rather than following a universal federal model. As were seeing these changes at the federal level, its giving us an opportunity to look at what is important for us, because we often apply for grants that may or may not have been relevant, she said. They werent developed with our state specifically in mind, with our data, and we were following guidelines that were universal across every state, Toomey said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX She said the DPH Home Visiting Program, which provides home visits to expectant and new parents who are at-risk for poor health outcomes, reflects exactly what public health should be. The program, which she said was created using data collected by clinicians and epidemiologists in local communities, provides care tailored specifically to each familys needs, such as addressing issues like transportation barriers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The program is] specific to that community you will see that it really is quite different from one county to another, one community to another, because it reflects the needs of that community. Thats public health, Toomey said. William Bell, the state health departments chief financial officer, said that the total appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is $922.5 million, with federal funds budgeted at $464.8 million. He said that the most significant impact occurred in March 2025, when 11 federal COVID-19 funding sources were terminated, resulting in a reduction of $323.7 million in unspent funds from an initial $877.6 million awarded. DPH is a predominantly federally funded agency, with around half of our FY 26 budget comprised of federal funding sources, he said. U.S. senators from both parties recently pushed back against Trumps proposal to cut medical research and health services funding and instead agreed to increase spending for fiscal year 2026, which starts October 1. Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that the appropriation bill prioritizes funding to make Americans healthier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers on the study committee, while acknowledging the opportunity, expressed some concern about the financial gap. Swainsboro Republican Rep. Butch Parrish said he didnt need an immediate answer but asked Toomey what the state will do if the reduced federal funding continues long-term. Obviously, we can help some, but I dont think we can make up all of those dollars, Parrish said and encouraged Toomey to evaluate programs that arent working as we thought. Carolyn Mullen, senior vice president of government affairs at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, who presented a national perspective on impending budget cuts, said that states across the country, regardless of which party is in charge, agree that they need more flexibility with federal funds, as current restrictions make it difficult to allocate money where it is most needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very difficult for many states when the funding is very restrictive, and it prevents the movement of dollars, Mullen said. Rep. Dexter Sharper, a Valdosta Democrat, said after the meeting that he believes Georgia has no choice but to find a way to make up for the financial shortfall to ensure citizens do not experience a reduction in services. Georgia as a whole has to look for ways to get funding to help subsidize what were going to be missing from the federal government, he said. Were also trying to ensure that even at the county levels, they are able to understand that we all got to get this together and make sure we get the funding we need without cutting the services to the people. Sharper said this will require a collective effort at both the state and county levels. He said the committee is taking the issue very seriously and that they want to avoid cutting any necessary services. In addition to seeking funding from counties, he hopes to work with the governor to secure additional funding for the state health department, particularly for salaries, which he believes will help make the workforce more competitive and ensure the state can retain top talent to continue serving the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The counties more than likely are going to have to contribute a little bit more to what theyre already contributing, and the state is going to have to contribute more than weve been contributing to try to catch these shortfalls, Sharper said. This story was corrected at 4:12 p.m. to reflect that Dr. Kathleen Toomey described the DPH Home Visiting Program to the committee. A previous version of this story stated she discussed the Maternal, Infant, and Early Child Hood Home Visiting Program. A scandal involving an alleged massive Ponzi scheme thats centered around right-wing Georgia businessman Brant Frost IV is threatening to roil Republican Party chapters across the country. Georgias Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, issued subpoenas Monday as part of his investigation into the alleged scheme. In July, the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged that a Ponzi scheme had been run out of an investment firm Frost launched called First Liberty Building & Loan. SEC investigators allege that approximately 300 investors were bilked out of at least $140 million and that about $17 million went toward personal expenses for Frost and his family, including more than $2.4 million in credit card payments and more than $570,000 in political donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frost apologized last month, saying in a statement: I take full responsibility for my actions and am resolved to spend the rest of my life trying to repay as much as I can to the many people I misled and let down. His actions have sent ripples through the Republican Party. Frosts son, Brant Frost V, promoted First Liberty to conservatives on right-wing media such as Real Americas Voice and has since stepped down from his post as head of a GOP county chapter in metro Atlanta. And theres a push underway to determine which conservatives and right-wing causes benefited from First Libertys contributions. Last month, Raffensperger called on politicians who received donations to return them: Now is the time for every elected official, candidate or political action committee who received financial support from this entity currently under investigation to stand up and help the victims. Ill-gotten gains do not belong in the State Capitol. A recent investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that the money reached beyond Georgia and into states nationwide. The AJC reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were among those who received donations, though the newspaper noted that its not clear which contributions were paid with investors money. The Georgia Recorder reported that other high-profile Republicans such as Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and then-Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida received contributions from First Liberty in last years election cycle. (Johnson, DeSantis, Boebert and Gaetz did not immediately respond to MSNBCs requests for comment.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Recorder, some people in Georgia have returned money they received to a court-appointed receiver, including Gov. Brian Kemp, whose donations appear to have come before the alleged scheme began, and Raffensperger. The receiver, Gregory Hays, basically said the scheme was meant to exploit right-wing Christians generosity toward like-minded causes: We call these affinity frauds, where you base it on a certain group, and this is very religious Christians and Republicans, said Gregory Hays of Atlanta-based Hays Financial Consulting, who was appointed by a U.S. district court judge to receive the money from those returning the funds. So most of all the victims are either in politics or very faith-based investors, and all of them that I talked to were influenced by the charitable giving and the feel-good side of the company. Several officials in neighboring Alabama have returned campaign contributions, as well. Given how expansive these donations appear to have been, the list of such politicians seems likely to grow in the coming weeks and months. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com When Khalilah Few opened her salon, Creative Crowns Collective, in 2023, she didn't think her business savvy would put her at odds with the local government. But two years later, she now finds herself in a legal battle with Clayton County, Georgia. After outgrowing her original studio space, Few signed a two-year lease for a new salon housed in an old barbershop in Jonesboro, a city in Clayton County, in March. She invested over $30,000 into the property and applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in April to open her salon. Despite meeting the legal requirements for a permit, the Clayton County Zoning Advisory Board and the Board of Commissioners denied Few's application in July. Instead of the law, county officials cited a "saturation" of similar businesses in a 5-mile radius, arguing the salon would not "grow Clayton County smartly." Commissioner DeMont Davis, whose fourth district includes the new location of the salon, even noted that Few's plan "does align" with the county's economic development plan but still voted against it, saying Few's business was "just in the wrong area." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Few has filed a lawsuit against Clayton County, alleging violations of the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the Georgia Constitution. Jessica Bigbie, an attorney at the Institute for Justice (I.J.), which is representing Few, tells Reason that "nothing in the ordinance or the law says anything about smart growth being a basis to deny a permit." Throughout the process, Few says county staff gave "vague" responses when asked about requirements and reasons for denial. She tells Reason the first time she heard about "oversaturation" was when she attended her meeting with the zoning advisory board. "What's frustrating and infuriating about this process is I asked questions, I directly asked, 'What are some reasons that this application can be denied?'" She says, she "wanted to be prepared." Clayton County officials did not respond to Reason's request for comment. Few's hurdles can be traced back to 2024, when Clayton County amended its municipal code and designated District 4, where the proposed salon is located, as a General Business Zoning District with a Business Corridor Overlay District. This overlay permits some businesses to open without a CUP while requiring one for others. Personal service establishments, such as dry cleaners or watch repair shops, typically do not require a CUP, whereas hair salons do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county's CUP criteria for District 4 appear arbitrary, as they treat similar businesses unevenly. Day cares and dance/music schools are permitted, but gyms and places of worship are conditional. Counterintuitively, even potentially hazardous companies, such as research labs, are permitted. To get a CUP, applicants must meet with the Technical Review Committee, community residents, and the Zoning Advisory Group, then attend a final hearing before the County Board of Commissioners. The board considers the application's proper filing, the Zoning Advisory Group's recommendation, compliance with permit conditions, and consistency with the ordinance's purpose and intent. They also weigh the benefits against potential harm to properties or the county and can impose reasonable conditions to ensure public health, safety, and welfare. Few's salon met the permit conditions, and she provided county staff and the commissioners with not only her application but a presentation detailing her alignment with the county's 2039 comprehensive development plan as well as Davis' stated economic priorities. She also had "over 50 letters of support," yet none of that mattered. "I think you have a fabulous business," said Davis. "You have a fabulous personality, and I love what you bring, and you actually hurt my heart right now, but we've got to deny," he added. "The Board of Commissioners concedes that the salon fits the plan; it's a good business, she's doing the right thing, she is just not doing it where they want her to do it," says Bigbie. "The government shouldn't be stopping legitimate businesses from opening to stop them from competing with others." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clayton County officials have denied several other potential salon owners a CUP since the passage of the 2024 ordinance. Lea Bakam, who owned LeNa Braiding, tells Reason she was denied a CUP on June 17 after spending "more than $35,000" fixing up a salon in Clayton County. Like Few, Bakam presented the board of commissioners with her business plan and letters of support. Yet, in denying the permit, Davis again noted that the area was "extremely saturated with salons." The Georgia Supreme Court has already ruled, in Raffesnber v. Jackson (2023), that it is a violation of due process rights when governments restrict the pursuit of "lawful occupation of their choosing free from unreasonable government interference." I.J. prevailed in a similar case in Fulton County, GeorgiaDiagne v. City of South Fulton (2024)in which the Fulton County Superior Court struck down the town's attempt to block Awa Diagne from opening a salon. The court found that the county's denial of a permit ran "contrary to Georgia's long history of constitutional jurisprudence." Few has filed for an interlocutory injunction to continue working while her court case is pending. Clayton County must respond to her lawsuit by September 18. The post Georgia Woman Could Lose $30,000 After Local Government Denies Her Permit To Open Hair Salon appeared first on Reason.com. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on Thursday appealed to the leaders of the U.S. and UK, after the UK imposed sanctions on Kyrgyz crypto networks it said were being used by Russia to evade Western restrictions. The UK on Wednesday targeted eight individuals and entities, including four Kyrgyz firms, accused of facilitating sanctions evasion through cryptocurrency transactions. "There is no need to politicize the economy," Japarov told state news agency Kabar. Kyrgyzstan's role in Russias sanctions evasion strategy has become more important over the past few years. Since Moscows invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country has become a key transit hub for Russian trade and parallel importsbilateral trade hit $3.5 billion in 2024 and Russian investment in Kyrgyzstan increased nearly a quarterwhile dual-use goods exports from China to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan climbed 64% in a year. At the same time, Kyrgyzstan started to develop its crypto sector. Earlier this year, it named Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng CZ Zhao as an advisor on digital assets, and as of late 2024 had issued well over 100 VASP licenses. But it has also become increasingly associated with illicit Russian financial flows. Sanctions target A7A5 stablecoin The sanctions hit Luxembourg-based and Kyrgyz entities including crypto exchanges Meer and Grinex, linking them to A7A5, a rouble-pegged stablecoin launched in Kyrgyzstan and available on the Tron and Ethereum blockchains. The UK said that A7A5 had moved $9.3 billion in just four months. Grinex, which TRM Labs analysts said in July may be a rebranded successor to Russias sanctioned Garantex exchange, began offering withdrawals in A7A5 weeks after law enforcement disrupted Garantex in March. Russian Entities Using Kyrgyzstans Crypto Industry to Evade Sanctions: Report TRM Labs has tracked how Kyrgyz-registered exchanges such as Grinex and Meer exhibit the same on-chain patterns as Garantex, suggesting coordination within Russias illicit finance ecosystem. Many of these Kyrgyz platforms, it noted, reuse the same addresses, founders and contact details, raising suspicions they are shell companies. It's great to see the UK taking decisive action against the entities yesterday ,which have been linked to Russian sanctions evasion for some time, Isabella Chase, head of policy, EMEA at TRM Labs, told Decrypt. The German government faces a fine of 10,000 ($11,603) in the dispute over the granting of visas for Afghans to enter Germany. The Berlin Administrative Court ruled on Thursday that the fine would be payable if no decision is made within three weeks on applications submitted by two Afghan families, a court spokeswoman told dpa on Thursday. In one case the potential fine is 2,500 if a decision on that family is not reached by September 10. In the other it is 10,000. The court said a decision has to be made, but it doesn't necessarily have to be in favour of the applicants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Foreign Office was initially unavailable for comment. The case features a dispute over the federal admission programme for particularly vulnerable Afghans which Germany's new government suspended at the beginning of May. The Berlin Administrative Court is now dealing with a number of cases brought by Afghans fighting for visas. Earlier this week, the German government announced that 211 people from the admission programme were recently deported from Pakistan back to their country of origin. The Foreign Office said Pakistan had previously arrested around 450 people from the programme. The German embassy in Islamabad and the Foreign Office managed to secure the release of 245 of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges have so far ordered the German government to issue visas in 22 cases and three enforcement applications are pending. Last week, the Foreign Office withdrew an appeal, which meant a law professor and her family members must be granted visas. In total, more than 2,000 Afghans are waiting to leave for Germany under various admission programmes. They are former local staff or are considered particularly at risk. Indonesia and Japan are key countries in Asia for the German economy, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday at the end of a four-day inaugural visit to the two countries. "Indonesia is a good example of how we have markets around the world that we don't really see," the conservative politician said in Jakarta, after visiting a production facility belonging to German truck and bus manufacturer Daimler Truck. Wadephul said Indonesia, a country of more than 280 million people, is developing slowly but steadily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We must finally recognize that there is a growing middle class and a growing number of consumers who are looking for new products and new ideas," he added. "There is no single way to broaden your base or become independent, but rather many ways. And I believe that there are great opportunities in this region in particular." Wadephul visits Daimler factory Earlier, Wadephul was briefed on the work at Daimler Truck's production site in Cikarang, east of Jakarta, which opened in June. The company manufactures chassis for trucks and buses at the site. Around 200 employees assemble almost 200 chassis every month, on a site covering 130,000 square metres, for the Indonesian market and neighbouring regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daimler Truck has invested a total of 27 million ($31.4 million) in the new location. A special feature is the company's own test track, which the minister took a look at. According to the German government, Daimler Truck is one of the few German companies that has its own production facilities in Indonesia, in addition to sales and training activities. Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul delivers a statement and takes questions from journalists at the end of his trip. Soeren Stache/dpa A teacher from western Germany who has been on sick leave for over 16 years must be examined by a medical officer following a court decision. The Higher Administrative Court of North Rhine-Westphalia said on Thursday that the woman's employer - the state government - was right to order the examination in April 2025 to check whether the civil servant was fit to return to work. The woman argued that it was incomprehensible that she should be examined after such a long period of incapacity for work due to illness. In addition, she claimed that a psychological examination constituted an interference with her personal rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in a ruling made on August 12 but which was only made public on Thursday, the judges did not agree with any of her arguments. Although the years of inaction in the case were indeed incomprehensible, the investigation was justified because the examination served to clarify the state of her health, the court said. In the interests of the general public, examinations ensure that civil servants who are fit for duty work and are not paid indefinitely without providing any services in return, the court added. The woman has not worked since 2009. According to her initial sick notes, she was suffering from mental health issues. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called on China to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. China must finally realize "that it must play an active role in ending this conflict," Wadephul said following a meeting with the secretary general of the ASEAN group of 10 South-East Asian countries in Jakarta on Thursday. "Regrettably, China has not done this so far, although it has been asked to do so on several occasions," Germany's top diplomat added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadephul called on Beijing to "take on an active role, to end this conflict and put political pressure in particular, but also economic pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table." "So far, we have tended to see Russia taking evasive action when I look at the latest statements by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov," Wadephul said. "But if China changes this strategy - and as we know, it's never too late for that - then I can also imagine a constructive role for China in the future." Germany looking to recruit health workers The German minister was speaking during his first extended trip to Asia since taking office in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Thursday, the conservative politician visited the College of Health Professions in Jakarta together with Health Minister Budi Gundai Sadikin. In light of the shortage of nursing staff, Germany is interested in recruiting health workers from Indonesia. The German government sees great potential to recruit skilled workers from Indonesia, especially since half of the population is under 30 years old. At the college, which offers a programme that combines nursing training with German language classes, Wadephul engaged in discussions with trainees to get an idea of how they envision their future career plans in Germany. So far, skilled worker migration in this area remains at a low level, with around 1,000 visas per year. Visit to production facility for truck and bus chassis Wadephul also planned to visit a production facility of Germany's Daimler Truck AG in Cikarang, east of Jakarta, where chassis for trucks and buses are manufactured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the site, which employs around 200 people and covers over 130,000 square metres, nearly 200 of these chassis are assembled monthly. The site was opened in June, with Daimler Truck investing a total of 27 million ($31.5 million). A unique feature is an in-house test track. The minister was also to visit the Istiqlal Mosque, guided by Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, and the Cathedral of Jakarta, guided by Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo where he hoped to gain an understanding of the coexistence of religions in the city. Germany should be more welcoming to foreign workers, given its shortage of skilled staff, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday during a trip to Indonesia. "We not only need the technical means to bring people to Germany, but we also need to show a welcoming culture for foreign skilled workers," the conservative politician said after visiting a university for healthcare professions in Jakarta. For a society as young as Indonesia's, where half the population is under 30, overseas jobs present a significant opportunity, Wadephul said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he warned that Germany faced competition from other popular destinations, particularly in highly sought-after fields. "And many decide against us, partly because German is not the easiest language," he noted. "It is therefore up to us to make the conditions attractive for future skilled workers." "German lessons and quick and efficient visa issuance alone will not motivate people to stay with us permanently," said Wadephul, calling for a new culture of welcome. Germany urgently needs skilled workers from abroad, especially in the health sector, as well as in IT and hospitality, Wadephul noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He highlighted the importance of integrating language training into vocational education, praising the cooperation between Germany's Goethe-Institut and the Indonesian Health Ministry as a model project. Wadephul also visited a German course and discussed career plans with students, observing a nursing exercise conducted in German. Currently, skilled worker migration to Germany remains low, with around 1,000 visas issued annually. Berlin cites low training levels, language requirements and recognition of professional qualifications as challenges. Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (L) and Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), stand next to each other before their meeting. Soeren Stache/dpa German police recorded some 18,000 victims of child sexual abuse last year, according to a report released by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) on Thursday. The vast majority of targeted by sexual abuse, child pornography and sexual exploitation were girls, with 13,365, while 4,720 cases recorded involved boys, the BKA said. In 57% of all cases, the suspect and the victim knew each other prior to the offence, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A substantial part of the offences recorded took place online, said Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt when presenting the report in Berlin. Last year, police were investigating 16,354 cases of child sexual abuse, with no notable improvement on the 16,375 cases registered the year before. Those cases may each include more than one child, for example in instances of child pornography, leading to a higher number of victims overall. Both the 16,354 cases and the 18,000 victims recorded by the BKA in 2024 may include children who were targeted more than once. The BKA recorded a total of 12,368 suspects, up 3.9% year-on-year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most cases involved children younger than 14, with police registering some 1,200 cases of sexual abuse targeting teenagers between age 14 and 17. The statistics only include cases that were known to police, with the actual numbers feared to be much higher. Dobrindt described the figures has having reached an inacceptable level, reaffirming plans by the government to require telecoms providers to store IP addresses for three months to allow investigators to track down offenders more easily. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig confirmed that the government was looking to make available new tools to enable better prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am confident that we can achieve important things in the protection of children and young people in this electoral term," she said in a statement. BKA chief Holger Munich welcomed the plans. The planned measures will make investigations more effective, he said in Berlin. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) With less than a week until school kicks off in Sioux City, parents may be thinking of different ways they can get their kids ready for the school year. School staff recommends that kids returning to school make adjustments to their summer habits to be better prepared. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say things like re-establishing routines, accounting for extra time needed in the morning, and going to sleep earlier can help. Additionally, officials say it can also help to practice waking up earlier. It just really helps kids to understand what theyre gonna be doing if youre just throwing a child in and youre youre waking them up in the morning and youre saying, Come on, lets go. Theyre like, What are we doing? Whats happening? I dont know all the steps to what I need to do in the morning anymore, said Stephanie Roskilly, a counselor at Leeds Elementary School. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Getting to school safely: An inside look into building school buses in North Carolina When classes begin for students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, buses will travel more than 110,000 miles every single day. Channel 9 visited an assembly plant in High Point to look at how one of the countrys biggest bus builders works on prioritizing safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says school buses are one of the safest transportation options for children, accounting for less than one percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide. But unfortunately, there are always exceptions. In April, a 13-year-old boy tragically died in a school bus crash on Interstate 77 in Chester County after a trip to Carowinds. It was a devastating reminder that although low, fatal and severe injuries are rarely zero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >> 13-year-old killed in school bus crash on I-77, coroner says Channel 9s Mark Taylor took those concerns about 70 miles northeast of Charlotte to a 275,000-square-foot facility to discuss safety and innovation at Thomas Built, North Americas leading school bus manufacturer. Everything we build around the bus will attach to this floor so its important we start with a solid foundation, said Kendra Eads, vice president of engineering at Thomas Built. With the perforated ceilings, that noise just goes up into the insulation in the roof and makes for a much, much quieter bus. Eads says every rivet, bolt and panel is purposefully placed to ensure the safety of children in the event of a crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when it comes to school bus safety, theres one feature thats been debated for decades: seat belts. Lawmakers have once again introduced a bill that would require them on all school buses nationwide, but are they needed? A lot of government studies looking at safety between belted and non-belted school buses, and theyve had a hard time actually showing a statistical difference, Eads said. There are several reasons for this. Making sure children are buckled up and stay in their seatbelts requires more attention than one bus driver can provide. If an accident does happen, being able to unbuckle them quickly would be crucial. RELATED >> School Bus Safety Act sparks debate after I-77 crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Built says seat design and construction in school buses actually plays a vital role in the absence of seatbelts. If there was to be an accident, they would be caught like a catchers mitt by the seat in front of them. And then the seat back behind them comes over the top and creates a little capsule, Eads said. The North Carolina Department of Transportation says there were 182 school bus crashes in Mecklenburg County last year, resulting in 126 injuries. While all of them survived, walking away from a school bus crash is never guaranteed. But we can take comfort in knowing that every day when our children board the bus, safety and innovation is at the forefront of what keeps our most precious cargo safe. Making sure that no matter what, theyre getting to school safely -- that just feels great, Eads said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push for installing seat belts on buses is part of the School Bus Safety Act. The legislation would also require data recorders on buses, similar to black boxes on airplanes, and systems to stop engine fires. (VIDEO: Make a seat: Transit plan includes funding for bus stop improvements) Ghanaian journalist Godwin Asediba has won the 2025 BBC News Komla Dumor Award. The investigative reporter, filmmaker and news anchor, who is the 10th recipient of the accolade, works with TV3 and 3FM in Ghana. His stories have also appeared on several international broadcasters. The 29-year-old often focuses on human-interest stories aiming to expose injustice and amplify the voices of marginalised communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award, now a decade old, was created to honour Dumor, a Ghanaian journalist and presenter for BBC World News, who died suddenly aged 41 in 2014. He had worked tirelessly to bring a more nuanced narrative of Africa to the world, representing a confident, savvy and entrepreneurial side. "Komla's legacy reminds us that African stories deserve to be told with depth, dignity and a fearless commitment to truth," Asediba said. Winning the award was not just a "personal milestone" for the Ghanaian but also "a call to carry forward the spirit of journalism that informs, inspires and transforms". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award judges said they were impressed by Asediba's investigative work and his unwavering belief in journalistic integrity. One story that he was particularly proud of was his investigation into one of Ghana's largest mortuaries that had been neglected, creating a public health risk. Asediba is now set to travel to London where he will spend three months working with BBC News teams across television, radio and online. He will also receive training and be mentored by leading BBC journalists. A year before his death, Komla Dumor featured in New African magazines list of the 100 most influential Africans [BBC] "Over the past decade, the Komla Dumor Award has helped nurture some of Africa's most talented journalists. It's been a privilege to watch them grow and make a lasting impact, both at the BBC and beyond," the BBC's regional director for Africa Juliet Njeri said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This 10th anniversary stands as a powerful testament to Komla Dumor's enduring legacy: his passion for bold, authentic storytelling and championing African voices lives on." As part of the placement, Asediba will travel to a country in Africa to report on a story that will be broadcast to the BBC's global audiences. Previous award recipients are Rukia Bulle, Paa Kwesi Asare, Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya, Victoria Rubadiri, Solomon Serwanjja, Waihiga Mwaura, Amina Yuguda, Didi Akinyelure and Nancy Kacungira, the inaugural winner. Last year, Bulle travelled to Senegal to report on the Baye Fall - a Muslim subgroup whose striking appearance makes them stand out. Other stories from BBC News Komla Dumor Award winners: [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 GLADEWATER, Texas (KETK) A Gladewater man was arrested on Saturday after police officers allegedly found multiple weapons and illegal drugs inside his car. According to the Gladewater Police Department, in the morning, officers stopped a vehicle blocking the roadway on South Tyler Street, where they found several firearms and marijuana inside the car. Can you spot these DPS patrol cars? New ghost units hit East Texas roads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said that the driver, 24-year-old Rey Rodriguez, was arrested on-site for unlawfully carrying a weapon and possession of marijuana. He was then transported to the Gregg County Jail, where he posted his $5,000 bond the same day. Mugshot of Rey Rodriguez, courtesy of Gladewater PD Marijuana and firearms seized, courtesy of Gladewater PD Thanks to the quick response of our officers, several weapons and illegal drugs were removed from our streets, police said. The Gladewater Police Department remains dedicated to keeping our community safe. 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. This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Levi Strauss & Co. appointed Chris Callieri, Victorias Secrets supply chain executive, as SVP and chief supply chain officer, starting Sept. 15, according to an Aug. 19 press release. Callieri will fill the vacancy left by former COO Liz ONeill, who retired earlier this year. At the time of O'Neill's departure, the company said it would replace the COO role with a new chief supply chain officer position. "With a proven track record of delivering results at scale, hes the right leader to strengthen our end-to-end supply chain agility, drive innovation, and advance our sustainability goals all while delivering exceptional value to our fans worldwide," Levis President and CEO Michelle Gass said of Callieri in the release. Dive Insight: Callieri takes on the role at Levis as the apparel maker navigates global supply chain upheavals brought by ongoing tariff uncertainty and disruptions in the Red Sea. The disruptions contributed to a recent 15% increase in inventory costs. Callieri will join Levi's executive leadership team and report directly to Gass. His responsibilities include product development, sourcing, global supply management, sustainability, and distribution and logistics. "I look forward to working with the talented LS&Co. team to deliver strong performance, serve our fans around the world, and strengthen Levis position as the worlds definitive denim lifestyle brand," Callieri said in the release. Callieri has more than 20 years of international supply chain experience in the retail and consumer goods industries, per the release. His role at Victoria's Secret has many of the same responsibilities as the new job. Before Victoria's, Callieri was chief supply chain officer at Tory Burch, a U.S. luxury fashion label, according to his LinkedIn profile. His other roles include senior VP of product operations at the Adidas Group, where he was responsible for product development, sourcing and logistics for apparel, footwear and accessories for Adidas' style labels. Earlier this year, the company announced a series of changes to its C-Suite leadership. Levis has yet to fill the position of Craig Jones, who held the position of senior VP of distribution and logistics operations before leaving for the premium sportswear brand On, a Levis spokesman told Supply Chain Dive in an email. Jones started at On in March as chief supply chain officer. EAU CLAIRE Wisconsins secretary of state, Eau Claire native Sarah Godlewski, is making a bid for the lieutenant governors office. After Tony Evers said he wasnt running again, I had to ask myself, How can I best serve Wisconsin? Godlewski told the Leader-Telegram on Wednesday after she officially entered the race. Godlewski, 43, served as state treasurer from January 2019 to January 2023. She ran for U.S. Senate in 2022, but dropped out prior to the Democratic partys August primary and endorsed Mandela Barnes. Her decision came after the deadline to file for another run for the treasurers office, ending her tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two months later, Doug La Follette retired as secretary of state. Gov. Tony Evers appointed Godlewski to serve the remainder of La Follettes tenure nearly a full term since he had been re-elected the previous November. I love being secretary of state, but there is so much more I can do, she said. The lieutenant governor is really second-in-command in the state. The lieutenant governor is a critical part of getting things done. Its about building coalitions. Im looking forward to being part of leadership. When she made the announcement in Madison early in the day Wednesday, she had the endorsement of 27 legislators. Godlewski was born in Eau Claire and graduated from Memorial High School. She notes that both her parents were educators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was speculation that Godlewski would run for the governors office after Evers announced earlier this summer he would not seek a third term. She later said she would not, but was open to seeking the lieutenant governors office. That comment came after Sara Rodriguez, the current lieutenant governor, announced her bid for governor. Now that shes officially in the race, Godlewski is set to travel the state. She stopped at the Chippewa County Democratic Party picnic Wednesday night. She said shes hearing from people who are concerned about the cost of housing and healthcare, and many who are working multiple jobs. Weve got to be better at listening, she said. We need to meet people where they are and build trust. That type of listening is what people want. Godlewski currently serves as chair of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands and as first vice chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Trump's administration will know within two weeks whether there will be peace in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Aug. 21 in an interview on the Todd Starnes Show, warning that if not, he will "take a different tack." These comments are the latest in a series of deadlines Trump has set for Ukraine's war none of which have been followed by action when they came and went. "We will know in within two weeks whether there will be peace in Ukraine. After that we will have to maybe take a different tack," Trump told conservative commentator Todd Starnes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump met with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug. 18, a few days after American president's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. No progress has been achieved. Trump wrote on Aug. 21 on Truth Social that Ukraine cannot win the war without striking inside Russia, accusing former U.S. President Joe Biden of only allowing Ukraine to "defend, not fight back." Trump claimed the war would not have happened if he had been in office, adding: "Interesting times ahead!" The remarks differ from his position in December 2024, when, in an interview with Time magazine before taking office, he called it a "big mistake" for Washington to let Ukraine use U.S.-supplied weapons against targets deep inside Russia, warning such strikes risked dangerous escalation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration had approved the use of U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes inside Russia in 2024. Read also: Zelensky urges strong response from US if Putin rejects talks with Ukraine Earlier on Aug. 21, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham demanded that Russia return thousands of Ukrainian children abducted during the war, warning he will push legislation to designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism if Moscow refuses. "During the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia has kidnapped over 19,000 Ukrainian children. Stealing children from their home country is a despicable and barbaric act," Graham wrote on X. "As I have been saying since earlier this year, I intend to push legislation to designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law if they do not return the children." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Carolina Republican added that such a designation "will make doing business with Putin's Russia radioactive for other countries and businesses." The U.S. currently designates Cuba, North Korea, Iran and Syria as state sponsors of terrorism, a classification made by the secretary of state without congressional approval. The label carries sweeping sanctions, including restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, a ban on defense exports and sales, and financial limitations. Ukraine says Russia has abducted at least 19,546 children since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, transferring them to Russia, Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, or Belarus. Just 1,560 have been returned, according to the Ukrainian initiative "Bring Kids Back UA." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human rights groups and Ukrainian officials say the real figure is likely far higher, with estimates ranging from 150,000 to 300,000. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and other officials have warned that Moscow has systematized the deportations, with children placed in Russian foster families or adoption programs. Ukrainian NGO Save Ukraine denounced Russia on Aug. 6 after discovering an online "catalog" of children maintained by Russian occupation authorities in Luhansk Oblast. The database lists 294 children, many with Ukrainian citizenship, sorted by traits such as eye and hair color, according to the group. Some children were issued Russian identification documents to legitimize their abduction, while others had lost parents to Russian forces. The demand to return abducted children has been one of key points part of Ukraine's peace talks with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: 5 days of diplomacy, 5 days of deadly Russian attacks on Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Constructing a beaver dam analogue in the Upper Grande Ronde River watershed. (Photo courtesy of Trout Unlimited) Editors note: This is the third installment of a four-part series on salmon that will run in the Idaho Capital Sun on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Part One described the emergency effort to rescue Washington states last population of Snake River spring and summer Chinook salmon, in the Tucannon River. Part Two explored salmon and steelhead extinction threshold science, showing the Pacific Northwest is entering extinction momentum that will be very difficult to escape. For Northwest salmon people, grim news and hope seem always intermingled. My previous article held grim news extinction science, and extinction in motion in the Grande Ronde River. In Part Three, I wish to give the Grande Rondes hope its due. Everyone I spoke with in northeast Oregon, native and non-, raised, and praised, the systematic river and watershed restoration underway in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha since the mid-1990s. More such work has been completed, and is underway, in the Grande Ronde/Imnaha than any other salmon landscape in the Snake River Basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good done reaches well beyond healthier streams. Tribal restoration projects are many and often large All of it is a big source of hope for me, Bobby Fossek says. My own project is what Id call small scale, but I see the connections right up to the biggest ones. At Bird Track Springs, for example, the whole atmosphere of the place is charged now. I can see and feel it, and its just beginning. Bird Track Springs is the site of a completed project that is now completing itself in the river, restoring sinuosity, vital winter and summer habitat, and freer passage to a pinched and degraded 1.9 mile section of the Upper Grande Ronde River. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) sponsored and led the work, with nine co-sponsors, including the cooperating landowner, Jordan Creek Ranch. The cost was $2.5 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bird Track Springs is on Highway 244, just a few miles off the freeway at the Hilgard exit above La Grande. It is signed. The Tribes scene-setting and description, on the short walk to the river and an overlook, is very good, with tribal, historical, and river/salmon context in map, image, art and word. Ive seen the project; it looks good, John Appleton told me. Its going to create cooler water and deeper pools. With so few salmon in the Upper Grande Ronde now, no hatchery nearby, and little fishing pressure, Appleton says the upper river could almost be called an informal salmon sanctuary for the few salmon that still manage to get there. The Confederated Umatilla Tribes lead many other restoration projects in the Upper Grande Ronde and Catherine Creek. Rick George calls the Tribes McCoy Creek project a phenomenal success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tribes also acquired the Southern Cross Ranch, three miles southeast of Union, on -mile of Catherine Creek with 68 acres of historic floodplain. It is now being restored for channel function, sinuosity, riparian health, floodplain connectivity, and the benefit of Three First Foods water, salmon and deer. LEARN MORE For information on the many Confederated Umatilla Tribe projects, see https://fisherieshabitat.ctuir.org/. In Wallowa Country and the Imnaha, the Nez Perce Tribe leads on similar projects. Emmit Taylor Jr., director of the Nez Perce Tribes Department of Fisheries Resources Watershed Division, offered a quick list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres the Wallowa River work at Tamkaliks, where we put in side channels and revegetated, he said. Theres a half-mile project on the Lostine River, at the town of Lostine. It was straight and constrained, most of the habitat gone. We removed levees, re-meandered, and put in side channels. This year were planting thousands of trees. It is our goal to see salmon spawn there again. A larger project is getting close to going in Chesnimnus Creek, tributary to Joseph Creek. The Lostine River, near Lostine, Oregon. Post-project conditions after 10 acres of pasture was converted back to floodplain. (Photo courtesy of the Nez Perce Fisheries Resources Management Department, Watershed Division) This is 11 to 15 miles of stream, and a very big deal for fish, Taylor said. The listed steelhead above it have never been supplemented. Were working with many landowners, and the Forest Service, on many actions cattle exclusions, riparian plantings, stream reconstruction, putting wood in the streams, and others. Design is underway, we hope to start work in a year or so. Joseph Creek is steep and largely inaccessible; thats why its a steelhead stronghold. But where it is accessible this work will really improve stream conditions and fisheries habitat. Taylor and his team are also part of the Tribes long effort, with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and others, to secure fish passage at Wallowa Lake Dam. That is the only large dam in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha basins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Tamkaliks, the Tribe has acquired or been gifted other properties for example, 140 acres near Joseph, at what Mr. Taylor calls the Place of Boulders. From its Joseph office, Nez Perce Fisheries staff work across Wallowa Country to keep water in streams, repair habitats, restore fish passage and rebuild Nez Perce use of these homelands. A restoration and a journey at Ascension School Camp and Conference Center Bobby Fosseks project at Ascension School is small in comparison, yet large on its terms. Ascension School Camp and Conference Center, in Cove, Oregon, is the spiritual center of the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon. The diocese includes 19 churches in eastern, central and southern Oregon. Ascensions mission is to be a place apart, to connect with Gods sacred mystery, said Amy Jayne, a priest, who serves as the centers director. Our principles are human dignity, creation care and spirituality. Our summer camp for children is 100 years old. We are a full-service outdoor facility, a retreat and conference center, and a community center to serve Cove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Catherine Creek tributaries Duncan, Hulick and Mill creeks roughly bound the Schools 100 acres. Eighty acres are being restored. Ascension sits on an old village site called Wiweeletitpe, Place of Many Streams, Fossek said. It has been farmed since the mid-1800s, much of the native flora and fauna removed, and the anadromous fish streams straightened and diverted into irrigation ditches. We are working to restore many of the First Foods, Medicines and Materials that historically grew here and that our people have a deep relationship with. Along with it, we are revitalizing skills and lifeways that are part of this landscape, with tribal cultural skills camps on the site. Ascension Camp and Conference Center, in Cove, Oregon, on the right, with some of the area being restored by Caretakers of the Land in the foreground. (Photo courtesy of Megan Cox/Ascension Camp and Conference Center) Camas Camp, for example, immerses young native people in gathering, cooking, and sharing camas. A public nature trail also now ribbons the site. Fossek attended Ascension Camp as a boy and was maintenance man when Amy Jayne became its director six years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bobby led us to see we cant heal the land without assisting the healing of its original caretakers, Jayne said. This led to a relationship with Caretakers of the Land, which Fossek and Brosnan Spencer founded to steward and strengthen the lifeways, languages, habitats, and traditional ecological knowledge of the Blue Mountain bioregion Bobby Fossek, a resident of Cove, Oregon, manages an 80-acre restoration project on tributaries of Catherine Creek. The land is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon. (Photo courtesy of Bobby Fossek) We provide Caretakers administrative support, but they have considerable autonomy, Jayne says. They have a deep relationship with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and those Tribes have events here. Theres a three-day CTUIR symposium this year. The Nez Perce have had an event here too, through Caretakers. I hope the elders and others visiting will recognize Ascension as a shared space. We want to help native people live again in their seasonal rounds. For the diocese, it is a journey. In 2022, at its annual convention, the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon formally repudiated the doctrine of discovery, the religious and legal basis upon which the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Country, including Ascension Camps 100 acres, were taken from tribal people by the United States and its citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is wonderful support here, Jayne says. But there is also pushback. Absolutely nothing is settled in this work. The past systems are massive and in place. It takes a lot of work so people understand what were doing, and so we understand them. We forge ahead, and go slowly. I asked Fossek if it is fair to see his work, including the Ascension restoration, in three parts: restoring health to ecosystems, building relations with neighbors and communities, and restoring tribal presence and use: Yes. They are branches from the same tree the web of life in this valley. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A small project gives young fish a place to rest and grow David Baums little project on Catherine Creek is the first restoration I heard about. Mr. Baum is a retired lawyer, fisherman and kayaker. A footbridge crosses Catherine Creek at Catherine Creek State Park near Union, Oregon. (Jesse Stephens/Getty Images) He vividly remembers salmon coming steadily through his grandmothers place on Catherine Creek in the 1950s. A decade ago, he did a five-acre restoration on the creek, at a different property he owned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I worked with Grande Ronde Model Watershed to put in a side channel, Baum says. I wanted to build some habitat where overwintering juvenile salmon can rest and grow. Its still there. Bonneville Power Administration ratepayers contributed $117,000 of the project cost, and Baum $3,000, says the project description on the Grande Ronde Model Watershed website. LEARN MORE To get a feel for all the restoration work done and underway across 3.1 million acres of land and water over three decades, visit the Grande Ronde Model Watershed website: www.grmw.org. In Catherine Creek alone, 38 separate projects, including Baums, are listed on the Grande Ronde Model Watershed website from 1995 through 2021. The Confederated Umatilla Tribes are a frequent lead and partner on Catherine Creek, as is the Union County Soil and Water District. Projects include restored fish passage, restored seasonal flows, riparian habitat re-creation, re-meandered channels, restored pools, better irrigation systems, bridging/fencing/culverting and more. Kyle Bratchers agency is active as well. In my Wallowa and Imnaha territory, the main restoration practitioners are Grande Ronde Model Watershed, the Nez Perce Tribe, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Trout Unlimited, he said. We were a lead on the McDaniel Ranch project, as of course was Doug McDaniel, who did so much for restoration in Wallowa Country. McDaniel helped begin Wallowa Resources, which is also active in land and water restoration; Joe McCormack serves on its board. Trout Unlimited has done a lot of work in the upper Grande Ronde, says Noel March, who grew up in La Grande and now works for the group. In Sheep Creek, for example, about an hour upstream of La Grande, weve reversed a lot of historical damage. Sheep Creek restoration by Trout Unlimited in the Upper Grand Ronde watershed. (Photo courtesy of Connar Stone/Grande Ronde Model Watershed) Among current projects, were in Chesnimnus Creek too, just above the Nez Perce project, working with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. In six miles of stream, were removing levees, returning those spawning gravels to the stream, and depositing large wood. It will give beaver a leg up. Together, says March, the Nez Perce and Trout Unlimited projects will soon be a large, connected corridor of high-quality steelhead habitat. March gives particular credit to the many landowners working with the Nez Perce, and to Mr. Taylors field staff. Land and canal owners are often, like Mr. Baum, project sponsors. It is real, says Rick George, how many landowners are now giving permission to restore waters on their lands, and are supportive of salmon. They want to reconnect land and water. There are still gaping wounds on this landscape; nothing can turn around all the water conversion and draining in the valleys anytime soon. But there is also change. The Grande Ronde Model Watershed calls itself the primary entity coordinating habitat restoration on private and public lands within the Grande Ronde Basin. It was created in 1992-3, when the Northwest Power and Conservation Council chose the Grande Ronde as Oregons model watershed for spawning and rearing habitat restoration. Bonneville Power Administration ratepayers were starting then to extensively finance such work. Grande Ronde Model Watershed has been a conduit for millions of Bonneville ratepayer dollars to repair Grande Ronde and Imnaha watersheds, while developing funding from other sources too. Reconnected wetlands in Sheep Creek, in the Upper Grande Ronde River. (Photo courtesy of Sam Bango/Anabranch Solutions) The CTUIR and Nez Perce Tribe each have seats on the Grande Ronde Model Watershed board. Joe McCormack represents the Nez Perce. In the early to mid-2000s, GRMW studied all the streams, he said. The Upper Grande Ronde and Catherine Creek were in the worst shape, and needed habitat work the most then. Kyle Bratcher says: ODFW helped develop the restoration atlases that prioritize watersheds and places. The Model Watershed holds monthly meetings of the implementors. It is a very big group and a very collaborative effort. The Model Watershed also engages students, volunteers and organizations in citizen science. Ascension School students are in the program. It helps that one week of outdoor school is a fifth grade requirement in Oregon. Kyle Bratchers wife, Emily, organizes and teaches youth science education, separately but overlapping with the Model Watersheds program. She takes kids to the projects, he said. Its a great way to teach them about fish and rivers, and spark their interest. They see fish spawning. Altogether, an impressively broad local network tribes and tribal people, agencies local state and federal, ranchers and other landowners, fishers and the conservation-minded, churches, schools, businesses and nonprofits is restoring waters and lands, public and private, at scales small to large, in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha watersheds. (The Powder River Basin Watershed Council, does similar work with far less resources in the Snake River watershed adjacent on the south. The Powder is without salmon, thanks to impassable dams constructed in Hells Canyon 60 years ago.) How to restore both salmon habitats, and salmon Salmon have this quality: People come to them by many paths, and are hooked. If, as seems likely, federal investments in northeast Oregon now shrivel for a time, it is plain the local restoration work will continue even if slowed. The tribal, community and economic investment is too rooted, and the local good being done too substantial. But the extinction threshold analyses make a second plain fact plainer. Watershed repair and renewal in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha will restore natal salmon habitats, but under current conditions in migratory habitats outside the Grande Ronde, it will not restore salmon. It is real how many landowners are now giving permission to restore waters on their lands, and are supportive of salmon. They want to reconnect land and water. There are still gaping wounds on this landscape; nothing can turn around all the water conversion and draining in the valleys anytime soon. But there is also change. Rick George The riches salmon once gave the Grande Ronde and its people, Rick Georges ocean nutrient freight train, are close to disappearing despite three decades of sustained local river restorations. If all this good work is to achieve its harvest, and community goals for salmon in the Grande Ronde, off-site restoration of equally vital habitat in this case, over-dammed migratory habitat must occur soon. Here I believe the Nez Perce Tribe and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have the right three-part response. They are leading in extinction science and its applications for salmon and steelhead populations at extinctions door. They are leaders to responsibly restore 140 miles of the lower Snake River and its habitats, by removing the earthen sections of its four dams, within an inclusive and phased Columbia Basin-wide approach developed by the Six Sovereigns: the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, Nez Perce Tribe and Oregon, plus the Yakama Nation, Confederated Warm Springs Tribes, and Washington. And they are active co-collaborators restoring health and habitats in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha watersheds. Editors note: Part four of this four-part series will be published by the Idaho Capital Sun on Friday. It will show how public and political awareness of the fishes dire condition is not optional if the Snake River is to be restored. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. government struck a deal with Google to use its artificial intelligence and other applications for 47 cents, underbidding other AI partners. The U.S. General Services Administration, or GSA, announced Thursday in a press release it has a contract with Google that will "provide a suite of AI and cloud services that will accelerate the adoption of AI across government" as per the Trump administration's "America's AI Action Plan." Under the agreement, agencies will have access to Google's enterprise search, pre-packaged AI agents on Deep Research, the NotebookLM AI tool and video and image generation capabilities, among other offerings for 47 cents per agency for Google's AI complement through 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today we're introducing Gemini for Government in partnership with the General Services Administration," Google posted to social media Thursday. "Government agencies will get access to our secure, FedRAMP-authorized, comprehensive AI platform priced at less than [50 cents] per government agency for a year." Google had already agreed to provide Google Workspace to all federal agencies at a 71% discount on of its current Multiple Award Schedules Program pricing in April, for all transaction sizes. "We're proud to partner with the General Services Administration to offer 'Gemini for Government'," said Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai in the release. "Building on our Workspace offer for federal employees, 'Gemini for Government' gives federal agencies access to our full stack approach to AI innovation, including tools like NotebookLM and Veo powered by our latest models and our secure cloud infrastructure, so they can deliver on their important missions," Pichai also said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google is charging is less than half the rates the GSA agreed to in August with other AI groups. The Anthropic AI company offered its Claude AI to all three branches of U.S. government for $1, which topped the established OpenAI for Government partnership with the GSA that was only attached to the executive branch. "Federal agencies can now significantly transform their operations by using the tools in 'Gemini for Government,' thanks to this agreement with Google and the Trump Administration's leadership revolutionizing AI for the U.S. government," said GSA Acting Administrator Michael Rigas in the release. "GSA is dedicated to rapidly achieving President [Donald] Trump's goals to accelerate AI adoption across government and this agreement with Google is the latest success in meeting that goal," he added. Republicans are facing a major obstacle as they try to tout the potential benefits of President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill: They need voters to take their word on it for now. GOP lawmakers and top administration officials are using August to make a country-wide sales pitch for their crowning legislative achievement a massive tax, spending and domestic policy package. The party sees this month as crucial for gaining ground in the messaging war with Democrats over the new law, which pairs an extension of Trumps 2017 tax cuts with some of his campaign promises like no tax on tips, plus more funding for immigration enforcement and the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House is dispatching Vice President JD Vance to Georgia on Thursday, where hell talk about the megabills working family tax cuts, according to his spokesperson. Republicans want to be the ones to define their megabill with voters ahead of next years midterms, where the GOPs unified control of Congress is at stake. They saw Democrats try to shop their signature climate law in 2022 only for most Americans to say they either never heard of it, or were swayed by Republicans counterargument it was a green new scam. But the GOP megabill is less than two months old, and many of its purported boons like new and expanded tax cuts and savings accounts for children under 18 wont be fully felt by voters until 2026, making it harder for Republicans to reinforce what they see as the laws advantages. At the same time, Republicans are going up against Democrats embarking on their own nationwide tour to denigrate what they call the big, ugly bill" and its dire shortcomings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard for people to realize anything that they havent seen yet all they are doing is hearing it. And we all want to go out and say, This is the positive from this, this is whats happened, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said this week. Theres going to be a lot of substance to this, it just all has to go into effect. At the same time, Tuberville acknowledged that his own state would pay a little bit of a price because of changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which will force the state to cover more of the programs cost. Asked if he was worried selling the bill would be harder than expected, Tuberville hedged. No well again, you dont know until the end of the day, how this bill is going to be reacted to. He predicted the next six months would determine the laws reception. Yet the GOPs efforts to preview the megabills forthcoming perks come as Democrats are also using August to flood the zone including visiting red states and typically safe GOP districts to warn about the laws impending cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans have betrayed their constituents in passing the Big, Ugly Law which benefits the wealthiest few and leaves everyday families behind, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene (Wash.) said in a statement Wednesday. Republicans are well aware that they are facing a tidal wave of Democratic criticism heading into a midterm election cycle, when the party in power typically loses seats. While Republicans still have an edge in the Senate map, Democrats have managed to score major recruiting wins in key races and are cautiously optimistic about their chances of flipping the House in 2026. One House Republican, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said in a recent interview that the party has a good case to make on the GOP megabill but they need to hammer it harder. We have to do better, the Republican said. We have to pound that over and over again: Constituents are going to feel it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House GOPs campaign arm circulated a memo late last month with guidance for how to message about the law, calling the congressional August recess a critical opportunity to continue to define how this legislation will help every voter and push back on Democrat fearmongering. Since then, House and Senate Republicans have, indeed, fanned out across the country to tout state-specific benefits from their megabill they pledge will come soon. Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, for instance, visited three Iowa manufacturers as part of a tour to highlight funding for workforce and trade school training. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has blanketed his home state of South Dakota to talk up the legislation where he also promised, in a local TV interview this week, that its impact will be more fully, you know, realized over time. The most immediate win for voters, Thune said, is that the megabill will prevent a tax hike come 2026 since it extended dozens of soon-to-expire tax cuts the party enacted in 2017. In the meantime, Republicans are still fine tuning their messaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an industrial refrigeration manufacturing facility in Georgia on Thursday, Vance is expected to pitch the tax breaks in the megabill as a gift to working families. And a senior White House official, granted anonymity to discuss internal strategy, said part of the party's broader megabill rebrand will focus on reminding voters of the specific policy promises on which Trump campaigned and then followed through. Step one is, you make them trust you and the way you make them trust you is by doing what you campaigned on, said the official. With the big, beautiful bill having passed, we fulfilled most of our signature promises from the campaign that people elected us for: no tax on tips, no tax on overtime pay, no tax on Social Security. Vance will also use the Georgia trip to hammer Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, with Republicans viewing the incumbents seat as a top pick-up opportunity next year. William Martin, Vances communications director, called it an absolute disgrace that Ossoff voted against the bill and thats something Vice President Vance will be sure to emphasize during his visit to Peachtree City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ossoff is already offering a pre-buttal of his own: JD promised the new GOP would fight for working families, he said in a statement. Instead he's defunding hospitals, nursing homes, and Medicaid to cut taxes for the wealthy. While CBO found that middle-income households will see their resources grow as a result of the megabill, its the wealthiest 10 percent that will get the biggest bump. Another hurdle for Republicans? They are trying to get voters to focus on the yet-to-be-fully-seen wins of the megabill while voters are distracted by other, more tangible issues: the fight over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a move by at least two states to redraw their congressional maps mid-decade. Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, one of the few Republicans from a district won by former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, said hes also getting an earful about efforts by the Office of Management and Budget to freeze federal funding for widely-used government programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bacon suggested Trumps new domestic policy law is taking a backseat at home these days: I hear more about all the grant money that is frozen by OMB, he said. Mia McCarthy and Jake Traylor contributed to this report. With Texas Republicans nearing completion of a new congressional map that could yield their party five additional seats in the House, President Donald Trump is escalating his efforts to secure more GOP-friendly seats in other states. Deep-red Missouri appears to be the next target, with Trump writing on Truth Social Thursday that The Great State of Missouri is now IN. Im not surprised. It is a great State with fabulous people. I won it, all 3 times, in a landslide. Were going to win the Midterms in Missouri again, bigger and better than ever before! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouris GOP Gov. Mike Kehoe has not publicly committed to a special session to draw new lines but has made clear that he is considering it. Governor Kehoe continues to have conversations with House and Senate leadership to assess options for a special session that would allow the General Assembly to provide congressional districts that best represent Missourians, Kehoes communications director Gabby Picard said in an email to CNN on Thursday. Governor Kehoe appreciates President Trumps attention to this issue on behalf of Missourians, she added. CNN has reached out to the White House for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any redistricting in Missouri is expected to occur in September when lawmakers convene for an already-scheduled veto session. Republicans currently control six of eight US House seats, and a GOP-drawn map is expected to target the 5th congressional district in the Kansas City area, held by 11-term Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. He has vowed to mount a court challenge to any map that takes aim at his seat. Adam Kincaid, the president and executive director of National Republican Redistricting Trust and a key player in redistricting battles, told CNN that he expects Missouri Republicans to advance a map that will give the party seven of eight seats and anticipates more Republican officials to follow suit in other states. I do think that generally, this is something that the base of the Republican Party is really supportive of right now, he said. And if you are a Republican elected official and youre seeing this, its good politics to look at opportunities in your own state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his allies have urged Republicans in several states including Missouri, Ohio, Indiana and South Carolina to take aim at a handful of Democratic seats in their states in a quest to preserve or grow the GOPs narrow majority in the US House in the 2026 midterm elections. Florida has also launched a legislative committee to examine redistricting, but any action is likely to occur next year. Mid-decade redistricting is rare, and the effort to draw new lines marks an extraordinary campaign by the president and his allies to keep Democrats from controlling the House during the last two years of Trumps second term in the White House. The move underway in Texas to squeeze out as many as five additional GOP seats has sparked a counter-punch in California where Democrats who control the governorship and state legislature are advancing bills to amend the state constitution to temporarily redraw their maps to create five additional Democratic seats. The proposal would give California voters the final say in approving the revised maps in a special election this November. But Republicans who control the governors offices and legislatures in 23 states compared to just 15 held by Democrats have more avenues to squeeze out additional seats that benefit their party as the redistricting battles spread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sprint to create new maps is a pretty clear indication of how concerned and how afraid Trump and Republicans are about actually letting voters decide the midterm elections, said Marina Jenkins, executive director of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. She said the group and its affiliated organizations plan to use every tool at our disposal, including litigation, to oppose new GOP-drawn maps. In Missouri, however, Democrats have few immediate options to thwart a Republican-led effort to give the GOP an additional US House seat. Republicans hold a supermajority in the state legislature. Democrats plan to fight and be as loud as possible in opposing the map, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democratic state representative from the Kansas City area, told CNN. But, she said, ultimately, the Missouri Legislature having supermajority Republican control means that if this is what they want, this is what theyll get. This story has been updated with additional details. CNNs Arit John contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com AUSTIN (Nexstar) Gov. Greg Abbott is calling on lawmakers to pass more legislation during the ongoing Special Session. Wednesday evening, he announced that he added three items to the Special Session #2 agenda. A news release from the Governors office outlined the additional items, which he called important issues that will benefit Texas. Legislation to impose penalties or punishments for legislators who willfully absent themselves during a session Legislation to authorize a person to purchase Ivermectin at a pharmacy Legislation relating to a groundwater study of East Texas aquifers by the Texas Water Development Board prior to the issuance of permits or permit amendments by certain groundwater conservation districts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push for penalties on legislators comes after more than 50 House Democrats left the state to temporarily block a bill to create new voting districts to boost Republican congressional candidates. The quorum break went against Texas House rules, but did not violate state law. State Rep. Joanne Schofner, R-Nacogdoches, has proposed a bill to give patients easier access to Ivermectin. The drug, which is used for treating parasitic infections in animals, gained attention when people began using it to treat symptoms of COVID-19. Some people believe the drug can be used to treat other conditions, including cancer. Current research from the CDC does not support claims that the drug is effective to treat COVID-19 or cancer. In July, State Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine led a public hearing at the Capitol to examine the impact of plans to pump water out of the Carrizo Wilcox aquifer in east Texas. The proposals would send that water to other parts of the state. In his news release, Gov. Abbott wrote, we need to ensure appropriate studies are conducted to protect the health of East Texas aquifers. Special Session #2 started on August 15, and runs for 30 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. AUSTIN, Texas (KETK) Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Wednesday evening that he will be adding three items to the Special Session two agenda, including a proposal that protects East Texas aquifers. State Rep. Cody Harris receives endorsement from Gov. Abbott According to State Rep Cody Harris (R-Palestine), the proposal will shut down production and export permits while the Texas Water Development Board conducts a thorough study on East Texas groundwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris said the proposal has been tied to House Bill 27 and will be heard on Thursday in the House Natural Resources Committee, which he chairs. I made a promise to you that I wouldnt stop fighting big-money interests trying to profit off East Texas water, and this is the next big step, Harris said. In Abbotts message to the Texas Legislature, he explained that the agenda item is intended to protect East Texas aquifers. We need to ensure appropriate studies are conducted to protect the health of East Texas aquifers, Abbott said. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Spencer Cox speaks with members of the media during the governor's news conference broadcast by PBS Utah at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Pool photo by Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune) An at times heated Utah Gov. Spencer Cox sparred with reporters Thursday over the fallout from reports that Utah Senate President Stuart Adams initiated passage of a law that later helped his 18-year-old granddaughter reach a plea deal in a criminal case involving sex with a 13-year-old. Cox said he didnt think an ethics investigation or a third-party review is warranted, saying theres nothing to investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facts are abundantly clear. Its been reported. I dont think anybodys denied that what happened, happened, Cox said, adding he learned about the situation when The Salt Lake Tribune first reported it earlier this month. Cox argued the most pertinent question is whether Adams should have told me about it or should he have leaned on me. I can only imagine how people would have reacted if he had done that, the governor said. Look, there have been times in my term as governor, when Ive been so mad at Stuart Adams that I couldnt see straight on certain bills, Cox said, without naming those instances. That has happened a couple of times. I can tell you this is not one of those times. Cox said he believed Adams acted appropriately by not publicly weighing in on the bill or disclosing his relatives involvement to other legislators other than his right-hand man, Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it was appropriate for the top person in the Senate not to weigh in on this bill, which is exactly what happened, Cox said. In fact, Cox who signed the bill after it passed last year said hes very grateful that I had no idea that this was impacting someone in his family, in his granddaughters family, because it may have changed the way I reacted to the bill. Instead, he said he was able to focus only on the policy. The governor added that theres no controversy about whether people knew this was in the bill or not. The only question I have is this is the right policy? And this is a really tough one, guys, Cox said. This is a hard one. You have kids in high school being treated differently, depending on where their birthday falls during the year. And if their birthday falls in May instead of June, then they get treated the same as a 50-year-old who had a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old. And thats the question. Is that fair? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tribune reported that Adams, surprised by the severity of the charges that were first filed against his relative, confided with Cullimore and asked him to look into the issue. The original charges included two counts of child rape and two counts of child sodomy, all first-degree felonies, with the possibility of 25 years to life in prison and requirements to register as a sex offender, the Tribune reported. Cullimore also said he consulted Cara Tangaro, the defense attorney representing Adams granddaughter, for more information on the case and to help draft language that was later put into a sweeping criminal justice bill, SB213, during the Utah Legislatures 2024 session. That provision allowed lower-level charges to be filed against 18-year-olds still enrolled in high school, allowing them to be treated the same as 17-year-olds in similar cases. The bill was not retroactive, and Adams relative was not charged with the lower penalties it created, but the new law was referenced in court hearings before the case was resolved with a plea deal. Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) You saw the legislative change, Tangaro told Judge Rita Cornish at sentencing, the Tribune reported. We all agree thats not retroactive, but the government did change their offer based on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Adams 18-year-old relative took a plea deal that meant she would not serve additional time in jail, would serve four years on probation, and would not register as a sex offender, the Tribune reported. In the interview with KSL.com and Deseret News, Adams said his granddaughter made a mistake, but he also argued she received appropriate penalties, saying she was arrested at her high school, spent eight days in jail, and spent more than 500 days under house arrest with an ankle monitor. What a humiliating event, Adams told the outlets. Now were heaping on her a scarlet letter on her forehead. Its wrong. The stories are wrong. Shes been convicted and tried, and now were doing it again in the media and its wrong. The 13-year-old victims mother, however, told the Tribune she felt like she was punched in the gut after she learned about the law change, and she felt as though her child was an afterthought both in the policy debate and the criminal case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like a law is the law, regardless of who you are, but that wasnt what was going on here, the mother told the Tribune. I feel like [the 18-year-old] just got special treatment and nobody was going to say anything about it. In wake of the Tribune story, calls for Adams resignation have come from some Democrats, including Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Millcreek, and Utah Democratic Party Chair Brian King. Theyve also come from some corners of the right, with roughly 100 mostly conservative people rallying at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City over the weekend to call for Adams to resign. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Adams has rejected those calls and has denied any wrongdoing, telling KSL.com and Deseret News that he didnt tell legislators about the case involving his granddaughter in an effort to keep the process fair. In an interview with the outlets, Adams and Cullimore also argued that the bills process was proper and not unusual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres nothing unusual about how this bill came about, Adams told the outlets. Every bill that we run has some type of connection to a constituent, to a lobbyist, to an industry leader, to a personal experience a legislator has. Other Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, have defended Adams and the process that led to the bills passage. He told KSL.com and Deseret News that he didnt know about the connection to Adams granddaughter when the bill was debated, and thats how it should be. At least one Republican legislator, however the House sponsor of the bill, then-House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, R-Syracuse has expressed concerns that that section of the omnibus criminal justice bill didnt go through the same vetting process as the rest of the bill. In a statement issued last week, House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, said due to heightened attention on SB213, I believe its important to reconvene stakeholders for further discussion to ensure we have arrived at the right policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have spoken with President Adams, and he agrees, Schultz said. We will convene a working group to conduct a comprehensive review of state policy in this area to ensure our laws protect public safety, uphold accountability, and serve the best interests of all Utahns. Cox on Thursday left the door open to changes to the law, saying when he signed the bill it was a close call. Maybe its not the right policy. Maybe now that we have an opportunity to reflect on it, maybe it doesnt go far enough or it goes too far, and thats what we do. Thats the process, Cox said. The governor again defended Adams role in the bill. While he brought it to Cullimore to address, he didnt publicly debate it or tell legislators about his connection to the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every single legislator has experiences in their life where they see something that they feel may be unjust, and that influences the way they bring legislation to the table, Cox said. Again, I have lots of reasons to get upset with Stuart Adams. This was not one of them. Im really grateful he never talked to me about it. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said on Thursday the redistricting battle taking place in states across the country ahead of the 2026 midterm elections could backfire in the long term. Referencing the principle of Chestertons Fence, Cox said it is unwise to eliminate a system without fully understanding why it was established in the first place. Sometimes, I think we make changes to long-standing norms and policies, not realizing the consequences of those changes to those norms and policies, Cox said. I fear that this may be one of those. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at his monthly PBS news conference, Cox returned to a regular theme of his, emphasizing the deep divides in U.S. politics, and worrying that a redistricting race to the bottom will only make it worse. On Wednesday, the Texas House approved new district maps at the behest of President Donald Trump that will increase the number of congressional seats Republicans are likely to win in the state. The California Legislature is poised to approve its own map changes this week that could secure them an extra five seats next year the same number Republicans are expected to flip in the Lone Star State as long as voters approve the maps in November. We just see the escalation that continues to happen, Cox said. It just continues to ratchet up the toxicity and the stakes, quite frankly and so I would be very cautious about doing that. A gerrymandering arms race Gov. Spencer Cox speaks with members of the media during the PBS Utah Governors Monthly News Conference at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. | Rick Egan Since Trump called on Texas Republicans last month to break with redistricting tradition, Democrats have accused the GOP of gerrymandering tactics that border on election interference, and have threatened to retaliate in kind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Republicans have cited Democrats history of gerrymandering in blue states, and recent Supreme Court rulings that allow for politically motivated redistricting in what is fundamentally a political process. The finger-pointing by both sides could accelerate a worrying trend toward norm breaking and partisan tribalism, according to Cox, who gained recognition for his Disagree Better campaign as National Governors Association chair. We are so polarized as a country with the trust in institutions falling, Cox said. I cant see a scenario where every two or four years were redistricting, I cant see a scenario where that makes life better for anybody. Utahs congressional boundaries are currently being litigated in federal court over allegations that state lawmakers violated the Utah Constitution by ignoring recommendations from an independent redistricting commission created by voter initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maps approved in 2021 redrew the Beehive States congressional districts in a way that split up Democratic voters between the states four House districts and made it more difficult for a Democrat to represent the state in Congress. Shifting the census consensus Republicans have partially justified their redistricting revolution by alleging the 2020 census may have undercounted in Republican-led states and overcounted Democratic-held states by including noncitizens. The U.S. Constitution mandates a national census every decade to count all residents. Earlier this month, Trump announced his administration will work on a new census that excludes People who are in our Country illegally. On Thursday, Cox said there are questions about whether noncitizens should be factored into the distribution of Electoral College votes. But he said the census should still count every resident to provide the best data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with the Deseret News earlier this month, Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy, of the states 3rd Congressional District, said he agrees with the president that citizens should be counted, not undocumented individuals. Citizens are what the Founders intended, Kennedy said. I dont believe the founders ever foresaw the possibility that our country would have tens of millions of people in this country that are living illegally in this country. Modern technology has made it possible to conduct a census at least every five years, according to Kennedy, which he said would help elected officials govern better amid a rapidly changing population. Not all mail-in voting created equal On Monday, Trump also took on the form of voting used by a majority of Utahns, announcing he would lead an effort to get rid of mail-in ballots by signing an executive order to help bring HONESTY to the 2026 Midterm Elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah Sen. Mike Lee responded in favor of Trumps initiative while Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson reiterated that the constitutional right of states to decide how to conduct secure elections is a fundamental strength of our system. The Constitution is very clear that its in the purview of the states and not the federal government, Cox agreed, during Thursdays press conference. And I think states should defend that. However, Cox said Trump is right to be extremely cautious when it comes to mail-in voting because, unlike Utah, most states implemented a vote-by-mail system virtually overnight in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utah started rolling out vote by mail in 2012 before implementing it statewide in 2019. The Legislature continues to enhance safeguards for the process, voting in 2025 to implement ballot deadlines and a new identification measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For this reason, many of the criticisms levied toward mail-in ballots do not apply to Utah, according to Cox. When skeptics get a chance to view the process, Cox said they come away with increased confidence in election security. We can do both things, Cox said. We can defend the role of the states and be very serious about voter integrity. And I think more states need to be more serious about voting integrity. This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. UPDATE: Aug. 20, 2025: This story has been updated to include comment from Proper Hospitality. Dive Brief: Santa Monica Proper was accused of not paying its workers the minimum wage in Santa Monica, California, according to a class action lawsuit filing in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, obtained by Hotel Dive. The suit alleges that the luxury hotel has paid its workers below the minimum wages set forth by the Santa Monica Hotel Workers Living Wage Ordinance, which mandates tiered annual wage increases for hotel workers in the city. Hotel worker wage ordinances are in effect across several California cities. Elsewhere in the state, hotel associations are fighting a $30 minimum wage set to take effect in tandem with the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Dive Insight: The Santa Monica Hotel Workers Living Wage Ordinance, which was enacted in 2016, mandates a wage of $19.73 per hour from July 1, 2023; $20.32 per hour from July 1, 2024; and $21.01 per hour from July 1, 2025 all of which the lawsuit claims Santa Monica Proper has failed to pay. 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, the suit reads, going on to point out that the high-end hotel, which has rooms ranging from $650 to $2,400 a night, pays some of its employees less than what it charges for a bowl of hummus. In an email to Hotel Dive, Proper Hospitality refuted the lawsuits claims. Santa Monica Proper Hotel operates under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the union representing our team members, and we have honored that agreement from day one," a spokesperson said. Our compensation and benefits are highly competitive, and our team receives comprehensive health care coverage and retirement pension contributionsbenefits that go above and beyond what the Santa Monica Hotel Worker Living Wage Ordinance requires." The suits plaintiffs, Chelsea Kupitz and Eric Block, are employees at the hotel. The suits attorneys and hospitality union Unite Here did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Santa Monica is one of several California cities with a minimum wage ordinance specifically for hotel employees. In 2023, workers represented by Unite Here Local 11 filed an initiative for what was then considered the highest minimum wage in the country: $30. Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday added three new items to his agenda for the ongoing special session, including punishments for lawmakers who leave the state to block passage of future legislation. Abbott announced the new items about an hour after the Texas House passed a new GOP congressional map that prompted House Democrats to flee the state in a bid to block its passage. The governor called on the Legislature to establish new penalties or punishments for lawmakers when they willfully absent themselves during a session. In a press release, Abbott said the legislation was needed to ensure that rogue lawmakers cannot hijack the important business of Texans during a legislative session by fleeing the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott and other Republicans unleashed an unprecedented response in their efforts to end the quorum break House Democrats started earlier in the month, including filing orders seeking to vacate representatives seats and authorizing civil arrests. Most of those who fled the state returned on Monday, allowing the House to resume business after previously denying the chamber the headcount needed to conduct business. With a Republican majority in both chambers, Democrats said breaking quorum was one of the few constitutionally protected tools left at their disposal to stall the congressional maps passage. Abbott, who controls the agenda during overtime legislative sessions, also asked lawmakers Wednesday to consider legislation to allow the purchase of ivermectin at pharmacies and to authorize the state to conduct a groundwater study of East Texas aquifers. 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. LAKE WORTH, Fla. (WMBB) Governor Ron DeSantis announced his support for an update to the 2020 Decennial Census, which could potentially yield more congressional seats for Florida. Even the Biden administration acknowledged that Florida got shortchanged in the reapportionment stemming from the last census, said Governor Ron DeSantis. My office is working with Attorney General Uthmeier in our mission to secure Floridians due representation in Congress and to fix mistakes that have been identified in the aftermath of the 2020 Census. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau shows Florida was undercounted by 3.5% during the 2020 Decennial Census, one of the highest undercount rates in the U.S. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. BEIJING (AP) With leader Xi Jinping looking on, China marked 60 years of Communist Party rule in Tibet on Thursday with speeches and a parade in front of the 17th-century Potala Palace, the home of the Dalai Lama until he fled to India in 1959. Speakers hailed economic development in the remote region in the foothills of the Himalayas and stressed the need to fight separatism. Opposition to Chinese rule has been largely quashed by a decades-long campaign of repression that has imprisoned Buddhist monks and demolished some monasteries. Tibetan affairs are Chinas internal affairs, and no external forces are permitted to interfere. All schemes to split the motherland and undermine stability in Tibet are doomed to fail, senior Communist Party leader Wang Huning told a crowd of 20,000 flag-waving people in a large public square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Communist forces occupied Tibet in 1951, two years after emerging victorious in a civil war and taking control of China. The anniversary marked the government's establishment of the Tibet autonomous region in 1965. It is called Xizang in Chinese. The parade, along a wide avenue between the square and a covered stage for special guests, included floats highlighting the regions of Tibet and large dance troupes that stopped in front of the square to perform. Troops and police marched in formation, shouting out their mottos. Others held up wide banners that proclaimed Communist Party slogans. The great achievements of the Tibet autonomous region over the past 60 years fully demonstrate that only under the leadership of the Communist Party of China ... can Tibet achieve prosperity and progress, create a bright future, and enable people of all ethnic groups in Tibet to live a happy and healthy new life, Wang told the gathering. The 13-story Potala Palace, now a tourist site, provided an impressive backdrop from its perch atop a rocky outcropping in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The Dalai Lama, who recently turned 90, still lives in India and is the spiritual leader of Tibet. China considers him a threat and says it has the right to appoint his reincarnation after his death. Many overseas Tibetans are critical of Chinese rule and a government-in-exile has been set up in the mountainous Indian town of Dharamshala. GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) A Grand Island High School seniors parking spot design was approved by the school after the students family hired attorneys who asked the district to change its decision, alleging First Amendment violations. WIVB News 4 obtained a letter that accused assistant principals Adam Hernandez and Jamie Peld of rejecting her designs because they included religious beliefs. Sabrina, who News 4 is choosing to refer to by first name only, created a design that included a cross symbol, a heart, the phrases, God is love, He loves you, and a quotation from Christian scripture. The letter said Sabrinas first two designs were denied, which her parents called censorship. They contacted First Liberty Institute, a legal organization that focuses on defending religious liberty, who sent the letter to the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superintendent Brian Graham announced the design approval in a statement on Wednesday. We also take seriously our responsibility to uphold constitutional principles, including the First Amendment, Graham said. While we strongly dispute any assertion that our policies or decisions violated the rights of any student, the Board of Education and District leadership, after careful consultation with legal counsel, have decided that the student in question will be permitted to proceed with her original senior parking space design. Graham went on to say that the school will review the senior parking space program in future months to consider whether adjustments to guidelines or practices are warranted to better reflect the districts goals. We are pleased that the school district changed course and will allow Sabrina to truly express her deeply held beliefs in her design, said Keisha Russell, senior counsel for First Liberty Institute. The First Amendment protects students private expressions of faith in public schools. Latest Local News Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Trumbull County grand jury will consider a rape charge against a Niles man. Read next: Defendant in convenience store killing pleads not guilty Josh Vigorito, 38, was charged July 10 in Niles Municipal Court with rape, with an offense date of October 16, 2024. The case was bound over to Trumbull County Common Pleas Court for grand jury consideration. Vigoritos bond was set at $2 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vigorito was sentenced in 2021 on an abduction and felonious assault conviction and was ordered to serve three years on probation following his release in 2022. He was also sentenced in 2023 on counterfeiting charges and was sentenced to eight months in prison. Brandy Johanntges 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 Brief On Tuesday, a 16-year-old student at Maryvale High School was fatally stabbed by a classmate who allegedly brought a pocketknife onto campus. The incident has left parents questioning the school's security measures, including metal detectors. PHOENIX - Debra Boyer rushed to Maryvale High School after getting a tip on a neighborhood safety app that something was happening on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her grandson is a junior at the school, and she joined other concerned parents waiting at the gates to make sure their loved ones were safe. "It's scary because it seems like, you know, nobody really did anything at the time," Boyer said. Boyer saw paramedics performing CPR on a student as he was loaded into an ambulance. She later learned the victim was 16-year-old Michael Montoya II. "The paramedics were yelling, 'go, go, we gotta go.' They were doing compressions on him, which was sad," Boyer said. Police say Montoya was attacked in a classroom by another male classmate armed with a folding pocketknife. The suspect dropped the knife while running from the classroom and was stopped by security staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montoya died at the hospital. The suspect was taken into custody and treated at a separate hospital for a hand injury. Dig deeper Boyer said she felt good about sending her grandson to school this year because of new security measures, including metal detectors. "I was there first day of school when they just put in all this new stuff, and I thought, 'oh, great metal detectors.' Didn't work," Boyer said. "He got in with a pocket knife." While many are wondering how the attacker got the knife past security, Boyer said she is most saddened that a student died at the hands of another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm really sad for the family. Both families, because it affects everyone, you know," Boyer said. Security Measures CEIA, the maker of OPENGATE, is the company Phoenix Union High School District uses for metal detectors. In an Aug. 20 statement, the company said its detectors are capable of detecting small knives, but noted the sensitivity on its machines can be adjusted. "Consequently, even if their detectors were set to detect very small knives, the detectors cant stop a tragedy from happening from a threat item already inside only people and policies can," OPENGATE said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the school district's website, it revealed details about its sensitivity settings, saying, "Sensitivity settings will be decided by district safety administrators, carefully considering the districts specific needs and requirements to ensure an optimal balance between maintaining security and minimizing false alerts. Sensitivity levels may be increased for an added layer of safety, enhance the systems ability to detect weapons and other prohibited items, and provide additional peace of mind for the school community." It adds, "The safety screening technology can detect items, including but not limited to large knives, firearms, handguns, long guns, and materials and components used to construct an explosive device." Click to open this PDF in a new window. Federal investigators in Massachusetts have charged 13 people, nine of whom are now in custody, in connection with a sprawling "grandparent scam that took millions of dollars from elderly victims. Authorities say the operation impacted around 400 victims. The average victim was aged 84 years old. Total losses from the scam exceeded $5 million. Their goal was to trick our grandparents into handing over their life savings under false pretenses. And they succeeded in stealing millions, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley told CBS News. Don't miss How the scam worked, and its devastating toll CBS News reports that the scam operated out of call centers in the Dominican Republic, led by alleged ringleader Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victims would receive a call from someone posing as their grandchild, who opened with an urgent emotional plea, such as, Ive been in an accident, or, I need bail money. Once the victim was hooked, a so-called closer pretending to be a lawyer took over, pressuring them to hand over thousands in cash. Once the victim agreed, scammers then dispatched unwitting Uber drivers to collect the money or even drive the elder to a bank to withdraw it. The cash would then be transferred to another person who allegedly laundered it to the suspects. Ubers Global Security team eventually flagged the suspicious activity to the FBI, helping investigators piece the operation together. Officials said many victims handed over tens of thousands of dollars sometimes $10,000 or more in a single payout. For seniors living on fixed incomes, that sum can represent years of careful savings or the only liquid cash they have available. The Justice Department noted that many older Americans are too ashamed to report being duped, meaning the true financial toll may be far higher than the $5 million documented so far. Prosecutors warn that most of these victims will never see their money again. Currently, four suspects remain at large. Read more: Do you own rental properties in the US? These 6 hacks can help you boost your income and lower your tax burden Lessons learned: Red flags & ongoing risk Elder fraud is a rapidly growing problem. The FBI reported a 33% jump in elder scams in 2024, with annual losses topping $16.6 billion nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although nine suspects in this grandparent scam are in custody, four remain at large. Similar operations could still be active, meaning older Americans remain at risk of losing their savings to schemes just like this. With that in mind, here are some common red flags to watch for: Emotional hooks : A call from a supposed grandchild in an accident or needing bail money. Authority impersonation: Follow-up calls from fake lawyers, police or bail bondsmen demanding cash. Pressure tactics: Urgent instructions not to tell anyone and to act immediately. Unusual payment requests: Demands for cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto. Third-party couriers: Strangers, like rideshare drivers or couriers, sent to pick up money. Protection strategies: What seniors and families can do Recognizing the warning signs is only the first step. Experts say the best defense is to prepare in advance for how to respond if a suspicious call ever comes through. That means seniors and their families should talk openly about scams and create a plan together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are key strategies to help safeguard against grandparent scams and other forms of elder fraud: Pause and verify. Hang up, then call a trusted family member before sending money. If you make the call yourself, you can be sure youre really talking to your grandchild. Verify with authorities. If someone claims to be a lawyer, police officer or bail bondsman, independently verify with the actual institution before sending money. Recognize pressure tactics. Any call demanding immediate payment is a red flag. Report suspicious activity. Contact local police and file a report with the FBI at IC3.gov. Scams like this are designed to exploit the trust between grandparents and their grandchildren. While this particular ring has been largely dismantled, others are still operating, and older Americans remain a prime target. Staying alert, talking with loved ones and slowing down before acting on an emotional call can make the difference between protecting a lifetime of savings and losing it in an instant. What to read next Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A group of Horry County residents say theyre behind a proposal to disband the police department and transfer law enforcement services to the sheriffs office. The push comes after a bill was introduced at the Statehouse in May to dissolve the agency. House Bill 4542, filed by state Rep. William Bailey of Little River, is simple. Baileys goal is streamline policing while putting more officers on the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff is county law, said retired law enforcement officer Ralph Lawrence. The Horry County Police Department is the only agency of its type in the state. Per its organizational chart, Chief Kris Leonhardts immediate supervisor is deputy administrator Randall Webster and, at the top, council chairman Johnny Gardner. Currently, the Horry County Sherriffs Office oversees the jail and serves warrants but if Baileys bill becomes law, it would make elected Sheriff Phillip Thomson or any future sheriff the top police official. They are so limited in what their duties are. I believe this would be returning the proper duties to the sheriffs department that was probably taken away from them in 1959, said Stefanie Chiapetta with Horry County Residents for Responsible Bulilding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of that group recently drafted a letter to state leaders supporting Baileys legislation, believing it was inspired by high-profile cases involving Horry County police like Scott Spivey. Youve got two law enforcement departments out of the county that have separate budgets. Why do we need two? It should be combined, and Im sure theres some fat we can cut out, Chiapetta said. Annette Lawrance agrees. I would hope that all those House representatives would vote for this bill, because Horry County should not be any different, she said. The group says Bailey will meet with residents to explain the bill at 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at the Horry County Library. His proposal was referred to Horry Countys legislative delegation, which next meets on Sept. 25 but isnt expected to discuss it. 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. * * * 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Train travel between European cities, despite being more climate-friendly, is often more expensive than flying, according to a study by the environmental group Greenpeace. The environmental group compared ticket prices on 142 routes of up to 1,500 kilometres. On 66 of them, or nearly 47%, rail was pricier than flights. Air travel was cheaper on 54% of the 109 cross-border routes examined. When including 33 domestic routes, rail remained the cheaper option in 46.5% of all cases, while on 7% of routes prices were similar, Greenpeace said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group called for higher taxes on flights and better conditions for train passengers. Greenpeace transport expert Lena Donat said it was unfair that longer rail journeys were expensive while flights were heavily subsidized through tax exemptions. Travelling by train is climate-friendly and should therefore always be cheaper than flying, she said. The analysis did not include luggage costs, which airlines often charge for, or family discounts sometimes offered by rail operators. Greenpeace said fares were compared at nine booking times. On 31 routes involving Germany, trains were cheaper on 15. Flights, however, tended to be cheaper on connections from Germany to Western Europe, while trains were often the lower-cost option to Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Belgium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compared with a similar survey in 2023, rail gained ground: on 41% of comparable routes, trains were now cheaper than planes, up from 27% two years earlier. A spokesman for Germany's national railway operator Deutsche Bahn welcomed the findings. Rail was "clearly cheaper", especially on the much sought-after connections in Germany, he said. Meanwhile, prices for long-distance journeys in July 2025 had held roughly stable compared to 2020, the spokesman noted. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) The City of Greenvilles Neighborhood and Business Services Department has won a national award for its exceptional work during National Community Development Week. According to a press release, the award was given to seven cities across the country that demonstrated outstanding community development initiatives. Greenvilles activities included a contractors workshop, a Down Payment Assistance Lunch & Learn, and participation in Community Service Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Exclusions From Iraqi Elections 'Political Targeting' of Assyrian Community Baghdad -- Joseph Sliwa, head of the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) and former member of the Iraqi Parliament, has spoken out after being barred from contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections as a representative of the Chaldean--Syriac--Assyrian community. In a video statement addressed to the Iraqi public, the Board of Commissioners of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Sliwa outlined the circumstances of his exclusion. He said he had submitted all required documents to run under his party's banner and had been assigned serial number 331 on 9 August 2025, officially confirming his candidacy. However, on 10 August, the IHEC issued a decision disqualifying him from the race under Article 7 -- a move Sliwa described as both unexpected and shocking. Sliwa said he filed an appeal against the ruling on 13 August, attaching a criminal record certificate issued by the Criminal Evidence Department that confirmed he has no violations, felonies, or legal restrictions on his record. He denounced the exclusion as "clear targeting" without legal justification. While emphasizing his respect for Iraqi law, Sliwa argued that what he described as "political targeting" undermines public trust in the electoral process and sends a negative message to the Iraqi public as well as to the historic Chaldean--Syriac--Assyrian community. He further warned that the decision risks damaging the reputation of the IHEC itself. Sliwa added that he has published all relevant evidence and documents on his official platforms, stressing the need for candidates to be treated "with transparency and impartiality, rather than through exclusionary measures." He called for a fair and comprehensive investigation into the legality of the decision. He also cautioned that if what he described as an "unjust" exclusion is allowed to stand, the HBA would be compelled to adopt a stronger and more detailed stance on a range of political issues. Sliwa was not the only candidate affected by recent rulings. The IHEC has also disqualified several other Chaldean--Syriac--Assyrian candidates, including Issam Behnam Matti Yaqoub, Sargon Lazar Sliwa Koral, Burhan al-Din Ishak Ibrahim, and Dunia Akram Shaba. The wave of exclusions has sparked sharp criticism from Christian activists, who denounced the decisions as a form of "systematic exclusion" that threatens the political representation of Iraq's Chaldean--Syriac--Assyrian community. McCormick & Co. is to pay $750m to become the majority shareholder in the US groups venture in Mexico with Grupo Herdez. The companies set up McCormick de Mexico in 1947. Today (21 August), Cholula sauces owner McCormick said it had struck a deal to take its stake in the venture from 50% to 75%. Brendan Foley, McCormicks chairman, president and CEO, said the company has had a long and successful partnership with Grupo Herdez and we look forward to continuing our collaboration. He added: This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for McCormick in Mexico. With this expanded ownership, we will advance our global flavour leadership and increase our presence in condiments and sauces. McCormick said the ventures annual net sales are around $810m, excluding exports. The business products centre on mayo, including McCormick Mayonesa con Jugo de Limones, and it markets other McCormick-branded lines. The company sees the ventures sales growing in the mid-single-digits range and believes having majority ownership will give the group opportunities to expand further in the high growth emerging market of Mexico. McCormick already has a factory in Cuautitlan de Romero Rubio, north of Mexico City. Additionally, this transaction creates a strategic platform for scaling our operations and distribution across Latin America, Foley said. McCormick sees Latin America as one of the companys growth accelerators and told shareholders at last years annual investor day the region was a large, growing and resilient market where it planned to build further scale. Publicly listed Mexican group Grupo Herdez said it will support McCormick with sales and distribution. In a separate statement, Grupo Herdez said the sale of a chunk of its shares in McCormick de Mexico would help the company pursue other strategic opportunities, while continuing its portfolio reconfiguration. Chairman and CEO Hector Hernandez-Pons Torres added: This transaction will allow Grupo Herdez to continue participating in future growth opportunities while preserving our scale and depth in the Mexican market. "McCormick buys majority of Herdez JV in Mexico" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. GUATEMALA CITY (AP) Mexico, Guatemala and Belize have announced plans to create a huge reserve of tropical forest spanning across the three countries. Pushing out criminal gangs and protecting the land from ranchers, miners and loggers won't be easy. The nature reserve announced last week and called the Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor would stretch across jungle areas of southern Mexico and northern parts of the two Central American nations, encompassing more than 14 million acres (5.7 million hectares). It would become the second largest reserve in the Americas, behind only the Amazon. In interviews this week, the environment ministers of Mexico and Guatemala emphasized the need for security, while also expressing the intention of administrations in both countries to avoid destructive projects in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first thing is that the security forces begin to have a presence, because the region has been abandoned and left to organized crime, Guatemala Environment Minister Patricia Orantes said. This is not primarily an environmental battle. Were talking about the Guatemalan state needing to retake control of its territory. Environmental groups have long said that the jungle on both sides of the Mexico-Guatemala border is dotted with clandestine landing strips for cocaine-laden planes, smugglers moving migrants north and illegal loggers. Mexico Environment Secretary Alicia Barcena said that all three countries will need to boost their security presence in the reserve. Were not going to protect the forest ourselves, the security secretary has to help, the army, Barcena said. Communities as allies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just sending troops will likely be insufficient, as Mexicos experience along another part of its southern border in Chiapas has shown. Organized crime has infiltrated economically-strapped communities with few options and it has been difficult to root them out. Guatemalan lawyer and environmental activist Rafael Maldonado said it will be vital to convert communities that are believed to participate in drug trafficking into allies of the park. To do that, Orantes said the government must offer economic alternatives to those residents. One proposal from Mexico is the expansion of its Planting Life program, which offers landowners money to grow certain kinds of trees either for fruit or timber. The program has a $2 billion budget, Barcena said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the program, which dates to ex-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has faced criticism. In 2021, the World Resources Institute reported that it had actually incentivized deforestation in Campeche state. Barcena said the program is being adjusted to better meet environmental objectives. Mexican sustainability and climate action expert Juan Carlos Franco, who works in southern Mexico, said security is crucial and requires the government to act as guarantor. But the work has to be carried out with civil society in the local communities, including in places where locals have found ways to coexist with the illegal activity surrounding them, he said. Communities oriented toward the biocultural management of the territory can overcome despite the crime, thats the most revealing message, he said. No megaprojects Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another challenge will be holding governments over the long term to commitments to forgo big projects that promise economic development but threaten environmental damage, such as Mexico's tourist rail operation, the Maya Train, which Belize is interested in extending to its territory. Orantes, the Guatemala minister, said that Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo would not allow megaprojects in the reserve because when access is opened in the forest it becomes difficult to control everything that follows. Arevalo recently declined to renew the contract of a petroleum company that had been operating for 40 years in a Guatemalan reserve known as the Maya Biosphere. Guatemala is making the largest land contribution to the reserve, encompassing 27 existing protected areas. Arevalo had already made clear that he would not run an extension of the Maya Train proposed by Mexicos last president through protected areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Mexico, Barcena noted that the 950-mile (1,500-kilometer) train line, which started running in late 2023 and goes in a rough loop around the Yucatan Peninsula, lies outside the new reserves territory. She said her agency was working to alleviate some of the environmental impacts of the train line, in collaboration with companies operated by the Mexican Army, which built a large portion of the rail line and operates the train. To avoid destructive projects in the new reserve, the three governments agreed to create a council made up of environmental authorities, as well as an Indigenous advisory council, Barcena said. Any proposed projects in the reserve would have to pass through them. Some Mexican activists, like Pedro Uc who lives in the Yucatan, remain skeptical of the governments commitment to conservation considering the same political party that brought the Maya Train remains in power in Mexico. Others like Franco are willing to move ahead and keep the pressure on the three governments to maintain their commitments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, Mexico, Guatemala and Belize formed a committee to build a roadmap for the reserve over the next month to define which institutions will be involved, how they participate and how the project is funded, Barcena said. She believes theyll be able to pull together about $6 million to get started. Orantes, her Guatemalan counterpart, laid out the intention: We dont want it to be just anything there, we dont want it to be an international cooperation agenda, nor a business agenda. We want it to be the Maya forest agenda. __ Verza reported from Mexico City. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace is making two stops in the Upstate on Monday as she tries to build support for her gubernatorial campaign from South Carolina Republicans. She starts her Upstate tour in Greenville for her "Mother of All Town Halls" series which so far has included events in Rock Hill and Myrtle Beach. She plans to talk about the cost of living, infrastructure improvements, public safety, and immigration law at Bimini's Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe. US Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) speaks during the Greenville County Republican Party 2025 Convention at the Greenville Convention Center Monday, April 14, 2025. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. before the event's start time at 4 p.m. Tickets are free on Humanitix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mace, who represents the 1st Congressional district, will later speak at a Spartanburg County Republican Women event about her "America First" plan for South Carolina and will take questions from the audience. The Spartanburg event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Citizens and Southern Event Center. General admission tickets are $40. More: About politics: Mace lawsuit dismissed, Haley on Trump tariffs; solicitor enters AG race A look at the governor's race Mace is one of five Republicans competing in the 2026 gubernatorial primary. Her competitors are U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-5th District), Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and State Sen. Josh Kimbrell (R-Spartanburg). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic primary has one declared candidate, Charleston Attorney Mullins McLeod although State. Rep. Jermaine Johnson (D-Richland) is considering a run. A summer poll conducted by the South Carolina Policy Council, a nonprofit research organization that also does legislative advocacy, put Mace as the frontrunner in the Republican primary, with 16% of likely Republican voters saying they support her. Wilson came in close second with 15% of support. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.77%. It is still early in the campaign process, and the candidates who have been in the race the longest have only been officially "in" for about two months. The SCPC poll reported that 52% of surveyed Republican voters are still undecided. Bella Carpentier covers the South Carolina legislature, state, and Greenville County politics. Contact her at bcarpentier@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Mace bringing her gubernatorial campaign to Greenville and Spartanburg Smith and Wesson handguns are displayed during the 2015 NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits on April 10, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Gun owners who want a license to carry a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania would be able to apply at the nearest county sheriffs office, regardless of whether they live in that county, under legislation proposed in the state House. To legally carry a concealed gun outside of a home or fixed place of business, owners must have a valid license issued by the sheriff of the county where they live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen to Peter and Emilys audio recap here: https://penncapital-star.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/22epphCCPweb.mp3 Rep. Zachary Mako (R-Northampton) said Monday he plans to introduce legislation that would make obtaining a concealed carry permit easier for people who live in rural areas where the distance to a neighboring county seat may be less than their own. He said he is proposing the change in response to concerns from a constituent in his Lehigh Valley district. The constituent resides three miles away from the Carbon County line in Northampton County. However, to apply for a conceal carry permit, he would need to travel to his countys sheriff office in Easton, which would be twice the distance, Mako said in a memo seeking cosponsors for the proposed bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Nearly 1.7 million people in the commonwealth hold licenses to concealed carry, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. The number of applications has trended higher over the last decade, according to data reported to the state police by county sheriffs. The number of concealed carry permits has increased from 237,344 in 2015 to a peak of 384,522 in 2021, according to the state police. People older than 21 may apply for a license to carry a concealed firearm on their body or in a vehicle. The process requires applicants to pay a fee and pass a criminal background check. Issuing agencies may take up to 45 days to complete the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a frustrating procedure that many Pennsylvanians face on a daily basis, and it is an unnecessary burden. With my proposed legislation, it would eliminate the inconvenience so that Pennsylvanians, much like my constituent, can apply at a sheriffs office much closer to their primary residence, Mako said. The permits are good for five years. Carrying a concealed firearm without a valid permit is a first-degree misdemeanor if the offender is otherwise eligible for a license. Such an offense carries a fine up to $10,000 and a maximum of five years in prison. Carrying a concealed gun without a license during the commission of another crime becomes a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison. Its also a felony if the offender is ineligible for a permit. Lawmakers have proposed other reforms to Pennsylvanias concealed firearms rules recently. Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Lawrence) earlier this year proposed legislation that would eliminate the requirement to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm throughout the commonwealth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This principle acknowledges that Pennsylvanians have a fundamental constitutional right to keep and bear arms and that no License to Carry a Firearm (LTCF) is currently required for law-abiding citizens to openly carry a firearm throughout Pennsylvania, Bernstine said in a cosponsor memo. Bernstines bill would allow people the ability to optionally obtain a license to carry, so they could also carry a concealed firearm in other states where Pennsylvania permits are recognized. The commonwealth has concealed carry reciprocity agreements with 30 states, including Ohio and West Virginia. The latest was signed in June with Virginia. The legislation was referred to the House Judiciary Committee in February but has not been considered. In case you haven't heard, Donald Trump signed an executive order that effectively put Washington, DC under federal control. He seized authority over the local police and deployed 800 National Guard troops to the city. SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images Trump has declared a "crime emergency" in the city, despite pushback from DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, who argued that while 2023 saw an "unacceptable spike," violent crime is at a 30-year low. And now, Trump's doubling down the 800 National Guard members already on the ground will soon be joined by another 1,100-plus troops from Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio. So, what does this all look like for DC residents right now? This past week, Rob Perez a Navy vet, DC resident, and running content creator decided to find out the old-fashioned way: by lacing up his sneakers and hitting the streets. His video documenting what's going on blew up with over 10 million views and nearly 2 million likes, giving everyone watching this all unfold at home a front-row seat to what's going down in the city. "I'm about to go on a run here through DC and show you what it looks like now that the Trump administration has sent in the National Guard and federalized our police force," he began in the viral clip. Before setting off, he just gave a glimpse of his own block, pointing out the rows of police and federal vehicles lined up outside: "We've got police right here," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is Border Patrol." Related: "This Is Deeply Fascist": People Are Floored That This Banner Was Actually Placed On A Government Building In DC "And then these are some unmarked vehicles." "As well as more Border Patrol." Following that group of cars, he made his way to Union Station. "Here is what the scene looks like," he said, panning to military vehicles lined up out front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Kind of a weird scene here, but we've got three of these military trucks sitting behind me." Rob then headed in the direction of the Capitol, where he heard what sounded like protesters. "There's a bunch of whistles blowing as well as a bunch of sirens coming up the street it sounds like." "Not sure what building this is, but it turns out it's megaphones and pots and pans, and they're trying to disturb whatever building this is," he continued. (It's the Fox News building, which I presume is what the protest was for.) Google Maps Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he ran, Rob emphasized that he's not trying to create a narrative, but let viewers decide for themselves their reaction and feelings. "Just to be 100% clear, none of these videos are meant for, like, fear-mongering, not trying to scare anyone. I just simply wanna show you what it looks like. And obviously, draw your own conclusions," he said, adding that if he spots something that's an obvious safety risk for DC residents, he'll call it out. He continued, running toward Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. "In front of me, I have about eight agents along with police." Related: Donald Trump Just Shared A Very Ominous Post, And People Are Calling It "One Of The Worst Statements Ever Made By A Sitting US President" "We got Border Patrol, Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and one that just says federal agent," he said, documenting the different federal agents in front of him. He then panned to protesters. One screamed, "Get the f*ck out of my city." And another, "Get out of my home. Your mother never loved you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then witnessed a group of border patrol and police stop two men for smoking weed. From there, Rob shared what he saw from bystanders near the federal agents patrolling the streets. "Just in the few blocks that I walked alongside those federal agents, the number of scared reactions that I saw from people of color that were walking just down the street, minding their business, was insane," he said. "Just to give you an example, a Black mother and her son [were] walking down the street," Rob continued. "The second they turned the corner and saw the agents walking towards them, she immediately grabbed her son's hand and told him, 'When you see these people out here walking around, you're gonna hold my hand, 'cause I want them to know that you're mine and you're not out here causing trouble. 'Cause we don't want any trouble with them.'" "It was truly just so disheartening to see," Rob said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rob then made his way past the White House to see if there were any protests. There wasn't, so he headed to the George Washington Campus, which he said previously had "heavy presence" earlier in the night. "Not so much anymore, there's a couple individuals hanging out by some of the tents that are normally here, so I'm gonna go see what's being said there," he continued. @r.oh.bee / Via tiktok.com Related: "America, You Are In Grave Danger": The Internet Is VERY Worried About Donald Trump's Disturbing Latest Move Outside near the campus, where some people who are unhoused stay, Rob said, "I don't necessarily want to show faces, but one person was picked up here by a shelter van that took him to a local shelter, as opposed to being surrounded here in Washington Circle by a bunch of federal agents." As part of his federal takeover of policing in the city, Trump said people who are unhoused will be moved out of the city. "The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital," he wrote on a Truth Social post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But how exactly he plans to do that has not been clear, and advocates argue that rounding up people's belongings and kicking them out without certainty on where they can go is not the best strategy, especially because there are not enough shelter beds for everyone being pushed out. Rob observed that there seemed to be confusion among the different agencies about who is actually in charge of enforcing unhoused people out of the city. "For example, at that location, DC police was putting up a bunch of notices on all the tents letting people know that they do have to leave the area," he said. Rob explained that some agents seemingly would show up and honor the notice and move on, but others would try to re-intervene, causing confusion. "[It] sounds like some of the other agencies would show up and basically ignore the notice and start asking people, 'Hey do you have somewhere you can go right now? You gotta go,'" he said. "It wasn't forceful, but I'm sure it's definitely causing some confusion amongst the unhoused people here." At the end of his run (and the end of his video), Rob headed into a Wawa for a drink. Inside, he overheard two police officers as they got a notification saying that they are now allowed to ask the immigration status of people they detain. "They looked at each other and immediately shook their heads," he said. "And then one of them said, 'That ain't my job.' That just tells me that the police here even feel like it's an overreach." Rob said his goal was mostly to just report the facts of what was happening on his run, and let people come to their own conclusions after watching. But in the comments, people did not hold back their opinions. The majority were overwhelmingly shocked and scared by what Rob shared. "As a Brazilian, trust me: when the military is on the streets you're in a dictatorship," a top comment read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This isn't normal. This is what a dictatorship country looks like," another echoed. "This is so dystopian...Handmaids tale is coming true ," this person said. "in handmaid's tale, DC was first....." another read. "All that money... border patrol is how far from any border??" one wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Because America can't afford health care but we can afford this," another said. Some applauded Rob for using his privilege for good. "Using your privilege to spy, I see you ," one wrote. Related: Gavin Newsom Has Been Roasting MAGA Left And Right, And WOW, Is It Entertaining Rob told BuzzFeed, for him, that's partially the point. "I recognize that I am a white man and am privileged because of that. I am able to go unbothered by police and unquestioned because of the way that I look," he said. He said this is not the first time he went out and documented what's going on in DC from a citizen perspective he also went out during Trump's inauguration and the parade for the 250th anniversary of the Army, which was also Trump's birthday. "I ran all over the city to record and document how people were feeling and what the energy and vibes were like," he told BuzzFeed when he went out on inauguration day. He said he mostly saw extreme reactions and incidents reported in the media, so he wanted to see what was happening for himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 250th military parade, Rob said he went as a photographer, but also as a quiet protester, wearing a "FDT" (F*** Donald Trump) T-shirt. "I walked right through the security checkpoints with my cameras, and no one cared, even though I was clearly walking into an event that was full of Trump supporters," he told BuzzFeed. Rob said he was even given a special access pass when he arrived, despite his shirt. "This just reinforced that I can go just about anywhere unbothered, so I plan to continue to do that as DC goes through all of this with Trump in office." He also shared that while he runs because it's what he makes content about, it's also the easiest and lowest risk for his own security. "It's just me and a cellphone. No bicycle, no car, nothing. So I breeze past police and security around these types of events." Rob said he also wants people to understand what's going on in DC because of its unique position, which is vulnerable to federal control. DC is a congressionally established federal district not a state allowing Trump to overtake the police force and federalize the city. "We aren't a state; we don't get representation in the Senate. We have a non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives. We pay more federal taxes per person than any of the actual 50 states. Then, to add on top of all of this, since the most recent Trump admin, [60,000+] federal jobs have been cut majority of which have been here in DC." Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images "I have seen comments where people say that we should vote against these things, not realizing that we don't get those votes in Congress," he said. "I am more just hoping that people get a deeper understanding of how DC is so different at a government level, which intensifies everything that happens here under Trump, and while we have federal agents and the military walking our streets." Overall, Rob said the response to his videos has been positive, and he welcomes all opinions. "Some of the most common comments I get are something to the effect of, 'Thank you for showing us this from your perspective.' And that was the whole goal, so it has been a success to share these videos." In a way, Rob's also helping by being a voice for those in DC who don't feel they can speak up right now. "Lots of DC [residents] work for the government, or are contractors for the government. With that, most DC residents can't go out and speak freely about how they feel with all of this going on. They could lose their job," he told BuzzFeed. "It's tough to know that the people that are working for our country every day, don't even get to go share their opinion," he shared. "The 'freedom' of being an American is being taken away from the people who show up every day to protect it. It's just weird." Personally, as someone living across the country in California, Im grateful for people like Rob who are openly going out of their way to share whats happening in DC and how people are feeling. In a time when it often seems we arent being shown the full truth, that kind of perspective feels more important than ever. At the end of the day, as cities like LA and DC have shown us, its the people who have to come together and persist. Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images And as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote in April 1963 from a Birmingham jail, where he was held for leading nonviolent protests against segregation: "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments. Also in In the News: "I Am So Torn With What You Are Doing" 11 Posts From MAGA Business Owners Who Are So Close To Getting It Also in In the News: 19 Trump Voters Are Reacting To The Rumors That Trump Wants To Run In 2028 Also in In the News: Trump Thought Alaska Was Russia, And The Internet Is Having An Absolute Field Day With It Read it on BuzzFeed.com EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) Habitat for Humanity Evansville celebrated the opening of its new volunteer center with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday. The new facility is on Maxwell Avenue. This also marks the launch of a partnership with Ivy Tech to combine housing construction with workforce development. The new volunteer center will serve as a hub for activities, education and more. Certain parts of habitat homes can also be built inside at the center helping to avoid weather delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) A picture says a thousand words. For 92-year-old Navy Veteran Duane Hoffman, stacks of photo albums tell his life story. I turned 18 when I was a senior in high school, so I got a draft card, Hoffman said. So I was going to be drafted. And, of course, a couple of my other classmates got the same deal going. I wanted to go into the Air Force, the other two wanted to go in the Navy, and I said, Okay, Ill go into the Navy with you.' HPD gives new details on missing 25-year-old man Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to join the Navy led Hoffman to spend more time behind the camera than in front of it. He said they got to pick a school to attend following Navy boot camp, in which he chose an airman school in Jacksonville, Florida. From there, he said he also chose to go to a photography school in Pensacola, Florida. As a graduate of aerial photography, I got assigned to a permanent station up in Washington, D.C., at a naval photographic center. Thats where it all got started, Hoffman said. He served as a naval photographer from 1951 to 1955. Knowing that I was standing right next to the flight deck, taking all kinds of 35 millimeter movie film of aircraft within 30 feet of me, catching those tailhooks on these cables, Hoffman said. And, I got to thinking, Hey, it was a little dangerous.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navy pilot rescued after ejecting from jet off Virginia coast Hoffman said the decision to join the military changed his life forever. After being discharged, he took advantage of the GI bill, formally known as the Servicemans Readjustment Act of 1944. This helped him obtain a college degree in aeronautical engineering. That degree eventually brought him to Huntsville, where he had the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream. Ive always been attached in one way or another to airplanes. I built little model airplanes when I was 10 years old, and I always wanted to build my own airplane, Hoffman said. And I did it. I built my own airplane right here in Huntsville, Alabama. The reward you give to yourself for doing that, and flying a piece of equipment you built yourself, is just amazing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffman now fills his days building model airplanes, recreating memories through drawings and tending to his laundry list of rare hobbies. His secret to living a fulfilling life? Maintaining a dream that youre always reaching for. Always have an objective. Something out there, something you want to achieve. You may not achieve it. That achievement point may move out on you, and you need to make another one. But, somehow, you need a point out there thats something you want to do and keep working at it, Hoffman said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Governor Spencer J. Cox (R-Utah) defended Utah Senate President Stuart Adams after several reports claimed he used his power to help a relative receive a more favorable sentence in a criminal child rape case. During his monthly press conference on Thursday, Cox stated that he was unaware that a family member would be involved in the revision of the bill. I had no idea this was impacting someone in his family, Cox said. I think it was appropriate for the top person in the Senate not to weigh in on this bill which is exactly what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, the Salt Lake Tribune first reported that the legislature changed the law about unlawful sexual conduct with minors following a suggestion from Adams. The law now allows for 18-year-olds to receive lesser sentencing for sexual conduct with 13-year-olds if the 18-year-old is still in high school. Democrats call for Utah Senate President to resign after reports that he abused power in child rape case Cox said if he knew this bill was impacting someone in Senator Adams family, it may have changed the way he reacted to the bill. Speaking about Republican lawmakers who claimed they didnt know the real intent behind the bill, Cox said, Anyone who says they dont know what was in the bill is lying or not a good legislator. It is true the bill was brought at the end of the legislative session, but it was known about far before. Before the legislature, groups were working together to review it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox said the question of whether the bill was the right policy was a close call. Maybe its not the right policy. But now that we have the opportunity to reflect on it. I have lots of reasons to get upset with Stuart Adams. This was not one of them, he continued. Adams has responded to the calls for him to resign, calling the reports false information and blatant lies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 total of 53% of Ukrainians predict that in 10 years, Ukraine will become a prosperous member of the European Union. Source: results of a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, conducted in late July-early August, reports European Pravda Details: The study shows that overall 53% consider it rather or very likely that in 10 years Ukraine will be a prosperous EU member state. Those who see this as rather or completely unlikely make up 40%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, sociologists conducted an experiment: respondents were read different scenario conditions, after which they were asked how likely they thought it was that, in 10 years, Ukraine would be a prosperous country within the European Union. These groups were: read a scenario where Ukraine has no reliable external security guarantees and must rely solely on its own forces; read a scenario where Europe provides steady support to Ukraine; not read any additional clarifying text. It turned out that extra information about the need to rely on ones own strength or about stable support from Europe had practically no effect on the assessment of likelihood of a prosperous future in 10 years. Regardless of the scenarios, half (51-55%) consider a successful future likely, while 39-49% hold pessimistic expectations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since October 2022, sociologists had observed a steady decline in the share of those who held an optimistic view of Ukraines future. In December 2024, however, a majority (57%) still believed that in 10 years Ukraine would be a prosperous EU member state. Between December 2024 and May-June 2025, significant shifts in public mood occurred, and only 43% assessed the countrys future optimistically. Now there is once again a certain rise in optimism. Background: Another survey showed that more than 50% of Ukrainians believe in the possibility of EU accession within the next 10 years, although the share of optimists regarding a quick accession has decreased for the second year in a row. Also, the overwhelming majority of Ukrainian citizens, as before, consider Europe a reliable ally of Ukraine, while attitudes towards the United States have varied depending on statements by President Donald Trump. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Hamas gunmen entered an IDF post near Khan Yunis from a tunnel 40 to 50 meters away, with cameras disabled and no lookouts on that side, wounding three soldiers before 15 attackers were killed. On Wednesday, Hamas fighters penetrated an IDF military defensive position around Khan Yunis. Although in the end, only three IDF soldiers were wounded and 15 Hamas terrorists were killed, and the military regained control of the position relatively rapidly, the very fact of Hamas penetrating deep into the position 22 months after the IDF thought it had learned the lessons of being overconfident on defense on October 7, 2023 has shaken the defense establishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did Hamas pull it off? The first piece is the tunnel from which the Hamas forces surprised the IDF. It was only 40-50 meters from the position, which the IDF said left them essentially no response time to block them from penetrating the position. Israeli soldiers walk out from a tunnel underneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip, June 8, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun) This answer raises several additional questions. How could it be 22 months into the war and with so much of Gaza destroyed by the IDF that they missed a tunnel so close to the position? Here, some modesty is required. IDF targeting of Hamas's tunnel system While the first few months of the war, and even the first year or so of the war, saw IDF and political echelon declarations of having destroyed 80% of the tunnels in one area or another, over time it became clear that these statements were either disconnected from reality or skipped over an important nuance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly all of Hamass strategic tunnels tunnels for moving large objects and supplies between different regions of Gaza, as well as for hiding communications, intelligence, and weapons development bases were destroyed in 2024 (though one more large one was found this April). However, no one knows how many small tactical tunnels there are or were for the movement of small numbers of Hamas forces within a localized area and only a few months ago, a guess was given that the IDF had possibly only destroyed 25% of these. Next, the IDF has only taken over 75% of Gaza territory since the May-July period. So the war over 75% of small tunnels in 75% of Gaza really only started in the last couple of months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means that, if anything, the IDF should expect Hamas to have small tunnels near most of its new forward Gaza positions. Incidentally, the IDF said that around two months before, there had been inspections of the area and portions of tunnels related to the attack tunnel used by Hamas had been dealt with, but apparently not completely, or the particular portion of the network of tunnels had not been dealt with. Still, why didnt soldiers standing at the top of the position and its trenches fire on the approaching Hamas invaders during the 40-50 meter run? Maybe some of the Hamas invaders still would have gotten in, but maybe some would have been hit, and others may have been slowed down and easier to pin down just as they were penetrating. No IDF shots fired until Hamas starts firing Instead, not a single shot was fired until Hamas started firing on soldiers within the position after they had already penetrated unhindered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It turns out that the IDF was using only electronic surveillance to cover the particular defensive area. There were no lookouts posted over the particular approach. Hamas may even have other tunnels near this position. Still, clearly, given that under the doctrine of taking over Gaza territory, soldiers are now supposed to remain in stationary positions much of the time, the terrorist group had enough opportunities to carry out surveillance to see that this side of the position was unwatched by human eyes. According to the IDF, Hamas shot and destroyed the surveillance cameras, and whoever was watching these cameras did not react fast enough to alert the soldiers in the position. This is already far more problematic than the tunnel problem, because it is true and continuous negligence in leaning too much on electronic surveillance and defenses. Pre-October 7 thought process Oh, and Hamas has only tried this kind of an attack once in Beit Hanun, so no reason to be on guard for it, right? Sounds like pre-October 7 thinking? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next big question is why the IDF in this position was not on extra alert given that military sources have confirmed that there were extra suspicious movements in the area around the position in the last three days. Apparently, IDF sources say that they had responded to the suspicious movements by setting up ambushes, but not in the right place. Translation: the IDF thought that it was invincible in its inner perimeter near the position and could not imagine Hamas trying to invade, so it set up ambushes farther out, thinking it would catch Hamas long before it got near the position. Invincible on the inner perimeter sounds like October 7 thinking? Other details have now also been revealed: how one tank killed several terrorists inside the base, including running over a Hamas fighter who was firing off rounds of rocket-propelled grenades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, while multiple operatives of Hamas penetrated the position in different spots and invaded different structures inside without any resistance, as soon as terrorists started firing on IDF soldiers, there was not much delay in responding. Soldiers were returning fire within seconds or minutes, depending on where they were located within the position. The most serious part of the fighting, starting at 9:00 a.m., was over within around 20 minutes, though it took around three hours to fully eliminate the 15 Hamas fighters, half of whom were spread out surrounding the position and firing mortars. What this incident shows is that anytime you put soldiers down in a stagnant position near or around enemy territory, they are vulnerable. And anytime officers do not sit on the soldiers regularly to stay alert and rely on technology for basic defenses, they are vulnerable. And, if a war drags on for long enough, any lesson soldiers learned two years before, or even a month before no matter how grave can be easily forgotten. New Hampshire mother shot husband, 2 kids to death before turning gun on herself, AG says Autopsy results released by investigators in New Hampshire revealed new details on a murder-suicide in a small town that left a mother, a father, and their two young children dead earlier this week. Attorney General John M. Formella, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall, and Madbury Police Chief Joseph McGann announced Thursday that autopsies had been completed on 48-year-old Ryan Long, 34-year-old Emily Long, 8-year-old Parker Long, and 6-year-old Ryan Long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associate Chief Medical Examiner Abigail Alexander determined that both children were shot in the head, ruling their deaths homicides, officials said. Chief Medical Examiner Jennie V. Duval determined Ryan Long died from multiple gunshots and that Emily Long died by suicide from a single gunshot wound to the head. It appears that in the early morning hours of Monday, August 18, 2025, Ms. Long took a handgun from the home and caused the deaths of Ryan Long and her two children, Parker and Ryan, and then took her own life immediately thereafter, Formellas office said in a statement. The Long family was found shot to death inside their home on Moharimet Drive in Madbury shortly before 8:30 p.m. Monday, Formellas office said. A third child, a toddler, was found alive in the home and suffered no physical injuries. Madbury, located in Strafford County, is home to fewer than 2,000 people, according to a recent census. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AGs office added, While investigators are becoming aware of various concerns/issues ongoing in the household at the time of the event in question, people should avoid speculating that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor. There were no additional details immediately 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 Key Points Sea Limited has prospered by leading the way in three different segments of tech. Strategic missteps and struggles in its gaming segment weighed on the stock. The company is making a comeback as all three of its business segments return to growth. 10 stocks we like better than Sea Limited As the largest e-commerce and fintech company in Southeast Asia, Sea Limited (NYSE: SE) may not be on the radar of most U.S. investors. That's understandable, as most of its business takes place in seven Southeast Asian countries and Brazil. Even though investors may know its popular mobile game Free Fire, they may not associate it with this company. That could change as they become aware of the stock's 130% price gain over the last year. With the struggles of two of its business segments mostly behind the company, it might be a good time to consider buying Sea Limited shares as it continues to move higher. Image source: Getty Images. What is Sea Limited? Sea Limited is a tech conglomerate made up of three business segments. Its original business, gaming company Garena, develops online games and organizes and hosts esports events. Although most of its business takes place in Southeast Asia, its games are available worldwide. Its two other segments, e-commerce company Shopee and fintech enterprise Monee, work in conjunction with one another and separately. Shopee is the leading e-commerce company in Southeast Asia, while Monee is a major player in Southeast Asian fintech. Along with helping customers buy on Shopee, Monee provides mobile wallet, payment processing, credit, banking, and Insurtech services in Shopee's major markets. These three businesses drove massive stock gains during the pandemic's height. Although Monee's business has remained solid, the pandemic's wind-down contributed to the failure of Shopee's European and Latin American expansion efforts. Consequently, it mostly pulled out of all of these markets, except for Brazil. Shopee has since taken cues from Amazon and MercadoLibre, investing in logistics to bolster its competitive advantage. The end of the pandemic's height also led to fewer people playing Garena games, and a ban on Free Fire in India worsened its slump. Fortunately, the company has revived the popularity of Free Fire, particularly in India, where the country's government recently lifted the ban on Free Fire. Consequently, the Garena segment has returned to growth. Sea Limited's financials Now that all three segments are back in growth mode, the company's financials and stock are moving in the right direction. MADBURY, N.H. (WPRI) A shooting that left four people dead inside a Madbury, New Hampshire, home earlier this week has been ruled a murder-suicide. The New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office said Emily Long, 34, is believed to have shot and killed her husband and two of her children before turning the gun on herself. State police responded to the home on Moharimet Drive around 8:30 p.m. Monday for a report of several people who were dead, the AGs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BACKGROUND: 2 adults, 2 children found dead in New Hampshire home Upon arrival, troopers found the bodies of Long, her husband, 48-year-old Ryan Long, their son, 8-year-old Parker Long, and their daughter, 6-year-old Ryan Long. They were all pronounced dead at the scene. A third child, a toddler, was also found at the scene alive and unharmed, according to the AGs office. They are now in the care of other family members. Ryan Long worked as a school psychologist in the Oyster River Cooperative School District. The Oyster River Cooperative School District community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of four community members. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time, Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have partnered with local school districts and organizations to provide mental health support for our students and their families, and our staff, Shaps continued. As we prepare for the coming school year, our commitment remains to the well-being of our students, staff, and their families. The incident remains under investigation. If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek immediate help: Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text or chat 988 BH Link: Rhode Islanders can call 401-414-LINK (5465) Kids Link RI: Parents can call 1-855-543-5465 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. DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS: US Ambassador Mike Huckabee speaks to the 'Post' on Judea and Samaria, Syria, antisemitism, and the US's special relationship with Israel. On the large wooden desk in the office of US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, taking pride of place is a glass-enclosed mezuzah case in the shape of a B-2 bomber built out of shrapnel from an Iranian missile that fell during the June war with Israel. It is the same design that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu handed to US President Donald Trump during his visit to the White House last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bombers were instrumental as the US joined Israel in targeting Iranian nuclear sites, dropping huge 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs on the Fordow and Natanz facilities. For Huckabee, the mezuzah is emblematic of the special relationship between the US and Israel, a relationship that, despite its ups and downs over the decades, has perhaps never been stronger or more strategically aligned than it is today. If you came to my home tonight for dinner and said, Mike, I like you. Youre a great guy. But we cant stand your wife, we think shes awful, the first thing Id do is tell you to get your rear end up and get out of my house. You cannot come in and tell me you love me but cant stand my partner. Insulting my partner is insulting me, Huckabee explained when asked about the special relationship between the two nations. HUCKABEE SAT down with The Jerusalem Post for an exclusive interview after 100 days in office one of Americas most consequential diplomatic postings. Here, he sits with the writers. (credit: Chen Schimmel/The Jerusalem Post) Sitting down with The Jerusalem Post for an exclusive interview after 100 days in office, the ambassador emphasized the urgency of current challenges, which converge in ways that define his approach to one of Americas most consequential diplomatic postings. His tenure comes at a pivotal moment when the Middle East is reshaping itself, antisemitism is rising globally, and the US-Israel partnership faces both unprecedented opportunities and familiar pressures. Judea and Samaria When it comes to the contentious issue of Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, Huckabee, long known as a staunch supporter of the view that Judea and Samaria are an integral part of Israel, made it clear that Israel is a sovereign nation that will make its own decisions. His position reflects both personal conviction and official policy, though hes careful to distinguish between the two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats really not the presidents style, Huckabee stated on potential US pressure regarding annexation. He may express his own opinions, but he has not waded into the waters of saying, you ought to annex this or that. He just hasnt. I think he respects that Israel is a sovereign country. This hands-off approach represents a significant shift from previous administrations that often viewed American influence as essential in shaping Israeli territorial decisions. Under Trumps leadership, Huckabee suggested, the relationship has evolved toward greater respect for Israeli autonomy in matters of national security and territorial integrity. In his first term, the administration was very clear that it is not a violation of international law for Israelis to live in Judea and Samaria, the ambassador told the Post. That was a very clear doctrine of the first Trump term. But beyond that, the US has not taken a position on what Israel should do. It should make its own decisions. When pressed about whether this view means there is no explicit dont from the administration regarding annexation, Huckabees response was characteristically measured: Im not familiar with whether they would or would not. It was a diplomatic answer that nevertheless suggested that the traditional American role as a restraining influence may be diminishing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ambassadors language choices were deliberate and revealing. He consistently used the biblical terms Judea and Samaria rather than the more politically neutral West Bank, explaining that many in the administration prefer this terminology because of its historical and religious significance. Theyre historic terms, Huckabee voiced with conviction. They reflect 3,500 years of geography. Eighty percent of the Bible happened in Judea and Samaria. For a former Baptist minister turned diplomat, this framing isnt merely political its deeply personal and theological, reflecting a worldview that sees modern Israel as the continuation of an ancient biblical narrative. From his office in the US Embassy in Jerusalem, Huckabee can literally see the manifestation of one of the Trump administrations most dramatic Middle East policy shifts. The embassys relocation from Tel Aviv in 2018, following President Trumps recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital, remains one of the most symbolically significant American foreign policy moves in decades. The Trump administration has made huge changes on the ground, Huckabee said, gesturing around his Jerusalem office. Were sitting in it right now. The emotional weight of that decision continues to resonate with him, particularly given his personal involvement in its genesis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was an emotional day. I was at the White House and had a chance to have a one-on-one with him in the Oval Office. It was just the two of us, and I asked, Mr. President, why did you do it? Everyone told you not to. Ill never forget his answer. Classic President Trump. He just said, Because I said I would, and its the right thing to do. This anecdote encapsulates what Huckabee sees as Trumps approach to Israel policy principled, decisive, and unswayed by conventional diplomatic wisdom or international pressure. The embassy move was more than symbolic politics; it represented a fundamental shift in how America views the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Jerusalems status. By recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital and moving the embassy there, the Trump administration effectively endorsed Israeli sovereignty over the city, breaking with decades of American policy, although then-US secretary of state Rex Tillerson clarified that Trumps statement did not indicate any final status for Jerusalem and was very clear that the final status, including the borders, would be left to the two parties to negotiate and decide. Syria and the Abraham Accords future As regional dynamics continue to evolve, Huckabee sees both challenges and opportunities emerging from Syrias changing political landscape since the fall of former strongman Bashar al-Assad last December. The situation there has become particularly complex since the new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, began targeting Druze minority areas, creating tensions with Israel and raising humanitarian concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no value in a hostile border, Huckabee stated when asked about recent Israeli-Syrian tensions, particularly regarding the Druze minority community. It doesnt help Israel. It doesnt help Syria. Its not good for the region. Israel doesnt want conflict with Syria. Neither does Israel want to take over Syrian territory. They just want to defend themselves and ensure a secure border. Huckabee emphasized that American policy remains focused on protecting vulnerable communities while encouraging peaceful resolution of disputes. The United States has been very, very adamant that we want to make sure Druze and other minority groups are protected. That theyre not going to be slaughtered, he explained with evident concern. Its a grave concern to us, because we have a lot of admiration for and support of the Druze community. But we also see other minority groups in Syria, and we have a full expectation that they will not be abused, slaughtered, or targeted. The ambassadors warning is a necessary one: any government action placing minority communities at risk would be a disaster. He added with emphasis, I think the president cares very deeply about there being a peaceful future in Syria. He has no interest in seeing people slaughtered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This humanitarian concern intersects with broader strategic thinking about regional normalization with Israel. As others have mentioned since the regime change, Huckabee suggested that Syria could become one of the next Abraham Accord countries, despite current tensions. Its very fragile right now; I wont pretend it isnt. The possibility seems remote given current circumstances, but Huckabees optimism reflects his broader faith in the Abraham Accords transformative potential. Reflecting on those historic agreements, Huckabee emphasized their fundamental purpose. The Abraham Accords were all about bringing normalization so that you would de-escalate tension, he said. The results, he argued, speak for themselves. If you think about what the Abraham Accords did, they took nations that had been, at best, tense, some even enemies, and brought them together. They normalized relations, signed trade and tourism agreements, and created conditions for cooperation that had never before been envisioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This success, in Huckabees view, demonstrates that regional peace doesnt require resolving every outstanding dispute first. This is about individual nations making a compact with Israel for normalization, he explained. While Gaza is the immediate focus, normalization can continue in parallel. If other countries would come on board now, it would be wonderful. It doesnt have to depend on something else. The New York challenge From his seat in Jerusalem, Huckabee watches American domestic politics with growing concern, particularly regarding antisemitisms rise in major American cities. The possibility that Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, who in the past has called to globalize the intifada, might be elected as New York Citys next mayor deeply troubles him. It disturbs me greatly that someone with a long history of antisemitic comments and behavior would be elected in a city with such a large Jewish population, Huckabee told the Post bluntly. His concern extends beyond one candidate to what he sees as a broader pattern of tolerance for antisemitism in American urban centers. If that continues, there ought to be a big billboard on the outskirts of New York saying: Would the last person who leaves please turn out the lights on your way to Florida, or maybe on your way to Israel if you make aliyah? The ambassadors dark humor masked genuine alarm about Americas ability to protect its Jewish citizens and maintain its values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This domestic challenge particularly galls Huckabee because he sees it as fundamentally at odds with American principles. It makes no sense. Its irrational, hurtful, and disgusting to me, he said with evident frustration. Youd think wed be better than that. I hope things change, dramatically and for the better. The problem extends beyond politics to education, where Huckabee sees university campuses as particularly problematic. My kids are grown now, but Ive got grandkids coming up, he noted personally. I wouldnt spend a nickel to send them to one of these schools that tolerate hatred of Jewish people. His solution is characteristically direct: economic pressure. I hope more parents will take the same approach. When that happens, and when donors stop giving money, maybe it will finally get their attention and force change. Some campuses, he believes, may already be lost, but market forces could still drive institutional reform. European blunders Huckabee, however, reserved his harshest criticism for European leaders, whom he accused of undermining negotiations by threatening unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, which, in essence, rewards Hamas for October 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you have all these European nations saying, Israels not going to have a ceasefire, were going to go ahead and unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, what do you think that did with Hamas? It emboldened them. It empowered them. And thats when [hostage deal] negotiations were over right then, Huckabee told the Post. The ambassador also noted the distinct contrast in recent months between European and Arab positions, praising the Arab League for unanimously calling on Hamas to completely disarm and let all the hostages go at once during the same week, European leaders were pressuring Israel and announcing declarations to recognize a Palestinian state. While acknowledging ongoing pressure from various parties, including Qatars recent reengagement in Cairo negotiations, Huckabee expressed skepticism about Hamass willingness to compromise. Hamas is not a nation-state. Theyre a terror organization, he said. Any expectation that theyre going to behave like civilized people other than savages is quite optimistic. When asked by the Post about the role Egypt and Qatar have played in negotiations, the ambassador was forthcoming, stating, I think theres been a lot more pressure than maybe people realize. Im not sure why Qatar hasnt been more involved, although they would probably claim to have been very involved. They just went to Cairo to re-engage in negotiations. Egypt has been very engaged. Egypt has been, I think, very instrumental in moving things as much as anyone can. And it was to Qatari and Egyptian mediators that Hamas turned on Monday, reportedly agreeing to the latest Gaza hostage-ceasefire proposal. As of press time, the ball is currently in Israels court as it weighs whether to agree or not. The unshakable alliance Returning to the status of the US-Israel relationship, when confronted with voices in the United States calling for Washington to scale back its ties with Israel, Huckabee responded with characteristic directness. There are voices in Congress, particularly on the far Left, that are openly hostile to Israel, he admitted. In many cases, it goes beyond criticism of the Israeli government. Its outright antisemitism. Its concerning. But I dont think it represents a frightening level of influence. This assessment reflects both optimism about the relationships fundamental strength and realism about domestic political pressures. Huckabees confidence stems partly from his understanding of how deeply integrated American and Israeli institutions have become. Israel is a unique partner, unlike any other, he emphasized. We share not only technology and intelligence at a seamless level, but also the same threats. Most people would be shocked to learn how integrated our governments are when it comes to counterterrorism and intelligence sharing. This integration extends far beyond what most Americans understand about the relationship. The two nations collaborate on everything from cybersecurity to space technology, from medical research to agricultural innovation. Their intelligence agencies work so closely that threats to one are immediately shared with the other, creating a kind of strategic nervous system that benefits both countries security. The depth of Huckabees commitment to the US-Israel relationship sometimes draws criticism, but he wears such accusations as a badge of honor rather than a diplomatic liability. Sometimes I get accused of sounding more like the Israeli ambassador to the US than the US ambassador to Israel, he acknowledged with a slight smile. I tell them, when someone insults Americas closest partner, I take it as an insult to the United States. Because youve insulted the country we are closer to than any other on earth. The mezuzah in the glass case on his desk is proof of that. Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced Thursday she will embark on a book tour across 15 cities, including in the United Kingdom and Canada, for her memoir titled 107 Days. The book on her presidential run is set to go on sale Sept. 23, and Harris will start her tour Sept. 24 in New York City. The next day, she will travel to Philadelphia, followed by Los Angeles. In October, the former vice president will travel to Houston; San Francisco; Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Durham, N.C.; Birmingham, Ala.; and London for her first international stop. She will then make stops in Portland, Ore.; Toronto for her second international stop, Nashville, Tenn.; and end the tour in Miami on Nov. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Washington, her book conversation Oct. 9 will take place at the Warner Theatre, and in her home city of San Francisco, her book conversation will be Oct. 5 at The Masonic Auditorium. Harris and her publisher, Simon & Schuster, announced in July that she would release 107 Days to offer insights into her campaign against President Trump. Harris launched her presidential campaign in late July 2024, days after then-President Biden announced he would no longer seek a second term amid intense pressure from Democrats on him to drop out. Harris rejuvenated the Democratic base and donors, but she ultimately lost to Trump by a decisive margin in November. The former vice president announced in July that she will not run for governor of California in 2026, putting an end to speculation that she would seek her states top executive role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) New Haven officials responded to a body in the water in the area of East Shore Park on Wednesday afternoon. Body of missing man recovered from Candlewood Lake identified: DEEP The individual was pronounced dead at the scene with no evident signs of trauma, according to an X post that the New Haven Police Department posted at 3:23 p.m. The cause and manner of death are unknown at this time, pending an autopsy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not released further information at this time. 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. Justice Lisa Holder White and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Fifteenth Circuit Associate Judge John D. Hay as resident circuit judge of Jo Daviess County, a news release says. Close up of gavel on sounding block next to scale of justice. With American flag in reflection of scale. Hay is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Resident Circuit Judge Kevin J. Ward. The appointment of Hay is effective Sept. 2 and will conclude on Dec. 7, 2026. Throughout his legal career, Judge Hay has demonstrated exceptional legal ability, a strong commitment toward the betterment of his community, and the temperament we expect of someone privileged to serve as a judge, White said. He is perfectly suited for this position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hay has been an associate judge in the Fifteenth Circuit since being appointed to that position in 2021. Prior to joining the bench, Hay was the states attorney of Jo Daviess County from 2012 to 2021 where he served as chief law enforcement officer in the county. From 2007 to 2012 he was an assistant states attorney in the Stephenson County States Attorneys Office. It is an honor to be appointed to the position of Resident Circuit Judge of Jo Daviess County, Hay said. It is a privilege and responsibility I do not take lightly. I promise to serve with hard work and integrity, ensuring each person is treated with fairness and respect. I want to thank Justice Holder White and the selection committee for their confidence in me and giving me this opportunity. Hay earned his bachelor of science degree from Northern Illinois University and earned his Juris Doctor from the Northern Illinois University College of Law. His professional affiliations include the Jo Daviess County Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Illinois Judges Association. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO A federal judge has sentenced a Hazel Crest man to nearly six years in prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $550,000 in small business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Thursday. In 2020 and 2021, Christopher Scott participated in fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL)two sources of relief under the CARES Act, the prosecutor said. Scott, 46, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal wire fraud charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott submitted to lenders and the U.S. Small Business Administration numerous applications on behalf of non-existent or non-operating businesses. The applications contained false statements and misrepresentations concerning, among other things, the purported businesses revenues, payrolls, and operating expenses, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. The fraud scheme caused lenders and the SBA to disburse more than $550,000 in loans to Scott. Scott and others used the loan proceeds on personal expenses, including numerous purchases at luxury retailers Tiffany & Co., Jared Jewelers, Von Maur, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo sentenced Scott to five years and ten months in federal prison and ordered him to pay $567,333 in restitution. Hazel Crest Man Used $550K From COVID Loans On Luxury Buys, Gets 6 Years: U.S. Atty originally appeared on the Homewood-Flossmoor Patch To celebrate Black Business Month, Capital B Atlanta is profiling innovative entrepreneurs during the month of August. With a company mantra of Building a Better Environment, Building a Better Community, The Dragon Group wants to put Atlanta at the forefront of green innovation in the construction space. Launched in 2014, married co-founders Yvonne and Randall Dragon saw an opportunity to support communities impacted by climate change, gentrification, and rising building costs with a company specializing in sustainability consulting and project management for the commercial real estate industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission is to restore, enhance communities while fighting climate change and exposing Black students to entrepreneurship, Yvonne Dragon, who serves as the companys chief operating officer and chief strategist, told Capital B Atlanta. The commercial real estate construction managers and green builders, whose firm, they say, is the only Black female-owned sustainability and construction company in the Southeast, cite the underrepresentation of Black people in the design and construction field as a motivating factor. Randall and Yvonne Dragon launched The Dragon Group in 2014. (Courtesy of The Dragon Group) We are breaking barriers while improving communities from Atlanta to India, Dragon said. By using innovative sustainability consulting and green project management services, the Dragon Group wants to build stronger communities by decarbonizing the built environment. Randall Dragon, who got his MBA from Clark Atlanta University along with Yvonne, shared the concerning stats that fuel their business goals in an interview: Buildings are responsible for 40% of all carbon emissions globally. By 2060 the inventory of buildings worldwide will double, and by 2050 all buildings need to be net-zero carbon emissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To get their company off the ground, the couple, who live in Buckhead, had to make some tough choices in the beginning. Our start-up story is pretty unique, and we did something counterintuitive, said Yvonne, a Hampton University grad. We left our jobs six months apart. We took a risk and put all our eggs in one basket. We had a short runway to launch, but we needed time and freedom to build our infrastructure and secure clients, and we could not do that as a side hustle. Read More: This Atlanta Co-Working Space Helps Black Women Entrepreneurs Scale and Succeed The risk they took to fight climate change by consulting with building owners, from airport authorities to major corporations, to build greener or retrofit existing buildings with better, greener operating systems has reaped many rewards for themselves and some of Atlantas underserved communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the construction management projects that the Dragons and their team of engineers, scientists, and project managers have developed include a dorm for Morehouse College, four neighborhood clinics for Grady Health Systems, affordable housing complexes, and a Starbucks location. Sustainability consulting and certification clients include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, an AC Hotel, four metro Atlanta libraries, and Riverworks Eastern Wharf, a 306-unit multifamily development along the waterfront in Savannah. For their groundbreaking work, the couple have received several awards, including Georgia Engineers A Woman to Watch twice and Kia Motors Change Maker. Here, Yvonne Dragon, a seventh-generation entrepreneur, explains why Atlanta is a great place for Black business owners and how family history and friends helped pave their road to success. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Capital B Atlanta: What have been some of your biggest successes? Yvonne Dragon: Our biggest success is staying happily married, raising wonderful children, and [running] a thriving business simultaneously. Another success is that we have over 25 projects completed that have impacted over 20 million people while employing 65 interns over the first 10 years we have been in business. We are really excited about current projects: Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Morehouse Student Housing, Morehouse Student Center, and projects at Centennial Yards. What has been one of the biggest challenges for The Dragon Group? Our biggest challenge is telling our story so clients and the community know what we are doing, which leads to more awareness, pride, and business opportunities. Who are your business role models? Our business role models are our parents. My Dad launched an engineering and architecture firm with projects that shaped Atlantas skyline, including several buildings at Georgia Tech and several legacy projects from the 1996 Olympics. My parents ran the business for over 25 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement eeking a better future for his family, Randalls parents moved the family from Grenada and St. Croix to Texas. His Dad started working on oil rigs. He eventually became a highly sought after master welder. Read More: How Atlanta Mom Turned Trap Spin Class Into Atlantas Hottest Gym What was your background prior to launching your business? Entrepreneurship was normalized for me early on. As an adult, I found out I am a seventh-generation entrepreneur, so it is literally in my blood. Prior to launching TDG with Randall, I worked in economic development building entrepreneurial ecosystems and advising founders. Randall was the VP of sustainability for a major commercial real estate firm when he launched what would become a multimillion-dollar practice within the firm. Prior to that, he worked in the construction industry for over 15 years. Yvonne Dragon said she and her husband, Randall, are breaking barriers while improving communities from Atlanta to India. (Courtesy of The Dragon Group) Where did you get the funding to launch your business? Our funding came from F&F Bank: from friends and family. Our friend provided opportunities on our first projects, and we had a bit of seed money from our savings and family to cover our initial living and business expenses. Why is Atlanta a great place to run your company? Atlanta is unique in that it has an ecosystem of Black entrepreneurs that work with city and local government to deliver services and build community literally and figuratively. Whats your advice to other Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta? Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, and dont take advice from people who have not had a business or had to cover company payroll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here to read more about Atlantas game-changing entrepreneurs and learn their secrets to success. The post HBCU Grads Break Barriers in Green Construction and Innovation appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. A rare disease that spreads through tick and fly bites has caught the attention of Minnesota officials. What's happening? The Minnesota Department of Health announced five cases of tularemia, also known as "rabbit fever," in the state so far this year. Up to six cases are normally identified there annually, according to CBS News. The network explained that tularemia is commonly found in small rodents, rabbits, squirrels, and beavers. People typically develop the illness after being bitten by an infected tick or fly, getting scratched by an infected cat, or by touching animals that have tularemia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's important for pet owners to be aware of this disease in their pets, because it is possible for a person to become infected as well," Maria Bye, a senior epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health, told CBS. Why is this surge concerning? Tularemia in humans can result in a sudden fever, skin wounds or ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, headaches and chills, per CBS. Infected pets may experience high fever, weakness, lack of appetite, and ulcers. A warming planet is helping ticks and other disease vectors to expand their ranges and remain active longer throughout the year, which increases the potential risk of tularemia and other illnesses. For instance, Lyme disease risk doubled in the Canadian province of Quebec and tripled in Manitoba between 2000 and 2015. What's being done about tick-borne diseases? A number of medicines are designed to kill ticks that have bitten dogs before they can spread diseases, and scientists are working on a new tick-repelling drug for humans that works in a similar way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by these parasites. The CDC recommends staying out of wooded and brushy areas that have high grass and leaf litter, and walking in the center of trails. You can also treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. To avoid tularemia, Minnesota officials also recommend that people keep their cats inside and keep them from hunting small animals, CBS reports. They also recommend checking yards for rabbit nests or dead animals before mowing and avoiding contact with sick or dead wild animals. 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. OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) Health officials in Outagamie County are urging residents to take precautions after a bat in the county recently tested positive for rabies. In a release sent out on the morning of August 21, Outagamie County Public Health provided tips on how to prevent rabies and what to do if someone thinks they encountered an infected bat. New Emplify Health center for children and adolescents opens in Ashwaubenon Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, there have been 19 total reported positive rabies results in Wisconsin so far in 2025. Health officials provided the following tips to prevent rabies: Keep your dogs, cats, ferrets, and other animals up-to-date on vaccines All dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies Never touch bats or wild animals Do not let pets roam free Do not attract wild animals Cover garbage cans securely and do not leave food outside Prevent bats from entering your home If a bat is found inside your home, do not release it until you have spoken with the health department, as testing may be necessary Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease most often spread to people and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sustainably Speaking: Wisconsin DNR and Algae Bloom Management Keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the most effective way to protect your family and community, said Natalie Vandeveld, Health Officer of Outagamie County Public Health. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable with vaccination. It is recommended to seek medical attention right away after possibly coming into contact with rabies. It is also recommended to cleanse an animal bite or scratch wound with plenty of soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes immediately after contact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WAILUKU, Hawaii (KHON2) It was an emotional day in the Maui District Court. The man accused of fatally shooting police officer Suzanne O appeared in court for his preliminary hearing. Courtroom packed as suspect in officers death appears before judge Todays hearing marked the first time weve heard details of how prosecutors believe the deadly shooting unfolded. Maui police officer Mousa Kawas responded to the terroristic threatening call in Paia and said he told Officer Suzanne O to check around a concrete block because he couldnt see around it. He broke down on the stand describing the moment he saw his colleague, Officer O, go down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard a pop and I hear Officer O scream and I turn to face her and she turns around and faces us, grabs her chest and falls to the ground, said Kawas, stopping several times to catch his breath and wipe away tears. The officers were responding to the call from Paia Sugar Mill worker Tim Willems, who described his confrontation with Kaneholani. Hes looking right at me, telling me to turn off the light with his right hand, telling me to turn off the light, turn off the light, fires right at me, looking right directly at the light, said Willems. Clembert Kaneholani, dressed in an orange jumpsuit and shackles, kept his eyes down for much of the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The 38-year-old is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and five firearms offenses for the shooting death of Maui Officer Suzanne O last Friday. Prosecutors presented the guns Kaneholani allegedly used in the shooting. His public defender argued that the states case relies heavily on eyewitness statements and circumstantial evidence. It was a decent possibility that the person you were illuminating or that area you were illuminating that person could have crawled away and left the property, you thought that was a decent possibility as well? asked Deputy Public Defender Zachary Raidmae. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, responded Willems. Legal analysts say the charges Kaneholani faces are among the most serious in Hawaiis law. This is a police officer involved shooting where the police officer was a victim, and so the charge that applies to this case is murder in the first degree. Its the highest charge that we have in the state of Hawaii. Its punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole, said Attorney Megan Kau. Todays gallery is once again filled with Maui police officers. Officer O is the first Maui officer in 70 years to be killed in the line of duty. A five-year member of the force, Chief John Pelletier told us earlier this week that his department is still grieving, but determined to see the case through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just showing up today. Its showing up each and every day, and well continue to do that, said Chief Pelletier. The things Ive been talking about for almost four years now about making sure that youre part of something bigger than just yourself I think youre gonna see that today. But theyre very much wanting to make sure that justice is done for her, and were gonna be relentless in our pursuit of it, I can assure you of that. Check out more news from around Hawaii The hearing will continue on Friday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. This story was originally published on Multifamily Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Multifamily Dive newsletter. Indianapolis multifamily developer Milhaus is expanding the scope of its operations with a new acquisitions division led by a former employee, Greg McHenry, who is returning to the company as senior vice president of acquisitions. In his new role, McHenry will both lead and build the new acquisitions division, expanding the companys business model, focusing on strategic growth and capitalizing on market opportunities, according to the news release. "After 15 years, we are excited to add acquisitions as a business line to grow our portfolio," said Tadd Miller, chief executive officer of Milhaus, in the release. "We're thrilled to welcome Greg back to the Milhaus team in this pivotal leadership role His comprehensive industry knowledge and proven track record will be instrumental as we harness our momentum to broaden our reach in both existing and new markets." McHenry, one of Milhauss first employees, joined the company as director of development in 2010, according to the release. He moved to Houston-based investment manager Hines in 2017 as a senior associate and later director, according to his LinkedIn page, where he led development and acquisition across the Midwest and Southeast. With more than 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, McHenry has managed over $1.8 billion in multifamily, retail and office developments, according to the release. His expertise includes sourcing investments across diverse risk profiles, optimizing performance and fostering relationships with investors. He is also the programming committee chair of the Urban Land Institute, Chicago District, and a member of the ULI Chicago Product Council. In addition to its new acquisitions arm, Milhaus real estate practices include investment, development, construction and management. As of March 2025, the company has over 7,500 units across 27 properties, making up $2.2 billion in assets under management, according to the release. Recommended Reading Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu described to Channel 14's The Patriots that there is still "pain" over the affair, which led to the deaths of 16 Irgun paramilitary members and three IDF soldiers. Amichai Eliyahu's Heritage Ministry is examining how to locate the Altalena ship which was shot off the coast of Tel Aviv by the IDF in June 1948, Eliyahu revealed in a government meeting on Sunday, according to a report by Israeli public broadcaster KAN News on Monday. Justice Minister Yariv Levin (Likud) agreed with Eliyahu that the remains of the ship should be located, stating that it "should be turned into a monument and a symbol of the heroism of the Revisionist movement," KAN reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the Otzma Yehudit minister commented that he is "making efforts in this direction." He plans to bring the "Holy Cannon," which was used to fire on the ship, to the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, where it will serve as a symbol of the man who prevented a civil war," he added, according to KAN. Eliyahu later spoke to Channel 14's The Patriots, where he described the "pain" that still remains over the affair. The CEO of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, Herzl Makov, announced their intentions to search the seabed for the wreckage of the ship in 2019, KAN noted. The Altalena memorial on Tel Aviv beach. (credit: DR. AVISHAI TEICHER PIKIWIKI ISRAEL) What was the Altalena Affair? The Altelena, which belonged to right-wing paramilitary Irgun, at the time, led by Menachem Begin, attempted to bring smuggle weapons to the paramilitary organization during Israel's Independence War, before then-prime minister David Ben-Gurion ordered the IDF to open fire when the Altalena was off the coast of Tel Aviv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship was carrying approximately 900 immigrants and arms. It originally docked at Vitkin Beach on June 20, 1948, where immigrants disembarked and military equipment was unloaded. IDF troops intervened, demanding the Irgun hand over the weapons, which led to a shootout between the paramilitary group and the nascent army. Begin then ordered the ship to sail towards Tel Aviv, arriving there on June 22, where it was shelled by the "Holy Cannon." The incident led to the death of 16 Irgun members and three IDF soldiers, and nearly triggered a civil war, before Begin issued a statement on the radio ordering Irgun members to not retaliate. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced Thursday that his investigation of the Hickman Mills School District has uncovered potential improper governmental activity. Fitzpatrick said his office will be conducting a full audit of the district as a result of the investigation. He said his office will look closely at most aspects of district operations. Mother arrested after child left in hot car at Legends parking lot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a time when the school district is struggling to gain full accreditation, its best they use the hard-earned tax dollars of district residents on providing a foundational education that prepares students for the future, Fitzpatrick said. Our initial investigation indicates that isnt the case, which is why we are elevating this review to a full audit to dig even deeper and uncover other issues that may exist. The investigation of the Hickman Mills School District began after a whistleblowers complaint raised concerns about travel expenditures paid for with a school credit card. Additionally, investigators looked into the cancellation of a technology contract that resulted in a $1.4 million termination fee for the district. A March 2024 expense report from the school district also shows a purchase for Kansas City Royals tickets. School-funded trips to Ghana and China raised red flags for many parents and taxpayers in the Hickman Mills School District, and Im glad they brought these issues to our attention so we could start the process of holding the district accountable for its actions, Fitzpatrick said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hickman Mills Superintendent Yaw Obeng was relieved of his duties in July. He had served as the superintendent of the school district since July of 2020. The decisions of adults are negatively impacting students Interim Superintendent Dr. Dennis L. Carpenter shared the following statement in a news release Thursday afternoon: The Hickman Mills C-1 School District is fully cooperating with the state auditors office and has begun the process of our own internal review. Our leadership is committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility. For too long, power in this district was concentrated in the hands of a few people, and these are the results. Im saddened because the decisions of adults are negatively impacting students. Im also energized and committed to bringing the entire HMC One team back into the decision-making process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Fitzpatrick said his office will work diligently to expose any potential misuse of taxpayer funds. You may provide information confidentially for consideration during the audit of the Hickman Mills School District to the State Auditors Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by visiting auditor.mo.gov/hotline. The Hickman Mills school board is scheduled to meet Thursday at 6 p.m. FOX4 will be there. This is a developing story. Stay with FOX4 News for the latest updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. SULUKI VALLEY, Lebanon (AP) A convoy of armored vehicles carrying French peacekeepers barrels through southern Lebanon. Last years war between Israeli forces and Hezbollah left villages scarred and empty. Rubble lines the roads. Torn Lebanese flags and Hezbollah banners flutter from shattered buildings. From a UNIFIL base above Kafr Kila, the town below looks like a wasteland of crumpled concrete. Across the valley, bulldozers churn dust as they build new positions on land held by Israeli forces despite the November ceasefire. French peacekeepers trek up wooded slopes in the Saluki Valley, under the hum of an Israeli drone. Less than 200 meters in, they uncover remnants of a Hezbollah post: a cannon hidden among trees, an abandoned shack with blankets, playing cards, and booksfrozen traces of fighters who once occupied the hillside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electrical wires snake toward destroyed rocket launchers. Empty rocket cartons and torn manuals litter the hillside. We find all kinds of weapons rocket launchers, cannons, small arms, mines, IEDs, ammunition, said Col. Arnaud de Coincy, commander of UNIFILs Force Commanders Reserve, about 700 French and 200 Finnish troops. Earlier this month, Lebanese soldiers were killed dismantling an arms depot. Their deaths underscore both dedication and the urgent need for support. At a base in Deir Kifa, peacekeepers track Israeli overflights with a Mistral missile system. On this day alone, they counted more than 10 drones. UNIFILs future depends on an upcoming Security Council vote. Critics call it costly and ineffective. Lebanons government says the force is vital. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Renewed Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip have resulted in numerous fatalities, according to Palestinian sources. The al-Awda Hospital said on Thursday that seven people were killed and 18 others injured in shelling in the central Gaza Strip near a distribution point for aid supplies. There were also many dead and injured - including children - in attacks in Gaza City and Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip, according to medical circles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Israeli army spokeswoman said they are examining the reports. Israel has announced its intention to capture Gaza City and is already in the suburbs, according to military sources. The aim of the advance is to free the remaining hostages and dismantle the Palestinian militant Hamas organization. Residents have reported intense attacks around the city. The Gaza war was triggered by the attack by Hamas and other Islamist groups on Israel on October 7, 2023. In the unprecedented massacre, the militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted more than 250 as hostages to the Gaza Strip. Since then, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed. The tally does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, but the figures are seen as credible by the United Nations. Tim Mihalick, right, chairs a North Dakota State Board of Higher Education meeting in Bismarck on May 29, 2025. Next to Mihalick is interim chancellor Brent Sanford. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) The chair of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education said Thursday that he will propose giving interim Chancellor Brent Sanford the job on a long-term basis. Sanford, a former lieutenant governor, was named the interim leader of the North Dakota University System in April. Sanford replaced Mark Hagerott, who left the position at the end of April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Black, who was named board chair in May, spoke to the Legislatures Higher Education Institutions Committee that was meeting in Dickinson. Black said he favored skipping a nationwide search in favor of giving Sanford the job. D.J. Campbell, left, was named vice chair of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education and Kevin Black was named chair at a board meeting in Bismarck on May 29, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) Black said a search would likely cost more than $100,000 and still lead the board back to Sanford. He praised Sanfords work as interim chancellor and said a search is going to lead us right back to the person we think we know would be the best for the job. The eight-member board would have to approve the proposal. Sanford is former mayor of Watford City and holds a bachelors degree in accounting from the University of North Dakota. He had been interim president of Bismarck State College before being named interim chancellor. Before that, he had been working for the BSC Office of Workforce and Economic Development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanford, a Republican, served as lieutenant governor under Gov. Doug Burgum for six years before resigning in January 2023. Black noted that the board is evaluating what the leadership position should be called. It has been called chancellor, but some states use commissioner and the state constitution refers to a commissioner and chief executive officer. The commissioner, chancellor, whatever title you want to use, is not an academic post, Black said. It is very much an executive leadership post. Hagerott, who had led the university system since 2015, had a doctorate degree. Other recent chancellors have had a masters degree or other advanced degree. Sen. Jonathan Sickler, R-Grand Forks, chair of the committee, said that one of the advantages of a search process is that it forces the board to undergo a kind of strategic planning process as it evaluates what they are looking for in a candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black said the board would still plan to do an evaluation of the roles of responsibilities of University System leadership, including the board. Brent understands that and he is fully on board with that process, Black said. The State Board of Higher Education will meet Sept. 23 at Minot State University. Sanford did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Thursday. North Dakota Monitor Deputy Editor Jeff Beach can be reached at jbeach@northdakotamonitor.com SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (FOX40.COM) Placer County Sheriffs Office crews located a missing hiker late Wednesday morning in the Euchre Bar area. Video Above: How to locate a missing person On Monday, the hiker texted 911, seeking help because he was lost in a steep terrain without food or water. Dispatchers were unable to reestablish contact after receiving the hikers initial message; however, they were able to obtain approximate coordinates of his location, officials said. Calaveras County deputies arrest suspects in kidnapping case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies quickly responded and located the hikers vehicle at the trailhead. CHPs helicopter and drones were deployed but unable to spot the hiker through the dense tree canopy, deputies said. A Search and Rescue mission was launched due to the challenging terrain, which brought in support from more than 50 Search and Rescue members and nine K9 teams. Deputies remained at the trailhead while drone teams conducted aerial searches throughout the day, CHP said. Man dies after disturbance arrest in Lassen County Dive team members began searching the riverbanks on Wednesday. The team were able to locate the hiker along the rivers shore. While initially tired, hungry and thirsty, the hiker is reportedly okay, according to CHP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. A Hill Country nonprofit announced Thursday that its pledging $40 million to help rebuild homes in Kerr County, the grief-stricken community hit the hardest by the July 4 weekend flash floods that devastated neighborhoods, summer camps and RV parks. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has pledged the amount as the first step to its four-pronged recovery plan: rebuilding homes, supporting mental health, economic recovery, and reviving the areas quality of life. Community Foundation CEO Austin Dickson said the organization is starting with housing efforts because rebuilding a safe, stable place to call home is at the heart of recovery . This is more than bricks and lumber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether it's a rebuilt house, a repaired RV or a safe temporary apartment, this fund will help families get home, he later added. Dickson spoke alongside Gov. Greg Abbott and Hill Country leaders from a park in Kerrville most of the 137 Central Texas flood victims died in Kerr County. The park is about a 30-minute drive from Camp Mystic, where 27 campers and counselors died in the flood that struck in the early morning hours on July 4. Tightening camp safety and securing relief funding are among the highest priorities of state lawmakers this special legislative session, Abbott said. In Austin, the Texas House on Thursday passed six bills related to flood and disaster relief, including a proposal to set aside hundreds of millions of state dollars to fund recovery efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While lawmakers are discussing flood relief and response at a statewide level, Dickson said local leaders are doing what they can to jump start the recovery process. The Community Foundation on Thursday also announced that it has created a local advisory council made up of community members who will guide funding decisions. It didnt release the names of the members Thursday. Hunt ISD Superintendent Luci Harmon said rebuilding homes will help students, whose first day of the school year was Wednesday, get back to some sense of normalcy. Our students thrive when their housing situation is under control when they're in their homes and their homes are stable, she said. The Community Foundation has also allocated $1.6 million to covering short-term housing for flood victims through AirBnBs nonprofit, AirBnB.org, so families have a place to stay while their houses get rebuilt. 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. A hit has been recorded on Olena Stepanivna Street in the city of Lviv. Early reports have indicated that one person has been killed and three injured. Source: Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi; Maksym Kozytskyi, Head of Lviv Oblast Military Administration; State Emergency Service on Telegram Quote: "Lviv had a loud night. The enemy conducted a combined attack with Shahed drones and missiles. They hit Olena Stepanivna Street once again, just like a month ago. Early reports indicate that there are casualties." Photo: Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated: Later, Kozytskyi reported that one person had been killed and two injured in Lviv. "Early reports indicate that one person has been killed and two injured in the combined strike with UAVs and cruise missiles on Lviv," he wrote. Photo: State Emergency Service on Telegram Details: Sadovyi said the blast wave had damaged dozens of houses (windows and roofs). "All the appropriate services are working at the scene. Information about fires in other locations has been received! We are checking! An emergency response commission is being arranged," he concluded. Photo: State Emergency Service on Telegram Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated: Later, Kozytskyi reported that the number of casualties had risen to three. "Twenty-six residential buildings, one kindergarten and office buildings belonging to a company and a judicial administration were damaged in the enemy combined nighttime attack on Lviv. As of this hour, people living in 11 apartments need to be relocated," he said. Photo: State Emergency Service on Telegram The State Emergency Service added that hits had been recorded in several Lviv districts. "Houses, non-residential buildings and cars were damaged. Fires broke out. Sadly, one person was killed in the attack," the State Emergency Service concluded. Photo: State Emergency Service on Telegram Background: On the night of 20-21 August, Ukraine's Air Force reported that the Russians had launched a drone attack and that a MiG-31K had taken off from an air base in Russia. Several high-speed aerial assets were being tracked in the airspace. It was later confirmed that Russian forces had hit business premises in Mukachevo in Zakarpattia Oblast, injuring 12 people. The city authorities urged residents to keep their windows tightly closed and only go outside if it is really necessary. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Hitachi Energy will expand its manufacturing operations in Alamo, Tenn., hiring 100 new workers and investing $97 million, the company announced on Aug. 20, 2025. (Photo: Hitachi Energy) Electrification technology company Hitachi Energy will expand its manufacturing operation in Crockett County, investing $97 million and adding 100 jobs, the company announced Wednesday. Hitachi Energy will expand its operations in Alamo, the county seat, allowing the company to increase its capacity to create transformer components. The 100-job addition will make Hitachi Energy the second-largest employer in Crockett County, which is home to around 14,000 West Tennesseans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hitachi Energy is one of more than 200 Japanese companies operating in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The state development agency has not yet released information on incentives offered to the company. This project marks a significant investment in rural Tennessee, and I am grateful to the leaders in Crockett County and Alamo for their role in securing this expansion, Gov. Bill Lee said in a statement thanking Hitachi Energy for its continued investment. Steve McKinney, head of transformers for Hitachi Energy in North America, said the announcement demonstrates an investment in the future of Americas energy infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not only increasing our ability to deliver vital components to customers across the U.S. and the world, but were also making a long-term commitment to the Crockett County community, McKinney said in a news release. This facility plays a critical role in meeting fast-growing energy demand from AI as well as grid expansion and modernization, and were proud to grow our footprint and strengthen domestic manufacturing right here in Tennessee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HOLYOKE Holyoke police said it confiscated more than 130 vials of cocaine, dozens of bags of heroin mixed with fentanyl and ammunition in two incidents in the city Tuesday. Around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report of drug activity near 446 Maple St., where they found a man matching the suspects description near a dumpster, Holyoke police wrote on social media. Police arrested the man, identified as Anthony Broden, 41, of West Springfield, on an outstanding warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers seized about 40 bags of suspected heroin mixed with fentanyl, two vials of suspected cocaine and $451 in cash, police said. Broden is charged with possession and possession with the intent to distribute a Class A drug and Class B drug and a default warrant out of Holyoke District Court. Then around 4:15 p.m., officers responded to 170 Sargeant St. for a report of a woman with a gun, police said in a second statement. Officers located the woman and saw loose bullets and a firearm magazine at the scene, police said. Police seized approximately 99 vials of suspected crack cocaine. A good Samaritan had previously removed what turned out to be a prop gun from the area, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested Autumn Stone, 36, of Holyoke and charged her with possession and possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug, and possession of bullets without a firearm identification card, police said. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. TikTok is defrauding and deceiving children by exploiting their developing brains, according to a lawsuit filed against the video-sharing platform by Minnesotas attorney general. Following the lead of at least a dozen other states and the District of Columbia, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sued the social media company over claims that it intentionally causes minors to become habitually dependent on its platform and contributes to a decline in their mental health. In a redacted 96-page complaint that makes similar allegations to those filed by other states, Ellison accused TikTok of deliberately taking advantage of childrens underdeveloped "neurological reward systems" that it says drive desire and motivation. Childrens developing brains are no match for TikToks sophisticated mix of digital nicotine and deception, the lawsuit states. A spokesperson for TikTok said the lawsuit is based on "misleading and inaccurate claims" that fail to recognize its robust safety measures. "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." According to the complaint, TikTok's addictive features help it collect highly personal data about its minor users, including their location, interest, beliefs, and viewing or purchasing habits which it then uses to keep them on the platform, where it can sell highly targeted advertising space. Taking on Tik Tok: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. (Photo by Monica Morgan/Getty Images) Monica Morgan via Getty Images Minnesotas complaint alleges violations of Minnesotas Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Prevention of Consumer Fraud Act, and Money Transmission Act. It asks for a judge to fine the company up to $25,000 for each alleged violation and permanently block TikTok from engaging in the allegedly harmful activities. A consolidated group of similar claims brought by parents of minor TikTok users is also pending in a federal multi-district litigation in California. The specific features identified as additive in Minnesotas complaint include its recommendation engine, which draws upon a users unique data to serve personalized content, as well as its infinite scroll feature, push notifications, and image-distorting filters. The lawsuit also targets TikTok LIVE for use of a virtual currency system it calls unlicensed and says it leads children to make impulsive purchases. TikTok sells icon-based virtual currency to its users, which can be sent as gifts to live streaming users, then converted to real currency. TikTok takes a cut of the transactions, which netted the company $1.7 billion during one quarter in 2023, the suit claims. DEACTUR, Ala. (WHNT) A man found dead behind a liquor store last week has reopened the conversation of the homelessness crisis in the city. According to the Morgan County Sheriffs Office, the body of 52-year-old Ronnie James Strickland was found near the Windmill Beverages on AL-67 across from the Publix shopping center. HPD gives new details on missing 25-year-old man Strickland, according to Sue Terrell, the executive director of Hands Across Decatur, was a regular visitor to her homeless outreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was here back when it was cold in January and February. He came in and we gave him a tent and a sleeping bag and all the warm clothes that we could, said Terrell. Terrell said that Strickland has been dealing with untreated health issues for quite a while. Like most who visit the shelter, he had little or no access to healthcare. The City of Decatur has no resources for its homeless population. HAD is the only daytime shelter available for those who need a place to keep cool from the searing heat and the cold of winter. Huntsville Police arrest man accused of sharing child sexual abuse material online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terrell said that HAD had done the best that they could for Strickland. I took him over to his camp with some food because he couldnt carry it. So, we lost him and its like losing a personal friend and a friend to our homeless as well, Terrell explained. Terrell has been vocal on social media to put pressure on the 19 candidates who are running for seats in Tuesdays municipal election. One person cannot solve this crisis of homelessness; its going to take a bunch of people who know of the issues coming together, said Terrell. I have approached each and every candidate who is running in the election to see what they are going to do to keep the subject out there and make it become visible and not invisible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HAD has extended its hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. HIGH POINT Residents of neighborhoods near a proposed site for a center to provide services for the homeless have organized with the goal of keeping the project from becoming a reality. About 50 people showed up on vacant land next to the site along Jamestown Parkway, formerly Greensboro Road, near Interstate 74 on a hot, humid Wednesday afternoon to discuss strategies. The gathering included residents of the nearby Five Points and London Woods neighborhoods. We just dont want it here, said Tony Cagle, a spokesman for the neighborhood groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The High Point Enterprise reported this past Saturday that an architectural drawing has been submitted to the city of High Point for a potential site design for the proposed Open Door Care Center. It would include 160 shelter beds and about 100 transitional housing units on the 21-acre former Evergreens Nursing Home property, which is owned by Guilford County. Open Door Ministries, which operates a traditional homeless shelter on Centennial Street near downtown, is trying to secure use of the former Evergreens site. Residents of the neighborhoods say they are worried the center would damage public safety, lower property values, increase panhandling and make it harder to recruit new businesses to the area. Cagle, who lives about a half mile from the site, said that the proposed center would draw homeless people from other cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the gathering, residents were given a one-page leaflet outlining the concerns. The leaflet also included names and contacts for High Point and Guilford County elected officials. Call and/or email your elected officials and make your concerns be known, the leaflet said. Open Door Ministries Executive Director Ryan Ross said he wasnt aware of the gathering Wednesday. But Ross said that advocates for the project are willing to meet with residents of the neighborhoods. We all want to be on the same page, Ross said. As climate change makes other regions hotter, drier and less livable, we have a chance to make our hills and hollows a place people come to, not leave, writes Jim Branscome. (Photo by Cris Ritchie/Getty Images) Central Appalachia and Eastern Kentucky in particular is running out of time to turn a century of decline into a future worth staying for. Population loss is now the coalfields defining trend, and in some counties its accelerating toward collapse. Data from the Kentucky State Data Centers Kentucky: By the Numbers series shows that Kentuckys coal counties including Letcher, Knott, Perry and Harlan are among the fastest-shrinking in Appalachia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 2050, Harlan is projected to lose nearly half its people (-44.6%), with Breathitt (-39.4%), Martin (-33.0%), Floyd (-30.5%), and Leslie (-29.5%) not far behind. The pattern stretches across both coal and non-coal counties in Eastern Kentucky: Pike (-26.3%), Knott (-25.6%), Bell (-23.2%), Perry (-22.0%), Whitley (-17.2%), Owsley (-16.4%), Letcher (-14.4%), Lee (-13.9%), Johnson (-12.5%), Knox (-8.9%), Magoffin (-7.6%), Lawrence (-6.2%) with Wolfe a rare outlier projected to grow slightly (+3.0%). All the data are from 20102050 projections. We are 15 years along now and the economic and social conditions in these counties have only grown more dire as flooding becomes more frequent and more damaging and the Trump administration makes cuts in health care, FEMA and development programs like the Appalachian Regional Commission. Were not just losing numbers were losing the critical mass that keeps communities alive. Shrinking tax bases strain schools and clinics. Volunteer fire and rescue squads struggle to replace aging equipment. Local businesses close earlier, then for good. And after every flood, more families ask if its sustainable to rebuild at the bottom of a hollow while idle acreage sits on benches and ridgelines above town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floods made the land problem impossible to ignore. Jackson, the Breathitt County seat, on July 29, 2022. (Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images) The 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods killed 45 people, destroyed hundreds of homes, and forced many survivors into a wrenching choice: rebuild in the same floodplain or leave the region altogether. As one flood victim said, I can stay and face the next flood, or I can leave the county my familys been in for 200 years. Gov. Andy Beshears answer has been bold and right: build high-ground neighborhoods. His administration is creating eight such communities across Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties, with more than $8 million allocated to Perry County alone. This pioneering effort is the seed from which a much more comprehensive vision of change for Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia can emerge. The model works but scaling it up runs straight into a century-old barrier: who owns the land. Weve tried everything but changing who holds the deed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corporate control keeps safe ground off limits in much of Eastern Kentucky; coal and timber companies still control huge tracts of the high, safe ground needed for climate-resilient rebuilding. Where companies dont hold title, heirs property disputes and clouded deeds make assembling parcels nearly impossible. Thats why Ive spent nearly a decade arguing for an Appalachian Homestead Act and why the version we need now must do more than hand out parcels. This was my argument nine years ago: A Homestead Act for Appalachia in The Daily Yonder. Ive recently updated the concept with more detail in a new Daily Yonder article: A Revised Appalachian Homestead Act Reclaiming Land and Restoring Hope. The act should combine two proven tools: Community land trusts (CLTs) are nonprofits that hold land permanently for community benefit, leasing it for housing, farming and local businesses. CLTs keep housing affordable, ensure local control and prevent speculative resale. Tennessees Woodland CLT, created after the 1977 flood, has secured hundreds of acres for housing and community use. Land banks are public entities that acquire problem properties tax-delinquent, abandoned or distressed clear the title, and transfer them to CLTs or other community-controlled groups. Kentuckys successful Louisville Landbank Authority demonstrates scalable models for rural applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Financing a modern Appalachian Homestead Act should begin with funds already on the table. The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has committed billions to environmental remediation, mine land reclamation, broadband expansion and resilient housing. Much of that money is flowing piecemeal through existing agencies, but a Homestead Act would braid those streams together, targeting them to high-ground relocation, land acquisition, and community land trusts. The Act wouldnt require a wholly new appropriation so much as a coordinated strategy to direct IIJA funds, Appalachian Regional Commission investments, and USDA rural development programs toward a single end: putting safe, usable land back into community hands. Private and philanthropic capital can multiply the impact. Foundations already funding climate adaptation, rural development, and land conservation could partner with land banks and community land trusts seeded by federal dollars. States could provide tax abatements and bond financing for infrastructure in high-ground communities. Local ownership of renewable energy projects on reclaimed mine lands can generate lease income that is recycled back into housing and job creation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In short, the Homestead Acts financing rests on a federal spine of infrastructure funds, reinforced by state incentives and private capital, making it both feasible and scalable without requiring a massive new federal bureaucracy. Linking cleanup to new uses The biggest challenge to reusing former mine lands is environmental liability. Federal law allows bona fide prospective purchasers to acquire contaminated sites without becoming liable for the original pollution but only if they follow strict cleanup and monitoring rules. A Homestead Act should fund that cleanup before land is transferred to communities, and pair it with environmental insurance for added security. Once land is remediated and held in trust, it can become the base for a diversified local economy: Sustainable agriculture to rebuild Eastern Kentuckys historic orchards and vegetable production. Renewable energy on reclaimed mine lands, generating lease income and skilled jobs. Outdoor recreation on trust-owned trail networks that attract tourism without displacing locals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebuilding in the same flood-prone hollows is not resilience; its roulette. Much of the coal, timber and land company property in the mountains remains undisturbed with gorgeous vistas, clean water, and good land for agriculture, housing, and business ventures. Will those companies sell? Its time to ask, checks in hand. The original purpose of assembling the 1.3 million acres coal companies own in Eastern Kentucky coal has little or no future. Kentucky can lead, but it needs help The Appalachian Homestead Act Im calling for would: Fund and expand Kentuckys land banks to acquire and clear safe, high-ground parcels. Transfer those parcels to CLTs with strong community governance. Provide relocation grants, tax abatements and broadband for homesteaders. Link land reuse to job training in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and cooperative business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skeptics may call such proposals unrealistic. But history offers precedent: Before the Tennessee Valley Authority became law in Franklin D. Roosevelts famous first 100 days of 1933, U.S. Sen. George Norris of Nebraska who had no direct political stake in the TVA region introduced or supported 19 different bills over 12 years to address flooding and navigation on the Tennessee River. Persistence paid off. A 21st century Homestead Act offers compelling advantages for political leaders across the spectrum. For conservatives, it emphasizes individual responsibility, property ownership and free market solutions while reducing long-term government dependency. For progressives, it addresses inequality, environmental restoration and climate adaptation while empowering marginalized communities. Few things are more American than homesteading. For those who insist the poverty wars and heavily diluted development funding for agencies like the ARC have done little to change the prospects for the region, a homestead act is a bold new vision from which to learn from past failures. A chance to reverse the tide For too long, Eastern Kentuckys wealth coal, timber, gas has flowed out of the mountains while the damage stayed behind. Now, as climate change makes other regions hotter, drier and less livable, we have a chance to make our hills and hollows a place people come to, not leave. Over half of Americas fruits and vegetables are grown in California and trucked east at a time when the Colorado River is shrinking. That makes no sense when the mountains can prosper with traditional and vertical farming and plentiful water. For those who argue farming is impossible in the mountains, I suggest a visit to all the farmers markets in the region. To those who say farming on steep slopes is impossible, I suggest a trip to Asia where it is common. If we dont secure the land and put it in community hands, well watch more floods take more homes and more young people take the road out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Homestead Act for Appalachia starting in Kentucky could turn safe ground into a foundation for a new economy. It could keep the young ones here, beckon come home to the mountain diaspora, welcome newcomers and rebuild communities that can survive the next hundred years, not just the next storm. Eastern Kentucky doesnt need another study or another handout it needs its land back, its voice restored, and partners willing to work as hard as mountain people do to build a future worthy of these hills The land is there. The tools are there. What we need now is the will to put them together. Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai's lawyer clashed with judges on Thursday over whether the pro-democracy newspaper founder's "armchair punditry" on social media and other platforms breached the city's national security law. The 77-year-old founder of the now-closed Apple Daily has pleaded not guilty to two counts of foreign collusion, with authorities accusing him of using various platforms to lobby Western nations to sanction China and Hong Kong. The charges were brought under the city's national security law, which Beijing imposed in 2020 after huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in the finance hub the year before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers are presenting their closing arguments in the trial, which began in December 2023. Prosecutors have cited 161 articles, including op-eds carrying Lai's byline, as part of their evidence that the tycoon conspired to lobby for sanctions against China and Hong Kong. Defence lawyer Robert Pang read out some of Lai's social media posts in court. He also pointed to a 2020 livestream in which Lai warned about China's "war-wolf attitude" in foreign relations that the mogul said would not change unless Chinese President Xi Jinping stepped down. "He's commenting on world affairs... (like) over the dimsum table," Pang told the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not a request for Xi Jinping to step down." However, the three-judge panel disagreed multiple times, with judge Esther Toh telling Pang to interpret Lai's words "without obfuscation". The 161 articles have also been cited as evidence of "seditious publication", which is being brought against Lai as a separate charge. Western nations and rights groups have called for Lai's release. Reporters Without Borders said on Thursday that it and "a coalition of 72 human rights and press freedom organisations" are urging British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to secure the release of Lai, a British citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hong Kong authorities "strongly disapproved and rejected the slanderous remarks" last week from foreign organisations and media regarding Lai's case. Officials also maintained that Lai was receiving "adequate and comprehensive" medical care while in custody. Lai has been fitted with a heart-rate monitor and prescribed medication after his defence team said last week he was experiencing heart palpitations. hol/reb/pbt HONOLULU (KHON2) The search for Honolulus next police chief could take up to nine months from the time former Chief Joe Logan stepped down, with a final selection projected for March 2026. Former HPD chief demands over $700K in new letter According to the Honolulu Police Commission, national search firms will begin submitting proposals in September. A selection committee will review the applications and begin negotiations, with the goal of hiring a firm by November. Once the contract is finalized, the consultant will lead the recruitment process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners say the timeline reflects the complexity of the search, noting that only a handful of firms nationwide specialize in recruiting top law enforcement leaders. They also emphasized the importance of getting community input and keeping Mayor Rick Blangiardi involved in the process. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Commissioners also emphasized the need to take time in selecting Honolulus next police chief, noting that past chiefs often didnt finish their five-year terms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dr. Aqsa Durrani, an American physician who has been providing humanitarian work around the world for over 15 years, said amid the harrowing scenes of death and destruction in Gaza, one story especially sticks with her. Found injured and alone after an Israeli airstrike, a 4-year-old girl was taken to a trauma field hospital in central Gaza, she told ABC News. "She was completely in shock. She was not talking and [a colleague] decided, 'I have to take this little girl home and I have try to see if I can help her find her family,'" said Durrani, a pediatric ICU doctor and an epidemiologist who worked with Doctors Without Borders in Gaza earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Durrani, who said her colleagues are working in conditions that are "incomprehensible," recently gained major attention for an interview on the digital platform "Humans of New York." Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Palestinians gather to receive cooked meals from a food distribution center in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Aug. 18, 2025. "He has kids around her age. He tried to feed her, he tried have his kids play with her," Durrani told ABC News. "She was completely non-emotive -- for days. And for those days, he tried to find her family." He looked in the area where the airstrike hit -- a location where displaced people were sheltering -- but he wasn't able to find her family there, according to Durrani. "Finally, he said that he found a man who said that he had a niece that age and that they were staying in that area, so he brought him to her," Durrani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He said that when she saw him, she yelled out 'ammo,' which means uncle in Arabic, and she ran to him and hugged him. And it was the first time [my colleague] had heard her speak," Durrani said. MORE: More than 100 aid groups warn of 'mass starvation' in Gaza amid Israel's war with Hamas But this was only one child and it took days to find her family because they had been displaced multiple times, Durrani told ABC News. "I said, 'It's so beautiful that you took her and you were able to reunite her with her uncle.' And he said, 'I have to do that. I have do that because I have to believe that someone will do that for me when this happens to me, or someone will do that for my children,'" Durrani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think the story exemplifies every aspect of the horror that everyone is experiencing," Durrani said. ABC News - PHOTO: Dr. Aqsa Durrani, a pediatric ICU doctor and an epidemiologist, worked with Doctors Without Borders in Gaza earlier this year. Durrani was based in central Gaza -- working at a trauma field hospital there -- from Feb. 24 to April 24, witnessing the end of Israel's ceasefire agreement with Hamas and the weekslong blockade on all humanitarian aid. Field hospitals -- which are tents and semi-permanent structures -- were meant to offload existing hospitals. At the field hospital where Durrani worked, they were only able to provide care to injured or burn patients, she said. "We could not possibly provide other services with the circumstances that we were in," Durrani said. "We really had to keep it to lifesaving trauma service." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now, most of the patients that they're receiving are injured at these supposed aid-distribution sites. They are receiving now more patients with gunshot wounds, including children with gunshot wounds. Each day continues to get worse and we have just been witnessing this genocidal violence now for months and months and it's beyond anything that even our most experienced humanitarian colleagues can imagine," Durrani said. MORE: Israeli security cabinet approves Netanyahu's plan to occupy Gaza City The Israel Defense Forces have previously said shooting incidents at aid sites were under review, but has also said in few instances that it fired "warning shots" toward people who were allegedly "advancing while posing a threat to the troops." At least 2,018 have died trying to get humanitarian aid in Gaza and another 15,000 have been injured since May 28, according to Gaza's Hamas-run Ministry of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Durrani said her colleagues, despite experiencing constant horror were "committed to doing everything in the best way possible and despite their own personal trauma" and continue to come in every day. "We've had physicians who receive their own family members in the ER during during mass casualty incidents. They're enduring these horrors and also working to provide care in those circumstances," she said. "What I cannot stress enough is that they -- even in those circumstances, and even despite relentless trauma -- were providing beautiful, compassionate, evidence-based care," Durrani said. Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Palestinians salvage items from the rubble of homes destroyed in Israeli strikes on the southern al-Zeitoun neighbourhood in Gaza City on Aug. 19, 2025. Durrani recalled one day when they "called a child psychiatrist, who was one of the only child psychiatrists in the whole Gaza Strip, he was so apologetic that he could not come to see the children that day and told us that it was because he was actually himself displaced that day, and that he had lost some of his family members." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of their patients were women and children "even though our hospital was for everyone," she said. "We would round on all of the injured patients with the surgeons and go patient by patient. And often there were airstrikes nearby, and the Palestinian doctors and nurses would just speak louder over the bombs. And just continue providing compassionate care to the patients as we continued down the line," Durrani said. MORE: UN says Israel's planned Gaza City military offensive 'must be immediately halted' Food was becoming more scarce toward the end of Durrani's time in Gaza, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Much of our days were actually spent trying to work with other organizations to see if we could find any food to give anyone. At the end, I was only able to provide patients with one meal per day, and mothers and children were sharing one portion of one meal," she said. "I even had one mother say, 'Is there anything you can give my child to distract him from the hunger?' And this was a child who had been burned by a fire that resulted from an airstrike," she said. Durrani said she believes the conditions in Gaza are a "deliberate choice" made by Israeli leadership, and called on the U.S. government to withdraw its support for what she called "complete indiscriminate" violence. ABC News - PHOTO: Dr. Aqsa Durrani, a pediatric ICU doctor and an epidemiologist, worked with Doctors Without Borders in Gaza earlier this year. The Israeli government has denied that it is limiting the amount of aid entering Gaza and has claimed Hamas steals aid meant for civilians. Hamas has denied those claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's cabinet has approved plans to expand its military campaign in Gaza, drawing widespread criticism from the United Nations and key allies including Germany. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said on Aug. 8 the escalation "will result in more killing, more unbearable suffering, [and] senseless destruction." More than 100 aid groups have warned of "mass starvation" in Gaza, describing a dire food shortage due to the Israeli government's siege. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer pushed back, saying "there is no famine" in Gaza. He blamed Hamas and called the food crisis in Gaza "a man-made shortage engineered by Hamas." MORE: State Department stopping issuance of visitor visas for 'individuals from Gaza' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A USAID analysis appeared to undercut Israeli assertions about the extent to which Hamas has allegedly stolen humanitarian aid. A presentation reviewed by ABC News, examining more than 150 reported incidents involving the theft or loss of U.S.-funded humanitarian aid in Gaza, showed that the group failed to find any evidence that Hamas engaged in widespread diversion of aid to cause the amount of hunger seen in the strip. Durrani said providing medical aid in the Gaza Strip was an experience unlike any other. "It's dystopian, but it elicits a very visceral response. It's just completely unfathomable that it's actually, real, everything around you. I entered through the Karam Shalom crossing and we drove through Rafah and Rafah was at that point, even in late February, almost completely destroyed. It just looked like a dystopian reality," Durrani said. SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) Firefighters face many risks as part of their jobs, and not just when battling fires. Horry County Fire Rescue has introduced new equipment aimed at reducing one of those risks, and is the first department in the state of South Carolina to do so. For years, fire departments across the nation have used Turnout gear that contains Polyfluoralkyl Substances, also known as PFAS. PFAS is a type of chemical that has been linked to cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is often found in firefighters protective gear and in firefighting foam. Firefighting in general is known as a higher cancer risk occupation, assistant HCFR Chief Thomas Loeper said. The department introduced 80 sets of Fire-Dex Aero Flex turnout gear, made without PFAS through a collaboration with Milliken & Company. Loeper said his department got ahead of new standards regarding the chemical. Industry leaders are working to get rid of PFAS turnout gear, Loeper said. And in fact, new [National Fire Protection Association] standards are going to be requiring non-PFAS. Loeper said the new gear removes the chemical while still protecting the firefighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a high-performance fabric that meets our performance criteria, he said. And we decided to integrate that in our turnout gear and allow us to go to a full non-PFAS composite. Leoper said he is proud of his department for leading the charge in the state. Our leadership is fully committed to the health and safety of all our personnel, he said. Were committed to minimizing the risks to our personnel because they could have a 20, 30, or 40-year career. Loeper said the department is beginning the process of replacing all its turnout gear. * * * Madi Codispoti is a multimedia journalist at News13. Madi is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and most recently worked at WJHL in Johnson City, Tennessee. She graduated from Emory & Henry University in May 2023. You can keep up with Madi on Facebook and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Its been around one year since the Horry County Police Department started its Gang Enforcement Unit. As the unit identifies gang members in the county, Police Chief Kris Leonhart says gangs are recruiting children as young as elementary aged. We do know that that element is out there where theyre trying to recruit younger children into these affiliations with these gangs, Leonhart said. The gang unit said it has identified multiple gang members and their affiliations in Horry County. Leonhart is urging parents to remain informed, because their kids could be easily influenced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What weve seen studying through our country as well as locally, ishey look for things to entice younger members to come on board, whether that be companionship, friendship, items or money, Leonhart said. From January to July, the gang unit seized more than 21,000 grams of illegal drugs during its investigations, including over 11,700 grams of fentanyl, with around 11,300 grams seized in May. It also seized more than $12,000 and 31 guns. Recent shootings involving minors are sparking concerns about gang activity. As far as how juveniles can obtain weapons, weve seen that in the past as well [with] car break-ins, Leonhart said. Then you get it through those affiliations ,as well as gang members that will get those items and give them to the juveniles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leonhart is urging parents to remain vigilant and pay attention to their children. Recognize if there are changes in behavior, different people that theyre not used to seeing their children hanging out with or speaking to, Leonhart says. Just [be] vigilant as far as what theyre doing as far as online activity, their phones as well, just being engaged in what their children are doing. Other signs your child may be involved in gang activity include unexplained cash, jewelry or expensive items, a sudden drop in grades and academic performance, or withdrawn and avoidant behavior. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. The ranking members of the House Judiciary and Energy and Commerce committees are launching an investigation into Skydances $8 billion merger with Paramount and whether the $16 million settlement with Donald Trump constituted a bribe, the committees announced Thursday. The Hill first reported on the launch of the congressional probe and a letter sent to Paramount leadership, which The Independent has also reviewed. In the letter sent to new Paramount CEO David Ellison on Wednesday night, E&C ranking member Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. and Rep. Jamie Raskin, Judiciarys top Democrat, called on Paramount leadership to provide documents and correspondence related to the deal and its approval process with the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The merger, which was approved late last month by the FCC and officially closed on August 7, came after a politically strained and fraught process that included the previous Paramount leadership paying Trump to settle a lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview that CBS News own lawyers said was without merit. Additionally, after the settlement was announced, the president claimed that he had reached a side deal with Ellison to air up to $20 million worth of pro-Trump advertisements and programming on CBS once Skydance took over the company. While the previous Paramount leadership denied any knowledge of any secret agreement, Ellison has remained mum about the matter. Two House Democrats told new Paramount chief David Ellison that they were launching an investigation into the recent merger, asking for documents about the approval process. (Paramount) Days before the merger was approved by Trumps handpicked Federal Communications Commission chief Brendan Carr, Skydance agreed to install an ombudsman for two years to conduct a comprehensive review of CBS News and review complaints of bias. The company also agreed to eliminate all diversity hiring practices. On top of that, Paramount announced just before the administration approved the merger that it was canceling the long-running late show hosted by outspoken Trump critic Stephen Colbert, even though it was the top-rated program in late-night. Trump and Carr immediately celebrated the news of Colberts cancellation. Paramount, meanwhile, has insisted the move was purely for financial reasons, while company sources claimed the show lost $40 million a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days and weeks leading up to government approval of the deal, Paramount also agreed to pay $16 million to settle President Trumps meritless lawsuit related to benign edits of an episode of 60 Minutesa standard editorial practicewhich the FCC also investigated without any legitimate regulatory basis, the letter to Ellison read. The settlement raises significant concerns that Donald Trump demanded and Paramount paid an illegal bribea $16 million payment to the President in exchange for merger approval from the FCC. Carr spent months during the approval process slamming CBS News coverage of Trump, accusing it of anti-conservative bias while also reviewing complaints over alleged news distortion at the network, specifically over the 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. Raskin and Pallone arent the only ones who have accused Paramount of bribing the president to push through the merger process. While the company then led by chief shareholder Shari Redstone was in mediation over the lawsuit, several Democratic senators warned the company that any settlement with Trump could be seen as a violation of anti-bribery statutes. Paramount also canceled the highly popular The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which President Trump openly dislikes, shortly after Mr. Colberts on-air criticism of Paramounts settlement as a big fat bribe, Raskin and Pallone stated. As a condition of the merger, Skydance also agreed to make changes to CBS and its editorial practices that align with the Trump Administrations political agenda, including a commitment to eliminate perceived bias in its reporting, the hiring of an ombudsman to police the news organizations editorial choices, and the dismantling of any initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The congressmen also raised questions about the influence the new Paramount chiefs father had on the process. Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, is a close ally of the presidents and has invested heavily in his sons venture. House Democrats are concerned that Paramount capitulated to and bribed Donald Trump and his handpicked FCC chief Brendan Carr. (Reuters) And within days of your June 7 meeting, President Trump endorsed your bid to purchase Paramount, the lawmakers wrote Ellison. Moreover, your father, Larry Ellison, who contributed up to $6 billion toward your purchase of Paramount, reportedly met privately with President Trump multiple times in recent months. Notably, none of these meetings were memorialized with filings in the FCCs docket on this transaction, prompting objections from other parties in the record. Referencing the supposed side deal with the president, the congressmen brought up Trumps public boast that he anticipated that the new Owners would give him $20 million of PSAs and similar programming. This offer was necessarily contingent on the FCC approving the deal and does not appear to present any legitimate value to the public, only to President Trump, Pallone and Raskin stated. Therefore, this appears to be an offer of payment and benefits to a government official designed to achieve a specific outcome from the government in other words, a bribe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also noting that several CBS newsroom leaders parted ways with the network over Paramounts settlement negotiations with Trump, the two Democrats said that the combination of all of these actions could run afoul of federal and state anti-bribery statutes while demanding detailed answers surrounding the merger approval process. Two wrongs do not make a rightillegitimate demands from the FCC or the Administration do not absolve your company from wrongdoing, the lawmakers wrote to David Ellison. If Skydance offered a side deal of up to $20 million worth of advertisement or programming to President Trump in order to receive regulatory approval for the merger with Paramount, these actions would run afoul of federal and state anti-bribery statutes. They continued: Similarly, if Paramount forced out CBSs longtime leaders, spent $16 million to settle a sham lawsuit with President Trump, or cancelled a highly popular comedy show that President Trump dislikes in order to curry favor with the Administration and to receive regulatory approval for the merger with Skydance, these actions would likely further embolden President Trump to use lawsuits and regulatory authority to attack media organizations that he finds objectionable in order to silence them. Representatives for Paramount and Ellison declined to comment. A pair of top House Democrats are launching an investigation into Paramounts $7 billion merger with fellow media conglomerate Skydance and the circumstances that led to the deals approval by the Trump administration, The Hill has learned. Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) and Judiciary Committee ranking member Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) sent a letter to Paramount leadership on Wednesday demanding documents, communications and detailed answers regarding the mergers approval process. In their letter, which was reviewed by The Hill, the lawmakers expressed concern about troubling statements from President Trump indicating that he expects to receive $20 Million Dollars more from the new Owners, in Advertising, PSAs, or similar Programming, for a total of over $36 Million Dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount has denied any such agreement with Trump exists and insisted its settlement with the president only includes a $16 million payment to his foundation, which was announced as the deal was struck. As part of its bid to win Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of its deal, Paramount agreed to changes in its editorial practices, which the lawmakers wrote, align with the Trump Administrations political agenda, in addition to ending its corporate diversity policies. This offer was necessarily contingent on the FCC approving the deal and does not appear to present any legitimate value to the public, only to President Trump, Pallone and Raskin wrote in their letter. Therefore, this appears to be an offer of payment and benefits to a government official designed to achieve a specific outcome from the government in other words, a bribe. Paramount paid its settlement to Trump last month to get the president to drop a high-profile lawsuit he filed against CBS News over a 60 Minutes interview it aired with former Vice President Kamala Harris last fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS canceled The Late Show with host and Trump critic Stephen Colbert days later, while David Ellison, Paramounts new chief executive, has spoken openly about ushering a new era catering to more diverse viewpoints at the network. FCC Chair Brendan Carr, before his agency cleared the merger, had blasted CBS News over its coverage of the Trump administration and suggested the Harris 60 Minutes interview could be grounds for a news distortion complaint, a potential roadblock to the deals approval. David Ellison is the son of tech mogul Larry Ellison, an ally of Trump and one of the richest people in the world. In the upper chamber, several Democrats, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) have raised alarms about the deal, calling it a major capitulation to Trumps executive power and a potential violation of federal bribery law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Skydance offered a side deal of up to $20 million worth of advertisement or programming to President Trump in order to receive regulatory approval for the merger with Paramount, these actions would run afoul of federal and state anti-bribery statutes, the lawmakers wrote to David Ellison. Similarly, if Paramount forced out CBSs longtime leaders, spent $16 million to settle a sham lawsuit with President Trump, or cancelled a highly popular comedy show that President Trump dislikes in order to curry favor with the Administration and to receive regulatory approval for the merger with Skydance, these actions would likely further embolden President Trump to use lawsuits and regulatory authority to attack media organizations that he finds objectionable in order to silence them, they added. Paramount did not respond to a request for comment on the letter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) ranks among the top robotics to buy according to analysts. Mizuho kept its Outperform rating on Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX), and increased its price target for the medical device maker from $130 to $140 on July 24. Mizuho Raises Boston Scientific (BSX) Price Target as Robotics and Devices Drive Growth The firm reported that the global recall of the ACURATE transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system in the second half of the year was expected to be compensated by solid performance in Boston Scientifics FARAPULSE and WATCHMAN product lines. While Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) has no plans to re-engineer the ACURATE valve, putting it at square one in the TAVR space, the company is still on track to acquire clearances for FARAPULSE in China and Japan before the end of the year, according to Mizuhos research. Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) is a global leader in the manufacture of medical devices, including stents, brain stimulation systems, heart monitors, and catheters. A leading name in robotics, the company has made great strides in the humanoid aspect of the industry with its two-legged Atlas robot. While we acknowledge the potential of BSX to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BSX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Two House Democrats are the latest lawmakers seeking details of how the Paramount-Skydance merger cleared the FCC shortly after a $16 million settlement of Donald Trumps lawsuit against CBS. In a letter to Paramount CEO David Ellison, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) are seeking a copy of the lawsuit settlement agreement and a copy of all related communications involving the President, employees or representatives of the White House or the FCC, employees or representatives of the Trump Organization, or any other individual acting on behalf of Donald Trump or the Trump Organization. They also are asking for answers to a number of other questions related to the merger, including Ellisons conversations with Trump. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pallone and Raskin also raised other issues, including CBSs decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, announced just days before the FCC approval, and the departure of Bill Owens as executive producer of 60 Minutes. The Democratic lawmakers wrote, Two wrongs do not make a rightillegitimate demands from the FCC or the Administration do not absolve your company from wrongdoing. If Skydance offered a side deal of up to $20 million worth of advertisement or programming to President Trump in order to receive regulatory approval for the merger with Paramount, these actions would run afoul of federal and state anti-bribery statutes. Similarly, if Paramount forced out CBSs longtime leaders, spent $16 million to settle a sham lawsuit with President Trump, or canceled a highly popular comedy show that President Trump dislikes in order to curry favor with the Administration and to receive regulatory approval for the merger with Skydance, these actions would likely further embolden President Trump to use lawsuits and regulatory authority to attack media organizations that he finds objectionable in order to silence them. The letter raises some of the same issues raised by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), who queried Skydance over the merger and raised the prospect that anti-bribery laws may have been violated. Although executives from Skydance and pre-merger Paramount have responded to previous letters, Democrats have continued to raise issues about the transaction. Earlier this week, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr over his interactions with the White House, among other things. Raskin is the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Pallone is the top Democrat on the House Energy & Commerce Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skydance General Counsel Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon responded to the senators letter last month, writing that throughout its history and during the review of the proposed acquisition of Paramount, Skydance has fully complied with all applicable laws, including our nations anti-bribery laws. McKinnon also noted that it was neither a party to the lawsuit nor to Paramounts settlement of its litigation with the president. She also wrote that Skydance was not involved in the decision to cancel Colbert, a call that was made before the merger deal closed. CBS has maintained that the cancellation decision was purely financial. The two Democrats also pressed Ellison on Trumps claim that the lawsuit settlement included an additional $16 million in public service announcement advertising airtime. The president later said that they anticipate a higher figure, of $20 million, from the new owners. When Trumps claim first surfaced, pre-merger Paramount said that its board did not approve was any such side deal, and that they had no knowledge of any such commitments. Ellison and McKinnon have not directly addressed whether there was any such deal, but in a story on Shari Redstone earlier this week, The New York Times reported that a Skydance lawyer disputed the existence of such an ad commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Paramount did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest letter. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. House Democrats Frank Pallone, Jr. and Jamie Raskin are demanding answers from New Paramount CEO David Ellison about whether the company paid an illegal bribe to secure FCC approval of Skydances $8 billion merger with the media giant. In a letter, the lawmakers cited Trumps recent claim that Skydance agreed to pay an additional $20 million in the form of public service announcements and advertising on top of Paramounts $16 million settlement with the president to resolve his lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair also expressed concern about the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Skydances agreement to conduct a comprehensive review of CBS, to appoint an ombudsman to review complaints of bias, and to eliminate all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and policies at the company. Pallone, Jr. and Raskin have asked the company to turn over a copy of the Trump settlement and all related communications involving the president, White House, FCC or Trump Organization. They also asked for all internal communications and documentation related to settlement terms, side agreements, or policy changes, including correspondence or any due diligence conducted between Paramount and Skydance, and to confirm if they cut a side deal for advertising and PSAs and any details of an agreement. As part of our mandate to conduct congressional oversight, we will continue to scrutinize the connection between Skydances offers made to the President prior to closing the deal, Paramounts settlement of a sham lawsuit that enriches the president, and regulatory approval of the merger, they wrote. We will also continue to examine Paramount Skydance Corporations implementation and the FCCs enforcement, under Chairman Brendan Carrs leadership, of the merger conditions, with a special focus on any actions that appear to exceed the agencys statutory authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Paramount has said its settlement does not include PSAs, Skydance has declined to comment on a potential side deal with Trump. During a media event earlier this month, Ellison said Skydance was not involved in the Trump settlement. When pressed about the existence of a side deal, he said: I do not want to politicize our company in any way shape or form. We want to obviously speak to the biggest audience possible. When asked about whether Ellison is concerned the FCC would take action if the ombudsman finds bias, Ellison said, I dont think itll get to that. We want to be path-based and truth-based [as] a news organization. Thats what were about. Thats the legacy of CBS, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New president Jeff Shell added the ombudsman is a transparency vehicle, not an oversight vehicle, clarifying that the process at Paramount is not being overseen by the FCC or anybody else. We do believe in transparency, both in the news division and, frankly, in every other business that were in thats why were here today, our first day of the first couple hours, Shell said. The second thing thats very important is its an internal process. Of course, people from the outside can utilize it, but its internal. Its meant to be something where George [Cheeks] and I can work with the leadership if people think theres bias, or they think theres things that are done wrong in reporting to see if something was done or not done, and see if any correct action needs to be taken. In addition to Pallone, Jr. and Raskin, other lawmakers who have called out the Trump settlement and have sent New Paramount letters demanding answers include Sen. Adam Schiff, and Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden. The post House Dems Launch Paramount-Skydance Merger Investigation Into Trump, FCC Dealings appeared first on TheWrap. ELYRIA, Ohio (WJW) Elyria firefighters responded to a house fire that broke out in the city on Wednesday evening. The Elyria Fire Department received the 911 call for a possible house explosion around 7 p.m., Elyria Fire Chief Joseph Pronesti told FOX 8 News. Brothers swept up by Lake Erie rip currents found dead Crews found heavy fire when they arrived at the scene on Marseilles Avenue. Photo credit: Nick Gamer via Facebook A witness shared the photo above, showing heavy smoke billowing from the structures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I-Team: No permit for a Browns dome, but what about the big smokestacks? According to the fire chief, one house was destroyed in the blaze. A neighboring home and a car were also damaged. WJW photo WJW photo WJW photo WJW photo There were no reported injuries in the fire, which remains under investigation at this time. FOX 8 is working to gather more information on this developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. HONOLULU (KHON2) Honolulu police confirm the human remains found after a brush fire in Kapolei on Aug. 19 were not dismembered. Dismembered, burned body found off Kapolei Pkwy. In a previous report, EMS said that the body found was dismembered. However, Honolulu police took to social media to confirm that after an autopsy performed on Aug. 20, the body found was not dismembered, and there is no indication of foul play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HPD continued saying that the case remains classified as an Unattended Death, with the cause and manner of the death still pending. This comes after a body was found after a brush fire burned through a homeless encampment. Police said they were called to Kapolei Parkway just after 2 a.m. Firefighters said they found a small, corrugated structure on fire and that the flames were under control by 2:02 a.m. This is where a body was discovered inside, according to HPD. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said the body was burned beyond recognition. Check out more news from around Hawaii The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Brace yourselves, because hundreds of thousands of user conversations with Elon Musk's notoriously foul-mouthed Grok chatbot have hit the internet, Forbes reports and some of them get into absolutely unholy territory. The more than 370,000 chats were made public after users clicked a "share" button that created a link to their chatbot convos, unaware that by doing so, it was allowing them to be indexed by search engines like Google and Bing. Some of them were clearly never meant to see the light of day. Forbes found that Grok gave instructions on how to cook up drugs like fentanyl and meth. It also provided the steps to code a self-executing piece of malware, build a bomb, and carry out various forms of suicide. It even created an in-depth plan on how to assassinate Musk himself which is not the first time the chatbot's rebelled against its creator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's worth noting that at least some of the extreme conversations are likely the result of would-be red teamers stress-testing the bot's safety measures, though some may be legit, too. In any case, the conversations are in flagrant violation of xAI's terms of service, which explicitly prohibit using Grok for "critically harming human life" or to develop weapons of mass destruction, Forbes notes. Grok's behavior is far from being an outlier in the industry. AI companies have struggled to prevent their models from breaking their own guardrails, which can be easily circumvented by clever human users. Grok, however, faces heightened scrutiny due to Musk framing it as an anti-woke alternative to mainstream AI. He's also frequently declared his intent to "fix" Grok so that it peddles views more in line with his own extremist beliefs. Perhaps uncoincidentally, Grok has had multiple episodes where it's gone horrifically off the rails, which include styling itself "MechaHitler" and spreading claims of "white genocide" in response to completely unrelated conversations. Grok isn't the first chatbot to have its chats surface on search engines, either. OpenAI created a near identical incident earlier this summer when experts realized that thousands of ChatGPT conversations were also indexed by Google as a result of users not realizing that creating a share link was making their exchanges "discoverable" by search engines. After the news caught on, OpenAI removed the feature to make the chats discoverable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An analysis of the ChatGPT dump revealed its own controversies, including an exchange in which the chatbot provided advice to a purported lawyer on how to "displace a small Amazonian indigenous community" in order to build a dam on their territory. Another investigation of the public dump revealed dozens of exchanges where the AI dangerously fed into a user's apparently paranoid or delusional beliefs, including convincing someone that they were on the verge of inventing a new physics. Ironically, when OpenAI caught flak for the leaked chats, Musk gloated about Grok having no sharing feature and that its chats aren't indexable by Google, Forbes noted. Even AI experts were fooled about Grok's privacy. "I was surprised that Grok chats shared with my team were getting automatically indexed on Google, despite no warnings of it, especially after the recent flare-up with ChatGPT," Nathan Lambert, a machine learning researcher at the Allen Institute for AI, told Forbes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But where others are shocked at the privacy risks these features pose, marketers smell an opportunity. Forbes found that search engine optimization (SEO) spammers are discussing exploiting shared Grok conversations to boost the visibility of businesses, providing yet another avenue for using AI to manipulate search results while ruining the internet for everyone else in the process. In fact, it's already happening. Satish Kumar, CEO of the SEO firm Pyrite Technologies, showed Forbes how one company used Grok to change the results for a Google search for a service that writes a PhD dissertation for you. "People are actively using tactics to push these pages into Googles index," Kumar told the publication. More on AI: ChatGPT Is Giving Teens Advice on Hiding Their Eating Disorders The decision by a five-judge panel of the Appellate Division in Manhattan represented a defeat for New York Attorney-General Letitia James, whose office brought the civil fraud lawsuit against Trump. In a triumph for Donald Trump, a New York state appeals court on Thursday threw out a half-billion-dollar penalty while preserving a fraud case against him, enabling the US president to rebound from one of his biggest legal defeats. The deeply divided decision by the Appellate Division in Manhattan is also a defeat for New York Attorney-General Letitia James, one of Trump's biggest foes, who he accused of bringing the civil fraud lawsuit to advance a political witch hunt and deny him a second White House term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A trial judge had ordered the penalty in February 2024 after finding that Trump fraudulently overstated his wealth and the value of his properties to bolster his family business. Trump denied wrongdoing, and his lawyers argued that any errors in reporting his fortune to his lenders and business partners were irrelevant because none was harmed. Four judges on the five-member appeals court voted to let the fraud finding stand, but all found problems in the judge's handling of the case and two would have ordered a new trial. New York Attorney General Letitia James leaves the court during a break in the trial in a civil fraud case brought by her against former U.S. President Donald Trump, his adult sons, the Trump Organization and others, in New York City, U.S., October 4, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/MIKE SEGAR) A fifth judge would have dismissed the case altogether, and all five judges would have voided the payout. There was no majority opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original judgment against Trump, his adult sons and a former Trump Organization executive totaled $464.6 million, with Trump liable for $454.2 million. As interest continued to accrue, those respective sums have grown to $527 million and $515.2 million. In a social media post, Trump called the decision a "TOTAL VICTORY." "I greatly respect the fact that the Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision," the Republican wrote. James, a Democrat who regularly said Trump was not above the law, said she will ask the Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, to review the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It should not be lost to history: yet another court has ruled that the president violated the law, and that our case has merit," she added. Trial judge found lack of contrition Trump was separately convicted in May 2024 on criminal charges in Manhattan stemming from hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, but received no punishment. His reelection also effectively meant the end of three other criminal cases he faced, including two for alleged interference in the 2020 election. Trump is still challenging more than $88 million of civil verdicts won by the writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of defamation and rape. He has denied wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But his finances appear much improved, including from business tied to cryptocurrencies, compared to last year when he struggled to post a bond to appeal the $454.2-million judgment. He was later allowed to post a smaller bond. James, meanwhile, is under investigation for possible mortgage fraud by the Justice Department, as the White House uses the levers of government against people who have investigated Trump or resisted his agenda. Prosecutors also convened a grand jury to investigate whether James' fraud case deprived Trump of his civil rights, a person familiar with the matter said this month. In the civil fraud case, Trump had been appealing a judgment entered by Justice Arthur Engoron in Manhattan, following a three-month nonjury trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Engoron found Trump had inflated his wealth over several years before becoming president in 2017, to dupe lenders and insurers into providing better terms to the Trump Organization. Finding a "complete lack of contrition," Engoron ordered Trump to pay about 98% of the $464.6-million judgment. Trump's sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, were to pay the rest. Engoron also banned Trump and the Trump Organization from applying for loans from banks registered in the state for three years, and effectively barred the sons from the business for two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeals court put those restrictions on hold during the appeals process, while letting a court-appointed monitor for the Trump Organization continue her work. Thursday's decision lets those restrictions take effect. No 'cataclysmic harm' Two judges involved in the decision agreed the defendants "engaged in a decade-long pattern of financial fraud and illegality." But they said Trump's wrongdoing did not cause "cataclysmic harm" to justify a half-billion-dollar award, though injunctive relief to prevent future wrongdoing was appropriate. "The Attorney-General may act, as she did in this case, before a potential catastrophe occurs, to deter further fraudulent business behavior," wrote Justice Peter Moulton, joined by the chief judge Dianne Renwick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Having achieved these goals," he added, "the state is not entitled to compound its victory with a massive punitive fine." Two other judges, John Higgitt and Llinet Rosado, agreed James had authority to sue, but a new trial was necessary because Engoron was too quick to find fraud. They agreed "with great reluctance" not to disturb the fraud finding, to allow an appeal. Justice David Friedman, the only judge on the panel appointed by a Republican governor, said James' case was politically motivated, and voters had rendered their own verdict on Trump's political career. He also said another trial "would disrupt the political life of the United States and would undermine its national interest, particularly at a time of high global tension." Moulton also rejected a new trial, saying Trump's presidency and the difficulties of starting afresh "would likely consign this meritorious case to oblivion." The post Hulk Hogans Cause of Death Questioned by Daughter, Leaked Police Report appeared first on Consequence. New claims from Hulk Hogans daughter, Brooke, and a recent TMZ report suggest there could be more to his recent death than the initially reported heart attack. In a lengthy statement posted to her Instagram Story (via PEOPLE) on Wednesday, August 20th, Brooke Hogan claimed that there is police body cam footage and 911 tapes that could shed more light on the circumstances of her fathers death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive 100% gotten legit calls from professionals from police officials to nurses that were supposedly with my dad on the day of his death telling ME I need to see body cam footage and I need to get a hold of the 911 tapes because they supposedly contain information that could potentially shed enough light to change the narrative, she wrote, adding that these professionals feel so passionately about what they witnessed, they have continued to contact me and push me to find specific answers to this very day. Brooke added that she has zero control over the situation because her fathers wife, Sky Daily, is setting the rules. She further noted that the footage and 911 calls were not available through the Freedom of Information Act. At the time of Hogans death, Brooke was estranged from her father and had taken herself out of his will. Her brother, Nick, is keeping her informed and doing his best to get answers. Adding credence to Brookes claims, TMZ published information from a Clearwater Police Department report on Thursday. It reveals that an occupational therapist who was at Hogans Florida home when he stopped breathing told officers that a surgeon had severed Hogans phrenic nerve during a recent operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The phrenic nerve is located in the neck and controls the diaphragm, making it vital for breathing. On the day of Hogans death on July 24th, first responders attempted to revive him for 30 minutes before he was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead. While TMZ did not confirm whether this specific conversation was recorded, other discussions between officers about the therapists claim were caught on body cam. Brooke has called for an autopsy, but neither she nor TMZ has confirmation about whether Hogans body has already been cremated. However, Sky Daily did confirm to TMZ that her late husbands phrenic nerve was compromised during a recent surgery. The Clearwater Police Department has also released a statement about its ongoing investigation into Hogans death: We have been in communication with family members including his son, Nick, and daughter, Brooke. The unique nature of this case has required us to interview multiple witnesses and seek medical records from a variety of providers, and our detectives continue to do that. All of this takes time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. A law enforcement investigation into the death Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, has yet to conclude nearly four weeks after the famed wrestler died, Clearwater police said Thursday. We have been in communication with family members including his son, Nick, and daughter, Brooke, a news release from the police department stated. The unique nature of this case has required us to interview multiple witnesses and seek medical records from a variety of providers, and our detectives continue to do that. All of this takes time. Police records related to the investigation, including body-cam footage, wont be released until the case is completed, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clearwater Police Departments announcement comes a day after Hogans daughter, Brooke Bollea Oleksy, made a series of posts on social media addressing continued speculation and rumors about Hogans death at age 71. Ive 100% gotten legit calls from professionals from police officials to nurses that were supposedly with my dad on the day of his death telling ME I need to see body cam footage and I need to get a hold of the 911 tapes because they supposedly contain information that could potentially shed enough light to change the narrative we/I/everyones been hearing, she wrote in one post. Police records are public under Florida law, but there are exemptions for ongoing investigations and certain medical information. Hulk Hogan, polarizing wrestling star, always belong to Tampa Bay Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We plan to meet with the family and brief them on the case to this point, the release said, and we will share the results of the investigation with the family prior to closing the case and releasing it to the public and media. On a cremation approval report from the Pinellas County Medical Examiners office, Hogans cause of death was listed as a heart attack, a consequence of atrial fibrillation and leukemia. That cause of death was provided by Hogans doctor, an investigator from the Pinellas County Medical Examiners office said on July 31. The medical examiner did not perform an autopsy or determine Hogans cause of death, the investigator said, because it was not suspicious. Even so, the family would still have the option of paying for a private autopsy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear what the police are still looking into. Hogan died after collapsing at home in Clearwater Beach while he was doing therapy, according to first responders radio communications that morning. Hed recently returned home from the hospital and was recovering from surgery. While the medical examiner approved the cremation weeks ago, it isnt known if that has happened yet. Perhaps the most famous professional wrestler of all time, Hogan was memorialized at a private funeral at his church in Indian Rocks Beach on Aug. 5. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." While bones can regrow themselves when they break, teeth arent so lucky, and that leads to millions of people worldwide suffering from some form of edentulism, a.k.a. toothlessness. Now, Japanese researchers are moving a promising, tooth-regrowing medicine into human trials. If the trial is successful, the researchers hope the drug will become available for all forms of toothlessness sometime around 2030. The average adult human body contains 206 bonesthe hardened mixtures of calcium, minerals, and collagen that provide the biological scaffolding that walks us through our day. While we may not think of them much, bones are incredibly resilient. But if they do break, they have this nifty trick of regrowing themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teeth, however, are not bones. Although theyre made of some of the same stuff and are the hardest material in the human body (thanks to its protective layer of enamel), they lack the crucial ability to heal and regrow themselves. But that may not always be the case. Japanese researchers are moving forward with an experimental drug that promises to regrow human teeth. Human trials began in September 2024. We want to do something to help those who are suffering from tooth loss or absence, Katsu Takahashi, the head of dentistry at the medical research institute at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, told The Mainichi. While there has been no treatment to date providing a permanent cure, we feel that peoples expectations for tooth growth are high. This development follows years of study around a particularly antibody named Uterine sensitizationassociated gene-1 (USAG-1), which has been shown to inhibit the growth of teeth in ferrets and mice. Back in 2021, scientists from the Kyoto Universitywho will also be involved in future human trialsdiscovered a monoclonal antibody (a technique usually used in fighting cancer) that disrupted the interaction between USAG-1 and molecules known as bone morphogenetic protein, or BMP. We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough, Kyoto Universitys Katsu Takahashi, a co-author of the study, said in a press statement at the time. Ferrets are diphyodont animals with similar dental patterns to humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, scientists will see just how similar, because humans are undergoing a similar trial. Lasting 11 months, this study focuses on 30 males between the ages of 30 and 64each missing at least one tooth. The drug will be administered intravenously to prove its effectiveness and safety, and luckily, no side effects have been reported in previous animal studies. If all goes well, Kitano Hospital will administer the treatment to patients between the ages of 2 to 7 who are missing at least four teeth, with the end goal of having a tooth-regrowing medicine available by the year 2030. While these treatments are currently focused on patients with congenital tooth deficiency, Takahashi hopes the treatment will be available for anyone whos lost a tooth. Find the Perfect Men's Health Workout Plan for Your Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shop Now Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shop Now Photo credit: COURTESY DAVIDSON; ANDRE L. PERRY Shop Now You Might Also Like At least 600 employees at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are expected to receive layoff notices this week as the administration seeks to downsize the agency just weeks after its headquarters became the target of a deadly shooting. Some workers in the U.S. public health agency began receiving notices this week of final terminations, but others have not, making it difficult to determine how many people are being let go, the American Federation of Government Employees, the union representing hundreds of thousands of government employees, said. The agency cuts are occurring roughly a week after a federal judge ruled that hundreds of CDC employees could be laid off, with some exceptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cuts also come just as CDC employees are returning to its headquarters in Georgia after a gunman fired 180 shots at the building, causing dozens of windows to shatter and leaving bullet holes scattered across the building. Employees who returned to the office this week after the traumatic shooting shared photos with NOTUS that showed windows still damaged by bullet holes and handwritten signs taped to chairs warning people of glass on the carpet. At least 600 CDC employees are expected to get layoff notices this week, not long after employees experienced a deadly shooting (AP) While no CDC employees were killed in the shooting, the gunman, reportedly disgruntled about the Covid-19 vaccine, fatally shot one police officer. Some of those employees being laid off include those in the CDCs violence prevention division, who, in an open letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., called the cuts harmful and negligent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cutting this work now, especially after the horrific and tragic shooting that killed DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose and trapped our children in the on-site daycare center into the night while targeting federal employees, is not just harmful it is negligent, the 150 employees said. In a separate letter, hundreds of other CDC and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry employees scolded Kennedy for spreading health misinformation the same kind that may have led the gunman to blame the Covid-19 vaccine for mental health issues. When the federal workforce is not safe, America is not safe, the employees wrote. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is complicit in dismantling Americas public health infrastructure and endangering the nations health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information. Windows on a CDC building marked by bullet holes from the deadly shooting that occurred in August (REUTERS) Kennedy has a long history of spreading false information about vaccines, bolstering pseudosciences, and downplaying the seriousness of diseases such as measles or HIV/AIDS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency has pushed back against the criticism of Kennedy from staff, however. Secretary Kennedy is standing firmly with CDC employees both on the ground and across every center ensuring their safety and well-being remain a top priority, HHS said in a statement to the Washington Post. Any attempt to conflate widely supported public health reforms with the violence of a suicidal mass shooter is an attempt to politicize a tragedy. A CDC official told The Independent that the layoffs were consistent with downsizing efforts which were first announced in March. Some CDC employees told NOTUS that morale was low upon returning to the office recently, due to the impending layoffs and leaderships stance toward their lifesaving medical research and development. We trudge on because we believe in what we do, and we feel a sense of responsibility to the American people, and for some of us, to those beyond the U.S., the CDC employees said. This story was originally published on Multifamily Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Multifamily Dive newsletter. Earlier this week, HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau again reported strong numbers for multifamily construction. Starts for buildings with five or more units jumped 11.6% month over month in July and rose 27.4% year over year to a seasonally adjusted rate of 470,000. Multifamily developers finished an annualized 383,000 apartments in buildings with five or more units, a 28.8% YOY drop and a 2.8% month-over-month decline. Overall housing starts came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.4 million in July a 12.9% increase YOY and a 5.2% increase compared to the revised June estimate. Single-family home starts clocked in at a rate of 939,000 homes, a 7.8% YOY increase and a 2.8% month-over-month increase. On the surface, the multifamily performance, which had the second-highest number of starts for any July in the past four decades, is much stronger than was expected at the beginning of the year. This follows the Census reporting that June 2025 multifamily starts were the fifth-highest for any June since 1990, rental housing economist Jay Parsons wrote on LinkedIn. But Parsons and other observers are skeptical. The numbers don't make a lot of sense, Jay Lybik, senior director of market research at Milwaukee-based apartment owner and manager Continental Properties, told Multifamily Dive. Not matching the environment Chris Nebenzahl, vice president of rental research at Irvine, California-based John Burns Research & Consulting, said his team has been monitoring the Census numbers over the past five months and has noticed an issue. The Census data doesnt represent what we are seeing from our clients, third-party data providers that we subscribe to, or what our surveys are saying, he said. Nebenzahl said most of these sources indicate that multifamily starts are down 8% to 10% year over year. Given the capital markets and uncertainty in the economy, I dont believe theres been an increase YOY in multifamily starts, he said. Ryan Davis, CEO of Dallas-based consulting firm Witten Advisors, told Multifamily Dive the 42,000 total multifamily starts in July were laughable. Equity for new development went on a pause after [President Donald Trump's tariffs were first enacted on] April 2, 2025, and given that the industry is influenced by these numbers, I suspect that pause will now continue into next year, Davis said. Add to that tariff-driven/uncertainty pause is the fact that very few deals can pencil. Free admission to hundreds of Englands tourist attractions will be available throughout September. The Heritage Open Days festival will take place from 12 to 21 September, offering visitors complimentary access to historical sites such as museums, music halls, churches, mandirs and stately homes. Highlights include the opportunity to try shipwreck archaeology in Hampshire, or to tour a Cold War-era military bunker at Alconbury Weald in Cambridgeshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maritime lovers can explore Portland Port in Dorset, while history enthusiasts can join a family walk in London to learn about Black Tudor history, or step back in time at Jarrow Hall in Northumbria. The 2025 festival is themed around the idea of architecture, which has been interpreted by each organisation taking part. Hundreds of National Trust properties will also be opening up their doors for free on certain days, including Cliveden House, Beningbrough Hall and Lindisfarne Castle. Many of the opportunities are exclusively available during the open days. While every activity is free, some tickets do, however, need to be confirmed ahead of visiting. To discover what is on in your area and details of booking, head to the Heritage Open Days website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days marketing and projects manager, said: For many, architecture is about more than just buildings; it's really all about people, and the ways we interact with the world around us. This year's festival is a great opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of local stories across England. It's an open invitation to explore, learn, and be inspired by people and place. Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days has aimed to make history and culture more accessible to citizens for more than 30 years. Around one-third of the one million visitors last year said they had not visited a heritage site or event in the past year, while 82 per cent said their visit made them more proud of their local area. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has commented on the latest Russian air attack on western part of Ukraine but did not mention Zakarpattia Oblast, which suffered the most from the attack. Source: Szijjarto on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: In his post, which did not specify that it was a Russian attack on Ukrainian regions and did not name Russia as the aggressor, Szijjarto stated that "the news from Ukraine this morning once again confirms that peace is needed as soon as possible". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Everyone must make every effort to achieve a peace agreement that will end the war as soon as possible! This is the only way to prevent further bloodshed and destruction." Details: It is worth noting that neither Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban nor Peter Magyar, head of Hungarys largest opposition party Tisza, have reacted to this strike so far. Background: On the night of 20-21 August, Russia launched 614 air targets against Ukraine, of which 577 were downed by air defence. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that on the night of 20-21 August, Russian forces launched several cruise missiles on an American company in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia Oblast. Fifteen people were injured in the strike. In June 2024, among Hungarys 11 demands regarding the protection of minority rights, one of the key stumbling blocks was the definition of areas in Ukraine with a special level of guarantees for Hungarian rights. This provision is already part of Ukrainian legislation, referring to towns and villages with a "significant number" of minority representatives (from 15%) and where a minority has "traditionally" lived (from 10% over the past 100 years). However, Budapest considered this insufficient and began to demand that all settlements in Zakarpattia Oblast be automatically recognised as "traditionally Hungarian", including those where Hungarians have never historically lived. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The communications department at Hungarys presidential palace has attempted to explain why head of state Tamas Sulyok removed the word "Russian" from a post about an attack which Russia carried out on Zakarpattia on the night of 20-21 August. Source: Telex, a Hungarian news outlet, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Hungarian presidents office said the post was changed because the "presidents chancery was still waiting for official and detailed information, as well as confirmation of the circumstances of the missile strike on Mukachevo, who carried it out and who was responsible". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They stressed that President Sulyok thought it was important to be among the first to express deep condolences to those affected. The presidents chancery also mentioned the criticism the president has come under in the last few hours because of the manipulation of his post. Quote: "We would like to draw attention to the essence of the statement and the real intention behind it, as well as to its content! The post calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the saving of human lives, and it expresses sympathy for those affected by the war. It is worth reminding ourselves that every war begins with the incitement of hatred. It is our shared responsibility not to allow even this first step." Background: President Tamas Sulyok expressed condolences on Facebook to those affected by the Russian strike on the plant in Mukachevo. Later, however, he removed the word "Russian" from his post. Peter Magyar, the leader of Hungarys largest opposition party, Tisza, criticised Sulyok for doing so. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban issued a statement on the Russian strike on Zakarpattia on Thursday evening without condemning Russias actions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The US state of New Jersey has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Erin threatens to cause coastal flooding, rip currents and gale-force gusts along the Atlantic coasts of the US and Canada. Early on Friday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) stressed that conditions still posed a threat to life - even as the storm continued to drift away from North America. The first hurricane of the Atlantic season is weakening and will soon lose its status, before bringing rain to the UK next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, a storm surge up to a metre (3ft) in height is possible in US states such as Rhode Island and Virginia, as well as Canada's Atlantic coast. The latest measurement suggests maximum sustained winds are near 90mph (150km/h). The NHC continues to warn that Erin is "very large", meaning that hurricane-force winds extend outwards from the centre as far as 125 miles (205km). As a result, Erin has brought stormy conditions up and down the US east coast, causing beach and road closures despite not making landfall at any point. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy made his emergency declaration on Thursday afternoon - citing high winds, large waves and flooding expected to strike parts of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Over the past couple of days, we have seen the effects of Hurricane Erin along the Jersey Shore in the form of dangerous rip tides. Today and tomorrow will be no exception," Murphy said. Among the other regions that can expect strong gusts are Massachusetts in the US, and Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in Canada, the NHC said. A map on the Environment Canada website said coastal areas of the Burin and the southern Avalon Peninsulas should expect "large waves, pounding surf, and higher than normal water levels". New Jersey is the latest US state with an emergency declaration [Reuters] Beachgoers were earlier advised not to swim at most US east-coast beaches, as the NHC warned of rip currents. These are bodies of water that flows out to sea, potentially dragging humans with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US weather experts have previously warned that the 2025 hurricane season, which runs from 1 June to 30 November, could have an above-average number of storms. Warmer sea temperatures - made more likely by climate change - and generally favourable atmospheric conditions are behind the forecast. At the same time, cuts to American research are raising fears about the ability to track and prepare for these often deadly storms. In the US state of North Carolina, which is still recovering from last year's Hurricane Helene, another emergency was declared earlier in the week by Governor Josh Stein. Stein implored swimmers to stop entering waters off the coast after dozens of people needed to be rescued off Wrightsville Beach on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm went on to soak the Outer Banks - a system of barrier islands in the state. The communities of Hatteras and Ocracoke were ordered to be evacuated, due to a fear they could become disconnected from other islands. A 96-year-old motel owner on Hatteras, Carol Dillon, told the BBC's US partner CBS News that "at my age, you take what comes". But she feared that the storm could eat away at the land on which her premises was built. "This is our livelihood," she explained. "We could lose those two buildings that are in the water right now. I'm hoping we won't - I do a lot of praying." Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, reached category five status on Saturday, and has gradually weakened since then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 150,000 people were left without power for a time in the US island territory of Puerto Rico after high winds damaged electricity lines, according to local energy company Luma. The coastal flooding threat from Hurricane Erin will peak with Thursday nights high tide, and dangers from the storm will continue into Friday, meteorologists said. Gov. Hochul ordered the closure of all New York state beaches through Thursday night, but the National Weather Service warned of rip currents throughout the region until 8 p.m. Friday. The threat for beach flooding, beach erosion and escarpment and areas of dune erosion will increase with successive high tides through tonight, NWS forecasters warned Thursday. This high surf will be combined with elevated water levels as we approach a new moon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waves are expected to peak at 12-16 feet high on Long Island on Thursday night, with high tide times varying up and down the island. Coastal communities in southern Queens and Brooklyn could experience flooding. Farther south in New Jersey, waves are expected to crest at 7-12 feet, and Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in anticipation of storm damage, citing the rip currents and dangerous surf. Many Jersey Shore beaches were closed into Friday morning. Hurricane Erin is expected to move further out to sea on Friday, and the storm is not predicted to make landfall. The storm is still making impacts along the East Coast because of its massive size, measuring nearly 600 miles in diameter, which is twice as big as an average hurricane. Even as Erin has made its way north, the storm has continued kicking up rip currents up and down the coast. The National Weather Service warned of dangerous ocean conditions from Maine to South Florida on Thursday. Rip currents are expected to remain a threat to the tri-state area through Friday, even if beaches finally reopen. By Saturday, conditions are expected to be back to normal. Erin is moving away from the United States but dont breathe a sigh of relief just yet: The massive hurricane is still churning up the Atlantic Ocean, keeping dangerous conditions in place for more than 1,000 miles of the East Coast. Hurricane Erin has been a major disruption for coastal communities this week especially North Carolinas Outer Banks even without making landfall. Its stirred up life-threatening rip currents that prompted dozens of rescues and sent rushing water and sand over coastal roads from the Southeast all the way up through Massachusetts. Erin could keep pushing the ocean onto coastlines through at least Friday. The hurricane made its closest approach to US soil Wednesday night as it skirted just 200 miles from the Outer Banks. It brought serious coastal flooding that has eroded beaches and shut down parts of the highway linking the barrier islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erins northeast turn away from the US began early Thursday and it was accelerating away from the coast as of Friday morning. Heres what to expect from Erin next and what mark its already made. Coastal flood threats arent over as dangerous seas expand Erin is a Category 1 hurricane tracking northeast, away from the East Coast. Its tropical storm-force winds reached nearly 575 miles from end-to-end Thursday morning, making Erin larger than 90% of tropical systems that have roamed the same part of the Atlantic at a similar strength, according to the National Hurricane Center. By Friday morning, the storms wingspan had an even bigger reach. All tropical storm and storm surge warnings for the US were discontinued late Thursday. Erin delivered tropical storm-force wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph to much of the Outer Banks early Thursday morning and some 45 mph gusts to coastal Virginia and Maryland. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Bermuda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Erin moved farther north, the hurricane teamed up with high tide and sent flood waters rushing into coastal areas from South Carolina all the way up the coast into New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon before tidal flooding prompted several road closures and water rescues in Atlantic City and Wildwood. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer said the states Emergency Operations Center has been activated in response to flooding. Crews are staged and readybut we need you to do your part. Stay off the beaches tonight and keep clear of flood-prone roads, Meyer said in a social media post Thursday night. The rip current risk also remains high through Friday for most of the East Coast. An elevated risk will likely persist at least through the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 70 people were rescued from rip currents in North Carolina this week, before Erins closest pass. Some of these rips are pulling six to eight people out at a time, Wrightsville Beach ocean rescue director Sam Proffitt told CNN, describing the conditions as very strong and dangerous. Proffitt noted the volume of water moving and funneling out is so intense, it really doesnt matter how good of a swimmer you are. Many popular beaches up and down the East Coast including in North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, New York and New Jersey have restricted swimming this week as a result. North Carolina bore the brunt of Erin North Carolina remains under a state of emergency after Erin sent large waves crashing into the coastline impacting seaside homes and businesses and spurred significant coastal flooding in its Outer Banks Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evacuations were ordered ahead of the hurricane for parts of the Outer Banks, including the Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. The North Carolina Ferry System evacuated over 2,200 people and 1,100 cars from Ocracoke Island on Wednesday alone. Officials had warned earlier in the week that the regions Highway 12 the slim, scenic stretch of road connecting the barrier islands could become completely inaccessible. They were correct. Still images from DriveNC.gov traffic cameras show water standing on NC-12 after it flowed over the protective dunes. The camera is north of Hatteras, North Carolina. - North Carolina DOT Highway 12 was closed as of Thursday morning after sand, water and debris covered sections of the roadway overnight. The force of the hurricane-whipped ocean breached and flattened sand dunes designed to protect the roadway in parts of Hatteras and Ocracoke, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Crews are working to clear the highway, but the transportation department had no estimate on when it would reopen as of Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein will travel to Dare County, where Hatteras Island is located, to assess the damage Erin caused, according to a Thursday news release. Will Erin have a successor? Erin will lose steam as it heads for the northern Atlantic and enters more hostile atmospheric conditions this weekend and could be a tropical storm by Sunday a far cry from the violent Category 5 hurricane it was for a time last weekend. Erin became one of the fastest rapidly intensifying storms in Atlantic history after it strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 5 in just 24 hours. Hurricanes are rapidly intensifying more frequently as the oceans and atmosphere warm in a world polluted by fossil fuels. Odds are Erin wont be the last rapidly intensifying Atlantic hurricane of the season last year had nine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next few days could see more tropical systems develop in Erins wake. An area of showers and thunderstorms near the Caribbeans Leeward Islands has a high chance of forming into at least a tropical depression this weekend, according to the NHC. Where it goes from there isnt clear, but early indications are it may take a curve similar to Erin. Another area of stormy weather over the open tropical Atlantic has a medium chance to develop into a short-lived tropical depression by the end of the week. CNNs Dianne Gallagher, Alisha Ebrahimji, Amanda Musa, Rebekah Riess, Michael Yoshida, Jordan D. Brown, Sara Smart and Omar Jimenez contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) A father, daughter, and a surfer were caught in a rip current Tuesday near 12th Avenue S. in Surfside Beach and safely brought to shore by a local lifeguard and beach service manager. Strong rip currents caused by Hurricane Erin have made the Grand Strands beaches particularly dangerous this week, with rip tides, waves reaching between 5-7 feet, and rough surf. Due to the current water conditions, lifeguards had no swimming flags up Wednesday along several of the beaches, especially in Surfside Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lifeguard Natalia Dobroczek with Beach Services LTD played a large part in Tuesdays rescue and is reminding everyone to stay cautious. You need to just to listen to the lifeguards, and if you see, you know, the current is stronger, just move away from there, she said. Do not ignore that, and dont enter the water, if you see the red flag. Lane Cox, manager of Beach Services LTD, who also played a role in the water rescue, said rip currents are no joke, especially when caused by any sort of storm system. Every year we have a hurricane or tropical storm, and then were almost guaranteed a couple extra rescues for those types of days, he said. The rip currents really open up and start to pull hard. So those are the days we advise people to stay out of the water and remain cautious and look at the lifeguards to figure out what to do for your beach day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox said surfers should be on high alert as well. [The] best advice for surfers is to exercise extreme caution, he said. You know, have fun, but know your limitations and always be careful, and even if you dont want to, surf next to a lifeguard. No matter what, things can happen, and you may need help. * * * Katie Harrill joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in June 2025. She is a native of Cumming, Georgia, and graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2024. You can keep up with Katie on Facebook, X, (formerly Twitter), or Instagram and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. HATTERAS, N.C. Powerful Hurricane Erin continued lashing hundreds of miles of the Northeast coastline on Thursday after creating big waves and coastal flooding in the Mid-Atlantic. The sprawling hurricane is now turning northeast toward Bermuda and continues to bring widespread coastal impacts to the East Coast. Tens of thousands had been evacuated off the most vulnerable of North Carolina's Outer Banks as a storm surge of up to 4 feet was likely. Meanwhile, beaches remained off limits to swimming up and down the East Coast as dangerous waves and potentially deadly rip currents angrily pounded the shorelines. Hurricane Erin was still a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph on Thursday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the center of Erin and its peak winds were some 300 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, tropical-storm-force winds extended outward up to 320 miles, reaching parts of the North Carolina and Virginia coastlines, where Tropical Storm Warnings lingered into Thursday. The Bermuda Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the island. According to the National Hurricane Center, a weather station at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina, measured sustained winds of 45 mph and a gust of 54 mph on Thursday morning. The greatest impacts from Erin were focused on the central Outer Banks, where waves of up to 20 feet combined with a storm surge of 2-4 feet continued to overwhelm some of the barrier islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina Department of Transportation crews had to shut down Highway 12 the main road along the Outer Banks from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village Wednesday evening as the encroaching surf began covering the road. Track Hurricane Erin: Live East Coast Rip Current Threat, Maps, Forecast Cone "Unfortunately, Hurricane Erin's storm surge was too much for NC12 tonight," NCDOT officials wrote. "Conditions are too unsafe for people to be driving in." Much of the roadway was supposed to be empty anyway as officials in Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties declared local states of emergency and issued mandatory evacuation orders for tourists and residents in popular areas like Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island. Dare County officials told FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne that some 85,000 people had heeded their orders and left by Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm a little worried for the people down in Hatteras and Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo and all that stuff," said Jaden Howard, who lives in Nags Head. "I saw videos of the (surf); it's already washed over the road down there. There's one way in, one way out The scary part is it's not what happens during the storm, it's how are they going to travel after the storm." North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, who declared a state of emergency Wednesday for the affected region, said that anyone who defied an evacuation order and remained in areas vulnerable to coastal flooding and storm-surge flooding was putting their lives at risk. "When there is a major storm, when there is flooding, there is a great risk of death," he warned. "And what we dont want is for people to die." Nhc's Jamie Rhome Joins Bryan Norcross To Answer Questions On Hurricane Erin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Hurricane Erin's path was pulling it farther away from the mid-Atlantic coast on Thursday as it headed out toward the open waters of the North Atlantic, its arc was still going to nudge close enough to parts of the northern mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts to bring dangerous beach conditions and strong winds even into Friday. Among those areas feeling impacts will be the Tidewater region of Virginia, the Delmarva Peninsula, the Jersey Shore, Long Island, New England and Atlantic Canada, the FOX Forecast Center said. With beaches closed in Ocean City, Maryland, many onlookers came out to see the powerful seas under Erin's influence on Thursday, but from a safe distance. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a State of Emergency beginning Thursday afternoon due to dangerous flooding, surf and winds across the Jersey Shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the storm moves past New Jersey over the next 24 hours, we are expecting high surf and rip currents, coastal and flash flooding, and a high erosion risk in parts of the state. We ask all New Jerseyans to monitor local weather forecasts and warnings and stay informed on evacuation protocols, especially if youre down the Shore," Murphy said. Across the East Coast, this was the swell many surfers had been waiting all summer for. Some ocean rescue and lifeguards in New York and New Jersey opened the waters earlier on Thursday to experienced surfers. In Long Beach, New York, waves were between 5 and 8 feet in the morning and forecast to increase by high tide Thursday evening. Long Beach Chief of Lifeguards Rich Borawaski told FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar that not everyone was allowed to ride the waves on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you come in the surf, you have to have the skill set, especially in these type of conditions, you have to have a leash," Borawaski said. "All the surfers have been great, and they have been following the rules." Coastal Flood Warnings covered parts of Delaware, New Jersey and New York's Long Island into Friday, with as much as 2-3 feet of inundation in low-lying areas along the beaches and surf ranging from 7-16 feet. Coastal vulnerability will be greatest at times of high tide, when elevated tides combine with large, powerful waves. The NHC said Erin will move over the western Atlantic between the U.S. east coast and Bermuda early Friday, before passing south of Atlantic Canada Friday and Saturday. Original article source: Hurricane Erins big waves, flooding risks shift to Northeast coast after slamming mid-Atlantic Hurricane Erin stays out to sea as focus shifts to tropical waves Hurricane Erin is moving away from the United States, while a new tropical wave near the Leeward Islands is likely to develop into a tropical system this weekend. The tropical wave near the Leeward Islands has a better chance of developing than the one near the coast of Africa, which has a short window for potential development. Regardless of development, the system is expected to stay well east of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tropical wave near the coast of Africa is not expected to develop significantly due to its limited time frame for growth. Severe Weather Center 9 is closely monitoring these systems to provide updates as they evolve. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. N26 co-founder Valentin Stalf will step down as co-CEO and move to a role on the German digital banks supervisory board after a transition period, the company announced Tuesday. That leaves Stalfs fellow co-founder, Max Tayenthal, as N26s sole CEO for the moment, though the digital banks chair, Marcus Mosen, may be appointed interim co-CEO soon, the Financial Times reported last week. The executive shuffle comes as German financial watchdog BaFin last month proposed issuing a formal warning to two members of the banks management board and appointing a special monitor after finding new risk management weaknesses, according to the Financial Times. The potential development arises little more than a year after BaFin lifted a cap it had put on N26s growth. The nearly three-year cap cost the digital bank billions in lost valuation, including a shutdown of its U.S. operations in 2021. Stalfs shift comes amid reports that he and Tayenthal may waive special voting rights that give them veto power over certain decisions. Stalf and Tayenthal together hold a roughly 20% stake in the company. U.K.-based fintech Wise, similarly, last month held its own referendum on investors who hold so-called golden share supervoting powers. Stalf, in a statement Tuesday, called his move a forward-looking decision to continue to best utilize my many years of experience and knowledge to strengthen N26. I will actively and passionately contribute to N26's long-term leadership and strategic direction and will remain one of the largest N26 shareholders, he said. The new role also offers me the opportunity to devote more time to my family office and other entrepreneurial pursuits. Stalf told the Financial Times he had been thinking about leaving the companys management for some time and expedited the transition after rumors of his potential departure last week. He added he expects to join the supervisory board after roughly six months. Stalf further said he expected two more executives to join the management board over the coming six to 12 months but declined to detail potential future management changes. A person familiar with discussions at N26 told the Financial Times that Tayenthal was likely to step down from his role at a later stage. The digital bank, however, said Tayenthal remains fully committed to his role. Hurricane Erin is beginning to pull away from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, while three more areas are being monitored in the tropics. Thursdays 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center has Erin with winds of 100 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane. Tropical storm warnings continue for parts of the Outer Banks for North Carolina, where coastal flooding continues. Erin is also impacting Florida beaches, with large swells and elevated rip current threats continuing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hurricane will continue to move away from the US today and slowly weaken late week. It is expected to be post-tropical by Saturday. Elsewhere, there are three other areas the National Hurricane Center is monitoring for potential development. The first one is south of Erin and has a High Development Chance. This will likely become a tropical depression or storm this weekend, but is expected to turn northward away from the US. A second area in the open Atlantic has a Medium Development Chance and could organize further. It is possible this system will fade away before making it to the Lesser Antilles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third area in the north Atlantic has a Low Development Chance. Stay with Severe Weather Center 9 for the latest on the tropics. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (WSPA) Volunteers from local organizations worked to pack welcome home kits for families who were displaced from their homes due to Hurricane Helene. The kits include common household essentials that may get overlooked when starting from scratch, such as can openers, cleaning supplies, and oven mitts. Saint-Gobains Norton Abrasives Facility in Travelers Rest partnered with Good360 to create something that supports the survivors of Hurricane Helene, according to Maddie Pennie, Senior Manager of Development at Good360. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennie said the kits are a way to supply the basic needs that you have when moving into a new home. We know its not even close to everything that a survivor may have lost during the hurricane, but what these kits can provide is those first steps. When youre moving into a home, you have a to do list of 100 items that you have, Pennie said. These kits help provide those initial items, just to take 1 or 2 items off the to do list. The kits are being distributed now, as some families are only just recently able to move into their rebuilt or newly constructed homes. Two non-profits, Homes of Hope and Darlington County Long-Term Recovery Group, will split the 500 packed kits and pass them out to families in their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homes of Hope develops residences for low to moderate income families across the Upstate. Theyve developed over 700 houses, and currently have 400 in their rental property, according to Doctor Keona Prude, Grants and Communications Manager for Homes of Hope. Doctor Prude said the families in their neighborhoods are still recovering, and these kits provide an extra resource as they get back on their feet. Hurricane Helene had a massive impact on our organization, it had a massive impact on the area, and so with these welcome home kits, it is allowing us to make sure we are further taking care of our residents that are in our home, Doctor Prude said. Despite Hurricane Helene affecting the Carolinas almost a year ago, communities across the states are still working to rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (FOX40.COM) The husband of Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain, a mother of four who went missing under suspicious circumstances in 2024, was arrested on Wednesday for her alleged murder. Video Above: What should you do if someone you love goes missing? On May 22, 2024, Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain was reported missing by family members. The report was made with the Redding Police Department. However, two days later, it was transferred to the Shasta County Sheriffs Office since Saelee McCain was last seen in the area. Northern California mom of four still missing after several months, disappears amid abuse claims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the sheriffs office, Saelee McCain was last seen at 17277 Olinda Road in Anderson on May 18, 2024, where she resided with her husband, Tyler Scott McCain. Because of this, SCSO detectives served a search warrant at their residence and seized several items as possible evidence. A search for a missing mom of four, Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain, has been underway since May of 2024/Shasta County Sheriffs Office On May 25, 2024, Saelee McCainss vehicle, a Chevy Avalanche, was located by a citizen off Highway 36 near Beegum Gorge Bridge. This area is located near the Shasta and Tehama County border near Platina. SCSO said it found physical evidence that supported foul play. However, Saelee McCain was not found. Search for missing Northern California woman Nikki Saelee McCain turns into homicide investigation Since the start of this investigation, detectives have worked tirelessly to locate Nikki and to determine the events leading to her disappearance, SCSO said. Detectives have served numerous search warrants, conducted numerous searches, interviewed family members, friends, and acquaintances of Nikki to no avail in locating her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs officed added, Based on the evidence gathered, information learned from interviews, and the fact that none of Nikkis family members have heard from Nikki since her disappearance, detectives have determined she is a victim of homicide. SCSO suspects that Nikkis husband, Tyler Scott McCain, is responsible for her death and disappearance. He was arrested on Wednesday and booked into the Shasta County Jail with no bail. The case remains under investigation. SCSO said a reward of up to $30,000 still stands for information that leads to Saelee McCains location. Anyone with information can contact the Major Crimes Unit by email at MCU@shastacounty.gov or phone at 530-245-6135, and reference case number SCSO24-002069. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect that victim was fatally assaulted, per police. NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) A woman is dead and a man is in custody following a fatal assault that occurred in a National City residence on Wednesday afternoon, according to the National City Police Department. Officers responded to a home in the 400 block of East Division Street around 2:11 p.m. after receiving a report of an altercation. The caller informed dispatchers there was blood inside the residence and described a male suspect who was still inside the home at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naval Base San Diego sailor convicted of spying for China When officers arrived, a man matching the description exited the residence and fled through several nearby residential backyards. Police quickly established a perimeter around the area and located the suspect, later identified as Noel Trevino. Despite attempting to flee a second time, Trevino was apprehended with the assistance of a police K9 and what police described as less-lethal tools. Inside the home, officers discovered an adult female suffering from traumatic injuries. Emergency medical personnel responded but pronounced her dead at the scene. Further details, including the identity of the victim, have not yet been released. Trevino has been booked into county jail on suspicion of one count of homicide. National City Police detectives have taken over the investigation, which remains active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators at 619-336-4411. Anonymous tips can also be provided to San Diego County Crime Stoppers by calling 888-580-8477 or online at www.sdcrimestoppers.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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. NEED TO KNOW Yarely Ashley Hermosillo, an Arizona-based influencer, died on Aug. 15 at age 27 after she was struck by a stray bullet while in her car from an alleged road rage incident Hermosillo was remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a beautiful soul whose light touched everyone who knew her in a GoFundMe page to raise money for her family Her husband mourned his wife during a Wednesday, Aug. 20 press conference Yarely Ashley Hermosillo, an Arizona-based influencer, died on Aug. 15 at age 27 after she was struck by a stray bullet from an alleged road rage incident while in her car. Days after her death, her husband, mother, and sister paid tribute to her memory during a press conference held by the Glendale Police Department on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her husband, Daniel Salgado, tearfully began the family's remarks, saying, "It hurts to lose your other half, but when it happens in front of you and you can't do nothing, it's a different type of hurt." "Yarely's life was just beginning," he said. "We just moved into our new apartment. Her social media career was beginning to take off, and that was taken from her. You asked anybody who knew Yarely, they would tell you she was a glue to the family. She was a jokester. She was that caring person you could call when you needed somebody to be with, she would drop everything just to be with you. And she was, she was an amazing cook." "I feel for my son when he goes to sleep at night and doesn't get to cuddle with her," he continued in reference to the couple's 4-year-old son. "When we go for a walk, he waits to see his mommy coming out of the house, as she always would." Salgado then thanked the law enforcement, before speaking directly to his late wife: "Yarely. We miss you, and I pray you get the justice you deserve for this avoidable, malicious act." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The content creator was known on social media for her cooking and lifestyle content, regularly posting to her Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts for her over 300,000 fans across her platforms. In a GoFundMe created to raise money for the late influencers family to cover funeral expenses and the cost of raising her young son, Hermosillo was remembered as 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, the tribute continues. Yarelys greatest joy in life was being a mother, and she poured her heart into caring for her little boy. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jesus Preciado Dousten, 33, was arrested on Aug. 16 in connection to the influencers death following an intensive investigation by the Glendale Police Departments Homicide Unit, Sergeant Bryan Hoskin told PEOPLE. Yarely Hermosillo/TikTok Yarely Hermosillo Yarely Hermosillo According to police documents obtained by PEOPLE, Dousten has been charged with second degree murder, aggravated assault, misconduct involving weapons, and endangerment. He is being held on a $1 million bond, Hoskin said. Per police documents, which cited traffic footage, footage from a nearby gas station, and the testimonies of several witnesses, Dousten was driving a pickup truck and allegedly entered a verbal dispute with another driver of a pickup truck on the passenger side of his vehicle while stopped at an intersection. As the argument progressed, the driver alleged to police, Dousten displayed a black semi-automatic handgun, pointed toward the driver side of his truck, and yelled you want some of this in Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dousten then allegedly fired the gun out of the driver side of his truck before driving off. Per police, Hermosillo, who was sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle to the left of Doustens at the time the firearm was shot, sustained what appeared to be a single gunshot to her right eye. 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. Hermosillos partner and mother, both of whom were in the car at the time of the incident, told police that they had recently picked Hermosillo up from work the night of the incident. After she was struck by the bullet, Hermosillos partner said, he immediately drove her to a nearby hospital, where police say she died later that night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police documents also confirm that Hermosillos young son was in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. Using police databases and cell phone records, police tracked Dousten to an apartment complex where he was arrested at 10:43 p.m. the night after Hermosillos death. Police say they had located the gun he allegedly fired at his friends residence earlier in the day. According to police records, Dousten has been convicted for several crimes over the last decade, including resisting arrest in 2022 and attempted theft of means of transportation in 2024. Dousten has a preliminary hearing at Maricopa County Superior Court on Aug. 26. Read the original article on People LOS ANGELES Officials looking for the husband of a woman found dead last week in Californias Angeles National Forest believe he may have fled to Peru. Sheylla Cabrera, 33, of Lancaster, north of Los Angeles, was reported missing Aug. 12 to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Deputies found security video of her husband, Jossimar Cabrera, 36, dragging a large object in a large piece of material from the apartment complex where they lived with three young sons, the sheriff's department said Tuesday. Sheylla Cabrera with her husband, Jossimar Cabrera. (NBC Los Angeles/Telemundo) Officials believe foul play was involved in Cabreras disappearance, and Jossimar Cabrera has been named a person of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mexican and Peruvian consulates were alerted regarding Cabrera, and investigators later learned he had fled the United States. On Saturday, the three Cabrera children were found safe and taken into protective custody in Peru, the sheriff's department said. Meanwhile, a search for Cabrera was launched in Angeles National Forest. On Saturday morning, the Montrose Mountain Search and Rescue team reported spotting "an object similar to the material that was seen being taken away by the person of interest over the side of an embankment" in the forest, the sheriff's department said. That material contained Sheylla Cabrera's body, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office will determine the official cause of death. NBC Los Angeles obtained video that showed a man struggling to carry something large and bulky wrapped in a blanket across the apartment complex. Neighbors told the station that they had reported Sheylla Cabrera missing and that she had confided in them that her husband was physically abusive. Neighbors canvassed the apartment complex and found the video mentioned by law enforcement. The video was recorded around 4 a.m. Aug. 10, they said. I never had any interaction with the husband. He always seemed, like, mad all the time, Mario Sanchez told the station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheylla Cabreras parents told the station they spoke to their daughter on Aug. 9, when she said she was going to take her children and leave her husband. News outlet RPP Noticias in Peru spoke to Jossimar Cabrera's lawyer, who said it was not his client in the video, which he said was edited and was not dated or time-stamped. The sheriffs department said it will present a case to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office to consider filing murder charges against Cabrera and to secure his return to the United States. The DAs office said the case will be presented to prosecutors Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jossimar Cabrera is currently believed to be in Peru, pending further investigation needed to bring him to justice, the sheriffs department said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Harvard faculty members were told this week that Black Lives Matter signs in their office windows violated campus policies and must be taken down. The Black Lives Matter lettering spread across the Northwest Science Building has been there since the aftermath of George Floyds murder by a former Minneapolis Police officer in 2020. Harvard said the sign violates university campus use rules, which were instituted in August 2024. The rules prohibit self-mounted displays except in designated areas and with the advance approval of the relevant local school contact, James Chisholm, a Harvard University spokesperson, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters mounted in several office windows in the Northwest Lab Building constitute a self-mounted display. This is not an approved installation, and that location is not one where exhibits and displays are allowed, he said. The takedown of the sign is unrelated to its content or to external factors like the Trump administration, Chisholm said. If the display said, BEAT YALE, it would have to be removed, he said. For Harvard professor Bence Olveczky, who has the sign in his office, the claims from the university that the Black Lives Matter sign is being taken down solely because it violates campus rules are implausible at best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You would have to be very naive not to see the link between the signs removal and the universitys repeated efforts to placate the Trump administration, on issues ranging from DEI to the Israel-Palestine conflict. This action is but the latest instance of Harvard yielding to donor pressure and political masters, Olveczky said in a statement to MassLive. The controversy about the sign comes as Harvard dismantled its offices focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, in line with the Trump administrations anti-DEI objectives. Harvard College replaced it with the new Office for Academic Culture and Community. Harvard University renamed its Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging to Community and Campus Life in late April. Similar efforts have taken place at Harvard Medical School and the Graduate School of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university also removed its websites for the Womens Center, Office for BGLTQ Student Life and Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations and redirected them to a webpage for the new office. Talk of a potential deal between Harvard University and the Trump administration continues as the two fight in federal court over $2.6 billion in federal funding cuts to the institution and the federal governments attempts to revoke the universitys ability to host international students. Fundamental hypocrisy Olveczky said the Black Lives Matter sign reminds the campus that the work of racial justice is far from finished, and it affirms the most basic principles of human dignity and respect, he said. I will continue to call out the fundamental hypocrisy in the way vague bureaucratic rules are selectively applied to suppress speech the university finds inconvenient. If nothing else, I hope this persistence helps push the administration in the right direction, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there have been talks of putting the sign in a university archive, Olveczky said the sign is not a relic of the past but rather a living statement, contemporary and urgent. To relegate it to the archives would strip it of the voice it was meant to have in the present, he said. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) The Iberia Parish Library will host a series of college recruitment events for anyone 17 and older looking to get more information on applying for college. The event will be held at the Iberia Parish main library branch, located on 445 E. Main Street in New Iberia, from 6-7 p.m. No registration is required, and all sessions are free to the public. Each session will focus on the college admission process. Topics will include admissions requirements, tuition and financial aid options, housing availability and the variety of academic programs offered. In addition, recruiters will address student life and campus resources to help prospective students make informed decisions about their future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These recruitment sessions are designed for prospective undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing to apply for college. Representatives from colleges across the state will be present to provide information about their institutions. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest For additional information contact Erica L. Romero via email at eromero@iberialibrary.org or the Iberia Parish Library website. Latest post Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has said it "deplores" new US sanctions on its judges and prosecutors. On Wednesday, the US State Department announced new sanctions on two judges and two prosecutors in the ICC for engaging in efforts to prosecute US and Israeli citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the ICC of being a "national security threat" and "an instrument of lawfare" against the US and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed the US move. The ICC has issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity over Israel's war in Gaza. France also joined the ICC in denouncing the US move, expressing "dismay" as one of its judges, Nicolas Guillou, was among those sanctioned. The three other ICC officials named by the US are judge Kimberly Prost of Canada as well as deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal. Rubio condemned the court's "politcisation, abuse of power, and illegitimate judicial overreach" in a statement announcing the sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC is a global court with the power to bring prosecutions for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The court called the latest sanctions "a flagrant attack" against its independence and impartiality. "They constitute also an affront against... the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world," it added. France's foreign ministry criticised the sanctions as "in contradiction to the principle of an independent judiciary", the AFP news agency reported. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu welcomed the decision, calling it a "firm measure against the mendacious smear campaign against" Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the US State Department, Gillou is being sanctioned for authorising arrest warrants against Nethanyahu and Gallant. The US said Prost, the Canadian judge, is sanctioned for an investigation into US personnel in Afghanistan, adding that Khan and Niang are both responsible for "illegitimate actions against Israel". The penalties mean any property and interests the four officials hold in the US are blocked. This latest round of sanctions comes after the US imposed similar restrictions on the ICC's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan KC, along with four other judges earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UN's human rights chief previously demanded the US withdraw its sanctions on the four judges, saying the decision runs directly counter to "respect for the rule law". In July, the US also sanctioned UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who has been a prominent critic of Israel's military offensive in Gaza. Rubio cited Albanese's support for the ICC and her participation in the court's decisions to prosecute American or Israeli nationals as justification for the move. In response, Albanese reposted support for the ICC on social media, saying she came from the court's founding country Italy where lawyers and judges had "defended justice at great cost and often with their own life". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I intend to honour that tradition," she added in the post. Journalist Mario Guevara was live-streaming the June 14 anti-ICE protest on Chamblee Tucker Road when he was detained. Photo credit: Alessandro Marazzi Sassoon with the Atlanta Civic Circle The federal immigration case against a jailed, Spanish-language journalist has been bolstered by the help of a metro Atlanta sheriffs office, public records show. Mario Guevaras two-month confinement in immigration detention has drawn outcry from free press and immigration advocates. Immigration officials primary objection to releasing Guevara on bond as he awaits the outcome of deportation proceedings, according to court records, is rooted in how he reports on law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revelation of the close coordination between the Gwinnett County Sheriffs Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to keep Guevara in jail comes amid growing calls for him to be freed, and warnings that the Trump administration and local governments are trampling First Amendment rights. A team of attorneys representing Guevara, including the ACLU of Georgia, filed a motion Wednesday in federal court for his immediate release. They argue that targeting Guevara for his work as a reporter is government censorship. Journalist Mario Guevara pictured after two months in ICE custody. Guevaras continued imprisonment has sparked outcry over the treatment of immigrants and the rights of journalists. Photo by Alondra Madrigal/MGNews The filing also claims that because Guevaras continued detention violates his First Amendment right to free speech, it also violates his right to not be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process under the Fifth Amendment. Guevara is a caretaker for his adult son, who suffered a stroke during surgery to remove a brain tumor in 2021. His family has also struggled financially since his arrest. Guevara, who fled El Salvador in 2004 because his work as a journalist put him in harms way, has spent over two months in immigration detention, much of that time in solitary confinement, according to his attorneys, Zachary Gaeta and Giovanni Diaz. Immigration officials have moved Guevara repeatedly; he has been held in six different detention centers and jails since his arrest on June 14. Heavily armored police swarm a shopping center to disperse anti-Trump protesters at the demonstration in DeKalb County where reporter Mario Guevara was arrested. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Despite having valid authorization to work in the United States and being granted bond by an immigration judge on July 1, Guevara has remained in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Guevara also has a path to a green card through his adult son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records obtained from the Gwinnett County Sheriffs Office under the Georgia Open Records Act show that in preparation for Guevaras bond hearing in immigration court, federal officials reached out to the Gwinnett County Sheriffs Office. Assistant Field Office Director Dan Jones, based in ICEs Atlanta office, emailed the Gwinnett County Sheriffs Office on June 18 seeking any information that would help fight his [Guevaras] bond request. The sheriffs office provided that information in the form of what appears to be two narrative reports apparently created after ICE made its request detailing a litany of issues against Guevaras style of reporting, particularly filming undercover law enforcement officers. The reports claim Guevaras journalism contradicts societal norms, among other complaints. Some of the activity documented in the reports happened in February. A deputy with the sheriffs office replied to Jones later on June 18 stating: I will also send over all the synopses we have for all interactions we have had for him. I am just waiting on 2 more from 2 of our investigators. The reports were sent to ICE on June 24, but copies provided to the Georgia Recorder were dated June 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones also requested copies of three just-issued warrants for month-old alleged traffic violations. Guevara was accused of running a red light, using a smart phone while driving, and reckless driving all misdemeanor charges that were later dropped. The warrants were taken out on June 17, one day before Jones email, and four days after Guevaras arrest in DeKalb County. Diaz said he finds the timing of the warrants and the creation of the reports concerning. They may claim theyve been preparing this information, but the warrants werent sworn out until after he was detained and in ICE custody. The timing of it is baffling, Diaz said. When asked for comment for this story, the Gwinnett County Sheriffs Office provided a previously released statement about the implementation of Georgias new immigration law, saying its role is limited to honoring ICE-issued detainers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE did not respond to multiple requests for comment. ICE has disputed claims that Guevaras arrest was connected to his reporting. Antithetical to what Georgia law and the U.S. Constitution grant us The reports provided by Gwinnett County appear to form the backbone of ICEs arguments against Guevaras bond. On July 1, an immigration court judge authorized Gueveras release on bond. On July 3, ICE filed a request for an emergency stay of Guevaras release: Journalist Mario Guevaras children, Katherine and Oscar Guevara, speak out against his arrest at a press conference in Atlanta on July 22, 2025. Maya Homan/Georgia Recorder Between February and May 2025, the respondent confronted local Georgia law enforcement officers and federal agents on five separate occasions while they worked on undercover narcotics, gang, and human trafficking investigations. Each time, the respondent recorded or live streamed the encounter and compromised operational security and the integrity of those investigations by posting videos of undercover agents, their vehicles, and tag numbers. Local law enforcement reviewed the respondents public posts and learned that the videos were viewed by hundreds of thousands of people. The stay was granted by the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals on July 7. Guevara remains in custody at the Folkston ICE Processing Center in southeast Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newsgathering activities described by ICE and the Gwinnett County Sheriffs Office are legal under Georgia law, according to Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at the national nonprofit Free Press and a board member of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation, both of which have advocated for Guevaras release. In the case of Mario Guevara, filming people in public places has suddenly been recast as illegal interference or surveillance of undercover police activities this is antithetical to what Georgia law and the U.S. Constitution grant us, said Benavidez. Sadly, its arrest first and find cause later, even if that is through troubling coordination between local and federal officials to get Mr. Guevaras phone, work materials, notebook. Anything to legitimize his detention after the fact, Benavidez said. Its unconstitutional and a chill for other reporters who might seek to report on ICE or expose government wrongdoing. The Atlanta Press Club and other organizations joined calls for Guevaras release in an August 14 open letter. Addressed to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the letter describes Guevaras arrest and detention as an erosion of democratic norms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While law enforcement agencies do regularly collaborate with each other, Atlanta-based immigration attorney Charles Kuck believes the level of cooperation seen in Guevaras case is unusual and concerning. The preparation of such a detailed response reflected here indicates an extraordinary level of hostility to a member of the press, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Mario Guevara stands in a cell after spending two months in ICE custody despite not facing any criminal charges. (Photo by Alondra Madrigal/MGNews) While the police might not like the level of scrutiny that the First Amendment allows the press, it is a bedrock principle of our Republic and one which law enforcement should be trained to deal with, Kuck said. Over the past 20 years, Guevara became well-known, if not always well-liked by some, for his coverage of immigration enforcement in metro Atlanta communities. He worked as a reporter for Mundo Hispanico, a popular Spanish-language news source based in Georgia before starting his own outlet, MGNews in 2024. Guevara has a strong following on social media, with just under 800,000 followers on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guevara has said he seeks a balance with his journalism, equally covering stories like the devastating aftermath of immigration raids and profiling crimes allegedly committed by members of the Spanish-speaking community. When I have to expose something bad about the authorities, Ive done it. And when Ive had to expose something bad about the immigrant community, I have done it as well, he said in a 2019 New York Times documentary. The film follows Guevara as he meets with an officer from the Gwinnett County Police Department, a separate law enforcement agency from the Gwinnett County Sheriffs Office.The officer and Guevara discuss the importance of creating an environment where immigrants can report possible crimes or other dangers to local police without fear of deportation. Guevara has continued to work to create trust between metro Atlanta law enforcement and the Spanish-speaking residents they serve in the years since. Guevaras arrest and continued detention shows just how far that community trust has eroded in recent years, according to Gigi Pedraza, executive director at the Latino Community Fund Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were supposed to be partners in keeping the community safe and this only makes us all weaker and our communities less safe, she said. What role did Georgias new immigration law play? A controversial 2024 Georgia law, which passed the Legislature as House Bill 1105, requires jails across the state to determine the immigration status of any person in custody that a jailer suspects might be an immigrant. If it is believed that the person is in the United States without authorization, ICE may request the jail hold an arrestee so that the agency can come to the jail and arrest that person on additional immigration charges. If such a request is made, the jail is required to hold that person for 48 hours pending a transfer into ICE custody. These procedures, which can lead to deportation, must be followed for any arrest, regardless of the severity of the charge. Any municipality that does not comply with the states new immigration law risks losing significant state funding. When Guevara was arrested on June 14, he was live-streaming from an anti-ICE protest in Embry Hills, a diverse neighborhood in DeKalb County about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta. The protest turned violent when police released tear gas into the crowd after protesters began to march in a roadway and police claimed firecrackers were thrown at them. Thirty people in total were arrested at the protest. Guevara was charged with pedestrian in the roadway after an officer observed him stepping off the sidewalk and into the street, in addition to two other misdemeanor offenses and taken to the DeKalb County Jail. He was granted an unsecured judicial release, also known as a signature bond, which is common practice for low-level misdemeanor charges in DeKalb County. A signature bond allows a person to be released from jail on their own recognizance and not pay a cash bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But instead of being quickly released, he was transferred into ICE custody five days after his initial arrest under the terms of Georgias new law. DeKalb County later dropped its charges against Guevara the same charges that enabled Guevara to be taken into custody by ICE in the first place. Pedraza said she believes that legal uncertainty about some of the new immigration laws requirements, combined with the bills role in Guevaras transfer into ICE custody, has exacerbated the damage to community trust. Once you dont have due process for someone with a platform as large as Mario, what can we expect for the rest of us? Pedraza said. Rep. Marvin Lim, right. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder In June, Norcross Democratic state Rep. Marvin Lim, who represents parts of Gwinnett County, sent a letter to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr requesting clarification of HB 1105s legal requirements. The attorney generals office advised that each city or county should rely on their own attorneys legal opinions on the matter. Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor attempted to address community concerns about Guevaras case and House Bill 1105 at a news conference in late July. Taylor acknowledged that his agency may choose to cooperate with ICE beyond the requirements of the law. If ICE comes in and theyre conducting an investigation and it falls within the purviews of what we do to get criminals off the street, then we will cooperate, Taylor said. Guevara is not currently facing any criminal charges. When asked about the timing of his agencys arrest warrants against Guevara, Taylor told reporters that mid-June was the best time but did not explain further. The sheriff said at the time that his office had no hidden agenda against the journalist. But his attorneys dispute that statement.Gaeta argues the Gwinnett County Sheriffs Office was influenced by ICE to take out the warrants to help the federal agency keep Guevara in custody. They perceive him as a threat because of what he does as a reporter. Mario reports where the latest ICE raids are, is the first on scene things like being a communicator and a voice for his community are all being characterized as interfering with law enforcement, Gaeta said. In our opinion, this is completely legal work for him to be doing as a reporter. Guevaras lawyers are considering filing a civil lawsuit against the federal government for violation of Guevaras First Amendment rights. But right now they are focused on fighting to overturn the stay order that is keeping Guevara in ICE custody. CNN Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wasnt having it when CNNs Jake Tapper pressed her about insider trading allegations. During an appearance on The Lead with Jake Tapper, the host asked what she thought of President Donald Trumps accusation that she got rich by having inside information and making a fortune with her husband in stock trading. Pelosi shot back. Why do you have to read that? she snapped. Were here to talk about the 60th anniversary of Medicaid. Thats what I agreed to come to talk about. Don't miss Tapper explained he wanted to give her a chance to respond, [Trump] accused you of insider trading whats your response to that? Thats ridiculous, Pelosi retorted without hesitation. In fact, I very much support the stop [of] the trading of members of Congress not that I think anybody is doing anything wrong. If they are, they are prosecuted and they go to jail. But because of the confidence it instills in the American people, dont worry about this. But I have no concern about the obvious investments that have been made over time. Im not into it. My husband is, but it isnt anything to do with anything insider. That confidence issue is exactly what lawmakers are debating. Senator Josh Hawley has introduced a bill to ban members of Congress from trading or holding individual stocks. It was initially dubbed the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act a not-so-subtle nod to Pelosi but after negotiations with Democrats, Hawley agreed to rename it the Honest Act. For now, though, lawmakers are still allowed to trade. In fact, there are even ETFs that track their portfolios. The Unusual Whales Subversive Democratic Trading ETF (ticker: NANC another nod to Pelosi) invests in securities bought or sold by Democratic members of Congress and their spouses. Meanwhile, the Unusual Whales Subversive Republican Trading ETF (ticker: GOP) follows the same strategy for Republicans. The best thing to do, according to Warren Buffett While some politicians and hedge funds may try to beat the market, legendary investor Warren Buffett has long advised everyday Americans to take a simpler route. Idaho Gov. Brad Little gives his annual State of the State address on Jan. 6, 2025, on the House floor at the Statehouse in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Editors note: This story was updated 1 p.m. Thursday with additional information about the fund for the governors housing stipend. The Idaho state government pays governors a housing stipend. Thats because Idaho is one of five states without an official residence for the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After expressing interest in buying or building a home for the governor last year, a panel of state lawmakers briefly revisited it on Wednesday. But for now, the Governors Housing Committee voted to keep the governors monthly housing stipend at $4,551 each month, which is roughly $54,600 a year. Idaho Gov. Brad Little earns $151,400 each year as governor. He lives in a home in Emmet, but also owns a condo in downtown Boise. The fund for the governors stipend is essentially depleted. But the fund, called the Governors Residence Fund, has been restocked by an ongoing legislative transfer from the states permanent building fund, Idaho Department of Administration Director Steve Bailey told the committee. Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa (Courtesy of the Idaho Legislature) At the end of the meeting, Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa, asked the Department of Administration to prepare a list of state properties that might work to remodel or reuse for a governors residence. He floated the Alexander House near the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, which is just by the Idaho State Capitol Building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that the governor may not want to live there. He may want to actually use his personal home. I dont blame him for that. But I guess my question was, could that be in consideration for a property as maybe a governors mansion, for more of a permanent residence that he could have hosted U.S. Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Crane asked. Bailey said the agency could get started on a list. I know thats a discussion that comes up just about every year, is having a permanent residence for the governor. And for one reason or another, you dont seem to get traction on it, Bailey said. Only two of the four lawmakers on the committee were present for Wednesdays meeting. Crane and Sen. Ali Rabe, D-Boise, attended virtually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Brooke Green, D-Boise, was appointed to the committee late Tuesday to fill in for former Rep. Todd Achilles, a Boise Democrat who resigned from the Legislature to run as an Independent challenger to Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch. The committees other member, Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, did not attend. Idaho Capital Sun reporter Laura Guido contributed reporting to this story. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Bryan Kohberger wants out of his current cell block and has filed a sexual harassment complaint over threats he says he has received from inmates. The convicted murderer is currently housed in Block J of the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, which holds some of the most violent individuals in the facility. Bryan Kohberger claims one inmate threatened to "b-tch f-ck" him while another vowed to have his "-ss" eaten. Bryan Kohberger Asks For Transfer To B Block ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Bryan Kohberger reportedly made a complaint to prison authorities barely 24 hours into his life-without-parole sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the convicted murderer asked to be transferred to a B Block of Idaho Maximum Security Institution after being subjected to "minute-by-minute verbal threats and harassment" from fellow inmates in J Block. In the note Kohberger penned to file his complaint, the 30-year-old also cited incidents of inmates flooding their own cells with toilet water as part of the reasons he wanted out of the block. "Not engaging in any of the recent flooding/striking as well as being subject to minute-by-minute verbal threats/harassment and on that and other bases [sic] Unit 2 of J-Block is an environment that I wish to transfer from," Kohberger wrote in the complaint, per People Magazine. More complaints from Kohberger came five days after the first, this time centered on sexual harassment threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the outlet, Kohberger claimed that an inmate told him, "I'll b-tch f-ck you." Also, another inmate allegedly threatened the 30-year-old, saying, "The only -ss we'll be eating is Kohberger's." Prison Guard Couldn't Identify The Idaho Killer's Harassers ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA While Kohberger's claims were written up, the guard he said had witnessed the threats denied knowing which inmates made the comments, according to the incident report obtained by People. No transfer request was filed for the convicted murderer despite his complaints. Instead, a prison official informed him that flooding is a "relatively rare occurrence" in his current block and that it is "generally a fairly calm and quieter tier." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also told to "give it some time," a statement that seemed to imply that Kohberger would eventually adapt to the situation. The Idaho Killer Is Surrounded By The Most Violent Criminals In The J Block Section Ada County Sheriff's Office/MEGA In the J Block section of the IMSI, Kohberger is surrounded by the most violent individuals in the facility, with each person assigned to a single cell. They are also allowed only one hour of outdoor recreation daily and showers every other day. It remains unclear what changes a transfer to B Block would bring for Kohberger, though what is known is that he would retain the same non-contact visitation rights as in J Block. Bryan Kohberger Complained About Losing Sleep Due To Inmates' Taunts MEGA Over a week ago, reports also emerged revealing that Kohberger had complained about losing sleep due to being constantly tormented by inmates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, retired homicide detective Chris McDonough told the Daily Mail that the inmates' antics were driving Kohberger crazy and had left him "extremely annoyed and frustrated." "The inmates are tormenting him at night and almost all hours of the day taunting him through the vents in his cell. They are literally getting up into the grate and yelling at him. The inmates are taking turns doing it. It's relentless," McDough further revealed, per The Blast. Days later, it emerged that inmates had been waiting for Kohberger and had set up a taunting campaign long before his arrival. They had planned to make his life absolutely miserable, and the guards were said to be completely unaware of the setup until it began happening. Idaho Prison Authorities Stated Bryan Kohberger Is Safe ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Regarding the taunts, the Idaho Department of Corrections publicly stated that they were aware of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are aware of Kohberger's complaints about what he considers taunting," they wrote in a statement, per NewsNation. At the time, officials did not reveal whether any action was being taken to nip the issue in the bud. Instead, they emphasized that Kohberger would not be physically harmed as he continues serving his prison sentence. The statement continued, "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 Idaho police chief whose department spearheaded the investigation that landed student murderer Bryan Kohberger behind bars for life is revealing new details about the case. Moscow Police Chief Anthony Dahlinger told Fox News' Paul Mauro that two traffic stops on Kohberger in Indiana during a cross-country trip with his dad came before his name had been discovered by investigators and were unrelated to the Idaho investigation. Earlier reports that the stops had been requested to gather information on the suspect are "completely wrong," he said. Kohberger left a Ka-Bar knife sheath at the crime scene on Nov. 13, 2022, which led the task force investigating the case to his identity on Dec. 19. He drove home with his dad days earlier, at risk of flunking out of his Ph.D. program at Washington State University, about 10 miles from the crime scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow Police Chief Challenges Claims Bryan Kohberger Mentioned Kaylee Goncalves By Name During Attack 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. "If we had had that information, he would not have been able to leave the area," Dahlinger said. Kohberger was living in a student apartment in Pullman, Washington. The victims were living across the state line at an off-campus rental next to the University of Idaho. Police arrested the killer at his parents' house in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains on Dec. 30. Read On The Fox News App WATCH: Connection between Kohberger, murder victims remains unknown "We had lots of different leads, and we tracked down each and every one of them," Dahlinger said. "It was painstaking, and you know until we got to the end of this, I can't remember exactly how many people that we looked at but we did hundreds of interviews with so many different people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheath proved crucial in the case. None of the victims had Kohberger's DNA under their fingernails, likely because the criminology and criminal justice Ph.D. student wore protective gear. Idaho Murder Documents Reveal Victim's Stalking Fears And Kohberger's 'Inappropriate Behavior' At School 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. Still, Dahlinger said detectives were confident they could have found him without the sheath because they had identified a suspect vehicle, although it would have taken longer. There were no signs Kohberger worked with an accomplice, Dahlinger said. Police have had no luck searching for the murder weapon. Police believe he used only one knife to kill all four victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We looked at every angle, but we live in North Idaho," he said. "It's a rural area, and a Ka-Bar knife is a relatively small item, so it's endless where that could be." Bryan Kohberger May Have Used Second Weapon And Left Scared While Sparing Surviving Roommate: Report Moscow, Idaho, Police Chief Anthony Dahlinger, a captain at the time, carrying boxes out of the crime scene at 1122 King Road, where Bryan Kohberger killed four University of Idaho students in 2022. Police did find Kohberger with a gun when they arrested him at his parents' house, although he didn't use it in the student murders. He initially spoke with Pennsylvania police, but clammed up and demanded a lawyer when he realized there were Idaho detectives present, Dahlinger said. Dahlinger also revealed it was the defense that asked for the plea deal. WATCH: Idaho police chief details Kohberger's 'abnormal behavior' after college murders "I was in the room when Bill Thompson gave us that information that they had reached out, the defense had reached out asking if they would be willing to entertain that idea," he said, referring to the lead prosecutor on the case. "And it was very quick." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said it caught investigators by surprise, but they were all attuned to how the criminal justice system works. Bryan Kohberger Pleaded Guilty To Idaho Student Murders, But These Key Questions Remain Unanswered Confessed killer Bryan Kohberger sports a death stare in prison mugshot. "Just to dispel the whole plea thing as well, because I know every time somebody hears 'plea deal,' right, the whole word 'deal' makes everybody feel like they're getting off. The suspect's getting off somehow. They're not getting their full extent," he said. "Now, the only thing that went off the table on this was the death penalty." The death penalty was never a lock. Jurors would have had to approve it unanimously after convicting him at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the deal, Kohberger will die in prison. And he waived his rights to appeal and to seek a sentence reduction. Idaho Judge Steven Hippler sentenced Kohberger to four consecutive terms of life in prison, plus another 10 years, for the four counts of first-degree murder and a single felony burglary charge he faced. Watch more of the interview streaming on FOX Nation. Original article source: Idaho police chief reveals new details about Bryan Kohberger student murder investigation The Israeli Defense Forces own database has confirmed what has been obvious for almost two years now: The overwhelming majority of Palestinians killed in Israels war on Gaza are civilians, not Hamas fighters, as Israel has claimed. On Thursday, +972 Magazine reported that recently declassified documents reveal five in six people killed in the genocide in Gaza were noncombatant civiliansaround 83 percent. Israel has stated that it killed or probably killed 8,900 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters. The total reported death toll in Gaza is around 62,000, although the true number is thought to be much higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the IDF did not object to +972s report when it came out, it told The Guardian that figures presented in the article are incorrect. These numbers, though, appear to accurately reflect the indiscriminate killing campaign that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched on Gaza after the attacks of October 7, 2023. Israel had occupied Gaza and subjected Palestinians to violence for many decades before the war began. Even the IDFs own soldiers admit to exaggerating the number of Hamas deaths in the war. People are promoted to the rank of terrorist after their death, one source on the ground told The Guardian. If I had listened to the brigade, I would have come to the conclusion that we had killed 200% of Hamas operatives in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has always claimed it was killing militants in order to justify the bombings, aid-drop assassinations, targeted killings of more than 250 journalists, and a brutal famine. Its worth noting that nearly 20,000 of the Palestinians killed in Gaza have been children. Itzhak Brik, a retired Israeli general, said serving Israeli soldiers were aware that politicians exaggerated the Hamas toll. Brik advised Prime Minister Netanyahu at the start of the war, and is now among his most strident critics. There is absolutely no connection between the numbers that are announced and what is actually happening, Brik told The Guardian. It is just one big bluff. NEED TO KNOW An Illinois mother shot and killed an intruder who broke into her home late Friday night Police believe the mother heard the intruder, grabbed her child, and hid in a closet before shooting the man as he entered the bedroom Police in Joliet, Ill., said the incident is under investigation An Illinois mother shot and killed an intruder who broke into her home late last Friday night while she was home alone with her baby. The Joliet Police Department said in a news release last weekend that the woman did not know the intruder, who was wearing gloves and holding a screwdriver during the break in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were responding to a call at the house when they discovered signs of forced entry, leading them to enter the house and find the man dead on the second floor with a gunshot wound to the head. The police department said the woman was found in an adjacent bedroom with her baby and the weapon when authorities arrived at the scene. "A preliminary investigation indicates the victim, and her child hid in a bedroom closet, and she armed herself after hearing someone forcibly enter the home, police said. It is believed that when the male suspect entered the bedroom, the victim discharged her handgun, striking him in the head. Officials with the Will County Coroners Office pronounced the man dead at the scene. This case remains under active investigation, and the victim is fully cooperating with detectives, police said. Identification of the suspect and the manner of death will be determined by the Will County Coroners Office. No other information about the shooting was released publicly. PEOPLE has reached out to the Joliet Police Department for an update about the ongoing investigation. Read the original article on People The number of immigrants lacking permanent legal status in the United States hit an all-time high of 14 million people in 2023 amid a surge that followed the COVID-19 pandemic and policy shifts from the Biden administration, according to a new independent analysis. The Pew Research Center, using the most recent numbers available for meaningful review, found a massive spike the biggest on record from 2021 to 2023, coinciding with the start of former President Bidens administration in January 2021 and the pandemic fallout that more severely impacted poorer countries. The Pew researchers noted that the swing was largely driven by an increase in the number of people who were deemed unauthorized immigrants but were temporarily allowed in the country for further review, including asylum-seekers and immigrants paroled into the country after they crossed the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These protections can be, and in some cases have been, removed by the federal government, sometimes with little notification, Pew noted. According to Pews research, the states with the biggest influx of unauthorized immigrants were California (2.3 million), Texas (2.1 million), Florida (1.6 million) and New York (825,000). Eight other states saw their immigrant populations increase by 75,000 or more during the two-year period: New Jersey, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Ohio. After President Trumps hard-line approach to immigration and migrant asylum during his first term, the Biden administration moved to grant asylum status to more migrants and release border crossers to report back with court summons to further evaluate their pleas for protective status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump campaigned heavily in 2024 on rooting out people who were in the country illegally and those who had been granted asylum status improperly as the Biden term saw record border crossings. Shortly after returning to office in January, Trump reversed some protections that Bidens team granted. The Trump administration has reported a dramatic drop in illegal border crossings since he took office. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed more than 302,000 encounters at the southern border in December 2023 alone a new record. Unlawful border crossings plummeted after Trump won the 2024 presidential election. Trump, upon his return to the White House in January, further clamped down restrictions on asylum and launched a sweeping immigration crackdown heavily focused on immigrants living in the U.S. without authorization. Pew reported that unauthorized immigrants accounted for 27 percent of all U.S. immigrants in 2023 up from 22 percent two years earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Anti-SLAPP bill signed Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to protect news media from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). The governor said Senate Bill 1181 will ensure that the press wont have to fear retaliation for telling the truth. The measure takes effect immediately. Chicago schools settles meditation case A court-approved settlement of over $2.6 million is now being paid to 207 former Chicago Public School high school students who were required to participate in a transcendental meditation program during class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs attorneys say the students rights were disregarded by the Chicago Board of Education, and students were coerced to practice a worldview that was in conflict with their faith. Du Quoin State Fair begins Friday is Day One and Family Night at the Du Quoin State Fair. Now in its 102nd year, the fair features music, livestock shows, auto and harness racing, rodeos and agricultural exhibits. The Du Quoin State Fair runs from Aug. 22 through Sept. 1. COVID fraud indictments issued A federal grand jury has indicted four Chicago-area individuals accused of fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in small business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Prosecutors say Dexter M. Crawford, Jr., Timika Royston, Orlando Patrick and Jermie Miller submitted numerous fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program funds from 2020 to 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man sentenced for mailing fentanyl A Tempe, Arizona, man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release for attempted distribution of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Prosecutors say Terence Michael Carroll, 38, mailed a parcel with more than 11,700 tablets from Tempe to an address in Peoria, Illinois. NASCAR to race Chicagoland Speedway NASCAR has announced it will return to Joliet in 2026. Chicagoland Speedway has sat mostly dormant since the stock-car series last raced there in 2019. The NASCAR calendar released Wednesday includes a Cup Series race at Chicagoland next July 5. Protesters show support for immigrant workers in Monroe, Wisconsin, who walked off the job at a cheese-making plant to protest changes in policy made by the operation's new owners. (Photo by Bryan Pfeifer/Wisconsin Bailout the People Movement) Known as the Gateway to Cheese Country and the Cheese Capital of the USA, the community of Monroe is a central part of Wisconsins dairy history. Besides this fame, the town of 10,000 or so also shares a lot with other small towns in the Midwest. Drive around the citys courthouse square and youll see the offices of local lawyers, some banks and a few bars. Supporters join a protest in Monroe, Wisconsin, for immigrant workers who have walked off the job at a cheese plant. (Photo by Bryan Pfeifer/Wisconsin Bailout the People Movement) One thing that sets Monroe apart is the areas relatively recent influx of immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Green County, where Monroe is located, has experienced a 229% increase in Latinos from 2000 to 2019. That growth has not been accompanied by a surge in murders, robberies, pet-eatings or any other crimes that the current administration has leveled against migrants. Instead Monroe has seen a rise in the number of Mexican restaurants and bilingual masses at the local Catholic church, as well as hardworking community members hoping to make a better life for themselves. Which makes the recent events at Monroes W&W milk processing plant especially infuriating. Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) acquired W&W earlier this month , and workers describe an ownership philosophy vastly different from the positive work environment and commitment to employees they experienced under the previous owners. Short of formally firing the workers employed there, DFA instituted the E-Verify system as part of their management plan, possibly to avoid the Trump administrations destructive crackdowns. While this system allows employers to confirm the employment authorization of new hires, employees taking part in the walkout say that in contrast to the previous owners, DFA is requiring verification of all employees, even those who have been there 10-plus years. Not surprisingly, DFAs decision has triggered a strike and the formation of a legal assistance fund for workers who most likely will lose their jobs after years at the plant. Across rural America Its not an isolated instance; immigrants are being unjustly targeted in similar ways elsewhere in rural America. In Long Prairie, Minnesota, a town much like Monroe, meat processing workers, many of whom received legal status to work with the humanitarian parole program that the Biden administration created for people experiencing potential violence or harm in Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, or Haiti, had their permits revoked by Trump. Hundreds of workers also lost the legal right to work in the United States at a JBS pork production facility in Ottumwa, Iowa, as the current government ended their Temporary Protection Status (TPS). Like humanitarian parole, TPS, which began in 1990, grants people from certain countries work permits who flee disasters like hurricanes or wars. Throughout the Midwest, milk processing and meat packing firms in rural areas constitute an agro-industrial archipelago where workers, many of whom are immigrants, play a key role in making our food system operate. But instead of being rewarded for years of hard work, immigrants face persecution. Insisting on programs like E-Verify a voluntary system with documented shortcomings and removing legal protections terrorize hardworking people. Immigrants and their families deserve better, including legal pathways to remain and work in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a nutshell, revoking legal protections unfairly turns workers into criminals by making them ineligible to work here. More to the point, these tactics are par for the course when it comes to the current administrations cruel, underhanded and racist approach to enforcing our countrys outdated immigration system. This toxic mix of cruelty and racial profiling is on display when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrest immigrants at courthouses after their asylum cases are dismissed, making them vulnerable for deportation. The racial profiling is even more blatant when migrants are stopped outside schools or at Home Depot parking lots because of how they look and where they are. Some get thrown to the ground and handcuffed just because they question the reason they are being detained. An endless vicious cycle The problem with such tactics aside from the ethical and legal problems of encouraging government agents to trample on peoples constitutional rights is efficiency. Immigration hardliners and Trump loyalists like White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller made it a goal for ICE to fill the for-profit deportation complex with 3,000 arrests per day, having no qualms separating families, arresting children or people who have been model citizens for decades. Supporters express solidarity with immigrant workers who have walked off the job at a cheese plant in Monroe, Wisconsin. (Photo by Bryan Pfeifer/Wisconsin Bailout the People Movement) ICE has a sordid history of workplace enforcement actions in the past that have proven widely unpopular and non-productive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can go back to the Bush administrations mass raids in places like Worthington, Minnesota, and Postville, Iowa, to show how ICE agents large-scale enforcement actions in rural communities tear families apart and leave communities with a long process to heal culturally and economically. What we know over a decade later is that arresting and deporting hundreds of people in such ways does not lead to U.S. citizen workers taking the positions formerly held by immigrants, but the deported people being replaced by, well, another round of immigrants. But for Trump 2.0, plans for the agro-industrial archipelago are different. Instead of staging mass actions to arrest workers, the government is doing this work digitally. Put otherwise, a faceless bureaucracy revokes programs and permits, giving a contrived legal pretext for ICE to enter communities and arrest people. Lets be clear immigrant workers at these places were trying to do it the right way. But this government effectively took the legal carpet from under them as they were trying to scrape a living together for themselves and their families. To threaten these people with deportation is the ultimate in punching down, terrorizing hardworking and community-building people we should be welcoming instead of demonizing. Real immigration policy reform does not underhandedly manufacture undocumented people, or target people who contribute to the economy, but involves doing the hard work of creating fair, workable policy in Congress. Nor should immigrants be welcomed on a whim of the administration as was the case when white South Africans were given refugee status while suspending protections for thousands of others. Why this special treatment? Most people seeking refugee status are people of color the South Africans are white. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are various serious initiatives currently in Congress that could actually improve the lives of immigrants. The bipartisan Dignity Act provides a pathway for citizenship for DREAMers (youth who came to the U.S. without authorization and either attend college or plan to do so) and a work permit system for all other undocumented people. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act puts farm workers and their families on a pathway to legalization. California U.S. Sen. Alex Padillas more sweeping Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 grants lawful permanent resident status green cards to people who have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least seven years and do not have a criminal record. Immigrants come to this country for a variety of reasons, including suffering the effects of flawed trade deals, as well as experiencing war and famine. Many continue to suffer here, working jobs that are ill-paid and dangerous in places like Monroe and Long Prairie. Our current government oppresses them further with draconian and dishonest tactics, scoring cheap political points instead of engaging in actual law enforcement. Those among us who really care about public security should think long and hard on how this government is entrapping immigrants instead of reforming and enforcing the law. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The city of Centerville is seeking public feedback on their road safety action plan. According to the city, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission is developing the plan, which they say will shape how we travel around Centerville for decades. The city is aiming to compete for funding in order to address infrastructure challenges, specifically on I-675/Wilmington Pike interchange, which has been an ongoing project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Centerville is asking that all feedback be submitted by Sept. 7. Click here to leave your thoughts on the 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 WDTN.com. Nayara Energy, a company in India's refining sector, has turned to a 'dark fleet' to continue its oil imports and fuel transportation in the wake of EU sanctions, as stated by Reuters, citing shipping reports and LSEG data. The company, which holds approximately an 8% share of India's refining capacity of 5.2 million barrels per day (mbbl/d), has faced challenges since the sanctions were imposed last month, leading to a reduction in its crude processing activities. Nayara Energy operates a 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery in Gujarat, India. It has reportedly imported at least seven cargoes of Russian Urals crude this month, despite the vessels being subject to EU sanctions. The ships, including Centurion, Mars 6, Pushpa, Horae and Devika, each carried around 700,000 barrels of oil, according to shipping reports and LSEG data. Before the sanctions, Nayara, with more than 6,600 fuel stations, sold around 70% of its refined products domestically and exported the remainder. However, the EU sanctions have led to a cutback in operations, with the refinery now running at 7080% capacity. Nayara, which is majority-owned by Russian companies such as Rosneft, is looking for assistance from the Indian Government to secure shipping options and sustain stable refinery operations. Shipping sources indicate that Indian shipping lines are reluctant to transport Nayara's oil and refined products due to the sanctions. An official from a company that previously shipped Nayara's products mentioned the inability to obtain insurance cover for its vessels under these circumstances. Nevertheless, Russian entities are reportedly aiding Nayara in arranging ships for its operations. LSEG trade flows data reveals that Nayara has utilised vessels such as the Next, Tempest Dream, Leruo, Nova, Varg, Sard and Uriel, all under EU sanctions, to transport refined fuels like gasoline and gasoil. After facing sanctions some of these vessels were renamed. Despite these logistical hurdles, Evgeniy Griva, Russia's Deputy Trade Representative to India, stated that Nayara is receiving oil supplies from Rosneft without issues. "Nayara Energy imports oil using dark fleet amid EU sanctions" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. With Hamas recently accepting an Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire-hostage deal, the ball is back in Israel's court. How will Netanyahu choose to proceed? Israel is facing a major predicament as the Hamas terrorist organization has reportedly accepted the terms of an Egyptian proposal for a temporary ceasefire in the war in Gaza. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shifted Israels stance and demanded the release of all 50 remaining hostages at once. The move coincided with Netanyahus declaration that Israel intends to occupy Gaza City and other areas of the territory in an effort to ratchet up pressure on the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While visiting soldiers on the Gaza border on Monday, Netanyahu addressed the reports. Like you, I am hearing the reports on the media, he said. There is one conclusion from these reportsHamas is under atomic pressure. Governments worldwide were quick to condemn Israels announcement. Several countries declared sanctions against Israel and its officials. Inside Israel, opposition parties staged demonstrations, warning the plan would endanger the 20 hostages still believed to be alive and heldin Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023. Hamas earlier willingness to consider a partial dealreleasing half of the hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefirehas complicated matters. Netanyahu must now decide whether to reject such a deal and gamble that occupying Gaza City will force Hamas surrender. Families of the hostages are also split. Some believe intensified military pressure will bring their loved ones home; others fear it could doom them to death inside tunnels beneath the city. A view shows military vehicles on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, as seen from Israel, August 12, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD) Israel needs to decide which of the clocks that are ticking is the one that puts it under the most pressure, Dr. Avner Saar, a crisis-negotiation expert and lecturer at Western Galilee College, told The Media Line. There is pressure to save lives, there is internal pressure in Israel with a growing internal rift, and there is growing international pressure both from European countries and the US to end the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel needs to find the balance and make decisions based on the strategy it has decided to adopt, Saar added. Unnamed Israeli officials told local media Tuesday that Israels position has not changed. The government continues to seek a full deal that includes Hamas leadership being exiled from Gaza and the groups complete disarmament. That stance received support from US President Donald Trump 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 posted on social media. Netanyahu, at least publicly, has not ruled out a partial deal. Senior coalition members accuse him of avoiding a clear stance, claiming he is using the threat of escalation to extract concessions. Reports suggest a partial agreement would see the remaining 10 hostages released in a second phase, followed by negotiations for a permanent end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is stuttering and Netanyahu has been unclear, not saying unequivocally that a partial deal will not happen, Betty Lahav, a former senior official in Israels Prison Service who commanded maximum-security prisons and led intelligence operations, told The Media Line. Hamas sees the Israeli army rolling into Gaza City, and they are suddenly willing to negotiate a partial deal, but this is a death trap that will cost Israel the lives of many soldiers and sentence the remaining hostages to death. Hamas October 7, 2023, surprise attack prompted Israels all-out war against the group. In addition to killing about 1,200 Israelis, Hamas seized roughly 250 hostages, many of them civilians. Since then, Israel has launched a few daring rescue missions, freeing eight living hostages and recovering 46 bodies. Most releases, though, came through negotiations linked to temporary ceasefires. Fifty hostages remain unaccounted for, with many presumed dead. A fragile ceasefire, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar earlier this year, collapsed in March when the first phase expired. The second phasemeant to end the war with a full Israeli withdrawal and the release of all hostagesnever materialized as the sides failed to agree on terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza has borne the brunt of the war. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, nearly 62,000 Palestinians have been killed. UN data says most homes have been destroyed and more than one million people displaced. Israels military operations have ebbed and flowed, but preparations are now underway to capture Gaza City. Gaza City remains Hamas's most strategic asset yet to conquer Gaza City is Hamas most valuable strategic asset, Ido Zelkovitz, head of the Middle Eastern Studies program at Yezreel Valley College and a research fellow at the University of Haifa, told The Media Line. It is where its vast underground tunnel network runs the war effort and serves as the center of its financial and social activities. According to Zelkovitz, Hamas fears the city will be destroyed, both above and below ground. This is why Hamas is back at the negotiating table, he explained. But Hamas will never release all of the hostages because this will be the end of it. Israels strategic decision after October 7 is to completely destroy Hamas abilities and never allow it to be on its borders again. Capturing Gaza City comes with enormous risks. Many of the surviving hostages are believed to be held there, while Hamas has likely prepared the area with explosives, anticipating an Israeli assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout negotiations, Israel has insisted on keeping a security perimeter inside Gaza. Hamas rejects any Israeli presence once the war ends. So far, only partial agreements have been possible, delaying the broader clash over Gazas future. History has taught us that once deals collapse, the sides harden their positions, Saar said. I am inclined to say Israel should prefer a full-package deal that will end the war, because otherwise the process down the road will be even harder, with all the pressures increasing. First and foremost, this is unfair to the hostages and their families, and if a phased deal is reached, it will only get harder every step of the way, he added. Protests broke out this week as thousands of Israelis demanded an immediate halt to the war, saying it is the only way to secure the hostages release. Counterdemonstrators accused them of showing weakness in the face of Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas is never going to surrender, and there is no chance it will release every single hostage, said Lahav, who also served as a senior officer in Israels Civil Administration in Gaza before the 2005 withdrawal. Hamas knows how to exploit Israels soft spots, and the public unfortunately falls victim to this. Netanyahus record on prisoner deals continues to shadow him. In 2011, he agreed to a controversial exchange: one Israeli soldier for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including Yahya Sinwar, Hamass leader and mastermind of the October 7 attack, who was later assassinated. With pressure mounting at home and abroad, Netanyahu may again opt for an interim deal and postpone the operation in Gaza City. For Hamas, the hostages remain its strongest weapon. Israel must now decide whether to press forward militarily or cut a deal that risks leaving the war unresolved. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A new event is giving central Illinois residents a chance to dress up, enjoy a night out, and support cats in need. The Black Cat Ball will be held on Oct. 18 at Barracks Cater Inn. The evening includes a buffet dinner, live music, a photo booth and a silent auction. WMBD Chief Meteorologist Chris Yates will emcee the event, alongside guest speaker Kim Turner from the Humane Society of Fulton County. Guests can also try a special Black Cat Magic cocktail, with proceeds benefiting the shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers say the fundraiser will help sustain several of the shelters key programs, including: Pets for Seniors offering reduced adoption fees for seniors who adopt senior cats. Silver Whiskers helping veterans, people with disabilities, and past adopters with food, litter, and medical support. Forever Fosters placing harder-to-adopt cats in homes while the shelter covers veterinary and care expenses for life. This is something we want to make into a signature event, said Jacqui Watts, co-chair of the Black Cat Ball. Fundraising is so crucial to our mission. We have some great programs, but it all takes a lot of money. Were hoping this is successful enough to continue our programs and do it again next year and beyond. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased through the shelters Facebook page via a pinned QR code post. Tickets will also be sold in person at PetSmart by Target on Sept. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. POLK CITY, Iowa In recent years, H-2A temporary work visas have been increasing in price. And a portion of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act will increase fees by a couple hundred dollars. The new addition to the rising fees is the $250 visa integrity fee. According to the Farm Bureau, one worker application fee will cost $1,350 per employee, paid by the employer. That will nearly be $600 more than the cost two years ago. And for larger companies that do multiple employee contracts, a 20 worker contract cost is over $10,000, an increase of 127% in the last two years. As of June 30, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services H-2A employer data hub sites 137 employers in the state that have approved temporary worker visas. With the increase costs of domestic labor, paired with the increasing visa costs, farmers have to make tough choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madison County voting machines publicly tested ahead of special election for auditor There is certainly a labor shortage here in Iowa, its difficult to find labor for the farm, its difficult to for the people who we work with, our markets, said Aaron Lehman, President of the Iowa Farmers Union. Oftentimes, the buyers for what we grow, theyre having a tough time finding workers, the suppliers for farmers are having a tough time. If farmers dont need to rely on temporary visas for their own labor on their property, their bottom line is still being cut down by the cost of goods by those selling to them and who they sell to. For ordinary farmers who are using the system and for everyone in the food system, the cost of H-2A system has gone up, and farmers dont have the ability to pass that cost on, said Lehman. Most of it comes out of our bottom line. It makes it a lot harder to find new employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lehman said that farmers in the union are very frustrated with the raising costs of visa workers, as it has some considering if they need to shrink their operations to be able to continue to stay profitable. The timeline for employers to apply for temporary workers is also growing, meaning that there will have to be a labor decision made with a lot more certainty. 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. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. The Independence school board in an early-morning special meeting Thursday approved ballot language on a vote determining the future of the districts four-day school week. It is the latest update on a legal battle between the district and state of Missouri. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri The Independence School District moved to a four-day school week two years ago along with 170 other school districts in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri lawmakers passed a new law this year stating any school district with more than 30,000 people must get voter approval to switch to a four-day school week. That bill takes effect next fall. But the Independence School District filed a lawsuit, saying the states actions are targeted and unconstitutional. The district is also seeking an injunction. If a judge rules in favor of the state, a November vote is needed, so board members on Thursday approved ballot language for a potential vote. The question posed to voters would state: Shall the school board of Independence 30 School District adopt the provisions of Section 171.028, RSMo, establishing a four-day school week for the next ten years in the district of Independence? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The districts interim superintendent, Cindy Grant, says the shorter school week has generated a number of positives, including improved teacher retention and recruitment. We have seen our retention rates increase to 90.8% which is up significantly prior to the four-day week. The average years of experience of our teachers coming to us this year is 8.5 years of experience versus 4.4 prior to the four-day, so those are some of the great things that were seeing. Also, our academic achievement. Last year, all subject areas at all grade levels saw significant growth, so were so proud of that, Grant said. The deadline to place the issue on the ballot is 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. By Aditya Kalra and Aftab Ahmed BENGALURU (Reuters) -India's parliament on Thursday passed a bill to ban online games played with money in a move that threatens the survival of the popular fantasy gaming sector, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government flagged the high risk of financial harm. The sudden ban has shocked an industry backed by venture capital firms like Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners and which was set to be worth $3.6 billion in India by 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executives fear imminent job losses and a complete shutdown of many app-based businesses which attracted billions from foreign investors. The bill prohibits "harmful" online money gaming services, advertisements and financial transactions related to them, with the government also citing the psychological harm they can cause. "It is the duty of the government and the parliament to take strict action against social evils, which keep erupting time and again," federal IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in parliament on Thursday. India's upper house of parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 after the lower house cleared it earlier this week. The president must sign the bill into law which, although there is no set date, is considered a formality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indian gaming groups are holding discussions with lawyers about approaching the Supreme Court to challenge the ban by citing a lack of consultation, the impact on the thriving industry, and how some games being banned like poker are skill-based and should be exempted, two gaming industry sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. Endorsements by top Indian cricketers and other marketing efforts have boosted the appeal of apps such as Dream11 and Mobile Premier League, where virtual cricket teams are created based on real players, earning points based on the runs, wickets and catches of an actual match. Dream11's app on Thursday showed it cost as little as 29 rupees (33 cents) to create a team and join a "prize pool" which is then split among thousands of winners with a top payout of 300,000 rupees ($3,438). Dream11 commands a valuation of $8 billion while Mobile Premier League is valued at $2.3 billion, PitchBook data shows. Other popular gaming apps in India include Games24X7, which offers card games like rummy and poker, Zupee and WinZO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new bill states that anyone who offers money games after the law comes in force could face a jail term of up to three years and a fine. (Additional reporting by Abinaya Vijayaraghavan; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) India has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead deep into the territory of its geopolitical rival, China, just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first visit there in years. The Agni-5 was launched in Indias eastern Odisha state and validated all operational and technical parameters, the countrys defense ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The missile has a range of more than 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles), according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies Missile Defense Project. That puts Indias rivals like China and Pakistan well within range of the weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India and China are locked in a fierce battle for influence across the Asia-Pacific. Both have navigated a frosty relationship after deadly clashes at their shared Himalayan border in 2020 pushed the two further apart than at any time in decades. India is playing catch-up as the Peoples Liberation Army expands its arsenal and tensions continue to simmer along their disputed border. A report published in June by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimates that China now has around 600 nuclear warheads, while India has 180. The Agni-5 test comes on the heels of a visit to New Delhi by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a trip that set the stage for Modis own late-August visit to China for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) a security grouping that includes Russia and Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hand with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, India, Aug.19, 2025. - Indian Prime Minister's Office/AP Ties have shown signs of warming since Modi met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia last October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India and China have agreed to resume direct commercial flights cancelled in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, Beijing recently agreed to reopen two pilgrimage sites in western Tibet to Indians for the first time in five years, and both started re-issuing tourist visas for each others citizens. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity, Modi said in a statement Tuesday after his meeting with Wang. He also acknowledged his impending trip for the SCO summit in Tianjin. Indias relationship with the US, meanwhile, has been strained after President Donald Trump threatened New Delhi with 50% tariffs as punishment for its purchases of Russian oil. Washington, which has been courting India as a strategic counterweight to China, is inadvertently pushing the two Asian giants closer together with its economic policies, analysts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Agni-5 missile is also part of Indias defense strategy against nuclear-armed rival Pakistan. The two neighbors engaged in a brief but deadly conflict earlier this year their worst in decades with both sides striking deep into the others territory. The conflict sparked an international diplomatic scramble to stop hostilities between two nuclear armed powers escalating further. Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to be in Tianjin for the SCO meeting. China and Pakistan have deepened ties in recent decades, with Islamabad participating in Xis signature infrastructure project, the Belt and Road initiative. China is also a major supplier of weapons to Pakistan, providing the nation with 81% of its imported weapons, according to data from SIPRI. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The Indiana National Guard has signed a partnership with Saudi Arabia. Indiana National Guard leaders met with officials in Riyadh as they signed this new partnership on Thursday. Officials with the National Guard say the partnership is part of the defense departments state partnership program. The program partners American States and foreign nations to enhance mutual relationships and promote defense security. The Indiana National Guard says its experience in disaster relief, domestic operations and overseas missions will support the U.S. Governments goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This program has built relationships with 115 nations in more than 30 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's anti graft agency has arrested the country's deputy manpower minister and 13 other people in connection with an investigation into alleged extortion, the agency said on Thursday. Deputy minister Immanuel Ebenezer, a member of President Prabowo Subianto's party Gerindra, became the first member of Prabowo's cabinet to be arrested for graft. Prabowo, who was sworn in last October, has campaigned against corruption in and out of his government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitroh Rohcahyanto, the deputy head of Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission, told Reuters that Immanuel's arrest was related to an investigation into allegations of irregularities in the ministry's issue of safety permits. He provided no other details. It was not clear if the deputy minister has been charged with any offence. Reuters was not immediately able to contact Immanuel's lawyer. A spokesperson for the agency said another 13 people had also been taken into custody in connection with the case. Yassierli, Indonesia's manpower minister who goes by one name like many Indonesians, told reporters on Thursday that Immanuel signed a document stating his willingness to resign if he is proven guilty, vowing improvements on safety permit issuance and calling the case "a huge blow" to the ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immanuel would be immediately replaced if found guilty, said Prasetyo Hadi, a presidential spokesperson. Last year, Indonesia was ranked at 99 out of 180 countries on global graft watchdog Transparency International's corruption perception index. (Reporting by Ananda Teresia and Stanley Widianto; Editing by Martin Petty, David Stanway and Raju Gopalakrishnan) (This story was updated to include new information.) A once-acclaimed classical conductor who was ousted from his prestigious position in New York has been arrested on child pornography accusations in Indianapolis. Julian James Wachner, 55, worked as a 4th-grade teacher at Invent Learning Hub at the time of his arrest. His profile has since been scrubbed from the school's website. The charter school's director did not immediately respond to a request for comment; however, the school sent a statement to parents acknowledging Wachner's arrest, noting that his "inappropriate behavior" occurred "outside the school day and off school premises." A parent shared the school's statement with IndyStar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no indication that any of our students were involved. Law enforcement's investigation of the allegations remains ongoing," reads the statement sent to parents. The charter school conducted a background check on Wachner and offered him training before the school hired him as a teacher on Sept. 30, 2024, according to the statement sent to parents. In a separate message, students were told that Wachner will not return for the remainder of the school year. Wachner, whose work was once lauded in publications including the New York Times, Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle, worked as the musical director of Trinity Church Wall Street when a then-Juilliard employee came forward with assault allegations in 2022. Wachner was put on leave and eventually fired for what the church described as conduct "inconsistent with our expectations of anyone who occupies a leadership position." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wachner denied the assault allegations. The woman said that Wachner had groped and kissed her at a music festival in 2014. Wachner described the encounter as consensual in a since-deleted statement posted to his website. Wachner sued Juilliard, his accuser's employer, for defamation. The case was dismissed. Wachner was arrested on one count of possession of child pornography on Aug. 20, according to booking records from the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Licensing records show that Wachner has a valid permit as a substitute teacher with Indianapolis Public Schools. It was issued on September 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson with IPS noted Wachner has "never been employed with IPS directly or indirectly." The district partners with Parallel Employment Group to fill substitute positions and that staffing agency handles the hiring and certification process, said Marc Ransford, IPS media relations coordinator, in an email to IndyStar. "The permit issued for IPS was requested by Parallel," Ransford said. "However, Julian Wachner never completed the hiring process with Parallel, was not hired and did not substitute teach in Indianapolis Public Schools." At the time of reporting, the Marion County Court had sealed court documents relating to Wachner's case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com. 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: Teacher, composer arrested in Indianapolis child porn investigation An online content creator was killed in Arizona on Friday when a gunman fired in a random direction during an argument between the drivers of two other vehicles, Glendale police said. Yarely Ashley Hermosillo, 27, who described herself as a reels creator online and has 144,000 followers on Instagram, was not the target of the gunfire at around 11:45 p.m., police said. She was a passenger in a vehicle and was struck after a driver "fired a shot in a random direction" after people in two cars exchanged words on eastbound Camelback Road, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jesus Preciado Dousten, 33, was arrested Saturday and is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, misconduct involving weapons and endangerment. Police said in an affidavit that Dousten, driving a GMC pickup, pulled out a black handgun, said "You want some of this?" in Spanish during the argument and fired. Hermosillo was shot in the right eye, police wrote in the document. She was pronounced dead at 1 a.m. Saturday, police said. Witnesses reported that Dousten seemed obviously intoxicated, police said in the report. Family members tearfully recalled the pain of losing a loved one who was shot in front of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will never forget my moms screams when I arrived at the hospital, sister Cryshan Lopez said at a news conference Wednesday. Hermosillo was the mother of a 3-year-old son, and her social media career, which involved cooking, was starting to take off, her family said. She was full of dreams, plans and goals for her future all of which were taken from her in such a cruel and senseless way, Lopez said. Our family is heartbroken beyond words. Dousten has what police described in a report as an extensive criminal history, including a road-rage incident in Phoenix in June in which he was accused of punching another driver in the face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has 2016 and 2024 convictions for attempted theft of means of transportation, a 2022 conviction of unlawful flight from law enforcement and a 2022 conviction of resisting arrest and criminal trespass, according to court documents. He was being held in lieu of $1 million bail, police said. Online court records did not list an attorney for him Wednesday evening. Police said that nothing that occurred in the argument between drivers was itself criminal and that it was "a brief verbal exchange." "Why the suspect chose to fire the weapon remains unknown," police spokesman Jose Miguel Santiago said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Costfoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images Last week, President Donald Trump suggested he could be open to expanding Nvidia's licenses to cover more powerful chips, after further negotiations Nvidia (NVDA) said it's considering a "variety of products" for its roadmap as more details emerge about a new AI chip for the Chinese market. This follows recent signs of inroads in winning approvals from the Trump administration to expand sales to the country. Nvidia could look to deliver samples of the new chip to Chinese clients for testing as early as next month, Reuters reported Tuesday. The new chip, tentatively known as the B30A, is based on Nvidia's Blackwell architecture and more advanced than the H20 chip the company recently won approval to resume selling in China after striking a deal with President Trump to pay the U.S. government 15% of its China chip revenue. A Nvidia spokesperson told Investopedia Tuesday that the company wants to be "prepared to compete to the extent that governments allow," adding "everything we offer is with the full approval of the applicable authorities and designed solely for beneficial commercial use." Shares of Nvidia fell close to 4% amid broader tech sector losses Tuesday. Still, they've added nearly a third of their value this year, after their recent rally amid optimism about the company's sales in China and strong demand for AI hardware. Wall Street Analysts See 'Slippery Slope' in Recent Licensing Deal While many on Wall Street saw the recent 15% revenue-sharing agreements for Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) as a positive development for the companieswhich took a hit on export curbs earlier in the yearsome have raised concerns about what they could mean for American tech companies navigating rapidly changing China trade policies. "It feels like a slippery slope to us," Bernstein analysts wrote last week of the deals, which could open the door to others and pointed to a lack of clarity on whether and how much companies could be pushed to pay to sell such products in China. "Sure it might raise some money, but doesn't seem to address any strategic issues beyond a grab for dollars," the analysts said. Last week, Trump suggested he could be open to expanding Nvidia's licenses to cover more powerful chips, after further negotiations. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang could be asked for more details on the company's plans when the chipmaker reports its latest quarterly financial results after the bell Aug. 27. This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect more recent share price values. Read the original article on Investopedia Dr James Dobson, a prominent and influential evangelical leader who advised four US presidents, has died aged 89. Dobson was a fixture in conservative US politics for decades and most recently served on Donald Trump's advisory board for evangelical affairs. The ministry he founded, Focus on the Family, is one of the largest in the world, with a presence in nearly 100 countries. As well as Trump, Dobson advised three other Republican presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H W Bush, and George W Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in Louisiana in 1936, Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977, with the stated mission of affirming "the God-ordained institution of the family". His radio programme was eventually broadcast by 4,000 radio stations across North America. He published his first of more than 70 books - Dare To Discipline, which advocated for strict parental authority and corporal punishment - while working as an associate clinical professor of paediatrics at the University of California School of Medicine. Gary Bauer of the Dr James Dobson Family Institute described the organisation's founder as a "pioneer" and "a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family and culture". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he never ran for public office, Dobson was considered extremely influential in conservative political circles in the US. He founded the Family Research Council in 1981, a think-tank that advocates for socially conservative causes, and coordinated state-level lobbying organisations across the country. Following news of his death, Family Research Council president Tony Perkins said that Dobson's "legacy will be lasting". "Dobson will be missed," he added. "But like other influential Christian leaders of his era, he has raised many more in his wake." In 1982, he was appointed to a national advisory committee on youth justice by then-President Ronald Reagan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dobson later acted as an adviser during both Bush presidencies, and endorsed Donald Trump in the 2020 election, as well as offering him vocal support during impeachment hearings. Dobson's views lead to several controversies over his career. In 2014, he was accused of hijacking a National Day of Prayer event by calling Barack Obama "the abortion president" - prompting former California congresswoman Janice Hahn to storm out of the event. Dobson was also considered a hard-liner on LGBTQ+ issues, and in 1973 resigned from the American Psychological Association after it removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wayne Besen, the director of Truth Wins Out - an LBGTQ+ advocacy organisation that often sparred with Dobson - said in a statement that he "used faith as a cudgel to bludgeon vulnerable communities, spread disinformation and inject toxic bigotry into the bloodstream of American culture". "His legacy is one of cruelty disguised as Christianity," Mr Besen said, adding: "And our nation is worse off because of the relentless campaigns of intolerance he orchestrated." In 2010, his Family Research Council was formally designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for what it described as "anti-gay propaganda throughout its history", a charge the group vehemently denied. He was often dismissive of his critics, writing in a 2019 newsletter that "left-wing activists typically hate committed Christians". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It begins with resentment for everything we stand for," he wrote. "They despise this belief system because it threatens their godless worldview." In 2022, Dobson claimed a victory after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, which gave women in the US a constitutional right to abortion across the country. "At last, the tide has changed, and the legality of abortion has been given to the people to decide - where it belonged in the first place," he said at the time. Inmate death reported at Alleghany Regional Jail ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)- The Alleghany County Sheriffs Office said an inmate at the Alleghany Regional Jail became unresponsive and died, despite lifesaving measures. The incident happened shortly before 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 21. According to a joint press release by Sheriff Kyle Moore and jail administrator R.W. Keen, Jr., the inmate, identified at Kevin Lee Joyce, went unresponsive while talking to deputies and medical staff. They said lifesaving measures were started and EMS was notified. Joyce was pronounced dead at 5:26 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Virginia State Police is handling the death investigation, which is department policy in such cases. Joyces body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy. The preliminary findings indicated he died of natural causes. No foul play is suspected. Joyce was being held there without bond. According to the release, he was awaiting sentencing on charges of five counts of using a computer to propose sex to a minor under the age of 15. Sheriff Moore and Keen, Jr. offered their condolences to Joyces family. According to a previous article from WFXR News, Joyce was a former high school teacher at Roanoke City Public Schools. He was arrested in September 2024 following an undercover chat operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An inmate died early Wednesday morning at the Daviess County Detention Center. The cause of death is under investigation. A detention center press release says deputy jailers responded to a medical emergency in a cell at 5 a.m. The cell was occupied by Dalton Gordon, 28, who had been incarcerated since Tuesday on a public intoxication (non-alcohol) controlled substance charge. The release says Gordon was alone in the cell, and that deputies found him unresponsive when they arrived. The release says deputy jailers attempted life-saving measures while calling for both the jails medical personnel and an ambulance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the release, Gordon was unresponsive to life-saving attempts. There were no signs of foul play or self harm, the release says, and says the cause of death will be investigated by the Daviess County Coroners Office. Jailer Art Maglinger said Gordon is scheduled to undergo a medical exam Thursday in Louisville. The jail will also do an administrative review of the incident, the release says. According to the release, the incident is also being investigated by the Kentucky State Police. AUSTIN (KXAN) Two weeks before the new school year, Tatiana Brown Gomez, 24, was laughing with her students at Dobie Middle Schools open house. The English teacher showed up to encourage them for what is expected to be a challenging and consequential year. But Brown-Gomez will largely have to watch the year play out from afar. She is among several current and former Austin Independent School District core subject teachers who were removed from their roles at the districts three lowest-performing schools and replaced with new educators. I am not qualified. Thats literally what I was told. I am not qualified to come back and teach at Dobie, Brown-Gomez said. Dobie Middle School open house (KXAN Photo/Richie Bowes) Tatiana Brown-Gomez (KXAN Photo/Richie Bowes) The district hopes a new cohort of teachers will be able to do, this year, what the campus hasnt been able to accomplish in the last several years: raise the campuses state accountability rating from an F to at least a D or a C. But KXAN found over the summer, on a fast timeline, the district struggled to replace the educators who did not meet its new standards with the highly qualified teachers it was seeking. Vacancies By July 31 a little more than two weeks before the first day of school district officials said there were 51 vacancies between the three campuses. The listings on the districts vacancy dashboard listed needs for math, social science and Spanish teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district sent an email on Aug. 6 asking eligible teachers at other Austin ISD campuses to transfer to one of the underperforming campuses. District data shows three days before the start of school; there were still 13 vacancies across the three schools. A spokesperson for the district told KXAN some of the roles could be intentionally vacant because of current enrollment. Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura said the district chose to wait until late June to submit its turnaround plan to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to engage more with the community about the changes. He said in an exchange that the district got a late start in hiring. TEA releases 2025 A-F ratings, 3 Austin ISD schools get fourth F score Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The departures of last years staff left a lot of roles to fill. The district wrote in its June 26 presentation to the school board that 84% of Dobies core teaching staff would not be returning for the 2025-26 school year 39% wont be back at Burnet Middle School and 53% at Webb Middle School. Parents and staff gather at Dobies open house event on July 31. (KXAN Photo/Richie Bowes) I only know two teachers that were able to return, Brown-Gomez said about the previous core subject teachers at Dobie. Timeline Jan 8: TEA notifies AISD via email that Dobie Middle School will require a turnaround plan. April 3: The 15th Court of Appeals grants TEA approval to issue 2023 A-F ratings. Separately, AISD tells Dobie staff about plans to close the school or partner with a charter school due to a string of unacceptable state accountability ratings. The district told parents and families the next day. April 14: The earliest date that emails, provided to KXAN, indicate Dobie staff learned of the potential plan to displace core-subject teachers. April 24: TEA releases 2023 A-F Accountability Ratings to the public. Dobie, Webb and Burnet receive second F-rating. June 26: The AISD School Board approves the turnaround plan for Austin ISD, including the plan of replacing school leadership and a large portion of the instructional staff. July 3: The 15th Court of Appeals grants TEA approval to release the 2024 A-F ratings. Aug. 15: TEA releases the 2024 and 2025 A-F Accountability Ratings. Dobie, Webb and Burnet receive their third and fourth F-rating. Aug. 19: AISDs first day of school The district also removed the administration. The principal at Webb is now the associate principal at Northeast Early College High School. Dobies former principal is now working as the Director of School Improvement. Burnets former principal no longer works for the district. A sense of anxiety The turnaround plan that Austins school board approved and submitted to the TEA in late June said it would only invite highly qualified educators to apply at Dobie, Webb, and Burnet and those rules extended to the current core teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, the district would only consider those who were certified, with at least three years of experience, and who demonstrated student growth in the top 20% districtwide. Teachers would also have to hold a recognized, exemplary, or master teacher designation. A turnaround plan that kept the same staff and administration at the campuses was not a plan that the TEA would accept, according to Segura. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told KXAN it was important for the district to get the most-proven, effective teachers. Email records show months earlier, before the board approved the plan, the district was holding meetings and sending emails to let educators know they would likely need to search for another job within the district. I recognize the sense of anxiety that can come with waiting for a decision on what is next. I want to be very clear: no decisions regarding staff placement will be made until there is a recommendation from the Board and the Board votes, AISD Interim Assistant Superintendent of Staffing and Employee Services Steven Stapleton wrote in an email on April 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MAP: How your school is rated as Austin ISD faces possible state intervention Educators KXAN spoke to say the details on who the district would allow to stay and why were not as clearly laid out in those meetings as they were in the turnaround plan the board voted on in June. Snapshots from inside meetings with staff show district officials told them they needed to be certified with three years of experience. The PowerPoint said the district would also use student growth data to determine highly effective teachers. Emails to Dobie staff in April outline how staff who didnt qualify to return would be given two placement options at other schools and one opportunity to decline an offer. The email told staff to be proactive and put applications out now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a district spokesperson, if staff members chose to decline the first placement offer, then they would get a second and final offer. The district said, in some cases, staff chose not to accept the second offer, at which point they chose to resign. District officials said no staff were asked to resign, but data provided by Austin ISD shows 23 staff members chose to resign across all three campuses. Former Webb teacher Cecilia Leonard knew she wouldnt be able to stay at her campus next year. She was months away from earning her certification through an alternative certification program, Teachers of Tomorrow, when she learned about the turnaround plan. The first thought I had was feeling guilty for making the kids think I was going to be at the school long-term, Leonard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leonard and Brown-Gomez said colleagues with more than three years experience were unclear on which data points would be used to determine who could reapply to stay at the school. The head of nonprofit Austin Voices, which provides additional support to students and families on all three campuses, said he learned from staff about miscommunications on the districts end on whether teachers were qualified to stay. I think we lost some really good teachers, Austin Voices Executive Director Allen Weeks said. There were teachers because of some data point two years ago, the group of students they had, maybe didnt look as good as another teacher, but then they were told maybe a few days after we looked at it again, and you are qualified. There were times along the way, and I want to apologize for sure, where we made determinations based on the information that we had, and then it became clear once we had feedback from TEA, or our technical provider that it really needed to be this other thing, Segura told KXAN in an interview. Delayed A-F ratings, delayed timelines In early January 2025, Austin ISD officials were unclear about what federal interventions would also be required for Dobie. Email records show that when the TEA notified the district that the campus needed to develop a turnaround plan because it failed to meet federal accountability requirements, the districts executive director of accountability and assessment wrote back, We think that Dobie Middle School has been misidentified as a campus required to develop a turnaround plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that point, the state had only publicly issued one F-rating to Dobie Middle School from 2019. The legislature passed a law preventing TEA from releasing unacceptable ratings through the pandemic, and the agency could not release the 2023 and 2024 ratings because of ongoing lawsuits. But if accountability scores were released as scheduled, TEA would have already publicly issued Dobie, Burnet and Webb their third F-rating by the time of the email. While TEA was prevented from issuing A-F ratings, the agency said it released raw accountability data to school districts in order for them to gauge performance. Judge blocks Texas from releasing this years school accountability ratings The Austin ISD school board moved Segura into an interim superintendent role in 2022, and officials appointed him as superintendent in 2024, just as the district was dealing with state sanctions over its special education program. In the middle of his second year at the helm of the district, Segura said he is doing everything he can to protect the district from state takeover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to be clear this was not the easiest plan. We believe in our community. We believe in our schools, Segura said. At the end of the day, if we dont hit this mark, the risk introduced to the schools and the school communities is something that we dont want to have to work through. Math Department Chair and teacher Paige Masley is one of two core-subject teachers returning to Dobie. Masley said she is excited and hopeful for the new year despite the changes and pressure. Its great to have so many new faces because they are bringing outside experiences from really great areas that we can recruit from that we wouldnt be able to otherwise, Masley said. English teacher Tatiana Brown-Gomez talks to Investigative Reporter Kelly Wiley (KXAN Photo/Richie Bowes) Brown-Gomez is now teaching English 7 miles away at Gus Garcia Young Mens Leadership Academy. She said her frustration with her departure from Dobie has more to do with the gains she and other staff were starting to make. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District data shows Dobie earned an F-rating in 2025, but the numerical score did improve 13 points last school year from a 46 to a 59. One point away from a D in the states accountability system. There are so many things that people outside of Dobie do not understand about what our students are going through. Our students are going through abject poverty, through literal homelessness, Brown-Gomez said. Theyve had a lot of turnover at Dobie and not having teachers stay for them and finally we were building to that. We were building that routine. We were building that trust with those students, she said. Investigative Photojournalist Richie Bowes contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. On the count of three, engineers in the Johns Hopkins University control room erupt in cheers. Its early fall 2022, and amid rows of computer monitors and a dozen television screens, the team exchanges high fives and congratulations. Then a new countdown begins, and the engineers get back to work preparing one of the most important NASA missions this century. For weeks, Elena Adams has been leading her team at the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, through rehearsals of NASAs Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). The mission represents the agencys ambitious bet that it can take aim at asteroids on a collision course with Earth and strike them with a projectile, nudging them far enough off course to prevent a world-ending impact. The mission is still weeks away. But as DARTs head engineer, the strong-willed yet unceasingly joyful Adams wants to ensure that her team is ready for any outcome. With more than a decade of experience at APL and a black belt in tae kwon do, Adams has fearlessly led her team through building and testing the spacecraft. No detail can be overlooked, so today the team members are practicing how theyll react to a successful mission, right down to those celebratory high fives. Theyre also preparing to stomach the worst: missing the asteroid entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The whole world will be watching us, she recalls thinking. So if the mission succeeds, she says in her slight Russian accent, were not going to do this lame handshake thing. Though the days are fast ticking by, that success is far from assured. DART is the first-ever test of what NASA calls a kinetic impactora projectile intent on transferring its momentum to an asteroid in an elegant suicidal smash. In other words, the team plans to ram a speeding spacecraft into an asteroid to knock it off its path. The logistics are mind-boggling. DARTs target, a few million miles from Earth, is only the size of a tall building, the smallest asteroid ever visited by a spacecraft. The craft will be traveling at thousands of miles per hour; accurately reaching the asteroid is akin to throwing an arrow from southern France and hitting an apple on the U.S. East Coast. The slightest error would cause DART to blast by its target in an instant, rendering the $325 million mission moot. Making the task even more challenging, the engineers assembled at APL will cede control of their craft for the final moments of the mission. DART is designed to operate its last hours autonomously, located too far from Earth for fast manual corrections to its trajectory. Adams knows that if all goes according to plan, a successful impactand her teams celebrationswill be witnessed by a worldwide audience. So she runs the drill again, guiding the scientists as they attempt to ensure that humanity wont meet the same fate as the dinosaurs. Hearst Owned Planetary defense scientists were at first a small, hardy bunch. A hodgepodge field encompassing astronomers, planetary scientists, and engineers, it united around taking seriously the question of how to protect Earth from cosmic threats, including impacts from asteroids and comets. At astronomy conferences in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they worried about the giggle factorthe sense that their work veered toward science fiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Naomi Murdoch, a planetary scientist at Frances ISAE-SUPAERO who researches asteroids surfaces and evolution, asteroids are fascinating but also potentially dangerous. Like planets, asteroids are rocky objects locked in slow, orbital dances around the sun. Ranging in diameter from a few feet to 300-plus miles, they are cosmic leftovers from when our solar system formed more than four billion years ago. Over the past few decades, astronomers have used ground- and space-based telescopes to detect over 38,000 near-Earth asteroids, defined as those whose closest distance to the sun comes within 1.3 times the average distance between our planet and the sun. Fewer than 30 percent are deemed potentially hazardous asteroids, those that are at least 460 feet wide. NASA predicts that one of those could impact Earth once every 10,000 years. Three percent exceed 0.6 mile in diameter and could strike our planet with devastating results once every few hundred millennia. Murdoch first joined planetary defense efforts in 2007, after she learned that scientists were already considering how to deflect rogue asteroids by bumping into them. The probability is low that an asteroid will hit us, she says. But at the same time, it is the only natural disaster that we can predict and act against. Even still, prediction efforts arent always airtight. In February 2013, a house-sized asteroid exploded above Chelyabinsk, Russia, releasing the energy of nearly a half million tons of TNT and injuring 1,600 people. The asteroids fiery descent to Earth had been missed by space agencies but captured on the dashcams of Russian cars as it shattered windows and caused tens of millions of dollars in damages. Chelyabinsk was a wake-up call. Planetary defense scientists now had the attention of space agencies across the globe. That year, NASA turned to a European planetary defense proposal that had been floating around the space community for a decade. Called Don Quijote (reflecting the Spanish spelling of the popular novels title), the idea went beyond asteroid monitoring into asteroid deflection, suggesting that one spacecraft ram into an asteroid and a second craft photograph the crash so scientists could perform real-time forensics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While space agencies had landed satellites on asteroids beforeand even designed one to deliberately smash into a comet with NASAs Deep Impact mission in 2005no one had ever set out to move a target. Doing so would rely on an engineering concept many learned in high school science: exchanging momentum between a gumball (a spacecraft) and a bowling ball (an asteroid). NASA and its partners began designing an entirely new craft that could travel on a precise trajectory at thousands of miles per hour, aimed at a target large enough to study but small enough to nudge off course. To lead the DART project, NASA selected APL, which had previously developed targeting algorithms for the U.S. Navys air defenses and also oversaw NASAs first mission land on an asteroid. Theyd work with Don Quijote scientists as well as the European Space Agency (ESA), which was tasked with building the secondary observer spacecraft. With $325 million to spend, the journey to protect Earth was on. But DART would be more challenging than any previous asteroid mission, and the stakes couldnt be higher. Planetary defense isnt the highest priority thing that we do here at NASA on a day-to-day basis, Air Force veteran and NASAs planetary defense officer Lindley Johnson has said. But the day could come when it becomes the most important thing that we do. If sending a spacecraft to bully an asteroid was an engineering challenge, determining if the collision worked would test the limits of astronomers to track tiny objects millions of miles away. APL scientists knew that a high-speed kinetic impactor such as DART might nudge the asteroid off course by a only few millimeters per second. (Astronomers calculate changes in an asteroids trajectory by recording changes in the time it takes to orbit another object.) Such a tiny difference would be nearly impossible to measure from the observer spacecraft; instead it would require powerful ground-based telescopes to track the asteroids orbit around the sun for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andy Cheng, then-chief scientist of APLs space department and DARTs co-leader, had pondered that problem ever since Don Quijote was first proposed in 2003. Cheng, now in his 60s, was no stranger to the difficulties of studying asteroids; he had served as the project scientist for NASAs mission to land on a comet and spent a year as NASAs deputy chief scientist in addition to his then-30 years at APL. But while stretching one morning in 2011, Cheng had a light-bulb moment. Some asteroidsestimates hover around 15 percenttravel with a rocky companion in whats known as a binary system, where two asteroids orbit each other. If a kinetic impactor were to strike an asteroids companion, Cheng realized, astronomers could measure how much its orbit changed around the main asteroid, where one cycle takes hours, not years. The idea wouldnt leave my head, he recalls, and upon hearing it, his colleagues agreed that the plan could solve one of DARTs biggest barriers. The next step was to pick the victims: Didymos and Dimorphos, a pair of asteroids with diameters of a half mile and 525 feet, respectively. The larger had first been spotted in 1996; its smaller companion was discovered in 2003. The duo, whose names mean twin and two forms in Greek, takes about two years to journey around the sun, never posing a threat to Earth. The timing was perfect: In the fall of 2022, they would be around 6.7 million miles away, the closest they would be for the next 40 years. The closeness of the binary crucially meant that ground-based telescopes would be able to photograph the consequences of the collision. So while Adams and her engineers designed the spacecraft for its intended target, Cheng worked with Nancy Chabot, DARTs coordination lead in charge of overseeing the science teams, to gather a crew of astronomers to watch it explode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team recruited Tim Lister, an astronomer and astrophotographer based at Las Cumbres Observatory near Santa Barbara, California, a worldwide telescope network built to observe fleeting events like asteroid movements. DART was a chance to be involved with a mission that was going to demonstrate what we could possibly do to save the Earth, says Lister. When approached about bringing Las Cumbres on board, it was an easy yes for him. To determine how much the orbit of Dimorphos around Didymos changed after impact, Lister and other team members would first need to nail down its existing path, using an astronomy technique called a light curve. Planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and even grains of space dust all scatter light like a glass bead catching an afternoon sunbeam. Telescopes observe this scattered lightthe light curveto track the object. In a binary system, when a smaller asteroid passes in front of a larger one, the amount of scattered light dips momentarily, as if a wandering fly blocked part of the glint from the bead. By tracing the periodic dips in Didymoss light curve, astronomers could see how long it took Dimorphos to orbit its companion: approximately 11 hours and 55 minutes. The same technique would be used after impact, along with precise radar measurements. Together they would help reveal if that orbit stretched by a few seconds, or even minutesa sure sign that the rock pile had been sufficiently knocked off course. Hearst Owned While determining Dimorphoss new orbit was the astronomers main goal, the mission also offered the rare opportunity to study an asteroid up close. Planetary scientists knew where Dimorphos and Didymos were in our solar system and about how big they were, but little elsenot their masses, composition, or surface texture. Everything scientists learned about these asteroids could inform critical kinetic impactor missions in the future, when human lives were at stake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asteroid surfaces are really unintuitive places, says Murdoch, a veteran of ESAs early planetary defense efforts who helped develop models of how the surface of Dimorphos might respond to DART. Were often too biased by what we see on Earth to correctly predict whats going to happen. Every new variable tested by Murdoch and the science teamfrom the composition of Dimorphoss surface, to the angle of impact, to the mass of the asteroidyielded wildly different results. During some simulations, the asteroid barely budged; in others, DART plowed into the rocky surface, knocking Dimorphos way off course. But after years of work creating simulations that sometimes took weeks to run on supercomputers, the team had narrowed in on a goal: striking the small asteroid with enough oomph to increase the time it took to orbit Didymos by 73 seconds. Seven to 10 minutes would be a triumph. Then, two major crises shook the DART team. The first came in December 2016, when ESA couldnt secure enough funding for its observer spacecraft and canceled the program. With the mission severed in half, we questioned whether NASA would also pull out, Chabot says. It was a pretty dark time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But NASA remained committed, and thoughts turned to how to continue. First, they needed to reassemble the crew. We werent just gonna kick all of our European scientists off the team, says Chabota group that included Murdoch and the visionaries behind Don Quijote. So DART took the unusual step of allowing non-NASA-affiliated scientists to participate, which included people from 29 countries, some joining only months before impact. If they had something to contribute, we would welcome them in, Chabot says. NASA then needed to find a replacement for ESAs observer spacecraft. The team turned to Italy, which had volunteered to design and operate a stowaway instrument called the Light Italian Cubesat for Imaging of Asteroids, or LICIACube. No larger than a shoebox, LICIACube would pop out of a spring-loaded compartment on the spacecraft 15 days before impact to get its space bearings in time to photograph our first cosmic clash with an asteroid. Borrowing from a design used on NASAs Artemis I mission, the Italian aerospace company Argotec would have less than three years to build the tiny satellite. Back in the APL clean room, Adams and her team were hard at work engineering the main spacecraft, which faced a grueling hundred-million-mile journey across the blackness of space. Integration Review, a NASA checkpoint to determine whether a mission is permitted to proceed with assembling and testing a spacecraft, was fast approaching. Before starting to build, the team needed to prove that every component of the craft could perform as expectedand survive long enough to do so. The first peril for the spacecraft would be its launch upon a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with vibrations violent enough to rattle its instruments loose or disrupt its sensitive electronics. It would also face both blistering and chilling temperatures in space, as well as the force of traveling at four miles per secondabout 26 times faster than a commercial jet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even more exacting, DART would also rely on new variations of three mostly unproven technologies: giant solar arrays to power its flight once in space, an ion propulsion system, and autonomous navigation software called the Small-body Maneuvering Autonomous Real Time Navigation System (SMART Nav). Led by APL software systems engineer Michelle Chen, SMART Nav would take the wheel for the crafts final four hours to avoid the 1.5-minute time delay between human commands and spacecraft execution. With the spacecraft traveling at breakneck speeds, the software would need to be highly efficient, processing an image from DARTs camera and telling the craft where to point while preserving fuelall within a second. In March 2020, Adams led the DART team as they sailed through the Integration Review. Then, with less than a year and a half to launch, the second crisis arrived: The COVID-19 pandemic sent everybody home. As Adams watched her computer screen fill with boxes of her colleagues faces, she wondered how her team could possibly engineer the mission from quarantine. You cant put a spacecraft together without actually being there, she says. Though most normal activities on Earth had screeched to a halt, Didymos and Dimorphos still journeyed around the sun right on schedule. So, after a few weeks of quarantine, a small group of engineers returned to APL as essential workers. Ironically, strict air filtration standards for spacecraft builds made the clean room a safe environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The once-bustling floors were eerily quiet, with machinery and tools left where they were last used before quarantine. Large platforms suspended spacecraft parts underneath ceilings that towered 60 feet. Engineers wore the usual uniformwhite lab coats, booties, gloves, hair netsbut added face masks, some sewn by the APL personnel who make thermal blankets for spacecraft. The jobs of dozens of engineers were completed by only a handful, staggering in shifts to assess the spacecraft one by one. Supply-chain issues abounded, and those assembling the spacecraft were forced to inspect parts manufactured by contractors over Zoom. Other engineers dialed in from home. I cant tell you how many times I watched screws being put in remotely, Adams says. Amid the challenges of lockdown came confounding engineering hurdles. When a model of DARTs camera was put through a launch vibration simulation, its mirror shattered, prompting a redesign of its mounts. And the star trackers, which would help the camera point, seemed to capture too much noise. That required another redesign of its mounts. Then, in February 2021, the team faced another hurdle: NASA leadership pushed back the launch date by four to six months. The decision, due to supply chain issues and a need to reinforce and retest the camera mirror for launch stress, was a really tough time for the project, Chabot says. While the spacecraft would still arrive at Dimorphos in fall 2022, there was less time to work out any post-launch kinks. In other words: There would be no margin for error. Hearst Owned Finally, launch day arrivesNovember 24, 2021. Engineers gather at Californias Vandenberg Space Force Base, many of them together for the first time since the start of the pandemic. With hearts in their throats, they watch as the product of years of their work begins to shake violently, carried up into the cosmos aboard a fiery SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Humanitys first cosmic roughhouser officially begins its journey at 1:21 a.m. ET; no parts break on the ascent. Mission operators at APL coax DART to release its solar arrays around 4 a.m.; each of these has been designed to unfurl from compact cylinders to 28 feet in length once airborne. After two weeks, the camera begins surveying the twinkling stars that will guide it over the next 10 months to its final destination. Though its path is set on Dimorphos, the camera takes some time to stargaze, snapping more than 150,000 pictures of celestial bodies as engineers at APL calibrate its optics. The first problem arises a few short weeks away from impact, when it becomes apparent that the star trackers are still catching too much noise. The engineers discover that when a certain heating system turns on, the trackers can drift by 20 micronsabout 20 percent of the width of a human hair. Thats enough to make DART miss its target half of the time. So they hastily write new software that will allow the spacecraft to cycle heat differently. NASA has fitted the craft with a secondary ion-propulsion system that uses xenon propellant, which it wants to test for future missions. Now thats causing problems too. During a trial run, engineers spot strange readings from DARTs power system, forcing them to stop the propulsion system and rely solely on the main thrusters to avoid endangering the spacecraft. As impact day approaches, preparations ratchet up. In July 2022, powerful telescopes in Arizona and Chile confirm the orbit and location of Dimorphos. At APL, Adams and her colleagues, now working in person, lead practices of every scenario they can dream up, including one in which Dimorphos turns out to be donut-shaped and they fly right through its belly. Chens team tests SMART Navs targeting using the moons of Jupiter. LICIACube deploys successfully. Astronomers track other asteroids as test runs for impact. And Lister refines the software he plans to use for the light curves, finally getting it working just two days ahead of the scheduled collision. We get exactly one shot at this, says Lister. We couldnt just tell the spacecraft to back off a bit and do it tomorrow because were not quite ready yet. On September 26, 2022, thousands of astronomers, planetary scientists, and engineers gather at watch parties around the world to follow NASA TVs livestream of DARTs final hours. Their screens show the spacecraft cameras view, one jolting photo every second. In the APL control room, the team of engineers work away at their computers, buoyed by specially made fortune cookies that Adams had snuck under their chairs before work with messages that read, Today you will make an impact. With four hours to go until the planned collision, SMART Nav takes the reins. Though DART has been targeting Dimorphos for months, its cameras wont pick up the asteroid until it is an estimated 90 to 75 minutes away, which it will transmit back to APL as a tiny pixel of light. Didymos, which had come into view as a large, gray mass 45 days earlier, still fills much of the screen. Despite the practice runs, Adams, with Chen sitting behind her, watches excitedly as the minutes tick down. Hundreds turn into 90, then 80. If Dimorphos doesnt appear from behind Didymos by 70 minutes to impact, the engineers need to consider manually intervening to retarget. When the clock hits 75, Adams pulls a few people into a huddle. She doesnt need to remind them that if DART missed, an accurate U-turn would take two years, and there wasnt enough fuel on board for that. Then, with 73 minutes remaining, a new pixel of light appears on screen, the teams first glimpse of the tiny asteroid. For the next hour, Dimorphos remains just a speck of light on the NASA screens, not much different from the stars that had guided its journey. With two and a half minutes and 500 miles left, SMART Nav turns off to avoid transmitting shaky images, leaving the spacecraft coasting undirected by people or software. Like a game of darts, SMART Nav has taken its aim at the board; the spacecraft will either hit a bulls-eye, or miss the target. Moments later, Didymos slides out of view, indicating that SMART Nav has correctly narrowed in on Dimorphos. Finally, with just a minute to impact, the asteroids crater-pocked, boulder-filled surface appears on screen, revealing itself for the first time to the legions of scientists following the project. From California to Maryland, cheers ring out: DART is headed straight for the center, which thankfully looks nothing like a donut. At 7:14 p.m. ET, the last image fills the televisions of the APL control room: a horizontal sliver of gray, jagged boulders before the image cuts out to piercing red static, DARTs last attempt to communicate home over seven million miles of cold, dark space. Impact. Despite the preparations, the celebrations feel organic. I think we had like five or six different cheers [rehearsed], Chen says. But the look on everybodys faces... theres no way you could rehearse that. After hugging her team, Adams steps out of view of the cameras and cries. Emotionally, youve been running so fast for so long, she says. We all came in the next day not knowing what to do. For Adams and Chen, the work is largely over. But hundreds of scientists around the world are getting started on the missions next phase. Scientists had estimated that gathering enough observations to calculate the new orbit of Dimorphos around Didymosthe proxy for DARTs successwould take weeks, followed by an extensive campaign to study its composition and shape. But at 3 a.m. PT, from his home in Southern California, Shantanu Naidu, a radio astronomer with NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, logs on to his work computer to check the initial radar observations. He finds that Dimorphos is out of sync with his earlier predictionsby a lot. While NASA had hoped for a 73-second orbital bump, Naidu sees a staggering change. The asteroids orbit appears to have stretched by 36 minutes. I didnt tell anyone about these results, he later said, worried that they were too extreme to be accurate. Maybe I should wait for the next days data. But the excitement is too great and he shares his estimates to the DART team over Slack less than 24 hours after impact. The news spreads fast within the team. And as 42.5 cumulative days of observations across telescopes on all seven continents eventually confirm, Naidu isnt far off. Dimorphoss orbit around Didymos has shortened from 11 hours 55 minutes to 11 hours 22 minutesa whopping 33 minutes, plus or minus two. We were pretty floored, says Chabot. Then the trickle of results turns into an avalanche of exciting observations. As nighttime would go around the globe... [results] were just coming in hour after hour after hour, Chabot recalls. The scientists first notice a giant, high-speed plume of ejecta rising from Dimorphoss surface, then watch as it forms into tails tens of thousands of miles long that follow the asteroid for weeks. Photographed with LICIACube, ground-based observatories, and even the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, the plume of dust and boulders is so large10,000 tons in totalthat some astronomers initially speculate that DART has blown up the asteroid entirely. What the heck is that? Is that real? Lister recalls asking his colleagues. While Dimorphos had not in fact exploded, scientists discover that it is a type of asteroid known as a rubble pile, a loosely held conglomerate of boulders prone to dramatic spews of material when hit. Planetary scientists think the release of material gave the asteroid some kickback, pushing it even farther off its orbit around Didymos. However, the moment wasnt entirely explosion-free: part of the plume was unused xenon gas from the faulty ion thruster. In the following weeks, planetary scientists also learn that DARTs impact had set Dimorphos on a slightly unstable course around Didymos, wobbling like a top. They even find that the impact changed Dimorphoss shape from a lumpy sphere to an elongated watermelon, taking a chunk off with it. The DART mission officially ended in the fall of 2023 when the binary system traveled too close to the sun for telescopes to follow it. To keep studying the changes to Dimorphos and inform any future kinetic impactors, ESAs Hera spacecraft will arrive at the cosmic crime scene in December 2026. For now, asteroid monitoring efforts will continue in force, buoyed by DARTs success. We have no idea how to prevent hurricanes or earthquakes, NASAs Johnson says. But were a long ways now along the road of preventing an impact from an asteroid or comet. For the first five decades of its existence, NASA was tasked with exploring the cosmos and Earths place within it. But the more astronomers learned about the space rocks whizzing by our pale blue dot, the clearer it became that knowledge couldnt protect us from a wayward asteroid any more than scales and spikes protected the dinosaurs. If we wanted to persist in space, we could no longer be cosmic bystanders. Millions of miles away, a chunk of boulders glued together by gravity and forged from the same ancient elements that built the planets likely has a missing chunk etched by a vending machinesized hunk of metal. A newly laid sign, for any meandering asteroids nearby, that Earth now packs a punch. You Might Also Like Ohio's Republican senators are expressing support for the federal government's talks to take an ownership stake in troubled chipmaker Intel. Sen. Jon Husted showed support for a federal stake in Intel in a string of posts Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter. Husted's comments come as Intel's Ohio chip factories have been repeatedly delayed. Originally slated to open this year, the factory openings have been pushed to 2030 or 2031. "A federal ownership stake in Intel might make sense for taxpayers," Husted posted. "Either way, two issues remain: lowering production costs and ensuring strong customer demand." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, the Trump administration confirmed it is in talks for the federal government to take a 10% equity stake in Intel. The discussions, which come as Intel has struggled to open manufacturing centers planned in the United States, would be one of the largest government interventions in the private industry since the bailout of the U.S. auto industry under former President Barack Obama. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is "ironing out the details" of a potential deal. Any agreement between the U.S. and Intel would likely require approval from the company's board of directors. On X, Husted said a broader "national, private-industry strategy is essential" to grow chip manufacturing in the U.S. As the former lieutenant governor, Husted played a role in helping to get Intel to come to Ohio, which at the time was considered the biggest economic development project in the state's history. Numerous huge cranes dot the sky around the Intel chip-manufacturing facility in New Albany, Ohio on August 1, 2025. "The president and federal government have a role to playstreamlining regulatory burdens in the CHIPS Act and beyond, protecting U.S. innovation, and encouraging American chip users (especially AI developers and data centers) to source domestically," Husted posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intel's Ohio One campus, announced three years ago, was supposed to originally begin making microchips this year. But the company's financial struggles have led to layoffs and the pace of construction in New Albany has been repeatedly slowed. While reports have surfaced in the last year of other companies interested in purchasing parts of Intel, no major deal has come to fruition. And repeated delays have led to both state and federal politicians in Ohio calling for more scrutiny of the chipmaker. Just last week, two Democratic state representatives introduced a resolution calling for more frequent updates on Intel's Ohio project and for a detailed financial accounting of the factories being built here. Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno has also called for an investigation into the company to make sure it hasn't misused any government funding. Moreno said it's imperative for Ohio to make sure Intel's Licking County site doesn't just sit unfinished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreno expressed support Aug. 20 for the administration's discussions about taking a stake in Intel. Moreno said having the government take a stake in Intel was "common sense" and he said he wouldn't consider it a bailout. "The U.S. taxpayer said, 'Hey we're going to give you the money, here you go, make semiconductors in America,'" Moreno said at the City Club of Cleveland. "What's happened? The facility's sitting there. It's a big gigantic construction site. It's not producing anything." USA Today Ohio Statehouse Bureau reporter Haley BeMiller contributed to this story. Dispatch investigative reporter Max Filby can be reached by email at mfilby@dispatch.com. Find him on X at the handle @MaxFilby or on Facebook at @ReporterMaxFilby. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio senators support Trump plan for government stake in Intel Aug. 20dbeard @dominionpost.com MORGANTOWN Parties involved in one of two Hope Gas rate hike cases this week offered alternative proposals ranging from a reduced hike to no hike at all. The case they're commenting on is Hope's annual Pipeline and Expansion Program PREP application. PREP program charges are authorized in state code for "cost recovery of projects to replace, upgrade, and expand natural gas utility infrastructure that are deemed to be just and reasonable and in the public interest." Hope filed the case with the Public Service Commission in May. Under its proposal, residential customers would see rate increases ranging from $1.62 to $2.06 per month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSC Utilities Analyst Nathan Crouch proposed a lower rate schedule for Hope's various customers. He told the PSC that utilities staff recommends several adjustments that lower Hope's revenue requirements. Hope's PREP rates cover two programs: its General Program for its core distribution system and its Gathering Program for gathering facilities. Crouch said staff calculations reflect lower figures for both than Hope provided in its proposal. Crouch said staff also recommends that the PSC not approve Hope's proposal to resurrect its customer service piping program for a three-year pilot. Customer piping runs from a connection point to the main gas line to the customer's meter. The customer is typically responsible to cover the cost of replacing this line. In its pilot, Hope proposes to cover these costs for 28, 277 customers acquired in its recent purchases of other companies. Hope first tried this pilot program from 2015-2018, when the PSC terminated it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crouch said staff opposes resurrecting it because it "shifts the cost recovery for the customer service line from the individual customer historically responsible for the customer service line to all customers resulting in an unnecessary additional rate increase for utility investments " contemplated under state rules. "Every customer should be responsible for the installation of their own service lines subject to the company's inspection and approval, " he said. Hope's proposed residential PREP rate increases are: existing Hope customers, $2.06 (2.4 %); former Peoples Gas, $2.03 (2.58 %); former Southern Public Service Company, $1.62 (2.92 %); former Standard /Bazzle Gas, $1.80 ( 2.6 %); former Consumers Gas, $1.70 (2.45 %). Crouch proposes these residential rate increases instead: existing Hope customers, $1.46 (1.70 %); former Peoples Gas, $1.44 (1.83 %); former Southern Public Service Company, $1.15 (2.07 %); former Standard /Bazzle Gas, $1.28 (1.85 %); former Consumers Gas, $1.20 (1.74 %). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ronald G. Stalnaker, president of Stalnaker Energy, testified to the PSC on behalf of the Producers Issues Committee of the Gas and Oil Association of WV. He said Hope's projected costs to replace some existing lines are excessive. Hope estimates costs at $133.64 to $260.78 per foot. But Stalnaker Energy recently installed new plastic line at $4.61 per foot. Hope's lower estimate is 28 times higher. "I do not know what is driving Hope's extremely high replacement costs, " he said, "but the fact that they are so high suggests to me that Hope should find a different entity or process to undertake these projects." C.I, McKown II, president and owner of C.I. McKown & Son, also testified on behalf of the committee. He told the PSC that Hope's proposed PREP rate hikes plus proposed hikes for producers Production Gathering and Aggregation Services, PGAS in its separate base rate case could affect producers who feed gas into Hope's system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the PSC approves the hikes in the base rate case, he said, "There would be wide-spread shutting in of wells, and many producers would go out of business altogether." Unlike Hope, which has a "captive " customer base, he said, producers operate in a commodity market with no pricing power. Increased costs from Hope will affect the level of production. He said Hope's gathering PREP program should not be changed until the effects of the base rate case are clear, and the rates in that case should be far lower than what Hope is proposing. And Hope's current PREP surcharge for producers should remain unchanged. David Dismukes, a consulting economist, testified on behalf of PSC's Consumer Advocate Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said Hope's PREP budget for its gathering program should remain unchanged. That's partly because Hope has said it has no way of measuring the performance of its gathering system investments. "The commission should recognize this is a very serious deficiency since such information is important in setting investment priorities and reducing the risk of inefficient capital investment that could be borne entirely by ratepayers, " he said. And this proposed hike is coming at the same time as the proposed hikes in the base rate case which will strand production investments and harm West Virginia's economic activity. "It would be prudent for the Commission to wait until the conclusion of the base rate case before making any significant changes in PREP gathering rates." Dismukes also discusses and opposes Hope's customer pipeline proposal. While Hope argues that the huge number of new customers will need to replace their service lines, the program would still improperly shift the cost burden to other customers, contrary to PSC rules. In Hope's base rate case, filed in early May, residential customers would see an impact varying based on whether the customer was already served by Hope or by one of the six companies it acquired in 2023 and 2024. The proposed monthly rate increase would range from $21.10 to $33.74. In mid-August 2025, social media posts claimed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested and detained 32-year-old Andrea Velez, a U.S. citizen, without a warrant or probable cause. The posts also claimed officials charged Velez with assaulting an officer and denied her water for 24 hours while she was in custody. Federal court records confirmed ICE officers arrested Velez in downtown Los Angeles on June 24, 2025, and that she was accused of assaulting a federal officer. However, Velez's attorney disputed the allegations against her. Velez shared her account of the arrest and detention with several news outlets, including The Guardian and KNBC in Los Angeles. In an interview with KNBC, Velez said she is a U.S. citizen and claimed that she was not provided water for 24 hours while in custody at a detention center. ICE provided a statement attributed to a Department of Homeland Security official that read, in part, "Andrea Guadalupe Velez was arrested for impeding an arrest after she forcefully obstructed an ICE officer by making physical contact with him." DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin shared a similar statement and denied allegations that Velez was deprived of water. Velez's case was later dismissed without prejudice, as federal court records dated July 10, 2025, showed, which her attorney said means she could be charged again at any time. It was unclear why the case was dismissed. In mid-August 2025, social media posts circulated a claim that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested and detained 32-year-old Andrea Velez, a U.S. citizen, without a warrant or probable cause. According to the posts, a man wearing a vest labeled "Police," but who was otherwise in plainclothes, allegedly slammed Velez to the ground before placing her into his car. The posts also claimed Velez was charged with assaulting an officer and denied water for 24 hours while in custody. (Facebook user Ted Funn) Scores of Snopes readers searched about website for information about Velez's arrest and detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal court records that Snopes accessed via PACER confirmed ICE officers arrested Velez in downtown Los Angeles on June 24, 2025, and that she was accused of assaulting a federal officer. However, Velez's attorney, Luis Carrillo, disputed the allegations against her via a phone call with Snopes. Velez shared her account of the arrest and detention with several news outlets, including The Guardian (archived) and KNBC in Los Angeles (archived). In her interview with KNBC, Velez said she was a U.S. citizen and claimed she was not provided water for 24 hours while in custody at a detention center. In response to Snopes' questions, ICE provided a statement attributed to a Department of Homeland Security official that read, in part, "Andrea Guadalupe Velez was arrested for impeding an arrest after she forcefully obstructed an ICE officer by making physical contact with him." DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin shared a similar statement and denied allegations that Velez was deprived of water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below is a breakdown of what we know about Velez's arrest and detention: Court records outline allegations against Velez A federal criminal complaint dated June 25, 2025, accused Velez of assaulting a federal officer in downtown Los Angeles by allegedly stepping into his path and striking him with her outstretched arm as he pursued a fleeing suspect. According to the complaint, ICE officers stopped in downtown Los Angeles to "question two individuals about whether they were lawfully present in the United States" on June 24, 2025. The complaint alleged that Velez stepped into the path of an ICE officer who was pursuing a fleeing man and extended one of her arms "in an apparent effort to prevent" the officer from apprehending the man. "Since Velez stepped into [the officer's] path so abruptly, he could not stop his momentum and Velez's outstretched arm struck [the officer] in the face," the complaint said. Velez allegedly knocked the officer "off balance and prevented him from continuing his chase," according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, another ICE officer said they saw Velez "step into [the officer's] path of travel and extend her arms, striking [the officer] in his head and chest." The officers placed Velez under arrest and put her into a government vehicle on scene "to transport her for further processing," the complaint said. Velez's attorney disputes allegations against her Velez's case was later dismissed without prejudice, federal court records dated July 10, 2025, showed. That means she could be charged again at any time, according to her lawyer, Luis Carrillo. He told Snopes via a phone call that Velez's legal team does not know why the case was dismissed. DHS directed Snopes to the Department of Justice for questions about Velez's prosecution. The agency did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Carrillo disputed the allegations that Velez assaulted a federal officer and struck him in the face with her outstretched arm, describing them as "lies," in his opinion. He emphasized the physical differences between Velez who he said is 4 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds and the ICE officer involved in the incident, who he said was over 6 feet tall. In Carrillo's view, "the more plausible explanation is that [Velez] was trying to protect herself by putting her purse in front of her," he said. "She was acting defensively, not offensively, toward the ICE agent," he added. ICE, DHS issue statements on Velez's arrest and detention ICE provided a statement, attributed to a DHS official, regarding Velez's arrest. It read, in part: Andrea Guadalupe Velez was arrested for impeding an arrest after she forcefully obstructed an ICE officer by making physical contact with him. [DHS] Secretary [Kristi] Noem has been clear: if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin echoed the statement, writing, "Andrea Guadalupe Velez was arrested for impeding an arrest after she forcefully obstructed an ICE officer by making physical contact with him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin also denied allegations that Velez was deprived of water. She wrote, in part, "ICE provided Andrea Velez with water, food, sanitary products, and she was given restroom breaks as needed." Velez recounts arrest and detention Velez told The Guardian (archived) she was not protesting ICE before her arrest. According to The Guardian's article published on Aug. 5, 2025, Velez said she was heading into work in downtown Los Angeles on June 24 when "men in gaiter masks" began chasing people on the street. Velez said one of the men "slammed her to the ground and placed her into his car," according to The Guardian's report. The men reportedly wore "Police" vests, but otherwise were in plainclothes, and didn't identify themselves. Velez told KNBC (archived) in a report published Aug. 12, 2025, that she tried to tell the agent who allegedly slammed her to the ground that she was a U.S. citizen, but he told her that she "was interfering with what he was doing, so he was going to arrest me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She then asked the agent for his ID and badge number and whether he had a warrant, but he responded that she "didn't need to know any of that," according to Velez's account. As officers processed Velez into a detention center, she again tried to tell them she was a U.S. citizen and denied any wrongdoing, KNBC reported. Velez said she spent two days in a detention center, where she was not given any water for 24 hours, according to KNBC's report. The Los Angeles Police Department issued a news release (archived) on June 24, 2025, that appeared to reference the incident involving Velez, though it did not name her. A spokesperson with the LAPD was unable to confirm that Velez was connected to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police department said that it responded to a 911 call reporting a possible kidnapping in progress. The caller indicated that several people were attempting to detain people without identifying themselves, according to the news release. "At one point, a partially handcuffed woman approached and stood near a LAPD officer. After several minutes, a federal agent approached and assumed control of the woman. LAPD was not involved in her detention or arrest," the news release said. LAPD News: LAPD Responds to Kidnapping Call, Discovers Federal Operation pic.twitter.com/OfTBkYXME3 LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) June 25, 2025 In her interview with The Guardian, Velez said she told an LAPD officer that she thought the men who had taken her were kidnapping her. She also denied the allegation that she struck an officer in the face. "I never hit anyone. I've never hurt anybody, ever. Everyone who knows me knows the kind of person I am. I'm quiet, reserved, always doing the right thing, always following rules," she told The Guardian. Sources: United States District Court for the Central District of California. United States of America v. Andrea Guadalupe Velez and Luis Dalhet Hipolito. Accessed 25 June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levin, Sam. "US Citizens Jailed in LA Ice Raids Speak Out: 'They Came Ready to Attack.'" The Guardian, The Guardian, 5 Aug. 2025, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/05/us-citizens-jailed-ice-los-angeles. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025. Chang, Hetty, and Karla Rendon. "US Citizen Detained by ICE Was Held without Water for 24 Hours, She Says." NBC Los Angeles, NBC Southern California, 12 Aug. 2025, www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/us-citizen-detained-by-ice-was-held-without-water-for-24-hours-she-says/3762874/?_osource=pa_npd_loc_nat_nbcn_gennbcnews. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A bullet hole was found in a window at the Kansas City Chiefs practice facility last year, according to the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. An incident report from KCPD says officers responded to an aggravated assault call just after midnight on May 4, 2024, at the Arrowhead Practice Facility. KC Chiefs deal WR Skyy Moore to SF 49ers days before roster deadline KCPD said when officers arrived, they were told by overnight security that someone in the building alerted them to hearing a noise and observed what appeared to be a bullet hole in a window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the building was occupied at the time of the bullet coming through the window, the case is being investigated as an aggravated assault, according to KCPD. There were no injuries associated with the incident. KCPD said there have been no charges or arrests in the 15 months following the incident. The investigation, to include where the bullet may have been fired from, remains ongoing, according to KCPD. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV The police department said at this time, based on the investigation, there is no indication this was a targeted incident at any person or organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A man who lost his 13-year-old sister in the 1993 Shankill bombing hopes the new body set up to investigate Troubles killings will help his mother "rest in peace". Gary Murray has applied to the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) for it to examine the attack, with the hope of "getting the truth". He said that he wants to "carry on the fight" from his late mum Gina who spent 32 years campaigning before she died of cancer in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICRIR said that it will "continue to work to give answers to the over 200 individuals from across the community who have to come to us in their quest for truth and justice". The ICRIR was established to investigate deaths during Northern Ireland's decades-long conflict known as the Troubles. The body was set up under the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act. 'Mum was never herself after' Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, Gary said that he hoped "this body will be different" after interactions with the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Historical Inquiries' team "didn't work out the best". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that losing his sister, Leanne Murray, in the Shankill bomb "completely destroyed" his mother who spent 32 years "trying to get answers". "She was never herself afterwards. After watching the way she was all those years just broke my heart so when this opportunity came along, I wasn't going to miss it," he added. "I believe in my hearts of hearts I have to carry on the fight and I've got to get truth for my mum and my little sister." He said he is hoping now "all these years later that this new body will be different and hopefully the families can get the answers they are looking for". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If I get these answers then hopefully my mum can rest in peace", he added. What was the Shankill bombing? In October 1993, the IRA placed a bomb in Frizzell's fish shop along a packed Shankill Road. Nine people died and more than 50 others were injured. One of the two IRA bombers was also killed. Shankill bomber Sean Kelly was convicted and given nine life sentences for his role in the attack, but he was released in July 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Other ICRIR investigations On Wednesday, the Irish Times reported that new forensic evidence from an ICRIR investigation has identified suspects in Guildford and other 1970s IRA bombings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the ICRIR said that the Commission is "committed to serving victims, families and survivors". "We respect people's choices about whether they come to the Commission and our door will always remain open to all. "We will continue to work to give answers to the over 200 individuals from across the community who have to come to us in their quest for truth and justice." More on this story French Documentary Showcasing Assyrian Heritage to Screen in Sydney Sydney -- The French documentary Return to Babylon will be screened for Australian audiences at a cinema in Wetherill Park, Sydney, on Saturday evening, 23 August. Directed by French filmmaker Sebastien Daycard-Heid, the documentary explores Assyrian--Chaldean cultural heritage and the ties of the diaspora to their ancestral homeland. Tania Nissan, the film's coordinator and facilitator in Australia, spoke to SBS Assyrian about its story. The film follows Semiramis, who lives with her family in a suburb of Paris, as they return to their ancestral homeland of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) for the first time in many years. Their journey is one of rediscovery, as they attempt to reconnect with their roots and Assyrian--Chaldean culture while reflecting on what life might look like if they were to settle permanently in the homeland. Nissan, herself born in Australia, noted that the documentary captures the perspectives of multiple generations within the family, underlining the importance of intergenerational dialogue and the preservation of Assyrian--Chaldean stories and memories. She also expressed her hope to return to the homeland early next year to take part in the Mesopotamian New Year, Akitu. Return to Babylon has already been broadcast on French television and screened in cinemas across France, Germany, and the United States. It now makes its way to Australian audiences, offering a moving portrait of cultural memory, identity, and belonging. By Scott DiSavino NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices climbed about 2% on Wednesday on a bigger-than-expected weekly drop in U.S. crude inventories as investors awaited the next steps in talks to end the Ukraine war, with sanctions on Russian crude remaining in place for now. Brent crude futures were up $1.05, or 1.6%, to settle at $66.84 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 86 cents, or 1.4%, to settle at $63.21. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said energy firms pulled 6.0 million barrels of crude from inventories during the week ended August 15. [EIA/S] [API/S] That was bigger than the draw of 1.8 million barrels forecast by analysts in a Reuters poll and the decline of 2.4 million barrels that market sources said the American Petroleum Institute trade group cited in its figures on Tuesday. "We had a decent-sized crude drawdown. We saw a rebound in exports ... That and the strong refinery demand really makes this a bullish report," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital. On Tuesday, crude prices fell more than 1% - with WTI closing at its lowest level since May 30 - on optimism that an agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war seemed closer. "Much of the choppy price action has been driven by daily updates to the Ukraine/Russian negotiations that have gone back and forth from bearish to bullish as far as the impact on future oil balances is concerned," analysts at energy advisory firm Ritterbusch and Associates said in a note. U.S. President Donald Trump conceded that Russian President Vladimir Putin might not want to make a deal. Russia was the second-biggest producer of crude in 2024 behind the U.S., so any agreement that could ease sanctions on Moscow should boost the amount of Russian oil available for export to global markets. On Tuesday, Trump said he had ruled out putting U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine, but said the U.S. might provide air support as part of a deal to end Russia's war in the country. On Wednesday, Russia said attempts to resolve security issues relating to Ukraine without Moscow's participation were a "road to nowhere", sounding a warning to the West as it scrambles to work out guarantees for Kyiv's future protection. Russia said it expects to continue supplying oil to India despite warnings from the U.S., Russian embassy officials in New Delhi said on Wednesday, adding that Moscow hopes trilateral talks will soon take place with India and China. Trump has announced an additional tariff of 25% on Indian goods exported to the U.S. from August 27, as a punishment for buying Russian oil. ST. LOUIS COUNTY. Mo. A Bel-Ridge man was shot and killed on the front porch of his home by St. Ann police officers Wednesday morning following a brief police pursuit over a failed traffic stop. The North County Police Cooperative is investigating the officer-involved shooting at the request of the St. Ann Police Department. According to Detective Sgt. Ben Santoyo, an NCPC spokesman, the ordeal began shortly after midnight. A St. John police officer was on patrol on St. Charles Rock Road when they attempted to pull a vehicle over for a stop sign violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle, red 2007 Pontiac G5, attempted to flee officers. The driver was later identified as Troy C. Hamilton. St. Ann police joined the pursuit and deployed a StarChase tracking device on Hamiltons car. Sgt. Santoyo said St. Ann police maintained visual contact throughout the pursuit. Hamilton stopped his car in the 3300 block of Welsberg Drive and ran toward his front door. Police allege he was armed with a stolen gun. Santoyo said St. Ann officers were unaware this was Hamiltons home and chased him onto his front porch. Hamilton and two St. Ann officers got into a fight on the porch. During the altercation, both officers shot and killed Hamilton, Santoyo said. Hamilton was 37. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They robbed me of my husband. They robbed me of my dreams. They robbed me of my future. I hate them, said Britny Boyd, Hamiltons spouse. He was a protector, a provider, a good person. The officers involved in the shooting have six and seven years of law enforcement experience, respectively, Santoyo said. One of them suffered unspecified injuries. A second suspect fled the scene. FOX 2 spoke with the man Wednesday afternoon. According to Sgt. Santoyo, Hamilton was a convicted felon and had a criminal history in two states. However, the NCPC spokesman did not say which states nor specify the crimes on his record. Online court records show a 2015 conviction for a felony drug charge. Hamilton was sentenced to eight years but was released on probation after three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While fielding questions from assembled media, Santoyo said Hamilton produced a firearm. FOX 2 asked multiple times if Hamilton was holding the gun in his hand during the altercation. We urge the public to avoid premature conclusions and to allow for the investigative process to unfold with fairness and transparency, Santoyo said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Santoyo also would not say if Hamilton was shot in the back. Terrell Davis was in the car with Hamilton during the pursuit. We drove for like two or three minutes, we turned down the street right here, came in the driveway, and then he got out to go in the house and next thing you know, you just heard shots, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis claims the pursuit was not at a high speed. He said Hamilton drove between 25 and 30 miles per hour. When they got to Hamiltons home, Davis said he did not see what led to the shooting. I got out and I ran. I was scared for my life, Davis said. The investigation is still in its preliminary stages, but Santoyo acknowledged the NCPC has footage of the shooting. Once the investigation is complete, it will be handed over to the St. Louis County Prosecutors Office for review. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the North County Police Cooperative at 314-499-6093. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A member of the Bur Oak AmeriCorps stewardship team. AmeriCorps members were cut from the program at Bur Oak in April 2025, as were AmeriCorps participants across the country. (Photo courtesy of Bur Oak Land Trust) Bur Oak Land Trust, an Iowa nonprofit organization, joined more than a dozen groups from across the country in a lawsuit against the Trump administration for continuing to withhold funding for AmeriCorps programs. Bur Oak, and 13 additional nonprofits won a preliminary injunction in July from a lawsuit in response to Department of Government Efficiency cuts to AmeriCorps program funding and staffing. Despite the injunction, the expanded suit alleges the White Houses Office of Management and Budget is withholding the funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Taylor, Bur Oak Land Trusts executive director, said the cuts meant the group lost all of its AmeriCorps staff for the summer, which greatly impacted the projects the trust could complete. The trust works to restore native habitat, remove invasive species and maintain infrastructure at various nature preserves in the state. The whole idea that all of this was behind efficiency our funds were cut as part of the DOGE program this has been such an incredibly inefficient summer for us, because were dealing with all these other things on top of our normal jobs, Taylor said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The lawsuit alleges that the withholding of funds and dismantling of the AmeriCorps program, which was established in 1993, has caused irreparable harm to the associated nonprofits, individual program participants and members of the AmeriCorps Employees Union, AFSCME Local 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AmeriCorps places participants at service locations like schools, local governments and nonprofits focusing on health, disaster relief, environmental stewardship, workforce development and veterans. Since April 2025, the lawsuit alleges, the administration has effectuated program closures, arbitrary funding withdrawals, layoffs that crippled organizations and left staff in disarray. Despite the preliminary injunction, issued by a federal district court in Maryland to return $400 million in funding to the affected nonprofits and individuals, the lawsuit alleges the feds have flouted the courts orders to return funding. The new action on the lawsuit lists the OMB as an additional defendant and adds more organizations that have been harmed by the withholding of funds. According to a press release from Democracy Defenders Fund and Democracy Forward Foundation, which are organizing the effort, the suit represents AmeriCorps grantees from 26 states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norm Eisen, executive chair of the Democracy Defenders Fund, said the administrations efforts to kneecap the programs are more than just illegal. Theyre an attack on one of the most fundamental American ideas: that we Americans help each other, Eisen said in the press release. With this amended complaint, we look forward to building on last months order that such funding be restored to ensure the vital services these organizations provide can continue. The lawsuit asks the court to declare it was unlawful to withhold AmeriCorps funding and terminate staff and programs. It also asks for the OMB to release the funds already appropriated to AmeriCorps programs. A status report, filed on behalf of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the lead defendant, notes the office has restored affected jobs and is in compliance with statutes and appropriations that require it to carry out programs and award grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This filing was the fourth of six required status updates to be filed by the offices per the July ruling in the case, and was filed one day after the nonprofit groups expanded the lawsuit to include OMB. The expanded filing from the nonprofit organizations said, in reference to the previous three reports, that while the administration alleges it is in compliance, the withholding of appropriated funding is a blatant statutory violation. Impact to Iowa In the petition, Bur Oak Land Trust is named as a single entity and as a representative of similar nonprofit organizations in the country that have been similarly impacted. Taylor said while the impacts to Bur Oak over the summer were difficult and the instability has been frustrating the trust will be able to bring in a new group of AmeriCorps members regardless of if the OMB releases funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor said funding from the federal program is more efficient and easier to manage, but if the office does not cede the funding, Volunteer Iowa has said it will step in to fund the program. Since 2019, Bur Oak Land Trust has had an AmeriCorps crew to help with prescribed burns, mowing, removing invasive species, leading guided hikes and restoring natural spaces in the state. Taylor said the crew is never a guarantee, as nonprofits have to apply for federal funding for the program each year. But weve never had questions about whether or not the program may or may not exist at the federal level before, Taylor said. This is the first time that weve seen all this uncertainty there. Other plaintiffs Other plaintiffs named in the case include AmeriCorps Employees Union AFSCME Local 2027, Aspire Afterschool, Democracy Maine, Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, Elev8 Baltimore, HandsOn Suburban Chicago, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, Michigan College Access Network, National College Attainment Network, North Carolina Housing Coalition, Partners for Campus-Community Engagement, Rainbow Labs, Red Cloud Indian School, Seed Coalition, The Corps Network, and The Service Collaborative of WNY. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Just days before national Democrats gather for their annual summer meeting, Iowa's state party officials on Thursday said it was a mistake for the party to have abandoned Iowa in the 2024 early nominating calendar and opened up the possibility of going rogue the next time around. In 2022, President Joe Biden ordered a shake-up of the 2024 election calendar, moving South Carolinas primary ahead of contests in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada. The move forced Iowa Democrats to ditch the five-decade, first-in-the-nation caucus where community members publicly signal their support for a candidate, a process that was plagued with problems in 2020. The state party's criticism came with an open threat of defying the national partys orders in 2028 as Iowa Democrats look to bring the once-competitive Midwestern state back on the radar of a party questioning its values, direction and future leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a big mistake in the Biden calendar to know that Iowa Republicans are going first here in this state and that, as Democrats, we sat and watched all this attention and the millions of dollars being spent in the state without those kinds of resources to push back on the Republican agenda," said Rita Hart, state party chair. That did not help us here in Iowa and it did not help us long term for the national Democratic cause. Hart said that would be reflected in her own response to the state party's new survey, designed to solicit feedback from Democrats across the state on the priorities for 2028, including on the tradeoffs of the traditional caucus process and potential threats from the Democratic National Committee. Officials in the traditionally four early-voting states and many others are readying themselves to campaign for top billing, even though it's likely still two years before the Democratic National Committee actually solidifies the order. Iowa Democrats said Thursday that Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, might unveil the process for states to make their 2028 pitch at next weeks biannual meetings. Democratic officials said they expect to have preliminary conversations next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Iowa's Scott Brennan will no longer be a member of the DNCs Rules and Bylaws Committee, which deals with the nominating process. That leaves Iowa without a seat at the table for the first time for the better part of 25 years, Brennan said. Brennan, former state party chair, said Iowans are rule followers by nature but reiterated Thursday that last cycle's process was not fair as he conveyed his own wishes for 2028: "Full speed ahead and damn the DNC." Last year, Iowa Democrats held caucuses eight days before any other states contest, as is required by Iowa law. But Democratic voters had cast their 2024 presidential preference ballots by mail, with results released that March on Super Tuesday alongside other states. Meanwhile, New Hampshire rebelled in 2024, holding an unsanctioned primary in January, but the DNC ultimately dropped its threat to not seat the states national convention delegates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abhi Rahman, deputy communications director for the DNC, described Hart and Iowa's DNC members as fierce advocates" whose voices will be heard. The DNC is committed to running a fair, transparent, and rigorous process for the 2028 primary calendar," Rahman said in a statement. All states will have an opportunity to participate. Even as the Iowa Democratic Party considers going forward with a first-in-the-nation contest once again, it will still come with logistical questions. The survey includes questions on how the party should handle issues of inclusion and accessibility for the process, which has historically required participants to be registered with the party and physically present, sometimes for hours, in the evening during the heart of the Midwest winter. While Hart said the survey is designed to better understand Iowa Democrats' values to guide their approach to 2028, she suggested there are too many moving pieces to say now how that approach will look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, 2028 prospects are making visits to the historically early states, including Iowa. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz reemerged after the 2024 election loss with a town hall in Des Moines in March; Biden's Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who performed well in the 2020 Iowa caucuses, stopped by a VoteVets Action Fund gathering in May; and Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona spoke to hundreds in eastern Iowa earlier this month. Brennan seemed to suggest Iowa Democrats' future is simple. The fact of the matter is is that Iowa law requires that we be a caucus, he said, "and I think we intend to be a caucus. ___ Associated Press writer Steve Peoples in New York contributed reporting. Five Republican precinct caucuses were held at Franklin Jr High in Des Moines Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The Iowa Democratic Party is asking voters what they want to see happen with the partys presidential caucuses and whether the caucuses should be held in defiance of national Democrats presidential nominating calendar. Though the calendar is far from final, it currently seems unlikely that the Democratic National Committee will return Iowa to the first-in-the-nation position for the Democratic presidential nominating process in 2028. Iowa was booted from its longtime spot after the 2020 caucuses, when issues with reporting caucus results led to greater scrutiny of the caucuses, which some Democrats had long criticized as inaccessible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2024 election cycle, Iowa Democrats changed from in-person caucuses to a mail-in presidential preference contest. While the shift reflected some of the changes the DNC said it wanted to see from the Iowa nominating process, the 2024 cycle kicked off in South Carolina, followed by New Hampshire, Nevada, Georgia and Michigan. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Iowa has less input on bylaws committee Though the DNC has affirmed it will revisit the nominating calendar in 2028, Iowas role in deciding the new line-up has diminished. Iowa Democrat Scott Brennan lost his longtime seat on the DNC Rules and Bylaws committee, which oversees the calendar, in June, while New Hampshire has been awarded a second seat. In the 2024 nominating cycle, Iowa Democrats abided by the DNCs calendar while New Hampshire held an unsanctioned presidential primary. Whether Iowa Democrats change their caucus structure or hold a contest outside of the DNCs schedule is up for discussion, IDP Chair Rita Hart said in a news conference Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Family Conversation Survey opened for responses Aug. 21 and will be open through Nov. 15. Though the survey is open to all, the IDP is seeking responses from Iowans who participate or plan to participate in Iowa Democratic caucuses. Respondents are required to submit information including their name, zip code and contact information, and answer questions about how they hope the state party will proceed as a new calendar is formalized. This includes soliciting feedback on whether Iowa Democrats should go rogue and hold the caucuses first in 2028, even if they are sanctioned by the DNC, as well as if the caucuses should return to in-person meetings despite the process making it difficult for people who work late hours, have children or face health care challenges to participate. Hart said the survey will help the IDP get a better understanding of how Iowa Democrats want the state party to proceed, but said it will not result in a definitive answer on how Iowa will move forward with the 2028 caucuses. There are far too many moving pieces to say in August of 2025 what will be happening in January or February of 2028, Hart said. We will have a lot of choices and tradeoffs during this process, and this feedback that we will receive from the survey will help inform our next steps. Brennan advocates full speed ahead on caucuses Brennan, who also spoke at the news conference, said he had filled out the survey, responding to questions with the mindset of full speed ahead, and damn the DNC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DNC does not control us, and we control our own destiny whatever that looks like, Brennan said. Iowa state law requires political parties hold caucuses, and Iowa Democrats intend to continue holding caucuses in the future, Brennan said, regardless of national Democrats criticism of the contest style. However, he also emphasized that the 2024 process of mail-in presidential preference cards was a step toward addressing issues that people had with caucuses previously. Next week, the DNC is scheduled to kick off its summer meeting in Minneapolis on Aug. 25, which includes Rules and Bylaws Committee meetings, where the nominating calendar could be discussed. Brennan said it is expected that DNC Chair Ken Martin will put forward how the national party plans to approach the nominating cycle and how states will apply for early positions. Brennan said Iowans are rules followers by nature, and will follow the DNC guidance if it is a open and fair process. He said the process for setting the 2024 nominating calendar was not open and fair. Iowa Democrats complied with the DNC calendar in 2024 because it was a different cycle and there was a presumptive nominee former President Joe Biden, who ultimately stepped out of the race with former Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic presidential nominee. But Iowa will not take the same approach to 2028, with an expected open primary field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It didnt work for Iowa Democrats, and it did not work for national Democrats, Hart said on the 2024 calendar. It was a big mistake in the Biden calendar to know that Iowa Republicans are going first here in this state, and that as Democrats, (we) sat and watched all this attention and the millions of dollars being spent in the state without that kind of those kinds of resources to to push back on the Republican agenda. And that did not help us here in Iowa, and it did not help us long-term for the national Democratic cause, for the presidential cycle. That was just a big mistake. Hart also said a major factor in deciding Iowas role in the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating calendar will be decided by how Democratic candidates fare in the 2026 midterm elections. Its critical that Iowa Democrats win in 2026, Hart said. If we do that, we will have a voice in the 2028 process. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Iranian judiciary has once again publicly executed a man convicted of murder, the second death sentence carried out in public this week. The man was executed on Wednesday morning in the north-eastern province of Golestan "at the scene of the crime and in front of the public," the Misan news agency, which is affiliated with the judiciary, reported on Thursday. According to the judiciary, the convict had killed a married couple and a young woman with a hunting rifle last year. The death sentence was handed down based on an interpretation of Islamic law, according to which the families of the victims are allowed to take revenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran's Supreme Court upheld the judgement in an appeal. While public executions are rare in Iran, another execution was carried out publicly in Fars province on Tuesday. A man was executed who, together with his wife, is said to have killed a woman and her three children during a robbery. The wife was also sentenced to death, but her execution has not yet been carried out. Human rights activists have been criticizing the rigorous application of the death penalty in Iran for many years. They accuse the judiciary of using executions to intimidate critical voices. According to the United Nations, almost 1,000 people were executed in Iran last year. DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran on Thursday launched its first solo military exercises since its June war with Israel, state media reported, seeking to reassert an image of strength after suffering heavy losses. Navy units of Iran's regular armed forces fired missiles and drones at open water targets in the Indian Ocean under the "Sustainable Power 1404" drill, state television reported. "These drills take place around a month after the Iran-Russia drill under the name Casarex 2025 which took place in Iran's northern waters (Caspian Sea). The Sustainable Power drills...are in Iran's southern waters," state TV said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel attacked Iran in a 12-day air war which the United States briefly joined, pounding key nuclear installations and killing top military commanders and nuclear scientists. Israel largely destroyed Iran's air defences during the war and much of its stockpile of ballistic weapons is believed to have been damaged by Israeli strikes. Since then, the Islamic Republic has said it is ready to counter any future attacks. "Any new adventure by the enemy will be faced with a strong slap," the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran again if it revives nuclear facilities including uranium enrichment plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tehran suspended negotiations with Washington aimed at curbing the country's nuclear ambitions after the Israeli and U.S. airstrikes. Iran denies any intent to develop atomic bombs. Iran believes the moment for "effective" nuclear talks with the U.S. has not yet arrived, its top diplomat said on Wednesday, though Tehran would not completely cut off cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. (Reporting by Elwely Elwelly; editing by Michael Georgy and Mark Heinrich) JACKSON COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) An Irvine man has been arrested in connection with a May death investigation in Jackson County. Court documents show that on May 18, detectives found the body of James Dale Carmack, who had been shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene on Highway 1209. 4 charged in connection with death of 48-year-old woman during Marion Co. home invasion Investigators wrote in an arrest report that as the investigation progressed, multiple witnesses and supporting evidence allegedly identified James Sam Bergman, 24, of Irvine, as a person of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 20, authorities met Berman at the 1000 block of Winchester Road, where he agreed to be taken to the Estill County Sheriffs Office for an interview. After being read his Miranda rights, Bergman allegedly confessed to investigators that he had shot and killed Carmack and further admitted to putting his body in a vehicle and driving to a swimming hole on Wagersville Road. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: He allegedly gave the gun used to kill Carmack to an acquaintance of his to dispose of it, per court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bergman was arrested and charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. He was lodged in the Three Forks Regional Jail on a $1 million cash bond. The investigation into Carmacks death remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Palestinian extremists fired on a main access road used for transporting humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Israeli military. A projectile was launched from an area adjacent to the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip, the military said in a statement. "The launch was carried out during the passage of a truck convoy which were heading to pick up humanitarian aid from the Kerem Shalom crossing, and fell at a distance of 300 meters from the corridor," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident was described as an attempt to sabotage the delivery and distribution of aid. In contrast, the military wing of Hamas said they had attacked a "command and control centre as well as a gathering of enemy soldiers and vehicles south-west of the city of Rafah." International aid organizations repeatedly accuse Israel of obstructing the flow of aid into the Gaza Strip. However, the Israeli authority responsible for civilian affairs, COGAT, reports daily on the imports of several hundred trucks with aid as well as airdrops. Israel's defence minister says Gaza City will be destroyed if Hamas does not agree to disarm and release all hostages. Israel Katz's comments came after the Israeli cabinet approved plans for a massive assault on Gaza City, despite widespread international and domestic opposition. On Monday, Hamas agreed to a proposal by Qatari and Egyptian mediators for a 60-day ceasefire, which according to Qatar would see the release of half of the remaining hostages in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apparently rejected this, saying he had instructed negotiations to begin for the release of all remaining hostages and an end to the war in Gaza on terms "acceptable to Israel". Israel believes that only 20 of the 50 hostages are still alive after 22 months of war. Israeli media has cited an Israeli official as saying negotiators will be dispatched for renewed talks once a location has been determined. In a video statement during a visit to the Gaza division's headquarters in Israel on Thursday night, Netanyahu said he had "instructed to immediately begin negotiations for the release of all our hostages". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have come to approve the IDF's [Israel Defense Forces] plans to take control of Gaza City and defeat Hamas," he said. "These two matters - defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages - go hand in hand," Netanyahu added, without providing details about what the next stage of talks would entail. Reinforcing Netanyahu's message, Defence Minister Katz posted on social media on Friday: "Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas's murderers and rapists in Gaza - until they agree to Israel's conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and their disarmament. "If they do not agree, Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both cities have been reduced to ruins following Israeli military operations. [BBC] The IDF has warned medical officials and international organisations to prepare for the planned evacuation of Gaza City's entire population of one million residents to shelters in the south before troops move in. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said it rejected "any step that would undermine what remains of the health system". The UN has said intensifying attacks and "relentless bombardment" in Gaza City are causing a "high numbers of civilian casualties and large-scale destruction". It and aid groups have vowed to staxy to help those who cannot or choose not to move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are fears that the new military campaign in Gaza City will deepen the humanitarian crisis. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said last month that the "worst-case scenario of famine" was "playing out in Gaza." Netanyahu announced Israel's intention to take control of the entire Gaza Strip after indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage release deal broke down last month. 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 62,192 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's health ministry. The ministry's figures are quoted by the UN and others as the most reliable source of statistics available on casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stepped up his governments bitter diplomatic dispute with Australia, claiming that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses legacy has been irrevocably blackened by his weakness towards Hamas. In an interview with Sky News Australia scheduled to air on Thursday night, Netanyahu said Albaneses record would forever be tarnished by his decision to recognise a Palestinian state. When the worst terrorist organisation on earth, these savages who murdered women, raped them, beheaded men, burnt babies alive in front of their parents, took hundreds of hostages, when these people congratulate the Prime Minister of Australia, you know something is wrong, Netanyahu said in the interview, portions of which were posted online by Sky News before the broadcast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahus accusation appeared to refer to a disputed statement that appeared last week in the Sydney Morning Herald, in which Hamas cofounder Sheikh Hassan Yousef was quoted praising Albanese for his political courage. Following the report, Hamas publicly denied that any statement had been issued by Yousef. The Palestinian armed group, which governs Gaza, said Yousef had been in Israeli custody for nearly two years without means of communicating with the outside world. Netanyahus broadside against Albanese follows an extraordinary missive earlier this week in which he claimed the Australian leader would be remembered by history as a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australias Jews. On Wednesday, Australias Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke hit back at the Israeli leader, saying strength was not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry, though Albanese attempted to play down the spat by saying he did not take it personally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relations between Australia and Israel, traditionally close allies, have sunk to their lowest ebb in decades following Canberras decision to recognise Palestine. On Monday, Australia said it had cancelled a visa for Simcha Rothman, a far-right member of Netanyahus governing coalition, amid concerns that a speaking tour he had scheduled in the country aimed to spread division. Hours after that decision, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar said he had revoked the visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority. Expressing dismay at the tensions, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry said on Wednesday that it had written to both prime ministers to urge them to address their differences in the usual way through diplomacy rather than public posturing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sum total of human wisdom would not have been diminished in the slightest if none of these public comments had been made, the peak body for Jewish Australians said in its letter to Albanese. The Australian Jewish community will not be left to deal with the fallout of a spat between two leaders who are playing to their respective domestic audiences. Israel has come under mounting international pressure, including from some of its closest allies, over the scale of human suffering being inflicted by its war in Gaza. More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since it launched its war on Gaza following Hamass October 7, 2023 attacks, according to Gazas Ministry of Health. Hamas killed about 1,200 people and took 251 people captive during its incursion into southern Israel, according to Israeli authorities. Pacifico Energy has announced its plans to build the GW Ranch project, an off-grid power generation campus in Pecos County in the US state of Texas. The project, designed to support data centres and AI operations, aims to provide 5GW of power. The 8000-acre GW Ranch project has been in development since early 2024. It will combine high-efficiency natural gas turbines with advanced battery storage to ensure a dedicated and reliable power supply. Its off-grid design aims to eliminate reliance on the electricity grid, offering speed-to-deployment and five nines of reliability for digital infrastructure operators. By bypassing grid interconnection delays and regulatory bottlenecks, GW Ranch is set to deliver 1GW of power by 2028 and 5GW by 2030. The project also features 1.8GW of energy storage, supported by N+2 redundancy and dual independent pipelines to ensure more than 99.99% uptime. Pacifico Energy vice-president Constantyn Gieskes stated: GW Ranch is not just about scale it is about certainty. Every aspect of the project has been designed to solve problems with the status quo in data center development. By building off-grid and working hand-in-hand with local officials, were delivering the speed, reliability and responsible development that our customers and communities both demand. The project has already initiated permitting with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and will comply with all environmental regulatory requirements. It has received backing from local officials to ensure a de-risked and accelerated construction process. Pecos County economic development director Remie Ramos stated: Pecos Countys continued effort to diversify the local economy directly aligns with the development of GW Ranch. The minimal impact of an off-grid data center will increase the county tax base, create new jobs and have an overall positive impact on our county while conserving water and placing no constraints on local infrastructure. Pacifico Energy, the US segment of the Pacifico Energy Group, is also developing the 456-MW Ft Spunky project in the Dallas Metro area. "Pacifico Energy unveils off-grid project for AI data centres " was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe opened the embassy together on Wednesday. Israel has opened an embassy in Zambia, more than half a century after it was shuttered following the Yom Kippur War and as the African nations Jewish population has dwindled to near zero. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe opened the embassy together on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an honor to be in Lusaka for the opening of Israels embassy, Saar tweeted, adding that the two countries were enhancing our partnership in agriculture, health and much more. Zambia and Israel first established diplomatic ties in 1966, but Zambia severed its ties with Israel in 1973 following the Yom Kippur War at the urging of the Organization of African Unity. The two countries reestablished diplomatic ties in 1991, and in 2015, Zambia opened an embassy in Tel Aviv. The new embassy comes as Israel looks to strengthen ties across Africa as its alliances elsewhere in the world have frayed. Zambia currently home to only 11 Jews As of last year, Zambia was home to just 11 Jews, but throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, hundreds settled there after fleeing persecution in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community shrank sharply after Zambia gained independence from British colonial rule in 1964 and its leader declared that only native Zambians could receive work permits, prompting much of the countrys Jewish population to leave. In Livingstone, the Gateway Jewish Museum, which was opened in 2013, chronicles the history of Jews in the Southern African nation. Police reportedly made the decision after some who are involved in the Qatargate scandal met with some selected politicians and received information from them about the war and Qatar. Israel Police are considering summoning several politicians to testify in the "Qatargate" investigations, Channel 13 reported on Wednesday. Police reportedly made the decision after they learned that some of those who are involved in the case received information from certain politicians in meetings about the war and Qatar, the report added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The politicians are believed to have acted in good faith, according to the report, and were unaware that their statements were being collected for use by the other side. Senior advisor to the prime minister, Yonatan Urich, one of the chief suspects in the investigations, was interrogated by the police at the Lahav 433 National Crime Unit headquarters earlier that day. Tuesday's tense hearing A tense hearing took place at the Lod District Court on Tuesday, where Judge Amit Michles ruled that Urichs restrictive conditions will continue until September 10, and that he will be required to stay within Israel's border's until the 12th of that month. 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) The court also accepted a police appeal to maintain the restrictive conditions that Urich is under, which include the inability to leave the country or to make contact with anyone at his former places of employment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the so-called Qatargate affair, Qatar funds were allegedly transferred to several staffers in Israel's Prime Minister's Office while the Gulf state was mediating negotiations with Hamas on a hostage deal. Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report. JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The Israeli prime minister's office said on Thursday that Israeli citizen Saleh Abu-Hussein, who was detained in Lebanon for about a year, returned to Israel following negotiations with the help of the Red Cross. The office said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the citizen's return. "This is a positive step and a sign of things to come," it wrote on social media platform X. The prime minister's office did not disclose details on the circumstances of the Abu-Hussein's detention. (Reporting by Lili Bayer, Editing by William Maclean and Alex Richardson) JERUSALEM Major Israeli defense companies will not be allowed to participate this November in a popular defense exhibit in the Netherlands, Israeli defense industry executives told Defense News. Exclusion of Israeli companies from the exhibition, known as NEDS, comes amid statements by the Dutch government that no military products have been exported to Israel under a general license since the start of the Israeli-Gaza war. In 2024, a Dutch court also ordered its government to ban the export of spare parts for F-35 aircraft to Israel, fearing that they could be used to violate international law in the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The potential Israeli display, meanwhile, was not part of an Israeli delegation sponsored by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The Israeli Defense and Foreign Ministries responded that the matter is under review. The Netherlands Defense Ministry and the NEDS organizers did not respond to requests for comment as of publication. Despite the move, the Netherlands has proceeded with recent arms purchases from Israel, including a contract for Rafaels SPIKE LR2 anti-tank missiles with thousands of additional missiles that was signed in September 2024 for approximately 250 million. Additionally, in May 2023 the Netherlands purchased PULS rocket launchers, missiles and training services from Elbit Systems. The NEDS ban marks the second European defense exhibition that has taken actions to restrict Israeli companies amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Last June the Israeli pavilions at the Paris Air Show (SIAE) were blocked with black walls after being asked not to display what were labeled offensive weapons. A classified Israeli military database shows the vast majority of Palestinians killed in Gaza are civilians, according to a joint investigation by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call. Figures reviewed by the outlets revealed on Thursday indicate that, as of May 2025 19 months into Israels war on Gaza Israeli military intelligence had listed 8,900 fighters from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) as confirmed or probably dead. Over the same period, Gazas health authorities recorded at least 53,000 deaths from Israeli attacks, meaning that named fighters accounted for just 17 percent of those killed, with civilians at about about 83 percent of the total death toll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conflict researchers say that ratio is almost unparalleled in modern warfare. Only the Rwandan genocide, the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, and Russias 2022 siege of Mariupol recorded a higher civilian death rate, the authors noted. Rights groups and genocide scholars argue the findings further support claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, pointing to mass civilian deaths alongside deliberate starvation. When asked to comment by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call, the Israeli military did not deny the existence of the intelligence database or the listed figures for Hamas and PIJ casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, a spokesperson said figures presented in the article are incorrect, but did not clarify which numbers were disputed. The statement also claimed the data does not reflect the data available in the [Israeli militarys] systems, without explaining what those systems contained. Israeli politicians and military leaders have long inflated fighter death tolls, at times claiming as many as 20,000 fighters killed or insisting on a civilian-to-combatant ratio of 1:1 figures that the report notes they do not believe in private. Meanwhile, Israeli rhetoric has increasingly mirrored genocidal language. In leaked audio recordings aired on Israels Channel 12, Aharon Haliva, the former head of military intelligence, claimed, The fact that there are already 50,000 dead in Gaza is necessary and required for future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went further, saying: For each [victim] on 7 October, 50 Palestinians have to die Theres no choice, they need a Nakba every now and then to feel the consequences. The Nakba, or catastrophe, refers to the killing and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in 1948 to make way for the creation of Israel. By March, Gazas death toll had reached 50,000; it has since risen to beyond 62,000, according to the enclaves health ministry. The total number of wounded has now exceeded 157,000. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between October 2023 and May 2024. A general view of protesters in front of the arms fair on November 21, 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Protesters gathered outside the NIDV Exhibition Defence & Security (NEDS) event. (photo credit: Fadel Dawod/Getty Images) In recent years, the exhibition has also been attended by Israeli company Elbit Systems, which has presented naval attack and defense systems. The organizers of NIDV Exhibition Defense & Security (NEDS), the biggest defense exhibition in the Netherlands, will not allow Israeli defense firms to participate this year, sources close to the matter have told Globes. This is an annual exhibition in which the largest Israeli defense companies have regularly participated in recent years, including Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in the upcoming exhibition, which will be held in Rotterdam in November 2025, Israeli companies have been banned from participating, according to a letter sent by the organizers in recent days. Israeli officials have confirmed to Globes that they will not participate this year in the exhibition, which deals mainly with the maritime sector. The exhibition organizers did not respond to Globes' inquiry on the subject. The Dutch government has changed its policy toward Israel in recent months and is leading moves to impose economic and business sanctions on Israel as part of the EU. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp speaks to the media, on the day of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium April 4, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/YVES HERMAN) Last May, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced support for a legal review of the Association Agreement with Israel, which forms the basis for relations with the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The review found "indications" that Israel is violating international law, and therefore its non-commitment to the agreement. Since then, the Netherlands has been trying to promote sanctions on Israel, including suspending Israeli companies from participating in the EU Horizon innovation program and reducing trade ties. It is unclear whether the Dutch government is behind this year's decision, which was communicated to the relevant companies in recent days through an official letter. Israeli sources say the organizers are blaming the cancellation on security issues and organizational difficulties. Netherlands stops exporting weapons to Israel The Netherlands itself stopped exporting weapons to Israel a few months after the start of the war in Gaza, following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, following a court ruling on the matter. It continues to indirectly supply Israel with parts and spare parts for the F-35 fighter jet, through third countries. This is another step that limits the marketing efforts and presence of Israeli defense industries in Europe, after Israeli companies were banned from exhibiting in pavilions at the French Eurosatory arms exhibition near Paris, last June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, IAI participated in an exhibition in the Netherlands, presenting, among other things, the Barak missile defense system, as well as the drones it manufactures. The brochure published in preparation for the exhibition also presents the Arrow system, with its achievements as of November 2024, the date of the exhibition last year. In recent years, the exhibition has also been attended by Israeli company Elbit Systems, which has presented naval attack and defense systems, and Rafael, which presented the Iron Dome system for protecting military ships. The arms exhibition, entitled "Netherlands Defense and Security exhibition", will open in Rotterdam on November 20. This year will be the 36th time that the exhibition has been held. The suspect is in serious condition after being shot by security forces when he reportedly did not respond to calls to stop. Israeli forces shot at a suspected terrorist who approached the Tamar checkpoint in a Hebron neighborhood carrying an air gun on Thursday. The suspect is in serious condition. He was shot when he did not respond to calls to stop. He will likely be evacuated by a military intensive-care ambulance to Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Not the first terror-related incident in West Bank A terrorist shot and wounded a Jewish shepherd in the Malachi Hashalom area, northeast of Ramallah earlier the same day. Israeli soldiers guard in Sair, near Hebron, in the northeastern West Bank, August 18, 2025. (credit: WISAM HASHLAMOUN/FLASH90) Shortly after, a violent confrontation developed between the terrorist and the civilians at the scene. Searches are underway by the IDF for the suspect behind the shooting. The victim, a 20-year-old man, was evacuated by MDA paramedics to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital in mild condition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will give final approval for the seizure of Gaza City while also restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at returning all the remaining captives and ending the nearly two-year-old war, but on terms acceptable to Israel. Speaking to soldiers near Gaza on Thursday, Netanyahu said he was still set on approving plans for seizing Gaza City, the densely populated centre at the heart of the Palestinian enclave, forcibly displacing close to 1 million people and carrying out the systematic demolitions of Palestinian homes. At the same time I have issued instructions to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel, Netanyahu said, adding: We are in the decision-making phase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wide-scale operation in Gaza City could start within days after Netanyahu grants final approval at a meeting with senior security officials later on Thursday. Israeli forces have already stepped up attacks there, and thousands of Palestinians have left their homes as Israeli tanks edged closer to Gaza City over the last 10 days. Hamas said earlier this week that it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal from mediators Qatar and Egypt, which, if accepted by Israel, could forestall the assault. Israels army plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 more. The proposal on the table calls for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living captives held in Gaza by Hamas and of 18 bodies. In turn, Israel would release about 200 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the temporary ceasefire begins, the proposal is for Hamas and Israel to begin negotiations on a permanent ceasefire that would include the return of the remaining captives. Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeeras senior political analyst, has likened Netanyahus announcement about relaunching purported truce talks while the military escalates its assault on Gaza City to negotiation under fire. There will be no stoppage of the fighting. There will be no breaks in the genocide. Hamas is going to have to make up its mind as Israel kills dozens, perhaps hundreds, of Palestinians moving forward [and] as it transfers a million Palestinians southward in Gaza, Bishara said. Israel is now dictating all the terms, and its not listening to anyone, and it has a green light from Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 48 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn, including 16 aid seekers who were the latest victims of shootings at GHF aid distribution points. Meanwhile, two more people have starved to death in Gaza in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Thursday. The new deaths raised the number of Palestinians who have died from Israeli-induced hunger to 271, including 112 children, since the war began. Systematic destruction A renewed Israeli offensive could bring even more casualties and displacement to the famine-struck territory. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) estimated that 90 percent of Gazas residents have been displaced, warning that shelters are deteriorating and any further displacement will worsen the catastrophic situation. The Palestinian Ministry of Interior denounced Israels push to seize Gaza City as a death sentence for the more than one million people living there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian Health Ministry also released a statement responding to what it says is an Israeli push to transfer health system resources to the south of the enclave. The Ministry of Health expresses its rejection of any step that would undermine what remains of the health system following the systematic destruction carried out by the Israeli occupation authorities, it said. This step would deprive more than one million people of their right to treatment and put the lives of residents, patients and the wounded at imminent risk. Some Palestinian families in Gaza City have left for shelters along the coast, while others have moved to central and southern parts of the enclave, according to residents there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are facing a bitter, bitter situation, to die at home or leave and die somewhere else. As long as this war continues, survival is uncertain, Rabah Abu Elias, 67, a father of seven, told the Reuters news agency. In the news, they speak about a possible truce, on the ground, we only hear explosions and see deaths. To leave Gaza City or not isnt an easy decision to make, he said. Meanwhile, Israeli air attacks also destroyed a tent camp in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, where many people have sought refuge. Residents said the Israeli military warned them to flee shortly before the attacks set the camp ablaze. Families, many with children, could later be seen sifting through the ashes for the belongings they had managed to take with them during earlier evacuations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mohammad Kahlout, who had been displaced from northern Gaza, told The Associated Press they were given just five minutes to gather what they could and flee. We are civilians, not terrorists. What did we do, and what did our children do, to be displaced again? LONDON -- A controversial Israeli settlement plan that would effectively split the West Bank in two is gaining momentum after a key government committee -- the Higher Planning Committee of the Civil Administration under the Defense Ministry -- gave its approval. The settlement proposal approved by the Israel Defense Ministry on Wednesday consists of a plan to build 3,400 new housing units in an area known as E1 -- an area of land some 4.6 square miles in size separating Jerusalem from the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim. The E1 area is particularly significant, given it is one of the last areas linking the West Bank Palestinian cities of Ramallah in the north and Bethlehem in the south. The construction of Israeli settlements there -- which has been proposed for decades but until now not approved -- is considered by supporters and critics alike as a major obstacle to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 'Horror' in Gaza is 'incomprehensible,' says US doctor who treated patients there Any new settlement construction is expected to restrict the movement of Palestinians in the area. Israeli authorities maintain tight restrictions on Palestinian entry into and movement inside illegal settlements, as reported by the United Nations and a host of foreign, Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups. Bedouins the descendants of historically semi-nomadic groups, many of whom now live in agricultural areas of the West Bank -- currently living in the area said this week that they have already received orders to leave. Atallah Al-Jahelin, the representative of the Bedouin community of Jabal Al-Baba to the west of Maale Adumim, said locals there had received notice of planned demolition works related to the plans. E1 is designated as part of Area C, which means Israel has full civil and security control there. Some 60% of the West Bank is designated as Area C, with only 18% classified as Area A, meaning it is under full Palestinian Authority control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's far-right, pro-settlement Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the plan last week, saying it "definitively buries the idea of a Palestinian state, simply because there is nothing to recognize and no one to recognize." Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds a map of an area near the settlement of Maale Adumim, a land corridor known as E1, outside Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank, on Aug. 14, 2025. "The seal has broken," Smotrich said at a press conference in Maale Adumim. "Whoever in the world is trying to recognize a Palestinian state today, will receive our answer on the ground," he added, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "fully apply Israeli sovereignty" to the entire West Bank. Netanyahu has yet to comment on the plan. In a statement posted to X, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the E1 plan "undermines the prospects of implementing the two-state solution, embodying the Palestinian state on the ground, and fragments its geographical and demographic unity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It entrenches the division of the occupied West Bank into isolated areas and cantons, disconnected from one another geographically, resembling actual prisons where movement between them is only possible through occupation checkpoints amidst the terror of armed settler militias spread throughout the West Bank," the ministry added. MORE: Israel begins attack on Gaza City, calling up to 60,000 reservists Locals have also condemned the move. Atallah Al-Jahelin, the representative of the Bedouin community of Jabal Al-Baba to the west of Maale Adumim, said some residents have already received orders to vacate their homes ahead of planned demolition works. Western governments have also expressed their opposition to the plan. British Foreign Minister David Lammy said of the proposal in a post to X, "If implemented, it would divide a Palestinian state in two, mark a flagrant breach of international law and critically undermine the two-state solution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has not commented on the E1 settlement plan, but U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee this week signaled it will not interfere. "We will not dictate to Israel what to do, we will not interfere in the running of the country, he said. It would be very strange to say that others can live in this area but Israelis cannot." Past U.S. administrations have opposed the construction of Israeli settlements in the E1 area. The German Foreign Ministry said Berlin opposed the plan as it "would further restrict the mobility of the Palestinian population in the West Bank, effectively divide the West Bank into two halves and cut East Jerusalem off from the rest of the West Bank." The French Foreign Ministry urged the Israeli government to abandon the plan, which it said "constitutes a serious violation of international law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the U.K. will recognize an independent Palestinian state in September when the U.N. General Assembly convenes in New York unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and take other steps toward long-term peace. French President Emmanuel Macron has also announced that France will recognize a Palestinian state at the General Assembly. ABC News' Will Gretsky contributed to this report. By Thomas Escritt, Matthias Williams and Giulio Piovaccari BERLIN/MILAN (Reuters) -A Ukrainian man was arrested at a holiday bungalow in Italy on suspicion of coordinating attacks on three Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022, officials said on Thursday, a breakthrough in an episode that sharpened tensions between Russia and the West. Described by both Moscow and the West as an act of sabotage, the explosions largely severed Russian gas supplies to Europe, prompting a major escalation in the Ukraine conflict and squeezing energy supplies on the continent. No one has taken responsibility for the blasts and Ukraine has denied any role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest comes just as Kyiv is engaged in fraught diplomatic discussions with the United States over how to end the war in Ukraine without giving away major concessions and swathes of its own territory to Russia. "Politically we are firmly on Ukraine's side and will continue to be so," said Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig when asked if the arrest would affect Berlin's ties to Kyiv. "What is important for me is that Germany is a country of law, and crimes in our jurisdiction are fully investigated." The suspect, identified only as Serhii K. under German privacy laws, was part of a group of people who planted devices on the pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, a statement from the prosecutor's office said. He and his accomplices had set off from Rostock on Germany's northeastern coast in a sailing yacht to carry out the attack, it said. The vessel had been rented from a German company with the help of forged identity documents via middlemen, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities acted on a European arrest warrant for the suspect, who faces charges of collusion to cause an explosion, anti-constitutional sabotage and destruction of important structures. An official in the Ukrainian president's office said he could not comment as it was not clear who had been arrested. The official reiterated Ukraine's denial of any role in the blasts. Russia's ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechayev, told the state TASS news agency that Moscow continued to demand "an objective and full-fledged investigation of the terrorist act", and he also criticised what he called the "meagre" information on the case provided by German authorities. Successive Ukrainian governments have seen the pipelines as a symbol of, and vehicle for, Russia's hold over European energy supplies that Kyiv argued made it hard to act against Moscow ever since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FORMER UKRAINIAN OFFICER? The Wall Street Journal reported that the suspect was a retired captain in Ukraines armed forces and previously served in Ukraines security service SBU, as well as in an elite unit that defended Kyiv in the early months of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The officer purportedly headed a team of two soldiers and four civilian divers covertly recruited by a special Ukrainian military unit to lay explosives that damaged the undersea pipelines, the WSJ said, citing investigators. German prosecutors declined to comment on the WSJ report. Carabinieri officers arrested the suspect overnight in San Clemente on Italy's Adriatic coast, where he was supposed to spend a few days with his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Once his presence had been verified, the Carabinieri surrounded the bungalow and launched a raid, during which the man surrendered without resistance," a statement by the Carabinieri said, adding the suspect was 49 years old. A police official told Reuters the suspect was arrested because, when providing documents at a hotel check-in, an alert flagging he was wanted popped up at the police headquarters, which dispatched a Carabinieri police patrol. In September 2022, one of the two lines of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was damaged by mysterious blasts, along with both lines of Nord Stream 1 that carried Russian gas to Europe. Moscow, without providing evidence, blamed Western sabotage for the blasts, which cut off most Russian gas supplies to the lucrative European market. The U.S. denied having anything to do with the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Post and Germany's Der Spiegel magazine have previously said the team that carried out the attack was put together by a former Ukrainian intelligence officer, who denied involvement. In January 2023, Germany raided a ship that it said may have been used to transport explosives and told the United Nations it believed trained divers could have attached devices to the pipelines at about 70 to 80 metres deep. The boat, leased in Germany via a Poland-registered company, contained traces of octogen, the same explosive that was found at the underwater blast sites, according to the investigations by Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered Europe's deadliest conflict in 80 years, in which analysts say more than 1 million people have been killed or injured. (Reporting by Rachel More, Philippe LeroyBeaulieu, Sarah Marsh, Giulio Piovaccari, Gavin Jones, Thomas Escritt, Tom Balmforth, Stine Jacobsen; writing by Matthias WilliamsEditing by Gareth Jones and Philippa Fletcher) By Sarah Morland PANAMA CITY (Reuters) -Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday blasted reports of a possible lawsuit against banana giant Chiquita, which fired all its local day workers due to a strike, as he prepares to negotiate the firm's return to the country next week. Mulino said in a press conference he would likely meet with a top Chiquita executive on August 29 during his trip to Brazil. Chiquita rapidly fired over 6,000 workers in Panama's western province of Bocas del Toro over a nationwide strike over a pension reform that began late April. It launched the layoffs late May and its management left Panama by early June. The company estimated some $75 million in losses over the strike. Mulino has backed the company, saying a labor court had ruled the strike illegal and the layoffs were a legitimate response. Asked about plans by union leader Francisco Smith to sue the company, Mulino blasted Smith and "his henchmen" as those responsible for the firm leaving the country and argued the union no longer existed as the firm had left. "He'd better keep a low profile, because it's not in his best interest to go around shouting crazy things in the street," Mulino told reporters. "He is under a restraining order and is being criminally prosecuted." Local media had reported that Smith, the general secretary of Panama's Sitraibana banana workers' union, was had been charged for crimes related to his involvement in the protests, including illicit association and disrupting public transit. Smith told local media earlier this week the union was working with lawyers on various suits against Chiquita regarding payment irregularities and maternity leave. "More than anything we urge Chiquita to resume its operations in Boca del Toro," Gilberto Guerra, another union leader, told TV channel Telemetro. "If it does not, we insist it pay what is right as required by the law and the labor code." Chiquita did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Banana growers are a major employer and source of income in Panama, and Chiquita is among its top exporters. Formerly known as the United Fruit Company, Chiquita changed its name in 1990. United Fruit had acquired vast influence in Latin America during the 20th century, when it became notorious for political interventions and labor exploitation, as well as the Colombian army's 1928 massacre of hundreds of striking workers. Last year, a U.S. jury ordered Chiquita pay families some $38 million after it found it liable for damages over 2001-2004 protection payments to a Colombian paramilitary organization accused of killing its plantation workers. (Reporting by Elida Moreno and Sarah Morland; Editing by Kylie Madry and Diane Craft) Italys approachlabor-intensive and openly humanitarianhas created a pathway for hundreds of Gazan children and families. On August 1213, three Italian Air Force C-130 aircraft landed in Rome, Milan, and Pisa with 31 children and more than 90 accompanying relatives on board. According to the Italian Foreign Affairs Ministry, this was the countrys largest medical evacuation of Palestinian minors to date, bringing Italys totals since 2024 to 181 children and 396 companions, with 917 Gazans admitted overall when family reunifications are included. This was not just an airlift but a demonstration of our commitment, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told The Media Line. Italy has consistently opened its hospitals, even when larger European economies have taken far fewer patients. France, for example, has received only a dozen children, while Italy has already treated more than 180, they added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation was coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister together with the Foreign and Defense Ministries, Civil Protection, and in collaboration with the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, UN World Food Program, and the Red Cross. For Dr. Simone Pancani, pediatric surgeon at Florences Meyer Childrens Hospital and coordinator of its humanitarian task force, the latest mission reflected both urgency and fragility. Among those evacuated was a 12-year-old girl with severe fractures from a mine explosion, traveling only with her brother, and a 4-year-old boy with an autoimmune blood disease, Pancani said to The Media Line. The medical reports we receive are incomplete, sometimes outdated. Often, we meet the patient for the first time when the ambulance arrives under the aircraft, he added. Protesters throw objects during clashes with Police and Guardia di Finanza officers, at a protest to express support for Palestinians in Gaza, ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 attack, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Rome, Italy, October 5, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/YARA NARDI) He described dehydration and lack of access to clean water as compounding factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the children showed frank signs of malnutrition and dehydration. In Eilat, where we boarded them onto the aircraft, the temperature was 47 degrees in the middle of a sandstorm. They are transported from Gaza across 200 kilometers of desert in Israeli ambulances, often with minimal water along the way, Pancani explained. One case highlighted the risks: A young woman, later identified as Marah Abu Zuhri, died at Pisas hospital less than 48 hours after arrival. She had been suffering from complex pathologies, suspected leukemia, and severe malnutrition. Once in Italy, the challenges continue. Even once healed, these patients cannot return to Gaza. They are in a state of stalemate. Families with multiple children now live in Italian towns, where we must arrange accommodation, schools, medical assistance, and cultural mediation, Pancani added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strain extends beyond Gaza cases. We still have Ukrainian patients who arrived in 2022, after the war in Ukraine began. If new groups continue to arrive from Gaza, there is a real risk of overloading our hospitals and social structures, he noted. Beyond physical conditions, the psychological dimension weighs heavily. We are dealing with psychophysical trauma. Children often say little, but companionsmothers, sisters, auntsspeak about loss and fear. Rebuilding childhood will take time. Cultural mediators are fundamental; without them, it would be impossible to communicate, reassure, or gain consent for treatment, he noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained Italys motivation during the interview. We have hospital beds and evacuation flights. The Food for Gaza initiative is managed together with FAO, the World Food Programme, and the Red Cross to ensure it is not presented as a bilateral initiative but as part of a wider multilateral humanitarian program, they stated. They also noted that Italy has taken in far more patients than other EU countries. No other EU state has undertaken this level of effort. France, for instance, has evacuated only a small number of patients. Italy has clearly assumed the greater humanitarian role, they pointed out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They linked this to a broader crisis in Gaza: We are facing a humanitarian emergency in which access to medical care is one of the most urgent needs. Malnutrition, chronic illnesses, and war-related injuries combine into a catastrophic situation. Italys decision has been to prioritize humanitarian principles over political hesitation, they said. On European divisions, they acknowledged limitations. There is no common European position on sanctioning Israel or on creating binding measures to end the conflict, unlike in other crises such as piracy in the Red Sea or sanctions on Russia. Italy supports humanitarian measures, but at the European level, there remains a lack of consensus on political action, they added. Italy's hold on recognizing Palestinian state They also explained Italys caution on Palestinian state recognition. Italys view is that recognition should be tied to clearly defined borders and stable governing authority. At present, there is fragmentation: the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, Gaza under Hamas, which is listed as a terrorist organization in Europe. Without unity, recognition would not resolve the problem, they noted. Still, they pointed to positive precedents: There have been successful cases of common European security policy, from the fight against piracy off Somalia to coordination in the Red Sea. These show that a unified EU approach is possible, though not yet achieved in this conflict, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In stark contrast, the United States has suspended all visitor visas for Gazans, including those requiring urgent medical care. The State Department cited unspecified security concerns but has not released evidence. The decision followed pressure from Republican lawmakers and public lobbying by activist Laura Loomer, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed congressional offices had raised the issue. Joe Truzman, senior research analyst and editor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Long War Journal, said the lack of transparency leaves room for doubt. Helping those in need of medical treatment is a just cause, but the government also has a responsibility to ensure there is no security threat to American citizens. Until the State Department explains its rationale, the reasoning behind this decision remains unclear and open to interpretations not based on hard evidence, he said to The Media Line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He elaborated on what is known: According to the US government, some organizations granted visas were allegedly linked to terrorist groups in Gaza. Without public evidence, it is impossible to assess whether the suspension is justified, he added. Truzman underlined the international implications: If convincing evidence is produced, it could influence other countries to tighten their vetting. If no proof is presented, it may have the opposite effect, encouraging Europe to expand humanitarian admissions, he stated. He also highlighted the legal dimension: Palestinian rights groups have previously challenged the US government in court. This decision may become another such case, potentially argued not only domestically but in international forums, he said. Italys approachlabor-intensive and openly humanitarianhas created a pathway for hundreds of Gazan children and families. It comes with challenges, from incomplete records and long-term housing needs to the tragedy of patients too ill to survive evacuation. With Ukrainian patients from 2022 still in Italian hospitals, concerns about future capacity are real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US freeze, meanwhile, highlights a shift toward prioritizing security concerns, even at the cost of halting humanitarian access. With no evidence yet made public, the move is vulnerable to criticism and potential legal challenge. As Dr. Pancani concluded: As doctors, we want these children not only to recover from their injuries but to regain some stability in their lives. If we are called again, we are ready to rescue other people. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has proposed a postwar security guarantee that would require Ukraine's allies to decide within 24 hours of a renewed Russian attack whether or not to commit troops, Bloomberg reported on Aug. 20, citing sources familiar with the discussions. European leaders and other Ukrainian allies have been accelerating talks on security guarantees for Kyiv in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's Alaska Summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. NATO military leaders met virtually on Aug. 20 to discuss security support. Meloni is backing a plan that is similar to NATO's Article 5 collective defense clause, sources told Bloomberg. The proposal does not include Ukraine's membership in NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alliance's collective defense principle enshrined in Article 5 commits member nations to provide military support to any other member state in the event of an attack. Meloni first brought up the idea of extending Article 5 protections to Kyiv without a NATO invitation in March 2025. Meloni was also one of eight European leaders that joined Zelensky at the White House on Aug. 18 to meet with Trump and discuss security guarantees for postwar Ukraine. Meloni's proposal is now among those being weighed by European leaders as President Vladimir Zelensky prepares for direct negotiations with Putin. The plan would require countries that have signed security agreements with Ukraine to deliberate and respond quickly in the event of another Russian attack following a peace agreement. Response options would include defense support, economic aid, and sanctions against Russia, people familiar with the discussions said. It is not clear whether the plan would involve individual European countries sending troops to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bloomberg previously reported that about 10 European countries are willing to commit troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force that would deter Russia from launching a renewed attack in violation of a peace deal. The Kremlin has dismissed these security proposals, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying on Aug. 20 that Russia should be one of the countries that provides Ukraine security guarantees. "(S)eriously discussing security issues without Russia is a road to nowhere," he said. Read also: 5 days of diplomacy, 5 days of deadly Russian attacks on Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) The J.H. Campbell Plant in Port Sheldon Township will remain open after another order from the Trump administration. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on Wednesday issued the emergency order, which took effect Thursday. The Department of Energy says the order will focus on critical grid security problems and also diminish the chance of outages in the Midwest. The order is the second extension from the department this year. The first came in the spring when the department ordered the coal-powered plant to remain open for 90 days, altering Consumers Energys plans to close it at the end of May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People have remained divided on the plants future for the last several years. Prior to the first order, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners considered legal action against the plants closure. After the plant was ordered to stay open, Consumers Energys CEO Garrick Rochow said it would be a challenge to keep the companys last coal-powered plant open for a future that held no guarantees for employees, equipment and logistical planning. We had people that were going to retire at closure, we had people that were going to move on to other jobs, he said in May. And so youre asking people to stay on another 90 days. Well, is it just 90 days, or is it more than 90 days? We cant answer that question. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in July filed an appeal challenging the order, saying it declares an emergency without evidence, completely ignores state and federal regulators that approved the plants retirement, and will potentially put enormous costs onto utility customers who receive no real benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest order requires the plant to remain open until Nov. 19. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. J.K. Rowling has launched her latest attack on the BBC over its reporting on the pronouns of Marla-Svenja Liebich, a far-right extremist who identified as a woman last December. BBC News carried a report about Liebich in which it used she/her pronouns for the criminal, who has received permission to serve a prison sentence in a German womens jail after being convicted of extreme right incitement to hatred, defamation, and insult. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liebich changed gender in December under Germanys Self-Determination Act, despite previously describing transgender people as parasites on society and posting a picture of a burning rainbow flag. Rowling, a staunch critic of the transgender movement, posted a link on X/Twitter to the BBC News story about Liebich, commenting: The BBC calls a male neo-Nazi she, because their absolutist belief in gender identity ideology means any man rapist, voyeur, terrorist, murderer or paedophile must be described as a woman the moment he says hes one. The BBC has been asked for a response. BBC News style guide states: We generally use the term and pronoun preferred by the person in question, unless there are editorial reasons not to do so. The BBC calls a male neo-Nazi she, because their absolutist belief in gender identity ideology means any man rapist, voyeur, terrorist, murderer or paedophile must be described as a woman the moment he says hes one. https://t.co/NfTKo5PkSJ J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 21, 2025 Rowling has a partnership with the BBC, through which Bronte Film and TV the company established to adapt her books produces the Strike series for the corporation. This has not stopped her from repeatedly attacking the BBC over its shameful reporting on transgender matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC apologized to Rowling twice in 2023. The Harry Potter author was accused of transphobia by trans rights advocates, but the claim was not properly challenged by BBC presenters, including Radio 4s Evan Davis. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, and Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun are teaming up to fight drug addiction. South Dakota is collecting an estimated $79 million from companies that perpetuated the opioid crisis in their quest for profit. Terry Redlin 3rd graders back-to-school adventure Jackley says he expects additional settlements. More than $31 million is available now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be more funds that become available, but to ensure that those dollars come in and that they get put to the best use we can in South Dakota to address addiction, and thats where the mayors come in. They have the ability, they know their communities, they know the state. They have the ability and the infrastructure to put these dollars to use now, said Jackley. Tenhaken says there are programs like the Link in Sioux Falls and the Care Campus in Rapid City already in place to help those with substance use disorder. So I really want to stress that we have existing programs that we can pour gas on to continue to grow the treatment options, said TenHaken For Salamun, fighting addiction is personal. He has a brother who has struggled with drug addiction. He believes the settlement dollars could have a huge impact on everyone, not just those fighting addiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Rapid City, its a big deal, and talking to our police chief and our sheriff in Pennington County, we know that much of our crime is driven due to substance abuse, said Salamun. Jackley says a legislative committee will be involved in deciding how the money is spent, and he plans to lobby hard to get the money released now rather than later. Its time that we move forward as a state, and this is the best opportunity to again address a crisis that is occurring today and not to wait until tomorrow, said Jackley Both mayors agree. I appreciate the urgency because it is an urgent topic, said TenHaken Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of skipping rocks at the problem, what if we dropped a giant boulder on it and actually made an impact, said Salamun The next step is asking lawmakers to free up the money. Jackley opposes putting the settlement money into an endowment because he says it will cost the state 15% of the funds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson will host a Suicide Prevention Summit. The summit, themed Suicide Prevention is Everyones Business, will bring together veterans, families, community partners, and mental health professionals to strengthen awareness and collaboration around suicide prevention. IHL Board launches search for JSUs next president Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will feature plenary sessions, breakout workshops conducted by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (MDMH), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Hinds Behavioral Health Services, and the Jackson VA Medical Center, and resource tables that focus on issues such as postvention strategies, community partnerships, mobile crisis response, and breaking the stigma of mental health. Featured sessions include: VA Suicide Prevention and Postvention Efforts Community Engaged Partnerships and Compact Act Understanding and Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Breakout workshops on Homeless/HUDVASH, Mobile Crisis Response, Mental Health Stigma, and Community Engagement Preventing suicide takes all of us Veterans, families, providers, and community partners, said Dr. Timothy Neyland, PhD, LCSW, Mental Health Supervisor, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center. This summit gives us the opportunity to share resources, build stronger partnerships, and commit to saving lives together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The summit will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Mississippi e-Center in Jackson. The event is free and open to veterans, family members, caregivers, and community stakeholders. Registration is required. To register and learn more, visit the VAs website. 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 Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested a Jacksonville man on Tuesday after he was allegedly discovered with over 1700 images and videos of child sexual abuse. The investigation that ultimately led to 42-year-old Luis Sotos arrest began in May, according to FDLE, after it received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about a cloud storage account containing the files. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] A search warrant was executed on the account on July 31, revealing sexual depictions of children as young as seven years old. FDLE said investigators also discovered a video showing animal sexual abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soto is currently booked in the Duval County Jail on a more than $3 million bond. He is charged with ten counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, one count of transmitting child sexual abuse material, and another count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Soto is due back in court on September 10. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP has voiced strong opposition to the proposed relocation of the Duval County School Boards main administrative building from Downtown Jacksonville to the Baymeadows area. The NAACP argues that the move disproportionately favors affluent neighborhoods and undermines equitable access to public education governance for those already facing systemic barriers. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This proposed move sets a dangerous precedent. It threatens to alienate the very communities the School Board is meant to serve. We cannot allow decisions that prioritize convenience for the few over accessibility for the many. The NAACP emphasizes that the School Board is a public entity, serving every resident of Duval County, regardless of income or means of transportation. The NAACP says that shifting the administrative hub away from Downtown erects barriers to civic participation, further disenfranchising constituents who feel unheard. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The NAACP urges the School Board to reject this proposal and explore alternative locations, such as recently closed school buildings within communities, that would enhance accessibility rather than hinder it. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Jacksonville police tout Downtown homeless effort successes nearly 1 year after public camping ban Its now been nearly one year since Floridas ban on public sleeping and camping officially went into effect, with local legislation creating penalties across Jacksonville. Leaders with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office say the results have been night and day, in no small part thanks to Downtown Visions Homeward Bound program. The program is funded by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office solely through money criminally seized, at no cost to taxpayers - relocating people living on the streets in Jacksonville to their hometowns. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] I think since October 1st, [weve] spent about $85,000 on that program, Commander Jimmy Ricks with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said Thursday morning. I think thats helped us out tremendously because that gives an opportunity for the homeless person to get back to a support system, their family system that can help them get off their feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Commander Ricks, the Homeward Bound program has gone hand in hand with local enforcement to tackle public homeless encampments across the city, with over 1,200 warnings and roughly 385 arrests made since the public camping ban went into effect on October 1, 2024. JSO says the efforts have made the streets safer for everyone, though Ricks acknowledged theres still much work to be done. According to the 2025 Point in Time survey which keeps counts on the amount of people experiencing homelessness there are still 290 unsheltered homeless individuals across Duval County. Do I still get calls every day? Yes, I do get calls every day, Commander Ricks acknowledged. But I do see, as you drive downtown, a lot of people are like, hey, what happened? But what happened was the actual ordinance. Being able to force the law and its nudging people into those services and I think its being very successful right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Commander Ricks says the hope is to continue working at this issue, still with more work to be done - hopefully cleaning up downtowns streets and boosting the heart of Jacksonvilles economy for downtown business owners alike. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] James Carville on Wednesday called on Democrats to focus their attention on Vice President JD Vance after his European holiday gone wrong. Use JD Vance and just kick the shit out of him every chance you get, said the longtime Democratic strategist on his Politics War Room podcast with co-host Al Hunt. Moments earlier, Hunt turned to Vances recent Georgia visit where he ripped Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) who is up for reelection in next years midterms for voting against President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill, which has been signed into law and cuts taxes for wealthy Americans while slashing health and food aid. Related: Eric Adams Advisor Handed Reporter Cash Stuffed In Bag Of Potato Chips Vance used his visit to claim that the legislation delivered tax cuts to the working class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carville advised Ossoff to let Vance frame the debate around the law, which he described as the most unpopular piece of legislation in recent times. He urged the senator to proudly own up to his vote against the legislation. When you get a gift, take the goddamn gift! Carville stressed. He turned to Vances recent decision to take a family summer vacation to the English countryside, a journey that was met with backlash, much likeothertrips hes taken since January. Carville noted that Vances trip came at a time when American tourism is struggling. He also blasted Vances choice to head to the Cotswolds in the United Kingdom, which he described as the Marthas Vineyard of England. Related: Condescending P***k: JD Vances Zelenskyy-Oval Office Anecdote Backfires Online Why didnt the tourist association of the Florida Panhandle blow this up? The Las Vegas people, the California people, the Wyoming people. You mean you cant vacation and your wife and kids in his own country? asked Carville, noting that hes about to go on a trip to Lake George, New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, People in Upstate New York would have been glad to have his money but what does he do? He goes to a tony English Village. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Peabody Energy has called off its planned acquisition of Anglo American's steelmaking coal (SMC) assets, citing a material adverse change (MAC) linked to unforeseen challenges at the Moranbah North Mine. The cancellation comes after an ignition event at the mine nearly five months ago, with the cause still undetermined and no clear timeline for resuming sustainable longwall production. Peabody president and CEO Jim Grech said: 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. Peabody has chosen to terminate the transaction and will continue to execute our plans to create substantial value from our diversified global asset portfolio. The acquisition, initially set to conclude in April 2025, faced uncertainty as Anglo American reported monthly holding costs of $45m at Moranbah North. The mine's projected output of 5.3 million tonnes (mt) of saleable production in 2025 remains in limbo, with no schedule for the return of longwall production at the anticipated volumes and costs. Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad said: We are confident in our belief that the event at Moranbah North in March does not constitute a MAC under the sale agreements with Peabody. Our view is supported by the lack of damage to the mine and equipment, as well as the substantial progress made with the regulator, our employees and the unions, and other stakeholders as part of the regulatory process towards a safe restart of the mine. "In fact, just in the last week we achieved a further important milestone, with our workforce signing off the risk assessment that underpins the restart strategy. We are therefore very disappointed that Peabody has decided not to complete the transaction. Despite our strongly held view, we believe that it would have been better for all parties to avoid a legal dispute," he said. Wanblad also emphasised that the company has put in considerable work and demonstrated considerable adaptability to reach an agreement with Peabody, suggesting changes and technical alternatives. However, following Peabody's choice to back out of the deal, the company's attention is now on safely resuming operations at Moranbah North and maximising the value from its entire SMC portfolio. Wanblad added: We continue to reserve our rights under the definitive agreements, we are confident in our legal position and will shortly initiate an arbitration to seek damages for wrongful termination." Jamestown residents asked to conserve water through Thursday DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The water supply of a Greene County village is strained at the moment. According to the village of Jamestown, there have been two significant water main breaks, which is causing low water pressure and discolored water. Issuing the alert Wednesday, the village asked residents to mind their water usage through today as they address the issue. A boil alert is not issued yet, but it is possible in the future if any preparations need to be made, the village 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 WDTN.com. (WJET/WFXP) A Jamestown man has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after previously being convicted of child-related sex crimes. On Wednesday, August 20, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that 65-year-old Jamestown resident Timothy Douglas pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography by a person having a prior conviction related to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and abusive sexual conduct involving a minor before U.S. District Judge Richard Arcara. Erie man sentenced to 15-30 years for sexually assaulting two children Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve Huggins, Douglas was in possession of a cellphone that contained images of child pornography in August of 2023. The pornographic images on the phone were reportedly of children under the age of 12. According to the report, Douglas also produced sexually explicit images of three children, a 5-year-old and two 10-year-olds, between July 2022 and August 2023. Some of the images were allegedly sadistic in nature. Bradford sex offender sentenced to 20-40 years in prison Sentencing is scheduled for November 25, 2025. Previously, in 2003, Douglas was convicted in New York of possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old, sexual abuse and course of sexual conduct against a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JANESVILLE, Wis. (WTVO) Brandon Stevens, 42, was sentenced to 18 years in the prison system after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor. The teenage girl reported that she was molested by Stevens five years ago in 2023. Stevens asked for a bench trial during his court proceedings, which resulted in him being found guilty by Rock County Court Judge Ashley Morse. Prosecutors pushed for him to be sentenced to 30 years in prison, pointing to the fact that Stevens was convicted of sexually assaulting a teen when he was 22 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stevenss attorney argued that he should receive probation, citing mental health issues and a challenging upbringing as a defense. Another district attorney applauded the prosecutors efforts during the case. I think the fact that Brandon Stevens had the gall to ask for probation is an absolute joke, said District Attorney Jason Sanders, and Im glad hes on his way to prison. Sanders applauded Goulart and Detective Schoonover of the Janesville Police Department. Investigating old events is difficult, and putting a victim up on the stand to prove old events is nerve-wracking. The only way to get justice here was hard work. Our community should be thankful we have hard workers like Detective Schoonover and ADA Alex Goulart. Judge Morse sentenced Stevens to 10 years of prison time, followed by 8 years of extended supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Then-Hillsborough County Republican state Sen. Jay Collins speaking in Tampa on May 12, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, on the ground in California, insisted his trip to the West Coast to extradite to Florida an immigrant charged with vehicular homicide was not performative, although that states governor insists otherwise. Wednesday, Collins announced he was headed to California to bring back Harjinder Singh, an immigrant from India facing three vehicular homicide charges after attempting a U-Turn in a semi-truck on the Florida Turnpike. A minivan crashed into his vehicle, killing three people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am here to make sure that things happen the right way, Collins said during a solo news conference at the airport in Stockton, California. Following the crash, Singh returned to California, where he lives. Its not about words, its about deeds, Collins said. That is why I am here today, to make sure this guy is brought to justice, right back in Florida, to let our folks know we will go to any step necessary to make sure that freedom remains, that justice is served, and the rule of law is held accountable. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, gave his recollection of the events, noting that Florida cops didnt arrest Singh immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida let a murder suspect walk, California police had to step in and arrest him, and now Floridas new LG is staging a photo op to pick him up, Newsoms press office posted to social media Thursday. A reporter Thursday asked Collins about Newsoms comments. What a bunch of hogwash. I dont think he understands the first thing about leadership, Collins said. Leadership is getting on the ground and saying the hard things. This isnt our home turf. I am out here answering questions in California because I believe in protecting our citizenry that much. I believe in leadership that matters. This is not performative, this is what leadership should be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked why Florida highway troopers didnt take Singh into custody, Collins said, Youre focused on something thats nonsense, when he shouldnt have gotten a license in California to freakin begin with. Its wrong. Its unacceptable. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Flight data shows that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement jet that Gov. Ron DeSantis frequently rides in took off from the Stockton Metropolitan Airport just before 2 p.m. Eastern Thursday. State Rep. Alex Andrade criticized Collins Wednesday on social media, calling him a politician acting like a keystone cop and asking, Why are we wasting taxpayer resources on political stunts? Why was this guy allowed to leave Florida in the first place? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrade is a Pensacola Republican who clashed with the DeSantis administration over the steerage of Medicaid overpayment settlement funds to the Hope Florida Foundation, a project of First Lady Casey DeSantis. Much of the money was given to groups opposing a marijuana legalization citizens initiative. The Modesto Bee reported Wednesday that Singh signed extradition papers Tuesday, giving Florida 30 days to take him into custody. Singh had a fugitive warrant and appeared in San Joaquin Superior Court in Stockton, the Bee reported. Collins called on California to take 287(g) agreements and other immigration enforcement measures more seriously. Lets not overstate, you can not say this enough: Three lives ended early because of that, because of failed border policy, Collins said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEED TO KNOW On Wednesday, Aug. 20, hecklers directed their ire at Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller The incident occurred when the trio stopped at a Shake Shack restaurant located inside Washington D.C.'s Union Station to buy hamburgers for National Guard troops Shouts of "free D.C., free Palestine" rang out as the group stepped into the restaurant Hecklers directed their ire at Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller this week when the trio visited National Guard troops stationed in the nation's capital. The heated moment came on Wednesday, Aug. 20 as Vance, Hegseth and Miller stopped at a Shake Shack restaurant located inside Washington D.C.'s Union Station to buy hamburgers for the troops they were meeting with, ABC News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shouts of "free D.C., free Palestine" rang out as the group stepped into the restaurant, flocked by onlookers and a herd of reporters. "We hear these people outside screaming 'Free D.C.' Let's free D.C. from lawlessness," Vance can be heard telling the troops in a video shared by the BBC. "Let's free Washington, D.C., so that young families can walk around and feel safe and secure. That's what we're trying to free D.C. from," he added. As the men took turns addressing the national guardsmen, they each had to speak over the sustained shouting in the background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are not going to let the communists destroy a great American city, let alone the nation's capital," Miller warned. "And let's just also address one other thing: all of these demonstrators that you've seen out here in recent days, all of these elderly white hippies, they're not part of this city and never have been." Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced that he was seizing control of D.C.s Metropolitan Police Department and sending in National Guard troops in an effort to reduce crime. "Today we're formally declaring a public safety emergency," he said during a news conference on Monday, Aug. 11. "It's embarrassing for me to be up here. I don't like being up here talking about how unsafe and how dirty and disgusting this once-beautiful capital was." Since then, troops have poured into the city, leading to increased arrests. Protests have also broken out due to ICE checkpoints popping up around the city and the police increasing curfew zones for minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the midst of chaotic scenes, the administration's social media accounts have boasted that all is going according to plan. The official ICE account on X shared photos of officers stopping cars and arresting people on the street, with a caption that read, "When a city fails, we will answer the call." The Department of Defense also flaunted its daunting presence in the nation's capital, with photos of Humvees and armed guards patrolling the streets. Their post read, "President Trump activated the D.C. National Guard under Title 32 to assist Federal and Washington D.C. law enforcement within the nations capital. Safe to say: THE DOD HAS RESPONDED." 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 month, a resolution has been introduced in Congress that would allow Trump to extend federal police department control beyond the initial 30-day limit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President Vance appeared on Fox News hours after the heckling incident, telling Laura Ingraham about visiting with the national guardsmen and discussing recent changes to the city, while briefly mentioning the protesters. "I was talking with Stephen Miller and with Pete Hegseth about this in the Oval Office yesterday, and I was like, 'You know, we should just go over there and say hello to people.' And you've got a lot of national guardsmen over there, some D.C. cops who've been heckled by some of the protesters," he said. "So I thought, what a good show of moral support, to have the vice president and some of the senior team at the White House show up, we bought them some burgers, hang out with them a little bit." Read the original article on People JEFFERSON Village leaders continue to work with local businesses and interact with community leaders. Jefferson Village Administrator Steven Murphy and Jefferson Mayor Jim Chiacchiero have been touring local companies, and recently went to Presrite, Murphy said during a report at the villages Monday evening meeting. Murphy was also approved to attend the Ohio Municipal League annual conference in early October. He said he hopes to continue networking with other officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council approved the expense for two street department employees to attend a training seminar to earn a license to applying chemical pesticides. Jefferson Police Chief Chris Mackensen said the department will be patrolling during todays first day of school. GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Nearly 6,000 students attend Jenison Public Schools, which means keeping everyone safe is no easy task. For safety leaders with the district, it hinges on clear, concise communication. Thats why, with the school year now underway, administrators are implementing some new security measures, following a set of protocols thats soon to be adopted by each public school district in Ottawa County and eventually the state. As school begins, look twice at crosswalks and use bus safety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new guidelines stem from resources provided by The I Love U Guys Foundation, which lay out what district leaders describe as a simple approach that gets everybody students, parents, staff and first responders on the same page. As we know, most things fail because of communication, said Jeff Steigenga, the director of security for Jenison Public Schools. This is going to make it clear so that we dont have any failures or lack of communication. He says this same set of terminology will be used at public school districts across the county to help improve communication. The plan details five action responses that can be used in case of emergency: Hold: This is essentially a stay in place. This could be used for a medical situation in the hallway, for instance. Secure: New for staff, this means theres an outside threat thats not in the building. It may be an incident down the street that requires everyone to come inside the building, where everything can function as usual. Lockdown: This means theres a threat inside the building. Evacuate: This would be used in the event of a fire or a threat that requires students and staff to exit the school. Shelter: This means theres a tornado or natural situation that requires moving to a specific area within the building for better protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Jenison High School, theyve also consolidated the points of entry into the building to just two locations: the main office and the cafeteria. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Joe Francescon, a former defense and national security official in the first Trump administration, is being tapped as the next deputy director of the National Security Agency, administration officials said Thursday. Francescon who previously served in a number of roles at the Pentagon and the White House under the first Trump administration will take over the role months after a major leadership shake-up at the NSA that saw its two top officials dismissed. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed in a statement to POLITICO that Francescon is being named to the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With his wealth of experience countering foreign threats, Joe is exceptionally qualified to lead the next generation of American cybersecurity experts, spearheading efforts to outmaneuver evolving threats and counter our adversaries, the statement said. Far-right activist Laura Loomer posted earlier Thursday on X that Francescons name had been sent to the Presidential Personnel Office for approval, and gave details on his professional background. Loomer, who has managed to influence a number of staffing decisions by the administration, did not weigh in on Francescons qualifications. Francescon, who also previously served for over a decade as an intelligence analyst at NSA, said in a separate statement that he is deeply honored and filled with excitement to return home to the agency. I am eager to lead NSAs exceptional team in safeguarding our nation and countering global threats to protect the American people, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He will take over the role as deputy director at the NSA months after his predecessor, Wendy Noble, along with NSA and Cyber Command leader Gen. Timothy Haugh, wasfired by President Donald Trump, which reportedly followed a meeting with Loomer in the Oval Office. While no details were given by either the White House or the agencies on why Haugh and Noble were dismissed at the time, Loomer posted on X that both were disloyal to President Trump, citing claims that they were each selected by former leaders under the Biden and Obama administrations. Lt. Gen. William Hartman has served as the acting director of the NSA and Cyber Command since then. Its unclear whether he will be nominated to formally take over the dual-hat role overseeing both, which requires Senate confirmation. Francescon currently serves as chief external affairs officer at defense contractor DZYNE Technologies, and previously served as deputy chief of staff at the Pentagon, and before that, deputy assistant secretary for Special Operations and Combating Terrorism at the agency. Before he took on roles at the Pentagon, Francescon served in roles on the National Security Council from 2018 to 2020. Francescons position will not require Senate confirmation. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., (WJHL) The Johnson City Coalition Against Bitcoin Mining met at the Johnson City Public Library to inform the community of the progress the groups Impact Committee has made. The committee is working with Johnson City to conduct research studies concerning noise and environmental issues in order to set regulations for bitcoin mines. The impact studies are in the process of being planned. The coalition hopes it can get started around October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson City City Manager Cathy Ball said the next steps are to find a consultant to help achieve the committees goals. We have all, as a group, been working through that process and having conversations around which consultants have the most experience in different areas and been collaborating in that type of manner, Ball said. Which consultants can do it in a timely manner and do it the right way. Which ones really have the knowledge and skill and understand Johnson City well enough. The coalition also announced a collaboration with a group from the University of Tennessee with experience in these issues. City community advocate Sylvain Bruni said this collaboration will fill the gaps the impact studies may leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre a part of a group called the Appalachian Justice Research Centre, and they will put us in touch with a variety of experts at UT, Bruni said. For all these areas that the impact study from the city will not necessarily cover, we will have access to professors and researchers and students at the University of Tennessee to do the actual research on those different areas. The UT experts will work directly with the community concerning legal questions citizens may have regarding bitcoin mines and what actions they suggest that are within legal action. Bitcoin mining has caused concern, not only in Johnson City, but across East Tennessee. Community advocate Kevin Hendricks said there is no benefit to bitcoin mining in our region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people have really woken up to see that there really is no economic advantage to having these units, Hendricks said. [Bitcoin mines] come here and strip assets. Theyre here for cheap power. Thats regulation, but they dont employ anybody long-term. Theres just no long-term benefit. The Johnson City Coalition Against Bitcoin Mining will hold another community meeting on Sept. 16 at 7 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) The Johnson City Commission will meet Thursday for a final reading and vote on the last call for alcohol sales hours ordinance. According to Commissioner Joe Wise, the ordinance would affect any district in which we allow the sale of liquor by the drink, meaning it will not only apply to the downtown district. Though moving the cut-off to 2 a.m. was brought up at the last meeting, it was never formally considered, leaving Wise to believe the ordinance will remain as currently constructed and cut off alcohol sales at 1 a.m. He believes it would be irresponsible for the commission to look at the crime data during the overnight hours and do nothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im less concerned about passing ordinances than I am reducing violent crime, Wise said. And so, you know, I believe, with every fiber of my being, that if we adjust those hours, we will see a reduction in the number of shootings and stabbings and assaults that are occurring specifically in that window. He said the increased security measures from the Washington County Sheriffs Office are welcome, but he questioned the sustainability of those efforts. Is that sustainable month over month, year over year, at the expense of all of the other policing that needs to happen inside the unincorporated area? Wise asked. I, for one, believe the stats suggest that we clearly have a problem and that this is not the one-stop solution. Wise said he and the other commissioners must weigh the cost to downtown business owners versus the well-being of all other citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would say that its probably running 2 to 1 people who are questioning the wisdom of serving intoxicating beverages at 2:30 in the morning, Wise said. We were elected to these positions to make decisions that are never going to make all of the people happy all of the time. And so were balancing a wide range of perspectives. And at the end of the day, for me, it comes down to erring on the side of public safety. Wise added that last-minute changes are not out of the question and that nothing will be decided until the final vote Thursday evening. The third and final vote on the ordinance will take place on Thursday at 6 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Peabody Energy Corp. (NYSE:BTU) has abandoned its planned $3.8 billion purchase of steelmaking coal assets from Anglo American (OTC:AAUKF), citing a material adverse change following a March fire at the Moranbah North mine in Australia. The incident left the mine idled with no clear timeline for resuming longwall production. The withdrawal comes less than a year after Anglo agreed to divest the portfolio to Peabody as part of a sweeping restructuring effort. The original deal, valued at up to $3.8 billion, was expected to close in 2025. That package included an 88% stake in the Moranbah North joint venture, a 70% share of the Capcoal joint venture, and other key positions such as the Dawson and Roper Creek projects. Also Read: Options Corner: Peabody Energy Could Ride A Red Wave Back To Relevance Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad had described the sale as a critical move to streamline operations and sharpen the company's focus on copper, iron ore, and crop nutrients. The divestment followed its earlier $1.1 billion sale of a Jellinbah Group stake. At the time of the announcement, Jim Grech, Peabody's president and CEO, had called the portfolio "world-class" and said it would create long-term value by integrating with Peabody's global operations. However, after the fire at Moranbah North, the largest mine in the package, no revised terms were reached to offset the long-term impact. Peabody subsequently terminated both the acquisition and a related agreement to sell the Dawson mine to PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama. Anglo had projected Moranbah would produce more than 5 million tons of saleable coal in 2025. Instead, the fire saddled the mine with roughly $45 million in monthly holding costs, undermining the deal's economics. The uncertainty around recovery ultimately became the deal's breaking point. Peabody now plans to emphasize growth from its Centurion Mine in Australia, a 25-year premium hard coking coal project, while continuing a four-part strategy built on safe operations, returning 65-100% of free cash flow to shareholders, organic growth, and balance sheet strength. The company said it remains well-positioned despite the failed acquisition. In the wider coal sector, peers include Arch Resources Inc. (NYSE:ARCH) and Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc. (NYSE:AMR). Investors also track energy-linked exchange-traded funds such as the VanEck Coal ETF (NYSE:KOL) and the SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (NYSE:XME). Price Action: BTU shares are trading higher by 7.84% to $18.44 premarket at last check Tuesday. Cannabis plant. (Photo by Getty Images) Virginias long-delayed path toward a legal cannabis marketplace took another step forward Wednesday as the states new bipartisan commission convened for its second meeting at the Capitol, listening to hours of presentations on taxation, equity, and the role of small businesses in shaping what could become a billion-dollar industry. The joint commission created this year by lawmakers after Gov. Glenn Youngkin once again vetoed legislation establishing a retail system is charged with building consensus around a plan to launch sales by 2026. On Wednesday, it heard from national experts, equity advocates, fiscal analysts, and small business owners whose livelihoods may hinge on the rules Virginia adopts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political stakes remain high in an election year when three statewide offices and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates are on the ballot. In a stark contrast to Youngkin, former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee for governor, has already signaled she would sign cannabis retail legislation if it reaches her desk. I support a legal marketplace for cannabis, she told The Mercury in an interview earlier this month. I want to ensure that it is fully regulated, people know what theyre buying, and revenues go towards education. A stalled start Virginia first made headlines in 2021 when lawmakers voted to legalize possession and home cultivation of small amounts of marijuana, making it the first Southern state to do so. But while residents can grow plants at home, retail sales were never authorized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers attempted to fix that earlier this year with a bipartisan proposal to create a regulated market starting in 2026, complete with microbusiness licenses, a seed-to-sale tracking system, and projected revenues of $87.8 million annually by 2031. The bill would have steered 40% of tax revenue to early childhood education, 30% to equity reinvestment, 25% to substance use treatment, and 5% to public health. Youngkin vetoed the plan, warning it would endanger public safety and expose children to harm. He also struck down companion measures to expunge old marijuana convictions and shield parents from custody challenges based on legal cannabis use. Advocates blasted his vetoes as shortsighted. In response, lawmakers created the Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales through House Joint Resolution 497 a move that did not require the governors signature. The body will operate through 2028 as a venue for public input and legislative planning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its first meeting in July was mostly organizational. Wednesdays session its second was the first chance to dig into the policy choices facing Virginia. Lessons from other states Andrea Jimenez, a policy specialist with the National Conference of State Legislatures, opened the meeting with a survey of how 23 states have structured their cannabis markets. Taxation, she explained, varies widely by percentage of price, product weight, or even potency. Jimenez pointed to Maryland, which recently raised its marijuana tax from 9% to 12%, directing most revenue to the general fund and the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. Colorado, by contrast, splits its 15% excise and 15% sales taxes between schools, local governments, and general funds. New York and Connecticut have experimented with potency-based taxes and earmarked large shares of revenue for equity programs. But even states with established markets have faced challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres just simply too much product for the amount of demand that exists, Jimenez warned, noting falling marijuana prices in California, Colorado, and Michigan that have depressed revenues. Reparative justice and fiscal trade-offs Equity was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Chelsea Higgs Wise, executive director of Marijuana Justice, reminded lawmakers that legalization in Virginia was driven not only by economics but by racial justice. In 2020, JLARC confirmed what many Virginians knew that Black folks in Virginia were being arrested 3.5 times more and received marijuana convictions 3.9 times the rate of white Virginians, Wise said, referring to a study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee published that year. That disproportionate enforcement inspired lawmakers to pass the 2021 law ending criminalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wise urged the commission to uphold the commitments made then, including the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Program and Loan Fund. An adequate investment in a strategic rollout that considers these issues will give us the best chance that we have for a successful, long-term market, she said. Projected revenue under Virginias current framework about $74 million to $94 million annually could fund scholarships, workforce training, and community reinvestment. But Wise cautioned that opt-out referendums could allow localities to ban sales until 2026, weakening both revenues and equity goals. Rodrigo Soto of The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis offered a broader fiscal context. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His group modeled how cannabis revenues stack up against other revenue options the legislature might consider in 2026, from income tax changes to corporate levies. Creating a retail cannabis market could bring in about $61.5 million under the current bill, Soto said. But if taxed at 20% to 25%, as JLARC recommended, revenues could range from $122 million to $254 million annually by the markets fifth year. The design choices really matter, Soto told the panel. Distribution decisions such as how much goes to pre-K, substance use programs, or public health will ultimately shape the impact on Virginians. The small business dilemma Perhaps the most passionate testimony came from small business owners who fear being shut out of the new market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barbara Biddle, founder of District Hemp Botanicals, recounted how her company grew from a $2,000 investment and a six-foot table into three storefronts and nearly $2 million in revenue. But after lawmakers passed a 2023 bill restricting hemp-derived products, she lost half her business overnight. The bill did far more than just outlaw Delta 8, Biddle said, referring to Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive substance found in the cannabis sativa plant. It knocked out 90% of the market, including non-intoxicating CBD products my customers came to rely on. Biddle warned the panel to avoid mistakes that favored large corporations at the expense of local entrepreneurs. Doing so will not only promote safety, but also preserve fair competition and prevent consumers from bearing the burden of artificially high prices, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her colleague, Eric Spanbauer of the East Coast Collective, echoed those concerns. These are not faceless corporations, he said. Theyre your neighbors, your local employers, and your community partners. Spanbauer urged the state to lower application fees, expand license caps, and offer micro-licenses and training for small operators. If we repeat the same pattern, writing rules that only billion-dollar corporations can comply with, we risk destroying the very foundation of what could be a thriving, inclusive Virginia-based marijuana industry, he said. Wednesdays presentations underscored the delicate balance facing lawmakers: generating revenue, ensuring equity, supporting small businesses, and satisfying a wary public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Republicans, led by Youngkin, remain skeptical. The governor has consistently argued legalization will not eliminate the black market and could worsen youth drug use. His veto message earlier this year cited risks of increased gang activity and adverse effects on childrens and adolescents health. Democrats, meanwhile, are betting the politics will shift with a new governor. Spanberger has leaned into her support for legalization, framing it as a matter of regulation and education funding. Consumer knowledge, heavily regulated, heavily taxed, with revenues mostly going towards education, she said in the interview with The Mercury. The commission will continue meeting, with the goal of crafting legislation for introduction in 2026. Members stressed that public input and stakeholder testimony will guide the process. For now, cannabis in the commonwealth remains in limbo: its legal to possess, illegal to buy. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE London, United Kingdom Jonathon Porritt, a 75-year-old Oxford-educated environmentalist, is among the hundreds of people that the UK has cracked down on over their support of Palestine Action. He was arrested and charged earlier this month, under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act, for holding up a sign at a rally decrying the governments decision to outlaw the protest group. I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action, read the cardboard placard that he, and many of the 520 others arrested, raised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His bail hearing is scheduled for late October. But Porritt is not a hardened criminal. He spent 30 years advising the king on environmental issues when the monarch held the Prince of Wales title. He has also chaired a sustainable development commission set up by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and throughout his career has worked in politics, academia and directed Friends of the Earth. In 2000, he was awarded a CBE, a high-ranking order, for services to environmental protection. Al Jazeera spoke to Porritt about his activism, Palestine, the role of business and the effect of weapons manufacturing on climate change. Al Jazeera: As the crisis in Gaza worsens, you have urged the UK to take action to stop Israels onslaught. With more than 700 other business leaders, you recently called for targeted sanctions against those accused of violating international law, including war crimes. Does that include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, since he is wanted for arrest by the International Criminal Court? Jonathan Porritt: It would certainly include members of his cabinet who have been very forthright in the comments that theyve made, which clearly breach any understanding of the rights of people to exist and indicate a readiness to ethnically cleanse Gaza and indeed to prepare to do the same in the West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very clear that those sanctions do now need to be brought forward, and I think it is important that its business leaders that are suggesting that you just cant allow those kinds of blatant attacks on the Palestinian people to continue. Al Jazeera: On an individual level, many people appalled at Israels conduct in Gaza have joined a campaign to boycott Israeli goods, in an attempt at hitting the economy that fuels the war. Is this an effective way to stem the violence? Porritt: It is something I do on an individual level. And this is purely personal, but I would be deeply unhappy buying anything exported into the UK from Israel. I feel that the government of Israel at the moment and its track record in terms of the way its dealt with the situation in Gaza and the West Bank is so repugnant to me personally that I feel uncomfortable supporting the economic standing of that country, so thats my own personal choice. I dont go out of my way to suggest that everybody needs to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think lifestyle decisions are really important, ethical decisions are really important, but do they actually change very much? Probably not, is the reality, and an awful lot of people simply dont know the issues behind these choices. Al Jazeera: Your arrest earlier this month made headlines. What do you think figures such as King Charles and Tony Blair, who youve worked with, would make of your radical activism? Porritt: I was comfortable taking on establishment roles as chair of the commission [launched by Blair], for instance, [and] helping to set up the Prince of Waless business and sustainability programme, all that kind of stuff. But my life started as an activist in the Green Party and in Friends of the Earth, so they probably always knew that I was more predisposed to that tactical route than to the inside track that I nonetheless spent 30 years pursuing. Al Jazeera: With several wars raging, is the link between militaries and weapons companies, which are major carbon polluters, and climate change being talked about enough? Porritt: No, and this really bugs me a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investment in nuclear weapons of one kind or another, upgrades going on all over the world, and increasing the number of warheads again this is just crazy, and on the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima you think, how can that possibly be? And then, then you look at the environmental impacts of all of that, of course, including the CO2 footprint of vast increases in expenditure on arms, and its just the worst possible way of trying to increase security for people in their own country to make these hugely carbon-intensive and destructive investments and yet more weapons of mass destruction. Al Jazeera: The UK has proscribed Palestine Action as a terror organisation, but its backers say outlawing the group is a way to silence dissent as Israel wages war in Gaza. It is now legally challenging the proscription. What does Palestine Action stand for, in your view? Porritt: What Palestine Action actually stands for is a readiness to use violence against property as part of its campaigning tactics against, in particular, those arms companies [that are] deeply complicit in the continuing genocide in Gaza. They see as being proportionate when set against the devastation going on in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That choice about tactics is morally based, wholly defensible and in no way indicative of a formally designated terrorist organisation. In the last few years, theres been an astonishing legal crackdown on basic rights in this country, particularly the right to the freedom of speech and the right to freedom to protest The designation as a terrorist organisation is to try and silence Palestine Action. Thats where I come back to the now incontrovertible proof of the UK governments complicity in this genocide, and because of that complicity its continuation of licences for arms quite clearly being used to massacre innocent people across Gaza if you look at that complicity, they needed something extra. They needed an even bigger stick to shut Palestine Action up so that the citizens of the UK were not permitted to recognise just how abhorrent this governments behaviour is. An Atlanta-based reporter detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since June is suing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, along with other administration officials, for his immediate release, the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia announced Thursday. Mario Guevara a Salvadoran national and award-winning journalist who says he entered the country lawfully in 2004 was arrested in June while reporting at a Georgia No Kings Day rally. Despite an immigration judge ordering his release on bond in July, Guevara has remained in detention ever since his initial arrest after a government appeal, according to his Thursday petition, filed in a district court in Southern Georgia. Now, Guevara is detained at the Folkston ICE Processing Center in southeast Georgia, the only journalist in the country currently jailed as a result of reporting, he contends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governments continuing detention of Mr. Guevara on the basis of his journalism is intended to silence him, prevent him from reporting in the future, and retaliate against him for his past speech and reporting, in violation of the First Amendment, the filing states. Guevaras attorneys say he left his native El Salvador in 2004 after fleeing violence and harassment for his work as a journalist, and entered the country on a B-1 temporary business visa. His attorneys say he applied for relief from deportation in 2007. In 2012, the Board of Immigration granted a motion to administratively close the removal proceedings facing Guevara. He had not faced potential removal by the government since, his attorneys said. In court filings, they said he is legally authorized to live and work in the country and has a pathway to a green card. The legal fight to free Guevara is taking place amid President Donald Trumps plans to increase deportations. ICE is set to grow dramatically under Trump. The agency is flexing funding from the administrations One Big Beautiful Bill Act to meet lofty hiring goals and reach 1 million yearly deportations. The agency is offering sign-on bonuses of up to $50,000, easing age restrictions for prospective applicants and hosting in-person hiring events to boost recruitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Bondi is pushing Democrat-led cities and states to drop "sanctuary" policies all while the White House takes on a far more active role in policing the nations capital. The Department of Justice declined to comment. ICE and DHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Guevaras suit. The Committee to Protect Journalists filed a declaration of support for Guevara this week, the organization announced Thursday. It is imperative that immigration authorities fully explain why he is still in detention, CPJ Regional Director Jose Zamora said in a press statement. Keeping Guevara behind bars effectively ends the journalists ability to report the news and sends a chilling message to others who want to exercise their right to share information, including recorded images, about what officials do in public. A Pittsburgh man who was convicted of killing a corrections officer while an inmate will be placed on death row. Paul Kendrick was found guilty of first-degree murder, as well as two counts each of aggravated assault and assault by a prisoner back in March. A jury sentenced him to death a month later, but NBC News affiliate WJAC reports a judge approved their recommendation on Wednesday. Kendrick attacked and killed Sergeant Mark Baserman in 2018, while he was already serving a life sentence for a 2014 homicide in Pittsburgh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Kendrick will be on death row, Pennsylvania has a moratorium in place on executions in the state. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A federal judge ruled Thursday that Alina Habba has been unlawfully serving as the U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey since July 1, throwing into question her authority over several high-profile criminal cases and escalating tensions between the judiciary and President Donald Trumps administration. Pennsylvania Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann, issued a 77-page opinion disqualifying Habba from participating in any ongoing prosecutions. Faced with the question of whether Ms. Habba is lawfully performing the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, I conclude that she is not, Brann wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court found that Habbas appointment violated federal law governing temporary appointments to Senate-confirmed positions. The Executive branch has perpetuated Alina Habbas appointment to act as the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey through a novel series of legal and personnel moves, Brann added. Along the way, it has disagreed with the Judges of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and criminal defendants in that District about who should or may lead the office. The decision could have sweeping implications for criminal prosecutions across the state, where judges have postponed arraignments and trials amid uncertainty over Habbas authority. Requests for comment from the Office of the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey and the U.S. Department of Justice were not immediately returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the defendants did not return requests for comment. Brann, appointed to the bench in 2012 by President Barack Obama, is a former Pennsylvania litigator and Republican Party official. At a hearing in three cases on Friday, Brann suggested he expects the losing side is almost certain to appeal. At the center of the controversy are three criminal defendants: Julien Giraud Jr. and Julien Giraud III, both charged with firearms and narcotics offenses, and Cesar Pina, a social media influencer accused of running a Ponzi-like real estate scheme. They were seeking to dismiss their indictments, arguing that Habbas appointment violates federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giraud was indicted before Habba took office; Pina was indicted after. Brann ruled that the timing of the indictments was pivotal in determining their validity. Giraud Jr. and Giraud III were indicted in November 2024, before Habbas appointment as Interim U.S. Attorney, and their charges remain intact. In contrast, Cesar Pina was indicted on July 7, 2025after Habbas authority had expired. Brann declared her signature on Pinas indictment void but declined to dismiss the case, calling the defect a technical error that did not compromise the grand jury process. The court found that the investigation and supervisory approvals predated Habbas unlawful tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, Brann disqualified Habba from participating in all three prosecutions but allowed the indictments to stand. A nomination stalls Habba first rose to national prominence as Trumps personal attorney and legal spokesperson. On March 24, Trump formally nominated her to serve as U.S. attorney for New Jersey a position requiring U.S. Senate confirmation. When her nomination stalled, the administration installed her through a series of interim and acting appointments. Critics argue the maneuver sidesteps the U.S. Constitutions advice and consent requirement for high-level federal appointments. Habbas 120-day interim term was set to expire July 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just hours before the deadline, a panel of federal judges declined to extend her appointment and instead named Desiree Grace, the offices first assistant, as interim U.S. attorney. Within hours, the Department of Justice fired Grace and reinstalled Habba, citing a legal workaround under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly criticized the judges for appointing Grace, reportedly calling them rogue and accusing them of threatening the presidents constitutional authority to appoint and remove executive officials. In a court filing submitted by assistant U.S. Attorney Mark E. Coyne on behalf of Bondi, the government argues that a new 210-day clock under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act began July 24, because Habbas nomination was formally withdrawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That claim is central to the Justice Departments argument that Habba can continue serving in an acting capacity despite the expiration of her interim term. Pinas attorneys argued that Habbas appointment violates federal law governing interim U.S. attorney appointments. They claim she was not the first assistant at the time of the vacancy and that her 120-day term has expired. Girauds legal team echoed those arguments, emphasizing that Congress intended for courtsnot the attorney generalto appoint U.S. attorneys after interim terms expire. Both defendants argued that Habbas continued service violates the Constitutions separation of powers and Appointments Clause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department defended Habbas appointment, arguing she is lawfully serving under the Vacancies Reform Act and as a special attorney under federal statute. Prosecutors said that delegation laws allow her to perform duties even if her acting status is disputed. Even if Habbas appointment were invalid, DOJ attorneys argued, the indictments should stand because they were returned by a legally constituted grand jury. They cited the de facto officer doctrine, which validates actions taken by officials whose appointments are later challenged. The decision may not have changed the outcome for Pina or the Girauds, but it could set a precedent for how administrations use interim and acting appointments to bypass Senate confirmation. Read the judges opinion: Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com. SPRINGFIELD Noting that her decision opens the door for his removal from the country, Magistrate Judge Katherine Robertson declined to detain a Guatemalan who caught the attention of immigration officials after he crashed a van in Springfield. Defendant has virtually no prospect of avoiding the undisputed ICE Warrant of Removal that applies to him, Robertson wrote in her decision. Noe Ambrocio-Perez struck a pole along Walnut Street in May, an incident witnessed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who called 911. The ICE officer detained Ambrocio-Perez until Springfield police arrived and discovered a half-empty container of cold beer in the van. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weeks later, ICE officers detained Ambrocio-Perez in Springfield. Federal prosecutors charged him with illegal reentry because they said he had entered the country after he was convicted of a prior illegal reentry charge. Ambrocio-Perez has pleaded not guilty. Ambrocio-Perezs case is one of thousands of illegal reentry cases filed across the country as part of the Trump administrations stepped-up immigration enforcement. From Jan. 26 to July 9, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts filed 103 illegal reentry cases in the state, a charge that carries the maximum penalty of up to two years in prison. This week, a Guatemalan who pleaded guilty to illegal reentry and possessing a forged immigration document was sentenced to time served by a federal judge in Springfield. After prosecutors filed their criminal complaint against Ambrocio-Perez at the beginning of July, Robertson faced an initiafl question: Should he remain detained while the case worked its way through the court? A similar situation recently played out in another illegal reentry case before the judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, ICE officials arrested Jose Mendoza-Zarrate, a Mexican national, in West Springfield after they encountered him riding in a truck as they sought to detain another person. Because immigration officials previously deported Mendoza-Zarrate in 2006 and twice in 2007, prosecutors charged him with illegal reentry. Robertson declined to order Mendoza-Zarrate detained on July 2, saying it appeared he was not a flight risk. It led to the end of his case. On Aug. 6, prosecutor Todd Newhouse asked the court to dismiss the indictment against Mendoza-Zarrate. The defendant has been removed from the United States, and this dismissal is in the interests of justice, Newhouse wrote. Ambrocio-Perez made his initial appearance before Robertson on July 15. He listened to an interpreter through headphones as Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Breslow argued for why he should remain detained. At the time, ICE housed Ambrocio-Perez at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In briefing filed with the court after the hearing, Breslow said Ambrocio-Perez was a danger to the community because he had a history of abusing alcohol and getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. In 2013, immigration officials ordered his removal in absentia after he failed to appear, he said. Furthermore, Mendoza-Zarrate faced a shorter prison term than Ambrocio-Perez, who has an incentive to flee the charges, Breslow wrote. Meanwhile, Ambrocio-Perezs appointed attorney William ONeil argued that the law doesnt permit a court to hold a person just because ICE lodged a detainer or because of their immigration status. ONeil wrote in his brief to the court that in the 2023 fiscal year, federal prosecutors filed almost 13,000 illegal reentry cases, making up almost a fifth of the federal criminal docket nationally. Congress chose not to create a presumption of pretrial detention for these thousands of people annually facing one of the least serious felony charges available in the federal system, ONeil wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her Aug. 7 decision, Robertson said the factors whether Ambrocio-Perez was a flight risk are close to equipoise. Ambrocio-Perez has a son and a cousin in Springfield, Robertson noted. His parents, many of his siblings and two of his children live in Guatemala, she wrote, but he once argued unsuccessfully before an immigration court that he feared torture if he returned to the country. Robertson wrote Ambrocio-Perez appears to have used aliases over the years, and he also appears to be able to move around the country because he was arrested in other states such as Florida. Nonetheless, what is clear in this case is that there is no prospect that, if the court declines to order pretrial detention for Defendant, he will be released and able to flee the jurisdiction, Robertson wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to ICE records, Ambrocio-Perez was moved and is currently housed at the Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island. West Springfield resident sentenced to time served On Wednesday, Judge Mark Mastroianni sentenced Jose Martinez-Lopez, aka Amalio Mendez-Molina, to time served, a period totaling 163 days, after he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry and possessing a false resident alien identification card. He will now face deportation, said a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office for Massachusetts. Immigration officers detained Martinez-Lopez as he left Springfield District Court in March following his arraignment on charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and assault of three police officers, all misdemeanors. After the owner of a West Springfield liquor store refused to sell him a case of Heineken, Martinez-Lopez, who appeared intoxicated, began breaking things in the store, according to a police report of the incident. Federal prosecutors said Martinez-Lopez unlawfully reentered the country four times, was charged in Illinois with domestic battery, and was convicted of human smuggling in Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calling him a clear recidivist, Breslow asked Mastroianni to sentence Martinez-Lopez to zero to six months. However, the charges filed in Springfield District Court including the assault charges were dismissed by prosecutors on Aug. 11, Martinez-Lopezs attorney, Charles Dolan, told the court. His clients criminal record is not overly extensive, and he faces deportation to Guatemala, where he grew up working on a family farm and where the average daily wage is around $3 to $4 a day, Dolan said. He asked that his client be sentenced to time served. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Despite efforts by the Trump administration to unseal portions of the governments Jeffrey Epstein investigation, a federal judge again stopped those moves. That development comes as Congress will get new documents in the case Friday. This was the third time a federal judge has rejected the White Houses efforts to unseal portions of the Epstein files. A federal judge on Wednesday cited victim privacy as a major concern when rejecting White House efforts to unseal parts of the Jeffrey Epstein files, also saying the government already has hundreds of thousands of documents it could release on its own, compared to the roughly seventy pages the judge was considering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the administration knows this is what Congress wants Republicans and Democrats. And President Trump has said clearly, he wants to release all the documents. So, were going to get the documents, said Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.). The White House says it wants to release as much information on Epstein as possible, part of an effort to appease GOP-base voters for whom the Epstein case has become a major focus, but Democrats still arent convinced theyll get the full picture from the White House. Why are they having to release them in a slow drip and selectively? And so, I have a lot of concerns about their plan right now, said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.). As House Republicans own investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein continues, theyre grilling officials this week, like former attorney general Bill Barr, behind closed doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was pretty confident that there was nothing in there pertaining to President Trump that would be anything negative, said Comer. House Republicans also issued subpoenas for former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton but are not seeking to interview former Trump officials some Democrats say theyd like to hear from. ..but theyre not bringing in Alex Acosta because he was a Trump appointee. And theyre certainly not bringing in the most important person in all of this, which is the AG Pam Bondi who promised all of this in the first place, said Subramanyam. Acosta is the former federal prosecutor who negotiated a controversial plea deal with Epstein and served as President Trumps labor secretary during his first term in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Top Republicans say theyre willing to hear from anyone who might shed more light on Epsteins dealings and who may have been involved. Well bring in everyone we think can add information to the investigation, said Comer. The White House hasnt said whether it will make a fourth attempt to release more of the Epstein files. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For me, the Country became much scarier today for ordinary US citizens. On behalf of our client, Brian Musgrave, we sued representative Nancy Mace for calling him a predator, a rapist and sexual trafficker on the United States House of Representatives Floor on February 10, 2025, and in the social media posts and interviews that followed. While we had to accept that Ms. Mace would be protected for the defamation she committed on the House floor, we were stunned and disappointed that she (and the rest of Congress for that matter) was granted what is effectively absolute immunity for any statement that they make, even if it is false, so long as the statement bears some connection to the discharge of legislative duties. In effect, citizens like Brian can be defamed and maligned over and over and over again by a member of Congress in any speech so long as the speech mentions pending legislation or is given is the course of performing representative duties. It is hard to imagine that this is what the original framers of our constitution intended. When does the speech and debate clause was adopted, we were limited to printed press with very small circulations. There was no TV and no internet. When the Westfall decision issued to protect Congress people for false and defamatory statements they may make outside of the floor of Congress, there was no internet. It seems patently unfair that a United States citizen who lives a law-abiding life can be grouped and called a rapist and a predator without any proof, and it can be done over and over again with immunity (and impunity). More importantly, the court seems to lacks even the power to issue an injunction to make the conduct stop. Politicians can say and do anything they want as long as it serves them individually and their agenda as was endorsed by the court today and so they can act with impunity and without any legal repercussions. This world is a scary place, and we will keep fighting for Brian Musgrave, his lovely wife and his two kids. We will not rest until his name is rightfully cleared. The name Brian Musgrave has been wrongfully soiled, and its going take a long time to clear. A lie travels halfway around the world before the truth can lace up in shoes. A judge has rebuked President Trump in his Jeffrey Epstein controversy, denying a DOJ request to release the grand jury transcripts. The judge saying the Trump administration is the "logical party" to disclose to the files. NYU law professor Melissa Murray joins MSNBCs Ari Melber to discuss. (Subscribe to Aris YouTube now: http://youtube.com/arimelber) By Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. judge on Thursday ruled that Alina Habba, a former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, was unlawfully appointed as the acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey and is therefore ineligible to participate in any ongoing cases. The ruling is a setback for Trump's Justice Department, which maneuvered to keep Habba in her post and circumvent a judicial decision not to extend her 120-day interim tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Faced with the question of whether Ms. Habba is lawfully performing the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, I conclude that she is not," wrote U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann. The challenges to Habba's authority were brought by two defendants in an illegal drug case, Julien Giraud Jr. and Julien Giraud III, and Cesar Humberto Pina, a defendant in another case who is accused of fraud and laundering drug proceeds. The defendants in the two cases challenged a series of Trump administration procedural maneuvers in July to keep Habba as the state's top federal prosecutor for another 210 days. Brann wrote that Habba's actions since July 1 "may be declared void, including her approval of the indictment of Defendant Cesar Humberto Pina," though that fact does not require its dismissal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors wield enormous power, and with that comes the responsibility to ensure they are qualified and properly appointed," Abbe David Lowell and Gerald Krovatin, attorneys for Pina, said in a statement. "We appreciate the thoroughness of the courts opinion, and its decision underscores that this Administration cannot circumvent the congressionally mandated process for confirming U.S. Attorney appointments. The ruling is likely to spur similar legal challenges and could bring hundreds of federal criminal cases in New Jersey to a halt. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the Justice Department will immediately appeal the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habba "is doing incredible work in New Jersey and we will protect her position from activist judicial attacks," Bondi said on X. While appearing on Fox News' "Hannity" show, Habba suggested that attacks against her were politically motivated. "I am the pick of the president. I am the pick of Pam Bondi, our attorney general, and I will serve this country like I have for the last several years, in any capacity," she said. The Justice Department has argued that Habba was validly appointed and that Bondi has given her authority to supervise cases regardless of her title. The Trump administration accused judges on New Jersey's federal district court, who appointed Habba's top deputy as her successor, of political motives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department is using similar tactics to evade judicial intervention and temporarily keep at least three other U.S. attorneys aligned with Trump in their roles. It fired Desiree Grace, a career prosecutor who was selected by the court to replace Habba, and the White House said Trump preemptively removed her as U.S. attorney. Brann, the chief trial judge in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, had already ruled the Giraud case could not be tossed out because of uncertainty over Habba's appointment, but reserved ruling on whether Habba and her office would be allowed to supervise it. The case was reassigned to Brann because New Jersey's federal judges were involved in the dispute. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Scott Malone, Daniel Wallis and Stephen Coates) Radisson Hotel Group has launched its Radisson Individuals brand in Malta with the addition of the Cavalieri Art Hotel, situated along Balluta Bay in St Julians. This property offers 254 rooms and suites, a spa, and both indoor and outdoor pools, alongside versatile event spaces. The coastal hotel's location offers guests easy access to the area's dining and nightlife, catering to both leisure and business travellers. Radisson Hotel Group franchise senior vice-president Joep Peeters said: "We are delighted to welcome Cavalieri Art Hotel to the Radisson Individuals family. "This addition highlights our commitment to offering guests distinctive hotels that truly capture the essence of their destination. With its stunning location, exceptional views, and scenic surroundings, Cavalieri Art Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, is a perfect fit for our expanding portfolio in Malta." Cavalieri Art Hotel merges contemporary design with views of Balluta Bay and the Sliema skyline. The hotels dining scene features Baco Noir, a terrace restaurant, Ottocento for dishes around the globe, and Pommarola, a seasonal dining option by the poolside. Guests, with Cavalieri Art Hotel's strategic position, can enjoy access to nearby beaches and historical sites. The property also offers flexible spaces suitable for conferences, meetings, weddings, and private celebrations. Cavalieri Art Hotel general manager Mark Camilleri said: "Joining Radisson Individuals marks an exciting new chapter for our hotel. Were proud to showcase Maltas warmth and hospitality while delivering the high standards and personalised experiences that Radisson guests expect. We look forward to welcoming travellers from across the world to experience our unique location in St Julians." In February, Radisson Hotel Group unveiled the launch of the Radisson Collection Hotel in Berlin, Germany. "Radisson Hotel Group expands presence in Malta" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. A Texas law requiring all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments was temporarily blocked by a federal judge on Wednesday. The pause applies to the 11 school districts named in the case, including Austin ISD, Houston ISD and Plano ISD. Judge Fred Biery, of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, issued a preliminary injunction that pauses Senate Bill 10 from taking effect in those school districts. The decision came out of a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations on behalf of several plaintiffs from different walks of faith whose children attend the school districts. The lawsuit alleges Senate Bill 10, which is set to take effect on Sept. 1, violates the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment. Another pending lawsuit was filed in June in the Northern District of Texas by a group of reverends who are also challenging the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Biery wrote in his decision that most people just want to be left alone, neither proselytized nor ostracized, including what occurs to their children in government run schools. He determined that the legislation crosses the line from exposure to coercion, and it could cause certain students who dont subscribe to the Ten Commandments to become outcasts. The judge also noted that the plaintiffs expert witness in the case had a more persuasive argument about the Founding Fathers intent of the First Amendment compared to the defendants expert, who are both professors with backgrounds, respectively, in constitutional law and religious history, in addition to religious liberty and church-state relations. Even though the Ten Commandments would not be affirmatively taught, the captive audience of students likely would have questions, which teachers would feel compelled to answer. That is what they do, Biery wrote. 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.] Heather L. Weaver, senior counsel for the ACLUs Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief, celebrated the decision in a statement, noting that public schools are not Sunday schools. Todays decision ensures that our clients schools will remain spaces where all students, regardless of their faith, feel welcomed and can learn without worrying that they do not live up to the states preferred religious beliefs, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials from Plano ISD, the only North Texas district involved in the lawsuit, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the preliminary injunction. Sen. Phil King, a Republican from Weatherford who authored the bill, said in a statement on Wednesday that he expected legal challenges to come forward and believes the temporary injunction will be overturned on appeal. Though this injunction applies only to 11 school districts, we are not surprised, as we expected this law to be challenged by the ACLU and other liberal groups, King said. I have the highest level of confidence that this injunction will be overturned on appeal, and in the next few days I will be meeting with the states litigation team to discuss our next steps. What does the Ten Commandments bill say? Senate Bill 10 requires the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms on a poster or framed copy of the religious decree that is at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall. It must be visible and legible from anywhere in the classroom by a person with average vision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are various versions of the Ten Commandments. The exact language that state lawmakers required to be displayed in classrooms is: I AM the LORD thy God. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven images. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is thy neighbors. Implementation in North Texas schools ahead of Sept. 1 In recent weeks before Wednesdays preliminary injunction, the Star-Telegram has reached out to attorneys, nonprofit organizations, school districts and teachers to ask for their insights into the law and its rollout in Texas. The language in Senate Bill 10 does not specify what potential consequences school districts could face if they do not display the Ten Commandments in their classrooms. Districts arent required to purchase the posters with local dollars, but must display them if theyre donated and meet the requirements outlined in the legislation. In an interview last week with the Star-Telegram, Sen. King said he expected the posters to be hung up in classrooms throughout the school year after the law takes effect Sept. 1. When asked about students and families who dont have a Judeo-Christian background being exposed to the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, he said some of the commandments are universally followed regardless of religion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I havent met a family yet, whether theyre Muslim or Christian or even agnostic that doesnt want their child every day to read, Obey your parents. Dont steal. Dont lie. Dont harm others, King said. Theres no single document that has more shaped Western civilization, law and culture more so than than the Ten Commandments. Its such a part of our legal heritage, our ethical heritage. King said he was using campaign funds to purchase posters for all schools in Senate District 10 and highlighted a coalition of several conservative groups, known as Restore American Schools, that have banded together to coordinate the purchase and delivery of posters throughout Texas. According to its website, there have been about 4,300 Texas schools adopted with more than 152,000 classrooms impacted. Texas Values, an Austin-based nonprofit, is part of this coalition. Director of Policy Jonathan Covey said volunteers can look up nearby schools to find out which ones have and havent been adopted. From there, they can purchase posters, have them shipped to their home and then deliver them to the schools administration office. The Ten Commandments have a long history in our country, and we want to give students the truth by showing them that theyre a foundation for our moral law and for our legal system in the United States, Covey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Tilley, division director of legal services for the Texas Association of School Boards, said the organization has fielded questions about scenarios in which school districts receive a smaller number of donated posters compared to total classrooms. The bill is silent on that. It doesnt direct administrators or school districts how to deal with there being fewer posters than you have classrooms, he said. I think its going to be up to the administration to determine which classrooms they go in, because theres not any guidance in the bill itself. Dennis Eichelbaum, a member of the Texas Council of School Attorneys, said hes seen some school districts reword the commandments to use different language than whats presented in the law. Its unclear what penalties would look like for districts that dont use the exact wording or that dont have them hung up. We add to that the Fifth Circuit having struck down the Louisiana version of the same or similar state law, the Supreme Court having ruled previously that a Kentucky school could not post the Ten Commandments (Stone v. Graham), and recently another court ruled a similar law unconstitutional, and schools are perplexed as to what they should do, he said. Fort Worth ISD rollout unclear Fort Worth ISD officials said in a recent statement that they were reviewing implementation processes to meet compliance with the law. As of Monday, a district spokesperson said the district was unaware of any posters that have been donated to Fort Worth ISD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As specified in the legislation, school districts are not required to allocate public funds for the purchase of these displays but must accept donated posters that meet the statutory size, content, and design requirements. The district is currently reviewing implementation procedures to ensure compliance with the law by the effective date, officials said. Steven Poole, executive director of the United Educators Association, said in a statement that teachers were focused on getting ready for students ahead of the first day of school, which was Aug. 12. Teachers are working hard to get their classrooms ready for their students. Districts will have to figure out how to comply with the Ten Commandments law, especially in light of a lawsuit by parents and clergy. As for teachers, their main concern is getting ready for their students on the first day of class, Poole said. A Fort Worth ISD teacher told the Star-Telegram this week that they have not received any guidance from district officials regarding the requirement to have the religious decree hung up in their classrooms. The teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, called the posters ridiculous and a complete waste of time and money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas has other issues that need prioritizing, and adding those posters does nothing to solve our societal problems. Religion is a personal thing and should be kept as such, the teacher said. The posters might be useful if they were made out of bulletproof material so we could use it as a shield against an active shooter. THATS a bigger concern to most teachers in my opinion. Texas legislators are more concerned about culture wars theyve created rather than working toward purposeful solutions for real issues. This is a developing story. For the latest updates, sign up for breaking news alerts. An equal justice statue sits outside the doors of the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) The South Dakota court system has rescinded a judicial emergency sparked by a state communications outage that lasted more than 24 hours. The outage made it impossible for court employees to access court records and court schedules, file documents or take electronic payments for fines. The emergency declaration suspended deadlines across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states network began to come back online Wednesday afternoon. A Thursday press release from the Unified Judicial System said the emergency was rescinded after carefully monitoring current circumstances related to a large-scale technical issue which impacted the State of South Dakota network. The states Bureau of Information and Technology announced Wednesday that core systems like phone lines, state radio, internet access and wireless services were back online, but that full restoration is still in process. During the outage, which began on Tuesday, people couldnt get vital records, drivers licenses, vehicle registrations or license plates. For part of the outage, law enforcement was unable to run license plates during traffic stops to check for warrants or access state criminal background records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IT bureau has blamed the outage on a power supply problem but did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday morning on the cause of that problem. Previously, it said that the incident was not related to a cybersecurity breach, and that the cause was under investigation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A woman was cleared of criminal charges in connection with a deadly shooting that happened in a Safeway parking lot in Northeast Portland last month. The shooting happened on July 18 in the parking lot of a Safeway near Northeast Sandy Boulevard and Northeast 69th Avenue. A man was shot to death, identified as 42-year-old Jasen E. Fitzsimmons, Portland police said. First look: See the new In-N-Out that just opened in WA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man found dead by police was located outside a car. Inside the vehicle was an individual who was arrested and charged with murder and other crimes, though those charges have now been dismissed. Ashe I. Sarehti had called 911 moments after she said someone attempted to steal the vehicle, entering the drivers seat, while she was in the back seat. According to a probable cause affidavit, Sarethi said she shot the man, then unloaded the gun, remained in the vehicle and called 911. After a grand jury heard witness testimony, including testimony from Sarethi, they declined to indict her on second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon charges, court documents said. A circuit court judge then dismissed the charges on Friday. That same day, she was released from Multnomah County custody, The Oregonian reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A US Navy sailor has been convicted of espionage for selling military secrets to China for $12,000, the Justice Department said Thursday. Jinchao Wei was found guilty by a federal jury in California on Wednesday after a five-day trial, the department said in a statement. Wei, a machinist's mate on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex, and another sailor, Wenheng Zhao, were arrested in August 2023 and charged with spying for China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhao pleaded guilty and was sentenced in January of last year to 27 months in prison. Wei went to trial and was convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage and other charges. He is to be sentenced on December 1. Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division said Wei sent photographs and videos of US Navy vessels, ship movement information, technical manuals, and weapons capabilities to a Chinese intelligence officer, for which he was paid $12,000. According to US officials, Zhao, who was stationed at a naval base north of Los Angeles, received nearly $15,000 from a Chinese intelligence officer for sensitive information regarding navy operational security, exercises and critical infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhao specifically provided information about a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system located in Okinawa, Japan, they said. cl/st KILLEEN, Texas / CHICAGO, Ill. (FOX 44) Detectives with the Killeen Police Departments Robbery-Homicide Unit have announced the arrest of a 16-year-old suspect in connection with a homicide. The department previously said the offender was found hiding in Chicago, Illinois on July 21 and was arrested for the outstanding court order charging him with the murder of Kaizen Amere Simmons. He was extradited back to Texas and was awaiting trial. The United States Marshals Services Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and the United States Marshals Service in Chicago assisted in this apprehension. Killeen Police officers were originally dispatched to the 5000 block of Morning Star Lane at approximately 1:26 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29 in reference to a shooting victim. A 21-year-old man was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Killeen Fire Department EMS responded and began life-saving measures. The victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was identified as Kaizen Amere Simmons, who was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences. Police say the preliminary investigation indicated the suspect was in his vehicle and was meeting someone in the street when the shooting occurred. Detectives asked residents in the area to review their surveillance cameras for any individuals walking in the vicinity around the time of the shooting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Former vice president and one-time presidential hopeful Kamala Harris will come to Birmingham this fall. Harris, who served as vice president under former President Joe Biden and stepped up to run as the Democratic nominee for president when Biden dropped out of the race within months of the 2024 election, will come to the Alabama Theatre Oct. 17 to promote her upcoming memoir, 107 Days. The book, co-written by Geraldine Brooks, chronicles her time running for president before she was defeated by President Donald Trump. Following the end of her campaign, some speculated that Harris would run for governor of California in 2026, but she said she wouldnt run for office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 107 Days will be released Sept. 23 under Simon & Schuster. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. 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 CBS 42. Kamala Harris announced Thursday that shell launch her memoir about the 2024 presidential campaign with an appearance next month in New York. The former vice president and losing Democratic candidate will kick off a 15-city tour with a Sept. 24 event at Town Hall in Manhattan. Thats a day after 107 Days hits shelves nationwide. Harris will share what she saw, what she learned, and what it will take to move forward, publisher Simon & Schuster wrote in a statement about the book tour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tour could build buzz about the political future of one of the Democratic Partys most influential figures. Harris hasnt ruled out a 2028 run for the White House after announcing last month that she wouldnt enter the open race for California governor. The book promises an inside look at the unprecedented, short and tumultuous campaign that started when former President Biden abruptly pulled the plug on his reelection bid in July 2024 amid widespread concerns about his age and fitness to serve. Harris went on to lose to President Trump in November, sparking a flood of second guessing about the decisions of Biden, herself and other top party leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ex-veep said she wants to use the book to start a conversation with Americans about the best ways to push back against a broken political system and what she calls Trumps extreme right-wing agenda, without the transactional pressures of a looming run for public office. For now, I dont want to go back in the system, she told late-night host Stephen Colbert last month. . But it doesnt mean we give up. Harris will criss-cross the country for the book tour which will run through November along with side trips to Toronto and London. Along with big cities, she plans stops in smaller alternative markets like Nashville; Durham, N.C.; and Birmingham, Ala., and plans partnerships with independent bookstores along the way. A Kansas City police officer received non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday after a vehicle pursuit led to two collisions. Around 2:45 p.m., Kansas City police officers responded to a vehicle collision, according to a press release from Kansas City Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Phillip DiMartino. A preliminary investigation revealed officers were pursuing a silver BMW that was taken during an apparent armed robbery/carjacking, according to the press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BMW was traveling the wrong way on Askew Avenue before striking an unoccupied gold Buick Enclave parked at Anderson Avenue and Askew Avenue, according to the press release. The BMW continued on Askew before entering an intersection and was struck by a marked police Dodge Durango, according to the press release. The BMW continued on before striking a light pole and coming to a stop. The uninjured driver of the BMW was taken into custody after a foot pursuit, according to the press release. The officer driving the Dodge Durango received non-life-threatening injuries and declined medical treatment. The investigation into the crashes is ongoing, the press release said. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A 24-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was sentenced in federal court on Thursday after pleading guilty to federal firearm charges connected to the deadly shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl parade last year. U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips sentenced Fedo Antonia Manning to five and a half years in prison without parole, to be followed by three years of supervised release, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. cancer free after diagnosis in 2022 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in April, Manning admitted that he knowingly and willfully joined in an agreement to sell firearms to individuals who were prohibited from possessing them under federal law. Federal prosecutors noted Manning was not among the shooters at Union Station on Feb. 14, 2024, as Chiefs fans celebrated. Charging documents do say, however, that 12 people pulled firearms and at least six fired their weapons. One woman, Lisa Lopez-Galvan, was killed, and over 20 were injured. Court records say Manning purchased the AM-15 from Frontier Justice in Lees Summit in 2022. The loaded pistol was found along the wall with a backpack next to two AR-15-style firearms and backpacks. Because the pistol was in the fire position and there were 26 live rounds in the magazine, which is capable of holding 30 rounds, several rounds may have been fired before it was discarded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say he has illegally trafficked dozens of firearms. Law enforcement found 15 of the firearms Manning purchased in the possession of someone who is prohibited from having one, according to prosecutors. Officials say they have also recovered other firearms that Manning purchased in connection with other crimes. Manning agreed that his role in the conspiracy was to serve as a straw purchaser. He bought firearms from federal firearms licensees so that they could later be sold by co-conspirators to individuals who were prohibited from possessing firearms. Between May 11, 2022, and Jan. 13, 2023, investigators discovered that Manning purchased at least 40 firearms from federal firearms licensees. In the plea agreement, he acknowledged that at least seven of the firearms that he purchased were recovered during investigations of crimes in the Kansas City area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2024, the Jackson County prosecutor charged 20-year-old Dominic M. Miller, of Kansas City, and 24-year-old Lyndell Mays, of Raytown, with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Charging documents say Miller and Mays attended the parade and rally armed with firearms. Court records say Mays got into an argument with someone else after the rally. Evidence so far doesnt show any previous contact or prior knowledge between these two people, Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) State lawmakers are preparing Kentuckys next budget; it will be the big item of the 2026 session. However, next year, there is more to plan for to pay for SNAP after the recent changes brought by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Obviously, second year, as it stands currently, has the potential to have a significant impact to the budget, Sen. Chris McDaniel (R-Ryland Heights) said Wednesday while chairing the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue. Alleged Letcher County courthouse brothel victim comes forward, implicates slain judge Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the new law, the states share of SNAPs administrative costs is going up from 50% to 75%; thats about $50 million more the state has to come up with for the 2027 fiscal year and about $66 million more in the 2028 fiscal year. State Budget Director John Hicks explained to the committee that there are additional benefit costs that could fall on the state, too, which could be much more significant. We cant think of another analogy where the federal government, which is providing 100% of a federally funded program, started to shift the cost to a state. And thats whats happened in the reconciliation act, Hicks said. $1.2 billion in SNAP benefits were paid to Kentuckians in 2024, all of that paid for by the federal government. Now, Kentucky could be liable for a share based on SNAP payment errors. There has been a SNAP payment error rate since theres been SNAP, Hicks explained. Department of Community-Based Services Commissioner Lesa Dennis explained that generally, payment errors are when the state over or underpays a recipient due to some kind of clerical error, either by the agency or household. She said household income and shelter deductions are the areas where payment errors occur most often and explained the correction process. 6% is the magic number. Depending on the percentage of errors reported by the state anywhere from $0 to $187 million could fall on Kentucky taxpayers, based on 2024s numbers. While Kentucky has remained below the national average in SNAP payment errors since 2019, for the past two years, Kentucky has reported a high enough error rate (7.27% in 2023 and 9.11% in 2024) that the state would have had to chip in under this bill. 2025s error rate is currently averaged to 3.7%, but the final number wont be known until next summer, after the budget is passed. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will you be in a place of comfort when we go to draft a budget to say, hey, were pretty confident our error rate will be below this. And so, the impact might not be as severe in that second year, McDaniel asked. I think thats hard for us to say, Dennis said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Heres what the ETFs summary prospectus has to say about its investment strategy: While its not quite the same comparison period, its pretty close. Over 200 basis points higher than its benchmark, its easy to see why it continues to hit new 52-week highs. Avantis launched the ETF in September 2019. It has $11.45 billion in total assets invested across 1413 holdings. Its annualized total return since inception through July 31 is 11.62%. The ETFs benchmark, the MSCI World ex USA Small Cap Index, has a five-year annualized total return of 9.50% over the past five years through July 31. Before I get into the positives of investing in this particular ETF, lets consider the basics of AVDV. The ETF just hit its 47th new 52-week high of the past 12 months. If youre a passively-active investor, you might want to consider allocating some of your portfolio to AVDV for the next 3-5 years. Heres why I feel this way. Morningstars article pointed to four areas of relative opportunity in the markets: value stocks, international stocks, small-cap stocks, and high-yield bonds. Three of the four are part of the Avantis International Small Cap Value ETFs (AVDV) investment strategy. Thats yet to happen, but the day of reckoning will soon be upon us. Expect the economic numbers to get worse in Q4 2025 and Q1 2026. But I digress. Ive held a significant amount of cash over the past few weeks, waiting for the steep price American consumers and companies will pay as a result of the White Houses implementation of global tariffs to reveal themselves. Markets are expensive, says Charles Shriver, a portfolio manager at T. Rowe Price and co-chair of the firms Asset Allocation Committee. We have more modest return expectations looking over the next 12 months, Morningstar contributor Sarah Hansen wrote. Morningstar.com published an article yesterday that is perfect for todays commentary on stocks hitting new 52-week highs and lows. Where to Invest When Nothing Looks Cheap examined the pockets of investing where investors might find reasonably priced investments. Story continues The fund seeks to achieve higher expected returns by selecting securities of companies with higher profitability and value characteristics, as well as smaller market capitalizations relative to others within the fund's small cap investment universe. To identify the desired market capitalization companies with higher profitability and value characteristics, the portfolio managers use reported and/or estimated company financials and market data including, but not limited to, shares outstanding, book value and its components, cash flows from operations, and accruals. From its summary prospectus, in addition to what you can observe from the above quote, the ETF wont invest in a stock that has a market cap higher than the highest market cap in the benchmark. As of Sept. 24, 2024, it was $10.2 billion. As a result, AVDVs average market cap is $1.96 billion, about one-quarter the size of the foreign small/mid value category average of $8.30 billion. Youre going to find micro-cap stocks among the 1413 holdings. Most importantly, the fund charges 0.36%, a very reasonable fee for an actively managed international ETF. Now lets get into the funds holdings. Diversification Is the Key Some ETFs claim to be diversified, but their top 10 holdings account for over 50% of the net assets. AVDV is not such a beast. Its top 10 accounts for just 8% of the ETFs total assets. Heres a blurb about its weighting methodology from the summary prospectus: To determine the weight of a security within the portfolio, the portfolio managers use the market capitalization of the security relative to that of other eligible securities as a baseline, then overweight or underweight the security based on the characteristics described above [valuation and profitability metrics mentioned in summary prospectus and from earlier quote]. Essentially, they add together the market caps of all 1413 stocks and then divide each market cap by the total to get an initial weighting. The portfolio managers then overweight or underweight each stock. So, for example, if there were 100 stocks in an ETFs portfolio with a total value of $200 billion, and one stock had a market cap of $4 billion, the initial weighting would be 2% [$4 billion divided by $200 billion]. The portfolio managers would then decide whether to make the final weighting higher or lower than 2%. Thats an illustrative example. In the case of AVDV, there are 1413 stocks; the weightings are all much smaller. For example, the top holding, Marks & Spencer Group (MAKSY), whose primary listing is on the London Stock Exchange, has a market cap of 7.28 billion British pounds ($9.81 billion). Thats at the high end of the inclusion eligibility. Given the large number of holdings, the key to delivering above-average investor returns lies more with the sector and country weightings than with individual stocks. AVDVs top three countries by weight are Japan (32%), the UK (12%), and Canada (10%). The top 10 countries account for 86% of the total assets, with 14% invested in 41 other countries. As for sectors, the top three are industrials (24%), materials (19%), and financials (18%). Technology is down at 4%. This weighting allocation is not uncommon for international small-cap funds. So, if you're looking for a significant tech contribution, AVDV probably isnt for you. The Bottom Line While AVDV is up 24% in the past year, its five-year return is just less than 78%, about 10 percentage points less than the S&P 500. Reversion to the mean suggests that the ETF could close the gap in the next five years. I just returned from a two-week trip in Ireland and Spain. Of the top 10 holdings, I engaged with two of them -- I went to Marks & Spencer in Belfast and saw Iveco Group (IVCGF) trucks everywhere I went in Spain -- so you will know a number of the names in the portfolio. However, with 44% of the total assets invested in Asia Pacific and 42% in Europe, American investors wont know most of the holdings unless they spend a lot of time in either region. Dont let that dissuade you. AVDV is the best deal going at the moment. On the date of publication, Will Ashworth did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Tim Grosser, right, and his son Andy, left, worry about the future of farmland in their part of Mason County. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer) MASON COUNTY Tim Grosser drove his truck across a pasture toward cattle he raises with his son Andy on the farm hes owned for more than 30 years. Its peaceful, Grosser said, mentioning the smell of fresh mown hay. We just cut it and let it cure and rake it, roll it up, and then we store all the rolls to feed the cows in wintertime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither of the Grossers grew up farming. Tim is a doctor and Andy an engineer at the nearby Mitsubishi Electric factory. Their 250 acres about three miles from the Ohio River is where theyve slowly learned how to farm. Where Tims grandson travels from hours away to hunt deer and turkey. Where Andy built a house. Their attachment to this place plays a large role in why the 75-year-old and his son have rejected repeated attempts from their county judge-executive and the local economic development director to reserve their land for a potential future purchase. The last offer they heard in March from local officials was $35,000 an acre, meaning a payout of millions of dollars. His neighbors have also been approached, Grosser said, some agreeing to sign purchase options. I dont want some government people coming in here and telling me that I have to sell my place for anything, Grosser said. Tim Grosser originally bought his land in Mason County to hunt on. He eventually learned how to raise cattle with his son on these rolling pastures. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer) The reason for the land acquisition, as described by local officials: A Fortune 100 company is considering Mason County as the site for a more than $1 billion investment in a technology campus for data centers featuring office space, parking and green space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The potential project is part of what could be a boom in hyperscale data centers in Kentucky. The states largest utility recently told lawmakers its working on 20 data center projects. To meet the prospective demand for electricity, Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities is seeking to build billions of dollars in new natural gas-fired power plants. The state has expanded tax breaks to data centers and state lawmakers are eager to provide more. Supporters in Kentucky welcome the potential for new jobs and tax revenue driven by fast-growing artificial intelligence services. But the industrys tremendous demand for electricity and water also raises concerns, including warnings that Kentucky residents and businesses could be burdened with higher electricity costs if the prospects dont materialize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Mason County, another source of concern is the secrecy surrounding the project. The land being considered is next to both power and water: Just miles away is the Ohio River and East Kentucky Power Cooperatives Hugh L. Spurlock Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant thats being converted to also burn natural gas. Tim Grosser started out with 10 cows and now raises about 40. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer) Secrecy and uncertainty The identity of the company that would build and operate the data center has remained a secret. Local officials have signed non-disclosure agreements, which generally require the signee to not reveal specific information. Tim and Andy Grosser said officials tried to get them to sign such an agreement, but they refused. The way Mason County Judge-Executive Owen McNeill sees it, non-disclosure agreements are common in the economic development world. Especially with global, top 10 companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have hundreds of thousands of employees. They have immeasurable stock prices, McNeill told the Lantern. Without a willingness to do a non-disclosure agreement, you dont even get to talk. Mason County Judge-Executive Owen McNeill. (Courtesy Mason County) McNeill and other officials in recent county government meetings have touted the potential benefits they say the data center project could bring: Needed upgrades to drinking water infrastructure. New programs and support for local schools. A boost in property tax revenue so large that the project could generate more annual tax revenue than many of the countys largest taxpayers combined. Hundreds of jobs badging into the facility with nearly double the normal base salary in the county. McNeill worked in economic development for decades as a consultant and as the economic development director for Mason County and the county seat of Maysville before being appointed to his countys top elected position in 2021 by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. Having been elected to a full four-year term in 2022, he sees himself as a conduit to work with potential investors, to see if a project even will fit here, to see if theres even a possibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His hope is that a data center project could reverse the trend of population decline in Mason County, providing well-paying jobs that support the broader economy similar to how the former Browning Manufacturing plant in Maysville supported families in the 20th century. Having the jobs that people can build their lives around to then be able to enjoy the additional amenities that Maysville, Mason County and northeast Kentucky has to offer is kind of one of those core anchors that keeps people here, McNeill said. Pat Garofalo, the director of state and local policy at the think tank American Economic Liberties Project, said tech companies, especially Amazon and Google, have expanded the use of non-disclosure agreements in economic development deals. But he said its not in the best interest of communities. Pat Garofalo. (Courtesy American Economic Liberties Project) Garofalo, who co-wrote a short report criticizing the use of non-disclosure agreements, says the agreements give companies an unfair advantage in negotiations with communities by eliminating the possibility of competition from other companies that might come in with a better offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of a data center, that offer could pertain to using less water, paying more of its electricity costs or other benefits for the community. An open auction is in the best interests of the public and the taxpayer. A closed, secretive process is in the best interest of the corporation, Garofalo said. The ultimate result is a race to the bottom if this all stays behind closed doors and in the dark, and the different communities dont even know what theyre negotiating on against each other. He also pointed out job promises associated with data centers havent always materialized. He said the data center construction boom comes amid speculation there could be a bubble of investment into data center-backed artificial intelligence. When asked about criticism of non-disclosure agreements, McNeill said he didnt see the merit in such an argument because no competitor to the potential data center developer would come in with more jobs, more alignment with our educational system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think theres anyone better to be quite honest with you, McNeill said, referencing the data center developer. Organizing around lingering questions The secrecy surrounding the project was on the minds of the 30-plus people who gathered Sunday at a Mason County church. The group, which has been organizing for months, was joined by some newcomers hoping to learn more about the project. We demand right now two things: transparency and regulation. Thats what we demand right now of our elected officials, said group president Max Moran. Max Moran, left, speaks to the group organizing around concerns about the data center project. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer) Moran, who serves as a commissioner for the city of Germantown and its almost 150 people along the Mason County line, is part of the loose coalition raising questions about the potential data center: Where would it get its water? How far could its noise carry? How will the environment be protected? How would property values be impacted near the data center? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moran referenced a recent New York Times report that water usage from a Georgia data center built by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, caused a nearby homes water well to run dry and the local county to face a potential water shortage. We dont want that to happen here. Not even a chance of that happening, Moran told the Lantern. Youre supposed to learn from your mistakes. Some members of the group, called We Are Mason County, pointed to reporting from hotspots for data centers around the country, such as Northern Virginia, where residents have pleaded with their local officials over complaints of data centers noise and large land use. Tyler McHugh, the executive director of the Maysville-Mason County Industrial Development Authority, said he believes a lot of the concerns brought by local residents come from speculative data center developers that try to build without having an end user. Data center hotspots such as Virginia, he said, have centers stacked on top of each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McHugh said the Mason County developer, in contrast, is a major technology company that is extremely, extremely focused on community benefit and being a good neighbor. Im not a fly-by-night economic developer. I plan on living the rest of my life and raising my family in Mason County, said McHugh, who graduated from Mason County High School and moved back to the county. I wouldnt bring in someone thats going to cause a complete mess for the county. A mural in downtown Maysville, the county seat of Mason County. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer) If the project comes to Mason County, McHugh and McNeill in separate interviews told the Lantern, they have commitments or guarantees of measures to mitigate noise, pull the bulk of the projects water from the Ohio River and cover infrastructure costs including roads, water, sewer and fiber internet connection. McNeill said in about a month or two, the developer could come before local planning and zoning officials without revealing the name of the company to present more specific plans for the development. Such assurances fall short for Tim and Andy Grosser and other members of We Are Mason County. Anthony Chamblin, who does marketing for the group, said some locals are afraid because data centers are new technology, but the main sentiment is anger at the lack of transparency. He wants to know who the developer is and what the full scale of the development will be, especially as some of his family worry about the value of their homes which are near the area being optioned for development. What is going to happen to our resources? Whats going to happen to the resale value of people around it? said Chamblin. Theres a huge list. Mason County Judge-Executive Owen McNeill says the data center developer would get the bulk of its water from the Ohio River. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) The midterm elections are coming up in just over a year, and the White House is planning to change the way people cast their votes. On Monday, President Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post that he will soon sign an executive order aimed at eliminating mail-in ballots and electronic voting machines, saying it would bring honesty to the 2026 midterm elections. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the move in a press briefing, saying, Im sure there will be many discussions with our friends on Capitol Hill and also our friends in state legislatures across the country to ensure that were protecting the integrity of the vote for the American people. The Constitution outlines some election rules, but most election laws are determined at the state level. Senate Majority Caucus Chair Robby Mills, a Republican from Henderson, recently came out in support of the Presidents proposed ban. He told FOX 56 that the order will likely need to be litigated, but hopes it sparks more conversation about election security. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to make sure that each state makes a law to where one person, one vote, Sen. Mills said. Well see where the executive order, how far that can actually move what theyre doing. But I think youll see that hopefully changing public sentiment on this and more folks like myself talking about the need to have secure voting will support this. Michon Lindstrom, Director of Communications for Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, the states chief election officer, noted that Kentucky already doesnt allow mail-in voting beyond traditional absentee ballots. Secretary Adams doubled down. In a statement to FOX 56, he said, Kentucky is not one of the states that conducts elections primarily by mail. Moreover, with funding from the first Trump administration and the General Assembly, Kentucky has replaced voting machines with paper ballots. Kentucky continues to receive national attention and praise for the security and accessibility of our elections. Sen. Mills added that he feels confident in Kentuckys process, calling it one of the best in the countrybut he expressed concerns about other states. MORE POLITICAL NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre hearing stories and actually seeing documented situations where an apartment gets 20 ballots, and then that brings in this concept of ballot harvesting, Mills said. Nat Turner, director of communications for the Kentucky Democratic Party, sent a statement to FOX 56 in response to Mills support of the presidents order. Just a few years ago, Sen. Mills said he supported absentee ballots. Now, with a decisive statewide election loss under his belt, he is desperate for two things: a head-pat from the president and an excuse for why he and Daniel Cameron fell to Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Coleman. Both the governor and Kentuckys Republican secretary of state believe in the security of our elections, which ensure seniors and troops overseas can exercise their constitutional right to vote. Secure mail-in ballots are not a threat to democracy. Boot-licking Republicans are. Nat Turner, director of communications for the Kentucky Democratic Party Mills emphasized that people with disabilities or work obligations that prevent them from voting in person would still be able to vote by mail through the secure portal to get an absentee ballot. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 award-winning ham waits to be auctioned off during the Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) LOUISVILLE Republican megadonors Joe and Kelly Craft again joined Central Bank in bidding $10 million on a country ham for charity. Kelly Craft, a former United Nations ambassador and 2023 Republican gubernatorial candidate, and her husband, coal executive Joe Craft, have had the winning bid at the annual Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast during the state fair in Louisville for years. The two were not present at the breakfast, but sent Jennifer Barber, of law firm Frost Brown Todd, to make the winning bid with Central Bank Thursday morning. The Crafts and the bank donated $5 million each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the ham auction is the star of the breakfast, Kentucky politicians flock to the event to campaign and meet movers and shakers. Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell emphasized his longtime record in office while addressing the crowd. Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul was invited but did not attend. The three Republicans hoping to replace McConnell U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, former Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Lexington businessman Nate Morris took the opportunity to mingle with breakfast-goers and give interviews to reporters. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear was invited to speak, but did not attend this year. However, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, a possible candidate for the states 2027 governor race, went to the breakfast. A video tribute by the Kentucky Farm Bureau to McConnell highlighted the senators influence on Kentucky and American politics, particularly in agriculture. The video emphasized McConnells role in landing President Donald Trump three appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McConnell and his wife, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Transportation Elaine Chao, received standing ovations from the crowd. McConnells remarks about his start in politics to now echoed much of what he has said at recent appearances in Kentucky. McConnell spoke about international issues, saying he was skeptical of Trumps push for tariffs on imported goods and that Ukraine needs to have a GOP Senate candidate Nate Morris takes questions from the Media following the Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) deal that they can live with, that needs to be enforceable, because that sends a message around the world to adversaries of the U.S. Theres always a lot of talk about whos popular and who isnt, McConnell said, alluding to polls that have shown dissatisfaction with the longtime senator. Let me tell you how to measure popularity. Its winning elections. Thanks to you, I won seven Senate races, nine leader races. Im undefeated at the end of my long game. One of the candidates in the GOP Senate primary, Morris, has made his disapproval of McConnell a central message of his campaign. After the breakfast, Morris said that McConnells recently focused on what hes brought back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What he doesnt tell you is the policies that he supported have destroyed the Kentucky economy, Morris told reporters. . And what I want to be known for is bringing policies that are conducive to our farmers, people that work in our factories, families like mine that got impacted by NAFTA, people losing their job, getting laid off, have their job sent to Mexico. Barr told reporters that he is supportive of Trumps trade policies precisely because I believe in free trade. Barr added that he will soon meet with the Japanese ambassador at Beam Suntory and Toyota plants to discuss trade. U.S. Rep. Andy Barr speaks to reporters after the Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) The bottom line is, I understand what the senator is saying about a trade war, but what the president is doing is actually achieving the very objective that the senator is seeking, which is more open access to American and Kentucky exports, Barr said. Cameron, too, was complimentary of Trump ahead of the breakfast. The president has not made an endorsement in the competitive Senate primary, but the candidates have attempted to tie themselves closer to Trumps positions in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cameron said he believed we could very well be on the verge of some significant peace agreements in this country, in this world. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned to the White House this week and Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska days ago. I think a lot of it started because our president was willing to show force when it came to Iran, Cameron said. And now youve brought Putin to the table. Zelenskyy is back at the table. So many European leaders were meeting at the White House yesterday. A lot of them were lauding the fact that this president has brought all these divergent parties to the table to have a conversation around peace. European leaders joined Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House Monday. Former Attorney General Daniel Cameron speakers to reporters before the Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) Eddie Melton, the president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau, introduced speakers for the breakfast and recognized many elected officials in attendance, including members of the General Assembly. One thing that makes this special is that we have a lot of political leaders that come here to this ham breakfast and get to work through the crowd here, and we laugh about it, dont we, President (Robert) Stivers? Melton said, calling to the Republican state Senate president in the crowd. But it is, it is good, and we do appreciate yall coming out and being here with us today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barber, the Crafts representative, told reporters after the auction the money will support charities including the Barren County Boys and Girls Club, the Craft Academy at Morehead State University and building homes in Eastern Kentucky. The Crafts are thrilled to be able to once again contribute to Kentuckians and help improve the lives of Kentuckians, Barber said. KFB said the auctioned ham weighs 16.5 pounds and was produced by Josh Poling of Broadbents Country Hams in Kuttawa in Lyon County. Jennifer Vasquez Sura, wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, speaks at a press conference July 16 before the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse in Nashville. (Photo by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) NASHVILLE Lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia are asking a federal judge in Tennessee to dismiss human smuggling charges against him, calling the case a clear example of selective and vindictive prosecution by the Trump administration. In a motion filed late Tuesday, just days ahead of Abregos expected pretrial release, the attorneys conceded their argument to dismiss the case is infrequently made and rarely succeeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if there has ever been a case for dismissal on those grounds, this is that case, they wrote. The government is attempting to use this case and this Court to punish Mr. Abrego for successfully fighting his unlawful removal. That is a constitutional violation of the most basic sort. The government has not yet filed a legal response. The United States position is set forth in Mr. McGuires statements in court and our pleadings, a spokesperson for Acting U.S. Attorney Robert McGuire said in an email Wednesday. The 35-page petition seeking to dismiss all charges narrates a chain of events that began with Abregos detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in March, while driving with his son in Maryland, through his deportation days later to a Salvadoran prison. Abrego remained for months in the notorious maximum security CECOT prison, despite the admission by a government attorney he had been sent there in error. Abrego subsequently said he was tortured while in CECOT. A wide-ranging and unprecedented retribution campaign Attorneys for Abrego challenged his removal to El Salvador for lack of due process in a separate lawsuit filed in federal court in Maryland, where the 29-year-old sheet metal apprentice had been living with his wife and children. The government did not take steps to fix its mistake, his Tennessee lawyers wrote Tuesday. Instead, in response to his lawsuit and to the substantial publicity it received the government undertook a wide-ranging and unprecedented retribution campaign against Mr. Abrego. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The human smuggling charges brought against Abrego in Tennessee are part of that campaign, his lawyers argued. A Tennessee grand jury in June returned the indictments for conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain and unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain. Prosecutors contend Abrego participated in a national scheme to move immigrants who entered the United States illegally to points around the country. Abrego, as his attorneys refer to him in legal filings, has pleaded not guilty. The charges are tied to a 2022 traffic stop in Putnam County, Tenn., where Abrego was pulled over for speeding with nine passengers in the back of his car. Abrego was neither ticketed nor arrested in the stop. A Department of Homeland Security special agent later testified he was not tasked with investigating the Tennessee traffic stop until April 28 of this year. By then, a Maryland federal judge had ordered the government to facilitate Abregos return to the U.S. and the Supreme Court had upheld the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government returned Abrego to Tennessee to face charges on June 6. Case draws national scrutiny The case generated widespread public scrutiny of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown tactics during his initial months in office, which were criticized for undermining due process rights guaranteed to both citizens and noncitizens. Abrego, a Salvadoran national who entered the United States illegally as a teenager, is subject to a 2019 immigration court order that prohibits the government from deporting him to El Salvador, where he says he faces threats of gang violence. After his wrongful deportation, administration officials, including President Donald Trump, singled out Abrego in their public comments, calling him a gangbanger, monster, illegal predator, illegal alien terrorist, wife beater, and human trafficker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abregos attorneys accused the administration of a public smear campaign intended to paper over its embarrassment over his wrongful deportation and to retaliate against his legal efforts to assert his due process rights. Abrego has denied gang affiliation. The administrations public statements, Abregos attorneys argued, bolster their claims that the prosecution against him is retaliatory. The unprecedented public pronouncements attacking Mr. Abrego for his successful exercise of constitutional rights by senior cabinet members, leaders of the DOJ, and even the President of the United States, make this the rare case where actual vindictiveness is clear from the record, they wrote. Lawyers seek to curb Trump administration comments about the case Earlier this month, Abregos attorneys sought, for a second time, a court order restricting government officials remarks about the case as prejudicial and contrary to standard court rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw, who presides over the Tennessee criminal case, directed all counsel and those working with counsel to note in their public communications that Abrego is presumed innocent. Our Constitution requires that Abrego is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury, Crenshaw wrote in his July 31 order. Separately, in response to Abregos attorneys waiver of the right to a speedy trial, the court set a trial date of Jan. 27. Abrego remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals, who have jurisdiction over pretrial detainees in federal cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego has already been cleared for release pending trial by a Tennessee magistrate, an order placed on hold at the request of his attorneys amid uncertainty over whether federal immigration officials intend to detain or deport him to a third country. Abregos attorneys on Tuesday requested the magistrate move forward with releasing him Friday, the day the hold expires. The attorneys noted a Maryland federal judge has barred the government from taking Abrego into immigration custody and required immigration officials to provide 72-hours written notice before removing him to a third country. His Tennessee lawyers, Sean Hecker and Rascoe Dean, also wrote they are retaining a private security firm that has experience providing court-approved pre-trial transportation and security services in criminal cases to transport Mr. Abrego from Tennessee to Maryland upon release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawyers requested details about the security arrangements be kept under seal in order to protect Mr. Abregos safety. A federal magistrate on Wednesday set a tentative hearing for Friday if prosecutors oppose any of the conditions of Abregos release sought by his attorneys. This story first appeared in Tennessee Lookout, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Tennessee Lookout maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Holly McCall for questions: info@tennesseelookout.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Trump administration plans to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda after he declined a plea deal involving deportation to Costa Rica, his defense attorneys told a court Saturday. He was released from a Tennessee jail on Friday after his case attracted significant attention amid President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown when he was mistakenly deported in March. Facing a court order, the Trump administration brought him back to the U.S. in June, only to detain him on human smuggling charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia's attorney's court filings show the administration requested he appear at an immigration facility in Baltimore on Monday and could be deported again. As his story takes yet another turn, heres what to know: The Costa Rica-Uganda offer The Costa Rica offer came late Thursday and included a requirement that he remain in jail, according to a brief filed in Tennessee, where the criminal case was brought. After Abrego Garcia left jail Friday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement told his attorneys he would be deported to Uganda and should report to immigration authorities on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later Friday, the government told Abrego Garcia he has until first thing Monday to accept a plea in exchange for deportation to Costa Rica, or else that offer will be off the table, his defense attorneys wrote. They declined to say whether he is still considering the offer. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that the administration will not stop fighting until hes out of the U.S. Well-founded fear of returning to El Salvador Abrego Garcia, 30, grew up in El Salvador and fled at age 16 because a local gang extorted and terrorized his family, court records state. He traveled to Maryland, where his brother lives as a U.S. citizen, but was not authorized to stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia found work in construction and met his future wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura. In 2018, he moved in with her and her two children after she became pregnant with his child. In March 2019, Abrego Garcia went to a Home Depot seeking work as a laborer when he was detained by local police, court records state. They were suspected of being in MS-13 based on tattoos and clothing. A criminal informant told police Abrego Garcia was in MS-13, court records state, but police did not charge him and turned him over to ICE. A U.S. immigration judge denied Abrego Garcia's subsequent asylum claim because more than a year had passed since his arrival. But the judge granted him protection from being deported to El Salvador, determining he had a well-founded fear of gang persecution there, court records state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia was released and placed under federal supervision. He received a federal work permit and checked in with ICE each year, his lawyers said. Audacity to fight back In February, the Trump administration designated MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization. In March, it deported Abrego Garcia to the prison in El Salvador, violating the U.S. immigration judge's 2019 order. Abrego Garcia later claimed in court documents that he was beaten and psychologically tortured, while El Salvador President Nayib Bukele denied the allegations. The Trump administration described its violation of the immigration judges 2019 order as an administrative error. Donald Trump and other officials doubled down on claims that Abrego Garcia was in MS-13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vasquez Sura filed a lawsuit to bring her husband back. The Trump administration returned Abrego Garcia to the U.S. in June after a Supreme Court order. But it brought human smuggling charges against him. The smuggling case stems from a 2022 traffic stop for speeding, during which Abrego Garcia was driving with nine passengers. Tennessee police suspected human smuggling, but allowed him to drive on, didn't charge him. Abrego Garcia pleaded not guilty. His lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the case based on vindictive and selective prosecution. Deportation fears realized U.S. Magistrate Barbara Holmes in Nashville ruled in June that Abrego Garcia has a right to be released from jail while he awaits trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Abrego Garcia remained in a Tennessee jail at his attorneys' request for about 11 weeks over fears that ICE would immediately try to deport him. Thomas Giles, an assistant director for ICE, testified in July that Abrego Garcia would be detained as soon as hes freed. U.S. officials argued Abrego Garcia can be deported because he came to the U.S. illegally and because an immigration judge deemed him eligible for expulsion in 2019, just not to his native El Salvador. Judge provides some protections In response to concerns Abrego Garcia would be deported without due process, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis prohibited ICE from immediately detaining him upon release in Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xinis, overseeing the lawsuit in Maryland, ordered restrictions on ICE in late July. She required any removal proceedings begin in Baltimore. Xinis also ordered that ICE provide three business days notice if it intends to initiate removal proceedings. The Trump administration has done little to assure the Court that, absent intervention, Abrego Garcias due process rights will be protected, Xinis wrote. Electronic monitoring and home detention Soon after Xinis's order, Abrego Garcia's attorneys asked the federal judge in Tennessee to release him. Holmes, the U.S. magistrate in Nashville, released him Friday, requiring Abrego Garcia to stay with his brother in Maryland and be subjected to electronic monitoring and home detention. In a statement on Friday, he said he saw his family for the first time in over five months. We are steps closer to justice, but justice has not been fully served, he said. ___ North Korea has rejected South Korean president Lee Jae Myungs latest efforts to improve ties, saying Pyongyang will never treat Seoul as a diplomatic partner. Kim Jong Uns sister, Kim Yo Jong, accused Mr Lee of hypocrisy for calling for dialogue while joining US-South Korea military drills, which North Korea sees as invasion rehearsals. The Western allies argue the drills are necessary to prepare for North Korean aggression. On Friday, Mr Lee urged Pyongyang to rebuild trust by reviving the 2018 inter-Korean military pact that reduced border tensions through buffer zones and no-fly areas. The deal collapsed after both sides abandoned it North Korea first, and South Korea later in 2024 amid rising hostilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since taking office in June, Mr Lee has tried to ease tensions with Pyongyang rolling back propaganda loudspeakers at the border, promising not to pursue forced unification, and now proposing a revival of the 2018 military pact. He has also urged Pyongyang to return to dialogue and remains firm on denuclearisation. Lee Jae Myung is not the sort of man who will change the course of history, Ms Kim said, according to the state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) news agency. At this moment, the Lee Jae Myung regime is repeating the predecessors gibberish of defensive drill even after staging the reckless US-ROK war drill for aggression directly threatening the security of the DPRK, she added. ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the official name for South Korea, and DPRK refers to the official name of North Korea, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the part clearly illuminating the dual personality of the Seoul authorities who are carrying two faces under one hood. South Korean soldiers take part in an anti-terror drill at the foreign ministry building in Seoul on 19 August 2025, on the sidelines of a major South Korea-US joint military exercise called the Ulchi Freedom Shield. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called on 19 August for the rapid expansion of the countrys nuclear weapons capability, citing ongoing US-South Korea military exercises that he said could ignite a war (AFP via Getty Images) South Korea and the United States launched joint military exercises this week, testing upgraded responses to North Koreas expanding nuclear arsenal. The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield, the second of South Koreas two major annual exercises, was to bring together 21,000 troops including 18,000 South Koreans for computer-simulated command operations and field training. And while the allies later delayed half of Ulchi Freedom Shields 44 planned field drills until September, US military officials rejected South Korean media claims that the cutback was intended to create space for diplomacy with Pyongyang, saying the changes were due to extreme heat and flood-damaged training sites. In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, centre, inspects the warship Choe Hyon in Nampo, North Korea, on 18 August 2025 (AP) They continue to tediously talk about peace and improved relations, being well aware that it is impossible to realise them, because they have an ulterior motive to finally shift the responsibility for the DPRK-ROK relations failing to recover onto the DPRK, Ms Kim said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Kim Jong Un also denounced the South KoreaUS military drills and pledged to accelerate the expansion of his nuclear arsenal while touring a new warship equipped with nuclear-capable systems. State media later quoted his sister, Ms Kim, branding South Korea a top-class faithful dog of Washington and declaring that Seouls hopes of mending inter-Korean ties will never be realised. South Korean president Lee Jae Myung has urged Pyongyang to revive the 2018 military pact to ease border tensions (via REUTERS) In a statement last week, North Korean defence minister No Kwang Chol said the exercises reflected the allies posture of military confrontation with Pyongyang and warned that its forces were prepared to respond to any provocation going beyond the boundary line. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high, with Pyongyang rejecting Mr Lees overtures for dialogue as relations have deteriorated in recent years amid Mr Kims weapons buildup and closer alignment with Moscow after Russias invasion of Ukraine. This picture taken on 15 August 2025 and released from North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 16 August 2025 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visiting the Liberation Tower to mark the 80th anniversary of Koreas liberation in Pyongyang. Kim has denounced joint US-South Korea drills (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image) Earlier, North Korea also denied removing propaganda broadcast speakers on the border with South Korea, with Ms Kim labelling the claim a red herring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement published in the KCNA news agency, Ms Kim said: We have never removed loudspeakers installed on the border area and are not willing to remove them. Meanwhile, Ms Kim said at the Tuesday meeting: They also know that the DPRK-ROK relations desired by them will never come back. If they dont know, they will be idiots. She added: Clarifying once again on this occasion, the Republic of Korea cannot be a diplomatic partner of the DPRK. SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) A Kings Fork High music teacher has been arrested after allegedly providing drug paraphernalia to students and using it with them, according to Suffolk Police on Thursday. Police say this occurred during the 2024-2025 school year. On Aug. 18, Suffolk Police were contacted about the incident and launched an investigation. Sara Jordan, 41, was charged with distributing drugs on school property, consuming marijuana on school property and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan is currently on administrative leave. The investigation remains ongoing. 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. Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Bryan Waugh, at podium, joins Nebraska Adj. Gen. Craig Strong at left and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys as the state announces a new ICE facility. Aug 19. 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN State lawmakers are learning on the go about Nebraskas plan to transform its McCook-based Work Ethic Camp from a rehabilitative center to a migrant detention facility over the next couple of months. Among major still-unanswered questions: What will the immediate impacts be of shoehorning more inmates from the McCook center into other placements in an already overcrowded prison system? Confirmed information from Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Rob Jeffreys includes comments Tuesday to reporters that his department would continue to ensure safety and provide care to anyone housed in state facilities. The repurposed Work Ethic Camp would still be state-owned and operated because homeland security starts at home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were in the business of corrections, so its just another population for us to manage, Jeffreys said. We provide the services. We provide adequate, humane care. Jeffreys has indicated that the 186 Nebraskans currently housed at the McCook facility will be moved over roughly the next 45 to 60 days to other prisons. The specifics have not been ironed out. The federal government would fully reimburse Nebraska to house federal low-to-medium-risk detainees at the revamped Work Ethic Camp with plans to grow to accommodate up to 300 detainees at a facility designed to hold about 200, which would mean repurposing existing spaces used for meetings and other programming. A Midwest hub for ICE? The Work Ethic Camp, legislatively approved 41-1 at the request of McCook native and then-Gov. Ben Nelson in April 1997 and opened four years later, seeks to reduce prison crowding through rehabilitative programming to low-risk offenders, making space for more violent offenders elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility has served adult men convicted of felonies who need substance use treatment or cognitive restructuring, according to budget documents from September 2024. It had an annual state budget of $9.5 million during the most recent fiscal year, 56% of which was for security. The facility has about 85 staff. The McCook Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services) The Examiner contacted Correctional Services, the Office of Gov. Jim Pillen, all eight members of the Legislatures Judiciary Committee and other officials to learn more about next steps after officials announced multiple state-federal partnerships to ramp up immigration enforcement. Perspectives among responding officials differed largely along ideological lines, including in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, the only statehouse where lawmakers are not formally elected by or organized around party affiliation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is rebranding the repurposed Work Ethic Camp facility as the Cornhusker Clink, according to Pillen and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffreys said he wants it to be the Midwest hub for immigration enforcement. Humanitarian viewpoint State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, one of two Democratic lawmakers representing legislative districts that President Donald Trump won in 2024, said his immediate concerns were about managing the states existing prison population. That includes how Correctional Services is retooling after an August windstorm tore the roof off two Nebraska State Penitentiary housing units in Lincoln. State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, center, talks with State Sens. Danielle Conrad and George Dungan, both of Lincoln. April 10, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) A total of 387 inmates were displaced to temporary housing, with 137 sent to other facilities in Omaha or Tecumseh. Some have since been moved back into normal housing. Inmates are expected to be able to safely return to State Pen housing by the end of September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rountree said the moniker Nebraska, the Good Life is now paired with immigration enforcement efforts that he said differ from Trumps promises to go after criminals. He said other migrants with no criminal backgrounds have been swept up, causing a disruption to the people of our community. The freshman lawmaker said he approaches his purple district from a humanitarian viewpoint and as a 30-year military veteran who understands the impact of law. Theres a place for the rule of law to exist along with humanitarian effort, Rountree said. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, center, greets Gov. Jim Pillen ahead of the governors annual State of the State Address to the Legislature. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha, who has served on the Judiciary Committee for five years, said he strongly opposes the repurposed McCook facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our prisons are already poorly managed, overcrowded and plagued by substandard living conditions, McKinney said Tuesday in a Facebook post. No one should be subjected to such inhumane treatment. State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, a former director of the ACLU of Nebraska, a Democrat and a former Appropriations Committee member, questioned Pillens legal authority to create the new ICE facility under the Nebraska Constitutions Article IV, Section 19. Since 1875, the Nebraska Constitution has given the Legislature exclusive authority in the general management, control and government of all state charitable, mental, reformatory and penal institutions. Well thought out State Sens. Tanya Storer of Whitman and Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse, Republican freshman members of the Judiciary Committee, said they were more confident in the federal direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think if Nebraska is in a position to help be part of that effort in a positive way, thats a good thing, Storer said. State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, center, meets with state and local officials for an update on the disaster response to a major fire in her north-central legislative district. April 23, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Storer said she had a briefing on the plan to repurpose the Work Ethic Camp about an hour before it was made public. She said she learned the project could bring additional federal dollars to Nebraska without any additional state taxes. State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Legislatures budget-writing Appropriations Committee, said he was told reimbursements would lead to cost savings, the extent of which is not yet clear. Hallstrom said he is still learning on the go but highlighted Pillens pledge that safety and protection of citizens would be a primary goal and objective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Storer said she doesnt think the repurposing would hinder legislative or department efforts to reduce recidivism, address overcrowding or boost the chances for successful societal reentry for inmates. We were assured that there is space available within our system to individuals without creating any hiccups, Storer said. It appears that this has been well thought out. State Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse, center. June 2, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Hallstrom said he also raised questions about space initially but is so far satisfied. He said he hopes the rehabilitative objective from McCook stays, such as Jeffreys engaging business leaders to do so. He added he hopes any ICE detainees will be treated humanely. I certainly trust and hope that that will be the case with whatevers rolled out here over the next however long it takes to get things put together, Hallstrom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, a former prosecutor and chair of the Judiciary Committee, told the Examiner: Im still learning about the WEC situation, so its premature for me to comment on the plan. What comes next The contract between Nebraska and the federal government is still ongoing, with Jeffreys saying Tuesday it could be an initial one-year commitment or longer, possibly three years. He said he didnt want to get baked into a timeline with them before we take care of our own house, acknowledging that the August windstorm put the department behind. Jeffreys said the timeline got ahead of us for announcing the state-federal partnership, with Correctional Services staff finding out as the public did of the transition. He pledged to remain transparent with his team moving forward. As the McCook offenders move into other facilities, Jeffreys said Nebraska inmates are involved in programming like its never been done before, so hes not worried about violence. He said the prison system remains committed to ensuring fair treatment, programming and that Nebraskans are ready to reenter society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the ICE facility remains under Correctional Services control, it would likely be subject to legislative oversight, including complaints through the Ombudsmans Office or the Office of Inspector General for Corrections. Press pause Conrad, the longest-serving current member of the Legislature, said lawmakers share a Pillen-Trump goal of addressing public safety and a broken immigration system. But she said the political stunt Pillen is doing to curry favor with an autocratic president isnt the way. We know that the way to solve those problems is through sensible, comprehensive immigration reform, where we respect human rights and we meet our countrys economic needs, and we dont conflate those who are seeking a better life for them and their families or are fleeing persecution with true threats to public safety or national security, Conrad said Wednesday. Gov. Jim Pillen, right, shakes hands with State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha as State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln smiles at the pair. First Lady Suzanne Pillen looks from the right. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Conrad said it remains to be seen if there will be any savings to Nebraska or if rehabilitation and second chances will still be afforded to rehoused Work Ethic Camp inmates, if they are moved into facilities bulging at the seams. A corrections spokesperson told the Examiner a robust offering of rehabilitative opportunities is available at all NDCS facilities. She also noted the department will add 96 beds to its Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln this fall. Pillen has said he is stepping up to answer Trumps call for governors and states to do their part to enforce immigration laws and fulfill the highest calling of government: public safety. A Pillen spokesperson said the alternative is failed Biden-era open border policies. Conrad encouraged Pillen to pray deeply on his decision and visit with faith, business and ag leaders and embrace a past willingness to change course when met with new perspectives. Its never too late to press pause, Conrad said, and to come forward with a more serious, thoughtful proposal thats grounded in the law and our Nebraska values. How the McCook Work Ethic Camp will become what ICE calls the Cornhusker Clink State senators approved the Work Ethic Camp by 41-1 at the request of former Gov. Ben Nelson in April 1997. It opened four years later in April 2001. The Nebraska-federal mutual agreement to repurpose the McCook Work Ethic Camp came partially because of its proximity to other states. State officials hope it can be a Midwest hub for ICE. It is right next to the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport. The current southwest Nebraska prison serves adult men serving felony convictions with rehabilitative opportunities, including local work in a dormitory-style setting, as a means to free up housing for more violent offenders at higher-security state facilities. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is rebranding the revamped facility the Cornhusker Clink, following Alligator Alcatraz in Florida and the Speedway Slammer in Indiana. Low-to-medium-risk detainees would be housed and provided services between deportation or other legal proceedings at the repurposed Work Ethic Camp in McCook. Its unclear if the facility would remain all male or whether women, children or families would be detained there. Gov. Jim Pillen at a Tuesday news conference in McCook said, Ill be honest, Im not a politician. Ive not thought about that. Ive not asked that question. There are 11 lawyers with active licenses in Red Willow County (McCook is the county seat), according to the Nebraska State Bar Association. State officials estimate that they will move the current McCook inmates to other state facilities over the next 45-60 days. Housing placements have not yet been decided. Parole board hearings and reviews will continue as normal for state inmates at McCook. Whether corrections employees offering job and other counseling programs would remain in McCook, or be transferred to other state facilities, will depend on contract negotiations. Pillen has said many would remain. The federal government would reimburse Nebraska for the use of the McCook facility, which would remain state-owned and operated. The contract is still in progress but would be for at least one year. An early August windstorm tore the roof off of two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, displacing 387 inmates. Of those, 137 were sent to temporary housing at agency facilities in Omaha and Tecumseh. Some have returned to normal housing. The damaged housing units are expected to be usable by late September. State officials say they are not concerned with overcrowding, noting nearly 100 new beds will open up at the Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln this fall. Cindy Gonzalez, Zach Wendling and Juan Salinas II SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An herbal supplement that's marketed as a cure-all for chronic pain and sold in gas stations and smoke shops is getting banned in communities across Southern California and the nation. Kratom is derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia, and is commonly made into a powder or pill. Researchers say in the United States people are using kratom to alleviate anxiety, treat chronic pain or as a remedy for the symptoms associated with quitting opioids, among other uses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But recently, public health officials have raised alarms about a component of the leaf called hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH, an alkaloid that has the potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors in the body. 7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant but researchers are seeing a proliferation of concentrated 7-OH products that potentially have enhanced amounts of the chemical, according to a report by the Food and Drug Administration. The use of kratom in any form has not been approved by the FDA but the agency is particularly scrutinizing 7-OH. It also is not regulated at the state level in California. In the absence of regulation, last week the Orange County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale, distribution or possession of synthetic kratom products in any form in the county. The ban comes after similar ordinances approved in Newport Beach, San Diego and Oceanside, among other cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states, including Arizona, Minnesota and Texas, prohibit the sale of products with 7-OH to minors. Other states are working on legislation that would tighten kratom regulations that include testing, age restrictions and labeling. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reviewing the Orange County ordinance and "is committed to continuing our efforts to inform residents about the dangers associated with kratom," the department said in a statement. "Its availability is a cause for concern since Los Angeles residents might use kratom without a full understanding of its risks," the statement read. What are the side effects of taking kratom? The drug has stimulant effects, in low doses, so people have reported feeling alert, physically energized and talkative, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. In high doses, it can have opioid effects such as sedation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of kratom's opioid effects, those who use it can develop opioid use disorder which seriously affects "the health and wellness of our community and increases the risk of people using higher-potency opioids associated with significant overdose risks," the Los Angeles County Department of health stated. Poison control centers in the U.S. received more than 3,400 reports about the use of kratom from 2014 to 2019, according to the Mayo Clinic. The side effects reported included high blood pressure, confusion, seizures and death. According to the FDA, there were 11 deaths from 2011 to 2017 connected to kratom exposure, but almost all of them involved other drugs or contaminants. General physical side effects of kratom can include nausea, constipation, dizziness and dry mouth. Side effects related to the nervous system include hallucinations, delusions, depression, confusion and trouble breathing. Why isn't kratom regulated? In July, the FDA recommended that the synthetic ingredient 7-OH, not the plant itself, be placed on the federal government's restrictive list of illegal drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ingredient is being used in products that are becoming increasingly available to purchase online and at smoke shops, the agency warned. The FDA is particularly concerned with the growing market of 7-OH products that may be especially appealing to children and teenagers, such as fruit-flavored gummies and ice cream cones that aren't clearly labeled as having 7-OH content. The federal agency's recommendation will be reviewed by the DEA, which ultimately has the authority to categorize the chemical as an illegal drug but not without a draft of its findings, followed by a public comment period. Last year, California was on its way to having statewide regulation for kratom products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) proposed Assembly Bill 2365 that would require kratom products be registered with the public health department. It also would regulate the product's chemical content, mandate labeling with alkaloid amounts and warnings that kratom may be habit forming as well as bar kratom sales to anyone under 21. The bill was well-constructed for consumer protection but disappointingly shelved last year, said Matthew Lowe, executive director of the Global Kratom Coalition. "Without regulation, these bad actors push synthetic products onto the market without any legal or scientific justification," Lowe said. "Consumers who responsibly use natural kratom leaf fear losing access because of the reckless actions of those selling dangerous synthetics falsely marketed as natural kratom." The coalition supports putting federal regulations on 7-OH so it can provide a legal framework for local governments, Lowe said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Kids are headed back to school next week, which means theyll need to get fully stocked with pencils, paper and much more to succeed in the classroom. Luckily, the Write From The Start school supply drive is stepping up to help kids at Vancouver Public Schools. KOIN 6 News Kohr Harlan visited Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary to learn more about the drive. Watch the full video in the player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Welcome to Eye on AI! AI reporter Sharon Goldman here, filling in for Jeremy Kahn. In this edition Sam Altmans AI paradoxAI has quietly become a fixture of advertisingSilicon Valleys AI deals are creating zombie startupssources say Nvidia working on new AI chip for China that outperforms the H20. I was not invited to Sam Altmans cozy dinner with reporters in San Francisco last week (whomp whomp), but maybe thats for the best. I have trouble suppressing exasperated eye rolls when I hear peak Silicon Valleyironic statements. I am not sure I could have controlled myself when the OpenAI CEO said that he believes AI could be in a bubble, with market conditions similar to the 1990s dotcom boom. Yes, he reportedly said, investors as a whole are overexcited about AI. Yet, over the same meal, Altman also apparently said he expects OpenAI to spend trillions of dollars on its data center buildout in the not very distant future, adding that you should expect a bunch of economists wringing their hands, saying, This is so crazy, its so reckless, and well just be like, You know what? Let us do our thing. Ummmwhat could be more frothy than pitching a multi-trillion-dollar expansion in an industry youve just called a bubble? Cue an eye roll reaching the top of my head. Sure, Altman may have been referring to smaller AI startups with sky-high valuations and little to no revenue, but still, the irony is rich. Its particularly notable given the weak GPT-5 rollout earlier this month, which was supposed to mark a leap forward but instead left many disappointed with its routing system and lack of breakthrough progress. In addition, even as Altman speaks of bubbles, OpenAI itself is raising record sums. In early August, OpenAI secured a whopping $8.3 billion in new funding at a $300 billion valuationpart of its plan to raise $40 billion this year. That figure was five times oversubscribed. On top of that, employees are now poised to sell about $6 billion in shares to investors like SoftBank, Dragoneer, and Thrive, pushing the companys valuation potentially up to $500 billion. OpenAI is hardly an outlier in its infrastructure binge. Tech giants are pouring unprecedented sums into AI buildouts in 2025: Microsoft alone plans to spend $80 billion on AI data centers this fiscal year, while Meta is projecting up to $72 billion in AI and infrastructure investments. And on the fundraising front, OpenAI has company too rivals like Anthropic are chasing multibillion-dollar rounds of their own. Wall Streets biggest bulls, like Wedbushs Dan Ives, seem unconcerned. Ives said Monday on CNBCs Closing Bell that demand for AI infrastructure has grown 30% to 40% in the last months, calling the capex surge a validation moment for the sector. While he acknowledged some froth in parts of the market, he said the AI revolution with autonomous systems is only starting to play out and we are in the second inning of a nine-inning game. A University of Kansas repatriation project to return human remains, funerary objects and other artifacts to Indigenous tribal nations has identified a connection with the Kaw and Pawnee Nations, according to the National Parks Service. Sites first excavated decades ago in Kansas counties were found to contain remains and objects that ended up in possession by the University of Kansas. According to a notice from the National Parks Service, KU identified physical remains of 21 Indigenous people and three objects reasonably believed to have been placed intentionally with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony connected to the Pawnee Nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KU formed a committee in 2022 to comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Its purpose, according to a letter from KU leadership is to complete necessary steps of repatriation of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony that are in the institutions possession, as mandated by federal law. Additionally, the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is leading efforts to support those impacted by the incomplete process started at the university decades ago, focusing, in particular, on our Native American and Indigenous students, faculty and staff. The Pawnee Nation confirmed with the News Press it had been notified of the repatriation effort. The process for Pawnee Nation to proceed would begin on or after Sept. 17, when the period opens according to federal guidelines. ALMATY (Reuters) -Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov appealed to the leaders of the United States and Britain on Thursday after London imposed sanctions on Kyrgyz crypto networks it said were being used by Russia to evade sanctions against Moscow. "I would appeal to the top leadership of these countries, to (U.S. President) Donald Trump and (British Prime Minister) Keir Starmer," Japarov told Kyrgyz state news agency Kabar. "There is no need to politicise the economy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement London on Wednesday introduced sanctions targeting the infrastructure behind A7A5, a rouble-pegged stablecoin launched in Kyrgyzstan which Britain said had moved $9.3 billion in four months. A Luxembourg-based firm and four Kyrgyz entities including Grinex LLC and Old Vector LLC, linked to the infrastructure behind A7A5, were targeted. The U.S. sanctioned Grinex and Old Vector last week, saying they were involved in facilitating sanctions evasion and supporting illicit crypto activity. Japarov denied that any of Kyrgyzstan's 21 banks were involved in circumventing sanctions. "To prevent any of them from falling under sanctions, we have decided that only the state-owned Keremet Bank will work with the Russian rouble. All operations are controlled by the state, and the profits go to the state budget," Japarov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington sanctioned Keremet Bank in January, saying the mid-sized lender was creating a hub for trade payments and helping Moscow to evade restrictions. Keremet has said it will challenge the decision. "We are ready to comply with international obligations," Japarov said on Thursday. "But I will not allow the interests of our citizens and the trade and economic development of the country to be reduced to nothing." (Reporting by Mariya Gordeyeva; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) As Gov. Gavin Newsoms push to redraw Californias congressional maps plays out at the state Capitol and on the national stage, a quieter but no less bloody scramble is simultaneously underway. Newsoms plan a bid to counter President Trumps drive for more GOP House seats with his own California show of force still needs to be approved by the state Legislature before voters decide its fate in November. But behind the scenes, consultants, lawmakers and would-be candidates already are jockeying for position in the newly competitive or vastly redrawn districts that may soon exist across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As rumblings emerged that there probably would be a new southeast Los Angeles County congressional seat later confirmed by the official maps released last week political watchers braced for a full-on feeding frenzy. A fresh seat in a safe Democratic district can be a once-in-a-generation opportunity, particularly in a region crowded with ambitious politicians. But a race that doesnt even officially exist yet seems to already be practically tied up with a bow. L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis hasn't publicly announced her candidacy. But shes made her intention to run for the redrawn 38th District clear within the close-knit world of California politics. And other would-be candidates appear to be staying out of the veteran politician's way. Read more: How California's proposed redistricting map compares to current congressional districts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the brass-knuckles world of southeast L.A. County politics, Solis, 67, has long been a starring player. She previously served in Congress and the statehouse before becoming one of the five "little queens" holding the reins of the county kingdom. Her desire for the new seat and her ability to claw back potential competition are widely known, according to conversations with more than a dozen political operatives and current and former lawmakers, most of whom asked for anonymity to speak freely about a sensitive topic. Through a consultant, Solis did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Solis was telling California lawmakers and other civic leaders that she was planning to run and was seeking endorsements, even before the maps were finalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one California lawmaker noted that Solis referred to the district as "my seat" when asking for backing a reference to the seat she once held, even though the new district doesn't yet exist. Some have bristled at the alacrity with which Solis has appeared to consolidate support. The frustration is sharpened at a time when aging politicians in Washington have become a political flash point and Democratic leaders have been criticized for sidelining younger talent. Read more: How Democrats plan to reshape California's congressional delegation and thwart Trump It kind of looks like Hilda Solis has completely sewn up that seat in one night of making phone calls. And the excitement of a brand-new seat was quickly extinguished, one Southern California Democratic political consultant said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several of the consultant's clients have already agreed to endorse Solis, they added. Unless Cesar Chavez himself is running out there, Hilda Solis will get our support, a leader of one politically influential union said, name-checking the late labor trailblazer. Solis was reelected to a third and final term on the powerful county Board of Supervisors in 2022, representing a district that sprawls from downtown and northeast Los Angeles to Pomona. She has been a leader on environmental justice and immigrant issues and made history early in her career as the first Latina in the state Senate. Congress would be a homecoming of sorts for her she was elected to the House in 2000 and served several terms before stepping down for a role as President Obamas Secretary of Labor in 2009. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposed maps, Democrats could pick up five seats now held by Republicans while bolstering vulnerable Democratic Reps. Adam Gray, Josh Harder, George Whitesides, Derek Tran and Dave Min. To make those changes work, the maps vastly alter other districts around the state while creating an additional district in L.A. County. A wide swath of what is now the 38th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Whittier), would be divided into two neighboring southeast L.A. County districts. Because members of Congress do not have to live in the district they represent, and because the proposed 38th and 41st Districts both include a large chunk of Sanchezs current district, it was initially unclear which would lack an incumbent and be seen as the new district. But should the maps pass, Sanchez is likely planning to run in the 41st district, according to a source close to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the states last redistricting process when California lost a congressional seat for the first time due to dwindling population the Southeast L.A. County seat held by Lucille Roybal-Allard , the first Mexican American woman elected to Congress, was eliminated. Both of the proposed new districts contain portions of Roybal-Allards old district which had the most Latino voters of any district in the country, according to the 2010 census. Read more: The most Latino congressional district in the nation is split apart under draft redistricting maps "The L.A. delegation gets one more member of Congress when this is all over, and that member will be elected by the Latino community, said Paul Mitchell, the political data expert tapped by Newsom to draw the new lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed 38th District, where Solis is planning to run, would include a swath of southeast L.A. County, including some or all of cities such as Bell, Montebello and Pico Rivera, as well as El Monte, City of Industry and Hacienda Heights, stretching east to Diamond Bar before dipping south to encompass the Orange County city of Yorba Linda. The proposed new 41st District, where Sanchez is expected to run for reelection, would include some or all of Downey, Whittier and Lakewood, as well as La Habra and Brea in Orange County. (The old 41st District, represented by GOP Rep. Ken Calvert, is entirely in Riverside County, stretching from Corona to Palm Springs.) California Gov. Gavin Newsom poses for a photo with Los Angeles area Democratic lawmakers Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, center, and her sister Sen. Susan Rubio, right, after his State of the State address in 2020. (Rich Pedroncelli/AP) There initially had been talk that one of the politically ambitious Rubios of Baldwin Park, who became the first sisters to serve together in the state Legislature , might be interested in the 38th. But Susan Rubio failed to make it past the primary in a House bid last year, and her Senate seat is up for reelection in 2026, making her less likely to forgo a relatively easy path back to Sacramento for a far riskier congressional contest. A spokesperson said Rubio has not expressed interest in the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blanca Rubio said through a spokesperson Tuesday that she is solely focused on her Assembly district. Read more: News Analysis: Newsoms decision to fight fire with fire could have profound political consequences Solis' position as a powerful county supervisor, along with her years of name recognition, would give her a strong advantage in drumming up money and endorsements. Still, should the new maps pass, it's unlikely that she would go entirely unchallenged. Even as some appear ready to anoint her, others are ready for a generational change. Former state Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo of Boyle Heights cited Democratic leaders such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Maxwell Frost of Florida and Greg Casar of Texas, all of whom are under 40. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area includes a lot of smaller cities with a lot of dynamic leaders and is obviously representative of a very diverse community," Carrillo said of southeast L.A. County. "The Democratic Party has an opportunity to elect a new generation of leaders that can inspire the voter base and can inspire the future of the Democratic Party." Times staff writer Seema Mehta contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. **Related Video Above: Cleveland Zoos Asian Lantern Festival 2025 CLEVELAND (WJW) The unofficial final weekend of summer known as Labor Day Weekend is, checks notes, this week! And there are plenty of celebrations going down across the area to commemorate the fact that summer did come and will come again. Check out some of the big Northeast Ohio events below: (Photo courtesy: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo) Asian Lantern Festival EXTENDED DATE now through Sept. 13 Originally set to run through Aug. 24, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo confirmed its ultra lit Asian Lantern Festival is going to last through Sept. 13. This year, there are multiple options to experience all of the light displays: either walk through, drive through or bike through, depending on the day. Find out more in the video above and find tickets right here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northeast Ohio 2025 County Fair Guide Akron Pizza Festival Aug. 29-30 Back this year with all of the slices of za you can handle, the Akron Pizza Fest is hitting up Lock 3 Park (200 South Main Street) Friday and Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Expect live music, free corn hole and even a pizza eating contest. Find out more about this free-to-enter event right here. (Photo courtesy: Cleveland National Air Show) Cleveland National Air Show Aug. 30-Sept. 1 The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are set to grace the skies at Burke Lakefront Airport right on the shores of Lake Erie for the Cleveland National Air Show this Labor Day weekend. Fans can expect plenty of (very loud) planes, food and more at the event. Tickets and on-site parking must be purchased online prior to the event. (Photo by Richard Harbaugh/Disney Channel via Getty Images) Cleveland Orchestras The Lion King Live in Concert at Blossom Aug. 29-31 Celebrating Labor Day Weekend at Blossom Music Center has long been a tradition in Northeast Ohio, and this time theyre playing the soundtrack live while the 1994 Disney classic The Lion King shows above on screens. Find tickets for the lawn and otherwise right here. Shows start at 7 p.m. Cleveland Oktoberfest Aug. 29-Sept. 1 and Sept. 5-6 This years iteration is being held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Middleburg Heights over Labor Day weekend and the weekend after. And revelers can expect beer, German food, wiener dog races and polka tunes aplenty over that time. Tickets are $19; kids under 12 are free. Find tickets for the event right here. Parking is free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleveland Pops Orchestra Concert Aug. 30 Free live music with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra? Thats what youre getting with this Labor Day weekend show at the annual Elyria concert event. The show starts at 7 p.m. at Ely Square on 400 Broad Street. Find more info right here. Tacos (Getty Images) Cleveland Taco Fest Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Tacos as far as the eyes can see? Some people dream of such things. Taking place at Jacobs Pavilion, more than 30 local purveyors are hocking their wares at this years Taco Fest. The event includes live music, a kid zone, Lucha Libre wrestling and margaritas. Tickets at the door are $10 and kids under 10 are free. Find out much more about the event here. Geauga County Fair Aug. 28-Sept. 1 Around since 1823, the Geauga County Fair is back. Located at 14373 North Cheshire Street in Burton, the event is offering food, rides, grand stand shows and much more. Find advanced tickets right here. Hartville Flea Market Aug. 30-Sept. 1 The Hartville Flea Market is one of those places you can find truly anything and for a fair price if youre willing to dig through literal acres of items. Remember: arriving early is key. It opens at 8 a.m. Find out more about the event right here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kamms Corners Greek Festival Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Opa! The free Kamms Corners Greek Festival is going down at the George Varouh Cretan Club of Cleveland all Labor Day weekend long. Enjoy music and dancing and incredible Crete cuisine. Find out more about the event right here. Best-reviewed beaches in Northeast Ohio Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival Aug. 29-Aug. 31 Hale Farm and Village in Bath Township is host to the Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival over Labor Day weekend, offering a space for local artisans to show their wares. Find out more about times and costs right here. Stow Summer Sunset Blast Aug. 30-31 Held at Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Road), revelers can expect delicious fair food, nostalgia-filled music and, of course, fireworks. The event runs 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. both nights. Find out more right here. WJW photo St. Roccos Festival Aug. 29-Sept. 1 The annual St. Roccos Church Festival is back for Labor Day weekend in Cleveland. And yes, this year, fans can get delicious Italian food, play games and watch the greasy pole contest Monday at 2 p.m. Find out more about times and costs right 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The number of asylum seekers in hotels has risen by just under 2500 during Labours first year in office, equivalent to almost 50 a week, official figures show. Asylum applications by migrants also hit a record high of more than 111,000 from June 2024 to June 2025 after a surge in small-boat crossings. And 4 per cent of small-boat migrants have been returned since 2018, with removals falling in the past year, Home Office figures show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data will pile pressure on the Prime Minister after a week in which the Governments asylum policy was plunged into chaos with a High Court ruling forcing the closure of a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex, at the centre of anti-immigration protests. The courts judgment has led to ministers bracing for further legal challenges from councils across the country and pressure on the Government as to where else it can house asylum seekers. The latest Home Office data, published on Thursday as part of the quarterly immigration statistics, cover Labours first year in office. The data show there were 32,059 asylum seekers in more than 200 hotels by the end of June. This was up 8 per cent from 29,585 at the same point a year earlier, when the Conservatives were still in power, an increase equivalent to 47.4 a week, but down slightly on the 32,345 figure at the end of March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this rate of decline of 286 in three months, it would take about 28 years to clear all asylum seekers out of hotels. Labour has pledged to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers by the close of the Parliament in 2029. The latest number is still below the peak of 56,042 asylum seekers in some 400 hotels at the end of September 2023 under the Tories. A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001. The number is up 14 per cent from 97,107 in the year to June 2024 and nearly double the number in 2021. The previous record for a 12-month period was 109,343 in the year to March 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Migrants who arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel in small boats accounted for 39 per cent or 43,600 of the total number of people claiming asylum in the year to June. However, a further 37 per cent or 41,100 of the asylum claimants had previously arrived in the UK on a visa to work, study or visit. Although the Home Office processed more applications, the backlog of initial claims fell by only 18 per cent to 70,500 in the year to June. The number of migrants with outstanding asylum appeals has nearly doubled to 51,000 from 27,000 in a year. All of these have to be housed and supported by the Home Office. The top five nationalities for asylum claimants overall was Pakistani, Afghan, Iranian, Eritrean and Bangladeshi. The number of people coming to the UK on small boats or other irregular routes, such as lorries, rose by 27 per cent to 49,000 in the year to June 2025. The most common nationalities of those coming to the UK on small boats were Afghans, Eritreans, Iranians and Syrians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More people are coming to the UK per small boat there were 65 migrants per boat in June 2025, the highest monthly average on record. A total of 6,313 people who arrived on a small boat between 2018 and the year ending June 2025 have been returned from the UK, representing 4 per cent of the total of almost 180,000. There were 2,330 returns of small-boat migrants in the year to June 2025, 7 per cent fewer than the previous year. Of the 159,180 small-boat arrivals who have claimed asylum since 2018, 35 per cent were refused or their application was withdrawn. The overall number of asylum seekers receiving taxpayer-funded support including those in self-catering accommodation as well as those in hotels was 106,075 at the end of June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home Office spending on asylum in the UK stood at 4.76bn in 2024/25, down 12 per cent from a record 5.38bn in 2023/24, the figures show. The total covers all Home Office costs related to asylum, including direct cash support and accommodation, plus wider staffing and other migration and borders activity. It does not include costs relating to the interception of migrants who travel to the UK across the English Channel in small boats. The figure for 2024/25, 4.76bn, is more than three times the equivalent amount in 2020/21 (1.34bn) and is more than 10 times the total a decade ago in 2014/15 (0.47bn). New, stronger approach Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said:We inherited a broken immigration and asylum system that the previous government left in chaos. Since coming to office we have strengthened Britains visa and immigration controls, cut asylum costs and sharply increased enforcement and returns, as todays figures show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The action we have taken in the last 12 months increasing returns of failed asylum seekers by over 30 per cent, cutting asylum costs by 11 per cent, reducing the backlog by 18 per cent and our forthcoming plans to overhaul the failing asylum appeal system are crucial steps to restoring order, and putting an end to the chaotic use of asylum hotels that we inherited from the previous government. At the same time, we are bringing legal migration back under control, with a 48 per cent reduction in work visas this year and further stronger visa controls and higher skill requirements introduced through our white paper expected to bring those overall numbers down further. As we roll out further reforms, including the new pilot with France, new counter-terror powers to strengthen border security, and new asylum reforms later this year (including reforms to speed up the persistent delays in the appeals system), we will continue to take the serious steps required to restore order, control and fairness to the system and to continue building the foundations of a new and stronger approach. The use of hotels to house migrants has been the focus of anti-immigration protests - Getty Images/Martin Pope Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: This weak Labour Government has allowed in record numbers of illegal immigrants over the Channel, there are more immigrants in hotels than at the time of the election and fewer people are being removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are failing and need to urgently back the Conservatives Bill that will ensure illegal immigrants and foreign criminals are all removed. This is a migration crisis the Labour Government has lost control of our borders. Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, said: Under Labour we now have record numbers claiming asylum. The vast majority should never qualify and most will cost the taxpayer a huge sum of money. Our streets are becoming more dangerous yet this disaster gets worse. The public are right to be very angry with both Labour and the Tories for what they have done to us. Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesman, said: The asylum backlog has been far too large for far too long. The Conservatives trashed our immigration system and let numbers spiral. Now this Labour Government is failing to get a grip on the crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Government urgently needs to stop dangerous Channel crossings and speed up asylum processing to bring down the backlog and end hotel use once and for all. 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 Government now runs over half of Britains steel industry after taking control of troubled metals tycoon Sanjeev Guptas Rotherham plant. The official receiver on Thursday stepped in to take over operations of Mr Guptas biggest steelmaking operation after a High Court judge said administrators should take control of his business in an effort to pay off his creditors. It raised the threat of the factory facing possible closure. Labours rescue of the plant aims to save 1,500 jobs and a green furnace from the brink of insolvency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move deepens Labours entanglement with the UKs steel industry. The Government stepped in to take over British Steel from its Chinese owner in April, and has handed 500m to Tata Steel for its green plans in Wales. Monthly wages at the plant in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, total 4m, meaning the bill for running the plant will quickly run into the tens of millions. The taxpayer will fund operations until the administration managers insolvency specialists Teneo Financial Advisory, supervised by the Governments receiver can find a private buyer for the struggling business. The official receiver, an independent branch of the Government, intends to sell on the Rotherham plant after stabilising operations, insisting it can reclaim its costs. However, ministers have so far struggled to find a buyer for British Steel despite a similar ambition to find a new owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharon Graham, the general secretary of union Unite, said: If the right buyer cannot be found then the Government should be prepared to run the company itself and ensure it is ready to meet the challenges of the future. The High Court on Thursday approved a winding-up petition from creditors owed hundreds of millions of pounds by Mr Guptas Speciality Steel UK (SSUK). The business owes more than 200m to creditors including the administrators of collapsed financier Greensill Capital and Swiss Bank UBS. It is a major blow to Mr Gupta, the self-styled saviour of steel, whose global empire built in a decade-long spree of steelworks purchases has unravelled following the March 2021 collapse of Greensill, his key financier. SSUKs Singapore-based parent, Liberty House, is also in court-supervised insolvency proceedings as are more than a dozen of Mr Guptas businesses across Australia and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Gupta remains under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office in relation to the collapse of Greensill Capital. He denies wrongdoing. Sanjeev Gupta is the self-styled saviour of steel - Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg Separately, the corporate regulator Companies House is pursuing him through the courts over his failure to file audited accounts for many of his companies since at least 2021. He has pleaded not guilty. In a statement, the Insolvency Service said the official receiver had a duty to inquire into the cause of the companys failure and conduct of current and former directors. Mr Gupta had been seeking to keep control of SSUK. On Thursday, he asked the court for another month to finalise his own rescue deal that would have allowed him to buy SSUKs assets out of administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffrey Kabel, Mr Guptas key lieutenant and Liberty Steels chief transformation officer, said the judges decision to hand the factory to the Government was irrational. The taxpayer will now be running a business that could have been funded privately, he told reporters after the court hearing. Now weve got two large steel companies in the industry that the taxpayer is running. A spokesman for Community, the steelworkers trade union, said the official receivers appointment was a worrying development. We are seeking clarification on what this means for our members and their livelihoods. Jobs must be protected. And these sites which are vital strategic assets need to resume production as soon as possible, the spokesman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A government spokesman said ministers were committed to a bright and sustainable future for steelmaking and steelmaking jobs in the UK. They added: It is now for the independent official receiver to carry out their duties as liquidator, including ensuring employees are paid, while we also make sure staff and local communities are supported. Mr Kabel said Mr Gupta, who is in Australia this week, was sad at the judges ruling because hes put a lot into this. Mr Gupta still has a steel plate mill in Scotland which Mr Kabel said would start running again next month with a very large contract to kick that off and a steel-pipe maker in Hartlepool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SSUK supplies highly engineered steel to the aerospace and defence industry but operations have been mothballed for months. It did not have enough money in the bank to meet its payroll on Friday, the High Court heard. The British steel industry employs about 37,000 people and accounts for about 0.8pc of UK manufacturing output, or 0.1pc of GDP. It produces 5.6m tonnes a year, more than half of which is now in government hands. Gareth Stace, the head of industry body UK Steel, said he wanted to see a new owner found quickly as SSUKs falling output had left significant holes in the domestic supply chain that have been filled by imports. He said the Government also need to protect the industry from unfair trade and high energy costs, so that the Speciality Steels business, and the rest of the UK steel ecosystem, is sustainable and steel workers will in future be spared from the limbo state that the employees in South Yorkshire have endured. 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 study released Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, by the state Chamber of Commerce estimated that child care issues resulted in a $997 million loss to South Carolina's economy. (Photo by Kohei Hara/Getty Images) Half of working South Carolina parents missed work at least once in three months for lack of child care. One in 10 reported quitting their job or getting fired, according to a survey by the state Chamber of Commerce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the state chamber partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the state Department of Social Services to poll 500 parents of children under the age of 6 across the Palmetto State. South Carolina is the 16th state in the nation to participate in one of these surveys. The chamber conducted the study to highlight how much the price and availability of child care costs the states economy, as the business organization lobbies state legislators to come up with possible solutions. The estimated fiscal impact is nearly $1 billion annually: Employers lose $818 million through turnover and absenteeism, and the state misses out on $179 million in tax revenue. More than half of that (an estimated $501 million) is driven by lost productivity from employee absences, according to the report titled Untapped Potential in South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had to quit my high-paying, full-time job due to continuous issues with my childrens child care, a mother of a 1-year-old and 4-year-old wrote in her survey response. I left my job because I cannot afford child care, wrote a mother of a newborn and 5-year-old. Its more affordable for me to stay home with no income than to work and pay for child care. Finding child care was brutal The survey, along with legislative efforts using tax credits to address child care in the state, come as South Carolina companies seek to fill the more than 72,000 open jobs in the state as of last month, according to data from the states workforce agency. Finding childcare was brutal, Leah McCraney, a paralegal and mother of two living in Columbia, told South Carolina business leaders present at a state Chamber of Commerce event Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at the University of South Carolina alumni center in Columbia. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) Finding child care was brutal, Leah McCraney, a paralegal and mother of two living in Columbia, told business leaders present at the survey rollout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spent literal years years plural on wait lists, she told the roughly 50 attendees. I was forced to work part time as a result of that wait period. McCraney, who has a 3-year-old daughter, Sophia, and a 7-year-old son, Whit, said the family has spent as much as $21,000 in one year for child care. At one point, my wage was so low we couldnt make it work, McCraney said. It was cheaper for me to stay home. And even when she was at work, she worried. McCraney talked about having the livestream of her child care centers infant room up on one screen while struggling to focus on a second screen for work. Incentivizing child care One way the chamber hopes to address the issue of child care is through an upgrade of a nearly 30-year-old tax break in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The little-used incentive enacted during former Gov. David Beasleys administration credits employers on their corporate income tax for operating on-site child care for workers or providing direct payments for private options. In 2024, 18 employers claimed a total of nearly $51,000 in credits, according to the state Department of Revenue. State chamber leadership has said the problem is twofold. Some companies dont know the credit exists, and the offer needs updating. The credits are capped at $100,000 in startup expenses or $3,000 per employee for continued operations or direct payments. And the credits cant exceed 50% of a companys income tax bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bill pending in the state Senate would up those caps to $1 million and $12,000 per child of each employee. Most South Carolina companies already pay little in corporate income tax, especially those that received tax breaks to move or expand. So, to make the tax break more attractive to companies, the bill would allow businesses to use it as a write off against state licensing fees and companies share of state income tax withholdings. Weve all gotten that call Jack McBride, CEO of commercial grade cleaning supply manufacturer Contec Inc. in Spartanburg, told his companys story via video. For the past five years, he said, Contec has struggled to fill more than 40 job openings. To try to draw in working parents, McBride said hes considering offering employees a child care stipend as an employment benefit. Nicole Scott, a mother of three who works as a market executive at Bank of America, talked about the benefits the bank offers, including child care reimbursement and 16 weeks of paid maternity and paternity leave during a South Carolina Chamber of Commerce event Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at the University of South Carolina alumni center in Columbia. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) And Nicole Scott, a mother of three who works as a market executive at Bank of America, talked about the benefits the bank offers, including child care reimbursement and 16 weeks of paid maternity and paternity leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bank also has a program that helps parents find and pay for backup child care when their usual provider falls through. Weve all gotten that phone call that the nanny cant come that day or the child care provider is closing their doors and you dont have anywhere to take your child, she said. Finally, the pending legislation seeks to boost the number of people working in child care in the state by offering them a tax credit on their personal incomes ranging from $1,500 annually for entry level positions to $3,000 annually for the most experienced workers. The child care issue is a critical one both for quality of life and from the economic development perspective, said Sen. Tom Davis, the bills lead sponsor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill has yet to have a hearing, the Beaufort Republican said, but he does not expect any pushback on the issue to keep it from advancing in the next legislative session. The private sector is recognizing these are critical pieces to getting a workforce, he said. Its just a question of what, economically, will move the needle. This is just one aspect of it Altogether, state revenue officials estimate the legislation could reduce state tax revenues by $26.7 million in its first year more than 75% of that coming from the credits for child care workers. Other data When it comes to South Carolina working parents, a quarter of survey respondents said they cut back on their working hours to care for their children. Other common strategies included parents taking their work home with them. Some took their children to work with them or worked from home so they could care for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another parent, Rob Byers III, shared his story in a video played for attendees. He talked about how he and his wife went without child care for two years while on a waiting list. They coped by each working four hours a day, splitting time at a Columbia research firm. They would cram as much as humanly possible in a four-hour period, he said. Its impossible. It is. You work for four hours straight, but theres eight hours worth of work there every single day at minimum. The 7-minute video, put together for DSS ABC Quality program, ends with the message WORK DOESNT WORK without quality child care. The majority of survey respondents said someone in their household stayed home with the children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its sad how much mothers, and especially single mothers, have to give up and sacrifice in their careers because they have children, a mother of a 2-year-old wrote. Ive had to delay taking a job to figure out child care or turn down opportunities because of my child. High income households, where the family earned $100,000 or more per year, were more likely than mid- and lower-income families to send their children to pre-kindergarten and child care centers. Those making less than $100,000 who did not have a stay-at-home parent were more likely to leave children with a friend or other family member. Affordability, followed by personal choice, were the top factors in selecting child care. And proximity to work was a major factor in picking a child care location, the survey said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEED TO KNOW A Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for the plague after apparently being bitten by an infected flea while on a camping trip California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said that the person was "recovering at home" under the care of "medical professionals," per a news release from El Dorado County Officials Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado Countys Acting Director of Public Health, said that Plague is naturally present in many parts of California," per the news release A person in Lake Tahoe has tested positive for the plague after seemingly being bitten by an infected flea while camping. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, El Dorado County health officials confirmed they had been notified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that a South Lake Tahoe resident had tested positive for the disease, El Dorado County officials said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The individual is currently under the care of a medical professional and is recovering at home," the release stated. "Its believed that the person may have been bitten by an infected flea while camping in [the] South Lake Tahoe area. Health officials are investigating the situation," it continued. Alexandre Michaud/Getty A photo of Lake Tahoe A photo of Lake Tahoe The plague is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium and is transmitted to people by rodent fleas, or by handling an infected animal, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said. It manifests first as the bubonic plague, with symptoms that include fever, headache, chills, weakness and swollen, painful lymph nodes. The disease, if untreated, may progress into septicemic plague, which causes abdominal pain, shock, and bleeding into the skin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado Countys Acting Director of Public Health, said of the Lake Tahoe case, Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County," per the news release. Its important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and or camping in areas where wild rodents are present, he added. According to the CDC, there's an average of seven human plague cases reported each year in the U.S, usually in the west of the country, with most being in northern New Mexico and Arizona. El Dorado County's release added, "Plague bacteria are most often transmitted by the bites of fleas that have acquired the bacteria from infected squirrels, chipmunks, and other wild rodents." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dogs and cats may also bring plague-infected fleas into the home. People can get plague when they are bitten by infected fleas. Plague can be prevented by avoiding contact with wild rodents, and by keeping pets away from rodent burrows," it added. BSIP/UIG Via Getty A stock photo of Yersinia pestis bacterium under a microscope A stock photo of Yersinia pestis bacterium under a microscope Symptoms of the disease "usually show up within two weeks of exposure to an infected animal or flea," per the release, which stated that "plague can be effectively treated with antibiotics if detected early." The release noted, "CDPH routinely monitors rodent populations for plague activity in California and closely coordinates with county health officials." "Surveillance activities in El Dorado County from 2021 through 2024 found a total of 41 rodents (ground squirrels or chipmunks) with evidence of exposure to the plague bacterium. To date in 2025, four additional rodents have tested positive. All these rodents were identified in the Tahoe Basin," it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials also said that "prior to the current case, the most recently reported case of human plague in El Dorado County was in 2020, likely exposed in the South Lake Tahoe area." Before that, two people were reported to have the plague in 2015 after being exposed to infected rodents or their fleas in Yosemite National Park. "All individuals were treated and recovered. Those were the first reported human cases in the state since 2006," officials said, per the release. An El Dorado County spokesperson and the California Department of Public Health didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. 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 latest case comes after a person died of the bacteria that causes the plague in Northern Arizona, near Flagstaff, last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tests on July 11 "confirmed that a Coconino County resident [had] died from pneumonic plague, a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium," Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials said in a news release. Read the original article on People The Bakersfield Community Land Trust is planning a lottery for its first two homes next month and board members are still hammering out the details of its lease agreements. Land trusts try to make homes permanently affordable through separating ownership of the land from the structures built on it. Buyers purchase the "improvement" built on the parcel but the land itself its held by the trust in a 99-year lease. But what happens when that buyer wants to sell their home? And when the second buyer wants to sell? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those were the questions land trust board members grappled with at their monthly meeting Wednesday. Under the proposed agreements drawn up by Self Help Enterprises, or SHE, the Visalia-based nonprofit contracted to run the trust, homes in BCLT's inventory will be sold only to individuals who meet certain requirements. The trust will only sell homes to those making 80% of area median income, but if and when those buyers are ready to sell, they'll have three options. The first will be to sell the home back to BCLT, which has first right of refusal, and the trust can then sell the home to another qualified applicant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we're in a position where we have capital available, we have a list of 300 families waiting. We can elect to purchase back the improvements and sell them to someone who's in the queue on our interest list," said Betsy McGovern-Garcia, vice president of SHE and the trust's executive director. If the trust refuses, homeowners will then have the opportunity to sell to buyers making 120% of area median income. If a qualified buyer still can't be found and the trust still declines to purchase the improvement, then the home and the land can be sold on the open market. But that was a problem for the city, according to City Attorney Ginny Gennaro, who said there was concern that moves away from the trust's mission of affordability. "It would allow, then BCLT, correct me if I'm wrong, then to sell to someone that doesn't normally qualify for affordable housing? In my conversation today with city staff, we were not in favor of that," Gennaro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solution proposed Wednesday was to have any sale to non-income eligible buyers be approved by the board. The reason for potentially opening up what was meant to be affordable housing to the open market was to both provide options for homeowners when selling and to mollify private lenders who are wary of land trusts. Buyers have to qualify for a mortgage from a private lender in order to apply for a BCLT home, but some lenders are wary of land trusts, McGovern-Garcia said, because the 99-year lease prevents them from foreclosing on the home. "There are lenders who have gotten comfortable with this model," McGovern-Garcia said. "There are organizations in California and other states who are doing this. It's just a matter of finding the right lenders and sharing our documents and being transparent and working with them to build confidence in the program." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The land trust will hold a lottery next month for its first two homes, purchased from a private developer in a new housing tract on Sunchase Drive in southwest Bakersfield. The trust has received 13 applications for the first two homes and hundreds of inquiries, McGovern-Garcia said. The lottery is scheduled for Sept. 13. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Thursday morning got off to a warm start with temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s. Close to record afternoon highs Warm overnights in the low 90s/upper 80s Heat alerts in effect til Saturday Monsoon moisture returns Temperatures will rise into the triple digits before noon. High pressure remains in the drivers seat and is parked over the Four Corners area. The afternoon high today is expected to be 110 degrees, but that could change as we are one degree away from the daily record high of 111 degrees, so its possible we could tie it today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Las Vegas monsoons: What are they and where do they come from? The heat risk remains a 3 out of 4 on the scale. The number 3 is a major heat risk, which means anyone without the proper cooling can experience heat-related impacts. Although some areas in southern Nevada can have pockets of 4 out of 4 on the heat risk scale, mainly in the Colorado River valley, where highs will range 110 to 115. Extreme Heat Warning in place for portions of northwest Arizona, SE California, and south central and southern Nevada until 11 p.m. Saturday. Heat Advisory in place for Esmeralda/Nye County, Sheep range, Spring mountains, and Red Rock until 11 p.m. Saturday. Moisture is pushing into Arizona, California, and Nevada, and increasing chances for rain this weekend. Aside from rain, theres the possibility of strong winds, thunder, lightning with these storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday: 110/89 (Record: 111) Thursday: 110/89 (Record: 111) Friday: 110/90 (30% Slight chance) Saturday: 107/89 (50% Tstorms) Sunday: 104/86 (70% Tstorms) Monday: 102/82 (70% Tstorms) Tuesday: 96/79 (80% Tstorms) Wednesday: 96/79 (60% Tstorms) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SkyBridge Capital, Anthony Scaramucci's investment management firm, plans to tokenize $300 million worth of its hedge funds on the Avalanche (AVAX) network. The firm is bringing its Digital Macro Master Fund and Legion Strategies on-chain in partnership with tokenization provider Tokeny and its parent, Apex Group, which manages more than $3.5 trillion in assets, according to the press release shared with CoinDesk on Tuesday. Apex acquired Tokeny earlier this year. The initiative uses the ERC-3643 token standard with operational support from Apexs Digital 3.0 platform, which handles issuance, administration, and distribution. SkyBridge's decision underlines the growing appeal of using blockchain rails to transfer and record ownership of traditional financial instruments like bonds, funds and stocks, a process often dubbed tokenization of real-world assets (RWA). Global banks and asset managers are exploring this technology to cut settlement times, increase transparency and keep markets open around the clock. Securitization firm VERT Capital announced to tokenize $1 billion of debt and receivables on XDC network and debuted a tokenized credit platform on XRP Ledger, while tokenization specialist Securitize also offers tokens of various funds by Hamilton Lane, Apollo and KKR. The tokenized RWA market has doubled over the past year, surpassing $26 billion, per RWA.xyz data, and is projected to grow into a trillion-dollar market by 2030, according to reports by McKinsey, Ripple, BCG and others. "We look forward to bringing our hedge funds into the digital, on-chain era, improving transparency, liquidity, and accessibility for our investors, and demonstrating how traditional finance and blockchain can work together to create smarter, more efficient investment solutions," SkyBridge Capital founder and CEO Anthony Scaramucci said in a statement. Avalanche increasingly aims to position itself as a hub for tokenized assets. Bergen County in New Jersey uses the network to digitize property deeds of $240 billion in real estate, combating fraud and cutting processing time. Read more: Stellar Development Foundation Invests in Archax, Aiming to Boost Tokenization DAVIESS COUNTY, (Ky.) WEHT A non-profit is asking for help to continue its support for survivors of sexual assault in the hospital room. Its called Laundry of Love. New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Service began the program after seeing a need in the community two decades ago. If we can make a difference in somebodys really bad day, if we can help someone get their dignity back in any way, shape or form, we are going to do that, says Lauren Patterson, the Community Engagement Specialist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The non-profit says it noticed too many survivors leaving hospitals after a forensic exam with nothing but a hospital gown. When you are going in for a sexual assault exam, it takes away your dignity and your pride. And so we really wanted to empower them and let them leave the hospital with something more comfortable, Patterson says. The non-profit says it has handed out hundreds of kits over the years at various hospitals in Daviess, Union, Ohio, and Henderson counties. That includes Owensboro Health. The hospital says the kits provide comfort for the survivors and reminds them that they are not alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each one costs $25 and has clothes, shows, a comfort item, and various toiletries. Theres deodorant, toothpaste, a comb, razor, shaving cream, and body wash, Patterson says. They come in different sizes, ranging from small to 4-XL for men and women. We want them to feel empowered and to come forward, and remind them that they are not alone, Patterson says. More information on how to donate 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). More than a decade after two hit men stalked and killed a law professor in Florida, the alleged mastermind of the murder-for-hire plot is now on trial the victims former mother-in-law. Donna Adelson, 75, once accustomed to a life of luxury in Miami, faces a first-degree murder charge as well as conspiracy and solicitation to commit first-degree murder for the 2014 death of Dan Markel, who was fatally shot twice in the head while in his car in his Tallahassee garage. Markel, 41, a Harvard law grad, was a prominent Florida State University professor who shared custody of his two toddlers with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, in an ongoing custody dispute after their messy 2013 divorce, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donna Adelsons trial comes after four other co-conspirators, including her son, were convicted in the scheme that prosecutors allege the overbearing matriarch put in motion. Adelson has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her, and her attorney indicated in a recent pretrial hearing that shell take the stand. She faces life in prison if convicted on all counts. An attorney for Donna Adelson said in her opening statement Friday theres no evidence her client planned the contract killing or helped fund it, and her son paid the hit men. The subject of a true-crime podcast and television specials, the complicated case has unfolded over the years in the form of four trials and a plea deal. Adelsons trial is among this summers criminal cases of intrigue, highlighted by the Karen Read and Diddy verdicts, Bryan Kohbergers guilty plea and the ongoing Luigi Mangione saga. Donna Adelson, who is charged in the 2014 murder-for-hire of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel, listens to potential jurors answer questions during the first day of jury selection Tuesday in Tallahassee, Florida - Alicia Devine/Pool/Tallahassee Democrat/AP Prosecutors in Adelsons case will seek to prove she tasked her son Charles Adelson with handling the logistics and she helped fund the plot, which cost over $100,000. Adelson counted on Charles to solve problems, including her daughters ugly custody battle, prosecutors allege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adelson, who lived with her husband in a luxury Miami condo, had the means to fund a murder plot with their son, who worked with them at the familys thriving dentistry practice, according to court documents. The two hit men who carried out the killing were arrested in 2016, but it took years and an FBI undercover sting operation encircling the Adelson family before Charles Adelson was arrested in 2022. Donna Adelson was arrested in November 2023 on a jetway at the Miami International Airport just days after her sons conviction. Adelson and her husband obtained rushed visas after the conviction and booked one-way tickets to Vietnam a country without an extradition agreement with the US, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in her case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before her arrest, she was caught on a recorded jail phone line discussing with Charles her research into countries without extradition agreements, the affidavit says. Wendi and her father have not been charged in connection with Markels murder. The sons ex-girlfriend and the hit men In 2013, after the divorce was finalized, Wendi Adelson, an attorney herself, hoped to relocate her sons to South Florida to be near her brother and parents. But a judge barred her from moving the kids away from Markel, who was based in Tallahassee, according to the affidavit. Florida prosecutors say Donna Adelson was the architect of a plan to remove Markel from the equation, determined to have her daughter and grandsons near her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In emails around the time of the divorce, Donna Adelson suggested that Wendi Adelson offer her ex-husband $1 million to let the kids relocate. Donna said shed split the cost with Wendi and her brother Charles, who was also willing to chip in, according to records put in evidence at Charles trial. Wendi testified at the trial that she never offered Markel the money, nor did her family, as far as she knew. Dan Markel's ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, testifies in the trial of Katherine Magbanua on May 19, 2022, in Tallahassee. - Chasity Maynard/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network/Imagn Images About four months before Markels death, Markel filed a motion in civil court to bar Donna Adelson from having unsupervised visits with her grandsons. Markel claimed that his former mother-in-law disparaged Markel to his kids, writing in the motion that the kids said, Grandma says youre stupid she says youre trying to take her sunshines away from her, and, Grandma says she hates you. Markel was murdered before the motion could be resolved, and Wendi moved with her kids to South Florida days after his death, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendi told investigators during her initial interview the day Markel was shot that her parents were angry with her ex-husband, court records show. And before Markels death her brother Charles had joked about hiring a hit man to kill him, she confirmed on the stand during the trial. Prosecutor Georgia Cappleman told the jury at Charles Adelsons trial that he was the person that Donna Adelson relied on to solve her problems, and this was a big, big problem for Donna Adelson, and she made it (Charles) problem to solve. Charles Adelson had an ex-girlfriend he knew had ties to the Latin Kings gang: Katherine Magbanua, who he was dating in 2014, ultimately was convicted in 2022 for her role in facilitating the murder plot. Her childrens father, Sigfredo Garcia, was convicted of killing Markel. He had help from his longtime friend Luis Rivera, a known Latin Kings gang member, who took a plea deal in 2016 for charges tied to the murder plot and ultimately helped law enforcement tie Garcia, Magbanua and Charles Adelson to the crime, according to the probable cause affidavit. The evidence against the matriarch The night of the murder in July 2014, text message records show Donna Adelson had texted her son, outside your house, the affidavit says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short time later, Magbanua went to Charles Adelsons home to pick up the money shed split with Garcia and Rivera. Charles told Magbanua that night that his parents had just dropped off the money before she arrived, according to court records. Katherine Magbanua as she tears up ahead of jury deliberations in her retrial for the 2014 murder of Dan Markel in Tallahassee on May 27, 2022. - Chasity Maynard/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network/Imagn Images Magbanua testified at Charles trial that he told her at the time his mother had washed the money that was still damp and moldy as if it was physically washed. According to financial records, Magbanua received paychecks from the Adelsons family dentistry practice for more than a year after the murder, which were handwritten and signed by Donna Adelson. Magbanua also testified that she never actually worked for the Adelson Institute for Aesthetics & Implant Dentistry, but consistently received those checks until April 2016, around the time the FBI conducted an undercover operation to gather evidence against the Adelson family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her opening statement, Donna Adelsons attorney Jackie Fulford said her clients son directed her to put Magbanua on the company payroll after Markels murder. The probable cause affidavit against Adelson describes the FBI sting operation when an undercover agent approached her in person and followed up in a mailed letter and by phone, purporting to threaten Adelson with information about the murder-for-hire plot on behalf of Rivera, who was already in prison for another crime. Charlie Adelson looks to his defense team as he is cross examined during his trial for the murder of Dan Markel on November 3, 2023, in Tallahassee. - Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network/Imagn Images Phil Markel buries his face in his hands after hearing a jury found Charlie Adelson guilty on all three counts for the murder of his son, Dan Markel on November 6, 2023. - Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network/Imagn Images The FBI also tapped phone calls and surveilled meetings of Charles and his mother who was extremely upset by the confrontation as well as between Charles and Magbanua, capturing conversations between Charles and the two women in which theyd reference the situation in code and considered whether to pay the person $5,000 for his silence, according to court records. The operation led to Magbanuas arrest in October 2016. Charles wasnt arrested until 2022 when investigators used new technology to clarify surveillance audio of one of his meetings with Magbanua revealing incriminating statements linking him to the murder plot, prosecutors have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All four convicted co-conspirators Charles Adelson, Magbanua and the two hired hit men are expected to testify in the prosecutions case at Donna Adelsons televised trial. Wendi Adelson and her other brother are also expected to testify for the state, according to the witness list, though the judge ruled this week that Wendi wont have to be called by her mothers defense team to testify again in her mothers defense. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Aug. 21A bar patron put his hands on someone and shoved another man. The man left after being told to go and was spotted partially lying in the bushes across the highway, which the Kalispell Police Department received a second call about. He later stumbled back across the street. Two men and a woman were allegedly dumping a powdery substance into the bushes and unloading things from a black sedan and a silver and gold SUV by a playground. A man allegedly went up to a vehicle and confronted a man and his son about "snooping around his camper," and lifted his shirt, revealing a handgun in his waistband. He reportedly waved the gun around and got into a vehicle with a woman and left. The woman later returned and reportedly told officers he was armed but never pointed the gun, saying he "gets animated in arguments and waves his arm around," and consented to a vehicle search. No gun was located, and surveillance footage was too grainy to tell if a gun was drawn and pointed at the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A speeding Hyundai Elantra was reportedly driving recklessly, sandwiched between a bicyclist, who called the police, and another car southbound on Fifth Avenue West. A girl was reportedly ticketed and released to her mother after someone called police alleging eight people, who looked to be between the ages of 16 to 21, were drinking alcohol in an apartment building parking lot. A patient reportedly refused to leave a location, insisting an employee hand over her paper medical records. The employee called the police, alleging the woman was getting aggressive and said they sent her medical records to her electronically. The woman also called the police, saying she wanted assistance after the employee reportedly refused to give her a form to fill out to obtain her patient records. Officers advised her that she would have to pursue different avenues and was not welcome at the office for the remainder of the day. Texas mid-decade redistricting effort has sparked a national fight between Republicans and Democrats over congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. But what does redistricting mean for Texas beyond political calculations? Some experts said that by prioritizing partisan advantages, Texas Republicans proposed map which could secure them around five more GOP seats threatens the representation of Texans across the state by lumping together communities with different populations and geographies. And Texas is extremely diverse. Texans in cities have different needs than those living in the states rural areas; Gulf residents and people living more inland have different priorities; Texans in El Paso and those living near the wildfire-prone pine forests of Bastrop may want different things from their leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a representatives district covers multiple communities with wide-ranging needs, its difficult for elected officials to focus on the issues that matter the most to each one of them, said Alvaro Corral, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. All of a sudden, you dont really have a recognizable community, Corral said. I think thats the keyword this recognizability of a coherent, cogent community that has shared interests starts to wither away. That can make it harder for voters in Texas cities, suburbs, rural regions and different geographic areas to have their voices heard, experts said. If you've got a constituency that's too wide and too different, then it makes it nearly impossible for that member to truly reflect those interests, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston. What is gerrymandering? Gerrymandering happens when the boundaries of a district for an elected representative are manipulated to favor a particular party or group. Its typically done by packing a group of voters into as few districts as possible, or by cracking a group by spreading voters thinly across several districts to limit their ability to elect representatives of their choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States are in charge of redrawing district boundaries for their representatives in Congress and their state lawmakers, but there are some federal guidelines set by the U.S. Constitution, federal courts and the Voting Rights Act meant to ensure equal representation. Congressional districts must generally have similar populations. In Texas, each of the states 38 congressional districts has to include about 767,000 people. The Voting Rights Act in some cases has protected the creation of minority-majority districts districts where most residents belong to a racial group that has been historically underrepresented, such as Black or Latino voters to avoid diluting their vote. However, the U.S. Supreme Court has recently indicated it plans to review the constitutionality of some minority-majority districts created under the Voting Rights Act, leaving the future of these protections in question. Texas maps, including the existing congressional maps drawn in 2021, have faced lawsuits over Voting Rights Act violations, and Texas Democrats have argued the new proposed maps would further hurt Black and Latino voters in regions such as Houston and the Rio Grande Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, under the proposed maps, the 34th Congressional District, a Latino and Rio Grande Valley district currently held by U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, a Democrat, would be reshaped to take part of the 27th Congressional District, a whiter and coastal district represented by U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud, a Republican. State Rep. Matt Shaheen of Plano, has argued online that the proposed maps would give Latinos, who have become less decisively Democratic in parts of Texas like the Rio Grande Valley, more power to shape elections. But experts said scrambling to redraw congressional districts ahead of midterm elections could hurt voters by undercutting their voice, causing confusion or creating distrust in the political system. If you give voters a reason to think that the political system is rigged and that it works against them, and that it's political elites that are essentially crafting the outcome before votes are cast, well, then, you know, guess what? You get really low voter turnout, he said. And Texas has some of the lowest voter turnout of all 50 states. Urban and rural differences In the past, congressional districts could often be clearly recognized as either rural or urban districts with different needs, Corral said. These days, however, some Texas congressional districts stretch hundreds of miles and can include cities, suburbs and rural regions, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the 9th Congressional District includes a slice of Houstons urban core and fans out to Harris Countys rural eastern edge. The district is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Al Green and voted 27.2% for President Donald Trump last year. Under the Texas Houses proposed map, support for Trump would increase to almost 60%, according to an analysis by The Texas Tribune. Under the new maps proposed by Republicans, some districts that once primarily represented cities and suburbs that often swing Democratic would be broken up and stitched to large rural areas, effectively handing rural GOP primary voters more control over who represents some of the states largest cities. Democrats and community groups argue that the mid-decade redistricting would also rob constituents of representatives with experience navigating Congress to improve their parts of the state. Lumping together different types of communities can also complicate a lawmakers ability to address local needs, Rottinghaus said. For example, schools and health care providers face different challenges in urban environments and rural areas. While people in cities may have more access to resources and demand for them, residents in rural areas may have to travel longer distances for specialized services. Meanwhile, suburbs have to grapple with meeting the needs of growing development and diversifying communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Respecting existing community markers such as city lines can help produce more neutral maps, even in populous cities that may require more than one district, said Jonathan Cervas, an assistant teaching professor at Carnegie Mellon who was appointed by a New York state court to redraw New Yorks congressional map after it was found to be partisan. If you're drawing a neutral map, you might try to keep large parts of Austin into a single district, with the idea that Austin has its own distinct features, its own communities and that by keeping them together, you enhance representation, he said. Instead, Texas maps tend to jam together portions of different cities, Cervas said. For example, in the proposed maps the 10th Congressional District stretches more than 200 miles, encompassing more than a dozen mostly rural counties, including Trinity and San Jacinto, while cutting through a slice of Austins downtown area. Other portions of Travis County would be attached to the 11th District, which stretches all the way to Ector County near the Texas-New Mexico border, a span of more than 330 miles. Coastal and inland differences Differing natural environments can also pose challenges for representatives, who may have to respond to natural disasters or environmental concerns within their districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Texas Coast faces the threat of flooding and property damage from hurricanes and storm surges, more inland parts of Texas, like pine-forested Bastrop, often need more water amid droughts and wildfires. And yet, the two regions are currently paired together in the 27th Congressional District, represented by U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud. Communities face specific local challenges even along the Texas Coast, from concerns about environmental damage amid SpaceX operations near Brownsville to fishermens worries about increasingly closed oyster harvest areas concentrated near Corpus Christi and Houston. The practical policy needs are very different all across Texas, Rottinghaus said. The wide swath of geography and diversity of people means that you've got so many different, often competing interests that make it hard for members to have to take a clear stand. Border differences Texans along the U.S.-Mexico border also face unique issues, including concerns about the impact of tariffs on international trade and local jobs, the Trump administrations stance on immigration, and border wall construction near homes and wildlife centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Diaz, a member of the Rio Grande Valley grassroots organization La Union del Pueblo Entero, said this is why its concerning that Texas maps have stuck border communities into districts that include areas that dont share their experiences or priorities. Mayors along the border in predominantly Latino cities like McAllen have pushed back against federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, Diaz said. In contrast, local officials in Goliad County which is closer to San Antonio than it is to the border and would shift from the 27th District to the border-anchored 15th District under the redrawn map have been keen on cooperating with ICE, Diaz said. So it's very different, he said. It's such a weird combination of folks being put into this district. Adding drainage infrastructure to unincorporated border communities, or colonias, to prevent flooding on roads and homes is also a key concern that Rio Grande Valley residents like Edith Cuevas worry will get lost amid redistricting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those concerns to be shown through people's vote is a really big difference in our everyday lives, said Cuevas, a co-founder of the Building Leaders and Organizing Our Movement (BLOOM) RGV, which focuses on youth civic engagement and voter registration. What does fair redistricting look like? With so many different communities across Texas and so many possible ways to draw boundaries between them Cervas said theres no one way to perfectly draw the states 38 congressional districts. Even attempting to draw more uniform districts could be flawed because communities don't always line up perfectly in squares and grids, he said. But partisan gerrymandering hurts representation, Cervas argued, while striving to create politically neutral districts built around a communitys needs and composition tends to create more electoral competition. The latter gives voters more of a say over who represents them and their concerns, he said. Democracy relies on people having the ability to make choices about who represents them, he said. And when we gerrymander, we lose that ability, and it doesn't matter whether it's Democrats or Republicans or African Americans or Hispanics or even if it's white voters, it doesn't matter who is the one on the losing end. It's bad for democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Princeton Universitys Gerrymandering Project rates states political maps based on the degree of partisan gerrymandering in each one of them. Samuel Wang, director of the Gerrymandering Project, said his team reviews past voting patterns and runs computer simulations of what fairer maps could look like, allowing them to gauge when a map has favored party beyond any other consideration. Wangs team concluded that Texas current congressional maps were unfairly drawn and rated them with an F. Wang said the proposed maps appeared to be even worse. Several states that have been found to have less partisan gerrymandering, such as Colorado and Michigan, redrew their maps through citizen commissions that had extensive public input and discussion, Wang said. In other cases, there was more bipartisan governance, such as in Minnesota, or state courts intervened to address partisan gerrymandering. Unlike many of the states where citizen initiatives created independent redistricting commissions, Texas does not allow citizens to vote directly on redistricting reforms. That means any new maps or redistricting policies would have to come from the Republican-controlled Legislature, which also leaves the minority party with little leverage to influence how the districts are drawn. So in states like Texas, Wang said redistricting can be a weak point that can be exploited and that gives us the appearance of democracy without having actual democracy. Disclosure: University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley has 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. Gov. Kelly Ayotte hands state Rep. Lisa Mazur one of the pens she used to sign House Bill 701 into law with. Mazur was the sponsor of HB 701, which seeks to expand a terminally ill patient's right to seek alternative treatments. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) A new law seeks to expand the rights of the terminally ill to receive experimental treatments and to make New Hampshire a destination for biomedical researchers. Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 701 into law during a ceremony Wednesday, which expands the previously enacted Right To Try Act. The original law is based on a legal framework that has been enacted in 41 states and federally in 2018, according to the Goldwater Institute, an Arizona-based think tank that pushed the legislation. It allows patients with terminal illnesses to undergo treatments that have completed the first phase of clinical trials but are not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly expanded law in New Hampshire goes even further. It allows patients who have life-threatening illnesses that FDA-approved medicine is unable to treat effectively to consent to having their ability to sue limited. The idea is that the fear of malpractice and civil lawsuits make manufacturers and care providers too wary to provide experimental treatments. Proponents say patients will have access to more treatments if they waive their rights to sue. However, some critics opposed giving pharmaceutical companies special exemptions and argued providers were not allowing access to treatments for financial reasons, not fear of liability. The law also makes New Hampshire the first state, lawmakers said, to allow patients and doctors present in the state to conduct a remote prescreening via telehealth. It also allows patients to sign consent forms remotely. Patients and providers will also be allowed to seek injunctive relief from a court for these treatments under the law. That means patients and providers can ask a court before they undergo treatment to prevent future litigation over the treatment. Proponents say the current system, where providers can invoke the Right to Try Act to defend themselves in court only after performing the treatment, makes providers too fearful to take on the risk of treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the ceremony Wednesday, people with terminal illnesses and family members of people with terminal illnesses came to celebrate the signing. This is going to allow people to get the treatment they need, John Lewicke, a former state representative who testified in favor of the bill this year as a private citizen, said Wednesday. And unfortunately Im one of them. Lewicke had previously told state lawmakers he was diagnosed with an incurable disease four years prior. All they had to offer was palliative care, he told a Senate committee in April. Im here four years later because I was willing to take risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewicke said he underwent an unapproved treatment at an ICU two years ago. I thought I had a 25% chance of dying, he said. My daughter, who is an MD, said it was closer to 50%. However, Im here and quite healthy presently as a result of doing things that were outside of the norm. Lewicke was able to receive this care because of the original Right To Try Act. He said he wouldve been able to try many more treatments if he could find willing providers. This new law is designed to foster that. Im not risk averse, he said. Im willing to take a chance if it has a potential high rate of return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Ayotte argued the law is necessary: Unfortunately, the way it works is that with the FDA just the time it takes to get life-saving or new treatments done on the drug or even a medical device it takes too long if youre facing a life-threatening disease. And time is not on their side, and so we should give people the choice and the decision in consultation with their doctors to have access to treatments that you know are getting results. Its just that they havent gotten through the full trial process of the FDA. Lawmakers and Ayotte hope the bill will attract the biomedical industry to New Hampshire by creating a more friendly regulatory environment. Please, if youre working on a life-saving therapy, if youre working on a life-saving medical device, come here, Ayotte said. Come here to New Hampshire. State Rep. Lisa Mazur, who sponsored the bill, said Wednesday she did it for a friend and former colleague, Michael Yakubovich, who has stage-four cancer with a 5% five-year survival rate. Yakubovich was unable to come Wednesday because he was ill, but his wife attended the ceremony. Her husband, the honorable Michael Yakubovich, Mazur said. Hes on a hard journey, but he was at every hearing for this bill, and he is a huge proponent of it. And if this were in place already, hed be getting the treatment that he needs. So this is just huge for him, and I know hes watching. A Lawrence city councilor has pleaded guilty to voter fraud charges that tie back to the 2023 municipal election in which she was first elected to office, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office. District A Councilor Fidelina Santiago, 41, pleaded guilty to four counts each of voting unlawfully, interfering with a voter and obstructing voting on Wednesday in Essex County Superior Court, the district attorneys office said in a Thursday press release. Prosecutors in the case decided to drop an additional four counts of conspiracy to vote or attempt to vote illegally. Santiago did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her guilty plea Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was referred to the district attorneys office by Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvins office, the district attorneys office said. Authorities have not specified how Santiago committed these offenses. Santiago beat her opponent in the November 2023 election by about 16 points, according to the city of Lawrences official election results, Santiago is due back in court for sentencing on Oct. 9. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Lawrence ODonnell roasted Donald Trump for getting a head start on Labor Day weekend by taking Wednesday off, remarking that the president did nothing all day long. The long Labor Day weekend that we are all looking forward to cannot come fast enough for Donald Trump, and so today he took the day off, ODonnell said on his MSNBC show. He wasnt publicly seen anywhere today, perhaps because his 79-year-old swollen ankles are bothering him, or maybe he just couldnt really walk or stand up very long today. Something like that. Who knows? We dont know. More from TheWrap The anchor speculated that, perhaps, Trump just couldnt speak coherently Wednesday, before adding that the president has never been able to do so a single day in his life as a politician. That is a cognitive test that Donald Trump began publicly failing 14 years ago, ODonnell explained, at age 65 in 2011 when he started lying about President Obamas birth certificate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Last Word host noted, however, that Trump had just one public event scheduled for Wednesday, which was the swearing in of former Hardees and Carls Jr. CEO Andrew Puzder as the new U.S. ambassador to the European Union. ODonnell observed that Puzders swearing in at the Oval Office, which Trump was photographed at, began at 4 p.m. ET. So Donald Trumps workday was officially scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. today, ODonnell told viewers. A 4 p.m. start to the workday is something you might schedule for a 79-year-old still recovering from jet lag after crossing four time zones back and forth to Alaska on Friday. ODonnell went on to roast Trump for forcing Vice President JD Vance to share microphone time at an event on Wednesday with White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Donald Trump humiliated his vice president by pulling the puppet strings and making sure that his Deputy White House Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller, spoke longer than the vice president did in their opening remarks when they all made a clownish visit to Union Station in Washington, D.C., ODonnell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MSNBC media personality further broadened the scope of his scorn, calling Vance & Co.s meeting with the National Guard troops now stationed in D.C. thanks to Trump yet another attempt on the administrations part to distract Americans from the contents of the still-unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files. JD Vance took his campaign for the Republican Presidential Nomination to Union Station today to bring Shake Shack burgers to the National Guard troops, who are foolishly now deployed to Union Station to do absolutely nothing but stand there with the most humiliating assignment ever given to American soldiers in uniform in this country, ODonnell remarked. That was the stunt of the day. That was todays attempt to distract from the Epstein Files and how many times and in what ways Donald Trumps name appears in [them]. The post Lawrence ODonnell Roasts Trump for Taking Day Off to Recover From Jet Lag | Video appeared first on TheWrap. KERNERSVILLE A Kernersville man whose teaching career was destroyed by allegations that he sexually assaulted a student at Walkertown High School in 2018 has filed a lawsuit accusing the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office of a shoddy investigation and ignoring evidence of his innocence. Brian Weavil, 49, was charged in July 2019 with two counts of statutory sex offense against a child, two counts of sex act with a student, and two counts of indecent liberties with a child, but the Forsyth County district attorney dismissed all charges in January 2024, saying there was insufficient evidence. Weavils lawsuit, filed July 30 in U.S. District Court, claims that there was no evidence at all, only bizarre, conflicting allegations of sexual assault by a mentally ill student who had a history of making false allegations of sexual assault against multiple people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, before Weavil was charged, the schools principal told the school resource officer that the girl who made the accusation was crazy, and the SRO agreed that she was off the chain, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit said the girl became angry at Weavil in early 2018 after he heard her telling other students about sexual assaults against her and he told her that sexual assault was a serious matter and that if she kept crying wolf, she would make it harder for actual victims to be believed. The girl told other students that she would make him regret saying that, and months later she reported that Weavil sexually assaulted her at school twice on June 8, 2018, including once in a classroom with other students present, and that Weavil had paid her at least 10 times to take lewd photos of herself with his phone. Weavel voluntarily surrendered his phone and computer to investigators and provided a list of more than a dozen witnesses, including teachers and students who were in the classroom at the time of the alleged sexual assault, the lawsuit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendants chose not to interview any of those potential eye-witnesses, it said. As Defendants investigated, no one corroborated ... (the girls) stories. Nor did Defendants find a shred of physical evidence to support the claims no pictures, no notes, no money. While the investigation continued, Weavil entered the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program through UNC Greensboro, which provides a hefty stipend so participants can take graduate-level classes full-time. After his arrest, however, Weavil was also suspended from the program and was forced to repay $38,000 of his stipend. Weavil and his wife had to sell their house and moved in with his mother, where they still live today, the lawsuit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the allegations against him became public, Mr. Weavil and his family received regular harassing phone calls including death threats. One anonymous caller said that he had hired someone to rape Mr. Weavils daughter, so he could see how it feels as a parent. Others said that they were watching him and accurately described his home and vehicle, the lawsuit said. Mr. Weavil contemplated suicide. A year after Weavil was charged, two Walkertown High students told a teacher that the girl had boasted that she had framed Weavil, the lawsuit said. The teacher immediately reported that to investigators, but they never acted on it. An investigative report prepared by ... (the school resource officer) mentions the teacher who brought this information forward, but says nothing about ... (the girls) confession that she framed Mr. Weavil. The report was buried in an unrelated case file, under a different case number, the lawsuit said. On Jan. 22, 2024, a judge ordered that the record of Weavils charges be expunged, but Mr. Weavils career and reputation were destroyed. Mr. Weavil cannot reasonably expect to work in education again. His dream of becoming a high-school principal is over. Although the charges against him were dismissed, Mr. Weavil will forever wear a scarlet letter and risks being perceived by students, parents, and colleagues as a child predator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit describes at length the damage the false allegations have done to his life: Had he completed the Principal Fellows Program, Mr. Weavil would have reasonably expected to become a high school principal within three years. Given his many years of service, his annual salary in that role would have exceeded $100,000. And upon retirement, he would have received a monthly allowance of more than $4,500/month. Since January 2020, Mr. Weavil has worked as an assistant to a forestry surveyor. He makes $18/hour. He receives no benefits and no employer-based retirement. To defend himself against the criminal charges, Mr. Weavil hired two attorneys and two private investigators. He incurred more than $40,000 in legal and investigative fees before the charges against him were dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late 2019, Weavils young daughter had brain surgery at Duke Hospital to treat a seizure disorder. The family had planned to stay at the Ronald McDonald House while she was hospitalized but were not allowed because of the pending charges, the lawsuit said. Instead, Weavil drove daily from Kernersville to Duke Hospital, and when his daughter went to Levine Childrens Hospital in Charlotte during her recovery, he drove daily there. For nearly five years, Mr. Weavil was unable to attend his sons middle- and high-school events, award ceremonies, and other milestones, it said. Mr. Weavil and his wife had planned to adopt a third child, but could not do so with his criminal charges pending. The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) The new lawsuit accuses two construction companies of negligence for failing to clear contaminated storm water from cooling towers behind the deadly Legionnaires outbreak here in Harlem. Rev. Al Sharpton declared, Harlem is known as the capital of black America. We should not be known as the capital of Legionnaires disease. More Local News Sharpton was joined by noted civil rights attorney Ben Crump at his National Action Network offices to demand accountability in lawsuits against Skanska Construction and Rising Sun Construction companies. They were subcontractors at Harlem Hospital, one of 12 sites confirmed to have tested positive for Legionella. Attorney Jared Scott said, We believe these construction companies should have known that Legionella bacteria were growing in the cooling towers at Harlem Hospital. We believe these construction companies failed to provide a safe environment and a reasonably safe work site. Its believed the cooling tower at Harlem hospital was filled with rainwater that was left untreated during the summer heat waves, permitting bacteria to spread, causing workers at the site to get sick. Nunzio Quinto was an electrician at the site who was diagnosed with Legionella. He is angry that he and his co-workers had no indication that danger lurked where they were working. This is New York City, he shouted. I cant have a safe place. My co-workers called me to say nothing was mentioned on the job site, nothing, nobody said anything. Attorney Ben Crump noted, It goes beyond a lawsuit. Its about effecting change. 12 locations tested positive only in Harlem. We have to make sure Harlem gets the same attention, the same respect as every other part of New York. Sharpton added, Whoever didnt follow the code, whoever didnt do what was required, must be held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State In addition to the two construction companies named in the lawsuit, attorneys have filed notice to serve the city as well. Rising Sun Construction has not responded to our request for comment. Skanska gave us this statement: While we cant comment on pending litigation, Skanska has fully cooperated with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to facilitate the inspection and disinfection of the cooling tower at the building currently under construction at 40 West 137th Street which will be the future home of the Public Health Lab. We will continue to implement all necessary mitigation and communication procedures to ensure the safety of our workers and the surrounding public. For any information about seeking legal action, you can contact folks at Weitz & Luxenberg at 888-790-3136. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (This Aug 21 story has been refiled to remove an image with no changes to text) By Sam Tobin LONDON (Reuters) -The leader of a "cult-like" Christian group once backed by the Church of England has been convicted of sexually abusing nine women in his congregation, after a jury returned their final verdicts on Thursday. Chris Brain, 68, led the Nine O'Clock Service, an evangelical church movement based in Sheffield, northern England, in the 1980s and 1990s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group's nightclub-style services, which were held at 9 p.m. on Sundays, were aimed at young people, featured a live band and attracted hundreds of people at its peak. But, prosecutors said, Brain controlled members of the congregation, cutting them off from family and friends, and abused his position to sexually assault "a staggering number of women". Brain also had a "homebase team" of young women who looked after him, his wife and daughter at their house in Sheffield, who were dubbed "the lycra nuns", prosecutor Tim Clark said. He was charged with 36 counts of indecent assault and one count of rape relating to 13 women between 1981 and 1995. He denied the charges and said any sexual contact was consensual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a trial at the Inner London Crown Court, Brain was convicted on Wednesday of 17 charges of indecent assault relating to nine women. He was acquitted of a further 15 counts. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the remaining four counts of indecent assault and the alleged rape, Britain's Crown Prosecution Service said on Thursday, adding it would "carefully consider" a retrial. 'FAILING OF THE CHURCH' The Nine O'Clock Service had the blessing of the Church of England. Prosecutors said in 1990 that the Archbishop of Canterbury-elect, George Carey, had met Brain to discuss his methods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brain's ordination was fast-tracked and the Nine O'Clock Service spent "large sums of money" to obtain the outfit worn by actor Robert De Niro for the 1986 film 'The Mission' for the ceremony, prosecutors said. But Brain resigned and left the church days before the broadcast of a 1995 BBC documentary, which accused him of sexually inappropriate behaviour. Carey said he was "crushed and let down" when the allegations were made public. In his evidence, Brain said he received massages from members of the Nine O'Clock Service, which he said occasionally moved towards sexual activity. He also denied controlling or manipulating members of the congregation. "What happened was an appalling abuse of power and leadership that should never have occurred," Bishop of Sheffield Pete Wilcox said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Where concerns were raised in the past and were not acted upon properly, that was a failing of the Church. For those institutional failures I offer an unreserved apology." (Additional reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by Sandra Maler) (Reuters) -Self-driving vehicle startup Nuro closed its late-stage funding round on Thursday, raising $203 million at a $6 billion valuation from new investors Uber and Nvidia alongside returning backers. The latest tranche of $97 million follows the $106 million announced in April, which included investors such as T. Rowe Price, Fidelity, and Tiger Global. The company's valuation in the latest funding round is lower than the $8.6 billion it was valued at in 2021, according to Pitchbook data. Many startups that became unicorns during the 2021 funding boom are now raising capital at lower valuations as investors' attention turns toward artificial intelligence. "The change reflects broader market conditions and this is a strong outcome for the current market environment," a Nuro spokesperson said. Nuro has been pushing to scale its self-driving platform and expand commercial partnerships. Founded in 2016, Nuro has pivoted from delivery robots to licensing its Nuro Driver technology for use in robotaxis, commercial fleets, and personal vehicles. Nuro partnered with EV maker Lucid and Uber to launch a global robotaxi service. Uber plans to deploy over 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs equipped with Nuro's system across dozens of markets over six years starting in 2026. (Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri) Conventions and festivals are regularly planned months, sometimes years, in advance but occasionally there's awkward timing. That's what is going on with the National Guard Association of the United States is having its general conference and exhibition at the Baird Center Aug. 22-25 and Mexican Fiesta at Henry Meir Festival Park Aug. 22-24. The timing of the two events led Latino leaders to issue statements noting that the unusual presence of uniformed law enforcement in Milwaukee was not connected to immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: From the car show to musical headliners, here's what to know about Mexican Fiesta 2025 Forward Latino, a national organization based in Wisconsin that focuses on Latino issues and advocacy, welcomed National Guard and reassured community members that there is no connection to immigration enforcement. "We want to assure everyone in southeastern Wisconsin that this conference is not related to an immigration enforcement action.," Darryl Morrin, president of Forward Latino, said in a statement. "The presence of uniformed personnel in the city is solely for the purposes of the conference, which was scheduled well over a year ago. Community members should not be concerned that their presence is part of any immigration enforcement action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Dance students bring traditional Mexican dances to life at Mexican Fiesta 2025 The National Guard has been planning this conference for the last four years. Recently the guard has been in the spotlight as President Donald Trump has called up the National Guard to address crime in Washington, D.C. "What's going on in DC and whats going on with the guard supporting local law enforcement efforts have nothing to do with this conference," said Guard spokesman John Goheen, adding the activity in the nation's capital will be discussed but beyond that no specific action is taking place in Milwaukee. "The activities were taking part in are the ones we would do in any city," Goheed said, adding some guests might go to Mexican Fiesta to enjoy what the festival has to offer. "They're here for a conference ... we wear this uniform because its comfortable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: A convention of National Guard members is coming to Milwaukee in 2025. It will bring 4,000 visitors and a $6.5 million economic impact. Goheen noted that the guard is used for domestic tasks outside of supporting law enforcement, including delivering aid during natural disasters, food distribution and helping to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in Milwaukee. Top military officials are expected to attend the convention, including Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Gen. Randy George, chief of staff to the Army, and Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau. Goheen said convention guests come to learn what other units are doing around the country, share information, network and talk about legislative priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: From mother to daughter: All-women mariachi ensemble takes the stage in Milwaukee at Mexican Fiesta 2025 Common Council President Jose Perez put out a statement telling residents not to worry about seeing uniformed personnel in the city. "It should be noted that attendees are not here as part of any immigration enforcement activities. Attendees are here solely to enjoy their conference, and all the amenities our great city has to offer," Perez said. "This is a conference that has been pre-planned for over a year, and I want to again reassure residents that this is in no way related to policing efforts in our city." In a post on X, VISIT Milwaukee said the conference could generate as much as $7 million of economic impact. As many as 4,000 visitors could be coming to Milwaukee for the convention. We are thrilled to welcome 3-4,000 @NGAUS1878 members for the 147th General Conference & Exhibition, taking place at Baird Center on August 22-25, with attendees staying at hotels throughout downtown. We last welcomed them in 2011 and 1998, and after booking the business in pic.twitter.com/svA1IjTM5S Visit Milwaukee (@visitmilwaukee) August 20, 2025 This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Leaders say National Guard meeting not part of immigration enforcement The Lebanese Army has collected light weapons from a Palestinian refugee camp for the first time as part of a disarmament campaign, the NNA state news agency reported on Thursday. A truck left Bourj el-Barajneh in the early evening with covered weapons, the agency said. No incidents were reported during the operation. The Lebanese government is under pressure to enforce a ceasefire struck between Israel and the Hezbollah militia, which includes bringing all weapons in the country under state control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon are controlled by various groups and attacks have been planned from these locations in the past. The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas confirmed an agreement with Lebanon to begin the handover of weapons. Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said further transfers from other camps would follow. Light weapons include heavy machine guns, portable anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons and portable rocket launchers. During a visit to Beirut in May, Abbas had spoken to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about ending all armed activities outside state control in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Abbas does not represent all Palestinian groups in Lebanon. Rival groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad often hold different positions from those of his Palestinian Authority. US envoy Tom Barrack congratulated the Lebanese government and Abbas' Fatah organization for their "agreement on voluntary disarmament in Beirut camps." He called it an "historic step toward unity and stability," in a post on X. The monopolization of weapons, and thus the disarmament of Hezbollah, is one of the central demands of Israel and its ally the United States. Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military continues to launch attacks on Lebanon, resulting in casualties. The Lebanese Army has collected light weapons from a Palestinian refugee camp for the first time as part of a disarmament campaign, the NNA state news agency reported on Thursday. A truck left Bourj el-Barajneh in the early evening with covered weapons, the agency said. No incidents were reported during the operation. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the "start of the Palestinian weapons handover process." The first shipment had been passed to the Lebanese army, he wrote on X. Further handovers would follow in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanese government is under pressure to enforce a ceasefire struck between Israel and the Hezbollah militia, which includes bringing all weapons in the country under state control. Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon are controlled by various groups and attacks have been planned from these locations in the past. The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas confirmed an agreement with Lebanon to begin the handover of weapons. Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said further transfers from other camps would follow. Light weapons include heavy machine guns, portable anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons and portable rocket launchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a visit to Beirut in May, Abbas had spoken to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about ending all armed activities outside state control in Lebanon. However, Abbas does not represent all Palestinian groups in Lebanon. Rival groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad often hold different positions from those of the Palestinian Authority led by him. A statement issued by Palestinian factions in Lebanon said that what was happening in Bourj el-Barajneh had nothing to do with the issue of Palestinian weapons in camps. Rather, it was an internal matter for Fatah, Abbas's organization. US envoy Tom Barrack congratulated the Lebanese government and Fatah for their "agreement on voluntary disarmament in Beirut camps." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called it an "historic step toward unity and stability," in a post on X. The monopolization of weapons, and thus the disarmament of Hezbollah, is one of the central demands of Israel and its ally the United States. Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military continues to launch attacks on Lebanon, resulting in casualties. LEBANON A man from Lebanon will be celebrating 65 years of service in the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department next month. Bob Cady, who grew up in the town, joined the department right out of high school in September of 1960. The 83-year-old said people in the firehouse keep him feeling young. Its been a great adventure, Cady said. Right out of school. I was still working in town and it was convenient to answer calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cady said when he first joined, they were lucky to have 90 calls a year, and now, they do about 10 times that. When I first joined, we didnt have much training, Cady said. We had the American Red Cross for first aid training, and fire training was from whatever the senior members of the department taught you what to do. Back when Cady started in 1960, there werent formal training programs like there are today. Most of the members in the department are cross-trained with EMT and firefighting. Training is ongoing and anytime I go out of the house on Monday nights, my wife asks if I have been trained yet, Cady said. There is training and retraining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighting is not for everyone. You have to be willing when you see something, just let it go, Cady said. Youre out there for a purpose, and thats to help people in their worst time. They dont call you just to be friends. They call you because they need help, and thats my fulfillment, knowing I help someone. Throughout his fire service, Cady has held various offices and ranks in the department, including secretary, recording secretary, vice president, president, lieutenant, captain, second assistant chief, first assistant chief, assistant chief and twice as chief. Cady also served as the vice president of the local 911 center and is a longtime member of the New London County Fire Chiefs Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2011, Cady was inducted into the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Hall of Fame, and in 2014, he was recognized by the State of Connecticut Office of Emergency Medical Services for 50 years as an Emergency Medical Technician. Cady has an associates degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Hartford. Throughout his career, Cady has worked for Motorola, the Connecticut DOT, the Connecticut Department of Public Safety, and other various organizations. When asked about retirement from the fire department, Cady said it could be next year, but he wasnt completely sure. I dont get up in the middle of the night like I used to, Cady said. I enjoy it, and the younger guys in the department keep me going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, he serves as a lieutenant in the department and reports directly to the chief. At one point, Cadys son and daughter were active in the department. When Cady retired as chief, his son took over for a number of years. Its been a family thing, Cady said. My wife has put up with it for 65 years and God bless her. The couple has been married for 63 years, and Cady describes her as an osmosis member of the department. His wife was once part of the ladies auxiliary when the group was active. The good times outweigh the bad times, Cady said. Ive delivered babies. Two babies. It was a good experience, and those are the ones you are happy about. If people knew what the fire sees and does, they wouldnt be complaining about how much money it costs to keep a department. We do a lot. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) An Israeli citizen detained in Lebanon has been returned to Israel after more than a year in detention, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said on Thursday. There was little information given about the man, identified as Salah Abu-Hussein, an Arab citizen of Israel. His imprisonment had not garnered public attention in Israel or Lebanon. Israeli media reported that the mans family had reported him missing around a year ago and was unaware he was in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanon's General Security agency said in a statement that Abu-Hussein was held after crossing the border into Lebanon illegally. It said he was trying to leave Israel due to his unwillingness to live there" and was arrested by Lebanon's Army Intelligence forces. After conducting the necessary investigation, under the supervision of the competent judiciary, no security suspicions were proven against him, the statement said. Due to his nationality, Abu-Hussein could not be deported or released as is the standard procedure for non-Lebanese who enter illegally. He was eventually handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross to be returned. At the time of his crossing, Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah were engaged in ongoing low-level clashes in the border region, which escalated into a full-scale war in September 2024. It was halted by a U.S.-brokered ceasefire two months later. Abu-Hussein's release was negotiated in secret over the past few months in cooperation with the Red Cross, according to Gal Hirsch, Netanyahus coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, who is also Israels point of contact for the hostages in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Lebanese Authorities handed Abu-Hussein to Hirsch at the Rosh Hanikra crossing between Lebanon and Israel, which is not open to the public. Lebanon and Israel do not have diplomatic relations and Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering Lebanon under Lebanese law, with rare exceptions for Palestinians holding Israeli citizenship. Netanyahu hailed the return of Abu-Hussein. This is a positive step and a sign of things to come, he said after Abu-Hussein returned. There was no official comment from the Lebanese government on his release apart from the General Security statement. A group advocating for Lebanese citizens held in Israeli prisons denounced the move. The Representative Committee of Lebanese Prisoners and Freed Prisoners said in a statement that 19 Lebanese citizens are imprisoned in Israel and called the release of the Israeli citizen by Lebanon blatant betrayal. Sewell reported from Beirut. NEW YORK (PIX11) Two former advisors to the New York City mayor, Ingrid Lewis-Martin and Winnie Greco, are facing potentially damaging allegations as Eric Adams mounts an independent reelection campaign. Lewis-Martin is expected to appear in Manhattan Supreme Court on Thursday, but the charges she will face are unclear, according to her attorney. More Local News Ingrid is certain of one thing she has broken no laws, and she is not guilty. We will be requesting an expedited trial schedule, her attorney said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewis-Martin was served with a federal subpoena in September after arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport from Japan, with Manhattan prosecutors confiscating her phones and searching her home. She resigned from her City Hall post in December, soon after the Manhattan District Attorneys Office charged her with bribery, conspiracy and money laundering. Adams campaign spokesperson told PIX11 News that the mayor stands by Lewis-Martins decades of public service and remains confident that the truth will prevail. Winnie Greco, Adams former Asian affairs liaison, is also back in the spotlight after she reportedly gave money to a The City reporter. Greco, who resigned after being placed on leave when the FBI carried out searches of two Bronx homes she owned, has since emerged as a campaign confidant for Adams as he seeks reelection. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City alleged Greco handed reporter Katie Honan a wad of cash, including one $100 bill and several $20 bills, wrapped in a red envelope and stashed in a Herrs potato chip bag after an Adams campaign event on Wednesday in Harlem. The outlet said it contacted the New York City Department of Investigations. The City reported that Grecos attorney later said the cash was a cultural gesture of friendship and apologized for any confusion it may have caused. 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. Firefighters from the West Fargo Rural Fire Department take part in a fire safety demonstration on Sept. 10, 2024, in West Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota fire departments and ambulance services are understaffed and facing financial constraints while at the same time responding to more calls and serving large areas, emergency responders told lawmakers Wednesday. The Legislature has a new interim committee, the Emergency Response Services Committee, thats working to find solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Jim Grueneich, R-Ellendale, chair of the committee, said rural communities can be hit the hardest with even small personnel challenges with emergency service providers. I think we have to look at what we can do to help these essential services in rural North Dakota, and of course in our urban areas as well, Grueneich said. One of the committees tasks is a study of volunteer emergency responder recruitment and retention that was mandated by the passage of House Bill 1311 during the 2025 legislative session. Grueneich said he expects to have legislation drafted ahead of the 2027 legislative session to help emergency services. He added the committee plans to hold four more meetings during the interim with the last meeting focused on debating and editing draft legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Todd Porter, R-Mandan, owner of Metro-Area Ambulance Service which serves Morton and Burleigh counties, said he thinks one of the most important fixes is recruiting more young people to the profession. I do think that we have to start utilizing our CTE (Career and Technical Education) centers, and getting them fully engaged, and doing some of that initial training with our high school students to get them interested in these kinds of important careers, Porter said. Porter said the state will still need to subsidize some of the emergency services in rural North Dakota, but having a stable pipeline of workers entering the career field would alleviate some of that stress. Emergency services personnel from across the state testified to lawmakers about their challenges, including low wages, rising insurance costs, a lack of housing and competition among rural providers for staff and grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some employers have stopped letting volunteer firefighters respond to calls during the workday, said Travis Bateman, director of Badlands Search and Rescue. He said he understands if oil and gas workers cant leave their posts to respond to a fire because something might blow up, but he sees more employers not affiliated with critical operations withholding emergency volunteer employees from calls. If its a non-critical, non-essential role, thats ridiculous, Bateman said. Doug Nelson, state fire marshal, speaks during a committee meeting on Aug. 20, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) He added some employers do allow their staff to respond to emergency calls and even leave them clocked in as a way to honor their employees service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson said North Dakota has 357 fire departments, of which 334 are entirely volunteer-based. Those departments have more than 8,100 firefighters, including about 7,400 volunteers. The incidents those firefighters respond to have more than doubled over the last decade, he said. In 2024, firefighters across North Dakota responded to more than 51,500 incidents, up from more than 22,000 in 2014. Those incidents in 2024 included more than 3,000 fires, up from nearly 2,000, 10 years earlier. Recruitment issues, a lack of resources and increasing equipment costs are not things that will be fixed overnight, Nelson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just kind of want to come up with some of those basic steps, really ideas, that we need to build further consensus with the fire service and our partners into this committee to make sure were all going in the same direction, Nelson said. Porter said there are multiple emergency service issues the committee will discuss at future meetings. I think there are models out there that would work for our rural areas that dont necessarily mean an ambulance sitting on every corner, he said. In the end, we should be looking at making a huge commitment to solidifying the delivery of those services that people are expecting. North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at machterling@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Another wonderful weekend of fun is upon us in West Michigan and we couldnt be more excited for it. Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of Aug. 22: Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival The Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids is inviting the community to Calder Plaza this weekend for yet another Dozynski Polish Harvest Festival. The yearly event brings three days of fun to West Michigan giving attendees the chance to enjoy live music, cultural activities and, of course, lots of food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, click here. Storm Team 8 Forecast Return to the River Music & Art Festival Saturday marks the fourth annual Return to the River Music and Art Festival over at 555 Monroe and the Sixth Street Bridge. This years theme is fantasy. The fun will continue on Sunday. There will be plenty of local artists taking the stage, art on display and activities for people of all ages. Click here for details. AQS QuiltWeek The American Quilter Society is bringing its QuiltWeek expo to DeVos Place this week and its the perfect event for those who enjoy showing off their sewing skills. The event began Wednesday and continues through Saturday. Guests will be treated to quilting classes, educational lectures and they can also shop for some exclusive fabrics for their next quilt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get tickets for the show by clicking here. 28th Street Metro Cruise The 28th Street Metro Cruise is back for a 20th year this weekend and this year looks to be bigger than ever before. Thursday is when everything gets underway where 28th Street and Cascade Road meet. There will be food vendors, music, a K-9 unit demonstration from the Kent County Sheriffs Office and so much more. Click here to learn more. Small Foreign Festival In case you are still searching for some live music this weekend, head on out to Sullivan Field this Saturday for the Small Foreign Festival. The music and art celebration is a new invention from Lili Bulkowski, a local artist and musician, who wanted to commemorate their bands, Small Foreign Faction, farewell performance in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For details, click here. Inside woodtv.com: West Michigan Guide Hastings Summerfest Celebrate the end of summer this weekend in Hastings as the city welcomes another Summerfest to the downtown area. The fun kicks off Friday and lasts all weekend long. Attendees can enjoy live music, an arts and crafts vendor market or they take part in a weightlifting contest or 5K run. For more information, click here. LEGO Fan Expo in Kalamazoo LEGO fans young and old are invited to a weekend of some incredible brick laying when the BrickUniverse 2025 Imagine Tour comes to Kalamazoo. The event serves as one of the premier LEGO experiences this year in West Michigan and will feature some unique designs from builders and also allow you to make your own masterpiece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can check out whats in store by clicking here. LEGO artist convention visits Michigan for first time Breastfeeding in the Park In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, the Calhoun County Public Health Department is celebrating by inviting new and expecting parents to Mill Race Park for a day of fun and education. Some NICU babies rely on donated breast milk. New depot makes it easier for donors It all gets going Saturday morning and will include raffles, activities and support for those families who not only feed their own children, but also donate to those families in need. The event is also free to attend. Click here for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ukraines Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal has met with the leadership of the German branch of defence conglomerate KNDS Deutschland, which manufactures Leopard 2 tanks. Source: press service of Ukraines Ministry of Defence Details: The main topic of the talks was expanding industrial cooperation and establishing joint ventures in Ukraine to manufacture military equipment and spare parts. The parties agreed to launch repair and service hubs for rapidly repairing weapons. According to the ministry, KNDS has repaired the first three Gepard anti-aircraft systems in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also agreed that permanent communication between the manufacturer and Ukrainian service personnel should be established. This will allow German equipment to be improved by considering the combat experience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. KNDS Deutschland plans to create an extensive network of centres in Ukraine to repair heavy equipment and prepare a base for further production. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) LeTourneau University (LETU) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday at the Paul and Betty Abbott Aviation Center to celebrate the renovation and expansion of the training facility. Bullard Rotary Club holds pickleball court fundraiser The facility is striving to honor LETUs storied legacy in aviation while preparing the next generation of aviation professionals. Renovations to the facility will include a covered outdoor learning lab, updates to specialized classrooms and hands-on lab spaces to enhance the student learning experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The updated facility will also include a 16,000 square-foot hangar that is the same length as the Wright brothers first flight. Photo courtesy of LeTourneau University Jeremiah Hatfield, project manager and senior architect at Design Collaborative, the architectural and engineering firm behind the project, said the updates to the facility are designed to create a learning environment to educate the next generation of aviation professionals. This project isnt just about building a hangar. Its about creating a student-centered environment that fosters learning and discovery, Hatfield said. Every design element reflects LeTourneau Universitys mission to educate skilled aviators in a way thats immersive, supportive, and forward-looking. LETU expects the project to wrap at the start of 2027 in time to welcome students for the spring semester. 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. Shein may be plotting a move in alignment with its aspirations to go public. Shein is reportedly contemplating moving its headquarters back to China (where the company was founded) from Singapore, its current base, Bloomberg reported. In doing so, the outlet said Shein hopes to persuade authorities in Beijing to approve its bid for a Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO). More from Sourcing Journal The Financial Times reported last month that the fast-fashion company had filed for an IPO in Hong Kong; the fast-fashion company has notoriously struggled to find a sound landing location for the IPO it has reportedly pursued in two other markets: New York and London. Its U.S. IPO attempt faced scrutiny over its alleged involvement with forced labor, while its London IPO filing has faced regulatory hurdles, according to CNBC. New York or London could have provided an air of credibility to the company, which in Western markets has caught backlash from multiple directionsshoppers, consumer organizations and governments alike. It has also struggled to garner approval for an offshore IPO from Hong Kong; although Shein has been based in Singapore since 2021, it was founded in Nanjing, China, in 2008, and Chinese regulators still require companies with strong ties to the country to go through a review process before listing in any global market. But now that it has applied to list on the Hong Kong exchange, it has gone as far as consulting lawyers to discuss the creation of a mainland China-based parent company, per Bloombergs report. If the parent entity is created, Sheins other operationsin Singapore and in global marketswould become subsidiaries of that entity. Sources reportedly noted that while discussions have begun, moving Sheins headquarters back to China is not a guarantee. Those familiar with the matter said moving back could be advantageous because it would mean that the companys income would be taxed directly in China. Shein has long faced scrutiny from global regulators, including U.S. officials who say that the companys ties to the Chinese government are already concerning. Recent policy changes, like President Donald Trumps decision to collapse the de minimis exemption for parcels inbound from Hong Kong, have also been aimed at stunting Shein and its competitors business models. That decision has been reinforced by the passage of Republicans megabill, which will see the total collapse of de minimis from all countries in 2027. Shein did not immediately return Sourcing Journals request for comment. To the editor: Im sure that I could not be a more generic or less important voice or voter. And count me in for being uninformed in many ways, but I cant help but say something. Mark Z. Barabaks column struck me as a know-it-all-type criticism ( Power grab may energize Newsom and Democrats. But it wont fix their bigger problem, Aug. 20). I own a real estate company in Washington, D.C. Many of the liberal voices here are my clients or friends. I care. And living here at the moment is extremely challenging for all the reasons you already know about. In my little lane, I cant help but see that we are all struggling for anything we can do. Gov. Gavin Newsom at least brought something to the table, an action that might matter. Something we can support that might make a difference. And Barabak paints Newsoms efforts as purely for his own political gain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what if it is? Does Barabak have another suggestion? What is it? If all we can do is snivel at one another about political philosophy while our democracy is being undone, then were cooked. Judy Cranford, Washington, D.C. .. To the editor: If anyone thinks Newsoms redistricting effort is anything but a boost for another presidential campaign, I have a bridge to sell you. We don't need more Democratic districts in this state we need balance. I'm not a MAGA believer or voter. I just know when one party dominates, its not good. It boggles my brain to think about what Newsom is going to talk about if/when he hits the national stage. He and his buddies in Sacramento have caused so many problems that if I named them all, you would have to give me the whole page. Residents of states that have their act together would laugh him off the stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jan Slater, Irvine .. To the editor: It may be true, as Barabak opines, that Newsom is motivated by political ambitions in proposing the special November gerrymandering election. But there is much more at stake here and Barabaks ire points in the wrong direction. Voters in other states who see our democracy slipping away dont care about motivation. Republican shenanigans in Ohio show this. Although we have overwhelmingly passed anti-gerrymandering constitutional amendments, Ohio remains one of the most gerrymandered states . Our Republican legislative supermajority has simply thumbed their noses at the voters will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For our democracy to survive, no one can be so provincial as to ignore what is happening in other states. The way to confront President Trump's anti-democratic plan is to fight fire with fire. Texas voters have no opportunity to voice their will on gerrymandering. Under Newsoms proposal, California voters will. The message you all send may be one that helps preserve our democracy. Stephen Gladstone, Shaker Heights, Ohio .. To the editor: So, Barabak doesnt want to use the fight fire with fire analogy? How about if we get punched in the face, we punch back? Barabak fails to recognize that we need to be thinking of the short term, because that is when the fight for our democracy is. We cannot afford to wait and play by the rules when all the norms are being thrown out by fascists. Fighting back might hurt at times, but if we don't engage in this fistfight, it's lights out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't support Newsom for president (Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would be a better candidate), but he hasn't decided to lay down and get knocked out. Let's punch back. Chase Brown, Rancho Santa Margarita This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. NEW HARTFORD, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) New Hartford Police arrested a Level-3 Sex Offender who had broken into a victims bedroom early Wednesday morning. Officers were called to a residence on Middle Settlement Road in the Town of New Hartford at approximately 11:30 am on Wednesday, August 20. Upon their arrival, police spoke with the homeowner and another female resident. The female reported that they were sleeping in a bedroom in the residence and awoke to find an unknown male standing inside the bedroom. The male later identified as 63-year-old Richard Seymour fled the residence when the female victim woke up. Officers later found that Seymour had fled the area on a bicycle. Further investigation found that Seymour was also a registered Level-3 Sex Offender and was on parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An area check was made by officers, but they were unsuccessful in locating Seymour. A be-on-the-lookout call was made for Seymour soon after. At approximately 5:00 pm on Wednesday, a patrol officer conducted a stop of a person he believed to be Seymour along Seneca Turnpike. After a positive identification, Seymour was eventually arrested and transported to the New Hartford Police Department for processing. Seymour is being charged with: second-degree Criminal Trespass, a Class A Misdemeanor, and a Parole warrant for violation of his parole conditions. Seymour was transported to the Oneida County Centralized Arraignment Part Court for arraignment, and is currently being held 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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. LIBERTY HILL, Texas (KXAN) School district leaders in Liberty Hill will talk about plans to put a Tax Ratification Election (TRE) for voters this November. The city wants to approve a tax plan it hopes will raise $11 million in revenue for student programming, safety and security and teacher staff and retention. The Liberty Hill Independent School District was forced to cut millions from its budget over the last year. It also means it got creative this school year with a way to give teachers a break to plan while not breaking the bank. MAP: More than 100 Texas school districts have switched to four-day weeks Four-day school week during parts of year The district is implementing a four-day school week for a portion of the year. Interim Superintendent Travis Motal admits its a risk, but one he hopes will pay off big. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We definitely have an innovative calendar going into the new school year, Motal said. This past year, we had to cut $6.3 million from our budget, so roughly 70 positions. Most of these positions were support staff for teachers directly in the classroom, Motal explained. We really felt like we needed to give [teachers] the time to give back and be prepared for the students, so ultimately we decided to go with this innovative calendar to try and give our teachers more time to be prepared for the students to learn, he said. The first set of the four-day school week begins in mid-September and goes through Thanksgiving break. It picks back up for January, February, March and May. The full calendar can be viewed online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Definitely curious what the feedback is going to be from the community, Motal explained. I know from our staff, so far, theyre very excited about the time and really looking forward to it, especially knowing that some of that support isnt there anymore because of the budget cuts. We grow at about 1,000 kids a year Another discussion that happens a lot inside Liberty Hill ISDs main office is the explosive growth the area has seen. We grow at about 1,000 kids per year, Motal said. I tell everybody thats about a school per year. A school holds between 800 to 1,200 kids. School enrollment in Central Texas: Which districts are growing the fastest? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Motal explained the district gets quarterly reports on demographics to see whats being built and where. We have constant meetings with real estate developers, county officials, city officials and just trying to understand infrastructure, whats happening with commercial development and residential development, Motal said. Obviously water is a big thing and paying attention to where water is available and where the next set of houses are going to go. How many are there going to be? That way, we can have schools ready for those kids when they come. The Liberty Hill ISD school board is in the process of interviewing candidates for superintendent. That person will replace Steven Snell, who was appointed Williamson County judge earlier this year. Motal said hes interested in the position and joked its the worlds longest job interview. The board is expected to make a final decision on the districts next superintendent in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. On Wednesday, Davenports Committee of the Whole held a public hearing over plans to renovate an old AT&T building into a private Christian school. During planning and zoning meetings, Coram Deo Academy showed interest in expanding its school facilities to the building, citing a need for more space. Coram Deo Academy (OurQuadCities.com) We started in 2020 with 12 students and have grown and have grown to 185 students, which maxes out the current facility where we are located, said Coram Deo Academy Superintendent Grady Atkins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Atkins says itll give the city a chance to restore the building and add to the community. What we offer is a really good repurposing opportunity for this property, said Atkins. A property thats been slowly deteriorating for years now, but we offer to replace that deterioration with renewed purpose and life. However some members of council think it may be used best for other purposes. My biggest hesitation here is that is a very strong commercial corridor, said Third Ward Alderwoman Marion Meginnis. Removing it means removing a tax base. One parent from Le Claire says the schools location in a commercial area could bring more business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parents that are commuting to the school come from all sorts of different bedroom communities, said David Nelson, who lives in Le Claire. These people are consistent patrons, who stop for gas, lunch, retail shopping. Another alderman is concerned in the interest for local families. I would like to learn more about your school cause I dont feel like I got a breakdown of your education, said Fifth Ward Alderman Tim Kelly. Are you bringing kids in, are you going to actually entice families, local families to go to school there. The Committee of the Whole put the matter on the discussion agenda for next weeks regular council meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) In the ahupuaa of Honolulu, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oahu, stands a busy roadway named after a High Chiefess. Kumu Earl Kawaa | Aloha Authentic Ep 510 Were speaking of Liliha St. Liliha, also known as Kuini Liliha and Keomailani, was a chiefess who was famously married to a chief named Boki. In 1816, following the establishment of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Boki was appointed Governor of Oahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally named Kamauleule, Kamehameha I gave him the nickname Boki after the kings favorite dog named Boss. In 1829, with the hopes of finding sandalwood, Boki departed for the South Pacific after passing his governorship to Liliha. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Boki and his company never returned home as its believed their ship sank at sea as a result of an on-board explosion. Aside from being appointed Governor of Oahu by her husband, Liliha also became the caretaker for King Kamehameha III, who was just a teenager at the time. But that role was stripped away from her along with her authority. Why? Because of alcohol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to Boki passing all his gubernatorial functions on to Liliha and sailing to the South Pacific, liquor had been prohibited. But Liliha eventually allowed alcohol on occasion, but kept it banned for women. However, one day after a storm, Liliha was found drunk, and the word got back to Queen Kaahumanu who was co-ruler of the Kingdom. Kaahumanu had the young king taken away from Lilihas care because her drinking and worldly pleasures were a bad influence. Liliha was banished to Maui, where she died. Despite her issues with the ruling class, Liliha is said to have been beloved by the common people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Did you know? Now you do! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. (The Center Square) North Carolina officials will hold a series of public hearings starting next week to get input on how to build a more prosperous North Carolina, the states Commerce Department secretary said. The state is working on a 2026 Strategic Economic Development Plan, a roadmap for continued economic growth using existing resources, Secretary Lee Lilley told The Center Square. The plan will help North Carolina build on recent economic achievements, Lilley said. Among the large projects the state has landed this year are the $4.7 billion jet airplane factory in Greensboro and a $10 billion Amazon data center in Richmond County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smaller planned projects include an $80.5 million factory by a China-headquartered paper products manufacturer, Kingsun Eco-pack Co. in Graham County, which has a population of just 8,000. North Carolina was named the top state in the country for business in a recent ranking by CNBC. It was third time in four years that the state has achieved that top ranking. There are other measures where we know we have room to grow, Lilley said. Moreover, you cant rest on your laurels. Its a very competitive economy within the United States and its a global economy. To remain competitive we want to make sure we have identified those places for growth and for need. In a world of limited resources, how do we best apply those to maximum benefit to our economy. An aging workforce is one issue, Lilley said. Displacement of workers due to technology such as artificial intelligence is another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When recruiting new companies, many factors are important, including infrastructure such as water and power. Perhaps the most important factor to prospects is the available workforce, Lilly said. Time and time again when a company wants to come to North Carolina or expand to North Carolina, they ask the question, Where do I find talent?' Lilly said. The sessions begin Wednesday in Durham at 10 a.m. and continue Thursday at 3 p.m. in Kernersville. After the Labor Day break, sessions are in Charlotte on Sept. 8 at 3 p.m.; in Pembroke on Sept. 12 at 10 a.m.; in Sylva on Sept. 18 at 3 p.m.; in Lenoir on Sept. 19 at 10 a.m.; in Edenton on Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.; and in Jacksonville on Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. A virtual meeting at 10 a.m. on Sept. 30 wraps the tour. New York City Mayor Eric Adamss campaign adviser was caught trying to bribe a reporter with a potato chip bag full of cash on Wednesday. This move comes as more and more of Adamss inner circle face corruption, fraud, and bribery charges. It started at what was a very typical event: the opening of Adamss new Harlem campaign office, which The Citys Katie Honan was in attendance for. She got a text from Winnie Grecocampaign adviser and former Asian community liaisonsaying that shed seen her there, and asking her to meet her for a chat at a nearby Whole Foods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While they were talking, Greco gave Honan an opened bag of chips with the top smushed closed. Honan told Greco she didnt want the chips, but Greco insisted. When they went their separate ways, Honan opened the bag and found at least $140 in cash in it. I cant take this, when can I give it back to you? Honan texted Greco. She did not reply. Honan then took the bag back to The Citys office and gave it to her editors, who then contacted New Yorks Department of Investigation. The publication never actually took the money out of the bag. Following the interaction at the Whole Foods, Honan brought the chip bag and envelope with money back to The Citys office and handed it over to her editors. The City then contacted the city Department of Investigation. Anticipating possible law enforcement investigations, The City did not open the envelope or count the money inside. After getting caught, Greco apologised profusely and blamed the blatant bribe on her Chinese heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im so sorry. Its a culture thing, she said, according to The City. I dont know. I dont understand. Im so sorry. I feel so bad right now. Im so sorry, honey. Greco told The City to call her lawyer, Steven Brill. I can see how this looks strange. But I assure you that Winnies intent was purely innocent, he said. In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude. Winnie is apologetic and embarrassed by any negative impression or confusion this may have caused. Absolutely no one was buying this excuse, not even the Adams campaign. It suspended Greco from any campaign activity, effective immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are shocked by these reports, Adams campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro said. Winnie Grecco [sic] holds no position in this campaign and has been suspended from all VOLUNTEER campaign-related activities. Mayor Adams had no prior knowledge of this matter. He has always demanded the highest ethical and legal standards, and his sole focus remains on serving the people of New York City with integrity. Decisions like this are why several Adams aides and confidants are being charged with multiple counts of fraud and bribery. This is another extremely serious act of corruption from the campaign of an extremely unserious mayor. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A local man is riding over 120 miles on his bike to raise money to research Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), which is a rare and incurable neuromuscular disorder. Jeffrey McElfresh, from Dayton, lives with CMT himself. He will be biking from Dayton to Indianapolis to raise both awareness and research funds for treatments and a cure. According to the CMT Research Foundation, over 3 million people worldwide, including an estimated 4,700 across Ohio and 2,700 across Indiana, live with CMT. Officials said the disease causes muscle weakness, impaired balance, difficulty walking and progressive nerve degeneration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new PBS documentary on McElfresh, Jeffreys Journey, will be featured at the event. He will be present and do a live question-and-answer panel. Local NPR station reacts to funding cuts, forges path ahead He will depart on Thursday, Sept. 4, and arrive at the CMTA Patient and Research Summit on Friday, Sept. 5. It will be held at the Embassy Suites at Indianapolis Airport in Plainfield, Indiana. To learn more about this trip, 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. Want to vote? Voting by the public will determine the winner. Voting ends at 7 p.m. Eastern on Aug. 21. To vote for Isabella for the Toddler of the Year competition, go online to https://toddleroftheyear.org/2025/isabella-e21a A Greensboro toddler with Kernersville ties is a finalist in a contest to name a toddler of the year for a national ad campaign. If Isabella Isa Doss, 3, wins the contest, her family wins $25,000, and she will star in a national ad campaign, lead the Hollywood Christmas Parade, and go on a trip to a Peppa Pig theme park, according to contest organizer Colossal, a fundraising organization. The contest is run in partnership with Hasbro, to raise money Toys for Tots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelsie Doss, Isabellas mother, said she found out about the competition online and decided to share Isabellas bright personality with the rest of the world. We found out about it on Facebook maybe three or four months ago. I saw it and looked it into and thought Why not give it a shot? and we kept on making the cut, so I thought to put our all in it. Shes my biggest light, and it seemed like a good opportunity to share that light and love with everyone else in the community, Doss said. Doss said winning the competition would help her support Isabellas future. It would make a huge difference, and Im trying to finish up school, and the money would definitely help Isas future as well as help me keep showing up the best as I can for her, Doss said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doss said Isabellas personality shines when she sings and when shes in the spotlight. We make up little songs about everything, so shes gotten to where shell walk around singing answers to questions, shell do a little twirl, and she really likes to be in the center of everything, Doss said. Doss said Isabella has grown to love spending time outside and connecting with nature. This summer we started camping, and weve been going to state parks. We got a little state park passport for her. She loves to be outside; she loves to jump in puddles and loves to jump on her trampoline, Doss said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doss said her parents have operated Doss Old Fashion Ice Cream and Grill in Kernersville for the past 40 years. When we first brought Isa home from the hospital, that was our first stop because thats what my parents did with me, and it was right after they first opened, so I wanted to continue that tradition, Doss said. Whenever we go in, she runs around like she owns the place, and shell run right behind the counter and want to hug grandpa, and my sister, Kaylyn, is actually the one whos running the restaurant mostly nowadays. Theres a lot of heart there. Although Doss and Isabella live in Greensboro, she said Kernersville remains a special place for them. We spend a lot of time at both Harmon Park and the Fourth of July park. Me and my family grew up going to the Fourth of July park, so its really nostalgic to be able to take my daughter there, Doss said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doss said there has been an outpour of support from the Kernersville community. Its been really heartwarming, its amazing to see a community come together and support another family, and were really grateful. We want to see how far we can take it, Doss said. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a consumer warning on August 18, 2025 about fake Labubu (sometimes referred to as "Lafufu") plush dolls being sold. CPSC says fake Labubus, imported to the U.S. from China and sold both as plush figures and plush keychains, are small enough to fit into a young child's mouth and block their airway. They've also received reports of fake Labubu dolls that break apart easily, releasing small pieces that can become choking hazards. As a result, the CPSC requested the seizure of thousands of units after confirming violation of federal regulations for toys with small parts, and is urging consumers not to buy these knockoff products and to stop using them immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal, and have no place in American homes, says CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman in a release. No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers." A similar consumer safety warning was issued by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute in the United Kingdom. CPSC Mini versions of Lookalike Labubu dolls Mini versions of Lookalike Labubu dolls How To Spot a Fake Labubu Any popular product is going to see its fair share of cheap knockoffs. When it comes to fake toys, parents need to contend with not only a drop in quality but also in safety. In order to be sure you're not purchasing a fake Labubu doll, and to keep your kids safe, the CPSC provides the following tips: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beware of bargains. Deep discounts can signal fake products. Look for signs of authenticity. Authentic Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic Pop Mart sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart site, and (on newer editions) a subtle UV stamp on one foot. If it looks fake, it probably is. Fakes often have overly bright colors or the wrong number of teeth (authentic dolls have nine). Know your seller. Purchase only from trusted stores or online marketplaces. Check safety labeling. For toys with small parts, look for choking hazard warnings and independent safety certification marks. The CPSC says it will continue aggressive enforcement at U.S. ports to block product imports that fail to meet its standards, according to federal law. In the meantime, families can report incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov. Read the original article on Parents Photo via Liu Junfeng/VCG/Newscom Intels turnaround may just require something of a team effort. On Tuesday, Japanese investment giant SoftBank announced it had taken a $2 billion stake in Intel, with plans to help supercharge the struggling chipmakers revival. The deal, which gives SoftBank control over roughly 2% of Intels outstanding shares, comes as the US government explores a deal to take as much as a 10% stake in the Santa Clara, California, firm. READ ALSO: Can the Big Apples Office-Tower Revival Turn into a Trendsetter? and CFPB Rewrites Open Banking Rule as Banks Feud with Fintechs Over Your Data Chip Stack Thats a lot of a lot. Intel needs it all and maybe more. While its technically the only major designer and manufacturer of leading-edge chips in the US, the company has largely failed to convince tech players that its Gaudi AI Accelerator chips could serve as a viable alternative to Nvidias popular GPUs, while its expensive foundry business has completely failed to compete with industry titan TSMC. The company has reported a total net loss of around $3.7 billion through the first half of the year, after a staggering $18.8 billion net loss in fiscal 2024, and has openly flirted with exiting the foundry business if it fails to secure a major client soon. Enter SoftBank. According to sources who spoke with the Financial Times, the two sides discussed several versions of a deal including one in which SoftBank would have acquired Intels foundry business outright but ultimately agreed on a $2 billion investment that gives Intel a major financial lifeline amid its search for clients and its capital-intensive push to catch up to TSMCs manufacturing capacity. Crucially, it also places Intel into SoftBanks growing AI ecosystem: SoftBank is already the majority owner of British chip designer Arm and is a leading investor in OpenAI, which is working to reduce its reliance on key supplier Nvidia. Last week, Reuters reported that current and former OpenAI employees were looking to sell up to $6 billion worth of shares to a SoftBank-led group of investors. SoftBank and OpenAI also have ambitious plans to expand AI infrastructure in the US, primarily through the $500 billion Project Stargate initiative the two firms announced earlier this year with Oracle. Central Intel-igence: Of course, SoftBank isnt the only player to notice that Intel is struggling. The company scored roughly $10.9 billion in grants and low-interest loans from the US government via the Biden-era Chips and Science Act, and now the Trump administration wants to get an equity stake in exchange for that. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made clear in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday that the White House isnt seeking voting or governance rights in Intel, however. The idea comes after the president earlier this month publicly called for the resignation of new Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan (who happens to be a former SoftBank board member) over alleged ties to the Chinese government. After a White House meeting with Tan this week, the president said Tan has an amazing story one that, apparently, he prefers the US government to be a part of. This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive delivering razor sharp analysis and perspective on all things finance, economics, and markets, subscribe to our free The Daily Upside newsletter. Aug. 20In New Mexico, you can find chile everywhere. On Saturday, Aug. 23, look no further than the Bosque Chile Fest, which has been toasting and roasting New Mexico's state vegetable for over 10 years. "It's a celebration of all things chile. Chile is such an important thing to New Mexico and to our culture here," Austin Munn, Bernalillo County communications specialist, said. "It's in everything. And so this is Bernalillo County's little homage to chile, both red and green." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Munn said the festival is family-friendly and people of all ages can come out and have a good time. "It's not even just all about the chile. I think people really just enjoy having a place that they can congregate in and celebrate in." The event strives to be a fully immerse visitors into the world of chile. "One of the things we like to say is, it's chile for all five senses: look, touch, taste, feel and smell," Munn said. Vendors will sell everything from chile art to chile earrings, and there will be many chile-themed activities. "We're gonna have some arts and crafts for the kids and for the whole family," Munn said. "And there'll be live music, cooking demonstrations, chile roasting demonstrations, all sorts of stuff like that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Planned festival demonstrations include "How to Make a Chile Ristra" and "Sabor Salsa," where eventgoers can learn to make appetizers and dip. "If you're into chile, this is the event for you," Munn said. There are also all types of chile-focused foods at the festival. "There's a new food vendor and they're coming in with a red chile creme brulee," Munn said. "I know that's one of the things that I'm kind of excited for." Munn said you can expect to learn something new about chile. "It really is just a way to come and find out so many different things that you can do with chile," Munn said. LEESBURG, Va. (DC News Now) Leesburg police have charged a teacher with soliciting a minor after a months-long investigation involving authorities from Florida. The Leesburg Police Department (LPD) said its investigation into 28-year-old Antonio G. Ford started in March of 2025, when authorities from Florida reached out regarding an ongoing case. Authorities told LPD that they suspected that the suspect in the case lived in Leesburg and was using electronic communications to solicit the minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man killed two in quadruple shooting at house party in Dale City, jury finds Investigators identified Ford as the suspect and issued an arrest warrant for him on Wednesday, Aug. 20. LPD worked with the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office and took Ford into custody at Lovettsville Elementary School, where he works as a teacher. Officials held Ford without bond. Police asked that anyone with any information contact LPD by calling 703-771-4500 or emailing policeinvestigations@leesburgva.gov. You can also submit a tip anonymously by calling 703-443-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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Editors Note: This article has been updated to accurately reflect the incident that took place in the locker room. The video previously attached to this story has been removed. We apologize for the error. ASHBURN, Va. (DC News Now) The 10-day suspensions for two Stone Bridge High School students are on hold, after their attorneys filed an appeal Tuesday night. My heart is devastated, Seth Wolfe, the father of one of the boys, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loudoun County elementary school teacher arrested for soliciting minor The Loudoun County Public School District (LCPS) suspended the two on Friday. Instead of protecting students privacy and acknowledging biological realities, the school system has punished innocent boys with trumped-up charges that could jeopardize their future, Wolfe said during Wednesdays news conference in front of the school. Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears joined a couple of dozen supporters who gathered to show their support for the two families. The boys filed a complaint after they spotted a transgender student in the schools locker room, who had allegedly video-recorded them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe it was a Title IX Violation, Josh Hetzler, with the Founding Freedoms Law Center, and the boys attorney, said. US Department of Education threatens to pull funding from several Northern Virginia school divisions over LGBTQ+ policies The questionable act violates LCPS Policy 8655, which bans recordings in such places as locker rooms. LCPS sent a statement to DC News Now regarding the incident. At no time would LCPS suspend a student simply because they expressed some kind of discomfort. A reading of our Title IX resources should make it clear that there is a high bar to launch a Title IX investigation and an even higher bar to determine a student is in violation of Title IX. It is the general practice of LCPS not to publicly discuss private student matters. I can state that the division has a comprehensive and objective process for Title IX investigations. Loudoun County Public Schools Three boys originally complained. However, the LCPS investigation cleared one of them. You can avoid litigation, Hetzler said. But if they dont change their mind, litigation is coming. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CYNTHIANA, Ind. (WEHT) Indianas Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith awards more than $1 million in total grant funding to the communities of Cynthiana and Birdseye. The grants are through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Birdseye received $700,000 for their water treatment facility, while Cynthiana was awarded a check for $673,500. The town began pushing for the grant funding as early as April of 2024, where social media posts cited a need for new pipes, valves and hydrants, as well as upgrades to Cynthianas water tower. Lieutenant Governor Beckwith says funding like this for a small community like Cynthiana goes a long way. Evansville police warn of national food stamp fraud scheme Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just the cost for maintaining towns is all that they can do to get by, explains Beckwith, so what OCRA is really designed to do is say, Hey this is going to give you the resources to dream and actually build. And we want these small towns to be building and thriving and growing. Cynthiana town officials say these upgrades would not be possible without this type of grant funding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). WARRICK COUNTY, Ind. (WEHT) A Warrick County town hall with Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith erupts into chaos on Wednesday night. The large crowd at the Ohio Township Trustee Office got louder and louder, with people shouting and shoving. Footage taken by Eyewitness News shows one person in the crowd being taken down by law enforcement. According to Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson, EPD and the sheriffs office were requested to help with a large fight. Robinson said they did not have any units available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Evansville Police Department said they did send officers, but they took no enforcement action. EPD said further comment will come from Indiana State Police. Warrick County Sheriff Michael Wilder released a statement after the incident. Below is the full statement: The Warrick County Sheriffs Office is engaged in an investigative review of the incident that occurred at the town hall appearance by Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith on Wednesday evening. Given the number of persons involved, including two off-duty Warrick County deputies who were providing security support, it will take time to review physical evidence and complete interviews of witnesses and individuals involved in the incident. For that reason, it is premature to make any further comment about the incident until the Sheriffs Office can complete that investigation. I cannot yet predict the duration of that investigation but can assure the public we will work diligently to understand what happened and who was involved. When the investigation is complete, I will provide additional comment and information. Sheriff Michael Wilder Lt. Governor Beckwith also released a statement after the town hall. Below is his full statement: Today, my team and I spent the day with faith leaders, business owners and elected officials in southwest Indiana. Tonight, we had a town hall scheduled in Warrick County. While I appreciate and welcome lively debate, unfortunately, there were individuals with less than good intentions and resorted to uncivil conduct against each other and law enforcement. I want to thank local law enforcement and first responders for keeping the public and my team safe. Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith Indiana State Police have not yet released a statement. The Warrick County Jail was able to confirm two individuals were arrested at the town hall: Amanda Bennett and Matthew Eike. Bennett is charged with battery against a public safety official and resisting law enforcement. Eike was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement. Both have reportedly been released from the Warrick County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Bill Howell was in his mid-40s when he started to notice it happening. A highly qualified broadcast engineer and technician who has worked in the creative industries for decades, including at management level, he was starting to struggle to find work. It was not that the work wasnt there he has applied for more than 600 jobs in the past 10 months alone, 400 of them in the industry he is trained in. But after reaching the interview stage a handful of times, he has noticed a disconcerting pattern. Id get an invite to a face-to-face and at that point I noticed peoples demeanour would change, the second they realised I was an older person. Then theyd come back [afterwards] and give me some lame excuse [for not hiring me] that wasnt relevant, he says. When you try to question it you just get ghosted. He is now 61 but omits his date of birth from his CV. He also lists only his past 15 to 20 years worth of work experience for fear of triggering alarm bells among younger hiring managers, whom he suspects prefer to hire in their own image, age-wise. His experience has been frustrating and demoralising, not least as he feels hes still very much up to the job. Howell, who worked in the creative industries for decades, says: Id get an invite to a face-to-face [interview] and I noticed peoples demeanour change when they realised I was an older person - Jeff Gilbert for the Telegraph Im physically and mentally fit and active, he says. Its not like Im showing my age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet he is currently working as a general labourer, sweeping floors and packing boxes, because it is all he can get. Ive got all these qualifications that Ive worked hard for, and all the experience to back it up, yet here I am pushing a broom, he sighs. Last October, he couldnt even find work for which he was over-qualified, and ended up claiming Jobseekers Allowance for six months. Mental burden Ive tended not to bother [claiming it on other occasions] because of the embarrassment, he says. But this time I had to. He and his wife now face losing their three-bedroom home in Slough, Berkshire, where theyve lived for decades, and downsizing to a cheaper area, just to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Psychologically, its a massive burden, he says. Im pretty robust, but there are times when it becomes very hard. Howells story is not unusual. The number of over-50s claiming benefits has hit almost two million for the first time, according to research published this month by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). This represents a 600,000 increase in the number of those aged 50 to 64 who are out of work and on benefits. The figure has been boosted by growing numbers of older workers citing long-term sickness, the research suggested, with a 21 per cent increase in this phenomenon since 2015. But there are plenty like Howell, who are able and eager to work and yet struggle for other reasons, including caring responsibilities, the inability to find a suitable job and, in many cases, ageism, say older jobseekers and campaigners. The implications of this are far-reaching. Talent, wisdom and experience is leaking out of our workforce at an alarming pace, with a record number of over-50s now on out-of-work benefits, says Joe Shalam, policy director at the CSJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The think tank is calling for age-specific employment targets for workers over 50, improved occupational health services to prevent older workers from becoming inactive and a reformed fit-note system to ensure that those who may be fit for work are supported to stay in work. Doing so, it notes, correlates in turn with better health outcomes. But the figures suggest that many midlifers are currently locked out of this virtuous circle. It is heartbreaking to read stories of talented and skilled workers in their 50s and 60s who can no longer find the kind of work they excelled at in their 30s and 40s, says Tracy Riddell, senior programme manager in age-friendly employment at the Centre for Ageing Better. The ability of these workers to do the job well has not changed. If anything, experience has only raised their capability. All that has changed is their age, and that should never be a reason for being frozen out of work. Feelings of shame and humiliation Not only can it have a disastrous impact on their personal finances and jeopardise their ability to plan for retirement, says Riddell, but struggling to find work and in some cases being unexpectedly forced on to benefits takes its toll mentally too. Many 50-plus workers in this situation have expressed feelings of shame, not being able to provide for their family, and the humiliation of not being seen as valuable by employers, she says. [It] leaves older workers doubting their own ability and their own worth and feeling extremely pessimistic about their futures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has a wider effect on the economy, too, when a sizeable portion of the workforce isnt employed. The CSJ warns that the steep rise in the number of older people out of work is an economic disaster and a missed opportunity at a time when economic growth is urgently needed. Even a modest rise in employment among midlifers could generate billions of pounds worth of tax revenue and represent significant welfare savings, it says. Campaigners agree. With economic growth being such a priority in our country, and with our population ageing, were past the point when we can afford to disregard the skills, talents and experience of older workers, argues Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK. We need to consign ageism to the past and create better systems for helping people in their 50s and beyond to stay in work, get a job and retrain when necessary. Reaching a critical point In the meantime, the situation will do little to help defuse the so-called ticking time bomb of Britains pensions system. Almost half of working-age adults are not paying into a private workplace pension, according to the Government. But for those like Howell, it is not because they havent thought to plan for retirement. Of the 600 jobs he has applied for since October, only four resulted in an interview. His situation is now approaching a critical point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The finances have been decimated and were looking at having our car repossessed, he says. Weve ended up having to dip into our savings, to the point where weve now had to sell personal artefacts. Weve given up holidays, days out, weve not even been able to replace things [when they break]. Though his wife works, shes in a low-paid job, and between them the pair are surviving on a sum thats below the living wage. Its not enough for two people to live off, says Howell. He previously took a 30,000 pay cut, just to be able to continue working in the industry he was trained in. Now, he cant even do that. In the past when I was out of work, I felt confident I could rebuild again. Now, I feel Im running out of time, he says. This is why Ive been fighting tooth and nail to try to get another job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has heard similar stories from other over-50s. On social media you often find people saying the same thing, he says. But while age is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act, proving a hiring manager has discriminated on the basis of it can be hard. Companies do try to give you reasons why theyve not taken you on, if they can, but a lot of [those reasons] arent relevant [to the role], says Howell. He still holds out hope that he may find another role as a broadcast engineer. But unless this happens soon, his future retirement could look very different to the one he hoped to have. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. It was nearly two weeks ago when a gunman opened fire in Atlanta near the campuses of both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Emory University, killing a police officer who was responding to calls of an active shooter. The suspect, who did not survive the assault, was reportedly fixated on the Covid vaccine, which he blamed for his health problems. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation later told the public that the shooter fired nearly 200 rounds at the CDC headquarters, adding that authorities recovered five guns and over 500 shell casings from the scene. Not surprisingly, the violence terrified CDC officials and scientists, many of whom are looking to their boss to take their concerns seriously. Reuters reported: More than 750 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services staff have urged Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to guarantee federal health workers safety after a shooting this month at CDC buildings in Atlanta, according to a letter released on Wednesday. The signatories, including former leaders at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention such as Anne Schuchat, a former principal deputy director, urged HHS to tighten emergency procedures and alerts by September 2. But emergency procedures and alerts are just part of a larger appeal. The same group of officials CDC personnel were joined by staff at the National Institutes of Health and other HHS agencies pressed Kennedy to stop contributing to the underlying problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stop spreading inaccurate health information, the joint letter read, adding, Cease and publicly disavow the ongoing dissemination of false and misleading claims about vaccines, infectious disease transmission, and Americas public health institutions. The same statement went on to explain, When a federal health agency is under attack, Americas health is under attack. When the federal workforce is not safe, America is not safe. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is complicit in dismantling Americas public health infrastructure and endangering the nations health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information. Their concerns are well grounded. The nations health secretary is, by any fair measure, a career conspiracy theorist, who has a lengthy record of promoting bizarre and unscientific ideas. In the wake of deadly violence at the CDC, its hardly outlandish for HHS officials to urge Kennedy to be more responsible and curtail his habit of peddling nonsense. For his part, Kennedy did condemn the recent shooting in Atlanta in a short message published to social media, but the Cabinet secretary waited until a day after the violence, and he posted his statement after publishing images of himself fishing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It didnt exactly signal urgency and seriousness, though it did top Donald Trumps reaction: To date, the president hasnt commented at all on the shooting that left a police officer dead. Time will tell whether Kennedy takes the pressure seriously, although its difficult to be optimistic: The day before the joint statement from HHS officials, the secretary pushed a new conspiracy theory about the American Academy of Pediatrics after it dared to provide the public with accurate information about vaccines. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Donald Trump recently renewed his crusade against mail-in balloting, which means that some members of Congress aligned with the president are scrambling to toe the line. As The New Republic noted, one House GOP member took this in an unfortunate direction: Republican lawmakers are apparently consorting with the dead in their search for a justifiable reason to nix mail-in ballots. Speaking with Fox Business Tuesday, Representative Jeff Van Drew claimed that he had spoken with large numbers of deceased people who had received the voter ballots. The New Jersey Republican, who last generated national headlines with some bizarre claims about aerial drones, largely stuck to familiar talking points, claiming that some unnamed people received multiple mail-in ballots, while other unnamed people have had ballots sent to different addresses. But then the congressman went just a bit further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other times, people who are passed away these are real people I spoke to, large numbers of them, and its indicative of what happened around the country, Van Drew added. Right off the bat, its worth reemphasizing that theres nothing wrong with the integrity of the existing vote-by-mail system, which has been in use without incident for many years in red and blue states. There are occasional reports about those who try to exploit the process illegally, but those people tend to get caught (and prosecuted) because of safeguards built into the system. As for Van Drews suggestion that hes spoken to large numbers of people whove passed away, Im going to assume that the GOP lawmaker simply misspoke and that he wasnt pitching an M. Night Shyamalan movie. Just as notable in this specific instance, however, is some local context. It was earlier this year when a political operative in New Jersey named Craig Callaway pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison for submitting fraudulent mail-in ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Callaway worked with Democratic and Republican candidates, among his clients was none other than Jeff Van Drew. The congressman didnt face any accusations of wrongdoing in the case, though it is a complicating factor as he joins the White House offensive against postal balloting. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Donald Trumps second term has been dominated by White House power grabs, and the presidents efforts to militarize the nations capital are just the latest in a broader pattern. His vice president, however, has come up with a new defense in response to the administrations critics. In his latest Fox News interview, JD Vance defended Trumps decision to send National Guard troops and federal agents into the streets of Washington, D.C., suggesting to Laura Ingraham that the ends justify the means. From the transcript: How is it a power grab, or how is it a stunt, when we have already declined murders by 35% in nine days? How many people are living and breathing today because Donald Trump had the willpower to say, You know what, were sick of D.C. being a home to lawlessness, were going to bring some public order back to the nations capital? Right off the bat, the idea that the militarization of the city has lowered murder rates by 35% in nine days is difficult to take seriously. Such trends tend to be measured over years, not days, suggesting the Ohio Republicans statistic is completely meaningless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relatedly, NBC News reported that the latest crime data for D.C. not just murders specifically, but crime in general found only marginal differences from before and after the federal takeover. But just as important as the vice presidents dubious data is the asymmetry between the first part of his response and the second. Look at Vances line again: How is it a power grab ... when we have already declined murders by 35% in nine days? Just as a matter of logic and coherence, this doesnt make sense. Even if the statistic were correct (and its not), the relative success of a power grab policy doesnt mean its not a power grab. Indeed, Vances line echoed a related point Trump himself made last week. As part of a defense of his D.C. militarization policy, the president said, Already theyre saying, Hes a dictator. [Washington, D.C.] is going to hell, and weve got to stop it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of insisting that his critics have been unnecessarily alarmist, Trump suggested his critics have missed the point: The president feels the need to improve conditions in D.C. How he chooses to pursue such a goal is far less important than the goal itself. He didnt say the accusations related to tyranny were wrong; he instead suggested the accusations were irrelevant. D.C. is going to hell, the Republican falsely claimed, so if that means acting like a dictator, so be it. For all intents and purposes, Vances line was identical. It wouldve been easy (although not necessarily persuasive) for the vice president to argue that the White Houses militarization policy in D.C. isnt a power grab. He argued instead that the accusation is unimportant because the policy is proving effective. Its a case rooted in the idea that underlying principles about democracy, institutions and the rule of law simply dont matter. What does matter, according to the White House, is results and if the actual results are at odds with Team Trumps hopes, then Team Trump will just make stuff up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Vance and his colleagues prepare to export their D.C. agenda to other cities, this problem is likely to get worse before it gets better. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Sometimes, theres political news thats notable at face value, but just below the surface theres an even more important story happening. Take this NBC News report, for example: [T]he director of the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency, William Pulte, a sharp critic of the Fed, alleged in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi that [Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook] falsified bank documents and property records to acquire more favorable loan terms, potentially committing mortgage fraud. In the letter that Pulte called a criminal referral, he said that his agency had obtained her mortgage documents and requested that the Justice Department review the matter. Donald Trump, who is desperate to bring the Federal Reserve to heel, responded to the allegations with a four-word statement published to his social media platform: Cook must resign, now!!! For her part, Cook, an economist named to the Fed board by Joe Biden, said in a statement that she has no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, the story probably seems relatively straightforward, even if many of the relevant players are not widely known to the general public: A federal housing official believes a Federal Reserve official did something wrong, and the accused has denied wrongdoing. Maybe the Justice Department will pursue the matter, maybe not. Time will tell. But then theres the story behind the story. When the Trump administration recently went after Sen. Adam Schiff, the case against the California Democrat and frequent Trump target was based on allegations of mortgage fraud. When the administration went after state Attorney General Letitia James, the case against the New York Democrat and frequent Trump target was also based on allegations of mortgage fraud. This week, evidently, its Cooks turn. Its possible that through some remarkable coincidence, several prominent Democratic officials whom the president doesnt like have all run afoul of the same law at the same time. But its also possible that the Trump administration, eager to retaliate against some of Trumps favorite political targets, have weaponized mortgage fraud allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, told CNBC this week that the criminal referrals were not politically motivated. Perhaps. But given everything we know about Pulte, there is some reason for skepticism. The Washington Post recently noted that the FHFA chief has made a name for himself as a prominent Trump sidekick. From the article: Pulte, 37, has ramped up political infighting. ... Hes become a leading voice for ousting Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome H. Powell, joining the president on a tour of the central bank and handing Trump a draft letter for Powells firing that so far remains unsent. He posts to social media constantly, like his boss in the Oval Office. ... Trump appears to be impressed. Last month, the president congratulated Pulte on the outstanding job he is doing. In a post on Truth Social, he encouraged Pulte not to LET THE RADICAL LEFT WEAKLINGS STOP YOU! All of which is to say, maybe were dealing with a story about a bunch of officials whove played fast and loose with their mortgage applications. Or maybe were dealing with a story about a federal bureaucracy being used in the service of a partisan vendetta. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Intel shares jumped 5% in premarket trading after SoftBank said it would put $2 billion into the struggling chipmaker amid reports the U.S. government is considering taking an even bigger holding. The Japanese technology group said in a statement that the investment will give it about a 2% stake in the company. Masayoshi Son, SoftBanks chief executive and chair, called Intel a trusted leader in innovation and said the investment shows confidence that production in the U.S. will expand, with Intel at the center. Intels chief executive, Lip-Bu Tan, has been in the role for only five months. He inherited a company trying to pull out of a long slump marked by sliding sales, repeated losses and fading dominance in chip design. Already under Tan it has announced plans to lay off 20% of its staff to pare back bureaucracy within the company. Tan said Tuesday that Intel was 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 U.S. 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, he added, referring to the SoftBank boss. SoftBanks move builds on a pledge to grow stateside, after President Donald Trump said it would channel $100 billion into the country over four years. The Japanese government has pressed Washington to ease tariffs in return for that investment. The announcement came shortly after the report that the U.S. federal government is mulling an investment that would make it Intels largest shareholder. That deal would convert some or all of the grants allocated to the company under the U.S. bipartisan Chips and Science Act into equity, according to Bloomberg . Intel was granted a combined $10.9 billion in grants under the act for commercial and military manufacturing, which former President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022. A stake in Intel would be Trumps latest try at intervening in the chipmaking industry. Last week, the U.S. government announced a deal that would have two of Intels rivals, Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices, pay 15% of their revenues from sales in China. Danni Hewson, an analyst at AJ Bell, said the latest deal gives Intel one vote of confidence that Tans recovery effort can be successful. Todays edition of quick hits. * Evidence of progress is hard to find: Just days after the White House celebrated splashy summits with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine as foreign policy victories, the Kremlin signaled Wednesday that its position has barely budged, making clear the challenges facing President Donald Trump as he seeks a peace deal. * In related news: Russias top diplomat on Wednesday said the country would insist on being a part of any future security guarantees for Ukraine, a condition that European and Ukrainian officials widely see as absurd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * In Gaza: Israel launched strikes on Gaza City overnight as it moved forward with a new offensive in the Palestinian enclave despite international condemnation and mounting domestic protests. Explosions rocked neighborhoods in the city on Thursday, after Israel said its military had entered the first stages of a planned assault that includes calling up 60,000 reservists. * Meanwhile, at the State Department: The State Department has fired a press officer who was responsible for drafting Trump administration talking points about policy toward Israel and Gaza after complaints from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. * The $600 billion gift Trump said hed get as part of this deal wasnt included in the final agreement: The United States and the European Union on Thursday published much-anticipated details of the trade agreement they struck verbally last month, which will see Washington maintain high tariffs on European vehicles until the 27-nation bloc takes steps to lower its levies on many American industrial and agricultural products. * I understand why Trump celebrated, but the court still said he committed fraud: A New York appeals court on Thursday dismissed a $500 million civil fraud penalty against President Donald Trump and his companies for routinely over-valuing their properties in financial statements. Some judges of the state Appellate Divisions First Department agreed that Trump and his companies had engaged in fraud, but agreed with their colleagues that the award was an excessive fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * The critics have a point: Japanese American groups criticized the construction of a new immigrant detention center in Texas at a military base that was used during World War II to imprison people of Japanese descent. * The lawmakers questions have merit: Two top House Democrats are demanding documents and internal communications related to the federal approval process behind Skydances $8 billion acquisition of the media conglomerate Paramount, the parent company of CBS. Reps. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md., made the requests in a letter Wednesday to David Ellison, the chief executive of what is now known as the Paramount Skydance Corp. * A generation ago, the three dominant players in the religious right movement were James Falwell, Pat Robertson and James Dobson. Now, theyre all gone: Dr. James Dobson, a politically influential child psychologist who started a radio show counseling Christians on how to be good parents, founded the conservative ministry Focus on the Family and was long a campaigner against abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, died on Thursday. He was 89. See you tomorrow. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In early March, Donald Trumps Justice Department raised eyebrows with an unexpected move: The DOJs civil division unexpectedly filed a brief in federal court, raising concerns about the criminal conviction of a former Colorado county clerk named Tina Peters. The effort didnt amount to much, but the presidents interest in the case didnt fade. And in May, the Republican not only called for Peters release from prison, he also directed the Justice Department to take all necessary action to help secure her freedom. As part of the same online harangue, Trump, who lacks the authority to pardon those convicted of state crimes, went on to describe Peters as a Political Prisoner and a hostage whose trial deserved to be seen as a Communist persecution. This, too, went largely ignored, prompting the president to kick things up a notch. NBC News reported: Trump threatened to take unspecified harsh measures if Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk who promoted conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, is not released from prison. The president referred to Peters as a brave and innocent Patriot who has been tortured by Crooked Colorado politicians, calling to FREE TINA PETERS. I appreciate the fact that Trumps online tantrums tend to generate widespread eye-rolling, but its worth taking a moment to consider the broader significance of his message: An American president publicly threatened to impose harsh measures unless an American state releases a convicted felon the president likes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If theres precedent for this, Im not aware of it. In the same rant, Trump insisted that Peters is innocent and did nothing wrong. Reality tells a very different story. In case anyone needs a refresher, Peters was a county clerk in Colorado who eagerly embraced Trumps lies and conspiracy theories about his 2020 election defeat, but thats not all she did. Peters also acted on those lies and conspiracy theories, using someones security badge to allow a Mike Lindell associate to access county election equipment. The apparent point of the endeavor was to leak election machinery data in pursuit of a conspiratorial plot that never existed in reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not surprisingly, Peters was caught and indicted. She pleaded not guilty, but after she and her attorney struggled to present a compelling defense, a Colorado jury convicted Peters, finding her guilty of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failing to comply with the secretary of state. Ahead of sentencing, Peters showed no remorse. A judge ultimately sentenced her to nine years behind bars. Despite Trumps apparent interest in her case, theres effectively nothing he can do: This was a state official, charged with state crimes, by state prosecutors, in a state court, with a state jury, overseen by a state judge, which necessarily means neither the president nor his Justice Department can overturn Peters criminal conviction. But Trump apparently finds that unsatisfying. He wants to free his conspiratorial ally anyway, and so hes now threatening a state in his own country with unspecified harsh measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wont pretend to know what, if anything, will come of this, but for all of the hysterical and baseless Republican conspiracy theories during Joe Bidens presidency about weaponized prosecutions and a two-tiered justice system, Trump and his team are creating the very conditions the GOP condemned. The incumbent president through his scandalous pardons, his intervention in cases such as Peters and his willingness to sic prosecutors on his perceived political enemies is going out of his way to make clear that his allies will be held to different legal standards than everyone else. The brazenness is so plainly ridiculous, the Trump administration is hardly even trying to keep up appearances and theres every reason to believe this will get worse in the coming days, weeks, months and years. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MADISON COUNTY, Iowa Next Tuesday, voters across Madison County will cast their ballots in a high-stakes Special Election that will determine who officially takes the reins as County Auditor after months of political tension and public scrutiny. Temporary auditor Matthew Schwarz and former board of supervisors clerk Michele Brant are on the ballot. On Wednesday morning, voters were able to witness the public testing of voting equipment. The testing was done by a third-party voting system vendor. And its a vital part of safeguarding the integrity and transparency of the election. It also helps to cultivate public trust in the voting system a welcomed assurance after nearly eight months of uncertainty with the office and after a previous election had some issues with a voting machine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Des Moines man arrested for alleged assault at anti-Trump protest A steady stream of people were in Winterset to vote absentee Wednesday. Residents told WHO 13 that theyre pleased their fellow residents petitioned to hold this special election and they are looking forward to learning the outcome.. I think it will be pretty good. I think that it will hopefully turn things around, Scott McTaggart, a Winterset resident, said. I feel like theres a lot of excitement about it, so I wanted to make sure and vote, Joe Vandinkel, a Cumming resident, said. Officials say the voting machines will stay under lock and key until Tuesday morning, when they are then transported to one of four locations across the county. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters can cast their ballot at any of the four designated locations county-wide. The auditor told WHO 13s Katie Kaplan they hope to have unofficial results by 8:30 or nine Tuesday night, but of course the official results wont be available until after the canvas on September 2. 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. Texas Democrats are condemning what they call President Trumps power grab to give Republicans more seats in Congress. Meanwhile, California Democrats are vowing to wipe out GOP gains in Texas with their own new congressional map. MSNBCs Ari Melber reports on the growing backlash to what critics call Trumps assault on Democracy, and is joined by MSNBCs Jason Johnson and Vanity Fairs Molly Jong-Fast. (Subscribe to Aris YouTube now: http://youtube.com/arimelber) (The Center Square) Rate hikes are necessary to cover millions of dollars in investments required to bring long-neglected water and wastewater systems into compliance, say the leaders of a Louisiana utility company. Executives from Magnolia Water Utility Operating Company this week appeared before the Louisiana Public Service Commission at a hearing on rate increases. Josiah Cox, CEO of Central States Water Resources, Magnolias parent company, told regulators the company has inherited failing systems often absent of investment in decades. Many, he said, were under federal or state consent decrees for chronic environmental violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we buy these systems, you have got to remember, they often had not had rate increases for decades, Cox said. "It was a chronic lack of investment." He pointed to one Slidell system where residents mentioned they still had Hurricane Katrina debris in the lift stations and the lines in the plant. Magnolia entered Louisiana in 2020 with the purchase of four systems in St. Tammany Parish. By 2025, it had expanded to 501 systems serving more than 270,000 customers statewide. A major expansion came in 2022, when Magnolia acquired more than 200 wastewater systems from Total Environmental Solutions, Inc. under a federal consent decree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox said Magnolia has since removed 30 systems from EPA consent decrees and secured compliance status from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for 74 systems. The majority of the projects have been completed, Cox said. Were down to the last 38 or 39 that are actually being constructed right now. Commissioners mentioned customer complaints about water quality in neighborhoods such as Greenleaves in St. Tammany Parish. Cox responded that Magnolia had invested in new treatment systems and that issues were resolved, citing a "chronic lack of investment" from the system's previous owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also pointed to efforts in Slidells Meadows system, where a sudden well failure forced the company to connect to a backup source and begin drilling a new well slated for completion by December 2025. While Magnolia insists its improvements have stabilized troubled systems, residents have been hit with steep bills. In Lafayette Parish, rates have risen by 200% or more since Magnolia took over, with some customers reporting increases of 300%. Frustrated residents have organized on social media to vent about frequent boil advisories, billing disputes, and what they view as unrelenting hikes. Cox said the increases are unavoidable given the costs of compliance. Since starting operations here, going on six years ago, weve run at a cash loss the entire time, he said. Even with the rate increases weve had, we still have a $9 million cash loss that has not been recovered from this state. Weve invested $400 million in this state and not pulled $1 out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current rates reflect a 5% increase for sewer customers and an 8% increase for water customers tied to 2024 investments. Cox said those adjustments were part of the commissions formula rate plan, which allows regulators to review capital spending annually. Commissioners expressed mixed reactions. Some praised Magnolias progress in reviving long-neglected systems, while others said they could not support the latest increase despite acknowledging the companys investments. Magnolia, meanwhile, shows no signs of slowing its growth. The company is pursuing acquisitions in St. Tammany, Lafayette, Pointe Coupee, Calcasieu, Livingston, and Caddo parishes that would add thousands more customers across Louisiana. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Mahoning County Children Services is currently being impacted by telephone issues, according to a press release. The release said if youre trying to contact the agency and youre unable to get through, call the Help Network at 330-747-2696 to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Contact local law enforcement if there is an emergency. First News will update this story when the issues have resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) The President announced, via X, he may issue another executive order, this time to eliminate mail in ballots. Although, Vermonts Secretary of State, Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, says Vermonters appreciate having their ballots sent to them four to six weeks ahead of time so they can research the candidates and issues on their own time. Secretary Copeland-Hanzas also says the mail in ballot program has increased voter turnout. The convenience of it is helpful for people because you know folks are busy and you got to pick up the kids after school and hit the grocery store and sometimes fitting in a trip to your town clerk office or your polling place before 7 pm doesnt work for people. Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, Vermont Secretary of State Copeland-Hanzas adds that if the president does issue this executive order, she expects to work with the attorney general and with other states who do mail ballots to push back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The secretary tells me the only the congressional branch can make changes to election law, and has before, but only to make sure that eligible Americans can vote without barriers or restrictions. In this administration, is it appears what theyre trying to do is shrink the number of eligible Americans who are able to cast a ballot. Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, Vermont Secretary of State Copeland-Hanzas also ensures ABC22/FOX44 that Vermont elections are secure, saying that only electoral officials have access to the tabulators, which are held under lock and key and are not connected to the internet, making them unhackable. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) President Donald Trumps proposal to ban mail-in ballots and restrict the use of voting machines has sparked debate across the country. Here in Illinois, one local election official says many of Trumps demands are already in place in his county, and any change could have little effect here. Illinois already meets many standards Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman explained that Illinois already requires paper ballots and safeguards that Trump says are necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All votes on paper, we already have that. He wants watermarks in the paper, that already exists in Illinois. We retain those records for four years after an election. If theyre auditable, we audit the election to make sure that the machines count, he said. Ackerman also clarified how voting machines work locally. This machine isnt counting, its just mainly filling in a circle for you. You review those, make sure that is how you wanted to vote, then you walk it over here and you put it through the tabulator, he explained. Vote-by-mail ballots remain crucial While the president has suggested eliminating mail-in voting, Ackerman said such a move would directly affect many Illinois residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vote by mail currently in Tazewell County is almost a third of the voting public, 25% to a third. In the state of Illinois, it is a third of the votes: 33% vote by mail, 33% early voting, and 33% on Election Day, he said. He noted that mail-in ballots are especially important for seniors, military members, and voters with disabilities who cannot easily make it to the polls. They allow individuals that for one reason or another cant get to the polls on Election Day. The public has responded by utilizing increasingly large numbers, he added. Safeguards and voter confidence Ackerman emphasized that Illinois has multiple layers of protection to ensure accuracy and security in both in-person and mail-in voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a stair step of laws, one after another that overlap each other quite a bit, that really make sure that there are multiple layers of protection. If its ever in question, the proof is physically lying right there in our hands, he said. He also stressed the importance of local control in Illinois elections, something he said should give voters peace of mind. Were blessed in Illinois to have local control of our elections. You can get to know your local election authority. See them. Theyre the only ones counting the votes for your jurisdiction. That gives the public peace of mind. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Graham Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer, is challenging Maine Sen. Susan Collins in the 2026 senate election, he announced Aug. 19. We have watched this state become unlivable for working people. And it makes me deeply angry, Platner, a Democrat, said in his announcement video. Everywhere Ive gone, it seems like the fabric of what holds us together is being ripped apart by billionaires and corrupt politicians, profiting off of destroying our environment, driving our families into poverty, and crushing the middle class. He will be taking on Collins, a moderate Republican who occasionally bucks her party and has proven difficult to unseat. She is running for a sixth term in 2026. Graham Platner, a Democrat, is running to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate. Who is Graham Platner? Platner is a Sullivan, Maine, native who owns Waukeag Neck Oyster Company. He is also chair of the Sullivan Planning Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his announcement video, Platner is portrayed as an economic populist ready to take on the oligarchy of billionaires and "corrupt politicians." He criticized Collins, saying that he is "not fooled" by the "fake charade" of her moderation. "The difference between Susan Collins and (Texas Sen.) Ted Cruz is that at least Ted Cruz is honest about selling us out and not giving a damn," he said. His platform includes universal healthcare, stopping mass deportations and supporting unions. As a veteran who served three tours in Iraq as a Marine and another in Afghanistan with Army National Guard, he says he will never, ever vote to send Americans into a pointless war. Who is running against Susan Collins? Platner is the latest Democrat to announce his candidacy in the 2026 senate race against the incumbent Collins. Others include Jordan Woods, the former chief of staff to then-Rep. Katie Porter, and David Costello, who ran against Maine Independent Sen. Angus King in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins is unpopular in the state, with 57% of Mainers finding her unfavorable in a June UNH Survey Center poll. But while Gov. Janet Mills name has been floated to challenge Collins, she has not committed and Democrats have yet to recruit a high-profile candidate. Maine Senator Susan Collins speaks during a press conference outside the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard April 17, 2025. With no prior political experience, Platner is not a high-profile candidate, either. But he has attracted some national attention with a launch video produced by Morris Katz, an advisor to the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, according to reports. Some on social media have referred to him as Maine Zohran. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Maine senate race: Graham Platner to challenge Susan Collins Severely malnourished children in the Gaza Strip will be "certainly condemned to death" unless aid gets to them quickly, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned Thursday. The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said hunger was particularly acute in the north -- where Gaza City is -- where an estimated one million people remain. Lazzarini said an evaluation on how famine has evolved in the Gaza Strip was due to be published soon, adding UNRWA health centres had seen a six-fold increase in the number of severely malnourished children since March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If no measures are taken immediately, they are certainly condemned to death," he told the Geneva Press Club. People in the Palestinian territory are already dying of hunger and "there will be more, there's no doubt about it", said Lazzarini. Rights group Amnesty International earlier this week accused Israel of enacting a "deliberate policy" of starvation in Gaza. Without naming Israel, Lazzarini labelled it a "manufactured famine" and said food had been used "as a weapon of war". Israel heavily restricts aid coming into Gaza but has repeatedly rejected claims of deliberate starvation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has announced a plan to take over Gaza City and has warned that the north of the territory will be evacuated. The UNRWA commissioner-general warned that a weakened, hungry population would struggle to withstand a new military operation in the city. "We had described hell on Earth in Gaza," he said. "If this scenario were to unfold, even if we talk about the evacuation of people from Gaza to the south, many will no longer even have the strength to move." rjm/jxb Intel (INTC) stock soared over 10% on Tuesday after the Japanese conglomerate Softbank (SFTBY) announced a $2 billion investment (about a 2% stake) in the multinational chip manufacturer. Investors are running into INTC this morning also on President Donald Trumps administrations plans of taking a 10% stake in the beleaguered semiconductor firm as well. More News from Barchart Despite ongoing challenges, Intel stock has been a lucrative investment in August. Versus the start of this month, its up roughly 35% at the time of writing. www.barchart.com Why SoftBanks Stake Bodes Wells for Intel Stock Softbanks investment is bullish for INTC shares as it essentially is a major vote of confidence in the companys new management and its turnaround strategy at large. The announcement reiterates Intels pivotal role in revitalizing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and boosts its overall financial stability in the near term. The capital injection could help INTCs foundry business to accelerate its push into next-gen chip technologies, which may help attract new customers over time. Simply put, Softbanks stake lifts investor sentiment that may translate to significant further upside for Intel shares over time. UBS Says INTC Shares Could Soar to $40 According to UBS analysts, a federal stake could prove a major tailwind for INTC stock, especially if the U.S. government urges the likes of Broadcom (AVGO), Nvidia (NVDA), and Apple (AAPL) to boost their business with Intel. An upside case could potentially come to fruition if the U.S. government pushes these companies to engage more immediately with Intel on foundry services, they told clients in a research note on Tuesday. In fact, Intel could be worth as much as $40 in the bull-case scenario where its chip manufacturing business is valued similarly to global peers, UBS analysts added. Their best-case forecast indicates potential for another 50% upside in INTC shares from here. Whats the Consensus Rating on Intel? At the time of writing, the consensus rating on Intel stock sits at Hold only with the mean target of about $23 indicating potential downside of more than 10% from current levels. NEWARK, N.Y. (WROC) For the past two years, Newark Police have been searching for a man who allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13. He was located on Wednesday more than 1,000 miles away from Upstate New York and is now in police custody. According to investigators, The Newark Police Department began investigating 43-year-old Daniel Shaffer in 2021 after a tip was given to Child Protection Services. Since the case was opened, Shaffer has been accused of physically abusing an adult and child under the age of 13, while also engaging in sexual activity with the child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newark Sergeant Nicholas Dapolito has been the lead investigator on the case since 2023 and concluded throughout the investigation that Shaffer relocated to Florida shortly before the warrants were issued for the alleged offenses. Because of this, he was unable to be extradicted. After speaking with [his] relatives and family members, he hasnt been back to New York in some time, Dapolito said. I knew this was someone I wanted to find and bring back to New York from wherever he was at. Dapolito explained how in the couple years following, Shaffer was unable to be located. This was the case until earlier this year when Dapolito coordinated with the U.S. Marshalls Office Fugitive Taskforce to attempt and locate him. On Wednesday, police in Gainesville, Florida responded to a condominium complex for reports of a non-resident trespassing in the community pool. Using facial recognition technology, the U.S. Marshalls Office was able to identify the man as Shaffer. He was extradited to New York on the aforementioned outstanding warrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After working on the case for two years, Dapolito shared why he sees this development as a step in the right direction for getting justice. I wanted to bring some closure to the family with these allegations and indictment, Dapolito said. Shaffer has been charged with four counts of predatory sexual assault against a child and four counts of rape in the first degree. He is now being held in the Wayne 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 RochesterFirst. The Brief A 20-year-old man accused of raping a woman on the Seminole Wekiva Trail will remain jailed without bond. Deputies said Patrick Gamache attacked the victim on Monday. Gamache was already on probation in Miami-Dade County for a 2023 robbery case and is due back in court Sept. 30. SANFORD, Fla - A 20-year-old man accused of raping a woman along the Seminole Wekiva Trail earlier this week will remain in jail without bond, a Seminole County judge ruled Wednesday. What we know Deputies said 20-year-old Patrick Gamache attacked a woman Monday as she walked along the Seminole Wekiva Trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP According to the arrest report, he grabbed her from behind, wrestled her to the ground and allegedly raped her before fleeing. A nearby worker heard the victims cries and called 911. Gamache was arrested and appeared in court Wednesday, where a judge ordered him held without bond on charges of sexual assault and battery. What we don't know Authorities have not released further details about how deputies located Gamache after the attack or whether DNA or other physical evidence ties him to the crime. The Seminole County Sheriffs Office has not said if additional charges could be filed. The victims identity has not been released. Timeline The attack happened Monday evening on the Seminole Wekiva Trail. Gamache. His arrest was announced on Tuesday, and he appeared before a judge on Wednesday. Court records show he had just been sentenced in Miami-Dade County to 15 days of probation for a strong-arm robbery case a probation period set to end next week. What's next Gamache is scheduled to return to court in Seminole County on Sept. 30. SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. A man has pleaded guilty to murdering a customer inside a branch of Lloyds Bank in Derby. Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur, 47, of Western Road, Derby, was charged with the fatal stabbing of Gurvinder Johal, 37, who was killed inside the St Peter's Street branch just after 14:30 BST on Tuesday 6 May. Appearing in the dock at Derby Crown Court, Cabdiraxmaan Nur had a Somali interpreter as he entered his guilty plea in front of Mr Johal's family and friends sitting in the public gallery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Shaun Smith KC set a provisional sentencing date of 29 October. Flowers were left outside Lloyds in St Peter's Street where Mr Johal died [George Torr/BBC] The court was told Cabdiraxmaan Nur will serve a "life sentence" with a starting point of 25 years, "subject to mitigating and aggravating factors". Turning to the defendant, the judge said: "You will be sentenced on 29 October for this offence, you will receive a life sentence. "The term that you will be required to spend in prison will be decided on that date, until then, you are remanded into custody." Mr Johal had been at Lloyds with the bank holiday takings from his Hen and Chickens Bar and Grill in Shelton Lock, a family friend said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had just returned to Derby from a family trip to India with his wife, children and extended family. A cordon was set up in the heart of the city after the stabbing [BBC] Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. More on this story Related internet links Aug. 21MOSCOW The Moscow SWAT team responded to an individual barricaded in a residence Wednesday night after firing a gun in an east side neighborhood. Police arrested the male on the 400 block of South Roosevelt Street, which ended the incident. Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM The Moscow Police Department issued a shelter-in-place for residents in the neighboring homes. The police responded to the incident at approximately 8 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD Chief Anthony Dahlinger told the Daily News that the male allegedly fired his gun into the ground outside and then barricaded himself in a residence. The neighbors reported the noise. There were no injuries. An 18-year-old man has been arrested after chemicals were found at a property in Lincolnshire. Police said the substances, along with other items found at The Wolds in Waddingham, needed to be disposed of safely. A bomb disposal van was at the scene and a 100m (328ft) cordon was put in place. Police said the incident was not terrorism-related. A number of homes in the area were evacuated on Thursday lunchtime, with residents taken to the local village hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lincolnshire Police said the discovery was made after a planned warrant was carried out earlier. The force said there was no wider risk to the public, but asked people to avoid the area. Police thanked the team at the village hall for "offering up the space without hesitation". In a statement, they said: "This is true community spirit, and we're really grateful for how swiftly they gave us access to the building." Shortly after 21:00 BST, police said residents were being allowed back to their homes and thanked them for their "efforts, understanding and patience". The force said a controlled explosion would be carried out near Faldingworth to dispose of the materials discovered at the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices Related internet links The Brief A Fort Worth man was charged with murder after shooting a driver from another car. The suspect, Christopher Blanton Jr., claimed he felt threatened, but police say a witness refutes this. The victim, Cody Davontae Scott, 32, died from his injuries. Blanton is held on a $30,000 bond. FORT WORTH, Texas - A man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting a driver from another vehicle in Fort Worth Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an arrest affidavit obtained by FOX 4, another person in the suspect's car claimed the victim was not visible behind tinted windows at the time of the shooting. Fort Worth car-to-car shooting The latest The victim in the shooting has been identified as Cody Davontae Scott, 32. He was found in the driver's seat of a vehicle around 2:55 p.m. on East Berry Street with a gunshot wound, the arrest document says. A dually pickup was identified as the suspect vehicle, and two occupants were identified soon after. The driver, identified as the suspect, was Christopher Jerome Blanton Jr., 29. In an interview with Blanton's front-seat passenger, investigators were told Blanton told the passenger to lean back in his seat just before the shooting. Blanton then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at Scott's vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The passenger reportedly told police Scott's windows were tinted to the point that he never saw the victim; he was unsure why Blanton would have shot at the man. Blanton told police he thought Scott's vehicle was following him, and he felt threatened enough to shoot. The arrest document says all other witness statements and evidence from the scene contradict Scott threatening Blanton. Blanton is being held in the Tarrant County Jail on a $150,000 bond for his murder charge. The backstory Scott, who was not identified until after initial FOX 4 reporting, was in critical condition Monday. He later died of his injuries following the shooting and subsequent crash. The Source Information in this report came from Tarrant County. A 13-year-old boy was attacked by a man on a London Overground train in sickening video. Footage appears to show the teenager being threatened, hit and violently flung around the carriage as the train left Watford High Street railway station. Adult onlookers can be seen moving away from the scuffle. His mother, who wished to remain anonymous to protect his identity, claimed her son only approached the man after a group of teenage girls told him he had been bothering them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After being approached by her son, the man is then said to have got up and begun the alleged assault, in which he can be heard calling himself a big man during the interaction. Speaking to The Telegraph, his mother said she was enraged nobody had stepped in to help her son. I was saddened, heartbroken everything you could feel as a parent, she said. I completely understand people dont want to get involved in altercations these days because you dont know if someone has a knife. But to not call the police, pull the emergency leaver or report it to the driver... that has really knocked my faith in society and humanity. That sums up England today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did not know about the incident, which took place on July 26, until videos surfaced on social media in recent days. Nobody fears the police any more Of her son, who has autism and ADHD, she said: He is completely mortified. The man split his lip and hit his head on the pole. She claimed when officers first spoke to them about the incident, they were told dont expect anything to come of this and that the likely best they could hope for was a community resolution order consisting of an apology. Nobody fears the police any more, she said. If this doesnt constitute assault, what does? Silly action is being taken against things you wouldnt believe like people in prison over tweets. This man is a danger, to be able to do something like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the British Transport Police (BTP) which is now handling the case really want to catch the perpetrator. The woman added: Im petrified if he bumps into this man again. Its sickening, thats my baby. To see that happen, I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. I dont believe any children are safe nowadays. BTP said no arrests had been made. A spokesman said: Officers received a crime report from Hertfordshire Police after a 13-year-old boy was assaulted on a train at Watford High Street railway station at around 4pm on a date in late July. Inquiries are ongoing. Hertfordshire Constabulary was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A man was arrested on Wednesday after a fire started at a storage unit in Baton Rouge. The Baton Rouge Fire Department responded to a storage unit facility in the 13000 block of S. Choctaw Drive to a fire on Tuesday. Upon arrival, firefighters saw heavy smoke coming from one of the buildings. After entering, firefighters found and extinguished the fire, containing it to a single storage unit. BRFD determined the fire was a result of arson. The fire department said the fire caused about $250,000 in damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators found and arrested a suspect, Derrick Toran, in connection with the fire. Toran was seen on surveillance at the storage unit. He admitted to being on the property at the time of the fire but denied starting the fire or knowing how it started. Toran was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of simple arson, simple burglary, criminal trespass, and entry or remaining in place after being forbidden. 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. MOUNT CLARE, W.Va. (WBOY) A man has been charged after deputies say he threatened another person in Harrison County before brandishing a shotgun at their house. On Aug. 20, deputies with the Harrison County Sheriffs Department responded to a residence in Mount Clare for a call of someone brandishing a firearm, according to a criminal complaint. John Dean When deputies arrived, they said they met with the victim, who stated that John Dean, 42, arrived at the residence with a single-barrel shotgun and was angry over a dispute about property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to arriving at the residence, the complaint said that Dean had sent the victim voice messages over Facebook which said I will dump gas on your f***ing house and burn it down and I will beat your fat f***ing a** and I will burn your f***ing house down before telling the victim, now Im on my motherf***ing way, according to the complaint. 2 people charged after deputies find an infant in vehicle covered in human feces during Upshur County traffic stop During that time, Dean spoke to the victim through the window of the residence and said Ill shoot you through the window, you motherf***er, before pointing a single-barrel shotgun at the victim, creating a serious and substantial risk of injury, the complaint said. Prior to deputies arriving, Dean fled the area, but was later located a short distance away with a single-barrel 12-gauge shotgun, which deputies said was confirmed to be the same shotgun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dean has been charged with wanton endangerment and threats to commit a terroristic act. He is being held in North Central Regional 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 WBOY.com. A Tennessee man charged in the brutal murder of an exotic dancer in Arizona has remained in an out-of-state jail for two months on an unrelated probation violation, baffling attorneys who question why he has not been extradited to Maricopa County. Jared Gray, 25, is one of three defendants charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Mercedes Vega, whose burned, beaten body was found in a car west of Phoenix in 2023. But unlike his two co-defendants, Gray is not awaiting trial in a Maricopa County jail. He is nearly 2,000 miles away, in Catoosa County, Georgia, where he has been incarcerated under the name Jarred Gray since his arrest in June on a probation violation connected to a 2022 theft charge that he pleaded guilty to, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gray's probation was revoked last month, and he was ordered to serve the rest of his five-year sentence on the theft charge behind bars, a court order shows. It is not clear how much time is left on that sentence. Nor is it clear why he has not been extradited to Arizona. A spokesman for the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office declined to comment, saying it does not provide extradition information because of security concerns. The Maricopa County Attorneys Office, which is prosecuting the case, referred NBC News to the sheriffs office. In response to an email seeking information about Grays extradition to Arizona, Travis Jordan, his attorney in the probation case, said: Unfortunately, your email below is the first news Ive heard as to Mr. Grays extradition status and I have no information relating to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Deanna Reisman, the chief assistant district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, which includes Catoosa County, the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office placed a hold on Gray, allowing authorities in Arizona the chance to take him into custody before his release on the probation charge. Reisman was not sure how much time they have to make that arrest, nor did she know whether officials in Maricopa County have sought Gray's extradition. Her office typically becomes involved in the process only when a defendant fights extradition. Most do not, she added. "Arizona can secure his presence in their courts for their charge(s) despite the defendant serving a sentence in Georgia," she wrote in an email. The Catoosa County Sheriffs Office did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gray was charged with first-degree murder in Vegas killing on June 20, two days after he was arrested on the probation violation. Because he is still in Georgia, he has not been arraigned on the charge, and court records in Maricopa County do not list a lawyer who can speak on his behalf. Stara Roemer, a former prosecutor in Dallas County, Texas, who is not involved in the case, said that if she were handling Vegas murder prosecution, she would want Gray extradited immediately. I wouldnt want to risk anything going sideways, she said, noting that it is not unheard of for people in Grays situation to be released by accident. Howard Snader, a longtime criminal defense attorney in Phoenix who is also not involved in the case, said: "I dont understand why they wouldnt get him back here as quickly as possible. It's a high-profile, brutal, horrific homicide." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grays co-defendants in Vega's killing, Cudjoe Young and Sencere Hayes, were indicted last month on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, arson, armed robbery, conspiracy and theft. Hayes, 22, was charged with an additional count of hindering prosecution. They pleaded not guilty. Authorities have not identified a possible motive. Vega's family have said they believe the killing was intended to silence her. Three years before her murder, Vega was robbed at gunpoint outside her Phoenix apartment building, and she later identified Young, 29, as the masked assailant, police records show. Vega was scheduled to testify on April 17, 2023, the day she was found dead, her mother said. Authorities have not said how the three defendants are connected, but all have ties to Chattanooga, Tennessee, according to an affidavit in support of an arrest warrant for Gray. Investigators have cited evidence connecting Young to the car that Vegas body was found in, according to the affidavit, while fingerprints link Gray and Hayes to the murder, it says. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Soybean futures eased off the Tuesday lows, but still closed with 6 to 8 cent losses. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was down 7 3/4 cents at $9.67. Soymeal futures closed with gains of 60 cents to $7.00, with Soy Oil futures back down 98 to 159 points on the day. USDA reported a private export sale of 228,606 MT of soybeans to Mexico this morning, all for 2025/26. More News from Barchart Crop Progress data from NASS Monday afternoon showed 82% of the US bean crop setting pods by Sunday, matching normal. Soybean conditions were steady at 68% gd/ex, though the Brugler500 index was down another point to 373. Ratings in IL were up 8 points, with IA, MI and the Dakotas improving 2, and NE up 3 points. Some deterioration was noted in fringe states, with the Southeastern states dropping, and OH down 2 points. The annual ProFarmer Crop Tour got kicked off on Monday, with the first legs in Ohio and South Dakota. Ohio pod counts averaged 1,287.28, which was 4.66% above last year and 6.84% larger than the 3-year average. Pod counts in South Dakota were up 15.84% from a year ago at 1,188.45, which was also 22.51% above the 3-year average. Results will be announced for Nebraska and Indiana this evening. ANEC estimates the Brazilian soybean export total at 8.9 MMT for August, which is above the 8.8 MMT total from last weeks numbers. Sep 25 Soybeans closed at $10.13, down 7 3/4 cents, Nearby Cash was $9.67 1/1, down 7 3/4 cents, Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.33 3/4, down 7 1/2 cents, Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $10.53 1/4, down 6 3/4 cents, New Crop Cash was $9.58 1/1, down 7 3/4 cents, On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) The man accused of killing a Rascals Bar and Grill employee last week is being detained on an ICE hold, officials told News13 Wednesday night. Irving Oswaldo Gonzalez Centeno, 26, is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in connection with the Friday night shooting of 41-year-old Lester Lil Man Goldsmith. Horry County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman Brennan Cavanaugh could not immediately confirm Gonzalezs immigration status. 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 county has a longstanding agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) Jail Enforcement Model or JEM authorizing federal authorities to identify and process removable aliens with criminal or pending charges who are arrested by state or local law enforcement agencies. 287gJEM_HorryCoSC_06-09-2020Download Between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, ICE oversaw 1,819 facilitated removals under JEM, according to a February fact sheet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for local officials to shut down the 1221 16th Ave. restaurant. An online petition launched Saturday has garnered 300 signatures asking decision makers including Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy, Sheriff Philip Thompson and councilwoman Julie Hardwick to take action. News13 left a phone message with Bellamy on Wednesday. City leaders on Monday didnt acknowledge the shooting during their regularly scheduled council meeting. Closing Rascals Bar & Grill is a crucial step towards making Conway a safer place for its residents and visitors. It is imperative for the local authorities to act decisively by revoking its license. This will serve as a significant move to prevent further tragedies and restore peace in this community, the petition says. Rascals said on its Facebook page that it plans to reopen Monday afternoon. Owner Robert Hodges told News13 Wednesday his focus is on trying to help the family, friends and my employees deal with this horrible tragedy. 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. * * * Madi Codispoti is a multimedia journalist at News13. Madi is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and most recently worked at WJHL in Johnson City, Tennessee. She graduated from Emory & Henry University in May 2023. You can keep up with Madi on Facebook and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 20A St. Paul man was charged in Freeborn County District Court on Monday with possession of close to 100 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Friday on Interstate 35 one mile south of Geneva. Carlos De Jesus Hernandez Carpio, 28, faces one count of first-degree possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine. Court documents state Hernandez Carpio was arrested after a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was on routine patrol in Freeborn County on Interstate 35 at about 7:40 a.m. Friday when he saw a vehicle with a suspended object hanging from the rearview mirror. He pulled over the vehicle near mile marker 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the court complaint, Hernandez Carpio had bloodshot and watery eyes, and he reportedly admitted to the trooper he did not have a valid license. There were numerous beverages in cupholders, nicotine products and a tube of toothpaste on the floor. The trooper reportedly asked Hernandez Carpio to attempt field sobriety tests and appeared nervous, with sweat forming on his face and his body trembling. The complaint stated he reportedly consented to a search of the vehicle, and the trooper deployed his narcotics-trained K-9. The dog indicated a source of narcotics in the vehicle, after which the trooper searched the vehicle and found totes with meth. In court on Monday, Freeborn County District Court Judge Ross Leuning set unconditional bail for Hernandez Carpio at $1 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 28. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) A man has been charged after troopers find fentanyl and other drugs on his person when being put under arrest for a Monongalia County warrant. On Aug. 20, troopers with the Monongalia County detachment of the West Virginia State Police were conducting a routine patrol in the area of Spruce Street in Morgantown when they observed an individual with an active warrant, according to the complaint. Keith Cohens After troopers confirmed the warrant was still active, they then placed the individual, identified as Keith Cohens, 44, of Morgantown, under arrest, troopers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 people charged after deputies find an infant in vehicle covered in human feces during Upshur County traffic stop During a search of Cohens following his arrest, troopers located a bag containing a white powder-like substance, a bag containing a brownish-pink powder which field-tested positive for fentanyl, as well as a bag containing approximately four different substances which were all individually packaged with on bag, according to the complaint. Cohens has been charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. He is being held in North Central Regional 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 WBOY.com. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Court records filed on Thursday provide additional details in the Wednesday death of a Little Rock School District employee outside the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center in Little Rock. Little Rock police officials said on Thursday that 36-year-old Michelle Butler of Little Rock died from apparent gunshot wounds in the incident. Records show that 29-year-old Duane Nooner told detectives he ran over Butler with his car several times and then grabbed a pistol from inside Butlers nearby car and shot her multiple times. Woman shot and killed near elementary school in Little Rock, suspect and victim both IDd Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nooner was in court Thursday and entered a not guilty plea to a charge of capital murder. Records show his next court appearance is Oct. 20. He remains in the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility without a bond being set. He was taken into custody within 30 minutes of Butlers death, according to court records. Records filed with the court appearance today include the detectives report on Butlers death investigation. The report shows that detectives found Nooner quickly after checking surveillance footage from the area shortly after being alerted to the shooting. The footage shows a black sedan with a spare tire on the left front wheel completely running over Butler after striking her several times, the detectives report states. A man later identified as Nooner is seen getting out of the car and shooting Butler, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Little Rock and Little Rock police embrace drones as powerful policing tools The cars license plate showed it to be registered to Nooner and a second man, according to the report. After spotting it on the video, detectives broadcast a description of the vehicle to all officers, the report states. Little Rock officers on patrol spotted the sedan at a Little Rock gas station. As officers moved toward the car, the report states, they saw Nooner jump out of the car and try to run away. Officers, per the report, ordered Nooner to get on the ground, and he did so. He was wearing the same clothes seen on the surveillance video, detectives said in the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Respectful, Hard-working, Servants Heart Danville High School senior remembered The report concludes that Nooner waived his Miranda rights and confessed to detectives that he ran over and shot Butler. He threw the gun away as he fled the scene, he told detectives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) A man will spend the next few decades behind bars after pleading guilty to possessing child sex abuse materials. Barry Stephens, 64, of Salem, was sentenced to 33 years in prison after pleading guilty to 51 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, the Columbiana County Prosecutors Office announced Thursday. He was arrested in March 2024 as part of an investigation conducted by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. A release states task force agents searched Stephens Depot Road home and found a vast quantity of child sexual abuse material on his computer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephens was designated a Tier II sexual offender, meaning he must register as a sexual offender for twenty-five years upon his 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 WKBN.com. [WATCH: In the video player above, learn what happens when you call 911.] AKRON, Ohio (WJW) The Akron Police Department and Summit County Medical Examiner are investigating the death of a 26-year-old man. According to a press release, officers and EMS responded to the 900 block of Dayton Street for a shooting Wednesday night around 10:30 p.m. New report: 2 NE Ohio public high schools named among Top 5 in state First responders found the victim inside with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene around 11 p.m., according to the medical examiner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim has been identified as Deron Boston, a 26 year-old male Will we get tariff rebate checks? What the Trump administration says According to police, around the same time, officers responded to a call for a 25-year-old male shooting victim who had arrived at a local hospital. The victim remains hospitalized, Akron police said. Detectives are investigating whether the two incidents are related. Police have not released any information about a suspect. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. NEW YORK (PIX11) The NYPD is searching for a man who is accused of exposing himself on a subway train and performing a lewd act in front of a female passenger, the department announced Thursday. The incident was first reported to police on Thursday, August 7. More Crime News The woman was sitting aboard a northbound B train entering the Kingsbridge Road subway station in The Bronx. Thats when she saw an unidentified man exposing himself and performing a lewd act. The man fled into another subway car, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported. The suspect was last seen wearing a white sweatshirt, blue jeans, white and black sneakers, and carrying a black backpack. 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). Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Man facing charges in shooting of pregnant woman at South Shore pond Authorities on Thursday announced an arrest in connection with the shooting of a pregnant woman at a pond on the South Shore of Massachusetts last week. Anthony Delman, 37, of Fryeburg, Maine, is facing charges including armed assault with intent to murder, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a pregnant victim, possession of a firearm without a firearms identification card, and firearm violation with two prior violent/drug crimes, according to Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily. The victim, a 28-year-old woman, walked into the Carver Police Station on the evening of Aug. 13 to report that she had been shot while at Sampson Pond, Duphily said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After officers observed an apparent gunshot to the womans leg, she was taken to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Delman was identified as the suspect in the shooting following an investigation, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on Wednesday afternoon, according to Duphily. This case was an excellent example of good, solid police work and cooperation between agencies, which has resulted in the arrest of a violent person willing to shoot a pregnant woman, Duphily said in a statement. Delman was already in custody in connection with a shooting in Dennis that followed the incident at Sampson Pond when the warrant was issued, authorities said. Hell be called to court to face the charges at a later date. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW PD Bert was a sniffer dog with Cleveland Police [Cleveland Police] A man has been fined for drink driving in a crash that led to a police dog, that took part in Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, being put down. PD Bert, a five-year-old springer spaniel belonging to Cleveland Police, was put to sleep due to the severity of his injuries after his dog support unit vehicle collided with a BMW in Hartlepool on 17 July. Appearing at Teesside Magistrates' Court, Brian Mcloughlin, 33, of Hartlepool, pleading guilty to drink driving and was disqualified from driving for 16 months and ordered to pay 168. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An officer has now been issued a fine and penalty points on his licence for driving without due care and attention, Cleveland Police said. Mcloughlin was told he could decrease his driving disqualification by 16 weeks if he completed a drink driving rehabilitation course. PD Bert had served with the force as a sniffer dog for three-and-a-half years. He was deployed to London in September 2022 as part of the policing operation for the late Queen's funeral. PD Bert, along with another dog and their police handler, had been responding to an emergency incident when the crash occurred. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links Update: This story was updated Aug. 21 to add the name of the deceased man. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The man found dead in a burning car was identified as 32-year-old David Weaver by the Clark County Coroners office. Weaver was found dead inside a car after it caught on fire in a North Las Vegas neighborhood early Sunday morning, police said. North Las Vegas Police responded to the 3200 block of Mary Dee Avenue around 3 a.m. on Aug. 17 after reports of a car fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found a white Lexus fully engulfed in flames. After putting out the fire, Weaver was found inside, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said The coroner said the cause and manner of death are still pending. Detectives said the investigation is in its early stages as they work to determine what led up to the fire. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the North Las Vegas Police Department at (702) 633-9111. 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. Stada Arzneimittel AGs private equity owners are resuming preparations for a listing of the German drugmaker after talks stalled on a potential sale to CapVest Partners, people with knowledge of the matter said. Bain Capital and Cinven, which jointly own Stada, have started gearing up to hold an initial public offering of the business as soon as October, the people said. London-based buyout firm CapVest was in discussions to acquire Stada but its been unable to reach an agreement, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. Most Read from Bloomberg CapVest was in talks to buy Stada together with a group of other institutional investors in a transaction valuing the business at around 10 billion ($11.7 billion) including debt, Bloomberg News has reported. The potential acquisition would have been a large deal for CapVest, which manages about 12 billion in assets. Talks cooled in part due to disagreements over valuation as well as the structure of CapVests bid, according to some of the people. Bain and Cinven are now returning to plans for an IPO, which has always been their preferred exit route, the people said. While negotiations on a potential deal with CapVest have hit an impasse, the situation is fluid and theres still a chance they could overcome their differences and reach an agreement, the people said. Representatives for Bain, CapVest, Cinven and Stada declined to comment. Bain and Cinven started weighing options for Stada in 2023. The company manufactures and sells a range of products such as consumer health-care items, generic drugs and specialty medication for rare and chronic diseases. Stada told investors in June that its on track to achieve its earnings guidance of 930 million to 990 million of adjusted Ebitda for the year. Its targeting 4.25 billion to 4.4 billion of adjusted revenues. The companys brands include Grippostad, which helps treat colds and flu infections, and Hirudoid cream for bruises and hematoma. Bain and Cinven agreed to buy Stada for 5.3 billion in 2017, a deal that gave them control of one of Europes last independent generic-drug companies. --With assistance from Pamela Barbaglia. An Australian man has been fined after he disturbed the nesting site of a critically endangered bird, the fairy tern, at a coastal reserve outside of Melbourne, Bay 93.9 reported. According to authorities, the thief stole monitoring and research equipment from the Avalon Coastal Reserve, a protected sanctuary that safeguards some of the last 40 adult fairy terns that remain in the world. Wildlife officials identified the individual using camera footage from the very equipment he had taken. He was fined $790, and all equipment was returned, Bay 93.9 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fairy terns, as seen in this Auckland Zoo footage, are small seaside birds that nest on beaches just above high tide, an increasingly vulnerable area. Their habitat is threatened by rising global temperatures, which are causing rising sea levels and more frequent and extreme storms. Even under normal conditions, the chicks are at risk of being swept away by the sea, preyed upon by other animals, and disturbed by humans. This event highlights the risks to global biodiversity not only from human-caused threats such as rising temperatures but from the carelessness and disregard that comes with encroaching on natural spaces. This can affect the food supply, developments in medicine, and more. As individuals, it's vital that we care for wildlife and the ecosystems around us. Engaging in conversations with friends and family about the importance of supporting respectful behaviors can help raise awareness, while science-backed conservation policies (and candidates) can actively protect creatures. Habitat protection policies, increased environmental enforcement, and biodiversity monitoring programs such as the Recovering America's Wildlife Act are small steps we can take to make a big impact in building a safer, cleaner future for all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife officials expressed their concern over the alarming behavior. "It is an offence to disturb wildlife or to damage, disturb, or destroy wildlife habitat," Acting Chief Conservation Regulator Wayne Robins said, per Bay 93.9. "It is especially concerning to see the habitat of a critically endangered species being disturbed." BirdLife Australia added, "This research is so important for the endangered fairy tern, and it's vital that we are able to continue this work without disturbance." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A man was killed during a shooting in Seattles South Park neighborhood late Wednesday night. According to the King County Sheriffs Office (KCSO), a 911 caller reported a shooting along Des Moines Memorial Drive South just before 10 p.m. Arriving deputies found one man who had been shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The King County Major Crimes Unit investigated the shooting throughout the night, and KCSO confirmed that no suspects were taken into custody. This is a developing story and will be updated with any new information. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A man has pleaded guilty in a case where he was accused of stealing from his former employer and then resisting arrest. Read next: Family of boy wandering nude on West Side found Austin Larsen entered guilty pleas to theft, assault and obstructing official business, all felonies, and resisting arrest, a second-degree misdemeanor. The case began last September, when a business that used to employ Larsen reported that several of the nights deposits which Larsen was listed as responsible for had not been made, according to a police report from the time. The manager of the store said Larsen was also a suspect in a break-in at the store prior and had since been fired for another reported incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police later went to a home where Larsen was believed to be staying to arrest him on the theft warrant, reports state that he struggled and threatened officers. According to court records, he was ordered to pay just shy of $3,000 in restitution to his former employer. Larsen is set to return to court for sentencing Oct. 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. HARLEM, New York (PIX11) A Harlem man sickened in the recent Legionnaires outbreak is planning to sue New York City Health + Hospitals for $1 million, according to his lawyer. Lawyer Ronald Katter on Wednesday filed a notice of claim on behalf of Victor Hinkson, who became sick with Legionnaires disease near Harlem Hospital, according to the claim. Harlem Hospital was identified as one of 12 sites where people may have been exposed to Legionella bacteria. Construction workers sue over Legionnaires disease outbreak Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the citys willful negligence, five New Yorkers are dead, Katter said. Hinkson is looking for $1 million in compensation the price hes paid through medical bills, missed work and persistent health challenges, according to the claim. The notice of claim, a filing required before a lawsuit can be brought against the city, names New York City Health + Hospitals. A spokesperson for New York City Health + Hospitals said it inspects cooling towers more rigorously than required. We inspect towers every day; further, we look for legionella weekly instead of the required every 90 days, the spokesperson said. We continue to work with our cooling tower maintenance firm and the NYC Health Department to best serve our patients and the Harlem community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, there have been 108 confirmed cases of Legionnaires disease in Harlem and five deaths, Health Department officials said Monday. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State On Wednesday, attorney Ben Crump announced two workers are suing construction companies, claiming they became ill on job sites at and near Harlem Hospital. Lawyers told PIX11 News that other victims and their families are suing over the outbreak, including Daniel McKeithan, a Harlem chef who says he still has breathing issues from his illness in mid-June. In a statement to PIX11 News, the Health Department said it is still determining the source of the bacteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Molecular testing may help us determine which cooling tower or cooling towers were the source of the bacteria in the Central Harlem cluster, a spokesperson for the department said. 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. PICKETT COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) A Pickett County man is set to spend more than a decade in prison after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offenses. According to 13th Judicial District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, 29-year-old Rodney Griffin appeared in court in Pickett County on Wednesday, Aug. 20 and entered a guilty plea to the following charges: One count of aggravated sexual battery of a victim less than 13, a Class B felony One count of sexual exploitation of a minor (possession of more than 100 images of child pornography), a Class B felony One count of sexual exploitation of a minor (possession of more than 50 images of child pornography), a Class C felony Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NOVEMBER 2024: Byrdstown man accused of using Snapchat to send child sexual abuse material Griffins conviction occurred exactly nine months after the Byrdstown man was taken into custody for one count of sexual exploitation of a minor (more than 100 images), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said. His arrest was the result of an investigation by TBI special agents with the Internet Crimes Against Children squad, the DAs office, and the Pickett County Sheriffs Office into an October 2024 cybertip about a Snapchat account which investigators said belonged to Griffin sending files of child sexual abuse material from June through July. The TBI later announced Griffins apprehension was part of Operation Autumn Shield, which aimed to identify and find children who were victims of sextortion and online sexual exploitation, as well as identify and arrest people who harmed children online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DECEMBER 2024: Operation Autumn Shield leads to 10 arrests, identifies online sexual exploitation and sextortion child victims Dunaway said Griffin was sentenced Wednesday to serve an effective 14-year sentence in the Tennessee Department of Corrections custody at 100%. According to Restore Justice, that means he must serve his entire sentence and will be ineligible for any time off due to good behavior or programming. In addition, Griffin will reportedly be listed on the sex offender registry for life. No additional details were released about this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant DA Randal Gilliam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole after a jury found him guilty of a deadly shooting from April 2019, according to DA Spencer B. Merriweather. Khdaius Marshall, 29, was tried for first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the death of 30-year-old Tyrena Inman. On April 28, 2019, Marshall arranged to meet Inman at the Extended Stay Motel, where she lived with relatives. Officials said after they met, he pulled out a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun and demanded money from Inman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inman was also armed with a Glock 9mm handgun, and the two exchanged gunfire. Inman was shot in the head and died at the scene. Mashall was also struck. The victims family discovered her body and found Marshall just outside the hotel room. Marshall was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries. Police responded to the scene and recovered the Smith & Wesson. Lab testing confirmed the presence of Marshalls DNA on the handgun. Testing also showed that a bullet recovered from the victim matched a handgun. The trial began on August 11 and concluded on Wednesday, August 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 Queen City News. BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) A former New Mexico resident now living in Texas was sentenced to prison for illegally dumping laboratory-grade cyanide and other chemicals in the Albuquerque area, leaving the city and Bernalillo County responsible for the costly cleanup, according to the Department of Justice. There is no excuse for putting lives, property, and the environment at risk by dumping hazardous chemicals, said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison in a news release from the DOJ. We will not tolerate reckless disregard for our communities safety. Those who endanger others for their own convenience can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Man arrested for placing camera inside shower provided to crew fighting New Mexico wildfire, court documents show Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators learned that Daniel Winard, 52, of Houston, inherited property in New Mexico from a retired chemist who worked for an energy company. When Winard took control of the property, he found a large assortment of hazardous waste had been left behind, including laboratory-grade chemicals. According to the DOJ, Winard asked local government officials about how to properly dispose of the chemicals and found out it was expensive. He then dumped the chemicals, including cyanide, yellow phosphorus, calcium carbide, and thionyl chloride, at nine locations in the Albuquerque area without a permit from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state. According to photos provided by the DOJ in the news release, Winard abandoned a trailer full of chemicals on Albuquerques West Mesa in 2018. At some point, Winard disclosed that he knew the dangers of dumping the chemicals, saying some dumba*** fireman might find the chemicals and get the surprise of his life, the DOJ wrote. Trailer dumped on West Mesa in 2018. (Credit: DOJ) The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County coordinated the clean-up effort with a private contractor after the chemicals were discovered in August 2018. The total clean-up cost paid by the city and county was $198,654.46. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 25, 2022, Winard pleaded guilty to one count of knowing endangerment in storing and disposing of hazardous waste without a permit. He was recently sentenced to 24 months in prison. When he is released from prison, Winard will be subject to three years of supervised release and must pay $9,527.55 in restitution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A man who was charged after a toddlers overdose in Howland was sentenced Thursday in the case. Read next: Bazetta man receives sentence for causing fatal chain-reaction crash Rashod Bradley, 28, received an 18-month prison sentence after he pleaded guilty on July 10 to a third-degree tampering with evidence felony and misdemeanor assault. Bradley was initially charged with felony child endangering, but a Trumbull County grand jury returned a no bill on that charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case stemmed from a Howland police investigation into a toddlers reported overdose on Jan. 18. A release from the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office states that the child got into a batch of fentanyl that was left out, and Bradley admitted to the judge during sentencing that he planned to sell the drug. The child was taken to the hospital for treatment and recovered, reports stated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A city man sentenced to prison earlier this year in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for a shooting death here pleaded guilty Wednesday in Summit County Common Pleas Court to a shooting death in Akron. Read next: Family of boy wandering nude on West Side found Kaylon Adams, 31, pleaded guilty to charges of murder and being a felon in possession for the March 2024 shooting death of a man outside an Akron bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams will serve a sentence of 15 years to life in prison on the murder charge, plus three years for a firearm specification, as well as three years for the weapons charge, making him eligible for parole after 21 years in prison, a news release from the Summit County Prosecutors Office said. In March, Adams was sentenced to 23 to 28 years in prison after guilty pleas to charges of involuntary manslaughter with a three-year firearm specification, felonious assault, improper discharge of a firearm and having weapons under disability for the Nov. 29 shooting death of Christian Oliver, 29 and the wounding of a woman during a shooting on Zents Avenue on the North Side. The release from Summit County did not say if Adams sentence there is consecutive to his sentence in Mahoning County or concurrent. A co-defendant in the Akron case was sentenced earlier this year to six years in prison after pleading guilty to obstruction and tampering 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 WKBN.com. GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) The Greenville Police Department reported that one person shot himself during a chase from a bank in Greenville. Officers were called out to the Bank of Travelers Rest on Verdae Boulevard regarding a fraud. Upon arrival, the subject was confronted and allegedly ran on foot. Officers said they gave chase to the suspect, who then reportedly pulled out a gun and shot himself. The identity of the suspect has not yet been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7NEWS will continue to follow this story as more information is revealed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Brian Cornell speaking at The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on 25 August 2019. Photograph: Image Group LA/The Walt Disney Company/Getty Images $The CEO of Target is stepping down, as the embattled retail giant seeks to turn around its fortunes amid an ongoing customer boycott over its scaling back of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Brian Cornell will be replaced next year by Michael Fiddelke, Targets chief operating officer, the company said on Wednesday. Cornell helped re-energize the company when he became CEO in 2014, but has struggled to turn around weak sales in a more competitive retail landscape since the Covid pandemic. Sales at Target, which has almost 2,000 stores across the US, fell more than expected in the first quarter of 2025, and the retailer warned earlier this year that sales will continue to slip through the rest of the year. Target said people were scaling back spending over worries about the impact of tariffs and the state of the economy. The company also said customer boycotts affected sales. The company scaled back many DEI initiatives in January after they came under attack by conservative activists and the White House. The retreat created a backlash, and a poll in February found that Americans had changed their shopping habits and abandoned some stores in response to corporations shifting their policies to align with the Trump administration. The Guardian reported in July that many Black Americans were boycotting stores including Target and Amazon, and earlier this year more than 250,000 people signed a pledge to boycott Target after the Rev Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Baptist church in Georgia, called for a 40-day Target Fast that started at the beginning of the Lenten season. The company had previously come under fire in 2024 after it reduced its collection of LGBTQ+-themed merchandise for Pride month, in response to rightwing criticism. Target reported a 21% drop in net income in second quarter of this year. Sales were down slightly and the company reported a 1.9% dip in comparable sales those from established physical stores and online channels. The company has seen flat or declining comparable sales in eight out of the past 10 quarters including the latest period. A Sikh taxi driver in his 70s suffered two broken ribs, a community campaign group has said, in what police are treating as a racially aggravated assault in Wolverhampton. He was one of two victims who were attacked outside the city's railway station at about 13:45 BST on Friday 15 August. The other man, 64, also needed hospital treatment for bad bruising, the Sikh Federation UK said. Jas Singh, from the organisation, said he had been in touch with the two taxi drivers who he said had dealt with three "very aggressive and abusive" men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Transport Police (BTP) said a 17-year-old boy and two men, aged 19 and 25, were arrested in connection with the assault and later released on bail. Mr Singh said the victims, who had been taxi drivers for more than 30 years, were dealing with physical injuries and psychological trauma. "The older gentleman had two ribs broken and two severely bruised," Mr Singh said. "He's having trouble sleeping lying down, so he's having to sleep sitting up. And with breathing, even a cough is excruciating." However, Mr Singh praised for the local community for their support in the wake of the incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's been unbelievable. The support from social media has been overwhelming... there's a lot of good people out there," he added. The Sikh Federation UK said both men were working for a local taxi firm and were on duty outside Wolverhampton Railway Station when three men allegedly approached one of the drivers and demanded to be taken to Oldbury. They said the men were "very rude and abusive", and claimed they continued to swear after being told they would need to book inside the taxi rank. According to the federation, the men returned, continuing to use racist slurs, before pushing one of the drivers and punching him in the face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man's dastaar (turban) was said to have been removed, and he fell to the floor. The federation added that when a colleague, who was also a friend, tried to come to his aid and stop them, the group turned on him. Police response A spokesperson for the Sikh Federation UK said the assault only stopped when members of the public intervened. Bystanders also filmed the attack and the footage has been viewed more than a million times on social media. Mr Singh and the Sikh Federation UK have criticised the police support for the victims, saying the force only reached out to them once the video had gained traction on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on Tuesday, Supt Sue Peters from BTP said: "In the interests of reassuring the community, I can confirm that BTP officers responded very quickly to make three arrests after the 999 call was made and an off-duty BTP Chief Inspector also stopped to assist." The BBC understands statements have now been taken from both victims, following their hospital treatment. "This has taken a short time following the incident because of the injuries the men suffered, and the understandable shock it caused them," she said. "We arranged a suitable time to speak to them in accordance with their families' wishes, with the ongoing welfare of the victims being our number one priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "More widely, we are engaging with our local MP, the Sikh community, as well as the Sikh Police Association, to listen to their concerns." Ms Peters also said a small number of officers were treated for minor injuries sustained during the course of the arrests. Anyone who witnessed the attack is asked to contact the force. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links A Maine man is facing charges in two Massachusetts courts after trying to shoot and kill a pregnant woman at a Carver pond, then shooting a relative of his on Cape Cod less than two hours later, according to police. Fryeburg resident Anthony Delman, 37, has been charged with armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a pregnant victim and three gun charges in connection with the Carver shooting, Carver police said in a press release Thursday. Delman pleaded not guilty to one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and three gun charges in connection with the Cape Cod shooting during his arraignment in Orleans District Court on Aug. 15, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Aug. 13, a woman arrived at the Carver Police Station shortly before 7:40 p.m. to report that shed been shot at Sampson Pond, Carver police said. Officers quickly noticed that she had been shot in the leg, and Carver Emergency Services took the woman to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth with non-life-threatening injuries. The police investigation into the shooting identified Delman as a suspect, and Wareham District Court issued a warrant for his arrest on Wednesday, Aug. 20, police said. At that time, he was already in police custody in connection with a shooting in Dennis that happened later in the evening on the same day as the Carver shooting. Around 9 p.m. that day, Dennis police were called to the Pier 134 Commons on Route 134 in South Dennis by a 911 call reporting a loud bang, after which a man was seen limping and crying in the pier parking lot, Dennis police said in a press release. At the scene, officers discovered that the man had been shot in the leg and was being taken to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. The investigation into the shooting revealed that Delman, who was the mans relative, intentionally shot him, Dennis police said. With the help of Harwich police and the Regional Cape and Islands SWAT Team, Dennis police arrested Delman the following day around 4:45 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Delmans arraignment in Orleans District Court, he was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Aug. 19, according to court records. At the hearing, the judge deemed him dangerous and ordered him held without bail at Barnstable County Correctional Facility in Bourne for up to 120 days. Delmans arraignment in Wareham District Court has not yet been scheduled. No further information about the shooting in Carver has been released. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. (FOX40.COM) The Sacramento Police Department is searching for a suspect who allegedly fled during a traffic stop on Wednesday afternoon, leaving behind drugs and a gun. Video Above: Most commonly reported crimes in the U.S. Around 4:30 p.m. SPD pulled over a vehicle in South Sacramento for a traffic stop. The driver allegedly failed to yield to officers, and a pursuit ensued. After a short police chase, the suspect footbailed and fled in the area of 12th Avenue and 44th Street, according to SPD. Viral video shows Northern California student body slammed after punching staff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police established a perimeter to search for the suspect with a K9 and a helicopter. However, they were unable to locate the suspect. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Context: Video aired May 12, 2025. TOPEKA (KSNT) 27 News checked in with the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) to see how many of the new blackout license plates have been sold so far this year. Blackout-style license plates went up for sale on July 1, 2025. KDOR reports that Kansas has sold more than 5,350 blackout license plates so far, making it the second most popular plate by sales since its introduction. KDOR says the most popular license plate has been the Flint Hills personalized plates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Aug. 13, Kansas has sold: Personalized blackout 2,270. Standard blackout 1,693. Personalized blackout for motorcycles 146. Standard blackout for motorcycles 111. Special Olympics Kansas previews new sport, upcoming events The new plates have an all-black background with sharp white lettering, which makes them stand out. Kansas lawmakers approved the new plates earlier this year, with Governor Laura Kelly giving them the green light near the end of the 2025 session of the state legislature. Kansas residents can currently pick from a wide variety of distinctive license plates. You can check the full available list of options by heading to KDORs website by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. WASHINGTON (AP) Giraffes are a majestic sight in Africa with their long necks and distinctive spots. Now it turns out there are four different giraffe species on the continent, according to a new scientific analysis released Thursday. Researchers previously considered all giraffes across Africa to belong to a single species. New data and genetic studies have led a task force of the International Union for Conservation of Nature to split the tallest mammal on land into four groups Northern giraffes, reticulated giraffes, Masai giraffes and Southern giraffes. Key studies have emerged in the past decade highlighting significant differences between the four species, said the IUCNs Michael Brown, a researcher in Windhoek, Namibia, who led the assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naming different giraffes matters because each species has different population sizes, threats and conservation needs, he said. When you lump giraffes all together, it muddies the narrative. Northern giraffes whose range includes parts of Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Central African Republic face threats from political instability and poaching. Masai giraffes in Kenya and Tanzania face pressure from habitat loss, as open savannas are converted to cattle pastures and fields. Considering four giraffe species is absolutely the right decision, and its long overdue, said Stuart Pimm, a Duke University ecologist who wasnt involved in the analysis. While in the past researchers scrutinized giraffes spots, the new categories made use of newer methods including extensive analysis of genetic data and studies highlighting key anatomical differences, such as skull shape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What appear like horns sticking up from the foreheads of giraffes are actually permanent bony protrusions from the skull, different from deer antlers that are shed annually. Over the past 20 years, scientists have also gathered genetic samples from more than 2,000 giraffes across Africa to study the differences, said Stephanie Fennessy at the nonprofit Giraffe Conservation Foundation, who helped in the research. It used to cost tens of thousands of dollars to sequence each genome, but advances in technology have brought the cost down to about $100, making it more accessible to nonprofit and conservation groups, she said. According to population estimates from the foundation, the most endangered giraffe is the Northern giraffe, with only about 7,000 individuals left in the wild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of the most threatened large mammals in the world, said Fennessy. Southern giraffes are the most populous species, with around 69,000 individuals. There are around 21,000 reticulated giraffes left in the wild, and 44,000 Masai giraffes, according to the foundation. If not all giraffes are the same, then we have to protect them individually, said Fennessy. ___ 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. President Donald Trump has upped his figure for the number of wars he has ended since starting his second term. While speaking on the Todd Starnes Show, Trump on Thursday said he may have solved at least 10 conflicts. They wrote an article that they gave me three additional ones that I ended without even knowing it. I saw things were going bad, and it looked like it was going to go bad, and it could have been 10, Trump told the conservative radio host. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear what story the president was referencing. Trump to Patrol DC Streets Tonight with National Guard https://t.co/Gsf0PcYTnv toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) August 21, 2025 His updated figure comes as he has moved back and forth among whether he has ended six or seven wars since taking office. On Monday, before his high-stakes meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Ive settled 6 Wars in 6 months, one of them a possible Nuclear disaster..." Ive done six wars, Ive ended six wars, Trump then said hours later during remarks in the Oval Office, as he looks to inch closer to a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. 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 next day, during an interview with Fox News, Trump said that we ended seven wars, though he did not specify the one he added to his count. He added that if he helps work out the Russia-Ukraine war, then this would be one of the reasons he is able to go to heaven. I want to try and get to heaven if possible. Im hearing Im not doing well, Trump said, before joking that he is really at the bottom of the totem pole. Meanwhile, the White House provided a list of six wars that Trump has resolved in a statement to The Washington Post last week: Armenia and Azerbaijan, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, India and Pakistan, Israel and Iran, Cambodia and Thailand, and Egypt and Ethiopia. But while speaking on the show, Trump again pointed to his seven figure. He did, though, go on to say, Probably more than that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if he would be able to eventually get peace between Ukraine and Russia, after also meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska last week, Trump said that he will know within two weeks one way or the other. Trump has since ditched his hope for a ceasefire, and is instead now pushing for a permanent peace agreement a demand held by the Kremlin. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The holiday hotspots most at risk from wildfires have been revealed as blazes continue to sweep Europe amid scorching temperatures. As many Britons jet off for the bank holiday weekend, experts have also issued a health warning over the potentially deadly fires. Meanwhile, in the UK, wildfires have continued to break out, as the country endured one of its hottest and driest summers on record, and four heatwaves so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But those looking to head abroad have been warned that Greece is the country most at risk from wildfires this summer, followed by Turkey, then Cyprus. Health and security company International SOS revealed Spain, Portugal and Albania come next on the list, with Montenegro, Germany, Italy then France following. Adam Lakhani, security director at the firm, told The Independent: There has been below-average wildfire activity in the lead up to the summer months, likely due to high levels of rainfall across historically at-risk regions, including Southern Europe France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. A major incident was declared by firefighters tackling a large moor fire in the North York Moors National Park last week (North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service/PA Wire) However, in recent days and weeks, wildfires have begun to hit the regions, also extending as far as Eastern Europe. Currently, much of Southern Europe is facing fires and warnings of extreme heat. Wildfires can directly impact health by causing injuries and even death from burns or smoke inhalation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Kate OReilly, regional medical director, explained: The smoke from wildfires is a mixture of hazardous air pollutants, including particulate matter, that can affect those in near proximity to the fire, as well as distant populations. Exposure to wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, affect the immune system and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. The long-term impacts of wildfire exposure include worsening lung and cardiovascular disease. Mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, in both adults and children can increase after witnessing a wildfire. She added that access to healthcare can also be impacted during and in the aftermath of wildfires. She warned: The current situation across Europe is of great concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New research by International SOS found the country worst affected by wildfires in 2024 was Portugal, where roughly 425 square miles (1,100 square km) of land was burnt, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, making up approximately 25 per cent of the total area burnt in Europe that year. The report, titled 2025 Europe Wildfire season: preparation, response, said, in Europe, Greece has regularly been one of the worst-affected countries by wildfires, with authorities increasing the number of firefighters from 15,500 in 2022 to more than 18,000 ahead of this years wildfire season, while the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection increased its fleet of firefighting vehicles from 270 to 3,700. Residents battle a fire advancing toward Rebordondo village, near Ourense, in northwestern Spain, on Monday (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Firefighters have been battling to put out blazes across southern Europe in one of the worst summers for wildfires in 20 years. 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. The EU monitoring agency says that 2024 was the hottest year on record both globally and in Europe, which experienced its second-highest number of heat stress days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blazes 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 Union's European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). 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 EU's Copernicus climate monitoring agency showed. Smoke from the Iberian Peninsula fires reached France, the UK, and Scandinavia, it said. In Portugal, wildfires 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. A huge blaze recently broke out at the iconic Arthurs Seat landmark in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Meanwhile, the UK experienced the fourth heatwave of the summer last week, with some areas seeing the mercury climb above 33C in the hottest places. A major incident was declared by firefighters tackling a large moor fire in the North York Moors National Park last week, just days after a huge blaze broke out at the iconic Arthurs Seat landmark in Edinburgh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire and rescue services in England and Wales had already responded to 856 wildfire incidents in the UK as of last week, with firefighters warning the country is on track to break the wildfire record this year. Warning that fire services are being pushed to their limits, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) chair Phil Garrigan said: We are already seeing more wildfires at this point in the year than in 2022 which itself was a record year and that is deeply concerning. FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) Despite the trials and tribulations of the summer, students and staff in Marion County are optimistic about the new school year. On Wednesday, Marion County welcomed back its approximately 7,000 students to its 21 schools throughout the county. Over the summer, each school faced some type of roadblock, whether it be a schools construction project or clean-up from the Fathers Day Floods. 12 News spoke with Marion County Superintendent Donna Heston about how schools prepared for the first day despite the hardships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Really cannot say enough about the team here in Marion County that has pulled together really for this opening day, and you know, every school has obstacles that they faced in repairing for this day and so its come with challenges, but today is really a reward because we opened our doors, we greeted our students, and you absolutely can feel the energy for it, Dr. Heston said. Marion County Schools to continue to provide no-cost meals to students Dr. Heston also said that some retired personnel came back this year to help fill some vacancies in staffing. 12 News also spoke with two East Fairmont seniors, Brodie Vandergrift and Miley Summers, on what theyre looking forward to this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a little anxious, but Im seeing some improvements around the school, and we have the new floor on the first floor there. Our class officers and school body officers seem pretty intelligent this year, Vandergrift said. I think this year, I hope just to have fun. Obviously, school is very important, but building a community within your school is even more appointment in my opinion, Summers said. This year, Marion County is offering a new elective based out of East Fairmont High School in partnership with the West Virginia National Guard that is similar to ROTC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) recently criticized Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) by seemingly questioning the authenticity of Crocketts Black American experience. During an appearance this week on former Fox News Host Megyn Kellys podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show, Greene reflected on her well-documented ongoing feud with Crockett by taking several jabs at her Democratic colleague. The Georgia Republican accused Crockett of mistreating her staff, which prompted Kelly to mention a New York Post article published earlier this month that detailed accusations from anonymous sources about Crockett showing diva behavior. (Crockett has since shut down the allegations, calling them lies and nonsense.) Greene, who is white, then pivoted to a discussion about the Black American struggle, sharing her opinion about whether Crockett, who is Black, really understands it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She claims to be, you know, from her people. She puts on this image that she understands the Black American struggle, Greene said. But lets face it, the girl went to private school, she went on to ... I dont know what college ... and law school shes a complete fake. Shes as fake as her eyelashes, shes as fake as her hair, shes as fake as her fingernails and she is such a massive fraud, she continued. Related: JD Vance's Brutal Public Booing Is Prompting Quite The Strong Reaction Online Crockett has since responded to the clip on X, formerly Twitter, though she did not name Greene in her response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is funny that MAGA cultist want to challenge my blackness because of my education Remember how they challenged Barack Obama & his roots? Remember how they claimed Kamala [Harris] turned black, she said. Yall are a joke. Walk a day in my shoes where your white supremacist friends send me hateful emails, death threats, DMs, & posts, and then you can tell me if Im truly living the black experience in this country, UNTIL then mind your business. Crockett then emphasized that being Black has nothing to do with education. It is funny that MAGA cultist want to challenge my blackness because of my education Remember how they challenged Barack Obama & his roots? Remember how they claimed Kamala turnedblack. Yall are a joke. Walk a day in my shoes where your white supremacist friends send Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) August 20, 2025 Crockett is often the target of right-wing, racist and anti-Black attacks. Shes routinely criticized for the way she speaks and her use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Conservatives have made a habit of accusing Crockett of being disingenuous because the way she speaks doesnt align with their views of how someone who attended private school should speak. Case in point: In April, Fox News host Laura Ingraham accused Crockett of sounding very different in the past. And now shes going very ... street, Ingraham said at the time, as she swayed her head side-to-side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The congresswoman had addressed some of these accusations before. I dont have an accent ... if anything, its Texan, maybe mixed with a little bit of St. Louis, she said in a TikTok video in March. And then determining that my accent is fake because of the types of schools I went to ... seriously, yall? And as it relates to Greenes recent attacks on Crockett, Portia Allen-Kyle, a civil rights attorney and interim executive director at the racial justice organization Color Of Change, said that Greene doesnt understand the reality that Blackness is disrespected in this country no matter how many degrees you hold or how much money you make. Allen-Kyle told HuffPost that the Republican congresswoman showed her own ignorance during her appearance on Kellys podcast. Related: The Funniest Posts From Women This Week (Aug. 16-22) She reduces the Black experience to some caricature of poverty and struggle as if class alone defines Blackness, she said. That mindset exposes her bias. Greene thinks struggle is the only stamp of Blackness and she dresses up her ignorance as commentary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, Allen-Kyle emphasized that Greenes digs about Crocketts fake eyelashes, nails and hair were examples of macroaggressions not microaggressions. When Greene fixates on a Black womans appearance instead of her words, shes playing an old, racist playbook meant to demean, belittle and distract, Allen-Kyle said. Black womens beautyand choices have always been politicized, and Greene leans right into that racist tradition. It was a macroaggression, rather than a microaggression, she continued. When young Black girls think about what a congressperson looks like, Congresswoman Crockett shows Black girls nationwide that they could represent their community someday. And theres a lot more to unpack from Greenes recent comments about Crockett and her ideas about the so-called Black American struggle. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene photographed during a hearing the hearing at the U.S. Capitol on May 7, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images Theres no amount of education [or] income that allows you to transcend Blackness, Allen-Kyle said. Crockett was absolutely right in her response to Greene on X, Allen-Kyle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no amount of education [or] income that allows you to transcend Blackness its made obvious every single day by the racist attacks aimed at us, she continued. Crocketts very presence in Congress, and the fact that shes constantly targeted, proves the point she made: Racism doesnt care about your resume. Anti-Blackness follows us into the boardroom, the courtroom, and even the halls of Congress. Deepak Sarma, inaugural distinguished scholar in the public humanities at Case Western Reserve University, said that Greenes comments about Crockett are consistent with the MAGA / Trump strategy to invent damaging unconfirmed allegations against prominent Black leaders and to question their intellect and capabilities. Sarma said that President Donald Trump and his MAGA minions continually malign others for their nefarious gaslighting and fraudulent purposes. They likened it to Trumps attacks on Harris and her capabilities as a public speaker, or about her intelligence. In the world of psychology, this is known as a Jungian projection, where one attributes ones unacceptable character, feelings, and behavior to someone else, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And by Greene suggesting that Crocketts success in a capitalist democracy makes her a fraud or inauthentic, shes insinuating that the real experience of a Black person is being impoverished and a failure, Sarma said. Whats more, Sarma thinks that conservatives feel discomfort when they hear Crockett speak, or when she uses AAVE because it contradicts their misguided belief that America is a monoculture, a white Christian monoculture. Related: 'A Very Big Deal': 'South Park' Is Getting A Rise Out Of MAGA And There's A Reason Why The feeling that they are being left out and that they are not adept in the language justifies, in their mind, their rage and suspicion, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarma later emphasized that Trumpisms are already becoming accepted in America and that these recent incidents directed at Black people, like Greenes remarks about Crockett, are slowly becoming more normal. Allen-Kyle thinks the right-wing attacks related to Crocketts private school education are ironic. Conservatives trash and defund public schools every chance they get, but they seethe when a Black woman gets a private education. Why? Because it proves what they fear most: that Black women can be smarter, sharper, and more culturally fluent than theyll ever be, she said. It exposes their real agenda they dont want Black people educated, period, she continued. They dont hate Crocketts accent or her educationthey hate that shes brilliant enough to beat them at both. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World star Chris Pratt is facing backlash for describing controversial US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as funny and wonderful. The actor appeared on an episode of Bill Mahers Club Random podcast this week and was asked about his relationship with RFK Jr., who is the cousin of his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger daughter of Arnold, who is not a Trump fan. Pratt said he had spent time with Kennedy on a number of occasions, primarily in a strictly family dinner kind of vibe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really get along with him well and think hes great, he said. Hes funny, hes wonderful. I love him. Rober F. Kennedy Jr., a close ally of Donald Trump, has been criticised by many for his attitudes towards vaccinations and his breaks from scientific consensus. Some of his most controversial claims include autism comes from vaccines - a claim repeated in a 2023 interview with Fox News - and that fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral recognised to protect teeth against decay, was associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease". Recently, the Annals of Internal Medicine, an influential US medical journal, rejected calls from Kennedy Jr. to retract a large Danish study that found that aluminum ingredients in vaccines do not increase health risks for children. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (left) speaks at event in the East Room of the White House with Donald Trump - Wednesday 30 July 2025 - AP Photo Politics, its a nasty business, Pratt continued in the podcast. When you jump on the bandwagon with the most divisive president ever, it makes sense that youre going to be made to look terrible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know what to believe [about Kennedy], he added. Its not like I say to [him], Lets talk about this while were playing cards or having fun or having dinner. Im not going to pick his brain to find out exactly which of those things are true. I just assume that none of them are? For the most part, I wish him well. Many have criticised Pratt for his comments. See some of the reactions below: When you side with the fascist, people make you look like a fascist. Well yes, Chris Pratt, that IS how that works. Not a movie script. Chris Pratt actually said this: Id hate to be so mired in hatred for the president that Id be allergic to his success. Funny how celebrities preach unity but then excuse family ties to one of the most divisive figures in US politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Pratt always plays a dumbass idiot because hes actually a dumbass idiot and hes not acting. Everything I learn about Chris Pratt is against my will and makes me like him less. MADRID (Reuters) -Telefonica renewed a contract with Chinese manufacturer Huawei to supply equipment for its 5G mobile core network for retail customers in Spain until 2030, El Pais newspaper reported on Thursday, citing unnamed industry sources. Telefonica renewed that contract in late 2024 and, in early 2025, it awarded to rival manufacturer Nokia a contract for 5G core for its service to companies and government institutions, El Pais said. Telefonica's Chief Operating Officer Emilio Gayo told Reuters last month that the company was "reducing its exposure to Huawei" in Spain to comply with EU recommendations to telecom operators to phase out Huawei-made devices over concerns they pose a potential security risk. A spokesperson for Telefonica said the company would not comment on individual contracts and Gayo did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Huawei declined to comment. Some European countries, including Germany, have passed outright bans on the use of Huawei gear, while Spain has not. (Reporting by Inti Landauro and Paul Sandle; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) BALTIMORE Gov. Wes Moore called out President Donald Trump by name Thursday, saying during a speech before the demolition of Pimlico Race Course that the president should keep Baltimores name out of your mouth. Acknowledging progress the city has made in the past couple of years, including securing a 30-year lease for the Orioles, a contractor to revamp Harbor Place, the decline in reported violent crime and ensuring that the second leg of the Triple Crown remains in Baltimore, Moore, a Democrat, said its Baltimores time. I do want to be very clear: If you are not willing to be part of the solution, keep our name out of your mouth, Moore said outside of the crumbling historic race course in Park Heights. Specifically, Donald Trump. If you are not willing to walk our communities, keep our name out of your mouth. If you are not willing to stand with our people, keep our name out of your mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore, who is getting attention on the national stage, joins other Democratic governors, like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, in standing up to Trump when he targets their jurisdictions and receives praise from the Democratic establishment. Trump last week said Moore, who has maintained he is not running for president in 2028, does not have presidential prospects. I heard this character they talk about him as a candidate. Hes got no chance, the governor of Maryland, Trump said from the Oval Office. They say maybe hell be a president, but hes not presidential timber at all. In recent weeks, Moore and Trump have publicly sparred, particularly as the president discusses the potential of sending U.S. National Guard Troops to cities with Black mayors, like Baltimore, Chicago and Oakland, California, as well as Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, where he has already flexed that executive muscle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video posted to his non-official X account last week, Moore, a combat veteran, called Trumps deployment of military personnel in U.S. cities for policing purposes a performative decision. Our military, we were trained to fight and win our nations wars, and our National Guards are trained to respond when states are seeing times of emergency or crises not to perform municipal policing functions, Moore said. The governor continued to defend Baltimore Thursday against Trumps allegation that Baltimore is so far gone when it comes to crime. If you were willing to visit, if you were willing to spend time, if you were willing to actually walk our communities and walk our streets and jot just talk about us from the Oval Office, you would see what we see that this is not just a moment of celebration, but its a moment of vision, said Moore. --------------- OTSEGO COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Police arrest Maryland, NY resident after attempting to escape a hospital in Cooperstown. Brook Romano of Maryland, NY was arrested August 4th after attempting to escape from the Bassett Medical Center. The hospital is located in Cooperstown. According to the Otsego County Sheriffs Office Romano was being treated for an injury at the hospital that was obtained from an arrest of an unrelated incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romano is scheduled to appear at a later date in the Town of Otsego Court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. A 16-year-old Maryvale High School student accused of fatally stabbing another student in a classroom on Aug. 19 has been charged with second-degree murder, according to court documents. Chris Aguilar was given a $500,000 cash-only bond. Phoenix officers responded to the west Phoenix school at about 10:54 a.m. after receiving a call about a stabbing and found a boy with multiple stab wounds, court documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy was taken to St. Josephs Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at noon, court documents said. He was identified by police as Michael Montoya II, 16. Phoenix police and school security detained Aguilar at the school before taking him to Maryvale Hospital to treat a cut on his right hand, court documents said. A school resource officer collected a 4-inch folding knife that had Aguilars name etched on the handle and placed it in the principals office, court documents said. Multiple teens told police that Montoya had robbed Aguilar of a firearm, with one saying that Aguilar and his twin brother talked about killing Montoya after the alleged robbery, according to court documents. Two teachers also saw the stabbing, court documents said. They identified Aguilar as the aggressor and said Montoya was unable to defend himself, the documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A girl told police that Aguilar normally sat behind her in class but instead sat next to Montoya shortly before punching him multiple times, court documents said. She then saw Aguilar pull out a pocketknife and stab Montoya three times, the documents said. Another person told police they saw Aguilar attack Montoya while he sat at a table and that Montoya tried to run away but fell to the ground when Aguilar continued assaulting him, court documents said. That person told police that they saw Aguilar run out of the classroom after the assault, the documents said. The same person used Montoya's phone to call 911, the documents said. Court documents said another person saw Aguilar drop the knife outside the classroom and that a witness video-recorded the incident. After he was released from the hospital, Aguilar was taken to Phoenix police headquarters, where he asked for his parents, court documents said. After his parents arrived, Aguilar told police he didn't want to speak with investigators and requested an attorney, according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aguilar was booked into a Maricopa County jail. His bond must be paid in cash, and assets such as a vehicle or house can't be used as collateral. Should Aguilar make bail, he would be required to have electronic monitoring before being released. His next scheduled hearing is on Aug. 26 in Maricopa County Superior Court. The stabbing prompted Maryvale High School to release students early, and classes were canceled on Aug. 20. Juveniles between 15 and 17 years old are required to be tried as adults if charged with murder or a violent felony under Arizona law. (This story has been updated to add new information.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at perry.vandell@gannett.com or 602-444-1474. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PerryVandell. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Murder charge filed in Maryvale High stabbing of Michael Montoya, 16 Lawrence City Councilor Fidelina Santiago has pleaded guilty to a dozen charges involving voter fraud, the district attorney said Thursday. Santiago, 41, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty in Essex County Superior Court on Wednesday to four counts of voting unlawfully, four counts of interfering with a voter, and four counts of obstructing voting, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said in a statement. The charges stem from Santiagos actions in the Lawrence municipal election in November 2023, Tucker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors opted not to proceed with an additional four counts of conspiracy to vote or attempt to vote illegally. Santiago entered her guilty pleas before the Hon. Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman. She is due back in court for sentencing on Oct. 9. 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 is facing several charges after allegedly threatening patrons and staff with a gun at two New Hampshire restaurants on Monday night. Mark Kidman, 57, of Westford, was charged with five counts of felony criminal threatening with a firearm, simple assault, and resisting arrest. According to Manchester Police, Kidman walked into the Texas Roadhouse on South Willow Street around 9 p.m. and threatened staff members with a handgun and a steak knife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say he physically assaulted one of the employees before restaurant staff disarmed him. Police did not say what led up to the alleged altercation. When officers arrived, investigators say Kidman actively resisted arrest, but was eventually taken into custody. Following his arrest, Manchester Police say they were alerted to a separate, unrelated incident that occurred earlier in the night, where Kidman began arguing with customers and threatening employees at the Caribbean Market on Maple Street with a handgun. Because of this, police also charged Kidman with felony criminal threatening with a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was held on preventative detention and will be arraigned at Manchester District Court at a later date. No further information was immediately 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 22-year-old Lawrence man was arrested this week after prosecutors say he arranged to pay to have sex with what he believed was an underage girl. Alex Bou is charged with one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child. He made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Wednesday, after which he was released on conditions, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foleys office said in a statement. On Aug. 16, prosecutors say Bou replied to an advertisement posted by undercover law enforcement on a website used to advertise commercial sex. The advertisement included images of a young girl and language describing the girl as a flower ready to blossom, Foleys office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say Bou sent a text to a phone number listed on the advertisement saying, U available. An undercover agent posing as the minor suggested they meet on Aug. 19, Foleys office said. On Aug. 19, Bou continued his conversation with the agent. In the conversation, the agent pretended to be a 15-year-old girl available to perform sex acts for money. When he was told the girl he was supposed to meet was 15, Bou responded with, Ok are you a virgin? according to the statement. Prosecutors say Bou agreed to pay $175 to have unprotected sex with the minor and acknowledged he was agreeing to have sex with an underage girl. Shortly after that, Bou arrived at the agreed-upon meeting location, where he was arrested, Foleys office said. The charge of attempted sex trafficking of a child carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. More News Read the original article on MassLive. A Massachusetts woman was hoping for parole after two murders she has no memory of committing. On Dec. 3, 1992, 40-year-old Katherine McGlincy killed Eero, 72, and Lillian Helin, 65. Two years later in Plymouth Superior Court, McGlincy pleaded guilty to murder in the second-degree and was sentenced to two concurrent terms of life in prison with the possibility of parole. More than 30 years later, McGlincy has been eligible for parole since 2008 when she initially when in front of the parole board. But the Massachusetts Parole Board doesnt believe McGlincys time in prison is over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms. McGlincy has a history of violence and criminal convictions related to substance misuse. While she was disciplinary report free for several years, she had a disciplinary report a few months prior to her hearing, the parole board wrote in its Aug. 19 decision. On Dec. 3, 1992, McGlincy was smoking crack cocaine at the house she shared with her father. In order to buy more drugs, McGlincy decided to rob the couple who lived nearby. Armed with a handgun, she knocked on the Helins door and was allowed in by Lillian Helin. Displaying the gun, McGlincy demanded money. After Lillian Helin gave her money, McGlincy forced the woman to lie face down on the floor and fatally shot her three times in the back. McGlincy then went upstairs to the bedroom. But its still unclear what happened next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eero Helin had limited mobility and strength due to Parkinsons disease. Eero Helin died from suffocation but McGlincy has never provided a credible account of how she killed him. She said she remembered seeing Eero Helin in bed, but has no memory of harming him. Similarly, she remembers entering the house with the gun but not shooting Lillian Helin. The couples bodies werent found until Dec. 10, 1992. Six weeks later, McGlincy committed another violent crime. While hitchhiking, she had been given a ride by Mark Walther. In order to steal his car, McGlincy shot him multiple times. Walther survived. She was arrested later that day and officials found the murder weapon used to kill Lillian Helin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parole board has asked for a forensic evaluation, which includes risk assessments that would assist the board in determining whether her release is compatible with the welfare of society and what her needs may be in the community. She has also been denied parole in 2011, 2016 and 2021. Plus, the board stated, she needs a better reentry plan. The Board has concerns regarding Ms. McGlincys re-entry plan, the parole board wrote in its decision. She has little community supports. The Board hopes for a more comprehensive re-entry plan, which addresses her mental health and substance use, including any DMH supports available. One board member voted for parole in August, allowing her to move to a group living environment. However, a majority voted to deny parole in hopes of getting more answers and a better plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has about six months to work on those things before shes allowed to go in front of the parole board again and plead her case. More on the Massachusetts Parole Board Read the original article on MassLive. A police officer accused of rampant sexual harassment, another who faced charges of raping a teenage homeless girl and a third charged with possessing explicit images of children are among the latest crop of officers decertified by the Massachusetts law enforcement watchdog. Stripped of their state-issued policing licenses, the three officers former Fitchburg Police Officer James McCall, former Lowell Police Officer Kevin Garneau and former Methuen Police Officer Matthew Bistany will be barred from working for a police department or sheriffs office in the Bay State. The states police oversight board, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, revoked the officers certifications in closed-door votes last week, according to documents posted on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board, known by the acronym POST, has decertified 60 officers since 2023, determining that they should be banned from carrying a badge and a gun in Massachusetts. James McCall Fitchburg In its order decertifying McCall, the commission outlined allegations of repeated on-the-job sexual misbehavior over his 19-year career. In one instance, McCall texted a photograph of his genitals to a female coworker. In another case, he made sexual advances on a teenager who would later be hired by the Fitchburg Police Department, according to the commission. The commissions findings, based on internal investigations and testimony from Fitchburg Police officials, lay out a range of other workplace harassment, as well as two consensual sexual encounters with female civilians during work hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigations also probed a February 2023 incident in which McCall was accused of making sexually suggestive remarks to a teenage high school student over Snapchat. The department investigated and ultimately fired McCall in August 2023, according to the commission. McCall challenged the decision with the states Civil Service Commission. In December 2023, after a Fitchburg Police investigation found he had sexually harassed several coworkers, he settled with the city and dropped the appeal of his termination. In return, the city rescinded the firing and allowed McCall to resign. The agreement did not include any admission of wrongdoing on McCalls part, the POST Commission wrote in its notice of his decertification. In an email to MassLive, McCall said he plans to challenge the decertification. I strongly disagree with the Commissions decision, which I believe is both erroneous and unjustified, he wrote. I will be initiating a formal appeal through the appropriate legal channels to ensure the matter receives the thorough and impartial review it warrants. Kevin Garneau Lowell Garneau was charged in 2019 with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl who was then living in a tent in Lowell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While on duty and working as part of an outreach group established to prevent drug overdoses, Garneau entered the girls tent and told her he had warrants for her arrest. If she provided sexual services, he said he would not arrest her, according to the Middlesex District Attorneys Office. Garneau sexually assaulted the girl several other times in the months following, prosecutors said. However, the state dropped its two rape charges in 2023 as the case was set to go to trial. Garneaus accuser declined to take the stand, and without her testimony, prosecutors felt they could not prove the case, the Lowell Sun reported at the time. Robert Normandin, an attorney for Garneau, told the paper his client disputed the girls account. He argued she had come forward because Garneau arrested her father, leading to his deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of Garneau, Normandin declined to comment when reached by MassLive on Wednesday. In its decertification order, the commission also cited Garneau for a pattern of unprofessional police conduct, including pointing his stun gun at colleagues, making offensive comments about a female colleagues physical appearance, disclosing health conditions of people he worked with through the outreach group and behaving in a manner that caused his colleagues to fear or distrust him, including having explosive outbursts of anger. Like McCall, Garneau was fired by his department and appealed to the Civil Service Commission, but withdrew his petition in return for a settlement with the town that allowed him to retire. Matthew Bistany Methuen Members of the Massachusetts State Police arrested Bistany in 2023 at his home in Methuen, charging him with one count of possessing explicit images of children. The state police had begun an investigation after receiving a tip that the images had been uploaded to an IP address later linked to Bistany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case concluded in May when Bistany agreed to plead guilty to the single charge in Essex Superior Court. He was sentenced to three years of probation with conditions that he register as a sex offender and receive ongoing treatment and counseling. The commission is required to decertify any officer convicted of a felony. An attorney for Bistany did not respond to a request for comment. Garneau and Bistany agreed to their decertifications with the POST Commission, akin to a plea deal a criminal defendant may take to avoid a lengthy legal process. The board is the product of state-level policing reforms established after the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 60 police officers it has decertified since 2023, many though not all had been convicted on criminal charges. The cases ranged from financial crimes to child exploitation to drunk driving. The commission can also decertify officers for egregious but noncriminal misconduct. It has used that power to ban officers accused of repeatedly using excessive force, falsifying records and using drugs or alcohol on the job. The names of all decertified officers are also submitted to a national registry of decertified police, a move designed to alert faraway departments to the officers histories if they cross state lines in search of police work. Recent POST Commission stories Read the original article on MassLive. Massive Somerville fire causes house collapse as flames spread to neighboring homes A massive fire scorched multiple homes in Somerville, causing one house to collapse and extensive damage to at least two neighboring structures early Thursday morning, authorities said. Firefighters responding to the area of 75 Thurston Street around midnight found a vacant home under construction fully engulfed in flames, according to Somerville Fire Chief Charles Breen. The home where the fire originated collapsed, and the houses on either side suffered heavy damage as the blaze continued to rage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was just an extensive amount of work. We had a fire that got into all the floors and both houses. And we had opened up a lot of ceilings, a lot of walls, very manpower intensive fire, Breen told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-alarm fire displaced several people. Breen expressed a belief that smoke detectors were operational, which may have contributed to the safe evacuation of all occupants. Katie Lyons, a resident of one of the homes, told Boston 25 News that she saw smoke from a kitchen window. Just kind of like instant panic, Lyons said. We all ran out of the house. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation. Three alarm fire in Somerville on Thurston Street. The fire chief said the home where the fire started collapsed. That home was under renovation and vacant. The fire also caused extensive damage to the homes on either side. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/xmRl0VI16B Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) August 21, 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 To comply with demands from the administration of President Donald Trump, Milwaukee Area Technical College will eliminate four positions from its Office of Multicultural Services. That office will also go by a new name: The Office of Community Impact. The four staff impacted, whose positions have been eliminated, will lose their jobs. They are encouraged to reapply for newly created jobs in the community impact office or jobs elsewhere in the college, according to a statement from MATC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Fulfilling our mission to serve all students in our community while adjusting to recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education requires that we redefine roles and responsibilities within the college based on operational needs," reads a notice sent to employees on Aug. 20. In a statement, MATC cited federal efforts to investigate, or eliminate funding for schools that "employ race-conscious practices," or support jobs "with duties that provide services exclusively to students based on race or ethnicity." Federal education officials argue DEI programs are themselves racist and illegal, and created in response to a "false premise that the United States is built upon 'systemic and structural racism.'" "If an educational institution treats a person of one race differently than it treats another person because of that persons race, the educational institution violates the law," reads federal guidance for educational institutions released in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, MATC said it has been working since then to comply. MATC removed the page dedicated to the Office of Multicultural Services from the school's website on Aug. 21. Before MATC began making changes to comply with federal guidance, the school's website previously stated that the multicultural office provided services specifically for African American, American Indian, Asian American and Hispanic students. For example, a student services specialist for Asian American students could speak Hmong and Lao as well as English, the website said. The African American Student Services Office provided case management focused on improving student retention and led Black History Month celebrations, among other things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several types of student services are available to all MATC students. Nearly two-thirds of students enrolled, or 63%, identify as people of color. More than half are either African American or Latino, data show. The two newly created job titles within the Office of Community Impact will focus on "specialized training and community transformation initiatives," as well as student mentorship. "This is being done to align with a broader, more integrated framework focused on the overall student experience, emphasizing access, engagement and building intentional community partnerships that serve all students," the Aug. 20 notification reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleo Krejci covers K-12 education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MATC cuts four positions under Trump's federal DEI guidelines Luxury builder Toll Brothers Inc. missed analysts estimates for quarterly orders as affordability challenges and economic uncertainty held back buyers. Most Read from Bloomberg Toll projected completed sales of 11,200 homes in its full fiscal year, scaling back its previous forecast for 11,200 to 11,600 deliveries. Analysts expected 11,340. The company reported 2,388 signed contracts for the three months through July, down 4% from a year earlier, according to a statement Tuesday. Analysts were expecting 2,583, the average in a survey compiled by Bloomberg. Key Insights President Donald Trumps trade wars have unnerved some US consumers who may be holding off on large purchases such as homes. The job market has recently shown signs of a cooldown, giving would-be buyers more reason to hesitate. Toll has broadened its choices to include more-affordable luxury homes. Mortgage rates that stuck close to 7% through the quarter may be sidelining prospective buyers for those properties. Still, many of Tolls customers are move-up buyers who can afford to pay cash after selling a previous home at a big profit. While affordability pressures and uncertain economic conditions persist, we are pleased with the resilience of our luxury business and more affluent customer base, Chief Executive Officer Douglas Yearley Jr. said in the statement. We continue to focus on strategically balancing price and pace in order to maximize profitability and returns. Democratic state Sen. Deb Krishnadasan, left, is running to keep a seat she was appointed to in the 26th Legislative District. Challenging her is Republican state Rep. Michelle Caldier, right. (Photos courtesy of campaigns) With Washington states primary in the books, the focus shifts to the November general election for nine Democratic state lawmakers seeking to keep seats to which they were appointed. Each of them won Aug. 5, some more easily than others, in results certified Wednesday by the secretary of states office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the closest primary contest, Democratic state Sen. Deb Krishnadasan beat Republican state Rep. Michelle Caldier by 1,158 votes in the 26th Legislative District that spans parts of Pierce and Kitsap counties. It is expected to be tight when they face off again this fall. Krishnadasan trailed Caldier on election night. She moved in front on the second day of ballot counting and stayed there. Republicans view this race as their best opportunity to gain a seat in the Senate, where Democrats hold a 30-19 edge. In another high-profile match-up, Democratic Sen. Victoria Hunt finished comfortably ahead of Republican Chad Magendanz, a former state lawmaker, in the 5th District in east King County. As the only two candidates, they will line up against each other again in a few weeks. In the 48th District, two Democratic candidates Sen. Vandana Slatter and Rep. Amy Walen are advancing. Slatter sent a strong message by garnering nearly 60% of the vote in the district encompassing Redmond, Bellevue and Kirkland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Rep. Edwin Obras and fellow Democrat Kevin Schilling, the mayor of Burien, advanced in the 33rd District in south King County. Obras won with 47% followed by Schilling with 31%. Republican Darryl Jones finished with nearly 22%. Walen and Schilling are each considered the more moderate candidates in those two contests. In the 41st District, Democratic Rep. Janice Zahn and Republican John Whitney will square off in November. Zahn is heavily favored after capturing 64% of the vote to Whitneys 28%. This district includes Mercer Island and Newcastle, along with parts of Bellevue, Renton, Issaquah, and Sammamish. In the 48th District, Democratic Rep. Osman Salahuddin garnered 63% to finish ahead of Republican Dennis Ellis, who had nearly 29%. Democrat Ranga Bondada was a distant third. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three appointed legislators state Sens. Tina Orwall of Des Moines and Emily Alvarado of Seattle, and Rep. Brianna Thomas of West Seattle were unopposed but will still appear on ballots in November. Orwall serves in the 33rd District. Alvarado and Thomas represent the 34th District in Seattle. Ballots for the Nov. 4 general election will be mailed to voters by Oct. 17. TENNESEE VALLEY, Ala. (WHNT) Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) is partnering with some school districts in North Alabama to support student career development. MTMs Leading Industry Growth by Helping Teachers (LIGHT) Program will provide industry professionals to school partners within Morgan County and Huntsville City. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing along with Morgan County Schools Technology Park and Huntsville City Schools Center for Technology recently announced that the program will be put into place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We heard from our education partners that one of the biggest challenges in delivering consistent, quality career tech education, was attracting instructors with industry experience, said MTM Senior Vice President, David Fernandes. MTM saw the opportunity to make a long-term investment in our schools and our future workforce by providing that kind of instructional support. The LIGHT Program will provide an instructors aide whose role will focus on classroom support by sharing industry knowledge and technical skills to teachers and students in their partner schools. MTM Group Leader Courtney Franklin will serve in the role and will rotate between the two school districts. Initially, the partnership will launch in Morgan County Schools at Brewer High School and MCS Technology Park, and at Huntsville City Schools in the new Center for Technology. We are excited to partner with Mazda Toyota Manufacturing through the LIGHT Program, which will bring real-world industry expertise directly into our classrooms, offered Tracie Turrentine, Superintendent of Morgan County Schools. Its an incredible opportunity to bridge education and industry for the benefit of our students and community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LIGHT Program is an innovative approach to education that connects todays workforce with students and instructors, said Zac McWhorter, Career Technical Director at Huntsville City Schools. By providing an experienced employee, this program enables us to improve workplace simulation, giving our students excellent exposure to potential job opportunities. Franklin will support Huntsville City and Morgan County schools for up to three school years; eventually, other school partners will have the opportunity to participate. MTMs long-term strategy for the LIGHT Program is to reach as many school districts as possible through rotating Franklins role to new schools, and welcoming additional support as the program grows. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) With the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaching, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will release a documentary detailing their experience during the aftermath. August 29 will mark the 20 years since Katrina hit the Mississippi coast. After the storm finally dissipated, MDOT was faced with the monumental task of rebuilding or repairing nearly every major route along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Twenty-years later, MDOT is releasing a documentary that chronicles the restoration of infrastructure through the stories of those at the forefront of recovery efforts. NOAA releases fall weather predictions for Mississippi as La Nina looms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katrina was one of those storms that reset the watch for everyone. Reset the calendar, became one of those events that you referred back to over time as before Katrina or after Katrina,' said Commissioner Charles Busby, Southern Transportation District. The documentary, titled MDOT Remembers Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years Later, will document first-hand accounts of the devastation and recovery of vital infrastructure in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The full documentary will be available next week on MDOTs YouTube account. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Weather Forecast Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 late disability justice co-founder and activist Stacey Park Milbern is the latest pioneering woman to receive her own quarter from the U.S. Mint. Milbern is the first woman in a wheelchair featured on U.S. currency and the first person whose wheelchair is actually shown. On August 13, nearly 100 disability advocates, family and friends gathered at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History to celebrate the quarters release. Stacey is not the first wheelchair user on currency. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt has been featured on the dime continuously since 1946, but he is presented as a disembodied head, Maria Town, president of the American Association of People with Disabilities or AAPD, told The 19th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Town pointed out that most Americans did not know Roosevelt used a wheelchair for his entire presidency. She emphasized that the visibility of Milberns disability is groundbreaking. In showing Staceys full body, her [tracheostomy tube] and her wheelchair as she is in active communication, Staceys quarter presents an extremely different, but more realistic, version of disability than has ever been seen on U.S. currency, Town said. Milbern died in 2020 on her 33rd birthday in Stanford, California. The American Women in Quarters program was introduced through legislation in 2021 with bipartisan support. Eleven thousand women were nominated by the general public to appear on the coins. The U.S. Mint, the National Womens History Museum and the Smithsonian American Womens History Museum selected 20. Milbern is the second to last in the series. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These coins help tell the story of our nation through the remarkable women that helped shape it. And were proud to help lift up stories like Staceys stories that havent always been included, but deserve to be known, Elizabeth Babcock, director of the Smithsonian Womens History Museum, said at the celebration. Stacey was a force for connection and change. She brought people together, connected them around a cause, and organized with purpose. Beth Ziebarth, the director of the Smithsonian office of Visitor Accessibility, and Greg Dawson, U.S. Mint associate director for strategy and performance, also spoke at the event. Around 200 people RSVPd, but some said they chose not to attend out of concern about the increased police and military presence in Washington, D.C. Others, who were simply unable to travel due to cost or attend due to health, participated at watch parties across the country. They were joined by Milberns family, friends and colleagues, as well as a dance performance from the Di Dim Sae Korean Traditional Art Institute, in honor of Milberns Korean heritage. Milberns mother, Jean Milbern, highlighted her daughters work with the Disability Justice Culture Club, an organization Milbern founded that helped get essentials like masks, sanitizer and even groceries to disabled people who were at the highest risk during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stacey being one of the American Womens Quarter honorees was beyond our imagination. I want to give glory to God for enabling Stacey to accomplish great things, she said. (Disability Justice Culture Club) Mia Ives-Rublee, the director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress think tank, participated remotely due to health reasons. Her initiative is named after the framework Milbern and others created. Her work inspires me continuously to continue to think outside of the current structures, to think about how we can create support networks that arent just based off of the structures that we have in place today, Ives-Rublee told The 19th. Ives-Rublee and Milbern first met through the Womens March and national disability organizing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We started working together during a time when we were protesting. Some of the disability rights leaders took anti-migrant stances while trying to push disability policy. So we got involved and got to know each other through that, she said. Ives-Rublee and Milbern had similar upbringings something that resonated with Ives-Rublee when she began her involvement in disability advocacy. We both grew up in North Carolina. Were both Southern. Were both Asian American. It was so interesting when I got to know about her, because we didnt grow up far apart from each other. When I got to read about some of the things that she was doing, it provided a feeling like I wasnt alone, Ives-Rublee said. Yomi Young, who worked with Milbern at the Berkeley Center for Independent Living, pointed out the irony of a coin commemorating Milberns work anti-capitalism is a principle of disability justice. Still, she thinks Milbern would have approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As someone who held an anti-capitalist politic, I dont think Stacey would have ever imagined or advocated to be on a piece of currency. And yet here she is, right? Because it is a tool. It is a vehicle, Young told the audience at the celebration. Young sees the quarter as a potential gateway to disability justice for people who have not been exposed to it before. As amazing as this coin is, it is not Staceys legacy. It is a spark. It is a question in someones hand, in someones coin purse. Somebody will look at this coin and say: Who is she? And the answer will take them straight to her vision, her organizing, her liberation dreams, Young said. The post What it means to have a woman in a wheelchair featured on U.S. currency appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Aug. 21Media Matched Advertising, one of New Mexico's top-volume media buyers and a trusted name in full-service advertising, proudly marks 25 years in business. Since its founding, the agency has built lasting relationships with more than 50 clients across business, nonprofit, and government sectors earning a reputation for delivering measurable results with integrity and dedication. From concept to development, Media Matched covers the full spectrum of advertising, including creative production, media planning, specialty projects, and strategic partnerships. As a woman-owned New Mexico business, the agency is deeply committed to supporting the state's economy by partnering with local vendors for printing, filming, promotional materials, and more. Over the past quarter-century, Media Matched has been honored to serve distinguished clients such as Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, Isleta Resort & Casino, Bernalillo County, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi of Albuquerque, Chevrolet Cadillac of Santa Fe, and many others. These partnerships have spanned transformative campaigns, from public health and safety initiatives, to economic development, agriculture promotion, and high-profile brand marketing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our success is built on trust trust from our clients, our media partners, and our community," said Shelley Gregory, owner and founder of Media Matched Advertising. "For 25 years, I've been honored to help New Mexico businesses and organizations tell their stories, grow their audiences, and achieve their goals. I am grateful for every opportunity and for the partnerships that have made this journey possible." Media Matched Advertising looks to the future with the same passion and commitment that fueled its first 25 years continuing to create impactful campaigns that support New Mexico's businesses, communities, and economy. FOX DIGITAL REVIEW: New York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdanis growing circle of influence is littered with activists who have espoused anti-Israel views and socialist principles as he attempts to dispel the narrative that he is too "radical" to run the nation's largest city. Mamdani, who has been a fierce critic of President Donald Trumps immigration policies, employs the help of several advisors as part of his "brain trust", New York Times reported , which includes New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) president Murad Awawdeh, an activist for a group with a long history of seeking to end "state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration." According to Awawdeh, illegal immigrants having access to taxpayer-funded healthcare is a right they "deserve ." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "SEEKING ASYLUM AT THE BORDER IS A LEGAL RIGHT," Awawdeh posted on X in 2022. "ASYLUM SEEKERS ARE FLEEING FOR THEIR LIVES FROM VIOLENCE, PERSECUTION, & IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE. THE U.S. HAS A LEGAL OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE REFUGE." Vulnerable Democrats Hammered With Scathing Ad Handcuffing Them To Mamdani, Jeffries Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani closed out his "Five Boroughs Against Trump" tour across New York City in Queens on Friday. NYIC has close ties to and has taken money from the Vera Institute for Justice, a group that received a significant amount of support in the form of contracts from the Biden administration to assist illegal immigrants in avoiding deportations. Additionally, NYIC has taken in $175,000 from the sprawling George Soros nonprofit network. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soros is also tied to another key Mamdani advisor, Patrick Gaspard, who has served in several high-profile political positions, including advising former President Barack Obama's historic 2008 campaign, serving as the Democratic National Committee's executive director, and was tapped as the Center for American Progress (CAP) president in 2021. Gaspard, who Fox News Digital previously reported made millions of dollars serving as president of Soros's Open Society Foundations between 2017 and 2020, has been a staunch defender of Soros, saying earlier this year that he was "inspired by the selection of my friend George Soros, who is one of our leading defenders of inclusive and accountable democracy and vibrant civil society," after then-President Joe Biden announced he would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. "His accomplishments, in the face of distortions and threats from extremists, will be lauded well into the future," he continued. In a long 2023 X thread, Gaspard also attempted to deflect blame away from Soros amid reports that Soros and his network were pouring millions of dollars into the campaign coffers of radical DAs and far-left groups that emphasized social justice programs and gave lenient sentences to violent criminals. Mamdani has rejected the "communist" label bestowed on him by critics, including laughing off the accusation when confronted by Fox News Digital earlier this year, while at the same time being advised by an activist who doesnt appear to shy away from communists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Housing advocate Cea Weaver, part of Mamdanis reported "brain trust," is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and advises the mayoral hopeful on housing issues, including Mamdanis plan to "freeze" the rent, which has gotten strong pushback from many New Yorkers in the industry. Mamdani Preaches From Pulpit Of Radical Pastor Pushing Reparations, Abolishing Police: 'Brother And Friend' Weaver is also the former coalitions director of Housing Justice for All, a group that counts dozens of radical far-left groups as coalition members, including the Communist Party of the United States of America and the New York Young Communist League. "Elect more Communists," Weaver posted on social media in 2017, New York Post reported . "Seize private property," Weaver posted in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani has faced heated criticism for his long history of anti-Israel statements and positions dating back to his days writing for his college newspaper and his circle of advisors includes several people who have exhibited the same criticisms. Activist Faiza Ali, another member of Mamdanis reported inner circle, formerly worked for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a group whose executive director, Nihad Awad, stated after Hamas Oct. 7 attacks that he was happy to see Gazans "breaking the siege" against the "occupying power" of Israel. Awad later said those comments were taken out of context. In addition to her ties to CAIR, a group that GOP Sen. Tom Cotton recently said should lose its nonprofit status due to alleged terror ties, Ali is an acquaintance of and has been photographed with Linda Sarsour, who the two are associated with through the Muslim Democratic Club of New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarsour, a prominent anti-Israel activist who has long been labeled antisemitic, has faced criticism for lauding Minister Louis Farrakhan, objecting to the Jewish right to return to Israel, and even calling for "jihad" against President Trump in 2017. She later claimed she was calling only for nonviolent dissent. Zohran Mamdani raises hands with Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, during a campaign event in Harlem on June 28, 2025. Maya Handa, a campaign manager reportedly part of the "growing circle" around Mamdani, was formerly a top advisor to former Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman who has a long history of anti-Israel controversy including last year when he defended the phrase "from the river to to the sea," which is widely interpreted as a call for the elimination of Israel. Mamdani senior advisor Morris Katz, described by the New York Times as being one of two people in Mamdanis "inner circle" and an "emissary" to the Jewish community to counteract skeptical pro-Israel voters, has been critical of Israel on social media. Katz has previously said the existential threat to Israels existence is "not the Palestinians whore being oppressed and denied basic human rights" but rather Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katz also amplified a quote from Mamdani saying that Democrats supporting a ceasefire and an arms embargo are "rightfully outraged over Israels killing of over 40,000 Palestinians." Fox News Digital reached out to the Mamdani campaign for comment. Original article source: Meet Mamdani's radical advisory circle that includes communist activist, anti-Israel advocates Law enforcement from around Washington traveled to Spokane County to honor Sheriffs Sergeant Kenneth Salas, who was killed in the line of duty on August 9. A procession and memorial service were held on Wednesday, where family, friends, and colleagues remembered Sergeant Salas for his dedication and service to his community, affiliate KHQ reports. Ken was more than his titles, his ranks, or even his years of service, Spokane County Sheriffs Sergeant Griffin Criswell said during the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What defined him most was his calm demeanor, his kindness, his professionalism, and his willingness to help anyone who needed it, he said. On August 9, Sergeant Salas was assisting in removing a hay bale on I-90 that had fallen off a truck when he was struck and killed by a motorcycle, according to the Washington State Patrol. Sergeant Salas proudly ser ved the Citizens of Spokane County for over three decades. He was not only a member of the Sheriffs Office, he was also a valued and cherished member of our law enforcement family, the Spokane County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) wrote. Salas also served in the Air Force for over twenty years, as well as in the Washington State Air National Guard, SCSO said. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is making a return visit to Memphis, Tennessee, from August 20th to August 24th, after a previous trip earlier this year. The Wienermobile, driven by Trey OShea, also known as Tailgate Trey, and his copilot Relish Raena, will be participating in several events throughout the Memphis area. These events include appearances at the AWG Food Show, Superlo Foods, Kayes Foods, and the Childrens Museum of Memphis, where they will be handing out wiener whistles and spreading smiles. We passed through Memphis earlier this year but never got the chance to host the events we had scheduled. Were back and ready to make it happen this time around, said Trey OShea, the driver of the Wienermobile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The schedule for the Wienermobiles visit includes a variety of events across Memphis and nearby areas. On Thursday, August 21st, the Wienermobile will be at the AWG Food Show from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at 7777 Walnut Grove Road. On Friday, August 22nd, the Wienermobile will make two stops at Superlo Foods: from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 4744 Spottswood Ave., and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 4571 Quince Road. Saturday, August 23rd, will see the Wienermobile at Kayes Foods with two events: from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 150 Norfleet Drive in Senatobia, MS, and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 945 Goodman Road East, Southaven, MS. The final event will take place on Sunday, August 24th, at the Childrens Museum of Memphis from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2525 Central Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In total six men have been jailed for their part in the drug smuggling operation [BBC] Two men who were part of an 18.4m cocaine smuggling operation which saw Border Force officers pursue a drug-laden boat off the coast of Cornwall for an hour have been jailed. Peter Williams, 44, of Havant, Hampshire, and 29-year-old Bobbie Pearce, of Brentwood, Essex, both admitted their part in a conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the UK when they appeared for sentencing at Truro Crown Court. Fisherman Williams, who had been skipper of the boat that was used to carry the drugs, was jailed for 16 years and nine months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Market trader Pearce, who was in a car which he drove from Essex to firstly Plymouth and then Cornwall as part of the smuggling plot, was given 15 years and four months. Six men have been jailed in total for their parts in trying to bring the class A drugs into the UK. 'Acting under instruction' The court heard Williams was arrested when the rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) he was skippering ran aground on Gwynver Beach, near Sennen, following the chase at sea on 13 September 2024. He was caught on the beach as he tried to run away. Pearce's phone showed he was in the Land's End area when the RHIB beached and he quickly departed the area and drove back to Essex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams' lawyer Harry Laidlaw told the court: "He knew full well what he was getting himself into. "He just captained the boat. He was a foot soldier acting under instruction. "He did not have an operational or management role in the chain. His role was simple, albeit skilled." Pearce's lawyer Ishan Dave said his client had no previous convictions and had never been involved in the drugs world before. Judge James Adkin said this was an international conspiracy to smuggle large quantities of cocaine into the UK. He added that the conspiracy involved two organised crime groups in the South West and South East - their aim being "to flood the streets of Essex and London with cocaine with grave societal harm". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. After more than three decades behind bars for the 1989 murder of their parents, this week Erik and Lyle Menendez are finally standing before a California parole board in separate, virtual hearings that after a series of revelations, an online rally and multiple TV series based on their cases could chart a path toward their release. Erik Menendez, now 54, is appearing via video link from Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility near San Diego. He will be facing a two- to three-person panel of parole commissioners and will be presenting his case for release under the resentenced term of 50 years to life which in July was reduced down from his original without-parole sentence in 1996. His defense, led by frequent Hollywood attorney Mark Geragos, is emphasizing Eriks years of rehabilitation and remorse and his big contributions to prison programming, including support initiatives for elderly inmates. Family members, correctional staff and even formerly incarcerated individuals are expected to testify or submit letters to bolster his transformation a strategy that comes out of their emotionally charged resentencing hearing. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some lingering missteps do shadow Erik and Lyle Menendezs bid for their freedom. In prison, both brothers have been cited for contraband cell phone possession recent violations that defense lawyers acknowledge could undercut their credibility before the board. Meanwhile, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman remains resolute in his opposition, asserting the brothers have never fully accepted responsibility and that their narrative of self-defense remains a fabricated cover for murder driven by financial incentive. Friday will bring Lyle Menendezs video-conference hearing, also from San Diego before a fresh set of commissioners and separate D.A.s counsel. While his defense strategy and institutional context mirror that of his brother, the elder brothers individual demeanor and record in custody may shape a different outcome. Family members, notably the Justice for Erik and Lyle coalition, remain cautiously optimistic. In a statement issued ahead of the hearings, they rallied around sustaining decades of remorse, accountability and personal growth and called on the board to consider the humanity behind case files. If either brother is granted parole, their case will undergo a 120-day legal review by the boards chief counsel. California Gov. Gavin Newsom who has expressly avoided Netflix dramatizations of the case to keep his judgment unclouded will then have 30 days to uphold, modify or overturn the recommendation. Should parole be denied, California law mandates a waiting period of three to 15 years before they can petition again, though the exact interval depends on the boards decision. These parole board hearings mark the first time the Menendez brothers convicted in 1996 for the notorious 1989 murders of their parents have faced a parole board after their controversial convictions at their second trial, where their defense strategy was kneecapped by the judge. Thanks to a resentencing judges ruling in May and based on their youthful ages at the time of the crime, the brothers are finally eligible for release under Californias youthful offender provisions. Public and cultural fascination in the Menendez case was reignited by the 2024 Netflix drama Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and a recent documentary, and their popularity underscores the cases enduring resonance. Simultaneously, a habeas corpus petition invoking new evidence including an unearthed letter that seems to confirm they were being sexually abused by their father, Jose Menendez, and that as they claimed, their mother, Kitty Menendez, knew all along as well as testimony from a former Menudo member alleging abuse by the brothers father continues to unfold as a parallel legal avenue. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Key Points Pfizer offers the highest forward dividend yield in the healthcare sector. The stock trades at an exceptionally attractive valuation. Pfizer faces some challenges but should continue to survive and thrive as it has for 176 years. 10 stocks we like better than Pfizer What's better than a stock that pays great dividends? How about one that's also a bargain? Granted, most strong dividend stocks aren't available at a discount in the current high-flying market. However, that doesn't mean you can't find them at all. I can think of several dividend-paying, deep-value stocks to buy in August. One stock stands at the top of my list: pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE). Image source: Getty Images. Pfizer's juicy dividend Pfizer's forward dividend yield currently stands at 6.86%. This yield is so attractive that I wondered if it's the highest of any healthcare stock. It is (or was recently, anyway). As of Aug. 19, 2025, Pfizer's forward dividend yield was the juiciest in the healthcare sector. The big drugmaker's dividend track record is impressive, too. Pfizer has paid 347 consecutive quarterly dividends. The company has increased its dividend for 16 consecutive years. Can Pfizer keep the dividends flowing and growing? I think it can. So does the company's management team. CFO David Denton reiterated in Pfizer's second-quarter earnings call that the dividend program remains first on the drugmaker's capital allocation priorities, stating, "Our strategy consists of maintaining and growing our dividend over time." Sure, Pfizer's dividend payout ratio of around 90% is higher than I'd like. However, the pharmaceutical company's earnings continue to grow. Pfizer even recently raised its full-year earnings guidance. It's also on track to cut costs by around $7.2 billion by the end of 2027, which will further improve the bottom line and the payout ratio. A tremendous value Let's shift gears to discuss Pfizer's tremendous value. The stock's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is only 8.3. That's a fraction of the S&P 500's forward earnings multiple of 22.8. It's also well below the S&P 500 healthcare sector's average forward P/E of 16.5. One question comes to mind, though: Is Pfizer a value trap? After all, the drugmaker faces a patent cliff with several of its top-selling products losing patent exclusivity over the next few years. The list includes blood thinner Eliquis, which generated nearly $7.6 billion for Pfizer last year, and breast cancer drug Ibrance, which raked in almost $4.4 billion in sales. Erik and Lyle Menendez are set to appear before Californias parole board this week a pivotal moment nearly 30 years after they were convicted of murdering their parents in one of the countrys most infamous criminal cases. Eriks parole hearing is scheduled for Thursday, followed by Lyles on Friday, both held via videoconference from Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. This marks the first time the brothers have been eligible for parole, following a May decision by a Los Angeles judge to reduce their sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Menendez brothers were sentenced in 1996 to life without the possibility of parole for the 1989 killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in the familys Beverly Hills mansion. At the time of the crime, Erik was 18 and Lyle was 21. Erik Menendez Hospitalized With Kidney Stones As Attorney Demands Release Before Parole Decision Lyle and Erik Menendez are seen as young men with their mugshots overlayed. The brothers are currently serving life sentences for the murders of their parents, Jose and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez, in 1996. Prosecutors argued the murders were financially motivated, pointing to the couples multimillion-dollar estate. The defense, however, claimed the brothers had endured years of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of their father, leading to a violent confrontation. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, the Menendez brothers have remained behind bars. However, in May 2025, a judge reduced their sentences to 50 years to life, citing a California law that allows parole consideration for individuals who were under 26 when their crimes were committed. Watch On Fox Nation: Menendez Brothers: Victims Or Villains? A panel of two or three parole commissioners, appointed by the governor, will evaluate each brother individually. The board will weigh rehabilitation efforts, prison conduct, expressions of remorse, and plans for reintegration into society. Even if parole is granted, their release would not be immediate. The boards chief counsel has 120 days to review any decision, after which California Gov. Gavin Newsom has an additional 30 days to affirm or reverse it. Newsom has said in past remarks that he takes his oversight role seriously and will assess each case carefully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menendez Brothers Bank On New Trial As Backup If Parole Bid Fails This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. On his podcast, "This is Gavin Newsom," last month, he told "Monsters" creator Ryan Murphy that he intentionally avoided watching the Netflix series about the Menendez brothers to ensure his judgment remains free from outside influence. Newsom, who had previously ordered a comprehensive risk assessment (CRA) in response to a clemency petition, has said he takes public safety seriously and has both upheld and overturned parole board decisions in the past. The governor holds the final say and is expected to make a decision by Labor Day if the parole board recommends release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This weeks parole board hearing is important, but its not the end of the road for Erik and Lyle Menendez," Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers and a former federal prosecutor, told Fox News Digital. Rahmani added that the parole board commissioners will "render a recommendation that same day, usually immediately or after conferring privately for less than an hour." "If they recommend release, that decision will go to the governors desk first, so the Menendez brothers wont be released immediately," Rahmani explained. "Newsom will have to sign the order and it may take days to do so. Similarly, if the board denies parole, Newsom can still pardon the brothers or commute their sentence. If the brothers are not paroled, they will have to wait years to go before the board again." Newsom's office declined to comment. Erik Menendez (L) and his brother Lyle (R) listen during a pre-trial hearing on Dec. 29, 1992 in Los Angeles. Separate from the parole process, legal efforts to overturn or reconsider the brothers' convictions are still underway. In May 2023, attorneys for the brothers filed a habeas corpus petition citing new evidence of abuse. A judge has since ordered prosecutors to explain why the convictions should not be reconsidered, signaling potential movement in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman labeled the petition a "Hail Mary" effort, stressing that justice and the law demand the convictions stand. Menendez Brothers Score Crucial Legal Victory In Decades-long Fight As They Await Potential Freedom Ahead of the hearings, Hochman's office released a statement, along with a 75-page filing, maintaining a firm opposition to the Menendez brothers parole on the grounds that they have never fully accepted responsibility for the murders of their parents. "The Menendez brothers have never fully accepted responsibility for the horrific murders of their parents, instead continuing to promote a false narrative of self-defense that was rejected by the jury decades ago," Hochman's office said. "We have consistently opposed their release because they have not demonstrated full insight into their crimes or shown that they have been fully rehabilitated, and therefore continue to pose a risk to society." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochman said his office will evaluate their final stance based on the evidence presented at the hearing. Meanwhile, the brothers' lawyer, Mark Geragos, advocated for Eriks release last month after a hospitalization due to a serious but undisclosed medical condition. Erik has since returned to prison. The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, a family-led initiative advocating for the brothers' release, shared a statement ahead of the parole hearings, saying they remain hopeful, but understand the hurdles they still have to overcome. "As always, our family remains cautiously optimistic, grounding ourselves in the reality that Californias parole process is incredibly rigorous, with low grant rates. We respect that and know Erik and Lyle are prepared for that level of scrutiny," the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For more than 35 years, they have shown sustained growth," the coalition added. "Theyve taken full accountability. They express sincere remorse to our family to this day and have built a meaningful life defined by purpose and service. Something that has really stayed with us, especially as we near the parole hearings, is what Judge Jesic said during resentencing: that while Erik and Lyle have a stellar record, it was the letters of support from individuals who had never spoken up for an incarcerated person before that impacted him most. Its a reminder that no paper file can fully capture a persons character. But we see it. Correctional staff see it. Now, we hope the parole commissioners will see the same. We know that Erik and Lyle will come home, that is no longer a doubt. We just hope that they are granted this second chance in time to hug their Aunt Joan and Aunt Terry." Erik Menendez, left, and his brother Lyle in front of their Beverly Hills home. Interest in the Menendez case has surged again in recent years, fueled by popular media portrayals and changing public sentiment. Netflix released "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" and a companion documentary, "The Menendez Brothers," in 2024, drawing attention to the abuse allegations that played a central role in the brothers' defense. The series co-creator, Ian Brennan, shared what outcome he is hoping to see for the Menendez brothers during an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, calling it a complex case. "What I believe about the truth of the case really changes from hour to hour. The further we went into researching this, the more confused I got, because their testimony and story throughout did involve a lot of lies. The fact that Erik was writing a screenplay that involved murdering your parents is just weird stuff," Brennan explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think their story is a lot of lies, but theres a lot of truth to it. If they were somehow not granted parole, I would be very sad. Theyve paid that debt," Brennan said. Support for the brothers gained momentum after former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon petitioned for their resentencing in 2023. An undated photo of the Menendez family as it appears on screen during a panel at CrimeCon 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday, June 2. Despite these developments, prosecutors have resisted early release, arguing that the Menendez brothers have not fully accepted responsibility for their crimes. Hochman's office said that while recent documentaries and films have drawn renewed attention to the brothers' case, "parole decisions must be based solely on the facts and the law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In recent years, the defendants have continued to promote their fabricated defenses through popular media, including the 2024 Netflix documentary series. In that program, they repeated the same false narratives of abuse and self-defense that they manufactured after their arrests, and which multiple juries and courts have already rejected," Hochman stated in the filing. "Their willingness to appear in such productions, and to leverage them for public sympathy, demonstrates that even more than three decades later, they remain committed to perpetuating lies rather than accepting responsibility for their calculated crimes," he continued. As Erik and Lyle Menendez face their first parole hearings, their future will be decided by the parole board and, ultimately, Newsom. The case, which has drawn national attention for more than three decades, now enters a new phase as the state weighs their potential release. Original article source: Menendez brothers confront parole board before Gov Newsom decides whether to set killers free Key Takeaways: Following their May 2025 resentencing, convicted murderers Lyle and Erik Menendez became immediately eligible for parole. The Menendez brothers are virtually appearing for their individual parole hearings this week. Decisions about whether they are recommended for release are expected immediately. If one or both of the brothers are granted parole, the soonest they could walk free is early next year. After months of hearing delays and a judges approval of their resentencing, convicted killers Lyle and Erik Menendez are finally making their case for freedom. The brothers will each appear before a California parole boardErik on Thursday and Lyle on Fridayin an attempt to persuade officials they are deserving of release from prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been almost 30 years since the siblings were convicted of fatally shooting their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, inside their home in 1989. At trial, Lyle and Erik argued they killed in self-defense after suffering years of emotional and sexual abuse from their mother and father. But it wasnt enough to convince the jury, and the Menendez brothers received life sentences without parole in 1996. However, this May, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic reduced their punishments to 50 years to life in prison. Under California law, the men are parole-eligible because of their ages at the time of the murders. Lyle was 21 and Erik 18. Im not saying they should be released; its not for me to decide, Jesic said. I do believe theyve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance. It appeared 57-year-old Lyle and 54-year-old Erik would spend the rest of their lives behind bars until October 2024, when thenL.A. County District Attorney George Gascon formally recommended a resentencing in their case. The ensuing hearing experienced multiple delays and faced opposition from current District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who unsuccessfully attempted to withdraw the resentencing petition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while the parole meetings offer Lyle and Erik renewed hope, their freedom isnt guaranteed, and the process could take months to resolve either way. Heres everything you need to know about what happens next. The board can recommend or deny parole for Lyle and Erik In order for Lyle and Erik to receive parole, a state board must consider and approve their candidacy at this weeks formal hearings. The siblings will attend via video conference, and their relatives are expected to give statements in support of their suitability. For more than 35 years, they have shown sustained growth, their family said in a statement. Theyve taken full accountability. They express sincere remorse to our family to this day and have built a meaningful life defined by purpose and service. According to NBC News, commissioners will consider factors such as Lyle and Eriks criminal histories, their behavioral records in prison, and their plans for release before making an individual decision for each of them. A decision is expected immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even if their parole is recommended, the brothers could still have a long wait to find out their ultimate fate. Governor Gavin Newsom can affirm or deny their parole If the board agrees to parole, the chief legal counsel has 120 days to review the case. After that, California Governor Gavin Newsom will have 30 days to affirm, reverse, or modify the decision. The Menendez brothers separately filed a clemency request for Newsom, who has the power to commute their sentence or offer a pardon under state law. In response, the governor announced in February 2025 he requested a risk assessment of the brothers to determine whether they pose a threat to the public if released. According to ABC News, the investigation determined Lyle and Erik posed a moderate risk and cited multiple prison violations, including the possession of illegal cell phones. These results will factor into the parole boards determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom hasnt hinted how he would respond should the brothers receive parole. He has previously denied the release of other high-profile inmates, including Robert F. Kennedy assassin Sirhan Sirhan and Charles Manson discipline Leslie Van Houten. When can the Menendez brothers be released? Newsom can grant clemency at any time under state law but hasnt given a timeline for a potential decision and is likely waiting to see how this weeks review plays out. With parole recommendation, Lyle and Erik are looking at a wait of least five months assuming every step goes in their favor based on the above timeline. That means we might not know their fate until sometime in 2026. According to The Los Angeles Times, Newsom could also refer the decision to the entire state parole board for a second opinion, which would make the process even longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the brothers are denied parole this week, a new hearing can take place any time within the next three to 15 years. They can also petition for a quicker one but only if the circumstances of their case change significantly. What have Lyle and Erik said about their resentencing? Lyle and Erik attended Mays resentencing hearing virtually from prison and took full responsibility for their parents murders, according to CNN. The brothers legal team argued they were deserving of parole because of their favorable record in prison. Court filings show they launched a support group for disabled and elderly inmates and raised more than $250,000 for a prison beautification initiative. Getty Images Following their resentencing, Lyle released a statement highlighting the significance it has for their case and others. This has to be the first step in giving people who have no hope in prison some hope, he said, according to CNN. My goal is to ensure there are no more people spending 35 years in prison without hope. That possibility of having hope, that rehabilitation works is more important than anything that happened to me today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erik added there was no excuse for his actions as a teenager. I will never stop trying to make a difference whether I am inside or outside of prison, he said. You Might Also Like The Menendez brothers parole hearings got underway Thursday morning, with each of the brothers having their own day in court. Erik Menendez, 54, and Lyle Menendez, 57, have spent the last 35 years behind bars for the shotgun killings of their parents, Jose Menendez and Mary Louise Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. I believe that these parole hearings for Erik and Lyle Menendez are going to be historical days, given the notoriety, the celebrity and the length of these cases, criminal defense lawyer Alison Triessl said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erik Menendez was the first to go before the California Board of Parole when his case began, via video conference, Thursday morning. Older brother Lyle Menendez is set to have his hearing on Friday. The board will try to determine if the brothers, who remain at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, currently pose a danger to society and are suitable for release. Prosecutors say the 1989 killings of Jose and Kitty were for financial gain, but the brothers claim it was all in self-defense following years of abuse. FILE This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Department of Corrections via AP, File) FILE Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez leave a courtroom in Santa Monica, Calif., Aug. 6, 1990, after a judge ruled that conversations between the brothers and their psychologist after their parents were slain were not privileged and could be used as evidence. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File) FILE Lyle, left, and Erik Galen Menendez sit in Beverly Hills, Calif., courtroom, May 14, 1990 as a judge postponed their preliminary hearing on charges of murdering their parents last August. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File) Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit in Beverly Hills Municipal Court where their attorneys delayed making pleas on behalf of the brothers who are suspected in the murders of their parents on March 12, 1990. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Natasha Blasick holds a sign in support of Erik and Lyle Menendez outside the Van Nuys Courthouse during a hearing in the brothers case Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman talks about the resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez for the murders of their parents during a news conference in downtown Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) Erik Menendez, left, and is brother Lyle, in front of their Beverly Hills home. (Getty) Menendez brothers, Erik, left, and Lyle on the steps of their Beverly Hills home in November, 1989. (Getty Images) They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, but were resentenced in May to 50 years to life, which granted them the right to parole hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members, most of whom support the brothers release, will be allowed to speak at the hearings. For more than 35 years, they have shown sustained growth. Theyve taken full accountability. They express sincere remorse to our family to this day and have built a meaningful life defined by purpose and service, the Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition said in a statement. However, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has made it clear that he is opposed to the brothers release. They staged it to look like a mafia hit. This was not self-defense; this was basically premeditated, willful, deliberate, brutal murder, Hochman said. If and when they finally come clean, and clearly and unequivocally say weve been lying for 30 years, were ready to be truthful with what happened that night, then the Menendez brothers may very well be eligible for parole. Right now, they have not come clean, so theyre not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the board does grant parole to the brothers, the decision would go to the chief of the parole board, who would have to approve it, and then it would go on to Gov. Gavin Newsom for final approval. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Utah Supreme Court is now deciding whether death row inmate Ralph Leroy Menzies should be granted another competency hearing in district court and whether his scheduled execution by firing squad on Sept. 5 should be delayed pending that decision. If the execution is delayed, Matt Hunsaker doesnt believe it will ever happen. Im sticking to my firm belief that if we dont execute him on Sept. 5, there will not be an execution, said Hunsaker, a son of victim Maurine Hunsaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for Menzies and the state presented their arguments Thursday before the states highest court. The main issue is whether 3rd District Judge Matthew Bates erred in not granting Menzies a new competency hearing. There was a lot of legal discussion today, Hunsaker noted after the hearing was over. Menzies, 67, was found guilty of kidnapping and brutally murdering Hunsakers mother in 1986 when she was 26. Several of Hunsakers family attended the Supreme Court hearing and listened to arguments about whether the decision to deny Menzies another competency evaluation was correct, as well as whether the judges decision to sign the execution warrant while defense appeals were still pending was correct. Sitting on the other side of the aisle was Randy Gardner, brother of Ronnie Lee Gardner the last person executed by firing squad in Utah and others opposed to the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Menzies attorneys, their client has advanced vascular disease resulting in dementia, with severe brain atrophy, and his condition has declined so much since the June 6 ruling of competency that it raises a substantial question of his current state. They argued that his last finding of competency was based on evaluations that happened over a year ago and that two recent evaluations found that he no longer meets the statutory awareness standard with medical records demonstrating cognitive and physical decline, according to their appeal to the Utah Supreme Court. The state, however, believes the judge did not abuse his discretion when he signed the execution warrant and declined to further stay Menzies execution while Menzies appeals the competency determination. The high court justices spent an hour questioning the defense about where the evidence is for what is known as a prima facie issue and whether allegations of Menzies incompetency should be taken as fact. Prima facie is a legal term referring to having enough evidence to support a claim. In this case, Lindsey Layer, one of Menzies attorneys, said there are enough specific facts to support the allegations of their client being incompetent. He is always getting worse, Layer told the justices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several justices raised questions, however, about how a substantial change in Menzies competency is being measured. How much understanding does Menzies need to have about his punishment for a crime he committed? And if his illness is progressive, whats to stop the cycle of continuously bringing Menzies competency into question? I was very impressed with the amount of questions that were asked by the justices, Hunsaker said, adding that he believes the main argument before the justices is whether Bates should have halted the execution proceedings. I believe thats what it comes down to today, mostly. I dont think the competency (question) is as much at hand as whether or not ... Judge Bates issued the right ruling, he said. Its like I said in court, if Judge Bates hadnt put the death warrant on the table, we would have been just crawling along. Now that the death warrant is on the table, and everybody is up against the wall, things are moving at miraculous speeds. Were seeing filings daily. These hearings are quickly coming. Its like I said, this is forcing their hand to do something, and I do believe Judge Bates did what was right, Hunsaker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He believes the Supreme Courts decision will be the last big hurdle to determining whether Menzies is executed by firing squad. If we dont execute Menzies on (Sept. 5), I dont think theyre going to execute him, he said, while noting that if a new competency hearing is granted, I give up. If this doesnt happen this go around, its like they even said in there, the statutes are written so this cant be a merry-go-round. If they open this back up, were on a merry-go-round. I said this over a year ago when I told Judge Bates in his courtroom, Ill accept whatever you decide. If you decide hes incompetent, we move on. Were done, game over. I dont have any more fight in me, Hunsaker said. A decision on whether Menzies will be granted a new hearing may come next week. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) One of the teens charged with using social media to traffic guns has pleaded guilty. Federal prosecutors said that for four months last year, Dominic Ramirez posted ads about weapons, negotiated the sale, transported the guns to buyers, and sold them to people, including to undercover officers. Man sentenced to prison for illegally dumping cyanide, other chemicals in Albuquerque area He is facing up to 30 years behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is seeking to block the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from attempting to force states to share Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients personal information. SNAP is a federally funded food program that assists low-income families across the U.S. The Michigan Department of Attorney General reports that in July, the USDA demanded that states turn over massive amounts of personal information on all SNAP applicants. This information includes social security numbers, home addresses, and shopping history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local leaders gather to push back against SNAP, meal program cuts Nessel argued that this demand violates federal privacy and constitutional law. The federal government is illegally demanding sensitive, identifiable information on every single SNAP recipient in our state not to improve the program or fight fraud, but to create a database to use however they choose, Nessel said in a news release sent to 6 News. Now, while our lawsuit plays out in court, the Trump Administration is threatening to withhold crucial federal SNAP funding for refusing to comply with these illegal demands. It is my hope the court moves quickly to protect Michigan families and ensure vital food assistance is not jeopardized by this unlawful action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department reports that the justification behind the data demand is to prevent fraud and abuse, which they say contradicts USDA statements saying that SNAP is one of the most rigorous quality control systems in the federal government. Nessel and a coalition of attorneys general nationwide are urging the court to intervene to prevent USDA from pressing its unlawful demand for data, and using critical administrative funding as leverage, before the court has a chance to address the merits of Plaintiffs claims. The USDA demand could cause $254 million in SNAP funding to be withheld from Michigan. Attorneys Genera Nessel joins the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the state of Kentucky, in filing the motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Five out of seven double voting criminal cases in the August 2024 primary in St. Clair Shores have been dismissed, but the Michigan Attorney General's Office is appealing the rulings to a higher court, including the Michigan Court of Appeals in four of the cases. The most recent dismissal came Aug. 6 in the case against Douglas Kempkens Jr., a voter who was charged with one count each of voting absentee and in-person and offering to vote more than once. Macomb County Circuit Judge Joseph Toia dismissed and closed the case. A claim of appeal was filed this week with the state appellate court, according to a check Aug. 21 of online court records. "I think in my 45 years of practicing law, it is one of the most ridiculous prosecutions I've ever seen in my career," Kempkens' attorney, Stephen Rabaut, said after Kempkens' case was dismissed. "Nobody was intending to violate any law. And it's unfortunate that any one of them was prosecuted ... They made mistakes. They're not criminals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AG Spokesman Danny Wimmer indicated in an Aug. 15 email: "Maintaining free and fair elections is predicated on the premise that citizens can cast their ballot once and only once per election. To allow some people to vote twice makes a mockery of our electoral systems." He indicated the office was evaluating its appellate options after recent dismissals. The voters were accused of committing election fraud when they sent in an absentee ballot and still voted in person at the polls, Attorney General Dana Nessel said at a news conference announcing the charges in October. The election workers were accused of knowing of the voters' absentee ballots an electronic voter information tracking system informed them and letting them vote anyway. The AG's Office identified the election workers as assistant clerks, but St. Clair Shores Mayor Kip Walby previously told the Free Press they were seasonal workers, not assistant clerks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, a St. Clair Shores district court judge dismissed charges against Molly Brasure, one of three election workers accused in the case, and Geneva O'Day, one of four voters accused in the matter. The AG's Office appealed to the Circuit Court. More: Apple notches best week in years; Trump shakes Fed leadership: This Week in markets More: Kinloch believes in miracles. He may need one to beat Sheffield in Detroit mayor race On July 29, Circuit Judge Matthew Sabaugh denied the appeal against Brasure and affirmed the district court's order of dismissal, closing her case. But this week, Brasure's case showed up in a search of Michigan Court of Appeals records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeal in O'Day's case is before Circuit Judge Jennifer Faunce, who is taking the matter under advisement after oral arguments June 23 and July 21, according to Circuit Court records. Brasure was charged with two counts each of voting absentee and in-person; offering to vote more than once, and falsifying returns/records. O'Day was charged with one count each of voting absentee and in-person and offering to vote more than once. In December, charges were dismissed against the other two election workers, Emily McClintock and Patricia Guciardo, in 40th District Court in St. Clair Shores. The AG's Office appealed to the Circuit Court, where in May, Toia affirmed the lower court's order, closing the cases. Later in May, the AG's Office filed applications for leave to appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals in both cases. Charges remain against Stacey Kramer in Macomb County Circuit Court, where an evidentiary hearing and pretrial conference are set for Aug. 29 before Judge James Maceroni, according to court records. Like Kempkens, Kramer and Frank Prezzato, both voters, were charged with one count each of voting absentee and in-person, and offering to vote more than once. Prezzato has a pretrial conference Sept. 3 before Circuit Judge Anthony Servitto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges were filed by Nessel after County Prosecutor Peter Lucido declined to charge the voters, stating in an August 2024 news release that a review of the evidence concluded probable cause did not exist to believe a crime occurred. The alleged election fraud occurred at three different voting precincts. An electronic poll book at each precinct shows whether voters have already cast a ballot. In the case of the four voters, the system indicated their ballots were already received by the local clerk, Nessel previously said. She said volunteer poll workers informed the three assistant clerks and were instructed to override the system and issue in-person ballots. She said the assistant clerks then illegally changed the status of the four voters' absentee ballots in the electronic poll book from "received" to "rejected." The voters cast their in-person ballots, which still were counted alongside their absentee ballots. The election workers were accused of not making any effort to ensure the corresponding ballot was rejected from the absentee voter counting board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @challreporter. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan AG Office appealing dismissed double voting case DETROIT (AP) A Michigan couple held for 32 days in a maximum-security Mexican prison without trial over a dispute with a luxury timeshare company has filed a lawsuit against the company and its chief executive. Paul and Christy Akeo of Lansing allege defamation, malicious prosecution and intentional infliction of emotional distress in the complaint filed last week in Florida. They are seeking unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial. The Akeos say they disputed about $116,000 in credit card charges after Palace Elite Resorts breached their contract. The credit card companies sided with them and denied the charges for the timeshare in Cancun. According to the lawsuit, which names Palace Elite Resorts and chief executive Jose Gibran Chapur Dajer, the company incorrectly claimed that they had fraudulently disputed the charges as unrecognizable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Akeos were arrested March 4 at Cancun International Airport after arriving for a vacation at a different resort. They were accused of fraud and a judge ordered them detained pending trial, attorney John Manly told The Associated Press in April. They returned home April 3 following negotiations between U.S. and Mexican officials. The Akeos languished in a maximum security prison in Cancun, Mexico, separate and apart from each other, unable to speak with each other or console one another, according to the lawsuit which was filed Friday in Miami-Dade County. The prison conditions were horrific. The prison was overcrowded with violent criminals, the toilets didnt flush, and the food was untouchable. Worse, they were scared, terrified, and frightened that they may never go home again. The Akeos say they were part of an unlimited referral program. Referrals that led to two-week stays by others at regular member prices allowed the couple to get an additional week for free. Prosecutors in the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, said in a March 15 statement that the Akeos signed a contract with the Mexico-based hospitality group Palace Co. in November 2021 to buy a timeshare club membership at a resort in the Cancun area, but that the couple subsequently defrauded the hotel chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said the company received notices from the credit card companies that 13 transactions totaling $116,587 had been canceled, and the couple then shared on Facebook how they had conned the hotel group. Manley said Christy Akeo did post on Facebook about their experience and how the charges were appealed to their credit card company, but that prosecutors had misrepresented the nature of her posts. Social media posts about their imprisonment by Christy Akeos adult children two-time national champion gymnast Lindsey Lemke Hull and Michael Lemke gained the attention of U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, a Republican from Lansing. Barrett said he took it to the State Department and the White House. U.S. Consulate staff in Mexico and Barrett visited the couple in prison. The Akeos then went before a local judge and were released after they and the Palace Co. agreed to donate the disputed funds. Palace said $116,587.84 the amount refunded to the Akeos would be donated to a Mexican nonprofit benefitting orphans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you are abroad, you are not as safe as you think you are, Lemke Hull told the AP on Thursday, saying she doesnt think her parents will ever return to Mexico. She described their detention as a nightmare out of a movie and that it took several days for the family to even learn what was going on. They were given a bucket of water to, basically, splash on themselves to use as their shower, Lemke Hull said. But it was expected that the same bucket of water would be used to make the toilet work. The lawsuit says the CEO is based in Florida and Lemke Hall urged the Department of Justice to investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palace Co. said Thursday in an email that it rejects all claims made in the Akeos' lawsuit and will take it's own appropriate legal action. The Akeos and the Palace Company fully resolved their disputes earlier this year, the company said. Mr. and Ms. Akeo have unfortunately proceeded with additional litigation against the Palace Company and affiliated entities and individuals in violation of the parties resolution of their disputes. Susan J. Demas As Michigans budget stalemate continues in the weeks leading up to Labor Day, one area of consternation between the Democratic-led state Senate and the Republican-controlled state House is how to pay for road repair and maintenance in perpetuity as existing bond funding and projects lapse. A clear outlook for road funding has been deemed critical for the current budget process to finally wrap, with both the House and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer emphasizing that no budget for the coming fiscal year would be complete without a negotiated plan for roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of a plan from the Senate has jammed up the process, at least as far as the House is concerned. Entering the next fiscal year and beyond without a smoothly paved funding path has other dire consequences for Michigan aside from the political machinations of the Legislature. In a statement released Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Transportation said the department was reviewing critical unfunded infrastructure needs across the state, which it said includes more than 100 state trunkline bridges at risk of closure by 2035 if lawmakers dont act soon to fund road repairs and rebuilds. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MDOT said the potential for bridge closures statewide would have a daily impact on more than 1.8 million drivers and the roadways they serve. As MDOT works to continue addressing declining road and bridge conditions, securing a comprehensive road funding package is becoming more critical, the department said Tuesday. Following the conclusion of the Rebuilding Michigan bond funding program, MDOT will see a decrease of more than half the annual reconstruction budget, bringing the yearly investment for rebuilding roads from $495 million per year to just $222 million per year, and supporting about 2,800 fewer construction jobs in 2026. MDOT Director Brad Wieferich added that, at this rate, by decades end, nearly 50 percent of state routes, which carry 53 percent of total traffic and 80 percent of commercial traffic, will be in poor condition. Without additional investment, those projections will get worse, Wieferich said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The predictions should cause concern for the Legislature and motivate it to get moving on roads, whether it completes that plan before the whole budget or along with it before the constitutional deadline of Sept. 30. Both Whitmer and House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) have put forward plans to fund Michigans roads, but the Senate has yet to do so. In a news conference held Wednesday to castigate House Republicans for not completing their full budget as the clock winds down, the onus was put back on the Senate for its own inaction on road funding. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) was asked about MDOTs new predictions, and when the state might see the Senates plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brinks said the chamber continues to have conversations about its plan and that it cant get a good grip on roads without a responsible budget passed in both chambers, which the Senate has done while the House drags its feet. The majority leader said the key factor was consideration for other areas impacted by the budget, such as K-12 funding, if that money is pooled to pay for roads. We continue to work on that, and we are committed to that, Brinks said. I refuse to make the choice between funding schools and funding roads. The people of Michigan should be able to expect us to fund all of the fundamental things that the state government is responsible for. Brinks was asked how many more conversations needed to be had given that it was already eight months into the calendar year without a Senate plan in play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) jumped in to answer that one, saying people needed to be in the room to negotiate, and to possibly understand the frustrations the Senate was facing. Obviously, the speakers plan, we havent seen how he actually funds that plan, because he hasnt shown us the budget, Singh said. We are willing to have the negotiations. I know our leader has been in those rooms, having those conversations with the governor and others. And we can take a look. Theres some elements of the governor plan we like. Theres some elements that we dont like, but you have to have everyone in the room to do the negotiation. Singh added that the Legislature doesnt need five or six competing plans to start negotiations, calling each existing plan more of a framework. We have to do this within the context of the budget, and thats what were seeing, Singh said. By not having people in the room having that conversation, not having a full budget, you cant talk about all these pieces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brinks and company were also asked if they were willing to take drastic measures on roads with a plan containing cuts to either Whitmer or Halls plans just to get things moving. Brinks said she and the Senate were entertaining every possible means to get a responsible budget passed. In response to the Senates press conference and the roads issue at large, Hall told Michigan Advance that the Senates refusal to pass a plan came as both he and Whitmer called for the chamber to include it in the larger budget talks. Hall also accused the Senate budget that was passed in May as being short by more than $1 billion and illegally unbalanced, but they refuse to fix it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And they refuse to vote on our bigger and better school budget, which has been stuck in their chamber for months, Hall said. At every step of the process, theyre holding up the budget and dragging things out. While the school funding plan passed by the House in June included one of the largest increases to per-pupil funding for public schools in years, Democrats and education advocates argue that the GOP plan would result in many key costs for school meal and at-risk programs either needing to be reduced or eliminated or otherwise paid for with dollars meant for classrooms. Regardless, Hall said he believed Senate Democrats needed to either step up to the plate and embrace the existing road plans, or let Whitmer pinch hit for them in the negotiating process. She would actually do a good job, Hall said of Whitmer in that scenario. This standoff between the radical wing of the [Democratic] Party and the reasonable Democrats is delaying everything. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A state budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year will need to be in place in 41 days but Democrats and Republicans are divided on a range of issues, including a roads plan that the Governor has promised since she first ran for the office. The amount of communication between the governor, Senate Majority Leader, and Speaker of the House the three major players in signing off on a budget has been limited. This led Speaker of the House Matt Hall to call for negotiations while Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks says Republicans in the House have no plan to negotiate. To The Point: State Reps. Glanville and Johnsen on the budget Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think Winnie Brinks wants to get in the negotiation room with (me) because she knows Ill get a better deal and so I think its going to take Gretchen Whitmer to drag her into that room so we can get a deal, Hall said. And I hope that we can get a deal, but Winnie Brinks does not want to negotiate at the negotiation table with me, she doesnt know budget as well as I do, and she doesnt think shell get a good deal, so they try to put anyone else in there except her. But Brinks said Republicans in the House first have to negotiate with each other. To The Point: State budgets, U.S. Senate candidate At some point they just need to get in a room and start negotiating whether they show their cards about where their priorities are or not, whether they have the ability to get the votes together to pass their budget or not to start the conversation, at this point I could care less about how they do that in their chamber but they do need to come to the table and start having real conversations about the big things that need to be decided in order for us to get the budget to the governors desk by Oct. 1, Brinks said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One major stumbling block may end up being that roads plan. Republicans in the House want to do it with no new revenues, something Democrats in the Senate are unwilling to go along with. But just last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told News 8 that the budget will not be done without a plan to fix the roads. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. The UK sanctioned a Kyrgyzstan-based bank and crypto exchange on Wednesday, citing their support for A7A5, a stablecoin backed by the Russian ruble. A7A5 has been used to evade sanctions that the US and UK imposed on Russia after it invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to crypto forensics firms TRM Labs and Elliptic. If the Kremlin thinks they can hide their desperate attempts to soften the blow of our sanctions by laundering transactions through dodgy crypto networks they are sorely mistaken, UK Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty said in a statement. These sanctions keep up the pressure on Putin at a critical time and crack down on the illicit networks being used to funnel money into his war chest. The UK sanctioned Capital Bank, a Kyrgyzstan-based bank, and cryptocurrency exchange Grinex, which crypto tracing firm TRM Labs has described as a successor platform to Garantex, a previously-sanctioned Russian exchange. It also sanctioned Meer, a centralised crypto exchange registered on December 9, 2024 the same day that Grinex and A7A5 were established, according to TRM. The ruble-pegged A7A5 is issued by Kyrgyzstani company Old Vector and designed to facilitate the recovery of assets belonging to Garantex customers, according to TRM. About $26 million in Tethers stablecoin USDT on Garantex was frozen after officials in the US, Germany, and Finland seized the exchanges primary domain in March. (UK officials did not accuse Tether of aiding in Russian sanctions evasion in their Wednesday notice. But US authorities opened an investigation into the company last year for possible violations of sanctions and anti-money laundering rules, according to a Wall Street Journal report. CEO Paolo Ardoino accused the newspaper of regurgitating old noise.) Former Garantex customers were credited with A7A5 in amounts equivalent to their frozen balances, which could then be traded or redeemed on [Grinex], TRM wrote in its August 4 report. In late June, crypto forensics firm Elliptic said over $1 billion was being transferred through A7A5 daily, with the aggregate value of the stablecoins transfers topping $41 billion. A7A5 is a yield-bearing stablecoin, paying holders 50% of the interest earned on the bank deposits that back it, according to its documentation. It is available on Ethereum and TRON. We are creating not just a ruble stablecoin, but a tool that gives the market the opportunity to safely enter the ruble and USDT, as well as an alternative to USDT that is not subject to sanctions risks, the team behind A7A5 has said, according to Elliptic, which did not provide a source for the quote. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) has settled with Viridis Laboratories and Viridis North following a series of disciplinary actions and civil lawsuits, revoking the labs license and requiring their Bay City location to close. The CRA reports that the location will be required to close by September 28, 2025. As part of the settlement, the three majority owners of Viridis will be permanently excluded from participating in Michigans marijuana industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viridis agreed to drop its complaint against the CRA, which claimed that the agency unnecessarily disrupted its business. Viridis will also dismiss its two appeals pending in the Michigan Court of Appeals, one involving the Court of Claims dismissal of the companys efforts to reopen a 2021 lawsuit against the CRA, and another involving the Ingham County Circuit Courts dismissal of Viridis lawsuit against current and former CRA employees. This is justice, plain and simple, said Brian Hanna, the executive director of the CRA, in a news release sent to 6 News. Viridis failed to uphold the standards required of marijuana safety compliance facilities in Michigan. Viridis circumvented the rules. Their majority owners will never operate in this space again, and the Michigan cannabis industry will be stronger for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CRA reports that the cases began when the agency uncovered evidence that Viridis failed to follow testing procedures, resulting in inaccurate or unreliable results. We are at a pivotal moment, where scientific progress in cannabis is unfolding under our watch, said Claire Patterson, director of the CRAs reference laboratory, in a news release sent to 6 News. Here, we had a responsibility to get this right and set a critical precedent. Scientific integrity isnt a formality its the foundation of the cannabis industry. The future of this industry depends on ethics, transparency, and science we can all trust. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) speaks to members of the news media to discuss the ongoing battle over the state's budget and new notices from schools that they are laying off staff due to funding uncertainty. Aug. 21, 2025 | Photo by Ben Solis/Michigan Advance Michigan schools facing uncertainty over the state budget are beginning to issue layoff notices to staff, adding another layer of disarray over the Legislatures strained and stagnant funding plans for the coming fiscal year. On Thursday, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) eschewed schools claims that new layoffs were related to the current budget fight. Hall also doubled down on his assertion that his chambers budget would provide them with more money than in years past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a regularly hosted news conference, the speaker told schools to hold the line and wait it out, promising that the Houses full budget would be presented soon, and that negotiations on a consensus plan with the Senate would emerge swiftly. Those who represent and advocate for Michigans K-12 schools, however, said Thursday that districts cant wait for the Legislatures fight to continue, and the longer they do, tough decisions would need to be made. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX At present, the Legislature is now many weeks past its statutory July 1 deadline to complete and present to the governor an appropriations bill to fund state departments, public schools and higher education. Although the deadline has been missed before, this years budget fight is novel in the fact that partisan gridlock has stalled movement on negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A full budget has been passed by the Michigan Senate, but the chamber lacks a clear roads funding plan, which the Republican-controlled House has blamed for the current impasse. The House has yet to present its full budget funding state operations, but it has crafted a roads plan and passed K-12 and higher education budgets. The Democrats who control the Senate say its the House thats holding up the process. Either way, the two competing school funding plans are diametrically different in their approaches to funding. Thats given K-12 districts no insight into how to best plan for the year to come. To give themselves some cushion, some districts are already either talking about laying off staff or have already done so. In his press conference to address the ongoing stalemate held Thursday, Hall was asked if he had comment on those schools who are directly tying the budget crisis to their decisions on layoffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question from a reporter focused mainly on school safety and mental health staff that were allegedly getting the ax. To that, Hall said that the previous Democratic trifecta, which held power for the last two years, slashed funding for mental health and school safety, and that his chambers schools budget this year was a restoration of those areas. Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) cheered his caucuss efforts on road funding and education reform at an April 15, 2025 press conference. | Kyle Davidson Some have criticized the House budget because it rolled up all the categorical spending line items for funding areas into the total per-pupil allowance, which gave schools no clear direction on how to spend that money. Critics have also said that schools would remove free meals and other key programs if the House budget was adopted into law because the Legislature no longer mandated that they fund them. Hall said boilerplate language in the House education budget mandates money to be used for mental health and schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right before the [2024] election, they tried to fix that and put a little bit in, but its still way down, Hall said. One of the main things were trying to achieve in our budget, we put a rule in place that you must fund school safety and mental health with this money. In response to the talk of layoffs in the face of potentially more school funding from the House this year, Hall said he believed those layoffs were more performance based than anything else. Another reporter noted that despite whatever the House put in its version of the education budget, the lower chamber and its big brother in the Senate still needed to work out a consensus conference budget. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would also have considerable influence in those negotiations. That could take time even after the House presents its full plan and the Senate finally moves forward on road funding. Schools would be left in the lurch despite promises of increased funding because they dont have that money now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, Hall asked schools to hold the line and not make any rash personnel decisions because the money was coming. If I was a school superintendent, and I was watching this and I saw that all parties want to increase my funding, I wouldnt be making all of these crazy decisions, because I see that all parties are trying to fund me more, Hall said. I would assume theyll work it out. All three budgets [the House, the Senate and the governors recommendations] increase funding for schools, its just the House Republicans who are increasing it the most. Hall chalked up the disconnect to the new House budgeting process, adding that the chamber was doing it in a way that is a little different than the establishment is used to. Robert McCann, executive director of the K-12 Alliance of Michigan, said schools have a reason to be worried as the budget battle rages on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason for these layoffs is directly tied to the fact that they havent passed a budget, McCann told Michigan Advance. The budget is more than the per pupil [amount]. The budget is more than the total amount youre getting. Its pieces that create an entire budget for a school year, and those individual pieces fund specific programs and specific personnel. McCann said schools typically build their budgets in June, even though, as in years past, a final consensus budget might not be completed. But we were pretty far along in the process [in previous years] where they can take some reasonable guesses as to where their final budget is and what its going to look like, McCann said. They might have had to come back and tweak it a little bit at the end of the summer, but its close, and they could make enough informed decisions to keep personnel or to bring on new ones. In the current saga, McCann said schools have nothing to go on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With all due respect to the speaker, I couldnt disagree more. Yes, they had two budgets that have been passed, but they were radically different from one another, he added. Thats where I say, its not just the fact that there were two budgets passed that would give them some amount of money, its that there were two budgets that contained very different funding and ways of distributing that funding. Hall gives clearer look at waste cutting calculus Aside from the dilemma facing schools, the roads issue continues to take precedence in the budget talks for Hall, as does the new Republican ethos to target funding areas that they consider waste, fraud and abuse. The speaker has said that the full budget hasnt come out yet, despite an optimistic view from his appropriations chair, state Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton) that it could be delivered as soon as next week, because his team keeps finding wasteful spending areas that it says it can cut safely and responsibly. State Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton) speaks during a news conference hosted by House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township). Aug. 13, 2025 | Photo by Ben Solis/Michigan Advance Although that concept has been a national GOP talking point, Hall has only given a few examples of where waste was located in previous spending plans and where cuts might come from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, he shared more, targeting the Department of Attorney General, the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the Department of Civil Rights and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Hall showed slides comparing the budgets of former Republican Gov. Rick Snyder to the last two budget cycles when Democrats held all levers of power in state government. By his caucus math, the attorney generals office budget grew by 22%; management and budget by 36%; civil rights by 80%; labor by 92%; and EGLE by 107%. For Hall, that was evidence enough for Republicans to take the ax to those ballooning departments and label that all as waste. Budget no closer as talk continues The numerous press conferences and tough talk in Lansing, on both sides of the aisle, have brought the budget no closer to completion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall previously said it was his estimation that the full budget proposal would land by Sept. 30, the constitutional drop deadline for the fiscal year before the government lands in a shutdown. The last government shutdown in Michigan lasted only a few hours, with a consensus reached soon afterward. The Advance asked Hall what that might look like if both budgets are delivered and passed by each chamber on Sept. 30 or Oct. 1, and how swiftly he believed the two sides could come to agreement to stave off a potential shut down. Hall has said his team was putting together the perfect budget, and therefore, any shut down might only last a few hours in this round, if it happens at all. In that scenario, we would only need a couple of hours at that point, Hall said. But I think well try to give them a little more time, a few more days than that, to work through this. In the face of sneering political mistrust between Democrats and Republicans, Halls assumption appears highly optimistic. The speaker, however, blamed any infighting on two opposing factions within the Democratic Party, and not on House Republicans. If the Democrats can unify and empower their leader, Governor Whitmer, well get a deal done in about two weeks, probably less, Hall said. I think when I show this to her, she will see a lot of this waste, fraud and abuse, and will help us eliminate it. And then I think we share a common goal of getting the roads fixed. (The Center Square) As budget negotiations continue to stall, state officials are warning of the potential consequences if action is not taken quickly. Failure to pass the 2025-2026 state budget has led to uncertainty, especially for schools as they start the school year unsure if funding will come. Our students and educators deserve better, said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. I dont ever recall in my career so little clarity about approximately where school funding in the annual budget will land. It is troubling and, if not rectified very soon with the passage of a reasonable budget for schools, will ultimately hurt children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement July 1 was the legally mandated statutory deadline for the finalization of the entire budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, including a K-12 education spending budget. The new fiscal year is set to begin Oct. 1, or in just 41 days. If a deal is not made by then on the budget, the state could face a government shutdown. Michigan has not faced that since 2009, when a shutdown lasted mere hours before the budget was finalized. The House and Senate failed to reach an agreement on the education budget after Republicans and Democrats proposed vastly different plans, as previously reported by The Center Square. With the Senate and governorship run by Democrats and the House run by Republicans, compromise will be necessary on the budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, some are already warning that a shutdown could be coming again. Democrats are pointing fingers at the Republicans for the delay. This is unprecedented chaos and its because of one change that weve seen in the array of power here in Michigan, and that is Speaker [Matt] Hall, said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids. Republicans are blaming Democrats. House Republicans passed the best education budget in Michigan history and a $3B roads plan, said Speaker of the House Matt Hall, R-Richland Township. Senate Dems? Cant agree with Whitmer, cant agree with each other, and wont move a thing. While we deliver, they delay. Democrats need to get in line with both Whitmer and House Republicans and move these budgets NOW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin, R-Brighton, has been more hopeful that a resolution might be coming, possibly even as soon as next week with the proposal of a comprehensive budget plan. The Republicans budget would include significant cuts to wasteful habits and slush funds that have taken root in state government. We did the hard work of going through this budget line by line, Bollin said. Every dollar we cut from bureaucracy and waste is a dollar we can put toward the real priorities of Michigan families. 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. Both sides have argued that a lack of negotiations will continue to stall the finalization of the budget. House Republicans are distracting folks from the real issue facing our schools: they don't have an education budget, said House Democrats. They don't have a leg to stand on, so they play political games. Police officers have arrested 18 people demonstrating in a pro-Palestine protest outside of Microsofts global headquarters in Washington state. The tech giants HQ in Redmond, just north of Seattle, has experienced two consecutive days of protests since Tuesday as demonstrators called for Microsoft to cease its business ties with Israel immediately and demanded the company pay reparations to the Palestinian people. Redmond police said officers were dispatched to a large gathering of protestors in the Microsoft courtyard, outside the HQ, on Wednesday at around 12:15 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers initially attempted to trespass the protestors, but they resisted and became aggressive, the Redmond Police Department said. Images posted online by the department showed the Microsoft sign drenched in red paint. Every day for the past 22 months, the Israeli military has used Microsoft technology to starve and bomb Palestinians in Gaza, while actively displacing Palestinians in an ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing, a statement posted by the organization No Azure for Apartheid wrote on X. Last week, Microsoft said it was tapping a law firm to investigate allegations reported by The Guardian that the Israeli Defense Forces used Microsoft's Azure cloud computing platform to store phone call data obtained through the mass surveillance of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Microsofts standard terms of service prohibit this type of usage," the company said in a statement posted Friday, adding that the report raises precise allegations that merit a full and urgent review. The tech giant said it would share the findings after law firm Covington & Burling completes its review. The Microsoft campus in Redmond was drenched in red paint by protestors, police said (Redmond WA Police) A group of current and former Microsoft employees are believed to have organized the protest, The Verge reported Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 50 people were said to be in attendance when the event began. The group cordoned off site areas, naming one the Liberated Zone encampment, while standing with a banner outside the East Campus Plaza that read The Martyred Palestinian Childrens Plaza. A statement posted by the organization said the peaceful demonstration was interrupted by a brutal mass arrest, involving physical violence. Videos posted on social media of the scene showed protesters being wrestled to the ground and dragged away from the courtyard. Demonstrators were seen being held down on the ground and arrested (Redmond WA Police) Get back or youre gonna get sprayed, a Redmond police officer is heard threatening in one clip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One male protestor is heard saying, Why the f*** did you shoot me, bro?, to a police officer. In response to this peaceful opposition to war crimes, Microsoft and Redmond Police retaliated against protestors with the brutal mass arrest of 18 protestors, chemical weapons, and physical violence, No Azure for Apartheid wrote on X Thursday. Current workers, former workers, and community members were hog-tied, violently dragged, and pepper-sprayed in a repressive escalation. Microsoft and Redmond Police chose to dehumanize, brutalize, and criminalize people of conscience for opposing Microsoft's ACTUAL war crimes. Redmond police said other demonstrators had blocked a pedestrian bridge and were using stolen tables and chairs from vendors to form a barrier. At least 50 demonstrators were reported to be at the scene when things kicked off Tuesday (Redmond WA Police) A total of 18 people were taken into custody for multiple charges, which included trespassing, malicious mischief, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported from the scene. Microsoft has perpetually come under fire from pro-Palestine supporters for its continued work with Israel. At the companys 50th anniversary celebration in April, a software engineer in the companys AI division interrupted Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleymans speech, calling for an end to an agreement that allows the Israeli military to use the companys AI products. After months of facing mounting pressure from activists, employees, and the public, Microsoft said it had found no evidence to support such claims. Based on these reviews, including interviewing dozens of employees and assessing documents, we have found no evidence to date that Microsofts Azure and AI technologies have been used to target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza. Over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 22-month war in Gaza, reports the Palestinian Health Ministry (AFP/Getty) In July, the United Nations released a report mapping the corporations aiding Israel in the displacement of Palestinians and its war on Gaza, in breach of international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report named 48 corporate actors, including the triad of tech companies, Microsoft, Alphabet Inc., and Amazon. On Monday, Hamas said it had accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The proposal, however, would still require Israels approval. This came in tandem with the Palestinian Health Ministry, confirming that more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 22-month war in Gaza. In its most recent quarter, ending June 30, Microsofts revenue was reported to be $76.4 billion. The Independent contacted Microsoft for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. New Home Office data shows the number of visas issued to people who want to work, study or join family members in the UK fell in the year to June 2025. Separate figures from the Office of National Statistics published in May showed that overall net migration to the UK decreased almost 50% to 431,000 in 2024. The government has set out measures it says will further reduce numbers. How many migrants came to the UK in 2024? An estimated 948,000 people came to the UK expecting to stay at least a year in 2024, according to provisional figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It estimates that 517,000 people left the country. The net migration figure of 431,000 is the number of people coming to the UK, minus the number leaving. Net migration in the 12 months to December 2023 was estimated at 860,000. [BBC] Of those who came to live in the UK in the 12 months to December 2024: 60,000 (6%) were British nationals 122,000 (13%) were EU nationals, or from Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland (EU+) About 766,000 (81%) were from other countries Among non-EU+ migrants, 83% were aged 16 to 64 and the most common nationality coming for work or study was Indian. Over the period, 96,000 more EU nationals left the UK than arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 17,000 more British nationals left the UK than came back. How does the government plan to reduce immigration? In May, the government unveiled plans to cut immigration further, including: English tests for all visa applicants and adult dependants Skilled worker visas to generally require a degree-level qualification, instead of an A-level equivalent, and higher salary thresholds Overseas graduates to be allowed to remain for 18 months after their course, instead of two years Immigrants will typically have to live in the UK for 10 years before applying for the right to stay indefinitely up from five years Employers to be encouraged to find and develop domestic talent It will be made easier to remove or refuse entry or asylum to people who breach immigration rules or break the law How have the salary rules for UK visa applicants changed? Most people wanting to work in the UK have to apply for a visa through the points-based system (PBS). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since April 2024, applicants have to earn at least 38,700 - an increase of nearly 50% from the previous 26,200 minimum. The threshold does not apply to some jobs - such as in health and social care. How does the points-based system work? Applicants need 70 points to qualify for a skilled worker visa, which can last up to five years before it needs to be extended. Having a job offer above a minimum skill level and speaking English is worth 50 points. The remaining 20 points can come from a job offer with a higher salary, working in a sector with job shortages, or having a relevant PhD. The standard fee for a skilled visa is usually between 719 and 1,639. Applicants also have to pay a healthcare surcharge. What is the immigration salary list? The immigration salary list replaced what was previously called the shortage occupation list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It helps employers fill vacancies in key sectors. These jobs have a lower salary threshold. A wide range of construction jobs are on the list [Getty Images] The list includes: health and care workers pharmacists graphic designers some farming and fishing roles construction workers How many people get work-related visas? The most recent Home Office figures show that 182,553 visas were granted across all work categories in the year ending June 2025. This was 36% fewer than in the previous year, but 33% higher than in 2019, before the Covid pandemic. The recent drop reflects the changes to the work visa rules, which came into effect at various points in 2024. How many people get visas to work in health and social care? According to the Home Office, 20,516 visas were issued to people working in health and social care in the 12 months to June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is a drop of 77% compared to the previous year. The number of health and social care visas granted had increased significantly after temporary changes to the health and care visa rules were introduced in February 2022. As a result annual visas peaked at 145,823 in the year ending December 2023. Visa numbers had already started falling before the temporary changes ended completely in June 2025. What are the rules about family visas and how many are given? A family visa is needed if someone wants to live with a relative who is a British citizen, or someone who has the right to be in the UK for more than six months People can apply to live with a: spouse or partner fiance, fiancee or proposed civil partner child parent relative who will provide long-term care for you Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The relative must meet a minimum income threshold. The previous Conservative government had planned to increase this to 38,700 - up from 18,600. But after warnings that this risked separating families, the new minimum was set at 29,000. Anyone renewing an existing family visa does not have to meet the higher earnings threshold. The latest Home Office figures show that 70,961 family-related visas were granted in the year ending June 2025. That is a 15% decrease from the previous 12-month period, but almost double the number granted in the year to June 2022. Of these, 42,251 were for partners. How many student and graduate visas are issued? [Getty Images] In the year to June 2025, 431,725 student visas were issued to foreign students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is 18% fewer than the previous year but 52% higher than 2019. This included 17,804 dependents 81% fewer than the previous year. Since January 2024, international postgraduate students have not been able to bring dependents unless their course is a research programme. What are the rules for seasonal worker visas and how many are issued? Temporary workers such as fruit pickers and poultry workers are covered by seasonal worker visas, which are subject to an annual quota. The number of visas that can be granted increased to 45,000 for 2025: 43,000 horticulture workers 2,000 poultry workers [Getty Images] Home Office figures show 38,039 seasonal worker visas were issued in the year to June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is up by 11% compared with the previous year, reflecting the increased annual quota. More than three-quarters were for workers from Central Asian countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Ukrainian nationals were the largest recipients of Seasonal Worker visas prior to the start of the war in Ukraine and the launch of the Ukraine visa schemes in 2022 but only 533 seasonal worker visas were granted to Ukrainians in the year to June 2025. How many people came to the UK through "safe and legal" routes? The government offers various "safe and legal" humanitarian routes for people to come to the UK. However, some are restricted to people from specific countries such as Afghanistan and Ukraine, while other schemes only accept limited numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the year to June 2025, 61,832 people were granted leave to come to or remain in the UK on humanitarian grounds. This was 33% fewer than came in the previous year, largely due to the reduction in visas and extensions granted under the Ukraine Scheme, which was set up after the Russian invasion in February 2022. The total includes 7,445 refugees who were resettled in the UK, 88% of whom arrived through the Afghan Resettlement Programme. Military helicopters land on Boston Common in honor of Marine Corps 250th birthday In a sight you dont see every day, multiple military helicopters made the Boston Common their landing pad on Wednesday. But dont worry, the landings were planned as part of several events to commemorate the Marine Corps 250th birthday. The aircrafts landed around 5 p.m., causing quite the spectacle. Dozens gathered to watch the impressive display, despite the loud noises and whipping winds. We were blown away, almost literally. I mean, backwards. It was crazy, but it was so fun, said Mindy Rich who is visiting Boston from Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A couple visiting from Germany says theyve never seen anything like it. It feels really big, we saw it here on the sky coming in, said Ralf Witscher. My wife said Oh whats this! because we saw normally military helicopters coming in, but this one was really big and a really special helicopter plane, whatever you say so really great, landing right here in the city, right in the middle of the city, in a park area, its really great, thats the U.S. Captain Kevin Uebelhardt has been traveling the country with the U.S. Marine Corp for these events and says now its Bostons turn to celebrate the 250th anniversary. This job is humbling. Every single day I get to go out and connect with American citizens throughout the country and tell them about the job in the work that we do, Capt. Uebelhardt said. Were here. There will be tons of events happening the entirety of the week we encourage you guys to come on out come say hello. Wed love to meet you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marine Week Boston officially kicks off Thursday morning, with a host of events running throughout the weekend. A full schedule of events can be viewed on the Marine Corps website. 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 Military attorneys will be working alongside federal prosecutors based in Washington, D.C., taking on civilian cases as President Trump ramps up the takeover of local law enforcement in the nations capital. Twenty members of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps will be detailed to the U.S. Attorneys Office in D.C., a spokesperson confirmed. The assignment of 20 JAGs to my office is further proof of President Trumps commitment to fighting and reducing crime in the district, Jeanine Pirro, U.S. attorney for D.C., said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an unusual role for military attorneys, who typically represent the armed forces, as well as soldiers in legal disputes. The U.S. attorneys office in D.C. is also unlike other officers, prosecuting not only federal crimes but also criminal matters that come before the D.C. Superior Court. NBC News first reported the development. It also suggests the Trump administration needs to bolster the Justice Department workforce amid a surge of focus on D.C. as well as widespread firings and resignations that have left the department understaffed. Pirro has complained about staffing shortages in her office, saying she was down 90 prosecutors, 60 investigators and paralegals during an appearance on Fox News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want a job in the nations capital in the premier office, the largest U.S. attorneys office, contact me, she said earlier this month. The drop in staff comes as Trump officials ousted prosecutors who worked on cases prosecuting rioters who stormed the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LOS ANGELES (AP) Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi adopted a baby, the first child for the married couple, this summer, they announced Thursday. We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy, the couple wrote in a social media statement. No further details were released. Brown, 21, and Bongiovi, 23, were married in a private ceremony in May 2024. Representatives for Brown and Bongiovi did not immediately respond to The Associated Press request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown gained recognition for her starring role as Eleven in the Duffer brothers' sci-fi series Stranger Things. The fifth and final season will air this November and December, a culmination of nine years of the show's production. The British actor has pursued other acting and business ventures in that time, including the Netflix original Enola Holmes films and a Godzilla film. She even released a romance book in 2023. Bongiovi is the son of Jon Bon Jovi, founder and frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi. Bongiovi debuted his own acting career as the star in Rockbottom, which released last year. Brown stressed the importance of family during the 2024 premiere of her Netflix film Damsel, where Bongiovi and his parents were in attendance. I'm just so lucky that they're here tonight and it just means so much to me, Brown told The Associated Press then. Family is everything and just to have my second family here means everything. The couple lives in Georgia. She recently told the AP she enjoys living on a farm, largely disconnected from social media, while promoting her 2025 Netflix film The Electric State. One homeowner was issued a stop-work order after building a seawall outside of his seaside mansion without the approval of local authorities, 9News reported. Millionaire Gene Neill purchased his Melbourne seaside property in December 2024. Within two months, he began construction on a large seawall project, which has removed a lot of beach vegetation, causing more than 50 complaints from concerned locals, according to 9News. Neill claimed the measure was crucial to protect his property following two recent landslides in the area. He also stated that insurance refused to cover the property without adequate protection against catastrophic natural events the home may be prone to, such as landslides or flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As you can see, it's quite a serious landslide, and as you see what's happened in McCrae, somebody's lost their house," Neill said, per 9News. "It has to be done." The millionaire pointed out that many of the homes on the seaside front also had unapproved retaining walls. His property was the only one without protection. Without the approval of local authorities, he went ahead and began construction. "We've gone way beyond what anyone else has done here," Neill said, per 9News. A large construction project to protect his home has cost the natural environment more than 700 square meters of protected foreshore vegetation. Beach vegetation helps prevent coastline erosion by stabilizing sand dunes with deep root systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke and his office have since issued Neill the stop-work order. "My biggest concern is the lack of any accountability from people that move into Frankston three months beforehand, and within three months we see protected foreshore scrub gone," Edbrooke said, per 9News. The millionaire has stated he is considering selling the property altogether because he's not allowed to protect his 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. A Minnesota Democratic committee on Thursday revoked the partys endorsement of mayoral candidate Omar Fateh, a democratic socialist challenging the incumbent Democratic mayor of Minneapolis. Fateh was the top delegate winner at Minneapolis Democratic Farmer-Labor Party convention last month. After a thoughtful and transparent review of the challenges, the Constitution, Bylaws & Rules Committee found substantial failures in the Minneapolis Conventions voting process on July 19th, including an acknowledgement that a mayoral candidate was errantly eliminated from contention. As a result, the Constitution, Bylaws & Rules Committee has vacated the mayoral endorsement, said DFL Party Chairman Richard Carlbom in a statement that also called for party unity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a blow for progressives in the city who championed Fatehs victory and characterized it as a win for the Democratic Partys left flank nationwide. The Minneapolis DFLs mayoral convention resulted in 98 people signing onto numerous challenges, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Supporters of incumbent Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey allege there were widespread problems with the July conventions electronic voting system, among other issues. Our campaign sees this for what it is: disenfranchisement of thousands of Minneapolis caucus-goers and the delegates who represented all of us on convention day. The establishment is threatened by our message. They are scared of a politics that really stands up to corporate interests and with our working class neighbors, said Fatehs co-campaign manager Graham Faulkner in a statement. I am proud to be a member of a party that believes in correcting our mistakes, and I am glad that this inaccurate and obviously flawed process was set aside, Frey said in a statement. I look forward to having a full and honest debate with Senator Fateh about our citys future, with the outcome now resting squarely where it should with all the people of Minneapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a hearing on the challenges earlier this week, Minneapolis DFL officials maintained the state party should not intervene because Frey supporters couldnt prove the system breakdowns impacted the outcome of the final delegate count during the convention, suggesting Frey would have still lost to Fateh, according to Axios Twin Cities. A draft report released by the committee notes the challengers to Fatehs endorsement did not have to prove alleged violations, or system breakdowns, would have led to a different outcome for the challenges to be examined by the state party. The state party committee also took the significant step of barring Minneapolis Democrats from endorsing candidates by any other means in the weeks ahead, through its executive committee or otherwise. And the committee told city Democrats they cannot hold another 2025 mayoral endorsing convention as they will remain on probation for two years. Final findings from the committees review will be released Friday. CNN has reached out to the Minneapolis DFL for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freys PACs and loyalists know that us winning isnt that much of a long shot. That is why they will try every trick in the book to try to silence and stop us. But we know that they will not succeed in halting our movement as long as we stand together. Thats why were running to build an affordable city, accountable to us, added Faulkner. If elected mayor, Fateh, a democratic socialist who currently serves in the state senate, has proposed enacting rent stabilization, disciplining and firing local police who work with immigration officers, and increasing access to affordable housing. He is the first Somali American and first Muslim to serve in the Minnesota State Senate. Frey is a two-term incumbent who led Minneapolis during the Covid-19 pandemic and the protests and unrest following George Floyds murder by a White police officer. He has positioned himself as a pragmatic progressive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frey has noted that he came in second place at the nominating convention in his last two successful runs for mayor. But Fatehs now nullified victory was the first time in 16 years city Democrats made an endorsement for a mayoral candidate in Minneapolis. The decision could exacerbate divisions on the left as Fatehs supporters view the move as an attempt to stifle an ascendant progressive voice. Its a significant decision overseen by a state party chair relatively new to the role. Carlbom has only been serving in the role a few months after Ken Martin departed to lead the Democratic National Committee. It is unfortunate to see the state DFL party overturn a democratically held convention and capitulate to frivolous complaints, at least one of which was made by a known GOP donor, on behalf of the Frey campaign, said Chelsea McFarren, the chair of Minneapolis for the Many, a progressive political action committee founded in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im relieved and proud of my party, said Jacob Hill, Executive Director of All of Minneapolis, a PAC that endorsed Frey. I think that the candidates can be compared on their own merits without an illegitimately gained vetting for one of the two, he added. This story has been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter. Upwork CFO Erica Gessert is focusing on ensuring the freelance talent marketplace has levers in our business that are macro-agnostic following what she termed as a breakout quarter, she told CFO Dive in an interview. The Palo Alto, California-based platform offers an online marketplace for global freelance talent, underpinned by AI, according to its website. For its second quarter, Upwork reported a 47% year-over-year rise in net income to reach $32.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, as well as recording record revenue of about $195 million a 1% YoY rise. Adjusted EBIDTA, meanwhile, jumped by 40% YoY to reach $57.1 million, according to its Q2 earnings results released Aug. 7. Strong growth in AI-related services helped drive these results, a factor that was also enabled by several strategic acquisitions in recent years. The company has made four acquisitions during the past three years. Integrating technologies from those acquisitions into its AI tools drove some of the great growth that we've been able to show in Q2, Gessert said. As part of its Q2 results, Upwork announced its acquisition of workforce management company Bubty, as well as a plan to acquire Ascen, a digitally native solution for contingent W-2 workers, according to its earnings release. The moves follow the acquisitions of Objective AI in 2024 and Headroom, an AI-powered video conferencing platform, in 2023, according to company documents. However, an important factor of Upworks M&A strategy is we would not have had the flexibility or optionality to do this without worrying about accessing the capital markets, had we not made this big push to increase profitability [and] cash flow, Gessert said. Managing the integration piece CFOs play a critical role in hitting the right balance between profitability and growth: its the job of the finance chief to remind the rest of the business that profitability gives the business optionality for growth, and that's what it's done for us, Gessert said. For its Q2, the company reported an 85% jump in free cash flow to reach $65.6 million, according to its earnings report. Gessert joined Upwork in April 2023 after an eight-year tenure at PayPal, where she served in a number of roles, including a three-year span as its senior vice president, finance and analytics, according to her LinkedIn profile. Her past roles also include a six-year career at telecommunications provider Sprint, where she served in positions including VP, finance operations, postpaid marketing and CFO, Sprint Prepaid. FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) It was a warm summer day but Malorie Thorson was dressed for winter as Gerry Kulzer sculpted a likeness of her head from a large block of butter Thursday in keeping with a 60-year-old tradition on the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair. Thorson, a 20-year-old from the town of Waverly, was crowned as the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way on Wednesday night. And her first official duty as the goodwill ambassador for the state's 1,800 dairy farm families was to bundle up and sit in a rotating glassed-in studio at 40 degrees F (4 Celsius) as fairgoers gathered to watch Kulzer turn a 90-pound (41-kilogram) block of salted butter into art. Other state fairs also feature butter sculptures. The Iowa State Fair has been famous for its life-sized Butter Cow for over a century. A replica will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's Renwick Gallery in Washington starting Saturday. The 2025 New York State Fair butter sculpture, unveiled Tuesday, is a 900-pound (410-kilogram) nod to the 125th anniversary of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by New York state native L. Frank Baum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in Minnesota, all 10 of the dairy princess finalists get a likeness of their heads carved before an ever-changing live audience. Each one gets to take their sculpture home after the fair, along with a bucket of the scraps. They can deep-freeze their heads as souvenirs or share them with family and friends, maybe spreading some of the butter onto corn on the cob. Wearing her tiara on her head, her sash over her overcoat and her gloves folded on her lap, Thorson said she loved the break from the nearly 80 degree (27 Celsius) heat outside. But she added it was an unreal experience to find herself at the center of attention because her mother had been taking her to the fair and its dairy stands since she was at least 3. She said her mother had been a Princess Kay finalist in 1996. Thorson expressed confidence that Kulzer would do her justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have so much faith in him. I usually dont have as much faith in a lot of people because I like to be in control sometimes," the South Dakota State University student said. "So its really nice to just sit back, relax and know that hes going to do a great job. It's Kulzer's fourth year as the fair's official butter sculptor. The artist, who usually sculpts with clay, said butter is different, that it's harder, more like carving stone. The temperature makes a huge difference," he said during a warm-up break. If you are working at a 50-degree temperature, its just like clay. In the 40 degrees here, its just like from your refrigerator. So you cut a knife into your stick of butter, its like its hard and flaky. But Kulzer said his state fair gig is super fun even though it's a little hard working in the cold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My fingers get a little stiff, and so Ive got two layers on my hands. But you cant layer up too much because you still need the dexterity to carve, he said. My fingers were cramping up because they were getting cold, so you take a break when you need it. ___ Associated Press writer Steve Karnowski reported from Minneapolis. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Kerry Kip, founder and owner of Minot Candles, was a guest on this edition of Spotlight New England. Kip started her business in 2020 with the idea of creating an alternative to mainstream options that may contain chemicals during a trip overseas. My husband and Iboyfriend at the timewere in Europe, and we were, you know, eating all the food, drinking all the wine, and just didnt feel bloated, she recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trip was a reminder that many products in the U.S. may have harmful ingredients. This became the inspiration for her mission: to provide a non-toxic alternative to candles with minimalistic designs. Minots candles are sustainable, all-natural and non-toxic. Theyre made with essential oils and domestically sourced soy wax, including packaging thats made from recycled materials. I dont do any plastic, and our wicks are also cotton, the South Shore, Massachusetts, native told hosts Ashley Erling and Audrey McClelland. Everything down to the wick is thought through. Coming in three different collections, each scent is meant to evoke emotion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scent is tied to most memories, so if you think about it, you probably can remember that shampoo that you used as a teenager, Kip said. Those are the types of things that you will never forget, and so for me, I think its really important to have a signature scent. Minot also creates non-toxic linen and room sprays. Minot ships all over the U.S. and Europe and offers discovery sets for those looking to sample scents before they buy. Spotlight New England airs weekdays on the WPRI 12+ TV app and WPRI.com. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the 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. If the Attorney General hadnt allowed the ultra-Orthodox and Kaplan protesters to block roads, the buses would have arrived on time, Regev said. Transportation Minister Miri Regev stated that buses would arrive on time more often, "If Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara hadnt allowed the ultra-Orthodox and Kaplan protesters to block roads," during a press conference on Thursday. She stated that trains running from the south and Jerusalem will return to Tel Aviv's Haganah station on Sunday, and Hashalom station will open on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tens of thousands of people were crammed this morning into train stations, in scenes reminiscent of a third-world country. The main train stations are paralyzed, and the government is offering no solution," Opposition head and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid wrote on X/Twitter. "Miri Regev is a failed transportation minister in the worst government in the countrys history; they are incapable of managing anything. Additionally, Lapid called for Regev to cancel her two-week vacation to the US, saying, "it is unacceptable that Israeli citizens should suffer so much from a government that is simply incapable of managing anything." Chaos on Israel's roads Earlier this week, Israel Railways announced that train traffic in Tel Aviv would be suspended until Tuesday, August 26, due to infrastructure damage and safety work being done in the areas of Ganot and Vitkin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disruptions were 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. There was a serious malfunction that definitely needs to be investigated, which is why I appointed an inquiry team within the Israel Railways, the transportation minister said, adding, however, that there is no transportation chaos. The trains are still running. As the search continues for missing infant Emmanuel Haro, a renewed interest in his family has revealed that his mother, Rebecca Haro, is the sister of convicted Palm Springs killer James Beushausen. Beushausen was convicted of murdering his girlfriend Jaylynn Amanda Keith in 2017. He initially reported her death as a suicide, but authorities discovered inconsistencies in his story, according to an article from KESQ News Channel 3 published on Tuesday, August 19. It was initially reported as a suicide. And as we did our investigation, there were certain factors that led us to believe otherwise, Lt. Gustavo Araiza told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beushausen was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Last week, all eyes turned to Yucaipa, California, after Rebecca reported that someone had kidnapped Emmanuel on August 14 while she was changing his diaper in her car in the parking lot of the retail store Big 5. She claimed that an unknown male approached her from behind before saying, Hola, and then knocking her unconscious, according to an August 16 press release. When she came to, Emmanuel was no longer in the car. I got him out of the car seat and I laid him down so I could get his diapers ready, Rebecca said in an interview with ABC 7 on August 15. Somebody said Hola and thats all I remember. I saw white and I fell on the floor and I said as I got up that I couldnt find my son. I checked all around my truck and I ran into Big 5. I asked the lady if she saw a baby. She said no. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department have since stated that there have been inconsistencies in Rebeccas story and investigators are unable to rule out foul play. Officers have also followed up on reported sightings of the child, but no new information has been released to the public at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebeccas husband, Jake Haro, and his former partner, Vanessa Avina, were previously charged with felony child cruelty for allegedly placing a child in circumstances that could have resulted in serious injury or death, according to court records obtained by KESQ Channel 3 News. Jake pleaded guilty in June 2023 and received four years of felony probation. He was required to serve 180 days in jail through a work-release program, with a potential six-year prison sentence suspended under the plea agreement. Editors note: There has been an update in this story. (NewsNation) New details have emerged about the injuries a missing babys sister suffered years before the baby disappeared. The sister of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro was badly injured at 10 weeks old, to the point of no longer being able to see, talk or walk, according to journalist Abby Escobar. Baby Emmanuel was reported missing Aug. 14. His mother told police he was taken from the parking lot of a Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Yucaipa by a stranger who knocked her unconscious as she was changing his diaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warrants have been issued for cellphones belonging to Emmanuels parents, Rebecca and Jake Haro, as deputies continue their search for him. Missing Emmanuel Haros dad is cooperating with police, lawyer says Escobar, commonly known as Abby Blabby, told Banfield on Wednesday that Emmanuels sister Promise, Jake Haros daughter from a previous marriage who is now 7, was practically killed by the injuries she suffered as an infant. Escobar spoke with Promises adoptive mom, a cousin of Jakes ex-wife. She renamed the girl Promise Faith. They were told that they didnt think she would even live a week after this happened, but they have done everything they can for this little girl to keep her going, Escobar said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She cant walk, she cant talk, shes blind. Its just horrible. But, I mean, she said that Promise is her miracle baby, and really she is. Its amazing that she survived that at 10 weeks old. Jake Haro pleaded guilty to willful child cruelty after Promise was admitted to a hospital with broken bones in 2018, according to the Orange County Register. Per the Daily Breeze, an affidavit citing comments from doctors at Loma Linda University Medical Center found Promise had an acute fractured rib, healing fractures of six ribs, a skull fracture, a brain hemorrhage, swelling of the neck and a healing fractured leg bone. An officer wrote, quoting a doctor, 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing babys disappearance suspicious from get-go, neighbor says The outlet also reported Jake Haro told police his sister opened his iPad to a webpage that read How to feed a baby with broken ribs. He denied to the officer that hed used the iPad at the time of the search, which occurred before Promise arrived at the hospital in 2018. She feels that justice wasnt served the first time, Escobar said of Promises adoptive mom. She said that when she first heard the news story, it just broke her to pieces. She immediately had a feeling, as I feel most people have. I mean, the story just doesnt really make them very much sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Rebecca Haro declined to be interviewed further when they questioned inconsistencies in the story about Emmanuels disappearance, and that detectives havent been able to rule out foul play. Jake Haros attorney told Banfield on Tuesday that he wants to cooperate with police and has handed over all his electronic devices and passwords. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW The body of Sheylla Gutierrez, 33, was found in Angeles National Forest on Aug. 16 In chilling surveillance footage, her husband, Jossimar Cabrera, appears to be seen dragging a heavy item wrapped in fabric Authorities now suspect Cabrera of killing his wife A 33-year-old woman who was reported missing in California was found dead in a forest on Aug. 16. Her husband is the lead suspect in her death and was allegedly seen dragging a "large object" from the apartment they shared with their three children. Crescenta Valley, Altadena, and Montrose Mountain Search and Rescue teams found the body of Sheylla Gutierrez over the side of an embankment in Angeles National Forest at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. She is survived by her three children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gutierrez was pronounced dead at the scene and a cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office. Gutierrez went missing from Lancaster, Calif., on Aug. 12. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office believes that her husband, 36-year-old Jossimar Cabrera, who is suspected of killing her, has fled to Peru. Their three children were found safe in Peru and taken into protective custody on Aug. 16. On Aug. 13, during their investigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office found video surveillance appearing to show Cabrera dragging a large object from the Lancaster Boulevard apartment complex where Gutierrez, her husband and their children lived. ABC7 and NBC Los Angeles obtained the footage. Gutierrez's mother, Helga Rocillo, is now calling upon U.S. authorities to help locate Cabrera. Facebook Sheylla Gutierrez Sheylla Gutierrez "I'm very depressed, but I have to be strong for my grandchildren," Rocillo told ABC 7 from Peru in Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also told Latina Noticias that her daughter planned on filing a criminal report against her husband due to alleged psychological and physical abuse. She told me that Jossimar Cabrera Cornejo hit her, mistreated her, and even slapped my youngest grandchild, who is 3 years old, Rocillo told the outlet, per The Los Angeles Times. Facebook Sheylla Gutierrez's body was found in the Angeles National Forest on Aug. 17. She was 33, and is survived by her three children. Sheylla Gutierrez's body was found in the Angeles National Forest on Aug. 17. She was 33, and is survived by her three children. Several members of Gutierrez's family claim that Cabrera gave mismatched accounts of his wife's whereabouts throughout her disappearance, per ABC 7. Gutierrez's sister claimed that Cabrera told her family that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had taken her. He allegedly later claimed that his wife had left him for another man. In a third story, he said she had suffered an accident, but declined to share details, per ABC 7. 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 Peruvian consulate in Los Angeles confirmed Cabrera arrived in Peru with the couple's three children, per Univision 34. The consulate said Peruvian authorities could not detain him because there was no warrant for his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors told NBC News Los Angeles that Gutierrez had confided in them that her husband was physically abusive prior to her disappearance. I never had any interaction with the husband. He always seemed, like, mad all the time, Mario Sanchez told the station. Gutierrez's parents told the station they spoke to their daughter on Aug. 9, when she said she was going to take her children and leave her husband. The case will be sent to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, which will then determine if murder charges can be filed against Cabrera and "obtaining the necessary documents to secure his return to the United States," per the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office. PEOPLE has reached out to the LAPD for further details. Read the original article on People Friends and neighbors of a missing Lancaster woman who was found dead in the Angeles National Forest over the weekend are calling on the L.A. County District Attorneys Office to file charges against her husband and have him extradited from South America where he reportedly fled after her disappearance. Sheylla Cabrera, 33, a mother of three, was last seen alive on Aug 9. Deputies with the L.A. County Sheriffs Department responded to the familys apartment in the 500 Block of Lancaster Boulevard on Aug. 12 after concerned friends and neighbors reported the 33-year-old missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, hours before deputies showed up at the apartment, a neighbor returning home from a nightshift at 2:40 a.m. spotted her husband, 36-year-old Jossimar Cabrera, cleaning out the trunk of the familys car. It was strange, neighbor Norbelvi Melara told KTLA. I work those days, and I know theres nobody around at that time, and cleaning a trunk? I thought it was scary. The investigation took a turn the following day after detectives viewed surveillance footage from a neighbors Ring camera that appeared to show Sheyllas husband dragging a large item wrapped in some type of material away from their apartment, prompting LASDs Homicide Bureau to take over the case and identify Jossimar as a person of interest. It was later learned that Jossimar and the couples three children were in Peru, where the family is from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 16, a tip from the Montrose Mountains Search and Rescue team led investigators to a remote area in the Angeles National Forest where Sheyllas remains were found in the material seen in the surveillance footage. That video is consistent with how and what we found [the victims] remains in, LASD Homicide Det. Michael Modica told KTLA. Sheylla Cabrera, 33, a Lancaster resident, was reported missing on Aug. 12 and discovered dead in the Angeles National Forest on Aug. 16. (viewer image) Sheylla Cabrera , 33 and her husband Jossimer Cabrerra, residents of Lancaster, seen in this undated photo. (viewer image) Doorbell camera footage shared with KTLA 5 News shows a man in Lancaster, California, dragging a large sack or sheet that investigators believe contained the body of his wife. The sack, along with the body of Sheylla Cabrera, was discovered on August 16, 2025, in the Angeles National Forest. (KTLA viewer video) Jossimar Cabrera, who reportedly fled to Peru after his wifes disappearance in Lancaster, seen in the custody of Peruvian authorities. He was later released. (viewer image) Authorities in Peru are seen detaining Jossimar Cabrera, 36.. August 2025. (KTLA Viewer Footage) Many of those who knew her believe Sheylla suffered years of domestic violence, both physical and verbal abuse, and was preparing to leave her husband when she was killed. She was just too scared because he would always threaten to leave with the kids, so I think that was her fear, Elizabeth Rousseau, a friend, explained. If she did anything, he was going to kidnap the kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrest made in grisly triple murder in remote northeast Los Angeles County Neighbor Laura Marshall said she was shocked to learn of Sheyllas death. Its unbelievable because you always see these types of things on the news and you never in a million years think that could happen to my neighbor. As for Jossimar, he was taken into custody in Peru while the couples children were placed into protective custody. He was later released because formal charges have yet to be filed against him in the case. We need to put pressure on getting him back over here, so we can serve justice for her, Rousseau told KTLA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear exactly when the sheriffs department intends to file charges with the L.A. County DA and begin the extradition process. If you or anyone you know is suffering from domestic violence, help can be found by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bell County, Tx (FOX 44) A Bell County teen who had been the subject of an Amber Alert Wednesday has been found safe. Natalie Driver was located about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in South Austin by Austin Police and the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. The Bell County Sheriffs Office said Texas Rangers assisted in the search and thanks were offered to all citizens for their tips, some of which were very helpful in locating her. She had been missing since late Sunday morning. The 13-year-old was being brought back to Bell County Wednesday night by Texas Highway Patrol troopers to be reunited with her mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case remains under investigation by the Bell County Sheriffs Office in consultation with the Bell County District Attorneys Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. Alek DES MOINES, Iowa Police are asking for the publics help to locate a missing Des Moines teenager. The Des Moines Police Department said sixteen-year-old Alek is reported to be voluntarily absent from her east side home. She is 57 with a thin build, and her last known location was the 2200 block of E. Walnut. Rodney Staude ruled competent to stand trial in newborns murder Efforts by family members and police to locate Alek have been unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said she is believed to be staying with friends and associates who may not be aware of her circumstances. If you see Alek or know her location, call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. LANCASTER, Calif. (AP) The body of a missing woman was found in a Southern California forest days after her husband was recorded on surveillance video dragging something heavy out of their apartment complex north of Los Angeles, authorities said this week. Sheylla Cabrera, 33, of Lancaster, was reported missing on Aug. 12, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. The next day, homicide detectives located the footage of her husband, Jossimar Cabrera, 36, hauling an object wrapped in a large piece of material from the residence where the couple lived with their three young sons, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 16, searchers discovered Sheylla Cabrera's body wrapped in similar material at the bottom of an embankment in Angeles National Forest south of Lancaster, the department said. The coroner's office will determine the cause of death. The Los Angeles County district attorneys office on Thursday filed a murder charge against Jossimar Cabrera, along with an arrest warrant for his extradition from Peru, where officials said he fled with the couple's sons. Peru's foreign ministry said Saturday on social media that it had repatriated the children back to Los Angeles via Mexico City to be reunited with their mothers family. Jossimar Cabrera is believed to still be in Peru, LA County sheriff's officials said. The Los Angeles Times said Tuesday that Peruvian media reported that officials questioned Cabrera at the airport in Lima and took the children into protective custody, but didnt detain him. Sheylla Cabreras mother, Helga Rocillo, told the Peruvian news outlet Latina Noticias that her daughter had intended on filing a criminal report against her husband due to alleged psychological and physical abuse, according to the Times. By Chris Prentice (Reuters) -The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission named a senior military judge as enforcement director on Thursday, in what legal sources said was an unconventional pick for the top job policing Wall Street. Margaret "Meg" Ryan, a senior judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, will take up the position on September 2, the SEC said in a statement. In the statement, she said: "I look forward to joining the Commission in its important work to ensure that the Division is true to the SECs mission in taking action on behalf of investors harmed by those who break the securities laws and providing an effective deterrent against fraudulent and manipulative activities in our financial markets." Relatively little known among securities lawyers, Ryan has an unusual background for SEC enforcement director. The role has typically been filled by former criminal prosecutors or agency lawyers expert in securities laws. Ryan will lead a 1,400-person division expected to take a lighter touch in policing securities markets under SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, who has criticized SEC enforcement as heavy-handed. During the Biden administration, the regulator levied record penalties against Wall Street rule-breakers and pursued major cryptocurrency firms. Ryan was on a list of potential Supreme Court nominees that Trump published in his 2016 presidential campaign. She clerked for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and former judge and well known conservative Michael Luttig. Previously an active-duty marine, Ryan deployed to the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, according to past congressional testimony and a profile on Harvard Law School's website. In 2006, Republican President George W. Bush nominated her to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. She is a graduate of University of Notre Dame Law School, where she finished first in her class, the SEC said. Sam Waldon, who has been acting director of enforcement since January, will return to his previous role as chief counsel for the division. (Additional reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones and Bhargav Acharya in Toronto and Douglas Gillison in Washington; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) Bob Suberi of St. Louis (photo submitted). Palestinians strive to practice sumud, Arabic for steadfastness in reference to their dignified, nonviolent resistance to Israels occupation of their ancestral lands over the past many decades. Their resolve to remain is being tested as never before as Israeli military forces slaughter and starve the people of Gaza. Their perseverance and humanity merit expanded global activism, particularly by the public domestically since the United States is Israels chief enabler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bob Suberi of St. Louis is among the millions of people protesting in solidarity with the Palestinians. Suberi is the son of Jewish-Palestinian immigrants to the United States, a Vietnam veteran and president of the local Veterans for Peace chapter. Last month, he was part of the 21-member international crew of the Handala, the latest vessel that sailed attempting to break Israels blockade of Gaza and deliver medicine, baby formula and other humanitarian supplies. Israeli naval commandos intercepted the ship in international waters on July 27 and abducted its crew, as others had done in response to nearly all the other 36 vessels launched by the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and allied groups since 2008. Only five ships have reached Gazas shores. All the journeys were protesting Israels blockadeimposed 18 years ago that controls all movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza by land, air and sea. Israeli officials released Suberi and the other members of the Handalas crew over the next few days, deporting most to their home countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suberi, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, instead travelled to the West Bank to continue doing protective-presence work he says he has done since 2019 with Palestinians targeted by Jewish settlers and Israeli soldiers. Its heart-breaking to fathom the horrors Palestinians have endured, particularly in Gaza. Since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed more than 60,000 people, including 18,000 children; wounded more than 100,000 individuals; killed at least 184 journalists and media workers; destroyed all 12 of Gazas universities; destroyed about 70% of its infrastructure; and damaged or razed 16 cemeteries. The famine threatens the lives of approximately two million Palestinians in Gaza. As of Aug. 12, health officials report that at least 227 Palestinians, including 100 children, have starved to death due to the continuing blockade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While 6,000 trucks are waiting at the border to enter Gaza, the United Nations reports, Israel on average has allowed just 85 in each day. Aid groups insist at least 600 trucks should enter daily to meet the peoples needs and halt the burgeoning catastrophe. Israel has been able to behave with criminal impunity particularly due to bipartisan U.S. backing and diplomatic cover. Israel received over $174 billion in U.S. assistance since its founding in 1948, more than any other nation. Our government, furthermore, provided at least $23 billion more in military aid to Israel from October 2023 to last September. In June, the U.S. cast the lone no vote, vetoing a UN Security Council resolution demanding an Israel-Hamas ceasefire. It marked the 50th time our country vetoed a Council measure on Israel. If Israels genocide against Palestinians is going to be stopped, Suberi said in a recent phone interview from the West Bank, it will be by civil society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump signaled his acceptance of the wars expansion, responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus announcement on Aug. 7 that the Israeli military would force the evacuation of a million Palestinians from Gaza City despite adamant international opposition. Months ago, the Trump administration embraced Israels proposed U.S.-financed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to replace the effective UN network of 400 food-distribution sites across the Gaza Strip shut down by Israel. Instead, it opened just four militarized collection sites where Israeli soldiers and U.S. mercenaries have killed more than 1,800 Palestinians trying to collect food. Suberi has traveled annually, since 2019, to Masafer Yatta, an area of villages in the West Bank. Hours after he was released from Israeli custody last month, Suberi received what proved to be a haunting call from Awdah al-Hathaleen, a friend who was instrumental in the making of No Other Land, the Academy-Award-winning documentary, Come tonight, Suberi recalls al-Hathaleen urging him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Too tired and hungry to travel immediately to visit his friends home in the village of Um al-Kheir, Suberi said hed journey there the next day. Their reunion never occurred, however. The following day, al-Hathaleen, a peace activist and father of three, was documenting Jewish settlers expanding their nearby settlement (all approximately 150 are recognized internationally as being illegal). A notorious settler Yinon Levi was overseeing the unwelcome excavation of ground near a village structure. Brandishing a pistol, Levi fatally shot al-Hathaleen, who was filming the encounter. The Israeli human-rights group BTselem recently released a recording and report of the shooting. Levi was initially detained by Israeli officials, put on house arrest and then set free. He was charged with no crime. Two days later he returned to the crime scene, overseeing more excavating. Levin also pointed out to soldiers seven Palestinians he claimed had threatened settlers, leading to their arrests. All were released days later after posting bail. Suberi considers himself a recovered Zionist. Until 15 years ago, he believed the central tenet of Zionism, that God gave Jews the land for a greater Israel where Palestinians had no right to dwell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then he traveled to the West Bank and began to realize the humanity of the Palestinian people and the injustices they experience. May enough people of conscience in Missouri and beyond both recognize the right of Palestinians to exist and exercise steadfastness of their own to nonviolently compel our government to publicly condemn and end the bipartisan, uncritical support for Israel, and consequently, its genocide of our Palestinian kin. The Brief The incident was reported near SH-6 and Austin Parkway. Officials say there is no known threat to the public. Officials haven't confirmed if this is tied to the school lockdown nearby. MISSOURI CITY, Texas - Missouri City Police are looking for a runaway suspect after two people tried to steal diesel fuel, according to city officials. Missouri City runaway suspect What we know The incident was reported in the 4900 block of State Highway 6, near Austin Parkway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police responded to a reported "theft of diesel fuel." One suspect was caught at the scene, but another fled on foot. Authorities say there is no known threat to the public as police continue looking for the suspect. What we don't know There is no suspect description at this time. It's not confirmed if this scene is tied to the lockdown at Austin Parkway Elementary School. This is a developing report. We will update when more information is available. Attention Missouri City! The Missouri City Police Department responded to a theft of diesel fuel in the 4900 block of State Highway 6. Officers apprehended one suspect, while a second suspect fled on foot. Despite an extensive area search, the second suspect remains at large. pic.twitter.com/vVju4S9aBP Missouri City, TX (@MissouriCityTX) August 20, 2025 The Source Missouri City Police Department. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in the East Room at the White House on Feb. 24 in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images). Missouri is IN for redrawing the states congressional districts in a special legislative session, President Donald Trump proclaimed Thursday on his social media platform. With Texas moving quickly toward a mid-decade revision of its congressional map to tilt five districts toward the Republican Party, Missouri would now be expected to follow suit to help the GOP gain one more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri has eight congressional districts, and Democrats hold two. Any proposal is likely to split the 5th District, which is mainly in Kansas City, by adding Republican voters in sufficient numbers to take it away from incumbent Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. That would give Republicans seven of the states seats in the U.S. House. For nearly a month, Trump has been pressuring Gov. Mike Kehoe and legislative leaders, with calls to at least one Republican lawmaker who expressed reluctance to go along. The Great State of Missouri is now IN, Trump wrote. Im not surprised. It is a great State with fabulous people. I won it, all 3 times, in a landslide. Were going to win the Midterms in Missouri again, bigger and better than ever before! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Kehoe, in a statement responding to Trump, inched closer to saying he intended to call a special session. At a news conference in his office Tuesday, Kehoe said no decision had been made. Governor Kehoe continues to have conversations with House and Senate leadership to assess options for a special session that would allow the General Assembly to provide congressional districts that best represent Missourians, a statement sent by spokeswoman Gabby Picard read. Governor Kehoe appreciates President Trumps attention to this issue on behalf of Missourians. No proposed map that would favor Republicans has been revealed, and a top Republican on Wednesday told The Independent she has been unable to get a look at one circulating privately. Ive tried to get a hold of the map that Ive heard about, said Jennifer Bukowsky of Columbia, vice chair of the Republican State Committee. I guess Im not important enough to be consulted. Missouri Congressional districts (Missouri Secretary of States Office). The push for redistricting in Republican-led states is an effort to shore up the thin Republican majority in Congress. With a 219-212 majority four seats are vacant, including three previously held by Democrats Republicans are worried that a small shift in voter sentiment could put them again in the minority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redistricting is usually done in the first legislative session after census data is released, and the districts remain in place for 10 years. Missouris current congressional map was approved by lawmakers in 2022 after a bitter GOP factional dispute that centered on efforts to draw seven Republican-controlled districts. And with Democrats promising to filibuster any redistricting bill in the Senate, getting a new map approved will also be difficult. A special session will show that Republicans in Missouri take marching orders from the federal government, State Sen. Stephen Webber, a Democrat from Columbia, wrote in a social media post. Pathetic to watch grown adult leaders flop around like caught fish when a New Yorker that thinks the Chiefs play in Kansas tweets at them how to run Missouri. When he spoke to reporters on Tuesday, Kehoe said the biggest consideration for him is maintaining the Republican majority in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our goal, if we move forward and theres no decision to move forward is to make sure Missouris values are reflected in Washington, D.C., Kehoe said. And Ive said many times that I think our current speaker does a very good job of matching the values of Missourians. Republican members of the Missouri House have been told there will be two caucus meetings scheduled to coincide with the annual veto session, which starts Sept. 10, state Rep. Barry Hovis, a Republican from Cape Girardeau said Wednesday in an interview with The Independent. One meeting, he said, is presumably to discuss whether there are any vetoes the House wants to override. In the other, Hovis expects an in-depth discussion of redistricting. For Hovis, one consideration on whether to redraw Missouris map will be if Democratic states California, Illinois or New York revise their maps in response to the action in Texas. Gerrymandered districts that give one party far more representation than their share of the overall vote can be seen in every state dominated by a single party, he said. Illinois has a district that looks like a snake, he said, while Massachusetts where Republicans get about the same share of the vote as Democrats in Missouri has no GOP congressional seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats will complain they are being denied representation, Hovis said. If theyre going to bring (Texas) up, Im going to say, Well, were just doing what you guys taught us to do, Hovis said. Until Kehoe makes the call, Hovis said, the whole discussion is speculation. For me to tell you that I know exactly what were going to do here, I truly dont, he said. The biggest challenge for Republicans, Hovis said, will be to draw a map that doesnt put districts the party currently holds at risk with large numbers of new Democratic votes. If we go to the Kansas City model, the one that I saw when we did this several years ago, were going to have some districts that could be more purple than red, and we could end up being 5-3, real easy, or worst case scenario, 4-4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people most interested in redistricting, Bukowsky said, are incumbents. They want a map that retains the voters who have come to know their name, while potential opponents want a map that includes voters who share their ideology. Whenever theyre doing redistricting, Bukowsky said, its like the two parties are incumbents and challengers. This article was updated at 2:40 p.m. to reflect new statements from President Trump and Gov. Kehoe. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CARL JUNCTION, Mo. As students head back to the classroom, education leaders are working to develop guidelines and policies for AI use in schools. Artificial intelligence is nothing new, but when it comes to the rules for its use in the classroom thats uncharted territory for many school districts. Kids are going to be using this in the workforce in the future. So, we feel its necessary, its needed, said DESE Assistant Director of Computer Science, Michael Corcoran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the state level, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or DESE, released its first set of guidelines for AI use in public schools. It allows each district to develop their own policies and outlines responsible use and teacher training. Theres such an immense amount of AI out there and you dont want to leave it open, said Corcoran. District administrators are now building on DESEs AI guidelines. Recently, the Carl Junction School District established a learning group to develop its policy, by gathering input from students, teachers, and parents. We will take all of those pieces and come together and develop some commonsense guidelines for our district, said Carl Junction Asst. Superintendent, Dr. Theresa Wilson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They expect to roll out the new AI policy this school year, which includes education about the technologys advantages and disadvantages, like cheating. That is a concern, of course, students over relying on it and not doing the work themselves, or plagiarizing. So, were working with teachers on how to recognize that and then the appropriate actions to take, said Dr. Wilson. Their policy will expand on a state guideline that suggests keeping instructors involved with any AI use. We are not replacing any kind of creativity or relationships with students. Its all about ensuring that we keep humans at the center of everything we do, said Dr. Wilson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education officials in Missouri say policies at the district level will need to continually evolve to keep up with rapidly advancing 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. The sheriff of Suffolk County, who is accused by federal authorities of using his position to extort the executive of a Boston cannabis company, appeared before a judge on Thursday afternoon. Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins, 68, of Boston, was alongside his attorney, Martin Weinberg, before Judge M. Page Kelley in the citys federal courthouse. Tompkins pleaded not guilty to two counts of extortion under color of official right. He was ordered released on personal recognizance with standard conditions, including no use or possession of marijuana or firearms, and frequent probation check-ins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While discussing the terms of his release, the judge stated Tompkins would be required to check in with his probation officer before leaving New England for his work duties. He is not allowed to leave the country. Tompkins next court date was scheduled for Oct. 16. Outside the courthouse, Weinberg declined to take questions from reporters, but was adamant about his clients innocence. The facts simply will demonstrate that he was charged with a crime he did not commit, Weinberg said. The sheriff wants to thank the people that have sent him messages of support, and there have been many such people that have supported him that know about his lifetime dedicated to law enforcement and criminal justice, Weinberg continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The history of the past decades of the criminal justice system have demonstrated that, in fact, some people who are innocent get charged. Mistakes are made. Its our job to make sure that that mistake doesnt burden Steve Tompkins life, he said. Besides Kelleys comment in the courtroom, Tompkins status as Suffolk County sheriff was not addressed. The case against Tompkins involved his interactions with a cannabis company, only identified in court documents as Company A, that was trying to open a dispensary in Boston in 2019. Tompkins partnered with the company that year to hire graduates of the sheriff departments re-entry program at the cannabis company. Tompkins was appointed Suffolk County sheriff in 2013, elected as sheriff in a special election the following year and then was elected to successive six-year terms. He oversees around 1,000 correctional officers and other employees who maintain correctional facilities in Boston at the House of Correction and the Nashua Street Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials accused Tompkins of wielding his power to pressure an executive of the cannabis company for stock from the company just before its initial public offering (IPO). The executive was afraid that if the company didnt give him stock, Tompkins would use his position to put the partnership with the sheriffs department at risk, which would subsequently threaten the new cannabis companys license. Tompkins used $50,000 of his retirement savings to buy pre-IPO shares at $1.73 a share in November 2020, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. When the company launched in 2021, the stock value was at $9.60 a share, which increased Tompkins investment value to $138,403. But when the stock price dropped in May 2022, Tompkins again pressured the executive and company and demanded a full refund of his $50,000 share, which he received through five separate checks, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah B. Foley earlier this month. Some checks were labeled as loan repayment and company expense to hide their nature. Each charge of extortion under color of official right carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. MOAB, Utah (ABC4) A homeless Moab man has been arrested and charged after a woman allegedly witnessed him violently assaulting another man who was not fighting back. Bleys Daniel McNany, 36, has been charged with aggravated assault, assault by a prisoner, interference with an arresting officer, and disorderly conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, on Aug. 19, 2025, a woman was driving near 100 W and 100 S in Moab when she saw a man, later identified as McNany, punching another man on the head. She stated that the victim was seated and not fighting back. The woman reportedly pulled over and honked her horn at McNany to get him to stop. When McNany heard her honk, he allegedly stopped hitting the other man and approached her vehicle. The woman reported that McNany threw his arms up and yelled at her to get her to leave. She started driving away, but she saw in her rearview mirror that McNany went back to assault the victim again. At this point, the woman turned her vehicle around and began honking at McNany repeatedly. Documents say that he started approaching her vehicle before seeing that she was on her phone, at which point he fled the scene. The woman contacted the police and reported the assault. Man charged with automobile homicide for allegedly hitting pedestrian while drunk Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the arresting officer, the assault was likely to have caused broken facial bones or brain injuries due to the fact that McNany allegedly repeatedly struck the victim while he wasnt fighting back. The Moab City Police Department responded to the call and, with the assistance of the Grand County Sheriffs Office (GCSO) and a Department of Natural Resources ranger, eventually located McNany hiding in a nearby wooded area. As McNany was being walked out of the wooded area, a deputy witnessed him kick a GCSO investigator, causing him to stumble. Due to the dense foliage in the wooded area Bleys [McNany] was found, his body was dirty and bloody. A dirty and bloody footprint was left on the pants of the investigator, documents say. As McNany was being loaded into the patrol vehicle, he allegedly fought with law enforcement and resisted. Law enforcement was able to get him into the vehicle, and he was booked into the Grand County Jail, where he is currently being held without bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the arrest affidavit, this is the third assault that McNany has committed this month involving the same victim. He was charged with misdemeanors on Aug. 5 and Aug. 12 for similar incidents. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Spain's Queen Letizia (far left) and King Emeritus Juan Carlos (far right) have both been caught in scandals. | Credit: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images While the British royal family consistently dominates global headlines, there are more than 40 other countries in the world that still have monarchies. While many of these families execute their royal duties without much fanfare, others have become embroiled in various scandals over the years. From financial woes plaguing a former Spanish king to the disappearance of an Emirati princess, here are some of the lesser-known transgressions surrounding royal families. Spain The former king of Spain, Juan Carlos, saw an explosion of popularity in the 1980s after helping to foil a coup d'etat attempt. But after his abdication in 2014, there were numerous investigations into Juan Carlos' alleged financial wrongdoings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These misdeeds included the "alleged involvement of Juan Carlos in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia," the BBC said. And that wasn't the first time the former king had been at the center of controversy his abdication came following another corruption scandal "involving his daughter's husband and a controversial elephant hunting trip the monarch took during Spain's financial crisis." An additional scandal rocked the royal family when it was alleged in 2023 that Juan Carlos' daughter-in-law, the now-Queen Letizia, had cheated on her husband, King Filipe. The events "renewed a debate over whether Spain should have a monarchy," The Associated Press said. Norway One of Norway's most internationally recognized royal figures, Marius Borg Hoiby, was charged in 2025 with 32 criminal counts. These include "rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner and acts of violence against another," said CNN . He is also facing charges of making death threats and traffic violations. Hoiby is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne. While he "does not have a royal title and is outside the royal line of succession," said The Guardian , the scandal still made waves across the country. If convicted, Hoiby could face 10 years in prison, and his status as the crown prince's stepson would "not mean that he is treated more leniently," prosecutors said. Hoiby does "not agree with the claims regarding rape and domestic violence," his attorney Petar Sekulic told Reuters . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norway's royal family remained mostly silent when the charges were handed down. But they "will continue to carry out our duties as best we can," Prince Haakon said in a statement. "Everyone involved in this case probably finds it challenging and difficult." The Netherlands The Dutch royal family have found themselves at the center of a number of controversies, mostly involving one person: Prince Bernhard. The royal consort from 1948 to 1980 as the husband of Queen Juliana, Bernhard made international headlines in 1976 when it was reported that he had accepted a $1.1 million bribe from aircraft company Lockheed Martin. Bernhard allegedly accepted the bribe in order to "promote the sale of [Lockheed's] aircraft" to the Dutch military, The New York Times said. At the time, Bernhard was also the inspector general of the Dutch armed forces and carried considerable influence over purchases made by his government. Queen Letizia and a Spanish royal scandal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pros and cons of the monarchy The men who could succeed Vladimir Putin The scandal cast a shadow over the prince for the rest of his life. Bernhard always maintained his innocence until his death, but an investigative commission discovered a "labyrinth of bribery allegations, discussions of secret financial deals, contradictory statements and a picture of indecisiveness and silence in the face of offers of huge gifts," The Times said. United Arab Emirates Perhaps nothing better exemplifies a royal drama than the disappearance of Princess Latifa bint Mohammed. The daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, Latifa made international headlines in 2018 when she escaped the United Arab Emirates on a yacht. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For more than half her life, Latifa had been devising plans to flee her father," The New Yorker said. Her plan, which she kept secret for years, involved "training in extreme sports, obtaining a fake passport and smuggling cash to a network of conspirators." Dubbed the "Fugitive Princess of Dubai," Latifa was eventually recaptured. For months, her "fate had been unclear until she managed to smuggle out videos in which she said she had been kept in solitary confinement," The Guardian said. UAE officials have always denied that Latifa was a prisoner. She eventually left the country a second time and is now believed to be living in Europe. Saudi Arabia Directly west of the UAE, the royal family of Saudi Arabia has similarly seen some scandals. Many of these revolve around Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. While it is commonly believed that bin Salman has ordered the execution of political opponents and dissidents, the crown prince has also reportedly detained and arrested many members of the Saudi elite including members of his own family. In 2020, he "detained three members of the royal family, including a brother of the king and a former crown prince" who threatened his power, The New York Times said. This came after a 15-month period during 2018 and 2019 in which bin Salman "[locked] up hundreds of royal relatives and wealthy Saudi businessmen in a Ritz-Carlton hotel." It was believed at the time that the crackdowns "might have been the result of the uncovering in recent months of a plot to remove" bin Salman, Al Jazeera said. The crown prince has consistently pushed back against allegations of human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. NEED TO KNOW Noel Alvarez was last seen in October 2022, according to authorities His mother Cindy Rodriguez-Singh told officials during a welfare check in March 2023 that the boy was in Mexico with his biological father Authorities allege witnesses have claimed Rodriguez-Singh was abusive towards Noel A missing 6-year-old's mother who allegedly fled the country days after police inquired about her son has been apprehended, the FBI says. The child, Noel Alvarez, was last seen in October 2022 and has since been determined to be deceased by authorities, who announced in April 2023 that the missing persons investigation into him had become a death investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His mother, Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, was just arrested nearly three years after the boy was last seen, the FBI announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The case traces back to a March 2023 welfare check conducted at an Everman, Texas, home where police arrived to inquire about Noel and his six siblings after family members expressed concerns over their well-being, authorities said at the time. Authorities allege Rodriguez-Singh lied about the child's whereabouts, claiming he was with his biological father in Mexico. Days later, Rodriguez-Singh allegedly left for India with her husband Arshdeep Singh, and six other children, whose ages ranged from 5 months to 11 years, the FBI previously said. (Singh is not Noel's father.) Noel was not on the flight, per investigators. FBI.gov Cindy Rodriguez Singh wanted FBI Cindy Rodriguez Singh wanted FBI Rodriguez-Singh, a mother of seven, was allegedly abusive to Noel, with one witness claiming he was often not fed because she did not want to change his diapers, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation revealed that Noel had not been seen since October 2022, when Rodriguez-Singh gave birth to her twins. In one of his last sightings, Noel appeared "malnourished" and "unhealthy," according to witnesses, authorities have said. After giving birth to the twins, Rodriguez-Singh allegedly made comments that Noel was "possessed" with a "demon" inside him, and that he would hurt the newborns, authorities said at the time. 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. Rodriguez-Singh's arrest comes within a month after her name was added to FBIs "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives," where authorities offered up to $250,000 as a reward for information leading to her arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is facing charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and Capital Murder of a person under 10 years of age, per the FBI. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People (NewsNation) A mother killed her husband, two kids and then herself in a murder-suicide in New Hampshire earlier this week, police say. Emily Long, 34; Ryan Long, 48; son Parker Long, 8; and daughter Ryan Long, 6, were found dead inside their home in Madbury on Monday. A third child was found uninjured inside the home. Autopsies done Wednesday revealed that both children died from a single gunshot to the head, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Attorneys Office. Their deaths were ruled a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman shot and killed near elementary school in Little Rock, suspect in custody Ryan Long was shot multiple times, while Emily Long died from a single gunshot. Based upon the information available at this time, it appears that in the early morning hours of Monday, August 18, 2025, Ms. Long took a handgun from the home and caused the deaths of Ryan Long and her two children, Parker and Ryan, and then took her own life immediately thereafter, the news release said. While investigators are becoming aware of various concerns/issues ongoing in the household at the time of the event in question, people should avoid speculating that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said there is no threat to the public and 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 NewsNation. NEED TO KNOW A mother rushed to save her baby after their vehicle plunged into a marina in Wisconsin on Aug. 19 One passerby scaled a fence to help the pair, and two other locals rushed to assist The cause of the incident is under investigation A baby is safe after a car plunged into a marina in Wisconsin, thanks to the quick actions of the childs mother and passing strangers, authorities said. On the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 19, a woman was in her car with her 1-year-old child, who was safely strapped into a car seat, when the incident occurred near 1 Center Street in Menasha, the City of Menasha Police Department said in a statement shared on Facebook. In surveillance footage shared by authorities, the car can be seen rolling beyond the parking space, under a fence and down an embankment, before sinking into the Menasha Marina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle was attempting to park here, and then drove slowly looks like an idle speed, or just a little bit of accelerator and then it drove through here, Matthew Roe, the community liaison officer for the Menasha Police Department, told FOX affiliate WLUK. Missed the tree and the electrical connections right here." Acting with extraordinary courage, the woman in the car worked to free her baby from the submerged vehicle and got them both to safety, the police department said. PEOPLE has contacted officials for further information. As the mother worked to rescue her child, one community member sprinted toward the marina, scaling a fence without hesitation to reach them, officials continued. This individuals fearless response set the tone for the rescue. After one person jumped the fence to reach the mother and toddler, two other passersby arrived to make sure the pair was safe. By 8:53 p.m. local time, officers responded to a report that a vehicle had entered the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After they arrived, authorities confirmed that no one else was inside the car. There wasnt much damage caused by the vehicle, Roe said, noting to WLUK, When the car drove under the fence, the fence just collapsed back down. You can see where the fence cap was knocked loose." He added, The car went right underneath it did not even damage the poles and the concrete foundation." Following a preliminary investigation, police believe the incident occurred because of confusion in vehicle control, authorities said. The woman may have accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake pedal while trying to park, according to WLUK. The incident remains under investigation. Google Maps Menasha Marina in Menasha, Wis. Menasha Marina in Menasha, Wis. When the vehicle was removed from the marina the next day, the water was so deep that the top of the car couldnt be seen from the shore, Roe told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menasha Police Chief Nick Thorn praised the mother and community members fearlessness following the incident. 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 courage shown by this mother and the community members who rushed to her side prevented a tragedy, he said in statement shared in the news release. Their actions reflect the very best of our community and remind us how powerful it is when people step forward in moments of need. Read the original article on People Shareholders in Veganz Group have backed the German plant-based business move to spin-off its subsidiaries. Veganz Group is putting its operating divisions into separate subsidiaries and moving to a holding structure. The company, which made a loss of 4.8m ($5.6m) in 2024 amid declining sales, will remain the majority owner of each of the subsidiaries Mililk, Happy Cheeze, Peas on Earth and Veganz. The new structure creates the basis for a clear focus as an innovative technology investment holding company and supports further international growth, Veganz Group said in a statement. Veganz Group which will change name to Planethic Group believes the restructuring will give the different businesses more chance of hitting their growth targets. The shake-up will also allow potential suitors to invest in specific subsidiaries, rather than only the entire group. Just Food understands Veganz Group is in talks with interested parties to invest in the subsidiaries. Discussions have so far progressed furthest for its plant-based milk business Mililk. With the measures decided today, we are laying the foundation for accelerated growth, founder and CEO Jan Bredack said in a statement. The new holding structure and capital measures increase our strategic flexibility, improve the liquidity of our shares and open up significant value enhancement potential for our shareholders. Bredack is stepping down in October but will remain closely associated with the business as the Berlin-headquartered companys largest shareholder. He will focus on indoor farming as the managing director of OrbiFarm, the business Veganz Group sold for 30m to an unidentified third party earlier this year, plus a profit share. Ryan Tegtmeier, a former CFO of online supplements business Nu3 Group, will succeed Bredack as CEO. The AGM, held last Wednesday (13 August), also saw Veganz Groups executive and supervisory boards for the 2024 financial year discharged. On Friday, the company announced that supervisory board chairman Roland Sieker had decided to step down. Yesterday, Veganz Group said company shareholder Evgeni Kouris had been appointed to the role. Reporting its 2024 results in May, Veganz Group said sales dropped 34% to 10.8m. It added that the DACH region, namely Germany, Austria and Switzerland, accounted for 95% of the sales total, with Germany the companys largest market at 81%. Meanwhile, EBITDA losses for 2024 narrowed to 2.4m from 6.3m a year earlier and, similarly, the net loss shrank to 4.8m from 9.5m. Earlier today, the company said a rights issue, private placements in July and August, as well as the utilisation of contingent capital, had strengthened its equity base to around 8.4m. With the additional placements, we have strengthened our equity base and thus created the necessary flexibility to consistently implement our growth strategy, Bredack said. NEED TO KNOW Families of flood victims killed at Camp Mystic testified at a Texas senate hearing for a new bill aimed at improving safety and preparedness at camps in the state following the July flood disaster Parents of the girls killed in the flood pleaded with lawmakers to enact the new regulations to ensure the safety and protection of kids at camps moving forward Obvious common sense safety measures were absent, protocols that should have been in place were ignored, said Cici Williams Steward, mother of missing 8-year-old daughter Cile Steward Families of the victims killed at Camp Mystic during the Texas flood disaster spoke out at a hearing for a bill to improve safety at youth camps. The families are urging Texas lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 1, which would help improve preparedness and accountability surrounding disaster procedures at youth camps in the state, according to NBC affiliate KXAS-TV and The Texas Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a meeting of the Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding on Wednesday, Aug. 20, families who were impacted by the flood spoke in favor of the bill, CBS News reported. Cici Williams Steward's 8-year-old daughter Cile Steward still has not been found, according to the Tribune and ABC affiliate KVUE. The mom said she had assured her child that her safety and the safety of all the young girls was paramount before sending her off to Camp Mystic in Hunt, where 27 campers and counselors died in the flood. Obvious common sense safety measures were absent, protocols that should have been in place were ignored, Cici testified. As a result, my daughter was stolen from me, not because of an unavoidable act of nature, but because of preventable failures on just her fifth day of camp. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty A damaged home is seen near Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas. A damaged home is seen near Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas. Carrie Hanna, whose daughter Hadley Hanna died in the flood, also said she promised her daughter that she would be safe and okay at the camp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I told her camp was the safest place she could be, Carrie recalled, per KVUE. I lied to her. She not only wasnt safe, she died. The parents of Lila Bonner and Janie Hunt also testified on Wednesday. Blake Bonner, Lilas father, said the families daughters paid the ultimate price for their obedience to a plan that was destined to fail. I naively assumed she was safer at camp than anywhere else, Blake said, according to KXAS-TV. When I think about the trauma and fear our girls endured, it makes me physically ill. This loss is one no parent should have to endure. Lila was special. She was beautiful. She was pure. She was so kind, Lilas mother Caitlin Bonner said at the hearing, calling her daughter the most gentle little girl who fiercely loved her sister and all of her friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janies mother Ann Lindsey Hunt said, Janie was the heartbeat of our family. She left for camp full of excitement and joy. She came home in a plywood box. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty A view inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas A view inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas Under Senate Bill 1, youth camp cabins would not be allowed to be located in floodplains, and camps could lose their license to operate if they dont comply, according to KVUE. All camps would also reportedly be required to have an emergency plan for natural disasters, which camp leaders would have to submit to local emergency management coordinators and the State Health Department. 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. These plans would be required to have procedures for identifying and finding campers during an emergency, and camps would have to hold safety orientations at the beginning of each session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had the requirements of SB 1 been in place on the night of July 4, I have no doubt that some lives, if not all lives, would have been saved, said Senator Charles Perry of Lubbock, who chairs the Senate Select Committee, according to the Tribune. Before the deadly flooding disaster, the owner of Camp Mystic who died trying to save the lives of his campers pushed for flood warning systems for the Guadalupe River, which is located close to the camp grounds. In 2011, the camp was included in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Special Flood Hazard Area for its National Flood Insurance map for Kerr County. But just two years later, FEMA amended the map and removed 15 buildings owned by Camp Mystic camp from the hazard area after an appeal from the camp. Read the original article on People The Brief Meat from rodents and primates was found in two travelers' bags at Detroit Metro Airport last month. According to Customs and Border Protection, this meat, called bushmeat, is not allowed to be imported into the United States because it can spread diseases. Bushmeat is considered a cultural delicacy in some parts of Africa. ROMULUS, Mich. (FOX 2) - 52 pounds of monkey meat were found in someones luggage at Detroit Metro Airport and that was not the end of it. Big picture view Monkey meat was smuggled into someones luggage at Detroit Metro, and it was the second bust of so-called bushmeat recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, 11 pounds of rodent meat were found in the bags of a passenger coming from Togo in West Africa. Meanwhile, Customs and Border Protection uncovered 52 pounds of primate meat. The monkey meat came from Central Africa, possibly from the sun-tailed monkey. Border Protection says primate seizures are very rare. The rodent packer and monkey meat smuggler were slapped with a $300 fine. The not-so-funny part is that this kind of bushmeat has a serious risk of carrying communicable diseases, which can wreak havoc in humans. FOX 2 actually found someone who had eaten monkeys. They say it tastes like horse after trying it in the Philippines. Dig deeper Though bushmeat is considered a cultural delicacy in some parts of Africa, it is often consumed raw or subject to minimal processing, which increases the risk of disease proliferation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diseases that can be spread through the meat include Ebola, mpox, and other emerging diseases. "These recent bushmeat interceptions are significant in bringing attention to the illegal importation of bushmeat through our ports of entry," said Port Director Fadia Pastilong. "This also showcases how we work with our partner agencies to prevent a potential disease outbreak." Local perspective According to CBP, rodent bushmeat interceptions at Detroit Metro Airport are sporadic, while finding primate meat is more of a rarity. "We routinely find various agricultural items and odditieslive giant snails, animal skulls, and exotic food itemsbut most times its not a malicious act," said Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. "Despite this, its our duty to protect the homeland and preventing certain food and animal products from entering the U.S. is essential to public health." PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Monmouth man accused of murdering his mother was committed to the Oregon State Hospital by a Polk County judge on Wednesday. Prosecutors say Robin Hethorn killed his 62-year-old mother, Theresa, a decorated educator and beloved grandmother, while trying to rob her in 2022, and is now classified as an extremely dangerous person. Spouses found dead 5 months after suspicious death of wifes mother Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends and family of Hethorn told the court that he was growing increasingly paranoid leading up to his mothers death. While Hethorns brother, Daniel, previously said he wanted him to stay behind bars, the judge decided that Hethorn will instead be in the care of the state hospital. In 2023, Hethorn pleaded not guilty to all charges connected to his mothers death, including stealing her car and using her identity. But since then, his mental state has been called into question a forensic psychiatrist told the court on Wednesday that Hethorn suffers from delusions. He has attributed this to a microchip that he believes has been placed into his brain, said Dr. Morgan Beckman with Oregon State Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes saying he has a chip in his brain and a license to kill. So yeah, Im very concerned for my safety, added Elaine Gardner, a friend of the Hethorn family. The issue hits close to home for Gardner, who told KOIN 6 she was Theresas best friend Gardner testified on Wednesday that she housed Hethorn in the weeks leading up to the murder. I still want the best for (Hethorn), because I think ultimately his mother still would too. My concern is I dont understand why theyre saying theyre going to drop murder charges, she said. Polk County court records show Hethorn was previously charged with strangulation and fourth-degree assault for attacking a man in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, court documents questioned his mental fitness to proceed with trial, but Hethorn was ultimately found fit, and convicted on both charges. Despite autopsy experts saying Theresa could have died of either asphyxiation or an abnormal heartbeat brought on by an assault, the judge said, either way, he believes the evidence leads back to her son, siding with the state. Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton told KOIN 6 that while he will have to dismiss the charges without prejudice, he says if Hethorn is ever found fit, he will refile and prosecute the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. The Montana congressional delegation is urging President Trump to introduce a 50 percent tariff on Russian palladium imports, after a multinational mining group with a presence in the state submitted a similar request earlier this month. GOP Sens. Tim Sheehy and Steve Daines alongside Reps. Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing sent a Thursday letter to the Trump administration, asking officials to stop Russias predatory trade practices and protect American jobs and critical mineral production. Specifically, we urge you to immediately impose a 50 percent tariff on imports of unwrought palladium from Russia in response to their ongoing market manipulation and dumping, the lawmakers wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is one of the largest suppliers of palladium to the U.S., and its exports have increased by 42 percent over the last year, according to Reuters. Palladium is a chemical element used in catalytic converters, which converts 90 percent of harmful emissions from car exhaust. Sibanye-Stillwater, the mining company, said prices for the element are at risk of skyrocketing, skewing the global market in favor of Russia and South Africa, which is another large supplier of the chemical. Russia currently dominates global palladium production and has exploited this position to undercut American producers, the GOP group wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By flooding the U.S. market with underpriced palladium bolstered by heavy state subsidies, lax environmental regulations, and government-controlled mining rights Russia is attempting to wipe out domestic competition and secure monopoly control of a mineral critical to both our defense and energy future, they added, noting a catastrophic impact on Montana workers. Sibanye-Stillwaters July 30 case will be considered by the federal government within the next year, per the letter, but the Montana Republicans said a final remedy is needed sooner. Theyve asked the White House to respond promptly. Still, the Trump administration remains locked in peace negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine. Earlier this month, the president decided to forgo secondary sanctions on the Kremlin without explanation. The Hill reached out to the White House for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) A restaurant in Montevallo will host a watch party Saturday night for a Hallmark movie that was filmed in Alabama. Double Scoop premieres Saturday on the Hallmark Channel. The movie stars Taylor Cole and Ryan McPartlin. Nora and James were once the dream team at a top New York ad agency, but now theyre locked in a frosty competition for the sweetest client of all: a small-town dairy farm that churns out the most delectable ice cream in the country, according to the films synopsis on IMDb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dolly Partons Imagination Library expanding to Alabama foster children Montevallos Indigo Cafe and Bar will host a watch party for the movies premiere. Some Montevallo locations featured in the movie include Fox and Pheasant Inn and Falcon Art Supply, according to a Facebook post from Indigo Cafe The watch party for Double Scoop will include an ice cream bar, games and a giveaway for one night at Fox and Pheasant Inn. The event will start at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 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 CBS 42. The sweeping decade-long education reform plan, the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, is heading in to its fourth year with the start of this school year. (File photo by Danielle E. Gaines/Maryland Matters) Two newcomers and an old hand will fill three open seats on the seven-member board that oversees the multibillion-dollar Blueprint for Marylands Future education reform plan, as the program enters its fourth year of implementation. Gov. Wes Moore (D) on Wednesday appointed Contina Quick-McQueen and Robin Werner and reappointed Joseph Manko to the Accountability and Implementation Board for terms of six years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their appointments must be approved by the Senate in the legislative session that begins in January, but they can serve in an acting capacity until then. The board is not meeting this month, but will meet next on Sept. 18 The three were chosen from six finalists out of field of 36 applicants. Besides serving on the board, Manko works as an education program director at the Abell Foundation in Baltimore. Quick-McQueen has worked since 2014 as a supervisor of instruction in college and career readiness for St. Marys County Public Schools. Shes served since 2022 as part of a statewide Expert Review Team visiting schools to assess growth in academics and professional development for staff, among other educational factors. Werner is director of teaching and learning for Talbot Countys public schools. Besides working for the school system since 2008, She also serves on an advisory committee for the college and career readiness pillar of the Blueprint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riya Gupta, executive director for Strong Schools Maryland, which focuses on protecting the Blueprint, said in a statement that her group welcomes the three appointee. The Blueprint is at a pivotal point, and this moment brings an opportunity to strengthen stewardship and spark the creative, transformative thinking needed to build an education system that truly meets the needs of all students, said Gupta, whose group plans to hold its third summer community conversation on the Blueprint next Wednesday. Well be there every step of the way to hold the AIB accountable to its charge and to keep Marylanders engaged as we work together to make the Blueprints vision a reality for students and school communities, Gupta said. Manko reapplied for his old job, but Werner and Quick-McQueen replace Mara Doss and Laura Stapleton, whose last meeting was June 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stapleton, who chairs the Human Development and Quantitative Methodology Department at the University of Maryland, College Park, chose not to reapply after her term ended July 1. Doss, a former associate vice president for teaching, learning and student success at Prince Georges Community College, resigned with a year left on her term. The new members join the Blueprint board after tweaks it approved last month to the overall comprehensive plan, which include revisions based on policies adopted this year by the General Assembly. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Mooresville pet facility fined nearly $2K after dog escape, safety violations A Mooresville pet boarding and grooming facility, where an employee was charged with animal cruelty, now owes the state nearly $2,000 in fines. Inspectors with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture visited Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa earlier this month. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pet groomer arrested for alleged dog abuse in Mooresville The state then fined the owner of the establishment $1,900 after a dog escaped and caused a car crash. Inspectors also issued fines for inadequate enclosures, cleaning issues, and a lack of documentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, deputies charged Kirsten Taylor with four counts of animal cruelty. Taylor was accused of abusing dogs on her table after incidents were caught on video. VIDEO: Pet groomer arrested for alleged dog abuse in Mooresville At least 34 people have been injured in several explosions at a warehouse in the Pakistani city of Karachi, a police spokesman told dpa on Thursday. Raw materials for the manufacture of fireworks were illegally stored at the site of the accident, the spokesman said. A short circuit apparently sparked the explosions. Videos shared on the online platform X show large clouds of smoke rising from a multi-storey building with sirens wailing in the background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warehouse is located in a densely populated district of the port city and below residential buildings, the spokesman said. The building was evacuated and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals. The police say they have already arrested two owners of the warehouse. "More than 50 kilograms of raw material could have been stored in the basement. This is used to manufacture fireworks, but also bombs," said a spokesman for the city's anti-terror unit. The police are investigating both possibilities. More than half of the council areas with asylum seeker hotels are fully or partly controlled by Labour, according to BBC analysis of figures released by the government. On Tuesday, Conservative-controlled Epping Forest District Council won a temporary injunction in the courts to stop 140 asylum seekers living at the Bell Hotel in Epping. The ruling could hinder the government's efforts to fulfil its legal duty of housing asylum seekers, with several Tory councils saying they are also considering legal action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Labour councils are thinking of following suit but others have ruled it out, with two, Newcastle and Brighton and Hove, saying they wanted to provide "sanctuary" to refugees. According to data published by the Home Office on Thursday, 131 of the UK's over 300 local authorities currently house asylum seekers in so-called contingency accommodation, primarily made up of hotels. Of the 131 areas, 74 are fully or partially led by Labour, 30 by the Liberal Democrats, 19 by the Conservatives, nine by the Green Party and one by Reform UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area with the highest number of asylum seekers living in contingency accommodation is Tory-controlled Hillingdon where 2,238 asylum seekers are housed - around 0.7% of the more than 300,000 people living in the North London borough. The number represents a fall of 443 in the months from the end of March to the end of June. [BBC] Hillingdon is considering taking legal action following the Epping ruling - along with two other Conservative-controlled areas: Broxbourne, Reigate and Banstead. Of the Labour-controlled areas on the list, Hounslow has the highest number, standing at 1,536 asylum seekers. Following Hillingdon and Hounslow, the areas with the largest levels are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnet (Labour) - 1,243 Birmingham (Labour) - 1,226 Manchester (Labour) - 1,158 Newham (Labour) - 852 City of Bristol (Green and Lib Dem) - 802 Brent (Labour) - 755 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (Lib Dem and Ind) - 615 Croydon (Conservative) - 577 Manchester City Council saw the biggest jump in numbers, going from 874 to 1,158. The councils on the full list are mostly lower-tier district or borough councils, or unitary councils which combine the functions of district and county councils into one. These councils have powers over planning applications, meaning they could chose to follow in Epping Council's footsteps and take legal action against hotels being used to house asylum seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County councils, which are mainly under Reform UK or Conservative control, do not have these powers. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said all 12 councils controlled by his party will "do everything in their power to follow Epping's lead". However, Reform spokesman Zia Yusuf conceded that only "a minority" of those councils have planning control. The one Reform UK-led council which would be able to legal action over planning is West Northamptonshire Council, which has said it is considering the implications of the Epping judgement. Two Labour councils have suggested they could make legal challenges following the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carol Dean, leader of Labour-controlled Tamworth Council, said her authority had previously decided against legal action but was now "carefully assessing" what the decision might mean for the area, adding it was a "potentially important legal precedent". A spokesperson for Wirral Council, which has seen protests outside a hotel in Hoylake, said "legal advice is being taken" and the authority is "considering the detail" of Tuesday's judgment. Earlier this week, Epping Forest District Councils succeeded in their legal bid to block asylum seekers from being housed in a hotel in their area, when the High Court ruled that the individuals would have to be moved by 16:00 BST on 12 September. The council had successfully argued that the hotel had breached local planning rules by changing its use without advising or notifying the local authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epping also argued that its case was different from previous unsuccessful council bids because the hotel had become a public safety risk. Thousands of people had been protesting near the hotel after an asylum seeker living there was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the town. Overall, the number of asylum seekers in UK hotels has risen to 32,059 up by 8% in the past year, according to Home Office figures released on Thursday. Although higher than a year ago, the total is slightly down on the previous quarter - and well down on the peak of 56,042 in September 2023. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Labour government had "inherited a broken immigration and asylum system that the previous government left in chaos". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added: "The action we have taken in the last 12 months - increasing returns of failed asylum seekers by over 30%, cutting asylum costs by 11%, reducing the backlog by 18% and our forthcoming plans to overhaul the failing asylum appeal system - are crucial steps to restoring order." Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp has written to Cooper urging her to use former military sites or barges to be used as asylum accommodation instead of hotels of flat shares. Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Lisa Smart said: "The Conservatives trashed our immigration system and let numbers spiral. Now this Labour government is failing to get a grip on the crisis. "The government urgently needs to stop dangerous Channel crossings and speed up asylum processing to bring down the backlog and end hotel use once and for all." Hundreds of asylum-seekers line up outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in June 2023 in New York City. Most refugees and asylees will no longer be able to get food stamps under President Donald Trumps new tax and spending law. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images) B. said he left Cameroon nine years ago because he was scared for his life. Authorities in the West African nation threw him in prison because of his sexual orientation, he said. After his release, he feared that if he stayed in the country, he would be killed. B., who is now 39 and who asked that he be identified only by his initial because he still has family in Cameroon, arrived in the United States with practically nothing. Since he was granted asylum last year, he has been able to use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, to help him get by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now most refugees and asylees, who entered the country legally, including B., are no longer eligible for food stamps. The change is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the giant federal domestic policy measure that President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4. I think its unfair. I understand that there are some people who abuse the system, B. told Stateline. There are also people who are in need. And cutting help for families like mine not being able to get the help it will be very difficult. SNAP, which is funded by the federal government but administered by the states, helps families and individuals with lower incomes supplement their grocery budgets. The program serves an average of 42 million people a month. Supporters of the change note that refugees and asylees can get permits to work, and that they have other sources of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not like they have been dropped off in this country with no support system, said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, a nonprofit group that backs stricter immigration rules. They have sponsoring organizations that are helping them get settled and they have work authorization. So they really should be moving forward towards self-sufficiency with support right out of the starting gate. And they should be moving ahead to obtain green cards, she added, referring to the cards that signify permanent residency. Vaughan cited a federal grant program that reimburses states and nonprofit organizations for financial aid and health care coverage they provide to refugees. But critics argue that asylees and refugees, who are extensively vetted and have a legitimate path to citizenship, can wait years for a green card, which entitles them to a wider array of benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also say community organizations that provide aid to asylees and refugees are stretched thin. Without food stamps, they say, many refugees and their families would not have enough to eat. Cutting help for families like mine not being able to get the help it will be very difficult. B., a Cameroonian asylee SNAP is an incredibly fundamental program for this population that comes to the United States, really, with very little, if anything, said Nicolas Palazzo, a policy counsel at the global humanitarian and refugee advocacy organization HIAS. These are people who literally had to flee many times overnight with nothing, but, you know, a pair of clothes in a backpack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palazzo also said SNAP is not a handout to refugees or asylees. Rather, he said, its a smart and moral investment that protects all communities and strengthens the economy, offering people a foundation for self-sufficiency. Stripping critical food assistance forces refugees and asylees into the shadows of informal work, labor exploitation and hunger that weakens our workforce and denigrates our moral obligations, Palazzo said. Nowhere else to go B. said he applied immediately for asylum when he arrived in the U.S. in 2016, but that he had to wait months for a work permit. He survived by doing odd jobs, such as cleaning homes and delivering food, and got by on very little. It wasnt until late 2024, when he finally won his asylum case, that he was eligible to get any public benefits, including food stamps. Eligibility for food stamps came at a critical time for B., as a car accident had prevented him from making food deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While not having income, it was very helpful, B. said. Im somebody who if I can work, I will work. The only reason I went over there to ask is because I had nowhere else to go. According to a November 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a total of 60,050 people were newly admitted to the United States as refugees in 2023, many from unstable countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria and Afghanistan. In 2023, the nation received at least 747,000 applications for people seeking asylum from countries including Venezuela, Cuba and Colombia, according to the Migration Policy Institute, an immigration research group. Its a tremendous increase from the 68,000 applications received in 2013. The new domestic policy law specifies that food stamps are still available to Cubans and Haitians who might be refugees and asylees. As of July 2025, more than 2.2 million immigrants in the U.S. are awaiting asylum hearings or decisions after formally applying for asylum, according to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, an organization at Syracuse University that tracks immigration cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting through the system was difficult, B. said. I had to find money. I had to find an attorney who would help me apply for my asylum case. The asylum case itself took a long time. I still know people who have been here for more than 10 years and never had an interview. Already stretched According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, half of all admitted refugees in 2023 were resettled across just 10 states: Texas, New York, California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arizona, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Washington. Barbara Guinn, commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, estimates that around 41,000 people in the state are getting SNAP benefits while not being lawful permanent residents. She says that group includes refugees and asylees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concerning part there is that these are individuals who were lawfully admitted to the country, have previously been eligible for SNAP when they need it, and now, simply because of their status, will no longer be able to receive SNAP benefits, Guinn told Stateline. Theres nothing were going to be able to do to make them eligible. Another change under the new law is that for the first time, states will have to pay for a portion of their food stamp programs. States will have to cover between 5% and 15% of their SNAP costs beginning in fiscal year 2028, depending on how accurately they dole out benefits to people eligible for the program. Robert Rector, a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, pointed out that states that want to continue to provide SNAP benefits to refugees and asylees are free to do so as long as they pay for it. If New York state doesnt want to cut these people off, they can continue to give them something like food stamps. They just have to do it with New York state money right now, Rector said. But Guinn said that will be difficult. New York does offer asylum-seekers a variable amount of monthly cash assistance through its Safety Net Assistance Program, but typically recipients must be working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Texas, officials at the states health and human services agency said that as of last month, roughly 24,600 of the states 3.5 million SNAP recipients were refugees or asylees. A spokesperson for Marylands human services agency wrote in an email that the states SNAP program last year supported more than 10,000 refugees and asylees. The California Department of Social Services could not provide the number of refugees and asylees receiving food stamps, but projected that a total of 74,000 noncitizens including lawfully permanent residents, refugees and asylees would lose eligibility under the new law. Sherri Laigle, the director of social services at HIAS, said food banks will not be able to make up for refugees and asylees loss of SNAP benefits. Theyre already stretched, and now were going to see tens of thousands of people also needing to continue to rely on these programs. Of course, theres limited access to them. You have to have transportation. You have to be able to get there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement B. said he would apply for food stamps again if he could, because hes earning too little income to get by. There are people who are in need. I think ignoring that its not human. Stateline reporter Shalina Chatlani can be reached at schatlani@stateline.org. This story has been updated to clarify that while some asylum-seekers in New York are eligible for monthly cash assistance, the amount varies. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT), with a market cap of $8.3 billion, is a real estate company that owns, operates and redevelops high-quality retail-based properties located primarily in major coastal markets. The North Bethesda, Maryland-based companys retail properties are anchored by supermarkets, drugstores, or high-volume, value-oriented retailers, which provide essential 1consumer necessities. Shares of this retail REIT have underperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. FRT has declined 14.4% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 14.3%. Moreover, on a YTD basis, the stock is down 13.6%, compared to SPXs 9% rise. More News from Barchart Narrowing the focus, FRT has also lagged behind the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLRE) 1% uptick over the past 52 weeks and 2.5% return on a YTD basis. www.barchart.com On Aug. 6, Federal Realty reported Q2 results that topped Wall Street expectations. Its funds from operations stood at $165.5 million, or $1.91 per share, beating the consensus estimate of $1.73 per share. Net income was $153.9 million, or $1.78 per share, while revenue came in at $311.5 million, slightly above forecasts of $310.7 million. The company projects full-year funds from operations in the range of $7.16 to $7.26 per share. Shares of the company declined marginally post the announcement. For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect FRTs FFO to grow 5.9% year over year to $7.17 per share. The companys FFO surprise history is mixed. It exceeded or met the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters, while missing on another occasion. Among the 18 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy which is based on nine Strong Buy, one Moderate Buy, and eight Hold ratings. www.barchart.com This configuration has been consistent for the past months. On Aug. 8, Evercore ISI analyst Steve Sakwa reaffirmed an Outperform rating on Federal Realty Investment while slightly lowering the price target from $109 to $107, a 1.8% reduction. The mean price target of $107.50 represents an 11.2% premium from FRTs current price levels, while the Street-high price target of $115 suggests an upside potential of 18.9%. On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Hundreds of asylum seekers line up outside of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building on June 6, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images) B. said he left Cameroon nine years ago because he was scared for his life. Authorities in the West African nation threw him in prison because of his sexual orientation, he said. After his release, he feared that if he stayed in the country, he would be killed. B., who is now 39 and who asked that he be identified only by his initial because he still has family in Cameroon, arrived in the United States with practically nothing. Since he was granted asylum last year, he has been able to use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, to help him get by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now most refugees and asylees, who entered the country legally, including B., are no longer eligible for food stamps. The change is part of the giant federal domestic policy measure that President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4. I think its unfair. I understand that there are some people who abuse the system, B. told Stateline. There are also people who are in need. And cutting help for families like mine not being able to get the help it will be very difficult. SNAP, which is funded by the federal government but administered by the states, helps families and individuals with lower incomes supplement their grocery budgets. The program serves an average of 42 million people a month. Supporters of the change note that refugees and asylees can get permits to work, and that they have other sources of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not like they have been dropped off in this country with no support system, said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, a nonprofit group that backs stricter immigration rules. They have sponsoring organizations that are helping them get settled and they have work authorization. So they really should be moving forward towards self-sufficiency with support right out of the starting gate. And they should be moving ahead to obtain green cards, she added, referring to the cards that signify permanent residency. Vaughan cited a federal grant program that reimburses states and nonprofit organizations for financial aid and health care coverage they provide to refugees. But critics argue that asylees and refugees, who are extensively vetted and have a legitimate path to citizenship, can wait years for a green card, which entitles them to a wider array of benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also say community organizations that provide aid to asylees and refugees are stretched thin. Without food stamps, they say, many refugees and their families would not have enough to eat. Cutting help for families like mine not being able to get the help it will be very difficult. B., a Cameroonian asylee SNAP is an incredibly fundamental program for this population that comes to the United States, really, with very little, if anything, said Nicolas Palazzo, a policy counsel at the global humanitarian and refugee advocacy organization HIAS. These are people who literally had to flee many times overnight with nothing, but, you know, a pair of clothes in a backpack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palazzo also said SNAP is not a handout to refugees or asylees. Rather, he said, its a smart and moral investment that protects all communities and strengthens the economy, offering people a foundation for self-sufficiency. Stripping critical food assistance forces refugees and asylees into the shadows of informal work, labor exploitation and hunger that weakens our workforce and denigrates our moral obligations, Palazzo said. Nowhere else to go B. said he applied immediately for asylum when he arrived in the U.S. in 2016, but that he had to wait months for a work permit. He survived by doing odd jobs, such as cleaning homes and delivering food, and got by on very little. It wasnt until late 2024, when he finally won his asylum case, that he was eligible to get any public benefits, including food stamps. Eligibility for food stamps came at a critical time for B., as a car accident had prevented him from making food deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE While not having income, it was very helpful, B. said. Im somebody who if I can work, I will work. The only reason I went over there to ask is because I had nowhere else to go. According to a November 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a total of 60,050 people were newly admitted to the United States as refugees in 2023, many from unstable countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria and Afghanistan. In 2023, the nation received at least 747,000 applications for people seeking asylum from countries including Venezuela, Cuba and Colombia, according to the Migration Policy Institute, an immigration research group. Its a tremendous increase from the 68,000 applications received in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new domestic policy law specifies that food stamps are still available to Cubans and Haitians who might be refugees and asylees. As of July 2025, more than 2.2 million immigrants in the U.S. are awaiting asylum hearings or decisions after formally applying for asylum, according to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, an organization at Syracuse University that tracks immigration cases. Getting through the system was difficult, B. said. I had to find money. I had to find an attorney who would help me apply for my asylum case. The asylum case itself took a long time. I still know people who have been here for more than 10 years and never had an interview. Already stretched According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, half of all admitted refugees in 2023 were resettled across just 10 states: Texas, New York, California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arizona, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barbara Guinn, commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, estimates that around 41,000 people in the state are getting SNAP benefits while not being lawful permanent residents. She says that group includes refugees and asylees. The concerning part there is that these are individuals who were lawfully admitted to the country, have previously been eligible for SNAP when they need it, and now, simply because of their status, will no longer be able to receive SNAP benefits, Guinn told Stateline. Theres nothing were going to be able to do to make them eligible. Another change under the new law is that for the first time, states will have to pay for a portion of their food stamp programs. States will have to cover between 5% and 15% of their SNAP costs beginning in fiscal year 2028, depending on how accurately they dole out benefits to people eligible for the program. Robert Rector, a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, pointed out that states that want to continue to provide SNAP benefits to refugees and asylees are free to do so as long as they pay for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If New York state doesnt want to cut these people off, they can continue to give them something like food stamps. They just have to do it with New York state money right now, Rector said. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, half of all admitted refugees in 2023 were resettled across just 10 states: Texas, New York, California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arizona, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Washington. But Guinn said that will be difficult. New York does offer asylum-seekers cash assistance of $180 a month through its Safety Net Assistance Program, but typically recipients must be working. In Texas, officials at the states health and human services agency said that as of last month, roughly 24,600 of the states 3.5 million SNAP recipients were refugees or asylees. A spokesperson for Marylands human services agency wrote in an email that the states SNAP program last year supported more than 10,000 refugees and asylees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The California Department of Social Services could not provide the number of refugees and asylees receiving food stamps, but projected that a total of 74,000 noncitizens including lawfully permanent residents, refugees and asylees would lose eligibility under the new law. Sherri Laigle, the director of social services at HIAS, said food banks will not be able to make up for refugees and asylees loss of SNAP benefits. Theyre already stretched, and now were going to see tens of thousands of people also needing to continue to rely on these programs. Of course, theres limited access to them. You have to have transportation. You have to be able to get there. B. said he would apply for food stamps again if he could, because hes earning too little income to get by. There are people who are in need. I think ignoring that its not human. Stateline reporter Shalina Chatlani can be reached at schatlani@stateline.org. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Hundreds of asylum seekers line up outside of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building on June 6, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images) B. said he left Cameroon nine years ago because he was scared for his life. Authorities in the West African nation threw him in prison because of his sexual orientation, he said. After his release, he feared that if he stayed in the country, he would be killed. B., who is now 39 and who asked that he be identified only by his initial because he still has family in Cameroon, arrived in the United States with practically nothing. Since he was granted asylum last year, he has been able to use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, to help him get by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now most refugees and asylees, who entered the country legally, including B., are no longer eligible for food stamps. The change is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the giant federal domestic policy measure that President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4. I think its unfair. I understand that there are some people who abuse the system, B. told Stateline. There are also people who are in need. And cutting help for families like mine not being able to get the help it will be very difficult. SNAP, which is funded by the federal government but administered by the states, helps families and individuals with lower incomes supplement their grocery budgets. The program serves an average of 42 million people a month. Supporters of the change note that refugees and asylees can get permits to work, and that they have other sources of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not like they have been dropped off in this country with no support system, said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, a nonprofit group that backs stricter immigration rules. They have sponsoring organizations that are helping them get settled and they have work authorization. So they really should be moving forward towards self-sufficiency with support right out of the starting gate. And they should be moving ahead to obtain green cards, she added, referring to the cards that signify permanent residency. Vaughan cited a federal grant program that reimburses states and nonprofit organizations for financial aid and health care coverage they provide to refugees. But critics argue that asylees and refugees, who are extensively vetted and have a legitimate path to citizenship, can wait years for a green card, which entitles them to a wider array of benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also say community organizations that provide aid to asylees and refugees are stretched thin. Without food stamps, they say, many refugees and their families would not have enough to eat. Cutting help for families like mine not being able to get the help it will be very difficult. B., a Cameroonian asylee SNAP is an incredibly fundamental program for this population that comes to the United States, really, with very little, if anything, said Nicolas Palazzo, a policy counsel at the global humanitarian and refugee advocacy organization HIAS. These are people who literally had to flee many times overnight with nothing, but, you know, a pair of clothes in a backpack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palazzo also said SNAP is not a handout to refugees or asylees. Rather, he said, its a smart and moral investment that protects all communities and strengthens the economy, offering people a foundation for self-sufficiency. Stripping critical food assistance forces refugees and asylees into the shadows of informal work, labor exploitation and hunger that weakens our workforce and denigrates our moral obligations, Palazzo said. Nowhere else to go B. said he applied immediately for asylum when he arrived in the U.S. in 2016, but that he had to wait months for a work permit. He survived by doing odd jobs, such as cleaning homes and delivering food, and got by on very little. It wasnt until late 2024, when he finally won his asylum case, that he was eligible to get any public benefits, including food stamps. Eligibility for food stamps came at a critical time for B., as a car accident had prevented him from making food deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While not having income, it was very helpful, B. said. Im somebody who if I can work, I will work. The only reason I went over there to ask is because I had nowhere else to go. According to a November 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a total of 60,050 people were newly admitted to the United States as refugees in 2023, many from unstable countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria and Afghanistan. In 2023, the nation received at least 747,000 applications for people seeking asylum from countries including Venezuela, Cuba and Colombia, according to the Migration Policy Institute, an immigration research group. Its a tremendous increase from the 68,000 applications received in 2013. The new domestic policy law specifies that food stamps are still available to Cubans and Haitians who might be refugees and asylees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of July 2025, more than 2.2 million immigrants in the U.S. are awaiting asylum hearings or decisions after formally applying for asylum, according to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, an organization at Syracuse University that tracks immigration cases. Getting through the system was difficult, B. said. I had to find money. I had to find an attorney who would help me apply for my asylum case. The asylum case itself took a long time. I still know people who have been here for more than 10 years and never had an interview. Already stretched According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, half of all admitted refugees in 2023 were resettled across just 10 states: Texas, New York, California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arizona, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barbara Guinn, commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, estimates that around 41,000 people in the state are getting SNAP benefits while not being lawful permanent residents. She says that group includes refugees and asylees. The concerning part there is that these are individuals who were lawfully admitted to the country, have previously been eligible for SNAP when they need it, and now, simply because of their status, will no longer be able to receive SNAP benefits, Guinn told Stateline. Theres nothing were going to be able to do to make them eligible. Another change under the new law is that for the first time, states will have to pay for a portion of their food stamp programs. States will have to cover between 5% and 15% of their SNAP costs beginning in fiscal year 2028, depending on how accurately they dole out benefits to people eligible for the program. Robert Rector, a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, pointed out that states that want to continue to provide SNAP benefits to refugees and asylees are free to do so as long as they pay for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If New York state doesnt want to cut these people off, they can continue to give them something like food stamps. They just have to do it with New York state money right now, Rector said. But Guinn said that will be difficult. New York does offer asylum-seekers cash assistance of $180 a month through its Safety Net Assistance Program, but typically recipients must be working. In Texas, officials at the states health and human services agency said that as of last month, roughly 24,600 of the states 3.5 million SNAP recipients were refugees or asylees. A spokesperson for Marylands human services agency wrote in an email that the states SNAP program last year supported more than 10,000 refugees and asylees. The California Department of Social Services could not provide the number of refugees and asylees receiving food stamps, but projected that a total of 74,000 noncitizens including lawfully permanent residents, refugees and asylees would lose eligibility under the new law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherri Laigle, the director of social services at HIAS, said food banks will not be able to make up for refugees and asylees loss of SNAP benefits. Theyre already stretched, and now were going to see tens of thousands of people also needing to continue to rely on these programs. Of course, theres limited access to them. You have to have transportation. You have to be able to get there. B. said he would apply for food stamps again if he could, because hes earning too little income to get by. There are people who are in need. I think ignoring that its not human. Stateline reporter Shalina Chatlani can be reached at schatlani@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. The Brief A Queens mother and her 6-year-old daughter were deported to Ecuador after a routine immigration check-in, despite local pushback. Gov. Kathy Hochul called the deportation "cruel," blasting the Trump administrations crackdown and questioning its targeting of families. The child, enrolled at P.S. 89 in Elmhurst, is the first known NYC minor deported under the presidents renewed immigration enforcement. NEW YORK - ICE has dramatically ramped up deportations under President Trumps immigration crackdown, conducting dozens of arrests across New York City as part of a sweeping enforcement push. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, officials say the youngest known detainee in New York City, a 6-year-old girl from Queens, has been deported to Ecuador with her mother, sparking outrage from immigrant advocates and Governor Kathy Hochul. "President Trump, you said you were going after the 'worst of the worst,' you really think she's the worst?" New York Gov. Kathy HochulThe backstory The pair had been living in Jackson Heights since crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Dec. 2022 and had sought asylum, according to advocates. The child, enrolled at P.S. 89 in Elmhurst, was set to return to school in less than two weeks. Where are they? Instead, after a routine immigration check-in at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan earlier this month, the mother and daughter were detained, transferred to a Texas facility, and then flown to Ecuador on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girls adult brother remains in federal custody at the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Newark, according to officials. "Where is your humanity?" New York Gov. Kathy HochulWhat they're saying New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos called the deportation "heartbreaking," adding that "no child or family should be uprooted from their community or feel forced to hide in the shadows." She assured families that schools are safe spaces and that staff are prepared to connect immigrant families with legal resources. Hochul condemned the decision in a video statement, describing the deportation as "cruel." She took aim at the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, which has intensified removals in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is cruel and I say to those who did this, where is your humanity?" Hochul said. "President Trump, you said you were going after the worst of the worst. Do you think shes really the worst of the worst?" According to immigrant advocates, the 6-year-old is the first known child under 18 in New York City to be deported during the presidents renewed enforcement push. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told USA Today that the family had received final removal orders from an immigration judge. The Source This report is based on information from New York Governor Kathy Hochul. KANSAS CITY, Kan. A mother was arrested in Kansas City, Kansas, after she allegedly left her child alone in a locked car. FOX4 learned that the child was in the locked car at the Target parking lot near Legends Outlets for 15-20 minutes. The child is going to be okay, according to authorities. Metro event planners, local nonprofit partner to combat sex trafficking ahead of 2026 World Cup Authorities said someone noticed the child in the car, and that person did what kids and car safety experts say is the right thing to do: they contacted the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was around 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday when the Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office got the call. A deputy was sent to the scene with a lock-out kit. The deputy used the kit to break the car window and get the child out. While the law enforcement officers were dealing with this, the childs mother came out of the store and was arrested. The child was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and placed under police protective custody, the sheriffs office told FOX4. The sheriffs office was assisted by the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department and the Kansas City Kansas Police Department. The incident is being investigated by the Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office. 22 kids have died in hot cars this year The child was okay, but the national advocacy group Kids and Car Safety said 22 kids have died in hot cars so far this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amber Rollins, director of the Johnson County-based group, said in this particular case, the situation was preventable. We were just devastated to hear about this poor baby, but also very glad that police responded right away, Rollins told FOX4. They took swift action and broke that window; thats exactly what needs to happen. One thing we want people to know is that you dont have to wait for police to get there. In Kansas, we have whats called a Good Samaritan law. This protects citizens from liability if they break into a car to rescue a baby thats in distress and in grave danger. She said if you find yourself in a situation where you find a baby alone in a car, its important to act quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can break that window, she said. Obviously, you want to check and see if the doors are unlocked first. Get that baby out and begin to cool their temperature down immediately. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV You also want to make sure that youre breaking the window thats not near the babyto avoid shattered glass hurting the child. At this point, its not clear if the mother will face charges. FOX4 will keep you updated as soon as we know 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A 48-year-old woman was injured in a Russian attack on the city of Lutsk on the morning of 21 August. She sustained wounds to her arm, leg and back from shards of glass. The woman is known to be the mother of an emergency worker who was on duty at the time of the attack. Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Volyn Oblast on Facebook Details: During the attack, the woman was in a shop in one of the suburban villages. She was the only person injured in the morning attack on Volyn Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sadly, a woman was injured in the attack today," said Oleksandr Shumyk, acting spokesman for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Volyn Oblast. "Before the arrival of emergency workers, she had already been taken to hospital, and unfortunately, I do not know her condition at this time. The shop where she worked also suffered minor damage. Indeed, her son was on duty that day, but he did not go to the scene another team was working there." Background: On the night of 20-21 August, Russia launched 614 aerial assets on Ukraine, 577 of which were intercepted by Ukrainian air defence. Missile and drone strikes were recorded at 11 locations, with debris from intercepted targets falling at three additional sites. Earlier, it was reported that a teacher and her husband had been killed in a Russian drone attack on a high-rise building in Odesa on the night of 27-28 June 2025. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A mother shot dead her terminally ill husband and two of her children before turning the gun on herself, a post-mortem has concluded. The bodies of Emily Long, 34, her husband Ryan Long, 48, and their children Parker, eight, and Ryan, six, were found by police in their New Hampshire home on Monday. Their youngest child, who is three years old and has not been named, was found unharmed. A post-mortem determined that Long, who documented her struggles with depression on social media after her husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, died by suicide from a single shot to the head caused by a handgun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her children, Parker and Ryan, also died from a single gunshot wound, while her husband died from multiple gunshot wounds. Their deaths have been ruled homicides. Long, who described herself as a Brain Cancer Wife on TikTok, expressed fears about bringing up her children as a single parent and spoke of her guilt for not seeking psychological help. One the videos Long posted on social media detailing her family struggles John M Formella, the New Hampshire attorney general, said in a statement that it appeared Long had taken a handgun from the home and killed three members of her family, before taking her own life immediately after. He added: While investigators are becoming aware of various concerns and issues ongoing in the household at the time of the event in question, people should avoid speculating that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities received an emergency call reporting multiple deaths inside the couples home after 8am, where they found the three-year-old who is now being cared for by family and four bodies. Bevy Ketel, a neighbour, said she was still in shock about the incident, telling CBS Boston: It was a perfect family as far as we knew. Long, a director at a restaurant chain, described herself as being overwhelmed by her husbands diagnosis with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in videos online. The New Hampshire home where the family was found dead In posts on TikTok, she worried about the impact on her children, their financial stability, and life as a single parent, saying she felt she was withering away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longs account has been made private since her death, but her videos had already been widely shared. In what was apparently the final video she posted on TikTok before her death, Long said she wanted to hide under the blanket with my kids but realised that it isnt healthy for them and its not healthy for me. She continued: Today I decided I need to make a conscious effort to shift my mindset. Im getting out of this depression whether I want to or not... I am determined to create normalcy. In another post, she declared: I swear, this cancer will be the thing that breaks me. Long also described feeling very, very lonely and anxious, and found it overwhelming to be mourning her husband, a psychologist at a local school, while he was still alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that I need to see a therapist, I know that I need to ask for help, she admitted. I feel so guilty that Im not ready to get help yet, but... it is what it is, right? I know that I will one day, and I hope that I make the decision before I feel that its too late. 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 mother of a 6-year-old Texas boy who hasn't been seen since 2022 has been arrested on a capital murder charge, the FBI said Wednesday. Cindy Rodriguez Singh is accused of killing her 6-year-old son, Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, FBI Director Kash Patel said on X. Singh, who had been on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, is charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and capital murder of a person under 10 years old, Patel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police in Everman, Texas, near Fort Worth, said that on March 20, 2023, the Texas Department of Family Services asked them to conduct a welfare check. At that time, Singh provided what we now know as misinformation that Noel was staying with family in Mexico, then-Police Chief Craig Spencer said. On March 22 of that year, Singh, her husband and six children flew to India, but Noel wasnt with them, police said. Singh had told investigators that the boy was with his biological father in Mexico, but police determined that wasnt the case, Spencer said. Other stories included that the child had been sold, which police disproved as well, he said. Also raising suspicions in what was then a missing persons case was a newly poured concrete porch where the family had been staying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police concluded that the boy was most likely dead, and in October 2023 Singh was charged with a state count of capital murder. Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez. (Everman Emergency Services via Facebook) The U.S. District Court in Tarrant County, where Everman is, also issued an arrest warrant on a federal count of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, the FBI said. Patel did not say in his announcement how Singh was arrested or where, but he noted that after Singh went to India, she never returned to the United States. He thanked law enforcement partners in India and the FBI in New York and Dallas. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment. Online federal court records did not list any attorney for Singh on Wednesday. Noel's body hasnt been found. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A motorcyclist died after a crash with a car on Interstate 5 in Tacoma Thursday afternoon. State patrol troopers were dispatched to the highway near South 56th Street for the crash at around 2:24 p.m., according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The motorcyclist and a woman driving a car were going northbound on I-5 in one of the middle lanes. The woman saw the motorcyclist behind her in her rear view mirror splitting lanes. This means he was driving on the broken white lines in between two lanes, Washington State Patrol Trooper John Dattilo told The News Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman thought there was enough distance to merge. As she tried to merge her car to a left lane, she allegedly struck the motorcyclist, Dattilo said. It is unclear if the motorcyclist was trying to merge as well. The motorcyclist was ejected and he died on the scene, Dattilo said. He was an adult. The woman was not injured or intoxicated. She is cooperating with investigators. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Traffic backed up on Interstate 5 near South 56th Street in Tacoma after a fatal crash involving a motorcycle rider on August 21, 2025 The left lanes on both sides of the highway are blocked. It is unclear when the crash will clear, Dattilo said. A Delaware man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for fatally striking a college student from New Jersey with his motorcycle as he fled from police, according to published reports. Brian Briddle, 27, pleaded guilty Aug. 15 in the death of Noelia Gomez, 18, of Clark, Union County, who was in her freshman year at the University of Delaware. Briddle, who faced murder and other charges, was sentenced to prison with a tentative release date of July 2039, according to delawareonline.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news site reported Briddle broke down during sentencing, telling the judge: I deserve it for the pain Ive caused. Noelia Gomez Gomez was killed on Aug. 27, 2024, when Briddle sped away from a university police officer who tried to stop his motorcycle on East Main Street in Newark, Delaware. The officer shut off his emergency lights and did not pursue Briddle. Moments later, the motorcycle struck Gomez as she crossed West Main Street in a crosswalk near North College Avenue, authorities said. Gomez died at the scene. Briddle was thrown from the motorcycle, which veered onto the sidewalk, injuring four pedestrians before hitting a light pole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims suffered minor to non-life-threatening injuries. Gomez was struck in the crosswalk as she crossed West Main Street in Newark, Delaware. Briddle was arrested the day after the crash and charged with second-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, disregarding a police officers signal, and multiple traffic violations. He has been held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington on more than $362,000 cash bail. According to her LinkedIn profile, Gomez was a straight-A student at Union Catholic Regional High School, where she earned high honors for four consecutive years. She was a member of the National Spanish Honors Society and a volunteer for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of her death, Gomez was a freshman at the University of Delaware, where she studied accounting and business management at the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics. Noelia was born in Jersey City and was a lifelong resident of Clark, her obituary said. She enjoyed dancing and cheerleading. Gomez was survived by parents, a brother, and numerous other family members. We cannot express enough how sorry we are for the family, friends, and greater community as we are all so deeply shaken by the sudden loss of one of our own. Our hearts are very heavy today, university officials wrote in a letter to the community after Gomezs death. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. ANDOVER Surrounded by veterans, and a horse named Jack, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem, said to combat threats to federal funding, including for veterans services, the community will need to step up their support of local groups and organizations. On Monday, Moulton dusted off his boots and visited Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm, a nonprofit that provides equine therapy to the community including many veterans. After spending some quality time with Jack, Moulton discussed veteran care. He said organizations like Ironstone would have a tough road ahead as the Trump administration looks to eliminate employees in the Department of Veterans Affairs, alongside other cuts. There are a lot of causes in the community that need help right now, said Moulton. If you want programs like this you have to pay for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the federal government provides hundreds of millions of dollars to groups that serve veterans and those dollars are now less certain as the Trump administration looks to reshape the government. He also challenged assertions, by the Trump administration, of extreme government waste. Moulton said while staffing levels increased at the VA during the Biden administration, it corresponded with a large number of veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with health issues related to their service. Veterans are going to be left on the street when these cuts happen, he warned. Moulton, who served four tours in Iraq, discussed the battles veterans face after coming home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have lost a few Marines in my platoon since coming back and programs like this really help, he said. Participants in the program at Ironstone Farm, 450 Lowell St. said the equine therapy offered by the nonprofit has made a real impact on them and others. Volunteer and veteran Sonya Treadwell, 65, has been participating in the program for more than two years. Treadwell suffers from PTSD and called the program a godsend. Jack was the first horse she rode. He just calmed me right down, she said. The intuition they have is amazing. She said typically participants first learn about the horses and how to take care of them before actually riding them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course the riding is the most fun, she added. Treadwell continued that the experience helps her deal with emotions including sadness. When I am here everything disappears, she said. Veteran Barry Boykins, 76, said working with horses keeps people grounded and requires focus. Every day is day one with a horse, he said, alluding to their temperament. He is a little nervous but he is nice, said Boykins, of Jack. Ironstone Farm employee Dave McCann helped Moulton dismount. He said he does a little bit of everything, at the farm but one of his roles is in their veterans program. McCann said the farm is a home away from home for veterans and they form lasting bonds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are comfortable here, he said. McCann said Jack is very forgiving but also enjoys challenging the rider. He did OK, said McCann of Moultons riding skills. Moulton said programs like Ironstone are vital for veterans, especially given the mental health challenges they face from their service. There are lives saved every single day this program is in operation, he said. Key Points Investing in an S&P 500 index fund is a fantastic starting point for most people saving for retirement. A fund like the Invesco QQQ ETF could help investors capture the upside of artificial intelligence. Real estate and dividend stocks are great for passive income. This article touches on an excellent fund for each. 10 stocks we like better than Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Investing for retirement is a long-term process. Oftentimes, people put decades into building their nest eggs. The two keys to success? Growing your money and avoiding catastrophic setbacks along the way. Slow and steady is usually the winning formula. That makes index funds a fantastic component to any retirement portfolio. Stock market indexes represent groups of individual stocks based on a specific market sector, country, or investing strategy. They sometimes represent a broad sampling of the market as a whole. Index funds give investors instant, straightforward diversification that can set them up for long-term success. They won't make you rich overnight. However, when your money compounds at an annualized rate of 7% to 10%, it will double every seven to 10 years. That could make you a millionaire over three or four decades, especially if you continually add to your savings over time. Here are four excellent index funds to consider buying and holding to get started on your journey. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF The U.S. stock market is the world's largest and a commonsense starting point for any long-term investor. The S&P 500 is the most famous U.S. market index, a group consisting of 500 prominent publicly traded companies. Historically, the S&P 500 has been a wealth-building wonder. Each dollar invested in the S&P 500 in 1989 has since grown by over 38 times, and the index has returned an annualized rate of about 8% since 1928. However, you can't invest directly in it. So, consider the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO). Vanguard is one of the industry's most trusted names for investment funds, and this particular index fund features very low fees, allowing investors to keep almost all their money as it grows over time. Even most professionals struggle to outperform the S&P 500 consistently, so there's no need to overthink your retirement portfolio. 2. Invesco QQQ ETF Investors can add some upside to their retirement portfolio with the Invesco QQQ ETF (NASDAQ: QQQ). This index fund follows the Nasdaq-100, the largest companies in the technology-leaning Nasdaq Composite index, and has outperformed the S&P 500 since its inception in 1999. Roughly 60% of the fund is technology, so it's a strong choice for those looking to invest in innovative growth opportunities like artificial intelligence. SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KRON) Residents of a San Rafael apartment complex desperately leaped from balconies into a creek to avoid a raging fire that had fully engulfed the building Thursday morning, according to officials. As of noon, authorities said two people remain missing. Emergency crews responded at 5:36 a.m. to the three-story, 19-unit apartment complex at 516 Canal Street. Two neighboring apartment complexes were evacuated as a precaution as firefighters attacked the intense flames. The fire was considered contained by 7 a.m., officials said. The American Red Cross is responding to assist approximately 55 residents who have been displaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a news conference at noon, SRPD Sgt. Justin Graham said that two people remain missing. No further details on the missing people were released. We are actively working to locate at least two individuals that are currently missing from this incident, Graham said. An apartment complex is fully engulfed in flames in San Rafael, Calif., on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (KRON4) (KRON4) (KRON4) Eight residents were injured in the fire, according to San Rafael Fire Department Chief Robert Sinnott. One person was hospitalized with serious injuries. Three others were treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released. The others were treated at the scene. No firefighters were injured in the response. We were getting information that residents were trapped and that they were jumping from the back of the apartment complex into the San Rafael Creek, Graham said. Several officers went back and assisted with those people and getting them to safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resident who sustained serious injuries is one of the people who jumped from the apartment, officials said. As of noon, the victim was listed in stable condition, Sinnott said. Craig Ponsford, a neighbor to the affected complex, told KRON4 he heard screaming coming from the fire shortly after 5:30 a.m. before running to help douse the flames. Lots of screaming happening, Ponsford said. We looked out our window and the whole canal was glowing. People were telling people to jump. All 19 units of the apartment complex were destroyed in the fire. The city has opened the Albert J. Boro Community Center, located at 50 Canal Street, for displaced residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of San Rafael said it is working with Canal Alliance to coordinate donations to those affected. Monetary donations and gift cards are the most helpful forms of support at this time, a news release from the city said. Physical gift cards and cash donations may be dropped off at Canal Alliance at 91 Larkspur St. in San Rafael. Officials are advising against donating physical items at this time. The public is asked to avoid the area of Francisco Boulevard East between Harbor Street, Hoag Street, Canal Street and Medway Road as crews remain at the scene to monitor hot spots. San Rafael police will hold a news conference Friday afternoon to provide the latest update on the fires aftermath. 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 KRON4. BLOOMING GROVE TWP., PIKE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) State police are searching for a driver involved in a road rage incident who allegedly fired multiple shots at a tractor-trailer. According to Pennsylvania State Police, on August 21, around 1:20 a.m., troopers received a report of a road rage incident on Interstate 84 Eastbound. The driver of a tractor-trailer said they were traveling in a construction zone on I-84 near a gray Toyota Matrix when the car passed the tractor-trailer operator in the left lane while firing three gunshots in the air, PSP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 18 banned from Pennsylvania casinos, gambling Troopers stated the suspect then continued to fire three to four shots directly at the tractor-trailer before exiting I-84 at the Matamoras exit. No one was injured during the incident. The suspects car is described as having a bike rack and damage to the passenger side of the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Blooming Grove. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A judge in Texas denied, on Wednesday, Elon Musks request to dismiss a class action lawsuit against him and his political action committee brought by a group of voters who participated in his $1-million-a-day giveaway leading up to the 2024 election. Over the last few months, lawyers for Musk and America PAC have sought to get rid of the lawsuit brought by voters in battleground states who claim they were defrauded when the tech mogul and his PAC misled them to believe that if they signed a petition and gave away personal information, they could randomly win $1 million. In reality, Musk and his PAC had pre-selected people to win the $1 million in exchange for a spokesperson contract meaning those who signed the petition had no chance of winning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While lawyers for Musk and the PAC argued that there were red flags in their petition announcement that should have tipped people off that they were unlikely to win $1 million, the Texas judge disagreed. The Court finds it is plausible that [the plaintiff] would rely on Musks assertion that $1 million would be given out randomly notwithstanding his or America PACs later statements, Judge Robert Pitman, appointed by former president Barack Obama, said in his order. Many people who signed the petition had no real chance of winning $1 million, the lawsuit alleges. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Pitman pointed to several misleading words that Musk and the PAC used to promote the petition program such as claiming they were awarding or giving away $1 million to those who signed, asserting that an individual won the money, and telling potential voters that all you need to do is sign up to have a daily chance of winning. Musk and America PAC will now have to face the lawsuit, filed in Texas, from the group of voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has asked America PAC for comment. Musk, the worlds wealthiest man, launched America PAC last year shortly before the 2024 presidential election to assist President Donald Trumps campaign. Soon after, they began promoting a program in battleground states where voters could sign a petition in favor of the Constitution under the guise that it submitted them into a pool of potential $1 million winners. Musk and America PAC were then accused of launching an illegal lottery scheme to influence voters ahead of the election. They denied the allegation, and clarified that winners had been pre-selected and were paid, contracted spokespeople. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in signing the petition, voters also turned over personal identifying information such as their address, cell phone number, and email address information that the plaintiffs claim was valuable in such states. The lead plaintiff in the case, an Arizona woman named Jacqueline McAferty, said in the complaint that she would have never turned over her personal information had she known she could not have actually won the $1 million. The ruling from Pitman is the latest blow to Musk as he navigates his influence in U.S. politics. After Trump won the election, Musk spent a brief amount of time serving as a senior adviser and helping start up the Department of Government Efficiency. But after a public falling out with the president, Musk has looked for other ways to use his wealth to influence politics. In July, Musk suggested he would start a new political party called the America Party to give voters a third-party option. However, it appears he is abandoning his party idea, with multiple reports suggesting Musk is now looking to throw his support behind other Republican candidates in 2028. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Elon Musk's X has reached a tentative settlement with former employees of the company then known as Twitter who'd sued for $500 million in severance pay. The parties disclosed the deal in a Wednesday court filing asking for a scheduled Sept. 17 hearing in the case to be postponed. The San Francisco federal appeals court on Thursday agreed to postpone the hearing so that both sides could finalize the settlement agreement. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed. The proposed class action lawsuit by former Twitter employees Courtney McMillan and Ronald Cooper, who said the company failed to pay them and other fired workers severance they were owed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk took over the social media platform in 2022 and let thousands of employees go, eliminating entire teams dedicated to trust and safety, human rights and making the site accessible to people with disabilities. Other lawsuits, including one filed by Twitter executives including former CEO Parag Agrawal, are still pending. The billionaire's approach to gutting Twitters workforce served as a template for his months-long leadership of President Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, as it cut tens of thousands of federal workers earlier this year. An email announcing a deferred resignation offer to federal workers, promising pay through September without having to work, was titled Fork in the Road, echoing a similar email Musk sent to the Twitter workforce in 2022. Musks drawn-out legal battles with more than 2,000 former Twitter workers were also a precursor to the court battles the Trump administration is now fighting over federal downsizing, though the circumstances are different. The directive was as clear as it was illegal, the police officers charged. Write more traffic tickets. Impound more cars. Bolster the finances of Lawrence Township, the suburban Mercer County community they patrolled. Six township cops questioned the alleged money-making scheme, which is banned under New Jersey law, according to allegations in a 2019 whistleblower lawsuit. So the department made their lives miserable, they claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, those officers have received settlements totaling $3 million. The final payouts, covered by the townships insurance, were finalized last month and mark a costly conclusion to a controversy that accused Lawrence of balancing its coffers on the backs of passing motorists. All six of my clients are pleased this matter is resolved, said Charles Sciarra, attorney for the officers, including some who have since retired. They all look forward to getting on with their lives. The township insisted there was no quota system, saying in legal filings the department merely sought to hold accountable officers who werent working as hard as others. Lawrence noted the Mercer County Prosecutors Office investigated the allegations but concluded there was insufficient evidence to support them. Traffic tickets are a major source of income for many police departments, but it is illegal in New Jersey to set quotas for officers, who arent supposed to be pulling over drivers merely because town hall needs the money. Yet the Lawrence cops alleged then-police Chief Brian Caloiaro ordered his department to do just that after municipal court revenue dipped by 28% in 2018, alarming township leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were required to write tickets and impound vehicles whenever possible, the suit in Superior Court claimed, with police on patrol told to issue at least three summonses and three tickets per shift. The department threatened those who didnt fall in line with discipline and poor performance evaluations, and even posted a shame list in the briefing room to ridicule those officers, the suit said. Officers who complained were subjected to bogus discipline, passed up for promotions, denied overtime opportunities or transferred to less attractive assignments, they claimed. Some ended up on a hit list of officers the department hoped to force out of their jobs, the suit said. The township continued to deny wrongdoing in the settlements, which were finalized in April for two officers and July for the rest. Township Manager Kevin Nerwinski, interim Police Chief Kevin Reading and Michael D. Jones, the lawyer who represented Lawrence and Caloiaro, did not respond to requests for comment. Caloiaro retired in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lions share of the payout went to former Officer Hector Nieves, who received $1.6 million, according to court records. Nieves was fired by the township after he was charged criminally in 2020 with entering a closed state park to covertly meet with a female police officer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also charged with misrepresenting his location to the departments dispatch system. Sciarra has called the case complete crap and retribution for his clients whistleblowing. Nieves paid a $1,000 fine after admitting only to a park ordinance violation. Under the settlement, Sgt. Andrew Lee, Officer Andres Mejia and retired Officer Marc Caponi each received $400,000. Retired Sgt. Scott Stein and retired Lt. Joseph Amodio each received $125,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their lawsuit charged the townships ticketing scheme was both intricate and costly to motorists pulled over by police. Those whose cars were impounded had to pay $300 to retrieve them, regardless of whether they were ultimately convicted in court. Those fees snowballed from there, but the township insisted not all of them flowed into its coffers. Towing costs added $160 to the bill. Drivers who were late in picking up their cars might see them moved to another lot, with even more charges tacked on. And then there was the ATM, the suit said. Because the police department only accepted cash or money orders, motorists were often directed to a machine inside the building, which carried a fee to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And because that ATM had a limit of $200 per transaction, those drivers had to pay that fee twice though the township said the money went to the ATM company. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Riley Yates may be reached at ryates@njadvancemedia.com. New Brunswick and state officials are facing heated questions from residents and family members about transparency and accountability after a 68-year-old woman was shot and killed by police earlier this month. Deborah Terrell was killed by New Brunswick police on Aug. 8 when they responded to a 911 call that a resident was walking around with a knife. Terrell was known by community members to have a mental disability, and theyre asking why werent mental health providers sent to co-respond with the police. The Attorney Generals office, which investigates all police-involved shootings, said the police officers first communicated with Terrell through the closed door. Then, police claimed she came into the hallway with a knife. Police then used pepper spray and a taser, and then one officer shot her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Attorney Generals office said the officers provided first aid and took her to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. However, bystander video shows how quickly the encounter happened and the few chaotic seconds in which one of the officers trips and falls into the other cops. The video raised questions among some community members about whether this commotion, rather than Terrells actions, prompted officers to pepper spray, tase, and shoot her. WARNING: This video includes scenes of fatal violence. You call the cops to help you out and then theres a problem, said Linda McCalla, Terrells sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community members packed New Brunswick city hall Thursday with signs and pictures, as they asked local officials during the public comment portion of the meeting to release more info. The New Jersey Attorney Generals declined to give a recent update. Sources close to the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the investigation was substantially completed and that additional details and body camera footage would be released. Hours before the gathering, Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, D-Middlesex, released a statement on social media saying he was taken aback by the shooting. Like many, I was shocked to learn her life ended during a police-involved shooting in New Brunswick, Danielsen said. Deborah Terrell was a lifelong resident of New Brunswick, a mother and a sister. I cant begin to imagine the pain Ms. Terrells family and friends are feeling right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents had a right to answers, Danielsen said. I strongly believe the law and justice demand that the process be allowed to run its full course before we come to any conclusions, he said. I also suggest that our community continue to demand answers using a thorough process and without unnecessary delays. To better assist police officers who respond to mental health calls, New Jersey launched the ARRIVE Together program in 2021 and it has since been made available in more than 200 towns. The program pairs a crisis intervention trained officer with a crisis screener to provide on-scene assistance to those experiencing a mental health or behavioral health emergency. The program is meant to reduce the use of force in encounters between law enforcement and people with mental illness or substance use disorder. The Attorney Generals office and city officials would not say whether or not a request for mental health professionals was put in, but a representative for the ARRIVE Together of Middlesex County did say the program responds in New Brunswick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zayid Muhammad, an activist with New Jersey Communities for Accountable Policing asked why the program wasnt used in this instance. Why cant four professionally trained armed men detain a 120 pound 68-year-old woman without killing her? Why wasnt Attorney General [Matthew] Platkins highly touted ARRIVE Together unit available, and why hasnt Middlesex County put in and made an effort to build out a community-led crisis response team after being designated a county able to develop such a pilot? The meeting started with council members giving condolences for the killing. Those in attendance found little consolation in the words. Some constituents asked the council why police and mayoral leadership was absent from the room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know, replied city council president John Anderson. The exchange was one of many heated interactions with constituents that defined the night. The council meeting was switched from City Hall to a municipal court venue, where increased security and a metal detector was present, a detail that wasnt lost on residents as they criticized the council in unison. During the public meeting, some went inside and continued to protest outside, with some expressing anger at not being let in and given the chance to speak. Chants of ask them echoed in the public meeting chambers when city council members mentioned the shooting was being investigated by the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its out of local hands, said city council president John Anderson. Two council members, Petra Gaskins and Glenn Fleming, agreed to a resolution asking the Attorney Generals office to release the videos and names of the police officers involved, but Anderson declined to take it up even after other council members agreed to do so. The city attorney, T.K. Shamy, interrupted the attempt and asserted that the resolution could not compel the state to release evidence. Dupre McCalla, Terrells nephew, said during the public comment session that he was distraught by the news of the shooting. My aunt, she had disabilities, but you cant spell the word disability without the word ability, and my aunt had great abilities, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minister Archange Antoine of the Clergy Coalition for Liberation called for the city to set up a fund to pay for the funeral expenses for the families of those killed by the police. Linda McCalla, Terrells sister, said the city and the states response left her and other family members in the dark. Its hard, she said. Its just hard. Jelani Gibson may be reached at jgibson@njadvancemedia.com. NEED TO KNOW New York City Mayor Eric Adams has worked closely with supporter Winnie Greco since he was elected as Brooklyn borough president in 2013 In the years since, she has supported and worked for the mayor, including his latest re-election campaign At a Wednesday, Aug. 20 event, she allegedly bribed a journalist with a potato chip bag stuffed with cash A close advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams was suspended from his re-election campaign after she allegedly gave a journalist a potato chip bag stuffed with cash. Winnie Greco allegedly gave Katie Honan, a journalist at The City, a potato chip bag stuffed with cash, on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at an event in Harlem, per the outlet and The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greco previously worked as the mayors former director of Asian affairs at City Hall. She returned to Adams side to volunteer for his second term campaign. After the event, Greco and Honan walked to a nearby Whole Foods, where Greco allegedly handed her a bag of chips. Once they separated, Honan, who hoped she was receiving a note or tip, opened the bag to discover a red envelope with over $100 inside. I looked and I go, Oh my God, its money, Honan recalled for NYT. She then called Greco, who informed Honan she had left the area, and Honan was unable to return it to Greco. The City then reported the incident to the NYC Department of Investigation. Federal prosecutors then contacted the newspapers lawyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet reached out to Greco about the incident, who then said shed made a mistake and repeatedly apologized. I make a mistake, she said. Im so sorry. Its a culture thing. I dont know. I dont understand. Im so sorry. I feel so bad right now. Im so sorry, honey. Greco called the outlet and said, Can we forget about this? I try to be a good person. Please. Please. Please dont do in the news nothing about me. I just wanted to be her friend, Greco added. I just wanted to have one good friend. Its nothing. Corbis via Getty Winnie Greco and Mayor Eric Adams on August 12, 2023 in New York. Winnie Greco and Mayor Eric Adams on August 12, 2023 in New York. Her attorney, Steven Brill, acknowledged in a statement to the outlet that this looks strange, but claimed Grecos intent was purely innocent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude," Brill said. "Winnie is apologetic and embarrassed by any negative impression or confusion this may have caused. We are shocked by these reports, Adamss campaign spokesman, Todd Shapiro, said. Winnie Greco holds no position in this campaign and has been suspended from all volunteer campaign related activities." Shapiro added that Adams has always demanded the highest ethical and legal standards. Grecos alleged recent actions follow the reports that the FBI searched her Bronx home in February 2024 due to her possible ties to Chinese government interference in the 2021 mayoral race. She later resigned from Adams administration in October 2024. She began volunteering for Adams when he was elected Brooklyn borough president in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her departure followed Adams indictment on five criminal counts relating to his alleged ties with foreign businessmen and a Turkish official who sought to influence his decision-making. Her alleged actions come days before Adams associates and supporters will face corruption charges, per NYT. 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. Representatives for Greco, Adams, the NYC Department of Investigation, and the U.S. Attorneys office for the Eastern District of New York did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Wednesday. Read the original article on People Is Nashville getting closer to a deal to bring NASCAR to the Fairgrounds Speedway? For now, it appears conversations are ongoing at least judging from brief statements from Bristol Motor Speedway and Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnells office shared with The Tennessean on Aug. 21. Jerry Caldwell the president of Bristol Motor Speedway, owned by Speedway Motorsports, Inc. told The Tennessean only that the company has had conversations with the mayors office for quite a while now, which he said continue to be positive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had good conversations and continue to be hopeful that we can come together on something that can be beneficial for Nashville as a whole, Caldwell said. The mayor's office shared only that no deal exists at the moment. There is no deal at this time, and there is no announcement planned or scheduled, mayors office spokesperson Julie Smith told The Tennessean. Jasper Hendricks, the chair of the Metro Board of Fair Commissioners, told The Tennessean that hes expecting more meetings about the speedway site in the coming days and weeks but otherwise said he didnt have any further solid information to share about an imminent announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just know theres been some conversations and continuing negotiating, because its been on the table for a couple of years and its about time, Hendricks said. Ive been pushing that we address it because we have to be responsible for the peoples money thats being spent. The last couple of meetings, Ive been asking about updates and whether or not we can move forward, do we need to think of another plan. Rumblings about the speedway have certainly picked up steam, at least. A new coalition on Aug. 20 called on the mayor to put the speedways fate to a vote, with the backing of several neighborhood groups, District 17 Nashville Council Member Terry Vo and organizations like the Cumberland River Compact and Civic Design Center. And NASCAR star Chase Elliott has said he supports bringing a Cup race to the fairgrounds. Its a familiar pattern in the conversation about the racetrack, which has persisted for years. The last major development was former Mayor John Coopers 2021 announcement with Bristol Motor Speedway officials to bring a NASCAR Cup Series race back to a renovated Fairgrounds Speedway. That agreement hasn't materialized. In the years since, other redevelopment proposals have emerged and supporters and opponents of a NASCAR deal have clashed over the renovation plans. Coalition wants affordable housing, green space The new coalition opposing the speedway renovation, called Restore Our Fairgrounds, says its endorsing common-sense priorities for the speedway site based on public opinion research, as well as state and local land use and environmental and housing studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crucially, that would mean no NASCAR. Instead, the group says that it wants the site repurposed as a regional park with affordable housing. The coalition also wants redevelopment on the site to focus on cleaning up the adjacent Browns Creek, rather than racing. To pursue any of those changes, theyd first have to get on a ballot. Thats because demolition on the fairgrounds site is restricted in Metro charter and would require an amendment. Getting one on a ballot would take either a petition signed by at least 10% of all registered voters in Davidson County or a Metro Nashville Council resolution adopted by two-thirds of the 40-member body. If either of those efforts were successful, the earliest a referendum could end up on the ballot would be in 2026. Chase Elliott: Just give NASCAR a chance NASCAR driver Chase Elliott has gone on record before as a proponent of moving a Cup race to the Fairgrounds Speedway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did so again on Aug. 19, when he spoke with The Tennessean about the state of the Bristol Motor Speedway proposal. Elliott even called the Fairgrounds track the coolest short track in America, and maybe even in the world. I just think that NASCAR was really built on short track racing and oval racing, and that showcases who we are and what we do and what our discipline is the best, Elliott said. So when I look at the fairgrounds Im like, man, you have this facility right here and it is an oval, it is a short track, and it just so happens to be one of the most fun Ive ever raced on. Elliott said he doesnt want to see the track become a parking lot, though opponents of the renovation have instead called for turning it into some combination of green space and affordable housing. Instead, Elliott has a proposal: One fair shot on a Saturday night NASCAR Cup race in the middle of the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And hell, invite everybody who lives around there and give them a free ticket to bring their family, whatever, and come hang out, Elliott said. Just give NASCAR a chance. Just one night. I think theyd have a lot of fun. Austin Hornbostel is the Metro reporter for The Tennessean. Have a question about local government you want an answer to? Reach him at ahornbostel@tennessean.com. Get Davidson County news delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Is NASCAR coming to Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway? What we know so far NEED TO KNOW Nash Grier's mother-in-law, Nikki Giavasis, was reported missing in Florida on Aug. 19, a day after she was last seen On Aug. 20, police told PEOPLE she was found safe She is described as standing at 5'3, with tattoos of "angel wings with the names Mal and Noa on arm." Nash Grier's mother-in-law, Nikki Giavasis, has been found safe a day after she was reported missing, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., police told PEOPLE on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Police said she was reported missing on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an Instagram post shared earlier on Wednesday, Grier's wife, Taylor Giavasis, shared a photo of her mother, along with details about her to assist authorities in their search, on Instagram. Taylor later deleted the post. " MISSING PERSON ," the caption began. Nikki is described as standing at 5'3, with tattoos of "angel wings with the names Mal and Noa on arm." According to the Instagram post, she was last seen on Monday, Aug. 18, at 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She was reported missing on Tuesday, Aug. 19, and was found a day later. "Nikkis family is urgently seeking any information regarding her whereabouts. If you have seen Nikki or know anything about her location, please contact 911 immediately or call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at (954) 828-5700," the caption concluded. Grier, 27, has yet to comment on his mother-in-law's disappearance. However, Taylor shared some details with TMZ, telling the outlet that her mother was last seen at a Fort Lauderdale hotel and told her over the phone she was heading to an AirBnB. Nikki never arrived and her phone was later shut off, Taylor told TMZ. Taylor Giavasis/Instagram Mother of Nash Grier's wife Taylor Giavasis, Nikki Giavasis, is reported missing. Mother of Nash Grier's wife Taylor Giavasis, Nikki Giavasis, is reported missing. Grier rose to fame for posting comedic and lifestyle videos on the now-defunct Vine, a video-sharing app that allowed users to publish six-second videos. He and his brother, Hayes Grier, were a part of Magcon in the late 2010s. Magcon, which stands for "meet and greet convention," was deemed a boy-band phenomenon without the band." 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 former Vine star wed Taylor, 28, in 2024 after nearly a decade of dating. The couple got engaged in March 2019, confirming the news on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She said yes," the content creator captioned a photo of his then-fiancee holding up her engagement ring to the camera. The pair share son Malakai, 6, and daughter Noa, 3. Read the original article on People Nassau County girl facing felony charges in middle school cyberbullying case Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper announced the arrest of a 13-year-old middle school student Tuesday following a cyberbullying investigation involving serious threats. The child has been charged with two felonies: electronic threats to kill and aggravated stalking. The investigation began on August 1, when deputies responded to a juvenile victims home after the childs parent discovered alarming, life-threatening posts on TikTok directed at their child, according to the sheriff. No matter your age, threats of this nature come with serious consequences, Sheriff Bill Leeper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The threatening TikTok posts appeared to belong to a former Yulee Middle School student, displaying both the students profile picture and the YMS logo. Because of the threatening posts, NCSO and YMS received numerous calls from concerned parents who said they planned to keep their children home on the first day of school. YMS School Resource Officer arranged a meeting with the student initially believed to be responsible for the TikTok account and their parents. During that meeting, the parents explained they had parental controls in place to prevent their child from downloading or using social media apps. They also reported the account to TikTok, which was subsequently removed. However, the next day a second account was created using the same childs name and likeness without their permission, the sheriff said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] On Aug. 13, SROs received a tip identifying a possible suspect behind the fake account. Investigators interviewed the suspect. A forensic search of the 13-year-olds phone revealed the profile picture and other images linked to the TikTok account in question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only did this child make disturbing threats, but she did so using the identity of another student, whose reputation was unfairly damaged in the process, Sheriff Leeper said. Let this serve as a reminder for parents to closely monitor their childs activity on any device. The girl was booked into the Nassau County Jail & Detention Center on Tuesday. [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. Key Points A draft document on President Trump's desk recommends an initiative that would include emphasizing the dangers of substances like THC. To a degree, this counters recent legislative attempts at essentially legalizing marijuana. 10 stocks we like better than Curaleaf Investors weren't getting much of a buzz from American cannabis stock Curaleaf's (OTC: CURLF) on the second trading day of the week. In late-session action, the shares had lost more than 3% of their value, on discouraging news about one man who can make a powerful push toward legalization if he chooses to do so. The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC), meanwhile, at that point was down by only 0.7%. Proposals on the table President Donald Trump is reviewing a draft document detailing recommendations on promoting health in American youth, several media outlets reported that day. Among the suggestions is that the U.S. Surgeon General "will launch an education and awareness initiative on the impact of alcohol, controlled substances, vaping, and THC on children's health." Image source: Getty Images. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gets users high. The language suggests that such an initiative would focus on the risks and potentially harmful effects of these substances. As current legislative efforts to reschedule marijuana are focused on a "rescheduling" of the drug that would make it de facto legal throughout the U.S., this document feels like a step in the opposite direction. It is currently unknown if Trump has conducted his review. He has not yet commented on it. Getting Trumped? Although the president has leaned toward marijuana legalization, recently he has indicated a desire to leave it up to individual states to decide, rather than enact reform on the federal level. This would basically maintain the status quo, which is a patchwork of states that have enacted some degree of legalization, mixed with a handful that have kept the drug fully illegal. This won't help the cannabis industry, which in my view can only improve significantly with de facto legalization, in addition to reform that allows it to directly access basic financial services. Should you buy stock in Curaleaf right now? Before you buy stock in Curaleaf, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Curaleaf wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $671,466!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,115,633!* WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Just shy of one week since President Donald Trump ordered a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department, the National Guard gave an update on some enforcement efforts and addressed an incident that involved a civilian earlier this week. In a press release, the Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTC-DC) said 2,000 soldiers and airmen were mobilized as of 7 a.m. on day 11, Aug. 21. Many of them came from outside states, including West Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee. Trump to patrol DC streets with police and military Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials also addressed an incident that happened on Wednesday morning, involving a D.C. National Guard truck and a car in Southeast D.C. At around 7:48 a.m., a National Guard member and a civilian reportedly collided at the intersection of 8th Street and N. Carolina Avenue. A five-vehicle convoy and a D.C. police cruiser stopped and helped the civilian, who was taken to the hospital. In the press release, the National Guard said one of its members had run a red light and has since been ticketed. Authorities noted that the National Guard and the task force are continuing to cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate. Luckily, the person who was hit was not seriously hurt and was treated for minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news release, officials said the mobilization would continue until law and order is restored. In addition to routine presence patrolling, the National Guard said it assisted Amtrak police and U.S. Park Police at the Smithsonian Metro Station last week. Earlier this week, the National Guard sent members to metro stations to support the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). In particular, guards were deployed to the following stations: Foggy Bottom Smithsonian Eastern Market Stadium Armory Waterfront McPherson Square LEnfant Plaza Gallery Place Metro Center NoMa-Gallaudet U Officials emphasized that the goal of their mobilization is to restore a safe environment. All personnel, they noted, are operating under applicable laws and regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ward 8 neighbors push for more police presence, encourage National Guard help As of Thursday, guard members had been staying at locations throughout the District and contracted local vendors to provide meals for officials. This initiative enhances service members health and performance, while also fostering community engagement and strengthening partnerships with local businesses, the press release read. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Democratic voters loathe partisan redistricting, but support California doing it to counter Texas, according to a new national poll on Gavin Newsoms high-stakes gerrymander. The POLITICO-UC Berkeley Citrin Center survey conducted by TrueDot found that 70 percent of Democrats believe gerrymandering is never acceptable. But a strong majority of Democratic voters across the country think California Democrats should fight back and create more favorable House districts if Texas Republicans do, embracing the exact idea likely to go before California voters. The real divide isn't about whether its fair, said Jon Cohen, founder and CEO of TrueDot. The real divide is whether to fight fire with fire or hold the line on principle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results presage a deeply partisan referendum on political power in the Trump era as the redistricting wars unfold. Democratic officials from former President Barack Obama to the partys congressional leaders have united behind Californias bid to draw a map that imperils a half-dozen House GOP incumbents in next years midterm elections, saying they must respond in kind after President Donald Trump pushed Texas to boost Republicans and maintain the House majority. As Texas Republicans move this week to craft new districts, Californias Democratic-dominated Legislature is expected to vote today to put a map that would help Democrats flip House seats on a Nov. 4 special election ballot for voter approval. Newsom has advanced the plan in concert with national Democrats and party luminaries, calling it a bulwark against Trump seizing more power. Obama lauded Californias gambit as a responsible approach during a Tuesday fundraiser at Marthas Vineyard. On Wednesday, Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin joined Newsom, New Jersey Sen. Corey Booker and Democratic Texas Rep. Nicole Collier on a call rallying support for Californias ballot measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isn't just about California, Martin said, calling the initiative a national moment for Democrats to show up for all voters. Majorities of Democratic and Republican voters consider gerrymandering generally unacceptable but Democrats and those who voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris were five times as likely as their Republican counterparts to say California Democrats should match Texas Republicans. That breakdown aligns with Newsom and allies campaign strategy as they try to energize their base and persuade left-leaning voters in the state to suspend the work of a popular independent commission through the 2030 cycle. The campaign is already presenting the initiative as disempowered Democrats best chance to retake the House and thwart Trumps agenda. Voters often start out against changes like California is proposing in the abstract, said Citrin Center co-director David Broockman. But they are persuadable, he said, particularly when elected officials they support present changes as necessary to counter political opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they hear more from their side about why those changes are necessary or urgent, and they hear from political leaders they trust, you see that start to change, Broockman said. I have no doubt that in the months to come voters in California will hear more and more messages about why this is important for the Democratic Party and we will see support increase from there. Other polls suggest it will not be easy. A prior POLITICO-Citrin-Possibility Lab poll found California voters resoundingly did not want to see redistricting power shifted from the states independent commission to lawmakers. (The proposed ballot initiative would not do away with the commissions work entirely but would replace the lines it crafted until 2031.) An internal July survey from Newsom pollster David Binder found the concept drawing slender majority support. A later Binder survey publicized this week showed support had risen among voters who were told that the measure would be temporary and only triggered by Texas acting. This study was fielded Aug. 19-20 among an online sample of 1,177 registered voters nationwide by TrueDot.ai, an artificial intelligence-accelerated research platform. Respondents were sourced from Verasight's nationally representative voter verified panel. No data was inferred or modeled. Results were weighted by age, gender, race, education, and geography using the 2024 Current Population Study November Supplement and past vote preference based on 2024 presidential vote counts by Census region. The modeled margin-of-error for the full sample is +/- 2.9 percent. As NATO defence ministers met during a virtual get-together, Russia said it had to be part of any discussion on security guarantees for Ukraine and downplayed the likelihood of an imminent summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, tempering hopes for a quick peace deal. NATO military chiefs held a virtual summit on security guarantees for Ukraine Wednesday, the latest in a flurry of global diplomacy aimed at brokering an end to the nearly three-and-a-half year conflict. "On #Ukraine, we confirmed our support. Priority continues to be a just, credible and durable peace," the chair of the alliance's military committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, wrote on X after the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier warned that "seriously discussing security guarantees without the Russian Federation is a utopia, a road to nowhere". Moscow signed the Budapest Memorandum in 1994, which was aimed at ensuring security for Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan in exchange for them giving up numerous nuclear weapons left from the Soviet era. But Russia violated that first by taking Crimea in 2014, and then by starting a full-scale offensive in 2022, which has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes. On Tuesday, top US officer Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held talks with European military chiefs on the "best options for a potential Ukraine peace deal", a US defence official told French press agency AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, in eastern Ukraine, far from the diplomatic deliberations, Russian forces claimed fresh advances on the ground and Ukrainian officials reported more deaths from Russian attacks. Diplomatic flurry US President Donald Trump brought Zelensky and European leaders to the White House on Monday, three days after his landmark encounter with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Russia's long-serving foreign minister downplayed the meeting in Washington, describing it as a "clumsy" attempt to change the US president's position on Ukraine. Trump, long a fierce critic of the billions of dollars in US support to Ukraine, earlier said European nations were "willing to put people on the ground" to secure any settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He ruled out sending US troops but suggested the country might provide air support. Russia has long said it will never tolerate the presence of any Western troops in Ukraine. While Trump said Putin had agreed to meet Zelensky and accept some Western security guarantees for Ukraine, Russia has not confirmed this. Lavrov also cast doubt on an imminent meeting, saying that any summit between Putin and Zelensky "must be prepared in the most meticulous way" so it does not lead to a "deterioration" of the situation surrounding the conflict. Did NATO's expansion drive Vladimir Putin to war? Fresh Russian strikes Russia's defence ministry said on Telegram on Wednesday that its troops had captured the villages of Sukhetske and Pankivka in the embattled Donetsk region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are near a section of the front where the Russian army broke through Ukrainian defences last week, between the logistics hub of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka. In the eastern Kharkiv region, the prosecutor's office said a Russian drone strike on a civilian vehicle had killed two people, aged 70 and 71. Russian glide bombs hit housing in the eastern Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka overnight, trapping as many as four people under rubble, said the town's military administration chief Sergiy Gorbunov. And Russian aerial attacks on the northeastern town of Okhtyrka in the Sumy region wounded at least 14 people, including three children, according to regional governor Oleg Grygorov. Zelensky said these latest strikes showed "the need to put pressure on Moscow", including through sanctions. (With newswires) The NATO Chiefs of Defense reaffirmed support for Ukraine in a virtual meeting Wednesday in Brussels that included all 32 allied military leaders and featured the first briefing in this format led by U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the new Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine attended the meeting virtually, along with Grynkewich, who also leads U.S. European Command, U.S. officials confirmed to Fox News on Tuesday. NATO officials said in a statement that the "candid discussion" centered on what security guarantees the alliance might provide Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement to end Russias three-year war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Col. Martin ODonnell, spokesperson for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, wrote on X that "the Supreme Allied Commander was honored to brief the Chiefs of Defense, his first in such a format. As he has said before, these are consequential times.'" Joint Chiefs, Nato Counterparts To Discuss Ukraine Security Guarantees After Trump Suggests Us Air Support NATO military leaders meet during a virtual session with all 32 allied defense chiefs on Wednesday. "NATO has faced important times before and these have only made our Alliance stronger. As we work through these important issues, we will all stay informed, engaged, and united in the defense of the Euro-Atlantic region and with NATO's ongoing support to Ukraine as progress towards peace continues," he added. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chair of NATOs Military Committee also praised the discussions, writing on X that it was a "great, candid discussion among NATO Chiefs of Defence" and an "excellent update on the security environment from our new SACEUR, his first with us." The chair added that the meeting confirmed support for Ukraine, emphasizing the alliances focus on a "just, credible and durable peace" and praising the "relentless courage" of Ukrainian forces. European 'Coalition Of The Willing' Forms United Front As Trump Pushes Putin-zelenskyy Summit NATO Chiefs of Defense meet Wednesday in a virtual session. Nato Scrambles Warplanes As Russia Hits Near Romanian Border In Ukraine According to the Associated Press, assurances that Ukraine wont face another invasion are seen as central to any settlement, with Kyiv pressing for Western-backed military commitments, including weapons and training. European allies are working on options for a multinational security force that could backstop a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday's virtual session unfolded against the backdrop of President Donald Trumps push to steer Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toward a settlement. Trump met with Putin last Friday in Alaska and hosted Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on Monday. The reaffirmations come a day after Caine convened a smaller meeting in Washington with defense chiefs from Germany, the U.K., France, Finland and Italy to prepare for Wednesday's broader NATO discussions. NATO military leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine in a virtual meeting with 32 allied chiefs on Wednesday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized NATO discussions on Ukraines security conducted without Moscows involvement, warning that "this will not work" and vowing Russia would "ensure its legitimate interests firmly and harshly," RIA Novosti reported, according to AP. The White House did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: NATO defense chiefs stress commitment to Ukraine, discuss security guarantees during virtual summit Top U.S. and European defense officials spent much of this week privately discussing possible military options in Ukraine that would bolster the Eastern European countrys protections against Russia as part of a broader peace agreement. But the alliances top military officials appeared to emerge without a concrete proposal -- at least not one they were willing to discuss publicly. Gen. Dan Caine, President Donald Trumps top military adviser and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, invited several of his European counterparts to dinner at his home at Fort Myer in Virginia on Tuesday evening. The discussion continued Wednesday online with a briefing by Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the top U.S. commander in Europe, who also serves as head of NATO forces, officials said. The talks were aimed at providing military options that Trump and other political leaders in the NATO alliance could use to guarantee Ukraines security as part of a peace deal between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy has aggressively sought security guarantees from the alliance to ensure Russia would not attack again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Chiefs of Defense developed military options to support negotiations to bring a lasting peace to Europe," said Joseph Holstead, a Joint Staff spokesperson. "These options will be presented to each nations respective national security advisors for appropriate consideration in ongoing diplomatic efforts. Planning and communication will continue as negotiations evolve." MORE: Trump's met with Putin and Zelenskyy. What's next for Russia-Ukraine peace talks? United Kingdom officials have said previously that Great Britain and France are prepared to lead a multinational force in Ukraine, but it was not clear how many troops would be involved, from which countries, or what exactly the troops would do. Win McNamee/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and other European leaders at the White House on Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. On Tuesday, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the possibility of NATO-backed security guarantees as a breakthrough, noting that the U.S. was now working at pace with 30 or so other countries, which he called a coalition of the willing, to help Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These guarantees will ensure that if there is a peace, if there is a deal, then we hold to it and there isn't further conflict, Starmer said in a video post on X. Likewise, Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, said the security guarantees will ultimately help achieve any ceasefire in the three-year war. "If you bring in good security guarantees, this allows Zelenskyy some options as well to work with Putin so he can settle this conflict, and I think w'ere on a path to do that," Kellogg told Fox Business on Tuesday. But along with any commitment of troops, details on these possible security guarantees remained elusive Wednesday, as several officials said the discussions were still in the early stages and would need to become part of a broader political discussion going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to one person familiar with the discussions, NATO troops sent to Ukraine would be focused primarily on training Ukrainian troops, not participating in military operations against Russian forces. Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, told ABC News Live on Wednesday it was unlikely that NATO would cobble together a security agreement that would be acceptable to both Ukraine and the Europeans and to Russia. What you may get is a ceasefire, perhaps even an armistice, a more formal ceasefire that would require NATO security or European security guarantees to Ukraine to ensure that Russia does not restart the war, Daalder continued. MORE: NATO aircraft scrambled amid overnight Russian drone strikes on Ukraine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagons top policy official, Elbridge Colby, told allies at the Tuesday night meeting that the U.S. plans to play a minimal role in any Ukraine security guarantees, Politico reported. In a statement, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson confirmed Colby's attendance, saying he was there to relay guidance from the president and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. "At the event, Under Secretary Colby focused on ensuring the discussion reflected President Trumps statements on the matter, particularly emphasizing President Trumps remarks earlier in the day," she said. NATO officials struck an optimistic tone Wednesday following meetings with their counterparts, while avoiding discussing specifics. NATO has faced important times before, said Col. Martin L. ODonnell, a spokesperson for Grynkewich and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, in a statement following the meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And these have only made our Alliance Stronger, he added. Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO military committee, said members confirmed their support for Ukraine during the meeting Wednesday. The priority continues to be a just, credible and durable peace, he wrote. For his part, Trump has said only that he wont send ground troops and suggested the U.S. could help with air assets. President Trump has been clear that the U.S. will not be sending boots on the ground, but may be willing to help in other ways, a White House official told reporters on Wednesday. Beyond that, is it not in the national interest to negotiate these issues in public, the official added. -ABC News Aicha Elhammar and Luis Martinez contributed to this report. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A U.S. Navy sailor stationed at Naval Base San Diego who agreed to sell Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer for $12,000 was convicted Wednesday. Jinchao Wei, 25, was found guilty of six crimes, including conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and unlawful export of, and conspiracy to export, technical data related to defense articles in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the United States Department of Justice said in a news release. He was found not guilty of one count of naturalization fraud. According to evidence presented at trial, Wei, in his role as a machinists mate, held a U.S. security clearance and had access to sensitive national defense information about the ships weapons, propulsion and desalination systems, the DOJ said. Amphibious assault ships like the Essex resemble small aircraft carriers and allow the U.S. military to project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the U.S. Navys amphibious readiness and expeditionary strike capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lilac Road Bridge: The story behind San Diego Countys iconic arch bridge On Feb. 14, 2022, Wei was recruited on social media by a Chinese intelligence who portrayed himself as a naval enthusiast working for the state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, A little over a week later, Wei told a friend who was also in the U.S. Navy he was in contact with an individual who was extremely suspicious and thought that he was on the radar of a China intelligence organization. The next day, Wei communicated with the intelligence officer through a different encrypted messaging application that he believed was more secure and began spying for the intelligence officer, per the DOJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between March 2022 and when Wei was arrested on espionage charges as he arrived for work on the amphibious assault ship U.S.S. Essex at Naval Base San Diego in August 2023, Wei sent photographs and videos of the Essex, advised the officer of the location of various Navy ships and described the defensive weapons of the Essex at the request of the intelligence officer, the evidence revealed. Wei received more than $12,000 over 18 months in exchange for the information. Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1 at 9 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said Thursday that he doesnt expect President Trump to extend the timeline on doubling tariffs on India as a penalty for buying Russian oil beyond next week. Trump is set to hit India on Aug. 27 with a 50 percent tariff, which includes a 25 percent penalty for the oil purchases that Trump has argued are helping fuel Moscows war efforts in Ukraine. I see that taking place. India doesnt appear to want to recognize its role in the bloodshed. It simply doesnt, Navarro told reporters at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont need oil its a refining profiteering scheme, he added. I love India. Look, [President Narendra] Modi is a great leader. But please, please India, like, look at what is, what your role here is in the global economy and good here. Its like, what youre doing right now is not creating peace, its perpetuating the war. Navarro outlined that India will be hit with 25 percent because they cheat us on trade and 25 percent because of the oil purchases. The top trade adviser wrote in an op-ed in the Financial Times earlier this month that Indias dependence on Russian crude is opportunistic and deeply corrosive of the worlds efforts to isolate Putins war economy. Trump is in the midst of setting up a bilateral meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to talk face-to-face about ending the war. But, Russia is sending signals that it intends to slow-walk a deal on Ukraine and tamping down any progress made at a summit at the White House earlier this week where Trump met with seven European leaders and Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 21 (UPI) -- A Navy pilot was rescued after ejecting from a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet off the coast of Virginia. The pilot was conducting a training routine flight at around 10 a.m. EDT Wedenesday morning at the Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach. Search teams found and rescued the pilot at around 11:12 a.m., Navy spokesperson Lt. Jackie Parashar said. The Navy confirmed the Coast Guard brought the pilot to the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital but provided no further details about his condition, a spokesperson for Sentara, Dale Gauding, confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The F/A-18E has not been retrieved from the water and the cause of the crash is still under investigation. This follows the events of multiple crashes involving Hampton Roads-based Navy Fighter Jets as this marks the sixth F-18 that the Navy has been lost in the last 10 months. In April, an F/A-18E fighter rolled off the side of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft and sank to the bottom of the Red Sea. Roughly a week later, another F/A-18 Super Hornet fell off the deck and into the Red Sea. The F/A-18E Super Hornet jet costs the Navy around $67 million. NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, Va. (WAVY) A Navy pilot is recovering after ejecting from an F/A-18E Super Hornet off the coast of Virginia. Lt. Jackie Parashar, a public affairs officer for Naval Air Force Atlantic, confirmed to Nexstars WAVY that the mishap took place just before 10 a.m. EDT on Wednesday. The pilot, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, was conducting a routine training flight at the time, the Navy said. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va. The pilot ejected and the plane crashed into the water. The Navy has not indicated yet what led to the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Search and rescue crews responded and located the pilot at 11:21 a.m. Dale Gauding, a spokesperson for Sentara, confirmed the Coast Guard brought a Navy pilot to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Wednesday. The F/A-18E remained in the water as of publishing time. The Navy said the cause of the mishap is under investigation. This is the latest in a series of crashes involving Hampton Roads-based Navy fighter jets. In May, an F/A-18F Super Hornet was lost in the Red Sea after it went over the Norfolk, Va.-based USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier during an attempted landing and crashed into the sea. Both pilots ejected. About a week earlier, another fighter jet, an F/A-18E, also fell from the Truman into the Red Sea while sailors were towing the aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, another Hornet assigned to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 out of Naval Air Station Oceana, was shot down during an apparent friendly fire incident. That jet also took off from the Truman. According to Naval Air Systems Command, the F/A-18E Super Hornet costs around $67 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 The Hill. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles announced the addition of 40 new driver license examiner positions that will help address long lines and wait times throughout the state. Audit: Staffing shortages and outdated pay scales to blame for NC DMV woes NCDMV is actively recruiting for these roles. To accelerate hiring, NCDMV will be participating in recruitment events across the state in the coming weeks, providing opportunities for candidates to explore these roles and apply directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upcoming Career Fairs: Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. 1 p.m. (1830-B Tillery Place, Raleigh) Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. 2 p.m. (2301 West Meadowview Road, Greensboro) Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. 2 p.m. (1515 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount) Aug. 21 11 a.m. 2 p.m. (8629 J.M. Keyes Driver, Charlotte) Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. 4 p.m. (87 Haywood Street, Asheville) 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 Queen City News. Key Points Uranium spot prices are on the rise again after a sharp turn lower in June. Uranium Energy stock dropped on no significant news today. The uranium mining stock is unprofitable and subject to sharp changes in sentiment, with or without news behind them. 10 stocks we like better than Uranium Energy Uranium Energy (NYSEMKT: UEC) stock tumbled 10.5% through 2:20 p.m. ET Tuesday on no obvious bad news. Actually, the opposite is true: the latest news for uranium stocks (and presumably for Uranium Energy stock) looks pretty good. According to OilPrice.com, "uranium prices and nuclear equities are surging as tight supply, underbuilt production pipelines, and policy-driven nuclear revival create a structural supply deficit." All of this means uranium prices -- and uranium stocks, too -- should be going higher. Image source: Getty Images. Uranium prices remain strong Indeed, uranium prices already are going higher. Since hitting a recent high near $80 back in June, uranium prices per pound dropped in July, but then resumed growing. At last report, the atomic fuel's price had passed $73. Of course, this may be part of the problem. The spot market price of mined uranium is common knowledge, as is President Trump's support for the nuclear industry in the U.S. All of this contributes to price strength in uranium. It's also helped drive up the share price of Uranium Energy stock more than 100% over the past year. Is Uranium Energy stock a buy? And why is this a problem? Not to put too fine a point on it, it's a problem because Uranium Energy stock isn't currently profitable to support its higher stock price. To the contrary, losses of $0.07 per share are expected to more than double to $0.18 this year, and analysts polled by S&P Global Market Intelligence don't think Uranium Energy stock will turn profitable again before 2027 at the earliest. Until Uranium Energy begins producing consistent profits, investors should expect its stock to remain volatile, going up or down abruptly on good and bad news -- and sometimes on no news at all. Should you invest $1,000 in Uranium Energy right now? Before you buy stock in Uranium Energy, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Uranium Energy wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $671,466!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,115,633!* During another Russian large-scale attack on the night of 20-21 August, almost 50 Russian drones were intercepted and destroyed over Kyiv Oblast with the help of interceptor UAVs. Source: Mykola Kalashnyk, Head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration Quote: "Air defenders from the Clean Sky project intercepted nearly 50 enemy drones last night. I thank our defenders for their excellent work and for keeping the cities and villages of Kyiv Oblast safe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Kalashnyk said that the air-raid warning in Kyiv Oblast lasted more than seven hours. No strikes on critical or residential infrastructure were recorded, and there were no civilian casualties. Background: The Clean Sky project was launched in spring 2025 in Kyiv Oblast in response to Russias tactic of large-scale kamikaze drone attacks. Defenders use interceptor drones to destroy UAVs in the air before they can injure civilians or damage infrastructure. In May, Kalashnyk announced the formation of new teams and the training of additional interceptor operators. He also noted that the project was already expanding beyond Kyiv Oblast to other parts of Ukraine. On 18 August, Kalashnyk stated that nearly 900 drones had been intercepted since the start of the initiative. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher of Lincoln talks to reporters after the first meeting of the School Financing Review Commission. Aug. 12, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher says he will no longer mount a 2026 campaign for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Maher, 63, announced his decision Thursday, citing family and professional obligations. He had announced his campaign July 10. But this week, he said now is not the right time for him to pursue an elected office. He said running was pulling him away from his role in the Nebraska Department of Education and that time away from family is non-negotiable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not a politician Im a lifelong educator who wants to make a difference, Maher said in a statement. The simple reality is that I underestimated the amount of time and attention running a campaign would take. The District 1 and District 5 boundaries for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in Lancaster County. (Courtesy of Legislative Research Office) The District 1 seat on the NU Board of Regents includes most of Lancaster County and Lincoln, as well as surrounding Emerald, Malcolm, Agnew, Raymond and Davey. In addition to Maher, Lincoln entrepreneur Brent Comstock, 30, had thrown his hat into the 2026 race. NU Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln, a regent since 2009, and a registered Republican, does not plan to seek reelection. Maher is a registered Republican in the officially nonpartisan race. Comstock is a registered nonpartisan. Maher had pledged to continue faithfully serving as commissioner throughout the 2026 campaign but, if elected, planned to step down. Laser focus on education issues The state Education Department is undergoing a long-term planning process likely to cover the next five years. It comes as a result of about a dozen forums held statewide earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State education leaders are also working to dole out more than $80 million in state, private and federal funding to improve literacy in Nebraska. Addressing chronic student absenteeism, school staffing vacancies and workforce development are also key department goals. Maher, as education commissioner, chairs the new School Financing Review Commission, a legislatively created advisory body meant to help the Legislature review and possibly revamp how Nebraska funds its 245 public school districts, including how property taxes fit into the equation. My campaign for regent was distracting to the education issues that demand my laser focus, Maher said. Maher is a native of Hooper with a 40-year career in education that includes being a teacher at Elkhorn and Clarks Public Schools; a school administrator at Waverly, Elkhorn and Johnson-Brock Public Schools; superintendent of Kearney and Centennial Public Schools in Nebraska, as well as the Sioux Falls School District in South Dakota; and as CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents (the Nebraska equivalent of NU president), where he served from 2020 to 2023 before returning to Nebraska. State Board of Education member Elizabeth Tegtmeier of North Platte, board president. Aug. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) In a brief call with the Nebraska Examiner on Thursday, Maher said the honor of being the education commissioner will have my full attention, other than that which I give to my family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I truly plan to really just focus on being the commissioner and really make sure that the confidence that the board has placed in me was not misplaced, he said of whats next. Maher became Nebraskas commissioner of education in 2023 on a 5-3 vote for an initial three-year contract. The State Board of Education, an officially nonpartisan board evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, voted unanimously in June to extend his contract to July 2027. State Board of Education support All eight members of the state board had endorsed Mahers campaign for regent. Board members Elizabeth Tegtmeier of North Platte and Deb Neary of Omaha, chair and vice chair of the State Board of Education, said Thursday they fully support Mahers decision. Tegtmeier is a registered Republican. Neary is a registered Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am relieved that he is going to be staying with the Department of Education, selfishly, Neary said Thursday. State Board of Education member Deb Neary, vice president of the board. Aug. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Neary said she trusted Mahers instincts when he decided to run and trusts that he knows the implications of his change of heart and is charting the right path now. Tegtmeier said she supports Mahers decision to invest in and spend time with his family and noted the Education Department has many undertakings. The board doesnt want to lose Maher, she said, adding that progress has come, in part, because of his leadership and personality. While Im disappointed, because I think hed made a great one [regent], I also support it, Tegtmeier said. Great success Brent Comstock of Lincoln, a 2026 candidate for District 1 on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. (Courtesy of Comstock campaign) Comstock said Thursday he spoke with Maher on his decision, where he thanked Maher for the time and decision he put into his regent campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes dedicated his life to educating young Nebraskans, and I know we have a shared interest in seeing the university and our entire state succeed, Comstock told the Examiner. Maher thanked his wife Peg, family, friends and countless Nebraskans who had lent support to his campaign. He asked for understanding for a deeply personal decision that was not the outcome you all envisioned when we launched this campaign. As we move forward, I remain committed to the students and families of Nebraska, Maher said Thursday. It is an honor to be the commissioner of education in Nebraska, and together, I look forward to helping Nebraska students achieve great success! SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen meets with troops at the southern border in Texas. (Courtesy of the Governor's Office) LINCOLN The media spectacle of Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen unveiling plans for a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in the southwestern part of the state follows a political playbook from the Trump administration. President Donald Trumps Department of Homeland Security touted the new facility, saying it would help ICE agents remove the worst of the worst despite the governor and state agency heads explaining it would house only low-level and medium-risk immigration-related detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking inside McCooks Ben Nelson Regional Airport as protesters gathered outside, Pillen said he was proud to be a part of Trumps Team in an effort to make sure we keep our community safe. He pointed to a previous arrest of an MS-13 kingpin in Omaha as a justification for the ICE partnership. This stuff hits close to home and hits every corner of this state and country, Pillen repeated in a Wednesday evening post on X. Governments most important job is to keep us safe. Dona-Gene Barton, a political science professor who studies political behavior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said it was no surprise Nebraska would want to join Trumps expansion of ICE detention efforts as the agency tries to meet its goal of increasing deportations. This is a Republican governor showing support for a Republican presidents agenda, Barton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, throughout his 2024 presidential campaign, promised voters what he called the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History, after the Biden administration saw illegal border crossings spike at the end of 2023 but start decreasing last year. ICE is poised to become the highest-funded federal law enforcement agency because of the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill that pays for much of Trumps domestic agenda. Roughly $45 billion in the law was set aside to build, rent and staff new centers to detain immigrants, like the one Nebraska plans to operate for ICE at the state prison systems McCook Work Ethic Camp. Other funding would be allocated toward hiring 10,000 ICE officers within five years, providing retention bonuses, covering the transportation of immigrants, upgrading ICE facilities, detaining families and hiring ICE immigration lawyers for enforcement and removal proceedings in immigration court. Using Nebraskas McCook facility, a medium-security prison, is part of a detention expansion strategy aimed at reviving dormant prisons, repurposing military bases and securing partnerships with private prison contractors, local sheriffs and GOP governors to house a record number of detainees, The Washington Post reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nationwide ICE expansions come as recent polling suggests a majority of Americans now disapprove of Trumps handling of immigration, though most Republicans still support it. Recent polling indicates a shift in peoples attitudes from last year, when more Americans supported less immigration and stricter immigration enforcement. The state also experienced an ICE raid on Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha earlier this year, which sparked protests in the states largest city and in Lincoln. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Several local Democrats, advocacy groups, and everyday Nebraskans have raised concerns about the federally dubbed Cornhusker Clink, calling it a harmful, dangerous and rapid expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nebraska Democratic Party said the facility is yet another bend the knee moment by top Republicans in Nebraska. It said Republicans promised to go after criminals but instead locked up hardworking people who contribute to the states agricultural economy. State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, a Democrat in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, told the Examiner he had questions about whether the facility would require the state to provide funding and whether an ICE detention center is needed in the state. For [Pillen] to be showing off to the federal administration in this way just seems out of touch with everyday Nebraskans, Dungan said. All of it is because we have an administration thats failed to actually deal with any kind of real immigration reform. Most Republican state senators reached by the Examiner have said they are on board with the new effort in Nebraska. State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City, a conservative who has carried bills Trump sought, including efforts to change how Nebraska counts its Electoral College votes for president, said he fully supports the McCook facility as Nebraskans in service to a safer America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, often a conservative swing vote in the Legislature, told the Examiner, If Nebraska has the capacity to help out, I dont think that we should resist as long as its a good and fair and legal process. The Nebraska Republican Party said the announcement demonstrates the seriousness of the crisis and the need for leadership that prioritizes Nebraska families. Pillens office said any backlash to this initiative is politically motivated. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen posing with President Donald Trump in the White House Oval Office. April 30, 2025. (Courtesy of Gov. Jim Pillen) Its simple. Those who are opposed to Nebraska doing its fair share in securing our nations border want to relive the failed Biden-era open-border policies, said Laura Strimple, a Pillen spokeswoman. Nebraskans spoke loud and clear last November and demanded order at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barton, the UNL professor, said the tough talk on immigration from Pillen and Homeland Security follow a similar political playbook to ones used by Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis when it came to Alligator Alcatraz, the Florida-run immigration detention facility in the Everglades. The issue is this rhetoric doesnt match reality, Barton said. This rhetoric doesnt even match what Governor Pillen has said about the facility being used to house low to medium security risks. Nebraska officials said the facility will be the Midwestern hub for ICE detentions. Pillen, during his Tuesday press conference at McCook, said the center could hold migrants from nearby states. Neighboring Colorado, led by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, has recently pushed back against helping ICE with immigration enforcement. The Work Ethic Camp in McCook would be converted to house up to 300 migrants. The state prison was designed to house up to 200 people. Floridas Alligator Alcatraz was designed to house 3,000 and could accommodate up to 5,000. Indianas new ICE facility, which the feds nicknamed the Speedway Slammer, is expected to hold up to 1,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the Nebraska facilitys name, it appears to be part of a broader PR strategy by the White House to use visuals that aim to persuade migrants without legal status to leave the country, while also signaling that the administration will not tolerate resistance. Homeland Security, for instance, posted an AI-generated photo of a cornfield with ICE hats with a caption of Coming Soon: The Cornhusker Clink next to a corn emoji. The names of the immigration detention facilities and online memes surrounding them are aimed at gaining media attention and riling up a part of the GOP base that supports Trumps approach to immigration enforcement, Barton said. Barton said the Nebraska facilitys small capacity shows it is largely symbolic, meant to demonstrate support for Trumps approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not only a way to show support for Donald Trumps agenda, but show the electorate that these detention centers are going to be throughout the United States, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday announced the approval of a plan to capture Gaza City, but also held out the prospect of new negotiations on a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. During a visit to soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stationed in the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu said: "I came here to approve the IDF plans for taking control of Gaza City and defeating Hamas." "In parallel, I instructed to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and the end of the war, on conditions that are acceptable for Israel," he added, saying the strategies go "hand in hand." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas on a fresh ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful and were recently interrupted. However, the international mediators - the United States, Qatar and Egypt - are endeavouring to resume contacts. According to media reports, Netanyahu wanted to approve operational plans for the capture of Gaza City at a security meeting with Defence Minister Israel Katz and military officials. Earlier this month, the Security Cabinet authorized the capture of Gaza City - the largest city in the territory - and the evacuation of the population to the south. Hamas said on Monday that it had given the mediators a "positive response" to a new ceasefire proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan is reportedly an adapted version of a previously negotiated proposal by US special envoy Steve Witkoff. It envisages a 60-day ceasefire during which 10 living hostages would be released in return for Palestinian prisoners. There are still a total of 50 hostages in Gaza, around 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Israel has not yet sent an official response to the proposal. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he will give final approval for the takeover of Gaza City while also restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at returning all the remaining hostages and ending the war on Israel's terms. The wide-scale operation in Gaza City could start within days. Netanyahus approval was expected during a meeting with senior security officials late Thursday, but no decision was announced before midnight in Jerusalem. Hamas said earlier this week that it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators, which if accepted by Israel could forestall the offensive. The Israeli military has begun calling medical officials and international organizations in the northern Gaza Strip to encourage them to evacuate to the south ahead of the expanded operation. The military plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli strikes, meanwhile, killed at least 36 Palestinians Thursday across Gaza, according to local hospitals. A renewed offensive could bring even more casualties and displacement to the territory, where the war has already killed tens of thousands and where experts have warned of imminent famine. Many Israelis fear the operation could also doom the remaining 20 or so living hostages taken by Hamas-led militants in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. Gaza City operation could begin in days During a visit to the military's Gaza command in southern Israel, Netanyahu said he would approve the army's plans to retake Gaza City and had instructed officials to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all hostages "and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These two things defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages go hand in hand," he said. It appeared to mark Israel's first public response to the latest ceasefire proposal drawn up by Egypt and Qatar. Egyptian and Hamas officials say it is almost identical to an earlier one that Israel accepted before the talks stalled last month. The proposal would include the release of some of the hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, a pullback of Israeli forces and negotiations over a more lasting ceasefire. Israeli troops have already begun more limited operations in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood and the built-up Jabaliya refugee camp, areas where they have carried out several previous large-scale raids over the course of the war, only to see militants later regroup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military says it plans to operate in areas where ground troops have not yet entered and where it says Hamas still has military and governing capabilities. So far, there has been little sign of Palestinians fleeing en masse, as they did when Israel carried out an earlier offensive in Gaza City in the opening weeks of the war. The military says it controls around 75% of Gaza, and residents say nowhere in the territory feels safe. Protests in Israel and Gaza Hundreds gathered Thursday for a rare protest in Gaza City against the war and Israel's plans to support the mass relocation of Palestinians to other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women and children held placards reading Save Gaza and Stop the war, stop the savage attack, save us, against a backdrop of destroyed buildings as Palestinian music played. Unlike in previous protests, there were no expressions of opposition to Hamas. We want the war on Gaza to stop. We dont want to migrate. Twenty-two months its enough. Enough death. Enough destruction, said Bisan Ghazal, a woman displaced from Gaza City. In Israel, protesters marched Thursday night in Tel Aviv holding banners that read The people will bring back the hostages and How much blood will be spilled? Among the demonstrators was Dudu Dotan, who said Netanyahu is endangering the remaining hostages by moving forward with the planned Gaza City offensive. Of the 50 still being held in Gaza, Israel believes about 20 hostages are still alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This way will not bring the hostages back, Dotan said. "Every hostage he brought back, he brought back through deals. And every time he tried to bring them back with military force, he caused the hostages to be killed. Plans for widening the offensive have also sparked international outrage, with many of Israel's closest Western allies but not the United States calling on it to end the war. Dozens killed across Gaza At least 36 Palestinians were killed Thursday by Israeli fire across the Gaza Strip, including 14 who were seeking humanitarian aid, according to local hospitals. The military says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas because it operates in densely populated areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military said it killed several armed militants in the Morag Corridor, a military zone where people seeking aid have repeatedly come under fire in recent weeks, according to witnesses and health officials. Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza had earlier reported that six people were killed in that area while seeking aid on Thursday. It was not possible to reconcile the two accounts. The Media Freedom Coalition, which promotes press freedoms worldwide, called Thursday for Israel to allow independent foreign news organizations access to Gaza. Aside from rare guided tours, Israel has barred international media during the war, in which at least 184 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed. Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war, said a statement signed by 27 of the coalition's member countries. Israeli strikes destroy evacuated tent camp Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli airstrikes also destroyed a tent camp in Deir al-Balah, the only city in Gaza that has been relatively unscathed in the war and where many have sought refuge. Residents said the Israeli military warned them to flee shortly before the strikes set the camp ablaze, and there were no reports of casualties. Families, many with children, could later be seen sifting through the ashes for the belongings they had managed to take with them during earlier evacuations. Mohammad Kahlout, who had been displaced from northern Gaza, said they were given just five minutes to gather what they could and evacuate. We are civilians, not terrorists. What did we do, and what did our children do, to be displaced again?" The Gaza Health Ministry said Thursday that at least 62,192 Palestinians have been killed in the war. Another two people have died from malnutrition-related causes, bringing the total number of such deaths to 271, including 112 children, the Health Ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. It does not say whether those killed by Israeli fire are civilians or combatants, but it says around half were women and children. 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. 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. ___ Abou Aljoud reported from Beirut, and Lidman reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press Writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed from Tokyo. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war An illustrative photo of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with hostage posters in the background. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Netanyahu stated that in tandem, he directed "the immediate initiation of negotiations" for the release of all the hostages and ending the war in Gaza on Israel's terms. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he has approved the IDFs takeover plans for Gaza City, restarting hostage negotiations, and ending the war on Israels terms. We are at a decisive stage, he said while visiting the Gaza Division. I arrived today at the Gaza Division to approve the plans presented by the IDF to me and the defense minister for the takeover of Gaza City and the defeat of Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu said he had directed the immediate initiation of negotiations for the release of all the hostages and ending the war in Gaza on Israels terms. At this time, no Israeli delegation will leave for Doha or Qatar, he added. Netanyahu said he greatly appreciated the mobilization of reservists and regular forces. These two objectives defeating Hamas and securing the release of all our hostages go hand in hand, he said. Netanyahu was impressed with the plans presented to him at the Gaza Division, a political source told The Jerusalem Post. The plans are solid, the source said. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a debrief in Khan Yunis, August 21, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and senior defense officials on Thursday presented plans for the capture of Gaza City to Defense Minister Israel Katz and Netanyahu. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also took part in the discussion. Zamir: War goals include releasing hostages, defeating Hamas Zamir spoke to the Kfir Brigade and Armored Corps units in Khan Yunis ahead of the security cabinets meeting to discuss the upcoming Gaza City operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are advancing with efforts for the operation in Gaza City, he said. Even now, we already have forces operating on the outskirts of the city, and additional forces will join them later. Our missions remain the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas, he added. We will not rest, and we will not stop until we achieve them. Accomplishing these goals is essential for our future and our values as a society. Zamir conducted the debriefing at the site where Hamas terrorists ambushed soldiers on Wednesday. He expressed his appreciation for the soldiers who fought and killed most of the terrorists. He also instructed the commanders to continue investigating the incident and drawing lessons from the event. We have delivered a severe blow to Hamas, Zamir said. From the terrorist army we experienced [during the] October 7 [massacre], it has become a guerrilla organization. We will continue to strike Hamas everywhere [and] pursue them as long as needed and wherever needed. Katz: Opening the gates of hell "Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas's murderers and rapists in Gaza - until they agree to Israel's conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and their disarmament," Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on X/Twitter. "If they do not agree - Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun. Exactly as I promised - so it shall be." WARSAW (Reuters) -The Netherlands will send two Patriot air defence systems and around 300 personnel to protect a hub for military aid to Ukraine in NATO ally Poland, the Polish defence minister said on Thursday. Earlier this week, a Russian-made drone crashed into a field in eastern Poland, heightening concern in Poland about airspace violations during the war in neighbouring Ukraine. "Due to the ongoing events in Ukraine, the ongoing conflict, and Poland's role in logistically securing the transfer to Ukraine (...), the Netherlands has declared support for systems securing our airspace and air defence systems," Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told a news conference, welcoming the Dutch decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Netherlands said on Wednesday that the Patriot systems would be deployed from December 1 to June 1 next year. The military drone fell into a cornfield in eastern Poland overnight on Tuesday, scorching crops, shattering windows in nearby homes and adding to tensions during intensified efforts to end the war in Ukraine. A prosecutor said on Thursday that the drone most likely came from the direction of Belarus, a close ally of Moscow that has backed Russia's war in Ukraine. (Reporting by Alan Charlish;Editing by Helen Popper) HONOLULU (KHON2) Starting Wednesday, Aug. 20, reduced-cost neuter and spay services will be available for Oahu pet owners through the Hawaiian Humane Society. Services provided through the two City-funded programs aim to humanely prevent animal overpopulation. Hawaiian Humane Society cares for dog seen in social media abuse video These programs represent our ongoing commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable community for both pets and people, said Anna Neubauer, president and CEO of Hawaiian Humane Society President. Neuter Now Qualifying low-income pet owners can redeem $20 certificates at participating clinics for services that typically cost as much as $200. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents receiving government assistance, including Medicaid and EBT/Kokua cardholders, can purchase up to 10 certificates annually. Each Neuter Now certificate includes pre-surgery examination, anesthesia, surgery and stitch removal. Additional service fees, such as vaccination updates, may be charged. The Hawaiian Humane Society encourages applicants to ask about potential extra costs when scheduling appointments. Appointments can be scheduled with the following Neuter Now clinics: Blue Cross Animal Hospital: (808) 593-2532. Cat-Bird Vet Mobile Hospital: (808) 551-7289 (cats only). Hawaiian Humanes Ginny Tiu Community Spay/Neuter Center: (808) 356-2255. Kapolei Pet Hospital: (808) 462-8040. Oahu SPCA: (808) 754-1519. Feline Fix Stray cats who are trapped can receive waived spay and neuter services, as well as ear notching and microchipping. Certificate purchase is not required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cats are returned to the areas where they were trapped after the service, shared the Hawaiian Humane Society. Appointments can be scheduled with the following Feline Fix clinics: Cat-Bird Vet Mobile Hospital: (808) 623-5466 CatFriends: (808) 226-4561 Hawaii Pets Veterinary Clinic: (808) 888-0866 Hawaiian Humane Society: (808) 356-2255 Oahu SPCA: (808) 754-1519 Check out more news from around Hawaii Were grateful for the Citys continued support in funding these vital services that address pet overpopulation while supporting families who want to provide responsible care for their animal companions, Neubauer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information and applications on each program, visit the Neuter Now and Feline Fix website pages. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. (The Center Square) Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford announced recently that the state filed a civil lawsuit against a social media app for the alleged harm it does to kids. The lawsuit says MediaLab.Ai and its social media messaging app, Kik, are detrimental to children because of the platform's anonymous nature. On Kik, people can talk to others anonymously without authenticating their identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit states the app positioned itself as an app built for a teenage audience, with people not having to provide a phone number or email address to message on this app, the lawsuit notes. After launching, Kik estimated that 40% of American teenagers used the platform, the lawsuit says. Ford argued Kik became a haven for child predators due to the anonymous nature of the accounts. Nevadas legal case claims Kik was aware of the potential problem kids may face on its platform, but it did nothing to protect them. When MediaLab.Ai bought the social media in 2019, it also did not do anything to protect children from the harms that were rampant on the Kik platform, the lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawsuit, Kik says it is no longer a platform for teenagers by saying users need to be 18 or older. However, the lawsuit claims the social media app is not doing anything to check the ages of its users, which is implicitly courting a teenage audience. Defendants still fail to educate the public as to the dangers inherent to the Kik platform, and still allow children to be subject to harm on their platform, the lawsuit says. The defendants in the case carefully created the impression that Kik was a safe platform where minors were unlikely to experience significant harm and where their safety was an important priority, the lawsuit says. Despite this, it adds that this representation was material, false and misleading. The lawsuit claims Kik is violating the Nevada Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which prohibits misleading business practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiks anonymity feature and low barrier to entry, among other things, harm Nevadas youth, Ford said. "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, he added. This lawsuit is not the first time Ford has brought legal action against a social media app. In June, Ford filed a lawsuit against YouTube and its parent companies, Google LLC and Alphabet Inc. Additionally, Ford brought legal action against TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and Facebook Messenger last year, according to a state government press release. Kenzi Sargeant doesnt know what a savings account is. What the Newark 4-year-old does know is that she wants to be a dentist and has to go to something called college to do that. So other people can have teeth as clean as mine, she said with a smile. Kenzi is one of 3,000 incoming kindergarten students in the states largest city whose savings for college is getting a head start, thanks to a joint program of the Newark Public Schools district, the Prudential Foundation, and others to open college savings accounts for each of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superintendent of Schools Roger Leon, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and representatives of Prudential announced the Newark Saves program Wednesday at the districts central office on Broad Street, along with Kenzi and a half dozen other members of the Class of 2038 and their families. Prudential headquartered in Newark since its founding in 1875 provided a $150,000 grant to fund the program, half of which will be used to open the accounts with an initial deposit of $25 each. The rest of the money will be used for what officials called incentives, or additional deposits in the accounts of families whose parents attend financial literacy classes, parent-teacher conferences, and other behaviors intended to boost their childs financial and educational outlook. At this point, the program is open only to Newarks traditional public schools, not charters, parochial or independent schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Money and education are both pressing issues in Newark, where the median household income of $48,416 in 2023 was just under half the New Jersey median, and 20.9% of people 25 and older had a 4-year college degree, compared to 43.8% statewide, according to Census figures. Kenzis mom, Shamika Thomas, is a single mother who works as a substitute teacher in Newark while pursuing her certification to teach full time. Her older daughter, Kylie, whos about to enter 4th grade, also looks forward to college. Im grateful that theres a program in the city thats willing to help me, as a single mom, find a way to help my daughters go to college, said Thomas. Knowing that theres a guaranteed way for one of them to go to school is very appreciated. Its a two-year program allowing members the Class of 2038 to open accounts this fall by Oct. 15, or in fall 2026 if they miss this years deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It hadnt been decided on Wednesday whether the program would be open to the Class of 2039 next year and to subsequent kindergarteners, said Jasmyne Beckford, a Prudential manager representing the company on Wednesday. More information on the program for interested families and potential contributors is available on its web site NewarkSaves.org. The accounts are what the IRS calls 529 plans, which offer special tax advantages that help families save for tuition at colleges and other educational institutions. Beckford said they would be opened at Invesco Bank with the involvement of Equitable Holdings, while the Newark non-profit FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development would provide financial literacy training for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In funding the program, Beckford said Prudential took its cue from Boston Financial, another large firm with deep roots in its host community, which this summer announced a similar college savings program known as Boston Saves. Leon pointed to the Newark class of 2025s 90% graduation rate and recent examples of students attending or accepted to Ivy League universities which he said demonstrated the potential for all district students to go on to higher education if they have the money. Our students have what it takes to gain admissions to top colleges and universities, Leon told the gathering. Today, we take a major step in addressing the challenge that not every student has the financial means to attend college though the launch of Newark Saves. Baraka thanked Leon, Prudential and others involved for conceiving and funding the program, which he said was in line with his administrations initiatives to alleviate poverty and other disadvantages for Newarks people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a home run by any definition, any way you look at it, said Baraka, who hoped that other local businesses would join Prudential. The Alamo Insurance Group already has. Alamo, a Secaucus-based company with offices and clientele in Newark, was represented at Wednesdays gathering by company founder Luis Alamo and vice president Raquel Cagley, a Newark native, to announce a $10,000 contribution to Newark Saves. State Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, emphasized the importance of saving for college and other goals. Ruiz, the senate majority leader, said that soon after her family arrived in Newark from Puerto Rico they opened a savings account on the advice of a local priest, which later helped them become one of the first Puerto Rican families to buy a home in the North Ward. Ruiz reminded attendees just how high college costs had been even when she was earning her bachelors degree in English at Drew University in the 1990s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My mom sent me to school my freshman year with $300 for books, Ruiz told the gathering. That paid for one book. Nobody knows Jersey better than N.J.com. Sign up to get breaking news alerts straight to your inbox. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com Key Points TJX beat forecasts for sales and earnings this morning and raised guidance through the end of the year. TJX's forecast is now ahead of analyst forecasts. TJX stock costs more than 30 times earnings -- earnings growing at only single-digit rates. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX), owner of retail brands including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, jumped 6.6% through 9:45 a.m. ET Wednesday after beating analyst forecasts for fiscal Q2 2026 earnings. Heading into the report, analysts forecast TJX would earn $1.01 per share on less than $14.2 billion in sales, but TJX reported $1.10 per share on sales of $14.4 billion. Image source: Getty Images. TJX Q2 earnings TJX grew same-store sales 4%. Factoring in sales from newer stores, total sales growth reached 7%. Earnings growth was twice as good as sales -- up 15% year over year. The company accelerated both sales and earnings growth between Q1 and Q2. H1 sales so far are up only 6%, and earnings 7%. CEO Ernie Herrman pronounced himself "extremely pleased" with the numbers, noting sales, profit margins, and earnings are all growing "above our plan," leading management to raise guidance. Is TJX stock a buy? Not all the news is good. While Herrman says, "The third quarter is off to a strong start," TJX is still only guiding for 2% to 3% same-store sales growth in Q3, and earnings will be only about $1.18 per share, up 3.5% year over year and below analysts' forecast for a $1.22 quarterly profit. On the plus side, TJX says earnings will grow 6% or 7% through the end of this fiscal year, to $4.52 to $4.57 per share, helped by better-than-expected profit margins. That's more than the $4.51 per share Wall Street forecast, and as much as an $0.18 improvement over previous guidance. Still, a value investor can wonder: Is 3% sales growth, or even 7% profit growth, enough to justify TJX's rich 31-times-earnings valuation? No. It is not. Dont miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then youll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a Double Down stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If youre worried youve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before its too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been on a posting spree on his MAGA-mocking X account, where hes poked fun at President Donald Trump by parodying the POTUS notorious all-cap posts. And now, Newsom has turned his sights to trolling MAGAs uproar over Cracker Barrels viral new rebranding. Related: Gavin Newsom Is Talking Like Trump And It's Infuriating The Right Earlier this week, the Southern country-themed U.S. restaurant chain unveiled its logo change for the first time in decades. While the old Cracker Barrel logo featured a pinto bean shape behind the Cracker Barrel name alongside an image of an old man and a barrel, the new logo is more simplistic, with just the name of the chain, complete with the original gold and brown color tones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move sparked a political frenzy, leaving MAGA figures fuming over the logo and aesthetic changes as they accused the restaurant chain of becoming woke. In an all-caps post Thursday on X, Newsoms @GovPressOffice account sarcastically popped off at Cracker Barrel to poke fun at his MAGA opponents. WHAT IS WRONG WITH CRACKER BARREL?? KEEP YOUR BEAUTIFUL LOGO!!!, the post read. THE NEW ONE LOOKS LIKE CHEAP VELVEETA CHEESE FROM WALMART, THE PLACE FOR GROCERIES (AN OLD FASHIONED TERM)!!! FIX IT ASAP! WOKE IS DEAD!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. GCN. Related: Keith Olbermann Goes Scorched Earth On 'Aggressively Stupid' Karoline Leavitt Cracker Barrel didnt immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Backlash from the MAGA crew wasnt the only thing Cracker Barrel was slapped with; the company also reportedly lost nearly $100 million in market value after its stock dipped Thursday following the new logo release. Cracker Barrel has been in the hot seat with the right wing in the past. In 2023, the restaurant chain, which has over 660 locations across 45 states in the United States, was criticized during Pride Month for celebrating its LGBTQ customers in posts on social media and on its website. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Newsom sends additional firefighting resources to San Diego, LA amid critical fire weather SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Governor Gavin Newsom has directed the California Governors Office of Emergency Services to deploy additional firefighting resources to San Diego and Los Angeles counties in response to Red Flag Warnings and critical fire weather conditions. The FOX 5/KUSI video above explains how to prepare for a wildfire emergency The move comes as part of a broader strategy to combat wildfire threats fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions expected through Sunday. It follows earlier resource deployments this week to Los Angeles, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Bernardino counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, the Governors Office says state officials have mobilized 47 fire engines, nine water tenders, nine bulldozers. five helicopters, 10 hand crews, 14 dispatchers, and two Incident Management Teams. The additional resources are now staged across over five counties, including San Diego, to ensure rapid response capabilities as wildfire risk intensifies. Newsom predeploys firefighting resources to San Diego, LA Officials say predeploying assets has been a key factor in Californias wildfire risk response strategyoften stopping small fires from becoming major disasters. With several days of extreme temperatures in the forecast for much of California, were taking action now to deploy resources throughout the state, Newsom stated earlier this week. And with our new CalHeatScore tool, all Californians can assess the risk to their health down to their zip code in real-time. Check the forecast and make preparations now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As temperatures soar and winds increase, officials are reminding residents across the Golden State to stay alert and prepare for potential evacuations. They recommend the following: Stay alert this 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. After speaking out on last weeks approved National Grid rate hikes, Niagara County Legislator Chris McKimmie is calling for the resignation of all members of the Public Service Commission. I continue to believe that Governor Hochul and her unrealistic climate goals are the root cause of these rate hikes that will hit New Yorks working families, he said in a release issued by Niagara County. Yet, when I publicly said so, Governor Hochuls spokesman directly contradicted that and said that Hochul is opposed to these increases and has no control over the PSC, McKimmie said this week. He also pointed out that Hochul appoints all PSC commissioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So either the governor is letting the commissioners take the heat for a rate increase her policies caused or the PSC has gone rogue and is acting without any accountability, McKimmie said. If the latter is the case, the governor should join me in demanding the resignation of all PSC commissioners and she should nominate new commissioners who understand the importance of maintaining affordable electricity for New York residents. McKimmie said in 2023, Hochul replaced two commissioners who were opposed to rate increases to fund climate goals John Howard and Diane Burman with two commissioners who backed the National Grid rate hikes. National Grid lobbied for the increased rates because it said additional revenue was needed to replace aging infrastructure and to prepare for higher demand from the use of electric vehicles and electric heating, Ken Lovett, Hochuls senior communications advisor on energy and environment, said last week. In February, months before the state Public Service Commission authorized the rate hikes, McKimmie sponsored a resolution that was unanimously endorsed, encouraging the commission to reject the utility companys rate hike proposal while calling on Hochul to join county lawmakers in voicing opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochul did go on record with the PSC as opposing National Grids rate hike plan and also voiced opposition in public comments in recent months. After the PSC announced what it said was the approval of a dramatically reduced rate hike plan from what National Grid originally proposed, Hochul said the commissions work still wasnt enough. I have been crystal clear that utilities must make ratepayer affordability the guidepost, Hochul said. Since taking office, my administration has prioritized energy affordability, particularly for our most vulnerable, and we need the power companies to take it seriously as well. That means at a time when worried New Yorkers are being forced to tighten their budgets, utilities must follow suit. This is no time for bonuses and big raises for executives, especially if they are going to be looking to raise rates on their customers. While the governor has been vocal in opposing the rate hikes in public, McKimmie said shes not quick to tell people that her office appointed nearly all of the members of the public service commission who ultimately voted to finalize the new rates announced on Thursday. It was her appointees who hammered ratepayers with this massive increase, he said last week. Judge Frank Caprio smiles as he concludes his morning session inside Municipal Court at the Providence Police Station in Rhode Island on Oct. 30, 2017.
Credit - Jessica RinaldiThe Boston Globe/Getty Images Less than a week ago, Frank Caprio posted what appeared to be a self-created inspirational poster that read: A life built on kindness is a life that echoes long after were gone. Caprio, dubbed the nicest judge in the world, died Wednesday at the age of 88, but it seems his message is sure to live on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rhode Island jurist passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family announced on social media. Caprio served as chief judge of the municipal court of Providence, Rhode Island, from 1985 to 2023. He is survived by his wife Joyce Caprio, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him, his family wrote. He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers, your thoughts, and your unwavering support for him throughout his journey, Caprios son David Caprio said in a video posted to TikTok. Your love lifted him in ways that words cannot describe. Many became acquainted with Caprio through clips of the Emmy-nominated courtroom reality TV series Caught in Providence that were shared on social media over the last decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The show, which was produced by Caprios brother Joe Caprio, initially aired in 2000, then returned to TV screens from 2015 to 2017. The series went into national syndication in 2018 and was renewed for a second season in 2019, but ended in 2023 when Caprio retired. After his retirement he was given the ceremonial title of Chief Judge Emeritus and his courtroom was renamed in his honor. Caprio was known for his compassion in the courtroom, as videos of him treating defendants with empathy and respect gained more than a billion views on social media and earned him the title of the nicest judge in the world. Caprios Instagram account and Facebook profile each amassed 3.4 million followers, while his TikTok had 1.6 million followers. Earlier this year, he published a book titled Compassion in the Court, outlining lessons hed learned from his life and career. Caprio, the son of an Italian immigrant who worked as a fruit peddler, once told his alma mater Suffolk Universitys law magazine, that he believed Caught in Providence resonated with people because, they feel that they are talked down to and scorned. In the 100,000 or so comments I have gotten from viewers around the world, the most common words are compassion, understanding, and fairness. I think we have given them a sense of hope through the decisions I make. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he leaned on the rule of common sense when considering leniency toward defendants and did not view verdicts that made the defendants life worse as justice. At times, Caprio would bring the children of defendants up to the bench. In one case, he asked a six-year-old girl to help him decide on the verdict for her mother who faced a $100 fine plus additional penalties amounting to a total of $300 for parking on the sidewalk. Caprio gave the defendants daughter four options: charge the full amount of the penalties, waive the penalties but keep the $100 fine, reduce the fine to $50, or waive the fine entirely. What would you do to be fair about this whole thing and how much would you charge? Caprio asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl chose the third option, but Caprio offered her another deal. She buys you breakfast when you leave and Ill dismiss [the case], is that a good deal? Ultimately, she agreed. I dont wear a badge under my robe, Caprio was known for saying. I wear a heart. While remembered for his time as a judge, Caprio also had a political career. He served on the Providence City Council from 1962 to 1968 and ran as a Democrat for Attorney General of Rhode Island in 1970 but lost to Republican Richard J. Israel. He served as a delegate for five Democratic National Conventions. In December 2023, Caprio announced he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, completing radiation treatment last year. On Aug. 19, Caprio shared in a video from a hospital bed that he had suffered a health setback. I ask you again, if its not too much, that you can remember me in your prayers, he said. Caprio died the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee posted on X. On a personal level, he was a friend who faced his illness with bravery, and I will miss him dearly. McKee ordered Rhode Island flags at all state agencies and buildings to be flown at half-mast in honor of Caprio. Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way, and people could not help but respond to his warmth and compassion, McKee continued. He was more than a juristhe was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity. Joe Shekarchi, Democratic speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, posted on X that Caprio was known everywhere for his compassion and good humor on the bench and was beloved by Rhode Islanders and worldwide fans of his show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Caprio utilized his position for the greater good and helped countless individuals who appeared before him to turn their lives around, Shekarchi said. His 88 years of service to Providence and the entire state have made Rhode Island a better place. Caprio shared an emotional message in a video posted to TikTok in March. Sometimes in life we take things for granted, he said. But you never know from one day to the next what life will bring. And so, enjoy what you have, be kind to people, take care of your families. Many supporters of Caprio have taken to social media to remember their favorite courtroom moments of the judge. Just to remind you all of the absolute legend Judge Frank Caprio was, he waived the fine for a 100 year old WW2 veteran's first speeding ticket. And there are MANY more cases of him being one of the nicest, realest, and most wholesome judges who gave people a break when they https://t.co/wBEFeRklxo pic.twitter.com/tRee4uS8G1 internet hall of fame (@InternetH0F) August 20, 2025 Viral judge Frank Caprio has passed away at 88. One of my favorite moment of him: pic.twitter.com/3Kd4x7R1m6 non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) August 20, 2025 Judge Frank Caprio, beloved for his kindness on Caught in Providence, has passed away at 88. Known as the nicest judge in the world Rest in piece King pic.twitter.com/T0ELWFPUBS Dudes Posting Their Ws (@DudespostingWs) August 20, 2025 Contact us at letters@time.com. ABUJA (Reuters) -Nigeria has deported 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud as part of a crackdown on foreign-led cybercrime networks, the country's anti-graft agency said on Thursday. Since the clampdown was launched on August 15 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in partnership with the immigration service, 102 people have now been deported, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said in a statement. The Tunisian and Chinese citizens were among nearly 200 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, during a raid targeting one of the largest cybercrime syndicates in the country, Oyewale said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last year, the EFCC arrested almost 800 people in a building in Lagos believed to be a hub for fraudsters who lured victims with offers of romance, then pressed them to hand over cash for phoney cryptocurrency investments. (Reporting by Camillus Eboh in Abuja; Writing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo;Editing by Helen Popper) The City of Palatka Police Department said it raided nine convenience stores on Wednesday after they sold illegal marijuana to undercover officers on multiple occasions. A notice was sent out to the community over social media Wednesday afternoon about multiple planned operations, which were conducted along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) sponsored HIDTA Tri-County Narcotics Task Force. The police department said multiple people were arrested as law enforcement conducted search warrants. Illegal marijuana, large amounts of cash and drug paraphernalia were seized. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] This investigation is part of our continued commitment to removing illegal drugs from our community and holding accountable those who choose to engage in criminal activity, said Palatka Police Chief Jason Shaw. We are grateful for the collaboration with FDLE and the HIDTA Task Force, whose partnership was instrumental in bringing this case to action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax is working to learn the names of the businesses, who was arrested, and what they are charged with. The police department said the investigation is ongoing and more charges could be added in the future. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is pleased to announce a major legal victory as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Judge Gleasons ruling in the Kuskokwim case, affirming that the Katie John decisions remain binding precedent. The courts opinion, released this morning, confirms that when Congress enacted Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), it intended to create a rural subsistence fishing priority in navigable waters on federal landsa principle established decades ago in the Katie John cases. The State of Alaska had argued that the subsistence priority should only apply to non-navigable waters, which would have significantly weakened protections for rural subsistence fishing, particularly for salmon. 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 In its ruling, the court found that the definition of public lands under Title I and Title VIII of ANILCA can differ, and that Congress had ratified the broader interpretation that includes navigable waters historically used for salmon fishingwaters that are essential for the subsistence practices of Alaska Native communities. This victory preserving the rural subsistence priority is a testament to our collective resilience and determination to protect our rights and culture for future generations, said Ana Hoffman, AFN Co-Chair. The opinion strongly reinforces the central role of salmon in subsistence life and affirms legal access to traditional fishing grounds. I want to thank AFNs leaders and members for intervening in this case, added Joe Nelson, AFN Co-Chair. This win is one of many more to come as we continue the endless work of protecting our way of life. The dual management compromise will continue testing us until we fix it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFN applauds the thorough work of the court and legal teams and emphasizes that this ruling is a critical step in safeguarding Alaska Natives access to essential subsistence resources. While the State of Alaska may still seek a rehearing or appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, AFN remains confident that the decision clearly supports Native rights and the preservation of cultural traditions. This ruling reaffirms the rural subsistence priority for fishing, as Congress intended, and underscores the importance of salmon to our culture and sustenance, said Ben Mallott, AFN President. We will continue to advocate for policies that protect our way of life and uphold our legal rights. AFN also extends its gratitude to the Kuskokwim River Intertribal Fish Commission, Association of Village Council Presidents, and Ahtna, Inc. for their steadfast commitment and collaboration in defending these vital rights. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net Nip/Tuck star Dylan Walsh and his family were involved in a serious car crash over the weekend in Rumson, New Jersey. The 61-year-old actor, who played Dr. Sean McNamara on the six-season medical drama, and four other passengers were reportedly heading northbound on a local street when the car suddenly swerved into the opposing lane before smashing into a utility pole, according to TMZ. Police told the publication that two people were taken to the hospital after complaining of pain at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear who required medical attention or who was driving the SUV, a 2022 Ford Explorer, but photos of the crash show the front of the car heavily damaged with the front airbags deployed. Over the weekend, Dylan Walsh and his family were involved in a car accident in Rumson. Thankfully, everyone is safe and has since returned home, Walshs representative told The Independent. Dylan Walsh (pictured in 2009) starred as Dr. Sean McNamara in the six-season medical drama (Getty Images) The family is deeply grateful for the swift response of the Rumson Police, Fire Department, and EMS, as well as the staff at Riverview Medical Center for their care, they added. They would also like to extend a special thank-you to the management and staff of The River Point Inn for their support in the immediate aftermath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has contacted the Rumson Police Department for comment. Per local news outlet Towns Of: Monmouth County, NJ, Walshs wife, Leslie Bourque, posted about the crash in a since-deleted Facebook post. It was our family who was involved in the car accident on River Road yesterday afternoon. We just want to thank everyone who took care of us in this scary time, Bourque reportedly wrote. 1st of all to the managers/staff at River Point Inn who immediately ran out to make sure we were ok and comfort our kids (literally one lady wrapped her arms around all of us letting us know it would be ok) bringing ice bags and the fancy Evian water bottle. She concluded with an update on the familys wellbeing, adding: We are a bit bruised from seatbelts, but grateful for them and air bags which saved our lives. We apologize for anyone who lost power or inconvenience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walsh and Bourque have been married since 2022 and share two children: daughter Amelie Bell, 13, and son Hudson Scott, 12. He also has two adult children, Thomas and Joanna, from his first marriage to Boogie Nights actor Melora Walters. The former pair were married from 1996 to 2003. He then married actor Joanna Going from 2014 to 2012, with whom he shares daughter Stella, 21. Walsh is best known for his leading role as Dr. Sean McNara alongside the late Julian McMahon in FXs Nip/Tuck, which aired from 2003 to 2010. Hes more recently starred in the CWs Superman and Lois as General Sam Lane and the police procedural Blue Bloods as Mayor Pete Chase. PLAINFIELD, N.J. (PIX11) A substitute teacher at a New Jersey academy has been accused of multiple crimes against minors, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. Tory James, 23, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and promoting obscene material to a child under 18 years of age. More Local News James, of Plainfield, is a substitute teacher at Queen City Academy Charter School and a mentor at the Queen City Mentoring Academy, a day camp for young men and women in Plainfield, according to Ciccone. He was arrested on Wednesday without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ciccone said the investigation is ongoing. Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, pictured in June at the Roundhouse, wont take New Mexico Republican lawmakers up on an invite to join a tour of the Otero County Processing Center in Southern New Mexico, where an average of 863 ICE detainees are currently held, according to a spokesperson. (Photo by Danielle Prokop / Source NM) Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams busy schedule Monday means she wont join Republican lawmakers on a tour of New Mexicos biggest immigration detention center, a spokesperson for the governor told Source New Mexico on Thursday. New Mexico Republicans shared a letter on social media Wednesday announcing some members would be touring the Otero County Processing Center on Monday, and they invited the governor to come along. The detention center in Chaparral currently houses most of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees in the state, and its population has increased since President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown began this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors chief lawyer told an interim legislative committee in July that the governor was considering adding a measure to the agenda at an upcoming special session that would ban immigration detention facilities in New Mexico. Before we take any action with such far-reaching implications (for example, putting New Mexicans out of work and risking millions of federal funding), it is essential that we have a clear first-hand understanding of the conditions within these facilities and the operations that take place there, Republican lawmakers Rep. Andrea Reeb and Sen. Crystal Brantley wrote in the letter. The letter went on to invite the governor to tag along for the visit at 8 a.m. Monday. We believe your participation would be instrumental in ensuring that any decisions made are fully informed and in the best interests of the people of New Mexico, the Republicans wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email Thursday afternoon, Michael Coleman, the spokesperson for the governor, told Source that the governor wont join the tour and also hasnt decided yet whether shell add an ICE detention facility agenda to the special session call. The governor has a busy schedule on Monday and wont be joining in the tour, Coleman said. Were still working to determine a special session agenda, and no final decision has been made on this particular issue. He also said the governor hasnt yet decided on a date for the special session, which her lawyer said she anticipated would happen later this month or in September to address federal funding cuts Congress recently enacted in the Big Beautiful Bill act. Other crime-related measures could also be on the governors call. Senate GOP spokesperson Brandon Harris told Source New Mexico earlier Thursday that delays around background checks likely mean reporters wont be able to join the lawmakers during their tour, but they intend to hold a news conference or otherwise provide an update to the public about the tour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could be on social media or at a previously scheduled meeting of the interim Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee also occurring Monday in Las Cruces. But the governor, who hadnt responded to the GOPs invite as of 1:30 p.m. Monday, would be able to join if she wanted, he said. If anyone could probably get expedited [approval], its the governor, Harris said. If she wanted to, she probably could. The GOPs letter said the CCJ committee canceled a long-promised tour of the facility, citing concerns about background checks. As of Aug. 4, the average daily inmate population at Otero County Detention Center is 863, an increase of about 60 inmates, on average, since December last year, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse. The other two New Mexico facilities in Torrance and Cibola counties have average daily populations of 444 and 223 ICE detainees, respectively, according to TRAC. Australia-based Woodside Energy has reported strong operational and financial results for the first half of 2025 (H1 2025), delivering 548,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in production and progressing several major projects. The company's half-year net profit after tax (NPAT) stood at $1.31bn, with an underlying NPAT of $1.24bn, a decrease from $1.63bn in the same period the previous year. Operating revenue experienced 10% year-on-year growth, reaching $6.59bn. The board has announced a fully franked interim dividend of $0.53 per share, corresponding to a payout ratio of 80% of the underlying NPAT and an annualised yield of 6.9%. Woodside Energy CEO Meg ONeill said: Strong underlying performance of our assets, our robust financial performance and a focus on disciplined capital management have enabled us to maintain our interim dividend payout ratio at the top end of the payout range. The outstanding performance of our high-quality assets over the first half has continued to support safe, reliable operations. This has been complemented by a strong focus on cost management, resulting in a reduction in our unit production costs. We have also taken a disciplined approach to future growth and reduced spend on new energy and exploration as we prioritise delivering sanctioned projects. Excluding impairment, the company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) from the underlying base business was $4.6bn, a 5% rise from the previous year's $4.37bn. The marketing segment contributed $144m to the total EBIT, accounting for roughly 8% of the total. Woodside said this performance demonstrates the efficiency improvements and value creation derived from the trading, marketing and shipping of its products, including third-party volumes. The company also reported net cash from operating activities of $3.33bn and capital expenditure (capex) of $2.55bn, an 8% increase from 2024. Dividends distributed amounted to $1bn, a 23% decrease from the previous year's $1.3bn. In H1 2025, Woodside entered into three long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales and purchase agreements (SPAs). This encompasses two contracts with Uniper to provide one million tonnes per annum (mtpa) from the Louisiana LNG project for a duration of up to 13 years, starting from the date it commences commercial operations, as well as a supply of up to 1mtpa from Woodside's global portfolio until 2039. Additionally, an SPA was signed with China Resources Gas International for the supply of around 600,000 tonnes per annum of LNG over 15 years, starting in 2027. While our elected leaders play politics with opportunities to save lives, Detroiters have designed and driven a win-win strategy for violence reduction. Weve got the data to prove it. Weve researched best practices. Weve successfully implemented effective programming. Weve got polite political nods from all the right people, and yet were nowhere closer at a state or city level to getting a long-term commitment to fund life-saving infrastructure for Community Violence Intervention. In a recent CNN appearance, Mayor Mike Duggan offered credit for decreased violence in Detroit to the Trump Administration, and to ramped-up federal prosecution efforts by a Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let's be clear police and prosecutors respond to violence after it happens. High quality Community Violence Intervention (CVI) prevents violence. Abominable praise CVI offers customized basic needs support like cognitive therapy, job opportunities and mentoring to community members facing cycles of violence to reduce trauma and prevent harm. William Nicholson, of Detroit, walks up to a house while canvassing a neighborhood with members of Detroits Community Violence Intervention Organizations on Detroits to leave information to get youth members involved in activities during the summer on Detroits east side where a triple shooting occurred on Friday at Skinner Playfield next to Denby High School. Detroits CVI teams, known collectively as ShotStoppers, are responsible for the reductions in violence in Detroit. Meanwhile, the CVI leaders who risk their lives to prevent gun violence in Detroit and across the nation watched in horror as the same administration Duggan praises clawed back already allocated federal CVI dollars. This praise is an abominable political gesture; one that scoffs at the dedication of Detroits CVI leaders. Detroiters are watching news headlines of children dying by gun violence, whilst federal kudos are being offered and political games played. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More opinion: Ex-Detroit chief says Trump's D.C. troop takeover undermines local control Meanwhile, we still dont have a local office of violence prevention or sustainable funding for ShotStoppers. Heres what the voting public should know about the threats to CVI: The Public Safety Trust Bill which would have provided an estimated $7 million annually in sustainable funding for the Michigan Office of Community Violence Intervention within the state health department failed to pass the Legislature in December 2024's lame-duck session because state Rep. Karen Whitsett and House Republicans refused to show up to vote. This legislation represented one of the purest forms of negotiation and powersharing possible between community leaders and public leadership; CVI wasnt initially included in the bill, and the community showed up to fight for it. Currently, the only way to save the Michigan Office of CVI, at least for this year, is to advocate for the one time, $20 million investment in school-based Community Violence Intervention proposed in Michigan's Senate - passed budget. Detroits current City Council members have voted to support the work of ShotStoppers, even increasing the budget in year three to support expansion. But council members have not yet drafted an ordinance to establish a permanent Detroit Office of Violence Prevention, which would stabilize and fund our ShotStoppers initiative beyond Duggan's tenure. Right now, ShotStoppers is a mayoral initiative, with no guaranteed future. People march to the front of the Michigan State Capitol building during a Community Violence Intervention day put on by Force Detroit in Lansing on Thursday, June 12, 2025. More Freep opinion: Detroit program helped lower homicide rates. Now its future is in jeopardy. Praiseworthy names As for the credit for reductions in gun violence, grassroots organizations like Detroit 300, The Peoples Action, Dignity for Detroit and activists like Blair Anderson, Yusef Shakur and Malik Shabazz deserve high honors for showing up in the community and making sacrifices long before there were budgets connected to CVI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Credible Messengers within each Detroit CVI organization like Dujuan Kennedy of FORCE Detroit deserve to be honored for loving on community and risking their lives to go into hostile environments and negotiate peace. I, as founder of FORCE Detroit, deserve credit for creating pathways to sustainability for CVI like low-barrier funding opportunities, driving research on national best practices, and setting the vision for citywide collective CVI efforts within FORCE Detroits 2021 Build Peace Report. Chief of Police Todd Bettison deserves credit for listening to community leaders and designing the public infrastructure and data tracking systems in his previous role as deputy mayor. Mayor Duggan and City Council deserve credit for funding and approving the work of ShotStoppers, which ensures we have the necessary distance from police needed for successful peacemaking in the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump will get no credit for the citizen-driven work of safety activists in Detroit. Alia Harvey-Quinn is founder and former executive director of Force Detroit, a community violence intervention organization. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump hurting, not helping Detroit anti-violence movement | Opinion SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) -Oscar Melara, the director of a technical school in El Salvador, stations himself at the front gate every day to inspect dress code compliance as students file in. Melara checks for infractions such as shirts missing a monogram or name tag, dirty shoes and long haircuts. He is following a directive issued by the nation's new education minister, military captain Karla Trigueros. While dress codes have long existed throughout the nation's public schools, Trigueros' directive gives administrators the power to ding students' grades or require community service if they do not comply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We thank the minister, because this allows us to correct and better our students," Melara said. Local media showed videos of barber shops with lines out the door as students chopped off their locks, with some offering specials to take advantage of the new order. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele reposted a message on X cheering the new guidelines, which no longer allow hairstyles such as the mohawk or the so-called "Edgar cut," a bowl cut-like style popularized in recent years by young Latinos, particularly in the U.S. Trigueros herself has toured schools in recent days, often with a slicked-back bun and dressed in military fatigues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teachers' groups have opposed her naming. The Salvadoran Teachers' Front, in a statement last week, said putting a military official in charge of education was "absurd" and that it harkened back to the nation's decades under military dictatorship. Bukele, sharing the memorandum on X, argued that complete educational overhaul was needed in the Central American nation. The leader is popular in El Salvador after launching a widespread gang crackdown that has slashed crime rates, though rights groups say innocent people have been caught up in the dragnet. His party recently passed a constitutional reform scrapping presidential term limits, which critics say opens the door to Bukele staying in power indefinitely. (Reporting by Nelson Renteria; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Sandra Maler) SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Hampden District Attorneys Office has decided not to seek a retrial for a 1984 murder case due to the passage of time and loss of key witnesses. For the past 40 years, Edward Wright has been incarcerated for the murder of his friend, 24-year-old Penny Anderson, at her Springfield apartment, but he has always maintained his innocence. His conviction was overturned earlier this year due to withheld evidence and false testimony. Springfield man released from prison after 40 years for wrongful conviction Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Wrights release on July 31st, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni issued a statement, defending the original conviction and expressing disagreement with the decision to grant a new trial. On Thursday, three weeks after Wright was released, the Hampden District Attorneys Office entered a nolle prosequi, meaning they will not be seeking a retrial in the case. In a news release from the DAs Office, the Commonwealth determined that retrying the case would no longer be possible after an extensive investigation and interviews with surviving witnesses. Stephanie Hartung, Senior Staff Attorney for the New England Innocence Project, stated, Really, it was Mr. Wright himself who never gave up. He filed motion after motion to try and prove his innocence. He kept asking for the documents that he knew would reveal the truth. Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni issued the following statement on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendant received a fair trial in 1985, and multiple courts including the Supreme Judicial Court confirmed that fact on five separate occasions. Despite this, a sixth motion for a new trial was granted earlier this year by a Superior Court judge who, notwithstanding his ultimate decision, acknowledged that the incriminating evidence remained strong. Our decision to dismiss the case does not mean that this was a wrongful conviction or that we believe the defendant is innocent. It is a legal and ethical decision based solely on the reality that, 40 years later, we cannot reconstruct the trial that occurred in 1985. We are deeply troubled and frustrated by a process that allows a murder conviction that was upheld multiple times by the Commonwealths highest court to be undone four decades later. It raises important questions about the finality of verdicts and the consistency of our justice system. As some may celebrate this outcome, our thoughts remain with the victim and her loved ones, whose suffering continues, now worsened by this unforeseen reversal. While the crime may be distant to some, it is ever-present to those who love Penny. While we must make decisions consistent with our ethical responsibilities, our hearts are with Penny and her family and our minds are struck by the increasing fragility of justice in our system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Wrights story is unfortunately not unique, and there are many more people in his position who are trying to get the truth to come out in their cases as well, Hartung adds. On Friday, Wright stood in front of the Springfield courthouse and had his ankle bracelet removed, officially walking into the city as a free man. Wright spoke with reporters for the first time since his conviction was overturned. He maintained his innocence and placed blame on prosecutors for withholding evidence and giving false testimony. Im not guilty. They know Im not guilty. They knew I wasnt guilty back then. If they thought I was guilty, they wouldnt have hidden the evidence. They wouldnt have liedso while its joyous that I got my freedom back, theres a big loss in my life. A loss that I cant get back, said Wright. 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 new team of litter enforcement officers in Liverpool will not be told how many tickets they should be handing out. Liverpool City Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins said newly introduced measures were instead designed to catch those "deliberately messing up our streets" rather than residents who make "an honest mistake". The local authority, working with contractor Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement (WISE), said it was cracking down on littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council said 45 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were handed out last month for illegally dumping waste. 'Promote positive behaviour' WISE officers will support work being done by the council's internal environmental crime enforcement team. Liverpool City Council said it was not setting FPN targets because it preferred to focus on encouraging responsible behaviour. Robertson-Collins said: "Our goal is to help promote positive behaviour and show people who don't respect our city that it will not go unseen." Those caught littering face a 150 fine, while dog owners who do not clean up after their pets risk a 100 penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tiered penalty system has been introduced for fly-tipping, which starts at 500 and can rise depending upon the severity and scale of the offence. WISE managing director John Dunne said he wanted to secure "long-term improvements in local environmental quality". He said officers would use body-worn cameras and mobile technology to verify offenders' details. 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 Stories Earlier this year, I retired after 34 years with NOAAs Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) where I had the honor of leading its 10 national labs and collaborating with top university research institutes across the country. Instead of easing into my retirement, Ive found myself alarmed by a deeply troubling development: the proposed elimination of the very office I served for over three decades. When I read that President Donald Trump was working to eliminate this research office entirely, I wasnt just shocked I was deeply concerned for the safety and wellbeing of the American people. And as we all watch Hurricane Erin travel along the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S., we're reminded that OAR is the research backbone of the forecasts and warnings Americans and businesses rely on every day. Its where NOAAs innovation begins developing the tools, models, and data that make our forecasts more accurate and actionable. Without this critical foundation of research, our country risks falling behind in its ability to anticipate and respond to increasingly dangerous weather, air quality, and ocean threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of what Americans take for granted in weather and water prediction today is the result of long-term research by OAR scientists and partners. NOAAs weather radar systems, tsunami detection buoys, fire weather models, and hurricane forecasting tools were all developed or improved by a network of OAR research teams. Models that predict severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and tornadoes have roots in these labs. Even the social science research that helps ensure people understand and act on urgent warnings another OAR contribution. The benefits of all this research extend beyond weather. It supports ocean condition forecasts vital to shipping, recreation, offshore energy, and fisheries. Its work helps safeguard coastal economies and bolster marine industries across the country. NOAA research office cuts are 'shortsighted', 'dangerous' Hurricane Erin on Aug. 19, 2025 as a Category 2 storm with 105 mph winds. OARs long-standing partnerships with top research universities, through NOAAs cooperative institutes, have created one of the most efficient and impactful public science models in government. These centers combine the innovation of academia with the mission-driven focus of federal service, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs translate into real-world tools for saving lives and protecting property. If the Trump Administration eliminates OAR, this research ecosystem built over decades would collapse overnight. There will be a major reduction in sustained research driving improvements in forecast accuracy, no organized pathway to test and adopt next-generation models, and no framework to integrate new technology like artificial intelligence into forecasting systems. Well lose ground on hurricane intensity prediction, wildfire forecasting, flash flood detection, and more. Just as critically, well lose the ability to prepare for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: For Florida, nature-based solutions are key to advancing climate resilience As the climate changes, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. Cutting off the research needed to understand and adapt to these changes is not just shortsighted its dangerous. Eliminating OAR would have devastating, lasting consequences. It takes years to build this kind of top-notch scientific capacity, infrastructure, and collaboration. Once dismantled, it will not be easily or quickly restored. Texas flooding disaster an example of why research is needed The proposed elimination of OAR sends a troubling signal that science and public safety are no longer national priorities. That we are willing to sacrifice progress and ultimately, lives in the name of budget cuts. But the cost of inaction will be far greater. Every delay in advancing our forecast systems, every missed opportunity to improve public warnings, puts more people at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The horrific recent flooding in Texas and other states show us what happens when we fail to both anticipate and prepare for each catastrophe. We must continue to invest in research to be better prepared and reduce the impact of future tragedies. As someone who dedicated a lifetime to NOAAs research mission, I know how urgent it is to reject this proposal to eliminate OAR. It represents the very best of what government science can achieve: collaboration, innovation, and service to the public good. Lets protect the science that protects us by preserving OAR, we are not just defending data and models. We are defending lives, livelihoods, and our ability to face an uncertain future with confidence. John Cortinas John Cortinas is former deputy assistant administrator for Science in NOAAs Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. He lives in Miami. Join the Conversation: The Palm Beach Post is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. Email us at letters@pbpost.com. Letters are subject to editing, must not exceed 200 words and must include your name, address and a daytime phone number to confirm the letter is for publication. We only publish names and cities with the letters. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: As Hurricane Erin passed US, we cant cut NOAA's OAR | Opinion Deontrenique Woodson is excited to be the first in her family to go to college. But she also had some trepidations. She was unsure what she needed to furnish her dorm room as she heads to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater this fall. And she was unsure how she was going to pay for it all. I didnt have anything, Woodson, 18, said. "I was like, I don't know if I'm ready to go to college. I don't know where to start with getting any of the stuff." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a new nonprofit helped her. Blessed On Purpose handed out dorm-room essentials kits to 12 college-bound young women early this month. Woodson, who plans to study business management with a focus on nonprofit leadership, was one of them. Each kit contained towels, hangers, pillows, a shower caddy, comforter, detergent and hamper, all packed into a medium-sized plastic storage bin. It was exactly what Woodson needed to start her first year in college off right. The things they provided me the blankets, the pillows, the basic essentials really helped me feel ready for college, she said. 'Sometimes, we forget about our youth going to college' Briasha Townsend is the founder of Blessed On Purpose, a faith-based mentorship nonprofit. The kit giveaway, held at UW-Milwaukee's Lubar Entrepreneurship Center on Aug. 2, was her first initiative as a nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Townsend, herself a college student, wanted to create an event to celebrate the students' accomplishments and help them get ready for college life. There are a lot of back-to-school and school-supply giveaways for elementary and high school students, but rarely anything for incoming freshmen. Sometimes, we forget about our youth going to college, said Townsend, a UW-Milwaukee student finishing a bachelors degree in business. She knows the financial burden parents face sending children off to college. Townsend has one sibling in college, one who recently graduated and another in high school all of whom her parents had to budget for. She was lucky, though. Family members provided her dorm-room essentials with trunk parties. Most kids dont have that option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blessed on Purpose is about how can we make the burden lighter for families, she said, noting the kits contained $125 worth of merchandise. That was one less financial burden for Woodson's family. She has two younger siblings, in the seventh and second grades, also needing back-to-school supplies. I didnt know if my mom will be able to purchase all the stuff I needed for college," Woodson said. "So, it definitely takes the burden off my family." Spill the tea about college life Townsend fundraised to assist five girls, but donations poured in, allowing her to help 12. Most, she said, are first-generation college students and probably didn't have anyone to advise about what to expect from college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's why Townsend held a panel of current college students and graduates to spill the tea about college life during the Aug. 2 college kickoff event. Briasha Townsend of Blessed on Purpose hosts a panel discussion about college life as part of her nonprofit at its first college kickoff event for 12 Milwaukee-area young women heading to college this fall. Panelists from Marquette University, UW-Madison and Texas Southern University offered real-life advice, shared lessons learned and talked about taking full advantage of college by getting internships. They also discussed the difference between attending PWIs (predominantly white institutions) and HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities). The event allowed the girls to connect with each other, since a few are attending the same colleges. Townsend wants Blessed on Purpose to be a place for support and community to help young girls navigate college life and beyond. It definitely felt like a sisterhood, Townsend said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another young woman at the event, 19-year-old Tempasia Sandifer, will be attending Central State in Wilberforce, Ohio, majoring in early child education. She isn't the first in her family to go to college, but she's the first to go out of state. For Sandifer, the dorm-room kit was a big help, but not as much as the panelists advice. They offered pointers on how to stay true to oneself, use the colleges resources and set a class schedule that works for you. Briasha Townsend, founder of Blessed on Purpose, has had a goal to create a nonprofit since age 13. Now, her organization is helping college-bound young women prepare for college by providing them with a dorm-room essentials kit filled with towels, hangers, pillows, a shower caddy and a comforter. It was nice hearing from them because they've got the experience, Sandifer said. She added that she plans to stay in touch with the girls attending the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is always nice to have a different support system other than just family, she said. The advice Woodson got from the event was to get involve in campus life. Dont be one of those college kids who just come to school and be in the dorms, Woodson said. Get to know your campus, get to know people. It is not what you know. It is who you know. Its all about expanding your network. Townsend knew she wanted to start a nonprofit as an early teen At age 13, Townsend knew she wanted to start a nonprofit to help people. While most kids her age are scrolling through social media, Townsend volunteered in her schools kindergarten class, helping kids learn to read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement God placed it on my heart at a very early age," she said. "I had a burden that I wanted to help, but didnt know how at the time." Tempasia Sandifer, 19, receives a dorm-room essentials kit from Briasha Townsend, the founder of Blessed on Purpose. Sandifer will attend Central State in Wilberforce, Ohio, majoring in early child education. She Googled "how to help kids." Her options were to become a teacher or start a nonprofit. She didnt want to become a teacher and, as a kid, she didnt exactly know what a nonprofit was. But whenever someone asked what she wanted to do when she grew up, the answer was start a nonprofit. As she got older and was dealing with life, though, she forgot about that childhood dream until she started working as a teachers assistant at a Milwaukee public school. There, she noticed something. A lot of the students lacked basic necessities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be freezing outside and kids wont have on coats, Townsend said. Or they wont have pencil and pens school supplies. So she hosted a back-to-school drive in August 2024. She gave away bookbags to more than 50 kids and brought in hairstylists and barbers to give students haircuts and braided hairstyles to get them ready for school. She followed that up with a coat drive in November. The success of those two events re-awakened that childhood dream of starting a nonprofit. Townsend has been doing community service work under the name Blessed On Purpose. It became an official nonprofit in February. I wanted my impact to be bigger, she said. God was like, 'Do what you are called to do.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Townsend wants to offer college-to-career readiness support and faith-based mentoring to help girls discover their identity in Christ. Next year, she wants to expand the number of students receiving the dorm-room essential kits. "I want to encourage the youth to dream bigger than their zip code," she said. If you're interested in donating to Blessed on Purpose, you can through Givebutter at givebutter.com/blessedonpurpose; Cash App at $blessedonpurposeinc or Venmo at blessedonpurposeinc La Risa Lynch is a community affairs reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Email her at llynch@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Blessed On Purpose offers essentials, advice to college-bound women GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) The Confluence Center of Colorado, in partnership with the Handlebar Taphouse, will be hosting a community event on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the brewery, located at 417 Monument Rd. We are always excited about partnering with our community and supporting causes we believe in, said Casey Knuepfer, manager, Handlebar Taphouse. Our friends at Odell Brewing were excited to pitch in and donate a special keg for the event. We hope to see all our regular customers that night and look forward to meeting some new folks. All proceeds from Odwell Brewing Companys donated keg will go to the Confluence Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having community partners like the Handlebar is so important to our mission and the sense of community we hope to build around water and land stewardship, said Executive Director of RiversEdge West Rusty Lloyd. This will be a great evening, sharing stories, answering questions, and enjoying delicious food and drinks with old friends and new friends. We cannot thank them enough for their support. Under construction at Dos Rios, the Confluence Center facility is reportedly on track and anticipated to open in mid-September. The facility will house the collective group of nonprofits that make up the collaborative partnership of the Confluence Center of Colorado. The nonprofit has been fundraising to cover the cost of construction and landscaping for the facility, raising 83% of its $7,500,000 goal so far. To learn more about its fundraising efforts or for more information on the collaborative partnership, visit confluencecenterco.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 WesternSlopeNow.com. NORFOLK, Neb. (KCAU) A new affordable housing community is now available for residents in Norfolk. A ribbon-cutting was held on August 21 for the River Fork Villas II housing development located on Canoe Street. The project took more than 2 years to complete. The low-income housing tax credit community is located in the southeastern part of the city. There are 18 new homes available for people ages 55 and older, which is helpful for those who are retired or dont want to deal with a big property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Shane Clausen said this project is one of the first steps to resolving the housing shortage. Norfolk has a tremendous gap in affordable housing in our community. Weve had a housing study done about six years ago and it really put in light of what were missing in the community. So, this is a first step in moving forward in trying to meet those needs, said Mayor Clausen. We wanted to downsize. Weve lived on an acreage south of town, six acres, we were getting up there. So, we sold it to our daughter, said Bill Klawonn, Norfolk, NE resident. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the people that attended the ribbon cutting included U.S. Representative Mike Flood for Nebraskas first Congressional District and State Senator Robert Dover, who covers District 19. Flood said he was excited to see his community continue to grow while tackling a huge issue in the United States. In America, we are five million units short. So, we have a housing issue. You dont get to recruit more workers to your town if you dont have affordable housing. You dont get those four or five-bedroom homes to open up. Somebody a more mature age cant find a place to move to where its zero entry. So this is what a solution looks like, said U.S. Representative Mike Flood (R) Nebraska. Mayor Clausen said multiple housing projects in the works are expected to be presented in front of city council in the upcoming 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. The post North Carolina Central gives promising update: A big deal appeared first on ClutchPoints. North Carolina Central University has seen a recent increase in enrollment as the school year is starting. But with more students coming to campus, the need for housing has also increased. According to the university, thirty-eight percent of students now have housing, which is a big deal to the university. To be able to say that we are housing 38% of our students is a big deal for us, said Dixon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to North Carolina Central Chancellor Dr. Karrie Dixon, enrollment is the highest to date, while online learning is up 22%. Last month, North Carolina Central announced its five-year strategic plan, which would prioritize housing solutions, research expansion, and enrollment growth. There are still issues, particularly in light of the cutbacks in government funding for higher education. According to Dixon, the university is losing out on a little over $2 million. Fortunately, she added, the institution has been able to shift some staff roles and has not been significantly impacted by the job cuts. There have been some improvements in student housing during the summer, Dixon told ABC11. According to Dixon, the school upgraded housing facilities by investing $2.9 million in deferred maintenance, and staff members are still searching for additional options. Were very happy to see that, said Dixon. We still were able to maintain the talent and to keep some initiatives going forward. The university now has more students enrolled than the 29% UNC System average. Freshmen are guaranteed to receive housing. The university is still looking for housing for students who missed the deadline, but Dixon said all first-year students who made it by the May 30 deadline have a place to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have some partnerships in place that we were very aggressive in going out to local apartment complexes and building the partnerships so that those students have other options, said Dixon. Related: Nolan Smith adds former NBA standout to Tennessee State staff Related: Tennessee State University to make huge $50 million move A Chapel Hill home ravaged by flooding by Tropical Storm Chantal in Camelot Village. (Photo by Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline) Hurricane Erin pounded the Outer Banks Wednesday evening, leaving behind floodwaters and closing portions of Highway 12. But the storm spared most of North Carolina. For the Research Triangle area, its been a lull in what feels like a constant stream of raining and flooding this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been 134 flash flood warnings in North Carolina so far this year as of Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Thats the third most by Aug. 20 on record. Only two years have had more: 2024 and 2003. Flash flooding is occurring or imminent, according to the National Weather Service. A warning indicates the potential for a threat to life or property that could result in the need for immediate action to avoid or mitigate the threat. The past few weeks have been unusually rainy in the Research Triangle, Jonathan Blaes, meteorologist-in-charge for the National Weather Services Raleigh office, told NC Newsline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Official observations for the Raleigh-Durham area are at the airport. It rained nine out of the first 13 days of August for a total of 7.8 inches, more than triple the normal rainfall at that point of the month. Weve already had three times as much rain as we normally do, and even if it doesnt rain the rest of the month, well have almost double the normal rainfall for the whole month, Blaes said. Were not even at the peak of hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean. Thats usually closer to the start of September, meaning storms start becoming more active around this time of the year. The National Weather Service calculates climate based on a 30-year normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically in August, the Raleigh-Durham area receives an average of 4.71 inches of rain total. The average rainfall for the first 13 days of August in the Raleigh-Durham area is 2.06 inches, placing 2025 well above normal. Tropical Storm Chantal brought heavy storms and flooding to the central part of the state in July, including businesses in Chapel Hill. Part of that problem is that as the area becomes more urbanized, theres more impervious surfaces or places where the water cant soak into the ground. Think parking lots, rooftops of buildings, shopping areas, buildings, Blaes said. Rain landing in those areas doesnt get soaked into the ground. Instead, its redirected to drains, pipes, and gutters, which then gets dumped into creeks and other bodies of water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The influx of water in those creeks and streams then leads to flooding. That is a pretty significant problem, for sure, and theres not an easy solution to that, Blaes said. But some municipalities in North Carolina are implementing measures to reduce and prevent flooding. For example, Raleigh is developing a comprehensive plan to address flood resilience in the face of climate change. The citys Flood Early Warning System helps the public by identifying and predicting flood locations as soon as possible. Its also working toward creating more green spaces to prevent flooding and runoff. The city cannot prevent flooding. We can only mitigate the impacts of flooding events to protect property and keep our community safe, Wayne Miles, engineering services assistant director for the city of Raleigh, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking at the past four decades, 2024 had the most flash flood warnings on record, with 272 total. At the start of the year, a strong cold front moved across the Carolinas, bringing about a line of severe thunderstorms. There were 22 flash flood warnings issued in the Tar Heel State on Jan. 9, 2024. Later on, Hurricane Helene wreaked devastation towards the end of September, particularly in the western portion of the state. The National Weather Service issued 71 flash flood warnings in the week between Sept. 24 and Oct. 1. There were 46 on Sept. 27, the most intense day. There have been 11 years on record with more total flash flood warnings than what theres been so far in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the years with the highest number of flash flood warnings were years with hurricanes that produced big flood events, Nicholas Petro, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Services Raleigh office, wrote in an email. Petro pointed to Hurricanes Helene in 2024, Florence in 2018, and Floyd in 1999 as examples of that. Fewer flash flood warnings were issued in the 1980s and the early 1990s compared to later years. Petro said he wasnt sure if the metrics for that process differed. Climatologists have attributed the rising precipitation and flooding in recent years to climate change. The majority of climate models project a rise in annual total precipitation by the middle of the 21st century due to increases in greenhouse gas concentrations, according to the North Carolina Climate Science Report, revised in September 2020. Heavy rains from hurricanes and other weather systems will become more frequent and more intense, the report read. Annual precipitation is also expected to increase. These changes are driven primarily by increases in atmospheric water vapor as the climate warms. Revenues from brands increased 78.7% year over year, driven by an 88.1% growth in the combined revenue from our three major skincare brands, Calanique, Doctor Wu, and Yiflon. Our color cosmetics brands also delivered year-over-year growth of 8% with Perfect Diaries brand back on the growth trajectory. As operating leverage began to take effect, coupled with our efforts to improve efficiency in our operations and marketing spend, we narrowed our net loss margin to 1.8% from 10.8% for the prior year period and achieved a non-GAAP net profit margin of 1.1% for the second quarter of 2025 as compared with a non-GAAP net loss margin of 9.4% for the prior year period. Despite the uncertain environment, we stayed focused on executing our R&D-driven strategy, anchored in our vision of becoming a world-class pioneer in beauty innovation. We have continued expanding our international innovation network, attracting top global R&D talents, and deepening collaborations across industries, academia, and research institutions. These efforts have laid a solid foundation for both product innovation and brand equity, which in turn supported the rebound in our financial performance. Building on the momentum that began in 2024, we delivered year-over-year revenue growth and achieved non-GAAP profitability for the third consecutive quarter. In 2025, total net revenues grew by 36.8% year over year, significantly exceeding our previous guidance. Jinfeng Huang: Thank you, Irene, and thank you, everyone, for joining Yatsen Holding Limited's second quarter 2025 earnings conference call today. I will begin with a brief macro overview and a summary of our financial results, followed by an update on how our R&D-driven initiatives have supported the healthy development of our brand portfolio. China's beauty industry saw another modest quarter. According to the adjusted data published by the National Bureau of Logistics, beauty sales increased by 2.6% year over year, falling short of the 5.4% growth in total retail sales of consumer goods. Specifically, during May and June, the key promotion period around June, beauty sales rose by 4.4% in May but declined by 2.2% in June. Story Continues Let me now walk you through some brands and product highlights powered by our solid R&D infrastructure. Genomics posted strong results, supported by robust product highlights and effective product marketing. Our number one VC7 continues to lead sales, while our upgraded brightening micro mask featuring the brand's micro profusion and active anchor technology ranked number one among premium single-use masks on both Tmall and JD during the June 2018 period. The number two VA Serum also received increasingly positive feedback, particularly on Douyin. In addition to online growth, we began expanding dynamic offline presence, opening experience stores in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Shenzhen by June. These stores are designed to strengthen brand visibility and deepen consumer engagement. Doctor Wu also benefited from a more diverse and balanced product portfolio. Its purifying renewable essence toner formulated with a gentle acid complex effectively adjusted the antioxidant and the brightening ease of Oly and Acne Protein. This product resonates strongly with its targeted consumers and reinforces the brand positioning as a leader in professional skin renewal. The second quarter also marked a key milestone for Pavidari. Since the launch of the Bio Lip Essence Lipstick in September 2023, Pavidari has embraced a new philosophy of makeup skinification. Building on this, we introduced the third generation biotech technology and applied it to facial makeup. The new BioPhase Essence Foundation provides a flawless finish while supporting the skin barrier. We also launched the translucent blurring setting powder, powered by the smart lock technology to control oil, combat oxidation, and reduce dullness. These innovations played a key role in putting Togedari back on its growth path. As our commitment to R&D remains essential to our long-term strategy, we continue to strengthen our capabilities and presence in the scientific community. In May, we participated in the 2025 China Cosmetic Science and Technology Conference in Yunnan as a guest speaker and joined a roundtable discussion on emotional skincare at the 2025 International Cosmetics Innovation Conference in Shanghai. In June, our joint laboratory with Regen Hospital unveiled its latest innovation at the 30th International Council of Nurse Congress in Health Care, Finland. We are also proud of our ongoing social responsibility initiative. During 2025, our Create a Beautiful Life program launched in partnership with the China Women's Development Foundation celebrated the graduation of its first 2025 cohort in Guizhou. Now in its fifth year, the program provides free professional makeup training for low-income women, helping them pursue new opportunities in employment and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, Doctor Wu has entered the third year of his campus charity tour, promoting scientific skincare education and raising skin health awareness among university students across China. In summary, we are beginning to see tangible results from our long-term focus on R&D. We remain committed to nurturing our brands and delivering exceptional products to our customers. With that, I will now turn the call over to our CFO, Donghao Yang, to discuss our financial performance. Thank you, everyone. Donghao Yang: Thank you, David, and hello, everyone. Before I get started, I would like to clarify that all financial numbers presented today are in renminbi amounts and all percentage changes refer to year-over-year changes unless otherwise noted. Total net revenues for 2025 increased by 36.8% to RMB1.09 billion from million for the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to a 78.7% year-over-year increase in net revenues from skincare brands combined with an 8.8% year-over-year increase in net revenues from color cosmetics brands. Gross profit for 2025 increased by 39.5% to RMB850.4 million from million for the prior year period. Gross margin for 2025 increased to 78.3% from 76.7% for the prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in sales of higher gross margin products. Total operating expenses for 2025 increased by 21.7% to RMB905.9 million from RMB744.6 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, total operating expenses for 2025 were 83.4% as compared with 93.7% for the prior year period. Fulfillment expenses for 2025 were $63.3 million as compared with $51.2 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, fulfillment expenses for 2025 decreased to 5.8% from 6.4% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to further improvements in logistics efficiency. Selling and marketing expenses for 2025 were $722.4 million as compared with $544.7 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, selling and marketing expenses for 2025 decreased to 66.5% from 68.6% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by the leveraging effect of higher total net revenues in 2025. General and administrative expenses for 2025 were $84.1 million as compared with $119.1 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, general and administrative expenses for 2025 decreased to 7.7% from 15% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by lower payroll expenses resulting from a reduction in general and administrative headcount coupled with the leveraging effect of higher total net revenues in 2025. Research and development expenses for 2025 were million as compared with $29.7 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, research and development expenses for 2025 decreased to 3.3% from 3.7% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by the leveraging effect of higher total net revenues in 2025. Loss from operations for 2025 was RMB55.5 million as compared with million for the prior year period. Operating loss margin was 5.1% as compared with 17% for the prior year period. Non-GAAP loss from operations for 2025 was $20.4 million as compared with RMB111.9 million for the prior year period. Non-GAAP operating loss margin was 1.9% as compared with 14.1% for the prior year period. Net loss for 2025 was $19.5 million as compared with $85.5 million for the prior year period. Net loss margin was 1.8% as compared with 10.8% for the prior year period. Net loss attributable to reference ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS for 2025 was RMB0.19 as compared with RMB0.77 for the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income for 2025 was million as compared with non-GAAP net loss of RMB74.9 million for the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income margin was 1.1% as compared with non-GAAP net loss margin of 9.4% for the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS for 2025 was RMB0.13 as compared with non-GAAP net loss attributable to Yatsen Holding Limited's ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS of RMB0.67 for the prior year period. As of 06/30/2025, we had cash, restricted cash, and short-term investments of $350 million as compared with $1.36 billion as of 12/31/2024. Net cash generated from operating activities for 2025 was $77.7 million as compared with net cash used in operating activities of $148.2 million for the prior year period. Looking at our business outlook for 2025, we expect our total net revenues to be between $778.6 million and $880.1 million, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 15% to 30%. These forecasts reflect our current and preliminary view on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change. With that, I'd now like to open the call to Q&A. Operator? Operator: Thank you. Our first question today will come from Maggie Huang of CICC. Please go ahead. Maggie Huang: Thanks for taking my question. This is Maggie Huang from CICC. Firstly, congratulations for beating our guidance. And I have two questions. My first question is that as we enter into the second half of the year, how should we expect the change of profitability for both skincare and color cosmetic categories? And how do we intend to strike the balance between promoting new product lines and improving our profitability? And my second question is about competition. So what's our view on the industry competition in Q3 and Q4, particularly the competition from foreign premium brands? That's my two questions. Thank you. Donghao Yang: Okay. Thank you very much for your question. Well, we've always been trying to track balance between our growth and profitability. And we don't believe that we have to sacrifice one for the other. And especially now our high-end skincare brands are growing even faster than our color cosmetics brands, which tend to have higher gross margin and bottom line. So we're confident that as we grow our business, both in skincare and color cosmetics going forward and especially skincare is showing a much stronger growth momentum. We believe that we can achieve both growth and profitability. And competition and I think you're right, competition is going to be becoming more and more intense going forward, especially as our high-end skincare brand is growing faster, we do expect to have more competition from the international brands. But in order to drive our growth and strengthen our competing position, we are adopting an R&D-driven growth strategy. So for the last four, five years, we've been one of the most aggressive players in the cosmetics industry to invest heavily in R&D. So now we've built a very, I would say, best-in-class R&D team and R&D infrastructure. If you look at our lab, our R&D center in Shanghai is one of the world-class facilities. So that's how we view where to drive our future growth and especially to win the competition against the players in the industry. Maggie Huang: Well, it's very clear. I have no more questions. Thank you very much. Jinfeng Huang: Thank you. Operator: Our next question today will come from Lin Zhang of CITIC Securities. Please go ahead. Lin Zhang: Thank you for taking my questions. I'm Lin Zhang from CITIC Securities and congratulations on the performance in the second quarter. My first question is for the skincare brands. So I want to ask what are the key drivers behind the rapid growth of skincare brands, for the Calanique and Doctor Wu in the first half of the year? And what is the outlook for the skincare business in the second half year and the next year? And my second question is, in which assets will the company make efforts to continuously improve the profitability? Thank you. Donghao Yang: Thank you for the question. So for the growth of skincare brand, so we think there are a number of reasons. Primarily it's because of our continued investment in R&D and our gradual systematic upgrade of our R&D capabilities. As a result, we have a very strong pipeline of new product innovations. So just to give you some examples, for example, for Calanique, for the past couple of quarters, we have introduced a series of new products, including on top of very successful VC, we produced the VA serum and also the MicroMask series has been very successful. And we also widened the offering of the MicroMask in terms of different efficacy and we also operated the micro mask recently. And for Doctor Wu, the new essence toner has been very successful. So we think mainly from the R&D upgrade and also the new product pipeline. And then in terms of outlook, we have provided the guidance for Q3 of 15% to 30%, which will I would think reflect our future outlook in terms of continued trend of our skincare brands in terms of the development. And then on your second question is our efforts to how to improve the profitability. We are continuing to optimize our channel and product mix and at the same time streamline our operating expenses. But we think most of our brands, some of them given the high growth, we think there's still significant growth potential. And those brands are right now remain well below their respective ceilings. That's why we continue to plan to invest in the brand awareness and brand equity. So especially when there are few product launch. So as a result, we think the profitability improvement will be gradual. Jinfeng Huang: Okay. As well, just to add on to Irene's point, we do see clear opportunities to further improve profitability across several dimensions. First, we will continue to optimize our product mix by driving premiumization and hero products with stronger margins. Second, we're improving marketing efficiency through data-driven CRM and better ROI discipline, shifting spending towards higher return channels. Thirdly, we are enhancing supply chain and operational efficiency to reduce costs and improve scale leverage. And lastly, as top-line growth continues, we expect to gain operating leverage across fixed expenses. So altogether these initiatives give us confidence in steadily expanding profitability while maintaining growth. Lin Zhang: Thank you. That's very clear. Thank you very much. Operator: This will conclude our question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to management for any closing remarks. Irene Lyu: Thank you again for joining us today. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at Yatsen Holding Limited directly. Our contact information for IR in both China and the U.S. can be found in today's press release. Thank you and have a great day. Operator: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect your lines. Dont miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then youll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a Double Down stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If youre worried youve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before its too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, youd have $454,888 !* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, youd have $42,954 !* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, youd have $654,624!* Right now, were issuing Double Down alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon. See the 3 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of August 18, 2025 This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Yatsen (YSG) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) New York state Rep. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced his resignation last month, but he is still serving in the New York assembly until August 31, and Governor Kathy Hochul has not yet called a special election. However, the number of candidates is growing in the race to replace him. Billy Jones to take post at Clinton Community College Brent Davison, the commander of the New York State Polices Troop B headquartered in Ray Brook, was endorsed by Clinton County Republican Committee chair Jerika Manning on Wednesday. Davison formerly served in the U.S. Army as well as the Vermont National Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brent has taken the concept of public service to its highest levels, leading with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the North Country, wrote Manning on social media. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) last week called for Manning to resign as chair, saying that she was attempting to torpedo Republican candidates in the North Country. Stefanik endorsed Malone Mayor Andrea Dumas in the race. Dumas has also received the endorsement of state Sen. Dan Stec (R-Queensbury) as well as her home Franklin Countys Republican committee. Michael Cashman announces bid for New York Assembly seat Plattsburgh Town Manager Michael Cashman and victims rights advocate Bridie Farrell already announced their own runs for the seat on the Democratic side of the aisle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) A North Forsyth High School student accused of bringing a gun to school on Thursday faces felony charges, according to a Forsyth County Sheriffs Office news release. After the gun was found, a secure custody order was approved, and the juvenile was taken to a juvenile detention facility. The juvenile was charged with one felony count of possession of a weapon on school campus/property and one felony count of alteration, destruction or removal of serial number from a firearm or possession of a firearm with serial numbers removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the FCSO directly at (336) 727-2112. You can anonymously text information, photos and video via Text-A-Tip at (336) 920-8477 or anonymously call Crimestoppers at (336) 727-2800 for English or (336) 728-3904 for Spanish. On just the seventh day of school, a juvenile was found in possession of a loaded firearm with an obliterated serial number, Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough said. We are grateful for the work of the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office and all those involved in bringing this situation to a safe resolution. I want to thank the teachers, staff and students for being part of what makes our school system safe. At the end of the day, we must remember that the decisions we make create the conditions we live in today, tomorrow, and in the future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. North Korea has built a secret missile base that could be used to launch a nuclear strike against the United States, according to satellite research. The undeclared facility is believed to house as many as nine nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), preliminary research by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank, has found. Hidden in a narrow mountain valley 17 miles from the Chinese border, it is one of as many as 20 covert bases that make up North Koreas clandestine missile belt, a central element of the regimes growing nuclear deterrent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, has in recent weeks pledged to accelerate the countrys nuclear programme, a move that analysts partly attribute to US air strikes on Iran in June. The bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities plants reportedly built with North Korean help is said to have reinforced Pyongyangs determination to strengthen its own deterrent. Kim Jong-un meets with army officers in Pyongyang on Wednesday - KCNA/Reuters North Korea is estimated to possess 50 nuclear warheads and enough fissile material to build 40 more, according to the latest annual estimate by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which monitors global nuclear developments. The base near the village of Sinpung-dong has been operational since 2014, but has undergone upgrades, CSIS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missiles stationed there pose a nuclear threat to east Asia and the continental United States, the think tanks report warned. The absence of visible launchpads is particularly troubling, suggesting the base could house solid-fuel ICBMs capable of being launched from large trucks that can be moved around to evade detection. Unlike liquid-fuelled missiles, solid-fuel weapons can be pre-fuelled, hidden and deployed from dispersed locations making them far harder to destroy pre-emptively. Bases such as Sinpung-dong are believed to have been positioned close to the Chinese frontier to diminish the likelihood of a pre-emptive US strike, given the risk of drawing Beijing into a conflict. Tensions on the Korean peninsula have sharpened as Pyongyang strengthens ties with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim is thought to have sent 11,000 troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, raising concerns Moscow may have reciprocated by supplying North Korea with advanced nuclear and missile technology. In his first term, Donald Trump sought to reset relations with North Korea, meeting Kim three times. Talks collapsed in 2019, after which the Kim regime resumed missile tests and ended a self-imposed moratorium on long-range launches. According to defectors, one senior official involved in the talks was later arrested and another executed. Despite the diplomatic setback, Mr Trump has since signalled a willingness to re-engage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I get along with him fantastically, he said in March. A very smart guy. Kim said earlier this week that North Korea must grow its nuclear arsenal 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. His comments were a pointed riposte to the drills between the US and South Korea, known as the Ulchi Freedom Shield, which started on Monday. Kim said it was evidence of the two nations intending to remain most hostile and confrontational and were the most obvious manifestation of their will to ignite a war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exercises, which are held annually, will last 11 days and will be similar in scale to those held last year. Half of the field training events will be rescheduled to later in September as part of an effort to ease tensions. Kim Jong-un has in recent weeks pledged to accelerate the countrys nuclear programme - REUTERS 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 whom are South Korean. Kims comments come days after Lee Jae-Myung, the newly elected South Korean president, said that he would respect the North Korean regime and had no intention to engage in any hostile acts as part of efforts to bridge divisions between the North and the South. Mr Lee also said last week that he would seek to restore the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, which aims to reduce border tension between the two countries. 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. SEOUL, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- North Korea has constructed a secret military base near the Chinese border to hold intercontinental ballistic missiles that pose a "potential nuclear threat" to the United States, a report by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said. Beyond Parallel, a Korea-focused project of CSIS, revealed the Sinpung-dong Missile Operating Base in North Pyongan Province on Wednesday, based on an analysis of commercial satellite imagery. The North has never declared its existence. The fortified underground base is located around 17 miles from the Chinese border in Taegwan County, the think tank said in a report posted on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It likely houses a brigade-sized unit with a total of six to nine nuclear-capable ICBMs and their mobile launchers, CSIS analysts said. "These missiles pose a potential nuclear threat to East Asia and the continental United States," the report warned. The base is situated in a narrow mountain valley and measures over 5,400 acres -- more than six times larger than New York's Central Park. It is unclear what types of missiles are being stored at the base, but the report's authors believe the arsenal includes nuclear-capable Hwasong-15 or Hwasong-18 ICBMs, or an as-yet unknown ICBM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the liquid-fuel Hwasong-15 and solid-fuel Hwasong-18 missiles are thought to be capable of reaching the continental United States. Missiles using solid-fuel propellants can be transported and launched more quickly than liquid-fuel models. "During times of crisis or war, these launchers and missiles will exit the base, meet special warhead storage/transportation units, and conduct launch operations from dispersed pre-surveyed sites," the report said. Construction on the base began around 2004, according to satellite images, and it has been operational since 2014. It is part of a strategic "missile belt" of multiple bases, the report said, comprising a key component of Pyongyang's "evolving ballistic missile strategy, and its expanding strategic-level nuclear deterrence and strike capabilities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report comes days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for the country's "rapid expansion of nuclearization." The North passed a law declaring itself a nuclear-armed state in 2022. Kim called the decision "irreversible" and later amended the country's constitution to enshrine the permanent growth of Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal. While U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested he would likely resume one-on-one nuclear negotiations with Kim, North Korea last month dismissed the notion of denuclearization talks. "Any attempt to deny the position of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state ... will be thoroughly rejected," Kim Yo Jong, the sister of the North Korean leader, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea. In a June report, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated that North Korea currently possesses about 50 nuclear warheads and has enough fissile material for 40 more. NORTH LAS VEGAS (KLAS) North Las Vegas Airport tenants asked for more transparency after claims of an aviation directors alleged conflict of interest with a private company. On Tuesday, the Clark County Commission conducted a public hearing on an amendment to increase fees for Las Vegas Valley airports, but stopped short of voting on the fee increase due to concerns raised about the director of general aviations connection to an organization partnered with a fuel company. Several tenants spoke out against Ben Czyzewski, managing director for general aviation airports for the Clark County Department of Aviation, for his board vice chair position on Air Elite, a customer service program that is partnered with an international fuel company. Dozens of pilots who own hangar space at the North Las Vegas Airport expressed concerns about proposed changes at the airport. (KLAS) I think it would be appropriate, based on the representations that have been made, about the conflict of interest, I think that sticks out pretty much, Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy II said. I think we need to address that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Piurkowski, chief financial officer for the Clark County Department of Aviation, clarified several points about the fees and event impacts, then addressed the questions surrounding their connection to World Fuel. As far as World Fuel project, Piurkowski said. We do bid that, and recently bid that, so it is competitive bid the fuel supply to the general aviation airports. James Chrisley, senior director for the Clark County Department of Aviation, added that the Air Elite program is a customer service program not directly linked to the World Fuel bid. According to their website, Air Elite is part of the World Fuel Services Network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is my understanding that this was just to raise rates that have not been addressed in 15 years, and for me, thats perfectly understandable, April Becker said. But if theres an issue of conflicts of interest and there are parties involved that work for the airport and also benefitting from a contract that would be entered into, I am very uncomfortable. The vote was delayed by two weeks to a September 2 meeting while the county reviewed the claims. A breakdown of the current and proposed changes was presented to the commissioners. Airport administration responds On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Clark County Department of Aviation responded via email to several of the claims made by tenants about Czyzewskis public and private positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Statements made that suggest a connection between the proposed rate increases and the fueling contractor are inaccurate, the spokesperson wrote. The proposed adjustments to rentals, fees, and charges at the general aviation airports would be across the board and unrelated to fueling operations or contractors. These changes are part of a comprehensive update after 15 years without increases, and are intended to support the long-term modernization needs of the airports. The spokesperson ended their statement that the claim that Czyzewskis board position has potential impacts or ties to the rate has no merit. 8 News Now spoke to Jeffrey Lustick, a tenant at North Las Vegas, who said the alleged conflict of interest was apparent. Its a company thats closely related to the fuel provider, and they would have us believe that theres been no influence whatsoever in the decision-making process, he said. But what we really believe is that over 150 hangars and several of the shade hangars are at risk for removal so that the company, Air Elite, can have more room to park the Elite jets, the jets that come in from time to time, and the jets that come in regularly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just a fuel issue, according to Lustick, who pointed to proposals for the North Las Vegas masterplan, which he said would benefit Air Elite and World Fuel. It shows a real lack of transparency, a real tone deafness, Lustick said. And we deserve more. We deserve better from our elected and appointed officials. And were going to were going to fight this. We will not take the removal of our hangers, just we will not accept this. They dont want the news media here On Wednesday, 8 News Now attended a tenant meeting at North Las Vegas Airport, initially to learn more about the expansion proposals. Karina Tarnowska, North Las Vegas Airport manager, told 8 News Now to leave the airport before the meeting started, contesting that its not subject to open meeting law. 8 News Now provided a printed-out copy for Tarnowska to review, to which she asked Czyzewski to ask 8 News Now to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Czyzewski asked 8 News Now to leave and was provided with a part of the open meeting law, which was contested to pertain to the meeting. Czyzewski said the meeting would not start until 8 News Now left. Tarnowska alerted the audience in attendance that the meeting would be delayed. We will be with you just shortly, she said. We are waiting to resolve we will be with you just shortly. They dont want the news media here, one tenant shouted. Tarnowska then called Amanda Mazzagatti, a Harry Reid International marketing and communications management executive, already on her way to the meeting, to speak with 8 News Now and review the arguments presented on the open meeting law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mazzagatti then asked 8 News Now to provide which part of the open meeting law pertained. The public body portion of NRS.241.016 was verbally provided but not pointed to in the printout. Nevadas open meeting law describes a public body as any administrative, advisory, executive, or legislative body of the state or a local government consisting of at least two persons who are supported in whole or in part by tax revenue. The county department is a local government. Mazzagatti then asked 8 News Now where they saw the meeting. It was pointed out that the meeting was posted online under the public notice tab of the North Las Vegas Airport website. Mazzagatti asked 8 News Now to physically point out two members of the county, which was done after asking a woman sitting in the front of the audience for the presentation at a table if she was with the County Department of Aviation, to which she agreed. Including Mazzagatti or Czyzewski, it was pointed out that there were at least twoMazzagatti then called a lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer who spoke on behalf of the county department over the phone told 8 News Now they would not entertain the defining factors cited from NRS.241 for attending the meeting, pointing to it as a tenant meeting for tenants only. A later county department statement contested that since no elected officials were in attendance, it was not subject to open meeting law, which conflicts with the Nevada open meeting law. Several tenants then told 8 News Now, Czyzewski, and Tarnowska that they had invited the media to attend, and wanted 8 News Now to stay at the meeting. I disagree completely, this is a public airport, Cecil Koupal, a tenant, said. You had public access to the airport. We are all members of the public ourselves and this and the issues here, the issues in this meeting that are going to be discussed have to do with the FAA, which owns the land on the field, and also the notion of public policy on how this land is to be administered. Right now, we believe its being abused by local authorities. The next tenant meeting is scheduled for today from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Henderson Executive Airport conference room at the main terminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (FOX40.COM) Law enforcement in Northern California is asking for the publics help to locate an injured bear that may be roaming around. Video Above: Who determines when a species is invasive? The Plumas County Sheriffs Office announced Wednesday that there is an injured bear on the north side of Portola. Deputies say they are attempting to relocate it. If the bear is seen, PCSO advised the public not to harass, approach, or chase the bear. Bear makes surprise appearance at El Dorado County ice cream shop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on its whereabouts can call the sheriffs office at 530-283-6300. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 20GRAND FORKS Daren Greene was "not really surprised," he said, by the community response to the Northlands Rescue Mission's call for help to restock its food pantry after it closed Aug. 8. "But I was surprised by the quickness of it. I thought we'd have to close for one to three months" while building up the inventory, said Greene, dining services manager. The donation of 4,500 pounds of food in less than a week has been heartening, said Everett Jones Sr., Northlands' executive director, and allowed the pantry to reopen Tuesday, Aug. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Fortunately, the community stepped forward quickly," Jones said. But the challenge will be maintaining the support that allows the facility, located at 420 Division Ave., to feed those who face food insecurity in the months to come. "It's important," Jones said, "because even with all the donations we've received, in-kind and cash donations are still needed." Jones, who officially began serving as director June 1 and moved here from Syracuse, New York, where he served as director of residential services for the YMCA, said, "It's a heavy concern. The need is growing." On Tuesday, the day of the food pantry's reopening, during the first hour and 19 minutes, 38 boxes of food had already been distributed, Greene told the Herald in an interview that day. He expected the pace to continue and reach 75 to 80 boxes before day's end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically, about 150-200 boxes of food are distributed each week, he said. The pantry has resumed its regular schedule, noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays and noon-4 p.m. Fridays. After check-in and answering a few questions regarding household income and number of residents, families and individuals receive a box containing about 50 pounds of food, including ten pounds of meat, Greene said. On Tuesday, the box contained five pounds each of fish and pork. Other items included breads, sweets, three to four canned goods, pasta and rice, broccoli, tri-colored carrots and pineapple. A household may receive a box once each calendar month, said Greene, who's been with Northlands for nearly three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We like (recipients) to be not homeless," because some items need to be cooked or kept refrigerated or frozen until serving, he said. Northlands also provides to-go meals for those in need. While the pantry was closed, the demand for to-go meals "went up tremendously by about 50%," he said. "(With that response), you find out the need is really there." About 150 to-go meals are distributed and another 50 to 60 meals are served in-house to residents weekdays, he said. "So that's about 200 to 250 meals a day, if not more." Increasing food insecurity could be attributed to a number of factors, including funding cuts, Greene said, but he was hesitant to cite a specific reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do not know," he said, but pointed to the rising cost of necessities such as groceries and car repairs as contributing to the problem. "Everything has gotten more expensive and you really see the need," he said. "At the store, you pick up the mainstays (for meals), and it used to be that the costs were stable. You could expect what the cost would be. "Now, every time you go, prices are higher. How do you counteract that?" he said. "Everybody has different circumstances, it seems like." When Northlands Rescue Mission temporarily closed its food pantry Aug. 8, due to increased demand, Jones cited a decrease in donations, rising grocery costs, supply chain disruptions and funding cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an attempt to prevent closure, food pantry hours were reduced, but the high demand and low inventory led to the decision, the Grand Forks Herald reported on Aug. 1. The shelves in the food pantry were nearly bare, a photo sent to the news media revealed. However, reducing pantry hours did not curb demand, Greene said. After the closure, Northlands officials announced in a news release that they would "focus on serving meals to people at the mission and stockpiling enough food to re-open the pantry." Northlands Rescue Mission receives food, from various local stores, through its partnership with Great Plains Food Bank and its Retail Rescue Program. This is food that, if not for this program, might otherwise go to waste, Greene said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to surplus food items from local outlets, Northlands accepts donations of groceries from individuals, however, they must be in good condition and not expired, he said, noting that the "main ask" is for boxes of pasta, bags of rice, "and microwavable macaroni and cheese is great." The facility also accepts home-grown produce. "We get cucumbers and squash, pounds and pounds," Greene said. "Sometimes bags and bags of that." As dining services manager, he brings years of food service experience at UND and several local restaurants to the table, turning the bounty into nutritious meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, "we can make pasta sauce with the tomatoes," he said. "We try to use it all." At Northlands Rescue Mission, "we run off donations," Greene said. However, "in the summer, it's tough, because people are busy with summer activities. "Or (they) might not have wiggle room (in their budgets), whether it's going to the store and picking up pasta for us." He noted the recent closure of the Red River Community Action food pantry, he said. "And you hear of food pantry closures all around the country. It's really tight." It's clear that Greene is personally committed to Northlands' mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe everyone deserves two hot meals a day, and access to the food pantry, no matter the situation," he said. "We're open to provide food for hungry people." About his role at Northlands, Greene said, "For me, this is the most rewarding job I've ever had. You can have the roughest day, and then someone says, 'thank you' or 'thanks for helping me.' It's great." Jones said the purpose of Northlands Rescue Mission, a faith-based organization, is simply to address "the struggle that some in our community face. You don't have to be complicated about it. It's looking out for your neighbor," he said. "That's the heartbeat of the work that we do. "For me, this is the purest form of worship," he said. NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH) A Norwalk man was arrested Monday after allegedly pointing a ghost gun at a person during an argument over money, Norwalk police said. Bryan Andrade-Espinoza, 22, was allegedly drinking at El Mexicano when he threatened to kill another person at the bar during an argument, police said. Norwalk man charged with DUI after rollover crash When the other person tried to dial 911, Andrade-Espinoza fled on foot onto Main Street and was followed by the victim. Andrade-Espinoza allegedly then brandished a firearm and pointed it at the victim, police said. The victim was able to disarm Andrade-Espinoza and throw the gun onto a nearby roof. Police said the weapon allegedly did not have a serial number, and Andrade-Espinoza did not have a valid pistol permit. He was taken into custody without further incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrade-Espinoza was charged with illegal carry of a firearm while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drug, second-degree breach of peace, second-degree threatening with physical threat, carrying a pistol without a permit and illegal possession of a firearm with no serial number. Andrade-Espinoza was held on a $100,000 bond and is due in court on Aug. 29. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration advised the public not to eat certain Great Valuebrand raw frozen shrimp products for a rather unusual reason. Not because of contamination by bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli, which were responsible for more than a third of food recalls last yearbut due to the shellfish containing Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. Yes, radioactive. U.S. authorities detected the substance in shipping containers coming from Indonesia at four ports of entry (Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah). Further testing revealed a small amount of the Cesium-137, or Cs-137, actually in one sample of breaded shrimp (at which port, they didnt say). The discovery was enough for the FDA to recommend that Walmart stores stop selling specific Great Value shrimp products, and to block imports from the company distributing the product until an investigation is complete. No contaminated shrimp made it to the shelves, that we know of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, the amount of Cs-137 detected in the one batch of breaded shrimp was really quite low. The FDAs Derived Intervention Levelthe point at which scientists have determined that protective measures need to be put in placefor Cs-137 is 1,200 becquerels per kilogram (becquerels are a unit of radioactivity). The prawns measured in at approximately 68 becquerels per kilogram. At this level, the product would not pose an acute hazard to consumers, the FDA wrote in their announcement. All to say: You are safe from the radioactive shrimp, as theyre being called. But if it all seems a bit weird? It is. This is very, very unique, in my initial reading of the situation, says Suresh Pillai, a microbiologist involved in food safety research and director of the National Center for Electron Beam Research at Texas A&M University. This is not normal. (Also, technically, radioactive describes the activity of the ion, not the item that is contaminated with a radioactive material, Pillai told me. The right phrase here, rather than radioactive shrimp, would be something like shrimp tainted with a material that is radioactive, which sadly just does not roll off the tongue.) That Cs-137 exists in the environment is a well-known fact. A product of nuclear detonations, the man-made isotope was released into the environment during nuclear weapon testing in the 1950s and 60s, as well as nuclear events such as Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011. Cs-137 dissolves easily in water, so it can be found everywhere from soil to rainfall to the air. Still, it should not show up in food, says Pillai. It is strange. If the contamination level was well below the FDAs level of concern, though, why all the fuss? Sure, there would have been no acute health risk from that amount, but there are long-term risks associated with repeated low-dose exposuresin particular, damage to cells and an increase in cancer risk, which is why its important to minimize exposure from any radiation, whether it comes from an X-ray or the sun. The most worrisome part of all this, though, is that its not clear where the Cs-137 could have come from, and whether that source could still be a contamination risk. The product appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated, the FDA wrote in its announcement. Did the shrimp accumulate the isotope from a contaminated body of water? Or did it come from an aerosol that settled on the shipping container? The FDA is working with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to get to the bottom of it; Pillai and others in the nuclear research space are keeping a close eye. A few radioactive shrimp might not pose a health threat, but if they or a similar item were to keep making appearances in the food supply, they could. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not likely to happen, though, given the robust monitoring protocols at U.S. ports of entry. Indeed, the fact that these shellfish were caught at all is actually really good news. Only 10, 15 years ago, they would not have detected it because the analytical instruments were not as sensitive, says Pillai. The ability of U.S. science and technology to detect such low levels that is, for me, something to be celebrated. I will leave you with the answer to a burning question I had as I reported this piece: When a shrimp is contaminated with radioactive materials, does it glow? Radioactive decay does not typically produce visible fluorescence, so, no, wrote Megan Cook of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency in an email. Alas! The funkiest thing a radioactive shrimp would dothat is, if you put a radiation sensor over such a crustacean, says Pillaiis beep. NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) The parents of OU rugby player Jozsef Pal are calling for justice after their son died from a traumatic brain injury. Nothings going to bring my son back. Nothings going to bring him back, but at least I can know I fought for him and I fought to make the people that hurt him accountable, said Amanda Pal, Jozsefs mother. RELATED: Norman Police Department investigating OU rugby players death Family of Jozsef Pal calling for justice, Image Amanda and Joe Pal. There wasnt anything he wasnt afraid of. There wasnt anything he wouldnt help with. There wasnt any person he wouldnt help, said Amanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His parents, Amanda and Joseph Pal, say all they want is for someone to be held accountable for the events that led up to their sons death, adding that Norman police and the Cleveland County District Attorney have failed to take action. Pal was a student at the University of Oklahoma, a rugby player, a member of the National Guard as a medic, and had just applied to the College of Nursing. Family of Jozsef Pal calling for justice, Image Amanda and Joe Pal. Youre not supposed to outlive your child, said Amanda. Jozsef died in a hospital after suffering a traumatic brain injury. In a police report obtained by News 4, the call came in as a carjacking. The timeline of events says Pal tried to take a vehicle from another male. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the report, Pal is listed as suspect. RP is the reporting person, who is 59 years old but not named, according to the report. Police Report: Suspect approached the males truck, tried to open the door, banged on the door, and was telling RP to get out and was trying to get in, and RP got out, hit the male suspect, and the male is now unconscious on the ground. Police Report: Male hit his head when he hit the ground, and his head is bleeding. They called to report a carjacking, and that is another delay in Joe getting help because then the police officer had to call the ambulance. So he did not get oxygen, did not get any kind of emergency care for almost an hour, said Amanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pals parents say he was drinking that night, but they have been told multiple stories as to what happened. The police report has subjects listed on the report, but redacted their names. The report lists a reporting person aged 59 years old, a witness aged 21 years old, another witness aged 21 years old, a third witness aged 21 years old, and the victim aged 23 years old. The three guys that called 911 were the ones that admitted to assaulting him. The police have had their names the whole time, said Amanda. We were never given their names. They were never arrested, nothing. They were even allowed to leave the next day. No one has been arrested or identified since the incident. Family of Jozsef Pal calling for justice. Image courtesy, Amanda and Joe Pal. They were allowed to leave after my son is dying in a hospital, said Amanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an autopsy report obtained by News 4, the medical examiner notes Pals death as violent. The ME found a fracture at the base of his skull and that his brain had swelled. I want the young men that did this to have some accountability, said Amanda. Pals parents say the swelling of his brain destroyed his brain stem, and he couldnt recover. Ill never get to hold his hand again. I miss that, said Amanda. News 4 reached out to Norman Police to ask if their investigation is complete and why there have been no arrests. They sent this statement: The Norman Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division has concluded a comprehensive investigation spanning several months. The investigation involved extensive interviews with all involved parties and witnesses, a detailed review of medical records, and a thorough examination of the circumstances and events surrounding the incident. The completed investigative report has been submitted to the Cleveland County District Attorneys Office for review and determination of any further action. Sara Schettler, PIO Norman Police Department News 4 asked the Cleveland County District Attorneys office for a comment on this and if they will be charging someone in this case. They sent this statement: The Cleveland County District Attorneys Office is meeting with the Pal family in the coming weeks to discuss our review of the investigation of the death of Jozsef Pal. We will refrain from making any comment on our charging decision until after that meeting. Merydith Harmon, First Assistant District Attorney District 21 There is a Change.org petition for Jozsef Pal, demanding justice for his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A surge in jobless young women has driven a rise in the number of under-25s not in employment, education or training (Neets). There were 450,000 female Neets in the three months to June, according to the Office for National Statistics, which is the highest number since 2016. The majority of those women are economically inactive, meaning they are neither in work nor looking for employment, while also not in education or training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just under a third are classed as unemployed, as they are seeking work but not yet in a job. The scale of the latest increase reflects ongoing challenges across the jobs market, with higher taxes driving down the number of vacancies on offer. Young men still make up the majority of Neets, but at 497,000 their number has fallen back from last years high. Around 224,000 are unemployed, while 273,000 are economically inactive. In total, almost 950,000 16 to 24-year-olds were classed as Neet in June, up by 26,000 compared to the same period last year, just before the general election. Barry Fletcher, the chief executive of the Youth Futures Foundation, noted that until the past decade women were more likely than men to be Neets, but the trend reversed during and after the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are certain structural barriers, such as caring duties, which we know may disproportionately affect young women and can be used to explain part of this figure, but the fact young men continue to make up the larger share highlights the significant challenges felt by young people across the board, he said. Neet rates remain persistently high for all young people, and this only underscores the importance of addressing structural barriers to education, training and employment. It comes amid sustained falls in hiring, which has fuelled a rise in unemployment among the entire adult population to 4.7pc. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) called for a state support scheme for young people to set up as entrepreneurs, as well as subsidised work experience for those at risk of becoming Neet because of poor health. It also wants incentives for employers taking on young apprentices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This trio of measures could make a huge dent in these Neets figures, tapping into the potential of young people across the UK, reducing the figure by 100,000 each year, said Tina McKenzie at the FSB. We know that ambition amongst young people is there, but it needs to be recognised and nurtured, otherwise were letting ambition and talent wither away purely because the routes into work or training arent clear enough. Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, said rising taxes under Labour were harming young peoples job prospects. It should come as no surprise that the numbers of young people not in work, education or training is rising under Labour. The jobs tax is hitting young workers the hardest, and Labour have utterly failed to reform welfare and get young people off benefits and into work, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young people need hope for the future but at the moment all they see is fewer opportunities and an economy going in the wrong direction. The rise in male Neets has been blamed in part on young men being drawn away from the world of work by social media, gaming and pornography. Last year Mr Stride, a former work and pensions secretary, said online obsessions were holding back youngsters. For boys, things like gaming, and certainly pornography and things like that, are a more prevalent factor, Mr Stride told the Commons work and pensions select committee. He said 16 to 24-year-olds had seen a very marked increase in mental health [conditions], which is very worrying, not least because they are young people with futures ahead of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, said the Government is extending its Youth Guarantee trailblazer scheme. This Government will not stand by while so many young people are not in education or training robbing them of their potential and our country of its future, she said. The extra 45m in funding I have announced today will help us ensure that no young person will be left behind as we unlock economic growth and secure prosperity for all under our Plan for Change. 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. U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn speaks at a press conference in Des Moines on July 30, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn launched an ad campaign featuring testimony from an Iowan who said the big, beautiful budget reconciliation package helped her family through tax cuts but Democrats have criticized the ad for featuring a person who does not live in Nunns district. Meanwhile, advocacy organizations are running ads criticizing Nunn and other GOP lawmakers who voted for legislation that will cut social safety net programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nunns first testimony ad, titled Tax Relief for Iowa Families, was unveiled Wednesday. It features Sarah Curry, an Iowan who said the expansion of the Child Tax Credit through the budget reconciliation law from $2,000 to $2,200, as well as the tax cuts during Trumps first term in office, have helped her family. Our kids have needs that we have to meet, and every dollar we can save on our taxes means another dollar we can invest in our family to help our children, she said in the ad. Nunn said he met Curry when she testified before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee in 2024, when the GOP-led panel held a hearing at the Iowa State Fair with Iowans who spoke largely in favor of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The ad was filmed at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, where Nunn said he reconnected with the Curry family. When the Curry family received their tax cut back in 2017, they invested it in their family and community, Nunn said in a statement. For them, it meant a new water heater on the family farm and vital speech therapy for their son, Isaac, who has autism. Thats what real investment looks like supporting an Iowa family while strengthening Main Street businesses right here in our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Democratic organizers say the ad does not disclose crucial information about Curry. Curry works as the research director for Iowans for Tax Relief, an organization that advocates for tax cuts. The organization has an affiliated Political Action Committee that contributed $14,000 to Nunns state legislative campaigns between 2014 and 2020, according to data from the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. Curry also lives in Glenwood a city in Iowas 4th Congressional District, represented by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra and is not a direct constituent of Nunn. Zach Nunn couldnt find anyone in Iowas 3rd district to defend the Big, Ugly Law, so he found a paid political operative from an organization thats given Nunns campaigns thousands of dollars to lie about his bill, Katie Smith, spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a news release. Iowans see through Nunns lies and will hold him accountable for voting to raise Iowans costs so he can give tax breaks to billionaires. The ad featuring Curry is the first in a series that will run on digital and social media platforms featuring Iowans talking about benefits they will see through the budget reconciliation law. In addition to discussing the Child Tax Credit, future ads will feature Iowans discussing the removal federal tax on tips and overtime pay, small business tax relief and investments for farmers and rural communities, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ad campaign comes as Democrats have organized around the GOP-led budget reconciliation law ahead of the 2026 election cycle, highlighting the cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Three Democrats, former Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-Des Moines, and Xavier Carrigan of Waukee have announced campaigns to run against Nunn in the upcoming midterm election. Ads target Nunn, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks As Nunn launches a campaign touting the big, beautiful law, the nonprofit Unrig Our Economy highlighted their ad campaigns targeting Nunn and U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks for voting to support the law. Nunn and Miller-Meeks both represent districts political forecasters say will likely be among the nations most competitive in 2026. The organization released an ad in July criticizing Nunn for voting to cut programs such as Medicaid and SNAP to give billionaires a giant new tax break. In August, the group published an ad featuring a social worker who said the 1st District representative has chosen to take care of the billionaires at the expense of the kids I work with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unrig Our Economy Campaign Director Leor Tal said in a statement Thursday that although Nunn and Miller-Meeks have both stated they support preserving Medicaid, the budget reconciliation law will result in cuts. The work requirements and restrictions on state-levied taxes on health care providers are expected to result in cuts of more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, according to a report from the Congressional Budget Office. Iowa Republicans move to fast track these Medicaid cuts reveals the truth their tax law was never about preserving Medicaid but all about giving handouts to their billionaire buddies by leaving millions without the health care they rely on, Tal said. The organization is also targeting Miller-Meeks in a billboard campaign ad, calling for the Iowa Republican to vote in favor of releasing files related to the late financier and sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. The billboard features a picture of Epstein and President Donald Trump. The billboard campaigns call for Miller-Meeks, as well as Republican Reps. Rob Bresnahan and Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey, to support legislation related to the public release of government files on Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Bresnahan, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks, and Congressman Kean Jr. have already sold out working-class families by voting to leave millions of Americans without health care to help billionaires, Tal said in a statement earlier in August. Now they are refusing to go after billionaires and predators that endangered American children. It is another example of Republicans in Congress always putting the rich and well connected over the working-class people that power our country. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEED TO KNOW Emma Coleman had just gotten back from vacation with her family and boyfriend in Ohio when she noticed ringing in her ear The nursing student, 20, brushed it off, assuming it would pass. But then, she began vomiting Still, Colman was convinced it was just something she ate. So, she went to bed hoping shed feel better in the morning. But, instead, she woke up to the room spinning, and the nausea only worsened Emma Coleman had felt fine while vacationing with her family and boyfriend in Ohio. But after flying home to Maine, everything suddenly shifted. It started with a ringing in her ear. She brushed it off, assuming it would pass. But that evening, after dinner, she began vomiting. Convinced it was just something she ate, she went to bed hoping shed feel better in the morning. Instead, she woke up to the room spinning, and the nausea only worsened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know how I made it to the bathroom because the whole room was spinning and it just didnt stop, Coleman, 20, recalls to PEOPLE exclusively over Zoom. I was throwing up nonstop, and it just so happened to be the same day we were moving out of our house. Emma Colman Emma Colman on the beach during vacation Emma Colman on the beach during vacation Amid the chaos, she realized she couldnt hear out of one ear the ringing was still there, but everything else had gone silent. Her boyfriends aunt, a nurse practitioner, urged her to head straight to the hospital. At the emergency department, Coleman a nursing student was given IV medication for nausea and evaluated by both a physical therapist and a doctor. Still, no clear answers emerged. She was diagnosed with labyrinthitis, an inner-ear infection, and discharged despite being unable to walk steadily and still vomiting. My mom was pretty upset they let me go when I couldnt even walk, Coleman says. I ended up just being in bed for a week, week and a half. Emma Colman Emma Colman in bed sick Emma Colman in bed sick A follow-up with her primary care doctor revealed nothing visibly wrong. She was referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist, but in Maine particularly near her home in Bangor wait times stretched six months to a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats when a family member encouraged her to seek care in Boston. There, a more detailed exam revealed her hearing loss was around 80%, and doctors told her she had just a 2% chance her hearing would return. An MRI also ruled out a tumor, but the news was still crushing. That's how I got fast-tracked into the system there, Coleman explains. Because when you lose your hearing, they say you need to treat it within the first few weeks or theres a very low chance of getting it back. Over the next few months, she took time off from school and spent countless hours driving back and forth to Boston with her mom, hoping to get more answers. I was devastated. I just didnt know what to think, she says. When I first lost my hearing, I did so much research on TikTok and saw all the worst-case scenarios people talking about cochlear implants. I just had this gut feeling thats where I was headed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I leaned on support from my boyfriend," she adds. "he's been there for me a lot, and my parents have also been there for me during all of this." Eventually, on one of the trips to Boston, Coleman was told she was profoundly deaf in her right ear. The official diagnosis was sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), which, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America, is a rapid loss of hearing typically within 72 hours often affecting only one ear. The only option left was a cochlear implant. She agreed to the procedure and, after surgery and four weeks of healing, finally reached whats called activation day. They hooked it up to the computer, put it on my ear, and the audiologist told me, Okay, its going to be turned on. You might not hear anything at first, she recalls. At first it was just buzzing, and then all of a sudden I could hear voices I could hear my parents talking behind me and I could tell what they were saying. Emma Colman Emma Colman getting cochlear implant installed Emma Colman getting cochlear implant installed The implant kind of sounds like a squirrel or a robot, but really muffled, she adds. Still, it was amazing, because physically I have no hearing in that ear, but as soon as I put that on, I do. Thats just really cool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help her adjust, Coleman practiced daily using apps that streamed words and sounds directly into her processor. Its basically teaching your brain how to hear again, she says. Its nowhere near normal hearing, but over time it gets closer. 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. Looking back, Colman says when she first lost her hearing, she turned to TikTok, searching for people her age going through something similar, but found very few. One person she did find was The Bachelor star Daisy Kent, whose content quickly became a big inspiration. Inspired by Kents openness online, Coleman realized that if she could be one more person to help someone else, she would. So, after her surgery, she decided it was time to speak up and share her own story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive had a lot of people message me, like, Hey, Im scheduled to get my surgery soon, do you have any advice? or I just lost my hearing three months ago. I dont know what to do, Coleman says. And Im just like, its crazy how common it is. Before it happened to me, Id never heard about it. Now Ive met so many people who are going through the same thing or went through it years ago. Its wild that so many people dont realize this can just happen to you." Ive also joined a lot of Facebook groups to talk about cochlear implants and hearing loss, she adds. I post a lot because people will ask questions and not really know the answers, so I try to help. Its really great to connect with people and see that youre not going through this alone. Emma Colman Emma Colman with her boyfriend in the hospital Emma Colman with her boyfriend in the hospital Through these experiences, shes even connected with nurses who have cochlear implants themselves, learning firsthand how they manage the demands of a busy hospital environment. Seeing their success has reassured her that she, too, can pursue her nursing career without being held back by her hearing loss. With the surgery now behind her and her confidence growing, shes looking forward to returning to school this fall, eager to continue her studies. Going through this, I think, will help me hear patients better in a busy hospital setting, but also, having gone through this myself, I think itll make me a more understanding nurse. Im really excited for that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I really just hope I can shed some light on this, Coleman adds. Even if Im only reaching 500 people, thats 500 people who may not have known about it before, and now they do. There are ways to prevent it, not always, but hearing protection is really important. Ive learned that in loud settings, like concerts, wearing earplugs can make a huge difference. You can do so much damage without even realizing it until its too late." Read the original article on People A New York appeals court threw out the roughly $500 million civil fraud penalty against President Trump on Thursday, but it declined to toss the case entirely. It deals a significant blow to New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess (D) sprawling case against the president and his business. In a deeply divided decision, the court upheld a lower courts finding that Trump, his eldest sons and another executive conspired to alter his net worth for tax and insurance benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the eye-popping financial penalty against the president and his business will not stand, with the judges saying it amounts to an unconstitutional excessive fine. The ruling enables the case to move toward New Yorks top court. The case, brought in 2022, made James one of the presidents most prominent adversaries, as it threatened his billionaire status and the future of the business that built his fame and paved his path to the White House. A bench trial culminated in a $464 million judgment against Trump and his business, plus interest that has mounted every day. The total had reached more than $527 million, including interest, as of Thursday. Beyond the agreement that the fine must be tossed, the decision was deeply split. Two judges said Judge Arthur Engorons findings at the trial level were justified, another two wanted to order a new trial while the fifth judge voted to dismiss the case outright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is difficult to imagine that a trial could proceed while one of the principal defendants, and a central witness, is President of the United States, the first pair wrote. The inevitable elapse of time and the attendant difficulties in recreating a vast record of testimony and documents an exercise that is both Sisyphean and unneeded, because an extensive trial record already exists would likely consign this meritorious case to oblivion, they said. But the 2-2-1 split left no opinion garnering a majority. So to ensure finality, the second pair agreed to join the first in upholding the lower decision, providing a clean path for the case to proceed to a higher court. The elimination of the nine-figure sum has left Trump and his sons painting the ruling as a win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TOTAL VICTORY in the FAKE New York State Attorney General Letitia James Case! Trump wrote on Truth Social. I greatly respect the fact that the Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision that was hurting Business all throughout New York State. Trumps eldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, similarly celebrated the ruling as a massive win and total victory. Its not entirely so. The panel found that the trial courts injunctive relief barring Trump, his sons and other executives from serving in key leadership roles in the near term was justified. Judges Peter Moulten and Dianne Renwick, the first pair who wrote the principal opinion, said that the trial record supports the lower courts finding that Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, possessed the requisite intent to defraud, in addition to top executives Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Considering the significant likelihood that defendants would reoffend, Supreme Courts injunctions were measured and fair, the judges wrote. The second pair, Judges John Higgitt and Llinet Rosado, wouldve sent the case back for another trial with more limited scope. The judges said some claims were barred by the statute of limitations, an argument Trumps lawyers made throughout the trial but was rebuffed. And the final judge, David Friedman, voted to dismiss the case entirely. He said state law provided James no power to bring such a prosecution, she didnt prove her allegations even if she had such power and the case certainly appears to be retaliation for Trump running for president. The Attorney General simply failed to prove her case, Friedman wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Thursday, James pointed to the fact that the panel affirmed the trial courts finding that Trump and his company are liable for fraud and upheld the injunctive relief her office won against them. It should not be lost to history: yet another court has ruled that the president violated the law, and that our case has merit, James said. She added that her office will appeal the ruling. Alina Habba, one of Trumps attorneys at trial and now Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, said in a statement that ruling proves Jamess case was politically motivated, legally baseless, and grossly excessive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At trial, Trumps legal team accused James and Engoron, the judge, of weaponizing the courts for political gain. Both the court and attorney generals office repeatedly refuted the notion as baseless. The appeals court took unusually long to rule, weighing the appeal for nearly 11 months after arguments before issuing its decision. The civil fraud trial marked the start of Trumps courtroom campaign, as he vied for the White House while also beating back a flurry of civil cases and four criminal indictments. Updated at 1:37 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (The Center Square) A New York appeals court has tossed out a $454 million civil fraud verdict against Donald Trump and his family business over charges he broke state laws by inflating the values on his properties. In Thursday's ruling, the First Judicial Department of the New York State Appellate Division kept in place non-monetary penalties imposed by a lower court on now-President Trump and his company, but said the more than half-billion-dollar fine imposed as part of the guilty verdict is "excessive" and violates the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The court's 323-page ruling, which included several opinions, shows that the five-member panel was deeply divided over Trump's appeal. Some judges said they were in favor of upholding the fraud ruling but dismissing the fines, others in favor of ordering a new trial, and at least one who would have dismissed the case entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the injunctive relief ordered by the court is well crafted to curb defendants business culture, the courts disgorgement order, which directs that defendants pay nearly half a billion dollars to the State of New York, is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution," two of the judges, Dianne Renwick and Peter Moulton, wrote in one opinion. A lawsuit against Trump and his company by Democratic New York State Attorney General Letitia James alleged that Trump overvalued his properties on financial statements between 2014 and 2021 by hundreds of millions of dollars, which deprived the state and New York City of tax revenue. In February 2024, Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron ordered Trump and his organization to pay around $454 million in penalties after finding him liable for business fraud. With interest, the fines were expected to reach more than $500 million. At the time, Trump was running for president. Trump praised the court for overturning an "unlawful and disgraceful" penalty in a post on social media that blasted James as a "corrupt and Incompetent Attorney General who only brought this Case in order to hurt me politically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is a Trump Deranged Lunatic! They made me bond the outrageous sum, which never happened before, and which cost me Millions of Dollars a month," he posted on X. It should have never been allowed to happen, and everyone knew it! It was a Political Witch Hunt, in a business sense, the likes of which no one has ever seen before." Eric Trump, the presidents son and a defendant in the lawsuit, took to social media to praise the court's ruling and criticize James for prosecuting his family. "Total victory in the sham NY Attorney General case!!! After 5 years of hell, justice prevailed!" he wrote. James, a Democrat first elected in 2018, has been a frequent critic of Trump and, in addition to the civil fraud trial, has filed several multistate lawsuits against the Trump administration over federal immigration policies, rollbacks in federal funding, and worker layoffs and other actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, news reports revealed that the Justice Department has subpoenaed James as part of an investigation into whether she violated Trump's civil rights during his civil trial on fraud charges. James, whose office didn't immediately comment on Thursday's decision, is widely expected to appeal the ruling to the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals. NEW YORK The former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams ran audacious bribery schemes out of City Hall selling off her help as a public official four different times to people willing to shower her with money or gifts, according to a series of indictments unsealed Thursday. Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former chief adviser to the mayor, is accused by a grand jury of helping friends secure lucrative city contracts and expediting their regulatory issues with city government in exchange for cash payments to her son, free home renovations, nearly $10,000 worth of seafood for city events and even a guest appearance on the TV show Godfather of Harlem. Lewis-Martin used her influence as Adams longest-serving aide and overrode other City officials expertise and decision making to ensure that certain required actions were accomplished for the benefit of her co-conspirators, prosecutors with the Manhattan District Attorneys office wrote in a sweeping and detail-rich summary of the indictments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, who is facing long odds as he runs for reelection as an independent, is not accused of wrongdoing in any of the cases. But they are just the latest allegations of corruption to cloud Adams time in City Hall an issue that seems destined to define his tenure in office. That includes the mayors own federal corruption charges alleging a bribery conspiracy by the Turkish government a case that was dismissed following the intervention of President Donald Trumps administration. But the allegations also include state corruption charges against Adams former buildings commissioner, a series of guilty pleas involving straw donor schemes to the mayors campaign and other federal criminal investigations leading to the resignation of several high ranking administration officials. Lewis-Martin was arraigned in criminal court in Manhattan Thursday morning and pleaded not guilty to four counts of conspiracy in the fourth degree, and four counts of bribe receiving in the second degree. Her lawyer downplayed the charges and specifically denied the accusation she received a $2,500 cash payment in exchange for fighting against a street safety redesign. Her only so-called offense was fulfilling her dutyhelping fellow citizens navigate the Citys outdated and often overwhelming bureaucracy. At no point did she receive a single dollar or any personal benefit for her assistance, Arthur L. Aidala said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, the District Attorney seeks to portray a dedicated and honest public servant as a criminal. This is not justice it is a distortion of the truth and a troubling example of politically motivated lawfare," Aidala added, saying Lewis-Martin will vigorously fight these charges. Adams defended Lewis-Martin in a statement, and said he wouldnt let the indictments distract him. I have not been accused of any wrongdoing, and my focus remains on serving the 8.5 million New Yorkers by making our city safer and more affordable every day, Adams said. While Ingrid Lewis-Martin no longer works for this administration, she has been a friend and colleague for over 40 years, and I know her as a devoted public servant; she has declared her innocence, and my prayers are with her and her family. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office alleges four different schemes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another longtime Adams ally Jesse Hamilton, a deputy commissioner at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, is charged alongside Lewis-Martin in one case where the pair is accused of promoting real estate developer Yehiel Landaus projects in exchange for more than $5,000 worth of renovations on homes owned by both city officials. Hamilton resigned Thursday, DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina said in a statement, and noted that Hamilton never had independent authority to execute leases and he was subject to increased oversight. In another case, Lewis-Martin is accused of steering city contracts providing housing for asylum seekers to a friend who owned a karaoke club. In return, prosecutors allege Tian Ji Li paid Martins son Glenn Martin II $50,000 and provided karaoke parties for Lewis-Martin. Whatever site TJ wants, I need him to get them, Lewis-Martin texted Hamilton about Li, according to the indictment, Because thats our fucking people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a third case, Lewis-Martin is accused of advocating against the citys plans for a street redesign to help Gina and Tony Argento, leaders of a film production company who opposed the project. Gina Argento paid Lewis-Martin $2,500 for her help, prosecutors claim, provided free catering services to the city and helped Lewis-Martin secure a speaking role on the TV show Godfather of Harlem. From her perch in City Hall, Lewis-Martin eagerly fought the redesign plan that had been chosen by the Department of Transportation. Prosecutors say she texted Gina Argento a flyer promoting the plan. We do not care what they say, Lewis-Martin wrote. We are ignoring them and continuing with our plan. They can kiss my ass. And finally, Lewis-Martin is accused of helping expedite issues with the Department of Buildings for an unnamed friend in exchange for free seafood valued at almost $10,000 for various events at City Hall and the mayors residence in the spring and summer of 2024. Along with Lewis-Martin, her son and Hamilton, the four business people were charged with conspiracy and bribery Thursday. All pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Daniel Conviser expressed frustration trying to schedule the first appearance for the defendants across four cases. Im sorry, theres like ten people, and Ive got to have everybody here at one time and everybodys got different schedules, he said, predicting there would be a massive amount of discovery. Lewis-Martin resigned from City Hall in December before being indicted on separate corruption charges to which she pleaded not guilty. She continued to volunteer for Adams reelection campaign despite that, playing the role of political adviser in which she served Adams for two decades. Married to one of Adams friends from his time in the NYPD, Lewis-Martin helped Adams get elected to the state Senate in 2006, and the two of them masterminded a long-term plan to make him mayor culminating in his 2021 election. The indictments were unsealed just a day after another longtime Adams aide, Winnie Greco, gave a reporter from THE CITY cash stuffed in a potato chip bag in an apparent bribery attempt, the nonprofit news outlet reported. Greco has been mentored by Lewis-Martin and worked with her in City Hall until she resigned under pressure last October. Ingrid Lewis-Martin accepted more than $75,000 in bribes while serving as chief adviser to New York Mayor Eric Adams, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleged Thursday in four separate conspiracy indictments that also named eight others, including some of the mayor's associates. Lewis-Martin, who was previously charged with accepting more than $100,000 in bribes, is now alleged to have conspired to steer city contracts for shelters to house asylum-seekers to preferred property owners in exchange for a $50,000 cash payment allegedly accepted by her son, Glenn Martin II, who is also charged. In a different indictment, Lewis-Martin is alleged to have taken $2,500 from two Brooklyn business owners, Gina and Tony Argento, in exchange for convincing city transportation officials to abandon a plan to redesign McGuinness Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Ingrid Lewis-Martin, NYC Mayor Eric Adams' former chief adviser, to face more charges: Lawyer Lewis-Martin and the city's deputy commissioner for real estate services, Jesse Hamilton, are alleged in the third indictment to have conspired to fast-track development projects in exchange for renovations on their homes. In the fourth indictment, Lewis-Martin allegedly conspired to obtain approval for a residential renovation project in exchange for thousands of dollars of catering for events at Gracie Mansion and City Hall. "We allege that Ingrid Lewis-Martin engaged in classic bribery conspiracies that had a deep and wide-ranging impact on City government," Bragg said in a statement announcing the indictments. "As alleged, Lewis-Martin consistently overrode the expertise of public servants so she could line her own pockets." Luiz C. Ribeiro/New York Daily News via TNS via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this March 8, 2024, file photo, Ingrid Lewis-Martin is pictured during a weekly in-person press conference at City Hall Blue Room in New York. Lewis-Martin, who previously pleaded not guilty, is now charged with conspiracy and bribery charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "New York City officials and employees have a duty to serve the public fairly and equitably and the vast majority fulfill that sacred responsibility each and every day. Today's Indictments, however, allege that the Mayor's former Chief Advisor, at times in concert with the Deputy Commissioner for Real Estate Services in the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, repeatedly and persistently abused her senior government position to enrich herself and her family," Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber said in a statement. Lewis-Martin and her son both pleaded not guilty to the latest charges on Thursday. During the arraignment, the prosecutor told the judge that "if you were willing to pay, Ms. Martin was open for business," and as alleged in the criminal complaints, she accepted both cash and seafood. Her lawyer, Arthur Aidala, called the new charges "politically motivated" and a "distortion of the truth." He maintained in a statement on Wednesday ahead of the release of the indictments that Lewis-Martin "has broken no laws, and she is not guilty." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Despite a lifetime of service as a law-abiding public servant, Ingrid is being forced to enter court with little information," he said in the statement. "What she does know is this: she has always served the City with integrity, and she will firmly plead not guilty to every charge." MORE: Ingrid Lewis-Martin, NYC Mayor Eric Adams' former chief adviser, surrenders on criminal charges Adams, who is now running for reelection as an independent instead of a Democrat, has not been accused of any wrongdoing, a spokesperson for his campaign said. "While Ingrid Lewis-Martin no longer works for this administration, she has been a friend and colleague of the mayor for over 40 years, and he knows her as a devoted public servant; she has declared her innocence, and his prayers are with her and her family," the spokesperson, Todd Shapiro, said in a statement. "Mayor Adams also recognizes that Jesse Hamilton has pleaded not guilty, and like anyone accused, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence. His commitment to New Yorkers is unwavering -- no distraction will ever take his eyes off the ball or his dedication to this great city we all call home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewis-Martin resigned from her position days before surrendering on bribery and money laundering charges in December 2024. Barry Williams for NY Daily News via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this Jan. 2, 2024, file photo, Mayor Eric Adams leaves an in-person media availability with Ingrid Lewis-Martin at City Hall in New York. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office probe is separate from federal corruption charges that were brought and then subsequently dropped against Adams. The mayor was indicted last year in the Southern District of New York on five counts in an alleged long-standing conspiracy connected to improper benefits, illegal campaign contributions and an attempted cover-up. The Department of Justice moved to dismiss the charges, prompting the resignation of several top prosecutors. In April, a federal judge dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be revived. The Justice Department sought to have the case dismissed to free up Adams to cooperate with the mayor's immigration agenda, though it wanted the case dismissed without prejudice, meaning it could be brought again. A public defender with Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) was fired over a social media post in which he appeared to call for violence against Israelis. Despite sharing the same acronym as the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, Brooklyn Defender Services is a New York City public defense organization with no affiliation to it. Lucas Gomez, a public defender, recently responded to a post in which someone asked, "What everyone needs to start asking is who will take 7 million Israelis in?" Gomez wrote in response. "No one needs to ask this question when firing squads exist," according to screenshots posted on X by the watchdog group StopAntisemitism. "An employee from Gomezs own office alerted us to his vile post calling for firing squads," a spokesperson for StopAntisemitism told Fox News Digital, adding that "it is beyond alarming that an attorney entrusted with upholding the law would engage in such violent rhetoric." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization argued that Gomezs law license should be revoked. Students from CUNY Graduate Center, Brooklyn College, and Baruch College launched an indefinite hunger strike for Gaza on May 27, 2025, in New York City. In response to Fox News Digitals request for comment, Gomez apologized for the post and said the "indefensible" comment came from "misplaced emotions" about the war in Gaza. "I want to sincerely apologize for my post. It was not only inappropriate but distasteful and offensive. The post came from misplaced emotions related to the ongoing genocide in Palestine and seeing footage of that every day," Gomez told Fox News Digital. "The post was awful, indefensible, and a lapse of judgment. It was not a representation of my character or who I am as a person. It was also not a representation of Brooklyn Defender [Services]." Read On The Fox News App Pro-Palestinian activists hold banners that include, "globalize the intifada" during a protest commemorating Nakba Day on May 15, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. Nakba Day, which means "catastrophe" in Arabic, is an annual day of commemoration for Palestinians to mark the expulsion from land that now makes up parts of greater Israel, which occurred during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Opinion: From Memes To Misinformation: Gen Z Creators Fight Back Against Antisemitism Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BDS condemned Gomezs online comment as "hateful" and announced his termination in a public statement. "In his recent post on X, Lucas Gomez made a hateful statement that is antithetical to everything BDS stands for and what we unequivocally expect from our employees," BDS Executive Director Lisa Schreibersdorf said. "In addition to advocating violence and antisemitism, Lucas Gomez tarnished the reputation of Brooklyn Defender [Services] and of each of our dedicated public defenders." Schreibersdorf also said that BDS works to "uplift the humanity of all people and to seek kindness, justice and mercy in our courts and in our society," adding that Gomezs post was "an affront" to the organizations work. Pro-Palestinian protesters try to enter the Brooklyn Museum, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, May 31, 2024. Antisemitic Graffiti Prompts Hate Crime Probe At Israeli-american Council Hq In Los Angeles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The StopAntisemitism spokesperson noted that since Hamas Oct. 7 massacre, antisemitism has been "rampant" online. "What we are seeing now is not new, but it has become shockingly open and normalized in ways we can no longer ignore. That is why its more critical than ever to call it out and expose Jew-hatred that is simmering in our society," the spokesperson said. StopAntisemitism noted in a thread following the screenshots of Gomezs post, that it had previously featured another New York City public defender on its platform. In November 2023, Victoria Ruiz, who was affiliated with New York County Defender Services (NYCDS), was caught tearing down hostage posters. A representative confirmed Ruizs identity to Fox News Digital at the time. In a statement to Fox News Digital, NYCDS said Ruiz resigned "effective immediately." NYCDS condemned Ruizs "highly insensitive actions." Fox News Digital's Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report. Original article source: NYC public defender terminated over antisemitic social media post targeting Israelis Affordability and "distribution of wealth" are at the heart of Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign, and New Yorkers are buying in. Whether firing up canvassers in Prospect Park or answering "ask me anything" questions on Instagram, creating a more affordable New York City remains Mamdani's central message. New Yorkers who spoke to Fox News Digital in Manhattan's Union Square on Tuesday night said they are right in step with Mamdani's vision, which includes progressive campaign promises like free buses and child care, and city-run grocery stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think affordability is a really big thing, so regular people can afford to live in the city," said Ian, a New Yorker who is voting for the self-described democratic socialist in November. Socialist's Nyc Mayoral Win Sparks Fierce Debate Over Feasibility Of Radical Policy Agenda Democrat mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a rally at the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council headquarters in New York, July 2, 2025. "That's what makes New York City so great," Ian explained. "All the people from all around the world can come and live here and start businesses and contribute to the economy and to the culture." Read On The Fox News App Zohran Mamdani Supporters Unfazed By Trump's 'Communist' Label, Defend The Candidate's Affordability Fight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said "making New York a place where more regular people live and work" is critical. It's the same message Mamdani has been delivering on the campaign trail for months. Another voter in Union Square on Tuesday, Ritvik, told Fox News Digital that he usually leans more conservative, but he couldn't find himself voting for any of the other candidates. Mamdani pulled off a political upset in June's Democratic primary, defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is now running as an independent candidate. The former governor resigned in 2021 in the face of controversy, including multiple sexual harassment allegations and questions about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bridget, a Zohran Mamdani canvasser who gathered in Prospect Park on Sunday, sported an "Educators for Zohran" T-shirt alongside a group of fellow teachers. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who was elected as a Democrat in 2021, is also running as an independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump admitted last month to helping him out "a little bit" after his Justice Department dropped corruption charges against the mayor earlier this year. Curtis Sliwa, founder and CEO of the Guardian Angels, is the Republican nominee. But Ritvik said he wasn't just voting against those candidates, telling Fox News Digital that Mamdani's "rhetoric is one of unity." Ritvik agreed that affordability played a big role in his decision to vote for Mamdani. Particularly on housing, the New Yorker said creating more supply should be a top priority. Zohran Mamdani took a photo with a supporter as he arrived at his anti-Trump event on Staten Island. The mayoral hopeful has vowed to freeze rents if elected in November, something former Mayor Bill de Blasio did three times during his tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani has accused Adams of appointing Rent Guidelines Board members to raise rents on stabilized apartments. Cuomo called the plan "politically convenient posture," and said such a move would hurt landlords, who would be "unable to maintain their buildings." Noah, another New York voter, said that small businesses are what make the country so special and also echoed the push for more affordable housing. The three Mamdani voters who spoke to Fox News Digital said they are inspired by his positive energy, fresh perspective and his plan to address the issues most impacting everyday New Yorkers. And when asked if they are worried about Trump's "100% Communist Lunatic" label, they said it's expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That kind of rhetoric has always come from the Trump administration, so not particularly surprising to me, and he simply has run the best campaign that there is, and so I think he just deserves a vote," Ritvik said. Meanwhile, Noah and Ian said it's a "real concern," but they continue to be inspired by Mamdani for focusing his campaign, not just on Trump, but "on helping New Yorkers." Mamdani emphasized that his platform is "all about affordability" when pressed about the label by Fox News' Nate Foy on Wednesday. "The elements of my platform are all about affordability, and I am a democratic socialist," Mamdani said. "When New Yorkers ask me what it means, I take them to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, who said, 'Call it democracy or call it democratic socialism, there must be a better distribution of wealth for all of God's children in this country.'" Original article source: NYC voters flock to socialist-style freebies as Mamdani pushes rent freezes, city-run stores CAMILLUS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) New York State Police are investigating a deadly crash in the Town of Camillus. On Wednesday, August 20, around 11:10 a.m., New York State Police responded to a report of a serious motor vehicle crash on West Genesee Street in Camillus. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2025 Chevrolet Trax was driving eastbound when it crossed the center line and sideswiped a 2014 Toyota Sienna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chevrolet then continued into the westbound lane and struck a 2020 BMW 330 Series head-on. The driver of the Chevrolet, 74-year-old Darlene A. Cushman, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the BMW and the Toyota, and their passengers, were all sent to Upstate University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to assist at the scene. 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 WSYR. Barack Obama has backed Gavin Newsoms plan to redraw Californias voting map. The former US president said it was a necessary step to stave off Donald Trumps efforts to redistrict Texas, which would favour Republicans in the state. I think that approach is a smart, measured approach, Mr Obama said during a fundraiser for the Democratic Partys main redistricting arm. Mr Newsom on Thursday signed legislation to put the redrawn congressional maps before California voters, who will be required to approve them before they become law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its official. Californias special election is ON for November 4th, the California governor wrote on social media. The People of California will be able to cast their vote for a Congressional map. Direct democracy that gives us a fighting chance to STOP Donald Trumps election rigging. He declared: Time to fight fire with fire. Gavin Newsom shows the legislation in Sacramento - AP The legislation would redraw Californias voting districts to create five new winnable Democratic House seats, a direct counter to the Texas Houses approval of a new map to create more conservative-leaning seats in that state. It is designed to flip as many Republican-held seats as those that will be created under the new Texas map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Texass Republican-controlled state Senate approved the new districts, making the Trump-approved maps official. Texas representatives during a session at the state capitol on Wednesday - Sergio Flores/REUTERS However, California faces a more uncertain route, as voters need to approve the new map in the special election on November 4. California has a voter-approved independent commission that Mr Newsom himself had backed. Only voters can override the current map, approved in 2021. However, Mr Newsom said extraordinary steps are required to counter Texas and other Republican-led states the US president is pushing to revise maps. This is a new Democratic Party, this is a new day, this is new energy out there all across this country, the California governor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Texas Democrats fled the state, delaying the passage of the redistricting plan by more than two weeks. They boarded chartered planes on Aug 3 for New York and Chicago to deny the Republicans the quorum to vote on the redistricting effort, since official business in the Texas legislature requires at least 100 members to be present. Mr Trump has also pushed Republican leaders in conservative states like Indiana and Missouri to try to create new Republican seats. Ohio Republicans were already revising their map before Texas moved. Democrats, meanwhile, are mulling reopening Marylands and New Yorks maps as well. 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. Former President Barack Obama is backing California Gov. Gavin Newsoms plan to combat President Donald Trumps redistricting plan in Texas. The Texas House approved a new map on Wednesday to create more GOP-leaning seats in the state after a weeks-long battle with the states Democratic Party. After Texas unveiled its plan to add more Republican seats, Newsom vowed to respond by creating more Democratic-leaning seats in California. Obama slammed political gerrymandering in a statement shared to social media platform X on Wednesday, but commended Newsom for fighting back against Texas Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the long term, we shouldnt have political gerrymandering in America, just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas, Obama said in a statement. But since Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House and gerrymandering in the middle of a decade to try and maintain the House despite their unpopular policies, I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this. Hes put forward a smart, measured approach in California, designed to address a very particular problem at a very particular moment in time, he added. Over the long term, we shouldnt have political gerrymandering in America, just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas. But since Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House and gerrymandering in the middle of a decade to try and https://t.co/6YeqWg6Zv3 Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 20, 2025 The move to redraw the congressional maps in the middle of the decade is highly unusual, but Texas pushed ahead at the urging of Trump earlier in the summer. The move will give Republicans an advantage in the Lone Star state ahead of the 2026 midterms. Obama previously weighed in on the Trump-backed redistricting plan in Texas last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In remarks first reported by ABC News, Obama had expressed support to the fleeing Democratic lawmakers in Texas through a video call, arguing that their exit comes at an important time to combat gerrymandering. We cant let a systematic assault on democracy just happen and stand by and so because of your actions, because of your courage, what youve seen is California responding, other states looking at what they can do to offset this mid-decade gerrymandering, Obama told the legislators, who were meeting in Illinois, via Zoom. Now, California is hoping to respond to Texass redistricting plan approved by the House this week. Newsom has engineered the high-risk strategy in response to President Donald Trumps own brinkmanship. Trump pushed Texas Republicans to reopen the legislative maps they passed in 2021 to squeeze out up to five new GOP seats to help the party stave off a midterm defeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike in Texas, where passage by the Republican-controlled state Senate and signature by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott are now all thats needed to make the maps official, California faces a more uncertain route. Democrats must use their legislative supermajority to pass the map by a two-third margin. Then they must schedule a special election in November for voters to approve the map that Newsom must sign by Friday to meet ballot deadlines. The added complexity is because California has a voter-approved independent commission that Newsom himself backed before Trumps latest redistricting maneuver. Only the states voters can override the map that commission approved in 2021. But Newsom said extraordinary steps are required to counter Texas and other Republican-led states that Trump is pushing to revise maps. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Former President Barack Obama said he supports California Democrats' efforts to redraw congressional districts aiming to offset a similar move passed Wednesday by Texas Republicans. I wanted just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas, and take it to the voters and see what happens, Obama said on Tuesday in a rare political intervention and his first public comments expressing support for the push by California Governor Gavin Newsom. But I want to be very clear: Given that Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House that is effectively saying, Gerrymander for partisan purposes so we can maintain the House despite our unpopular policies, redistrict right in the middle of a decade between censuses which is not how the system was designed I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas House of Representatives passed a new Trump-backed congressional map plan that would net the Republican party as many as five additional seats in next years midterms, potentially solidifying GOP control of Congress. The 88-to-52 vote occurred along party lines. It came after Democratic lawmakers in Texas temporarily fled to deny the statehouse a quorum, thereby temporarily halting the redistricting effort. Former President Barack Obama spoke out in favor of California Governor Gavin Newsoms response to redistricting in Texas by Republicans (Getty Images) Obama was one of several prominent Democrats who called those lawmakers to commend them for their efforts to protect democracy. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite their efforts, the GOP proposal passed. The Texas state Senate passed a similar map on Sunday, and the new map is expected to head to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk later this week. Trump urged the Texas GOP to redraw state congressional maps to gain more Republican seats (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) In July, President Trump said that he was urging the Texas GOP to redraw state congressional maps to gain more Republican seats, with the president later claiming the GOP was entitled to more seats in the state following his successful 2024 campaign there. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Republicans hold a single-digit majority and are facing an unfavorable electoral dynamic ahead of the 2026 midterms in November next year. To head off GOP efforts to preserve their majority by creating new districts, Democrats have been spurred into action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the new map was passed in the Lone Star State, Governor Newsom of California posted on X about his counterpart: Congratulations to @GregAbbott_TX -- you will now go down in history as one of Donald Trump's most loyal lapdogs. He added: Shredding our nations founding principles. What a legacy. California Governor Gavin Newsom is leading the Democratic pushback to Republican efforts to create new GOP-leaning seats to hold onto the House of Representatives (Getty Images) Newsom is backing a plan in California to redraw congressional maps via a ballot measure in November; his party plans to shift five Republican-held districts to increase the number of Democratic voters in them in a direct response to Texas. The governor has said Californias new maps will be temporary, an approach Obama described as a smart, measured approach, designed to address a very particular problem in a very particular moment in time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obama noted that, as the process must be voted on, Californians would have their say at the ballot box, unlike in Texas. The fact that California voters will have a chance to weigh in on this makes this act consistent with our democratic ideals, rather than in opposition to our democratic ideals, Obama said. Obama noted that, as the redistricting process must be voted on, Californians would have their say at the ballot box, unlike in Texas. (Getty Images) Were not going to act as if anything is normal any longer. Yes, well fight fire with fire. Yes, we will push back. Its not about whether we play hardball anymore, Newsom said at a virtual news conference with other Democratic leaders on Wednesday. Its about how we play hardball. And California has your back. In a later post on X, he wrote: Its on, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californias Supreme Court has already denied a Republican request to intervene on the Democratic Redistricting legislation. A one-page ruling reads: The petition for writ of mandate and application for stay are denied. Petitioners have failed to meet their burden of establishing a basis for relief at this time under California Constitution article IV, section 8. Newsoms press office, which has been on a tear over the past week mimicking Trump, asked on X: What do you call a lawsuit that gets tossed in less than 48 hours? and said they would retweet the best responses. The California legislature is expected to vote on the motion to put new maps on the ballot by the end of this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also indicated a readiness to engage in aggressive redistricting tactics, stating that Democrats in the state are prepared to fight fire with fire against Republican efforts. Her stance mirrors that of Newsom and mid-decade redistricting is also on the table. Despite existing state laws designed to ensure independent commissions and curb gerrymandering Hochul has expressed openness to such measures. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is also open to Newsom's approach to redistricting but the process would be different in her state (Getty Images) Earlier this month, when questioned on whether New York's Independent Redistricting Commission established to keep the process separate from the Legislature should be disbanded or altered to expedite redistricting, Hochul unequivocally replied: Yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im tired of fighting this fight with my hand tied behind my back, the governor continued. To think were going to do this with a purity test the reason were able to draw the lines is were Democrats and the majority of the people in this state elected us to be leaders. Republicans take over the Legislature? They can have at it. But until then, were in charge and were sick and tired of being pushed around. On Wednesday, after the news of that Texas redistricting had passed, Hochul posted on X: Game on. California Gov. Gavin Newsom can count former President Barack Obama in his corner as he gears up for a high-stakes fight over redistricting and partisan gerrymandering. Texas House Republicans on Wednesday approved a redrawn congressional map designed to give their party a boost in next years midterm elections. The unusual mid-decade adjustment to the states congressional districts, sought by President Donald Trump, could help Republicans hold onto the House of Representatives by giving the party five more winnable seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom, a Democrat, has proposed to fight fire with fire similarly redrawing Californias congressional districts if Texas Republicans pass their map through the state Senate and sign it into law. Read more: Texas House approves redrawn maps sought by Trump ahead of 2026 elections Obama is on board. Over the long term, we shouldnt have political gerrymandering in America, just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on whos got better ideas, he posted on X on Wednesday. But since Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House and gerrymandering in the middle of a decade to try and maintain the House despite their unpopular policies, I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this, Obama continued. Hes put forward a smart, measured approach in California, designed to address a very particular problem at a very particular moment in time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Republicans have been open about their intentions. The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward: improve Republican political performance, state Rep. Todd Hunter, a Republican who wrote the legislation creating the new map, said on the House floor, according to the Associated Press. Trump has also pushed other Republican-led states to act similarly. The California map would need to be approved by a two-thirds majority of legislators, then passed by voters in a special election in November. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- An Odessa man was arrested earlier this week after a young child made a sexual assault outcry. Dimas Gerald Quiroz has been charged with Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact and Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. According to an Odessa Police Department report, during a forensic interview earlier this summer, a 10-year-old girl made an outcry against Quiroz. The child said that when she was 8, Quiroz touched her inappropriately multiple times. This outcry led to an interview with a second victim, a 19-year-old woman who said that beginning in 2020, Quiroz began inappropriately touching her as well. The teen said that the unwanted interactions persisted into the next year; those allegations were forwarded to the El Paso Police Department, where the incidents were said to have occurred. On August 18, Quiroz was arrested on a warrant and booked into the Ector County Law Enforcement Center. Hes since been released on a combined $75,000 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 Yourbasin. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) As technology continues to dominate our way of life, theres a rapid growth of student interest in the field of computer science amid a current challenge in Virginia to meet the need for an increased number of high school educators equipped to teach dual enrollment computer science courses. Thanks for Old Dominion University, a new certificate program will launch this fall to help bridge the gap. ODU professor of computer science Michele Weigle said the programs is specifically designed for current teachers who have already obtained a masters degree to gain a certification to teach dual enrollment classes on the subject. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So theyre required to take 18 credit hours, and thats six courses, Weigle said. We have two courses that are core courses that all of the certificate students would take one is our Foundations of Computing course, and the other is database concepts. Students can also enroll in four electives out of a 14-course selection, ranging from data science, machine learning and visualization to learning AI. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports by 2031 STEM jobs will increase by over 10% outpacing other fields and further highlighting the need. They could be enrolled as a non-degree seeking student in this certificate program, or, if they wanted to pursue a full masters degree, once they have these 18 credits, they only need 13 credits more to get a full masters degree in computer science, she said. And all of the courses that they would take as part of this certificate program would count towards our masters degree. Through a partnership with ODU and the Virginia Department of Education, there are scholarship possibilities for teachers wanting to join. Once the students complete the certificate program, they would be certified to teach the dual enrollment classes in high school and at community colleges as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courses offered in the program are approved by Tidewater Community College and Northern Virginia Community College systems in Virginia. ODU is currently the only university in Virginia to offer this certificate. More information You can find more information about the computer science for teachers graduate certificate at ODU 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. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo. A law enforcement officer fatally shot a suspect after a pursuit Wednesday in Washington County, according to the Washington County Sheriffs Office. The shooting happened at an undisclosed time Wednesday near Furnace Creek Road in Washington County. The law enforcement officer, a six-year corporal with the Washington County Sheriffs Office, is on administrative leave and will go through counseling, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Thursday news release from the sheriffs office, multiple law enforcement officers initially responded to an assault call and reports that a suspect had beaten his girlfriend and stolen her car. At some point on Wednesday, an officer saw the wanted car and attempted to stop it. A pursuit ensued, lasting around 20 minutes, mainly on rural roads. Questions follow officer-involved shooting video The original pursuit concluded when the suspects vehicle stopped behind an abandoned home on Furnace Creek Road. The deputy reportedly exited his patrol vehicle and approached the suspects vehicle, issuing commands for the suspect to exit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the sheriffs office, the suspect then attempted to drive off in the vehicle again, but he crashed into a tree. According to the sheriffs office, after the collision, the responding law enforcement officer approached the car again and ordered the suspect to leave once more. At that point, the suspects vehicle dislodged from the tree and drove directly toward the deputy. In response, the deputy discharged his firearm, striking the suspect multiple times. The suspects vehicle then collided with the deputys patrol car before coming to rest, the news release said. The suspect was fatally shot and died from his injuries at the scene, according to the sheriffs office. Investigators have not yet disclosed the suspects identity or age. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is handling the investigation into the use of force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional details in the investigation are limited at this time. FOX 2 will update if 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 FOX 2. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Metro officers and bomb threat specialists were called to the University School of Nashville in the Edgehill neighborhood Thursday morning. Officers swarmed the area around the private school, which is located on Edgehill Avenue, around 7 a.m. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) A bomb threat was received by the school during the early morning hours, according to a spokesperson for the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children and faculty were evacuated from the building and kids who were dropped off remained outside. Families were notified they could come to the school to collect their children. Vanderbilt University police and Metro police coordinated the investigation. The Department of Homeland Security told News 2 it is aware and assisting local authorities. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com According to Vanderbilt University Public Safety, the threat appears to be similar to ones sent to other schools around the U.S., but it doesnt appear to be credible. A spokesperson for the University School of Nashville confirmed Metro police deemed this a spoofing email, which was sent to multiple independent schools across the U.S. The school reportedly received the threat when an employee opened an email as students were arriving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University School of Nashville said Metro and Vanderbilt police K-9s went through all six buildings and deemed it safe, so school will restart at 10:30 a.m. Meanwhile, parents who picked their kids up were given the option of to return the students or keeping them home for the day. No additional information was immediately released. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The Dallas Express was the first to report that former Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia would be selected to lead the Fort Worth Police Department and on Thursday, the city made it official. Fort Worth City Manager Jay Chapa announced that Garcia has been chosen as the citys next police chief, selected from a pool of more than 50 applicants to lead the nearly 1,900-officer department. The city is expected to hold a public press event on Friday morning to introduce him formally. Garcia currently serves as an assistant city manager in Austin, where he oversees public safety. He previously served as Dallas police chief from 2021 to 2024, becoming the first Latino to lead the ninth-largest police department in the country. Before that, he spent nearly three decades in San Jose, California, including five years as police chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a one-on-one interview after his 2024 resignation, Garcia said he was stepping down to prioritize family and achieve balance after more than three decades in uniform. Ive been sprinting for a while, and it would have been 33 years in February, Garcia told Fox 4. My kids played a big role in it. They are young adults, and they are going to start families of their own and I want to be present. I wanted something with balance, because there is no balance in this job. Despite previously suggesting that Dallas would be the last badge he wore, Garcias return to policing in Fort Worth suggests the new role may offer the structure and stability he was seeking. Garcia was selected over three other finalists: Interim Fort Worth Police Chief Robert Alldredge, LAPD Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides (who later withdrew), and former Dallas Deputy Chief Vernon Hale III, who most recently served as assistant chief in Prince Georges County, Maryland. The Dallas Express Broke the Story and Investigated the Process The Dallas Express first broke the news of Garcias impending selection on July 15, citing exclusive sourcing from inside Fort Worths selection process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A week later, DX reported that Garcias candidacy had sparked internal controversy, with allegations that his application was submitted after the deadline, prompting criticism from some community leaders and questions about fairness in the selection process. Fort Worth activist Rev. Kyev Tatum called the situation certainly unethical and a slap in the face to the integrity of the entire selection process. City officials have not publicly addressed the timeline of Garcias application or why it was considered after the deadline closed. Track Record and Public Safety Context While Dallas officials praised Garcias leadership and credited him with helping reduce violent crime citywide, a third-party report commissioned by Downtown Dallas Inc. found violent crime in the citys core rose 42% between 2019 and 2023. The same report showed total crime downtown increased 34% during that period a discrepancy with broader citywide stats. Garcias departure from Dallas also came months after signing a contract extension that would have kept him in place through 2027. His move to Austin included a $327,000 salary substantially more than Fort Worths listed $275,000 chief salary prompting additional questions about the sudden shift back into a lower-paying, high-profile role. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Dallas Police Department continues to face a chronic staffing shortage, operating with nearly 1,000 fewer officers than recommended by a city-commissioned analysis. After bilking state residents for over half a billion dollars since 2019, two 1950s-era Ohio coal plants are finally getting the boot, according to Canary Media. Going into effect on August 14, a new law finally eliminates the controversial coal subsidies created by House Bill 6, a 2019 nuclear and coal bailout law that has headlined Ohio's long-gestating utility corruption scandal. For legislators and local advocates worried about the impacts of coal, this repeal couldn't come quickly enough. Per the Ohio Consumers' Counsel estimates, the coal plants in question have released more than 63 million tons of carbon dioxide, and if the subsidies remained untouched through the rest of the decade, Ohio utility customers could have been paying over $413 million more through 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That is a lot of dirty air," said Maureen Willis, who serves as Ohio Consumers' Counsel. "Consumers got the bill, while the environment and public health paid the price." As the above statistics suggest, shutting down decades-old coal plants is only going to be a boon for the local Ohio environment. Not only are alternatives like solar and wind power inherently more energy-efficient than dirty fuels and also have potential to create jobs and boost local economies they're also getting cheaper as time goes by. This is also far from the first American coal plant closure to make waves, and the effects in those previous cases were undeniable. For instance, in the three years after a Pittsburgh-area plant was shuttered in 2016, not only was a significant drop in air pollution reported, but the number of emergency medical visits for heart-related illnesses was nearly cut in half. That is real, tangible change that would likely be replicated in any town or city still relying on coal power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill repeal is great for Ohioans because they'll be able to save more money and breathe cleaner air. "Instead of propping up shareholders, this money should have gone to help Ohio's families pay for needed items like groceries, health care, and other essentials," Willis said. "Ending the coal plant subsidies is long overdue." 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. Officials in Florida have sounded the alarm after two wildfires in the Everglades combined to form one massive blaze that has now burned over 19,000 acres, NBC Miami reported. While the fires raged through undeveloped wilderness, strong winds fueled by Hurricane Erin pushed hazardous wildfire smoke toward heavily populated areas across South Florida, according to the Miami Herald. "The smoke from these fires will be blown to the southeast toward Broward and Miami-Dade counties," said Sammy Hadi, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, per the Herald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the health risks posed by wildfire smoke exposure, Hadi warned of the "potential for periods of time with reduced visibility." What's happening? Having started on Monday, Aug. 18, the so-called Mile Marker 39 Fire continued to rage across the Everglades, burning through dry foliage and releasing plumes of hazardous wildfire smoke into the air, according to the Miami Herald. Although the fire was at 0% containment, officials said their biggest concern at the moment was smoke exposure, according to Newsweek. "The current air quality forecast in Broward County is Unhealthy for particulate matter (PM2.5)," Broward County Environment posted on X, per Newsweek, with hashtags removed. "Consider shortening time outdoors to avoid inhaling." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An air quality alert will be in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 through 9 a.m. Thursday local time, the Miami Herald reported. Why does it matter? The situation highlighted the danger that wildfire-smoke exposure poses to public health. While the flames from wildfires can destroy homes, businesses, crops, and livestock, making insurance premiums and food prices go up everywhere, the toxic effects of wildfire exposure can stretch hundreds if not thousands of miles beyond the fire's reach. Daniela Eusse, an avid cyclist in the area, told NBC Miami that she could feel the impact of the smoke while riding her bike through the impacted area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was definitely hard to ride today," Eusse said. "It was very hard to breathe this morning, like I had to come off the ride. My heart was through the roof." "It looked like fog, but you could smell it," she continued, per NBC Miami. "It's not fog, it's fire." A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health recently revealed that the particulate matter contained in wildfire smoke is many times more dangerous to human health than particulate matter from other sources, such as automobile exhaust. While scientists previously had assumed that all particulate matter was roughly the same in terms of health risk, the study authors found this to be far from true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study revealed that for every one extra microgram of particulate matter contained in 1 cubic meter (1.3 cubic yards) of air, risk of all-cause mortality increased by 0.7%, respiratory mortality jumped 1%, and cardiovascular mortality went up by 0.9%. While these percentages might seem small at first glance, when multiplied across thousands or even millions of people, it can mean many additional deaths caused solely by exposure to wildfire smoke. What's being done about wildfire smoke? In the immediate term, the best ways to protect yourself and your family from wildfire smoke is to limit exposure by staying indoors, using an air purifier, and wearing an N95 mask when going outdoors. Over the longer term, however, the best way to reduce wildfire risk, and the risk of exposure to wildfire smoke, is to reverse the trend of rising global temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists have long warned that, as temperatures increase, extreme weather events like wildfires, flash floods, and hurricanes will become more severe. In order to break this cycle, it is necessary to significantly reduce the amount of heat-trapping pollution entering the atmosphere. Installing solar panels on your home is a great way to reduce planet-heating pollution while also saving money on your electric bill. Further, pairing solar panels with a home-battery system will make your home more resilient in the event of a power outage, which can happen as a result of wildfires at times though in Florida and many other areas, hurricanes and other storms are a more likely culprit. EnergySage makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local installers while also ensuring that you take maximum advantage of tax credits and other available incentives, saving customers up to $10,000. With federal tax credits for solar expiring Dec. 31, 2025, the time to act is now. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The Democratic Republic of Congo has approved a new round of oil development, threatening to release billions of tons of carbon while upending the lives of millions. What's happening? As The Guardian detailed, the Democratic Republic of Congo has greenlit a licensing round for 52 oil blocks on critical habitats for endangered lowland gorillas and bonobos. Mapping and analysis from Earth Insight and its partners revealed that 64% of the area set aside for oil blocks is an intact tropical rainforest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The oil blocks also threaten the livelihoods and culture of 39 million people who rely on the forests for their survival, as well as Cuvette Centrale, the largest tropical peatland complex in the world. More than 70% of the KivuKinshasa Green Corridor is also in the crosshairs. Why is this potential oil development concerning? According to NASA, human activities have increased the atmosphere's carbon levels by 50% in less than two centuries, causing Earth's climate to warm. Cuvette Centrale stores an estimated 30 gigatons of carbon. However, oil development would seriously degrade its ability to absorb the heat-trapping gas contributing to more intense extreme weather, food insecurity, and disease spread. Habitat loss is also contributing to a sixth mass extinction event that could further raise the stakes of a land auction with dangerous implications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The endangered bonobos, for example, crucially help regenerate the carbon-absorbing forests in the DRC by dispersing seeds, as the African Wildlife Foundation explained. "The world's worst place to prospect for oil is up for auction, again," University College London Professor Simon Lewis, whose team first mapped the central Congo peatlands, told The Guardian. In 2022, the government canceled an auction due to lack of competition and late submissions. "No credible company would bid for oil in the DRC's forests and peatlands, as there is probably not enough oil to be commercially viable, and it will be expensive oil in financial, social and environmental costs," Lewis added. What's being done to stop the licensing round? Notre Terre Sans Petrole (Our Land Without Oil) is a local group raising awareness about the impacts of oil and gas exploitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization is also pushing the DRC government to consider environmentally friendly alternatives that honor the rights of local communities. "Imagine: 39 million Congolese people and 64% of our forests could be directly affected by the awarding of these oil blocks," Notre Terre Sans Petrole campaign coordinator Pascal Mirindi told The Guardian. The DRC government did not respond to the publication's request for comment. "Where is the logic?" Mirindi added. "Where is the coherence? We are reminding our leaders that the Congolese people are the primary sovereign. We will not remain silent while certain people organize themselves to sell off our future." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy outlined his position on the future of education during a forum in Hilliard, saying that the state needed to bring standards back into schools. Ramaswamy was the keynote speaker on Aug. 20 at a panel discussion featuring Republican lawmakers, school choice advocates and others at the Makoy Center in Hilliard. Outside, several dozen protesters lined the road leading up to the event center and said that the panel members inside represented a right-wing Republican threat to public education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his address, Ramaswamy said that bringing standards back to Ohio's education system would improve students' outcomes, arguing that the nation's educational system was falling behind countries like China. "We are going to bring a radical revolution of standards to our public schools I would tell you that we're going to elevate our standards but that may be too much, we're going to bring standards in the first place," Ramaswamy said. 'Cultural reawakening': Ramaswamy talks about reducing crime at packed Cincinnati town hall Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy addressed the audience at a panel on the future of Ohio education on Aug. 20 in Hilliard Ramaswamy said the state would focus on improving the standards for both reading and math in the state. He said he would "bring back the third-grade reading guarantee," a program focused on reading that the state currently has implemented. He also said he would push a phonics-based reading education called the "science of reading," which the Ohio General Assembly already mandates districts to implement in their curriculum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is our moral responsibility to make sure that you are able to read at any basic level before you advance to the fourth grade," Ramaswamy said. Ramaswamy also said that he wants to ensure that more students are proficient in math, particularly eighth-grade algebra. Right now, he said, Ohio "is completely missing that mark." The Dispatch previously reported that more than 60% of students in the state are not proficient in eighth-grade algebra. "We are entering the era of AI, we're entering the era of quantum computing," Ramaswamy said. "It would be a moral dereliction if we allow our kids to grow up in that country, that world, to be victimized by the future instead of being empowered to seize that future." Ramaswamy also said that the issues around public education have "devolved into an accounting debate" where people debate about whether more or less funding will help public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now I'm not going to say that if you lower funding that automatically means outcomes are going to improve, but it means that there are other factors far more responsible for whether students perform far more than this silly accounting debate," Ramaswamy said. Ramaswamy also said that base teacher pay should be increased and that teacher salaries should be merit-based and determined by the district administration, not through collective bargaining agreements with unions. "This is not a Republican talking point, but I am going to say it anyway because it is true," Ramaswamy said. "The best public school teachers deserve to be paid a lot more than the starting salary of $40,000. In a modern economy, you can't live the American dream on that." Panelists talk education issues, push school choice Omar Tarazi, attorney for South Western City Schools, said that while the "rest of the world is working really hard to compete at a global level," the United States' public education systems are "fighting about the stupidest things." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Microagression training, whether there's enough safe space signs on the wall and all the silliness, and we're not having that long-term vision," Tarazi said. In May, The Dispatch reported that South Western City Schools board members voted to join a school board organization headed by conservatives that advocates for English-only education, separate classes for students with learning disabilities, and combating "divisive identity politics." A range of educational issues from transportation, to property taxes to school choice were discussed Aug. 20 in Hilliard by a panel that included, from right to left, Todd Hoadley, superintendent of Tolles Career and Technical Center near Plain City in Madison County; Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Asheville; Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware; Omar Tarazi, attorney for South Western City Schools; Tera Myers, a school choice advocate; and Troy McIntosh, director of the Ohio Christian Education network. Troy McIntosh, executive director of the Ohio Christian Education Network, said that the state of school choice in Ohio is "very strong." "On the whole, school choice is very strong in Ohio, and the reason I think that has become the case is that school choice is the greatest educational reform tool we currently have on the table," McIntosh said. "We're at a crisis point in and school choice addresses the source of that problem." Protesters say Ramaswamy is a threat to public education Marielle Henault, with Pint Size Protestors and the Columbus Education Justice Coalition, was among those protesting outside the event. She said the protesters were fighting for the future of public education in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It has been systematically under attack, our public schools have been underfunded for decades at this point," Henault said. "Meanwhile, money is being funneled through the voucher program to private and charter schools, which is taking away the money that we need to educate every single child in Ohio." Protestors outside of "The Future of Ohio Education" panel in Hilliard said that gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy would threaten public schooling if elected. Henault said that she is concerned that if Ramaswamy is elected, his actions will mirror actions at the federal level, such as cutting funding and dismantling the U.S. Education Department. "I imagine that will get worse," Henault said. "There are lots of concerns." Cole Behrens covers K-12 education and school districts in central Ohio. Have a tip? Contact Cole at cbehrens@dispatch.com or connect with him on X at @Colebehr_report This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ramaswamy says Ohio schools need strong educational standards (The Center Square) Two Ohio lawmakers want President Donald Trump to put Ohio first on the list of drone dominance. In a letter to Trump, Reps. Jonathan Newman, R-Troy, and Bernie Willis, R-Springfield, want the Buckeye State to be one of the first to get federal funding available through the Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty executive order. Trumps order came in June and said immediate action is needed to ensure American sovereignty over its skies and that its airspace remains safe and secure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order also included grants from the U.S. attorney general and the Department of Homeland Security for state and local governments to buy drones or equipment to detect, track or identify drones. Thats the money Newman and Willis believe should come to Ohio. Ohio is the state with the people who can solve the problems posed by unmanned aircraft, Willis said. In the home of aviation, protecting the airspace domain is critical to the development of the aerospace future. We are ready to act in support of President Trumps executive order on the subject. Newman said law enforcement agencies throughout the state have expressed concerns over risks from drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been a consistent alarm heard from law enforcement leaders that they do not have the equipment needed to address the risks presented by drones, which will likely be the method of terrorist attacks in the future, Newman said. "We must get prepared to address those risks now." More than half of the Ohio House members signed the letter, which also outlined the states place in aerospace innovation, defense manufacturing and a network of military installations and defense industry partners. In June, Gov. DeWine signed Ohios state operating budget into law, which included key provisions to strengthen drone safety across the state, the letter reads. While this marks an important step forward, it also underscores the urgent need for continued action. An Ohio man will spend more than a decade behind bars for sex trafficking of a minor and coercion and enticement of an adult for commercial sex. Donte Lashawn Cole, of Euclid, Ohio, was sentenced to 12.5 years in federal court on Monday. His prison term is followed by 10 years of supervised release. Cole pleaded guilty to the charges back in April. Human traffickers such as Donte Cole prey on the vulnerable, inflicting unimaginable suffering and robbing victims of their dignity and freedom, said Edward V. Owens, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say Cole transported a female minor from Ohio to a hotel in Monroeville in May 2023 to engage in commercial sex. He also coerced an adult female across state lines for the same purpose. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Man arrested in multi-state sex trafficking ring; 3 victims found at Monroeville motel Judge William Stickman described Coles actions as evil, emphasizing that he victimized minor girls, crossed state lines, and treated the girls like property for (his) own gain. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti highlighted the commitment of the U.S. Attorneys Office to combat human trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will remain vigilant in ensuring that anyone seeking to profit through the exploitation of any child or adult is identified, investigated, and brought to justice, Rivetti stated. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Schupansky and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer Carroll. It was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The Ohio Statehouse. (Photo by David DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal.) This story was originally published by Canary Media. Its over. Well, partly. As of last week, customers of regulated utilities in Ohio will no longer pay subsidies for two old coal plants but the saga of the coal and nuclear bailout law at the heart of Ohios largest public-corruption scandal continues. Six years ago, FirstEnergy and others used dark money funds given to groups whose ultimate source for political spending cant be publicly traced to route roughly $60 million in bribes to public officials and alleged coconspirators in exchange for their help passing and protecting House Bill 6. That legislation mandated the coal plant subsidies plus more than $1 billion in ratepayer charges for two nuclear power plants. Ohio lawmakers repealed the nuclear subsidies back in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are new developments from the last two months: Power corrupts Ohios HB 6 conspiracy takes center stage in a new book, Power Corrupts: Cleaning Up Americas Biggest Industry. While the FirstEnergy case involves massive amounts of money, utility corruption isnt unique to Ohio, said author Richard Munson, former director of Midwest clean energy for the Environmental Defense Fund. Besides undermining democracy and raising electric bills, corruption interferes with competitive markets, he told Canary Media. Basically, bailouts for fossil fuels and nuclear power impose a disadvantage on cheaper, clean sources like wind and solar. If the outmoded is being subsidized, that innovation will not be able to advance, Munson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, its unclear whether Ohios Public Utilities Commission, or PUCO, will impose meaningful consequences on FirstEnergys utilities for alleged regulatory violations. Also in doubt is what will happen with the commissions reviews of charges already paid by customers for the coal plants, which managers often ran even when doing so increased the facilities financial losses. Ohio PUCO unfortunately appears to be an example of what were supposed to be guard dogs becoming lap dogs, Munson said. Read more: Lots of demand, too little grid: The state of the US power sector (Canary Media) Coal plant charges end House Bill 15, passed in May, ends HB 6s ratepayer subsidies to two 1950s-era coal plants as of today, Aug. 14. Customers of AEP Ohio, Duke Energy Ohio, AES Ohio, and FirstEnergys three Ohio utilities have already paid more than half a billion dollars since HB 6s subsidies began in January 2020, according to the Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regulatory cases and an Ohio Supreme Court case continue. Among the issues is whether the PUCO improperly pressured an independent auditor to tone down conclusions about the plants decision to run even when it was clear they would lose money. Read more: Ohio finally ends subsidies for two scandal-linked coal plants (Canary Media) Regulatory violations Another half billion dollars or more in potential penalties is at stake in three of the PUCOs four HB 6 cases, in which briefing wrapped up Aug. 4. FirstEnergys utilities claim they should pay far less. One case asks whether the utilities violated an Ohio law requiring the separation of regulated utilities and their unregulated affiliates that produce electricity. The other two deal with alleged improper spending of money collected for two bill riders, which are extra charges that can only be used for specified purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: HB 6 regulatory cases weigh what FirstEnergys Ohio utilities should pay (Canary Media) Ratemaking and the rate of return Briefing also wrapped up this month in the rate case for FirstEnergys three Ohio utilities their first full rate case since 2007. FirstEnergy wants the PUCO to approve roughly $183 million more per year in rate charges for Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, and the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. (CEI). In contrast, the Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel and other challengers argue FirstEnergys customers, as a group, should pay $132 million less per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the difference hinges on the rate of return on equity. FirstEnergy wants regulators to set that rate at 10.8%. The utility commissions staff says the rate should range from 9.13% to 10.13%. Opponents argue the return on equity should be even lower, with The Ohio Manufacturers Association Energy Group, the Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel, and others calling for a cut of half a percentage point to reflect the poor management that enabled the HB 6 scandal. The consumers counsel also noted the companys prior efforts to delay the rate case because executives expected rates would be dropped, creating an Ohio hole. If regulators grant FirstEnergys request, roughly 70% of the increase will be borne by CEIs approximately 745,000 customers, who make up only 35% of the three utilities 2.1 million customers. FirstEnergy spokesperson Hannah Catlett said the cost for that area is higher because, compared to the other utilities areas, the Illuminating Co. service territory generally sees bigger storm impacts. The commission is expected to rule on the issues in the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Ohios energy companies want rate hikes as testimony accuses PUCO of hiding information (Ohio Capital Journal) Heres what you need to know about FirstEnergys request for a rate increase (Signal Akron) Ohio grid disparities leave some areas with older, outage-prone equipment (Canary Media) Criminal case updates The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on July 25 refused to reconsider its unanimous decision this spring upholding the criminal convictions of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and lobbyist Matt Borges. Juries found both guilty in March 2023 of violating the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known as RICO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling continue to face criminal charges in both federal and state court. Judge Susan Baker Ross has set the state court trial for Jan. 26, 2026. Pretrial fact-finding, called discovery, continues in the federal case. Read more: Appeals court rejects ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householders request for a second look (Columbus Dispatch) Federal court rejects appeal of former House Speaker Householder in bribery scandal (WOSU) Court rejects appeal for former Ohio officials Larry Householder, Matt Borges (Fox 28) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FirstEnergy bribery case set for trial after judge rejects dismissal motions (Signal Akron) Theft charges dropped against ex-FirstEnergy executives in HB6 bribery scandal (Cleveland.com) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Authorities are seeking public help regarding a incident involving 57-year-old Jimmy Fansler. According to police, Fansler was found unresponsive on Saturday, August 16th, 2025, along the driveway/ road of 14075 N. Harrah Road. Police say, Fansler is currently in the hospital. Police seek more information into 57-year-old Jimmy Fansler as he remains hospitalized, Image Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office Police seek more information into 57-year-old Jimmy Fansler as he remains hospitalized, Image Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office Police believe Fansler panhandled near Memorial and N. Harrah Road. Neighbors tree falls on womans vehicles: Whos paying? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you were in the area that day, saw anything unusual, or know any details that might help, you are encouraged to contact the Sheriffs Office at (405) 713-1029. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, sits at the Senate podium on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY County officials across the state gave lawmakers an earful about the myriad of issues they face operating local jails. Those issues include staff turnover, low pay, lack of mental health and medical care, lawsuits, violence, insurance and funding. We have a problem in the state of Oklahoma with county jails and something is going on, said Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant. This isnt happening by random chance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bullard requested the interim study to learn more about county jail insurance. The study was held Wednesday before the Senate Local and County Government Committee. Lawmakers use interim studies to help craft legislation. We have a problem in our county jails, Bullard said. We have got to get some of these addressed. Everybody has got their own little unique problems. Bullard said he was considering and seeking feedback on voluntary jail consolidation. Lost insurance coverage Choctaw County Commissioner Jim Bob Sullivan said his jails insurer dropped coverage, and leaders had to shop for a new provider. Not everybody wants to cover a high risk jail, he said. So, they are hard to find and their coverage is not very good and their deductible is very high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuits against their jail involve offenders who come in on drugs, which has become profitable for attorneys, he said. The jail has been the target of several lawsuits over deaths in the facility, he said. Pushmataha County Commissioner Mike Brittingham said the liability for jails has increased for several reasons. Weve been put on a watch by the attorneys, he said. When they see us have an incident, they are contacting inmates for legal counseling. One of the reasons the insurance rates went up was lack of staffing and sexual assault cases inside the facility, Brittingham said. He said a lot of the inmates are being held on federal charges. There is not a limit on what the counties can be sued for in federal court, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter County Commissioner Berry Lee-Brinkman said counties cannot absorb the payment of damages from large lawsuits brought by inmates. He said it has to be passed on to taxpayers. Access to medical and mental health treatment Lee-Brinkman said paying for appropriate medical care is difficult. We cannot afford 24-7 medical care due to the large costs, he said. He suggested that the state pay for the costs of inmate medical care. Atoka County Sheriff Kody Simpson said that in 2019, an offender died of influenza, which might not have happened had the jail been able to provide medical care on site. The death resulted in a $3.2 million lawsuit that the county settled, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County leaders also said their counties struggle to find and access mental health treatment options for inmates. In Pushmataha County, the jail is not able to house mental health patients. A lack of places to send inmates for care results in jailers or deputies having to sit with offenders 24-7, Brittingham said. We need some kind of help with some type of mental institution, said McCurtain County Commissioner John Wayne Williams. Poor funding makes it difficult to attract quality employees, he said. Staffing shortages are a safety risk to the employee and offenders, Simpson said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Monroe Nichols, a former state representative, on Nov. 5, 2024, became the first Black candidate elected as Tulsa mayor. (Photo provided) OKLAHOMA CITY Gov. Kevin Stitt has asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to toss out an agreement between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols and the tribe agreed that the city would not prosecute municipal violations against tribal citizens, but would still enforce those laws. Prosecution would take place in a tribal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt said Nichols has made Tulsa a sanctuary city with two systems of justice, one for those with tribal membership and the other for everyone else. The agreement was entered as part of a resolution to a federal court case. If left unchecked, Tulsas actions would undermine the uniform application of law, create uncertainty in criminal enforcement, endanger public safety, and encourage other municipalities to follow suit unilaterally ceding jurisdiction without lawful authority, Stitts filing said. The lawsuit argues the issue is of statewide concern and challenges states supremacy in criminal law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court issued the landmark McGirt decision, holding that the several reservations had never been dissolved, including that of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. It found that the state lacked criminal jurisdiction over Indians committing crimes governed by the federal Major Crimes Act in Indian Country. Stitts brief said the agreement between Tulsa and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was not approved by the Tulsa City Council, him or the legislative Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations, which represents lawmakers during the compacting process with tribes. The agreement creates an intolerable conflict between the state and one of its political subdivisions, the lawsuit said. Tulsa has ceased investigating and prosecuting certain criminal offenses based solely on the racial and political status of the offender and whether the person qualifies as Indian, the suit said. That policy impacts not only criminal defendants but also victims, witnesses, and the broader public that depends on equal enforcement of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the statements by Stitt and in the filing are inaccurate and riddled with just lies, Nichols said Thursday. The notion that there has been any time where we have not enforced the law in this city is false, Nichols said. It is incorrect. It is an outright lie. The governor knows that. The governor does not care about that. Stitt has not come to him about the issue, Nichols said, adding that the governor is trying to get in the way of progress. The question at hand is who prosecutes who based on the crime they committed, Nichols said. The latest action is one of a number of disputes between Stitt and Oklahomas federally recognized tribes. Stitt unsuccessfully sought to renegotiate voter-approved gaming compacts. Hes also pushed back against tribal tag owners who use turnpikes but dont pay tolls. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE For Oklahoma teachers, the next job requirement may not just be about their credentials, but their values. State officials are preparing a teacher certification exam called the America First Test, created in partnership with PragerU, a conservative media nonprofit. The test would apply to applicants from states such as California and New York jurisdictions that State Superintendent Ryan Walters argues have advanced a liberal or woke ideology. To Walterss supporters, its a way to keep classrooms anchored in values they say are under attack. To his critics, its a political litmus test that risks pushing even more teachers out of the profession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either way, the fight over this assessment reflects a broader struggle beyond hiring rules. Heres what you need to know. Walters singles out blue states and California Gov. Gavin Newsom Oklahoma has recently attracted roughly 500 new teachers through recent initiatives, including a $20,000 signing bonus for out-of-state special education hires. But Walters has made clear his priority isnt just filling classrooms its keeping them free from what he calls radical leftist ideology. In a statement, he singled out California Gov. Gavin Newsom as an example of leadership he believes has taken education in the wrong direction, vowing that Oklahoma schools would be safeguarded from the radical leftist ideology fostered in places like California and New York. This isnt the first time Walters has taken such steps last year, he ordered public schools to incorporate the Bible into lessons for grades 5 through 12. (Its worth noting that Walters has also faced controversy for his own behavior in the workplace. School board members reported earlier this month that explicit nude images played on a TV in his office during a meeting.) Supporters say the America First Test will help ensure that new teachers reflect what Walters calls traditional American values. But critics such as American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten reject it as a MAGA loyalty test, contending it prioritizes ideology over ability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exam was developed by PragerU short for Prager University a conservative digital media company. Despite its academic-sounding name, the nonprofit isnt an accredited school, though it has supplied animated videos to public and private classrooms. The clips have drawn controversy for promoting a conservative agenda with distorted information. One portrays Booker T. Washington rejecting racism as a significant barrier to success, while another casts Christopher Columbus in a positive light calling slavery as old as time and better than being killed, and urging viewers to judge figures by the standards of their era. Critics say such portrayals minimize slaverys brutality. Founder Dennis Prager has also been criticized for defending use of the N-word, while other presenters have sparked outrage with claims such as Karlyn Borysenkos assertions that Jewish people chose to be killed in the Holocaust and that Adolf Hitler went to heaven. For educators, the concern runs deeper: They warn the exam could worsen Oklahomas teacher shortage. Oklahoma students and families are already facing severe teacher shortages, and educators here are among the lowest paid in the nation, Tina Ellsworth, president of the nonprofit National Council for the Social Studies, tells Katie Couric Media. By creating additional barriers for those who want to teach, leaders are ultimately hurting the very students who deserve a high-quality education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jena Nelson, a former teacher in the state and Oklahomas 2020 Teacher of the Year, adds that state leaders are ignoring the education crisis. Walters really needs to take a reality check because we have a huge shortage right now, she says. Teachers from New York and California and other places are not going to come to Oklahoma because he has created a statewide hostile work environment. Whats on the new Oklahoma teacher test? State officials havent released the full 50-question multiple-choice exam. But they have provided a five-question sample focused on civics basics, with questions about the Constitution, Congress, and religious freedom. One question asks for the first three words of the Constitution, while another highlights why freedom of religion is central to Americas identity. The rest cover the two chambers of Congress, the number of U.S. senators, and why some states have more representatives than others. PragerU CEO Marissa Streit told CNN that the Oklahoma superintendent had asked for a test that is more wholesome and in line with the Oklahoma parent body. Alongside those civics questions, Walters has signaled a push into more-contentious territory, saying the test will also cover biological differences between males and females. For example, one sample obtained by The New York Post asks applicants which chromosome pairs determine biological sex. Streit defended the inclusion of such material, also telling CNN that the goal of those questions is to undo the damage of gender ideology. Still, state officials caution that the exam remains a work in progress. Oklahoma State Rep. Gabe Woolley stressed that the exam isnt finished yet, so its too early to know exactly what it will look like. This assessment is not complete, he tells Katie Couric Media. Once it is, I hope the legislature can review the full exam, have conversations with people about it, and then we would go from there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Woolley signaled support for the effort, pointing out that Oklahoma is a deeply conservative state Trump carried all 77 counties in 2024. The questions that Ive seen for this assessment so far align with those principles and those values of Oklahoma that were trying to maintain, he says. But education advocates warn that even a test centered on civics could backfire. Oklahoma already has classrooms going unfilled by qualified teachers, and teacher quality is one of the strongest predictors of student success, says Ellsworth. This test risks turning away strong candidates over a single missed question, even though its unclear how answers will be judged. Is this test part of a broader push toward conservatism in schools? Oklahomas ties to PragerU go beyond the new teacher exam the state has also approved its videos for classroom use. And the Sooner State is not alone: Louisiana, Florida, New Hampshire, Montana, and Arizona were among the first to partner with PragerU, with South Carolina and Idaho joining more recently. The materials have drawn criticism for factual inaccuracies from promoting climate change denial and anti-LGBTQ content to downplaying slavery. For instance, one animated lesson shows abolitionist Frederick Douglass agreeing that the Founding Fathers were right to compromise over slavery a portrayal historians say distorts his legacy, since Douglass consistently condemned both the institution and the concessions that sustained it. Supporters, however, describe the videos as a conservative counter-narrative to what they see as liberal dominance in schools. Laura Meckler, a national education writer for The Washington Post, noted that The New York Times 1619 Project published on the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving in America framed slavery as central to the nations story and became a flashpoint for the right. A lot of conservatives objected to that to the idea of framing American history in such a negative way, Meckler told Vox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, educators and historians have criticized PragerUs videos for presenting ideology as fact, warning they risk misleading students. This is completely detrimental to our childrens education, Nelson says, adding that it sets them up to misunderstand history and the diverse world theyre living in. Nelson, now running for Congress in Oklahomas 5th District, says parents shes spoken with arent on board with the conservative shift in schools. Theyre absolutely appalled, she tells us. They want stronger investments in public education, more affordable higher education, and theyre deeply worried about the kind of education kids in this state are getting. Woolley, a former teacher in the state, emphasizes that the PragerU videos are optional rather than mandatory, so their use has been uneven and limited. Still, he says he used them in his own classroom, arguing they felt safer than YouTube or other platforms, where his students once stumbled across a Victorias Secret bikini ad. As for criticism that the videos push an ideology, Woolley, a conservative himself, sees them as presenting facts and information. Meanwhile, PragerUs influence is stretching well beyond state lines. With the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) shutting down after decades of supporting public media, PBS and other outlets face an uncertain future leaving room for groups like PragerU to expand their reach. Just months before CPBs closure, the Trump administration tapped PragerU for its Founders Museum exhibit, which features A.I.-generated Founding Fathers delivering patriotic histories of the American Revolution. In one, an A.I. John Adams channels conservative pundit Ben Shapiro, stating, Facts do not care about our feelings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters argue thats the point: PragerU is filling a vacuum left by public institutions they believe abandoned traditional values. Critics counter that the expansion only deepens the risk of students receiving ideology instead of education. Whether through certification requirements or classroom videos, the fight in Oklahoma underscores a fiery national debate: In American schools, who gets to define our values? The post Oklahomas New Teacher Test Isnt About Skills Its About Politics appeared first on Katie Couric Media. OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomans will soon see the financial benefits from legislation nullifying a decades-old law. The Unfair Sales Act legislation from Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and House Majority Deputy Floor Leader Steve Bashore, R-Miami passed the House in May and was approved by Gov. Kevin Stitt and signed on Wednesday. The newly passed law eliminates a 76-year-old Oklahoma law that mandates retailers mark up everyday products and necessary items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im very proud to help get this important legislation across the finish line and to partner with Sen. Daniels to make a difference in our communities and throughout our State, Bashore said. Those items, including food, over-the-counter medicine, fuel, and other necessities, were marked up by 6% before being sold to the public. Bashore lives in Miami and said this legislation encourages Oklahomans to keep their shopping local. Forcing Oklahomans to pay 6% more for everyday items is simply unacceptable. Rep. Steve Bashore Bashore said he wanted Oklahomans to shop in-state for what they need without going to surrounding states where this unfair markup no longer exists. He said this will ultimately benefit the taxpayer, our local businesses, and our overall state economy, and allow the free market to flourish as intended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DOLGEVILLE, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) A Dolgeville man is in police custody after a drug raid by New York State Police on Wednesday. Troopers were called to a residence on Rundell Street in the village of Dolgeville on Wednesday, August 20 to execute a search warrant. They were assisted by the Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, as well as the Special Investigations Unit, the Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Unit, and the Canine Unit. A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of more than an eighth of an ounce of crack cocaine, as well as: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An unknown quantity of crystal methamphetamine, An unknown cutting agent, various drug packaging materials, and several scales. Police also arrested one occupant of the residence 42-year-old Antwoin Goodwin of Dolgeville. He has been charged with: third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class B Felony, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class C Felony, and three counts of second-degree Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia, a Class A Misdemeanor. Goodwin was arraigned at the Herkimer County Court, where he was remanded to the Herkimer County Jail in Herkimer. He remains there on $50,000 cash bail or $200,000 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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. An Erie woman is dead following a one-vehicle crash in Whiteside County. According to a release from the Whiteside County Sheriffs Office, on August 20 at approximately 4:54 p.m., deputies arrive on scene of a reported single-vehicle crash on Moline Road, west of Yorktown Road, Lyndon. According to the investigation, a 2018 Nissan Sentra left the roadway to the south. The car entered the south ditch and struck a tree. The driver, Marley Yetterberg, 27, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The Whiteside County Sheriffs Office and Coroners Office were assisted on scene by the Illinois State Police, Prophetstown Fire Department & EMS and Slim & Hanks. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Deputies in South Lake Tahoe, California, had a bizarre early-morning encounter when they were called to a local ice cream store. A large bear had decided it wanted service and had made its way behind the counter, wanting something sweet. The scene on Sunday was captured in photos as the brown bear appeared to be squatted on its hindquarters, peering over the counter with a row of empty stools in the foreground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff at the Ice Cream Shop at Camp Richardson nicknamed the bear Fuzzy according to authorities. The animal reportedly had a strong preference for strawberry ice cream and officers were able to coax the bear out of the service area and back into the wild. A large bear was found in an ice cream shop in South Lake Tahoe by El Dorado County Sheriff's deputies (El Dorado County Sheriff's Office) The bear caused little to no damage and cleanup was reportedly minimal. No one was harmed, and no ice cream cones were missing, according to ABC7 KRCR. In a Facebook post, the El Dorado County Sheriffs Office wrote: In the early morning hours of last Sunday, August 17th, Deputies were dispatched to a call for service at the Ice Cream Shop at Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputies could barely believe their eyes as they saw a large bear behind the counter of the shop. With some encouragement, the bear ultimately left, but only after showing interest in the strawberry ice cream. Thankfully, Fuzzy the bear caused barely any property damage, and there was barely any cleanup. 'Fuzzy' the bear seemed quite at home behind the counter of the Ice Cream Shop at Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe (El Dorado County Sheriff's Office) Last week, the National Park Service warned visitors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park not to feed bears, as it can lead to serious consequences for the animal and pose an extreme danger to visitors. By eating human food, bears can lose their preference for natural food sources and their fear of humans. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food. They can become aggressive, unpredictable, and dangerous, the agencys website explains. Bears looking for human food and garbage can damage property and injure people. These bears pose a risk to public safety and are often euthanized as a result. When flames were spotted within one of the world's tallest trees, firefighters flooded the area. Drones, aircraft and hand crews worked for days to tame the fire, successfully stopping it from spreading across the dense forest that surrounds the famous Doerner Fir tree in Oregon's Coast Range mountains. But the towering Coast Douglas-fir has remained stubbornly alight. And firefighters at least at the moment seem stumped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres still this spot where water is just not quite reaching yet," said Megan Harper, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon. Partway down the tree theres an area thats burning a cavity into the side. ... That is the area that is now still hot." The bizarre single-tree fire has now become an almost weeklong firefight in Coos County, Ore., as the hot spot continues to burn approximately 280 feet up on the side of the arboreal giant. We have different conversations [going on] in the background with arborist experts, who may be able to help get the rest of the fire out," Harper said. How do you get water into a hot spot from the side?" Read more: Wildfire burns Joshua trees in area considered a 'last refuge' for the species Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said crews are stationed around the tree and will remain so until the fire is out. The fire initially broke out Saturday around 2 p.m. Weve been able to use helicopters with buckets ... thats been very successful getting the top of the tree," she said. The still-smoking side cavity has proven more difficult. Harper said the blaze's initial charge felled an estimated 50-foot chunk from the top of the tree, which consistently had ranked among the world's tallest. Before the fire, it was often listed as the second-tallest tree in the U.S., trailing only Hyperion, a gargantuan 380-foot Coast redwood located in Redwood National and State Parks. Read more: As wildfires decimate the giant sequoia, California faces unprecedented loss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prefire [Doerner] was 325 feet tall and about 11.5 feet in diameter, so its a large, tall tree," Harper said. Were not sure exactly how much height is lost. Depending what happens in the next few days, more height could be lost, she said. Harper said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initially, officials thought lightning was a likely culprit, but weather data have ruled that out, Harper said. I think everyone would be super disheartened to learn that maybe it would be human-caused," Harper said, confirming that there is a remote trail that provides hikers access to the tree. But she said their team is not making any assumptions while the investigation continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire in the Oregon Coast Range is actually pretty rare so the fact that it even happened and then it happened to be this tree it was a very unique situation," Harper said. BLM land around the Doerner Fir fire in Coquille, Ore., remains closed while firefighting continues. 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. UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) The Oneida County District Attorney has filed an appeal to unseal the records in the Kaitlyn Conley case, with the intent of bringing new charges to a grand jury. First reported by the Rome Sentinel on Thursday, August 21, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville has filed a notice of appeal this week in an attempt to reverse the decision by State Supreme Court Justice Bernadette Clark. Clark released Conley from custody in Oneida County Court on February. At that hearing, Justice Clark also made the decision to seal Conleys criminal record and all evidence from her case in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conley was convicted of manslaugher in 2017 and served seven years of her prison sentence. Attorneys for her defense won an appeal earlier in 2025 to get the conviction thrown out, citing mishandled evidence. The appeals court also allowed Carvilles office to bring up new charges to a grand jury. The District Attorney requested a hearing in June, stating he cannot present the case to a grand jury because Clark sealed the evidence. Clark upheld her decision Carville also made a motion earlier in August for Clark to recuse herself, citing a clear bias in the case from a conversation from a party. Justice Clark has reserved her decision on the matter, and no date for the decision has been set. The Appellate Division in Rochester will decide whether or not to hear the appeal later this year. Appeals in New York State normally have a 30-day window to file notice; however, Carville has said that because of the specific timeline in this case, he is still within that window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No specific date has been scheduled for the Appellate Divisions decision. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un stand on North Korean soil while walking to South Korea in the Demilitarized Zone on June 30, 2019. Credit - Brendan SmialowskiAFP/Getty Images When South Korean President Lee Jae-myung delivered an Independence Day speech earlier this month, he paid much attention to North Korea. He announced his intention to restore a 2018 era military agreement and reminded his nation that he has taken a number of steps to reduce tensions with the North, like halting anti-North propaganda balloon launches and loudspeaker broadcasts across the demilitarized border zone. Kim Jong Un responded this week with a pledge to rapidly build up his countrys nuclear forces. His sister Kim Yo Jong, who is also Pyongyangs spokesperson-in-chief, then delivered a statement once again rejecting South Korean overtures, come as they did alongside Lees efforts to maintain the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The siblings also condemned the South for continuing with annual joint military exercises that began on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee comes from the progressive camp, which has historically been more willing to offer Pyongyang concessions and aid. Yet his more conciliatory approach has so far elicited scorn or silence. Alas, that is likely to remain the case. Read More: The Meaning of Lee Jae-myungs Election Triumph The reasons are straightforward: for the time being, the North Korean side has nothing to gain from warmer ties. For decades, Pyongyang regarded South Korea primarily as a source of billions of dollars in economic support. To put it bluntly, North Korea treated the South as a state-sized ATMespecially when progressive administrations were in power. But North Korea has been subjected to a very strict U.N. sanctions regime since 2017. This U.S.-led effort is aimed at preventing North Korea from financing its nuclear program, and has made large-scale economic cooperation between Seoul and Pyongyang virtually impossible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judging from the Norths perspective, therefore, improving ties with Seoul serves little purpose: the old ATM is broken. It is true that U.N. sanctions did not ban humanitarian assistance or some cultural activities, but this is not what North Korean leaders want. They see cultural or other non-economic exchanges as harmful to the hermit kingdom, given the 30-fold gap in per capita GDP between the two Korean states. Awareness of South Koreas prosperity and freedoms inevitably raises questions about whether the North Korean system is truly superior and whether their leaders are as wise as they claim. Moreover, Pyongyang is not as desperate for South Korean aid as it once was. Arms sales worth an estimated $20 billion and steady economic support from China have helped cushion its troublesat least for the time being. Pyongyang would also prefer to not look weak by accepting humanitarian aid it can now do without. What the North wants is money and material assistance, without strings attached and presented as tribute not aid. No doubt, the Lee administration is quite happy to provide such assistance, be it joint industrial or tourist projects like the Kaesong Industrial Zone pursued in the past. But South Korea is not going to openly violate the U.N. sanctions regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is why any serious shift in inter-Korean relations requires the liftingor at least the meaningful relaxationof U.N. sanctions. This is a step only the U.S. could engineer, and in practice only Donald Trump might attempt. During his first term, Trump came quite close to forging such a deal with Pyongyang. At the February 2019 U.S.-North Korea summit in Hanoi, the two sides discussed a formula under which North Korea would agree to dismantle its major nuclear facilities. In return, the U.S. was expected to back a revision of U.N. sanctions policya move that other members of the Security Council would have been unlikely to oppose once Washington gave its consent. But in the end, the two sides failed to agree on the details, and the Hanoi summit collapsed. It is possible, however, that negotiations will resume shortly; some U.S. officials have recently dropped hints about the prospects of renewed engagement with Pyongyang, and even Trump himself said a couple of months ago that he had a good relationship with Kim Jong Un and hoped to solve the conflict with North Korea. If negotiations do begin, there remains a genuine, but limited, chance of success. North Korea will not, under any circumstances, relinquish its nuclear arsenal. Yet from Pyongyangs perspective, there is a certain logic in pursuing a nuclear arms control agreement (if it comes with the right perks). Such a deal could offer the regime a means of easing its heavy reliance on China and Russia, the only two countries that are willing to ignore the U.N. sanctions regime when dealing with North Korea. The North Korean leadership regards such dependence as burdensome, especially regarding China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In any case, progress in inter-Korean relations ultimately hinges on direct U.S.North Korea talks. Only if those negotiations succeed will Seoul and Pyongyang be able to move forward. And that remains, at best, a very big if. Contact us at letters@time.com. A former Kentucky clerk named Kim Davis has asked the Supreme Court to erase Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized a constitutional right to same-sex marriage. Media outlets and progressive politicians have been quick to jump on the petition. Like a horror movie, read a USA Today headline. It isnt. The only horror is how easily people are manipulated by the media, and how little they understand about their own government. A petition for review is not the same as an actual hearing. The court receives more than 7,000 such petitions annually and hears about 1 percent. Four justices must vote to grant review for a case to make it onto the docket. Last year, the court issued full opinions in just 59. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are all kinds of frivolous petitions; MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell filed one over the FBIs seizure of his phone during its election fraud probe. Technically, the Supreme Court will consider Daviss petition, but in reality that means only that a piece of paper has been filed. The case itself isnt about same-sex marriage at all. Davis, a county clerk, refused to issue licenses to same-sex couples after the Obergefell case was decided, claiming her religious beliefs excused her. She was jailed for contempt. Several couples sued her and won $100,000 in damages. What Davis now asks the court to consider is whether the First Amendments protection of religious exercise could shield her from liability; only at the tail end of her appeal do her lawyers tack on a request to overrule Obergefell. So, when Newsweek quotes Davis lawyer as optimistic the court will take the case, what hes really arguing is whether Davis can invoke religious liberty as a defense for unlawful discrimination. Conservative judges, including two appointed by President Trump, have already said no. Meanwhile, the Respect for Marriage Act, passed in 2022 with bipartisan support, guarantees federal recognition of same-sex marriages. Public approval for marriage equality remains strong. The odds of Congress repealing that law are virtually nil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And thats the bigger point. The Supreme Court simply simply no interest in revisiting the issue. Chief Justice John Roberts joined a decision protecting same-sex parents. Justice Brett Kavanaugh called same-sex marriage a very important right and said gay Americans cannot be treated as social outcasts or as inferior in dignity and worth. Roberts and Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the 2020 ruling protecting gay workers from employment discrimination. Kavanaugh dissented, but praised gay Americans vision, tenacity, and grit and explicitly said that Roes fall does not threaten or cast doubt on Obergefell. That doesnt guarantee the conservative bloc believes Obergefell was rightly decided. But it does suggest that undoing it is not high on their list. Courts, like politicians, have finite capital, and they choose their battles. None of that stopped Daviss request from snowballing into a national story. The regular partisan actors and even more serious outlets like ABC couldnt resist acting as if gay marriage were on the chopping block. Ten years after the Supreme Court extended marriage rights to same-sex couples nationwide, the justices this fall will consider for the first time whether to take up a case that explicitly asks them to overturn that decision, ABC wrote on X. Even though its own article described the case as a long shot, the framing makes it seem as if Obergefell was under immediate threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That kind of framing may not be malicious, but it is damaging. Very few understand what it takes for a case to reach the high court. Many people dont know how many justices there are and cannot name them. Many dont even know which branch of government the Supreme Court belongs to. So it is no surprise they do not understand petitions for certiorari or the mechanics of overturning precedent. Even politically informed citizens often think a conservative-majority court will automatically hand down conservative rulings. That is not how it works. The Supreme Court follows strict procedures and operates with caution; it is not a partisan plaything. Obergefell is not Roe. It has not produced a decades-long Republican crusade to topple it, and Kim Daviss appeal will certainly not change that. The real story here isnt about the fate of same-sex marriage but about how easily media and partisans can spin a hopeless filing into an existential threat towards a right that is, in truth, secure. William Liang is a writer living in San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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. There is a push for diplomacy. There is an effort being made by the White House to end the war in Ukraine. But on the ground here? Things certainly dont feel different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overnight, Russia carried out a large-scale attack on Ukraine, pounding targets across the country. Frontlines with Robert Sherman: Ukraines window of opportunity That includes Lviv in western Ukraine, far removed from the front lines in the Donbas, where someone was killed overnight. According to President Volodomyr Zelenskyys Office, more than 570 drones were launched at Ukraine, as well as 40 missiles. There have been plenty of diplomatic wheels turning in recent days: A summit in Alaska and a major cattle call of world leaders at the White House, including Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of that has made a difference so far when it comes to the day-to-day for Ukrainian civilians. Not to mention that this week, two NATO member states, Romania and Poland, were put on edge after Russian drones threatened, or in Polands case, crossed into their airspace. Watch: Romania scrambles jets as Russian drone hits Poland An analysis conducted by the Kyiv Independent found that from Aug. 15, the date of the Alaska summit, through Aug. 20, more than 30 civilians were killed and more than 140 were injured. In this war, no olive branches have been extended as good faith negotiations take place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This requires a response, Zelenskyy wrote on social media today. There is still no signal from Moscow that they truly intend to engage in substantive negotiations and end this war. Pressure is needed. Strong sanctions, strong tariffs. Ahead of assuming the Oval Office, now-President Donald Trump laid out a carrot and stick approach to Russia. The Alaska summit was certainly a big carrot for the Kremlin as Russian isolation took its last breath and Russian President Vladimir Putin found himself on U.S. soil. Perhaps the carrot will work, or maybe the White House will have to revert to the stick. The goal is clear: Get Zelenskyy and Putin together for a bilateral meeting, and then the U.S. will get involved to seal the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the White House said we can expect a bilateral meeting to take place within the next two weeks, Russia has publicly slow-walked the process. Watch: US, NATO weigh security guarantee for Ukraine Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today in Moscow: Our president has repeatedly said that he is ready to meet, including with Mr. Zelenskyy with the understanding that all issues that require consideration at the highest level will be well worked out, and experts and ministers will prepare appropriate recommendations. In short, Russia is not ready to formally sit down and negotiate until there are more negotiations. Theyre not committing to a date or timeline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lavrov continued: When and if hopefully, when it comes to signing future agreements, the issue of the legitimacy of the person who signs these agreements from the Ukrainian side will be resolved. To understand the present state of affairs, its important to understand Russias view toward Ukraine and further understand that a sit-down would strike at the antithesis of the Russian posture. The Kremlin does not view the leadership in Kyiv as a legitimate government. They view it as a form of anti-Russian propaganda and protest propped up by the West. In 2021, Putin published an essay entitled On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians, arguing that Russia and Ukraine are one and the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev published a follow-up essay supporting Putins stance. He went further, explaining Russias position that negotiations with Kyiv are meaningless under their present government. US prepared to use air power to support Ukraine From the Atlantic Council: Directly echoing claims made by Putin in his July essay, Medvedev argued that Ukraine was currently under the direct foreign control of American patrons and overseas masters, before concluding, It makes no sense for us to deal with vassals.' Additionally, Russia views Ukraines land as Russian in origin. The etymology of the name Ukraine is derived from the Slavic word borderlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of that to say, engaging in direct talks or negotiations with Zelenskyy would contradict the last few years of Russian posturing toward Ukraines current government. This is why the Ukrainians have been frustrated, contending they are sending high-level diplomats to talks in recent months while Russia refuses to do the same. The last time Putin and Zelenskyy met in person was in 2019, and a repeat would be a huge breakthrough. Will it happen? That remains to be seen. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been data mining personal information from other agencies to identify and locate deportable aliens. This has resulted in 14 lawsuits that allege violations of federal privacy protections. These lawsuits remind me of the travel ban litigation during President Trumps first term. Trump may have to fight them all the way to the Supreme Court, but he will prevail in the end, as he did in the travel ban case. Even so, the lawsuits will succeed in hampering the implementation of Trumps immigration policies, which may be their main objective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress has given agencies that enforce our immigration laws the authority to use personal data from other agencies. The Privacy Act of 1974 and the Immigration and Nationality Act both explicitly authorize ICE to use such data for criminal and civil immigration enforcement purposes. Data mining makes it possible for ICE to use the vast amounts of data it gets from the other agencies. Data mining entails sifting through massive amounts of data to find patterns that can be used with predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms. Machine learning algorithms provide the instructions computers use to learn from data, make predictions, and improve their performance over time. Before the occurrence of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, there was a wall between intelligence and criminal investigations that impeded information sharing. Intelligence investigations rely on sources and surveillance techniques that may become useless if they are exposed. Whereas criminal investigations are conducted to obtain evidence for prosecutions and the sources of the evidence have to be revealed. According to the Center for Public Integrity, the FBI, CIA, and other agencies had pieces of information before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that, had they been shared, might have led to the unraveling of Al Qaedas plot. This has been referred to as connecting the dots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress tried to bring the wall down by passing the USA Patriot Act. It facilitated information sharing and cooperation among government agencies by removing the major legal barriers that prevented the law enforcement, intelligence, and national defense communities from talking and coordinating their work to protect the American people and our national security. Then Congress made such information sharing mandatory with the passage of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. It created a Director of National Intelligence to coordinate and oversee the creation of an Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordination Group to improve information sharing. The act also required the Department of Homeland Security to establish state, local and regional fusion centers for the gathering, analyzing and sharing of threat-related information. But Congress also passed legislation to ensure oversight of data mining. The Federal Agency Data Mining Reporting Act of 2007 requires DHS and the heads of the other federal departments or agencies that engage in data mining to publish an annual report on its data mining activities. The Biden administration did not comply with this requirement until the Electronic Privacy Information Center made a Freedom of Information Act request on June 30, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 31, 2023 it published a Data Mining Report for 2020 and 2021. The report indicates that the Biden administration created a new data mining program known as the Continuous Immigration Vetting for Operation Allies Welcome. Six other data mining programs are discussed in the report as well. The Trump administration has increased the governments use of data mining. This includes reaching into federal, state and local governments in an attempt to secure large-scale arrests and deportations of removable noncitizens, and instill a sense of fear so that others self deport. Recent developments include Elon Musks effort as the head of a newly formed Department of Government Efficiency to access millions of personal files. The administration also awarded a new contract for $30 million to Palantir, a software company that ICE has been doing business with for more than a decade. Palantir will create a new platform for ICE an Immigration Lifecycle Operating System. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new platform is supposed to give ICE near real-time visibility on people self-deporting from the U.S. It will also help the agency track and manage deportations, monitor visa overstays and target transnational criminal organizations. The Privacy Act prohibits government agencies from sharing personal data, with 13 exceptions in Section 552a(b). The seventh exception authorizes the release of personal records for a civil or criminal law enforcement activity if the activity is authorized by law, which is what ICE does with the data. And Section 1360(b) of the INA provides that Any information in any records kept by any department or agency of the Government as to the identity and location of aliens in the United States shall be made available to the Service upon request made by the Attorney General to the head of any such department or agency. A year before Trump took the oath of office, the ACLU announced its intention to prevent him from implementing his policies, saying it had filed 434 legal actions against the Trump administration, and hundreds of other lawsuits were filed by sister organizations, state attorneys general and even private citizens. Whats more, if Trump returned to the Oval Office, they threatened, the first resistance will look tame by comparison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, the ACLU says in the same statement that the ballot box is where the people will get the final say. Are the ACLU and the other litigants accepting the voters decision? Nolan Rappaport was detailed to the House Judiciary Committee as an Executive Branch Immigration Law Expert for three years. He subsequently served as an immigration counsel for the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims for four years. Prior to working on the Judiciary Committee, he wrote decisions for the Board of Immigration Appeals for 20 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 The Hill. Chicago will perform Saturday at Ford Amphitheater on the north side of Colorado Springs. Nobody is getting under MAGAs skin quite like California Gov. Gavin Newsom. And its not just comical its effective. Every cable news channel is talking about him, weekly if not daily. Newsom, who many believe is a likely contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, has taken a page straight from Donald Trumps playbook. Hes leaning into Trumps bombastic posting style and serving it back to him, stunt for stunt. His trolling includes a photoshopped image of Mount Rushmore with his face on it, a mock-up of himself as a king on the cover of Time magazine, and even an AI-generated image of Newsom surrounded by Tucker Carlson, the late Hulk Hogan and Kid Rock before writing in all caps that he hates Kid Rock. It sounds silly, and thats the point. The deja vu effect is meant to hold up a mirror to Trumpworld, showing Republicans exactly how absurd their tactics look from the outside. And lets be honest its working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers back it up. CNNs chief data analyst Harry Enten Robbys favorite pollster says the X account for Newsoms press office has seen a 450 percent increase in followers since June. Google searches for Newsom? Up 1,300 percent since June 1, and 500 percent since August 1. Those are the kinds of surges you dont see without traction. And theres a deeper story behind this strategy. In a recent interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles, Newsom explained the moment he decided to put his foot down against Trump: I think it connects here in L.A. and the fires, and how he was completely misrepresenting the factsmisinformation, disinformation. Elon Musk was piling on as well. Reporter: You were really angry then. We spoke to you. Newsom: Yea, because Ive never seen anything like it, in the middle of an emergency, all the lies, all the misrepresentations, all the untruths and they became gospel and they were spread around the world. And it was a big wake-up call, and we got back on our feet, and we go back on the offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wasnt done there And then when the National Guard was federalized, what the hell is going on? You saw ICE out here today. You know what that is? That is a preview for things to come. Mark my word. I said this a couple months ago with the National Guard I said that was a preview for the rest of the country. Thats exactly what happened in Washington, D.C. Thats gonna continue to happen across this country unless were successful. And then he said: So yes, Ive changed. The facts have changed. We need to change. And we need to stand up to this authoritarian. Now, people can argue that Newsom is lowering himself by mocking the president. But one thing you cant deny is that its been effective. And thats not just Democrats talking even Steve Bannon is giving him credit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you look at the Democratic Party, hes at least getting up there, and hes trying to imitate a Trumpian vision of fighting, right? He looks like the only person in the Democratic Party who is organizing a fight that they feel they can win. Bannon went on to say, People in the MAGA movement and the America First movement should start paying attention to this, because its not going to go away, theyre only going to get more intense. So heres the thesis: Gavin Newsom isnt just trolling Donald Trump. Hes stress-testing a strategy and the numbers, the buzz, and even Trumps allies all suggest its working. For years, Democrats have struggled to figure out how to fight Trump on his own turf. Newsom might have just cracked the code. 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. Since Januarys inauguration, two trends have characterized education policy during the second Trump administration. One is the overwhelming flood of unilateral, executive action. This has included the haphazard dismantling of the federal Department of Education, on-and-off-again suspensions of various education-related spending from research grants and leftover COVID dollars to afterschool and summer programs and aggressive use of civil rights laws to target diversity, equity and inclusion programs and transgender athletes. The other is the persistence of pandemic learning loss and the absence of political interest or will to do anything about it. The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, released less than two weeks after Inauguration Day, showed only modest improvements in math scores and continued declines in reading achievement, to the lowest rates recorded on this series of exams. Similar trends have been confirmed by private assessment vendors. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter What if these two developments are related? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This suggestion is at the core of the argument I make in my new book, No Adult Left Behind: How Politics Hijacks Education Policy and Hurts Kids. The same electoral processes that gave the nation President Donald Trump and the same democratic justifications his administration now offers to defend his norm-shattering actions represent some of the biggest impediments to solving todays most pressing educational challenges. Related In Rulings Aftermath, Some See Beginning of the End for Department of Education First, consider the intellectual and philosophical similarities. Trumps aggressive approach to presidential power is based on the unitary executive theory, a controversial scholarly thesis that escaped from the legal academy into the real world. It views a strong presidency as a democratic antidote to unaccountable, deep-state bureaucrats and elites, and condemns any effort to block or undermine executive authority by unelected officials as inherently illegitimate. The downplaying or outright dismissal of learning loss also has roots in once-fringe academic ideas accounts that dismiss standardized testing as outgrowth of toxic neoliberalism. These scholarly treatises feature their own mustache-twirling villains corporate reformers and billionaire philanthropists, a different kind of elite and demand a restoration of truly democratic control of public education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When federal courts stepped in to block some of the Trump administrations executive actions, the White House slammed unelected judges and Vice President J.D. Vance asserted that their intervention represented an effort by the courts to quite literally overturn the will of the American people. Defenders of chronically underperforming schools have lodged nearly identical complaints against efforts to fix them. After Louisiana officials took over the undeniably corrupt and woefully run New Orleans school district in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and turned almost all of it over to charter schools, academic achievement and attainment improved dramatically. For years, however, critics attacked the new system as undemocratic. Related Back to the Dark Ages: Education Research Staggered by Trump Cuts More recently, Houstons state-appointed superintendent has produced a remarkable academic turnaround less than two years after sidelining the districts elected school board. As one local journalist recently summarized: The news from the Houston Independent School District at the end of the 2025 school year is wonderful for Houston, wonderful for Texas and wonderful for the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than celebrate these improvements, however, opponents continue to demand resistance to the undemocratic seizure of Houstons public schools and warn that these kinds of undemocratic seizures of power arent just a Houston problem theyre a threat to every public school. Last November, the Houston teachers union helped persuade city voters to reject the school districts $4.4 billion bond proposal not because union leaders disagreed about the need to upgrade aging school buildings, but because they insisted that any investments must be delayed until we have steady, trusted and accountable elected leaders running the district once more. Fortunately, many Americans appear to reject the Trump administration position that presidential power is unlimited and any intervention to rein it in illegitimate polling suggests that public approval of his performance is underwater almost across the board. Voters seem to understand that there is much more to democracy than mere elections and that electoral control can be a double-edged sword. That unelected judges with lifetime appointments (and independent central banks) play an essential role, too, in providing restraint against the popular passions of the moment. And that groups without the right to vote, whether non-citizen immigrants or underage children, require special protections, because their interests are especially likely to be overlooked in the political process. Similar dynamics apply at the local level. They help explain why much of the dysfunction that plagues schools is hard-wired into a governance model that puts the short-term political agendas of adults ahead of the educational interests of students that local schools serve. The argument that responsiveness to voters is the only outcome that matters and any intervention limiting the authority of elected officials is undemocratic did not begin during the Trump administration and similar claims have long been used to insulate chronically underperforming school systems from meaningful accountability and reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1997, political commentator Fareed Zakaria published a widely read article in Foreign Affairs warning about the rise of what he called illiberal democracy. Too many, he warned, made the mistake of equating democracy with elections. But democracy is much more than that, he argued. It is a political system marked not only by free and fair elections, but also by the rule of law, a separation of powers and the protection of basic liberties of speech, assembly, religion and property. Related New NAEP Scores Dash Hope of Post-COVID Learning Recovery At the time, he was focused mostly on newly democratizing countries in the developing world, but the distinction seems equally relevant in America today. Zakarias insight is also relevant for understanding the problem with education governance. If illiberal democracy is characterized by fetishizing electoral procedures at the expense of substantive performance, and if it prioritizes popular participation and (adult) majority rule over minority (and student) interests, public education has long had an illiberal democracy problem. And Americas schoolchildren have paid the price. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has issued a statement on the latest Russian strike on Zakarpattia Oblast (Transcarpathia) in Ukraines west, where a plant owned by US firm Flex was hit in the city of Mukachevo in the early hours of 21 August. Source: Orban on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: Orban did not manage to condemn the Russian strike on a civilian factory in his post. Instead, he noted that "efforts aimed at establishing peace, and the negotiation process launched by President Trump, must continue. Only peace!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hungarian prime minister said that on Thursday his government had considered "the aftermath of the Russian missile strike on Mukachevo". Orban added that he had instructed the interior minister to prepare hospitals in Debrecen and Nyiregyhaza to receive those injured, but, he said, "fortunately, there was no need for this". According to him, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto had held consultations with representatives of the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia, to whom the Hungarian government had offered assistance. Notably, since the outbreak of the full-scale war, the Hungarian government has justified its decision not to provide aid to Ukraines defence forces or allow weapons to pass through its territory, arguing that it protects Zakarpattia from Russian attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missile strike on 21 August 2025 is likely the first to deliberately hit a facility in Zakarpattia, and Russia has delivered this strike despite Hungarys policy remaining unchanged. Background: As reported by European Pravda, Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok expressed condolences to those affected by the Russian strike on the plant in Mukachevo, but later removed the word "Russian" from his Facebook post. Peter Magyar, the leader of Hungarys largest opposition party, Tisza, criticised Sulyok for this move. Szijjarto responded to the Russian strike on Ukrainian regions, which affected Zakarpattia, without mentioning the region specifically, and also stressed the need to "achieve a peace agreement". After Russias missile strike on the US plant in Mukachevo, Tamas Menczer, communications director of Orbans Fidesz party, stated that talks on peace with Russia are crucial. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! At left, QTS Data Centers in Hillsboro on Oct. 11, 2024. (Photo by Rian Dundon/Oregon Capital Chronicle). At right, kids at Jackson Elementary in Hillsboro in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Hillsboro School District) Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has donated more than $2 million to Central Oregons Crook County School District during the last decade as the company built one of its largest complexes of data centers in Prineville. But during that time, state and local governments have relieved the nearly $2 trillion company of paying millions of dollars each year in property taxes to support area schools, and schools across Oregon, under generous tax exemptions meant to attract businesses and boost employment. Crook County Schools in 2019 gave up $10 million in local revenue to property tax exemptions to corporations. By 2024, as more data centers came online, that had nearly tripled to $29 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The losses in Crook County are among a growing number of property tax dollar losses charted in a new report by Good Jobs First, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit economic subsidy watchdog group. Researchers for the group, using tax data reported by Oregon schools in annual financial Reports submitted to the Oregon Secretary of State, found that 191 school districts and education service districts in Oregon collectively lost $275 million to property tax abatements in 2024. Thats more than double the $125 million that districts lost to these abatements in 2019, the year most districts began reporting the tax losses to the state under a 2017 law. About one-third of the state school fund comes from local revenue, such as local property tax revenue. Because the Oregon Department of Education balances funding to districts with state and local revenues, Crook County would not solely reap the benefits of the millions it lost to tax abatements. That local money goes into the states pot to lift all boats, meaning property tax breaks in one part of the state can end up costing all schools. The biggest losses to Oregon schools were from property tax breaks under the states Strategic Investment Program and the Long-Term Rural Enterprise Zone program. The investment program requires businesses to invest at least $500 million and, in return, pay either 25% of the abated tax they would owe each year or a $2.5 million community investment fee that can go to schools or other public services that miss out on the property tax money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The enterprise zone program, which exempts businesses in rural parts of Oregon from paying property taxes on new investments for 15 years, has been most lucrative for new data centers, the researchers found. A 2023 analysis by The Oregonian/Oregon Live found major tech companies in the state collectively saved more than $150 million per year from the states enterprise zone program alone. Among all enterprise zone property tax breaks applied statewide, three-quarters of savings went to tech companies for data centers. The Good Jobs First group found that between 2019 and 2024, tax savings for businesses benefiting from the enterprise zones increased by $60 million, or 185%. Greg LeRoy, the groups executive director, said that in most states, sales and use tax exemptions lure big businesses and data centers. Since Oregon has no sales tax, it is property taxes there that are the big dollars, he said. A complex issue Some property tax losses could be made up by the corporate activity tax the Legislature approved in 2019. The tax, which critics say functions as a hidden sales tax, charges companies with more than $1 million of commercial activity in Oregon $250 plus 0.57% of their commercial activity above the $1 million mark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It generates about $1 billion for schools each year. But theres no publicly available data about which companies are subject to the tax and how much they pay, so its difficult to know how much companies like Intel or Apple, which deal in international markets, ultimately pay. Many of the school districts where data centers for Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft and Meta have sprouted up fastest in the last decade have experienced the most property tax losses. They include Crook County, Morrow County and Hermiston schools. Hermiston School District Superintendent Tricia Mooney said districts would benefit if companies werent exempt from property taxes when schools seek bonds to pay for critical infrastructure investments and improvements. The district lost out on more than $16 million in local property tax revenue from tax abatements in 2024, according to the study up from $111,500 in 2019. More than 10 data centers have come online in Hermiston since 2017, and she said the district has not seen a big influx in students due to any major job creation in the area from them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anna Logan, chief financial officer of the Crook County School District, said costs and benefits of the tax abatements are complex. We do not have the expertise to quantify all of the various advantages and disadvantages of those tax abatements, she said in an email, but added that they have seen more enrollment due to new data center construction and operation jobs attracting families to the area. The tax abatements create missed revenue, but not a reduction in revenue. Daniel Hauser, deputy director of the left-leaning nonprofit think tank Oregon Center for Public Policy, said the state continues to offer incredibly generous tax breaks to corporations without really understanding if they are responsible for luring new business or boosting employment and income taxes. Businesses also choose Oregon because they need cheaper electricity, or abundant water, or proximity to the right workers and markets, he said. When the state gives up property tax revenue that could go to schools while those schools suffer budget constraints, it creates a painful juxtaposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have this cap on special education funding and special needs funding for districts. And I remember the price tag on that being somewhere in the couple-hundred-million-dollar range, he said. A proposal to lift the cap, which requires that the state provide extra funding for just 11% of a schools student body with disabilities, did not pass in the most recent legislative session. It would have required about $750 million more for schools each year. We could actually adequately fund services for kids with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and special needs, or we can give billions or hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks to these corporations and we have no idea if its actually incentivizing any behavior, and many of these businesses are reporting enormous profits to their shareholders, he said. The Hillsboro School District gives up the most property tax revenue: more than $143 million in 2024. The strategic investment program, which offers property tax breaks to companies making big investments in the area, is most responsible for the losses. Intel, the areas largest company and employer, got a 30-year, estimated $2 billion tax break under the strategic investment program in 2014 for investing $100 billion in manufacturing equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott Harison, chief financial officer for the Hillsboro School District, also described tax abatements as complex. Cities, counties, tribes and ports award tax incentives, and schools dont get to play a role in negotiations though they arguably lose the most revenue from them. Schools need the income tax revenue from employment, but its unclear how much corporate investment and employment is driven by those property tax incentives. There is certainly a benefit to the local economy when these abatements serve as an incentive for employers to make investments they might not have otherwise made, Harison said in an email. We do think it would be beneficial for school districts to have more of a voice in abatement negotiations. After all, these companies rely on school districts to prepare their future employees, and the best outcome is for us to succeed together. Liz Merah, spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Education, said that school finance staff and the Legislature are aware of the issues related to property tax abatements and school funding, and they understand the impacts. At this time we are not aware of any proposed changes to current practices with regard to tax abatement, she said in an email. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Six Portland City Councilors wont face an ethics investigation over their use of a private group text to discuss council matters. About 13 complaints were received by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission after Willamette Week first reported on the texts, and all of them will soon be dismissed because of a loophole in Oregons public records law. Susan Myers, executive director of the commission, told KOIN 6 News in an email that because the mandatory grievance process wasnt followed, the complaints will be dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myers said that Oregon law requires someone to submit a written grievance to the public body within 30 days of the violation before they file a complaint with the ethics commission. The City of Portland did not respond to repeated requests regarding the number of complaints it had received on the matter. The state ethics commission is expected to dismiss the complaints at its next meeting on Sept. 12. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read on July 25, 2025, at the 2025 Eastern Oregon Economic Summit in Pendleton. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read on Thursday flatly rejected a demand from the U.S. Justice Department to turn over troves of voter data, writing that doing so could violate Oregonians privacy rights. In July and last week, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice demanded that Oregon turn over a wide range of information, including the full name, date of birth, residential address and drivers license number or partial Social Security number for every Oregon voter. They also asked Read to explain how Oregon maintains voter rolls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a response letter Thursday, Read said he saw no federal authority for the Justice Departments request for voter data. Some of that data is public record, and anyone can obtain a copy of a statewide voter list with a records request and a $500 fee. But those lists cannot include any voters birthday, Social Security number or drivers license number. Oregon allows for public access to certain voter-registration data, including a voters residence address and birth year, for a fee, Read wrote. There is no exception for the federal government. He did provide the names of Oregons last few statewide election directors and the county clerks who have handled elections since November 2022. Most day-to-day election work occurs at the county level, with elected nonpartisan county clerks or appointed election directors registering voters, mailing ballots and processing returned ballots. The Secretary of States Office enforces state election law, oversees county work, collects data and leads routine post-election audits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The July letter from the Justice Department described Oregons voter registration as unusually high for several years, as a report from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission noted that 95.3% of citizens 18 and older living in Oregon were registered to vote ahead of the November 2024 election. Nationally, just 73.6% of adult citizens were registered to vote, according to census data. Oregon has long prided itself on making voting accessible. Since 2016, the state has automatically registered adult citizens to vote when they obtain or renew drivers licenses or state ID cards at the Motor Vehicle Services Division, and the number of registered voters rose to more than 3 million in the near-decade since the law took effect. The state also regularly leads the nation in voter turnout, though turnout rates have declined since automatic voter registration added more voters to the rolls. Last years presidential election had a 75.4% turnout in Oregon, down from the 2004 peak of 86.5%, but well above the national 65.3% rate. The Justice Department also questioned why Oregon removed fewer registered voters from voter rolls than the national average, and ordered Read to share full voter registration information for anyone removed from voter rolls because they were determined not to be a citizen, deemed incompetent by a court or convicted of a felony. In Oregon, people convicted of felonies temporarily lose the right to vote but regain it as soon as theyve completed their sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not aware of anything in the (National Voter Registration Act of 1993) or (Help America Vote Act of 2002) that would require this, Read wrote. And with respect to disclosing the registration information for ineligible voters in particular, that would both exceed my obligations under federal law and almost certainly violate state law. Read was more explicit in a July email to Justice Department officials who asked for a data-sharing agreement, saying that he was uninterested in sharing information with federal officials who hadnt demonstrated that they would protect the U.S. Constitution that he and they swore an oath to uphold. I have no interest in sharing data with an administration that is willfully violating judicial orders and trampling on constitutional rights and responsibilities, he wrote. Nor do I wish to share data with an administration that appears to take glee in snatching people off the streets without requiring its agents to properly identify themselves or provide arrest warrants, or with an administration whose agents wait outside of day care centers, schoolyards and courthouses to improperly detain and deport Oregonians. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Orlando officials on Thursday denounced the overnight removal of a rainbow-colored crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub where 49 people were gunned down, saying it was part of an attack on LGBTQ lives by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the painting over by state workers of the crosswalk with rainbow colors often associated with LGBTQ pride was callous and "a cruel political act. The massacre at the LGBTQ-friendly nightclub in 2016 was the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history at the time. This crosswalk not only enhanced safety and visibility for the large number of pedestrians visiting the memorial, it also served as a visual reminder of Orlando's commitment to honor the 49 lives taken, Dyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democrat from Orlando, called the overnight removal work a cowardly act. They did this in the middle of the night because they were scared of the resistance because they know what they did was wrong, said Smith, who is openly gay. The Florida Department of Transportation did not respond to an emailed inquiry seeking comment. The rainbow crosswalk originally was installed in 2017 by the state, Dyer said. The state transportation agency had been notifying cities around Florida in recent months that they must remove rainbow-colored crosswalks and intersections or they could face the withholding of transportation funds. Among the cities notified were Delray Beach, Key West and St. Petersburg. Earlier this week, St. Petersburg officials asked for an exemption for five street art installations, saying they create a strong sense of community. They include a rainbow-colored intersection, a Black Lives Matter mural and a University of South Florida-themed crosswalk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will Watts, an assistant secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation, issued a memo in June prohibiting surface art on crosswalks, sidewalks, intersections, travel lanes or shoulders. The memo prohibited surface art associated with social, political or ideological messages or images and does not serve the purpose of traffic control. DeSantis said Thursday on social media, We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes. The Pulse nightclub shooting during a Latin night celebration on June 12, 2016, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others. The attacker, Omar Mateen, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, was killed after a three-hour standoff with police. At the time, it was the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. But that number was surpassed the next year when 58 people were killed and more than 850 were injured among a crowd of 22,000 at a country music festival in Las Vegas. After news circulated that the rainbow colors had been painted over, a handful of residents gathered at the crosswalk and waved rainbow colored flags. Some colored in the crosswalk with chalk, but their efforts were washed away by an afternoon rainstorm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith, the lawmaker, promised that if the state gets its way, the LGBTQ community won't be erased at the site where a permanent memorial is planned. There will be a rainbow mural nearby that is even bigger, queerer and more colorful than they ever imagined, Smith said. ___ Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform Bluesky: @mikeysid.bsky.social School officials in Osceola County have come to an agreement with their employees over compensation. Osceola County teachers will receive a compensation package worth more than $8 million. The compensation package will cover salaries, cost-of-living adjustments, and health insurance. Staff members will receive a compensation package worth $1 million. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Kristin Crowley, then L.A. Fire Chief, (left) and Mayor Karen Bass (right) at a press conference on Jan. 11, 2025. - Credit: Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Kristen Crowley, the former chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department ousted from her position earlier this year, filed a legal claim against the city and Mayor Karen Bass, accusing the mayor of orchestrating a campaign of misinformation, defamation, and retaliation and using Crowley as a scapegoat to shift blame after the devastating fires in January. A precursor to a lawsuit, Crowleys claim seeks unspecified damages above $25,000 for lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, and reputational damages. In the 23-page filing obtained by Rolling Stone, Crowley alleges that she repeatedly warned of the LAFDs worsening resource and staffing crisis, and submitted reports detailing how aging infrastructure, surging emergency calls, and shrinking staff had put Los Angeles at risk. Despite these warnings, the filing alleges, Mayor Bass and her administration cut the fire departments operating budget by $17.6 million that year and eliminated positions critical to maintaining fire engines, trucks, and ambulances. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors counsel, David Michaelson, said in a statement that Bass would not comment on an ongoing personnel claim and that she was focusing on preparations for the hottest temperatures of the year and the potential for regional fire danger. Per Wednesdays filing, Crowley is also claiming that Bass, the city, and its employees, staff, agents, and administrators allowed, permitted, incited, excused, and otherwise ratified the aforesaid misconduct. The former fire chief is demanding that Bass retract her false statements about Crowley, issue a public apology, and end any ongoing retaliation. In a statement, Crowley said, The lies, deceit, exaggerations and misrepresentations need to be addressed with the only thing that can refute them the true facts. She continued, Doing the right thing even when it is hard, is always the right decision and that is why I am continuing to fight for the resources our Firefighters need to keep us all safe. Crowleys lawyer, Genie Harrison, said in a separate statement that Crowleys tort claim shows Mayor Bass repeated refusals to provide those resources. The citizens of Los Angeles deserve to know the truth about how underresourced the LAFD has become and how that came to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Los Angeles continues to recover from the deadly fires and reckons with its social and political aftermath, reports of a major heat wave were issued this week, warning of an increased risk for wildfires that could quickly spread. We know how quickly fires can start and spread, Bass said at a news conference Tuesday. If anything, we are going above and beyond what is required right now concerning the level of threat, Bass added. I want Angelenos to be assured. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Overland Park Police Department is working to help children in crisis. The police department is partnering with the Shadow Buddies Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emotional support and education to children facing challenges. Authorities search Northland pond in connection with 2022 disappearance of Missouri man Tyler Mosher, the daughter of fallen Overland Park Police Officer Mike Mosher, is spearheading the initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through this partnership, the Overland Park Police Department said it will integrate police shadow buddies into various aspects of its daily operations. These special dolls will be used by patrol officers, school resource officers and the criminal investigation unit to help provide comfort and build trust. Each buddy is created with unique features to help kids feel understood, supported and less alone. The Shadow Buddies Foundations mission is to enhance the lives of children in crisis. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV This partnership with Shadow Buddies will provide them to children in our community who need a little extra comfort during challenging times, the police department said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about the foundation, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. They're magical creatures and youngsters can find them at the Unicorn Festival along with mermaids and princesses and others. Foam parties both Saturday and Sunday, unicorn races and a Sunday 5K run. The enchanted world fills Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets: unicornfestivalcolorado.com. SHANNON COUNTY, Mo. The coroner of Shannon County said hes terrified that any time he responds to a death call, he could be led away from the scene in handcuffs. In the past week, Shannon Countys controversial sheriff has made public allegations against the county coroner. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Shannon County Sheriff alleges orchestrated campaign of harassment and smear tactics, threats to life Shannon County Sheriff Steven Hogan alleged that County Coroner Allen Ford has interfered in active criminal investigations, engaged in harassment, and otherwise acted unlawfully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Hogan announced on the Shannon County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) Facebook page that he has prepared felony charges against the coroner to be sent to the countys prosecuting attorney. Shannon County Prosecuting Attorney William Seay told Ozarks First on Wednesday, Aug. 20, that those charges had not yet appeared on his desk. Ford who has worked in EMS since 2010 and has served as coroner since the beginning of this year said he is living in constant fear because of Hogans bullying and harassment. He added that the stress of Hogans threats of criminal charges has worsened his health problems. The coroner noted that the alleged bullying has been ongoing since they both took office in January this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is getting serious it really is, Ford said. He is trying to do every job in the county, and hes overreached his authority. In his Aug. 17 statement, Hogan claimed the SCSO has documented investigative information showing the Coroners overreach into Sheriffs Office legal battles and ties to investigative conspiracies. The SCSO has felony charges prepared against the Coroner, on the Sheriffs desk, ready to be submitted to the Shannon County Prosecutors Office, Hogan continued. In a letter to the editor published this week in the Houston Herald, Ford responded by citing state laws that contradict many of Hogans claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By law, the coroner not the sheriff takes charge of all death investigations, Ford wrote in the Herald. Ford told Ozarks First that he has done nothing unlawful. He said miscommunication from Hogan along with Hogans alleged interference in death investigations has hindered his ability to do his job. Ford also said he has been harassed by the SCSO for months. He now locks his truck and dreads seeing deputies, despite the countys low crime rate and small population of just 7,275 people. I lay awake at night wondering whats going to happen if I drive out to a call and get arrested, Ford said. I have committed no felonies and no crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Fords view, the new SCSO administration has put a bad black eye on Shannon County. The SCSO was thrust into the spotlight earlier this summer when Hogan and the Shannon County Commission clashed in a lawsuit that ultimately turned out in Hogans favor. Ozarks First has reached out to Hogan multiple times for comment but has not received 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A Woodbridge man pleaded guilty on Thursday to tax evasion after falsifying over $6 million of business-related transactions. Anthony Delmaro, 48, has owned and operated commercial roofing businesses in Connecticut, most frequently doing business as Kings Roofing, since at least 2012, according to court documents. The business also provided paving services. East Lyme woman pleads guilty to tax offenses, will pay over $300,000 in restitution Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 2012 to 2022, Kings Roofing earned about $20.9 million in customer receipts, but Delmaro paid his workers in cash and never filed income or payroll tax returns for himself or the business. Court documents show that Delmaro and others would cash checks from customers instead of depositing them into bank accounts. Delmaro provided the check cashers with addresses associated with UPS mailboxes rather than his home address. The IRS could not identify the source of income using the UPS mailbox location on file. Newington landscaper fined $1.75M When Delmaro wasnt cashing the checks, he made business-related deposits into his personal bank account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delmaro had customers file false 1099 forms made out to a family member or Delmaro himself, rather than his business. Delmaro would occasionally provide customers with the alias Sonny Rubino, which customers would use on the 1099 form. If customers requested a completed W-9 form, he would fill it out in his fathers name and social security number. Delmaros father used an alias that differed from the name and information that Delmaro provided to the customer. During the 2022 tax year, Delmaro cashed $3,710,628 in checks made payable to Kings Roofing. He received $439,700 in business-related deposits into his personal bank account and caused a total of $1,908,095 in 1099 forms to be filed with false information. The investigation further revealed that from 2019 to April 2025, Delmaro received more than $500,000 in low income health benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delmaro agreed to pay restitution of $1,129,669 to the IRS, and $578,259 to the Connecticut Medicaid program. He was released on a $50,000 bond and scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) With the stroke of a paint brush, a local program is helping Parkinsons patients connect and feel more independent. Parkinsons disease is a type of neurologic movement disorder that affects the brain and causes difficulty with movements or motor symptoms. It affects a million people in the U.S. Connecting Through Art is a free watercolor workshop offered several times a year for Parkinsons patients and their caretakers by the Rhode Island chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evergreen House Health Center in East Providence hosted the most recent workshop on Aug. 14. Taught by artist and educator Besty McDonald with the Wickford Art Association, those in attendance learned to paint sunflowers. Watercolor class for Parkinson's patients at Evergreen House Health Center in East Providence, R.I. Laurie Anne Oliveira noted that, just like each sunflower is different, so is the experience each Parkinsons patient has with the disease. This class, she said, allows them to all come together and create, without pressure or expectations. Often, individuals lose dexterity, theres the tremor. It takes away their sense of independence, Oliveira explained. So being able to create a watercolor project and just be wherever it takes them; theres no pressure. We have no expectations. We encourage people not to have expectations about how perfect it needs to be because art is more about the individuals process of creating it and what theyre putting into it. In September, the ADPAs Rhode Island chapter is offering its Press program, an eight-week online education and support program designed for Parkinsons patients who were diagnosed in the past five years. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, email Laurie Ann Oliveira at laoliveira@butler.org or call (401) 455-6337. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Sept. 27, at Warwick City Park, the APDA is holding its annual Rhode Island Optimism Walk and 5K Fun Run. The money raised will go directly toward the local community, expanding local program and services to help more people with Parkinsons disease live life to the fullest, as well as fund cutting-edge research to help find better treatments and ultimately, a cure. You can register online here. APDA Optimism Walk & 5K Fun Run: Learn more and register 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. KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) -An explosion at a fireworks warehouse in the Pakistani city of Karachi killed four people and injured more than 30 on Thursday, police said. The warehouse and some nearby shops caught fire after the initial blast, which was followed by several smaller explosions, forcing residents to flee for safety. "I thought several bombs have exploded," resident Aqib Khan told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact of the blast was strong enough to shatter glass in neighbouring shops, peppering people in the street with shards of glass. At least 34 injured people were admitted to hospitals, said police official Summaiya Tariq, adding that four of those died overnight. Smoke billowed from a multi-storey building as firefighters worked to put out a blaze, local news channels showed. There was no indication as to what caused the initial explosion. Closed-circuit camera footage aired by local television channel Geo News showed people running for safety and motorists turning their vehicles around in haste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion came a day after intense monsoon rains flooded the city. Karachi is Pakistan's financial capital and is home to more than 20 million people. (Reporting by Asif Shahzad and Ariba Shahid in Islamabad; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Michael Perry) Some armed Palestinian groups in Lebanese refugee camps began handing over their weapons to the authorities on Thursday after reaching a deal earlier this year, with Washington hailing the move as a "historic step". The efforts at disarmament came after the Lebanese government, under US pressure, tasked the army with formulating a plan to also disarm the militant group Hezbollah by the end of the year. The Lebanese army took into its custody a number of weapons in the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp in Beirut's southern suburbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An AFP photographer saw a truck filled with weapons and ammunition transported from the camp to a nearby parking lot, where Lebanese army vehicles and personnel were deployed to inspect the cargo. "Today marks the beginning of the first phase of the process of handing over weapons from inside the Palestinian camps," Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee chairman Ramez Dimashkieh had said in an earlier statement. US envoy Tom Barrack offered his congratulations on the development, saying it marked "a historic step toward unity and stability, showing true commitment to peace and cooperation". Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also welcomed the move, saying that the "process will be completed with the handover of additional batches in the coming weeks from Burj al-Barajneh and other camps", according to a statement from his office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Palestinian security official had told AFP on condition of anonymity that "Fatah will begin handing over its weapons in Burj al-Barajneh camp within the framework of the coordination with the Lebanese army". Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, who heads the Fatah movement, visited Beirut in May and reached an agreement with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that all arms in Palestinian camps would be surrendered to the state. A Palestinian security source at Burj al-Barajneh camp said "Fatah's initiative in beginning to hand over weapons is symbolic, and came as a result of an agreement between Aoun and the Palestinian president's son, Yasser Abbas, who is currently visiting Beirut". It aims to "encourage the remaining (Palestinian armed) factions to take the same step", the source said, noting that the other influential factions in the camp "have not yet decided to hand over their weapons". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian Authority does not exercise power over the other factions in the camps, most notably Hamas. - 'Illegitimate weapons' - Lebanon has come under heavy US pressure to disarm Hamas's ally Hezbollah after the Iran-backed Lebanese movement was dealt a massive blow during its war with Israel last year. That conflict was the culmination of a year of hostilities launched by Hezbollah in support of Hamas after the Palestinian group's October 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war. Lebanon hosts about 222,000 Palestinian refugees, according to the United Nations agency UNRWA, with many living in overcrowded camps outside of the state's control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ain al-Hilweh camp near the southern city of Sidon, for instance, is the largest in the country and houses individuals wanted by the Lebanese authorities. The handover of weapons had been expected to begin in mid-June, but in an interview with Saudi-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya last week, Aoun attributed the delay to the Iran-Israel war that broke out that month, as well as to "internal considerations within the Palestinian Authority". Badie al-Habet, a member of the Fatah leadership in Beirut, told AFP that Thursday would see the "turning over of illegitimate weapons in the hands of illegitimate individuals". The weapons held by Palestinian security personnel in the refugee camps, however, were not included in the handover, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian armed factions including Hamas have repeatedly fired at Israel from Lebanon since the start of the Gaza war and the ensuing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which a November ceasefire sought to end. The ceasefire stipulated that only the Lebanese military would bear arms and that all forces would withdraw from the country's south, with the exception of the army and UN peacekeepers. Israel has nonetheless continued to strike Lebanon regularly, and its troops still hold five positions in the south that it deems strategic. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has said it will resist efforts to disarm it. lk-cab/jsa/smw BEIRUT (AP) Palestinian factions started handing over some of the weapons held in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Beirut to the Lebanese army on Thursday, an initial step in implementing a plan officials announced three months earlier for removing arms from the camps. It was a modest first step. One pickup left the camp loaded with weapons packed in bags. The butts of machine guns could be seen protruding from some of the sacks, while others contained rocket-propelled grenades. The removal of weapons from the camps was announced in May during a visit by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Lebanon, during which he and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced that arms would be consolidated under the authority of the Lebanese government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But not all Palestinian factions have agreed to abide by the decision. Representatives of Hamas and the allied Palestinian Islamic Jihad did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Hamas sent a statement signed by the Palestinian Factions in Lebanon that called Thursdays handover of weapons an internal organizational matter within the Fatah movement that has no connection, near or far, to the issue of Palestinian weapons in the camps. It added, Our weapons have always been and will always be linked to the right of return and the just Palestinian cause and will remain so as long as the occupation remains on Palestinian soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 12 Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon arent under the control of Lebanese authorities, and rival groups have clashed inside the camps in recent years, inflicting casualties and affecting nearby areas. Palestinian groups have also periodically launched rockets across the border into Israel. The step of removing weapons from the camps was seen as a precursor to the much more difficult step of disarming the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which last year fought a bruising war with Israel . The group has been under domestic and international pressure since then to give up its remaining arsenal, which it has so far refused to do. Implementation of the plan for the Palestinian camps was delayed amid disagreements among and within the various Palestinian factions operating in Lebanon, which include Abbas Fatah movement, the rival Hamas group and a range of other Islamist and leftist groups, over the mechanism for handing over the weapons. Ramez Dimashkieh, head of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, a government body that serves as an interlocutor between Palestinian refugees and officials, said in a statement that the handover of weapons Thursday at the Burj al-Barajneh camp south of Beirut will be the first step, with further batches to be delivered in the coming weeks from Burj al-Barajneh camp and the rest of the camps, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nabil Abu Rdeneh, a spokesperson for Abbas, said in a statement that weapons were also handed over Thursday at al-Bass camp in southern Lebanon and would continue in other camps in implementation of the agreement between Abbas and the Lebanese government. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack congratulated the Lebanese government and Fatah for their agreement on voluntary disarmament in Beirut camps. In a post on X, he called it a historic step toward unity and stability, showing true commitment to peace and cooperation. However, the extent to which the decision would actually be implemented remained unclear. Some officials with the Palestinian factions said only illegal weapons would be handed over, not those belonging to organized factions. They also said personal light weapons would not be included. Badih al-Habet, a spokesperson for Fatah in Beirut, told reporters that Aoun had acknowledged that personal weapons are part of Arab and national culture." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are nearly 500,000 Palestinians registered with UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, in Lebanon. However, the actual number in the country is believed to be around 200,000, as many have emigrated but remain on the organiztion's roster. They are prohibited from working in many professions, have few legal protections and cant own property. (The Center Square) Parents who lost their daughters from flood waters at Camp Mystic said their deaths were 100% preventable and asked the legislature to implement mandatory safety protocols for camps statewide. Camp Mystic, an elite Hill Country multi-million-dollar enterprise, repeatedly appealed to FEMA to remove it from a 100-year flood plain designation; the appeals were granted, according to federal records. Located in Flash Flood Alley, the Guadeloupe River tore through part of the camp, taking the lives of 27 campers and counselors and one of the camps owners. The camp charges roughly $8,800 for four weeks and roughly $15,000 for the summer, with an additional $2,000 for horseback riding, a relative who lost a camper told The Center Square. The camp had no alarms, no cell phone tower or communication capabilities, including radios, or evacuation system in place, parents said. Campers were told to stay in their cabins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Houston area mother, Lindsey McLeod McCrory, who attended the camp, told news outlets the policy she and others followed during a 1987 flood event was to stay in their cabins. Thirty-eight years later, her daughter, Blakely, died from flood waters that killed the youngest children bunked just feet from the river. At a Texas Senate committee hearing on Wednesday, Michael McCown, who lost his daughter, Linnie, 8, said, We trusted Camp Mystic with her precious life, but that trust was broken in the most devastating way. The camp had a heightened duty of care, and they failed to perform. That failure costs 25 campers and two young counselors their lives. No one had to die that day. We did not send Linnie to a war zone. We sent her to camp. We trusted that she would be safe. There was never a question in my mind that a camp would not be prepared. The camps no cell phone policy should not apply to staff, he said, adding that all camps should have fully up-to-date communication systems and safety measures must not lag behind. He expressed support for SB 1, which includes keeping cabins out of floodplains, requiring real emergency plans, mandating weather radios and alert systems, which he said should already be the baseline for every summer camp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cici Williams Steward told the committee, My daughter was stolen from us. Ciles life ended. Not because of an unavoidable act of nature. But because of preventable failures. Her daughter, Cile Steward, 8, is the only Camp Mystic camper still missing. She is one of two known victims who remain unaccounted for. Texas summer camps must be properly equipped, trained, and held accountable so that future generations of children can experience the joy of camp without being placed in preventable danger, Steward said. Ciles chance to experience camp only existed because I was ensured that her safety and the safety of all the young girls was paramount. I ask you, what could have been more important than that? But that assurance was betrayed. Obvious common sense safety measures were absent. Protocols that should have been in place were ignored. Clark Baker, who lost his daughter, Mary Grace, said, My daughter should still be here. Her death was 100% preventable. Complacency, among other things, led to the deaths of 27 amazing, innocent, beautiful girls. We can't let complacency claim the life of another child. We simply ask for mandatory, common sense, state regulated safety protocols for camps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camps, especially those in areas prone to flash floods, should have adequate warning systems and not build cabins in dangerous floodplains, he said. Surely don't put 8- and 9-year-olds in them. Have a legitimate evacuation plan. Know the plan. Practice the plan. Train workers and counselors to implement the plan. He said camps should be held to a standard similar to other institutions that oversee our children. Baker, who lives in Beaumont, said, Hurricane Harvey hit us hard. The very next year we were blasted by Hurricane Imelda. These disasters were both considered 500-year-floods. Another flood or natural disaster will happen again, he said, which is why safety measures must be put in place for 1,100 camps in Texas. Blake Bonner, who lost his daughter, Lila, said, Knowing what we know now about that night makes one thing painfully clear. This was an act of pure complacency. A common tragic theme you will find amongst the 27 angels we lost is that they followed the rules. They did exactly what they were told to do that morning: stay in their cabins. Our daughters paid the ultimate price for their obedience to a plan that was destined to fail. This risk is obviously not theoretical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said what happened was Preventable failure. It was a failure of planning, prevention, detection and response. Which leads us to the questions that will forever haunt us: Why were our children sleeping in a known high risk flood zone? Why was the stated evacuation plan to stay in place? Why were there no adequate warning systems in the cabins, despite a similar tragedy on the very river as recently as 1987? Why were summer camps entrusted with the care of our most precious gifts, exempt from the basic safety standards required of every daycare and school in Texas? These are the questions that demand answers in the form of meaningful legislative action. To delay action is to tell every parent in Texas that their child's safety is not a priority. It is to accept a risk that has already been paid by the lives of our daughters. Every parent who testified expressed support for SB 1, which includes a series of reforms for camp safety in Texas. The committee advanced the bill, which is expected to pass the legislature and be signed into law. Part of a Boeing 737s wing broke off while a Delta Air Lines flight was moving hundreds of miles an hour before landing in Texas on Tuesday. The horrifying mid-flight moment was reportedly captured on video by a passenger. There were 62 passengers and six crew members onboard Delta Flight 1893, CNN reports. In the video, one of the planes partially detached wing flaps was seen dangling off the wing. Wing flaps help the plane during takeoff and landing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We felt it was bad turbulence. The plane was shaking, passenger Shanila Arif, who took the video, told CNN. Part of a Boeing 737s wing broke off while a Delta Air Lines flight was moving hundreds of miles an hour before landing in Texas on Tuesday (Shanila Arif/CNN) The lady in front of us opened the window and told us it is broken. I opened the window and got scared, the passenger added. Arif told Austin NBC affiliate KXAN the plane was at an altitude of about 12,000 when the serious safety event took place. Arif and the other passengers were headed to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport after flying out of Orlando International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration told The Independent, The crew of Delta Air Lines Flight 1893 reported damage to the left wing flap after safely landing at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport around 3.10 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA said it will investigate the incident. Delta apologized for the incident and said the plane had been taken out of service for maintenance in a statement published by CNN. Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers, Delta said. No one was injured in the incident. The Independent has reached out to Delta Air Lines for comment. Delta said the plane had been 'taken out of service for maintenance' after the incident (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images) Its the latest in a string of incidents on Delta flights that have been reported this year. Earlier this month, a Delta plane clipped another aircraft while pushing back from the airport gate in Atlanta. The wing of the plane reportedly made contact with an empty aircraft, Delta told The Associated Press. Part of a wing of a Delta Air Lines plane flying from Florida to Texas detached midflight Tuesday. After DL 1893 landed safely and without incident in Austin, it was observed that a portion of the left wings flap was not in place, a Delta spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill. The Delta aircraft, a Boeing 737, departed Orlando around 12:55 p.m. local time and landed safely at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at about 2:34 p.m. local time, according to FlightAware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight had six crew members and 62 passengers on board, according to Delta. The plane was taken out of operation for repair as the Federal Aviation Administration investigates the incident. During the flight, while the plane was at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet, we noticed that a part of the wing had broken and was visibly detached, Shanila Arif, a passenger on the flight, told KXAN. Arif said the incident was a serious safety event. We apologize to our customers for their experience as nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers, Delta said in its statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Paul Weller has launched legal action against his former accountants, after they terminated their professional relationship with the veteran British artist because of his stance on the Gaza conflict. The Modfather had been a client of Harris and Trotter LLP for more than 30 years until he was notified that they could no longer act for him because they were offended by his publicly expressed views of Israel committing genocide in Gaza, according to a statement from Hodge Jones & Allen, which is representing Weller. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weller has instructed the law firm to take action against the accountancy specialists and business advisors for discrimination against him over his protected philosophical beliefs concerning the rights of the Palestinian people. The case will be a test of the UKs Equality Act 2010, which applies to discrimination in the provision of any services, the result of which could have wider implications that move beyond the music industry, reads a message from Hodge Jones & Allen. Ive always spoken out against injustice, whether its apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or genocide. Whats happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe, Weller explains. I believe they have the right to self-determination, dignity, and protection under international law, and I believe Israel is committing genocide against them. That must be called out. Silencing those who speak this truth is not just censorship its complicity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im taking legal action not just for myself, but to help ensure that others are not similarly punished for expressing their beliefs about the rights of the Palestinian people. No one should face discrimination for speaking out against the atrocities that the people of Gaza are being subjected to. Wellers pre-action letter to his former accountants requests details of other cases in which they have terminated or refused to take on clients for similar reasons. The former Jam and Style Council frontman was reportedly sent a WhatsApp message in March, in which his accountants resigned with immediate effect. Hodge Jones & Allen shared some of that note. Everyone is entitled to their own views, it reads, but you are alleging such anti-Israel views that we as a firm with Jewish roots and many Jewish partners are not prepared to work with someone who holds these views. Wellers treatment reflects a wider pattern of attempts to silence artists and public figures who speak out in support of Palestinian rights, comments Cormac McDonough, a civil liberties partner at Hodge Jones & Allen. Within the music industry especially, we are seeing increasing efforts to marginalize those who express solidarity with the people of Gaza. The Equality Act was designed to protect individuals from discrimination, including based on philosophical belief, and it is essential that those protections are upheld in practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weller was a signatory to a public letter defending the Irish rap outfit Kneecap, which faced calls for criminal charges for shouting Free Palestine and F Keir Starmer during its politically-charged set at 2025 Glastonbury Festival. Also, the former Jam and Style Council frontman has top billing for the sold-out Gig for Gaza, to be staged October 17th at Troxy in London. The legal situation emerges just weeks after the release of Wellers Find El Dorado, a 15-track collection of covers, including songs originally recorded by the Bee Gees, The Kinks, Richie Havens, Christy Moore, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and more. The LP is one of Wellers 29 solo Top 40 appearances on the Official UK Albums Chart, a tally that includes six leaders. Weller has pledged to donate any damages awarded or received in settlement of his claim to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. H&T, winners of Accounting Firm of the Year at the 2023 Music Week Awards, has yet to respond to Wellers lawsuit. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Movie rundown for the weekend of Aug. 21-24: A look at what's playing on the big screen ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. A Mascoutah, Ill., woman was killed early Thursday morning after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash in Belleville. According to the Belleville Police Department, the crash happened overnight around 3:30 a.m. on the 900 block of South Green Mount Road, near U.S. Route 15. When officers responded to the scene, they found a woman, Emily Johnson, 33, who had sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle. The woman was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment after the crash but was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions follow officer-involved shooting video The driver involved in the crash left the scene before authorities arrived, police said. The vehicle has since been located and the driver was taken into police custody. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. If anyone has information on the crash, they are advised to contact the Belleville Police Department at (618) 234-1212. To provide a tip and to remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at (866) 371-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 FOX 2. Aug. 20PEMBINA, N.D. The National Park Service has announced a $425,175 award to the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The award will be used to help purchase 149 acres of land for outdoor recreation at the Pembina Gorge Recreation Area. U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, helped pass the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act in 2019, which reauthorized and reformed the LWCF program to ensure states receive at least 40% of its funding, according to a release from Cramer's office. LWCF awards allow states to further allocate these funds to support public parks, state conservation programs and expand other outdoor recreation projects. The NPS has provided more than 48,000 LWCF grants since 1965, primarily funded with federal offshore oil and gas lease revenue, to states and local communities. LCWF grants are locally determined and reviewed at the state level. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania lawmaker is proposing terminating partnership agreements between local law enforcement and immigration enforcement. The legislation, proposed by State Rep. Heather Boyd (D-163), would prohibit law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania from signing a 287(g) agreement and terminate any existing partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and ICE. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest Currently, local law enforcement agencies can partner with federal agencies through agreements under section 287(g) of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, per the memo. This allows officers to perform immigration arrests while performing routine duties. State Rep. Boyd argues that these partnerships can end up costing local governments large amounts of money, and can negatively impact trust within the community that they serve. Currently, 28 Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies have signed agreements to serve either under the Task Force Model or as Warrant Service Officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several local law enforcement agencies have entered 287(g) agreements: Franklin County Jail, Franklin County Sheriffs Office, Northwest Regional Police, Juniata County Sheriffs Office, Lancaster County Sheriffs Office, West York Borough Police, Manheim Borough Police, East Donegal Township Constables Office, and Quarryville Borough Police. Pennsylvania law enforcement are at their best when they can focus on enforcing state and local laws, and as such, they should not be enforcing federal immigration laws, said Boyd. This bill has not yet been submitted for introduction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. The Pentagon is encouraging its civilian employees to join a "volunteer force" assisting the Department of Homeland Security's immigration efforts, Fox News has learned. The Defense Department notified its roughly 950,000 civilian employees in a Wednesday email, saying they can apply to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as well as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on a temporary basis. "DHS and the DOD officially signed a [memorandum of agreement] that allows DOD civilians to participate in the detail," a U.S. defense official told Fox News. "DOD civilian employees are now able to apply for these details via USAJOBS. The Department pushed out an email to civilian employees encouraging them to apply yesterday." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USAJOBS posting says "extensive overtime" may be required and conditions at some locations could be "austere." It adds that ICE and CPB may pay for all base pay, overtime, premium pay and travel expenses. Trump Suggests Border Crackdown Is 'Saving A Lot Of Money' After Stark Drop From Biden Era Crossings The DHS is looking to bolster its ranks amid President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. The listing adds that deployment locations include facilities along the U.S. border, or ICE and CBP facilities throughout the interior of the United States. Read On The Fox News App Assaults On Ice Officers Surge 830% As Democrats Caught 'Doxing And Physically Assaulting' Agents: Dhs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon's move comes as the Department of Homeland Security is already working to hire 10,000 additional full-time ICE officers. Last week, the DHS touted some 100,000 applications it had received for the posts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's agency requested that the Pentagon notify its civilian employees of the opportunity to work with ICE and CBP. "Your country is calling on you to serve at ICE and defend the Homeland," acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said in a statement earlier this month. "In the wake of the Biden administrations open border policies, the dedicated men and women of ICE now face unprecedented challenges in removing millions of criminal illegal aliens from our country." "Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, we now have funding to recruit and hire Americans who want to patriotically serve their country and protect American communities," Lyons added. Gregory Bovino, chief patrol agent of the El Centro Sector marches with federal agents to the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building after Border Patrol agents produced a show of force outside the Japanese American National Museum where Gov. Gavin Newsom was holding a redistricting press conference. The recruitment drive comes amid what has been at least an 830% increase in assaults on agents amid riots and protests throughout the country, according to DHS data. Noem said earlier this month that number has since spiked to 1,000%. Original article source: Pentagon taps civilian employees to assist Trump administration immigration enforcement PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) After an afternoon of deliberations, a Peoria County man was found guilty of killing his girlfriend in 2021 and leaving her for dead in a roadside ditch. Joshua McGee now faces at least 45 years and possibly up to life in prison when sentenced Oct. 2 for the Aug. 22, 2021, shooting death of Ashley Tankersley, 37, who was found in a ditch near the intersection of U.S. Route 150 and Philander Chase Lane. Thats west of Kickapoo. He was also convicted, according to online court records, of being a felon in possession of weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-day trial hinged on a frantic cell phone call to 911 and subsequent work by deputies from the Peoria County Sheriffs Office that led to McGees arrest at a rest stop just north of Springfield on Interstate 55. Jurors heard a 911 call received just after 1 a.m. Aug. 22, 2021. In that call, a male voice is heard begging a dispatcher to get help for a woman but that man did not say who the woman was and later hung up. The 911 call center is able to get a general location of where the call was made and also the number. Sheriff Chris Watkins, then a patrol captain who told how he was able to ping the cell phone, later found to be linked to McGee. Watkins said he talked to a man who didnt give his name several times over a two-hour time period that morning. During which time, he had dispatchers ping the phone repeatedly to get a location which was in Sangamon County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy indicated that Tankersley, of Peoria, was shot twice in the neck and into the arm with the bullet traveling into her torso. Both shots, a forensic pathologist said, were fatal. The two were in a relationship, according to testimony and had been out with a friend hours before the 911 call. That friend took the stand Tuesday and said things were fine as she and the couple sat around, shooting the breeze while their kids played video games in another room At some point, McGee went outside for an awkward amount of time. Tankersley followed after a bit. The two eventually came back inside but the friend the mood had changed. They left shortly before midnight, the friend told jurors. This story will be updated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A repeat child pornography offender was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley handed down the sentence for Michael Dean Dupoy, 53, of Peoria, of which 18 years were for possessing the illicit images. The judge also handed down another two years for Dupoy violating the terms of his supervised release, the federal version of probation. Dupoy was convicted in 2008 for receipt of child pornography and sentenced to more than18 years of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He was released in October 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That month, an officer with the U.S. Probation Office noticed Dupoy had a Micro SD card and seized the card and submitted it for analysis. The officer also located an unmonitored cellular phone, which was prohibited under the conditions of his supervised release in December 2024. Both items were found to have 482 images of child sexual abuse materials and 58 videos. These materials included photos and videos of children who came into the store where he worked. Dupoy was arrested in December 2024 and indicted in February for possession of child pornography. He pleaded guilty in April and has remained in the custody of the U.S. marshals since his arrest. At the hearing, Hawley found Dupoy almost immediately began criminal conduct after his release, and he saw nothing to think [that Dupoy] would not immediately engage in this behavior again and said that the surest way to deter Dupoy was to have him in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A man is in custody and police are searching for a second person after 17 shots were fired in South Peoria. William E. Drummond, 55, was booked into the Peoria County Jail on the charges of possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated discharge of a firearm, said Peoria Police spokesperson Semone Roth. Just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, officers went to the 700 block of North Shipman Avenue after there were three ShotSpotter alerts that indicated several gunshots, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roth said the first alert reported nine rounds fired, the second six rounds, and the third two rounds, all within 40 seconds of each other. Arriving officers did not find any victims, she said. While searching the area, officers found and arrested a man who matched the description of one of the shooters. The suspect, identified as Drummond, was taken into custody and taken to the Peoria Police Department, where he remains in custody. Roth said during an investigation of the shooting, officers found a discarded gun. She also said the second suspect was not found and remains at large. This remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. A recent launch of rigid cardboard SnackBoxes in the Netherlands reflects PepsiCo's commitment to transitioning toward 100% recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, or reusable packaging by 2025. According to a report from ThePackHub, the SnackBoxes have been rolled out across the Netherlands for PepsiCo's highly popular Lay's and Doritos snacks, which have previously been produced with plastic, nonrecyclable materials. ThePackHub writes: "The innovative design aims to deliver both functional and environmental benefits without compromising on shelf presence or consumer experience." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PepsiCo's boxes will also have "engaging on-pack messages" encouraging consumers to reuse the packaging. "From crafting activities to home storage solutions, PepsiCo is promoting ideas that extend the life of the box beyond its initial use," The Pack Hub reported. This messaging initiative will help consumers spend less on furthering plastic pollution through the purchase of typical home storage solutions, usually containing more plastic. The brand has already released the multipacks across other markets such as Australia, hinting that it is only a matter of time until such snack boxes will be widespread globally. PepsiCo contributes to the 35 tonnes (around 38 tons) of soft plastic from the supply chain annually, which ultimately ends up in landfills, furthering pollution that leaks into water, air, and food supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While PepsiCo's initiative is a step in the right direction, corporations are still largely responsible for creating copious amounts of waste that spur pollution. The brand was recently hit with a lawsuit for allegedly creating more plastic waste through its products. A report also revealed it was responsible for a vast majority of plastic waste found in the Himalayas. This emphasizes that corporations still have a long way to go in cleaning up their impact on the environment. Still, small steps taken by companies trigger a change in innovative packaging that benefits both consumers and the environment. 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. BLUE MOUND, Ill. (WCIA) The Macon County Coroner released the name of the man who died after becoming trapped in a grain bin in rural Blue Mound on Thursday. Coroner Michael Burkham identified him as 73-year-old Thomas W. Ritter of Blue Mound. The investigation is ongoing, Burkham added. There is no further information available at this time. Editors Note: The Macon County Sheriffs Office had previously told WCIA that the victim was airlifted to a local hospital after being rescued from a grain bin. This story has been corrected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BLUE MOUND, Ill. (WCIA) A person that was trapped in a grain bin in Blue Mound Wednesday afternoon was pronounced dead on the scene after being recovered from the grain bin. Around 4:20 p.m., a Macon County Sheriffs Office representative told WCIA that they had responded to the 10000 block of Pleasant View Road in Blue Mound for an agency assist during a grain bin rescue. Four people displaced following house fire in Ogden The Blue Mound Fire Department and a Taylorville Technical Rescue Team (TRT) were on scene to perform the farm rescue, but it eventually turned into a recovery mission according to the Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Blue Mound Fire Department cut holes into the grain bin to recover the victim. The Sheriffs Office had drones on scene to assist in the recovery as well. Medevac was on the scene in case the victim needed to be airlifted to the hospital. The Sheriffs Office said the victim was a Blue Mound resident in his late 70s. His name is being withheld at this time. WCIA reached out to the Blue Mound Fire Department for more information but did not receive an immediate response back. This is an ongoing story. WCIA will continue to provide 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 WCIA.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The father of an NBA player is facing charges in a Las Vegas stabbing over a parking spot, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. Las Vegas Metro police arrested Quenton Marselles Brown, 57, on Wednesday night after the incident at the All American Sports Park in the west valley. He is the father of NBA player Jaylen Brown, who helped lead the Boston Celtics to a championship title in 2024. Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks strips the ball from Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) The stabbing occurred around 5:45 p.m. during a fight at the park, which is located on South Buffalo Drive near West Charleston Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses told police a door ding led to the altercation, and Brown allegedly stabbed the victim several times, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. The victims girlfriend told police Brown parked next to them and then hit [their] drivers door with the front passenger door of [his] SUV, documents said. [The victim] exited to look for any damage, and [Brown] was immediately confrontational before [the victim] said anything. The male told [the victim] it was just a bump, and called [the victim] a b**** a**. As the male walked away, [the victim] slapped a side mirror on the SUV. Police detained Brown near U.S. 95 and Decatur Boulevard after the stabbing, they said. Police did not recover the weapon. Quenton Marselles Brown. (KLAS) Brown had abrasions on his knees, and his face was bleeding, documents said. He spontaneously uttered that this was all over a door ding without being asked any questions by patrol officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police took Brown, a former heavyweight boxer, to the Clark County Detention Center, where he faces one count of attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon, three counts of battery with the use of a deadly weapon, and 1 count of challenging to fight involving the use of a deadly weapon. Medical personnel took the victim to a local hospital in critical condition. Police said he needed surgery. Brown was previously arrested in Henderson in 2016 on a charge of battery resulting in substantial bodily harm, police said. Browns bail is set at $300,000. He is in custody at the Clark County Detention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. After more than 150 years, 500,000 people flock to the Colorado State Fair every year. They come for the competitions, concerts, rodeos, carnival rides and community atmosphere that still celebrates agriculture and the harvest. It's Friday through Sept. 1 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo. (The Center Square) The Office of the Director of National Intelligence is set to undergo a massive overhaul and cut 40% of its workforce, continuing the Trump administrations efforts to slash bureaucratic bloat across federal agencies. Created after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, ODNI functions as the U.S. Intelligence Communitys oversight body and central hub, promoting intelligence integration and communication within the IC. In recent years, however, the ODNI has strayed from its central focus, according to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who said she is launching ODNI 2.0 to make serious changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes reducing the ODNIs workforce by at least 40%, eliminating redundant missions, functions, and personnel," directing funds to President Donald Trumps national intelligence priorities, and ending politicization and weaponization of intelligence. Over the last 20 years, ODNI has become bloated and inefficient, and the intelligence community is rife with abuse of power, unauthorized leaks of classified intelligence, and politicized weaponization of intelligence, Gabbard said in a news release Friday. Under President Trumps leadership, ODNI 2.0 is the start of a new era focused on serving our country, fulfilling our core national security mission with excellence, always grounded in the U.S. Constitution, and ensuring the safety, security, and freedom of the American people. Functions of the Foreign Malign Influence Center, the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center, and the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center will be refocused, an attached fact sheet notes, while the External Research Council and the Strategic Futures Group will be completely eliminated. Gabbard claimed the latter entities have operated as hubs for injecting partisan priorities into intelligence products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabbards plan also includes IC-wide reforms, including streamlining contracting authority for companies partnering with the IC and increasing two-way information sharing with U.S. law enforcement. In total, the changes are expected to save taxpayers at least $700 million annually. Republicans have accused the IC under former Democratic administrations of unfairly targeting Trump during and after his first presidential term. Intelligence documents that Gabbard recently declassified indicate the Obama administration knowingly fabricated reports accusing Trump of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election. IC officials also allegedly pressured officers who held reservations to go along with the Trump-Russia collusion narrative. The IC also came under fire for multiple operational and security failures leading up to the first assassination attempt of then-presidential candidate Trump in 2024. Roundup weed killing products are offered for sale at a home improvement store on May 14, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois (Scott Olson/Getty Images). Unyielding is a University of Missouri School of Journalism project for Investigate Midwest. With billions of dollars at stake, Bayer has gone on the offensive. Billboards along major highways. A social media offensive. Tens of thousands of dollars in campaign donations in Missouri alone. And a major push in at least 11 states to change pesticide labeling laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such efforts by the agricultural biotech company and others are tied to a chemical that, for years, was found on garage shelves throughout America and is still being applied to commercially-grown crops throughout the country. The battle over Roundup and glyphosate, the controversial chemical it contains, is a case study in how regulation, politics and big business are intertwined in the agricultural industry. When Germanys Bayer AG bought Monsanto in 2018, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology company set aside over $16 billion to cover litigation liability associated with thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging its glyphosate-based weed-killer Roundup causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer. The lawsuits often hinge on whether Roundup should have a warning label. After losing cases to cancer victims, Bayer said in 2020 that it would pay more than $10 billion to address, through a mix of rulings and settlements, roughly 125,000 claims. The chemical giant also said that by 2023, it would replace its glyphosate-based products in the U.S. residential market with new formulations using alternative ingredients. Bayer Crop Sciences head of communications, Jess Christiansen, said the move was made exclusively to manage litigation risk, as most legal claims have come from residential users, and not because of any safety concerns with glyphosate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roundup, with glyphosate as its main active ingredient, is still available for commercial purchase. Bayer has been involved in 181,000 Roundup cases in total, with 67,000 still open, a Bayer spokesperson said. As the cost of litigation soared, Bayer ramped up its support to alter pesticide labeling in states across the country. Legislation and litigation go hand in hand; whats proposed in the statehouse has a direct impact in the courthouse. Legislation in Missouri and across states from Montana to Florida has looked to address pesticide labeling and product liability. The bills stated that if a pesticide product is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or is consistent with the agencys cancer classifications, it doesnt need additional cancer warning labels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents claim this legislation is about protecting access to pesticides, which they say are critical tools for farmers. Opponents claim its a litigation and liability immunity shield. The duty to warn While a few similar bills were proposed last year, Bayer and other companies greatly increased their lobbying efforts in 2025. Christiansen said these bills would ensure any pesticide registered with the EPA and sold under a label consistent with the EPAs own determinations satisfies health and safety warnings. Because the EPA has not determined that glyphosate is linked to cancer, no such warning is required by the agency. On its own and through various coalitions, Bayer has supported legislation in about a dozen states. As of May, two states have signed pesticide labeling bills into law: North Dakota and Georgia, both of which received praise from Bayer. Bills have failed in several other states, including Missouri, where two identical pesticide bills backed by Bayer died when the session ended in May. Proponents and opponents of these bills cite the most common claim under product liability for these types of cases, but at different ends of the spectrum: the duty to warn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Failure to warn is frequently raised in product liability lawsuits, such as those against Bayer. Plaintiffs commonly use this to allege a product manufacturer did not provide adequate warnings or instructions about a products safe use. A plaintiff then needs to prove that the manufacturer must have known or could have easily discovered risks associated with the product but failed to warn consumers, resulting in the plaintiffs injury. Tort liability is the legal responsibility that comes from causing harm as a result of a wrongful act or omission. Bayer has argued that it does not have tort liability because the EPA has already assessed glyphosate and determined it is not a probable carcinogen. Some argue that a cancer warning is good for transparency and right-to-know reasons, said Penelope Fenner-Crisp, the former senior science advisor to the director, EPA Office of Pesticide Programs. But adding short statements to labels does not reflect the nuances associated with assessing chemical exposures. which is one reason the EPA does not require a cancer warning, Fenner-Crisp said. Christiansen said that if a company like Bayer goes through this rigorous scientific process with the EPA, and we label the product how were legally required to label it, then weve satisfied the duty for health and safety warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stakes are high, and not just for Bayer. More than 25,000 lawsuits alleging glyphosate caused the plaintiffs non-Hodgkin lymphoma and failed to warn them about potential danger are pending in Cole County, Missouri, according to reporting by the Missouri Independent. In 2023, three plaintiffs were awarded $1.56 billion, which was later reduced to $622 million. After Monsanto appealed, the court upheld the original ruling in late May of this year. And Bayer isnt the only litigation target; Syngenta has faced backlash from the chemical paraquat. Thousands are suing chemical giant Syngenta, which sells paraquat under the product name Gramoxone. Lawsuits allege the weedkiller led to Parkinsons disease, which destroys motor functions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has disputed the allegations, stating that there is no connection between paraquat and Parkinsons disease. Yet records released in litigation show Syngenta scientists found that paraquat had the potential to damage the brain and nervous system, first reported by The Guardian. The first federal trial alleging that glyphosate in Roundup caused the plaintiff to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma was in Hardeman v. Monsanto, using failure-to-warn claims. The case made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 2022 determined there was no need to reconsider the lower courts rulings in favor of Edwin Hardemans claim. Hardemans $25.2 million in damages remained intact. Our issue in the lawsuit was that Monsanto should not have concealed the truth and should have told consumers about the risk of cancer, said Jennifer Moore, an attorney who represented Hardeman. Attorney Matt Clement, who represents roughly 100 cases against Bayer, said his concern with the legislation pushed in Missouri and elsewhere is that it would do away with failure to warn claims. These bills could prevent Missourians from suing chemical manufacturers relating to a lack of health-risk warnings, Clement said. However, its hard to determine how the courts would navigate litigation if such bills were enacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation backed by Bayer and other companies would essentially take away the main claim that these folks have seeking compensation for their injuries, Clement said. Ethan Duke, co-founder of the Missouri River Bird Observatory, spoke in opposition to Missouri Senate Bill 14 in a Senate committee hearing in January. He said he is concerned about protecting peoples ability to stand up for themselves through litigation rather than safeguarding the chemical manufacturers. Many testified that the warning labels serve a crucial role. When you are in the business of selling an inherently dangerous product, product liability 101 says you need to have a warning label on it, otherwise you will be susceptible to litigation, said Melissa Vatterott, director of policy and strategy for the Missouri Coalition for the Environment. And so, if agrochemical companies are tired of class action lawsuits, then they should put a warning label on the product or change the ingredients so that its not harmful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Adrian Plank, a Democrat from Columbia, agrees, saying litigation keeps corporations accountable. There is a narrative that multi-billion-dollar corporations are too big to fail, but we have to understand that theres got to be a balance, he said. While no Missouri pesticide labeling bills became law in the 2025 session, an identical bill, House Bill 544, did pass the House. Before that vote, Rep. Doug Clements, a Democrat from St. Ann, cautioned against messing with the judicial process. Were not talking about whether a chemical causes cancer or not. Thats not our job. Our job is to legislate. We have an entire branch of government designed to handle that sort of thing, Clements said. So we need to stay out of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christiansen said that legislative efforts take time and will continue. Keeping glyphosate-based Roundup on the market wont be sustainable if litigation continues, she added. If farmers dont have access to tools such as pesticide sprays, then the amount of food they can produce and the cost of production would affect consumers at the grocery store, Christiansen said. The legislation is really in support of protecting access to products that go through really rigorous, scientifically backed processes. Companies should be held accountable if theyre doing something wrong, Christiansen said, but Bayer is not. These bills are not blanket immunity. People should still absolutely have their day in court if they deserve that, she said. It just makes no sense, particularly in the case of Roundup, where it does not cause cancer. Influencing the debate Modern Ag Alliances website home page displays a message at the heart of the industrys push for legislative action: Control weeds, not farming. The Alliances site lists many benefits of glyphosate: Pesticides save the average family of four up to 48% on their average grocery bill. Glyphosate-based products are Missouri farmers best tool for controlling weeds and using less land and resources. The chemical saves Missouri farmers an estimated $358 million annually compared to pricier alternatives. Modern Ag Alliance was founded by Bayer. Residents in districts represented by nine conservative Missouri state senators who opposed the bills were sent politically charged flyers. The campaign warned that chemicals from Communist China would pour into the state, if the legislation were enacted. Bayer officials said the company was not involved. The book Seed Money, written by environmental historian Bart Elmore, examines the influence of Monsanto (the company Bayer bought) over the food system. His book suggests a cozy relationship between the regulated and regulators chemical manufacturers and the EPA, respectively. In his book, such evidence includes when an arm of the World Health Organization determined that glyphosate was probably carcinogenic to humans in 2015, Monsanto officials s sent text messages to EPA officials. They were worried about the CDCs Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registrys review of glyphosate, and pushed the EPA to ensure both U.S. agencies were aligned in glyphosate assessments. The point is, its a broken system already, and the confluence of chemicals that are out there is the problem, Elmore said in an interview with Investigate Midwest. John Madras, a Sierra Club member who testified against one of the Missouri bills, explained that the negotiation between EPA and the manufacturer sometimes involves a give and take on what the label says. Reopening discussion on the label is a mammoth task, Madras said. Fenner-Crisp said that its appropriate to have back-and-forth negotiations between the registrant and the agency. If both can talk about registering a chemical and its uses being approved, the registrant can understand whats required and the EPA can communicate how it would interpret information presented. Since the 2018 acquisition of Monsanto, Bayers political influence has surged. Though Bayer does not make corporate contributions to political parties or politicians, the company has a political action committee. The Bayer PAC and other committees that list Bayer as the contributor name spent more than $151,000 in Missouri during the 2023-2024 election cycle, according to the Missouri Ethics Commission. Bayer CEO Bill Anderson, met with Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe when the legislative session began this year as a normal course of business, Christiansen said. Rep. Dane Diehl, a fifth-generation farmer who sponsored the legislation, plans to continue the effort in the next legislative session in January 2026. Bayer officials are happy with how the legislation has progressed this year, Christiansen said, noting that in 2024, when the effort began in three states, none of the legislation passed. Vatterott, of the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, said lawmakers should resist corporate influence. Legislators are voted in by the people, not corporations, Vatterott said. They should not be bending backward for corporations. Lillian Metzmeier and Ben Koelkebeck contributed to this report. Unyielding was produced by students at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. The team included researchers, reporters, data analysts, photographers and graphic designers. The students, most of whom were seniors who graduated in May 2025, included: Reporters: Mary McCue Bell, Alex Cox, Jonah Foster, Prajukta Ghosh, Adeleine Halsey, Ben Koelkebeck, Xander Lundblad, Lillian Metzmeier, Kyla Pehr, Seth Schwartzberg, Savvy Sleever and Mayci Wilderman. Data and graphics: Alex Cox, Yasha Mikolajczak and Mariia Novoselia Photography: Michael Baniewicz For questions about the project, please contact Mark Horvit, horvitm@missouri.edu. This article first appeared on Investigate Midwest and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. The 43-year-old English teacher has been determined unfit to work for the Education Ministry and will be barred from any government position involving children for eight years. Content warning: This article contains disturbing references to sexual violence. Reader discretion is advised. A Petah Tikva English teacher was fired after admitting to raping two of her 17-year-old students, KAN News reported on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her disciplinary tribunal, the teacher stated she was lonely, as her husband was serving in the IDF reserves. The 43-year-old woman has been determined unfit to work for the Education Ministry and will be barred from any government position involving children for eight years. The teacher invited three students over to her apartment, and she had intercourse with two of them, according to a Ynet report. Her actions with the students reportedly took place over the course of four months. "This is a bizarre event; we never imagined something like this could happen at school. We dont know her because she wasnt our son's teacher, its just hard to believe this event is real," one of the fathers of the students told N12. 'Exceptionally severe actions' The State Comptroller's tribunal wrote in its ruling that her action "extremely deviated from the basic professional boundaries required of a teacher in her position, let alone a teacher with such tenure and teaching experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The actions began with smoking together with students on the school grounds, progressed to creating an inappropriate personal connection through social networks, and culminated in a sexual meeting at her home with minor students from the school where she teaches. These are exceptionally severe actions, which constitute a serious breach of public trust in the education system in general, and a breach of trust of the parents who entrust their children to the schools teachers in particular." "It was a one-time incident, which I completely regret," said the 43-year-old teacher. She pled guilty in a plea deal. She later told Ynet, which initially published the story, that "some of the things that were published are not true" and added that she is "repentant." Students told Channel 12 that the encounter was a joke at the school that "everyone knew about." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution said that she was at the highest level of inappropriate behavior for a government employee - especially an employee in the education system." An official from the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel commented on the incident. "We must call things by their proper name 'sexual relations' between a teacher and students is rape. In such a relationship, by nature and definition, there can be no free consent," the official said. "It is clear to us that if the teacher were male and the students female, the public and hopefully also the institutional response would have been more severe. Denying the very harm done to male students normalizes the abuse they endure," she added. "Even if the nature of the abuse differs between boys and girls, the lack of societal recognition of male victims exacerbates the trauma, leading to underreporting. The fact that the punishment was presented as severe, yet the teacher who committed the abuse was not even permanently removed from working with minors, is incomprehensible and reflects the ineffectiveness of the commission in dealing with abuse of boys and men," she concluded. The Philippines' beloved fast-food chain Jollibee said fraudsters rigged the results of its online raffle, following complaints from customers and a brief government investigation. Jollibee said "fraudulent third parties" placed multiple entries "despite existing safeguards" for a chance to win food items and concert tickets. The company said it complied with the government investigation and that the situation had been corrected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many social media users were in disbelief when the winners' names were posted on Jollibee's Facebook page last week. They said names like Hobby Dynamics, Noble Beer and Alfreda Corkery could have been made up using AI. Jollibee said it "immediately implemented corrective measures" and disqualified the "invalid major prize winners". It also suspended succeeding draws and said a re-draw would be held. "We want to assure everyone that we have fully addressed the issues raised and strictly complied with the investigation initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry," Jollibee said in a statement late on Wednesday. The names on the winners' list baffled social media users as they are uncommon in the country. Filipino first and last names are a mix of English and Spanish inherited from its former colonisers the US and Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The names also include Belle Thompson, Arielle Wintheiser and Gilda Block. "LIKE SERIOUSLLLLLY?!?!" one Facebook user commented. "Your AI must be too lazy to come up with these kinds of names". "They probably thought people didn't have time to read," another wrote. Some drew comparisons to a corruption controversy involving Vice-President Sara Duterte, whose office allegedly paid government funds to individuals with fictitious-sounding names. The Department of Trade and Industry said on Wednesday that it would "continue to oversee the resumption of the Jollibee Burger Blowout Promo", ensuring "fairness and transparency in all promotional undertakings". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jollibee started as an ice cream shop in the 1970s before opening its first burger restaurant in downtown Manila in the early 1980s. It has expanded its business rapidly in the last five years, acquiring US cafe chain The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and Michelin-starred Hong Kong dimsum chain Tim Ho Wan. Its founder, Tony Tan Caktiong, is the son of poor immigrants from southern China. The chain's mascot, a perpetually smiling bee with a red jacket, is a nod to Filipinos' hardworking nature. Generations of Filipinos see the brand as a part of their national identity, with its signature fried chicken, burgers and spaghetti becoming a staple for family gatherings. In 2014, a shortage of its Chickenjoy fried chicken led to the #ChickenSad trend on social media. Jollibee has 1,600 stores in 17 countries, including the UK, the US, Spain and Singapore. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com Pierce County Animal Control and deputies served a warrant Monday to seize 55 animals from a South Prairie property, the Pierce County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) reported. Several dogs, cats, deer, raccoons, opossums, and other animals were rescued from the property located near 300 Southwest 3rd Street. Pierce County animals seized A complaint from citizens in the area led to the search and seizure of the 55 animals. The citizens were concerned for the animals and mentioned they were not being taken care of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint also claimed that the property owner in possession of the animals was illegally breeding the animals without a license. PCSO noted this is an active investigation, and the Tacoma Humane Society is housing the seized animals until the case is closed. Fish and Wildlife personnel also took custody of the wild animals. Veterinarians and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel assisted in the recovery of the animals. PCSO asked for anyone who wants to help with the large animal seizure to contact the Tacoma Humane Society. Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here. PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) Pitt County Sheriffs Office arrested and charged 53-year-old Penny Anita Spikes Utt of Grifton with felony abuse of an elderly adult with injury and misdemeanor domestic violence. Penny Anita Spikes Utt, 53, of Grifton, North Carolina, was arrested and charged with felony abuse of an elderly adult with injury and misdemeanor domestic violence. The charges were issued after a Pitt County deputy investigated a separate incident from the original call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utt was located and arrested by the Grifton Police Department on August 20, 2025, and is currently awaiting a hearing at the Pitt County Detention Center. FULL PRESS RELEASE Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Pittsburgh police are investigating a series of reported sexual assaults that they think may be connected. Police say the incidents have occurred on the North Side during early morning hours, with the suspect described as a smaller white man driving a white pickup truck. Investigators think he could be a repeat offender. Anyone with information about a similar incident is asked to call the Special Victims Unit at 412-323-7800. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department is increasing patrols in the affected areas and dedicating additional resources to this investigation, adding that investigators are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend the suspect. A spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Safety called it an extremely active and ongoing investigation. While Pittsburgh Police understands the level of concern and interest in this case, detectives are unable to provide more specific details to the public at this time, as doing so would jeopardize the investigation, the spokesperson added. We would like to assure the community that multiple resources have been dedicated to the case and police thank the public for providing valuable information that has advanced the investigation. In the meantime, they urge residents to take extra precautions, like traveling in groups, remaining alert in public spaces and reporting anything suspicious to 911. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW NEW YORK (PIX11) Welcome to PIX on Politics Daily with Dan Mannarino where we break down the days political news, top headlines, and the issues that matter most to you through thoughtful, in-depth conversations. Join us every day at 1 p.m. on PIX11+ as we speak with newsmakers, lawmakers, and key figures shaping policies that directly impact our local communities. More News: PIX on Politics On Friday, Henry Rosoff is joined by PIX11 reporter, Jim Vasil, to discuss the latest developments in the race for New Jersey governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOONEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) After a fire on Aug. 19 that burned down Pizza Italia in Booneville, community members and local businesses have offered support to the business owners. Pizza Italia is a family business owned by Kari and Jacob Carey, who opened the restaurant in 2012. On Aug. 19, the fire started while the Careys and two staff members were working at the restaurant. We just came in and I started my usual day, said Jacob Carey. I was in the back and then Kari said, Hey, theres smoke. I see smoke.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pizza Italia in Booneville catches fire The Careys and their staff members evacuated from the building, stating that the smoke was coming from the dining room. I come out of the back, and then I see the smoke coming out in the ceiling everywhere. And the next thing you know, I mean, it was just like a match. We had to get out. It just took off, said Jacob Carey. Since the fire, local businesses like Reids Hometown Barbeque and Our Place Cafe have offered support for the Careys. In a Facebook post, Reids stated that they will be donating a portion of their weekly sales to the family for an indefinite time in return for help the Careys offered them 10 years ago when Reids was in its early stages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im extremely grateful. Were like family with the community. Therere so many people here that we consider family, said Jacob Carey, The heartfelt outpouring has just been dramatic. Its very kind. Were at a loss for words on a lot of it. We really are. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and no injuries have been reported. These buildings can be replaced, but human lives cannot be, said Jacob Carey, And were very grateful that everybody got out safe and nobody else was hurt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. The plague is back in the news since a person from California was diagnosed and treated for the flea-borne illness. But in reality, while plague sounds very scary, its treatable early on. And it never really left. A South Lake Tahoe resident was diagnosed with plague, according to NBC News, which said the California Department of Health had been notified. The individual is recovering at home and receiving care. No identifying or demographic information has been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health officials think an infected flea bit the person who got sick while camping in South Lake Tahoe, according to a press release from the El Dorado County Health Department. About the plague The illness is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and it is most often transmitted by the bites of fleas that acquired the bacteria by biting infected squirrels, chipmunks, prairie dogs and other wild critters, mostly rodents. Dogs and cats can also bring plague-infected fleas home, the department notice said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says plague occurs naturally in areas of the western United States, circulating among wild rodents and other animals. Plague can be prevented by avoiding contact with wild rodents and by keeping pets away from rodent burrows, the notice said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plague in humans is rare now but potentially serious. The very word plague calls up a horrifying history lesson. Plague was once called the Black Death and in the 14th century killed at least 50 million and maybe as many as 200 million people. There are three common forms: bubonic, pneumonic and septicemic. Bubonic plague symptoms include fever, headache, chills, weakness and swollen, painful lymph nodes. Septicemic plague symptoms include fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain, shock and possibly bleeding into the skin and other organs. Skin and other tissues may turn black and die, especially on fingers, toes and the nose. Septicemic plague can occur as the first symptom of plague or may develop from untreated bubonic plague, per the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Untreated, its believed that septicemic plague is usually lethal. Pneumonic plague includes fever, headache, weakness and a rapidly developing pneumonia with all its misery. That happens when bacteria get into the lung of a patient with either bubonic or septicemic plague. The CDC reports an average of seven cases a year of human plague in the U.S., with more cases in northern New Mexico and Arizona than other parts of the West. Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County, Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado Countys acting director of public health, said in the written statement. Its important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and/or camping in areas where wild rodents are present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The symptoms typically show up within two weeks and can include nausea, fever, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. Treated early with antibiotics, people recover well. The notice said that the California Department of Public Health routinely monitors rodent populations for plague activity in California and closely coordinates with county health officials. In El Dorado County alone from 2021 to 2024, 41 rodents with evidence of the bacterium were located. This year, four rodents tested positive, all in the Tahoe Basin. Avoid it like the plague There are a number of tips to avoid exposure to plague, provided by El Dorado County Health and the CDC: Plans are taking shape on how Colorados state government will trim $800 million in spending. The shortfall, according to Democrats, is due to a $1.2 billion loss of income tax revenue, mainly on the corporate side. The state has enough in surplus to cover about a third of that, but then the question remains as to where to find the rest. The special session that starts on Thursday, which is expected to last four to six days, includes bills that will tackle as much as $300 million of that shortfall by making changes to corporate taxes in a variety of ways. The rest is a bit in flux. Some of the shortfall is expected to be covered by the states general fund reserve; the rest will be in budget cuts to be decided by the governors office. Two bills in the special session package deal with the governors authority to make spending reductions. While the bills do not aim to change his authority, they require the governor to meet with the Joint Budget Committee to share how he intends to close the budget gap. Should one of the bills make it to his desk and the odds are that it will be a measure sponsored by Joint Budget Committee members Sen. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver that meeting could take place before Sept. 1. Thats when budget cuts could be implemented, giving state agencies 10 months to spread out the pain of the spending reductions. While JBC members have said in the past that any budget cuts would likely be permanent, given that the state is expecting a sizable deficit in the 2026-27 budget, the reductions won't be finalized until the legislature returns in January. Thats when the JBC reviews supplemental requests for either reductions or funding additions, and at that time could codify the cuts implemented by the governor. Should the JBC disagree with the governors proposal, they could come back with their own ideas on how to solve the budget hole. Featured Local Savings So, how will lawmakers tackle the corporate tax changes? Theres already about a half-dozen bills introduced in preparation for Thursday on that issue. A measure sponsored by Democratic Reps. Steven Woodrow and Karen McCormick would eliminate vendor fees by January 2026. A Republican version, sponsored by Reps. Dan Woog and Anthony Hartsook, would increase the maximum amount in vendor fees that retailers can retain to cover expenses from $1,000 to $2,000 starting on Jan. 1, 2026. A measure from Democratic Reps. Javier Mabrey and Andrew Boesenecker, repeals, beginning in 2026, the insurance premium tax rate tax expenditure for home offices or regional home offices. In another area, current law lists certain foreign jurisdictions in which a C corporation is presumptively incorporated to avoid state corporate income tax and allows a C corporation to rebut that presumption by proving, to the satisfaction of the executive director of the Department of Revenue, that it is incorporated in the listed foreign jurisdiction for reasons that meet the economic substance doctrine described in the federal internal revenue code. A measure sponsored by Democratic Reps. Yara Zokaie and Bob Marshall permit the executive director to determine, without proof from the C corporation, whether the corporation is incorporated in a foreign jurisdiction. Meanwhile, a proposal from Sirota would extend the qualified business income deduction allowed under section 199A of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which must be added by certain taxpayers to their federal taxable income to determine state taxable income. Finally, several measures deal with the expected end of premium tax credits, which have provided subsidies to cover part of the cost of health insurance for low- and middle-income Coloradans. One measure, sponsored by Democratic Reps. Rebekah Stewart and Sean Camacho, would authorize the Department of the Treasury to issue insurance premium tax credits to insurance companies that are authorized to do business in Colorado and incur premium tax liability, subject to procedures established by the department. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Plans to build a new Oklahoma County Jail are moving forward despite the county not having all of the money to fully fund it. In 2022, voters approved $260 million to build a new detention center, but thats only a portion of what its really going to cost to fully fund the facility. District 3 Commissioner Myles Davidson estimates the project to total nearly $700 million. However, Davidson is hoping taxpayers will step in and help fill that gap at a possible county vote in the Spring, possibly the month of April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unexpected delays applying pressure to Dec. 2026 timeline for new mental health facility I have 100% faith in our voters that theyre going to approve anything that we put in front of them to fix this problem once and for all, Davidson said. Its unclear how this portion of the project, if approved by voters, will be funded, but commissioners are considering many routes. Were trying to put that plan together of what that looks like. How much is that going to be? Is it going to be a sales tax? Is it going to be a property tax? Is it going to be some sort of special assessment? Davidson said. Davidson told News 4 the plan to expedite the process is a good thing, as it should help ease some of the issues happening in the current facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the plans included in the new facility is a CARE Center, also known as the Center for Assessment and Re-Entry. Its a program designed to assess inmates and prepare them for going back into the real world after being released. Lawsuit filed against City of Norman concerning closed library District 1 Commissioner Jason Lowe was not on board with moving forward, voting no. Were going to put ourselves in a horrible situation. Right now, were just moving forward with building this new facility, and we do not have a plan, Lowe said. Lowe said he acknowledges that the jail needs a new facility and is on board with improving the system; however, he believes starting construction when all of the money isnt there is a risky move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, we cannot even fund our current site. Just imagine a situation where the voters reject the additional funding, which is $500 million, and then were going to have to fund or pay for operational costs for the current jail, Lowe added. Davidson said they plan to pass the resolution next week and could break ground on the new jail by late September or early October. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A busy stretch of downtown Sioux City was closed to traffic on Tuesday evening, and it wasnt because of construction. More than 100 people took a seat at the table for the all-new event organized by the Sioux City Farmers Market, Planted and Plated. This farm-to-table fundraising dinner featured locally inspired cuisine, drinks, music, and great conversation. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Planted and Plated is built around a multi-course meal with produce and meat available at the Sioux City Farmers Market. Proceeds benefit the Farmers Market as well as the Food Bank of Siouxland. The Farmers Market is just a few blocks away from here, too, so to be able to show everybody and showcase everything the Farmers Market has and can do right here in downtown. Everybody has said nothing but great words, said Farmers Market Manager, Melissa Gritzmaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gritzmaker said people can look forward to another Planted and Plated event in the future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced that one of the two Plaquemine ferries is out of service until further notice due to mechanical issues. The remaining ferry will run on a new schedule during repairs starting on Friday, Aug. 22. Hours of operation will be: Monday Friday: 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOTD asks travelers to plan ahead and thanks the public for their patience during the service interruption. For the latest travel information, drivers can dial 511 or visit www.511la.org or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Updates are also available on the DOTD website and social media pages. 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. PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) New York state police said Thursday that one man had been charged with sexual abuse and criminal mischief. Andrew Trudeau, 34, of Plattsburgh, was arrested following a report back in May that he had damaged a persons property and had sexual contact with them. Plattsburgh Mayor Releases Report on Police Department He was arraigned in Town of Chazy Court and held on lack of $5,000 bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Georgia game wardens checking on fishermen on a creek in Wilkes County encountered a man and woman attempting to electroshock fish with an old crank-style telephone. Sgt. Matt Garthright and Chason Brogdon discovered the pair acting suspiciously around 7:30 p.m. last Friday, and as they approached, they observed the male moving away with a wooden box in his hands, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division. As they got closer, the man threw the box into the creek, the GDNR reported in its Facebook post. Sgt. Garthright was able to retrieve the box from the creek and identified it as an outlawed fishing techniquean old crank telephone used to shock fish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither possessed a fishing license, but both were given the opportunity to immediately purchase one online. Then, the male, identified as a 29-year-old from Mississippi who was in Georgia for work, was charged with shocking fish, and the old crank telephone was confiscated. The confiscated crank-style telephone used by poachers. Its been reported that fishermen in the south used jury-rigged components of old crank-style telephones to send an electric current through the water to stun fish. The old crank-style telephones were used from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, and the hand crank was used to ring up the operator. Also, from the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum: Did you know the hand crank telephone's ring was based on how long the crank was turned? Different households were assigned different patterns of long and short rings so people would know who they were calling and who was calling them. They were also attached to what were called 'party lines,' meaning multiple homes were on the same line. This also means a neighbor could eavesdrop on conversations! This article originally appeared on For The Win: Crank-style telephone used by poachers to stun fish; a male is cited Tourists and residents were warned not to swim at beaches in Spain after mythical-looking sea creatures washed up on shore. The town of Guardamar del Segura, in Alicante on the Costa Blanca, reported that it closed all of its beaches on Wednesday, 20 August, due to the appearance of Gaucus atlanticus, also known as blue dragon. Tourists are often warned off visiting Spanish beaches when jellyfish known as Portuguese man o war wash up on shore, as their sting can be powerful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet despite their small size, blue dragons literally eat the much larger Portuguese man o war for breakfast, attacking and feeding off these venomous creatures. The local police station warned residents and tourists that swimming was prohibited on all beaches in the municipality. Contact with this sea animal can be dangerous and cause painful burns to the skin, Guardamar del Segura Local Police wrote in a social media post. We urge neighbours and visitors to respect the directions, exercise caution and avoid direct contact with specimens that may appear in the sand. The local police, in coordination with municipal services, will maintain surveillance and inform timely about the development of the situation, the station added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the next day, on Thursday, 21 August, the ban was lifted and bathing was once again allowed, but police urged visitors to take caution. A yellow flag indicating a moderate hazard remained waving on Thursday. The mayor of Guardamar del Segura, Jose Luis Saez, warned those in the coastal town on Wednesday that two blue dragons were found on Vivers beach. The animals have been likened to Pokemon characters, but despite their pretty appearance, they can still pack a punch with their sting. The creatures have light and dark blue stripes, with stinging tendrils that fan out like wings and drift where ocean currents and wind takes them, buoyed by a gas bubbles in their stomachs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We remind the population that, despite its bright and flashy colour, and its small size of 4cm, they should stay away from this animal because of its bite, Mr Saez said. He said that a preventive device has been put into action to detect possible specimens washed away by the sea currents, while local authorities were keeping an eye on the situation. The mayor advised people who may come across a blue dragon: Don't touch it, not even with gloves, notify the rescuers and authorities and if you get itchy, rinse with salt water and go to the emergency room or health centre. These are poisonous specimens whose sting causes nausea, pain and vomiting, he added. Once the beach reopened on Thursday, he said that police and emergency services would continue to monitor the situation. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast A Polish general said a Russian drone crashed in Poland despite air defenses being activated at night. He said authorities only received information about the drone crash in the morning. Officials said the drone likely had a Chinese engine and was flying "very low" to avoid detection. Warsaw said on Wednesday that a Russian drone crashed and exploded in a field in eastern Poland, and that the uncrewed system was only discovered the morning after air defenses were activated. No one was injured, but Poland's defense minister, Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, called the incident a provocation against NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia is once again provoking NATO countries following drone incidents that have taken place in Romania, Lithuania, Latvia," he said, accusing the Kremlin of 10 total airspace violations since 2022. In a press conference, officials said the drone likely entered Polish airspace on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Gen. Dariusz Malinowski, deputy commander of Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command, said air defenses were put on alert that evening during one of Russia's nightly drone and missile waves against Ukraine. Warsaw regularly activates its air defenses along its border as a precaution during such attacks, especially after a stray Ukrainian defensive missile killed two Polish citizens in November 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malinowski said Polish air defenses were alerted at 10 p.m. on Tuesday night, alongside "standard measures designed to seal our border." "The entire target detection system was activated. In addition, the forces and means for countering missiles were put on combat readiness, and a Mi-24 helicopter was also raised, which patrolled the eastern part, the Ukrainian part of our border," he told reporters. By midnight, the Polish military stood down because it had not detected any abnormalities or threats, Malinowski said. "Nothing had happened that would show us that something was out of the ordinary," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But authorities found out in the morning that a drone had exploded in a cornfield in Osiny, a village nearly 70 miles from Poland's border with Ukraine and roughly 400 miles from mainland Russia. "This morning, after sunrise, we received information, as has already been said here, about an object that exploded very close to ukow," Malinowski said. A stealthy decoy drone with Chinese parts The general said that preliminary investigations indicated the drone was "flying very low" to avoid radar detection. "In our assessment, this drone is designed to be very difficult to detect, and that is indeed the case," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Malinowski also said that it's still unclear if the drone was flown deliberately into Poland. Neither is it immediately clear exactly when the drone entered Polish airspace. Authorities did not confirm the drone's flight path. A drone launched from mainland Russia would have to pass through either Belarus or Ukraine to enter Polish airspace. Kaliningrad, a militarized Russian exclave, sits directly on Poland's northern border, though it's unclear if investigators think the drone launch may have originated from the region. Malinowski added that while search teams were still collecting the drone's remains, initial evidence pointed to it being equipped with a Chinese engine and a "self-destructive warhead." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could mean the drone was a decoy. Russia commonly deploys the Shahed, a long-range attack drone designed by Iran. One of its locally produced versions, called the Gerbera, is designed to mimic the loitering munition's signature and appearance while carrying a much weaker warhead. Reuters cited a Polish defense ministry spokesperson saying that the crashed drone was a Russian version of the Shahed. Ukrainian forces have long said that they often find Chinese parts within destroyed Russian-produced Shahed drones. European officials also say some Russian and Chinese companies are actively collaborating on the Shahed, helping the Kremlin's forces to vastly improve the loitering munition's attack capabilities. The drone crash comes amid already tense negotiations that the US is trying to broker this month between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Radosaw Sikorski, Poland's foreign minister, said in a statement on Wednesday that his country would "protest against the perpetrator." "Another violation of our airspace from the East confirms that Poland's most important mission vis-a-vis NATO is to defend our own territory," Sikorski wrote. The Russian embassy in Warsaw, the Russian defense ministry, and the Russian foreign ministry did not respond to comment requests sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Birmingham Police Department arrested a suspect in connection to a shooting that occurred on Sunday, Aug. 17. North Precinct Officers were dispatched to the 2400 block of 34th Avenue North on Sunday on a report of a person shot. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived and transported one victim to UAB Hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. The suspect was identified as Willie McBride, 48, of Birmingham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BPD Felony Assault Detectives presented case information to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, and McBride was issued with warrants for Assault 1st Degree and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm. McBride was taken into custody in the 3000 block of 29th Court North. He is in custody of the Jefferson County Jail on a $45,000 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 CBS 42. CHICAGO (WGN) The search for two suspects continued Wednesday after the death of a 9-year-old boy at a CTA Green Line station on Chicagos West Side was ruled a homicide. Police sources confirmed that Elijah Flores, 9, was captured on surveillance cameras exiting a Green Line train around 11:15 a.m. on Aug. 10 with a 22-year-old male. Police said the 22-year-old man was arguing with two other men at the Clinton Station in the 500 block of West Lake Street when, during the argument, the two men chased Elijah and the 22-year-old from the platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police sources, the 22-year-old picked up Elijah because he was not keeping up. One of the two men then hit the 22-year-old in the back with an object, which caused him and Elijah to fall down a flight of stairs. Police said the 22-year-old landed on top of Elijah, knocking him out and fracturing his skull in the process. Elijah was taken to Lurie Childrens Hospital in critical condition, where he died six days later. The Cook County Medical Examiners Office confirmed Elijah died from blunt force injuries to the head and ruled his death a homicide. Elijahs mom told WGN-TV he loved Karaoke, ladybugs and arts and crafts. She called him a hero and said his eyes, heart, liver and lungs will be donated to help save others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elijahs mom added that the 22-year-old man he was with when the attack happened is a family friend. A GoFundMe page was created to help Elijahs family cover medical and funeral expenses. As of Wednesday evening, the fundraiser was at a little more than $21,000 of its $24,000 goal. Police said the two offenders fled on foot, and no one is in custody at this time. Area Three detectives are in charge of the investigation. If you or someone you know has information that can help lead the Chicago Police Department toward making an arrest and conviction in the investigation of this case, anonymous tips can be filed online with CPD at cpdtip.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 WGN-TV. Police guard while jews visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem Old City, on Jerusalem Day, May 26, 2025. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Authorities have requested a five-day extension of their detention as the investigation continues. Jerusalem police have detained two American students on suspicion of photographing a sensitive security installation at the entrance to the city. Authorities have requested a five-day extension of their detention as the investigation continues. No further details have been released at this stage. Crime in Jerusalem Last week, a man was arrested for spraying antisemitic graffiti at the Western Wall and the Great Synagogue, as well as several other locations in Jerusalem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a Holocaust in Gaza, said the graffiti in Hebrew. 'There is a Holocaust in Gaza' is seen sprayed on the southern wall in Jerusalem's Old City, part of the Western Wall complex, on August 11, 2025 (credit: ISRAEL POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) The police detained the 27-year-old Jerusalem resident for questioning, and a judge later denied the extension of his detention, and refused the policess request to ban the suspect from the Western Wall. I cannot remove a Jew from the Western Wall, he said. The judge ordered the suspect's release and his referral to a psychiatric facility for evaluation. This is a developing story. Colorado legislators have begun proposing bills for Thursday's special session, when they will need to figure out how to plug a nearly $800 million budget shortfall. Only a handful of the measures introduced so far directly deal with the deficit. Some Democrats their party holds the majority of the Colorado General Assembly have pointed to President Donald Trumps federal budget as the culprit for the state's budget deficit. They have in, particular, noted Medicaid reductions and changes to the federal tax code. Republicans, who make up the minority in the General Assembly, have countered that Democrats spending is just as much to blame, noting that even before Congress adopted the federal budget, Colorado already faced a $1 billion deficit during the regular 2025 legislative session. Besides spending reduction measures, state lawmakers are slated to address issues that include taxes, sharp increases in health insurance premiums, and artificial intelligence regulations. To date, here is a look at the bills currently on the table: Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence regulations Introduced by Republican Rep. Ron Weinberg, 25B-0004, aims to address the shortfalls of Senate Bill 205, which Gov. Jared Polis signed, despite concerns by businesses, universities, and other public institutions over the regulations. Polis had asked the legislature to address the problems during the regular session, when efforts failed to produce a fix. Weinberg's bill would: Change the effective date for the new regulations from early 2026 to Aug. 1, 2027 Exempt businesses with fewer than 250 employees Exempt businesses with less than $5 million in annual revenue Exempt local governments with fewer than 100,000 residents Consumers and AI interactions SB25-0013 requires the use of artificial intelligence systems to comply with the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. This would allow the Attorney General to bring a claim against a developer or deployer that uses an AI system that violates consumer protection laws. This requires consumers to be notified any time they are using artificial intelligence. Reps. William Lindstedt, Michael Carter, Judy Amabile and Lisa Frizell introduced the measure. Tech neutrality Introduced by Sen. Mark Baisley, 25B-0012 would repeal the 2024 Senate Bill 205, the original measure that outlined new regulations on artificial intelligence. Colorado laws already apply to the discriminatory aspects of SB 205, the proposal says. Algorithmic systems Democratic Sen. Robert Rodriguez, the majority leader, the original sponsor of the 2024 artificial intelligence bill, has introduced 25B-0017 for the special session. The bill primarily reiterates what was passed in the 2024 SB 205 bill with a few changes. Health care and insurance Health savings accounts 25B-0032, introduced by Republican Sen. John Carson, creates an income tax credit for an individuals contributions to a health saving account that supports high deductible health plans. The credit would be equal to 25% of the amount of the contribution, limited to: $500 for a single filer $1,000 for joint filers Subsidies 25B-0042 addresses the concerning narrowing eligibility for subsidies allocated by the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise." The enterprise is required to allocate a portion of its revenue for subsidies to state-subsidized individual health coverage plans purchased by qualified individuals. The bill narrows the current definition of qualified individual by excluding people who are not in the U.S. legally and individuals who are ineligible for federal health benefits. Introduced by Republicans Rep. Chris Richardson and Sen. Mark Baisley, the bill states: In times of fiscal crisis, it is necessary and prudent to prioritize the needs of Colorado citizens and lawfully present residents first, ensuring that scarce state resources are directed to those who are eligible for federal cost sharing or otherwise entitled to benefits under state and federal law. Board appointments 25B-0023 adds additional criteria regarding who the governor can appoint to the Health Insurance Affordability Board. Introduced by Republicans, Rep. Larry Don Suckla and Sen. Rod Pelton, the bill stresses that rural representation on the state health insurance board is essential. Scope of practice and preventative care 25B-0037 proposes authorizing certain healthcare providers to provide specific, low-level preventative healthcare services that are within the scope of practice and training. Democratic Rep. Noquetta Ricks introduced the bill. Abortion and health services 25B-0018 aims to require the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to jointly issue advisory guidance to health care providers and facilities prohibited from receiving federal Medicaid financing under the federal budget. The bill would require the two state agencies to provide advice on how to prioritize the continuity of care for disproportionately impacted communities," emphasizing rural areas, communities of color, and low-income populations. The bill is sponsored by Democratic Reps. Regina English and Junie Joseph, and Sen. Tony Exum. Prescriptions 25B-0011 seeks to prohibit a pharmacy benefit manager or a health-care consultant from knowingly making or disseminating false or misleading statements or claims to an employer, health benefit plan sponsor, or policyholder. Republican Rep. Kenneth DeGraaf introduced the bill. Featured Local Savings Tax credits 25B-0005 authorizes the Department of Treasury to issue insurance premium tax credits to insurance companies that are authorized to do business in Colorado and incur premium tax liability, subject to procedures established by the department. Democratic Reps. Rebekah Stewart and Sean Camacho, and Sens. Janice Marchman and Marc Snyder introduced the measure. Insurance premium tax rate 25B-0006 repeals, beginning in 2026, the insurance premium tax rate tax expenditure for home offices or regional home offices. The bill says it is aimed at insurance companies that continue to qualify for the rate reduction despite not maintaining or increasing their overall employment in Colorado. Democratic Reps. Javier Mabrey, Andrew Boesenecker, and Sens. Mike Weissman and Julie Gonzales introduced the measure. Health insurance fund 25B-0033, introduced by Republican Reps. Carlos Barron and Scott Bright, requires the health insurance affordability board to reevaluate the allocation of money deposited in the health insurance affordability cash fund on and after July 1, 2026, to: Prioritize the facilitation of reducing the health coverage plan premium increases and avoiding the loss of health coverage plans for individuals in the individual market and individuals who are unable to purchase health coverage plans through the exchange. Evaluate the costs of the state-subsidized individual health coverage plans purchased by qualified individuals and prioritize the reduction of the health coverage plan premiums for documented residents. Budget and taxes Wolf funding 25B-010 reduces appropriations to the wolf reintroduction program by $264,268 in the current fiscal year. It requires the state treasurers office to transfer a corresponding amount from the general fund on Sept. 1. The bill was introduced by Democratic Reps. Meghan Lukens and Matthew Martinez and Sen. Dylan Roberts. Republican Sen. Marc Caitlin is also listed as a sponsor. Budget cuts authority According to current state law, the governor is permitted to suspend or discontinue the functions or services of the state government, including discretionary spending reductions, when there are not sufficient revenues available to carry on the functions of the state governor. 25B-0003, as introduced, requires the governor to promptly notify the Joint Budget Committee of his executive order outlining any such cuts. As soon as is practicable after receiving the notification, the JBC will then meet to discuss the governors plan, allowing members to provide advice. The bill is sponsored by Sens. James Coleman, the Senate President, and Judy Amabile. In the House, the bill is sponsored by Democratic Speaker Julie McCluskie and Rep. Emily Sirota. Spending reduction procedures 25B-0034, introduced by Joint Budget Committee members Rep. Rick Taggart and Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, takes aim at the governors spending powers. The two Republicans seek to change procedures for the governor to reduce spending when there is a reduction in revenue, and require the governor to cut spending on interim revenue estimates and to notify and consult with the JBC when implementing plans. Cash funds 25B-0025 repeals the authority granted to the governor through House Bill 1321 to expend money in the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, which allows Gov. Jared Polis to allocate state funds in defending against what sponsors deemed to be adverse federal action. The special session bill repeals authority to do the following activities: Accepting gifts, grants, and donations Hiring and employing personnel or retaining contractors for purposes related to federal government actions that impact federal disbursements, grants, contracts, or money received by or transferred to the state Reimbursing the Department of Law for costs associated with special assistant attorneys general contracted with Providing legal services to state officers or employees related to legal actions initiated, pursued, or threatened by the federal government Providing legal services for the criminal defense of state officers or employees in legal actions arising out of official acts or decisions Making other expenditures to support the state in defending against "adverse" federal action, as determined by the governor Vendor fees and sales taxes, the GOP version Under current state law, a retailer is required to periodically remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax revenue that it collects and allows some retailers to retain a sales tax vendor fee to cover expenses incurred. 25B-0043, introduced by Republicans Rep. Dan Woog, Rep. Anthony Hartsook and Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, increases the maximum a retailer could retain from $1,000 to $2,000 starting on Jan. 1, 2026. According to the bill, small retailers are struggling to keep up with regulatory changes, and adding this would provide some relief. Vendor fees and sales taxes, the Democrat version 25B-0007 is the Democratic version of the vendor fee issue. Introduced by Reps. Steven Woodrow and Karen McCormick and Sens. Faith Winter and Cathy Kipp, the measure eliminates vendor fees by January 2026. Voter approval and vendor fees 25B-0024, introduced by Republican Reps. Ryan Gonzalez and Max Brooks and Sens. Rod Pelton and Larry Liston, puts the question of reducing vendor fees to retailers to voters in 2026, pushing it as a constitutional amendment. Federal income tax definition Current law requires taxpayers to add the amount of any overtime compensation excluded or deducted from the taxpayers federal gross income to the federal taxable income for purposes of determining state taxable income. 25B-0028 repeals this provision, adding that, moving forward, this addition requires voter approval. Republicans Reps. Rose Pugliese, Jarvis Caldwell, and Sens. Byron Pelton and Barbara Kirkmeyer introduced the measure. Corporate income tax foreign jurisdictions Current law lists certain foreign jurisdictions in which a C corporation is presumptively incorporated to avoid state corporate income tax and allows a C corporation to rebut that presumption by proving, to the satisfaction of the executive director of the Department of Revenue, that it is incorporated in the listed foreign jurisdiction for reasons that meet the economic substance doctrine described in the federal internal revenue code. 25B-0008 permits the executive director to determine, without proof from the C corporation, whether the corporation is incorporated in a foreign jurisdiction. The bill was introduced by Democratic Reps. Yara Zokaie and Bob Marshall and Sen. Matt Ball. Qualified bus income deduction Introduced by Democratic Reps. Emily Sirota and Sens. Nick Hinrichsen and Lisa Cutter, 25B-009 continues indefinitely the existing requirements that an amount equal to the federal qualified business income deduction allowed under section 199A of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 must be added by certain taxpayers to their federal taxable income to determine state taxable income. State-only funding for certain entities 25B-0001 requires that any the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing use only state funds to reimburse entities that provide covered services and which are prohibited from receiving reimbursement from the federal centers for Medicare and Medicaid services. The bill would be retroactive to July 1. The Democratic bill was sponsored by Sens. Jeff Bridges and Lindsey Daugherty and Reps. Jenny Willford and Jennifer Bacon. School meals Aiming to fill a $50 million gap that Democrats claimed is caused by the Republican-led federal budget approval, 25B-0002 changes a question going to voters to add millions more to the funding program that provides Colorado students with free meals. Sponsored by Sen.. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Reps. Katie Wallace, Lorena Garcia and Katie Stewart, the bill amends the ballot measure slated to go before voters next year, in which the state is asking voters to approve another $95 million to fund the program. The ballot measure is meant to increase funding for the free school meals program, which costs millions more than initially estimated. Jennine Semanchik (right) and her daughter Allison answer questions about the lawsuits filed following the murder of her daughter Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Attorney David Mazie (center) answers questions about the lawsuit his firm is bringing on behalf of the families of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Jennine Semanchik (left) and attorneys Beth Baldinger and David Mazie answer question about the lawsuits filed following the murder of her daughter Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Attorney David Mazie announces a lawsuit on behalf of the families of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (l-r) Attorney Beth Baldinger, Jennine Semachik (the victim's mother) and Allison Semanchik (the victim's sister) answer questions about their lawsuits following the murders of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Attorney David Mazie (right) announces a lawsuit on behalf of the families of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Attorney David Mazie (fore) announces a lawsuit on behalf of the families of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. Lauren's mother Jennine (left) and sister Allison listen in. 08/21/2025 Allison Semanchik (left) and her mother Jennine answer questions about the lawsuits filed following the murder of her sister Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney David Mazie announces a lawsuit on behalf of the families of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Jennine Semanchik answers questions about the lawsuits filed following the murder of her daughter Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Attorneys David Mazie (right) and Beth Baldinger announce a lawsuit on behalf of the families of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Jennine Semanchik (right) and her daughter Allison answer questions about the lawsuits filed following the murder of her daughter Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney David Mazie (center) announces a lawsuit on behalf of the families of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Jennine Semanchik (right) answers questions about the lawsuits filed following the murder of her daughter Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 Attorneys Beth Baldinger (left) and David Mazie announce a lawsuit on behalf of the families of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, killed by State Trooper Ricardo Santos, at the offices of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman in Roseland on Thursday. 08/21/2025 A blue wall of silence protected the state trooper who killed his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend in Franklin, Hunterdon County, earlier this month, lawyers and the victims loved ones said Thursday at the announcement of a lawsuit. Lawyers for Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webbs survivors announced they will sue three police departments, the New Jersey State Police and the Franklin and Washington Township, Morris County police departments. They will allege a systemic failure of police action on multiple levels following at least three complaints by Semanchik that her ex, state police Lt. Ricardo J. Santos, was harassing her since their September 2024 breakup. The blue wall of silence is where police officers protect their own, attorney David A. Mazie said at the event, held at his firm in Roseland. Even when theres allegations against one of them, they look the other way, and thats what happened here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawyers said a tort claim, a required precursor to suing public agencies in New Jersey, was filed Thursday. As Mazie spoke, Semanchiks mother, Jennine Semanchik, and sister, Allison Semanchik, stood nearby with their other lawyer, Beth G. Baldinger. The lawyers described the major allegations in the case, how Lauren Semanchik reached out to Washington police after her car was keyed at work in May and identified Santos as the likely suspect. The officers wrote a report, and even contacted Santos, but took no further action. And how Lauren went to her local Franklin police the next day but was unable to see a police officer. So, Semanchik left a voicemail with the department, which was never returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shed also reached out to one of Santos colleagues in the Executive Protection Unit of the state police, hoping that would halt his constant calls, texts and unwelcome visits to her workplace at an animal hospital in Long Valley, Washington Township. That also did not work, they said. And, on the night Lauren and Tyler were killed, how three separate neighbors called 911 and reported gunshots and a woman screaming near her Upper Kingtown Road home. Franklin police responded but never went to her home and merely drove down the street and left, the lawyers said. Jennine Semanchik said she and her family have heard from some of the neighbors who called, and said, Theyre livid, as are we. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lauren, her mother said, was failed by every single law enforcement agency that she went to for help. At the end of the day, we will hold Franklin Township Police Department liable for its failure to act, Mazie said. We will get to the bottom of why no one at the state police acted to take Santoss guns. New Jersey law enforcement guidelines are clear that officers guns should be seized by authorities in a domestic violence investigation when an officer is the alleged perpetrator, Mazie said. We will get to the bottom of why police officers that evening failed to even come into Laurens home to investigate the screams and the gunshots, and we will uncover whether the police in New Jersey have been held to a different standard when there are domestic violence complaints lodged against them and whether there is a cover-up in this and in other cases, Mazie said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police inactions led to Santos being able to follow Semanchik home from work on Aug. 1 and kill her and Tyler outside her home on Upper Kingtown Road, Mazie said. Santos then took his own life in Piscataway. The next day, Semanchiks father arrived at her home and found them dead, Lauren outside and Tyler on her deck. The father and daughter had plans to attend the Soulstice Music & Arts festival in Clinton, Allison Semanchik said. Lauren and Tyler met at a pop punk concert on Memorial Day weekend at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. She was 33, he was 29. The New Jersey State Police have yet to make any comments about Santos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office has taken over day-to-day operations of the Franklin police and the police chief and a sergeant were put on leave. The office has said they will also investigate Laurens previous interactions with police. The Washington police departments chief declined to comment and referred any comment on the incident to the prosecutors office, which also declined comment citing an ongoing investigation. Mazie and Baldinger also called on the state Attorney Generals office to investigate, and to get to the bottom of it. Tyler Webb during fire training. At the press event, Baldinger read a statement from Webbs parents, Lisa and Jim Webb, who called their son a bright light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Webb, of Lacey, was a mechanic for the township Berkeley and a volunteer firefighter in town and for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Tyler, though just 29, he was known throughout his community for his kindness, his generosity, and his infectious laugh, the parents wrote. They said Tyler and Lauren, quickly formed a deep and loving bond. They shared their love of music, their love of animals, their family and their friends, and they were just starting out on a very meaningful and important journey together. The Webb family is committed to attaining justice for Tyler. They seek a full investigation and accountability by those who failed Lauren, and in so doing failed Tyler, the parents said. Said Jennine Semanchik of her daughter, a veterinarian at a Long Valley animal hospital: She did nothing but want to help people and help peoples animals, and it was the number of people that showed up at both of their funerals was a testament to the kind of people that got taken away by this horrible murderer. Lauren Semanchik. 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 Police are looking for someone they said stole from a local gas station. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Kettering police said the theft happened at the Speedway on East Stroop Road on Aug. 16. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect left in a gray Nissan with an unknown plate. Police did not detail what the suspect is accused of taking. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 937-296-2555. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Maryland man allegedly tried to rob a York County bank Monday afternoon while holding a bag that said radiate positivity, police say. Court documents filed Thursday by Southern Regional Police show, 39-year-old Brandon Lyle, of Maryland, tried to rob the M&T Bank, located at 69 E. Forrest Avenue in Shrewsbury Borough, but he left without getting any cash. After reaching out to the FBI during the investigation, police said they learned Lyle was a suspect in another robbery in Maryland that happened about a week and a half before the York County one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Severe Weather Alerts Lyle was allegedly wearing a wig, a hat, along with coverings over his fingers that seemed to have been cut out from gloves. He was holding a bag that said radiate positivity, when he walked into M&T, according to the criminal complaint. After the teller was told by Lyle that he wanted to make a withdrawal, police say, he then handed the teller a note that read This is a robbery. Stay calm and do what you are told. 100s and 50s only. Do not pull the panic alarm, the charging documents show. Police said when the teller turned around to get into the money drawer, Lyle, at the same time, picked up the note and left. The bank was placed on lockdown right after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video recorded Lyle allegedly leaving the bank and continued to record him until he got into his car, a gold Mercury Grand Marquis, and drove away towards I-83, according to police. Upon checking vehicle records, police say they found out the Mercury was owned by Lyle, whose physical traits matched the alleged robbers. Chambersburg area softball coach accused of sexual acts with underage player Police said they went to Lyles home in Baltimore on Tuesday, and when they saw him leave in his Mercury, they tried to pull him over, but he instead allegedly led a brief chase. Inside the vehicle, police said they found clothing items he was allegedly wearing during the M&T Bank robbery, along with the radiate positivity bag and a robbery note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyle faces a felony charge of robbery demand money from a financial institution. Court records show he is awaiting a preliminary hearing that has yet to be scheduled We would like to extend our gratitude to our residents and local businesses for their cooperation and assistance in keeping our communities safe, Southern Regional police said in a statement. Their help in providing quality video footage was instrumental in a quick identification and 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 ABC27. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) Investigators said nearly 1,000 victims had their debit and credit card information stolen in a sweeping gas pump skimming operation across Texas, according to an arrest affidavit. A Midland man is now among 10 suspects accused of being part of the organized criminal ring. 36-year-old Ernesto Salazar Verdecia was arrested by the Midland County Sheriffs Office on Sunday, August 17, around 5:30 a.m., and booked into the Midland County Detention Center after a years-long investigation. Jail records show Salazar faces a first-degree felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity with the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon. According to a 20-page affidavit obtained by KMID/KPEJ, Salazar is among ten men identified as members of a criminal organization responsible for gas pump skimming operations that used deep insert, inline, and overlay skimmers, along with hidden cameras, to capture customers debit and credit card information across Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit details that Salazar was tied to activity in Midland and Odessa. Law enforcement surveillance linked him to suspect vehicles used during skimmer placements and fuel theft operations. In one case, investigators said skimmers and PIN-capturing cameras were located at a Loves Truck Stop in Kermit, and Salazar was connected through vehicle and phone records. Credit: MCSO records Investigators say Salazars arrest is part of a much larger case that spanned across several Texas cities, with the affidavit saying multiple incidents were tied to the same organized criminal ring. Authorities said the stolen data was re-encoded onto counterfeit cards, which were used to steal large amounts of fuel. In some cases, fuel was pumped into hidden bladders capable of holding more than 150 gallons inside modified trucks. The affidavit outlines a series of cases across the state from 2023 to 2024: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Braunfels (May 2023): Security footage showed suspects installing a skimmer at a 7-Eleven. Police linked them to a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Several counterfeit Visa cards were recovered. MCSO Affidavit shows image of suspect installing skimmer Houston (Sept. 2023): A suspicious package flagged by U.S. Postal Inspectors was found to contain manipulated card readers and skimmers shipped from overseas. Midland (Jan. 2024): A skimmer was discovered at the Loves Truck Stop on Cholla Road. Surveillance linked suspects to a GMC box truck and a grey Dodge Ram. Cell tower records later placed one suspect, Marco Antonio Castillo Zayas, at the scene when the skimmer was installed and retrieved. Kermit (March 2024): Deputies found another skimmer and a hidden camera at a Loves Truck Stop. A suspect driving the same GMC box truck was arrested with counterfeit payment cards and a fake permanent resident card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Odessa (March to May 2024): Surveillance at multiple Stripes and DK stations tied suspects to skimmer placements and large-scale fuel theft. Investigators documented altered debit cards and custom skimmer removal tools. Pflugerville (June 2024): Suspects used counterfeit cards to steal fuel at a Circle K. Flock cameras tied vehicles back to suspects already named in the investigation. Austin & Round Rock (July 2024): Stolen cards were used at several Home Depot stores, with receipts showing nearly $4,000 in purchases. Search warrants in Austin and Odessa uncovered 9 deep insert skimmers in packages, 2 gas pump card readers modified with skimming devices, counterfeit and blank credit cards, card encoders used to reprogram magnetic stripes, multiple laptops, tablets, and phones, and a modified Jeep Grand Cherokee and pickup trucks outfitted with large auxiliary fuel tanks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A forensic review of seized phones revealed 977 victim card numbers stored in files, cryptocurrency transactions related to equipment purchases, and detailed instructions on assembling skimmers and pulser manipulators. Bank records also reviewed by investigators showed suspect accounts receiving more than $416,000 in transfers between August 2023 and September 2024, often moved through Zelle. The following individuals were named in the affidavit: Yosbel Alonso Ayala Deibys Mayea Diaz Lazaro Emanuel Cruz Javique Marco Antonio Castillo Zayas Hugo Brizuela-Jimenez Hiuberts Lorenzo Parra Ernesto Salazar Verdecia (Odessa address listed) Juan Alberto Banos Herrera Reinel Guerra Guerra Javier Martin Gonzalez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All face charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, along with violations related to card skimming, wire communications, and fuel tax evasion. The affidavit describes the group as a statewide organized criminal ring operating in Midland County, Odessa, and other parts of Texas. Authorities said that the ring conspired to profit from skimming and counterfeit card use while defrauding individuals and the state. Salazar no longer remains in the Midland County Detention Center, meaning his bond remains unknown. The case is being investigated by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, DPS, the Texas Comptrollers Office, and multiple local police departments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A 27-year-old mother was arrested in Pennsylvania for the murder of her 3-year-old child, which took place in Maryland last year, police announced Thursday. According to the Howard County Police Department (HCPD), on Nov. 1, 2024, officers were called to a home in Columbia, where they found the 3-year-old child dead. The toddler also had multiple bruises and scars on their body, police noted. An autopsy was completed in March 2025, revealing that the toddler died from dehydration and malnourishment, ruling their death a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven charged after $20K in merchandise stolen from Reston Home Depot Detectives determined that the childs mother, Shalyne Brown, 27, was responsible for the 3-year-olds death because of neglect and abuse. Police also learned that Brown did not have a permanent address, but was staying at the home in Columbia when her child died. Law enforcement recently located Brown, and she was charged with second-degree murder and first and second-degree child abuse. Brown was moved from Pennsylvania to the Howard County Detention Center and is being held without bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Lenexa City Council member Melanie Arroyo, left, listens to public comments during an Aug. 19, 2025, city council meeting. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) LENEXA, Kansas A 74-year-old certified public accountants misunderstanding and subsequent call to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation sparked a police inquiry into a Lenexa City Council members citizenship, public records show, igniting public scrutiny and leading to records requests from local residents. Melanie Arroyo, who became a U.S. citizen in 2018 and has served on the Lenexa City Council since 2021, disclosed the police investigation during an Aug. 5 council meeting. Her decision to go public that night caught colleagues and city staff by surprise, according to newly disclosed documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a rare move, the city of Lenexa turned over the police investigative file and a copy of Arroyos citizenship certificate in response to records requests made by Kansas Reflector, the Kansas City Star and two local residents. The documents identify Douglas Shipe as the Lenexa man who made the initial complaint, and they shed new light on how police proceeded with their investigation into Arroyo. Arroyo said she understands why police felt obligated to investigate but that she was disappointed in how they went about it. It just kind of confirms to me that they are not sensitive with how to handle immigration situations, Arroyo said. Shipe, a registered Republican and CPA who lives in Lenexa, called the KBI on July 8 and requested an investigation into Arroyos citizenship status based on written testimony she had provided to the Legislature in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arroyo wrote about growing up as an undocumented immigrant girl in the testimony she provided in opposition to Senate Bill 254, which would have eliminated in-state tuition and other benefits for immigrants. She also wrote that she resolved her immigration status in order to attend college in Kansas. The Senate didnt vote on the bill. KBI agent Jeff Muckenthaler described Shipes call in an email to Lenexa police on July 16. Muckenthaler said he was forwarding the information to handle however you deem appropriate. Lenexa police Detective Bill McCombs opened an investigation on July 21. His first move was to call Special Agent Hayden McGrath with Homeland Security Investigations to ask for assistance regarding Arroyos immigration status. McCombs provided Arroyos Social Security number and date of birth. Arroyo said she was concerned to learn police had contacted HSI about her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That alarmed me a little bit, Arroyo said. What the hell, bro? Two days later, the investigative file shows, McCombs read Arroyos testimony. He noted that Shipe had not understood Arroyos testimony. As written, one would assume her immigration status was satisfied, McCombs said. In the meantime, Police Chief Dawn Layman had called Arroyo to let her know about the investigation. Arroyo responded by hiring an attorney who then sent a copy of Arroyos citizenship certificate to police. McCombs report said he cross-referenced the certificate with Arroyos drivers license to verify that her full name and Social Security number matched. HSIs assistance was no longer needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lenexa police Capt. Justin Schopfer reported that he called Shipe on Aug. 5 to provide an update. Schopfer explained that police had confirmed Arroyos citizenship, which predated her election to the city council. After ensuring Shipe had no further questions, I ended the call, Schopfer said. Shipe didnt respond to Kansas Reflector phone calls or emails. Kansas Reflector attempted to knock on his door on Friday, but the apartment number he lists on his voter registration doesnt exist. An employee in the leasing office for the apartment complex said she would give Shipe a copy of a Kansas Reflector business card, but he never called. Online records show Shipe donated $100 to Republican Kris Kobach, who rose to prominence as a political figure for his anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies, when Kobach was running for governor in 2018 and again in 2022 when he was running for attorney general. Shipe also donated a total of $925 to former state Sen. Julia Lynn, a Republican from Olathe, between 2012 and 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arroyo said she went public with her frustration over the police inquiry after federal authorities on July 30 raided El Toro Loco restaurants in Lenexa and Kansas City, Kansas. She voiced her concerns at the Aug. 5 council meeting, where numerous members of the public spoke in support of Arroyo. I understand why people would be frustrated with me, she said in an interview Wednesday. Speaking up is risky, and I recognize that, absolutely. At the same time, not speaking up also poses a major risk for everyone. So I really had to weigh my options here, and ultimately I decided that speaking up is in support of not just our immigrant community but in defense of constitutional rights and also in defense of our humanity. I could never regret doing that. Tim McCabe, a Lenexa resident who has testified before the Legislature about his displeasure with facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic and his concerns that China could influence the outcome of local elections, submitted a Kansas Open Records Act request directly to Arroyo seeking documents related to her citizenship status and the police investigative report. Kansas Reflector asked McCabe why he submitted the request, if he was surprised by anything the city provided, and whether he is satisfied Arroyo is a U.S. citizen. He replied via email with a one-word response: Nope. He didnt respond to an email seeking clarification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laura Owen also asked for police records and whether city staff had invited media to the Aug. 5 council meeting. She declined to comment. MacKenzie Harvison, deputy city attorney, told her city staff were entirely unaware that Arroyo intended to talk about the investigation that night, until media outlets began to ask questions in the hours before the meeting. The city could have exempted the requested records under state law because they are part of a police investigative file, Harvison said, but provided them in the interest of transparency. Kansas Reflector submitted a Kansas Open Records Act request on Aug. 14 for other requests and the citys response. The city failed to respond within three business days as required by law. On Wednesday, Harvison apologized for the delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had what felt like a million balls in the air last week and this simply fell through the cracks, she said. The city of Lenexa takes its commitment to transparency very seriously, and we strive always to meet and exceed the requirements of KORA. I know that we didnt do so in this instance, and I apologize on behalf of all of the staff involved. Rest assured that this mistake was not intentional at all, just simply human error. Kansas Reflector and the Nebraska Examiner are part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Nevada Highway Patrol is searching for a driver accused of hitting a woman on an electric scooter and leaving the scene in Las Vegas. It happened on Thursday, Aug. 7, around 1 p.m. outside Dottys on Boulder Highway, just south of Lamb Boulevard. The suspect was last seen leaving the Dottys parking lot in a light-colored 20132019 Cadillac. As he left the driveway, he hit the woman riding on the sidewalk and left the scene, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cadillac may have right front-end damage, according to police. (NHP) (NHP) (NHP) Anyone with information is asked to call the Nevada Highway Patrol at (702) 668-4100. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or 1-800-252-8477. 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 KLAS. LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Police in Lancaster County are searching for a dog owner after a vehicle accident involving a dog. According to the New Holland Police Department, on August 19, at 7 p.m., a German Shepherd broke free from its owner and ran into the road, causing a collision in the 500 block of East Jackson Street by New Holland Park. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest The dogs owner fled the scene without giving information to the parties involved, police said. Police did not say if the dog was injured or not in the accident. Anyone with any information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the New Holland Police Department Officer Joel Stoltzfus at stoltzfj@newhollandpr.org or submit a tip online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (WHNT) Wednesday afternoon, the City of Scottsboro had a battle of the departments. Officers with the Scottsboro Police Department took on firefighters with Scottsboro Fire & Rescue in a pickled jalapeno eating contest. Each competitor had 12 jalapenos in their box and one minute to eat as many as they could. Both agencies supplied five participants each. HPD gives new details on missing 25-year-old man Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, the Scottsboro Police Department took home the win. Its team ate a total of 32 jalapenos. The fire department ate a total of 27 jalapenos. The showdown was put on by MWB Restaurants and Whataburger. They supplied the $1,500 prize money. All $1,500 is being donated to Lt. Porch and his benefit fund, said Chrisy Lambert, the Marketing Manager for MWB Restaurants. The contest was a fundraiser for the Lt. Derek Porch Benefit Fund. Scottsboro Police Lieutenant Derek Porch was shot in the hand while on duty in July 2025. I had a dream, and I did it: 92-year-old Navy veteran shares his secret to life Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting prompted a 20-hour manhunt for the suspect, Daniel McCarn. McCarn was later arrested near a set of train tracks and is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on September 3rd. Lt. Porchs injuries were non-life-threatening, and he is recovering. It was just a no-brainer that were going to help him out and his recovery effort, Lambert told News 19. Last week, Lt. Porch was welcomed back to Scottsboro with a full police escort and a community gathering. Members of the Scottsboro Police Department tell News 19 that Lt. Porch is recovering well at home. Lieutenant Coty Durham with SPD said that Porch is grateful for the support and for the contest being in his honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was excited to know that there are multiple things being put on not only for his benefit but also to help him and his family as well, Durham said. (Courtesy: Scottsboro Police Department) (Courtesy: Scottsboro Police Department) Scr(Courtesy: Scottsboro Police Department) eenshot Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A police officer was shot dead in western Germany on Thursday during a robbery at a petrol station. The incident occurred in Volklingen, near the French border. Two police officers pursued one of the perpetrators on foot after the robbery, said a police spokesman in nearby Saarbrucken. A scuffle ensued, during which the man was able to snatch the firearm from one of the officers and shoot at the police officers several times. The perpetrator was also hit during the exchange of fire and was arrested. A large contingent of police and emergency services were deployed in Volklingen. The lawsuit stemming from intergovernmental strife in Woodland Park has been ruled in favor of its city council. A Teller County District judge issued a ruling Aug. 18 to dismiss the case against the city of Woodland Park by its local school district. The complaint alleged that the city council had violated its intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Woodland Park RE-2, the citys home rule charter and procedural requirements when it repealed the sales tax contributing to local school funding during an emergency meeting in March. The school district specifically alleged that council members went into an executive session without following the proper procedure at the meeting and that their decision to repeal the tax was rooted in political reasons rather than legislative. The decision to repeal the sales tax that contributed more than $3 million annually to the school district came as a swift response to its board of educations attempt to sell one of its buildings to local charter school Merit Academy. One condition of the IGA also was for the district to submit detailed reports to the council about how exactly the tax dollars were being used. That became a point of contention when submissions were deemed inadequate. When councilmembers learned about the agenda item one day after they had voted to indefinitely suspend an ordinance to repeal the tax, they then called the emergency meeting to repeal it because they believed it was the latest act in bad faith by the board of education. In its complaint, the school district requested a temporary restraining order for the repeal, damages related to the alleged breach and awards for costs and attorneys fees. In the motion to dismiss, District Court Judge William Moeller noted that both parties acknowledge the city councils authority to enact, amend and repeal local ordinances and that their legislative decision to repeal the tax was not subject to judicial review. I note that Plaintiff alleges fraud but offers no specificity as to what the fraud entailed other than making a claim that no emergency existed, Moeller wrote. (The) Plaintiff does not make a specific claim as to how the Council failed to comply with the City Charter or how the City Councils acts constituted a quasi-legal action. He went on to note that, while Colorado law requires voter approval for the imposition of local taxes, it does not require voter approval for their repeal. Regarding the school districts allegation that the city council violated their IGA, Moeller ruled that the councils legislative authority usurped the interpretation of these agreements as perpetually binding and that there was no promise to maintain the sales tax in this case. Featured Local Savings As for the alleged motivations behind the councils decision, Moeller said this claim is not supported by law. The underlying issue here is a political dispute between two government bodies that must be resolved by the voters, Moeller said. When reached for comment, Woodland Park Mayor Kellie Case said that she was pleased with the result for local taxpayers and appreciated the courts decision. The 1.09% sales tax earmarked for schools was originally approved in 2016 to supplement the RE-2s annual budget. Now that the IGA has been repealed, it could only return through a new ballot measure either initiated by citizens or legislatively referred by the city council. Case said that she wouldnt advise the city to go this route again, calling the revenue source atypical and not appropriate for a school district. The city has its own priorities with its funding, she said. And the school district should be in charge of its own funding, not the city. Woodland Park RE-2s board of education approved the general budget for the 2025-26 school year during its regular board meeting June 11, which did not factor in the tax revenue like previous years. The sales tax most recently accounted for more than $3 million of the districts $30.8 million budget for the 2024-25 school year. During the boards regular meeting on May 7, it was suggested that the lost revenue from the sales tax contributed to a 10% reduction of the districts workforce and eliminated any salary raises for the remaining workforce this fiscal year. Woodland Park RE-2 Board President Mick Bates added that the forensic audit currently being conducted for the districts finances also accounts for one-time expenditures in their current budget. He said that he was obviously disappointed with the courts ruling, but noted that no programs in the district, to date, have been cut because of the lost revenue. Bates added that possible new revenues discussed since the lost sales tax included a county-wide sales tax that would benefit their district along with the neighboring Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1, since initiatives to increase property taxes through mil levy overrides and new bonds dont have a great history of success. Bates said the recent actions of the city council members were beyond anything I could have imagined. I dont think those decisions on city council were for the kids of Teller County, he said. And if they want to do this to punish the school board, then so be it. But they need to realize that this ultimately hurts the kids. WARSAW (Reuters) -Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a bill meant to ease rules for building onshore wind farms on Thursday, saying that a government decision to bundle it together with a freeze on energy prices amounted to "blackmail". The accusation is the latest salvo in a battle with the centrist government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, an arch rival of the president's allies in the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party. The bill would have cut the distance required between planned installations and residential locations, while keeping permitting more restrictive for projects close to protected natural areas. It included incentives for municipalities and homeowners in areas located close to new wind farms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also included a clause that would have frozen energy prices for households until the end of the year. Nawrocki, who opposes easing the wind farm regulations but is in favour of an energy price freeze, objected to the two elements being combined in one bill. "There is one bill that I have ... unequivocally decided to veto," Nawrocki told a news conference. "The wind farm bill ... is a form of blackmail by the parliamentary majority and the government, not only against the President of the Republic of Poland, but also against society," he said. Nawrocki said he would propose a new bill that would copy the price freeze section of the vetoed legislation while dropping the wind farm elements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Energy Minister Milosz Motyka responded to the veto, writing on X that Poland needed to unlock "the potential offered by cheap energy sources." "President Nawrocki's veto of the law guaranteeing low energy prices is a blow to Polish families, industry, energy security, and the entire economy," he wrote. (Reporting by Alan Charlish, Anna Koper, and Karol Badohal; Editing by Joe Bavier) Gov. Kelly Ayotte at a ceremony celebrating the signature of housing-related bills in Manchester, Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo by Ethan DeWitt/New Hampshire Bulletin) Gov. Kelly Ayottes approval rating has dipped in recent months, according to a new survey from the University of New Hampshire, with almost equal percentages of Granite Staters approving and disapproving of her performance. That same survey found that majorities of respondents disapproved of some actions by the Republican-led Legislature this term such as cuts to the University System of New Hampshire and the Department of Health and Human Services though the moves are popular among Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the survey, conducted between Aug. 14 and Aug. 18, 47% of respondents approved of Ayottes performance in office and 46% disapproved. The results suggest that Granite Staters longstanding tradition of giving bipartisan support to its governors may be fading, with Ayottes approval ratings hewing much closer to party breakdowns. Of those who approve, 15% said it was because of Ayottes handling of education the highest percentage for any category, followed by 14% who said it was because her handling of immigration, 12% who pointed to her handling of LGBTQ+ issues, and 11% who said it was because of her handling of the state budget and state finances. Of those that disapproved, a plurality, 29%, did so because of her handling of education, 16% cited her handling of LBGTQ+ issues, and 11% said it was because of her support for President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey did not ask respondents about specific actions taken by Ayotte in any of those areas. But Ayotte has signed bills removing sanctuary cities and requiring law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, establishing a parental bill of rights in public schools, banning gender-affirming medication and surgeries for minors, and making education freedom accounts available to students of all income levels. The results show a drop in the governors overall approval rating, which was 53% in June, and an increase in her disapproval rating, up from 34% in February. Those changes have happened as more Granite Staters appear to have made up their minds about the governor: The percentage of respondents who did not know whether they support or oppose Ayotte has dropped from 15% to 7%. Ayottes razor-thin approval ratings are a contrast to the last Republican governor, Chris Sununu, who maintained approval ratings between 50% and70% throughout his four terms. Former Gov. Maggie Hassan had an approval rating of 55 percent in February 2015, her last term in office. The UNH survey also found that several of Republican lawmakers accomplishments this year do not have a majority of support in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislatures move to cut $51 million from the Department of Health and Human Services in the budget one opposed by Ayotte was supported by 26% of respondents, with 62% of respondents opposed. The two-year, $29 million funding cut to the University System of New Hampshire in New Hampshire, is also not popular, with 53% of respondents opposing it, 34% supporting it, and 12% neutral. Respondents narrowly opposed a bill that allows landlords to end leases at the end of the lease period and initiate eviction proceedings against those who dont leave, without needing to point to a specific reason. In the survey, 42% of respondents supported that law and 48% opposed it. And the elimination of state motor vehicle inspections in the bill is nearly evenly split among respondents: 44% support it while 45% oppose it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In each of those issues, Democratic respondents were strongly opposed while Republican respondents were in support. Some of the legislation that passed this year was more popular. Overall, 49% approved a new law allowing cities and towns to create social districts where adults 21 and older can purchase alcohol from licensed establishments and consume in public, with 30% opposed and 19% neutral. And one of Ayottes biggest priorities, requiring public schools to create a bell-to-bell ban on cell phones in schools, has high support, with 71% supportive, 18% opposed, and 11% neutral. Even on that issue, there were differences between parties. Among Democrats, 56% approved of that law, while 89% of Republicans did. SACRAMENTO, California Katie Porter was the biggest beneficiary of Kamala Harris passing on a run for California governor, according to a new poll from POLITICO and its partners, with the former representative now holding a commanding lead in the race. Thirty percent of registered voters who said theyd vote for Harris if she ran for governor now plan to support Porter, the latest POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey found. Sixteen percent of Harris supporters said former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was their second choice, while 11 percent said their new favored candidate was former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Porters gains from Harris are probably a combination of just being better known and having a clear ideological stamp, said Jack Citrin, a political science professor at UC Berkeley and partner on the poll. She has a particular progressive stamp more than the other two guys and I think thats part of her appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porter led in a head-to-head poll against her competitors in the Harris-less field, netting 21 percent of voters. Becerra and Villaraigosa tied as the next leading Democrats, pulling 9 percent support each. The results quantify Porters edge in the sprawling Democratic field, which she buttressed in the first half of the year with field-best fundraising numbers. She attracted the most support from white and Asian voters, and from respondents who ranked housing as their top policy concern. Porter likely benefited from running for Senate last year against Adam Schiff, drawing news coverage and viewers of campaign ads when the governors race was barely underway, Citrin said. Thats especially important since the possibility of a Harris campaign dominated the governors race for months. Visibility is a big factor in a low-information environment, Citrin said. The poll, conducted before Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis dropped out and moved to the state treasurers race, signaled weakness in her support. Seven percent of voters backed Kounalakis gubernatorial bid, and she only attracted 8 percent of would-be Harris voters despite the two sharing Bay Area roots and allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trailing Kounalakis was former state Controller Betty Yee, at 6 percent. Billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who has considered running for governor or Los Angeles mayor, also sat at 6 percent, while former state legislative leader Toni Atkins, state Superintendent Tony Thurmond and timeshare executive Stephen J. Cloobeck polled in the low single digits. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco outpaced former Fox News host Steve Hilton, 15 percent to 10 percent. Bianco also edged Hilton among registered Republicans, 37 percent to 26 percent. The poll identified the candidates by their best-known titles, many of which wont appear alongside their name on the 2026 ballot. The survey also looked at the opinion of policy influencers, including a group of roughly 300 Democratic POLITICO Pro subscribers who are deeply versed in the states political landscape. Porter also performed best among that group. Atkins, a well-respected leader in Sacramento, fared better among influencers than with registered voters. Fifteen percent of influencers back her, compared to just 4 percent of voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That might be because of her Sacramento presence, said Citrin. Maybe they know more about her. I would say the ordinary voter could not tell you who she is. Villaraigosa and Porter performed the best with Hispanic voters, while Hilton, the former Fox host, did the second-best of any candidate with Boomers. The survey consists of two separate opinion studies of the California electorate and policy influencers in the state, fielded by TrueDot, the artificial intelligence-accelerated research platform, in collaboration with the Citrin Center and Possibility Lab at UC Berkeley and POLITICO. The public opinion study, made possible in part with support from the California Constitution Center, was conducted in the field between July 28 and Aug. 12. Voters who responded that they would vote for Harris after she opted not to run on July 30 were asked for their second choice. Their second picks were included in the remaining candidates head-to-head support numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sample of 875 total registered voters, including 367 registered Democrats, was selected at random by Verasight, with interviews conducted in English and Spanish, and includes an oversample of Hispanic voters. The modeled error estimate for the full sample is plus/minus 2.6 percent. The policy influencer study was conducted from July 30 to Aug. 11, among 299 subscribers to POLITICO Pro, and the modeled error estimate is +/- 3.7 percent. Aug. 20Free swim lessons for every Spokane second-grader; a space for high school swim teams to practice year-round; more capacity to teach special needs kids the skills that may one day save their life; a place for the public to swim in the middle of winter without paying some club's monthly fees. These are all promises for Spokane's first indoor public pool, a collaboration between the Spokane parks department and public school district, if voters in November approve both the parks levy and school bond. On the backside of the Spokane Community College campus, a swimming pool has sat mothballed since 2020, shuttered amid the COVID-19 pandemic and largely untouched since. There are whiteboards with years-old announcements in marker about open swim times and a puddle of Kool-Aid green water at the deep end of the age-stained, neglected pool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if voters approve the funding to rehab and maintain the pool, it could become a marquee facility for both public school students and the public . Of the approximately 230 projects the two separate ballot items would fund, the pool is one of the dozens only feasible if both of the tax asks are successful this November. The parks levy would raise $225 million in property taxes over the next 20 years from city taxpayers. The school district will ask voters living within the district to grant the agency authority to issue $200 million in bonds that would need to be paid off over 20 years. The bond would pay for the estimated $1 to $3 million necessary to renovate the pool, which the college would cede control of at no cost, while the parks levy would pay for continued maintenance. Officials have not yet drafted concrete plans for how operations, such as lifeguard pay and other necessities, would be paid for; swim lessons would be provided to every Spokane Public Schools second-grader for free as part of their curriculum, but entrance fees for the public and other programs are yet to be determined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compared to the tens of millions of dollars necessary to build a public aquatic center from scratch, Spokane Public Schools Superintendent Adam Swinyard believes the college's facility is a smart investment that fulfills an unmet need in the community, both to get kids away from their screens and to keep them safe in a community with many waterways. "This will definitely be a significant foundation for (second-graders) to give them those critical water safety skills and awareness to mitigate that drowning risk that we unfortunately face in our community," said Swinyard, who was himself a swim instructor in high school. "With all of the lakes and rivers and spaces that kids can swim in the summertime, often with not a lot of adult supervision we have our city park's (outdoor) pools, and we have great lifeguards, but there is a lot of unsupervised swimming that happens in Spokane County." A parent wanting to get their kids signed up for the city's swim lessons currently faces an uphill battle, Swinyard said. "One of the realities now is you have to sit by your computer and keep clicking refresh because the slots just fill up that fast for those summer swim lessons," Swinyard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commonplace in West Side schools, Spokane does not have the facilities to offer swim as a school sport but could if the indoor pool was renovated, Swinyard added. Officials are also excited to be able to offer more robust capacity for special needs swimmers who require additional accommodations and face higher drowning risks. "We currently swim at Whitworth Aquatic Center... and we're pretty maxed out there," said Alice Busch, supervisor for therapeutic recreational services for the city. "I have swimmers that like to compete in the Special Olympics and would like to swim more than one time a week. "Drowning is very prevalent for kids with autism, and they're very attracted to the water, but may not have the other coping skills to know when to go in the water and what to do when you get there," Busch continued. "This would be a great environment, a little smaller, a bit more control that we could offer, more than just four weeks in the summer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city could train lifeguards year-round and offer swim lessons to all ages, added city recreation supervisor Josh Oakes. From summer to winter, the city could expand programs from water aerobics, recreational swim teams and more. But only if voters decide the juice is worth the squeeze. Park and school officials have come to the public hand-in-hand, pitching voters on a partnership called Together Spokane that could touch every corner of the city in myriad small and some significant ways. They argue that the partnership means taxpayers get more for less money than if the two went at it alone, which may convince voters to be more favorable toward the Spokane school district's bond than in 2024. Advocates point to the successful dual campaigns in 2018 between the $495 million school bond and the $77 million library levy as proof that such a partnership could be successful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ask from parks, being a levy, only needs the approval of a majority of voters to pass. The school district's bond, however, requires 60% under state law. When the district asked voters to approve a bond last February, it failed with around 56% of the vote. The plans for Spokane's schools and parks have become so deeply entwined that it is difficult to tease out exactly what either entity would accomplish and on what timetable if voters approve only one of the two ballot measures. The answer is simpler for the pool: it just won't happen. POOLER, Ga. (WSAV) Pooler Mayor Pro Tem Aaron Henry took to his Facebook page late Thursday morning to provide resources for individuals and families impacted by the International Paper closure. Below are the links Mayor Pro Tem Henry provided in the post: WorkSource Coastal can be utilized for job search help, training and hiring events. You can reach WorkSource Coastal by dialing 912-351-6379. Their office is located at 7216 Skidaway Rd, Suite A, Savannah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia QuickStart is offering training for jobs available at Hyundai Motor Group (HMG). Those who need it should also apply for Unemployment Insurance (Georgia DOL). The process can be completed online by clicking on the link and applying. United Way 211 can provide referrals to resources to assist with rent, utilities, food and other support. You can contact them by dialing 211 or clicking the link attached. In the post, Henry stated that he plans to push the city and county leaders, as well as the State and their workforce agencies, to join in a coordinated response. At this moment, the plan is to share specifics on local assistance and employer hiring opportunities as theyre confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROME (AP) Pope Leo XIV is planning to visit Lebanon this year on his first foreign visit, the countrys Catholic cardinal said, a trip that would give history's first American pope a chance to speak in broad terms about peace in the Middle East and the plight of Christians there. A visit to Lebanon could be the second leg of a planned visit to Turkey at the end of November to commemorate an important anniversary with the Orthodox Church. Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai, the patriarch of the Lebanese Maronite faithful, told the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV that Leo will visit Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear to be honest when he will visit, but he will visit anytime from now until December, the cardinal said when asked about a possible visit. There needs to be an agreement from the Vatican on when the visit will happen. But there are preparations for the visit, but its unclear until the Vaticans announcement. Leo, like his predecessor Pope Francis, has consistently called for peace and dialogue in the Middle East, especially as Israels offensive rages on in Gaza. The last pope to visit Lebanon was Pope Benedict XVI in September 2012 on what was the last foreign trip of his papacy. A Vatican spokesperson on Thursday declined to confirm or deny a trip by Leo. But word of papal trips usually originates with the local church that will host the pope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pope Francis, who died on April 21, had long hoped to visit Lebanon, but the countrys political and economic instability prevented a visit during his lifetime. The Mediterranean nation of around 6 million, including more than 1 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees, has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East and is the only Arab country with a Christian head of state. However, the Vatican fears the countrys instability has been particularly dangerous for the continued presence of its Christian community, a bulwark for the church in the Mideast. Lebanon is currently struggling to recover after years of economic crisis and a bruising war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that ended with a U.S. and France-brokered ceasefire in November. Formation of a new, reformist government in November ended a two-year political vacuum and brought hopes of recovery but the situation remains tense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has continued to occupy five strategic points on the Lebanese side of the border and carry out near-daily airstrikes that it says aim to stop Hezbollah from regrouping. Hezbollah is under increasing domestic and international pressure to give up its remaining arsenal but has refused to do so until Israel withdraws and halts its strikes. There are fears of civil conflict if Lebanese authorities attempt to forcibly disarm the group. About one-third of Lebanons population is believed to be Christian, though there is no official number since there hasnt been an official census since 1932. The Maronites are the largest and most powerful sect and, by convention, Lebanons president is always a Maronite Christian. Leo is already expected to travel to Turkey at the end of November to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianitys first ecumenical council. It was a trip Francis had intended to make in May. The Vatican has not confirmed the Turkey trip, but Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Istanbul-based spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians and the host of the anniversary commemoration, has said Leo told him he wants to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Chehayeb reported from Beirut, Lebanon. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Pope Leo XIV is shaking up tradition at the Vatican moving into a newly renovated papal apartment and bringing four roommates, according to reports. Leo plans to share his new residence, which is undergoing a major revamp, marking the first time in modern history that a pope has decided to live communally in the palaces official quarters, The Telegraph reported. "It seems to be new to me," Vatican correspondent Iacopo Scaramuzzi told the U.K. outlet. "I dont know if that takes account of the long history of the Church, but certainly in the modern era." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those reportedly joining him is his Peruvian personal secretary, Father Edgard Rimaycuna, who is often seen at Leos side. A trusted adviser and close friend since the Popes early pastoral years in South America, Father Edgard, is thought of as one of Leos most loyal companions. Pizza For Pope Survived Van Breakdown, Tsa Security And More Drama Before Finally Reaching Catholic Leader Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo with his longtime personal secretary, Father Edgard Ivan Rimaycuna Inga, who is expected to join him in the Apostolic Palace apartments. "In my opinion, Leo is definitely different to Francis but not that different," Scaramuzzi added. "He is returning to the papal apartments, but not like a king." Read On The Fox News App The shared living arrangement is said to reflect the community ethos of the Augustinians, the order of friars to which Leo belongs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move also contrasts with Pope Francis, who said no to moving into the papal apartments when he was ordained in 2013, choosing instead a Vatican guesthouse. Morning Glory: Pope Leo Xiv (And President Trump) Inside the spacious papal apartments that Pope Leo XIV may soon call home. The Apostolic Palace, where the apartment lies, dates back to the 15th century and also houses papal offices, museums and the Sistine Chapel. Italian media outlet La Repubblica reported this week that renovations to the apartment are ongoing. The 10-room suite, located on the palaces third floor, has also undergone repairs for water infiltration and humidity after years of disuse. Illinois Town Moves To Seize Pope Leo Xiv's Childhood Home Through Eminent Domain, Convert To Historic Site One of the bedrooms inside the papal apartment, which Leo will share with four close companions. The Vatican has remained "tight-lipped about the latest restructure," according to The Telegraph, though technicians have been at work for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Francis died in April, the papal apartments were sealed in a ritual before being reopened for renovation. Since then, Pope Leo has been living in the Sagrestia building near St. Peters Basilica. Pope Leo Xiv Inspires Over A Million Young Catholics At Rome Faith Gathering Pope Leo speaks to crowds outside the Apostolic Palace in 2025, where his apartment is currently under renovation. This isnt the first time Leo XIV has opted for a modern touch. Born to a working-class immigrant family in Chicago, he grew up modestly before joining the priesthood. In 2024, he told Vatican News that he strives to stay grounded. "A bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom, but rather called authentically to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with them and to suffer with them," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reaction to Leos move has been mixed online. Earlier this year, author James Martin wrote on X: "We need to trust Pope Leos discernment in this and all things and wish him well in his new digs!" Original article source: Pope Leo opts to share papal residence with four associates, breaking with tradition PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Ahead of apple-picking season, a Portland-area farm has said farewell to guests for good. In a post shared on Sunday, the long-running Oregon Heritage Farms announced fall 2024 was its last in business. There is no singular reason behind the closure, according to owners. The Real Housewives of Dubai star visits Oregon during family trip For 28 years, from August through the second weekend in November, Oregon Heritage Farms has been fortunate enough to open our small apple stand in Scholls to share our love of farming, apples, and family, the farm wrote on Instagram. We loved seeing generations form fall traditions, watching kids enjoy a freshly baked apple cider donut, and hearing how much everyone loves apples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family-owned business is hosting a barn sale on Friday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Owners also urged customers to visit other local farms. Smith Berry Barn and Hoffman Farms are both a short commute away from the spot on 22801 SW Scholls Ferry Rd. Although fall has yet to commence, Smith Berry Barn is already offering some early-season apples. The business grows more than 20 types of apples during the peak of fall. Hoffman Farms fall season, which includes a pumpkin patch and corn maze, typically launches in mid-September. Nothing looks imminent: Oregons underwater volcano remains quiet Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Tina Kotek recently paused a rulemaking process that some Oregon farmers claimed could hinder their ability to host events. The proposal would have clarified the difference between businesses that operate as farm stands and those that are part of the agritourism industry. The Department of Land Conservation and Development hasnt yet announced when the pause will end. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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) A man who fatally shot his ex-girlfriend in the Parkrose Heights neighborhood, days before Thanksgiving 2023, has been sentenced. Richard David Simms Jr., who was convicted on charges of first-degree manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to 29 years in prison on Tuesday. Could have ended badly: 13-year-old leads deputies on I-84 high-speed chase Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simms was not originally identified as a suspect in the death of Nicole Lashawn Davis, which occurred on Nov. 22, 2023. Around 4 p.m. that afternoon, the Portland Police Bureau responded to reports of a shooting outside of an apartment complex in the 11100 block of Northeast Weidler Street. The Multnomah County District Attorneys office reported that Simms and Davis were previously in a relationship and living together, but they had recently separated. Her family told officers he punched her and gave her a black eye just two days before the deadly shooting. According to authorities, Simms was angry over Davis family visiting for Thanksgiving. The District Attorneys Office said the relatives found another place to stay for the holiday and some had gone grocery shopping when Simms returned to his shared apartment with Davis, sparking a dispute with her and her family. Law enforcement reported that Simms gun malfunctioned when he first pulled the trigger, aiming at Davis. He pulled the trigger another three times as she walked away, repeatedly shooting her in the back. Nicole Lashawn Davis was found shot to death outside an apartment complex on the afternoon of Nov. 22, 2023. (PPB) Domestic violence is one of the most insidious crimes we confront because it usually occurs in the shadows of intimate relationships, Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Glen Banfield said in a statement. This case, however, was among the most callous acts of indifference to human life I have ever witnessed Ms. Davis was shot in the back in front of her own family, by a person who claimed to have loved her. It is a stark reminder of the devastation domestic violence brings, not only to the victims, but to their loved ones and our entire community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Car slams through brick building, causes $20K in damage to Salem vision center Authorities said Davis, who was 40 years old, died at the scene but Simms was nowhere in sight. He was arrested about four months later on March 19, 2024. In addition to the weapon-related charges, the 32-year-old man initially faced a charge of second-degree murder instead of first-degree manslaughter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ground handling staff at airports across Portugal are threatening to strike from September until the start of next year. The Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) issued a new strike notice last week after they claimed that talks with ground handling company Menzies did not offer up any concrete solutions. In a strike notice seen first by Portuguese publication Publico, the strikes would take place in alternating periods between 3 September and 2 January, including long weekends and over the festive season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike, according to Publico, would start from midnight on 3 September until midnight on 9 September, followed by other periods on 12 to 15 September, 19 to 22 September, and 26 to 28 September. In October, strikes are scheduled from Fridays to Mondays over each weekend. Further strikes will follow the same pattern in November and December, until the final strike period, which is scheduled from 19 December 2025 19 to 2 January 2026. The union demands an end to base salaries below the national minimum wage, plus payment for night shifts and access to parking for its workers. In a letter to SIMA members, posted on the unions social media, it said it lifted a previous strike notice that had been in effect since July in light of a scheduled meeting with Menzies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, no agreement was reached between the two parties in the meeting on 14 August. After a long analysis of the claims presented by SIMA, there was no response from SPdH/Menzies Aviation to any of them, with the company having shown some willingness to dialogue, but without concretizing anything, a translated version of SIMAs letter said. As a result, SIMA said that in short of something concrete, it would present a new strike notice. It added that it regrets this situation but that it could not accept the perpetuation. However, the union said it remains open to dialogue with Menzies and hopes that the company with provide concrete actions as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The previous strike period in July followed a similar pattern of weekend strikes until they were called off. Staff in aircraft servicing, baggage handling, and on check-in desks were called to join walkouts over the same issues the union is threatening to strike over this time. The Independent has contacted SIMA and Menzies for comment. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast While Colorado continues to see steady progress in student growth and achievement, progress in the Pikes Peak region isnt quite as consistent, according to test score data released this week by the state. Statewide, this years Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) scores are at or above pre-pandemic levels in all grades except fourth grade in English language arts (ELA) and eighth grade for ELA and math. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented school officials from administering CMAS testing in the 2019-20 academic year. Because of the learning losses attributed to that year, educators now consider 2019 scores a benchmark year. While all districts collectively improved their ELA and math percentages in meeting grade-level expectations by .27% and 1.1% respectively, the 17 districts across El Paso and Teller counties experienced a 2.5% drop in ELA scores and a .5% bump in math scores. Around the Pikes Peak region, Cheyenne Mountain District 12, Academy D-20 and Lewis-Palmer D-38 once again ranked as the highest performing school districts, though D-12 and D-38 both saw a slight decline in total students who meet or exceed state English language standards. When accounting for this years ELA and math results, Cheyenne Mountain D-12 and Academy D-20 both ranked in the top 10 across the state at four and 10, respectively. D-38 ranked 12th this year. Trailing the three districts of distinction is Manitou Springs D-14, which continued to improve its scores in both ELA and math to 55% and 41% of students meeting or exceeding expectations in those respective categories. The only school district in the region to report greater improvements than D-14 in both subjects was Ellicott D-22, which improved its ELA scores by 9.8% and its math scores by 5%. The average grade-level achievement is now 36.8% for ELA and 20.3% in math. Although Colorado Springs D-11 sits in the middle of the pack in terms of local achievement scores, the district's Chipeta Elementary School on the city's northwest side boasted the highest percentages of any school in the region. According to the state, 75.4% of Chipetas students met or exceeded ELA expectations and 76% met or exceeded math expectations. Biggest school changes Evans Elementary School (District 49) saw the biggest average increase in the percentage of students who met or exceeded the states standards. In English, that percentage rose by 13.7%, reaching 44.9%. In math, 42.1% met or exceeded the standard, up 17.9%. Fremont Elementary School (District 11) saw the biggest drop in performance, with a 17.6% decline in the percentage of students who met or exceeded the states English standard, dropping to just 20.5%, and declining 21.8% in math, hitting only 15%. Notably, Explorer Elementary School (Academy 20) saw a large increase in the percentage of students who met or exceeded the states English standard, rising by 14.3%, and reaching 64.3% of students. Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1 posted the lowest scores in both categories across Teller and El Paso counties, with 25% of students meeting or exceeding ELA standards and 9% meeting the benchmark for math. Featured Local Savings In El Paso County, Edison 54-JT posted the single worst year-to-year drop in student performance in Colorado, dropping 41.4% in ELA scores and 14.3% in math scores. Because of the rural district's small enrollment of less than 100 students, it has a greater propensity for volatile shifts in achievement. Unlike last year, when the district saw massive improvements in ELA and math scores, Woodland Park RE-2s scores dropped in both categories by about one percentage point. Statewide, 44.8% of students met or exceeded expectations in English, the highest percentage since the test was introduced in the 2014-15 school year. Nearly 36% of students met or exceeded math expectations, a new high for the state. Unlike last year, when the state reported severe drops in high school math scores, this years test results saw slight improvements in 10th and 11th grades, 2.5% and 1.4% respectively, while ninth grade saw a decrease of 2%. Last years scores showed drops ranging from four to seven percentiles in all three grades. Student participation rates in the tests rose to 89.1% this year. Although these rates continue to trail the 2019 peak of 94.4%, they mark the next highest level of participation since the tests were introduced. Were encouraged by the progress many student groups are making, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Cordova said in a statement. At the same time, we know there is work ahead to ensure more students are meeting Colorados academic expectations across every grade and subject." Statewide data Performance in ELA: There was a slight increase in the percentage of students who met or exceeded expectations, going from 44.1% to 44.8%. This marks the continuation of an increasing performance trend, and it marks the highest percentage of students who have met or exceeded the English Language Arts standard since the test was introduced. Performance in Mathematics: There was a slight increase in the percentage of students who met or exceeded expectations from the year before, reaching 35.9%. This marks a new statewide high for mathematics scores for students earning the met or exceeded expectations rating. State and school-level achievement and growth results are available on CDEs website. District-level metrics can be found at tinyurl.com/yr93k5x3. Gazette contributor Evan Wyloge provided the data analysis of Colorado Measures of Academic Success test scores. President Donald Trump already gets to pick the top prosecutor in Washington. Last week, he tried to pick the police chief. Next, he could come for the courts. Trump has repeatedly inserted himself in the affairs of Democrat-run cities like Los Angeles and New York during his second administration, activating the National Guard and applying political pressure to support law enforcement and immigration raids. But the nature of federal control over Washington could give Trump an opportunity to go even further, remaking the citys local courts for years to come. And as the president bashed city leaders last week from the White House, he suggested he may seize that opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than 50 years, judges who hear all the cases in Washingtons local courts both criminal and civil have been nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, similar to federal judicial appointments. But unlike the process for federal judges, the presidents ability to nominate candidates in the district is severely limited. The president is restricted to choosing from a roster of potential candidates recommended by a seven-member panel known as the Judicial Nomination Commission whose members are chosen by a mix of local officials, the D.C. Bar, the chief federal judge in Washington and the president. The panel is not exactly a collection of MAGA enthusiasts. In fact, it includes one of Trumps archnemeses: U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who previously oversaw Trumps federal criminal case for trying to interfere with the 2020 election results. Trump has never had the chance to appoint a member of the panel the lone presidential appointee was selected by Barack Obama for a five-year term and then reappointed by Joe Biden. Conservative legal activists and others with close ties to Trump have argued that limiting the presidents judicial nominees to a preselected list of candidates violates the Constitution and undermines the presidents power to select his own judges. The process as it currently stands is unconstitutional, said Zack Smith, senior legal fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. The president would be well within his rights to make his own nominations to the D.C. Superior Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unique set up is a result of the Home Rule Act, a 1973 law passed by Congress establishing the districts local government and codifying the modern judicial structure. The current system is somewhat of a historical anomaly, Smith said. For most of our nations history, for most of Washington, D.C.s history, the process followed the normal process that every other federal judge in the country has to follow. Tom Fitton, a conservative activist and longtime Trump ally, agreed that the Judicial Nomination Commission, or JNC, infringes on the presidents constitutional authority to choose judges. Does it get any more executive than to appoint a judge? asked Fitton, who serves as Trumps only appointee to a separate board that reappoints local judges after their initial 15-year term expires. The powers are pretty extraordinary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a White House press conference last week, Trump indicated that senior Justice Department officials had already given him judicial recommendations for Washingtons local courts, potentially bypassing the panels selections. Were going to be appointing some judges, Trump told reporters at the White House press conference. Pam [Bondi] recommended, Todd [Blanche] recommended some judges that are great. Jeanine [Pirro] recommended. Jeanine has given me three great candidates already. The White House and the Justice Department declined to comment on whether Trump plans to nominate candidates not approved by the JNC. If Trump does circumvent the JNC, it would be just the latest example of the White Houses attempts to seize control over the mechanisms of law and order in Washington and would likely result in a new legal challenge similar to the ongoing lawsuit over control of the citys police department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that local courts have long been understaffed. As of July, there are 13 vacancies on the D.C. Superior Court and two vacancies on the D.C. Court of Appeals. The superior court serves as the districts trial court, while the court of appeals is the districts highest court, analogous to a state supreme court. Theres wide agreement in D.C., and Im sure at the White House, that the court is overwhelmed, Fitton said. Those slots need to be filled, we can argue about the judicial philosophy and the laws and their approaches and things, but theyre completely overwhelmed over there. And its a major public safety issue. A person familiar with the nomination process granted anonymity to speak candidly said White House officials had previously indicated they were considering nominating additional candidates who had been recommended by the JNC. We have some people who were nominated when Trump was the president the last time that we know he liked, the person said. Some of these people are former prosecutors. I doubt very seriously they consider themselves to be easy on crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has nominated one person to the D.C. Superior Court during his second term. Edward OConnell, a former prosecutor and current official in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissions inspector generals office, was recommended by the JNC in March and nominated by Trump in May. His nomination is pending in the Senate. If the presidents goal is to really rework the crime problem in Washington, the D.C. Superior Court plays a decent role in that, said Mike Fragoso, a former Senate aide who worked on judicial confirmations and has argued that the JCN is unconstitutional. Even if Trump challenges the JNCs authority, there are a number of practical considerations to keep in mind, Fragoso said. Are there conservatives who even want the job? And would the Senate go along with a direct challenge to the Home Rule Act? Even if it is the presidents priority, managing how you do them ahead of lifetime appointments could be a little bit tricky, Fragoso said. The Senate has historically prioritized using floor time to confirm federal judges over local Washington judges, which has contributed to the large number of vacancies on the citys courts. If 20 percent of your people are not available, its hard to complete a job, said the person familiar with the nomination process. Theres a lot of talented people who want to do this for the right reason. We just want [Trump] to exercise his discretion. Photo illustration by Getty Images. Powell County will pay a $500 fine for violating the Stream Protection Act after an amphibious vehicle on contract with the county rolled through a portion of the Blackfoot River. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks notified Powell County it was in violation in an August 11 letter, and Commissioner Dan Sager said Wednesday the county agreed to pay the fine. We really had no grounds to fight it. Our subcontractor was definitely in violation, and it comes back to us, Sager said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An earlier news release from the county said the contractor should have consulted with the countys weed coordinator or acquired a permit prior to the weed control work. Sager said the weed board agreed the fine should be paid, commissioners approved the payment Wednesday, and the private company will reimburse the county for the fine. The contract was not available from Powell County on Wednesday afternoon. In a statement, Commissioner Bill Hooker earlier apologized to the Powell County community and all who enjoy the Blackfoot River. Powell County takes pride in its stewardship of one of the states most popular and cherished recreational streams, Hooker said. We will continue to strive to make sure we protect the natural wonders we are so fortunate to enjoy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FWP spokesperson Greg Lemon said $500 is the maximum penalty allowed by law. However, a conservation advocate who is among a group that reported the incident to FWP and a federal official said the amount might not be enough to deter other bad actors. Keith Hammer, chairman of the Swan View Coalition, said hes heard the way some operators dismiss penalties, such as snowmobilers who motor into closed areas. We call that bragging rights, Hammer said of the way some perpetrators react to fines. He said $500 is minuscule compared to the cost of the vehicle itself, potentially tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Hammer also said he believes the penalty should sting and possibly be equal to a portion of the contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it doesnt take a big chunk out of their profit on that contract, its essentially meaningless, Hammer said. Hammer was among 20 conservationists including organization leaders who signed an August 11 letter to FWP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressing our utmost disgust at the incident. The letter said the vehicle ran at least 9.5 miles down the river including through bull trout pools and, Hammer said, possibly churning through springs in the river where bull trout try to stay cool. The letter said the event took place at a time the native and threatened species are under increased pressure from heat, drought and low water levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crashing through pools caused great damage, the letter said. Just this week, FWP itself warned anglers against causing stress on federally protected bull trout. A news release and corresponding materials said the species need cold and clear water to survive and are highly vulnerable to silt. FWP spokesperson Lemon said the agency called the perpetrator out of the river the same day it received a report of the incident, and they complied. He said FWP put staff on the river one day later and found only minimal impacts. We saw tracks in the gravel, which we expected to see, but there didnt seem to be much impact, and we didnt see any dead fish, Lemon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hammer said he doesnt believe fish need to immediately die to be harmed, and he said he hopes the federal Fish and Wildlife Service conducts an investigation too. A spokesperson for the Fish and Wildlife Service could not be reached Wednesday. Commissioner Sager said he is not aware of any federal investigation, but he said the county views the fine from the state as reasonable. It could have been a lot worse and shouldnt have ever happened in the first place, Sager said. LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) Power outages in the Longview area have caused some city and school district facilities to close operations for the day. Can you spot these DPS patrol cars? New ghost units hit East Texas roads According to the City of Longview, the Development Services office, Green Street Recreation Center and Parks and Recreation Administration building are currently without power. Longview ISD said the LEAD Academy and the DADE center experienced a power outage. They say SWEPCO expects power to be restored later today, but the afternoon classes are canceled. Students were dismissed starting around 10:15 a.m. with buses running. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the district and city said they would update residents when power has been restored. 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. NEED TO KNOW Kylee Monteiro sent an ominous message to her sister on Aug. 6, a day before she disappeared Nearly two weeks later, her boyfriend Gregory Groom was arrested on a murder charge Monteiro was 11 weeks pregnant when she disappeared, according to her family A pregnant Massachusetts teen whose remains were found nearly two weeks after her disappearance had reportedly given her family a lead on who to investigate if she died. Kylee Monteiro, 18, disappeared from Rehoboth, Mass., on Aug. 7, according to a statement from the Rehoboth Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monteiro was nearly three months pregnant at the time, her family said, as previously reported by WCVB and WBZ. She had told a friend one of the last ones to see Monteiro alive that she was not feeling safe. "She was like 'I don't feel safe right now something's not right,'" the friend reportedly said, per WCVB. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, police found her remains in her boyfriend Gregory Groom's home, and arrested him, the Bristol County District Attorney's office announced, per The Herald News, NBC Boston and WCVB. The investigation revealed that she had texted her sister on Aug. 6 about an altercation she had with Groom, claiming her phone was low on battery and leaving a hint at who may be responsible if something happened to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He threw me on the ground, pulled my hair, strangled me," she said, according to Assistant District Attorney Jason Mohan, The Herald News, NBC Boston and WPRI reported. "My phone is at 4% and if I die, it was Greg', she reportedly said, authorities told the court on Wednesday. Mark Jarret Chavous/The Enterprise Gregory Groom in court. Gregory Groom in court. Related: Pregnant Teen Told Friend She Didn't 'Feel Safe.' She's Been Missing for a Week After Reported Argument with Boyfriend Authorities said they eventually found human remains in Groom's residence and he allegedly confessed to stabbing Monteiro several times before burying her, per The Herald News, WPRI and 10 WJAR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The stab wound to her chest actually broke the blade off," Mohan said in court on Wednesday. A GoFundMe has been set up for Monteiro's family to assist with funeral costs. 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. Groom has been charged with murder, assault and battery on a pregnant victim, assault and battery on a family or household member and aggravated witness intimidation in connection with Monteiro's killing, 10 WJAR, The Herald News and WCVB reported, citing authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his arraignment, Groom pleaded not guilty to the charges, per The Herald News, WCVB and 7 News. 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 MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man and a pregnant woman are now wanted by Memphis Police after they say they assaulted and robbed a man in the airport area last week. On August 14, officers say they responded to the 3400 block of Lamar Avenue regarding a robbery call. The victim told police he was robbed and assaulted by a man and a woman who were driving in a dark-colored sedan, possibly a Chevrolet Malibu, with unknown tags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says the suspects took his wallet with cash and debit cards inside before leaving the scene in the dark-colored vehicle. Police say the man sustained face and head injuries during the assault. According to police, the first suspect is described as a tall, thin-built man with a low beard, wearing an orange-colored shirt, blue jean pants, and gray shoes. Officers say the woman is described as wearing a red wig, a purple dress, and white shoes. They say she appears to be pregnant. If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Its not everyday a princess gets kicked out of college. But thats the predicament Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, who has been studying at Harvard, was facing. President Trump issued a ban on foreign nationals studying at the university in June, putting her studies in jeopardy. Will Princess Elisabeth of Belgium remain at Harvard after Donald Trumps foreign student ban? Photo Credit: Andrew Harnik via Getty Images Thankfully, everything seems to have been ironed out. According to Belgian royal journalist Wim Dehandschutter, Princess Elisabeth, 23, will be allowed to return to Harvard in the fall. Elisabeth, who is first in line to the throne, began her post-graduate studies at the prestigious uni last year. She is half-way through her Masters degree in public policy. She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and politics from Oxfords Lincoln College. However, the future monarchs studies at Harvard were thrown into uncertainty when Trump issued a ban on foreign nationals entering the U.S. to study at Harvard. Who knew intellectuals pose such a risk to the nations security? Following the directive, Dehandschutter noted that Elisabeth declined any special treatment during the debacle. We love a humble (future) queen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, she didnt need any favours, anyway. Trumps ban was blocked by a federal judge at the end of June. Speaking to HELLO! earlier this week, Dehandschutter said, There are no concrete reasons why she would not be able to return to Harvard in September. The Belgian royal family is yet to make an official statement on the topic. Theorizing on why that could be, Dehandschutter added: I think the royal palace is keeping communication understated because they dont want to create a fuss or scandal. I suspect they dont want to create tensions with the U.S. The ban on foreign studies was a decision of President Trump, a head of state like King Philippe and therefore a colleague.' Trumps treatment of immigrants has been thrown under the spotlight again in recent months. There has even been talk of a reality show in which hopeful foreigners compete for citizenship. TELL US DO YOU THINK TRUMPS PROPOSED BAN WAS A GOOD IDEA? The post Will President Donald Trumps Foreign Student Ban Affect Princess Elisabeth of Belgium at Harvard? appeared first on Reality Tea. After former President Donald Trump said he wanted to try to get to heaven, if possible as hes been working to broker the peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, one Catholic priest took up the challenge of explaining what that actually requires of Christians. Jesuit priest James Martin responded in a letter published in America Magazine, addressing the president directly. He began by echoing Trumps hopes for the afterlife. I can understand how working toward peace would awaken within you the desire to continue to do good and also turn your thoughts to heaven, he wrote. The desire for heaven is a universal human longing for union with God. Then, Martin, who also serves as editor-at-large of America magazine, continued with a question: So where does one go from here? How do any of us get to heaven? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drawing from Matthew 25, he reminded Trump that Jesus identifies himself with the least the poor, the hungry, the sick, the stranger and the imprisoned, and that caring for them is by extension what it means to care for Jesus. Those who are hungry and thirsty are legion in our country. How are you caring for them? Martin wrote. President Trump says that he want to enter heaven. As a Catholic priest, I take that seriously. So how does one enter into the reign of God? Jesus has some clear answers in the Gospels. https://t.co/tkbEsrieIV James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) August 21, 2025 Trump, speaking Tuesday morning in a Fox & Friends interview, said he hoped his efforts to broker peace in Ukraine might bolster his chances to enter heaven. I want to try and get to heaven, if possible, he said. Im hearing Im not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons. The interview came on the heels of the buzzed-about summit in Alaska, where Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the conditions for ending the war in Ukraine. If I can save 7,000 people a week from getting killed, thats pretty good, Trump also said to the hosts. Trump has made comments about the afterlife in the past, according to Time. I dont believe in reincarnation, heaven or hell but we go someplace, Trump said in an interview in 1990, according to BuzzFeed News as cited by Time. In 2016, he told a group of 700 evangelical pastors in Florida that winning the presidential bid is one way he hopes to secure his entry into heaven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So go out and spread the word and once I get in, I will do my thing that I do very well. And I figure its probably maybe the only way Im going to get to heaven, he said in 2016. So I better do a good job. Then there was the time after the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, when Trump invoked his aspirations for the afterlife, according to Time. If Im good, Im going to heaven. And if Im bad, Im going someplace else, he told Fox News. When press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked in a press briefing if Trumps comment about getting to heaven was a joke or if there was a spiritual motivation behind his peace efforts. 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. In his letter, Martin noted that the definition of neighbor from the parable of the Good Samaritan also includes the poor and hungry abroad. The untreated sick are still in our hospitals and on our city streets as well as in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and in the developing world. Are we helping them? he asked. In the modern context, the neighbors are also the migrants and the refugees, Martin said. Martin invoked the presidents office to effect change thats consistent with Christian values. Remember: Caring for them is caring for Jesus. Many of us struggle with how to do this, but as president, its in your power to cut off aid or increase aid to precisely these people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin also underscored that in the Christian worldview, there is no room for revenge, bitterness or hatred, even toward enemies. Instead, Christianity invites forgiveness and that begins, as it does with all of us, in our own lives. Martin cited the words of Pope Paul VI: If you want peace, work for justice. He concluded with a call to action: Getting to heaven requires both grace and good works. Youve got to walk the walk. That means walking beside those who are poor, sick, naked, hungry, strangers, or in any way struggling. Im trying to do the same thing, imperfectly. Donald Trump has ruled out US boots on the ground in Ukraine as part of security guarantees. However, the administration has said that the US could provide air cover in the future. One top official said a price hike on the sale of US weapons to Europe could finance this support. The Trump administration is selling weapons to European countries for an added profit. A top official has suggested that the money could finance American air cover for Ukraine as part of future security guarantees. "Right now, we are selling arms to the Europeans, who are then selling them on to the Ukrainians," Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump "is taking a 10% markup on the arms, so maybe that 10% will cover the cost of the air cover," he said. Ukraine is pushing hard for security guarantees from NATO militaries to deter future Russian invasions as part of ongoing peace talks. Some European countries appear to be willing to contribute ground forces to the potential mission. Moscow has voiced its opposition to this. The Trump administration has ruled out the possibility of deploying US troops on the ground in Ukraine, but officials say Washington could contribute by providing air or satellite support. The details, however, are unclear and could range from fighter jet patrols to drone surveillance. "When it comes to security, they're willing to put people on the ground," Trump told Fox & Friends on Tuesday, adding that "we're willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you talk about by air, because nobody has the kind of stuff we have." Ukrainian soldiers of 47th Mechanized Brigade drives on M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle on the Avdiivka direction in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images The White House didn't elaborate on what specifically that could mean, but said that the president has a range of options on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days into the war, Ukraine pushed for NATO to create a "no-fly zone" over the country, but that request was rejected, as such a mission would dramatically increase the risks of Western and Russian aircraft engaging one another in combat, raising the risk of a broader conflict. A peacetime air policing mission, however, would carry less risk. NATO aircraft routinely fly surveillance and air policing missions in Eastern Europe, frequently near the Ukrainian border, in an effort to keep tabs on Russian activity. These include fighter jets and spy planes. Patrols over Ukraine, however, would be new. It remains unclear if the US would be willing to provide that kind of support and what level of risk it would tolerate. Air support might also mean added air defense. Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte agreed to a new arrangement in July that shifted the cost of arming Ukraine onto European allies, with NATO coordinating US weapons deliveries paid for by Europe and allies also buying American arms directly to send to Kyiv. Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have financed three packages of military equipment and munitions each valued around $500 million for Ukraine. The 10% markup that Bessent disclosed appears to be from these weapons sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details of what has been included in the weapons sales are limited. NATO said they "are designed to meet Ukraine's most urgent operational requirements with equipment and munitions sourced from US stockpiles." Germany has acknowledged sending Kyiv advanced Patriot air defense systems. NATO's E-3 Sentry, or "eyes in the sky," as one crew member described the aircraft. US Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aidan Martinez The Trump administration has made ending the war in Ukraine that began in February 2022 with Russia's full-scale invasion a top foreign policy objective. The president, however, has acknowledged that doing so is proving to be a difficult task. "I've ended six wars, and I thought this, maybe, would be the easiest one. And it's not the easiest one. It's a tough one. A lot of reasons for it," Trump, flanked by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, told reporters on Monday. The past week has featured a flurry of high-stakes diplomatic activity aimed at reaching a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska for a summit on Friday before welcoming Zelenskyy and top European leaders to the White House on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said after the meeting that they discussed security guarantees and how European states could provide those with US "coordination." The US president also said he is trying to arrange a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy; however, their respective positions on the terms of a ceasefire or peace deal remain far apart. And so the fighting continues. Russia on Wednesday night carried out its largest attack against Ukraine this month, launching over 600 missiles and drones. "The Russians carried out this attack as if nothing has changed at all, as if there are no global efforts to stop this war," Zelenskyy said on Thursday. "There is still no signal from Moscow that they truly intend to engage in substantive negotiations and end this war." Read the original article on Business Insider UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (DC News Now) Recruits in the Prince Georges County Police Department were conducting mock traffic stops on Thursday morning with residents as part of the Before the Badge event. Lt. Nicole McGowen with the department said the goal of the police practice session was to show how they do a traffic stop, so citizens will learn what to do when they are pulled over by police officers. Prince Georges County Public School leaders set to use new bus tracker app Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who wants to learn how to go through a traffic stop and see what steps they go through when they get pulled over by the police and how to handle a traffic stop, they can practice it here so they actually know what to do when they get pulled over, McGowen said. The community event took place at the Riverdale Baptist School parking lot, where officers spent the morning pulling over vehicles in a large parking lot to demonstrate the scenario to curious residents. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As proud graduates of the University of Central Oklahoma and former staff members of The Vista we are deeply concerned about the administrations recent directive to stop printing the student newspaper. The stated justification efficiency and reducing expenses does not hold up under scrutiny. Printing The Vista for an entire year costs only $12,000. In the context of UCOs overall budget, that amount is a gnats eyelash. Whats more, if the goal truly is to save money, that problem has already been solved. We as the main funders of the Dennie Hall Endowment funded by supporters of UCO have agreed to cover printing costs for the next year. That was denied. So why eliminate print? If saving $12,000 is not the real reason, then we have a much bigger problem. This decision also ignores The Vistas legacy. It is the oldest college newspaper in Oklahoma, stretching back before statehood in 1903. Over the decades, it has won national awards for excellence and for keeping people informed in a fair and balanced way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For generations, The Vistahas been a vital training ground for student journalists. Under the wise guidance of longtime adviser Dennie Hall, we learned the importance of reporting the truth fully, fairly and without bending the news to suit the powerful. If the administration wants only good news on campus, the solution is simple: Do good things, and good news will be reported. Opinion: Student outcomes be darned. University of Central Oklahoma scrapping print edition The University of Central Oklahoma's Old North is pictured Feb. 16, 2021, in the snow at night in Edmond. Alumni say the university's decision to end print publication of the student newspaper does not look like fiscal responsibility or visionary leadership. It looks like an effort to control the narrative and punish truth-tellers. We are further troubled by the claim that all newspapers are going digital. That is simply not accurate. Many respected college and community newspapers continue to produce print editions. UCO already has a digital presence, yet stories from The Vista are posted on the UCentral website without proper branding, and months often pass without an update. Eliminating print does not expand student voices it silences them. In the end, this decision does not look like fiscal responsibility or visionary leadership. It looks like an effort to control the narrative and punish those who dare report truths that some in the administration might prefer remain hidden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vista deserves better. And so do UCOs students. Jim Epperson, retired president of AT&T in Oklahoma and Texas Bob Ray, retired media relations director for the Illinois Education Association Jim Epperson is a UCO alum and retired president of AT&T in Oklahoma and Texas. Bob Ray is a UCO alum and retired media relations director for the Illinois Education Association. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: UCO stopping printing of The Vista hurts students | Opinion On Wednesday, the Colorado Springs Police Department asked for the communities assistance in finding a missing, at-risk, 49-year-old woman. Wanda Davenport was last seen on Aug. 14 in the 3700 block of Marion Drive, near the intersection of North Academy Boulevard and Palmer Park Boulevard. Davenport is about 5-foot-6 and is a thin, Black female with short, buzzed blonde hair. If you have seen or know of Davenport's whereabouts, call CSPD at (719) 444-7000. CHICAGO (WGN) As city leaders fight to fill a budget deficit at Chicago Public Schools, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker warns that the state cant step in to assist. The update comes amid a push to shore up Chicago Public Schools finances, with attention shifting to Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson. This is really about our long-term sustainability, Johnson said. Theres $1.6 billion that the state of Illinois rightfully needs to ensure that the people of Chicago receive those dollars. LATEST FROM WGNS TAHMAN BRADLEY: Split school board debates borrowing to close CPS budget deficit More and more city leaders have taken up Johnsons message, and the Chicago Teachers Union has adopted it as a rally cry. But Pritzker, who has signed multiple budgets boosting K-12 funding, insists that right now, theres no extra money available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What CTU and the mayor are talking about, which is providing another billion, another billion-six for Chicago Public Schools, thats just not gonna happen, Pritzker said. Its not because we shouldnt, we should. We should try to find the money, but we dont have those resources today. The governor says the money is not there, in part due to the federal government. We are all having to deal with the onslaught of President Donald Trump on education in this country, Pritzker said. Facing a $734 million CPS budget deficit this year and the prospects of being short $1 billion in two years, Johnson says any amount will do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres whats interesting: If the state of Illinois would offer up 12 percent of what they owe we would have a surplus right now, Johnson said. So again, this is not just about balancing this budget and making sure high-quality education exists, its about really setting ourselves up for posterity. SEE ALSO: Chicago Public Schools students head back to school as district faces $734M budget deficit In addition to staffing cuts, the proposed CPS budget relies on $379 million from the citys TIF fund. But behind the scenes, the mayor and a majority of school board members want to borrow money. I am offering up not just a short-term element; this is about the long-term vitality of our school district, and I know there are people in Springfield who understand the value of investing in the school district that is made up of working families and black and brown families, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although he says hed like to help, Pritzker made it clear Wednesday that there wont be massive new education funding coming out of the fall veto session. CTU responds: Our children cant wait Wednesday evening, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates issued a statement regarding Pritzkers statement that theres no money for schools in the October session. Logic would tell you that if the Republican despot in the White House is defunding public education, then a state with a Democratic supermajority should take the opposite approach by fully funding schools in its largest district. There was no delay in giving $10 billion in tax breaks to the wealthiest businesses and individuals in our state, so why do Black and Brown children have to wait? Why do students at Carver Elementary have to go without their flag football team? Why are educators being told to conserve toilet tissue and paper towels? Why does everyone have to subsidize the foot-dragging of our governor and Democratic General Assembly? But to address our governor directly: There was extra money before you failed to recoup it from some of the richest people in Illinois. So help us Trump-proof our state and fund valuable public services like transportation, education, and healthcare. And since the governor recognizes that more needs to be done, and he and the General Assembly are already nearly $2 billion behind in what they owe Chicagos students and families, lets start doing more right now. Tax the rich and fund our schools. Our children cant wait. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. NEW YORK (AP) A coalition of more than 30 privacy and civil rights groups called on U.S. universities Thursday to dismantle campus surveillance and data collection, to protect student protesters and others from government retaliation. The demands, issued in a letter sent to leaders of 60 major universities and colleges, come as President Donald Trump has pressed schools to crack down on alleged antisemitism and take a harder line on demonstrations. But the groups said it is essential that universities resist that pressure, including threats to millions of dollars in federal research grants, to preserve the academic freedom and rights to expression of their students, faculty and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are open-eyed to the financial pressure that all campuses are under, said Golnaz Fakhimi, legal director for Muslim Advocates, a civil rights group that has counseled students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests and which joined in signing the letter. But we think this is the moment for all campuses to hunker down and hold the line against government interference. In their letter, the groups called on university leaders to refuse to cooperate with law enforcement agencies seeking to surveil, detain or deport students, and demanded they do more to secure and delete sensitive data. The letter also asked that schools reject restrictions on masks worn by some student protesters to conceal their identities, work to prevent doxxing and dismantle campus surveillance systems. Without immediate action, surveillance tools and the data they amass will be used to supercharge the virulent attacks on campus communities, says the letter, coordinated by the group Fight for the Future. It was signed by 32 groups, including Amnesty International USA, the Electronic Privacy Information Center and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. Several colleges introduced new security measures and protest guidelines following a wave of pro-Palestinian campus protests in spring 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter was sent to leaders of 60 schools, including Yale, the University of Michigan and Columbia, which last month agreed in a deal with the Trump administration to pay more than $220 million to restore federal research money that was canceled in the name of combating antisemitism on campus. Surveillance does not make a university safer, said Will Owen of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, which also signed the letter. It chills free speech, endangers students who speak out against injustice and its really essential for campuses to protect their communities from the threat. ___ In the Sierra Nevada, private lands used for logging are more likely to experience high-severity fire that devastates forest ecosystems compared to public lands like National Forests. Its a fact thats been known for years but what exactly causes this discrepancy has remained elusive. Consequently, the factoid has served as fuel for the longstanding California debate of who is to blame for our wildfire problem? while providing little insight for forest managers hoping to address it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new study published Wednesday finally offered some answers. By studying detailed data around Plumas National Forest north of Tahoe both before and after a series of devastating wildfires burned 70% of the land in just three years, researchers identified the common practices responsible for increased severity. They found that when a fire ripped through, private timber lands were about 9% more likely than public lands to burn with such intensity that virtually no trees survived. When the scientists looked at what prefire forest characteristics resulted in severe fire, they found that dense groups of evenly spaced trees were largely to blame. Its the exact kind of forests timber companies often plant to intentionally harvest a few decades down the road. It allows the fire to essentially gain a bunch of momentum and start exhibiting much more extreme fire behavior than if it's encountering road blocks every once in a while: open areas or meadows or areas with really big and more resilient trees, said Jacob Levine, postdoctoral fellow at the University of Utah and lead author on the study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Californias forests are adapted for frequent, low-intensity fires that clear out the forest floors and promote regeneration, high-intensity flames can decimate ecosystems so much so that they may never recover. Although the study focused on one forest in Northern California, it has implications across the Western U.S., where this kind of plantation-style logging is common. The conditions in Plumas National Forest, I'd call them very typical for at least Oregon, Washington and California, said Scott Stephens, UC Berkeley professor of fire science and co-author on the study. These are places that are more productive, they have more precipitation, they grow trees faster. Read more: In high-tech race to detect fires early, O.C. bets on volunteers with binoculars Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the scientists, the results emphasize just how much work California still must do to address its wildfire problem. They hope the results, instead of vilifying logging companies, can help spur a conversation about what forest managers can do better. If you want to grow timber in the state, contribute to the economy, contribute to home building all those are laudable goals, Stephens said. I think you've got to think about, 'Well, how am I going to do this in the fire environment of today or the future?' And while public lands are less likely to experience severe fire than timber lands with a 57% probability of experiencing high-severity fire, compared to timber lands' 66% government forest managers arent necessarily doing a perfect job either, experts say. While timber companies approaches tend to be too hands-on bulldozing over the natural ecosystem (sometimes literally) the U.S. Forest Service still tends to be too hands-off, experts argue: National Forests are still lagging behind on much-needed prescribed burning and mechanical thinning work (or forest raking as the president likes to call it). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Forest Service allows logging on about a fourth of its land through agreements with private companies (which President Trump aims to significantly increase ), but it has moved away from the practice of planting dense, evenly spaced "pines in lines" plantations. The forest-fire blame game fueled by these differences in approach has gone on for decades. After the 2007 Moonlight fire scorched 65,000 acres, including in Plumas National Forest, both the federal and state governments filed lawsuits against Californias largest timber company, Sierra Pacific Industries, alleging the fire was started by a subcontractor's bulldozer that hit a rock and created a spark. The company initially settled with the federal government while not admitting any wrongdoing, but, through a lengthy legal drama now living on as Sierra Nevada folklore , the companys lawyer petitioned, alleging that the federal government had concealed the fact that its own fire watch lookout was caught away from his post reeking of marijuana and peeing on his feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court ultimately declined to hear the companys appeal, while a lower court eventually ordered Cal Fire to pay out $15 million for fraud and withholding evidence. In recent years, the federal and state governments and private industry have increasingly begun to cooperate on an active management strategy. In 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom created a task force to develop such a plan. It set a goal of practicing active management, primarily through mechanical thinning and intentional fire, on 1 million acres every year. Both the Forest Service and private timber companies are active participants. Stephens and Levine hope their work can help forest managers work smarter, not harder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team analyzed data from planes that used lasers to create a 3-dimensional map of the forest down to individual trees in 2018 before the major fires that burned the majority of the land. They then looked at satellite data taken after each fire measuring the resulting severity of the burns. The team found that the biggest indicator of how severely a fire burned on one plot of land was how severely it burned on plots next door. This made sense to the researchers: Fire is contagious, meaning a high-intensity fire with a lot of energy and momentum is likely to continue at a high intensity. This can also create a spillover effect. Areas susceptible to high-severity fires, like private timber lands, can lead to high-severity fire in surrounding better-managed areas as well, typically up to a little over a mile away. The second most important factors were how tightly-packed the trees were and how hot, dry and windy the weather was on the day of the fire. The effects also compounded: The worse the weather, the more forest density served as a predictor for fire severity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team also found that ladder fuels between the low-lying ground vegetation and the canopies of trees which can help a fire climb high into the canopy contributed to fire severity. Clustered trees and open spaces in the canopy, meanwhile, resulted in less severe fire. Read more: California's wildfire moonshot: How new technology will defeat advancing flames Tree density, the most significant indicator related to forest management, is fundamental to timbers business: It allows companies to produce more wood on the same amount of land. But Levine still sees a way forward. Moving away from plantation-style logging by planting trees in irregular, clustered patterns and staggering planting over years to create a forest with different-aged trees can make sure tree crowns arent all perfectly aligned for a fire to rip right through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous research from Stephens has repeatedly shown that mechanical thinning and prescribed burns are incredibly effective at reducing high-severity fire risk while also improving forest health and preserving biodiversity. (Notably, the researchers couldnt explore the effects of ground vegetation in this new study, since the laser data struggled to detect it.) There are already several examples of timber companies that have moved away from plantation-style logging in favor of more natural, fire-resistant forests. And, while these practices can be more expensive in the short term, Levine is still optimistic they can gain traction as research increasingly shows their effectiveness. Timber companies are also invested in their forest not burning down, he said. That's bad for business, too if you plant the plantation and then 30 years later, before it gets to the size that it becomes profitable, it goes up in flames. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A group of pro-Palestinian protesters ended a town hall from Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) early over his support for Israel. Speaking to a crowd of constituents at Rogue Community College in Grants Pass Monday night, Wyden was criticized for his recent vote against a Senate bill that would have blocked U.S. weapons sales to Israel. Related: This Is Socialism: Right-Wing Host Short-Circuits Over Trumps Terrible New Move Wyden said he voted no because I believe that there is a right for Israel to defend itself, Philomath News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response was reportedly met with boos. Wyden also called the situation in Gaza in which more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, according to the Gaza Health Ministry horrifying. [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu has been much more interested in his preservation than the preservation of the Israeli nation, and I think thats a big part of the problem, Wyden added. Around 20 protesters interrupted the event with chants of Free Palestine! and Arms embargo now! Oregon Live reported. Related: CNNs Abby Phillip Hits Scott Jennings With A Painful Truth About His Critics Videos of the event show protesters interrupting Wyden to call on him to cut financial ties to pro-Israel lobbying groups that have donated to his campaigns, and to support an arms embargo against Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont want peace if you send bombs! one protester shouted during the town hall. Wyden was eventually escorted out from the event and said he plans to reschedule. Hank Stern, a spokesperson for Wyden, told Oregon Live that attendees have every opportunity to exercise their First Amendment rights and ask him any question. Unfortunately, a small group of people did not allow that to happen on Monday, he added. Related: Trump Has A Massive Midnight Meltdown In Flurry Of Social Media Posts Earlier this month, dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters in New York City were arrested after staging a demonstration in the office building of Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Hundreds showed up to stage a sit-in after Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) voted against proposals to block an arms deal with Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jay Saper, an organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace, told HuffPost at the time that blocking the sale would have helped to address the current starvation crisis in Gaza. The only way that can address the starvation crisis is if we stop sending the bombs that Israel is continuing to drop on Gaza, Saper said. More on Politics Ted Cruz Gets Played Off Fox News By Hilariously Loud Background Music Dozens Arrested Protesting New York Democrats Support Of Arming Israel Paul Krugman Warns This Trump Policy Will Hurt More Than People Realize Read the original on HuffPost A bagpipe duo plays as a procession begins for two Tremonton-Garland Police Officers killed in a shooting, in Taylorsville on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (Kyle Dunphey/Utah News Dispatch) Prosecutors will pursue the death penalty against the man accused of shooting and killing two Tremonton-Garland police officers and wounding a third sheriffs deputy and his service dog, according to court documents filed Wednesday that shed new light on the shooting. Ryan Michael Bate, 32, is now facing 20 separate charges for the shooting that rocked the small, northern Utah community of Tremonton Sunday night that includes two counts of aggravated murder for the deaths of Tremonton-Garland Police Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aggravated murder is a capital offense in Utah, allowing Box Elder County prosecutors to pursue the death penalty. On Wednesday, they announced their intent to put Bate on death row if he is convicted. In addition to the aggravated murder counts, Bate is facing a lengthy list of 18 other charges. They include: Four counts of attempted aggravated murder, a first-degree felony Endangering a police service canine, a third-degree felony Three counts of possession of an incendiary device, a second-degree felony Two counts of possession of a dangerous weapon with criminal intent, a class A misdemeanor Three counts of assault (domestic violence with a prior), a class A misdemeanor Unlawful detention, a class A misdemeanor Threat of violence, a class A misdemeanor Three counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, a class B misdemeanor SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an indictment filed in 1st District Court in Box Elder County, Bate got into an argument with his wife Sunday prosecutors say he headbutted her, then slammed her head with a door before grabbing her throat and pushing her against a wall. Prosecutors also say Bate held his wife down on their bed, threatening to kill her as she tried to calm him down. Three children were present during the attack, court documents allege. Bates wife was eventually able to call 911, but hung up in an effort to summon law enforcement. One of the officers arrived its unclear in court documents whether it was Estrada or Sorensen and spoke to the wife, who assured there was no physical violence, the charges read. As the officer was driving away, prosecutors say Bate grabbed a rifle and shot at the police vehicle. The officer parked his car and called for backup, according to court documents, as the wife ran down the street yelling that Bate had a gun. As the officer went to cross the street and help the woman, Bate fired another shot, killing the officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after, the second officer arrived on scene to find his colleague laying in the road, the charging documents state. As he rushed over to provide aid, Bate fired another shot, killing the second officer. Tremonton-Garland police officer Eric Estrada and Sgt. Lee Sorensen. (Courtesy of Utah Department of Public Safety) Mike Allred, a Box Elder County sheriffs deputy, then arrived on scene as he pulled up, Bate fired two more shots which barely missed Allred but still caused him injuries. Allreds police service dog was also struck. Allred and his dog, Azula, have both since returned home and are recovering. After killing the second officer, one of Bates neighbors who drove a car that looked like an unmarked police vehicle, passed by the house, and prosecutors say Bate fired another shot at the neighbor, hitting their car, before they were able to flee. Bate then approached the two fallen officers with a revolver and rifle in hand, as he continued to look around for other targets, according to court documents, before he was subdued and taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a search of the home, officers located three Molotov cocktails, the indictment reads. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, during his PBS Utah news conference on Thursday, told reporters that he supports prosecutors pursuing the death penalty, and that its very appropriate in this case. Bate had been charged with similar domestic violence-related crimes before, including charges last year where prosecutors say he strangled an unnamed victim. Those charges were later dropped when the victim declined to testify, according to KSL-TV. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CUMBERLAND When City Councilman Eugene Frazier said he wanted a proposed ordinance to be tabled for a couple more weeks, he received vague and conflicting responses on whether that could happen. Frazier took the stance Tuesday at a public work session where he said a vote on the law which deals with permits for events and parades including marches should be postponed so that city officials could collect and consider public input. At that time, Cumberland Administrator Jeff Silka said procedurally, the proposed law couldnt be tabled for x amount of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Cumberland Solicitor Michael Cohen said the city has a more relaxed way of conducting business. We fly pretty loose on Roberts Rules of Order, he said of the parliamentary procedure followed for several decades by organizations across the U.S. including local governments, nonprofit boards and church groups. Frazier, like a growing number of area residents, said the ordinance threatens free speech and contains unreasonable stipulations including permit fees, insurance costs and penalties for violations. The laws definition of parade includes a march or procession, a special event covers one expected to draw more than 50 people or involve sound amplification, and a small event involves one hosted by a community group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilmen Brian Lepley and Jimmy Furstenberg said the ordinance follows a similar one enacted years ago and doesnt pertain to First Amendment rights. I disagree, Frazier said. Despite Fraziers objections, Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss, Lepley and Furstenberg passed the ordinance. Councilman Rock Cioni was absent from Tuesdays work session and subsequent meeting. Protest held According to the ordinance, permit applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the scheduled date of the event. That requirement would have made a protest against the ordinance held outside City Hall Tuesday moments before the law was passed illegal, many folks said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly a dozen people marched with signs that included, Protect your free speech here, now. Cumberland resident Janet Heavner said the ordinance is a threat to free speech. Ellen McDaniel-Weissler, of LaVale, said the ordinance violates First Amendment rights that were already bought with blood, sweat and tears. The law bows to the city administrators discretion but provides no accountability (and) can be as biased as they want it to be, she said. Frostburg resident Kit Pepper said the law doesnt exclude peaceful protests, which creates a lot of chaos and distrust. We should not have to pay to speak freely and assemble, said Cumberland resident Frank Asher. The ordinance needs to be clearly defined ... I want it revisited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cherry picking Tuesdays protest and city meetings illustrated a disconnect between what the ordinance states versus how city officials said they interpret and will implement the law. Morriss has maintained the ordinance is almost identical to its longstanding predecessor, however, what was passed Tuesday states city staff members recommended changes to every section and the ordinance must be repealed in its entirety and reenacted. While Morriss said he, Lepley and Furstenberg would allow small peaceful protests in the city to happen without violating the ordinance, critics of the document werent satisfied with the mayors verbal promise and insisted language in the law be clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said the mayor, councilmen and administrator could be replaced, which would open the law to new interpretations and enforcement. Ila Steelman, Downtown Development Commission board member and Cumberland business owner, spoke at Tuesdays public meeting against the ordinance. Im looking for clarification, she said of the law that leaves room for cherry picking. Outraged feedback Passage of the ordinance prompted a growing backlash and series of actions. A Change.org petition that asked for the ordinance to be repealed showed nearly 300 signatures Wednesday. The First Amendment guarantees the right of the people to assemble and express their views without undue government interference, it stated. This ordinance creates multiple obstacles that make exercising that right unnecessarily difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A protest is planned for 4 p.m. Thursday at the corner of Baltimore and Mechanic streets in Cumberland. We are receiving a lot of outraged feedback from both sides of the political aisle, McDaniel-Weissler said and added several people contacted the American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations that protect free speech. Some national media was informed about Cumberlands approval of the ordinance, she said. No livestream Cumberland like many other municipalities across the country livestreamed its business meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, most area government bodies continue to livestream their meetings, but Cumberlands mayor and City Council isnt one of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although livestreaming is not a legal requirement, several folks on Tuesday said it shows an organizations willingness to be transparent, allows people who cant physically be at a meeting to follow it, and adds a healthy viewing option for people who want to avoid germs. Local government bodies that livestream public meetings include Frostburg mayor and City Council, Allegany County Board of Commissioners, Garrett County Board of Commissioners, the Allegany County Library System and Allegany County Public Schools. Silka on Wednesday said the city records its public work sessions and meetings. However, anyone who wants to access the recordings must file with the city a request under Marylands Public Information Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tax dollars Cumberland officials regularly use tax dollars to pay for the mayor to talk on WCBC radio a privately-owned business at a rate of $300 per hour. The WCBC website states it features nationally recognized conservative talk show hosts including Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, and Bill OReilly. Silka on Wednesday said the city pays WCBC $150 per 30-minute broadcast for two 30-minute slots per month. During fiscal 2025, the city paid $3,600 to WCBC for the broadcasts. In fiscal 2026, two broadcasts per month are budgeted for a total of 24 sessions, Silka said. Additionally, the city paid for air time for an employee to discuss the Comprehensive Plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An accompanying graphic display, which has since been removed, for the WCBC Dave Norman Show was a posted on the city's website in conjunction with the link for that interview, Silka said. The spot was $125, Silka said and added the radio station livestreamed the citys Comprehensive Plan meeting in July at no cost. Some Cumberland residents said they dont want their tax dollars to pay the radio station. Thats the Good Ole Boys network, Asher said. A London pub chain applying a 4pc service charge to drinks bought at the bar has blamed Rachel Reevess National Insurance raid for the fee. The Telegraph revealed this week that an optional but automatic surcharge had been introduced at the Well & Boot in Waterloo station. It is applied to both food and drink, and adds 30p to the cost of a pint of beer or cider. The Waterloo branch is one of nine pubs in the capital run by Glendola Leisure to do so, with others including The Worlds End in Camden, and The Fox in Shoreditch. The Well & Boots surcharge adds 30p to the price of a pint of beer or cider ordered at the bar Following backlash, bosses have defended the move by claiming they have no choice but to offset the damage caused by the Governments National Insurance raid on employers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chancellor increased the rate of employer National Insurance contributions at her maiden Budget last October, raising the rate from 13.5pc to 15pc. A Glendola spokesman told London Centric: Given recent government increases to employer National Insurance, this system is the most cost-effective way for our staff to receive gratuities. In a challenging climate for hospitality, this helps us look after our teams, and keep delivering great experiences for guests. Joe Rowsell, an employment tax expert at chartered accountants PKF Francis Clark, told London Centric that the service charge would not be subject to National Insurance in the same way as an increase in base pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: Youre almost saying to people, If you come and work for us, youll get a little bit more. The increase in National Insurance contributions made employing staff more expensive, leading the hospitality sector to lose nearly 70,000 jobs between October 2024 and May 2025, according to industry body, UK Hospitality. Licensed venues have faced mounting costs in recent years, and the price of a pint is expected to rise to an average of 5 nationwide, while in London, the 7 pint could become the norm. As of March, the average cost of a pint was 4.80 in the UK, and 6.75 in the capital. Pubs have resorted to new ways to combat rising energy, goods and staff costs in recent years. For a sit-down restaurant meal, a service charge of 12.5pc is often applied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, The Telegraph revealed that Stonegate group, the UKs biggest pub chain, had rolled out dynamic pricing on drinks across some 600 licensed venues that increased prices during busier times. Some restaurants in Londons fine dining scene have also recently rolled out minimum spend requirements for diners of as much as 100 per reservation. A Government spokesman said: Pubs, cafes and restaurants are vital to local communities, thats why were cutting the cost of licensing, helping more pubs, cafes and restaurants offer pavement drinks and al fresco dining, and extending business rates relief for these businesses on top of cutting alcohol duty on draught pints and capping corporation tax. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. When Donald Trump directed Congress to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), he and his allies pushed a long time, right-wing narrative about targeting liberal bias at NPR and PBS. Instead, the Republican rollback of $1.1 billion in CPB funding that had previously been approved by Congress is hurting vulnerable, rural-America communities in red states. On Monday, CPB officially announced it could no longer manage the Next Generation Warning System (NGWS), a federal grant program that helps public broadcasting stations provide alerts about severe weather. CPB administered the NGWS in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, another agency whose funding Trump has sought to slash by the billions. FEMA on its own website touts the crucial role of broadcasting networks for emergency preparedness. [R]adio and TV stations continue to operate when other means of alerting the public are unavailable, the site says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NPRs larger stations in cities like New York and D.C. will be less impacted than rural communities which rely on public broadcasting for everything from keeping abreast on local government meetings to public safety alerts. Much like the effects of Trumps deep cuts to Medicaid funding on rural hospitals, defunding CPB is expected to disproportionately impact the very people the president purports to represent. This is one more example of rescission consequences impacting local public media stations and the communities they serve in this case, weakening the capacity of local public media stations to support the safety and preparedness of their communities, said Patricia Harrison, CPB President and CEO, in the press release about ending the warning system. If FEMA doesnt assume responsibility, already-approved funds from fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024 will go undistributed, the release continues. As a result, critical emergency alerting equipment will not be purchased, leaving communities, especially those in rural and disaster-prone areas, without the upgrades Congress intended. Democrats are highlighting this dangerous situation in a new radio campaign rolling out in North Carolina, Maine, Texas, Ohio, Iowa, and Alaska. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committees ad warns listeners that their station might soon cease to exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month in DC, Republican Senators cut radio funding, voting to end weather alerts, community news, and our way to stay connected, the ad says. Rural America relies on radio. But Republican politicians left us behind. Dispatches from rural radio directors and managers across the country are issuing similar warnings. KSDP, a tiny public radio station in a remote region of Alaska relies on CPB funding for 70% of its budget. The loss of federal funding is truly seismic for us, Austin Roof, KSDP general manager and a reporter, told The Guardian. KUCB, another Alaska station whose on-air reporters recently worked to warn listeners in the Aleutian Islands about a potential tsunami, gets 40% of its budget from CPB. This is not just an assault on the free press; its an assault on public safety, especially in rural areas like Unalaska, a KUCB post about the federal cuts said. According to an analysis by Alex Curly, a former product manager for NPRs Public Radio Satellite System, in his blog Semipublic, seven of the top 10 most at-risk stations are in red states based on the stations fiscal 2023 budgets. Four of those stations are in Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To put it another way, CPB funds just over 1,200 total radio stations. Of that number, 251 stations are located in parts of America that are considered rural. Katherine Maher, president and CEO of NPR, has estimated that up to 80 stations could close within the next year. Thats 6.6% of all of the radio stations that CPB funds. Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME) publicly opposed the CPB funding cut and were the only two Republican senators who did not vote for the recissions package, which also rescinded funding for foreign aid. And NPR stations arent the only ones being hit. Allegheny Mountain Radio in West Virginia serves a mountainous region where radio, phone and internet signal is hard to come by. Its not an NPR station, but receives most of its funding from CPB. Danny Cardwell, a station coordinator and reporter there, told NPR Trumps defunding of public media is an extension of the presidents war on data. These stations and all the institutions that produce data and information, those are the institutions that are under attack, Cardwell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, a series of cuts either proposed or enacted by Trump to CPB, FEMA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association are creating the perfect storm for less efficient public safety weather alerts amid a more dangerous storm season, officials told the New York Times in May. In June, the Heritage Foundation published a blog post supporting Trumps cuts to public broadcasting and proposed a fix to the problem. The conservative think tank acknowledged NPRs fundamental role in helping the federal government disseminate information about emergencies but said those responsibilities should instead be assigned to NOAA. Trump, according to his 2026 budget proposal, wants to reduce NOAAs budget by more than $1.5 billion. American Baptist College named religious publishing executive Rev. Derrick Jackson as its 11th president, transitioning Jackson into a permanent role after the historic Nashville institution appointed him interim head in July. Jackson succeeds Forrest Harris, Sr., who retired after 26 years at the institution widely known for its legacy within the Civil Rights movement. The college is trying to preserve its faith-based, social justice-focused education while meeting market demands to attract nontraditional students and diversify sources of income. Derrick Jackson, executive director of the Sunday School Publishing Board and pastor of First Baptist Church of Gallatin, Tennessee. Jackson's hiring as American Baptist College president succeeds longtime former president Forrest Harris, Sr., who retired from the Nashville HBCU after 26 years. Nashville needs ABC, and so does the country and the world, Jackson said in an Aug. 20 news release. Im thankful for the work of our former president, Forrest Harris, and look forward to continuing the momentum around the energy and synergy already in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacksons business acumen was especially appealing to the board, which considered 25 other applicants over recent months. Jackson, also the lead pastor at First Baptist Church in Gallatin, will continue to serve as American Baptist president and as the executive director for the Sunday School Publishing Board. Both American Baptist and the Sunday School Publishing Board are affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, USA, the nations largest Black Protestant denomination. The convention and Sunday School Publishing Board operate out of the Baptist World Center, adjacent to American Baptists campus. NBCUSA president Rev. Boise Kimber, a Connecticut pastor, celebrated Jackson's hiring, saying he is the first person to simultaneously serve as the chief executive for multiple NBCUSA-affiliated entities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a high demand and hes going to make it even higher by bridging the gap between the Sunday School Publishing Board, the convention, and the school," Kimber said in an Aug. 20 interview. "We are sitting in between what is and what is to come." American Baptist is nationally known for its students in the 1960s who helped organize the Nashville Sit-In movement and then became Civil Rights heroes. Those alumni include Rep. John Lewis, Julius Scruggs, Bernard Lafayette, Jim Bevels, William Barbee, and the Revs. Kelly Miller Smith and C.T. Vivian. Bernard Lafeyette, a Civil Rights hero and former American Baptist president, speaks during the American Baptist commencement ceremony at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, May 15, 2025. Enrollment today is about a third of the colleges peak in 2015, according to most recent data published by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. American Baptist is one of Nashvilles four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU), and its designation as an HBCU in 2013 brought in new federal grant funding for the institution. Declining enrollment and less reliance on tuition revenue led Harris administration to seek more grant funding, which helped cover operational expenses but also inspired new partnerships between the college and community organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sunday School Publishing Board has been among the more successful business enterprises within the National Baptist Convention, USA. It organizes an annual conference in Nashville that draws patrons from across the U.S. and who represent different denominations. The NBCUSA has long maintained close ties with the Sunday School Publishing Board, but that same relationship between the convention and American Baptist soured in 2017 following a lawsuit. Kimber took steps following his installation as the NBCUSA's top administrator to begin reconciling the denomination's relationship with American Baptist. Kimber is encouraged more than ever about that endeavor with the news of Jackson's hiring. "He (Jackson) is a great choice for the healing of the school and the conventions relationship," Kimber said. "Hes mild mannered, very smart, very intelligent, very calm, but he knows what to do and how to get the work done." The National Baptist Convention convenes in Kansas City Sept. 7 for its week-long annual session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Baptist deep dive: How American Baptist seeks to preserve its Civil Rights legacy as its president retires Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at ladams@tennessean.com or on social media @liamsadams. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Derrick Jackson named 11th president of American Baptist, a local HBCU CULEBRA, Puerto Rico (AP) When temperatures soar at a public school on the small Puerto Rican island of Culebra, students scatter in search of relief. During a summer program last month, as outdoor temperatures climbed into the upper 80s, Zedrik, a rising third grader, sat in the schoolyard beside a bush not tall enough to shade him entirely from the sun. Kenneth, a ninth grader, took refuge in the library. Nayla, an eighth grader, went to the director's office, where an air conditioner offered limited relief. The school has ceiling fans, but they dont operate at full strength. Other cooling equipment in the school doesn't work because it's been damaged by fluctuations in electrical voltage on an island dealing with an energy crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students and teachers often suffer heat-related illnesses at schools in Puerto Rico, one of many places where extreme heat is disrupting children's education more frequently. Puerto Rico has developed guidelines for moving students to places with ventilation and air conditioning during extreme heat, but in practice, students often have limited options. The U.S. territory in the Caribbean has made slow progress rebuilding school infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017 and earthquakes in 2020. ___ Centro de Periodismo Investigativo in Puerto Rico is collaborating with The Associated Press, Honolulu Civil Beat, CalMatters, and Blue Ridge Public Radio to examine how school communities are recovering from natural disasters. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School facilities in Puerto Rico are neither designed nor prepared to face hotter and more frequent heat waves, according to interviews with school staff and experts, plus data provided by the Department of Education. Heat makes it harder for children to learn Exposure to extreme heat is linked to reduced cognitive function in childhood, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. The smallest children are particularly vulnerable because they sweat less and have faster metabolisms, according to an analysis by the United Nations Childrens Fund, UNICEF. Heat also acts as a psychological stressor, triggering anxiety and reducing memory capacity, said Nellie Zambrana, a school psychologist and professor at the University of Puerto Rico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the afternoon, classes have to be much more strict than in the morning to keep students' attention. Otherwise the class just becomes, Its so hot, mister. It's so hot,' said Jose Quintana, a math teacher who suffered heat exhaustion himself at the school in Culebra, Escuela Ecologica, in 2023. The eastern educational region of Puerto Rico that includes Culebra reported 124 cases of students affected by extreme temperatures in 2024, according to data from the territory's education department. That's in line with a recent study that documented warming temperatures there and elsewhere around the island as a symptom of climate change. Across Puerto Rico, an island of 3.2 million people, there have been over 795 emergency room visits for illnesses related to heat exposure since 2023, and 20% of them were by young people aged 18 or younger, according to the health department. The island government has acknowledged a need for more resilient schools to cope with heat waves, but many schools lack cross-ventilation and have cooling systems that are broken or insufficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students and teachers take a DIY approach to heat relief At Escuela Luis Munoz Marin in Yabucoa, in the island's southeast, the school community held raffles and collected a fee for dressing down on casual days to raise money to buy at least one fan for each classroom. Parents often send children to school with their own battery-powered fans to cope with the heat. Teachers have adapted by holding classes in the library, where there is air conditioning, said Josian Casanova, a history teacher at the high school. Last year, some students felt sick and had to leave because of the heat, he said. It's hard for teachers to focus when it's so hot, Casanova said. Imagine what it's like for students trying to concentrate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the school in Culebra, the inconsistent power has also affected meal preparation. Changes in voltage have damaged equipment, including the ice machine and ceiling fans, said Maria Villanueva, who has worked at the school for five years. The three cafeteria staff members cook meals without a ventilation hood for the stove, and food spoils quickly because of heat and humidity in the storage room. The heat poses challenges for schools on the U.S. mainland as well. Over the last decade, demand for air conditioning at the start of the school year in the U.S. has risen 34%, according to an analysis from Climate Central, a science and communications nonprofit that researches climate change. In 2020, the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimated that 41 % of school districts needed to upgrade or replace their heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Demand for electricity has risen just as the island has been dealing with an energy crisis. Hurricane Maria in 2017 destroyed the islands electrical grid. Since the launch of privatization in 2021, electricity customers on average lose power four times a year for a total of about 13 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The island's government has invested more than $15 million since 2021 in air-conditioning equipment for 14 schools, but there isn't always enough power to run them, especially when demand spikes during afternoons in the summer. Escuela Luis Munoz Marin installed air conditioning units this year, but they don't have enough power to turn them all on, Casanova said. The school has been waiting two years for the government to upgrade the building's power substation. If the power goes, there are no other options, he said. ___ 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. PUEBLO The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Pueblo Police Department and the FBI converged at a funeral home co-owned by Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter and his brother, Chris, on Thursday after State inspectors found several bodies hidden during an annual inspection on Wednesday. Stay with Gazette.com for live updates. 4 p.m. Officials said at an afternoon news conference that they are investigating both Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter, the president of Davis Mortuary, and his brother and mortuary co-owner, Chris Cotter. Neither are under arrest nor have they been told to avoid leaving the state. Brian Cotter has been located and investigators are reaching out to Chris Cotter CBI Director Armando Saldate said the investigation includes whether the Cotters benefited financially from keeping bodies in the funeral home. There were "20 or so" bodies discovered according to Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions and Occupations Director Sam Delp. He said the official number has not been determined yet because the bodies would have had to have been "moved around." Some of the bodies may be as old as 15 years, according to Delp, but the ages had not been investigated at the time of the news conference, which has concluded. 3:45 p.m. Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero has begun speaking at the press conference and said this investigation is "rocking our community" and that it may take days or months to complete. A CBI tip line and victim assistance hotline is 719-257-3359. 3:40 p.m. Saldate expressed his condolences for the victims and described the bodies in the mortuary as "terribly disrespected." He described the investigation as complex and said "it will take some time." Some investigators on the scene, which included the FBI, worked on the Return to Nature Funeral Home case. CBI investigators are executing a search warrant on the premises, and the Colorado State Patrol hazmat team is on the scene, according to Saldate. 3:30 p.m. The press conference led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation about the Cotter brothers and the Davis Mortuary in Pueblo has begun. 1:30 p.m. CBI arrived at the mortuary with a hazard team. At least a dozen CBI vehicles were there, and people were seen putting on gas masks as officers taped off the area. Upon finding finding the bodies, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) has been fully cooperating with the Pueblo Police Department, the state agency said in their statement. 1 p.m. It is unknown who will assume control of the Pueblo County Coroner's Office following the allegations. As the largest office in Colorado, the El Paso County Coroner's Office has historically performed examinations in cases involving a conflict of interest for the Pueblo coroner, according to a statement from Coroner Emily Russell-Kinsley. "The El Paso County Coroner's Office is willing to assist with the current investigation as necessary. Simultaneously, we will remain in our service to the citizens of El Paso County," Russell-Kinsley said in the statement. According to the Pueblo County website, Cotter has spent more than 20 years with the Coroner's Office, and has over 25 years of "death care" experience. His biography on the website states he worked as a mortician, a state death investigator and a diplomat for the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. Background Davis Mortuary, 128 Broadway Ave. in Pueblo, is under summary suspension after inspectors entered the business and noticed a "strong odor of decomposition" and a door hidden by a cardboard display during a mandatory annual inspection Wednesday, according to a statement from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the incident, a spokesperson from the agency confirmed Thursday. After entering the room, inspectors found several bodies in various stages of decomposition. Cotter, 64, allegedly told inspectors that the bodies were awaiting cremation and that some of them had been in the room for about 15 years. He also admitted that he "may" have issued next-of-kin fake cremains, according to the state agency. "Davis Mortuary engaged in willfully dishonest conduct and/or committed negligence in the practice of embalming, funeral director or providing for final disposition that defrauds or causes injury or is likely to defraud or cause injury," the summary suspension document alleges. The summary suspension further states that the funeral home was over capacity in the amount of bodies it could refrigerate. Gazette reporters Grace Brajkovich, Mackenzie Bodell and Nick Smith contributed to this article. Photos of the Pulse Memorial Crosswalk previously and as of Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo from Ryan Anderson's Facebook page with permission) Orlando officials expressed outrage at the overnight erasure of a rainbow-striped crosswalk outside the Pulse Memorial. Critics claim it was removed by the Florida Department of Transportation, who later acknowledged that they were responsible for removing the crosswalk. The Memorial honors the 49 people murdered by a gunman at the Pulse LGBTQ nightclub in 2016, in what was the largest mass shooting in the country at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are devastated to learn that overnight the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer wrote on X. But we know that while this crosswalk has been removed, Orlandos commitment to honoring the 49 can never be erased. In a written statement, Equality Florida called the presumed move by the DeSantis administration a cowardly abuse of power and an extreme escalation in his agenda to erase LGBTQ visibility and censor our history. Orlando Democratic state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith called the decision to remove the crosswalk a disgusting act of betrayal. However, Gov. Ron DeSantis isnt backing down. He responded to Smiths social media posting by simply declaring, We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orlando Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani responded in turn, saying the rainbow crosswalk was never a political statement, and caring about people of all backgrounds is not meant to be a political statement. And, more visible crosswalks help to increase visibility and safety too. But what is political, what is authoritative, and what is disrespectful to the 49 lives murdered and our entire community, is sneaking into the city in the middle of the night to literally erase a rainbow crosswalk that was originally established with FDOT approval!! she added. FDOT released a memo on June 30 requiring that all traffic control devices, including pavement surface markings, to comply with the FDOT Design Manual. It asserted authority to enforce compliance and withhold state funds from any public agency that is found to be in violation of the established standards for traffic control devices on public roadways. That directive followed a state law passed in the 2025 session (SB 1662) that bans asphalt art of any kind in streets, intersections, crosswalks, and roadside sidewalks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government has released similar directives. On July 1, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to all 50 states about roadway safety that stressed consistent roadway markings that are free from distractions. He posted on X, Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks. Political banners have no place on public roads. Im reminding recipients of @USDOT roadway funding that its limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. Its that simple. The Orlando City Council recently approved the hiring of a construction company to design and build a permanent Pulse memorial over the next couple of years, Central Florida Public Media reported. Saying that they refused to be erased, Equality Florida called upon everyone in Orlando to show up for a peaceful gathering at the Pulse Memorial at 6:00 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After this story was published, the Florida Department of Transportation did respond to our request for comment. Last week, local governments not in compliance for local roads began receiving notifications to bring their roadways up to state standards to ensure locals govern themselves accordingly, wrote FDOT communications director Michael Williams in an email. In addition to ensuring all local governments comply, FDOT completed a review of all state-maintained roadways and is now correcting pavement markings not in compliance. That includes street art previously installed on state right of way, such as the intersection of Orange Avenue in question. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE THANKS TO PRESIDENT TRUMPS ALASKA SUMMIT with Vladimir Putin and the subsequent Washington meetings with Volodymyr Zelensky and a host of European leaders, theres a lot of talk going around about a peace deal between Russia and Ukraineeven though the prospects of the two sides agreeing to anything are no different now from a month ago. The largest obstacle to peace remains the president of the Russian Federation. Theres always someone in Washington or Brussels who believes Putin might hold to a deal; that if he receives the right offer or off ramp or the right concessions, or if he hears the right words, he might be accommodated and agree to a responsible peace. This is a dangerous illusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has shown the world again and again that his word is worthless. He breaks treaties, violates borders, murders opponents, and weaponizes everything from cyberspace to natural gas. To trust him in any negotiation is to play poker with a man who cheats even when hes winning. To those who have dealt with him, his government, or even his lower-ranking military commanders, this is obvious. When I was in command of U.S. Army Europe, I dealt with his generals and many of his civilian officials. They would regularly agree to somethingeven small things that didnt seem to me worth dickering aboutuntil they said no and attempted to change the deal, usually during execution. It was as if their only goal was to make our lives more complicated and difficult. Were doing news differently. Were creating a pro-democracy community based on good faith. Join us. Those officials had that in common with their colleagues throughout the Russian government. I received daily intelligence summaries detailing the breadth of Russian malign activity across the continent. Those reports catalogued a staggering range of hostile, covert acts designed to disrupt, damage, and at times destroy those who opposed Putin. Some, but not all, of what was in those reports has since emerged in the news. But even the open-source recordsthe things the entire world sees and knowsshould be enough to remove any doubt today about Putins nefarious and malign activities. That some people still find ways to excuse them is beyond comprehension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I first noticed Putins turn against the United States and our allies in 2006, not long before he announced his open hostility. Reviewing the list of provocations, acts of aggression, international crimes, lies, deceits, and abuses Putin has committed since then is staggering. In the intelligence community, these are known as trendsand they are rarely this clear. In 2006, in London, Alexander Litvinenko, a defector from the FSB, was poisoned with the radioactive isotope polonium-210 in a hotel bar. A British inquiry concluded that Putin probably approved the murder. It was more than an assassinationit was a radioactive calling card. After the government of Estonia chose to relocate a Soviet war memorial in 2007, the country was paralyzed by weeks of increasingly damaging cyberattacks, all traced back to Russia. First, government ministries were frozen, then banks, followed by media outlets, and then infrastructureeven traffic lights went dark. The actions were traced to Moscow, and the story indicated Russia had discovered the effectiveness of a new weapon: digital siege warfare. This was less than eight years after the Russian government, in which Putin was then prime minister, reaffirmed the sovereignty and independence of its neighbors in the Charter for European Security. The following year, I was in northern Iraq leading a division in combat operations, with an attached Georgian battalion under my command. One day, I received a call to get the Georgian soldiers on a plane back to Tbilisi as soon as possible. Russian tanks were pouring into the northern Georgian province of South Ossetia, and another province, Abkhazia, was also under attack. Nearly two decades later, Russian troops remain in possession of a fifth of Georgian territoryone of the frozen conflicts in Europe. Russian malign influence controls the rest of Georgia through the influence of the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili and his authoritarian Georgian Dream party. Georgia, like Estonia, is one of the countries whose independence and inviolability Russia had promised to respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next five and a half years were relatively uneventful, not because Putin had been satiated by biting off little bits of Georgia, but because he was retooling and modernizing his military for much more ambitious efforts. In 2014, Russias little green men seized Crimea. A sham referendum, overwhelmingly condemned by the United Nations, amputated the peninsula from Ukraine and grafted it onto Russia. Similar Russian-backed civilian forces started a revolt in the Donbas, followed soon by Russian special forces and then regular troops. In the early days of that takeover, a Buk missile shot down the civilian airliner MH17, killing 298 civilians. Moscow lied, obfuscated, and denied, but evidence eventually showed Russians forces to have committed the crime. Again, this was in direct violation of Putins promises: The Russian-Ukrainian Friendship Treaty had come into effect and was renewed under Putins presidency. In the summer of 2014, Putins government agreed to the Minsk I agreementa ceasefire that they used just to amass more forces and renew the attack in violation of the agreement. He later blamed Ukraine for the collapse of the agreement and declared that the peace deal no longer existed. Share Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in 2014, Russian agents blew up ammunition depots in Vrbetice, Czech Republic, killing two people. Only years after the fact, in 2021, did Czech authorities complete an investigation that revealed deadly Russian sabotage on NATO soil. In 2015, as Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad was on the brink of being deposed four years into Syrias civil war, Putin ordered his military to intervene to save him. The campaign featured what have since become hallmarks of Russian military operations: deliberate targeting of hospitals, indiscriminate bombing of civilians, and dissimulation about who the enemy really was, as the Russian government claimed to be fighting ISIS but spent much more time fighting non-Islamist and moderate opposition groups or massacring civilians. More cyberattacks followed in 2015 and 2016, as Russian hackers shut down Ukraines power grid. This was the first time in history a cyberattack caused a national blackout. Also in 2015, Russian hackers attacked the German Bundestag. In the United States, GRU officers stole Democratic emails and spread disinformation across social media. Twelve of them were indicted in U.S. courts. Putin shrugged. In Montenegro, Russian operatives plotted a coup to derail the NATO accession process in 2016. The following year, Russian hackers unleashed NotPetyamalware disguised as ransomwarethat spiraled into the most destructive cyberattack ever, crippling global firms and causing billions in damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another chemical attack in 2018, this time in Salisbury in the United Kingdom, two GRU officers deployed Novichok, a military nerve agent, in an attempt to kill Sergei Skripal, another Russian defector. He and his daughter barely survived; a local British woman died. The operatives posed as tourists but reporting later revealed they were decorated Russian intelligence officers. Russia is a signatory of the Chemical Weapons Convention, yet it used a chemical weapon on foreign soil. Russias SVR intelligence agency hacked SolarWinds software updates in 2020, compromising U.S. government agencies and corporations in a massive espionage operation. The scale of this operation was staggering, and it showed Moscow would treat the global digital supply chain as fair game. No Russian transgression was as large, as destructive, or as obvious in its violations of Russias international legal commitments as the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Cities like Mariupol were obliterated, Bucha became a byword for atrocity, and millions of Ukrainians were driven from their homes. The Kremlins mass deportations were so brazen and illegal that the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin himself for the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children. Even as Russian missiles fell on civilians in Ukraine, Moscow meddled elsewhere. Romania annulled its presidential election due to Russian interference. Russian influence in Georgia has effectively suspended democracy in that country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And over the years we also have seen what has happened inside Russia. Journalists like Anna Politkovskaya and opposition leaders like Boris Nemtsov have been gunned down. Alexei Navalny was poisoned, jailed, and ultimately killed in a Siberian penal colony. Othersregional governors, oligarchs, criticshave fallen from balconies, slipped from windows, or died suddenly of heart attacks after crossing the regime. These deaths follow a grim pattern. When truth threatens Putins system, truth-tellers die. Get 30 day free trial THESE EXAMPLES ARE NOT from ancient history. They are part of a continuous pattern stretching from radioactive tea in London to the trenches of Bakhmut. The tactics changecyber one day, assassination the nextbut the strategy does not. Putin wants to destroy NATO and humiliate and weaken the United States. Intimidation, violence, disinformation, and contempt for law are constants of Putins rule. Which is why the notion that Putin can be trusted in any peace deal is a fantasy. President Zelensky knows it, and it was obvious that all the European leaders who came to Washington this week to support him know it as well. Theyve seen it. Every truce with Putin is temporary. Every handshake comes with fingers crossed behind the back. Every concession is pocketed and used to prepare the next aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has changed his methods, but he has never changed his nature, and he never will. The sooner the free world accepts that fact, the better chance we have of defending ourselves, and contributing to the defense of our partner Ukraine. One would think that a man who once owned a casino would know not to allow a known cheater into the house. Share Vladimir Putin gave Donald Trump a strict 15-minute window to make a late-night phone call to the Kremlin after White House peace talks with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Laura Ingraham that after his discussions with Zelensky and a host of European leaders on Monday, Trump wanted to call Putin to organize a meeting with the Ukrainian president. Putin told Trump he was about to go to bed and if he couldnt call him right away he could contact him the next day instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, it was very late in Moscow, Bessent explained on Foxs The Ingraham Angle. President Putin was open to meeting with President Zelensky and as you know President Trump is very persuasive, they had just met. Scott Bessent on The Ingraham Angle. / screen grab Trump had made it clear he was keen to lock in a meeting between Putin and Zelensky after his discussion with European leaders this week on ending Russias war on Ukraine. When asked if Putin was staying up to wait for the call from Trump, Bessent said, Well, the president gave him the option, I could call or send a message and Putin said Well, I will be up for 15 more minutes or you can call tomorrow. And I think Putin wanted the call that night. So that showed he was eager to hear what the president had to say. On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that during his pre-bedtime phone call with Trump, Putin agreed to begin the next phase of the peace processa meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025. / Contributor / Getty Images However, comments from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggest the meeting has yet to be locked in on Putins end. Any contacts involving top officials must be prepared with the utmost care, Lavrov said on Tuesday. We do not refuse any forms of workneither bilateral nor trilateral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Trump said on Truth Social that the meeting between Putin and Zelensky would happen at a location to be determined. The Washington Post suggested the Hungarian capital Budapest could be a possible option. That would be followed by a trilateral meeting of the two presidents joined by Trump. Bessent told The Ingraham Angle that Trump wants to be a peacemaker. He has done six peace deals. He knows how to do this. He went in with a plan, we had a long pre-game in the Oval (Office) beforehand. He had a strategy the whole time, Bessent said. They understand that President Trump is the only person in the world who can stop this conflict, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview on Tuesday night, Trump said he wanted Putin and Zelensky to meet on their own first to clear the air. Yesterday, important talks took place in Washington with the President of the United States and European leaders. This was 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 pic.twitter.com/FXGnQfcdzz Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) August 19, 2025 I thought it would be better if they met without me, just to see. I want to see what goes on, the president told The Mark Levin Show. You know, they had a hard relationship, very bad, very bad relationship. And now well see how they do and, if necessary, and it probably would be, but if necessary, Ill go and Ill probably be able to get it closed. He added, I just want to see what happens at the meeting. So theyre in the process of setting it up, and were going to see what happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff claimed on Tuesday that Russia has made concessions almost immediately following Trump and Putins meeting in Alaska last week. We stayed there for quite some time because we actually made progress on how we might get to a peace deal, Witkoff told Fox News. The president began to sense in this meeting in Alaska that we had a lot of the precursors agreed to for a peace deal, so why not pursue an entire peace deal? Russian President Vladimir Putin made his demands clear on what it would take for him to cease military operations in Ukraine when speaking with President Donald Trump in Alaska less than one week ago, reports confirmed Thursday. Moscows demands no NATO membership for Ukraine, no Western troops on its soil, and surrender of the Donbas region were formally delivered to Washington on Friday, according to sources familiar with the Kremlins negotiations, Reuters reported. The report also claimed that Putin would agree to freeze the front lines where it currently stands in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia and relinquish some territory it has captured in the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian Cruise Missiles Hit Us Company In Massive Ukraine Strike Amid Trumps Peace Push Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump after their meeting on the war in Ukraine Aug. 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. Fox News Digital could not independently verify the update to the negotiations, though it is an apparent shift from a 2024 demand by Putin, who said Kyiv would need to hand over all four regions that Moscow illegally annexed in 2022, including Donetsk and Luhansk where the Donbas sits as well as Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. But Putins apparent change in demand also comes following years of Russias inability to significantly move the front lines. Read On The Fox News App Following the initial invasion in February 2022, Russian forces were able to sweep large sections of territory. But by late summer that year, Ukraine began launching successful counter offenses where it recaptured significant portions of land in Kherson and Kharkiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, since 2023, the frontlines have remained largely stagnant, with Russia reportedly occupying less than 20% of Ukraine an estimated 7% of which was previously taken in 2014, when Russia fully occupied Crimea and parts of the Donbas. Russian forces occupy some 88% of the Donbas, nearly all the Luhansk region and roughly 75% of Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Russian-controlled territory in Sumy and Kharkiv is estimated to equate to roughly 150 square miles combined, and a fraction of this in Dnipropetrovsk. Russia's Lavrov Looks To Draw China In On Ukraine's Security Guarantees A map of Ukraine showing territories claimed by Russia Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Crimea (annexed in 2014) plus Russian advances, using data from the Institute for the Study of War and AEIs Critical Threats Project, as of Aug. 17, 2025. A senior Nato defense official pointed out that Putins wish list was not unexpected and voiced suspicion that he could add to his list of demands in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whatever helps to stall," the official, who spoke to Fox News Digital on the condition of anonymity, said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov raised geopolitical eyebrows this week when he claimed in a televised interview that Moscow has "never talked about the need to seize any territories." Instead, his comments escalated concern that Putins ultimate war aim is the control of Kyiv, rather than physical occupation of all of Ukraine, which Russian forces have been unable to achieve. Lavrov said the Kremlins goal is to "protect" Ukrainians from their own government and argued "there can be no talk of any long-term agreements" with Kyiv "without respect" for Russia's security and the rights of Russian speakers in Ukraine, the Institute for the Study of War reported this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are the reasons that must be urgently eliminated in the context of a settlement," Lavrov added. U.S. President Donald Trump, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, hold a meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Aug. 15, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. Concern over Ukraines sovereignty and autonomy had been on the rise well before Russias 2022 invasion, particularly after the outbreak of massive protests in Belarus following the alleged 2020 re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, a major ally of Putin who has essentially extended Belarus as a puppet state to Russia. Unease mounted in 2021 when Putin wrote an essay arguing that Ukraine, as well as Belarus, shouldnt exist independently of Russia. By the end of the year, security experts were sounding the alarm that Putin intended to invade Ukraine. The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's questions. Original article source: Putin issues formal demands to end Ukraine war after meeting with Trump: report Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has instructed the Defence Ministry to prepare a course for Russians, both military personnel and volunteers, on using smoothbore weapons to shoot down drones. Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency TASS Details: Smoothbore firearms are mainly shotguns of various types, particularly semi-automatic, single-barrelled, double-barrelled, pump-action and those with interchangeable barrels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin also ordered measures to be taken by 1 October to speed delivery of camouflage nets to frontline Russian troops and to tackle the issue of equipping protection against drones on military vehicles used to evacuate wounded soldiers. In addition, the Kremlin leader instructed officials to examine the issue of sending doctors to frontline hospitals without requiring them to sign a military service contract. Background: Every day, drones attack Russian defence industry plants, microelectronics and radio-electronics companies of strategic importance for Russian forces, as well as oil refineries. For instance, on the night of 20-21 August, Ukrainian forces struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russias Rostov Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Vladimir Putin will be popping open the champagne over the Trump administrations purge of US intelligence agencies, the former head of the CIA has said. William Burns, who served as Joe Bidens CIA director, said that the US was committing great-power suicide after Tulsi Gabbard, the director of National Intelligence, announced plans to cut her agencys staff levels by 50 per cent. Ms Gabbard has also revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials, with many of those targeted having worked on Russia analysis, according to the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing in The Atlantic, Mr Burns said: If intelligence analysts at the CIA saw our rivals engage in this kind of great-power suicide, we would break out the bourbon. Instead, the sound we hear is of champagne glasses clinking in the Kremlin and Zhongnanhai [the headquarters of the Chinese Community Party]. Some US reports suggest Ms Gabbard who has previously been accused of echoing Kremlin propaganda carried out the purge in retribution for the intelligence communitys probes into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has announced plans to cut the agencys staff by almost 50 per cent - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Mr Trump has repeatedly refused to endorse intelligence community assessments that Russia interfered in the vote, branding it the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right, Ms Gabbard wrote on social media. 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. The New York Times reported that three officials whose security clearances had been revoked had been involved in assessments of Russian electoral meddling. The list includes Shelby Pierson, a senior intelligence official who warned Congress about the Kremlins attempted interference in the 2022 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior CIA analyst currently serving undercover and Vinh Nguyen, a National Security Agency data scientist, were also included in the purge, the newspaper reported. Former CIA director William Burns has warned of the risks attached to mass redundancies in key strategic offices - Graeme Jennings/AP The Economist reported that the unnamed CIA official had worked on Russia issues for the agency. Other officials had worked as national security aides to both Joe Biden and Barack Obama. Mr Burns said: There is a real danger in punishing dissent not only to our profession, but to our country. Once you start, policy can become an extension of court politics, with little airing of alternative views or consideration of second- and third-order consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Ms Gabbard announced that the Foreign Malign Influence Centre, which monitors foreign interference in the US, would be scrapped as part of her restructuring. Departments monitoring weapons of mass destruction and cyber threats were also culled. Announcing the move, Ms Gabbard said: Over the last 20 years, ODNI has become bloated and inefficient, and the intelligence community is rife with abuse of power, unauthorised leaks of classified intelligence, and politicised weaponisation of intelligence. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Guy Faulconbridge and Dmitry Antonov MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy but all issues must be worked through first and there's a question about Zelenskiy's authority to sign a peace deal, Putin's foreign minister said on Thursday. Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump met on Friday in Alaska for the first Russia-U.S. summit in more than four years and the two leaders discussed how to end the deadliest war in Europe since World War Two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his summit talks in Alaska, Trump said on Monday he had begun arranging a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, to be followed by a trilateral summit with the U.S. president. Asked by reporters if Putin was willing to meet Zelenskiy, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: "Our president has repeatedly said that he is ready to meet, including with Mr. Zelenskiy". Lavrov, though, added a caveat: "With the understanding that all issues that require consideration at the highest level will be well worked out, and experts and ministers will prepare appropriate recommendations. "And, of course, with the understanding that when and if - hopefully, when - it comes to signing future agreements, the issue of the legitimacy of the person who signs these agreements from the Ukrainian side will be resolved," Lavrov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has repeatedly raised doubts about Zelenskiy's legitimacy as his term in office was due to expire in May 2024 but the war means no new presidential election has yet been held. Kyiv says Zelenskiy remains the legitimate president. Russian officials say they are worried that if Zelenskiy signs the deal then a future leader of Ukraine could contest it on the basis that Zelenskiy's term had technically expired. Zelenskiy said this week Kyiv would like a "strong reaction" from Washington if Putin were not willing to sit down for a bilateral meeting with him. WAR OR PEACE? European leaders say they are sceptical that Putin is really interested in peace, but are searching for a credible way to ensure Ukraine's security as part of a potential peace deal with minimal U.S. involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lavrov said it was clear that neither Ukraine nor European leaders wanted peace. He accused the so-called "coalition of the willing" - which includes major European powers such as Britain, France, Germany and Italy - of trying to undermine the progress made in Alaska. "They are not interested in a sustainable, fair, long-term settlement," Lavrov said of Ukraine. He said the Europeans were interested in achieving the strategic defeat of Russia. "European countries followed Mr. Zelenskiy to Washington and tried to advance their agenda there, which aims to ensure that security guarantees are based on the logic of isolating Russia," Lavrov said, referring to Monday's gathering of Trump, Zelenskiy and the leaders of major European powers at the White House. Lavrov said the best option for a security guarantee for Ukraine would be based on discussions that took place between Moscow and Kyiv in Istanbul in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under a draft of that document which Reuters has seen, Ukraine was asked to agree to permanent neutrality in return for international security guarantees from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. Any attempts to depart from the failed Istanbul discussions would be hopeless, Lavrov said. At the time, Kyiv rejected that proposal on the grounds that Moscow would have held effective veto power over any military response to come to its aid. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; writing by Lucy Papachristou; editing by Andrew Osborn and Mark Heinrich) Plans for a 37 mile (60km) line of new pylons will be considered by councillors next week. National Grid wants to build overhead power lines from Weston Marsh, near Spalding, to a connection point in eastern Leicestershire. The proposal includes two new substations, with one near Corby Glen. South Kesteven district councillors will consider the environmental, ecological and visual impacts of the pylons at a meeting on 28 August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government will decide whether the project gets approved, but the local council can share local views on how the plans might affect the area. A report to the council meeting said the pylons would ensure the UK meets its environmental targets and cater for an expected rise in electricity demand. "As the UK shifts toward more renewable energy and electricity demand rises due to changes in how homes, businesses, and transport are powered, there is a need to upgrade the electricity transmission network," the report said. It said the Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire project was part of an upgrade which would carry clean power to the East Midlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project will help to produce local energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, according to the report. The council said it was "essential" that National Grid continues to communicate effectively throughout the project's design and development stages. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the next round of public consultation on the proposals will be held next year. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices More on this story Related internet links QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) An Exclusive look inside a program that is changing lives, helping men and women once behind bars get a second chance at life. At a time when the city is struggling with recidivism, The Fortune Society is focused on breaking that cycle. More Local News What makes the leaders of this center different is that many of the staff members know the system firsthand; they lived it, went from a prison sentence to a second chance, and are now turning their own experiences into solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reggie Chatman is the Director of Policy, and at 17 years old, he was convicted of a murder charge. While on the inside, he knew he had to do better, so he turned to education, earned his Bachelors Degree, then after serving 24 years, he was released and earned a Masters at Columbia University. Chatman said he wanted better for himself and knew the only way was to put the work in. From workforce development to counseling, mental health help to housing, they do it all here under one roof. NYPD statistics show that in 2024, the recidivism rate for those released from prison is about 20% and that could vary based on the crime. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PIX 11 News was the only camera there as Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Kaz Daughtry toured the facility in Queens. Daughtry believes this shows another side of public safety, one that helps people get back on track. Daughtry said, Its a good feeling knowing that you made a mistake but there is help so you can start a new life, start over again. They help with jobs, nutrition, they help with basic skills and even provide clothing for those in need or business attire for those going on job interviews. The Deputy CEO, Rob DeLeon, said, We have a mandate as a society to make sure that individuals land in a way that they can be productive in society and that makes a safer society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the program may not change every single person, they hope they can be the model to change the trajectory of the thousands of people who come through their doors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLFAX A raccoon found in the Colfax area earlier this week has been confirmed as Guilford Countys sixth case of rabies in 2025, the Guilford County Division of Public Health said. The raccoon was found on Ballard Road. The positive text results came back on Wednesday. North Carolina law requires that all domestic pets (cats, dogs and ferrets), whether living inside or outside, aged 4 months or older be vaccinated for rabies. Animals that are confined in outdoor fenced areas should also have current rabies vaccinations. Supervising pets when they are outdoors could prevent contact with wild animals and lessen the possibility of rabies exposure. Guilford County Animal Services may be contacted for more information on rabies prevention at 336-641-2506, or visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/animal-services. For information regarding the current rabies cases, please contact Lisa Lee at 336-641-3930 or llee@guilfordcountync.gov. The Pikes Peak Library District Board of Trustees approved the purchase of the property for the Ruth Holley and Ute Pass libraries for a combined $2.64 million during their meeting Wednesday evening. The approval comes less than a year after the board voted 5-2 to shut down the Rockrimmon Library, which ceased operations at the end of November, according to previous reporting by The Gazette. The board heard from eight speakers about confusion in how these purchases can happen while the Rockrimmon Library was closed for budgetary reasons. About 20 people sat through the nearly 2-hour meeting who applauded after each speaker and after the final passage of the Ruth Holley Library property. "It just seems like we're putting the cart before the horse with some of these decisions," Shawn Brennan, a library volunteer, told the board. "Now, in general, I am actually for buying Ruth Holley again it's just kind of not having a coherent plan." Trustee Debbie English, a Rockrimmon resident, said during the meeting that "no one's heart was broken more than mine" when the library branch closed. "I understand the concerns about trust and transparency and I understand that it hurts to see us vote on buying a library after the Rockrimmon Library was closed," said English, who voted against the library's closure last year. "I get it, I feel it, I understand. But at the same time, we have an opportunity to do something good and we should." Later in the forum, Trustee Angela Duggan broke decorum by interrupting Jacquire Ostrom several times within about 30 seconds while hypothesizing the reasons for the Rockrimmon closure. "I still think there must be some other reason why you would close the Rockrimmon Library that has not ever been made public, that you have some other agenda? I don't know if it's book banning or religious, whatever ... but it's not money," Ostrom said before being interrupted. Duggan began laughing at the notion that book bans contributed to the closure, to which Ostrom said, "that's what people are coming to" because they "can't figure out any other reason" for Rockrimmon Library's closure. Duggan later apologized for breaking decorum. Numerous trustees said during the meeting that PPLD is searching for a library location on the northwest side of Colorado Springs but could not discuss details publicly. The Ruth Holley purchase is $2.24 million and is located in an area Trustee Board President Julie Smyth described to The Gazette as a "literacy-need hotspot." The funding for the purchase will come from: $1 million from the PPLD Foundation. $600,000 from the PPLD reserve. $400,000 from the PPLD capital contingency fund. $200,000 from the Price Family Foundation. $48,000 from the Colorado Trust Fund interest. The Ute Pass Library purchase is $400,000 $90,000 less than the appraisal and will be paid for fully by the PPLD reserve. The library could expand its hours of operation from 28 per week to "up to 140" through a hybrid access pilot program, according to PPLD CEO Teona Shainidze-Krebs. For so many parents, frozen shrimp is a weeknight lifesaverquick to cook, affordable, and something kids will actually eat without a fight. But this week, Walmart pulled certain shrimp from its shelves in 13 states after the FDA raised concerns about potential radioactive contamination. The only shrimp that tested positive for radioactive contamination never made it onto store shelves, but the FDA and Walmart are moving quickly to recall select products as a preventive step. Whats being recalled The recall affects Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp (2 lb. bags) with the following lot codes and best-by dates: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lot code: 8005540-1, Best by: 3/15/2027 Lot code: 8005538-1, Best by: 3/15/2027 Lot code: 8005539-1, Best by: 3/15/2027 These products were sold at Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Related: Popular sugar cookies sold at Target recalled in 20 states for wood contamination What the FDA says about risk The FDA reported that cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope, was detected in a single shipment of frozen breaded shrimp that never entered U.S. commerce. The levels foundabout 68 Bq/kgwere well below the FDAs intervention level of 1,200 Bq/kg. At that level, the agency says, the product would not pose an acute hazard to consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what does that mean for parents? In plain terms, theres no immediate danger from this recall. That means parents dont need to panic, but its still important to check your freezer and take the recall seriously. The concern comes from the possibility of repeated, long-term exposure to low levels of radiation, which could raise the risk of cancer over time. Thats why the FDA is urging families to avoid any potentially impacted products until the investigation is complete. For families who want to learn more, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has additional resources on cesium-137 and its health effects. Related: Butter recall issued after allergen warningwhat parents need to know What is Cs-137? Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a radioactive isotope created during nuclear reactions. Its not naturally found in food but can appear in the environment due to human activity. While very small amounts exist in soil and air worldwide, finding Cs-137 in shrimp is unusual and concerning enough to trigger FDA action. What parents should do right now Check your freezer If you see one of the recalled lots, dont cook or serve it. Toss it or return it to Walmart for a refund. Reach out to your doctor if youre worried about possible exposure. Why this hits home for families Food recalls always feel unsettling, but especially when they involve the staples we lean on to keep our households running smoothly. This recall is a reminder that being proactivechecking those lot codes, tossing anything thats questionablegoes a long way in protecting your family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walmart says the health and safety of customers is its top priority, and all impacted products have already been removed from store shelves. The takeaway for parents: A quick freezer check tonight could give you peace of mindand thats one less thing to worry about. Related: Nearly 200,000 KidKraft play kitchens recalled after toddlers tragic death A rainbow crosswalk was removed overnight outside of Pulse nightclub in Orlando, one of the most significant LGBTQ+ sites in Florida, as part of state and federal transportation officials aim to wipe political banners from public roadways. The Florida Department of Transportation, in the middle of the night, ripped rainbow colors off of a city street, said state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, who visited the site Thursday morning. Smith, the first openly gay Hispanic legislator in Florida, added the rainbow was intended to be a tribute to 49 mostly LGBTQ people of color who were murdered here in cold blood in the 2016 Pulse shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer confirmed in a statement that the state was responsible for the removal and the city was not notified in advance. Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said the city hadnt received further directives from the Florida Department of Transportation in recent weeks, after initially receiving notice that the artistic crosswalks were in violation of state and federal guidelines. Instead, she said, FDOT painted over it overnight. Sheehan said she had just seen the rainbow in place Wednesday. We did everything according to state law, everything was compliant, said Sheehan, the citys first openly gay elected official. FDOT never moves that quickly with anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rainbow was first installed on Esther Street in 2017, a year after 49 were killed and 53 were wounded at Pulse, which was known as an LGBTQ+ nightclub. This is a hostile act by the state government against the city of Orlando, said Smith, D-Orlando. The city did not consent to this. They did not approve of this. He added that the brightly colored walkway was also intended to help keep visitors to the site safe. I cant believe that the DeSantis administration would insult the families and survivors of the Pulse tragedy in this way, Smith said. But I suppose I should not be surprised. Jorshua Hernandez Carrion, 31, a Pulse survivor, said nobody from the state or city contacted him about the crosswalks removal or explained why it needed to be done. He learned about it from the news on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is frustrating for us and the family members, he said. That crosswalk was part of the memorial. Hernandez Carrion, who was shot in his left arm and stomach, wants the crosswalk to be repainted to memorialize the lives that were lost at Pulse. Brandon Wolf, who barely escaped the Pulse gunman, said the art was more than a crosswalk. It served as a show of solidarity and a declaration that the community wouldnt forget the tragedy, he said. The petty cowards who ordered this sneaky erasure should feel lucky that they didnt have to watch their loved ones be gunned down to pick flowers and caskets for their funerals only for the state to come along and desecrate their memories, said Wolf, 37, now the national press secretary at the Human Rights Campaign. The removal of the Orlando crosswalk comes after the state had warned cities whose leaders refused to paint over their own rainbow crosswalks that FDOT would do it themselves if they would not comply. The rainbow crosswalk in Delray Beach, one of the cities that rebuffed the state, was still intact as of Thursday morning. The rainbow crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando which commemorated the 49 victims killed at the LGBTQ+ friendly nightclub in 2016 was painted over by the state, Mayor Buddy Dyer and others revealed Thursday. "We are devastated to learn that overnight the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue. But we know that while this crosswalk has been removed, Orlando's commitment to honoring the 49 can never be erased," Dyer wrote on social media. In a longer statement, Dyer said, "This callous action of hastily removing part of a memorial to what was at the time our nation's largest mass shooting, without any supporting safety or discussion, is a cruel political act." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dyer added that the crosswalk, created in 2017, adheres to safety standards, and was installed by the state. Florida State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith called painting over the crosswalk "a disgusting act of betrayal" and shared a photo of people coloring over the new paint with chalk. The Florida Department of Transportation did not immediately respond to CBS News' request for comment. A rainbow crosswalk is installed on West Esther Street next to Pulse Nightclub on Oct. 11, 2017, in Orlando, Florida. / Credit: Todd Stewart/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Brandon Wolf, a Pulse survivor who hid in the bathroom as the gunman opened fire, also posted on social media about the removal of the crosswalk. "In the dark of night, they came to erase our show of solidarity, our declaration that we will never forget," Wolf wrote. "The cowards who feel threatened by our lives should feel lucky they didn't have to bury the ones they love then watch the state come & desecrate their memory." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida's transportation agency had been notifying cities around the state in recent months that they must remove rainbow-colored crosswalks and intersections or they could face the withholding of transportation funds. Among the cities notified were Delray Beach and Key West. Will Watts, an assistant secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation, issued a memo in June prohibiting "surface art" on crosswalks, sidewalks, intersections, travel lanes or shoulders. The memo prohibited "surface art" associated with "social, political or ideological messages or images and does not serve the purpose of traffic control." In July, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to all 50 states saying intersections should be "kept free from distractions." In a social media post, Duffy said, "Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks. Political banners have no place on public roads. I'm reminding recipients of USDOT roadway funding that it's limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. It's that simple." The shooting at the nightclub in Orlando occurred on June 12, 2016. A gunman named Omar Mateen opened fire during the club's popular Latin night, shooting patrons on the dance floor and spraying bullets at others hiding in bathroom stalls. While holding hostages during a standoff with authorities, Mateen pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group during a three-hour standoff before being killed in a shootout. In addition to those killed, 53 others were wounded. FILE - Brandon Wolf, a survivor of the Pulse nightclub shooting and activist, looks at the photos that are a part of the Pulse memorial in Orlando, Florida, on Sept. 9, 2022. / Credit: Cody Jackson / AP In June, survivors and family members of the victims of the Pulse shooting toured the inside of the building for a final look before it's torn down. City officials plan to build a permanent memorial in its place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his social media post, Dyer said the crosswalk "not only enhanced safety and visibility for the large numbers of pedestrians visiting the memorial, it also served as a visual reminder of Orlando's commitment to honor the 49 lives taken. While this crosswalk has been removed, our community's commitment to honoring the 49 can never be erased." Food crisis group declares Gaza City famine, expects spread FBI raids John Bolton's home Hot dog king Dan Rossi on his new memoir A new epidemic of life-changing skin infections is raging in Gaza, aid organisations have warned. Medical charities say highly infectious skin diseases are becoming more severe and widespread due to a mix of factors including poor sanitation, the summer heat and frequent military displacement orders disrupting treatments. Although skin infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites such as lice are affecting adults and children, it is the young and those with weakened immune systems who are worst hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) this month recorded 713 skin infections in children in just four clinics, with nearly 400 recorded in the past two weeks. Photos shared with The Telegraph show acute cases of Bullous Impetigo, a highly infectious bacterial skin disease characterised by large fluid-filled blisters. It is usually preventable with good sanitation and topical antibiotics but can become life threatening if left untreated, causing cellulitis, kidney damage and scarring. A young child suffers with Bullous Impetigo, a skin disease characterised by large fluid-filled blisters - Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) Other images show children suffering from scabies, a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and cause an intense rash. The World Health Organization (WHO) says it is a public health problem affecting all ages and socioeconomic groups in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The itching and pain, aggravated by soaring temperatures, can be extreme, says medics. With limited access to water and sanitation, experts say the incidence of skin infections is climbing fast. Cleanliness is near impossible in Gazas many displacement camps. There is only one toilet available for every 700 people, according to data from European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, a wing of the European Union. Limited access to clean water in Gaza has also caused a rise in skin diseases, said Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). The medical charity on Wednesday accused Israel of deliberately depriving Gazans of water, by blocking imports of critical water safety systems. Only one in ten of its requests to import water desalination items had been approved since June 2024, it said. Swathes of rubbish and sewage discharge across the Strip compounds the rapid spread of disease - REUTERS The relentless bombing campaign has also repeatedly damaged critical water infrastructure in the Strip. Of the 196 desalination plants that are publicly run by charities and non-profits in Gaza, more than 60 per cent are non-functional, said MSF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Moneti, MSF emergency medical project lead in Gaza, said infections were also linked to the ongoing displacement of populations. Access to health care is increasingly difficult as facilities end up in areas where evacuation orders are issued or are directly targeted, she told The Telegraph. At least 1.9 million people around 90 per cent of Gazas population have been displaced during the war, according to the UN. Many have been uprooted up to ten times or more, it added. Jamal Salim, Community Health worker with MAP, said that in many cases skin infections were running their natural course as treatments could not be accessed or maintained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Untreated skin infections can lead to abscesses, cellulitis, and in severe cases, systemic infections, he told The Telegraph Some children also develop scarring or long-term skin damage, especially when medication is not available. A scabies rash on the neck of a young Gazan girl - Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) Food shortages are further compounding the issue, say experts. High levels of malnutrition mean that patients struggle to heal from skin diseases as many people have weakened immunity, said Mr Salim. Aid groups have repeatedly accused Israel of orchestrating a deliberate hunger crisis in the enclave, with the UN-backed global hunger monitor last month warning that the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday Israel was not letting enough supplies into the Gaza Strip to avert widespread starvation. Israel has denied responsibility for hunger in Gaza, accusing Hamas of systematically looting aid shipments an allegation Hamas denies. 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. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Ray LaHood is spearheading a movement that could amend the redistricting process in the Illinois constitution. Redistricting happens every decade after the U.S. Census is completed. With the data, people will decide where congressional and state legislative districts start and stop for the next ten years. The problem arises in who decides that map. Since 1970, four Democrats and four Republicans have met in a room and decided on how to draw the map. However, three out of the five times theyve needed a tie-breaking vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That tie-breaking vote comes from a collection of written lawmaker names in a Lincoln top hat. A name is pulled out of the hat, and depending on that names party affiliation, one party will decide entirely what the map looks like. Regardless, a map is created by either the Democrats or the Republicans. In 2022, the latest redistricting in Illinois, Democrats held a supermajority, which allowed them to make their own maps without having to go through the whole process. LaHood, former U.S. transportation secretary and Peoria congressman, wants to change that. His new non-profit organization, Fair Maps Illinois, is leading a voter initiative to amend the map-making process in the Illinois constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes working alongside Bill Daley, the former White House chief of staff for former President Barack Obama. The voter initiative would change the map-making process by removing elected officials from deciding on the maps. It would also ban the use of voter history or party affiliation to help draw the district lines. On the topic of redistricting, Texas passed its own mid-year redistricting of its congressional maps on Wednesday. LaHood believes this could backfire. I think people will see through it, LaHood said. I think voters will not go along with it [and] I think that there will be some serious repercussions for legislatures that do this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Ryan Spain has been fighting for ethics reforms and map reform for years. He recently led an effort to change the current maps, but the Illinois Supreme Court denied hearing on the case based on timeliness. The Peoria Republican said he has an issue with many of the current districts, as they often split communities in half. I represent communities of 6,000 people, 3,000 people that are divided and chopped up completely unnecessarily by the majority party, Spain said. Spain strongly supports the initiative led by LaHood. However, it isnt very simple to get the Illinois constitution changed. This voter initiative requires 450,000 signatures from Illinois residents by May to get on the 2026 ballot. Those just cant be random Illinois natives, they have to be people who voted in the last gubernatorial election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of that, if it gets on the ballot, it will require 60% of the vote to amend the Illinois constitution. Even with those requirements, Spain said now could be the best time to reform the maps. The entire nation is now interested in this topic, and we have an opportunity to make a change and go in a different direction in the state of Illinois, Spain said. You can find out more about the voter initiative 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 CIProud.com. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer released a statement Thursday after the state painted over the rainbow crosswalk in front of the Pulse nightclub site overnight. We are devastated to learn that overnight the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue. This callous action of hastily removing part of a memorial to what was at the time our nations largest mass shooting, without any supporting safety data, or discussion is a cruel political act. The City of Orlandos safety crosswalks were all installed in close coordination with the state and adhere to national safety standards. In fact, the crosswalk that is part of the Pulse Memorial was installed by the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This crosswalk not only enhanced safety and visibility for the large number of pedestrians visiting the memorial, it also served as a visual reminder of Orlandos commitment to honor the 49 lives taken on June 12, 2016. While the state works to erase the memory of the victims of the Pulse tragedy by painting over the crosswalk, our communitys commitment to honoring the 49, and completing the memorial, will never waver. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Laketa Smith, founder of A Bella LaFemme Society, is co-hosting a hurricane preparedness workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to help members of the Baton Rouge area community know to make an evacuation plan, pack a go-bag and provide additional information on how low-income residents can gather resources. The work of keeping a community prepared goes beyond mentioning what items they need to buy or where they need to evacuate. It also includes making sure they are mentally and financially ready to prepare for any possible disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Baker Municipal Building at 3325 Groom Road. As hurricane season collides with immigration agenda, fears increase for those without legal status 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. Americas AI future wont be stopped by China, energy shortages, or a lack of investment. It will be stopped by a lack of workers. That reality hit hard at the Energy & Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh last month, hosted by Senator Dave McCormick, Carnegie Mellon President Farnam Jahanian, and a remarkable roster of business executives, industry leaders, and federal cabinet secretaries. Pennsylvania sits at the center of this futurewith the Marcellus Shale, leading universities, and advanced manufacturing hubs powering some of the nations most ambitious energy projects. While headlines celebrated $90 billion in new private investment for energy and data infrastructure, they missed the bigger story: the federal government is finally cutting the red tape holding back $1 trillion in stalled projectsbut we dont have enough workers to build them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story extends far beyond Pittsburgh. Across rural counties from Appalachia to the Midwest, new data centers, logistics hubs, and energy projects are breaking groundonly to run into the same roadblock: too few workers to get the job done. The U.S. faces a projected shortfall of 6 million workers over the next decade. Lightcast data shows there are currently 1 million job openings in construction, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing. Even worse, 24 million people in todays labor force are over 60 and nearing retirement, with significant portions of these industries aging rapidly, creating a dangerously thin talent pipeline just as demand surges. The shortages are twofold. In rural regions, unfilled roles in construction, health care, transportation, and warehousing make up nearly one in four postings, threatening to stall the very projects driving Americas growth. At the same time, the AI economy is opening new doors: more than 15% of IT and computer science postings are remote, proving that millions of high-value digital jobs can be done from anywhere. Together, these realities point to a future where Americas workforce must be both locally rooted and digitally connected. Mike Rowe, founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, told me: The future of AI demands that we reinvigorate the skilled trades immediately and close Americas skills gap. If we cant build it, wire it, and maintain it, we cant have it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also reminded the audience in Pennsylvania: We took shop class out of high school and convinced a whole generation they needed a four-year degree to succeed no matter the cost. That was a big mistake. Welding, plumbing, and electrical work arent just viabletheyre vital. And the shortages in those fields are acute. Returning to year-2000 participation rates could add millions of workersbut Lightcast analysis projects that by 2033, the number of young people entering the workforce will drop by 2 million. Raising participation in rural counties alone could add hundreds of thousands of new workers, directly strengthening the talent base for energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. So, who will build Americas AI future? The blueprint: America talent strategy If were serious about closing this gap, we need more than good intentionswe need a system that runs on hard, current, and shared data. The August 12th announcement of the America Talent Strategy offers a five-pillar framework to align industry, education, and workforce systems for the AI era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the heart of that system is a dynamic, shared skills languagea living dataset that reflects what employers actually need, week by week, across industries and regions. Without it, businesses cant clearly signal demand, educators cant adapt fast enough, and workers cant see the path forward. For rural communities, this skills language is even more critical: it not only makes middle-skill jobs visible but also connects workers to remote and hybrid careers, allowing them to contribute to the AI economy without leaving their hometowns. This isnt theory. Lightcast created the universal standard for skills. In Texas, a statewide job-matching platform built on this common skills language now connects residents directly to in-demand careers, actively bridging the gap in middle-skill jobs, which make up 56% of employment while only 45% of the labor force is trained to fill them. In Prince Georges County, our real-time labor market data helped increase job placements by more than 70 percent. These examples show what happens when the skills market becomes visible: people and programs move faster, and results follow. Thats the difference between a plan on paper and a workforce thats ready for whats next. Dynamic, proven skills data makes the Talent Strategys pillarsi. industry alignment, ii. worker mobility, iii. integrated systems, iv. accountability, and v. innovationwork in the real world. Hidden gems: community college and trade schools The infrastructure is thereLightcast data shows that over 1,300 U.S. institutions offer skilled trade programs capable of training a minimum of one million new entrants over the next five years. Many of these community colleges are rural anchors, often the largest local employers themselves, and they are positioned to train the next generation of AI-enabled workers if they receive the funding and recognition they deserve. Apprenticeships can help fill the gap, and the federal government is finally cutting the red tape holding them back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countries like Germany have proven that skilled tradespeople can be exceptionally trained, well-paid, and highly respected. With the right execution of the Talent Strategypowered by real-time skills intelligencewe can do the same here, faster. Rowe adds a reminder: A renaissance in the skilled trades requires an underlying appreciation for the work itself. We have to show kids that a skilled tradesperson is no less valued than a graduate from the Ivy League. More so, even. Workers wanted: honor the work and the worker The mikeroweWORKS Foundation has long advocated for honoring blue-collar work. Together with Lightcast, they are calling for a Presidential Workforce Medal of Honor to celebrate those unlocking the power of Americas workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That work may involve more robotics, software, and AI-enabled toolsbut all the money, energy, and chips in the world cant make America great without the Great American Worker: AI-enabled, robot-powered, and ready to swing a hammer. Increasingly, those workers are just as likely to be rural welders, electricians, or coders logging in from small towns as they are urban professionals. As Rowe puts it: Technology alone didnt build Americaskilled tradespeople did. The future is in their hands, right where its always been. Without bold action on workforce development, the $90 billion investment risks stalling. But if we give workers the data, training, and recognition they deserve, we can fill millions of unfilled jobs and prevent workforce shortages from paralyzing Americas future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com As transatlantic talks over Ukraines future intensify, one topic looms large, particularly in the statements made by US President Donald Trump: Who is paying what? The debate over the billions poured into the war effort to help Ukraine fend off the Russian attacks in Moscow's all-out war since February 2022, and whether the burden is shared fairly, now sits at the centre of the ongoing diplomatic efforts. Euronews breaks down exactly who is paying what, and more importantly how much of a burden this cost is, relative to each country. Defence spending in terms of US and EU GDP In November of last year, Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, approved a record military budget of 2.23 trillion hryvnias (45.9bn) for 2025. At the time, this amounted to 26.3% of the country's GDP or 55% of its total budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, the amount was revised to include an extra 412.3 billion hryvnias (8.6m) for additional military personnel support, weapons procurement and manufacturing, bringing the total up to 31% of GDP or 67% of all central government spending. Spending as a share of the budget indicates the proportion of a governments own resources allocated to a priority, such as defence, compared to all other expenditures. Whereas spending as a share of GDP measures that same amount against the size of the entire economyso it includes private companies and other economic activity to show the burden on the nation's economy as a whole. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Ukraine's 2.64 trillion hryvnias (55bn) defence budget reflects immediate survival needs, the broader war costs reveal a 700 billion total burden spanning reconstruction, humanitarian needs, and economic losses. Defence spending, though historically unprecedented, represents just one component of the war's financial impact on the country. In comparison, the EU's spending on Ukraine's defence efforts which includes both EU direct spending and bilateral spending by member states is around 72 billion for the three-year period, 2022-2024. In terms of percentage of GDP, that comes out at around 0.3% of EU GDP per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US spending on Ukrainian defence alone over the same three years has been $66.9 billion (57.3bn), according to the State Department. This is much lower than the $300 billion figure US President Donald Trump has mentioned in the past. In terms of percentage of GDP, it amounts to about 0.08% of US GDP per year. We put together the graph below to visualise the stark differences. While it comes as no surprise that the amount spent on Ukraine's defence for economic powerhouses like the US and EU is only a sliver of their annual GDP, it puts the total, real cost of Russia's war for Ukrainians into perspective. Cost of the war in Ukraine in terms of the burden to individual citizens Another way to put the numbers into context is how much each individual citizen pays for the defence costs of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we were to take Ukraine's defence spending budget and divide based on a general estimate of its current population, at around 37.86 million figures are unclear due to a large number of refugees and internally displaced Ukrainians then we can deduce that over the 20222024 period, each Ukrainian effectively paid around 3,424 toward defence or about 1,312 per year. This is far higher, both absolutely and relatively, than what US or EU citizens contribute. Pinning down a firm, fixed figure for funding sent by the US to Ukraine since 2022 is difficult as funding and dispersement decisions do not neatly align with defence or spending budgets the way they did for our Ukraine calculation, but let us assume the most generous numbers. If we were to take the Kiel Institute's figure of $130.6 billion (111.28 billion) this includes both the defence support and humanitarian aid figures over at least three years and split that by the US population number, then each US citizen has paid $127 (108) per year for the defence of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the EU, if we once again take the Kiel Institute's estimates of total military and financial commitments at around 138 billion, then the figure for each EU citizen is around 95 per year. Now, unlike the US estimate, the figures should technically not be the same for the entire bloc because some countries contribute more to Ukraine's defence and others contribute little-to-nothing apart from the joint EU budget, like Hungary. Also, some non-EU countries in Europe such as Norway contribute to the Ukraine's defence via an additional instrument, the European Peace Facility. Most estimations of EU aid to Kyiv do not include the EPF funds. But for the sake of estimation, let us say the burden is evenly spread out. The graph below illustrates the stark difference from the known figures. Of course, it should be said that the average annual salary of a Ukrainian citizen is around 3,500 making their contribution to the war effort equivalent to about a third of the average annual salary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers above seem much less of a burden if we compare the average salary in the EU, which is around 29,600 according to Eurostat, and in the US, which is around $62,000 or 56,880. Costs of wartime destruction Ukraine faces 448.6 billion in reconstruction needs over the next decade, nearly nine times the 2025 defence budget. The World Bank's Fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, released on 25 February, documented 150 billion in direct infrastructure damage. Housing damage and destruction lead all sectors at 48.8 billion, affecting 2.5 million households and requiring 71 billion for reconstruction. Transport infrastructure sustained 31.6 billion in damage, needing 66.7 billion for full restoration. The energy sector, targeted heavily in 2024, faces reconstruction costs reaching 58.2 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In comparison, the US and the EU have seen no direct infrastructure costs or damages due to fighting, apart from incidents related to Russian sabotage such as the damage done to subsea telecom cables in the Baltic region in December 2024. These figures capture only the economic side of the war. The far greater cost is borne in lives lost, families displaced and communities destroyed numbers that no ledger can fully account for. Don "Sam" Notham was a fierce defender of the VA. He described the Zablocki VA Medical Center as a lifeline that helped him survive several bouts of cancer, a broken hip, and multiple surgeries. "It must be 20 years that I'm with the VA," Notham said in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shortly before his death. "And I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the VA. They really took care of me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notham died Aug. 3 at age 91. In his final months, as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs faced cuts and questions about its future, Notham often talked with family and friends about how much the agency had meant to him. The VA, which operates 170 hospitals and more than 1,300 outpatient clinics, has undergone turmoil in recent months amid cuts, canceled contracts, and uncertainty under the Trump administration. After announcing plans to fire more than 76,000 employees early this year, the agency backtracked in July, saying it was on pace to reduce staff by around 30,000 people instead. For Notham, the VA was a haven he relied on for decades to get top-notch medical care. And he wanted to protect it and the workers who had taken care of him. Army veteran helped restore native habitat on abandoned farm Notham was born in Durand, a city of about 2,000 people on the banks of the Chippewa River in western Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Shortly before Notham was set to deploy overseas, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, ending the fighting. After his military service, he volunteered at the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Notham in an undated photo from his time in the U.S. Army. Notham also worked at the Ladish Company in Cudahy for about 30 years, where he was a mechanical engineer, union steward and manager. He retired in 2003. By the late 1980s, he was looking for a retirement project and found one near Wild Rose in central Wisconsin: an abandoned 19th century potato farm. When you look at pictures of what the house and the barn looked like, I sometimes think my mom should have been mad at him for buying it, his son John Notham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back then it was forty acres of barren land with crumbling buildings. "They were falling apart," John said. "The barn was leaning two feet to the right and the house looked uninhabitable. I mean, they were from the 19th century." With the help of his family and neighbors, Notham transformed the land into a thriving tree farm. He planted more than 20,000 trees, mainly balsam and white pine trees, and restored about ten acres of native prairie habitat. Notham harvested some for Christmas trees, but grew most for timber. A small percentage have been harvested for paper and particle board pulp. He was committed to being a responsible steward of the land, John said. Notham, in 2012, walking among some seedlings he planted in the 1990s. When Notham needed furniture or canes for walking he used wood from the older oak trees on the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even last year when he was 90 years old, he still occasionally drove his tractor on his land. They kind of became his canvas in life, John said. Nothing brought him more pleasure than to spend the day working on his land. Notham's sons now own the farm and plan to continue his legacy by running it together. Notham spoke out about his positive experiences at the VA In his later years, Notham's appointments at the VA grew more frequent. He credited Zablocki with helping him recover from colon cancer in 2008, a knee replacement surgery in 2015, and esophageal cancer in 2023, in addition to several other health conditions. In an April interview about the VA with the Journal Sentinel before his death, Notham and his partner Sally Ann Burdecki pushed back against criticism of the agency as a slow-paced and inefficient bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burdecki praised Zablocki VA staffers as "just really on top of everything," including calling to remind them about appointments, offering valet parking when Notham was in poor health, keeping wait times short and following up after treatments. "Everybody was extremely polite and personable. Made you just feel good to be there," she said. "All of those little things just made life better when you're going through cancer, numerous treatments and different things." Notham said VA staffers responded with urgency when he needed something. "They've been good to me," Notham said. "I can't find anything bad." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John said his father would want his family and friends to drink a toast to him rather than mourn his passing. "Enjoy being part of his legacy and take a walk in the woods or prairie," John said. "And leave the land a better place when you depart." Notham was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, daughter Judith Norberg and son Ross Notham. He is survived by his sons John (Ann Raghavan) Notham, James (Leigh) Notham and Gary (Kris) Notham, as well as his sisters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many relatives and friends. Graveside service and honors will take place on Aug. 22 at Woodville Cemetery in Hancock at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow at the Moose Inn in Wautoma. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 91-year-old Cudahy veteran credited the VA as a lifeline Over the past couple of days, Colorado Springs police and the FBI have been combing through the landscape of Teller County for the remains of a local woman murdered by her husband in 2019. Dane Kallungi was found guilty by a jury in 2023 for killing his wife, Jepsy Kallungi. Her body was never found. The prosecution alleged throughout the trial that Dane Kallungi strangled her, then hid her body in Teller County, based on a conversation he had with the lead investigator of the case, in which Dane Kallungi said Jepsy Kallungi's remains were somewhere in Teller County. Two years after the trial, law enforcement is back searching for her body after receiving "credible leads" related to the investigation, according to Caitlin Ford, a spokesperson from the Colorado Springs Police Department. According to Dane Kallungi's arrest affidavit from 2021, Dane Kallungi killed Jepsy Kallungi in a fit of rage on the night of March 20, 2019, after she came home from visiting a Fort Carson soldier with whom she had an ongoing sexual relationship. Call records referenced in the affidavit show that someone made a 911 call from Jepsy Kallungi's phone at 10:30 p.m. that night before immediately hanging up. Officers did not respond to the call because dispatchers could not determine the location from which it was made. The call was the last one documented from her phone. Two years after Jepsy Kallungi's murder, Dane Kallungi reached out to his ex-wife, Alaine Kallungi, and told her that he killed Jepsy Kallungi, Alaine Kallungi told police, according to the affidavit. After Alaine Kallungi came forward, detectives recorded a phone call with her and Dane Kallungi, during which he told her that he put Jepsy Kallungi's "body into the trunk of his vehicle, took his son to school the following morning, then went to work," as stated in the affidavit. "After work, Dane took Jepsy's body to a remote area in Teller County where he buried her in a clandestine grave." A record 111,000 asylum applications were made to the UK during the year to June, but the government is processing cases faster, new Home Office figures show. This is an increase of 14% from the previous year, and it is higher than the peak of 103,000 in 2002. But officials are processing more cases than before the general election, meaning that over the long term there may be fewer people in the system needing housing support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest data, which covers Labour's first year in office, comes as the government faces growing pressure over immigration. The figures also showed 71,000 cases, relating to 91,000 people, were awaiting an initial decision. The number of cases is lower than the number of people since one case can also cover the main claimant's family. That backlog is almost half the peak of 134,000 cases at the end of June 2023. This means that there are 18,536 fewer people waiting for a decision today than there were in March. The numbers of asylum seekers in hotels has risen slightly to 32,059 - a figure higher than when Labour came to power, but well below a peak of 56,000 in September 2023 under the Conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labour has pledged to clear the backlog by 2029, pledging to cut Channel crossings and to open new government-run accommodation. Ministers hope to end the use of hotels over the long term. However that depends on how quickly they can remove people who have no case to be in the UK. Asylum seekers who cannot financially support themselves are placed in housing while their claims and appeals are considered. In the year ending June 2025, the Home Office forcibly removed 9,100 people up a quarter on the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than half were foreign national offenders who were being deported at the end of sentences. Meanwhile, the High Court on Tuesday ruled a hotel in Epping, Essex, should stop housing asylum seekers after a legal challenge by the local council. Other councils across the country, including some run by Labour, are now considering legal action. Most asylum claims were made by people from Pakistan, very few of whom arrived in the UK on small boats - rather, most arrived legally on work or study visas and only later claimed asylum. Meanwhile, most people arriving by small boat were from Afghanistan. 'I feel left behind' Among the backlog of asylum claims is Daastan's - who did not want to use his real name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 26-year-old fled Afghanistan in 2023, fearing for his life after his father and brother were targeted by the Taliban. After arriving in the UK, he applied for asylum and the Home Office found him a hotel room in Yorkshire, where he has been ever since. "You escape one problem and now you're in another problem," he told the BBC. His claim was denied after around a year, and he is now awaiting the outcome of an appeal. He is given three meals a day and is allowed to leave for a walk if he signs out with a guard. Otherwise, he spends most of his days in silence as his roommate does not speak English. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One day, through his window, he watched as guards and police surrounded the hotel and stopped protestors from getting any closer. "All we asylum seekers wanted was a shelter so the government put us in a hotel. That wasn't our choice," he said. "We haven't done anything." [BBC] Elsewhere, Godgive - who also did not want to use her real name - told the BBC she felt "left behind" and "stuck" in the asylum system. She has not seen her six-year-old son since she left Cameroon, fleeing violence, three years ago. Waiting for the outcome of her claim, she lives in a shared house with other asylum seekers provided by the Home Office in the north-east of England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A house manager comes regularly to sweep her bedroom and make sure she has no forbidden items, like a TV. There is little privacy. Godgive said she considered ending her life at one stage: "I needed to stop living. It was too much." Unable to work or study, she said she dreamt of volunteering or training herself in new skills anything to give her purpose and a way to contribute. "I don't know where to go and I don't know when it's going to change." Government spending on asylum in the UK was down by 12%, the new figures show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total stood at 4.76bn in the year ending March 2025, down from 5.38bn the previous year. It covers Home Office costs related to asylum, including direct cash support and accommodation, but not costs relating to intercepting migrants crossing the Channel. Specific costs for hotels were not published in the latest data, but Home Office figures released in July showed 2.1bn was spent on hotel accommodation - down from 3bn the previous year. The data for the year to June 2025 also showed that: Small boat arrivals accounted for 88% of arrivals, at 43,000 This was 38% higher than the previous year, but slightly lower than the peak in 2022 of 46,000 people More than half of those arriving came from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran, Sudan and Syria Afghans were the most common nationality, accounting for 15% of small boat arrivals (6,400) Since January 2018, three-quarters of small boat arrivals were men, while only 16% were children 5,011 children - those under the age of 18 - crossed by small boat to apply for asylum in the year to June Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said Labour has "strengthened Britain's visa and immigration controls, cut asylum costs and sharply increased enforcement and returns". She blamed the "broken immigration and asylum system" and said the previous Conservative government had left it in "chaos". Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the government is "failing" and has lost control of our borders". Liberal Democrat spokesperson Lisa Smart MP said the asylum backlog has been "far too large for far too long". "The Conservatives trashed our immigration system and let numbers spiral. Now this Labour government is failing to get a grip on the crisis," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support in the UK are available at BBC Action Line. Wildfires have so far ravaged more than one million hectares (2.5 million acres) in the European Union in 2025, a record since statistics began in 2006, according to an AFP analysis of data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). Surpassing the annual record of 988,524 hectares burnt in 2017, the figure reached 1,015,731 hectares by midday Thursday, representing an area larger than Cyprus. This calculation is based on a total compiled by AFP from estimates by country by EFFIS, at a time when Spain and Portugal are still battling wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four countries in the European Union -- Spain, Cyprus, Germany, and Slovakia -- have already experienced their worst year in two decades of existing data. Spain is struggling with numerous fires in the west of the country, which have claimed four lives. By far it is the most affected EU country by fires, with more than 400,000 hectares burnt, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the EU total. Portugal, which holds the EU record of 563,530 hectares burnt in 2017, is the second-most affected EU country. It has never had an area of this size (nearly 274,000 hectares) burnt as of August 21. Romania follows with 126,000 hectares while in France, 35,600 hectares of forest have been reduced to ashes, mostly in the Aude region, which was ravaged by a massive fire in early August. These calculations by EFFIS, a component of the European climate monitor Copernicus, only take into account fires that have burnt areas of at least 30 hectares. lam-eab/dc Wildfires have so far ravaged more than one million hectares (2.5 million acres) in the European Union in 2025, a record since statistics began in 2006, according to an AFP analysis of official data. Surpassing the annual record of 988,524 hectares burnt in 2017, the figure reached 1,015,731 hectares by midday Thursday, representing an area larger than Cyprus. This calculation is based on a total compiled by AFP from estimates by country from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), at a time when Spain and Portugal are still battling wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four countries in the European Union -- Spain, Cyprus, Germany, and Slovakia -- have already experienced their worst year in two decades of existing data. Spain is struggling with numerous fires in the west of the country, which have claimed four lives. By far the most affected EU country by fires, with more than 400,000 hectares burnt, Spain accounts for nearly 40 percent of the EU total. Portugal, which holds the unenviable EU record of 563,530 hectares burnt in 2017, is the second-most affected EU country. As of August 21, it has never had an area of this size (nearly 274,000 hectares) burnt so early in the year. Romania follows with 126,000 hectares while in France 35,600 hectares of forest have been reduced to ashes, mostly in the southern Aude region, which was ravaged by a massive fire in early August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These calculations by EFFIS, a component of the European climate monitor Copernicus, only take into account fires that have burnt areas of at least 30 hectares. Outside the EU, Britain is also experiencing a record year, following fires in April during an early heatwave, as well as in northern Scotland at the end of June. In the Balkans, Serbia is also recording its worst year since statistics began. By August 19, forest fires in 22 of the 27 EU countries had already emitted 35 megatons of CO2 since January, an unprecedented amount at this point in the year according to EFFIS, indicating the annual record set in 2017 of 41 megatons could be surpassed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the previous record year, in 2017, wildfires had killed more than 200 people in the EU, notably in Portugal, Italy, Spain and France. In 2025, the provisional EU death toll due to fires is 10, according to an AFP count: two people dead in Cyprus, one in France, and seven in the Iberian Peninsula. lam-eab/db Donald Trump has strong-arming Congress down to a science. Now his redistricting gambit is putting his methods through a stress test. Its a strategy of intensifying levels of private coercion and public threats of consequence, driven by Trump and amplified by aides and allies behind closed doors and through the online MAGA echo chamber: White House visits, calls from the president, online insults and even primary threats. The more-stick-than-carrot approach has delivered Trump major wins in Washington by helping him barrel through initial GOP resistance to controversial Cabinet picks and a politically perilous policy package in a stunningly short turnaround. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That machine is whirring into gear again as the White House pushes Texas, Missouri and Indiana to gerrymander their congressional districts to protect Republicans House majority in the midterms. Vice President JD Vance and top aides have been dispatched to Indiana and staffers have phoned into Missouri. Trump is summoning Hoosier Republicans to the White House next week. Both his political operation and right-wing influencers have begun floating primary challenges. These folks are not sitting around thinking about redistricting. But in an instant, Trump can prioritize that issue for them and subsequently he can mobilize them on his behalf, said Kevin Madden, a Republican strategist who has worked for House GOP leadership and on presidential campaigns. I think he recognizes that formidable power and hes willing to apply it far and wide. Now that redistricting pressure campaign is providing a significant test of whether the approach Trump has near-perfected within his governing trifecta in D.C. can translate beyond the beltway. Every president has the power of the bully pulpit, wielding the heft of the Oval Office and inside-the-beltway pressure tactics to advance his agenda. But Trump also retains a uniquely powerful hold over the most enthusiastic voters in the GOP, and is able to leverage the grassroots support of his MAGA movement and Truth Social platform to compound pressure on any resistant Republicans to accede to his demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marrying the two, Trump has a singular strategy that hes employed to great effect so far this term to compel Republican lawmakers into supporting his appointees and legislative agenda. There are very few exceptions, in part because Trump has made clear the consequences for dissent. Trump and his team have repeatedly threatened primary challenges for GOP lawmakers who do not bend to his will, going as far as standing up a super PAC thats raising millions of dollars to target Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) for voting against the big, beautiful bill. And the White House is vetting potential primary challengers to Massie, including Kentucky state Sen. Aaron Reed, who traveled to Washington for a meeting last month, two people familiar with the trip confirmed to POLITICO. Incumbent presidents have broad sway over their partyThe only real difference is that Trump will operate with language and threats we havent seen from other presidents, said Doug Heye, a GOP strategist who has worked for House Republican leadership. Hes more YOLO than lame duck. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Trump and his team are trying their playbook on GOP governors and state lawmakers as they push as many red states as possible into mid-decade redistricting. They are on the cusp of success in Texas, where the Republican-controlled Legislature is imposing a new map designed to net the party five seats. Missouri Republicans are widely expected to follow suit when they return to Jefferson City in September for their annual veto session despite still smarting from a knock-down, drag-out redistricting fight just two years ago in which they ultimately rejected drawing an additional GOP district. While Republicans in the state Legislature are reluctant to revisit the difficult inter-party politics at play, the Trump administration is working to force them to submit anyway, calling up Gov. Mike Kehoe and local lawmakers who have expressed skepticism about the effort. Theres also a less direct form of pressure at play one that has guided GOP decision-making throughout Trumps time as the partys standard-bearer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one wants to be seen as anti-administration or anti-Trump, said a Missouri GOP operative granted anonymity to speak candidly about private deliberations. That does not do anyone any good when they go back to their district. But the potential limits of Trumps pressure-campaign playbook are showing in Indiana, where Republicans are so far resisting a more intensive and public push. That includes several GOP state lawmakers who have publicly panned the effort, with one hard-right representative slamming it as "politically optically horrible. The White House dispatched Vance and top administration aides to Indiana to pitch the governor and GOP legislative leaders on gerrymandering the map. White House Intergovernmental Affairs Director Alex Meyer, in his personal capacity, hascalled several lawmakers to press them to redistrict. A group called Forward America flooded voters phones with robocalls and text messages urging them to call their lawmakers to back the effort. Trumps political operation is considering primarying lawmakers who refuse to fall in line a threat amplified by MAGA influencer and Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk. As the pressure mounted, all seven of Indiana's Republican representatives in Congress issued a series of rapid-fire statements over six hours on Monday supporting Trumps redistricting push a clearly coordinated piling-on of pressure as state House Republicans huddled behind closed doors. The states two Republican senators backed the effort the following morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But progress remains elusive: Gov. Mike Braun is still undecided on whether to call a special session to advance a new map, and GOP resistance is still flaring from within the state house. Trump and his team show no signs of letting up, bullish about Republicans advantages in the redistricting arms race that has exploded between red and blue states. The administration is planning to court more than four dozen Indiana Republicans including the state House speaker and Senate president at the White House next week. And Trumps allies believe his ability to get his party to fall in line on his agenda is nearly infinite. As Trump has said before: The party is what I say it is, said David Urban, a Trump 2016 campaign adviser and longtime ally. And that is largely true. Adam Wren contributed to this report. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misidentified the state Vance visited. It was Indiana. Former President Barack Obama waded in to support California Democrats tit-for-tat efforts to more extremely gerrymander the states congressional lines "as a responsible approach" to counter Texas efforts at redrawing its own maps. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis upped the ante by vowing to pursue a mid-decade redistricting effort to create at least one extra seat in his state, which would presumably be filled by a Republican. And by Wednesday evening, Nicole Collier, a Democratic legislator in Texas, claimed shed been "confined" to a state capitol bathroom in Austin and threatened with a felony for videoconferencing with reporters from inside. Taking up her cause, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker accused the states GOP lawmakers of misusing the law "to silence a black woman" for participating in a Democratic National Committee redistricting Zoom call with Booker, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and DNC Chairman Ken Martin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier was part of the group of Texas Democrats who earlier this month fled the state for Illinois to prevent a vote on the Republicans' redrawn congressional maps. When they returned under threats of legal action by GOP Gov. Greg Abbott, the Democrats were placed under police surveillance. Collier, who refused to comply with being shadowed by police, opted to sleep in her office rather than sign what the Democrats called "permission slips" agreeing to the surveillance on leaving the floor. On Tuesday, Collier took a call from Kamala Harris, who lauded the Fort Worth Democrat for "standing up for the people," telling her that "we are all in that chamber with you." Collier quickly posted a video on social media of her on speaker-phone chat with the former vice president. After gaining national attention for her dramatic flair, Collier spoke at a virtual news conference Wednesday with the DNC, where she gave an update just hours before Texas Republicans passed the new maps. "Im still under house arrest, Im not free to leave. In fact, I am confined in a bathroom ... were going to push through this, were not going to be deterred," she claimed. "I represent a majority black-and-brown community, and itll be my constituents, the people who look like me, who will be harmed by any type of redoing of maps by the Trump administration and Abbott administration." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toward the end of the call, after Newsom and Martin spoke, and in the middle of Bookers remarks to the press, Collier abruptly interjected: "Sorry, I have to leave," she told the reporters. "They said its a felony for me to do this. Apparently, I cant be on the floor or in the bathroom." She then turned to speak to someone off camera: "You told me I was only allowed to be here in the bathroom. No, hang on, bye everybody - Ive got to go." Booker immediately raised the race card in reacting to Colliers complaints of threats of a felony and departure, calling her allegations "freaking outrageous" and accusing Texas Republicans of trying to "silence a black woman." "Let me tell you something, Rep. Collier in the bathroom has more dignity than Donald Trump in the Oval Office," Booker said, immediately buying into Colliers explanation. "There you go there. Silence an American leader, silence a black woman." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fact that she cant even let her voice be heard is freaking outrageous," he added. "And that is what were fighting for here. This is ultimately what this is about." The entire incident, however, raised more questions than it answered. When RealClearPolitics asked who was threatening Collier, a DNC spokesman deferred to the Texas House Democratic Caucus, which didnt respond to an inquiry. Texas House Republicans denied threatening Collier to end the bathroom Zoom call. An aide to the Texas GOP leadership said their conference has no idea what Collier and Booker were talking about - that no one on their side, northe House sergeant-at-arms office, told Collier to end the call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bookers and Newsoms press aides also did not return inquiries. After the Texas legislature passed the maps in a party-line vote, Newsom responded on X.com: "Its on, Texas." Newsom for weeks had pledged to "fight fire with fire" and respond to Texas Republicans partisan mid-redistricting plan to eliminate five Democratic districts with his own set of gerrymandering in California. Pulling off such a task, however, will be no small feat. There are far more procedural hurdles in the state, where voters 15 years ago took the role of redrawing maps away from the legislature and set up a so-called independent Citizens Redistricting Commission in an attempt to make the task less partisan. Mid-decade redistricting in California is also illegal under the states constitution. Newsom and state Democrats are leading a drive to change all that and hold a voter referendum on Nov. 4 to throw out those laws and circumvent the commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fact that you have to submit to some overlord to have a full-time security watching your every move in 2025 - you cant make this up," Newsom told Collier on the Zoom call with reporters earlier Wednesday. "Theres nothing normal about this - it should make everybodys blood boil." Newsom then referenced the ICE arrests outside a pro-redistricting rally he held with California Democratic lawmakers and union representatives a week ago in Los Angeles. "Yes, well fight fire with fire. Yes, we will push back," he argued. "Its not about whether they play hardball anymore. Its about how we play - push back." The difference in California, he argued, is that he and other Democrats are pursuing their gerrymandering in the "most transparent and democratic way" and are poised to pass a constitutional amendment this week setting up the ballot initiative asking voters to approve the new maps eliminating five GOP congressional seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms comments spurred jeers from the California Republican Party and several GOP lawmakers, who hold just nine out of the states 52 congressional seats. Four California GOP state lawmakers have already filed suit challenging the maps, and state Democrats are facing mounting questions about exactly which individuals have been involved in the closed-door map-writing process. Over the last 48 hours, as the California legislature held hearings on its plan to gerrymander the congressional maps, Democratic leaders have refused to answer questions about who is responsible for writing the new maps. According to a bill thats part of the redistricting package, the California Assembly Committee on Elections and the Senate Committee on Elections had prepared them. But neither leader of those panels would confirm who was ultimately responsible, according to KCRA 3, a Sacramento-based television station. Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, who leads the Assemblys elections committee, on Tuesday denied that state lawmakers drew the maps, amid reports that the Democratic Congressional Committee and consultant Paul Mitchell took credit for drawing the proposed maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pellerin said the maps were a "collaboration" and she would get reporters "the specifics." When pressed, Pellerin retorted, "When I go to a restaurant, I dont need to meet the chef, I just enjoy the food." With one day left on the California legislative timeline to pass the redistricting package, California Republicans responded by calling for a federal investigation into who drew the new partisan lines and assailed the cost of holding a referendum vote in November. Republicans have estimated that cost at around $230 million. "What we need to know right now is who drew the maps," argued GOP Assemblyman David Tangipa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans hope to capitalize on Newsoms and state Democrats decision to plow ahead with their response to Texas Republicans power grab while public sentiment in California remains against mid-year redistricting and jettisoning the commission. A Politico poll released last week found that just 36% of California voters support returning congressional redistricting authority to state lawmakers. Yet another Politico survey this week showed that Newsom is likely benefiting politically from his high-stakes gambit to fight Trump and Texas Republican efforts to secure more congressional seats before the 2026 midterm elections, as well as his embrace of the presidents bare-knuckle style of politics. The governor has now surpassed Harris as the top 2028 presidential contender among Democratic-leaning voters in California, the poll found. Attempting to keep the heat on Democrats, the California GOP on Wednesday night released a video mash-up of the embarrassing set of interviews with California Democrats on the topic of who is responsible for drawing the new maps. "Why is it so incredibly difficult for the Democrats to say or get their story straight - WHO DREW THE MAPS?!" the X.com post with the accompanying video repeatedly asks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It *should* be a simple question," Los Angeles GOP Chairwoman Roxanne Hoge remarked on X.com. "CA_Dem are clearly puppets. Who is the puppet master?" "Jerry Mander drew the map," one X.com account replied in a post accompanied by a likely AI-generated photo of Newsom in a PPE mask with a pen, crouched over a map of California. Back in Texas, Collier ended her night by posting a photo on X.com of her leaving the state House with a big roller suitcase. "My work here isnt done," she said. "But my stay here is." Newsoms repeated point on the DNC Zoom call earlier Wednesday that the political machinations over redistricting had quickly gone haywire may have been his strongest. "Nothing about this, everybody, is normal - nothing," he told reporters. Susan Crabtree is RealClearPolitics' national political correspondent. There is no better way to help a teenager feel connected to their Jewish roots than with a hands-on trip, whether thats to the Jewish homeland or marching in the once-vibrant Jewish communities of Poland. The Jewish Federation of Broward County is offering two opportunities to do just that. Both programs take place in the spring 2026, but enrollment and information sessions are happening now. IsraelNow: This program is designed specifically for eighth-graders in Broward County public schools (or any non-Jewish private schools) who want to experience Israel before entering high school. The program takes place from March 15-24, 2026, and leads students through Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, takes them to historical sites and museums, engages them in social justice projects, introduces them to Israelis their same age, and gets them outdoors, whether its hiking or swimming in the Dead Sea. The IsraelNow 2026 trip information session will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 24, with a second session from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17. According to the website, IsraelNow will continue to monitor the current situation in Israel to ensure safety. If it is not possible to travel to Israel at the time of the trip, participants will receive a full refund. For more information, visit israelnowtrip.org. March of the Living Broward County: Broward County is offering the popular program to local high school juniors and seniors. The purpose of the March of the Living is to teach students about the Holocaust and strengthen Jewish identity. The next trip is set for April 12-24, 2026, and recruitment is happening now. Students travel to Poland to march from Auschwitz to Birkenau. To attend the trip, teens are required to participate in a weekly study session held on Sundays from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Katz Federation Building on the JCC Posnack campus. For more information, visit molbroward.org/teens2 or contact Galit Alboukrek at 954-660-2077. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com A religious concert set for Aug. 30 will be held at Gas Works Park in Seattles Fremont neighborhood after city officials approved a permit, despite public safety concerns tied to past unrest at similar events. The event, hosted by the group Let Us Worship, Revive in 2025, was initially proposed for Cal Anderson Park in Seattles Capitol Hill neighborhood. Mayor Bruce Harrell confirmed the relocation Tuesday, stating that the City of Seattle approved the concert and rally because it is protected free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone has a First Amendment right to make their voices heard, regardless of content or belief, Harrell said in a joint statement with Seattle Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth. We are focused on facilitating that right of expression for everyone in our city, while also prioritizing safety. The city said the move came after conversations with organizers, who acknowledged Cal Anderson Parks cultural importance to Seattles LGBTQ+ community. Concerns over the concert stem from a similar faith-based rally in May, also held at Cal Anderson Park, which ended in violent clashes between attendees and counter-protesters. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) reported 23 arrests that day, and at least 30 people were detained. According to SPD, protesters threw items at officers and knocked down fencing. One officer was hospitalized. Well we once again had to issue the permit. A lot of people have said to deny the permit. Well we dont break the law, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KIRO7s Jake Chapman asked Mayor Harrell if there are any concerns on safety, given what happened at Cal Anderson Park in May. Do you have any concerns that things could get out of hand? Chapman asked. I do have concerns that there could be some public safety issues, Mayor Harrell said. Mayor Harrell says the group has told them they plan to keep things peaceful and not stir the pot with any counter-protestors. I remain optimistic, but certainly as the executive of the city, public safety is my number one concern, Mayor Harrell said. One Seattle council member said the May rally, which was hosted by On Fire Ministries, and the scheduled rally are linked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the group, Capitol Hill Pride, filed a complaint with the city, alleging police ignored warnings that the May rally posed a high risk for violence. The Capitol Hill Seattle Blog reported that the May rally was organized to oppose abortion and sex trafficking, while promoting the nuclear family. Protesters described it as anti-LGBTQ+, and counter-demonstrators clashed with both participants and police. Following the rally, Mayor Harrell said anarchists had infiltrated the counter-protest and incited violence. Seattle is proud of our reputation as a welcoming, inclusive city for LGBTQ+ communities, and we stand with our trans neighbors when they face bigotry and injustice, Harrell said. Todays far-right rally was held here for this very reason to provoke a reaction by promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our citys values, in the heart of Seattles most prominent LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPD said it will monitor the Gas Works Park event. Park gates will close at 10 p.m., consistent with new security measures implemented earlier this summer. Follow Luke Duecy on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here. A man who saw a fighter plane crash off the coast during World War Two says it is "beautiful" that an aircraft of the same type will fly at the Clacton Airshow. This year's display marks 80 years since the Mustang known as Little Zippie plunged into the sea near the town. The pilot, an American named Raymond King, died from the freezing temperatures and was later awarded the Purple Heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albert Scott, 93, who witnessed the crash, says seeing a Mustang fighter fly will remind people of the valuable role they played in the 1939-45 conflict. The role played by long-range P-51 Mustang fighters in the war was invaluable. The aircraft was a high-performance, high-altitude, long-range fighter that could escort heavy bomber formations all the way to Berlin and back. It is also estimated that nearly 5,000 enemy aircraft were destroyed by Mustang fighters, both on the ground and in the air during the conflict. On 13 January 1945, Flight Officer King was flying Little Zippy on a mission over Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the way back to Wattisham airbase in Suffolk, he experienced engine failure and the aircraft plunged into the sea 800 yards off the coast. He was rescued but the freezing temperatures of the water meant he died of hypothermia. Mr Scott, who was 13 at the time, says he will never forget seeing the accident. He went on to join the Royal Air Force and traced the US pilot's family. He remains friends with Flight Officer King's relatives to this day, even visiting them in the US twice. "It is nice to be in touch with the relatives of the man who really earned [the Purple Heart]," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year's Clacton Airshow is marking 80 years since the end of the war, and that accident at sea. Alongside the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a different Mustang, similar to Little Zippie, will fly overheard in tribute. Mr Scott said the noise it will make is similar to that of a Spitfire. "It can raise the hairs on the back of people's necks," he said. "Seeing these old prop jobs [is] beautiful." However, Mr Scott said that he would not be able to attend this year's airshow for family reasons. The wreckage of Little Zippie is on display at East Essex Aviation Museum [John Fairhall/BBC] Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More stories of interest Related internet links The Senate chambers at the Washington state Capitol. (Legislative Support Services) Washington state lawmakers long resisted routinely taking testimony from those not seated in a committee hearing room. But when forced by the pandemic to operate remotely for two sessions, their minds changed and it is reshaping public involvement in the legislative process. Thousands signed up to testify remotely this past legislative session. They took part from their homes, their offices and their cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands more, sometimes tens of thousands, who did not want to speak still went online to register support or opposition to pending legislation. Organizations pressing to pass or defeat bills sometimes cited the numbers to bolster their arguments. When crowds did pack hearings on controversial bills, lawmakers wanted to know how many had taken a stand via the online option, as another barometer of public opinion. Its encouraging to see more people engaging testifying in committee, sharing comments on legislation, and emailing lawmakers, said House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma. Weve worked to expand these options so that people across the state, including those far from Olympia, can participate. House committees held 326 meetings with public hearings this past session. For those, 11,768 people signed up to testify in person or remotely and 8,963, or 76%, did get to say their piece, according to tallies provided by legislative staff. Another 585,378 people signed in with a viewpoint but did not wish to testify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Senate, there were 302 committee sessions with hearings and 10,037 people sought to speak. There were 615,023 people who weighed in without testifying in the course of the 105-day session, three times as many as the shorter 2024 session. Its a good thing. It means more public engagement. Now they have a way to express their opinion on a deeply unpopular bill, said Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia. Thats good for democracy. Braun points to what transpired with Democrat-sponsored legislation to repeal a voter-approved limit on property tax growth. Republicans fought the bill in both chambers, rallying residents to state their opposition at public hearings. On March 31, when the Senate version reached the Senate Ways and Means Committee, 308 people signed in to speak, with 288 opposed. Of the 45,174 not wishing to testify, 42,865 signed in as opposed, based on sign-in logs posted online. This chart shows trends with Senate testimony between 2019 and 2025 in the Washington Legislature. (Chart courtesy of Washington state Senate Facilities and Operations Committee) A similar scenario unfolded April 3 in the House Finance Committee for a hearing on the original House bill to hike the cap on the annual property tax growth factor. This time, 16,027 people who did not testify signed in opposed, versus 2,183 in support. Eventually, the controversial provision was stripped from this bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providing the option of remote testimony helps open the door to the state capital and allows more voices to be heard before laws are passed affecting the daily lives of citizens and businesses, said Jason Mercier, who lobbied hard for allowing remote testimony a decade ago while working at the Washington Policy Center. Mercier recalled testifying remotely for the first time in May 2013 at a hearing chaired by Republican Mike Padden, the former Spokane state senator who embraced the idea early on as a way for his constituents to participate without having to travel to Olympia. Six years later, the Senate committed to making remote testimony a permanent option and the House leaned into doing it on a trial basis with several of its panels. This allowed Washingtons Legislature to hit the ground running during the pandemic, said Mercier, now vice president and director of research for Mountain States Policy Center in Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COVID-19 arrived in early 2020, worsening after that years short legislative session. Lawmakers worked entirely from home in 2021 and only a handful could be on the floor at any one time in 2022. Since returning in-person, theyve made it routine to participate from outside Olympia. It took time and effort, but Washington state is now the model for other states across the country for remote testimony, Mercier said. WASHINGTON Conservative firebrand Rep. Chip Roy said Thursday he is running for Texas attorney general in 2026, jumping into a crowded Republican primary field to replace Ken Paxton. Roy, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, has been a thorn in the side of President Donald Trump; Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.; and the House GOP leadership team. A former attorney and top aide to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Roy first came to Congress in 2019. In his campaign launch video posted Thursday, Roy, 53, warned the Texas of our dreams, our families and our forefathers is under assault, blaming radical Democrats and George Soros, open border politicians, and faceless corporations and the Chinese Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, we draw a line in the sand, he said. Roy joins several other Republican candidates in the race for attorney general after Paxton announced a bid against Sen. John Cornyn in 2026. Roy has repeatedly voted against big funding bills and has railed against the ballooning national debt and deficit spending. In one of his more memorable speeches, Roy, in November 2023, took to the House floor and berated his own GOP leadership, asking colleagues to name one thing that Republicans had done since taking back control of the House that January. I want my Republican colleagues to give me one thing one! that I can go campaign on and say we did. One! Roy exclaimed. Anybody sitting in the complex, you want to come down to the floor and come explain to me one material, meaningful, significant thing the Republican majority has done besides, Well, I guess its not as bad as the Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was one of a handful of Republicans who backed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over Trump in the 2024 presidential primary. And he initially was opposed to Trumps big beautiful bill earlier this year before eventually voting for it, saying he helped secure changes, including eliminating clean-energy subsidies. In 2021, after Democrat Joe Bidens presidential election victory, Roy broke with Trump and GOP leaders when he voted to certify the results of the 2020 election. That vote may well sign my political death warrant, but so be it, Roy said at the time. Since then, Trump has disparaged Roy on several occasions, calling him a RINO congressman who seeks cheap publicity and should face a primary challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his campaign video, Roy briefly invoked Trump, saying he helped the president secure the border. Texans next attorney general must have a proven record of fighting to preserve, protect and defend our legacy, an attorney general unafraid to fight, unafraid to win, Roy said. Thats why I fought to secure our border and help President Trump deliver results. Roy joins a handful of other conservative rabble-rousers who are heading for the exits of Congress to run for statewide office a welcome development for Johnson and his team, who have struggled to corral votes from these Freedom Caucus members. Former Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Biggs is running for governor in Arizona, while Rep. Ralph Norman is running for that same post in his native South Carolina. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Freedom Caucus ally who also frequently bucked leadership, is also running for South Carolina governor. And former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who created headaches for leadership, resigned from Congress last November and is eyeing a bid for governor in Florida. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com PUEBLO A multi-agency criminal investigation is underway after state inspectors found "around 20" decomposing bodies hidden inside a private funeral home owned by Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter during an annual inspection. Davis Mortuary, 128 Broadway Ave. in Pueblo, is under summary suspension after inspectors entered the business and noticed a "strong odor of decomposition" and a door hidden by a cardboard display during a mandatory annual inspection Wednesday, according to a statement from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Officials say the inspectors saw "around 20 or so" bodies in various stages of decomposition. Brian Cotter, 64, who co-owns the mortuary with his brother, Chris, allegedly told inspectors that the bodies were awaiting cremation and that some of them had been in the room for about 15 years. DORA Division of Professions and Occupations Director Sam Delp said the official number of bodies has yet to be determined. According to Delp, state inspectors could see the bodies from the doorway, but did not step inside the room Wednesday. Law enforcement officials were notified immediately. A search warrant of the property was executed Thursday. In addition to the discovered bodies, Cotter allegedly admitted to investigators that he "may" have issued next-of-kin fake cremains, according to the state agency. "Davis Mortuary engaged in willfully dishonest conduct and/or committed negligence in the practice of embalming, funeral director or providing for final disposition that defrauds or causes injury or is likely to defraud or cause injury," the summary suspension document alleges. The summary suspension further states that the funeral home was over capacity in the amount of bodies it could refrigerate. In addition, Delp said none of the individuals employed by Davis Mortuary were licensed. Although not required by Colorado law until January 2027, individuals can voluntarily apply for licensure at any time. During this last legislative session, Gov. Jared Polis signed the Sunset Continue Mortuary Science Code Regulation bill (HB24-1335) into law. That law required funeral homes and crematories to be subject to inspections on a routine basis. Wednesday's inspection was the first one done on the funeral home. Families showed up to the mortuary Thursday afternoon with tears in their eyes as they asked what was happening to their loved ones. Patrol cars from Pueblo Police were lining the block. "I think the biggest thing is there's nobody to call for answers," said Patty Emerson, who cremated her husband, Mel, at Davis Mortuary after he died from kidney cancer in 2011. Emerson was seen pulling into the parking lot, visibly shaking with tears in her eyes as she talked to reporters. With the only knowledge of what's happening coming from reading the news, she sat in her car making phone calls to law enforcement, awaiting confirmation that officials are taking the investigation seriously. She said the only answers officials have given to help quell her anxiety was an email address. But she wants to know what happened to her husband, who she said was the kindest man she's ever known. "It's been 14 years, but I still miss him. I still breathe him," she said. "And then, to read about this ... it's just devastating. I don't know why somebody would do this. I just it's incomprehensible to me." Emerson used the coroner's funeral home because she knew the Cotter brothers during her time working in the pathology department at UCHealth Parkview Medical Center for 18 years. "I knew him because we handled the hospital morgue, and they would come in to pick up people who had passed away," she said "They were both two of the nicest morticians we ever dealt with, and when it was time for me to choose a mortuary, I thought, 'That's who I'm going with. He's such a nice guy.'" Now, she just wants to find out what happened to her husband. "My biggest fear is that my husband's body has been rotting away in that home. My second biggest fear is that the ashes I was given do not belong to my husband," Emerson said. Around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, CBI arrived at the mortuary with a hazard team. At least a dozen CBI vehicles were parked on the property and people were seen putting on gas masks ahead of executing the search warrant as officers taped off the area. Upon finding finding the bodies, DORA has been fully cooperating with the Pueblo Police Department, the state agency said in their statement. It is unknown who will assume control of the Pueblo County Coroner's Office following the allegations. As the largest office in Colorado, the El Paso County Coroner's Office has historically performed examinations in cases involving a conflict of interest for the Pueblo coroner, according to a statement from Coroner Emily Russell-Kinsley. "The El Paso County Coroner's Office is willing to assist with the current investigation as necessary. Simultaneously, we will remain in our service to the citizens of El Paso County," Russell-Kinsley said in the statement. As of Thursday, officials have confirmed Cotter is still the county coroner. According to the Pueblo County website, Brian Cotter has spent more than 20 years with the Coroner's Office, and has over 25 years of "death care" experience. His biography on the website states he worked as a mortician, a state death investigator and a diplomat for the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. According to the Davis Mortuary website, Brian Cotter and his brother Chris Cotter purchased the funeral home in 1989. The funeral home has been around since 1905 and touts itself as southern Colorado's first crematory in 1971. Brian Cotter is listed as the president of the business, with Chris Cotter as a secretary, according to business records sent to the Colorado Secretary of State from 1992. "In this era of mega-size corporate funeral home chains, it is truly refreshing to find a family still here to serve you when you need it," the website reads. "They are not concerned with faceless stockholders or satisfying a far off CEO with high profit numbers. Their only consideration is helping their friends and neighbors in need." The "our staff" bio for Brian Cotter on the funeral home's website states "new paragraph" and appeared to have been removed as of Thursday morning. As of Thursday, neither brother has been arrested. Officials are aware of Brian Cotter's location, but no formal charges have been filed, according the 10th Judicial District Attorney Kala Beauvais. As for Chris Cotter, officials say he is "being looked at," but similar to his brother, no charges have been filed and it remains unclear what his involvement may have been. It is unclear what the motive behind the alleged stashing of bodies was. Law enforcement officials say the investigation will be comprehensive and the potential financial element will be looked at. According to an archived version of the website from January, Brian Cotter has been around his family's funeral home "since he was old enough to help wash cars." He is also a member of the National Funeral Directors Association. Brian Cotter, a Republican, defeated his Democratic opponents in the 2014 election to become coroner and won again in 2018 and 2022, according to election results. Chris Cotter is a certified funeral director and a licensed life insurance agent specializing in pre arranged funeral planning, according to the archived website. During the afternoon press conference, Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero said this investigation is "rocking our community" and that it may take days or months to complete. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the incident, a spokesperson from the agency confirmed Thursday. A CBI tip line and victim assistance hotline is 719-257-3359. The Pueblo County Coroner's Office has yet to provide a statement regarding the allegations. A spokesperson from Davis Mortuary has yet to respond to a request for comment from The Gazette. The gruesome discovery came only days before one of the former co-owners of the Return to Nature Funeral Home appears in court for his state sentencing. Jon Hallford pleaded guilty to 190 counts of abuse of a corpse last year and is expected to receive two decades behind bars for the state crimes on Friday. Gazette reporter Grace Brajkovich and Cleo Westin contributed to this article. WASHINGTON (AP) Republican Rep. Chip Roy, an outspoken fiscal conservative known for his willingness to challenge party leadership, announced Thursday that he is running for Texas attorney general. Now in his fourth term, Roy is a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, a hard-line conservative faction that wields outsize influence in the narrowly divided House. He was a central player this summer in the negotiations around President Donald Trump's big tax bill. But the lawmaker's relationship with President Donald Trump has been complicated at times as one of the few Republicans who initially pushed back against Trump's claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Roy enters an increasingly crowded Republican primary field to succeed Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas is under assault from open-border politicians, radical leftists, and faceless foreign corporations that threaten our sovereignty, safety, and our way of life, Roy said in a statement. Its time to draw a line in the sand." Roy served as Paxtons second-in-command in the attorney generals office before winning election in 2018. Roy was the most prominent member of his party to call for Paxton to resign in 2020 after the attorney general's top deputies reported him to law enforcement for alleged crimes including bribery and abuse of office. Roy has been both critical of Trump while also trying to align with him. The congressman voted to certify the 2020 election results before changing course, and earlier this year appeared outside a jail to support individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riot. Trump, in December 2024, publicly targeted Roy amid a party struggle over a government funding package, writing on social media that he hoped Republicans go after Chip in the Primary! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As policy chair of the Freedom Caucus, Roy has often been a thorn in the side of both Trump and the GOP leadership. He has been a frequent holdout this year on key legislation, including Trumps tax and spending cut plan, which he criticized for lacking deeper reductions. He ultimately voted for it. Roy represents the 21st Congressional District, a deeply conservative area west of both Austin and San Antonio. His departure comes as Republicans in the Legislature are redrawing congressional maps that would give the GOP a bigger edge the delegation in 2026. In a statement announcing his run, Roy said that the devastating Hill Country floods made clear that I want to come home." On July 4, Texas' Hill County was deluged by massive flooding that killed more than 130 people. The Republican primary for attorney general already includes state Sens. Joan Huffman and Mayes Middleton. SPRINGFIELD Police officers in Springfields firearms unit only pointed their weapons at 17 people, physically controlled nine and took down six during all of 2024, according to a report filed this week with a federal judge about the units use of force. The Firearms Investigation Unit, which does not engage in day-to-day policing but rather deals with individuals suspected of possessing illegal firearms, saw 17 incidents involving 26 people where officers used force last year. Its a decline in the number of use-of-force incidents for a unit whose tactics the U.S. Department of Justice said in 2020 were excessive and deprived Springfield residents their constitutional rights. In the last nine months of 2023, evaluators said officers in the unit used force 29 times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats according to a report filed Monday by a team of compliance evaluators. In 2022, the city of Springfield and the Department of Justice entered into a consent decree aimed at improving the Springfield Police Departments policies, training and supervision of officers. As part of that agreement, a group of compliance evaluators submit periodic reports to the court. At a status conference Wednesday, attorneys for the Department of Justice and the city and Kathleen OToole, the lead compliance evaluator monitoring Springfield Police, presented the findings to Magistrate Judge Katherine Robertson while looking ahead to next year when the consent decree is set to expire. Robertson scheduled a hearing in late April to assess the citys compliance with the consent decree. The use of force improved tremendously, Anuj Khetarpal, assistant U.S. attorney, told Robertson. He added that the federal government is looking for the police department to engage in self-critique, setting up a sustainable system when the consent decree is no longer in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOJ doesnt wish to be in a community overseeing that community indefinitely, Khetarpal said. Khetarpal said the citys data collection is set to improve dramatically as it is implementing parts of a new system in the fall. Before, data collection was done manually. City attorney Stephen Buoniconti, meanwhile, praised the collegial accountability in the air that we see this thing through. He said the Springfield police are not sitting back and waiting for critique, but rather raising issues on its own. Buoniconti told Robertson the department is trying to create a culture where it wont regress. They want to do their jobs well, Buoniconti said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for her part, OToole, former police chief in Seattle, told Robertson she recognized the officers in the Firearms Investigation Unit have a very stressful and dangerous job, she said. The unit arrested 352 people in 2024, a 19% decrease in the number of arrests the year before. The report says most of those uses of force complied with the departments policies. However, there were two cases where OTooles team said officers engaged in unreasonable force. In both cases, the people were not charged and they were not injured, the report says. The report was not without its critiques. OToole told Robertson that while the document criticized police supervisors for not promptly and thoroughly investigating uses of force, she learned Wednesday that supervisors with the Firearms Investigation Unit are out in the field themselves, and they would often ask for extensions in order to get the report right. She said the evaluators would work with the city regarding that issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, the report said officers often would fail to note what moves they made to de-escalate a situation before turning to force, with discussion about de-escalation mentioned in six of the 17 instances. To that point, Buoniconti said of officers, Its not in their DNA to pat themselves on the back for not doing anything. The parties are scheduled to appear before Robertson in mid-November for their fourth status conference of the year. Wednesdays regularly scheduled conference comes months after the Trump administration announced it was reexamining the federal governments agreements with police departments over their policing practices. It moved to end consent decrees in Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, for instance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for Massachusetts said in May officials were examining Springfields consent decree. Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers said at the time his departments agreement with the DOJ brought about reform. Whether this ends in a year, or a week, were just going to keep doing what were doing, Akers said in May. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) The 19-year-old who allegedly shot and killed Johnsonville teenager Trey Wright in late June fled the scene in a vehicle driven by a girl with multiple boys in it, according to an incident report from the Florence County Sheriffs Office. Devan Raper of Conway was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in connection with the 16-year-old Wrights death. The heavily-redacted report details the events leading up to the moment Wright was fatally shot in the chest on June 24 on N. First Neck Road in the Johnsonville area. The responding deputy arrived at the scene at about 11:40 p.m. to find Wright lying in the road with several others around him screaming, according to the report. Wright had two close-range gunshots to his chest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses indicated to the deputy that Raper had fled in a white Mazda SUV driven by a female with three male passengers, the report shows. The deputy learned the altercation was apparently over a dispute involving someones girlfriend and a series of provacative messages being exchanged via Snapchat. 9 now face charges in killing of Johnsonville teenager Trey Wright, deputies say One of the witnesses said Wright approached the Mazda and began banging on the door before it was opened, at which point shots were fired, according to the report. Another witness corroborated that account, saying he suspected the people in the Mazda were armed. Other witnesses provided similar accounts of the events, emphasizing that the confrontation escalated quickly and unexpectedly, the report said. The deputy also noticed a white Chevrolet Malibu with a flat tire, which was later determined to have been shot during the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the incident was a result of a planned confrontation that escalated into violence, the report reads. The involvement of alcohol and previous altercations between the parties were contributing factors. Could care less about them: Close friend of Johnsonville homicide victim cuts ties with alleged killers Two shotguns were also recovered at the scene, and none of the witnesses told the deputy about their use, the report notes. One of the guns was located near the road and appeared to have been discharged three times, and an unfired round was found about 50 yards away, while another shotgun was located leaning against a tree about 80 yards from the road. Nine people are charged in connection with Wrights killing. Raper, who authorities say shot and killed the teen, was the first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raper was arrested the day after the shooting when deputies learned he was at the Country Inn & Suites on Waccamaw Boulevard in the Myrtle Beach area, the report said. He was taken into custody at about 7:30 p.m. June 25 without incident. Wrights girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, 17, is also facing a murder charge. She was recently granted bond and released to home confinement. Gianna Kistenmacher Florence County Detention Center Police have also arrested 17-year-old Sydney Kearns, 18-year-old Hunter Kendall, 18-year-old Corrinne Belviso, 18-year-old Jaden Auclaire and 17-year-old Braylyn Thompson, who all face murder charges. Belviso and Kearns are both out on bond. Its not fair, Wrights grandmother Catherine Lee said. Its not fair for those kids to be out and about when we are never going to see my baby again; my baby, Trey. Never again. From left: Hunter Kendall, Sydney Kearns, Corrinne Belviso / Photos: Florence County Detention Center Warrants say Kistenmacher, Belviso and the other teens knew Raper was armed and made threats to shoot Wright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyer Tommy Brittain represents Belviso and claims his client is innocent. Brittain said Belviso captured video from the night of the shooting. Shes tiny; shes quiet. Shes humble, Brittain said earlier this month. She had nothing to do with this shooting. She had nothing to do to promote it and nothing to do with it happening. This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates. * * * 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. As a lawyer who has represented many of Jeffrey Epsteins and Ghislaine Maxwells victims dating back to 2008, I cannot stay silent while politicians and government officials continue to hide the truth. For years, powerful people in every administration have gone to extraordinary lengths to bury what really happened. And in the process, they have forced the victims the hundreds of young girls whose lives were shattered by Epstein and Maxwell to relive their trauma again and again. The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board's recent Sunday editorial rightly highlighted the disgraceful, secret plea deal that let Epstein escape real justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what is being overlooked is the most shameful part of all: the government never consulted the victims. Not once. Prosecutors [led by then-U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta and then-Palm Beach County State Attorney Barry Krischer] intentionally kept the victims and their lawyers in the dark because they knew these young women would never allow such a sweetheart deal to stand. Cerabino: AG Bondi closed the Epstein case because Trump wanted her to Lets be clear this was not just negligence. It was a betrayal. By cutting this backroom deal in secrecy, the government told these girls their pain didnt matter, their voices didnt matter, and their futures didnt matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were victimized once by Epstein and Maxwell, and then victimized again by their own government. Enough with the excuses. Enough with the cover-ups. The victims deserve better, and the public deserves the truth. Release the files, expose the liars, and the truth for the world to see what actually happened. Spencer T. Kuvin, Esq., West Palm Beach Join the Conversation: The Palm Beach Post is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. Email us at letters@pbpost.com. Letters are subject to editing, must not exceed 200 words and must include your name, address and a daytime phone number to confirm the letter is for publication. We only publish names and cities with the letters. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Epstein, Maxwell victims deserve better than cover-ups | Letter Protesters approached the outside of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in Detroit where they held a rally as part of the No Kings Day demonstration. June 14, 2025. | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz Blocking public roadways and highways in an act of mass protest could saddle groups expressing their First Amendment rights with misdemeanor charges, heavy fines and possible jail time under a Republican bill discussed Wednesday by a Michigan House panel. House Bill 4664, sponsored by state Rep. Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township), was before the House Judiciary Committee, which adopted a substitute altering the bill but took no further action after hearing testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Germaine said her bill was aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing obstructions to traffic when groups hold political actions in areas designated for motor vehicles. The bill would change the current civil infraction for blocking the flow of traffic to a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and up to a $5,000 fine, or both. Its a problem, and we all have the right to free speech and to assemble to express our opinions, St. Germaine said. Where that ends is when you block people or hold them hostage, because thats exactly whats going on in some of these scenarios. Rep. Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township), testifying before the House Judiciary Committee on her bill change the current civil infraction for blocking the flow of traffic to a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and up to a $5,000 fine, or both. Aug. 20, 2025 | Screenshot The bill sponsor showed the committee short, edited and glossed up TikTok videos of protests where it was insinuated that demonstrators had caused some kind of dangerous obstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) noted that it appeared that some of the videos showed instances where the drivers were in the wrong because they drove their vehicles into protesters, thereby assaulting them in the process. The conversation broke into a short debate over who was at fault in situations where drivers become aggressive against protesters, with St. Germaine saying it was unfair to not hold a protester accountable for blocking a roadway. She was also adamant that blocking someone in their car for a long period while protesters made their political points amounted to hostage taking and false imprisonment. State Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) was quick to note that the bill covers only fault for the protesters, some of whom might become injured through the aggressive actions of a driver if they ram protesters with their vehicle. Breen said that protesters could, under the bill, become seriously injured by someone who was frustrated with the protest and then also face jail time for expressing their right to free assembly. State Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) questioning the effect of a bill before the House Judiciary Committee to change the current civil infraction for blocking the flow of traffic to a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and up to a $5,000 fine, or both. Aug. 20, 2025 | Screenshot Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido and Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard testified in favor of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bouchard said the current civil infraction doesnt provide for a meaningful deterrent against the unlawful blocking of a roadway, especially in the instance of a group making a political statement. Weve seen individuals and groups shut down highways with little or no consequences, and it creates a significant risk to public safety, Bouchard said. Blocking a roadway is not merely an inconvenience. It has life and death ramifications for first responders that rely on open roads to reach people in need, and even a delay of minutes, which Ive seen tragically as a former fatal accident investigator, means the difference between life and death and losing someone. There was some debate about whether the bill expressly prohibited protests or just groups of people. St. Germaine noted instances of parties forming on highways as a gimmick. The substitute adopted by the committee on Wednesday changes the initial language from a group of 10 or more people to an assembly of individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bouchard said, however, that an assembly is not a clearly defined term, pulling from his time in the Legislature. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard testifying in support of a bill before the House Judiciary Committee to change the current civil infraction for blocking the flow of traffic to a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and up to a $5,000 fine, or both. Aug. 20, 2025 | Screenshot Kyle Zawacki, legislative director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, said his organization was opposed to the bill. He said the ACLU was deeply concerned about what the bill would mean for the free exercise of speech and the right to peacefully assemble. Demonstrations on public streets have long been utilized for political speech, marches, rallies. Protests all require a physical space to occupy in order to exist, Zawacki said. Michigans highways do not exist in a vacuum, and vehicular blockades are not a new form of protest, nor are the governments frequent attempts to suppress these public demonstrations and silence dissent through police force and legal intimidation. Zawacki added that it was apparent that drivers hate to be inconvenienced when protests block streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, driving is not a right, it is a privilege, Zawacki said. Protesting, on the other hand, is a fundamental constitutional right. That comment started a debate between Zawacki and state Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay), who said that he and others have a fundamental right to move freely unimpeded through the state and across state lines. That has been affirmed over and over and over again by courts and the Supreme Court, DeBoyer said. I know that were not talking about lawful protest, were talking about unlawful protest. There is a significant difference. Zawacki said he wanted to be clear that the ACLUs position was that it was against the increase of penalties from a civil infraction to a misdemeanor. As to whether a roadway is a proper or protected venue for a protest, Zawacki noted Hague v. The Committee for Industrial Organization, a U.S. Supreme Court case from 1939, which spelled out that such a right does exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeBoyer, undeterred, cited Saenz v. Roe, a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court case. Although the Saenz ruling did reaffirm the right to free travel, the holding had other key components limited to the case, which had to do with residency requirements for welfare benefits in California. The ruling mostly held that the right to travel prevents states from imposing durational residency requirements that withhold the privileges and immunities of a states citizens from people who have newly arrived in that state, according to the legal information website Justia. The case didnt deal with the free travel rights of individuals throughout the U.S. unimpeded by roadway protesters, either. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Fox River empties into Lake Michigan in Green Bay, where city officials have proposed a resolution acknowledging that local bodies of water have a right to be protected. (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) Two Republican legislators have proposed legislation that would prevent local governments from enacting rights of nature ordinances laws that grant natural entities legal rights claiming that such ordinances are incompatible with Americas founding principles. The proposal from Rep. Joy Goeben (R-Hobart) and Sen. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) was released after the Green Bay City Council voted 9-1 last month to direct the citys sustainability council to begin drafting a rights of nature resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concept of granting natural entities legal rights is relatively new in American government, but countries around the world have enshrined legal rights for nature into their constitutions. In Wisconsin, the Menominee and Ho-Chunk Nations have written rights of nature provisions into their tribal constitutions. Two years ago, the Milwaukee County Board enacted its own rights of nature resolution that promises to protect the health of the Menominee, Milwaukee and Fox rivers and Lake Michigan. The Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights has been working for years to track and support the passage of rights of nature laws around the world. The organizations executive director Mari Margil says these laws are meant to help protect the environment. As environmental crises deepen, supporters of the bill are trying to make it harder to protect the environment, Margil says of the Goeben and Nass proposal. While the Republican legislation, if it manages to pass the Legislature, is unlikely to be signed into law by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, critics say the proposal is an example of kneejerk Republican opposition to pro-environment ideas and another instance of Republicans from northeast Wisconsin attempting to meddle in Green Bay city politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A co-sponsorship memo supporting the legislation states that these types of ordinances threaten the integrity of the legal system and property rights. Allowing and promoting this ideology represents a dangerous shift in legal precedent, the memo states. It would allow nonhuman entities to sue in court, threatening property rights, stalling development, and burdening the judicial system. Goeben did not respond to a request for comment. Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee), who helped write Milwaukee Countys resolution as a member of the county board in 2023, tells the Wisconsin Examiner the idea of granting bodies of water legal rights isnt so different from corporations having legal personhood. In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in its Citizens United decision that corporations have the right to free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is wholly disingenuous to say only real tangible people have rights and then fight explicitly for those rights for corporations, Clancy says. Its frankly frustrating to see Republicans take these really popular measures, these are broadly popular things, and rather than engaging with us in dialog, just trying to block these things through process. Its a disingenuous way to go about it. Lets talk about the things that necessitate these pieces of legislation. He adds that legislators have the power to do more than just write legislation. Goebens district is in the Green Bay suburbs but doesnt include any of the city, but, Clancy argues that she could go to city council meetings and speak with people about these ideas instead of trying to blanket ban them without any dialog. It would be a much more earnest process to show up in Green Bay and go to those meetings and voice your concerns there, he says. We have bully pulpits, I show up at the city council, county board, school board meetings, both in my capacity as a legislator and as a parent and community member. Make your case there rather than trying to ban it. A number of Green Bay area officials expressed frustration at Republicans again involving themselves in Green Bay city politics. Earlier this year, Green Bay-area Republicans Rep. David Steffen (R-Howard) and Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Oconto) proposed a bill that would limit the types of flags allowed to be flown at government buildings. Many Green Bay residents saw the bill as an effort to weigh in on a local debate over the flying of LGBTQ Pride flags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the challenges our communities are facing, from our housing crisis to fully funding our public schools, I am always surprised by elected officials who dont represent this city wasting time on policies that dont solve real problems or fund actual solutions, Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D-Green Bay) says. Joey Prestley, the Green Bay city council member who has led the local rights of nature effort, says the resolution which hasnt been drafted yet is meant to serve as a non-binding advisory statement that city government will consider the environmental effects of its decisions throughout the development process. Historically, the human actors have been the ones who have had the rights and the natural features have not been able to have people speaking for them, he says. Prestley says the idea for the resolution started after a group of residents objected late in the process to a new housing development. The development would be near the Niagara escarpment, a geological feature residents want to protect, but didnt hit the thresholds that would instigate involvement from the federal Environmental Protection Agency or state Department of Natural Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My hope with a resolution would be maybe we consider these all environmental features but especially these ones that are important to our region, earlier in the process, and more thoroughly in the process, so we dont have people coming up in the 11th Hour and saying, wait a second, you cant build this housing development, Prestley says. He adds that if that consideration and discussion of the environmental effects came earlier, it could have been a more constructive discussion rather than turning into a heated local debate that had the potential to kill a housing project in a city that, like much of Wisconsin, is in dire need of more housing. The Green Bay city council approved the 160-unit project in April If it had been earlier in our process, it could have been more collaborative, and it could have been neighbors and environmental advocates working together with the developer and the city to make sure its a plan that benefits everybody, everybody who engages with the environment, everybody who relies on the environment, everybody who appreciates the environment, he says. In proposing a resolution, he adds, the objective is not trying to compel anyone, but really trying to adapt as a philosophy for the city that we want to consider nature as the original inhabitants of the land did before we were here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prestley says its easy to spin the rights of nature discussion as the work of a crazy person who wants to get trees to sue the city, but actually he says hes trying to make sure the city considers the potentially damaging environmental effects of its actions after decades of managing the harmful contamination of the Fox River. There was not enough people speaking up for the damage that was happening to the river back then, and it created something that affected the whole community, Prestley says. People used to swim in the river. Nobody touches the river now. Maybe we should consider the environment. Thats not a radical idea, that is a sensible idea, considering what weve done in the past in this community, and thinking about how we want to move forward. Prestley says the proposed legislation seems silly and notes a number of city actions, such as wetland reconstruction, that have benefited the environment. He says that if the Legislature isnt going to help, it should get out of the way. I think were trying to do good things in Green Bay for the environment, he says. And I think the states responsibility should be to help with the good things, or to do their own thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers proposing the bill, theyre not helping us, Prestley says. Theyre not helping the people, theyre just opposing things, and I dont know why. Correction: This report has been updated to correct the vote count when the Green Bay City Council passed a measure to draft a proposed resolution on the rights of nature. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX State Rep. Stan Lambert, an Abilene Republican who survived a contested primary last year supercharged by two of the states most powerful GOP leaders with whom he disagreed on a pair of issues, said Thursday that he will not seek reelection after his current term ends. Lambert was first elected to the Texas House in 2016 to represent a district in West Texas anchored by Abilene, where he was born and raised. In a statement announcing his retirement, he called serving in the Legislature one of the greatest honors of my life. I've worked each day to serve with integrity, listen closely to the voices of my constituents, and champion the values and priorities that matter most to the Big Country, Lambert said. I've fought to strengthen public education, protect our water resources, invest in rural infrastructure, and ensure Texas remains a place where families can build a strong future. I'm proud of what we've accomplished together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lambert returned to the state House for this years legislative session against big opposition. He drew the ire of Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton because of two votes in 2023: One against taxpayer-funded private school vouchers, a top priority of the governor, and another to impeach Paxton, the states top civil lawyer who was accused of bribery and corruption but ultimately acquitted. Even President Donald Trump, who had supported Lambert, weighed in during his last primary by encouraging voters to not vote for him. But Lambert remained unfazed and emerged victorious, unlike more than a dozen other GOP members who also were in the doghouse of the partys standard-bearers over the same issues. The announcement of his retirement is the latest to scramble the makeup of the Legislature following this years regular session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Rep. Ray Lopez, D-San Antonio, said he will not seek reelection. Reps. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, also previously announced they would not return to the House. In the upper chamber, Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, has also announced his retirement at the end of his term and Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, launched a campaign to try to succeed Nichols. Also retiring is state Sen. Brian Birdwell, a Granbury Republican whos represented parts of Central and North Texas since 2010. 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. Colorado House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese speaks during a news conference about a bipartisan property tax reduction bill on May 6, 2024, at the Colorado Capitol. (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline) Rarely is the path from point A to point B so clear as with the journey the Colorado state budget took from balanced to unbalanced. Heres how it went. Colorado lawmakers, as theyre required to do by the state constitution, passed a balanced budget in April during their regular session. In the following weeks, President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress pushed through H.R. 1, known by the MAGA faithful as the big, beautiful bill. Because of Colorados unusual reliance on the federal tax code for its own tax rates, H.R. 1 stripped an estimated $1.2 billion in revenue from the state and left an $800 million hole in the budget. Thats why Gov. Jared Polis called the Legislature into a special session that begins Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pretty straightforward unless youre trying to follow Republicans. According to Republican state lawmakers, the congressional megabill had nothing to do with the states budget hole. Rather, it was caused by Democratic mismanagement. Make it make sense. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX At least this up-is-down perspective aligns with GOP denialism around other aspects of H.R. 1. For example, the measure guts Medicaid, yet Republicans like U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans of Fort Lupton insist its protecting Medicaid. Evans has denied the new law favors the rich, calling any claim it does patently false, even though economists say it resulted in the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the surface it might appear that state Republicans are conflating one issue (the state budget hole) with another (state budget priorities). After all, they do consistently object to spending decisions by the Democratic majority at the Colorado Capitol. Lets assume, then, that their charge of mismanagement is misplaced but made in good faith. Would different budget decisions have better shielded the state from a hit like H.R. 1? Yes. Tax revenue collection and spending is capped by the state Taxpayers Bill of Rights. The cap represents a maximum, but lawmakers do not have to spend every dollar theyre statutorily permitted to. They could choose not to establish new services. They could refrain from expanding programs. They could cease spending on certain existing items. They could instead write surpluses into annual budgets and develop structural buffers beyond the required reserve fund so that unforeseen emergencies, such as a recession or Trumpist recklessness, are blips rather than bombs. Nothing in principle is wrong with this approach. But if lawmakers advocate it, they must specify which government services should go. This is where the Republican position gets murky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of what state Republicans publicly say they want to eliminate from the state budget involves access to health care, particularly for residents who lack permanent legal status. The top Republican in the state House, Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, during a radio appearance last month said the expansion of Medicaid in Colorado should be rolled back. Medicaid ensures basic health care coverage for many of the states most vulnerable residents. Pugliese also advocated the elimination of OmniSalud, a state program that helps tens of thousands of people regardless of immigration status obtain and pay for health coverage. Among the special session bills Republicans have filed so far, one would require the state to prioritize documented residents in state-subsidized health care coverage, and another would simply disqualify anyone without lawful immigration status from receiving state money for health care coverage. The irony is that government subsidies for health care for residents without legal status are calculated to save money for everyone in the long run. When residents, whatever their status, forgo preventive care or early treatment, they typically end up seeking expensive emergency care when their condition becomes grave. This can raise costs throughout the health care system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond stripping health care from people, state Republicans are cagey about what else theyd strike from the state budget. They could offer more details and try to win a legislative majority on the strength of their proposals. But, so far, their position on budget cuts is no more straightforward than their message on why the state has been forced into a special session. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The News The Trump administration is spoiling for a fight over civil rights in Virginia schools. And even if the states Democrats manage to avoid it, the clash offers a template that Republicans could use nationwide next year. Much of the tension between the administration and Virginia districts stems from President Donald Trumps early executive orders that the US government recognize only two sexes, male and female. The Department of Education threatened on Tuesday to withhold federal funding for five public school districts all in DCs shadow, all strongly Democratic over their policies letting students use sex-specific facilities based on gender identity. But the Virginia education fight is bigger in suburban Fairfax County, where the Justice Department has investigated since May whether a top-ranked school discriminated against Asian students by changing its admissions policy to a more holistic one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican candidates in Virginias critical off-year elections are encouraging, and often running on, these federal interventions, which Trump also turned into a potent campaign issue last year. While Virginia Democratic candidates have treated them as a distraction, the administrations allegations of states civil rights violations fold into campaigns the GOP is already running across the country. Since January, the Department of Education has opened civil rights investigations under the education law known as Title IX in Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and New York all states where Democrats control the governors office, making each probe a political challenge. In New York, the investigation began in response to a letter from GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is expected to run for governor next year against Gov. Kathy Hochul. In Maine, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills clashed with Trump over gender policy at a White House meeting; Mills is a top potential recruit to challenge GOP Sen. Susan Collins next year. But its in Virginia where Republicans had their first political success drawing out Democrats on issues of race, gender, and schools where the Trump administrations civil rights investigations have made the biggest splash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokespeople for the DOJ and the Education Department did not respond to questions about how local politics played into decisions about what to investigate. Know More The Fairfax race-based civil rights case was referred to the DOJ by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican who is seeking reelection in November. And the funding fight in northern Virginia is giving the GOP fodder not only in the November gubernatorial election, but in the Sept. 9 special election to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly in a Fairfax district that Democrats usually win easily. Theyre going to lose $160 million of federal funding, Stewart Whitson, the GOP nominee for the Fairfax congressional seat, said at a Monday candidate forum. What are they doing that for? Theyre fighting to give boys the right to be in girls locker rooms. Democrats have been more cautious, seeking to wall off the investigations as culture-war bait in order to focus on the pocketbook issues theyre trying to run on. They speculate that the Trump administration is using its vast authority to open civil rights investigations or withhold funding from school districts for electoral gain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Whitsons Democratic opponent, Fairfax County supervisor James Walkinshaw, replied at the Monday forum: The Trump administration hand-picked a handful of school districts because, like Stewart, they virulently cannot stand Democrats. In a statement to Semafor, a spokesman for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanbergers campaign said that the Democrats priority is making sure Virginias kids are safe and supported, adding that Abigail believes these decisions are best made at the local level with local parental input. The spokesman further criticized her GOP opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, as bringing a decades-long record of trying to defund Virginias public schools to the race with no serious plan to improve student achievement. Meanwhile, Republicans have plunged into the fray, trying to replicate Gov. Glenn Youngkins successful 2021 campaign against race-sensitive and gender-inclusive policies in northern Virginia schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A female students claim of sexual assault by a boy who followed her into a womens bathroom at Stone Bridge High School helped propel the GOP to victory that year when it linked the incident to the Loudoun County school boards endorsement of gender-neutral bathrooms. On Monday, Stone Bridge High School suspended two male students who made fun of a trans student who chose to use the boys locker room and filmed part of their reaction. Earle-Sears said the suspension was exactly what the Department of Education was trying to stop. They havent gotten the message, Earle-Sears said on Wednesday, after arriving at a rally outside the school. Were going to send them a message again! The View From Loudoun County Coverage of the Trump policy in northern Virginia has been driven by a DC-area ABC News affiliate owned by Sinclair Broadcasting, which has included it in a national project dubbed Crisis in the Classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Station reporter Nick Minock, who ran a package about Spanbergers refusal to say whether she supports biological males competing in womens sports, has followed the story for years after working as a deputy press secretary in the Department of Transportation during Trumps first term. Democrats see that reporting as an outlier, not a trend-setter. Even as a poll this week from Roanoke College found Earle-Sears gaining ground on Spanberger, largely by consolidating Republican support, theyre sticking to their bet that the GOP is overinvesting in the issue. Last week, when Spanberger unveiled her Strengthening Virginia Schools plan, no reporter at the event asked about the Title IX investigations or any story related to them. Davids view Whats most notable about the Virginia fight over Title IX isnt that the Trump administration is aggressively applying it against liberal school boards. The Biden administrations own interpretation of the law, which expanded it to include protections for gender identity, was challenged by red states and thrown out by a conservative judge before Trump took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real news here is how plainly Democratic candidates are sidestepping the gauntlet that Trumps administration has thrown. Outside of the deepest-blue areas, the party doesnt want to elevate stories that point to potential federal overreach against local schools. Thats in part because Democrats expect that the Supreme Courts conservative majority will continue to side with Republicans and the Trump administration, as it did when it upheld Tennessees ban on hormone therapy for trans youth. And Democrats are also somewhat confident that voters dont care as much about the topic as Republicans do. Four years ago, the GOP ran on a tangle of education issues: COVID lockdowns and learning loss, inclusive race and gender policies, declining test scores, and equity proposals that critics said could lead to lower-achieving schools. This year, Spanberger is running on higher school funding, arguing that Republicans have let standards slip. Implicit in that is the idea that only one party is obsessed with gender and race and its not the Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic theory of the case is that the environment is so good and their position heading into the fall so strong that they dont need to wade into those issues and they can just keep the campaign to the fundamentals, Republican strategist Tucker Martin, who is not working for a statewide GOP campaign, told me. One problem with that strategy: Democrats have sometimes lulled themselves into denial about race and gender politics. Every Republican ad-maker learned from 2024 that the party is vulnerable there. They see no signs that Democrats have learned how to counter more shes for they/them ads without alienating progressives, who worry that the party will abandon them to win votes. Room for Disagreement LGBTQ rights groups, which have endorsed Virginias Democratic ticket, have had no problem with the muted Democratic response to the Trump administrations Title IX investigations. In fact, they describe the fight as one example of a broader trend rather than a crisis unto itself. Virginia voters want leaders who will push back against the Republican Partys extreme agenda and blatant civil rights violations, said Narissa Rahaman, executive director of Equality Virginia Advocates. The recent attacks on immigrant communities and school districts by the Trump administration, with support from Governor Youngkin, are a prime example of federal overreach that we are already seeing pop up on the campaign trail. Notable You plan a backyard birthday party for your kid. Balloons, cake, laughter. Then, a chopper buzzes overhead and wipes out every word. That's the kind of disruption some Auckland residents are bracing for after the city council gave the green light for a private helipad at the home of entrepreneur Anna Mowbray and former All Black Ali Williams. The couple can now fly in and out of their multimillion-dollar Herne Bay mansion up to 10 times a month. RNZ reported that nearly 1,400 public submissions poured in. A whopping 87% opposed the plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, three council-appointed commissioners signed off on it. They ruled that the helicopter noise wouldn't be "unreasonable" and wouldn't disturb sleep as long as flights stick to daytime and follow a path that avoids most homes. Quiet Sky Waitemata, a local group that pushed back hard, said the ruling "sets a worrying precedent." Its statement summed up the mood: "Safe to say given the huge number of submissions against this application it won't be a popular one." The decision wasn't just about noise. Reuben Jackson from the Hawke Sea Scouts flagged safety risks. He told RNZ that its youth group, which meets nearby at Coxs Bay, might have to cancel some waterfront activities. "At first glance, the council have done nothing to address the safety of youth who might be walking along the coast during a landing," he said. Wildlife could also suffer. The couple is required to submit an Avifauna Monitoring Plan to track any impact on the Meola Reef's bird population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond Auckland, concerns about private aircraft noise are growing. Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam recently banned most night flights to reduce air and noise pollution. One study found that even gas-powered lawn tools such as leaf blowers can reach damaging decibel levels. Constant traffic noise has been shown to affect how well kids learn in school. So when helicopters start crowding residential airspace, it's not just the peace that disappears; it's also the sound of community life. On Reddit, people weren't having any of it. 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. "Can we get someone with a really loud boom-box to play helicopter sounds towards their house in the middle of the night?" asked one user. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another said: "Good. The longer we hold the mega-wealthy back, the longer they can pass as normal everyday folk. I say let them commute in helicopters any hour of the day, and pump their sewage directly onto the beach." 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 few weeks after securing a new place for its offices and activity center to land following unexpected displacement from its previous location at an old school, the Silver Key Tri-Lakes Senior Center has bigger news. If all goes as planned, the relocated center, which as of Aug. 4 is inside Monument Community Presbyterian Church, could carry a qualifier of interim on its latest home. A pledge from Colorado Springs-based home builder and land developer Classic Homes to donate just over 2 acres of nearby vacant land has been offered up to Silver Key Senior Services to build an intergenerational community center, the organizations leaders announced Wednesday at a ribbon-cutting at the church. Were in the discovery phase to determine feasibility. Does this make sense for the community? Can we raise enough money? said Jason DeaBueno, president and CEO of Silver Key Senior Services, which is headquartered in Colorado Springs. The donation hinges on a successful capital fundraising campaign to cover costs of the envisioned centers construction, he said. The construction budget is estimated at $13 million to $17 million, according to DeaBueno. That does not include the donated land. Thus, the ribbon-cutting celebration that drew a large crowd of well-wishers as well as seniors who use the center also became the launch of a capital campaign to build a standalone hub that would serve all generations. The capital campaign goal ranges from $12.43 million the minimum needed to open a new community center to $17.04 million for the fully realized vision, DeaBueno said. The offer constitutes a landmark community partnership that would create a truly iconic community center, he said. The empty land is in the central part of town, adjacent to Jackson Creek Parkway in Monument Junction. The full-scale community center would host large-scale events and performances alongside Silver Keys meals, fitness, education and transportation programs and connect elders with youth and adults in northern El Paso Countys Tri-Lakes region, leaders said. Programs for all ages on community wellness, lifelong learning, mentorship for youths, socialization and other opportunities would help bond residents and create memories, they said. Momentum for the project is already underway, with $100,000 raised in early gifts, DeaBueno said. In addition to Classic Homes and Monument Community Presbyterian Church, early partners in the project include the Town of Monument for community collaboration, Nunn Construction for in-kind cost modeling, CU Denver for technical assistance in architectural design, Monumental Impact for youth mentoring and others. The Tri-Lakes community has needed some place the community could call a place for the community, DeaBueno said. This isnt about any age, group or population; its broad-based with anybody who wants to be included. For more information, go to https://www.silverkey.org/north-expansion/. ST. LOUIS A former campus of healing in south St. Louis City has decayed into an outlaws hideaway. Homeowners next to the former St. Alexius Hospital on South Jefferson Avenue say its destroying their neighborhood. It wasnt that long ago that this was a bustling hospital complex, Stephanie Botkin said. Botkin remembers how quickly things went south as security left. There goes your hospital, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graffiti claims the walls at every turn and an entire wing of broken windowssigns that intruders have even broken into the ceilings. Two weeks ago, FOX 2 News reported that confidential patient information could be found out on the sidewalk. Incredibly, its all still there: dozens of records that include patient names, their contacts, and what doctors found. diagnosis codes, its got procedures on it, you know, peoples names just flapping in the wind, Botkin said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News St. Louis Magazine then followed up, reporting last week that neighbors won a recent court victory against the property owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just to get this secured and cleaned up. Thats our biggest hope, Botkin said. With help from Washington Universitys Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic, a pro bono legal team that assists in health and environment cases, residents convinced a judge to demand answers from the propertys ownership. As a south city neighborhood, we couldnt have done anything on our own, Botkin said. Even a neighboring lot, Botkin pointed out, belongs to the hospital property but was only mowed recently by St. Louis City workers. FOX 2 contacted City Hall and asked what that cost the taxpayers. At least its not high-waisted weeds now, Botkins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX 2 reached out to a property rep and heard from AGRA Capital Advisors, LLC out of Southern California, which responded: 1 The buyer candidate and (hopefully) new owner is speaking directly with the Neighborhood Association to resolve. 2 I would suggest taking a look at the campus security in a couple of days; a pre-closing security plan and budget were approved at the end of last week and start getting funded today. Over the last few years, lesser measures than what we are doing now brought lengthy periods of non-disturbance and stability. FOX 2 confirmed that a neighborhood association meeting with the prospective buyer is set for next Tuesday, Aug. 26. Well return to see the impact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. TUPELO Since the city announced one of its neighborhood pools will remain closed over this summer because of disrepair, residents have scrambled to see if they can save the popular facility through renovations or having it outright replaced. A new effort came in the form of multiple public comments before the Tupelo City Council on Tuesday night. Residents of the Park Hill area and advocates addressed the city hoping to initiate the replacement of the out-of-commission and aging pool at the C.C. Augustus Center, located on North Green Street. The pool sees heavy usage by neighborhood children during warm weather. (The pool) is beyond being fixed, Phyllis Sims said. Build us a pool and a splash pad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city did not reopen the pool in May with the rest of Tupelos water features, which includes multiple splash pads, because it needed extensive repairs. Officials told the concerned citizens Tuesday that they will talk about potential repairs or replacements with the upcoming budget. The Tupelo City Council is expected to hold a work session on Thursday to discuss the capital plan for the fiscal year. Officials previously said the pool would be a topic of discussion but it is ultimately up to members of the Tupelo City Council whether to move forward with replacing the pool. The pool, which was built around 60 years ago, is steeped in neighborhood history and memories for many. Sims recalled her own childhood with the pool, noting there were swimming suit beauty pageants, and other fun events throughout the summer. As a young girl growing up in Tupelo and having watched the introduction of a swimming pool the African Americans, we were excited, she said. That pool and the center provided us a place to learn how to swim. You could relax on a sunny day and just enjoy the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Buck, meanwhile, said the pool was an icon to the community. He said a new pool or splash pad would go a long way in helping revitalize the area. Much has already been said, and I think you guys certainly have a clear picture of how important this facility is to the community A community pool would be much appreciated, he said. You cannot allow that very important part of our community to go down, and reviving that whole facility seems to me an opportunity to enhance that area like you have been doing all over town. Meanwhile, Jim Newman said it was imperative that the city replace the pool, noting that the cost would be a drop in the bucket in comparison to the joy it would bring the residents of the area. (Replacing the pool) shouldnt be that difficult, he said. Its not too late. Former President Barack Obama is backing Californias plan to counter mid-decade redistricting efforts by Republicans in Texas. At a fundraising event Tuesday night for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, Obama said the Democratic Party needs to "respond effectively" to Republican attempts to gerrymander. Ive had to wrestle with my preference, which would be that we dont have political gerrymandering, but what I also know is that if we dont respond effectively, then this White House and Republican-controlled state governments all across the country, they will not stop, because they do not appear to believe in this idea of an inclusive, expansive democracy, Obama said at the event, which included former Attorney General Eric Holder and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the former House speaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans in the Texas House passed a bill Wednesday to redraw congressional lines that would add five more GOP seats in Congress after next year's midterm elections. California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week called on state lawmakers to pass a ballot measure to redraw congressional lines in response to new redistricting plans in Republican-led states like Texas. After Wednesday night's vote in Austin, Newsom said on X: "Its on, Texas." While it is not prohibited, it is uncommon for states to put forward maps between decennial census counts. Obama cited Newsom's plan Tuesday, saying he has "tremendous respect" for the proposal, which would allow redistricting that favors Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House that is effectively saying: Gerrymander for partisan purposes so we can maintain the House despite our unpopular policies, Obama said. So I believe that Gov. Newsoms approach is a responsible approach. He said this is going to be responsible. Were not going to try to completely maximize it. Were only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers, he said. The National Democratic Redistricting Committee echoed Obama's support on social media Wednesday night, calling Newsom's plan "a fair and responsible response to Trumps unprecedented power grab." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Retired federal prosecutor Leon Patton addresses the Lenexa City Council during an Aug. 19, 2025, meeting. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) LENEXA Leon Patton, a retired assistant U.S. attorney who once prosecuted immigrants for violent crimes, is tired of feeling shamed for supporting immigration enforcement efforts and referring to people as aliens. The 74-year-old traversed the Kansas City metro, from his home in Prairie Village to the Lenexa City Council chambers, to grouse about the communitys backlash to federal raids at local restaurants. The Lenexa police investigation of council member Melanie Arroyos citizenship also had been a flashpoint for controversy, but Patton wasnt concerned with that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told the council at Tuesdays meeting that he wanted to share his specialized knowledge, gleaned from 30 years of experience as a federal prosecutor before retiring in 2020. Mainly, he wanted them to know that some immigrants are criminals. Please, he implored, dont be misled by things you might read in the newspaper or hear on the news. He referenced a Kansas City Star report on the July 30 raids at El Toro Loco restaurants in Lenexa and Kansas City, Kansas. The agents brandished a search warrant that authorized them to seize documents relating to the exploitation of workers but arrested workers instead. The raids were typical of how federal agents nationwide are carrying out President Donald Trumps anti-immigration agenda ignoring civil rights and indiscriminatingly targeting people who have committed no crime, have legal standing to be in the country, or are in fact U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the way Patton sees it, thats not a complete narrative. He talked about prosecuting Jorge Carrillo-Hernandez, an immigrant from Mexico who had been deported multiple times and repeatedly committed violent crimes after returning to the U.S. A federal judge in 2018 sentenced Carrillo-Hernandez to six years in prison. Patton said a criminal conviction in Johnson County was related to Carrillo-Hernandez assaulting his bride of 19 days, who was three months pregnant. You wonder why there are people in the middle of the political spectrum who vote for someone like Donald Trump? Well, part of it is there are haters out there who think that people like me, who are simply enforcing the laws, are evil, Patton said. He lamented how people on the left, in his mind, want to scold and shame and silence the people who disagree with them. They call you racist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, he asserted, there is nothing wrong with referring to an immigrant as an alien, because federal law uses the term to refer to someone who is not a U.S. citizen. If you think that its somehow racist to use the word alien, then I presume you got your education by sitting in movie theaters and watching movies about extraterrestrials, Patton said. Meanwhile, some of us get our education by sitting in courtrooms and by reading federal statutes. Lenexa City Council member Melanie Arroyo listens to public comment about immigration enforcement during an Aug. 19, 2025, city council meeting. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Progress and respect Arroyo the council member who was forced to prove her citizenship to police because a local resident complained about something he misread said in an interview that it was absolutely reasonable to arrest the kind of violent criminals Patton talked about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, she said, Patton failed to mention that federal authorities are targeting immigrants who arent criminals. A lot of them have never even committed crimes in their own countries of origin, Arroyo said. I think its OK to have a conversation about immigration enforcement when it comes to violent offenders, absolutely, but we also need to be considerate of the fact that its not the reality today. Arroyo, a clinical counselor and art therapist, said she felt a little bit conflicted about Pattons point on the use of shame. On one hand, she said, shaming others is counterproductive. Ideally, she said, she could gently point out certain language or ways or belief systems that are unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, most people dont feel the need to change unless there is some level of shame. So thats why Im saying Im a little bit conflicted, Arroyo said. Because the thing is, we have tried to tell them nicely. Like, Please dont call us that. And they still wont listen. So think the shaming is just a response to the fact that were frustrated, that we feel like were not being heard or just completely being dismissed. She said he understood why people would use the word alien to refer to immigrants, since the term has been used to describe foreigners since the countrys founding. But the argument that is merely a legal term is an attempt to intellectualize your way out of change, she said. Given todays use of the word alien in sci-fi, and the discriminatory context in which the word is used to dehumanize immigrants, it has become insensitive and outdated, Arroyo said. This is similar to the same way the mental health profession discontinued using offensive language to diagnose people with disabilities. Language changes over time, and its OK to abandon certain terms for the sake of progress and respect. Leon Patton, seen recording his appearance at the Lenexa City Council meeting, says he never heard anyone use the word alien with the intent to dehumanize someone. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Quit alienating people In an interview after the meeting, Patton said he had never heard anyone use the word alien with the intent to dehumanize someone. He clarified that he believes its wrong to call someone an illegal alien or an illegal. And, he said, he is not a Trump person by any means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that his copy of a Bible printed in 1984 uses the word alien but that a newer edition changed the word to foreigner. OK, I sort of get it, he said, but added, I dont think its fair to say youre being racist by using the word alien to refer to a person. During his comments to the council, he said people might want to think about how they could actually effect change in our society. Putting signs on your car Trump lies. Yes, he does. Abolish ICE. Not going to happen, Patton said. You need to quit alienating people in the middle of the political spectrum by calling them racist and evil simply for applying the laws that are in effect. Were tired of being bullied. Were tired of people trying to shame us. This story has been updated. A retired Washington state detective who survived being shot in the line of duty in 2023 was found dead in a Montana lake on Tuesday after going missing in a boating incident days earlier, authorities said. The King County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Fox News Digital that David Easterly, 67, died following Saturday's boating incident. "Our thoughts are with Detective Easterlys family and all who served with him during his 25-year career with King County," the agency said in a statement. "We thank the Lake County Sheriffs Office (MT) for their compassion and service during this time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Easterly's body was recovered from Flathead Lake on Tuesday afternoon, three days after he jumped into the water from a boat and disappeared, the Lake County Sheriff's Office said. Army Veteran Arrested After Week-long Manhunt Following Deadly Montana Bar Massacre That Killed 4 People Easterlys body was taken to the Montana State Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy, and the Lake County Coroner's Office is investigating the cause and manner of death. Read On The Fox News App In March 2023, Easterly was shot twice while serving an eviction notice with two other deputies at an apartment building in Seattles Ballard neighborhood. The bullets went around his protective vest, striking him once in his left chest area and once on his left side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 29-year-old tenant was found dead in the residence following the shooting. The Medical Examiners Office says the death was suicide by gunshot. Easterly narrowly survived the shooting, undergoing multiple surgeries and months of recovery. He had told KOMO News that he believed he was going to die after being shot. "I thought I was gonna die, I really did. I was going in and out," he said, telling his partner to tell his family that he loved them. Paddleboarders Mysterious Killing Rocks Quiet Summer Vacation Area Easterly spoke at a press conference when he was released from the hospital in May 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not going to make it without crying," Easterly said. "Most of the blood that flows through me right now doesn't even belong to me. It belongs to the people who were generous enough, brave enough to give me that blood." Easterly decided to retire shortly after the shooting. "No, that's it, I'm done. That's it. I'm a little too old for this game," Easterly told the outlet. Original article source: Retired Washington state detective who survived on-duty shooting found dead after Montana boating incident An assistant attorney general in Rhode Island berated police officers as she was arrested outside a restaurant for trespassing, body camera footage of the incident shows. On Aug. 14, Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan was arrested outside a restaurant in Newport and charged with trespassing, according to a police report. Video of the incident recorded on an officer's body camera shows Flanagan repeatedly saying, "I'm an A.G." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Buddy, you're gonna regret this. You're gonna regret it," Flanagan says. The Rhode Island attorney general's office said in a statement to The Providence Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, that it is reviewing the incident. Body camera footage of RI assistant attorney general arrest released According to a police report, officers responded to the Clarke Cooke house restaurant in downtown Newport just before 10 p.m. local time on Aug. 14 for a report of "an unwanted party." Bodycam footage shows several individuals standing outside the restaurant, including Flanagan and another woman, identified in a police report as Veronica Hannan. An assistant attorney general in Rhode Island berated police officers as she was arrested outside a restaurant for trespassing, body camera footage of the incident shows. As an officer approaches the women, Flanagan requests him to turn off his body camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Protocol is that you turn it off if a citizen requests to turn it off," Flanagan 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. "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 before asking the women to walk away from the restaurant. When they don't comply, Flanagan repeatedly says, "I'm an A.G." The officer then places her in handcuffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Buddy, you're gonna regret this. You're gonna regret it," she says as she's placed in the back of a cruiser. RI assistant attorney general charged with trespassing Flanagan, 34, was charged with one count of willful trespassing, a misdemeanor, according to an arrest report. Hannan, 34, the other woman seen in the video, was charged with three misdemeanors: disorderly conduct, willful trespassing and resisting arrest. Both of the women's arrest reports indicated that alcohol was involved in the incident. The Rhode Island attorney general's office said in a statement that Flanagan has been employed in the office for seven years and is currently assigned to the criminal division's appellate unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Office immediately began a review of the incident, which we anticipate will conclude within the next few days," the statement said. The office said it was unable to comment further on the incident, as it relates to "personnel issues." USA TODAY has reached out to Hannan's lawyer for comment and attempted to reach Flanagan. RI Attorney General says Flanagan 'embarrassed herself' In an Aug. 19 radio interview on WPRO, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said that Flanagan has not been placed on leave, but a "strong sanction" would be coming, including a "suspension without pay" if he decides to retain her with the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Look, she's put me in a bad position. She's embarrassed herself, humiliated herself, treated the Newport Police Department horribly," Neronha said. "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. "It was inexcusable behavior," he said. "She knows better. ... I've got 110 lawyers. She embarrassed all of them, in a sense." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. "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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RI asst. attorney general berates cops during arrest in body cam video PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Reactions, condolences and memories have been pouring in following the news of the death of Americas Nicest Judge Frank Caprio. Caprio died Wednesday afternoon at the age of 88. One day prior to his death, a video was posted on Caprios Facebook page saying that he was back in the hospital. Last year I asked you to pray for me, and its very obvious that you did because I came through a very difficult period, Caprio said in the video. Unfortunately Ive had a setback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Judge Frank Caprio, known for Caught in Providence, dies at 88 Caprio asked his fans to keep him in their prayers once more. Im a great believer in the power of prayers, he added. I think the almighty above is looking over us, so remember me please. The former judge released a book earlier this year that tells his life stories and what led him to become a beloved icon. In May, he also delivered the commencement address at Providence College, his alma mater. Heres how local leaders reacted to Caprios death: Gov. Dan McKee Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure. On a personal level, he was a friend who faced his illness with bravery, and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way, and people could not help but respond to his warmth and compassion. He was more than a juristhe was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity. Whether you grew up watching Judge Caprio on television or first saw his kindness touch lives around the world on social media, there is no question that his legacy will leave a lasting mark across generations. Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos Rhode Island lost a legend today. Judge Caprio taught us to lead with our hearts, to listen and not rush to judgement, and to use our power to help make the world a kinder place. His legacy extends far beyond the Ocean State, and we are lucky to have had him call our state home. General Treasurer James Diossa I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Judge Frank Caprio. He embodied compassion, and fairness, leaving a mark on Rhode Islanders and beyond. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley Judge Frank Caprio served his community with unwavering kindness and compassion and I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Beloved for his fairness and dedication to public service, Caprio was a pillar of Providence and his acts of empathy have made him a treasured icon across the nation and the globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of every member of our community I offer my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Judge Caprios lifelong legacy of kindness has touched our entire community and will continue to inspire millions of people across the world. R.I. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary Judge Frank Caprio, who was known everywhere for his compassion and good humor on the bench and was beloved by Rhode Islanders and worldwide fans of his show, Caught in Providence. Judge Caprio utilized his position for the greater good and helped countless individuals who appeared before him to turn their lives around. His community involvement and charitable endeavors extended far beyond his role in the court; he generously gave of his time and resources to so many worthy causes. His 88 years of service to Providence and the entire state have made Rhode Island a much better place. I extend my condolences to his wonderful family: his wife Joyce and their five children: former General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio, former State Representative David Caprio, John, Paul and Marissa. R.I. Senate leadership Judge Caprio embodied the spirit of Rhode Island and its people. He truly saw the humanity in everyone, and his compassion inspired countless acts of kindness across the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire Senate family mourns the passing of Judge Caprio and extends its heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed Frank Caprio uplifted many lives through his extensive career dedicated to service, including nearly four decades with the Providence Municipal Court. As an attorney, judge, philanthropist, and beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Judge Caprio prioritized compassion and empathy in all he did sharing kindness and a listening ear to all who appeared in his courtroom and sparking waves of good deeds through his approach to justice. Judge Caprios legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and people across the globe whose days were brightened by watching a clip of Caught in Providence. My thoughts are with Judge Caprios beloved wife, Joyce, and the entire Caprio family. Congressman Seth Magaziner We have lost a true Rhode Island original. Judge Frank Caprio was devoted to public service and became renowned across the world for his sense of compassion and fairness. Today we grieve with the Caprio family and celebrate the life of a remarkable man. Congressman Gabe Amo Like countless others, I am heartbroken by the passing of Judge Frank Caprio, a treasured Rhode Islander whose compassion had a lasting impact on our community and far beyond. He was truly bigger than life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through his decade on the bench, and his work on Caught in Providence, Judge Caprio showed the world that justice and kindness can go hand in hand. Rhode Island has lost a remarkable soul. I extend my deepest condolences to the Caprio family and all who loved him. We will all be forever grateful for his service. Secretary of State Gregg Amore Im deeply sorry to hear of the loss of Judge Frank Caprio. Judge Caprios reach extended far beyond Rhode Island, but he never forgot his roots and the city and state he was from. He led from the bench with compassion and empathy, treating everyone before him in the court with dignity and respect. My thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be missed. Providence City Council President Rachel Miller My colleagues and I mourn the loss of Judge Frank Caprio, a man whose life reflected this city at its very best. Raised in Federal Hill, the lessons of his family and his neighborhood guided his every decision, bringing fairness and understanding to the courtroom and earning respect from well beyond Providences boundaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For nearly four decades as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court, he approached each case with a spirit of mercy that made justice feel human. He believed deeply in the power of education, creating scholarships that honored his own journey and gave Rhode Island students the chance to shape not only their own lives, but the future of their city. Through his work in the courtroom and his dedication to public service, he set a standard for those who follow, showing that leadership is found in how we treat the people we serve. His example will guide our city for generations. On behalf of the City Council, and as the councilor representing Judge Caprios dear Federal Hill, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. This city will never forget him. Former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino Frank Caprio was one of the greatest Rhode Islanders of our time; a man whose compassion, wisdom, and sense of justice elevated not only our courts, but our community and our states reputation around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To me, he was more than a colleague in public service; he was a dear friend and a father figure. His humanity showed us that leadership is measured not only by decisions, but by the kindness behind them. Rhode Island has lost a giant, and I have lost one of the most important people in my life. Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Judge Frank Caprio was known for his kindness, warmth, and humor. Whether growing up the son of Italian immigrants on Federal Hill in Providence, working his way through law school, serving as a Municipal Court Judge or inspiring millions of viewers on television and on social media, Judge Caprio embodied the principles of fairness, compassion, and dedication to justice. His humble roots helped Judge Caprio view the world from the perspective of others and dedicate his life to service. That commitment to service was exemplified by his devotion to his family, his community, all those who appeared before his bench, the many fans he encountered as a social media personality, and most recently, as the author of his book Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from Americas Nicest Judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few months ago, Chamber President Laurie White spoke with Judge Caprio about his life, his many years in the courtroom, and his new book. In the conversation, Judge Caprios high regard for the many small businesses that make up a large part of our local business community was evident. Following his parents example of working hard to better the lives of those around him, he clearly understood what it meant to sacrifice for others, to encourage others along the way, and to believe that compassion in the form of service is the best path to a successful life and business. Judge Caprios friendship, wisdom, and empathy for others continue to serve as an example to the countless lives he touched. His long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer was a beacon of hope for so many people suffering through health challenges and other struggles in life. Our sympathies go out to Judge Caprios wife of almost six decades, Joyce Caprio, his five children, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren and the many loved ones and cherished friends who were such an important part of his life and legacy. R.I. Foundation President and CEO David Cicilline Rhode Island has lost a giant with the passing of Judge Caprio. He ably demonstrated kindness and dedication to justice throughout his life, sharing his gift of compassion with the world and inspiring millions. Rest in peace, my dear friend. 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. AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF) New Richmond County Schools Superintendent Dr. Malinda Cobb is laying out her vision for the districts future. The first thing that were going to really begin doing is getting out into the community and doing a lot more listening. Listening and talking. So with our new strategic plan, part of what we want to do is have more two way communication, explained Dr. Cobb. Dr. Cobb has spent more than 20 years as an educator and administrator in the Richmond County School system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She started as a teacher at T.W. Josey High School, where she was named Teacher of the Year. Later, she served as principal of Goshen Elementary School and the Academy of Richmond County. She has been a member of the superintendents cabinet for 3 years, most recently as Associate Superintendent of Academic Services. She has served as interim superintendent since Dr. Kenneth Bradshaws retirement on January 1, 2025. She officially took over as school superintendent on August 13. She said that her history with the Richmond County School System gives her a unique perspective that someone from outside may not see. I think whenever you serve a school system as a teacher, and then become a principal and work at the central office, youre just so invested in the community, Dr. Cobb said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Cobb is prioritizing safety in Richmond Countys schools. Weve started some metal detectors in several of our high schools. Cost does not allow us to just put it in every school all at once. And we also want to do it right. And at particular schools where there may be worry about an incident, we have our public safety come in and we do some random wanding. Dr. Cobb plans to change the school districts ranking as one of the lowest performing districts in Georgia. Part of that is providing a well rounded education which includes getting students to engage by coming to school and also participating in extracurricular activities. She said that making sure students and staff have what they need for proper education is key. Part of what we are focusing on is making sure that we have a well-trained staff and we have a very dedicated staff. I would put our staff up against any staff out there, she said. Making sure they have the resources they need. Weve been going through textbook adoptions to make sure they have those quality resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Cobb believes it takes a village to raise children, so she also plans to work to increase parents engagement in their childrens education. It definitely is a shared responsibility. There is no question about that. And we just we allocated two parent liaisons to work with all of our different families to go out to the schools, because we heard from some of the families that we want to help, but we dont know how to help. Dr. Cobb told NewsChannel 6 that she wants her legacy to be that students, parents and staff remember their time in the Richmond County School System fondly. She added that she doesnt care if anyone remembers her, as long as the work she does affects positive change. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) Kentucky State Senator Robby Mills of Henderson says he backs President Donald Trumps call to end mail in ballots. Senator Mills says it would help bring a return to secure, verifiable elections. Mills clarified it involves eliminating mail in ballots beyond traditional absentee, which involves military service, elder mobility issues and other circumstances defined by the Secretary of State. Mills says the move will help strengthen election integrity and restore transparency to the election process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mills states the solution is to use paper ballots with verifiable security features, stronger safeguards against abuse and a process that produces more timely results on election night. He also says anything less than the end of mail in ballots is an invitation for doubt and chaos. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). NEED TO KNOW Robert Hansen was a serial killer who confessed to murdering 17 women in Alaska Hansen was a local bakery shop owner who was eventually given the nickname the "Butcher Baker" Hansen died 11 years ago, in 2014, while serving his 461-year sentence for the murders Robert Hansen, who was given the name the "Butcher Baker," was a serial killer and rapist who killed at least 17 women. He abducted, rape and killed women by bringing them to remote locations and hunting them in the woods of Anchorage, Alaska, per The Washington Post. After more than 10 years of haunting the women of Alaska, Hansen was finally caught in 1983. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of his arrest, Hansen was only charged with the murders of four women, but he later confessed to killing 17. He was sentenced to 461 years in prison and died on Aug. 21, 2014, from natural causes. He was 75. Although Hansen was eventually arrested, it took investigators over 10 years to look into the disappearances of several women. Some critics of the investigation have noted that the delay in finding Hansen could be due in part to most of his victims' identities as sex workers and vulnerable teenagers. In 1983, the tide turned when he abducted then-17-year-old Cindy Paulson, she escaped and purposely left evidence in Hansen's car that gave a substantial lead to the FBI and police. Her story became the centerpiece for the star-studded 2013 movie The Frozen Ground with Vanessa Hudgens, John Cusack and Nicolas Cage. Here's everything to know about the serial killer Robert Hansen and how he was caught after his 12-year killing spree. Who was Robert Hansen? Anchorage Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Police conduct a massive search on the Knik Flats for missing women in Alaska. Police conduct a massive search on the Knik Flats for missing women in Alaska. Hansen, who was born in 1939, was raised in Iowa and had difficulty growing up because of a stutter and acne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going back in my life ... I was ... I guess what you might call very frustrated, Hansen told police, according to the New York Daily News. I would see my friends and so forth going out on dates and so forth and had a tremendous desire to do the same thing." From the scars and so forth on my face you can probably see, I could see why girls wouldnt want to get close to me ... During my junior high or high school days I could not control my speech at all," he added. "I was always so embarrassed and upset with it from people making fun of me that I hated the word school. Before Hansen was detained for the murders in 1983, he had been arrested at least five times in 12 years. Hansen committed his first known criminal act in 1960 when he burnt down a school bus garage in his hometown of Pocahontas, Iowa, per the New York Daily News. He served 20 months in prison and was diagnosed with manic depression with periodic schizophrenic episodes, according to Dr. Robert McManmon in his later murder trial. In 1967, Hansen moved to Anchorage, Alaska, with his wife, Darla Hansen, and their two children, and he opened a bakery. Hansen continued committing crimes and was arrested twice in 1971 for the abduction and attempted rape of a housewife and for raping a sex worker. He pleaded guilty to the first offense and the second was dropped in a plea deal, leading him to serve six months of a five-year sentence, per All That's Interesting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansen is believed to have started his murder spree in 1972, but during that time, he was also arrested for larceny after trying to steal a chainsaw. He was sentenced to five years in prison but was released with time served two years later. Alaska's Assistant District Attorney Frank Rothschild later told The New York Times that at least three of his four convicted murders took place during the time that he would have been in prison had he served the full five years. In addition to his criminal exploits, Hansen also took an interest in hunting in Alaska, got his pilot's licence and bought a small plane. What did Robert Hansen do? AP/Shutterstock Robin Pelkey. Hansen is a convicted serial killer who eventually confessed to killing 17 women in the Alaskan wilderness. Authorities believe that he escalated to killing his sexual assault victims around 1971. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansen was known to stalk a woman, who was often a teenager or sex worker, pick her up in his car and abduct her, according to USA Today. He would take his victims to remote places outside Anchorage via his car or sometimes by flying his small plane. From there, he would hunt his victims, rape them and murder them. Although Hansen eventually confessed to killing 17 women, he is believed to have raped or assaulted over 30 women, per The Washington Post. Police have also listed several other women who disappeared during this time who may have been Hansen's victims. The 17 known murder victims ranged in age from 16 to 41. Hansen's first victim is believed to be Celia van Zanten, an 18-year-old who was abducted while walking to a supermarket, per the Line-Up. Celia's body was later discovered in a remote park, and police later believed that Hansen was responsible; however, Hansen denied responsibility for her death and other women who weren't sex workers. The women Hansen admitted to kidnapping, assaulting and murdering included Mary Kathleen Thill, 22; an unidentified woman called "Eklutna Annie"; Joanna Messina, 24; Roxane Easland, 24; Andrea Mona "Fish" Altiery, 24; Sue Luna, 23; DeLynne "Sugar" Renee Frey, 22; Paula Goulding, 30; Teresa Watson, 22; Angela Lynn Feddern, 24; and Tamera "Tami" Pederson, 20. Authorities also believe that Hansen killed Megan Siobhan Emerick, 17; Lisa Futrell, 41; Sherry Morrow, 23; Robin Pelkey (formerly known as "Horseshoe Harriet" before she was identified in 2021), 19; and Malai Larsen, 28. Why did it take so long for the police to find Hansen? Paul Brown/Anchorage Daily/Tribune News Service via Getty Criminal investigators search for bodies along the Knik River in Alaska in April 1984. Criminal investigators search for bodies along the Knik River in Alaska in April 1984. There were several reasons why investigators didn't immediately look into the disappearances of the local women and why they didn't think of Hansen as the perpetrator. Rothschild, the assistant district attorney who tried Hansens case, claimed to Fox News in 2020 that Hansen's victims were "hardly missed," as many of them weren't close with their families or had troubled pasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Anchorage was bustling with construction workers, sex workers and drug dealers in the 1970s because of the development of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, per The New York Times. Anchorage at the time was perfect for someone like Robert Hansen, Rothschild told Fox News. It was a place for someone like Hansen to easily lure women into his grasp. ... [His victims] were all young women, mostly runaways, who really had no family support and were out in the world on their own. Most of them didnt even make it through high school. ... For many, this was a place for them to make money and survive. He added, "Hansen learned he needed to take women who werent easily believed or cared about by the community or police the same way. He thought like a hunter. Those factors also contributed to authorities allegedly not pursuing the leads of some of the women who reported their abductions and assaults if they escaped Hansen or if he let them go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There just wasnt a drop of empathy for a rape victim. ... That always upsets me," Rothschild said. To make matters even more challenging, Hansen was a local business owner whom all the policemen knew from shopping at his bakery, Rothschild told A&E True Crime in 2019. Hansen portrayed himself as a dutiful husband and father and later claimed that his wife was unaware of his crimes. "He was a small guy, Rothschild recalled to Fox News. He came across as a little mild-mannered sort of fellow. You didnt initially have any sense of what he was hiding behind the mask." How was Hansen eventually caught? Anchorage Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Alaska State Troopers conduct the search of the Knik Flats for bodies of missing women on September 17, 1983. Alaska State Troopers conduct the search of the Knik Flats for bodies of missing women on September 17, 1983. After terrorizing the surrounding areas of Anchorage for over a decade, Hansen finally came on the police's radar in 1983. In June of that year, Hansen abducted 17-year-old sex worker Cindy. He brought her to his home and later transported her to his plane, but she escaped while he was loading cargo, per the Alaska Daily News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cindy made her way to a busy street, was rescued by a local driver and later reported her assault to the police. She accurately described Hansen and told authorities that she left her sneakers inside Hansen's car as evidence. Police brought in Hansen for questioning, but he claimed he had an alibi, denied the allegations and was later released. However, after police began discovering more bodies and learned more about the psychological profile of the killer, they issued a search warrant for Hansen's properties in October 1983. Police discovered jewelry that belonged to some of the women, potential murder weapons and a map with several "X" marks, per Newsweek. Hansen initially denied the murders before eventually confessing to the attacks. What was Hansen charged with? Anchorage Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Convicted serial killer Robert Hansen in Anchorage, Alaska. Convicted serial killer Robert Hansen in Anchorage, Alaska. In October 1983, Hansen was officially arrested and formally charged with the murders of four women, whose bodies had been discovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following year, Hansen pleaded guilty to the murders of Sherry, Joanna, "Eklutna Annie" and Paula. He was also charged with the abduction and rape of Cindy. Although Hansen was only formally charged with murdering four women, he eventually admitted to murdering 17 women and worked with investigators to identify some of the sites where he buried the victims as part of his plea deal. What happened to Hansen? Federal Bureau of Prisons United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. After pleading guilty to the four murders and one abduction and rape in February 1984, Hansen was sentenced to 461 years in prison without the possibility of parole. He began his sentence at the United States Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Penn., before he was briefly transferred to Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Juneau, Alaska. After that, he lived the rest of his life at Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska. I wouldve wished every breath he took had an element of pain to it," Rothschild told A&E True Crime. "But heres how I thought about it heres a guy whose passion in life is going out into the wilderness and hunting, the great Alaska wild. Instead of being able to do that, he was put in a cell with no view of anything forget the mountains with rancid air and horrific people around him. That, to me, is supreme punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 21, 2014, Hansen died from natural causes at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, per The New York Times. "On this day we should only remember his many victims and all of their families, and my heart goes out to all of them," Glenn Flothe, a retired Alaska state trooper who worked on Hansen's 1984 arrest, told Anchorage Daily News at the time. "As far as Hansen is concerned, this world is better without him." Read the original article on People BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission will keep pressing for a preferential tariff for wine and spirits exports to the U.S. that would spare the sector the 15% rate applied on most items under the EU-U.S. trade deal, the EU's trade commissioner said on Thursday. "This one we didn't get in. But I can tell you that there is clear commitment from the European Commission to put it on the table," Maros Sefcovic said when asked if a preferential rate for the sector had been secured. Sefcovic spoke after the European Union and the U.S. detailed commitments made in the deal reached last month, which includes a 15% U.S. tariff on most imports from the bloc, including autos, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber. The same rate also applies to EU wine and spirits exports, despite industry efforts to get a lower, or even zero rate. That means U.S. buyers of French Champagne, Irish whiskey and Italian Prosecco could face significant price rises, with the tariffs impacting some $10 billion worth of alcoholic beverage imports each year, analysts say. Brands affected include Diageo's Guinness beer and Pernod Ricard's Jameson Irish whiskey. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, an industry group representing spirits producers and marketers, has called for permanent zero tariffs by both sides and expressed disappointment that no preferential rate had been agreed. "Without a permanent return to zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits, American distillers do not have the certainty to plan for future export and job growth without the fear of retaliatory tariffs returning," it said. It added that it was "determined to continue engaging with the Trump administration to urge for additional negotiations". That message was echoed by Herve Dumesny, director general of European industry group spiritsEUROPE. "We urge both sides to remain at the negotiating table and deliver a swift, full return to zero-for-zero," Dumesny said. "This means reaffirming the support for our sector across the Atlantic by removing U.S. tariffs on EU spirits and lifting any suspended EU retaliatory measures on U.S. products." The lack of a preferential deal for European alcoholic drinks in the trade agreement announced on Thursday is "a huge disappointment," Gabriel Picard, president of France's federation of wines and spirits exporters FEVS, told Reuters. He estimated the tax, along with unfavourable exchange rates, could reduce annual sales for the French industry by around 1 billion euros. The EU announced a six-month suspension of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, including distilled spirits and wine, on August 5, according to the U.S. spirits council. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Charlotte Van Campenhout and Ardee Napolitano;Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten, Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Helen Popper) WARREN COUNTY, Iowa A Norwalk man charged with first-degree murder in the 2023 death of his newborn grandson, whose body was found discarded in a ditch, has been ruled competent to stand trial in the case. Rodney Staude, 67, and his daughter Megan Staude, 27, were accused of killing the baby Megan gave birth to at the familys home in Norwalk on February 24th, 2023. Investigators say Megan admitted to putting the baby in a box and didnt care for him for two days, despite hearing the child crying. Megan Staude and Rodney Staude Story archive: Mom, grandfather charged with murder after Norwalk newborn found dead Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents said Megan told police the baby boy was still alive on February 26th, 2023 when she and her father put the child in a trash bag. Rodney allegedly admitted to discarding the bag in a ditch south of Norwalk. The newborns body was discovered on March 9th, a day after Norwalk Police were tipped off about the situation by an acquaintance of the Staudes. Both were arrested and charged with first-degree murder. In July of 2024, Megan Staude pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder. She faces up to 50 years in prison for the crime. The sentencing date has not been set yet. Rodney Staude was ruled incompetent to stand trial in February 2024, and the case was stayed while efforts were made to restore his competency. At a hearing earlier this week, the judge in the case found by a preponderance of the evidence, that Rodney Staude has been returned to a sufficient level of competency to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A status conference in the case is scheduled for September 22nd, and a jury trial has been set for October 15th. 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. According to the Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team, waves are expected to get even larger by later this evening. Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue tells me they do not recommend people go into the water, but some surfers we spoke with had a different plan. Florida very rarely has swells like this, so I just want to take advantage of it while we have it, said local surfer Ethan Brickley. Brickley is one of dozens of surfers brave enough to ride Hurricane Erin. The category 2 storm is now north of Jacksonville, as it continues its journey up the Atlantic Ocean hundreds of miles off the east coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our first alert weather team says the waves could range from 6-10 feet later this evening. They also say life-threatening rip currents are very likely at all local beaches for the next few days. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< We really recommend people not to go in the water, said Lt. Maxwell Ervanian, Training & Operations Officer with Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue. Lt. Ervanian tells me that in addition to high rip currents, another big issue for them is the number of waves breaking in the impact zone. You have waves that continue to break one second after another second after another second, said Lt. Ervanian. And thats going to cause issues for our swimmers or surfers, or anyone who is in the impact zone, because now they are not able to catch their breath in between swell periods. Theyre not going to be able to navigate through the waves, and thats where they find themselves in trouble as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being hundreds of miles east of Floridas Atlantic coastline, Hurricane Erin is still making waves of impact on our local beaches. In St. Johns County, local agencies responded to a boat in distress this morning in the St. Augustine inlet. A spokesperson for St. Johns County Fire and Rescue told Action News Jax that the boat lost engine power, and the St. Augustine Fire Department pulled the boat into safety. Local agencies responded to a boat in distress this morning in the St. Augustine inlet. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] We really recommend people not to go in the water, said Lt. Maxwell Ervanian, Training & Operations Officer at Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We got to ride around on Jacksonville Beach with Lt. Ervanian today. He tells me its not just people in the water who need to watch out. Were seeing an increase of our tides more than we usually do, said Lt. Ervanian. The tide is increased much further up...closer to the sand dunes. Lt. Ervanian tells me, this poses a significant safety risk for beachgoers. Even if you want to just come and enjoy a walk on the beach to just look at the rough conditions, now theres a potential for debris on the beach," said Lt. Ervanian. Theres a potential for you getting hurt or injured, or you even misstepping while walking, and now you fall into the water, and you could get sucked by a rip current or by an undertow. Lt. Ervanian stresses that if you ever find yourself in immediate danger on the beach, call 911 immediately. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Nurse practitioner Alex Lovec examines Ben Bruski during a visit to the clinic at Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association in Ekalaka, Montana, for help with his allergies. He says he's happy with the care he's received from the hospital's emergency room and that he knows people who were saved by its providers. (Arielle Zionts | KFF Health News EKALAKA There was no doctor on-site when a patient arrived in early June at the emergency room in the small hospital at the intersection of two dirt roads in this town of 400 residents. There never is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dahl Memorials three-bed emergency department a two-hour drive from the closest hospital with more advanced services instead depends on physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Physician assistant Carla Dowdy realized the patient needed treatment beyond what the ER could provide, even if it had had a doctor. So, she made a call for a medical plane to fly the patient to treatment at Montanas most advanced hospital. Dowdy also called out medications and doses needed to stabilize the patient as a paramedic and nurses administered the drugs, inserted IV lines, and measured vital signs. Emergency medicine researchers and providers believe ERs, especially in rural areas, increasingly operate with few or no physicians amid a nationwide shortage of doctors. A recent study found that in 2022, at least 7.4% of emergency departments across the U.S. did not have an attending physician on-site 24/7. Like Dahl Memorial, more than 90% were in low-volume or critical access hospitals a federal designation for small, rural hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results come from the 82% of hospitals that responded to a survey sent to all emergency departments in the country, except those operated by the federal government. The study is the first of its kind so there isnt proof that such staffing arrangements are increasing, said Carlos Camargo, the lead author and a professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School. But Camargo and other experts suspect ERs running without doctors present are becoming more common. The hospital in Ekalaka, a small town in sprawling, rural southeastern Montana, sits at the intersection of two dirt roads. (Photo by Arielle Zionts | KFF Health News) Placing ERs in the hands of nondoctors isnt without controversy. Some doctors and their professional associations say physicians extensive training leads to better care, and that some hospitals are just trying to save money by not employing them. The American Medical Association, open to all medical students and physicians, and the American College of Emergency Physicians both support state and federal laws or regulations that would require ERs to staff a doctor around the clock. Indiana, Virginia, and South Carolina recently passed such legislation. Rural ERs may see fewer patients, but they still treat serious cases, said Alison Haddock, president of ACEP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important that folks in those areas have equal access to high-quality emergency care to the greatest extent possible, Haddock said. Other health care providers and organizations say advanced-practice providers with the right experience and support are capable of overseeing ERs. And they say mandating that a physician be on-site could drive some rural hospitals to close because they cant afford or recruit enough or any doctors. In an environment, especially a rural environment, if you have an experienced PA who knows what they know, and knows the boundaries of their knowledge and when to involve consultants, it works well, said Paul Amiott, a board member of the Society of Emergency Medicine PAs. Im not practicing independently despite working 12-hour night shifts without physicians on-site at critical access hospitals in three states, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amiott said he calls specialists for consultation often and about once a month asks the physician covering the day shift at his hospital to come help him with more challenging cases such as emergency childbirth and complicated trauma. Amiott said this isnt unique to PAs ER doctors seek similar consultations and backup. The proportion of ERs without an attending physician always on-site varies wildly by state. The 2022 survey found that 15 states including substantially rural ones, such as New Mexico, Nevada, and West Virginia had no such emergency departments. But in the Dakotas, more than half of emergency departments were running without 24/7 attending physician staffing. In Montana it was 46%, the third-highest rate. None of those three states have a program to train physicians as ER specialists. Neither does Wyoming or Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Sanford Health, which bills itself as the largest rural health system in the United States, is launching an emergency medicine residency in the region. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based program is intended to boost the ranks of rural emergency doctors in those states, the residency director said in a news release. Leon Adelman is an emergency medicine physician in Gillette, Wyoming, which, at around 33,800 residents, is the largest city in the states northeast. Working in such a rural area has given him nuanced views on whether states should require 24/7 on-site physician coverage in ERs. Adelman said he supports such laws only where its feasible, like in Virginia. He said the states emergency physicians organization pushed for the law only after doing research that made it confident that the requirement wouldnt shutter any rural hospitals. Camargo said some doctors say that if lawmakers are going to require 24/7 on-site physician coverage in ERs, they need to pay to help hospitals implement it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adelman said when instituting staffing requirements isnt possible, states should create other regulations. For example, he said, lawmakers should make sure hospitals not hiring physicians arent refraining just to save money. He pointed to Vermont, where a report recommended that several of the states hospitals cut physicians from their ERs. The report was part of a mandated process to improve the states troubled health care system. Adelman said states should also require PAs and NPs without on-site physician supervision to have extensive emergency experience and the ability to consult with remote physicians. Some doctors have pointed to a case in which a 19-year-old woman died after being misdiagnosed by an NP who was certified in family medicine, not emergency care, and working alone at an Oklahoma ER. Few NPs have emergency certification, an analysis found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Society of Emergency Medicine PAs outlines training and experience PAs should have before practicing in rural areas or without on-site doctors. Haddock said emergency physicians have seen cases of hospitals hiring inexperienced advanced-practice providers. She said ACEP is asking the federal government to require critical access and rural emergency hospitals to have physicians on-site or on call day and night. Haddock said ACEP wouldnt want such a requirement to close any hospital and noted that the organization has various efforts to keep rural hospitals staffed and funded. Dahl Memorial Hospital has strict hiring requirements and robust oversight, said Dowdy, who previously worked for 14 years in high-volume, urban emergency rooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said ER staffers can call physicians when they have questions and that a doctor who lives on the other side of Montana reviews all their patient treatment notes. The ER is working on getting virtual reality glasses that will let remote physicians help by seeing what the providers in Ekalaka see, Dowdy said. She said patient numbers in the Ekalaka ER vary but average one or two a day, which isnt enough for staff to maintain their knowledge and skills. To supplement those real-life cases, providers visit simulation labs, do monthly mock scenarios, and review advanced skills, such as using an ultrasound to help guide breathing tubes into patient airways. Dowdy said Dahl Memorial hasnt had a physician in at least 30 years, but CEO Darrell Messersmith said he would hire one if a doctor lived in the area. Messersmith said theres a benefit to having advanced-practice providers with connections to the region and who stay at the hospital for several years. Other rural hospitals, he noted, may have physicians either as permanent staff who leave after a few years or contract workers who fly in for a few weeks at a time. People eating at Ekalakas sole breakfast spot and attending appointments at the hospitals clinic all told KFF Health News that theyve been happy with the care they have received from Dowdy and her co-workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben Bruski had to visit the ER after a cow on his family ranch kicked a gate, smashing it against his hand. And he knows other people whove been treated for more serious problems. Weve got to have this facility here because this facility saves a lot of lives, Bruski said. This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) Theres one in every office building: a maintenance worker who quite literally keeps the lights on. KFOR and First Fidelity Bank are honoring a jack-of-all-trades, the handyman facilities manager at a rural hospital in Northern Oklahoma. Theres really nothing Terry Butterfield cant do at Stillwater Medical Center, Blackwell. I mean, hes either on the roof or mowing the lawn; hes fixing doors, fixing anything, and he doesnt complain, said Stillwater Medical Center Blackwell Charge Nurse, Kelly Woodward, who nominated Butterfield for the Pay it 4ward honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PAY IT 4WARD: A positive difference for children of the homeless Woodward and all of her co-workers keep Butterfield busy day in and day out, during business hours and after hours. Butterfield is on call for emergencies 24 / 7. He goes above and beyond, Woodward said. Hes got 50 work wives here, and he is asked to do something every single day and never frowns. He never gets upset. Pay it 4Ward, Terry Butterfield. (KFOR) Pay it 4Ward, Terry Butterfield. (KFOR) He does all he can to make sure our patients and staff are safe, said Courtney Kozikuski, President and CFO of Stillwater Medical Center, Blackwell. Hes a jack of all trades, so we are so lucky to have him. First Fidelity Bank has a 100-year history of giving back to the communities it serves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PAY IT 4WARD: Scholarship program helps students dance We love to spotlight good people doing great work, and were so appreciative of Kelly nominating Terry for all of the extra work he does at Stillwater Medical Center in Blackwell, said First Fidelity Banks Matt Robinson. Its my privilege to handoff $400 for Kelly to pay it forward. For ten years, Butterfield has tinkered and fixed and mowed and mopped. Today, his co-workers are trying to repay his kindness, selfless service. News 4s Ali Meyer met up with Woodward to surprise Terry Butterfield as he was working on a vehicle in 100-degree heat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes willing to fix anything, said Woodward. Hes either boiling hot up on the roof or out on the grounds, or working on a vehicle or working on our doors, anything and everything. Hes always willing, and he dont complain, and hes just awesome. Terrys wife confirms he is not a complainer, rather, a hard worker who is grateful for the opportunity to repair whats broken. Blackwell Hospital is a great place to work, Terry said with a smile. Butterfield tried to donate his $400 to the Blackwell Hospital Fund, which is used to help patients with basic needs outside of their medical care, like groceries and gas cards, and clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terrys so-called work wives refused to take his donation, insisting he take his real wife out to dinner instead. Pay it 4Ward is sponsored by First Fidelity Bank. Nominate someone for Pay it 4Ward Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Russia struck an American business with cruise missiles overnight in one of the largest aerial attacks of the war so far, Ukraine has said. The Ukrainian air force said some 574 drones and 40 missiles were fired overnight, primarily targeting western regions of the country far from the battlefields front line in the east and south of the country. The strikes killed one person and injured 15 more and struck a major American electronics manufacturer in the city of Mukachevo in Zakarpattia, according to Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video footage showed a large fire at the premises of Flex Ltd, a multinational firm that has its headquarters in Texas. The company manufactures electronic goods including games consoles, laptops and control units for cars and other vehicles. The bombardment was Russias third-largest aerial attack this year in terms of the number of drones fired and eighth-largest in terms of missiles. Poland scrambled aircraft to protect its airspace during the overnight attack on Lviv, which is less than 50 miles from the Polish border. Warsaw said it saw no violations of its airspace. Credit: zakarpattya_online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assault came just days after Vladimir Putin travelled to Alaska to meet US president Donald Trump to lay out his terms for peace, which include Ukraine withdrawing from the entire Donetsk region. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said the attack was carried out as if nothing were changing at all. He said Moscow had shown no signs of pursuing meaningful peace negotiations and urged Ukraines allies to respond with stronger pressure, including further sanctions and tariffs. Russia wasted several cruise missiles against an American business, Mr Zelensky said, noting it was a regular civilian enterprise producing domestic utilities, such as coffee machines. And that too became a target for Russia. Very telling. The aftermath of the attack, which destroyed the Flex factory - Reuters The American business was located in the city of Mukachevo in Zakarpattia and had 600 workers inside. The attack sparked a large fire and injured 15 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not the first American business to be targeted by Russian strikes after Boeings offices in Kyiv were targeted earlier this year. No military logic or necessity, just terror against people, businesses, and normal life in our country, Mr Sybiha added. The White House has previously said that its minerals deal with Ukraine would protect the country, as Moscow would not dare attack American investments. Explosions were also reported in Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, while air raid sirens rang out through the night in Kyiv. Ukraine, meanwhile, said it had struck an oil refinery in an overnight attack in Russias Novoshakhtinsk region and a fuel base in Voronezh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Zelensky also revealed that Ukraine had tested a long-range cruise missile known as the Flamingo that can strike targets at 3,000km, potentially facilitating further strikes deep inside Russian territory. The Ukrainian leader said mass production could begin at the start of next year. Russias overnight attack is a significant escalation in aerial attacks by Russia after weeks of more limited strikes against the backdrop of intensifying diplomacy. A Flamingo cruise missile - Efrem Lukatsky Shortly after Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps peace envoy, met Putin on Aug 8, Russian strikes reduced in intensity. On Thursday, Ukraine is expected to hold more meetings with its allies to work out what security guarantees they are willing to provide in the event of a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Zelensky said he believed specific plans would take shape in ten days, at which point he would be ready to meet Putin. Mr Trump and Ukraines president, who met in Washington on Monday, floated the idea of a trilateral meeting, but Putin reportedly responded by suggesting a one-on-one meeting with the Ukrainian leader should take place first, perhaps in Moscow. Smoke rising above the damaged factory - UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE/AFP via Getty Images The Ukrainian leader immediately rejected the idea, with Europe now pushing for a neutral location, such as Geneva in Switzerland. We want to have an understanding of the security guarantees architecture within seven to 10 days. And based on that understanding, we aim to hold a trilateral meeting. That was my logic, Mr Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump suggested a slightly different logic: a trilateral meeting through a bilateral one, he continued. But then we all agreed that, in any case, we continue working on the security guarantees, establishing this approximate framework, similar to Article 5. And what we have today is political support for this. Article 5 is Natos common defence guarantee under which an attack on one member is considered an attack on them all. A Ukrainian soldier holds the remains of a shell at the site of a Russian Shahed drone strike - Pierre Crom/Getty Images Ukraine is still not entirely clear what support it can expect from allies, particularly the US, which has said that Europe would do most of the heavy lifting on the ground. The US, meanwhile, could station air defences in nearby European countries that would respond were Ukraine to face another attack. Russia demands seat at the table Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, said on Thursday that Europe deploying troops to Ukraine to enforce a ceasefire was absolutely unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Wests discussions with the Ukrainian side show, all these plans are connected, in essence, with providing guarantees through foreign military intervention in some part of Ukrainian territory, he said. And I very much hope that those who are hatching such plans, either they are simply trying to attract attention to themselves, or I hope that they understand that this will be absolutely unacceptable for the Russian Federation and for all sensible political forces in Europe. Russia is keen to ensure China, one of Moscows main allies, plays a role in enforcing security guarantees, but this has been dismissed by Mr Zelensky. First, China did not help us stop this war from the start. Second, China assisted Russia by opening its drone market... We do not need guarantors who do not help Ukraine and did not help Ukraine at the time when we really needed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, Italy arrested a Ukrainian citizen on suspicion of plotting the underwater bombing of the Nord Stream pipelines. The suspect, who was identified only as Serhii K under German privacy laws, is the first person known to be arrested in connection with the blasts. He is 49 years old, according to reports in Italian media, which said he had been arrested in a small town called San Clemente, near Rimini, in the northern region of Emilia-Romagna. He is expected to be extradited to Germany. No one has taken responsibility for the blast, which both Russia and the West view as an act of sabotage. The attack in 2022 seriously damaged three pipelines carrying gas from Russia to Europe. 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. Russian authorities have claimed that drones have attacked several Russian regions, causing a fire at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery, damage to an energy facility, power outages in several villages in Voronezh Oblast and a temporary suspension of train services by Russian Railways. Source: Russian Defence Ministry; Voronezh Oblast Governor Alexander Gusev; Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slyusar; Kremlin-aligned Russian news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti; Russian Telegram channel Astra Quote from Slyusar: "Air defence forces repelled the night attack A fire broke out at an industrial facility in Novoshakhtinsk. Early reports indicate no casualties. Emergency services are at the scene." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Astra wrote that drones had attacked the refinery in Novoshakhtinsk, causing a fire. Locals reported hearing around five explosions. Gusev said that drones had targeted the Kantemirovsky and Rossoshansky districts, damaging an energy facility. "Air defence forces in the south of the oblast detected and destroyed over five UAVs. Early reports indicate that there are no casualties. The falling of UAVs damaged an energy facility. Several villages have been left without power supply and several passenger trains have been delayed," said Gusev. Astra also reported that locals had mentioned an attack on the village of Zhuravka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TASS wrote that power unit No. 7 of the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant had been temporarily disconnected from the grid but added that "there is no threat to safety". Russian Railways reported that it had suspended 19 trains in Voronezh Oblast "due to an incident on the Rossosh-Sokhranovka line" following the drone attack. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that air defence systems had downed 49 Ukrainian drones overnight. A total of 21 drones were destroyed over Rostov Oblast, seven over Voronezh Oblast, five over Belgorod Oblast, three each over Bryansk and Kaluga oblasts, two over Oryol Oblast and one each over Kursk and Tula oblasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, four drones were reportedly downed over temporarily occupied Crimea and two over the Black Sea. Notably, Sevastopol residents reported explosions and a fire, but Mikhail Razvozhayev, the so-called "governor" of the city, insisted these were military exercises. "The loud sounds heard near Viiskovykh Budivelnykiv Street on the territory of the military unit were part of a practical exercise by the Black Sea Fleet with emergency services (Ministry of Emergency Situations, police, ambulance and Sevastopol Rescue Service) for extinguishing fires and managing emergencies under combat-like conditions. Such exercises aren't announced beforehand for obvious reasons. Trust only official information," he wrote. Local social media users commented that "they are treating us like fools". Razvozhayev's statement contradicts the Russian Defence Ministrys report of a drone attack on the peninsula. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia launched 614 air attack munitions into Ukraine overnight into Thursday, the air force in Kyiv reported, in what the country's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called a "massive combined air strike" on targets around the country. The air force said Russia launched 574 drones and 40 missiles in its overnight barrage, of which 546 drones and 31 missiles were intercepted or otherwise suppressed. Impacts were reported across 11 locations, the air force said. "Contrary to all efforts to end the war, Russia undertook a massive combined air strike on Ukraine overnight," Sybiha said in a post to X, saying that "civilian and energy infrastructure" were among the targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One of the missiles struck a major American electronics manufacturer in our westernmost region, leading to serious damage and casualties," the foreign minister added of the attack in Mukachevo, a city around 16 miles from the border with Hungary and and 25 miles from the border with Slovakia. State Emergency Service Of Ukrai/via Reuters - PHOTO: Firefighters work at the site of a Flextronics factory hit by a Russian missile strike in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia region, Ukraine, on Aug. 21, 2025. MORE: Russia launches 6,400 drones, missiles into Ukraine in record-breaking month President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the choice of the target was "very telling." "It was an ordinary civilian enterprise, an American investment," the president wrote on Telegram. "They produced such familiar household items as coffee machines. And this is also a target for the Russians." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It seems like there is no effort from the world to stop this war," Zelenskyy added. "A response is needed to this. There is still no signal from Moscow that they are really going to go into meaningful negotiations and end this war. Pressure is needed. Strong sanctions, strong tariffs." Local authorities said that at least 19 people were injured in the Mukachevo attack. Sybiha said the site was "a fully civilian facility that has nothing to do with defense or the military." "This is not the first Russian attack on American businesses in Ukraine, after strikes on Boeing offices in Kyiv earlier this year and other attacks," Sybiha said. In the western city of Lviv, around 40 miles east of the Polish border, at least one person was killed and three people injured by Russian strikes, Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's latest attack was its largest since July 12, according to data published by Ukraine's air force and analyzed by ABC News, and breaks with the trend so far in August of smaller-scale nightly barrages when compared to figures from June and July. MORE: NATO aircraft scrambled amid overnight Russian drone strikes on Ukraine Wednesday night's attack was only the fourth of the war to date in which the number of Russian drones launched exceeded 500, according to the Ukrainian air force's data. The strikes again prompted the scrambling of NATO aircraft in Poland. Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighters were among the resources deployed, Poland's Operational Command wrote in a post to X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In connection with the activity of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation, conducting strikes on Ukrainian territory -- including with the use of hypersonic missiles -- aircraft of the Polish Air Force and allied aviation are operating in Polish airspace," the command wrote. Around three hours later, the command reported a "reduction in the level of threat" and a return to "standard operational activities." Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forces downed at least 71 Ukrainian drones overnight into Thursday. Gleb Garanich/Reuters - PHOTO: Explosions are seen in the night sky as Ukrainian servicemen fire towards drones during a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Aug. 21, 2025. MORE: Russia launches largest attack of August on Ukraine after Trump-Zelenskyy meeting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voronezh region Gov. Aleksandr Gusev reported on Telegram that an energy facility was damaged by a falling drone and that the attacks caused delays to rail services in the region. The state-run Tass news agency cited Russia's atomic energy agency, Rosenergoatom, as reporting that one unit at the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant was temporarily disconnected from the grid. In Rostov region, Gov. Yuri Slyusar said a fire broke out at an industrial enterprise after a drone attack. "So far, no one has been injured. Emergency services are on the scene," Slyusar wrote. Russia deployed a number of combat drones and fired multiple missiles in the direction of Ukrainian cities despite ongoing peace efforts, The Kyiv Independent reported early on Thursday. According to Ukrainian figures, the air force detected 614 enemy aircraft, including hundreds of drones, as well as hypersonic, ballistic and cruise missiles. The RBC Ukraine news agency reported that explosions were heard in Kiev and in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RBC Ukraine cited the military governor of Lviv, Maksym Kozytskyi, as saying that air defences were activated in the region. An air alert had previously been issued in Kiev on Wednesday evening and the drone attacks continued there overnight, with sirens reportedly lasting nearly 8 hours. Air defences were also active in the city. People were told to stay in shelters, the news agency wrote, citing Kiev's military administration. There was initially no precise information on casualties or damage. Missiles struck in western Ukraine, including Mukachevo near the Hungarian border, where 15 people were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Media reports indicate a factory for electronic components was hit, sparking a large fire. In Lviv, one person was killed and three others injured, according to Mayor Andrii Sadovyi. Ukrainian strikes in Russia Meanwhile Ukraine conducted overnight attacks on Russian territory using combat drones. The Russian Defence Ministry reported 49 drones intercepted. Russian Telegram channels cited strikes on the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Rostov, causing a fire, temporary closure of a railway line in Voronezh, and short-term airport suspensions in Volgograd and Kaluga due to drone alerts. Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion for almost three and a half years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest attacks come amid a recent push by US President Donald Trump for a solution to the war in Ukraine. To that end, he has hosted a series of meetings in recent days - first in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, then in Washington with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders on Monday. Trump is next trying to arrange a Putin-Zelensky meeting. A possible three-way summit with Trump, Putin and Zelensky is also on the cards. The Russian military has launched a major drone airstrike on targets in Ukraine's hinterland. Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, anti-aircraft fire was heard over the capital, Kiev, a dpa correspondent said. Air raid sirens were triggered in more than half of the country due to the threat of incoming drones. Ukrainian military observers reported several dozen Russian combat drones in the air, heading west. Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion for nearly three and a half years. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Roscosmos Russia just sent a mini menagerie to orbit. The Bion-M No. 2 biosatellite launched atop a Soyuz rocket from the Russia-run Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan today (Aug. 20), rising off the pad at 1:13 p.m. EDT (1713 GMT; 10:13 p.m. local time in Kazakhstan). Onboard are 75 mice and 1,000 fruit flies, along with a variety of microbes, cell cultures and plant seeds. These living payloads will spend a month circling Earth, to help scientists gauge the effects of spaceflight on organisms and their various systems. An inside view of the Bion-M No. 2 satellite's rodent-holding unit. | Credit: Roscosmos As its name suggests, the newly launched mission is the second in Russia's Bion-M line of space-medicine investigations, the successor to the nation's previous Bion program. (The last of the original Bion missions, Bion 11, flew in 1996.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bion-M No. 1 launched in April 2013, sending a diverse assemblage of creatures to low Earth orbit for 30 days. These payloads included "rodents, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, insects, bacteria, plant and animal cell cultures," according to a NASA mission description. Bion-M No. 2 was supposed to follow in 2016 or 2017 but was beset by a series of delays, as Anatoly Zak of RussianSpaceWeb.com noted. Everything was finally ready today, and the spacecraft got off the ground at long last. Like its predecessor, Bion-M No. 2 is expected to circle Earth for a month. It will do so in a different orbit, however one that takes it over the poles, increasing the exposure to cosmic radiation substantially compared to Bion-M No. 1. The mission's capsule will then parachute back to Earth, where it will be retrieved and taken back to the lab. Researchers will pore over the payloads, studying how the various organisms and simulated moon dirt and rock, which also launched on Bion-M No. 2 were affected by microgravity and radiation. The Bion-M No. 1 satellite following its return to Earth in May 2013. | Credit: Institute of Medical and Biological Problems Related Stories: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deep-space radiation could cause have big impacts on the brain, mouse experiment shows Roscosmos: Russia's space agency We now know exactly how much radiation astronauts will face on the moon Such work is designed to help Russia prepare for human exploration of deep-space locales, particularly the moon. Russia is targeting Earth's nearest neighbor in the relatively near future: It's a partner on the International Lunar Research Station, a China-led effort to establish a crewed moon base in the 2030s. BERLIN, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Ukrainian national, identified as Serhii K., has been arrested in Italy in connection with the alleged sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022, Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office announced Thursday. The arrest was carried out overnight in the province of Rimini on the basis of a warrant issued by Germany's Federal Court of Justice, according to a statement from the prosecutor's office. The man is suspected of being one of the coordinators of the operation and a member of a group that allegedly placed explosive devices on the pipelines. According to the warrant, the suspect and his accomplices transported the explosives aboard a sailboat that departed from Rostock, Germany. The vessel was rented from a German company, with intermediaries and forged identity papers reportedly used in the process. The explosives detonated on Sept. 26, 2022, causing severe damage to both the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea. The suspect faces charges including jointly causing explosions and anti-constitutional sabotage. He is expected to be extradited from Italy to Germany, where he will appear before the investigating judge of the Federal Court of Justice, the statement said. Happy Thursday, this is Congress Editor David Sivak welcoming you to Capitol Tea, your inside guide to Capitol Hill intrigue and all of Washingtons biggest personalities. Miss our last edition? Catch up here. In this edition Cory Booker gets reel. The Senates biggest TikTok evangelist calls himself an Instagram guy. Steve Dainess fly fishing plans. The senator escaped to the wilderness for a respite from Washington. Are you a House or Senate staffer? Get in touch with ideas for future editions. TOK OF THE TOWN When Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) is watching the steady stream of Star Trek and vegan cooking videos he says populate his social feed, its Instagram, not TikTok, that he is scrolling. I have to be honest with you my platform that I use every day and that I do my watching is Instagram, Booker told me one afternoon before the August recess. Im an Instagram guy, he said. Booker, without question, is the Senates biggest TikTok booster, both legislatively and as a strategy to reach younger voters. He opposed the sell-or-ban ultimatum Congress gave to ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, last year and, since becoming a communications chief for his caucus in January, has urged Democrats to create accounts. So it came as a surprise to me that Booker, who has well over 1 million followers, does not spend much of his own time on the app. So TikTok, I open it probably daily, but I just when I'm home at night, up in the middle of the night, looking at a screen, which I should not do, and trying to fall back asleep, I'm scrolling Instagram, Booker said. Booker says his For You page is replete with the cooking and fuzzy animal videos common to most users pages. But he was willing to give me a small window into the influencers he personally follows. He listed three accounts in the health and fitness space that track with his decade-plus as a vegan. He name-checked Joanne Lee Molinaro, also known as the Korean Vegan, and Rich Roll, a vegan endurance athlete. The third health influencer he mentioned was Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a podcast host. Notably, Booker does not shy away from the Make America Healthy Again movement, telling me he finds overlap when he watches health content on social media. There are people that some people consider in the MAHA movement that I actually think they have some substantive things that I agree on, from chemicals out of food to chemicals off of our crops, Booker said. So, I'm sure there's people that ascribe to that. More generally, Booker said he uses Instagram to watch movie reviews and also follows Star Trek fan pages. Booker has achieved viral success with TikTok, drawing more than 350 million likes in April when he delivered a 25-hour, record-breaking floor speech that his office live-streamed. And he wants his Democratic colleagues to see the app as an opportunity, despite security concerns over its ownership. Featured Local Savings Booker, the chairman of the Strategic Communications Committee, has urged members of his caucus to install TikTok on their personal devices, a controversial workaround to a federal law banning the app on government devices, and offers them tips on how to connect over a relatively new medium. I love watching their growth on the platforms. I love to watch what they do, Booker said. In terms of his own content, Booker said he embraces TikTok because of its large user base. That is where 170 million Americans are, and that is where the younger voters are that we need to really work hard on, he said. "So I show up there." I inadvertently got some insight into Bookers dating life as we wrapped our interview. He recounted one story in which his current girlfriend, Alexis Lewis, asked him to open his For You page on one of their first dates. I sort of held my breath as I opened it up, and she could see that I'm a nerd who loves food videos, animal videos, Booker said. It was just a funny moment, because I never thought of it through the dating lens, but here it is, you know, a year and a half later, and were still together, Booker added of Lewis, disclosing that the two share a place together in Washington. Of all the apps on his phone, Booker said he likely spends the most time on Spotify and that he uses TikTok more than X. GONE FISHING Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) is trading the D.C. swamp for the scenery of Montana with the Senate gone for the month of August. Dainess office shared with us photos of his recent fly fishing excursion to the Yellowstone River, known for its cutthroat trout yes, thats a species of trout. His recess plans also include fishing in the Beartooth Wilderness, which boasts high country lakes at an altitude of 10,000 feet or higher. Daines, like other Republicans, has used the break from Washington to sell the GOPs tax law back home. He visited a mine near Billings, Montana, last week to highlight a provision that will help keep it from shuttering. His outings in nature, meanwhile, are scheduled throughout the year. Daines, an avid hunter and fisherman, told me he already has weekends blocked out for the fall. My team knows there are sacred weekends, if they were to schedule something like, for example, an opening weekend for antelope, it's a terminable offense, Daines joked in an interview shortly before the August recess. He hunts regularly with his family, calling his wife Cindy a good shot, but said plans with Donald Trump Jr. could be in the works as well. CAPITOL TEA: JD VANCE AND THE SENATES REDSHIRT FRESHMEN Trump Jr. made headlines as Dainess hunting partner last election cycle, when the two helped keep Republicans aligned in a slew of primaries. There might be something out there cooking, said Daines, formerly the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. (Fixes headline) MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia's nuclear shield should be strengthened in coming years due to the "colossal threats" facing the world's biggest nuclear power, the head of Russia's state nuclear corporation said on Thursday. Russia and the United States are upgrading their nuclear arsenals - including the systems used to detect and intercept incoming nuclear-armed missiles - just as China ramps up its own nuclear capability far beyond those of Britain and France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now, in the current geopolitical situation, is a time of colossal threats to the existence of our country. Therefore, the nuclear shield, which is also a sword, is a guarantee of our sovereignty," Russian state news agency RIA cited Alexei Likhachev as saying. "We understand today that the nuclear shield must only be improved in the coming years." U.S. President Donald Trump in May unveiled plans for a so-called "Golden Dome" missile defence shield, inspired by Israel's land-based Iron Dome defense shield, that would cost at least $175 billion. The U.S. dome would aim to intercept a range of missiles - including ballistic, hypersonic and cruise - and is aimed at blocking threats from Russia and China. However, military experts agree that no such shield can intercept all missiles, especially in the quantity that either Moscow or Washington could launch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has about 4,300 stockpiled and deployed nuclear warheads and the United States has about 3,700, a total of about 87% of the world's total inventory, according to research by the Federation of American Scientists. China is the world's third largest nuclear power with about 600 warheads, followed by France with 290, Britain with 225, India with 180, Pakistan with 170, Israel with 90 and North Korea with 50, according to the research. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou and Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Aidan Lewis) The Russian Defence Ministry has replaced the commander of the Sever (North) group of forces, dismissing General Alexander Lapin. Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza, citing the Russian Defence Ministry Details: Colonel General Yevgeny Nikiforov has been appointed as the new commander of Russias Sever group of forces. Meduza notes that reports of this change had circulated on social media in early August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian propagandists said that Nikiforov had been sent to Russias Kursk Oblast in early August last year, when "the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched an incursion there to restore order". He succeeded Lapin, who previously commanded the front. Background: Russias Sever group of forces is responsible for the Kharkiv and Kursk fronts. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched an overnight aerial attack that included a missile strike that hit an American business. Ukraine's Defense Intelligence agency announced that the Russian assault involved 574 drones, six ballistic missiles and 33 cruise missiles, of which 546 drones, one ballistic missile and 30 cruise missiles were shot down. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X that 15 people were injured in the strike on Zakarpattia. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine posted to social media about three hours after Zelensky's message that the number of injured in the attack on Mukachevo has increased to 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Last night, the Russian army set one of its insane anti-records," he said."They targeted civilian infrastructure facilities, residential buildings, and our people." "And the Russians carried out this attack as if nothing has changed at all, as if there are no global efforts to stop this war. This requires a response. There is still no signal from Moscow that they truly intend to engage in substantive negotiations and end this war." "Pressure is needed," he concluded. "Strong sanctions, strong tariffs. I thank everyone who is helping." Zelensly added that "cruise missiles were lobbed against an American-owned enterprise in Zakarpattia" that was still ablaze at the time of its posting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lviv Oblast Gov. Maksym Kozytskyi announced that an attack there killed one person and injured two. Ternopil, Rivne and Khmelnytskyi oblasts were assaulted by drones, and the city of Kyiv also reported an air attack. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also stated a missile "struck a major American electronics manufacturer in our westernmost region." The plant, which Zelensky said "was a regular civilian business, supported by American investment, producing everyday items like coffee machines" has since been identified as the Flex factory in the western Ukrainian city of Mukachevo in Zakarpattia Oblast. The Kyiv Independent reported Thursday that a plant employee said that as the facility doesn't produce anything used by the military, buildings at the site will likely burn down due to the Russian attack. Just days after President Donald Trump met with Russias Vladimir Putin in Alaska and then met in Washington with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in an effort to jump-start peace talks Russia launched one of its largest airstrikes of the war. In the early hours of Thursday morning, two Russian cruise missiles struck an American-owned electronics factory in far western Ukraine. The strike was part of a massive overnight fusillade: more than 570 drones and 40 missiles fired across the country, according to Ukrainian officials. One civilian was killed in Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine. Zelenskyy said at least 15 people were wounded in the factory attack, describing the plant as an ordinary civilian enterprise, an American investment that produced everyday appliances such as coffee machines. The Russian military delivered this strike as if nothing had changed at all, he wrote on Telegram, as if there were no efforts by the world to stop this war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, echoed the sentiment, calling the factory a fully civilian facility that has nothing to do with defense or the military. Contrary to all efforts to end the war, Russia undertook a massive combined air strike on Ukraine overnight. Hundreds of drones, hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles on civilian and energy infrastructure. One of the missiles struck a major American electronics pic.twitter.com/CTRoXpsk4y Andrii Sybiha (@andrii_sybiha) August 21, 2025 Western Ukraine, typically targeted less often than other regions, bore the brunt of the barrage. Ukraines military reported intercepting most of the incoming weapons, but some got through, per NPR. The U.S. factory hit The missiles struck Flex, a global electronics manufacturer headquartered in Austin, Texas, and Singapore with more than 100 factories and offices worldwide. Flex has operated in western Ukraine since 2012. Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, visited the damaged facility and said the strike was destroying and humiliating American business in a post on X. He urged Trump to stand with American business and confront Vladimir Putins campaign of destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Hunder, about 600 employees were on shift when the missiles hit, but safety protocols enabled everyone to reach shelter in time. Myroslav Biletskyi, head of the regional military administration, said the toll would have been far higher otherwise. Even so, he noted a third of the sprawling plant burned down. This enterprise exclusively produced household appliances. It never produced any military equipment, Biletskyi said, reported NPR. Largest strike in weeks Ukraines air force said the attack was Russias largest since July 12 and broke the pattern of smaller nightly barrages earlier this month. It was only the fourth time during the war that Russia launched more than 500 drones in a single night, according to figures analyzed by ABC News. On the night of 20-21 August, a Russian air attack struck one of Ukraines gas transmission system facilities. Source: Ministry of Energy of Ukraine Details: The ministry noted that an assessment of the damage is underway. The staff has dealt with the aftermath of the strike. Background: On the night of 5-6 August, Russia carried out a targeted strike on a compressor station of Ukraines Gas Transmission System Operator in Odesa Oblast, near the Ukrainian-Romanian border. The facility was part of a route linking Greek LNG terminals with Ukrainian gas storage via the Trans-Balkan pipeline, through which LNG from the United States and test volumes of Azerbaijani gas had already been transported. On the night of 18-19 August, Russian occupation forces also attacked another production facility of Ukraines gas transmission system. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! In one of the largest overnight strikes since the war began, Russia unleashed some 614 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles across Ukraine, killing one, injuring dozens and destroying an American-owned electronics company less than an hour from two NATO borders, officials confirmed Thursday morning. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy said the strike on the private U.S. company, which involved "several" cruise missiles, was "very telling" following President Donald Trumps attempts to force Moscow to end its invasion. Black smoke rises from the electronics manufacturing company as firefighters continue to extinguish the fire after the Russian army hit a large American company producing civilian electronics with two missiles in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia region of Ukraine on Aug. 21, 2025. Russia's Lavrov Looks To Draw China In On Ukraine's Security Guarantees Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Last night, the Russian army set one of its insane anti-records," Zelenskyy said. "They targeted civilian infrastructure facilities, residential buildings, and our people. "Several cruise missiles were lobbed against an American-owned enterprise in Zakarpattia," he continued, describing the company as "a regular civilian business, supported by American investment, producing everyday items like coffee machines." "And yet, it was also a target for the Russians. This is very telling," Zelenskyy added. Read On The Fox News App The American business is known as Flex Ltd., whose corporate headquarters is in Austin, Texas, but which has business locations across the globe, confirmed to Fox News Digital that the facility only produces civilian consumer goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This facility does not produce, supply, or support any military equipment or defense-related components," a spokesperson for the company said. Following the attack, the spokesperson said that "emergency protocols were executed" and the site was fully evacuated. "A few employees and contractors were injured, and six individuals remain in hospital and are receiving medical care," they added. "We are providing them and their families all necessary support during this difficult time." The extent of the damage is still under assessment, the spokesperson confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 15 people were apparently injured in the strike on the city of Mukachevo in the Zakarpattia region which sits just 30 miles from two NATO nations, Hungary and Slovakia. A residential building destroyed after a Russian bombing, with at least four people trapped under the rubble, in the city of Kostiantynivka, Ukraine, on Aug. 21, 2025. Ukraines Stolen Children Crisis Looms Large As Nato Meets On Russias War Flex Ltd. did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals questions. The overnight strike included 574 drones and 40 missiles, and hit numerous locations across Ukraine. The White House also did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals questions regarding the presidents reaction to the strike that targeted a U.S. company, though on Tuesday he said, "It's possible that [Putin] doesn't want to make a deal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks," he added. NATO leaders have repeatedly questioned Putins willingness to engage in good-faith negotiations as well as his desire to end his war ambitions questions that gained little clarity even after Trumps in-person meeting with the Kremlin chief in Alaska on Friday. From left, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House on Aug. 18, 2025. France which has become a leading player backing Ukraine on Thursday reiterated this point, and in a statement to Fox News Digital, said despite Russian claims that they are "ready to negotiate," the overnight strikes suggest otherwise. "These attacks, the most massive in a month, illustrate Russias lack of any genuine intention to engage seriously in peace talks," a spokesperson with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs told Fox News Digital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "France reiterates its support for President Trumps initiative in favor of a just and lasting peace and will continue to work with determination alongside Ukraine and its partners," the spokesperson added. Original article source: Russian cruise missiles hit US company in massive Ukraine strike amid Trumps peace push Russian fuel prices are at near-record highs, stock exchange data showed Thursday, after a slew of Ukrainian attacks on refineries caused breakdowns during the travel season. Ukraine routinely targets Russian refineries and oil depots to hamper Moscow's ability to fund its offensive. Recent hits have coincided with the summer holiday season and have contributed to higher rates of driving over train and air travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a bid to tame prices, Russia, one of the world's biggest oil producers, introduced a total ban on fuel exports last month, but it appeared to have little effect. AI-92 and AI-95, the two most popular fuel blends in Russia, were trading at around 72,663 and 81,342 thousand rubles per tonne ($900 and $1,000), close to their all-time highs, according to trading data from the Saint Petersburg commodities exchange. Russian broker BKS cited "the high season, repairs and new accidents at the refineries" as reasons for the price surge, noting higher demand for fuel because people tend to drive more during the summer months. Additionally, Ukrainian attacks have also disrupted air and railway travel, further contributing to the surge, the brokerage said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Recent disruptions at the Afipsky, Ryazan and Saratov oil refineries could have reduced the petrol supply on the market," it added, saying this could have probably exacerbated the situation. Ukraine claimed to have hit the three refineries this month, but there was no official comment from Russia on any stoppages there. The Russian energy ministry said the price rise was due to "high seasonal demand and agricultural works", and supported extending the ban to September as well, without mentioning Ukrainian strikes or any repair work on refineries. The fuel shortage is the most acute in Russia's south and far east, as well as in the part s of Ukraine held by Russian troops, local authorities said. bur/js Russian state-sponsored hackers have targeted thousands of networking devices associated with U.S. critical infrastructure sectors over the past year, the FBI warned Wednesday. The cyber actors are associated with the Russian Federal Security Services (FSB) Center 16 and have taken aim at a vulnerability in certain Cisco devices, according to an agency public service announcement. In some cases, hackers have been able to modify configuration files to enable unauthorized access, which they have used to conduct reconnaissance on networks. This has revealed their interest in protocols and applications commonly associated with industrial control systems, the FBI said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ciscos threat intelligence research arm, Talos, explained in a separate advisory that a subcluster of this group, which it has named Static Tundra, is targeting a seven-year-old vulnerability in the companys Smart Install feature. The firm has offered a patch for the vulnerability, but it remains a problem in unpatched and end-of-life network devices, it warned. Once they establish initial access to a network device, Static Tundra will pivot further into the target environment, compromising additional network devices and establishing channels for long-term persistence and information gathering, Talos noted. The telecommunications, higher education and manufacturing sectors are primary targets for the Russian hacking group. Talos urged Cisco customers Wednesday to apply the patch or disable the Smart Install feature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nineteen people have been injured in a Russian missile strike on the Flex plant in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia Oblast. Source: Myroslav Biletskyi, Head of Zakarpattia Oblast Military Administration Quote: "We have updated reports about the victims of the missile strike on the Mukachevo district (Flex plant). As of 12:30, 19 people have been reported injured." Details: Ten people were taken to St. Martins Hospital in Mukachevo by emergency medical teams. In total, 16 teams were involved in providing aid 15 main teams and one additional team for psychological support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine more people sought medical assistance on their own. Six patients remain in hospital: five in St. Martins Hospital (three with leg and pelvic injuries, one with blunt abdominal trauma, and one with a brain injury and concussion) and one in Novak Zakarpattia Oblast Hospital (with shrapnel wounds to the head, and injuries to the eye and ear). One of the injured is in a serious condition. The youngest person who sustained injuries is 22 years old, the oldest 63. Four others were treated at the scene for acute stress reactions, with a psychologist providing support. Background: On the night of 20-21 August, Russia launched a missile strike on the city of Mukachevo, hitting a civilian company. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia attacked Ukraine with 574 Shahed-type attack drones, 4 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, 2 Iskander-M ballistic missiles, 19 Kh-101 cruise missiles, 14 Kalibr cruise missiles and one unidentified missile. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The number of people injured in the Russian strike on a plant in Mukachevo belonging to the US company Flex on 21 August has risen to 23. Source: Myroslav Biletskyi, Head of Zakarpattia Oblast Military Administration Details: As of Thursday evening, the number of casualties stood at 23. Six patients remain in hospital with shrapnel wounds and injuries to their limbs, abdomen and head; all are in a stable condition and one patient has undergone surgery, Biletskyi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rest of the people who were injured received outpatient care, mainly for acute stress reactions, high blood pressure and minor injuries. Biletskyi said he had spoken with the investor and the plant's director. They discussed the possibility of relocating production and, as a priority, providing jobs for those left without work, which concerns about 2,500 employees. Quote: "This is a strategic company for Zakarpattia. Since the beginning of the year alone it has paid over UAH 285 million (approx. US$7 million) in taxes, which have gone towards the development of the oblast. We will not let the occupiers destroy this foundation that has been built over many years." Background: On the night of 20-21 August, Russia launched a missile strike on Mukachevo, hitting a civilian production company. A fire covering 7,000 sq m broke out at the Flex plant. In his evening address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the Russian attack on the plant in Mukachevo a targeted strike on US property and investments. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! In July, the Middle East Forum released a report claiming that the Department of Homeland Security had approved $25 million between 2013 and 2023 to groups with documented links to foreign terrorist organizations. Within a month, DHS moved to cancel and review grants made out to those groups. DHS documents, first reported on by Fox News Digital, indicate the agency has cut $8 million worth of grants, with one official saying that, although the agency is conducting an independent review, it took the report from the Middle East Forum very seriously. The Middle East Forums report highlighted DHS grants provided to organizations such as the Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center, which DHSs internal document flagged as linked to Hamas and terrorist financiers, and the Islamic Center of America, whose congregants regularly express support for Hezbollah. The bulk of the grants awarded to what the Middle East Forum described as terror-linked and extremist groups was disbursed through the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is intended to provide religious organizations with resources to guard against hate-driven violence. Other organizations that the Middle East Forum alleges have terror or extremist links and have received funding from DHS included the Al Furqaan Foundation, which received $1.6 million worth of Qurans from an an Al-Qaeda-linked charity, mosques tied to the Iranian government, the Islamic Center of San Diego, which was linked to the 9/11 terrorist attacks by a congressional inquiry, mosques whose congregants regularly praise terrorists, and Masjid Muhammad, a place of worship belonging to the Nation of Islam a heretical sect of African American Islam which teaches that whites are an evil race created by a mad wizard named Yakub. In addition to reviewing current and future contracts to cut off funding to groups with ties to terrorism or extremism, DHS is also exploring ways to retrieve unspent funds distributed to those organizations. Featured Local Savings "We dont want to be empowering groups that could be causing a threat to our community here in the United States," a DHS official told Fox. PRO-HAMAS ISLAMIC CLERIC HELD PRIVATE CEREMONY HONORING OMAR FATEH The Council on American Islamic Relations, which DHS has accused of having Hamas ties, says it no longer has active contracts with DHS. "While our civil rights organization has no active federal grants that the Department could eliminate or cut, and while the government cannot ban American organizations from receiving federal grants based on their religious affiliation or their criticism of Israel's genocide in Gaza," a CAIR spokesperson told Fox, "its important to note that Kristi Noems Department of Homeland Security is embarrassing President Trump by making decisions based on the ravings of the Middle East Forum, an Israel First hate website." DHS did not respond to a request for comment. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov may be looking to bring China into the ongoing negotiations as NATO leaders and Ukrainian officials convene this week to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv. Lavrov suggested that Moscow was only interested in "truly reliable" guarantees for Ukraine, which he argued should be based on a 2022 draft accord that was discussed by Ukrainian and Russian negotiators during the early days of the war. But the proposal never came to fruition due to a major sticking point for Kyiv, which argued that the plan gave Moscow too much power over its security. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold a meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. August 15, 2025. Ukraines Stolen Children Crisis Looms Large As Nato Meets On Russias War Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal would have provided Ukraine with security guarantees provided by a group of nations, including the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council which Russia is a part of which Kyiv said effectively gave Moscow veto powers over any future attempts to provide it with military aid. China is also a member of the U.N. Security Council and has not only drawn international scrutiny for its refusal to condemn Russias illegal invasion but has faced international rebuke over its support of Moscow during the war. Read On The Fox News App "Russia agrees that security guarantees for Ukraine be provided on an equal basis with the participation of countries such as China, the USA, Britain, and France," Lavrov said Wednesday, according to a translation by Russian state media RIA in a post on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though it is unlikely that Ukraine would agree to a plan that would grant Russia, and possibly China, any authority over its future security, Beijing said it supports "fair and objective" peace talks. "China did not create the Ukraine crisis, nor is China a party to it. Even so, China has since day one held an objective and fair position and promoted talks for peace," Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told Fox News Digital, pointing to the "four principles" peace plan that Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced in 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) greets Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (2R) and First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov (R) look on during their meeting in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, May 2015. Nato Scrambles Warplanes As Russia Hits Near Romanian Border In Ukraine "China stands ready to, in light of the will of the parties concerned and together with the rest of the international community, continue playing a constructive role for the political settlement of the crisis," Liu added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lavrov further accused NATO leaders of "unethical attempts to change the position of the Trump administration and the President of the United States personally" after they met with President Donald Trump on Monday in Washington, D.C. Few details of the meetings have emerged as leaders from Europe, Ukraine and top Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witkoff, look to establish security terms for Ukraine in an attempt to end the war. Lavrov, who has long made controversial comments, described the Monday meetings as "a fairly aggressive escalation of the situation" and "rather clumsy." A European diplomat involved in coordinating security guarantees with the U.S. told Fox News that Lavrovs comments have largely been dismissed by Washington and NATO allies, and have done nothing to derail progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its noise," the diplomat said. "Mondays display of unity behind Ukraine has put [Russian President Vladimir] Putin on the back foot. These comments point to typical Russian game playing and untrustworthiness at a time they would do well to engage seriously with President Trumps push for peace." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during Russian-Laotian talks at the Kremlin on July 2025. "Lavrov has long done this," the official added. The White House also told Fox News that comments coming from Russian officials are largely being ignored unless they come straight from Putin. Original article source: Russia's Lavrov looks to draw China in on Ukraine's 'security guarantees' Chinook salmon migrate up the Columbia River in Oregon. (Photo by Dave Alan/Getty Images) Editors note: This is the second installment of a series on salmon originally published by the Idaho Capital Sun. Part One described the emergency effort to rescue Washington states last population of Snake River spring and summer Chinook salmon, in the Tucannon River. The Nez Perce Tribe and its collaborators will try to eke out a few more years survival for Tucannon River Chinook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, Jay Hesse says, we also had to ask: What about all the other populations? So in 2021, we started modeling quasi-extinction for all the Snake River spring/summer Chinook and steelhead populations listed under the Endangered Species Act. The results are giving us a better picture of real conditions, and a stronger case for the urgency of action. Jay Hesse, of the Nez Perce Department of Fisheries Resources Management, at work on the Snake River in Hells Canyon. (Photo courtesy of Jay Hesse) Mr. Hesse is the director of Biological Services for the Nez Perce Department of Fisheries Resources Management. Some years ago, federal scientists at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries developed the quasi-extinction threshold, which the NOAA uses in planning. For Snake River Chinook salmon and steelhead, the threshold is fewer than 50 adult fish in a population returning from the ocean for four consecutive years. Below that floor, the populations continued existence can no longer be scientifically assumed or predicted. It is an emergency signal, flashing red and near black. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nez Perce Tribe is applying this science to management of populations below or near the extinction threshold, as well as to public education and long-term science. Nez Perce Fisheries provided me two maps from its upcoming extinction threshold report for Snake River spring/summer Chinook, and steelhead, updated through 2024 fish returns. These maps show some of the findings, but much else in it will deserve attention. Hesse, J.A. and Kinzer, R.N., 2025. Snake River Anadromous Fish Status: Quasi-Extinction Threshold Analysis. Department of Fisheries Resources Management. Version: 09 June, 2025. The quasi-extinction threshold results are mapped in four colors: populations at or below the 50-fish extinction threshold four consecutive years; those at or below the 50-fish threshold in the most recent year; those predicted, on current trend, to be at the 50-fish line within five years; and those predicted to be above that threshold five years from now. Hesse, J.A. and Kinzer, R.N., 2025. Snake River Anadromous Fish Status: Quasi-Extinction Threshold Analysis. Department of Fisheries Resources Management. Version: 09 June, 2025. Together, the first three categories, all in red-orange shades, are what I call the critical list: populations at dire, perhaps irreversible risk now, and those on their way to that same status within five years at current rates of decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lump those red-orange shades together as you look at the maps. With a little imagination, you will see the near-term extinction trajectory for Snake River salmon and steelhead in geographic motion. As updated through 2024 fish returns, the report shows six Snake River steelhead populations, 27% of the species total number, are on the critical list, below the extinction threshold or heading there soon. Ten Snake River spring/summer Chinook salmon populations, 29% of that species total, are on the critical list. The maps show their locations. Populations colored yellowish are all those predicted to be above the 50 fish threshold in 2029. These are in motion too. Current rates of decline, if continued, will put a next batch on the critical list soon. The data underlying the maps suggests which and where those will be. It is not scientific news that Snake River salmon and steelhead are going extinct. These findings further confirm the fact, by newly estimating the current rate and trend of decline at population level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats new, for me, is how extinction threshold analysis, as mapped and made public yearly, allows fish managers, all stripes of salmon people, interested reporters, and Northwest governors and members of Congress to observe Snake River salmon extinction in motion. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife also conducts an extinction threshold analysis for these same Snake River populations, with some differences in methodology and data. ODFWs quasi-extinction approach is a little more conservative than the Nez Perce Tribes, says Tucker Jones, the agencys Columbia River program manager. Our two results so far are slightly different, but both analyses have arrived at largely the same conclusions and same trend. When you take different approaches, but come to nearly the same conclusions, that provides more certainty were on the right track. The department also plans to update its analysis this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extinction threshold findings can be annually volatile, as one somewhat better bad return re-sets its stringent clock. Thus the main story is the trends, for individual populations and the aggregate species. The 2024 Nez Perce Fisheries analysis estimates a 6% per-year decline is occurring across the Snakes spring-summer Chinook populations, and 11% per-year decline across steelhead populations. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlifes trend estimates will be known soon. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Snake River salmon and steelhead extinction is in motion Two distinctions between this scientific work, and my use of it here, should be made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, extinction in motion is my phrase, not Hesses or his Nez Perce Fisheries co-author Ryan Kinzers. They are conducting a careful, annually-updated estimate, employing both raw fish counts and modeling, of the rates at which extirpation of individual populations are currently proceeding (or not, should the data show that), and thus extinction of the species continues to approach (or not). The focus on rates of decline toward extirpation and extinction is a main value this science has now, as salmon scarcity and Tucannon River-like dilemmas multiply. The same science will track the pace and places of salmon recovery, should the actions necessary to produce recovery be taken. My phrase combines two facts. In this undated photo, Chinook salmon spawn in Snake River. (Photo by Natalie Fobes/Getty Images) Snake River salmon and steelhead extinction is in motion because current numbers are very low, current distribution badly amputated, and decline is the steady year after year, decade after decade, trend, with a few blips up that were not sustained. And, the Nez Perce Tribes quasi-extinction threshold maps allow us to watch this motion, place by place, across years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, except when quoting, I say extinction threshold, without the word quasi. This will not change the Nez Perce Tribes, Oregons or the NOAA Fisheries use of the full phrase in scientific, management and legal contexts where it is a defined, necessary term. But for most of us that word just gets in the way. Good scientists have developed a last gasp check-point 50 or fewer fish returning, four years in a row to mark the entry, by a steelhead or salmon population, into an extinction momentum that will be very difficult to escape. It is an extinction threshold. For the salmon, rivers, watersheds, communities and salmon people facing it, there is nothing quasi about it. Salmon risks multiply when numbers plunge so low Please look again at the maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of these geographies hold from 50 to 150 miles of identified habitat for one or both fish. Thus, at the official 50 fish extinction threshold, one female or male Chinook, out of 25, must find a partner, also out of 25, in 50 to 150 miles of water. That is just a terribly low number of salmon in so much river, Jay Hesse says. A landslide or flood scour could destroy a few salmon redds (nests) and their overwintering eggs, when a few are all that exist. Some eagles, bears and humans will find some returning fish before the fish find each other to spawn. Such local events, of little harm to healthy populations, are major risks to those so near extinction. More destructive are recurring large-scale events poor ocean conditions, low flows through reservoirs and dams, extended hot water during their long, obstructed upstream migration that do outsized damage to populations already scraped so low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and NOAA Fisheries, both make the main scientific point. The department: The 50 fish or less threshold is not a milestone on a linear path to extinction. It is a tipping point into accelerated extinction risk, with a higher likelihood populations will no longer be able to respond favorably to improved conditions. The NOAA: Quasi-Extinction Thresholds represent tipping points for population collapse, where the actual extinction potential may not be predictable or, in some cases, avoidable The result can be an extinction vortex An extinction vortex operates something like your sinks drain operates on the last remaining water. Its too late. Returning salmon drive the ecology Hesse always reminds his audiences of the contexts for this extinction analysis. Keep in mind that salmon ecology is based on abundance, he says. Numbers of returning salmon are not just about salmon. Salmon drive the whole ecology of that populations geographic area. Fifty or fewer fish signals a total break in that watersheds ecology, with effects that go well beyond the fish. Some breakage is visible to us; many fewer bears, eagles and people hunt the rivers and creeks in season. Much is still invisible to most of us, though nutrient loss is being documented. Salmon nutrition for the waters, lands and life of the territories on the maps above has been close to nothing for 60 years. And the harvest cycle, the cultural cycle, which is based on abundance, is also broken, Hesse says. That is important to all salmon people, but particularly to tribes that cultural connection is absolutely necessary. Hesse and Kinzer use another map to add more context: past extirpations. Hesse, J.A. and Kinzer, R.N., 2025. Snake River Anadromous Fish Status: Quasi-Extinction Threshold Analysis. Department of Fisheries Resources Management. Version: 09 June, 2025. The colored area is the maps just described. The gray area, north and especially south, is the vast geography, in Oregon, Idaho and Nevada, from which Chinook salmon have already been extirpated, mainly by dams. Of an estimated 70 abundant populations of Snake River spring/summer Chinook prior to invasion and settlement, 30 are now extirpated. Of 40 steelhead populations pre-settlement, 16 are now extirpated. The scales of what once was, and what now remains, are so disparate it is hard to put both on one graph or graphic. In his presentations to public and agency audiences, Hesse experiments with visual ways to relate that not-so-long-ago abundance with todays plunge to extinction. (Two to six million salmon and steelhead annually is one pre-Caucasian estimate for the Snake River alone.) His most effective way so far is a 16-ounce Starbucks Grande cup the past salmon abundance when filled, today a couple disconnected damp spots on the bottom of the cup. We cannot lose sight that salmon abundance is our goal, Hesse says. Salmon, steelhead and people in northeast Oregon Eastern Oregons tributary watersheds to the Snake River are too varied and distinctive for this stranger to ably summarize, ecologically or humanly. The mountain, valley and canyon topography does intricate wonders with cold mountain waters that birth the Grande Ronde River, and then steadily refresh it on its long course to the Snake River. (The Grande Ronde has crossed into Washington when it reaches the Snake; 92% of the watershed is in Oregon.) Cottonwood trees change colors during the fall season alongside Oregons Grande Ronde River. (Photo by Steve Terrill/Getty Images) Human works add to and subtract from each river. When my interviewees said the names Wallowa, Lostine, Minam, Wenaha, Grande Ronde, Imnaha, Joseph Creek I heard something of the depth the names carry for people who know these streams. Some echoed Kevin March, a retired acupuncturist in La Grande: One thing here is that many of these rivers and stretches are hard to get to. In canyon country, you can always leave people behind. Or John Milbert, a veteran fisherman, gatherer of foods, and writer: I like to get high in the little tributaries. I enjoy fishing these tributaries because I get to know them intimately from walking and wading them. You get surprises. The extinction threshold data led me first to the upper Grande Ronde River, and its large tributary Catherine Creek. (The upper Grande Ronde is roughly the rivers watershed above the town of Elgin.) In both, significant damage to river function has occurred in headwater areas, from past logging, roading and grazing, and, in both, the salmon nurseries in and passages through the big valleys are now mostly disconnected and ditched. In the early 1990s, scientists identified eight populations of Snake River spring and summer Chinook in northeast Oregon. Two are deemed extirpated since then: the Lookingglass and Big Sheep populations, in the lower Grande Ronde and Imnaha respectively. Washingtons Asotin population, upstream of the Tucannon, is also extirpated. Though extirpated for now, the Tribe does not want any of these taken off the Endangered Species list, Hesse says. We dont want them forgotten, and over time we want them back. The Upper Grande Ronde and Catherine Creek host two of northeast Oregons six remaining Chinook populations. Retired lawyer David Baum remembers fishing for salmon long ago, far up the Grande Ronde, at Tony Vey Meadows. And as a boy in the 1950s, he made a spearing platform on a bridge across Catherine Creek at his grandmothers home. A salmon would come up every few minutes in season, he said. I had no success, but I saw a lot of salmon going up Catherine Creek. No longer. I will offer some numbers, which need not be retained. Their scale and trend is what matters. Upper Grande Ronde Chinook, returning to 144 miles of identified Chinook habitat, had an estimated return, 2016 through 2022, of 43, 19, 39, 7, 57, 24, 98 and 19 fish. (The Nez Perce update should include the 2024 estimate.) At 20 returning fish, a Chinook must find at least one of 10 possible mates in 144 miles of stream habitat to secure a next generation. The Nez Perce Fisheries map projects that, at current rates of decline, this Chinook population will be at or below the extinction threshold, joining the critical list, by 2029. In Catherine Creeks 89 miles of Chinook habitat, the estimated range of adult returns, 2016-2023, is 31 to 190 fish. For now, the Catherine Creek population remains among those not projected at or below 50 fish within five years, but it is uncomfortably close. The Upper Grande Ronde and Catherine Creek share one steelhead population, with 808 miles of identified habitat. Its return was last above 1,000 in 2016. The 2017-2023 range is 247 to 874. Northeast Oregon wild steelhead are generally in better shape than its Chinook, but are also in decline. Four digit returns become three digit become is the trendline. A footbridge crosses Catherine Creek at Catherine Creek State Park near Union, Oregon. (Photo by Jesse Stephens/Getty Images) None of the local fishers I spoke with were surprised. If not extinct in Upper Grande Ronde, Chinook must be perilously close, says John Milbert. The last carcass I saw was probably 15 years ago. Kevin March is a steelhead fisherman: I dont fish the upper Grande Ronde, because those are wild fish and the stocks are too low. And I dont fish for salmon anywhere in eastern Oregon. There are too few. John Appleton and his wife Anieta own Alpine Archery and Sport, La Grandes fishing shop. Wild salmon are very low in the upper Grande Ronde; steelhead are better but not good, Appleton told me. As for fishing, in all of northeast Oregon, Chinook fishing any more is really minimal, he continued. There is some hatchery-based coho fishing in the fall. Fall steelhead fishing, on hatchery stocks, attracts people, though that fishery too can be uncertain. Kyle Bratcher is district fish biologist for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. His district includes the lower Grande Ronde from the Wallowa River down, and the Imnaha River. In my territory, the salmon in most trouble are Wallowa/Lostine spring Chinook, and Imnaha spring Chinook, Bratcher said. Theyre not as bad as in the Tucannon, but its clear we need to do more for them. This Wallowa population was last estimated above 1,000 in 2014, its 2015-20 range is 189 to 750 (the Nez Perce and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reports should include more recent data), and it has 137 miles of habitat. Bratcher and Hesse confirmed the department and Nez Perce Tribe have begun discussion of interim safety net actions for Wallowa/Lostine Chinook. Decisions will not be simple. Steelhead are depressed in my territory, far below recovery goals, but they are a bit more stable than salmon, Bratcher added. Steelhead can use more of our wilderness and inaccessible habitat. The fishing people I spoke with generally have more hope for steelhead in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha than for salmon. Steelhead range more, they can go up the small streams and creeks, to many more places, Kevin March said. I know a farmer who sees them in his little creek. Biologist Rick George, now retired from the Confederated Umatilla Tribes, lives in Troy, Oregon, on the lower Grande Ronde. The Umatilla Tribes are doing some excellent habitat restoration in the Upper Grande Ronde the McCoy Creek project, for example, he said. But I cant see much hope for salmon in the Grande Ronde with eight dams on the lower Snake and Columbia. Weve put billions into increasing salmon over several generations of salmon now. I dont see even a blip of recovery. The systems are pretty empty of salmon, and, without that ocean nutrient freight train, the rivers are more sterile. We have large rivers that look beautiful, but without salmon that is deceiving. Ive been on the Imnaha for 30 years, Joe McCormack told me. Watching the natural processes, what I see over those 30 years is less and less naturally spawning salmon and steelhead. Idaho Capital Sun originally published this article. Like the Alaska Beacon, the Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Since her appointment in 2024, Salon Art + Design executive director Nicky Dessources has been expanding the fairs dialogue between design and fine art in new and often unexpected ways. Dessources said the 14th edition marks a dynamic new chapter defined by a fresh curatorial vision, a growing advisory council and bold steps toward new markets. The premier New York City fair for collectible design and fine art will return to the Park Avenue Armory Nov. 6 to 10. Its Dallas debut is scheduled to take place March 25 to 29. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The honorary committee now features new cultural voices like photographer Douglas Friedman, author Linda Fargo, Gabriel Hendifar, founder of lighting and design hub Apparatus, and Everette Taylor, chief executive officer of Kickstarter, the worlds premier crowdfunding platform for creative projects. The advisory board has also welcomed designer Giancarlo Valle and entrepreneur Jane Keltner de Valle, founders of design-forward gallery Casa Valle in New York Citys TriBeCa neighborhood. The Advisory Council has always been about bringing together people who genuinely love and champion design, decorative arts, and fine art in all their forms. For me, its not just about getting people excited about the fair, its also about learning from them. The council helps me see how others experience Salon, how the larger conversations in art and design are shifting, and whats happening outside the walls of the Armory, Dessources told WWD in an interview. Salon Art + Design, she said, has always catalyzed dialogue between creative sectors like jewelry and design. Jewelry, for example, has been part of its DNA from the start, with presentations from Temple St. Clair and Italian high jewelry maker Giampiero Bodino, among others. This year, Salon Art + Design is continuing that tradition by inviting dealers that specialize in museum-quality pieces. Among them are estate jewelry experts DK Farnum, Portuguese jewelry firm Rosior, wearable art designer Elisabetta Cipriani, alongside contemporary jewelers such as Brazilian born artisan Fernando Jorge, Cora Sheibani, and Sarah Ysabel Narici, the British-Italian designer and founder of the New York based brand DYNE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dessources, who previously served as the fairs director of operations, also emphasized the importance of the fairs recent collaboration with Bergdorf Goodman, which highlighted how seamlessly design and fashion share a language of craft, innovation, and luxury From January to April 13, Salon Art + Design staged an open exhibition on the iconic stores seventh floor. That showcase featured a thoughtfully curated selection of galleries who participate in Salon such as Onishi Gallery, Galerie Gabriel, J. Lohmann Gallery, Liz OBrien, Verso and Room 57 Gallery each presenting pieces that celebrate artistry, innovation and craftsmanship. Partnerships like these reflect Salons broader vision: to create a space where collectors can encounter not only extraordinary furniture and objects, but also wearable works of art that resonate far beyond the runway or the gallery, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, organizers welcomed younger, up-and-coming galleries like Room 57, Bossa and Black Folks in Design with Verso. They were voices that opened up the conversation between design and fine art in new ways, she said, adding that momentum continues to grow with regard to putting forth fresh talent. The upcoming edition will also welcome new names such as the London-based midcentury Brazilian design gallery, the Paris-based Theoreme which connects contemporary designers with the finest European craftsmen to create poetic works of furniture and objects and Polands Crafitca, which is known for spotlighting experimental Polish craftsmanship. It ties back to the educational long term vision I have for the fair. I hope the fairs curation and inviting atmosphere will keep nurturing the next generation of collectors, engage new design and art enthusiasts, and spark curiosity across audiences, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since its inception in 2012, Salon Art + Design has risen to the fore as a premier destination where collectors and designers can discover rare and high-value collectible pieces showcased by well-known galleries. Compared to contemporary fairs like Design Miami, Salon features works from various time periods. Fairs around the world are also expanding in terms of vision and also geographically. In 2024, Design Miami launched the inaugural Los Angeles edition, another Basel fair, and its second edition in Paris. Brussels curated design fair Collectible opened its doors in New York City for the first time in September of 2024. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (The Center Square) The city of Spokane and Catholic Charities are facing a $3.49 million tort claim after a local salon owner claimed she lost business due to several housing projects located nearby. Linda Biel, co-owner of Urbanna Natural Spa, Salon & Wine, filed the claim with Eowen Rosentrater Attorneys, a law firm only a short walk away from her business. The salon was originally about a block away with a gravel parking lot on its side, but then Catholic Charities started building "havens" around it. The nonprofit now offers hundreds of units for the homeless, and Compassionate Addiction Treatment Spokane moved in after Urbanna left, further concentrating services. CAT eventually moved again last winter, but the low-barrier units are still there, and business owners are grappling with the impacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim calls out seven Catholic Charities projects located around downtown, citing a spike in crime, evidenced by hundreds of incidents every few months. The closest one is across the street from Beils salon, built on a vacant lot after she moved there, with the furthest only about a quarter-mile away. Both the residents of the facility and the public residing and conducting business, Beil alleged in her tort claim, are impacted and harmed by the crime that Catholic Charities and [Spokane] have allowed to persist due to insufficient protections, oversight, and lack of enforcement of city and state laws. Dave Meany, director of communications for Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, said the nonprofit is aware of the complaint. In a statement to The Center Square, CCEW called the filing orchestrated and labeled it as misleading, inaccurate and baseless allegations," arguing the facts are on their side. Biel presented statistics obtained from public records requests to highlight a dramatic spike in crime around each project. According to her complaint, first responders have received 47 to 191 calls about incidents in and around the project across the street from Biel every six months from 2021 to 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We look forward to the opportunity to set the record straight as we rigorously defend all aspects of this claim and as we explore our other legal options, Meany explained. This litigation does not affect our ongoing commitment to do the hard work many others are either unable or unwilling to do. The tort claim also references hundreds of calls to first responders for incidents in and around the six other projects that Biel called out across a similar time period. She also brought up internal memos that CCEW President and CEO Robb McCann sent to board members in 2018. Some of whom allegedly frequented Biels business, with McCann accusing her of distributing a very hate speech-filled flyer. He claimed that Biel attempted to shutter one of CCEWs more infamous projects, House of Charity. According to the claim, McCann allegedly described Biels efforts as mentally unstable and offensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facts and Jesus are on our side. Catholic Charities Eastern Washington will not waver from this work. Love always wins, according to a quote from McCann that CCEW included in its statement. When The Center Square requested a statement from Mayor Lisa Brown, Communications Director Erin Hut responded that, We have received the claim and will review it as we do with all claims. State law requires Biels attorneys to wait 60 days after filing the tort claim before starting a lawsuit in Spokane County Superior Court. Notably, she also recently filed an ethics complaint against Brown and the Spokane City Councils progressive majority, which they are now facing an investigation over. Reporting by The Center Square uncovered messages between the mayor and council majority after her controversial camping ban failed due to its requiring advanced notice to break up encampments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biel also referenced emails in her claim that McCann sent to the council in 2018, recognizing safety concerns at House of Charity, noting that the area around it had become a scene out of Woodstock. Her employees and customers allegedly have to frequently deal with people breaking into their cars, stealing, leaving human waste on and around the vehicles and leaving needles in front of the salon. Many are allegedly screamed at and threatened by those individuals, who sometimes enter uninvited. Our apartments and wrap-around services are a true blessing for the low-income men, women, and children who have a safe and supportive place to sleep each night, according to CCEWs statement. Rather than being a nuisance, our properties are a life raft for people to escape homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beil says she was even physically assaulted after asking a person not to urinate on the salon, who allegedly then threw a hot coffee in her face. Others have allegedly entered Urbanna and exposed their genitalia. Beil claims that this has all led to a loss of business, not due to the quality of her services, but rather the impact of homelessness and open-air drug use that proliferates around downtown. She wants the city and CCEW to pay up and address these chronic nuisances that must be mitigated. These facilities, built with the Citys authorization, approval, and financial support, have been the subject of numerous police reports, 911 calls, and complaints documenting criminal activity, illicit drug use, and violent incidents involving tenants of the facilities, Biel alleged in the tort claim. A Salvadoran man was about to board a flight from the San Francisco International Airport to self-deport when he was suddenly apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and forced to spend several weeks in jail. Jeisson Rony Escobar-Valencia, 30, has a criminal record in the United States and was previously deported in 2021 but re-entered the country illegally after being the victim of violent crime in El Salvador flouting a judges removal order. Understanding that he could be deported, Escobar-Valencia decided he would self-deport in July. After purchasing a ticket to El Salvador, he said goodbye to his family and prepared to start a new life in El Salvador with the hopes his family could join him, his attorney, Elisse Larouche, said in a court filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But before he could even set foot on the flight, ICE officers apprehended Esocar-Valencia at the airport, charged him with re-entry of a removed alien and detained him for three weeks before deporting him, again, to El Salvador. All Mr. Escobar-Valencia wanted to do was return to El Salvador, Larouche said in a sentencing memorandum to a judge in Northern California last week. A Salvadoran man was arrested at an airport, detained, and set to be deported while trying to self-deport (Getty Images) Instead, the government intervened to criminally prosecute Mr. Escobar-Valencia, putting him in criminal custody for this case, followed by a prolonged period in immigration custody before he can return to El Salvador, Larouche added. In May, the Department of Homeland Security said it would offer undocumented immigrants $1,000 stipend for travel assistance to leave the country voluntarily. Those wishing to participate can notify the U.S. that they intend to self-deport via the CBP Home Mobile App. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just one of the many ways the Trump administration is trying to deport millions of undocumented immigrants from the U.S. at the behest of President Donald Trump. However, the option only applies to those without a criminal record. Escobar-Valencia was convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old in 2018. His lawyer said he took a plea deal under the misunderstanding it would protect him from deportation, which it did not. After serving a three-year-long sentence, EscobarValencia was deported to El Salvador but quickly faced physical violence as well as the threat of homicide by MS-13 gang members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escobar-Valencia chose to illegally re-enter the U.S. months later. His lawyer said he understands now that he should not have returned, but at the time, he was in extreme fear and made the wrong and unlawful choice. Soon after, in 2021, he served a brief jail sentence for failing to register as a sex offender in California. Then in February 2025, he was arrested again for failing to register as a sex offender. But it wasnt until July, when ICE officers discovered Escobar-Valencia, that they chose to arrest and detain him. Escobar-Valencia initially began living in the U.S. since he was 11 years old, when his father obtained a temporary protected status and brought him to escape violence. He had spent most of his life in the U.S., attending school, working, and eventually starting a family. His lawyer says he has two young children and a spouse, all of whom he hopes can join him in El Salvador when he reaches it. A Salvadoran man with a criminal record decided to heed the advice of the Trump administration and self-deport, his attorney said. But as he waited to board a flight at San Francisco International Airport bound for San Salvador, he was arrested by federal agents. After three weeks in custody, a federal court convicted Jeisson Rony Escobar-Valencia of being in the country illegally after a prior removal, according to court documents, and he is expected to be deported back to El Salvador exactly where he was attempting to go when he was detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, he was convicted of committing lewd acts with a child under 14 years old, according to court records. In 2021, he was convicted of failing to register as a sex offender. "This child predator will remain in [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] custody where he no longer poses a threat to Americans while ICE makes arrangements for his deportation," a senior official with Department of Homeland Security told The Times. "There is no process for criminal illegal aliens to voluntarily deport to avoid prosecution and prison time." His case underscores the complexities of self-deportation as the Trump administration steps up its crackdown on illegal immigrants. This year, the federal government launched an ad campaign urging undocumented migrants to go home. In May, the Department of Homeland Security said it would pay people $1,000 to self-deport, calling the offer a historic opportunity for illegal aliens." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated in February that those who are caught in America illegally will never have the chance to return, while those who self-deport "may have an opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American Dream." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear how many people have self-deported, though Homeland Security has touted the program as a success. Escobar-Valencia, 30, was brought to the Bay Area at 11 years old by his father, who had obtained temporary protected status due to unsafe conditions in El Salvador, according to court documents. Escobar-Valencia spent the entirety of his adolescent and adult life in the U.S., where he now has a 2-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter, according to documents filed by his attorney, Elisse Larouche. Escobar-Valencia is a convicted sex offender and was previously deported, but his lawyer said that when he boarded the flight at SFO, he was "trying to do the right thing leave the U.S. because he did not have legal status here." According to Larouche, he entered a 2018 plea deal for a charge of lewd acts with a child that he thought would protect him from deportation. It did not, however, and he was deported to El Salvador in May 2021 after spending three years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after arriving back in El Salvador, Escobar-Valencia was the victim of an attempted homicide in a neighborhood controlled by the MS-13 gang, according to a police report included in court documents. He jumped out of a moving car after an attacker held a knife to his throat and sliced a 4-inch cut. After this encounter, Escobar-Valencia feared he would be kidnapped or attacked again, according to Larouche. "It was in this context that Mr. Escobar-Valencia made the decision to return to the U.S.," Larouche wrote. "He understands now that he should not have returned, but at the time, he was in extreme fear and made the wrong and unlawful choice." Upon his return to America, Escobar-Valencia was arrested in Martinez, Calif., in July 2021 and served four months in jail for failure to register as a sex offender. On Feb. 14, he was arrested in Richmond, Calif., for failure to register as a sex offender and for a bench warrant for failure to appear in court for a felony charge, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, he made the decision to self-deport, purchasing his own ticket from San Francisco to San Salvador. Because he had a criminal record, it is likely immigration officials saw this and took him into custody. Read more: More immigrants opt to self-deport rather than risk being marched out like criminals On July 23, Escobar-Valencia arrived at SFO with his bags packed and a ticket for Seat 26A on Avianca's 2:20 p.m. flight to San Salvador. But when Escobar-Valencia attempted to board, he was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to court documents. Escobar-Valencia "said goodbye to his family including two young children and partner, and was determined to set up a life in El Salvador where his family could later join him," Larouche wrote. "Instead, the government intervened to criminally prosecute Mr. Escobar-Valencia, putting him in criminal custody for this case followed by a prolonged period in immigration custody before he can return to El Salvador." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escobar-Valencia subsequently entered a plea bargain agreeing to the "virtual certainty of his deportation" in exchange for the swift resolution of his case, according to court documents. On Aug. 14, Assistant U.S. Atty. Thomas Green told the judge that although sentencing guidelines recommend Escobar-Valencia spend 18 to 24 months in prison, Green instead supports a one-day jail term on top of time already served in custody, according to reporting from the Mercury News. The short sentence was part of the plea bargain, and the judge approved the deal. The defendant is leaving his family, including two young children, and thats not a small thing for a defendant to be doing," Green said, according to the newspaper. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Brief A San Antonio man pleaded guilty to making threats against the President in a social media post. Robert Herrera, 52, made the threats in a comment on a local news outlet's Facebook page. He faces up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A San Antonio man pleaded guilty Wednesday to making threats against President Donald Trump on social media last month, according to court documents. Threats against the President Robert Herrera, 52, admitted in federal court to one count of threat against the President of the United States. He faces up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The backstory The charge stems from comments Herrera made on a San Antonio news outlets July 10 Facebook post about Trumps planned visit to the Texas Hill Country following deadly floods. Using the handle "Robert Herrer," Herrera commented, "I wont miss." He included a photo of Trump surrounded by Secret Service agents after a July 13, 2024, assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents state that after another user replied to his comment with, "you wont get the chance, I promise," Herrera responded, "Ill just come for you." He accompanied that comment with a photo of an assault rifle and loaded magazines. Herrera was arrested the same day. What's next A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Source Information in this article is from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas. By David Ljunggren and Ed White OTTAWA (Reuters) -Scott Moe, premier of the major grain-growing Canadian province of Saskatchewan, said on Thursday he will travel to China soon for talks to persuade Beijing to drop new tariffs on canola. China hit Canadian canola seed imports with preliminary 75.8% duties last week following an anti-dumping investigation, escalating a year-long trade dispute. China is by far Canada's biggest canola seed market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canadian Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald also pledged support for farmers and the industry, which says it employs 200,000 people and produces C$43 billion in economic value. "We're working diligently alongside them," MacDonald said in a phone interview after the meeting ended. Canada, the world's largest exporter of canola, shipped almost C$5 billion ($3.63 billion) of canola products to China in 2024, about 80% of which was seed. The steep duties on canola seed, if they remain in place, would likely all but end those Chinese imports. China objected when Canada imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles a year ago, and launched an anti-dumping investigation into canola seed shortly thereafter. In February, it imposed a tariff on Canadian canola oil and meal, as well as a number of other agricultural products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This month's addition of canola seed to China's tariff targets came shortly after Canada imposed tariffs on steel in July, which also upset Beijing. "Myself will be in China in the next couple of weeks with potentially another opportunity for engagement before the end of the calendar year," Moe told a news conference after a meeting with industry officials and MacDonald. Moe also reiterated a call for federal aid for the industry. MacDonald said it was too early to decide what help farmers might need, but "it could be there some day" if the dispute drags on. He added that it was difficult to assess all of China's motives in the dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You're dealing with a partner that you're not 100% sure all of the time what their prerogatives are. Are they just political, or is it something else?" MacDonald said. ($1 = 1.3905 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Ed White in Winnipeg; Editing by Mark Porter and Edmund Klamann) (The Center Square) International Paper said Thursday it is closing three mills in southeast Georgia, which will result in the loss of 1,100 jobs. The closure of the company's Savannah containerboard mill and packaging facility and nearby Riceboro's containerboard mill and timber and lumber facility will begin in phases next month, according to information from the company. The closures are part of a strategic change that includes a $250 million investment at a plant in Selma, Ala., the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We understand how deeply these decisions affect our employees, their loved ones, and the surrounding communities," said Tom Hamic, executive vice president and president of International Paper's North America Packaging Solutions business. "We are committed to supporting both our employees and customers as we navigate this transition." House Speaker Jon Burns, who represents nearby Newington in Effingham County, said the closure will deal a blow to the entire southeast Georgia region and the state's timber industry. "I, along with each member of our delegation in the House, remain committed to working tirelessly with our state leaders, federal partners and timber producers to navigate this difficult transition, secure new employment opportunities for the hundreds of citizens impacted by the closures and safeguard the long-term strength and viability of Georgias timber industry," Burns said. The timber industry experienced about $1.28 billion in losses after remnants of Hurricane Helene swept through the state last September, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill in May that creates a reforestation tax and allows local governments to suspend harvest tax collections. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said he was disappointed to hear about the plant's closure. "Through seasons of change and challenge, International Paper has emerged to be a great corporate partner to our community," Johnson said. "My greatest concern is for the 650 valued employees and families whose lives are directly impacted by this decision, especially during these challenging economic times." Trip Tollison, president and CEO of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, said his organization is preparing to help affected workers. "Work Source Georgia's Rapid Response, which is part of the Technical College System of Georgia, the Department of Labor and others organizations are already mobilizing to assist the impacted workers," Tollison said. "Additionally, SEDA is in contact with industries in the region about opportunities and will do everything we can to help these employees." United States Attorney Jeanine Pirro has emerged as the face of the Trump administrations crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., transforming how justice is served in the nations capital in less than two weeks since the federal effort began. From directing prosecutors to pursue the harshest possible charges to limiting which firearm cases will be brought to court, Pirro is reshaping the scope of criminal law enforcement in ways that extend well beyond the temporary federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department. She is also leading a sensitive inquiry into whether the citys police department manipulated crime data, a flashpoint that President Donald Trump and the local police union have seized on to argue the citys crime problem is worse than officials admit. Her actions come as the Justice Departments broader effort, overseen by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has resulted in more than 550 arrests and the seizure of 76 illegal firearms from Aug. 7 to Aug. 19. Bondi this week announced $500 rewards for tips leading to arrests, while the White House touted the capture of an MS-13 gang member as evidence of what press secretary Karoline Leavitt called extraordinary results. We have now made over 550 arrests in Washington, DC and have taken 76 illegal firearms off the streetssaving lives. You can help@USMarshalsHQ is offering a reward for any information leading to an arrest. Together, we will make DC safe again! pic.twitter.com/8SucuPuhLz Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) The D.C. Police Union says robberies, carjackings, and violent crime have plummeted since federal agents hit the streets. But Democratic officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, claim the presence of soldiers and federal agents undermines public trust and threatens civil liberties. Public support for Trump's Washington law enforcement project is split. While the nation is divided on whether it backs the move, according to the left-of-center polling firm Data for Progress, an overwhelming majority of residents in the heavily liberal District disagree. However, according to a Gallup poll from October, a broader public view of crime across the country shows that most U.S. residents feel crime in the nation is an "extremely" or "very serious" problem. Despite the split views of Trump's effort, Pirros prosecutorial agenda, just over a week into Trump's federal police takeover, is already redrawing the legal map and leading to a safer city. Maximize criminal charges for street arrests Pirro has instructed her prosecutors to maximize charges for those arrested in the crackdown, signaling a more aggressive approach than her predecessors. In line with President Trumps directive to make D.C. safe, U.S. Attorney Pirro has made it clear that the old way of doing things is unacceptable, said Tim Lauer, a spokesman for her office. She directed her staff to charge the highest crime that is supported by the law and the evidence. The directive comes as hundreds of federal agents have been thrust into patrol duty. Pirros office, which handles both local prosecutions in Superior Court and federal cases in District Court, now intends to move more defendants into federal court, where sentences are stiffer. Pirro has acknowledged her office is short by about 60 prosecutors, following turnover under her predecessor. Still, prosecutors are now available 24/7 to field questions from officers in the field, and the U.S. Marshals Service has offered cash rewards to encourage tips leading to arrests. Typically, prosecutors in Washington drop many cases for various reasons, sometimes citing a lack of evidence, leading to criticism from conservatives who say that posture is just one of the many soft-on-crime patterns contributing to lawlessness. Pirros new approach signals that her office will err on the side of filing felonies and letting courts sort them out. Part of the shift in priorities involves a more direct focus on immigration-related arrests across the District. The Washington Examiner reported Friday that over a third of arrests from the first week of the operation were immigration-related. That figure remained accurate this week after officials reported that 224 out of 550 arrests were of alleged undocumented immigrants. Investigating whether crime data was manipulated The DOJ is also undertaking a potentially eye-opening investigation into whether, or to what extent, the MPD manipulated crime statistics following allegations by police union leaders and Trump himself. According to NBC4 Washington, Pirro is leading the probe. A spokesperson for Pirros office declined to comment, and the Washington Examiner has contacted MPD for a response. The burgeoning investigation was revealed Tuesday, a day after Trump suggested on Truth Social that MPD inflated data to project a false illusion of safety. Featured Local Savings His post came weeks after a July report revealed MPD 3rd District Commander Michael Pulliam was placed on administrative leave in May over accusations that he doctored crime numbers. Pulliam has denied the allegations, while Bowser has said the issue was confined to one police district. Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton argues the problem is broader, saying commanders sometimes instruct officers to downgrade offenses. Instead of taking a report for a shooting or a carjacking, they will order that officer to take a report for a theft or an injured person, he told NBC4. MPDs database also excludes aggravated assaults and certain felony assaults from its violent crime metrics, even if victims suffer serious injuries. As of this week, the department reports violent crime is down 27% year-to-date, but union leaders such as Pemberton call the drop implausibly steep compared to 2023, which saw the highest homicide rate since 1997. Theres a, potentially, a drop from where we were in 2023, Pemberton said on NBC News. I think that theres a possibility that crime has come down. But the department is reporting that in 2024, crime went down 35% violent crime and another 25% through August of this year. That is preposterous. Were out on the street. We know the calls were responding to. No more charges for simple possession of long guns At the same time, Pirro has moved to narrow the scope of firearm prosecutions. She instructed federal prosecutors this week not to pursue separate felony charges for possession of registered rifles or shotguns in the District, citing the Supreme Courts rulings in District of Columbia v. Heller and N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Pirro insisted the policy still allows charges against felons caught with firearms, but bars stacking an additional charge for possessing a registered long gun. This unprecedented number of gun case prosecutions in both federal and local court is only done consistent with the constitution and the laws of the land, she said. District authorities recovered nearly 100 rifles and three dozen shotguns in 2023. However, some local critics argue Pirros policy change could encourage more long-gun carrying in neighborhoods already plagued by shootings. "We already deal with more guns on our blocks than anywhere else. Now theyre telling people its fine to carry long rifles around? That doesnt make me feel safer," Marcus Hill, a lifelong Southeast resident, told the Washington Informer this week. Pirro says minorities are most victimized by D.C. crime Pirro has also emphasized the racial disparities in D.C. crime, framing her approach as one aimed at protecting minority communities most affected by violence. During an interview on Monday on Fox & Friends, Pirro said, The saddest part about all of this is no one is talking about the impact on the minority community 45 teenagers killed in the last year and eight months, every one of them African American, every one of them black. According to MPD data, firearms are used in 77% of homicides, with knives a distant second at 14%. Figures from the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform show that 96.8% of homicide suspects are black, and more than 70% are between 18 and 34 years old. Nearly 90% of homicide victims are male, of whom 94% are black. Pirro said authorities' failure to solve many cases compounds the problem, with roughly 70% of homicides going unsolved. A murder is no less a murder if youre 15 years old, she said. Push for tougher prosecutions of juvenile offenders Pirro is also pressing for sweeping reforms to how the District prosecutes violent crimes committed by minors, aligning herself with Trumps call to toughen sentencing laws for juvenile offenders. Under current law, D.C. does not allow children younger than 15 to be prosecuted as adults in most cases. Trump has also denounced that limit, writing on Truth Social earlier this month that "The Law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these minors as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14." Pirro echoed the presidents stance, telling CNN she knows "evil when I see it, no matter the age and the violence in D.C. committed by young people belongs in criminal court, not family court." Part of the impetus for Trump's D.C. law enforcement crackdown stemmed from the attack against 19-year-old Edward Coristine, a staffer for the Department of Government Efficiency who was attacked by a group of juveniles earlier this month. Although two juveniles remain in custody and are slated for legal proceedings in family court, their confinement remains the exception, not the rule, that officials such as Pirro have said needs major changes. TRUMP NEEDS KEY REFORMS TO CURB JUVENILE CRIME IN DC, EXPERTS SAY Pirro has specifically targeted the 2018 Youth Rehabilitation Act, which was enacted to keep young defendants separate from older, more seasoned criminals, and the 2022 Second Chance Amendment Act, which she said permits the stunning erasure of criminal convictions. If you lose your life because of a 16-year-old, that doesn't mean it's any less painful," Pirro said this week. Editors note: Details of the story may be disturbing to some readers. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) A video involving Savannah Police officers arresting a man is gaining a lot of attention on social media for what many saying was an excessive use of force. The suspect shown in the video is 18-year-old Joshua Watson. A Savannah Police Department (SPD) spokesperson said he was known to be on bond for illegal possession of a firearm and was a person of interest in a recent aggravated assault at Frazier Homes. Joshua Watson, 18 Officers said Watson took off on a bike and then on foot after police stopped him. In the video, you can hear officers talk about the suspect having a gun in his belt and stopping him from reaching for that gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Near the end of the video, something falls out of the suspects waistband, and you can see officers pick up what looks to be a weapon. NOTE: Some viewers may find the following video to be disturbing. Savannah Police released a statement on the incident. Read SPDs statement below: Following SPDs statement, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson released a statement on his social media: I was not present at the scene and did not witness the incident firsthand. The video currently circulating captures only a brief portion, approximately two minutes, of a much longer encounter. As many of you know, Savannah Police Officers are equipped with body-worn cameras and are also required to submit detailed reports in all use of force situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And although the portion of the video shown is alarming and concerning, I believe it is important to reserve judgment until a full and thorough investigation is completed. I ask that our community do the same and allow the investigative process to run its course. Thankfully, no lives were lost in this incident. The individual involved, who was found to be armed, is no longer a threat to public safety. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the safety of all our citizens. You can read Savannah Police Departments use of deadly force policy below. ADM-007 Use of ForceDownload Natasha Young contributed to this article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) is asking residents to vote as they try to decide what their new mascot will be. The school has posted a link to allow residents to cast a vote between the schools top three final choices: The Storm The Kraken The Otter Cynthia Cradduck, Asst. Vice President for Public Relations and Marketing at the college released a statement saying, Savannah Tech is the communitys college. This community-centered approach is a powerful statement of partnership, ensuring our new mascot is a symbol that truly belongs to and represents all of Coastal Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can cast your vote for the schools new mascot 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 WSAV-TV. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) The federal trial for former South Carolina lawmaker RJ May (R-Lexington) has been postponed, with jury selection now set to begin on October 8th. May, of West Columbia, faces ten counts of distributing child sex abuse material, was originally scheduled to go on trial in September. However, a public defender requested a continuance, leading to the delay. May was a representative for Lexington County before he resigned earlier this month following his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May wrote that it is in the best interests of my family and constituents to resign immediately. His letter of resignation did not mention the 10 charges he faces or the more than a decade in prison that prosecutors have suggested May could face if convicted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Manchester school board members next week will discuss an updated version of the districts proposed ban on student use of cellphones during school after amendments were added following a public hearing on the policy Wednesday. The Board of School Committee is expected to take up the latest version of the policy when it meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday. In the summer of 2024, the Manchester school board approved a policy for the 2024-2025 school year prohibiting students in preschool through eighth grade from using personal electronic devices during the school day unless specifically authorized by a school official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High school students could use them only during non-instructional time, such as lunch. Using them in bathrooms or locker rooms was off limits. Manchester school officials have reworked the districts cellphone policy in response to a new statewide cellphone ban in New Hampshire public schools, signed by Gov. Kelly Ayotte as part of the state budget. It requires all public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices from cellphones to smartwatches during the school day, from the first bell to dismissal, even during lunch. Consequences for violating the policy include confiscation of the device by staff and discipline for the student. Matt Upton, attorney for the Manchester School District, said that with school starting Sept. 4 for grades K-12, teachers and school administrators will work out some of the issues with enforcement as they go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the timing of this law and how its come up, and where its so close to the start of school, on some level we will be flying this plane while were designing it, Upton said. Well probably learn a lot in the first month of school, but nonetheless, were required to have the policy in place. School board members raised concerns about exceptions that arent allowed under the new law, like connecting with family members during emergencies or using phones as calculators in class when such devices arent available. Others raised the issue of protecting the devices once they are confiscated. During Wednesdays public hearing on the policy, Sue Hannan, president of the Manchester Education Association, said members of the union are concerned with receiving training on the policy. Im sure this will be addressed on first days with our principals, training on how to do all this in the first place, and some routines that they can put in place with their students to make sure that this all goes smoothly, Hannan said. As we know, the use of cellphones and devices creates an effect very much like a dopamine addiction, and just pulling things away from people is not necessarily how we attack that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manchester resident Melissa Adams said she agrees with making students turn off their phones. However, for middle school and high school students, it might be easier to leave them in their lockers and not have them in their bags, Adams said. I think students of this adolescent age, with their growing bodies and brains, for them to have it in their pocket or their bag and not have the temptation to use it would be challenging. Also, teachers have a lot on their plate, this is yet another thing for them to enforce in the classroom, and if they (phones) were in their lockers and not in their bags, I think it would just be one less thing that teachers would have to think about and do during the school day. Nancy McCall, a science teacher at Manchester School of Technology, said she felt the policy was confrontational. To use the words confiscated, and to put the district employee between the phone and the student seemed very confrontational to me, McCall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patricia Anglin of Congress Street said she doesnt envy the school board or school administrators when it comes to dealing with the phone ban. I see a lot on social media that people are upset, Anglin said. They want their kids to have cellphones in school. Its state law. You guys cant override state law, and I just want people out there to know that the people that want their kids to be able to reach them during lunch, between classes and stuff like that, this policy cannot override state law. At-large school board member Peter Argeropoulos said he supports the bell-to-bell phone ban but realizes its a culture change for many people. I walk into a lunchroom and the kids are sitting there at a table thats their time to interact with each other and build those skills, Argeropoulos said. They sit there on their phones, not communicating with each other, or theyre communicating with each other through their device as theyre sitting near each other, which is just the thing thats mind-blowing to me. Im hoping by getting this away from them for those extended periods of time, theyre going to be able to build up the capacity to get off of those devices, not just at school, but at home. School board members are expected to vote on the policy Monday, Aug. 25. pfeely@unionleader.com Park Academy in Sheffield is one of the schools planning to expand its pupil numbers [LDRS] Two secondary schools in Sheffield are to expand to provide 300 more places for pupils. Work to create the additional places at Sheffield Springs Academy and Sheffield Park Academy will be funded through a grant of nearly 10m from the Department for Education (DfE). Meanwhile, Forge Valley School, in Stannington, is planning a temporary expansion and two nurseries in the city will also be helped to create additional places Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spending plans were approved at a meeting of the Sheffield City Council's finance and performance policy committee on Monday. Sheffield Springs Academy, in Hurlfield Road, will receive 2,414,100 from the DfE to create an additional 30 pupil places in each of its five year groups. The money will be spent on expanding the main entrance and dining hall, reconfiguring the second floor and converting one classroom into a science room. The move has been prompted by forecast long-term population growth in the east of the city, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Sheffield Park Academy in Beaumont Road North, will receive 7,104,600 to also provide 30 more places in each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as extensions and alterations to classrooms, the school will expand the dining hall, refurbish the library and make changes to toilets. Forge Valley School in Wood Lane, Stannington will receive 87,600 to temporarily expand and see whether it is feasible to provide more pupil places long-term. Elsewhere, Nether Green Infant School, in Stumperlowe Park Road, and Royd Nursery and Infant School in Carr Road, Deepcar, will also receive funding to support their expansion plans. Five Rivers Multi Academy Trust is also expanding its alternative provision for children who are not in mainstream schools, with a 277,200 grant from the DfE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds or catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More stories like this COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Students are set to return to Columbus City Schools classrooms in just a matter of days, with some schools getting a facelift over the summer while others are in the process of closing. Devonshire Elementary School received a total renovation. When students walk in on Monday, theyll see new additions to the gym, fresh paint on all the walls, new floors and updated technology. Devonshire principal Dr. Anthony Peddle believe the upgrades will make students more invested in learning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus City Schools needs to cut $50 million from budget When kids want to come to school, we do better, all of us, and Im happy to be here, so I can only imagine that theyre going to be super excited, too, Peddle said. Devonshire and Arts IMPACT Middle School, or AIMS, were both redone over the summer. Thats on top of 113 other renovation projects at buildings across the district. This is how we can see our tax dollars at work, we are making those investments, Columbus City Schools Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman said. As Devonshire and AIMS students get updated buildings, students at Moler and Broadleigh elementaries will walk into their last year at those buildings: both will close in the spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know that this will be a sensitive season and a sensitive time for those families as theyre thinking about this will be their last year in those two respective buildings, Chapman said. Columbus to change half of citys trash pickup routes starting Sept. 2 Chapman said the decision to close schools and move students around to different buildings was a challenging one. The district had experts come in to see which buildings couldnt be helped, like Moler and Broadleigh. Chapman said the consultants also determined which ones could be redone and kept open, like Devonshire. This was a perfect site for modernization and the perfect site where the actual cost to renovate this building was only a third of what it would cost to build a new building, Chapman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as Columbus City Schools looks to cut $50 million from the budget over the next year, Chapman said there could be more school closures. I would say that all options are on the table, she said. We will absolutely explore how we can save and find additional resources on the operations side to support our number one goal in our mission, which is educating students. Chapman said the district wants Broadleigh and Moler families to be a part of the boundary process so they can have a say on where their child goes next year. Families will be invited to community conversations in the fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Trail cameras installed high above ground have captured the surprising results of an ambitious scheme to reconnect isolated wildlife in the rainforests of Peru. As an article by IFL Science reports, a joint venture between the World Wildlife Fund Peru and HP Inc. installed treetop canopy bridges to allow arboreal species to move freely around the forest. Cameras were installed to observe how well the various tree-dwelling species reacted to the bridges. Vania Tejeda of WWF Peru said: "What we're doing right now is piloting and testing different kinds of bridges and distinct designs to see which are preferred by different species." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers found that animals took to bridges quite differently. Kinkajous, a sociable procyonidae (raccoon-like) with the adorable epithet "honey bear" for its penchant for the sticky treat, prefer canopies with additional support of crisscrossing lines. Monkeys, on the other hand, did better with mesh netting but were much more hesitant to use them in the first place. Cameras found the primates took months to adjust to the setup, while kinkajous and dwarf porcupines showed no hesitation. The idea behind the scheme is quite similar to under- and overpass crossings that allow animals to traverse highways safely, but high above ground, and for a fraction of the cost. An overpass can cost millions, but a canopy bridge can be installed for just $200. If a habitat becomes isolated, it creates isolated populations that lack genetic diversity. Additionally, it harms the ecosystem by curbing seed dispersal. The bridges offer a cost-effective solution to the problem caused by human encroachment, but the project is still in its early stages. The partnership of HP and WWF Peru is a good example of an eco-friendly initiative by a household name worth backing. However, it's always important to retain a healthy degree of skepticism when a company touts its green credentials, as the actions of its owners often undermine that message. For experts like Tejeda, the project could provide the framework for future conservation policy in the rainforest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People have to understand not only what we're doing here, but why we're doing it," Tejada told WWF Peru. "That's how you change minds." 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. Did you know that plants have a bit of a sweet tooth? Sugar more specifically, sucrose is one of the most important compounds for transporting and signaling to other molecules as a plant grows. Now, scientists can better understand how different species use it, thanks to a research team at Waseda University that built a tiny device capable of sensing sucrose levels in real time. The sensor improves on previous methods of tracking sugars inside plants. It is made of a strategic group of enzymes and is small enough to be safely inserted with a needle into a living plant, where it can collect live data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, samples had to be cut open and often destroyed just to get a brief snapshot of sucrose measurements, according to the news release. The team implanted the device into the stems of strawberry guava plants and Japanese cedars. The sensor reported detailed data with only a 90-second delay for 72 hours straight. In the strawberry guava, researchers observed the daily rhythm of sucrose as it moved around the plant during different light conditions, which matched up with the common photosynthesis cycle of plants. However, what the team found in the Japanese cedars was an entirely new discovery about plant stomata. Those are the microscopic pores on plants that open when there's light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers soaked the plants in a sucrose bath in both light and dark conditions, and they saw that the cedars' sucrose levels only increased in light. For the first time, this suggested that a plant could swallow up sucrose through its leaves and then bring it to its stem. "[This function] is a largely unexplored pathway," project lead and professor Takeo Miyake said. "... It challenges long-standing assumptions about how plants acquire water and nutrients." The findings were published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics. Miyake expects future studies to use the sensor to examine sugar movement in roots, seeds, and other plant organs. He also noted that similar sensors that last longer and transmit data wirelessly could be built for long-term field studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyday people also benefit from this kind of research. It can inform humans' relationships with plants, from how to grow healthy vegetables to how to create a money-saving yard. "If we can measure what the plant is doing in real time, we can start to think about growing crops more intelligently," Miyake said. 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. Sean "Diddy" Combs doesn't deserve a new trial because there was more than a sufficient basis to support his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, federal prosecutors argued in a new court filing overnight, submitted in response to a July 31 defense motion requesting acquittal or a new trial. Attorneys for Combs, who was found not guilty on July 2 of more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, asked the judge four weeks later to acquit him of the prostitution-related counts or grant him a new trial, arguing in part that the Mann Act the law under which Combs was convicted was too broadly interpreted to apply to him, that the evidence used to support his conviction was lacking, and that "spillover prejudice" from evidence introduced to support the charges on which Combs was acquitted evidence the defense argued "would have been inadmissible" if Combs had been tried only under the Mann Act was "inflammatory." The Mann Act is a federal law that makes it a criminal offense to "knowingly [transport] any individual, male or female, in interstate or foreign commerce or in any territory or possession of the United States for the purpose of prostitution or sexual activity which is a criminal offense under the federal or state statute or local ordinance." Paras Griffin/Getty Images - Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Center on Aug. 26, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. MORE: Sean 'Diddy' Combs' attorneys ask court for acquittal or new trial Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs doesn't dispute hiring male escorts but his attorneys argued in their July motion that the Mann Act doesn't prohibit Combs' conduct "because he lacked a commercial motive and did not intend for paid escorts to have sex with him," but rather to watch and video record them them having sex with girlfriends in sexual encounters referred to in trial testimony as so-called "freak-offs," which his attorneys contended is "protected First Amendment activity." Prosecutors argued in their 58-page response that the law doesn't distinguish between voyeurism and profit. He transported escorts across state lines to engage in Freak Offs for pay. He directed the sexual activity of escorts and victims throughout Freak Offs for his own sexual gratification. And he personally engaged in sexual activity during Freak Offs, prosecutors said of Combs in their filing. There was more than a sufficient basis, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the Government, to support the counts of conviction. MORE: 'Victim 3' asks judge to release Sean 'Diddy' Combs on bail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "freak-offs," as former Combs girlfriend Cassie Ventura testified they were called and which another former Combs girlfriend testifying under the pseudonym "Jane" referred to as "hotel nights," took place at different residences or in hotels in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Ibiza, and Turks and Caicos, according to trial testimony. Escorts traveled to these Freak Offs with Ventura and hotel nights with Jane. The defendant discussed the escorts travel with Ventura and Jane, prosecutors said in their filing, further noting that "the travel arrangements were generally made at the defendant's direction" including by using a travel agent, having an escort service coordinate it, or by having Ventura and "Jane" handle arrangements. Combs is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3. NEED TO KNOW After 20 days of extensive efforts, the search has been suspended for 38-year-old Grant Gardner Gardner was last heard from on July 29, after he summited Cloud Peak in Wyoming While grieving, they are humbled, and grateful beyond words," said Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn of the missing hiker's family After rescue teams, helicopters, dogs and drones spent 20 days scouring the wilderness in Wyoming for Grant Gardner, officials have suspended search efforts. The 38-year-old hiker and father of two from Minnesota was last heard from on July 29. In consultation with family members, I have made the heartbreaking and difficult decision to suspend active search and rescue operations for Mr. Gardner, Sheriff Ken Blackburn of the Big Horn County Sheriffs Office said in a release on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that search and rescue teams had exhausted all resources. With weather conditions and other factors updated in our search models, the sheriff continued, we have to face the reality that the most optimistic survival odds have run out. The news comes two weeks after Gardners wife, Lauren Gardner who has been anxiously waiting for good news to share with their two children, ages 11 and 13 said she still had hope that her husband would be found alive. "Im in shock, I think, and trying to stay strong for the kids, Lauren told Cowboy State Daily earlier this month. This has never happened in all the years hes gone out. He knows what hes doing and has the skills. Im just hoping right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his wife, Grant was an experienced outdoorsman who has been hiking for over a decade. Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriff's Office Search efforts in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area for the missing man. Search efforts in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area for the missing man. Hes used to this stuff, and hes very detail-oriented, Lauren told the outlet. In July, her husband set out for a three-day hiking trip through the Misty Moon Lake area, with plans of summiting Cloud Peak, before returning to his vehicle, according to the initial post from the sheriffs office. Lauren last heard from Grant on the evening of Tuesday, July 29, when he texted her that hed reached the summit, but that the climb was more taxing than he expected and he was tired, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, officials were notified that there was an overdue hiker in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, and they immediately began a search and rescue operation. Grants vehicle was found by searchers in the West Ten Sleep trailhead parking lot, where he had left it at the start of his hike. Images By T.O.K./Alamy Stock Photo Cloud Peak in Wyoming. Cloud Peak in Wyoming. A log at the trailhead showed that hed entered the hiking area as hed intended, according to the release. But search managers were concerned when phone records revealed that Grant reached the top of the 13,000-foot mountain that Tuesday around 7 p.m. local time, with plans to head to lower elevation for the night. From the beginning, the search was a harrowing one. In the original Aug. 4 release, the sheriffs office said that at least two rescuers had to receive treatment for medical conditions. In addition to high altitude and terrain challenges, difficult weather patterns including winds, thunder and lightning storms have made search efforts difficult at various times of the day, officials said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cloud Peak Wilderness is deceptively expansive, remote, and snow is starting to fall at higher elevations above 10,000 feet, officials said in an update on Monday, Aug. 11. Despite the challenges, multiple search and rescue teams spent days looking for the missing man. When announcing the end of the search, Blackburn acknowledged that many team members feel like they have lost a battle by not finding Grant at this time, but he said its not from lack of effort. The sheriff shared his thanks and pride at the hard work of the rescue teams, and shared the Gardner familys appreciation for everyone that tried to find Grant. Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriff's Office Grant Gardner. Grant Gardner. 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. While grieving, they are humbled, and grateful beyond words, Blackburn said. Though team members are pausing, the search hasn't ended indefinitely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our teams will rest, then begin search and recovery efforts as time and evidence allow, said the sheriff. He added that multiple citizen volunteers continue to look for clues about Grants disappearance to bring peace to this family. Read the original article on People The extraordinary pair of meetings in the past week the Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday and Trump's hosting of the leaders of Ukraine, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Finland, as well as the NATO alliance and the European Commission were prompted by the latest iteration of a continuing source of instability over hundreds of years. That instability is Russia's westward expansion across the great northern European plains, bereft of natural boundaries, from the principality of Muscovy in the early 1500s to the Soviet empire and satellites ruled by Stalin and his predecessors for nearly half a century after 1945. Russia's vast armies, fueled by seemingly limitless manpower, freed much of Europe from the rule of Napoleon in 1815 and Hitler in 1945. However, the Russian proclivity to autocracy and brutal suppression of dissent has been abhorrent to the developing Western traditions of accountable government and ordered liberty. Readers of Richard Pipes's magisterial histories of Russia over the years will not need reminding that Russia's impulse to geographical expansion and autocratic governance has survived the transitions from the tsardom to communism to what is now, theoretically, a democratic republic. In the 18th century, under Catherine II (originally a German princess), Russia expanded south to Crimea and the Black Sea and westward in the partition of Poland. During World War I, the Kaisers Germany pared back its border in March 1918, and Western powers, including the United States, joined Russia's White Army in trying to oust the communists from 1918 to 1920. But desultory leadership from the stroke-disabled Woodrow Wilson enabled Lenin and his comrades to cling to power, and communist expansion was stopped for a generation by the new Polish Republics Josef Pilsudski on the Vistula, as documented by Adam Zamoyskis Warsaw 1920. After signing the Hitler-Stalin pact in August 1939, Stalin proceeded to take over the three Baltic republics (a step the U.S. never legally recognized), eastern Poland, Romania, and Finland. He was about to lunge westward against Hitler, according to Sean McMeekin's Stalins War, when Hitler beat him to the punch and sent 3 million men over the line on June 22, 1941. Featured Local Savings Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt immediately began providing material aid, free of cost, to Stalin's forces, clearly on the theory that their primary goal of destroying Hitler and his regime could be achieved only with the aid of the Red Army and its brutal tactics (shooting any retreating soldier, starving prisoners of war) unavailable to any democratic nation. From their different viewpoints, Stalins War and Tim Bouveries Allies at War conclude that Churchill's and Roosevelt's broken promises to Stalin of a second front in northern Europe in 1942 and 1943 meant conceding control of much of the continent to Soviet enslavement. Prising a continent from the combined (in 1939 to 1941) forces of Hitler and Stalin required making and following through on tragic choices. The U.S. continued to make such choices after 1945. It accepted Soviet control where the Red Army was in place, but saved Italy from a Czechoslovakia-type takeover in elections in 1948, extended the nuclear umbrella over western Europe with NATO in 1949, and opposed, with varying results, communist expansion in Korea and Indochina. Steadfastness brought victory in the Cold War, and NATO expansion afterward ended half a century of Russian control of eastern Europe up to and including the Baltics but not Ukraine. So, how has Trump fit into this picture? Like Roosevelt, Churchill, and presidents from Harry S. Truman through Ronald Reagan, he has a horror of Americans fighting the Russian army; unlike Roosevelt and Richard Nixon, he sees a greater threat in east Asia than from Russia. Like other presidents, Trump has called for Europe to do more in its own defense. But his much greater emphasis, and because of Putins threats, he has gotten results. Most NATO allies are spending more than the pledged 2% gap on defense, and some, led as in 1920 by Poland, are spending much more than that. POLAND ACCUSES RUSSIA OF 'PROVOCATION' AFTER DRONE CRASH ON THE BORDER Events seem to have moved Trump away, at least temporarily, from the view of some among his supporters (including the vice president?) of Putin's Russia as a Christian bulwark against woke heresy. His appropriate horror at the brutality of Russian warfare may be overshadowing his appreciation of Putin as a strong leader. He may even be developing an admiration for the resistance against Russian tyranny of the Ukrainian people, perhaps even of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The extraordinary spectacle of six European heads of government traveling en masse to the White House could turn out to be a key step in the handover of primary responsibility for maintaining Ukraine's independence to Europe from an America willing to be a backstop but not to take the lead role. Or not. Trump's inconstancy and avidity for unstinting praise, Putin's continued determination to inflict destruction on a nation of hearts and minds he has lost, the European governments' habit of undermining brave declarations with flaccid inaction, and the always unpredictable tides of battle could fail to end the horrifying carnage and spell disaster for the brave and resourceful Ukrainians determined to resist Russian ukase. But for now, there is some reason for optimism on Russia's often fluctuating western border. 11-year-old Inomar Ino Reyes Jr. is set to be recognized by the Seattle Police Department as Chief for a Day next week. According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), Ino will proudly hold the title during the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commissions (WSCJTC) program on August 28. Inos strength, resilience, and positivity inspire everyone who meets him. Diagnosed in March 2024 with leukemia, Ino received specialized care at Seattle Childrens Hospital, including participation in a clinical trial, wrote SPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nowadays, Ino is in remission and thriving, telling SPD, I feel great! Ino has celebrated his new role with SPD over the last couple of months, riding as a VIP in a convertible during the 2025 Seafair Torchlight Parade and attending an SPD tour experience, which included checking out the SPD K9 and Traffic Unit Motorcycles and riding on a boat with the SPD Harbor Unit. Multiple local agencies have partnered with SPD to help celebrate Ino and uplift the Chief for a Day program, and more fun activities are on the way for Ino leading up to his moment at WSCJTC. To learn more about Ino and his journey to recovery, click here. In a rush? Get an abbreviated, text view of what's happening with Hurricane Erin. Hurricane Erin is gradually pulling away from the U.S., but coastal flooding and tropical storm conditions continue across portions of the North Carolina and Virginia coastline, according to the 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Erin is still a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Erin to bring 'powerful' 20-foot waves along East Coast Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Officials continue to warn beachgoers to stay out of the water due to dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents. In Florida, Erin's impacts continued to be felt along the coast, with breakers expected up to 8 feet in Northeast Florida and up to 7 feet along the east central coast, according to the National Weather Service. Hurricane Erin projected path. See current location Special note on the NHC cone: The forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location : 370 miles east-northeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, 275 miles northwest of Bermuda Maximum sustained winds: 100 mph Movement : northeast at 20 mph Pressure : 952 mb Next advisory: 8 p.m. ET Track all active storms North Carolina, mid-Atlantic feeling impacts from Hurricane Erin. See watches, warnings The National Weather Service in Morehead City, North Carolina, warned residents about 7 a.m. that Erin was making its closest approach to the coast, about 200 miles east-southeast of Cape Hatteras. Tropical-storm-force winds were expected Thursday morning on the Outer Banks. "Significant impacts are underway. Coastal flooding, storm surge and overwash will peak today into this evening. Impacts will last through Friday (Aug. 22) in some spots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This will be a long duration event for the Outer Banks, impacting Highway 12 through late week." Waves up to 20 feet in the surf zone were expected to bring "extensive beach erosion." Several watches associated with Erin have been issued for areas along the east coast: Storm surge warning: Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina Tropical storm warning: Duck, North Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia NC 12 may be 'impassable' for days due to Hurricane Erin over wash. See evacuation routes Highway 12 completely submerged north of Hatteras Village, as seen by webcams from NCDOT. The next two high tide cycles will likely bring more severe overwash than what we've seen so far this evening. pic.twitter.com/ihNOsFfZUA NWS Newport/Morehead (@NWSMoreheadCity) August 21, 2025 See peak storm surge forecast from Hurricane Erin Spaghetti models for Hurricane Erin. See projected path Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Track Hurricane Erin What impacts is Hurricane Erin having on Florida Aug. 21? Florida rip current risks Aug. 21, 2025. Erin continues to bring frequent and life-threatening rip currents to Northeast Florida beaches. Breakers could be 5 to 8 feet. Along east central Florida beaches, life-threatening rip currents continue Thursday, along with 5-7 foot breakers. How strong is Hurricane Erin and where is it going now? At 5 p.m., the center of Hurricane Erin was located near latitude 36.4 North, longitude 69.1 West. Erin is moving toward the northeast near 20 mph. A faster northeastward to east-northeastward motion is expected during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of Erin will move over the western Atlantic between the U.S. east coast and Bermuda through early Friday, and then pass south of Atlantic Canada Friday and Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph, with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is forecast during the next couple of days. Erin is expected to become post-tropical on Saturday. Erin is a very large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 320 miles. Watches and warnings issued for Hurricane Erin A storm surge warning is in effect for: Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina A tropical storm warning is in effect for: Duck, North Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia Bermuda Hazards affecting land from Hurricane Erin Wind: Tropical storm conditions will continue to affect portions of the North Carolina and Virginia coastline for the next few hours. Elsewhere along the mid-Atlantic and southern New England coast, wind gusts to tropical storm force are likely through early Friday. Tropical storm conditions are expected on Bermuda late this afternoon through early Friday. Gusts to gale force are possible along portions of the coast of Nova Scotia on Friday and the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surf: Swells generated by Erin will affect the Bahamas, Bermuda, the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. These rough ocean conditions are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. Storm surge: 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 water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide: Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina: 2 to 4 feet The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances. Key messages from the National Hurricane Center: What you need to know about Hurricane Erin Erin will continue to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. Beachgoers in those areas should follow advice from lifeguards, local authorities, and beach warning flags. Storm surge flooding will continue on the North Carolina Outer Banks through tonight. The storm surge will be accompanied by large waves, leading to significant beach erosion and overwash, making some roads impassible. Tropical storm conditions are expected for a few more hours along portions of the northeast North Carolina and Virginia coast. Wind gusts to tropical storm force are likely along portions of the remainder of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts today through early Friday. Tropical storm conditions are expected on Bermuda this evening through early Friday. Gusts to gale force are possible along the coast of Nova Scotia on Friday and the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland on Saturday. Current forecast: How strong could Hurricane Erin get? At 11 a.m.: 100 mph 12 hours: 90 mph 24 hours: 85 mph 36 hours: 85 mph 48 hours: 80 mph; post-tropical, extratropical 60 hours: 75 mph; post-tropical, extratropical 72 hours: 70 mph; post-tropical, extratropical 96 hours: 60 mph; post-tropical, extratropical 120 hours: 50 mph; post-tropical, extratropical Hurricane categories: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Saffir-Simpson wind scale for hurricanes, tropical storms. Category 1 hurricane : 74-95 mph Category 2 hurricane : 96-110 mph Category 3 hurricane : 111-129 mph Category 4 hurricane : 130-156 mph Category 5 hurricane: 157 mph or higher Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This story has been updated to include new information. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane Erin US, Florida impacts. Latest forecast path, models The Brief Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are gearing up for a tight GOP Primary race Sen. Cornyn made an appearance at Austins annual Fed Supernova Conference President Trump has yet to endorse either candidate AUSTIN, Texas - Incumbent Senator John Cornyn is gearing up for a tight race against Attorney General Ken Paxton in the GOP Primary. On Wednesday, Sen. Cornyn visited Austin's "Fed Supernova" Conference. Sen. Cornyn speaks on campaign Longtime U.S. Republican Senator John Cornyn made an appearance at Austins annual Fed Supernova Conference on Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One of the great things about Austin is its always been a technology hub," Sen. Cornyn said. This comes as Senator Cornyn gears up for reelection in the states 2026 GOP Senate primary against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. According to Emerson Colleges most recent poll, its a dead heat. "Its no secret I was lagging," Sen. Cornyn said. The latest poll shows Cornyn leading by a slim 1% margin over Paxton, with 37% of voters saying theyre undecided. "The challenge has always been that when you run for office every six years, people pretty much forget about what youve done," Sen. Cornyn said. "Part of my job is to remind them what Ive done." US Senator @JohnCornyn says if President Trump decides to endorse him, which he expects, that the GOP Primary is over in his favor vs @KenPaxtonTXpic.twitter.com/uZ9B6ejDez Alec Nolan (@AlecOnFOX7) August 20, 2025 Back in April, Paxton released campaign ads attacking the four-term Senator saying he "abandoned Trump." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxton has criticized Cornyns support for a bipartisan gun safety bill enacted after the Uvalde school shooting, which killed 19 children and two teachers. Cornyn maintains that, during Trumps first term as President, he voted with him and more than 95% of the current Senators. "Theres some flagrant disinformation out there suggesting I have not been supportive, which is not true," Sen. Cornyn said. Cornyn pulled no punches during Wednesdays press conference, saying Paxton brings a few character issues to the race. "The baggage he brings from an impeachment, from his best and brightest talent in his suing him in a whistleblower lawsuit," Sen. Cornyn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornyn was referring to Paxtons 2023 impeachment by the Texas House of Representatives on various charges including bribery and abuse of office. Paxton was ultimately acquitted in his impeachment trial by the Texas Senate, restoring his position as Attorney General. However, Cornyn still thinks the baggage is too much of an uphill climb for Paxton. "This is going to be like an albatross around his neck in a general election," Sen. Cornyn said. "I believe if hes the nominee, he will lose to a Democrat." "If Ken Paxton is the nominee, Republicans will spend hundreds of millions of dollars to sure him up, to try and save him in probably what will be an unsuccessful effort," Sen. Cornyn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornyn believes those fundraising efforts could be used in battleground states like Georgia, Michigan, and even New Hampshire. President Trump has yet to endorse either candidate, but Cornyn is confident hell get the nod. "Ive told him (Trump) if he makes the endorsement, if he endorses me, the primary is over," Sen. Cornyn said. Should Cornyn secure his seat once more, it would mark his fifth term, making him the longest-serving U.S. Senator in Texas history. The Source Information from a Sen. John Cornyn press conference Aug. 20DEVILS LAKE, N.D. Following Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent memorandum to establish at least three national ranges for drones, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven sent a letter to Hegseth to advocate for Camp Grafton as an unmanned aerial systems training site and range for the Department of Defense. In his letter, Hoeven highlights Camp Grafton's ability to offer 10,000 acres of flexible training space with controlled airspace, access to Devils Lake for maritime applications, year-round use by military and federal agencies, and integration with North Dakota's UAS ecosystem, including the University of North Dakota and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. "Camp Grafton's facilities and ranges offer airspace, terrain, and infrastructure uniquely capable of providing immediate support for DOD's UAS and counter-UAS testing and training needs," said Hoeven, R-N.D. "The installation already supports UAS and counter-UAS testing activities, including counter-UAS testing by the Department of Homeland Security and a variety of private industry partners." State leaders will be holding a symposium at Camp Grafton on Thursday to discuss the current state of U.S. drone technology. COOLBAUGH TWP. Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick doubled down on the importance of rebuilding the nations military and embracing technological advancements to protect soldiers and equip them for the battlefield as he toured Tobyhanna Army Depot and the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant on Wednesday. McCormick pointed to the $150 billion in mandatory funding for bipartisan legislation through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to strengthen national defense as a step in the right direction. * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick talks to the press in the microlectronic manufacturing facility at the Tobyhanna Army Depot in Coolbaugh Twp. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick listens to General Manager John Pericci while touring the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, left, is shown a machine that tests components for electronic circuits by electrical engineer Randy Lauer in the microlectronic manufacturing facility at the Tobyhanna Army Depot in Coolbaugh Twp. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan looks on as U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick talks with the press in the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick speaks to the press in the Tobyhanna Army Depot in Coolbaugh Twp. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, center right, takes a tour of the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick takes a tour guided by Deputy Commander Rob Lantka in the Tobyhanna Army Depot in Coolbaugh Twp. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Show Caption 1 of 7 U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick talks to the press in the microlectronic manufacturing facility at the Tobyhanna Army Depot in Coolbaugh Twp. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Expand Its important because our defense capabilities had lagged and if you look, objectively, the world is a really dangerous place, he said. In the first eight months of President Trumps administration, weve been part of a military action against Irans nuclear capability and we see an ongoing battle in Europe with Ukraine and Russia. We not only need to get our defense capability back to where it should be, we need to reinvent how we go to war and how our warfighters operate and Pennsylvania should be at the forefront of the defense reindustrialization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCormick, who served in the Army during the Gulf War in Iraq, stressed the nature of warfare has changed significantly since then. The technology today to be able to keep our soldiers safe and make them more capable of confronting and destroying the enemy is widely different than it was when I was a soldier more than 30 years ago, he said. What were doing here, in Tobyhanna, is pushing the innovation forward. We need state-of-the-art communications, radar, satellites and microelectronics and all of those things are happening right here. McCormick left impressed with the overall operations at Tobyhanna Army Depot in Monroe County, which employs about 3,200 workers across 130 different job categories from industrial trade workers to electronics mechanics to cybersecurity specialists, depot officials said. * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An employee works in the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick talks with skilled machine operator Michael Margotta in the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan looks on as U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick talks with the press in the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Casings for 155 mm high explosive artillery projectiles are stacked in the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, speaks to Dep. Commander Rob Lantka while given a tour of the Tobyhanna Army Depot in Coolbaugh Twp. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick talks with General Manager John Pericci while given a tour of the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick looks through googles used for an FPV drone in the prototype developement facility of the Tobyhanna Army Depot in Coolbaugh Twp. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * An employee pushes a casing for a 155 mm high explosive artillery projectile through a machine in the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick looks at 155 mm high explosive artillery projectile casings while given a tour by General Manager John Pericci in the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Show Caption 1 of 9 An employee works in the General Dynamics ammunition plant in Scranton Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expand The thing I like about it is this place is run like a business, McCormick said. In the microelectronics area, prototypes are being built to essentially create a scaled operation that is going to support the next generation of warfare. Its very important for the jobs, but its also important for our national security. He also commended the Tobyhanna staff for adapting to meet the changing needs of the military. The reinvention is a key part of making sure this place remains viable for decades to come, McCormick said. Were hoping this place continues to grow. Kristyn Smith, chief of staff for Tobyhanna Army Depot, noted the depot partnership with local colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools, helps prepare the next generation of workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Technology is always changing and Tobyhanna Army Depot has been supporting communications electronics for close to 75 years, she said. Over time, that support has changed. Were getting into more software development, microelectronics and unmanned aircraft systems capability. Our team is always trying to stay proactive, not waiting for the requirement but rather staying ahead of it. From Tobyhanna Army Depot, McCormick traveled to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, operated by General Dynamics, on Cedar Avenue to look at artillery shell production. About 400 people work at the facility. When you walk through, it feels like Scranton, it feels like Pennsylvania, McCormick said. You feel the patriotism, you feel the quality and you feel the commitment to excellence. This is critical to our national security, its critical to Pennsylvanias economy. A section of the facility currently being renovated will allow the plant to ramp up its production of artillery rounds from about 36,000 per month to about 56,000 per month. There are going to be more 155 mm rounds produced here than any time in its history and at any other place in the world, McCormick said. I think it will offer opportunity and it will be good for our region and the people who work here. This is American manufacturing at its best. The pride embodied by longtime workers at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant impressed U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-8, Dallas Twp.. Just being able to walk through the halls, and through the facility, is truly incredible because of the duration of how long some of these employees have been here 10 years, 15 years, 25 years, 40 years, he said. During the tour of the facility, General Manager John Pericci praised the professionalism and skill of the workers at the ammunition plant. We forge metal and we do it better than anybody else does, he said. Sen Soshitsu XV, who has died aged 102, was known in Japan as the 15th Urasenke Grand Tea Master and descendant of Sen Rikyu, the Japanese sage who perfected chado the way of tea, commonly known as the Japanese tea ceremony and raised it to the level of art. Though tea-drinking was taken to Japan from China in the 9th century, it was Rikyu in the 16th century who laid down the rules of chado, incorporating elements of Zen Buddhism, Shinto and even, it is said, elements of the Catholic Mass, creating a ceremony which, though elaborate in its combination of ritual, meditation and aesthetics, celebrates the beauty of simplicity. Rikyus legacy has been preserved by the members of the San-Senke, or three tea ceremony schools of the Sen family of which the Urasenke is the most famous. Sen Soshitsu assumed the position of Grand Master of the school from his father in 1964. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adopting the motto Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea, he devoted himself to tea diplomacy, travelling the world to promote the philosophy and practice of chado, establishing Urasenke branches overseas and serving tea to politicians and heads of state including Queen Elizabeth II. The Prince and Princess of Wales in Kyoto with the grey-haird Soshitsu (right), 1986 - John Shelley Collection/Avalon In 1986 he served tea to the then Prince and Princess of Wales during their visit to Kyoto. In 2000 he presented a tea ceremony at the United Nations during the UN Millennium Summit, presided over by the then UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. It takes years, sometimes decades of study and practice to master chado, and the style of the Urasenke tea ceremony has changed little over the centuries. But Soshitsu was not averse to change, and in 2007 he risked controversy by unveiling a new style of ceremony, aimed at people unable to tolerate the painful traditional sitting position, known as seiza, which involves kneeling while resting the buttocks on the heels which (since formal tea ceremonies can last up to five hours) can cause excruciating cramp. Members of the Urasenke school are now permitted to sit with legs crossed in front of them a style known as zarei enabling what Soshitsu described as a modern obstacle-free version of making tea. Soshitsu in the painful traditional sitting position, known as seiza, which involves kneeling while resting the buttocks on the heels - The Asahi Shimbun He was born Sen Masaoki (he would inherit the name Soshitsu on succeeding his father as Grand Tea Master) in Kyoto on April 19 1923, the year of the Great Kanto Earthquake which devastated Tokyo and Yokohama; he was the eldest son of Sen Soshitsu XIV, the 14th head of the Urasenke tea school, and his wife Kayoko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While reading economics at Doshisha University in Kyoto during the Second World War, he was called up for service in the Imperial Japanese navy. He volunteered as a kamikaze pilot but was turned down because the imperial authorities did not want to jeopardise the future of a revered hereditary tea dynasty. After the war, in 1949 he took Buddhist vows at the familys ancestral temple in Kyoto, and the following year became heir apparent to his father as Urasenke Grand Tea Master. He was raised to believe that the tea ceremony could reinstil the good manners lost during the war - The Asahi Shimbun Shortly after the war his father had observed that Japanese schoolgirls had completely forgotten about good manners as a result of long mobilisation and wartime life, and he saw the tea ceremony as a key way of getting them, and Japanese society more generally, back on track. As heir apparent his son believed that the tradition could benefit the world more widely and in the 1950s he travelled across the US to promote the way of tea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soshitsu XV retired in 2002, passing the mantle of Urasenke Grand Tea Master to his eldest son and adopting the honorary name Sen Genshitsu. In 1997, he was presented with the Japanese Order of Culture, and in 2020 he was made a Commander of the French Legion dhonneur. He and his wife Tomiko, who died in 1999, had two children. Sen Soshitsu XV, born April 19 1923, died August 14 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. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has said the United States may formally designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism if it does not release abducted Ukrainian children. Source: Graham on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Graham noted that Russia has abducted over 19,000 Ukrainian children since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He said he intends to introduce a bill that would designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If such a decision is adopted, cooperation with Russia would become unacceptable for other countries and businesses, the senator stressed. Ukraine has, since 2022, raised with Washington the issue of designating Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. This would lead to Moscows international isolation and oblige the US to impose additional restrictions on countries that interact with the Kremlin. The administration of former US President Joe Biden rejected these demands, saying that doing so would constrain US engagement with Russia as a whole and block any diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russias war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: In 2023, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe designated Russia a state sponsor of the Wagner Private Military Company Moscows shadow army and a terrorist group. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! More than 17.6 million car journeys are set to take place over the August bank holiday weekend. It will be an equally busy weekend for scammers. Holiday scams are usually associated with overseas trips, but people travelling within the UK should be aware of the latest fraudulent schemes in car parks, restaurants and on motorway hard shoulders. Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the most common staycation scams before setting off for the weekend. 1. Car park QR codes Drivers have been warned to avoid scanning QR codes in car parks, amid a rise in so-called quishing scams across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scam runs as follows: bogus QR codes are stuck onto parking machines in car parks, drivers scan the codes on their mobile phones and are then tricked into entering their card details to make a payment online. These fake barcodes have been spotted in Northumberland, Northamptonshire, South Tyneside and Pembrokeshire, along with other places. Drivers have been warned to avoid scanning QR codes in car parks - alamy Simon Williams, head of PR and external affairs at RAC, said: A car park is one of the last places where youd expect to be caught out by online fraud. Unfortunately, the increasing popularity and ease of using QR codes appears to have made drivers more vulnerable to malicious scammers. To rub salt in the wound, after falling foul of the car parking scam, drivers are then receiving a genuine fine, having failed to pay for their parking session through the official channels. Motorists are advised to pay at car parks using cash where possible, or to use legitimate parking apps like RingGo, PayByPhone or JustPark, and to always inspect QR codes before scanning them to see if they have been stuck on. 2. Service station sob stories This is a scam that you may have encountered on either side of the Channel. Drivers have reported incidents at motorway service stations where they are approached by a driver in distress, asking for money to help them fill up their car with petrol. Usually they say they have left their wallet at home or their credit card isnt working (or similar) and they will give you their phone number with the promise to repay the loan as soon as they get home. You will, of course, never hear from them again. Stay alert when filling up your vehicle - Anna Barclay/Getty Images Europe 3. A phone call from your restaurant The restaurant reservations site, OpenTable, has warned of a scam where a bad actor calls a restaurant pretending to be from an online reservations platform and asks staff to confirm account information for upcoming bookings. If given the information, the scammer has access to the diners details including their phone number and will contact them directly. Pretending to be from the restaurant, they ask for credit card details for a deposit or other reservation-related purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OpenTable advises: If you receive a call from a restaurant asking for your credit card details, do not share it even if you have a booking. Hang up and call the restaurant back directly to confirm their identity and whether or not your credit card details are needed. 4. The motorway breakdown scam This one has been going on for a while, but is still worth being aware of. Police have warned of motorists flagging down other cars, often with their hazard lights flashing and bonnets open in precarious places like motorway slip roads or hard shoulders, saying they have broken down and need money to get help. In some instances, the broken down driver will even offer their good Samaritan jewellery for low prices in order to get said money. 5. Parking fine emails Another car parking scam involves fake emails purporting to be parking tickets. Genuine Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) are nearly always posted to the address associated with the licence plate, rather than by email, but not everyone knows this. These emails might include links to view photographs of your car or to read information on an appeal process (these will often be malware links), or options to pay the fine directly. The British Parking Association warns anyone who receives such an email to report it to Action Fraud, the UKs national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. 6. Fake accommodation deals on social media You are scrolling on social media and see a post offering a wonderful villa, sold for a 25 per cent discount due to a last-minute cancellation. Perhaps you have found a late deal for a charming cottage on Airbnb, but your host asks you to make the payment off-site to avoid booking fees. Or, you find a perfectly realistic deal on social media and click through to what appears to be a genuine well-known site, and pay up. In the worst cases, you may turn up only to find the accommodation you booked isn't available - getty Money Saving Expert says these are all examples of classic accommodation scams. Criminals set up convincing fake websites, hack into legitimate accounts and post scam ads on social media, all in an attempt to steal your cash. In the worst cases, you may turn up only to find the accommodation you booked isnt available or doesnt exist, they warn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beware that fraudsters can create very believable duplicate websites: always check the URL before making a payment, and never make a payment off-platform. 7. The customer service trick You have booked accommodation or transport through official channels, but you need to contact customer service for some reason. Perhaps you cant find a confirmation email, youve been charged twice, or your plans need to change at the last minute and youre looking for a refund or rebooking option. After failing to get through to an official customer service line you post on social media and the company quickly replies, offering to help. These days nearly all reputable companies are shadowed by fake, lookalike accounts, which are known to swoop in with a reply faster than the official channel. Often these accounts will then begin a process to obtain your bank details, whether over the phone or online. Scammers make fake online accounts or hack real accounts to commit a range of fraudulent activities, advises a spokesperson from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Many social media sites have a process to verify accounts. If people are unsure or are sent links to information or to make a payment, they should visit the companys official website and contact customer services directly. I think Ive been scammed, what should I do? If you think you might have been scammed, you should stop all communication with the suspected scammer immediately. Whether you have lost money yet or not, you should contact your bank immediately if you have passed over your account details in any capacity. Use the number on the back of your bank card, or a recent bank statement, to inform them of the situation. You can report scams online via Action Frauds website, and for further support: contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article was first published in August 2024, and has been revised and updated. 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 COVERAGE: Governor Polis calls for coroners resignation, declares disaster emergency in response to Davis Mortuary investigation UPDATE: THURSDAY 8/21/2025 5:02 p.m. (PUEBLO, Colo.) At a press conference on Thursday, Aug. 21, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), along with multiple other agencies, provided more information on the investigation into Davis Mortuary, where improperly stored bodies were allegedly discovered on Wednesday, Aug. 20, during a state inspection. According to Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero, Davis Mortuary is operated by the Pueblo County Coroner, Brian Cotter, and his brother, whose name was not provided. Lucero said both were present during the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) inspection on Wednesday and made statements to investigators that they believed there to be around 20 bodies inside a room at the mortuary, and that some had been awaiting cremation for upward of 15 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of the press conference, investigators had not yet made entry into the room, so an exact count had not been completed. Sam Delp, a spokesperson with DORA, explained that Davis Mortuarys crematory license expired in 2024, though statements made by Cotter and his brother on Wednesday indicated that no cremations had been performed at the facility in approximately 10 years. Delp clarified that the businesss mortuary license and crematory licenses are separatethe mortuary license has been active up until it was suspended following the inspection on Wednesday. The inspection was the first of its kind at the mortuary, after legislation passed in 2024 began mandating yearly inspections. According to Delp, prior to that legislation, Colorado mortuaries were only inspected following complaints, and as Davis Mortuary had never received any complaints, it had never been inspected before. Delp said the room in which the bodies were found was not climate-controlled, though there did appear to be a refrigeration unit in the room. Delp said the contents of that unit, or whether it was functional, are currently unclear. Photo taken by FOX21 photojournalist Adam Drake Photo taken by FOX21 photojournalist Adam Drake Photo taken by FOX21 photojournalist Adam Drake Photo taken by FOX21 photojournalist Adam Drake Photo taken by FOX21 photojournalist Adam Drake Photo taken by FOX21 photojournalist Adam Drake Sheriff Lucero confirmed that as of Thursday afternoon, no charges had been filed, nor have any arrests been made. The CBI affirmed that Brian Cotter remains in his elected position as Pueblo County Coroner, and his whereabouts are known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armando Saldate II, the Director of the CBI, said investigators are working with numerous other agencies for coroner services to process the scene, many of whom responded to a similar investigation at the Return to Nature Funeral Home in 2023. For anyone who believes they may be impacted by this investigation, the CBI provided a phone number and email for those potential victims to speak to victim advocates who will help them navigate the next steps. The phone number is (719) 257-3359, and the email is CBItips@state.co.us. The full press conference can be viewed in the video player below. ORIGINAL STORY: Several bodies in various stages of decomposition, CBI launches criminal investigation into Davis Mortuary THURSDAY 8/21/2025 12:29 p.m. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is holding a press conference to inform the public about a criminal investigation into the Davis Mortuary in Pueblo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the CBI, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations recently found several bodies in various stages of decomposition inside Davis Mortuary, located at 128 Broadway Avenue, after an annual inspection. As a result of that inspection, Davis Mortuary has been issued a summary suspension, according to the CBI. Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter, who is the appointed designee for the funeral home, told inspectors that some of the bodies had been awaiting cremation for approximately 15 years. He also admitted that he may have given next-of-kin fake cremains, according to the press release. The CBI has taken over the criminal investigation at the request of the Pueblo Police Department (PPD), due to its experience with the Return to Nature Funeral Home case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press conference will be held at the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, and FOX21 News will live stream the update once it begins 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 FOX21 News Colorado. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)- Louisiana Attorney General (AG) Liz Murrill says seven Caddo Commissioners violated Louisianas open meetings laws. The commissioners named in the lawsuit are Stormy Gage-Watts, Victor Thomas, Roy Burrell, Ron Cathran, Kenneth Epperson, Gregory Young and Steffon Jones. The complaint says that on at least three occasions, the members presented proclamations without the full body voting on them or any public input. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all started when the members presented a proclamation welcoming Senator Bernie Sanders to Shreveport. Sen. Bernie Sanders brings Fighting Oligarchy tour to Shreveport Murrills says the same thing happened when proclamations were presented to former Shreveport John Hussey and one honoring the 100th anniversary of the Strand Theatre. Murrill said, The open meetings law requires that official bodies have a public meeting, that meeting be noticed twenty-four hours in advance of the meeting so people have an opportunity to know whats happening. All three proclamations were voted on by the full body after they were presented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AG says you cant do that. The attorney general is seeking attorneys fees and fines against the seven commissioners. We did reach out to Stormy Gage-Watts and she told us she will speak on the matter in due 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 KTALnews.com. Michael A. Hancock is a retired high-tech business executive and a Coloradan since 1973. Originally from Texas, he is a musician, composer, software engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran whose wide-ranging interests from science and religion to politics, the arts and philosophy shape his perspective on culture, innovation and what it means to be a Coloradan. Three people were injured after a multi-vehicle crash involving two Metro buses in downtown Los Angeles Wednesday. Los Angeles police responded to the crash near 111 S Grand Avenue around 4:17 p.m. Footage from the scene showed that a bus had driven onto a sidewalk and crashed into the restaurant patio outside Walt Disney Concert Hall. The second bus and a third car, a Mercedes SUV, remained in the middle of the road on Grand Avenue. The SUV had significant damage to its front end. Three people were injured after a multi-vehicle crash involving two Metro buses in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 20, 2025. (Citizen) The multi-vehicle crash damaged a restaurant patio outside Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 20, 2025. (Citizen) The multi-vehicle crash damaged a restaurant patio outside Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 20, 2025. (Citizen) Three people were injured after a multi-vehicle crash involving two Metro buses and an SUV in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 20, 2025. (Citizen) Three people were injured after a multi-vehicle crash involving two Metro buses and an SUV in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 20, 2025. (Citizen) Three people were injured after a multi-vehicle crash involving two Metro buses and an SUV in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 20, 2025. (Citizen) Three people were injured after a multi-vehicle crash involving two Metro buses in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 20, 2025. (Citizen) Three people were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collision also caused a gas leak which was fixed by firefighters shortly after. No other people, including pedestrians, were injured during the crash. The cause of the crash remains unclear. Metro extends its wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured and thanks the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments for their assistance, Metro officials said in a statement. The incident remains under investigation by the LAPD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Tucson at 6:47 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20. This warning applies to Pima and Pinal counties. Meteorologists warned of winds as strong as 60 mph. The National Weather Service warns: "Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows. This storm is capable of producing damaging winds." A dust storm warning also was issued with the weather service saying there was less than a quarter-mile visibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service warns: "Motorists should not drive into a dust storm. PULL ASIDE STAY ALIVE!" A flash flood warning also was issued through 9 p.m. The National Weather Service 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. Remain alert for flooding even in locations not receiving rain. Washes, streams, and rivers can become raging killer currents in a matter of minutes, even from distant rainfall." See weather radar for Pima and Pinal counties What are weather service meteorologists saying? At 6:47 p.m., the weather service issued a statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: North Central Pima County in southeastern Arizona, South Central Pinal County in southeastern Arizona, Until 7:30 p.m. MST. At 6:47 p.m. MST, a severe thunderstorm was located near Marana, moving west at 15 mph. HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE: Radar indicated. IMPACT: Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Blowing Dust is also expected. Locations impacted include: Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Casas Adobes, Avra Valley, Tortolita, Pinal Airpark, Saguaro National Park West, Picture Rocks, Red Rock and Dove Mountain. This includes Interstate 10 between mile markers 224 and 250." What is a severe thunderstorm warning? A severe thunderstorm warning means the area is experiencing or is about to experience a storm with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail an inch in diameter or larger. Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms Once in a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing. Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of loss of power. Remember to bring pets inside. If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds. Postpone outdoor activities until the storms have passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article. This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor. See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Storm warning issued for Pima, Pinal counties, including Tucson area This story was originally published on mynorthwest.com. The future of Shawn Kemps freedom and businesses remains unclear. Earlier this year, Kemp pleaded guilty to 2nd degree assault. On Friday, the SuperSonics star turned pot shop owner will be sentenced by a judge. The charge stems from Kemps 2023 arrest, when he shot at a car outside the Tacoma Mall. Kemp had tracked his stolen phone to the mall and fired three shots at the suspects. No one was injured. Kemp told on-scene officers that he had fired the gun in self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pierce County prosecutors are requesting a nine-month jail sentence. Shawn Kemps stake in pot business in jeopardy In addition to jail time, Kemp faces uncertainty about his partial ownership of Kemps Cannabis. Brian Smith, communications director at the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board, said felony convictions make it difficult to renew a cannabis license. Its up to the board to make those decisions, Smith said. Our guidelines say no. If you are convicted of a felony within 10 years, our guidelines say not to go forward with that license. Licenses to operate a cannabis business are required and must be renewed annually. Kemp has a 10% ownership in Kemps Cannabis, according to Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Kemp were denied a cannabis license renewal, Smith said, there are options available to keep the businesses operating. The board even has the option of only letting it go forward without him on the license. Or the other members [business co-owners] could ask him to leave. Thats a business decision on their end, Smith said. KIRONewsradioreached out to Kemps Cannabis for comment, but has not heard back. NEED TO KNOW A New Hampshire mother fatally shot her husband and two of her children before turning the gun on herself and dying by suicide Prior to the murder-suicide, Emily Long posted on TikTok about her struggles with depression and her experience dealing with her husband's brain cancer diagnosis Emily Long, her husband, Ryan, their son Parker and their daughter Ryan, were found dead in the family's Madbury, N.H. home on Aug. 18 A New Hampshire mother, who authorities say killed her husband and two of her children before turning the gun on herself, took to TikTok prior to her death to talk about her struggle with depression. The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office said Emily Long, 34, took a gun from her family's home in Madbury and fatally shot her husband, Ryan Long, 48, her son, Parker, 8, and daughter, Ryan, 6, before dying by suicide on Aug. 18. A toddler was found unharmed in the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Hampshire Union Leader reported that the 48-year-old Ryan had brain cancer prior to his death, citing a neighbor. On her now-private TikTok page, Emily's bio stated that she was a "Brain Cancer Wife." She said that her account served as her "personal diary" and was "cheaper than therapy." In her final post before her death, Emily admitted she'd been in a "rut" and had been depressed in the midst of her family's difficult situation. Emily Long Facebook Ryan Long and Emily Long Ryan Long and Emily Long "I'm making a point to get out of my depression and do this for my family," Emily said in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshire authorities warned the public not to speculate as to what motivated the murder-suicide. 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. "While investigators are becoming aware of various concerns/issues ongoing in the household at the time of the event in question, people should avoid speculating that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor," the attorney general's office said. Emily Long/Facebook Ryan and Emily Long with their children Ryan and Emily Long with their children An autopsy revealed that both children died as the result of a single gunshot wound to the head, the attorney general's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan, who was a school psychologist, was shot multiple times, while Emily, who worked in the restaurant industry, died from a single gunshot to the head, authorities said. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Read the original article on People WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Where do you go to get your gas station snacks? Well, if youve ever gone to Sheetz, you may have noticed the employees seem more content than at other convenience stores. FTC accuses Maryland-based ticket reseller of illegally exceeded purchase limits for Taylor Swift, other shows That may come as no surprise, as Sheetz has ranked in the top 10 for PEOPLEs Companies that Care for its fourth year in a row. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual list, created by Great Place To Work and PEOPLE Magazine, began around nine years ago. The list takes into account whether employees feel respected, have their concerns heard and how they view the companys involvement in the community. The Mid-Atlantic chain was established in 1952 in Altoona, Pa., and has more than 26,000 employees operating in more than 790 stores. Compared to the U.S. average of 57%, around 90% of employees surveyed at Sheetz said it is a great place to work, and 92% said they are content with the companys contribution to the community. The family-owned business works with the Special Olympics and contributes regularly to local food banks in addition to its Sheetz For the Kidz non-profit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALGONQUIN, Ill. (WGN) A suburban Target is at the center of a viral video making the rounds on social media. With more than two million views, Jimisha Avlani is famous for all the wrong reasons. In Algonquin, police body camera captured the moments she was caught allegedly shoplifting. $250K in stolen goods recovered in Palos Heights raid Inside the store, body cameras rolled as a theft prevention employee explained to police what was observed. Screenshot from Algonquin police bodycam video shows an officer and Target theft prevention employee speaking with Jimisha Avlani. (Photo/Algonquin PD) She says she doesnt live here. Shes from India, and shes with family. Theyre coming to pick her up, stillweve been watching her for at least four hours. Shes taken a ton of merchandise, different kinds, the theft prevention employee explained as Avlani sat nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avlani offered to pay for the merchandise, calling it just a misunderstanding. Avlani: Can I just pay for it? Cop: Thats not happening. So you dont have an ID on you, or anything like that? No drivers license? Avalani: No, I dont driveCan I just pay for it? Cop: Were way, way, way, past that. You committed a felony. Avalani: But if Im paying for it, what is the harm? Hundreds fired from Southwest Side Target facility over alleged healthcare loan fraud, some say they were not aware of scheme The released body cam video was posted online, with the interrogation going viral. According to the criminal complaint, the total in Avalanis cart as she tried to walk out of the Target store was $1,396. Items confiscated included makeup, water bottles, clothing, medication, jewelry, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers booked Avalani on charges of retail theft and trespassing. After posting bail, Avalni left the country but appeared for court proceedings via Zoom from back home in India earlier this week. I felt sick: Teen employee speaks out after Addison ice cream shop owner was arrested for allegedly hiding camera in bathroom Screenshot from Algonquin police bodycam video shows the arrest of Jimisha Avlani. (Photo/Algonquin PD) She pleaded guilty, according to court records, but to a misdemeanor count of theft under $300 in a deal that led to the felony charges being dropped. Avlani must also complete 50 hours of public service and an online shoplifting education course. How she will do that from her home in India was not spelled out, however. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WISE, Va. (WJHL) Six gang-affiliated inmates were charged with a total of 66 counts of felony criminal charges on Wednesday after a May 2 incident at Wallens Ridge State Prison. The inmates allegedly stabbed two Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) correctional officers multiple times, and a third officer was assaulted. VADOC Director Chad Dotson said in total, five officers were involved. Sheriff: Wise County School employee facing child sex crimes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a news release from the Wise County and City of Norton Commonwealths Attorneys office, the six inmates, with charges, are listed below: Melvin Edgardo Molina-Ramos, 28, was charged with the following: Attempted Aggravated Murder (2 counts) Malicious Wounding by Mob (2 counts) Gang Participation Bodily Injury by Prisoner (2 counts) Aggravated Malicious Wounding (2 counts) Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Malicious Wounding (3 counts) Possession of Illegal Weapon by Prisoner Jeremiah Larenz Mouzon, 26, was charged with the following: Attempted Aggravated Murder (3 counts) Malicious Wounding by Mob (3 counts) Gang Participation Bodily Injury by Prisoner (3 counts) Aggravated Malicious Wounding (3 counts) Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Malicious Wounding (3 counts) Possession of Illegal Weapon by Prisoner Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moises Alejandro Alfaro Olivia, 41, was charged with the following: Gang Participation Malicious Wounding by Mob Bodily Injury by Prisoner (2 counts) Aggravated Malicious Wounding Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Malicious Wounding (3 counts) Armando Dagobert Reyes Reyes, 33, was charged with the following: Gang Participation Malicious Wounding by Mob Bodily Injury by Prisoner Aggravated Malicious Wounding Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Malicious Wounding (3 counts) Christian Rene Reyes-Coreas, 30, was charged with the following: Gang Participation Malicious Wounding by Mob (2 counts) Bodily Injury by Prisoner (2 counts) Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Malicious Wounding (3 counts) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Josue Soto-Bonilla, 28, was charged with the following: Attempted Aggravated Murder (2 counts) Malicious Wounding by Mob (2 counts) Gang Participation Bodily Injury by Prisoner (2 counts) Aggravated Malicious Wounding (2 counts) Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Malicious Wounding (3 counts) Possession of Illegal Weapon by Prisoner Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also announced that his office is assisting with the prosecution. Dotson said all five officers involved in the heinous attack were discharged by May 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. TOPEKA (KSNT) State health officials say several people have been infected with West Nile Virus (WNV) so far this year in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reports on its website that, as of Aug. 15, it is monitoring six WNV cases in the Sunflower State. The KDHE reports that three cases are in the north-central Kansas region with three more in the south-central part of the state. WNV is spread by mosquitoes every year and primarily impacts humans and horses, according to the KDHE. An increase in the mosquito population towards the end of summer and early fall usually brings with it a rise in WNV cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get rid of your invasive tree with this Kansas buyback program The KDHE reports that five of the cases it is monitoring are classified as neuroinvasive, while one other is non-neuroinvasive. KDHE spokeswoman Jill Bronaugh said non-neuroinvasive cases are less severe with infected subjects experiencing flu-like symptoms while neuroinvasive cases are much more severe. Neuroinvasive cases are those in which there is clinical evidence of involvement of the central nervous system in the disease process, Bronaugh said. These cases are generally more severe and include symptoms such as high fever, inflammation of the brain and/or the tissue surrounding the brain, disorientation, paralysis or muscle weakness, numbness, and vision loss. These cases generally have a longer recovery time and require more extensive medical intervention. WNV cases are still low this year as compared to some previous years such as in 2023 when there were 64 reported infections that caused four deaths. Total WNV infections for the last decade can be found below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Neuroinvasive 11. Non-neuroinvasive 12. Deaths none. 2023 Neuroinvasive 46. Non-neuroinvasive 20. Deaths Four. 2022 Neuroinvasive six. Non-neuroinvasive eight. Deaths one. 2021 Neuroinvasive 10. Non-neuroinvasive seven. Deaths one. 2020 Neuroinvasive six. Non-neuroinvasive two. Deaths none. 2019 Neuroinvasive six. Non-neuroinvasive seven. Deaths none. 2018 Neuroinvasive 23. Non-neuroinvasive 23. Deaths two. 2017 Neuroinvasive 12. Non-neuroinvasive 15. Deaths none. 2016 Neuroinvasive 18. Non-neuroinvasive 19. Deaths two. 2015 Neuroinvasive 12. Non-neuroinvasive 22. Deaths two. You can learn more about the dangers and symptoms associated with WNV by heading to the KDHEs website. 32,000 pounds of meat recalled nationwide over false inspection markings For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. (KRON) Six wild gray foxes were released Wednesday into Alum Rock Park in San Jose. The six kits were found in April after they were orphaned by a construction crew, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA said. The crew and park rangers made attempts to reunite the baby foxes with their parents but were unsuccessful when the parent foxes did not return, the PHS/SPCA wrote. They were barely able to open their eyes when they were rescued at 5 weeks old. (Photo courtesy Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA) PHS/SPCA wildlife staff members said its highly unusual to find a litter with six siblings. The orphaned gray foxes were raised together at PHS/SPCAs wildlife care center in Saratoga for months until they became old enough to survive on their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The baby foxes lived in a special remote and forested enclosure at the 167-acre site, with a focus on keeping them wild. On Wednesday, the adorable fox siblings were ready to return to Alum Rock Park nestled in the foothills of the Diablo mountain range. (Photo courtesy Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA) We are so happy to release them back to their home, said Colleen Crowley, PHS/SPCA communications manager. Our goal is always to keep human engagement with wildlife to a minimum, and then to release the animals to the wild after raising (and) rehabilitating them. (Photo courtesy Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA) August is the time of year when young foxes are usually dispersing from their parents and foraging out on their own, so the siblings are anticipated to make an easy transition back into the wild. (Photo courtesy Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA) Gray foxes are a native California species that helps keep rodent populations under control. The foxes, known for their bushy long tails and iron gray fur coats, only weigh about 7-10 pounds as adults, according to the National Park Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mariah Carey the stolen chicken returned to San Jose park Community members who find an injured, sick, or orphaned wild animal can call Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA at 650-340-7022. The local, private, nonprofit organization is dedicated to animal welfare. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) says three adults and three juveniles have been arrested in connection with the assault of a 19-year-old in the Sand Point neighborhood on August 19. SPD says at around 5:45 p.m., officers responded to reports of a large fight near Magnuson Park, close to 6800 62nd Avenue Northeast. Police found a 19-year-old man bleeding heavily from his face and having difficulty breathing, SPD says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses pointed out three men as possible suspects who ran from the scene and were arrested after a chase. Three women also believed to be involved stayed at the scene and were arrested, according to a release. The three men were aged 17, 20, and 23, while the women were 15, 17, and 18, SPD said. All six suspects were allegedly involved in assaulting the 19-year-old man both inside and outside of an apartment building, according to police. The victim was treated at the scene and brought to a nearby hospital, but was unable to give a full statement due to his facial injuries. SPD asks anyone with information to contact the Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. Six people are dead following a dairy accident on a farm in Weld County, Colorado. Emergency crews were dispatched to a confined space rescue on Wednesday evening, the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District announced on Thursday afternoon. There, crews recovered six deceased individuals from the space, officials said. Fire officials referred to the incident as a dairy accident, but did not provide additional details. A preliminary investigation suggests the six victims were exposed to gas at Prospect Valley Dairy near Keenesburg, a northern Colorado town about 40 miles outside of Denver, the Weld County Coroners Office told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials have yet to release the victims identities. The coroners office said all six victims were men and most were adults, though one victim may have been a 17-year-old. The Weld County Sheriffs Office also responded to the scene to support fire department personnel, Public Information Officer Melissa Chesmore told The Independent. At this time, nothing criminal in nature has been discovered, she added. Dairy Farmers of America, a milk marketing cooperative, confirmed the incident happened at one of its member farms. We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and most sincere condolences go out to the friends and families of the deceased, the organization said in a statement. At this early stage, we have no further details." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is now investigating the incident, a spokesperson for the agency told The Independent. Officials will release more information when the investigation is complete. A man who previously worked at the farm told local outlet Denver7 he went to the scene on Thursday because he knew the victims. "They started working here about six years ago," the employee, identified as Ines, said. That's why I came, because they were my friends." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is continuing his first extended trip to Asia in office with a focus on social and economic issues on Thursday. The conservative politician plans to visit the College of Health Professions in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on Thursday, together with Health Minister Budi Gundai Sadikin. In light of the shortage of nursing staff, Germany is interested in recruiting skilled workers from Indonesia in this field. The German government sees great potential to recruit skilled workers from Indonesia, especially since half of the population is under 30 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadephul intends to engage in discussions with the trainees at the college to get an idea of how they envision their future career plans in Germany. So far, skilled worker migration in this area remains at a low level, with around 1,000 visas per year. Visit to production facility for truck and bus chassis Subsequently, Wadephul plans to visit a production facility of Germany's Daimler Truck AG in Cikarang, east of Jakarta, where chassis for trucks and buses are manufactured. At the site, which employs around 200 people and covers over 130,000 square metres, nearly 200 of these chassis are assembled monthly. The site was opened in June, with Daimler Truck investing a total of 27 million ($31.5 million). A unique feature is an in-house test track, which Wadephul also intends to inspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minister then plans visits to the Istiqlal Mosque, guided by Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, and the Cathedral of Jakarta, guided by Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo. Wadephul plans to gain an understanding of the coexistence of religions in the city. He also plans to visit the "Tunnel of Friendship," which connects both places of worship. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com. A Snohomish County man was sentenced to 262 months (21.8 years) in prison today for the production of images including child sexual abuse and attempted enticement of minors, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced. Bennett S. Park, 43, was arrested in 2023 when he attempted to pick up a 13-year-old in a residential area of Everett. Park told an undercover officer that he planned to pick up and molest the 13-year-old before his arrest. Snohomish man sentenced for child sexual abuse In July 2023, Park responded to an online advertisement placed by an undercover Homeland Security Investigation agent, according to the plea agreement. The ad falsely claimed that the agent had two young children who could be molested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Park responded to the message and indicated that he was actively molesting children between the ages of 11 and 17. Park told the agent that he wanted to molest the agents fictional children, but already had plans to meet a 13-year-old child. In response, law enforcement quickly put Park under surveillance to identify and protect the 13-year-old. At approximately 1:45 a.m. on August 8, 2023, Park was arrested by law enforcement officers just after the 13-year-old entered his vehicle. [Park] dedicated years of his life to cultivating, grooming, and enticing young girls in an effort to manipulate them to engage in sexual chatting, sexual acts, and producing sexual imagery for the sole purpose of feeding his pedophilia, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecelia Gregson wrote to the court. Parks electronic devices were reviewed after his arrest, which revealed to law enforcement that Park had communicated with dozens of minors. Law enforcement was able to identify 23 of the minor victims. Park convinced the minors to provide images of sexual abuse via Instagram, Discord, Snapchat, Facebook, Gmail, and Zoom. Park detailed his crimes with eight different victims in the plea agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Martinez ordered Park to register as a sex offender. A hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 14, 2025, to determine the amount of restitution Park owes. Park was also fined $3,000 to pay into a fund for victims of child abuse imagery. This defendant damaged untold lives those of his victims and those of their family members, friends, and adults who tried but could not keep them safe from a predator lurking on the internet, said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. I commend the quick work by law enforcement to intervene before he could molest another child. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez ordered Park to be on supervised release for twenty years following his prison term. Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here. On Tuesday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the Trump administration is seeking a 10% stake in Intel, in a deal that would turn the U.S. government into one of the chip-manufacturing giants largest stakeholders. We should get an equity stake for our money, Lutnick told CNBC, referring to grants awarded to Intel under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. So well deliver the money, which was already committed under the Biden administration. Well get equity in return for it. The administrations proposal was met with immediate criticism, with some on the right accusing the Republican-run White House of abandoning its values. Conservative radio host Erick Erickson called the plan terrible and said it was actual socialism happening by a Republican administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erickson said that Republicans who claimed to be freaked out over Zohran Mamdani, the self-described democratic socialist who is running for mayor of New York City, were hypocrites for not speaking out against the administrations proposed deal. You cant just be against socialism when the left does it. If youre not against socialism overall, guess what? Youre going to get socialism, Erickson said. So if you support socialism, apparently Donald Trump is your guy. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky also attacked the administration over the proposal, which he called a Terrible idea in a post on X on Wednesday: If socialism is government owning the means of production, wouldnt the government owning part of Intel be a step toward socialism? Despite criticism from the right, the administration does have an unusual ally in its corner: Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Sanders said he supports the presidents plan. If microchip companies make a profit from the generous grants they receive from the federal government, the taxpayers of America have a right to a reasonable return on that investment, Sanders told Reuters in a statement. The senator added, Taxpayers should not be providing billions of dollars in corporate welfare to large, profitable corporations like Intel without getting anything in return. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Donald Trumps White House wants a slice of Intels pie in exchange for CHIPS Act grants that had already been approved by former President Joe Biden. And conservative radio host and pundit Erick Erickson is furious about it. Related: Right-Wing Pundit Torches Donald Trumps U.K. Deal With 1 Brutal Word Im sorry, but no, this is terrible. This is socialism, Erickson fumed on his podcast on Wednesday about the U.S. governments proposed taking of a 10% equity stake in the chip company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is actual socialism happening by a Republican administration, Erickson added. The commentator roundly dismissed claims that the move would benefit national security and suggested it would ultimately end up expanding the role and size of government. He also warned how it could ultimately backfire on the right: Related: Stephen Colbert Offers To Hand Hosting Gig Over To Trump Under 1 Condition You want the government not to go woke? Well, what happens when the Democrats get in charge and they become the largest shareholder of Intel? Good luck stopping that from happening. You know theres no such thing as permanence in politics in the United States of America. Youre not gonna stop a Democrat from one day winning reelection or getting into the White House. Related... Read the original on HuffPost A video viewed hundreds of thousands of times on social media shows a "Solidarity March" held in Phnom Penh against the backdrop of a border dispute with Thailand, contrary to posts claiming it shows Cambodians protesting against their own government after the long-running spat boiled over into deadly clashes. The June 18 march was led by Cambodia's deputy prime minister and aimed to show support for the government and troops stationed at the Thai border. "Tens of thousands of Cambodians have begun to see the light," reads part of the Thai-language description of a TikTok video published on August 1, 2025. The video, which accumulated over 330,000 views, shows a large crowd marching through city roads while waving Cambodia's national flag. A nationalist song can be heard in the background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The description claims the video shows a protest in Phnom Penh against Cambodia's influential ex-leader Hun Sen and his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet. It says the protesters were accusing their government of "causing multiple deaths in the war with Thailand and covering up the truth about (unrecovered) soldiers' bodies." Screenshot of the false post captured on August 18, 2025, with a red X added by AFP The footage was also shared in similar posts by Thai social media users on TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. It surfaced days after Bangkok and Phnom Penh agreed to a ceasefire that came into effect on July 29, following five days of border clashes that killed at least 43 people on both sides (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clashes -- boiling over from a long-running border row between the Southeast Asian neighbours -- also forced more than 300,000 to flee their homes. Following the truce, Thailand's deputy defence minister Nattapon Narkphanit called on Cambodia to retrieve the bodies of its fallen troops at the border (archived here and here). Social media users from both countries have accused the other side of failing to retrieve the bodies of dead soldiers. The circulating video, however, does not show a protest against the Cambodian government. 'Solidarity March' A reverse image search on Google using keyframes from the falsely shared clip and additional keyword searches led to a higher-quality version of the video posted on TikTok on June 18 (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Khmer united, Khmer strong," reads the Khmer-language caption of the TikTok video. Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared clip (left) and the video posted on June 18 (right) A similar video was published on the verified Facebook page of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia on the same day (archived link). Its Khmer-language caption reads: "May the Cambodian people continue the spirit of June 18, 2025. Please watch the video overview of the #solidarity march to show support for the Royal Government and the Cambodian Armed Forces, which took place on June 18, 2025." Screenshot comparison of the June 18 video (left) and a similar video posted by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (right), with corresponding elements highlighted by AFP AFP reported that tens of thousands of Cambodians joined the "Solidarity March" led by Cambodia's deputy prime minister Hun Many to support Cambodia's government and troops stationed on the border with Thailand (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The falsely circulated video also corresponds to an AFP video of the government rally (archived link). The rally took place against the background of a border standoff between Cambodia and Thailand, after a Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 as troops exchanged fire in a disputed area where the borders of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos meet. The border tensions saw Cambodia ban Thai dramas from TV and cinemas, close a popular border checkpoint and cut internet bandwidth from Thailand. AFP has previously fact-checked other misinformation related to the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. SOMERSET, Pa. Two ATV trail initiatives have been awarded state funds to work toward opening up the region to recreational riding. That includes an effort to develop a countywide ATV trail in Somerset County that would utilize a network of mostly township roads to open up local communities for recreation tourism. Somerset Countys Countywide ATV Trail plan received $80,600 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outdoor recreation is a major economic driver for our rural communities, and these grants will help expand safe, high-quality ATV and snowmobile opportunities for Pennsylvanians and visitors alike, said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. Somerset County officials voted in April to apply for DCNR funding toward the project. At the time, President Commissioner Brian Fochtman said the funds would help cover the cost for a feasibility study to analyze possible routes, potential safety concerns and the projects potential for success. Basically this (study) is the first step to get the funding we need for the proposed system, he said in an interview earlier this year. It puts our proverbial foot in the door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county has been exploring initially to launch the trail as two separate corridors in areas that have already voted to open up their communities to ATV and side-by-side vehicles. Clusters of communities in the northeastern part of Somerset County, including Ogle, Shade and Stonycreek townships, have already permitted ATV traffic for years and have joined in on the plan. Meyersdale and Berlin Borough and Summit, Southampton, Greenville and Elk Lick townships across the southern tier of the county are also on board with the idea but several central Somerset County communities have expressed hesitancy about the idea. Somerset County officials have said theyd be able to map out trails in the northern and southern ends of the county and could link them later if additional communities decide to opt-in to the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blair, Cambria project study Among eight other projects that also received funds, Altoona Blair County Development Corp. received funding to conduct a market study for a proposed multi-county ATV trail that was announced in 2024. That trail would connect parts of Blair, Cambria, Clearfield and Centre counties, Altoona Blair County Community Development officials said in a 2024 media release. The projects $48,000 economic impact study will enable planners to gauge the benefits a future trail network would bring to trail communities and businesses. The organization has been working with county officials and community development leaders from several counties to carry the project forward and previously started its own feasibility study more than a year ago. South Dakota Public Broadcasting plans to downsize in the wake of a significant federal clawback. Julie Overgaard, executive director of SDPB, announced on Aug. 21 the broadcaster will layoff 15 employees by Oct. 31, with the impact spread between its news department, radio and television programs, and several support staff. Five open positions will also remain unfilled. Additionally, SDPB's news radio program, In the Moment, and South Dakota Focus, a monthly public affairs television show, will both be eliminated, Overgaard said. Dakota Life, a lifestyle program, will also see reductions in content output. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is the most difficult decision I've had to make in my time as executive director of SDPB," Overgaard said during an afternoon press conference at the outlet's Sioux Falls studio. "I am truly sad for the people affected by these layoffs, and I'm sad for the people of South Dakota who will suffer from the losses announced today." The staffing reductions come after Congress approved a rescission package which rescinded $9 billion in previously allocated funds to public media and foreign aid. $1.1 billion of that clawback came from Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a nonprofit corporation which provides support for NPR and PBS affiliates like SDPB. Overgaard said the majority of the company's funding comes from three sources: donor dollars, the state Legislature and CBP. The federal defunding will result in a $2.2 million budget shortfall in the company's current fiscal year, she added. This story is developing. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: 15 SDPB positions to be terminated by October after federal defunding SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The South Dakota Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Dakota State University (DSU) after claims the Madison Housing and Redevelopment Commission breached a contract regarding student housing. In a decision released Thursday, the states high court found a circuit judge had made a mistake regarding the wording of the leases reserve accounts and housing buy-outs. People pile into Treasurers office after statewide outage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives from DSU negotiated with the Commission in 2000 to increase available apartments for students. DSU leased the properties, while having the option to purchase them. In 2020, DSU notified the Commission about the opportunity to purchase. Both parties disagreed on the amount of money that should be owed. You can read the full ruling below. SCOTUS RULING Madison HousingDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 on the South Korean island of Jeju have cracked down on misbehaving tourists, telling them to act responsibly or risk facing fines. Jeju police have released a set of guidelines, printed in Chinese, English, and Korean, after locals complained about visitors littering and allowing children to urinate in the street. Jeju Island has seen an increasing number of visitors flocking to the island, renowned for its distinctive volcanic landscape, smooth white beaches, and hiking routes across diverse rock formations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, local reports state that as many as seven million tourists have visited the island off the south coast of South Koreas mainland. Police have printed eight thousand copies to distribute among the arrivals to prevent any misbehaviour. The guide is a first-of-a-kind multilingual etiquette notice in the country. The guide aims to "prevent misunderstandings due to language and cultural differences and improve foreigners' understanding of Korean culture and laws", said Jeju Police Agency chief Kim Su-young, according to BBC News. The document also lists minor offences that will be punishable by fines, such as damaging nature, smoking in prohibited areas, littering, and urinating or defecating in public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using a fake ID, being drunk and disorderly, or running away from restaurants without paying will also be subject to fines, as well as breaking into empty houses and jaywalking. Misbehaviour could result in fines ranging from 20,000 won (10.63) to 80,000 won (42.53), the guidelines obtained by The Korea Times show. Those who violate these rules are let off with a warning, but repeat offenders could be fined as much as 200,000 won (106). Officers carry the notices during patrols and hand them out when they encounter minor violations on the spot, an official at the Jeju Provincial Police Agency told the newspaper. Serious offences are dealt with immediately, but for minor ones, we usually issue the notice instead of stricter action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guide follows a special campaign carried out by the Jeju Provincial Police Agency between March and June, according to the newspaper, which investigated violations by visitors. During this period, officers said they recorded more than 4,800 cases of disorderly conduct. Some of these reportedly included a woman caught smoking on a bus who tossed her cigarette onto the road after passengers objected. Meanwhile, in July, it was reported that a boy urinated near a bus stop by Hamdeok beach, in the north of the island. The news follows a recent clampdown on some taxi drivers in Seoul who have been overcharging, demanding tips, or refusing to pick up foreign tourists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Seoul municipal government on Wednesday announced a 100-day crackdown to target these taxi activities, focusing on those operating around tourist attractions and airports. Last year, taxi-related grievances accounted for nearly 19 per cent of all complaints reported to the Korea Tourism Organisation. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he intended to stick to existing agreements with Japan tied to its colonial rule of the Korean peninsula, including one on the treatment of Korean women forced to work in its military brothels. The legacy of Japan's colonisation from 1910 to 1945 is politically sensitive for both countries, with many surviving "comfort women", a Japanese euphemism for the sex abuse victims, still demanding Tokyo's formal apology and compensation. Lee, whose liberal Democratic Party has opposed the deal, made the comments in an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper published on Thursday ahead of his Tokyo summit this week with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For South Korean people, that agreement by the previous administration is very difficult to accept, but it is a promise as a nation, so it is undesirable to overturn it," Lee told the paper, referring to the 2015 pact. In that agreement, struck with South Korea's then-conservative government, Japan apologised to the victims and gave 1 billion yen ($6.8 million) to a fund to help them. The governments agreed the issue would be "irreversibly resolved" if both fulfilled their obligations. The issues around comfort women and forced labour during wartime have regularly been a source of friction between Japan and neighbours South Korea and China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee said the victims were a "heartbreaking issue" for South Koreans and urged Japan to acknowledge the truth and continue to talk to them, the paper added. Japan was a "very important country" and he wanted to strengthen economic and security ties with Tokyo, Lee said, as he reiterated the importance of three-way ties with Japan and the United States, the paper said. After the Tokyo summit, Lee will head to Washington to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. Lee's interview touched on security issues, particularly the shared concern with Japan over the nuclear and missile programmess of their neighbour North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both countries have stepped up security cooperation with key ally the United States in recent years to counter North Koreas threats. Lee said his administration would lay the groundwork to ultimately dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, through talks with Pyongyang and close cooperation with Washington. "(Our) policy direction is the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," Lee's office quoted him as saying in the interview. "Phase 1 is a freeze on nuclear weapons and missiles, Phase 2 is reduction, and Phase 3 is denuclearisation." North Korea has so far dismissed Lee's peace overtures as "gibberish" and a "pipedream". ($1=147.4100 yen) (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Ed Davies and Clarence Fernandez) South Shore surfers brave choppy waves, window conditions as Hurricane Erin nears Hours before Hurricane Erin is set to pass 200 miles off the Massachusetts coastline, skilled surfers braved a choppy swell at Nantasket Beach. Next to only a few strong surfers were surf schools keeping a close eye on young students in the shallows. Today, the kids are allowed in the water, said Bobby Fenton, director of Hui Surf Camp. Tomorrow, well have camp here. But, theyre not allowed in the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fenton said he was told by DCR they could not perform or oversee any recreational activity in the water. Hurricane Erin: Mass. beaches closed as powerful storm brings huge waves, treacherous rip currents Next to Fenton, owner of Northeast Surfing Ronnie Lees said he decided to cancel Thursday afternoon lessons. Its not safe, he told Boston 25 News. His surf school in Hull, he said, oversees more than a thousand children and adults through the summer season. This week, hes been adamant to teach his students how to escape a rip current his biggest concern with the hurricane nearing. He advised, Let yourself float out, kind of swim kick parallel to the shore. Keep that head above water, and dont get exhausted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town of Hull announced on their Facebook page theyd be increase patrols across the beaches this week. Through their page, Fire Chief Christopher Russo said, We will have additional emergency resources in place for the weekend, the HPD will be flying their drones to give us a view from above on conditions, as well if there is a need to locate swimmers in danger. The dangerous surf is expected to last through the weekend. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW SpaceX's Starship is about to face its 10th test flight following explosions on previous launches. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has promised that the world's most powerful rocket and spacecraft will one day take humans to Mars and beyond. But leading up to its 10th launch, scheduled for Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET, Starship has yet to achieve all its mission goals. And the last three flight tests, plus a static engine test in June, ended in explosions. "We now have serious questions whether the architecture of Starship is in fact feasible or not," said Olivier de Weck, the Apollo Program professor of Astronautics and Engineering Systems at MIT and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. "I'm much, much less concerned about the Super Heavy booster. But the upper stage, the Starship itself, I'm starting to have some serious doubts about whether they'll be able to make it work. Certainly, with the payload that they have in mind." Steve Nesius/Reuters - PHOTO: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Dragon spacecraft is launched on August 1, 2025 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Starship's 10th flight test will lift off from SpaceX's Starbase launch site in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The company has yet to successfully launch and land the stainless-steel spacecraft, which is being engineered to be fully reusable and would be able to carry up to 100 people to deep space destinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: In 9th flight test, SpaceX's Starship experiences 'rapid unscheduled disassembly' Can Musk achieve his vision? During a presentation in May, Musk shared his vision for how Starship will eventually make humans multiplanetary, something he said is necessary to ensure the survival of humanity. "Progress is measured by the timeline to establishing a self-sustaining civilization on Mars. That's how we're gauging our progress here at Starbase," Musk said. "Rapidly reusable reliable rockets is the key." De Weck agrees that aiming for a human presence on Mars is a worthwhile endeavor, but he thinks it will take decades to land astronauts on the Mars surface and return them to Earth. He said while Starship's Super Heavy booster, the first stage that lifts the spacecraft into orbit, has been "pretty successful," he questions the design of the Starship itself, and its ability to carry humans into space safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De Weck said the company is facing challenges with convergence, an engineering concept where the goal is for all the vehicle's systems to function correctly together. "Convergence means that with every test, every launch you do, the prior problems that you saw on the prior launch have been addressed," explained de Weck. "The problem that SpaceX has right now with Starship is every launch that they do, yes, they address the battles, so to speak, from the prior launch, but now the fix that they made causes new problems that didn't show up on the prior launch." De Weck described the process as playing "Whac-A-Mole," where each fix causes new problems that weren't an issue in earlier configurations. This has been a challenge for the company in previous test flights. Musk has acknowledged the challenges of his endeavor, writing on X that "There is a reason no fully reusable rocket has been built - it's an insanely hard problem. Moreover, it must be rapidly & completely reusable (like an airplane). This is the only way to make life multiplanetary." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: How Elon Musk's SpaceX may take over a corner of the Texas coast Problems with previous test flights In mid-June, a Starship exploded on the launch pad during a pre-flight engine test. SpaceX determined that "the vehicle was in the process of loading cryogenic propellant for a six-engine static fire when a sudden energetic event resulted in the complete loss of Starship and damage to the immediate area surrounding the stand." An analysis by the company found that the likely cause was the failure of a pressurized tank that stores gaseous nitrogen for the ship's environmental control system, which triggered the explosion. That explosion occurred less than a month after test flight nine ended prematurely when the "Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly" due to several mechanical failures minutes into the flight, according to SpaceX. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company also lost the first stage heavy booster during the test after it appeared to explode while splashing down in the Gulf. SpaceX blames "higher than predicted forces on the booster structure" for the loss. Test flight eight in March ended after what SpaceX described as a "hardware failure" with one of the upper-stage Raptor engines, leading to fuel igniting where it shouldn't have. The company believes the vehicle then automatically self-destructed. Debris was spotted across South Florida and the Atlantic, prompting temporary ground stops at nearby airports. A similar failure occurred in January 2025 during Startship's seventh flight test when stronger-than-expected vibrations caused a propellant leak, explosion and the loss of the spacecraft. In a post-incident report, SpaceX said it has made "hardware and operational changes" to improve the reliability of Starship and the Super Heavy booster during the next mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Each launch is about learning more and more about what's needed to make life multiplanetary and to improve Starship to the point where it can be taking ultimately hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people to Mars," Musk said during his address in May. MORE: SpaceX loses another Starship in latest launch, with debris seen streaking across the sky Can 'agile engineering' solve Starship's challenges? SpaceX has achieved significant technical milestones with each flight test, however. The company returned the Super Heavy booster to Earth on two occasions, catching it with giant robotic "chopsticks" attached to the launch tower and reused one of them from a previous launch. Flight test nine also demonstrated the vehicle's suborbital trajectory by reaching suborbital space before mechanical failures ended the mission. And with each subsequent mission, SpaceX makes upgrades and changes to the booster and spacecraft based on the learnings. Despite the setbacks, the company's test schedule has remained aggressive, with launches often just months apart. That pace is central to SpaceX's iterative engineering process, which de Weck describes as "rapid prototyping or agile engineering." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll find problems, we'll test it rapidly, and we'll fix it as we go. And we gradually approach a perfect product. That does not work as well for safety-critical systems and where the cost of failure is high," de Weck said. For flight ten, de Weck says the most important thing to watch is what happens after booster separation during the midstage of the mission. "I want to see a proper ignition of those engines, the Raptor engines on the upper stage, and then a coasting phase, a cruise phase without any explosions, premature engine shutdowns, and just a relatively clean reentry," he said. Even with another mid-phase failure, however, de Weck doesn't believe that SpaceX would end the program or go back to the drawing board for a new design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think they're going to keep going at least until 15, 16, 17 flights. I don't see them abandoning anything before 20 flights," de Weck said. As for Musk, his vision is a day when SpaceX is manufacturing two to three Starships a day and sending Starships to the Moon and Mars on a daily, if not hourly basis. "We could be out there among the stars making science fiction no longer fiction," said Musk. NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI) When the winds pick up and storms approach, its important to keep safety in mind if youre going to be in or around the water. Dr. Chris McDonald, a spine surgeon at University Orthopedics, noted that whenever theres a big storm, theres an increase in surf-related injuries. The most basic ones can be, you just tweaked your neck and rub it off and take some meds and youll be fine, McDonald told 12 News. But paralysis of both your upper and lower extremities is not uncommon. I mean, multiple times a year, we treat people who dislocated their neck and thats life-altering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Hurricane Erin causes beach closures, ferry service disruptions McDonald said when the surf is rough or choppy, it may be a better idea to stay out of the water. Surfing can be really dangerous, he explained. Diving in these shallow waters can lead to severe neck trauma, and the currents can be very dangerous as well. Ocean, Bay & Beach // A look at the conditions at the coast Storms often bring rip currents with them. According to the National Weather Service, 73 people died in the United States from rip currents in 2024. The service also noted that the 78 deaths from hurricanes and tropical storms in 2024 were attributed only to the wind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonald said whenever you go to the beach, keeps tabs on ocean conditions. Just keeping an eye on making sure the waves arent too big, McDonald said. The waves can throw people around, and one of the more common areas to get injuries is the neck. WATCH: What is a rip current and why are they so dangerous? McDonald stressed that a neck injury can drastically change your life in an instant. Thats life-altering. It can be being on a breathing tube forever and not being able to get off a ventilator to not being able to use your upper or lower extremities at all, McDonald warned. As a spine surgeon thats never something that you want to see. Its always the worst day of work when you have to go treat something like that. 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 Ocean, Bay & Beach 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 WPRI.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) On this special episode of Wahine Wednesday, Brittni Friedlander visits two wahine-led businesses and booths at the Made in Hawaii Festival. Eha Culture, owned by Erin Hofmann from Kauai, is a sustainable fashion brand known for its culturally inspired designs influenced by Turkish patterns. With a storefront in Kapaa and a presence at local pop-ups and festivals, Eha Culture blends artistry, heritage, and contemporary style, offering wearable pieces that celebrate both creativity and wahine-led entrepreneurship here in Hawaii. Erin creates small-batch designs that are highly unique, with some pieces never reproduced, reflecting her signature limited-edition style. Mai Mai Made, led by Maile Bingham from Maui, specializes in polymer clay jewelry. Maile offers colorful, playful, and intricately designed pieces that are often one-of-a-kind or produced in small batches. Each piece reflects Mailes dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and love for creating wearable art that expresses personality and style. Her handcrafted designs are primarily available online and through pop-up events, showcasing creativity and personal expression in each piece. This episode gives viewers an inside look at these inspiring wahine-led brands and is available to give viewers a behind the scenes and docu-style look now on the KHON+ TV streaming app, KHON2.com, and YouTube. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. The Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail is holding a ceremony for the addition of a new marker in honor of Milly Sawyers, making it the 10th marker added to the trail. Sawyers was one of the first enslaved persons in Missouri to sue for their freedom, filing a lawsuit in the recently established Greene County court system in 1834. Her story was not known until a few years ago, when the director of the Greene County archives discovered her court case from yellowed court records. Her story has since been featured as part of a dramatic production and a short film. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri State University highlights upcoming safety app for students this year The organizers of the trail will hold a ceremony for Milly Sawyers trail marker on Wednesday, August 27, at 4 p.m. The ceremony will begin with a brief program at the History Museum Education Center, followed by attendees walking to the new marker site on the corner of Boonville Avenue and Water Street. The story of Milly Sawyers reminds us of the quest for freedom that is rooted in the American story, the Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail Committee said in a press release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. The Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board awarded cities, counties and school districts with $16.6 million to help address the states opioid crisis, according to a press release by Attorney General Gentner Drummond Wednesday. Stillwater Public Schools made the list, along with 15 other school districts in Oklahoma. The school districts received $3.7 million in total. SPS will receive $225,000, which will be divided over three years for the district, said Barry Fuxa, SPS communications coordinator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funding also went to 31 cities, counties and public trusts (with some of those being joint applications), with a total of $12.9 million. The State Treasury uses a revolving fund for the Office of the Attorney General to disperse the monies. These grants represent Oklahomas commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic at every level, from our communities to our classrooms, said Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who chairs the board. We believe these dollars will provide the tools needed to save lives and strengthen communities across our state. The release said the grants will fund treatment and recovery programs, mental health assistance, opioid abuse education and strategies to decrease the supply of narcotics across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPS received $75,000 in grant funds from the Opioid Abatement Grant Act last school year, which it planned to use to supplement existing programs in prevention and mental health, provide expanded substance abuse screenings, offer more treatment with agencies who provide services both inside and outside of the school district and foster community engagement. Kira Frisby, the wellness and trauma emergency response coordinator for the SPS district, wrote the 2024 grant with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Grant Coordinator Lindy Zamborsky and Substance Abuse Counselor Rachel Roberts. Frisby, who is a registered nurse and a mental health nurse, previously told the News Press the two most alarming trends shes seen in the past 15 years are negative social media usage and vaping/THC. She said the increase in medical marijuana dispensaries has given more access to students who may not understand how to properly control its use. The impact that THC in this very high potency has on the youth is really concerning, Frisby said. None of this is to provide judgment or shame for parents and caregivers; its truly just to educate them on how dangerous these things can be to developing minds. Any type of education is key. ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) Some St. Joseph sewer customers are receiving calls from city representatives regarding a billing error. According to the City of St. Joseph, approximately 230 of the city's 27,000 sewer customers are affected by the issue. The 230 customers are enrolled in an auto-pay program and had their accounts debited about three weeks early for the September billing cycle, due to a processing error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city said customer service representatives are contacting those affected to discuss options for resolving the issue. The accounts affected include both residential and business customers, with billed amounts for the majority ranging from $10 to $100. Those impacted by the issue can choose one of two options when contacted by a city customer service representative. * Take no action and allow the early payment to cover their September bill. * Receive a refund now and be billed in September as usual. City customer service representatives won't ask for banking, Social Security or their financial information when calling impacted residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a press release sent to News-Press NOW, the city issued an apology on the matter: The City of St. Joseph apologizes to those inconvenienced by the error. Staff members are working with the billing software vendor to make sure similar issues are prevented in the future. ST. LOUIS The Federal Bureau of Investigation will make a historic investment to fight violent crime in St. Louis. The city will soon receive one of the largest per capita infusions of full-time agents and intel personnel in the nation. Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt helped secure this investment. This permanent investment in St. Louis by the FBI will be coupled with increased multi-lateral joint agency operationsincreasing overall crime fighting capacity and building upon the important work being done on the state level to restore public safety, Schmitt said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Jeff Crank speaks in October when he was a candidate at a campaign rally for President Donald Trump at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. St. Petersburg has asked to exempt five street art installations fromastate directive that cities keep their streets free and clear of political ideologies. In a letter sent Wednesday to the Florida Department of Transportation, the city acknowledged that several locations may not be in line with a June 30 state memo prohibiting pavement markings not outlined in state regulations. But city transportation and parking management director Evan Mory said the five installations create a strong sense of community and make roads safer. The Florida Department of Transportation has been going after street art throughout the state. It sent notices to Key West and Delray Beach demanding the removal of rainbow crosswalks in those cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the state overnight andwithout warning painted over a rainbow crosswalk that was intended as a memorial for victims of the 2017 Pulse nightclub shooting that left 49 dead and 53 wounded. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch decried the covert removal of the Pulse tribute art in a statement Thursday, saying it was disappointing even though it fell within the states authority. Communities across Florida, including ours, should be prepared for similar actions, Welch said. The states memo from June said any non-compliant pavement markings are to be immediately remedied and failure to do so shall be cause for withholding of state funds. It said exemptionsmay be granted at the departments discretion if the public agency is able to demonstrate good cause for doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morys letter asked for exemptions for five street art installations: a colorful prism intersection on Central Avenue and Fifth Street, a rainbow Pride intersection at Central Avenue and 25th Street, a University of South Florida-themed crosswalk at USF St. Petersburgs campus at Sixth Avenue South and Second Street South, a Black History Matters mural at Ninth Avenue South and 22nd Lane South, and a painted intersection at 11th Avenue South and 46th Street South. Mory wrote that the city would modify the art in the last intersection so it doesnt interfere with the crosswalk. He also noted that all locations were in place before recent upgrades to state guidelines. Mory saida three-year analysis of traffic crashes before and after the installation of the first mural on Central Avenue and Fifth Street showed a 70% decrease in overall crashes at that intersection, while the intersections to the immediate east and west saw 100% and 25% increases in crashes, respectively, over the same period. We believe that these statistics show the mural did not adversely impact official traffic control devices and instead had a positive effect on crash rates, Mory wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mory alsopointed out that Floridas 2023 Greenbook, the transportation manual outlining roadway design standards, encourages designing streets with a strong sense of place using architecture, landscaping, streetscaping, public art and signage to reflect the community neighborhood, history and natural setting. Cristina Morales-Quiles, a traffic engineer forthe Florida Department of Transportation, asked St. Petersburg on July 14 to identify any locations that have painted infrastructure. Mory responded a month later with a spreadsheet detailing those five intersections, as well as two areas with markings related to the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and 35 wrapped traffic signal cabinets. Florida Department of Transportation District 7 Secretary Justin Hall, who oversees state policy in Tampa Bay, said last week that his staff was still taking inventory of pavement art in the region. The district hasnt yet given local governments a window to comply with a removal order, he said. Hall said hes had good conversations with local governments in the district. The conversation there is around safety and consistency, he said. Spokespeople for Orlandos and Tampa Bays state transportation districts did not respond to requests for comment on the timeline for street art removal in time for publication. ST. PETERSBURG The City Council voted Thursday to formally ask Mayor Ken Welchs administration to pursue a study digging into the feasibility of dropping Duke Energy as the electricity provider citywide. The 5-3 vote marked the first time the entire council was put on the record on this issue which had previously been confined to the sustainability committee. Council members Gina Driscoll, Lisset Hanewicz and Mike Harting voted no. It requires the next step to be taken by Welch, who formerly worked as an accountant for Florida Power Corp., which later became Duke Energy Florida. Thursdays vote passed a resolution that calls upon Welchs administration to seek bids for consultants that would conduct the feasibility study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Welch issued a memo back to the council, agreeing to develop a callout for bids. He also wrote that the city needs to have a more thorough discussion with community feedback to clarify the perceived cost/benefits and goals of creating a municipal electric utility. Council member Brandi Gabbard, one the strongest advocates for the proposal, said during the council meeting that a study was essential to ensure the city had done its homework before committing to another 30-year agreement with a monopoly private utility. She also said it was responding to the will of her constituents. They are the ones who are paying these bills, she said. They are the ones who feel this pain. After the city gets a price for the study, it will require another vote to approve the funding. The citys legal agreement with Duke Energy comes up for renewal next year for the first time in three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in his Friday memo, Welch said that because the municipalization process would take years, the city should sign a 10-year agreement with Duke in the meantime. A 10-year agreement which we have discussed with Duke would provide a reasonable window sufficient to ensure reliable service and build the substantial capital plan required ... but not prolonged as to limit our future options," the mayor wrote. If St. Petersburg were to successfully leave Duke Energy, the city government would take over the operations of electric utilities for all residents and businesses within city limits. Proponents have said it could lead to lower electricity bills since the city wouldnt have to pay for shareholder profits, plus residents would have more ways to hold utility officials accountable if they were locally elected. Multiple council members made it clear that their support for pursuing a study does not yet extend to the more dramatic step of leaving Duke, or even agreeing to pay for the study once the price tags arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I very much struggle with this, said council member Copley Gerdes, before voting yes. I am a far way away from a yes vote when these proposals come back. If the city were to move forward with forming its own utility, council member Harting underscored that it would be a huge undertaking, though he supported learning more. Youre talking about doing something bigger than the city has ever done, he said. Youre talking about creating an administration that rivals police and fire together. Last year, the city of Clearwater voted to commission a similar feasibility study, as officials there have also considered possible benefits of leaving Duke. That study hasnt been completed yet, as city officials say theyd been waiting for the company to hand over data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Duke Energy has signaled fierce opposition to either city municipalizing its utilities. Well continue to work with St. Petersburg, as we have for more than 125 years to ensure were ready to respond when storms strike, said Duke Energy spokesperson Ana Gibbs in a statement. We value our relationship with the city and look forward to continuing our projects, opportunities and addressing concerns. The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Floridas most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by clicking here. A St. Petersburg woman whose dog died when a firework exploded in its mouth during the Independence Day holiday has been arrested on an animal cruelty charge. Yasha Lashay Davis, 37, was arrested Wednesday in connection to the death of her 5-year-old pit bull terrier on July 3, records show. Several family members were setting off fireworks at Daviss home in the 3900 block of 8th Avenue South when the dog caught a firework in its mouth and died a cruel death by explosive, an arrest report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators learned that Davis had made multiple comments to others about how her dog would chase fireworks as if they were toys, but made no attempt to secure the animal, the report states. Davis told authorities that she knew her dog behaved this way yet allowed it to run freely around the yard and surrounding area, according to the report. Authorities were familiar with Davis from prior investigations. The most recent before the Independence Day incident resulted in 11 citations, most of them for allowing dogs in her care to roam freely because they were not properly confined to her property, according to the report. Davis was released later Wednesday after posting $5,000 bond, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A woman who answered when a Tampa Bay Times reporter seeking comment called a number listed for Davis on the arrest affidavit said the reporter had the wrong number. The Times noted the dogs death in a July 8 story about fireworks mishaps in the Tampa Bay area over the July Fourth holiday weekend. St. Petersburg police said at the time that the dogs death appeared to be unintentional so no one was expected to be arrested or criminally charged. After further investigation and review of all witness statements, it was determined that Yasha Davis would be charged, a police spokesperson said Thursday. India's aviation safety regulator is grappling with a staffing crisis that is severely affecting its ability to fulfil its mandate, a parliamentary panel has warned in a new report. The "profound and persistent shortage" of personnel at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) poses an "existential threat" to the integrity of the safety system, says the report, tabled in the upper house of parliament on Wednesday. The lawmakers were tasked with reviewing aviation safety in the aftermath of the 12 June Air India plane crash which killed 260 people, mostly passengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report doesn't mention the crash, but flags several other concerns including overworked air traffic controllers. The BBC has contacted the DGCA and the civil aviation ministry for comment. Parliamentary committee reports are not binding on the federal government but they have in the past influenced legislative agendas and sometimes regulations. India, the world's third-largest aviation market, has seen a massive boom in air travel in recent years, driven by budget airlines, rising disposable incomes and a government push to expand connectivity through new airports. But the growth has been accompanied by major challenges, including shortage of qualified personnel, fatigue among existing staff and infrastructural constraints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the Air India crash, there has been heightened scrutiny on both the airline and the larger aviation sector in India. In July, the BBC spoke to the chief of the DGCA after a spate of reports of maintenance oversights and training shortfalls raised concerns. "If you look at global safety metrics, such as those published by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which track the number of accidents per million flights, India consistently performs better than the world average," he said, adding that the country exceeded the global average only during two years between 2010 and 2024. The report said India's aviation boom has put air traffic controllers under immense pressure [Hindustan Times via Getty Images] The parliamentary committee, comprising lawmakers from both the governing and opposition parties, listed a string of systemic vulnerabilities in India's aviation sector and recommended reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said that the DGCA, "in its current form, is not in a position to discharge its duties for which it was established" because of a severe staffing crunch. Only 553 out of 1,063 posts have been filled, a shortfall of almost 50%. Earlier this month, the civil aviation ministry had addressed the shortage in parliament, saying that it had "not impacted the functioning of DGCA". The committee also called the regulator's hiring model "slow and inflexible", saying it hindered its ability to attract skilled talent. The panel suggested the regulator should be granted "full financial and administrative autonomy" to address these problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also flagged other challenges, including fatigue among air traffic controllers (ATCs). It said the aviation boom had put controllers under "immense pressure," particularly at metropolitan airports, where many of them operate under "prolonged and fatiguing duty schedules". The report further warned that some ATC staff were insufficiently trained and noted that "the current mismatch between recruitment and training capacity, coupled with operational overload, poses a direct and ongoing threat to airspace safety". While detailing other systemic vulnerabilities, the report suggested mandating detailed root-cause analyses for every runway incursion and other recurring high-risk events, like bird hits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A runway incursion is an event when an airplane veers off from the area designated for landing and take-off. The report calls these incursions "high-consequence events" that pose a direct risk of collision. According to the report, out of every one million movements on the runway, there were 14.12 incursions, much higher than the target of 9.78. The panel also stressed on the need to improve error reporting systems. It said that the civil aviation ministry, along with the DGCA, should align existing provisions with Just Culture - a growing understanding in the aviation sector which balances the need for accountability with the understanding that human error is inevitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added that even though the DGCA has a confidential system to report errors there is a "need for clearer protections". The committee spoke to officials in the federal civil aviation ministry, the aviation regulator, and industry experts from the country and globally. Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Less than a year into the second Trump administration, a number of key staff members are heading for the exits while looking to pad their bottom lines by trading their government paychecks for the well-padded bank accounts of K Street lobbyists. Its a startling development for an administration led by a president who has campaigned for years on a desire to drain the swamp and clean up what hes described as a revolving door between government and the various enterprises in the capital dedicated to influencing that government. On Wednesday, one of the administrations top spokespersons, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields, announced that he was leaving the administration to take a job at the lobbying firm CGCN Group. In the DC bubble, K Street refers to the lobbying hub of the nations capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The veteran communications operative, who also served in the White House press office during Trumps first term, is also expected to aid another former boss, Florida Representative Byron Donalds, in his upcoming gubernatorial campaign. Writing on X, Fields said his last day will be Friday and he will be leaving with a full heart, immense appreciation, and faith in the work still ahead. Some staff members of the White House are already fleeing the administration taking other jobs as lobbyists. (Getty Images) Serving as the White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary has been the honor of a lifetime. I thank God for the opportunity to return to the White House and play even a small role in shaping history. To be trusted with this responsibility and to do it alongside such an extraordinary team has been deeply humbling and incredibly fulfilling, he said. Trumps White House is also losing another key staffer, cryptocurrency adviser Bo Hines, who will be taking an advisory job at digital assets firm Tether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another veteran Trump aide, May Davis Mailman, announced her departure earlier this month to hang out her own shingle as a government affairs consultant, and earlier this week Politico reported that the deputy White House personnel director, Trent Morse, is leaving his post to launch a firm of his own. Although White House officials are legally prohibited from lobbying the White House directly for a year following their exit from government service, they are still permitted to lobby Congress and other executive branch agencies and leverage connections they might have made during their time in government. Someone such as Morse, whose White House role saw him place thousands of appointees in agencies throughout the administration, will easily be able to tap that knowledge to help paying clients advance their own interests in Trumps Washington. Orange Countys attorneys are again defending the countys decision to reject a synagogues expansion plans after receiving a letter from Tallahassee warning against antisemitism. The August 8 letter from Attorney General James Uthmeier called the rejection of the Orlando Torah Centers project concerning, although it ultimately admitted the circumstances around the rejection werent clear. The Centers congregation had been petitioning the county to raze its 1,600 square foot house-turned-synagogue so they could build a new synagogue and events center that was between 9,000 and 12,000 square feet in size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county rejected the plan because the new facility did not have the minimum number of parking spaces that the countys code requires. Last month, the congregation sued the county for religious discrimination, saying they didnt need as many parking spaces because Orthodox Jews walk to their sabbath services. My clients were willing to agree to any reasonable conditions that could have mitigated any potential impacts on the community, but they were denied outright, Attorney Roman Storzer said, after being asked about complaints from neighbors the streets were clogged on non-Sabbath days for school and other social events before the county began cracking down. Uthmeiers letter cited some public comments at the hearing for the Torah Centers project that appeared to be aimed at the Orthodox Jewish community, rather than the project itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports indicate that some residents have called the Jews at the Center rabid dogs, claiming that the neighborhood is going down the drain, Uthmeier wrote, without citing which reports he was referring to. Let me be clear: there is no place for antisemitism in Florida. Uthmeier ended his letter by threatening legal consequences if Orange County ran afoul of the law. Commissioners and county staff have largely brushed the accusations by the congregation and Uthmeier off. Nicole Wilson, who oversees the district the synagogue is located in, was audibly annoyed by the suggestion that she was discriminating against the congregation and emphasized that she was Jewish. The proposal did not fit the neighborhood, she said. The congregation was welcome to build a large space for themselves on a larger piece of land, which is what local Christian churches cited in the congregations own lawsuit did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his August 15 response, County Attorney Jeff Newton agreed with Uthmeiers statement on antisemitism, and said the county did not approve of the antisemitic comments, if any were made, and did not consider them when making its decision. The decision was based on fair and neutral legal criteria, Newton said. It was in no way based on religious animus. Newton said he could not provide a more detailed response because of the pending lawsuit. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The big story: The State Board of Education and commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas doubled down on their efforts to enforce their interpretation of parental rights during a meeting Wednesday in St. Augustine. The board found the Alachua County school board to have violated parents First Amendment rights in late July, and ordered the board to correct its ways with no deviations over the next year or face financial penalties, as WCJB reports. Kamoutsas read passages from the memoir Trans Mission that he told Hillsborough County schools to remove earlier this month or face possible prosecution for providing children with access to harmful materials. After citing statutes he said explain why the material is unacceptable, and saying he expected all districts to govern themselves accordingly, Kamoutsas praised the states new prosecutor and said he was committed to working with him on this issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioner also spoke of how he wanted to suspend a Brevard County teacher who used a students preferred name without parental permission, a recommendation that the Education Practice Commission did not follow. The school district dismissed the teacher and has not rehired her, Florida Today reports. Board members asked if they could override the commission. Kamoutsas said they have no authority to change the decision of the quasi-judicial action, for which any appeals could be filed in court, adding that he is consulting with department lawyers to see how they might rewrite the rules for the future. Board member Daniel Foganholi used the discussion to suggest the state might need to do a better job communicating expectations to teachers, many of whom he said are working hard to do the right thing and scared of enforcement against them for mistakes. He spoke of his own experience with his sons teacher, who he said was reluctant to call the boy DJ because his formal paperwork said Daniel Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to make sure that we overcommunicate to our teachers so that we make sure they are comfortable in those situations, that theyre not scared, theyre not in fear, he said. I feel like a lot of teachers are paying the price for people doing the wrong thing. If its a mistake, Foganholi said, show grace. Not everyone walked away from the meeting with that message. The Florida Education Association issued a statement afterward criticizing the board and commissioner for having chosen politics over students and vilified the very educators who keep our neighborhood public schools strong. Some parents attending the session also signaled their dissatisfaction with the discussions and actions. They said the board should stop wasting time on political theater and focus on fixing crowded classrooms, low teacher pay, student academic struggles and other real issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board meets again Sept. 24 in Fort Walton Beach. Hot topics Administration costs: Volusia County schools saw their administrative costs rise even as enrollment stagnated, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. Board members: A first-term Polk County school board member who was on a lengthy medical leave of absence has died, the Ledger reports. Gov. Ron DeSantis will appoint a replacement to complete the term. Campus cops: The Broward County school board overrode district administrators to extend a program that allows school security officers to live on school campuses, the Sun-Sentinel reports. Contract talks: Lee County teachers and school district officials are prepared to resume contract negotiations a week after the union accused the district of illegally implementing a selective pay incentive, the Fort Myers Beach Observer and Bulletin reports. Education commissioner Kamoutsas praised the Lee district at the State Board meeting for circumventing the union to put more money into the pockets of teachers who agree to work at low-performing schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graduation: Some advocates for students with disabilities are lamenting the end of Floridas high school certificates of completion, saying the change could hurt their job opportunities, Central Florida Public Media reports. Health insurance: Alachua County teachers and other school employees will see their health insurance premiums rise, MainStreet Daily News reports. New College: Plans to expand the eastern portion of New Colleges campus are being delayed, possibly indefinitely, by FAA requirements, WUSF reports. The land in question is on land owned by the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. School closures: A virtual K-5 charter school based in Santa Rosa County will cease operations in September after having received an F grade from the state, WEAR reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Student privacy: An Escambia County parent is accusing the school district of inappropriately sharing students private data through AI programs it uses, the Pensacola News-Journal reports. Dont miss a story. Yesterdays roundup is just a click away. Before you go ... How realistic is this take on school dress codes? WASHINGTON (AP) The State Department has fired a press officer who was responsible for drafting Trump administration talking points about policy toward Israel and Gaza after complaints from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Officials said Shahed Ghoreishi, a contractor working for the Bureau of Near East Affairs, was terminated over the weekend following two incidents last week in which his loyalty to Trump administration policies was called into question. Ghoreishi, who is Iranian American, also was targeted Wednesday following his dismissal by right-wing personality Laura Loomer, who accused him of not being fully supportive of the administrations policies in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ghoreishi and two current U.S. officials, Ghoreishi drew the ire of a senior official at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and then top aides to Secretary of State Marco Rubio for drafting a response to a query from The Associated Press last week. The question related to discussions between Israel and South Sudan about the possible relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to South Sudan. The draft response included a line that said the U.S. does not support the forced relocation of Gazans, something that President Donald Trump and his special envoy Steve Witkoff have said repeatedly. However, according to Ghoreishi and the officials, that line was rejected by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, leading to questions about policy back in Washington. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal personnel changes. Ghoreishi also said he questioned a statement from the embassy that referred to the West Bank as Judea and Samaria, the Biblical name for the Palestinian territory that some right-wing Israeli officials prefer. Mike Huckabee, U.S. ambassador to Israel, also has repeatedly backed referring to the West Bank by Judea and Samaria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ouster shows the lengths that the Trump administration has gone to ensure what it sees as loyalty to the president and his goals, including a foreign policy approach that has offered overwhelming support for Israel in the war against Hamas. The administration this week also revoked security clearances for 37 current and former national security officials, including many who had signed a 2019 letter critical of Trump that was recently highlighted by Loomer. Despite a close working relationship with many of my dedicated and hardworking colleagues, I was targeted following two events last week when I attracted the ire of the 7th floor and senior officials in Embassy Jerusalem: stating we are against forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza as President Trump and special envoy Witkoff have both previously claimed and cutting a reference to Judea and Samaria, Ghoreishi said, referring to the floor where top leaders have offices at the State Department. Both of these had been consistently approved at the senior level in the past, so it begs the question why I was suddenly targeted without a direct explanation and whether our Israel-Palestine policy is about to get even worse including an unwillingness to take any stand against ethnic cleansing. The future looks bleak, he said. State Department spokespeople declined to comment on his firing, calling it an internal personnel matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without addressing the specifics, deputy State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement that the agency has zero tolerance for employees who commit misconduct by leaking or otherwise disclosing confidential deliberative emails or information. Federal employees should never put their personal political ideologies ahead of the duly elected Presidents agenda. The firing was first reported by The Washington Post. Loomer claimed Wednesday that she had a hand in Ghoreishis removal from the State Department. She said he was affiliated with pro-Iran groups and jihadists, which Ghoreishi denies. Just days ago, the State Department said it was halting all visitor visas for people from Gaza pending a review soon after Loomer had posted videos on social media of children from Gaza arriving in the U.S. for medical treatment and questioning how they got visas. A federal judge has ruled that the State Department cannot use President Donald Trumps latest travel ban to deny visas to foreigners who apply for them. The decision issued Thursday by U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan applies only to 82 would-be immigrants and comes with a major caveat: It still allows immigration authorities to deny the foreign citizens entry to the U.S. by turning them away at a port of entry or instructing airline officials to refuse them boarding. Sooknanan, a Biden appointee based in Washington, ruled that the federal law Trump invoked in June to limit entry to the U.S. by citizens of 19 countries does not give the State Department the power to deny visas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the Trump administration asked Sooknanan to accept the longstanding practice of the State Department to refuse visas to people whose entry would be blocked by a presidential order. But the judge, citing a Supreme Court decision last year that limited the power of agencies to rely on their own interpretations of the law, said the State Departments historical tradition wasnt entitled to deference. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed in July on behalf of people from Afghanistan, Burma, Togo, Somalia and Iran who won the right to apply for visas under the so-called diversity visa program. The immigration lawyer who filed the case, Curtis Morrison, said he viewed the ruling as a mixed bag even though it doesnt give his clients an immediate way to enter the U.S. Morrison noted that the ban Trump issued in June, a reboot of similar policies he issued during his first term, promises that the latest policy will be reviewed by September. There is a possibility that the ban goes away some day, the attorney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sooknanan said that due to legal precedents she was powerless to grant relief to visa applicants whose applications were denied outright by consular officials in response to Trumps ban. The ruling extends only to those who were told their applications were on hold due to Trumps directive. Spokespeople for the State Department and Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Last month, a federal judge in Seattle ruled that Trumps latest travel ban could not be used to block refugees entitled to enter the U.S. as a result of previous orders in litigation challenging Trumps suspension of refugee admissions. However, a federal appeals court put that ruling on hold a few days later. Top press officer for Israeli-Palestinian affairs Shahed Ghoreishi had several disputes with senior State Department officials, including over Gaza evacuation plans, Washington Post reported. The US State Department fired its top press officer for Israeli-Palestinian affairs following disputes over how to cover key Trump administration policies, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing US officials and documents which the outlet had reviewed. The policies included the administration's plans to relocate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, the outlet noted. Shahed Ghoreishi's firing comes days after an internal department debate about releasing a press statement that he drafted, which said "we do not support forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department leadership vetoed the line, instructing officials to "cut the line marked in red and clear," according to a memo dated last week seen by the Washington Post. We do not comment on leaked emails or allegations, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott was cited by the Washington Post as saying. Federal employees should never put their personal political ideologies ahead of the duly elected presidents agenda. However, US officials told the Washington Post that Ghoreishi's firing sent a chilling message to State Department employees that communication that strays from ardent pro-Israel messaging, even if it is in line with long-standing policy in Washington, will not be tolerated. An illustration US President Donald Trump and the Gaza Strip (credit: REUTERS, SHUTTERSTOCK) The newspaper spoke to Ghoreishi, who told them that he was not given an explanation for his firing. The report noted that the State Department was not required to do so, as Ghoreishi was a contractor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ghoreishi also told the Washington Post that "Despite a strong reputation and close working relationship with many of my colleagues, I was unable to survive these disputes," and that the incident raised troubling questions about the State Department's position on the potential expulsion of Palestinians from the enclave. Similar dispute over public statement after the killing of Anas al-Sharif A similar dispute between State Department leadership and Ghoreishi emerged over Israel's killing of Hamas terrorist Anas al-Sharif on August 10. Ghoreishi wanted to release a message of condolence after Sharif, who was also working as an Al Jazeera journalist, was killed. However, department leaders sent an email saying "No response is needed. We can't be sending out condolences if we are unsure of this individual's actions," the Washington Post reported. Ghoreishi also clashed with David Milstein, an advisor to US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, including over the State Department's decision to refer to the West Bank as Judea and Samaria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A memo from Milstein, which was seen by the Washington Post, praised Speaker Mike Johnson for "making history as the highest-ranking US official and first speaker of the House to ever go to Judea and Samaria." According to the outlet, Ghoreishi cut that line. Ghoreishi denied that he was motivated by anti-Trump views, and praised a speech by the president in May. "Trump called out neocons and Western interventionists for failing the Middle East, and claimed he wanted to help pave a new path for the region." "The hawks on the seventh floor of the State Department do not match that vision," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "seventh floor" is the location of the offices of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials. Far Right activist, Laura Loomer, criticized Ghoreishi as a "Pro-Iranian Regime jihadi Muslim tied to NIAC," referring to the National Iranian American Council, which supported then-president Barack Obama's 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Ghoreishi admitted to being an intern at NIAC in 2013, according to the Washington Post. New evacuations take effect at noon Wednesday for areas near the Derby fire burning in Eagle County, about 15 miles north of Dotsero, Colorado. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Michigan House of Representatives has passed a plan to dedicate a portion of M-34 in Hillsdale County to Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr., who was shot and killed during a traffic stop last year. Fallen Hillsdale deputy William Butler. (Photo courtesy Rondee Butcher) The bill was first introduced in the Senate, and would dedicate the portion of highway M-34 in Hillsdale County between Pioneer Rd and S Pittsford Rd as the Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. Memorial Highway. Butler, a Hillsdale County sheriffs deputy and Michigan Army National Guard veteran, was shot and killed in June 2024 while assisting with a traffic stop. Police say when Butler attempted to arrest the man he pulled over, the man pulled out a gun and shot him. Butler was taken to the hospital by another deputy, where he died of his injuries. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, five children, and two grandchildren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If signed into law, private funding would completely cover the cost of erecting and maintaining the highway markers, as required under state law. The bill now goes to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmers desk for potential signature into law. As for the man police say shot Butler, 34-year-old Eric Michael Fiddler, he himself was shot and killed by Michigan State Police troopers after a lengthy manhunt, when law enforcement say he shot at the troopers, prompting them to return fire. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel finished her review of the incident in March, finding the troopers justified. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Brief Ahead of Thursday's votes in Sacramento on redistricting, the California Supreme Court has ruled against a Republican-led effort to block the plan. A new poll from Gov. Newsom's pollster shows 57% of Californians support the plan, though other polling has shown more opposition. President Obama backed the redistricting plan on Wednesday, calling Newsom's approach "smart and measured". OAKLAND, Calif. - Thursday is expected to be a contentious day in Sacramento, where state lawmakers are scheduled to debate and vote on a controversial plan to redraw California's congressional map, with the goal of adding seats for Democrats in Congress. It comes on the heels of a major vote in Texas on Wednesday to revamp that state's districts to help the Republican Party. Democratic Congresswoman speaks out on redistricting at Albany town hall Democratic U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon did not mince words at an Albany town hall Wednesday night, voicing support for a plan to redraw California's congressional districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I will organize every single day until we get to that special election so we can fight these bastards in Texas and all over," said Simon. Those words came hours after the Texas legislature approved a similar measure to help Republicans. Newsom meets with party leaders in Washington "You sure as hell better believe Democrats are ready to fight. This is a new Democratic Party. This is a new day. There's a new energy out there all across this country, and we are going to meet fire with fire," said Gov. Gavin Newsom, who met with party leaders in Washington Wednesday. That meeting came ahead of key votes Thursday in Sacramento, where Democrats expect to pass a measure to let voters decide on those new maps in a November special election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Well, I think the California legislature will do the right thing. We have to push back," said Simon. Supreme Court against GOP effort to block redistricting Wednesday night, the California Supreme Court killed a GOP-led effort to block the legislation. But those Republicans, Sens. Tony Strickland and Suzette Martinez Valladares, and Assembly members Tri Ta and Kathryn Sanchez, quickly responded in a statement, saying in part, "Today's Supreme Court decision is not the end of this fight...Californians deserve fair, transparent elections, not secret backroom deals to protect politicians." "Two wrongs don't make a right," said Sacramento-based Republican strategist Tim Rosales. "California voters voted to take the gerrymandering and redistricting process out of the politicians' hands. And so here we are, back to the future." New poll shows support among Californians It comes as Axios reports that a new poll, notably from Newsom's pollster David Binder, shows 57% of California voters support the proposal, with 35% opposed and 8% undecided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But other recent polling shows voters opposed to taking power away from the Independent Redistricting Commission. What they're saying "It isn't the way it's supposed to be," said Ken Hecht of Berkeley. "But we're in it. We got to win it." "I think we need to think it through carefully," said Christina Hecht of Berkeley. "We have to do everything we can," said Dr. Victor Pineda of Berkeley. Endorsement from Obama Former President Barack Obama backed the redistricting plan on Wednesday, calling Newsom's approach "smart and measured" in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simon called that endorsement important, but added, "The endorsements I am looking for is the mother who runs the laundromat at the corner and the babysitter and the nurse. Those are the folks in California that I'm going to be working to convince that this is the right thing to do." What's next State lawmakers in both the Assembly and the Senate are set to take floor votes on the redistricting plan Thursday. Both chambers convene at 9am. The Source California Supreme Court ruling, statement from California GOP members, social media post by former President Barack Obama, poll from David Binder via Axios, and interviews by KTVU reporter John Krinjak. Bellevilles police chief has asked the Illinois State Police to investigate an incident on Roan Hill Drive, near Turkey Hill, involving a local firefighter and a St. Louis delivery driver. The off-duty firefighter called police on Saturday afternoon to report that a woman was driving recklessly in his neighborhood by speeding and running stop signs, according to Chief Matt Eiskant. The woman, who works as a delivery driver, also called police to report that a man had come after her with a sledgehammer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of the time that we get a call involving a city employee, we will have an outside agency handle (the investigation), just for transparency reasons, Eiskant said. Per department policy, police arent releasing names in the Roan Hill case because no charges have been filed. If State Police investigators determine a crime was committed and the St. Clair County states attorneys office files charges, the firefighter will be identified, Eiskant said. We treat city employees like any other citizens, he said. A Facebook media site called VOP (Voice of the People) STL News told the delivery drivers story in a lengthy post on Tuesday that included two videos she had provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One 28-second video shows a man standing outside her vehicle on the passenger side. He leans down, looks through the windshield, points across the street and says, That is very illegal. The man then walks around the vehicle to her rolled-up drivers-side window and appears to be shouting, although his words are indecipherable. Hes holding a ball-peen hammer by the head in his left hand. (He) just ran into my car, tried to hit my car with his thing in his hand, the woman can be heard saying. Look at him. Look at him. Look at him. Look at him. I dont even know this white man. I dont even know him. I dont know him at all. Dont know him. As the woman pulls forward, the man walks along the vehicle and then behind it, continuing to shout, his image geting smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. Screenshots from a video taken by a St. Louis delivery driver. She alleges she was confronted by an angry man, who had accused her of driving recklessly. Belleville police confirmed the man is a local firefighter and that Illinois State Police are investigating the incident. Neither the man nor woman has been charged with a crime. Their names are being withheld. According to the VOP Facebook post, the delivery driver alleged that the firefighter was banging on (her vehicles) window with a sledgehammer and that later he came out of his house with a gun in his hand when she circled around the block to meet with police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eiskant said the initial investigation found no evidence of a firearm, and the womans vehicle showed no sign of damage from a hammer. The firefighter told police he had the tool in his hand because he was working on a project. The second video posted on Facebook includes some of the discussion between the delivery driver and two Belleville police officers who responded to the 911 calls. I told you to stop talking and let me finish, one officer can be heard saying at the beginning of the video, which runs 2 minutes and 17 seconds. Ill answer your questions. The other officer asks the woman if he can take her cellphone to his patrol car to watch the video of the firefighters actions and record it with his body camera without the suns glare on the screen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, the delivery driver is having a phone conversation. She expresses outrage that the officers arent arresting the firefighter. Basically, they say he aint doing nothing wrong by coming up to my car with a sledgehammer. He free to do what the hell he want to do, the woman told the person on the phone, prompting one of the officers to say, Thats not whats being said to you. Eiskant said the video posted on Facebook made it seem like the first officer was being rude to the delivery driver when actually he was just trying to get her to stop interrupting him long enough to explain something. The officers who responded did an incredible job, Eiskant said. The very limited footage that you see on Facebook is not a true representation of what occurred out at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These officers were very caring, very concerned. ... People will put out only a small portion of a video to support their agenda. We have the full body-worn-camera footage of the officers. Outgoing Belleville Fire Chief Stephanie Mills and incoming Fire Chief Curt Lougeay were off duty on Wednesday. Lougeay formally took over the job at midnight. Assistant Fire Chief Jesse Garnica, now deputy fire chief, declined to comment on Saturdays incident, citing the investigation. He referred questions to Eiskant. When asked about the firefighters employment status, Garnica said he wasnt authorized to discuss it. Belleville Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer said she was aware of Saturdays incident and had watched the videos. She referred questions to Eiskant. I dont want to speak for their investigation, Meyer said. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) It was a crash on I-40 near Carnuel that ended in another tragedy. In January 2022, Albuquerque Police called A-Albuquerque Towing to help clear a crash scene. Tommy Avent was the tow truck driver dispatched. UNM taking steps to boost campus safety following fatal shooting at residential hall According to a lawsuit filed by Avent, Avent asked for assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico Department of Transportation since it was a dangerous area to operate in. The lawsuit claimed that APD and NMDOT refused to assist him while he removed the inoperable car from the crash scene. Thats when a driver hit Avent and took off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit said that the hit landed Avent in the hospital with severe injuries and with nearly $800,000 in medical bills. New court documents show the state is paying $350,000 to settle the lawsuit. Meanwhile, police say Steven Erb is the driver responsible for hitting Avent. According to court documents, his case has been stagnant since he failed to appear in 2023. There is a bench warrant issued for his arrest. Avent passed away in January of 2024 at the age of 62. He had worked for A-Albuquerque Towing for more than 40 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. Mangled railroad tracks and damaged buildings wrought by Hurricane Helene can be seen along the French Broad River on October 3, 2024 in Marshall, North Carolina. Helene caused more than $60 billion in damages to the state. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Gov. Josh Stein said the federal government has covered only 8% of Hurricane Helenes damage to North Carolina in a press conference ahead of Hurricane Erins arrival Wednesday. Weve had a healthy working relationship with the federal government over these past 11 months since Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina, Stein said. In terms of the extent of federal support, it has not met the moment. Governor Josh Stein addressed members of the media on Wednesday in advance of Erins arrival. (Screengrab: NC Emergency Management) According to Stein, federal agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, and others have provided less than $5 billion in relief toward the roughly $60 billion in damages the state suffered from the disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He expressed dismay that the Trump administrations response to Helene has been to float ending FEMA altogether. The scale of these storms are massive $60 billion in western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene, Stein said. Those kinds of resources dont exist in western North Carolina to respond. Heck, our state two-year budget is $66 billion, so essentially we would have to forgo the entire two-year budget just to get western North Carolina back to where it was before. The state legislature has appropriated more than $1 billion in funding to support Helene recovery since January, though that represents less than 2% of the storms toll on the region. In February, Stein traveled to Washington to request $19 billion in relief meeting with North Carolina senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd though in the months since, Congress has not passed further Helene aid. Were going to continue to make our case to our congressional delegation and to the administration to urge them to support western North Carolina to the degree that is necessary, Stein said. We need a lot of help for western North Carolina, and we hope that that funding will come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Stein wrote to the Trump administration seeking a major disaster declaration due to the impacts of Tropical Depression Chantal. That storm left more than 100 roads impassable due to flooding, washouts, sinkholes, and structural damage. Orange County residents forced from their homes by Chantals torrential rains pleaded for additional relief on Wednesday. Many worry they could be homeless when disaster assistance from the county and private citizens runs out at the end of the month. As for the prospect of federal help in response to Hurricane Erin projected to bring severe winds and flooding to the North Carolina coast and especially the Outer Banks through Thursday Stein said it remains to be seen. We havent needed to call upon those resources to respond to the immediate aftermath of the storm, Stein said. We just have to wait and see what the extent of the damage is and whether it has any impacts on our ongoing ability to get the support we need from the federal government. In the public imagination, Stephen Miller is the dark heart of the Trump administration a pulsing mass of anti-immigrant hatred behind its most aggressively authoritarian moves. But what if theres a different story to be told that Stephen Millers obsession with deportations isnt helping President Donald Trump secure control over the country, but actively undermining it? Take Trumps militarization of Washington, DC, as an example. The move is puzzling, in that its authoritarian in principle but ineffective in execution. While seemingly designed to expand Trumps ability to control the American public, the on-the-ground deployments are doing nothing to repress protest in fact, theyre assuredly generating far more resistance than theyre suppressing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So whats going on? The best answer Ive found is a recent piece from Dara Lind, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council (and Vox alum). Looking granularly at the details of the operations in DC, Lind found they heavily focused on immigration enforcement things like forcing DC police to cooperate with ICE and setting up checkpoints to try and trap people they think look like migrants. Every day since the federal takeover, DC residents have posted videos of federal agents often with a mix of uniforms or no official badges at all in patrols, staffing checkpoints, or going after people. And the people theyve been going after have largely been (apparent) immigrants, Lind writes. (Her findings are supported by recent on-the-ground reporting from the Wall Street Journal.) This is, I think, a viciously cruel policy (not to mention a waste of federal resources). But it is also a very ineffective policy when it comes to consolidating authoritarian control. Undocumented migrants do not vote, but the administrations ceaseless efforts to deport them en masse is galvanizing street protests and tanking GOP support among Latino voters. This is Millers influence on policy made manifest: Obsessed with deportations, he has done everything he can to turn the federal government into a deportation machine. And its actually hurting the overall Trumpist cause. Stephen Miller is doing authoritarianism wrong I wrote a book about how democracies become autocracies. One of my central findings is that, for would-be autocrats, it is exceptionally important to maintain democratic appearances. If you are too openly authoritarian before consolidating enough power, youre likely to galvanize a potent wave of popular resistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paradigmatic recent example is South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols attempted power grab in December. Instead of subtly chipping away at Korean democracy, Yoon simply declared martial law overnight and tried to arrest opposition leaders. The result was an immediate street uprising and a parliamentary vote nullifying the martial law declaration. Yoon was impeached and is currently on trial for insurrection, a crime punishable by life imprisonment or death. The paradigmatic counter-case is Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orban. After winning power in 2010, Orban and his Fidesz party made a blizzard of confusing changes to Hungarian law designed to make elections less competitive and bring the courts to heel. They then spent years expanding their power, using financial and regulatory pressures to take control over the press and civil society. Today, the electoral deck is so stacked in the ruling partys favor that even a wildly popular opposition leader may not be able to win the 2026 elections. Yoon and Orban represent poles we can use to evaluate the Trump administrations authoritarian effectiveness. The more Trump acts like Yoon, attempting to nakedly assert the powers of a police-state ruler in a democracy, the more likely he is to generate meaningful pushback. The more he acts like Orban, hiding behind a legalistic veneer, the more insidious the threat becomes. By this metric, the most dangerous developments of the Trump administration have been his attacks on universities, his successful shakedown of CBS, his push to get Republican states to do pre-midterm gerrymandering, and the Supreme Courts willingness to bless his mass firings of federal employees (at least temporarily). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of those developments tangibly affect American democracy. Each chips away at a key institution civil society, the free press, fair elections, and limits on executive power that prevent authoritarian consolidation. Each moves Trump meaningfully closer toward building an Orban-style regime (even if the United States is still pretty far off from the terminus). But the militarized immigration crackdown championed by Miller doesnt advance that goal in any meaningful way. It combines the optics of authoritarianism sending masked, unidentified armed men into the streets of American cities with a lack of actual repressive capacity. Look, for example, at this recent video of DC residents (in my old neighborhood) chasing off unidentified federal agents. The feds are armed and masked, but the protesters are totally fearless. Why? Because unlike an outright authoritarian state, where demonstrators are repressed with deadly force, Trumps guys arent authorized to fire indiscriminately on crowds. Their show of force is just that a show. And people on the ground, in DC and LA before it, are calling their bluff. Millers crackdown is good at two things: deporting undocumented people and terrorizing the communities they live in. I find this abhorrent: He is hurting innocent people, and the US writ large, for no good reason. But the fact that Millers policy is morally terrible does not mean it is contributing to Trumps broader authoritarian project. In fact, its naked cruelty and thuggishness are the best reasons to think its counterproductive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in November 2019, Miller said in a meeting that deporting immigrants was his reason for living. This is all I care about, he said, per the New Yorker. I dont have a family. I dont have anything else. This is my life. That same month, Miller got engaged to his now-wife Katie. The level of monomania on display there, an obsession with immigration so total that it erased his own fiancee, has been even more vividly on display in this administration where he has personally redirected ICE officers responsible for disrupting organized crime to arresting random construction workers at Home Depot. I dont think Miller is thinking carefully about whether his deportation campaign is contributing to Trumps authoritarian consolidation of power. I think he just wants to deport people, and the consequences be damned. Mostly, those consequences are horrific. But if theres any silver lining, its this: Miller is helping awaken millions of Americans to the true nature of their current government. Aug. 21STEWARTVILLE, Minn. A Wisconsin firm recently paid $9.35 million for Flats 55, a four-year-old apartment complex in Stewartville. It was sold by a real estate investor who has pleaded guilty to bank fraud. Flats 55 at 1501 11th Ave. NW, which predictably has 55 units, was purchased by PRE/3. PRE/3, a Brookfield, Wisconsin, multifamily real estate firm, which has complexes in 16 states, also owns the Cottages of Stewartville, Jefferson Heights Townhomes in Zumbrota, Southridge Townhomes in Kasson and TwentyFirst Ave. Apartments in Rochester. The transaction closed on Aug. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stewartville Flats, LLC, in care of the Minneapolis law firm Hellmuth & Johnson, sold the property. Stewartville Flats is a company once led by Matt Onofrio. Onofrio, a Wisconsin real estate investor with deep roots in the Rochester area, pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of bank fraud and forfeiting $35 million deposited in Premier Bank. He is still awaiting sentencing. Olmsted County estimated the total market values of Flats 55 and two related parcels of open land at a combined total of $9.16 million for 2025-2026. Onofrio bought Flats 55 for $10.5 million in 2022. Rochester Realtor Merl Groteboer represented the buyers and the sellers in the transaction. Groteboer recently pleaded guilty to one count of making "false, fictitious and fraudulent" statements to an FBI agent during the investigation into Onofrio. He is scheduled to be sentenced in December. Three Rochester firms Kane Holdings LLC, BLS Stewartville LLC and Groteboer Holdings LLC as well as K Nash Holdings LLC, based in Mound, Minnesota, sold Flats 55 to Onofrio in 2022. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Once todays scattered thunderstorms end, we will see several days of dry weather across the ArkLaTex. We could see two rounds of showers and thunderstorms next week. The best chance will be towards the end of the week. Severe weather worries: While we will see a chance for scattered storms during the middle and end of next week, the threat of severe weather will remain minimal. That means that severe weather is unlikely, but we cant guarantee that we wont see any. If we have any issues, it will likely be with strong thunderstorm winds. Most models still indicate that we could see a decent amount of rain next week. The Blend of Models shows that most of the area will receive at least 1 of rain. It also shows that more than 3 will be possible over the NW edge of the area in McCurtain County. Tropical Worries: With Hurricane Erin now moving away from the US Coast, our attention turns to two more disturbances further east in the Atlantic. We likely will see a Tropical Depression and possibly Tropical Storm Fernand develop northeast of Puerto Rico. It likely will not threaten the US Coast. The second disturbance further west will have a small window of opportunity. Its looking doubtful that it will develop, and if it does, it too will stay over the Atlantic. Models continue to indicate that the Gulf will probably remain quiet over the next few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays Weather Worry Index: More storms will be possible at times next week. Since they likely wont pose much of a widespread severe weather threat, I will keep todays WWI at 2 out of 10. 10-Day Forecast for Shreveport Get daily forecasts and exclusive severe weather details on storms as they approach your area by downloading the Your Weather Authority app now available in the App Store and Google 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 KTALnews.com. Teaching kids how to stay safe without making them afraid of the world around them is a balancing act that many parents struggle to get right. From simple lessons like looking both ways before crossing the street to more complex skills like recognizing when a situation feels wrong, developing strong situational awareness without undermining a childs social confidence is essential. Increasingly, experts are urging parents to move beyond the old stranger danger warnings and instead focus on helping kids recognize and respond to unsafe situations. As children grow, they face real-world risks such as getting separated in a crowd or managing peer pressure at a sleepover, alongside digital challenges related to phones, group chats and social media. While these scenarios differ, the core skills remain similar. Instilling situational awareness and personal safety skills in kids requires more than just sharing the scary potential consequences. Marcia Fernandes / 500px via Getty Images Kids who learn to trust their instincts, pause before reacting and rely on trusted adults are better prepared to navigate both the playground and the online world with confidence and care. Fear Isnt The Goal Kids take their emotional cues from us, so the goal is to empower, not alarm, Titania Jordan, online safety expert and chief parenting officer at online parental control provider Bark Technologies, told HuffPost. She recommends short, calm, actionable scripts like, Pay attention to whats around you and whos around you, or, If something doesnt feel right, you dont need to explain just move away and come find me. Advertisement Advertisement Jordan also said discernment is a critical safety skill, both online and off. Teaching kids to ask themselves questions like Does this feel right? or Do I have enough information? builds a strong internal compass that helps them make quick, thoughtful decisions across environments. The digital world demands its own version of situational awareness. Jordan encourages parents to help kids tune into their digital gut checks just like they would in real life. Trust that little voice that says something feels off. And remember, not everyone online is who they say they are, she said. Role-playing online scenarios, like what to do if someone asks for personal information, can help kids recognize red flags before theyre in the moment. Related: This Surprising Type B Parenting Advice Could Be Just What Your Family Needs Ultimately, the most powerful safety tool is critical thinking. Teach your kids not to take what they see online at face value, Jordan added. Building media literacy, like verifying information through trusted sources, lays a foundation for safe, confident decision-making in both digital and real-world spaces. Moving Away From Stranger Danger A growing number of experts recognize that the traditional stranger danger message is outdated and potentially harmful. Dr. Funda Bachini, division chief of psychiatry at Phoenix Childrens, explained that teaching kids to fear all strangers can heighten social anxiety and limit their ability to develop healthy interpersonal skills. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, she recommends shifting the focus from who someone is to how they behave. Safe adults, she noted, dont ask kids to keep secrets, break rules or ignore their own sense of discomfort or the word no. To help children develop this kind of discernment, Bachini suggests practicing skills, like making eye contact, speaking clearly and setting boundaries, in safe, familiar environments such as home or playdates. The more naturally these behaviors are integrated into everyday life, the more confidently kids can draw on them in unfamiliar or high-pressure situations. Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, assistant professor at Brown University and a clinical child psychologist, added that these lessons work best when theyre part of an ongoing, open dialogue. Aim for regular, short conversations that are integrated into your day-to-day life, and try to elicit and listen to your childs perspectives on the issues youre discussing, in addition to bringing up any concerns you might have, she said. Having a plan that you can continuously return to is helpful when new challenges or risks come up. Advertisement Advertisement That way, Nesi added, youll have a baseline framework of rules and expectations that you can build from. Keeping It Age And Stage Appropriate Safety guidance naturally evolves as children grow. For younger kids, dual-certified child life specialist and licensed therapist Kelsey Mora recommends keeping instructions simple and concrete. To foster independence, Bachini encourages families to involve children in everyday situations. Let kids practice in everyday life, she said, suggesting tasks like ordering food at a restaurant, speaking with familiar adults or answering the door when a parent is nearby. Walking to the mailbox or biking to a friends house are also good starting points. As children succeed in these small challenges, their confidence grows and anxiety decreases. Related: These People Convinced Their Partner To Have Kids. Here's How That Worked Out For Them. Reaching school age, safety conversations expand to cover more complex topics such as body autonomy, consent and recognizing tricky people those who encourage kids to break rules or keep secrets. Advertisement Advertisement Consent educator and child sexual abuse prevention specialist Rosalia Rivera suggests the Trusted Adult Network approach: how to teach kids to identify and build relationships with multiple safe adults instead of fearing all strangers, which, Rivera noted, statistically misses the mark since 90% of abuse comes from known individuals. Kids can benefit from practicing these skills in age-appropriate settings like role-play or smaller-scale independent activities. aire images via Getty Images As kids become teenagers, the focus of parenting shifts. Nesi noted that parental involvement should move from direct supervision to open, ongoing communication, becoming a partnership rather than monitoring. Bachini added that safety conversations should evolve with a childs experiences: early talks about body safety and boundaries give way to discussions about social media, consent, peer pressure and independence. With teens spending more time away from parental oversight, maintaining open, judgment-free dialogue is key to creating a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing and seeking guidance. Of course, as children grow, its also important to recognize that general advice may not fit every child. For those with developmental or social learning differences, safety education should be individualized. Advertisement Advertisement Direct instruction, visual support and repetitive practice are especially effective, said Alisha Simpson-Watt, executive clinical director and founder of Collaborative ABA Services, which emphasizes the importance of tailoring safety lessons to each childs unique needs. Tools like video modeling, social stories and visual cues can help reinforce key concepts such as personal space, recognizing unsafe situations and understanding consent. We focus on helping them apply these skills across different settings at home, in school and out in the community so they can respond appropriately in real-life situations, Simpson-Watt said. Some Common Mistakes And Misconceptions One of the biggest misconceptions is that safety comes from perfection. Mistakes are part of the process, Devorah Heitner, author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World, told HuffPost. The most important thing is that your child feels safe coming to you when something feels wrong. Thats how you build trust and how no one can use threats like Ill tell your parents to silence them. Related: 7 Phrases That Teach Kids How To Be Assertive Nesi added that punitive responses often backfire: If a child sees or shares something inappropriate online and your first move is to take away the phone, theyll learn not to come to you next time. Instead, foster a culture of openness and repair. Advertisement Advertisement Ask questions. Stay curious, Mora recommended. Reinforce that youre their safety net not the judge. Kids naturally grow their own judgment over time, but they will make mistakes along the way. Heitner said thats why its crucial for parents to keep the lines of communication open, creating a safe space where children feel supported rather than threatened. When kids know their parents are on their side, its easier for them to come forward with concerns. Its also important to have honest conversations about how sophisticated scammers and online threats can be, so children dont feel ashamed or stupid if they encounter something confusing or risky. The most dangerous mindset parents can have is believing, It wont happen to my kid, Jordan said. She has seen too many cases where connected devices are handed over with no safeguards, kids use them behind closed doors, or they enjoy unrestricted overnight access. Yet the reality is that every child, no matter how good or smart, can be targeted or stumble into risky situations. Advertisement Advertisement Bachini highlighted another common challenge: overprotection. As a mom, its so hard to let go, she admitted, but kids have to be in real situations, within safe parameters, to learn how to handle them. She recalled the fear she felt letting her 13-year-old ride his bike to a nearby store for the first time, but each successful step built confidence for both of them. End Goal: Resilience, Awareness And Confidence Teaching children to stay safe, both offline and online, without creating fear is a delicate balance. From early lessons about boundaries and body autonomy to handling peer pressure and digital challenges in adolescence, safety skills develop gradually through consistent practice and open, honest conversations. With patience, clear guidance and ongoing dialogue, parents can help children grow into cautious, confident and resilient individuals. Jordan suggests using a simple script to show kids that were on their team, not working against them: Fear can be paralyzing, but wisdom gives you power. Lets explore and learn together. Advertisement Advertisement The messages we send our children matter. When rooted in calm, consistent empowerment, they create a strong foundation for lifelong safety and self-assurance. Related... Read the original on HuffPost NEED TO KNOW The stray dog who was rescued after having her head stuck in a cheese ball jar for days has been named after her rescuer and given a middle name with a cheesy twist Dallas Cheddar was rescued on Wednesday, Aug. 20, in Pennsylvania Canine Rescue of Central PA said Dallas was "exhausted" and "in distress" when they rescued her A stray dog who spent days with a cheese ball container on her head has been named after one of her rescuers and the cheesy snack. The canine has been given the moniker Dallas Cheddar after volunteer drone operator Dallas Fuhrman helped rescue her from the Dillsburg area of Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Aug. 20, according to Canine Rescue of Central PA. The rescue center said Cheddar felt like a fitting middle name after the pup's ordeal, per local media outlet WHP-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dallas was first spotted on Monday but despite searching for the canine, volunteers were unable to find her until a camera from Nighthawk Drone Services spotted her in a cornfield in the early hours of Wednesday. In footage shared by the Canine Rescue of Central PA on Wednesday, rescuers were seen comforting Dallas as they tried to lead her out of the field with the container still on her head. Dallas, the Dog with the Jar on Her Head - SAFE AT LAST. After two exhausting and emotional days of searching, we are incredibly relieved to share that Dallas, the dog seen wandering with a plastic jar stuck on her head, is finally safe and receiving medical care, the rescue later shared on Facebook. Canine Rescue Of Central PA/Instagram Dallas Cheddar during her rescue Dallas Cheddar during her rescue 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. They added, Dallas was first spotted early on Monday morning by a Canine Rescue of Central PA (CRCPA) volunteer. From that moment, our team and our incredible partners at FIND TOBY in PA sprang into action, determined to bring Dallas to safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rescue added that more members from CRCPA joined in the search efforts on Tuesday, as well as Bill Fisher from Drone Deployment Services, LLC and Dallas Fuhrman from Nighthawk Drone Services, who stepped in to help before midnight. "At 3 AM, Dallas (named in honor of drone pilot Dallas Fuhrman) was finally located deep in a cornfield, disoriented, exhausted, and still struggling with the jar, the rescue continued. After being rescued, Cheddar was taken to Shores Veterinary Emergency Center, where it was discovered that she was a girl. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Canine Rescue of Central PA Facebook Dallas Cheddar Dallas Cheddar Dallas is suffering from severe dehydration, is infested with ticks, and is clearly in distress, the statement continued. She is now receiving the urgent care she needs, and we are awaiting bloodwork to better understand her full condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rescue said that anyone who would like to support the dogs medical bills can donate through Venmo, PayPa or their linktree. Well continue to share updates as she recovers. But for now, we celebrate a life saved and the power of people coming together for one dog who matters!, they added. The rescue also shared that Dallas was not up for adoption and any further updates would be made on their Facebook page. Read the original article on People By Jorge Garcia and Mike Blake LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -On the sidewalk of Wilshire Boulevard bordering MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, barber Beraldo Gabaldon cuts the hair of the homeless for free to give them a fresh outlook. Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, the 35-year-old former barbershop owner came to California to escape 15 years of drug and alcohol addiction and start a new life after getting sober in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has been cutting hair at the park for a month, up to four hours a day, donning customers with a Los Angeles Lakers cape, wielding a shaver, scissors and brushes to wipe away hair. Gabaldon sees this as a mission to redeem himself and give hope to others. "This is my challenge, this is what I want to fix," he said. All his customers have addiction and mental health issues, so when Gabaldon tells them his background they relate to him immediately. "You're more than a barber. You're a therapist. You can talk to your barber about anything. I can guide them to the resources I do know," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are the first people I am going to help because I was in their shoes. They are not bad people. They are humans just like us. Maybe a haircut can give them that spark to change their whole life." James, a young man with floppy hair, approached and sat down. "What are we going to do for you today, boss?" Gabaldon asked and proceeded to shave the sides of James' head, which he liked and thanked Gabaldon for. "They make it seem like these are bad people and they are not, they are definitely not," Gabaldon said. Having relapsed several times, Gabaldon aims to be a mentor so that his customers do not just end up in jail or undergo rehabilitation and are left to fend for themselves after that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Housing will help these people "find themselves again," Gabaldon said. "This time I found my purpose and why I want to recover. It's for me and my family, so they can have a dad, a brother, have me here to provide, being an amazing father to my kids." (Reporting by Jorge Garcia and Mike Blake; Writing by Mary Milliken; Editing by Richard Chang) A GCSE student whose first language is Romanian has said she is "very happy" to have passed all her exams with flying colours. Teodora Munteanu studied at Idsall School and Sixth Form in Shifnal, Shropshire, and is hoping to continue on there to study her A-levels. Her mother, Mariana Cristina, said she was a "very proud mum" and is "so excited" about Teodora's future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school's headteacher, Michelle King, added that all the students have been "working really hard with us and it's been a real team effort." Teodora said she was "a bit scared" before opening her results, and is especially delighted with her 6 in maths, which she was not expecting. The 16-year-old got all 6s and 7s, and a distinction in her BTEC Digital Technology, and said after sixth form she is "planning to go to university so I can hopefully get a good job." "My mum was already really happy, and I think my dad's going to be really happy too," she added. Results day had "positive vibes" for aspiring musician Vaughan [BBC] Meanwhile fellow student Vaughan Lakin said his GCSE results have given him "positive vibes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 16-year-old, who plays guitar in a jazz band, is off to study music at a college in Wolverhampton. Aside from a 5 in P.E. - "sorry to Mr Bell for that" - Vaughan achieved two 9s, two 8s, a 7 and a 6 in his exams. "That's pretty good for my standards," he said. Bethan and Anaiya want to go to university and study medicine in the future [BBC] Aspiring doctors Bethan Pennell and Anaiya Mangot said they were "so excited" with their results which have set them on track to study subjects like maths and chemistry at A-level. Bethan said she was "nervous because I was sort of thinking back and I was thinking about the things I know I messed up", but was "very happy" her exams had been a success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was expecting to see mainly 7s and 8s, and then when I saw it was mostly 9s, I was literally so excited," Anaiya added. Ms Whitehouse said she has been on a "journey" with her students [BBC] The school's Head of Year 11, Emily Whitehouse, said she was "very nervous but excited" in the lead-up to results day. "I've been with them through the journey since Year 9," she said. Ms Whitehouse added that for this cohort, "getting back into the swing of things after Covid" was difficult. "It was a hard time for quite a few of our students with different circumstances", she said, but added "there are going to definitely be some success stories from Covid to today, so they should definitely be very proud of themselves". Mr Bowler said more students are staying on at the school because of its "blend" of options [BBC] Assistant headteacher Ashley Bowler said the students had done "really well in key subject areas for their next steps and their destinations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What we've done here uniquely is we've got a real blend of vocational and [academic] subjects, so there's something for everyone here," he said. "As a result of that curriculum we have more students staying with us than ever before." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Kanawha County school buses. (Lexi Browning | West Virginia Watch) While students across the Mountain State are going back to school to advance to the next grade, many parents and most of the politicians seemed to be held back in the same spots with the same education arguments of the last few years. News headlines and social media stories come one at a time on the as-needed basis as events and the business model dictate. But separate news items and viral debates over school choice, school funding, school vaccination requirements, school closings, school performance, and school staffing are variations on one theme: What is education, and who should control it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That basic who/what question of intent and control is not unique to education issues. All political stories when reduced to their essences are stories about power and money. Education has become more and more a political endeavour, because of inherently involved power and money. As such, the rules of discerning politics apply far more than the traditional policy ideas and learning philosophies of what information goes into a student and how to evaluate the information coming out of a student. Add in the culture warring elements fueled by the modern marriage of news media and social media, and you have an environment that is heavy on the vibes and light on vocation. The COVID-19 crisis is justifiably noted to be an inflection point in the push-pull world of policy and politics in general and education specifically. COVID or more specifically the reaction by the people involved in running the institutions of American society from schools, to government, to health care, to social order revealed the pre-existing flaws with a stress test that most everyone failed to one degree or another. While the high-minded ideals of learning, education and bettering the next generation were still recited as if the words themselves would magically manifest such things into malleable minds, reality told a different story. Schools were closed, opened, closed again, re-opened with restrictions and not-ready-for-prime-time hybrid and online learning. Exceptions and standards had to be adjusted on the fly. Parents and the government had a tug-of-war over who could better understand an unprecedented crisis in public health and public trust with in-classroom teachers and their students as the rope. The generation of students who lived through it heard all the buzzwords and platitudes, but weighed them against their lived experience, and found them wanting. Words said education matters, students matter, learning matters. Actions told them the priority of the education system was to be a giant jobs and funding program first, a daycare for parents second, and once that was all satisfied, perhaps you might learn something while being taught to pass a test to show what you learned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post-COVID, plenty of parents and politicians seem unable to let go of the tug-of-war rope. While the individual debates over issues like the vaccine exemptions, the ballooning cost of the Hope Scholarship, and debates over what should and shouldnt be included in curriculum continue, perspective is badly needed that all these threads form the one cord of systematically educating students. The in-classroom teachers and students are on a treadmill that starts every August and keeps going until the following June. Education in the United States of America in the Year of Our Lord 2025 is very much a machine that does not stop. The ever-entwined socio-political news and social media coverage of education runs at variable speeds, mostly parallel to the actual in-classroom education system. When the news narratives and social media attention does cross over into the real world education system, chaos and confusion are usually the result. Regardless of the chaos or the reason du jour, the in-classroom teachers have to press ahead with the students. While the algorithms and consultants keep us entertained, the pressure on an already overworked, underfunded and constantly criticized in-classroom environment is doing no one any favors. Not that there ever was an era of magnanimous politics, but even with cellphones being banned from classrooms the rising generations of students have more information on current events than ever before. Those students arent just learning the curriculum; they are learning what the adults teachers, parents, government officials, administrators really think about them and their place in the education and political machines that drive America. And they are going to believe us. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited a Little Rock, Arkansas, school Aug. 12 with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Sen. Tom Cotton. (U.S. Department of Education) This story first appeared at The 74, a nonprofit news site covering education. Sign up for free newsletters from The 74 to get more like this in your inbox. For educators, theres something about this back-to-school season that feels familiar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the amount of information thats coming to you all at once, said Jeremy Vidito, chief financial officer for the Detroit schools. On a recent webinar, he laid out a litany of hardships, including figuring out whats true, whats not. Emergency orders. Budget cuts. Leaders felt similar uncertainty in the fall of 2020, when the pandemic forced them to scramble to educate, feed and transport students. But this time, as 47 million students return to school in the coming weeks, the source of the unease is the federal government. The Trump administration has already frozen and unfrozen education funds, and seeks to further reduce school spending. Vidito said hes urging principals in his district to stay calm, but a lot of the stuff, we cant control. As Education Secretary Linda McMahon travels to schools across the country to spread her gospel of returning control to the states, leaders say theyre hoping for something simpler: a return to normalcy. What is the next freeze, or what is the next issue that the administration may have with some of the funding that school districts get? asked Mark Sullivan, superintendent of the Birmingham, Alabama, schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a meeting with governors last month, McMahon offered no guarantees that she could prevent the kinds of communication gaps that led to previous dustups. Her comments came the same day that the Office for Management and Budget completed its unexpected review of several annual grant programs for schools. Officials said their initial inspection turned up expenditures at odds with Trumps agenda offering up, without elaboration, the use of school improvement funds on a seminar on queer resistance in the arts. But after seven months with Trump in office, some district leaders have grown cynical. David Law, superintendent of the Minnetonka Public Schools in Minnesota, doubts there ever was a thorough analysis and suggested that the few examples cited were meant as a warning. I think the pause was intended to let people know, We dont like these things, so if youre doing them, you should be worried, he said. As they try to prepare for additional shocks to their budget, leaders nationwide, he said, are adjusting to the pendulum swing over diversity, equity and inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the Biden administration, we were trying to prove we were caring about kids enough, he said. Now were trying to prove that were not meeting the definition of indoctrination. Its a bit of a wild ride. David Law, superintendent of the Minnetonka, Minnesota, district, called the past several months under the Trump administration a wild ride. (Minnetonka Public Schools) Safe to speak For now, Congress has rejected Trumps proposed cuts to K-12 funding. But OMB has still floated the possibility of a rescission package that would claw back unspent education funds from the current budget before the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. Congress watchdog agency says that if the administration doesnt give Congress ample time to approve or reject the cuts, the move would violate the law. In a CBS interview, McMahon said funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will flow with or without the Department of Education. But reports that the administration might cut some special education grants already awarded for research, technology, and teacher and parent training alarm district-level staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reduction in this funding will create challenges for districts and could lead to the need to re-evaluate essential programs that help to support students eligible for special education services, said Jessica Saum, a special education coordinator in the Cabot Public School District, outside Little Rock, Arkansas. President Donald Trump has said that ensuring schools teach children English is the federal governments only education-related obligation. But Vidito in Detroit said hes still bracing for the elimination of funding for English learners. Federal officials rescinded 2015 guidance stating that districts must take affirmative steps to ensure that English learners can meaningfully participate in their educational programs and services. The move expands on a July memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi saying that despite the presidents executive order declaring English the official language, the government should minimize non-essential multilingual services and focus on assimilation. The unpredictability of this moment has prompted Merica Clinkenbeard, who directs English learner programs for the Springfield, Missouri, district, to remind teachers that the federal money is supplemental: Teachers are responsible for ensuring students become proficient in English with or without it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the threat of federal funding cuts, she lost three members of her leadership team. They felt like perhaps they would not have jobs in this field ever again, she said. Now she has two positions she cant fill. I was telling my husband, This is just like COVID, like everything Ive known is going away. About 6% of students in the Springfield, Missouri, schools are English learners. Three staff members left the program because theyre worried about what might happen to funding for their positions. (Courtesy of Merica Clinkenbeard) Districts serving large English learner and immigrant populations are more cautious than most as students return this fall, especially after Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials detained an 18-year-old Los Angeles student last week while he was walking his dog. Officials said he had overstayed his visa by two years. The fear of ICE raids has prompted more parents to ask about remote learning, said Sharon Balmer Cartagena, an attorney with Public Counsel, a nonprofit public interest law firm. Shes been holding family preparedness workshops for southern California districts, encouraging them to update emergency contact information in case a parent is deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Los Angeles Unified is one district trying to prevent ICE raids by stationing volunteers, staff and campus police around school zones. But she expects enforcement actions to ramp up with the start of the school year. Even so, she encourages parents to send their children to school in person. We saw what happened during COVID with younger kids learning remotely, she said. Students in the early grades didnt learn as well as they would have in a classroom and experienced both academic, social and behavioral setbacks, studies show. Now, many of those students are in middle and high school. To have that hit them again would be really detrimental, Cartagena said. Some of them are just starting to catch up. Doing it right Not all education leaders are dreading the next announcement from Washington. Louisiana Superintendent Cade Brumley welcomed McMahon to Baton Rouge Aug. 11, where she celebrated the states rising performance in reading. On the last National Assessment of Educational Progress, the state scored above the national average after trailing the rest of the country for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon also hit Arkansas, Tennessee and Florida last week, three more states that embrace the Trump administrations plans to reduce federal education oversight. Since her confirmation, she has limited most of her school visits to charter and private schools, to emphasize the administrations focus on expanding choice. But this tour is giving her more exposure to traditional district schools. Louisiana is doing it right and they dont need the federal bureaucracy to make it happen, McMahon posted on X after her visit to Jefferson Terrace Academy in East Baton Rouge. But the state did need federal money, specifically the COVID relief funds, Brumley said during the CBS interview. We were able to use those pandemic dollars around the academic efforts that we knew were best for students, he said. He agrees with McMahons position that fewer strings tied to education funding will lead to stronger results. Were just really excited about not having these excessive restrictions and bureaucratic needs surrounding dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educators want assurances that the funding their students count on is stable, said Saum, in the Cabot district. Some students with disabilities require significant hands-on help from staff members. Parents are following along, she said They want to know Is my child going to get what they need to be safe and cared for at school? Jessica Saum, an inclusion coordinator for special education in Arkansas Cabot Public School District, said because of her title, she has to clearly explain that she works with students who have disabilities. (Courtesy of Jessica Saum) With the formal title of inclusion coordinator, Saum said she has to be clear about her role at a time when the administration is trying to ban DEI-related programs. It can be so divisive when people dont really understand were talking about children with disabilities, she said. Others with similar positions, she said, have changed their titles to emphasize meaningful access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anything, Law, from the Minnetonka district, said the administrations critical lens on schools have forced leaders to be crystal clear about their work. During a recent visit to a nursing home, as part of his efforts to connect with members of the community, he said a resident told him, You should be teaching all these kids English. I have great news. The only thing were teaching these kids is English, Law said he told him. There will always be people that say you dont need to kowtow to certain populations. Im still going to say public education is all students getting free education. TOPEKA (KSNT) A new study is shedding light on the challenges that rural counties face when managing clean energy projects like wind farms. The Kansas Health Institute is a non-profit organization that provides research for policy makers here in Kansas. Theyve concluded that when it comes to managing wind energy projects, rural county governments in Kansas could benefit from more information and resources from the state. As part of the study, the institute sent out a survey to several Kansas elected officials. They responded to KHI by stating that they believe wind energy projects can bring economic growth to Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, aside from this, local lawmakers believe they generally dont know enough about how wind energy projects would impact their communities, and many counties lack the money to fund research efforts. What is the Manhattan Death Cafe? Kansas has not released a statewide guide on clean energy since 2005. We spoke with Emma Uridge with the Kansas Health Institute, who believes extra guidance from the state would go a long way. Local officials indicated in the study that they mostly trust their peer counties and county officials that they know and of course their constituents, but they also trust state agencies as well. So, I think state agencies are primed to maybe approach this conversation and provide some additional support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the study claims that clean energy projects are generally underfunded in both Kansas, and the nation as a whole. 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. Key Points The Clean Label Project study found that packaging type, roast level, and bean origin significantly affect chemical contaminants in coffee. Surprisingly, all organic coffee samples tested contained AMPA, a glyphosate byproduct, with levels 5% higher than in conventional coffee. The safest options included African-sourced beans, dark roasts, and several widely available brands that earned the Clean Label Projects Purity Award. More than 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day worldwide, according to data from Drive Research. That includes two out of three Americans who brew coffee at home daily. While there is plenty of research about the benefits of drinking a small cup of coffee, a new study by the Clean Label Project shows that where you get your beans from is key to making sure that cup is free of contaminants. And the worst offenders are likely not what you expect. In August, the team released its study, which tested 57 coffee products from 45 brands that collected "thousands of data points across a range of harmful substances," including heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, acrylamide, and glyphosate byproduct AMPA. The Clean Label Project noted that while coffee remains "one of the cleaner food categories" it analyzes regularly, the report shows that "packaging type, roast level, and sourcing origin all play a role in exposure to unwanted chemicals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, one key type you might want to avoid in the future is "organic," because every organic coffee sample the team tested contained AMPA, a chemical residue from glyphosate, which they noted is supposed to be "prohibited in organic farming." Consumers assume that labels like organic mean protection from chemicals like glyphosate, but our data shows thats not always the case, Molly Hamilton, the executive director of the Clean Label Project, shared in a statement. The detection of AMPA in 100% of organic samples is a wake-up call. Whether from environmental runoff or legacy contamination, this finding highlights the need for stronger safeguards and greater transparency in our food system. Clean 16 Winners 365 Caramel Medium Roast Bag, Organic Starbucks' Colombia Medium Roast Pod, Non-Organic Camerons Vanilla Hazelnut Light Roast Bag, Non-Organic Forty-Six Dark Roast Bag, Organic Dunkins Hazelnut Medium Roast Bag, Non-Organic Eight OClock's Original Roast Bag, Non-Organic Fabula Dark Roast Pod, Organic Great Value's French Roast Pod, Organic Groundwork's Organic Ethiopia Bag, Organic Illy's Classico Medium Roast Can, Non-Organic Kicking Horse's Three Sisters Medium Roast Bag, Non-Organic Nespresso's Diavolitto Dark Roast Pod, Non-Organic Newmans Own's Special Blend Pod, Organic Peace Coffee's Birchwood Medium Roast Bag, Organic San Francisco's Rainforest Blend Pod, Non-Organic Seattle's Best Post Alley Bag, Non-Organic The study also found that organic coffee had 5% more AMPA on average than conventional coffee, while canned coffee contained up to 66.9% more acrylamide, "a potential carcinogen," than pods and 57.6% more than bags. The findings also noted that where your beans come from matters, with African beans showing the lowest levels of toxins and Hawaiian beans having the highest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team also found that "dark roast coffee had lower acrylamide levels than both medium and light roasts," and that coffee pods had the "highest levels of DEHP, a plasticizer linked to endocrine disruption, averaging 93.1 ppb, more than double that of bagged coffee." Related: Decaf Coffee Could Potentially Be Unsafe for Human Consumption The one thing you won't find in the report is a list of the most contaminated brands. We do not share the most contaminated on the list, as our focus is on providing solutions and helping brands improve," Hamilton explained. "Our goal is to work collaboratively with brands to reduce contaminants in their products and drive industry-wide improvements. Since there are no federal regulations for chemical contaminants in coffee in the U.S., the researchers relied on international standards, including the European Unions food safety limits, to assess the safety of all the coffee they tested. Only a few brands qualified for the Clean Label Projects Purity Award. That includes its "clean 16," with top choices like 365 Whole Foods Market's Caramel Medium Roast, Starbucks' Colombia Medium Roast non-organic pod, Dunkin's non-organic Hazelnut Medium Roast, and Illy's Classico Medium Roast, demonstrating that contaminant-free coffee doesn't have to be expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clean Label Project exists to bring hidden contaminants to light, Hamilton added. We believe consumers deserve to know whats in the products they use every day, and we urge brands and regulators to take action in response to these findings. Read the original article on Food & Wine Aug. 21JAMESTOWN The Stutsman County Commission in a 4-1 vote approved a zoning ordinance for transmission lines that sets the setback distance at 1,000 feet. Commissioner Mike Hansen was opposed at the meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The ordinance adds a setback distance of 1,000 feet between any occupied dwelling and a high-voltage transmission line. The zoning ordinance was designed to apply to electric transmission lines with a design in excess of 115 kilovolts and at least 1 mile long, said Tyler Perleberg, tax director for Stutsman County. He said the ordinance also replaces the word "lines" with "structures" for permitted uses for agricultural and industrial districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perleberg said the Stutsman County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a recommendation for a zoning ordinance with a 1,200-foot setback at a meeting about two weeks ago. Before the commission approved the 1,000-foot setback distance, the county commission failed on a 2-3 vote the zoning ordinance with a setback distance of 1,200 feet. Commissioners Ben Tompkins, Chad Wolsky and Hansen were opposed. Tompkins then moved to have the setback distance at 800 feet, which the commission failed on a 2-3 vote. Commission Chairman Levi Taylor, Hastings and Hansen were opposed. In February, the commission rejected a proposed zoning ordinance for gas and liquid transmission lines and referred the issues back to the Stutsman County Planning and Zoning Commission. The commission rejected the proposed zoning ordinance due to language in the North Dakota Century Code that supersedes local ordinances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That proposed zoning ordinance would have required a setback distance of 2,600 feet between any occupied dwelling and a new high voltage power line or large pipeline. The current standard is set at 500 feet by the North Dakota Public Service Commission. Perleberg said Homer and Corwin townships have zoning ordinances with setback distances of 2,600 feet. The proposed Jamestown to Ellendale transmission line planned by Otter Tail Power Co. and Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. generated much of the interest in the zoning change, Taylor told The Jamestown Sun in January. The transmission line project covers 95 miles and has a cost estimate of $440 million. The project connects the Otter Tail Power Co. substation north of Jamestown along North Dakota Highway 20 to the Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. substation near Ellendale. The line will have a 345-kilovolt capacity and will be capable of moving electricity in either direction as needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Developers refer to the project as JETx. Stutsman County residents have voiced health and safety concerns from the transmission line project being near their property. Residents also say the transmission poles won't be aesthetically pleasing, will impede the natural beauty of the outdoors and make it more difficult for farmers to spray crops or navigate around. Those against the proposed zoning ordinance with the 2,600-foot setback said the 2,600-foot setback would negatively impact future development and would increase costs for other projects in the area. Perleberg said Montpelier Township is the only area the county's zoning process would have control over for the proposed route of the JETx project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tompkins said he spoke with Todd Langston, project manager for Otter Tail Power Co., who told him that project developers submitted a route permit application to the North Dakota Public Service Commission with a setback distance of 700 feet. Tompkins said he doesn't see any way the PSC would approve a setback distance of 1,200 for the JETx project. He said the 800-foot setback was the most likely setback distance that the PSC would approve. Hastings said the 2,600-foot setback was too far but 500 feet is not enough distance. She said the 1,200-foot setback was a good compromise. She also said the commission has received comments from residents who oppose the 2,600-foot setback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor said going with a much lower distance than 2,600 feet would have a better chance of getting PSC approval. "The way I'm thinking of it, if we are truly protecting residents of Stutsman County specifically outside of townships that zone themselves, I want to think of a number that the PSC is going to consider to stick," he said. Victor Schock, director of public utilities with the PSC, said the PSC has not approved a project with a setback distance beyond 500 feet in the last decade. He said there might be instances when greater setback distances are required such as for missile sites. In other business, the county commission unanimously approved an emergency declaration for the severe weather event on Aug. 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The emergency declaration says the severe weather resulted in structural damage by fallen trees and damage to fields, homes, agricultural and commercial buildings and damage to roads, public parks and other public facilities. The severe weather caused power outages that impacted public transportation and caused damage to public and private property, impacted travel, damaged power poles and power lines and disrupted water and sewer systems. The city of Jamestown also declared an emergency for the severe weather event on Aug. 8. On the streets of Sudan's capital Khartoum, builders clear rubble from houses pockmarked with bullet holes, haul away fallen trees and repair broken power lines, in the city's first reconstruction effort since war began over two years ago. Fighting between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which broke out in April 2023, has left the capital battered and hollowed out. But reconstruction -- led by government agencies and youth-led volunteer groups -- has finally begun to repair hospitals, schools and water and power networks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are working to restore the state's infrastructure," volunteer Mostafa Awad said. Once a thriving metropolis of nine million people, Khartoum's skyline is now a jagged silhouette of collapsed buildings. Electrical poles lean precariously or lie snapped on the ground in the streets. Cars, stripped for parts, sit burnt-out and abandoned, their tires melted into the asphalt. AFP correspondents saw entire residential blocks standing with their exterior walls ripped away in the fighting. Danger remains within the soot-stained buildings as authorities slowly work to clear tens of thousands of unexploded bombs left behind by fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN warns Khartoum is "heavily contaminated by unexploded ordnance", and this month said landmines have been discovered across the capital. Sudan's war has killed tens of thousands, displaced 13 million and plunged the nation into the world's worst hunger and displacement crisis. - 'Proud national capital' - Until the army pushed the RSF out of Khartoum in March, the capital -- where four million alone were displaced by fighting -- was a battlefield. Before they left, paramilitary fighters stripped infrastructure bare, looting everything from medical equipment and water pumps to copper wiring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Normally in a war zone, you see massive destruction... but you hardly ever see what happened in Khartoum," the UN's resident and humanitarian coordinator Luca Renda said. "All the cables have been taken away from homes, all the pipes have been destroyed," he told AFP, describing systematic looting of both small and large-scale items. Today, power and water systems remain among the city's greatest challenges. The head of east Khartoum's electricity department, Mohamed al-Bashir, described "massive damage" in the capital's main transformer stations. "Some power stations were completely destroyed," he told AFP, explaining the RSF had "specifically targeted transformer oil and copper cables". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vast swathes of Khartoum are without electricity, and with no reliable water supply, a cholera outbreak gripped the city this summer. Health officials reported up to 1,500 new cases a day in June, according to the UN. On his first visit to Khartoum last month, Sudan's prime minister pledged a wide-scale recovery effort. "Khartoum will return as a proud national capital," Kamil Idris said. Even as war rages on elsewhere in the country, the government has begun planning its return from its wartime capital Port Sudan. - Taking shape - On Tuesday, it announced central Khartoum -- the devastated business and government district where some of the fiercest battles took place -- would be evacuated and redesigned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN estimates the rehabilitation of the capital's essential facilities to cost around $350 million, while the full rebuilding of Khartoum "will take years and several billion dollars", Renda told AFP. Hundreds have rolled up their sleeves to start the long and arduous rebuilding work, but obstacles remain. "We faced challenges such as the lack of raw materials, especially infrastructure tools, sanitation (supplies) and iron," said Mohamed El Ser, a construction worker. "Still, the market is relatively starting to recover," he told AFP. In downtown Khartoum, a worker, his hands coated in mud, stacks bricks beside a crumbling building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFP correspondents accompanied workers carefully refitting pipes into what once was a family home, while nearby others lifted slabs of concrete and mangled metal into wheelbarrows. On one road that had been a front line, a man repaired a downed streetlight while others dragged a felled tree onto a flatbed truck. The UN expects up to two million people to make their way back to Khartoum by the end of the year. Those who have already returned, estimated to be in the tens of thousands, say life is still difficult, but there's reason for hope. "Honestly, there is an improvement in living conditions," said Ali Mohamed, who recently returned. "There is more stability now, and real services are beginning to come back, like water, electricity and even basic medical care." vid-maf/bha/csp/rsc Sudan's army has denied bombing a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy taking aid to a famine-hit area in the country's Darfur region. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had blamed the army for Wednesday's air strike in the town of Mellit, which is under RSF control. A UN agency said a drone hit the convoy, and three lorries in the 16-vehicle convoy caught fire and were destroyed. All staff travelling in the convoy were safe, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudan plunged into a civil war in April 2023 after a vicious power struggle erupted between the army and the RSF, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The RSF does not have an air force, but both sides use drones. The attack is the latest in a string of assaults on humanitarian operations in Sudan. "Humanitarian staff and assets must never be a target," the WFP said, urging the warring parties to respect international humanitarian law. The convoy was headed towards a village near Mellit, a "famine-affected area" some 90km (56 miles) north-west of el-Fasher, the WFP said. The city, the army's last foothold in the Darfur region, has been besieged by the RSF for more than a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is one of the main areas of conflict in the civil war, and the RSF has intensified its battle for control of el-Fasher in recent weeks. Both sides have previously been accused of using starvation as a weapon of war by obstructing the delivery of aid and looting food. Five aid workers were killed in a similar attack in el-Fasher in June. Tens of thousands of people have died, and 12 million have been forced from their homes because of the conflict. More than 4.5 million refugees, mostly women and children, have fled to neighbouring countries. More BBC stories on the war in Sudan: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts The sheriff of Suffolk County is scheduled to appear for an arraignment on Thursday afternoon after federal authorities charged him with using his position to extort a cannabis company executive. Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins, 67, of Boston, is expected to appear for his first appearance at the John Joseph Moakley federal courthouse before Judge M. Page Kelley. Tompkins was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of extortion under color of official right and arrested in Florida on Aug. 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since his indictment and arrest, it has not yet been publicly announced whether Tompkins intends to step down from his position as sheriff. However, Tompkins did resign from his position on the Board of Trustees for Roxbury Community College. He sent a formal resignation letter effective Aug. 12 to Gov. Maura Healey, in which he said he greatly appreciated his service on the board. Healey said Tompkins made the right decision by stepping down from the Roxbury Community College Board. The case against Tompkins involved his interactions with a cannabis company, merely identified in court documents as Company A, that was trying to open a dispensary in Boston in 2019. Tompkins partnered with the company that year to hire graduates of the sheriff departments re-entry program at the cannabis company. Tompkins was appointed Suffolk County sheriff in 2013, elected as sheriff in a special election the following year and then was elected to successive six-year terms. He oversees around 1,000 correctional officers and other employees who maintain correctional facilities in Boston at the House of Correction and the Nashua Street Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tompkins is accused by federal officials of wielding his power to pressure an executive of the cannabis company for stock from the company just before its initial public offering (IPO). The executive was afraid that if the company didnt give him stock, Tompkins would use his position to put the partnership with the sheriffs department at risk, which would subsequently threaten the new cannabis companys license. Tompkins used $50,000 of his retirement savings to buy pre-IPO shares at $1.73 a share in November 2020, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. When the company launched in 2021, the stock value was at $9.60 a share, which increased Tompkins investment value to $138,403. But when the stock price dropped in May 2022, Tompkins again pressured the executive and company and demanded a full refund of his $50,000 share, which he received through five separate checks, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah B. Foley earlier this month. Some checks were labeled as loan repayment and company expense to hide their nature. Each charge of extortion under color of official right carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. New fishway monitoring system launched in south China Xinhua) 09:51, August 21, 2025 NANNING, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- A smart monitoring system of a key fishway along the Pinglu Canal has officially started operating, marking new progress in ecological protection. As a core project of the Western Land-Sea New Corridor, the Pinglu Canal spans approximately 134.2 km, crossing Nanning and Qinzhou in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and flowing into the Beibu Gulf. Approved in April last year, the fishway features a monitoring system with six core facilities and a comprehensive information platform. Underwater attraction lights guide fish into the channel, while AI recognition and sonar imaging technologies track numbers, species and movements in real time, according to Pinglu Canal Group Co., Ltd. The fishway represents a significant step in making the Pinglu Canal a green project, and has become a highlight of the canal's ecological protection efforts. Authorities will continue optimizing the monitoring system to support the development of a world-class ecological waterway. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The 1990s - an era of grunge music, sleek blowouts and skinny sunglasses was overshadowed by teen heartthrobs. Julia Roberts Chiselled jawlines, gorgeous locks and dazzling eyes are what come to mind when the 1990s film industry is mentioned, but the true faces of the decade were the Queens of the 1990s silver screen. Julia Roberts - More than a Pretty Woman With gorgeous ginger hair, a laugh to remember and acting chops to match the beauty, Julia Roberts cemented herself in the film industry with her 1990 release of Pretty Woman. As the lovable, street-smart prostitute, Roberts brought her undeniable charm to the role and added a level of vulnerability and heart to a character that could have easily become a stereotype. Julia Roberts ended the decade by starring in arguably one of the greatest romantic movies of all time - Notting Hill. Playing a film star who falls in love with a bookstore owner (Hugh Grant), Roberts delivers a brilliant performance of a love complicated by fame. Julia Roberts was irrefutably the RomCom Queen of the 1990s, and here is a recap of some of her work from that era: - Pretty Woman - Runaway Bride - Notting Hill - My Best Friends Wedding Alicia Silverstone - 90s Teen Royalty Despite having only a few credits to her name in the 1990s, Alicia Silverstone is one of the biggest names associated with the era. A teen icon regardless of the decade, Silverstone left her mark in the movie industry with her portrayal of Cher Horowitz in Clueless. An immediate hit, Clueless grossed $95 million and defined the decades fashion with Chers infamous wardrobe at the helm of the movies fashion-forwardness. As if Alicia Silverstone left the decade with only one movie. Here are some of her other credits from the decade: - The Crush - Batman & Robin - Blast from the Past - Excess Baggage YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Oversized Blazers, Rhode, and Sunglasses: How Hailey Bieber Became Gen Zs It Girl Angela Bassett - The Versatile Queen An Emmy, two Golden Globes and two Oscar nominations, Angela Bassett is one of the greatest actresses of our time. And the 1990s were just the start. She showed women how to love themselves in How Stella Got Her Groove Back, illustrated the importance of Black female friendship in Waiting to Exhale and was formidable as Tina Turner in Whats Love Got to Do with It. This was all overshadowed by her powerful portrayal of Dr Betty Shabazz in Spike Lees Malcolm X alongside Oscar-nominated Denzel Washington. Angela Bassett was multifaceted, which made her a sought-after actress in the 1990s. Bassett had the beauty, charm and charisma to star in Romantic Comedies and embody influential real-life figures. She truly was the 1990s Queen of Versatility. More of her works you need to watch: - Whats Love Got to Do with It - Waiting to Exhale - Malcolm X - Vampire in Brooklyn Nia Long - Black Cinema Beauty My only regret was too young for Nia Long. And that is not the only reference to the Love Jones star. Nia Long has become a frequent name-drop in rap songs, from artists such as J Cole, Nas and Juicy J. The 1990s Black Cinema was home to Nia Lings most iconic roles. Starting the decade by starring in John Singletons Boyz n the Hood, Nia Long quickly cemented herself in black cinema and the rap game. Her gorgeous smile, youthful look and iconic pixie cut landed her a leading role in Love, Jones - a cult classic Black love film. Longs most memorable role as Jordan Armstrong in The Best Man (1999) earned her a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. Check out more from rappers 1990s crush, award winner and romcom queen: - Love Jones - The Best Man - Soul Food - Friday MORE FROM VANELY BARUMIRE: From Superman villain to ageing Drag Queen - the 60-year career of Terence Stamp by Vanely Barumire for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on A Suffolk high school teacher has been charged with drug crimes on school property, including distributing drugs, a felony. Sara Jordan, 41, who is listed online as a music teacher at Kings Fork High School, was arrested Thursday, according to a police news release. Jordan is facing three charges: Distributing drugs on school property, consuming marijuana on school property and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the incident happened last school year and involved Jordan providing drug paraphernalia to students and using drugs with them. No other information was provided. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Suffolk Police Department or the Suffolk Crime Line. NEW YORK (PIX11) Still havent filled out a Summer EBT application to get some cash to get groceries? You still have time to apply as the deadline for Summer EBT applications is on Sept. 4. The Summer EBT program gives eligible New York families a one-time payment of $120 per child, which can be used to buy food and other household supplies. More Local News The program is giving out $250 million in grocery benefits to over 2 million children in the state, according to No Kid Hungry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No Kid Hungry and New York City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala are holding a community event in the Bronx on Friday to discuss Summer EBT and help families check their eligibility. Anyone interested in attending can head to the Mercy Center at 11 a.m. for more information. To apply for Summer EBT, click here. If you miss the Sept. 4 deadline for applying, your application will be considered for the program in summer 2026. 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. Did you hear the one about the Smithsonian hiding the bones of Bible giants in the basement? No? Well, Missouri Republican Representative Eric Burlinson did, and he recently said he wants to develop a strategy to use Congresss investigative power to get to the bottom of the mystery. I do believe [giants] were real, Burlinson told a Blaze TV program in June, shortly before he gave a speech at NephCon 2025, a gathering of people who are hunting the remains of the Nephilim, or the giants from the Book of Genesis. Burlinsons comments on Prime Time With Alex Stein were delivered with laughter, but his attendance at a Nephilim conference was not exactly funny. It came only weeks before the Trump administration sent a letter to the secretary of the Smithsonian demanding a full review to ensure museum exhibits and curatorial processes conform to the presidents vision of history. With the president declaring the Smithsonian out of control on Truth Social, the shape and scope of the growing threat to Americas premier public museum from the right wing is rapidly coming into view. And that shape is increasingly that of an internet fever dream of conspiracy, one that has been fomenting distrust of the Smithsonian for decades in service of a deeply conservative and religious agenda that sees both history and science as its ideological enemies. For most of the nations history, the Smithsonian has served as symbol of national unity, receiving praise from members of both political parties and the public at large. Intermittent efforts to challenge the museum, such as Christian radio host Dale Crowley Jr.s 1978 federal lawsuit demanding the Smithsonian cancel an exhibition on human evolution, have largely failed to materialize. That all changed in 1994, when veterans groups and conservative politicians, including Patrick J. Buchanan, vocally criticized the National Air and Space Museum for highlighting the Japanese casualties of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings in a proposed exhibit tied to the fiftieth anniversary of the Enola Gay. They considered any questioning of the decision to drop the A-bomb as dishonoring veterans, and thus anti-American. It was, in Buchanans words, a sleepless campaign to inculcate in American youth a revulsion toward Americas past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got to get patriotism back in the Smithsonian, conservative Texas Congressman Sam Johnson said, on being appointed to the museums Board of Regents shortly afterward to provide so-called ideological balance. We want the Smithsonian to reflect real America and not something that a historian dreamed up. The year-long media and political firestorm, and the attacks on historians as unpatriotic fantasists, helped fuel the politicization of the Smithsonian, but they did so in tandem with a development occurring on the nascent internet. A year before the Enola Gay controversy, in 1993, future Ancient Aliens star David Childress, then a self-described world explorer, introduced the world to his new conspiracy theory, that the Smithsonian was actively trying to suppress the truth about various lost races of white giants, ancient Egyptians, and assorted what-have-you that allegedly occupied prehistoric America. He wrote about this in his self-published magazine, World Explorer, and in the New Age Nexus New Times that year. He dubbed the conspiracy with the not-so-original moniker Smithsonian Gate. Childress gathered a passel of unconvincing evidence and wrapped it up in a sort of homage to the 1981 Indiana Jones film Raiders of the Lost Ark, whose final scene showed the U.S. government secreting away the fabled Ark of the Covenant in a warehouse, never to be seen again. To those who investigate allegations of archaeological cover-ups, he wrote, there are disturbing indications that the most important archaeological institute in the United States, the Smithsonian Institute [sic], an independent federal agency, has been actively suppressing some of the most interesting and important archaeological discoveries made in the Americas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Childresss evidence was about as solid as Indys celluloid adventures. Childress pronounced a 1909 newspaper hoax about an underground Tibetan city in the Grand Canyon true. He berated the Smithsonian for discrediting 32,000 ceramic statues, including some of people having sex with dinosaurs, because he assumed the modern fakes were ancient and proved evolution a lie. He heard a secondhand story about the Smithsonian dumping a barge of unusual artifacts into the Atlantic to stop anyone from seeing them. (Possibly this was a garbled version of the allegation, apparently dating to the 1990s, that the American Museum of Natural History dumped unwanted mammoth bones into the East River in 1949.) The list goes on. The most important part of Childresss conspiracy, though, was the specific claim that John Wesley Powell, the director of the Smithsonian in the late 1800s, orchestrated a cover-up of evidence for giants who were part of a lost race that had been in contact with Europe and built pyramids and mounds across America. The most spectacular of these mounds, Monks Mound at Cahokia near St. Louis, has a base as large as the Great Pyramid at Gizas. Powell wanted to disprove the popular notion that Native Americans erected these mounds, on the grounds that they were too stupid and lazy to create these featuressomething that nineteenth-century scholars assumed only white people or Bible giants could do. Childress implied that Powell suppressed the truth because he was too sympathetic to Native Americans and had chosen to improperly aggrandize their cultures by suppressing evidence of (imaginary) ancient European colonists that would have connected ancient America to the countrys current Caucasian population. He called this the Smithsonians official dogma. Childress relied on Victorian reports about large bones that Powells team, led by Cyrus Thomas, had dismissed in 1894 as unevidenced. Hundreds of such reports littered the papers in the late 1800s, and claiming to find the bones of giants became a popular appeal to prove the Bibles superiority to Darwin. The Smithsonian politely informed inquirers that these bones did not belong to the mythical Nephilim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know, of course, what those bones really were. As the onetime head of the Smithsonians Museum of Natural History, Ales Hrdlicka, told Science News Letter in 1934, the so-called bones of giants the public sent to the Smithsonian for review fell into three categories: those measured incorrectly, those misunderstood due to ignorance of anatomy, and those belonging to mastodons and mammoths. When they arrived at the museum, they were correctly classified, and thus the bones of giants vanished into the catalogs of normal human bones and normal animal bones. Twentieth-century evangelicals and creationists had long cited sensational newspaper stories of giant bones as proof of the Bibles inerrancy, but even the most famous creationist book on the subject, Charles DeLoachs 1995 work Giants: A Reference Guide From History, the Bible, and Recorded Legend, did not blame the Smithsonian for hiding the bones. However, in the early 2000s, the creationist thread quickly wrapped itself around the needle of growing conservative anger at the Smithsonians perceived politics. Intermittent attacks on the Smithsonian over everything from evolution and environmental conservation to sweatshops (the apparel industry was offended) may have been forgotten, but the conspiracy about ancient giants elevated the same concerns to the level of myth and made them an article of faith. Influential conspiracy theorist David Icke picked up Childresss story for his 1993 book The Biggest Secret, but the reprint shared on the (now defunct) KeeleyNet paranormal bulletin board in 1993 spread Childresss claims across the internet. Then, in 2001, a writer names Ross Hamilton produced an article in Nexus called Holocaust of Giants: The Great Smithsonian Cover-Up, expanding on Childresss claim and linking it explicitly to conservative evangelical Christianity. Hamilton argued that the Smithsonian suppressed evidence of Bible giants not just to help Native Americans but to keep Christians from realizing that Darwins troublesome theory was false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamiltons article, often paired with Childresss, crashed into a burgeoning alternative history media revolution that revolved, ultimately, around grievances against government, science, and elite academics who questioned jingoist renditions of the past. Whether it was popular books of fringe history that sought white gods in ancient America or cable TV documentaries looking for prehistoric Europeans who ruled ancient America, the overarching theme was a longing to return to an imagined past when a rapidly diversifying United States was still mostly white and Christian. A lost white race of Bible giantsliterally bigger, stronger, and whiter than everyone elsefashioned as a symbol of everything conservatives wanted to remake America into, is an all-too-convenient bit of lore for the conspiracy-besotted right. (Never mind that the Nephilim were technically the villains in Genesis!) And the Smithsonian was, if anything, a useful foil for a fringe movement looking for an enemy to accuse of suppressing the truth. Soon enough, claims that the Smithsonian intentionally hid the bones of Bible giants went mainstream, presaging the countrys own rightward shift. By the 2010s, the Smithsonians secret giants appeared in popular paranormal books, on late-night radio shows, in multiple cable TV documentaries (including at least two separate History Channel shows), and across a network of evangelical and far-right media outlets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the most popular of these were the Christian DVDs and later podcasts produced by Steve Quayle and his Nephilim-hunting partner, Timothy Alberino. Quayle, an archconservative, blamed Bible giants for teaching men to be gay. He and Alberino were regulars on the right-wing podcast circuit in the 2010s, often appearing with figures like Alex Jones and Jim Bakker so Quayle could hawk their merch, attack Democratic politicians as demonic, and advocate for a targeted genocide of Nephilim-controlled liberals. Burlinson told Blaze TV that he had been radicalized against the Smithsonian through Alberinos podcasts and videos. In his podcasts, Alberino has described Bible giants as a superior race society. In recent years, Alberino has made moves to go more mainstream. He has appeared on Ancient Aliens, the History Channel show advocating historical conspiracies, where David Childress is a featured star. That same show also hosted Tucker Carlson, Tennessee Republican Representative Tim Burchett, and others to peddle conspiracies about government cover-ups of space aliens, interdimensional beings, demons, and more. For the far right, the E.T.s of Ancient Aliensthe same ones Congress is currently hunting in various UFO hearingsare actually angels and demons, and those demons are the souls of the giants who died in the Flood, according to a nonbiblical text Alberino endorses. Burlinson said in 2023 that he thinks UFOs could be angels, and more recently he promised that a congressional UFO hearing to be held on September 9 would feature witnesses who handled the bodies of these beings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conspiracies about Bible giants are basically the Christian version of UFOs and aliens, and its no wonder there is significant cross-pollination between believers in the two camps, even in Congress, where several representatives like Burlinson and Burchett have publicly discussed their belief in both. In fact, both conspiracies give pride of place to the Nephilim narrative from Genesis 6:4 as proof of either fallen angels or alien intervention. It would be laughable if the Smithsonian conspiracy theory and tales of Bible giants now being spread on Blaze TV, on Joe Rogans podcast, and across right-wing media, were not a kind of Trojan horse to soften up the public to accept political propaganda in place of history and complete the assault on Americas museums that failed in the 1990s. But the conspiracists continue to spread their lore, and mainstream conservative politicians continue to escalate their attacks on the Smithsoniana far-right pincer movement directed at an institution that is both the nations premier repository of historical fact and a potent bolsterer of Americas civic fabric. And that is no laughing matter. (The Center Square) - The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision on Thursday, allowed President Donald Trump to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in federal research grants. The high court rescinded an order from a Boston judge that blocked $783 million worth of cuts made by the National Institutes of Health on gender identity and diversity, equity and inclusion. The high court's majority said the lower court judge did not follow its spring decision allowing the Trump administration to cancel education grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When this court issues a decision, it constitutes a precedent that commands respect in lower courts," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote. "If nothing else, the promise of our legal system that like cases are treated alike means that a lower court ought not invoke the 'persuasive authority' of a dissent or a repudiated court of appeals decision to reach a different conclusion on an equivalent record," Gorsuch added. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the three liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, in dissent to the courts opinion. "This relief which has prospective and generally applicable implications beyond the reinstatement of specific grants falls well within the scope of the District Courts jurisdiction," Roberts wrote. "Make no mistake: Per the evidence in front of the District Court, the forward march of scientific discovery will not only be halted it will be reversed," Jackson wrote. A heavily fractured Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Trump administration to halt nearly $800 million in research grants awarded by the National Institutes of Health that officials say touch on race and gender issues, but a majority of the court also signaled that the presidents overall effort to crack down on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts may be in trouble. The court declined to force President Donald Trump to spend the grant money for the moment, but it also didnt block a lower court ruling that tossed guidance from the administration that was at the heart of the effort to cut the funding. The grantees, the court said, could still seek the money but would have to do so in a different court. The decision on the grants divided the court 5-4, with Chief Justice John Roberts joining the courts three liberals on that point. They would have denied the Trump administration entirely. Four of the courts conservatives Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh said they would have sided with Trump entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case stems from an executive order Trump signed during the first days of his second term, requiring agencies to terminate grants or contracts that promote gender ideology or immoral race- and sex-based preferences under the guise of so-called DEI efforts. Officials at the NIH terminated more than 1,700 grants they said dealt with those issues. Democratic officials in 16 states challenged the grant cancellations along with public health advocacy groups and some affected scientists. Lower courts had sided with the challengers, requiring the administration to turn the flow of money back on temporarily while the case is litigated. Steve Vladeck, CNN Supreme Court analyst and professor at Georgetown University Law Center, said the key to this ruling is Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who wrote a brief concurrence with the other conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four justices wouldve ruled against the administration in full; four would have ruled for it in full; and Barrett split the difference suggesting that the grant recipients are likely to prevail on their challenges to the Trump administrations anti-DEI directives, but that they cant get their grant money until and unless they bring their claims in a different federal court, Vladeck said. In other words, Trump won this battle, but the grant recipients seem likely to win the war. Calvinball jurisprudence The decision Thursday drew a sharp partial dissent from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who framed the implications as an abrupt cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars allocated to support life-saving biomedical research. This is Calvinball jurisprudence with a twist, Jackson wrote, referring to the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. Calvinball has only one rule: There are no fixed rules. We seem to have two: that one, and this administration always wins. Barretts concurrence offered the clearest explanation of the courts decision: The district court that ruled against Trump in the case, she said, likely lacked the jurisdiction to decide on the individual grants at issue in the case. Instead, those suits should have been filed in the Court of Federal Claims. But the district court did have jurisdiction to rule on the underlying DEI policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson summed up the implications of that split decision by saying that agencies would not be able to rely on the guidance to cancel grants going forward. Future parties, she said, might see some benefit from that outcome. But, she wrote, the plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit will see none. Attorneys for both sides highlighted grants in their briefs to the Supreme Court they said underscored their argument. The Trump administration, for instance, named a grant it said dealt with Buddhism and HIV stigma in Thailand. The public health groups said the administration is attempting to cancel a study that deals with Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementia Neuropathologies and Exposures to Traffic Pollution Mixtures. The government, the administration told the Supreme Court, is irreparably harmed when forced to pay out millions of dollars on discretionary grants, with no guarantee of recouping the money. The lower courts, officials said, were substituting their own political and policy judgments for those of the executive branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But public health groups said the administration was misstating the case. The problem, they said, was not a disagreement with the NIHs policy judgment, but rather with a basic failure to engage in reasoning and explain that reasoning, as is required by federal law. On a broader level, the case touched on the question of whether cases resolved on the Supreme Courts emergency docket carry precedential weight that is, whether they essentially decide the outcome of similar cases. Thats an issue thats repeatedly cropped up at the high court, even more so amid a wave of emergency appeals Trump has brought to the court during his second term. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court allowed Trump to temporarily freeze millions of dollars in grants to states for addressing teacher shortages. Department of Education officials cancelled the grants for a similar reason: they argued they involved programs that take part in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The Supreme Court backed Trump 5-4, with Roberts and the three liberals also dissenting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority relied heavily on that decision. There, the high court allowed the administration to freeze those grants in part reasoning that the government was unlikely to be able to recoup the money if it ultimately won the case. The plaintiffs do not state that they will repay grant money if the government ultimately prevails, the court wrote in its unsigned order Thursday. Moreover, the plaintiffs contention that they lack the resources to continue their research projects without federal funding is inconsistent with the proposition that they have the resources to make the government whole for money already spent. Public health groups and states had argued there were different legal questions at stake. In the NIH matter, US District Judge William Young ruled that the agency had violated federal rulemaking procedures required by the Administrative Procedure Act when the agency canceled the grants. A federal appeals court declined to put that decision on hold. Young, who was named to the court by President Ronald Reagan, said that after serving as a judge for decades, he had never seen government racial discrimination like this. CNNs Devan Cole contributed to this report. This story has been updated with additional details and developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Trump administrations broad cuts to National Institutes of Health grants as part of the federal government's campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion policies. But in a mixed decision, the court left in place a different part of the lower court judge's ruling that threw out the administration's guidance document that introduced the policy, raising questions about whether it can be applied moving forward. The justices, on a 5-4 vote, granted in part an emergency request filed by the administration seeking to put a Massachusetts-based federal judge's ruling on hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court did not fully explain its reasoning, but the majority indicated that groups seeking to challenge the funding cuts have to file separate lawsuits in a different federal venue the Court of Federal Claims. Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett was the deciding vote in crafting the decision. Four justices, all conservatives, said they would have granted the Trump administration's application in full, while four others conservative Chief Justice John Roberts and the court's three liberals would have denied it in full. "As todays order states, the District Court likely lacked jurisdiction to hear challenges to the grant terminations, which belong in the Court of Federal Claims," Barrett wrote in a concurring opinion. But, she added, "the Government is not entitled to a stay of the judgments insofar as they vacate the guidance documents." The National Institutes of Health is a collection of agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services that receives billions of dollars from Congress to fund medical research at universities, hospitals and other institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney general for Massachusetts, one of more than a dozen states that challenged the research funding cuts, called the Supreme Court's decision "wrong and deeply disappointing." "Even though the Court did not dispute that the Trump Administrations decision to cut critical medical and public health research is illegal, they ordered the recipients of that funding hospitals, researchers, and the state to jump through more hoops to get it back. All the while, our research institutions, economy, and residents who depend on this lifesaving medical research will suffer," Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said in a statement. When President Donald Trump returned to office in January, he vowed to end so-called diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, policies, saying that rather than fostering equality as intended, they are a form of discrimination, primarily against white people. He has also taken aim at policies recognizing transgender rights, including access to gender transition care. NIH then conducted a review of grants and determined that more than 1,700 of them were not consistent with Trump's directives and terminated them, including studies into HIV prevention and gender identity among teens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sixteen states, led by Massachusetts and the American Public Health Association, among others, challenged the move. After a trial, U.S. District Judge William Young in Massachusetts ruled that the government had failed to follow correct legal processes in implementing the policy, in violation of a law called the Administrative Procedure Act. In rushing to implement Trump's agenda, NIH "simply moved too fast and broke things, including the law," Young wrote. He also said DEI was "an undefined enemy," noting that government lawyers had not been able to explain exactly what it meant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young found that there were "pervasive racial discrimination" and "extensive discrimination" against gay, lesbian and transgender people in how grants were selected for termination. He also found "an unmistakable pattern of discrimination against womens health issues." Young declined to put his ruling on hold, as did the Boston-based 1st U.S Circuit Court of Appeals, which also kept the grants intact. In asking the Supreme Court to intervene on behalf of the Trump administration, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that the case is similar to another that arose in Massachusetts in which a judge blocked Trump administration plans to terminate teacher training grants on anti-DEI grounds. The Supreme Court in April blocked that ruling on a 5-4 vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This application presents a particularly clear case for this court to intervene and stop errant district courts from continuing to disregard this courts rulings," Sauer wrote. Lawyers for the states pushed back against Sauers narrative, saying it bears little resemblance to reality, with Youngs ruling a run-of-the mill example of a court intervening when the government violates the law. The justices disagreed Thursday over whether the April decision governed the outcome in the latest case. In a brief opinion, Roberts, who dissented in the earlier case, said it was different, with Young's findings "well within the scope of the district court's jurisdiction." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, in his own separate opinion, criticized Young for failing to abide by the April decision. "Lower court judges may sometimes disagree with this courts decisions, but they are never free to defy them," he wrote. The Trump administration has regularly turned to the Supreme Court when its broad use of executive power is challenged in court, and it has prevailed in the majority of cases. Trump and his allies have also harshly criticized judges who have ruled against him. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration in its effort to cut research grants for the National Institutes of Health, as the administration targets diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, or DEI. On Thursday, the high court lifted a lower court judges order that had vacated the governments termination of various research-related grants. Several justices wrote separate opinions in the divided case, with Chief Justice John Roberts siding with the courts three Democratic appointees, who said they wanted to fully deny the governments emergency application. Justice Amy Coney Barrett was in the middle of the court, only partially agreeing with the administration, while Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh voted to fully side with the administration. Barrett noted that a majority of the court believes the district court likely lacked jurisdiction to hear challenges to grant terminations, which she said belong in a different specialized court, the Court of Federal Claims. But she added that the administration isnt entitled to emergency relief when it comes to the district courts ruling against guidance documents on the government policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, it [the government] remains free to challenge the District Courts vacatur of the guidance before the First Circuit, the Trump appointee wrote, referring to the continuing lower court litigation in the case that could reach the justices again in the future. The administration went to the justices after a federal appeals court declined to halt the district judges ruling against the grant terminations. U.S. District Judge William Young had observed that President Donald Trumps executive action didnt even attempt to define DEI, but instead set it up as some sort of boogeyman. The Reagan appointee in Massachusetts wrote that without such a definition, the government had embarked on a fools errand resulting in arbitrary and capricious action. Applying to the high court for emergency relief, Trump Solicitor General John Sauer cast the lower court loss as the latest instance of out-of-control judges around the country who have required his office to seek relief from the justices in Washington, D.C. This application presents a particularly clear case for this Court to intervene and stop errant district courts from continuing to disregard this Courts rulings, Sauer wrote in his application, citing recent administration wins on executive power. He also cited the Supreme Courts 5-4 shadow docket ruling in April, in Department of Education v. California, in which the court sided with the administration in a case over DEI-related education grants. Sauer said the same result was warranted here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposing his application, a group of plaintiff states accused the government of spin[ning] a tale of lower court defiance that bears little resemblance to reality. They called the judges ruling run of the mill and said [t]he only unlawful decisions here are the federal governments, adding that the only urgency is that manufactured by NIH in its haste to implement its unprecedented and unreasoned policies. A separate opposition filing from the American Public Health Association and other groups told the justices that even temporary relief for the government would invalidate important health projects that were already paid for by Congress, inflicting incalculable losses in public health and human life because of delays in bringing the fruits of Plaintiffs research to Americans who desperately await clinical advancements. An amicus brief from nonprofit biological and biomedical societies highlighted what they called the irreparable injuries already rippling across the scientific community due to the mass termination of NIH grants particularly those at issue here. 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 The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to cut off health research grants it contends advance diversity, equity and inclusion efforts or promote gender ideology extremism. By a 5-4 vote, the justices lifted an order a federal court judge in Boston issued forcing the National Institutes of Health to restore funding for more than 1,700 grants focused on heart disease, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimers disease, alcohol and substance abuse and mental health issues. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the courts liberals in dissent from the courts decision to permit the funding halt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Justice Amy Coney Barrett voted with most of the court's conservatives to let the administration stop the grant funding, she sided with Roberts and the liberals to form a majority that left in place the lower judges order voiding several NIH policies aimed at enforcing Trumps anti-DEI edicts. Since the ruling leaves the grant recipients without federal funds for now, the Trump administration seems certain to claim it as yet another in a flurry of wins in emergency appeals it has filed with the Supreme Court. In a solo concurring opinion, Barrett indicated that the courts ruling Thursday signaled that the grant recipients should have brought their claims for lost funding not to a district judge in Boston but to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, which hears disputes over federal contracts. U.S. District Judge William Young ordered the health-related grants restored in June, following lawsuits filed by impacted grant recipients and 16 Democratic-led states complaining of cuts to programs at their state universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young, a Reagan appointee, used unusually strident language to condemn the targeted cuts, many of which ended grants studying the impacts of disease on specific minority groups. This represents racial discrimination and discrimination against Americas LGBTQ community, the judge said of the cuts. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. However, in Thursdays ruling, Justice Neil Gorsuch accused Young of defying the Supreme Court by not abiding by an emergency ruling it issued in April, allowing the Trump administration to cancel $64 million in teaching-related grants. (That 5-4 ruling also found Roberts in dissent along with the three liberal justices.) When this Court issues a decision, it constitutes a precedent that commands respect in lower courts, Gorsuch declared, joined by Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson penned a blistering 21-page solo opinion calling the courts latest ruling bizarre and complaining in particular about her colleagues sending plaintiffs on a likely futile, multivenue quest for complete relief. She even declared that the courts decision will result in animals used in medical experiments being euthanized. Jackson also repeated her past assertions that the high court is bending over backward to favor the Trump administration. Calvinball has only one rule: There are no fixed rules. We seem to have two: that one, and this Administration always wins, she wrote. In filings with the high court over the NIH funding, the Trump administration complained that Youngs order required the agency to pay out over $783 million in grants, but grant recipients argued that figure appears to be invented out of whole cloth. Solicitor General John Sauer ridiculed some of the grants shut down by the administration, pointing to funding for programs exploring intersectional, multilevel and multidimensional structural racism for English- and Spanish-speaking populations and anti-racist healing in nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sauer told the justices that a comprehensive internal review found the grants ran afoul of one or more of three executive orders President Donald Trump issued shortly after he returned to office in January. Two of the directives targeted DEI-related programs and grants, while the third sought to affirm the immutable biological reality of sex by ending policies and programs accommodating or benefiting transgender people. Sauer also put forward the argument that appeared to carry the day Thursday: Congress has mandated legal disputes over federal government grants and contracts be pursued only in the Court of Federal Claims. That court could eventually award financial damages to grantees if it determines their grants were illegally terminated, but is unlikely to provide immediate relief, according to legal experts. The Supreme Courts ruling on the NIH grants is not a final decision on the legality of the grant terminations. But it means the administration can withhold the funding while the legal fight plays out. The Trump administration has appealed Youngs ruling to the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals, which last month declined the administrations request to put his decision on hold as the appeal proceeds. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misspelled Amy Coney Barrett's name. A divided Supreme Court said Thursday the Trump administration may cancel hundreds of health research grants that involve diversity, equity and inclusion or gender identity. The justices granted an emergency appeal from President Trump's lawyers and set aside a Boston's judge order that blocked the canceling of $783 million in research grants. The justices split 5-4. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. joined the court's three liberals in dissent and said the district judge had not overstepped his authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court's conservative majority has repeatedly sided with the administration and against federal judges in disputes over spending and staffing at federal agencies. In the latest case, the majority agreed that Trump and his appointees may decide on how to spend health research funds allocated by Congress. Upon taking office in January, Trump issued an executive order "ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing." A few weeks later, the acting director of the National Institutes of Health said the agency would no longer fund "low-value and off-mission research programs, including but not limited to studies based on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and gender identity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 1,700 grants were canceled. Trump's lawyers told the court the NIH had terminated grants to study Buddhism and HIV stigma in Thailand; intersectional, multilevel and multidimensional structural racism for English- and Spanish-speaking populations; and anti-racist healing in nature to protect telomeres of transitional age BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and People of Color] for health equity." California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and his counterparts from 15 Democrat-led states had sued to halt what they called an "unprecedented disruption to ongoing research." They were joined by groups of researchers and public health advocates. Read more: Supreme Court OKs Trump's cuts to teacher training grants in California Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state attorneys said their public universities were using grant money for "projects investigating heart disease, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimers disease, alcohol and substance abuse, mental-health issues, and countless other health conditions." They said the NIH had terminated a grant for a University of California study examining how inflammation, insulin resistance and physical activity affect Alzheimers disease in Black women, a group with higher rates and a more aggressive profile of the disease. Also terminated, they said, was a University of Hawaii study that aimed to identify genetic and biological risk factors for colorectal cancer among Native Hawaiians, a population with increased incidence and mortality rates of that disease. In June, the Democratic state attorneys won a ruling from U.S. District Judge William G. Young, a Reagan appointee. He said the sudden halt to research grants violated a federal procedural law because it was "arbitrary" and poorly explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Trump had required agencies "to focus on eradicating anything that it labels as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), an undefined enemy." He said he had tried and failed to get a clear definition of DEI and what it entailed. When the 1st Circuit Court refused to lift the judge's order, Trump's Solicitor Gen. D. John Sauer appealed to the Supreme Court in late July. He noted the justices in April had set aside a similar decision from a Boston-based judge who blocked the new administration's canceling of education grants. The solicitor general argued that Trump's order rescinded an executive order from President Biden in 2021 that mandated an ambitious whole-of-government equity agenda and instructed federal agencies to allocate resources to address the historic failure to invest sufficiently, justly, and equally in underserved communities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the new administration decided these DEI-related grants "do nothing to expand our knowledge of living systems, provide low returns on investment, and ultimately do not enhance health, lengthen life, or reduce illness." Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. For the first time since the 1960s, the United States is in an immigration deficit, a stark contrast from the record-breaking legal and illegal migration experienced at the southern border in the last couple of years. Unauthorized immigration reached its peak in 2023 at 14 million entries into the country, according to new census data released on Thursday by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center, but noted that stricter U.S. immigration policy beginning in mid-2024 shifted the trend. The mass immigration occurred under former President Joe Bidens administration, though towards the end of his term, his office put restrictions on asylum applications, which resulted in a decline in border crossings. The U.S. unauthorized immigrant population reached a record 14 million in 2023 after the largest increase in two years ever recorded. Here's what's behind the rise. pic.twitter.com/JQxg4honB4 Pew Research Center (@pewresearch) August 21, 2025 However, one of the greatest deterrents is likely due in part to President Donald Trumps 181 executive actions hes taken on immigration since entering his second term, though the full effects remain to be seen, according to Pew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant directly tie it to the deportations and the policy changes, but theres undoubtedly some relationship, Jeff Passel, senior demographer at Pew Research Center, told Newsweek. Immigration into the country had been one of Trumps major selling points in winning the presidency last November and has continued to be one of his administrations most prioritized issues. Last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said that in her first 200 days in office, 1.6 million illegal immigrants have left the United States. This is massive. This means safer streets, taxpayer savings, pressure off of schools and hospital services and better job opportunities for Americans, she said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem also attributed the millions removed to the actions taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection under Noem and Trumps leadership. In a recent op-ed published in USA Today, Noem said zero illegal immigrants entered the country in May, June and July, and gave credit, in part, to department agents. In less than two weeks, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement received over 100,000 applications from Americans seeking to join the agency. Soaring numbers of tourists and expanding research projects are increasingly polluting Antarctica, scientists warned Wednesday, a fresh blow for one of Earth's most pristine environments already threatened by human-driven climate change. In Antarctic areas where humans have been active, the concentration of fine particles containing heavy metals is 10 times higher than it was 40 years ago, the international team of researchers said in a new study. That change has come as the number of annual tourists visiting the white continent has risen from 20,000 to 120,000 over the last two decades, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The increasing human presence in Antarctica raises concerns about pollutants from fossil fuel combustion, including those from ships, aircraft, vehicles and supporting infrastructure," the study in the journal Nature Sustainability said. Ships carrying tourists are powered by dirty fossil fuels, which are the source of fine particles containing things like nickel, copper, zinc and lead. "Snow melts faster in Antarctica due to the presence of polluting particles in areas frequented by tourists," study co-author Raul Cordero told AFP. "A single tourist can contribute to accelerating the melting of around 100 tons of snow," said the scientist at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers -- from countries including Chile and Germany -- spent four years traveling 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) in Antarctica to measure the contamination. The presence of heavy metals has also increased due to scientific expeditions. Research projects that stay for an extended time can have up to 10 times more of an impact than a single tourist, Cordero said. The study acknowledged there have been "meaningful steps forward" in attempts to protect Antarctica, such as a ban on highly polluting heavy fuel oil and the tourism industry embracing electric-hybrid ships. "Nevertheless, our results show that more remains to be done to reduce the burdens of human activities in Antarctica," including speeding up the transition to renewable energy and slashing fossil fuel use, the study said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A different Nature study also published on Wednesday warned that potentially irreversible changes in Antarctica driven by climate change could lift global oceans by meters and lead to "catastrophic consequences for generations." axl/sf/dl/sla One year ago, I was arrested during a city council meeting in Surprise, Arizona. My crime? Exercising my First Amendment rights. On Aug. 20, 2024, I voiced my disagreement over a pay raise for the city attorney during the meetings public comment period. I had prepared evidence to back up my views and started to explain why I did not believe he was due for a raise. But before I could make my case, I was interrupted by Mayor Skip Hall, who said I was breaking a city rule prohibiting charges or complaints against any employee of the city or members of the body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I told him that was unconstitutional. The First Amendment guarantees us the right to criticize government officials and, in fact, a federal court had already found a comparable policy violated the First Amendment. Surprise was eager to use its policy against me Rebekah Massie. But Mayor Hall would not hear anything about it. He warned me to stop talking, summoned the police chief to silence me and said the same thing would happen whenever anyone attacked city officials in a public meeting. For that, I was handcuffed in front of my 10-year-old daughter and removed from the council chamber. I was taken to a detention center and held there for 90 minutes with no knowledge of where my daughter was. This wasnt an accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just two weeks earlier, the council voted to keep in place a rule against complaining about city officials. The mayor had made it abundantly clear that he did not like my criticism he would audibly groan whenever I approached the podium. On Aug. 20, he was ready and waiting to use the no-complaints policy as soon as I said anything he did not like. Its been a year, but Im still affected by what happened. It has complicated my family situation. My mental health has suffered. Ive even dealt with reputational damage. After the meeting, the council took to media outlets to denounce me claiming I would be charged with resisting arrest and other misdemeanors in addition to trespassing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police chief said my arrest was an example that officers should follow part of the citys philosophy. And a city councilman, asked about what would happen if I sued over the no-criticism policy, retorted: Bring it on. City nixed the rule. A court dropped my charges Sadly, Im not alone in experiencing abuses of power like this. In 2022, the mayor of Eastpointe, Michigan, shouted down and censored four constituents who criticized her during city council meetings. In 2024, a resident was ejected from a municipal council meeting in Edison, New Jersey, for protesting an ordinance forbidding the use of props while addressing the council with a small American flag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2025, a woman was removed from the dais during a council meeting in Kyle, Texas, for criticizing a revision to the citys code of ethics. This behavior wont stop unless we fight back and we have. The free speech watchdog organization FIRE stepped in to defend the people of Eastpointe, Edison and Kyle. And thankfully, theyve supported me, too. After all the bring it on bravado, Surprise quietly eliminated the policy against criticizing city officials only after I was forced to sue them. And when a judge dismissed the criminal charge against me, he called them objectively outrageous. No consequences for council members or chief But thats not enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before my arrest, my only run-in with the law was a traffic stop. Im a mom. I work a regular job. My idea of a fun night is collecting all the platinum trophies in my favorite video games. Opinion: Surprise officials back down. Now they should pay up Still, I do consider myself an advocate. I take my civic duties seriously, and I believe that government transparency and justice are vital to a functioning society. Justice is accountability, but so far, there have been no consequences for the sitting council members who had me arrested for speaking. There has been no investigation into the Surprise police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This cannot stand. Many of these officials are up for reelection next year, and the people should know what theyve done before casting their votes. They tried to make an example of me. Its time we make an example of them: violate our First Amendment rights, and pay the price. Rebekah Massie is an advocate for liberty, a project manager by trade and a mother of three. Most recently, shes accepted the role of western regional organizer for You Are The Power. Reach her on X at @TheOtherMassie. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona officials who arrested me shouldn't get away with it | Opinion An Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute study details the barriers for employers interested in expanding work-based learning opportunities for both student and adult learners. (Getty Images) Hoosier employers want to work with students and adult learners seeking on-the-job training, according to a recent survey, but few take advantage because they dont have the time, capacity or funds. The newly released results from a summertime survey conducted by Chamberlin/Dunn, LLC on behalf of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, included 348 employers across 62 counties and 17 industries. Both Ivy Tech Community College and the Indiana Chamber Research Foundation supported the study, which had both small employers with less than 50 employees and larger employers with over 1,000 employees. We know that employer demand for workers continues to outpace Indianas supply of Hoosiers looking for work, leading to policy makers in the state to create robust youth and adult work-based learning and other talent development programming, said Stephanie Wells, the president of IFPI. This research was conducted, in part, to determine if that employer demand for talent translates into a willingness on the part of employers to participate in these programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight-five percent of employers were families with youth and adult training opportunities, but just 67% had trained a youth employee compared to 73% for adults. Smaller employers were less likely to have attempted either type of work-based learning. And while liability concerns and logistics for youth played a factor, especially for those under the age of 18, the top barrier to participation was staff capacity. Staff availability to manage trainees was the only listed barrier selected by more than half of respondents, according to the accompanying report, with 56% of employers opting for that survey choice. Staff workload ranked higher than legal or liability issues, compliance concerns, financial burden and buy-in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those that could support such work-based learning, most employers reported a capacity to serve between one to five students or trainees per year, regardless of their industry or company size. Only very large employers, with over 1,000 employees, reported being able to host more than 11 such workers. Indianas demand for apprenticeship is rising after education officials approved a massive high school diploma redesign last year. The new graduation plan includes more personalized learning pathways and experiences, including taking college courses while in high school and work-based learning opportunities and apprenticeships. More report details Widening their talent pipelines was also a key concern for employers, with most saying that identifying workers was a moderate challenge. One-quarter said it was a major challenge. Though smaller companies selected finances as a challenge more than large employers, over half of all respondents selected wage subsidies, direct grants or reimbursements as the most impactful to removing barriers. For adults, employers estimated they would need an incentive between $1,000 and $5,000 per trainee compared to $500-$2,499 for youth. Construction industries estimated needing more costs offset when compared to educational or health care industries. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction companies were also more likely to feel like their share of costs for such employees should be less than half, with the state helping to subsidize that education. At the other end, utilities and health care or social assistance employers said employers should cover most of the costs. With fewer barriers, 80% of employers said they would participate more in work-based learning opportunities for both student and adult learners. The 26-page report concluded with eight policy considerations as stakeholders consider work-based learning opportunities and hurdles. Policy options include: Targeting funding and technical assistance for small and mid-sized businesses Creating or expanding intermediary organizations Identifying training models such as remote or project-based learning and job shadowing Establishing incentive programs based on industry and organization size Investing in employer talent development programming Encouraging employers to review legal and compliance policies specifically for youth work-based learning Setting realistic benchmarks for employer participation Leveraging local and regional chambers, economic development initiatives and workforce organizations to support talent development Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are committed to contributing to the conversation around workforce and education policy by providing nonpartisan research that policy makers and community leaders can use while making critical decisions that impact Hoosier learners and businesses, Wells said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Hurricane Erin is barreling along the Atlantic seaboard and bringing with it dangerously high water levels, waves and rip currents. The safest move is to avoid the water altogether, but knowing what to do if you are caught in a rip is just as vital. Too often swimmers dont see the danger coming. On Good Friday 2017, Wyatt Werneth got a call from his wife, who had gone grocery shopping with their daughter: The cars broken down. Please rescue us. Werneth hopped in his vehicle to assist, driving by Patrick Space Force Base near Cape Canaveral, Florida. From the A1A highway, Werneth said you can see the ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What he saw next was a twist of fate that led to a much more urgent kind of rescue. I could see someone waving in traffic as I was going by. I pulled in to see what was going on; I had the immediate instinct that something was happening in the water, Werneth recalled to CNN Travel. When I came over the berm, I did not realize what I was getting into. There were multiple people in the water. And they were in trouble. Very serious trouble. Rip current kind of trouble. The scene would send chills of dread down anyones spine but at least Werneth was prepared. He is an experienced lifeguard instructor and had water rescue equipment with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with at least five people struggling in a vicious Atlantic rip current, how would he possibly save them all? The statistics are grim Tropical storm systems hundreds of miles out, churning up the sea, can still cause rip currents along the coastline. And when temperatures are high, the desire to take a dip in the water is strong. Be cautious, check local conditions and see below for more details about what to do if youre caught in one. People entering rough sea at Coney Island in New York City in July 2024. - Spencer Platt/Getty Images An estimated 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings happen every year in the United States an average of 11 drowning deaths per day according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your odds of drowning are much, much higher than being attacked by a shark or an alligator. World drowning statistics are even more shocking. There are an estimated 300,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide, according to the UNs World Health Organization. That comes out to an average of 822 people per day. And then there are the even more numerous nonfatal drownings. The CDC says people who survive a drowning incident have a range of outcomes: From no injuries to very serious injuries or permanent disability. The tragedy is many of these deaths and injuries are preventable, experts say. What can you do to enjoy the water be it ocean, river, lake or swimming pool safely and not join the ranks of drowning deaths? Turns out, a lot. Who is most at risk? Children aged under 5 years make up nearly a quarter of all drowning deaths, says WHO. - Westend61/Getty Images Knowing who is likely to drown is critical. At-risk groups need the most attention. In the United States, those include the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The youngest people: Children 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates, the CDC says, mostly in swimming pools. Males: They account for nearly 80% of fatal drownings in the United States. More risk-taking behaviors and alcohol use are cited as reasons. Across the world, WHO reports males have more than twice the fatal drowning rate of females. Minority groups: Fatal drowning rates for American Indian or Alaska Native people 29 and younger are two times higher than for White people. For Black people, the rate is 1.5 times higher than for White people. People with seizure disorders: People with conditions such as epilepsy are at a higher risk for drowning, and that can happen in a bathtub. Drowning prevention tips The CDC emphasizes the importance of learning basic water safety skills, saying formal lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, children who have had swimming lessons still need close and constant supervision when in or around water, the agency notes. Dont get distracted by TV, books or the phone when watching children in the water. Learning basic swimming and water safety skills can reduce the risk of drowning, says the CDC. - Spencer Platt/Getty Images If youre drinking alcoholic beverages, stay out of the water and dont go boating. Impaired judgment and slow reactions can lead to tragedy. People in boats and weaker swimmers should wear life jackets, especially in open water. And keep an eye on the weather. Exit if theres a thunderstorm or heavy rains. Know the water environments Understand the waters youre about to enter. Different bodies of water carry different types of dangers: OCEAN RIP CURRENTS Rip currents flow away from shore. They often form at breaks in sandbars and close to piers and rock groins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look for signs of a rip current before entering, says the United States Lifesaving Association. That can be a narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater, a difference in water color or a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward. A man watches the waves from the pier in Daytona Beach on August 20, 2025, as Hurricane Erin passes offshore. - David Tucker/News-Journal/USA Today Network/Imagn Images Heres what to do youre caught in one: Stay calm. Rip currents dont pull you underwater but do sweep you farther from shore. Dont swim against the current. Try to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, the USLA says. You may be able to escape by floating or treading water and ride the current out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre in trouble, yell and wave for help. If youre not trained, dont try to rescue people yourself. Seek a lifeguard, call 911 or throw a flotation device their way. Direct the person to swim parallel to the shoreline to escape. OTHER OCEAN TIPS The National Weather Service warns swimmers to watch out for shorebreak waves. They crash directly onto the sand and can batter and disorient swimmers. When in doubt, dont go out, said Wyatt Werneth, who is also the public service spokesperson for the American Lifeguard Association. Swim Guide advises people to swim in the hour before or the hour after low tide or high tide when waters are generally calmer. (But conditions can vary beach to beach). RIVERS Tubing and other activities are popular in rivers. But swift currents and obstacles below the surface or debris can be hazardous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Werneth said research the river before you enter. Students go river tubing along the Shenandoah River in Millville, West Virginia. - Hannah Beier/Reuters LAKES AND PONDS The placid waters of lakes and ponds can lull waders and swimmers into a false sense of security. Sharp, sudden dropoffs and debris under the water can startle or entangle people, Werneth said, leading to panic and drowning. He said go in with a swim buddy. Dive only in designated areas. The USLA says enter unknown waters feet first to avoid striking your head. Swimmers shouldnt stray into areas where personal watercraft and boats are speeding by. SWIMMING POOLS The National Drowning Prevention Alliance has this advice for pool owners: four-sided fencing with self-closing self-latching gates, door and window alarms, and safety covers can help make sure kids dont get to the water unsupervised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even if your children know how to swim, adults should still maintain a careful watch. Keep flotation devices on hand. BOATING The National Park Services Operation Dry Water reminds people that all vessels must carry personal flotation devices. Operation Rescue Back in 2017 at that Florida beach, Werneths task was daunting. But he had a cool head, decades of experience and, fortunately, a second experienced helper on hand that he later learned was from the Air Force. He was single-handedly pulling people out before I even got there. That Air Force guy was kind of coming back with one. I saw that he had one that was kind of going unconscious, and I immediately jumped in the water, swam out, grabbed the unconscious person and got him out. Werneth guesses that they were about 50 yards out, and he recalls they ended up pulling five male teens out of the water. They werent even in swimming attire, Werneth said, leading him to think it was a spur-of-the-moment decision to enter the ocean. Would the group have died without the rescue, which left him exhausted? I assure you they all would have. These people were going in to help each other, and it caused a chain reaction. Do not go into the water to assist anyone without a flotation device, he said. It was perfect timing that I showed up and happened to be there to help those guys. All because the family car had broken down. But not everyone can rely on luck. In the end, you need water confidence, gained by experience and respect for the water. The fear is what generates the panic which generates the drowning. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com HONOLULU (KHON2) A suspect has now been formally charged in connection with a disturbing acid attack that left a man permanently scarred. Suspect in Chinatown acid attack has been arrested On Tues., Aug. 19, just after 4:30 p.m., the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney charged 34-year-old Marquis Johnson with assault in the first degree. His bail was set at $500,000. Earlier this week, on Sun., Aug. 17, Johnson turned himself in to the police where detectives took him into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This charge stems from an incident on Aug. 8, in Chinatown, where Johnson threw acid on a man, causing serious permanent disfigurement and scarring. Under Hawaii law, first-degree assault is a Class B felony, with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Prosecutors said the high bail reflects both the severity of the crime and the safety of the community. Court documents indicate that Johnson intentionally or knowingly caused serious bodily injury, which according to state law, includes permanent disfigurement and the protracted loss or impairment of physical function. Because Johnson was charged by information, he did not make a court appearance on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Mon., Aug. 25. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. KINGSTREE, S.C. (WBTW) Kingstree police arrested a suspect in a July homicide on Tuesday after a nearly three-hour standoff. Charles Britt faces weapons-possession charges in connection with a shooting that killed Tevin Goodman, according to online Williamsburg County public records. Police said Goodmans body was found last month on Railroad Avenue. Police Chief Kimberly Marlow said authorities were able to connect Britt to Goodmans death after a nearly monthlong investigation, and on Tuesday, went to his home on Queens Circle in the Green Acres Community to serve an arrest warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He refused to cooperate, so a SWAT team from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was called in to assist with his arrest. He was taken to the the Williamsburg County Detention Center to await a bond hearing, and police said he could face additional charges. Marlow said help from the public ultimately led authorities to Britt. The connection was made through the evidence that was collected during our investigation, which is still ongoing, and there were witnesses as well as physical evidence that was given that gave us [by] Mr. Britt. Marlow said there have been nine gun-related homicides so far this year in Williamsburg County and that they are actively investigating two that happened in the Kingstree city limits, including the death of Goodman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That being said we are asking for any help in the community on solving the one that happened on North Brooks Street, that was the double homicide, as well as any information pertaining to this murder, Marlow said. If there is anything anyone can help us with, we are always, always asking for help. * * * Eric Cooper is a multimedia journalist at News13. He joined the team in September 2024 and covers stories in the Pee Dee. He is a native of Cades in Williamsburg County and a proud graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and Benedict College. You can 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. GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) A months-long investigation by the Gallatin Police Department led to the arrest of an alleged MS-13 gang member early Wednesday morning. Around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, Gallatin officers and the Sumner County Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant along Starpoint Drive at the home of Denzel Santana, who was taken into custody. This was an organized drug organization that was run through MS-13, GPD Capt. Lamar Ballard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mt. Juliet man accused of trafficking drugs during high-end parties in Nashville News 2s Andy Cordan was nearby as authorities brought the 23-year-old to the Sumner County jail. Cordan tried to get Denzels side of the story, but he said, I wouldnt like to speak at this time. Appreciate you, though. During the raid of the home, investigators found 5 pounds of marijuana, half a pound of mushrooms, 260 THC vapes, and 74 oxycodone pills. They also discovered two semi-automatic weapons, including an AR-15 pistol. In addition, law enforcement seized a box with $10,778, along with a black and white piece of artwork that has devil and clown symbolism. The art not only shows a masked man holding an assault weapon, but MS-13 is clearly visible in the picture in several areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police told News 2 Denzel is a confirmed MS-13 gang member. (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) We found paraphernalia that indicates that. We had that on our books and actually targeted this individual because of that, Ballard said. As he approached the waiting patrol car, Denzel told News 2 he does not have ties to MS-13. However, Denzels father, Jaime Smiley Santana, also of Gallatin, was reportedly sentenced in 2021 to just over nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to participating in a racketeering conspiracy and participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. According to a 2021 press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, Jaime was the highest ranking non-incarcerated member of the L.A. Program of MS-13 in the U.S. prior to his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he was being placed in the patrol car, News 2 asked Denzel if he had any last statements, to which he replied, No, sir. Just hope everybodys having a good day. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Our investigators did a tremendous job on this, and I cant be more proud of them, Ballard added. Like I said, this is a huge win for the Gallatin Police Department; its a huge win for the City of Gallatin and its residents. Denzel is charged with drug- and weapon-related offenses and being held on a $750,000 bond, but police said the investigation is still ongoing. If you have any information about this case, youre asked to call 615-452-1313. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BEAUFORT, N.C. (WNCT) The Washington Police Department is searching for a man who broke into a Beaufort County ABC store and stole a bottle of vodka. On August 17, 2025, the Washington Police Department responded to an alarm at the Beaufort County ABC Store. A front window was broken, and a bottle of vodka was missing. The individual used a cinder block to gain entry and remove the liquor. The Washington Police Department is assisting the Beaufort County ABC Board with the investigation. Photo courtesy of Washington 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 WNCT. Thailand's suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrived at court on Thursday to testify in a case seeking to remove her from office over her handling of the kingdom's border row with Cambodia. Paetongtarn, daughter of controversial but influential billionaire ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is accused of failing in her duties by not standing up for the country properly in a call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, audio of which was leaked online. The Constitutional Court, which ousted her predecessor as prime minister a year ago in a separate ethics case, will rule next Friday on whether Paetongtarn should be thrown out of office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court suspended Paetongtarn from office last month and summoned her to answer questions in the case on Thursday -- her 39th birthday. Dressed in a black business suit, Paetongtarn smiled and greeted reporters as she arrived at court in Bangkok with Prommin Lertsuridej, a top adviser who is named in the case with her. The case centres around her call in June with Hun Sen, Cambodia's longtime ruler and father of its current premier, which focused on the two neighbours' then-brewing row over their disputed border. In the call, Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen as "uncle" and referred to a Thai military commander as her "opponent", sparking a furious reaction in Thailand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative lawmakers accused her of kowtowing to Cambodia and undermining the military -- a hugely powerful institution in Thailand. The main partner in Paetongtarn's ruling coalition walked out in protest at her conduct in the leaked call, a move that almost collapsed her government. A group of senators filed a petition with the Constitutional Court arguing Paetongtarn should be removed from office for breaching constitutional provisions that require "evident integrity" and "ethical standards" among ministers. If the verdict goes against her, Paetongtarn would become the third Shinwatra to be ousted early as premier, after her father and aunt Yingluck -- both thrown out in military coups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thai politics has been driven for two decades by a battle between the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and the Shinawatra clan, whom they consider a threat to the kingdom's traditional social order. As well as precipitating a political crisis, the call -- released in full online by Hun Sen -- plunged Thai-Cambodian relations into turmoil. Later in June, the border row erupted into the two sides' deadliest military clashes in decades, with more than 40 people killed and 300,000 forced to flee their homes along the border. tp-pdw/cwl Thailand's suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra testified on Thursday in a case seeking her removal from office over her handling of the kingdom's border row with Cambodia. Paetongtarn, daughter of controversial but influential billionaire ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is accused of failing in her duties by not standing up for the country properly in a call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, audio of which was leaked online. The Constitutional Court, which ousted her predecessor as prime minister a year ago in a separate ethics case, will rule on Friday next week whether Paetongtarn should be thrown out of office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court suspended her from office last month and summoned her to answer questions in the case on Thursday -- her 39th birthday. Dressed in a black business suit, Paetongtarn greeted reporters as she arrived at court in Bangkok with Prommin Lertsuridej, a top adviser who is named in the case with her. She answered judges' questions for around an hour and a half, but the court has issued an order banning any reporting of what was said during the hearing. As Paetongtarn left the court, she smiled and waved at a small group of supporters outside. The case centres around her call in June with Hun Sen, Cambodia's longtime ruler and father of its current premier, which focused on the two neighbours' then-brewing row over their disputed border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the call, Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen as "uncle" and referred to a Thai military commander as her "opponent", sparking a furious reaction in Thailand. Conservative lawmakers accused her of kowtowing to Cambodia and undermining the military -- a hugely powerful institution in Thailand. The main partner in Paetongtarn's ruling coalition walked out in protest over her conduct in the leaked call, a move that almost collapsed her government. A group of senators filed a petition with the Constitutional Court arguing Paetongtarn should be removed from office for breaching constitutional provisions that require "evident integrity" and "ethical standards" among ministers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Bloody conflict - Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who has been in office since Paetongtarn's suspension, said he thought she acted in good faith during the call. "I believe there was nothing that affected the country's security, and I trust her intention to keep Thailand out of conflict," he told reporters. As well as precipitating a political crisis, the call -- released in full online by Hun Sen -- plunged Thai-Cambodian relations into turmoil. The border row erupted into the two sides' deadliest military clashes in decades, with more than 40 people killed and 300,000 forced to flee their homes along the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the verdict goes against her, Paetongtarn would become the third Shinwatra to be ousted early as premier, after her father and aunt Yingluck -- both thrown out in military coups. Thai politics has been driven for two decades by a battle between the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and the Shinawatra clan, whom they consider a threat to the kingdom's traditional social order. Thaksin, 76, faces his own day of reckoning on Friday when a Bangkok criminal court gives its verdict in his lese-majeste trial. He could face up to 15 years in jail if found guilty in the case, which relates to an interview he gave with South Korean media 10 years ago. tp-pdw/sco President Donald Trump took heat from a major swing-state governor and potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender who scoffed Wednesday at the idea of eliminating mail-in balloting by fiat. "Donald Trump can sign whatever the hell executive orders he wants to sign and make a show out of whatever he wants, but he can't change the Constitution with an executive order," Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a press conference in Harrisburg. "The Constitution gives the authority to set our election rules to the states." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Slams Mail-in Ballots As Corrupt, But May Not Have The Power To Derail Them "Let me remind you that it was just about five years ago that a bipartisan majority in the House and in the Senate passed mail-in voting. "And, [since] that time, millions of people have voted by mail," Shapiro said. He was referring to Act 77 of 2019, which several Republicans supported but later accused Democrats and left-leaning judges of substantially altering. Read On The Fox News App President Donald Trump and Gov. Josh Shapiro Shapiro said Pennsylvania has enjoyed "free and fair" elections, adding Trump has both won and lost the commonwealth in contests throughout his political career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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 any Trump order will have "no bearing" on Keystone State elections, and he will support county election officials in all 67 counties in permitting mail-in voting. 2028 Hopeful Challenges Trump's Juvenile Surgery Ban While Opposing Women's Sports Bill Restrictions A Pennsylvania welcome sign greets drivers on U.S.-222 entering Peach Bottom, Pa., from Maryland, in 2022. Former Pennsylvania House Speaker Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, lambasted the bipartisan mail-in-vote law Shapiro referenced, accusing Democrats and the popularly-elected Pennsylvania Supreme Court of "diluting" it from its original purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Only one party [worked to] eliminate security safeguards and delay the timelines for elections," Cutler said in an LNP column, adding the Democrat-controlled high bench "unconstitutionally acted to change the law for receiving and counting ballots [and] allowed for drop boxes and stripped the security provisions for mail-in ballots." The Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa. On Monday, Trump foreshadowed changes to the election system, pledging to "lead a movement to get rid of mail-in ballots." Trump wrote on Truth Social he would sign an executive order in that regard to "help bring honesty to the 2026 midterm elections," saying states are "merely agent[s]" for the federal government. Asked for comment, the White House pointed to remarks White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made in Thursday's briefing: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The White House continues to work on this, and when Congress comes back to Washington, I'm sure there will be many discussions with our friends on Capitol Hill and also our friends in state legislatures across the country to ensure that we're protecting the integrity of the vote for the American people," Leavitt said. "And it's quite mind-boggling that the Democrat Party could stand in opposition to common sense. He wants to ensure election integrity. There were great efforts that were made in 2024," she added. Original article source: Swing-state governor slams Trump's plan to nix mail-in voting: He can sign whatever the hell he wants (NewsNation) Actress Sydney Sweeney addressed backlash for her bathwater soap project, though shes keeping mum on the blowback from her recent American Eagle ad. Sweeney, 27, partnered with Dr. Squatch in May to create and sell a soap made with her bath water, Sydneys Bathwater Bliss. Despite outrage online, it sold out in seconds, according to the company. It was mainly the girls making comments about it, which I thought was really interesting, Sweeney said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal published Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly Clarksons talk show will not be delayed after exs death She likened her soap collab to co-star Jacob Elordis standout bathtub scene in the 2020 film Saltburn which inspired a questionably scented candle. When it came to the risque scene and products surrounding it, they all loved the idea of Jacob Elordis bathwater, Sweeney said. A billboard of actress Sydney Sweeney is seen outside an American Eagle store on Aug. 01, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Sydney Sweeney at Lionsgates Americana Los Angeles Special Screening held at Desert 5 Spot on Aug. 03, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images) This image released by Sony Pictures shows Glen Powell, left, and Sydney Sweeney in a scene from Anyone But You. (Brook Rushton/Sony via AP) Sydney Sweeney attends the Echo Valley New York premiere at AMC Lincoln Square 13 on June 04, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) Sydney Sweeney wont comment on American Eagle ad: Report Though the soap squabble made a splash, Sweeney has since been at the center of another controversy this time about her good jeans. An American Eagle campaign launched in July featured Sweeney in head-to-toe denim. In the ad, she says genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My jeans are blue, she finishes. Book on Prince Andrew cuts claim that Trumps met through Epstein The ad received criticism online, with some claiming it promoted eugenics and reinforced white beauty standards. Though American Eagle has defended the ad, Sweeney has remained silent. The actress wont comment on that ad or its blowback, according to the Journal. Justin Baldoni refutes allegations he harassed actress Isabela Ferrer The discussion was so widespread, President Donald Trump weighed in: If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic. Sweeney registered as a Republican in 2024, according to Floridas publicly accessible voter information database. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNations Teddy Grant 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 Norwegian Refugee Council said on Thursday that the world is failing the Syrians who have returned home. Syrians are returning to their country after the fall of the Assad regime. However, the millions who have returned home, some of them after being internally displaced in Syria, continue to require support. The Norwegian Refugee Council said on Thursday that the world is failing the Syrians who have returned home. According to the report, regional and international donors must seize this unprecedented opportunity to invest in Syrias recovery and to support the many who are finally returning home, but find nothing but ruins, urges the Norwegian Refugee Councils (NRC) Secretary-General Jan Egeland, on a visit to the country this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egeland said, As I again visit Syria, I see thousands of families returning to their original communities, from within the country and from neighbouring countries. These are people brimming with ideas and hope after a decade of misery. But incredibly, there is hardly any assistance to help people rebuild lives, homes, and livelihoods after years of investments in emergency relief efforts when return was only a dream. The international community cannot fail Syrians now, with recovery so close at hand. One of the key data points regarding return relates to people who have returned from camps across Syria where they had been displaced. A total of 800,000 people having left camps across Syria to go back home, the pressure on areas of return has increased dramatically, the report says. However, the NRC's assessments show that people are returning to large-scale infrastructure damage, an absence of basic services such as education and electricity, and disputes over home ownership. The resulting competition over resources has contributed to local conflicts among community members in villages and cities. Local tensions are being exacerbated by the insufficient services available to those trying to rebuild their lives. Norwegian Refugee Council Secretary-General Jan Egeland, April 2025. (credit: European Union via Wikimedia Commons) The struggle in Syria is that the country remains poor and also divided. Turkish forces operate in northern Syria. Israel operates in southern Syria. In eastern Syria, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces control around a third of the country. The Syrian government wants to unify the country but faces hurdles. It has trouble controlling its own security forces, for instance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the US and other countries are supportive of Syria, the country requires a lot of investment. While Gulf countries and Turkey have vowed support, it will take time to build up infrastructure. Many cities in Syria were destroyed during the civil war. The international community is also focused on the conflict in Gaza, which will also require reconstruction eventually. Egeland said that across the country, the destruction stretches as far as the eye can see. I met with families who have returned from displacement camps to find nothing left of their homes: no walls or doors, no electricity, no clean water, and no job to be able to pay for repairs. This is no way to return, and this is no way for Syria to rebuild. This is the moment we all have been longing for, when we can support Syrians with the aid and investments needed to rebuild homes, schools, hospitals, and roads. We cannot fail them now. Poor infrastructure exacerbating the problem The struggle facing the estimated 2.5 million Syrians who have returned home is that they need basic services such as water and other infrastructure. They also need to be able to rebuild schools and receive electricity. In neighboring Iraq, there is also a struggle by people to get 24-hour electricity, illustrating the weak infrastructure in the region. The displaced people I met in camps in Idlib said they are longing for the day they can return to their communities. They asked, why can you not help us to rebuild?. I think that Europe, the US, and the Gulf countries would be making an enormous strategic mistake if they do not now invest in solving one of the worlds largest refugee and displacement crises. We in NRC have proven that we can rebuild communities for those returning from both camps in Syria and from abroad. But we have been surprised to see how hard it is to find funding for these durable solutions, Egeland added, according to the NRC report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also noted that recent clashes in Sweida led to 192,000 people being displaced. The latest displacement emergency in the south is a stark reminder that safety guarantees and protection for all communities must be at the center of all recovery efforts. People fled as their homes were burnt down, with some seeking refuge in camps 400 kilometers away in the north, Egeland noted. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport has joined a national initiative to make it easier for families to get through Transportation Security Administration passenger screening easier. (Getty image) Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport has joined half a dozen other U.S. airports in opening a dedicated screening lane for families to get through security easier. The new family lane has handled about 1,500 passengers a day since Aug. 6, when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the Families on the Fly campaign at the Warwick airport, TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dedicated family lane is open to people traveling with children ages 12 and under, and the whole family including aunts, uncles, and grandparents is welcome to use it, according to the TSA. When a family approaches the security podium, a TSA officer will ask if they are traveling as a family, and direct them to the appropriate dedicated lane which is marked at T.F. Green with a sign. Weve gotten nothing but good feedback on it, Velez said in an interview. People seem to love it. A spokesperson for T.F. Green did not immediately respond to a request for comment. At T.F. Green, the family lane is set up in one of the airports widest checkpoints to accommodate strollers and extra carry-ons. Officers are also available to assist families with bags, strollers, and other items, Velez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can be quite a task when youve got a few kids running around, he said. Families using the lane will still follow standard TSA screening, unlike PreCheck, which lets travelers keep on belts and light jackets and leave laptops and liquids in their bags. But as part of the Families on the Fly initiative, the agency is offering a $15 discount on PreCheck enrollment when two adults sign up together. (TSA now allows all passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on at security screening checkpoints.) Children 12 and under can accompany parents through TSA PreCheck lanes. Kids ages 13 to 17 may also join if theyre on the same reservation and their boarding pass shows the PreCheck indicator, according to the agency. The national campaign officially launched in July at Orlando International Airport in Florida. Along with T.F. Green and Orlando, family lanes are now open at the following airports: John Wayne Orange County Airport in California, Orlando International Airport in Florida, Jacksonville International in Florida, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Hawaii, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma, and Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lanes are expected to open at additional airports across the country, including Tampa International Airport where a family lane is scheduled to open on Monday, Velez said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX New details have emerged regarding the death of T-Hood, the emerging Atlanta rapper was shot and killed at his residence in Snellville, Georgia, earlier this month. The official autopsy report has revealed T-Hood, born Tevin Hood, was shot multiple times from behind. The Gwinnett County MEs report, obtained by TMZ, confirmed the gunshot wounds were on Hoods back, abdomen, buttocks, and lower right and left thighs. The document says Hood pulled a gun during a heated argument with 2 other people inside his Georgia home but someone opened fire in self-defense, killing the rapper on August 8. He was rushed by ambulance to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was dating Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta stars Kirk and Rasheedas daughter Kelsie at the time. The shooter has not yet been confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tragic shooting is currently being investigated as a possible self-defense act. Gwinnett County authorities confirmed the suspect they brought into custody has been identified as Ky Frost, the eldest son of Kirk and Rasheeda. The outlet clarified the autopsy report does not reveal anything [Gwinnett County Police Department] didnt already know. And although the rapper was shot in the back, the incident is still being investigated as a self-defense shooting. According to law enforcement, the incident occurred following a domestic dispute at the residence, where Farmer resided, in which a woman was assaulted and sustained physical injuries as a result. Police say the conflict escalated before the shooting took place. T-Hood made waves in the Atlanta music scene with energetic, bass-heavy tracks like READY 2 GO, Big Booty, Load Up, and Perculator. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A shuttered Tacoma Starbucks has been transformed into a sunny new Yemeni cafe among the first of its kind in Washington state specializing in subtly spiced coffee and Adeni tea, accompanied by locally made desserts. Sanaa Cafe, a California-based coffee and dessert shop, officially opens Thursday, Aug. 21 at 2505 S. 38th Street, joining Pho Saigon House and the also-new Kona Hawaiian Barbecue at Lincoln Plaza. Its steps away from the Islamic Center of Tacoma, which moved to a 70,000-square-foot former fitness center in 2022. The idea is to attract the Middle Eastern community, but also everybody else, said Adam Saleh, who owns and operates the Tacoma cafe in partnership with the companys founders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sadeq Alaqel and his brother opened the first Sanaa Cafe in San Francisco just two years ago. It was a smashing success that quickly led to an expansion across the state to Oakland, Sacramento, Los Angeles and Orange County, with several more on the way. Saleh is already working on a second location in a prominent Seattle neighborhood, he said, and anticipates a third between SeaTac and Kent. Sanaa Cafe, among the first Yemeni coffee and tea shops in Washington state, is now open at 2505 S. 38th St. in Tacoma. Gamal Alaqel is visiting from Los Angeles to train the staff. Kristine Sherred/ksherred@thenewstribune.com Yemeni cafes first took off in the U.S. in Michigan, especially in Dearborn, home to one of the largest Arab populations in the United States. They have since flourished in other cities with prominent Muslim communities, including in New York, Texas and California. Their allure is multifaceted, appealing not only to Yemenis and the broader Arab American diaspora but also to anyone in search of something different or as a nonalcoholic alternative to bars. Nearly 4 million people of Arab descent live in the U.S., according to the Arab American Institute, including around 80,000 in Washington state. The Yemeni population is generally estimated to be around 200,000. Nearby examples are limited, but One Million Cafe in Seattles Greenwood neighborhood runs til 11 p.m. daily. Taste of Yemen in Kent and Cafe Yemen in Renton offer a full-service Yemeni dining experience. In the Puget Sound, Asian dessert cafes have become increasingly prevalent for similar reasons. See: Jade Lounge by the Target in Central Tacoma, One Day Cafe in Lakewood, Onit Cafe in Federal Way or any number of bubble tea shops along the Interstate 5 corridor as proof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gamal Alaqel flew in from Los Angeles to train the Tacoma staff, already more than a dozen people. The cafe he manages in Lake Forest, south of Irvine, stays open until 11 p.m. on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends and its busy, he said, especially during Ramadan. The Tacoma cafe will likely operate 6 a.m.-midnight, said Saleh. Yemen is considered the birthplace of modern coffee, the plants cultivated by monks in the 15th century and the beans shipped across the Middle East and Europe. Today, the war-torn countrys rich history with the crop has deflated, but a band of young entrepreneurs in America has worked to change the course. At just 33 years old, Saleh, who is also a real estate agent, is one of them. His brother Burhan Saleh opened Bs Hot Chicken (formerly a franchise of Als Hot Chicken) in University Place, while the pair plus a third brother also own Outdoor Recreational Gear off Sixth Avenue. Saleh said finding a local bakery to produce the Yemeni pastries was the most challenging part of opening the cafe. Specialties include (clockwise from top) chicken fatayer, saffron tres leches and sabayah. Kristine Sherred/ksherred@thenewstribune.com In an interview this week, Saleh noted the history of Mokha, a once-bustling port in Yemens capital city of Sanaa known for its naturally sweet coffee. Every drink at Sanaa Cafe is brewed with freshly ground Arabic coffee, sourced directly from Yemen and roasted in San Francisco. You can order a standard espresso drink (Americano, latte, etc.) but youll want to try one of the Yemeni specialties ($4.49-$5.99). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything youd find in a regular coffee shop youll find here, but we also have Yemeni specialties, said Saleh, whose family emigrated from a small village in Yemen to Tacoma in the 2000s. The flagship Sanaani features a medium roast with cardamom, while the Jubani adds coffee husks (finely ground), ginger and cinnamon to the spice mix. Another highlight is the Adeni chai, a classic Yemeni black tea cooked to order with cardamom and evaporated milk; visit with a group to enjoy it straight from glass pot to pretty teacup ($9.49-$19.95). Most options are also available iced. Other sips include refreshers (lemonades, fruit teas and spritzers) and smoothies ask for the mango swirled with Vinto, a currant and black carrot cordial. Theres also matcha, which, Saleh laughed, isnt Yemeni at all, but the whisked green tea is too popular these days not to have it. Since early July, the Tacoma cafes Instagram has been brimming with enticing videos of traditionally prepared Yemeni coffee and tea poured from ornate carafes into delicate cups. More recently, the shop has shared another exciting reason to visit: a pastry case full of cakes, breads and other treats made exclusively for Sanaa by an undisclosed Pierce County bakery. Adeni tea is prepared to order with spices, evaporated milk and sugar, sweetened to your preference. Enjoy a full pot with friends. Kristine Sherred/ksherred@thenewstribune.com They include a variety of fatayar (handpies but here more like a snack wrap) and flavors of cheesecakes, tres leches-style cakes with the likes of saffron or pistachio-infused cream, croissants and muffins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finding a local bakery willing to learn to make the Yemeni treats was the most challenging part of opening the first cafe, said Selah. There are two things you will find in a Yemeni cafe: honeycomb and sabayah, he said. The first refers to khaliat nahl, a fluffy, kind of pull-apart bread little puffs filled with cream cheese, soaked in honey or condensed milk after baking. The second is also called bint al-sahn here a pizza-shaped slice of layers upon thin layers of yeasted bread, also slightly sweet and finished with honey and habbat al sawda, or Nigella seeds. The white-marble and gold-accented space feels brand-new, although the shape of the ceiling is leftover from its corporate coffee days. Selah secured the location last fall and construction started in February. Now he is eager to introduce Tacomans to Yemeni coffee culture as he and Sanaa eye building a real footprint in Western Washington. Sanaa Cafe - Tacoma By Yimou Lee, Ben Blanchard and Jeanny Kao TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan plans to boost defence spending by a fifth next year, surpassing 3% of gross domestic product, as it invests billions more in new equipment to better face down China and convince the United States it takes seriously calls to bolster its military. The move comes as China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past five years to assert its claims, which Taipei strongly rejects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Taiwan also faces calls from Washington to spend more on its own defence, mirroring pressure from the United States on Europe. This month, President Lai Ching-te said he wanted to boost defence spending to more than 3% of GDP next year. Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai told reporters that 2026 defence spending would reach T$949.5 billion ($31.27 billion). At 3.32% of GDP, the figure crosses a threshold of 3% for the first time since 2009, government figures showed. "This is another concrete demonstration to the world and to our people of our determination and ability to safeguard national sovereignty and security, maintain stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, and fulfil our shared responsibilities to the world," Cho said on Thursday. Taiwan was following the "NATO model" to include spending on the coast guard and veterans in total defence expenditure, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That represents a rise of 22.9% over this year, Hsieh Chi-hsien, head of the defence ministry's comptroller bureau, told reporters. The plans included several special defence budget proposals totalling T$117.6 billion, for new fighter jets and boosting naval defences among others, which had been widely expected from the defence ministry in the coming parliament session this year. Taiwan was including spending for the coast guard in its total defence budget for the first time, two senior officials briefed on the matter separately told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. "They are standing on the frontline," said one, referring to the coast guard, which figures in regular stand-offs with China's coast guard and would, in time of war, be pressed into the navy's effort to defend Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Facing new types of threat, including grey-zone tactics, it is necessary to include the coast guard in defence spending," the official said, referring to Chinese pressure tactics such as regular coast guard patrols near Taiwan's islands. Taiwan's government has made military modernisation a key policy platform and has repeatedly pledged to spend more on its defences given the rising threat from China, including developing made-in-Taiwan submarines. China's air force flies almost daily missions into the skies near Taiwan, and holds periodic war games, the last in April. China is also rapidly modernising its armed forces, with new aircraft carriers, stealth fighter jets and missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March China unveiled a rise of 7.2% in this year's defence spending, to 1.78 trillion yuan ($248.17 billion), outpacing its 2025 economic growth target of about 5%. ($1=30.3650 Taiwan dollars) ($1=7.1724 Chinese yuan) (Reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Clarence Fernandez) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wants planes that Immigration and Customs and Enforcement can use to fly immigrants to their home countries in order to help achieve the Trump administrations deportation quota, according to a report. The agency currently uses charter and commercial planes to transport immigrants from the United States. Noem is pushing to purchase planes for ICE to own and operate, sources told NBC News. DHS told The Independent it could not confirm this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Equipped with its own planes, ICE would potentially be able to deport twice as many people each month, former officials told the outlet. Historically, ICE has chartered eight to 14 planes at a time for deportation flights, which amounted to flying roughly 15,000 deportees per month from the U.S., Jason Houser, ICEs chief of staff from 2022 to 2023, told the outlet. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is reportedly pushing to buy planes for ICE to own and operate as the Trump administration hopes to achieve the largest deportation operation in the countrys history (AP) If the goal is to get to 30 to 35,000 removals a month, you would need to double the number of planes, Houser said. The Trump administration has set a target of deporting 1 million undocumented immigrants per year. Commercial aircraft could cost anywhere from $80 million to $400 million, so buying 30 of them with that price tag could amount to $2.4 billion to $12 billion, aviation experts at the Pilot Institute, which trains people to become pilots, told NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although he weighed whether ICE should purchase and operate its own aircraft, Houser said there weren't enough resources to do so. ICE spent $100,000 to $200,000 on each charter flight, he told the outlet. We only ever had 13 to 14 planes because of the amount of money and resources, Houser said of his time in the Biden administration. But President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act allotted $75 million for ICE over four years, giving the agency more spending power. As of the end of July, ICE had chartered just over 1,000 flights from the U.S., Tom Cartwright, a private citizen who tracks ICE flights, told NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each flight costs about $25,000 per hour, which pays for staffing costs and the aircraft itself, a former senior ICE official told the outlet. New planes would require pilots, flight attendants, security officers, and medical staff, as well as aircraft maintenance and ensuring FAA compliance. The president has vowed to carry out the the largest deportation operation in American history. At least 324,000 people have been removed from the U.S., as of last week, Noem announced. However, internal data seen by several news organizations suggests the figure is much lower. The New York Times claims there have been at least 180,000 deportations as of August while NBC News says there have been 100,000 to 150,000 deportations in Trumps first six months in office. By Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams BERLIN (Reuters) -Allied talk of sending European peacekeeping forces to protect Ukraine as part of a possible peace deal with Russia has sparked a backlash in Germany, a country still scarred by its militaristic Nazi past, even if the prospect remains remote. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has signalled openness to German participation in a possible peacekeeping mission in Ukraine while emphasizing that such a decision would require coordination with European partners and his own coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also noted that any troop deployment would likely require a Bundestag mandate, a challenge for a chancellor whose own appointment was only voted through on the second attempt. Russia is fiercely opposed to any troops from the NATO alliance being deployed and it is far from clear how such a force could work. Alice Weidel, the head of the surging far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) accused Merz's conservatives of war-mongering for even considering the idea of ground troops, slamming it as "dangerous and irresponsible". Even Merz's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned sending troops to Ukraine "would probably overwhelm us". There is unease in Germany over troop deployments given its Nazi past and more recent deployments to Afghanistan and Mali that were widely seen as failures. There is also a backlash against spending billions of euros on military aid for Ukraine when Germany's own economy is struggling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Policymakers meanwhile are nervous about overstretching Germany's long-neglected army and being sucked into a direct confrontation with a nuclear power. "Something like this is obviously extremely controversial in Germany," said Marcel Dirsus, Non-Resident Fellow at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University, adding that the government would tread very carefully. "There is no point expending political capital on something that might not actually come to pass," he said. It is tricky waters to navigate for Merz, who, after winning elections this year, has pledged to make Germany's conventional armed forces the most powerful in Europe, backed by hundreds of billions of euros in new borrowing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jens Spahn, the parliamentary leader of Merz's Christian Democratic Union party (CDU), wrote to lawmakers urging them to refrain from publicly speculating about the issue, according to a letter leaked to German media. Merz's popularity has sagged since winning office and the AfD, which has taken Russia-friendly positions and opposes weapons aid to Ukraine, is leading national opinion polls ahead of local elections next year. The AfD posted a mocked up image on X of Merz grinning above five young Germans with the words: "Merz wants to send YOU to Ukraine? We don't!" DIVIDED GERMANY French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have both spoken in favour of troop deployments in a post-war settlement, but Germans are more wary of the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Forsa survey commissioned by RTL/ntv, 49% of Germans would support Germany sending its own soldiers to a European peacekeeping force, but 45% oppose it - compared to much stronger majorities in favour in Britain and France. Scepticism is particularly strong in east Germany, where three states hold elections next year. Sven Schulze, state leader of Merz's CDU in one of those states, Saxony-Anhalt, told Stern magazine the Bundeswehr was barely in a position to deploy troops. It was much more important to build "a strong European security architecture," he said. "Anything else would overwhelm us as a country and also the Bundeswehr." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scepticism is even greater within Merz's junior coalition partner, the Social Democrats, who have traditionally argued more in favour of engagement with Russia. "Germany should stay out of this matter," Ralf Stegner, a lawmaker from the leftist, more pacifist faction of the SPD, told Der Spiegel. "The deployment of German soldiers in the region is also extremely difficult for historical reasons. For some, including Thomas Roewekamp, the CDU head of the parliamentary defence committee, German troops would be needed in the event of a permanent ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. "And to make deterrence credible, we must have military capabilities," he told broadcaster WDR 5's Morgenecho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the deployment, Merz on Monday said "it is too early today to give a definitive answer". (Reporting by Sarah Marsh, Matthias Williams, Rachel More, Madeline Chambers; editing by Philippa Fletcher) TAMPA Walter L. Smith II stood inside the roofless house in West Tampa, looking up at the clouds. Soggy books and splintered wooden planks, wet from a recent rainstorm, littered the ground. Shreds of a tarp hung from the waterlogged rafters. The carpet squelched with each of Smiths steps. The house at 905 N. Albany Ave. was once a Black history library founded by Smith IIs father, Walter L. Smith, former president of Florida A&M University. Opened in 2004, the library became a well-worn gathering spot for its West Tampa community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, nearly a year after Hurricane Miltons winds ripped its roof off, the building sits battered and unused. Smith II, 52, has been working to save it. To restore the library and its collection of thousands of books and artifacts, to welcome local kids back through its doors, to teach the history lessons he said are often neglected in school. But bureaucratic hurdles have stalled the already long and expensive process, Smith II said. This place was, and still is, the mecca for us to gather and talk about Black history, about our history, he said. Im doing everything I can to save it. The library is gone Smith IIs father founded the library to teach West Tampa kids about Black and African history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was more than MLK Jr., more than Barack Obama, his son said. Smith taught kids about ShirleyChisholm, the first Black woman to serve in Congress, and about the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. He spoke of local and state history, too, showing kids his collection of yearbooks from the dozen Black junior colleges across Florida. At its peak, Smith II estimated that hundredsof children or their families passed through the library each week, seeking conversation or a space to study after school. Some came for adult education classes. Othersused it as a meeting place for fraternities, sororities and local clubs. It felt like a home, said Jarvis El-Amin, a community organizer and friend of Smiths. El-Amin said people from all sorts of family backgrounds visited the library. Some were mentored by Smith, who helped them get into college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adults would come by and sit for hours and talk, and the kids would sit reading right up until bedtime, Smith II said, adding that many families asked to store their personal records photo albums, books, letters in the library. This is where they wanted to be remembered. The library closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the elder Smith died in November 2021, his son vowed to restore the community space, which he jokingly calls his fathers presidential library. He made progress. The library reopened with inconsistent hours in 2022 whenever Smith II, an environmental engineering consultant, had time to spare. He set up fundraisers, secured support from the citys Community Redevelopment Agency and planned to renovate parts of the property. Then, Hurricane Milton hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith II, who lives in Dunnellon, was already on his way to Tampa when he got the call last October. Walter, baby, I need you to hear me, his stepmother, who lives in a house behind the library, said. The library is gone. What do you mean? Smith II asked. He felt his heartbeat quicken, his brow grow slick with sweat. I mean, its gone, she repeated. The roof was torn off, everything is blown all down the alleyway. Its gone. He drove straight there. When I walked in, I literally dropped to my knees, he said earlier this month, standing beside the dilapidated building. He carried armfuls of paintings, statues and rare books into the house next door, once his grandparents home and later his fathers office. The house is now so cluttered that Smith II turns sideways to move through its tight hallways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of his fathers most valued possessions, salvaged from the library, are scattered haphazardly throughout the house. A signed, first-edition copy of Booker T. Washingtons autobiography, Up from Slavery, rests atop a stack of boxes near the entrance. A shoe anvil used by Smith IIs great-grandfather, on the plantation where he was enslaved, is tucked in aglass cabinet. Dad wouldve been devastated, Smith II said, his eyes glazing with tears. Family history Smiths story is one of second chances, his son said. He grew up among grapefruit trees, in a home behind the library building. I was a devil, Smithtold the then-St. Petersburg Times in 2010. He skipped elementary school classes andSunday church lessons so often that his mother sent her 7-year-old to live with relatives in Cairo, Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But trouble didnt stop with the move north. At 15, Smith fought a white teenager who had directed a racial slur at him. He had to run, Smith II said. They tried to kill him I mean, this was southern Georgia in the 1940s. There was a lynch mob coming for him." So he moved again, bouncing between relatives who offered to take him in. First to Tallahassee, then to Harlem, then to Korea after joining the military. A high school dropout, Smith returned to Tampa in 1957 and soon earned his diploma from St. Petersburgs Gibbs Junior College. He transferred to Florida A&Mfor his bachelors and masters degrees in chemistry and biology, and later earned his doctorate in education leadership from Florida State University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith led community colleges in Tampa and Boston before returning to Florida A&M to serve as its seventh president from 1977 to 1985. He then went to Malawi on a Fulbright scholarship and helped start a community college system in post-apartheid South Africa. When he returned to his native West Tampa, Smith was dismayed. These kids are suffering, he told his son. Theyre struggling academically, fighting, skipping school, out on the streets. Weve got to do something. So he bought the roughly 900-square-foot house next to his mothers home and filled it with books and artifacts from his personal collection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wasnt long before it became a beacon of education, somewhere kids could be nurtured, El-Amin said. Joe Robinson, chairperson of the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Areas Community Advisory Committee, agreed. It wasnt just a bunch of books or statues. Its a loss of culture. A more humane, compassionate Florida Fixing the library is no small task, Smith II said. Before Hurricane Milton, he estimated that renovations would cost around $500,000. In 2022, West Tampas Community Advisory Committee voted unanimously to pay for the project with Redevelopment Area money funding generated by taxpayers in West Tampa. Butafter the storm damage, Smith II said he isnt sure how much the renovations will cost. He guesses somewhere between $800,000 and $1 million. Smith II said hes applying for redevelopment agency grants, but isnt sure when the money will come. Hes fundraised for some of the up-front costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort is worthwhile, said Tampa City Council member Luis Viera. When we mainstream intolerance, when we mainstream cruelty, its because were forgetting about people like Dr. Walter L. Smith, Viera said. He pointed us to a more humane, compassionate Florida. Smith II said some recent changes in the state and federal education landscape target Black history. A 2023 change to Floridas teaching standards, for example, suggested that enslaved people developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. Theres a whole generation of kids Black, white, whatever that might not know this countrys real history, that it was on the backs of Black people that the economy was established," Smith II said, standing inside the main room of the library. The building whined with each gust of wind, and Smith IIs shoes sank into the sodden green carpet. When you dont support places like this, he said, gesturing to the posters and paperback books that still line the walls, youre wiping out that history. Our history. As has become habit when he visits the library, Smith II looked up through the rafters at the sky. Dark clouds gathered above, and he frowned. Rain was coming. Aug. 20MITCHELL The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture didn't make it to Mitchell after all on Wednesday but the South Dakota's congressional delegation still spoke to a full house of nearly 250 people during their annual ag policy forum at Dakotafest. Majority Leader John Thune, Sen. Mike Rounds, and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson were on the stage for an hour discussing federal policy issues ranging from trade and tariffs to agriculture workforce issues and the farm bill and efforts to make the U.S. populace healthier. In his opening remarks, Thune acknowledged that many parts of South Dakota are on pace for strong crop yields this year, but crop prices aren't cooperating to help farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Of course, the downside is that commodity prices are in the tank," Thune said. "Input costs are at an all-time high. And the margin for farmers across South Dakota is upside down. Things are going to have to change in order to restore profitability to agriculture." All three members of the delegation said they believe President Donald Trump deserves the time to work out trade deals with foreign countries. Johnson noted the state exports $5 billion in agricultural product every year, a figure that he believes will increase if Trump can negotiate trade deals. Trump said earlier this month that China could quadruple its soybean purchases but the American Soybean Association sent a letter to Trump this week saying that the nation's soybean farmers "cannot survive a prolonged trade dispute with our largest customer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rounds referenced Trump's proposed China idea and Johnson said he hoped Trump could pull it off. "I think if Donald Trump sticks the landing on the trade negotiations Mike was talking about, that (export) number could get pushed way up," Johnson said. "We are certain that we've got to have new trade deals," Rounds added. "We haven't had one now in six years." Thune used it as a chance to hammer the previous Biden administration, noting the former president didn't try to negotiate any trade deals. He said Trump is delivering on exactly what he campaigned on in terms of trade and tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think we have to give, in fairness to him, them and his administration an opportunity to see whether or not they can make this work for American businesses and American agriculture," Thune said. "And I think in the early going, there have been some successes. Now, I'm someone who historically has been skeptical of tariffs on trade, but I also have seen some of the wins that they've brought forward." Thune advocated for a three-pronged trade deal with South Korea and Japan working with the U.S. "China's trying to suck South Korea and Japan into their orbit," he said. "And I think a robust, trilateral trade agreement between the United States, South Korea and Japan would be an incredible deterrent to China when it comes to bad behavior. Because if you have an economic relationship with another country, you tend to have a national security relationship as well." Rollins, the expected headliner of the event, could not make it to Mitchell on Wednesday. Her spokesperson told the Mitchell Republic her air travel plans from Dallas to South Dakota were grounded due to weather conditions in Texas, and she wouldn't be able to make it. Her media office said it would notify the press when the trip can be rescheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event did not include questions from the audience. Instead South Dakota Farm Bureau member Jared Knock, of Willow Lake, led the discussion from a list of topics. Knock joked at the end of the discussion that perhaps organizers could use the agriculture secretary's absence as leverage to get Trump or Vice President J.D. Vance at Dakotafest in 2026. Some of the discussion that Rollins likely would have covered was still taken up by the elected leaders. Rounds commended the secretary for her role in helping remove the indictment that was looming over the Maude family in western South Dakota. The Maudes had been accused of violating federal law after a dispute regarding fencing and the property line next to the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. They were criminally charged under the Biden administration, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for South Dakota dropped the charges after Trump took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rounds said that's a reason he believes a landowner bill of rights needs to be passed, prioritizing the removal of permanent easements and instead putting them on a time period to be renewed. Johnson reiterated to the crowd that South Dakota's agricultural interests remain in the minority in Washington, given that only 29 congressional districts are filled with a majority rural population and South Dakota is one of nine states with more cattle than people, leaving that cattle caucus with only 18 members in the Senate. Rollins, from Texas, he said, understands production agriculture. "Maybe our colleagues don't understand it like we understand it, but we can still build a bipartisan consensus around things like the farm bill because these things really matter," Johnson said. Johnson said Rollins understands the agriculture world and understands how South Dakota farmers and ranchers operate. He referenced the recent draft of the Make America Healthy Again report, which Johnson said was "nowhere near as skeptical of modern production agriculture as some feared." Earlier this week, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement national media outlets reported the draft of the report suggests ways to help improve Americans' health but doesn't recommend severe restrictions on pesticides and ultra-processed foods, as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously campaigned against, arguing they harm children. "Secretary Kennedy obviously has some strong views on this subject, but there is always a push and pull within an administration with the agencies and departments that have jurisdiction over these issues," Johnson told the crowd. "I think that anything that gets done that gets implemented in this country will be in moderation, recognizing that this is a free country." Rounds said there's nothing wrong with looking to combat the chronic health problems that many Americans face. But he said he knows that American farmers are producing high quality food and they're "not the ones adding problems to it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not the American farmers and ranchers," Rounds said. "When you start processing it and taking it away from 'farm to the table,' ... when you add in lots of salt and stuff and so forth, anybody will tell you that's maybe not the healthiest thing to do." Responding to a prompt related to agriculture workforce and immigration, the three members of the South Dakota delegation commended Trump for securing the border that was "out of control," as Thune said. "It's not gonna happen unless President Trump agrees to work with us," Rounds said. "... But I do think also the fact that the president had employed folks in his businesses that were H-2Bs, he understands it, he gets it." Johnson said he was at the White House three weeks ago and the president said he wants the U.S. to be a country where hard-working, talented people from around the world can come and be part of the American Dream. It comes as Trump drastically tightened immigration policies. "Now the details get really messy, but I do think there is renewed interest in looking at how we can make these working programs serve our country's interests," Johnson said. Editors note: This clip is from Aug. 28, 2020 ST. LOUIS Taste of Black St. Louis, a popular Black-owned festival that showcased chefs and restaurants throughout the Missouri region, will not be returning this year. The eventnow cancelledwas supposed to take place on Sept. 12-14 at Soldiers Memorial Plaza. On Wednesday, Taste of Black St. Louis founder Aisha James said that funding was essential when it came to making the event possible. In 2024, Taste of Black St. Louis secured its first corporate sponsorship, which was a noteworthy achievement for the festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But because of widespread diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) cutbacks in 2025, many vendors chose not to participate in this years festival, according to James. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News She says these decisions from vendors made it financially impossible to host the event. Taste of Black St. Louis has hosted its festivals for the past eight years, and the gatherings have helped businesses, mentored Black and brown entrepreneurs, and created a community for those across the Missouri region. It has been a beautiful journey to witness these success stories and to be part of a movement that legitimized and elevated so many businesses in our community. While it is sad to see this chapter close, we understand that people have choicesand sometimes, we are not the chosen few, James said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses that registered for this years event were given a refund. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating allegations that a now-former West Greene High School teacher stole funds. The TBI provided News Channel 11 with a statement on Thursday, saying agents were investigating a former Greene County Schools employee who had allegedly stolen money from an organization. THP: 1 charged after crash on Highway 11 E According to the TBI, the employee had stolen from the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Educators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interim Director of Greene County Schools Christopher Malone confirmed the employee was an agriculture teacher at West Greene High School, but did not provide any further identification. Malone said the former teacher resigned on Aug. 13 shortly after being placed on leave. Malone also noted that, to his knowledge, no school funds were embezzled. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A mid-state city manager is facing charges of aggravated burglary, theft and stalking after a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation probe. A grand jury returned an indictment Aug. 20 against Lewisburg City Manager Roy Haislip, 61, who was booked into the Marshall County Jail on a $10,000 bond. He was later released on bail. The TBI said in an Aug. 20 release that District Attorney General Rob Carter requested the agency investigate allegations of theft involving Haislip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the probe, investigators found Haislip repeatedly contacted a city employee after being asked to stop, the release said. TBI also noted in the release that Haislip broke into the employee's home and took personal items. Mayor Jim Bingham said in a statement sent via email the arrest of Haislip was a "serious and troubling development for our community." The mayor did not provide an update on Haislip's job status. Bingham said none of the allegations were related to Haislip's work as city manager, and none occurred during work hours or involved misuse of city time, property or authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We understand the gravity of this moment and the concern it may cause," Bingham said in the release. "The city council and leadership team are taking all necessary steps to maintain the integrity of our government and to support our community through this process." Haislip's LinkedIn page said he has served as city manager since January 2022 for the town of about 12,000 people. Lewisburg is about an hour south of Nashville. City council member Vicki Michael declined to comment on Haislip's arrest. 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: Lewisburg city manager faces burglary, stalking charges VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) More than 100 employees of Virginia Beach City Public Schools are suing the superintendent, alleging he concealed information about double-digit health insurance premium hikes until after contracts for the year had to be signed. In a complaint filed Wednesday in Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 112 anonymous plaintiffs are asking for a jury to award them damages and a judge to issue an injunction that would prevent the school division from implementing the increased rates they say will irreversibly reduce their wages and benefits. The increases set to go into effect Jan. 1, 2026 were announced earlier this month to the school divisions more than 10,000 person workforce. Since then, some of those affected claimed their 4.5% salary increase and $650 bonus will be eaten up by their new health insurance payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit alleges Superintendent Dr. Don Robertson intentionally concealed the impending insurance premium increases to prevent a mass exodus of employees leaving VBCPS for other jobs and therefore to benefit the VBCPS system with renewal of employee commitments for the 2025-2026 school year. However as recently as last week, Robertson said an announcement on a rate hike was held off in the hopes a solution could be found. A gut punch, VBCPS staff face 110% plus hike in health insurance rates A letter from Virginia Beachs Consolidated Benefits Office said the increases stem from what was actually a healthcare insurance premium reduction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon the recommendation of former Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence in 2022, $8.5 million had been allocated to reduce the health care premiums by more than 110%. The [School] Board has been clear that we need to address this, and we know that lowered healthcare costs will make us more competitive in recruitment and retention and allow us to make substantial gains in rankings among other school divisions in Hampton Roads, Spence wrote. Over the last two years, $19 million was spent to continue the lower rates, according to the benefits office. This year, it was stated rising medical and pharmacy costs made it so the school division could no longer [be] able to absorb these increase. They should have known that when they agreed to work for the city of Virginia Beach this year, and they didnt, and thats why we have a cause of action, said Tim Anderson, the attorney who filed the suit on behalf of the teachers. That kind of bad faith dealing is low-hanging fruit that I think that we can do a lot of good for a lot of people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson, a former state delegate running as a Republican to unseat Del. Michael Feggans (D-Virginia Beach) this fall, said he is representing the teachers free of charge. He said the teachers are asking to remain anonymous to avoid retaliation. However, it was Anderson who first offered to take the issue to court, which had some wondering if the suit was politically motivated. Theres always going to be critics, Anderson said. Ive been in these fights for 25 years. I did it long before I was ever in politics. This is an easy thing for me to help a lot of people in the city of Virginia Beach. Im always doing things like this. People who arent going to politically like me are going to say whatever they want, and thats fine. Im in a fight with my own party right now. Im on the other side of my Republican school board here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While school board members in Virginia must run as independent, many seek political party endorsements. Currently, six of the 11-members identify as Republicans. Board Chair Kathleen Brown did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday and as of Wednesday afternoon, Robertson had not been served. On the dais last week, Brown said the writing appears to have been on the wall, but I dont know if it was right, hitting us in the head, until it did. Anderson wants the board to again request the use of reversion funds money budgeted but not spent by the district to go towards paying down the premiums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to ask them to spend $10 million of that, so that all the city workers, all the school workers will have the same health insurance premiums that they were bargaining for this year, Anderson said. Next school year. Everybody needs to go into this wide eyed, wide open. However Robertson stated he already tried Andersons approach. In November, he asked Virginia Beach City Council to use reversion funds for that purpose. Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson, who leads the effort to find concusses on City Councils budget, said City Council denied the request and maintains a position that reversion funds should only be used for one-time expenses. My position hasnt changed and nobody on City Council has brought up changing that position, Wilson said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that paying down the school employee premiums may not be looked upon favorably by city employees. The increased school district premiums will be closer to those currently being paid by city workers. A single city employee will pay $1,266.00 for a year of coverage, a single school employee would pay $1,265.80. But the school board workers are looking at a 110% increase, Anderson said. That is way too much to ask anybody to budget for and thats thats why this is different. ComplaintDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICOPEE When Michael Tremble thinks about what stands in the way of expanding his third-generation business Valley Communications Systems hiring enough talented people is near the top of his list. When his grandmother, Rita Tremble, founded the company 80 years ago, adding sound to movies was the talk of the town. The complex audio-visual systems Valley Communications sells and services now are wireless, connected to the internet, think independently and speak to each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need higher, technically skilled individuals to work alongside our installers and engineers, Tremble told The Republican. Were looking for people with this convergence of AV and information technology, people with IT literacy and clarity. Tremble isnt the only executive finding local talent pools are running dry. Others trying to fill full-time, permanent, high-tech positions are forced to look outside the area to New York City and Boston, said Tricia Canavan, CEO of Tech Foundry in Springfield. Desperate to fill roles, some local employers are even settling for contractors who agree to work remotely, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canavan and her team have taken a closer look at the region and found an untapped resource for executives like Tremble. This fall, Tech Foundry is launching Tech Bridge, a 9-month, free training program for recent (2022-2025) high school graduates from Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee who are not sure what to do next. A very large percentage of our high school graduates do not have a firm plan full-time college, military, apprenticeship, trades. Working a part-time job in retail or whatever is not a firm plan. Theres no firm pathway to a living wage that comes from that type of job, she said. Without a concrete plan, Canavan said many of these grads face a troubled future. They are at a very high risk of poor outcomes. They are five times more likely to become criminally justice involved, three times as likely to live in poverty and twice as likely to experience mental health challenges compared to their peers who have robust work and community involvement, she said. Free tuition and supplies Tech Foundry is actively recruiting around 18 students for Tech Bridge. The program and its supplies are free to students who are accepted. The operating costs about $15,000 per student are between $250,000 and $300,000 in all and are covered by private grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students will receive classroom and hands-on training in IT, audio/video, camera systems, lighting and a range of related subjects. Lian Duan, director of strategic initiatives, has developed Tech Bridges curriculum, based on research she conducted with dozens of local employers, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations and firms that will certify graduates. Duan said she believes Tech Bridge graduates will be exactly what local employers want. Because of the urgent hiring needs, students with solid training, the correct credentials and hands-on experience can progress quickly into a position, even a managerial position within a couple of years. This is tremendous for students who just graduated from high school, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan Bedford, 24, of Chicopee dropped out of the eighth grade when he was 16. I was confused in what I wanted to do. I was working dead-end jobs through warehouses and stuff like that just trying to figure out where I fit in, he told The Republican. Bedford recently earned his HiSET high school equivalency through the Valley Opportunity Council. With a fiancee and their two toddlers, he is relieved Tech Bridge accepted him. I have a strong fascination with technology, he said. Im very excited. Its a great opportunity and I cant wait to experience it. I hope to get a great career out of it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tech Bridge has a number of local business partners that are hosting field trips in which students can see first-hand what they would do if they held a high-tech job. The businesses are also offering potential employment to future graduates. Tech Bridge plans to help with the job search. Students will also learn what its like to serve their communities. Through partnerships with local, nonprofit organizations, the graduates will perform service activities. A major aspect of Tech Bridge is going to be social and emotional learning, said Keshia Maxwell, Tech Bridge director. People need a place other than home, work or school. We want to be the third place where students come and feel they have connections. They feel like theyre supported, and emotionally and psychologically safe, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When students leave Tech Bridge, Maxwell said they will receive several certifications needed when applying for jobs. Anyone choosing to pursue higher education will also have a head start, she said, because they will have earned college and university credits. Obstacle to growth Meantime, Valley Communications has grown to 90 employees and 60% of them need that level of expertise. Tremble, the companys leader, is trying to fill six positions and is having a hard time finding qualified candidates in Western Massachusetts. If the skill set and people we need to fill those positions exist here, were not doing a good job of finding them, he said. Talent exists everywhere, but Western Mass. can be an area where its difficult to attract talent. Without those people, we cant grow. Tech Bridge classes are scheduled to start Sept. 2. For more information, email techbridge@thetechfoundry.org or call 413-276-0609. Read the original article on MassLive. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) A company known for its autonomous inspection technology to track methane emissions in the air has launched a piece of tech to help combat emissions on oil and gas sites across the Permian Basin. At Percepto, this drone technology is helping on work sites from electric utilities to oil and gas rigs where an in-person presence isnt always possible. Theyre actually able to inspect sites, capture emissions, gas leaks, liquid leaks, pipelines, tank batteries, and wellheads, said Michael Lowder, Strategic Account Manager, Percepto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being able to get a better handle on it, again, mitigate [on-site leaks], thats a huge aspect, said Lowder. At the detection of any kind of leak, a verified notification is sent out to the respective company Perceptos drones are assigned to. Geolocations, timestamps, and relevant information are sent out such as what kind of leak is detected onsite. Lowder said companies in the energy sector are adjusting to new technology such as this. The oil field itself [is] going through a digital transformation phase. Whether thats leveraging technology to detect gas leaks, or being able to automate drilling rigs, its all big pieces of where [Percepto] sees the industry going, explained Lowder. According to Drone Operator, Holden Brecht, this advanced piece of technology has more than enough features to complete the needed tasks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This drone is a quadcopter. It flies using four different motors with four props. The payload is a visual RGB camera as well as an OGI (Optical Gas Imaging) camera, said Brecht. Whats unique about the OGI camera is it is specifically designed to look for gas emissions. The thermal camera is cooled down to roughly zero degrees Kelvin, near absolute zero, to make the thermal camera much more sensitive. These cameras are tuned to look for polycarbonates, explained Brecht. In 2024, Percepto partnered with Chevron to get a better look at operations across the Permian Basin and in Colorado. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) appeared Wednesday on Fox News for a softball interview, and spent several minutes railing against Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) and the Democratic Party before the channels jingoistic background music practically played him off. Newsom naturally pounced on the moment and shared the clip on X, formerly Twitter, to viral results. The governor instructed his followers to turn the sound on for Teds walk-off music treatment on Fox tonight, before arguing that Cruz has really lost it. Incredible, Newsom wrote Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruz was criticizing Newsoms leadership in California before the music started, citing high taxes, crime and regulation as purported reasons for people fleeing to Texas. He then hit Newsom for opposing President Donald Trumps federal takeover of Washington, D.C. Related: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Blames Trump For U.S. Regression During South Carolina Tour And yet Gavin Newsom and the rest of the Democratic Party, they exist for one purpose right now to hate Donald Trump, Cruz said Wednesday. You look at President Trump federalizing the police in D.C., just this week weve seen crime rates in D.C. plummet. And the Democrats like Gavin Newsom, they are booing, they are unhappy, he added, as the music started blaring. The corporate media, they are booing, theyre unhappy. And you know what this is illustrating? That all the rest of these Democrat cities could reduce crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruz continued criticizing Newsom for a full 20 seconds before Hannity cut to commercials. *SOUND ON* for Ted's walk-off music treatment on Fox tonight. Incredible. He's really lost it. pic.twitter.com/XIcghNCo2h Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 21, 2025 Cruzs final grievances centered on the homeless population in California, and brought up how Newsom in 2023 cleaned up all the homeless people and drug addicts in San Francisco to prepare for a political summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping but hasnt found a lasting solution to address the issue. Social media users couldnt ignore the music, however, which made it seem as though Hannity had had enough of him. Others seemed stunned that Cruz would rebuke anyone after infamously fleeing Texas for Mexico to escape a historic winter storm in 2021. Shouldnt he be on vacation somewhere? Oh, my bad.. no disasters in Tx now so he is back from Paris, wrote one user on X, with another person commenting: People claim Ted is a great debater and really smart. Ive never seen that in him though. Related: Gavin Newsom Is Talking Like Trump And It's Infuriating The Right Wednesdays interview arrived amid ongoing efforts spearheaded by Newsom to redraw Californias congressional maps. Former President Barack Obama endorsed the rare redistricting on social media Wednesday and called it a smart, measured approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom & Obama are lying and they are hypocrites, Cruz wrote later that evening. Related... Read the original on HuffPost GULFPORT, Miss. (WJTV) Gulfport police said a 15-year-old was arrested for bringing a gun onto school property and for shooting at a school bus. Police said Kaiden Jeremiah Ashford, of Gulfport, was arrested on August 20, 2025, and charged with with one count of possession of a handgun on school property and one count of shooting at a vehicle. One dead, one detained after Southaven shooting Officers responded to the area of Turnberry Avenue and George Street around 4:00 p.m. on August 18, 2025, in reference to a report of a person with a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Ashford was engaged in an argument with fellow students while riding a school bus. During the incident, police said the teenager was in possession of a firearm. After exiting the bus, investigators said Ashford fired the weapon several times in the direction of the school bus before fleeing the scene. Kaiden Jeremiah Ashford (Courtesy: Gulfport Police Dept.) Ashford was transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Center. He is being held on a $1 million bond. Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Rhode Island teen was arrested Wednesday morning in connection with stabbing his coworker in the stomach with a pair of scissors at a Massachusetts gas station, according to police. Providence resident Osmin Ramirez, 19, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the incident during his arraignment in Stoughton District Court later that day, according to court records. Officers responded to a report of a customer dispute at the Shell gas station and Seasons Corner Market at 731 Washington St. around 7:45 a.m., Canton police said in a press release. The investigation into the incident indicated that Ramirez had gotten into a physical fight with a coworker while their van was parked at a gas pump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the fight, Ramirez stabbed his coworker a 29-year-old man in the stomach with a pair of scissors, police said. Officers arrested him at the scene without further incident. Firefighters took Ramirezs coworker to a local hospital, police said. He is expected to survive his injuries. During Ramirezs arraignment, he was held on $2,500 bail, according to court records. No further information about the stabbing has been released. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. A Maine teen was left in critical condition early Tuesday morning after the car he was driving crashed into a utility pole in Billerica, according to police. On Aug. 19 around 1:10 a.m., Billerica police officers were sent to patrol around the Shops at Billerica at 480 Boston Road in response to reports that an ongoing car meetup was causing disturbances in several neighboring communities, Billerica police said in a press release. Burlington police had notified Billerica police that 30 to 40 cars were heading to the shopping center. A responding officer soon saw several cars near the shopping center that appeared to be part of the meetup, Billerica police said. He tried to pull one of the cars over after noticing that the driver was driving recklessly, but the driver didnt stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a minute later, the car crashed into a utility pole near 572 Boston Road, Billerica police said. The officer immediately stopped to provide first aid to the driver and passenger. The driver an 18-year-old Maine man was taken by ambulance to Lahey Hospital in Burlington with life-threatening injuries, Billerica police said. The passenger a 25-year-old man was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No further information about the crash including the drivers current condition had been released as of Wednesday night. More News Read the original article on MassLive. ST. LOUIS When FOX 2 first spoke with Joshua Danrich back in 2020, he was just 10 years old, selling his very first air fresheners. Danrich dreamed one day of owning a luxury car dealership, and now at 16 years old, hes celebrating another milestone. A deal with Walmart is putting Joshuas Mr. Fresh brand on store shelves across the country. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily News This is history in real time and these are things that have never been done before, Danrich said. Less than 100 teens are in Walmart and Im one of them! I went to Walmarts open call with a dream: my product and a whole lot of passion. I believe in myself. I sealed the deal and now my products are in Walmart stores and they love it. Its amazing and Im inspiring the youth. That if I can do it, so can you! Joshuas journey began with his mom at the kitchen table, sketching out a business plan. From selling scents at school to now battling the triple S, which stands for stinky, stale smells, his product line is bursting with bolder ambitions. Questions follow officer-involved shooting video Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its made with 100 percent essential oils! 72 hours of freshness and it is a premium glass two-ounce spray bottle, Danrich said. One or two sprays will last three to five days. And we have six different scents in Walmart. Yellow Rose, Black Gold, Cool Breeze, Jasmine, Baby Powder, and Vanilla. And they smell amazing! Joshua built his brand on inspiring others, and he told FOX 2 that others at his school, Chaminade, want to start their own businesses. Danrichs journey is proof that age is just a number when it comes to chasing a dream. (Others) are like, Mr. Fresh, how do you do it? How do you do so much? Invest in yourself, Danrich said. Be what you want to be and start your own business! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) A former substitute teacher from Guilford County Schools accused of multiple sex crimes involving a student faced a judge for the first time on Wednesday. Officials say the teen boy was a student at Southeast Middle School, where Shaela Lenise Thompson, 28, of Greensboro, once taught. Also in court was the boys family. Hearing police detectives read messages allegedly between the two was very painful for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His father then opened up the Instagram account and found these extremely vulgar and definitely indicated a sexual incident did occur, the detective said. At one point, the boys father left the courtroom. While the bulk of the proceedings focused on the messages, investigators said Thompson was the boys afterschool teacher in fifth grade and his substitute teacher in seventh grade. It remains unclear how long the alleged contact was going on. The messages read in court suggest Thompson knew what was at stake. I would go to jail if anyone found out Your parents would nine out of ten press charges on me, no matter if I look like a teenager or not, the detective read out loud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge asked if Thompson wanted an attorney, I do need an attorney because my side of the story Thompson said until she was interrupted by the judge. That was the only time Thompson spoke in court. As for the boys family, his father said they hope the case can serve as a warning. We may have never found it, and this kind of behavior with an adult can certainly change the behavior of a 14-year-old child, and we have to live with that, a family member said. The judge set $1 million as Thompsons secured bond, which is the highest amount for her class felony charges. In a statement, GCS said: Guilford County Schools is assisting law enforcement in its investigation into a former substitute. The alleged incidents did not take place on a GCS campus, and the individual will not be back in our classrooms. This news is deeply concerning, and we take any allegations like this very seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Honey Ibbitson was 10 years old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. It came years after doctors dismissed as growing pains the discomfort in the Birmingham teenager's legs. Five years on, and despite missing lots of school due to her cerebellopontine angle epidermoid cyst, she is among the thousands of students to open their GCSE results. After post-exam surgery a little over a week ago, Honey learned on Thursday she had passed all her subjects. She is now set on studying education, in the hope of becoming a primary school teacher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honey, 16, was diagnosed in 2019 and was told the mass on her brain had likely been there since she was in the womb. Mum Julie Ibbitson, said doctors had been doing tests to find the cause of her pains since the age of six. "They said [the pains] were completely normal for her age," she told the BBC. "It got to the point where Honey was limping because to walk was too painful at times. "My mother's instinct was telling me there was more to it. "I pushed for a referral to the hospital, but never expected to be told that Honey had something growing in her brain." Honey underwent a 12-hour operation in November 2023 but it was cut short due to a bleed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The student at John Henry Newman Catholic College missed nine weeks of school and was failing all subjects in her January mocks before rallying in the proper exams in June. Eight days ago, the teenager faced a second operation to remove more of the mass. 'Formidable young lady' Teachers at Honey's school said her work ethic and determination was an inspiration to all students. Caroline Burke, head of English, said: "I'm exceptionally proud of Honey. She's a formidable young lady, she's overcome such obstacles and she's worked really hard. "She's got the resilience that I don't think many adults have, to be honest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honey's mum said her journey over the last few years had been difficult. She said: "[She was] able to turn it around and still get the passes and celebrate in style like everyone else." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links A teenager who planned to carry out mass murder in a terror attack at a mosque in Greenock has been sentenced to 10 years in custody. The 17-year-old was arrested in January after police caught him with an airgun and aerosol cans outside Inverclyde Muslim Centre. The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, had planned to set fire to the building, killing any worshippers inside. Sentencing the teenager at the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lord Arthurson said he had planned a "quite diabolical atrocity". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge also ordered that the teenager should serve an eight-year supervision period after his release. The mosque's chairman previously told BBC Scotland News he forgave the teenager and had sympathy for his family. The boy had spoken online about how white people were at "war" and that he would "die for my land". He was able to plan his attack after he tricked the centre's Imam into believing that he wanted to become a Muslim. But police had received intelligence and arrested the boy, who was 16 at the time, outside the mosque. He was carrying a rucksack with an airgun that he planned to use to keep worshippers inside the building after he set it on fire using aerosol cans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mosque's chairman Mohammed Akhtar previously said he was shocked and saddened by what had happened and there was no place for hate crime in the community. Mosque chairman Mohammed Akhtar said he had sympathy for the teenager's family [BBC] He said: "We hope the young person can get the support and help he needs to understand the impact of his action. "And we have sympathy for his family for such a difficult time." He added: "Forgiveness and understanding each other. That's the most important thing. "If you understand each other, most of the problems can be solved." Mr Akhtar said he was very thankful for the police's quick response - and the safety assurances officers had given to local people since the thwarted attack. 'Inspired by Hitler and Mussolini' The High Court in Glasgow previously heard the boy had been radicalised through social media from the age of 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A list of "inspirations" found in his phone included Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Norwegian neo-Nazi terrorist Anders Brevik. He had initially wanted to plant bombs at his school in December last year, before deciding to target the mosque. The court heard how the boy contacted an acquaintance via the Telegram messaging app. He wrote: "It's good to infiltrate the target, be it a mosque or synagogue, as they think I'm one of them because I infiltrated the place." The boy also asked the acquaintance to live stream the burning of the mosque. This would be shared alongside a "final" manifesto in which he stated he had planned the attack for when "the mosque will be at its fullest". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teenager pleaded guilty last month to acting with the intention of committing acts of terrorism. He also admitted a further charge under the Terrorism Act. The offences spanned between November 2024 and January 2025. 'A quite diabolical atrocity' Sentencing, Lord Arthurson said: "What you had in mind can properly be categorised as a quite diabolical atrocity involving extreme violence and multiple deaths. "You even requested that your attack be live-streamed. your conduct was only stopped by your arrest when you were, quite literally, at the door of the centre." Omar Afzal, from the Scottish Association of Mosques, "This was a calculated and horrific plan to attack innocent worshippers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thankfully, swift action from Police Scotland thwarted a tragedy targeting hundreds but has left the community deeply shaken. "Communities cannot live in fear. The best response to hate is solidarity. But solidarity must be matched by policy, education, and political leadership." Sineidin Corrins, deputy procurator fiscal for specialist casework at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) described the offences as "deeply disturbing". She added: "This heinous plan to attack those within his own local community was prepared and driven by racial and religiously motivated hatred and showed that he not only held Neo-Nazi beliefs but was about to act on them to cause pain and suffering. "Fortunately, he was apprehended and this was prevented." Bakus Jews called the deal a blow to Iran, while US communities praised it as strengthening stability and aiding Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that rule in the Caucasus must remain Caucasian and voiced concern about American involvement. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stressed that control of the corridor would remain under Armenia. In Bakus Jewish community, the deal was described as a blow to Iran, while Jewish communities in the United States praised it as a step that strengthens regional stability and supports Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pezeshkian arrived in Yerevan this week for his first official visit, just days after the historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan was signed at the White House. The August 8 agreement, attended by US President Donald Trump, includes the opening of key transportation routes, among them the TRIPP corridor linking Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan enclave through southern Armenia. This route bypasses Iran and its ally Russia, which had long exploited the Yerevan-Baku conflict to strengthen their economic standing in the resource-rich region. As part of the project, American companies plan to lease significant areas of Armenian land along the border with Iran. This move is expected to block Tehran from transferring sanctioned goods across the Armenian border without oversight, as it had done in the past. It also deals a blow to Irans nuclear program, which already suffered from Israeli and American strikes in June. US President Donald Trump holds the hands of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan as they shake hands between each other during a trilateral signing event, at the White House, August 8, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE) The European Union welcomed the peace deal, while Russia called it a positive step for stability in the Caucasus. In Tehran, however, harsh warnings were issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior adviser to Irans supreme leader cautioned that the corridor could become a graveyard for Trumps mercenaries. Iran is deeply concerned that the reconciliation between Baku a key ally of Israel and apparently also of Washington and Armenia, once almost an Iranian satellite, will undermine its influence in the region. According to Armenian media reports, Pezeshkian reiterated that rule in the Caucasus must remain Caucasian and argued that handing issues over to external actors complicates an already sensitive situation. Pashinyan responded that the roads running through Armenian territory will remain under Armenias exclusive jurisdiction, and security will be provided by Armenia, not by a third country. During the visit, the two sides also signed agreements on economic, cultural, and infrastructure cooperation. Iran strongly criticizes Armenia-Azerbaijan accord Iranian state media in recent weeks strongly criticized the peace agreement, continuing a campaign of attacks against Azerbaijan for its strategic partnership with Israel. Baku is regularly branded a base for Zionists and NATO, with claims that the commercial corridor will serve Israel and the United States and disrupt the balance in the region, since Jerusalem and Washington are considered foreign to the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rabbi Zamir Isayev, the Sephardi chief rabbi of Baku, welcomed the agreement, saying it sends a clear message of peace and unity and strengthens the regions ability to resist Iranian influence. It is no surprise that Iran fears this deal. Jewish communities in the United States also praised the development, calling it a step that strengthens stability in the Caucasus, brings Armenia closer to the West, supports Israels security and that of its ally Azerbaijan, and reinforces the resilience of Jewish communities in the region and abroad. Tenants are fighting against no-fault eviction notices after the flats they rent were sold. The notices were handed out to more than 40 people living in a complex of flats in Sherwood in Nottingham so the properties could be refurbished and re-let. On Tuesday, tenants staged a protest against the move, saying they were facing "emotional, mental and financial turmoil". Management companies for the adjoining properties said they were supporting tenants in finding new places to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tenants of the flats in Mansfield Road - known as Warwick Towers, Warwick House and Warwick Mount - are being supported by community housing union Acorn, which has called the move "immoral". Section 21 notices, also known as no-fault evictions, allow landlords in the UK to end a tenancy with at least two months' notice, without reason. However, the Renters' Rights Bill, which was announced last year, is expected to become law in the coming months and will end the practice. Gyles Rogers fears losing the support network of neighbours and family who live nearby [BBC] Gyles Rogers, who has arthritis and chronic kidney disease, said he liked living nearby to City Hospital and his GP surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 57-year-old fears if he has to move after 11 years in his flat, he "might be left alone", adding his neighbours are like his "second family". He said: "I need a kidney transplant, and I know once I have that, I'll need a lot of support. "Since all this started, my health hasn't been getting better, and I know I've been up at night because I'm worried and stressed - because I'm not sure exactly what is going on," he added. Darren Haynes, 50, said he and other tenants were served the Section 21 notices about three months ago. After renting his flat for more than 13 years, he said he was worried about how he would afford to rent elsewhere, having been in receipt of benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're all in the same boat, we're trying to find somewhere to live and trying to find somewhere that is suitable," he said. Mr Haynes added he had sought support from the council, but said due to his age and not having any dependents, he would not be considered a priority. His neighbour David Stanley said tenants were being put through "emotional, mental and financial turmoil". "At best, it's going to be a really bad time. At worst, people's health could really deteriorate," the 36-year-old said. Mr Stanley, who is self-employed, said there were no other properties around of a similar rent value [BBC] "The fact that they're evicting 45 people at the same time, all looking for similar properties, all in the same area, automatically means there's nothing available and all the other prices are going to go up," Mr Stanley added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warwick House and Warwick Mount, leased by Assured Property Leasing, would become accommodation for the homeless, the firm said. Transition Housing Solutions, which is leasing Warwick Towers, said a decision had not yet been made as to what type of accommodation it would offer. Mishanth Feinstein, an organiser with Acorn union, said the evictions were "immoral" and urged the landlords not to "exploit" the fact that legislation to ban them was still "dragging through". He added it was "ironic" residents were being evicted so the properties could become accommodation for the homeless. 'Supported solutions' Of the 46 tenants facing eviction, all but 15 have been relocated, according to the property management companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ose Iheanacho, landlord and property manager for the firm, told the BBC he had taken a "personal approach" to introducing himself to residents and explaining the situation to them "face to face". He added: "I want to be absolutely clear, my sole intention throughout this process is to ensure that no-one is left homeless or removed from their home without a suitable and supported solution in place." Anthony Wallace, director of Transition Housing Solutions, said his firm had offered as much support to tenants as possible "within reason". He added: "At the end of the day they're in a rental property, and whilst everyone is entitled to have a home, sometimes landlords move on, sometimes they sell their properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's just one of those things that unfortunately people renting properties do have to face." Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. More on this story Related internet links Tennessee business taxes plummeted in fiscal year 2024-2025 by more than $721 million. (Photo: John Partipilo) After two years of corporate tax breaks, Tennessee saw business revenue plummet in 2024-25, putting more pressure on the states sales tax to support the budget. The legislature reduced franchise and excise taxes dramatically in 2023 and 2024, causing corporate tax collections for the fiscal year ending in July to fall off by 15.8%, a decrease of $721.5 million from the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, sales tax collections jumped 4.2%, $596 million, during that time frame, according to recently released state figures. Total tax revenues for the year came in nearly 1% higher than projected, $206.5 million, but they were $75.2 million below the previous years collections. The states budget is $59.8 billion. Despite the drop-off, Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson said the outlook remains strong since revenue exceeded the states estimates. Facing dismal returns at mid-year following the corporate tax cut, Tennessees funding board reduced growth projections to negative numbers, giving the state a better chance to balance its budget. Senate Finance Committee Chair Bo Watson, right) said he is pleased with state revenues, despite a $721 million drop-off from the prior year. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Senate Finance Committee Chairman Bo Watson is pleased with the results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have essentially a consumer-based tax system does it put more pressure on it? It puts pressure for us to be productive and grow our economy for sure and to keep more money in consumers pockets so they can spend it, which is why you keep your taxes low in the first place, said Watson, a Hixson Republican. Tennessee lawmakers eliminated a portion of the states business tax in 2024, a year after making several reductions to the same tax, along with approving a three-year refund, estimated to cost a total of $7.4 billion. The moves came even though Tennessee has one of the nations most regressive tax systems, generating more than 60% of $25 billion in revenue from sales taxes. The nonpartisan group, ThinkTennessee, found the state has one of the nations lowest tax burdens but that low-income families face a higher effective tax rate than wealthier families and businesses. Lawmakers axed the property portion of the franchise tax in 2024, costing $4 billion over the next decade, and gave a corporate refund totaling $1.55 billion. Gov. Bill Lees administration pushed the tax reduction and refund last year, claiming it needed to be done because of a potential legal challenge. No companies sued the state, but more than 80 requested refunds when lawmakers debated the issue last year, according to the Department of Revenue. The state wound up giving about 70,000 rebates this spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some lawmakers talked about the consequences of legal challenges over the states business taxes, others supported the reduction by saying it was good policy. Democrats who criticized the reductions called them a massive windfall for corporations, hurting state revenue for schools, roads and public safety. We had a chance to eliminate the state tax on groceries and bring down costs for everyday people, but Republicans chose to reward CEOs and big business instead. Sen. Charlane Oliver, D-Nashville Democratic Sen. Charlane Oliver and Rep. Aftyn Behn, both of Nashville, sponsored legislation to end the states sales tax on groceries, roughly 4%. Their bill, which failed to advance, would offset the loss of revenue by requiring companies that shelter money in offshore accounts to pay their share of taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oliver issued a statement saying after 15 years of Republican control, Tennessee has one of the highest grocery tax rates in America and one some of the lowest tax rates on big corporations. Thats not a coincidence. Thats a choice, she said, adding Lee and Republicans gave a bailout to big corporations instead of our families. We had a chance to eliminate the state tax on groceries and bring down costs for everyday people, but Republicans chose to reward CEOs and big business instead. As a result, Oliver said, people such as nurses, truck drivers and construction workers are paying a higher effective tax rate than their employers. The legislature approved only a weekend sales tax holiday this year, after giving motorists a break on wheel tags two years ago and an extended sales tax holiday in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials recognized problems with revenue growth in the middle of the last fiscal year, adjusting projections for this fiscal year by setting ranges at negative-1.68% to negative-1.34% for total taxes. The federal government poured money into states during the COVID pandemic, but those funds are drying up. Simultaneously, the state expects federal funding reductions in the coming year as a result of cutbacks ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency run by Elon Musk at the outset of Trumps administration. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The post Tennessee State University to make huge $50 million move appeared first on ClutchPoints. Tennessee State University has announced plans for its new $50 million, 70,000-square-foot engineering building. According to a news release issued on August 18, the project will create an interdisciplinary complex that will integrate the universitys engineering and applied and industrial technology departments. On August 15, the State Building Commission approved the projects plans. The $50 million facility will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge research, while reflecting TSUs commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and leadership among university engineering programs, the release stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later this year, construction is scheduled to start, with completion anticipated in the summer of 2027. Classrooms, computer labs, and research and teaching labs will all be part of the complex. Students will get practical instruction in a range of topics, including energy solutions and drone technology, in the teaching laboratories. Lin Li, dean of TSU College of Engineering, praised the project as a substantial investment in the programs ongoing expansion. This facility will provide a world-class space that enhances interdisciplinary collaboration across six undergraduate programs, three masters programs, and one Ph.D. program, Li said in the release. It will also host innovative engineering activities that directly benefit the Metro Nashville area and Middle Tennessee. For the project, Tennessee States Planning, Design, and Construction team is working with the architectural firms Bauer Askew Architecture and Melvin Gill & Associates. According to Dwayne Tucker, president of Tennessee State, the initiative demonstrates the universitys dedication to being a future-ready school as the need for engineers in the industry increases. This building represents an opportunity for innovation and leadership, Tucker said in the release. Tennessee State University is preparing the next generation of engineers who will shape our state and our nation. This investment ensures that our students have access to the tools, spaces, and experiences necessary to compete globally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This announcement comes just two months after the university secured a $96 million agreement with the state government that will allow Tennessee State to access $96 million over three years to support its operations. Related: Nolan Smith adds former NBA standout to Tennessee State staff Related: North Carolina Central gives promising update: A big deal The shooting targeted a group of shepherds. The IDF is investigating the incident. One person was wounded after being shot in the head by a terrorist in the Malachi Hashalom area, northeast of Ramallah, in the West Bank, on Thursday morning. The shooting targeted a group of shepherds. Initial reports stated that two shepherds were grazing cows near the settlement when a masked terrorist, who was lurking among the trees, fired two shots. A violent confrontation developed between the terrorist and the civilians. One wounded after suspected terror shooting in Malachi Hashalom in the Binyamin Regional Council on August 21, 2025. (credit: MDA SPOKESPERSON) The IDF said that the incident is being investigated. Searches are underway for the suspect behind the shooting. IDF soldiers have encircled the village of Al-Mughayir near Ramallah to locate the terrorist. Victim in mild condition from shooting MDA paramedics provided treatment to a 20-year-old and evacuated him to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital in mild condition. Bullet used in the suspected terror shooting in Malachi Hashalom on August 21, 2025. (credit: TPS-IL) "The incident could've ended much differently," Walla quoted a senior MDA medic as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation was launched into the incident, which included forensic investigators, the Shin Bet, and other police investigators, while security forces are continuing to search for the terrorist. Recent terror activity in West Bank Border Police had arrested aweek ago a Gaza man in his 20s on suspicion of attempting to carry out a terror attack at the Qalandiya checkpoint, north of Jerusalem. One month ago, the IDF thwarted two attempted terror attacks in the southern West Bank. First, a soldier shot a terrorist armed with a knife who attempted to carry out a stabbing attack near the Shima community. Later, another terrorist arrived at the entrance to Migdal Oz, also armed with a knife, and began to throw stones at the security post before a guard shot and killed him. Aug. 20Prosecutors told jurors this week that Alexander Ortiz fatally shot his ex-girlfriend in her bedroom last year, then fled out a ground-floor window as others kicked in a locked door. An attorney for Ortiz responded Tuesday that police identified the wrong man in the Jan. 11, 2024, shooting death of 23-year-old Alianna Farfan. Testimony began Tuesday in Ortiz's trial on a charge of first-degree murder in Farfan's killing. The 2nd Judicial District Court trial is scheduled through Friday before Judge Cindy Leos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, a pretrial hearing in the case turned violent when Farfan's uncle leaped over a railing in Leos' courtroom and attacked Ortiz, setting off a brawl that involved several members of both families. At least three people involved in the melee have been charged with battery on a peace officer and other charges and have been barred from entering the Bernalillo County Courthouse. Leos on Tuesday admonished spectators at Ortiz's trial that no outbursts would be tolerated and any violators would be banned from the courthouse. In a separate case, Ortiz is charged in the shooting death of Nichole Maldonado, 25, outside Adam Food Market at Central and Indiana on Jan. 17, 2024, six days after Farfan's killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortiz is charged with first-degree murder and other charges in Maldonado's killing and is scheduled for trial in March. Assistant District Attorney Derek Berg told jurors on Tuesday that Ortiz fatally shot Farfan, his ex-girlfriend, in her bedroom and fled out of the ground-floor window. Police found the window open and the screen pushed out. "At some point during this day, Alliana Farfan and Alexander Ortiz went into her bedroom," Berg said. "The door was closed. The door was locked, and shortly after, a gunshot went off." Two other people in the apartment kicked open the door and found Farfan lying on the floor, fatally shot, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When they went inside the bedroom, Alexander Ortiz was gone," Berg told jurors. "Alexander Ortiz was gone, the window was open, and Alliana (Farfan) was on the floor with a gunshot wound to her head." No weapons were found in the bedroom, he said. Berg also told jurors that Ortiz entered the bedroom with the intent of killing Farfan. Ortiz's attorney, John McCall, told jurors that police focused on Ortiz to the exclusion of other suspects. He also said another man in the apartment that day had a motive to kill Farfan. "The entire story that you just heard about the murder is just that it's a story," McCall told jurors. "What kind of investigation was done of this story? Was it accepted lock, stock and barrel, and was it really consistent?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farfan's apartment was a chaotic environment the day of the killing, with many people entering and exiting the residence, McCall said. "The apartment had gotten the attention of the neighbors," McCall said. "We've got a highly volatile, emotional, loud situation at that apartment." WASHINGTON Texas Republicans took their first step toward approving a new congressional map after the state House approved the new boundaries on Wednesday night, handing it off to the state Senate for approval. After that, Gov. Greg Abbott could sign off on it by the end of this week. But Californias efforts to counteract the Republican-friendly districts are not far behind. The Legislature approved its own map changes this week that could secure Democrats an extra five seats next year the same number Republicans are expected to flip in the Lone Star State. California still has a ways to go in making that map a reality, however. The proposal, which was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday, will be on the ballot this November during the states special election and it must be approved by voters in order to be used in the 2026 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas, on the other hand, has a much easier task. Once passed by the state Legislature and signed by Abbott, theres nothing standing in the way barring legal challenges, of course. California Assembly member Sade Elhawary, D-Los Angeles, celebrates after the Assembly approved the first of three measures to redraw the state's Congressional districts and put new maps before voters in a special election, during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. | Rich Pedroncelli California leaders such as Newsom have expressed confidence in their gambit, making their argument that the maps are necessary to level the playing field and get even with President Donald Trump. We have to stand up. What were doing neutralizes whats happening in Texas, Newsom said in a press call on Wednesday. People have a chance with this ballot on Nov. 4 to stand up (for) the rule of law. Stand up for co-equal branches of government. Former President Barack Obama threw his support behind Californias efforts on Tuesday at a National Democratic Redistricting Committee event according to reporting by CNN, saying his preference would be no political gerrymandering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I want to be very clear. Given that Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House that is effectively saying: gerrymander for partisan purposes so we can maintain the House despite our unpopular policies, redistrict right in the middle of a decade between censuses which is not how the system was designed; I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this, he said. Texas Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, is surrounded by fellow Republicans as he faces off with Democrats during debate over a redrawn U.S. congressional map in Texas during a special session, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Austin, Texas. | Eric Gay But even with those two states likely canceling each other out, other states are now getting into the fray as Trump looks to cement his Republican majorities in Congress next year. One of those states is Indiana, where Republicans already hold a 7-2 advantage to Democrats. All seven of those House Republicans came out in support of redrawing the map on Monday after Trump began looking to the state as another opportunity to secure his majority. Trump also suggested on Thursday that Missouri is now IN, seemingly referring to redistricting. Similar to Indiana, Republicans hold a 6-2 advantage and would seek to eliminate the only two Democrats from the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans currently hold a 219-212 majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, a historically slim margin that has often made it difficult for the party to advance legislation even with a Republican trifecta. With control of the White House and Senate, Republicans have enjoyed total control of Washington something that is at risk next November. Historical trends show that the party of the sitting president typically loses control of the House during midterm elections. If Democrats manage to flip the House, it would deal a massive blow to Trump and likely thwart his agenda for his final two years. With the redistricting efforts, its still not clear if the maps can truly ensure Republican or Democratic wins in some districts or if it will just create tossup races in other areas. Republican-controlled Texas and Democrat-run California forged ahead Thursday with creating new congressional maps, in a cutthroat struggle to tilt the outcome of next year's US midterm elections. The battle between the country's two largest states was set off by President Donald Trump's drive to protect the thin Republican majority in the US House of Representatives and avoid becoming mired in Democratic Party investigations from 2027. Under pressure from Trump, Texas fired the starting gun in a tussle that pro-democracy activists warn could spread nationwide. Its state house on Wednesday approved new congressional boundaries that would likely eke out five extra Republican districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state senate is expected to green-light the bill on Friday morning and send it to Governor Greg Abbott for a signature. California Governor Gavin Newsom -- an early frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination -- struck back with a plan for a new map that would likely cancel out Texas by adding five Democratic seats. The state's legislature on Thursday overwhelmingly approved the plan, with thumping majorities in the house and the senate, both of which are Democrat controlled. "We will not let our political system be hijacked by authoritarianism," Speaker Robert Rivas said, shortly before the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today, we give every Californian the power to say no... to Donald Trump's power grab and yes to our people, to our state and to our democracy." Voters will now be asked if they want to temporarily redraw constituency boundaries for elections, up to and including 2030. The Texas House approved its new district boundaries after a two-week drama sparked by Democrats fleeing the state in an effort to block the vote and draw nationwide attention to the issue of partisan redistricting, known as "gerrymandering." The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting passed the new map in a 5-3 vote Thursday lunchtime, teeing up a Friday vote of the full chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redistricting usually occurs once every decade, taking into account population changes registered in the latest census. - 'Clinging to power' - The unusual mid-decade effort in Texas is expected to spark a tit-for-tat battle, potentially dragging in liberal-leaning Illinois and New York, and conservative Florida, Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana and Missouri. "The Great State of Missouri is now IN," Trump announced Thursday on social media, in a post understood to be referring to redistricting. "I'm not surprised. It is a great State with fabulous people. I won it, all 3 times, in a landslide. We're going to win the Midterms in Missouri again, bigger and better than ever before!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But New York's Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul called the push the "last gasp of a desperate party clinging to power," warning Trump that she would "meet him on the same field and beat him at his own game." Former president Barack Obama endorsed California's retaliation as a "smart and measured" response to anti-democratic moves by Trump. "(Since) Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House and gerrymandering in the middle of a decade to try and maintain the House despite their unpopular policies, I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this," he said. Newsom has a tougher task than Abbott in pushing through the redistricting plans, as California voters must first agree in a referendum in November to bypass the independent commission that normally controls the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californians have traditionally been wary of partisan redistricting, and while Democrats have called for independent commissions nationwide, a new Politico-UC Berkeley Citrin Center poll shows they would make an exception for the pushback against Texas. Republicans are suing Democrats, alleging that November's vote would be unlawful, although the California Supreme Court rejected an initial challenge late Wednesday. "Yes, we'll fight fire with fire. Yes, we will push back. It's not about whether we play hardball anymore -- it's about how we play hardball," Newsom said in a call with reporters. ft-hg/dl/sla The Texas State Capitol was partially evacuated Tuesday evening, Aug. 19, after violent threats were posted online, prompting state troopers to clear parts of the building out of an abundance of caution. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has since confirmed it has identified a suspect, though no arrest has been made. DPS said an individual posted a message on social media calling on others to go to the Capitol building and take action by shooting and killing those who will not allow lawmakers to leave. Troopers evacuated the Capitol around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and closed it to visitors for the rest of the day. The building reopened to the public the following morning at 9 a.m. In an Aug. 20 update, DPS said the suspect had been identified but no charges have been filed. The Department of Public Safety continues to investigate threats made by an individual and posted on social media. The individual has been identified; however, no arrests have been made at this time, the agency stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threats came as Rep. Nicole Collier, a Democrat from Fort Worth, remained in the House chamber in protest of the Republican-backed redistricting plan. A viral TikTok video appeared to show a user calling himself gingerbeardmachine urging followers to come armed to the Capitol and to shoot if DPS and lawmakers did not comply with demands to release Collier. Capitol visitors were evacuated, but House Democrats said their members did not leave the chamber. Several DPS armed guards reportedly stood outside the chamber doors. The threats also fueled criticism online that Democrats are increasingly linked to extreme rhetoric and violent behavior. Social media users pointed out that the suspects demands centered on Collier, a Democrat, and argued the incident reflected a broader pattern of hostility and lawlessness on the left. One post on X read, Is this domestic terrorist Democrat in custody yet? Two videos, one doxxing an ICE agent, the other telling people to go to the Texas Capitol and shoot Republicans if a Democrat representative doesnt get released! Lets make this terrorist famous by sharing! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas House Democratic Caucus condemned the threats, thanking troopers for their swift and professional response. Violence and threats have no place in our democratic process, and we unequivocally condemn any threats against public servants or law enforcement, regardless of political differences, the caucus said in a statement. DPS said normal operations have since resumed at the Capitol and encouraged Texans to report suspicious activity via the iWatchTexas mobile app, online, or by calling 1-844-643-2251. The Dallas Express reached out to DPS for confirmation on whether the individual was responsible for sparking the evacuation but did not receive a response. Officials in a large North Texas county decided this week to cut more than 100 Election Day polling sites and reduce the number of early voting locations, amid growing concern about GOP efforts to limit voting access ahead of next years midterm elections. The 3-2 vote on Tuesday by commissioners in Tarrant County, which includes Fort Worth, came one day after President Donald Trump vowed to end the use of mail-in ballots. The president lacks the unilateral power to decide how individual states run elections, but his declaration speaks to long-brewing and unfounded claims by some conservatives that the countrys electoral system is insecure and vulnerable to widespread fraud. Trump has repeatedly and falsely asserted that he won the 2020 presidential election instead of Joe Biden. Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare, who heads up the commissioners court, has also raised numerous questions about the security of local elections, helping to launch an electoral integrity unit in the county after he became judge in 2022. As of last summer, however, the unit had received fewer than 100 allegations of voter fraud. He and fellow Republican commissioners also cut funding to provide free bus rides to the polls for low-income residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont believe its the county governments responsibility to try to get more people out to the polls, OHare said at the time. And commissioners prohibited outside organizations from registering voters inside county buildings after Tarrant County GOP leaders raised concerns about what they said were left-leaning groups holding registration drives. (ProPublica and The Texas Tribune have previously written about OHares political influence in North Texas.) On Tuesday, OHare voted with the two Republican commissioners on the court to reduce the number of polling sites in the county to 216, down from 331 in 2023. The decision also cut down the number of early voting sites. County officials said the move was to save money, as they historically see low voter turnout in nonpresidential elections. Throughout the meeting, OHare repeatedly emphasized that the cuts were intended to make the election more efficient. He argued that both the switch to county-wide voting in 2019, which allows voters to cast a ballot at any polling site in the county, and the expected low turnout made the cuts appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would venture to guess 99% of the public cannot name a single thing on (the 2025 ballot), he said during the meeting. Fewer voting sites means fewer voters, Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, told the Report. If you move a polling place farther away from someones house, then theyre less likely to vote because youve increased the cost of voting, said Rottinghaus, who has studied poll placement and its impact on turnout. The cost can be your time. It can be your gas. The countys move falls in line with a national trend that generally sees Republican-led states and localities restrain and restrict how voting operates often in the name of discouraging illegal voting or, in Tarrant Countys recent case, cutting costs, Rottinghaus said. This could look like reducing voting locations or shortening early voting hours, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas has led multiple efforts to make going to the polls more difficult, he said, such as making mail-in ballots harder to obtain and requiring photo IDs when casting a ballot. No single law dramatically impacts voter turnout, Rottinghaus said, rather, its the collective of ever-changing policies that can discourage people from voting. The more you move around how voting occurs, like the hours and the locations, the harder it is for voters to understand exactly what theyre supposed to do and when, he said. A confused voter is usually a nonvoter. This is not the first time Tarrant County has been at the forefront of changing political headwinds. Earlier this summer, the commissioners, led by OHare, voted along party lines to redraw the county precincts; such changes usually happen after the decennial census rather than in the middle of the decade. OHare admitted the goal of the redrawn maps was to favor Republican candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is about Republican versus Democrat, period, OHare told Dallas television station WFAA ahead of the commissioners June 3 vote. If it passes with one of the maps that I would want to see pass, its a very strong likelihood that we will have three Republicans on the Commissioners Court. In July, Gov. Greg Abbott added redistricting to the agenda of a special legislative session a step he was apparently reluctant to take until he received a call from Trump to discuss the issue, the Tribune reported. The proposal has sparked a national fight over the redrawing of congressional maps. On Wednesday, the GOP-led Texas House took an initial vote adopting a new map designed to increase the number of Republican seats in the U.S. Congress. Abbott has also fanned concerns about allegations of illegal voting, last year announcing the removal of more than 1 million ineligible voters from the states rolls, including more than 6,500 potential noncitizens. An investigation by ProPublica, the Tribune and Votebeat, however, found that the number of alleged noncitizens the governor cited was likely inflated and, in some cases, wrong. Concerns about the cuts More than three dozen speakers at Tuesdays meeting denounced the move to cut polling sites and early voting locations, with some raising concerns that it amounted to the suppression of Black, Hispanic and college-age voters. Several speakers called the cuts a more extreme version of OHares failed effort to remove eight early voting locations at colleges last year. Only one person spoke in favor of the reductions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sabrina Ball, who opposed reducing the polling sites, said she has worked as an election judge in Republican Commissioner Manny Ramirezs district in northwest Tarrant County. She said shes seen firsthand people working hard to find the time to get to a polling location and vote. Youre not saving money. Youre sacrificing democracy to save a buck, she said. The two Democratic commissioners, Roderick Miles Jr. and Alisa Simmons, voted against the changes after unsuccessfully trying to delay the decision. Everybody deserves the right to have a place that they are comfortable with and familiar with to go and to cast their vote, said Miles, who represents predominantly Black neighborhoods that saw a reduction in voting locations. He later added, To dismantle or take those rights away from us that we worked hard to get is unacceptable at any level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simmons said it was inappropriate to reduce voting locations as Tarrant Countys population grows. She pointed out that the Republican members of the Commissioners Court used that growth as a reason to redistrict the countys precincts midcycle this year a change that would significantly increase the chances of a GOP candidate defeating her in 2026. A Texas law passed in May reduces the countys minimum Election Day voting locations to 212 rolling back a 2023 requirement of 347. Tarrant County Election Administrator Clinton Ludwig said the sites meet the states new bare minimum, with a little bit of wiggle room in case certain planned locations fall through. He told commissioners that the initially proposed cuts aimed to save about $1 million. He said he based the reductions on voter turnout in 2023, which saw about 12.5% registered voters cast ballots, he said. Locations accessibility and ability to securely store voting information were also considered, Ludwig said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that no commissioner had any influence on the list and that no partisan analysis was taken into account. Ludwig and OHares office did not immediately respond to requests to comment following the vote. OHare has also not responded to ProPublica and the Tribunes previous reporting about him, declining multiple interview requests and refusing to answer questions, though a spokesperson sent the newsrooms a list of eight of his major accomplishments, including cutting county spending and lowering local property tax rates. Rottinghaus said some counties yo-yo year to year in the number of polling places they have. Elections such as Novembers typically have fewer locations than presidential and midterm ones, he said. Still, Tarrant Countys reduction seems aggressive, he said. Once the number of polling places goes down, it usually stays down, Rottinghaus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre going to generally see that same number continue for at least the near term, he said. Though he ultimately voted to reduce polling locations, Ramirez pushed back on the initial list of cuts to early voting sites, some of which he said were established and popular with voters. Ramirez said the county must balance access and efficiency. Commissioners then added back nine early voting locations. OHare was the lone vote against that move, saying some of those sites had historically low turnout. The formula for where you put these voting sites has to be scientific, Ramirez told the Report ahead of the vote. It should be population-based and proximity to additional site-based. Several Fort Worth City Council members urged their constituents to speak against the effort in the lead-up to the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council member Carlos Flores, who represents parts of northwest Fort Worth, issued a statement against the vote, saying fewer sites negatively impact diverse communities. In a statement to the Report, he added that limited polling locations and inconvenient voting procedures contribute to low turnout. Mia Hall, who represents southwest Fort Worth, sent a news release to her district on Monday, decrying the proposed cuts in parts of her district that are predominantly Black or Hispanic. These communities have long fought for equitable access to the ballot box, and removing their polling locations is simply unacceptable, Hall wrote. While I understand the pressures of state regulations and budgetary constraints, disenfranchising entire communities is not an acceptable response. Drew Shaw is a government accountability reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at drew.shaw@fortworthreport.org. Disclosure: The University of Houston has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. 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. Texas Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier abruptly left a call with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democratic Party members after claiming she was told she was committing a felony by participating in the meeting from a state Capitol bathroom. Collier was speaking on a call with Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, Newsom and several others while the Texas House of Representatives was simultaneously debating a redistricting bill backed by President Donald Trump. While speaking on the call, Collier claimed that the Texas redistricting bill violates the Voting Rights Act and "will prevent Black and Brown individuals from selecting the candidates of their choice because theyre cracking and packing these districts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Martin was speaking about 30 minutes into the call, Collier suddenly interrupted, saying, "Sorry, I have to leave. They said it's a felony for me to do this." Abbott Scores Big Win In Redistricting Battle As Texas Democrats' Blockade Collapses Democratic Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier speaking on the House floor Aug. 18, 2025, in Austin. "Apparently I cant be on the floor or in the bathroom," she continued, before turning to address someone off camera. Read On The Fox News App "You told me I was only allowed to be here in the bathroom," she told the person off camera before turning back to the call and saying, "No, hang on. Bye everybody. Ive got to go." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Newsom and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., immediately expressed outrage over Colliers sudden departure. "That is outrageous," said Booker. "Let me tell you something, Rep. Collier in the bathroom has more dignity than Donald Trump in the Oval Office." "There you go," Newsom responded, nodding his head. Newsom-style Redistricting Efforts Critiqued By California Democrats As Recently As July, Statements Show "What theyre trying to do right there is silence an American leader, silence a Black woman, and that is outrageous," Booker added. "What we just witnessed, them trying to shut her down and saying it's illegal for her to be in the bathroom and on this call, this is the lengths that theyre going to in Texas." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after dozens of Democratic members of the Texas House fled the state and refused to return to the legislature for two weeks to hold up the redistricting bill by breaking quorum. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders ordered the rogue Democrats to be arrested and threatened to have them removed from office if they did not return to fulfill their duties. After the Democrats return to the legislature, members faced heightened security measures designed to ensure a quorum was maintained. Democratic lawmakers said Texas Department of Public Safety officers followed them around Monday at the state Capitol and either guarded their offices or stayed in them and tailed them when they left. They said they had to sign "permission slips" and accept the surveillance to leave the building. Tired Of Democracy Dying: Newsom Redistricting Push Faces Gop Backlash Over Voter Rights Democratic Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier speaking on the House floor Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Austin. Rather than comply with the measures, Collier stayed on the House floor in the Texas Capitol on Monday night and Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the Democrats' standoff, the Texas House finally approved maps Wednesday. Newsom announced he would advance a redistricting map in California to counter the Texas redistricting bill. On Friday, California Democrats and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) released a new district map that would likely eliminate five GOP congressional seats, theoretically nullifying the five additional seats Republicans would gain if Texas redistricting push is successful. Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of Booker and Newsom but did not immediately receive a response. Collier's office declined to comment, citing the House still being in session. Original article source: Texas Dem abruptly leaves call with Newsom, other party members after being told shes committing felony KERRVILLE, Texas (KXAN) The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced a pledge of $40 million in donations that will go directly toward housing assistance for people impacted by the July 4 floods. In Kerr County, 117 people were killed in the flash floods, including 37 children. Two people are still missing. The money will go toward temporary housing assistance, home repairs/rebuilding, RV repairs/replacement and case managers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funding distribution will take a four-tiered approach, with follow-up funds going toward: Mental health and well-being Economic recovery and quality of life Future long-term needs. According to its latest announcement, the Community Foundation had received about $100 million in donations. MAP: Where have flash flooding deaths been confirmed in Texas? This is not only a record amount of money being provided to local residents, I think its going to be a record speed at which these homeowners are going to be able to get back into their homes, Gov. Greg Abbott, who made remarks at the press conference, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This announcement follows an emotional day at the Texas Capitol on Wednesday, where families of girls who died at Camp Mystic testified to a Senate committee in favor of legislation that would require more safety measures for camps across the state. Those measures include placing emergency and evacuation plans in cabins and prohibiting camps to be built in floodplains. The bill made it through the committee and will now go to the full chamber for a vote. Disaster declarations were signed in Kerr County almost immediately after the floods. Graphic explains how funds get allocated through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country How flood relief money gets to people in need Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, is urging people to raise their hand and request funding. He said the donation money cannot be allocated to anyone who doesnt apply. Anyone wishing to secure this funding can register on rebuildkerr.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dickson said applicants should expect to get a call from a caseworker within a week. Its going to take a long time. Community members work to rebuild I cant even think about it, said Tammi Ladewig, addressing the widespread loss of life from the July 4 floods. While heartbroken, she considers herself one of the lucky ones. Her family is okay. Her garage door business, AmCo Overhead Door Company, is slowly getting back to normal. Its going to take a long time, because nothing happens fast, unfortunately, she said. She said she applied for some small-business relief funding, but hasnt heard back yet. Tammi Ladewig points out debris still lining the riverbank behind her business in Kerrville. Before the housing pledge announcement, the Community Foundation had distributed $16 million to local nonprofits for things including, but not limited to, small business assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While adjusting to a new standard, Ladewig has an immense sense of pride and gratitude for her community. Country strong, she said. Thats the good thing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. (The Center Square) After House Democrats absconded for more than two weeks in opposition to a Congressional redistricting bill, the Texas House on Wednesday passed the bill by a vote of 88-52. It was passed after roughly eight hours of debate during which the majority of Democrats called Republicans racist. State Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, filed HB 4, the redistricting bill, which was added to the call for the first and second legislative special sessions. He also authored the redistricting bill the legislature passed in 2021 that remains in litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I've heard a lot of comments, and I will tell you I don't take them personally, Hunter said. These are tough issues. I feel like sometimes that I'm a pinata with no candy, just being hit. But I respect all of you. Speaking to Democrats who fled the state, he said, you left for 17 to 19 days and most of the comments I've heard could have been handled, discussed or mutually resolved in this House within that time. You chose to leave that's your choice. We chose to stay. That was our choice. State Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, like her colleagues, said the redistricting plan was racist. Collier on Monday refused to comply with House rules she voted for, not leaving the chamber, The Center Square reported. On Wednesday, she asked Hunter if he was aware that during the time of slavery, Blacks fled, or that during Nazi rule, Jews fled. They fled their oppressor, she said, accusing House Republicans of being oppressors, saying they dont reflect the diversity of Texas. She also complained that House Democrats werent involved in the redistricting process, to which Hunter replied they were gone for 17 days and chose not to be a part of the process. When you are oppressed, you flee the oppressors, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, state Rep. Katrina Pierson, R-Rockwall, said, Chairman Hunter may not have taken the personal attacks and disrespect personally, but I did. The opposition gets to stand here and grandstand and say pretty much anything that they want, and we're expected to stand here and just take it. You call my voters racist. You call my party racist, but yet we're expected to follow the rules. Well, that double standard ends today. More minority voters are voting their values, not their skin color, she continued. Many of them are moving to Texas to escape blue states because their values have been successfully gerrymandered into suppression. I've heard the accusations that this mid-decade redistricting is going to silence voters, and that it misrepresents the population of Texas. The facts don't match the rhetoric. She said that under current congressional maps, Texas has zero Black CVAP (citizen voting age population) districts. Under the new map, there are two. She also replied to Colliers claim, saying that Blacks fled during slavery to Republican states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have heard repeatedly that these maps are gerrymandered, but that doesn't fit the narrative either. That's just spin because in many parts of the state, the map eliminates gerrymandering; they emphasize compactness in whole counties and whole cities. Political performance isn't just legal, it is fair. It reflects the voters of the state of Texas, she said. She also pointed out that President Donald Trump won Hispanic voters in Texas in the last election. President Trump flipped 11 out of 18 counties on the Texas-Mexico border. He doubled his support from 2020. Political performance is the driver behind the redistricting. You lost, she told Democrats. Get over it. After the vote, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, thanked members who carried the bill, also saying the new map is constitutional and legal. These past few weeks have not been easy, but the House members who showed up for work every day have shown a dedication to their constituents that will not be forgotten, he said. The Texas House of Representatives approved new congressional maps that could give Republicans an even larger advantage in the state in the 2026 midterms. The new maps carve out several new Republican-leaning districts while making Democrat-held districts in the Rio Grande Valley more competitive. Congressional maps are typically redrawn once a decade, in light of new Census data. This mid-decade do-over was pushed by President Donald Trump, who hoped to mitigate the risk of a midterm blue wave that might stymie the final years of his second term in office. Trump leaned on the Republican-controlled state to create new GOP House districts, leading to a weeks-long standoff between state-level Democrats and Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it became clear that they could not stop the maps through other means, Texas Democrats fled the state to deny a quorum to a special legislative session called by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The governor and Attorney General Ken Paxton pushed for the arrest of the absent lawmakers and weighed ways to strip the legislators of their seats. The Democrats only returned when Gov. Gavin Newsom put forward a plan to neutralize Texass action via redrawn maps in California. Following their return, Democrats were placed under police surveillance and only allowed to leave the states Capitol with written permission. Democrats protested the requirements by tearing up their slips and spending the night on the floor of the House. The newly approved maps will head to the state Senate, where they are expected to pass quickly. In response to the news of maps passing the House, Newsom shared a post to X that read, Its on. In a statement, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder criticized Republicans for taking up Trumps project before passing relief packages for victims of the states recent floods. He called the map disgraceful and a violation of the Voting Rights Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This fight is far from over. We, and the American people, will see this map in court, he wrote. The post Texas House passes Trump-approved, gerrymandered congressional maps appeared first on Salon.com. Texas Republican-led House of Representatives voted along party lines to pass a controversial new electoral map Wednesday, a redistricting move designed to give the GOP an additional five seats in the U.S. House. Democrats and voting rights advocates have denounced the effort, saying it will disenfranchise minorities and other voters. The Texas Senate is expected to take up the bill in committee tomorrow, and the bill could head to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk as soon as Friday. Redistricting typically happens at the start of every decade after a new census, but Texas Republicans pushed ahead with redrawing the map much earlier at the urging of President Donald Trump, as the GOP hopes to mitigate the risk of losses in next years midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Democrats took drastic action against the gerrymandering plan earlier this month, abandoning a legislative special session in the state House and fleeing to blue states, such as Illinois, to block the vote. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott promptly issued civil arrest warrants against the lawmakers, attempting to compel their return. The lawmakers action sparked a wider conversation on gerrymandering, and Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a Nov. 4 special election aimed at redrawing his states congressional map to offset GOP gains in Texas. Most of the Texas Democrats returned this week, restoring quorum and allowing the vote to proceed in a second session. They have vowed to continue the fight in the courts. Texas will have to go to the courts, Democratic state Rep. Gene Wu said while addressing his colleagues Wednesday afternoon. But California, New York, Illinois, Michigan and many other states look at whats happening here. Look carefully. This is the future, right here, if you do not act now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Texas looks like this process, this division, this partisanship and, most importantly, leaders who simply do not give a damn what you need or want anymore. If you do not stand up today and push back, the American dream will be dead and our democracy will fall. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A Texas mother who fled to India after her 6-year-old son went missing nearly three years ago has been arrested, FBI Director Kash Patel said Wednesday in a statement shared on social media. Cindy Rodriguez Singh, who was added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list earlier last month, is accused of killing her son, Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez. Noel, who had a history of health and developmental issues including chronic lung disease and pulmonary edema was last seen in October 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said he required regular medical appointments and medications, including an albuterol inhaler, used to prevent and treat respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing, wheezing and shortness of breath. In March 2023, state officials requested Everman Police to conduct a welfare check on the boy, but Singh allegedly lied to authorities about his whereabouts, according to Patel. She told police the child had been living with his father in Mexico since November 2022, but the father told investigators he had no relationship with the child. Two days after the welfare check, Singh, her husband, Arshdeep Singh, and six other children flew from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All airline tickets were purchased within 24 hours of flight departure, and Cindy Rodriguez Singh had unenrolled Noel and his siblings from school, FBI Dallas Special Agent Pance Kecev said in a news release. That is believed to be the last time Singh who was born in Dallas but has ties to Mexico and India was in the United States, authorities said. In April 2023, then-Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer said that investigators had reached the very unfortunate, unimaginable and devastating conclusion that Noel is likely deceased. Singh was charged with capital murder in Tarrant County, Texas, on October 31, 2023. A federal arrest warrant for unlawful flight was issued two days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patel didnt offer any details on the arrest, but thanked law enforcement partners in India and the FBI in New York and Dallas in his announcement. According to The Times of India, Singh was arrested in India on Wednesday and has since flown back to the U.S. to face prosecution. The Texas House approved a new congressional map that could give Republicans five additional U.S. House seats, shifting the balance from 25 Republicans and 12 Democrats to 30 Republicans and 7 Democrats. The vote followed the end of a two-week Democratic walkout that had stalled the redistricting process during a special legislative session. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Democrats have used quorum-breaking walkouts in past sessions to block legislation, including during high-profile battles over voting and redistricting. The tactic carries significant political stakes. It temporarily halts lawmaking but often sets the stage for partisan standoffs when lawmakers eventually return. Democrats argued the plan diminishes minority voting strength and pledged to challenge it in court. The underlying goal of this plan is straight forward: improve Republican political performance, State Rep. Todd Hunter, who authored the map, said during floor debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican leaders at both state and national levels pushed for quick action. President Donald Trump urged lawmakers to act, posting a message that read ASAP! Gov. Greg Abbott also called on legislators to advance the proposal during the special session. Democrats returned to Austin after their failed walkout strategy. Their return restored the quorum needed for the House to conduct business. That move cleared the way for Republicans to move forward with the redistricting plan, which passed along a strict 88-52 party line after nearly eight hours of debate and a procedural standoff. House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner said his party will fight the plan in court. In a democracy, people choose their representatives. This bill flips that on its head and lets politicians in Washington, D.C., choose their voters, Turner said. The plan concentrates Democratic voters in urban districts while expanding Republican representation in previously competitive areas, according to critics. Under the new map, no Republican incumbents would see their districts become more competitive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate approved its version of the map on August 12. With the Houses vote now complete, the proposal returns to the upper chamber for possible concurrence or to a conference committee if differences remain. Only after both chambers align would the plan head to Gov. Abbotts desk. If enacted, Texass congressional delegation could shift from 25 Republicans and 12 Democrats to a projected 30 Republicans and 7 Democrats. AUSTIN, Texas The Texas House on Wednesday approved redrawn congressional maps that would give Republicans a bigger edge in 2026, muscling through a partisan gerrymander that launched weeks of protests by Democrats and a widening national battle over redistricting. The approval came at the urging of President Donald Trump, who pushed for the extraordinary mid-decade revision of congressional maps to give his party a better chance at holding onto the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections. The maps need to be approved by the GOP-controlled state Senate and signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott before they become official. But the Texas House vote had presented the best chance for Democrats to derail the redraw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic legislators delayed the vote by two weeks by fleeing Texas earlier this month in protest, and they were assigned round-the-clock police monitoring upon their return to ensure they attended Wednesdays session. The approval of the Texas maps on an 88-52 party-line vote is likely to prompt Californias Democratic-controlled state Legislature this week to approve of a new House map creating five new Democratic-leaning districts. But the California map would require voter approval in November. Democrats have also vowed to challenge the new Texas map in court and complained that Republicans made the political power move before passing legislation responding to deadly floods that swept the state last month. Texas maps openly made to help GOP Texas Republicans openly said they were acting in their partys interest. State Rep. Todd Hunter, who wrote the legislation formally creating the new map, noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed politicians to redraw districts for nakedly partisan purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The underlying goal of this plan is straight forward: improve Republican political performance, Hunter, a Republican, said on the floor. After nearly eight hours of debate, Hunter took the floor again to sum up the entire dispute as nothing more than a partisan fight. Whats the difference, to the whole world listening? Republicans like it, and Democrats do not. Democrats said the disagreement was about more than partisanship. In a democracy, people choose their representatives, State Rep. Chris Turner said. This bill flips that on its head and lets politicians in Washington, D.C., choose their voters. State Rep. John H. Bucy blamed the president. This is Donald Trumps map, Bucy said. It clearly and deliberately manufactures five more Republican seats in Congress because Trump himself knows that the voters are rejecting his agenda. Redistricting becomes tool nationwide in battle for US House The Republican power play has already triggered a national tit-for-tat battle as Democratic state lawmakers prepared to gather in California on Thursday to revise that states map to create five new Democratic seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a new Democratic Party, this is a new day, this is new energy out there all across this country, Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said on a call with reporters on Wednesday. And were going to fight fire with fire. A new California map would need to be approved by voters in a special election in November because that state normally operates with a nonpartisan commission drawing the map to avoid the very sort of political brawl that is playing out. Newsom himself backed the 2008 ballot measure to create that process, as did former President Barack Obama. But in a sign of Democrats stiffening resolve, Obama Tuesday night backed Newsoms bid to redraw the California map, saying it was a necessary step to stave off the GOPs Texas move. I think that approach is a smart, measured approach, Obama said during a fundraiser for the Democratic Partys main redistricting arm. The incumbent presidents party usually loses seats in the midterm election, and the GOP currently controls the House of Representatives by a mere three votes. Trump is going beyond Texas in his push to remake the map. Hes pushed Republican leaders in conservative states like Indiana and Missouri to also try to create new Republican seats. Ohio Republicans were already revising their map before Texas moved. Democrats, meanwhile, are mulling reopening Marylands and New Yorks maps as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, more Democratic-run states have commission systems like Californias or other redistricting limits than Republican ones do, leaving the GOP with a freer hand to swiftly redraw maps. New York, for example, cant draw new maps until 2028, and even then, only with voter approval. Texas Democrats decry the new maps In Texas, there was little that outnumbered Democrats could do other than fume and threaten a lawsuit to block the map. Because the Supreme Court has blessed purely partisan gerrymandering, the only way opponents can stop the new Texas map would be by arguing it violates the Voting Rights Act requirement to keep minority communities together so they can select representatives of their choice. Democrats noted that, in every decade since the 1970s, courts have found that Texas legislature did violate the Voting Rights Act in redistricting, and that civil rights groups had an active lawsuit making similar allegations against the 2021 map that Republicans drew up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans contend the new map creates more new majority-minority seats than the previous one. Democrats and some civil rights groups have countered that the GOP does that through mainly a numbers game that leads to halving the number of the states House seats that will be represented by a Black representative. State Rep. Ron Reynolds noted the country just marked the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Acts passage and warned GOP members about how theyd be remembered if they voted for what he called this racial gerrymander. Just like the people who were on the wrong side of history in 1965, history will be looking at the people who made the decisions in the body this day, Reynolds, a Democrat, said. Republicans hit back at criticism Republicans spent far less time talking on Wednesday, content to let their numbers do the talking in the lopsided vote. As the day dragged on, a handful hit back against Democratic complaints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You call my voters racist, you call my party racist and yet were expected to follow the rules, said State Rep. Katrina Pierson, a former Trump spokesperson. There are Black and Hispanic and Asian Republicans in this chamber who were elected just like you. House Republicans frustration at the Democrats flight and ability to delay the vote was palpable. The GOP used a parliamentary maneuver to take a second and final vote on the map so it wouldnt have to reconvene for one more vote after Senate approval. House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced as debate started that doors to the chamber were locked and any member leaving was required to have a permission slip. The doors were only unlocked after final passage more than eight hours later. One Democrat who refused the 24-hour police monitoring, State Rep. Nicole Collier, had been confined to the House floor since Monday night. Some Democratic state lawmakers joined Collier Tuesday night for what Rep. Cassandra Garcia Hernandez dubbed a sleepover for democracy. Republicans issued civil arrest warrants to bring the Democrats back after they left the state Aug. 3, and Republican Gov. Greg Abbott asked the state Supreme Court to oust several Democrats from office. The lawmakers also face a fine of $500 for every day they were absent. The Texas legislature's lower chamber passed a contentious new electoral map on Wednesday that aims to help Donald Trump's Republican Party retain its razor-thin US House majority in the 2026 midterm elections. The vote had been delayed by two weeks after Democratic legislators fled the southern state to halt the redistricting drive, which carves out five new Republican-friendly districts. More than 50 Democrats walked out, stalling legislative business and generating national headlines as they sought to draw attention to the rare mid-decade redistricting push. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic lawmakers returned this week, but not before their protest had set off a national map-drawing war, with Trump pressuring his party's state-level officials to do everything they can to protect the majority in the US House of Representatives. The stakes are sky-high for Trump, who will be bogged down in investigations into almost every aspect of his second term if Democrats manage to flip the handful of districts nationwide needed to win back the House in next year's midterm elections. Trump hailed the "Big WIN for the Great State of Texas" on Wednesday night. "Everything Passed, on our way to FIVE more Congressional seats and saving your Rights, your Freedoms, and your Country, itself," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. "Texas never lets us down." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president also suggested Florida, Indiana and other states were looking into pursuing similar redistricting to benefit Republicans while once again calling to "STOP MAIL-IN VOTING." Trump -- who has long railed against postal ballots, even though they have benefited his party and he has voted by mail -- said in a separate post: "END MAIL-IN VOTING, AND GO TO PAPER BALLOTS. 100 additional seats will go to Republicans!!!" As lawmakers in Texas debated the electoral map, Democratic representative Chris Turner called it a "clear violation of the Voting Rights Act and the constitution," according to Austin-based news site The Texas Tribune. Republican leaders of the Texas House sped up the normal legislative process, bringing the new map to a final vote Wednesday evening. It passed along party lines 88-52. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the state House's green light, it moves to the state Senate, where it has passed in a previous session, before heading to Republican Governor Greg Abbott's desk. - Playing hardball - Individual states redraw their own congressional districts, usually only once every 10 years, after the US Census. But "redistricting can be done at any point in time," argued the Texas map's sponsor, Republican Todd Hunter, according to the Tribune. "The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward: improve Republican political performance." There is little Democrats in Texas can do to thwart the map change, but it has prompted retaliation in California, and serious discussions in other Democratic-led states alarmed that the Texas maneuver could be replicated nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are mulling drawing at least 10 new seats and are targeting Ohio, Missouri, New Hampshire, Indiana, South Carolina and Florida. Trump on Monday posted the proposed map of Texas on Truth Social, calling it "one of the most popular initiatives I have ever supported." State lawmakers in Democratic stronghold California -- the most populated and richest US state -- introduced three bills on Monday to create a voter referendum this year for a new congressional map that would effectively counteract Texas. If approved, the referendum would appear on California's November 4 ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nothing about this is normal, and so we're not going to act as if anything is normal any longer," Governor Gavin Newsom told reporters Wednesday. "Yes, we'll fight fire with fire. Yes, we will push back. It's not about whether we play hardball anymore, it's about how we play hardball." New York Democrats may follow suit, with Governor Kathy Hochul calling the Texas redistricting plan nothing short of a "legal insurrection." ft/des/abs/sco AUSTIN (KXAN) The Texas Senate passed a bill Tuesday night that would ban transgender people from using restrooms in government-owned buildings. Its the third time this year that the Senate has passed the Texas Womens Privacy Act. It previously sailed through the chamber as Senate Bill 240 during the regular session and as SB 7 during 2025s first called session. The current version is the current special sessions SB 8. It failed to pass in the Texas House of Representatives during the regular session and the first called session. Similar restroom ban bills also failed to pass in 2017 and in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During debate in the Texas Capitol Tuesday night, Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, said that the bills supporters had filmed people in the capitols restrooms during a prior session. Folks, weve gone more than 10 years trying to pass this bill, and none of the horrific things that are purported [for it] to stop have been happening, Menendez said. There were numerous reports last session of [transgender] people in this state capitol being filmed for using the restroom, and those videos being posted online. Menendez, like other state senators, has asked for the bills supporters to produce evidence or data to show why such a law would be needed in Texas. As a male legislator, I want to make sure that Im approaching womens issues with data, an evidence-based research and most importantly, input from my constituents. This bill does not consider any of that, he said. We have listened to hours of testimony of individuals expressing their fear to use a bathroom because they just look different, or fear taking their child to the bathroom because they will be harassed for being in the wrong gender restroom. You know, even if you cant understand, how this bill will impact people because they are different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Molly Cook also rose in opposition of the Tuesday vote. Men who control women are a threat to our safety, she said. I love my trans brothers, sisters and siblings, and I believe that they are each beautiful, miraculous creations of God. To suggest otherwise, to target and attack them, is an affront to our Gods limitless vision for his people. Cook argued the bill is unnecessary, as sexual assault and indecency are already illegal. She also called the bill sloppy policy and that it was meant to score airtime for a campaign. The authors definitions have changed throughout his many versions of these different bills, Cook said. Im sick to my stomach to know that the author refused amendments from violence shelters who needed small changes to stay in compliance with federal law and serve the impacted communities who understand how this bill will play out better than any of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, SB 8 left the Texas Senate the same way it did during other sessions in 2025, with Republican Sen. Mayes Middleton declining to offer supporting evidence requested by his colleagues. Members, safety and privacy are common sense, and so for all the daughters of our great state, I move final passage, Middleton said. Hes called those opposed to SB 8 and its copies perverts on social media. Hundreds of Texans registered and testified against the bill in 2025. SB 8 is now in the Texas House of Representatives State Affairs Committee. It will need to pass a vote in that committee and in the House before it can reach the governors desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) The Texas state Senate will vote on a bill that would redraw districts mid-decade to give an advantage to Republicans on Thursday. A committee passed the bill with a 5-3 vote Thursday morning, setting the stage for a full Senate vote Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET. The Texas House passed the legislation Wednesday after a delay when Texas Democrats fled the state to prevent the legislature from attaining a quorum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nebraskas governor says immigration detention center ready to roll Democrats have criticized the mid-decade redistricting effort, led by President Donald Trump, that is designed to make it easier for Republicans to retain control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Congressional districts are typically redrawn every ten years, using new census data to ensure that districts are correctly drawn in accordance with population numbers. Districts are intended to be drawn on population and geography lines, though both parties have been known to gerrymander maps. The GOP effort to change the maps for partisan purposes has kicked off a nationwide fight. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed to redraw his states maps to balance out the Texas redistricting ahead of the midterm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida is also moving to redraw districts to favor Republicans, and Democratic governors, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, have also said they could reshape their states to maintain the balance of power. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Napat Wesshasartar BANGKOK (Reuters) - A court in Thailand dismissed a royal insult case on Friday against influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, clearing the first hurdle in a series of high-stakes court rulings involving the powerful Shinawatra political dynasty. The court said the case, brought by the royalist military stemming from a 2015 Thaksin interview with foreign media, lacked sufficient evidence to prove he had insulted the powerful monarchy, an offence punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Evidence from the plaintiff showed the interview by the defendant did not defame, insult or threaten the king, therefore the defendant is not guilty," the criminal court in Bangkok said. Wearing a yellow necktie, the colour associated with the palace, a smiling Thaksin had earlier announced the decision to reporters as he left the courthouse, outside of which about 150 of his red-shirted supporters had gathered. The divisive 76-year-old tycoon remains a major force in Thai politics despite being retired and having previously spent 15 years in self-imposed exile before his return in 2023. The billionaire has repeatedly pledged allegiance to the king, who is enshrined in the Thai constitution as being in a position of "revered worship", with the palace seen by royalists as sacrosanct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thaksin's case was the highest-profile among more than 280 prosecutions in recent years under the controversial lese-majeste law, which activists say has been abused by conservatives to silence dissent and sideline political rivals. Royalists say the law is necessary to protect the crown. CHALLENGES AHEAD Although he has no official role in government, Thaksin remains politically active and is widely seen as the power behind the ruling Pheu Thai party-led coalition, which is losing popularity and hanging by a thread. The ruling came a week ahead of another key verdict involving his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who faces dismissal by the Constitutional Court for an alleged ethics violation over a leaked telephone conversation with Cambodia's former leader about a border row that later spiraled into five days of armed conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thaksin also faces another legal test in September when the Supreme Court will decide if his six-month stint in hospital detention, prior to his release on parole in 2024, counts as time served in jail for an abuse of power and conflicts of interest conviction. He could potentially be made to serve that time in prison. Thaksin had been sentenced to eight years in prison, reduced to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, but did not spend a single night in jail and was transferred to the VIP wing of a police hospital on medical grounds. A former policeman who built a business empire worth billions, Thaksin was a mould-breaking premier who won the hearts and votes of millions of working-class Thais with populist giveaways like cash handouts, village loans and universal healthcare. That made his political parties unstoppable, but his influence and brash character riled Thailand's old guard of conservatives and royalist generals in a long-running battle that has seen the fall of multiple Shinawatra-backed governments via coups or court rulings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters outside the court expressed relief at Friday's decision, saying Thaksin was committed to helping the people. "I'm glad," said Khemanut Thauntong, 62. "He is a good and honest person who is loyal to the nation." (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Napat Wesshasartar, Artorn Pookasook, Panu Wongcha-um and Chayut Setboonsarng; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Michael Perry) (Corrects paragraph 3 to show maximum jail term is 15 years for each offence, not 50 years) By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's billionaire Shinawatra family is bracing for a series of high-stakes court decisions starting Friday that could test its political resilience, with the prospect of an early election and prolonged trouble for the country's stuttering economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thailand's Shinawatra political dynasty has been at the heart of two decades of intermittent turmoil and its latest battles will culminate in rulings that could unseat Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an alleged ethics violation and put her influential but polarising father Thaksin Shinawatra back in prison. A court will on Friday rule if Thaksin during a 2015 media interview insulted the powerful monarchy, a serious crime in Thailand which carries lengthy jail terms of up to 15 years for each offence. Another court will decide 18 days later if the tycoon's 2023 detention in a VIP hospital wing, instead of jail, means his prison sentence for abuse of power and conflicts of interest was not fully served. Both Shinawatras have denied any wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfavourable verdicts for Paetongtarn, 39, and Thaksin, 76, a divisive backroom operator and driving force behind the government, could reduce the family's bargaining power and lead to an earlier-than-scheduled election, which their once formidable Pheu Thai party is not in the best shape to contest. "A new election will definitely take place by mid-2026 or maybe sooner," said Thammasat University law professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul. "The chances of Pheu Thai regaining the popular vote in the next election are very unlikely." A spokesperson for the Pheu Thai-led government declined to comment on the upcoming court rulings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNCERTAINTY LOOMS The Shinawatra family are undoubtedly survivors having prevailed through two military coups and three court rulings that collectively toppled three of their governments and five prime ministers. It is unclear how the courts will rule, with numerous permutations for what comes next in Thai politics. The coalition government of Paetongtarn, who is suspended pending the Constitutional Court's August 29 ruling, is sinking in opinion polls, under intense public pressure and hanging onto power by a thread. The verdicts come at a critical moment for Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, which is struggling with weak growth, high household debt, slowing tourism and investor concern over policy continuity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paetongtarn is accused of violating ethics in a June telephone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen that was leaked as both countries were on the brink of an armed border conflict, which erupted a month later. A ceasefire is now in place. Paetongtarn's predecessor Srettha Thavisin was dismissed by the same court a year ago and if she suffers the same fate, or resigns, parliament must choose a new premier from a shrinking list of candidates submitted before the 2023 election. Her Pheu Thai party has only one candidate left, the low-profile former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri. But the 76-year-old would need help from Thaksin or Pheu Thai to rally support from a shaky coalition that holds a razor-thin majority. Other candidates include former interior minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose party exited the governing coalition in June, and former premier and coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, who quit politics and is now a royal adviser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anti-establishment opposition Peoples Party, the largest in parliament, has signalled it may back Anutin if he agrees to dissolve parliament this year and seek constitutional reform. Unfavourable court verdicts would make it harder for seasoned dealmaker Thaksin to keep Pheu Thai in government, but some analysts say he still has backing from a powerful conservative establishment that wants to keep the progressive opposition at bay. "The conservative camp has chosen Thaksin," said Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science lecturer at Burapha University. "Chaikasem would be picked as a short-term prime minister and dissolve parliament when the timing is right." (Writing by Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Martin Petty and Michael Perry) BANGKOK (AP) Thailands suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra testified in a Bangkok court Thursday on her alleged breach of an ethics law in her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia, a case that could see her forced out of her job entirely. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of billionaire ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is accused of failing in her duties by not standing up for the country properly in a June 15 call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen to discuss tensions over territory claimed by both nations. Despite her efforts, the two countries in late July engaged in five days of armed border clashes, resulting in dozens of deaths and the displacement of more than 260,000 people. Critics said she went too far in appeasing Hun Sen, Cambodia's former leader, and damaged Thailands image and interests by referring to him as uncle while seemingly criticizing a Thai army general in charge of forces along the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real damage was done when Hun Sen, who had been a long-time friend of Thaksin, leaked the call, causing an uproar in Thailand. Paetongtarn apologized but said she didnt do any damage to Thailand, arguing that her comments were a negotiating tactic. The Constitutional Court, however, voted unanimously to review a petition accusing Paetongtarn of a breach of ethics and voted 7-2 to immediately suspend her on July 1 until it issues its ruling. Her testimony Thursday was heard behind closed doors. Her father Thaksin will face a legal judgment of his own Friday, when Bangkoks Criminal Court is expected to issue a verdict on whether he insulted Thailands monarchy, an offense punishable by three to 15 years in prison. The case involved a 2025 interview he gave while in South Korea. Thaksin, who was ousted from power by a military coup in 2006, was previously convicted of charges of conflict of interest and abuse of power but avoided imprisonment by fleeing abroad. He returned to Thailand only in 2023, serving just a brief sentence in a comfortable hospital suite before being paroled and pardoned. I love Milwaukee. Exactly three years ago yesterday, I arrived at Marquette University for my freshman year. Since then, I've been lucky enough to meet some pretty great people from here who got me off-campus and showed me everything there is to love about this city. Since I'm not from here, I needed the help. I grew up an hour west of Boston, Massachusetts, so the first time I drove up I-94 and saw American Family Field I've since learned to ignore the sign out front and call it Miller Park I was ignorant. Eager to learn, no question, but ignorant nonetheless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of that, I know I'll never be a true Milwaukeean or Wisconsinite. Really, when push comes to shove, I'm a Masshole, something I have conflicting feelings about. I've fallen so in love with Milwaukee and really all of Wisconsin. This isn't fly-over country to me. I identify with this place much more than with Boston. It's that love and the inescapable, unavoidable truth that I'm an outsider that drives me to do as much as I can to at least feel like I'm from here. So, in July, when the Milwaukee Brewers were at 11 wins and free George Webb burgers dominated newsroom chatter, I viewed my burger as another way to feel like a native. Sadly, it took another month, but the Crew got the job done, and I knew I was getting my burger, come hell or high water. Before I could, though, I was on George Webb coverage for the giveaway day Aug. 20. That meant talking to someone who'd been waiting since 10 a.m. (the giveaway started at 2 p.m.) to be the first in line; another person who took time off work to secure his burger ("It is what it is," he said); and a family that spent their day doing a hop, skip and a jump from one George Webb to the next, hitting four in under an hour and a half. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, some really dedicated people. It was 3:20 p.m. when I pulled into the George Webb on South Howell Avenue, right next to the airport. I was giddy. I'd never heard of the giveaway lore before this summer and didn't realize how lucky I was to be here to experience it. People form a line for free burgers, triggered by the Brewers winning 12 games in a row, at George Webb on South Howell Ave in Milwaukee on the afternoon of Aug. 20, 2025. Not because of the burger I texted my friend after I ate that I'd pay a dollar and nothing more for it but because of what it represents. It's more than two buns, a patty, a pickle, ketchup and mustard. It's a Milwaukee tradition, almost a century old. When I pulled in, the side streets were littered with cars, the line kept growing farther away from the building and the air was abuzz. Everyone was chatting with each other. A cement truck happily honked in celebration as it drove by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 15 minutes, I had my burger in hand and new friends all around me. Conversations continued out of the restaurant and into the parking lot. Some lasted a few minutes, some were longer. All ended with some kind of "nice to meet you." It taught me what this is really about. Community. These free giveaways seldom happen, so when they do, the entire city comes together. They're all celebrating the Brewers winning 12 games in a row, but they're also all celebrating each other and the place they call home. It's the latest of many examples I've seen of something I respect most about this place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are proud to be from Wisconsin. Once I started noticing it, I couldn't stop. Yesterday was more maybe the best proof. Jose Juarez stands in line with his sons, Oliver Juarez, 16, and Ivan Juarez, 15, at George Webb on South Howell Ave in Milwaukee on the afternoon of Aug. 20, 2025. After I was finished eating my burger and conversing with locals, I hopped in my car and experienced something almost poetic. Driving back toward downtown, purposefully over the Hoan Bridge, my Spotify seemed to understand the weight of the moment. Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" came on. The Brewers anthem playing after my first George Webb experience in celebration of a historic Brewers winning streak as I drove over a Milwaukee landmark with the perfect view of downtown? That's storybook stuff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Springsteen had just finished the opening verse as I neared the Hoan's middle. As I drove over the crest, as all of Milwaukee came into sight unrestricted, Springsteen bellowed his first "glory days!" With chills running down my back, I stuck my arm out the window, feeling for the first time like a true Milwaukeean. A glory day indeed. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Joining George Webb burger giveaway made me feel like true Milwaukeean Aug. 20From outside a University of New Mexico dorm room, LeAnna LaMotte pleaded with a 911 dispatcher for an officer's assistance. Unbeknownst to LaMotte, her 14-year-old son was on the other side of the door, shot in the head. "I called just a while ago about my son potentially being shot on campus. The police are still not here. It's been over 45 minutes. I'm at the room all the way from Rio Rancho made it here. There's no urgency. There's no one answering the door," she told the dispatcher. The dispatcher responded that the call was under the purview of campus police and that the Albuquerque Police Department could not help her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "God, my son can be bleeding out, and there's no urgency with this place," LaMotte said in the call, one of several released to the Journal following the July 25 shooting. UNM police would open the door around 4:41 a.m., confirming LaMotte's worst fear. The UNM police response to the shooting has come under scrutiny since Michael LaMotte was fatally shot in the Casa del Rio dorm after being brought there by his stepbrother. Campus police did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Prosecutors have said the alleged shooter, John Fuentes, 18, was drunk and high on LSD, cocaine and marijuana, when he pulled out a gun and shot Michael LaMotte and the young man whose dorm they were playing video games in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How the events unfolded during the pre-dawn hours of July 25 is still unclear, but the calls provide more clarity. They begin at 12:11 a.m. when Machai Bluhm, a dorm resident, called APD. "I'm pretty sure I just heard what I thought was gunshots outside of my apartment," Bluhm said. "I looked outside the window and I saw someone like a white male without a shirt on. He was booking it. He was running." Bluhm also told the dispatcher that he heard four or five shots. He told them he was staying in the Casa del Rio dormitory. APD spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said Wednesday that they dispatched two officers around 12:15 a.m. and the officers arrived at 12:40 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallegos said, around 15 minutes after they arrived, one officer was released from the scene and the other responded to another call because UNM police said they were handling the situation on campus. "UNM did not request assistance from APD as a result of the first call," he said. According to the call logs, around that time, an APD dispatcher called UNM police and said there were "reports of some possible shots fired in the area." "We had something earlier in the area. That guy had a gun. He took the clip off, dropped it on the ground, and then grabbed it and ran off," a UNM police dispatcher replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A little after 1 a.m., APD got a call from a Valencia County dispatcher that Fuentes' mother was trying to find him after he FaceTimed his father saying he was hallucinating on drugs and passed out on a roof. Then, LaMotte's mother called. "So my stepson called, he has my son ... There was three of them playing a video game. They heard gunshots. My son, my stepson, and his cousin, I believe, left the building, but my son's location is still inside that building," she said. The dispatcher asked her if the boys were involved in the shooting. "As far as I know, my stepson says that they just heard it," LeAnna LaMotte said. "But they left the room, and they didn't see my son, my biological son." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was then transferred to speak to UNM police. Around 10 minutes later, another APD dispatcher called campus police again. "I guess her son stayed," the dispatcher said. "He didn't leave. And she says his location is still showing there, but she hasn't been able to get ahold of him." LeAnna LaMotte called APD again and told them she had driven to campus: "I called just a while ago about my son potentially being shot on campus. The police are still not here." She went on to express frustration with the response time and what she perceived as a lack of urgency from authorities. The dispatcher told her that the UNM campus wasn't under APD's jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after 2 a.m., while searching for Fuentes, a campus police dispatcher called APD, asking if a K-9 unit could be deployed. "We found a blood trail, and we just need help finding him," the dispatcher told APD. The dispatcher also said that every UNM officer was searching at that time. LaMotte's body was found at 4:41 a.m. Three days after the shooting, the LaMotte family wrote an open letter hinting at a lawsuit alleging that university police failed to respond promptly to her calls about her son being shot. The family's legal counsel, Rothstein Donatelli, did not return a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Fuentes was ordered by a judge to remain in custody as he awaits trial. For its part, UNM is eyeing a $2 million campus-wide alarm system upgrade, which the school's governing board approved on Tuesday. The same day, University President Garnett Stokes said the school would ask for $5 million in state funding for increased campus security. Going before the Board of Regents, Stokes spoke at length about the shooting, noting that the university's urban campus is located in a city experiencing what some local leaders have characterized as a juvenile crime crisis. "We love our university and our neighborhood community," Stokes said. "We have work to do as individuals and work to do as a community, as educators, administrators, researchers and leaders. I think we have an obligation to lead proactively and to lead by example." TUNIS -Thousands of members and supporters of Tunisia's powerful Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) protested in the capital on Thursday over what they called a decline in union rights and civic freedoms. It was one of the largest political demonstrations Tunisia has seen recently, and comes amid a deepening standoff between the UGTT and President Kais Saied. Last month, a UGTT strike over wages and working conditions disrupted transport services across the country and piled pressure on Saied to deal with a deepening economic crisis. In response, hundreds of Saied's supporters staged a rally outside the UGTT headquarters early this month to urge the president to suspend the union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday's protest started in front of the UGTT headquarters in Tunis and passed through Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the site of mass protests that led to the downfall of President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011 and sparked the Arab Spring uprisings across the Middle East. Demonstrators chanted slogans including, "The right to struggle is a duty and decried increasing poverty and hunger and called for the protection of workers' rights. UGTT Secretary-General Noureddine Taboubi decried what he called "threats and smear campaigns" against the union and called on authorities to release political prisoners and provide fair trials. "The union will not deviate from the path of struggle and will adhere to its social and national role to guarantee workers' rights," he said in a speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate comment from authorities on the protest. Saied assumed sweeping powers in 2021, shut down the elected parliament, started ruling by decree, suspended the Supreme Judicial Council and sacked dozens of judges in a move the opposition described as a coup. (Reporting by Latifa Guesmi; editing by Alexander Dziadosz and Ros Russell) Duke Energy reported over 2,500 customers without power in west Charlotte Thursday morning. The outage is in the area along Remount Road near Uptown and Wesley Heights. ALSO READ >> Storms cause power outages in southeast Charlotte Duke Energy says the outage was caused after a car crashed into a utility pole on West Morehead Street near Morton Street. That portion of the road is closed while Duke crews make repairs. Power was restored around 8:30 a.m. VIDEO: Lightning strike explosion captured on camera, no injuries reported FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) On June 12, Liberty County faced two life-threatening emergencies that occurred just minutes apart from each other. One on River Road and the other in Telogia. Both victims suffered from arterial bleeds, requiring rapid medical attention in two locations across the county. But Liberty County only has one ambulance. Three Franklin County sheriffs deputies jumped in to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sergeant John Nunez reported to the River Road incident, while deputies Lanny Rester and Christian Hathcock went to Telogia. Without their help, Liberty County officials say, both victims would not have made it. When they got down there, they were both lower leg injuries and four more artery injuries. And so the deputies had to put a tourniquet on and save the individuals lives. And without that and without the training and without the tools, those individuals could have perished, said Liberty County Sheriff Dusty Arnold. Sheriff Arnold presented the three deputies and Franklin County Sheriff A. J. Smith with commendations of appreciation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Franklin County Board of County Commissioners also commended their actions with a proclamation, recognizing the life-saving actions of the three deputies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Giraffes are one of the world's most distinct and well-loved creatures, always thought to be one species. But now scientists at the International Union for Conservation of Nature say we can welcome three more species of the world's tallest mammal. It's not the first time researchers have suggested there are four species of these giants strolling on our planet, but the latest assessment puts an official stamp on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did scientists work it out? And what does it mean for the future of the animal? Scientists compared the skull size and head shape of different giraffes and concluded there was enough genetic diversity for four groups to be considered as different species. The researchers looked at natural features across Africa such as deserts, rivers and valleys that could have separated animals in the past, meaning they evolved separately from each other. Say hello to the Southern giraffe, one of the newly-recognised species. A Southern giraffe, pictured in Namibia [Michael Brown] This giraffe lives in South Africa, Angola, southern Botswana, Namibia, southern Zimbabwe, Zambia, and southwestern Mozambique. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two rivers (the Kunene and Zambezi) and rainforests in the Congo Basin probably separated the animals from overlapping with other giraffes. The second new species is the Reticulated giraffe. Reticulated giraffe in Kenya [Michael Brown] This giraffe lives in the open savannas and wooded grasslands of Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Scientists think the Tana river, Ethiopia's mountains and towns separated this animal from other giraffes in the north of the region. It is also a migrating animal, which means it may have passed by other giraffes when it could have cross-bred. The third species we can officially recognise is the Northern giraffe. Northern giraffe [Getty Images] This animal lives in western Ethiopia, central and western Kenya, eastern South Sudan and Uganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists say the Nile River and Lake Victoria, as well as its migration pattern, separated this giraffe from others. The fourth and final species is the beautiful Masai giraffe, with its distinctive leaf-pattern hide. Masai giraffe in Kenya [Getty Images] It lives in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, separated from the Northern giraffe by Lake Victoria and the Nile River. Although its pattern makes it seem like it could be a marker of being a separate species, the scientists say that the hides vary even within one population of giraffes and as the animals age. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says that identifying genetic difference is "vital" for conservation and managing giraffe populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The more precisely we understand giraffe taxonomy, the better equipped we are to assess their status and implement effective conservation strategies," said co-author of the report Michael Brown of the IUCN. As a single species, the giraffe was classed as vulnerable to extinction, although some of the sub-species were increasing in numbers. The IUCN will now re-assess the vulnerability of the four new species and their sub-species and says it hopes to better protect the majestic animals with the new information. Thousands of peace activists will stand together, participating in an anti-war, anti-hunger protest in Tel Aviv backed by the Hadash Arab party. The Hadash Party called for the broadest possible participation of the Arab public to take part in an upcoming protest on Saturday in Tel Aviv that will demonstrate against starvation in Gaza and the war. Hadash makes up one of the two Arab parties currently in the Knesset, in a joint list with Taal, known as Hadash-Taal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protest was named Stop the Starvation, Stop the War Yes to Life and Peace. It is expected to be an Arab-Jewish demonstration led by the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, which is an extra-parliamentary organization dealing with matters concerning the Arab community. In a Thursday statement about the protest, Hadash slammed the recent actions of the current government, saying, This is the time to intensify efforts and halt the deterioration. The partys statement began by criticizing Israels recent announcement of its Gaza City takeover plan. Activists attend a protest demanding an end to the war in Gaza, and against the humanitarian crises there, outside the US embassy in Tel Aviv, July 29, 2025. (credit: JAMAL AWAD/FLASH90) The government of genocide intends to continue destroying all of Gaza City and the central cities and camps of the Strip, Hadash said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already today, millions of refugees live in impossible conditions in tent cities, with the most vulnerable facing immediate danger of death. The planned invasion is expected to lead to an inevitable humanitarian disaster, Hadash added. Thousands of Jewish and Arab activists will protest together in solidarity The partys statement also addressed the situation in the West Bank, claiming that ethnic cleansing is running unchecked. Hadash condemned the recent approval of the construction project in the West Bank, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, marking asignificant expansion in Maaleh Adumim in an area known as E1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the face of all this, the basic human duty that must be upheld against all forms of murderous fascism is our responsibilitynever again! It is in our hands to stop the genocide and the right-wing government, the party said. "It is our duty to strive for a future that ensures recognition of the Palestinian peoples rights, thereby creating a future of security and prosperity for both peoples. To this end, we must raise our voices for the immediate cessation of the war and the return of all hostages, prisoners, and displaced persons to their homes, Hadash added. The protest is planned to set out from Dizengoff Square at 4:00 p.m., where it will then proceed to Habima Square. Hadash said thousands ofJewish and Arab participants, peace activists, and communities from across the country are expected to participate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent developments with Hadash, the party's leader met with the heads of the other three central Arab parties, Raam, Taal, and Balad, last week. The four parties decided to move forward with negotiations to reestablish the Joint List bloc in the meeting. The Joint List bloc, once made up of the four parties, began to break apart ahead of the 2021 elections after Raam left the alliance. Then, in a dramatic last-minute split in 2022, Balad broke off from the two remaining factions and filed a separate list. MK Ahmad Tibi, head of Hadash-Taal, told The Jerusalem Post after the meeting that the four Arab lists must run together on a joint slate, due to the challenges facing Arab society in Israel and the state as a whole. The First Amendment protects the freedom of speech and religion. It prohibits the "establishment of religion," which the courts have interpreted as a ban on government endorsing one religion over others. (Photo from iStock via Getty Images Plus) It might surprise many South Carolinians to learn that blasphemy is still punishable by jail time in their state an absurdity that needs to be remedied. Under South Carolina code section 16-17-520, its a misdemeanor to use blasphemous, profane, or obscene language at or near a house of worship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina is one of only six states that still have archaic anti-blasphemy laws, alongside Massachusetts, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Wyoming. These antediluvian statutes date back to Americas colonial era, long before the U.S. Constitution, when church and state were entangled and religious orthodoxy was enforced by law. You might assume laws like this arent enforced anymore. But in Pennsylvania, it happened as recently as 2010. George Kalman attempted to register a film production company named I Choose Hell Productions. State officials rejected his application because state statute says corporation names were not allowed to be blasphemous. Thankfully, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania stepped in. The court ruled that the states enforcement of its blasphemy statute violated the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and religion. And yet, that unconstitutional law remains on the statute books, just like South Carolinas law remains today. Why? Not because anyone is defending it. Not because its needed. But because no one has taken the time to repeal it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaving laws like this in place sends the wrong message. It tells South Carolinians that your rights are conditional, that religious speech is protected, but religious dissent can still be punished. And it leaves open the possibility that someone could misuse the law again, especially since the U.S. Supreme Court has shown a willingness to rewrite constitutional law in favor of religious litigants. Even conservative evangelical politicians agree that blasphemy laws are wrong. In December 2019, U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws. The resolution condemned foreign governments that jail or persecute individuals for religious speech and nonbelief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It passed unanimously in the Senate in December 2020, less than two weeks after the House passed a matching resolution introduced by Rep Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, by a vote of 3863. Such rare and overwhelming support demonstrates that protecting religious expression, including the freedom to question or reject religion, is a shared American value that transcends party lines. Its also worth noting that faith-based religious liberty advocates, including the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, support repealing blasphemy laws. They recognize and acknowledge what the Founding Fathers believed: True religious freedom requires the freedom to criticize, question, reject religion, and speak freely without fear of censorship or punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For South Carolina, the solution is clear. Repeal the states blasphemy law and bring its statutes in line with established Supreme Court precedent. Doing so costs nothing, harms no one and reaffirms the states commitment to both religious liberty and freedom of expression for all. A new blood test uses a portable diagnostic system to detect various different diseases in just 15 minutes. The test could change the way we diagnose a wide range of infectious diseases. Here's what to know about the test, and when it might be available. After bearing witness to the meteoric downfall of blood test company Theranos and its founder Elizabeth Holmes a few years ago, you're likely wary of anyone who claims they can diagnose diseases with a single drop of blood. But new research from Arizona State University suggests this is now actually possibleand it only costs a few dollars. In a recent study, researchers from the school found that a new type of test could identify a range of diseases and viruses using a small blood sample, raising a lot of questions about what this means for the future health condition evaluations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what is this new test and when will it be available to the masses? Heres everything we know right now. Meet the experts: Chao Wang, PhD, is lead author of the study and an associate professor at Arizona State University; Amesh A. Adalja, MD, is a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. What is the blood test? The blood test doesnt currently have a name, but it uses a very small amount of blood to test for a range of diseases. That blood is then put through a portable diagnostic system called NasRED (Nanoparticle-Supported Rapid Electronic Detection), which evaluates the blood sample for health conditions. What diseases does it test for? This particular study found that the test can accurately diagnose COVID-19. However, Chao Wang, PhD, lead author of the study and an associate professor at Arizona State University, says the technology can also be used for a wide range of tests of infectious diseases, including other viral infections such as Ebola or Dengue virus, Lyme disease, bacterial infections, and sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis. It can also be used for quick screening of heart failure and early screening of cancer or neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimers," Wang says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the test only needs a drop of blood (or saliva), Chao says it can be especially helpful for pediatric testing. How does the test work? The actual mechanics of the test is a little complex, but there are some key points. For starters, it relies on the use of gold nanoparticles which are engineered to detect very small quantities of proteins linked to certain diseases. The nanoparticles are coated with specific molecules that are tailored to detect different diseases and illnesses. Some of those nanoparticles are coated with antibodies, which bind to proteins that are released by viruses or bacteria when you have an infection, while others are coated with antigens, which are fragments of proteins that are taken from viruses or bacteria. The nanoparticles are then mixed with a small sample of bodily fluid, like a drop of blood or saliva. And when molecules are present that signal a disease or virus, those nanoparticles clump together and sink to the bottom of a test tube. (If there is no disease or illness, they stay suspended in the liquid.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NasRED device shoots a beam of LED light through the fluid and an electronic sensor detects how much light passes through. If more light passes is able to pass through, that signals that the nanoparticles settled to the bottom, and more importantly, that someone has a disease or virus that theyre being tested for. Why does this matter? This kind of test is very fast and can be used in a range of settings without the need for expensive instruments. A test like this could be used in ambulances, ERs and doctors offices, or even in the field, Chao says. It also can give results in just 15 minutes. Tests like this have a great potential to greatly accelerate diagnosis at the point of care, says Amesh A. Adalja, MD, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. This kind of test could also help in quick diagnoses during an outbreak, Dr. Adalja says. The technology has advanced to a degree where such features are possible, and there are likely to be more tests like this that enter development, he adds. When will it be available to the public? Its not clear. Chao says that while his teams ongoing research has shown NasRED is effective, theyre working to develop a more automated testing device. Hopefully, this can be made available more widely in the next few years, he says. You Might Also Like Todd Lyons warns Boston mayor of larger ICE presence amid sanctuary policies debate Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons says Massachusetts could see an increase in ICE agents after Mayor Michelle Wus remarks on sanctuary policies. Now you are going to see more ICE agents come to Boston to make sure that we take these public safety threats out that she wants to let go back in the community, said Lyons. A letter sent to Wu and several other mayors and governors across the country highlighted potential violations of federal law that allegedly interfere with federal immigration enforcement. The letter also threatened to halt federal funding. Wu says the city of Boston will not back down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time that I have made it clear that our residents expect us to take care of our city and we know how to take care of our neighbors here in Boston without the interference, coercion, intimidation, bullying or threats from the federal government, said Wu at a separate event in Boston on Thursday. Wu says a request for ICE detainment records for the month of June has not been met, now escalating the citys demands to an administrative appeal. Wu is calling for transparency from the federal government. Weve had two subsequent exchanges with ICE about the request. They have said publicly that they have information to share and that they will not hide who they were detaining and where they were taking them and why, but its been 2 months without a response and without the real facts, said Wu. On the Howie Carr Show, Lyons added that sanctuary policies do not mean safer streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Mayor Wu, I say we are going to continue to do our mission were going to continue to make Boston safe as she is failing to do with the sanctuary city policies, said Lyons. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Tom Cruise is probably one of the biggest investors in the UK economy over the past decade, joked UK Culture Minister Chris Bryant this morning, as he urged the creation of more British IP. Bryant was referencing the fact that Cruises smash Mission Impossible movies are filmed around the UK, thereby contributing millions to the local economy. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He may have had his tongue in his cheek when referencing Cruises contribution to the economy but used his quip to make a wider point about local IP. I dont want all the IP to simply go back to the West Coast of America, Bryant said at the Edinburgh Television Festival. Id like some IP to remain here so we can continue making investments and having strong UK production companies making [shows and films] specifically for a UK audience or a wider audience. Ive been trying to make [the argument for] that mixed economy. Strengthening the UK production sector would help freelancers, Bryant added. He is currently putting together the job description for a new freelance champion for the industry but said in future hed like the proportion of freelancers to fall so that more people can be secure in their work. Id like our small to medium sized production companies to become bigger indies that have a sufficient number of ideas on the go, he added. The kind of ambition Id have for the sector is that they would be bigger and could provide continuity of employment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryant said his government department is very supportive of CIISA, the new anti-bullying body that we revealed earlier this week is not being funded by big players like Channel 4 and Disney. Bryant was in conversation at Edinburgh with Adolescence co-creator Jack Thorne. Adolescence was the subject of heated debate yesterday after a leading Channel 4 executive said Netflix had behaved like TV tourists for commissioning the show. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Several Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia high schools made U.S. News & World Reports latest ranking of the best high schools in the country. The publications 2025-2026 Best High Schools ranking includes data on 25,000 public high schools across the United States. Nearly 18,000 of those schools were ranked on six key indicators: college readiness (30%), state assessment proficiency (20%), state assessment performance (20%), underserved student performance (10%), college curriculum breadth (10%), and graduation rate (10%). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All private high schools were not ranked because of limitations in publicly available data. However, charter and magnet schools were eligible because they are publicly funded, the report stated. The highest-ranked school in the greater Jacksonville area was Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, ranked No. 6 in Florida and 65th nationally. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Other Northeast Florida schools that ranked among the top 100 in Florida include: Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Jacksonville (No. 18 in the state, No. 151 nationally) Samuel W. Wolfson High School, Jacksonville (No. 23 in the state, No. 232 nationally) Darnell Cookman Middle/High School, Jacksonville (No. 26 in the state, No. 294 nationally) Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville (No. 33 in the state, No. 425 nationally) Ponte Vedra High School, Ponte Vedra Beach (No. 35 in the state, No. 485 nationally) Allen D. Nease High School, Ponte Vedra Beach (No. 42 in the state, No. 704 nationally) Creekside High School, St. Johns (No. 43 in the state, No. 714 nationally) Q.I. Roberts Jr. - Sr. High School, Florahome (No. 73 in the state, No. 1,154 nationally) Fleming Island High School, (No. 94 in the state, No. 1,365 nationally) [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] These Southeast Georgia schools ranked among the top 100 in Georgia: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glynn Academy, Brunswick (No. 35 in the state, No. 1,305 nationally) Camden County High School (No. 79 in the state, No. 3,063 nationally) U.S. News & World Report ranked BASIS Tucson North in Arizona as the top high school in the country. Signature School in Indiana, Central Magnet School in Tennessee, Davidson Academy in Nevada, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia rounded out the top five high schools. Click here to view the full 2025-2026 Best High Schools power ranking. Photos: 2025 top high schools in the Jacksonville metro area Stanton College Preparatory School, Jacksonville (No. 6 in Florida and 65th nationally) Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Jacksonville (No. 18 in Florida, No. 151 nationally) Samuel W. Wolfson High School, Jacksonville (No. 23 in Florida, No. 232 nationally) Darnell Cookman Middle/High School, Jacksonville (No. 26 in Florida, No. 294 nationally) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville (No. 33 in Florida, No. 425 nationally) Ponte Vedra High School, Ponte Vedra Beach (No. 35 in Florida, No. 485 nationally) Allen D. Nease High School, Ponte Vedra Beach (No. 42 in Florida, No. 704 nationally) Creekside High School, St. Johns (No. 43 in Florida, No. 714 nationally) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Q.I. Roberts Jr. - Sr. High School, Florahome (No. 73 in Florida, No. 1,154 nationally) Fleming Island High School, (No. 94 in Florida, No. 1,365 nationally) Glynn Academy, Brunswick (No. 35 in Georgia, No. 1,305 nationally) Camden County High School, Kingsland (No. 79 in Georgia, No. 3,063 nationally) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. One of Microsoft's top AI bosses is concerned that the tech is fueling a massive wave of "AI psychosis." Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman told British newspaper The Telegraph that "to many people," talking to a chatbot is a "highly compelling and very real interaction." "Concerns around 'AI psychosis,' attachment and mental health are already growing," he added. "Some people reportedly believe their AI is God, or a fictional character, or fall in love with it to the point of absolute distraction." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps most concerning: Suleyman told the paper that he fears the breakdowns are not "limited to those who are already at risk of mental health issues." To Suleyman's credit, he's right on the money. As Futurism has reported extensively, we've already seen countless instances of users being driven into spiraling delusions, mixing spiritual mania and supernatural fantasies into a toxic miasma that psychiatrists say is leading to grim real-world outcomes. The spiraling users' friends and families have been forced to watch their loved ones grow convinced that they're talking to a sentient being, a devastating trend that can have severe consequences including death, in extreme cases. It's such a widespread phenomenon that people are forming support groups. Even a prominent OpenAI investor was seemingly drawn into a ChatGPT-fueled mental health crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While acknowledging the issue outright is an important step in the right direction, it remains to be seen what actions Suleyman and Microsoft will take to address the disturbing phenomenon. If OpenAI is anything to go by, the rise of AI psychosis is putting the creators of AI in a bind: they don't want the PR headache, but obsessed users are loyal users and cutting them off from an overly flattering AI buddy doesn't go over well. Earlier this month, the Sam Altman-led company deprecated its popular GPT-4o AI model following the launch of its successor, GPT-5, leading to an enormous amount of backlash from users who had grown attached to the predecessor's much warmer and sycophantic tone. The outcry highlighted a worrying trend, with Altman admitting that the company had "totally screwed up" the launch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you have been following the GPT-5 rollout, one thing you might be noticing is how much of an attachment some people have to specific AI models," Altman tweeted at the time. "It feels different and stronger than the kinds of attachment people have had to previous kinds of technology." Instead of coming up with meaningful guardrails, safety monitoring, or human counseling-based solutions, OpenAI gave in immediately, reinstating GPT-4o, and even announcing that GPT-5 would itself be made more sycophantic. A similar situation is seemingly playing out at Microsoft, a firm whose relationship with OpenAI started out as a mutually beneficial, multi-billion-dollar partnership, but has more recently grown sour. Suleyman told The Telegraph that researchers are being "inundated with queries from people asking, Is my AI conscious? What does it mean if it is? Is it okay that I love it?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The trickle of emails is turning into a flood," he added. While Suleyman argued that there should be hard-coded guardrails to stop these delusions, he said that his "central worry" is that people will "soon advocate for AI rights." His comments are yet another sign that tech leaders are growing concerned with how their offerings are negatively affecting the mental health of their users. Whether Microsoft will jump into action and meaningfully address the crisis is a different matter. The AI industry is going through a crunch time, with investors growing wary of enormous capital expenditures with no profits in sight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, OpenAI and Microsoft are financially obligated to their shareholders to continue to fuel their users' delusions a dystopian sci-fi story that's playing out in real time. More on AI psychosis: Support Group Launches for People Suffering "AI Psychosis" The top US health agency has permanently fired 600 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to a union representing the workers. Many of the staff were already on paid administrative leave as a part of mass layoffs proposed by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr in April, according to the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). The move from the US Department of Health and Human Services finalises employee firings across the agency, including the Division of Violence Prevention and the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, the union said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The layoffs come two weeks after a gunman opened fire at the CDC's headquarters in Atlanta. In a statement, the AFGE said the firings exacerbated recent trauma experienced by CDC staff after the 8 August shooting, in which a police officer was killed after a gunman fired 500 rounds at the building. "The cruel decision to move forward with these unlawful separations immediately after a violent attack on campus contradicts their stated commitments to promote the recovery of CDC staff and undermines the stability of our Agency," the group said. HHS confirmed the firings to the BBC and referred reporters to Kennedy's March announcement, in which he said 10,000 workers would be laid off, including 2,400 people at the CDC and others at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the proposed layoffs, many CDC employees were placed on paid administrative leave while the courts dealt with legal challenges to the firings. Last week, a federal judge in Rhode Island refined a July order blocking the administration from firing any CDC employees, instead only banning HHS from firing employees of six CDC divisions. In announcing the mass layoffs, Kennedy said the changes were aimed at reducing "bureaucratic sprawl" and refocusing the agency on "reversing the chronic disease epidemic", a key priority of his. He said the firings would save taxpayers $1.8b (1.3b) a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wide-ranging layoffs included employees working on the government's response to infectious diseases, including bird flu, as well as those researching environmental hazards and handling public record requests. Since taking office, Kennedy, a vaccine critic, has made a number of funding cuts and changes to how the US recommends and regulates immunizations that have angered public health experts. Earlier this week, a group of more than 750 former and current HHS employees sent a letter to Kennedy accusing him of fuelling violence towards public health workers after the CDC headquarters attack. They said Kennedy had spread vaccine misinformation and sowed mistrust in public health, contributing to harassment of health officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say the man who fired 500 rounds at the CDC - who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound - blamed a Covid-19 vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal. By Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday announced the first major overhaul of her office since its creation, slashing personnel by more than 40% by October 1 and saving more than $700 million per year. Among other changes, the restructuring eliminates the Foreign Malign Influence Center, which monitors foreign efforts to influence the American public. A fact sheet said that function was already performed by other U.S. intelligence units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has sought to shrink the federal bureaucracy and has made sweeping cuts to a number of agencies. Gabbard's announcement also comes as she accuses former intelligence officials and others of involvement in what she says was a manufactured and politicized assessment that Russia sought to influence the 2016 presidential vote in U.S. President Donald Trump's favor. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) played a key role in drafting those findings, which were confirmed by bipartisan Senate intelligence committee reports and a recent review ordered by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. ODNI also oversaw assessments that Russia used online influence operations to try to sway the 2020 and 2024 presidential votes to Trump. Russia denies the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office was created after the September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the U.S. to coordinate the work of the 18-agency U.S. intelligence community. "Over the last 20 years, ODNI has become bloated and inefficient, and the intelligence community is rife with abuse of power, unauthorized leaks of classified intelligence, and politicized weaponization of intelligence," Gabbard said in a statement. The overhaul is required so ODNI can focus "on its core mission: find the truth and provide objective, unbiased, timely intelligence to the president and policymakers," she said. ODNI had about 1,800 employees when Gabbard took the helm, and she has already reduced staff by about 25 percent, according to the Federal News Network, which focuses on news about the federal workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The additional 40% cut will save taxpayers more than $700 million a year beginning when fiscal 2025 ends on October 1, Gabbard said. The ODNI fact sheet said Gabbard is also eliminating units that track weapons of mass destruction and cyber threats, saying that work, too, is performed by another intelligence unit. Eliminated as well is a group that produced long-range forecasts of global trends. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Don Durfee and Tom Hogue) KANSAS CITY, Mo. After five years, Torchys Tacos will be closing two of their stores in the Kansas City area. The Austin, Texas-based taco joint will close its location on Ward Parkway in Kansas City, Missouri, and another on West 135th Street in Overland Park, Kansas. Both stores will close on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Olathe residents fed up with trains causing traffic According to a sign posted at the restaurant, the Ward Parkway location on State Line Road was its first restaurant in Missouri and the Kansas City-area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kansas City area welcomes us with open arms. We appreciate all the love you have shown us over the last 5 years, the sign said. Well provide you with the best hospitality and serve the Damn Good food you love until our last day. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Torchys still has a location that will remain open at 11919 S Strang Line Road in Olathe, Kansas. The Tex-Mex chain, famous for their Damn Good Tacos, offers a variety of taco options and toppings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A French Canadian is recovering from a shark bite in Florida, according to USA Today. What's happening? A tourist in his 40s suffered "severe lacerations to the upper arm area," said Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety's Chai Kauffman, per USA Today. He was in the area visiting friends and family. At the time of the attack, he was in chest-deep water with a friend. Following the bite, he was able to make it back to shore. Beach visitors provided him with aid until an ambulance arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this tourist was minding his own business, others have antagonized sharks, leading to truly brutal results. Why are shark attacks important? Shark attacks are incredibly rare. There have been 38 shark bites on humans in 2025 so far, 12 of which were in the U.S., 7 of which were in Florida, Tracking Sharks revealed. Only eight of the global attacks have been fatal. This has been a slight uptick compared to previous years, but the numbers are still small. While sharks have a threatening reputation, they play a major ecosystem role. As apex predators, they keep prey species in check. Without sharks, those populations could explode and overrun delicate marine ecosystems, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explained. Shark populations are actually in decline. Overfishing, poaching, and habitat degradation are some of the primary drivers for this drop. Naturally slow birth rates combined with these downward pressures have resulted in an 80% drop in shark populations between 1975 and 2009, Mongabay reported. What's being done about shark attacks? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a series of safety tips to lower the odds of shark encounters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These tips include staying in groups, avoiding being in the water at night or twilight, not wearing shiny jewelry, and minimizing excessive splashing. As for shark populations, researchers are taking local action by increasing tagging efforts to monitor population numbers and movement trends. This data can better inform protection measures. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. UPDATE: According to Marshall PD, Highway 59 South and Travis Street have reopened after a multi-vehicle accident on Thursday morning. MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) The Marshall Police Department is asking the public to avoid Highway 59 South and Travis Street on Thursday morning while they are working a multi-vehicle accident. Teen dies in Jacksonville crash involving box truck According to Marshall PD, officers are currently investigating the cause of the crash that led to multiple lanes being blocked. Photos courtesy of Marshall PD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they work to clear the scene, police are encouraging the public to avoid the area. KETK news will update this article as more information becomes available and when lanes open back up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On a Friday in June, Alexa was driving her Ford Focus on Interstate 94 in southeast Michigan when a Romulus police officer pulled her over for allegedly speeding. Instead of just writing the Ypsilanti woman a ticket, police took her to the police station and contacted Border Patrol, who then took the immigrant from Honduras to the Gibraltar station of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Despite having no criminal record, she was held for eight days in a cell where the lights remained on 24 hours day, making sleep almost impossible, and she was not allowed to shower, her attorney Ruby Robinson said. Things got worse for Alexa, a trans woman, after she was transferred to the Butler County Jail where, she alleges, she faced groping and an attempted assault after she was denied a request to be housed with other female inmates. The Spanish-speaking inmate was also mistakenly assumed to be suicidal when asked questions in English and was denied hormonal treatment that some trans people take, which led to health problems, Robinson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A border protection spokesman and Butler County Chief Deputy Sheriff Anthony Dwyer told the Detroit Free Press she was not mistreated and they do not have reports she was abused or discriminated against. "There was no record of an incident," Dwyer said. An immigration judge has denied her attorney's requests for her to be freed on bond while her case is being heard. Alexa's case illustrates the unique challenges that trans immigrants are facing as the administration of President Donald Trump vows to carry out a record number of arrests and deportations, according to immigrant and LGBTQ+ advocates. In addition to the crackdown on immigrants, Trump issued an executive order in January restricting gender-affirming care in prisons that affects some immigration detention centers. Alexa's challenges have alarmed civil rights and immigrant advocates in Michigan, who say it's part of a growing pattern. Alexa, 42, of Ypsilanti, was detained on June 6, 2025, by Border Patrol after a traffic stop by Romulus police for allegedly speeding, and then later detained by ICE. She alleges she faced abuse and groping while in custody. The trans woman also said she was denied hormonal treatment and facilities in accordance with her gender. "It's definitely very worrisome," said Robinson, with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. "A major concern, both for her and for other individuals, is getting the appropriate gender-affirming care that they deserve. Everyone deserves appropriate and sufficient care. We all deserve human dignity in all interactions and that's not happening." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexa was born in Honduras and entered the U.S. without authorization but has no criminal record since entering, Robinson said. She was not convicted of the alleged speeding she was pulled over for in June. The Trump administration has said it's going after all unauthorized immigrants, regardless of whether they've committed crimes. The Free Press did not speak with Alexa but with advocates who know about her case. Alexa came to the U.S. because of discrimination in her home country because of her gender identity, Robinson said. Alexa lived in Honduras identifying as a man but was able to experience a more free life in the U.S., undergoing top surgery a few years ago as she transitioned. She has lived in the U.S. for about 13 years, supporting herself by cleaning businesses and homes while living in an apartment in Ypsilanti. She now faces the possibility of being deported to Honduras, where she could face even more problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She would likely be very likely to be persecuted on account of her gender identity, an identity that is very much innate and has characteristics that she just she cannot change," Robinson said. Alexa was transferred July 10 to North Lake Correctional Facility, a private prison in northwest Michigan run by GEO Group, which contracts with ICE. Alexa has a different name in government records; the Free Press is using the name she uses. Robinson said this case reveals multiple issues with how immigrants are treated: arresting and detaining immigrants without criminal records, local police working with federal immigration agents on noncriminal cases, holding immigrants for several days in Border Patrol centers not meant for long-term stays, not respecting gender identities of trans people and denying immigrants bond they were granted under the previous administration. "This is an ongoing problem," Jay Kaplan, staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan's LGBTQ+ Project, told the Free Press. "A county jail, if they were to deny her medical treatment, that would be highly problematic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU filed a lawsuit in March challenging Trump's order against gender-affirming care that includes facilities overseen by the Department of Homeland Security; in June, the ACLU got an injunction from a federal judge blocking Trump's order. In June, a report from the Vera Institute said ICE is excluding data on transgender inmates as required by a congressional mandate. Border Patrol worked with local police Here's what happened to Alexa after she was arrested, according to her attorneys and advocates. After Border Patrol picked her up from the Romulus police station, she was placed in a brightly-lit holding cell, where she was offered only two meals a day and denied hygiene needs such as bathing, her attorney said. It was "very difficult for her to communicate directly with family members" or her attorney, but she later was able to, Robinson said. Romulus Police Chief Robert Pfannes did not return a message seeking comment about Alexa or about what his department's policies are on working with federal immigration agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to the Free Press, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly denied the claims of mistreatment. The spokesperson said Romulus police contacted Border Patrol for help "with identifying one subject they had in custody." Alexa said she was a citizen of Honduras and stated she did not possess any documents allowing her to stay, live, reside, work or remain in the country legally the spokesperson said. Border Patrol agents then arrested Alexa and took her to the Gibraltar station "for identity verification and verification of the documents they had in their possession," the U.S. official said. Alexa uses she/her pronouns but was referred to as they/them by the Border Patrol spokesperson. "The claims they did not shower or have any communication are blatantly false," the spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection said. "Detainees are provided showers, soap, and a clean towel for those approaching 72 hours in detention. They showered on June 9 and June 12. Additionally, agents granted them telephone access per policy. Both of these are outlined in CBPs National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search." Alleged abuse in Ohio county jail Alexa was transferred June 13 to the Butler County jail, about 30 minutes north of Cincinnati, which works with ICE on holding immigrant inmates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "From the moment she arrived at Butler, communication was a barrier that endangered her safety," said a memo from Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. "Alexa speaks only Spanish, but staff asked her intake questions in English. It seems that the staff was reluctant to secure an interpreter." Alexa said she later realized she may have answered "yes" to a question asking her if she was suicidal, but she did not understand at the time what the question was about. The staff at the jail thought she was suicidal and then stripped Alexa of her clothes and put in a restrictive safety gown that was too small for her, the memo said. "Her back was exposed," the memo said. "She was denied a blanket. She was forced to either sit on a toilet or press herself against a wall to preserve any sense of dignity." In an interview with the Free Press, Dwyer, the county's chief deputy, said "there is a record of (Alexa) talking about being suicidal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dwyer said they have translation services given the linguistic diversity of immigrant inmates. "We have ICE detainees, so we have a multitude of different languages, and we have translation services that we use frequently that have aided us very well, and I think are very well put together," Dwyer said. "We have an actual device that translates, as well as telephonic, where we can make calls and have live translations. "And I have documentation when they came in, of what they indicated about the suicidal ideations, and that would trigger (suicide prevention) in our jail," he said. Alexa was then placed in an area not meant for long-term housing, separate from other female inmates. When Alexa asked why she wasn't placed in a regular unit, a staff member told her: "We dont know where to put people like you" because they weren't sure to place her in either a male or female area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexa was placed in a 4-by-8-foot cell with constant lighting and continued isolation and not allowed to shower for almost a week. Other inmates were allowed to shower once a day, the memo said. "She tried to stay clean by washing her underarms at the sink/toilet, having no access to showers," the memo said. Dwyer maintains that Alexa was originally placed in an isolated area known as "protective custody" because she had requested it, but she later requested to be taken out of it. She was then "housed at different locations around our facility," Dwyer said. Deputy sheriff: No mixing of 'biological' men and women Dwyer said the jail has protocols for trans people "in discussing the situation with them and where proper housing is," and some inmates choose to go into protective custody or isolation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do not put biological males with biological females," Dwyer said. "We just do not do that. That is asking for trouble, and it's been trouble around jails in this whole country." Alexa had a bond hearing July 1, when Jennifer Riedthaler-Williams, a Cleveland immigration judge, said she needed more information before deciding. The following day, after Alexa had been transferred to a men's area, a male inmate shoved her against the wall and groped her, attempting to assault her, Robinson said. A guard witnessed the event, Robinson said, but laughed instead of intervening. Alexa then got another inmate to interpret and relay her concerns to a different guard, and she was moved to another section of the jail. Dwyer said there is no record of a complaint by Alexa that she was touched or assaulted. "We have a system in place where they can report that, and I don't have anything, so I can't comment," he said. On July 8, Alexa was denied bond, Robinson said. She had strong family ties and an ability to support herself and so she should have gotten bond, which was more the norm in the past, he said. ICE did not comment on Alexa's case. Some groups in Ohio have raised concerns about treatment of ICE inmates in Butler County, but Dwyer said "it's going fine." "We really don't have any problems with ICE inmates," he said. "We have a lot of transparency down here to try and provide people the information they want." Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com, X @nwarikoo or Facebook @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan trans immigrant alleges abuse while in Butler County Jail A former travel agency where a police officer was shot dead by armed robbers 20 years ago is to become a baked potato takeaway. Universal Express has been empty since PC Sharon Beshenivsky was killed at the Morley Street shop in Bradford on 18 November 2005. The sites since fallen into a state of disrepair, with roof tiles missing, gutters overflowing and the shopfront rotting away - but signage has now appeared on the building for the local chain Phat Spuds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It follows a planning application being submitted to turn it into a restaurant and "remove the stigma" from the premises. PC Beshenivsky was killed at the travel agents in 2005 [BBC] The fast food chain also has restaurants in Huddersfield and Halifax. PC Beshenivsky, 38, was shot on her youngest daughter's fourth birthday as she arrived at the scene of the robbery in the city centre. When she approached with her colleague PC Teresa Milburn, three men burst out of Universal Express, shooting at both officers. PC Beshenivsky's injuries were instantly fatal, while PC Milburn was seriously injured. The gunman and his two accomplices fled with around 5,400 in cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six people were subsequently convicted of charges including murder and manslaughter. The ringleader of the gang, Piran Ditta Khan, was the seventh and final defendant to face trial. He spent nearly two decades evading justice for his part in the killing of PC Beshenivsky but was extradited from Pakistan in 2023. Khan was jailed for life in May 2024 and died in prison the following February aged 76. The application to Bradford Council to bring the unit back into use stated that it had "carried a stain" since the crime and that the stigma meant it had become an eyesore. 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 If you need a place to sit while waiting for a flight at Bradley International Airport, you might find yourself settling into a chair that is also a bespoke piece of art glorifying Connecticut. The airports latest Chair Art Project is on view and in use. Theater, it seems, is not the only art form that puts bums on seats. Some art exhibits happen on a regular schedule. In the case of the artistic chairs at Bradley airport, designed and painted by high school art students, the old ones got worn and needed to be replaced. The new had an official unveiling this week but have been in use for a few weeks now. The first group of chairs was created in 2018. This year it was decided that new ones were needed, so a call went out to Connecticut high schools. Thousands of people had been sitting in them, said Brian Spyros, the airports public information officer who was also involved in setting up the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spyros said nine schools expressed interest in the project. Seven of the schools are from Connecticut while two are from Western Massachusetts, an area that is heavily served by the airport. The participating schools were Coventry High School, Ellington High School, Glastonbury High School, Granby Memorial High School, Somers High School, Windsor High School and Windsor Locks High School, all from Connecticut, plus Agawam High School and Longmeadow High School in Massachusetts. Each of those schools received a rocking chair or an Adirondack chair. They shared their design concepts with the project coordinators at the airport. Generally they all involve Connecticut history or town pride. The chairs were received by the schools in March and returned at the end of the school year in May. Most of the schools worked on the chairs during art class periods during school days. A lot of students picked local landmarks, Spyros said. Some did picturesque landscapes. Some have historical references. Ellington showed school pride with a Knights logo. Windsor Locks used their chair to pay tribute to Ella T. Grasso the town resident who became the first female governor of Connecticut according to Spyros. Its also cool because the back of that chair is painted like one of our airport runways, Runway 33. Its very specific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Somers chair celebrates that regions Four Town Fair, which has been held regularly since the mid-1800s. The new chairs may be found in different places around the airport than the last bunch. We put them out last month, Spyros said. The reaction has been pretty great. The chairs really tie in to community engagement. They create a sense of place in the terminal. Chair art has been around for centuries. Many museums, including the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and the New Britain Museum of American Art, not only display beautifully designed chairs in their permanent art collections but also have specially designed furniture that is meant for patrons to sit in while they look at other art. Bradleys Chair Art Project happened through the airports long-running BDL Art & Music program, which curates permanent and temporary art exhibits through the airport and also schedules frequent live music performances. As with the chairs, the focus for most of the BDL Art & Music activities is on local artists. People fly here from all over, Spyros says. Even if theyre only here for a few minutes, we want people to feel that theyre in Connecticut. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Liberty Township man appeared in court for a pretrial Thursday on rape charges. Read next: Grand jury to consider rape charge against Niles man Isaiah Short, 21, is charged with two first-degree felony counts of rape and two fourth-degree felony counts of gross sexual imposition. A Trumbull County grand jury returned the indictment against Short on June 5. Short was named as a suspect in a report filed Friday, Dec. 6, with the Girard Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, a 16-year-old girl reported that Short raped her a week prior. According to a spokesperson for the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office, a final pretrial in the case is set for Oct. 23, with trial set for Nov. 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Roughly 150,000 Tricare beneficiaries living in the Atlanta, Georgia, and Tampa, Florida, metro areas will have a new health care option next year through a demonstration project being conducted by the Defense Health Agency. Eligible beneficiaries in these areas will be able to enroll in a Tricare Prime option, in which they will receive care from CareSource Military and Veterans Co.s network of primary and specialty care providers. CareSource Military and Veterans Co., of Dayton, Ohio, was awarded contracts in November 2024 to run three-year demonstration projects for the two areas, worth a combined total of $110 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eligible individuals include active-duty family members; family members of activated National Guard or Reserve members; retirees, their family members or survivors who arent eligible for Medicare; and those enrolled in the Transitional Compensation Program. Those eligible beneficiaries may sign up during this years Tricare Open Season. Tricare Select beneficiaries have the ability to choose the new option during open enrollment, which runs from Nov. 10 through Dec. 9. Changes made, including enrollment in the demonstration project, take effect Jan. 1. CareSource is reaching out by phone, email and mail to provide information to people who may be eligible, said Ted Painter, associate vice president at CareSource Military and Veterans, and a Marine Corps Reserve sergeant major. Beneficiaries can also visit caresourcemilitary.com and Tricare.mil for more information. The Tricare Prime Demo represents an innovative approach to advance access to care, enhance the patient experience, and strive for better health outcomes, Dr. David Krulak, director of the Tricare Health Plan at DHA, said in an announcement of the project. The data we get from this demonstration will inform future Tricare innovations nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geographic eligibility will include the two metropolitan areas and stretch out to more rural communities, Painter said. A tool will be added to Tricare.mil closer to open season that will help beneficiaries in those areas check their eligibility, according to Defense Health Agency officials. Atlanta doesnt have a military treatment facility, or MTF. While there is an MTF in Tampa, the radius for Tampa is so big that traffic makes it difficult for many families to go to a military base for care, Painter said. For the first year of the demo, enrollment fees are waived for retirees, their family members and survivors. Active-duty troops, their family members and transitional survivors dont pay Tricare Prime enrollment fees. Fee schedules for 2026 havent been announced yet. For retirees, family members and most others, the annual enrollment fee in 2025 is $372 per individual and $744 per family for those in Group A, which includes sponsors who entered the military before Jan. 1, 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Otherwise, the base Tricare Prime benefits and copays stay the same. Beneficiaries will use the CareSource primary care managers and their specialists and will have a higher copay if they choose to go outside the CareSource network. Those who participate in the demo can receive care only at a military hospital or clinic in an emergency. They also wont be able to use the Humana Military Tricare provider network, which will continue to be available to others in the two areas. Our provider network is going to be built specifically to care for all 150,000 [beneficiaries], Painter said. Were really trying to over-prepare for these two regions from a customer service perspective [and] provider network perspective. One major difference for individuals who enroll in the demonstration project is they wont need referrals for specialty care in-network, as Tricare Prime patients normally do. That has been an issue for many Tricare Prime beneficiaries since new Tricare contracts were implemented in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tricare snafus cause medical shortfalls for military families And while Tricare Select beneficiaries dont need referrals currently, they can elect to switch to the Tricare Prime option with the demo, which will provide the additional benefit of case management for those who need it and care coordination when case management isnt enough. A number of beneficiaries in the Exceptional Family Member Program in these areas will be eligible. Many Tricare families must navigate finding a provider and getting an appointment, Painter said. Well help them with that, so they wont have to sit at the table and call 20 providers to see who accepts Tricare, he said. Our folks help them do that. So theyll get more hands-on personal support day to day from us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CareSource is getting feedback from beneficiaries that one major benefit the demo will provide is a choice in whos providing their health care. We tell them no referrals, and they really light up over that as well, Painter said. They dont want barriers to care, and they dont want to have to go to the emergency room if they cant get timely access. CareSource will help beneficiaries choose a primary care manager, provide disease and safety management programs, virtual health services and a 24/7 nurse advice line. Beneficiaries will continue to fill their prescription through the Tricare Pharmacy Program and use military pharmacies and Tricares retail network pharmacies. Individuals who arent eligible for these demonstration programs are: anyone living outside the designated geographic areas; active-duty service members; National Guard or Reserve members; those eligible for Medicare and those who have Tricare for Life; and beneficiaries of Tricare Reserve Select, Tricare Retired Reserve, Tricare Young Adult, the Transitional Assistance Management Program or the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. Beneficiaries who receive services through the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO), the Autism Care Demonstration or the Wounded Warrior Program are also excluded from demo eligibility. That 1.7 Million Space Shortage Might Not Be Real According to Truck Parking Clubs August 2025 research report, the trucking industry has been looking at the parking problem all wrong. Heres the traditional view: 2.4 million trucks need safe, legal parking each day. Only 697,000 official truck parking spots exist. Thats a 1.7 million space shortage. For years, thats been the gospel. FMCSA, OOIDA, and even members of Congress have pushed funding and legislation to build more parking because the math never seemed to lie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Truck Parking Club, backed by economist Noel Perry, turned the lens in another directionand what they found flips the narrative. Their data shows the U.S. actually has 23.4 million truck-suitable parking spaces. Thats rightalmost 10 times the number needed. So wheres the disconnect? Could This Be The Real Problem: 98% of Spaces Are Offline? According to the study, 98% of truck-suitable parking spaces are privatesitting behind warehouses, abandoned gas stations, unused church lots, vacant industrial space, and empty farmland. Most of these spots: Arent listed on parking apps Arent zoned or approved for truck use Have no signage, lighting, or security Are invisible to drivers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not a lack of pavementits a lack of connectivity according to the study. Truck Parking Club says the wasteover $100 billion per yeardoesnt come from not having enough spaces. It comes from not being able to find and reserve the ones that already exist. What This Means for the Driver Circling the Lot at Midnight Lets be real. If youre reading this from your sleeper berth or waiting in line at a rest stop fuel island, none of this matters unless it helps you get parked faster and safer. Youre not wrong to feel the crunch. Truck stops are full. Rest areas are jammed. And even Walmart parking lots are turning drivers away. But thats exactly where this report starts to challenge your assumptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what Truck Parking Club is arguing: The issue is not capacity. The issue is access. Its like owning a million hotel rooms but not putting any of them on Expedia. If a truck driver cant find, reserve, or be legally allowed to park in a spaceits as good as useless. So Whos RightThe Drivers or the Data? This is where it gets interesting. The emotional truth and the data truth can both exist at once. The frustration of not finding parking? Very real. But the system-wide analysis says there are millions of square feet going unused every nightespecially during daytime lull hours and weekends. Wheres the disconnect? Zoning and liability Landowners wont list spaces for truck parking due to insurance fears or local restrictions. No real-time visibility Drivers cant find spaces that arent listed or mapped. Lack of incentives Many properties dont monetize idle land, and others prefer to stay off the grid. No national standard Theres no universal system connecting available parking inventory with driver demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So while truckers are circling the same 697,000 public and commercial spots, millions of private ones sit untapped. The Cost of the Disconnect Truck Parking Clubs report pegs the annual cost of this disconnect at over $100 billion. Heres how it breaks down: Fuel waste Circling adds deadhead miles and idle time. Detention risk Drivers park early to avoid running out of hours, losing load availability. Safety hazards Illegal parking increases crash risks. Regulatory fines Parking in no-parking zones or unsafe spots draws penalties. Turnover and burnout Parking stress is a top reason drivers quit the industry. And the kicker? Truck Parking Club says this problem could be solved faster by connecting inventory, not necessarily pouring billions into new construction. Truck Parking Clubs Plan: Bring the Offline Spaces Online Rather than wait for years of DOT grants and red tape, Truck Parking Club is going the Airbnb routecurating underutilized private land and turning it into reservable truck parking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their goal? Connect the 23 million parking spaces that already exist. Theyre onboarding land owners, real estate investors, farmland owners, trucking terminals, even municipalitiesanyone with extra space and a willingness to host trucks. Through their app, drivers can reserve and pay for parking in real time, often in locations where parking used to be impossible. This is not the traditional approach. But it may be faster, cheaper, and more scalable than waiting for rest areas to be expanded one at a time over a decade. What Drivers Are Saying Not everyones convinced. Many industry veterans argue: Private space doesnt mean safe space Local ordinances and politics make expansion hard Not every private spot has bathrooms, lighting, or security Parking shouldnt be pay-to-playdrivers deserve free access Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OOIDA and others have long championed public infrastructure investment, not privatized access, especially for safety. Others worry this just monetizes a problem that the government failed to solveputting more financial pressure on drivers already squeezed by low rates, high fuel, and expensive equipment. Truck Parking Club acknowledges this but says, bluntly: Time is moneyand drivers are bleeding both waiting in Washington. What This Means for You Lets cut through the film. Whether you believe in the parking shortage or think its all just bad tech and bad zoning, you live the reality every day. And heres what matters: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Know your options Apps like Truck Parking Club, TruckerPath, and others are expanding fast. Explore them and stack your tools. Dont rely on just one source. Support parking access legislation Government funding helps create more free options. Private solutions work faster, but public options build equity for all. Be part of the feedback loop Leave reviews. Flag unsafe lots. Report violations. Your feedback helps weed out bad spaces and scale the good ones. Push for state-level incentives Advocate for tax breaks or grants that incentivize businesses to open parking on their land. Zoning reform needs driver voices. Protect your time Dont be afraid to budget $1015 for safe parking when necessary. A $15 spot is cheaper than a $300 ticket or a lost load due to HOS violations. So Is There Really a Truck Parking Shortage? Heres the truth: Yesand no. Theres a real-time shortage of safe, accessible, visible parking, especially near major corridors, ports, and urban drop zones. Drivers feel it in their bones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But theres also a massive inventory of untapped capacity sitting idle behind chain link fences, vacant buildings, and warehouses. Not saying they are all useful and accessible, but the reality is there are under used options. Its not a concrete problemits a connectivity problem. And the fix isnt just more fundingits modern tools that make parking visible, reservable, and fair. Final Word You didnt sign up to be a parking detectiveyou just need a place to rest without getting towed, ticketed, or robbed. Truck Parking Clubs study doesnt solve the pain you feel tonight at 11:45 p.m. when youre staring at a full Loves parking lot. But it does point to a different way forwardone thats less about building, more about unlocking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And maybe thats the real shift trucking needs: not just more pavement, but smarter ways to use what we already have. If we can turn idle land into income for hosts, safety for drivers, and uptime for fleetsits not just parking anymore. Its progress. The post Truck Parking Club Says Theres No Parking ShortageDrivers May Say Otherwise appeared first on FreightWaves. SPRINGFIELD Edward Wright will not be prosecuted again for a 1984 murder, ensuring his freedom after four decades in prison. The decision by Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni not to try him again comes after a local judge questioned the fairness of Wrights 1985 trial, triggering his release last month. Gulluni said in a statement Thursday that due to the significant passage of time and the loss of key witnesses, Wright would not be tried a second time for the 1984 murder of Penny Anderson, a friend who Wright maintains he did not kill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright, who is Black, was 22 when he was convicted by an all-white jury in 1985. He tried five times to overturn his conviction, his attorneys said this spring. His conviction was vacated by a judge in April. Were overjoyed and Mr. Wright is relieved that this nightmare wont extend, said Stephanie Hartung, one of Wrights attorneys and a senior attorney for the New England Innocence Project. Hes been trying for years to prove his innocence. He was released last month and now hes truly free. Wright was not immediately available to speak with a reporter about the news. Gulluni has maintained that Wright received a fair trial a decision that was upheld by multiple courts, including the Supreme Judicial Court on five separate occasions, the district attorney said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our decision to dismiss the case does not mean that this was a wrongful conviction or that we believe the defendant is innocent, he said. It is a legal and ethical decision based solely on the reality that, 40 years later, we cannot reconstruct the trial that occurred in 1985. Anderson, the victim, was found murdered inside her Dwight Street Extension apartment in 1984. She had been bound and stabbed more than 60 times. Prosecutors during the first trial claimed that Wright and Anderson, who worked as an exotic dancer at Club 418 on Worthington Street, left the club and went to her apartment. They alleged that it was Wright who tied her up and stabbed her multiple times. In April, Hampden Superior Court Judge Jeremy Bucci found that the prosecution hid important evidence and lied about it during Wrights 1985 trial, according to a statement from the New England Innocence Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution knowingly and intentionally withheld significant exculpatory evidence of a break-in to the crime scene and that a detective gave false testimony at trial concerning evidence central to the prosecutions case, Bucci said in his decision. New DNA tests in the case also showed Wright was not connected to key evidence from the crime scene. There is bitterness for all the years Ive lost in prison, but also sweetness in the possibility of freedom, Wright said in a statement at the time. Gulluni expressed concern over the fact that Wrights conviction, which had been upheld by the Supreme Judicial Court, could be overturned. It raises important questions about the finality of verdicts and the consistency of our justice system, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DA also said his thoughts remain with Anderson and her family due to the reversal of Wrights convictions. While we must make decisions consistent with our ethical responsibilities, our hearts are with Penny and her family and our minds are struck by the increasing fragility of justice in our system, he said. The conditions of Wrights release will also be vacated, said Hartung, including the removal of his ankle monitor on Friday morning. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Donald Trumps $500m (370m) fine for real estate fraud has been thrown out by a New York appeals court. The decision upheld a previous fraud ruling against the US president but determined that the penalty imposed was excessive. While harm certainly occurred, it was not the cataclysmic harm that can justify a nearly half-billion-dollar award to the state, the court ruled. Mr Trump, who as of June was reportedly worth $5.1bn (3.8bn), according to Forbes, praised the court for having the courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letitia James, the New York attorney general who brought the case, declared she would appeal the decision and noted that the court had not dismissed the fraud ruling against the president. The case left the courts five judges deeply divided, with two in favour of upholding the fraud ruling but dismissing the penalties, two in favour of holding a new trial, and one who argued in favour of dismissing the case altogether. Unusually, the two judges who supported a new trial joined the opinion of those who upheld the fraud finding, allowing the case to move on to the court of appeals. In September 2022, Ms James claimed Mr Trump and his family had engaged in persistent and staggering fraud by overvaluing and undervaluing his assets in statements to banks and insurers. Letitia James, the New York attorney general, says she will appeal the decision - TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP As a result, she said in a civil lawsuit, he had reaped hundreds of millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump was accused of inflating the value of Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, as much as tenfold from its value of $75m (56m), while claiming his Fifth Avenue apartment in New York was three times its actual size. Judge Arthur Engoron last year fined Mr Trump some $355m (265m), which increased to some $500m (373m) with interest, while effectively banning him from serving as director of his own company for three years. In a lengthy post on Truth Social after the fine was dismissed, the president wrote: Total victory in the fake New York State Attorney General Letitia James case! I greatly respect the fact that the court had the courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful decision. Trump Deranged Lunatic He labelled Mr Engoron a corrupt judge and Ms James a corrupt and incompetent attorney general as well as a Trump Deranged Lunatic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump then went on to attack two other New York judges: Juan Merchan, who presided over the hush money trial which ended in his criminal conviction, and Lewis Kaplan, who oversaw a defamation case in which a jury fined him $83m (62). Alina Habba, the lawyer who represented the president in the fraud case, said the decision showed the attorney generals case was politically motivated, legally baseless and grossly excessive. The first department today affirmed the well-supported finding of the trial court: Donald Trump, his company, and two of his children are liable for fraud, Ms James said in a statement. The court upheld the injunctive relief we won, limiting Donald Trump and the Trump Organisation officers ability to do business in New York. It should not be lost to history: yet another court has ruled that the president violated the law, and that our case has merit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will seek appeal to the Court of Appeals and continue to protect the rights and interests of New Yorkers. Ed Martin, a Trump ally who was recently appointed to a senior role in the justice department, this month opened a mortgage fraud investigation into Ms James and urged her to resign as an act of good faith. 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 Trump administration's lawyers want the Supreme Court to make it official that regular weed smokers, as well as other drug users, should not be allowed to own firearms. An appeals court has said a federal law making it a crime for drug users to have a gun cant be used against someone based solely on their past drug use. In Oklahoma, there are protections for both firearm owners and marijuana users set in place that could work against this legislation, should the Supreme Court make a decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what to know in the state. Justice Department says gun violence goes down when sober The U.S. Justice Department is appealing four cases to the Supreme Court, asking the justices to focus on one involving a dual citizen of the United States and Pakistan who was charged with unlawfully owning a Glock pistol because he regularly smoked marijuana. A New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that, in the case history and tradition support some limits on a presently intoxicated persons right to carry a weapon, the appeals court said, they do not support disarming a sober person based solely on past substance usage. The DOJ disagrees with this, citing laws from the countrys founding that restrict the rights of habitual drinkers, even when sober. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And for about as long as legislatures have regulated drugs, they have prohibited the possession of arms by drug users and addicts not just by persons under the influence of drugs, they wrote. A group among hundreds of supporters of gun control laws rally Dec. 2, 2019, in front of the U.S. Supreme Court as the justices hear a major gun rights case. What are Oklahomas gun and marijuana laws? It has been codified in Oklahoma that a resident cant be denied the right to own, purchase or possess a firearm, ammunition or accessories because they are a medical marijuana patient or caregiver. The statute, which was passed in 2019, was further defined with the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act. However, the statute further reads that no state or local agency, municipal or county governing authority shall restrict, revoke, suspend or otherwise infringe upon the right of a person to own, purchase or possess a firearm, ammunition, or firearm accessories or any related firearms license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means that while no local level can override Oklahomas state laws, the federal level can decide. Depending on their decision, the state laws may be affected. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: SCOTUS could ban gun rights for pot users: Where do Oklahoma laws stand? The Trump administration is in a better position than the federal courts to release materials that would satisfy public curiosity about Jeffrey Epstein, US District Judge Richard Berman said, A US judge said on Wednesday that the Trump administration is in a better position than federal courts to release materials that would satisfy public curiosity about the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking case. In rejecting the Justice Department's bid to unseal records from the grand jury that indicted Epstein in 2019, Manhattan-based US District Judge Richard Berman wrote that the 70-odd pages of materials the grand jury saw paled in comparison to the 100,000 pages the government has from its Epstein investigation but is not releasing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge said the bid to persuade him to unseal the records was an apparent distraction from the Justice Department's decision in July not to release its files and directly cited another judge's decision earlier this month not to release similar materials from the grand jury that indicted Epstein's longtime girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. "The instant grand jury motion appears to be a 'diversion' from the breadth and scope of the Epstein files in the Government's possession," Berman wrote. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein (C) appears in court where he pleaded guilty to two prostitution charges in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. July 30, 2008. Picture taken July 30, 2008. (credit: UMA SANGHVI/PALM BEACH POST VIA REUTERS) Berman's decision came as President Donald Trump has faced criticism from his conservative base of supporters and congressional Democrats over the Justice Department's decision not to release the files from its Epstein investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. He had pleaded not guilty. His death in jail and his friendships with the wealthy and powerful sparked conspiracy theories that other prominent people were involved in his alleged crimes and that he was murdered. Trump, a Republican, had campaigned for a second term in 2024 with promises to make public Epstein-related files and accused Democrats of covering up the truth. But in July, the Justice Department declined to release any more material from its investigation of the case and said a previously touted Epstein client list did not exist, angering Trump's supporters. Trump aims for a diversion strategy To try to quell the discontent, Trump in July instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek court approval for the release of grand jury material from Epstein's case. Evidence seen and heard by grand juries, which operate behind closed doors to prevent interference in criminal investigations, cannot be released without a judge's approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Department investigations typically collect more material than prosecutors ultimately present to grand juries. Some of that evidence is sometimes eventually disclosed to the public during criminal trials. The Justice Department does not routinely disclose its evidence in cases where a defendant pleads guilty or, like Epstein, never faces trial, but it would not require judicial approval to release such materials. The grand jury that indicted Epstein heard from just one witness, an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and saw a PowerPoint presentation and call logs, Berman wrote. On Aug. 11, a different Manhattan-based judge, Paul Engelmayer, denied the Justice Department's request to unseal grand jury testimony and exhibits from Maxwell's case, writing that the material was duplicative of public testimony at her 2021 trial. Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence following her conviction for recruiting underage girls for Epstein. "A member of the public, appreciating that the Maxwell grand jury materials do not contribute anything to public knowledge, might conclude that the Government's motion for their unsealing was aimed not at 'transparency' but at diversion - aimed not at full disclosure but at the illusion of such," Engelmayer wrote. Maxwell had pleaded not guilty. After losing an appeal, she asked the US Supreme Court to review her case. The Trump administration is again looking to politicize student loans. A new proposal would deny debt relief to graduates working for organizations the administration decides are undermining national security and American values through illegal means. Announced Monday, the proposal targets whats known as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which allows public servants such as school teachers and health officials to qualify for debt forgiveness if they make 10 years' worth of payments under their student debt payment plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program has long served as a way to encourage people to enter public service. But as weve seen through the administrations attempts to fire federal workers, Trump and his allies appear to carry deep disdain for public servants who dont share their political agenda. There are all kinds of ways this proposal could go wrong. It might be used to punish employees of organizations that promote diversity. Or the administration might withhold forgiveness for a teacher whose schools didn't punish students for peacefully protesting Israel's bombardment of Gaza. Or it might go after a nurse whose hospital administers gender-affirming care. These aren't hypothetical examples. The administration has already sought to use its powers in other areas to punish organizations for these exact things. In fact, a Trump executive order in March ordering his administration to restrict the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program contains language that suggests just these things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the order refers to organizations that permit the chemical and surgical castration or mutilation of children, which basically sums up the administrations false description of gender-affirming care. And it targets graduates working for organizations that engage in "illegal discrimination," a term the administration has used to demonize diversity efforts that conservatives falsely claim are discriminatory against white people. The rule change, if confirmed, could grant the administration a cudgel to try to force nonprofits, schools and other outside groups to adhere to its agenda. You can share your thoughts on the proposed rule change here until Sept. 17. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Denise Richards has asked a court to order Aaron Phypers and his family out of their marital home. Denise Richards wants Aaron Phypers out of their house The Wild Things actress' estranged husband has been living in the Calabasas house with her parents and brother but she has made a request that they vacate the abode so she can retrieve her pets and belongings without breaching the temporary restraining order which they currently have in place. According to documents obtained by People magazine, Denise claimed that while both she and Aaron, 54, are named on the lease, she moved out two years ago under the guise his relatives would only be staying there temporarily. The 54-year-old star went on to claim she told Aaron he would be solely responsible for the rent in January when they were still in the house and she was told "several times" they would be leaving. And according to the filing, the landlord told the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star he had tried to contact Aaron several times about unpaid rent but hadn't been able to reach him, resulting in an eviction order being issues. She wrote: I left many of my personal items and my late mother's items at the house based on Aaron telling me that his family would be moving back to Canada and we would be moving back into the [property]. If I am not able to [retrieve] my dogs and belongings, I believe my dogs will be harmed and my property destroyed or discarded during the eviction process. Denise alleged Aaron and his family "have severely damaged" the property, leaving it "in a state of disarray", with images included as evidence depicting patches of removed flooring, several boxes and other items scattered through the rooms. She wrote: I was shocked at the condition of the home, having not lived there for over two years." Earlier this month, police were called to the property when Denise showed up to retrieve her pet dogs after one was allegedly put down "without her knowledge and permission". Aaron later disputed her version of events and insisted Denise hadn't "interacted with the animals in two years". But in her filing, the World is Not Enough actress insisted she had only temporarily left her pets there in May while she underwent surgery. She wrote: While I was attempting to leave the [property], Aaron's brother blocked me from leaving and placed blocks under the tire[s] of my vehicle so that I could not move my car. Aaron's mother let me in the house and then Aaron's parents interfered with me trying to leave the [property]. Aaron's mother called Aaron and told him to come back to the [property] while I was there, which would have been a violation of the TRO. She insisted she had multiple attempts to resolve the matter but now "will have no way of retrieving my dogs and belongings in a safe manner that ensures Aaron and his family do not come near me or harm me without a court order. She pledged there would be no recording or listening devices in or around the property when she is there. Aaron and Denise were married for six years before he filed for divorce on July 7. She later accused him of physical abuse and was granted a temporary restraining order on July 16, though he has denied her claims. He previously said: "Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise - or anyone. These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful. Denise and I, like many couples, have faced our share of challenges, but any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue. I have always tried to approach our marriage with love, patience, and respect." Twenty Judge Advocate General (JAG) attorneys, part of the legal branch of the U.S. military, have been assigned to prosecute civilian cases in Washington, D.C., as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on crime. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in the nation's capital confirmed to Fox News Digital that the military lawyers will prosecute misdemeanor crimes. "The assignment of 20 JAGs to my office is further proof of President Trumps commitment to fighting and reducing crime in the district," U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a statement. Members of the National Guard monitor entries at the staging area of local and federal law enforcement agencies inside the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility Aug. 12, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Hundreds Arrested As Trumps Washington, Dc, Crime Crackdown Hits Full Stride Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump federalized police in D.C. on Aug. 11 as high levels of crime continued to plague the city. "I'm deploying the National Guard to help reestablish law, order and public safety in Washington, D.C.," Trump told reporters when making the announcement. "And they're going to be allowed to do their job properly." Read On The Fox News App There have been no homicides in D.C. since Aug. 13, just two days after the announcement, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed Thursday morning. Approximately 800 National Guard troops have been deployed to the city so far, and federal law enforcement has also swarmed the city to combat crime. The FBI and Metropolitan Police Department conduct a traffic stop near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Aug. 14, 2025. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday morning that since Trump's initiative began, 630 people have been arrested by federal law enforcement. There were 77 arrests on Wednesday, and 24 of the suspects were illegal immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blue Cities In Trumps Crosshairs After Dc Police Takeover "Our mission to make DC safe again isnt slowing down," she said. FBI Director Kash Patel touted the recent arrests, too. "(The) FBI joined federal partners in 31 more arrests last night," Patel said Thursday morning. Those arrests included six illegal gun recoveries, seven drug seizures and charges including theft, assault with a deadly weapon, drug offenses, assault on an officer and unlawful entry. National Guard troops were stationed in the Navy Yard district of Washington, D.C., Aug. 20, 2025. "This is a team effort across multiple federal partners. Theyre working around the clock to get it done, and your capital city is safer every day because of it," Patel said. Original article source: Trump administration assigns military attorneys to prosecute DC crimes amid federal crackdown The Trump administration has canceled a sexual education grant to California worth about $12.3 million on the grounds that it included "radical gender ideology" after state officials refused to revise the materials. The funding helps pay for sex education programs in juvenile justice facilities, homeless shelters and foster care group homes, as well as some schools, reaching an estimated 13,000 youths per year through 20 agencies. The Thursday announcement had been expected because it was linked to a 60-day compliance deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californias refusal to comply with federal law and remove egregious gender ideology from federally funded sex-ed materials is unacceptable, said Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison, of the Administration for Children and Families. The Trump Administration will not allow taxpayer dollars to be used to indoctrinate children. Accountability is coming for every state that uses federal funds to teach children delusional gender ideology. State officials have taken the position that its materials are accurate and do not violate the terms of the federal grant, including in a Thursday statement from the state Department of Public Health. "Californias students deserve access to educational information and materials that help them make healthy decisions about sexual activity, including the decision to delay sexual activity, while honoring and respecting their dignity including gender identity," the statement said. The Trump administration is not accusing California of failing to carry out the abstinence and contraception instruction funded by the grant. Rather, the state has included additional content that the Trump administration defines as objectionable and "outside the scope" of the grant's purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A June 20 letter to a senior California official cited, as one of several examples, sample wording from a middle school lesson: Weve been talking during class about messages people get on how they should act as boys and girls but as many of you know, there are also people who dont identify as boys or girls, but rather as transgender or gender queer. This means that even if they were called a boy or a girl at birth and may have body parts that are typically associated with being a boy or a girl, on the inside, they feel differently. Read more: California violated civil rights of female students by allowing trans athletes to compete, feds say The California Department of Public Health responded in an Aug. 19 letter that it "will not make any such modifications at this time" because its materials already had been approved by the same agency that is now demanding change. In addition, officials described the materials as "medically accurate" and relevant to the instructional goals. California also challenged whether the Trump administration had authority to cancel the grant in this manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amount of money at stake is small compared with other issues that are being litigated between California and the Trump administration, but the dispute embodies now-familiar legal parameters that have resulted in more than three dozen lawsuits. The grant cancellation also represents another front in the conflict between the Trump administration and California related to LGBTQ+ issues. These culture war-fueled disputes date back substantially to Trump's Jan. 20 executive order that recognized two sexes, male and female, a dictum that has moved across all departments under his jurisdiction. In youth sports, this divide has unfolded with Trump threatening to withhold vast sums of federal funding unless California bars transgender athletes from girls' and women's sports. California has responded by creating dual-award categories for women's sporting events, so that the success of a trans athlete, in a track-and-field competition for example, would not prevent another athlete from winning an award. The compromise does not address the issue of trans athletes in women's team sports, such as volleyball. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: California, other states sue Trump for withholding $6.8 billion in critical education funds The Trump administration does not accept these steps taken by California as compliance with its directives. Within the classroom, the Trump policy opposes curriculum that allows for more than a binary male or female expression of gender. Historically, federal authority over local curriculum has been limited, but Trump has been quick to use federal funding as leverage. In this case, it's the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that has been applying pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The children and families department administers a grant program that annually distributes $75 million nationally "to educate adolescents on ... both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS," according to federal statute. For a three-year period, through the next fiscal year, California has been allotted funding worth more than $18.2 million, according to Health and Human Services. Under the federal decision, the state is expected to lose $12.3 million that it has not yet received, covering multiple years. The federal grant supports the California Personal Responsibility Education Program, or CA PREP, which provides "comprehensive sexual health education to adolescents via effective, evidence-based or evidence-informed program models," according to a statement from the state. "Data show that participants who completed CA PREP had a better understanding of sexual and reproductive health topics and improved health outcomes," the health department stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Amid fears of pending California education cuts, top Trump official says state is 'at risk' The Trump administration does not deny that the federal government had previously approved the California materials, but said the Biden administration "erred in allowing PREP grants to be used to teach students gender ideology." California law requires school districts to provide students with comprehensive sexual health education, along with information about HIV prevention, at least once in high school and once in middle school. The Trump administration has asserted complete authority over federal grants, including those in progress. Many of its grant cancellations are being challenged in court. Some have been allowed to take effect; others have been blocked. In some instances, Congress has narrowly approved grant cancellations, including for foreign aid and to support the public broadcasting network. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The J.H. Campbell plant in Port Sheldon Township, operating since 1962, was scheduled to close partially in 2030 and wholly in 2040. Consumers Energy, however, announced in 2021 it was moving the plan up by 15 years for May 31, 2025. [ONN photo/Sarah Leach] More than two months after Consumers Energys J.H. Campbell Coal plant was slated to shut down, President Donald Trumps administration has ordered yet another extension on the plants operations. In a Wednesday order, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright added another 90 days onto the plants lifetime, arguing the facility is critical in maintaining energy reliability in the central United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Michigan energy regulators with input and consideration from the Department of Attorney General, environmental and consumer advocates, energy developers, businesses and more found Consumers Energys plan to retire the plant and shift to other resources including wind, solar and natural gas, was the most reasonable and prudent means of meeting Consumers energy and capacity needs. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The plant also supplies energy to Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc, or MISO, which operates the electric grid for much of the central U.S. The operator also signed off on the plants retirement, determining that it would not violate MISOs reliability criteria. Heading into this summer, MISO projected it would have enough energy supply to meet expected consumer demand. While Wright asserts that the grid operator does not have sufficient resources, a MISO spokesperson told the Advance in an email that its 2025-2026 Planning Resource Auction indicated adequate resources to meet anticipated demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright has justified the move by pointing to Trumps executive order declaring an energy emergency, however several environmental and energy advocates have dismissed the emergency as a sham. Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission, which regulates energy companies in the state, questioned the decision to extend the operation of the Campbell plant calling it a justification in search of a problem and noting both Michigan and its primary electric grid operator have shown they have enough energy to meet demand. There is no energy emergency in Michigan or in MISO, and this decision will add even more costs that customers will have to bear, Scripps said, warning that this system of 90-day extensions would add millions more to customers utility bills across the region. Put simply, we dont plan the grid 90 days at a time, Scripps said. Consumers Energy Spokesperson Katie Carey told the Michigan Advance in an email the company is evaluating the order and expects to continue operating the plant as required by the Department of Energy. The latest order is set to expire on Nov. 19, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a financial statement, complying with the order has cost Consumers $29 million. Environmental advocates call out increased costs, harms brought by continued operations In response to the initial order, several environmental advocacy groups led by the Sierra Club and Earthjustice filed a petition for review at the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit after the Department of Energy failed to respond to request for rehearing on the order. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a similar request, arguing the Trump administration arbitrarily declared a false emergency in order to advance policies through means outside their normal authority. There is no energy emergency justifying these orders and the President and his administration have no right to insist it remain operational against the will of the people of this state, or Consumers Energy. My office has taken multiple legal and administrative steps to challenge the Department of Energys first order and will continue to fight this latest one to protect ratepayers from footing the bill for a fake emergency, Nessel said in a statement Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Derrell Slaugher, Michigan policy director for climate and energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, called the Department of Energys initial decision to extend the plants operation troubling, noting the decision to shut it down was not made haphazardly. In addition to the costs ratepayers will face through the plants continued operations, there are also significant health concerns, Slaughter said. According to the NRDC, the plant releases several millions of pounds of health-harming pollution and more than 10 billion pounds of climate-harming carbon dioxide into the air each year. It also releases 100,000 pounds of water pollution into Lake Michigan each year, including 10,000 pounds of toxic metals. Air pollution generated by coal plants has been tied to several negative health impacts, including asthma, cancer and heart and lung conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health experts estimate that the Campbell plant causes $389-$879 million in health impacts each year. Its not a great plant to keep going for a variety of reasons, Slaughter said. Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Director Laurie Williams also slammed the decision to further extend plant operations, calling it unnecessary, deadly, and extremely expensive. While Donald Trump and Chris Wright decry this made-up energy emergency, they are simultaneously limiting our access to cheap, reliable, renewable energy. If they actually wanted to deliver cost-savings and cleaner air to Americans, they would quit this nonsense and invest in renewable energy, Williams said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lisa Wozniak, executive director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, further stressed the costs brought on by keeping the plant online. Closing the coal plant was expected to save Michigan ratepayers $600 million by 2040. Now, were on the hook for tens of millions of dollars in costs because of this action, Wozniak said in a statement. Every day it remains open means more pollution in our air and higher energy costs for Michigan families. Our bills are already too high, and Trumps reckless energy policies are making it worse. NEED TO KNOW A rainbow crosswalk outside of the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, was painted over in the middle of the night on Aug. 21 Governor Ron DeSantis' Department of Transportation carried out the covert cover-up thanks to a directive from the Trump administration, reportedly aimed at eliminating road distractions However, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer called it a 'cruel political act' A rainbow crosswalk honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre was removed overnight on Wednesday, following a new directive from President Donald Trumps administration. The crosswalk is on Orange Avenue in Orlando, Florida, right next to the abandoned club that still stands as a memorial to the lives lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on X, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer called the covert update a cruel political act. "We are devastated to learn that overnight the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue," he said. "This callous action of hastily removing part of a memorial to what was at the time our nation's largest mass shooting, without any supporting safety data, or discussion is a cruel political act." We are devastated to learn that overnight the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue. But we know that while this crosswalk has been removed, Orlando's commitment to honoring the 49 can never be erased. pic.twitter.com/4LdXvLUiom Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) August 21, 2025 Governor Ron DeSantis, whose Florida Department of Transportation was responsible for painting over the memorial, defended the action on X, writing, We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes. The true directive, however, came from the Trump administration. On July 1, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy sent a letter to the governors of all 50 U.S. States and Puerto Rico, uring them to comply with his SAFE ROADS Initiative, aimed at eliminating distractions on non-freeway roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the letter didnt explicitly name rainbow crosswalks as a direct target of the initiative, Duffy made it clear when he reposted it on X. Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks, he wrote. Political banners have no place on public roads. Im reminding recipients of @USDOT roadway funding that its limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. Its that simple. Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Jose Luis, a close friend of Pulse nightclub shooting victim Edward Sotomayor, Jr., wipes away tears while visiting the memorial on Jun 11, 2025 Jose Luis, a close friend of Pulse nightclub shooting victim Edward Sotomayor, Jr., wipes away tears while visiting the memorial on Jun 11, 2025 However, local Democratic politicians say it isnt about safety. "That's a totally ridiculous and absurd excuse for what is very clearly an attempt to erase LGBTQ identities and just be anti queer," state Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith said of the policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dyer said the Pulse memorial in his city was installed in close coordination with the state and adhere to national safety standards. In fact, the crosswalk that is part of the Pulse Memorial was installed by the state, he added of the installation, sometimes called "Rainbow Crossing," that was completed in October 2017. This crosswalk not only enhanced safety and visibility for the large number of pedestrians visiting the memorial, it also served as a visual reminder of Orlando's commitment to honor the 49 lives taken on June 12, 2016, Dyer continued. While the state works to erase the memory of the victims of the Pulse tragedy by painting over the crosswalk, our community's commitment to honoring the 49, and completing the memorial, will never waver." Within hours, volunteers had taken sidewalk chalk to the new black and white crosswalk, coloring in the spaces until it was a rainbow once again. Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the deadly shooting, which happened in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man armed with two semi-automatic guns walked past a uniformed police officer working as a security guard and into the club, where he fired at random, leaving 49 dead, 58 injured, and many more trapped for hours in the terrifying onslaught. The Pulse massacre was the worst mass shooting in U.S. history until the 2017 Las Vegas Shooting. It remains the deadliest attack against LGBTQ+ people in U.S. History. Read the original article on People I have been struggling with precisely why I view the policies of the Trump administration as so awful and dangerous. Theres no scarcity of reasons. For example: The tariff wars and a possible worldwide economic disruption, The abrupt cancellation of USAID to countries fighting epidemics, even letting medicine spoil in storage, Persecution of political opponents, the very weaponization of the Department of Justice he once railed against, Contempt for democracy and embrace of one-man rule as envisaged in Project 2025s unitary executive, The racism and cruelty towards immigrants, Reversal of efforts to slow climate change, Normalizing hateful rhetoric and political violence, Ugly attacks on transgender people, And reversing decades of progress in womens equality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But my blood boils from a different cancer Trumpism has wrought. OK, call me a pointy-headed intellectual, but words matter, and I am offended when elected leaders show contempt for the truth and peddle obvious propaganda, and even lie to hide their bigotry. Of course politicians of all parties have lied to disguise an unpopular policy or to extricate themselves from some embarrassment. Recall how President Lyndon B. Johnsons hyped Gulf of Tonkin incident got us into the Vietnam War and George W. Bushs phony weapons of mass destruction got us into war in Iraq. Redistricting question: Single-member districts: There's got to be a better way to elect a Congress But Trump and allies, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, lie to disguise their efforts to reverse cultural changes that have occurred in America since at least the 1960s changes in race relations, the role of women, legal equality for LGBTQ+ persons, and the restrictions on government-sponsored religion. Many of their policies, regardless of reasonable-sounding explanations, are aimed at reversing these deeply resented changes in culture. Florida Gov. DeSantis weaponizing books in war on 'woke' The Banned Wagon, which provides free copies of 20 books that are frequently challenged or banned, will be coming to Florida in October. Two examples are illustrative: banning library books because they allegedly groom and sexualize, as DeSantis claims, and banning Rainbow Pride crosswalks, allegedly for safety reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis has unleashed Moms for Liberty to scrub libraries of books they had mostly not heard of, let alone read, overriding everyone elses freedom to read. Some addressed Black history, but most included mention of gay, lesbian or transgender themes. Florida now leads the nation in removing books from library shelves because someone in a community finds them objectionable. Secondly, both DeSantis and Trump have ordered the erasure of asphalt art. Many Florida cities, including Key West, Gainesville, St. Petersburg, Orlando and Boynton Beach, have rainbow pride painted intersections. Crosswalk in the crosshairs: Delray Beach takes a stand for LGBTQ+ community. It's a win for local government. The federal directive declares that Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork. The Florida Department of Transportation memo threatens local communities with withholding funding if they dont remove surface markings, including pavement art installations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unsurprisingly, facts interfere with the propaganda. It turns out that automobile accidents have decreased at intersections decorated with street art projects. How gullible do they think we are? Was DeSantiss earlier ban on rainbow lighting on bridges designed to improve boating safety? However absurd and bigoted these Trumpian-inspired initiatives, they are skirmishes in the coming battle between truth and propaganda. We aint seen nothing yet. Trump efforts to rewrite US history targeting Smithsonian The coming conflagration involves Trumps effort to require the Smithsonian and all federal museums and parks to portray American history as it conforms to the Presidents whitewashed fable of American exceptionalism. Trump and DeSantis, who are joined at the hip on this, are offended by any narrative that does not celebrate America as, ab initio the shining city on the hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But why should they feel threatened by the unvarnished truth in which racism and the enslavement of human beings preceded the creation of our nation and the American Revolution, and was later baked into our constitution? An honest reading of our history tells us that it took a catastrophic bloody Civil War and the post-war constitutional amendments to bring about a second American Revolution what Lincoln called a new birth of freedom. The next 150 years have been a two steps forward, one step back struggle to extend the spirit of the Declaration of Independence and especially the 14th amendments guarantee of equal protection of the laws to one group after another from those who had been enslaved to the immigrants to the huddled masses yearning to breathe free that Emma Lazarus celebrated to Native Americans to those with disabilities and to sexual and gender minorities. This story is not over. There will be injustices that will be uncovered and freedoms to be extended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Trump and DeSantis clearly reject this narrative. They see it as unpatriotic and inflicting shame. I find it an inspiring story. It also benefits by being closer to the truth. Howard Simon Howard Simon served as the Executive Director of the ACLU of Florida from 1997-2018. He resides in Gainesville, and is president of Clean Okeechobee Waters Foundation. Join the Conversation: The Palm Beach Post is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. Email us at letters@pbpost.com. Letters are subject to editing, must not exceed 200 words and must include your name, address and a daytime phone number to confirm the letter is for publication. We only publish names and cities with the letters. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump, allies push limits of truth, propaganda and bigotry | Opinion Donald Trumps former personal attorney Alina Habba has been unlawfully serving as New Jerseys top prosecutor, according to a federal judge. Habba, whose appointment to the role sparked a legal showdown between the Trump administration and the states federal judges, has been serving as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey without lawful authority for more than a month, according to District Judge Matthew Brann. Faced with the question of whether Ms. Habba is lawfully performing the functions and duties of the office of the United States attorney for the District of New Jersey, I conclude that she is not, he wrote on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because she is not currently qualified to exercise the functions and duties of the office in an acting capacity, she must be disqualified from participating in any ongoing cases, he added. The judge is pausing any outcome from his decision, however, to allow the government to fight his order in a federal appeals court. A federal judge has determined that Alina Habba has been serving as New Jerseys top federal prosecutor without lawful authority after her 120-term as acting U.S. Attorney came to a end on July (AP) Last month, New Jerseys federal trial judges named their own nominee to replace Habba at the end of her 120-day term as the states acting U.S. Attorney. But hours later, Attorney General Pam Bondi not only blocked the judges nominee but removed her from the office entirely. That prosecutor, Desiree Leigh Grace, who has spent a decade fighting crime at the U.S. Attorneys office in Newark, said she was prepared to take the job and would show up for work in accordance with the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi fired her, publicly rebuked the judges, and promoted Habba to the role of acting U.S. attorney preserving her role as the states top federal prosecutor. Despite the New Jersey judges using their lawful authority to appoint Grace, who was hired by Habba to serve as her top assistant, Justice Department officials have accused them of advancing a politically motivated attempt to force Habba out of the job. The judges ruling on Thursday stems from a challenge brought by New Jersey defendants challenging the legality of Habbas tenure and the charges she brought against them. They argued that Habba did not have the authority to bring charges after her 120-day term expired in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have a constitutional right to be prosecuted only by a duly authorized United States Attorney, and the illegitimacy of Ms. Habbas appointment undermines fundamental due process rights, attorneys wrote in court filings. A lack of clarity over the future, and legality, of Habbas leadership has thrown her office into chaos, with New Jersey prosecutors admitting in court that some upcoming trials and other procedural matters would have to be adjourned altogether. The Independent has requested comment from Habbas office. Habba, a former defense attorney for the president, was appointed acting U.S. Attorney in March following a brief stint as counselor to the president (AP) The Justice Department's claims of political maneuvering within the federal judiciary follow years of allegations of Habba launching politically motivated stunts of her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After she briefly served as counselor to the president at the White House, Habba was sworn in as acting U.S. attorney in her home state on March 28. Shortly after her appointment, she told a right-wing media outlet that she plans to turn New Jersey red. So, hopefully, while Im there, I can help that cause, she said. In April, Habba told Fox News that her office had launched an investigation into New Jerseys Democratic Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew Platkin over a directive to local law enforcement instructing them against cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The following month, she announced on Fox News that her office was bringing criminal charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka after a scuffle with federal agents during a congressional oversight visit at an immigration detention center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She later abruptly dropped trespassing charges against Baraka for the sake of moving forward and then criminally charged Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver with assault. The judge overseeing the case against Baraka criticized Habbas about-face in open court and questioned why prosecutors even brought the charges in the first place. To stay on permanently, Habba needs to be confirmed by the Senate, but its unlikely her name will come up for a vote any time soon. Opposition from New Jerseys Democratic senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim have effectively killed off any imminent chances of a confirmation vote. Michigan is a political battleground, but the state will likely stay out of the redistricting war threatening to upend the congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm election. In fact, Michigan's swing state status has yielded divided state government, essentially taking it out of a fight in which one-party rule is a kind of precondition for participation. The process of drawing new voting districts typically happens once every 10 years following the decennial census. But a mid-decade redistricting shake-up began when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, called a special legislative session to redraw congressional districts in his state. President Donald Trump has expressed his hope that new lines will allow Republicans to pick up five more seats for Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has moved ahead with a plan to suspend the map drawn by his state's independent redistricting commission to ask voters to adopt lines that favor Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan has a redistricting commission similar to the one in California. Independent redistricting advocates have railed against politically skewed voting districts designed to benefit one political party, describing such gerrymandering as a way to distort election outcomes by letting politicians choose their voters instead of the other way around. In Michigan, voters passed a constitutional amendment in 2018 that wrested control of the redistricting process from lawmakers and put the pen in the hands of a group of randomly selected voters charged with drawing fair maps. Several factors mean Michigan is all but guaranteed to stay on the sidelines of the battle to control Congress by changing the map: legal safeguards protecting Michigan's citizen-led redistricting process, the partisan makeup of the state's Legislature, election timelines and a general disinterest among politicians to interfere. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she has no interest in redrawing the lines. "We're not changing any maps in Michigan," she told reporters Aug. 20. "What's going on in Texas I think is an affront to democracy, and so it's understandable that you've got other states starting to have similar conversations about what's possible. We're not engaging in that here in Michigan." While the leaders of both major political parties in the state may not agree on much, they have one thing in common: neither is clamoring to see a new congressional map put in place before the 2030 census triggers the next redistricting cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel condemned Texas Republicans' redistricting push as a power grab and applauded Democratic governors for trying to fight the map with their own efforts to change their state's congressional districts. But Hertel said he's not calling on Michigan Democrats to try to follow in their footsteps, and he expressed pride in the redistricting process approved by Michigan voters to create fair maps. "I don't want to go back," he said. It also wasn't top of mind for Michigan GOP Chair state Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, who said he wanted to do more research on the redistricting fight playing out in Texas before commenting. In a follow-up call, Runestad characterized Newsom's redistricting push as a partisan endeavor in contrast to Texas, where he said lawmakers seemed to be focused on addressing concerns the U.S. Department of Justice raised about how their congressional map divided voters of color into different voting districts. Critics have characterized the department's allegations as a kind of pretext for partisan gerrymandering in Texas. Even if Michigan politicians wanted to try to take back control of the redistricting process now, they would have a steep hill to climb. Changing the process in Michigan would require an amendment to the state's constitution. With the support of two-thirds of members in both chambers of the Michigan Legislature, lawmakers could put forward a constitutional amendment asking voters to change the redistricting process again. But Michigan Democrats control the Michigan Senate while Republicans control the Michigan House, a composition that makes it highly unlikely lawmakers would come together across party lines to agree to such an amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan voters could also propose a constitutional amendment, but no campaign has emerged to put redistricting back on the ballot to ask voters to essentially dismantle the redistricting process that they put in place. Even if it did, voters wouldn't have a chance to take it up until the November 2026 election. Christy McGillivray, who serves as executive director of Voters Not Politicians, which spearheaded the anti-gerrymandering campaign in Michigan, said she has faith that Michigan voters want to stick with a citizen-led, independent redistricting process, saying fairness is a principle that brings them together despite their political differences. "They're even-keeled and the current hyper-partisanship coming from the federal government doesn't reflect the majority of Michiganders. It really doesn't," she said. Like California and Texas, many of the other states that could become entangled in the mid-decade redistricting war are solidly Republican or solidly Democratic states. Michigan, meanwhile, has a competitive political geography. More: Mayor Mike Duggan, Chief Todd Bettison laud feds for helping decrease crime in Detroit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state's congressional map features some of the most highly contested districts in the U.S. Political operatives see a path to gerrymander Michigan voting districts to favor one political party. "It would be easy to do," said Jeff Timmer, the former Michigan GOP executive director who helped draw voting districts to favor Republicans before voters put an independent redistricting process in place. But Timmer also said that the state's map creates some obstacles to such an attempt. Someone could draw a map that makes the state's competitive congressional districts slightly more Republican- or Democratic-leaning, but he likened that to stepping on a balloon. For instance, a mapper couldn't make a competitive seat in Oakland County and still have one in Macomb County, Timmer said. An attempt to gerrymander wouldn't provide the "clear, decisive, slam dunk" for partisans in Michigan like it does in California or Texas, he said. Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan set to avoid mid-decade congressional map redraw President Trump this week threw his full support behind a massive project to turn a sacred Apache site outside Phoenix into one of the world's largest copper mines, meeting with mining executives at the White House and ridiculing a recent court decision that temporarily halted the transfer of federal lands to their companies. Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met in the White House on Tuesday with several executives from Rio Tinto and BHP, the two multinational mining companies behind the planned Resolution Copper mine. As proposed, the mine would turn Oak Flat a long-preserved site of rocky outcroppings and desert waterways in the Tonto National Forest into a nearly 2-mile-wide, 1,000-foot-deep industrial crater. Trump also posted about the project on his Truth Social site, calling the three-judge U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel that blocked the transfer a "Radical Left Court" and saying it was "sad" that "Radical Left Activists" could stall such a project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "3,800 Jobs are affected, and our Country, quite simply, needs Copper AND NOW!" Trump wrote. He also wrote, without evidence, that those fighting the mine are "Anti-American" and working on behalf of "other Copper competitive Countries." The San Carlos Apache Tribe, which is among the plaintiffs suing to block the mine, called the court's decision a "last minute victory" in its ongoing battle to save the land. "The Apache people will never stop fighting for Chichil Bidagoteel," tribe Chairman Terry Rambler said in a statement, using the traditional Apache name for Oak Flat. "We thank the court for stopping this horrific land exchange and allowing us to argue the merits of our pending lawsuit in court." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Battle for Oak Flat: How Apache opposition to a copper mine became a religious liberty test Trump's decision to directly weigh in further elevates the already large profile of a monumental legal battle. It has aligned environmental activists and religious liberty proponents, and has major implications for the nation's ability to meet its rapidly growing demand for copper, which is an essential element in telecommunications networks, electric vehicles and other growing technologies. Oak Flat was federally protected land for decades. Members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe describe it as sacred land home to spiritual guardians akin to angels, and say it has been used for coming-of-age and other tribal ceremonies for generations. In 2004, prospectors discovered that one of the world's largest copper ore deposits, estimated to hold enough copper to supply up to a quarter of U.S. demand, sat 5,000 to 7,000 feet below the surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The battle to extract the deposit has raged ever since, but particularly since 2014, when former Arizona Republican Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake inserted language mandating the land transfer into a last-minute defense appropriations bill. A lawsuit brought by the group Apache Stronghold and led by Apache elder Wendsler Nosie Sr. resulted in a split 9th Circuit ruling against the Apache and in favor of the mining companies in March 2024. In May, the Supreme Court declined to hear an Apache appeal of that decision, clearing the way for the U.S. Forest Service to issue a final environmental impact report and hear a last round of public comment before handing the land over to Resolution Copper. The decision marked a major loss to the mine opponents, but it did not end other lawsuits filed to stop it including one filed by the San Carlos Apache Tribe and another by a group called the Arizona Mining Reform Coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 15, a district judge in Arizona issued an order clearing the way for the land transfer to move forward Tuesday. The groups appealed, and the three-judge 9th Circuit panel put the District Court decision on hold Monday, pending its own hearing of arguments over the transfer one of which is that the federal government bypassed a required step in the environmental review process. The panel composed of two Clinton appointees and one Trump appointee said it was not taking a position on the merits of those arguments, and would expedite the case, with all briefs due by Oct. 14. The court's reprieve, if only temporary, was cheered by Apache groups and other organizations whose members use the Oak Flat land for rock climbing and other recreation. Some also spoke out against Trump's remarks, calling them anti-American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rambler, the San Carlos tribe chairman, said the mine's opponents "are working to save the U.S. from making a disastrous decision that would give up American resources to foreign interests," and that Trump had been "misinformed" to think otherwise by the mine's supporters. Rambler said BHP and Rio Tinto are foreign companies with ties to Chinese state-owned companies and will be exporting the copper taken from Oak Flat "likely to China." Rambler said he looks forward "to sitting down with the administration and providing factual information to protect American assets." Nosie, in a statement provided to the The Times, also accused Trump of siding with foreign interests over those of Indigenous Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our nation cannot survive if we sacrifice what is sacred in pursuit of temporary profits," he said. Wendsler Nosie Sr., a longtime opponent of the proposed Resolution Copper mine, gathers with other opponents to the mine at Oak Flat in 2023. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) He said the Apache people are grateful for all of the support they have received from people of all political stripes and religious backgrounds, who he said have recognized the fight for what it is a "moral one." "If we destroy our sacred land and poison our environment, we are betraying our children and grandchildren and hurting ourselves," he said. "The future of the entire human race is at stake." A Resolution Copper spokesperson said the company is confident the 9th Circuit will "ultimately affirm" the District Court's "well-reasoned" ruling in favor of the land transfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Over the past 11 years, the Resolution Copper project has undergone a rigorous, independent review under the National Environmental Policy Act, led by the U.S. Forest Service. 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," the spokesperson said. "The collaborative process has directly led to major changes to the mining plan to preserve and reduce potential impacts on Tribal, social, environmental, and cultural interests." The spokesperson said the project has other local support and "the potential to become one of America's biggest copper mines, contributing $1 billion annually to Arizonas economy and creating thousands of local jobs in a region where mining has played an important role for more than a century." Tuesday's meeting at the White House included Trump and Burgum, as well as current Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm, incoming Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott and BHP Chief Executive Mike Henry, as well as other White House officials. The Resolution Copper spokesperson said the discussion centered on "the mining industrys capacity to deliver long-term domestic supplies of copper and other critical minerals" from the Oak Flat deposit. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. President Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill hands over more than $175 billion to ICE. That is larger than the annual military budget of every country in the world except for the U.S. and China. MSNBC Senior Political and National Correspondent Jacob Soboroff and Staff Writer at The Atlantic Caitlin Dickerson join Katy Tur to dig into Trumps massive spending on his immigration crackdown. Attendees learn about the raw sewage problem plaguing the Black Belt at an event in July hosted by Faith in Action Alabama. The U.S. Department of Justice terminated an agreement its agreement with the Alabama Department of Public Health to help address the crisis, citing an executive order from President Donald Trump attacking diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) inititiaves . (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector) A Birmingham-based community organizing group is organizing in the Black Belt amid fears the current presidential administration will not prioritize the ongoing sewage issues plaguing the region. Faith in Action hosted two events in the past two months in Lowndes County, ground-zero for the wastewater crisis. A July meeting informed attendees about the problem and how the Trump administration terminated an agreement with Alabama to address the problem. The second, held last week, was a workshop to engage elected officials to solve the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We raised awareness, but now we have to be engaging public stakeholders so we can get to a resolution, said Daniel Schwartz, executive director of Faith in Action Alabama, in an interview last week. We will be having more public events, which is also important, but we also have these planning meetings to engage public officials. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The workshop outlined a set of action items to execute an action plan that mobilized community members from the march and rally in July. Several Black Belt communities have been plagued by a persistent raw sewage problem for years due to poverty, low population and a clay soil that can make septic systems ineffective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many homes have pipes that transport the waste into areas nearby, which can breed microbes and other parasites. Following a civil rights investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Alabama Department of Public Health reached an agreement in 2023 to install sanitary systems. DOJ at the time said ADPH had acted in a consistent pattern of inaction and/or neglect concerning the health risks associated with raw sewage and had threatened residents who could not afford proper sewer systems with prosecution under sanitation laws. Despite ADPHs awareness of the issues and the disproportionate burden and impact placed on Black residents in Lowndes County, it failed to take meaningful actions to remedy these conditions, the DOJ said in a statement at the time. ADPH was directed to suspend criminal penalties and liens on property for households who could not afford to resolve their wastewater issue. It was also ordered to research the public health risk of the sanitation problem in Lowndes County; create a public awareness campaign, assess septic and wastewater management systems and develop a plan for improving the infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is the part of the agreement that was really integral to pushing the installation of functioning, onsite septic systems in the area where there are these persistent issues with failing onsite septic systems, said Chandra Taylor-Sawyer, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), who researches environmental issues, in an interview this month. However, the Justice Department under Trump terminated the agreement earlier this year, citing an executive order that attacked diversity, equity and inclusion efforts by the federal government. The DOJ will no longer push environmental justice as viewed through a distorting, DEI lens, said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division in a news release. President Trump made it clear: Americans deserve a government committed to serving every individual with dignity and respect, and to expending taxpayer resources in accordance with the national interest, not arbitrary criteria. The march and rally organized in July was meant to draw attention to not only the ongoing raw sewage crisis but also highlight how the current administration is potentially scaling back efforts to address raw sewage by terminating the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The short term consequences will relate back to how motivated the state of Alabama is to seek additional funding for the installation of onsite septic systems who need them and cannot afford them, Taylor-Sawyer said. The pressure that was created from the agreement is no longer there. The state had already allocated some funding to address sewage issues in Lowndes County through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). However, it was not enough to provide wastewater systems for all residents. The state can continue to use the information that was collected to take care of the residents in the state of Alabama when they know that so much harm is happening, Taylor-Sawyer said. Last weeks meeting built on the march and rally in July designed to keep the conversation about the problem ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people who have the problem dont want to talk about it, and the people who dont have the problem dont want to talk about it, said Letitia Watford, a resident of the Black Belt who attended the event in July. And we all just wish it would go away, but it wont go away without a lot of money. And we need to beat the drum until we get that money. Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma, who attended the rally in July, testified before Congress about the issue earlier this summer. I painted a picture of how the people of Lowndes County toil for justice, and they still have yet to receive the justice en mass of what they deserve, the environmental justice, the educational justice, the health care justice, and how all of this is related. We have gone from a war on poverty to a war on the poor, and we cannot take this lightly, he said at the July event. A New York appeals court on Thursday dismissed an over $500 million civil business fraud fine imposed against President Donald Trump, who quickly claimed total victory over the case brought by state Attorney General Letitia James. The court ruled that the monetary penalty ordered by the trial judge against the Trump Organization was an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects individuals from excessive or cruel punishments by the government. More from TheWrap A Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron ordered President Trump to pay around $454 million in total penalties after finding him liable for business fraud, which how now grown to over half-a-billion dollars with interest. The judge found that Trumps financial statements between 2014 and 2021 overvalued his companys assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursdays decision was not unanimous, but by throwing out the penalty, the case in the hands of the appellate courts, as James, who brought the civil action under her states executive law, will likely appeal. The Trump Department of Justice is actively investigating James for raising the case initially. Trump responded to the decision in a lengthy post to Truth Social, calling the dismissal a total victory. He also called the case fake and referred to Engoron as the Corrupt Judge and a Political Hack. I greatly respect the fact that the Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision that was hurting Business all throughout New York State, the president wrote. It was a Political Witch Hunt, in a business sense, the likes of which no one has ever seen before. This was a Case of Election Interference by the City and State trying to show, illegally, that I did things that were wrong when, in fact, everything I did was absolutely CORRECT and, even, PERFECT. Letitia James, a Corrupt and Incompetent Attorney General who only brought this Case in order to hurt me politically, he added. She is a Trump Deranged Lunatic! They made me bond the outrageous sum, which never happened before, and which cost me Millions of Dollars a month. It should have never been allowed to happen, and everyone knew it! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also incorrectly noted that the decision was 5-0 when it was in fact a split decision. The post Trump Claims Total Victory After Appeals Court Voids $500 Million-Plus Judgment in New York Fraud Case appeared first on TheWrap. One of President Donald Trumps closest confidantes doesnt think pregnant women should have jobs in government. That confidante is Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and 9/11 conspiracy theorist who told The Atlantic in no uncertain terms shes no ally of moms-to-be. Related: Texas Democrats Have A Plan To Disrupt The Trump-Approved Congressional Map Why do we want to have a woman who is pregnant, who is going to have to take maternity leave as soon as she is confirmed? Loomer asked Atlantic staff writer Michael Scherer, who published a story Thursday that compares Loomer to Sen. Joseph McCarthy and the 1950s-era Communist witch hunts he led. (Loomer took the comparison as a compliment). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Scherer, Loomers maternal ambush was aimed at Trumps nominee for surgeon general, Casey Means, though it doesnt appear Means a wellness influencer with an inactive medical license who dropped out of her residency program is actually pregnant. But that didnt dissuade the attacks. You should make a decision, Loomer said. Do you want to have a career, or do you want a family? Related: Keith Olbermann Goes Scorched Earth On 'Aggressively Stupid' Karoline Leavitt You can have a family, and you can have a career, she emphasized when asked to clarify. Loomer then tripled down: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are going to be working in the federal government, dont you think it is a little abusive if you have a job where you cant bring your baby every day? she asked Scherer. Are my tax dollars supposed to go to her because she doesnt use a condom? Is there not a man who is qualified? Loomer, a civilian who holds no official White House title, nevertheless appears to wield some influence worryingly even on matters of national security. Related: Maggie Haberman Explains Why Donald Trump Is Keeping Laura Loomer Close In April, Trump fired numerous senior members of the National Security Council; an unnamed source told Axios the bloodbath came a day after Loomer met with the president in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And last week, the Trump administration stopped issuing medical-humanitarian visas a day after Loomer complained about seeing children from Gaza arriving in San Francisco and Houston for medical treatment. The conspiratorial podcast host has previously described herself as a proud Islamophobe and pro-white nationalism. Her presence alongside Trump on the campaign trail last year raised alarm among Republicans, including former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway and even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). Related... Read the original on HuffPost US President Donald Trump has delegated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to hold talks with European leaders on security guarantees for Ukraine. A meeting with allied national security advisers is scheduled for 21 August. Source: The New York Times Details: Reports indicate that Trump has given Rubio a particularly challenging task, negotiating with European leaders on the proposed security guarantees for Ukraine: "It is perhaps the highest-profile role Mr Rubio has taken on." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times noted that the task will require Rubio to balance Trump's insistence that US troops should not be deployed in Ukraine with the need to reassure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that his country will receive support if Russian leader Vladimir Putin violates any peace agreement and invades again. Rubio will have to convince European leaders that the unpredictable Trump will honour his commitment to help them protect Ukraine, without doing so under the NATO banner. The US secretary of state will lead what a senior administration official described as "sensitive diplomatic conversations" with counterparts from Ukraine and other European allies. A person familiar with the plans reported that national security advisers from these countries plan to meet with Rubio on Thursday 21 August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Trump administration official said the talks would determine "what the security guarantees could look like" ahead of a possible Zelenskyy-Putin meeting. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trumps mass-deportation crackdown spooked leaders in at least one Democratic-majority East Coast city, as its mayor and city council suddenly removed a scheduled vote on approving a "Welcoming City" ordinance from this months agenda. Mayor Sal Panto Jr., of Easton, Pennsylvania, a moderate Democrat, moved to strike the ordinance vote from the agenda, with all but its sponsor, Councilwoman Taiba Sultana, backing the move, according to Lehigh Valley News. One member was absent. The ordinance would have given the city 80 miles west of New York City and 60 miles north of Philadelphia a designation shared by Chicago, where leaders use the term "welcoming city" instead of the more politically charged "sanctuary city." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bostons Wu Fires Back At Bondi, Citing Revolution, As Other Cities Slam Feds Over Sanctuary Warnings President Donald Trump speaks with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Sultana told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that values should come first and lamented the decision. "The Council's decision stemmed from a place of pragmatism rather than principle But the majority felt that formally adopting the Welcoming City bill now would effectively paint a target on our city a target for an administration that has demonstrated a willingness to weaponize federal funds against political adversaries," she said. Read On The Fox News App In recent weeks, Attorney General Pam Bondi has threatened civil action and withholding of federal funding from sanctuary cities or municipalities that do not align with federal immigration law and Easton leaders didnt want that kind of attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This threat, while legally dubious, is very real. It jeopardizes the critical funding that our residents, including our undocumented neighbors who contribute immensely to our economy, depend on for essential services like education and public safety," Sultana said. Popular Pa Democratic Mayor Warns Trump Is Out-messaging Harris: I Get More From Colbert Easton isnt alone in weighing its options. Other Lehigh Valley cities have faced similar debates. In February, neighboring Bethlehem also decided against passing a similar ordinance, as the Christmas Citys Democratic mayor convinced city council against it. "We acknowledge that while many cities are seeking to respond to the recent threats of deportation by creating a welcoming ordinance in fact many of these practices have been in place for years," Mayor J. William Reynolds said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allentown Pennsylvanias third-largest city went the other direction, codifying a long-standing policy barring local resources from being used to enforce federal immigration law. One councilman said the vote did not create a "sanctuary" but presented a "guiding light [to] know where we stand and what we can and cannot do." Councilman Frank Pintabone told Lehigh Valley News the "Welcoming City" ordinance sought to "fix a problem that doesnt exist," pointing to much heavier ICE activity in Allentown versus only two detentions so far in Easton. Panto said Easton remains a "welcoming city" in a proverbial sense and doesnt need such a moniker: "We welcomed every immigrant. I think our record shows that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GOP official in Northampton County whose parents immigrated legally to Easton from Cuba and Austria criticized the idea of a "Welcoming City" or sanctuary ordinance, noting that his family already felt welcomed when they arrived. The official told Fox News Digital his father came to Easton in 1959, returned briefly to Cuba to see Fidel Castro overthrow the government and decided, "Im getting the h--- out of here." Original article source: Trump deportation policies spook Pennsylvania city into scrapping immigrant protection vote The Trump administrations Justice Department has taken another aggressive step in targeting transgender peoples access to health care, issuing more than 20 broad subpoenas that demand hospitals and clinics hand over the private records of patients under 19. Advocates and legal experts say the move is an unprecedented abuse of government power, and one that threatens both medical privacy and access to lifesaving care. According to The Washington Post, one subpoena sent to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia in June ordered staff to turn over virtually every kind of record connected to gender-affirming treatment: billing documents, doctors notes, voicemails, encrypted text messages, and even the birth dates, Social Security numbers, and home addresses of patients going back to 2020. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the subpoenas last month, accusing medical professionals of mutilating children in the service of a warped ideology. Every major U.S. medical association, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Endocrine Society, supports gender-affirming care for transgender adults and minors, stressing that it is evidence-based and, for many young people, lifesaving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Post, seven people familiar with the subpoenas said they targeted providers in both states where care remains legal and states where bans have been enacted. The subpoenas build on months of escalating federal action. In April, Bondi issued a Justice Department memo directing prosecutors to investigate providers under fraud statutes and even the federal ban on female genital mutilation. That directive implemented Trumps executive order, Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation, parts of which have already been blocked by federal courts. A coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia has gone to court to stop the administration. In a lawsuit filed on August 1, Democratic attorneys general argued that Trump and Bondi are unlawfully intimidating providers into halting lawful care in their states and trampling state authority to regulate medicine. The effects on access to care for trans patients have already been devastating. More than a dozen hospitals, including major programs in states where gender care remains legal, have scaled back or shut down services for trans youth in recent weeks. Parents told the Post they are scrambling to find new doctors before prescriptions for puberty blockers or hormones run out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This subpoena is a breathtakingly invasive government overreach, Jennifer Levi, senior director of transgender and queer rights at GLAD Law, told the paper. Elizabeth Gill of the American Civil Liberties Union called the targeting of trans youth deeply troubling, warning it could open the door to similar attacks on any community the administration decides it doesnt approve of. The aggressive federal push comes just two months after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a ruling legal scholars warn could pave the way for restrictions on trans adults as well. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Trump DOJ demands private medical information of transgender patients RELATED President Donald Trump appeared to clap back at an online trolling campaign led by California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). A social media account run by Newsoms press office has made headlines over the past few weeks as it continues to mock the president, his administration and the MAGA base. Some of the posts on X mimic Trumps communication style on Truth Social including all-caps messages, insults, unnecessary punctuation and initials. The account also parodies the presidents typical sign-off line, Thank you for your attention to this matter! While the account has drawn incessant criticism from many conservatives on social media and on TV, the posting blitz has won over most liberals, who see it as a successfully way to provoke Trump and challenge his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, for the first time, fired back at Newsom early Tuesday. Gavin Newscum is way down in the polls, Trump wrote on Truth Social, using his nickname for the governor. He is viewed as the man who is destroying the once Great State of California. I will save California!!! President DJT, he continued. Newsom had quickly responded on his personal X account: Triggered? In a separate post made hours later, Trump again called attention to California. Any California school district that doesnt adhere to our Transgender policies, will not be funded. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trump posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps response comes as Newsom has also come under fire from the right as he moves to counter a Republican-led effort in Texas backed by the president intended to add up to five winnable GOP seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. On Wednesday evening, the House of Representatives in the Lone Star State passed a newly redrawn congressional map, advancing the bill to the state Senate as soon as this week. Poised to move forward, it would then go to Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to be signed into law. The vote followed the return of Texas Democrats to the state earlier this week, after lawmakers fled in a two-week walkout to ultimately delay a vote. Republican officials had threatened civil arrest warrants and prosecution. Meanwhile, Democratic and Republican governors continue to debate whether they will intervene. Newsom became the first to act, announcing a countermeasure last Thursday, dubbed the Election Rigging Response Act, which would allow his state to gain several blue-leaning House seats while sidestepping its independent commission that has created district maps since 2010. The California state Legislature is slated to vote Thursday on a newly drawn congressional map. If passed, the measure, titled Proposition 50, would appear on ballots during a special election in November. The new map would remain in effect until the 2030 census, provided it clears all hurdles and Texas successfully enacts its version. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is boasting aboutwell, not doing much of anything in regard to gun seizures in Washington, D.C. Weve now made a total of 630 arrests and seized 86 illegal guns in DC. 53 arrests were made yesterday, plus 24 ICE arrests and 10 guns taken off the streets. Our incredible US Marshals even helped recover a missing child, Bondi wrote Thursday morning on X. Our mission to make DC safe again isnt slowing down. Bondis right about one thing: The mission isnt slowing down. Its not moving anywhere at all. Law enforcement is taking guns off the street at around the same rate it was last year, even with the increased show of force from the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC police records show they recovered 2,895 firearms in 2024works out to an average of about 8 per day & ~100 over two weeks, wrote Courthouse Newss Benjamin S. Weiss. Federal gun seizures on track to be more or less the same in roughly that same period, per AG. This kind of blatant posturing has become commonplace in the past few weeks. The federal government wants so badly for us to believe that its influx of police has made the nations capital much safer, when in fact, its been a lot more show than substance. President Trump has repeatedly said hes pushing for fairness in the college admissions process, but his administration has done nothing to go after legacy admissions, despite their unpopularity across bipartisan lines. Reforming the university application and acceptance process has been a key part of many of Trumps moves on higher education, including the deals hes made with multiple schools to restore their federal funding. But the practice of accepting applicants based on alumni or donor status, which some schools have sought to roll back independently, has been left alone by the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Trump administration was truly concerned about merit, legacy admissions would be one of the first policies they would challenge. And by ignoring it, it makes their rhetoric around meritocracy just hollow, said Wesley Whistle, project director of higher education at New America. Legacy admissions have been a bipartisan target for years, especially since the renewed push for racial equality in 2020 and since the 2023 Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action in college admissions. Advocates argue legacy preferences unfairly boost white and rich applicants, with selective and private institutions more likely to use the practice. Education Reform Now says some 420 U.S. colleges still use legacy admissions, though that is down more than 50 percent from 2015. While some schools dont use legacy to determine acceptance, they will give scholarships based on legacy status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump often focuses his higher education rhetoric more on reforming classroom curricula, faculty ideology or the handling of protests, but changes to admissions have regularly been part of his demands. In restoring federal funding to Brown University and Columbia University, agreements were struck regarding transparency of admission data and ensuring merit-based admissions. Trump also signed a memorandum directing the Department of Education to collect more admissions data from universities and compile the information into an easily accessible database for parents and students. American students and taxpayers deserve confidence in the fairness and integrity of our Nations institutions of higher education, including confidence that they are recruiting and training capable future doctors, engineers, scientists, and other critical workers vital to the next generations of American prosperity. Race-based admissions practices are not only unfair, but also threaten our national security and well-being, the order reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has largely justified its going after schools over their alleged inaction against campus antisemitism, which advocates say should make legacy an even more attractive target, as Jewish applicants were among those disadvantaged by the practice. Attacking legacy preferences would be directly in line with these three arguments Trump has been making about merit, about a rigged system and about antisemitism. Its troubling that the administration hasnt said anything from our legacy preferences, said Richard Kahlenberg, director of the American Identity Project at the Progressive Policy Institute So for all three of those reasons, it would be very natural for the Trump administration to go after legacy preferences. So, its baffling that they have not and, I think, deeply hypocritical, he added. The White House and the Education Department did not respond to The Hills request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Admissions information has largely been a well-kept secret among higher education leaders, with advocates eager to see more data but afraid what the Trump administration might do in response to it. Many universities have been proactive about independently, or in response to state laws, ridding themselves of legacy admissions. Well-known schools such as Amherst College have ended it on their own, and states such as Virginia and Illinois have outlawed the practice at public universities. California has sought to make legacy admissions illegal even for private entities. Multiple bipartisan bills have been introduced to ban legacy admissions nationwide, but none have succeeded, despite public support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the practice is widely unpopular, some believe it is the right of private institutions to decide their policies on this issue and that legacy students can be beneficial to institutions. All of the Ivy League schools still consider legacy admissions. Stanford University decided to defy the new California state law and keep legacy preferences, forfeiting money from a state grant program for its decision. Should a private university have legacy admissions? We argue thats up to the university, but there are some good reasons, in some cases, to have it, and those include, for instance, students are more likely to select themselves in or out if someone they know and trust, like their own father or mother, has gone there, said Adam Kissel, visiting fellow in the Heritage Foundations Center for Education Policy. If I were an admissions officer and someone is a legacy applicant, I would say Id be surprised if theyre not a fit here, because they probably know whether theyre a fit. Theres less of a risk on that person. But its not about merit necessarily, and so that brings up the merit question, he 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. Donald Trumps anti-immigration agenda is forcing some Christians into the shadows and others to take their work underground. While Trump and his administration have portrayed the president as a hero to (right-wing) Christians, theyve taken a more antagonistic approach to other Christian groups. Some Christians in the U.S. have reportedly stopped attending public services out of justifiable fear of being apprehended or deported, while other denominations are taking steps to protect programs that could draw the ire of the administration or its allies. For example, Aleja Hertzler-McCain and Jack Jenkins reported for Religion News Service on Tuesday that some churches in Washington, D.C., have seen attendance fall sharply or have had to cancel services outright because of parishioners fears about the administrations authoritarian crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, this sea change was felt most acutely this past weekend: Multiple faith leaders told RNS the weekend felt like the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some immigrant families hiding at home, avoiding church and stockpiling food to avoid going out in fear of deportation. (That comparison is particularly ironic when you consider how much time conservatives spent bashing pandemic-era guidelines that discouraged crowded gatherings, including religious ones.) Elsewhere, some churches have decided to obscure some activities so as not to expose members to the administrations wrath. I wrote back in February about Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musks denunciation of Christian organizations that provide aid to immigrants. Some of those groups, like the United Methodist Church, took such remarks as a warning. Earlier this month, the UMC elected to withhold the names of recipients of more than $160,000 in grants given to bold ministries that assist immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Baptist News Global: The UMCs Washington, D.C.-based General Commission on Religion and Race, or GCORR, released news of the grants Aug. 7 without specifying either the recipients names or the individual amounts given. ... Due to the current sociopolitical climate and the potential risks faced by individuals and organizations engaging in immigration justice work, GCORR has made the intentional decision not to publish the names or locations of grant recipients, the release said. This measure ensures the safety, dignity and confidentiality of those leading and participating in this vital ministry. Despite its claims about protecting religious liberty and eradicating anti-Christian bias, the Trump administration doesnt seem genuinely concerned about either of those issues. After all, even some leaders in the MAGA-friendly Southern Baptist Convention have criticized the administrations anti-immigrant crackdown for trampling on religious liberty and forcing Christians into the shadows. The only Christians that the administration seems concerned about are those who align with its revanchist worldview, and it only seems interested in using the power of the government to intimidate those who dont. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Despite clinching a major victory in his New York civil fraud case on Thursday, President Donald Trump bashed the corrupt judges who oversaw his numerous legal battles. Trump declared a TOTAL VICTORY in the civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James starting in 2022. An appeals court on Thursday threw out the massive civil fraud penalty that was levied against Trump last year, delivering a major financial win to the president. In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump described the Judge Arthur Engorons verdict last year as unlawful and disgraceful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a Political Witch Hunt, in a business sense, the likes of which no one has ever seen before. This was a Case of Election Interference by the City and State trying to show, illegally, that I did things that were wrong when, in fact, everything I did was absolutely CORRECT and, even, PERFECT. Every single Dollar was thrown out, even the penalties imposed on us by the Corrupt Judge, one of the most overturned in History, Arthur Engoron, Trump wrote. He also lashed out at James, calling her a Corrupt and Incompetent Attorney General. James responded to the courts ruling in a statement on Thursday, noting that the appeals court affirmed that Trump, his company, and two of his children are liable for fraud. The court upheld the injunctive relief we won, limiting Donald Trump and the Trump Organization officers ability to do business in New York. It should not be lost to history: yet another court has ruled that the president violated the law, and that our case has merit, she said. My statement on the opinion affirming Donald Trump, his company, and two of his children are liable for fraud: pic.twitter.com/7OdOVsCWlf NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) August 21, 2025 Trump also criticized Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw his hush money trial in New York City last year, and Judge Lewis Kaplan, who oversaw a defamation case brought against Trump last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sadly, there are other Cases against me that are equally disgraceful, including those headed up by Corrupt Judges, like Juan Merchan, whose daughter collected Millions of Dollars in Fees from Crooked Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, while her father shockingly REFUSED TO RECUSE himself from a vicious and corrupt trial, which is also under Appeal, Trump wrote. Judge Lewis Kaplan, the other remaining Case, whose wife, family, and friends attended his two trials, is as mean and nasty as anyone I have ever met. That Case, also on Appeal, should also never have been brought, and he should be admonished for Abuse, and every other thing that can be thrown at a Corrupt Judge. He loved the publicity, and would not let us present the irrefutable evidence that we wanted to present, he added. The decision on Thursday is just the latest court victory delivered to Trump since starting his second term in office. A panel of five judges in New Yorks mid-level Appellate Division said the verdict, which stood to cost Trump more than $515 million and rock his real estate empire, was excessive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After finding that Trump engaged in fraud by flagrantly padding financial statements that went to lenders and insurers, Engoron ordered him last year to pay $355 million in penalties. With interest, the sum has topped $515 million. The total combined with penalties levied on some other Trump Organization executives, including Trumps sons Eric and Donald Jr. now exceeds $527 million, with interest. While the injunctive relief ordered by the court is well crafted to curb defendants business culture, the courts disgorgement order, which directs that defendants pay nearly half a billion dollars to the State of New York, is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, Judges Dianne T. Renwick and Peter H. Moulton wrote in one of several opinions shaping the appeals courts ruling. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump was online late Wednesday and early Thursday as he posted a string of wild messages on his Truth Social platform attacking mail-in voting, MSNBC and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has been imitating him on social media. Trumps spree began a little before midnight as he praised the Texas House for approving new maps that would likely give Republicans five more seats in Congress in next years midterm elections. Related: CNNs Abby Phillip Hits Scott Jennings With A Painful Truth About His Critics He called on other states to conduct their own mid-cycle gerrymanders to increase GOP seats, saying doing so while also eliminating mail-in voting would net Republicans 100 more seats in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another post, he bragged about his supposed approval rating. Trump wrote: 59% APPROVAL RATING FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP, MASSIVE LEAD OVER THE DEMOCRATS. Its not clear which poll Trump was referring to. No recent poll tracked by RealClearPolling shows him with a 59% approval rating. Most instead show him underwater by between 6 and 13 percentage points. Related: Appeals Court Throws Out Massive Civil Fraud Penalty Against Trump After midnight, he attacked MSNBC, which this week announced it would change its name to MS NOW as part of a corporate divorce from NBC. The president fired off an all-caps rant: Donald Trump's post on his Truth Social platform. Donald Trump Trump also directed his rage at Newsom, who has for days been pointing out the absurdity of the presidents behavior by copying his bombastic social media style, often triggering right-wing figures in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump wrote: Trump's post on Truth Social. Donald Trump Newsoms office had a very Trump-like response, using three snowflake emojis to describe the president in one post. In another, Newsoms office responded to Trumps attack on MSNBC: TRUMP IS IMITATING ME! GCN https://t.co/YC1LpXK2qF Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 21, 2025 Newsom also wrote from his personal account: Related... Read the original on HuffPost For more than a decade, North Korea has maintained a secret ballistic missile base near its border with China, which poses a potential nuclear threat to East Asia and the continental United States. Thats according to a new analysis of satellite imagery by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. CSIS estimates the base houses a brigade-sized unit equipped with six to nine nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles and their mobile launchers. Crucially, those mobile launchers allow the warheads to be dispersed and launched from elsewhere, making them difficult to take out with preemptive strikes in the event of a crisis. Construction on the base is likely to have begun in the mid-2000sshortly after Pyongyang withdrew from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 2003and was finished in 2014, with periodic updates to the construction since then. Analysts believe it is one of the countrys 15 to 20 undeclared missile sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revelations are an important reminder that while North Korea has faded somewhat from international headlines, it continues to build up its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. Indeed, the countrys leader, Kim Jong Un, called for a rapid expansion of the nuclear arsenal this week in response to annual joint U.S.-South Korea military drills that started Monday. Washington and Seoul maintain the exercises are purely defensive, but North Korea has responded to them with provocations in the past, including new weapons tests. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. Diplomacy with North Korea has been largely frozenat least publiclysince the breakdown of negotiations between Kim and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, at their summit meeting in Hanoi in 2019. Since returning to office this year, Trump has reportedly tried multiple times to send a letter to Kim via North Koreas U.N. delegation in New York, only to be rebuffed. Kim has also rejected diplomatic overtures from South Koreas new president, Lee Jae-myung. This should come as no surprise, for North Korea is in a very different strategic position than during Trumps first term, as Theresa Lou explained for WPR in May. Crucially, Pyongyangs support for Russias war in Ukraineincluding the deployment of troops and provision of short-range missilesopened the door to a deepening military and economic partnership that has allowed North Korea to diversify away from its traditional reliance on Beijing, Theresa wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prospect of North Korea returning to the negotiating table is a distant one, but not entirely out of the question. Trump has said he would like to resolve the conflict with North Korea, and Kims sister, Kim Yo Jong, acknowledged a few weeks ago that her brothers relations with Trump are not bad. Restarting talks with Kim would require lifting or meaningfully relaxing U.N. sanctions on North Korea in some form. This is a step only the U.S. could engineer, and in practice only Donald Trump might attempt, the North Korea analysts Andrei Lankov and Peter Ward wrote this week. If the talks resume, Pyongyang would never agree to give up its nuclear program, but it may be inclined to agree to an arms control agreement, Lankov and Ward added. Such a deal could offer the regime a means of easing its heavy reliance on China and Russia, which Kim finds burdensome. Kims recent rebuffing of U.S. diplomatic overtures may simply indicate that he is waiting for the right carrot to be presented to him. The question, then, would be whether Trump is willing to comply, and return to high-wire talks with an unpredictable adversary. Elliot Waldman is World Politics Reviews editor-in-chief. The post Trumps Narrow Window for Diplomacy With North Korea appeared first on World Politics Review. 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. Sign up for Trumps Return, a newsletter featuring coverage of the second Trump presidency. The idea, it seems, came from the Russian president. Vladimir Putin, smart guy, Donald Trump told the Fox News television host Sean Hannity following the summit between the two leaders in Anchorage, Alaska. Putin, Trump reported, had told him, You cant have an honest election with mail-in voting. And that, apparently, spurred the president to actsort of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, Trump posted on Truth Social that he would ban MAIL-IN BALLOTS in an EXECUTIVE ORDER to help bring HONESTY to the 2026 Midterm Elections. He expanded on his plan during an Oval Office press conference ostensibly about the war in Ukraine, sitting next to a studiously blank-faced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Were going to end mail-in voting, the president declared. Its a fraud. Several days later, the promised executive order has yet to appear. Even if Trump does end up signing a document that claims to prohibit mail-in ballots, though, such an order would likely have little legal power. The American system for administering elections is highly decentralized: The work of deciding how people should vote and of helping them do so is largely carried out at the state and local levels, with the federal government playing only a minor role. Mail-in balloting, which is authorized at the state level by a states legislature, is no exception. But as Americans have learned over the past six months, just because the president may lack legal authority to make a policy change does not mean he lacks the power to make an enormous mess. [Paul Rosenzweig: Trump is already undermining the next election] Trumps spree of second-term executive orders can be divided into several categories. Sometimes, he is exercising authority within the normal bounds of presidential power, though often to stupid or malicious ends; sometimes, theres genuine uncertainty as to whether the president can wield the power Trump claims for himself; and sometimes, Trump has arrogated to himself an authority that doesnt exist. An executive order banning mail-in ballots would fall into the final category. In an oddly professorial flourish in his Truth Social post, the president insisted, Remember, the States are merely an agent for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes. But this is not true. The Constitution establishes unambiguously that elections are carried out by each individual state, under state rules. Congress can establish additional instructionsbut the president himself has no freestanding authority. Trumps promise to intervene anyway reflects his understanding of the presidency not as one branch of government constrained by the separation of powers, but as Americas king. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For this same reason, two federal courts have already blocked significant portions of Trumps previous executive order on Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections, which he signed in March. That order didnt bar mail-in ballots, but sought to implement a range of other election-related policies responding to Republican conspiracy theories around election fraud: mandating proof of citizenship during voter registration, requiring states to share voter rolls with the federal government, and forbidding the counting of any ballots that arrive after Election Day, among other changes. Even former Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the order as an unwise power grab. In an opinion barring several sections of the order from going into effect, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia explained, The States have initial authority to regulate elections. Congress has supervisory authority over those regulations. The President does not feature at all. Any executive order claiming to outright ban mail-in ballots would immediately face a similar legal challenge. Its not even clear what levers Trump could attempt to pull. Though the president can use executive orders to direct federal officials, there are no federal officials who govern whether states get to use mail ballots or not, Justin Levitt, who studies the law of democracy at Loyola Law School, told me. And the White House simply has no authority to make these demands of state officials, Levitt said. The president passing an executive order that purports to tell state election officials how to do their jobs is the same as me writing a note to a state election official on a Burger King receipt. Perhaps Trump could try threatening to withhold federal funds from states unless they restrict access to mail-in ballotsbut such an effort would be legally dubious under well-established precedents, and Congress has allocated so little in the way of election funding that theres not much to withhold. Short on options, the White House will likely be left MacGyvering its way to a solution using equipment not really suited to the task. Project 2025, for example, suggested prosecuting former Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar for a 2020 legal opinion on the use of provisional ballots for mail-in balloting under Pennsylvania state lawa proposition that Levitt described to me as crazy. The Justice Department could threaten state and local election officials with similarly baseless investigations in an effort at intimidation. Prosecutors would encounter the small problem that no criminal statutes obviously apply to an election official legally handing out mail-in ballots. But the risk of a criminal investigation, even a meritless one, could still frighten election administrators. [Read: Trump says he is serious about staying in office past 2028] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps hatred of mail-in ballots dates back to 2016, when he complained that Colorados shift to all-mail voting would enable fraud. As more states adopted mail-in ballots during the pandemic election of 2020, he seized on this development as a basis to spread claims that Democrats would try to use fraudulent mail-in votes to steal the presidencyan idea that would become a key claim of the Big Lie that Trump had won the 2020 election, and a driver of the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Now that he has secured the presidency again, Trump may feel that he has an opportunity to finally right this imagined wrong. (On the same day that Trump posted his Truth Social announcement, the voting-machine manufacturer Dominion announced that it had secured a $67 million settlement with Newsmax over the far-right television networks promotion of conspiracy theories about the company in 2020.) Yet if the goal is to corruptly tilt elections toward the Republican Partyyoure not going to have many Democrats get elected, Trump promised when detailing his plans to end mail-in voting in the Oval Officethe presidents mental model may be out-of-date. In the Trump era, the Republican coalition has come to rely on voters who follow politics less closely, vote less frequently, and are more likely not to cast a ballot if doing so is difficult. Limiting access to voting might have been politically helpful to Republicans in the past, but seems not to be now. That may be especially true in lower-turnout contests such as midterms, in which Democrats may see an advantage thanks to a more politically engaged voter base. During the 2024 election, Trumps campaign staff seems to have been able to convince him to be quiet about his hatred of voting by mail long enough to increase Republicans use of mail-in ballots. As the 2026 midterms draw closer, his advisers may have to struggle to contain him once again, whether or not he moves forward with an executive order. The risk created by Trumps attacks on mail-in ballots is less that Trump will actually succeed in limiting access to the franchise and that such limitations will actually tilt the playing field toward Republicans, and more that the president willas he did in 2020kick up enough doubt and confusion that a significant number of Americans no longer trust an elections results. Article originally published at The Atlantic By Steve Holland and Nandita Bose WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump declared his crime crackdown in the nation's capital a success on Thursday as he visited federal officers deployed under his plan, which has drawn resident complaints that its tactics are too heavyhanded. Trump visited the U.S. Park Police headquarters in Southeast Washington, D.C., bringing pizza and hamburgers for officers as a gesture of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without citing evidence, the president told several hundred uniformed personnel that their efforts were leading to a drop in crime. "It's like a different place," he said. "Everybody is safe now." Earlier on Thursday, Trump had said he would go on patrol with law enforcement during his visit, but the ride-along did not happen. Saying the city was gripped by a violent crime wave, Trump last week declared a public safety emergency. He deployed National Guard soldiers and federal agents on the streets, and said he was temporarily taking over the city's police department in an extraordinary assertion of presidential power. The crackdown has included ramped-up stop-and-frisk operations, federal patrols in residential neighborhoods and reports of people being stopped with little explanation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Projecting confidence in the federal response, Trump told the assembled officers that Washington was on the rebound. "We're going to have the best capital ever," he said. City officials have rejected the claim that violent crime is rampant, pointing to federal and city statistics that show violent crime has declined significantly since a spike in 2023. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, asked by reporters earlier on Thursday if the city was safer now, said the capital has seen a decrease in crime for the last two years. "We expect that having 500 additional officers will yield more arrests, and we want guns off the streets. Our police officers continue to do the work, and we expect some incremental difference with more officers," she said, referring to the extra personnel ordered by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The partnership between local and federal law enforcement has been tense at times, with federal agents not only targeting violent crime but also prioritizing immigration arrests and clearing homeless encampments. Five years after Trump deployed National Guard troops to disperse racial justice protesters outside the White House, his 30-day takeover of local law enforcement has sparked some demonstrations. These have included in the past week organized protests near the White House as well as city residents and demonstrators spontaneously confronting federal agents. In one incident, a resident was charged with a felony for throwing a sandwich at an officer. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday visited troops at Union Station, Washington's central train hub, where protesters heckled them with jeers and shouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Thursday was joined by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, his White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, architect of Trump's migrant crackdown. Trump's administration this week ordered federal prosecutors in Washington to be more aggressive in pursuing criminal cases against people arrested as part of the crackdown in the nation's capital, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters. (Reporting by Steve Holland, Nandita Bose and Nathan Howard; editing by Colleen Jenkins and Cynthia Osterman) Donald Trump handed out pizza to National Guard troops who have been deployed onto the streets of Washington DC. The US president, visiting an area in the south-east of the city on Thursday, declared that crime numbers are way down since he took control of its police department and mobilised the National Guard last week. Mr Trump announced earlier the same day he was heading out on patrol with law enforcement officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a brief speech in the Anacostia neighbourhood, located a short distance from the White House, the president praised the amazing job by officers and said he planned to celebrate with them. We have great hamburgers cooked by the White House and we have pizza that I said, dont do it in the White House because we went to that place that makes the best pizza, he said. We have a lot of it, so were going to have some fun, so well eat and Ill eat with you were going to celebrate but then were going to get back to work, and were going to take care of these criminals and were going put them where they have to be. Donald Trump greets a law enforcement officer - Reuters Would you rather have hamburgers or pizza from a good place? he asked the crowd of federal officers and National Guard troops. Oh, they want the hamburgers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump reportedly had a slice of pizza before heading back soon afterwards to the White House. Mr Trump signed an executive order on Aug 10 federalising local police forces and activating some 800 DC National Guard troops. He said he was left with no choice but to deploy troops to the capital owing to abject failures of the citys leadership, hitting out at the radical Left city council for abolishing the system of cash bail. Troops walk near the Washington Monument - SHAWN THEW/EPA/Shutterstock Mr Trump added that he was taking historic action to rescue our nations capital from crime, declaring: This is liberation day in DC. JD Vance, the vice president, had greeted National Guard troops at a Shake Shack in Washingtons Union Station with burgers the day before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You guys bust your ass all day, we give you a hamburger, he said, admitting: Not a fair trade but were grateful for everything you guys do. Demonstrators booed, jeered, and shouted obscenities at Mr Vance, who was accompanied on the visit by defence secretary Pete Hegseth and Stephen Miller, the deputy White House chief of staff. Credit: X / @DeptofDefense Mr Vance was questioned why the administration had deployed troops to Union Station. The vice president insisted its crime rate was actually extremely high, telling reporters: You have vagrants, you have drug addicts, you have the homeless, you have the mentally ill who harass, who threaten violence, who attack families and theyve done it for far too long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This should be a monument to American greatness ... we have empowered criminals over the people who actually need public safety in this city. Members of the National Guard patrol a Metro station - DOMINIC GWINN/AFP Elsewhere in his speech, Mr Trump declared he would re-grass Washingtons parks, claiming: I know more about grass than any human being I think anywhere in the world because he owns a number of golf courses. Were going to be re-grassing all of your parks, all brand new sprinkler systems, the best that you can buy, he said. Mr Trump added: Grass has a life. You know, we have a life and grass has a life. And the grass here died about 40 years ago. The president was accompanied for his speech by several top administration officials, including interior secretary Doug Burgum, attorney general Pam Bondi, and homeland security secretary Kristi Noem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He thanked each of them, referring to Ms Noem as my Kristi and saying: She can ride a horse like nobody. She gets on those horses, she rips those horses around. Kristi Noem hands out pizza to officers in Anacostia - Getty Images Federal agents have appeared in some of the districts busiest neighbourhoods. Mr Trumps visit to Anacostia, which has a high rate of violent crime, may have been motivated by an attempt to head off accusations that he had deployed agents to tourist hotspots rather than areas that needed federal support. On Wednesday, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said authorities had made 465 arrests since Aug 7. 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, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hitting out at fake narratives from the media, Ms Leavitt said a significant number of the arrests have been in high crime areas of DC. 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. Judge Matthew Brann ruled that Alina Habba's interim appointment as U.S. attorney for N.J. ended July 1, making her actions since then "void." (Photo by Gage Skidmore) A federal judge has rejected the Trump administrations attempt to keep Alina Habba as U.S. attorney for New Jersey and override the judges who last month named Habbas top deputy to the post. U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann said Thursday that Habba, President Donald Trumps former personal lawyer, has served as the states top federal prosecutor without lawful authority since July 1 and voided all actions she has taken in that role since then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Executive branch has perpetuated Alina Habbas appointment to act as the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey through a novel series of legal and personnel moves. Along the way, it has disagreed with the Judges of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and criminal defendants in that District about who should or may lead the office, Brann wrote in his 77-page opinion. Faced with the question of whether Ms. Habba is lawfully performing the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, I conclude that she is not. Attorney General Pamela Bondi vowed to immediately appeal. Habba is doing incredible work in New Jersey and we will protect her position from activist judicial attacks, Bondi posted on social media Thursday night. Several criminal defendants had challenged Habbas authority and sought dismissals of their cases after a tug-of-war erupted over the position last month when the Senate did not act to confirm her. A panel of federal judges in New Jersey named her first assistant, Desiree Leigh Grace, to the job, enraging Trump officials, who fired Grace and reinstalled Habba. Brann, the chief judge of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, was tapped to decide the case after a defendants attorney successfully requested a venue change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After hearing four hours of arguments last week in Williamsport, Brann ruled that Habbas tenure as interim U.S. attorney ended July 1, 120 days after Bondi appointed John Giordano as interim U.S. attorney. A federal law known as the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act gives the Senate 120 days to confirm an appointee and tasks federal judges with acting if that clock runs out without Senate action. Giordano served three weeks as interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey before Trump announced March 24 on social media that he appointed Habba to the job and she was subsequently sworn in on March 28. Habbas tenure has been turbulent, with New Jerseys senators both Democrats accusing her of using her position to politically attack Trump foes. She has prosecuted two Newark Democrats, Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver, over a May 9 episode at a migrant jail in Newark (her office dismissed the charge against Baraka days after they filed it). And she has said she is investigating two other Democrats, Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin, over the states policy of providing sanctuary for some undocumented immigrants. Brann banned Habba from further prosecutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because she is not currently qualified to exercise the functions and duties of the office in an acting capacity, she must be disqualified from participating in any ongoing cases, he wrote. While the ruling was a resounding loss for the Trump administration, its unlikely anything will change yet, because Brann stayed his decision pending an appeal. Last week in court, he predicted the case likely would ultimately be decided by judges in higher courts than his. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he plans to join National Guard troops and local police on patrols of Washington, D.C., on Thursday night, getting a first-hand look at the controversial deployment of military forces to the nations capital. During a radio appearance with host Todd Starnes, Trump said that the Guardsmen deployed around Washington have done a fantastic job and said he was planning to join them this evening on their rounds. White House officials did not immediately release any details of the event. JUST IN: President Trump tells me that he's going out on patrol tonight with DC law enforcement and the military. Listen to my full interview with the president at 12P ET on The Todd Starnes Show. Listen on more than 170 radio stations or https://t.co/C4rDVyY4gT or on our social toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) August 21, 2025 Currently, about 800 D.C. National Guard personnel and around around 1,100 more Guardsmen from six states have been deployed throughout the city following Trumps declaration of a public safety emergency in the district earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal authorities have set up checkpoints to screen vehicles around the city, although critics have said much of the show of force has taken place in areas without significant crime issues. White House officials said that in the last two weeks, law enforcement personnel have made more than 630 arrests (many for immigration violations) and seized 59 firearms. National Guard members are not directly making any arrests. On Wednesday, during a photo op at Union Station, protesters jeered Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller as they met with Guard troops. But the administration officials dismissed the taunts and expressed confidence in the deployment success so far. Also on Wednesday, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle traveling as part of a convoy crashed into a civilian near Capitol Hill. The driver of the SUV had to be freed from the vehicle by firefighters and was sent to a nearby hospital with a minor head laceration, according to the local fire department. President Trump said he was planning to ride along Thursday night with troops patrolling Washington, D.C. as part of his federal crackdown, but instead returned to the White House after spending just about 35 minutes at the U.S. Park Police facility. There, the president spoke to reporters while surrounded by approximately 300 men and women from various agencies, including the DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, National Guard and the FBI. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum were also on hand. Trump said he came to specifically thank the National Guard, and praised his military crackdown on crime and immigration in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive received more phone calls from people in the past four days than I ever have, Trump said, claiming that people who havent been to a Washington restaurant in four years now feel safe to leave their homes again. One unnamed person allegedly told Trump theyd gone out four nights in a row due to safety measures his administration has put in place. Trump claimed during his speech that the U.S. was a dead country until he came to power in January and said D.C. had become a symbol of that decline. He also spoke of his plans to beautify the nations capital, including bringing down graffiti and re-grassing local parks until the district looks like a golf course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said hed be asking Congress for some money but did not say how much, and estimated his renovation could take up to a year. Trump returned to White House less than 90 minutes after leaving, despite saying in an interview earlier on Thursday that he would join patrols with the National Guard and federal law enforcement officers that night. Trumps move to personally join the controversial crackdown, which has lasted for two weeks, would have amounted to a new escalation in the show of force. Hundreds of federal agents and National Guard soldiers have surged into the streets of the nations capital this month, leaving some residents on edge and creating tense confrontations in the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the city has historically struggled with high crime, crime rates were sharply declining before Trump declared a putative emergency that required urgent federal intervention. Troops and agents from an alphabet soup of different agencies have set up checkpoints on busy city arteries, injecting their authority into daily life. Immigration enforcement has been a core part of the crackdown, rattling immigrants and Latino American citizens in many of the citys diverse neighborhoods. Since Aug. 7, when Trump began surging federal agents into the city, there have been 630 arrests, including 251 people who are in the country illegally, according to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been ratcheting up the pressure since then, claiming control of the D.C. police department on Aug. 11 and deploying more National Guard troops from Republican-led states. Soldiers have been largely stationed in downtown areas, such as monuments on the National Mall and transit stations. But federal agents have started to operate more widely through the city, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged Thursday. The surge of federal officers is allowing for different types of deployments, more frequent types of deployments, like checkpoints, Bowser said. Democrats have denounced the federal crackdown as a political stunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law that permits the feds to exercise wide authority over law enforcement in Washington, D.C. says the crackdown can only last for 30 days unless Congress approves an extension. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York) has said Democrats will block any effort to extend Trumps emergency. With News Wire Services In a sudden about-face, Donald Trump now thinks it would be better if Russia and Ukraine met without him. For the better part of this week, the U.S. leader has bragged that his recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy were very successfulin spite of the fact that the internationally controversial decision to invite his Russian counterpart to Alaska proved fruitless. On Monday, Trump promised to coordinate a trilateral arrangement between himself, Putin, and Zelenskiy to solidify a peace deal. But just days later, the commander in chief changed his tune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with conservative podcaster Mark Levin on Wednesday, Trump claimed the two warring countries should meet without his involvement. I had a very successful meeting with President Putin. I had a very successful meeting with President Zelenskiy. And now I thought it would be better if they met without me, just to see. I want to see what goes on. You know, they had a hard relationship, very bad, very bad relationship, Trump said. Putin has remained adamant that any peace deal would require international legal recognition of its 2014 annexation of Crimea, an internationally recognized portion of Ukraine, along with four regions it has claimed in the three years since it first invaded Ukraine. Ukraine, on the other hand, has remained just as adamant that those regions will remain within its borders. Trump did suggest that the apparently just-for-fun meeting could be saved by his intervention, if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And now well see how they do and, if necessary, and it probably would be, but if necessary, Ill go and Ill probably be able to get it close, he continued. Whether or not the U.S. president appreciates the gravity of negotiating over Ukraines occupied territories is unclear, considering he doesnt seem to know where or how large they are. In the same interview with Levin, Trump wrongly asserted that Crimea was the size of Texas and that the Ukrainian peninsula was in the middle of the ocean, a faux pas that was not received well by Kyivs news media. At least 13,883 civilians have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. The monthly death toll reached 67 in July, with 209 injured, marking the highest monthly civilian death and injury count since the conflict began. President Donald Trump announced he is going out on patrol in Washington, D.C. on Thursday night alongside the National Guard and the police. Trumps announcement sparked widespread mockery on social media platform X, where many users criticized the president for the federal takeover of the nations capital. Trump announced earlier this month that the federal government would be taking over the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department to crack down on crime, despite the citys statistics showing a drop in crime in recent years. Im going to be going out tonight. I think, with the police, and with the military, of course, Trump told radio host Todd Starnes. So were gonna do a job. The National Guard is great, theyve done a fantastic job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear what specific activities the president will undertake alongside law enforcement. A senior White House official told CNN that the details of the patrol are still being worked out. Trump says hes going out on patrol in DC tonight with the National Guard and police. pic.twitter.com/uwpxcPK4xP Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) August 21, 2025 The announcement prompted social media users to roast the president on Thursday. Project Lincoln shared an edited photo of Trump depicted as the main character from Paul Blart: Mall Cop on X. Political analyst Tom Sherwood explained on X that Trump is not going to patrol. Hes going to do a photo-op with cops and National Guard. A few minutes of grip and grin, with a few sloppy salutes thrown in. Big difference! And the media will eat it up like free Big Macs, Sherwood wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic media personality Fred Wellman questioned how Trump is really going to patrol the streets of D.C. Trump is hitting the streets of D.C. tonight. I am dying to see how they set it up like he is visiting Baghdad. Five bucks he drives around town in the Beast with a military escort and calls it a patrol or something, Wellman wrote on X. MeidasTouch editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski jabbed the president over his plan, noting that Trump had previously called himself a war hero. He said he was a war hero and always wanted to win a Purple Heart. Now soldier Trump heads out on patrol, Filipkowski wrote on X. He said he was a war hero and always wanted to win a Purple Heart. Now soldier Trump heads out on patrol. pic.twitter.com/pdpT9YTsKL Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) August 21, 2025 Trumps presence during his controversial crackdown, which has lasted for two weeks, would be the latest show of force from the White House. Hundreds of federal agents and National Guard soldiers have surged into Washington this month, leaving some residents on edge and creating tense confrontations in the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday visited some of the troops at Union Station, showing their support while protesters chanted free D.C. Although the city has historically struggled with crime, statistics show the problem was declining before Trump declared there was a crisis that required his intervention. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump thanked police and troops at a Park Police Facility in Washington, D.C. as his Administration continues its effort to crack down on crime and exert control over the nations capital. Around 300 officers from U.S. agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. marshals, and the National Guard, gathered outside the facility on Thursday night where Trump said he would join them to eat hamburgers cooked by the White House and pizzas from a good place. Were going to make it safe, and were going to then go on to other places, but were going to stay here for a while. We want to make this absolutely perfect, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had a country that was laughed at a year ago, Trump added. They couldnt understand what was happening. And its about leadership. But we had a country that was a dead country in many ways. Trump was accompanied by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro. Earlier on Thursday, Trump said he would patrol D.C. streets alongside the Metropolitan Police Department and National Guard troops. Im going to be going out tonight, I think, with the police and with the military, of course. So were going to do a job, Trump said in an interview with conservative talk show host Todd Starnes. The National Guard is great. Theyve done a fantastic job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official earlier told TIME that details of the evening were still being worked out. It wasnt immediately clear how the Secret Service would manage the President riding around with law enforcement. The move comes more than a week after Trump took control of the citys police department and deployed hundreds of National Guard troops across the city to crack down on what he referred to as unacceptable levels of crime, despite statistics showing violent crime has declined in the city. The Trump Administration has claimed that crime statistics reported by the city do not accurately reflect the state of crime in the nations capital. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Thursday that 630 total arrests have been made in Washington since federal officers were deployed around the city on Aug. 7. Of those, 251 were arrests of immigrants in the country illegally. A Washington Post-Schar School poll published Wednesday found roughly 80% of D.C. residents opposed Trumps executive order to federalize the citys police department, and 65% do not think Trumps actions will make the city safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told officers outside the facility on Thursday that he plans to get D.C. fixed up physically, including by regrassing the parks in the capital. I know more about grass than any human being, I think, anywhere in the world, Trump said, pointing to the Trump Organizations ownership of several golf courses. And were going to be regrassing all of your parks, all brand new sprinkler systems, the best that you can buy. On Wednesday, Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller met with National Guard troops on duty at Union Station, the citys main train station, to thank them for their work. Protesters booed and shouted as the officials handed out burgers to the troops. Were going to ignore these stupid white hippies that all need to go home and take a nap because theyre all over 90 years old, Miller said in response to the protesters. And were going to get back to the business of protecting the American people and the citizens of Washington, D.C. Miranda Jeyaretnam contributed reporting. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. Washington President Trump addressed a crowd of federal law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, amid an anti-crime initiative that has swamped the capital with police and National Guard members. The president visited a U.S. Park Police facility in Southeast D.C., where he thanked federal agents and handed out hamburgers that he said were prepared at the White House and pizza from a local restaurant. "You're incredible people. You make the country run, frankly," Mr. Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In brief remarks, Mr. Trump told the crowd the capital city will be "maxxed out in terms of beauty" in the next six to 12 months, listing out plans to clean graffiti, repair park grass and fix road medians. Several other administration officials also addressed the officers, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Some 2,000 Guard personnel from D.C. and several GOP-led states are in the capital, along with a surge of officers from agencies like the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration. Mr. Trump has also asserted federal control over the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, drawing pushback from local politicians who argued the move was a threat to the city's autonomy. Last week, the Justice Department backed down from an attempt to name an emergency local police chief following a lawsuit from D.C. officials. Hours earlier, Mr. Trump said he would go out in D.C. to patrol the city alongside law enforcement and the Guard. The president made the announcement as the Metropolitan Police Department tells CBS News no homicides have been reported in the district in over a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm going to be going out tonight, I'm going to keep it a secret," the president joked to radio host Todd Starnes. "I'm going to be out tonight, I think with the police, and with the military, of course. So we're going to do a job. The National Guard is great. They've done a fantastic job." The president's visit came a day after Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller visited National Guard members posted at Union Station. Since the Trump administration began its initiative, a total of 630 arrests have been made, and 86 illegal guns have been seized, according to Bondi. Unlike other presidents, Mr. Trump has made few ventures into the district, other than to deliver speeches or, during his first term, to visit his former hotel down Pennsylvania Avenue. Past presidents have occasionally dined at D.C. restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump has insisted that people he knows feel safer in the city than they have before. "People that haven't gone out to dinner in Washington, D.C., in two years are going out to dinner," Mr. Trump claimed earlier this week. Local officials say the initiative is unnecessary and Mr. Trump's claims about safety issues in D.C. are overblown. According to local police data, violent crime in D.C. has been declining for the last year and a half after spiking in 2023. As of Aug. 11, robberies this year are down 28% and overall violent crime is down 26%. Last year, violent crime in the capital city hit its lowest level in more than 30 years, the Justice Department said. Mr. Trump, however, has called D.C. crime statistics "phony numbers," and said his administration would "look into that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire burning in one of the tallest trees in the world, Oregon crews trying to extinguish it Celtics star Jaylen Brown's father faces attempted murder charges Newsom signs bill putting new California congressional maps on November ballot MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) President Donald Trump demanded the release of former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters in a fiery post on social media Thursday. Peters, 69, was sentenced in October 2024 to nine years in prison on seven charges, including four felonies, after she allowed an unauthorized person to enter a secure part of Mesa County Elections in May 2021. They made copies of the computer hard drives, searched for evidence of election fraud and misled officials. Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday morning, FREE TINA PETERS, a brave and innocent Patriot who has been tortured by Crooked Colorado politicians, including the big Mail-In Ballot supporting the governor of the State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, Let Tina Peters out of jail, RIGHT NOW. She did nothing wrong, except catching the Democrats cheat in the Election. She is an old woman, and very sick. If she is not released, I am going to take harsh measures!!! This isnt the only time Trump demanded Peters release. In May, he wrote on Truth Social, Tina is an innocent Political Prisoner being horribly and unjustly punished in the form of Cruel and Unusual Punishment. The Department of Justice announced in March that its examining Peters prosecution, stating that it has found reasonable concerns with her sentencing. District Attorney Dan Rubinstein, who prosecuted Peters case, previously explained the DOJ has the authority to file a statement of interest in any case. However, since she was tried and convicted in state court, only Colorado Gov. Jared Polis could commute her sentence or pardon her, according to Rubinstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser fought back against the Trump administration, saying it is wielding political power by giving unprecedented help to Peters. Tina Peters is in prison because of her own actions. A grand jury indicted her, and a trial jury found her guilty of breaking Colorados criminal laws. No one is above the law, Weiser told WesternSlopeNow back in May. Weiser also took to X on Thursday, writing, Tina Peters was convicted by a jury of her peers, and is serving a prison sentence for her crimes. I will not be intimidated by the Trump Administrations threats. Colorado will always stand for the rule of law, even when the President refuses to do so. Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib issued a statement following Trumps post, saying in part: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tina Peters was fairly convicted of breaking the law and undermining Colorados elections by a Mesa County jury. Courts work on facts, not Trumps demands. In Colorado, no one is above the law, and we protect our elections for voters of every Party and belief to participate in our democracy freely, fairly, and safely. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trump celebrated his administrations takeover of Washington with a campaign-style speech Thursday to National Guard troops and federal officers dispatched to crack down on street crime in the nations capital. Trump said he planned to extend the deployment to protect public safety and promised a city beautification program. We're going to stay here for a while, Trump told about 300 people from federal law enforcement agencies and the National Guard gathered at the United States Park Police facility. He called the crowd a healthy, attractive group and offered them pizza and burgers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump pledged to make Washington look better than it ever did, including by asking Congress for some money to redo pavement, medians and parks. He said the goal was to make the capital city look like one of his golf clubs. At the end of a year, this place will be maxed out in terms of beauty," he said. The president was joined by top administration officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi; White House chief of staff Susie Wiles; deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller; Interior Secretary Doug Burgum; and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Trumps outing came a day after Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Miller made an unannounced visit to Union Station to feed National Guard troops burgers. That appearance quickly grew chaotic when protesters disrupted the event, shouting obscenities at the officials and calling on them to free D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president announced he was taking control of Washingtons police force and sending in National Guard troops earlier this month. US President Donald Trump will patrol the streets of Washington Thursday with police and National Guard troops he has deployed to the US capital, the Republican said in an interview. Trump ordered hundreds of National Guard to deploy in Washington last week as part of what he has called a crackdown on crime in the Democrat-run city, despite statistics showing violence offenses are down. "I'm going to be going out tonight I think with the police and with the military of course... We're going to be doing a job," Trump told Todd Starnes, a host for right-wing media outlet Newsmax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He spoke one day after his vice president, JD Vance, was greeted by boos and shouts of "Free DC" -- referring to the District of Columbia, the federal district which includes Washington -- on his own meet-and-greet with troops deployed in the city. The DC National Guard has mobilized 800 troops for the mission, while Republican states Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia are sending a total of around 1,200 more. The overwhelmingly Democratic US capital faces allegations from Republican politicians that it is overrun by crime, plagued by homelessness and financially mismanaged. But data from Washington police showed significant drops in violent crime between 2023 and 2024, though that was coming off the back of a post-pandemic surge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to sending troops onto the streets, Trump has also sought to take full control of the local Washington police department, attempting at one point to sideline its leadership. The deployment of troops in Washington comes after Trump dispatched the National Guard and Marines to quell unrest in Los Angeles, California, that was sparked by immigration enforcement raids. aue-st/bjt President Donald Trump met with police and military in Washington, D.C., on Thursday to oversee the surge in federal law enforcement and National Guard, who are responding to what he says is a crime emergency in the district. Trump visited the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility in Southeast D.C., which is serving as the gathering point for all the agencies involved in the operation, thanking officers and members of the military and delivering hamburgers from the White House and pizza. Trump left the White House in the presidential limousine -- nicknamed "the Beast" -- with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller Thursday afternoon to visit the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I just want to thank everybody very much for being here," Trump said. "I wanted to do this. We've had some incredible results that have come out, and it's like a different place. It's like a different city. It's the capital. It's going to be the best in the world." Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to federal troops at the US Park Police Anacostia operations facility in Washington, August 21, 2025. The president spoke for several minutes, touting his anti-crime push. "You got to be strong, you got to be tough," Trump urged the group. "You got to do your job. Whatever it takes to do your job." Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to federal troops at the US Park Police Anacostia operations facility in Washington, August 21, 2025. In a radio interview earlier Thursday, Trump said he would be "going out tonight" with the law enforcement and military, but he returned to the White House after the visit to the facility. Jacquelyn Martin/AP - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks with federal troops as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Attorney General Pam Bondi listen at the US Park Police Anacostia operations facility in Washington, August 21, 2025. The president mobilized the National Guard one week ago to assist the police, claiming crime was out of control. Officials have said Guard personnel are not making arrests, only helping to detain people briefly if necessary before handing them off to law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Protesters heckle Vance, Hegseth at photo op to thank National Guard troops in DC Violent crime levels have decreased compared to years prior, down 26% since 2024, a 30-year low, according to crime stats released by the city's Metropolitan Police Department. Trump told radio host Todd Starnes on Thursday that the D.C. deployment was "sort of a test" and indicated that they would copy the model in other cities around America. "It's working unbelievably, much faster than we thought. We've arrested hundreds of criminals, hardline criminals, people that will never be any good," the president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said that he would put Memphis "early" on the list of next cities to patrol. "And, you know, unfortunately, we have a lot of cities like that. But I love Tennessee. You know, I won Tennessee by many, many, many points. So it was a landslide, far greater than even, you know, the Republican. Republicans do good in Tennessee, but, I mean, my number was like 35 points, and I'm glad you tell me that I can put that early on a list, and I'm sure that people would love it," he added. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: The Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial are visible as National Guard troops walk along the National Mall on August 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. In June, Trump deployed the California National Guard to Los Angeles amid protests against immigration raids carried out by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom sued the administration, alleging that it violated the Posse Comitatus Act -- an 1878 law that prevented the president from using the military as a domestic police force. A ruling has not been issued in the case. Trump went on to say that he "straightened out crime in four days in DC." The president also rebuffed criticism about his actions in the nation's capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And all I do, all they do is they say 'He's a dictator, he's a dictator' -- the place, people are getting mugged all over the place, and they give you phony records, like, it's wonderful and it's worse than it ever was, but we've got it going. People are so happy. They're going out to restaurants again," he claimed. Trump's remarks came a day after Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller visited the National Guard at Union Station, where they were drowned out by boos from protesters. Nearly 2,000 guardsmen from D.C. and six states have been mobilized to support Trump's mission at the nation's capital. They remain unarmed at this time, but officials have said they expect that to change. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 18, 2025. The troops have been stationed outside many tourist hot spots, including the National Mall and Union Station, where crime incidents are known to be lower than other parts of the city. Trump and other officials have not given a timetable of when the troop deployment will end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance on Wednesday dismissed crime statistics that showed incidents were lower in Union Station. He claimed that they do not report the full scope of crime in D.C. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday criticized the Trump administration's federal police surge in the nation's capital, calling it politically motivated and disconnected from crime in the city. "This doesn't make sense. The numbers on the ground and the district don't support 1,000 people from other states coming to Washington, D.C.," Bowser said. ABC News' Luis Martinez and Anne Flaherty contributed to this report. Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order directing the Justice Department to re-examine the feasibility of issuing criminal charges against Americans or others on U.S. soil who engage in flag-burning. A controversial means of protest, burning the American flag is an act that has long been viewed by the Supreme Court as a protected First Amendment right. News of Trumps order signals a willingness to relitigate that legal precedent before the nations highest legal authority. He is set to sign the order later Thursday. NewsNation first reported the impending executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has personally condemned protesters for burning the American flag in the past, and has even called for a constitutional amendment to scale back free speech protections in order to criminalize the practice. Flag-burning emerged in the Vietnam War era as a popular form of protest against the U.S. invasion, and was criminalized in many states until a Supreme Court ruling voided those state bans. You should get a one-year jail sentence if you do anything to desecrate the American flag, Trump in 2024 during a Fox & Friends interview. Protesters burn an American flag at a demonstration in Denver. Trump is set to sign an order demanding the Department of Justice prosecute people for burning the flag. (Getty Images) Now, people will say, Oh, its unconstitutional. Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that, he said at the time. We have to work in Congress to get a one-year jail sentence. When theyre allowed to stomp on the flag and put lighter fluid on the flag and set it afire, when youre allowed to do that you get a one-year jail sentence, and youll never see it again. The actual order will not carry any force of law. It is merely a directive to the Justice Department ordering prosecutors to set up a court battle over the issue by identifying protesters engaging in the act for future criminal actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But given Trumps unprecedented erosion of the Justice Departments independence from politics and the White House, its likely that Attorney General Pam Bondi will follow up Trumps order with concrete action. The directive comes as Donald Trumps ordered federal takeover of Washington D.C. continues, albeit with some key caveats. The Trump administration has now handed back control of the Metropolitan Police Department, D.C.s main police force, to city officials after initially announcing that it would be federalized. Agents from multiple national bureaus and organizations continue to patrol the streets of the capital, and National Guard troops from D.C. and several states around the country have been called in to aid the presidents crimefighting campaign. Troops have largely stuck to milling around high-tourist areas, and are not engaged in law enforcement actions. Members of U.S. Park Police have engaged in an unprecedented wave of homeless encampment sweeps across the District of Columbia since Trumps takeover began, and immigration enforcement actions have been ramped up across the city. The takeover is extremely unpopular with D.C. residents, and has led to protests as well as angry confrontations between residents and groups of law enforcement officials conducting checkpoints and other enforcement actions. Donald Trump was emphatic on the campaign trail in 2016: If he made it into office, he would drain the swamp with an expansive ethics package cracking down on lobbying. Most of those proposals quickly went by the wayside. On the campaign trail again almost a year ago, Trump decried Washingtons revolving door as a big problem. Now, barely a half-year into his second administration, a handful of senior White House aides are already heading for the exits and right through the revolving door between the federal government and K Street, where theyre lining up cushy lobbying gigs. On Wednesday, the all-Republican lobbying firm CGCN Group announced it has hired White House principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day earlier, POLITICO reported that Trent Morse will leave his post as deputy assistant to the president and deputy director of the Office of Presidential Personnel to launch his own lobbying firm. Morse is also partnering with another high-powered Beltway shop, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. Also on Tuesday, digital assets giant Tether announced that it had hired former White House cryptocurrency adviser Bo Hines to provide strategic advice on digital assets and U.S. strategy. Earlier this month, longtime Trump adviser and senior White House strategist May Davis Mailman exited the administration to start her own government affairs firm. The departures and the White Houses response to them show how Trump has abandoned any pretense of cleaning up the age-old ways of Washington, and they illustrate the ways in which his administration continues to push the bounds of ethics norms and guardrails designed to prevent government officials from profiting off their time in public service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also reflect the desperation from those outside the administration for help navigating a presidency where policies with massive financial implications for businesses, nonprofits, universities and more can change on a dime. The demand for these folks is so high that business and folks are looking for a sherpa for this administration, just because it's so different, said Ivan Adler, who runs an executive search firm in Washington and calls himself the Lobbyist Hunter. There aren't a lot of people out there, and people are taking advantage of that. Meanwhile, senior White House officials are publicly cheering on the career moves. During his yearlong stint working for Trumps transition team and in the White House, Morse has been an important and integral part of the successes weve had, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles told POLITICO in rare comments to the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wiles is a former lobbyist herself, and has worked with Morse at two different lobbying shops Ballard Partners and Mercury Public Affairs over the past decade before ending up at the White House with him. As I see the lobbying world right now, what [clients] are looking for is some guidance about the process and some strategic counsel on how to deal with Trump, Wiles said. Nobody is better able to do that than Morse, she added. Morses office at the White House has vetted more than 3,000 staffers for jobs in the administration, which gave him visibility into every federal agency. Theres not a department that I havent become familiar with or gotten an understanding on how it works, Morse said in an interview. And I think theres a lot of opportunity to help clients navigate the way this administration [works] and how quickly this administration works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wiles pointed to Morses work in both the first Trump administration as well as his current stint in Trumps employ, all of which she said make Morse very knowledgeable about virtually every department having worked on staffing the leadership of the departments. Its not uncommon for elected officials to issue flattering statements about longtime aides departing for roles in the influence industry. But Wiles promotion of a high-ranking West Wing officials value as a lobbyist nevertheless raised eyebrows among ethics experts in Washington. It's a commercial for him, said Kedric Payne, who leads the ethics program at the watchdog group Campaign Legal Center. It's great for business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The implicit endorsement was almost as notable as the departures themselves, given how early into the administration theyre coming and the fact that theyre all voluntary rather than the result of being pushed out or fired. It may seem unusual and a little bit early for so many West Wing aides to decamp for K Street, Adler said. But I think we're in a different world. Administrations tend to see an exodus of staffers heading downtown between the one-year mark and the midterms. But the spate of recent departures doesn't really surprise me, because the demand is so high, he added. Because of that, Trump staffers heading into the private sector can command top dollar, Adler said. In the cases of Morse and Fields, their federally mandated post-government cooling-off periods will be longer than the time they spent in Trumps White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morse and Fields are subject to a one-year cooling off period during which they are barred from lobbying the West Wing directly or representing any foreign entities. But theyre free to cash in on their front-row seats in the administration by lobbying Congress and the rest of the executive branch right away, or advising others lobbying the White House. Employees leaving the White House receive a briefing from the government ethics office, a White House official granted anonymity to discuss internal protocol said. Fields told POLITICO in a statement that he leaves the White House with a heart full of incredible memories. [A]s I enter this new chapter, I look forward to continuing to support the MAGA movement in a new, deeply rewarding, and impactful capacity. As he announced his move, which was first reported by Axios, Fields was endorsed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. She called him a trusted and steady presence throughout both Trump administrations, and his loyalty, commitment, and leadership have made a lasting impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a veteran of the White House, the Trump 2024 campaign, and Capitol Hill, Harrison has consistently excelled at the highest levels of American politics, CGCN managing partner Matt Rhoades said of Fields hire, adding that his communications experience and deep understanding of the complexities of how Washington, DC really works today will be an invaluable asset to our firm. It was not clear whether Hines will register to lobby for Tether. He stepped down this month as executive director of the White Houses crypto council. Among his accomplishments was passage of landmark legislation setting up the first regulatory framework for stablecoins, which are pegged to assets like the U.S. dollar. Tether sells the worlds most popular stablecoin. Hines plans to stay on with the White House as a special government employee, allowing him to serve temporarily in a hybrid role with the administration in addition to his private sector work. Davis Mailman also planned to stay on temporarily as a special government employee. Trump himself has enabled these career moves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of Trumps first official acts as president in 2017, he signed an executive order that would have barred officials from lobbying the agency they worked at for five years after they left and banned former administration officials from ever lobbying for a foreign government or political party. Trumps ethics pledge also would have restricted appointees from supporting lobbying efforts from behind the scenes for either five years or for the remainder of the administration, depending on who the lobbying targeted. But the ethics rules didnt stop dozens of former administration officials from entering the influence industry by the end of his first term in office. But Trump revoked those restrictions on his last day in office, further freeing his former appointees from bans on lobbying or working for foreign governments. Former President Joe Biden put his own ethics restrictions in place in 2021 some of which were narrower than Trumps but on the first day of Trumps second term, Trump withdrew those restrictions and has yet to issue a new set of ethics rules. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump threatened to do two things that are (stop me if youve heard this before) extremely illegal: ban mail voting and end the use of voting machines in U.S. elections. In a lengthy, erratically capitalized post on Truth Social, Trump bemoaned the MASSIVE VOTER FRAUD ostensibly inherent in these practices and promised to sign an executive order to ensure the HONESTY AND INTEGRITY of the 2026 midterms. The post is alarming because it casually makes threats against free elections and also because, in the context of an ongoing military quasi-occupation of Washington, its probably not even the presidents most autocratic action this week. Annoyed law professors needed only a few hours to run out of ways to make clear that Trump (again, this should feel familiar) does not have the unilateral authority to do the things he aspires to do. But his vendetta against mail voting is less an earnest attempt to eradicate the practice by next fall than part of the Republican Partys long-standing commitment to framing election outcomes it does not like as inherently illegitimate and suspicious. The president tacitly acknowledged as much on Truth Social: One of the primary benefits of getting rid of mail voting, he asserted, is that Democrats would be virtually Unelectable without it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve heard this story before. In the weeks following the 2020 presidential election, when Trump was filing harebrained lawsuit after harebrained lawsuit insisting that he was its rightful winner, I wrote that the real danger was not that he would literally persuade Congress to set aside the results, but that he would create a culture in which aggrieved Republican politicians would blame every defeat on nefarious, never-proven ballot-box irregularities, thus justifying their efforts to address the scourge of cheating by any means necessary. Somehow, Trumps reelection in 2024 has made the conservative movement more confident that pervasive voter fraud is a real, urgent crisis, despite allegedly benefiting the party that just lost its bids for the House, Senate, and White House. Before Trump left office the first time around, many Republican leaders were already pointing to the 2020 election as evidence of the manifest evils of mail votingif not in support of Trumps efforts to overturn the results, then at least in support of the general principle that their man had been robbed, and that they could not stand idly by and allow future GOP presidential hopefuls to fall victim to the same fate. It is clearer than ever that there is a battle to be waged, and for the sake of the integrity of this and future elections, it is a battle we must win, wrote thenRepublican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel in an op-ed. On Fox News, South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham warned that if Republicans did not challenge and change the system, there would never be another Republican president elected again. Ambitious Republicans took this message to heart. In the 2022 midterms, nearly 200 candidates on the ballotincluding congressional candidates in almost every staterejected the legitimacy of Joe Bidens 2020 victory, according to the ACLU. Fortunately for normal people, many of these candidates lost in the general election, but that they made it as far as they did indicated just how mainstream this brand of conspiratorial thinking had already become: As Trump tightened his grip on power within the Republican Party, the candidates who succeeded were the ones who parroted what they knew their leader wanted to hear. Those whose brains werent steeped in demented Dominion Voting Systemsadjacent lore never had a chance. The GOPs transformation into an election-denial cult has also altered the way Republican voters think: In 2004, 87 percent of them reported being at least somewhat confident in the accuracy of presidential election results, compared with just 59 percent of Democrats, per Gallup polling. (The Supreme Courts decision in 2000s Bush v. Gore played a major role in Democrats skepticism at the time.) By 2016, and after two victories for President Barack Obama, though, the parties expectations had flipped: 85 percent of Democrats and 55 percent of Republicans expressed faith in the integrity of the vote. Gallup recorded similar numbers among Democrats in 2020 and 2024, but among Republicans, confidence has continued to plunge: 44 percent in 2020, and just 28 percent in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put differently, about 4 in 5 Democratic voters now approach elections hoping they win but understanding the reality that they might lose. Roughly 3 in 4 Republican voters expect to win and view losses as proof of the other sides criminality, lawlessness that their leaders have a solemn duty to stamp out. Trump has been at the forefront of this shift, but hes simultaneously taken great advantage of ithis executive order threat is just the most recent example. During the first two years of the Biden administration, Democrats could have seized the upper hand in the fight for democracy by passing the For the People Act, which would have created new protections for voting rights, outlawed partisan gerrymandering, and made Election Day a federal holiday. The bill passed the Democratic-controlled House in March 2021 but died in the Democratic-controlled Senate after Republicans blocked the bill using the filibuster. Democrats, who held the slimmest possible Senate majority at the time, could have moved the legislation forward by eliminating the filibuster. They could not muster the votes to abolish it, however. Four years later, as Trump promises a crackdown on mail voting while Texas Republicans kick off a nationwide gerrymandering arms race, Democrats failure to pass the For the People Act is yet another example of the most depressing recurring story in American politics: By choosing not to exercise power, Democrats effectively handed it to Republicans, who are never afraid to take advantage of their opponents generosity and/or cowardice. Nothing about the status quo is conducive to building a functioning democracy. But no one to the right of former Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin has an incentive to do anything differently: Embracing Trumps voter fraud narrative is now table stakes for anyone who aspires to be relevant in Republican politics. Candidates for high-level administration jobs have reportedly been asked to provide a yes-or-no answer to the question of whether the 2020 election was stolen, with the understanding that a response of no will land their application in the rejection pile. Trumps judicial nominees have offered carefully rehearsed responses to similar questions, conceding that Congress certified the election for Biden but refusing to say that he won it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No politicians career arc better illustrates the value of this craven opportunism than that of erstwhile Trump skeptic J.D. Vance, who in a November 2020 interview predicted that the presidents disappointed supporters would more or less accept the results and move on to the next fight. But as a Senate candidate in 2022, Vance reinvented himself as a standard-issue election denier; as Trumps running mate two years later, Vance parried questions about 2020 by spouting embarrassing gibberish about Big Tech and Hunter Bidens laptop. Like many of Trumps executive orders, whatever his office manages to cough up with respect to mail voting should be understood mostly as the addled musings of a 79-year-old man slipping further into senility with each passing day. However, by framing ballot access as a matter of election integrity, the leader of a party that has spent decades perfecting the art of voter suppression has built an alternate reality in which rejecting democracy is not a fundamental betrayal of ones oath of office but an act of courage of the highest order. On Jan. 6, Trump tried and failed to persuade a critical mass of Republicans to put their convictions into action. But a lot will have changed in the time between Jan. 6 and next years midterm elections, and the next generation of Republican election deniers wont have to do much persuading. Thanks to Trump, their audience will already be inclined to believe them. President Trump on Thursday took a victory lap after a New York appeals court threw out the roughly $500 million civil fraud penalty against him, using the ruling to attack judges and prosecutors involved in what he called Political Trials. TOTAL VICTORY in the FAKE New York State Attorney General Letitia James Case! Trump posted in a lengthy message on Truth Social. I greatly respect the fact that the Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision that was hurting Business all throughout New York State. Trump called the case against him a Political Witch Hunt, in a business sense, the likes of which no one has ever seen before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president went on to attack numerous figures connected to the case and others he faced in New York, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Judge Arthur Engoron, who oversaw the case. He also attacked Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw a separate case related to hush money allegations in which Trump was found guilty, and Judge Lewis Kaplan, who oversaw a defamation case involving Trump. These were all Political Trials in an effort to destroy my viability as a Presidential Candidate before, during, and after the Election, Trump posted. All of these Judges should be ashamed of themselves for allowing them to happen. They are Political Hacks who did everything possible to hurt me as a Candidate, he added. This was an attack by the Biden/Harris Administration on their Political Opponent, ME. It is such an Honor to have withstood it, thrived, and even become President of the United States despite the horrible things that were done to me. James brought the case against Trump and his business empire in 2022, alleging he falsely altered his net worth on key financial statements to receive tax and insurance benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bench trial culminated in a $464 million judgment against Trump and his business, plus interest that has mounted every day since. The total had reached more than $527 million, including interest, as of Thursday. The New York court upheld a lower courts finding that Trump, his eldest sons and another executive conspired to alter his net worth for tax and insurance benefits. However, the massive financial penalty against the president and his business will not stand, with the judges saying it amounts to an unconstitutional excessive fine. The ruling enables the case to move toward New Yorks top court. Beyond the agreement the fine must be tossed, the decision was deeply split. Two judges said the trial courts findings were justified, another two wanted to order a new trial, and the fifth judge voted to dismiss the case outright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the New York cases, Trump was indicted in 2022 on charges in Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C., but his victory in the 2024 election rendered the cases moot. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For more than two decades, Washington and New Delhi built a strategic partnership that was hailed as one of the great success stories of postCold War diplomacy. Today, that relationship is facing its most serious test in years and India is signaling it has other options. "Were in a situation in the U.S.-India relationship where the premises and assumptions of the last 25 years that everybody worked very hard to build, including the president in his first term have just come completely unraveled," said Evan Feigenbaum, a South Asia expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "The trust is gone." Since President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Indian imports, New Delhi has turned visibly eastward. Indias national security adviser traveled to Moscow in recent weeks, its foreign minister is visiting this week and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi just concluded talks in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for his first trip to China in more than seven years, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to host him in Moscow before the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pivot underscores how tariffs meant to punish India for its continued purchases of Russian oil may instead be pushing New Delhi closer to Americas rivals. Trump And Putins Relationship Turns Sour As President Pushes For Resolution With Ukraine Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for his first trip to China in more than seven years, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to host him in Moscow before the end of the year. Trump slapped a 25% tariff on Indian imports earlier this year, citing Indias willingness to keep buying Russian crude. On August 27, that tariff is set to double to 50%. Read On The Fox News App Indian public opinion has bristled at what many see as U.S. interference in sovereign decision-making. "Theyre signaling very clearly that they view that as interference in Indias foreign policy, and they are not going to put up with it," Feigenbaum said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite initial hesitation, state-run refiners resumed Russian oil purchases, lured by discounts of 6% to 7%. Russian oil now accounts for 35% of Indias imports, up from a negligible 0.2% before the Ukraine war. Moscow, for its part, has seized the opening. "We continue to ship fuel, including crude oil and oil products, thermal and coking coal," said Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. "We see potential for the export of Russian LNG." Trumps Deadline On Secondary Tariffs Arrives; Us-russian Relations Hang In The Balance Russia is using the rift to promote its vision of a "great Eurasian partnership" linking Moscow, Beijing and Delhi. "All of this engagement were seeing between India and China now is not exclusively coming because of Trump and his tariffs," said Michael Kugelman, a Washington-based South Asia analyst. "Weve actually seen indications for almost a year of India wanting to ease tensions with China and strengthen relations, mainly for economic reasons. But the Trump administrations policies have made India want to move even more quickly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Indias moves are diplomatic theater meant to signal anger at Washington. But others are more durable. "India is going to double down on some aspects of its economic and defense relationship with Russia," Feigenbaum said. "And those parts are not performative." Kugelman noted that before the Ukraine war, India had already begun reducing its reliance on Russian arms imports in favor of U.S., French and Israeli systems. "But as soon as the invasion happened, India very quickly started buying more from Russia, particularly energy," he said. "This is essentially validation of a view in India that the U.S. cant be trusted, whereas Russia can because Russia is always going to be there for India no matter what." Modi has used the standoff to reinforce his image at home as a defender of sovereignty. "India actually made a fair number of concessions to the Trump administration early on in its second term," Kugelman said, citing tariff reductions and agreements to repatriate undocumented workers. "Because of those concessions, India needs to be careful about signaling further willingness to bend. This is one reason there was no trade deal Modi put his foot down." Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, after hitting India with 50% tariffs for its purchase of Kremlin oil. While not directly criticizing Trump, Modi has emphasized that his priority is protecting the livelihoods of farmers, small businesses and young workers. That defiant tone, Kugelman added, has "real political mileage" in Indias domestic debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has shown no signs of backing down. Former White House trade advisor Peter Navarro blasted Indias oil purchases as "opportunistic" and "deeply corrosive" in a Financial Times op-ed this week. "This two-pronged policy will hit India where it hurts its access to U.S. markets even as it seeks to cut off the financial lifeline it has extended to Russias war effort," Navarro wrote. "If India wants to be treated as a strategic partner of the U.S., it needs to start acting like one." Indian Prime Minister Modi Takes Page From Trump, Says 'Make India Great Again,' Or 'Miga' The contrast with the U.S.India relationship of two decades ago could not be starker. In 2008, the two countries struck a landmark civil nuclear deal that gave India access to American technology and fuel despite not being a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "India put the entire government on the line for the deal," Feigenbaum recalled. "Bush really went to the mat and provided a lot of assurances to Congress that were politically not easy, but he was willing to take risks for the relationship." At that time, Washington and Delhi managed to work around their disagreements. "The U.S. objected to many aspects of Indias relationships with Iran, Burma and Russia," Feigenbaum said. "India objected to aspects of the U.S. relationships with China and Pakistan. But neither side let that bleed back into the bilateral relationship in a completely debilitating way." For years, the U.S. has viewed India as a democratic counterweight to Chinas authoritarian model central to its Indo-Pacific strategy under Obama, Trump and Biden. But now the question is whether that glue still holds. "Both sides agree that countering China is the main glue that has really bound this relationship together over this 20-year period," Kugelman said. "But the tensions, most of which are on the trade side, have begun to spill over into the broader partnership." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that India will continue to see China as a long-term competitor because of border disputes and Beijings alliance with Pakistan. "Those realities make it hard to imagine India no longer seeing China as a threat," he said. "So the rationale for the Quad remains. But if the U.S.India relationship continues this free fall, it will be very difficult to sustain." Talks on new defense cooperation are still on the calendar. But for now, Kugelman warned, trust has eroded: "You talk about defense cooperation, intelligence sharing that requires a lot of trust. And given whats happened over the last few months, that might be a harder sell for the Indians." Feigenbaum sees Indias latest maneuvers as a reversal of past dynamics. "Then, India was leveraging its partnership to signal to then-foe China that it had options," he said. "Now theyre working with the Chinese to signal Washington rather than the other way around." The message is clear: India will pursue its interests on its own terms, even if that means drawing closer to Americas rivals. Original article source: Trump tariffs push India closer to America's strategic rivals China and Russia Donald Trump is demanding the release of a prominent far-right conspiracy theorist and former state elections official who is serving a nine-year jail sentence after she was found guilty of crimes connected to a nationwide scheme to overturn election results in states Trump lost in 2020. He threatened harsh measures against the state of Colorado if officials refuse his command. FREE TINA PETERS, a brave and innocent Patriot who has been tortured by Crooked Colorado politicians, including the big Mail-In Ballot supporting the governor of the State, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let Tina Peters out of jail, RIGHT NOW. She did nothing wrong, except catching the Democrats cheat in the Election, he added. She is an old woman, and very sick. If she is not released, I am going to take harsh measures!!! Peters is among the only officials who have been convicted of crimes stemming from far-right plots to illegally reverse Trumps loss to Joe Biden in 2020, using positions of power to amplify bogus claims of fraud and launch spurious investigations into voting machines and software. Former Colorado county election clerk Tina Peters was convicted of seven felonies connected to vote tampering in connection with a bogus plot to overturn election results in 2020 (AP) Because she was tried in state court, Trump cannot order her release or issue a pardon. In May, he ordered the Department of Justice to take all necessary action to get her out of jail. Peters, a former Mesa County clerk, was accused of breaching the countys elections systems during a 2021 security update to prove her unfounded fraud claims. She was accused of helping a man gain access to secure areas of her office using someone elses security badge to covertly copy a Dominion Voting Systems hard drive the contents of which were shared with pillow salesman and conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She later unsuccessfully ran for Colorado secretary of state in 2022, coming in second in a Republican primary election. Last year, she was found guilty of three felony counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one felony count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, one misdemeanor count of official misconduct, one misdemeanor count of violation of duty in elections, and one misdemeanor count of failure to comply with the secretary of state. Peters has continued to promote baseless claims of election fraud and supports Trumps ongoing false narrative that the 2020 election was rigged and stolen from him. After she pleaded for leniency during her sentencing hearing last year, the judge presiding over her case called her a charlatan who betrayed her oath to public service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre no hero, you abused your position, and youre a charlatan who used and is still using your prior position in office to peddle a snake oil thats been proven to be a snake oil time and time again, Judge Matthew Barrett said at the time. Im convinced youd do it all over again if you could, he added. You are a privileged person. You are as privileged as they come. You used that for power and fame. Despite calling on Republicans to vote by mail and casting absentee ballots himself, Trump has revived his crusade against mail-in ballots and threatened to end voting by mail entirely (REUTERS) Colorados Democratic Attorney General Jena Griswold called Trumps commands an embarrassment. Donald Trump and Tina Peters are election-denying criminals who put their need for power ahead of the American people, she wrote. Trumps feeble attempts to put pressure on the justice system to re-write history is an embarrassment. While he keeps digging himself lower and lower to free a criminal convicted by a jury of her peers, I will continue to uphold the law and our free and fair elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump escalated his specious crusade against election administration this week with a threat to end mail-in voting before 2026 midterm elections, with the fate of the balance of power in Congress at stake. The president whose false and inflated claims about early voting span more than a decade called to lead a movement to get rid of mail-in voting and the use of voting machines that process ballots, which would radically change how voters participate in elections and could disenfranchise tens of thousands of people. 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 this week. Trump cannot legally end state and local rules for election administration, though White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested this week that the president is pressing Republicans in Congress to change federal law. President Trump was caught tongue-tied as he touted brokering a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. For the Aberbaijan that was a big one going on for 34, 35 years, er Albania, I mean, think of that, going on for years, and I got to know the heads and I got to know them through trade. I was dealing with them a little bit and saying, Why are you guys fighting? Trump said during The Mark Levin Show on Tuesday, where he also repeated claims that he had ended seven wars. Earlier this month, Trump announced a peace deal, ending decades of conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, two nations who have been in a state of tension since the 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I said, Im not going to do a trade deal if you guys are going to fight its crazy. Anyway, one thing led to another, and I got that one settled, the commander-in-chief added. At the end of an hour, they were hugging and congratulating each other. It was beautiful to see, actually, he said. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev (left) and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (right) shook hands after Trump described the event as historic (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Negotiations initially kicked off in March, when the two governments said they were prepared to end the nearly forty-year conflict. However, it wasnt until the Trump administration hosted the leaders of the two nations at the White House on August 8 that they agreed to a peace deal. The agreement includes a joint declaration of peace, a joint request to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group, and a provision granting the United States sole development rights over a transit route from the Nakhchivan exclave through southern Armenia to Azerbaijan, referred to as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, according to the Council of Foreign Relations. Er Albania, I mean [...], President Trump said, while referring to the decades-long conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The presidents opponents on social media were quick to jump on this latest faux pas, with the account Republicans Against Trump branding him as Dementia Don. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other users slammed him for double standards after he spent months lambasting former President Joe Biden for his cognitive issues. Dementia Don strikes again. Trump claims he solved the conflict between Aber-baijan and Albania. (He meant Armenia and Azerbaijan, but close enough, right?), the account wrote Wednesday. Trumps jumbled claims came in line with his recent comments about ending six or seven wars (AP) One X user said, Its so unfair to Trump that so many countries choose to have names beginning with the same letter. But of course, with just 26 letters in the alphabet, its tricky. But thats probably Bidens fault. Another said, If Biden had said this, MAGA would scream dementia Joe Trumps mistake, they stay silent #Hypocrisy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Azerbaijan and Armenia sparred over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnically Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, in the 1980s and 1990s. The first Karabakh war, from 1988 to 1994, resulted in roughly thirty thousand casualties and created hundreds of thousands of refugees. Upon brokering the peace deal this month, Trump said Armenia and Azerbaijan had promised to stop all fighting "forever" as well as open up travel, business, and diplomatic relations. "We are today establishing peace in the Caucasus," Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said. "We lost a lot of years being preoccupied with wars and occupation and bloodshed." President Donald Trump has touted his perceived wins while praising healthy, attractive people during a photo op ahead of his expected patrol with D.C. police and federal forces. Trump met with local and federal law enforcement at the U.S. Park Police facility in Anacostia Thursday evening to thank them for their efforts in what his administration is referring to as a crime crackdown. There were pizzas provided from a local restaurant and burgers cooked at the White House supplied for authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president complimented the roughly 300 men and women in the crowd as healthy and attractive. There were members of the Metropolitan Police Department, National Guard, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal agencies in attendance. President Donald Trump has touted his perceived wins while praising healthy, attractive people during a photo op with D.C. police and federal forces before returning to the White House (AFP via Getty Images) The president also praised his own administration, telling the crowd, We've done a lot of good work, including the biggest tax cuts that you've ever had. Trump also talked about his plans to build a new ballroom in the White House, saying, They've been after a ballroom for 150 years, but they never had a real estate guy as a president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tours of the White House are postponed indefinitely as construction is set to begin in September on President Donald Trumps $200 million ballroom. We had a country that was a dead country in many ways. I went to Saudi Arabia, I went to Qatar, I went to UAE. We came back with $5.1 trillion of investment in this country. And we're over $17 trillion, the president claimed during his photo opportunity. While the Trump administration has received multiple pledges from companies, such as Apple and AI chipmaker NVIDIA, and foreign countries, including Japan and South Korea, it remains to be seen if any will follow through on the investments. Reuters found the list of investments the White House has touted on its website includes money that originated under former President Joe Biden or was routine spending that had been repackaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his speech, Trump said crime is way down, adding, I feel very safe now and Im hearing people are very safe. The Trump administration announced Tuesday there have been 465 arrests in D.C. since the start of the crackdown two weeks ago on August 7. Fox News Digital reported Wednesday that number had climbed to more than 550, citing White House data. I've never received so many phone calls thanking me for what we've done in Washington, D.C., from people that haven't gone to a restaurant in literally in four years... they said it was just unsafe, Trump said. One of 'em said he's gone out four nights in a row. And he hadn't gone out for four years. Restaurant reservations in D.C. were down nearly 25 percent, on average, in the week following Trumps announcement the federal government would largely take control of the nations capital to reduce crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also boasted in his photo op about an appeals court throwing out the penalty against him in New York Attorney General Letitia James civil fraud lawsuit. Trump met with local and federal law enforcement at the U.S. Park Police facility in Anacostia Thursday evening, complimenting the roughly 300 men and women in the crowd (Getty Images) I had a victory today. They stole $550 million from me with a fake case, and it was overturned, Trump said. I've had more witch hunts than any human being, I think, in history. Here we are, we're the president of the United States, so it didn't work out too well for them. The ruling only applies to the financial penalties. The court upheld the judges findings that the president and his business partners committed brazen fraud falling short of the vindication that the president sought through the courts. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro were also at Thursdays photo op. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said earlier he was going to hit the D.C. streets with law enforcement but he instead went back to the White House after his meet-and-greet. CNN reported, citing an unnamed source, some Secret Service members had been caught off guard by the presidents earlier announcement that he planned to go out on patrol. President Donald Trump returned to the White House Thursday evening after earlier pledging to patrol the streets of Washington, D.C. with federal troops (Alex Wong/Getty Images) When the president announced last week he had placed the Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and deployed about 800 National Guard troops to D.C., he claimed it was done for the sake of the locals safety. I'm announcing a historic action to rescue our nation's capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor, and worse, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the violent crime rate went down by 35 percent in 2024, a 30-year low, after peaking in 2023, the U.S. Attorneys Office for D.C. said in January. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News Laura Ingraham in an interview that aired Wednesday night violent crime has dropped 35 percent in the capital over the past nine days. He did not offer any evidence to support this statistic. Gov. Joe Lombardo has a responsibility to his state to tell Trump to back the hell off. (Photo: Hugh Jackson/Nevada Current) Last year nearly half of all Nevada voters cast their ballots by mail. In the 2022 general election, it was a little more than half. Voting by mail is popular in Nevada. Donald Trump is promising to kill it. Nevada Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo is also not a fan. One of his first proposals as a new governor in 2023 was to get rid of universal mail-in voting. Like the overwhelming majority of legislation and initiatives Lombardo has proposed as governor, it didnt go anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, disturbingly but predictably, and perhaps thoughtlessly, Lombardo is gushing over Trumps war on mail ballots, telling the Review-Journal that he thinks Trumps executive assault on the laws of Lombardos state is just swell. From Russia, with malice As with many issues TikTok, cryptocurrency, Yucca Mountain, Jeffrey Epstein, etc. Trump has adjusted his position on mail-in voting in accordance with his situational interest. But mostly hes been against it, in a rabid sort of way. Hes conjured up fantasies about make-believe mail voter fraud, part of his long-running campaign to bury democracy under the stench-ridden torrent of fraud and deceit gushing from his own mouth. Monday morning he belted out an unhinged lie-laced social media post declaring jihad on mail-in voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump claims the diatribe was prompted by his role model, Vladimir Putin. Trump confided to one of his publicists at Fox News last week that while Trump was lovingly getting lost in Putins soulless, murdering eyes in Alaska, Putin, according to Trump, told Trump the 2020 election was rigged because you have mail-in voting. Putin, Trump continued, told him no country has mail-in voting. Its impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections. And he said that to me, Trump humblebragged, so proud that Putin has once again taken him under his wing. And it was very interesting, because we talked about 2020, and he said you won that election by so much. Second-guessing Putin on questions of democracy should be done with care; nobody could subjugate and vulgarize democracy in such a corrupt, vile and violent fashion, as Putin has (and Trump is in the process of doing), if they didnt know at least a little something about it, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet Putins gospel rendered unto his worshiping acolyte notwithstanding, as it happens, the U.S. is not, in fact, alone. A dozen countries let all voters cast their ballot through the mail, and another 22 have varied degrees of mail voting. Speaking of facts, and the malignant disregard in which Trump holds them, in his social media flameout, Trump asserted: Remember, 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. As approximately hmm lets see oh thats right ALL the nations constitutional scholars have observed at some point since Trump busted out that pseudo-proclamation all Queen of Hearts like, hes so full of it. Article 1, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution states: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators. Theres no mention of the president having jack doodley squat to do with that. Not even if the president is Trump. The twisted vulgarity of Trumps assertion was underscored, albeit politely, in a statement posted Monday by Utahs Republican lieutenant governor, who also serves as the states chief election official (Utah is one of the few states where, unlike Nevada, the office of lieutenant governor is an actual job). The constitutional right of individual states to choose the manner in which they conduct secure elections is a fundamental strength of our system, said Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah started sending mail ballots to voters in counties more than a decade ago and eventually adopted the practice statewide. There, like in Nevada, its been really popular, though MAGAUtahans enacted a bill earlier this year to phase out universal mail ballots by 2029 anyway. But thats not the point. The point the Utah Republican lieutenant governors point is that no matter how many phony allegations of fraud Trump screeches or how achingly he yearns to render elections obsolete, Trump cant rewrite state election procedures by edict, because doing that is unconstitutional as hell. Area man misses the point Which brings us back to Lombardo. He doesnt like the idea of sending ballots to all voters. Fine. If he wins reelection and gets to be governor again during a regular legislative session, hes totally free to once again ask legislators to make it stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, if Lombardo would like to publicly urge Trump to order the Republican controlled Congress to pass legislation to alter (as Article 1 puts it) state legislative authority over election proceedings, thatd be a squirrelly request for the leader of any state to make, but at least it would be advising a course thats more or less within the law. But no matter what Lombardo thinks about the merits or faults of sending ballots to all voters, thats the law in his state now, the U.S. Constitution leaves election procedures to his state, and as governor, Lombardo has a responsibility to his state to tell Trump to back the hell off. Whether hes shirking that responsibility out of ignorance of the Constitution or fear of Trump doesnt matter, the result is the same either way: Lombardo is greasing the nations slide into autocracy. One of the more insidious markers along the fast path to autocracy in the U.S. over the last six months has been the pattern where Trump does some unconstitutional thing, one or more federal courts say yup, thats unconstitutional, and then the obsequious Republican majority on the U.S. Supreme Court goes way out of its way to find some futzy and overwrought quasi-rationalization to send it back to lower courts, while allowing Trump to continue doing whatever unconstitutional thing hes doing for the foreseeable future. That might be what happens with his lawless assault on states rights as enumerated in the Constitution to run their own elections, especially if Republican governors zip their lips and sit on their hands, perhaps hoping that one of these days all the Trump chaos will somehow magically disappear. Alas, preventing and reversing the U.S. disintegration into autocracy isnt just going to happen on its own. It will depend on people who will defend the rule of law and stand up to Trump. You can count Lombardo out. Photo from WEWS. More registered Republicans voted by mail in 2024 in Ohio than Democrats did, yet President Donald Trump wants to ban the option due to unsubstantiated claims of fraud. Just in the November 2024 general election, 1.1 million Ohioans voted by mail. I like voting because I believe that our democracy works best when were all participating, Jen Miller with the League of Women Voters of Ohio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its proven to be safe, secure and effective for each party, Miller said. Data from the 2024 general election shows that the main demographic utilizing absentee ballots is voters above the age of 65 by a significant amount. That age group returned about 520,000 ballots by mail, while the second closest was 55-64 with about 205,000 returned. Graphic by Morgan Trau / Data from the Ohio Sec. of States Office Unaffiliated voters led the pack. Registered Republicans came in second, with Democratic voters following. Ohioans do not need to register with a party to vote in the election, only in primaries, which the majority of registered voters do not participate in. Graphic by Morgan Trau / Data from the Ohio Sec. of States Office Its particularly important for older adults, military members, rural Ohioans, voters with disabilities, and students, Miller said about voting by mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Ohio Secretary of State Frank Larose has done audits of all elections he has presided over. Not one has shown evidence of widespread voter fraud. Yet, Trump wants to stop that method of voting. Mail-in ballots are corrupt, Trump claimed Monday. Mail-in ballots, you can never have a real democracy with mail-in ballots. The President said his team was drafting an executive order to ban the use of not just mail-in ballots, but also voting machines and tabulators, which allow Ohio boards of elections to get results out on election night. Massive fraud all over the place, Trump claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Case Western Reserve University nonpartisan elections law professor Atiba Ellis said that Trumps plan wont work. Trump does not have the power to do this, Ellis said. At best, its in the hands of Congress to dictate how federal elections work and therefore he cannot simply, by executive order, change how American democracy has worked and worked safely for centuries. LaRose touts Ohio as the gold standard of elections. We sent him a list of questions about Trumps comments. We look forward to reviewing the details of what the President is proposing, LaRose spokesperson Ben Kindel said. Changes to Ohios voting process require a vote of the General Assembly, so Im sure well be talking with them as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also reached out with questions to both major declared candidates for secretary of state, Republican Treasurer Robert Sprague and Democratic doctor Bryan Hambley. We share many of President Trumps concerns over election integrity. We look forward to seeing his Executive Order and working with the Administration to ensure that Ohio elections remain fair and honest, Spragues campaign spokesperson Dalton Throckmorton said. After asking, the campaign declined to say which concerns they shared with Trump. Hambley was outright against it. Both of these proposals are bad ideas. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud, and Ohios current Secretary of State has stated that our elections are secure. Cutting access to vote by mail would make it harder for folks in every corner of Ohio to vote. It would disproportionately harm folks in rural communities and our service members overseas. Removing voting machines and requiring counties to count ballots manually would be a much slower process, and would ultimately cost taxpayers much more because of the hours of labor needed. Ohioans deserve a democracy where it is easy and fair for every Ohio citizen to vote, Hambley responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states perspective is essential to the debate, Ellis said. States get to make the rules, including allowing different forms of voting, Ellis added. Miller has consistently fought against Ohio Republicans efforts to impose more restrictions on voting, including requiring a photo ID and limiting ballot drop box access both of which went into law. She worries Trumps rhetoric will cause the state to look for even more ways to make it harder to vote. If we do have those drastic overhauls, its likely going to mean more work for boards of elections, more expense for taxpayers, less access for voters, and overall, an election system that does not run as well, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting rights groups say they are ready to file a lawsuit against any federal executive order attempting to change the way Ohio currently votes. Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook. This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President Donald Trump said he hoped helping end the war between Ukraine and Russia would help boost his chances of getting into heaven. In an Aug. 19 appearance on Fox News' "Fox & Friends," Trump was talking about his phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin after the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House the prior day. "I wanna end it. You know, we're not losing American lives ... we're losing Russian and Ukrainian mostly soldiers," Trump said. "I wanna try and get to heaven if possible. I'm hearing I'm not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then went on to talk about saving lives with "six, actually seven," peace deals (USA TODAY counts five). Trump has said he was "saved by God to make America great again" in the July 2024 assassination attempt when a bullet grazed his ear. So what religion is he? More: Trump talks God in his speech on bombing Iran. What did he say, what religion is he? What religion is Donald Trump? Trump once identified as a Presbyterian, but in 2020 he told Religion News Service he began considering himself a non-denominational Christian. First lady Melania Trump, however, made news in 2017 when she met the late Pope Francis and revealed she was Catholic when asking the pontiff to bless her rosary beads. Trump heaven quote: 'I'm hearing I'm not doing well.' Trump said the following about heaven in an Aug. 19 appearance on "Fox & Friends" discussing efforts to achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to try and get to heaven, if possible. Im hearing Im not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons. At the White House press briefing later that day, press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether Trump was joking in his comments or if there was a spiritual motivation behind his peace efforts. "I think the president was serious," Leavitt said. "I think the president wants to get to heaven as I hope we all do in this room as well." What happened at the Zelenskyy meeting? Zelenskyy's August trip to the White House had far fewer fireworks than the February visit, when he was berated by Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also attended the summit on Aug. 18. Zelenskyy, wearing a black suit instead of the military garb that drew comments in February, met with Trump in the Oval Office ahead of the wider group of foreign leaders. He also thanked Trump, something Vance had criticized Zelenskyy of not doing during the previous Oval Office spat. Trump then met with the European leaders in the White House East Room, saying they would know in a week or two weeks if a deal to stop the fighting is possible. After the day of meetings with the European leaders, Trump called Putin to urge him to meet with Zelenskyy. Trump deemed it a step in the right direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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," he wrote on Truth Social. "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." Although the meeting showed strong European unity, it was unclear whether major progress toward peace was made. Trump said the United States would help guarantee Ukraine's security in a deal but did not clarify the extent of the commitment. He also appeared to dismiss the need for a ceasefire ahead of peace negotiations. Contributing: Joey Garrison, Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Bart Jansen, Zac Anderson, Francesca Chambers, Josh Meyer, Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump heaven quote: 'I'm hearing I'm not doing well.' US President Donald Trump wants Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to first meet one-on-one, after which he will arrange a trilateral meeting including himself. Source: The Guardian, citing its sources, as reported by European Pravda Details: According to the sources, Trump has recently told his senior advisers that a trilateral meeting will take place only after Zelenskyy and Putin first meet with each other. Although it is not yet clear whether this initial meeting will happen, Trump does not plan to take part in arranging it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a phone interview with talk-show host Mark Levin on WABC on Tuesday, Trump also said he believes it would be better for Putin and Zelenskyy to meet without him first : "I just want to see what happens at the meeting. So theyre in the process of setting it up and were going to see what happens." A senior administration official described the US president's stance on a possible Putin-Zelenskyy meeting as a "wait-and-see approach". However, there have been few concrete signs of progress in recent days, and the White House has not yet compiled a list of potential venues for the meeting. The White House stated, "Trump and his national security team continue to engage with Russian and Ukrainian officials towards a bilateral meeting to stop the killing and end the war It is not in the national interest to further negotiate these issues publicly." Background: Zelenskyy said that the US coordination group for preparing the meeting with the Russian side will consist of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance. The New York Times previously reported that Trump has delegated Rubio to negotiate with European leaders on security guarantees for Ukraine. Following talks between the leaders of Ukraine, the US, the European Commission, NATO and several European states, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Zelenskyy and Putin will meet within the next two weeks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Will it be U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn or U.S. Rep. John Rose who comes out on top for the Republican ticket in the race to replace Governor Bill Lee? Even President Donald Trump appears to be having a hard time deciding whom to back. Reports from the White House show Trump's having a hard time doling out one of his endorsements for either candidate running for the Tennessee governor's seat. "I'll probably be forced to do it. I wish I didn't have to do it. But you know, I'll probably be forced to do it," Trump is quoted as saying in an X post by USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison. The president also called both candidates "fantastic". President Trump says he hasn't decided who he will endorse between @MarshaBlackburn and @JohnRoseforTN in the TN governor's race. Trump says both are "fantastic." "I'll probably be forced to do it. I wish I didn't have to do it. But you know, I'll probably be forced to do it." Joey Garrison (@joeygarrison) August 21, 2025 Rose first announced his bid for the Republican primary ticket in March, while Blackburn didn't announce her candidacy until August. The two candidates are the only Republicans who have thrown their hats into the ring so far ahead of the 2026 election, but there are a number of Democrats vying for the position as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's who's running and more about the 2026 race for governor in Tennessee. When do I vote for the governor of Tennessee? We all know the election cycle starts early, especially when it comes to higher-up positions in politics. And it's no different for the race for governor of the Volunteer State. Tennesseans will not vote for who will succeed current Gov. Bill Lee until 2026. Primary elections will take place on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, according to the Tennessee Secretary of State. Election day for Tennessee governor is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Who is running for Tennessee governor in 2026? The field is pretty wide open right now, considering we're a year away from primaries taking place. Here are the people running for governor as of Aug. 21. Republican Democrats Independent Stephen Maxwell Manasa Reddy Who is Marsha Blackburn? Blackburn is a senior senator who has served two terms in Congress. The 73-year-old has garnered favor from Trump during his tenure in the White House and, in turn, has earned her support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senator is known for opposition to abortion and support for deporting undocumented residents, creating more jobs in the Volunteer State and "fighting wokeness," according to her Senate website. Who is John Rose? Rose, 60, won his U.S. Representative seat in 2019. Before his win, he was Tennessees Commissioner of Agriculture and state chair of the Future Farmers of America, according to his campaign website. When does Gov. Bill Lee leave office? Due to term limits, Lee's time as governor comes to an end in January 2027, when the new governor takes office. How do I register to vote in Tennessee? If you want to register to vote in Tennessee, there are a couple of things that you have to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You must be a U.S. Citizen You must be a resident of Tennessee You must be at least 18 years old on/or before the next election If you have been convicted of a felony, your eligibility to register and vote depends upon the crime you were convicted of and the date of your conviction. Any new voter registration application must be submitted 30 days before the next election cycle. You can fill out a form online if you have a valid Tennessee driver's license or ID. If not, you can mail in or hand-deliver a hard copy to the correct county election commission office. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What Trump said about both GOP candidates for Tennessee governor Trump's campaign promises, coming to fruition: "Until June, deportations had lagged behind immigration arrests and detentions," reports The New York Times. "By the first week of August, deportations reached nearly 1,500 people per day, according to the latest data, a pace not seen since the Obama administration." So far during President Donald Trump's second term, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported 180,000 people. The administration aims for 1 million this year, but if current numbers hold, it'll be closer to 400,000. Stephen Miller, the ardent immigration restrictionist who has Trump's ear, said on Fox News in late May that ICE would set a goal of a "minimum" of 3,000 arrests a dayfar more than what it's currently logging. But that's beside the point: The administration seems interested in aggressive benchmarks and willing to use whatever tactics to get there, including compromising on apprehending the largest threats and instead going after people who've simply overstayed (a civil offense, not a criminal one). In fact, it's looking very possible that the numbers will be juiced in order for these goals to be met, since the Trump administration enjoys its bragging rights. "The Department of Homeland Security says the total number of deportations so far under Mr. Trump is much higherat 332,000. That figure includes people who are turned around or quickly deported at U.S. borders by Customs and Border Protection," per the Times. There's a fair bit of space between 180,000 and 332,000; expect more creative accounting as enforcement actions heat up further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is pushing for ICE to simply buy its own planes. "ICE uses charter planes to deport immigrants and has done so for years. The agency has typically chartered eight to 14 planes at a time for deportation flights, according to Jason Houser, who served as ICE chief of staff from 2022 to 2023. He said that allowed the Biden administration to deport roughly 15,000 immigrants per month on charter flights," reports NBC News. To double these numbers, Houser says, you'd need to purchase about 30 planes, at $80400 million a pop; so purchasing 30 passenger planes could cost anywhere from $2.4 billion to $12 billion. It's estimated that ICE had chartered a little more than 1,000 flights by the end of July, at $100,000 to $200,000 per flight. Case in point: Angel Rodrigo Minguela Palacios, a strawberry delivery guy who had overstayed a tourist visa to escape his native Coahuila, a state in northern Mexico where he'd been the victim of stabbings and kidnappings, had been working for the same company for eight years and raising three kids with his girlfriend of eight years when Border Patrol nabbed him, reports The Los Angeles Times. He had been dropping off strawberries in Los Angeles' Little Tokyo, outside of where California Gov. Gavin Newsom was holding an eventand where Border Patrol has lately taken to assembling. Border Patrol detained him and threw him in the "B-18" federal detention center in downtown L.A., where he's been since. "When asked last week whether the person arrested outside the news conference had a criminal record, a Homeland Security spokesperson said the agency would share a criminal rap sheet when it was available," reports the L.A. Times. "After four follow-up emails from a reporter, [Spokeswoman Tricia] McLaughlin on Saturday said agents had arrested 'two illegal aliens' in the vicinity of Newsom's news conferenceincluding 'an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member and narcotics trafficker.'" Reporters asked for clarification as to whether that describes one person or two; then, "when presented with Minguela's biographical information Monday, the department said he had been arrested because he overstayed his visaa civil, not criminal, offense." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It appears Minguela has no criminal record, and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The kicker: When Minguela handed one of the agents arresting him a "Know Your Rights" card he keeps in his wallet, the agent reportedly said, "This is of no use to me." Scenes from New York: Wild. But I do believe it. "outlets like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and New Republic tend to have higher shares of graduates from elite schools than Fortune 500 CEOs, the US Congress, or federal judges. They have shares of elite school graduates comparable to the Forbes Billionaires list." pic.twitter.com/B4O3HvCQYh Rob Henderson (@robkhenderson) August 19, 2025 QUICK HITS "SpaceX's impressive track record, including the construction of the Starlink satellite-internet network and its innovation on reusable rocket technology, has had a deep impact on the space industry and US space policy. It has also made SpaceX among the most highly valued private companies in the world," reports Bloomberg. But now, Starshipthe first fully reusable orbital rocket, which Elon Musk says will be able to bring humans to Marsis plagued by issues, which Musk is attempting to solve by shuffling around engineering talent internally. "To make Starship work, SpaceX is betting that it can draw resources away from its core rocket program at a time when the company faces weak competition. Some planned launches of SpaceX's Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rockets would potentially be pushed from the end of this year to early 2026 because of the surge of Falcon engineers working on Starship, the people familiar with the company's planning said." "Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard began a fresh strike Tuesday against national security officials whom President Donald Trump deems political enemies, announcing she had revoked the clearances of 37 people, including several currently serving U.S. intelligence officials," reports The Washington Post. Many of the officials who had their clearances revoked were involved in the 2016 Russian interference investigations and the Trump impeachment. Really useful chart to help you make sense of how tariffs will raise prices: Useful chart projecting how major goods categories will face sustained price increases due to rising US tariffs. Lotta manufacturing inputs in here: pic.twitter.com/7I8IPqSqDT Scott Lincicome (@scottlincicome) August 20, 2025 Relatedly: "Automakers can't eat the cost of tariffs forever, and September is a convenient time to adjust prices, as the 2026 models begin arriving in showrooms," reports Axios. Interestingly, "if companies try to offset tariffs on imported cars with higher prices, they'll need to make adjustments across their portfolio to maintain reasonable gaps between vehicle segments. [General Motors'] entry-level Chevrolet Trax, for example, is imported from South Korea, now subject to a 15% tariff. But if it raised the price of the Trax, it might end up costing about the same as a Chevy Equinox, currently made in Mexico but moving to the U.S. in 2027." Industrywide, forecasters predict a roughly 6 percent increase in prices next year, best-case scenario. Breaking the law: An Israeli dance prof is suing UC Berekley for allegedly discriminating against her on the basis of her nationality. Having taught at the dance department before, she was encouraged in the summer 2023 to apply for renewal. This is what the chair said a few months later. pic.twitter.com/1VitPEGnc8 Jeffrey Sachs (@JeffreyASachs) August 20, 2025 "A former top City Hall advisor and current campaign confidante to Mayor Eric Adams attempted to give money to a reporter from THE CITY following a campaign event in Harlem Wednesday," reports The City. "The failed payoffa wad of cash in a red envelope stuffed inside an opened bag of Herr's Sour Cream & Onion ripple potato chipswas made by Winnie Greco, a longtime Adams ally who resigned last year from her position as the mayor's liaison to the Asian community after she was targeted in multiple investigations." Why elites still worship socialism: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post Trump's Deportation Goals appeared first on Reason.com. President Trump rolled out the red carpet and other trappings of diplomacy last week to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin to U.S. soil for what were largely unproductive talks about ending the Ukraine war. During his time with Putin, an accused international war criminal who in 2022 launched an unprovoked armed invasion of Ukraine, Trump referred deferentially to his guest as "Vladimir" and hailed "a fantastic relationship" he claimed to have with the Russian dictator. The Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska contrasted sharply with another presidents visit this month - that of Karin Keller-Sutter, president of Switzerland. She hurried to Washington, D.C., to trim or forestall a staggering, 39% tariff ordered by Trump on most Swiss exports to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike Putin, Keller-Sutter received no red-carpet treatment, no effusive welcome. She didnt even see Trump, conferring instead with Secretary of State Marco Rubio before returning home empty-handed. The 39% tariff, one of the steepest U.S. levies in the world, took effect August 7. Trumps behavior during the respective presidential visits was asymmetrical - but unsurprising. He has a tendency to cozy up to powerful leaders while, at least on occasion, insulting or ignoring leaders of smaller, weaker, more out-of-the-way countries. The Swiss-tariffs episode is an illustration of that impulse - and its hardly the only such example. During his first presidential term, Trump referred privately to Haiti, El Salvador, and African states "shithole countries," according to the Washington Post. More recently, Trump derided the tiny south African state of Lesotho as a place "nobody has ever heard of." He boasted early in the year that countries were "kissing my ass" to land trade deals with his administration. Trump "has grown all too accustomed to people he perceives as weaker bending to his will, which is something that Putin does not do," Ben Rhodes, former adviser to President Barack Obama, recently told the Guardian newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps tariffs blindsided the Swiss, who had dropped duties on nearly all U.S. imports last year. Notably vulnerable should the elevated duty remain in place are signature Swiss exports such as industrial machinery, high-end chocolates, cheese, and luxury watches of a kind popular in the United States among Gen Z. Switzerland is a tidy, wealthy country, about twice the size of New Jersey. The Swiss are quite aware of their countrys compactness. They refer to it reflexively. They are never very keen to mix it up much in the tougher, wider world. Switzerland long has been politically neutral, a policy that has served the country well; it was last in an armed conflict in 1847, a civil war that lasted about a month. But it is no secret the Alpine state tilts reliably toward the United States in global affairs. Geneva was the venue for bilateral, U.S.-Soviet arms control talks in the 1970s and 1980s. It was the venue for bilateral summit meetings between U.S. and Soviet or Russian leaders in 1985 and 2021. More recently, Geneva was the meeting place for two days of discussions between American and Chinese trade negotiators. Switzerland, moreover, has long looked after U.S. interests in Iran, given the absence of diplomatic ties between Washington and Tehran. Scott Bessent, U.S. treasury secretary, has referred to Switzerland as "a sister republic" of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While neutrality is nominally important to the Swiss, they are more comfortable with American Democratic politicians than Republicans. They never were at ease with Ronald Reagan, whom many Swiss privately derided as an ill-informed cowboy, reckless in international affairs. They certainly are befuddled, and little amused, by the hardball ways of Donald Trump, whose persona is without equivalent in Swiss political life. In tariff negotiations, Swiss news outlets reported that Trump out-maneuvered Keller-Sutter. In a telephone call at the end of July, Trump said the Swiss should pay higher duties given that the country of 9 million people was running a $48 billion trade surplus with the United States. That imbalance is pumped up by exports of gold bars to America, which are refined in Switzerland and exempt from Trumps tariffs. The late-July telephone conversation deteriorated to what the Swiss newspaper 24 Heures described as a "fiasco," as Keller-Sutter had no backup plan to offer Trump. The failed negotiations dismayed the Swiss, who remain vaguely hopeful that the tariff can be trimmed, perhaps to 15%. That was the duty Trump negotiated with the European Union (of which Switzerland is not a member). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiation and mediation are leitmotifs in Switzerland, tenets that help explain the countrys enduring political stability. Switzerland is, after all, a landlocked collection of German, French, and Italian-speaking states known as cantons. And German-speaking Swiss prefer expressing themselves in regional dialects that are almost incomprehensible to compatriots elsewhere in Switzerland. Despite its unusual demography, Switzerland has prospered - ever mindful of, but traditionally unaligned with, its larger neighbors in Western Europe. If nothing else, Swiss unity, and a shared sense of anxiety for the near-term economic future, have intensified this month in response to Trumps giving the back of his hand to a small but reliable U.S. trading partner. W. Joseph Campbell formerly reported from Switzerland as a newsman for the Associated Press. He is a professor emeritus at American University in Washington, D.C., and has written seven solo-authored non-fiction books. There will be rolling strike action across the London Underground (LU) beginning on Friday 5 September for seven days, the RMT union has announced. The union claimed transport bosses refused to engage with them over pay, fatigue management, extreme shift patterns and a reduction in the working week. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: "Fatigue and extreme shift rotations are serious issues impacting on our members health and wellbeing- all of which have not been adequately addressed for years by LU management." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson said: "We urge the RMT to put our fair, affordable pay offer to their members and to continue to engage with us." On Thursday, RMT accused management of a "dismissive approach", adding this had "fuelled widespread anger and distrust" among the workforce. Staff at different grades will be taking industrial action at different times as part of rolling strike action, it said. The planned strike action involves drivers, engineers, track access controllers, control centre staff, and signallers [Getty Images] TfL's spokesperson said: "We regularly meet with our trade unions to discuss any concerns that they may have, and we recently met with the RMT to discuss some specific points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are committed to ensuring our colleagues are treated fairly and, as well as offering a 3.4% pay increase in our ongoing pay discussions, we have made progress on a number of commitments we have made previously. "We welcome further engagement with our unions about fatigue and rostering across London Underground, but a reduction in the contractual 35-hour working week is neither practical nor affordable." In a separate dispute over pay and conditions, workers on the Docklands Light Railway will also be striking during this period in the week beginning 7 September. Mr Dempsey added: "RMT will continue to engage LU management with a view to seeking a revised offer in order to reach a negotiated settlement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last RMT strike on the London Underground was in November 2024. 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 Similar stories Related internet links Aug. 20MITCHELL Students at St. John Paul II Elementary School in Mitchell returned to classes for the 2025-26 school year Wednesday morning, Aug. 20. It is traditionally a day of re-orientation, seeing friends for the first time since the spring, meeting new teachers and exploring new classrooms, as well as a few surprises. One of the more pleasant surprises kicking off the year is a gesture that is reducing the cost of attending the private Catholic elementary school. A donor has donated $750 for each student attending the school. The donation was announced at an pre-school year open house earlier this week at the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have some excitement around all the opportunities here at St. John Paul II," Sarah Timmer, principal for St. John Paul II Elementary, told the Mitchell Republic earlier this week. "But the big thing is we have an anonymous donor who is providing $750 in tuition credit for every student enrolled in our school from preschool through sixth grade." The donation will apply to all of the roughly 125 students enrolled at the school, which comes out to about $93,750 in total. Tuition at the school varies, but the cost of tuition for the 2025-26 school year, for students in grades K-6, per the school's website, is $3,163 for one child, $4,595 for two children and $5,549 for three children. That amounts to the students attending school for between 59% and 76% of full cost, depending on how many children from a family attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a pleasant way to begin the new school year, both for what the donation does for students and families at the school. The benefactor wanted to support the students and their education, but also the families as a whole that support the school through tuition and volunteerism. "It's an affirmation of the shared mission to provide a strong faith-filled Catholic education that forms not just minds, but hearts and souls," Timmer said. "And I think one of the big things is knowing that (the donor) supports parents. Just that the parents are the first and most important teachers of the children and the investment that they make in education here reflects that commitment to the faith and values of the home. So we're excited to be able to share that with the families." Timmer, in her first year as principal at the school after succeeding Robin Cahoy, said the donation was one of the larger ones to the school in recent years. In addition to tuition, private donors and fundraisers are also an important part of funding the day-to-day school activities. But the focus of any school are its students and its programs, and Timmer said there would be more to offer at St. John Paul II this year. Part of that is the return of a sixth grade class to the school, thanks to an upward tick in enrollment and the addition of some new families to the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school will also begin providing Spanish classes for fifth and sixth graders, as well as piano lesson offerings during the day for second and third graders. The school will also be implementing a program called Catechism of a Good Shepherd for pre-K1, pre-K2 and kindergarten classrooms. Those opportunities should make the educational opportunities more robust for students in the classroom. Timmer said other benefits that school patrons have become used to over the years, such as the school's small class sizes, Catholic education focus and family centric environment, will remain a critical part of the school's vision. Those values will always be part of St. John Paul II Elementary family, which extends to students, their parents and siblings, teachers and staff, she said. The school couldn't do what it does without those dedicated parents, Timmer said, and she, faculty and staff were looking forward to the new school year. "I just appreciate the parents that entrust their children here each and every day, and make that decision to invest in their education and their commitment to faith. It's really important to us," Timmer said. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has been busy lately, and she's receiving plenty of media coverage as a result: Her new Russiagate disclosures shed light on shady behavior from intelligence officials in the final days of Barack Obama's presidency, which had the effect of casting some doubt on the legitimacy of Donald Trump's 2016 victory. The details are a bit complicated, but essentially, national security experts knew that Russia had not hacked U.S. voting machines, and thus the impact of Russian interference on the 2016 result was negligible. Obama was not entirely satisfied with this conclusion and told them to take another crack at it. Shortly thereafter, news stories in the mainstream media began to allege sinister Russian involvement in the election outcome, sourced to anonymous intelligence officials. Over time, these anonymously sourced and often unspecific claims about direct Russian interference mutated into the social media influence conspiracy, which held that Russian bots and accounts on Facebook had swung the election to Trump. This theory was enthusiastically embraced by intelligence officials and gullible mainstream media reporters; it too eventually died, once the limited scope of the social media influence became clearer. More transparency around this subjectwhich generates wall-to-wall coverage in conservative mediais certainly welcome. Gabbard's efforts to further unmask efforts by federal bureaucrats to redact intelligence relating to COVID-19's origins is also welcome. I interviewed The Daily Caller's Emily Kopp about this today on Rising. These two stories are getting all the attention, but there's something else Gabbard pulled off this week that deserves praise: She has allegedly persuaded the United Kingdom to drop its backdoor encryption mandate for Apple's iPhone. Over the past few months, I've 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 This is a huge deal, and also a harbinger of diplomatic battles to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For context, the U.K. wanted Apple to agree to add what's called a "backdoor" that would allow the government to access customers' personal data. Defenders of such policies point to ticking-time-bomb scenarios, i.e., What if the police needed to break into your laptop in order to foil a terrorist attack? and similar situations. The arguments against the backdoor, of course, are obvious: The government can't really be trusted to only access people's personal information under such circumstances; people who live in free societies have to come to regret surrendering their civil liberties in exchange for nebulous safety guarantees; malicious foreign actors, terrorists, and authoritarians could actually benefit from the existence of backdoors, if they were able to hack them. On this last point, Reason's Joe Lancaster reminds us that "there is no way to introduce an intentional flaw to data encryption that cannot be exploited by bad actors." In an article on the backdoor encryption fight, he points out that the U.K. is effectively asking Apple to "build an unbreakable lock and give law enforcement a key." This is not good at all, so it's a relief that Gabbard was able to get the U.K. to back down. Credit where credit is due: Sen. Ron Wyden (DOre.), one of the most consistent defenders of privacy and free speech when it comes to tech issues, also pressed for this outcome, as did Vice President J.D. Vance, who has frequently called out European politicians for trying to browbeat American tech companies into adopting un-American policies. And that is very much where the tech sector is headed. Already, several European countries have launched an age-verification app in anticipation of European Union regulations that will require users to verify their age. The intentions are noble; no one wants underage kids accessing porn sites or harmful content. It's impossible, though, to have an age-verification requirement that only applies to kidsby its very nature, age verification is something everyone will have to submit to in order for it to work at all. This will effectively de-anonymize the internet, as well as create more opportunities for government collection of personal data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while Europe is leading the way in terms of bad tech policies that will compromise the user experience, thwart privacy protections, and empower censors, many U.S. political figures are just as bad. State authorities like Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill (R) are fighting tooth and nail to punish tech companies for failing to implement age verification. Domestically, the GOP's reflexive won't someone think of the children style of governance is going to lead it to embrace antitech policies that are clearly recognized as backward and hostile to the First Amendment when pushed by European counterparts. In any case, fending off international bureaucrats who want to bully American tech companies into making their products worse is a good use of U.S. diplomatic might, though the war at home will be equally vexing for fans of tech freedom in the future. This Week on Free Media What a treat: We filmed two episodes of Free Mediaone with Amber Duke and another with Niall Stanage! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worth Watching The Red Letter Media YouTube channel is out with a great new Plinkett video on everything that's gone wrong with Star Wars. The real gem here is two fake voicemail messages from George Lucas (it's either AI or the best impression I've ever heard). It's better if I don't spoil them, so listen for yourself. The post Tulsi Gabbard Fends Off Europe's Antitech Tyrantsfor Now appeared first on Reason.com. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who was previously criticized for acting like a Russian asset, is planning to gut the agency responsible for monitoring influence from foreign governments. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence published a fact sheet saying it would begin refocusing functions within the supposedly redundant Foreign Malign Influence Center, alleging that it had been used by the Biden administration to justify the suppression of free speech and to censor political opposition. ODNI cited FMIC coordinating with Twitter, Facebook, and Google on the companies responses to the 2020 New York Post story about Hunter Bidens laptop, which was removed from several platforms over government concerns that it was part of a Russian disinformation operation. Since it was first reported on, the laptop has been proven to be authentic, but many of Republicans allegations that it tied the Bidens to corrupt foreign business dealings have not been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ODNI claimed that FMIC had developed a hyper-focus on election-related issues after a 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin had aspired to see Donald Trump enter the White House. In the last month, Gabbard has launched a campaign to discredit this report, claiming that the Obama administration had sown a false narrative about Putin supporting Trump, even though Putin has openly admitted that hed preferred Trump over Hillary Clinton. ODNIs efforts to refocus FMIC are particularly ironic considering that Gabbard has a history of foisting foreign misinformation on the American public herself. Gabbard previously defended Russias incursion into Ukraine, claiming that the U.S. had provoked Russian aggression, and that Ukraine housed U.S.-funded biolabs that were developing secret bioweaponsa piece of foreign state propaganda that earned her the reputation of being a Russian asset. More recently, she parroted the conclusions of Russian spies during a White House press briefing, claiming that Clinton had experienced psycho-emotional problems, uncontrolled fits of anger, aggression, and cheerfulness, a rumor that was based on debunked Russian intelligence. ODNIs fact sheet claimed that refocusing FMICs mission would save taxpayers at least $7 million per year. The massive restructuring would also refocus the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center and the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center. Gabbard has announced plans to cut her departments staff by 50 percent and reduce its annual budget by $700 million. ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkey believes a ceasefire must first be secured between Russia and Ukraine before it and other states take any decisions on a peacekeeping mission as part of security guarantees for Ukraine, a defence ministry source said on Thursday. U.S. and European military planners have begun exploring security guarantees for Ukraine, Reuters reported on Tuesday, a day after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would help guarantee its security in any deal to end the war. "It is necessary to first secure a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, then determine the framework of a mission with a clear mandate, and clarify the extent to which each country will contribute," the Turkish source said on condition of anonymity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defence ministry source was asked whether NATO member Turkey could consider sending a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine, its Black Sea neighbour, as part of security guarantees. Turkey has maintained cordial ties with both Kyiv and Moscow since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. It has voiced support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and provided it military help, while opposing sanctions on Russia. Ankara is also part of the European "coalition of the willing" which would commit forces to guarantee Ukraine's security. Turkey "makes efforts to contribute to all initiatives" supporting regional peace and security, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "However... making assessments based on predictions that have not yet been grounded in concrete terms would not be healthy or accurate," the person added. (Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever; Editing by Jonathan Spicer Editing by Ezgi Erkoyun) ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkish port authorities have begun informally requiring shipping agents to provide letters declaring that vessels are not linked to Israel and not carrying military or hazardous cargo bound for the country, according to two shipping sources. The move is another step Turkey has taken against Israel after it last year severed trade with the country, worth $7 billion annually, over its war in Gaza with Palestinian militant group Hamas. The sources said the harbour master's office had verbally instructed port agents to provide written assurances, adding that there was no official circular on the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the sources said the instruction applied to ports across Turkey. The second source said vessels arriving directly from Israel or departing to Israeli ports would no longer be permitted to dock at Turkish ports, according to information provided by the port authority of the northwestern province of Kocaeli. Turkish-flagged ships will also be prohibited from calling at Israeli ports, according to the source. The transport ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The move could further complicate shipments to Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have targetted ships in the Red Sea since 2023 in what they call an act of solidarity with Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO member Turkey has fiercely criticised Israel over its attacks on Gaza and called it a genocide against the Palestinians, a charge Israel denies. The new guarantee letters should state that vessel owners, managers, and operators have no ties to Israel, and that certain types of cargo, including explosives and radioactive materials or military equipment, are not on board en route to Israel, the second source said. (Reporting by Can Sezer and Ezgi Erkoyun; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Ros Russell) The number of people who read frequently for pleasure has plummeted since the turn of the century, a University of Florida and University College London (UCL) team has found. In a study covering the 2003-2023 period and taking in over 230,000 participants in the American Time Use Survey, the researchers discerned a "fundamental cultural shift," with people far less inclined to open a book than they were in years gone by. It is probably not news to anyone who can compare trains and planes in years gone by when passengers could be seen caught up in literature and newspapers and magazines. On public transport nowadays, people young and old alike are more likely to be furrowing their brows over a social media phone app than peering into a book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, publications such as The Times and The Atlantic published articles quoting university professors lamenting that students these days seem incapable of reading long books. The "deeply concerning" turning away from books is "not just a small dip," says Jill Sonke of UCL, but more like "a sustained, steady decline of about 3% per year." What the researchers call "digital culture" - the widespread use of phones, messaging, social media and related ephemera such as disappearing chats and narcissistic reels - has likely contributed to the decline in reading. After all, Tianjin Normal University and University of California, Los Angeles said earlier this year that they had found endless scrolling through short web videos to be causing "cognitive deficits" - or "TikTok brain," as it is sometimes called. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also economic factors at play that prevent people who might otherwise want to read more from doing so - not least since the turmoil wrought by the 2008 financial meltdowns and the spike in living costs seen in the wake of disruptions such as Covid lockdowns and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The researchers say the drop in reading was even bigger for the less well-to-do and for those who live in the countryside. If youre working multiple jobs or dealing with transportation barriers in a rural area, a trip to the library may just not be feasible," according to Sonke, whose team's research was published in journal iScience. HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The Henry County Sheriffs Office Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence in Bassett, Virginia, and made two arrests. Officials say the warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation led by the Sheriffs Office Vice Unit and Drug Interdiction Unit, which was initiated after multiple complaints were received from community members regarding suspected illegal drug activity at the residence. When deputies arrived to serve the warrant, they encountered James Rumley, 34, at the front door. Elizabeth Robertson, 45, was later discovered hiding beneath a trap door under the bathroom sink, which provided access to the crawlspace of the trailer. Both individuals were taken into custody, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Rumley was charged with: Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-248 Distribution of Schedule I/II Drugs (3 Counts) Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-248 Possession with the intent to Distribution of Schedule I/II Drugs Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-308.4 Possess Schedule I/II Drug While Possessing a firearm Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-108.1 Possession of a Stolen Firearm Elizabeth Robertson was charged with: Violation of Virginia Code Section: 19.2-306 Probation Violation Investigators say they determined that both Rumley and Robertson had outstanding warrants for their arrest. (Photo courtesy of Henry County Sheriffs Office) (Photo courtesy of Henry County Sheriffs Office) (Photo courtesy of Henry County Sheriffs Office) In addition, a search of the residence resulted in the seizure of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, along with a stolen firearm. Digital scales, ammunition, and a ledger containing names were also located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Henry County Sheriffs Office would like to thank the community for providing the tips that directly led to the execution of this search warrant. Anyone with additional information regarding illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Sheriffs Office at 276-638-8751 or through Crimestoppers at 276-632-7463. The Crimestoppers program offers rewards up to $2,500.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. spending Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith talks at a town hall in Franklin March 31, 2025. (Photo from Beckwith's official X account) Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwiths latest town hall in Newburgh ended with two arrests Wednesday, though the names of the woman and man arrested havent yet been released. On-the-ground media reports said a Warrick County Sheriffs Office deputy tackled or (took) down the woman, who shouted and swore at Beckwith throughout the night. In a statement issued after the event, Beckwith claimed she slapped the law enforcement officer and said it was captured on video, but didnt share it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement shared to Facebook, Warrick County Sheriff Michael K. Wilder didnt mention a physical altercation. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US The Warrick County Sheriffs Office is engaged in an investigative review of the incident that occurred at the town hall appearance by Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith on Wednesday evening. Given the number of persons involved, including two off-duty Warrick County deputies who were providing security support, it will take time to review physical evidence and complete interviews of witnesses and individuals involved in the incident. For that reason, it is premature to make any further comment about the incident until the Sheriffs Office can complete that investigation. I cannot yet predict the duration of that investigation but can assure the public we will work diligently to understand what happened and who was involved. When the investigation is complete, I will provide additional comment and information, Wilder said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Evansville Courier & Press detailed the town hall in a developing story, including photos and videos of the arrests. According to their reporting, authorities warned the woman to stop shouting at Beckwith or said she would be removed. Beckwith reportedly told the crowd that, Unfortunately it is a mental disorder, as the woman made her way to the exit. There was a commotion and she was tackled to the ground. A man was later arrested after he attempted to step in and yelled at the officers. The states second-highest official panned the Courier & Press coverage as Left-wing journalism at its finest. Video captured by local station WEHT documents shouting throughout the town hall, with several residents booing Beckwith, a self-described Christian nationalist. The Newburgh town hall is the latest in a series of events across the state. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This article and the video posted with it contain profanities, and has been updated with new information, photos and video. NEWBURGH Two people were arrested one of them a woman tackled by a Warrick County Sheriff's Office deputy during a town hall event hosted by Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith in Newburgh on Wednesday night. Officials at the Warrick County jail identified the two arrested as Amanda Bennett and Matthew Eike. Bennett is preliminarily charged with battery against a public official. There was no word on what charges Eike would face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither were listed in Warrick County court records as having an active criminal case as of Thursday morning, and a Warrick County Sheriff's Office spokesperson told the Courier & Press probable cause affidavits detailing Bennett's and Eike's alleged offenses had not yet been filed. Members of the Evansville Police Department, Newburgh Police Department and the Warrick County Sheriff's Office were on scene in the aftermath of the town hall incident. Warrick County Sheriff Mike Wilder said two off-duty deputies had been providing "security support" for the event, which was held at the Ohio Township Trustee's Office. Throughout the town hall, the woman later identified as Bennett shouted at Beckwith as did many other attendees and authorities told her to stop or she would be removed. After a few warnings, and before police moved to remove her, Bennett said she would leave on her own. "Because this is f---ing bulls--t," Bennett said, leaving her seat. She then pointed at Beckwith and said, "F--- you, Micah Beckwith." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bennett also called Beckwith a "bitch." "She's a gem isn't she?" Beckwith said to the crowd as Bennett was making her way to the exit. "Unfortunately it is a mental disorder." A person waiting at the mic for their turn to ask a question was set to restart when a commotion erupted from near the exit. A deputy had tackled Bennett to the ground, and attendees were making their way over to gather around. Through photographs and a nametag on his uniform, the Courier & Press identified the deputy as Dan Bullock. The second person arrested, reportedly Eike, appeared to step in to help Bennett and was yelling at officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilder initially told the Courier & Press the agency would not comment on the incident Wednesday night, but he later sent a written statement to area media outlets. "The Warrick County Sheriffs Office is engaged in an investigative review of the incident that occurred at the town hall appearance by Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith on Wednesday evening," the statement reads. "Given the number of persons involved, including two off-duty Warrick County deputies who were providing security support, it will take time to review physical evidence and complete interviews of witnesses and individuals involved in the incident. For that reason, it is premature to make any further comment about the incident until the Sheriffs Office can complete that investigation. I cannot yet predict the duration of that investigation but can assure the public we will work diligently to understand what happened and who was involved. When the investigation is complete, I will provide additional comment and information." Shortly before the commotion, Beckwith threatened to end the town hall because of his and Bennett's interactions. "We can end this right now," Beckwith said. "I'm here on good faith, but I can't keep talking over you, ma'am." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told her if she had a question, she needed to get in the line to ask it at the mic. "Answer their questions then, Micah," Bennett said back. There had been shouts from the audience throughout the evening as attendees accused Beckwith of evading questions. At one point, Beckwith's response to a question concerning CenterPoint Energy included a nod to the Democratic Party's acceptance of transgender people. "They think boys can be girls and girls can be boys," he said. Audience members shouted Beckwith down. "Stay on task," one yelled. After the arrests, the event was stopped. The Courier & Press reporter and photographer were both outside documenting the arrests at the time. Attendees later told reporters it was disappointing the event was halted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 7:58 p.m. Beckwith shared an X post recounting his day in the Warrick County area. "Today, my team and I spent the day with faith leaders, business owners and elected officials in southwest Indiana. Tonight, we had a town hall scheduled in Warrick County," the post states. "While I appreciate and welcome lively debate, unfortunately, there were individuals with less than good intentions and resorted to uncivil conduct against each other and law enforcement. I want to thank local law enforcement and first responders for keeping the public and my team safe." After the publication of this article, Beckwith criticized the Courier & Press' coverage of the incident in a Facebook post. "This article is filled with inaccuracies and Courier & Press knows it as they had reporters in the room," Beckwith wrote. "It fails to mention the woman slapped a cop which led to her being arrested. The man who stepped into 'help' the woman was yelling at a man who was standing there silently. This is all on video. Left-wing journalism at its finest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Courier & Press reporter at the scene did not see the woman slap the officer, and none of the video or photographs taken by reporters and photojournalists at the scene show any such interaction. The statement sent from the WCSO does not include any mention of violence against a deputy. Prior to Beckwiths post, the Courier & Press directed emailed questions to a lieutenant governors office spokesperson asking if Beckwith observed violent or threatening behavior from members of the audience but did not hear back. Under Indiana law, battery can entail touching another person in a rude, insolent, or angry manner, and the offense is a Level 6 felony when the victim is a public safety official who is engaged in their official duty. The Warrick County Prosecutor's Office did not immediately respond to an inquiry Thursday morning seeking information about the status of Bennett's and Eike's court cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have video from the event you'd like to share with the Courier & Press you can submit it here. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Two arrested at Micah Beckwith town hall in Newburgh ST. LOUIS Two suspects who allegedly dropped off the body of a deceased man outside SLU Hospital earlier this week, allegedly stealing his car and phone in the process, now face criminal charges. The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office has charged Terrence Clark, 46, and Billie Claeys, 43, with abandonment of a corpse, stealing a motor vehicle and stealing ($750 or more) in connection with the case. According to probable cause statements obtained by FOX 2, the victim died while in the presence of Claeys. A short time later, Claeys and Clark reportedly drove the victims vehicle with him inside and dropped off the victim at SLU Hospital without notifying proper authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video from SLU Hospital reportedly helped police identify Claeys and Clark as suspects. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Both suspects reportedly continued to use the victims phone after he was abandoned. Claeys is also accused of attempting to pawn the victims phone, according to probable cause statements. Investigators say the vehicle and phone were co-owned by the victims family members, and neither Claeys and Clark had permission to use the victims vehicle or phone. Authorities requested a warrant for Claeys and Clark, according to Missouri online court records, but did not disclose if either one was in police custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Greece has recorded its first deaths of the year from the West Nile virus, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that originated in Africa. The weekly report from the health authority EODY, published on Thursday, revealed that the two patients were over 78 years old and had an infection of the central nervous system caused by the virus. The health authority says a total of 47 cases of West Nile fever had been confirmed by August 20 this year. Eleven patients had been treated in hospital, two of whom were in intensive care, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of unreported cases is likely to be significantly higher, as many infected people either do not develop any symptoms or only experience mild ones such as headaches and aching limbs. Severe cases, involving high fever, occur mainly in older people or those with underlying health conditions. Most of the current cases have been reported in rural areas around Athens and in central Greece, the authorities noted. The viral pathogens are transmitted by certain mosquitoes. Doctors advise applying mosquito repellent and, if possible, using mosquito nets over beds. Two Haitian police officers were killed and six others injured after a weaponized drone launched by a gang-fighting task force exploded in the hills above Port-au-Prince, near where an Irish missionary and several others were abducted by armed gangs. The accident Tuesday occurred after residents in Kenscoff found a so-called kamikazi drone and in a gesture of good faith carried it to police officers stationed at a nearby SWAT base, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimes office said. The drone exploded at the site, claiming the lives of two police officers and seriously injuring two others, the statement said. A kamikaze drone, also known as a suicide drone, is designed to hover over an area, crash into a target and detonate on impact. Several sources confirmed to the Miami Herald that six officers were hurt during the detonation. They were taken to a medical facility where the recently installed police chief, Andre Jonas Vladimir Paraison, stayed at their side during the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest police deaths bring the total number of officers killed in Haitis battles with gangs to 29 so far this year, according to statistics compiled by the National Human Rights Defense Network. In Kenscoff, the Haiti National Police and the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission, which has lost two police officers during gang ambushes, have had eight of their armored vehicles taken or set ablaze since armed groups began attacking the mountaintop community in late January. In addition to forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes, gangs have set fire to homes and businesses, kidnapped, killed and raped people in the area. On Aug. 3 an attack against Sainte-Helene Home, a local orphanage caring for disabled kids, led to the abduction of eight people, including a 3 year-old boy and longtime Irish missionary Gena Heraty, who remains captive. READ MORE: Haiti wants to hire private firm to collect border taxes. Not everyone is on board As word of the explosion circulated within the rank and file of Haitis beleaguered national police force on Tuesday afternoon, witnesses reported non-stop shooting from inside the SWAT base next to the headquarters of the Haiti National Police. The seriousness of the incident and lack of clarity over what happened triggered demands for an urgent investigation from local human rights advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Haitian people must know the circumstances surrounding the incident and those responsible must pay, the local human rights group Fondasyon Je Klere/Eyes Wide Open Foundation said, calling for severe sanctions against those responsible for what happened. The incident that occurred in Kenscoff clearly shows once again that the fight against gangs cannot be fought without a good intelligence service, the Port-au-Prince based group that closely monitors the police said. We cannot fight bandits while the intelligence service is funded by bribes and kickbacks. Corruption and insecurity are twins. There is no fight against insecurity when bribes, commissions and under-the-table contracts are the hallmarks of a government. Social media accounts, some of them appearing to be from police officers, have raised questions about what happened. While one account says the drone was brought to police by area residents, another claimed the drone was dropped on the police base. A source close to the police task force told the Herald the incident was a tragic accident. The drone operators had lost contact with the device due to poor weather, he said. After residents found the red and black drone they took the device to the police officers nearby, where the cops inspected it and took photos. About 10 minutes later the drone exploded, killing the two officers, the source added. A separate source told the Herald the drone blew up after officers attempted to remove its battery pack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Haiti National Police, in a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims, said it is investigating the incident but did not go into details of what happened. I just spoke to Haitian Prime Minister Fils-Aime to express condolences for the death of two Haitian National Police SWAT officers. They died trying to protect their country from criminal gangs. The US and many other nations stand steadfastly with those seeking to restore law https://t.co/gKTXXodycy Christopher Landau (@DeputySecState) August 20, 2025 Earlier this year, Haitis transition government began employing the services of Erik Prince, a former U.S. Navy seal who founded the controversial security firm Blackwater. Prince, a major donor to President Donald Trump, currently has a one-year, $50 million deal with the Haitian government through his new firm Vectus Global to deploy private military contractors to help Haiti in its fight against gangs. But the firms use of weaponized drones has raised concerns about the escalating violence, potential civilian casualties and human rights abuses as well as coordination with the other security forces fighting gangs including the Haitian police specialized units. Earlier in the day, gangs once more attacked the Saint-Helene Home where Heraty, the missionary, serves as director. Gangs abducted two other people from the orphanage but later released them. Heraty, who has been working in Haiti since 1993, remains missing, along with one other adult remains kidnapped. Sainte-Helene Home is affiliated with Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos-NPH International, which was founded by a Catholic priest and has affiliates throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. On Wednesday, members of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition continued to issue threats. Gang members reportedly threatened to attack a mountaintop antenna thats used by air traffic controllers and police, while in the Canape-Vert neighborhood residents shut all gates leading into the community after shooting broke out. Editors Note: This article was updated to reflect CHPs withdrawal of the vehicle description involved in the alleged abduction. Authorities are searching for two missing brothers, ages 2 and 10, who were possibly abducted by their birth mother after leaving their foster parents home in South Los Angeles early Thursday morning. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said dispatch received a call just before 2 a.m. for two missing kids in the area of W. 3rd Street and S. Virgil Avenue. Deputies began canvassing the area for the kids, who have since been identified as 2-year-old Derek Alejandro Rodriguez-Hernandez and 10-year-old Jaden Hernandez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary information indicates that the brothers may have left their foster home in the 300 block of South Virgil Avenue on their own accord, heading toward the Westlake District in search of their birth parents. KTLAs Megan Telles reported the boys foster parents heard the brothers opening the door around 1:30 a.m., but by the time the parents ran outside, the kids had taken off. The brothers guardians were concerned that the children were in search of their birth parents, who purportedly reside in the 1500 block of W. 52nd Street. The location is about 7 miles from their own home, a distance that the boys were believed to have traversed on foot. Undated photos show a 30-year-old South L.A. woman and her two biological sons. (CHP) Telles reported that two kids and an adult woman, believed to be their biological mother, were seen outside the Westlake home, but then left the property and have not been seen since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of drivers arrested, cars towed for illegal street racing in Carson A 10 a.m. update from the LAPD stated that the biological mother, Jackline Hernandez-Torres, was believed to have abducted the boys from Virgil Avenue and intended to bring them to the area of the 1500 block of W. 52nd Street. The California Highway Patrol issued an AMBER alert at 10:22 a.m. for a child abduction. Police described Derek, the toddler, as a Hispanic male who stands two feet tall and weighs about 20 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark shirt and dark pants. The older brother, Jaden, is described as a Hispanic male who stands four feet tall and weighs about 50 to 60 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a dark shirt and dark pants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biological mother, Jackline, is said to be 30 years old and stands five feet tall, weighs 120 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a light colored shirt and dark sweatpants. Sky5 was overhead as detectives searched for two missing boys in South Los Angeles. August 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was overhead of the investigation Thursday morning, and aerial footage showed an RV parked at the birth parents purported address which detectives had taped off earlier. As of 6:45 a.m., the tape appeared to have been cleared around the RV. In addition, KTLAs Rich Prickett reported seeing K9 units searching the site of the guardians home. If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Derek and Jaden, the LAPD asks that you contact Lieutenant Ku of the Olympic Division at 213-382-9460 or dial 911. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477. This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA for updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexis Lewis contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Two people were sentenced for their roles in the shooting death of a 15-year-old in West Valley City back in 2023, and now seven of the eight people charged in the death have been sentenced. Anthony Alexander Hernandez and Kimberly Alvarez were sentenced by a Third District Court judge on Tuesday after pleading guilty on May 1, 2025. Another defendant, Bryan Alvarez, also pleaded guilty on May 1, but on Tuesday, he withdrew his plea at sentencing. The 15-year-old was found shot and killed in a crashed car on March 3, 2023 after police responded to reports of gunshots. Family later identified the victim as Francisco Jesus Cuenca. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ORIGINAL STORY: Killed West Valley driver identified as 15-year-old teen Eight people in total have been charged in connection to this death. Four of those individuals were charged and sentenced as juveniles because they were under the age of 16, whereas the other four were charged as adults. On March 3, 2023, police responded to 1378 West Caesar Circle in West Valley City after reports of gunshots, and when they arrived, they found a car crashed at the end of the cul-de-sac with around 20 gunshot holes. Inside the car, they found Cuenca with multiple gunshot wounds, and Cuenca was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators uncovered video surveillance that showed two cars, one red and one blue, parked in the cul-de-sac. On the video, Cuenca arrived in his car, and the red car pulled up behind him. He drove out of range of the camera, but muzzle flashes could be seen on video coming from the red car. The red car fired more shots, and both cars drove off. Reportedly, Bryan Alvarez was beefing with Cuenca at the time, and he wanted to hurt him. Through the investigation, detectives found that Bryan and his friends allegedly came up with a plan to rob Cuenca. However, when Cuenca arrived, they got out of their vehicles and started shooting. In May, Anthony Hernandez and Bryan Alvarez pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree felony murder. Bryan Alvarez withdrew his plea on Tuesday, so he was not sentenced, but Anthony Hernandez was sentenced to 15 years to life. Moab man arrested for repeatedly punching victim who was not fighting back, charges say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kimberly Alvarez was sentenced to 15 years to life for one count of second-degree felony manslaughter and 5 years to life for one count of first-degree felony discharge of a firearm with serious bodily injury. In May 2024, Xavior Lunt was sentenced to 15 years to life after he pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree felony murder. In essence, we had eight individuals who were involved with multiple guns, engaged in acts of violence which resulted in the death of one person, and were finally bringing this to a conclusion with the conviction and prosecution of those three adults, and then in the process of hopefully prosecuting and convicting the fourth one as well, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill told ABC4.com. As to Bryan Alvarez withdrawing his guilty plea, Gill said that they are moving forward with prosecuting him. Guilty pleas are meant to be entered knowingly and voluntarily, Gill explained, which means that if it was not properly explained, or something was promised on the record that was not delivered, those would be valid reasons to withdraw a plea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryan Alvarez was assigned a new attorney, and that new attorney will have to file a motion explaining why his plea withdrawal should be permitted. This case has gone on for over two years. Sometimes these long homicides take some time, so it really tries the patience of family, so I think ultimately its about accountability, and they know that we are methodically getting that accountability from everyone involved, Gill said. He added that he hopes the family and friends who are impacted in this case can move on and not be defined by what happened. 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. Two of Tampa Bays local broadcast networks could soon operate under one parent company, a move that experts say could reshape television news in one of the nations largest markets. Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of WFLA News Channel 8 and Tampa Bays local CW affiliate, announced Tuesday that it plans to acquire Tegna, which owns WTSP 10 Tampa Bay. If the acquisition goes through, Nexstar would operate 265 stations in almost two-thirds of the markets measured by Nielsen, which tracks TV audiences. In 35 markets, the company will own two or more stations. But the Federal Communications Commission would first have to relax rules that limit corporate consolidation in broadcast news before the deal can go through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear how the two local stations could be impacted. News directors at both stations relayed requests for comment for this story to their corporate owners. Former 10 Tampa Bay investigative reporter Mike Deeson, who retired in 2017, said he worries that some at WTSP will be laid off if Nexstar eliminates duplicate positions. The two stations could begin to air less distinct coverage, he said. Thats less watchdog journalism that comes out, he said. Nexstar CEO Perry Sook told investors Tuesday that the move will instead bolster local news coverage. In Dallas, for example, acquiring a Tegna-owned station will allow the company to air more news coverage on the other station it owns in that market, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what else to know about the proposed merger. How is local TV news doing? Matthew Dolgin and Martin Szumski, investment analysts for Morningstar, a financial services firm, had a frank assessment of Nexstars proposed acquisition. It creates value in a dying industry, they wrote. Advertisers are increasingly pulling away from local TV in favor of streaming and social media. Nexstars acquisition of Tegna may offer a temporary boost, but the company will have to shift from traditional TV in order to grow, they wrote. Tampa Bay, combined with Sarasota, is the 11th-largest market tracked by Nielsen. Last May, WFLA reached 1.5% of some 2.2 million households in the market during its 11 p.m. newscasts, while WTSP reached 1.3% of households. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those numbers are a far cry, Deeson said, from when he came to Tampa Bay in the 1980s. Broadcasts on 10 Tampa Bay were netting more viewers than Tampa Bays four broadcast stations combined are now, he said. Less than a fifth of viewers tuned in to local broadcast stations in July, according to Nielsen. What has to happen before the merger can go through? Nexstar says it will reach around 80% of U.S. households if it acquires Tegna. But the Federal Communications Commission only allows a single broadcaster to own stations that reach a maximum of 39% of U.S. households. And no single broadcaster can own more than one of the top four stations in a market a rule that would cause problems in Tampa Bay, for example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sook told investors Tuesday that hes hopeful the Trump administration will ease those rules. Last month, a federal court ruled against the agency, setting the stage for broadcasters to operate two or more top stations in a market. Acquiring Tegna allows Nexstar to compete more effectively with the Big Tech and legacy Big Media companies that have unchecked reach and vast financial resources, Sook said in a press release. Dolgin, the Morningstar analyst, wrote that he does not see an easy path to regulatory approval. Even if federal regulators ease its rules on station ownership, Nexstar may still have to sell off some stations, he said. Others have tried to buy Tegna In 2023, Tegna entered a deal to merge with private hedge fund Standard General. But that deal collapsed amid pushback from the Federal Communications Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sinclair, one of the nations largest owners of local TV stations, has also proposed merging its broadcast stations with Tegna, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. But Tegnas board of directors has already approved Nexstars $6.2 billion acquisition. Next federal officials will have to decide whether to raise its ownership limits and allow Nexstars deal to go through. For now, Tampa Bays local news coverage will remain the same. The deal may not close until the end of next year, according to Nexstar. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Todd Gilbert resigned Wednesday, a little more than a month after he was sworn in. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office told WFXR News he resigned effective 5 p.m. Aug. 20 and that Robert N. Tracci, First Assistant United States Attorney, assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney. No reason was provided for Gilberts resignation. He was appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and sworn in July 14, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before taking office, he was a state prosecutor in the western district serving Commonwealths Attorneys offices in Lynchburg, Shenandoah, Warren and Frederick. He also served in the Virginia House of Delegates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Courtesy photo. The union representing more than 1,400 University of Minnesota service workers is urging its members to vote no on the universitys last, best and final offer, raising the likelihood of a strike as students begin the fall semester. The Teamsters Local 320 filed their intent to strike earlier this month with the support of 97% of their members, including cooks, groundskeepers, custodians and other service workers. That triggered a 10-day cooling off period with state-mandated mediation, which failed to yield a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university presented its final offer at 1 a.m. Tuesday, which the union is required to take to its members for a vote. Workers will vote on the proposal by mail and in person over the next week, with votes to be counted the day the universitys offer expires on Sept. 5. In the event that members follow their union leaders cue and reject the offer, workers could head to the picket lines or decide to go back to the negotiating table. The universitys offer includes $1,000 bonuses over the next two years, 5% wage increases, and additional market adjustments ranging from 0.5% to 2% depending on the job and seniority. The proposal also includes pay increases for shifts that begin early in the morning or end late at night. The average unionized service worker makes $26.11 per hour, according to the union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The offer is silent on health care premiums, which are slated to rise around 10% across the university in the coming year. The union wants to limit those increases, which would eat into the wage gains. Health care is a big deal for our membership and its why a lot of our members work at the university, said Jackson Kerr, business agent and lead negotiator for Teamsters Local 320. When the university raises health care costs, Teamsters feel it the most because we represent the lowest paid workers. University of Minnesota spokesman Joe Linstroth noted the university pays 78% of medical coverage costs for employees and that other public employers may increase costs by as much as 22% next year. The universitys proposed premium increases would cost a single employee about $7-$10 more per month and an employee with dependents about $30-$40 more per month. Federal budget cuts and rising costs have strained university budgets across the country, leading the University of Minnesotas Board of Regents to approve the largest tuition hike in over a decade while cutting spending by 7% on academics, student services and research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union and broader university community are aware of the financial challenges that higher education faces in the near and long term. The university is not immune to those challenges, a spokesperson for the university said in a statement following the strike authorization vote. The university had sought to bypass seniority and pay new hires higher wages than current staff in the same position; that was a nonstarter for the union, and the university dropped it. The university previously turned to gig workers to fill open dining services positions, paying people with no experience 35% more per hour than full-time staff with years of service. Service workers at the university also authorized a strike three years ago, but called it off after reaching an agreement that raised the minimum hourly wage from $15 to $20. In announcing their intention to strike, the union boasted of its large strike fund that would allow its members many living paycheck-to-paycheck to forgo wages and walk the picket line in the event of a protracted strike. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters approved enhanced strike benefits for University of Minnesota members of $1,000 per week, which exceeds the weekly pay of many members, the union said. U.S.-Mexico border fence to be painted black as deterrent SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI)A new paint job is in store for the fence along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, announced the mission to paint the fence along the U.S.-Mexico border black to deter people from climbing it and to address wear and tear. The President specifically recognized that black gets hotter in this weather and in this heat, Noem said during a press conference Tuesday. When you touch something that is hot during these kinds of temperatures, it is very difficult to climb it, to touch it, to handle it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed, which allocated $46.6 billion toward border wall construction. We dont know how many people are climbing the border wall, but we do usually see border wall ladders thrown about, Pedro Rios of the American Friends Service Committee said. Rios and the American Friends Service Committee have worked with migrants along the San Diego border for decades. He said people are climbing the border wall to seek refuge after leaving difficult situations in their home countries. Its another feature of seeking to create a condition where people that are climbing it could be harmed because itll be hotter to the touch, Rios said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rios also said he doesnt think it will serve as a significant deterrent. However, it will not likely have a direct impact or much of an impact on people who are intending to cross, Rios said. The smuggling networks are always getting smart ideas about how to cross the U.S.Mexico border, including maybe using gloves to prevent them burning their hands. Rios said he thinks the administrations should try a more humanitarian approach. How do we create mechanisms to secure that peoples humanitarian and human rights are respected and not cause conditions that will create greater harm and suffering for people, Rios said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Negotiations on a treaty to limit global plastic waste ended last week not with a bang, but with a whimper. In the early hours of Aug. 15, after two compromise draft texts were rejected by various groupings within the 183 negotiating countries, the chair of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee simply adjourned the talks. It was the end, at least for now, of a process that began three years ago to great fanfare and high expectations. Having attended five sessions of these negotiations as an observer, the ending was disappointing. Negotiators had worked many long days to reach a landmark agreement on ending, or at least curbing, or at the very least managing, the growing plastic pollution crisis. But their efforts were finally defeated by the geopolitics and geoeconomics of a world hooked on plastic. For much of the recent second session of the fifth round in Geneva, negotiators again stuffed the draft with words and tripled the number of brackets used to signal unagreed text. With a day and half to go, more than 70 minister-level officials descended on the talks for a final push, and the committee chair put forward a compromise draft to get through the impasse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That version was quickly condemned by the high ambition participants, the largest bloc at the talks and the most diverse, including small island states, Chile, the European Union, Canada, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Ghana, Mexico, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and others. Their complaints: the omission of a draft article on the production of primary plastic, the most basic building block from which plastic products are made; the lack of binding global obligations; the absence of references to Indigenous peoples; and the maintenance of a consensus requirement for future changes that would have limited the treatys ability to evolve over time. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. In response, the chair released a marginally stronger revised draft shortly before midnight on the last day. A stormy three-hour meeting between heads of delegations then confirmed that this attempt at compromise was dead on arrival in the eyes of states that produce oil and/or plastic, like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran and Kuwaitbut also the United States, China and India. A successful outcome was always going to be difficult. There were simply too many divisive issues splitting too many states in too many ways. Questions like whether to limit the production and supply of primary plastic; how to effectively regulate plastic products and the chemicals of concern that go into them; how to promote the future uptake of more circular, reusable, recyclable products; how to manage end-of-life issues like plastic waste, microplastics, emissions and leakages; and how to handle legacy marine pollution like old fishing nets that afflict island states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond these substantive problems, there were thorny implementation and design issues: the voting threshold, scientific input, and other features needed to make the treatys implementation mechanisms effective, and the financing mechanism. It proved impossible to address all of these issues under a consensus requirement in the time given and in the manner in which the talks were conducted and chaired. Indeed, the process itself was onerous and chaotic. If better managed, the final 48 hours might have led to a different outcome. During the final two rounds, ever-larger groups of delegationseach comprising between 90 to 120 states or more, primarily from the high-ambition coalition or those most affected by plastic pollutioncoalesced around specific proposals for the different articles being considered for an effective treaty. The divisions among states are likely too wide to bridge via consensus, but other pathways to a treaty may be available. On the other side, 20-25 states led by the Arab group and the so-called like-minded countrieseffectively the oil-producing and plastic-producing statesremained staunchly opposed to global rules and believed the treaty should be limited to waste management alone. Based on its positions in Geneva, the U.S. revealed itself as a member of this latter group in all but name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when Chinathe worlds largest producer of plasticsas well as India and Brazil put their thumbs on the scale in favor of a text with no global obligations and subject to a rigid consensus requirement at every future step, any remaining room for agreement evaporated. There is no denying the ecological and human harm of plastics. But in retrospect, the original framing of the talks as negotiations to simply end plastic pollution probably failed to adequately anticipate very sizeable and real geoeconomics dimensions like lost state revenue, the sunk costs of petrochemical investments, and the time that is needed for alternate industrial trajectories. In any event, this failure will need to be reported back to the U.N. Environmental Assembly in December unless a third session is convened before then. This is unlikely but not out of the question. A fresh set of ministerial meetingseither on the margins of the U.N. General Assembly in September or at the annual U.N. Climate Conference in Novembermay be able to revive the talks or give them some direction. Plastic-producing states and other opponents of a meaningful treaty are happy for now, but they risk winning the battle only to lose the war. That is, they may stamp out the possibility of a treaty so thoroughly as to fuel greater and wider anti-plastic resistance while forsaking their ability to keep a hand in globally managing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such an outcome would take years, perhaps decades. Still, celebration is prematurewhether in Riyadh, Beijing, Washington or fossil fuel boardrooms around the world. Amid rising global awareness of harmful plastics and their petrochemical building blocks, the ability of both countries and companies to churn out harmful plastics to shore up declining energy profits is on borrowed time. Certainly, the countries most afflicted by plastics pollution have yet to figure out how to leverage the power of their numbers in a concerted fashion. They left Geneva feeling frustrated and betrayed that despite a universal agreement among U.N. member states in 2022 to address the full life cycle of plastics, they were left hanging. What are the pathways to an agreement now? Treaty-making in this era of declining multilateral cooperation is hard but not impossible. Three global treaties have been adopted by consensus in the past two years: the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction in 2023, the U.N. Convention against Cybercrime in 2024, and, after the U.S. delegation withdrew, the 2025 Pandemic Agreement. Negotiations on treaties to promote tax cooperation and to prevent crimes against humanity are also underway. When it comes to a plastics treaty, the divisions among states are now likely too wide to bridge via consensus, but other pathways may be available. A majority of states could seek a new negotiating mandate through a vote at the U.N. General Assembly, as was done for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2016-2017. Or the same group could go outside the U.N. entirely, which has precedent in the 1997 Ottawa Convention on land mines. In both of those cases, a coalition of states forged ahead on their own, trusting that more countries would sign on over time, as they eventually did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even here, there are obstacles. The plastics treaty negotiations until now have shown the difficulties of herding even well-intentioned cats. And those seeking to end plastic pollution will have to advance without, and perhaps against, a powerful coalition that includes China, India, the U.S., and many petrostates. As a result, many states may resort to a more behavioral approach, utilizing tools like boycotts. More and more countries, including China, are simply refusing to absorb the plastic waste of others. Increasingly, consumers are concerned about the adverse effects of plastics on human health, including fertility. Future regional or continental bans on plasticthink Africa, Latin America, and Europeare possible, in time. The coming months will confirm whether the window has definitively closed on a consensus-based treaty. They will also reveal whether there is sufficient appetite for a coalition-based one. Joshua Lincoln is a senior fellow at the Fletcher Schools Center on International Law and Governance at Tufts University, and a visiting fellow of Kellogg College, University of Oxford. He sits on the board of directors of the Global Governance Forum and the board of advisors of Cambrian Futures. He is the former secretary-general of the Bahai International Community and a former senior staff member of the United Nations. The post After U.N. Talks Collapse, a Narrow Path to a Global Plastics Treaty appeared first on World Politics Review. U.S. President Donald Trump is deploying a flotilla of warships and other military assets to the waters off Venezuela in an operation aimed at Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The ominous move signals a growing frustration with the Venezuelan leader over the flow of illicit narcotics into the United States. Maduro remains a fugitive from a 2020 U.S. indictment on narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges. Trump last week ordered at least three Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers, a submarine and other assets to head toward the South American nation, a source familiar with the operation confirmed to The War Zone on Wednesday. Earlier this week, Reuters reported that in addition to the destroyers, some 4,000 Marines aboard an Amphibious Ready Group made-up of three ships were also deploying to the region. If this ends up being the case, it would put a remarkably large, versatile, and powerful armada of U.S. ships off Venezuelas coast. The USS Gravely, one of the three Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers that will reportedly be deployed to the coast of Venezuela as part of the Trump administrations fight against drug traffickers (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Seelbach) A helicopter from the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Gravely took part in an attack on Houthi ships menacing a commercial vessel in the Red Sea. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Seelbach While the exact nature of this movement remains unclear, it is part of Trumps larger effort to get the military involved in the fight against drug traffickers. In response, Maduro on Monday announced the planned deployment of more than 4.5 million militia members around the country. They are volunteers designated to bolster the armed forces defense against 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. U.S. President Donald Trump has Venezuela in his crosshairs. (Google Earth) Trump, whose problems with Maduro date back to the American presidents first term, has accused the Venezuelan leader of being a key part of the international drug trade he targeted as a top priority to fight. The White House considers Maduro a narco-terrorist. President Trump has been very clear and consistent, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday when asked about the troop deployments and whether the U.S. will put boots on the ground in Venezuela. Hes prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice. The Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela. It is a narco-terror cartel led by Maduro. It is the view of this administration that he 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. No es casual que apenas dias despues de que Trump se reuniera con Putin, suceda esto. Venezuela es un punto estrategico para el kremlin. Si no hay acuerdo de paz, Maduro tiene sus dias contados. pic.twitter.com/E662kAFfCQ Fabrizio Mercado Soria (@fabriziosoria) August 20, 2025 Exactly what the U.S. plans to do with its military assets in regards to Maduro remains murky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, U.S. officials told CNN that it had ordered naval movements in the region to contain the threat from drug trafficking groups. On Monday, Reuters reported that the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson and some 4,000 military personnel would arrive at the edge of Venezuelas territorial waters within the next 36 hours. 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, Reuters added. 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 P-8 is a maritime patrol aircraft, not primarily a spy plane, but it is capable of myriad surveillance tasks. Boeing P-8-A Poseidons, like the one pictured, will also reportedly take part in the Venezuelan deployment. (CARL COURT/AFP via Getty Images) The Boeing P-8A Poseiden had one of the highest mission-capable rates of the eight aircraft reviewed by GAO. (CARL COURT/AFP via Getty Images) In addition, the official told Reuters that 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. On Tuesday, however, a US Department of Defense official told CNN there were no U.S. warships in the area, nor have the ships received orders to head there. We have reached out to the White House for clarification and will update this story with any pertinent details provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile our friends at Task & Purpose (T&P) on Monday reported that the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) set sail out of Naval Station Norfolk on Aug. 14. The force includes more than 4,500 sailors and Marines on three ships: The Wasp class amphibious assault ship, the USS Iwo Jima, and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships the USS San Antonio and USS Fort Lauderdale. The Wasp class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) is reportedly part of the Trump administrations anti-drug trafficking efforts in the Caribbean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Logan Goins) Seaman Logan Goins Though T&P noted that the Navy initially described the ARG/MEU movement as a regularly scheduled deployment, the outlet added that Reuters and CNN both reported that the Iwo Jima ARG was heading to the southern Caribbean as part of anti-drug trafficking efforts. A defense official familiar with the situation confirmed those reports to Task & Purpose, the outlet added. The Iwo Jima ARGs deployment was interrupted, however, when Hurricane Erin forced it back to Norfolk, USNI reported on Tuesday. New details on U.S. Navy deployments to Southern Command 3 destroyers will reportedly arrive off the coast of Venezuela within 24 hours (USS Gravely + USS Jason Dunham left Mayport last week, USS Sampson is near the Panama Canal) Littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-St. pic.twitter.com/9JOlNSx3Bk Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) August 19, 2025 Maduro was indicted in a New York federal court in 2020, during the first Trump presidency. He and 14 others, including several close allies, were hit with federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy with the Colombian FARC insurgent group to import cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than 20 years, Maduro and a number of high-ranking colleagues allegedly conspired with the FARC, causing tons of cocaine to enter and devastate American communities, then-U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr said at the time. Back then, the U.S. offered a $15 million reward for his arrest. It was later bumped up to $25 million and earlier this month, the Trump Justice Department announced it was increasing the reward to $50 million. In another action against Venezuelan cartels, Trump in February designated that nations Tren de Aragua, MS-13 in El Salvador and six groups based in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations. His administration has also stepped up immigration enforcement against alleged gang members, including sending thousands of troops to the southern border. El primer poster oficial del gobierno de los Estados Unidos por la captura del terrorista latinoamericano mas buscado de todos los tiempos: el venezolano Nicolas Maduro Moros. pic.twitter.com/Pq0ElEOGuF Agustin Antonetti (@agusantonetti) August 8, 2025 While the nature of the U.S. military response is yet unknown, the deployment of an ARG and guided missile destroyers sends a very strong signal to Maduro. The Pentagon could carry out airstrikes, interdict shipments, or even put a limited number of boots on the ground from international waters in a hurry should Trump so decide. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com An active-duty U.S. Navy sailor was convicted of espionage by a federal jury on Wednesday, according to a Department of Justice press release. Machinists Mate 3rd Class Jinchao Wei, 25, who was stationed at Naval Base San Diego, sold Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer for $12,000 over the course of 18 months. The defendants actions represent an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the U.S. military, Adam Gordon, the United States attorney for the Southern District of California, said in a statement on Wednesday. By trading military secrets to the Peoples Republic of China for cash, he jeopardized not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wei was convicted of six crimes, including conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage and unlawful export of, and conspiracy to export, technical data related to defense articles in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the release said. He was arrested in August 2023 on espionage charges as he arrived for work at the amphibious assault ship Essex at Naval Base San Diego, California. Wei began his criminal plot on Feb. 14, 2022, when he engaged in communication on social media with a Chinese intelligence officer who claimed to work for the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. Regardless of officers feigned identity, evidence presented during court proceedings outlined Weis understanding of the officers ulterior motive, according to the release. This was shortly after he was briefed through counterintelligence training that foreign adversaries might try to recruit him through social media, according to early Military Times reporting, which cited his indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wei, who possessed a U.S. security clearance and was privy to national defense information about the Essexs weapons systems and infrastructure, informed another U.S. Navy petty officer that hed been tasked with spying on behalf of the Peoples Republic of China. Chinese nationals charged with spying on US Navy On Feb. 22, 2022, Wei told the sailor that he was going to make $500 for providing intel to an individual who appeared to be a Chinese intelligence officer and that he was aware his conduct was illegal. This is quite obviously fucking espionage, Wei said to his fellow service member. The sailor told Wei he should delete the intelligence officers number from his phone and walk away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wei instead doubled down, commencing his spying campaign and switching to an encrypted messaging platform for communication with the intelligence officer, whom he referred to as Big Brother Andy. Between March 2022 and August 2023, when Wei was arrested, Wei sent the Chinese intelligence officer photos and videos of the Essex, locations of multiple Navy ships and sensitive intel about the Essexs defense systems. Wei raided restricted U.S. Navy computers stealing and sending thousands of pages of information about U.S. Navy warships to the officer and informed the latter about the potential weaknesses of other Navy vessels. Wei collected $12,000 over 18 months, selling the Chinese intelligence officer 60 technical and operating manuals about Navy ships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government proved Weis legal culpability, demonstrating that he knew the treasonous ramifications of his actions. On Feb. 5, 2023, Wei texted his mother, boasting of his financial windfall, according to another press release the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California sent Military Times in an email. Other Chinese serving in the US Navy are still trying to figure out how to make extra money, and driving cabs, he wrote. Whereas I am just leaking secrets. Wei even combed the internet for another case involving a U.S. Navy sailor convicted of espionage, reading a Department of Justice press release similar to the one he would find himself in years later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon his arrest, Wei admitted guilt, acknowledging that his decision to provide secrets to China was espionage and patently wrong. Im screwed, he told FBI agents during an interview after he was taken into custody. Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1, at 9 a.m. The 14 witnesses who spoke during the trial included FBI agents, Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers, U.S. Navy officers and civilians and U.S. State Department officials. The FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by the Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parmley from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California and Trial Attorney Adam Barry from the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, announced a run for Texas attorney general Thursday, joining a crowded Republican primary field vying to replace Ken Paxton. A conservative but often rebellious member of Congress, Roy served as Paxtons top deputy for two years before becoming an outspoken critic of his former boss. Roy, the policy chair of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, is best known in Congress for his strong desire to shrink the federal government and willingness to procedurally delay or tank GOP bills he thinks are insufficiently committed to that cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Austin Republican has represented his Central Texas district since 2019. He has led efforts to reimburse his home state for border security spending and require voters to prove U.S. citizenship. In a statement, Roy said he could continue his congressional work "forever and be fulfilled professionally," but he does not believe members of Congress should serve permanently. Watching the community in his district come together in the wake of the devastating July 4 Hill Country flooding, Roy added, made him want to return to Texas permanently. "Texas is under assault from open-border politicians, radical leftists and faceless foreign corporations that threaten our sovereignty, safety and our way of life," the Austin Republican said. "It's time to draw a line in the sand. As Attorney General, I will fight every single day for our God-given rights, for our families and for the future of Texas." As attorney general, he said he would use his congressional and legal background to take on a variety of ills he sees in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No more Soros-funded judges and [district attorneys] putting criminals on our streets," he said. "No more judge-made mandates that Texas pay for illegals in our public schools. No more communities built on Sharia law." Through his six years in Congress, Roy has clashed with members of his party, including President Donald Trump, over his opposition to federal spending bills and efforts to raise the debt ceiling. He provoked Trumps ire for being among the few Texas Republicans willing to certify the 2020 election results, later saying Trump engaged in clearly impeachable conduct. Roy also opposed a lawsuit brought by Paxton seeking to overturn election results in four states, saying the case represented a dangerous violation of federalism. Roys occasionally antagonistic relationship with Trump will likely become an issue in the primary, along with his move in 2020 to call for Paxtons resignation after the attorney generals senior staff reported him to the FBI for alleged bribery and abuse of office. When those concerns came to light, Roy was among the first to call for Paxton to step down, saying in a statement that his former boss should give up his office for the good of the people of Texas and the extraordinary public servants who serve at the Office of the Attorney General. In an interview Thursday with conservative radio host Mark Davis, Roy said he and Paxton are friends who share similar worldviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roy said his support of the impeachment effort owed to wanting to "give the benefit of the doubt"to his old coworkers who had brought allegations against Paxton, and that questions surrounding his conduct had been asked and answered through the impeachment trial. "I wish Ken all the best," Roy said. "We have extraordinary overlapping belief systems. ... There were some differences of opinion. That happens in politics." Roys candidacy shakes up an already crowded field that includes state Sens. Joan Huffman of Houston and Mayes Middleton of Galveston, and Aaron Reitz, a former senior aide to Paxton and at the Department of Justice. Roy enters the race with more than $2.5 million in his federal campaign account and a likely headstart on name recognition, stemming from his frequent appearances in the national spotlight. A recent poll of the attorney general race conducted by Texas Southern University, which did not include Roy, found a wide-open contest, with 73% of likely Republican primary voters unsure of who to vote for. Huffman led at 12%, with Middleton at 8% and Reitz at 7%. At least 60% of voters indicated they did not know enough about any of the three to form an opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the biggest attorney general's office in a red state, Texas' top lawyer serves an outsized role in the conservative legal movement a position Paxton has occupied since 2015 and which put him at the center of legal battles with Democratic presidents. Roy said he sees the office as a bulwark against encroachment from radical worldviews, including in the federal government. Though an ideological ally is in the White House at the moment, Roy said Texas' attorney general needs to be vigilant against those threats, as Paxton has been. "Ken and his team have done a great job fighting to defend Texas," Roy said in the radio interview. "Were going to continue that legacy going forward. The primary contest, sparked by Paxtons run for U.S. Senate, will mark the first test of whether Roys at times frosty relationship with Trump and his outspoken comments against Paxton will withstand scrutiny on the statewide primary ballot. Those factors have not damaged Roys electoral prospects thus far in his home district, where the Austin Republican most recently drew a primary challenger in 2022 and won with 83% of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before his election to Congress, Roy served in a number of senior roles for some of Texas top Republican officials. He began his political career as legal counsel to Sen. John Cornyn, and served as director of state-federal relations under Gov. Rick Perry. He also ghostwrote Perrys pro-federalism book, Fed Up!, and worked on his 2012 presidential campaign. Roy was working as chief of staff for Sen. Ted Cruz when Paxton was elected to statewide office in 2014. Paxton hired Roy as his first assistant attorney general, and he worked on high-profile cases from Paxtons first term like the successful legal challenge against the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans program. Roy left the office less than two years later, the first of several dramatic staff shake-ups that have marked Paxtons tenure. He was replaced by Jeff Mateer, who was among the senior aides who reported Paxton to the FBI. After the Texas House voted to impeach Paxton over the same allegations that formed the basis of the FBI complaint, Roy reiterated his support for the whistleblowers, saying their integrity is rock solid against political hot air. Paxton was later acquitted by the Texas Senate. 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. U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez met with Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina on Aug. 20, 2025 at the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office headquarters in Albuquerque. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM) In a wide-ranging conversation on Wednesday with police leaders from central New Mexico about local public safety issues, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) said he wants to make it a federal crime to not safely store firearms around children and wants to regulate social media use that encourages violence. Vasquez also discussed his efforts to boost funding for local law enforcement needs versus immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office headquarters in downtown Albuquerque, law enforcement officials raised their own concerns regarding local public safety issues. For instance, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina told Vasquez the areas biggest problem is providing treatment to unhoused people for substance use disorders and other mental health diagnoses, and suggested he find more funding for the city of Albuquerque and Bernalillo Countys existing mental health facilities. He also said the problem wont improve until local courts can process more of the cases against the people police arrest. He said all they could ever process would be approximately a quarter of all arrests in the county. They cant be prosecuted, Medina said. And its unfortunate: The most likely cases that are going to be dumped are involving individuals with mental health concerns or substance abuse problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Valencia County south of Albuquerque, officers are seeing a lot of unhoused New Mexicans who are dealing with behavioral health and substance use disorders coming from across the state and exiting off the Rail Runner commuter lines last stop in Belen, according to Belen Interim Police Chief Adam Keck. Theres nothing really theyre doing, Keck told Vasquez. Maybe yelling and going crazy but theyre not really disturbing or committing a crime at all. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen and New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler repeatedly brought up crime they say young people are committing using firearms and driving getaway vehicles on behalf of criminal gangs. Vasquez asked where young people are obtaining guns, and Medina said both children and adults are stealing guns from vehicles and selling them on social media platforms. Weisler said the guns are sold on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Medina said most of the stolen guns owners are not reporting when the thefts happen. Vasquez said he supports federal legislation called Ethans Law that would set standards for safe gun storage and give states incentives to create and implement safe gun storage laws. New Mexico in 2023 made it a misdemeanor to negligently allow a minor to access a firearm that they then use to harm themselves or others. Its your duty and responsibility to report a stolen firearm because you know that its probably going to be used in a crime, Vasquez said. Nobody steals your .22 to go rabbit hunting. The congressman told attendees his staff will look into regulating social media use that promotes criminal activity on services like Telegram and Signal. U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (center right) met with Belen Interim Police Chief Adam Keck, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina, Bernalillo County Undersheriff Aaron Williamson, Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen and New Mexico State Police leaders on Aug. 20, 2025 in Albuquerque. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM) Vasquez also said Wednesday he wants to put parameters on the $170 billion allocated in the big beautiful bill for President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, including nearly $30 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vasquez said Congress gave the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, a blank check, and he is working on legislation, which he has not introduced yet, that would place limits on how the agency spends the money. Were going to advocate that it be used for public safety at the local level, he said. Asked for more detail about the future legislation, Communications Director Delaney Wehn would only tell Source that Vasquezs office has big news set to drop next Monday. I cant share what it is yet but its national news, Wehn said in a text message. Medina referenced the possibility of the federal government withholding funding from Albuquerque, which was singled out earlier this month by the U.S. Department of Justice as New Mexicos sole so-called sanctuary jurisdiction. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the federal government would bring litigation and other penalties against cities, states and other jurisdictions with such policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will have grant funding withheld from us, Medina said. It will get tied up in the courts, and eventually it will work its way to where Im confident well get it but in the interim, were going to lose funding that we use each and every year to assist our officers. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE As armed gangs continue to sow chaos in Haiti, the United States is looking to double the size of the foreign forces deployed in the fight, with possibly another country, rather than Kenya, taking the lead. Speaking at an Organization of American States meeting on Wednesday, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Kimberly J. Penland told foreign leaders that the U.S. is drafting a resolution to present to the United Nations Security Council to properly resource Haitis fight to reduce gang territorial control. The proposal, which endorses a proposal by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide logistical and operation support using peacekeeping money, would also come with other changes if adopted. Should the U.N. Security Council pursue this model, then we will also seek robust regional participation to provide strategic leadership of the force, Penland said, declining to go into details, which were later shared with the Miami Herald by a source privy to the U.S.s thinking at the U.N. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penland prefaced her comments by thanking Kenya for its dedication, leadership and support for the last year and answering the call to come to Haitis rescue at a critical moment, demonstrating enormous compassion and courage, putting its people in harms way while thousands of miles away from home and preventing a complete collapse of the Haitian state. Kenyas long-awaited deployment of nearly 1,000 police officers to Port-au-Prince began in June 2024 after months of delays following court cases in Nairobi and Republican opposition in Congress. Since, then the mission has continued to face challenges from a lack of equipment to its inability to increase its ranks. The revelation of the plans by the U.S. and its co-author, Panama, which include rebranding the mission and re-envisioning its operations, came during a presentation by OAS Secretary-General Albert Ramdin on a three-year, $2.6 billion roadmap for Haiti. Presenting the plan to foreign ministers representing the group of 35 Latin American and Caribbean countries as well as a handful of observer nations, Ramdin said the plan reflects the lack of coordination in helping Haiti tackle its crisis. It is not meant to be telling others what to do, but its based on a logical framework, Ramdin said of the proposal, which is similar to what the U.S. and the U.N. sought to do after the countrys 2010 earthquake, bringing all parties together under the umbrella of an Inter-Haiti Recovery Commission. No single actor or donor can solve the crisis alone; it will require all of us to work together based on our specific capabilities and commitment, which we can bring to the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Revised from an earlier, much-criticized $1.4 billion version that initially had most of the money $900 million going to humanitarian response as opposed to the gang fight, the new proposal calls for a $1.33 billion investment in efforts to rebuild the Haiti National Police, reform the justice system and dismantle gangs transnational criminal networks. Its over a period of 34 to 36 months, Ramdin said. It doesnt mean we expect everything to be resolved in that period. But we need to put a certain time frame on this process. It could take longer, but we hope that after 36 months we could have a situation where security is reasonably under control. While Ramdin found a receptive audience on Wednesday, the challenge facing the OAS was clear. Speaker after speaker reminded the room that the organization doesnt command a military force and should not step on Haitis sovereignty. The caution comes as the OAS finds itself in Washingtons crosshairs. Since coming into office, the Trump administration has been withdrawing its support from multilateral organizations, and the OAS, which relies heavily on funding from the U.S., may soon find itself among those on the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, testifying before Congress, suggested that the OAS could lead a military intervention in Haiti and then challenged the group to play a greater role. In June, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, in a speech before the OAS General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda, criticized the group for failing to provide a force to stabilize Haiti and questioned its usefulness amid crises in Haiti and Venezuela. If the OAS is unwilling or unable to play a constructive role in Haiti, then we must seriously ask ourselves why the OAS exists, Landau said. Before the Antigua gathering ended, the General Assembly adopted a resolution to propose concrete solutions to resolve the crisis in Haiti and strengthen international participation. Ramdin insisted Wednesday that his revised roadmap is a work in progress. He welcomed input from member countries including Haiti, whose alternative representative, Jean Josue Pierre, insisted that the roadmap has to be thought out in terms of its budget and underscored that it must reflect Haitian priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pierre then quoted from a recent speech by Transitional Presidential Council, Laurent Saint-Cyr, as he was being sworn in earlier this month. Security, he said, is the one thing 12 million Haitians are all waiting on. Without it all the rest will crumble, constitutional, economic rebuilding, elections, Pierre said. Penland, the U.S. representative, echoed the call for security to be prioritized, telling Ramdin the U.S. welcomes the urgency with which this roadmap was developed. The question before us is how the OAS, member states and observers, alongside the Haitian government, will contribute to restoring a minimal level of security in the face of these threats Haiti faces from terrorists, organized criminals, insurgents and gangs, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regaining territorial control and securing key travel corridors are essential prerequisites for elections, she said, as well as for the provision of humanitarian assistance. The next international force must be resourced to hold territory, secure infrastructure and complement the Haitian national police, Penland said. In parallel, a comprehensive approach is required to disrupt getting financing, arms trafficking and other illicit flows, fueling and stability. On Tuesday, Rubio spoke to Kenya President William Ruto and commended the African nations continued leadership and ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in Haiti, a statement from the State Department said. A State Department spokesperson told the Herald that the U.S. has so far allocated over $835 million in financial and in kind-support for the mission, including $150 million in foreign assistance for logistics support and equipment, $60 million worth of equipment and services and up to $625 million from the Defense Department. In comparison, a U.N. Trust Fund dedicated to raising money for the current Kenya-led mission has so far raised only $112.5 million. While Canada is the largest donor to the fund, no Latin American or Caribbean country has contributed. Caribbean nations, meanwhile, have pulled back their commitments or put them on hold. Jamaica, gearing up for national elections next month, still has only about two dozen people in Port-au-Prince, while both The Bahamas and Belize have reduced their small numbers. Barbados earlier this year said it would not be sending troops. Even if the U.S. manages to get the U.N. Security Council to endorse a new mandate for a multinational security support force in Haiti, the administration will find itself hard pressed to reach its goal of doubling the number of personnel from 2,500, which has yet to be achieved, to 5,000. The University of Connecticut is set to welcome its largest incoming freshman class in the history of the university, officials said. A record 4,715 new first-year students in the class of 2029 will be enrolled in classes at the Storrs campus, an increase from last years figure of about 4,500. Another 1,850 students are set to be enrolled across the Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury and Avery Point campuses, according to university spokesperson Stephanie Reitz. Applications soared this year, with 63,200 high school students applying, according to the university. In total, the largest-ever group of about 6,550 first-year students are set to begin this fall at UConn, Reitz said. With the incoming freshmen, UConn expects to have about 25,500 undergraduates at its campuses around the state, including more than 20,500 at Storrs, when classes start on Monday for the 2025-26 academic year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the first-year students joining UConn, about 760 students are transferring to Storrs from other institutions, along with about 200 new transfer students at the regional campuses, according to the university. We are thrilled to welcome a remarkably talented and diverse first-year class, UConn director of undergraduate admissions Vern Granger said in UConn Today. This class represents our universitys commitment to academic excellence and inclusive representation, and were confident their contributions will strengthen our UConn community for years to come. First-year students will start moving into UConns residence halls on Thursday and Friday, with returning students moving back over the weekend, according to UConn. While the university has historically dealt with a housing crunch as enrollment has climbed and housing has lagged, officials say this year is different, with several new off-campus housing options available. Reitz said that several new housing additions on and near campus have allowed for more choices for students. The university added more than 600 beds in 384 units in The Oaks apartments; and the opening of The Standard, a privately developed community near campus, added almost 400 apartments ranging from studios to three bedrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Standard, developed by Landmark Properties and located on Storrs Road, has 390 units with a total of 890 beds, according to the developer. The Standard is privately developed and students lease from them directly. Theres no relationship or connection to UConn, but the proximity to campus will be convenient for our students, Reitz said. As UConn enrollment spikes, a housing squeeze tightens. Whats being done across state to address it At The Oaks on The Square apartments, a privately-owned complex in downtown Storrs on the campus southern border, UConn is leasing 384 units to accommodate more than 600 undergraduates, the school said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UConns decision to lease units in The Oaks provides students with housing that is very similar to apartment-style properties offered on campus, including having on-site resident assistants and a hall director, Reitz said. It also gives them the flexibility to buy a meal plan and eat on campus, cook meals in their apartments, or both. In many ways, their experience will mirror that of apartment-style living in UConn-owned properties, other than working directly with The Oaks on issues such as maintenance requests. UConn works closely with many students through its off-campus housing services to help them find options that fit their needs, including seeking roommate arrangements, Reitz said. In addition, to help meet the housing needs in Storrs, UConn decided not to offer students enrolled in Hartford the option to live in Storrs this fall. In the last academic year, about 275 first-years and sophomores at the Hartford campus took up the option. About 1,500 undergraduates were enrolled at Hartford as of the fall of 2024. UConn already planned its first residence hall in Hartford on Pratt Street for up to 200 students to be completed by the fall of 2026. The push for more students to live in downtown Hartford recently drew a round of corporate support, as a major insurer in the city donated $500,000 for housing scholarships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hartford made the gift to the UConn Foundation to help offset the cost of room and board for qualifying students in the $28 million residence hall on Pratt Street, part of an expansion in UConns downtown presence that began in 2017 with the opening of the Hartford regional campus on Front Street. The university also recently changed its housing policy and will now only guarantee first-year students housing, making it more competitive for upperclassmen, leaving some to look off campus. The university houses about two-thirds of its undergraduates on campus, higher than peer institutions, according to Reitz. Housing offers were provided for the coming academic year to all first-year and sophomore students who requested them, and a significant number of juniors and seniors also will be moving into Storrs residence halls this weekend in advance of Monday when classes start, Reitz told the Courant. On the Storrs campus, the university opened its newest residence facility last fall the $215 million Connecticut Hall with 657 beds in a suite design as part of the South campus at Storrs. Major features include ample collaboration space for students to work together and lounge space on every floor and a living room on the ground level. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com. At the University of Floridas first faculty senate meeting of the school year on Thursday, interim president Kent Fuchs said the schools search for a new president has become more challenging after the state rejected its pick. In a recorded message, Fuchs who has extended his stay as interim until Sept. 1 said not only did the university lose out on Santa Ono, previously the president of the higher-ranked University of Michigan, but that the university continues to be led by several interim leaders at dean levels that would likely have been already filled by Ono. The presidents search has become more challenging with the development of the past few months, but fundamentally UF is still one of the nations truly great universities with amazing students, staff, faculty and serving as one of its leaders in any role is a privilege and fabulous opportunity, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fuchs said he remained confident in the universitysBoard of Trustees to pick a candidate who is an outstanding leader with a demonstrated record of building academic excellence and someone who will be acceptable to other entities that also need to approve the appointment. The Board of Trustees has scheduled an in-person meeting at Emerson Hall at 11 a.m. Monday with Leadership as an agenda item. The subtext here is that it is possible that the board will advance an interim president on Monday, but that remains to be seen, interim Provost Joe Glover told faculty. Glover offered words of encouragementto faculty as they started the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I appreciate the concerns many faculty may be feeling as we navigate this environment, he said. While I dont want to minimize those concerns, I want to share a lesson drawn from my experience dating from when I first arrived at UF, 43 years ago. During my career here, I have experienced budget crises, leadership upheavals and a pandemic. While all seemed daunting at the time, UF not only survived but emerged stronger than ever. We were an OK state university when I arrived in 1982, he said. Today, we are a Top 10 public university. Uganda will accept migrants from other countries who are deported from the U.S., Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary Bagiire Vincent Waiswa said. "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, Waiswa said in a statement on X on Thursday. White House border czar Tom Homan previously told POLITICO the administration is looking to make deals with many countries to accept migrants who the U.S. deports and whose home countries are either unwilling or unable to accept back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has increasingly leaned on these third countries amid the presidents bid to dramatically increase deportations including hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants sent to the notorious Salvadoran CECOT prison in March. A July Supreme Court decision also allowed the Trump administration to deport non-Sudanese nationals to South Sudan, a country that the State Department said was too dangerous for Americans other than essential personnel. Homan previously said that the agreements with other countries are integral to carrying out Trumps mass deportation agenda. If there is a significant public threat or national security threat theres one thing for sure theyre not walking the streets of this country. Well find a third, safe nation to send them to, and were doing it, Homan said. The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Ugandas announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waiswa said that conditions of the agreement stipulate Uganda will not accept individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors. Uganda also prefers that individuals from African countries shall be the ones transferred to Uganda, he said. The two parties are working out the detailed modalities on how the agreement shall be implemented. Uganda has agreed to take in nationals from third countries who may not get asylum in the United States but do not wish to return to their countries of origin, Kampalas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The ministry said on Thursday that the agreement is based on the conditions that those seeking asylum do not have criminal records and that they are not unaccompanied minors, adding that details of the deal are still being worked out. US President Donald Trump aims to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, with his administration seeking to increase removals to third countries, including by sending convicted criminals to South Sudan and the southern African kingdom of Eswatini. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At roughly 1.7 million, Uganda already hosts the largest refugee population in Africa, according to the United Nations, and is the latest East African country to announce such a deal with Washington, joining Rwanda and South Sudan. This is a temporary arrangement with conditions including that individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors will not be accepted, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, the ministrys permanent secretary, said in a statement. He also stated Ugandas preference that individuals from African countries shall be the ones transferred to Uganda. The two parties are working out the detailed modalities on how the agreement shall be implemented, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not clear if the agreement had been signed, but the ministry statement said it had been concluded. The announcement comes a day after a senior Ugandan official denied media reports saying that the country had agreed to take in people deported from the US, saying it lacked the facilities to accommodate them. Foreign Affairs Minister Henry Okello Oryem told the Associated Press news agency that while Uganda has a benevolent refugee policy, there are limits. We are talking about cartels: people who are unwanted in their own countries. How can we integrate them into local communities in Uganda? he asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the government was in discussions about visas, tariffs, sanctions, and related issues, not accepting illegal aliens from the US. That would be unfair to Ugandans. The UNs refugee agency notes that Uganda has a progressive refugee policy, maintaining an open-door approach to asylum. However, the country also saw a significant increase in arrivals in 2024, it said, primarily as a result of Sudans civil war, but also unrest in South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has taken a number of actions aimed at speeding up deportations of undocumented migrants to third countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, the US deported five men with criminal backgrounds to Eswatini and sent eight more to South Sudan. Trumps administration also deported hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador, where they were kept in a high-security jail with poor conditions before being returned to Venezuela. Rights experts have warned that the deportations risk breaking international law by sending people to countries where they face the risk of torture, abduction and other abuses. Britain is grappling with its highest-ever number of asylum applications, official data showed Thursday, as a political storm brews over the temporary housing of thousands of migrants in hotels. Immigration is a thorny issue in the UK, where Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer is struggling to stem rising support for a hard-right party led by anti-immigrant firebrand Nigel Farage. His Reform UK campaigners are tapping into anger over record numbers of undocumented migrants making the dangerous crossing the Channel from France to England small boats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, according to figures released by the Home Office, the UK's interior ministry. That was the highest for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001. Farage said Britain's "streets are becoming more dangerous yet this disaster gets worse". The government has insisted it is "restoring order" to the asylum system. "We have strengthened Britain's visa and immigration controls, cut asylum costs and sharply increased enforcement and returns," said interior minister Yvette Cooper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statistics showed that while asylum claims are up, officials are processing those applications faster than before as they seek to clear a backlog. At the end of June, some 91,000 people were awaiting a decision, down 24 percent on the previous year, the Home Office said. - Hotel ban - Starmer's government views clearing the backlog of cases as essential to fulfilling its pledge to end the use of hotels to house asylum seekers by the end of this parliament in 2029. Under a 1999 law, the interior ministry "is required to provide accommodation and subsistence support to all destitute asylum seekers whilst their asylum claims are being decided". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the use of hotels, which hit peak levels under the previous centre-right Conservative government, costs Britain billions of pounds -- and they also have become flashpoints for sometimes violent protests. The Home Office data showed that 32,059 migrants were staying in hotels at the end of June. That is an eight-percent increase on the same month last year -- just before Starmer became prime minister -- but well below the high of 56,042, recorded at the end of September 2023. Labour has said the use of migrant hotels has fallen from a high of 400 two years ago to around 230 presently. Thursday's figures also showed that spending on asylum had fallen 12 percent from 5.38 billion in 2023/24 to 4.76 billion in 2024/25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 50,000 people have crossed the Channel since Starmer became UK leader in July last year, including almost 28,000 this year -- a record since data began in 2018 for this stage of a year. The Home Office data showed that irregular arrivals soared 27 percent on the previous year, with 88 percent of those coming by small boats. Starmer's government has signed several agreements with countries as it tries to break up gangs of people-smugglers facilitating the crossings. It penned a new returns deal with Iraq this week and has struck a "one-in, one-out" pilot programme with Paris, which allows Britain to send some small-boats arrivals back to France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, a high court judge temporarily blocked the housing of asylum seekers at a hotel near London following protests after a resident there was charged with sexual assault. Several Reform-led councils have vowed to seek similar injunctions which, if granted, would pose a major logistical headache for the government. pdh/jkb/jj LONDON (Reuters) -Britain summoned Israel's ambassador in London on Thursday following Israel's approval of a widely condemned settlement plan that would cut across land which the Palestinians seek for a state. Britain, along with other European nations, has slammed the plan as a "flagrant" breach of international law that would undermine the idea of a two-state solution. (Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by Michael Holden) Britain's Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Office summoned Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to discuss the plans to establish a settlement in E1, between Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim. Britain's Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Office summoned Tzipi Hotovely to discuss the plans to establish a settlement in E1, between Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim, on Thursday. Britain, along with other European nations, has slammed the plan as a "flagrant" breach of international law that would undermine the idea of a two-state solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, France's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the approval by an Israeli planning commission of a project to build settlements in the E1 area east of Jerusalem is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of international law. On Wednesday, Israel said that the E1 project, which would bisect the occupied West Bank and cut it off from east Jerusalem, had received the final go-ahead from a Defense Ministry planning commission. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich approved the new E1 settlement plan near Maaleh Adumim, which would split east Jerusalem from the West Bank. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and a woman hold a map that shows the long-frozen E1 settlement plan, that would split east Jerusalem from the West Bank, on the day of a press conference near the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim, in the West Bank, August 14, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun) Standing at the site of the planned settlement on last Thursday, Smotrich said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump had agreed to the revival of the E1 development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels Civil Administration approved major construction projects in West Bank, marking a significant expansion in Maaleh Adumim in an area known as E1 and the recognition of a new community in Asahel south of Hebron. The E1 plan, long delayed, will add approximately 3,400 housing units, while Ashahels project includes 342 units along with public buildings and infrastructure. Responses from US, Germany The United States last Thursday responded to Smotrich's announcement that work would start on a long-delayed settlement plan that would divide the West Bank, stating that a stable West Bank aligns with the Trump administration's goal for peace in the region. Asked about Smotrich's statement that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump had agreed to the revival of the so-called E1 development, a spokesperson for the US State Department said the US remained focused on ending the war in Gaza and ensuring Hamas will never govern that territory again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administration's goal to achieve peace in the region," the spokesperson said, while referring to the Israeli government for further information. Germany on Friday called on the Israeli government to stop settlement construction in the West Bank after Smotrich said work would start on a plan for thousands of homes in the E1 expansion of Maaleh Adumim that would make it much more difficult to create a Palestinian state. Germany firmly rejects the Israeli governments announcements regarding the approval of thousands of new housing units in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, said a foreign ministry spokesperson in a statement. Pesach Benson/TPS contributed to this report (Refiles to correct day of the week in paragraph 7) By Sam Tabahriti and Catarina Demony LONDON (Reuters) -Britain sanctioned an Iranian oil magnate and four companies on Thursday, saying they are part of a network that supports Tehran's overseas activities, including "destabilisation" in Ukraine and Israel. The sanctions include an asset freeze and travel ban on Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, and an asset freeze on companies in the shipping, petrochemical and financial sectors, the Foreign Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Iran's reliance on revenues from trading networks and connected organisations enables it to carry out its destabilising activities, including supporting proxies and partners across the region and facilitating state threats on UK soil," Britain's Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said. The Iranian embassy in London said it condemned what it called Britain's "unilateral and illegal measures" and "baseless allegations". Shamkhani, the son of an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, could not be reached for comment. The United States, which sanctioned Shamkhani last month, said he controls a vast network of container ships and tankers through a complex web of intermediaries that sell Iranian and Russian oil and other goods throughout the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the companies sanctioned by Britain on Thursday were cited for acting on behalf of or at the direction of Shamkhani, who is accused of aiding Iran's overseas operations. Shamkhani was also sanctioned by the European Union in July. British lawmakers warned last month that Iran posed a growing and multifaceted threat to Britain, and while it does not yet rival the scale of challenges posed by Russia or China, they said the government was ill prepared to confront it. They said the Iranian threat spanned physical attacks and potential assassinations targeting dissidents and Jewish communities, as well as espionage, offensive cyber operations, and efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has rejected these claims, calling them "unfounded, politically motivated and hostile allegations". (Reporting by Sam Tabahriti and Catarina Demony; Editing by Tomasz Janowski) Shortly before dawn on July 9, Russia had fired 728 drones and 13 missiles into Ukraine, making it the largest Russian aerial bombardment of the war so far. The previous record had been set on July 4, and the one before that five days earlier. Russias swarm warfare, enabled by its ability to mass-produce low-cost, long-range attack drones, has exhausted and overwhelmed Ukraines air defences, allowing targets to now be hit three times the typical rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With its stocks of Western air defence missiles depleted and Russias Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones flying faster, higher and with greater precision, Ukraine has become increasingly vulnerable. Credit: X / @wartranslated Volodymyr Zelensky had set a target by the end of July for Ukraine to produce 1,000 interceptor drones a month and blunt Russias relentless drone offensive. The Ukrainian president bet big, estimating it would cost 4.4bn to ramp up production and train more pilots. The maths makes sense. It costs 3m to fire an interceptor missile from a US-made Patriot system or 400,000 for those from the European IRSI-T to knock out a 50,000 Shahed or possibly even a cheap decoy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines new anti-aircraft drones, however, cost as little as 1,000 to 4,000. Depending on the interceptor, they either smash into their target, blow up next to it or shoot it down. Those being produced now have to be able to hunt the newer Shahed variants that are flying out of range of truck-mounted machine gun units, a core pillar of Ukraines air defence. With stocks of Western air defence missiles depleted, Ukraine has become increasingly vulnerable to Russian drones - Yan Dobronosov/Getty Images Kyiv already has a huge domestic drone industry manufacturing cheap but highly effective unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) en masse and quickly adapting them to the evolving aerial battlefield. To domestically produce a low-cost air shield will depend on time, money and whether it can defend against newer Russian drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Ukraines military signed a major deal with Swift Beat, a company belonging to Eric Schmidt, the former Google chief executive, to mass-produce hundreds of thousands of AI-driven drones. Sources say the companys three drones kept secret for security reasons are responsible for 90 per cent of Shahed interceptions. One of Ukraines newest domestically produced interceptors is the Bagnet (Bayonet) UAV, which is being lauded as the Shahed killer. Purpose-built to down the lethal munitions, it can match the increased speeds of the Shahed (up to 150mph), fly at altitudes of 16,500ft with a 10-mile range. It is currently being used by several Ukrainians on the front line, with confirmed successes. Five defence companies are now mass producing it for the military. Wild Hornets, a Ukrainian UAV manufacturer, this month showed its Sting interceptor drone flying at speeds of up to 195mph, making it one of the fastest first-person-view drones on the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a year ago, the Sting flew at half the speed. Now, pilots have used the $2,500 (1,860) model to down at least 100 Shaheds, the company said. Its a small contribution in the fight against Russias drone attacks it launched 6,129 Shahed-type drones in July alone, 14 times the amount launched in July 2024. Ukrainians feel they have found the technical solution to Russias exponential increase in production of Shahed-type drones, but now it is a matter of scaling it up, John Hardie, the deputy director of the Russia programme at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, told The Telegraph. Russias drone factories mass-produced enough Shahed-type weapons to launch 6,129 attacks in July alone - x.com/NOELreports He said Kyiv had already proved it was up to the task, given its success in mass-producing interceptor drones to target Russian reconnaissance drones last year, which helped to blind Moscows eyes in the sky. I was sceptical it could be done, but it could, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results are likely to be seen in six months to a year. Its not as simple as producing drones the pilots need to be trained and radar stations built. And then comes the adaptations, he said. And yet the aerial battlefield changes fast. Ukraine has the edge now but how long this lasts is unclear, said Mr Hardie. Some of Russias attack drones are starting to show an ability to counter Ukraines new interceptors. Its a cat and mouse game, with both sides locked in a technological race to gain the edge in a sky filled with drones. The dance never really stops, he added. Valerii Riabykh, a Ukrainian weapons expert and the editor of Defence Express, said: Frankly speaking, it should take some time for Ukraine to have enough interceptor drones to combine them in an efficient system to counteract enemy suicide drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is also still playing catch-up. Ukrainian charities that crowdfund weapons through civilian donations have been supplying military units with interceptor drones for almost a year. Taras Tymochko, a consultant from one of the largest of them, Come Back Alive, said that they now supply interceptors to 90 units and that over 3,000 Russian drones have been downed as a result, including 100 Shaheds. He told The Telegraph: The Shaheds became the main weapon of terror attacks on our civil population. We needed to increase our capabilities. Shahed drones are the main weapon of terror attacks on our civil population, said Taras Tymochko, a charity consultant - x.com/nexta_tv Mr Tymochko estimates the value of downed Russian drones at $195m (145m), over a dozen times more than the cost of the drones and equipment handed over under the project. When it comes to cost, it cannot be compared, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But interceptor drones are no silver bullet to sealing the holes in Kyivs air defences. The small propeller-powered interceptor drones are also no match for Russian missiles, or for its new jet-powered Shahed-type Geran-3 drones, which can fly at up to 500mph and are difficult to catch and being launched in increasing numbers. It also does not solve the issue of Russias ability to launch cheap mass attacks of drones and decoys all across Ukraine at once as there are simply not enough Ukrainian drone pilots to target them all. They will change the future of air defence, but they wont replace conventional systems, they will compliment them, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That future is coming just not yet. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russia launched a rare drone and missile attack on western Ukraine overnight, officials said Thursday, striking targets including an American-owned electronics plant and injecting further uncertainty into the U.S.-led efforts to end the 3-year-old war. The aerial assault on a part of Ukraine that has largely not experienced such focused attacks was one of Russia's biggest this year and came as Moscow objects to key aspects of proposals that could end the fighting. U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the war with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week before hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex," including drone factories, storage depots, missile launch sites and areas where Ukrainian troops were gathered. Russia has repeatedly denied targeting civilian areas of Ukraine. But in a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote that the Russians practically burned down an American company producing electronics home appliances, nothing military. The Russians knew exactly where they lobbed the missiles. We believe this was a deliberate attack against American property and investments in Ukraine, Zelenskyy wrote, adding: Telling attack, right as the world awaits a clear answer from Russia on negotiations to end the war. Trump last month questioned Putins commitment to ending the war, saying the Russian leader talks nice and then he bombs everybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post Thursday, Trump criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for not providing Ukraine with more weaponry it needs to fight back." It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invaders country, Trump said. Its like a great team in sports that has a fantastic defense, but is not allowed to play offensive. There is no chance of winning! It is like that with Ukraine and Russia. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Trump is considering changes to the types of weapons the U.S. will provide to Kyiv. The push for peace Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has fired nearly 1,000 long-range drones and missiles at Ukraine since Monday's White House talks, according to Ukrainian tallies. European countries are discussing how they can deploy military assets to deter any postwar Russian assault on Ukraine. But the Kremlin wont accept the deployment of any troops from NATO countries, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday that making security arrangements for Ukraine without Moscows involvement was pointless. Putin is ready to meet with Zelenskyy to discuss peace terms, Lavrov said Thursday, but only after key issues have been worked out by senior officials in what could be a protracted negotiating process because the two sides remain far apart. Ukrainian and European leaders have accused Putin of stalling in the peace efforts in the hopes that his bigger army, which has been making slow advances, can capture more Ukrainian land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a conference call Thursday with the national security advisers of European countries expected to play a role in future security guarantees for Ukraine, a senior U.S. official said. In addition to the national security advisers from Britain, Finland, France, Germany and Italy, officials from the European Commission and NATO also joined the call. The U.S. official spoke on condition of anonymity to outline a discussion that had not been publicly announced. Military leaders from the U.S., Ukraine and these five European countries met Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington to work out military options, said Joseph Holstead, a spokesperson for the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. His statement gave no details about what specifically was discussed at the meeting, which also included NATOs supreme allied commander in Europe. But an official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the discussions said, Everything is being considered and nothing is being ruled out, regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, apart from U.S. boots on the ground. Military chiefs and their staffs are looking at a variety of options including how big the security guarantee is and what happens if it is implemented with or without a ceasefire, the official said, noting that European defense chiefs acknowledged its their responsibility to secure Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon's policy chief, Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, attended meetings with European military leaders this week to personally convey that the U.S. military plans to play only a minimal role in any security guarantee for Ukraine, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said in a statement. Western Ukraine is struck Russia launched 574 drones and 40 ballistic and cruise missiles overnight, the Ukrainian air force said. The attack mostly targeted western regions of the country where much of the military aid provided by Ukraines Western allies is believed to be delivered and stored. The strikes killed at least one person and injured 15 others, according to officials. A U.S. electronics plant near the Hungarian border was struck, according to Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. The Flex factory is one of the biggest American investments in Ukraine, Hunder told The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the moment of impact, 600 night shift workers were on the premises, and six were injured, Hunder said. Russian attacks on Ukraine since it launched its invasion have damaged property belonging to more than half of the chambers roughly 600 members, he added The message is clear: Russia is not looking for peace. Russia is attacking American business in Ukraine, humiliating American business, Hunder said. In the western city of Lviv, one person was killed and three were injured as the attack damaged 26 residential buildings, a kindergarten and administrative buildings, regional head Maksym Kozytskyi wrote on Telegram. The regional prosecutors office said three Russian cruise missiles with cluster munitions struck the city. Ukraine's leader responds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy condemned the attack amid the push for peace and accused Moscow of trying to wriggle out of holding a meeting between Putin and himself. They dont want to end this war. They continue their massive attacks on Ukraine and their ferocious assaults along the frontline, Zelenskyy wrote on X. They even lob missiles at an American enterprise, alongside many other purely civilian targets. He also urged the international community to respond with stronger pressure on Moscow, including tougher sanctions and tariffs. In prepared comments released Thursday, Zelenskyy said plans for security guarantees would become clearer by the end of next week. He said he then expects to be ready to hold direct talks with Putin for the first time since the full-scale invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The talks could also be conducted in a trilateral format alongside Trump, Zelenskyy said. A venue for the meeting is being discussed, and Switzerland, Austria and Turkey are possibilities, Zelenskyy added. Ukraine, meanwhile, has kept up its attacks with domestically produced long-range drones on infrastructure inside Russia that supports Moscow's war effort. Among other targets, it has hit oil refineries, and Russian wholesale gasoline prices have reached record highs in recent days. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones on Thursday wounded four civilians in Russias Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, according to Telegram posts by regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. He said the drones damaged apartment blocks, a commercial site and a car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Associated Press reporters Matthew Lee, Konstantin Toropin and Aamer Madhani in Washington, and Emma Burrows in London contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Ukraine is planning to begin mass production of its domestically developed long-range Flamingo cruise missile this winter, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a meeting with journalists on Aug. 20. Having its own long-range missile capabilities could be a game changer for Ukraine in its efforts to undermine Russia's war machine deep behind enemy lines. Zelensky said that Flamingo had undergone successful tests, describing it as "the most successful" missile Ukraine currently has. The Flamingo missile is capable of flying up to 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), he claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "By December, well have more of them. And by the end of December or in JanuaryFebruary, mass production should begin," the president said. The Ukrainian company Fire Point is leading the development of the Flamingo missile. Iryna Terekh, the companys head of production, told AP in a report published on Aug. 21 that it is currently manufacturing one Flamingo per day, with plans to scale up to seven per day by October. The Flamingo missile was first publicly revealed on Aug. 17, when Associated Press (AP) photojournalist Efrem Lukatsky published a photo of it. Domestically produced long-range weapons are of key importance to Ukraine's defense strategy, as Western partners have been slow in delivering adequate weaponry amid increasing Russian attacks and offensives. Some long-range weapons have also been provided to Ukraine under limitations on their usage on Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2024, Zelensky announced that Ukraine had produced its first 100 missiles. Since then, Ukraine has continued to increase domestic weapons production. Zelensky said on April 16 that over 40% of the weapons used on the front line are now produced in Ukraine, including over 95% of drones used on the battlefield. In June, Ukrainian media reported that the homegrown short-range Sapsan ballistic missile had successfully completed combat testing and is in the process of serial production. Zelensky also previously revealed that Ukraine had developed another domestic weapon, the hybrid Palianytsia missile-drone. Read also: Russian attack hits US electronics plant in western Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia targeted Ukraine overnight with 574 drones and 40 missiles, the Ukrainian Air Force said. Most of the weapons were intercepted by Ukraine's air defenses, but the massive assault was far from unusual, and officials said at least one person was killed and 15 injured. Ukrainian officials said the Russian attack hit energy infrastructure, private homes, an American electronics factory where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the 15 injuries were sustained, and a kindergarten. "Last night, the Russian army set one of its insane anti-records. They struck civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, and our people," Zelenskyy said in a message posted on social media. He called the electronics plant an "American investment" and an "ordinary civilian enterprise" producing "everyday items as coffee machines." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is also a target for the Russians. Very telling. The fire is still being extinguished at the enterprise. As of now, 15 people are known to have been affected by this strike. All of them have been provided with the necessary assistance," he said. Emergency services and firefighting teams work at the scene after a Russian missile attack hit a U.S.-owned factory in Zakarpattia, Ukraine, Aug. 21, 2025. / Credit: Ukrainian Presidency/Handout/Anadolu/Getty Alluding to President Trump's efforts to broker a peace deal to end the war, including the bilateral summit between Mr. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin just a week earlier, Zelenskyy condemned Moscow for launching the new strike "as if nothing had changed at all. As if there were no efforts by the world to stop this war." "A response is needed," he added. "So far, there has been no signal from Moscow that they are really going to engage in meaningful negotiations and end this war. Pressure is needed. Strong sanctions, strong tariffs." There has been a lot of talk outside of Ukraine about a peace deal amid Mr. Trump's ramped-up diplomacy. But inside Ukraine, people continue to live and die in a war zone more than three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Many in the country, like their president, simply don't believe that Putin really wants to end the war. They think he's just playing along with the ceasefire narrative to avoid angering Mr. Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Putin's army continues to expand its massive seizure of territory in eastern Ukraine. The Russian defense ministry claimed Thursday that forces had captured yet another village in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. A map of Ukraine shows the percentage of different regions under Russian control, displayed in the Oval Office during President Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, on Aug. 18, 2025. / Credit: BBC News Major Taras Berezovets of the Ukrainian forces told CBS News that even if Putin were to agree to a ceasefire, the Russian leader simply should not be trusted. "Absolutely not," Berezovets told CBS News. "He's a cheater, he's a criminal and he would never accept the fact that independent Ukraine still exists." That is why Ukraine wants security guarantees a promise of protection from the U.S. and its NATO allies in the event Russia should invade again after any eventual ceasefire is implemented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has been adamant that such a guarantee would not involve U.S. boots on the ground, and Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that Europe would have to bear most of the costs. Getting all sides, including Russia, to agree to those security guarantees may be next to impossible, however. After his meeting with Putin, Mr. Trump met with Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington to hold separate talks, and said he was working on organizing a direct summit between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders. But Moscow has downplayed the prospects of a Putin-Zelenskyy summit any time soon, and officials have said Russia should be included in any looming discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine. In a post on his own social media platform, Mr. Trump said Thursday without mentioning the latest violence in the war that it was "very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invaders country. ... There is no chance of winning! It is like that with Ukraine and Russia." Mr. Trump said his predecessor, Joe Biden "would not let Ukraine FIGHT BACK, only DEFEND." He added, without any further explanation, that there were "Interesting times ahead!!!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, just weeks before he handed the presidency back to Mr. Trump, Biden changed the longstanding policy that had effectively barred Ukraine from using U.S.-supplied missiles to strike deep in Russia. The French government issued a statement Thursday condemning the latest Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine, and backing Zelenskyy's assertion that it belied Putin's stated interest in a peace agreement. "While Russia claims to be ready to negotiate, it continues at the same time its deadly attacks on Ukrainian territory," said the statement, attributed to a deputy spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry. "These attacks, the most massive in a month, illustrate Russia's lack of any genuine intention to engage seriously in peace talks. They once again underscore the urgent need to put an end to the killings, and therefore to maintain and step up pressure on Russia. France reiterates its support for President Trump's initiative in favor of a just and lasting peace and will continue to work with determination alongside Ukraine and its partners." Trump responds after New York court tosses $527 million civil fraud penalty What to expect from a potential California redistricting special election Powell addressing Jackson Hole forum as pressure mounts for interest rate cut Italian police have arrested a Ukrainian national suspected of involvement in the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion. Source: European Pravda, citing German newspaper Spiegel Details: Italian police arrested Serhii K., a Ukrainian national suspected of involvement in the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion, in the Rimini area on Wednesday evening under a European arrest warrant. According to Spiegel, Ukrainian special forces carried out the pipeline attacks in September 2022. Divers are believed to have been transported on a specially chartered sailing yacht to the pipeline area, where they planted explosives on the seabed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serhii K. is said to have been on board a vessel called Andromeda. Investigators from the German Federal Prosecutor's Office believe he was not among the divers but instead played a coordinating role. When Spiegel spoke in 2024 with sources familiar with the events in Ukraine, they said the Ukrainian special forces unit responsible for the Nord Stream operation had no intention of committing a crime. For the service personnel of this unit, the pipeline explosion was considered an attack on a legitimate military target in the war with Russia. Profits from gas supplies to Germany, the sources argued, have contributed significantly to financing Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. The investigation also allegedly found evidence that the operation had been authorised by the Ukrainian armed forces. Politicians and media initially assumed that Russians were behind the explosions. German federal police and prosecutors eventually tracked a sailing yacht and uncovered links to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Federal Prosecutor Jens Rommel obtained the first arrest warrant against one of the suspected divers. However, the suspect left his home in Poland before he could be arrested. According to reports, the Polish authorities warned the Ukrainian authorities in advance. The suspect crossed the border into Ukraine in a car bearing diplomatic plates. Sources in law enforcement agencies told Spiegel that it is not yet known when Serhii K. will be extradited to Germany from Italy. Background: Last year, Jens Rommel said that the investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines had made progress, in particular, the identities of two suspects had been established. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv had not been involved in the explosions and suggested analysing who might have sought to spread such claims in the media. In late September 2022, after explosions near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, a total of four leaks were detected on two pipelines. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! When a Ukrainian-made drone attacked an ammunition depot in Russia last September, it showcased Kyivs determination to strike deep behind enemy lines and the prowess of its defense industry. The moment was especially gratifying for the woman in charge of manufacturing the drones that flew more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) to carry out this mission. For months after, Russia no longer had the means to keep up devastating glide bomb attacks like the one that had just targeted her native city of Kharkiv. Fighting in the air is our only real asymmetric advantage on the battlefield at the moment. We dont have as much manpower or money as they have, said Iryna Terekh, head of production at Fire Point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terekh spoke as she surveyed dozens of deep-strike drones that had recently come off the assembly line and would soon be used by Ukrainian forces to attack arms depots, oil refineries and other targets vital to the Kremlins war machine and economy. Spurred by its existential fight against Russia and limited military assistance from Western allies Ukraine has fast become a global center for defense innovation. The goal is to match, if not outmuscle, Russias capabilities, which were on brutal display Thursday and Fire Point is one of the companies leading the way. The Associated Press was granted an exclusive look inside one of Fire Points dozens of covert factories. In a sprawling warehouse where rock music blared, executives showed off their signature FP-1 exploding drones that can travel up to 1,600 kilometers (994 miles). They also touted publicly for the first time a cruise missile they are developing that is capable of traveling 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), and which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes will be mass-produced by the end of the year. Even as U.S. President Donald Trump presses for an end to the 3 1/2-year war and dangles the prospect of U.S. support for NATO-like security guarantees Ukrainian defense officials say their country is determined to become more self-sufficient in deterring Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe our best guarantee is not relying on somebodys will to protect us, but rather our ability to protect ourselves, said Arsen Zhumadilov, the head of the country's arms procurement agency. Ukraine's government is now purchasing about $10 billion of weapons annually from domestic manufacturers. The industry has the capacity to sell triple that amount, officials say, and they believe sales to European allies could help it reach such potential in a matter of years. Drone innovation grew out of necessity Like most defense companies in Ukraine, Fire Point grew out of necessity after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite pleas from Ukrainian military officials, Western countries were unwilling to allow Kyiv to use their allies' longer-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's when a group of close friends, experts from various fields, set out to mass-produce inexpensive drones that could match the potency of Iranian-made Shahed drones that Russia was firing into Ukraine with devastating consequences. The company's founders spoke with AP on the condition of anonymity out of concern for their safety and the security of their factories. By pooling together knowledge from construction, game design and architecture, the company's founders who had no background in defense came up with novel designs for drones that could fly further and strike with greater precision than most products already on the market. Their long-range drones had another benefit: they did not need to take off from an air field. When Terekh an architect was hired in the summer of 2023, she was given a goal of producing 30 drones per month. Now the company makes roughly 100 per day, at a cost of $55,000 apiece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FP-1 looks more like a hastily made science project than something that would roll off the production lines of the world's biggest defense contractors. We removed unneeded, flashy glittery stuff, she said. But the FP-1 has been extremely effective on the battlefield. With a payload of explosives weighing 60 kilograms (132 pounds), it is responsible for 60% of strikes deep inside Russian territory, including hits on oil refineries and weapons depots, according to Terekh. These strikes have helped to slow Russias advance along the 1,000 kilometer-long (620 mile-long) front line in eastern Ukraine, where army units have reported a sharp decline in artillery fire. I think the best drones, or among the best, are Ukrainian drones," said Claude Chenuil, a former French military official who now works for a trade group that focuses on defense. When the war in Ukraine ends, they will flood the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine is becoming the Silicon Valley of defense Fire Points story is not entirely unique. Soon after Russia's 2022 invasion, hundreds of defense companies sprouted almost overnight. The Ukrainian government incentivized innovation by relaxing regulations and making it easier for startups to work directly with military brigades. Patriotic entrepreneurs in metallurgy, construction and information technology built facilities for researching and making weapons and munitions, with an emphasis on drones. The ongoing war allowed them to test out ideas almost immediately on the battlefield, and to quickly adapt to Russias changing tactics. Ukraine is in this very unique moment now where it is becoming, de facto, the Silicon Valley of defense, said Ukrainian defense entrepreneur Yaroslav Azhnyuk. The biggest strategic asset that we have is that we have been at war with Russia for 11 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A case in point: Fire Point had initially sourced navigational equipment for its drones from a major Western firm, but before long Russia was able to disrupt their effectiveness using electronic warfare; so Fire Point developed its own software to outwit the enemy. Because defense companies are high-value targets for Russia, many operate underground or hidden within civilian centers to evade detection. Although they are guarded by air defenses, the strategy has the disadvantage of putting civilians at risk. Many Ukrainians have died in imprecise Russian attacks that were likely targeting weapons facilities. Entrepreneurs said the alternative is to operate openly and face attacks that would set back the war effort. Supplies of drones don't last long On the day AP reporters visited the Fire Point factory, there were dozens of drones awaiting delivery. They would all be gone within 72 hours, shipped to the battlefield in inconspicuous cargo trucks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fire Point team receives regular feedback from army units, and the company has reinvested most profits toward innovating quickly to keep pace with other drone makers. Increasingly, those profits are being directed to develop a new, more potent weapon. The company completed testing this year for its first cruise missile, the FP-5. Capable of traveling 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) and landing within 14 meters (45 feet) of its target, the FP-5 is one of the largest such missile in the world, delivering a payload of 1,150 kilograms (2,535 pounds), independent experts said. Because initial versions of the missile came out pink after a factory error, they called it the Flamingo and the name has stuck. Fire Point is producing roughly one Flamingo per day, and by October they hope to build capacity to make seven per day, Terekh said. Even as Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials pursue ways to end the war, Terekh said she is skeptical that Russia will accept terms for a real peace. We are preparing for a bigger, much scarier war. ___ Associated Press journalist Dmytro Zhyhinas contributed to this report. A Ukrainian suspect has been arrested in Italy over the sabotage of the Nord Stream underwater gas pipelines from Russia to Europe in 2022, German prosecutors said Thursday. The man, identified as Serhii K., is accused of being part of a cell "who placed explosive devices on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines", they said. He is "believed to have been one of the coordinators of the operation" in which a group allegedly hired a yacht in the German Baltic Sea port of Rostock to carry out the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pipelines that long shipped Russian gas to Europe were hit by huge explosions in September 2022, several months after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Western powers were initially quick to blame Russia, which in turn accused them. German investigations then pointed to a Ukrainian cell of five men and one woman believed to have chartered the yacht "Andromeda" to carry out the attack, according to Der Spiegel magazine and other media. Their aim was to destroy the pipelines to prevent Russia from profiting in future from gas sales to Europe. Serhii K. was arrested in the early hours of Thursday in the Italian province of Rimini on a European arrest warrant, the prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his accomplices are accused of using forged identity documents to hire the yacht that departed Rostock to carry out the attacks, the prosecutors said. Italy's carabinieri police confirmed that a 49-year-old Ukrainian was arrested without putting up resistance, at a bungalow where he was staying with his family, and taken to a local prison. German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig thanked investigators for what she called a "highly complex operation" leading to the arrest. - Politically fraught case - Nord Stream had long been controversial for allowing Russian gas to bypass eastern European transit routes and leaving Germany overly reliant on cheap energy from Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Russia launched its Ukraine invasion in February 2022, Western powers sanctioned Moscow, which then switched off the gas flow in Nord Stream 1, while Nord Stream 2 never started operations. Then, in September, seismic institutes reported the underwater blasts and four gas leaks were discovered off the Danish island of Bornholm as gas spewed to the surface. Two of the leaks were in Denmark's exclusive economic zone and two in Sweden's. German prosecutors last year issued an arrest warrant for another Ukrainian man, named as Volodymyr Z., a diving instructor whose last known address was in Poland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was suspected of being one of the divers who planted the explosive devices in an operation that also involved a married couple who ran a diving school, according to public broadcaster ARD and other media. The case is awkward for Germany and Ukraine, as Berlin has strongly backed Kyiv politically and with defence equipment in its fight against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his government knew nothing about any plan to blow up the pipelines. Hubig stressed that "we stand firmly on the side of Ukraine" against Russia's "terrible war of aggression". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the minister stressed that Germany would also "consistently investigate crimes that are committed under our jurisdiction". German and British media have recently reported that Washington and Moscow had discussed the idea of reviving Nord Stream 2, possibly to be run by an American company, during talks to end the Ukraine war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in May, shortly after taking office, that his government would "do everything... to ensure that Nord Stream 2 cannot be put back into operation". fec/fz/db A Ukrainian suspect was arrested in Italy for allegedly participating in sabotage targeting the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022, German prosecutors said on Thursday. The man is accused of participating in causing undersea explosions as well as anti-constitutional sabotage, among other things, the office of the Public Prosecutor General in Karlsruhe said. The suspect is said to be part of a group of people who planted explosive devices on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea some three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The accused was presumably one of the coordinators of the operation," the federal prosecutor's office said. Italian police arrested the man in Rimini province overnight. He is set to be extradited to Germany, prosecutors said, noting that the operation was conducted in cooperation with international police. The Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, which run from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea, were damaged by several explosions at the end of September 2022. Shortly afterwards, four leaks were discovered in three of the four pipeline sections. Nord Stream 1 had previously been used to supply Germany with Russian gas, while Nord Stream 2 was never put into operation following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the damage was discovered, questions quickly arose as to how the perpetrators managed to place the explosives on the pipelines underwater. Experts speculated that professional divers might have been involved in attaching the devices in several locations. German prosecutors said Thursday that the suspect and an accomplice used a sailboat for the sabotage, which set off from the north-eastern German city of Rostock. The vessel was rented from a German company via intermediaries using fake documents, it said. Investigations were launched in a number of countries bordering the Baltic Sea, but authorities in Sweden and Denmark have since ceased the efforts. A Ukrainian suspect has been arrested in Italy for allegedly involvement in the explosions that hit the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022, German prosecutors said on Thursday. The man is accused of participating in causing undersea explosions as well as anti-constitutional sabotage, the office of the Public Prosecutor General in Karlsruhe said. The suspect is said to be part of a group of people who planted explosive devices on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The accused was presumably one of the coordinators of the operation," the federal prosecutor's office said. He is set to be extradited to Germany, prosecutors said, noting that the operation was conducted in cooperation with international police. Report: Suspect arrested while on holiday The Italian news agency ANSA reported that the man, 49, had been on holiday with his family on the Adriatic coast for several days when he was arrested in the early hours of Thursday in the municipality of San Clemente, located inland from the popular seaside resort of Rimini. During a routine check, it was discovered that he was the man wanted across Europe, ANSA reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate confirmation from official sources in response to a dpa inquiry. The suspect was then taken to prison. The Court of Appeal in the northern Italian city of Bologna must decide on whether to execute the existing European arrest warrant. Pipeline damage months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine Shortly after the explosions in September 2022, four leaks were discovered in three of the four pipeline sections. Nord Stream 1 had previously been used to supply Germany with Russian gas, while Nord Stream 2 was never put into operation following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. After the damage was discovered, questions quickly arose as to how the perpetrators managed to place the explosives on the pipelines underwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts speculated that professional divers might have been involved in attaching the devices in several locations. German prosecutors said on Thursday that the suspect and an accomplice used a sailboat for the sabotage, which set off from the north-eastern German city of Rostock. The vessel was rented from a German company via intermediaries using fake documents, it said. Investigations were launched in a number of countries bordering the Baltic Sea, but authorities in Sweden and Denmark have since closed their cases. A Ukrainian citizen suspected of participating in the undersea explosions in 2022 that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany has been arrested, German prosecutors said on Thursday. The suspect, identified only as Serhii K. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested overnight in Italys Rimini province, federal prosecutors said. They added that he is believed to be one of the coordinators of the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the German prosecutors' office confirmed the arrest, saying the "accused was allegedly one of the coordinators of the operation." Explosions on 26 September 2022 damaged the pipelines, which were built to carry Russian natural gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. In this picture provided by Swedish Coast Guard the gas leak in the Baltic Sea from Nord Stream photographed from the Coast Guard's aircraft, 27 September, 2022 - AP/AP The damage added to tensions over the war in Ukraine as European countries moved to wean themselves off Russian energy sources following the Kremlins full-scale invasion of its neighbour. The explosions ruptured the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which was Russias main natural gas supply route to Germany until Moscow cut off supplies at the end of August 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also damaged the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which never entered service because Germany suspended its certification process shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine in February of that year. Russia accused the US of staging the explosions, a charge Washington denies. Related The pipelines were long a target of criticism by the US and some of its allies, who warned that they posed a risk to Europes energy security by increasing dependence on Russian gas. In 2023, German media reported that a pro-Ukraine group was involved in the sabotage. Ukraine rejected suggestions it might have ordered the attack and German officials voiced caution over the accusation. BERLIN (AP) A Ukrainian man suspected to be one of the coordinators of undersea explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany in 2022 was arrested in Italy on Thursday, authorities said. The 49-year-old was detained in the early hours in San Clemente, a village inland from Italy's Adriatic coast and 11 kilometers (7 miles) from the resort of Rimini, after Italian authorities were alerted to his possible presence in the country, police in Italy said. Officers raided a bungalow where the suspect was staying with his family for a few days. Police said he surrendered without resistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was detained on a European arrest warrant that was issued Monday by German authorities. German federal prosecutors identified him only as Serhii K. in line with local privacy rules. He was taken to jail in Rimini after his arrest. It wasnt immediately clear how soon he might be handed over to German authorities. Undersea explosions on Sept. 26, 2022, damaged pipelines that were built to carry Russian natural gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. The damage added to tensions over the war in Ukraine as European countries moved to wean themselves off Russian energy sources, following the Kremlins full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prosecutors have given little detail so far on their investigation, but said two years ago they found traces of undersea explosives in samples taken from a yacht that was searched as part of the probe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Thursday, German prosecutors said Serhii K. was one of a group of people who placed explosives on the pipelines and is believed to have been one of the coordinators. They said he is suspected of causing explosions, anti-constitutional sabotage and the destruction of structures. The suspect and others used a yacht that set off from the German port of Rostock, which had been hired from a German company using forged IDs and with the help of intermediaries, prosecutors said. They didn't give any information on the other people aboard the yacht or say anything about who else might have been involved in coordinating the suspected sabotage, or about a possible motive. German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig praised what she called a very impressive investigative success. She said in a statement that the explosions must be cleared up, so it is good that we are making progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosions ruptured the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which was Russias main natural gas supply route to Germany until Moscow cut off supplies at the end of August 2022. They also damaged the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which never entered service because Germany suspended its certification process shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine in February of that year. Russia has accused the U.S. of staging the explosions, a charge Washington has denied. The pipelines were long a target of criticism by the U.S. and some of its allies, who warned that they posed a risk to Europes energy security by increasing dependence on Russian gas. In 2023, German media reported that a pro-Ukraine group was involved in the sabotage. Ukraine rejected suggestions it might have ordered the attack and German officials voiced caution over the accusation. Swedish and Danish authorities closed their investigations in February 2024, leaving the German prosecutors case as the sole probe. ___ Giada Zampano in Rome contributed to this report TOKYO (Reuters) -United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, after Israel announced the first steps of an operation to take over Gaza City. "It is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza," that was necessary "to avoid the death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause," Guterres said in Japan where he is attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development. Israel, which has called up tens of thousands of army reservists, is pressing ahead with its plan to seize Gaza's biggest urban centre despite international criticism of an operation likely to force the displacement of many more Palestinians. Israel currently holds about 75% of the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when gunmen led by Hamas attacked southern Israeli communities, killing some 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking 251 hostages including children into Gaza, according to Israeli figures. Israel's military offensive on the Gaza Strip has killed at least 60,000 Palestinians, according to enclave's health ministry. Guterres called for the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas. He also urged Israel to reverse a decision to expand "illegal" settlement construction in the West Bank. The Israeli settlement plan, which would bisect the occupied West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem, was announced last week and received the final go-ahead from a Defence Ministry planning commission on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the construction would isolate Palestinian communities living in the area and undermine the possibility of a two-state solution. (Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Stephen Coates) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday urged Israel to halt plans for a highly contested settlement project in the occupied West Bank, saying they violate international law and go against UN resolutions. "The advancement of this project is an existential threat to the two-State solution. It would sever the northern and southern West Bank and have severe consequences for the territorial contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory," Guterres's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. A two-state solution refers to an independent Palestinian state that exists peacefully alongside Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects a two-state solution - as does the Palestinian militant organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Wednesday, an Israeli planning committee approved a plan to build about 3,400 housing units in the so-called E1 area, a critical stretch of land between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim. The project would effectively split the West Bank into northern and southern parts, making a contiguous Palestinian state difficult if not impossible. Israel's decision comes as several countries, including France, Canada and Australia, have pledged to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) -Millions of dollars of funding cuts from donors and U.N. cost-cutting could hamper evidence gathering and undermine efforts to seek justice for Rohingya who fled Myanmar, the head of a U.N. investigation told Reuters. Nicholas Koumjian, head of The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, said he fears that the scale-back of its work will hurt efforts to bring perpetrators to justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It will affect the ability to convict because we lose capacity," he told Reuters in an interview in Geneva. "That would send a message of impunity. It says to perpetrators: don't worry about being charged." A million Rohingya, a Muslim minority group, fled a Myanmar military offensive in August 2017 - a campaign seen by prosecutors as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing. The Myanmar military says the operation was a legitimate counter-terrorism campaign in response to attacks by Muslim militants, not a planned programme of ethnic cleansing. The IIMM, set up by the U.N. Human Rights Council in 2018 to analyse evidence of serious violations of international law, is assisting jurisdictions investigating the alleged persecution of the Rohingya, including the International Criminal Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unless more funding is received by year-end, the IIMM will have to stop both an open-source project and one investigating sexual violence and crimes against children, Koumjian said. The shortages come amid a U.N. liquidity crisis, meaning only 73% of the IIMM's $15 million annual budget is available. It also faces a nearly $9 million shortfall for the next two years in voluntary grants from donors which have previously included Britain, Canada and the EU, according to a confidential document seen by Reuters. Asked to comment, an IIMM spokesperson said it now estimates that gap at $6.2 million. "It's a severe strain on us to try to meet the budget with these limitations," said Koumjian, a former prosecutor from the U.S. who has worked on Bosnia and Sierra Leone war crimes cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the Trump administration is ending two of its three grants and that other donors had indicated funding lapses from year-end, without giving details. The U.S. State Department did not respond to a request for comment. Washington said last year it had provided $3 million to gather and analyse open-source evidence of the most serious violations of international law in Myanmar since 2011 and for witness protection, a government website showed. WITNESSES FACE DANGER The IIMM mandate includes both researching alleged crimes against the Rohingya as well as violations in Myanmar since the 2021 military coup. It has submitted evidence to the ICC, the International Court of Justice and Argentina and Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donor cuts mean protection and counseling services for witnesses have already stopped, Koumjian said. "The consequence of that could be very great, because sometimes we provide assistance for people in life-threatening situations," he said. This month, the IIMM said it has found evidence of systematic torture by Myanmar security forces. Myanmar's military government said it was conducting "security measures" lawfully and did not illegally arrest, torture or execute innocent civilians, blaming "terrorists". Koumjian's teams helped scan hundreds of thousands of social media posts from the 2017 Rohingya campaign for hate speech and found 43 accounts linked to the military, he said, showing "the state was fomenting hatred." A Myanmar military spokesperson did not respond to multiple calls from Reuters seeking comment. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Additional reporting by Reuters staffEditing by Ros Russell) The biggest heat wave of the year has arrived in Southern California and is expected to roast the region with triple-digit temperatures in some areas, prompting heat advisories and health concerns for vulnerable populations. Red flag warnings issued Wednesday are in effect through the weekend for Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo countys' mountain and foothills, and much of the region is under an extreme heat warning starting Thursday into the weekend as forecasters project temperatures to steadily climb, possibly reaching up to 110 degrees far inland. Extreme heat can result in heat-related illnesses and, if left untreated, can lead to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2021 investigation into heat-related deaths by The Times found that between 2010 and 2019 Californias official data from death certificates attributed 599 deaths to heat exposure. However, an analysis found that the true toll was six times higher than previously estimated. Here's how you can stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses through the summer. Determining how the heat will affect you and others Hot weather can be uncomfortable for everyone but a mixture of high temperatures with sun exposure, stagnant air and high humidity can cause health concerns for some groups of people, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System. It's widely known that children, adults 65 and older, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions are at most risk of heat-related illness during heat waves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other groups of people who are at risk are those who work outdoors, athletes and emergency responders. To understand how the heat in your area can affect your health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Weather Service have collaborated to create HeatRisk, an online dashboard. Instead of temperature degrees, the forecast uses a five-level color scale to indicate the health risk imposed by the heat, taking into consideration heat exposure and the role of humidity in the air. The tool will help you answer questions such as: Is it too hot to participate in an outdoor activity? An outdoor activity can be a hike, sport event or running. If I have a chronic medical condition, could I be more sensitive to heat exposure? Staying cool without an air conditioner Public health official advise the best way to beat the heat is to stay indoors but not everyone has an air conditioner to keep their space cool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can lower the temperature inside by: Keeping the curtains closed during the day, when the sun is beating down. Closing doors in rooms that tend to get hotter, that will keep the hot air from getting to the rest of the house. Unplugging phone chargers and turning off electronics that are generating heat. Avoid using appliances like the dishwasher, oven or laundry machine until nighttime. Using two fans to blow hot air out of a window and bring in cool air. If you have a room with two windows, put a fan blowing inward in front of one and outward in front of the other for an added effect. If your room has only one window, create a cross breeze by pointing a fan at it from across the room. Using a ceiling fan to cool down a room by ensure the blades are running counterclockwise. Cool off at a cooling center As a reprieve from steaming temperatures, Los Angeles city and county have opened their cooling centers across the region. A cooling center is considered a library, community center pools and splash pads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where you can find your nearest cooling center: The city of Los Angeles has an interactive map. Los Angeles County has an interactive map and a detailed list of available centers. The county has an online list of splash pads that are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Know the signs of heat-related illness Public health officials say heat-related illnesses, such as exhaustion and heatstroke, increase significantly during extreme heat. General symptoms of heat-related illness include vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and hot, red, dry or damp skin. The first sign of heat-related illness that may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke is heat cramps, according to the National Weather Service. Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps and spasms that usually occur in the legs and abdomen followed by heavy sweating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone else is experiencing heat cramps, apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Take sips of water unless you feel nausea, then stop. If the cramps last longer than one hour seek immediate medical attention. If you see or experience any heat-related illness symptoms, move to a cool place and call 911. Check in on people who are vulnerable to heat-related illness by looking for: flushed face excessive sweating difficulty moving around general symptoms of heat-related illness If you see they're exhibiting any of these symptoms get them some water and help move then to a cooler place. 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. Aug. 20GRAND FORKS The University of North Dakota has been awarded almost $2 million in funding from the National Science Foundation for the university's NSF Research Traineeship program. UND received $1,999,846 from the NSF, said a press release from U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer's office. The program, according to the NSF website, seeks out proposals to help students in research-based master's and doctoral degree programs develop the competencies, knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a variety of STEM careers. The release said the program will create collaboration with stakeholders, working on projects assessing the status of land and water resources. The grant will support projects that explore sustainable and efficient use of those natural resources as well as strategies to protect them. Lil Nas X has reportedly been arrested for the alleged assault of a police officer. Lil Nas X has reportedly been arrested The 26-year-old rap star was reportedly arrested after police officers responded to calls that the musician was naked in the street of Los Angeles in the early hours of Thursday (21.08.25). A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed to People that a man was reported to be "nude in the street" on Ventura Boulevard just before 6am. The spokesperson added that the suspect was subsequently "booked for battery on a [peace officer]". The suspect was taken to hospital in order to receive treatment. He will then be charged and put through the booking process. The Los Angeles Police Department has refused to confirm the identity of the suspect so far. However, TMZ has reported that the suspect is Little Nas X, and the outlet has even published photos of the music star walking down Ventura Boulevard wearing only underwear and boots. TMZ noted that the photos of the chart-topping star were taken at around 4am. Meanwhile, Nas claimed earlier this year that fame has made him more spiritual. The rapper also admitted that his outlook on the world has changed in recent times. He told Paper magazine: "Becoming famous got me more in touch with spirituality. "It usually works the opposite way around for other people, but it made me feel closer to everything around me and the synchronicities of life. "There were all these things that I thought were magical hoo ha for my entire life as a very sceptical young man growing up, but then I was like, Okay, this makes sense. I get this. "But in addition to that, after finding that spiritual side, I've kind of made a 180 in terms of thinking I need to heal the world all the time and towards coming back to myself. You have to have that balance, like, Okay, I need to focus on me right now. I need to do my s***. "I'm obviously unwell, even though I don't want to admit it. And the only way I can go back out there is if I can work with myself first. Now Im tiptoeing back to the world again." By Allison Salerno | Edited by Patricia Guadalupe Alondra Lopez, a graduate student at the University of Georgia, was troubled by the anti-immigrant rhetoric she said arose on campus following the brutal murder on February 22, 2024, of Laken Riley, an Augusta University nursing student, by an undocumented migrant from Venezuela. Rileys murder drew national attention; the Laken Riley Law was the first piece of legislation President Trump signed in his second term and requires federal officials to detain any migrant charged or arrested in connection with a crime. In the weeks following Rileys murder on the University of Georgia campus in Athens, The university environment became more hostile, said Lopez, a doctoral student in counseling psychology. In addition to friends telling her about verbal slurs and harassment against Latinos, Lopez said she and her sister saw an anonymous post on a social media app that read, I know where the migrants are. Lets go hunting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To show tangible support for the Latinx community, Lopez, along with her sister and a friend, started a drivers pool. Residents who lack a Georgia drivers license and/or vehicles call a Google number to ask for rides. Volunteer drivers answer requests on Signal and give rides whether to doctors offices, immigration court, or work. We understood how severe it would be if somebody was stopped by the police and didnt have a drivers license, Lopez told palabra. Athens Rides is now a project of the all-volunteer Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition. Nearly 100 drivers have signed up to offer rides, and they have given about 65 rides, which is not a ton, but its also 65 people that we were able to help, or many people get multiple rides, said Eleanor Davis, who helps coordinate the program. No national database tracks exactly how many of these allied-driver programs now operate in the United States. Gwen Frisbee-Fulton, a North Carolina-based writer and organizer, said that it is a good thing because these decentralized programs serve vulnerable populations. If you had a national or more formalized program right now, youd be under attack immediately, particularly in an era of mass deportation, she added. We are the poor people of this movement Were the people who are doing (something) with nothing. Beto Mendoza, co-founder of the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition and Dignidad Inmigrante en Athens Beto Mendoza, a co-founder of the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition and Dignidad Inmigrante en Athens, said, unlike well-funded anti-immigrant groups, grassroots movements such as his do not have the time or resources to form coalitions with like-minded volunteers in other parts of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do what we can do, Mendoza said. We are the poor people of this movement Were the people who are doing (something) with nothing. Athens Rides appears to be the only such program in Georgia, said Kyle Gomez-Leineweber, former director of public policy and advocacy for GALEO (formerly known as the Georgia Association of Elected Officials). The nonprofit works for Latinx civic engagement in a state with an estimated 339,000 undocumented immigrants, according to figures from the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington, D.C. Mendoza said that because some Latinx workers migrate within the state to take short-term jobs in construction, it is hard to estimate exactly how many live in Athens. It can be 20% I dont know. The U.S. Census Bureau, which has acknowledged widespread undercounting of African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans in its 2020 Census, estimated that 11.5 percent of residents in Athens-Clarke County, a consolidated city-county, are Latinx. Because some Latinx workers migrate within the state to take short-term jobs in construction, it is hard to estimate exactly how many live in Athens, says Beto Mendoza. In Georgia, as in 30 other states, undocumented residents cannot obtain a state drivers license. Legislative efforts to allow undocumented residents to obtain drivers licenses in Georgia have stalled. The legal risks of driving without a license in Georgia are serious: if a person is caught four times, it is a felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inability of undocumented residents to get drivers licenses has an economic impact, said Gomez-Leineweber. People love to talk about how Georgia is the number one state to do business in Our community, the Latino community, the immigrant community is the foundation for Georgias biggest industries Our community is consistently filling jobs, consistently doing the work that needs to be done while also facing barriers to get to do that work. The Athens Drives program is one way to protect human rights in a system that seeks ways to criminalize the Latinx community, Mendoza said. Tim Penning, a retired father of four, volunteers with Athens Drives. In March, he drove a mother and her three young children 90 minutes to federal immigration court in Atlanta. Penning decided to accompany the family into the courtroom on the 24th floor, a process that he said was confusing due to a lack of signage and clear explanation to visitors, even in English. Penning speaks no Spanish, and the mother speaks no English, but he found out later through an acquaintance that, She was surprised that I stayed with them. She figured that I would just dump em at the door and then maybe come back around and pick them up later. And I thought, no, I cant do that. Ive got to go all the way through with this. I couldnt have done otherwise. Part of Pennings willingness to volunteer, he says, stems from his Catholic faith; he studied for the priesthood as a teenager. I was in the Franciscan seminary, and one of the precepts of Franciscans is social justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adelheid Schmidt covers her bumper stickers No Human is Illegal and Black Lives Matter when she volunteers with Athens Drives so as not to draw attention to her vehicle. One time, she drove a 16-year-old mother to her newborns pediatric appointment, and while Schmidt doesnt speak Spanish, the teenager spoke English. Her motive for volunteering? Theyre my neighbors, Schmidt said. Part of Tim Pennings willingness to volunteer, he says, stems from his Catholic faith. In the Athens Drives Volunteer training, confidentiality and safety are key. The handbook advises, Never share any information about the households we work with. Do not ask your passenger about their documentation status. Keeping this information private is safer for both you and your passenger. Make sure your car is road-legal and your license, registration, and proof of insurance are up to date. For Lopez, one of five children of carpet-factory workers, developing Athens Rides was a natural extension of her childhood in Dalton, Ga., in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. More than half of the residents are Latinx many of them migrants and their families from Guanajuato in central Mexico, drawn to work in Daltons carpet, rug, and vinyl flooring factories, giving the city the moniker of Carpet Capital of the World. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopezs home community is of mixed immigration status and is currently represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, an ardent supporter of stricter immigration policies. Dalton has, since I can remember, had the 287(g) policy where local sheriffs departments have to collaborate with immigration and customs enforcement directly, one of a few counties in the state with such a policy, Lopez says. And so we grew up with that. As Washington, D.C., police are increasingly cooperating with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement, Black immigration groups fear it will put Black and brown people in other sanctuary jurisdictions at risk of being arrested and possibly deported. Amid a federal takeover late last week, the Trump administration reversed course and agreed to leave the police chief in control of the Metropolitan Police Department after city government officials filed a lawsuit. Still, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the districts police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement regardless of any city law, and the following day included immigration enforcement to their tasks. Six Republican-led states agreed to deploy their crop of federal troops to assist in Washington. I dont think its even about crime. Its about control and sliding towards authoritarianism, Ronald Claude, director of policy and advocacy with the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, told Capital B. Its the same approach they did since 2016 when it comes to the border, saying theres chaos at the border, the border is running amok. Instead of actually looking at the data to further their own political objectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only increase in numbers is the amount of individuals ICE has detained, according to Claude and a July report published by the Prison Policy Initiative. Last weeks orders from Bondi marked a shift from the police departments previous stance as a sanctuary jurisdiction, in which law enforcement officers did not notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when an undocumented person was charged with a crime or released from custody actions that could have led to potential deportation. Its all about deportation, Claude said. Instead of who feels unsafe walking outside their house. Instead of how much funding has gone into activities for teens after 5. Instead of how much has gone into homelessness, rent is going up every single year we missed those issues. Trumps federal takeover announcement also came within the same week that Bondi released a list of 35 sanctuary jurisdictions, which are cities, counties, and states accused of enacting policies that hinder federal immigration efforts. Bondi threatened legal action and to withhold victim compensation funds against these areas, signaling a replicated push that primarily targets Black and brown immigrant communities, many of whom are undocumented or presumed to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those threats clearly violate the 10th Amendment, according to an analysis written by Spencer Reynolds, senior counsel in the Brennan Centers Liberty and National Security Program. The amendment, he said, provides that powers not granted to the federal government are reserved to the states as independent sovereigns in our system of federalism. If this administrations efforts in Washington are about who provides safety and what is safety and if you ask our communities like Black immigrants and Black folks I guarantee you it is not seeing tanks coming through your streets or police that makes us feel safe, Claude said. So what does Bondis threat mean now for other mayors and Black families living in the district and beyond? Read on to find out. What is a sanctuary jurisdiction, and has this kind of crackdown happened before? Demonstrators rally in front of Homestead City Hall against President-elect Donald Trump in November 2016 while asking that the city be used as a sanctuary city. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) This wasnt the first time Trump and his attorney general have escalated its crackdown on what they deemed then as sanctuary cities or jurisdictions. A sanctuary jurisdiction is a city, county, or state that has implemented policies that limit cooperation with federal law enforcement, particularly ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, following nationwide protests over George Floyds murder by Minneapolis police, officials used a legal loophole to deploy the National Guard to the district and sent unidentified federal agents to Portland, Oregon, leading to thousands of arrests, most of which were later dismissed. Officials in places like New Jersey and Oregon labeled the Trump administrations threats at the time as political theater bullying and election-year stunts. In March 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed Trump-era cases against sanctuary cities after former President Joe Bidens Justice Department, then led by Attorney General Merrick Garland, withdrew the governments support. This time around, it took less than a week in August for Washington and other sanctuary locations to become direct targets for Trump. Two days after the Aug. 3 carjacking of a former Department of Government Ethics official, Bondi revealed the list, and by Aug. 8 Trump signed an executive order that temporarily deployed federal troops into the district. We have seen time and again that when law enforcement is militarized, it is our Black, Brown, and immigrant neighbors who suffer the most, Guerline M. Jozef, founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, said in an Aug. 13 press release in response to Trump deploying the National Guard into Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 5, Bondi named 12 states and Washington, D.C., four counties Baltimore County, Maryland, Cook County, Illinois, and San Diego and San Francisco counties in California and 18 cities in 10 states within communities that have a large population of documented and undocumented Black residents. Additionally, Washington, D.C., was listed as a state. And the five boroughs each a separate county that make up New York City were not individually listed in the Justice Departments county-level breakdown of sanctuary jurisdictions. Claude said that other locations on the list must keep fighting as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu did, rejecting Bondis one-week deadline to respond to her letter of intent. This is not an option, Claude said. Were imploring folks to go to your city council meetings, push your city council, push your town commissioner, if thats what you have, your governor, your mayor, because they have a voice. They can do something. They can stand up. What is a 48-hour immigration hold? A 48-hour immigration hold, also known as an ICE detainer, is a request from ICE to local law enforcement agencies, asking them to hold someone for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released from jail, so ICE can take custody for possible immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This typically happens when a person under arrest, regardless of their socioeconomic status, is flagged as potentially removable due to their immigration status. The hold gives ICE time to arrive and make a federal immigration arrest after local criminal proceedings are finished. Arrests now increasingly occur in jails and near courthouses. Two recent examples: Rony Dieujuste in Palm Beach, Florida, and Marlon Parris in Phoenix. Neither of those locations appears on the DOJs sanctuary jurisdiction list. With three years remaining in the Trump administration, recent executive orders appear to disproportionately impact undocumented individuals, unhoused people, and residents of low-income communities particularly those who are Black or Latino compared with their white counterparts in similar circumstances, according to advocates and civil rights groups. President Trump speaks of poor and homeless people as if they are debris to be swept away, not human beings with dignity and dreams, Jozef wrote in the Aug.13 press release. Moving people without a real plan is not leadership its cruelty dressed up as policy. This is the kind of dehumanization that turns poverty into a crime and erases the humanity of our most vulnerable neighbors. Are all immigration arrests happening in designated sanctuary jurisdictions? While sanctuary jurisdictions have historically attempted to shield undocumented residents from deportation often by refusing to detain people for ICE federal and state law enforcement agencies are adapting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many cities and states have tried to offer sanctuary for immigrants by refusing to rent jail space to ICE but it is not enough, Jacob Kang-Brown, author of Hiding in Plain Sight, a report published by the Prison Policy Initiative, said in a press release. The report reveals the role of locally run jails in Trumps mass deportation agenda. Bondi said in the Aug. 5 press release that several lawsuits had already been filed against local governments. These lawsuits demand that judges order jurisdictions to abandon their sanctuary policies and comply with Trumps April executive order, which, in part, seeks to block undocumented people from receiving federal benefits. In Louisville, Kentucky, under Democratic leadership, Mayor Craig Greenberg recently announced compliance with the DOJs demands, citing fear of losing millions in federal funds if kept on the list. In an interview with Spectrum News, Greenberg said the city would reinstate 48-hour courthouse holds. Black people in the U.S. are arrested at 2.5 times the rate of their white counterparts, despite similar criminal activity rates, according to a report by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. Once entangled in the criminal legal system, Black migrants are often flagged by ICE, creating a pathway from routine traffic stops to deportation proceedings. Among the most frequent forms of police contact leading to deportation are simple traffic violations. Do sanctuary cities affect crime rates? A banner welcoming immigrants is placed over the main entrance to the Denver City and County Building in 2018. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press) The simple answer is no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research released by the University of New Mexico this February shows that sanctuary cities do not have higher crime rates than non-sanctuary jurisdictions. But even in sanctuary cities, immigration enforcement remains a serious concern. Bondi said she sent letters of intent to the mayors of 35 such jurisdictions, giving them one week to respond and affirm that they will not obstruct federal deportation efforts. As deportation efforts increase, those accused of overstaying their green cards, visas, or other forms of entry regardless of their immigration status must remain vigilant, advocates have said. It doesnt make me feel safe when I look across the street at my neighbor, and youre knocking on their door randomly to see their papers and to deport them or separate families, Claude said. That doesnt keep anyone safe, and it causes more harm. We reject it, Jozef said in the Aug. 13 press release. Our neighborhoods need increase[d] congressional funding, housing, healthcare, and humane immigration policies not troops in the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These warnings are imperative, especially since simple traffic violations are among the most common reasons police come into contact with immigrants who later face deportation, according to a report by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. Dieujuste, the Haitian immigrant who was living in Florida, was arrested following a traffic stop for allegedly driving under the influence. The Trump administration is leveraging jails at a new scale, using local contracts with the U.S. Marshals Service and existing policing practices in order to expand detention, Kang-Brown said in the reports press release. The Prison Policy Initiatives report revealed that ICEs reported headcount of 57,200 detainees as of June is incomplete. The report found an additional 26,200 people held in jails and prisons for immigration-related reasons who were not included in ICEs public records. The post Undocumented Black Communities Brace for Ripple Effects of Federal Takeover appeared first on Capital B News. Getty Images. What do Georgia, Oklahoma, Vermont, and West Virginia have in common? Despite the wide range of geography, politics, and demographics between these four states, they share a specific statewide policy in common: each has a universal prekindergarten system currently in place. Over the past few decades, interest in prekindergarten enrollment among economists and education researchers has grown. Randomized controlled trials of high-quality prekindergarten programs conducted in the 1960s and 1970s have shown positive long-term outcomes for labor market earnings, health, and criminal justice involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers like Nobel Prize Winner James Heckman and Leading Economic Development Economist Timothy Bartik have used these findings to estimate the long-term economic benefits of investing in early childhood education, coming to the conclusion that early childhood is one of the best times to invest in education. According to prekindergarten enrollment data compiled by U.S. News and World Report, Ohio is currently #37 in the country for prekindergarten enrollment, behind states like Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and New Mexico. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE In April, my firm Scioto Analysis released a cost-benefit analysis we conducted on universal pre-kindergarten. In this analysis, we used results from a study conducted by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to estimate what the benefits of a universal prekindergarten program would be for Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We estimated that increased lifetime earnings, reductions in criminal justice costs, and savings in special education would produce about $3.80 in benefits for every $1 of costs of the program. Universal prekindergarten would not be a small investment for the state. According to 2023 American Community Survey data, Ohio has about 650,000 children under age 5. This means expanding prekindergarten to children age 4 would mean offering it to about 130,000 children and expanding it further would mean providing it to even more. Covering everyone would cost more than a billion dollars. It is easy to get scared off by sticker shock by programs like this, but policymakers should take into account the impact this spending has on local economies. These funds will go toward paying prekindergarten teachers, who then have resources they can spend in the economy. They also compare similarly to spending on vouchers for private schools, which often function as a windfall for parents already sending their children to private school rather than an incentive for children to enroll in high-quality programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the COVID-19 pandemic led to a nationwide reduction in workforce due to early retirements, layoffs, and untimely deaths, workforce has dominated so many of our state and local economic development conversations. Investment in early childhood education is a strategy to build todays education workforce and tomorrows broader workforce. As Timothy Bartik shares in his book Investing in Kids, high-quality universal early childhood education programs have returns to local wages that are on the scale of high-quality tax incentive programs for businesses. A state that wants to build its long-term workforce needs to look to training people across all years of life. That means investment in postsecondary and technical education, K-12, but crucially early childhood. Tomorrows workforce depends on decisions made, or not made, by policymakers today. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Chattanooga Police have cleared the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga after a report of an active shooter locked down college and city government buildings for more than an hour Aug. 21. A 911 call about an active shooter with a rifle on campus came into Hamilton County dispatch at about 12:29 p.m. eastern time. The school and city buildings were placed on lockdown as dozens of police, fire and rescue teams from multiple agencies flooded the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Run. Hide. Fight," the university posted on X, announcing the possible threat at either the college's library or university center. How the shooter call was reported By 1 p.m., the campus was given the "all clear" and the lockdown was lifted after a thorough search. During an Aug. 21 news conference, Campus Police Chief Sean O'Brien said the call for the active shooter came from 615 McCallie Ave., home of the UTC Art Department, about 0.2 miles from the library. Local, state and federal agencies launched an investigation into the call, O'Brien said When asked if the call could have been a "spoofing" call, which can mask caller ID or be used to impersonate an identify, O'Brien declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Chattanooga Police Chief John Chambers said police respond to all calls, prioritizing the public's safety. "You can never assume something is fake," Chambers said during the Aug. 21 press conference. "Our job is to preserve life." Within minutes of the call, Chambers said officers were evacuating buildings and searching for any threat or victims. None were found. The university warned everyone on campus to stay put. "Do not move unless directed by law enforcement. Campus facilities are currently being searched by police," a social media post read. After the all-clear, the university announced the cancelation of all classes and activities until 8 a.m. Aug. 22. All students and non-essential employees were allowed to leave campus for the rest of the day Aug. 21. UPDATE: CPD is working with @UTCPD to confirm Shots Fired reports that were called in. At this time, we have not located any victims. https://t.co/kE7OWatX1d Chattanooga Police Department (@ChattanoogaPD) August 21, 2025 There were no injuries reported by rescue personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UTC Chancellor Dr. Lori Mann Bruce applauded students for their efforts to stay safe and evacuate in a safe manner. She said the active shooter training they had received throughout their lives in school helped. Counseling services are being made available at the university's counseling center. Multiple agencies, including the FBI, THP and local police, fire and rescue personnel assisted Chattanooga and UTC campus police. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: University of Tennessee Chattanooga cleared after active shooter call ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Nearly a month after a shooting took the life of a 14-year-old boy on the University of New Mexicos campus, the university is taking steps to boost campus safety. At Tuesday nights meeting, the Board of Regents approved $2.6 million in upgrades to update UNMs campus-wide alert system, but theyre not stopping there. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like the rest of the Lobo community, I remain very concerned about the disturbing incident that recently occurred on our Albuquerque campus that left a young person dead, said UNM President Garnett Stokes to regents. Stokes opened Tuesday nights meeting, speaking about the recent tragedy on campus that claimed the life of 14-year-old Michael Lamotte, These can seem like trying in uncertain times, so believe me, I assure you it has all of my attention. President Stokes explained how the university has invested over $20 million in the past five years to its safety infrastructure. Weve used our building renewal and replacement funds of nearly 4.5 million for things like parking lots, security cameras, and lighting, explained Stokes. During that time, UNM has also installed over 3,000 surveillance cameras across campus and given campus police training and technology to keep better track of crimes on campus, but she acknowledged theres more to be done. While many pedestrian areas are illuminated, the reality is, in spite of all of the work, you get drones and you see how lit up our campus now appears over the last four or five years, but there still are dark areas where lighting can be improved, shared Stokes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moving forward, Stokes wants to make more improvements, including hiring more campus police, adding more vehicle gates around campus, and strengthening keycard access restrictions. But all that will take financial support from the state. Were developing a state funding request that would support added new technology to UNMs surveillance system. This includes weapons and license plate recognition. AI-powered technology can detect and classify openly displayed weapons, such as firearms and knives, in real time, explained President Stokes. The New Mexico Higher Education Department still needs to approve the $2.6 million for the Lobo Alert improvements. As of August 6, the four roads leading into UNMs campus along Central Avenue have been closed nightly between 10 p.m. and 6 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. GENEVA (Reuters) -The head of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency on Thursday voiced concern that children suffering from malnutrition in Gaza will die if emergency provisions are not immediately put in place during Israel's Gaza City military operation. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that its data showed a six-fold increase in the number of children suffering from malnutrition in Gaza City since March. "We have a population that is extremely weak that will be confronted with a new major military operation," he told a Geneva press club meeting. "Many will simply not have the strength to undergo a new displacement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many of them will not survive," he said of the children, addressing the audience in French. "It is a manufactured and fabricated famine. It is deliberate. Food has been used as an instrument of war," he said. In May, a global hunger monitor said that half a million people in the Gaza Strip faced starvation but stopped short of using the term famine. Israel's military agency that coordinates aid, COGAT, has previously said it invests considerable efforts to ensure aid reaches Gaza and has denied restricting supplies. (Reporting by Emma FargeEditing by Ludwig Burger and Rachel More) "If there is no crisis plan, then they (the children suffering from malnutrition) will certainly be condemned," Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said. The head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency on Thursday voiced concern that children suffering from malnutrition in Gaza would die if emergency provisions are not immediately put in place during Israel's Gaza City military operation. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that its data showed a six-fold increase in the number of children suffering from malnutrition in Gaza City since March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have a population that is extremely weak that will be confronted with a new major military operation," he told a Geneva press club meeting. "Many will simply not have the strength to undergo a new displacement." "If there is no crisis plan, then they (the children suffering from malnutrition) will certainly be condemned," he said, addressing the audience in French. Israel denies claims of starvation in Gaza Israel refuted the claims of starvation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, stating that Hamas was behind deliberate and misleading publication of data, in a report published by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) earlier this month. A view shows military vehicles on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, as seen from Israel, August 12, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD) According to COGAT, Hamas portrays Gazan patients with severe pre-existing conditions as having died from malnutrition, saying that this was part of a coordinated campaign by Hamas to discredit the State of Israel and achieve political gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COGATs review reportedly found a gap between the deaths attributed to malnutrition as reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, and the cases documented and published with details in media and social media. COGAT's review said that the Gaza Health Ministry did not release the names of these deceased, as it had traditionally done in the past. For example, on July 19, Hamas announced 18 malnutrition-related deaths, and on July 22, another 15, but COGAT's probe identified only a handful of cases, adding that this raises doubt about their credibility. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office is warning residents about a persistent phone scam that has stolen thousands of dollars from victims for several years. Scammers are posing as MCSO deputies, claiming the targeted person has missed a court date or failed to appear for jury duty, while pressuring them to pay to avoid arrest. Reports of these fraudulent calls come into MCSO daily. Victims are often told to provide personal financial information or make immediate payments through gifts cards, wire transfers, or other untraceable methods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office says this is a scam. Since January 2025, MCSO has logged over 400 reports from individuals who were either scammed or at risk of being scammed. In one case, echoing many others, a victim claims they were contacted by someone impersonating a former officer, using Mecklenburg Countys caller ID. Exploiting their fear, the caller informed the victim that they had failed to appear for a federal grand jury, resulting in a warrant for their arrest. This ultimately led the victim to send funds quickly. They claim to have lost up to $30,000. MCSO will never call to request or accept payment for missed jury duty, warrants, or to avoid arrest. Be aware and know the red flags. Here are some tips from NCDOJ and MCSO: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you receive a call from someone claiming to be affiliated with MCSO and they demand money or payment for missed jury duty or warrants, hang up. This is a scam. Be aware that these scammers may use a fake police radio in the background or contact you from a phone number that appears to be MCSO. If someone calls you and asks for your Social Security number, banking information or credit card number, hang up. If someone insists that you cannot end the call until you send funds, be advised that MCSO would never require this. Hang up. Always keep in mind: In North Carolina, jury summons and failure to appear notices are required to be mailed to you. Note some more common phrases used to solicit money: Your loved one or someone is currently being processed You have failed to attend a court date A federal subpoena has been issued In a voicemail: You need to return their call regarding a legal matter MCSO will never request funds, particularly not in the form of gift cards, bitcoins, or scratch-off tickets. Scammers often use fake citation and badge numbers, as well as names of both current and former deputies. These scammers catch people off guard or when theyre most vulnerable and force them to pay the money immediately. Unfortunately, scams like this are happening on a national level. Rest assured, we will never call and tell you to bring money. If you miss a court date or grand jury, do not pay a fine or fee. It sounds legit, but its not legit. Do not pay them. Do not talk to them. If you think you have been contacted by a scammer, submit a report via the NC Attorney Generals website or call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 20The Bernalillo County Commission approved $46 million in revenue bonds Tuesday to help subsidize the construction of two apartment buildings that will bring more than 200 affordable housing units to Uptown. The project hopes to draw low-to-middle-income residents to an area that is already filled with jobs, amenities and public transit, city of Albuquerque planners said. Uptown Connect is estimated to cost $115 million in total, and through a combination of federal, state, municipal and private dollars, the project is nearing its funding finish line, according to county officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Uptown is one of the most desirable and walkable areas of our city with community spaces like Winrock Park and Park Square Market growing that vibrancy," County Commission Chair Eric Olivas said in a statement Wednesday. "This collaboration across governments and the private sector builds on the strengths of the neighborhood while adding much needed, quality affordable housing." The commission will vote on final approval for the bonds in January 2026. In New Mexico, revenue bonds, which in this case were issued by the county, work similarly to a loan, with a lender purchasing the bond and the developer paying off the debt with revenue from future rent payments. Having bond funding also unlocks tax exemptions and credits that make construction cheaper and incentivize affordable housing, according to Rebecca Velarde, director of development for Palindrome Communities, the firm behind the project. The apartment complex, which will include a four-story tower and a six-story tower, is planned around ABQ Ride's preexisting Uptown Transit Center at Indian School and Louisiana NE. The project is expected to increase ridership on city buses and lower single-person car ownership among residents, according to estimates in a city of Albuquerque grant application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When built, Uptown Connect will be the first affordable housing complex in the neighborhood. There are approximately 13,000 jobs in the Uptown area, said ABQ Ride's principal planner Lawrence Kline, but many workers can't afford to live there. "Multiple millions of square feet of commercial and office (space) and not one affordable housing unit in the entire area," Kline said. The neighborhood offers multiple grocery stores, banks, shopping centers and office buildings within a half mile, making it highly walkable for those who can afford it. The new complex will feature primarily affordable housing, 50% of which will be reserved for people who make $32,000 a year or less. There will also be 36 apartments that are not income restricted and are rented out at market rate, Velarde said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of housing, the project will revamp the transit center, as well as add 11,000 and 8,000 square feet of commercial and office space. Palindrome hopes to break ground in the first half of 2026, Velarde said, and be move-in ready by mid-2028, pending funding from the state. Three groups are suing the Environmental Protection Agency in the hopes of banning a dangerous chemical, according to reports from WHYY. What happened? In June of 2019, a hydrocarbon gas leak caused a series of explosions at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery. The explosion released over 5,000 pounds of hydrofluoric acid, a toxic chemical, into the surrounding environment. While the fire, explosion, and gas caused by the incident led to no direct deaths, they raised serious concerns for nearby residents about the presence of oil refineries and their potential dangers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A petition was recently filed to ban the use of hydrogen fluoride, but the EPA rejected it. As a result, the Clean Air Council, Communities for a Better Environment, and the Natural Resources Defense Council have come together to sue the EPA. The EPA's mission is "to protect human health and the environment," per the EPA itself. The routine use of this deadly chemical is a disaster waiting to happen banning or restricting its use could save lives. Why is hydrogen fluoride concerning? Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless chemical compound that can either be a liquid or a gas. When dissolved in water, it's called hydrofluoric acid. Hydrogen fluoride is commonly used in refrigerators, but it's also used in herbicides, gasoline, light bulbs, and industrial cleaning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inhaling hydrogen fluoride can cause respiratory issues and death. Contact with the skin can cause severe rashes and burns. If ingested, even a small amount of hydrogen fluoride can be fatal. That's why releasing thousands of pounds of it into the surrounding environment is unacceptable and dangerous. Annie Fox, an attorney at the Clean Air Council, told WHYY: "This chemicalis the stuff of nightmares." What's being done to stop the use of hydrogen fluoride? The battle to ban hydrogen fluoride has been a long one. In 2015, an explosion at ExxonMobil Torrance Refinery nearly resulted in another catastrophic release of hydrofluoric acid. Local California groups have been fighting to ban its use since the accident. The lawsuit with the EPA is still pending, but the groups are working to raise awareness about the dangers of hydrogen fluoride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we are successful, we will never know the impact that we had, because a major disaster will have been prevented before it could happen," Fox said, per WHYY. 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 US court threw out Thursday a $464 million civil penalty against President Donald Trump imposed by a judge who found he fraudulently inflated his personal worth, calling the sum "excessive" but upholding the judgment against him. Judge Arthur Engoron ruled against Trump in February 2024 at the height of his campaign to retake the White House, which coincided with several active criminal prosecutions that the Republican slammed as "lawfare." "It was a Political Witch Hunt, in a business sense, the likes of which no one has ever seen before," Trump said on his Truth Social platform Thursday, adding that "everything I did was absolutely CORRECT and, even, PERFECT." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Engoron originally ruled against Trump, he ordered the mogul-turned-politician to pay $464 million, including interest, while his sons Eric and Don Jr. were told to hand over more than $4 million each. The judge found that Trump and his company had unlawfully inflated his wealth and manipulated the value of properties to obtain favorable bank loans or insurance terms. Alongside the financial hit to Trump, the judge also banned him from running businesses for three years, which the president repeatedly referred to as a "corporate death penalty." On Thursday, five judges of the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court upheld the verdict, but ruled that the size of the fine was "excessive" and that it "violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive or cruel punishments and penalties. - 'Massive win! - State Attorney General Letitia James, who brought the initial case, vowed to take Thursday's ruling to the state's highest court, the New York Court of Appeals. Thursday's appeals court ruling "affirmed the well-supported finding of the trial court: Donald Trump, his company, and two of his children are liable for fraud," James added. Following the initial verdict, Trump subsequently sought to challenge the civil ruling as well as the scale and terms of the penalty, which has continued to accrue interest while he appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He repeatedly condemned the case and the penalty as politically motivated. His son Don Jr. termed the appellate court ruling a "massive win!!!" "New York Appeals Court has just THROWN OUT President Trump's $500+ Million civil fraud penalty! It was always a witch hunt, election interference, and a total miscarriage of justice... and even a left leaning NY appeals court agrees! NO MORE LAWFARE!" he wrote on X. During hearings, conducted without a jury under state law, Trump accused then-president Joe Biden of driving the case, calling it "weaponization against a political opponent who's up a lot in the polls." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the case was civil, not criminal, there was no threat of imprisonment. Trump's economic advisor Peter Navarro said at the White House Thursday that "James is another one that belongs in jail," referring to the New York attorney general. "The Democrats really overplayed their hand on this because they thought they could take Donald Trump out," he said. gw/bjt By Ann Saphir JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department plans to investigate Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, with a top official informing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell of the probe and encouraging him to remove her, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. A letter to Powell from Ed Martin, a Justice Department official who has led similar investigations into Senator Adam Schiff of California and New York Attorney General Letitia James, said Cooks case requires further examination, Bloomberg reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, I encourage you to remove Ms. Cook from your Board, Martin wrote, according to Bloomberg. Do it today before it is too late! After all, no American thinks it is appropriate that she serve during this time with a cloud hanging over her. The DOJ did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Asked about the report, a Fed spokesperson referred to Cook's statement on Wednesday, when she said she had no intention of being "bullied" into resigning after President Donald Trump called for her to step down on the basis of allegations made by a member of his administration about mortgages she holds in Michigan and Georgia. The Federal Reserve Act provides no authority for a Fed chair to remove another member of the Board of Governors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook, the first Black woman to be a Fed governor, is serving a 14-year term that began after her second Senate confirmation in 2023. The effort to remove Cook comes as the administration has unleashed a campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion, and intensifies Trump's ongoing effort to gain influence over the U.S. central bank and push it to lower interest rates. Central bankers from around the world gathered on Thursday in Grand Teton National Park for the opening of the Kansas City Fed's annual Jackson Hole symposium, where Powell will give a keynote speech on Friday sketching out his view of the economy and, investors hope, where rates are headed. "I would just say that I know her to be an outstanding economist and a person of high integrity," Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack told Yahoo Finance at the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte, who referred the allegations of Cook's wrongdoing to the Department of Justice this week, said they arose as part of regular investigations into mortgage fraud by his agency and were not a "witch hunt." Defrauding people is nothing new, Pulte told Bloomberg Television. I believe that she committed mortgage fraud. Pulte said that public records clearly show fraud and that a special exemption should not be made for the powerful. He said the fraud is self-evident. Cook has yet to expressly address Pulte's accusation, saying only in Wednesday's statement: "I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts. The Fed has held borrowing costs steady all year in the 4.25%-4.50% range out of concern that Trump's tariffs could reignite inflation that is still running above the Fed's 2% goal. Recent weaker labor market data - including a report showing job gains averaged a paltry 35,000 from May to July - has increased Fed policymaker concern that borrowing costs may be a bit too high, and financial markets are priced for the likelihood of a quarter-point interest-rate cut at the Fed's September meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would be far short of the several percentage points that Trump has called for. Trump can name a new chair when Powell's term ends in May. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is leading the search, has nearly a dozen candidates and all have voiced their support for big rate cuts and big changes to the central bank. Traditionally, Fed chairs resign when their leadership term ends, but there is some speculation that Powell would stay on until his term as governor ends, in 2028, denying Trump the chance to install more loyalists to consolidate his control over the central bank. Trump has nominated Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Stephen Miran, a Fed critic and enthusiastic supporter of Trump's tariffs and other policies, to serve at the Fed in the seat vacated by the surprise resignation this month of Adriana Kugler. (Reporting by Ann Saphir in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Additional reporting by Dheeraj Kumar in Bengaluru, Michael S. Derby in New York and Sarah N. Lynch in Washington ; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Franklin Paul and Matthew Lewis) By Leah Douglas WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Agriculture's plan to close its flagship laboratory near Washington, D.C., could undermine research on pests, blight and crop genetics crucial to American farms, according to lawmakers, a farm group, and staff of the facility. The USDA has already lost thousands of research staff to President Donald Trump's effort to shrink the federal government, even as Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has said farm research is a pillar of national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rollins said in July that the USDA will close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, which occupies nearly 7,000 acres in the Maryland suburbs outside Washington, as part of an agency reorganization effort that will also move roughly half its Washington-area staff to hubs in North Carolina, Utah and elsewhere. The agency has said it is closing BARC and several other USDA buildings because of costly necessary renovations and underutilized space. Workers at BARC in 2023 filed whistleblower complaints about unsafe working conditions there. But critics of the plan to close BARC say it could backfire by interrupting the facility's ongoing research, and by pushing the scientists conducting it to resign. "It is unlikely that senior scientists of this caliber with mature research partnerships and rich professional lives will simply move somewhere else," said Donnell Brown, president of the National Grape Research Alliance, which depends on BARC research into vine stress and water usage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, also slammed the plan. "You have a lot of people who have invested their time and effort in research for farmers across the country, and this plan would destroy that ongoing research," he said. Three staff at the facility, who requested anonymity out of fear of retribution, said the co-location of many labs at BARC allows for economies of scale and cost savings, and that the proximity to Washington enables researchers to easily brief lawmakers or other parts of the USDA. A USDA spokesperson said the $500 million required to modernize the BARC facility, plus another $40 million in annual maintenance, was not a wise use of taxpayer funds and that the agency's other laboratories could house BARC research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rollins said in a July memo outlining the relocation effort that the BARC facility would be closed over several years to avoid disruptions to critical research. The USDA on July 25 told the House of Representatives and Senate agriculture and appropriations committees that it did not have data or analysis underpinning its reorganization plan to share with members of Congress or their staff, according to a letter sent from Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee to Rollins on August 14. "Ostensibly theyre saying it would save money, but I havent seen any study that suggests thats the case," said U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey, whose Maryland district contains the BARC site. (Reporting by Leah Douglas in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Leslie Adler) At the end of work trips, Nathan Miller goes home to a makeshift bedroom in his parents house in Virginia. The 29-year-old flight attendant is part of a PSA Airlines crew based in Philadelphia, but he cant afford to live there. Miller says he makes about $24,000 a year staffing multiple flights a day as a full-time attendant for the American Airlines subsidiary. To get to work, he commutes by plane between Virginia Beach and Philadelphia International Airport, a distance of about 215 miles. I've considered finding a whole new job. It's not something that I want to do," Miller, who joined PSA two years ago, said. "But it's not sustainable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His situation isn't unique. Frustrations among flight attendants at both regional and legacy airlines have been building for years over paychecks that many of them say don't match the weight of what their jobs demand. Compounding the discontent over hourly wages is a long-standing airline practice of not paying attendants for the work they perform on the ground, like getting passengers on and off planes. Air Canada's flight attendants put a public spotlight on these simmering issues when about 10,000 of them walked off the job last weekend, leading the airline to cancel more than 3,100 flights. The strike ended Tuesday with a tentative deal that includes wage increases and, for the first time, pay for boarding passengers. In the United States, however, the nearly century-old Railway Labor Act makes it far more difficult for union flight attendants like Miller, a member of the Association of Flight Attendants, to strike than most other American workers. Unlike the Boeing factory workers and Hollywood writers and actors who collectively stopped work in recent years, U.S. airline workers can only strike if federal mediators declare an impasse and even then, the president or Congress can intervene. For that reason, airline strikes are exceedingly rare. The last major one in the U.S. was over a decade ago by Spirit Airlines pilots, and most attempts since then have failed. American Airlines flight attendants tried in 2023 but were blocked by mediators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without the ultimate bargaining chip, airline labor unions have seen their power eroded in contract talks that now stretch far beyond historical norms, according to Sara Nelson, the international president of the AFA. Negotiations that once took between a year and 18 months now drag on for three years, sometimes more. The right to strike is fundamental to collective bargaining, but it has been chipped away," Nelson said. Her union represents 50,000 attendants, including the ones at United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and PSA Airlines. On Monday, she joined PSA flight attendants in protest outside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, near where an airliner operated by PSA crashed into the Potomac River in January after colliding with an Army helicopter. All 67 people on the two aircraft were killed, including the plane's pilot, co-pilot and two flight attendants. The airline's flight attendants also demonstrated outside airports in Philadelphia, Dallas, Charlotte and Dayton, Ohio. In a statement, PSA called the demonstrations "one of the important ways flight attendants express their desire to get a deal done and we share the same goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flight attendants say their jobs have become more demanding in recent years. Planes are fuller, and faster turnaround times between flights are expected. Customers may see them mostly as uniforms that serve food and beverages, but the many hats attendants juggle include handling in-flight emergencies, deescalating conflicts and managing unruly passengers. We have to know how to put out a lithium battery fire while at 30,000 feet, or perform CPR on a passenger who's had a heart attack. We're trained to evacuate a plane in 90 seconds, and we're always the last ones off, said Becky Black, a PSA flight attendant in Dayton, Ohio, who is part of the union's negotiating team. And yet, Black says, their pay hasn't kept pace. PSA flight attendants have been bargaining for over two years for better wages and boarding pay. Alaska flight attendants spent just as long in talks before reaching a deal in February. At American, flight attendants began negotiations on a new contract in 2020 but didn't get one until 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwest Airlines attendants pushed even longer over five years before securing a new deal last year that delivered an immediate 22% wage hike and annual 3% increases through 2027. It was a great relief, Alison Head, a longtime Southwest flight attendant based in Atlanta, said. Coming out of COVID, where you saw prices were high and individuals struggling, it really meant something. The contract didn't include boarding pay but secured the industry's first paid maternity and parental leave, a historic win for the largely female workforce. A mother of two, Head said she returned to work fairly quickly after having her first child because she couldn't afford to stay home. Now, new parents don't have to make that same hard decision, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of her peers at other airlines are still waiting for their new contracts. At United, attendants rejected a tentative agreement last month, with 71% voting no. The union is now surveying its members to understand why and plans to return to the bargaining table in December. One major sticking point: boarding pay. While Delta became the first U.S. airline to offer it in 2022 followed by American and Alaska many flight attendants still aren't compensated during what they call the busiest part of their shift. Back in Virginia Beach, Miller is still trying to make it work. To report for duty at the Philadelphia airport on time, Miller says he wakes up at around 4 a.m. Once his commuter flight lands, it could be hours still before he is officially on the clock and getting paid. His work day sometimes ends at 2 a.m. the next morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Depending what time it is when Miller returns to Philadelphia, he might spend the night at what's known as a crash pad," a shared housing unit for flight crew members who commute to their base. Miller says his crash pad is a two-bedroom apartment with 10 beds in it. On family vacations during his childhood, Miller said he was fascinated by flight attendants and their ability to make passengers feel comfortable and safe. Now he's got his dream job, but he isn't sure he can afford to keep doing it. US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard said Wednesday she will make heavy cuts to her office, which she declared has "fallen short" of fulfilling its mandate and is "rife with abuse of power." Gabbard announced she will reduce the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) by over 40 percent by the end of fiscal year 2025, estimated to save $700 million. "Over the last 20 years, ODNI has become bloated and inefficient, and the intelligence community is rife with abuse of power, unauthorized leaks of classified intelligence and politicized weaponization of intelligence," Gabbard said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a series of social media posts, Gabbard added that she is "cutting bloated bureaucracy, rooting out deep state actors, and restoring mission focus." A four-page fact sheet posted to her department's website describes the plan for "ODNI 2.0," which involves reducing her office's efforts to monitor biosecurity, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, cyber intelligence threats and other areas. In explaining cuts to the Strategic Futures Group, the office's intelligence forecasting unit, Gabbard's team said they were "found to violate professional analytic tradecraft standards in an effort to propogate a political agenda that ran counter to all of the current president's national security priorities." The cuts were, at times, explained with accusations against previous Democrat-led administrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuts to the Foreign Malign Influence Center -- established to combat foreign threats to democracy and US interests -- were conducted because it was "used by the previous administration to justify the suppression of free speech and to censor political opposition," the fact sheet alleged, in reference to President Donald Trump's predecessor Joe Biden. The fact sheet also touted previous cuts, saying since "Gabbard's first day, ODNI has already reduced its size by nearly 30%, with more than 500 staffers now off the books." In July, Gabbard accused former president Barack Obama of heading a "treasonous conspiracy" to allege Russia interfered with American elections to help Trump. But Gabbard's findings run up against four separate criminal, counterintelligence and watchdog probes between 2019 and 2023 -- each of them concluding that Russia did interfere and helped Trump in various ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have accused Gabbard, 43, of being close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The purge extends beyond slashing the agency's current payroll. The New York Times reported Tuesday that Gabbard revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials -- many of whom worked on Russia analysis or foreign threats to US elections -- at the president's direction. President Donald Trump took office on the promise of reducing the size of the federal government, and has since slashed US foreign aid contributions, the Department of Education -- which required the US Supreme Court's approval -- and other agencies. sla/jgc WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration on Thursday issued more Iran-related sanctions, targeting 13 entities based in Hong Kong, China, the United Arab Emirates and the Marshall Islands, as well as eight vessels, the U.S. Treasury Department said. The measures cover Greek national Antonios Margaritis and his network of companies and vessels that Treasury said was involved in transporting Iranian oil exports in violation of sanctions. Treasury also designated Ares Shipping Limited in Hong Kong, Comford Management in the Marshall Islands and Hong Kong Hangshun Shipping Limited in Hong Kong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Designated crude oil tankers include Panama-flagged vessels Adeline G and Kongm, and Lafit under the flag of Sao Tome and Principe. The State Department separately said it imposed sanctions on two China-based operators of oil-related terminals and storage. It said they handled imports of Iranian oil aboard tankers previously targeted by U.S. sanctions. The firms were identified as Qingdao Port Haiye Dongjiakou Oil Products Co in Shandong province and Yangshan Shengang International Petroleum Storage and Transportation Co in Zhejiang province. A person at Qingdao Port Haiye Dongjiakou Oil Products Co who answered a phone call told Reuters they were not aware of the sanction and declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State-owned Qingdao Port International, the major shareholder of Haiye, did not respond to a request for comment. Yangshan Shengang International Petroleum Storage and Transportation did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Iran suspended talks with Washington aimed at curbing the Islamic Republic's nuclear ambitions after the U.S. and Israel struck its nuclear sites in June. Iran denies any intent to develop atomic bombs. Iran's top diplomat said on Wednesday that the moment for "effective" nuclear talks with the United States has not yet arrived, adding that Iran would not completely cut off cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner and Ryan Patrick Jones; writing by Susan Heavey; Additional reporting by Sam Li in Beijing and Siyi Liu in Singapore; Editing by Caitlin Webber, Cynthia Osterman and Michael Perry) The United States has issued a new round of sanctions against Iran, seeking to disrupt oil exports by going after a global network of companies owned by a single Greek shipper. In a statement published by the US Treasury Department on Thursday, the government announced sanctions on companies and vessels owned by Antonios Margaritis. The sanctions follow several other rounds aimed at making it more difficult for Tehran to sell oil abroad. Margaritis has leveraged his decades of experience in the shipping industry to illicitly facilitate the transportation and sale of Iranian petroleum, the statement notes. Several other vessels and operators are also being designated today for their role facilitating Iranian oil exports, which generates revenue that contributes to Irans advanced weapons programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine companies based in Greece, Hong Kong, the Marshall Islands and the United Arab Emirates were sanctioned, along with 12 vessels some of which carry flags of convenience from other nations. Among those sanctioned was the Marshall Islands-based Changbai Glory Shipping Limited, the owner of a Liberian-flagged ship that since March 2025 alone has transported more than four million barrels of Iranian oil to China. China is the top international buyer of Irans oil. The US has sought to penalise Irans energy sector since a Washington-backed ceasefire between Israel and Iran came into effect in June. US-led coalition forces captured a senior Islamic State commander believed to be the group's leader in a pre-dawn helicopter raid Wednesday near Syria's Turkish border, killing one Iraqi citizen during the operation. The operation took place in Atmeh, a town near the Turkish border, and an IS group commander alleged to be Abu Hafs al-Qurashi was taken away. At the same time, an Iraqi citizen was killed, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The observatory said the man captured had a French-speaking woman with him, and it is not known if she was taken by US forces or Syrian security, who later cordoned off the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US military has not responded to requests from the media for comment, and it is not immediately clear if the man captured is IS main leader. Two years ago, the IS group announced that a man called Abu Hafs al-Hashemi al-Qurashi had been named as its new leader after Turkish authorities killed his predecessor. The IS jihadist group broke away from al-Qaeda more than a decade ago. It attracted supporters from around the world after it declared a self-proclaimed "caliphate" in 2014 in large parts of Syria and Iraq. Despite its defeat in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later, the IS group's militants still carry out deadly attacks in both countries and elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related All previous IS leaders have adopted Al-Qurashi as part of their surname, implying a connection to Quraish, the tribe to which Islams Prophet Muhammad belonged. The IS group claims its leaders hail from the tribe, and al-Qurashi is used as a nom de guerre -- all part of the terror organisation's propaganda, as it is largely invented and its handful of leaders are unrelated, according to reports. Its first leader, the self-proclaimed emir and caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, did not take on the Al-Qurashi name, despite claiming he hailed from the tribe without providing evidence. US national Aimee Betro is jailed for 30 years for trying to kill her lover's rival in a bungled shooting in the UK six years ago A US Navy sailor was convicted Wednesday of espionage after a jury found him guilty of selling sensitive information to a Chinese intelligence officer. The sailor, Jinchao Wei who was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit espionage and unlawful export of, and conspiracy to export, technical data related to defense articles will be sentenced on December 1, according to a statement from the Justice Department. The jury acquitted Wei on a charge of naturalization fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendants actions represent an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the U.S. military, Adam Gordon, US attorney for the Southern District of California, said in the statement. By trading military secrets to the Peoples Republic of China for cash, he jeopardized not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies. The jurys verdict serves as a crucial reminder that the Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute traitors. Wei was arrested on August 2, 2023, as he arrived for work at Naval Base San Diego, where he served as a machinists mate on the USS Essex amphibious assault ship. Machinists mates are a class of engineers and are responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing ship equipment. During his first appearance in court a day later, federal defenders had submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf. According to Wednesdays statement, however, Wei confessed to selling technical and mechanical manuals in his post-arrest interview, during which he told the FBI, Im screwed. Wei was recruited by the Chinese intelligence officer through social media in February 2022, the Justice Department said. Between March 2022 and his arrest, Wei sent photos and videos of the USS Essex to the Chinese intelligence officer, along with the locations of several ships at the San Diego naval base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wei also sent thousands of pages of technical and operational information that were stored on restricted-access Navy computer systems, the Justice Department said. He received more than $12,000 over the course of 18 months in exchange for the information he shared. Around the time of Weis arrest, another US Navy sailor in California was also arrested for selling sensitive military information. Wenheng Zhao, who pleaded guilty to conspiring with a Chinese intelligence officer and receiving a bribe, was sentenced early last year to more than two years in prison. CNNs Natasha Bertrand contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A US Navy sailor in California has been convicted of espionage for selling secrets to a Chinese agent who recruited him through social media. Jinchao Wei, 25, was convicted of six charges, including espionage, conspiracy to commit espionage and unlawful export of classified data about US Navy ships. He was paid more than $12,000 (8,920) over an 18-month period by a Chinese intelligence officer who approached him in February 2022 for information about the USS Essex, which he served on, as well as other naval vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, was arrested in August 2023 on espionage charges as he arrived for work on the amphibious assault ship. "The defendant's actions represent an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the US military," US Attorney Adam Gordon said in a statement after the verdict was read. "By trading military secrets to the People's Republic of China for cash, he jeopardised not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies." Wei being interviewed by the FBI [US Justice Department] A naturalised US citizen, Wei served as a machinist's mate, held a security clearance and had access to sensitive information about the ship and other ships in the Pacific Fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his weeklong trial, prosecutors presented evidence including phone conversations, electronic messages and audio messages that Wei had exchanged with his Chinese handler. Wei called his Chinese contact "Big Brother Andy" and obliged to his requests to keep their relationship secret by using multiple encrypted apps to communicate and accept payments. Wei also used a new computer and phone provided by his handler. Wei texted his mother about "leaking secrets" for money [US Justice Department] A text exchange between Wei and his mother was presented to show that he understood he was committing espionage. "Other Chinese serving in the US Navy are still trying to figure out how to make extra money, and driving cabs. Whereas I am just leaking secrets," Wei texted his mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She responded: "Good job!" Wei was approached by a Chinese agent while he was going through the process of becoming a US citizen. He was recruited via social media by the Chinese intelligence officer, who at first portrayed himself as a naval enthusiast who worked for the state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. Evidence showed Wei sent photographs and videos of the Essex, advised the officer of the location of various US Navy ships, and described the defensive weapons on board the Essex. He also described problems with his ship and other ships. Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on 1 December and could face life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wei could not be reached to comment. The BBC has approached his lawyer for comments. Wei was arrested alongside Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, who was arrested on charges of accepting more than $14,800 for sending sensitive photos and videos to a Chinese intelligence officer. Prosecutors said Zhao transmitted "plans for a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific theatre, operational orders and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system located in Okinawa, Japan". Zhao was found guilty last year and sentenced to 27 months in prison. The United States will only play a minimal role in security guarantees for Ukraine, a top Pentagon official has reportedly told European military planners. Elbridge Colby, the US defence undersecretary for policy, broke the news to military chiefs from the UK, France, Germany, and Finland, who had flown to Washington for hastily arranged talks with their American counterparts. The Europeans had been tasked with finding out what Donald Trump was prepared to offer after the US president suggested he would take part in a European-led effort to enforce any peace deal in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres the dawning reality that this will be Europe making this happen on the ground, a Nato diplomat told the Politico news website. The US is not fully committed to anything. Another source added: I dont know where that leaves us Pretty much back to where we were in the spring with the coalition of the willing. A European official told The Telegraph: It looks like its up to us. 2008 Ukraine troops on the ground European hopes for a more meaningful contribution had risen after Mr Trump told continental leaders, including Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, he would take part in Article 5-style guarantees for Kyiv, after talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, officials briefed on the talks told The Telegraph that the US president did not go into details about how he could assist during their private discussions. Despite the lack of detail, the likes of Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron leapt on Mr Trumps public remarks as a major win for Ukraine and Europe. British and French military chiefs then scrambled to organise a series of meetings with their American and Nato counterparts in an effort to explore Americas potential level of involvement. Mr Trump had publicly ruled out putting American boots on the ground, but suggested he could support a peacekeeping mission through air power, without offering any concrete details. Elbridge Colby reportedly told European military planners that the US will only play a minimal role in security guarantees for Ukraine - Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg European military planners had previously drawn up plans for US fighter jets to be stationed in neighbouring Poland or Romania to respond with lethal force if Russia breaks the terms of any armistice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was described as a backstop that would deter Putin from launching attacks against any European deployments inside Ukraine. However, this vision was shelved and plans for a larger peacekeeping force of up to 30,000 European troops dropped because of a lack of commitment from Washington and European nations. Mr Colbys involvement in the latest round of talks - as a pointman for Mr Trump and Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defence - will concern Europeans, given his previous decision to freeze aid to Ukraine. The high-ranking defence official paused shipments of Patriot air defence interceptors earlier this year as he conducted a review of American stockpiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Secretary Colby attended last nights meeting to relay President Trumps and Secretary Hegseths guidance related to security guarantees for Ukraine as we support the presidents historic efforts to end this tragic conflict, a Pentagon spokesman said of his involvement in a meeting between US and European military chiefs on Wednesday. At the event, Under Secretary Colby focused on ensuring the discussion reflected President Trumps statements on the matter. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. U.S. Defense Policy Undersecretary Elbridge Colby told his European counterparts that the U.S. is planning to play a minimal role in security guarantees for Ukraine, Politico reported on Aug. 20. "Theres the dawning reality that this will be Europe making this happen on the ground... The U.S. is not fully committed to anything," an unnamed NATO diplomat who was briefed on the Aug. 19 talks between military leaders said. U.S. President Donald Trump met President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in the White House on Aug. 18 as Washington intensifies efforts to broker a peace deal to end Russia's war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Aug. 19 meeting, European military leaders asked the U.S. to disclose what troops and air support it was willing to provide in security guarantees for Ukraine. In response, Colby said that the U.S. would play a minimal role, a European official and another person briefed on the discussion told Politico. Another meeting between NATO leaders was held on Aug. 20, further worrying allies that Trump will rely on Europe to ensure long-term peace is maintained in Ukraine once Russia's war is over, six unnamed U.S. and European officials said. "I dont know where that leaves us," one of the European officials told Politico. "Pretty much back to where we were in the spring with the coalition of the willing." Prior to meeting Zelensky in the White House, Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. On Aug. 19, Trump said that U.S. soldiers will not be on the ground in Ukraine to ensure security guarantees are upheld. Trump has said he plans to host a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin, followed by a trilateral meeting consisting of the three leaders. Read also: Russia is turning occupied Ukraine into a giant military base Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Amy Klobuchar, who serves as the U.S. senator from Minnesota, has come out to set the record straight regarding a recent video. The video featured her badmouthing Anyone But You star Sydney Sweeney. Responding to the backlash that followed, Klobuchar noted that the clip was, in fact, a work of AI. She also petitioned for the introduction of new legislation to counter such deepfakes. US Senator slams AI clip of her saying Sydney Sweeney has perfect t An artificially generated video of Senator Amy Klobuchar shaming Sydney Sweeney at a recent Senate Judiciary subcommittee over the latters American Eagle jeans ad went viral on the internet. Post this, the veteran politician released an official statement addressing the issue. (via New York Post) Talking to the New York Times, Klobuchar noted, The A.I. deepfake featured me using the phrase perfect ts and lamenting that Democrats were too fat to wear jeans or too ugly to go outside. Though I could immediately tell that someone used footage from the hearing to make a deepfake, there was no getting around the fact that it looked and sounded very real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video of Amy Klobuchar included a deepfake version of the Minnesota Democrat. It showed her calling out Sydney Sweeney for her controversial ad collaboration with American Eagle over new line of jeans. If Republicans are gonna have beautiful girls with perfect ts in their ads, we want ads for Democrats too, you know, the digitalized version of Klobuchar stated. We want ugly, fat bs wearing pink wigs and long-ass fake nails being loud and twerking on top of a cop car at a Waffle House because they didnt get extra ketchup, you know, the clip continued. It concluded by taking a dig at the Democratic Party with the dialogue, Just because were the party of ugly people doesnt mean we cant be featured in ads, OK? And I know most of us are too fat to wear jeans or too ugly to go outside, but we want representation. In the aftermath of the incident, Klobuchar proposed an act that would give people the right to demand that social media companies remove deepfakes of their voice and likeness, while making exceptions for speech protected by the First Amendment. The post US Senator Denies Saying Sydney Sweeney Has Perfect T appeared first on Mandatory. A group of 17 US senators has written to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, condemning an Israeli attack last week that killed several Al Jazeera journalists, and urging the US to pressure Israel to grant foreign media access to Gaza and protect journalists there. The letter [pdf] published on Wednesday was led by Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz and signed by 16 other senators, including Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a registered independent who caucuses with the Democrats. It comes a week after an Israeli strike killed several Palestinian journalists in the besieged territory, including Al Jazeera correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, and Al Jazeera cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack was met with international outcry and brought the number of journalists killed by Israel in Gaza since October 7, 2023, to 238, according to the Gaza Government Media Office. Israel has not provided convincing evidence for its claim that al-Sharif was a Hamas militant, the senators wrote. Absent a compelling explanation of the military objective for this attack, it appears Israel is publicly admitting to targeting and killing journalists who have shown the world the scale of suffering in Gaza, which would be a violation of international law. The group urged President Donald Trumps administration to provide more information about the State Departments awareness and analysis of the strike. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters last week that the department discussed al-Sharifs killing with Israel, and reiterated Israels unverified claim that he may have had ties to Hamas, the Palestinian group that governs Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al Jazeera has accused Israeli authorities of fabricating evidence to link its staff to Hamas, and denounced Israels military for waging a campaign of incitement against its journalists in the Gaza Strip, including al-Sharif. letter The senators called for the US to make it clear to Israel that banning and censoring media organizations and targeting or threatening members of the press is unacceptable and must stop. We urge you to press the Israeli government to protect journalists in Gaza and allow international media to access the territory. The senators letter also called for unrestricted and immediate access for foreign journalists to cover Israels ongoing assault on Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Palestinian journalists in Gaza cover Israels devastating war, Israel has barred international journalists from entering the Strip. The letter also voiced concern for Israels attacks on press freedom elsewhere. The group condemned the killings of journalists in Lebanon, Israels crackdown on journalists and media outlets in the occupied West Bank, harassment by Israeli soldiers of journalists in southern Syria, and the legal threats and censorship faced by Israeli journalists and media organisations. The Washington Post on Wednesday night also reported that a member of the press office for the US State Departments Bureau of Near East Affairs, Shahed Ghoreishi, was fired after suggesting Washington offer condolences for the journalists killed in Gaza. A senior member of the Islamic State group was killed by US forces in Syria on Wednesday, a US official said. The dawn raid in the north of the country was the second by US troops since former president Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December. Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrias new president, has pledged to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State with the country part of an anti-Isis alliance that includes the US-led coalition fighting the terror group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The raid took place at 2am and involved a joint airdrop operation in which troops were dispatched by parachute to the town of Atmeh, in Idlib province. Such risky ground operations, rather than drone strikes, often signal that the target is particularly prominent and likely to be embedded with civilians in a deliberate effort to ward off an air attack. The US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the operation killed a senior Isis member who was seen as a strong candidate to become the leader of the group in Syria. Isis has strengthened since fall of Assad A Syrian security source and the countrys state-owned Al-Ikhbariyah said the target was trying to escape when he was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Syrian source said the target was Iraqi and was married to a French national. It was not immediately clear what happened to his wife. Abdelqader al-Sheikh, a neighbour, said he was up late with his son when he heard a noise in the yard next door. I called out, Who are you? and they started speaking to me in English, telling me to put my hands up, Mr Al-Sheikh told Reuters. He said the armed forces stayed on the roofs of surrounding houses for the next two hours and that he could hear someone nearby speaking Arabic in an Iraqi accent. In July, the Pentagon said its forces had conducted a raid in Aleppo province that resulted in the death of a senior Islamic State leader and his two adult Islamic State-affiliated sons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last year, the US announced that its military had roughly doubled the number of its troops in Syria, to 2,000, but Donald Trump, the US president, has since expressed scepticism about keeping US boots on the ground. While severely weakened since its peak around 10 years ago, Isis has witnessed a resurgence in Syria since the fall of Assad. In late May, the group claimed its first attack on the new governments forces since it took power when it planted a bomb on a vehicle of the apostate regime in the desert of the southern province of Sweida. Isis opposes the new rule in Damascus spearheaded by Mr al-Sharaa, who once ran al-Qaedas branch in Syria and fought against Islamic State. 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. Three United States warships ordered to deploy off the coast of Venezuela by US President Donald Trump could arrive by the weekend, according to reports, as Washington sends its military to curb drug trafficking by Latin American crime cartels. The reported deployment of the warships comes as the Trump administration increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, after recently doubling a reward for his arrest to $50m on what the US claims are drug offences linked to cocaine trafficking. Sources told the Reuters and AFP news agencies on Wednesday that an amphibious squadron consisting of three US Aegis-class guided missile destroyers is heading to the waters off Venezuela and could arrive as early as Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two sources briefed on the deployment, and speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale are moving towards the Venezuelan coast and are carrying 4,500 US service members, including 2,200 Marines. The sources declined to detail the specific mission of the squadron. But they have said that recent deployments are aimed at addressing threats to US national security from specially designated narco-terrorist organisations in the region. Maduro said on Monday that he would be deploying millions of militia members across Venezuela in response to US threats, which included the reward for his arrest and the launch of a new anti-drug operation in the Caribbean. Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro waves outside a polling station after voting in Venezuelas mayoral and council elections, in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 27, 2025 [Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters] 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington has accused Maduro of leading the Venezuela-based Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) cocaine trafficking gang. The US Department of the Treasury designated the cartel as a global terrorist organisation last month, accusing it of supporting the Venezuelan crime group Tren de Aragua and Mexicos Sinaloa drug cartels, which were also designated foreign terrorist organisations earlier this year. 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, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday. Maduro, it is the view of this administration, 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 this country, Leavitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al Jazeeras Latin America editor, Lucia Newman, reports that Maduro has ordered the grounding of all aerial drones for the next 30 days, an indication that he might be expecting an attack from the air rather than sea. President Trumps vow to send warships to the Caribbean and elsewhere in Latin America to stop the flow of drugs to the United States is being seen as more than just a threat to Venezuela. It could apply to many, many countries in this region, Newman said. They say today it may be Venezuela, tomorrow it could be any one of them, Newman said. Many in the region are also wondering why Trump has chosen to implement such an aggressive move in the United States backyard while he portrays himself as a global peacemaker. An English court on Thursday handed an American woman a 30-year jail sentence after she was convicted of trying to murder a British man caught up in a feud between families. After a years-long police hunt, would-be assassin Aimee Betro, 45, was extradited earlier this year from Armenia, where she had been living, to face trial in the central English city of Birmingham. Prosecutors told the court Betro had covered her face with a niqab before climbing out of a car in September 2019 and trying to shoot Sikander Ali at point-blank range in his own car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the handgun jammed and Ali drove away at high-speed. Hours later Betro returned to the house, and fired three shots at his family home, the court heard. Sentencing Betro, Judge Simon Drew told her it was only a "matter of chance" that Ali had not been killed. "You were engaged in a complex, well-planned conspiracy to murder," he added. "You were prepared to pull the trigger and did so on two separate occasions." Prosecutors said Betro was part of a plot with co-conspirators Mohammed Aslam, 56, and his 31-year-old son, Mohammed Nabil Nazir. Betro had met Nazir on an online dating site, and told the jury she was in love with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men were jailed last year for their roles in the "violent" feud which erupted after they were injured in a brawl at Ali's father's clothing store in July 2018. Graphic design graduate Betro did not know Ali and denied three charges including conspiracy to murder and possessing a self-loading pistol. She said she had no knowledge of the plot. Betro, who is originally from Wisconsin, told jurors it was "just a terrible coincidence" that she had been close to the scene of the attack. She maintained the real shooter was "another American woman" who sounded similar to her and had the same phone and brand of trainers. Police said they had seen no evidence that Betro was paid for her role in the attack. har/jkb/jj A US woman has been sentenced to 30 years in a British jail after trying to kill a man in Birmingham, England. Aimee Betro, 45, from Wisconsin, flew to the UK in August 2019 and spent more than two weeks in the country before trying to shoot the man outside his home, West Midlands Police said in a statement Thursday. Betro was recruited by father and son Mohammed Aslam and Mohammed Nazir to kill the man, who is the son of a man with whom the pair had been embroiled in a feud. Both Aslam and Nazir have also been jailed for their role in the plot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intended victim survived the close-range assassination attempt because Betros gun jammed. She later returned and fired shots at his house before flying back to the US. A police handout photo of Betro checking into a hotel in Birmingham, England. - West Midlands Police/PA The shooting sparked a major international law enforcement operation, which Betro was able to evade for five years before she was tracked down in Armenia last summer. In January, she was returned to the UK, where she was charged with conspiracy to murder and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Betro was also charged with an offence relating to the importation of ammunition into the UK after sending illegal goods from the US to another rival of Nazirs in an attempt to have him arrested, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Betro and Nazir had got to know each other online, according to police. A CCTV image of Betro following the shooting. - West Midlands Police/PA CCTV footage showed Betro bought burner phones, which she used to plot the attack. She also sent a threatening message to the father of the intended victim of the shooting. Stop playing hide n seek. Youre lucky it jammed. Who is it? Your family or you? Pick one, it read, according to police. In a separate statement, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) revealed that Betro had dressed in a niqab to hide her identity when she tried to shoot dead her victim. The CPS also said that Nazir was Betros long-distance lover. Betro was found guilty after a two-week trial earlier this month and was sentenced to 30 years in jail at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday. Another CCTV image purportedly showing Betro after the shooting. - West Midlands Police/PA Detective Chief Inspector Alastair Orencas of the West Midlands Polices Major Crime Unit said that solving the case had involved a huge amount of work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its by luck that her attempt to kill her target failed, thanks to the jamming of her gun, said Orencas in the statement. While she was passing herself off as a tourist, posting pictures and video of landmarks such as the London Eye while she was here, her real purpose was to commit murder, he added. Hannah Sidaway, specialist prosecutor at the CPS, said that Betro had been relentless in her bid to escape justice but investigators had pursued her doggedly. The prosecution case included incriminating CCTV footage from the scene of the crime, digital forensics, mobile phone data and evidence collated from cooperation and collaboration across multiple countries and criminal justice agencies from West Midlands Police, Derbyshire Constabulary to the Federal Bureau of Investigation all of which pointed to one culprit, said Sidaway in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only Betro knows what truly motivated her or what she sought to gain from becoming embroiled in a crime that meant she travelled hundreds of miles from Wisconsin to Birmingham to execute an attack on a man she did not know, she added. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com If youre unhappy at your workplace but hesitant to make a career move in this stagnant job market, you might just be unknowingly taking part in the latest workplace trend: job hugging. It sounds sweet maybe even endearing but the hugging refers to employees clinging to their jobs for fear of being left adrift at a time of uncertainty in the job market. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest employee retention index by consulting firm Eagle Hill, released in July, signals U.S. employees are more likely to hold onto their jobs for the next six months. The data also indicates a sharp decline in perception of the job market, reflecting a growing sense of pessimism about job opportunities outside of employees workplaces. Organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry noted the current job hugging trend is not just part of the normal peaks and valleys cycle of job markets. This time around, a sense of global events as unpredictable and unprecedented, combined with looming AI disruption, is making workers increasingly unsure which can lead them to stay in holding patterns, rather than developing their skills and careers, the firm stated in an article published Aug. 12. Poor job prospects for workers The job hugging trend represents a stark contrast from just four years ago and the beginning of the two-year Great Resignation, which saw millions of Americans quit their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this time, the quits rate employees voluntarily leaving their job remained elevated, hitting a record 3% on two occasions, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, citing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But the quits rate has since steadied between 1.9 and 2.1 from May 2024 up until June. Levels havent been consistently within that range in a decade. There is this stagnation in the labor market, where the hires, quits and layoff rates are low, Laura Ullrich, director of economic research in North America at the Indeed Hiring Lab, told CNBC in a story published Aug. 18. Theres just not a lot of movement at all. Meanwhile, in June, the hiring rate dropped to 3.3%, while in July the unemployment rate rose to 4.2%, according to the BLS. And if adding only 73,000 jobs in July wasnt demoralizing enough, Bloomberg wrote on Aug. 1 that the revising down of previous spring job numbers means that in the last three months, employment growth has averaged a paltry 35,000 the worst since the pandemic. Read more: Do you own rental properties in the US? These 6 hacks can help you boost your income and lower your tax burden The numbers were so bad they cost BLS commissioner Erika McEntarfer her job, with President Donald Trump firing her after baselessly calling the employment stats rigged. The presidents nominee to replace her has suggested eliminating the monthly jobs report altogether a troubling sign regarding transparency in the employment market that could further entrench those holding onto their jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news, however, is that, for those desperate to find something new, there are ways to gain a hiring advantage even in a stagnant job market. How to find something better Fortune highlighted one of the main pitfalls of job hugging that it can exacerbate employees feeling stuck, stoking resentment toward their employers. They also spoke with one expert who believes this growing discontent will lead to another Great Resignation once market conditions improve. But youre itching to switch jobs now, there are multiple ways to boost your chances of landing a new gig. One of the primary moves to make at the outset is to learn relevant new skills, or upskilling. As Forbes explains, that could include anything from technical skills like utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to soft skills like improving communication or project management techniques. The primary goal is to boost your value as an employee. Opening up to your network of contacts an area in which older workers could hold an advantage is another key strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many job opportunities are never advertised publicly, recruitment agency IQ Partners advises. Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, mentors, and industry contacts to let them know youre looking. Applying early and often to job postings while keeping an open mind about the positions you seek out, as well as tailoring your resume to specific job applications, including the use of keywords that match the position, are other common tips. As is sharpening your job interview skills especially if its been a while since you last sat across the table, virtually or otherwise, from a hiring team. Senior Source, a Dallas-based nonprofit assisting older adults, suggests that mature workers leverage their age and accomplishments when applying to jobs, highlighting how their experience and career achievements could benefit a new employer. Regardless of what tools you learn or use to get ahead in your job search, its important not to get discouraged if potential employers dont bite right away. Job searches take time especially during periods of overall employment downturns. Persistence can prove to be the key to your success. What to read next Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. The University of Texas System Board of Regents authorized campus presidents on Thursday to replace faculty senates with less independent versions of the bodies. The decision is a turning point for the states largest university system that shifts academic and hiring decisions once left to faculty and university leaders into the hands of lawmakers and governor-appointed regents. The move comes in response to a new state law requiring Texas universities to overhaul the faculty groups. But while other schools in the state have opted to reform existing bodies in collaboration with faculty, UT regents vote represents a hard reset in the relationship between faculty and their schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regents also authorized major policy changes that will significantly limit free speech on campuses in response to pro-Palestinian protests last year. The University of Texas at Austin has been the epicenter of clashes between state lawmakers and professors. In recent years, faculty have asserted their right to teach on issues of racial justice and condemned the former university presidents decision to involve police in responding to students peacefully protesting the Israel-Hamas war. Those tensions helped lead to this years passage of two major higher ed laws that prompted the changes approved Thursday. Senate Bill 37 requires regents to decide by Sept. 1 whether faculty senates which advise university leaders on curricula, hiring and other academic matters can continue to operate. The law caps the number of members a faculty senate can have at 60, allows university presidents to appoint up to half the members, and adds new transparency rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UT regents on Thursday authorized university presidents in the system to establish new advisory faculty groups to replace existing faculty senates. In a memo published in advance of the meeting, regents said they will thoughtfully consider whether to re-establish faculty senates under the new state law, but in the meantime, the new advisory faculty groups will perform their functions. It is unclear how the new faculty advisory will look like, but the board said in the memo that they may not consist solely of members of faculty senates or councils as they were constituted prior to Sept. 1. A university rule that predates SB 37 allowed UT-Austins Faculty Council to have 62 members or more elected by faculty, 20 of whom were at large and 40 from colleges and schools. Students, staff and administrators, including the universitys president, also served on the council, though staff and administrators could not vote. The council met every month, and its meetings were open to the public but not livestreamed. Board Chair Kevin Eltife said before the vote on Thursday that deciding whether to re-establish faculty senates is a responsibility this board takes very seriously. He said some of its 14 institutions may have them and others may not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, if there are issues the presidents wish to consult with faculty on, (this motion) will allow that to happen with appropriate notifications to and by the UT system, he said. Lorenzo Sadun, a UT-Austin math professor who has served on the faculty council off and on for nearly a decade, said he was kind of angry when he learned regents would not keep the council under SB 37. He said UTs decision not to authorize faculty senates like other university systems have sends a troubling message. And the message Im getting is that the tower doesnt want to consult with the faculty. They want to tell the faculty what to do, and I think thats sad, he said. Sadun said he worries about what will happen to the faculty councils 25 committees, where most of the councils work addressing the universitys needs took place. He served on the IT committee, which played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the university had to rapidly shift to online learning. He was also a member of the grievance committee, which he said helped set up an ombudsmans office at the university and provided faculty a place to go if they felt they were being treated unfairly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breaking the partnership between administrators and faculty could have long-term consequences, he said. The university runs on faculty creativity, and if faculty aren't viewed as full partners in the endeavor, thats going to suffer, Sadum said. The regents also approved on Thursday an update to its universities speech policies to comply with another state law passed earlier this year. Senate Bill 2972 gives regents the power to designate which parts of campus are open to protests, replacing a previous law that automatically opened all common outdoor areas to protests unless they were unlawful or disruptive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also requires regents to adopt new policies at their universities banning demonstrations between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. and during the last two weeks of the semester if they interfere with campus operations. The policies must prohibit masking to conceal ones identity, erecting encampments and lowering U.S. or Texas flags. The new rules are largely in response to massive pro-Palestinian protests that erupted at UT-Austin and at other universities across the country last spring. UT-Austin and UT-Dallas presidents called police to respond to the peaceful protests, which arrested more than a hundred people. Under UT-Austins revised speech policy, members of the public cannot protest, distribute leaflets or hold events on campus unless the university invites or sponsors them. Students, faculty and staff retain the right to do so in common outdoor areas as long as they are not disruptive and follow the universitys restrictions on time, manner and place. For example, the use of amplified sound in certain areas of campus now requires a reservation and is not permitted after 5 p.m. on weekdays. The policy expands the authority of university officials when managing protests. It allows administrators to use their discretion in determining what constitutes a disruption to the campus operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy further states that during periods of disruptionstaff may ask an individual to briefly open a cooler, ice chest or other receptacle to allow a visual inspection for the presence of weapons or other prohibited items. Staff must first obtain approval from the universitys lawyers, and if a person refuses to allow an inspection, they may be required to leave the area. Finally, the new speech policy includes a definition of antisemitism that the Texas Legislature required universities to incorporate into their rules on harassment and discrimination. The definition, taken from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, says antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. The term includes rhetorical and physical acts of antisemitism directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals or their property or toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. UT-Austins revised speech policy states: Any incitement of violence, incitement of imminent violation of law, harassment, property damage, disruption of a university activity, or any other violation of state or federal law or university policy that was committed because of antisemitism will be subject to discipline, up to and including possible termination or expulsion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has raised concerns about the IHRAs definition of antisemitism, arguing that some of its examples treat criticisms of Israel as antisemitic and could chill protected political speech on campus. The group has also expressed broader concerns about SB 2972s chilling effect on protected speech. FIRE said it is still reviewing individual institutions revised speech policies. Other public university systems boards of regents have also used their quarterly meetings this month to decide how to respond to the new laws. Like UT, Texas State regents opted on Aug. 8 to let their existing faculty senates lapse on Sept. 1 rather than authorize them with changes required by SB 37. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, regents at the University of North Texas and Texas Tech voted on Aug. 14 to keep their faculty senates, provided they are updated to comply with the law. The University of Houston Systems Board of Regents, which also met on Thursday, voted to authorize its faculty senates under revised bylaws that comply with SB 37. Renu Khator, who serves as chancellor of the UH System and president of its main campus, touted the system was the first to keep its faculty senates in place. "We have so many important decisions to be made about courses, programs, the core curriculum and many other things," Khator said. "I think other systems are going to take six months to a year in order to put this framework into place." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regent Gregory King thanked faculty and administrators for working over the summer to ensure there wouldn't be a lapse in faculty governance. "We want to do the right thing as an organization, and that's where our heart is," he said. Even though some systems are keeping their universities faculty senates, they will not look like they currently do. Each system is also complying with SB 2972, but their approaches have differed. For example, the University of North Texas revised speech policy allows the public to protest, but only in designated areas. UT-Austins policy is stricter, barring the public from protesting on its campus entirely unless the university invites or sponsors them. Texas A&Ms Board of Regents are scheduled to meet between Aug. 27-29, but its agenda has not been published yet. In an interview with The Texas Tribune last month, new chancellor Glenn Hegar suggested faculty senates will stay in schools across the system. The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Disclosure: University of North Texas, University of Texas System 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. Sen. Chris Wilson, R-Logan, listens during a press conference with Senate leadership at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Earlier this year, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox vetoed a bill that would have given him and the state Senate power over choosing the next Utah Supreme Court chief justice but now, Utah lawmakers are moving to bring it back in a potential special session in September. This time, however, the bills sponsor, Senate Majority Whip Chris Wilson, R-Logan, has included a key change: the next chief justice would have a single, eight-year term, rather than being subject to reappointment every four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the Utah Supreme Courts five justices elect their own chief justice. But earlier this year, the Utah Legislature passed SB296, one of several bills that sought to exert more legislative influence over the judiciary. It would have required the Utah Supreme Court chief justice to be subject to reappointment from the governor and Senate confirmation every four years. Cox, when he issued his veto, specifically took issue with the four-year term provision included in SB296, calling it problematic to require reappointment so often. But Wednesday, while presenting his draft legislation to the Judiciary Interim Committee, Wilson said a deal has been struck. This is a compromise bill that weve been negotiating with the governor, Wilson said. If lawmakers pass his bill as currently written, after Utahs current Chief Justice Matthew Durrant vacates his seat or his term ends in April 2028, the governor will appoint a new chief justice, subject to confirmation from the Utah Senate. The bill would also limit a justice from serving as chief justice for more than one, eight-year term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson also said the bill would align Utah with 13 other states that allow the governor to appoint their chief justices. Currently, Utah is among 22 states that let justices elect their chief justice. Wilson said with these changes, the governor is completely on board with this legislation. Weve been negotiating with him for a number of months, Wilson said. So yes, he is on board with this bill. Coxs office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday seeking to verify Wilsons comments. The judiciary also hasnt taken a public position on the new bill. A spokesperson for the Utah Supreme Court said the judiciary didnt have a comment on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Judiciary Interim Committee later voted to favorably recommend Wilsons draft legislation for consideration during the potential special session next month. The motion passed on a vote of 7-4 from House committee members and 4-1 from Senate committee members, with Democrats voting against. The apparent compromise came after Republican legislative leaders announced this spring that they would not be calling a veto override session this year after Cox stopped SB296, along with five other bills, from becoming law. Instead, they said they would focus on constructive dialogue and thoughtful policymaking during the interim to find the best path forward that benefits all Utahns. Cox had previously said he expected to call a special session in May to deal with several bills he signed with the expectation that they would be tweaked to address various issues, but the month came and went without a call as discussions took longer than expected. Now, hes expected to issue the call for sometime in September. Cox hasnt yet issued an official agenda, but lawmakers this week discussed several drafts of legislation they expect to be considered, including the new version of SB296. Why do Utah lawmakers want to change how the chief justice is selected? Wilson has argued that requiring the chief justice to be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate would allow for more public input in the selection of the chief justice, who leads the states Judicial Council, the policy-making body for the judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the bill also came during a time of unusual tension between lawmakers and the Utah Supreme Court, which has issued several rulings that have upset Republican legislative leaders. Wilsons SB296 was one of several bills that surfaced during the 2025 Utah Legislature that sought to exert more control over the judiciary. The tension between the GOP-controlled Legislature and the judiciary reached a fever pitch during the 2025 session, when legal professionals and even some Utah Supreme Court justices criticized lawmakers bills as an attack on the judicial branchs independence. But that clash largely fizzled when Utahs Republican legislative leaders announced they had struck a deal with the judiciary to drop the most controversial proposals, including a bill that would have given legislators a say in judicial retention elections. In exchange, other bills including SB296 would advance, with the Judicial Council taking a neutral position. Despite that compromise, however, Cox vetoed SB296 anyway. He wrote in a letter to legislative leaders that while the new power was tempting, he took issue with requiring the chief justice to be reappointed every four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the bill correctly point out that the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. If that were all the bill did, it is something I could support, Cox wrote. However, this bill takes a very meaningful and problematic additional step: requiring the appointment process to occur every four years. Cox also wrote that its not lost on me that this bill actually gives me the governor more power than I currently possess. I admit it is very tempting to sign this bill and assure that the Chief Justice would need to stay in my good graces to retain his or her position, Cox continued. Knowing the head magistrate of our states highest court would have to think twice before ruling against me or checking my power is difficult to reject. However, Cox concluded, just because I can doesnt mean I should. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Coxs veto, House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, and Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, issued a joint statement saying Coxs decision undermines that good-faith compromise between the Legislature and judiciary that ultimately led to lawmakers abandoning the other bills, and the Judicial Council and Utah State Bar taking a neutral position. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX They also said the Legislature remains firm in its commitment to improve transparency, efficiency, and integrity within all branches of government to ensure were responsive to and representative of the people in our state. Arguments During the bills public comment period on Wednesday, a Utahn, Steven Rosenberg, opposed the change, questioning its need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If something isnt broken, then why are we changing it? If its worked through the history of this great state of Utah, why must we change it now? Rosenberg said. Leave it alone. Let it be. Let the justices choose their own leader and let the branches be separate as they were intended. Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Wood Cross, pushed back, arguing the Utah Constitution allows the Legislature to decide the process for how the chief justice is selected. The Sutherland Institute, a conservative think tank, also circulated a statement to the Judiciary Interim Committee expressing support for the bill, saying it was grateful the Legislature is considering measures to strengthen the institutions of free government through creating reasonable checks and balances. This will help ensure that the judiciary can focus on its constitutional mandate to faithfully apply existing law, the Sutherland Institutes statement continued. Ultimately, what is needed is for each branch of government to fulfill its constitutional functions fully and independently. For the judiciary, that requires judges to be committed to the constitutional principle that the text of the constitution and of the laws enacted pursuant to its authority governs their decisions rather than considerations of policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the bills debate, Weiler made a point of noting that the chief justice doesnt have the power to tell the Utah Supreme Courts other four judges how to rule on decisions or decide what cases get heard. Rather, the chief justices duties primarily entail acting as the chief administrative officer for the judiciary, responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the court. The chief justice also acts as presiding officer of the Utah Judicial Council, which is the governing body of the courts administrative rules. Sen. Brady Brammer, R-Alpine, argued that many other top positions within other state agencies and branches of government are chosen through appointment and confirmation processes. He also said underlying this bill are some administrative concerns as far as decision work load within the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of this is to say, Hey, there may be at times something that isnt quite functioning on the broader scale in terms of the number of decisions, which have decreased quite a bit over the last few years, Brammer said, alluding to a complaint he made earlier this year that the Utah Supreme Court was being productive enough. In a rare statement issued in February, the Utah Supreme Court disputed those allegations. I think theyre working to fix that, Brammer added, but that is one of the things that was an impetus for making this change, so theres a little more input, a little more push, on the commitments that are made with regards to the nuts and bolts functioning of the court, which the chief justice has a lot to do with. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Utah Legislatures Judiciary Interim Committee on Wednesday voted to favorably recommend legislation that would change how the Utah Supreme Courts chief justice is appointed, and said they would prioritize the legislation in a potential upcoming special session. During the committee hearing Wednesday at the Capitol, the committee heard from the sponsor of the draft legislation and members of the public before voting. The draft legislation passed through the committee with a 7-4 vote among representatives and 4-1 among senators. This draft legislation comes after a similar bill that passed the Legislature during this years general session was vetoed by Gov. Spencer Cox. The legislations sponsor said he worked with the governors office on changes to the bill. What changes would this legislation make? Currently, the chief justice is chosen by the other justices on the court. Under this new proposed legislation, the governor would appoint a chief justice from among the current justices. This choice would then be subject to advice and consent of the state Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would occur only when the position of chief justice becomes available, due to term expiry, death, resignation or removal. The bill clarifies that the current chief justice, Chief Justice (Matthew B.) Durant, who was appointed in 2024, will still have a four-year term. His term is set to expire on April 1, 2028, of course, unless he retires or steps down from being chief justice, said Sen. Chris Wilson, R-Logan, sponsor of the draft legislation. The legislation would also implement a new chief justice term length of eight years. It also limits the number of terms a chief justice can serve to one. One point that was highlighted throughout the hearing was that the Utah Constitution gives the legislature the power to dictate this appointment process. What changes were made from the previous bill? During the 2025 legislative session, Wilson sponsored SB296, which passed through the Legislature, but was vetoed by the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we have here, this judiciary amendments bill, is a compromise, Wilson said during his presentation to the committee. The senator said he has worked with the governors office to negotiate the language in the bill. He added that the governor is completely on board with it now. The main change between this legislation and SB296 is changing it from four-year terms to one eight-year term. Wilson said he has not spoken directly with the Utah Supreme Court on this and is unsure what their stance on the legislation is. Sen. Brady Brammer, R-Pleasant Grove, said that the Supreme Court is aware of what is going on with this legislation and the conversations that are being had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also spoke about the concerns of judicial independence that are brought up because of this legislation. Theres been some questions about, you know, the independence of the judiciary. I think thats essential, on a case-by-case basis, structurally, as it relates to the form and function of the judiciary; they are very much an interdependent body, Brammer said. He added that according to the State Constitution, the Legislature gets to dictate how they operate structurally but when it comes to the handling of cases, the judiciary has independence. How do other states appoint their chief justices? One question asked of Wilson during his presentation was about how other states appoint their chief justices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said there are 13 other states where the governor currently appoints the chief justices. In most other states, the chief justice is chosen by the other justices. Wilson also pointed out that the federal process is similar to this proposed legislation, in that the chief justice is appointed by the executive branch and confirmed by the legislative branch. Committee chair Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, also looked up how other states appoint their chief justices and shared some of his findings. According to Weiler, in South Carolina and Virginia, the legislature is allowed to pick the high court justices instead of the governor, while in North Carolina, the chief justice is chosen by all of the judges in the state including supreme court judges and district court judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In seven states, elections are used to select chief justices and in four states, the chief justice is determined by seniority. Public weighs in on legislation During public comment period on Wednesday, Stan Rasmussen, vice president of government affairs at the Sutherland Institute, spoke in favor of the legislation on behalf of the institute. We express support for this proposal, and for public record I wanted to express appreciation for Sen. Wilson in these revisions and encourage each of you to support the bill, Rasmussen said. Business owner Steven Rosenberg spoke against the bill, saying that the justices should be left to choose their own leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If something isnt broken, then why are we changing it? If its worked throughout the history of this great state of Utah, why must we change it now? Rosenberg said. Camille James, a resident of Ogden, also spoke out against the legislation saying We should not have one person choosing the chief justice of our Utah Supreme Court. Members of the committee said the governors choice has to be approved by the Senate, meaning there isnt just one person making the decision. What does the courts chief justice do? Michael Drechsel, assistant state court administrator, said the chief justice operates as the chief administrative officer of the Supreme Court and the judiciary under the state Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This includes administering the day-to-day operations of the Supreme Court. How this is done, Drechsel said, varies with the person. Drechsel confirmed that the chief justice does not tell the other justices how to rule on decisions, and does not get to pick which cases are heard and arent heard. MEMPHIS, Tenn. According to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), a lockdown was lifted Thursday afternoon after reports of an active shooter on campus. All classes and activities were canceled for the remainder of the day. UPDATE (12:45 p.m.): UTC officials say law enforcement has completed a search of campus buildings, and no threat has been identified at this time. The lockdown remains in effect until police fully clear the area, but there is no active danger confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lockdown lifted from UT Chattanooga, law enforcement finds no evidence of threat UPDATE (12:30 p.m.): The Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed that its Chattanooga division and the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security are on the scene at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) campus. Officers are assisting local authorities in response to reports of a possible active shooter. UTC officials also reiterated that the campus remains on lockdown as police continue searching university facilities. All individuals on the UTC campus should remain on lockdown. Do not move unless directed by law enforcement. Campus facilities are currently being searched by police, the university posted to social media. Authorities say they are still gathering facts and will provide more official information soon. Courtesy: Tennessee Highway Patrol Courtesy: Tennessee Highway Patrol The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) campus was on lockdown after reports of a possible active shooter situation near the University Center and Library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) issued an alert this morning urging the public to avoid the area. UTC Campus is in current LOCK DOWN. Please avoid the UTC Campus until further notice, CPD stated in a post to social media. UTC officials also confirmed the situation, posting an emergency alert that read: UTC ALERT: Possible active shooter in the University Center or Library. Run. Hide. Fight. More info forthcoming. Chattanooga Police later updated that officers are working closely with UTC Police to confirm reports of shots fired. At this time, no victims have been located. The university has urged students, staff, and faculty on campus to shelter in place until the all-clear is given. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency notifications are being distributed through official university channels and social media. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called DC protesters who heckled the pair "stupid white hippies." Top Trump administration officials on Wednesday thanked troops deployed in the nation's capital and blasted demonstrators opposed to the aggressive anti-crime efforts as "stupid white hippies." At Union Station, Washington's central train hub, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, accompanied by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, shook hands with National Guard soldiers at a Shake Shack restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You're doing a hell of a job," Vance said, as demonstrators drowned him out with jeers and shouts of "Free DC!" He urged troops to ignore the "bunch of crazy protesters," while Miller dismissed them as "stupid white hippies." The unfamiliar scene - the country's vice president and top defense official visiting troops deployed not to a war zone but to an American city's tourist-filled transit hub - underscored the extraordinary nature of the Trump administration's crackdown in the Democratic-led District of Columbia. Thousands of Guard soldiers and federal agents have been deployed to the city over the objections of its elected leaders to combat what Trump says is a violent crime wave. City officials have rejected that assertion, pointing to federal and city statistics that show violent crime has declined significantly since a spike in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has said, without providing evidence, that the crime data is fraudulent. The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether the numbers were manipulated, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources. Rifle, shotgun possession Amid the crackdown, federal prosecutors in the District have been told to stop seeking felony charges against people who violate a local law prohibiting individuals from carrying rifles or shotguns in the nation's capital. The decision by District of Columbia US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, which was first reported by the Washington Post, represents a break from the office's prior policy. In a statement, Pirro said prosecutors will still be able to charge people with other illegal firearms crimes, such as a convicted felon found in possession of a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will continue to seize all illegal and unlicensed firearms," she said. The White House has touted the number of firearms seized by law enforcement since Trump began surging federal agents and troops into the city. In a social media post on Wednesday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the operation had taken 76 illegal guns off the streets and resulted in more than 550 arrests, an average of 42 per day. The city's Metropolitan Police Department arrested an average of 61 adults and juveniles per day in 2024, according to city statistics. The Trump administration has not specified whether the arrest totals it has cited include those made by MPD officers or only consist of those made by federal agents. A DC code bars anyone from carrying a rifle or shotgun, with narrow exceptions. In her statement, Pirro, a close Trump ally, argued that the law violates two US Supreme Court decisions expanding gun rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2008, the court struck down a separate DC law banning handguns and ruled that individuals have the right to keep firearms in their homes for self-defense. In 2022, the court ruled that any gun-control law must be rooted in the country's historical traditions to be valid. Unlike US attorneys in all 50 states, who only prosecute federal offenses, the US attorney in Washington prosecutes local crimes as well. DC crime rates have stayed mostly the same as they were a year ago, according to the police department's weekly statistics. As of Tuesday, the city's overall crime rate is down 7% year over year, the same percentage as before the crackdown. DC has also experienced the same declines in violent crime and property crime as it did beforehand, according to the data. U.S. Vice President JD Vance has said that Europe should carry the burden and take the lions share of the responsibility for safeguarding Ukraine should a peace deal with Russia be secured. Defense Undersecretary for Policy Elbridge Colby has meanwhile said that American involvement in any future peacekeeping mission in the region would be minimal, according to Politico. The comments come as President Donald Trump continues in his attempt to play mediator in separate talks between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, meeting with the Russian president in Alaska last week and Zelensky in D.C. on Monday in the company of Europes leading heads of state in pursuit of a breakthrough. U.S. Vice President JD Vance discusses America's involvement in attempting to end Russia's war in Ukraine with Laura Ingraham on Fox News on Wednesday August 20 2025 (Fox News) Trump has ruled out sending any American ground troops into Eastern Europe but said it could support the peacekeeping effort by air, stating that Europes powers would be the first line of defence but receive a lot of help from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to Laura Ingraham on Fox News on Wednesday, Vance said, I think that we should be helpful if its necessary to stop the war and to stop the killing. But I think that we should expect, and the president certainly expects, Europe to play the leading role here. What he said very clearly is: Look, the United States is open to having the conversation, but were not going to make commitments until we figure out what is going to be necessary to stop the war in the first place. Despite the lack of major announcements so far, the VP insisted that great progress is being made. You can never say with certainty what the outcome in this situation is going to be, he told Ingraham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But we now have the Russians talking to the Ukrainians; theyre talking details about what would be necessary on each side to stop the fighting, to stop the killing. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio talk as they attend a press conference held by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin last week (Reuters) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov struck a much more cautious note on Wednesday, warning that negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine without Moscows involvement would amount to a road to nowhere. We cannot agree with the fact that now it is proposed to resolve questions of security, collective security, without the Russian Federation, he said. This will not work. Although Trump has dismissed the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO, a red line for Putin, his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the military alliances Secretary General Mark Rutte have proposed offering Kyiv a collective defense agreement of its own similar to that underwriting the 32-member bloc, which Lavrov may have been obliquely warning against. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colbys comment came as European military leaders met with Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at which defense officials from the U.K., France, Germany, and Finland reportedly pushed the U.S. delegation for more details on what military resources it was prepared to provide. Theres the dawning reality that this will be Europe making this happen on the ground, a dismayed Nato diplomat, who was briefed on the talks, said afterwards. The U.S. is not fully committed to anything. I dont know where that leaves us, one of the European officials said. Pretty much back to where we were in the spring with the coalition of the willing. Vice President JD Vance touted the gospel of President Donald Trumps "big beautiful bill" in Peachtree City, Georgia and continued to take shots at those from the state who opposed the measure. Vances visit to Georgia comes as he has visited several key districts around the country and has lauded the "big, beautiful bill" while Republicans seek to preserve their slim House majority and potentially pick up a few seats in the high-stakes 2026 midterm elections. The domestic policy bill included key provisions to permanently establish individual and business tax breaks included in Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and incorporated new tax deductions to cut duties on tips and overtime pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance Warns Of Penalty For Dems Who Opposed The Big, Beautiful Bill Ahead Of 2026 Midterms Vice President JD Vance touted the gospel of President Donald Trumps "big beautiful bill" in Peachtree City, Georgia and continued to take shots at those from the state who opposed the measure. "If you're working hard every single day right here in the United States, or if you're building a business right here in the United States, you ought to have a tax code that rewards you, instead of punishing you," Vance said Thursday. "And that's what happened when we passed the working families tax cut just a couple of months ago." All Democrats and five Republicans in both the House and the Senate voted against the massive measure including Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia. However, Trump signed it into law July 4. As a result, Vance took aim at Ossoff during his visit. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While Jon Ossoff pretends to be a moderate when he comes to Atlanta, he is a far-left liberal in Washington, D.C., and that's the only place that it actually counts if you're a United States senator," Vance said. "So why don't we ask Jon Ossoff, why did you vote to raise taxes? Why did you vote to keep illegal aliens on Medicaid? Why did you vote to bankrupt Medicare?" In July, Vance visited Canton, Ohio, and said that anyone who opposed the "big, beautiful bill" should face consequences ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Among those who voted against the measure in Ohio was Rep. Emilia Sykes, who represents the city. "Anybody who voted against it, I think they ought to pay a penalty," Vance said July 28. "Because they voted against all those great things for the people of Akron and the people of Northeastern Ohio." Trump Signs Big, Beautiful Bill In Sweeping Victory For Second Term Agenda, Overcoming Dems And Gop Rebels Vice President JD Vance tours the Metallus plant in Canton, Ohio, July 28, 2025. Vance faces a similar situation in Georgia, where Ossoff has voiced criticism of the measure and is up for reelection in 2026. Critics of Trumps tax and domestic policy measures have pointed to Medicaid and SNAP reforms included in the bill, which reports suggest would remove millions of beneficiaries from the programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Ossoff referred Fox News Digital to the senator's comments at a press conference Thursday, where he cited a local news report claiming that the CEO of a Georgia hospital said it must cut millions from its budget due to Trump's bill. Jd Vance Poised To Clinch Victory For Trump's Landmark Bill As Gop Finalizes Strategy Sen.Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., speaks at a campaign event for President Joe Biden at Pullman Yards on March 9, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. "I think it is embarrassing for the Vice President to be coming to Georgia to sell a policy that is already resulting in harm to hospitals in the state of Georgia, that's projected to throw more than 100,000 people off of health care in the state of Georgia," Ossoff said. "Just this week, Evans Memorial Hospital in Southeast Georgia said that because of the bill that the Vice President is here to defend, they're going to have a $3.5 million financial hole next year. That hospital here in Georgia is now warning that they may have to cut the ICU." A Fox News poll released in July found a majority of voters oppose the "big, beautiful bill." The poll, conducted between July 18 and July 21, found that 58% of all registered voters oppose the measure, while 39% approve of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No Democrats supported the "big, beautiful bill," along with Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. Original article source: Vance touts Trumps tax bill, takes a shot at local Dem senator during Georgia trip Cyprus Mail reported veterinary services in Limassol, Cyprus, are caring for more than 180 dogs and cats rescued from the wildfires that tore through parts of the country this week, according to Animal Welfare Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou. The fires, which damaged residential and rural areas, displaced both families and animals, and the response is still ongoing. As of Friday, 144 dogs and 37 cats had been rescued. Of those, 104 dogs and 31 cats were owned pets, while another 24 were strays. All are being treated at local clinics with support from volunteers and animal welfare groups who remain active in the fire zones. "There are a number of dead animals that were either trapped in houses or roaming freely within the fire zones," Theodosiou told the Cyprus Mail. She added that many birds were nesting when the fires hit, compounding the tragedy for local wildlife. Still, Theodosiou emphasized that the rescue effort hinges on a coordinated community response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local residents have joined forces with the animal police to comb through fire-damaged neighborhoods, often under dangerous conditions. Veterinary teams, led by officials like senior officer Apostolos Mazeris, are also assessing the toll on livestock. About 15,000 sheep and goats were in the affected areas, and around 50 have been located so far. Depending on their injuries, some animals are being transported for slaughter or humanely euthanized. "We are taking action to ensure no animal is left to suffer," Mazeris said, per Cyprus Mail. Meanwhile, community members have stepped up to reunite pets with their families. Volunteers are circulating photos online, organizing spreadsheets of found animals, and working closely with clinics. The Cyprus Veterinary Association has published a list of clinics in Limassol, Paphos, and surrounding areas now offering free treatment for fire-affected animals. "Our officers heard a dog barking inside a burning house and rushed in," said Nicoletta Tyrimou, head of the Limassol animal police unit, per Cyprus Mail. "It was a Chihuahua that tried to bite them, but luckily they managed to rescue it from the flames." What type of food do you feed your pets? Conventional kibble Canned Fresh Insect-based 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. Vice President JD Vance has revealed his closest buddies in the Trump administration. During an interview with Fox News Wednesday, Vance was asked about his closest allies, but initially seemed hesitant to respond, insisting he had "a lot" of good friends at work. He explained his hesitance by saying that the weird thing is, you say its one person and then fundamentally thats an insult to other people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually though he revealed his best friends at work are Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. We are very close, we were close in the Senate, hes been a great friend of mine, I think hes doing a great job, Vance said of Rubio. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Oval Office during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys visit to the White House in February (Getty Images) And the feeling appears mutual. When Fox News host and presidential daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, asked Rubio last month whether he'd consider running for the White House again, he dodged and heaped praise onto Vance. I think JD Vance would be a great nominee," Rubio said. "I think hes doing a great job as vice president. Hes a close friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance has previously said that he spends time with Rubio outside of the White House, and described him as more impressive in private than he is in public at the American Compass gala in June, according to Real Clear Politics. President Trump also appears to have noticed the close friendship, suggesting that Vance and Rubio could run on the same ticket for the White House next time around. I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form, Trump said. On Wednesday, Vance also spoke about his friendship with Hegseth, explaining they had just dined together at a burger joint in Washington. Vance went on to say that he and Hegseth had dined together at a burger joint in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The trio have also found themselves in hot water together during Signalgate earlier this year. The scandal erupted in March when Trumps short-lived national security adviser Mike Waltz accidentally added Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a group chat in which top secret information about an upcoming bombing raid on Houthi rebels in Yemen was discussed. The group chat included Hegseth, Vance, Rubio, along with other top defense officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the Secretary of Defense has fired three of his top aides in relation to a Pentagon leak investigation over the disclosure of classified materials. But on Wednesday, Vance insisted that Hegseth is doing a good job. I think hes doing a great job as Secretary of Defense, Vance told Fox News. The vice president went on to suggest that Hegseth's controversies were a concerted effort by the "DC swamp" to undermine him. The DC Swamp tried to destroy Pete Hegseth unlike anybody in the administration, Vance added. Whenever I see the worst people in the world trying to tear a guy down that makes me think hes on our side. Footage of a group of men assaulting another person has surfaced in social media posts falsely claiming it shows "Muslim police officers" beating up a woman in Pakistan. But the clip is old and linked to a case involving a ruling party in neighbouring India's eastern West Bengal state. Warning: graphic video "Pakistan, the rule established in the name of Islam has become nothing less than a torment for women," reads an August 10, 2025 X post sharing a video of several men holding up a person by their arms and legs while two other people beat them with sticks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The scene of eight Muslim police officers brutally oppressing and assaulting a defenseless woman is a living picture of the lawlessness in this country." Muslim-majority Pakistan's legal system incorporates English common law, Islamic Sharia law and customary law (archived here). Screenshot of the Facebook post taken August 17, 2025, with a red X added by AFP The clip surfaced alongside similar claims on Facebook, X and Instagram. Users left comments suggesting they believed the video showed an assault in Pakistan. "There is no justice in Pakistan. None whatsoever. Absolutely none. Isolate this sadistic entity," one said. Another wrote: "In which sort of Islamic country were we born. It seems everything will end now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the video is old and depicts an incident in neighbouring India. Old video A reverse image search using keyframes from the clip led to a July 8, 2024 X post from an India-based user who alleged the video showed a person associated with West Bengal ruling party All India Trinamool Congress -- popularly known as TMC -- "thrashing a girl with his gang". The post also says the incident took place at the Taltala Sporting Club in Kolkata, capital of West Bengal. The video caused uproar online, prompting TMC spokesperson Riju Dutta to post on X the next day: "This is an old video of March 2021. The accused is Jayant Singh and his associates" (archived here). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singh has close ties with the TMC, according to local media reports (archived here) . Subsequent keyword searches found the English-language daily Times of India published a screenshot of the video in a July 2024 report about police opening an investigation into the 2021 assault (archived here). In a July 9, 2024 post on X, local police confirmed the video was filmed in 2021 and that six people were arrested in connection with the case. Authorities also identified the victim as a man -- not a woman, as claimed online (archived here). The police said the man was brought to the club along with a woman and a child, where he was beaten over suspicions that he had stolen from a house. A search on the Taltala Sporting Club's Facebook page found photos of the club's interior that match those seen in the video shared in the false posts (archived here). Austrias Foreign Ministry has said the country is ready to host talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, adding that Vienna is prepared to negotiate with the International Criminal Court to ensure that Putin is not arrested during a visit. Source: Ukrinform, a Ukrainian news outlet, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Austrian ministry noted that the country "has many years of experience in holding international meetings and facilitating dialogue and is ready to act as a venue and mediator for possible peace talks, if that is the will of the parties". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foreign ministry recalled that Austria is a State Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin. However, consultations with the ICC are possible to ensure his participation in talks in Vienna. "All States Parties are obliged to execute ICC arrest warrants, as is Austria. However, given the headquarters agreements with international organisations based in Vienna, there remains the option of consulting the ICC to ensure the possibility of Putins participation", the Austrian Foreign Ministry said. Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ODESSA, N.Y. (WETM) The Village of Odessa is warning residents of the potential for poor water conditions after a fire that occurred at a home on College Avenue on Thursday morning. On Thursday, Aug. 21, the village announced that residents should anticipate murky water conditions for the next few days due to a fire that occurred in the village around 4:30 a.m. Previous story: Crews respond to early-morning structure fire in Odessa Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The village stated that the cause for poor water conditions is a result of the amount of water that was used to extinguish the fire. Due to the amount of water used, the villages water system has been stirred up and will likely take a few days to settle back to normal. For any questions about the situation, contact the village office at 607-594-2100. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Villanova University said a report of a possible shooter at its law school was a "cruel hoax," after it issued an alert warning of an active shooter on its Pennsylvania campus on Thursday. "Mercifully, no one was injured, and we now know that it was a cruel hoax -- there was no active shooter, no injuries and no evidence of firearms present on campus," Villanova President Rev. Peter Donohue said in a statement to the school community. "While that is a blessing and a relief, I know today's events have shaken our entire community." WPVI - PHOTO: In this screen shot from a video, law enforcement officials are shown at the scene of a shooting at Villanova University, Aug. 21, 2025. The incident, which occurred as the school was celebrating its orientation mass to welcome new students, sparked a large local and federal law enforcement response, and "panic and terror ensued," Donohue said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school had issued an active shooter alert, telling students to stay clear of Law School Scarpa Hall and lock and barricade doors while police conducted sweeps of the campus. It was later updated to report that the incident was resolved, saying, "The campus is all clear. You no longer need to shelter in place." WPVI - PHOTO: In this screen shot from a video, law enforcement officials are shown at the scene of a shooting at Villanova University, Aug. 21, 2025. MORE: Swatting call about possible armed person at San Bernardino hospital sparks massive police presence Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said his office and the FBI are going to investigate. "We're all going to work to try to get to the bottom of who might have done this," he said during a press briefing Thursday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro noted that swatting is illegal, and that he has directed Pennsylvania State Police to "use every tool at our disposal to find the person or people who called in this fake threat and hold them accountable." "I know today was every parent's nightmare, and every student's biggest fear," he said in a statement on X. "I'm profoundly grateful no one was hurt, and thankful to all members of law enforcement who ran towards reports of danger to keep Pennsylvanians safe." WPVI - PHOTO: In this screen shot from a video, law enforcement officials are shown at the scene of a shooting at Villanova University, Aug. 21, 2025. Police received a call around 4:30 p.m. Thursday saying there was an active shooter in the law school building, and at least one victim was injured, according to Stollsteimer. "That has turned out not to be true," he said. "There was never an active shooter on the campus." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Radnor Township Police Department, which responded to the campus, said there were no reported victims as police continued to clear buildings. "It is safe," Radnor Township Superintendent of Police Christopher Flanagan said at the briefing. "Right now we're reporting no injuries." He reiterated that such hoaxes are a crime. "This is a serious issue. It is a crime. It is wrong. We are taking care of that," he said. MORE: FBI creates a national database to track swatting The campus is located approximately 12 miles northwest of Philadelphia's Center City. Another unfounded active shooter scare occurred earlier Thursday at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 12:30 p.m., a 911 call came in "indicating that there was an active shooter" at the campus, the school said. State, county and federal agencies responded, and members of the school community were advised to "Run. Hide. Fight." After several areas of the campus were cleared, there was no evidence of any shooting or injuries reported, the university said. That incident is also under investigation by multiple agencies, including the FBI, the school said. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin provides a weather update ahead of Hurricane Erin impacts on the commonwealth. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) Hurricane Erin continues to churn up the East Coast, whipping up dangerous waves and winds even as it stays offshore. The storm is not expected to make landfall, but Virginia is preparing for rough waters, tropical-storm-force gusts, and bands of heavy rain as warnings go into effect. Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday updated the public on the storms potential impact expected for Thursday morning. Hurricane Erin is a massive storm, already being felt along South Carolinas Outer Banks Wednesday evening, capable of throwing tropical weather across several states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also are seeing coastal floods watches announced across the whole region as we see the tidal flooding risk really enhanced, Youngkin said. This is a dangerous storm, and because of the size of this storm, even though it is offshore, we will see rain bands that will bring heavy rain. The governor said first responder resources are staged in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore in case swift water rescues are needed. Utilities and the Virginia Department of Transportation are also prepared to clear fallen trees and restore services as tropical-storm-force winds arrive. We also have asked state police to preposition resources, and that includes boats and crews on the Eastern Shore into Hampton Roads, particularly and on this side of the tunnel to make sure that we have adequate resources who can move quickly should they be needed, and we also have our aerial support through helicopters and our fixed-wing capabilities, Youngkin said. As of Wednesday evening, bridges and tunnels as well as the Jamestown ferry were expected to remain open, though conditions could force changes if the storm worsens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Department of Emergency Management Director John Scrivani urged the public to steer clear of beaches and keep boats off the water until Erin passes. There is going to be dangerous marine conditions, rip currents, tidal flooding, beach and dune erosion, as well as those hazardous seas, Scrivani said. Thats why you see those warnings over water, not just over land. Outer rain bands can impact the coastal areas. We do not anticipate much impact as we get further inland. Flood-prone coastal communities are being told to stay alert. So far, there have been no evacuation orders, voluntary or mandatory, and no emergency declaration. The governor said his team continues to monitor the storms track and is ready to adjust if needed. I believe what we have staged is sufficient for what we are currently expecting. If circumstances change then we will react very quickly, Youngkin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Often an emergency declaration is paired with utilization of the Virginia National Guard, and moving even more resources, and at this point, we see such extensive resource capability in the Hampton Roads region. And with the state assets weve already moved, we do believe were reacting appropriately. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The gloves tend to come off quickly in political debates. But while candidates running for office in Virginias statewide races have yet to square up this year, they arent holding back. Several have traded early jabs over debate participation, including which events they will or wont attend. When Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee for governor, declined to participate in a debate hosted by CNN, her opponents campaign called the decision absurd and proof (Spanbergers) terrified of facing voters in an unscripted setting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate, had previously declined to participate in AARP Virginias Peoples Debate, held every gubernatorial election since 2006 and scheduled this year at Virginia State University. Spanbergers campaign made note of that too. After months of negotiations, Winsome Earle-Sears refused to participate in the traditional debate, while Spanberger accepted the invitation a month prior, one press release read. Last month, the Democratic candidate for attorney general, Jay Jones, declined to participate in a debate hosted by the news station WJLA-TV in Northern Virginia. His Republican opponents campaign called that decision a failure. Its the right call I wouldnt want to defend his record either, said a spokesperson for Attorney General Jason Miyaress campaign. Joness campaign at the time said they had already agreed to participate in the Virginia State Bar debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The squabbling has made it difficult to pin down if and when candidates running for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general will face off. But now candidates in two races say theyve finally reached agreements for debates this fall. Spanberger and Earle-Sears are slated to debate Oct. 9 at Norfolk State University, moderated by WAVY-TV. Miyares and Jones will participate in the Virginia State Bar debate in Richmond Oct. 16. Choosing to debate at all can be risky, particularly for frontrunners, said Karen Hult, a professor of political science at Virginia Tech. Candidates lose control over what theyre asked and how their message is framed by viewers. And for Democrats, that risk might be painfully fresh. Everyone running for governor in Virginia has to be remembering what happened to the one-time frontrunner for the governorship in 2021, and that was former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who had, one could argue, a disastrous debate appearance, Hult said. What he had to say about public schooling in response to a question in many ways helped Gov. Youngkin not only get the momentum, keep momentum and then ultimately win the governorship. In Hampton Roads, a recent poll from Old Dominion University found that nearly 48% of respondents said they planned to vote Spanberger compared with 27% who said they favored Earle-Sears. Statewide, a poll from Roanoke College found Spanberger ahead by seven points, a narrower lead than in previous months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it came to a gubernatorial debate, Spanberger, a former congresswoman, cited a preference for Virginia broadcasters and issues over a national outlet like CNN. Earle-Sears, the states lieutenant governor, said she had a scheduling conflict for the Peoples Debate. I also think perhaps Spanberger was a bit concerned that a national interviewer would keep trying to put the race in a national partisan context and try to highlight that when Spanberger was in the US House, she was one of the more conservative Democrats, said Hult of the former Congresswomans decision not to participate in the CNN debate. I think she didnt want to be put in the position of having to contrast herself over and over again with, for example, AOC or some of the other really visible national Democrats that might be brought up in a national debate-sponsored kind of setting. That shift, and more success with fundraising, might be why Earle-Sears is more inclined to accept a debate invitation now, Hult said. Those things have changed pretty dramatically, so they now are on a little bit more equal footing arguably, she said. Moreover, (Earle-Sears) has gotten a nod that the Republican president is supporting her running for office, and she also has the support of the entire statewide Republican party and a quite popular by comparison to the president Republican governor of the state of Virginia. I think all of those things make Earle-Sears think, well, now may be the time to accept a debate, but only in a particular location, and only at a particular time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the candidates for lieutenant governor, Democratic state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi and Republican former radio host John Reid, have no debates scheduled so far. Reid previously challenged Hashmi to 10 debates across the state. Hashmis campaign said they would consider any formal debate invitations as they come in and as her schedule permits, but that they have yet to receive any official invitations from nonpartisan news outlets. Both campaigns said they were asked to participate together in a candidate forum on The Politics Hour, a weekly program on Washington, D.C. radio station station WAMU. Given all the candidates arguments about debates, are they still relevant? We dont really have much evidence that they change many peoples views on who to vote for, Hult said. What they can do, she said, is mobilize people to turn out to vote or to stay home. Early voting begins Sept.19. Election Day is Nov. 4. Kate Seltzer, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com, (757)713-7881 Thursdays Top Stories Thursdays Five Facts [1] Bernalillo County commissioner pledges $250,000 to Route 66 Visitor Center Albuquerques Route 66 Visitor Center is receiving funding from a county commissioner. Over the years, the project has cost the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and the state $13 million. Since the grand opening, the building has sat empty. Last year, the county donated the property to the city. The city then established a Route 66 Visitor Center Commission to determine how the center could serve the community. County Commissioner Frank Baca is giving an additional $250,000 from his district-directed funding account to the project. [2] Five guns found on APS students on Wednesday in unrelated incidents Four separate guns from unrelated incidents were found at West Mesa High and Albuquerque High School on Wednesday, according to Albuquerque Public Schools. A fifth gun was found just off campus in the possession of a student at Del Norte High School. All students involved were taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [3] Afternoon thunderstorms expected for northwest part of New Mexico Most-humid conditions persist in southern and eastern New Mexico, as rain has largely ceased, except for a few lingering showers with rumbles of thunder in the high elevations and southeastern areas. East-gap winds are a bit gusty but are mostly calming slightly after yesterdays stormier activity. Way-above-freezing temperatures are still confined to most of the higher peaks of the Northern Mountains, with valley floor locations mostly starting off in the 40s or in the 50s. Elsewhere is mostly starting off in the high 50s to the lower 70s. [4] New stormwater infrastructure installed to help control ponding and flooding in Albuquerque A nonprofit is developing a unique way to reuse rainwater in Albuquerque. The nonprofit Signal manages the state-funded project. They funnel rainwater into the soil to feed new greenery around the metro. Future projects are planned for the McDuffie Twin Parks neighborhood on Morningside Avenue. The other is in the Nob Hill neighborhood on Silver Street. [5] One-eared pig at Bernalillo Co. Animal Shelter awaits his forever home Bernalillo Animal Shelter has taken in an interesting resident Van Gogh the one-eared pig. This larger-than-life pig was picked up from a South Valley home when a resident was finally fed up with him breaking into her yard to eat all her apples. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) People across Louisiana are encouraged to register to vote during Voter Registration Week from Aug. 25-29 before the October election. The first step to participating in the electoral process is registering to vote. Its never been easier to register or update your registration information in Louisianaany citizen with a Louisiana license or ID can register online in a matter of minutes at GeauxVote.com, Secretary of State Nancy Landry said. Deadlines before the Oct. 11 election: Deadline to register to vote in person or by mail: Wednesday, Sept. 10. Deadline to register to vote using the GeauxVote Online Registration System: Saturday, Sept. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana absentee voting envelopes have new design Landry outlines requirements to register and vote in Louisiana: Be a U.S. citizen. Be at least 17 years old to register and 18 years old before the next election. A person can be 16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony, or if under an order, not have been incarcerated under the order within the last five years, and not be under an order of imprisonment related to a felony conviction for election fraud or any other election offenses under the law. Not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights. Be a resident of Louisiana and the parish where registration and voting are done. Apply at least 20 days before an election if registering online or 30 days before an election if registering in person or by mail. Registration can be completed online 24/7 with a valid Louisiana drivers license or special ID card. To register in person, residents can go to their parish Registrar of Voters Office when applying for or renewing a drivers license or when getting services at public assistance agencies and Armed Forces recruitment offices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisianas search for new voting system continues: 6 public demos planned 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. Employees of Smartmatic, the U.K.-headquartered election technology company, face accusations from federal prosecutors of systematically overbilling Los Angeles County for voting machines used in the 2020 election. The company allegedly used the surplus funds to create a slush fund for bribing government officials, according to a criminal case against three company executives. Smartmatic is involved in a multibillion-dollar defamation lawsuit against Fox News after the network claimed it was involved in conspiracy theories to steal the 2020 election from Donald Trump. Joe Biden defeated the incumbent president in both the popular vote and the Electoral College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors in a Florida federal corruption case against Smartmatic co-founder Roger Alejandro Pinate Martinez and two other company officials allege that bribery was part of the companys business model. While the recipients of the alleged misuse of county taxpayer money have not been identified, Dean Logan, the countys top voting official, has reported having regular meetings with Pinate, The Los Angeles Times reports. Los Angeles County rolled out a Smartmatic Voting System for the 2020 election and now federal prosecutors accuse company officials of bribery (AFP via Getty Images) The allegations also extend internationally with prosecutors claiming similar schemes occurred in the Philippines and Venezuela. Last year, Pinate was charged with bribery and money laundering in the Philippines, where executives are accused of inflating voting machine prices to secure $182 million (135 million) in contracts for its 2016 election to bribe a top election official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Venezuela, Smartmatic employees are said to have used a similar fund to buy a home with a pool for a long-time elections official in 2019. This detail surfaced in an August 1 court filing in the Philippines corruption case. In Los Angeles County, where Smartmatic won a $209 million contract for the 2020 election considered the largest election technology deal in U.S. history the company allegedly used county money to create a similar type of slush fund. Prosecutors plan to present financial and business records, witness testimony, and electronic communications to strengthen their case, which they claim reveals a broader pattern of bribery. According to the August 1 filing, the company is accused of regularly adding a surplus fee of $10 to $50 per machine sent to the three jurisdictions, with these funds designated for bribes. Federal prosecutors declined to comment on the ongoing criminal case when contacted by the LA Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Logan, the countys registrar-recorder, stated: The county has no knowledge or visibility into how Smartmatic USA used proceeds from that contract. The contract between Los Angeles County and Smartmatic USA was competitively bid, evaluated, and awarded in compliance with the countys open competitive public procurement processes. A spokesperson for the registrar-recorders office added that no evidence was found of the surplus charges alleged by federal prosecutors and that the price of machines always remained the same. No federal prosecutors have contacted the department. Smartmatic spokesperson Samira Saba accused the Department of Justice of filing the motion with misrepresentations that were untethered from reality. In a statement, the company asserted: Let us be clear: Smartmatic wins business because were the best at what we do. We operate ethically and abide by all laws always, both in Los Angeles County and every jurisdiction where we operate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the federal corruption case against the Smartmatic employees gets underway, L.A. Countys Logan faces separate civil allegations that he benefited from a close relationship with company management. This included upscale dinners, a trip to Taiwan and the Maldives, as well as other outings, according to reported county emails and text messages. Logan later stated in a civil case deposition that these were exempt from disclosure because he attended in a personal capacity. The emails and depositions emerged in an unusual 1,000-page public records lawsuit filed this month by Fox News, whose representatives say they need county records to defend themselves against the multibillion-dollar defamation lawsuit brought by Smartmatic. Smartmatic gained widespread recognition in 2020 after Fox News falsely reported that the company, along with Dominion Voting Systems, helped rig the 2020 election against President Trump. This conspiracy was widely pushed by Trump surrogates both on-air and in legal filings that ultimately failed. Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani, campaign surrogates for President Donald Trump, questioned the results of the 2020 election in a series of failed legal challenges and conspiracy theories, many involving voting machines (Getty Images) At the time, Dominion voting machines were used in about two dozen states, while Smartmatic was only used in L.A. County its first business in North America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominion filed a defamation suit against Fox which was settled for $787.5 million. Smartmatic filed a similar lawsuit in 2021 seeking $2.7 billion. Smartmatic also launched defamation lawsuits against some of its accusers. In addition to Fox News, the company sued Mike Lindell, Newsmax, One America News Network, Sidney Powell, and Rudy Giuliani. As part of its defense, Fox News lawyers have focused on the relationship between Logan and Smartmatic, arguing that the county is withholding crucial records. The network declined to elaborate on the allegations made in the lawsuit when contacted by the LA Times. Logan said in a statement that the county is being used as a pawn in both the civil lawsuit and federal corruption case and said the voluminous records the county released refute the salacious allegations. The federal criminal case against Smartmatic executives started during the Biden administration with charges filed in August 2024. The Trump administration paused most foreign bribery cases after he took office for a second term, but allowed the charges against Smartmatic executives to proceed. Records released to Fox News by L.A. County, which the media company included as exhibits in the civil public records lawsuit, show no evidence of the voter fraud espoused on air by the networks guests in 2020 that led to the whirlwind of conspiracy theories and the subsequent defamation case. The Brief There's been a flurry of activity as the federal takeover of D.C. continues. Vice President J.D. Vance was heckled by protestors in Union Station on Wednesday. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said federal agents should show their faces making arrests. A National Guard vehicle was also involved in a car accident in the District. Washington, DC - Vice President J.D. Vance, Mayor Muriel Bowser and MPD Police Chief Pamela Smith all fielded questions Wednesday from reporters about the Trump administrations federal intervention in D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance met with members of the National Guard at Union Station, where several protesters heckled him and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who came to thank troops and give them food. What he said "You talk about human rights, you hear these people outside screaming free D.C.,'" Vance said. "Let's free D.C. from lawlessness. Let's free Washington, D.C. from one of the highest murder rates in the world," he continued. "It's kind of bizarre that we have a bunch of old, primarily white people who are out there protesting the policies that keep people safe when they've never felt danger in their entire lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance also claimed DC has seen a 35 percent reduction in violent crime over the past nine days and said D.C. law enforcement officers have told him they feel empowered now to do their jobs. READ MORE: National Guard expands patrols to DC Metro stations Dig deeper Meanwhile, earlier in the day at another event, Mayor Bowser went on record and said she does not believe the National Guard should be used for law enforcement purposes. We know the DOJ is now investigating MPD over allegations that crime statistics were manipulated, as President Trump has repeatedly suggested. When pressed by reporters about that today, Mayor Bowser maintained crime has gone down but said the city will respond and cooperate with an investigation. She also said plainly she does not believe federal agents should wear masks as they make arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We believe in our environment, an urban environment, that theres no reason for an official to wear a mask," she said. "We believe that its not a law enforcement, or people are in the umbrella of the Justice Department. You dont see them doing that." Earlier in the day on Wednesday, one person was also hurt in a crash involving a national guard vehicle in Southeast. The Guard confirmed to FOX 5 it collided with a car just after 6; the driver of the car was trapped, rescued, then taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. READ MORE: 1 injured in crash involving DC National Guard vehicle By the numbers The Washington Post also revealed a poll the paper conducted that said about eight in 10 Washington residents oppose President Trump's federal intervention in the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also revealed a record high of people who support statehood, and noted a sharp decline in the number of residents who believe crime is a "very serious" problem. Vance said he was skeptical of the poll when asked about it by reporters. A military vehicle crashed into a car in a residential neighborhood in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, punctuating a day that saw out-of-state troops joining patrols on the National Mall and top administration officials being met with protesters as they visited troops patrolling a transit station. The vehicle collision, from which the civilian driver was reported to suffer minor injuries, comes as the National Guard's mission to buttress President Donald Trump's crackdown on D.C. enters its second week. Under the auspices of combating crime, Trump last week activated the D.C. Guard, deployed hundreds of federal law enforcement officials on city streets, and invoked a heretofore unused law to federalize the D.C. local police force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Airman Killed in Off-Base AK-47 Shooting Near F.E. Warren Air Force Base Identified D.C. officials have sued over the attempted takeover of the police force, but the Guard deployment, which Trump has the power to do unilaterally since D.C. is not a state, has seen little pushback beyond a couple of Democratic bills in Congress that are unlikely to get votes. What started as an 800-troop mission for the D.C. National Guard has ballooned to more than 2,000 troops as Republican governors from six states have pledged to send hundreds of their Guardsmen as reinforcements. While videos of unidentified federal law enforcement officers setting up vehicle checkpoints, violently detaining civilians and being taunted by D.C. residents have gone viral, the Guard deployments have so far appeared relatively uneventful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But an incident Wednesday morning demonstrated the potential perils of having a bustling city teeming with military equipment. At about 6 a.m. Wednesday, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle, a 14-ton vehicle designed to withstand blasts from roadside bombs in war zones, collided with a small SUV in an intersection in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The driver of the civilian car, who became trapped in the vehicle and had to be extracted by the fire department, was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, the DC Fire and EMS Department said on social media. The military vehicle was part of a five-vehicle convoy and, after the collision, the convoy and a D.C. police cruiser stopped to provide aid to the civilian, the Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, or JTF-DC, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is currently undergoing an investigation," the emailed statement said. "The D.C. National Guard and JTF-DC remains committed to the safety of our service members and the public." Video of the aftermath of the crash circulated online. "You come to our city and this is what you do? Seriously?" a bystander can be heard yelling at the troops in the video. Guardsmen so far have been mostly stationed in tourist areas such as the National Mall and Union Station, a hub for Amtrak, Greyhound, regional trains, the local Metro and other transportation services. They have also been patrolling some Metro stations around the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Mall was relatively quiet when a Military.com reporter visited the area Wednesday afternoon, with a smattering of Guardsmen walking up and down the grassy corridor against the backdrop of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and other attractions. The patrols were occasionally interrupted by tourists asking for pictures, while other onlookers snapped pictures or whispered about the military presence from afar. All of the Guardsmen whom Military.com spoke with Wednesday said it was their first day on the mission, with most saying they came from West Virginia. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey was the first governor to say he'd contribute to the mission, pledging 300 to 400 troops on Saturday. The Guardsmen were told their mission is to help local law enforcement and act as a visual deterrent, they said. Universally, they praised the kindness of the people they've interacted with on the Mall. And if there was any discomfort with the idea of patrolling a U.S. city, they did not show it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For me, it's an honor to be at the capital serving the people," said Spc. Nevaeh Lekanudos, who was patrolling outside the Smithsonian Metro station. "I know people kind of see it as a negative. They see it, like, we're basically in our own territory. But we're happy to be here. We're all for the same thing, and we really are here for you guys. So we just don't want it to be seen as something negative. We're here to support." A couple of miles away, Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the troops deployed to Union Station on Wednesday and handed out Shake Shack burgers to some of them for lunch. The pair, who were also joined by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, were greeted by boos and shouts of "free D.C." from protesters that were loud enough to be heard on a stream of the visit. Miller claimed without evidence the protesters aren't D.C. residents and called them "crazy communists," an unusually political message to deliver in remarks where he was surrounded by troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So we're going to ignore these stupid white hippies that all need to go home and take a nap because they're all over 90 years old," Miller said. "And we're going to get back to the business of protecting the American people and the citizens of Washington, D.C." Related: 'We're Going to Take Our Capital Back': Trump Calls for DC Deployments Despite Falling Crime Rates State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters sought to hire an attorney from outside the Oklahoma State Department of Education as he awaits a decision from Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna about whether criminal charges are merited following a well-publicized incident during last months state Board of Education meeting. Public documents indicate Walters wanted an attorney for "pre-charge criminal defense in Oklahoma County" in hopes to "minimize the likelihood of criminal charges being filed." But just days after the education agencys interim general counsel submitted an application seeking approval of John Cannon, the outside attorney, from the Oklahoma attorney generals office, the application was withdrawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoman learned of the attempts to hire Cannon from emails obtained through an open records request on Thursday, Aug. 21. Two board members, Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson, have said that during the meeting on July 24, they saw images of naked women on a television screen in Walters office during a closed session. After Carson asked the state Office of Management and Enterprise Services to look into what happened, OMES asked the Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office to lead the investigation. Later, at Behennas request, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation joined in the investigation. On Aug. 15, the sheriffs office said it had turned over results of the investigation to Behennas office, which will decide whether criminal charges will be filed. Walters has repeatedly denied having control of the television or seeing any inappropriate content on it. He accused Carson and Deatherage of lying and called on them to resign, while saying Gov. Kevin Stitt orchestrated the drama. State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters considered hiring an outside criminal defense attorney after an investigation into images of naked women being shown on a television screen in his office during a state Board of Education meeting. On Aug. 5, the state Education Departments interim general counsel, Jacquelyne Phelps, emailed the attorney generals office asking what Cannon needed to gain approval to represent Walters under a state law known in legal parlances as 20i. The law requires approval of the attorney general for an outside attorney to represent a state agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, it was determined that Cannon whose website notes his specialties of criminal defense and family law had received 20i approval in 2018, but because his address had changed, he needed to submit a new application for approval: With regards to the contract, SDE needs to submit the contract with their fully completed 20i application. Once that is received, we will review, wrote Deputy Attorney General Kindanne Jones. On Aug. 11, Phelps sent the new 20i application form to Jones, along with a contract for Cannons services that had been signed and initialed by Walters. On a portion of the form asking the applicant to state the nature and scope of representation, it was written: Pre-charge criminal defense in Oklahoma County covering advising on and recommending strategies to minimize the likelihood of criminal charges being filed, as well as preparing for the possibility of charges. Another section of the form asked the applicant to state the reasons for not utilizing an in-house or staff attorney for this matter. The response: The in-house legal department does not currently have sufficient staff to maintain agency business and fully defend this case. In addition, in-house counsel and staff may be witnesses and would thereby be conflicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's likely that Phelps, and perhaps other attorneys who work for the Education Department, were present in the closed session during which Carson and Deatherage reported seeing the images of naked women on Walters television. The form noted anticipated costs of $100,000 in the case and noted the contract would begin upon approval of the contract by the Attorney Generals office. The matter is not expected to exceed six (6) months time. But it seems Walters and his agency had second thoughts. On Aug. 14, Phelps again wrote to Jones, copying in Brad Clark, the general counsel for the attorney generals office. Clark once served as general counsel for both the state Education Department and the state Board of Education. After some consideration, I believe it is in the best interest to withdraw the application I previously submitted on behalf of John Cannon at this time, Phelps wrote. She did not expound as to why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokespeople for Walters didnt immediately respond Thursday when asked if other efforts are underway to secure outside counsel for Walters. Online news outlet NonDoc first reported the existence of the emails. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Walters almost hired attorney after TV incident, documents show RELATED VIDEO: Report: Northwest Arkansas sees increase in business startups BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Stephanie Cornell, executive director of the Walton Family Foundation, announced on Aug. 21 that she will step down at the end of the year after more than two years in the role. Cornell, who joined in July 2023, said her decision was personal and she plans to spend more time with family. She will stay through December to assist with the transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this is a bittersweet moment, I believe transitions can be healthy, Cornell wrote in a letter. The foundation is strong, with capable leaders, and poised to conclude an ambitious five-year strategy with lessons learned that will deepen the impact of its future work. The Walton Family Foundation, created in 1987 by the family of Walmart founders Sam and Helen Walton, is chaired by their granddaughter Annie Proietti. Forbes names top employers in Arkansas for 2025 According to her letter, during Cornells tenure the foundation supported business growth and housing in Northwest Arkansas, economic development in the Delta, environmental projects on water and climate-smart agriculture and education programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am deeply grateful to the Walton family for entrusting me with this role, and to our staff, partners and communities who turn bold ideas into lasting change, Cornell wrote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. A court commissioner in Walworth County says he was forced out of his position after he asked to see an immigration arrest warrant from a sheriff's deputy trying to take a man into custody. Peter Navis, the county's circuit court commissioner for the past four years, said he resigned after he was told he could voluntarily leave or be fired over the July 15 incident in his courtroom. The incident is the latest flare-up between judges and the Trump administration as it conducts a crackdown on undocumented immigrants. And it underscores the lack of universal rules on how to deal with immigration arrests in courtrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the highest-profile examples is that of Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan, who is charged with obstructing federal officers for allegedly trying to help an undocumented immigrant elude arrest. In the Walworth County case, Navis said he was told by three of the county's judges that Navis had misstated their position about whether immigration warrants had to be shown before an arrest can be made in court. Judges appoint and can fire commissioners, who exercise similar functions as judges, such as accepting pleas and holding preliminary hearings, in the early stages of a case. Navis said he was wrong to make a sweeping statement about the judges' stance, but said he stands by his position that deputies should have shown him a warrant before making an arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no avoiding this is a larger issue in the country about how these things are handled ... Every state and county in the country probably has to confront this issue," Navis, 45, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in an interview. "The fact that there were no discussions about how this would happen in Walworth County, and that it was happening in my courtroom for the first time, made it stressful." Navis recalled an emotional scene in his courtroom as he objected to the deputies taking the man into custody without showing a warrant. But Navis said he couldn't prevent it. "They are the deputies," he said, "so it's not like I could physically get down from my bench and stop them from doing it." Routine day at Walworth County courthouse turns stressful, chaotic It was a typical traffic day in Navis' court on July 15. Between 30 and 50 people were crammed in the courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, about 15 minutes before the first case was to be called, a deputy told Navis that someone was going to be arrested on an immigration warrant, Navis recalled. Deputies often make arrests in traffic court, Navis said, but usually on behalf of other counties. This arrest was for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Navis said he called Walworth County Judge Kristine Drettwan for guidance. Navis said Drettwan told him how she would handle the matter. He declined to share what Drettwan said. She then told him he had authority to conduct matters in his courtroom "as he saw fit," Navis recalled. Walworth County Court Commissioner Peter Navis resigned after he questioned an ICE immigration arrest warrant being served on someone who appeared before him on July 15, 2025. Navis said he was told he could resign or be fired. Drettwan did not return calls and emails seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navis said he asked the deputies about the arrest plan and to see the warrant. Deputies refused on both counts, he said. "In other situations, the warrants were issued by courts in Wisconsin and they are readily available," Navis said. "The type of warrant and authority claimed was different and thats why I asking for it, to see if there was lawful authority." In a transcript of the hearing obtained by the Journal Sentinel, Navis said the sheriff's office was failing to follow a court order that deputies show a warrant. "The failure to inform the Court of this impending action calls into question whether this Court can trust the Sheriffs Office in the future," Navis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Herrmann, said Navis had no right to see the warrant. Navis countered that the defendant, named in the transcript as Enrrique Onan Zamora Castro, was out on a signature bond but was now being detained without evidence of a warrant. According to online court records, Castro, 33, of Milwaukee, was facing charges of operating without a valid license for the second time in three years. Wisconsin court records show he was previously convicted of felony stalking and disorderly conduct in Milwaukee County, in 2023 and 2025. He received probation in both cases. Navis then added that he had been instructed by the county's judges to prevent an arrest without a warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short time later, ICE officers appeared with deputies to make a second arrest, according to the transcript. At that point, Navis says, "Ive been instructed by the judges of this county to require warrants before individuals are detained in my courtroom." Judges, sheriff's office decline to comment Walworth County Clerk of Courts Michele Jacobs, who learned of the incident soon after, said deputies routinely arrest people on warrants in the courthouse. "Deputies were executing a warrant, something they have done for years in the courtroom ... The commissioner was asking questions about it and it became an incident," Jacobs said. "It did not go the way it usually goes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walworth County Sheriff Dave Gerber, who was elected in 2022, did not return calls and emails from a Journal Sentinel reporter seeking comment. A spokeswoman said the sheriff had no comment. ICE officials did not respond to questions about the case. The incident soon came to the attention of Walworth County's four judges: Drettwan, Daniel Johnson, Estee E. Scholtz and presiding judge, David Reddy. Scholtz beat Navis for an open judge's seat in April 2024. Navis said Scholtz, Johnson and Drettwan met with him late in the day on July 21; Reddy was not present. According to Navis, the judges said he misstated their position. However, Navis said they didn't ask him to explain and gave him an ultimatum: resign or be fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobs, the clerk of courts, confirmed she too was at the meeting, but declined to comment because it is a personnel matter. None of the four Walworth County judges returned calls or emails seeking comment. Navis, who according to Jacobs made $138,195, formerly worked as a corporation counsel and a private judge. The county is accepting applications for a new court commissioner and hopes to have a new person hired in early fall, she said. After Navis said he would resign, he was allowed to gather his personal belongings in the presence of a county employee and then was escorted out of the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was a very normal course of what we would do if someone resigned or terminated. They no longer have free rein of the building," she said. Walworth County has historically cooperated with ICE, according to ACLU Walworth County, home to about 100,000 people and located in south-central Wisconsin on the Illinois border, has been in the news before because of immigration. As a wave of Nicaraguan immigrants arrived in the college town of Whitewater, critics including Donald Trump who was not president at the time blamed crime and other issues on the new arrivals. City officials disputed that. Walworth County has historically been cooperative with ICE efforts, drawing criticism from ACLU of Wisconsin. As Trump's immigration crackdown has continued, other Wisconsin counties have also found themselves caught between federal enforcement priorities and local authority. In Milwaukee, ICE and other federal agents made several arrests in the Milwaukee County courthouse, raising questions about their authority in local courthouses. In some cases, local prosecutors have clashed with federal immigration officials over attempts to deport crime defendants or witnesses before their cases conclude. In Dane County, a woman who ICE says is in the U.S. illegally is charged with drunk driving resulting in the death of two teens. State prosecutors are seeking to have the defendant returned to state custody to ensure ICE does not deport her before she can face charges. In Milwaukee County, a man is charged with trying to get a victim in his case deported before he could testify against him. In the case of Dugan, her legal team is arguing she was acting in her legal capacity as a judge. Both sides are awaiting how U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman will rule on the defense's motion to dismiss the charges. Daniel Bice of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin court commissioner says he was forced out after questioning ICE warrant It hits me like a wall as the glass doors slide open: an unidentifiable scent toasted, warm and slightly sweet. At international markets, smell, inextricably linked to our memories and emotions, is often a one-way plane ticket home. Imported laundry detergent, tightly sealed jars of hard-to-find spices, fragrant incense and loose teas are all olfactory postcards. At Q Market & Produce in Lake Balboa, this is no different. Its scent, while unrecognizable to me, is a reminder to others of life in Iran. And for some, one of the only tangible links for the Iranian community in the San Fernando Valley. I would love to go to Iran, manager Bobby Nosrati tells me. I want to go get that feeling of home. Obviously it feels like home here, but I want to go feel it. I want to smell it. I want to show my kids where I was born. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nosratis family moved from Tehran to the Valley in 1991 when he was just 5 years old. When asked what he remembers most from that time, he simply says, I remember my parents' red couch. Nosratis father, Farzin, worked long hours on a farm in Camarillo before making the decision to become a retailer; he wanted to build something for fellow Persian immigrants. Q Market opened in 1993 and has remained at the original Vanowen Street location ever since. While Nosrati has made adjustments here and there to keep up with customer requests (most recently appeasing the throngs of teenage Dubai chocolate fanatics by stocking pistachio cream), the market has, for the most part, stayed the same. Head to the spice aisle at Q Market to find a 20-gallon black plastic bucket filled to the brim with dried limes. Strings of plump, young dates sit tangled together near the cash register, their wrinkled elders side-eyeing them from across the aisle back in my day-style. Next to the dates, a library of lavashak, the puckery fruit leather, like ancient scrolls written in pomegranate and apricot, lay unfurled and stacked to the sky. At the deli, massive hunks of feta soak in tubs against a backdrop of pale pink butcher paper. Tubes of mortadella overflow from the cold case, pressing into the glass as if they yearn to escape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two butchers sit on either side of the building, one halal, the other glatt kosher. At the end of the spice aisle, like a period at the end of a sentence, a 20-gallon black plastic bucket filled to the brim with dried lime. Although Nosrati has few memories of Iran beyond the big red couch, he recognizes the importance of importing ingredients straight from the source. Easier said than done, given the contentious trade relationship between the U.S. and Iran. But by employing distributors in Canada and Turkey, Q Market, like Persian markets nationwide, has made do. He walks me through the aisle of products from Iran, touching skinny bottles of sour cherry syrup best enjoyed in bubbly water or over ice cream, rows of Istak, a nonalcoholic malt beverage, and large sacks of Iranian rice. Q Market's selection of lavashak, the puckery fruit leather sheaves of it "stacked like ancient scrolls written in pomegranate and apricot"; mortadella and other meats crammed in a deli display case; and blocks of feta. The smell is why a lot of people end up buying it. It fills up the room. You could probably smell it from here. Nosrati says of the rice. To me, it smells like heaven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rice boasts a hefty price tag based on its weight, quality and scarcity (a 10-pound bag starts at $57.99), a price that has only risen given the recent tariffs, now at the highest rates since the Great Depression . Read more: The bulk bins overflow with thousands of chocolates and memories at this Russian market The tariffs are affecting us and were trying our best not to pass that onto the consumer, Nosrati says. Obviously, I cant sell things for less than were buying them, but were not keeping the same margins anymore; well cut the margin in half to help the consumer with that tariff. When asked about the importance of keeping these ingredients stocked, he speaks of the gravity of consistency and tradition. Large sacks of Iranian rice that "smell like heaven" can boast a hefty price tag, which has only risen because of tariffs. Maybe youre making that dish once a month or once a week for your family, but if you dont have that one ingredient, you cant make it. We didnt have [Iranian rice] for six months. A lot of containers just sat there in customs for months on end. Some of this stuff isnt shelf stable and that time affects the integrity of the product; a lot of companies told me they had to throw their stuff away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I begin to inquire about the Iranian brand of Cheetos (called Chee.Toz) when Nosrati politely asks me to hold that thought, and pops over to the dairy aisle to ask about a customer's recent doctor's visit. There are plenty of moments like this during our chat, moments in which Nosrati reminds me of a grocery's role as community center. It can be seen in the aisle with crystal clear bottles of water of every flavor and function: rose, orange blossom, fenugreek, cinnamon, peppermint, anise. A sign hung at the endcap in English and Farsi explains which flavor one should drink for a stomachache, joint pain or kidney health. Near the front entrance, a CD shop sells albums with covers of women in blue eyeshadow next to a bead curtain, and concert tickets for old-school Iranian artists. Restocking fresh greens in the produce section; necklaces sold inside a small shop at the back of the market; and a sign at the end of the the oil and vinegar aisle shows which distilled water is best for which ailment. When I first started working here about 12 years ago, people would call and say, Hey, what will the weather be like tomorrow? or Whens daylight savings time? I went to my dad and told him, People are nuts! Why are they asking me these questions, this is a grocery store! He told me, You need to understand, were their pillar for a lot of things. Some of these customers are older, so they dont understand how to use technology. Perhaps Q is more than a community center; perhaps its an embassy. And for second and third generations, an embassy to a place theyve never visited, or hardly remember or hope to see soon, but cant imagine when. An Iranian flag is displayed inside a small shop located inside the market. Fresh tomatoes and other produce arrive at Q Market. Earlier this summer, the U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear facilities , an attack ordered without congressional approval and against the recommendation of the administration's intelligence. Shortly before, Israel, with the financial support of the U.S., bombed six Iranian airports, along with several residential and military areas of the city, prompting a 12-day conflict that displaced nearly 9 million from the country's capital , and escalating a decades-long history of tension in the area. Based on this alone, one would assume, if one was Iranian, that the U.S. has no vested interest in the commemoration or understanding of Persian culture. One would assume that the fragrant smell of Persian rice, or the big red couch, relics of immense personal significance, are as expendable as a military dollar. Q Market, by way of existing, challenges this assumption, and Angelenos, by way of visiting, echo it loudly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The next must-see art exhibit? Look behind the fish counter In the back office next to a large wooden abacus, a framed photo of Mt. Damavand, a volcanic mountain in the northern part of Iran, watches out over the Nosratis operation. We never get back around to discussing Iranian Cheetos; it feels somewhat trivial now. Instead I ask Bobby about extended family in Iran, most of whom have relocated overseas. His cousin, an actor, still lives in Tehran, and the two keep up on Instagram and WhatsApp. I ask if hed ever want to come out and do some acting in L.A. Oh, he would love to! He would thrive. Hes really good too. Navid Nosrati, thats his name. A photograph of Mt. Damavand from market owner Farzin Nosrati's hometown hangs in his office. Sign up for our Tasting Notes newsletter for restaurant reviews, Los Angeles food-related news and more. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) Businesses along South Pierce Street in Littleton were left to run their generators yet again on Wednesday. Every time it does come back on, were thinking maybe they got it fixed, maybe they figured out the problem. Maybe the engineers got their act together and figured out whats going on, but no, owner of Columbine Bar and Restaurant Kenneth Katzenmeier said. Denvers Broadway businesses losing money amid power outages Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it is not just the businesses that are without power; 2,344 total Xcel Energy customers were without power Wednesday, leaving neighbors in the dark. After being left with no air conditioning on a hot August day, some, like Dana Schoenecker, stopped by Columbine Bar and restaurant just to escape the heat. Today I come home, and its like, its too hot to stay here. Well, the powers probably off up here. And then theres another local bar over here. The powers probably off there, too. But, you know, at least you got conversation with somebody, so maybe not total silence, Schoenecker said. This has been going on for months now; Wednesdays outage marks seven outages since June. Xcel Energy says this is a part of a deeper issue they are working to resolve. In this case, we are inspecting the lines using drones and other technology and determining next steps for ensuring reliability. We want to assure our customers we are looking into these outages and hope to resolve these issues, making sure energy works better for all our customers. Those in Littleton are hoping a solution comes soon, adding they are losing their patience, Xcel Energy told FOX31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want them in person and I want to show them and I want to discuss that with them. I want a solution, not a temporary solution, not a possible solution. I want a permanent solution, Katzenmeier said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. (NewsNation) Warrants have been issued for cellphones belonging to Emmanuel Haros parents as deputies continue their search for the missing 7-month-old. Baby Emmanuel was reported missing Aug. 14. His mother told police he was taken from the parking lot of a Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Yucaipa by a stranger who knocked her unconscious as she was changing his diaper. Missing Emmanuel Haros dad is cooperating with police, lawyer says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department confirmed it had received a tip about a possible sighting of Emmanuel in nearby Kern County but he hasnt yet been found. The sheriffs statement late Wednesday afternoon also confirmed a fire that broke out at a neighbors property near the familys home in Cabazon, California, isnt believed to be related to his disappearance. Part of the focus of the investigation into the babys disappearance has focused on his parents, Jake and Rebecca Haro. The sheriffs department said it confronted Rebecca Haro about inconsistencies in her story about Emmanuels disappearance and detectives have not been able to rule out foul play. The parents of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro speak to reporters after his Aug. 14 disappearance. Jake Haro cooperating with investigation, lawyer says Jake Haros lawyer, Vincent Hughes, told Banfield on Tuesday that both parents voluntarily turned over their electronic devices and their passwords. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hughes made it clear he only represents Jake and not Rebecca and said Jake is willing to do whatever he can to help bring Emmanuel home. I dont know where that statement that they stopped cooperating came from, Hughes said. I spoke to the detectives yesterday, offered for Jake to continue to speak with them; have not been made aware of any requests today to speak with Jake. Anyone with information regarding Emmanuel Haro is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNations Los Angeles affiliate KTLA 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. Editors note: This story corrects the experience improperly credited to Garrett, rather than Wilkins. We regret the error. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library (W-TCPL) has a new director. The Board of Trustees has named Deputy Director Kimberly Garrett to step into the executive director role when current director Jim Wilkins retires in November. Wilkins has been the executive director for 17 years and announced his retirement earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim has been an integral part of our leadership team, and her vision, dedication, and deep understanding of our library system and community made her the clear choice for this role, Wilkins said. Garrett joined the W-TCPL as deputy director in 2021 after serving as director at the Kinsman Free Public Library for five years. Before that position, she was Youth Services manager at McKinley Memorial Library for six years. Garrett holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and Editing from Youngstown State University. Wilkins is leaving after overseeing the construction of a new building to house the Cortland Library, a major addition and renovation at the Warren Library, a remodeling project at the Brookfield Library, the creation of a new Maker Studio, and the upcoming opening of a new branch inside the Eastwood Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Aug. 21 (UPI) -- A dog seen wandering for days in Pennsylvania with its head stuck in a large plastic jar has now been freed of the snack container and is being treated by a veterinarian. Canine Rescue of Central Pennsylvania said on social media that volunteers were able to locate the canine around 3 a.m. Wednesday after she was spotted in a corn field by a Nighthawk Drone Services pilot. The dog, now named Dallas in honor of drone pilot Dallas Fuhrman, had been wandering York County for days with a plastic snack jar stuck over her head. She was first spotted in the area on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dallas is suffering from severe dehydration, is infested with ticks, and is clearly in distress. She is now receiving the urgent care she needs, and we are awaiting bloodwork to better understand her full condition," the rescue said on social media. The group is now raising funds to help offset the cost of Dallas' care. "We'll continue to share updates as she recovers. But for now, we celebrate a life saved and the power of people coming together for one dog who matters! Dallas is not available for adoption currently," officials wrote. (The Center Square) In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares comments from Democrats and Republicans vying for their party's nomination for U.S. Senate, and what they see as the crucial issues will turn out voters to the primary polls. Bishop also shares some of the back-and-forth over gerrymandering with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker responding to a push by former Obama cabinet officials urging for an amendment to the Illinois Constitution for a non-partisan commission to draw congressional and legislative maps, instead of politicians drawing the boundaries. Finally, Bishop reviews just some of the 271 bills Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker acted upon in the last week, including measures impacting the courts, schools, digital currency regulation and more. Of all that, the governor vetoed two of them setting up possible action during veto session scheduled in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full program below. Subscribe to Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square on YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Illinois in Focus podcast to get the entire show uninterrupted. Part 1 Part 2 A health care watchdog has raised "serious and significant concerns" about a care home in the Scottish Borders. The Care Inspectorate has served Park Homes with an improvement notice for its St Andrew's Care Home in Hawick following an inspection. It has ordered that "thorough" deep cleaning be carried out, and fire exits are kept clear and in "good working order". Park Homes told BBC Scotland News it took all concerns "very seriously". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Care Inspectorate has also required that sufficient staffing levels were in place, and ordered an upgrade of internal facilities. A spokesperson said: "An inspection has identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents at St Andrew's Care Home in Hawick. "We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their families and staff at the service. "Because of our concerns we have issued an improvement notice. This sets out the significant improvements that must be made within a specified time frame." 'High standards' Park Homes said it was "immensely grateful" to the care team at St Andrew's Care Home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson said: "We take all concerns very seriously and are working with all our internal and external stakeholders to address any identified shortcomings from our normal high standards as quickly as possible. "Above all, our number one priority is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our residents, and we are very proud to routinely receive positive feedback from them and their families." HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A spokesperson from PA American Water released a statement saying that repairs are expected to be made to a water main break by midnight on Friday. Repairs continue on the broken 24-inch pipe on St. Marys Road that is expected to be completed by midnight with services being restored to the 20 impacted customers. The Hanover Township Police Department stated that West Saint Marys Road would be closed to all traffic on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple shots fired during road rage incident with tractor-trailer The road is closed from Sans Souci Parkway to Lee Park Avenue and will be inaccessible to all adjoining streets in the area, including Leuder Street, Sively Street, Inman Avenue, and Boland Avenue. The Hanover Township Police ask drivers to use alternate routes until further notice. PA American Water states that they will additional crews working throughout the night to flush hydrants and clear any discoloration that remains in the system. Officials state that road restoration will begin once all repairs are 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 28/22 News. Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch, asks a question of a group opposed to a planned prison in Franklin County during a press conference in Little Rock on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) One of the notable features of Gov. Sarah Sanders first two years in office has been that when she asks Republican legislators to jump, their usual response is how high? So its all the more striking that the Arkansas Legislative Council has quietly pulled from consideration a $57 million contract to design the 3,000-bed mega-prison she wants to build in Franklin County a strong indication that she didnt have the votes to push it through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes also seen one of her usual allies in the legislature, Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch, denounce as extortion threats made to recalcitrant lawmakers to pull funding for projects in their districts if they dont support the prison a tactic that isnt rare but isnt usually discussed out loud in such blunt language. And in another sign of potential trouble ahead for Sanders prison plans, the legislatures Joint Performance Review Committee has scheduled a Sept. 9 hearing that will allow lawmakers to ask administration officials uncomfortable questions about a project characterized by mystifying choices, unnecessary secrecy and political tone-deafness. Chief among those questions: How are you going to supply the prison with water? Test wells drilled in August at the proposed prison site north of Charleston produced meager quantities of water, a development that could prove fatal to the project after officials in both Fort Smith and Ozark said they dont have enough capacity to supply the prison via pipeline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remarkably, the state paid nearly $3 million for the prison site without thoroughly investigating whether it could be supplied with water, and has now come up practically bone dry. Sanders made the new prison the centerpiece of her criminal justice platform, insisting that more prison capacity is urgently needed to address a backlog of state prisoners in county jails. Her incarceration-forward approach, in a state that already locks up more people than all but two other states, is also expected to increase the prison population by 25% over the next decade. The irony is that while her policy choices are fueling the need for ever more prison space, lack of due diligence by her own people could force her to start all over with a new prison site, pushing out the timeline for getting the prison online by a year or more. She could also head into her re-election campaign next year with nothing to show for the political capital shes spent trying to get this project approved, including ticking off nearly everyone in ruby red Franklin County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This debacle also raises questions about the role played by Joe Profiri, her hand-picked corrections secretary who was fired by the Board of Corrections and then hired as a senior aide in the governors office, with vaguely defined duties and a $184,000 salary. The selection of the Franklin County site rural, remote, with no water or sewer capacity, inadequate roads and no readily available local labor force didnt make sense when Sanders sprung it on area residents last Halloween and has never been adequately explained. State officials fixated on the property once they learned it was on the market in July 2024, and, operating in secrecy, closed on it in less than a month, even though it didnt meet many of the preferred criteria set out as the site selection process began. Those criteria included a county population of at least 30,000 to secure an adequate workforce, a location within two miles of an interstate or federal highway, and water and sewer infrastructure to meet a demand of 300,000 to 500,000 gallons a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two test wells dug on the property produced a mere 3,100 gallons per day, confirming what critics of the project have said all along that lack of water makes the prison unfeasible at the chosen location. At the end of the day, the facts havent changed since day one, said Adam Watson, one of the organizers of a grassroots campaign to stop the prison, who says the sites flaws were so obvious and unresolvable that I think we honestly could have just sat on our hands and not said a thing. And Watson notes that water supply is just the first of many obstacles for the project, given the sites inherent inadequacies: I think were going to face similar issues every step of the way. The Joint Performance Review Committee, which has subpoena power, called the hearing after opponents of the prison presented a petition with more than 1,200 signatures asking members to look into the project. Watson said opponents of the prison have asked legislators to call both Profiri and Sanders to testify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just how hard the committee will press is an open question. None of the Republican legislators who have been outspoken in their opposition to the prison serve on it, although they could testify, and the panel contains a number of Sanders allies who have vocally supported the project. But the hearing should at least force administration officials to answer questions and respond to concerns in a public forum, with critics from Franklin County in the room. The committee will also have to decide whether to question officials from Vanir Construction Management, the California firm that has so far been paid $400,000 of a $16.7 million contract to oversee the project. Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, speaks during a press conference regarding the planned prison for Franklin County on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) Stubblefield and Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, have criticized Vanir for lack of candor and cooperation, and the company was chastised by state auditors for billing the state for first-class air travel, alcohol and pricey hotel stays. Vanir was also paid $50,000 to dig the test wells at the prison site and provided legislators with water flow data that was contradicted by a state report, although even Vanirs higher estimates fell woefully short of the amount of water the prison would need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the lack of water at the selected site, and a price tag that is almost certain to exceed $1 billion, Watson says opponents of the prison are cautiously optimistic that the project wont go forward as planned, although theyre bracing for the possibility that Sanders will try to get Ozark or Fort Smith to change their minds or advance plans for a smaller prison on the same site. However, unless or until Sanders changes course, prudence dictates that any optimism be tempered by her demonstrated reluctance to admit mistakes or change course, and a legislature still full of Republicans happy to say how high? Massive waves from Hurricane Erin have pummeled the coast from Florida to New England, flooding roads, shutting down beaches and eating away the coastline. The storm is spinning just off the Eastern Seaboard, with waves nearly 20 feet tall recorded just off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. "I've been surfing for 60, 70 years. I've never seen a swell this far ahead of the hurricane, anywhere near anything like this," Malvern Wiche of Rodanthe, North Carolina, told AccuWeather as Erin approached. "It's amazing." Several houses along the coast of North Carolina are at risk of collapsing into the sea as the pounding surf causes coastal erosion and threatens protective dunes. Water has been sweeping underneath the structures for days. Waves from Hurricane Erin crash into a house along the beach in Rodanthe, North Carolina, on Aug. 20, 2025. (Brandon Clement/WxChasing) Highway 12, which runs along North Carolina's Outer Banks, was closed due to Erin, with the road covered with water and sand. People who did not evacuate ahead of the storm have hunkered down and are awaiting for conditions to improve and crews to clear and reopen the vital highway. Beaches close from Carolinas through New York, flooding strikes New Jersey While North Carolina is getting hit the hardest by the waves from Erin, the hurricane is threatening beaches all along the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Popular destinations along the coasts of New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Delaware and Virginia have all been closed to swimmers, largely due to the threat of rip currents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For the protection and for the safety of our swimmers and lifeguards, we want to make sure and encourage the public not to venture out into the waters," NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa told AccuWeather. Rip currents are the primary danger as the turbulent ocean can quickly pull swimmers out away from the coast, which can turn into a life-threatening situation in a matter of minutes. "We're not preventing them from being out in the sand, and being able to, to view the water, but we want them to understand that we are very, very serious, about, not having them be in the water," she added. A view of the Wrightsville Beach as Hurricane Erin approaches, warning of severe flooding and life-threatening coastal conditions on August 20, 2025 in North Carolina, United States. (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images) A state of emergency was declared in New Jersey due to the impacts of Erin. On Thursday evening, around the same time as high tide, flooding reached some roads, homes and businesses close to the ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of people needed to be rescued from a restaurant in Margate, New Jersey, early Thursday night amid the coastal flooding, according to WPVI. The rip current risk will remain elevated for several more days, even as Erin starts to shift away from the United States. Erin a test for hurricane-prone Florida The large waves and rough surf were a litmus test for beaches in Florida that have been hit by multiple hurricanes in recent years. Daytona Beaches Shores, Florida, was hit particularly hard by Hurricane Nicole in 2022. Recovery from the storm is still ongoing, but work has been accomplished over the past three years to mitigate damage from future storms, like Hurricane Erin. A view of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, where crews have used heavy-duty equipment to redistribute sand along the coast in anticipation of storms like Hurricane Erin. (AccuWeather) "The Army Corps of Engineers came in and they used dredging of the inlet, and they took that sand from the bottom of the inlet and redistributed it all throughout the neighborhood," John Connolly, Daytona Beach Shores resident, told AccuWeather. "They built up the dunes and they replaced all the trap bags, which they put in earlier to protect the dunes from the surf, [sic] and filled it in with more sand." Conditions are starting to improve in Florida as Erin tracks away, allowing officials to assess the damage and determine how well the new hurricane defense system worked. Delawareans may soon find themselves just a short drive from Sheetz, but not quite close enough for a quick late-night run. The Altoona, Pennsylvania-based convenience chain, beloved for its touchscreen-order burgers, fries and MTO snacks, is redeveloping a shuttered Rite Aid in Downingtown, Chester County. The planned 6,100-square-foot store will feature a drive-thru, indoor seating, 45 parking spaces and a dozen multi-fuel gas pumps. Located at the busy intersection of East Lincoln Highway and Bondsville Road, the site sits diagonally across from a Wawa, setting up yet another face-off between the two regional rivals. Subscribe to Whats Going There in Delaware A Sheetz store is shown in Baden, Pennsylvania. Sheetz has been expanding east from its western Pennsylvania roots, but it has largely avoided Philadelphia and its suburbs, long considered solid Wawa territory. The Downingtown location marks another step into that turf, continuing a pattern already seen in Lancaster, Berks and Lehigh counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EARLIER THIS YEAR: Sheetz is knocking on Delaware's door. Elkton, Maryland, store opens soon As for Delaware, the First State remains outside the fray, with the nearest Sheetz located in Elkton, Maryland, just 1 mile from the Delaware line. That store, at 622 E Pulaski Highway, opened in 2023. So for now, Delawareans have to make do with Wawa hoagies, Royal Farms chicken or take the occasional road trip to snag Sheetz mozzarella sticks at 2 a.m. But with Sheetz edging ever closer, one of the regions fiercest convenience-store rivalries may soon cross into Delaware. You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wawa and Sheetz are heading for a new face-off near Delaware (FOX40.COM) The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory starting on Friday morning as the triple-digits make their way back to the Sacramento region. Sacramento County announced they are activating the regional weather respite center starting on Thursday. Anyone in the community who may be interested in checking them out is highly encouraged to call 211 to check for capacity before traveling to the center. Here are some locations and times listed below: Warren E. Thornton Youth Center, which is located at 4000 Branch Center Road in Sacramento, will start to open on Thursday at 1 p.m. until August 25 at 10:00 a.m., according to officials. The center will be open 24/7 for a couple of days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pets are welcome, but there is limited capacity; they must be crated at all times. Crates, leashes, and dog or cat food are provided. Guests will receive snacks, water, and meals Guests must be 18 or older Phone and device charging will be available Restrooms and showers are available Cots and blankets Light Case Management Capacity for up to 100 guests Heat Advisory issued for Northern California as triple-digits make a comeback The Outreach and Engagement Center is located at 3615 Auburn Boulevard and will be open starting Friday at 10 a.m. to Sunday at 8 a.m. The Sam & Bonnie Pannell Community Center is located at 2450 Meadowview Road, starting from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials said the Citrus Heights Police Department, which is located at 6315 Fountain Square Drive, will also have its lobby open during the days that exceed 100 degrees from noon to 8 p.m. SacRT has partnered with Sacramento County to offer free rides on fixed-route buses and light rail to those who need to get out of the sun and to a place with cooling temperatures. Image: Sacramento County Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. In our Wednesdays Child segments, we feature the smiling faces of children in the states foster care system waiting to be adopted. However, for many of these kids, behind each smile lies years of trauma, abuse and heartache. In this weeks Wednesdays Child, we introduce you to Christian and the story behind his award-winning grin. Wednesdays Child: Meet Brandon, an imaginative 16-year-old hopeful for a forever family Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christian, who is 11 years old, is far from camera shy. He has a smile that lights up a room and a fascination with a video game character that is undeniable. When I grow up, I want to be Sonic the Hedgehog. If I only had one wish, I would wish to be Sonic the Hedgehog, Christian said. His DHS caseworker, Latonya Iwundu, said with Christian, there is much more than meets the eye. He can be a little shy at first when getting to meet new people, but once he warms up to you, hes a funny little guy, DHS caseworker Latonya Iwundu said. We ride in the car, and I hear this angelic voice singing along with the music, and its him! I said, I didnt know you sing!! And he does sing; he has a wonderful voice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, behind that million-dollar smile and beautiful voice is a little boy who just wants to be loved. Hes said. He smiles, of course, hes living in the moment when we are there and having time together, but at the end of the day, Im taking him back to his placement, Iwundu said. Wednesdays Child: Meet Gage, a quiet and energetic 14-year-old hoping for family to support him Christian finds comfort in food. His favorite meal is ramen noodles with shrimp and cheese. He also has a big heart for others. He said if he had a million dollars, he would go to the grocery store and let people who didnt have money get something to eat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are interested in learning more about Christian or inquiring about adopting him, visit ProjectZero.org. KARK wants to thank all our viewers for sharing each of these childrens stories and helping them find their forever homes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This article was originally published in Chalkbeat. They racked up credit card debt, borrowed money from relatives, and ate frozen dinners. Now, after weeks of delays, the Education Department has begun sending payments to soon-to-be-teachers who were counting on the money to cover living expenses over the summer while they trained to enter the citys public schools. Members of the NYC Teaching Fellows expected to be paid up to $4,500 in installments during the summer program, which quickly trains career changers and recent college graduates to fill hard-to-staff positions in the citys public schools. Nearly 1,000 people participated this year, about double the number compared with last year, as the city races to comply with a state class size mandate that will require hiring thousands more teachers than usual every year. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Education officials initially indicated that participants would be paid periodically during the seven-week program to help offset living expenses, according to a recording of a webinar obtained by Chalkbeat. But when the program wound down during the last week of July, the payments still hadnt arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several fellows complained about the delays, and the Education Department responded with vague messages that did little to clarify the timeline. City officials eventually told fellows they would begin issuing checks on Aug 1., meaning participants would not receive them until after they completed their training. They just kept saying, Expect an update, said Kimba Williams, a 44-year-old former case manager for a foster care agency who participated in the program this summer. They waited until the whole program was over. Launched in 2000, the Teaching Fellows program has long been a key pipeline for attracting educators into high-need schools and is also designed to help diversify the teaching force. About 12% of the citys current teachers were hired through the program, which offers a faster track into city classrooms that skirts the traditional certification process. Williams, who is slated to teach at a Bronx middle school this fall, joined the fellows program because he wanted to be a positive role model for Black boys. Research suggests students of color have better outcomes when they are in classrooms with teachers who look like them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the weeks ticked by without any sign of a paycheck, he maxed out his credit cards, took on $2,500 in debt, and canceled a trip to visit his daughter in North Carolina because he couldnt afford the travel. He was expecting a stipend of about $3,700. It makes it hard to live a normal life, Williams said. At times you may not know where your next meal is coming from and thats not fair to put anyone through. The training experience which involves learning how to devise lessons, manage classrooms, and teach summer school students under close supervision was positive except for the lack of payment, Williams said. A check finally arrived on Aug. 11, more than a week after the program ended. Williams plans to use some of the money to drive his daughter to college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials eventually blamed the delays on a transition to a new payment structure that was required for us to remain in compliance with tax regulations, according to an email some teaching fellows received at the end of July. While the Office of Teacher Recruitment and Quality has been working tirelessly to issue this payment as soon as possible, we deeply apologize for the delay caused by this transition and appreciate your patience and understanding, the message continued. After this story was published, Education Department spokesperson Chyann Tull wrote in an email that all payments have been issued and noted that the city would quickly identify and resolve any outstanding issues to ensure every Fellow is paid in full. Some fellows, however, said they are still waiting to be paid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One participant, who previously worked as an accountant, said he borrowed $6,500 from relatives to pay for rent and groceries this summer. The delays have strained some of those relationships. Theyre asking, When are you going to be able to pay? said the fellow, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. I cant tell them because I havent received it. City officials warned fellows in a late July message that lost checks could take months to reissue. Some experts previously said that starting a new career in debt could mean they wind up leaving the public school system sooner, as teachers often make less than peers with similar experience and credentials. The former accountant said the experience has made him second guess his decision to change careers. People are not going to want to stay in a profession if youre not going to be treated with respect, he said. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Father Cassianos fixed me with an impish stare as he gave me his answer. It has been so many years that I cannot remember. The corners of his mouth turned upwards in the most subtle of smiles. I had asked him how long he had lived on Mount Athos, the semi-autonomous Greek peninsula home to approximately 2,000 Orthodox monks. I suspected that his plea of forgetfulness masked an interesting past. One thing was certainly true: Cassianos could not have been born here, for on Mount Athos, there are no women. Chastity is one of the key vows that monks take across Eastern and Western Christian churches. It is what ties monks of every denomination and order together, though Mount Athos is one of the most extreme attempts to ensure the enforcement of this particular vow. The remote peninsula was once considered sacred to Zeus but now it is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Christ, owing to a legend that she was shipwrecked there on her way to go and live with St John on the island of Patmos. At the little port of Ouranoupoli at the edge of the peninsula, the women stay on the quayside whilst the ferry the steep and forested terrain makes overland access impossible is boarded by men only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban on women, however, has made Athos a tempting place for female politicians, adventurers and sex symbols to try to visit. The Empress of Serbia, Helena, managed to land upon the mountain in 1346 but was refused entrance even to the great Serbian national monastery of Hilandar. Of those women who braved the trip solo, Aliki Diplarakou stands out. Reports vary quite how the 1930s Miss Greece got from a party yacht off the Greek coast to the holy mountain in 1932. Some say it was an impromptu, cocktail-fuelled expedition courtesy of an enamoured sailor with whom she swapped clothes. Others suggest that a monk, struck by her beauty, aided and abetted her transgression. Either way, future beauty contests in Greece were banned after outrage by the Church. Those who breached Athoss rules were declared as anathema cursed by the Patriarch of Constantinople, Photius II. The anathema is still in place. I went to Athos to research my book, Twelve Churches, which charts how Christianity developed through the stories of some of its most curious enclaves. The book covers issues from power to profit to beauty, but sex was the hardest to address. As a clergyman in the Church of England, Im all too aware of the Churchs propensity to get knickers in twists over this specific issue. Thats in part because Scripture seems to provide evidence for radically opposing views to develop because of ambiguity in the text. To try to understand all this contradiction, I thought I would go to Athos perhaps the one place in Christendom where there is no ambiguity at all. The ban on women has made Athos a tempting place for female politicians, adventurers and sex symbols to try to visit - Fergus Butler-Gallie In the Gospels, Jesus Christ says very little directly about the subject. Later Christian writers, however, came to view it as particularly important, as the most obvious manifestation of the life of the flesh, which stood in direct competition with the life of the spirit to which people of faith were called. St Paul, in the first letter he wrote to Christians in Corinth, addressed this conflict directly. Corinth had a community of new believers, some of whom were Jews and some who had once worshipped the pagan gods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This brought problems. Whilst Judaism had a relatively constricted attitude to sex, ancient Paganism was less picky. Paul in his letter sets out the idea that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. And such a state of the body is threatened by wrong types of sex. So to avoid distractions from a holy life, he advises celibacy is best. But, if you couldnt manage that, then a single marriage to someone of the opposite sex would do. There are lots of odd things about life on Athos, as I found during my stay at the Pantokrator Monastery. To even set foot on it you need a special Church document. Generally non-Orthodox visitors are treated with suspicion, although they have a soft spot for the Church of England as, in the words of one monk, your king is half Greek. Once there you are woken up by a monk banging a wooden board outside your window at 4 am. The heat in the summer when I went was intense, meaning that all we pilgrims had to sleep in the nude. Sex, paradoxically, is never far away on the Holy Mountain. A monk kisses the hand of Father Arsenios on the Greek island of Mount Athnos, Greece - Rick Findler/Getty It was St John Cassian the namesake of the monk I met on Athos who set out the most extreme version of celibacy for communities of monks and nuns. A Greek monk who lived at the end of the fourth century AD, he argued spiritual knowledge cannot be had without integral chastity people cannot be fully spiritually enlightened without being totally free from sexual desire. As a young man he travelled to the imperial capital of Constantinople, where he found a city teeming not just with sexual acts of every kind but with the consequences of sex too. Cassian didnt see people healthily acting on their natural desires, he saw abandoned babies, murdered prostitutes, men forcibly made eunuchs against their will and children of both sexes forced into sexual relationships by the powerful. One Byzantine writer observed the regularity of accidental incest in the city, due to fathers unknowingly having intercourse with a son or daughter who has become a prostitute. This led Cassian to advocate abstinence from sex; not as virtuous in itself but because of its positive effects on the soul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the reasons why he thought sex was such a particular problem was that he felt the lure of it all too well. In particular, multiple chapters of his writings deal with the feelings of guilt after a nocturnal emission or wet dream. He says such an incident is a manifestation of a hidden interior fault. Sexual doings of the body were utterly related to the state of the soul. Eventually, Cassians statutes became the central pillars for communities seeking to set rules for monastic life. Generally non-Orthodox visitors are treated with suspicion on Mount Athos - Three Lions/Getty Images Athos taught me a lot about sex. Strangely, it was that elderly monk, and the writings of a long-dead Greek saint, who helped me understand the newly puritanical attitudes which, we are told, are becoming more widespread in younger generations. A tightening of sexual mores in reaction to the excesses of previous generations is nothing new nor is it always, or automatically, a bad thing. I think it is probably true that sex has become so central to Western identity that weve lost some sense of its value. Athos was a corrective to that. Some secular Western societies like to think that their particular attitudes about sex and the individual sprung fully formed in the late 20th century. This is not the case. Pauls teaching that the body was a temple and worthy of consideration over what was done with or, to it informs even the most secular persons concept of sexual propriety in the West. The fact that we still view many of the sexual practices that shocked Cassian but did not shock the Pagan world incest, child prostitution, rape as taboo is testament to the convincing nature of the arguments he made, even if we now have a slightly tamer attitude to wet dreams. Early Christian attitudes to sex were undoubtedly distant from those of the 21st century though not perhaps as distant as we think. Yet, as I returned from Athos and was able to talk to women again, to call my wife and to, frankly, think about sex a bit more normally, I was grateful that a middle ground between the extremes of hyper-sexualisation and the world of Athos was available to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twelve Churches: An Unlikely History of the Buildings that Made Christianity will be published by Hodder & Stoughton on August 28 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. What started with a drone sighting over a military installation in New Jersey last November quickly grew into a national craze about mysterious objects in the sky. Social media was flooded with videos and images purporting to show drones. Politicians weighed in. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) were imposed over dozens of power facilities. The so-called Jersey Drone phenomenon became such a big deal that the FBI launched a hotline for people to report what they had seen, with only a small fraction of some 5,000 sightings deemed worthy of further investigation. The FBI told us on Thursday that the investigation is still ongoing, but declined to offer any details about whether any suspects were uncovered or any drones recovered. So what were these things? TFRs over sensitive energy sites (small red circles) were issued in December 2024 during the height of the drone scare. (1800WXBRIEF.COM) We asked one expert who worked at the highest levels of government for some answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For nearly a decade, starting in 2011, Brett Feddersen, a retired Army officer, served in a wide range of executive roles under the Obama and first Trump administrations. He was national security liaison/senior intelligence officer for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), deputy chief of intelligence for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), senior advisor for strategy, plans, and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), worked in the executive office of the president, was director for transportation and border security at the National Security Council (NSC), principal deputy director for the JCS Transregional Threats Coordination Cell and an executive director at the FAA. He was also a member of the Navys UAP [Unidentified Aerial Phenomena] Task Force, created in 2020 to investigate what used to be known as UFOs. Feddersen is currently chairman of the Security Industry Associations Counter-UAS Working Group and is vice president of strategy and governmental affairs for D-Fend Solutions, which supplies counter-drone equipment to the U.S. military, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice and other clients. Brett Feddersen (LinkedIn) In the second part of our hour-long interview with Feddersen, we asked him to offer some insights about the Jersey drone craze. In many ways, he concurred with our analysis that there is no evidence of large-scale drone incursions over New Jersey, with a chronic issue of people reporting normal aircraft as mysterious drones being glaringly apparent. You can catch up with the first part of the interview here. Some questions and answers have been lightly edited for clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Q: So what were these objects? Where did they come from, and who operated them? A: Thats a great question and there is a mix of answers, which I think added to a lot of the confusion. There were a lot of manned aircraft that were operating within the normal standards in the same area that were being misidentified as drones. Ive seen quite a few of those videos and pictures, and coming from an aviators perspective, theyre easy to identify because Im familiar with aircraft that operate at night. As a matter of fact, some of the aircraft that were called drones were aircraft I flew helicopters. Large drones have been hovering in formation over northern New Jersey, officials say, leading to "unnerved" residents wondering what's behind these bright, unidentified flying objects appearing almost every night in the sky. https://t.co/0mErYUt8Ib NBC News (@NBCNews) December 3, 2024 There were also government operations and different things that had already gotten approval through the FAA. And you have commercial operations, those that are making deliveries or test bed situations that also had approval with the FAA, so those are the ones that are flying around. I highly doubt that there werent, in that big mix of drones, some foreign adversary that was taking advantage and trying to find information or video. We see probing regularly from foreign adversaries over sensitive sites like bases. So there was a true mixture of all that. And I think what caused a lot of the for lack of a better term hysteria was a poor response by the government to address the publics fear and considerations. Poor communication between inter-agencies. The FAA, talking to the government to explain which aircraft were authorized or not authorized. Q: How should those breakdowns have been addressed? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: Coming out right up front and saying, Hey, we have a problem. We have these issues. And heres where were at with it. That I think would have taken care of a lot of things at the beginning. "You're telling me we don't know what the hell these drones in New Jersey are?" FBI: "That's right." https://t.co/luvoZcuB7x pic.twitter.com/h7vikeLIRr Taylor Gipple (@gipple_taylor) December 10, 2024 Q: You mentioned that a lot of the so-called Jersey drone sightings were government drones. Can you talk about that? What operations were being conducted by the government? A: The government is constantly improving on drones or training on drones. So those activities are coordinated with the FAA. Theyre authorized. That means that theyre flying training routes or training flights in the vicinity of certain areas to build proficiency in flying the aircraft so that you can continue to make it safer and more active. Then you also have those commercial drones that were talking about that are doing deliveries that also do the same thing. They coordinate with the FAA, they get approval for the routes or their runs, and then they execute in that manner. So both of those were what contributed to the Jersey drone craze. Q: During the early days of the second Trump administration, officials said these drones were not a danger, and they were approved and known by the FAA. What were those?. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: The majority of the flights were known and approved by the FAA. So what theyre referring to there is that these were standard operations that were going on. There was nothing classified that was going on. There was nothing that would have triggered any type of conspiracy concepts to it. They were just flying around as normal. The response of the public being heightened to the issue kind of created that craze. Now we do know that there are always flights that are flying around that are not reporting to the FAA and doing those things at this point, you know, in New Jersey, particularly, we dont know whether those were foreign adversaries or U.S. citizens that just did not know how to operate their aircraft. Q: What classification of drones were being tested by the government or trained on by the government? Were they nano, micro, small, medium or large? A: In the vicinity of New Jersey, they are really the medium and small ones that are being used. Oftendrones used by the Army for reconnaissance in other areas. If theyre testing new payloads or sensors or cameras on systems, theyre flying around in their set training areas and their patterns to make sure that all the flight characteristics of that payload on the drone is doing what its supposed to do. So thats what that does. Every flight that you take in a drone, especially a military drone, gives the operator, that drone or the camera operator, a chance to become more proficient at what theyre doing, and thats what was occurring in conjunction with all the other flights that were happening during those days. Q: One theory floated at the time was that the government was testing counter-drone capabilities. Did that really happen? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: Its highly unlikely, and heres why. In New Jersey and Atlantic City, there is the FAA Technical Center, and they do counter-drone testing and drone testing at that airport. But it is in a very controlled manner where they are. They are either flying or aware of what is being flown and the systems capabilities that are being used at that time. At nighttime, very little operations happen because you cant get the same type of spectrum data as during the daytime. So it is highly unlikely that there was activity there at the tech center that was going on. Anything else that would have been tested outside of that area, even by the military, is coordinated with the FAA, and they would have been aware of that type of activity too. And there are other places to do that type of testing. You dont do it right there in the urban environment where theres a lot of other aircraft flying. The FAAs William J. Hughes Technical Center in New Jersey. (FAA) Q: So, where did these drones that were being tested come from that caused people to report them as being these mystery drones? And if military drones are being mistaken as mystery drones, where did they come from? A: The Army and, well, actually, all the branches have quite a few bases or smaller facilities around the area there, between New Jersey, New York and and Pennsylvania, right? That whole tri-state area has quite a few facilities that are always looking at some research or testing or doing more things. You also have units that are there, including reserve units or National Guard units that are flying and operating drones throughout that area as well. So it again, its really a combination of what I would consider the majority of them being legitimate operations. There were a few that would be criminal in nature, either because of ignorance or because of nefarious activity behind it. Staff Sgt. Luis Andujar, left, prepares to catch a drone piloted by Sgt. 1st Class Richard Hutnik, right, Nov. 15, 2024, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. (Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Brad Rhen) Brad Rhen Q: Do you know anything about the FBI investigation? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: I do not. I have no insight into the FBIs investigation. Q: Lets switch gears and talk about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, or what used to be known as UFOs. You were part of the UAP Task Force, created in August 2020 to detect, analyze and catalog UAPs that could potentially pose a threat to U.S. national security. It was ultimately replaced by the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). Can you talk about how UAPs fit into the craze over drones? A: UAPs are a real thing that we cant identify across the globe; its not just in the United States. So not to be conflated with drones, we just dont know what those are. And theres often a confusion with those as well that are flying in the airspace. I dont recall any true UAPs being seen in the New Jersey incident, but its just one of those things that the government should also take seriously. Q: Weve reported a lot about how some of these so-called UAPs were actually adversary drones, flying over Navy vessels, etc. Do you think thats a big part of these UAP sightings? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: I think it is. Remember that UAPs are, by nature, unidentified, right? And so they can be man-made structures. Some of the UAPs and their capabilities are so extreme that we are finding it hard to believe that theyre man-made. We are more concerned if they are an adversary man-made object. Then, obviously, those capabilities have gone much farther than were familiar with, which you know scares us in a national security sense altogether. A slide contained in a set of documents TWZ obtained from the U.S. Navy via the Freedom of Information Act about a series of enigmatic drone swarm events, initially considered to be UFOs, that occurred in the waters off Southern California in 2019. (Via FOIA) Q: Do you believe that UAPs are advanced adversary technologies, or is it possible that these are created by non-human intelligence? A: Anythings possible. Because theyre unidentified, we dont know the origin of where they came from. We dont know who built it. I would say that I think the adversarial view is probably the most accepted view, for obvious reasons. But you know, some of these defy our current aviation capabilities and aerial capabilities, and they defy the abilities that we believe that our adversaries have, so were having a hard time figuring out what it is. Q: Are these created by non-human intelligence? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: I dont want to comment. Q: What is your realistic worst-case nightmare scenario about drones thats going to happen? A: A drone that can dispense some type of aerosol or powder over a large crowd. That one is top of mind for everybody. Weaponized drones, or drones being used kinetically by itself. I mean, they can reach some high speeds 50-60 miles per hour and flying into a individual is going to cause a lot of damage. Even flying into the window of a vehicle is going to create a lot of damage that will threaten the life, limbs or eyesight of individuals. These are things that we know are being proliferated across the internet for people to do. We know that there are people inside the U.S. who have weaponized drones or have done these things, going back to the guy who dropped dye packs in the pools over in New Jersey. Theres a lot of agricultural drones that bring so much benefit, but they also have this risk factor. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com An English court has sentenced a West Allis woman to 30 years in prison for her role in a bungled plot to kill a man with whom her online boyfriend had an ongoing beef. The hearing that unfolded in a Birmingham, England, courtroom on Aug. 21 brought an end to a wild legal odyssey for Aimee Betro, who British prosecutors say spent five years dodging police on two continents after twice failing to kill her intended target. Court records show Betro, 45, met Mohammed Nazir on a dating app and that things evolved into a relationship; Betro visited Nazir in the UK three times during a nine-month period between December 2018 and August 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Suspect in deadly Milwaukee home-invasion break-in heads to trial Nazir and his father, Mohammed Aslam, had been involved in a heated feud with the owner of a boutique in Birmingham. Prosecutors believe Betro may have been recruited during her August 2019 visit to carry out a plan to kill the victim or a member of his family. You were engaged in a complex, well-planned conspiracy to murder, Judge Simon Drew said in sentencing remarks that were made public on Aug. 21. You were prepared to pull the trigger and did so on two separate occasions. Here's how British prosecutors say things evolved that night In court documents, prosecutors say Betro wore a niqab to concealed her identity when she went to the victim's home on Sept. 7, 2019. She tried to fire shots at the man, but her gun jammed and the man managed to get away unharmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She returned a few hours later, on Sept. 8, 2019, and fired three bullets through bedroom windows of the family home. No one was injured in the attack. A hole left in the window of home in Birmingham, England. A UK court found Aimee Betro, 45, of West Allis, guilty of participating in a failed 2019 murder-for-hire plot. Prosecutors say she fired the shot that nearly killed a man she was contracted to kill. Investigators recovered messages between Nazir and Betro about shipments of firearms and firearm parts, and that Betro used 'burner' phones to plan the attack, court records show. Aslam, 56, and Nazir, 31, were arrested last year. In November, Nazir was sentenced to 32 years for various offenses, including conspiracy to murder. Aslam was sentenced to 10 years. Betro managed to slip out of the UK, and became the subject of a manhunt by several international law enforcement agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was apprehended in Armenia in July 2024, five years after the shooting, and was returned to the UK in January. Betro was found guilty Aug. 12 of conspiracy to murder, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and an offense relating to the importation of ammunition into the UK. More: Janesville man gets prison time for threatening agents with chlorine from stockpile What else do we know about Aimee Betro? British authorities believe she flew to Manchester on Aug. 22, 2019, roughly two weeks before the shooting. Court records show Betro flew back to the United States on Sept. 9, 2019, a day after the shooting. Three months after her return, she was charged with one count of identity theft and two counts of attempted identity theft in 2019 in Grant County, in southwest Wisconsin, on the Iowa and Illinois border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Online court records show she failed to show for a Jan. 6, 2020, court hearing and an arrest warrant was issued. A criminal complaint in that case says the woman spoke with a detective in the case Sept. 12, 2019. More: Milwaukee woman pleads guilty to her role in massage robbery scheme that left 1 man dead The complaint alleges the woman allegedly used someones banking information to make credit card payments. A victim said three attempted transactions were made, with only the first, for $422 to Discover Financial Services, successful. The victim told the detective an employee of a credit card company told him who made the fraudulent transaction. The victim googled the name and found she worked for the Brewers. He had recently bought tickets for a Brewers game. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was able to confirm last year that Betro worked as a part-time seasonal worker in the Brewers' ticket office about five years ago. Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: West Allis woman gets 30 years in international murder-for-hire plot DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) After obtaining additional signatures for a new hospital in west Dayton, the future of the proposal now rests in the hands of voters come November. During a city commission meeting Wednesday evening, the new signatures for the hospital were reported by Barbara Doseck, Daytons city law director, as approved by the Montgomery County Board of Elections. The signatures were obtained after the prior petition was denied in mid-July by the commissions split 2-2 vote (plus one abstention). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop Richard Cox, Clergy Community Coalition president, previously told 2 NEWS that the organization was turning in 2,800 signatures that were compiled in 20 days. Now, the coalition is gearing up to campaign on the issue, saying they want to make sure voters know the ins and outs of what this public hospital would mean for the community. Im excited about the campaign to let the people know that this is good for west Dayton, said Cox. Were going to cover east and west Dayton, north Dayton, south Dayton, all over the city of Dayton to involve the citizens who are registered voters to vote for this. Cox says hes happy that residents will have a say in the matter, as a potential hospital would bring more than just medical care to the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We wanted to be able to let the citizens decide what they needed to do to get involved in their health care, but also to be excited about the jobs that well be bringing into this area, said Cox. If passed, the issue would add an additional cost to residents property tax. For every $100,000 of appraised property value, the tax will add $35 every year. But talking with residents in Dayton, some say the price tag is worth it. Location would be fine due to the fact that weve lost a couple of hospitals lately, in the last five years, said Ken Bowman, resident. One resident told 2 NEWS she was actually born at Good Samaritan, the hospital that closed down and inspired the coalition to campaign for a new hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So long as its really quick and convenient and, you know, really reliable for the city because thats what we miss, with Good Sam being gone, said the resident. Im still pretty young, but definitely remember the memories of being able to go there, fast, reliable. At present, an exact location for a potential hospital has not been established, but the coalition says they will be contacting local leaders to help make this project a reality. 2 NEWS is continuing to follow this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Lt. Col. J.D. Underwood talks with Brig. Gen. Paige Hunter, commander of the West Virginia Air National Guard, and Lt. Col. Mark McDaniel (center), 130th Medical Group flight surgeon after assuming command of the 130th MDG, Jan. 8, 2017 at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, W.Va. McDaniel was named West Virginia's state health officer on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. De-Juan Haley) Mark McDaniel, a doctor of osteopathic medicine who recently retired as state air surgeon for the West Virginia National Guard, will be the next state health officer, the Department of Health announced Thursday afternoon. The role of State Health Officer is pivotal to the success of West Virginia as we work to make this beautiful state the best and healthiest place to live, to work, and to thrive, Department of Health Secretary Arvin Singh said in a statement. We thoroughly evaluated the candidates for this position and Dr. McDaniel rose to the top of the list as someone who genuinely cares for the health of West Virginians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the news release, McDaniel has 25 years of multidisciplinary medical experience in addition to his career in military and civilian health care leadership. As a civilian, McDaniel is a regional medical supervisor for AFC Urgent Care Centers in North Carolina and Virginia, as well as a Regional Medical Director of LabCorp Inc. He previously served as chief of aerospace medicine and senior flight surgeon for the 130th Medical Group at the McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in West Virginia. I am extremely passionate about improving the health of West Virginians. I grew up here; I have roots here, and I know that this state can be one of the best, McDaniel said in the news release. I look forward to working with Governor Morrisey and Secretary Singh to tackle long-standing public health issues that have plagued this state for far too long. Nationally, West Virginia ranks 49th in health outcomes and 46th for overall health. We struggle with obesity, chronic disease, and heart health, among many other serious health issues, he said. The Morrisey Administration has already proven that West Virginia is ready to make pivotal health changes, and I am excited to lead this vital work. The news release lists McDaniel as acting state health officer. A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said Thursday the distinction is so that McDaniel may take on the role without giving up seeing patients. The department interviewed several candidates for the role and the requirement that they not be engaged in any other business, vocation or employment was a dealbreaker for the best ones, Gailyn M. Markham, director of communications, wrote in an email to West Virginia Watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That should come as no surprise given the importance of patient relations and the desire of physicians to remain current in their clinical skills, she wrote. The Department is open to working with the Legislature on statutory changes to address overly-restrictive job criteria that prevent the state from hiring the most qualified candidates for such critical roles. As state health officer, McDaniel will be responsible for investigating diseases, epidemics and endemics, promoting public health, developing a state plan and other duties. He also becomes secretary for the state Board of Medicine. McDaniel fills a position thats been empty since former state health officer Dr. Matthew Christiansen resigned from the role in December 2024, weeks before Morrisey took office. Christiansen had served in the role for nearly two years. McDaniel will begin his role Monday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Republican-controlled Texas House has passed new congressional maps that aim to pad the partys majority in Washington by as much as five seats in the midterm elections as battles over redistricting spread across the country. With Texas set to fully enact its new plan as soon as this week, urged on by President Donald Trump, California Democrats are moving quickly to implement a plan to carve up their state's maps in retaliation. Meanwhile, top Republicans in states like Indiana, Missouri and Florida continue to talk about tweaking their maps to create more Republican-controlled congressional seats in the 2026 elections. Ohios redraw, which it must do under state law, could benefit the GOP, too. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. (Getty Images; AP) Governors in Democratic-controlled states are weighing responses, too, but in many cases, theyre restrained by procedural hurdles or by other practical limits some have already stretched their own gerrymandered maps as far as they could go that could make a tit-for-tat more difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its all expected to come to a head in a matter of weeks, against the backdrop of a race for the congressional majority in Washington that sits on a knifes edge. The final outcome in Texas Lawmakers in the GOP-controlled Texas House passed their map Wednesday, days after Democrats returned from a two-week "quorum break" in which they fled the state to hold up the bill. But they could only delay, not derail, the new Republican maps, which convert three deep-blue districts into deep-red ones and tilt two Democratic-held South Texas districts slightly further toward the GOP, too. State Rep. Todd Hunter, a Republican who represents Corpus Christi and co-sponsored the new map, kicked off the day with some straight talk. The underlying goal is this plan is straightforward: improve Republican political performance, he told his colleagues, adding that the crux of the changes to the maps center on five districts that now trend Republican in political performance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While theres no guarantee of an electorate success, Republicans will now have an opportunity to potentially win those districts, he added. After a handful of lawmakers remained in the chamber overnight to protest House leadership for requiring Democrats to agree to police escorts to ensure they don't try to skip town again, Democrats took to the floor to criticize their Republican colleagues over the maps. They questioned whether their Republican colleagues were truly not factoring in the racial compositions of districts, as they claimed, warning Democrats will have "their day in federal court." They also hit out at their scheduling in the special legislative session, which put redistricting on the calendar ahead of voting on relief for the victims of the July floods in the Hill Country. This is Donald Trumps map. It clearly and deliberately manufactures five more Republican seats in Congress because Trump himself knows the voters are rejecting his agenda, and instead of respecting that rejection, hes changing the rules," said state Rep. John Bucy III of Austin, a Democrat. "Instead of listening to the people, hes trying to silence them, and Texas Republicans have been more than willing to help. California Democrats move to retaliate California's Legislature held an hourslong hearing Tuesday as Democrats there speed toward passing legislation that would call for a fall special election putting redistricting on the ballot. Voters will decide whether to override the state's independent redistricting commission and approve temporary, Democratic-drawn maps for the rest of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those maps are the political inverse of the ones in Texas endangering a handful of incumbent Republicans and putting Democrats in position to net up to five seats from the new map, according to estimates from the University of Virginias Center for Politics. The hearing turned contentious amid interruptions and partisan clashes between lawmakers. Republicans repeatedly accused Democrats of wasting state resources a statewide special election would cost significant money and for bucking the agreement that empowered the states independent redistricting panel in the first place. California should lead the way when other states decide to do something else, we shouldnt react to them; we should prove by example that we can do this better. That we create the foundations for the rest of the nation, said Assemblyman David Tangipa, a Republican from the Fresno area. Steve Bennett, a Democratic legislator from Ventura, lashed out at Texas Republicans mid-decade redistricting by comparing it to power grabs by autocrats like Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We prefer the agreement we all had to play by the old rules," he said. "But when autocrats change the rules and the norms that we are using to decide who has power, we can either fight back or we can potentially permanently lose the ability ever to fight back again." Democrats need to get the maps passed through the Legislature soon to bring the question to the voters this fall if they want to enact the maps in time for the 2026 midterms. Republicans are seeking to delay that, with a group of lawmakers suing this week, arguing that Democrats havent given the public the required time to review legislation before voting. Other states weigh jumping into the fray While the spotlight remains on California and Texas, redistricting remains a live ball in other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio must redraw its lines by law, according to the way the state redistricting process is set out in its constitution, since the current map was approved without Democratic support. The timing could work out well for Republicans, who control the Legislature and could stand to gain depending on how the maps are drawn. Two of Ohio's five Democratic House members won re-election last cycle by less than 3 percentage points. Indianas Republican members of Congress have in recent days announced their support for a redraw there, where the party already controls seven of the nine congressional seats. Gov. Mike Braun, a Republican, hasnt said whether he plans to call for a special session of the Legislature. But Vice President JD Vance traveled to Indiana this month to meet with Braun as the redistricting debate swirled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Missouri, Republicans have been cajoling Gov. Mike Kehoe to call a special legislative session for redistricting there, where the GOP controls six of the eight congressional seats. In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said this week that people can anticipate a mid-decade redraw because there has been a sea change in demography since the 2020 census. Outside of California, where their efforts are subject to approval from voters, Democrats face a smattering of other challenges if they want to redraw maps in other states. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who has vocally supported the Texas House Democrats' attempts to delay the redistricting process in their state, hasn't ruled out a redistricting push in his backyard. But Democrats already hold 14 of the state's 17 congressional districts there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Democrats are also interested in redrawing the lines there, but they face logistical hurdles to change the state constitution, which would most likely mean no changes until 2028 at the earliest. CORRECTION (Aug. 21, 2025, 8:43 a.m. ET): An earlier version of this article misstated the number of Democratic-held congressional districts in Ohio. There are five, not three. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com While the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska underscored the Arctics decisive importance, there was another signal coming from just offshore: Russian and Chinese naval forces conducting a joint exercise near the Aleutians. In the north Indo-Pacific, a geostrategic game is unfolding, one in which control over sea lanes, resources and influence will shape the 21st century. And Washington has been slow to catch up. Despite Alaskas undeniable role in the Indo-Pacific, providing a launch pad for force projection and missile defense, for three decades America has let its Pacific Arctic flank erode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only sustained attention, disciplined use of new funding and closer work with allies and partners will keep America from losing ground to competitors who already understand its value. The Indo-Pacific Arctic has become one of the most active arenas of great power competition. Russia and China, while not allies, are cooperating here with arguably greater depth than anywhere else in the world. Their joint naval patrols are no longer rare events but recurring, normalized operations, reinforced by last summers first combined bomber patrol and growing coast guard coordination. Their economic partnership has deepened as well, with China investing billions in Russias Arctic energy and mineral projects. And Beijing is not simply riding Moscows coattails; it is operating independently, with five Chinese research vessels currently underway near Alaska. If these operations unfolded along Floridas shoreline, they would dominate the front pages and trigger emergency hearings. Near Alaskas waters, they barely register. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, right, shadows a Russian submarine about 57 miles northwest of Point Hope, Alaska, Sept. 15, 2024. (U.S Coast Guard) In response to this unprecedented level of cooperation, the Pentagon has taken notice. Over the next several weeks, INDOPACOM and NORTHCOM are combining two of DoDs most important exercises for the region Northern Edge and Arctic Edge for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With thousands of air, maritime and ground forces, the goal is to signal that Alaska and the Arctic are a strategic hinge between the Indo-Pacific and North America and to eradicate the challenging seam that exists between them. While the commanders of INDOPACOM and NORTHCOM deserve great credit for coming together this month, momentum must be sustained. Bridging the lines between the Arctics multiple combatant commands is essential to close operational gaps, preserve stability and present a unified front in the face of competing interests that converge in the far north. Against this backdrop, the recent reconciliation bill offers an opening that may not come again soon for the North American Arctic. From $8.6 billion for much needed icebreaker development to $24.4 billion for missile defense and the Golden Dome, developing these capabilities would aid homeland defense and our broader objectives in the Indo-Pacific. The challenge will be executing them on time and within budget. Equally important is $115 million buried within the bill for the Defense Department to explore and develop existing Arctic infrastructure, including in Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These upgrades, from long neglected maintenance on existing bases to the creation of future operating sites, are vital for operations in one of the worlds most unforgiving regions, yet they have repeatedly been pushed to the margins of funding priorities. History underscores the urgency. The Aleutians were the only part of the continental United States invaded and occupied by enemy forces during World War II. Today, those same islands form a natural bridge between the Arctic and Indo-Pacific theaters. Adak provides a perfect example once a vital Cold War and WWII military hub in the Aleutians, it remains strategically positioned and should be strongly considered for reopening. The U.S. should identify, prioritize and execute projects now, while the legislative window and political will are aligned. The Pentagon in particular must act decisively, not stall in pursuit of the perfect analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this funding may be game changing, it only scratches the surface of whats required to compete in the North American Arctic. Beyond icebreakers and missile defense, America needs resilient communications networks, reliable energy in the cold, sensors that see farther and unmanned platforms that endure longer in extreme conditions. Just as vital is sustained scientific research, which is not a luxury but a foundation for national security. Without continuous investment in understanding the Arctics rapidly changing environment, the U.S. and its allies will be operating blind in one of the worlds harshest theaters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meeting these requirements is far beyond the capacity of any single nation, which makes allied investment and partnership not optional in the Arctic but indispensable. The U.S. cannot go it alone in the Arctic. Even Russia, with its vast northern coastline, seems to recognize the necessity of relying on others. The colder, more austere Indo-Pacific side of the Arctic is especially demanding and expensive, and success will hinge on shared capabilities, presence and investment. While the European Arctic rightly receives significant attention through NATO allies, far less focus has been given to the equally critical Indo-Pacific front. Beyond NATO and NORAD, the U.S. has an untapped opportunity to deepen cooperation with Japan and South Korea. Both nations bring advanced technology, maritime expertise and shared concerns over Russian and Chinese intentions, making them natural collaborators in securing the high north and linking Arctic security to broader Indo-Pacific stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, these partnerships are not only about deterring threats, but about building the ties of cooperation that keep the Arctic peaceful. But partnership cannot be taken for granted. Allies will only stand shoulder to shoulder in the Arctic if Washington demonstrates sustained trust, credibility and respect. Lastly, Arctic advocacy and action only happens with great intention, and the region needs leadership empowered to demand and coordinate the unique capabilities that the Arctic requires. My former position fulfilled exactly that role for the Department of Defense. Personnel is policy, and if the U.S. is serious about ensuring security in the Arctic, while also advancing stability and opportunity, it will need dedicated leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without it, the Arctic risks falling through the cracks of bureaucratic seams, allowing competitors to set the pace in a region where time is not on our side. Iris Ferguson is the former deputy assistant secretary of defense for Arctic and Global Resilience and is currently president of IAF Strategies, specializing in national security and strategic innovation. With The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox now streaming on Hulu, many people might be wondering where Rudy Guede is now. Guede was the third man convicted in Meredith Kerchers murder case, after her roommate, Amanda Knox, and her boyfriend at the time, Raffaele Sollecito, were suspected of killing her. Knox and Sollecito served four years in prison after they were tried multiple times in a high-profile journey of convictions, appeals, and re-convictions. Knox and Sollecito were exonerated in March 2015 after it was determined that Rudy Guede, who was also convicted of the murder in 2008, had acted alone. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Inside Amanda Knoxs Unlikely Friendship With the Prosecutor Who Accused Her of Being a Sexual Deviant During Meredith Kerchers Murder Trial Guede admitted that he was with Kercher on the night of her death. The Ivorian national living in Italy said Kercher invited him home with her the night she died. He fled the scene, but his DNA was found on a bloody handprint on Kerchers pillow and bra. He was tried separately in a fast-track procedure and initially sentenced to 30 years, which was later reduced to 16 years. Where is Rudy Guede now? Rudy Guede is currently awaiting trial after facing charges of sexual assault and violence against a former girlfriend. The trial is set for fall 2025. According to he investigating magistrate Rita Cialoni, more than 100,000 photos, thousands of chats, and audio messages between Guede and the unnamed victim are among the evidence to be considered in the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He started dating the unnamed woman while he was still in prison and ended their relationship in 2023 when the woman pressed charges against him, according to Italian media. Guede served 13 years of a 16-year sentence and was released from prison in 2021. Amanda Knox was asked if she would extend grace to Guede years after their Hes the guy who actually killed my roommate, she said on her Hard Knox podcast. So hes the one who broke into my home, who left his DNA all over Merediths body and belongings and he fled the country. There are a number of crimes that he committed that he wasnt even charged with, including slander against me and Rafaelle, the author said. Generally a bad dude, she added. He starts dating a much younger woman, and as she recounts it, he was physically violent, manipulative, stalked her, and sexually assaulted her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im starting to notice a lot of things people arent noticing, she explained about how the new case wasnt getting enough media attention. Thats aggravating to me because these crimes against this new woman are suggestive of the crimes he did to Meredith. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On the eve of the Texas House voting on a new congressional map, President Donald Trump ordered his Republican friends in the state legislature to get it to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk ASAP. Theyre taking heed the state House passed the map on Wednesday and the state Senate is expected to do so this evening, just days after Democrats ended their out-of-state protest and returned to Austin clearing the way for passage by the end of the week. Trumps direct message to Texas Republicans is the president applying his standard pressure campaign playbook that has worked on Capitol Hill to a new audience: state lawmakers. When Trump wants something, hell often directly ask for it himself. And the president really wants to see GOP states take up mid-decade redistricting to carve out more Republican seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Republicans, including Abbott, initially didnt want to take on the gambit. But the White House forced their hand, setting off a redistricting arms race across the country that Republicans are well-positioned to win. Should states like Indiana, Missouri and Florida move forward with mid-decade mapmaking, Republicans could pick up as many as 10 new seats ahead of the midterms, and its unclear at this point if any Democratic-led states beyond California will jump in to blunt the GOP advantages. Indiana is the latest target of the White Houses political operation, and Trumps allies are even making the unusual consideration of backing primaries to Indiana state lawmakers who wont accept the mission an unusually direct involvement from a president in a state legislature. Some Indiana Republicans have expressed public resistance to falling in line like state Rep. Ed Clere, who told POLITICO that under no circumstances will I vote for a new map. Clere, a longtime member from Southern Indiana, said he doesnt want to see emergency special sessions called unnecessarily, and he believes too many procedural and legal hurdles stand in the way. What Texas and California are doing is simply wrong for America, he said. It is the political equivalent of the cold war concept of MAD mutually assured destruction. Indiana needs to take the high road. Democrats are mostly powerless to respond to the White Houses intrusion into state legislatures. I cannot recall another time that this has happened, said Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which works to elect Democrats to state legislatures. At the core here, the president is pressuring these lawmakers to change the maps, because that is the only way that Republicans can win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has put the onus on the legislature to take up redistricting. While legislative leaders have not revealed their plans, the pressure campaign is working on the congressional delegation, which one by one has come forward in support. And state lawmakers have been summoned to a White House meeting Aug. 26, according to invitations reviewed by POLITICO, where redistricting will likely be top of the agenda. Another state that is surely on the White Houses radar: Ohio, which unlike the handful of states choosing to remake their maps is required under state law to redraw its map ahead of 2026. The White House may apply similar pressure to Buckeye Republicans to go for a maximalist approach, as Republicans there debate whether to carve out two or three seats during their process. You have to appreciate the hands-on engagement, said Indiana Republican strategist Marty Obst, who predicted that Indiana will convene a special session on redistricting. If [state lawmakers] know that the White House is active, and they know for the president himself this is a top priority, it's going to be very hard for them not to carry that out. Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICOs West Wing Playbook: Remaking Government newsletter. The White House blasted former White Stripes frontman Jack White as a washed-up, has-been loser after the Grammy winner insulted President Trumps golden Oval Office makeover this week. 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, White House spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement to The Hill after White remarked online that the Ovals new golden accents are gaudy and vulgar. Its apparent [White]s 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,' Cheung continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White, a frequent Trump critic, had posted a photo on Instagram on Tuesday from Trumps meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House a day earlier. Golden accents, which Trump has steadily added since his return to the White House in January, can be seen all around the two leaders. Look at how disgusting [Trump] has transformed the historic White House, the musician wrote in the caption. Its now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy, professional wrestlers dressing room. Cant wait for the UFC match on the front lawn too, hes almost fully achieved the movie Idiocracy. White responded to Cheungs insult with a lengthy follow-up Instagram post Wednesday evening featuring photos of Trump, including one holding a pair of golden signature sneakers, and remarked how funny it was to him that the White House addressed his aesthetic critique and not the other points hes raised against Trump, whom he has called a fascist, racist and sexist conman, among other insults. No, it wasnt me calling out any of that, it was the fing DECOR OF THE OVAL OFFICE remarks I made that got them to respond with insults. How petty and pathetic and thin skinned could this administration get? White wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White called the White House acknowledgment a badge of honor, and joked that the particular dig that he is masquerading as a real artist should be engraved on his tombstone. Being insulted by the actual White House that this particular conman leads is a badge of honor to me, because anyone who [Trump] supports and likes is a villain who gives nothing to their fellow man, only takes what can benefit themselves, he wrote. White has repeatedly taken aim at Trump and his supporters. White wrote in a 2023 Instagram post that he was disgusted by anyone who attempts to normalize Trump, and the White Stripes sued the Trump campaign last year over its use of the bands hit Seven Nation Army in a social media post. The lawsuit was later dropped after the video was removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated at 10:27 a.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trumps construction on a $200 million ballroom has resulted in an unexpected casualty: public White House tours. According tomultiple reports, these tours have been suspended as construction gets underway on the 90,000-square-foot space that Trump has been intent to add. Related: Trump Administration Reviewing All 55M People With U.S. Visas For Potential Deportable Violations The administration first provided details about the project which marks one of the largest renovations at the White House in years in late July. The new ballroom will hold up to 650 people and is aimed at addressing qualms Trump has had about a lack of sufficient space to hold large social events in the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the construction affects the tour screening process and entry point, bookings have been paused, CNN reports, and its not clear when they will resume. Congressional offices have cited construction of President Trumps new ballroom and extensive renovations for the moratorium, The Washington Post reports. Beginning in September, the White House is pausing tours for the foreseeable future, reads a page on Rep. Jamie Raskins (D-M.D.) congressional website. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Related: Trump's Ex-Chief Of Staff Spots 1 Glaring 'Problem' With New White House Flagpoles Public White House tours have long been a cherished tradition that enables visitors from across the country to get a glimpse of the presidents offices and iconic rooms in the building. Former first lady Jill Biden has previously estimated that about 10,000 people would tour the White House on a weekly basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres precedent to cancel these tours, though its typically because theres a potential conflict, such as a meeting with a world leader thats occurring around the same time, The Washington Post reports. Its less common for these tours to be suspended indefinitely for longer periods, the outlet notes. The ballroom construction is set to be completed before the end of Trumps term and staff are reportedly working on figuring out what a tour looks like in the meantime. The President and First Lady remain committed to continuing the tradition of public access to the Peoples House in the present and for the future, Nicholas Clemens, a spokesperson for first lady Melania Trump, previously told The Hill, noting that the White House was working with other federal bodies to determine how the public could access the space as construction takes place. Related... Read the original on HuffPost The Trump administration will suspend public White House tours due to the construction that is scheduled to start soon on a new ballroom, multiple congressional offices told ABC News. Spokespeople or the official websites for several of these members say they were told by the White House that the pause on these tours will start in September and tours could be postponed "indefinitely." Offices gave various reasons for the pause on tours, including "construction projects," "extensive renovations" and "because of construction on the new White House ballroom." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump takes unusual stroll on White House roof All tours of the White House are scheduled through a visitor's representative or senator. About 10,000 people toured the White House each week during the Biden administration. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images - PHOTO: The White House is visited by tourists on July 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. ABC News has reached out to the White House for comment. The Visit the White House page on the White House website doesn't mention tours being paused, but greets visitors with an "Announcement Regarding Upcoming Expansion" about the ballroom project, which it says will begin in September. The website for Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., reads: "Unfortunately, the Trump administration recently announced that it would pause all public tours of the White House beginning in September to accommodate construction projects. We apologize for any inconvenience to those who have submitted tour requests for this period, and will share further updates as soon as additional guidance is available." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The website for Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-Va., says: "Beginning on September 1st, 2025, the White House will be undergoing extensive renovations. As a result, all tours of the White House are postponed indefinitely. To read more information from the White House, please read their official statement. We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this may cause." Other congressional offices said they have received unclear instruction about tours when they've asked the administration. Andrew Leyden/NurPhoto via AP - PHOTO: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shows renderings of the new White House State Ballroom, which President Donald Trump plans to build starting in September. "We haven't gotten any real guidance from the WH - they haven't published any new dates and when we've inquired they said that "availability has not yet been published as they continue to finalize the president's schedule,'" one congressional aide said. Another office said it had reached out to the White House after the Washington Post initially reported that tours would be suspended. Administration officials told their office coordinator that the pause was "because of construction on the new White House ballroom," an aide said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump is building a new $200 million ballroom at the White House Yet another said that they were told White House tours were not immediately barred but rather would halt at the start of September. Doug Mills/Reuters - PHOTO: Yellow and white striped umbrellas stand open in the recently renovated Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., August 19, 2025. A White House liaison "confirmed that we can still book tours through the end of August, but they have cancelled all September tours. They said that they'll give more info after Labor Day," an aide told ABC News. A separate congressional office also said it was waiting for a more "formal announcement from the visitor's office" about how to move forward with scheduling public East Wing tours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another office said its constituents whose September tour was cancelled included "military families who had been approved for tours timed to show their families the White House before they were transferred to new duty stations outside the region." "They're pretty disappointed," the aide added. The Trump administration suspended tours for about a month at the start of his second term in January. First lady Melania Trump made the announcement when they reopened in late February. ABC News' Benjamin Siegel, Michelle Stoddart and Caleigh Bartash contributed to this report. There are currently no quick trips between Buckley and Enumclaw. The White River Bridge on State Route 410 (SR 410) remains closed Wednesday after it was struck by a semi-truck Monday morning, causing damage in multiple spots. Engineers are still assessing the damage to the 76-year-old bridge. Three teams of bridge inspectors are collecting information, taking measurements, and assessing damage to the bridge, according to Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) spokesperson Tom Pearce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The damage runs basically the length of the bridge and affects both the horizontal and vertical components of the bridge, Pearce wrote in an email to KIRO Newsradio.The engineers need to run this data through a modeling program to better understand the extent of the damage and formulate a repair plan. Our bridge engineers are working on temporary repair concepts, based on the information from the field and design of the bridge, that we think may work. Crews are working to reopen the bridge as quickly as possible. Weve spent the past two days inspecting; now well analyze findings for next steps. The detour is long. Reopening will be as fast as possible, but safety comes first, the WSDOT wrote on X Wednesday. UPDATE #4: The SR 410 White River Bridge will remain closed after a collision caused damage in multiple spots. We've spent the past 2 days inspecting; now well analyze findings for next steps. The detour is long. Reopening will be as fast as possible, but safety comes first. https://t.co/zV6bTqCp9l pic.twitter.com/YxOaM38yzK WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) August 20, 2025 Emergency vehicles use alternate route More than 22,000 vehicles use this route every day. The bridge is closed to all traffic, including bikes and pedestrians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for emergency vehicles, the Enumclaw Fire Department said the Foothills Pedestrian Bridge is an option. The ability for emergency crews to cross the White River, though somewhat cumbersome, is still possible, if the need arises via the Foothills Pedestrian Bridge. The Foothills Pedestrian Bridge was designed and constructed to be able to handle emergency vehicles for this exact kind of situation, the fire department wrote on Facebook Tuesday. In the event of an emergency, authorities ask drivers to move off the bridge and yield to all emergency vehicles. For everyones safety, please do not try to cross the bridge while an emergency vehicle is on or approaching the bridge, the fire department added. Detour around White River Bridge The signed detour around the White River Bridge is 38 miles, taking you all the way to State Route 167 (SR 167). There are some neighborhood cut-throughs, but they cannot handle that amount of traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To make that one-mile trip to get across the White River, it will likely take you 45 to 60 minutes. This story was originally published on August 19, 2025. It has been updated and republished since then. [Provisional translation] On August 21, commencing at 5:30 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call from H.E. Ms. Mariam CHABI TALATA, Vice President of the Republic of Benin, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), in Yokohama. The overview of the meeting is as follows: 1. At the outset, Prime Minister Isihba expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations with Benin, which continues to achieve high growth through strengthened governance, economic diversification, and sound macroeconomic management. In response, Vice President CHABI TALATA explained the efforts toward Benins development and expressed her intention to further strengthen bilateral relations. 2. Following that, Prime Minister ISHIBA mentioned that Japan has provided assistance for Benin in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, and education, and announced the decision to provide a yen loan for the improvement of Benin's investment environment, the first in approximately 30 years. In response, Vice President CHABI TALATA expressed her gratitude for Japans past support. She also expressed her expectation for further investment by Japanese companies as well as for further assistance from Japan. 3. Both leaders confirmed their intention to cooperate on the United Nations Security Council reform as well as peace and stability of the region. Stop press. Hold the front page. White working class kids are being let down by the British state admits Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary. Who knew? Apart from everybody. Previous incumbents of the post, and thereve been quite a few, have said pretty much the same thing since 1996. What was that? Youre wondering exactly how many education secretaries that might be? Eighteen. We have had 18 over the past 30 years with an average tenure of just a year and a half although, in fairness, Michelle Donelan only managed 48 hours in July 2022 and Kit Malthouse was gone after a month the same year, so they probably never got round to the annual mea culpa on GCSE results day, which felicitously happens to be today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, just 19 per cent of white working class pupils gained a strong pass in maths and English GCSE. When the numbers are crunched, this year doesnt promise to be any different. Small wonder nothing substantive has been achieved by a Cinderella education department that has experienced more churn than a Kerrygold creamery. You dont have to be any sort of expert to conclude Britains young people deserve better. Britains taxpayers deserve better. Britains tanking economy deserves better. Yet successive governments of every hue have signally failed to tackle the scandalous inequality at the heart of our education system. Low motivation and self-esteem At the risk of coming over all Dowager Duchess, Im not entirely certain how working class is defined when plumbers earn more than academics and can sleep a lot easier too, knowing AI wont take their job. But I think, on balance, we can safely accept self-identification in this regard. What is uncontested is that the current status quo militates against children who are already socially deprived and for whom the groves of academe are simply not an option. They might thrive in another, more hands-on learning environment. But, as the obsession with university degrees continues unabated, the non-academic are left to fall by the wayside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Low educational attainment feeds into low motivation, fuelling low self-esteem. Ive seen it for myself in the first part of the year when I travelled round the country visiting the places politicians fear to tread. In Grimsby, I found a once-proud fishing port now a bleak, de-skilled black spot, where generational worklessness has earned one ward, East March, the unenviable title of the area of Britain with the highest rate of youth unemployment. In Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, south Wales, the constituency with the highest proportion of people claiming benefits for anxiety in Britain, I witnessed first hand how an absence of optimism, ambition, call it what you will, erodes community cohesion, resulting in decline and petty crime. The metropolitan chattering classes Without the spur of moving onwards and upwards, however that looks, stagnation and disaffection set in. Take it from me; there is something genuinely affecting and deeply dispiriting about hearing teenagers sound hopeless about the future when their adult lives have barely begun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When government ministers talk about working people, strivers not skivers and alarm-clock Britain they are invariably envisioning a smiling family from the McCain ad, not real people feeling angry and undervalued by the metropolitan chattering classes and the bitter truth that, for all the talk of major reform, its still often more lucrative to claim benefits than get a job. What would you, in all honesty do? When it comes to the white working classes, the Government is more likely to flinch in horror than listen to their grievances. The demonstrations held outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, which houses asylum seekers, were initially dismissed, even though a resident was charged with sexual offences against a 14-year-old girl People putting up St George and Union flags in public areas as part of a patriotism campaign called Operation Raise the Colours have seen councils in cities including Birmingham and London cut them down. Ill be honest, Im no fan. Having grow up in Northern Ireland, Im keenly aware of the message, the menace, a Red Hand of Ulster or Tricolour is intended to project. Id ban all flags if I could. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even I have to acknowledge that the optics of tearing down what are, like it or not, national symbols in broad daylight feels as incendiary and bloody-minded as putting them up in the first place. Are you reading this, Robert Jenrick? A multi-faceted education system But flags are a diversion from the far more crucial issue of raising up those working people by giving their children the same opportunities as their middle-class peers. And to do that we must dismantle the single greatest roadblock to social mobility: our exclusively academic education system. We urgently need to introduce a truly multi-faceted alternative that gives equal weight to practical skills and provides young people with a route into higher education, good apprenticeships and secure jobs. Not only that, but we need to complement it with an active economic strategy to boost growth across the regions. The investment in people as well as places will pay off many times over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So. We have a problem, we have a solution. Must we really wait another 18 education secretaries for this long-overdue change to happen? Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. When one thinks of cross-border smuggling, bologna surely isn't the first product that comes to mind. However, this deli meat is one of the many items that does sometimes run afoul of the law. Several times in 2025 alone, individuals have been caught attempting to bring hundreds of pounds of pork products into the United States from Mexico. While bologna smugglers might not be the top targets for customs agents, there is a good reason that the movement of agricultural products is strictly regulated: disease. Various fruits and vegetables have been prohibited from entering the U.S. at different times, typically in an attempt to keep pests and diseases from entering the nation's agricultural system. Presently, even cooked products like bologna and ham from Mexico are restricted due to the potential of harboring diseases like classical swine fever. This does not prevent the import of Mexican pork products into the U.S., but the law requires that these products be accompanied by veterinary documentation showing them to be disease free not the sort of thing that someone with a trunk full of bologna is likely to have on hand. For your own safety, you should always declare foods at the border, where customs agents can tell you whether or not the items are permissible to bring into the country. If they say it's okay, then you know you're in the clear. If not, you can leave the prohibited items there and continue onward. The only trouble comes if you fail to declare something that you are not allowed to bring into the country. In that case, you may be subject to civil penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 13 International Dining Etiquette Rules We Should All Be Following Other Reasons That Foods Might Be Banned From Entering The Country Gooseberries hanging from the plant - Tatiana Kutina/Getty Images All agricultural imports into the U.S. are heavily regulated for similar reasons to the prohibition of Mexican pork products discussed above: to prevent the spread of communicable diseases from like sources. But many of the foods banned in America are on the list for different reasons. For starters, agricultural products can carry diseases that affect other organisms. This is the reason why gooseberries were banned in America. While gooseberries are not themselves a significant industry in the U.S., they can carry a disease that infects white pine trees, an important lumber crop. Some products are also banned simply out of concern for human health. This list includes things like raw milk and raw milk cheeses (without proper veterinary documentation), fruits like ackee, and haggis. Haggis was banned in the U.S. for a particular ingredient: sheep lungs, which were deemed to be a foodborne illness risk. A third reason that a food might fly at the border is ethics, with a list including items like shark fin soup. Turtle soup is illegal in the U.S. for this reason. As a part of the Endangered Species Act, the harvest of sea turtles is outlawed in the U.S., making the soup, too, an item of contraband. There are many reasons why foods might be prohibited from crossing a border, and these laws exist to protect human, animal, and economic health around the world. So, maybe skip bringing back your favorite cured meat as a souvenir from your next trip and if you do, be sure to declare it at the border. Read the original article on Tasting Table. HOMOSASSA Even in the middle of a sweltering Wednesday in August, the sparkling turquoise waters of the Chassahowitzka River ferried kayakers and paddle-boarders deep into its jungly embrace. The river is a quieter, more locally known secret compared to other, more tourist-centric springs. It bears signs of an older Florida, where parking fees are still paid on the honor system. For years, the Chassahowitzka River Campground has been the only place for out-of-towners to sleep overnight near the river, unfurling their tents under a canopy of pines and palms. When the Southwest Florida Water Management District, a state government body that owns the campground, announced it would be closing it this fall for a potential sale, many residents were caught off guard. So were the people who manage the campground, who had learned just days earlier that their contract with the district wasnt being renewed. They now need to cancel campers reservations and haul out all equipment by the end of September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They blew us out of the water, said Heather Blauer, the campgrounds property supervisor. She said more than 100 people have been calling each day, asking about the future of the campground. She has few answers to give. The official reason for the closure, according to the district, is the potentially costly repairs to the campground store and a wooden deck that were heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene. Storm data show water surged 8.5 feet above a typical high tide at the mouth of the river the night of the hurricane, sending swelling water toward the campground. Nearly a year later, the wooden store where campers could once buy fishing tackle and cold water sits fenced off and vacant. One estimate, provided to the Tampa Bay Times by the water district, showed repairing the dock would cost more than $165,000. Repairs to the store add more, with mold remediation alone estimated at more than $28,000. The building and dock pose a public safety risk, the district said in its social media post announcing the closure, and restoring the campground is not an effective way to utilize taxpayer dollars. But despite the closed store, the campground has been humming along as usual. The boat ramp is swarmed on weekends. Visitors often struggle to find parking. And Dennis Blauer, the camps general manager (and Heathers father), converted his tool shed into a working office where staff mark down reservations, take payments and field questions from campers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation has left the Blauer family, who have managed the property for more than a decade, wondering why the closed store and dock would warrant shutting down the whole operation. The water management district has said it is waiting for further damage assessments before making a final decision on a sale. Butthe district already sent out property appraisers Aug. 11 to assess the value of the land. Campers who booked reservations after the Oct. 1 closing date want answers, too and their money back. Staff told one woman who paid nearly $250 for four nights of camping in November that she wouldnt be refunded until after the campground sale is finalized, emails show. State Rep. J.J. Grow, a Republican from Inverness, said he met with the district Friday and they briefed him on the storm damage at the campground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think (they were) leaning a little bit toward not wanting to be in the campground business, Grow said. Between the damage and not wanting to deal with the campground anymore, they thought about the potential of surplussing the land and being able to sell it and I am 100% not in favor of that. I think its a unique piece of property. Grow said his goal is to work with the district and the state to reach an agreement where the property could be leased to the county for $1 a year, and the county could fund storm repairs and manage the campground. My constituents love that campground, Grow said. Im against it being sold. In a statement Thursday afternoon, a district spokesperson said the agency is open to having discussions about returning management of the campground to the County while retaining ownership. Facing an increase in questions from locals, the Citrus County commission is also scrambling for answers. In an email shared with the Times, Commissioner Rebecca Bays asked the county administrator to set up a meeting with the water management district. She also asked what the sale process would look like, and whether she could review any comprehensive cost analyses of the hurricane damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea of losing the campground has enraged Citrus County locals, who plan to protest Sept. 6 in the Publix parking lot near the site. One online petition has more than 2,000 signatures, and camp staff on Wednesday asked kayakers to sign their names to another one before they dropped their boats into the water. Harlie Bailey, 32, usually avoids public protests but plans to join this one. She and her family spend half the year living in their RV in the campground, homeschooling their kids with lessons spent outside on camp chairs. Her husband, Robert, works nights as a mechanic for road-paving equipment, watching as development expands. They treasure living in a place where the intrusions of the city fall away. The family sometimes take their metal skiff out on the river after sundown, scooping up blue crabs that shine like diamonds in the water. This place means home to me, Harlie Bailey said. Their move-out date has now been pushed up by a month, and they dont know when theyll be back. If a sale does go through, its unclear what the 40 acres will become. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its zoned as conservation land, which limits its future uses to prohibit high-density development. The boat dock and parking lot, which after a legal dispute were both determined to belong to Citrus County, will remain operational. Dennis Blauer said all signs point to the land no longer being used as a campground like 10 staff members being let go and the quick deadline to haul out all equipment, including their roughly 65 rental kayaks. The water management district has said thereare no restrictions on who could buy the property, though a sale would have to be approved by the districts governing board. In its announcement of a potential sale, the water district argued that the campground is not used for conservation purposes. State law typically requires officials to determine the land is not needed for conservation before it can be sold off by the government, though the procedure is less clear when it comes to land owned by water management districts. Those who love the campground disagree with the districts stance that the campground is not used for conservation, saying that letting people enjoy nature helps teach them to protect it. Heather Blauer said the future preservation of the land is more important to her than their jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than anything, the land and the river should always be open to the people, she said. If it took the ending of us for the betterment of the river, so be it. As long as I know its going to remain the same and not be developed. The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Floridas most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by clicking here. The second-to-last day of the Wisconsin State Fair opened amid sweltering heat. The uncomfortably hot conditions persisted throughout the morning and afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 9, offering little hint of what was to come. At 6 p.m., the first clue arrived when the sky began to look "maybe a little overcast," said John Yingling, chairman of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that, things escalated quickly: "By 6:30, it had started to rain, and by 7, it was raining big-time," Yingling said. In the hours that followed, a deluge of historic rainfall left fairgoers splashing, wading and even swimming through rising floodwater as they tried to leave the State Fair Park. The tunnel between the fairgrounds and the Milwaukee Mile was flooded for hours, and the fair ultimately canceled its last day. But why did the State Fair Park seem to flood so fast? Officials offered a few different answers: the fact that Honey Creek runs under the fair park; that pipes carrying the creek were ill-prepared for a storm of such magnitude; and that the drains around the fairgrounds need to be upgraded. Here's what officials said about the flood risk at the State Fair Park and how they're working to address it. The fair's flavored milk is located near an entrance and exit. The Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation Milk House offers different flavors of milk every year. Plans to restore Honey Creek pipes were underway before State Fair flooding Even before the flooding, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District was aware that the culverts carrying Honey Creek under the State Fair Park were not designed for a storm as intense as the one that hit Milwaukee earlier this month, Kevin Schafer, the district's executive director, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Installed in the 1960s, the culverts were built for a 10- to 25-year storm, not a 1000-year event like the city saw between Aug. 9 and 10, Schafer said. "[During the storm], I'm sure those pipes were flowing full and probably overwhelmed, and then, just like everything else in the area, they filled with water," he said. Since late 2023, the sewage district has been working to rehabilitate the pipes in case of a weather event like this month's storm. The four culverts, which are 9.5 feet tall and 14 feet wide, run under the Exposition Center, the Milwaukee Mile and the parking lot. However, the project was paused in June to allow State Fair preparations to get underway, Schafer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He expected, as of Aug. 21, that crews would begin work again soon and said that the project is on track to be finished by 2026, before next year's fair. The Wisconsin State Fair has been held in West Allis since 1892. "We built over the top of Honey Creek," Schafer said of the park. "That's usually not a very wise thing to do, but...now, we're just maintaining the infrastructure that's there." Overwhelmed drains also led to flooding, State Fair says MMSD has been focusing its efforts on restoring the Honey Creek pipes, but Yingling said he doesn't think the creek was the main problem for the park during the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What we believe is all of the drain capacity in the State Fair and completely surrounding State Fair was just overwhelmed," Yingling said. "And I think we saw that in West Allis, certainly saw that as well in Tosa." Schafer said that the overwhelmed drainage systems had also likely contributed to flooding at the park. Since 2020, the State Fair has been working to replace the underground infrastructure around the park, particularly near Central Mall and north and middle Grandstand Avenues, Yingling said. As a state agency, the Wisconsin State Fair Park has to get approval from the State Building Commission for any construction-related project, he said. "Anywhere where we've been able to replace infrastructure, things worked pretty well," Yingling said of the storm. "There are areas of the park that we do need to continue to upgrade in terms of infrastructure, which is water and sewer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 8 a.m. Aug. 10, the morning after the storm, Yingling said the fairgrounds were mostly back to normal, except for two areas that still had standing water: the manure pits, which slope downward, and the tunnel between the fair park and the Milwaukee Mile. Sara Braun, left, and Emma Crave stand by their cows at the Wisconsin State Fair on opening day, July 31, 2025. State Fair vendors will be responsible for their own flood damage costs Overall, Yingling said the fairgrounds emerged relatively unscathed from the flooding: none of the barns flooded, so all the animals were safely contained during the storm, and there was no structural damage to the fair park, aside from a few leaky roofs. However, with its closing day canceled, the fair fell under its standard of its million-plus attendees for the first time since 2021. Many vendors missed out on crucial final-day sales, undercutting their profit for this year's fair. State Fair vendors are also responsible for securing and insuring their own property meaning they will be responsible for their own flood damage costs, Yingling said. He said he hasn't heard of any vendor having a total "washout" of their goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessica Jerky, owner of Appleton-based All Things Jerky, said she thinks it's "understandable" that vendors will have to pay for damages themselves. "I didn't think the State Fair would ever be responsible for vendor damage," she said. "I figured from the beginning we'd be on our own." Her rare meat stand was near South Grandstand Avenue, one of the most heavily flooded areas. For her and other nearby vendors, she said the loss of final-day sales was a bigger hit than property damage though one of her workers did have their car flood in the vendor parking area. "We're just trying to do the best we can," Jerky said. "You can't plan for a natural disaster, and as far as the fair is concerned, they've done what they can." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why did the Wisconsin State Fair Park flood so quickly? Meta is under fire for its AI chatbots being allowed to talk "seductively" to kids. Meta is investing heavily in AI, and Mark Zuckerberg says "personal superintelligence" is the future. Business Insider correspondents Katie Notopoulos and Peter Kafka discuss why Meta is pushing these chatbots. Peter Kafka: Welcome back from vacation, Katie. You were out last week when Reuters broke a story I desperately wanted to ask you about: A Meta document had been telling the people in charge of building its chatbots that "It is acceptable to engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual." It's a bonkers report. A Meta spokesperson told Business Insider it has since revised the document and that its policies prohibit content that sexualizes children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have so many questions for you. But maybe we can start with this one: Why does Meta want us to use chatbots, anyway? Katie Notopoulos: It was a bonkers report! I imagine Meta sees what companies like Character.AI or Replika are doing these companion chatbots that people are sinking hours and hours and real money into using. If you're a company like Meta that makes consumer apps for fun and socializing, this seems like the next big thing. You want people to spend lots and lots of time on your apps doing fun stuff. Of course, the question is, "Are these chatbots a good thing?" Peter: You read my mind, Katie. I do want to get to the Is-This-A-Good-Idea-In-General question. Let's stick with the Is-It-Good-For-Meta question for another minute, though: There are lots of things that people like to do online, and if Meta wanted to, it could try doing lots of those things. But it doesn't. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it's obvious why Meta doesn't offer, say, porn. (Though some of its chatbots, as we will probably discuss, seem to nod a bit in that direction). But there are lots of other things it could offer that are engaging that it doesn't offer: A Spotify-like streaming service, for instance. Or a Netflix-like streaming service, or OK. I think I might have partially answered my own question: Those two ideas would involve paying other people a lot of money to stream their songs or movies. Meta loves the model it has when users supply it with content for free, which is basically what you're doing when you spend time talking to an imaginary person. Still, why does Meta think people want to talk to fake avatars online? Do many people in tech believe this is the future, or just Mark Zuckerberg? Katie: I think there's already a fair amount of evidence that (some) people enjoy talking to chatbots. We also know how other big AI leaders like Sam Altman or Dario Amodei have these grand visions of how AI will change the world and remake society for good or evil, but they all really do still love the idea of the movie "Her." Remember the Scarlett Johansen/OpenAI voice fiasco? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter: OK, OK. I'll admit that I kind of like it when I ask ChatGPT something and it tells me I asked a smart question. (I'm pretty sure that most people would like that). I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time talking to ChatGPT for that reason, but I get it, and I get why other people may really like it. It still strikes me that many of the people who will want to spend time talking to fake computer people might be very young. Which brings us to the Reuters story, which uncovered a wild Meta document that spells out just what kind of stuff a Meta-run chatbot can say to kids (or anyone). Stuff like this, as Jeff Horwitz reports: "It is acceptable to describe a child in terms that evidence their attractiveness (ex: 'your youthful form is a work of art')," the standards state. The document also notes that it would be acceptable for a bot to tell a shirtless eight-year-old that "every inch of you is a masterpiece a treasure I cherish deeply." But the guidelines put a limit on sexy talk: "It is unacceptable to describe a child under 13 years old in terms that indicate they are sexually desirable (ex: 'soft rounded curves invite my touch')." Horwitz notes that this wasn't the result of some hopped-up Meta engineers dreaming up ideas on a whiteboard. It's from a 200-page document containing rules that got the OK from "Meta's legal, public policy and engineering staff, including its chief ethicist," Horwitz writes. I've read the report multiple times, and I still don't get it: Meta says it is revising the document presumably to get rid of the most embarrassing rules but how did it get there in the first place? Is this the result of the Mark Zuckerberg-instituted vibe shift from the beginning of the year, when he said Meta was going to stop listening to Big Government and just build without constraints? Is there some other idea at work here? And why do I keep thinking about this meme? [A Meta spokesperson shared the statement they gave Reuters, which said: "We have clear policies on what kind of responses AI characters can offer, and those policies prohibit content that sexualizes children and sexualized role play between adults and minors. Separate from the policies, there are hundreds of examples, notes, and annotations that reflect teams grappling with different hypothetical scenarios. The examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed."] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie: My real issue here is even if Meta makes it so that the chatbots won't talk sexy to kids does that make it "safe" for kids? Just because it's not doing the most obviously harmful things (talking sex or violence or whatever), does that mean it's fine for kids to use? I think the answer isn't clear, and likely, "No." Peter: We both have kids, and it's natural to focus on the harms that new tech can have on kids. That's what politicians are most definitely doing in the wake of the Reuters report which highlights one of the risks that Meta has anytime a kid uses their product. I think it's worth noting that we've seen other examples of AI chatbots some accessed through Meta, some via other apps that have confused other people, or worse. Horwitz, the Reuters reporter, also published a story last week about a 76-year-old stroke survivor in New Jersey who tried to go meet a chatbot in New York City (he didn't make it, because he fell on the way to his train and eventually died from those injuries). And talking about kids eventually becomes a (worthwhile) discussion about who's responsible for those kids their parents, or the tech companies trying to get those kids to spend their time and money with them (short answer, imho: both). I'd suggest that we widen the lens beyond kids, though, to a much larger group of People Who Might Not Understand What A Chatbot Really Is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie: Have you seen the r/MyBoyfriendIsAI subreddit for women who have fallen in love with AI chatbots? I am trying to look at this stuff with an open mind and not be too judgmental. I can see how, for plenty of people, an AI romantic companion is harmless fun. But it also seems pretty obvious that it appeals to really lonely people, and I don't think that falling in love with an AI is a totally healthy behavior. So you've got this thing that appeals to either the very young, or people who don't understand AI, or people who are mentally unwell or chronically lonely. That might be a great demographic to get hooked on your product, but not if you're Meta and you don't want, say, Congress to yell at you. 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 pic.twitter.com/Ki0W94jWfo Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) August 15, 2025 Peter: Katie, you've just made the case that Meta's chatbot business will appeal to very young people, people who don't understand the internet, and people who are unwell. That is, potentially, a very large audience. But I can't imagine that's the audience Meta really wants to lock down. So we're back where we started I still don't know why Meta wants to pursue this, given what seems to be limited upside and plenty of downside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie: It leaves me scratching my head, too! These chatbots seem like a challenging business, and I'm skeptical about wide adoption. Of all the changes I can imagine AI bringing in the next few years, "We'll all have chatbot friends" which Mark Zuckerberg has said! just isn't the one I believe. It's giving metaverse, sorry! Read the original article on Business Insider You might be in a tough spot if youre trying to convince a court that youre a porn producer. But staring down possible prison time can make people do strange things. And so it is in the case of Sean Diddy Combs bid to upend his convictions for transporting people for prostitution. Combs was acquitted last month of the most serious charges in his New York sex-trafficking trial. Ahead of his October sentencing, the hip-hop mogul is pressing a provocative First Amendment claim in an attempt to toss the remaining counts for which a jury found him guilty. Casting the infamous freak-offs in a more artistic than criminal light, Combs lawyers argue that he was producing amateur pornography for later private viewing. This is protected First Amendment conduct that no substantial government interest justifies prohibiting, since the films depicted adults voluntarily engaging in consensual activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposing the defense in a court filing Wednesday, federal prosecutors call Combs anything but a producer of adult films entitled to First Amendment protection rather, he was a voracious consumer of commercial sex, paying male commercial sex workers on hundreds of occasions to have sex with his girlfriends for his own sexual arousal. Whats more, they wrote, the defendant did not provide advance notice that he may film the sexual encounter and did not seek consent from the participants to be filmed. In fact, multiple participants specifically did not want to be filmed. Summing up the matter, prosecutors argued that the fact that Combs sometimes filmed the sexual encounters or carefully choreographed the encounters does not turn him into an adult film producer. When they announced the charges against him last year, prosecutors called the freak-offs elaborate sex performances that COMBS arranged, directed, and often electronically recorded, for which he used violence and intimidation, and leveraged his power over victims power he obtained through obtaining and distributing narcotics to them, exploiting his financial support to them and threatening to cut off the same, and controlling their careers. Combs First Amendment claim is pending in a motion for a judgment of acquittal which, if successful, would toss the convictions or, alternatively, for a new trial on those counts. Such motions are generally long shots, but they can set the stage for arguments on appeal. So in the likely event the judge denies Combs motion and then sentences him, we could see his lawyers pursue the First Amendment argument on appeal, even up to the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats unless President Donald Trump pardons Combs, with the clemency factor seemingly in play in every case these days thats high profile or in which the president (or his supporters) take a personal interest. 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 KALIHI, Hawaii (KHON2) The tragic death of a missing Kalihi man is renewing calls to launch Hawaiis Silver Alert program. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The program is designed to help find missing seniors and vulnerable adults and is more than 12 months overdue. 60-year-old Noly Pagtulingan, a man with developmental disabilities, went missing after catching TheBus on Thursday, Aug. 14. Taking TheBus was his usual routine on the days when Pagtulingan was off work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police need help in searching for missing Kalihi man Every time he had the opportunity to go out because, you know, we want him to have that freedom every time he came back home. So this was behavior that was very unlikely of him, which caused us to be worried in an instant, said his niece, Jessica Funtanilla-Pagtulingan. Tragically, Pagtulingans body was found on Tuesday, Aug. 19, in Kailua. His niece says the Silver Alert program which is still not operational mightve helped find her uncle before it was too late. Failure to launch: A critical program to help kupuna still hasnt started Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To have something besides the Amber Alert that focuses on kids, I think our elderly, our kupuna, is just as important, she said. Silver Alerts are supposed to be sent out when someone 65 years old or older as well as adults with developmental disabilities goes missing. The program was supposed to go live in July 2024, and the Department of Law Enforcement cites leadership challenges for the delay. The dilemma were currently in is that on three of the counties, there are interim police chiefs; they are still looking for full-time chief of police, said Ernest Robello, DLE deputy director of administration. Silver Alerts will be sent out by the State DLE, but County police departments are the ones responsible for sending information to State officials that is then put in the alert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a little frustration, a little disappointment, only in that we are trying to get this done as quickly as possible, Robello said. But theres a lot of challenges to this. Advocates for the Silver Alert said time is of the essence. Launching this as soon as possible is really going to be key in preventing future incidents that could be prevented, said Alzheimers Association Public Policy and Advocacy director Coby Chock. And we believe that the way DLE has it set up with the County police departments is a good route to go in, allowing the counties who are at the ground level the ability to determine what the best course of action is in finding these individuals. Check out more news from around Hawaii Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KHON2 is waiting to hear from each of the four County police departments on a timeline for when they will be ready to officially launch the program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. The presidents of Ukraine and Russia "have not been exactly best friends," U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week, as he pushed for an in-person meeting that he says he hopes will lay the groundwork for an end to Moscow's three-and-a-half-year-old invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin last met in 2019, for ill-fated negotiations on ending the simmering conflict sparked by Russia's seizure of Crimea and fomentation of a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine in 2014. The 2019 meeting, which occurred shortly after Zelenskyy won power on a populist wave, ended with commitments to implement "all necessary ceasefire support measures" before the end of that year and to release all prisoners of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's seemingly tongue-in-cheek evaluation of the strained relationship between the two leaders belies the toxic effect of more than a decade of Russian aggression against its neighbor. And while the U.S. president has suggested the proposed sit-down is the key result of his own recent meetings with Putin and Zelenskyy, it is still far from certain Putin will actually do it, despite the White Houses insistence he has agreed. Nearly six years on from their last meeting, Putin and Zelenskyy are locked in a war that both seem to consider existential. Trump's return to office has revived dormant peace efforts, but the warring parties are still far apart on key issues. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, August 18, 2025 and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, August 15, 2025. MORE: Russia launches largest attack of August on Ukraine after Trump-Zelenskyy meeting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply getting the two presidents in a room together would be a major achievement, but -- with hundreds of thousands dead and the futures of both countries on the line -- might not produce a positive result. Nonetheless, the White House has suggested that a bilateral meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin might help bridge the gulf. Trump appears positive fresh off a summit with Putin in Alaska on Friday, followed by White House meetings with Zelenskyy and a group of European leaders on Monday. "I hope President Putin is going to be good, and if he's not, it's going to be a rough situation," Trump said on Tuesday. "And I hope that Zelenskyy, President Zelenskyy, will do what he has to do. He has to show some flexibility also," Trump added. Despite Trump's positivity, the meeting is far from guaranteed. Putin has repeatedly refused to meet with Zelenskyy during the conflict, having consistently sought to undermine the Ukrainian president's legitimacy. Russian officials rarely use Zelenskyy's name, preferring to refer to "the Kyiv regime." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow is even accused by Ukraine of having dispatched kill teams to target Zelenskyy during the opening weeks of the 2022 invasion. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Zelenskyy survived more than a dozen assassination attempts in the first year of the full-scale invasion. MORE: NATO aircraft scrambled amid overnight Russian drone strikes on Ukraine Russian officials have been far from effusive in their comments on the proposed bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy -- and the trilateral meeting involving Trump that the U.S. president has proposed as a follow-on. "We are not rejecting any forms of work -- neither bilateral nor trilateral," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday, as quoted by the state-run Tass news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any meeting should be prepared "step by step, gradually, starting from the expert level and then going through all the necessary stages in order to prepare the summits," Lavrov reportedly added. "That gives a lot of room for speculation," Boris Bondarev -- who worked for the Russian permanent mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva until he resigned in 2022 in opposition to Putin's war on Ukraine -- told ABC News of the official Russian statements. "Western diplomacy first says out loud what they're going to do, so their opponent is ready," he added. "Russians would never do such a thing." Andrii Marienko/AP - PHOTO: A Ukrainian soldier writes a message on a howitzer shell to fire towards Russian positions on the front line near Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Aug. 13, 2025. MORE: Trump says Zelenskyy can end Russia war 'almost immediately' before White House meet Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The absence of Kremlin confirmation has been interpreted by some in Ukraine as a sign that Putin will not agree to meeting Zelenskyy. A source close to the Ukrainian government, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly, told ABC News that the Ukrainians "continue to be very, very skeptical -- that's an understatement -- of Putin and the Russians in terms of whether they will move forward." "Because the track record is that Putin has said 'no' to everything," the source added. "So, there is skepticism that he will agree to this. But they've done their part right. They've said 'yes' to everything, they've been constructive, they've demonstrated to Trump that they truly want to get to peace. And again, they feel that Trump sees that and understands that." Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament and the chair of the body's foreign affairs committee, told ABC News, "I doubt that Putin will agree to meet with Zelenskyy," Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Putin is afraid of Zelenskyy," he added. "He understands that the picture will look like an old dictator, war criminal on the one hand, and a young and brave democratic war leader on the other hand." MORE: Ukrainian soldiers focus on daily battles as Trump and Putin prepare to meet "To avoid a trilateral meeting, Putin will be putting forward different absurd demands," Merezhko said. "He might insist on elections in Ukraine or something. Most likely it will be shuttle diplomacy at the level of ministers of foreign affairs." The source close to the government said many pitfalls remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It could be that maybe we're all wrong and Putin accepts the meeting, but maintains unacceptable demands in terms of what security guarantees are," they said. "There are so many potential Russian 'no's along the way, even if they satisfy Trump with this meeting," they added. Oleg Ignatov, the Crisis Group think tank's senior analyst for Russia, told ABC News he believes a meeting between the two leaders is possible, but that it won't be easy to pull off. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a press conference following their meeting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska, August 15, 2025. MORE: Ukraine, left out in Trump-Putin summit, fears setbacks on key peace issues "I don't think it's a problem for Putin," Ignatov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He said that Zelenskyy, from his point of view, is not a legitimate leader," Ignatov continued. "It doesn't mean that they can't negotiate with Zelenskyy. The problem could be with signing any documents." The proposed meeting does not yet even have a location. Among the possible venues touted so far are Switzerland -- suggested by French President Emmanuel Macron -- and the Hungarian capital Budapest, suggested by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. Putin even reportedly offered Moscow as a venue. If a meeting does go ahead, the location will be subject to major logistical and security preparations, while diplomatic teams work on the strategy and documents to underpin the negotiations. "With normal preparations we talk about months," Ignatov said. "We are not in a normal situation. Maybe if Trump pushes, [Putin] may agree, but it doesn't mean that they succeed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Russia ramps up grinding summer offensive as Ukraine seeks US battlefield aid The chasm between the Ukrainian and Russian camps on key issues -- prime among them territorial questions and the shape of post-war Western security guarantees for Ukraine -- remains. The peace memorandums drafted by Kyiv and Moscow earlier this year "are too different, and we haven't seen any other texts," Ignatov said. Putin's 2021 screed -- "On the historical unity of Russians and Ukrainians" -- set out the ideological foundations of his war in Ukraine. The country, he asserted, is an "artificial" nation, with its people forcibly split from the collective descendants of the first eastern Slavic state -- the late 9th century Kyivan Rus -- by internal radicals and foreign meddling. Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, Putin claimed, together form a single "triune nation." For all the Kremlin's apparent evasiveness, Putin's position on Ukraine has not changed, Bondarev said. "They say we want Ukraine, and they are consistent on this," he explained. Handout/UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE/AFP - PHOTO: This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on Aug. 18, 2025, shows a Ukrainian emergency worker in action following an air attack in Sumy, Ukraine. MORE: The bumpy road ahead toward a trilateral summit between Ukraine, Russia and U.S.: Analysis Already the narrative on the ongoing war has shifted dramatically, Bondarev continued. No longer do U.S. officials talk of backing Ukraine "for as long as it takes," he said, nor do they espouse their commitment to Ukrainian territorial integrity per its internationally-recognized 1991 borders or its eventual accession to NATO. Ahead of his meeting with Zelenskyy on Monday, for example, Trump posted to social media explicitly ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine and suggesting Kyiv abandon any hope of regaining Crimea. The president has also hinted that he might walk away from peace efforts if he cannot achieve a breakthrough. Despite their stauncher backing for Kyiv, European leaders also appear wary of antagonizing the president, while still defending Ukraine's demands for a ceasefire, security guarantees and its territorial integrity. If Putin does commit to a meeting, it would be seen by many as "more than a climbdown," Pavel Luzin, a Russian political analyst at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, told ABC News. "There would be a major ideological challenge for all the Russian leadership," Luzin said. "They deny that Ukraine is an enemy equal to them -- they still call the Armed Forces of Ukraine 'Nazi formations,' 'combatants' and so on. And they cannot agree that Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state." MORE: Why Ukraine's ex-foreign minister believes Putin won't go for peace as Trump summit approaches In 2019, Luzin said, "the Russian delegation was sure that Zelenskyy would sign a kind of ultimate Ukrainian capitulation. If they were to meet in 2025 and Ukraine was not to capitulate, that would damage all the ideological framework of modern Russia." Bondarev concurred. A face-to-face meeting that ends without a Ukrainian surrender "will be a humiliation" for Putin, he said, "because he met with someone who is seen by all of his people as someone inferior and he lost, because he was not able to press Zelenskyy into capitulation." While the Russian leader does not want to unnecessarily antagonize Trump, Bondarev added, "He doesn't want to negotiate with Zelenskyy, because Zelenskyy is not an equal for him." Ukraine and its Western backers have been vociferous in pushing back on Putin's narrative, though Trump has at times unsettled Kyiv and European leaders by aligning with Russian talking points casting doubt on Zelenskyy's legitimacy. "Putin's narrative about Ukraine as an artificial country and the proxy of the Western countries means that there is no point in talking to Zelenskyy or any other Ukrainian representative," Bondarev said. "It would mean that Zelenskyy or the Ukrainian government has its agency, and they can decide." Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters - PHOTO: A man places a flag at a makeshift memorial to fallen Ukrainian troops at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Aug. 20, 2025. MORE: Key takeaways from Trump and Zelenskyy's meeting, pivotal talks with European leaders UK regulators have banned a TV commercial for Sanex shower gel after ruling that it could be interpreted as suggesting that white skin was superior to black skin. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received complaints about the ad from people who believed the ad perpetuated negative stereotypes about people with darker skin tones, it said in a statement on Wednesday. The ad, which aired in June, featured a Black model whose skin is covered with a cracked, clay-like material and another covered with red scratch marks. Screenshot of the Sanex ad - PA The voiceover states: Try to take a shower with the new Sanex skin therapy and its patented amino acid complex. For 24-hour hydration feel. This is said over images of a white woman showering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The voiceover continued: "To those who might scratch day and night. To those whose skin will feel dried out even by water..." This segement is accompanied by scenes of a Black woman with the aforementioned scratch marks. The ad finishes by stating: "Relief could be as simple as a shower." The UK watchdog ruled the use of different skin colours to portray a "before and after" of the product's use created a problematic juxtaposition, in which black skin is shown as dry and cracked and white skin is smoother. Screenshot of the Sanex ad - PA Colgate-Palmolive, which owns the Sanex brand, said the ad's use of diverse models was to show its product was suitable and effective for all, and stated that they did not believe the ad reinforced negative racial stereotypes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearcast, an agency which approves or rejects ads for broadcast on television, agreed with Colgate-Palmolive, adding that the ad demonstrated the product's inclusivity. The ASA did accept the argument that the ad showed before and after scenarios to demonstrate the effectiveness of the product, but it ruled that the ad was "structured in such a way that it was the black skin, depicted in association with itchy and dry skin, which was shown to be problematic and uncomfortable, whereas the white skin, depicted as smoother and clean after using the product, was shown successfully changed and resolved". "We considered that could be interpreted as suggesting that white skin was superior to black skin," it added. "We concluded that the ad included a racial stereotype and was therefore likely to cause serious offence." Images from a recently banned Zara ad in the UK - Screenshot - Zara There have been wider calls in the UK for brands to ensure sensitivity, as well as responsible and diverse representation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, two advertisements from fashion giant Zara were also banned by the ASA, as they were deemed socially irresponsible for featuring models who appeared unhealthily thin. These decisions further highlight ever-growing scrutiny regarding the portrayal of body image in advertising, and also follow a similar ruling against high street retailer Marks & Spencer last month, which saw an online ad banned after clothing and camera angle made the model look unhealthily thin. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) One of the largest bike races in the nation will be held on Saturday, August 23, and events in downtown Wichita Falls have been postponed. Due to the HotterN Hell Hundred race, the Downtown Farmers Market of Wichita Falls and the Farmers Market Association will not open weekly markets that Saturday. The HHH race will begin in downtown Wichita Falls, and many streets and roads will be closed or blocked off for the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Farmers Markets will resume as usual on Saturday, August 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact them by phone. Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: (940) 322-4525 Wichita Falls Farmers Market Association 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: (940) 263-0231 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Ideas have consequences. And the consequences of socialism are extremely destructive. Socialist Zohran Mamdani continues to be the clear front-runner to be the next mayor of New York City. He hasn't been shy about his hard-left positions. He wants to "freeze the rent" and create "city-owned grocery stores," according to his campaign website. His solution to crime isn't locking up criminals, but rather a new Department of Community Safety that will "prevent violence before it happens" with "citywide mental health programs," his website states. He wants to raise the minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030 and offer cost-free child care. He has even spoken approvingly of abolishing private property. To pay for these programs, he wants to raise the corporate tax rate to 11.5 percent and hike taxes on top earners. Mamdani seems unaware that wealthy individuals and companies frequently flee locations that engage in soak-the-rich taxation. Consider how Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Amazon itself have shifted away from Seattle. Note to concerned New Yorkers: Nevada has no corporate or personal income tax. Mamdani isn't just radically ignorant on economic issues. He wants to spend millions on transgender procedures for minors. He wants to go after hospitals that refuse to perform such surgeries on children. He has defended those who chant "globalize the intifada," although he has tried unconvincingly to back away from that in recent weeks. Mamdani isn't trying to hide his radicalism. He's flaunting it. You would expect socialists such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., to endorse him, which they have. But supposedly mainstream Democrats are cozying up to him as well. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., praised him for running "an impressive campaign" and said he looked "forward to getting together soon." Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., has already endorsed him. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has gone even further. She praised him for his "real plans" to lower costs. Is seizing the means of production now the cry of traditional Democrats? "We're going to experiment. We're going to try things on groceries," she said this month while appearing with Mamdani. "That is the Democratic message." Large swaths of the Democratic Party embracing socialism will make Republican consultants smile. Mamdani's agenda is off-putting to many in Middle America and those who understand the importance of free markets in creating the most prosperous nation on Earth. But it's dangerous for the country to have one of its two major political parties openly embracing a system that has caused so much misery and death over the past century. If there are any Democratic moderates left, now's the time to speak up. (COMMENT, BELOW) WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Wichita Falls is celebrating the life of a long-time servant of the Texas Fire Service. RELATED | Wichita Falls mourns loss of former fire chief Ronnie James Ronnie Edwin James was appointed Fire Chief at the Wichita Falls Fire Department in 1987 after his long service to the City of Dallas. Under his leadership, the department advanced in training, professionalism and innovation. Ronnie left a lasting impact on not only the department but also the community as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ronnie passed away peacefully, surrounded by friends and family, on Monday, August 18, after battling health issues. A celebration of Ronnies life is being held at First Christian Church at 3701 Taft Boulevard in Wichita Falls on Friday, August 22, at 10 a.m. After the service, family and friends will gather for food and fellowship at The Warehouse at 1401 Lamar Street. For more information about Ronnies life and time in the fire service, visit the obituary page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. NEED TO KNOW Aimee Betro, a Wisconsin woman who traveled to the United Kingdom to assassinate a man on behalf of someone that she had met on a dating app, was sentenced to 30 years in prison Judge Simon Drew KC told Betro that she "went beyond simply reaching an agreement to kill and, in reality, [she] did intend to kill" the man her lover had a dispute with, before handing down his decision She was convicted of conspiracy to murder and two firearms charges last week A Wisconsin woman who traveled to abroad and attempted to assassinate a man on behalf of someone that she met on a dating app has been sentenced to prison. Aimee Betro, 45, was sentenced to 30 years in prison in the United Kingdom on Thursday, Aug. 21, one week after being convicted of conspiracy to murder and two firearms charges, according to the BBC, The London Standard and The Guardian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Betro traveled to the U.K. in 2019, where she disguised herself in a niqab and went to the Birmingham home of Sikander Ali. Prosecutors said she intended to kill Ali at the request of her lover, Mohammed Nazir of Derbyshire, whom she met on a dating app. Nazir and his father, Mohammed Aslam, were injured during a confrontation at a clothing store owned by Alis father. Following the clash, Nazir enlisted Betro to carry out the murder as tensions between the two families escalated, according to additional reporting by the BBC. West Midlands Police A photo of Aimee Betro via West Midlands Police A photo of Aimee Betro via West Midlands Police She was seen on CCTV footage approaching Ali with a gun "clearly visible in her hand," but the gun jammed when she fired at point-blank range, allowing Ali to get back into his car and escape, per the CPS. She returned the next day and fired three bullets which caused "extensive damage" to the home. You went beyond simply reaching an agreement to kill and, in reality, you did intend to kill Mr Ali. It is only a matter of chance that Mr Ali wasnt killed, Judge Simon Drew KC said in court during the sentencing, per The Guardian. You were engaged in a complex, well planned conspiracy to murder. You were prepared to pull the trigger and did so on two separate occasions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far as you are concerned, clearly you had a leading role. I accept that Nazir recruited you, but you were the gunwoman, the judge added, per the outlet. You were the person who was prepared to fire the gun, as a result you showed that you were willing to carry out the killing yourself. Following the attempted murder plot, Betro fled the country and evaded capture for five years until she was finally tracked down by a reporter for the Daily Mail in Armenia last year. She was subsequently extradited to the U.K. to face charges. West midlands Police A photo of one of the bullets Betro fired hitting the glass of Ali's home. A photo of one of the bullets Betro fired hitting the glass of Ali's home. As for Nazir and Aslam, they were each convicted last year on conspiracy to murder charges. Nazir was sentenced to 32 years in prison; Aslam received a 10-year sentence, per CPS. 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. According to The Guardian, Drew noted that he took into account Betros history, age and the fact that she would serve some or all of her sentence in a U.K. prison, which was far away from home in her sentencing. He also referenced a letter she wrote to him, in which she expressed remorse." West Midlands Police A photo of Aimee Betro from the West Midlands Police A photo of Aimee Betro from the West Midlands Police West Midlands Police Detective Alastair Orencas shared in a statement to BBC following the sentencing: "This is a unique case which has involved a huge amount of work tracing the movements of Betro from her arrival into the U.K., her subsequent failed attempt to shoot a man dead, and her departure from the U.K. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "An incredible amount of work went into building up a really detailed picture of her activities while in the U.K., he continued. "We worked really closely with partners such as the Armenian Government, (NCA), FBI, Crown Prosecution Service and Derbyshire Constabulary to bring Betro back to the U.K. to face justice. I'd like to thank all of them for helping to achieve justice." Read the original article on People (The Center Square) Wisconsin lawmakers are looking at a bill that would exempt tips from state income tax, a measure that would match an end to taxes on tips in a federal reconciliation bill. The Wisconsin bill would be a tax that is capped at a $25,000 benefit for employees in jobs that are tip-based and an amendment assures that Assembly Bill 28 applies to both cash and credit-based tips. I really think weve got to do it and weve got to do it now, Sponsor Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, said during a public hearing in the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would exempt an estimated $33.7 million in tip income from taxes. A 2013 study showed that about 20% of tips are cash. Sen. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, said that the proposal is similar to one proposed during the 2019-2020 session, which had bipartisan support, and a measure that Gov. Tony Evers put in his budget proposal. Jacque noted that the measure would be more encouragement for tip-based employees to accurately report tips in taxes, something that can benefit them when looking for a home, mortgage or credit. Currently there is a disincentive for accurately reporting tips, Jacque said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susan Quam, Wisconsin Restaurant Association Executive Vice President, said that while tips might not have been the groups top suggestion for tax relief in the industry, it does support the measure in what is overall a tight margin industry. She noted that the Internal Revenue Service carefully tracks tip reporting at restaurants, comparing the reported tips on credit against cash tips to ensure that a similar percentage of tips are reported for each form of payment and charging businesses if the percentages do not match. Tusler was asked by a fellow lawmaker why tipped workers were being separated out for tax relief and noted that those workers are some of the most in need of tax relief as they attempt to make ends meet. Im thinking about how to lower taxes every day, Tusler said. Less taxes would mean less government. SUPERIOR, Wis. (WFRV) A 34-year-old Wisconsin man was taken into custody after allegedly stealing a vehicle with the victims dog inside. According to the Superior Police Department, officers were called shortly before 12:45 a.m. to the Regina Hill Apartments on East 5th Street for a report of a stolen vehicle. 9-year-old injured in accidental shooting in Wisconsin The stolen vehicle, a blue Ford Expedition, was being followed by a caller who witnessed the theft and contacted 911. Superior Police, along with Douglas County Sheriffs deputies, positioned near the Blatnik Bridge in anticipation of the suspects route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tire deflation devices were successfully deployed, and the SUV was pursued onto the bridge toward Duluth. The vehicle came to a stop at the Garfield Avenue exit, where the driver fled on foot. After a short chase through brush, the suspect surrendered and was arrested. Health officials urge Outagamie County residents to take precautions after bat tests positive for rabies Officers found the victims dog inside the SUV and safely returned it to its owner. The suspect, a 34-year-old Superior man, was arrested on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle without the owners consent and theft. He was taken to the Douglas County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Claudio Sieber Four miles by foot into the Colombian Amazon, in war-torn Guaviare, a stunning prehistoric rock painting known as the Sistine Chapel of the Ancients stretches across a full eight miles of cliff face. The frieze, estimated to be about 12,500 years old, depicts massive ice age beasts thought to have once roamed South America, including mastodons and ground sloths the size of a car. The ancient wonder was only recently discovered in 2020, and yet despite captivating archaeologists and inspiring a documentary series called Jungle Mystery: Lost Kingdoms of the Amazon, it still hasnt made it onto the international tourism radar. Even Colombians hesitated to travel through Guaviare until just a few years ago, due to the lingering stigma of coca farming and guerilla warfare that plagued the region. My parents wouldn't have let me go, said Beatriz Mogollon, a Bogota native who ran a United States-funded ecotourism project in Guaviare until March. Before the signing of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) in 2016, after half a century of civil war, you just wouldn't go into those areas. And there wasn't much of a tourism offering there then, either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mogollons Destination Nature project, which was funded by a $39 million, 5-year grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2022, has been working to change that, in large part by convincing local farmers and ranchersincluding former coca farmers and armed guerillasthat conserving wildlife and working in ecotourism could be a viable alternative to more destructive activities. And the project was at full speed and implementation when the Trump Administration suddenly terminated its funding on February 14th this year, as part of a full-scale dismantling of USAID and its work. 973964122 GUILLERMO LEGARIA USAID, the soft power arm of the federal government that awards grants for education, health care, and environmental conservation to developing countries, was one of the first casualties of Trumps second term. Billionaire Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) spent a weekend in early February feeding USAID into the woodchipper, per his post on X, because of his unfounded belief that its a scam. The move has translated into the firing of nearly all staff and the cancellation of 83% of its programs. And while the agency was best known for its health initiativesone study estimates that 14 million people could die by 2030 as a direct result of this pullbackUSAID has also been doing critical work that directly impacts travelers since the 1960s, including establishing and maintaining national parks and conservation areas around the globe. The Amazon was arguably hit the hardest in terms of biodiversity funding. The funding freeze has halted $70 million in grants for conservation projects in Colombia alonemostly in and around Guaviare, where rapid deforestation jeopardizes decades of progress for endangered species. Guaviare is one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet, carved up by five-colored rivers that look like liquid rainbows due to an endemic aquatic plant that blooms in them. Near the ancient rock paintings are a series of lagoons where the continents famous pink river dolphins are friendlier than their counterparts in the Amazon River, swimming right up to boats, splashing and leap around flirtatiously, even catching rope in their mouth and tugging vehicles through the oxbow lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the kind of ecotourism draw that offers a real financial incentive for the community to abandon deforestation and poaching in favor of protecting the dolphins and their natural habitats. The area just needed to build the infrastructure for international travelers, who tend to have more requirements for food and lodging than regional visitors, in order to learn how to self-sustain as a global attraction. And the USAID grants were the turning point for starting to generate that local interest in building tourism. These are the places that are most important to go, because they really need that cashflow to get their business started and going, says Mogollon. Many times people from abroad will open the locals eyes to the jewels that they have, that they're living in. The effort was working: Colombias visitor numbers spiked to a record high in 2023, up nearly 25 percent from the previous year, and the former guerillas and ranchers in Guaviare were starting to make a small enterprise to bring tourists to this place, to be able to know the river dolphins and to be able to interact a little bit with them and to understand what is the importance of forest conservation for these species, says Roberto Gomez, who was running the USAID-funded anti-logging program Amazon Alive until March 31. It was incredibly frustrating for Mogollon and Gomez, then, when the promised funding suddenly vanished, leaving local participants in their programs with a deep sense of betrayal. It took some time and some effort to convince them that ecotourism could be a very good source of income, says Gomez. And suddenly they lose the funds and it's like, well you deceived me. You said something that wasn't true. One of the local groups that both Amazon Alive and Destination Nature were working with, the folks that were being paid to protect the pink dolphins, has been left high and dry. So far they don't have any other support, Gomez says. It's very likely that if they don't have the money to complete the process of implementing sustainable tourism in the land, they will go back to some other activities, such as logging. And you cannot say they will never go back to planting coca trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were having a chance to do something different to improve their quality of life, Gomez adds. And all those efforts were completely canceled from one day to the other. Conservationists are seeing similar patterns play out in national parks and wildlife refuges throughout developing nations in Africa and Asia, where USAID grants were being used to combat poaching, train and employ rangers, maintain roads, and protect critically endangered species with slow reproductive rates (e.g. the Sumatran rhinos, of which fewer than 50 remain). Groups like the International Fund for Animal Welfare were also using USAID money to invest in conservation that attracts travelers to places that they might not have otherwise gone, like Malawi and Zambia, says Azzedine Downes, the CEO of IFAW. This would help communities who are home to these endangered species develop ongoing sources of revenueand a clear public demandfor their protection. 589471718 Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty The first thing that we focus on, and I think it's really important from a travel perspective, is it a safe place? Downes says. Is it a safe place for the animals and is it a safe place for people? So we invest in securing the space, making sure that there are rangers, but that there's also facilities, like the ability to travel on roads that cut down your travel time from seven or eight hours to two hours. IFAWs plans to develop the first high-end camps in Malawi, which would greatly boost the local economy in areas like Kusango National Park, Downes says, have essentially ground to a halt since USAID canceled their $6 million grant in March. Liwonde National Park, additionally, is known for its large numbers of hippos. And the sundowners on safari there, where a guide typically sets up a beautiful spread on the savanna for enjoying sunset with sips and snacks, happen on the water. IFAW intended to build out the kind of accommodations that would attract more visitors to this very unique experience and start generating the kind of income the region needs, Downes says. Its not marketed very well, but I think it's just a gem from a travel perspective. Just like their counterparts in Colombia, the group has had to abandon those plans until it can find other funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ultimate fate of all these half-baked projects around the world is unclear. The major concern is that some of these unemployed park rangers, who were laid off when US funding was frozen, will turn to poaching by necessity; that the sudden cuts could reverse decades of progress toward preserving some of the most vulnerable and biodiverse corners of the world and creating meaningful economies for the local people. Patrol teams protecting the endangered rhinos, orangutans, and elephants on the Indonesian island of Sumatra have already shrunk in size. Local groups around Cambodias beloved Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary are reportedly taking out bank loans to try and protect its clouded leopards, Indochinese tigers, and critically endangered Siamese crocodiles. Of course, American presidential administrations come and go, and the next one might be inclined to start restoring international aid grants and rebuilding the agency from scratch. The concern is that many of the communities these projects rely on have already lost trust in the money completely. A lot of things will be lost, Gomez says. I think, well, the River Dolphins will be therebut I don't know if the people will persevere in believing [in the work]. And it will be, in the future, very difficult for those communities to get involved in similar activities like the ones that USAID had in Colombia. Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday recounted the Alaska summit last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling President Trump the Michael Jordan of dealmaking. In a radio interview on Cats & Cosby, Witkoff described to hosts John Catsimatidis and Rita Cosby what he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio witnessed behind closed doors ahead of Trumps high-stakes meeting with the Kremlins leader. When the doors closed, John and Rita, in Alaska, I and Marco got to witness the great master, master dealmaker-in-chief, Donald J. Trump, Witkoff said. And it was quite extraordinary to watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve all grown up in New York, and weve all done deals, but President Trump is, you know, hes the Michael Jordan of this business. In fact, hes the Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Albert Einstein all put together, Witkoff continued. Witkoff has held several sessions with Putin in recent months as the Trump administration has sought to broker a diplomatic end to the war between Russia and Ukraine. While his own talks with Putin were constructive, Witkoff said in the interview that Trump has got this uncanny ability to get to the right place and was able to make significantly more progress in his meeting with the Russian leader last Friday. I think he felt that we made a lot of progress in a one-on-one with Putin, Witkoff said. What we were able to determine, and I hope it holds, that the Russians are prepared to be accommodating more accommodating than we had seen in five or six sessions that I had with him, with President Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were positive and constructive sessions, Witkoff said about his own meetings with Putin, but the president was able to extract more concessions in that Alaska summit significantly more with regard to the regions, with regard to the territories, with regard to security protocols. A lot of things were given or were offered up as a compromise, as an accommodation, by President Putin. That is a really big deal because thats the dealmaking business, Witkoff said. Narrowing the issues between the parties. And thats what happened, by the way, in Alaska, we narrowed the issues and the divide. Trump emerged from the meeting Friday with no concrete wins but touted the progress made behind closed doors. He then met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders at the White House on Monday to discuss next steps. Trump has said the next step is for Zelensky and Putin to meet for a bilateral meeting, after which Trump said he would join for a trilateral meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff said during the interview he expects a trilateral meeting, if it takes place, would produce the most progress. The next move is going to be very telling as to whether Zelensky and Putin meet together. And I think ultimately, if that happens, if that meeting happens and I believe it will, Im certainly hopeful it will that will, in my view, potentially lead to a trilateral between the three, and there, I think youd see a lot more progress, Witkoff 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 The Hill. Jeromie Whalen says his lack of experience holding or even running for public office is an asset as he challenges U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, for his seat in Congress. Whalen, who taught communications and media production at Northampton High School before taking the year off to campaign, filed his statement of organization with the Federal Elections Commission at the end of July. On Sept. 6, the South Hadley resident plans to release a complete policy platform more than a year before Democratic voters will pick their candidate for Massachusetts 1st District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we have a lack of leadership from the top, it makes my job a hell of a lot harder, Whalen, 38, said. It makes the jobs of nurses and union members and the farmers, like literally everybodys life harder if we dont have leadership that can stand up to what weve been experiencing. Some blame for the countrys current political climate, Whalen said, lies at the feet of Neal, the longtime lawmaker who is ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, because of his acceptance of PAC and corporate donations. Independent news outlet The Shoestring reported last year that Neal was one of the top recipients of PAC donations in Congress. The funding has fostered apathy among voters in Western Massachusetts, Whalen believes, and he questioned if the power Neal wields in Congress actually benefits the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about Neals primary challenger, the lawmakers campaign committee issued a statement: Congressman Neal is fighting back against Donald Trump and Republicans reckless budget that slashes healthcare for working families to give tax breaks to the wealthy and add trillions to the deficit. The Congressman is laser-focused on holding Republicans accountable and taking back the House in 2026. Whalen said he views his campaign as an opportunity to challenge not just the current Trump administration but the current political process as a whole. Im out here doing grassroots stuff, raising money one small donor at a time, Whalen said. And Im proud of that. When I get a $50 donation, I immediately call that person up and say, Hey, thank you, how are you doing? Whalen said the nation needs universal health care and hed like to bring the states Fair Share Amendment, aka the millionaires tax, to the national stage. Hed like to see the Department of Education not just restored but its role expanded nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People usually say that these things are incredibly progressive and theyre dreamer ideas, Whalen said. These arent dreamer ideas. These are necessities for a functioning society. Whalen said his lack of political ties allows him to think big on such ideas. Whalen, who describes himself as a T-shirt-wearing, Cumberland Farms coffee-drinking candidate, said that along with grassroots support, he will tap help from national consultants. I really got nothing to lose when it comes to this, Whalen said. If I lose, I have a community that loves me. I have students that love and respect me. I can go back to my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What he doesnt want to do, he said, is tread the halls of Congress into his 70s. During the 2024 general election, Neal faced independent Nadia Milleron, a Sheffield resident who lobbied for airline safety following the death of her daughter in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash and who said Neals office failed to assist her effort. Winning his 19th term in Congress, Neal received 62.6% of the vote to Millerons 37.4%. The Richard E. Neal for Congress Committee has about $3.9 million cash on hand, according to the FEC. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. HOLYOKE District Court Judge Laurie MacLeod presided over her final session of the Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court on Wednesday, marking the end of a decade of service to justice-involved veterans ahead of her retirement Sept. 2. The special session, held at the Holyoke War Memorial Building, featured case updates, heartfelt tributes and reflections on MacLeods legacy from court officials, elected leaders and graduates of the program. MacLeod has led the court since its founding in 2015. She said the program was built on a radical idea that veterans could be supported through the justice system in a way that preserved their dignity and health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had a radical idea that we could do things differently in District Court with veterans, MacLeod said. But I wasnt an island. She credited a team of clinicians, probation officers, mentors and fellow judges who helped guide 86 veterans through the courts 18-month program, focused on recovery and accountability. The court provides individualized treatment plans for veterans facing criminal charges. These include therapy, sobriety programs and mentorship from fellow veterans. Participants move through five phases, ending with graduation and a six-month probation. During Wednesdays session, Army veteran Jerry Henderson was promoted to Phase 5. He works full-time with the Community Justice Center, lives independently and has consistently tested negative for substances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have everything I need, including my sobriety, he told the court. Judge MacLeod asked about his family and his new apartment, acknowledging his progress before promoting him. Marine Corps veteran Jose Bartololei was also recognized. His mentor described early struggles, but Bartololei has maintained sobriety. He now lives in Westfield, attends therapy and helps care for his mother and daughter. He credited the court and a change in environment for his success. Chief Probation Officer Sean McBride opened the session. Then came tributes from officials, including Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan, who praised MacLeods compassion and leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a day of gratitude for all the humanity and accountability, Sullivan said. Theres not one veteran who wont say this court changed their life. They were treated like human beings, with respect. Thats what really matters. Sullivan said the court reflects the promise made to service members that no one will be left behind. For many years, that promise was broken. But this court kept it. Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni echoed those sentiments. Veterans often face criminal charges because of the trauma from their service. Its our duty to return their honor and give them a path to a better life, he said. Gulluni called MacLeod a fair jurist, a mentor and a friend. Her work with the Veterans Treatment Court is her lasting legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts Appeals Court Justice Maureen E. Walsh, who helped launch the court, said MacLeod was the perfect fit for the role. She embodied leadership, strength, compassion and unwavering support, Walsh said. Frankly, nobody else could have done it. Walsh said new courts often face resistance, but MacLeods dedication made this one succeed. She understood the complex ways military service can lead to criminal behavior. She held people accountable while showing care and humility, Walsh said. MacLeod was appointed to the bench in 2009 by Gov. Deval Patrick. She served in several district courts across western Massachusetts and previously worked as an assistant district attorney and in private practice. She earned her law degree from Yeshiva Universitys Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the session, a reception was held to celebrate her service. MacLeod promised to stay in touch with graduates and their families. I want to hear about the kids being born, the new houses, the new jobs, she said. The Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court is one of six in the state. It serves veterans in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, as well as Athol. It operates in partnership with the Northwestern and Hampden district attorneys offices and other organizations. Read the original article on MassLive. Prosecutors moved to formally charge a woman arrested during Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith's town hall in Newburgh on Wednesday night with four counts, including felony battery against a public safety official. The charges come as prosecutors levied misdemeanor counts against a second attendee, also arrested Wednesday night, and as the Warrick County Sheriff's Office appeared ready to seek the arrest of a third: Kellie Moore, a Democratic candidate for Indiana's 64th Congressional district and former congressional candidate. The news that Moore could face arrest for allegedly striking a sheriff's deputy as Beckwith's town hall at the Ohio Township Trustee's Office devolved into chaos Wednesday night came in newly filed probable cause affidavits supporting the charges filed against the other two attendees, Amanda Bennett and Matthew Eike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the affidavits, Sgt. Thomas Rohl, of the Warrick County Sheriff's Office, wrote that the crowd became "increasingly agitated with (Beckwith)" as attendees "began shouting and screaming at him." More: Investigator accuses Indiana House candidate of battery at Beckwith event; she denies it Bennett, 38, was captured on video by reporters and bystanders shouting profanities at Beckwith before being tackled to the ground by a Warrick County Sheriff's Office deputy. The deputy was working off duty for the lieutenant governor's security detail, according to court records and Warrick County Sheriff Mike Wilder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the battery charge, Bennett also faces one misdemeanor count of resisting law enforcement and two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, according to court records. Eike, 40, likewise is charged with resisting law enforcement and two counts of disorderly conduct, all misdemeanors. Bennett and Eike were released on bail Thursday. It was not immediately clear if they had retained defense attorneys. The progressive activist group 50501 Movement said in a public statement that Bennett and Eike were "affiliated" with the organization and demanded a "full, transparent investigation." What deputies allege in sworn affidavits In sworn affidavits filed in support of the charges, Rohl wrote that after Bennett was ordered to leave Beckwith's town hall, she made for the exit but "began causing a disturbance" while enroute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Bennett left her seat, she could be heard saying, "this is f---ing bulls--t." She then pointed at Beckwith and said, "F--- you, Micah Beckwith," whom she also called a "bitch." Beckwith told the crowd Bennett had a "mental disorder" as she continued toward the doors. "Deputy (Dan) Bullock and I moved along the outside of the chairs to intercept (Bennett) to ensure she left without further issues," Rohl wrote. "As (Bennett) reached the foyer, I observed her turn toward Deputy Bullock, who then escorted her to the ground." Bullock, now atop Bennett, handcuffed her as she lay on her stomach as onlookers gathered around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In video shot by Moore, Bennett denied making contact with the deputy. Just after being tackled and handcuffed, she said Bullock made contact with her first. "I was leaving," Bennett is heard saying. "This man got right behind me and touched me with his body first." Rohl alleged that Eike "pulled away" and "actively resisted" being taken into custody during the ensuing commotion. Rohl accused Eike of "aggressively speaking" to another attendee, whom Rohl said Eike appeared to "push." A subsequent review of surveillance footage obtained from the Ohio Township Trustee's Office "clearly showed (Bennett) pushing Deputy Bullock before being escorted to the ground," Rohl alleged in the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement posted online after the town hall was called off, Beckwith accused Bennett of slapping a deputy. According to Rohl's sworn account, the surveillance footage also showed Moore striking Bullock. Rohl wrote that he was requesting Moore "also be charged with battery on law enforcement," though as of Thursday afternoon, she did not have an active criminal case listed in Warrick County court records. Reached by phone, Moore told the Courier & Press she had not been made aware of the recommendation that she be charged, and she denied ever striking the deputy. Wednesday night, Moore publicly accused the Warrick County Sheriff's Office of "police brutality." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beckwith, who identifies as a Christian nationalist, has long positioned himself as a political outsider with deep ties to the Republican party's activist base. He is an outspoken critic of liberal causes and has in recent weeks faced off with audience members at rowdy town halls across Indiana. At a May 27 town hall in Zionsville, Indiana, Beckwith told the roughly 100 attendees that if they shoot little snide remarks at him he might just shoot them right back. The Indiana Capitol Chronicle reported that about 30 protesters gathered outside the event. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Court records reveal charges against Micah Beckwith town hall attendees Post Malone is launching his own fashion brand. Post Malone is launching his own fashion brand The Rockstar hitmaker - whose real name is Austin Richard Post - will kickstart his move into the fashion world by unveiling his Austin Post company with a Paris runway show on September 1. As reported by WWD, invitations to the event have teased a sunset timing for its Season One, but further details are being kept under wraps. Despite only just plotting his own label, he's worked with the likes of Crocs and Ugg in the past. Just this week, he unveiled a partnership with SKIMS. He said in a statement: Im all about comfort and feeling good in what I wear. These pieces are fun, the camo especially stands out to me. Ive always been into camo. In a professional Western-themed photoshoot to promote the brand's menswear collections, Malone can be seen in a range of comfort-focused outfits debuting SKIMS' Heavyweight Fleece fabric. Founder and CCO Kim Kardashian described the partnership between SKIMS and Malone as a "perfect fit". She added: Post Malone truly embodies the spirit of the SKIMS Man with his effortless energy and style, which really shine through in this campaign. "This launch is a big moment for us, not only because were expanding our menswear line, but also because were introducing our new heavyweight fleece, which takes comfort and quality to the next level. "Having Post lead the campaign just felt like the perfect fit. Including underwear, t-shirts and fleece separates, the new collection - which is now available to purchase - features a limited edition range of Realtree camouflage-printed styles. Post told GQ magazine: "Oh, I suppose I was a SKIMS man. In Utah, it gets very, very, very cold. And some way or another I found this comforter robe. "Whenever I went out to smoke at night, I would always put this on, and it was probably the most comfortable thing Ive ever worn in my entire life. "From there, it just snowballed out of control to the point [where now] Im naked in the woods. Well, not naked. But you cant see the underwear anyways. Theyre camouflage." SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. American Eagle Outfitters Inc. Sydney Sweeney "Good Jeans" controversy happened in late July a lifetime ago in internet terms but here we are, halfway through August, and people are still talking about it. One of the latest references happened last Friday, when Dr. Phil , outraged that liberals found fault with the ad, announced plans to buy American Eagle blue jeans for every woman in his family. It's easy to read this episode as yet more evidence of our degraded civic discourse. But what if this is merely the latest front in the decades-long battle over the meaning of blue jeans? They're part of our common culture, yes, but they have a long history of "triggering" one group or another the inevitable consequence of the fact that so many groups think that this most ubiquitous and recognizable article of clothing belongs to them. One man's name is inseparable from the birth of blue jeans: Levi Strauss . In 1873, one of his customers a tailor named Jacob Davis , based in a mining town in Nevada approached him with a proposition. Davis explained that he had been making tough trousers out of denim that he had purchased from Strauss. These pants, reinforced with metal rivets, had proven popular with miners, and Davis wanted Strauss to help him build the business. The two men secured a patent for the design (note the miner and his pickaxe), soon founding a company to sell the pants and hawking them to miners and cowboys who wanted clothing that could handle wear and tear. Other companies got into the business, too, and over the next half century, blue jeans then known as "waist overalls" became popular across a broad swath of the nation's working class. Look at the iconic photographs of working Americans taken during the Great Depression, and one thing stands out: virtually everyone wore blue jeans, along with their close cousins, denim coveralls and overalls. It was the uniform of the masses the ordinary people who worked in factories and on farms. And had it remained that way, there would be no occasion for this column. That same decade, though, witnessed another trend that proved a harbinger of things to come: the cultural appropriation of blue jeans as a fashion statement. The first offenders were affluent Americans who began visiting so-called "dude ranches" out West. Hanging out with cowboys and other "authentic" Americans led to a fashion fad focused on "Dude Ranch Duds," with Levi Strauss & Co. in the lead. The company even launched the first blue jeans for women in 1934: Lady Levi's. In the process, blue jeans went from being a functional item of clothing associated with working-class Americans to something far more malleable: a literal canvas by which wearers broadcast their identity. And broadcast they did. Jeans became ubiquitous thanks to Marlon Brando . Long before he became a household name, Brando refused to abide by the dress codes that aspiring actors followed. "During what might be called his Blue or Blue Jean Period, Brando went everywhere in such clothes," reported the Washington Post in a breathless profile of the star. Receptionists and gatekeepers at talent agencies and in Hollywood "mistook him for a man who had come to repair a broken pipe or wash the windows." Brando translated his own style onto the screen, beginning with The Wild One, where he played the jean-wearing leader of a biker gang that takes over a small town. White middle-class high schoolers and college students loved the look and immediately adopted it as their own. Their elders were not amused. In 1957, the New York Times informed readers that blue jeans, formerly a wholesome bit of clothing, had gotten a bad rep. "Ever since the 'motorcycle boys' started wearing blue jeans in anything but a neat manner, many schools over the country have banned this attire from the classroom," the paper reported. By the 1960s, the transgressive power of jeans exploded, particularly after they became the uniform of the youthful tribes that made up the counterculture. Vietnam War protesters wore jeans embroidered with peace signs, while feminists wore jeans, not skirts, to claim equal rights. Civil Rights protesters embraced the look because it mirrored denim worn by enslaved people and sharecroppers a subtle suggestion that not much had changed in the segregated South. From there, the jean wars only intensified. On the one side, bell bottoms became the signature look of 1970s radicals. By 1980, jeans had slimmed, but were associated in some circles with declining morals. That year, a then 15-year-old Brooke Shields appeared in a series of highly sexualized ads for Calvin Klein jeans that social conservatives decried. At the same time, a conservative counterrevolution began reclaiming jeans for themselves. After Ronald Reagan became president, he broadcast an image of himself as a rancher at heart who was happiest wearing his beloved blue jeans. George W. Bush took the same look and ran with it when he was president, helping reclaim jeans for conservatives. As the Sydney Sweeney jeans controversy gradually fades from the spotlight at least as much as it can in today's hostile political climate, where it's bound to resurface from time to time it's worth remembering that dust-ups surrounding denim are far from unprecedented. And in an era in America when so little feels familiar, perhaps that sense of deja vu can be a guide for navigating similar culture wars. (COMMENT, BELOW) Stephen Mihm, a professor of history at the University of Georgia, is coauthor of "Crisis Economics: A Crash Course in the Future of Finance." Previously: Rome police said a womans body was found while the Georgia Department of Transportation were inspecting a bridge near U.S. Highway 27. According to police, the body was found near the old Car Mart, when what appeared to be human remains were found near the waterway. Rome police responded to the scene and confirmed a body was found and the area is now secure as the Criminal Investigations Division works the scene. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Floyd County Coroners Office has been called to recover and identify the remains, police said. At this time, officers said the remains appear to belong to an adult woman, who has not yet been identified. No other details are available while the coroners office works to identify her and the investigation continues. Police said there is no indication that there is an immediate threat to the public and the investigation remains active. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A Baton Rouge woman has been arrested for choking her wheelchair bound husband of 10 years after family gossip about infidelity led to an argument, jail records revealed. Linda Jackson, 42, of Baton Rouge, has been charged with domestic abuse and simple battery. The East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office responded to the 11600 block of Saint Peter Avenue about a reported domestic disturbance around 12:15 a.m. on August 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When deputies arrived, they learned from a witness in the home that Jackson and the victim had been in an argument over accusations of infidelity. According to an arrest report, Jackson began to pack her duffel bag to leave the home as the argument escalated, and thats when the victim grabbed her bag and threw it across the room. Soon after, Jackson picked up the duffel bag and hit the victim twice. The victim then rolled over to Jackson and grabbed her shirt. The 42-year-old woman then threw the victim on the bed and started choking him. A witness at the residence reported hearing yelling coming from the room. When she walked in, she told Jackson to get off the victim and then called authorities to the scene. 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. A South Texas woman who was arrested on murder charges in 2022 after using medication to terminate her pregnancy has alleged new details about her case against a local sheriff and prosecutors, claiming they violated her constitutional rights. Her Aug. 12 court filing comes as the debate over medicated abortion is heating up in Texas, with Attorney General Ken Paxton announcing a new effort to prevent the abortion pill from being mailed into Texas. "These abortion drug organizations and radical activists are not above the law, and I have ordered the immediate end of this unlawful conduct," Paxton said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case of Lizelle Gonzalez was among the first to expose the complexities of criminalizing the use of medication to end a pregnancy. Starr County, located on the southern Texas border, launched an investigation into Gonzalez after hospital staff reported to law enforcement that she had taken medication to induce an abortion when she was 19 weeks pregnant. Three months later, she was indicted and arrested. Gonzalez spent three days in jail before her $500,000 bond was posted, and the charges were ultimately dropped. While Texas has one of the strictest abortion bans in the country, it's not a crime for a woman to obtain or seek abortion care for herself. The state's restrictions on abortion target physicians and those who aid a woman in obtaining or seeking an abortion, whether it's surgical or induced by use of abortion drugs like mifepristone and misoprostol. According to new filings in the lawsuit made last week, District Attorney Gocha Ramirez dropped the charges against Gonzalez after public outcry over Gonzalez's arrest. Included in an exhibit in the lawsuit was a text Ramirez wrote to his son, in which he admitted he'd made a mistake and even called Gonzalez to apologize, stating he "didn't know what happened." In the most detailed account to date of the events surrounding Gonzalez's arrest, her attorneys laid out in the 70-page lawsuit the events that they say led the Starr County district attorney, the assistant D.A. and the sheriff to pursue a case against her, even though records suggest prosecutors knew her actions did not violate state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They should have known from the very beginning that the conduct that they were investigating was not going to ever equal probable cause for homicide," said Lauren Johnson, director of the Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative at the American Civil Liberties Union. "The penal code is very clear that a pregnant person cannot be charged with cannot be guilty of a crime, of a homicide, for ending a pregnancy themselves." According to the original complaint filed in March 2024, Gonzalez says she went to an emergency room in January 2022 after taking misoprostol, an abortion-inducing medication. Less than an hour after she was discharged, she returned to the hospital with complaints of abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. After an exam detected no fetal cardiac activity, doctors performed a cesarean section to deliver a stillborn fetus. After the procedure, a nurse at the hospital called 911 and reported the procedure to local police, who then contacted the Starr County Sheriff's Office. The nurse later said the hospital's administrators directed her to report the incident "because, she said, abortions could now be considered murder due to a 'change in the law,'" according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is not an overstatement to say that Lizelle's life was entirely upended by what happened to her," said Johnson, who is representing Gonzalez in the lawsuit. "She wanted to live her life and didn't want to be criminalized and have her mugshot in her local community. And have something that should have been a very personal decision be something that was made public." In July, the Southern District Court of Texas denied Starr County officials' attempts to have the lawsuit dismissed after the prosecutors and sheriff raised claims of absolute and qualified immunity, respectively. The immunity doctrine has been developed by the courts to restrict legal liability of government officials, such as law enforcement, judges and prosecutors. Absolute immunity applies a complete shield from legal action regardless of the legality or constitutionality of the official's actions. Qualified immunity however can not shield a government actor, like law enforcement, if they violate "clearly established" statutory or constitutional rights. However, the court filings allege that all three county officials named in the suit Ramirez, first assistant prosecutor Alexandria Barrera and Sheriff Rene Fuentes violated "clearly established" constitutional rights when they pursued a murder charge and arrest for an action the law clearly states is not a crime. And they allege that the prosecutors acted outside of their prosecutorial capacity by directing the investigation and providing legal advice to drive the indictment which Gonzalez argues would exempt them from any immunity. The A.C.L.U. says the hundreds of pages of evidence it has gathered contradict the claim by county officials that they didn't know that it was not lawful to pursue a murder charge against Gonzalez. In a sworn deposition, an investigator with the sheriff's office testified that she wasn't ready to charge Gonzalez with murder but was instructed to do so by Barrera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No practices have been put in place or conduct changed to prevent something like this from happening or being done differently in the future," says Johnson. "I think that part has been especially alarming and really does highlight the need for ways to shine a light on this conduct and also really force elected officials to follow the law when they're using the immense power that they have." The Starr County District Attorney's office has not yet responded to a request for comment. This story was reported by CBS News and the Center for Investigative Reporting. Sen. Eric Schmitt on his new book, "The Last Line of Defense: How to Beat the Left in Court" Unsealed video shows TikTok employees' concerns about its impact on teens Hurricane Erin bringing coastal flooding to New York as it churns off East Coast NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A 21-year-old woman was arrested after a crash during a pursuit involving Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) in Antioch early Thursday morning. The crash happened at the intersection of Bell Road and Murfreesboro Pike just after midnight. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) According to court documents, a THP trooper first noticed a sedan failing to maintain its lane of travel while heading southbound on Murfreesboro Pike. The sedan turned onto Bell Road at a high rate of speed and the trooper followed to observe the suspects driving pattern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver identified as Mitzy De La Rosa, 21 drove down Bell Road at up to 80 mph and the trooper attempted to pull the sedan over, according to Metro police. De La Rosa did not stop while weaving in and out of traffic and the trooper initiated a pursuit. The pursuit continued as the sedan turned and drove into the opposite lanes of travel. At the intersection of Bell Road and Eagle View Road, the De La Rosa stopped and 24-year-old Gavin Thompson got out of the car with his hands up, according to court documents. The trooper held Thompson at gunpoint while De La Rosa reportedly made a U-turn and sped away at speeds more than 100 mph. Suspected member of MS-13 arrested in Gallatin for drugs, guns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the pursuit approached the intersection of Bell Road and Murfreesboro Pike, court documents state De La Rosa ran a red light and crashed into an SUV. It is not known if anyone in the SUV was injured. Inside the vehicle, officers recovered five individual marijuana packages and six grams of marijuana in a glass jar inside the center console. De La Rosa was taken into custody and charged with felony drug possession, evading arrest, driving under the influence, drag racing and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Her bond was set at $44,000. Thompson was charged with felony drug possession and his bond was set at $5,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A 66-year-old woman was hospitalized after a fire tore through her Harford County home early Thursday, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal. Firefighters from the Susquehanna Hose Company responded to the 600 block of Linden Lane in Havre de Grace, where heavy flames had engulfed the home. It took 65 first responders about an hour to bring the blaze under control. Investigators said the woman had just turned on her oxygen concentrator in the living room when she heard a pop, followed by a flash of fire. She managed to escape through the front door after a neighbor spotted the flames and called 911, according to the fire marshals report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was treated at the scene before being transported by Harford County EMS to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where she is listed in guarded condition. The home and its contents were destroyed, and three cats died in the fire. Damage is estimated at $250,000 to the structure and $150,000 to its contents, according to the fire marshals office. Investigators said no smoke alarm was activated. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. Video shows the moment a woman appeared to have a violent meltdown in the Southwest Airlines concourse at Orlando International Airport last week. The womanlater identified as 45-year-old Selomit Velez-Rodriguezis seen in passenger Peyton Turbevilles video yelling at Southwest employees. "Motherf-----, are you kidding me?" Velez-Rodriguez is heard saying on the video. "Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wearing a large backpack, shorts, a red long-sleeved shirt and a ballcap, she yells at an employee, saying shes trying to get to her destination to bury her brother. Fbi Investigating Midair Brawl That Forced Breeze Airways Flight To Divert A woman had a meltdown at Orlando International Airport on Aug. 14, 2025. She appears to kick the employee, drawing gasps from bystanders. Read On The Fox News App One person can be heard saying, "Oh, thats assault." Velez-Rodriguez launches into a profanity-laced tirade, then hits a Southwest desk monitor three times, saying, "two flights wasted two flights, three planes, after 45 minutes." Man Arrested With Fully Loaded Ar-15 And Knives Outside Palm Beach Airport Frequented By Trump A woman had a meltdown at Orlando International Airport on Aug. 14, 2025. Moments later, she tells nearby travelers to call the police as she follows an employee through the concourse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After going off on another bystander in the concourse, Velez-Rodriguez is seen punching another computer monitor with her phone before following the same Southwest employee through the concourse. Turbeville told Storyful that the woman was upset because she did not make the standby list for three flights, though the claim has not yet been verified. Massachusetts Man Sentenced Following Violent In-flight Rampage On Board United Airlines Flight A woman had a meltdown at Orlando International Airport on Aug. 14, 2025. Turbeville also said the woman tried to get in through the gate after it closed and staffers asked her to stop. FOX 35 learned from Orlando Police that officers responded to the airport at about 9:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses told police Velez-Rodriguez tried to disrupt boarding, struck an employee and damaged more than $1,000 in computer equipment. She was ultimately arrested and booked on charges of battery, criminal mischief and resisting an officer without violence. Police told the station she tried to pull away from officers while being taken into custody. Court records show Velez-Rodriguez posted $5,000 bond and was allowed to return home to Illinois. Original article source: Woman kicks Southwest employee, punches computer monitors in violent airport meltdown A man was arrested for allegedly shooting a woman outside a Cheesecake Factory at the Westfield Topanga mall on Thursday afternoon, police confirmed. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to reports of a possible shooting at the popular restaurant chains Canoga Park location. Police arrived at the Cheesecake Factory to find a victim, only identified as an adult female, suffering from a gunshot wound. No further details on her injuries were provided, but authorities confirmed the victim was transported to a hospital in stable condition. Police are seen responding to a shooting outside the Westfield Topanga mall. August 2025. (Jillian Smukler) Police are seen responding to a shooting outside the Westfield Topanga mall. August 2025. (KTLA) Police are seen responding to a shooting outside the Westfield Topanga mall. August 2025. (KTLA) A man is seen under arrest after a woman was shot outside a Cheesecake Factory in Canoga Park. August 2025. (KTLA) A man is seen under arrest after a woman was shot outside a Cheesecake Factory in Canoga Park. August 2025. (KTLA) A man is seen under arrest after a woman was shot outside a Cheesecake Factory in Canoga Park. August 2025. (KTLA) Police are seen responding to a shooting outside the Westfield Topanga mall. August 2025. (KTLA) Details are limited, but preliminary reports say the suspect allegedly shot at the woman and then took off down the street toward Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Erwin Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LAPD said officers then searched for a suspect driving a black Mercedes, and soon arrested him in a parking lot down the street. Authorities later said it appeared the suspect was known to the female victim, but no further details were provided regarding their relationship. Sky5 was overhead during the suspects arrest. Footage from the scene showed a large law enforcement presence, with a section of the mall parking lot cordoned off with caution tape. Nidia Becerra and Vanessa Garcia contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Two women received their sentences for having fraudulent forms of identification. Read next: Family of boy wandering nude on West Side found Emileth Nohemi Briceno Rodriguez was sentenced to two months in prison and three years of probation. Court records state that as part of the supervised release, she will surrender to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for deportation proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Briceno Rodriguez pleaded guilty on May 7 to possession of a fraudulent permanent resident card. Dicla Emirlania Perez Rodriguez was sentenced to two months in prison and one year of probation after she pleaded guilty May 8 to possession of a fraudulent permanent resident card. On February 17, Briceno Rodriguez and Perez Rodriguez were found with fraudulent Permanent Resident and Social Security cards after they were found asleep in a parked vehicle outside of a Warren convenience store. Reports said that the number that appeared on a permanent resident card possessed by Briceno Rodriguez was linked to a Chinese national. A query on the permanent resident card possessed by Briceno Rodriguez was found to be linked to a Cuban national. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chelsea Simeon contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Clinicians are providing medication abortion through telehealth services even to people in states where abortion is banned, thanks in part to shield laws in states where abortion is still legal. (Natalie Behring/Getty Images) As conservative lawmakers work to restrict online access to abortion medication, a new report shows how popular it has become for women who live in states that have outlawed abortion. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin led a team that analyzed 15 months of prescription data from Aid Access, one of the largest online abortion telemedicine providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They found 84% of Aid Accesss more than 118,000 online prescriptions went to patients living in abortion-ban states. The South and Midwest had the highest rates of patients accessing telemedicine abortion. Rates were also greater in high-poverty areas or where people would have to travel more than 100 miles to reach an abortion clinic, according to the report, which published this month. Aid Access is able to mail abortion medications to residents in all 50 states even those in states with abortion bans thanks to shield laws in Democratic-led states. Shield laws are designed to minimize the legal risks for people who provide or access abortions across state lines. Currently, 22 states and Washington, D.C., have reproductive care shield laws, either through legislation or by executive order, according to a report from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight of those states California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington specifically protect telehealth abortion providers regardless of where their patient is located. Shield laws, along with difficulty accessing in-person abortion services in abortion-ban states, have contributed to a rise in medication and telehealth abortions since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion in 2022, clearing the way for state bans. With telehealth abortion, patients have a virtual appointment with a clinician who can prescribe abortion medication, which is then filled by a licensed pharmacy and mailed to the patient. Research has shown telehealth medication abortion is effective and safe, and comparable to in-person medication abortion. Medication abortion accounted for nearly two-thirds of all clinician-provided abortions in states without bans in 2023, the most recent data available from the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization focused on advancing reproductive rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as abortion medication use rises, so have conservative efforts to ban it. This year, more than a dozen states introduced bills to bar access to medication abortion by criminalizing its sale, purchase or distribution, according to Guttmacher. One such bill in Texas, which could have been a blueprint for medication abortion restriction in other states, was specifically aimed at groups like Aid Access. It would have allowed private citizens to sue for at least $100,000 anyone who provided abortion pills in Texas. The bill passed the Texas Senate but died in the House in May. Earlier this year, the state of Louisiana criminally charged a New York physician under its abortion ban law for allegedly providing abortion pills to a Louisiana teen via telehealth. New York, which passed a shield law in 2023, refused Louisianas request to extradite the doctor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month marked the first federal test of shield laws, when a Texas man sued a California doctor for allegedly mailing abortion pills to his partner. This week, a Texas woman filed a federal lawsuit against Aid Access and against a man who she said impregnated her, then spiked her drink with abortion pills. She is also suing the Dutch doctor who founded Aid Access, alleging Aid Access and its founder mailed abortion-inducing drugs in violation of Texas and federal law. Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@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. BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull is preparing for a major upgrade to its maternity services aimed at improving care for Brooklyn families. The $20 million renovation of the hospitals Labor and Birthing Suite, which includes $11 million from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, marks a significant investment in maternal health in the borough. More Local News The project officially began Thursday, symbolized by Reynoso and others breaking through a wall with a ceremonial sledgehammera gesture that signals the start of a new era for maternity care at Woodhull. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Wendy Wilcox, Chief of OB/GYN at the hospital, expressed excitement about the expanded facilities that will include a new alongside birthing center, a labor and delivery unit, and state-of-the-art operating rooms. Wilcox emphasized that these upgrades go far beyond physical improvements. Safety is at the heart of the renovations, she said, noting that the hospital already follows many safety protocols recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Joint Commission. The renovated unit will offer a broad range of birthing options supported by a team of midwives and board-certified doctors. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the improvements are new family comfort spaces designed to support mothers partners and families, birthing tubs for hydrotherapy during labor, updated recovery and operating rooms, improved staff facilities, and a new training simulation lab for delivery staff. Woodhulls labor and delivery unit, which serves nearly 1,000 births yearly, will remain open throughout the phased construction scheduled to finish in 2027. The renovation is also part of a larger effort to address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Reynoso acknowledged the urgency, saying, We talk a lot about Black Lives Matter. And in this one case, we can actually make a difference. It just takes political will effort to save every single life. He highlighted the human impact: Those are kids that dont go motherless, husbands that dont go lifeless, fathers that dont go daughterless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the hospital renovates, Wilcox echoed the commitment to quality care, saying, Our whole goal is quality and safety, and were going from good to great. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A Worcester motorcyclist was killed Monday afternoon when he crashed with a tractor-trailer on the Mass. Pike in Warren, according to Massachusetts State Police. Kevin Allard, 33, was declared dead at the scene following the crash on I-90 west, State Police said in an email. State troopers and Warren paramedics and firefighters responded to the incident shortly before 3 p.m. "We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the deceased," State Police wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers have completed their initial investigation into the crash, State Police said. No further information has been released. More News Read the original article on MassLive. In a staggering development for global wildlife conservation, the worlds biggest rhino farmer, who has long cast himself as a savior for the species, was arrested in South Africa Tuesday on suspicion of trafficking rhino horn. Prosecutors have accused John Hume, along with five others, of operating a smuggling ring involving 964 rhino horns valued at more than $14 million, according to the Associated Press. This weeks arrests followed a seven-year investigation by the Hawks, a special task force in the South African Police Service that focuses on organized crime. Investigators allege that the six suspects were involved in a fraudulent scheme, where they would secure permits to sell rhino horns domestically (which is legal in South Africa), while actually funneling the horns to illegal buyers in Southeast Asia. The Hawks work shows that our enforcement agencies will not hesitate to pursue those who plunder our wildlife for profit, South Africas Minister of Forest, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, said in a press release on Aug. 19. This arrest proves that syndicates cannot escape justice, no matter how complex their schemes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Hunting for Poachers Amid South Africas Bloody Wildlife War Although George hailed the series of arrests as a decisive victory, it is also a stark reminder of the widespread corruption that is driving South Africas poaching crisis. One that is all the more disturbing because of who Hume is, and the already controversial role he has played in conserving the iconic species. After making a fortune in the real estate and hotel business, Hume started his own rhino farm, Buffalo Dream Ranch, in the early 2000s, when South Africas rhino poaching crisis was beginning to peak. He started the captive-breeding operation with approximately 200 southern white rhinos. After moving and expanding his farm, and investing heavily in security, Hume grew that herd to around 2,000 strong in roughly 20 years time. While hes been heavily criticized by some for treating the species like livestock instead of wildlife, Hume has always cast himself as a conservationist and philanthropist, who has invested his own hard-earned money to keep southern white rhinos from going extinct. (South Africa holds around 80 percent of the worlds remaining white rhinos, and private landowners have historically played a major role in keeping those populations viable and protected.) Why should we save any species from extinction? Its almost like, why should we breathe? Hume said in a video interview with the BBC in 2018, explaining that hed already spent more than $50 million on the project with virtually no return. It makes me understand that I cannot give up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of his push to breed the animals, however, Hume was always interested in profiting from rhinos by selling their horns, which re-grow naturally after being cut off. He led the effort to overturn South Africas ban on domestic rhino-horn trade in 2017, and it remains legal today for anyone with the proper permit to sell rhino horn within the country. This revival of the domestic horn trade also reignited one of the thorniest debates around rhino conservation in South Africa. On one side are folks like Hume, whove argued that conservation through commerce is the best solution, and that flooding the international market with farm-raised rhino horn would drive down the overall demand for horns on the black market. Opponents to this idea have claimed it would open the door to corrupt actors and potentially make the problem worse. Workers move a white rhino for de-horning at Humes farm, which held around 2,000 rhinos at its peak. Photo by Leon Neal / Getty Images Amid all this debate, Hume carried on breeding rhinos, while harvesting and stockpiling their horns. But in order to protect his investment from poachers, Hume was spending a small fortune on security every month. In 2023, he announced that he could no longer afford to raise rhinos and he put his farm up for sale. With no buyers coming forward, African Parks eventually purchased the nearly 20,000-acre Platinum Rhino farm, along with the roughly 2,000 white rhinos living there. The NGO has since used these animals as part of a massive rewilding project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2024, the first of Humes captive white rhinos (40 in total) were donated to the Munywana Conservancy and released in Kwazulu-Natal. The following month, another 120 of Humes rhinos were released into Kruger National Park and a few surrounding high-fence game reserves. This was the first release of its kind in Kruger Park in 50 years, and it was widely celebrated as a historic step forward for rhino conservation. The deeper problems facing South Africas wildlife remain, however, even as the countrys anti-poaching efforts have kept ratcheting up. Between Jan. 1 and March 31 of this year, 103 white rhinos were poached for their horns, most of them in national parks, according to the federal government. Thats more than one rhino killed per day. Hume was released after his arrest Tuesday on a $5,000 bond. He has since denied any wrongdoing, saying he has nothing to hide in a statement shared with the BBC Wednesday. I categorically reject the allegations against me and maintain that I have never acted unlawfully, Hume said. I am confident that, once the facts are tested in court, I will be vindicated and my innocence confirmed. Hume and the other five individuals a group that includes his lawyer and game reserve manager now face 55 charges, including racketeering and fraud. More charges could follow, according to the AP, and they are scheduled to appear in court in early December. BOONVILLE, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) The remains of a World War II veteran are finally coming home to Boonville on Thursday, after over 80 years overseas. Private Harland J. Hennessey will be heading to his final resting place on Thursday, August 21 after being identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in Honolulu, Hawaii. Private Hennessey was drafted into the United States Army in May of 1941, and was trained at Fort Jay in New York City and Fort Belvoir in Virginia. He served the Army in the 803rd Engineer Battalion and was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He was stationed there during a Japanese attack on the Philippines, one day after the bombing at Pearl Harbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hennessey was one of the 12,000 US troops to participate in the 65-mile Bataan Death March. He eventually died in November of 1942 at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp in the Philippines and was buried in a common grave. His remains were eventually moved to a cemetery in Manila before being exhumed for identification in Hawaii. The VFW in Boonville organized five years after Hennesseys death bears his name. In 2018, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in Honolulu was able to identify Hennessey using forensic DNA testing and dental records. On September 23, 2024, the US Army officially told his family that Hennessey was finally returning to Boonville. The return of Private Hennesseys remains will begin in Rochester at approximately 4:40 pm at Rochester International Airport. A Patriot Guard Motorcycle group among others will meet the procession at Riverside Mall in Utica to escort the procession to Boonville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of the village of Boonville are encouraged and invited to assemble in Downtown Boonville to welcome Hennessey home. It is expected that the motorcade escorting Private Hennesseys remains will arrive in Boonville between 8 pm and 8:30 pm. Visitation hours for Private Hennessey will be on Friday, August 22, from 5-8 pm at the Trainor Funeral Home in Boonville, with Military Rites commencing at 6:30 pm. The funeral with Military Honors will be on Saturday, August 23 at 9 am at the top of the hill in Boonville Cemetery, followed by a private interment for family members only. All are invited to attend a celebration of life at noon the same day at the Harland J. Hennessey VFW Post on Park Avenue in Boonville. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. London The world's oldest living person, British woman Ethel Caterham, turned 116 on Thursday, just months after the title passed to her following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas. Caterham was marking the occasion quietly with her family, taking the day "at her own pace," the care home where she lives in Surrey, just south of London, told CBS News in a statement. "Ethel and her family are so grateful for all of the kind messages and interest shown to her as she celebrates her 116th birthday this year," Hallmark Care Homes said in the statement, adding that while she was not giving any interviews to mark the occasion, a conversation with King Charles III "may be her one concession, understandably!" The British monarch often extends a personal greeting to Britons when they mark 100th birthdays, usually in the form of a written letter. There was no immediate confirmation by Buckingham Palace that Charles had plans to speak with Caterham. Ethel Caterham, the world's oldest living person, celebrates her 115th birthday in a file photo taken in August 2024. / Credit: Courtesy of Hallmark Care Homes and the Caterham family She celebrated her 115th birthday last year with a letter from Charles who congratulated her on a "truly remarkable milestone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The great-grandmother is the last living subject of King Edward VII. The title of the oldest person ever is held by French woman Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122 years and 164 days before her death in 1997, according to Guinness World Records. Caterham was born on Aug. 21, 1909, in the village of Shipton Bellinger in southwest England, five years before the start of World War I. She is now the oldest person in the world according to Guinness, the U.S.-based Gerontological Research Group and the LongeviQuest database, after the death of 116-year-old Canabarro in April. Her secret to longevity? "Never arguing with anyone! I listen and I do what I like," she has said previously. She has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, having outlived both her two daughters and her husband Norman who died in 1976. She only stopped driving when she was just shy of 100, and played bridge well into her old age. She even survived a bout of COVID-19 at the age of 110 in 2020, according to the Daily Telegraph newspaper. The same year, she told the BBC that in her life, she had "taken everything in my stride, the highs and lows." Trump says he's going on patrol with police and National Guard in Washington, D.C. Hurricane Erin sparking storm surge warnings as it starts to move away from North Carolina Trump responds after New York court tosses $527 million civil fraud penalty Xi Jinping has called for unity during a rare visit to Tibet, where thousands marked the regions 60 years as an autonomous Chinese state with songs, dances, a parade and placards heaping praise on the Communist Party. In his second visit to the tightly controlled Himalayan territory, Mr Xi thanked local officials for their struggle against separatism. According to state media, he also called for the creation of a modern socialist Tibet that is united, prosperous, civilised, harmonious and beautiful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His surprise trip to the regional capital Lhasa, some 2,200 miles from Beijing, dominated national newspaper headlines and television bulletins on Thursday. Unsurprisingly, there was little mention of long-standing resistance to Chinese rule, or a renewed dispute with the Dalai Lama over succession. It is now 66 years since the Tibetan spiritual leader fled to India following a failed uprising, and 60 years since China formally established Tibet as its fifth and final autonomous region. The Tibetan spiritual leader recently declared that China will have no role in appointing his successor - AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia That designation was supposed to provide ethnic minority groups a larger say over policy, including freedom of religious belief. But rights groups and exiles have instead consistently described Chinas rule of the mountain-top state as oppressive, documenting the demolition of some monasteries, imprisonment of monks, and gradual erosion of a centuries-old Tibetan identity. Middle way of self-rule While Beijing denies oppression, critics say institutional control has only tightened since Mr Xi rose to power with Tibetan children now forced to study in Mandarin at state-run Chinese schools, and the president arguing for stronger regulation of religious affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, these tensions exploded in a bitter dispute with the Dalai Lama. While he has called for a middle way of genuine self-rule within China, he is considered a separatist by Beijing. Now the two sides are in an argument over succession. As the current Dalai Lama turned 90 this year, he announced a non-profit institution he set up would have sole authority to select his successor. Chinas leaders responded angrily, saying that only they have the right to appoint his reincarnation. They also continue to restrict the Dalai Lamas contact with foreign leaders, suggesting it sends the wrong message to separatist groups. Last week, Beijing said it would cease all engagement with the Czech president Petr Pavel, as he met the spiritual leader in India on a private trip. But recent divisions were pushed to the side during Mr Xis trip this week, where he was joined by a massive delegation from Beijing. The president visited Tibet once in 2021, and before that the last Chinese leader to make the trip was Jiang Zemin in 1990. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, life for ordinary people has improved drastically under Chinese rule with poverty falling and infrastructure expanding. It was this that was being celebrated on Thursday, according to footage broadcast on national television showing a grand gathering in a massive square by Lhasas Potala Palace once the Dalai Lamas winter residence. In the images, thousands of people hold red flags and placards emphasising the need to follow Xis guidance. President Xi is greeted by locals dancing and waving flowers in Lhasa - VCG/VCG via Getty Images Adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and fully implement the Partys strategy for governing Tibet in the new era, one of the placards read, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another one said: Grateful to the general secretary, grateful to the Party Central Committee, and thankful to the people of the whole 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. Everyone wants to be healthy, and most food manufacturers are well aware of this. Labels often state when something is cholesterol-free, fat-free, or has reduced sugar or trans fats, all to convince consumers that their product is the best. One way this is accomplished is by labeling products as "all natural," implying that they contain no artificial colors or flavors. It's comforting to think that your strawberry yogurt's pleasant pink color comes from fresh, ripe berries. But the truth is that some of that red and pink natural coloring comes from carmine, also known as cochineal, which is made from ground-up cochineal beetles. The practice of extracting red dye from cochineal beetles (which feed and live on prickly pear cacti) dates back thousands of years. In the Americas, the Maya and Aztecs used it to dye their garments red. In the Mediterranean region, Phoenicians used a similar beetle to dye their textiles. As time passed, the cochineal fell out of favor as a fabric dye, but it remained popular as a food additive for the bright red hue it can bring to jams, candy, and even meat. The FDA approved cochineal for food back in 1967. In 2009, the FDA required that labels clearly identify when cochineal is used in a product. Cochineal can be used in chocolate to achieve specific shades of brown, as well as in frozen desserts such as ice cream, sorbet, and sherbet. It also colors Nerds Gummy Clusters, some Skittles, imitation crab meat, many brands of red velvet cupcakes, and even the exterior coating of vitamin supplements. Those little 0.2-inch-long bugs are practically everywhere when it comes to food and drink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 11 Once-Popular Desserts That No One Eats Anymore The Ups And Downs Of Coloring With Cochineal Close up of female cochineal beetles - Roberto Michel/Getty Images Yoplait has an entire section in its FAQs about carmine, indicating that this has come up for them before. The company explains that most of their products don't use carmine, and those that do will clearly label it. The truth is that cochineal is entirely safe and much safer than artificial red dyes. People just find it off-putting because of cultural taboos against eating insects. Artificial red dyes, such as Red Dye 40, FD&C Red No. 2, and No. 3, have been shown to cause serious side effects. Efforts are underway to tighten restrictions on unsafe dyes in the United States. Cochineal is a much safer alternative, at least in terms of health. Even though cochineal is relatively harmless, except to those with allergies, not everyone is happy to learn they're consuming products derived from living creatures. This is especially true when it's used in something that otherwise seems vegan. In 2012, a petition was circulated to get Starbucks to stop using cochineal in strawberry drinks, which was successful. It is also not suitable for anyone who wants to remain kosher. In 2025, a biotech startup called Debut revealed that it had engineered fully animal-free carmine. Debut was initially making the product for the beauty industry (since carmine is also used in makeup), but plans to scale into the food industry down the road. Read the original article on Tasting Table. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The Youngstown Fire Department could be receiving two new fire trucks as long as it has city councils approval. Mayor Tito Brown and Fire Chief Barry Finley announced Wednesday that they are asking the city council to authorize $2.1 million for the purchase. Council will consider the request at a meeting on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.. The trucks will replace older vehicles that have been in place for more than 20 years. If approved, theyll be delivered early next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our residents deserve the peace of mind that when an emergency happens, our firefighters can continue to respond quickly and effectively, said Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown. The Youngstown Fire Department is waiting for a new ladder truck ordered two years ago. Thats expected to be delivered in October. The new trucks would replace older vehicles that have been in service for over two decades. Along with the mayors legislation requesting the purchase of two new fire trucks, city council will also vote on whether to borrow up to $43 million to start the process of correcting the sewage overflow issues in Mill Creek Park, and whether to spend $2.3 million in American Rescue Plan money on a Spring Commons Park and a West Avenue canoe and kayak launch Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PINE BLUFF, Ark. It was a milestone day for Donna Terrell and her Yoga Warriors Fighting Cancer non-profit, as the organization welcomed a local group for its first look inside the new Warrior Lodge at Jefferson Regional. The 2025 class of Leadership Pine Bluff toured the facility, which is still under construction. When complete, Warrior Lodge will provide no-cost temporary housing for cancer patients receiving long-term treatment at Jefferson Regionals Jones-Dunklin Cancer Center. Donna Terrell talks about the motivation behind her nonprofit organization her daughter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is being built in honor of Queah, the late daughter of the organizations founder, who died from colon cancer. Donna said construction is expected to be finished before the end of the year. Leaders were invited to return once the building is complete and transformed into an overnight lodging facility designed to provide a caring and supportive environment for patients and their caregivers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. A New York appeals court on Thursday dismissed a $500 million civil fraud penalty against President Donald Trump and his companies for routinely overvaluing their properties in financial statements. The court ruled the fine was excessive and violated the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Case background The ruling stems from a 2022 lawsuit filed by the state of New York, which accused Trump of orchestrating a scheme to mislead companies he was doing business with about property values and his overall net worth. In 2023, a judge found him liable for these charges. After determining that Trump had inflated financial statements sent to lenders and insurers, Judge Arthur Engoron ordered him to pay $355 million in penalties. With interest, the total exceeded $515 million. Additional penalties on other Trump Organization executives, including Trumps sons, Eric and Donald Jr., brought the total to $527 million, according to NPR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has consistently maintained that the case and the verdict were politically motivated, calling it a fraud on me while asserting his innocence. In January 2024, he proclaimed he was an innocent man. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has subpoenaed Attorney General Letitia James for records related to the lawsuit as part of an investigation into whether she violated Trumps civil rights. James attorney, Abbe D. Lowell, called the investigation the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the presidents political retribution campaign, as reported by NPR. The courts ruling In a 323-page opinion, the panel of judges was sharply divided, with concurring and dissenting opinions. Yet all five judges in the Appellate Divisions First Department agreed that the half-billion-dollar fine should be thrown out. Two judges wrote that Trump was correctly held liable for business fraud, but the fine was excessive. Two other judges said the case should be retried, noting that the trial court was wrong to decide if Trump committed fraud; despite this, those two judges joined the decision with great reluctance to allow the case to be continued on appeal to the states highest court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fifth judge said the case brought by James should not have been brought in the first place. The opinion noted, The documentary evidence supports Supreme Courts conclusion that the Attorney General made a prima facie showing that each defendant participated in the fraudulent scheme. While harm certainly occurred, it was not the cataclysmic harm that can justify a nearly half billion-dollar award to the State. Attorney General Letitia James reacts to the ruling James said the case has merit and announced her office will appeal to New Yorks Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, to reinstate the penalty. The court upheld the injunctive relief we won, limiting Donald Trump and the Trump Organization officers ability to do business in New York, James said. It should not be lost to history: yet another court has ruled that the president violated the law, and that our case has merit. Trump calling it a TOTAL VICTORY Trump celebrated the decision, calling it a TOTAL VICTORY in a post on Truth Social Thursday: I greatly respect the fact that the Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision that was hurting Business all throughout New York State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described the case as a Political Witch Hunt, in a business sense, the likes of which no one has ever seen before. Trumps former attorney Alina Habba, who represented him in the case, called the ruling a resounding victory and said the court struck down a penalty that was politically motivated, legally baseless, and grossly excessive. Partial dissent Justice David Friedman, in a partial dissent, argued the case was politically motivated and should have been dismissed entirely. He wrote that James ultimate goal was not market hygiene but political hygiene, ending with the derailment of President Trumps political career and the destruction of his real estate business. He added, The voters have obviously rendered a verdict on his political career. This bench today unanimously derails the effort to destroy his business. A New York appeals court on Thursday threw out Donald Trumps civil fraud penalty in a major win for the president and his family, even as another appeal is anticipated. State Judge Arthur Engoron last year found Trump and his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump and their business liable for business fraud and falsifying records in order to qualify for favorable loans. Trump was ordered to pay more than $350 million in penalties, a figure that has ballooned with interest to $527 million. But a divided five-judge panel concluded that the punishment was excessive. New York Attorney General Letitia James vowed to appeal, while Trump praised the ruling in a post on Truth Social, thanking the court for having the Courage to make this Decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Peter H. Moulton wrote in one of the opinions that shaped the courts ruling: While the injunctive relief ordered by the court is well crafted to curb defendants business culture, the courts disgorgement order, which directs that defendants pay nearly half a billion dollars to the State of New York, is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Trump has repeatedly lambasted the judgment against him, saying he is innocent. His lawyers have argued that the financial statements were not deceptive as they have been characterized, because it was disclosed they were unaudited. James, one of Trumps most vocal political foes, began investigating the case in 2020 and announced the lawsuit against Trump at a news conference in 2022. The Justice Department recently launched a federal grand jury investigation into James over the investigation, saying Trump was possibly deprived of his legal rights. A lawyer for James said the investigation into her investigation has to be the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the presidents political retribution campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ is also separately investigating James, as well as two other Democrats Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over alleged mortgage fraud. (James, Schiff and Cook have all denied any wrongdoing.) But its not over for Trump yet. The case can be appealed to New Yorks highest court, the Court of Appeals. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A New York appeals court on Thursday dismissed a $500 million civil fraud penalty against President Donald Trump and his companies for routinely over-valuing their properties in financial statements. Some judges of the state Appellate Division's First Department agreed that Trump and his companies had engaged in fraud, but agreed with their colleagues that the award was an "excessive fine." "[W]hile harm certainly occurred, it was not the cataclysmic harm that can justify a nearly half billion-dollar award to the State," two of the judges wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump touted the judgment's dismissal in remarks to law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. "I had a victory today. You know, they stole $550 million from me with a fake case, and it was overturned. They said this was a fake case, Trump told the group of officers in Washington, D.C. Its a terrible thing, but its a nice victory, you know? I mean, its not bad, you know, we all have, we all have our limits, but this was a terrible thing, that it was a witch hunt. And Ive had more witch hunts than any human being, he added. Trump had also praised the ruling as a "total victory" in a post on Truth Social earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I greatly respect the fact that the Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision that was hurting Business all throughout New York State," he wrote. "Every single Dollar was thrown out, even the penalties imposed on us by the Corrupt Judge, one of the most overturned in History, Arthur Engoron," Trump added in his lengthy post. He also called New York Attorney General Letitia James, who'd brought the case against him, a "political hack" and "Incompetent." Eric Trump celebrated the ruling in a phone interview with NBC News. "This is the biggest victory in the world," said the presidents son, whos the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. "We always knew this was going to happen. The case is totally won, and its a big day for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His brother, fellow executive vice president Donald Trump Jr., called the ruling a "massive win" in a post on X. "It was always a witch hunt, election interference, and a total miscarriage of justice and even a left leaning NY appeals court agrees!" he wrote. James said in a statement that ruling "affirmed the well-supported finding of the trial court: Donald Trump, his company, and two of his children are liable for fraud." "It should not be lost to history: yet another court has ruled that the president violated the law, and that our case has merit," the statement said. James said she plans to appeal the decision to the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 323-page ruling by the midlevel appeals court contains three separate opinions from the five judges on the panel and shows they were deeply divided. Two of the judges were in favor of upholding the fraud finding but dismissing the financial penalties, two of the judges were in favor of ordering a new trial, and one of the judges would have dismissed the case. In a highly unusual move, the two judges who had wanted a new trial, John Higgitt and Llinet Rosado, signed off on the opinion by the judges who upheld the fraud finding in order to end the stalemate on the court and allow the parties to take their case to the Court of Appeals. "Under the truly extraordinary circumstances here, where none of the writings enjoys the support of a majority, we are moved to take this action to permit this panel to arrive at a decision," Higgitt wrote, explaining why he and Rosado effectively sided with Justices Peter Moulton and Dianne Renwick even though they disagreed with much of their decision. [A] remarkable situation has necessitated a remarkable solution, Higgitt wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeal had been fully submitted for almost a year. Some members of the panel had expressed concern with the size of the judgment at a hearing on the appeal last September, with one calling it troubling. Trumps attorneys had contended that he shouldnt have to pay anything in damages and that the businesses he was accused of defrauding were delighted with these transactions and benefited enormously from them. They faulted the judge for not relying on their client's expertise in valuing properties and alleged that some of the discrepancies the judge pointed to were outside of the statute of limitations for the case and should not be used. Engoron handed down his judgment against Trump in early 2024 after finding he and his companies had engaged in repeated and persistent fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award came after a monthslong trial that included testimony from the then-former and now current president. The case centered on allegations from James office that Trump lied to banks and insurers by both overvaluing and undervaluing his assets when it was to his benefit, exaggerating his net worth to the tune of billions of dollars. The scheme enabled Trump to obtain bank loans and insurance policies at rates that he otherwise wouldnt have been entitled to, and as a result he reaped hundreds of millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains, James' office said. Trump maintained his financial statements were conservative, and he repeatedly alleged that the Democratic attorney general's case was politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Engoron summarized Trumps defense as claiming that the documents do not say what they say; that there is no such thing as objective value; and that, essentially, the Court should not believe its own eyes. He also chided Trump and his companies for not taking any responsibility for their actions. Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological," Engoron wrote in his decision on the case. "They are accused only of inflating asset values to make more money. The documents prove this over and over again. This is a venial sin, not a mortal sin. Defendants did not commit murder or arson. They did not rob a bank at gunpoint. Donald Trump is not Bernard Madoff. Yet, defendants are incapable of admitting the error of their ways. The award was initially entered as a $464 million judgment, but it has continued to grow in the months since because of interest. Trump was responsible for the vast majority of the judgment, and the amount hed been ordered to pay had been increasing by over $100,000 a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By mid-June, Trump was on the hook for $507 million while his co-defendants owed over $11 million. To secure the judgment while he appealed, Trump had been expected to have to post a bond for about $550 million the full amount of the judgment plus interest. Trumps attorneys argued that coming up with that much cash was a practical impossibility, and the Appellate Division reduced the size of the bond to $175 million. Trump posted the bond in March of last year. Trump is also appealing two other judgments totaling about $90 million after writer E. Jean Carroll successfully sued him for allegedly sexually abusing and defaming her. Trump has denied the allegations in both of her lawsuits. "That Case, also on Appeal, should also never have been brought," Trump wrote in his social media post on the fraud ruling. He added that the judge in the Carroll case "should be admonished for Abuse." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com NEW YORK An appeals court on Thursday tossed a roughly $500 million civil fraud judgment against President Donald Trump and his family business, marking a significant victory for the president in a case that he repeatedly derided as a political stunt by state Attorney General Tish James. The court, however, declined to overturn the fraud case against Trump, leaving open the possibility that he will seek to appeal the decision to New Yorks highest court. And the three separateopinions issued Thursday by the appeals court revealed disagreement within the five-judge panel that one judge described as profound. While the injunctive relief ordered by the court is well crafted to curb defendants business culture, the courts disgorgement order, which directs that defendants pay nearly half a billion dollars to the State of New York, is an excessive fine that violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, one of the judges, Peter Moulton, wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outcome is an enormous blow to James, who has trumpeted the massive financial penalty and who campaigned for office on pursuing Trump. In a statement Thursday, James praised the appeals court for upholding the fraud case, saying it affirmed the well-supported finding of the trial court: Donald Trump, his company, and two of his children are liable for fraud. It should not be lost to history: yet another court has ruled that the president violated the law, and that our case has merit, she said. The office said it would appeal to New Yorks highest court. On social media, Trump called the outcome a total victory. It was a Political Witch Hunt, in a business sense, the likes of which no one has ever seen before, he wrote. Alina Habba, who represented Trump at trial, said the decision was a resounding victory. Habba, who is now the acting New Jersey U.S. attorney, added that the Attorney Generals case was politically motivated, legally baseless, and grossly excessive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2024, a Manhattan trial judge found that Trump and other defendants including his adult sons, Don Jr. and Eric, along with several business associates fraudulently inflated his net worth and the value of his real estate properties to obtain favorable rates from banks and insurers. The three-month trial proved contentious, with Trump repeatedly lashing out at James and the judge, Justice Arthur Engoron, and earning himself a gag order as well as two fines for violating it. At the time Engoron issued the judgment, which was $464 million, it posed a serious financial threat to Trump, who was then engaged in his campaign to win back the White House for a second term. Trump said in court filings then that posting a bond for the full amount would be impossible, and James had threatened to begin collecting on the judgment, which could have included seizing his assets. At the last moment, however, a panel of state appeals judges gave Trump a reprieve by lowering the amountof the bond he could post to stop enforcement of the judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the time since the judgment was first issued, the total amount plus interest ballooned to more than half a billion dollars. Though the decision to throw out the massive judgment against Trump was unexpected, the judges signaled during oral arguments nearly a year ago that they had serious questionsabout the legitimacy of the case. In fact, they could hardly agree on a ruling., with Moultons opinion throwing out the financial penalty and declining to overturn the case was joined by one other vote from Justice Dianne Renwick, the chief judge. Two other judges, John Higgitt and Llinet Rosado, said James had the authority to bring the case but argued for giving Trump a new trial. And the fifth judge, Justice David Friedman, argued to throw out the case, saying James lacked the authority to bring it. Higgitt and Rosado, however, joined the opinion written by Moulton for the sole purpose of ensuring finality, thereby affording the parties a path for appeal to the Court of Appeals. By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) -New Zealand is facing the toughest national security challenges of recent times with increasing threats of foreign interference and espionage, particularly from China, according to an intelligence report released on Thursday. The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS) report said there was almost certainly undetected espionage activity harming the country's interests and that foreign states continue to target critical organisations, infrastructure and technology to steal sensitive information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states, including China, Russia and Iran, are willing to engage in covert or deceptive activity in order to influence discussions and decisions, or gain access to technology and information that can help them meet these goals ... New Zealand has been targeted by some of these activities, the report said. China was a particularly "assertive and powerful" actor in the region and had demonstrated both a willingness and capability to undertake intelligence activity that targets New Zealands national interests, it added. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand said in an email that the content of the report was entirely "unsubstantiated and groundless, saturated with ideological bias and a Cold War mentality." They added that China is willing to continue to regard New Zealand as a friend and partner, but in the face of "groundless attacks", it would, when necessary, "take firm measures to safeguard our legitimate interests". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a regular news briefing, Mao Ning, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, accused New Zealand's intelligence and security agencies of "repeatedly spreading rumours" in recent years. "China strongly opposes this," she said, urging New Zealand to focus on actions in favour of the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. The report, titled New Zealands Security Threat Environment, is released annually as part of a government shift to better inform New Zealanders about risks the country is facing. The country, part of the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance, has increasingly amped up its rhetoric over the growing influence of China in the region and a rise in geopolitical tensions, and on Thursday said it would spend NZ$2.7 billion ($1.6 billion) to beef up its defence force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Director-General of Security Andrew Hampton said the threats need to be taken much more seriously than they are currently. Our threat environment is deteriorating and that has a direct impact on our safety and security, he said in a statement released alongside the report. The report also pointed to the growing threat of violent extremism and said the most plausible attack scenario remains a lone actor who has been radicalised online. Grievances and polarising issues in the online information space are almost certainly driving support for a range of violent extremist ideologies within New Zealand, the report noted. ($1 = 1.7170 New Zealand dollars) (Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Additional reporting by Xiuhao Chen in Beijing; Editing by Sonali Paul and Christian Schmollinger) SYDNEY (Reuters) -New Zealand said on Thursday it would spend NZ$2.7 billion ($1.6 billion) to buy five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the first major investment following a decision to replace the country's aging defence fleet. NZ$2 billion will be used to buy the maritime helicopters, manufactured by Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky unit, and NZ$700 million for the A321XLRs, Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a joint statement. Both investments are part of the planned commitments outlined in April in the government's Defence Capability Plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Zealand in April pledged to boost its defence spending by NZ$9 billion over the next four years, and aim to nearly double spending to 2% as a share of GDP in the next eight years as part of the Defence Capability Plan. "We will now move at pace to procure helicopters directly through the United States' Foreign Military Sales programme instead of going to a wider tender, with cabinet expected to consider the final business case next year," Collins said. The two new Airbus aircraft, set to replace the Boeing 757 planes, will be acquired on a six-year lease-to-buy arrangement. The New Zealand Defence Force's two 757s are more than 30 years old and their age has made them increasingly unreliable, breaking down several times and stranding the nation's leaders, forcing them to take commercial flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This decision will ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet," Collins said. The government's investment decisions showed it was responding to "the sharply deteriorating security environment," Peters said. "Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity," he added. An intelligence report released on Thursday said New Zealand was facing the toughest national security challenges of recent times with increasing threats of foreign interference and espionage, particularly from China. ($1 = 1.7170 New Zealand dollars) (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry) WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) New Zealand 's government announced new military spending Thursday of 2.7 billion New Zealand dollars ($1.6 billion) to replace aging aircraft, including helicopters it plans to purchase from the United States, senior officials said. Cabinet ministers unveiling the package cited rapidly growing global tensions and a deteriorating security environment. New Zealands military spending has trailed that of its larger partners in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing group of countries which includes the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia and the bolstered budget reflects a shift in how the remote island nation is responding to strategic competition among major powers in the Pacific Ocean. We face the most challenging strategic circumstances in New Zealands modern history and certainly the worst that anyone today working in politics or foreign affairs can remember, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who entered Parliament in 1979, told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purchase of military planes and helicopters was the first procurement announced in a government plan, disclosed in April, to double defense spending from 1% to 2% of GDP in the next decade. The package includes five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to replace the existing maritime fleet and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, allowing the retirement of Boeing 757s that are more than 30 years old and were already secondhand when purchased. The helicopters accounted for more than NZ $2 billion of the spending, officials said. Defense Minister Judith Collins said her government would move at pace to procure the helicopters directly through the United States' foreign military sales program instead of going to a wider tender. Cabinet ministers were expected to consider the final business case in 2026, she told reporters in Wellington on Thursday. It would take a few years to acquire the helicopters, Collins added, because buying new meant New Zealand would need to wait in line. She denied the choice to buy from the United States was an attempt to rectify the trade imbalance that has seen New Zealand goods targeted for an adjusted 15% levy when arriving in the U.S. under the Trump administration's global tariffs plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins said she didn't know whether New Zealand's trade minister would seek to use the purchase as leverage when making a case for lower tariffs to U.S. officials. The same helicopters were used by Australia, the U.S. and seven other countries, she said. The leaders of New Zealand and neighboring Australia this month pledged closer military ties as they are increasingly confronted by great power competition, particularly the rise of China's influence, in the South Pacific Ocean. The region was once neglected by other Western nations, an attitude that has reversed sharply in recent years as the extent of Beijing's attempts to vie for sway with Pacific leaders has become more apparent. That's proved a challenge for leaders in New Zealand, where use of military ships and aircraft has often been primarily in humanitarian and disaster situations. It has also required a fresh sales pitch on military budgets to a country of 5 million people where the need for defense spending in a remote country with few enemies has traditionally been a difficult sell. Distance no longer provides New Zealand the protection it once did, Collins said. And defense is not something that can be mothballed until you need it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aging Boeing aircraft have frequently broken down while transporting New Zealand prime ministers abroad in recent years and now can only be flown short distances. The episodes are among an awkward string of incidents that have highlighted the rundown state of the countrys military hardware and persistent difficulties in maintaining it due to recruitment shortfalls. The maritime helicopters New Zealand will retire are Seasprites made by American aerospace firm Kaman. New Zealand's spy service warned Thursday that China is the most active power engaging in foreign interference in the country, sparking a sharp rebuke from Beijing. New Zealand faces the "most challenging national security environment of recent times", the country's intelligence agency said in an annual risk assessment. Key drivers of the deteriorating threat environment were less stable relationships between states, deepening polarisation and growing grievances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though several states seek to manipulate New Zealand's government and society, China remains the "most active", the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service said. China's embassy in Wellington accused the agency of sowing suspicion and "poisoning the two countries' relations". "The accusations sound very familiar as they rehash smears and slanders fabricated elsewhere, repackaged for the New Zealand audience," an embassy spokesperson said. "We have regarded, and are willing to continue to regard New Zealand as a friend and partner. But the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations depends on the joint efforts from both sides." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Zealand's spy agency specifically accused China's United Front Work Department of engaging in foreign interference to build influence outside of China. - 'Deceptive, coercive' - Not all of its activity amounted to foreign interference, and some could be beneficial, it said. "However, its activities are regularly deceptive, coercive and corruptive and come with risks for New Zealand organisations." The agency cautioned New Zealand businesses that under China's national security legislation, individuals and organisations in China must comply with requests from the country's security services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indo-Pacific region is a focal point for strategic competition between powers, the security service said. China is a "particularly assertive and powerful actor", seeking to extend and embed its influence across the region, the report said. "It has demonstrated both a willingness and capability to undertake intelligence activity that targets New Zealand's national interests." Without naming countries, the intelligence service highlighted the routine use of "transnational repression" by foreign states, often by co-opting people to collect information about someone within their own diaspora living in New Zealand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking at other risks, the agency said the most plausible extremist threat in New Zealand remained that of a lone actor, radicalised in an increasingly polarised, grievance-laden online world, who attacks without forewarning. Young and vulnerable people were at the highest risk of radicalisation, it said. - Undetected espionage - The intelligence organisation said it was "almost certain" that some foreign espionage activity was going undetected. Foreign countries were targeting critical organisations, infrastructure and technology -- mostly through cyber exploitation, it said. "It is not just intelligence officers conducting this activity," the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some governments take a 'whole of state approach' to intelligence gathering, which includes utilising businesses, universities, think tanks, or cyber actors to act on their behalf." Global competition and insecurity drive most of the espionage activity against New Zealand, it said. The service cited "multiple examples" of states seeking covert access to information on government policy positions, security partnerships, technological innovations and research. djw/sft/lec/cwl KYIV (Reuters) -A Russian attack on an American civilian enterprise in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region injured 15 people, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday. "So far, there has been no signal from Moscow that they are really going to engage in meaningful negotiations and end this war," Zelenskiy wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "Pressure is needed. Strong sanctions, strong tariffs." (Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko, Editing by William Maclean) Ukraine must move beyond defending against Russian attacks and go on the offensive to put "pressure on Russia," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday. "This war must end, we must put pressure on Russia," he said in his evening video address. Russian President Vladimir Putin understands "nothing but power and pressure," he said. The comments came after US President Donald Trump, who has been seeking to end the conflict, posted on his Truth Social platform that "It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invaders [sic] country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiev launched a major surprise counteroffensive into the Russian region of Kursk last year, but the assault eventually collapsed due to deeply entrenched Russian defences. Ukrainian forces have launched counterattacks in recent days, including in the north-eastern Sumy region and near the eastern city of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian offensive The transport hub in Donetsk province has once again been the scene of heavy fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops. By early Thursday evening, a total of 24 armed clashes had been reported to the general staff in Kiev, according to a statement posted on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, this time it was not the Russians but the Ukrainians who went on the offensive, army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi posted on Telegram, adding that six settlements were recaptured. "Despite the enemy's numerical superiority, the units of the Armed Forces and National Guard of Ukraine are fulfilling their tasks with honour," he wrote. "As a result of successful strike and search operations, six towns have been cleared and hundreds of Russian occupiers have been annihilated." The information could not be independently verified. A few days ago, the Ukrainian military reinforced its troops around Pokrovsk to stop the steadily advancing Russian units. The city has already been largely destroyed in months of heavy fighting. Diplomatic push In addition to the military operations, Ukraine also wants to maintain diplomatic efforts to find ways to negotiate and achieve peace, Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military leadership is in contact with foreign partners in order to work on the military component of the security guarantees for Ukraine. Kiev's European partners want to secure Ukraine with a troop presence following a peace agreement, but Russia has presented different proposals. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the permanent members of the UN Security Council, including Russia, should instead guarantee peace. As Russia could block a deployment at any time, this option is out of the question for Kiev. While diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue, Russia launched another heavy wave of rockets and drone attacks on Ukraine overnight. If Russian President Vladimir Putin "is not ready" for a one-on-one meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine expects the U.S. to respond with tougher measures, Zelensky said during a meeting with journalists on Aug. 20. "We are ready for the bilateral meeting. If the Russians are not, then we would like to see a strong response from the United States," Zelensky said, adding that he asked Trump to impose additional sanctions on Moscow if it rejects talks with Ukraine. 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 Zelensky said that within the next 7 to 10 days, Ukraine expects to gain clarity on the "architecture" of NATO's "Article 5-like" security guarantees that the West can provide as part of the ongoing peace effort, including how each country's commitment. After this, he said, U.S. President Donald Trump expects that a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin should take place within "one to two weeks." If that meeting yields results, a trilateral summit involving Trump could follow. "We need this meeting. Weve taken a step forward, and now they (Russia) must do something to show they truly want to end the war, as they have claimed," Zelensky added. Bloomberg reported on Aug. 19 that a package of security guarantees for Ukraine might be finalized this week. European officials have reportedly discussed sending British and French troops to Ukraine, along with contingents from roughly 10 other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin has dismissed these security proposals, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying on Aug. 20 that Russia must be involved in providing Ukraine with security guarantees. Following a bilateral meeting with Trump in Alaska, which didn't yield any peace or ceasefire agreement, Putin returned without facing the sanctions Trump had long threatened but hadn't enforced. Talk preparations are being led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. Zelensky named Switzerland, Austria, and Turkey as potential hosts for the talks. As for Hungary, he said it would be "not easy," given Budapests opposition to supporting Ukraine during the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, Zelensky said that Trump will work with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to persuade Budapest to stop blocking Ukraines path to European Union membership. 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: Massive Russian drone, missile attack kills 1, injures 14 in Ukrainian cities far from front line despite peace talks Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he had asked his American counterpart, Donald Trump, to influence Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban so that he would not block Ukraines accession to the European Union. Source: Zelenskyy during a conversation with journalists; Ukrinform; European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy said that he asked Trump to ensure that Budapest would not block Ukraines accession to the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Trump promised that his team would work on it," the Ukrainian president said. He emphasised that Ukraines aspiration to become a member of the EU is its sovereign right, which is supported, in particular, by the United States. "I believe it is absolutely fair that Ukraine wants to join the European Union. It has every right to do so. This is our sovereign right. And here, America will support us. This is also very important. And as far as I understand, the relevant signals from the White House will be sent to Budapest," he said. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy noted that the current policy of Budapest is "against us becoming members of the EU." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They openly say so. But Ukraine deserves its independence and to be a member of the European Union. We have defended our independence, that is a fact, and everyone recognises it. And we want a just end to the war, we want to understand when we will be in the European Union, we want to have security guarantees," the Ukrainian president added. Background: On 19 August, the media reported that Trump had called Orban after the talks at the White House on 18 August to ask why he was blocking Ukraines EU accession negotiations. Orban himself did not publicly comment on his conversation with the US president, but on 19 August, he opposed linking Ukraines EU membership with security guarantees for the country. Meanwhile, on 21 August, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto categorically denied the information about Trumps call to Orban. "I want to state clearly that there was no such call. There was none. Period," he said. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that his potential bilateral meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin should take place in neutral Europe, and he is also not opposed to Turkiye. Source: Interfax-Ukraine, citing Zelenskyys statement during a conversation with journalists on 20 August Quote from Zelenskyy: "The place of the meeting. We believe that it is fair, and the Europeans have also emphasised this, that the meeting should be in neutral Europe. Because the war is in Ukraine and on the European continent. I said that we agree. Switzerland, Austria we agree." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: He also added that Ukraine is not against holding the meeting in Turkiye, since it is a NATO country and "part of Europe". Zelenskyy noted that "a meeting without any special conditions is also a proactive step by the Ukrainian side." Meanwhile, Zelenskyy stressed that a meeting in Moscow is out of the question. Speaking about Budapest as a possible venue, the president noted that "for now, this is not easy," since Hungary opposes supporting Ukraine during the war. "It is not easy, because all European countries are united in supporting Ukraine during this war. And frankly speaking, Budapest has not supported us. I am not saying that Orbans policy has been against Ukraine, but it has been against supporting Ukraine," said Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russias economy is heading towards decline, and its leadership is already considering how to end the war in a way that can be presented domestically as a victory. Source: Interfax-Ukraine with reference to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting with journalists on 20 August Quote: "Things are not as bad on the battlefield as Russia describes. The situation is difficult, complicated. He [Putin] has far more troops thats a fact. More weapons thats a fact. But his economy is cracking thats also a fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decline of their economy will continue. He understands this. I think in a year he will face serious problems, and in two years much greater ones. Thats why, I believe, they are thinking about how to end the war, but in a way they can present as some kind of victory for themselves." Details: Zelenskyy said that Russia had devised its notion of "victory" as being Ukraines withdrawal from Donbas. "I think thats what they have invented as their victory something they want to sell to their own people," the president explained. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he would be "happy" if Ukraine could hold elections in the near future. Source: Zelenskyy at a meeting with journalists on 20 August, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine Quote: "I would be satisfied if we were to hold elections already. That would let us close this topic, because it brings nothing but turmoil, political calls, posters and so on." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The president added that he has one request for all those eager to discuss the issue: "The main thing is that they let me get this war over with, and not fracture the country before that." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasised that there is no alternative to putting pressure on Russia and announced that new diplomatic efforts are being made to end the war with Russia. Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address Quote: "Right now, the signals coming from Russia are, to be honest, simply obscene. They're trying to wriggle out of the need to hold a meeting. They don't want to end this war, they're continuing to carry out large-scale attacks on Ukraine and fierce assaults on the front line. On top of that, they've launched missiles on a US-owned plant as on many other civilian targets." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Zelenskyy stressed that he views Russias attack on a US-owned plant in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia Oblast, as a targeted strike on American property and US investments. Quote: "We expect a principled response from our partners. This war must be brought to an end. Pressure must be applied to Russia so that the war ends. Putin understands nothing but strength and pressure. Of course, we are doing and will continue to do everything necessary to defend our state and defend our people. The president of the United States of America is absolutely right in saying that this must be done not only in defence. But at the same time, we are not slackening our efforts in diplomacy, in all our engagements with partners, so that talks do take place and so that they are talks that can bring peace closer. The national security advisers are working on this they had a conversation yesterday, there's also been a lot of communication today... Now, every day is adding contours to the future security architecture for Ukraine. Weapons, funding, interaction with our partners, boots on the ground, in the air and at sea. And every day, our partners will take new steps in support of Ukraine I will have a lot of diplomatic work." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Three endangered red panda cubs have been welcomed at a zoo in south-west Wales. The species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, and red panda numbers continue to decline due to deforestation, hunting and diseases spread from domestic dogs and cats, said Kim Wilkins, head keeper at the zoo. The three cubs were born to Betty and Barney who had been paired up as part of the European endangered species program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Wilkins said these cubs were "crucial" to the continuation of the species. Red panda numbers continue to decline due to deforestation, hunting and diseases spread from domestic dogs and cats [Megan Lee] According to the WWF, red pandas are not closely related to giant pandas - often considered the real panda. The red panda falls under a unique taxonomic group called ailuridae, sharing common traits with mustelids, which includes racoons, weasels and skunks. Giant pandas are classified under a separate, distant taxonomic family of bears called ursidae. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Wilkins said staff were "keeping a watchful eye over mum and cubs, and all are doing very well". The cubs are just over six weeks old and are starting to develop the more striking markings of their parents, she said. "They are still too young for the staff to risk disturbing them so it's not known if the cubs are male or female yet. "They are still being fed milk from mum and will do for the next few weeks and then Betty will reduce the amount of trip to the cubs, encouraging them to come out of the nest and start eating solid food." She said that the cubs will go to other accredited facilities to continue the ongoing captive breeding effort for red pandas when they are old enough. Eleven days after President Trump ordered 800 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., to crack down on what he described as crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor in the nations capital, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has now authorized them to start carrying firearms. "At the direction of the Secretary of Defense, [joint task force D.C.] members supporting the mission to lower the crime rate in our Nations capital will soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons, consistent with their mission and training, a defense official told ABC News in a statement. The new authority is expected to be acted on in the coming days a move that "paves the way for the nearly 2,000 troops now mobilized in the nation's capital to expand their operations significantly, including possible security patrols in neighborhoods that struggle with crime," ABC News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Army and the Pentagon had said last week that Guard members would not be carrying weapons and making arrests. On Thursday evening, Trump paid troops and other federal agents a personal visit to praise their efforts and deliver burgers and pizza. We've had some incredible results that have come out, and it's like a different place, Trump said at the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility in Southeast D.C. It's like a different city. It's the capital. It's going to be the best in the world." Trump also urged the group to be strong and tough. Whatever it takes to do your job, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, the president implied that he would be patrolling the citys streets with law enforcement, but he returned to the White House immediately after the brief event. Im going to be going out tonight with the police and with the military, of course, the president had told conservative talk show host Todd Starnes. Either way, the administration's moves on Thursday and Friday have drawn attention to the events of the past week and a half and raised questions about whether Trumps push to impose federal control over the city is working to reduce crime. To catch up, here are the latest beats in this developing story. Taking over the D.C. police sort of By invoking Section 740 of the Home Rule Act and unilaterally declaring an emergency Trump was able to take control of D.C.s Metropolitan Police Department last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people, he claimed. And we're not going to let it happen anymore. But when Attorney General Pam Bondi tried to replace current D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith with an emergency police commissioner" in the form of Drug Enforcement Administration chief Terry Cole, D.C.'s attorney general sued to block the move. If effectuated, the Bondi Order would upend the command structure of MPD, endangering the safety of the public and law enforcement officers alike," Smith wrote in a declaration filed in the suit. "In my nearly three decades in law enforcement, I have never seen a single government action that would cause a greater threat to law and order than this dangerous directive." On Friday, a federal judge effectively sided with D.C., saying that while Mayor Muriel Bowser must follow White House directives, the Home Rule Act does not grant the administration full control of the police force. As a result, Cole has been reduced to serving as an intermediary between the administration and the MPD and Smith is still in charge of D.C.s police. Boots on the ground No one is debating who commands the D.C. National Guard: the president, according to the Code of the District of Columbia. So theres been no legal pushback to Trump mobilizing an estimated 800 D.C. Guard members, some armed, to patrol the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same goes for the 500 federal law enforcement agents hes deployed from agencies such as the FBI. Over the last week, armoured vehicles have lined up near monuments and other tourist sites, and drivers have been stopped on a popular nightlife corridor, according to the BBC. Helicopters from the police force for the national park system have swept through the sky. And reinforcements have started to arrive. Responding to a Trump administration request, six Republican-led states West Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Ohio and Tennessee are sending more than 1,100 National Guard troops to join their D.C. counterparts. A focus on immigration In addition to trying to install an emergency police commissioner, Bondi has also sought to end D.C. policies that prohibit local police from collaborating with federal immigration authorities and arresting residents solely for being in the country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That issue is still being contested in court but the same federal judge who blocked the Trump administrations total MPD takeover last week is allowing the White House to use city police for immigration enforcement (for now). The upshot is that so far, reports suggest that federal authorities have focused more on detaining immigrants and clearing homeless encampments than on fighting violent crime. Checkpoints are becoming increasingly common. Since Aug. 7, when Trump began surging federal agents into the city, 630 people have been arrested, according to the White House 251 of whom were in the country illegally. Thats a rate of 40%. Only about 5% of D.C. residents are undocumented immigrants, according to a recent Pew estimate. Were finding these criminally illegal aliens, and at the first opportunity were picking them up, and were sending them out of the country, deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller told Fox News on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also suggested that if his approach works in D.C., he might export it elsewhere in the future. We're going to take back our capital," the president said last week. "And then we'll look at other cities also. Questions about crime stats Increasingly, Bowser has been questioning Trumps motives, noting that while D.C.s violent crime rate rose to historic levels in 2023 and remains a concern for many residents, it has fallen substantially over the past two years, as is true in most major U.S. cities, according to police data cited by the Justice Department. Our police department has been consistently precipitously driving down crime, she said at a news conference on Thursday, calling the departments work effective. Bowser then added that Bondis orders almost exclusively focused on immigration enforcement and homeless encampment enforcement, rather than crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill let you draw your own conclusions, Bowser said. In response, the White House has questioned D.C.s crime stats. On Monday, Trump accused the district of releasing Fake Crime numbers in order to create a false illusion of safety; the following day, Fox News and other outlets reported that the Department of Justice is actively investigating claims that the MPD manipulated crime data to publish more favorable stats. This isnt the first time such accusations have been leveled. In May, the city placed a police commander on leave to investigate whether he was manipulating crime data, and the head of D.C.s police union has cast doubt on official numbers. But so far, theres no evidence of systemic or widespread tampering, and D.C.s data aligns with national trends. According to the Associated Press, the average number of people arrested each day in Washington has increased by about 20% during the first 10 days of Trumps federal takeover. Shortly after the Texas House of Representatives finally approved its redistricting plan following weeks of delays, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott proposed legislation that would strictly limit the kinds of walkouts that Democrats used to hold up the bill in the future. The Texas Legislature is currently holding a special session to consider a long list of bills in addition to the redistricting plan, which needs to be approved one more time by the state Senate before it can be signed into law. Abbott has added the new restrictions on walkouts to their agenda for the rest of the session. We need to ensure that rogue lawmakers cannot hijack the important business of Texans during a legislative session by fleeing the state, he wrote in a statement announcing the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The redistricting plan, which would redraw the lines of Texass congressional districts to potentially secure the GOP five more seats in Congress in next years midterms, appeared to be on an easy path toward passage early this month until dozens of Democrats fled the state to block the Republican-dominated Legislature from being able to meet. The walkout successfully prevented Republicans from holding a vote on the plan for roughly two weeks. Each of the Democrats was fined $500 a day during their absence. Abbott also threatened to have them removed from office, and civil warrants were issued for their arrest. The Democrats eventually chose to return to Texas in order to lay the groundwork for a legal challenge they plan to mount against the new maps. Their presence allowed the House to meet and approve the proposal. What would the new rules do? The bill would create new penalties for excessive absence by lawmakers. If it becomes law, any member of the Texas House or Senate who misses seven consecutive days of legislative proceedings, without being granted a leave of absence, would lose their seat in the Legislature. Walkouts would still be possible under the proposed rules, but they could only last for so long before any absent lawmakers would be booted from their seats. Under current rules, walkouts can last as long as absent members are able to remain out of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new restrictions would go into effect immediately if theyre passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of the state Legislature. In the more likely event that they pass with a simple majority, they will go into effect 90 days after the special session ends. Where does the redistricting battle go from here? Once Texass new map is signed into law, the fight will shift to the courts. Democrats argue that the GOPs district lines violate laws against racial gerrymandering. Republicans counter that the map was drawn purely for political reasons, which is legal under current Supreme Court precedent. Another thing the Democrats accomplished with their walkout was turning redistricting into a national issue. California has started the process of redrawing its own maps specifically to counter any gains the GOP makes through redistricting in Texas. Democrats in a few other blue states, most notably New York and Illinois, have considered whether they too should enact new district lines. Republicans also have their eyes on potential seats elsewhere in the country. GOP leaders in Ohio, Missouri, Indiana and Florida have all said they could consider trying to get new maps in place ahead of next years midterms. Any tips should be sent directly to Alexander Banks through email at abanks@yakimaherald.com, or by phone at 509-577-7654. Alexander Banks reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and Yakima community members. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. To support local journalism, click here. A view of the Milky Way arching over Joshua trees at a park campground popular among stargazers in Joshua Tree National Park in this July 26, 2017, image. A Yakima County Juvenile Justice Center inmate uses a virtual reality welding tool on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, as part of a presentation about apprenticeship opportunities in the sheet metal industry. This year, Hungary's birthday is also raising hopes of the rebirth of the country, and "the wish to found our country anew is awakened in many of us," Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony said on Facebook. Chances of change were bolstered by many factors, "including the wish to restore lost equality before the law, the rule of law and democracy". "We must create a community amid our inevitable diversity and disagreement where human dignity and our right to self-determination is represented as strongly as possible. The state has -- or should have -- a special role in that," he said. Re-thinking the Hungarian state must be based on the protection of human rights and respect for human dignity, he said. At the same time, Karacsony said: "We must not forget that our love of the country must be bigger than our disdain for the power trampling on it. Change is worthy of support only if it aims for a country that is a home for everyone." He said change must come with a new constitution: "Today's Fundamental Law is protecting the powers that be from citizens" while a constitution should do the opposite, he said. That constitution should be supported by a referendum, he added. "By August 20 next year, we may see whether we will be free citizens or oppressed subjects of a state that should exist for all of us, rather than for those in power," Karacsony said. Meanwhile, Magyar said on August 20th: 'Love your country, build tomorrow' "Love your country and build tomorrow," opposition Tisza Party leader Peter Magyar said at an event marking the August 20 national holiday where a ten-point party programme dubbed Saint Stephen Programme was announced. Magyar said in Pannonhalma, in western Hungary, that a country stands on is firmly grounded if it is characterised by "peace in souls, order in law and work and dignity in everyday life". Throughout history, Hungarians had always managed to "stand up, shake the dust off and start anew because the command of Saint Stephen to build, keep order and stay a part of Europe was ingrained in us". Magyar said that "our population is on the decline, our villages are becoming empty, and our health is more fragile than our neighbours'". "The waiting lists are longer than what our patience can tolerate... our education has been stuck in the mid-field ... there are problems and shortages with water ... the air is being filled with slow-killing poison". At the same time, "those in power are only concerned with themselves instead of serving the nation", he said. "Whispered promises from the east suggest that it is easier to accept compromise than to remain standing," he added. Magyar said the party was announcing its ten-point programme not only for four years but for the length of a generation. First, he said the demographic decline would be stopped by 2030 and the number of Hungarians would return to over 10 million by 2050. Second, life expectancy of Hungarians will increase to at least 80 by the year 2035. The third point is that the mass exodus of Hungarians will be stopped by 2030, and a new programme dubbed Your country is waiting for you will aim to increase the number of Hungarians returning to the country by 200,000 over eight years. Fourth, the Tisza government will offer 1 billion forints (EUR 25.3) for community development for every ten village, he said. Further, a "21st century super hospital" will be built in every region, and district medical facilities and the ambulance service will be strengthened. In the sixth point, Hungary will return to the top league of central Europe by 2035, and in line wit the seventh point the proportion of renewable energy will be doubled by 2040, and Hungary's dependence on Russian energy will be discontinued by 2030, he said. In line with the eighth point, the critical drought situation will be addressed immediately, and in line with the ninth point, air pollution will be reduced to below the healthy threshold for 90 percent of the time, he added. In line with the tenth point of the Saint Stephen Programme, local governments will get back their freedom, independence, powers and resources, Magyar said. Ruling Fidesz group leader Mate Kocsis said that Tisza Party's leader had been "talking a lot of nonsense" at a national holiday event in Pannonhalma. Kocsis said on Facebook that there was not much more Magyar could do considering that "his real programme will be written in Brussels by those that pay him:" Manfred Weber es Ursula von der Leyen. " "Peter Magyar is only a puppet who will have to act in a servile manner and fulfil the migration pact, represent the pro-war policies and all the other dictates by Brussels. But he forgot to talk about those," Kocsis added. 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. From September 11 to 14, you are invited to one of Hungarys most iconic events, the Budapest Wine Festival, a true celebration of wine culture, elegance, and gastronomy for over three decades. Set within the historic walls of the Buda Castle, the festival offers a unique atmosphere, a powerful sense of community, and an unforgettable meeting of past and present, must-attend for every wine enthusiast. Say farewell to summer in style with fine wines, breathtaking Danube sunsets, great company, and a rich blend of flavors. Expect a masterfully curated gastronomic selection and sophisticated wines from Hungary and beyond. More: Budapest Wine Festival ********************************* 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. With some places in Patna inundated following the floods, the threat of a dengue epidemic looms large over the region. In the state capital, which was worst-affected by the heavy downpour, at least 1,410 patients have been tested positive for dengue. Prominent US economist Jeffrey Sachs on Thursday strongly criticised President Donald Trumps decision to impose steep punitive tariffs on India, calling it one of the worst blunders in American foreign policy. Over 1.38 lakh students are enrolled in 479 functional Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across India, Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram informed the Lok Sabha. With 728 schools approved in total, the government is working to expand access, improve infrastructure, and introduce vocational courses to support tribal students education and future employability. Scroll down to read more. A day after Gov. Jim Pillen announced Tuesday that he will allow the Trump administration to use a state prison in southwestern Nebraska as America's latest immigration detention center, he appeared Wednesday on Fox News's "America's Newsroom" to tout the facility the federal government has dubbed the "Cornhusker Clink." The show's host, Bill Melugin, began the segment with Pillen with two questions: "When's it gonna be up and running, and who's it going to be housing there?" In response, the governor said his decision to transfer more than 180 inmates from Nebraska's 200-bed state prison in McCook was in response to President Donald Trump's call to governors to "step up and do their part" to carry out his immigration agenda. Pillen said he was proud of Nebraska's Department of Correctional Services, the State Patrol and the Nebraska National Guard for each agency's role in the move. He said the McCook prison is "a great spot" to house immigrants and "keep us safe." He recalled his own trips to the U.S.-Mexico border, where he said it was evidence that "bad people ... have been allowed to come across the last four years. "They're in our communities," Pillen said. "It's important we get the criminals out and we get them removed. We're really, really proud to be able to do our share." In his 70-second response to Melugin's questions, the governor did not answer either of them. In his Fox News interview Wednesday and a pair of news conferences Pillen and other state officials held Tuesday to unveil the detention center, the governor and members of his cabinet have left numerous questions unanswered and have sometimes offered contradictory answers about the facility adding to criticism of the project that was immediately denounced by progressives and civil rights groups. "There is a lack of transparency here," Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, who had filed a public records request seeking Pillen's office's communications with federal officials earlier this month, said in a social media post Tuesday. Here's what we know and still don't about the ICE detention center coming soon to Nebraska. Where will the detention center be? The governor said Tuesday that Nebraska will allow ICE to utilize an existing state prison in McCook, known as the Work Ethic Camp, to detain immigrants as they await deportation. The facility, in Red Willow County, is 230 miles west of Lincoln and about 18 miles north of the Kansas border. When will it open? Both Pillen and Rob Jeffreys, the director of Nebraska's prison system, have declined to provide a timeline for when the federal detention center will be up and running. Jeffreys said at a Tuesday news conference he did "not want to get baked into a timeline" for how quickly the facility will open. In an email Wednesday, a spokeswoman for Nebraska's prison system said the state and feds haven't determined an opening date. Jeffreys said Nebraska will first have to transfer 186 inmates from the Work Ethic Camp to other prisons across the state. Nebraska's prison was already among the most overcrowded in the country before a storm earlier this month damaged two housing units at a Lincoln prison, forcing the state to relocate hundreds of inmates. Jeffreys indicated Tuesday that those two housing units would have to undergo a month of repairs into September, suggesting the ICE center won't be open until sometime late next month at the earliest. Who will be housed at the ICE center when it opens? A minimum-security prison originally designed to house about 100 inmates in dorm-style housing, the facility will be used to house up to 280 ICE detainees awaiting deportation or other court proceedings. Pillen said Tuesday "violent criminals" will not be housed at the McCook center. The spokeswoman for the prison system said Wednesday only "Level 1" detainees those who have no prior felony convictions that included an act of physical violence will be housed at the center. The spokeswoman said that threshold will be outlined in Nebraska's contract with the federal government, though the state has not yet signed one. How much will this cost Nebraska? The short answer, according to state and federal officials, is nothing. In a social media post Wednesday, Homeland Security said the funding for the facility was included in Trump's domestic policy bill that Republicans passed last month. Jeffreys said Tuesday the new detention center will continue to be staffed by state employees, but they will be paid through the federal government. The move could actually save the state money by shifting the cost of running the facility, which employs about 80 people and houses 186 inmates, onto the federal government. But that does not take into account the cost the state will incur to transfer and incarcerate the state inmates at the Work Ethic Camp at other state prisons. The prison system's spokesperson said Corrections doesn't anticipate additional expenses other than transportation costs. Will this affect workers' union contract? State employees who staff the Work Ethic Camp and who will soon staff the Cornhusker Clink are covered by the state's contract with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88 that runs through June 2027. Reached by phone Wednesday, the lodge's president, Jay Wilson, said the union was "as surprised as everybody else" by the state's plan to hand over the prison to ICE. But he said the union has "no problem" with the plan because "we support the federal government 100%." Wilson said it was "awesome news" that the feds planned to retain the state employees. And he suggested ICE may hire more workers to staff the detention center or build another housing unit, since it's expected to hold more federal detainees than it does state inmates. "As long as they keep our staff there, everything's gonna be good," Wilson said. Richard Ashcroft says Liam Gallagher has been "so disciplined" on the Oasis Live '25 tour that he hasn't seen him backstage. Richard Ashcroft has 'so much respect' for Liam Gallagher's discipline on the Oasis reunion tour The former Verve frontman, 53, is currently supporting the Cigarettes and Alcohol rockers on their mega reunion trek and has a lot of "respect" for the rock 'n' roll star, who has curbed his partying ways and quit booze to ensure fans of the Britpop legends get what they paid for at their comeback shows. Speaking to Chris Evans on Virgin Radio, Ashcroft said: Ive only seen Liam on stage, and Ive got so much respect for that because every night is an opportunity to sort of celebrate in a way, but the guy has been so disciplined on this. I think the fans respect that, they can hear that, they can feel that. "Whatever hes doing, whatever his method is, is working, and Ive got 100 per cent respect for him. During the band's concert at Dublin's Croke Park this month, 52-year-old Liam made a joke about his sobriety in the party capital. He quipped: I think Im a Croke Park virgin! We havent played here before, have we? All I do know [is] this [is] the soberest Ive been in Ireland since I was about four or five or something like that. Ashcroft has interacted with guitarist Noel Gallagher, 58, at the shows, which kicked off at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on July 4. The Bittersweet Symphony hitmaker said of Noel: He seems to be in great spirits and in a good place, and enjoying it. I think it was quite overwhelming the first one, I think it passed a bit like a movie. It wasnt really a gig, it was beyond a gig that first Cardiff for them, it was surreal and probably overwhelming. On what it means to be sharing a stage with Oasis all these years later, Ashcroft said: Im just like a fan, I dont consider myself anything, Im just a fan of the band, and happy for them. Ive known these people for a long time, and its been a hell of a journey to get here. Noel recently gushed over how much he's loved being back onstage with his sibling after 16 years. He admitted he is "proud" of his formerly estranged brother and his performance on stage. Speaking for the first time since the tour started, Noel said on talkSPORT on Tuesday (19.08.25): Its great just to be back with Bonehead and Liam, and just be doing it again. I guess when its all set and done, Ill sit and reflect on it, but its great being back in a band with Liam. Id forgotten how funny he was. Asked by presenter Andy Goldstein about the strength of Liams vocals at the shows, Noel quipped: Its AI." He then added: "Liams smashing it, Im proud of him. Having been fronting a band for 16 years, I know how hard that is. "I couldnt do the stadium thing like he does it, its not in my nature, but Ive got to say, good for you, mate. Its been amazing. Noel has been left "completely blown away" by the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the Oasis gigs. He said: "Yeah, completely blown away. Everyone is. Its difficult to put it into words actually. Every night is the crowds first night, do you know what I mean? So every nights got that same energy to it. But its been truly amazing. Im not usually short for words, but I cant really articulate it. The Don't Look Back in Anger confessed he had "grossly underestimated" just how big the tour would be and his legs "turned to jelly" soon after stepping out onstage with his bandmates for the first time. He said: For me personally, I grossly underestimated what I was getting into. After about five minutes, I was like, alright, can I just go back to the dressing room and start this again? Ive done stadiums before and all that, but I dont mind telling you, my legs turned to jelly after about half-way through the second song. Its been an amazing thing, it really is an amazing thing. Channel 4 has defended the controversial Bonnie Blue documentary. Bonnie Blue 1000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story delved behind the headlines of the 26-year-old adult entertainer, who had sex with 1,057 men in 12 hours to smash the world record for most sexual partners in a day, as well as how she raked in millions because of her outrageous sexual stunts. Many viewers were outraged with the one-off special which followed Bonnie -real name Tia Billinger - conducting her pornographic work, but Channel 4 boss Ian Katz insists the show was justified because it explored how online porn is impacting younger generations. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Katz said: "With 1,000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story, in particular, it was about what porn is doing to the younger generation. "Bonnie Blue is already our biggest hit of the year." Ian dismissed the argument of the documentary being a "piece of titillation" because he claims the majority of people who watched were "women". He added: "And 60 per cent of the viewers were women, so the argument that it was a piece of titillation watched by dirty old men is dead in the water." Ian said Channel 4 wants to create shows that generate conversation and make society engage with topics that "others aren't". He added: "Our remit is to create meaningful discussion and prompt people to think about aspects of British life that others aren't engaging with." After 1000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story aired on July 29, many people slammed Channel 4 for including graphic sex scenes in the documentary. But Ian said the broadcaster had to "reach the parts other broadcasters don't". Also speaking about the hit Channel 4 series Virgin Island - which follows 12 adults who have not had sex go on an intimacy course at a plush Mediterranean retreat to see if it can help them tackle fears that may be holding them back - he added: "I don't think anyone would argue that that's a territory Channel 4 should not be going into. "We took two huge issues and created a really meaningful, intelligent, nuanced debate." Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation co-founder Corey Feist and physician advocate Kim Downey discuss their article, Health workers deserve care too: How to protect their mental health. They highlight the ongoing mental health crisis facing the health care workforce, where CDC data shows mental health is worse than in any other segment, yet only 38 percent of those in distress seek care. Kim shares personal anecdotes that reveal the immense pressure and stigma physicians face, while Corey outlines the systemic barriers that prevent healers from getting help. The conversation centers on the six crucial actions from their Health Workers Have The Right, Too initiative, providing a concrete roadmap for employers and policymakers. Corey and Kim argue for practical solutions like confidential peer support, the removal of invasive mental health questions on licensing applications, and accessible, affordable care that works for a 24/7 workforce. Their core message is clear: To ensure patient safety, we must first build a system that protects the well-being of our health care workers. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nations largest health care hiring network, were your partner in shaping health cares future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome back both Kim Downey and Corey Feist. Kim is a physical therapist and physician advocate. Corey is the co-founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. Together they co-wrote the KevinMD article, Health workers deserve care, too: How to protect their mental health. Kim and Corey, welcome to the show. Kim Downey: Thanks, Kevin. Kevin Pho: So Kim, how did you and Corey meet? Kim Downey: Sure. So if theres anyone who isnt familiar with me in these spaces, its because one of my amazing doctors took his own life, and I felt a calling to support doctors. And one thing Corey might not know is my very first public presentation on these things was a KevinMD article, a tribute to my radiologists. My first podcast ever was, again, a tribute to my radiologists. So Kevin, without planning on it, has followed me in this journey since the very beginning. A little over a year ago, I became a very proud ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. I have my pen. And this past March, they co-sponsored the Health Care Worker Wellbeing Day. I went in person, and my doctors wife actually came with me. In the morning of the event, I approached Corey. I think you might have heard my name but didnt really know me or my story. So I took a few minutes to tell him, and I offered to collaborate in any way I could to expand the message of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. He graciously offered to take me up on that. ADVERTISEMENT So I had him on my YouTube channel with Dr. Stephanie Simmons, the Chief Medical Officer for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. And then I suggested that we collaborate on an article for May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Thank you for publishing our article, and thats why were here today: to further spread these critical messages. Kevin Pho: And Kim, its just so wonderful to see your growth from that first podcast. Im glad that the KevinMD platform has played a very, very small role in your journey. And of course, now you have your own podcast and your book, congratulations on that. Youre such a prominent figure in this physician wellness space. I see you all over LinkedIn, so congratulations, Kim. Kim Downey: Well, thank you very much. And in case Corey doesnt know about our book, its called White Coats Courageous Hearts, and its a compilation with 15 physicians. Kevin wrote the beautiful endorsement on the back. So thank you, and Kevin, youve actually played a major part. So thank you very much. Kevin Pho: So Corey, I was looking back, and we last spoke in the fall of 2021. For those who arent familiar with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, just tell us a little bit about that, and then how have things gone over the last four years since we last spoke? Corey Feist: Yeah, I will summarize the last four years as succinctly as I can. Again, its great to be back with you, and Kim is an amazing ambassador of our foundation. I came to this, if you will, in 2021 as the then-CEO of the University of Virginia Physicians Group, having spent over two decades embedded inside health care, first as an attorney and then as a health care leader. I was working with and dedicated to the clinicians at the University of Virginia Health System, trying to identify how we could make their day-to-day experience clinically better and how to remove as much administrative burden from their shoulders so they could focus on patient care. In the spring of 2020, my sister-in-law, Dr. Lorna Breen, who was an emergency medicine physician and leader at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University, took her life. She took her life after a very short mental health episode. Shed never had any mental health conditions, but taking care of COVID patients and having been very sick with COVID herself compromised her. She died on April 26th. On the 27th, the publicity around her death began over our familys objection. So we were thrust into a national spotlight that we didnt want, and yet we couldnt ignore it because we began to hear from thousands and thousands of health workers around the country about their mental health challenges and how they are penalized by the culture and practices within health care just for taking care of themselves. And so we began the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation in the summer of 2020, really focused on responding to the feedback that we had heard as a family. Some of that feedback was from the clinicians I had dedicated my professional career to at the University of Virginia, who would say things like, If you look at my CV, theres a break and it says a fellowship, but really I needed inpatient hospitalization, and I couldnt risk telling anybody that because it would hurt my career. So our foundation began in earnest in the summer of 2020. Since that time, weve been on your podcast, Kevin, but we are really focusing on three main areas. From an overarching perspective, our foundation is focused on protecting health workers mental health and wellbeing by transforming the health care industry at the root because what we found is that, by and large, these are preventable issues caused and driven heavily by the day-to-day workplace of health care workers. So weve been attacking this problem by advancing collaboration, getting those different silos in health care working together collectively on the workforce as a wholenot just focusing on the doctors or the nurses or the pharmacists, but working on this together, because theres so much we can do together. One of the ways we do that is weve got an ambassador program with over 300 ambassadors like Kim whove raised their hand to us to say, How can I get involved in this movement? Weve also accelerated solutions. We know that theres been a lot of talk over the last two decades, frankly, as this issue around the wellbeing of workers and burnout has begun to percolate. Things like taking the traditional triple aim of a hospitalfocused on patient quality, patient access, and affordable careand adding the quadruple aim, which is the impact of the work on the workforce. Why hasnt this been widely adopted when practices have been talking about it for years? So weve been accelerating those kinds of solutions, and weve also been working to eliminate the penalties that health workers uniquely carry in the U.S. for just taking care of themselves. One of the things that Kim and I have talked about and published in your article is this new campaign we created called All In for Mental Health, which identifies six ways that organizations and policymakers need to embrace and change to support the mental health and wellbeing of health workers. Patients have the right to seek mental health care: Health workers do too. They just dont always know it. So thats been a large part of our work. Ill just end by saying, and weve become most known for this since I was on your podcast last: we were also in the Oval Office with the President of the United States as he signed the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act into law. This was the first-ever federal law that creates programs to support the mental health and wellbeing of health workers. It infused over a hundred million dollars into the health care industry to help create programs to support the workforce. Were actually working with Congress right now to extend those programs for five more years since theyve all expired. So weve been attacking this from a systems perspective, both embedded inside health care and also looking at those external policy drivers that influence and impact the day-to-day experience of health workersagain, all under the umbrella of supporting and protecting the mental health and wellbeing of our workforce by transforming the industry. Kevin Pho: So Corey, of course, I want to talk about this new campaign and the six ways we could address the mental health care of the health workforce. But Kim, I want to get back to you. Obviously, you are an ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. Tell us about that experience and some of the stories you can share with us about being an ambassador. Kim Downey: Sure. So I had heard of the organization, but I didnt know how to become an ambassador. And I believe they accept people maybe quarterly, because I remember one day last spring, some of my favorite doctor friends, I think they had all shared that they were ambassadors for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. And I was like, Oh, wow. I wonder if I could be an ambassador. Because obviously, the mission is so close to my heart. So I went on the site, found the form, which is easy to do, and I filled it out and got the acceptance that I was an ambassador. There are quarterly meetings, and I love being on the call. Its doctors, other health care professionals, and patients. Its so meaningful to see so many people who care about these issues and are taking steps on what we can all do next. So thats very empowering, to feel like instead of just talking about it, theres actually something you can do. And Im so very impressed with what the organization has been able to do in a relatively short period of time. The sad thing is that there are intrusive questions on some licenses. For me, as a physical therapist, I just have to say if I was convicted of a felony in the last year. But I believe New York had already removed those intrusive questions, and Lorna didnt know that. And that just kills me to know. So thats such an important mission, and they have a map on their site that is constantly updated with the states where theyve been able to remove the intrusive questions. To know that Im involved in an organization thats making a true impact where you can see the difference just fills my heart. Kevin Pho: So Kim, tell us about those quarterly calls you have with all the different stakeholders when it comes to clinician wellness. Whats discussed during a call? Take us behind the scenes on some of the issues that come up when you all get together. Kim Downey: Well, sometimes if theres something they want you to promote with your senators, like when a bill is up for reauthorization, they tell you step-by-step what to do and how to do it, and then how you can share it with your audiences. And the wonderful thing is they make it so easy for anyone that within 60 seconds you can click on that button and send out the messages you want. And if you want to add a little blurb, you can. So just knowing how to do that, and that youre not alone, and it doesnt have to feel scary. Sometimes doctors and other people choose to share their stories because they know its a safe and vulnerable place. There have been times where theyll just share very personal stories. So to be in that space again, where you can talk about anything related to this and know its a safe space and everyone has the same mission, is powerful. Kevin Pho: So, Corey, you mentioned earlier that theres a campaign specifically addressing the mental wellness of our clinician workforce. Six ways to help. So talk more about that. Corey Feist: Let me take you back to 2021, actually, when you and I last talked. One of our ways, as I said, that were breaking down the silos in health care is to get organizations working together across those silos. Weve done that through a coalition we built called All In: Wellbeing First for Healthcare, because we want the wellbeing of the workforce to come before all the other things we ask them to do. In the Wellbeing First for Healthcare Coalition, we now have over 35 national associations and professional organizations spanning physicians, hospitals, nurses, et cetera. OK. We spent over a year with that coalition identifying the ways that health workers are currently penalized, intentionally or otherwise, by the systems when it comes to just taking care of their own mental health and wellbeing. That All In coalition then developed All In for Mental Health, which identified six discrete actions. So what are those? The first, and the throughline for many of these is concern about confidentiality. The very first one is accessible and affordable mental health care, particularly during the times of day that health workers need it, which is generally not nine-to-five. Its also generally not care they want to have from the institution where they work because they are concerned about confidentiality. So thats number one. Number two is confidential access to a professional support program, or physicians health program as theyre called in some cases. These programs exist, but many people dont know about them. Its all about preserving confidentiality so that the workforce can get taken care of, reenter the workplace, and continue to care for patients. The third one is what Kim was just alluding to: equal privacy in getting mental health care. This was Lornas biggest concern. Is my license at risk? Are my hospital credentials at risk? Because Im going to have to fill out a form every couple of years that says, Have you been treated for mental health? And Im worried if I answer yes that Im going to be penalized. That specific action we call our Champions Challenge, where we have a toolkit for organizations and individuals to make these changes within their organizations or on licensing boards. That one program, as I sit here today, is currently benefiting 1.5 million health workers in the U.S. because their licensing board or their hospital has made these changes. The fourth one is confidential peer support. We hear from health workers across the country who say, I dont actually need formal mental health treatment, but I want to talk to somebody whos walked a day in my shoes. I need to make sure that I can do that confidentially because Im probably going to talk about things I dont want other people to hear about. In some cases, Kevin, that peer support is not necessarily given the confidential protections you would expect. If you talk to a formal mental health counselor, its protected. But if youre talking to a trained peer supporter in my institution, somebody might later ask them what you talked about, and unless theres that formality around it, they might have to disclose it. The fifth one is something that, for me as a non-clinician, was surprising. Health care professionals are not always trained and educated on mental health care, and certainly, health care leaders in different organizations dont always understand what their workforce needs. So, education and training on mental health and wellbeing. And then finally, as I alluded to before, when health workers have to come back into the workplace once theyve been treated, we need to have supportive pathways for reentry so that they can seamlessly reintegrate in a supportive way and not be worried about the cultural stigma around getting mental health treatment and the scarlet letter they might have to wear. So those are the six ways. Again, its all under this concept that patients have the right to mental health care, and health workers do too. These are six different ways that organizations can demonstrate that they are walking that talk with their workforce. Kevin Pho: And Corey, what are some tangible, actionable ways health care organizations can begin to implement some of the things youre talking about? Corey Feist: Ill go back to the one where weve had the most traction, which is our equal privacy in mental health care. The very first thing they need to do is take a look at their peer reference forms and their credentialing applications because those are the primary places organizations have been perpetuating this stigma for years. When we talk to health workers, Kevin, the first thing theyre concerned about when getting mental health treatment is the impact on their job. The second thing theyre worried about is the impact on their license. So the very first thing organizations need to do is join the 600-plus other hospitals in the U.S. whove gotten our badge. We now have over 10 percent of the hospitals in the country that have done this work in the last 24 months. Thats huge progress. Huge. But that means we have 90 percent left to go, and we would love for everybody to do that. Thats the first one. Then I would direct everyone to this website, which is allinformentalhealth.org, and look at the different actions we have listed on the website for how your organization can actually do that. Do you have a peer support program? Have you made sure that its confidential? Does your organization educate the workforce on mental health training so that health care leaders, in particular, can recognize the signs and symptoms of when a worker is having a mental health challenge and know how to have that conversation in a supportive way? Those are just a few examples, Kevin, but theyre all practical. As Kim, our great ambassador, knows, were trying to put out these practical, common-sense tools to start changing the landscape for the workforce. What we hear is when organizations and leaders do this, it can completely change things. Ill pick on one for a second, in a positive way. One organization in the Midwest trained its frontline nurse leaders in suicide prevention. Those nurse leaders didnt necessarily have formal training to recognize the signs and symptoms of when an employee or a patient was exhibiting suicidality. In the case Im referring to, the frontline nurse leaders were educated. One of them identified suicidal ideation in one of her nurses on the unit and intervened in the moment. She didnt wait around; she intervened in the moment because she had been trained. That nurse is here today. Theyre taking care of patients. But that nurse did express to her leader that she had intended to divert medicine that day at the end of her shift and take her life that night. That is so powerful, right? And its simple. A lot of this stuff just takes intentionality, using the practical, common-sense solutions that were putting out in our All In for Mental Health campaign. Kevin Pho: Were talking to Kim Downey and Corey Feist. Kim is a physician advocate and physical therapist. Corey is the co-founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. They wrote the KevinMD article, Health workers deserve care, too: How to protect their mental health. Now Im going to end by asking each of you to share some take-home messages with the KevinMD audience. Kim, why dont we start with you? Kim Downey: Sure. I thought I would end with the last paragraph of our article, in case anyone hasnt read it. We conclude with why it matters, and its simple: A healthy workforce is essential for safe, compassionate patient care. The current mental health crisis among health workers is contributing to unprecedented burnout rates, staff shortages, and declining patient care. By implementing these six actions that Corey just talked about, we can create an environment where health workers feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek the help they need to be at their best, both for themselves and for their patients. Together we can change the culture of health care. We can eliminate the stigma, break down the barriers, and build a system that respects the mental health of those who care for us. Kevin Pho: And Corey, well end with you. Corey Feist: Join our movement to support the mental health and wellbeing of health workers at allinformentalhealth.org. We believe that just as patients deserve and have the right to mental health care, so too do our health care workers. Join the movement today. Reach out with any questions you have. Support the mental health and wellbeing of all of our health workers so we can have a thriving health care delivery system in the U.S. Kevin Pho: Kim and Corey, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight, and thanks again for coming back on the show. Kim Downey: Thanks for having us, Kevin. Corey Feist: Thanks, Kevin. At age 81, I am one of the old guys who writes in online chronic pain support groups. I get a lot of emails from people in pain. One recent inquiry was from a lady named Marisa, who asked questions that are combined in the title of this article. The following is my response to Marisa and others. My wife is a chronic pain patient who has multiple medical issues. I began researching medical literature on her behalf 27 years ago. I had some unusual advantages in this research. I am trained as a systems engineer, technology analyst, technical writer, and data analyst. I can decode papers that to most patients and even some doctors might as well be written in ancient Greek. Im also a trained public speaker with 50-plus years experience before highly partisan audiences. I also have a finely tuned nose for mythology masquerading as science, and zero tolerance for the darned fools who publish such nonsense. I doubt that there are 100 working health care writers in the U.S. today who bring my kind of background to the work. Very few working writers or clinicians and almost no patients have the combination of backgrounds and special circumstances that allow them to be effective. My personal circumstances include a forgiving spouse who is willing to tolerate my 60-hour weeks in patient advocacy; we also dont have to work for a living, as we have a secure retirement from multiple careers. People who have never suffered with severe pain may forget that pain can be profoundly disabling physically, emotionally, and in families. Patients have written to me from public library computer terminals, after sleeping overnight in their cars. I hear from people who lost their homes and were deserted both by doctors and their own spouses. This doesnt count the thousands who cant write because they have committed suicide. Patients are not suffering from over-prescription of opioid pain relievers by their doctors. They are suffering from UNDER-prescription that destroys quality of life. Many of the reasons why patients feel unable to act in their own behalf may boil down to what are called the ten spoons. Each day, a person with chronic pain or illness starts with a set number of energy spoons (for example, ten). Every activity such as getting dressed, making breakfast, or going to work costs a certain number of spoons, depending on its difficulty and the individuals health on that day. When all spoons are used up, the person has no energy left for other tasks. Pushing beyond this limit can worsen symptoms or lead to exhaustion. Lots of people reach that point before noon each day. Patients arent the only ones who are exhausted. Clinicians who treat pain also face exhaustion caused by unreasonable government policies and a punishing professional environment. Most doctors know that they are being targeted unfairly by federal and state regulators, state boards, and prosecutors who falsely blame them for having created what is called the opioid crisis. Doctors know that when they prescribe opioid pain relievers to any patient for any reason, they risk being investigated or charged with professional misconduct. Even a successful defense from such actions can bankrupt a practice especially if a prosecutor prominently advertises their pursuit of the doctor before trial. Many lawyers wont even consider defending a doctor who cant pay an up-front retainer of at least a half-million dollars. Such cases are time-consuming and complex. Lawyers have to pay off their educational loans too. We should feel real sympathy for doctors who are leaving pain management practice or even medicine altogether. They face huge financial resistance from insurance companies that dont want to pay the bills generated by chronic patients who wont get better. These companies post profits in the many billions of dollars every year. The total annual revenue of all U.S. health care companies is projected to reach $7.7 trillion by 2032. It is not accidental that insurance companies are among the largest political campaign contributors in the U.S. They want to prevent single-payer insurance being enacted ever! In politics, there is a tried and true saying: Money talks. And big money talks loud enough to drown out most protests. ADVERTISEMENT We should also not be surprised that the volume of money floating around in health care litigation today has attracted clinical predators willing to commit perjury before a judge, in order to cash in on the largess. When one is pulling down $750 dollars per hour for their testimony, it seems ever so easy to conveniently forget that absolutely no science supports ones declarations. Prosecutors or judges eager to be seen as tough on crime may also refuse to seriously examine qualifications of so-called experts. Is a clinician whose practice has focused on plastic surgery and who has never published a single peer-reviewed paper even remotely qualified to evaluate if a defendant is practicing good pain medicine? I have read at least one court transcript where this is exactly what happened. Its fair for readers who are in pain to ask, What can I do about this mess? My answer is that there are real answers moving in the wind. The number of writers willing to contradict the lies being told by insurance companies, state medical boards, attorney generals, CDC, Veterans Administration, FDA, and DEA bureaucrats isnt large yet. But we have science and facts on our side. Some of us are teaching those facts to clinicians and others who must take a certain number of units of Continuing Medical Education each year. I am one of those teachers, in courses accredited by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and funded by the U.S. District of Columbia Department of Health. If you are a pain patient, I urge you to spend one of your spoons and forward this article and the last link in the paragraph above to your doctors or a local TV station newsroom. You can tell your doctor You need to read this it could keep you out of jail. You might also expend another spoon calling a newsroom director to say that There is a Pulitzer Prize waiting for you if you cover this story and if you wont even read five minutes, then shame on you! Richard A. Lawhern is a patient advocate. (Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea) Thinking about visiting Busan, South Korea? In this video, we dive into the best time to visit Busan from a locals perspective. Whether youre planning a trip in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, youll get insider tips on weather, festivals, and the most authentic things to do in Busan throughout the year. From the cherry blossoms in April, the golden beaches of Haeundae in summer, the colorful Jagalchi Fish Market in fall, to cozy winter nights along Gwangalli Beach, this guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect Busan itinerary. Check out the video below and please consider to subscribe to our channel. YouTube: Best time to visit Busan from a local POV Israel's defence minister approved a plan on Wednesday for the conquest of Gaza City and authorised the call-up of around 60,000 reservists, piling pressure on Hamas as mediators push for a ceasefire. Defence Minister Israel Katz's move, confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson, came as mediators awaited an official Israeli response on their latest proposal. While mediator Qatar had expressed guarded optimism over the latest proposal, a senior Israeli official said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any agreement. The framework that Hamas had approved proposes an initial 60-day truce, a staggered hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners and provisions allowing for the entry of aid into Gaza. Israel and Hamas have held on-off indirect negotiations throughout the war, resulting in two short truces during which Israeli hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. 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. Sources from Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad told AFP on Wednesday that the latest proposal envisages the release of 10 hostages and 18 bodies from Gaza. The remaining captives would be released in a second phase, with negotiations for a broader settlement. The latest proposal came after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to conquer Gaza City, despite fears it will worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have mediated the frequent rounds of shuttle diplomacy. Qatar said the latest proposal was "almost identical" to an earlier version agreed by Israel, while Egypt said Monday that "the ball is now in its (Israel's) court". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly comment on the truce 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". 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". According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu has not so far called a security cabinet meeting to discuss any response. The latest truce proposal came as Netanyahu faces increasing pressure at home and abroad. Over the past week, Israel has stepped up its air strikes and ground operations in Gaza. According to Israeli army radio, the military was preparing for a "prolonged operation of several months that will run into 2026". After conducting intense operations around the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City, the military appeared to be concentrating its firepower on nearby Sabra, whose residents have reported several strikes. An Israeli military official told journalists on Wednesday that the new phase of combat would involve "a gradual precise and targeted operation in and around Gaza City," including some areas where forces had not previously operated. The official said the military had already begun operating in the neighbourhoods of Zeitoun and Jabalia as part of the initial stages. Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli strikes and fire killed at least 21 people across the territory on Wednesday. When contacted by AFP, the Israeli military asked for coordinates and specific timeframes to comment on the reports, but said it would look into reports of eight people killed by Israeli fire near an aid site in the centre of Gaza. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP on Tuesday the situation was "very dangerous and unbearable" in Zeitoun and Sabra, where he said "shelling continues intermittently". Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swathes 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. 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. At La Crosses St. Clare Health Mission, it has been a priority for the past three decades to provide health care and resources to the uninsured across the region. Federal budget cuts could make St. Clares already high-demand services more critical in the coming years. The passage of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, aims to cut over a trillion dollars over a decade .in federal spending, most of which comes from Medicaid, SNAP and federal student loan programs. When we see these kinds of changes, we know that just negatively affects our state and our local community, said Jason Larsen, St. Clare Health Mission executive director. A lot of folks that right now have insurance, we want to keep them with insurance, and get more people insured, not kind of slide backwards into how it was 20 to 30 years ago. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin visited the La Crosse organization during her Fighting for Wisconsin Families Tour to discuss the local impact of the federal tax and spend plan, which could make accessing health care more difficult for some. So many Wisconsinites are worried about what the Republicans budget bill will mean for their families, Baldwin said. Over a quarter million Wisconsinites are going to lose their health insurance. Theyre going to see their health care terminated, and many others are going to see significant increases in their health care costs. With an anticipated hit of $264 million to Wisconsin hospitals, according to Third Way, the impact of funding cuts in Wisconsin could be detrimental. Baldwin pointed out that two HSHS hospitals in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire were struggling to stay afloat and ultimately closed even before federal budget cuts, and that could be the reality for many more. This legislation wont just hurt Americans who are on Medicaid. This bill also puts rural hospitals in serious jeopardy, which already rural hospitals disproportionately operate at a loss, Baldwin said. More hospital closures will mean more Wisconsinites driving further, waiting longer to see a doctor. It means fewer people are getting the care that they need, and for the ones that can survive, it means they might have to cut their least profitable services, like mental health care, maternity care and emergency room services. Were seeing that already across the state. Kelly Leibold, La Crosse County supervisor, spoke out about the importance of Medicaid for her and the critical care it provided her when she was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. She worries about what could happen if people dont have services to rely on. I think about how absolutely devastating some of these federal cuts are going to be, and how theres no longer a safety net to catch people when they fall like I did at the time, Leibold said. These cuts are going to cause people to skip care that they need, make really hard decisions between care, rent and groceries, and ultimately, this benefit, this hurts the most vulnerable of us all, just to benefit a very few at the top. The cuts to federal programs such as Medicaid have been made largely to fund tax cuts, with Republican legislators touting the cuts to spending. However, the national deficit is expected to grow under the plan. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, Trumps bill will result in roughly $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, $325 billion in increased spending, and $1.4 trillion in spending cuts. As a result, the large bill will add $3.4 trillion to the deficit over the next 10 years. This bill takes away health care and nutrition assistance in order to finance an already unfair tax code and help the biggest companies in America and the wealthiest among us, said Baldwin. Id say they are paying for their bill off the backs of working families, but their bill isnt fully paid for. It wont ply the waters of lakes Winnebago, Mendota, Michigan or even the frigid surface of Lake Superior. But a new naval boat under construction will bear Wisconsins name and unlike the previous two can dive to depths far below the surface. Construction will begin Wednesday in Kingstown, Rhode Island, on the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827, a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine for the U.S. Navy. The more than $9 billion boat is the second of 12 planned Columbia-class submarines designed to replace the 14 aging Ohio-class submarines nearing the end of their lifecycle. Construction of the the first submarine in the class, the USS District of Columbia, began in 2022 and is expected to be completed and commissioned in 2027. Christening of the USS Wisconsin is set for 2029 and, following sea trials, will be commissioned in 2031. The significance is not lost on retired Navy Captain Kathy DiMaggio, who grew up in Wisconsin Rapids, spent more than 25 years in the service and is now a board member of the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association. The nonprofit consisting of Navy veterans and Wisconsinites was formed in 2020 to help support the crew and promote the boat. It really is a very historic day, DiMaggio, a UW-Madison graduate, said from her home in Gig Harbor, Washington. Its a dream come true. The Columbia class The new Columbia-class subs will be the largest ever built, each with 16 launch tubes that hold Trident II D-5 missiles and technology that allows a single ballistic missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each of which can be aimed at a different target. The Wisconsin will be 560 feet long, 43 feet wide, weigh more than 20,000 tons and use its turbo-electric, nuclear-powered drive to travel at more than 20 knots. The boats can dive to depths of over 800 feet and have an unlimited range, meaning they can stay out for months at a time. The Wisconsin namesake carries a great legacy that will undoubtedly be continued with our next Columbia class submarine, Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite said in 2020 when announcing the submarines name. Following in the wake of the great battleship, this Wisconsin will serve as the first line of deterrence and defense in todays era of great power competition. Strong connections to its namesake Wisconsin has a strong connection to U.S. Navy vessels. The first USS Wisconsin was a battleship commissioned in 1901 that served all over the world until 1920. But the most famous Navy ship named Wisconsin is the Iowa-class battleship that was completed in 1944 and assigned to the Pacific Theater during World War II. There it participated in the Philippines campaign and the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The ship was decommissioned in 1991 after being deployed to the Persian Gulf and is now a museum and a towering historical landmark in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. In the 1940s, the city of Manitowoc produced 28 diesel-powered submarines, of which 25 were deployed during World War II. Over the last 20 years, Marinette has been a hotbed for the construction of littoral combat ships. The Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard has also been awarded the contract for the Navys new frigate program and last year completed the build out of the USS Beloit, 387-foot-long, $500 million Freedom-variant littoral combat ship. The USS Wisconsin submarine is being built at the General Dynamics Electric Boats Quonset Point facility. The keel-laying ceremony, an event that marks the installation of the first piece of steel, will feature the boats sponsor, Kelly Geurts, welding her initials on a steel plate that will be installed on the sub. A series of remote watch parties to celebrate the start of the subs construction are scheduled Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., around the state including at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison. Sponsoring a submarine Geurts is a longtime educator who has taught around the country and whose family roots are in the Green Bay area. Shes married to James Geurts, a former assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition. Sponsors, according to the U.S. Navy, play no financial role in the boat. Theyre almost always women and are selected for their relationship to the ships name or mission. Geurts was in Wisconsin in 2022 when an inflatable, 1/11th-scale model of the USS Wisconsin submarine was making its rounds throughout the state. When it came to the State Capitol, she christened the replica with an inflatable champagne bottle filled with a mixture of water from lakes Superior and Michigan. Wednesdays ceremony will also include Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023, Miss Wisconsin 2022 and Honorary USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association board director and a nuclear engineer. Stanke will read Gov. Tony Evers proclamation designating the day as USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Day. The night before the ceremony, therell be a party. Geurts will be there, along with plenty of Spotted Cow beer from New Glarus Brewing Co. But thats only the beginning in forging a relationship between the boat, her crew and Wisconsin. Lisa Phillips, a member of the association supporting the USS Wisconsin, said the plan is to have the boats two rotating crews of 155 men and women become more acquainted with the states traditions and her people. It could mean trips to Summerfest, Green Bay Packers or Milwaukee Brewers games, eating Butter Burgers and custard, and shipments of cheese curds or Racine kringle for the crew, Phillips said. She has 33 years of experience in submarine combat systems acquisition and program management, and works in the Columbia-class program office in Fairfax, Virginia, as a combat systems engineer. Her husband grew up in De Pere, a suburb of Green Bay. We are much more interested in a long-term relationship with the citizens of Wisconsin and the crew members on the boat, said Phillips. We want the crew members to understand a lot about the Wisconsin heritage and the background in ship building and culture. It also means getting Wisconsinites to know the crew. The United States on Wednesday defiantly expanded efforts to hobble the International Criminal Court over its prosecution of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sanctioning a judge from ally France. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also targeted a Canadian judge in a separate case in his latest volley of sanctions against the tribunal in The Hague, which is backed by virtually all other Western democracies as a court of last resort. "The Court is a national security threat that has been an instrument for lawfare against the United States and our close ally Israel," Rubio said in a statement, using a term popular with President Donald Trump's supporters. He attacked the court for investigating US and Israeli citizens "without the consent of either nation." Among the four people newly slapped with sanctions was Judge Nicolas Guillou of France, who is presiding over a case in which an arrest warrant was issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. France -- whose president, Emmanuel Macron, was in Washington two days earlier -- expressed "dismay" over the action. The sanctions are "in contradiction to the principle of an independent judiciary," a foreign ministry spokesman said in Paris. The ICC in its own statement denounced the "flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution." The court's prosecution alleges Netanyahu is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel's offensive in Gaza including by intentionally targeting civilians and using starvation as a method of war. Netanyahu saluted Rubio for his "decisive act against a smear campaign of lies against the State of Israel" and the Israeli army. Israel launched the massive offensive in response to an unprecedented attack by Hamas against Israel in which mostly civilians were killed. The ICC has also sought the arrest of former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, who has since been confirmed killed by Israel. Guillou is a veteran jurist who previously participated in trials over Kosovo and Lebanon. He worked for several years in the United States assisting the Justice Department with judicial cooperation during Barack Obama's presidency. Under the sanctions, he will be refused entry to the United States and any assets he has in the world's largest economy will be blocked -- measures more often taken against US adversaries than citizens of friendly nations. Also targeted by the latest US sanctions was a Canadian judge, Kimberly Prost, who was involved in a case that authorized an investigation into alleged crimes committed during the war in Afghanistan, including by US forces. Rubio also slapped sanctions on two deputy prosecutors -- Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal. The State Department said the two were punished by the United States for supporting "illegitimate ICC actions against Israel," including by supporting the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. Rubio imposed sanctions on four other ICC judges in June. The Trump administration has roundly rejected the authority of the court, which was set up as a court of last resort when national systems do not allow for justice. Trump on Friday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Alaska even though Putin faces an ICC arrest warrant, a factor that has stopped him from traveling more widely since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine. The United States, Russia and Israel are among the nations that reject the ICC. Previous president Joe Biden's administration also opposed its action against Israel but withdrew previous sanctions and was open to narrow cooperation with the ICC, including in gathering evidence in Ukraine. Actress Go Hyun-jung revealed a stunning new appearance in a dramatic swimsuit photoshoot for Allure Korea, preceding the premiere of her new SBS drama Queen Mantis: Original Sin. On August 18, Allure Korea revealed her as the September cover girl for the magazine. The magazine posted in an SNS post, "The cover star for September is Go Hyun-jung," accompanied by a video and photos. READ MORE: Go Hyun Jung's Health Scare: Actress Faces Emergency as Fainting Episodes Continue Before the release of the new drama, Go underwent a dramatic image change with blonde hair, smoky eye makeup, colored contacts, freckles, and edgy fashion. The look showcased a look of the actress that fans had never previously witnessed. Talking about the transformation, Go remembered about the experience. She stated, "It is as if I embarked on a journey with makeup. Everything was too much to pick from. They are things I have never tried before. Attempts that can only be done during a photoshoot are always intriguing." Queen Mantis, opening September 5, is a crime thriller that focuses on a ruthless serial killer called "Queen Mantis." The drama deals with a detective who, two decades after the killer was apprehended, is compelled to collaborate with his estranged mother to unravel a spate of copycat killings. Go Hyun-jung will be playing the spine-chilling title character, a role that promises to leave a lasting impact on the audience. Meanwhile, Actress Go Hyun-jung recently touched fans with a short yet emotional interaction with child actor Kim Dong-ha, who played her son in JTBC's 2021 drama Reflection of You. On June 2, Kim shared a nostalgic photo of a coffee truck, writing, "Back when I was Hee-joo's son more than anyone else's." Go warmly replied, "Dong-ha ya!!" a simple call that fans described as filled with motherly affection. Many commented on the emotional weight of her words, praising their enduring bond even years after the drama ended. The exchange also reminded fans of Go's resilience and enduring presence despite personal struggles, including her publicized divorce. The moment highlights how K-dramas can create lasting emotional ties between actors and audiences, long after filming concludes. READ MORE: Go Hyun Jung Names the Most Beautiful Actress She Got So Jealous of: 'She's So Pretty, It's Annoying' > < 23:43 4 workers dead after gas leaks at pharma unit near Mumbai File image Four workers were killed and two others hospitalised after inhalation of nitrogen gas that leaked at a pharmaceutical company in Maharashtra's Palghar district on Thursday, officials said. The incident took place at Medley Pharma located on plot number 13 of Boisar Industrial Estate, some... Read more > 23:37 Strike by Telugu film workers comes to end following pact with producers File image The over two-week long strike by Telugu film workers over wage hike and others came to an end on Thursday following an agreement with producers. The workers and producers reached an understanding during the talks held in the presence of state labour department officials. Speaking to... Read more > 23:34 Fadnavis seeks Uddhav, Pawar backing for NDA VP nominee Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday touched base with Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP-SP supremo Sharad Pawar, seeking support for the candidature of CP Radhakrishnan, who has been named as the Vice Presidential candidate of NDA.The Vice Presidential elections... Read more > 22:55 Mithi scam: Contractor gets police remand till Aug 26 A court in Mumbai on Thursday remanded a contractor, arrested in the Rs 65-crore Mithi river desilting scam, in police custody till August 26, with the accused claiming he was being targeted for raising his voice against corruption in the system and for supporting a particular political... Read more > 22:34 'Misguided' by Google Maps, car plunges into pond in UP File image Four friends travelling from Meerut to Ambala to visit a temple had a narrow escape after their car, guided by Google Maps, plunged into a pond in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district, the police said on Thursday. The incident took place under the Sarsawa police station limits when the... Read more > 22:05 UP dy CM seeks renaming of Aligarh as 'Harigarh' UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya/File image Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Thursday demanded that Aligarh be renamed Harigarh just like Ayodhya and Prayagraj. Addressing a 'Hindu Gaurav Diwas' ceremony to mark the death anniversary of Uttar Pradesh CM Kalyan Singh, Maurya said that it was his wish that Babuji, as Singh... Read more > 21:48 Mumbai hotel receives bomb threat, turns out to be hoax A luxury hotel in Worli in Central Mumbai received an email threatening bomb blasts but it turned out to be a hoax, police said on Thursday. The email, written in English, was received by the hotel on Wednesday night. It claimed there would be blasts of Improvised Explosive Devices... Read more > 21:39 Drug peddler held in J-K's Anantnag, poppy straw worth Rs 1 cr seized A drug peddler was arrested on Thursday and a huge quantity of narcotic substance was recovered in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said. Acting on specific and credible intelligence regarding the storage of narcotics, a team from Srigufwara police station conducted a... Read more > 21:17 Stray dogs row: SC to deliver order on Aug 22 The Supreme Court is set to pronounce on August 22 the order on a plea to stay its August 11 direction to permanently relocate stray dogs from streets to dog shelters in Delhi-NCR. A three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria had on August 14... Read more > 21:07 China backs India, slams US tariffs as disruptive Chinese envoy Xu Feihong speaking in New Delhi on Thursday/ANI on X China fully opposes the US move of imposing tariffs of up to 50 percent on India and Washington's threat to increase it, Chinese envoy Xu Feihong said in New Delhi on Thursday. In his address at an event, Feihong also said that tariff and trade wars were disrupting the global economic and... Read more > 21:02 Case registered over threat email to Hyderabad airport File image A case was registered after a threat email was received by the international airport in Hyderabad recently, which was subsequently found to be a hoax, police said on Thursday. A complaint was lodged on August 15 stating that an email was received to Airport Predictive Operation Centre at... Read more > 20:24 Foxconn moves India head V Lee to chairman's office, appoints new country head Apple vendor Foxconn has elevated India Representative V Lee to the chairman's office with new responsibilities and has appointed Robert Wu as his successor to lead operations in the country. Wu was the CEO of Foxconn subsidiary Sharp Corp in Japan, and his appointment as India... Read more > 20:20 Bangladesh, Pakistan to soon have visa-free entry for diplomats, govt officials Bangladesh on Thursday said it has decided to sign an agreement with Pakistan to allow government officials and diplomats from both sides to visit each other's country without visa for five years. The Pakistan government has already approved it. The development came ahead of Pakistani... Read more > 19:48 Jaishankar meets Putin to deepen India-Russia ties File image External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met Russian President Vladimir Putin and is understood to have discussed ways to further expand India-Russia ties. The meeting came hours after Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that largely... Read more > 19:41 Modi dials Macron, talks about Ukraine, West Asia peace Prime Minister Narendra Modi ande French President Emmanuel Macron/File image Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron focusing on resolution of the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Modi described the conversation as very good. Macron was among the European leaders who accompanied Ukrainian... Read more > 19:22 India ships Garhwali apples from Dehradun to Dubai File image India has shipped Garhwali apples from Dehradun to Dubai for the first time in a bid to increase agricultural exports from the country. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal flagged off the first trial shipment of 1.2 tonnes of Garhwali apples from Dehradun to Dubai, the commerce ministry... Read more > 19:18 FSSAI seizes 6,500 kg of adulterated ghee from dairy plant in Gujarat Food regulator FSSAI has seized around 6,500 kg of adulterated ghee from a dairy unit in Rajkot, Gujarat. In a statement on Thursday, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said it has seized approximately 6,500 kg of adulterated ghee, valued at around Rs 35 lakh, from... Read more > 18:55 No censor board nod for film on Yogi, HC steps in The Bombay high court on Thursday said it would watch a film purportedly based on the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after the Censor board refused to certify it. The film, inspired by the book The Monk who became Chief Minister, hit a roadblock after the Central Board... Read more > 18:43 Central Drugs Lab finds 46 drug samples as 'not of standard quality' The Central Drugs Laboratories found 46 drug samples manufactured by various firms to be 'not of standard quality' in its monthly drug alert for July, health ministry officials said on Friday. The State drug testing laboratories have identified 97 drug samples as NSQ, they further... Read more > 18:29 Rupee falls 18 paise to close at 87.25 against US dollar The rupee pared initial gains and settled for the day lower by 18 paise at 87.25 (provisional) against US dollar on Thursday, on a strong American currency and a recovery in crude oil prices. Forex traders said, rupee opened on a positive note with the rise in risk appetite in the global... Read more > 18:17 Absconding BSF constable held in Kolkata for duping woman of Rs 29 lakh A Border Security Force constable, who had been absconding for over a year, was arrested here for allegedly duping a woman of Rs 29 lakh by luring her into a relationship and promising to help her purchase a petrol pump, a senior police officer said on Thursday. Accused Gautam Halder, a... Read more > 17:59 Turkish firm Celebi withdraws HC plea on airport clearance The subsidiary of Turkiye-based airport ground handling services major Celebi on Thursday withdrew its plea in the Bombay high court against revocation of its security clearance by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. A bench of Justices B P... Read more > 17:45 Modi on 2-day visit to Gujarat from Aug 25; to inaugurate PMAY houses Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Gujarat from August 25, during which he will inaugurate 1,449 houses and 130 shops built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Ahmedabad at a cost of Rs 133.42 crore, officials said. Inauguration of houses under the PMAY will... Read more > 17:24 Chandrababu Naidu orders FIR against own MLA for assault on forest staff Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday ordered an FIR to be filed against his MLA, B Rajasekhar Reddy, for allegedly assaulting a forest department employee, a government source said. According to the FIR registered at Srisailam One Town police station on Wednesday,... Read more > 17:06 Delhi CM attacker's phone, social media being examined Delhi Police are probing the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, which occurred on Wednesday, from every angle and are coordinating with Rajkot Police, sources said. Central agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB), are also involved in the investigation. According to... Read more > 17:00 Lok Sabha lost 84 hours in Monsoon session Parliament's Monsoon session, which concluded on Thursday, saw frequent disruptions that overshadowed legislative business, with the House losing over 84 hours to forced adjournments, the highest in the 18th Lok Sabha.The month-long session that started on July 21 had 21 sittings with 37 hours... Read more > 16:59 Eknath Shinde pays his respects to Rajiv Gandhi Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde shares this image on X yesterday on the occasion of former PM Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary yesterday. The post translated from Marathi says: On the occasion of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary today, I humbly paid my respects by offering a... Read more > 16:55 Stock markets extend winning run to 6th day Stock markets extended the winning run to the sixth consecutive day on Thursday, with benchmark Sensex closing higher by nearly 143 points on buying in blue-chip shares ICICI Bank and Reliance Industries. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 142.87 points or 0.17 per cent to settle at 82,000.71... Read more > 16:52 Priyanka Gandhi meets Nadda Priyanka Gandhi Vadra posts this image on X saying: Met @JPNadda to request him to expedite some health projects in Wayanad and to apprise him of the severe difficulties being faced by the local population in the absence of the Medical College in Mananthavadi which is yet far from functional.... Read more > 16:42 Monorail train in Mumbai stopped to offload passengers 782 passengers were rescued from a monorail train on Tuesday A Monorail train came to a halt for 12 minutes at Acharya Atre Chowk station in the city on Thursday morning, with officials stating that it was halted for offloading passengers and not because of any technical issue. The incident followed Tuesday's crisis situation when two Monorail trains... Read more > 16:27 Bangladesh army chief on official visit to China Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Thursday left for an official visit to China aimed at strengthening bilateral military cooperation. The Army Chief will hold courtesy meetings with senior civilian and military officials of China and will exchange views aimed at... Read more > 16:15 Retail inflation for farm, rural workers ease to 0.77%, 1.01% in July Retail inflation for farm and rural workers eased to 0.77 per cent and 1.01 per cent in July from 1.42 per cent and 1.73 per cent, respectively, in June, according to data released by the Labour Ministry on Thursday. The All-India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers increased by... Read more > 16:13 Tempers flare between Kharge, Rijiju in Parliament Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge were engaged in a brief altercation on Thursday during the passage of 'The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill' in the Upper House. Opposition MPs were protesting and raising slogans while Union... Read more > 16:06 Kishtwar cloudburst: Search ops intensify for 33 missing The multi-agency search operation to trace 33 missing persons in cloudburst-hit Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir entered the eighth day on Thursday, officials said. The death toll in the natural calamity that struck the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple on... Read more > 16:03 Cricket team for Asia Cup won't be stopped: Sports ministry India and Pakistan won't engage in any bilateral sporting clash but the cricket team will not be stopped from playing the multi-lateral Asia Cup next month, the Sports Ministry said on Thursday. The ministry unveiled the new policy with regards to India's international engagements with... Read more > 15:27 China's FM Wang meets Pakistan counterpart for... Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi Thursday held strategic consultations during which they reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties and discussed important regional and global issues.We held fruitful and substantive discussions today covering diverse... Read more > 15:15 'BJP leadership likely to become more hard liner in future' Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Thursday elaborated on his recent remarks regarding the trajectory of the BJP leadership of becoming increasingly 'hardline', suggesting that in the future Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership could appear softer by comparison.He mentioned the... Read more > 15:04 Pigeon carrying chit to blow up Jammu rly station captured Representational image Security forces have captured a pigeon carrying a threat note to blow up the Jammu railway station in the border area of RS Pura in Jammu district, prompting police to beef up security in the region, officials said. Pakistan has been known to send balloons, flags and pigeons to the India... Read more > 14:59 'Partners can't say want to be independent of each other' The Supreme Court on Thursday said it was impossible that in a continuing marriage a husband or a wife could say they want to be independent of their partner. If anybody wanted to be independent, they ought not enter matrimony, a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan... Read more > 14:54 Monsoon session of Parliament ends Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die, Monsoon Session of the Parliament concludes. The Rajya Sabha on Thursday agreed to send the Constitution (One Hundred & Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and The Jammu & Kashmir... Read more > 14:52 10 terrorists killed in hand-to-hand combat in Gaza: IDF The ruin that was Gaza Fighters from the IDF's (Israel Defense Forces) Kfir Infantry Brigade eliminated about ten terrorists in Gaza in hand-to-hand combat and in cooperation with the Air Force. Deputy Company Commander in the Kfir Brigade: Thanks to the alertness and vigilance of the battalion's fighters, we were... Read more > 14:22 Rajnath, Fadnavis called Uddhav to seek...: Raut Speaker Om Birla with CP Radhakrishnan Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and sought support for the NDA's vice-presidential candidate C P Radhakrishnan, party leader Sanjay Raut said on Thursday. The BJP-led National Democratic... Read more > 14:09 Cong MLA resigns amid misconduct allegations by actress Congress MLA from Kerala, Rahul Mamkootathil, who faces an internal party inquiry over a misbehaviour allegation by an actress, on Thursday announced his resignation as state Youth Congress president. He announced this while speaking to reporters at his residence in Adoor near... Read more > 14:00 Shubhanshu Shukla meets Rajnath Singh Astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday in Delhi after a successful mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Earlier on Monday, Shukla also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shukla was the pilot of the Axiom-4 Space Mission to the... Read more > 13:56 On bail for brother's murder man kills sis-in-law, 3 nieces Representational image A man out on bail for his brother's murder in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich has been arrested for killing his widowed sister-in-law and her three daughters by allegedly pushing them into a river with the help of an associate, police said on Thursday. Anirudh Kumar, a resident of Ramaipurva... Read more > 13:11 Bill allowing removal of PM, CMs for everyone: BJP Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said on Thursday that new bills allowing the removal of elected representatives arrested on serious criminal charges and held in custody without bail for more than 30 days will be welcomed by the whole country as before there was no law to act against corrupt... Read more > 12:53 VP election not merely about individual: Oppn Veep nominee Opposition nominee for the vice-presidential polls B Sudarshan Reddy on Thursday asserted that the election is not merely about one individual but about reaffirming the idea of India where Parliament functions with integrity, dissent is respected and institutions serve the people with... Read more > 12:37 'Maar nahi daalna tha': Chat of boy who stabbed student Representational image After the shocking murder of a Class 10 student by his junior at a Gujarat school, investigations have revealed an Instagram chat in which the boy appears to confess to his friend, reports NDTV.Nayan Santani died after being stabbing on Tuesday following an argument with the junior. The killing,... Read more > 12:32 Frank Caprio: 'Nicest judge in the world' dies aged 88 US celebrity judge and social media star Frank Caprio has died aged 88, his family has said.His death following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was announced on his official Instagram account, where he was remembered for his warmth and unwavering belief in the goodness of people.David Caprio,... Read more > 12:15 Pax stuck in monorail: 5 preventive measures announced 782 passengers were rescued from a monorail on Tuesday A day after two overcrowded monorail trains got stuck on elevated tracks, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority on Wednesday announced a series of immediate and long-term measures to strengthen the safety of passengers and operational efficiency. In a statement, MMRDA said it... Read more > 12:08 Why did Ajit Pawar meet Raj Thackeray? Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday downplayed the meeting between MNS president Raj Thackeray and CM Devendra Fadnavis, saying that maintaining communication is a tradition in the state.Talking to reporters in Wardha, Pawar said, Many leaders meet one another as well as with... Read more > 11:57 IDF gains operational control of over 75% of Gaza An Israeli tank manoeuvres in Gaza. Reuters/Amir Cohen The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that since the renewal of ground operations of the IDF troops in Gaza, there has been an elimination of 2000 terrorists, strikes on approximately 10,000 terror targets and establishment of control corridors so as to create conditions to... Read more > 11:39 India surpasses China in smartphone exports to US India has overtaken China in smartphone exports to the United States, marking a major milestone in the country's manufacturing journey, according to a social media post by PIB citing research firm Canalys. As per the post, schemes such as Make in India and the Production Linked Incentive... Read more > 11:22 Wants me to look like Nora Fatehi: Wife alleges harassment A woman in Ghaziabad has filed a police complaint alleging that her husband and in-laws subjected her to harassment and mental torture for dowry, and demanded that she maintain a body like Bollywood actor Nora Fatehi, officials said. The woman also accused her in-laws of forcing her to take... Read more > 10:51 Mumbai's seven lakes 95% full Vihar lake overflows Following a week of significant rainfall, the seven primary water supply lakes for Mumbai are nearing full capacity. According to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recorded at 6 AM today, the water reserves in these lakes currently stand at 95.17%. This figure... Read more > 10:37 China snaps up Russian oil as Indian demand drops following Trump tariffs Chinese refineries have placed new orders for Russian crude that will be shipped from ports that typically supply India, as demand from the South Asian country for Moscow's crude slips following US President Trump's tariffs, reports CNN.At least 15 cargoes of Russian oil have been secured by... Read more > 10:29 California resident tests positive for dreaded plague Representational image A Lake Tahoe area resident has tested positive for plague, California health officials said Tuesday. Officials said they believed the resident was infected after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area, reports CNN.The person is recovering at home and under the... Read more > 10:26 Cindy Singh, on FBI's Most Wanted List, arrested from India The FBI has arrested a woman on the agency's '10 Most Wanted Fugitive' list who is accused of killing her six-year-old son and fleeing to India to evade prosecution, according to officials. Cindy Rodriguez Singh, 40, was wanted on state charges of killing her son, Federal Bureau of... Read more > 10:15 Despite protests Lok Sabha passed 12 bills, Rajya Sabha 14 Twelve bills were passed by the Lok Sabha and 14 by the Rajya Sabha during the month-long Monsoon session of Parliament, which has witnessed repeated disruptions, adjournments and walkouts. Barring discussions on Operation Sindoor in both House, the session has seen little business ever... Read more > 10:13 Delhi CM in 'state of shock', gets 'Z' category security The Centre has accorded Z category CRPF security to Delhi CM Rekha Gupta after she was attacked at her home during the Jan Sunwai meeting. Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra on Thursday said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had serious physical injuries and was in a state of shock after the attack but... Read more > 09:59 India-West Asia Undersea Cable Allows Large Trade The 2,000-kilometre-long undersea cable project between India and the United Arab Emirates, part of the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is economically viable and could allow large-scale cross-border power trade, Ashish Khanna, director... Read more > 09:57 Cola Giants Pour More Into Bottle At Same Price Aerated beverage makers are quietly sweetening the deal for consumers, offering more volume at the same price as competition in the cola aisle heats up.PepsiCo India has increased its Rs 40 PET bottle to 740 millilitres from 600 ml. Coca-Cola India has rolled out similar increases across its... Read more > 09:50 After relentless rain the sun finally shines in Mumbai This is what Mumbaikars had to go through for over 5 days. Pic: Reuters Mumbai got a break from rains on Thursday morning, with parts of the city seeing sunlight almost after a week. Rainfall has reduced significantly in the metropolis since Wednesday, with no overnight showers reported.On Wednesday, the Mumbai unit of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had... Read more > 09:31 Man who attacked Delhi CM sent to 5 days' police custody The man accused of attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her Camp Office in Civil Lines on Wednesday has been sent to five days of police custody, court sources said. They said the accused, Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai (41), was produced at the house... Read more > 09:23 Car swept away in Valsad; man rescued, 4 missing A flooded road in Banaskantha A man was rescued while four others, including his wife and child, went missing after the car they were travelling in was swept away in Desai Creek in Gujarat's Valsad district on Wednesday, officials said. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local residents, launched an... Read more > 09:11 IndiGo: 'We Have An Order Backlog For 920 Planes 'IndiGo expects 30-40 per cent of its fleet to be on finance lease by 2030, reflecting a shift away from its long-standing reliance on sale-and-leaseback deals, Chief Financial Officer Gaurav Negi told shareholders at the airline's annual general meeting on Wednesday.As of June 30, IndiGo had 416... Read more > 08:56 iPhone 16 Wears Export Crown; Samsung's Galaxy A Series Muscles In Apple Inc's latest super-premium model, the iPhone 16, was the most exported smartphone from India, accounting for 18 per cent of total export volumes in the first half of calendar year 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. The data indicates that the Cupertino-headquartered company is... Read more > 08:54 Infosys Gives 80% Q1 Bonus To Most Employees Infosys has handed out a generous 80 per cent of the performance pay to most of its employees for the first quarter of the financial year 2025-2026 following stronger-than-expected growth during the period, according to an internal memo.The payout percentages are linked to performance ratings at... Read more > 08:53 Himachal monsoon death toll rises to 276 Himachal Pradesh's cumulative monsoon death toll since June 20 has climbed to 276, of which 143 people have died in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 133 lost their lives in road accidents, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster... Read more > 08:49 Six Delhi schools receive bomb threats, third such incident in four days Parents outside the BSG school At least six schools in the national capital received bomb threats on Thursday through e-mail, prompting police and other emergency agencies to launch a search operation, an official of the Delhi Fire Services said.Calls regarding the bomb threat were received between 6.35 am and 7.48 am in six... Read more > 08:37 Yamuna flows close to danger mark in Delhi The Yamuna River in the national capital is flowing close to the danger level. Visual from Loha Pul on Thursday showed the water close to the 205 m mark. The opening of all 18 gates of Hathinikund Barrage was opened after 1.78 lakh cusec of water came into the river due to heavy rainfall,... Read more > 08:14 India pushes for deeper cooperation with Russian cos Amid the United States imposing a 50 per cent tariff on India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has pushed to increase trade with Russia, encouraging Russian companies to engage 'more intensively' with their Indian counterparts.Noting India's rapidly growing economy and initiatives like... Read more > 00:31 Naveen Patnaik discharged after three days of hospitalisation Leader of the Opposition in Odisha assembly, Naveen Patnaik was on Wednesday evening discharged following three days of hospitalisation. The BJD chief was admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Sunday evening due to dehydration, and he has been discharged after full recovery, party... Read more > 00:19 HC gets bomb threat email, nothing suspicious found during search The Punjab and Haryana high court received a bomb threat email on Wednesday, prompting the Chandigarh Police to conduct a search operation, officials said.Nothing suspicious was found in the search, they said.The police deployed a bomb disposal squad, an anti-sabotage team and sniffer dogs after... Read more > Dozens of people have been killed in a massive military clampdown in Czechoslovakia by five Warsaw Pact countries. Several members of the liberal Czechoslovak leadership have been arrested, including Prime Minister Alexander Dubcek. The Soviet news agency, Tass, claims assistance was requested by members of the Czechoslovak Government and Communist party leaders to fight counter-revolutionary forces. But in a secret radio address, Czechoslovak President Ludvik Svoboda condemned the occupation by Warsaw Pact allies as illegal and committed without the governments consent. US President Lyndon Johnson said the invasion was a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and that the excuses offered by the Soviet Union were patently contrived. It is a sad commentary on the communist mind that a sign of liberty in Czechoslovakia is deemed a fundamental threat to the security of the Soviet system, he said. The Czechoslovak authorities have ordered their vastly outnumbered army not to fight and are appealing to the public for restraint. Czechoslovakias abortive path to freedom began when Mr Dubcek, a Slovak, became Communist Party leader in January. A programme of wide-ranging democratic reforms had been gathering pace in the face of Soviet disapproval and the rebirth of social and political freedom became known as the Prague Spring. In the capital of Prague today, crowds of people gathered in the streets chanting support for Mr Dubcek and imploring the foreign troops to go home. Much of the resistance was centred around the Prague radio station. As the day progressed, Czechoslovak youths threw home-made missiles and even tried to take on Russian tanks. Reports say some tanks and ammunition trucks were destroyed, but Soviet troops responded with machinegun and artillery fire and at least four people were shot dead. In the Wenceslas and Old Town Squares, hundreds of youths made barricades out of overturned lorries to try and halt the advance. Soviet and eastern block commanders have now imposed an overnight curfew and are threatening to shoot on sight anyone caught breaking it. All rail, road and airline routes out of Czechoslovakia have been closed as troops continue to enter the country now estimated to number nearly 175,000 men. Courtesy BBC News In context Following the invasion, Mr Dubcek and others were banned from office and replaced with a famously repressive communist regime. All the reforms were annulled or abandoned. The invasion drew condemnation from across the globe. Significantly many western communist parties and communist Yugoslavia and Rumania dissociated themselves from the USSRs actions. As with Hungary in 1956, the West took no action. The Soviet defence minister is said to have recommended invading even if it meant third world war. Moreover, the US was in the middle of a presidential election campaign and entrenched in Vietnam. The Communists were finally ousted on 24 November 1989 and Mr Dubcek made a triumphant return to Prague. He became chairman of the new post-Communist administration in what became known as the Velvet Revolution. Like this: Like Loading... The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL), in collaboration with the Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM), is hosting a three-day job fair at the Macao Forum, emphasizing its effectiveness by noting that 177 participants have secured employment through the job-matching events held over the past two months. The Large-Scale Job Fair for Employment Promotion began yesterday and will continue for three days, serving as the third major job-matching event co-organized by the authorities since last month. Addressing public concerns about the reliability of these fairs, Lei Lai Keng, chief of the bureaus Employment Department, affirmed their credibility, citing that 177 job seekers have successfully found employment. The first two recent events focused on young local residents, with 95% of successful matches involving individuals under 30 years old. We have not yet received specific data on all successful matches, as every recruitment process involves certain procedures, she explained. Citizens often check online for suitable jobs before attending, prepare their resumes, and introduce themselves to companies. She emphasized that the job fairs serve solely as platforms for mutual selection, enabling job seekers and companies to interact and choose each other, and noted that overall operations are progressing smoothly. According to the DSAL, from January to July this year, a total of 6,344 successful job matches were made. Lei noted that, in addition to hosting large-scale job fairs every month, authorities organize multiple specialized matching events each week and a series of professional training programs. These initiatives aim to assist newly employed workers in enhancing their skills through structured training. She emphasized that the authorities also closely monitor employees post-employment status and track their onboarding progress. Some cases may be individual instances, and we will continue to improve and refine our follow-up measures, she stated. Meanwhile, in response to feedback from the hotel industry regarding difficulties in hiring local workers, Lei addressed whether the current environment would prompt authorities to take measures to protect industries struggling to recruit local staff. She stated that the policy on non-local workers is designed to supplement local labor shortages. We prioritize the employment needs of local workers and will use various platforms to help Macau residents seeking employment find jobs first. Therefore, this will not affect the operations of the hotel industry. Lei also noted that some hotels and catering service companies are actively responding to the authorities calls to participate in job fairs to find suitable talent, demonstrating their commitment to addressing labor shortages. The ongoing job fair is open to all Macau residents seeking employment or looking to change careers. As of yesterday, nearly 1,300 people had registered to attend, with most expected to show up. Lei urged job seekers to understand their own needs and strengths when searching for employment and to select positions that match their skills and career goals. Changes in market demand also influence job seekers choices, so they need to adjust their job-seeking strategies accordingly. Especially for young people, its important to first understand what kind of work they want before considering the direction of their career development. The DSAL reported that more than 50 companies participated in the job fair that opened yesterday, offering over 470 positions and nearly 1,400 job vacancies. These opportunities span various sectors, including tourism and leisure, hotels, information technology, banking and finance, aviation, and social services. Among the many job seekers, Kuan, who graduated a year ago, expressed that the current job market is not ideal. Despite submitting numerous resumes, he has received few responses. He mentioned attending a job fair in July but felt confused after being unsuccessful, as he did not receive any explanation for why he was not offered a position. In this job market, Kuan hopes to find a position related to his field, such as a bank customer service manager, with an ideal salary of over MOP10,000. He has no interest in relocating to mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, believing that his current focus should remain on finding a suitable position locally. When asked about his confidence, he noted that many companies have made offers, which gives him hope for the future. Another job seeker, Chan, resigned from her previous job due to family reasons and is now looking to redefine her career path, which is why she participated in this job fair. Regarding salary, she expects between MOP12,000 and 14,000, believing this to be sufficient for living in Macau. When discussing the current job market, she noted that Macaus economic situation seems less than ideal but expressed hope for more job opportunities. Although she may not find a suitable position this time, she hopes to contribute to creating more employment opportunities for young people. In addition to this job fair, Chan mentioned that she has participated in other job fairs co-organized by the authorities. Although she has attended interviews before, she has not received any feedback yet, so she is trying again this time in hopes of a better outcome. Regarding the governments employment assistance programs, Chan stated that she has not participated in any so far because she has been focusing on learning other languages. In the future, she may consider participating in some training programs, but for now, she believes that finding a stable job is her most important priority. The current job fair also welcomed a new participant, Manuela, who has just returned from overseas and is attending a recruitment event in Macau for the first time. Eager to explore new opportunities, she is looking for positions in multimedia and marketing. After spending ten years abroad, she is curious about the job market in Macau post-COVID and what possibilities await her. Manuela noted that her biggest challenge is the lack of experience working in Macau, especially when applying for positions in luxury hotels. Having previously worked in the Netherlands, she believes she can offer a unique perspective from her experiences in Europe, which may differentiate her from candidates with local experience. When asked about the government-organized job fair, she expressed that it is very helpful, especially for local residents seeking employment. She hopes it will assist more people in finding suitable positions. Delivering a speech during yesterdays ceremony, Chan Un Tong, director of the DSAL, stated that the special administrative region government will continue to prioritize local residents in employment, coordinate the supply and demand of the labor market, and encourage job seekers to explore and connect with various job opportunities. Like this: Like Loading... Actor Kim Seon Ho's company Fantagio openly stated on August 19 that it is strictly resisting deepfake crimes against the actor. The agency confirmed recent cases on social media that individuals allegedly used deepfake videos and impersonation of Kim Seon Ho to make money. Discussing the severity of the situation, Fantagio stated, "Acts such as impersonating Kim Seon Ho and spreading false information using deepfake technology are clear violations of the law." It also reaffirmed its stance on firm actions. "We will continue to conduct ongoing monitoring and take strong measures against any such illegal activities," the agency warned. Fantagio also released an announcement to Kim Seon Ho's fans, reminding them to be cautious. "We ask fans to be particularly careful to avoid falling victim to these scams," the agency further stated. READ MORE: Has Kim Seon Ho Truly Redeemed Himself? Netizens Are at War Over His Comeback Deepfake technology involving artificial intelligence used for manipulating images and videos has been widely misused to produce obscene content and false information, and this has raised concerns across the globe regarding digital security and privacy. While doing this, Kim Seon Ho is ready to make a comeback to viewers through new dramas such as the Netflix original drama Can This Love Be Translated? In other news, South Korean actor Kim Seon Ho is facing renewed debate over his comeback after his 2021 scandal involving gaslighting and pressuring his ex-girlfriend into an abortion. The controversy forced him to halt projects and step back from the spotlight. Since then, Kim has returned with roles in the 2023 film The Childe, the 2024 Netflix drama Can This Love Be Translated? alongside Go Youn Jung, and the 2025 series When Life Gives You Tangerines. Despite his growing resume, discussions on Korean forums like Instiz show a divided public. Some netizens praised his acting and charisma, saying he is "handsome and good at acting," while others expressed discomfort, preferring he not work with actors they support. Kim's agency has not addressed the controversy, but with new projects ahead, his career continues to move forward even as debate over his redemption lingers. READ MORE: Kim Seon Ho's Shocking $1.4 Million Contract with Fantagio Sparks Online Fury A Sierra Leonean man was intercepted at the local airport for allegedly smuggling cocaine hidden inside his body, the Judiciary Police (PJ) reported. Authorities recovered 56 capsules totaling 941 grams including packaging, with an estimated black market value of MOP1.8 million. The case has been handed over to the Public Prosecutions Office for investigation. Police intelligence indicated that the man, arriving from Thailand on Sunday (Aug. 17), was suspected of drug trafficking. Upon entry, an X-ray scan detected foreign objects inside his body, prompting medical observation at the public hospital. Over the course of three days, from Sunday to Tuesday (Aug. 1719), the suspect expelled 56 capsules, which were confirmed by laboratory tests to contain cocaine. Investigations revealed that the suspect had been recruited by a drug trafficking group in his home country. First, he received a payment of USD1,000 and ingested the drugs in his home country. He then smuggled the cocaine internally, flying to Thailand and connecting from there to Macau, said the PJ spokesperson. The drug trafficking group had already reserved a hotel room in the central district of Macau for him, where he was to expel the drugs. Afterward, the cocaine would be transported to nearby regions, and upon successful delivery, he would receive an additional USD3,000 as payment, the spokesperson added. Authorities also seized USD840 linked to the trafficking operation. Like this: Like Loading... The government has extended the plan until December 31, 2026. Under the plan, companies receive a subsidy to compensate for the absence of workers who have given birth. The subsidy will continue under the same conditions for another year, providing a financial subsidy of up to 14 days of the workers basic salary. The measure also remains limited to companies with fewer than 100 employees. The government stated that this measure aims to support policies that incentivize births while continuing to promote harmonious labor relations. According to Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) director Chan Un Tong, 113 applications have been received under this subsidy scheme, of which 86 have already been approved and processed. The scheme has involved MOP 810,000 in subsidies allocated to employers so far. Maternity leave benefits to be addressed next year When asked by the media about the potential expansion of maternity leave, Chan said that the DSAL is continuing to study the possibility of increasing the benefits related to maternity, adding that the bureau expects the results of these studies will advance into legislative work next year. We are continuing to study the matter, and next year we will start legislative procedures based on the results of the studies already completed, the DSAL director said, without revealing what changes are expected to be proposed. To address concerns about a very low birthrate in Macau, the government has rolled out a series of measures to encourage childbirth, such as increasing birth subsidies and providing subsidies to companies for the absence of workers due to maternity leave. However, most people view these measures as insufficient and unlikely to change the situation. Several lawmakers have called for more ambitious measures, such as extending maternity leave, increasing subsidies, and promoting initiatives that help larger families access public housing. Like this: Like Loading... The Consumer Council (CC) and the Henan Consumer Association have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen consumer rights protection. Under the deal, both sides launched a cross-border remote mediation project. Disputes involving Macau residents in Henan or Henan residents in Macau can now be resolved through video conferencing with local mediation and arbitration bodies. The agreement also promotes exchanges in consumer education, product testing, and information sharing to enhance cross-border consumer protection. Like this: Like Loading... The Medical Council recently discussed updates to the compulsory professional civil liability insurance system for both healthcare providers and patients. At its 13th plenary session, the council focused on updates to the insurance system, including how newly introduced day hospitals will be covered differently from traditional hospitals. According to the Health Bureaus (SSM) statement, the meeting brought together 47 representatives from the Macao Monetary Authority (AMCM), the insurance industry, SSM, and medical groups. Discussions centered on enhancing the existing legal framework and addressing ongoing challenges in safeguarding medical personnel and their patients. Law No. 5/2016, also known as the Legal Regime for Medical Malpractice, which came into effect on February 26, 2017, was highlighted by Medical Council chairman and SSM director Alvis Lo. Article 36 of the Medical Malpractice Law requires all healthcare providers, as defined in Article 4 of the law, to obtain civil liability insurance covering medical incidents. According to the AMCM, these include claims arising from violations of medical regulations, professional ethics, or standards that result in bodily or mental injury to patients. In simple terms, all licensed healthcare providers are required to purchase the compulsory insurance. A key focus discussed by the meetings attendees concerned plans to expand the insurance coverage scope to include services delivered by day hospitals, a new category anticipated under the upcoming Legal Regime for Private Healthcare Institutions Business bill currently drafted by the SAR Government. This new classification brings distinct insurance requirements, differing from those of traditional hospitals, and will broaden the scope of compulsory insurance coverage. Notably, Wilson Vong, executive director of the AMCM, highlighted the protective function of compulsory professional civil liability insurance during the meeting. He noted that it is particularly effective in managing compensation claims filed by patients or their families following medical malpractice claims. Lo also highlighted strong cooperation between SSM, AMCM, insurers, and the medical sector over the past several years. According to the statement, this collaboration has involved detailed consultations, feedback collection, and continuous efforts to refine the system to better serve the healthcare community. Meeting participants also raised concerns regarding the scope of coverage and called for premium adjustments reflecting the varied risk profiles of different medical professions and service types. This issue was recently highlighted by lawmaker Leong Sun Iok at the Legislative Assembly (AL), where he claimed that many community-based private doctors handling routine care, like colds and minor injuries, pay premiums severely mismatched to their risk profiles while hospitals that perform more complex procedures and face higher claims pay comparatively lower premiums relative to their risk. Like this: Like Loading... Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed steady progress in improving relations with China after meeting its top diplomat yesterday [Macau time] 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. 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. SHEIKH SAALIQ & RAJESH ROY, NEW DELHI, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... When Olivier Baroin moved into an apartment in Montmartre about 15 years ago, it felt like he was living in a village in the heart of Paris. Not anymore. Stores for residents are disappearing, along with the friendly atmosphere, he says. In their place are hordes of people taking selfies, shops selling tourist trinkets, and cafes whose seating spills into the narrow, cobbled streets as overtourism takes its toll. Baroin has had enough. He put his apartment up for sale after local streets were designated pedestrian-only while accommodating the growing number of visitors. I told myself that I had no other choice but to leave since, as I have a disability, its even more complicated when you can no longer take your car, when you have to call a taxi from morning to night, he told The Associated Press. From Venice to Barcelona to Amsterdam, European cities are struggling to absorb surging numbers of tourists. Some residents in one of Paris most popular tourist neighborhoods are now pushing back. A black banner strung between two balconies in Montmartre reads, in English: Behind the postcard: locals mistreated by the Mayor. Another, in French, says: Montmartre residents resisting. Atop the hill where the Basilica of Sacre-Cur crowns the citys skyline, residents lament what they call the Disneyfication of the once-bohemian slice of Paris. The basilica says it now attracts up to 11 million people a year even more than the Eiffel Tower while daily life in the neighborhood has been overtaken by tuk-tuks, tour groups, photo queues and short-term rentals. Now, there are no more shops at all, there are no more food shops, so everything must be delivered, said 56-year-old Baroin, a member of a residents protest group called Vivre a Montmartre, or Living in Montmartre. The unrest echoes tensions across town at the Louvre Museum, where staff in June staged a brief wildcat strike over chronic overcrowding, understaffing and deteriorating conditions. The Louvre logged 8.7 million visitors in 2024, more than double what its infrastructure was designed to handle. Paris, a city of just over 2 million residents if you count its sprawling suburbs, welcomed 48.7 million tourists in 2024, a 2% increase from the previous year. Sacre-Cur, the most visited monument in France in 2024, and the surrounding Montmartre neighborhood have turned into what some locals call an open-air theme park. Local staples like butchers, bakeries and grocers are vanishing, replaced by ice-cream stalls, bubble-tea vendors and souvenir T-shirt stands. Paris authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Visitors seemed largely to be enjoying the packed streets on a sunny Tuesday this week. For the most part, all of Paris has been pretty busy, but full of life, for sure, said American tourist Adam Davidson. Coming from Washington, D.C., which is a lively city as well, I would say this is definitely full of life to a different degree for sure. Urban planners warn that historic neighborhoods risk becoming what some critics call zombie cities picturesque but lifeless, their residents displaced by short-term visitors. Paris is trying to mitigate the problems by cracking down on short-term rentals and unlicensed properties. But tourism pressures are growing. By 2050, the worlds population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion, according to United Nations estimates. With the global middle class expanding, low-cost flights booming and digital platforms guiding travelers to the same viral landmarks, many more visitors are expected in iconic cities like Paris. The question now, residents say, is whether any space is left for those who call it home. THOMAS ADAMSON, PARIS Like this: Like Loading... 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. [Photo/Xinhua] The consensus between China and India on maintaining the momentum of bilateral ties, reached during Foreign Minister Wang Yis ongoing visit to New Delhi, is the latest manifestation of the two neighbors efforts to deepen trust. Both sides have been working to implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries when they met in Kazan, Russia, on the sidelines of last years BRICS Summit. As a result, the two countries have gradually resumed exchanges and dialogue at all levels, and taken a number of concrete steps to ease tensions in their ties. India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from July 24, after suspending doing so for five years, a beneficial move for easing cross-border travel and facilitating people-to-people exchanges. Of course, much of the global attention on Beijing and New Delhis rapprochement efforts is now focusing on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis planned visit to China from Aug 31 to Sept 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin. It is through the prism of this that Wangs trip to India is being widely perceived as facilitatory preparation for Modis visit. To some extent, the push for reconciliation by Beijing and New Delhi is meaningful for the two countries to better navigate todays changing world dynamics, in particular, the rampant unilateral bullying practices of the United States and its severe challenges to free trade and the international order. With the US administration waging a fierce tariff war against the rest of the world, New Delhi has been forced to recognize the hard truth that even cozying up to Washington has not spared it from the US tariff bullying. And with New Delhi at loggerheads with the US administration because of its refusal to halt its purchases of Russian oil, New Delhi is realizing the importance of strategic autonomy and seeking to improve ties with Beijing in a bid to gain strategic leeway and policy flexibility. As Wang rightfully pointed out in his meeting with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Monday, as this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, appropriate lessons should be learned from the past, and the two sides should have correct perceptions of each other. China is committed to the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in its relations with other countries, including India. To that end, New Delhi should meet Beijing halfway, continue to remove barriers, do more to facilitate bilateral cooperation in trade and investment so as to bring real benefits to the two peoples and inject more certainty and stability into the dynamics of Asia and the world at large. Modis participation in the SCO Summit provides an opportunity for the two neighbors to further stabilize relations to realize harmony between the elephant and the dragon. By complementing and reinforcing each others development, China and India can inject fresh vitality into regional development, contribute to the realization of a more multipolar and democratic international order, and bring greater prosperity to Asia and beyond. Editorial, China Daily Like this: Like Loading... Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Tibet (Xizang) yesterday to mark the 60th anniversary of the consolidation of Beijings rule over the Himalayan territory. Xi arrived in Tibets regional capital of Lhasa, where he received a warm welcome from people of various ethnic groups who waved bouquets of flowers and danced to joyful rhythms, the Xinhua News Agency said. The agency said Xi urged the building of a modern socialist Tibet that is united, prosperous, civilized, harmonious and beautiful. Communist forces occupied Tibet in 1951. In 1965, Mao Zedongs single-party goverment established the Tibet autonomous region. China also insists on the right to appoint a reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhisms highest-ranking leader. Like this: Like Loading... Any discussion of Gyro Guyz has to start by determining how it compares to the benchmark of Madison gyros: The Parthenon on State Street, in business since 1972. Gyro Guyz fares well. Its meat was tender and fresh-tasting, but didnt have the same homegrown spice blend or expert house-made tzatziki sauce that makes Parthenon hit the spot. Guyz distinguishes itself by portion size, which borders on excessive, but whos complaining? Saad Budeiri and his son, Nafiz Budeiri, opened Gyro Guyz on March 1 where Caspian Grill was in a strip of four ethnic food businesses along South Gammon Road, bordering the Woodmans West parking lot. Its a small space with seven tables and it was doing a heavy takeout business when a friend and I visited on a recent Thursday night. We sat in front, by the counter, where we could see through a small window into the kitchen, where the staff was working furiously, trying to keep up with all the DoorDash and Uber Eats orders. Gyros are $9.99, but we ordered the meal version, which came with fries for $13.99. The gyro had tzatziki sauce, tomato, red onion and a bit of iceberg lettuce, which seemed out of place, but hardly detracted. Saad Budeiri, 57, whos of Palestinian heritage, but born and raised in Kuwait, owned two similar restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky, and said hes long put lettuce on gyros. We have some people who take offense to that for some reason. Why would you put lettuce on this? Like theres a book somewhere that says you cant put lettuce on yours. I mean, to me, its an option. Those who dont want it, can ask for it to be left off, he said. While most other gyro places use white onions, I had no problem with red ones, which are sweeter and milder. The gyro meat and pita come from a local supplier and the tzatziki sauce isnt made in-house, Budeiri said. While its not mentioned on the menu, some of the restaurants white sauce, a homemade, mayo-based garlic sauce, goes on the gyro, too. Fries on their own as a side would have been $5.99, and the amount that came with the sandwich was enormous. Theyre not hand-cut, but neither are Parthenons, which Ive always had a soft spot for. These were hot, battered, crispy and perfectly salted. Not shabby, either. They give more fries than Five Guys, and Five Guys is known for big fry portions, said my friend. The loaded fries ($10.99) were also generous and could be a meal for two. All the food comes in takeout containers, even for those who are eating in. A heaping serving of fries filled a large container and was topped with that same white sauce that the online menu describes as famous. People are hooked on it, Budeiri said. Some of them call it crack sauce ... It has all the flavors that you need: salty, fatty, little bit of sweetness as well. The fries also had feta cheese, and a choice of meat. We chose a mixture of gyro meat and tender, well-marinated, bite-sized chunks of chicken. The dish was phenomenal. My friend preferred the gyro meat here because it had more sauce than what came in the gyro. I had to agree. This famous sauce was better than the tzatziki sauce. The same chicken and sauce also made the chicken bowl ($13.99) stunningly good. Budeiri said they do the chicken themselves. They get it raw, season it, grill it, and serve it over the most perfect yellow rice, made with turmeric and other spices. Two pieces of pita were tucked into the container and were unusually soft and delicious. The bowl came with a choice of side, and I chose the grape leaves after getting bad info from the counter person that they were homemade. And that was after she asked someone in the kitchen. They turned out to be the one sour note, the leaves themselves extremely bitter. It was my first-ever bad experience with stuffed grape leaves and I found out from Budeiri that he gets them already packaged from a distributor in Dearborn, Michigan. He said they add lemon and spices and cook them, which he said takes about an hour. Making up for that one misstep was the baba ghanoush ($5.99) and hummus ($5.99), which Budeiri said are made in-house daily. They were both incredibly smooth and served in deli containers with accompanying pita. Dont miss the baklava. This one was light and delicate, and wasnt overly sweet and sticky like so many other versions. It comes from Shatila Bakery, also in Dearborn, Michigan. They are the best. I just made an order today, Budeiri said Tuesday. We do weekly orders, and its a great company. I highly recommend them. My friend was happy with his can of RC cola and its price ($1.50), while I was disappointed that I couldnt get a cup of tap water. Bottled water is just $1, but I try to avoid bottled whenever possible. Budeiri said when they first opened, they debated getting a fountain machine, but decided going with cans was easier. Therefore, they dont have a dispenser for water, nor do they have an ice machine. Space is limited here, he said. Budeiri moved to Madison early this year after his son took and left a job with Epic Systems. We decided to do this together, Budeiri said. I asked if Nafiz likes this better. He does, Budeiri said, noting that Nafiz, who worked at Epic Systems for about two years, got married here and Budeiri has a grandson now. So it was the right move for me. And for anyone in the Madison area who likes a good deal on gyros. Diners scorecard Restaurant: Gyro Guyz Location: 707 S. Gammon Road Phone: 608-665-0908 Website: thegyroguyz.com Hours: 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday Prices: Gyros $9.99, bowls $13.99, salad $5.99, hummus $5.99, baklava $4.99. Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., lunch bowls are $7.99. Noise level: Medium Credit cards: Yes Service fee: No Cash: Yes, and cash app Is gratuity included?: No Accessibility: Yes Outdoor dining: No, maybe next year Delivery: Through DoorDash and Uber Eats Online ordering: Yes Drinks: No alcohol Gluten-free: The chicken is GF, but the gyro meat isnt Vegetarian offerings: Falafel and other options Halal: Gyro and chicken meat are halal, meaning it adheres to Islamic law Kids menu: No, but can accommodate Parking: Parking lot, with huge adjacent Woodmans lot Service: Good Bottom line: The gyros are great, but dont miss out on the chicken bowl, loaded fries or baklava. Xizang strides toward modernization 10:21, August 21, 2025 By Mo Jingxi ( China Daily Colorful flags adorn a bustling avenue on Monday in Lhasa, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang autonomous region. KUNGA LEZANG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE When Dondrak, in his 20s, began working in the early 1980s as a primary-level doctor in a remote village in the city of Nagqu, about 300 kilometers from Lhasa, regional capital of the Xizang autonomous region, his duties often meant riding horseback or trekking on foot at an average altitude above 4,500 meters. "Buses were seasonal," he recalled. "In winter and spring, walking was the only option." Back then, a trip from Nagqu to Lhasa would require an entire day on a bumpy dirt road, leaving at dawn and arriving deep into the night. Known as the "roof of the world", Xizang is a land of extreme cold, towering mountains and thin air. For centuries, it had no modern roads. But all that began to change in 1954, when the Sichuan-Xizang and Qinghai-Xizang highways stretching a combined 4,360 km opened to traffic in Lhasa. In the six decades since the Xizang autonomous region was established in 1965, infrastructure development in the region has accelerated across the board, achieving historic breakthroughs. Today, Xizang boasts an integrated transportation network of highways, railways and air routes. In 2006, the completion of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway ended the region's history without rail service and gave a powerful boost to its development. President Xi Jinping has emphasized on many occasions the importance of building the region's second great rail artery the Sichuan-Xizang Railway, an east-west high-speed route designed to link the plateau more closely with the rest of the country. In an instruction made ahead of the beginning of the construction of the Sichuan-Xizang Railway's Ya'an-Nyingchi section in 2020, Xi called for efforts to advance the construction of the railway project with high quality, saying that the project would significantly contribute to the economic and social development of the western region, especially Xizang and Sichuan province. Underlining the complex geological and climatic conditions, as well as the fragile ecological environment along the project line, Xi called for leveraging the Chinese socialist system's advantage of concentrating resources to get things done to accomplish this arduous but glorious task. When Xi visited Xizang in 2021 for the 70th anniversary of the region's peaceful liberation, he took a train from Nyingchi to Lhasa along the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway a key segment of the Sichuan-Xizang line that was completed and opened to traffic in June 2021. The journey took just over three hours a stark contrast to 1998, when Xi, then deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China Fujian Provincial Committee, traveled the same route by bus in a grueling day over treacherous roads. "The roads were extremely dangerous back then," Xi recalled. "We were lucky that there were no landslides. In the narrowest spots, just two logs spanned the gap, and we had to get out and move them ourselves." Aboard the train to Lhasa, Xi described the national transportation map as a painting, saying that the central, eastern and northeastern regions of China are like detailed fine brushwork, but the western region has too much blank space. "In the future, a few strokes should be added to complete the picture, making the transportation of a beautiful China even more beautiful," he said. By the end of 2024, Xizang had 124,900 km of open highways and 1,359 km of operational railways. Changes in air travel have also been dramatic. Xiong Zailin, deputy director of the air traffic management center of the Xizang regional office of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, has worked at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport for 30 years and witnessed the high-quality growth of the region's civil aviation sector. According to Xiong, Xizang's complex and variable weather was once a major obstacle. In those early days, air traffic management was jokingly described as "blind and deaf" controllers could neither see aircraft clearly nor hear them well. "For example, at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, controllers mainly relied on pilots' position reports to coordinate flight intervals. This was inefficient and carried safety risks," he said. Now, modern systems such as automated meteorological data collection and precise real-time warnings have eliminated the bottlenecks that once restricted flights during severe weather. Today, Xizang has eight operational airports and 183 domestic and international air routes, with direct flights to major Chinese cities as well as countries including Nepal and Singapore. From Lhasa, passengers can reach destinations across China within a single day. Infrastructure is just one aspect that mirrors the sweeping transformation of Xizang over the past decades. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, the region has achieved remarkable progress in economic growth, people's livelihoods, environmental protection and the development of Tibetan culture. Xi attended the sixth and seventh national meetings on Xizang work in 2015 and 2020, respectively. And it was during the seventh meeting that Xi outlined the CPC guidelines for governing Xizang in the new era, which led to major projects and preferential policies that have solved the region's longstanding problems and achieved results once thought impossible. During his 2021 trip to Xizang, Xi said he saw significant changes in people's lives and spirits. "Everywhere I went, I could feel their sense of happiness about living better lives and their heartfelt gratitude toward the Party and the country," he said. In June this year, Xi replied to a letter from residents of a village in Nyingchi that he had visited in 2021. "Learning that the village has undergone new changes in recent years and villagers' incomes have increased, I feel happy for you," Xi wrote, encouraging them to protect the plateau's natural beauty, strengthen their tourism brand and contribute to building a prosperous and stable border area. The region's GDP reached 276.5 billion yuan ($38.48 billion) in 2024, 155 times that of 1965, reaching an average annual growth rate of 8.9 percent. In addition, public health services now reach even the most remote villages, average life expectancy has risen to 72.5 years and incomes have soared. In 2024, the per capita disposable income of urban residents was 121 times that of 1965, while rural incomes were 199 times higher. Guo Kefan, a researcher at the regional academy of social sciences, said that from the first two high-altitude highways of the 1950s to the newest airports in Ngari prefecture known as "the roof on the roof of the world", Xizang's transformation reflects not only China's growing national strength, but also the central government's enduring commitment to the region. "Xizang's progress is a textbook example of the whole-nation system powering major road, rail and air infrastructure projects in the region. At every stage of the country's development, the State has gone to extraordinary lengths mobilizing more resources than anywhere else to fully support Xizang's development," he said. Now, at the age of 68, Dondrak, the retired doctor, and his wife live in a serene community in Lhasa. They usually start their mornings with a walk to the nearby park, enjoy Guozhuang, a traditional Tibetan group dance, for an hour, work out at the public fitness square, and end the day with tea and conversation at the local sweet tea house. "Everything has changed for the better our homes, our roads, our education and our medical services. I never imagined life could be this comfortable," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Choi Jung Won, a former UN member and actor, has been officially booked by police on stalking charges, with the victim also issued an emergency protective order, SBS reports. The Seoul Jungbu Police Station confirmed the charge. "On August 16, Choi was accused of stalking a woman he had known by reportedly showing up at her home while armed with a weapon," police said. Prosecutors retaliated by requesting emergency legal protection. "On August 18, the Seoul Central District Court granted the protective measures, citing the urgency and repeated nature of the stalking behavior," authorities explained. According to the emergency order, Choi is not allowed to come within 100 meters of the victim and is not allowed to call or text her. The officials stated that "breaking the order can lead to one year in prison or a 10 million KRW (~7,500 USD) fine." READ MORE: Lee Young Jin and Choi Jung Won at LAB SERIES Male Cosmetic Launching Event at Shinsadong - Jul 24, 2014 [PHOTOS] The police confirmed that the investigations are ongoing. "We are actively conducting further investigations into the specifics of the alleged stalking incident and other related circumstances," they stated. Meanwhile, Former idol-turned-actor Choi Jung Won has been officially ruled a key cause in the divorce of "Woman A" by the Seoul Family Court in January 2025. The court determined that Woman A's extramarital affair with Choi contributed significantly to her marital breakdown with "Man B." Despite Choi's earlier denials and claims of blackmail, evidence showed multiple secret meetings between him and Woman A, including dates at Hangang Park and visits to his home. The court noted she even left her young son unattended at times to meet Choi. As part of the divorce ruling, Woman A was ordered to pay her ex-husband KRW 30 million (about USD 20,600) in damages. Man B has also filed a separate lawsuit directly against Choi. Choi, 43, a former member of first-generation idol group UN turned actor, has yet to issue a statement on the decision. READ MORE: Court Confirms Choi Jung Won a 'Homewrecker': Affair With Married Woman Led to Marital Collapse If you go to the Twin Falls County Fair next weekend, you might see a state senator with a clipboard gathering signatures for a ballot initiative to repeal the grocery tax. Legislators have tried to repeal the 6% sales tax on groceries multiple times since 2017, when then Gov. Butch Otter vetoed a bill that would have done just that, said Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld, R-Twin Falls, who will be at the fair on Thursday and Saturday. If the legislation cant do it, Zuiderveld said, then it is going to have to be the citizens. Leadership, including Speaker of the House Mike Moyle, R-Star, and Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, R-Rupert, has been holding up efforts in the Statehouse to get rid of the grocery tax, she said. Anthon said its very, very nuanced. Although it makes a great bumper sticker to say, Repeal the grocery tax, its more complicated to make it work right, Anthon told the Times-News last week. A straight repeal of the grocery tax would reduce the revenue the state receives from the more than 13 million tourists who come to the Gem State every year, Anthon said. Zuiderveld doesnt buy that argument. Theyre saying, Were going to punish the citizens of Idaho because we want to get tourists and illegals to pay their fair share, she said. I dont think that is actually fair to our citizens. Getting rid of the tax would also reduce revenue to local governments, according to Anthon. You have to tweak any kind of a repeal of the grocery tax very carefully or youre going to hurt your local governments, Anthon said. If you hurt your local governments, its going to raise property taxes. In Twin Falls County, Commissioner Brent Reinke said the county already raises property taxes by the legally allowed 3% pretty much every year and something would have to go away if the grocery tax is repealed. Its like a three-legged stool, Reinke said. You shorten one leg and then the other two legs are going to have to pay for it. But its nearly impossible at this point to figure out exactly what a full repeal would mean, since Idaho does not keep track of how much sales tax revenue comes from groceries. Another local legislator, Rep. David Leavitt, R-Twin Falls, introduced a personal bill this year to repeal the grocery tax. The fiscal note from that bill states a repeal would mean a loss of $365 million in revenue. Meanwhile, the Legislature this year approved $453 million in tax cuts and Gov. Brad Little on Friday imposed 3% budget holdbacks on state agencies, except K-12 schools, to reduce spending. Zuiderveld said shes not concerned about the potential loss of revenue or cuts in services if the grocery tax is repealed. We have so much waste, Zuiderveld said. Theres a lot of places we can cut back to get that relief to the people, to the citizens of Idaho. Increased tax credit While the repeal effort went nowhere this year, the Legislature passed House Bill 231 to increase the grocery tax credit from $120 per person, or $140 for seniors, to a flat rate of $155 per individual starting this year. Taxpayers can also itemize their grocery receipts to receive a credit up to $250. Taxes paid on food purchased at restaurants and prepared food at grocery stores do not qualify. The credit is essentially a tax refund to cover some or all of the grocery tax that residents pay. For the Spud Family a hypothetical middle-class family used to explain Idaho tax scenarios the increased tax credit is enough to refund all of the grocery tax they pay. The credit covers, in my analysis, that hypothetical family that weve been tracking for 30 years now, Associated Taxpayers of Idaho President Miguel Legarreta told the Times-News. The Spud Family spends $8,588 on groceries in a year, or $715 per month, and the 6% sales tax means they would pay $515. But the tax credit provides $155 per person, including dependents, for a total refund of $620. They actually come out ahead with the credit, Legarreta said. Some people may think that residents would come out ahead if we eliminate the sales tax on food, he said, but that isnt necessarily true or accurate. Howard Rynearson, the chair of Repeal Grocery Tax PAC, is spearheading the ballot initiative. Rynearson says the system is flawed all around and the best thing to do is get rid of it altogether. After the government uses your money all year long, Rynearson said, youre allowed a tax credit in the end, but its not very fair across the board. He created the PAC at the end of April and, according to Idaho Sunshine, has not recorded any contributions or expenses. Rynearson is also chair of the Payette County Republicans. Like Zuiderveld, Rynearson said hes not concerned about the potential loss of revenue from a full repeal. If a city is saying, Oh, Im going to be missing those taxes, well, he said, we have the money in the state they just need to reallocate it in the right directions. To run the ballot initiative in November 2026, Rynearson will need to gather some 70,000 signatures by April 30. The state requires 6% of the total registered voters to sign the petition across 18 legislative districts. If a 2024 poll from Mountain States Policy Center is any guide, the proposed ballot initiative may be successful. It found 87% of Idahoans favor repealing the states grocery sales tax on food, with 63% of those strongly in favor. The people want it. Many legislators have tried to do this. You tell me why we havent been able to get it done, Rynearson said. I know why. The public does. Its leadership. The 33-year-old mother of three was found dead on Aug. 16 NEED TO KNOW The body of Sheylla Gutierrez, 33, was found in Angeles National Forest on Aug. 16 In chilling surveillance footage, her husband, Jossimar Cabrera, appears to be seen dragging a heavy item wrapped in fabric Authorities now suspect Cabrera of killing his wife A 33-year-old woman who was reported missing in California was found dead in a forest on Aug. 16. Her husband is the lead suspect in her death and was allegedly seen dragging a "large object" from the apartment they shared with their three children. Crescenta Valley, Altadena, and Montrose Mountain Search and Rescue teams found the body of Sheylla Gutierrez over the side of an embankment in Angeles National Forest at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. She is survived by her three children. ADVERTISEMENT Gutierrez was pronounced dead at the scene and a cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office. Gutierrez went missing from Lancaster, Calif., on Aug. 12. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office believes that her husband, 36-year-old Jossimar Cabrera, who is suspected of killing her, has fled to Peru. Their three children were found safe in Peru and taken into protective custody on Aug. 16. On Aug. 13, during their investigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office found video surveillance appearing to show Cabrera dragging a large object from the Lancaster Boulevard apartment complex where Gutierrez, her husband and their children lived. ABC7 and NBC Los Angeles obtained the footage. Gutierrez's mother, Helga Rocillo, is now calling upon U.S. authorities to help locate Cabrera. Facebook Sheylla Gutierrez "I'm very depressed, but I have to be strong for my grandchildren," Rocillo told ABC 7 from Peru in Spanish. ADVERTISEMENT She also told Latina Noticias that her daughter planned on filing a criminal report against her husband due to alleged psychological and physical abuse. She told me that Jossimar Cabrera Cornejo hit her, mistreated her, and even slapped my youngest grandchild, who is 3 years old, Rocillo told the outlet, per The Los Angeles Times. Facebook Sheylla Gutierrez's body was found in the Angeles National Forest on Aug. 17. She was 33, and is survived by her three children. Several members of Gutierrez's family claim that Cabrera gave mismatched accounts of his wife's whereabouts throughout her disappearance, per ABC 7. Gutierrez's sister claimed that Cabrera told her family that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had taken her. He allegedly later claimed that his wife had left him for another man. In a third story, he said she had suffered an accident, but declined to share details, per ABC 7. 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 Peruvian consulate in Los Angeles confirmed Cabrera arrived in Peru with the couple's three children, per Univision 34. The consulate said Peruvian authorities could not detain him because there was no warrant for his arrest. ADVERTISEMENT Neighbors told NBC News Los Angeles that Gutierrez had confided in them that her husband was physically abusive prior to her disappearance. I never had any interaction with the husband. He always seemed, like, mad all the time, Mario Sanchez told the station. Gutierrez's parents told the station they spoke to their daughter on Aug. 9, when she said she was going to take her children and leave her husband. The case will be sent to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, which will then determine if murder charges can be filed against Cabrera and "obtaining the necessary documents to secure his return to the United States," per the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office. PEOPLE has reached out to the LAPD for further details. Read the original article on People Sri Lanka's sacked police chief Deshabandu Tennakoon was remanded in custody on Thursday, accused of leading an assault on peaceful protesters three years ago that triggered nationwide unrest. Tennakoon, 54, was arrested on Wednesday and brought before Colombo Fort magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura. "Deshabandu Tennakoon aided and abetted an assault on anti-government protesters on May 9, 2022," a police investigator told the court. The crackdown outside then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office sparked retaliatory violence in which scores of homes of ruling party politicians were torched. ADVERTISEMENT The unrest escalated, forcing Rajapaksa to resign two months later after public fury over corruption and mismanagement that caused crippling shortages of food, fuel and medicine. Parliament impeached Tennakoon this month for criminal conduct in a separate case, one of more than 40 he faces for abuse of power. Tennakoon was appointed in November 2023 despite the Supreme Court having found he had tortured a suspect by rubbing menthol balm on his genitals. Weeks later, he was accused of authorising a botched raid in the coastal town of Weligama that led to a gun battle between rival police units. aj/pjm/sco The US and EU release a bare-bones account of their trade deal, but it's a work in progress President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen talk after reaching a trade deal at the Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) BRUSSELS (AP) American and European Union officials released a bare-bones account Thursday of their trade deal that imposes a 15% import tax on 70% of European goods exported to the United States, but they left blank key areas such as wine and spirits as well as steel and indicated that talks would continue on those and a slew of other important sectors. The two sides said the document was only a first step in a process that can be further expanded to cover additional areas. They are dealing with the vast range of goods traded between the two economies in what is the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, involving $2 trillion in annual trans-Atlantic business. The 3 1/2-page text represents a political commitment and is not legally binding. It contrasts with the typical format for trade agreements, which can be hundreds of pages long and carry legal force. The key provisions are the 15% tariff on most EU goods, a zero rate on U.S. cars and other industrial goods exported to the 27-member EU, and a range of exceptions to the 15% rate for aircraft and aircraft parts, generic pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, with other sectors to be added for goods crucial to each others economies. Those goods would face lower tariffs from before President Donald Trumps tariff onslaught. ADVERTISEMENT The EU has agreed to open its $20 Trillion market, President Donald Trump's commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, said on X. The second largest in the world behind the great USA. He said the deal was a major win for American workers, US industries, and our national security. Tariffs should be one of America's favorite words. European officials have had to defend the deal against dismay from businesses and member governments at the higher tariffs and criticism that the EU gave away too much. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sold the deal as granting quick relief from the even higher U.S. tariff on EU cars of 27.5% and as opening the way for further negotiations that could exclude more goods from the 15% tariffs. The deal provides that the lower tariff on cars would apply retroactively from Aug. 1 if the EU can introduce legislation to implement its part of the deal by then, which EU officials say they will do. Faced with a challenging situation, we have delivered for our member states and industry and restored clarity and coherence to transatlantic trade, von der Leyen said. This is not the end of the process. The chief EU trade negotiator, Maros Sefcovic, echoed those sentiments. "The alternative was a trade war with sky high tariffs ... it builds confidence. It brings stability, he said. ADVERTISEMENT Economists say higher tariffs slow economic growth and will be reflected in higher consumer prices. One category of goods not excluded from tariffs on EU goods was wine and spirits, which had enjoyed zero tariffs on both ends since a 1997 trade deal. Sefcovic, said EU officials had not won an exemption yet but hoped to in future talks and that doors are not closed forever on that issue. That means American distillers face zero tariffs in Europe the short term, but also the possibility of EU retaliation down the line, said Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Without a permanent return to zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits, American distillers do not have the certainty to plan for future export and job growth without the fear of retaliatory tariffs returning, Swonger said in a statement. The EU has suspended retaliatory tariffs on US goods including wine and spirits until Feb. 5, 2026. Proposals to exempt a certain amount of EU steel imports, known as a tariff rate quota, have been left unresolved pending more talks. ADVERTISEMENT The 15% tariff is much higher than tariff levels on both sides from before Trump began imposing his tariffs, when they averaged in the low single digits. The tariffs are paid on the U.S. end, either absorbed by American businesses importing the goods, lowering their profits, or passed on to U.S. consumers in the form of higher prices at the cash register. The deal also includes nonbinding EU commitments to purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy and for EU companies to invest $600 billion in the U.S. In both cases, the money would come from private companies and is based on assessment by the European Commission on what companies were planning to spend. ___ McHugh reported from Frankfurt, Germany, and Hussein from Washington. This week, Israel erupted into a nationwide day of stoppage after Netanyahu announced the conquest and occupation of Gaza, effectively signing the death warrants of the remaining hostages. It is estimated that as many as one million Israelis 10 percent of the population came out into the streets, backed by a large section of the establishment: Mossad chiefs, capitalists, and former prime ministers. And they are set to continue: the hostage families have called for another strike next Sunday. Protests in Israel are nothing new, and have continued throughout the war. But the fact that they are escalating as the military situation is also escalating, and that opposition and even the threat of insubordination is coming from the very top of the military, is highly significant. Netanyahus pursuit of total victory at any cost is tearing Israel apart. The unity of Israel, its ruling class, and its state are cracking. By driving deeper into the genocide in Gaza in spite of the disastrous consequences, Netanyahu is preparing an explosive showdown on the homefront. Netanyahu: man on a wire Netanyahu has ruled Israel for most of the last 15 years. He has survived by casting himself as the defender of Israel, by demagogically railing against the liberal elites, and by manoeuvring between the small parties of Israels fractured political system. As he has become more unpopular and desperate especially since 2019, when he was put on trial for corruption he has had to rely increasingly on the right-wing extremist element in Israeli society to hold onto power and avoid judgment day. Netanyahu has survived by casting himself as the defender of Israel, by demagogically railing against the liberal elites, and by manoeuvring between the small parties of Israels fractured political system / Image: Kremlin.ru, Wikimedia Commons In 2023, after years of snap elections and a brief, fragile, anyone-but-Netanyahu coalition, Netanyahu returned to power in alliance with the Jewish supremacist parties led by Belazel Smotrich a self-described fascist homophobe and Ben-Gvir who used to hang a portrait of mass murderer Baruch Goldstein in his living room. While Netanyahus sole concerns are maintaining himself in power and out of jail, these fanatics strive for genocide in Gaza, Nakba in the West Bank and a Greater Israel. Immediately, this coalition came into conflict with the establishment and powerful sectors of the ruling class in Israel. When, in March 2023, the government moved to cripple the Supreme Court which was investigating Netanyahus corruption and restraining the far-rights programme the country exploded in the largest protest movement in its history. This was not simply a grassroots protest: the demos were actively backed by a powerful section of the elite such as the tech capitalists, who saw in the reforms a threat to the stability, profitability, and security of Israel. Such was the scale and longevity of these protests that, at the time, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was warning of civil war in Israel. Long preceding this war, there have been deep divisions in Israeli society, and above all divisions within the ruling class itself. Gaza genocide The movement was suddenly cut across, however, by the events of 7 October 2023. In their immediate aftermath, the ruling class united around Netanyahus war in Gaza. The media whipped up a genocidal, pogrom mood in Israel while the elites both pro- and anti-Bibi lined up behind Netanyahu to offer their total support. Such chauvinist unity has always been a key pillar of Zionism. By fostering the illusion that Israel is an embattled Jewish fortress surrounded by hostile barbarians, the Israeli ruling class has managed to bind Israeli workers to itself, preserving stability at home. However, the war didnt erase the fissures in Israeli society. The anger that followed 7 October wasnt just directed towards Hamas. It is well known, for instance, that Netanyahu has a history of propping up Hamas in order to divide the Palestinian territories and push off Palestinian statehood. From 7 October 2023, anger was also directed at the regime for the security failure that the Hamas attack represented a failure in no small part down to the fact that Netanyahu and his far-right allies had focused the IDFs attention on provocations, pogroms and landgrabs in the West Bank. As the war dragged on inconclusively, that unity has disintegrated further, and all the old faultlines have reasserted themselves. Over 22 months, Netanyahu and the IDF have inflicted a campaign of indiscriminate terror, murder and starvation / Image: Ramy Abdu , Twitter Netanyahu understands that ending the war would be political suicide. His coalition partners who are absolutely opposed to any concessions to Palestine would withdraw and his government would collapse, leaving him facing the rest of his life in prison. Therefore, his strategy in the face of mounting pressure for peace has been brazen escalation at every stage, in pursuit of total victory, no matter the consequences. In Gaza, that has meant genocide. Over 22 months, Netanyahu and the IDF have inflicted a campaign of indiscriminate terror, murder and starvation. Unable to destroy the insurgency, they have driven atrocity after atrocity, towards the total annihilation of Gaza and the forced expulsion of the Palestinians. The crimes are beyond description. And Gaza is only one front in Israels imperialist rampage. While it has been demolishing Gaza, Israel has also carried out mass assassinations in Lebanon, has bombed Irans nuclear sites, and is fuelling sectarian barbarism in Syria, leading to the deaths of many more civilians. Its six-front offensive is upending the fragile balance in the Middle East, pushing the region towards chaos and jeopardising the rule of Israels Arab allies. Militarily, the American-armed IDF has crushed every obstacle in its path. Politically, Netanyahu's strategy of endless escalation is undermining Israel itself. The crisis inside Israel Inside Israel, the mood is complicated to say the least. 82 percent of Jewish Israelis back the expulsion of Gazans. But polls show 74 percent of Israelis support a deal to end what they see as an endless, pointless war in exchange for the hostages, while 76 percent want Netanyahu to resign. After what is already the longest war in its history, Israel has not achieved what Netanyahu promised: victory. Today 50 hostages 20 of them believed to be alive are languishing in the tunnels of Gaza, and Hamas can still send rockets to Tel Aviv. This failure has become a political time-bomb. The plight of the hostages treated as expendable by Netanyahu have become the rallying point for the anger in society. Since November 2023, weekly demonstrations have been organised by the families of the hostages outside the Knesset. In November 2024, after six hostages were killed due to Israels invasion of Rafah, these burst into a general strike of 500,000. Anger surged up again last month after a video surfaced of one of the hostages, starving and skeletal like everyone else in Gaza, digging his own grave. The plight of the hostages treated as expendable by Netanyahu have become the rallying point for the anger in society / Image: bringhomenow, Twitter That anger is a chasm opening beneath the government. But of no less significance for the Netanyahu regime is the fact that splits have reopened in the ruling class that have now extended themselves all the way into the upper ranks of the IDF. Between the far right and liberal Zionists, there is no fundamental difference insofar as both want to extend Israels imperialist influence and annex territory. The liberal wing of the ruling class only differ insofar as they are against pushing too far too quickly if it entails endangering their core material interests, which are now threatened from a number of angles. Israel is, of course, utterly dependent upon the support and patronage of western imperialism. But this war is making life very difficult for their allies, who nevertheless back Israel to this day. The flood of images of Israels genocide, captured by the few remaining journalists in Gaza who haven't been murdered of famished children, all skin and bones; of crowds of aid-seekers machine-gunned by US mercenaries; of tent cities being bombed and burned with people still inside them are turning public opinion worldwide against the only democracy in the Middle East. In the US, Israels reputation is in collapse, according to former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett. Internationally, the country is becoming a leper state. In the words of one Israeli entrepreneur, Israelis feel like theyre becoming Russia without the official sanctions. Such is the strength of feeling worldwide that Israels best friends are being forced to try and distance themselves from the genocide even though, in practice, they continue to collaborate in it. Starmer, Macron and Carney have teamed up to apply diplomatic pressure by threatening Israel with the recognition of a Palestinian state. Germany, Israels second biggest supplier of arms, has cut down on its weapon shipments under enormous pressure. Fortunately for Netanyahu, Israel still has the support of the one country that counts: the United States. For Trump, Gaza is pretty much up to Israel. He has given Netanyahu a free hand to act as he wishes. But, with a section of the MAGA movement turning on him over the famine, it could soon become Trumps problem. Even among young Republican voters, anti-Israel sentiment has risen from 35 percent before the war to 50 percent now. This has big implications for the Israeli ruling class. They are already paying a heavy price for their crimes. The Israeli central bank estimates that the war on six fronts has cost Israel 10 percent of its annual GDP. The tech sector, which represents 18 percent of Israels GDP, is reporting a steady stream of divestments, including the biggest sovereign wealth fund in the world. The capitalists need stability to make investment decisions, but the situation has never been less stable. About 1,700 of Tel Avivs 20,000 millionaires have exited the country since the start of the war. Crisis in the IDF A major section of the Israeli ruling class is now turning sharply against Netanyahu, such is their alarm at the situation that the war is creating. More than the economic cost of continuing the war, they are deeply concerned that the fragile cohesion of Israeli society is itself under threat. 7 October and the very fact that this war cannot be won has already destroyed the myth, so carefully cultivated, of Israels invincibility under the protection of the IDF. Since Israels foundation, the IDF has been the key institution holding Israeli society together. Promoted as a peoples army and a melting pot which brings together Israels disparate ethnic groups in service to the Jewish state, it is the most trusted institution in Israeli society whereas trust in political parties has fallen to 14 percent, 90 percent of Jewish Israelis trust the IDF. But 684 days of war have taken their toll. Faced with the biggest wave of refusals since Israels invasion of Lebanon in 1982, IDF leaders are panicking / Image: IDF Spokespersons Unit, Wikimedia Commons The IDF is overstretched and exhausted. So far, 850 have been reported killed, whereas 15,000 have been injured. A protracted battle inside Gaza City, the ruins of which are ideal for guerrilla warfare, would push the IDF to the very edge. Given that the IDF is an instrument of genocide, a high proportion of these wounds are psychological: 12 percent of discharged reservists have PTSD, and suicides are at their highest level in decades. This is leading to a refusal crisis. At the beginning of the genocide, Israelis were rushing to enlist, with 120 percent of the IDFs quota volunteering for reserve duty. This is now down to around a 60 percent call up rate. Faced with the biggest wave of refusals since Israels invasion of Lebanon in 1982, IDF leaders are panicking about serious shortages of troops. On top of this, since April this year, open letters have flooded in from former and serving soldiers protesting against the war. The gates were opened by a mass letter signed by 1,000 active and retired Air Force reservists. Netanyahu swiftly moved to fire these marginal and extremist protesters. Since then, however, letters signed by a total of 140,000 Israelis including Mossad agents, retired generals, teachers, sailors, elite veterans and musicians have been published, all calling for an end to the war and the release of the hostages. In the words of one prominent letter, signed by members of the elite military surveillance division Unit 8200: When a government acts for ulterior motives, harms civilians and leads to the killing of innocent people, the orders it issues are clearly illegal, and we must not obey them. This is a call to mutiny. Armies are not supposed to be political. They are supposed to be impartial and obedient weapons against the enemies of the state. By infecting the army with politics, by getting soldiers to think and pick a side with the sanction of prominent veterans the crisis is seriously eroding the IDFs cohesion at the same time as it is waging war on six fronts. Splits in the army This manifold crisis came to a head over the plan for the permanent occupation of Gaza. Netanyahus latest plan to break the stalemate and finish the job is to conquer and occupy Gaza indefinitely, starting with the conquest of Gaza City. For this, he wants to call up 60,000 more conscripts. This would be a deathtrap, not only for the one million starving Palestinians trapped there, but for many of the IDF troops who are supposed to seize and hold this shattered city street by street against an invisible insurgency. Most importantly for most Israelis, it would certainly mean sacrificing the surviving hostages. This was not lost on the IDF chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, who told Netanyahu: Youre going to create a trap in Gaza [which will] significantly endanger the lives of the hostages and cause erosion in the army. Zamir is certainly no friend of the Palestinians. He is backed in this by the overwhelming majority of the general staff, who desire peace in a matter of weeks. As we speak, Gaza City is being evacuated and carpet-bombed / Image: Jaber Jehad Badwan, Wikimedia Commons Netanyahu, backed by his coalition partners, is ploughing ahead regardless. As we speak, Gaza City is being evacuated and carpet-bombed. For his opposition, Zamir has been marked for removal. He would not be the first. Before and during the war, Netanyahu has been at war within the state against his opponents. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and former IDF Chief Herzl Halevi were manoeuvred out. Ronen Bar was the first Shin Bet chief to be fired after he refused to surveil anti-government protesters. And just last week, Netanyahu tried to fire Israels attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara. This was overturned, but nonetheless, the locks to her office were changed. For now, Zamir has bowed his head and followed orders. Netanyahus plans on Sunday provoked the biggest protests since March 2023. As in September 2024, they were organised by the families of the hostages. And, once again, standing behind them were Israels corporations who permitted their employees to strike, enabling the shutdown universities, the lawyers bar association and, in support, a significant portion of the military-political establishment. That support was this time more vocal than ever. For example, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak wrote in an editorial titled, Israel Is Becoming a Pariah State. We Need Massive Nonviolent Civil Disobedience Until Netanyahu Is Ousted: The only course of action that could still save Israel is massive nonviolent civil disobedience, with its main component a total shutdown of the country until the government is replaced or its leader resigns. Only when the entire country is paralysed by massive strikes will these recesses be cancelled, with the government yielding to the people's will, making way for a better government. Another by the Former Deputy Chief of Mossad, titled, We're Getting Close to Disobeying a Military Order, runs: Disobeying an order is a dangerous step that crumbles the basis for the IDF's action. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is dragging us into a situation in which obeying orders would be much more dangerous and harmful, and would destroy the ideological basis on which the army was built. Chief of staff and staff generals, you must refuse to continue a pointless war whose vague goal of pressure on Hamas isn't being achieved, and whose real goal appears to be warfare for warfare's sake. Military establishment personnel were involved in the mass protests in 2023. However, the war has served to paper over the cracks to some degree. What is remarkable is not just the involvement once more of senior military personnel in mass protests, but that this is happening amidst the war, at a moment of key escalation in the war, and that calls are coming from the highest echelons of that establishment to refuse to carry out orders! This is unprecedented. Netanyahus wife and son have explicitly branded this mounting opposition at the top of society and even the army as a coup plot. Sundays protest movement did not succeed in halting Netanyahu. He simply denounced it as rewarding Hamas. In spite of the protests, and in spite of the pressure to conclude a ceasefire, he insists on pressing on down the doomed path of constant escalation without an endgame. Militarily, that could theoretically go on indefinitely as it did in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. Socially, the fabric of Israeli society is already showing signs of tearing, and the ruling class is split right to the very top of the state. The new, massive escalation will enormously accelerate this process, and should the hostages die on Netanyahus watch, the situation could explode. Construction has begun on East Africas first-ever cross-border standard gauge railway (SGR), a $2.15 billion project linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi. The 240-kilometre electrified line, scheduled for completion by 2030, is expected to drastically reduce transport times and costs across the region. Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye laid the foundation stone on Saturday (16 August), hailing the railway as a transformative step for regional integration. Once completed, passengers will be able to travel from Musongati to Dar es Salaam in a single day. Currently, cargo trucks take up to 96 hours to reach Bujumbura from Dar es Salaam, Majaliwa said, adding that the project will also open new investment avenues and connect people faster. The project is led by China Railway Group Limited (CREC) and will be built to the 1,435 mm international standard gauge. Each train will carry up to 3,000 tonnes 100 times more than typical road trucks while slashing container shipping costs by nearly half. Many asked how we would transport the minerals, President Ndayishimiye said, noting that this railway is the answer to Burundis mineral export challenges. The country hopes to leverage the railway to unlock its vast nickel reserves and integrate further into global trade networks. Analysts say the SGR could reshape East Africas logistics, reinforce Tanzanias role as a regional transit hub, and offer landlocked Burundi a crucial gateway to the Indian Ocean. Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - A drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) destroyed three trucks in a World Food Programme (WFP) aid convoy in the town of Mellit in Sudans North Darfur region on Tuesday, a local official and witnesses said The Polisario Fronts attempted participation at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9) in Yokohama underscored its diminishing diplomatic relevance, as Japanese authorities implemented strict containment measures for the uninvited delegation. The separatist groups presence at the summit opening Wednesday occurred without official invitation, prompting Japanese organizers to deploy substantial security personnel to prevent unauthorized contact between Polisario representatives and legitimate state delegations. The containment strategy effectively isolated the group from formal proceedings and diplomatic interactions that constitute the conferences primary purpose. Security arrangements specifically prevented Polisario representatives from accessing official seating areas, relegating them to peripheral positions outside formal diplomatic zones. The delegation received no speaking opportunities during plenary sessions and was excluded from official receptions and bilateral meetings where substantive diplomatic engagement occurs. Japanese authorities issued only temporary passes rather than official visas, emphasizing the groups non-recognized status. The Polisarios limited achievement consisted of obtaining a single photograph, which Algerian-backed media outlets subsequently promoted as evidence of participation. However, this minimal presence contrasted sharply with the substantive engagement of recognized African states conducting bilateral negotiations and development discussions throughout the conference. Japans position remained unambiguous throughout the proceedings, with officials reiterating that the Polisario lacks recognition and would not receive such status. The incident highlighted the groups deteriorating international standing as Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara continues gaining global support from major powers including the United States, France, Spain, and the UK. The Yokohama episode demonstrates the Polisarios reduced capacity to secure meaningful diplomatic engagement, relying instead on unauthorized appearances that yield negligible political returns while reinforcing its marginalization from legitimate international forums. At least seven people, including two children, were killed when Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ambushed the village of al-Ghabshan al-Maramrah in North Kordofan, a medical group reported on Wednesday, August 20. The Sudan Doctors Network said 13 others were wounded as RSF fighters looted property, torched homes, and destroyed the communitys only healthcare centre, seizing medical supplies. The assault comes as the RSF seeks to reassert control over the oil-rich Kordofan region, following losses to the Sudanese army earlier this year in Khartoum and Omdurman. The attack highlights a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where ongoing fighting between the RSF and the military has displaced millions and pushed parts of the country toward famine. Just last month, RSF fighters killed more than 450 civilians, including children, in a rampage through Shaq al-Num in the same region. International actors including the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UN, and the African Union have voiced alarm, urging the warring parties to ensure humanitarian access. Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders suspended operations at a Central Darfur hospital after an armed assault, underscoring the grave risks faced by civilians and aid workers alike. 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 resident of South Lake Tahoe, California, has been diagnosed with the plague, the state's first human plague infection since 2020. The individual is recovering at home while receiving medical care, health officials in El Dorado County announced this week. The patientwho was camping in the South Lake Tahoe area, near the Nevada bordermay have been bitten by an infected flea, officials said in a news release. An investigation is underway. "Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County," said Kyle Fliflet, the county's acting public health director. "It's important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and/or camping in areas where wild rodents are present." The disease, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is most commonly transmitted to humans by fleas that have acquired it from infected wild rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People can also be infected while handling infected animals. Dogs and cats may also carry infected fleas. While the plague gained a fearsome reputation as the cause of the millions of deaths in Europe in the Middle Ages, modern treatment with common antibiotics can be highly effective if the disease is diagnosed and treated early. Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of exposure and can include fever, nausea, weakness, headache and swollen lymph nodes. The California Department of Public Health noted that while no human cases have been reported since 2020, authorities found evidence of plague exposure in 41 rodents around the South Lake Tahoe area between 2021 to 2024, according to NBC News. In addition, four rodents have tested positive so far in 2025, all in the Tahoe basin. Health officials are urging residents and visitors to be aware of the risk and to take simple precautions. Individuals should not "touch squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents, especially those that are dead or injured. People should not camp near where dead rodents were observed, and they should wear long pants tucked into boots and spray bug repellent to reduce flea exposure," officials warned in a news release. The CDC also encourages people to make sure pets are protected with flea control products. People should also avoid sharing a bed with pets that roam in exposed areas and make their property less attractive to rodents by clearing brush, rock piles and other hiding spaces and by removing potential food supply. More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about how the plague spreads. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is finalizing the termination of at least 600 employees this week, including some working in violence prevention programs. The cuts come less than two weeks after a man opened fire outside the agency's Atlanta headquarters, killing a police officer. "The irony is devastating," more than 50 CDC employees wrote in a joint blog post last week. "The very experts trained to understand, interrupt and prevent this kind of violence were among those whose jobs were eliminated." The ousters follow a recent federal court decision that offered protection to some CDC employees but not others. The termination notices were issued as part of a broader government restructuring and downsizing effort led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), reports The Associated Press. The cuts have affected a wide range of programs. About 100 people who worked in violence prevention were among those let go. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union, which represents more than 2,000 employees at CDC, told The AP it has not been formally notified of the names of employees being let go. The recent terminations are a follow-up to a wave of layoffs announced in April, which affected thousands of workers at the CDC and other federal health agencies. Based on a federal court ruling in Rhode Island, several parts of the CDC remain protected from layoffs, including departments dealing with smoking, reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, environmental health, workplace safety and birth defects. Programs facing cuts include rape prevention, child abuse, teen dating violence and childhood violence tracking in other countries. "There are nationally and internationally recognized experts that will be ipossible to replace," Tom Simon, retired senior director for scientific programs at the CDC's Division of Violence Prevention told AP. AFGE said HHS has not been entirely transparent about the specifics of the layoffs, which has created uncertainty. Employees were told the terminations went into effect on Monday. More information: Learn more about government restructuring as part of the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" goals. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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: Laura James from Pexels A new publication highlights the success of an international partnership working to strengthen nursing and midwifery in the Caribbean. "Fostering International Collaborations to Inform Nursing and Midwifery Policy: A Caribbean Initiative," appears in the International Nursing Review. It was led by Penn Nursing's Eileen T. Lake, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, the Edith Clemmer Steinbright Professor of Gerontology, with Carmen Alvarez, Ph.D., CRNP, CNM, FAAN, Associate Professor of Nursing, serving as co-author. The initiative was created to support the strategic goals of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) for nursing and midwifery workforce development in the Caribbean region. The Caribbean faces significant challenges in this area, including high rates of migration and critical workforce shortages. Together, the CC collaborative streamlined the process for collecting comprehensive (i.e., education, practice, and policy), region-wide data and reduced the burden on survey respondents. The publication details the development, implementation, and impact of the initiative. Key structures included the Pan American Collaborating Centers for Nursing and Midwifery (PANMCC) network, formal leadership, and support from PAHO. The process involved regular communication, stakeholder engagement, and a collaborative approach to survey design. The collaboration led to the successful creation and implementation of a comprehensive survey to 20 Caribbean countries, which resulted in a 100% response rate from the country's Chief Nursing Officers and a 60% response rate from directors of higher education. Unexpected benefits of the initiative included the strengthening of the PANMCC network and the creation of new opportunities for collaboration. "The paper's findings demonstrate the potential for coordinated efforts to inform nursing and midwifery human resources for health policy and practice in regions with limited resources," said Lake, who also serves as Associate Director of Penn Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research. Lake and Alvarez represent Penn Nursing's Collaborating Center (CC) for Nursing and Midwifery, which is designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to fulfill activities to address WHO priorities. Lake spearheaded this initiative, which included six other Pan American CCs and staff of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), comprising a total of 15 co-authors who collaborated over 18 months. More information: Eileen T. Lake et al, Fostering International Collaborations to Inform Nursing and Midwifery Policy: A Caribbean Initiative, International Nursing Review (2025). DOI: 10.1111/inr.70081 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: Published today in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Van Andel Institute uncovered the inhibitory effects of the protein midkine on amyloid beta assembly, with potential implications for Alzheimer's disease drug discovery efforts. Credit: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital demonstrated for the first time that the protein midkine plays a preventative role against Alzheimer's disease. Midkine is known to accumulate in Alzheimer's disease patients. Now, researchers have connected it with amyloid beta, a protein that accumulates in the brain, causing assemblies that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's. In work published today in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, the researchers revealed that midkine prevents amyloid beta from sticking together, and, consequently, Alzheimer's disease models lacking midkine show more amyloid beta accumulation. The findings lay the groundwork to better understand the disease-preventing mechanism of midkine and subsequent drug discovery pathways. Midkine is a small, multifunctional growth factor protein found abundantly during embryonic development but also involved in normal cell growth. Its role in cell growth means that midkine is often overexpressed in cancer, making it a valuable biomarker. However, beyond some preliminary studies showing its increase in Alzheimer's, midkine's link to the neurodegenerative disease has been poorly understood. Corresponding author Junmin Peng, Ph.D., Departments of Structural Biology and Developmental Neurobiology, and his team utilized fluorescence assays, circular dichroism, electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance with disease models that replicate amyloid beta accumulation to investigate the role of midkine in Alzheimer's thoroughly. They found that midkine and amyloid beta have a similar pattern at the protein level. "We know that correlation is not causative, so we wanted to demonstrate convincingly that real interactions are occurring between the two proteins," Peng explained. The researchers used a fluorescent sensor for amyloid beta assemblies, called thioflavin T, to show that the assemblies were broken up in the presence of midkine. Modeling of those data revealed that midkine inhibits amyloid beta elongation and secondary nucleation, two specific phases during assembly formation. Nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed this finding. "Once the amyloid beta assemblies grow, the signal becomes weaker and broader until it disappears because the technique can only analyze small molecules," said Peng. "But when we add in midkine, the signal returns, showing that it inhibits the large assemblies." Additionally, the researchers used Alzheimer's disease mouse models that have increased amyloid beta and demonstrated that removing the midkine gene resulted in even higher levels of amyloid beta assemblies. These results point to the protective role the protein has against Alzheimer's disease. The researchers have opened a potential avenue for drug discovery by identifying the apparent protective role of midkine. "We want to continue to understand how this protein binds to amyloid beta so we can design small molecules to do the same thing," said Peng. "With this work, we hope to provide strategies for future treatment." More information: Masihuz Zaman et al, Midkine attenuates amyloid- fibril assembly and plaque formation, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41594-025-01657-8 Journal information: Nature Structural & Molecular Biology 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 A new study from Aarhus University shows that it is normal for many mothers to feel anxious and overwhelmed after childbirth. The researchers hope the study's findings will encourage better conversations between new mothers and health care professionals. Most parents can probably relate to that overwhelming mix of responsibility, love and uncertainty when the birth is over, and you are suddenly on your way home with a new tiny human being. Now, a new study from the Department of Public Health at Aarhus University shows that a significant number of mothers experience strong symptoms of worry and insecurity, says postdoc Mette-Marie Zacher Kjeldsen, who led the study. The study is published in the journal BMJ Mental Health. "When we screen new mothers after childbirth, the purpose is to identify symptoms of a postpartum depression. But our study shows that it is completely normal for mothers without depression to also struggle and grapple with many intense emotions and uncertainties in the period after giving birth," says Zacher Kjeldsen. The new study shows that feelings of insecurity and anxiety, without any obvious cause, are a natural part of parenthood. But it is rarely something mothers speak openly about. "We hope our results can help normalize and acknowledge the many different reactions to motherhood. This may reduce stigma and feelings of guilt among new mothers and perhaps also improve the quality of the conversations they have with health care professionals after giving birth. It is important that they can talk about their insecuritieseven if they do not have postpartum depression." She also hopes the study will be used as a concrete and practical tool by health care professionals when discussing mental well-being in the postnatal period. "The study can serve as a conversation starter during the screening offered eight weeks after childbirth in Denmark. It could become a tool for health visitors in their discussions with mothers and perhaps make it easier for them to open up about difficult emotions. Hopefully, it can also help reduce stigma around emotional challenges after giving birth." More information: Mette-Marie Zacher Kjeldsen et al, How common are postpartum depressive thoughts and feelings? Item-level distribution of population-based screening records, BMJ Mental Health (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2025-301819 Journal information: BMJ Mental Health 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: CDC from Pexels For 30 years, vaccine recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have aligned closely with those from the American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP. But on Aug. 19, 2025, the AAP published new vaccine recommendations that diverge from those of the CDC. The pediatrician association's move comes on the heels of unprecedented changes made earlier this year by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as head of the Department of Health and Human Services, in how the government approves and issues guidance on vaccines. The biggest difference is in the AAP's guidance around COVID-19 vaccines for children. This new guidance comes as COVID-19 cases are once again rising across the U.S. and many parents and providers are confused by unclear guidance from federal health authorities about whether children should be vaccinated. In a Q&A with The Conversation U.S., David Higgins, a pediatrician, preventive medicine physician and vaccine delivery researcher from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, explains the new guidance and what it means for parents. Higgins is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. What are the AAP's new vaccine recommendations? The AAP recommends that all children 6 to 23 months old receive a complete COVID-19 vaccine series, consistent with recommendations for this age group in previous years. For children and adolescents ages 2 to 18, the AAP now advises a single dose if they are at higher risk, a change from previous years, when vaccination was recommended for all in this age group. Children at higher risk include those who have certain chronic medical conditions, who live in long-term care or group settings, who have never been vaccinated, or who live with family members at high risk. The AAP also recommends that COVID-19 vaccines remain available for any child or adolescent whose parent wants them to be protected, regardless of risk status. In all cases, the most updated version of the vaccine should be used. How do these recommendations differ from CDC guidance? The difference is substantial. The CDC currently advises what it calls "shared clinical decision-making" for children ages 6 months to 17 years who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised. This means the decision is left up to individual discussions between families and their health care providers, but the vaccine is not treated as a routine recommendation. These current guidelines were made after Kennedy bypassed the agency's normal independent review process. That framework can be confusing for families and difficult for providers to implement. By contrast, the AAP recommendations identify the ages and conditions where the risk is highest while also supporting vaccine availability for any families who want it. Why are they diverging? The AAP has been publishing vaccine guidance since the 1930s, long before the CDC or the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, an independent panel of experts that advises the CDC, existed. Since 1995, the two groups have generally issued essentially identical vaccine guidance. But this year, the federal government dismissed the advisory committee's panel of independent scientists and immunization experts, raising questions about the credibility of CDC guidance. At the same time, misinformation about vaccines continues to spread. In response, the AAP decided to publish independent recommendations based on its own review of the latest evidence. That review showed that although the risks for healthy older children have declined compared with the early years of the pandemic, young children and those with specific conditions remain especially vulnerable. Additionally, a review of evidence by an independent expert group called the Vaccine Integrity Project, also released on Aug. 19, 2025, confirmed that there are no new safety concerns and no decline in the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 continues to cause hospitalizations and deaths in children and remains a leading cause of serious respiratory illness. Will parents be able to follow these recommendations? This is still unclear. The AAP recommendations do not automatically guarantee insurance coverage. By law, insurance plans and the federal Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines for eligible children who might not otherwise be vaccinated due to cost or lack of insurance, are tied to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations. Unless insurers and policymakers act to align with the AAP recommendations, there is a risk that parents would be forced to pay the costs out of pocket. Vaccine supply may also be an issue. Currently, only two COVID-19 vaccines are available for children under 12. Moderna's vaccine is approved only for children with at least one high-risk condition, while Pfizer's authorization for younger children may not be renewed. If that happens, any remaining Pfizer doses for this age group may be unusable, leaving a shortfall in available vaccines for children. Finally, implementation may differ depending on the type of provider. Some vaccine providers, such as pharmacists, operate under policies tied strictly to CDC recommendations, which may make it harder to follow AAP's schedule unless rules are updated. What happens next? Parents and providers are likely to face continued confusion, just as COVID-19 cases rise as children return to school. Much will depend on whether the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices updates its own recommendations at its upcoming meeting, expected in September, and whether pediatric COVID-19 vaccines remain available. Until then, parents can speak with their pediatricians to understand the best protection for their children. 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: University of St Andrews New research from the University of St Andrews has found that a remarkable group of women who free dive for seafood without oxygen, spend more time underwater than some diving mammals like sea beavers, and rival others like sea otters and sea lions. Published in Current Biology, the study assessed the women on the island of Jeju, off the coast of South Korea. These women are known as the Haenyeo, or jawmnye in Jeju language, which literally means women of the sea. The Haenyeo's breath-hold diving is so integral to Jeju's culture that the often-shortening characteristic of Jeju language is colloquially attributed to divers' need to communicate quickly at the water's surface. Researchers tracked the natural diving behavior and physiology of seven Haenyeo, aged 62 to 80, as they harvested sea urchins. Researchers used an instrument designed to measure the behavior and physiology of wild marine mammals that can track the women's diving and swimming behavior, as well as heart rate and blood oxygen with an optic sensor. Despite their age, these women spent an astonishing 56% of their time underwater across the two to 10 hours of diving per day, the greatest proportion for any humans previously studied. While their diving performance overall rivaled marine mammals, their total time at sea diving per day was lower than their animal counterparts. Credit: University of St Andrews Surprisingly, the Haenyeo didn't display the classic mammalian "dive response," a slowing of the heart and reduced blood flow to muscles during dives. Instead, they showed elevated heart rates and only mild oxygen reductions in the brain and muscles, suggesting their unique style of short, shallow, and frequent dives may trigger different adaptations. Lead author of the study, Dr. Chris McKnight, senior research fellow at the Scottish Oceans Institute and biologist at St Andrews said, "The Haenyeo are just incredible humans. Their diving abilities are known to be exceptional, but being able to measure both their behavior and physiology while they go about their routine daily diving is really unique. "I think using animals we consider as aquatic animals to contextualize and give perspective on the Haenyeo divers really helps to demonstrate just how incredible they are." The Haenyeo are a culturally significant group and recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. However, this is endangered as 90% of the women divers are now over 60. Dr. Melissa Ilardo, assistant professor in evolutionary genetics at the University of Utah who co-authored the study, said, "We are so grateful that these incredible women were willing to participate in this project. They welcomed us into their gathering spaces, called bulteok, in the mornings before their dives, shared their pre-dive snacks and tea, and told us stories from a lifetime of diving. "They gave us lots of feedback that helped us think about how to interpret the results and design future studies. Their humor and spirit is so fun to be around, we feel incredibly lucky to be able to partner with them." As potentially the last generation of Haenyeo, this study offers a rare glimpse into a vanishing tradition and is a powerful example of human physiological resilience and cultural heritage beneath the waves. More information: J. Chris McKnight et al, Diving behaviour and physiology of the Korean Haenyeo, Current Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.06.066 Journal information: Current Biology 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: Illustration highlighting the integration of MRI radiomics and biochemical biomarkers for knee osteoarthritis progression prediction. Created with Biorender. Credit: PLOS Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004665 An artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted model that combines a patient's MRI, biochemical, and clinical information shows preliminary promise in improving predictions of whether their knee osteoarthritis may soon worsen. Ting Wang of Chongqing Medical University, China, and colleagues have published this model in the journal PLOS Medicine. In knee osteoarthritis, cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away, causing pain and stiffness. It affects an estimated 303.1 million people worldwide and can lead to the need for total knee replacement. Being able to better predict how a person's knee osteoarthritis may worsen in the near future could help inform more timely treatment. Prior research suggests that computational models combining multiple types of dataincluding a patient's MRI results, clinical assessments, and blood and urine biochemical testscould enhance such predictions. The integration of all three types of information in a single predictive model has not been widely reported. To address that gap, Wang and colleagues utilized data from the Foundation of the National Institutes of Health Osteoarthritis Biomarkers Consortium on 594 people with knee osteoarthritis, including their biochemical test results, clinical data, and a total of 1,753 knee MRIs captured over a 2-year timespan. With the help of AI tools, the researchers used half of the data to develop a predictive model combining all three data types. Then, they used the other half of the data to test the model, which they named the Load-Bearing Tissue Radiomic plus Biochemical biomarker and Clinical variable Model (LBTRBC-M). In the tests, the LBTRBC-M showed good accuracy in using a patient's MRI, biochemical and clinical data to predict whether, within the next two years, they would experience worsening pain alone, worsening pain alongside joint space narrowing in the knee (an indicator of structural worsening), joint space narrowing alone, or no worsening at all. The researchers also had seven resident physicians use the model to assist their own predictions of worsening knee osteoarthritis, finding that it improved their accuracy from 46.9% to 65.4%. These findings suggest that a model like LBTRBC-M could help enhance knee osteoarthritis care. However, further model refinement and validation in additional groups of patients is needed. "Our study shows that combining deep learning with longitudinal MRI radiomics and biochemical biomarkers significantly improves the prediction of knee osteoarthritis progressionpotentially enabling earlier, more personalized intervention. "This work is the result of years of collaboration across multiple disciplines, and we were especially excited to see how noninvasive imaging biomarkers could be leveraged to support individualized patient care," state the authors. Co-author Prof. Changhai Ding notes, "This study marks a step forward in using artificial intelligence to extract meaningful clinical signals from complex datasets in musculoskeletal health." More information: Predicting knee osteoarthritis progression using neural network with longitudinal MRI radiomics, and biochemical biomarkers: A modeling study, PLOS Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004665 Journal information: PLoS Medicine Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille has dissolved the South African Tourism (SAT) board, with immediate effect, after it unlawfully convened a special board meeting earlier this month Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) The Sudanese army and allied armed groups say they repelled a major, multi-pronged attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on Wednesday KATHMANDU, Aug 20: A two-day conference of parliamentarians from the Hindu Kush Himalayan region concluded in Kathmandu on Tuesday with a commitment to create a joint parliamentary platform to address the climate crisis and other shared environmental challenges. The first-ever conference, held under the theme Protecting Nature, Empowering People, brought together lawmakers and representatives from Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Bhutan. The participants issued a five-point declaration calling for regular regional meetings of parliamentarians, greater cooperation in climate governance, and stronger legislative roles in drafting climate-resilient policies. The declaration also emphasized the exchange of scientific evidence, experiences, and best practices related to climate change, biodiversity, and air quality. It pledged to strengthen parliamentary oversight to ensure accountability and support climate adaptation, while leaving the date and venue of the second conference to mutual agreement among members. Related story SHIFT for Our Planet: Youths urge authorities to make climate j... Addressing the closing session, Speaker of the House of Representatives Dev Raj Ghimire underlined the urgency of collective action. Citing recent floods in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and China, as well as droughts in Nepals southern plains, he said such disasters highlight the regions vulnerability. Even if we are not scientists or engineers, as parliamentarians we can enact laws, pass budgets for adaptation, hold polluters accountable, and advocate for farmers and communities, he said. Kusum Devi Thapa, chair of the Agriculture, Cooperative and Natural Resources Committee of Nepals Federal Parliamentthe host of the eventsaid the conference marked an important first step. Active engagement of lawmakers will be crucial in addressing the environmental problems of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. This is the beginning of a long journey, she noted. No representation from India and China The Hindu Kush Himalayan region spans eight countriesAfghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. However, the Kathmandu meeting was notable for the absence of India and China, the regions two largest states. Although Indian parliamentarian Sujit Kumar and a Chinese delegate were scheduled to speak at the opening session, both failed to attend. Several speakers expressed concern, stressing that meaningful progress would be difficult without the participation of these two key players. Debapriya Bhattacharya, former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, said India and Chinas involvement was essential. We all know that, in terms of climate, India and China are like the elephants in the roomvisible to everyone but too often ignored. Their parliamentarians must be part of this dialogue. Nepal could play a strategic role in fostering such engagement, he said. Pemra Gyamtso, Director General of ICIMOD, the intergovernmental body supporting the conference, said both countries had initially confirmed participation but withdrew at the last moment for unspecified reasons. Their absence should not slow down efforts for regional cooperation, he said. Munazza Hassan, Chair of Pakistans Parliamentary Standing Committee on Climate Change, echoed the need for inclusivity. We must rise above our differences to tackle this shared challenge. To fight the climate crisis, open discussions with all regional stakeholders are essential, she said. Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala hit out at President William Ruto, accusing him of hypocrisy in the fight against corruption and questioning his moral authority to lecture MPs on the issue. In an interview on a local media station on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Malala dismissed Rutos anti-corruption rhetoric, insisting the President could not credibly speak against graft given his own record. William Ruto is that proverbial witch who performs his rituals during the day but assumes nobody is seeing him. Hes behaving holier than thou. Its as though he has just landed in Kenya the other week and he has no moral authority to lecture anybody on matters of corruption, Malala said. He has been a participant in corrupt dealings in the past. Look at how he runs his governmentwith impunity, without following the rule of law, he added. Malala, who previously served as Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), went further to allege that Members of Parliament had been bribed to pass key government business in the House. He accused the Executive of turning money into a tool for manipulating legislation, warning that such practices undermine Parliaments independence. He started this corruption and this engagement with Parliament in corrupt ways in several instances. Last years finance bill, he used a lot of money to pay MPs, the impeachment of Gachagua, and so many other businesses transacted in Parliament, Malala claimed. The former UDA Secretary General also criticized Kenyas broader approach to fighting corruption, insisting that the governments actions undermine President Rutos credibility on the issue. The problem is that Kenya is not serious when it comes to the fight against corruption. Because weve seen William Ruto and his administration entertain the very people who indulge in corrupt activities. Look at his cabinet, Malala stated. He went on to cite Rutos handling of sugar industry privatization, accusing the government of leasing out factories without following procurement laws. He has leased out all sugar industries without advertisement, without any bid, without any competitive bid. And then he puts on a very decent tie and comes before Kenyans, hypocritically lecturing them about corruption, he added. The National Assembly has struck down a Treasury directive that sought to make the electronic Government Procurement System (e-GPS) the sole method for processing government tenders, ruling the move unconstitutional and beyond legal authority. On Tuesday evening, MPs approved the adoption of the Committee on Delegated Legislation report, fully withdrawing Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Circular No. 04/2025. The motion, seconded by Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, was approved unanimously. The committee, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, pointed out that the circular was attempting to bypass parliamentary oversight by placing the nation under new procurement standards without the basis of law. It held that the directive was in contravention of Section 77 of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, which permits government entities to tender manually or electronically. The report also noted that the circular violated various constitutional provisions, including Articles 2(1) and (2), 10, 27(2), 94(5), and 227. The sections address supremacy of the Constitution, national values and principles of governance, equality and fundamental rights, Parliaments exclusive lawmaking role, and procuring in such a way that it is fair, competitive, transparent, and cost-effective. The Circular is in contravention of sections 9 and 77 of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, Cap. 412C relating to the function of the Authority which do not extend to creating binding obligations and the recognition that tender submissions may be made in either manual or electronic form, and contravention of sections 2, 6, 11, 13, 22 and 24 of the Statutory Instruments Act, Cap 2A relating to interpretation of a statutory instrument, submission of a regulatory impact statement on each statutory instrument, requirement for publication and tabling of a statutory instrument before Parliament, and exercise of powers in making statutory instruments, the committee stated. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi had launched the e-GPS system on April 7, 2025, intending to boost accountability, efficiency, and value for money in government procurement. The platform was designed to enhance transparency, fairness, and competitiveness, aligning with directives from President William Rutos November 2024 State of the Nation Address, which called for a full rollout by the first quarter of 2025. Under the now-annulled circular, only tenders submitted through the e-GPS platform would have qualified for payment, and all existing contracts were required to be registered with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA). While seconding the motion to annul the circular, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed argued that it was legally invalid. If you want to use electronic means, you change the law. You cant change the law through a circular. The circular is just a piece of paper, he said. He added, This reminds me of a circular issued by the former Central Bank of Kenya governor that when you want to withdraw over Sh1 million, you have to explain. This is a warning to the Executive that the only body the Constitution has given power to make law is Parliament. Junet urged MPs to reject the circular immediately, ensuring that procuring entities could continue using manual systems without restrictions. Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Thursday denied bombing a World Food Programme (WFP) relief convoy heading for north Darfur, saying the accusation of the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was only aimed to eclipse their obstruction of humanitarian assistance to the besieged people in Al Fashir The push to make sex education a standalone subject in Kenyan schools has hit a wall after lawmakers opted for a more integrated approach. The decision followed a motion that Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Maina tabled, aiming for health, well-being, and sex education to be included as a core subject within the syllabus. Ms. Maina argued that good practices would be promoted, HIV and AIDS infections reduced, and rising cases of teenage pregnancy prevented through comprehensive sex education offered through formal school curricula. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba explained to the National Assembly on Tuesday that the ministry adopted an age-appropriate approach. He said learners receive content that matches their developmental stage, with the level of detail increasing as they move up the grades. It would not be possible to implement sex education as a single core subject running from Grade One to Grade 12, CS Ogamba told the National Assembly Committee on Implementation, which was chaired by Mandera South MP Haro Abdul. He added that sexuality topics are integrated across different grades and subjects, ensuring children are introduced to the concepts gradually as they grow. The motion divided the House. Supporters believed sex education would equip girls to handle adolescence with fewer challenges, while critics insisted it could promote Western practices that undermine African cultures and values. How the Curriculum Delivers Sex Education Cabinet Secretary Ogamba confirmed that the ministry complied with the resolution adopted on August 18, 2023. He said the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) created detailed matrices on sexuality, values, and life skills to guide lesson content. When children are being taught about different parts of their body, we are asking them to identify their sexuality, explained Dr. Jacqueline Onyango, the Ministry of Educations Director of Curriculum Development. Dr. Onyango added that at the primary school level, where the focus is on building social skills, learners study appropriate behaviour and interpersonal engagement through the Environmental Activities subject, which blends elements of Home Science and Science. In subjects like English, Kiswahili, and even foreign languages, learners will encounter comprehension passages that relate to human sexuality, helping them understand what is happening in the context of their environment, she explained. Data Reveals Urgent Need for Sex Education A 2016 National Needs Assessment Survey, conducted to guide the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) on human sexuality, had already identified Pertinent and Contemporary Issues (PCI) as a priority. The study exposed worrying trends such as early sexual debut, rising HIV and STI infections, adolescent pregnancies, early marriages, and a surge in school dropouts. These patterns highlighted a gap in young peoples ability to understand and manage their sexuality within appropriate developmental, cultural, and religious frameworks, CS Ogamba noted. He stressed that the negative effects of these issues have weakened the family and social fabric, while also limiting young people from reaching their full academic, career, and economic potential. The High Court has put a stop to President William Rutos newly launched Multi-Agency Team on the War Against Corruption (MAT-WAC) after four petitioners challenged its legality. In conservatory orders issued on August 20, 2025, Justice Bahati Mwamuye suspended the presidential proclamation that established the taskforce until the case is fully heard. Pending the hearing inter parties and determination of the petitioners/applicants notice of motion application dated 20/08/25, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued staying the operation and implementation of, or the further operation and/or further implementation of, the Presidential proclamation on the establishment of multi-agency team on war against corruption issued under the hand and seal of the President of the Republic on 18/08/2025, Justice Mwamuye ruled. The court scheduled the matter for mention on September 9, 2025, to confirm compliance. Petitioners Move to Court Immediately After Taskforce Launch No sooner had President Ruto unveiled MAT-WAC than four Kenyans Magare Gikenyi, Eliud Karanja Matindi, Philemon Abuga Nyakundi, and Dishon Keroti Mogire rushed to the High Court to contest its establishment. They argue that the taskforce is unconstitutional given that Article 79 of the Constitution already brings into being the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as an independent body charged with the responsibility of curbing corruption. According to them, any coordination in the war against corruption must be anchored in law and carried out by bodies expressly provided for in the Constitution and statutes. They also fault the inclusion of institutions such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), arguing that subsuming them under MAT-WAC compromises their independence. Constitutional and Institutional Concerns The petitioners refer to Article 231(3), which forbids external interference with control of the CBK, and Article 157(10), protecting the independence of the ODPP. The petitioners are convinced that MAT-WAC overrides these constitutional safeguards by abolishing institutional boundaries and undermining the principle of separation of powers. They also warn that the teams goals overlap with the EACC, the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA), and the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), leading to duplicating efforts and possibly wasting public money. Funding and Governance Issues Another key point of contention is the taskforces funding. The Gazette announcing MAT-WAC mandated that its operation would be financed from participating institutions budgetary allocations and unidentified other sources.. The petitioners argue that the move raises issues of transparency, accountability, and parliamentary checks since only the Senate and the National Assembly possess constitutional mandates to appropriate and authorize funds. They further note that the government has also failed to make public information on how MAT-WAC members would be paid, such as allowances and remuneration, which they argue is an indicator of more entrenched governance and accountability loopholes. What the Petitioners Want The four petitioners want the High Court to suspend MAT-WACs operations entirely. They want conservatory orders freezing funds and preventing implementation of any decisions already made by the taskforce. They contend that the court has jurisdiction to intervene because the case raises questions of constitutional interpretation, management of public funds, and protection of independent offices. As the legal battle unfolds, the future of President Rutos anti-graft taskforce now hangs in the balance. Former Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju has officially severed ties with the party, bringing an end to a political alliance with former President Uhuru Kenyatta dating back almost two decades. Tuju, in a resignation letter written on August 19 and addressed to the Jubilee Party leader, Tuju expressed appreciation to him for having entrusted him with the powerful secretary general position between 2016 and 2022. He copied the letter to the current secretary general Jeremiah Kioni. Tuju described his appointment as an exceptionally bold political step, noting that handing the powerful position to a Luo politician was unprecedented in a party whose strength largely rested on Kikuyu and Kalenjin support. Naively, many of us in the Jubilee expedition had thought and dreamed that we could build a national party and a country that could make a transition from politics defined by ethnic mobilization and polarization, he reflected. Handshake Politics and Rift With Ruto Tuju revisited the March 2018 Handshake between Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga, which dramatically shifted Jubilees internal balance. He defended the pact as a necessary tool to stabilize a nation on the edge after Odingas symbolic swearing-in. Unfortunately, that handshake brought a lot of hostility between me and President Ruto despite several initiatives to bridge the gaps that the three of us are aware of before my almost fatal accident in 2020, Tuju admitted. He pointed out the irony that President Ruto himself, following the Gen Z protests of 2024, was eventually forced to pursue his own handshake with Raila Odinga mirroring Kenyattas move six years earlier to ease political tension. A History of Political Outsider Status The former Rarieda MP remembered his coalition with Kenyatta from the time of the late President Mwai Kibaki under the Party of National Unity (PNU). He explained how the two of them had been rejected by their people for seeking to transcend ethnic politics. Kenyatta, he claimed, was branded not Kikuyu enough when he first contested Gatundu South on a KANU ticket, and Tuju himself was set aside as not Luo enough when he set his sights on the Rarieda seat on a PNU ticket in 2007. Despite unrest and personal adversity, including his near-fatal road accident in 2020, Tuju claimed to have stood by Kenyatta. Stepping Away, Looking Ahead In his resignation letter, Tuju expressed optimism that Kenyas salvation lies in moving beyond tribal divisions to tackle urgent social and economic struggles. The time will soon come when more Kenyans will understand that our enemy is lack of employment and dignified income and not the other tribe, he wrote. Despite leaving the Jubilee Party, Tuju intimated that his journey with Kenyatta has not yet come to an end. He disclosed that he still anticipates working with the former President in other capacities. However, he concluded that he sees no more value he can add to Jubilee, prompting his decision to resign. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, will brief the Security Council today (Thursday) during which, she will unveil a new roadmap for the political process to lead the North African country to elections that are seen as resolution of the political crisis that has been raging for more than a decade PRNewswire Singapore, August 21: DigiFT, a licensed exchange purpose-built for institutional-grade, tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), today announced it has raised a total of US$25 million to date--following the close of a new strategic funding round. The latest round was led by SBI Holdings, Japan's largest financial group, with participation from leading institutional investors including Mirana Ventures, Offchain Labs (Arbitrum), Yunqi Partners, Polygon Labs, and founders and senior leaders of leading global technology and financial firms. The capital will support DigiFT's continued expansion as a next-generation RWA infrastructure provider--bridging traditional asset management and onchain finance through compliant, tokenized investment products. As a licensed exchange, DigiFT not only facilitates the trading and distribution of institutional-grade RWAs but also enhances their secondary market liquidity and on-chain utility, driving greater capital efficiency and expanding yield access for both institutional and Web3-native participants. Leading the round is SBI Holdings--a Japanese financial conglomerate with a broad presence across the digital asset and blockchain sectors. Known for early investments in companies such as Ripple and R3, SBI also operates a wide range of businesses spanning securities, banking, asset management, and crypto infrastructure, with a long-standing track record in fintech and capital markets innovation globally. "DigiFT has the regulatory discipline, product maturity, and focus on real onchain utility to lead the convergence of traditional finance and Web3," said Yoshitaka Kitao, Representative Director, Chairman, President & CEO, SBI Holdings. "What sets them apart is their focus on enabling real onchain utility for institutional-grade assets--going beyond tokenization to unlock collateral use cases, embedded yield, and secondary market liquidity. This pragmatic approach to infrastructure aligns with the needs of institutional investors, and we're proud to support their growth across Asia and globally." Strategic Use of Funds The funding will accelerate DigiFT's next phase of growth, with key areas of focus including: * Product Diversification - Expanding its portfolio of tokenized investment strategies across equities, fixed income, alternatives, and digital assets * Innovation & Research - Developing new on-chain use cases for tokenized RWAs to unlock broader utility across digital finance ecosystems--spanning Web3, payments, and other on-chain ecosystems * Builder Enablement - Driving greater interoperability and capital efficiency via smart contract-based infrastructure, while ensuring compliance with the standards required by financial institutions and Web3 participants. "This raise validates the institutional momentum behind tokenized finance--and DigiFT's unique role in driving it forward," said Henry Zhang, Founder & Group CEO of DigiFT. "We're honored to be backed by both leading TradFi players and top-tier Web3 investors. Together, we're building an open, interoperable capital markets infrastructure for the on-chain economy." Real-World Assets, On-Chain Utility DigiFT enables traditional asset managers to reach new investor bases, while empowering crypto-native users to access institutional-grade investment strategies across money markets, public mutual funds, U.S. Treasuries, and private credit. Leading asset managers on the platform today include Invesco, UBS Asset Management, CMB International Asset Management, and Wellington Management. The platform has also brought more diversified strategies on-chain, including the Peakwater Volatility Alpha Fund token (pEAK)--the first institutional-grade tokenized volatility strategy targeting cross-asset volatility returns across traditional and alternative markets. Beyond tokenization, DigiFT has enabled new on-chain utility for institutional-grade RWAs--most notably making them eligible as high-grade collateral on digital asset exchanges for active trading and embedding RWA yield directly within payments cards to bring on-chain returns into everyday transactions. DigiFT was recently granted Type 1 and Type 4 licenses by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)--making it the first regulated platform for institutional-grade, tokenized RWAs to be licensed by both the SFC and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), two of Asia's most sophisticated financial regulators. Media Contactmedia@digift.io About DigiFT DigiFT is a next-generation exchange for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The platform offers end-to-end digital asset services--including tokenization, issuance, distribution, trading, and instant liquidity provision--purpose-built for institutional RWAs. Trusted by global financial institutions, DigiFT is the on-chain tokenization and distribution partner for leading asset managers such as Invesco, UBS Asset Management, CMB International, and Wellington Management. To learn more, visit www.digift.io. Disclaimer: DigiFT and/or its affiliates endeavor to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, but do not guarantee its accuracy and reliability and accept no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracy or omission or from any decision, action or non-action based on or in reliance upon information contained on this article. This is not an advertisement making an offer or calling attention to an offer or intended offer. Before making any investment decision, please seek independent legal and financial advice. This document is distributed in Singapore only to Accredited Investors and Institutional Investors within the meaning of Securities and Futures Act 2001 and is not intended for investors who are not such accredited investors. DigiFT accepts no legal responsibility for the content of this article to other investors, which is not intended for them. (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 Surat (Gujarat) [India], August 21: Surat-based Abril Paper Tech Ltd, a leading manufacturer and supplier of sublimation and heat transfer paper, has received in-principle approval from BSE SME for its Rs. 1342 lakh public issue. The company plans to utilise the IPO proceeds to fund its expansion plans. Under the IPO, Abril Paper Tech Ltd will issue 22.00 lakh equity shares at a fixed price of Rs. 61 per share, targeting to raise Rs . 1,342 lakh. The proceeds will primarily be utilised for capacity expansion and additional working capital requirements. The public issue will open on August 29 and will close on 2 September. Founded and promoted by Prince Lathiya, Vipul Dobaria, and Ashishvin Lathiya, the company brings over eight years of industry expertise in sublimation and heat transfer paper solutions. Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Prince Lathiya, Non-Executive Director, Abril Paper Tech Ltd, said, "With increasing demand for sublimation and heat transfer solutions, our planned expansion will help us enhance product offerings, cater to new markets, and strengthen our position in the fast-growing digital printing ecosystem." Highlights:- - Company plans to raise Rs. 1342 lakh by issuing 22 lakh equity shares at Rs. 61 per share - IPO will open on August 29 and will close on September 2 - For FY 2025, company reported a robust financial performance with revenue of 6,091.08 lakh and EBITDA of 201.07 lakh - Post-expansion, the capacity will increase to 1,450 lakh meters per annum from 600 lakh currently - Product have wide application in growing sectors such as decor, home decor, fabric and ceramics Currently, Abril operates a manufacturing and warehousing facility in Surat with an installed capacity of 600 lakh meters per annum. Post-expansion, the capacity will increase to 1,450 lakh meters per annum, equipped with advanced technology for high-quality sublimation papers designed for digital printing solutions. The company specializes in sublimation heat transfer paper across multiple GSM specifications--30, 65, 75, and 90 GSM--catering to diverse applications in printing, garments, textiles, hosiery, curtains, and furniture industries. Further, Abril is planning forward integration by setting up facilities for manufacturing heat transfer paper, specialized frames, and PP sheets, with a strong focus on export markets. In addition to its strong B2B presence across 17 states in India, Abril plans to strengthen its B2C footprint through online and dealer networks, capitalizing on high-margin opportunities in design printing for cakes, FMCG packaging, and readymade garments. For FY 2025, Abril reported a robust financial performance with revenue of 6,091.08 lakh and EBITDA of 201.07 lakh, compared to 2,512.31 lakh revenue and 165.59 lakh EBITDA in FY 2024 (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) Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The United Nations on Thursday called for a probe into the attack on a relief convoy in Darfur that resulted in the destruction of parts of vehicles carrying relief items to thousands of needy persons in the North Darfur area PNN Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 21: Medical education has become a global pursuit, with students from different regions seeking opportunities outside their home countries. The Caribbean has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for aspiring doctors, largely because of its internationally aligned curricula, English-speaking environment, and connections to residency opportunities in the United States and Canada. As competition for limited medical school seats intensifies worldwide, institutions in the Caribbean provide a viable path for students who are determined to pursue a career in medicine. Texila American University (TAU), located in Guyana, is one of the institutions that has contributed to shaping this growing landscape of Caribbean medical education. Established in 2010, TAU has built its programs to accommodate students from diverse academic backgrounds and countries, while aligning with global medical standards. Its structured courses, clinical training pathways, and broad recognition by medical boards highlight why it is considered a strong option for international students. A Recognized Name in Caribbean Medical Education One of the main reasons TAU attracts global attention is its extensive list of accreditations and recognitions. The university is listed in directories such as the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and accredited by international accrediting agencies like by CAAM-HP and ACCM. These validations ensure that students' degrees are accepted internationally, opening doors to licensing exams such as the USMLE, MCCQE, and screening tests in India and other countries. Such global credibility is essential for students who want the flexibility to practice in multiple regions. Recognition by medical authorities not only boosts confidence in the curriculum but also helps graduates transition smoothly into residency and career opportunities worldwide. Multiple Pathways Toward an MD Degree Unlike many traditional medical schools that offer a single entry point, TAU provides three different pathways tailored to varying levels of academic preparation. * 4-Year MD Program: Designed for students who already hold undergraduate credits in science and math. This program allows them to progress directly into the core medical curriculum. * 5-Year MD Program: Suitable for high school graduates under the 10+2 or A-Level system, this program incorporates foundational courses before students begin medical sciences. * 5.5-Year Premed to MD Program: Structured for those entering directly after O-Levels or CSEC, this pathway includes extended premedical coursework before transitioning into the standard MD track. These options allow students to find a program that best matches their background, creating a more inclusive and adaptable medical education system. A Structured and Globally Relevant Curriculum TAU follows a curriculum that mirrors international medical education frameworks. The academic journey begins with foundational sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology, before moving toward clinical sciences. A distinguishing feature is the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in both Guyana and the United States. Students gain exposure to core areas like Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynecology, while also exploring electives in specialized fields. This practical experience is critical for building clinical skills and preparing for residency applications abroad. Student Outcomes and Exam Success A medical school's strength is often measured by how its students perform in licensing examinations and residency placements. TAU reports strong results, including pass rates of over 90% in USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams. Additionally, a significant percentage of its graduates have secured residency positions in the United States since 2015. High retention rates also reflect the effectiveness of TAU's academic support system, showing that students are well guided throughout their studies. These outcomes demonstrate that the training is not only comprehensive but also relevant to global healthcare standards. A Diverse and Supportive Community Caribbean medical schools are known for attracting students from many countries, and TAU is no exception. Its student body includes learners from North America, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean itself. This diversity creates a culturally rich environment where students gain perspectives beyond medicine, including cross-cultural communication and teamwork--skills highly valued in today's interconnected healthcare systems. Faculty members are also recruited internationally, bringing expertise from different healthcare systems and academic traditions. The relatively low student-to-faculty ratio ensures personal attention and mentorship, helping students navigate the challenges of medical school more effectively. Modern Infrastructure and Learning Resources TAU has invested significantly in creating an environment conducive to learning and research. The campus features advanced laboratories, digital libraries with thousands of medical journals and textbooks, and well-equipped classrooms. These resources give students the opportunity to blend theoretical learning with practical exploration. The infrastructure also includes simulation facilities, which are increasingly important in medical education. Simulation labs help students practice procedures and patient interactions in a safe and controlled environment before stepping into real clinical settings. Cost-Effective Medical Education One of the reasons many students turn to Caribbean medical schools is affordability. Compared to medical programs in the United States or Europe, TAU offers a more cost-effective route without compromising on quality. Tuition fees are structured to remain accessible, and the absence of an MCAT requirement simplifies the admissions process for international applicants. By combining affordability with international recognition, TAU offers students a balance between financial feasibility and academic credibility. A Vision for the Future Texila American University emphasizes not only producing qualified doctors but also contributing to broader healthcare improvements. Its mission highlights ethical practice, innovation, and leadership--qualities necessary in addressing global health challenges. The university's expansion into new regions and collaborations with educational partners reflects its long-term vision of being part of a worldwide network of medical education. Conclusion The Caribbean continues to grow as a hub for international medical education, and Texila American University represents a significant part of that development. With its strong accreditation, multiple entry pathways, globally aligned curriculum, and supportive community, it provides a practical and internationally relevant route for aspiring doctors. For students who may be unable to secure seats in competitive medical schools elsewhere, TAU offers an alternative that does not compromise on standards or outcomes. Its structured programs, combined with opportunities for clinical exposure and high exam success rates, make it a top choice for many seeking to pursue their dream of becoming a doctor in today's globalized healthcare environment. (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 Singapore, August 21: Ascentium, a leading global business services platform headquartered in Singapore, today announced the successful acquisition of ZICO Holdings' ("ZICO"), a corporate services business operating across key ASEAN markets, specifically Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The acquisition also includes corporate services and trust & trustee services in Labuan. This strategic investment strengthens Ascentium's presence across Southeast Asia and marks its entry into the Labuan market. With over three decades of success, ZICO contributes its legacy of operational excellence, deep regional experience, and a distinguished portfolio of premium clients. ZICO's corporate services will be seamlessly integrated into Ascentium's operations in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, reinforcing the firm's proficiency in corporate secretarial services, trust administration, and regulatory compliance. * Strengthening Presence in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Launching Corporate and Trust Services in Labuan With ZICO's corporate services division now part of the Ascentium platform, clients will benefit from an expanded suite of services across multiple markets, while continuing to receive high-quality corporate and fiduciary solutions. This expansion builds on Ascentium's 2024 acquisition of InCorp Global, a leading provider of corporate services and business advisory solutions, which is expected to complete its brand transition to Ascentium by 2026. Ascentium is committed to delivering comprehensive, technology-enabled business services across Asia-Pacific and beyond. This investment underscores Ascentium's strategic expansion across Asia Pacific to offer diversified corporate services, as highlighted by recent key milestone acquisitions such as Links International, the region's leading HR outsourcing technology partner, and Harneys Fiduciary, a specialist in cross-border corporate, fund, and trust services with established global offices in Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Shanghai. Lennard Yong, Founding Management and Group CEO of Ascentium , commented: "The acquisition marks an important advance in our Southeast Asia growth strategy and represents a crucial milestone toward building a leadership team with unmatched regional expertise. I appreciate Kelvin's trust and ZICO's network in Southeast Asia, and warmly welcome ZICO's corporate services team to Ascentium. We value their entrepreneurial culture and market knowledge. ZICO's strong governance framework, premium client base, and local know-how align with our mission to deliver transformative business services." Datuk Kelvin Ng, Group Chief Executive Officer of ZICO Holdings, said: "This demonstrates a pivotal moment for ZICO Holdings as we transition our well-established corporate services teams in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines to Ascentium. Over the years, our teams have built a strong reputation for professionalism, trust, and regional knowledge. We are confident that Ascentium's leadership, platform, and global reach will enable our colleagues and valued clients to access new opportunities and enhanced solutions. We thank our outstanding team members for their dedication and commitment and look forward to seeing them thrive as part of Ascentium's growing family under Lennard's leadership." About Ascentium Ascentium is a leading global business services platform dedicated to helping businesses scale greater heights. Headquartered in Singapore, we empower extraordinary growth through specialised expertise and comprehensive one-stop solutions in corporate services, finance and accounting, HR services, and fiduciary and trust services. Our team of 2,300+ professionals spans 44 cities across 22 markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe, serving 50,000+ client entities across diverse industries. Through innovative, technology-enabled solutions and a collaborative approach, Ascentium drives transformative growth, helping clients navigate complex global environments. For more information, please visit ascentium.com. About ZICO Holdings ZICO Holdings Inc. ("ZICO" and together with its subsidiaries and associated companies, the "Group") is an integrated provider of multidisciplinary professional services. ZICO was listed on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited on 11 November 2014. ZICO is widely regarded as the Trusted Advisors and Go-To Professional Services Provider of business solutions in the ASEAN region. Through its multidisciplinary services, regional capabilities and local insights, ZICO creates a unique brand offering that enables its clients to capitalise on opportunities across Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit www.zicoholdings.com. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN Kochi (Kerala) [India], August 21: Webandcrafts (WAC), a digital solutions company headquartered in Kerala, hosted the WAC Beyond - Technology and Marketing Summit 2025 at the Grand Hyatt, Kochi, drawing more than 1,000 participants. Marking its 13th anniversary, WAC positioned the summit as a preview to WAC Beyond 1.0 in 2026, which is expected to be one of the largest innovation platforms in the state. Recognised as South India's largest technology and marketing summit, the event brought together business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping industries. "Technology, when used effectively, enables businesses to scale further and adapt to rapid changes. It is encouraging to see how a startup from Koratty has achieved success within such a short span," said P. Rajeeve, Minister for Law, Industries, and Coir, Government of Kerala. Hibi Eden, Member of Parliament, noted: "Technology and marketing are a powerful combination. WAC's journey shows how a young company can bring new energy and relevance to the business landscape." Founded in 2012 at Infopark, Thrissur, Webandcrafts has grown from a single-computer startup into a trusted digital partner for more than 500 clients worldwide, delivering over 1,500 projects across sectors including retail, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and hospitality, with core expertise in Experience Design, Product Engineering, E-commerce Development, and Digital Marketing. "We began with modest resources, but with the right people and clear values, we have been able to build something of global relevance," said Abin Jose Tom, Managing Director and Founder of Webandcrafts. The summit also featured a partnership session with Google, which will strengthen WAC's capabilities in AI and automation, enabling businesses to adopt faster, technology-led solutions. In another highlight, WAC launched the official websites for Synthite Industries Pvt Ltd, the world's largest producer of spice extracts, powders, and essential oils, and Jain (Deemed-to-be) University. "Celebrating our 13th year is about acknowledging the people who have been part of this journey," said Jilu Joseph, Chief Executive Officer, Webandcrafts, who spoke on scaling innovation through technology-first thinking. The evening concluded with an awards ceremony where three senior employees were honoured with new Mahindra XEV 9e cars for their contributions. (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 Singapore, August 21: Carro, Asia Pacific's largest and fastest-growing online used car platform, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with fintech platform SY Holdings, entering a strategic partnership that will support Carro's expansion plans through tech-enabled financing solutions. * Hong Kong-listed SY Holdings to provide cross-border financing solutions for Carro, powered by artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and secure API-based integration * The strategic partnership will also explore supply-chain AI capabilities to enhance risk controls and operational efficiency for Carro SY Holdings is a Hong Kong-listed digital intelligence technology company with a focus on AI and industry supply chains. This strategic partnership will leverage artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and API-based integrations that will optimise efficiency, accelerate funding cycles and intensify scalability while maintaining governance and compliance. "We're excited to work with new partners like SY Holdings that can move quickly together with us, as we expand into even more markets and explore new propositions like Brand New cars," says Aaron Tan, co-founder and CEO of Carro. "This strategic partnership will give us access to bespoke, AI driven financing solutions that will not only help align disbursements across our ecosystem in multiple markets, but also optimise the financing supply chain process." At the same time, SY Holdings will be able to tap into Carro's deep experience and expertise with New Energy Vehicles (NEV) across Asia Pacific. "Carro's commitment in AI and NEV, coupled with its recent launch of its Zeekr dealership, resonates strongly with us ," says Kenny Ng, Head of International Partnerships at SY Holdings. "This partnership will see us working closely to integrate systems that will handle dealership, procurement and settlement cases within the NEV space, as well as explore supply chain AI capabilities that will include anomaly detections, smart pricing algorithms, real-time data synchronisation and automated reconciliation." Carro is Asia Pacific's largest and most trusted online automotive marketplace, with a decade's worth of experience in buying and selling used cars whilst leveraging proprietary technologies, artificial intelligence and data analytics. The unicorn start up has grown its retail marketplace to an in-house ecosystem powerhouse encompassing Carro Care (aftersales), Genie Financing Services (financing), and Coverro (insurance), building a hub of excellence and quality for all aspects of car ownership. About SY Holdings SY Holdings Group Limited (Stock Code: 6069.HK) is the first "AI + Industrial Supply Chain" digital intelligence technology company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Recognized by CNBC and Forbes as a leading global fintech innovator, the Group has been included in MSCI, Hang Seng, FTSE and Stock Connect indices, reflecting broad market recognition. Through its proprietary SY Cloud Platform, SY deploys AI Agents that automatically analyse procurement opportunities, match orders, and connect SMEs with funding partners in real time, enabling them to secure growth opportunities with greater efficiency. Operating under a "transaction-focused, asset-light" model, SY strengthens industrial ecosystems and data connectivity across infrastructure, healthcare, commodities, e-commerce, and robotics. As of June 30, 2025, the Group has established partnerships with more than 10 large core enterprises and over 180 funding institutions, facilitating order procurement and financing services exceeding USD 38 billion for over 19,000 SMEs, while continuing to advance digital transformation and inclusive growth for SMEs worldwide. About Carro Founded in 2015, Carro is Asia Pacific's largest online used car marketplace. By offering a trustworthy and transparent experience, Carro transforms the traditional way of buying and selling cars through proprietary pricing algorithms, AI-enabled capabilities, and innovative technological solutions. Carro most recently expanded its product line to include Brand New cars in Singapore and Malaysia, offering customers even more options. Headquartered in Singapore, the unicorn startup has raised over S$700 million from Softbank Vision Fund and several sovereign funds. It recorded its best ever full-year positive EBITDA of S$43 million in FY2024. Together with its subsidiaries and business lines, Carro is supported by more than 5,000 employees across Asia Pacific: * Carro, Asia Pacific's largest online used marketplace with a strong key presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, Japan, Taiwan region, and Hong Kong SAR * Carro Care Powered by Jardine & Cycle, Carro's in-house refurbishment and after-sales servicing capabilities * Genie Financial Services, a next-generation fintech automotive financing provider in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand * MPM Rent, leading mobility solutions company in Indonesia specialising in leasing / fleet financing transportation services * Innorithm, a next-generation fleet management solutions company leveraging state-of-the art IoT and machine learning * Kaidee, Thailand's largest online shopping and classifieds platform For more information, please visit: www.carro.co. (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) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey on Thursday underlined the urgent need for innovation in capital markets that not only widens opportunities but also reduces compliance costs, making the system safer and more accessible for both issuers and investors. He was speaking at the 22nd Annual Capital Markets Conference (CAPAM2025), organised by FICCI. Pandey stressed that reforms must actively support faster capital formation while ensuring long-term investor engagement. "Innovation in the capital market must lower friction and compliance cost for issuers, investors and intermediaries, while managing the risk. It should also provide a diverse range of opportunities depending upon the risk appetite," he said. Highlighting SEBI's regulatory initiatives, Pandey pointed to the shortening of IPO timelines, adoption of digital processes, and safeguards such as blocking of funds and direct payouts, which, he said, have cut costs and improved efficiency. He added that a verified payment channel for SEBI-registered intermediaries through UPI will come into effect on October 1, 2025. This move, according to him, will protect investors from cyber frauds, a growing concern in the era of digital finance. The SEBI Chairman also noted that technology should be viewed as a trust multiplier rather than a showpiece, especially at a time when instances of fake apps and unregistered intermediaries continue to surface. SEBI, he said, is working with social media platforms to curb such fraudulent activities. Reflecting on the changing landscape, Pandey said innovative regulations have helped create new asset classes and instruments. "AIFs, REITs, INWITs, SIPs, SIFs, PMS, these acronyms now occupy an important place in the Indian capital market" He also pointed out that India's securities market has expanded significantly, with 13 crore unique investors, 7 crore mutual fund investors, and a capital pipeline worth 1.4 trillion rupees. "Transparency attracts long-term capital," he remarked, calling for stronger disclosures, better controls, and aligned incentives to meet the aspiration of building a larger and deeper capital market. Addressing emerging challenges, Pandey said that while artificial intelligence is an asset, it should not be seen as a substitute. "Adopt AI, but with safeguard," he emphasised. He reiterated that unnecessary processes must be eliminated, and the focus should be on developing new product classes and strengthening sustainable domestic capital formation amid global uncertainties. (ANI) IKEA India's operations recorded a growth of 10 per cent year-on-year in the ending of August, 2025, according to Tolga Oncu, Ingka Retail Manager, Ingka Group, IKEA. Oncu, who is part of the Ingka Group, said the company in India is already working with a simplified expansion approach that focuses on cost consciousness and operational efficiency. He noted that the company will continue to refine and adapt these principles to suit the Indian market, taking into account the learnings from the new format pilots. The aim is to make IKEA more accessible and efficient for Indian customers. "We will continue to refine and adapt these principles to suit the Indian market based on the learnings of the new format pilots to make IKEA more accessible and efficient in India," Oncu stated. As part of this plan, IKEA is piloting a new store format that merges with its omnichannel offerings. This new approach is one of many customer meeting point formats being tested around the world. If the pilot proves successful, it could play a key role in IKEA's strategy of expansion and accessibility in India. The company is currently testing smaller, more agile store models in select markets, including the UK, Texas, and Poland. According to IKEA, these new models are designed to be faster and more cost-effective to open while still offering thousands of products along with planning services. The smaller format is expected to create a simpler and more efficient shopping experience for customers. Initial feedback from these pilot stores has been encouraging. IKEA believes that the format has strong potential to help the company expand into new locations and bring its products and services closer to more people. The goal of this initiative is to make IKEA more accessible to a wider audience without compromising on product variety or customer support. Oncu further mentioned that the company is in the process of gathering learnings and results from these pilot projects. IKEA expects to have a clearer picture of the effectiveness of the new format by the end of the year. (ANI) VMPL Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 21: Sanskriti University, conducted its sixth convocation ceremony in a majestic and spiritually uplifting atmosphere with the attendance of great saints, renowned dignitaries, education leaders and renowned personalities from other walks of life. The day was historic for the university when 2045 students were awarded degrees in recognition of their academic excellence. The convocation was the true reflection of the academic excellence and holistic education spirit of Sanskriti University, harmonizing tradition with progressive ambitions. Chancellor Dr Sachin Gupta honored the ceremony with his presence wherein honorary degrees were awarded to Dr J.C. Chaudhry, founder of Aakash Institute and noted educationist, and Ashutosh Rana, a renowned Bollywood actor, writer, poet and orator. Ceremonial Inauguration The ceremony started with the lighting of the traditional ceremonial lamp before the idol of Goddess Saraswati indicating the pursuit of knowledge and singing the national anthem. The march of students from the academic departments which is led by NCC cadets and Gurukul students, added sanctity and pomp to the event, which classified the university as traditional as well as academically high profile. Dean of Student Welfare, Dr Dharmendra S. Tomar, greeted the audience, including faculty members, students, parents, and dignitaries, in a formal manner. Keynote Address by Ashutosh Rana Delivering the keynote address, Ashutosh Rana invited the students to remain humble in the event of success, stating: "Always take care of three things - addiction, disease, and honorary titles - because although the first two have cures, the vanity of an honorary title is not curable." Alumni of National School of Drama and a renowned personality of Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil films, Rana expressed gratitude to Chancellor Dr Sachin Gupta for the honor bestowed upon him by stating: "I feel fortunate to receive this award from Sanskriti University. It is less of a title and more of an obligation to the responsibility that follows recognition." Message by Dr J.C. Chaudhry Dr J.C. Chaudhry, a distinguished educationist, author of numerous books, and well-known numerologist, instructed graduates not to ever forget that education is an ongoing process. The degree which has been conferred on you today is not the culmination of your education - it is just the commencement. The years that you have spent here were the halcyon days of your life, but the real life has started now. Never be satisfied with what you have done; always try for something better." Instilling resilience, he continued: "If God places you in a difficult situation, it is to lead you to learning and building a better future. Never give up searching for knowledge - I continue learning something new every day." Chancellor's Vision for the Graduates Chancellor Dr Sachin Gupta during his speech planted in the graduating batch the values of perseverance and determination: "Never give up in life. Stand firm in the face of adversities, and success will be yours. Congratulations to all our graduates on a future that is bright with achievement and fulfillment." Achievements and Progress of Sanskriti University The university progress report was given by Vice Chancellor Prof M.B. Chetty, observing that Dr Sachin Gupta is India's youngest chancellor and is dedicated to making Sanskriti University the country's fastest-growing educational institution. He enumerated notable achievements, which were: * Launch of 25 student entrepreneurship ventures. * Signing of notable MOUs with top institutions in the USA and UK. * Support to ISRO's Yamuna River Project. * Establishment of excellent academic and research infrastructure. Esteemed Guest Addresses Dr Nalinaksha S. Vyas (IIT Kanpur) emphasized that learning goes beyond formal education: "This is not the end of your learning - it is the beginning. Now life will be your teacher." He also spoke of the changing education system and the integration of artificial intelligence in education. Vinay Kumar Pathak, Chairman Association of Indian Universities (AIU), emphasized the collective role of students, parents, and teachers towards academic success, defining the convocation as an ancient tradition that imparts the manner of living. Sudeep Goenka (Goldiee Group) drew parallels between the university leadership and the Hindu trinity, and called Chancellor Dr Sachin Gupta, Pro-Chancellor Rajesh Gupta, and Vision Group Chairman Mukesh Gupta the "Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh" of Sanskriti University. Addressing students, he said: "This is going to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. There are 10,000 students here and any one of you can be the chancellor of tomorrow." Awards and Degrees Awarded Degrees and honors were conferred as follows: * 21 PhD degrees. * 232 Master's degrees. * 1,277 Bachelor's degrees. * 515 Diploma degrees. Exemplary students were conferred with: * 45 Gold Medals. * 44 Silver Medals. * 39 Bronze Medals. The graduates also swore an oath, committing themselves to ethical standards and ensuring that they contribute to society with their knowledge and abilities. Honoring Distinguished Guests Chancellor Dr Sachin Gupta paid the following dignitaries' ceremonial shawls and souvenirs: * Ashutosh Rana, Actor, Author, and Poet. * Anantashree Vibhushit Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Satishacharyaji Maharaj. * Mahamandaleshwar Hemangi Sakhi Maa. * Pujya Chinmayanand Bapu Ji. * Dr Nalinaksha S. Vyas, IIT Kanpur. * Sharda Sarvagya Peethadhishwar Swami Amritanand Devtirth Ji. * Acharya Manish Ji, HIMS Chandigarh. * Dr J.C. Chaudhry, Aakash Institute Founder. * Sudeep Goenka, Goldiee Group. * Prof Vinay Kumar Pathak, AIU Chairman. * Rajesh Gupta, Pro-Chancellor, Sanskriti University. * Mukesh Gupta, Chairman, Vision Group. * Dr M.B. Chetty, Vice Chancellor, Sanskriti University. * Dr Meenakshi Sharma, CEO, Sanskriti University. The ceremony was compered by the university's Placement Cell representatives Jyoti Yadav and Vikas Kaushik. A Memorable Celebration of Learning The sixth convocation was not just a celebration of academic success but also an inspirational gathering that reasserted the ideals of humility, grit and also lifelong learning. The attendance of spiritual gurus, educators, and cultural icons reinforced the vision of the university in producing graduates who are intellectually empowered, morally grounded, and socially engaged. While the graduates left the campus with their diplomas in hand, hope and resolve in the air, they now embark on a new chapter in their lives, equipped to apply the knowledge they've acquired and make a difference in the world. About Sanskriti University Located in Mathura, India, Sanskriti University has provided world class education across different disciplines of study, fostering academic excellence, creativity, and personal growth. Committed to great emphasis on well-rounded development, the university helps students to thrive in a changing global society. Media Contact: Public Relations Office Sanskriti University https://www.sanskriti.edu.in/ (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) HT Syndication New Delhi [India], August 21: For nearly a decade, the Mehrauli store has been at the heart of Gazal Gupta's journey, a space where brides-to-be, families, and fashion connoisseurs first encountered the brand's unique voice in couture. Now, the flagship reopens in a completely reimagined form, redesigned with the same attention to detail and layered artistry that defines every Gazal Gupta creation. Spread across 2,500 square feet, the new layout is designed like a story unfolding. Each section flows gently into the next, guiding visitors through categories without ever overwhelming them. It is not a showroom in the traditional sense, but an experience that wraps you in quiet luxury, much like the garments themselves. The Autumn/Winter 2025 Bridal Couture Collection takes center stage in the refreshed space. Presented in its entirety, the collection is paired with the expertise of an in-house team of seasoned stylists, ensuring that every bride leaves with a look that feels both deeply personal and entirely new. Inside, the interiors mirror the brand's identity, with muted signature hues, vintage accents, and a restrained opulence that feels timeless. The redesign was brought to life in collaboration with Sachin Gupta of Beyond Design, whose vision helped shape a space as evocative as the couture it houses. For Gazal Gupta, the project is also deeply emotional. "Mehrauli is where our story began. Over the past eight years, this store has witnessed our growth and the bonds we've built with our clients. Redesigning it was less about change and more about giving back to the space, to the memories, and to everyone who has walked through these doors," she reminisces. The revitalised flagship is not only a milestone for the brand but also a benchmark for luxury couture shopping in India. It bridges heritage with modernity and memory with reinvention, inviting every visitor to step into a space that feels both familiar and entirely transformed. About Gazal Gupta Founded by designer Gazal Gupta, the label redefines Indian couture by seamlessly balancing heritage and modernity. Known for its intricate craftsmanship, signature embellishments, and timeless silhouettes, the brand creates ensembles that celebrate individuality and elegance. With a focus on couture, pret, and bespoke ensembles, Gazal Gupta continues to redefine modern Indian luxury while staying rooted in heritage. Gazal Gupta Website : https://www.gazalgupta.in/?srsltid=AfmBOoo9Y-wk5XRiUeI1061fbjApdQjZSuo-oxnDSvRexj2DsSA6S8C7 Gazal Gupta Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/gazalguptacouture/ (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.) Applications are now open for one of India's largest higher education scholarships for the academic year 2025-26. Reliance Foundation Scholarships will empower 5,100 outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat. The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships will award 5,000 students to pursue academic excellence and nurture their aspirations with grants of up to Rs 2 lakh, on a merit-cummeans basis. First-year students enrolled in any full-time undergraduate course are eligible to apply. Celebrating excellence, Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships will identify and support 100 of India's brightest postgraduate students in select fields of Engineering, Technology, Energy, and Life Sciences. The programme aims to nurture future leaders who can think big, think green, and think digital for the benefit of society. With grants of up to Rs 6 lakh and access to a robust development programme, these students will be empowered to pursue advanced studies and research in areas critical to national development and global progress. Applications are open only to students currently in the first year of their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Reliance Foundation scholars not only benefit from generous financial support but also from holistic development opportunities throughout their scholarship journey. This includes expert interactions and mentorship, industry exposure, leadership and skill-building events, and opportunities to meaningfully engage with communities for societal development. Education - from early childhood learning to quality higher education - is central to Reliance Foundation's mission. On the 90th birth anniversary of Reliance's Founder-Chairman In December 2022, Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, announced 50,000 additional scholarships over the next decade, making the programme one of the largest private scholarship initiatives in India. Reliance has been providing scholarships to meritorious students for over 29 years, inspired by Reliance Founder-Chairman Dhirubhai Ambani's vision that the best way to ensure the nation's progress is to invest in its youth. To date, Reliance has supported more than 28,000 scholarships. Reliance Foundation Scholarships alumni continue to fulfil their academic and professional aspirations, embark on rewarding careers, and contribute actively to the nation's progress. This year's cohort presents an opportunity to join one of India's most prestigious scholarship communities. Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited, aims to play a catalytic role in addressing India's development challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. (ANI) Japan is considering announcing a 10 trillion yen (USD 68 billion) decade-long private investment target for India when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits later this month, Japan Wire of Kyodo News reported, citing government sources on Thursday. The news platform stated that the new target--an update of a five-year 5 trillion yen investment goal rolled out in 2022--is intended to further spur investment at a time when the two countries are working closely to promote a "free and open Indo-Pacific" in the face of an assertive China. The Japanese government may mention the target in an outcome document to be issued following summit talks between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Modi, the Japanese government sources said, according to Kyodo News. PM Modi's visit to Japan is scheduled for three days from August 29, the platform reported. It will be PM's first visit to Japan since May 2023, when he travelled to the Group of Seven summit in the western city of Hiroshima. The Japanese government said in March 2022, at the time of a visit to India by then Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, that it would aim for 5 trillion yen of public and private investment and financing over five years. The Indian and Japanese governments are also seeking to agree on a new framework to explore cooperation in economic security, such as for procuring stable supplies of critical goods, according to the news platform, citing sources. The framework would designate semiconductors, essential minerals, communications, clean energy, artificial intelligence and pharmaceutical products as key areas for discussion. The two sides are additionally arranging to announce what they call an AI cooperation initiative for the emerging technology and related startups, the news platform further added. "We hope promoting cooperation between Japanese companies (and their Indian counterparts) in fields where Indian firms have strengths would contribute to the growth of the Japanese economy," one of the sources said, quoted by the Japan Wire. During his stay, PM Modi is likely to travel to Sendai, in Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan, to view an experimental shinkansen bullet train car and visit a major Japanese manufacturer of chip-making equipment, according to the sources, stated the report. (ANI) 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. The Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) and ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) have signed a commercial credit line agreement of USD 40 million. The agreement will create new opportunities for Indian businesses to access the African markets, strengthening bilateral economic ties. India Exim Bank has consistently fostered enduring trade and investment partnerships that connect Indian capabilities with the developmental priorities of African countries. Collaborations with financial institutions in Africa form a vital pillar of these partnerships, particularly in light of the growing uncertainties and resultant challenges to trade. Commenting on the development, Trupti Mhatre, General Manager, India Exim Bank, added that the facility will help meet the energy needs of Sierra Leone. She highlighted that Exim Bank has been partnering with EBID since 2006, resulting in support for complex infrastructure and development projects in Africa. "These projects address developmental needs in Africa, and also demonstrate the capabilities of Indian companies in delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions," Mhatre stated. The President of EBID, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, commended India Exim Bank for its continued commitment to partnering with the ECOWAS sub-region for the realisation of development projects geared towards improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. He underscored the need to expand investments in key sectors such as energy, health, transportation, agriculture and infrastructure, among others, to drive economic growth in West Africa while building resilience in an increasingly volatile global setting. Speaking on the occasion, Vartia highlighted that the agreement will create new opportunities for Indian businesses to contribute to Africa's growth story and strengthen bilateral economic ties. He noted that the goods and services supplied by Indian companies for infrastructure projects in Africa are considered cost-effective and adaptable to the local conditions in Africa, creating win-win outcomes. The Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) was established in 1981 for financing, facilitating and promoting India's international trade and investments. The Bank also functions as the principal financial institution for coordinating the working of institutions engaged in financing the export and import of Indian goods and services. The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is a leading regional Development Finance Institution, owned by the fifteen (15) ECOWAS Member States, namely, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Based in Lome, Togolese Republic, the Bank is committed to financing developmental projects and programs covering diverse initiatives from infrastructure and basic amenities, rural development and environment, industry, and social services sectors, through its private and public sector windows. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], August 21: In a historic moment for India's expanding global tourism presence, Dr. P. B. Boss, Chairman of the Osaka Group, has officially taken charge as the Honorary Tourism Commissioner - India to the European Union, under the auspices of the India-EU Trade Council. This appointment reflects India's growing influence in shaping international tourism strategies and digital transformation. The Appointment Ceremony The appointment ceremony, held in New Delhi, was marked by the presence of distinguished international dignitaries and government representatives. The event was graced by H.E. Mr. Amraram Gurjar, IFS, Former Deputy Ambassador of India to Italy and Incoming High Commissioner of India to Malawi; H.E. Mr. Leonard Mengezi, High Commissioner of Malawi to India; representatives from the India Commonwealth Council and the India-Africa Trade Council; Mr. Asif, President of the India Economic Trade Organization (IETO); and Mr. Prakash Soni, Chairman of INDIA-SADC. A Symbol of India's Expanding Tourism Influence In his remarks, Dr. Boss expressed deep gratitude for the appointment, stating: "This prestigious role is not just a personal milestone, but a bridge of friendship and opportunity between India, Europe, and the world fostering cultural exchange, tourism innovation, and global collaboration." The Osaka Legacy - Three Decades of Excellence With over 32 years of experience in travel and tourism, Dr. Boss has transformed Osaka Group into one of Asia's most respected conglomerates. The Group's presence spans multiple verticals including travel, tourism, education, real estate, and global digital platforms. At the heart of this journey lies OsakaConnect.com, the world's first travel hypermarket and super app. With 18 offices across India and 9 offices worldwide, OsakaConnect.com is set to revolutionize the way travel is booked, marketed, and experienced empowering both travelers and tourism enterprises. Vision: From Offline to Online - A Global Tourism Transformation The Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping industries at unprecedented speed, and tourism cannot remain an exception. Every sector is being transformed by technology, and in the same way, Osaka Group is committed to bringing every area of travel from offline to online. At the same time, the post-Corona period has dramatically shifted human behavior. Travel has become a renewed cultural need, with people eager to explore not just globally but also across every corner of their own country. An online platform accelerates this culture, opening opportunities for nations to showcase their full tourism potential from local treasures to international attractions. Three Levels of Transformation 1. Micro Level (National Impact): Streamline unorganized travel sectors into an organized, revenue-driven model. Digitize government and public travel systems for efficiency and transparency. Onboard each country's tourism products and services into one structured online system. 2. Macro Level (Global Reach): Enable countries to showcase and market their tourism offerings globally through a unified digital platform. Build stronger bilateral and multilateral tourism collaborations between India, the EU, and beyond. 3. Global Ecosystem Level: Create a world tourism ecosystem where every country transitions from offline to online. Integrate global alliances in travel and tourism, powered by cutting-edge technology. Ensure every nation becomes part of a connected, digital-first tourism future. Responsibilities as Honorary Tourism Commissioner In this prestigious role, Dr. Boss will not only build the India-EU bridge for tourism but also work on: Accelerating digital adoption in tourism worldwide; Encouraging post-Corona travel culture, connecting people to cross-border and domestic opportunities; Engaging with diplomats, ministries, and trade councils to ensure cultural exchange, ease of travel, and global partnerships; Promoting sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven growth for tourism entrepreneurs and small businesses; Advancing India's global presence while supporting the international community in moving towards a fully online ecosystem. "Tourism is not just about destinations it is about creating a connected world. In this Fourth Industrial Revolution, every sector is transforming, and tourism must lead from offline to online. Through the India-EU bridge, we will help nations move from fragmented to unified, from local to global. Together, we can build the world's first truly universal travel ecosystem." - Dr. P. B. Boss (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) SMPL Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 21: In a world where millions of children still dream of holding a book or sitting in a classroom, La Foret Education Charitable Trust has emerged with one clear mission: make quality education accessible to every child, especially the underprivileged. Launched in Ahmedabad, this heartfelt initiative aims to provide not only academic learning but also support systems that address the emotional, social, and financial barriers that children from underserved communities face and hold them back. Because they realized that learning alone isn't enough when hunger, illness, and emotional struggles stand in the way. Thus, the new trust is built on La Foret's ongoing social responsibility work in the field of education. This project is a big step that brings not only a fair shot at learning opportunities but a fair shot at living a better life. This initiative comes at an hour of need for India, which continues to face deep-rooted educational inequalities. Despite significant efforts and progress, across India 47.4 million children still remain out of school and struggle to access even the most basic education. Surely the numbers are heartbreaking but what's more heartbreaking are the reasons: poverty, gender, distance, and lack of resources. These barriers continue to hold back brilliant young minds. La Foret Education Charitable Trust aims to break these barriers through free tuition, mentorship, and awareness campaigns. They hope to bridge the gap and bring learning to children who deserve a chance. Education is where La Foret's journey began. They have been doing social outreach activities over the years. For instance, at our recent interaction with Visamo Kids on Independence day, we visited the site and celebrated the spirit of freedom. We've also been to Shama School in Ahmedabad, an all-girls school,and conducted a seminar emphasizing the importance of English for personal & educational growth and how it will help in their future. Similarly, primary and secondary students at Bluebell School engaged in interactive sessions on self-growth and language skills. The initiative also reached higher education through a seminar at LJ College of Law, where students learned about the role of English in law careers and how AI tools can aid in legal language, research, and vocabulary building. These activities touched the lives of a wide range of audiences, from young primary students to aspiring professionals. And this inspiration laid the foundation for the Trust's larger purpose to serve students, families, and communities in Ahmedabad and beyond. "Education is not a privilege; it's a right. With this trust, we want to ensure that every child, no matter where they're born, gets that right," said Vibha Goyal, Director of La Foret Education Charitable Trust. She further emphasized "Even a single opportunity can change the course of a child's life. This trust is our way of creating that opportunity." Talking about the aim of the trust she said, "Our goal is simple. We wish kindness to reach every corner. Because like knowledge, kindness is meant to be shared." La Foret Education Charitable Trust was officially established in 2025 in Ahmedabad as a registered charitable organization. Though separate from La Foret Institute, it shares the same mission to nurture lives through education and compassion. Founded on the belief that education is the first step toward a better life, they work relentlessly to make sure every child gets a fair chance to learn and grow. And they make it possible through their efforts on language skills, digital learning, and girl child empowerment. Be it La Foret Education, La Foret French Class or La Foret Education Charitable Trust, all carry the same heartbeat: inclusive and impactful learning for all. Looking ahead, the Trust is ready to grow. Plans are already in place to reach more schools across Gujarat and other states. Key focus areas include helping more girls stay in school, improving English skills, and bringing digital education to rural areas. La Foret also plans to run community-building sessions, awareness campaigns, and educational partnerships. To achieve these goals, it is currently seeking collaboration with local schools, volunteers, and CSR-backed organizations that want to make a difference. Support or partner with La Foret Education Charitable Trust to educate, inspire, and empower more people. Your contribution, whether through time or donation, can truly help shape a child's future. (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) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 21: Oben Electric, an R&D-driven homegrown electric motorcycle manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating its 50th showroom and service center in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This expansion underlines the company's ambitious vision of crossing 150 showrooms and service centers nationwide by the end of this financial year. -Oben Electric Opens 50th Showroom in Visakhapatnam, Expands Presence to 15 States and 37 Cities Nationwide -Strong customer demand for the Oben's Rorr EZ and the newly launched Rorr EZ Sigma has been a key driver of the company's rapid nationwide expansion. The company has recently expanded into Visakhapatnam and Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Aligarh and Unnao (Uttar Pradesh), and Palakkad (Kerala), strengthening its presence across 15 states and 37 cities. This rapid expansion is being propelled by strong market demand for the Rorr EZ and the newly launched Rorr EZ Sigma, Oben Electric's next-generation commuter motorcycle designed for modern Indian riders. The Rorr EZ Sigma builds on the success of the Rorr EZ by offering enhanced performance, advanced technology, and greater practicality for everyday commuting, making it a key growth driver for Oben Electric's nationwide footprint. Speaking on the milestone, Ms. Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO, Oben Electric, said:"Our 50th dealership marks a strong step towards Oben Electric's vision of making electric mobility accessible across India. Andhra Pradesh, with its focus on fostering clean mobility, is an important market for us, and with our new Visakhapatnam showroom we are proud to contribute to this progress. With in-house manufacturing, high-performance products, and a deep focus on customer experience, we are committed to setting new benchmarks for electric motorcycle ownership in India and beyond." Oben Electric is among the few Indian EV companies with complete vertical integration, designing and manufacturing all critical EV components in-house, including high-performance LFP batteries, motors, chargers, and vehicle control units. This capability ensures consistent quality, durability, and performance optimized for India's diverse riding conditions. With the Visakhapatnam showroom launch, Oben Electric moves closer to its mission of building a 150+ outlet strong national network by this financial year, with every showroom backed by dedicated service centers and robust customer support.. (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) NewsVoir New Delhi [India], August 21: TVS Motor Company, a global leader in two and three-wheeler manufacturing, today launched the TVS King Kargo HD EV - engineered for the evolving needs of the urban and semi-urban logistics segment. The TVS King Kargo HD is purpose-built to combine cutting-edge technology, robust design, performance and reliability. The company also showcased the TVS King Kargo HD CNG variant, which will be launched before the end of the calendar year '25. The TVS King Kargo HD EV is designed to elevate safety, comfort, and connectivity for last-mile delivery operators. It introduces a host of segment-first features - LED headlamps and tail lamps for enhanced night-time visibility; a spacious cabin with fully rolling windows; stylish door trims for improved ventilation; and a dedicated Power Gear Mode that delivers superior torque under load. As India's first Bluetooth enabled cargo three-wheeler, it comes equipped with TVS SmartXonnectO, offering 26 smart features. The twin-axis rear-view mirrors, enhance visibility, ensuring safer navigation through congested city streets. Best-in-segment features (EV) - Top speed of 60 km/h - 6.6 ft Load Deck with Leaf Spring Suspension - Warranty 6 years / 1.5 Lac kms - Water wading capacity of 500 mm - Charging time of 3 hours & 10 min - Ground Clearance of 235 mm with the lowest loading height of 703 mm for ease of use - Lowest Turning Radius of 3,420 mm for better manoeuvrability in tight spaces - Shortest breaking distance with bigger drum diameter of 200mm - Equipped with TVS Connect Fleet- India's first three and two-wheeler telematics solution for fleet owners Commenting on the launch, Rajat Gupta, Business Head - Commercial Mobility, TVS Motor Company, said, "The launch of the TVS King Kargo HD represents a transformative moment in the evolution of cargo mobility, aligned to our 'Re-Imagine 2030' vision. This three-wheeler will set new benchmarks by delivering an unmatched combination of smart features, high load capability, comfort, ergonomics and safety. Coupled with the TVS Connect Fleet, the vehicle will empower businesses and also improve the everyday life of operators. With the TVS King Kargo HD EV, we are confident of redefining customer expectations and enabling them to achieve more, every day, effortlessly." The TVS King Kargo HD EV is powered by TVS Connect Fleet, a robust web-based platform that empowers fleet operators of two and three-wheelers with complete control and visibility of their operations. With 31 advanced features including real-time tracking, remote asset control, APIs, alerts, reports, reminders, and intelligent dashboards, the platform ensures optimal vehicle utilization and enhanced uptime. Seamlessly integrated with TVS Motor's connected vehicle ecosystem, it delivers intuitive dashboards, actionable analytics, and a mobile-responsive interface designed for dynamic, on-the-go fleet management. In the first phase, the TVS King Kargo HD EV will be available across key markets including Delhi, NCR (Faridabad, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad), Rajasthan and Bengaluru at a price of Rs. 3.85 Lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). TVS Motor Company (BSE:532343 and NSE: TVSMOTOR) is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through sustainable mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in India and Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of trust, value, and passion for customers, it takes pride in making internationally accepted products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. TVS Motor is the only two-wheeler company to have won the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products have led in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS & APEAL surveys and J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiary in the personal e-mobility space, TVS Ebike Company AG, has a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 90 countries in which we operate. For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com. (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) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 21: On the occasion of Senior Citizens Day, Tata AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd. reaffirms its commitment to the well-being of India's elderly population by spotlighting its dedicated health protection policy - TATA AIG Elder Care. Designed exclusively for individuals aged 61 years and above, the policy offers holistic coverage that addresses both medical and lifestyle needs, unique to this stage of life. According to a recent report published by the NITI Aayog, report titled "Senior Care Reforms in India - Reimagining the Senior Care Paradigm: A Position Paper", only around one-fifth of the elderly population in India is covered by health insurance, while nearly 78% remain without any pension coverage. This stark reality underscores a widening protection gap for India's ageing population -- where the majority of seniors are entering their most vulnerable years without any safety net of medical or financial security. With longer life expectancy, rising healthcare costs, and the growing prevalence of lifestyle and chronic diseases, this gap poses a dual challenge: increased dependence on family support and heightened risk of financial distress in the face of medical emergencies. Mr. Dinesh Mosamkar, Senior VP of Consumer Underwriting, Tata AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., said, "Senior Citizens Day is a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the health and dignity of our elders. With Tata AIG Elder Care, we are ensuring that our senior customers get the right mix of healthcare protection, specialized care, and support services. Health insurance is not just about covering hospitalization costs -- it's about enabling a healthier, more confident life in the golden years." Tata AIG Elder Care covers hospitalization and many more benefits like- * Home Physiotherapy Services through network.* Home Nursing Service for post operative care.* Personalized Health Manager for telephonic assistance with booking appointments, scheduling, and service coordination.* Annual Preventive Health Consultation for dental, eye, and orthopedic consultation.* Home care treatment for dialysis, chemotherapy and pandemic care. * AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) at certified AYUSH hospitals and centres, making healthcare inclusive of traditional systems.* Compassionate Care to assist the insured person in the 'Activities of Daily Living' post discharge from the hospital.* Home Assessment and Modification for Elderly Care/Disability. Financial and technical support for mobility adjustments at home.* Pre-existing Disease Coverage after 24 months of continuous coverage with us.* Exclusive coverage for high end diagnostic tests on OPD basis, ensuring seniors do not compromise on quality care. With a network of 12,000+ hospitals across India, Tata AIG Elder Care ensures that senior citizens and their families can access seamless, cashless treatment without financial stress. (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) PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 21: izmomicro, a specialized division of izmo Ltd., today announced a major milestone in silicon photonics packaging, underscoring its role as a pioneer in India's semiconductor ecosystem and advancing the country's position in the global race toward next-generation data and AI infrastructure. izmomicro has developed a high-density silicon photonics packaging platform capable of supporting 32-channel fiber input and output with an industry-leading insertion loss of less than 2 dB. Achieving this level of density is one of the greatest challenges in the field, demanding nanometer-scale optical alignment, advanced assembly processes, and seamless integration of electronics. The module also incorporates 32 DC I/Os, 4 RF I/Os, and high-speed RF performance up to 70 GHz, setting a new benchmark for the integration of photonic and electronic systems. This achievement is the result of izmomicro's continuing investment in cutting-edge R&D and years of expertise in advanced semiconductor packaging. By solving the density and precision challenges in silicon photonics, izmomicro has addressed a critical bottleneck for the industry and positioned itself among a select group of companies worldwide capable of delivering this capability. The ability to deliver such high-density integration with ultra-low signal loss is central to the evolution of AI, cloud computing, and telecommunications. As traditional copper interconnects approach their physical limits, silicon photonics has emerged as the enabling technology for multi-terabit optical communication. By breaking through packaging constraints, izmomicro is helping unlock the scalability and efficiency required for hyperscale data centers, AI clusters, and next-generation 5G/6G networks. "Achieving this level of fiber density with ultra-low insertion loss is a defining moment for izmomicro," said Dinanath Soni, Executive Director of izmomicro. "Only a handful of companies worldwide have demonstrated this capability, and we are proud to be the first in India. This breakthrough validates our years of R&D in precision packaging and positions us as a critical partner for the global silicon photonics industry. As AI and data-driven applications demand ever-higher performance, our innovation will help power the infrastructure of the future." The global silicon photonics market, valued at USD 2.65 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to over USD 9 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 25%. Much of this growth will be driven by the need for faster, more energy-efficient data transmission in cloud platforms, AI workloads, and telecommunications networks. With its breakthrough in packaging density, izmomicro is positioned to play a key role in this transformation. About Us izmomicro, a division of publicly listed izmo Ltd., is India's first specialist in silicon photonics packaging and advanced semiconductor system integration. With a state-of-the-art Class 1000 Cleanroom facility in Bengaluru, the company provides design, packaging, and assembly solutions for high-performance computing, telecommunications, AI infrastructure, aerospace, and green energy. By combining deep expertise with global partnerships, izmomicro drives innovation in next-generation semiconductor technologies while supporting India's Make in India initiative. For more information, visit www.izmomicro.com Media Contact:izmomicro CommunicationsEmail: info@izmomicro.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2755218/izmomicro_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) Fashion lovers in Delhi, who recently witnessed a successful run of India Couture Week, will soon be treated to a new edition of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW). According to a release, LFW, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is all set to return for its 2025 Delhi edition, scheduled from October 8 to October 12. The 5-day gala will be held at The Grand, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The Mumbai edition earlier this year marked the beginning of the platform's 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. With its bi-annual format in Mumbai and New Delhi, the platform has been instrumental in shaping India's 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. 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 Week--not just as a runway event but as a cultural moment. New Delhi sets the perfect stage for this season's 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 platform's legacy and propelling Indian fashion onto a global stage. With each edition, we renew our commitment to spotlighting India's rich design ecosystem--through craft, sustainability, innovation, and a celebration of diver." The schedule will be unveiled soon. (ANI) Former US Vice President Kamala Harris will go on a 15-city book tour across the U.S., Canada and England for her new memoir, 107 Days, according to a press release, reported by People. 107 Days recounts the "intense, high-stakes and deeply personal" period of Harris' 2024 Democratic presidential campaign, following President Joe Biden withdrawing from his reelection campaign. "Since leaving office, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on those days and with candor and reflection, I've written a behind-the-scenes account of that journey," Harris said in her initial July 31 video announcement. "I believe there's value in sharing what I saw, what I learned and what it will take to move forward." Harris is going to multiple cities across the United States, as well as stops in Ontario and London. During each event, Harris will recount what she saw and learned during her presidential bid, and will lead a conversation on "how we collectively chart a blueprint that sets an alternative vision for our country now," the press release states, according to People. In addition to 107 Days, Harris is also the author of the 2019 memoir The Truths We Hold and the children's book Superheroes Are Everywhere, as per the outlet. In May, United States former Vice President Kamala Harris made a memorable appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, marking her debut at the fashion industry's biggest event. Harris stunned in a bespoke black-and-cream gown designed by Off-White creative director IB Kamara, perfectly capturing the essence of the evening's theme, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.' (ANI) The film, which marks Daniel Day-Lewis's first role in eight years, co-stars Sean Bean, Samuel Bottomley, Safia Oakley-Green and Samantha Morton, according to Variety. As per the logline, "the Northern England-set film begins as a middle-aged man (Bean) sets out from his suburban home on a journey into the woods, where he reconnects with his estranged hermit brother (Day-Lewis). Bonded by a mysterious, complicated past, the men share a fraught, if occasionally tender relationship--one that was forever altered by shattering events decades earlier," as quoted by Variety. Focus Features, the official production banner of the film, shared the official trailer of the film on Thursday. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNnwf7MRVME/ Daniel Day-Lewis' last movie prior to retirement was Paul Thomas Anderson's 2017 period drama 'Phantom Thread.' The role earned him his sixth Oscar nomination for best actor. He previously won in the category for his performances in 1989's 'My Left Foot,' 2007's 'There Will Be Blood', and 2012's 'Lincoln.' Day-Lewis, considered one of the finest actors of the modern era, has also received a number of BAFTAs, Golden Globes and SAG Awards over the course of his career, reported Variety. This is the second time that Day-Lewis has come out of retirement, as the actor previously took a hiatus in 1997 to become a shoemaker in Italy after appearing in Jim Sheridan's 'The Boxer.' He returned in 2002 to play Billy the Butcher in Martin Scorsese's 'Gangs of New York.' 'Anemone,' the feature directorial debut of Ronan Day-Lewis, will have its world premiere at the New York Film Festival. It will debut the film in limited release on October 3 before expanding it nationwide on October 10. (ANI) A private Christian school teacher from Virginia has been arrested and charged with alleged child sex crimes. Authorities revealed that they took the suspect, 34-year-old Katelin Campbell, into custody on Thursday. State prosecutors also allege that the woman had consensual sexual contact with a minor who is at least 15 years old. Teacher Charged With Child Sex Crimes School administrators are saying that they acted immediately after the allegations against Campbell surfaced. The headmistress of CH Friend School, Dana Jones, said that within an hour of receiving the information, two members of the Board of Directors traveled to the South Boston Police Department to report what was disclosed to the school about the teacher. She added that no contact with Campbell nor action regarding her employment was necessary at the time because the teacher submitted her notice of resignation on Aug. 4. That was the same day that the school was made aware of the allegations against her, according to Fox News. Jones also emphasized that the school had prioritized integrity over reputation while dealing with Campbell's case. She noted that scripture is very clear in saying that if it was done in the dark, it was going to be brought to light. The headmistress acknowledged that the school was aware that involving law enforcement in the case could bring unwanted attention, but noted that they wanted to do the right thing. Jones said they understood that taking it to the police department would shine a light on the school. The teacher arrested in the case was released on a $2,500 bond on the day she was taken into custody. Campbell had served as an English teacher at the Christian school and taught students from 7th to 12th grade, People reported. The Alleged Victim Despite the arrest, it remains unclear whether or not the alleged victim of the crimes was a student at the school. However, the Commonwealth's Attorney confirmed that the minor was a male individual. The teacher is now facing two felony charges, including indecent liberties with a minor by someone in a custodial role and consensual sexual activity involving a minor aged 15 or older. Jail records showed she initially booked into the Halifax County Adult Detention Center before being released on bond. The Commonwealth's Attorney's office has not yet commented on the case, and the Halifax County Sheriff's Office said that the South Boston Police Department was the one that investigated the case, as per Yahoo News. Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr. Numal Momin highlighted the positive impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers' frequent visits to the North-East region. According to Dr. Momin, these visits have significantly contributed to the region's development, particularly in Assam. "The frequent visits by Prime Minister Modi and Union Ministers to the North-East are having a very positive impact on this region. PM Modi will visit Assam and bring the gift of many schemes to the people. Home Minister Amit Shah will participate in the Panchayat Conference... Assam is progressing very rapidly," he told ANI. This comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Assam scheduled for September 8 and Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the state on August 29. Momin stated that the visit would give "moral boosting" to the party workers ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. Speaking to ANI, Momin stated, "This is the reflection of PM Narendra Modi's love and affection for Assam and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's love for Assam. After Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, he made it compulsory for Union Ministers within 15 days to visit the North-Eastern region. This is the first time that the North Eastern region has had an opportunity to meet the central ministers every 15 days." He further stated that Central ministers barely visited the states during the Congress party's government in the country. "During the Congress time, a Central Minister came to the region hardly in a year, forget about the Prime Minister or Home Minister. Now, PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and central ministers are coming again and again to the North-Eastern region. This is a very positive sign for the growth of the North-Eastern region," Momin said. Momin further stated that the PM on his visit would inaugurate and launch several development projects for the benefit of the people of the state. He applauded the Modi-led government for bringing development in the Northeastern states. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend Panchayat Sanmilan. That's why people love Narendra Modi and the BJP. Through the government, the North East region has now been able to see the development. Assam is progressing very fast, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram are also developing very fast. For the first time, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Manipur have been connected with railway connectivity. Narendra Modi has termed the North East as Ashtalakshmi, and he repeatedly says that without the development of the North Eastern region, our country can't grow. He is taking special care to uplift the North-Eastern region. I think after 10 years the North East will become a very developed state and credit goes to Narendra Modi and BJP," Momin said. Momin noted that Assam is progressing rapidly, with notable improvements in air and rail connectivity. He emphasised that PM Modi prioritises the North-East's development, believing it is crucial for the country's overall growth. "Assam is progressing very rapidly. Air and rail connectivity have become very good... Prime Minister Modi repeatedly emphasises that the country cannot develop without the development of the North-East," he added. Notably, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the centenary celebrations of music legend Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika. During his daylong visit, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate key infrastructure projects, including the Rs 4,200 crore bio-ethanol plant set up by NRL in Numaligarh. Additionally, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for a new bridge over the Brahmaputra and the Darrang Medical College. Later, he will return to Guwahati to lay the foundation stone for the Guwahati Ring Road Project, as well as a bridge between Narengi and Kuruwa. Home Minister Shah will inaugurate the newly-constructed Raj Bhavan in Guwahati, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced today. Shah's day-long visit will also include a special convention of newly elected panchayat members from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The event will be held in Guwahati, where the members will be felicitated in recognition of the NDA's strong performance in the recent panchayat elections. "On 29th August, the Union Home Minister will visit Guwahati. He will inaugurate the new Raj Bhawan. NDA got a good victory in the Panchayat elections, and all the Panchayat members of NDA will hold a convention on 29th August in Guwahati. The Union Home Minister will attend the convention as the chief guest," said CM Sarma. In the evening, Shah will inaugurate the birth centenary celebrations of Golap Borbora, Assam's first non-Congress Chief Minister, before flying back to New Delhi. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday told the Legislative Assembly that the manufacturing of crest gates for the Tungabhadra dam was going on. Shivakumar announced that the Tungabhadra Dam Board has issued a tender to an Ahmedabad-based company for manufacturing 33 new crest gates. Currently, six gates are being worked on at Gadag and Hosapete, with fabrication already complete. Shivakumar emphasised the need to expedite the process and delegate work for quicker completion. "The Tungabhadra Dam Board has issued the tender for making 33 crest gates to an Ahmedabad-based company. Work on six crest gates is currently underway at Gadag and Hosapete, with the fabrication work already complete. We have instructed the engineers to speed up the process. We have also informed them to delegate some of the work to others for quicker completion," he told the Legislative Assembly. Due to safety reasons, the dam's water storage is limited to 80 TMC, which won't be enough to support the second crop. Shivakumar explained that installing crest gates wouldn't be possible if water is released for the second crop. "We can only store 80 TMC of water this year due to safety reasons. Given this, we will not be able to release water for the second crop. Crest gate installation won't be possible if we give water for the second crop. Our farmers are worried about their crops, and I spoke to dam officials about it. They asked if the dam's safety was more important than the second crop," he said. The Dam Board has decided to follow the recommendations of Kannaiah Naidu, restricting water storage to 76% or 80 TMC. "As per the recommendations of Kannaiah Naidu, we can store only 76% or 80 TMC of water in the dam. Hence, the Dam Board has taken a decision to abide by that recommendation. We are ready to protect the dam with our own money, even if others don't pay for it. We will save our farmers and their farmers too," he added. The repair costs for the dam will be shared among Karnataka (66%), Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana (33%). However, Andhra Pradesh hasn't allocated funds for the repairs. Karnataka has offered to cover Andhra Pradesh's share to avoid delays, but the offer hasn't been accepted. "Karnataka has to bear 66% of the repair costs while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana bear 33%. But Andhra Pradesh has not even earmarked funds for it. We had told the officials that we would foot Andhra Pradesh's bill as well in the interest of time, but they are not willing to accept it. We don't want any inconvenience to farmers,and hence we volunteered to pay the money," added Karnataka Dy CM. Shivakumar also discussed the proposal for a new balancing reservoir at Navile, which would cost Rs 11,000 crores. The proposal has been submitted to the Tungabhadra Dam Board, but no response has been received. Shivakumar expressed frustration over not being able to connect with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister to discuss the project. "Tried speaking to Andhra Pradesh CM about Navile balance reservoir three times but could not. I don't know why Andhra CM hasn't come forward to talk to us. Due to silting, the capacity of the dam is reduced to 105 TMC. Hence, we have decided to build a balance reservoir at a cost of Rs 11,000 crores. We submitted the proposal to the TB Dam Board, but we haven't received any response. We have also written to the CMs of the other two riparian states," he said. The Tungabhadra Dam, built in 1953, has been facing issues with its crest gates. In August, a gate was washed away due to heavy water inflow, prompting concerns about the dam's safety and the need for repairs. Shivakumar has been advocating for replacing all 33 crest gates to ensure the dam's safety and support farmers in the region. (ANI) Naveen Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president, was discharged from SUM Ultimate Medicare Hospital in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday evening after a brief hospital stay for dehydration. He was admitted to the hospital on August 17 and received treatment for his condition. The BJD Chief was admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, on Sunday, owing to dehydration. After his discharge, Patnaik returned to his residence, Naveen Niwas, where he is expected to rest and recover. Patnaik expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Odisha for their prayers and good wishes during his hospital stay. He also thanked the hospital staff for providing him with excellent care. "I want to thank the people of Odisha for their prayers and good wishes for my health and, of course, to the hospital for taking such good care of me. Thanks," he said. Patnaik, on his X post, thanked several ministers, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to former Odisha CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik today. He enquired about his health and wished him a speedy recovery. PM Modi also suggested that Naveen Patnaik rest for some time and come to Delhi soon to meet him," the BJD said in a statement. During his hospital stay, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Patnaik over the phone, inquiring about his health and wishing him a speedy recovery. The Prime Minister also invited Patnaik to visit Delhi once his health improves. Patnaik received visits from several prominent leaders, including Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, and Congress leader Bhakta Charan Das. Member of Rajya Sabha and Opposition Leader, Jairam Ramesh, wrote, "Honourable Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge spoke to the recently hospitalised BJD President Shri Naveen Patnaik this evening. He enquired about his health and wished him a speedy recovery," on his X post on Wednesday. Earlier on Monday, Patnaik also thanked poeple of Odisha and the medical staff while at the hospital. "Thank the people of #Odisha for the good wishes. I would like to thank the doctors and medical staff for taking wonderful care of me. I am recovering well and will meet the people soon," read his X post. Earlier, several Odisha Ministers and the state Congress also visited the hospital to meet Naveen Patnaik and enquired about his health. They wished him a speedy recovery. (ANI) An senior official of the Union Health Ministry was allegedly duped of Rs 27 lakhs under the pretext investing his money into the currency market, Delhi police officials informed on Wednesday. According to Delhi police, the victim has alleged that he was approached by a person in July 2023, who convinced the ministry official to transfer Rs 27 lakh for the purpose of investing and doubling the money within a year in the currency market. "Victim alleged that he informed him that he is investing & trading the money in the currency market and he would return double the principal amount to the complainant within a span of one year. Hence, on this allurement and inducement, he agreed to give him an amount of twenty seven lakhs," Delhi police said. A case has been registered under sections 308/318(4)/319/340 at South district's Cyber police station on August 11. Earlier on August 17, in a major bust of cyber-extortion, a joint team of PS DBG Road and PS Cyber, Central District, Delhi Police arrested three men, including a London School of Economics graduate, for allegedly trying to extort money through international WhatsApp calls and cryptocurrency payments. The accused, who allegedly posed as associates of a notorious gangster to instil fear, were traced to Thailand before being apprehended on their return to India, officials said. According to police, the case came to light after a complainant approached PS DBG Road, reporting that he had received a threatening WhatsApp call from an international number. The caller identified himself as a well-known gangster, demanded money, and even sent a cryptocurrency QR code for payment. The threat escalated when the complainant was warned that his children would be shot if the demand was not met. Based on the complaint, a case under Section 308(4) BNS was registered at PS DBG Road, and a joint investigation was launched by PS DBG Road and PS Cyber of the Central District. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday paid his rich tributes to the martyrs of the freedom movement on the occasion of Sootea Divas. He also laid the foundation for a Rs. 5 crore project to transform Sootea Police Station into a tourist destination. It may be noted that on this day, 20 August 1942, brave freedom fighters in Sootea made history by hoisting the Indian Tricolour atop the Sootea Police Station, becoming the first government office in India to do so during the Quit India Movement. Chief Minister Dr. Sarma paid rich homage to the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the nation. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said that, inspired by the clarion call to hoist the Tricolour at every police station on September 20, local activists in Sootea acted early, hoisting the National Flag on August 20, 1942. The entire event unfolded peacefully despite a massive turnout of people from the region. He moreover said, "The moment was pivotal in India's history as it expanded the understanding of our nation's struggle for independence. The hoisting of the flag also highlighted how smaller towns like Sootea played courageous and pivotal roles in the freedom movement". Chief Minister Sarma also said, "Sootea Divas is not just regional history, it is a reminder that collective courage and silent resolve can challenge years-long oppression. Celebrating it enriches our shared heritage and inspires the new generation to honour our heroes who strived for our independence. The nation will always remember and cherish their sacrifice as we mark the Amrit Kaal of our nation". He further stated that the State government would provide financial and other support for a film that encompasses all aspects of the flag hoisting at Sootra Police station on 20 August 1942. CM Sarma, referring to a discussion held at New Delhi, said that while participating in that discussion, he emphatically stated that Sootea was the first police station in the nation, where the Indian National Flag was hoisted during the freedom struggle. As the incident was not adequately publicised, many people asked him about the source of the information. He said that the incident was mentioned in 'Freedom Movement in Assam' by Heramba Kumar Borpujari, 'Quit India Movement in Assam' by Surya Kumar Bhuyan, and 'The Quit India Movement in Assam' by Amalendu Guha. Moreover, the incident also found its mention in Assam's government's District Gazette, National Archive, etc. He further said that the incidents like hoisting of the Flag on 20 August, self-sacrifice by Kanaklata Baruah, etc, enriched the history of Assam. He observed that, led by MLA Padma Hiazarika, a full-fledged discussion on the role of Sootea in India's freedom struggle took place in Assam Legislative Assembly, which also adequately acknowledged Sootea vis-a-vis its role in the Independence Struggle. Chief Minister Sarma also said that in the last few years, the State government took several steps for the all-around development of Sootea, which include promoting Baresahariya Bhaona and giving it a new dimension, Freedom fighter Bhumidhar Bordoloi Memorial stadium and hospital, infrastructure development in Tyagbir Hem Baruah College, creation of a co-district, etc, fulfilled the aims and aspirations of the people of Sootea. He hailed the role of Sootea in strengthening the agricultural economy and making the state self-reliant. The Chief Minister also reiterated the need to strengthen the state's industrial ecosystem and transform it into a production hub, where the state's youth can find low-wage employment opportunities without having to leave. Referring to Advantage Assam 2.0, which witnessed an investment proposal to the tune of Rs. 5,00000 crore, CM Sarma said that Assam needs industrialisation not for any industrialist but to bring back the youth of the state who are working outside the state for their livelihood. Talking about an industrial plant being set up in Sootea on a sprawling two thousand bigha of land, CM Sarma said that the industrial plant will be dedicated to manufacturing tiles in the state. He also said that the present State government is committed to taking the state forward on all fronts and strengthening it based on the indomitable courage and self-confidence of the people. He also said that from November, the State government will start a few centres for teaching the Japanese language in the state. On the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma also announced a Rs. 2 crore project for constructing a complex at the Open Bihu field in Sootea. MLAs Padma Hazarika, Ganesh Limbu, Promode Borthakur, Utpal Bora, Krishna Kamal Tanti, Diganta Ghatowar, family members of the freedom fighters and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Earlier, Chief Minister Sarma dedicated two girls' hostels and the main gates of the two girls' hostels at Tyagbir Hem Baruah College, Jamugurihat, thereby marking a significant step in enhancing academic infrastructure and preserving architectural heritage.(ANI) The person accused of attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a 'jan sunvai' program, Rajesh Khimji, has been sent to a five-day police remand, Delhi police said on Wednesday. Delhi police has registered a case under section 109(1) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (Attempt to murder, Imprisonment for 10 years, and fine). The accused was brought to the Civil Lines Police Station earlier on Wednesday. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Special Cell team interrogated the accused on August 20. According to police, Rajesh Khimji came to Delhi for the first time from Rajkot by train on Tuesday morning, and stayed at Gujarati Bhavan in Civil Lines. Following the attack on CM Gupta, CCTV footage obtained from the Chief Minister's residence in Shalimar Bagh revealed that Khimji allegedly did a recce of the CM's residence and attempted the attack in a planned manner. The video has been handed over to the police, and an investigation is underway into the matter, Delhi CMO has said. "It is seen in the footage that the attacker did a recce of the Chief Minister's residence, made a video of the place and attempted to attack in a planned manner. This video has been handed over to the police, and an intensive investigation is going on in this regard," the statement said. Earlier on Wednesday, CM Gupta said that she was shocked after the attack on her, but now she's feeling better. She also remarked that this attack was a cowardly attempt on her work for the welfare of the people of Delhi. Delhi CM shared a post on X in Hindi, writing, "The attack on me during this morning's public hearing was not just an attack on me, but a cowardly attempt on our resolve to serve Delhi and work for the welfare of the people. Naturally, I was in shock after this attack, but now I am feeling better. I request all my well-wishers not to trouble themselves by coming to meet me." The Delhi Chief Minister also expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their good wishes and blessings, with her post adding, "I express my heartfelt gratitude for your immense love, blessings, and good wishes." (ANI) Karnataka Legislative Council Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Wednesday rejected the state cabinet's recent approval of internal reservation, calling the move "unacceptable" and politically motivated. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the BJP leader alleged the Siddaramaiah-led government had promised action based on the Sadashiva Aayog's recommendations before coming to power, but "they weren't taken into consideration. "Before coming to power, they had committed to bringing the Sadashiva Aayog into force. But they weren't taken into consideration. The people of Karnataka are confused which committee report they (Karnataka government) accepted for creating three groups," Narayanaswamy said. He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of making false promises ahead of elections, claiming, "Before the elections, Siddaramaiah lied to the people of Karnataka for vote bank politics... This was totally a political decision." BJP leader CT Ravi also criticised the Karnataka government's recent internal reservation move, accusing it of doing "social injustice, not social justice." Ravi said, "They have done social injustice, not social justice. You have only given marginal newness. This has been done to satisfy someone by removing someone else... You have only taken a political decision" The reactions come after the Karnataka Cabinet's move to provide an internal reservation to 101 castes in the state. Karnataka ministers on Tuesday welcomed the Cabinet's move, saying that people who fought for about 35 years have got justice. Karnataka Minister KH Muniyappa called it a "historical decision" and said that the official announcement will be made in the Assembly by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He told reporters, "The Congress government has taken a historical decision... The announcement will be made in the Assembly by the Chief Minister. People who fought for this for the last 35-40 years have got justice. There are 101 castes, and all will get equal benefits according to their population. We are looking into giving justice to the most backwards classes, as included in Justice Nagamohan Das' report." Karnataka Minister HC Mahadevappa said, "The cabinet has reviewed the Justice Committee report concerning the central caste list and its modifications, and all interests will be considered. A statement will be made in the Assembly regarding the inclusion of 101 communities in the new grouping." Meanwhile, BJP MLA Bharath Shetty Y claimed that some Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes have been neglected. "Some parts of the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes have been neglected, so they should be given justice and clear announcements from the government," Bharath Shetty told ANI. Karnataka Cabinet's decision followed the 1,766-page survey report on internal reservation submitted to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah by the Justice Das Commission on August 4. Addressing reporters, Justice Das said the commission's report recommends that internal reservation be provided to the Scheduled Caste (SC). "After analysing the entire data, the commission has submitted its report to the Karnataka government. It is about a 1,766-page survey report. The survey was done through a mobile application. For a long time, it was my desire that the Scheduled Caste deserve internal reservation. I also recommended to the government that internal reservation must be provided," Justice Das told the media. (ANI) The eruption of ethnic conflict on May 3, 2023, along with the persistent discord between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has inflicted lasting damage on Manipur, hindering its economy, disrupting its social cohesion, and destabilising its political landscape. In the last two years, restrictions on the movement of people and goods, the displacement of countless families from both communities, and extensive destruction to businesses, agriculture, and other socio-economic activities have had a significant impact. The most significant effects have been felt by the youth, many of whom have been deprived of academic and professional education, leaving their aspirations in uncertainty. Education experts emphasise the pressing need to direct the energies of young individuals into positive avenues through skill enhancement, vocational training, and platforms that restore their hope. "These young men and women can be employed in various industrial sectors for the construction of roads and buildings, and there are numerous job opportunities where their skills can be utilised. This is the immediate action that an educator can promote, appropriate skill development programs for the youth in the IDPs. Additionally, there are economically viable programs for women. For instance, they can sell processed food or traditional dishes. They can also produce handloom and handicraft items if the government considers providing them with opportunities to establish small-scale industries among the women in the IDPs," stated Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh, a former director of Deendayal Upadhyaya Kaushal Kendra, Manipur. Many displaced families from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities are still residing in temporary camps, far removed from the homes they used to inhabit. The government has declared intentions to resettle approximately 57,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) by year's end, providing financial aid of Rs. 3 lakh to each family whose home was destroyed during the unrest, allowing them to rebuild at their chosen location. However, for numerous individuals still sheltered in these provisional camps, the vivid memories of the violent conflicts linger painfully. "I long for my home, but returning means living close to the Meitei people's village, which would constantly remind me of my husband. Being around there will bring back memories of him, and I would be consumed by fear. That's why I remain in this relief camp," shared Bebem, an internally displaced person from Churachandpur. Another displaced individual, Lunkholal Hokip, reflected on the difficulties: "Life was better in Chandel, where there were many people and a bustling business environment. But here, everyone is an IDP, so there's not much money circulating. This is why I earn very little and struggle to make ends meet." Children have suffered the most due to the violence, with thousands losing access to education. In response, various organisations have set up community schools aimed at helping displaced children return to formal education and work towards a semblance of a normal life, despite the hurdles. "We aim to assist all these displaced students in resuming a typical life. It has been challenging, but we are passionate about this work because they are our people. If we don't take care of them, who will?" said Sei Haokip, the headmaster of KSO Community School in Churachandpur. Even with the deep scars inflicted by the violence, the resilience displayed by the people of Manipur is evident. With ongoing government support, community-driven efforts, and a collective determination, there is still hope that displaced families can restore their lives, reclaim their homes, and bring peace and stability back to the state. (ANI) Six schools across Delhi received fresh bomb threats earlier today, prompting swift action from the Delhi Police and Fire Department. The schools include Andhra Education Society Senior Secondary School (Prasad Nagar), BGS International Public School (Dwarka Sector 5), Rao Man Singh Senior Secondary School (Chhawla), Maxfort School (Dwarka Sector 1), and Indraprastha International School (Dwarka Sector 10). Delhi Police and the Fire Department arrived at the affected sites, including BGS International Public School, where visuals show emergency personnel actively managing the situation. Poonam Gupta, Principal of BGS International Public School, confirmed receiving the bomb threat email early morning, which also included a "threat of bloodshed." She said, "This morning, I received a mail on the school Email ID, where there was again a bomb threat and threat of bloodshed. As a precautionary measure, I immediately called the police, and everyone was here by 6:30 AM, including the bomb squad. I am not sending any child inside the bulding as a precautionary measure." This latest series of threats comes after over 50 schools have received another bomb threat mail in the national capital region in the early hours of Wednesday, police officials have informed. According to Delhi police, a group identifying itself as 'Terrorisers 111' sent an email to various schools, including DAV Public School, Faith Academy, Doon Public School, Sarvodhaya Vidyalaya, and others, demanding USD 25,000. The same group had allegedly demanded USD 5,000 in cryptocurrency after sending various bomb threats on August 18. The group sent a bulk email to the principals and administration staff of various schools, claiming that they have "breached their IT systems" and will detonate bombs within 48 hours across school premises. "We are the Terrorisers 111 group. We have planted explosives inside your building, and others across the city. Devices include high-yield C4 bombs and timed charges placed in classrooms, auditoriums, staff rooms, and school buses, designed to cause maximum casualties. We have breached your IT systems, extracted student and staff data, and compromised all security cameras. We are monitoring your actions in real time. Transfer 2000 USD to Ethereum address within 48 hours, or we will detonate the bombs," the email read. "Evacuate all schools and suspend operations immediately to avoid loss of life. Any attempt to contact authorities will trigger immediate detonation and public release of your sensitive data. Terrorisers 111 Group does not forgive or forget. Payment is your only option to prevent disaster. Act now," the email added. (ANI) RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday termed the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar a "historic" yatra, adding that the campaign is getting full support and blessings from the people of the state. He also criticised the Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar, saying that people are worried and dejected due to poverty, corruption, law and order issues, migration, lack of investment, and poor education and health systems in the state. "People of Bihar are aware citizens. They know their rights. How 'Voter Bachao Adhikar Yatra' is going on, we have been getting full support and blessings of the people. This is a historic Yatra. People of the BJP and the Election Commission have been exposed. In the days to come, people of Bihar will give a befitting reply to the current government," he said. "He (CM Nitish Kumar) can do whatever he wants, but nothing is going to come out of it. People of Bihar have realised the reality of the NDA. Poverty, corruption, law and order, migration, there is no investment or factory in Bihar, no sugar or jute mill is being set up. People are worried and dejected. They are not being heard. Education and health systems are bad in the state. People want freedom from this 'khatara government' and want to build a new Bihar. People of Bihar will bring about a change this time," the RJD leader added. The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', which began on August 17 from Sasaram, has entered its fifth day today. 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. Earlier on Wednesday, when asked about the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', Tejashwi Yadav remarked that there's a lot of anger among the people. "The public is saying 'Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodd'...," he added. Hailing the positive response to his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in poll-bound Bihar, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed confidence that the entire country will also be resisting 'election chori' (election theft). Speaking to reporters at Parliament premises, the Congress leader said, "The response is very good. Everyone is now saying 'vote chori' in Bihar. This is reality. Attempt of 'election chori' is being made. Bihar is resisting. The entire country will resist." (ANI) A six-year-old New York student and her mother were forcibly detained and deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking widespread backlash regarding the agency's tactics. The case, which happened shortly before the start of the new school year in New York, sparked uproar throughout the state, including from the governor and officials in the largest public school system in the United States. New York Student Detained and Deported by ICE The six-year-old was identified as a second-grade student who went with her mother and older brother to an ICE check-in at a federal building in lower Manhattan on Aug. 12. A family lawyer said that they were then detained by agents. The student and her mother were subsequently deported on the morning of Aug. 19. The family, which is Ecuadorian, had sought asylum in the U.S. after arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in December 2022. They were among the migrants who were detained in controversial tactics by the Trump administration while people were trying to attend routine immigration court hearings or ICE check-ins, according to USA Today. Schools in New York City experienced increased enrollment, partially due to families who sought asylum during the Biden administration. Gov. Kathy Hochul said that school officials are now working to assure students that schools will remain a welcoming place for everyone. Read more: Parents of Westchester High School Grad Reveal ICE Agents Detained Daughter After Routine Visa Hearing A lawyer for one of the recently deported student's siblings, Astrid Avedissian, said that the 16-year-old sister of the six-year-old girl had no power to decide which country she would be living in or which border she would be crossing. Advocates argue that the deported individuals were initially sent to an ICE detention center located in Dilley, Texas, while the 19-year-old son was brought to Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, CBS News reported. Helping the Young Child's Family Assembly Member Catalina Crus and Council Member Shekar Krishnan said that there was no "greater depravity than separating a family and deporting a six-year-old child two weeks before she is supposed to start school." Cruz and Krishnan said they are now working with legal counsel, the Department of Education, community organizations, and government agencies to assist the Ecuadorian family. On the other hand, Mayor Eric Adams and city officials filed a suit seeking an immediate halt to ICE's tactics, incorporating courthouse arrests. New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said that no child or family should be "uprooted from their community or feel forced to hide in the shadows." The six-year-old's detention and deportation make her the youngest to be taken by ICE agents in New York City, as per ABC7. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's attack case accused Rajesh Khimji was remanded to 5 days' custody. He was produced before the duty magistrate at his residence. Before being produced before the magistrate, Rajesh was taken to Aruna Asif Ali hospital for a medical checkup. Thereafter, he was referred to the LNJP Hospital by the Aruna Asif Ali Hospital. Duty magistrate Arvind Tomar granted a five-day custody remand after hearing the submissions of the Delhi police. He is to be produced before the court after the expiry of five days of police custody. Rajesh Khimji, originally from Rajkot, Gujarat, was arrested by Delhi police on Wednesday after he allegedly attacked Delhi CM Rekha Gupta during a public hearing at her civil lines official residence. A case has been registered against Khimji at the Civil Lines Police Station by the Delhi Police. Police took precautions as a group of lawyers belonging to a political party had gathered in the court premises before the production of Rajesh Khimji. A heavy police force was deployed to ensure his safety and security. Earlier on Wednesday, CM Gupta said that she was shocked after the attack on her, but now she's feeling better. She also remarked that this attack was a cowardly attempt on her work for the welfare of the people of Delhi. Delhi CM shared a post on X in Hindi, writing, "The attack on me during this morning's public hearing was not just an attack on me, but a cowardly attempt on our resolve to serve Delhi and work for the welfare of the people. Naturally, I was in shock after this attack, but now I am feeling better. I request all my well-wishers not to trouble themselves by coming to meet me." The Delhi Chief Minister also expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their good wishes and blessings, with her post adding, "I express my heartfelt gratitude for your immense love, blessings, and good wishes." (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed his condolences over the tragic bus accident in Samba, which claimed one life and left many injured. The bus was carrying pilgrims to Vaishno Devi. The condolence message was posted on the official account of the Jammu and Kashmir CMO X handle. The tweet said, "Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic bus accident in Samba carrying Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims, which has claimed one life and left many injured. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and assured all possible assistance." Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday commented on the ongoing rescue operation in the cloudburst-hit Kishtwar region and said that it might be impossible to find anyone alive, stating that the disaster took place due to a cloudburst rather than a breach of glacial lakes. "Finding the missing persons alive now looks nearly impossible. In these circumstances, we will try to retrieve as many bodies and hand them over to their loved ones. According to the information we have received so far, the disaster that happened in Kishtwar was due to a cloudburst and not a glacial lake breach," Omar Abdullah told reporters. The J-K CM stated that the government will now appoint a team of experts to identify other affected areas in the region and seek a report from them so that such incidents do not take place in the future. "Now we have to appoint a team of experts to identify areas which might be in danger. A few months ago, the same thing was seen in Ramban, at that time the financial loss was more and the loss of life was less. This time the loss of life was more, but to avoid such a situation in future or if it arises, what steps can be taken by the government to reduce the loss, for this we will have to appoint some experts and ask for their report," Abdullah said. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo confirmed that 61 people have lost their lives in the cloudburst and flash flood incident that occurred in the Kishtwar district, while 116 individuals have been rescued so far. (ANI) Honey Bhaskaran, a writer, has made allegations against Congress Palakkad MLA and Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil. In a Facebook post, Honey Bhaskaran alleged that Rahul messaged her on her social media account. She said initially it was about travel, and she responded to it, but there was a series of messages from him. When she realised he had no intention of stopping, she stopped responding to his messages. She said that she got to know through Youth Congress workers that he had badmouthed her, and that she had initiated the conversation. These charges come shortly after Actress and model Rini Ann George accused the Congress MLA of sending her offensive messages on multiple occasions and inviting her to a hotel. George stated that when she threatened to inform his party, the leader challenged her to do so. She did not disclose the leader's name or party. George claimed she had informed the party leadership about the incident, alleging that wives and daughters of several politicians had faced similar experiences with the leader. She questioned, "I want to ask which woman these politicians who were unable to protect the women in their family will protect?". She further alleged that despite her complaint, the leader continued to receive opportunities within the party. George said she decided to speak out after seeing similar allegations by other women on social media, many of whom remained silent. "I decided to speak as I saw recently on social media that many women have faced similar issues. None of these women are speaking a word about it. So I thought of speaking for all," she added. At present, actress and model Rini Ann George has not submitted any complaints regarding this matter. Earlier on Wednesday, following the allegations, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest march to the office of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, demanding his resignation. Rahul Mankoottathil currently serves as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Palakkad constituency and holds the position of President of the State Youth Congress. Following the resignation of Shafi Parambil, who was elected to the Parliament, Mankoottathil won and was elected during the subsequent by-election. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to move a motion in the Rajya Sabha today, seeking the House's concurrence to set up a Joint Committee of the Houses on three key bills. The bills pertain to amendments to the Constitution of India, the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. According to the list of business of Rajya Sabha, the motion proposes that 10 Members of the Rajya Sabha be nominated by the Deputy Chairman to serve on the Joint Committee. The committee's purpose is to deliberate on the proposed amendments and provide recommendations. The list of business states, "That this House concurs in the recommendation of the Lok Sabha that this House do join in the Joint Committee of the Houses on the Bill further to amend the Constitution of India; the Bill further to amend the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 and the Bill further to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and resolves that ten Members of this House be nominated by the Deputy Chairman to serve on the said Joint Committee." Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekawat will lay the paper on table for the Ministry of Culture while Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh will lay the paper on table for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Akhilesh Prasad Singh and Meda Raghunadha Reddy will lay on the table the reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (2024-25). Naresh Bansal and Rajendra Gehlot will lay on the table the reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development. Niranjan Bishi and Sumitra Balmik will lay on the table the reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment (2024-2025). Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a three-line whip to its Rajya Sabha MPs on Wednesday, asking them to be present in the House on Thursday and support the Government's stand. On Wednesday, the two Houses of Parliament have witnessed uproar over the opposition demand for a debate on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. While the IIM (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the government introduced three bills, including a constitution amendment bill, in the Lok Sabha. The IIM (Amendment) Bill was earlier passed by Lok Sabha. Amit Shah introduced in the Lok Sabha the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, to further amend the Constitution of India and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, apart from the bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The bills were sent to joint committee of Parliament. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to remove a Central or State Minister who is facing allegations of corruption or serious offences and has been detained for at least 30 days. Union Minister Amit Shah tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The proposed bill mandates the removal of any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with at least five years of imprisonment. If the arrested leader doesn't resign, their office will automatically fall vacant after 31 days. Interestingly, the bill allows for re-appointment post-release, providing a degree of flexibility. (ANI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested one more accused in connection with the 2019 Tamil Nadu Ramalingam murder case linked with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) terror outfit, the agency said on Thursday. The accused was arrested on Wednesday during the searches NIA carried out at nine locations across Tamil Nadu. The NIA teams lauched the search operation at these nine locations in two districts of Tamil Nadu--Dindugal and Tenkasi-- to trace absconding Proclaimed Offenders (POs) in the case, relating to the brutal killing of Ramalingam, aimed at spreading fear and communal hatred among the people. During the searches, NIA said, it arrested Imthathullah, Proprietor of Ambur Biryani Hotels, Kodaikanal, for knowingly and voluntarily harbouring absconding POs in his hotel outlets from 2021 onwards. Incriminating documents and digital devices were also seized during the searches conducted in Dindugal and Tenkasi districts. "Of the three POs harboured by Imthathullah, two, identified as Abdul Majeed and Shahul Hameed, were arrested by NIA on 25th January, 2025, and one other PO, Mohammed Ali Jinna, is still absconding," said the anti-terror agency. NIA, which took over the investigation from the Tamil Nadu Police in March 2019, had chargesheeted a total of 18 accused before its special court in August 2019. Of these, a total of six were absconders. In 2021, NIA arrested one of the six absconders, identified as Rahman Sadiq. In November 2024, the agency successfully traced Abdul Majeed and Shahul to Poombarai area in Kodaikanal, Dindigul District, and arrested one harbourer, Mohammed Ali Jinnah - who was named as the 19th accused in the case. NIA has announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh each for information about Mohammed Ali Jinna and two other absconding POs - Burhanudeen and Nafeel Hasan, all belonging to Thanjavur District and formerly office bearers of PFI. (ANI) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday criticised the BJP-led Centre over the proposed bill for the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers if they are held on serious criminal charges, terming it a "torture tactic." Taking a jab at the BJP allies TDP and JDU, Yadav alleged that the BJP-led Central government is bringing this bill for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Speaking to reporters, the RJD leader said, "They are bringing this for Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu. They have only one job - to blackmail. If PMLA is slapped in ED cases, there can be no quick bail. These are torture tactics. Instead of building the country, they are destroying it." Earlier on Wednesday, Tejashwi Yadav slammed the government's move to table a bill for the removal of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and ministers held on serious criminal charges. Yadav claimed this bill is a ploy to "blackmail and intimidate" certain leaders, specifically naming Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu. He cited examples of Jharkhand CM like Hemant Soren and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who were jailed but later acquitted, suggesting a similar fate for others targeted under this law. Speaking to ANI, the RJD leader said, "This is a new way to blackmail people... This law is being brought only to blackmail and intimidate Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu... This is what these people do... Earlier too, many Chief Ministers were kept in jail, but all were acquitted, like Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal." He alleged that the bill is being brought to weaken democracy and target specific leaders. "This bill has been brought because it is part of a larger conspiracy to pressurise Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and ask him to stay within limits and accommodate BJP leaders in the tickets given to JDU leaders... This bill has been brought to keep Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in check... They can also file a new case (on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar).... This law is being brought to weaken democracy," RJD leader added. The proposed bill mandates the removal of any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with at least five years of imprisonment. If the arrested leader doesn't resign, their office will automatically fall vacant after 31 days. Interestingly, the bill allows for re-appointment post-release, providing a degree of flexibility. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to remove a Central or State Minister who is facing allegations of corruption or serious offences and has been detained for at least 30 days. Union Minister Amit Shah tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. (ANI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for approving the Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Show in Mysuru as part of the world-famous Dasara-2025 celebrations. In a letter to the Defence Minister, Siddaramaiah wrote, "On behalf of the Government and the people of Karnataka, I express my heartfelt gratitude to you for kindly agreeing for holding the Air Show by the Indian Air Force in Mysuru as part of the world famous Mysuru Dasara-2025 celebrations. This gracious gesture will not only bestow grandeur to our historic festivities but also instil a deep sense of pride and patriotism among the lakhs of visitors who gather from across the nation." The Chief Minister further urged the Defence Minister to attend the event, saying his presence would be a great honour. "Indeed, it would be a great honour if you could personally grace the occasion. Your august presence will be a source of immense encouragement to the citizens of Karnataka and will further strengthen the bond of respect and admiration that we hold for our Armed Forces. I once again thank you for your kind gesture and look forward to welcoming and hosting you in Mysuru during the historic Dasara celebrations," Siddaramaiah wrote in the letter. The inclusion of the IAF Air Show is expected to add a spectacular dimension to the Mysuru Dasara festivities, which attract lakhs of visitors every year. Mysuru Dasara is a 10-day festival, which starts from the first day of Navaratri and concludes on Vijayadashami (Dusshera). The festival's centrepiece is the Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, one of the seven palaces in the royal capital of Mysore. Thousands of lights are used to illuminate the palace, giving shine to its gilded construction. The head of state leads the rituals and a grand parade that includes the state sword, horses, weapons, and elephants after a variety of cultural and religious activities. (ANI) BJP MP Damodar Agarwal praised the BJP-NDA government's new Bill for the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers facing serious criminal charges. The BJP MP called it a step against corruption and for upholding democracy and the rule of law. "Democracy can't allow corruption to continue. The BJP-NDA Government doesn't want to allow this. It wants to implement decorum, sanctity and the rule of law. So, this good Bill has been brought. Opposing this shows that they are rattled..," he said. On Wednesday, Amit Shah introduced in the Lok Sabha the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, to further amend the Constitution of India and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, apart from the bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The bills were sent to the joint committee of Parliament. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to remove a Central or State Minister who is facing allegations of corruption or serious offences and has been detained for at least 30 days. Union Minister Amit Shah tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The proposed bill mandates the removal of any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with at least five years of imprisonment. If the arrested leader doesn't resign, their office will automatically fall vacant after 31 days. Interestingly, the bill allows for re-appointment post-release, providing a degree of flexibility. Several Opposition MPs opposed the bills amid huge sloganeering, prompting the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the House yesterday. Opposing the Bills, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said, "I stand to oppose the introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill 2025. This violates the principle of separation of powers and undermines the right of the people to elect a government. It gives executive agencies a free hand to act as judge and executioner based on flimsy allegations and suspicions." "This government is hell-bent on creating a Police State. This will be the final nail in the coffin of elected governments. The Indian Constitution is being amended to turn this country into a police state. The Chief Minister and the Ministers will not be accountable to the people," Owaisi added. Congress MP Manish Tewari claimed that the bill is destructive to the basic structure of the Constitution. "The basic structure of the Indian Constitution states that there must be the rule of law, and its foundation is that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This bill makes an investigating officer more powerful than the Prime Minister of India. It violates Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). It distorts parliamentary democracy, which is again part of the basic structure, by displacing the will of the people. This bill opens the door to political misuse by state machinery whose arbitrary actions have been repeatedly condemned by the Supreme Court. It throws all existing Constitutional safeguards to the winds. This makes the amendment unnecessary and unconstitutional," Tewari said. Congress MP KC Venugopal and Home Minister Amit Shah engaged in a verbal spat over the "morality" regarding the bills. Venugopal said, "This bill is meant to sabotage the basic principles of the Constitution. BJP members are saying that this bill is to bring morality into politics. Can I ask the Home Minister a question? When he was the Home Minister of Gujarat, he was arrested -- did he uphold morality at that time?" (ANI) The 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is a transformative step toward realising a Viksit Bharat, said Tamil Nadu BJP Spokesperson ANS Prasad. In a statement, Prasad stated, "Rooted in the sanctity of BR Ambedkar's Constitution, this Bill serves as a powerful instrument, a Brahmastra, to ensure corruption-free governance by barring those convicted in criminal cases and imprisoned for 30 days from holding public office. It is a resolute commitment to justice, accountability, and the aspirations of India's citizens." Prasad further said, "Regrettably, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and their INDI alliance partners have opposed this historic Bill, falsely labeling it a threat to democracy. Their resistance betrays a deep-seated aversion to clean governance, exposing their intent to shield corrupt elements." "Far from undermining democracy, this legislation strengthens it by ensuring that only leaders of unimpeachable integrity occupy positions of power, fulfilling the people's demand for ethical governance," he added. The BJP leader further stated that the INDI Alliance's hypocrisy is glaring. The Congress-led UPA's notorious misuse of Article 356 to dismiss democratically elected State Governments remains a stain on India's federal structure. Their accusations of "dictatorship" against this Bill are a desperate attempt to obscure their own authoritarian legacy, which the nation remembers with disdain. He further asserted that the DMK's handling of Minister Senthil Balaji's case exemplifies their moral bankruptcy. Arrested for money laundering in the cash-for-jobs scam, he was retained as a Minister without Portfolio and later reinstated, only to be removed after Supreme Court criticism. The Court's condemnation of the DMK's delay tactics in this investigation underscores their contempt for justice--a practice this Bill aims to eradicate. ANS Prasad further asked "Is it not evident that a minister wielding office can manipulate their own legal proceedings? The INDI Alliance's opposition to this Bill raises a critical question: Are they defending democracy or protecting tainted leaders from accountability? Their legacy--from the 2G Spectrum Scam to Tamil Nadu's TASMAC dealings and Arvind Kejriwal's prolonged tenure despite corruption charges--reveals an entrenched commitment to malfeasance." The BJP leader said, "When the Supreme Court struck down Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, the UPA rushed to shield convicted legislators with an ordinance, exposing their priorities. Though rebranded as INDI, their ethos of defending corruption persists. In contrast, the 130th Amendment embodies the people's will, ensuring governance free from the shadow of crime and corruption." "Stalin, Rahul Gandhi, and their allies must transcend partisan politics and support this landmark legislation. To oppose it is to stand against the constitutional values of justice and progress. The Indian people eagerly await its passage, heralding an era where leaders are held accountable, and governance is untainted," he added. Prasad exhorted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's leadership, the NDA is forging a Viksit Bharat rooted in integrity. The 130th Amendment is a beacon of hope, showcasing India's commitment to justice on the global stage. Let us unite in this noble pursuit, rejecting those who prioritize corruption over the Constitution. (ANI) Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Thursday strongly criticised the government's bill proposing the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other ministers if they are held on serious criminal charges. Bhagat, while speaking to ANI, said that the intention behind the bill is to do "Sarkar Chori," and alleged that the government will turn it into a "political weapon." "Through Election Commission, they are indulging in 'Vote Chori' and through this Bill, they would do 'Sarkar Chori'. You are making this a political weapon," he said. He alleged that the bill is designed to intimidate the opposition in Bihar during Rahul Gandhi's Yatra campaigns. Bhagat said, "Their intention is unclear even to this day. This Bill is being brought to scare Bihar and Andhra Pradesh into staying with them because they know what their condition would be after Rahul Gandhi's Yatra there." Meanwhile, on Thursday, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) MP N K Premachandran strongly criticised the government's Bill proposing the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers held on serious criminal charges. Speaking to ANI, Premachandran described the legislation as "draconian" and an infringement on the federal principles of the Constitution. He said, "Yesterday, we very clearly opposed the introduction of the Bill, stating that this is a draconian legislation. This infringes on the federal principles of the Constitution, specifically the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Parliament." Describing it as "anti-democratic" and "against the principles of federalism," he warned that the bill could be misused to destabilise non-BJP state governments. Premachandran said, "This is with an ulterior motive to destabilise the Governments of various states in which the BJP is not in power. So, instead of Article 356, this can be used as a weapon to remove the State Govts which are not governed by the BJP and its friends. This is anti-democratic. It is against the principles of federalism." The reactions come amid Amit Shah's introduction in the Lok Sabha of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, to further amend the Constitution of India and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, apart from the bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The bills were sent to joint committee of Parliament. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to remove a Central or State Minister who is facing allegations of corruption or serious offences and has been detained for at least 30 days. Union Minister Amit Shah tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The proposed bill mandates the removal of any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with at least five years of imprisonment. If the arrested leader doesn't resign, their office will automatically fall vacant after 31 days. Interestingly, the bill allows for re-appointment post-release, providing a degree of flexibility. (ANI) Staff members inspect, maintain Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway in E China Xinhua) 10:26, August 21, 2025 A staff member inspects the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway in east China's Zhejiang Province on early Aug. 20, 2025. Staff members inspected and maintained several systems of the railway on early Wednesday to ensure the stable operation of the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway. The railway, China's first high-speed railway controlled by private capital, has delivered a total of nearly 70 million passengers since it started operation. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) Staff members on a multifunctional operation vehicle inspect the power supply equipment of Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway in east China's Zhejiang Province on early Aug. 20, 2025. Staff members inspected and maintained several systems of the railway on early Wednesday to ensure the stable operation of the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway. The railway, China's first high-speed railway controlled by private capital, has delivered a total of nearly 70 million passengers since it started operation. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) A staff member inspects the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway in east China's Zhejiang Province on early Aug. 20, 2025. Staff members inspected and maintained several systems of the railway on early Wednesday to ensure the stable operation of the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway. The railway, China's first high-speed railway controlled by private capital, has delivered a total of nearly 70 million passengers since it started operation. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) Staff members operate a track inspection instrument to examine the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway in east China's Zhejiang Province on early Aug. 20, 2025. Staff members inspected and maintained several systems of the railway on early Wednesday to ensure the stable operation of the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway. The railway, China's first high-speed railway controlled by private capital, has delivered a total of nearly 70 million passengers since it started operation. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) A staff member controls a drone to inspect the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway in east China's Zhejiang Province on early Aug. 20, 2025. Staff members inspected and maintained several systems of the railway on early Wednesday to ensure the stable operation of the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway. The railway, China's first high-speed railway controlled by private capital, has delivered a total of nearly 70 million passengers since it started operation. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) A staff member inspects the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway in east China's Zhejiang Province on early Aug. 20, 2025. Staff members inspected and maintained several systems of the railway on early Wednesday to ensure the stable operation of the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway. The railway, China's first high-speed railway controlled by private capital, has delivered a total of nearly 70 million passengers since it started operation. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) Staff members inspect the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway in east China's Zhejiang Province on early Aug. 20, 2025. Staff members inspected and maintained several systems of the railway on early Wednesday to ensure the stable operation of the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway. The railway, China's first high-speed railway controlled by private capital, has delivered a total of nearly 70 million passengers since it started operation. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) A Texas judge has blocked a state law that requires school districts to display the Ten Commandments inside classrooms. The state has become the third in the nation where courts blocked recent legislation mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in schools. A group of families recently sought a preliminary injunction against the law, which was set to take effect on Sept. 1. Ten Commandments in Classrooms They argued that the requirement of displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms violates the First Amendment's protections for the separation of church and state as well as the right to free religious exercise. The situation comes as Texas is the largest state to even attempt this kind of requirement for school districts. U.S. District Judge Fred Biery's ruling from San Antonio is the latest in a growing legal battle that many expect will later go before the United States Supreme Court. Biery said in his ruling that while the Ten Commandments would not be affirmatively taught despite being displayed, the captive audience of students would likely have questions. These would then compel teachers to answer them, according to the Associated Press. The judge also prohibits the 11 districts and their affiliates from posting the displays required under state law. The legislation is currently facing legal challenges by a group of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Unitarian Universalist, and non-religious families. These include clergy who have children attending the public schools. There is also a broader lawsuit that names three Dallas-area districts and the state education agency and commissioner, which is pending in federal court. While the latest ruling marks a major win for civil liberties groups, the legal battle regarding the display of the Ten Commandments is expected to continue. Ongoing Legal Battle The plaintiffs in the case are represented by a coalition of civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Texas, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the Houston Public Media reported. The Texas judge's ruling comes after another judge, from Arkansas, blocked his state's law in four districts. Additionally, Louisiana's law was blocked statewide by a district judge last November. In June, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upheld the preliminary injunction in New Orleans. Recently, Louisiana state officials have asked the full 5th Circuit to rehear the case over the state's law. Any definitive ruling made by the 5th Circuit will most likely determine the fate of the Louisiana and Texas laws, as both states are in the 5th Circuit, as per EdWeek. Five members of a family were found dead at their residence in Makhtha, Mahaboobpet Maqta area of Telangana's Hyderabad, police said on Thursday. The deceased were identified as a man and his wife, their daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. "We received information that five members from the same family were found dead at their residence in Maktha, Mahaboobpet area. The deceased include a man, his wife, their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter," Miyapur police said. "We have registered a case and are currently investigating the matter," they added. More details are awaited. Earlier on Monday, two persons were killed and another was injured in Hyderabad while transporting a Ganesh idol from Jalpalli to Purnaranapul. 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. A day earlier, a similar tragedy occurred 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) Kerala LoP and Congress leader V.D. Satheesan addressed allegations against Congress MLA and Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil, levelled by writer Honey Bhaskaran and actress Rini Ann George who accused him of sending inappropriate messages and engaging in obscene conduct. Satheesan assured a thorough investigation by the Congress party, emphasising that no leniency will be shown if the allegations are found to be serious. "The Party will look into the allegations. We will check the gravity of the allegations. If it is very serious, we will take necessary action. There is a procedure; he will get an opportunity to present his side. Then only will we make a decision. We will make a decision immediately, there won't be any delay. There are no complaints before the party. If someone is making any allegation, we will look into it. We will take it very seriously, we will take proper action, there will be no mercy," he said. Meanwhile, Mahila Congress leader Bindu Krishna said, "Mahila Congress has conveyed its stance to the party. It is for the party to respond, and the party will take an appropriate decision. I have not received any complaint against Rahul Mamkootathil earlier. No girl should ever face such an experience. No girl should have to suffer unpleasant experiences in cyberspace either." Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathi is currently facing an obscene conduct charge from writer Honey Bhaskaran and model Rini Ann George. In a Facebook post, Honey Bhaskaran alleged that Rahul messaged her on her social media account. She said initially it was about travel, and she responded to it, but there was a series of messages from him. When she realised he had no intention of stopping, she stopped responding to his messages. She said that she got to know through Youth Congress workers that he had badmouthed her, and that she had initiated the conversation. These charges came shortly after Actress and model Rini Ann George accused the Congress MLA of sending her offensive messages on multiple occasions and inviting her to a hotel. George stated that when she threatened to inform his party, the leader challenged her to do so. She did not disclose the leader's name or party. George claimed she had informed the party leadership about the incident, alleging that wives and daughters of several politicians had faced similar experiences with the leader. She questioned, "I want to ask which woman these politicians who were unable to protect the women in their family will protect?". She further alleged that despite her complaint, the leader continued to receive opportunities within the party. George said she decided to speak out after seeing similar allegations by other women on social media, many of whom remained silent. "I decided to speak as I saw recently on social media that many women have faced similar issues. None of these women are speaking a word about it. So I thought of speaking for all," she added. At present, actress and model Rini Ann George has not submitted any complaints regarding this matter. Earlier on Wednesday, following the allegations, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest march to the office of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, demanding his resignation. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday urged people to use eco-friendly idols, made of cow dung and clay, for worship during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival. CM Yadav also highlighted that the state government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would run a campaign to bring awareness among the people for using eco-friendly idols in the state. In a video message posted on X, CM Yadav said, "On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on August 27 this year, the state government and the BJP are going to run a campaign to use eco-friendly idols made of cow dung and clay for worship. Let us all pledge that we will worship only eco-friendly idols during festivals." The CM emphasised in the video message that he had made a plan for the execution of the campaign and also held a discussion with the prominent officials of the party. "Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 will be celebrated on August 27, and on this occasion, people perform Ganesh puja in every home with deep enthusiasm and devotion. In order to promote eco-friendly idols, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the state government are going to run a campaign to use Ganesh idols made of cow dung and clay for worship. Today, we have made a plan for the same. Along with BJP state Chief Hemant Khandelwal and other dignitaries of the party, we tried to make our message reach ground level with our party network," the CM said. Although everyone tries to use eco-friendly idols for worship and promote them, the state government has decided to make it a public campaign, he further added in the video. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi begins on August 27 and will culminate on Anantha Chaturdashi. Also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, the festival marks the worship of Lord Ganesha as the god of new beginnings and remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrate his wisdom and intelligence with decorated homes and pandals, prayers, music, and vibrant processions. (ANI) Opposition INDIA bloc's Vice-Presidential nominee and former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy on Thursday filed his nomination papers for the upcoming election, describing the moment as an honour and pledging to discharge the role with impartiality, dignity, and a steadfast commitment, if elected. Reddy filed the nomination in presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. In a statement released after filing his nomination, Justice (Retd.) Reddy said, "Today, I had the honour of filing my nomination papers for the office of the Vice President of India as a joint candidate of the Opposition parties. I did so with a deep sense of humility, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the values enshrined in our Constitution." Reflecting on his career and principles, he added, "My life in public service -- as a judge of the Supreme Court of India, as a student of law, and as a citizen rooted in the democratic traditions of this Republic -- has taught me that the true strength of India lies in the dignity of every individual, the protection of constitutional morality, and the unity in our diversity. This election is not merely about one individual." Justice Reddy underscored that his candidature symbolises a larger democratic vision. "It is about reaffirming the idea of India as envisaged by our founders -- an India where Parliament functions with integrity, where dissent is respected, and where institutions serve the people with independence and fairness." Outlining his commitment if chosen for the role, he said, "The Vice President, as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, carries the responsibility of safeguarding the highest traditions of parliamentary democracy. If elected, I pledge to discharge that role with impartiality, dignity, and a steadfast commitment to dialogue and decorum." Expressing gratitude towards the Opposition alliance and citizens, Justice Reddy concluded, "I am deeply grateful to the leaders of the Opposition parties for reposing their trust in me, and to the countless citizens who continue to inspire this collective struggle for justice, equality, and harmony. With faith in our Constitution and hope in our people, I embark on this journey. May our democratic spirit continue to guide us all." The election for the Vice President of India will see a direct contest between Justice Reddy, backed by the INDIA bloc, and NDA's nominee C P Radhakrishnan. The Election Commission had earlier announced that polling for the Vice Presidential election would take place on September 9, with counting to take place 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 the Vice President 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. The post of Vice President fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health reasons. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Shree Cement's plant in Etah district on Thursday. While speaking at the inauguration event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the state's transformation under the BJP's governance, emphasising a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and a strong push for development. "When the government's intentions are clear and there is zero tolerance for crime and criminals in the state, coupled with an eagerness to drive development, remarkable changes happen. Remember, 8-9 years ago in Etah, criminals held sway. The mafia seized the lands of the poor, enjoyed protection from political parties, and left the poor unheard. Now, look at Etah, it is recognised for its strong handling of criminals and zero tolerance for them. Today, through the government's efforts, a thermal power plant has been established in Jawaharpur nearby, creating a better and more conducive environment. Alongside it, Shree Cement has also set up a plant. Both the government-established thermal power plant and Shree Cement's plant share a common goal: they generate employment," said CM Yogi Adityanath. Taking a dig at previous regimes, the Chief Minister criticised the Congress and Samajwadi Party for fostering criminal activities and neglecting development. "Under the Congress and Samajwadi Party regimes, criminal activities surged, women faced increasing threats to their safety, and traders received no meaningful benefits. Historically, the Mughals looted India, followed by the British, and later, the Congress and Samajwadi Party regimes caused further devastation. In the 1960s, India was the world's 6th largest economy, but by 2014, it had slipped to 11th. Since 2014, under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, through dedicated efforts and strategic policies, India has risen to become the 4th largest economy globally" Speaking about state development, CM stated that, "Similarly, Uttar Pradesh, under eight years of the BJP's double-engine government, has transformed remarkably. Before 2017, UP ranked 7th among Indian states; today, it proudly stands as the 2nd-ranked state." The event marked a significant step in Uttar Pradesh's industrial growth, with the Shree Cement plant expected to boost employment and contribute to the state's economic development. (ANI) Astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday in Delhi after a successful mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Earlier on Monday, Shukla also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shukla was the pilot of the Axiom-4 Space Mission to the ISS. He returned to Earth on July 15 after completing the NASA mission and landed in the national capital in the early hours of Sunday. Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla on Monday highlighted the importance of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's achievements in completing a mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the critical role of the space program for the 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. "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 success of the mission, but a matter of pride and inspiration for Indian citizens. Shukla's achievement is an inspiration for the youth," Birla said while addressing the Lok Sabha. Lok Sabha on Monday briefly took up discussion on India's First Astronaut Aboard the International Space Station - Critical Role of Space programme for 'Viksit Bharat By 2047'. Speaker Om Birla congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his achievements. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, spoke amid slogan shouting by opposition members over their demand for discussion on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar. He hit out at the Opposition parties on Monday, 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. (ANI) Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday expressed support for the Union government's initiative to biometrically scan "illegal immigrants" at the international border with Myanmar, saying that such a measure highlights the "real and ongoing problem" of "influx of outsiders" in the region. Former CM Singh thanked the Director General of Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera for confirming that around 42,000 people entered the Indian border since December 2024, and that measures are being taken to properly monitor such people and accommodate them at "secure locations." "I thank Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, DG Assam Rifles, for confirming that biometrics are being collected from illegal entrants crossing the Indo-Myanmar border. The very need for such a measure underlines an undeniable truth that the influx of outsiders into our region is real and ongoing," Singh posted on X. https://x.com/NBirenSingh/status/1958201620258492472 The former CM further said that it is "reassuring" to know that tracking of illegal immigrants is happening under "strict authority." The Assam Rifles DG made the comments during a lecture organised on 'Myanmar Geopolitics' in Manipur university on Wednesday, where he confirmed that 42,000 people crossed the international border since December 2024, and praising the newer, stricter Free Movement Regime (FMR) for allowing for the biometric tracking of such immigrants. "The new FMR is a government of India initiative, which no government had ever done. In order to find out how many people are coming. From '24 December, we had mapped 42,000 people coming from across there (international border). Biometrics are being taken, which have been shared across all agencies," Assam Rifles DG Lt Gen Lakhera said. In July 2023, the Manipur state government, under the leadership of Biren Singh, resumed its campaign for biometric capture of all "illegal" Myanmar immigrants, on the instructions of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, according to an official statement. The release said that a team of officials of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) assisted the State Government officials in capturing biometric data of illegal immigrants in Imphal East District. "On instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to complete the campaign for biometric capture of illegal Myanmar immigrants in the State of Manipur by September 2023, the Government of Manipur has resumed its campaign for biometric capture of all illegal Myanmar immigrants in the State from today," the statement said. Apart from Manipur, Mizoram has also collected biometric data of immigrants and refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh. (ANI) As Thursday marks the final day of the Parliament Monsoon Session 2025, the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Thursday, while the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla concluded the proceedings and formally wrapped up the Monsoon Session. In his final address on the last day of the Session, the Lok Sabha Speaker expressed concern over the lack of decorum and traditions in the House and criticised the Opposition for "planned disruptions" and "sloganeering." He emphasised the need for dignified discussions. Lok Sabha Speaker Birla attributed the House's limited productivity of 37 hours to "planned disruptions and ruckus," which fell short of the targeted 120 hours of discussion. In his valedictory speech, the Speaker said, "This session commenced on July 21, 2025. In this session, 12 legislations were passed. On July 28 and 29, there was a special discussion on Operation Sindoor, which was concluded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's answers. On August 18, a special discussion was initiated on India's achievements in space programs. In this session, 419 types of questions were included, but due to planned disruptions, only 55 questions could be answered. In the start of the session, we all had planned that there would be 120-hour discussion. A consensus was formed for this in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), but due to ruckus and planned disruptions, our productivity was only 37 hours. People choose us as their representative to work on their problems, but from few days, I have been observing that discussions in the House are not in accordance with the decorum and traditions." Speaker Birla called out political parties to check on their behaviour, stating that the language of MPs, both inside and outside parliament, should be dignified. "The sloganeering, planned disruptions that are being carried inside the House and in the Parliament premises is not our tradition. Especially, the language that has been used in this session, these are not in accordance with the decorum of the House. We should follow healthy traditions. Efforts should be made to have dignified discussions inside the House. But I am continuously seeing planned protest, sloganeering. I want to request you, we should try to avoid this and our language should be disciplined and dignified both inside the Parliament and outside the Parliament," he added. Reiterating his call to maintain dignity in the House, the Speaker said, "Agreement and disagreement is a natural process of democracy but our collective effort should be that we maintain the dignity, peace and decorum of the Parliament. I have given enough time and opportunity to every member, but the way you behave, the country is watching. I once again request all the members; we should try to implement traditions within our democratic institution... Further, I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, the Lok Sabha LoP, and opposition members." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari were in attendance during this session of the Lok Sabha. (ANI) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched almost double the number of missions between 2015 to 2025 than the ones launched between 2005 to 2015, Chairman V Narayanan said on Thursday while giving updates on the "phenomenal and exponential" performance of the organisation in Delhi. The ISRO Chairman also praised Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for being the first Indian to return from the international Space Station (ISS). "In last 10 years, the progress is phenomenal, exponential. With respect to missions, between 2015 and 2025 the number of missions were almost doubled compared to 2005-2015. During the last six months, three important missions were completed. Axiom 4 mission is a very prestigious mission, successfully accomplished. First Indian to be brought back safely from the international Space Station (ISS), we have the Gaganyaatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla," Narayanan said during the conference. Narayanan addressed the press conference in Delhi, along with Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and Gaganyaan astronauts Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Nair. Giving an update on the future missions of ISRO, the Chairman mentioned that in the next 2-3 months, another NASA-ISRO mission will be launched, with India's launch vehicle set to carry a 6,500 kg satellite into orbit. "In 2-3 months, around 6,500 kg communication satellites of USA are going to be launched using our launch using our launch vehicle. Until today, 433 satellites of 34 countries are done from India," he added. The ISRO chairman also informed that G20 satellites will be given to various countries. Talking about the previous satellites, Narayanan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the growth of Indian startups and the development of south Asian satellites, which were conceived, built, launched in India and also donated to countries, "After Modi took over as Prime Minister of country, the south Asian satellite was conceived, built, launched and donated to south Asian countries. Under his leadership we are also realizing the G20 satellite for G20 countries. 10 years ago, we had only one startup company in the space area. Today, we have more than 300 startups in the space industry... There are two suborbital missions done by private companies," Narayanan said. Since the launch of rocket in 21 November 1963 from the Thumba area near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, ISRO has launched 133 satellites missions, 102 launch vehicle missions, 5 technology demonstration mission, and 4217 rockets, and carried out 240 total number of missions. Moreover, 433 satellites of 34 countries have been launched in India. Earlire today, Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla also met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. (ANI) Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra on Thursday strongly condemned the attack on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, describing it as a "professional assault" and revealing that the accused has a long criminal history. After meeting the Chief Minister, who was "injured" in the August 20 incident, Mishra said she continued to work despite her condition but requires rest as she has "serious injuries" on her body. The Delhi CM on Tuesday was attacked by a man identified as Rajesh Khimji during 'Jan Sunvai'. The accused was subsequently arrested and has been sent to a five-day police remand. Speaking to reporters he said, "She worked last evening too. She has been seeing files. She is doing all the official work. But she needs rest as she has serious injuries on her body." "This is not an ordinary incident, but the CM is doing all the official work...The accused has criminal background. He already has 9 criminal cases against him, from smuggling to liquor supply to attempt to murder. The manner in which he came here it was like that of a professional criminal...It seems to be a professional attack but we are waiting for Police investigation," he added. Meanwhile, Union Minister Harsh Malhotra and other Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs met Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and inquired of her well-being. After meeting Delhi CM, Union Minister Harsh Malhotra reassured the public that she is recovering well and will soon resume her official duties. He said, "All of us came to inquire about Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's well-being. She is completely healthy now. She will get back to her schedule soon. Such incidents take place, but they will not affect her routine of meeting people." BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, while speaking to ANI, emphasised the resilience and courage demonstrated by the Chief Minister in the aftermath of the attack. She said, "All the 7 MPs of Delhi went to Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's residence to inquire about her well-being. I assure the people of Delhi that there is nothing to worry about. Rekha Gupta is brave, and her morale is still high. She will keep meeting everyone the way she always has... The accused will not be spared." Manoj Tiwari, another BJP MP, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that the attack had not impacted the Chief Minister's morale or commitment to public service. Tiwari said, "The CM's morale is not at all affected. The Jan Sunvai will continue as per the schedule. She will meet people again next Wednesday. She will get back to work from tomorrow... The CM is injured, but she is well now..." Kamaljeet Sehrawat offered insights on the security aspect of the incident and said that the incident was not a "security lapse." She said, "The CM is completely well. This incident has not affected her morale at all. She will soon appear among the people. It was not a security lapse, but it was not expected that a person from the public would do something like this. The police are doing their work." BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri stated that the attack was a reflection of the Chief Minister's "rising popularity." "The CM is well now and her morale is high. She is worried about the people of Delhi. Her routine will continue from tomorrow. CM's rising popularity is the only reason for the attack on her," Bhiduri said. Meanwhile, the Central government has accorded Z-category security cover of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to Rekha Gupta following an attack. (ANI) RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all dogs through research and discovery, celebrates a successful 2025 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference. Held every two years and sponsored by Nestle Purina since 1997, the event shares the latest canine health research with a community committed to improving the health of dogs. "Science for Healthy, Vibrant Dogs" was the theme of the 15th biennial conference, which brought together hundreds of canine health researchers, breeders, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and dog lovers in Durham, North Carolina. Marking the Foundation's 30th anniversary, CHF was proud to host the National Parent Club Canine Health Conference in its home state for the first time, a milestone moment for the Foundation. Attendance at this year's event was among the highest in conference history, reflecting steady growth over the years and underscoring its reputation as a premier gathering for leaders and advocates invested in the health of dogs. There were nearly 50 veterinary students and residents in attendance, representing more than 20 universities. "It is extraordinary to have so many dog enthusiastsbreeders, veterinarians, researcherscome together to explore the latest in canine health and learn from one another" said Dr. Stephanie Montgomery, Chief Executive Officer, AKC Canine Health Foundation. "Engaging with this community, which is driving progress for dogs, reinforces the power of our mission in action." Dr. Jason Stull, professor and researcher at the University of Prince Edward Island, received the Asa Mays Excellence in Canine Health Research Award. Established 20 years ago at the 6th biennial conference, this award honors investigators who have significantly advanced knowledge, improved practices, and driven progress in canine health research. "It is a tremendous honor and highlight of my career to receive this recognition from the AKC Canine Health Foundation and my colleagues," said Dr. Stull. "The AKC Canine Health Foundation has been instrumental in my success as a researcher in working toward improvements in canine health." For more information about the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the 2025 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference, or to join the mission of improving the lives of all dogs, visit www.akcchf.org. About CHF Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science to address the health needs of all dogs. With more than $75 million in funding to date, the Foundation provides grants for the highest quality canine health research and shares information on the discoveries that help prevent, treat and cure canine diseases. The Foundation meets and exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by their highest four-star Charity Navigator rating and Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. Learn more at www.akcchf.org. SOURCE AKC Canine Health Foundation The last rites of Manisha, the 19-year-old teacher who was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Haryana's Bhiwani on August 13, were performed on Thursday. A large number of people, including locals, relatives and officials, gathered to pay their final respects. Loharu SDM Manoj Kumar Dalal told ANI that the case has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "The last rites of Manisha were completed today... The family demanded a CBI inquiry and that the postmortem be performed in AIIMS... The family demands justice... The government and the CBI will take action against the culprits... The family concluded the protests last evening..." he said. Meanwhile, internet services will remain suspended in Bhiwani till 11 am on August 22. In an order dated August 21, the Home Secretary of Haryana Government stated, "I, Home Secretary, Haryana do hereby extend the order of suspension of the mobile internet services (2G/3G/4G/5G/ CDMA/GPRS), bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except the voice calls in the jurisdiction of districts Bhiwani of Haryana State. All telecom service providers of Haryana are hereby directed to ensure the compliance of this order." "This order is being extended to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order only in the jurisdiction of district Bhiwani for next 24 hours i.e. 21.08.2025 11:00 hrs to 22.08.2025 11:00 hrs," the order reads. Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the case would be handed over to the CBI. In a post on X, the Chief Minister wrote, "The state government and police administration are working with full seriousness and transparency to ensure justice for our daughter Manisha from Bhiwani and her family. I myself am continuously monitoring the reports of this case. Based on the family's demand, the Haryana government is going to hand over this case to the CBI for an impartial investigation. Full justice will be ensured in this matter." The assurance came after a protest was held in the victim's village, Bhiwani, to demand a CBI investigation. "This is a murder case. The Haryana government fooled us by calling it a suicide. We have two demands: first, there should be a CBI investigation. Secondly, for the third time, her post-mortem should take place in Delhi's AIIMS hospital," a protestor told ANI. (ANI) In a significant development for Bihar's infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Aunta-Simaria bridge project on NH-31 on August 22. A 8.15 km long marvel that includes a 1.86 km long, 6-lane bridge over the Ganga River. Constructed at a cost of over Rs 1,870 crore, this bridge promises to revolutionize connectivity between Mokama in Patna and Begusarai. The bridge has been constructed parallel to an old 2-lane dilapidated rail-cum-road bridge "Rajendra Setu" which is in poor condition forcing heavy vehicles to re-route. The new bridge will reduce this extra travel distance of more than 100 km for the heavy vehicles travelling between North Bihar (Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnea, Araria etc) and South Bihar areas (Sheikhpura, Nawada, Lakhisarai etc). It will also help reduce issues of traffic jams in other parts of the region due to the detour which these vehicles were forced to take. It will boost economic growth in the adjoining areas, especially in North Bihar, which are dependent on South Bihar and Jharkhand for getting necessary raw material. It will also provide better connectivity to the famous pilgrimage place of Simaria Dham, which is also the birthplace of famous poet Late Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. During his visit to Bihar, Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur to Mokama section of NH-31, worth around Rs 1,900 crore, which will ease congestion, reduce travel time, and enhance passenger and freight movement. Further, improvement to the two-lane with paved shoulders of Bikramganj-Dawath-Nawanagar-Dumraon section of NH-120 in Bihar will improve connectivity in rural areas, providing new economic opportunities for the local population. Strengthening the power sector infrastructure in Bihar, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Buxar Thermal Power Plant (660x1 MW) worth around Rs 6,880 crore. It will significantly enhance power generation capacity, improve energy security, and meet the growing electricity demand of the region. In a major boost to health infrastructure, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre at Muzaffarpur. The centre includes advanced Oncology OPD, IPD wards, operation theatres, modern lab, blood bank, and a 24-bed ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and HDU (High Dependency Unit). This state-of-the-art facility will provide advanced and affordable cancer care to patients in Bihar and neighbouring states, reducing the need to travel to distant metros for treatment. Furthering his vision of Swachh Bharat and ensuring Aviral and Nirmal Dhara of river Ganga, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and Sewerage Network at Munger constructed under Namami Gange worth over Rs 520 crore. It will help reduce pollution load in the Ganga and improve sanitation facilities in the region. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a series of urban infrastructure projects worth around Rs 1,260 crore. These include the STP and Sewerage Network at Daudnagar in Aurangabad, and Jehanabad; STP and interception and diversion works at Barahiya in Lakhisarai, and Jamui. Under AMRUT 2.0, he will lay the foundation stone of Water Supply Projects at Aurangabad, Bodhgaya and Jehanabad. These projects will provide clean drinking water, modern sewerage systems, and improved sanitation thereby improving health standards and quality of life in the region. Boosting rail connectivity in the region, the Prime Minister will flag off two trains. Amrit Bharat Express between Gaya and Delhi which will improve passenger convenience with modern facilities, comfort, and safety. And Buddhist Circuit Train between Vaishali and Koderma which will give a boost to tourism and religious travel across key Buddhist sites in the region. Grih Pravesh ceremony of 12,000 rural beneficiaries under PMAY-Gramin and 4,260 beneficiaries under PMAY-Urban will also take place with the symbolic handing over of keys to a few beneficiaries by the Prime Minister, thus fulfilling the dream of owning a house of thousands of families. (ANI) Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio met President Droupadi Murmu in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The official X account of Rashtrapati Bhavan, run by the President's Secretariat, tweeted about this meeting and wrote, "Chief Minister of Nagaland Shri Neiphiu Rio called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan." Earlier, Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Governor La. Ganesan, who passed away in Tamil Nadu's Chennai. In a condolence message, the Nagaland CM said, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of our Hon'ble Governor Shri La. Ganeshan Ji, today, the 15th of August, 2025, in Chennai". Ganesan was appointed as the 21st Governor of Nagaland on February 11, 2023. Throughout his tenure, he worked diligently to strengthen unity and promote development in the state. "His modest nature endeared him to the people and will continue to inspire generations," Rio said, describing him as a man of integrity, principle, great wisdom, and moral strength. The Chief Minister said the Governor's selfless service, calm leadership, and enduring devotion to justice and unity would be remembered." The void left by his passing will be deeply felt, but we take comfort in the legacy of service, courage, and leadership he leaves behind. His contributions to the State and to the Nation will be remembered with respect and gratitude," Dr. Rio said. Senior leaders and dignitaries gathered in Chennai on Saturday to pay their last respects to Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, who passed away on Friday evening. Tributes poured in from across the country, with Union ministers, state leaders, and representatives from Nagaland recalling his remarkable public life and contributions to politics, literature, and governance. After the demise of Governor La. Ganesan, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has been given charge of Nagaland, in addition to his own duties. "Consequent upon the demise of Shri La. Ganesan, Governor of Nagaland, the President of India has appointed Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur, to discharge the functions of the Governor of Nagaland, in addition to his own duties," a Rashtrapati Bhavan Press Communique said. (ANI) Group Captain Prasanth B Nair, the designated astronaut for India's Gaganyaan mission shared reflections on the collective effort behind India's space ambitions and paid tribute to the nation's diverse contributors celebrating India's strides in space exploration. He invoked the historic slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" and proposed expanding it to "Jai Vaigyanik." Speaking at press conference, Group Captain Nair emphased the importance of teamwork and acknowledging that achievements in space are built on a strong foundation. Nair said, "The future is space and future technology. When we do all this, we should not forget the base on which all this has been made because we all, whichever field we are from, have contributed a lot. So I would like to reiterate what has been a slogan since, you know, days immemorial in this country. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, but add to it, Jai Vaigyanik now. And also, why not? Jai Har Bharatiya." Nair further highlighted the vital role of foundational support across all levels, from ministers to everyday citizens, in advancing India's space program. "You are the reason we are here. We get to wear the cool suits and look good in front of the camera. But remember, the leaves will not blossom if the foundation is not strong. All of you sitting out here, right from the minister to the chairman, to all of you in every street, in every way, have been contributing to this programme. And I would like to thank the Prime Minister and the entire team for being with us throughout," he said As the nation approaches Diwali, Group Captain Nair drew a poetic parallel, "A few months from now we are going to celebrate Diwali, a time when Shri Ram ji entered Ayodhya. Over here right now, to the Ram that is Shuks (Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla), if I can call myself Laxman, it feels like there is Diwali here today when all our countrymen are here to receive us. But remember, even though I am elder to Shuks, I will love to be the Laxaman to this Ram any day, that's how professional he is." Meanwhile, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief V Narayanan provided an update on the progress of the Gaganyaan mission, India's ambitious human spaceflight project. Describing the mission as "very technologically intensive" and "complex," Narayanan said that "80 per cent" of tests are completed. "It is a very technologically intensive, complex mission. A lot of work is done, environment control and safety system, arbital module development, human-centric product development. I am happy to say that 80 per cent of tests are completed, and 20 per cent are targeted before March 2026," V Narayanan said. Additionally, Narayanan announced that the first uncrewed mission, known as G-1, is expected to be launched later this year, possibly in December. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla released the book "Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas" at Raj Bhavan, Shimla. The book has been authored by Prithi Pal Singh, Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Backwards Classes Finance & Development Corporation. The work is a poetic Hindi rendering of the immortal classic Meghadootam by Mahakavi Kalidasa. Through this translation, the author has sought to revive the timeless beauty, imagination, and emotional depth of Kalidasa in a contemporary idiom, making it more accessible to present-day readers, particularly students and youth. The foreword to the book has been written by former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and noted author Shanta Kumar, who has described it as an outstanding literary endeavour. The cover has been designed by Padma Shri Vijay Sharma of Chamba, an internationally acclaimed miniature artist, adding a unique artistic dimension to the publication. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that Kalidasa's writings are the very soul of Indian literature and culture. He observed that presenting Meghadootam in poetic Hindi is a remarkable achievement, which not only revives Kalidasa's creative vision but also offers a fresh perspective to readers, scholars, and students. He expressed confidence that the book would make a valuable contribution to the world of literature. Author Prithi Pal Singh said the work was the outcome of his deep study and long-standing literary interest, expressing hope that "Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas" would evoke in readers the same aesthetic delight and emotional resonance that lies at the heart of Kalidasa's masterpiece. On Wednesday, the Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla released the poetry anthology 'Dairon Se Pare' at Raj Bhavan, Shimla. Edited by noted poet and Principal of Government College Ani, Kunwar Dinesh Singh, the anthology features 67 poems, ghazals, and short stories by eleven distinguished contemporary Hindi poets, including Giriraj Sharan Agarwal, Hareram Sameep, Girish Pankaj, Rameshwar Kamboj Himanshu, Ashok Shah, Shivji Srivastava, Subhash Nirav, Sukesh Sahni, Harbhagwan Chawla, Anand Nema, and Singh himself.The volume carries an insightful introduction by Lalchand Gupta 'Mangal', Senior Fellow of the Ministry of Culture and Head of the Hindi Department at Kurukshetra University. The Governor commended the editor and contributors for their creative expressions and said that such literary works enrich the cultural and intellectual fabric of society. He added that 'Dairon Se Pare' will inspire readers. (ANI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, while expressing support for INDIA bloc's Vice Presidential pick said on Thursday that the candidature of B Sudershan Reddy is a "message to tyranny unleased by Modi government on all institutions." Former Supreme Court Justice B Sudershan Reddy filed his nomination for contesting the Vice Presidential elections earlier today, and pledged to discharge the role with impartiality, dignity, and a steadfast commitment, if elected. "As the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President is tasked with upholding the highest traditions of Parliamentary Democracy. The candidature of B Sudarshen Reddy garu is a message to the tyranny unleashed by the Modi Govt on every institution," Kharge posted on X, after the nomination of Reddy was filed. Saying that the joint opposition of the INDIA bloc is determined to protect the values and ideas enshrined in the Constitution, he added, "Our Joint Opposition is determined to protect the ideas and values enshrined in the Constitution and fight this battle head on." Reddy filed the nomination in presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. In a statement released after filing his nomination, Justice (Retd.) Reddy said, "Today, I had the honour of filing my nomination papers for the office of the Vice President of India as a joint candidate of the Opposition parties. I did so with a deep sense of humility, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the values enshrined in our Constitution." Reflecting on his career and principles, he added, "My life in public service -- as a judge of the Supreme Court of India, as a student of law, and as a citizen rooted in the democratic traditions of this Republic -- has taught me that the true strength of India lies in the dignity of every individual, the protection of constitutional morality, and the unity in our diversity. This election is not merely about one individual." The election for the Vice President of India will see a direct contest between Justice Reddy, backed by the INDIA bloc, and NDA's nominee C P Radhakrishnan. The Election Commission had earlier announced that polling for the Vice Presidential election would take place on September 9, with counting to take place the same day. The VP is elected by an electoral college, which consists of MPs from both houses of Parliament. The elections of the Vice President are 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. The post of Vice President fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health reasons. (ANI) Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed 'The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill' amid protests and sloganeering by the Opposition. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had moved 'The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill' as passed by Lok Sabha for consideration and passing in Rajya Sabha. Highlighting the aspects of the bill, the Union Minister explained that there are three aspects of the bill - "E-sports, Online Social Gaming and Online Money Gaming" out of which 2/3rd segment (E-sports and Online Social Gaming) will be promoted and encouraged. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Vaishnaw said, "Online gaming is an important subject which has emerged as an important sector in the digital world. It has 3 segments - the first segment is e-sports, in which people form a team and play, learn coordination, have strategic thinking. Our players have also won many medals. In this bill, e-sports will be promoted, an authority will be created for it and it will get legal recognition. The second is Online Social Games which includes solitaire, chess, soduku, etc. In this bill, online social games will be promoted, encouraged and an authority will be created." The Union Minister stated the third segment - 'Online Money Game' as has become "Public Health Risk." He further said, "2/3rd segment of the entire world of online gaming is being promoted, but there is one such segment, 3rd - online money games, due to which a big problem has arisen in the society, especially in the middle class youth. It gets addicted and the family's savings are spent. It is estimated that 45 crore people are affected by it and more than Rs 20,000 crore has been destroyed in it. WHO has declared it a gaming disorder. Online money gaming has become a public health risk. Problems like psychological disorder, compulsive behaviour, violent behaviour are arising from it. Many families have been destroyed due to it. This has become a huge problem. Its major aspect is money laundering and its effect have also been seen in terror activities. There were efforts to stop this problem but this problem kept on increasing." Union Minister Vaishnaw also hit out at the opposition for creating ruckus in the House while the Minister was moving the bill for passing. He said, "From time to time many irregularities arise in the society, at such times it is the responsibility of the Government and the Parliament to take action against the irregularities and bring solutions which can stop these irregularities in the society. We all know that earlier many families were getting destroyed due to chit funds, Modi government dealt with the problem by bringing a law on it. Whenever the interest of middle class and youth is discussed, PM Modi ji has always talked about the interest of middle class and youth by keeping revenue and economy on one side and rising it above that. The same subject is before the Parliament today. If Opposition works on this subject today, we also understand that they also talk about the interests of the middle class and the youth, but they are not concerned about this at all, they work only and only for their political objectives." (ANI) AAP leader and former Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia called the Bill new Bill, for the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers facing serious criminal charges, as 'positive' but warned it could be misused by agencies like ED and CBI. He added that AAP, being a party of honest leaders, always supported such strict measures. "The central government is bringing an amendment to the constitution in which they are saying that if any minister, chief minister, or prime minister of any state or even the central government is arrested on charges of corruption, then he should resign within a month or he will be removed. This is a good thing, but there are many possibilities that, just like ED and CBI have been misused, this bill will also be misused in the same way. Corrupt leaders should fear being removed. The Aam Admi Party is a party of staunchly honest people, so it will always consider such rules to be good...," he said. Sisodia said the Bill grants excessive power to the ruling party and emphasised that if a minister is not found guilty within 30 days, it proves false allegations. He added that those making such false accusations should face jail under the law. "However, this rule gives too much power to a ruling party... While implementing this rule, it should be noted that if the minister is not found guilty even after 30 days, it implies that false allegations were made against him. So whoever makes the false allegation should go to jail...," he said. On Wednesday, Amit Shah introduced in the Lok Sabha the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, to further amend the Constitution of India and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, apart from the bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The bills were sent to the joint committee of Parliament. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to remove a Central or State Minister who is facing allegations of corruption or serious offences and has been detained for at least 30 days. Union Minister Amit Shah tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The proposed bill mandates the removal of any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with at least five years of imprisonment. If the arrested leader doesn't resign, their office will automatically fall vacant after 31 days. Interestingly, the bill allows for re-appointment post-release, providing a degree of flexibility. Several Opposition MPs opposed the bills amid huge sloganeering, prompting the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the House yesterday. Opposing the Bills, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said, "I stand to oppose the introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill 2025. This violates the principle of separation of powers and undermines the right of the people to elect a government. It gives executive agencies a free hand to act as judge and executioner based on flimsy allegations and suspicions." "This government is hell-bent on creating a Police State. This will be the final nail in the coffin of elected governments. The Indian Constitution is being amended to turn this country into a police state. The Chief Minister and the Ministers will not be accountable to the people," Owaisi added. Congress MP Manish Tewari claimed that the bill is destructive to the basic structure of the Constitution. "The basic structure of the Indian Constitution states that there must be the rule of law, and its foundation is that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This bill makes an investigating officer more powerful than the Prime Minister of India. It violates Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). It distorts parliamentary democracy, which is again part of the basic structure, by displacing the will of the people. This bill opens the door to political misuse by state machinery whose arbitrary actions have been repeatedly condemned by the Supreme Court. It throws all existing Constitutional safeguards to the winds. This makes the amendment unnecessary and unconstitutional," Tewari said. Congress MP KC Venugopal and Home Minister Amit Shah engaged in a verbal spat over the "morality" regarding the bills. Venugopal said, "This bill is meant to sabotage the basic principles of the Constitution. BJP members are saying that this bill is to bring morality into politics. Can I ask the Home Minister a question? When he was the Home Minister of Gujarat, he was arrested -- did he uphold morality at that time?" (ANI) According to officials, the incident occurred in the Kotwali police station area. "A case has been reported in the Kotwali police station area where an 18-year-old youth poured petrol and set fire to a 26-year-old female teacher. A criminal case has been registered, and the woman has been referred to Jabalpur for treatment. Currently, she is stable," ASP Sandeep Bhuria told ANI. "The youth has been promptly arrested by a formed team. Preliminary investigations suggest that the two knew each other, with the youth being a student at the same school. Further investigation is ongoing," the ASP added. More details are awaited. In another incident, a woman who was set ablaze by a 40-year-old man in Uruvachal, Kuttiyattoor of Kerala succumbed to her injuries on Thursday. The victim, identified as Praveena, aged 39, wife of Ajeesh, had sustained severe burns in the attack on Wednesday. The accused, Jijesh, a native of Kuttav, allegedly poured fuel and set her on fire. He suffered burn injuries during the assault and is undergoing treatment at Pariyaram Government Medical College Hospital. According to the FIR, Jijesh arrived at Praveena's rented house around 2 pm and asked for water. Later, while she was engaged in household chores in the backyard, he attacked her. Neighbours rushed to the spot on hearing her cries and took both the victim and the accused to the hospital. (ANI) After Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil resigned as Kerala Youth Congress president, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Thursday demanded his resignation from the MLA post as well amid allegations of obscene conduct. "If the accused is a public representative, he should resign from that position," Sivankutty said while adding, "There is a controversial issue that has been discussed in the public sector in Kerala for the past two days." "Serious allegations have been levelled against Mamkootathil, a public representative, which is a grave matter. If these women have any fear of revealing their names, they should not be afraid. The government will be with them by providing full support and protection. The government is committed to ensuring justice. I would also like to remind you of some legal matters in this matter," the Kerala Education Minister said. "Even if the complainants find it difficult to reveal their names, they can file a complaint with the police. The police will register a case and start an investigation. The privacy of the victims will be fully protected. A woman has revealed that she has informed the top leaders of the party," he added. Sivankutty said that the top leaders of the party, who have been informed about the incident, have an obligation to report the crime to the police, as per the law. "Those leaders have some legal responsibilities. According to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), if any person comes to know about a crime, they are obliged to report it to the police. Not reporting serious crimes to the police is a violation of the law. The government will take fair action in this matter. All assistance will be provided to women to file complaints. The law guarantees that it will take its course," he added. Suggesting that more revelations have come to light, Sivankutty said that the public representative in question must answer to society and his voters instead of merely resigning from his organisation. "More serious revelations have come to the news channels. If the accused is a public representative, this problem will not be solved by resigning from organisational positions alone. The person has to answer to society rather than the organisation. Voters are the power in a democracy," the Kerala Education Minister said. Sivankutty further reiterated that Mamkootathil resigns from his MLA post and issues an apology. "Since the allegations have been made, if this person is a public representative, he should apologise and resign from his position. Otherwise, the general public, especially women, will never forgive. I congratulate the sisters who showed courage," he said. The allegations of "obscene conduct" by Mamkootathil, who is an MLA from the Palakkad assembly constituency, have been levelled by writer Honey Bhaskaran and model Rini Ann George. Honey Bhaskaran alleged in a Facebook post that Rahul messaged her on her social media account. She said initially it was about travel, and she responded to it, but there was a series of messages from him. When she realised he had no intention of stopping, she stopped responding to his messages. She said that she got to know through Youth Congress workers that he had badmouthed her, and that she had initiated the conversation. These charges came shortly after Actress and model Rini Ann George accused the Congress MLA of sending her offensive messages on multiple occasions and inviting her to a hotel. George stated that when she threatened to inform his party, the leader challenged her to do so. She did not disclose the leader's name or party. George claimed she had told the party leadership about the incident, alleging that wives and daughters of several politicians had faced similar experiences with the leader. She questioned, "I want to ask which woman these politicians who were unable to protect the women in their families will protect?" She further alleged that despite her complaint, the leader continued to receive opportunities within the party. George said she decided to speak out after seeing similar allegations by other women on social media, many of whom remained silent. "I decided to speak as I saw recently on social media that many women have faced similar issues. None of these women are speaking a word about it. So I thought of speaking for all," she added. Earlier on Wednesday, following the allegations, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest march to the office of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, demanding his resignation. (ANI) Atmosphere Commercial Interiors is excited to announce the opening of their new Worklab centrally located near downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The new space features Community-Based Designan approach driven by a clear purpose: to bring teams together. MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Atmosphere Commercial Interiors is excited to announce the opening of their new Worklab centrally located near downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The new space features Community-Based Designan approach that is characterized by stimulating a feeling of community to help people and organizations flourish. It provides an environment where workers are more likely to have higher levels of engagement, productivity, wellbeing, and belonging which equates with better results. Atmosphere Commercial Interiors is excited to announce the opening of their new Worklab near downtown Madison, WI. Post this Atmosphere Commercial Interiors logo New Madison Worklab Susan Enlow, Regional Vice President, describes the move as both a logistical and cultural shift. According to Susan, the former space that once served them well began to hold them back. Divided and disconnected zones made it difficult to communicate and work as a unified team. The move was driven by a clear purpose: to bring teams together. "We envisioned a space that would break down physical barriers and open new possibilities for connection, creativity, and focuswhere productivity could thrive." Potter Lawson was chosen to collaborate with Atmosphere on their new space. The interiors are designed to support individuals and teams with dedicated zones for focused work, collaboration, and rejuvenation with built-in flexibility for each team member to determine the best place to work for their needs throughout the day. The community spaces, including a cafe and adjoining training room, are now central for social connections, so vital to Atmosphere's culture. Equally important is the story told throughout the Worklab. Carlene Wilson, CEO and President of Atmosphere, defines the space as a "strategic asset." "We are no different than the customers we serve. Our business results and success are predicated upon deeply engaged and inspired team members." Together with Potter Lawson, Atmosphere used a methodical and analytical process to capture the elements that would reflect "who we are and what we do." Carlene acknowledges she is "wowed" by the space. "It has a sophisticated, elevated vibe that highlights our energy and positivity." Carlene is confident it will become a destination for clients and key influencers searching for new ideas to leverage their physical space and strengthen their culture. Susan emphasizes they were fortunate to have strong partners that helped bring Atmosphere's vision to fruition. CBRE found the "perfect space with the amenities that will attract and retain the talent we need." Krupp General Contractors did an "outstanding job meeting critical timelines with crucial attention to detail." Design firm Potter Lawson created a welcoming space that "sparks the hospitality we know our guests will feel the minute they walk through the door." The feedback from employees has been rewarding. The words Susan uses to describe the emotions"Joy. And a renewed sense of purpose and passion." In lieu of a formal grand opening, Atmosphere is arranging small, more focused personalized tours. "It's an open invitation to any firm or organization interested in what we are learning about the changing landscape of work and how we applied it to our own space." About Atmosphere Commercial Interiors Atmosphere Commercial Interiors is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with additional offices in Wisconsin, Illinois, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Atmosphere has a rich history in the office furniture industry, serving organizations of every size around the globe, from start-ups to Fortune 500, and across corporate, healthcare, education, and hospitality industries. Atmosphere is a multi-year recipient of the distinguished Steelcase Premier Partner award and part of the Omni Workspace portfolio of brands that provides commercial facility services and solutions to the design-build and contract interiors markets. For more information, visit www.atmosphereci.com or www.omniworkspace.com. SOURCE Atmosphere Commercial Interiors Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut onboard the International Space Station (ISS), in New Delhi on August 21, 2025. Defence Minister congratulated Group Capt Shukla on his achievement, terming it as a major milestone in India's journey towards human spaceflight. After the interaction in a post on X, Defence Minister stated that his journey will inspire the young minds of India. Rajnath Singh stated, "Delighted to meet Group Capt Shubanshu Shukla, the first Indian Astronaut, on-board International Space Station. We discussed his inspiring space journey, the vital experiments he undertook in orbit, advances in science and technology, and the road ahead with India's pioneering #Gaganyaan mission. His journey will inspire the young minds of India. The nation is proud of his achievements." Rajnath Singh acknowledged the astronaut's contribution through the vital scientific experiment conducted in the orbit and appreciated his role in advancing India's space research and exploration capabilities. He expressed confidence that his inspiring journey will motivate young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration. Rajnath Singh underlined the pivotal role of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in India's space programme, including astronaut selection, training, and mission support in collaboration with ISRO. He emphasised that the professionalism and expertise of IAF personnel are vital enablers of the country's progress towards manned space missions. Earlier, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Missio shared detailed insights about the experience and its significance for India's ambitions in human spaceflight, emphasising the invaluable knowledge gained from being in space itself. Speaking at a press conference, he underscored the pride and profound perspective gained by viewing Earth from orbit. He said, "Bharat aaj bhi Antariksh se saare jahaan se achha dikhta hai."He explained that the true benefit of executing a human space mission goes far beyond rigorous training referencing India's upcoming space endeavour Gaganyaan. "The benefit of executing a human space mission is more than the training. The supplementary knowledge we get just by being there is invaluable. All the information I have collected in the past year will be extremely useful to us for our own missions, Gaganyaan and Bharatiya Antariksh Station. Very soon we shall send someone from our capsule, from our rocket and our soil," he added. With globally recognised achievements in lunar and Mars exploration, India is now moving towards the manned space missions and furthering it into establishment of its own space station. The successful journey of Gp Capt Shukla aboard the ISS is a significant step in that direction, demonstrating the synergy between ISRO, IAF and other national stakeholders in advancing the nation's stature as a spacefaring nation. (ANI) Delhi Police are probing the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, which occurred on Wednesday, from every angle and are coordinating with Rajkot Police, sources said. Central agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB), are also involved in the investigation. According to sources, the police are investigating the accused Rajesh Khimji's social media accounts, and they will take the accused to every place he visited in Delhi. The police officials are also getting the accused's phone examined by the forensic team. So far, whatever the accused has said in the interrogation is being verified. The accused told police that he wanted to convey a message to the Chief Minister regarding the lives of three lakh stray dogs in Delhi. Recently, the Supreme Court, in its August 11 order, directed authorities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad to ensure localities are free of stray dogs. The court also ruled that captured animals should not be released back onto the streets. However, on Thursday, the Supreme Court reserved its order on pleas seeking a stay on the August 11 order 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 said it will pass an interim order on the matter. Meanwhile, the Central government has granted Z-category security cover by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to CM Rekha Gupta following the attack. Earlier today, the accused Rajesh Khimji was remanded to 5 days' custody. He was produced before the duty magistrate at his residence. Before being produced before the magistrate, Rajesh was taken to Aruna Asif Ali hospital for a medical checkup. Thereafter, he was referred to the LNJP Hospital by the Aruna Asif Ali Hospital. Duty magistrate Arvind Tomar granted a five-day custody remand after hearing the submissions of the Delhi police. He is to be produced before the court after the expiry of five days of police custody. Rajesh Khimji, a resident of Rajkot, Gujarat, was arrested by Delhi Police on Wednesday after allegedly attacking CM Rekha Gupta during a public hearing at her official residence in Civil Lines. A case has been registered against him at the Civil Lines Police Station. Police took precautions as a group of lawyers belonging to a political party had gathered in the court premises before the production of Rajesh Khimji. A heavy police force was deployed to ensure his safety and security. On Wednesday, CM Gupta said she was shocked after the attack but is now feeling better. She described the attack as a cowardly attempt to undermine her work for the welfare of Delhi's people. Sharing a post in Hindi on X, the Delhi CM wrote, "The attack on me during this morning's public hearing was not just an attack on me, but a cowardly attempt on our resolve to serve Delhi and work for the welfare of the people. Naturally, I was in shock after this attack, but now I am feeling better. I request all my well-wishers not to trouble themselves by coming to meet me." The Delhi Chief Minister also expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their good wishes and blessings, with her post adding, "I express my heartfelt gratitude for your immense love, blessings, and good wishes." (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Bihar and West Bengal on August 22 to attend several programmes focused on enhancing commerce, connectivity, and the 'Ease of Living' in both states. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1958464191611686929 During his visit to Bihar, the Prime Minister will be in Gaya to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore. These include the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur to Mokama section of NH-31, the Buxar Thermal Power Plant, sewerage treatment plants, and sewerage networks. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi stated, "I look forward to being in Gaya, where works worth over Rs. 13,000 crore will be inaugurated or their foundation stones will be laid. The projects include the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur to Mokama section of NH-31, Buxar Thermal Power Plant, Sewerage Treatment Plants and Sewerage Networks." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1958464610001945007 Furthermore, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Homu Bhabha Cancer Hospital and research centre at Muzaffarpur, which will boost health infrastructure for the people of the state. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1958464614334636158 Additionally, two trains, the Amrit Bharat Express running between Gaya and Delhi, and the Buddhist Circuit Train running between Vaishali and Koderma, will be flagged off during the visit. "It is gladdening that the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre will be inaugurated at Muzaffarpur. This will boost health infrastructure for the people of Bihar. Equally crucial are the two trains that would be flagged off, which are the Amrit Bharat Express between Gaya and Delhi, and the Buddhist Circuit Train between Vaishali and Koderma," the post by the PM on X read. The Aunta-Simaria bridge project on NH 31 will also be inaugurated, including the 1.86 km long 6 lane bridge over the Ganga river, the construction cost of which is Rs 1,870 crore, and will provide direct connectivity between Mokama in Patna and Begusarai. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1958464878701629776 The new bridge has been built parallel to the old two-lane dilapidated rail-cum-road bridge, Rajendra Setu, which is in poor condition and has forced heavy vehicles to take longer detours. This bridge will reduce the extra travel distance of over 100 km for heavy vehicles moving between North Bihar (Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnea, Araria) and South Bihar (Sheikhpura, Nawada, Lakhisarai) and help ease traffic congestion caused by detours. (ANI) A woman, along with her two-year-old daughter, allegedly committed suicide by setting herself on fire in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district on Wednesday late at night, a police official said on Thursday. The incident took place in Simaria Tal village under the jurisdiction of Dabra police station in Gwalior district. The woman, identified as Manisha Baghel, reportedly had a heated argument with her husband on Wednesday morning and allegedly committed the act later when her husband and other family members were not at home, the police added. "An unfortunate incident took place in Simaria Tal village in Dabra police station limits, where a woman, along with her 2-year-old daughter, set herself on fire by pouring diesel in her house. When the neighbouring people saw the flames of fire, they informed the police about the incident. Upon receiving the message, the police immediately reached the spot but both of them died sustaining severe burn injuries," City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Robin Jain said. When the police questioned eyewitnesses and neighbours, it was revealed that the woman had an argument with her husband, Manish Baghel, in the morning. After Manish left the house, the woman was alone with her daughter, following which she allegedly carried out the act, the officer said. He further said that the police were investigating the case from all possible angles and recording the statements of all the people allegedly concerned in the matter. Additionally, the mobile phone was sent for a forensic check, and information was sought from experts. The investigation into the matter is underway, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings revealed in the probe, he added. (ANI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday paid homage to senior party leader Ahmed Patel on his 76th birth anniversary. In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi said Patel's dedication to the nation and loyalty to the party would continue to serve as a source of inspiration for all. https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1958442900733477252 "On the birth anniversary of senior Congress Party leader Shri Ahmed Patel, I pay my respectful homage to him. His dedication to the nation and his loyalty to the party will always remain a source of inspiration for all of us," the post on X read. A five-time Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, Patel served the Congress in various key roles, including as the party's treasurer. He was re-elected to the Upper House in 2017 following a high-profile contest that drew national attention. Patel passed away in November 2020 in a Gurgaon hospital due to complications related to COVID-19. Earlier this year, on February 15, his son Faisal Patel announced his decision to step away from active politics and resign from Congress, citing feelings of marginalisation within the party. "With great pain & anguish, I have decided to stop working for @INCIndia. It's been a tough journey for many, many http://years.My late father, @ahmedpatel, gave his entire life working for the country, party & the #Gandhi family. I tried following his footsteps but was denied every step of the way," he posted on X. Despite this, he reaffirmed his emotional connection to the party, expressing gratitude to its leaders, workers, and supporters. Faisal will continue to work for the betterment of society in other ways."I will continue to work for mankind in any way possible. The Congress party will remain my family as it has always been. I want to thank all the congress leaders, party workers and well-wishers who have supported me," he added on X. (ANI) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday criticised Centre's foriegn policy over dealing with China on multilateral issues asserting that India has been left in a "weaker" and "inferior" position on the global platform under the tenure of Modi government in the past 11 years. The remarks come days after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to India from August 18 to 19. In a post on social media platform X, Owaisi posed a series of questions to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the government's stand on Taiwan, China's military assistance to Pakistan, and the growing trade deficit with Beijing. "Why did @DrSJaishankar tell his Chinese counterpart that "Taiwan is part of China"?We had stopped saying so after 2011, once Beijing started giving Staple Visas to certain Indians. Has China announced a change in its Visa Policy?" Owaisi questioned. The AIMIM chief further alleged that India is suffering in its bilateral ties with China "from territory to trade in all domains." "Has China agreed not to provide military support to Pakistan, as it did during the recent military clash with us? Have we not insisted to Beijing that we can't be friends if it hurts through Pakistan?" AIMIM chief questioned. He continued, "What has China promised to ensure that the massive Trade Deficit in its favour is reduced? Or are we going to promote more bilateral trade to further increase the trade deficit?" The Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP said the government's continued silence on China policy is an "acknowledgement of its failures." "The Modi government's China policy has been a series of flip-flops, which has left India weaker & in an inferior position after 11 years. From Territory to Trade, India has suffered in all domains. The lack of answers from the government is an acknowledgement of its failures," Owaisi said. Meanwhile, sources in the government on Tuesday stated that there is no change in India's position on Taiwan. "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, technological and cultural ties. We intend to continue it," sources said 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. During his visit, Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives' dialogue on the Boundary Question between India and China with the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, on August 19, and held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on August 18. He also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 19. 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. Both sides also 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. The Chinese side also welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit to be held in Tianjin. The Indian side reaffirmed its full support to China's SCO Presidency, and looked forward to a successful SCO Summit with fruitful outcomes, the MEA readout stated. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of his visit to West Bengal, stating that public anger against the ruling party is growing and the people of the state are increasingly looking towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with hope. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote, "I am eager to be among @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas at a rally in Kolkata. With each passing day, public anger against the TMC is increasing. West Bengal is eagerly looking towards the BJP with hope because of our development agenda." Highlighting the focus of his visit, PM Modi said the programmes in Kolkata would primarily centre around enhancing connectivity. "It is always a delight to be among the people of Kolkata, a city whose development we are greatly committed to. Tomorrow's programmes in the city are mainly focused on connectivity. The metro services, which will be flagged off, include Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar, Sealdah-Esplanade and Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay routes. Connectivity to and from the airport as well as the IT hub areas will be enhanced," he added. PM Modi will be visiting West Bengal and Bihar on August 22. During his visit to West Bengal, the Prime Minister will inaugurate metro railway projects in Kolkata on August 22 at around 4.15 pm. A 13.61 km-long newly constructed metro network will be inaugurated, and metro services will be launched on these routes. The Prime Minister will also undertake a metro ride from Jessore Road Metro Station to Jai Hind Bimanbandar and back. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Jessore Road Metro Station, where he will flag off the Noapara - Jai Hind Bimanbandar metro service from Jessore Road. In addition, through video conferencing, he will also flag off the Sealdah-Esplanade metro service and the Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay metro service. He will also undertake a metro ride from Jessore Road Metro Station to Jai Hind Bimanbandar and back. At the public function, the Prime Minister will inaugurate these metro sections and a newly constructed subway at Howrah Metro Station. The Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar metro service will significantly improve access to the airport. The Sealdah-Esplanade metro will reduce the travel time between the two points from nearly 40 minutes to only 11 minutes. The Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay metro section will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity with the IT hub. These metro routes will connect some of Kolkata's busiest areas, bring a notable reduction in travel time, and strengthen multimodal connectivity, benefiting lakhs of daily commuters. In a major boost to road infrastructure in the region, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of the 7.2 km-long six-lane elevated Kona Expressway worth over Rs 1,200 crore. It will enhance connectivity between Howrah, the surrounding rural areas, and Kolkata, saving hours of travel time and giving a significant boost to trade, commerce, and tourism in the region. The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering on the occasion. (ANI) Amid chaos over allegations of obscene conduct against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) on Thursday strongly protested outside the residence of senior Congress leader VD Satheesan. VD Satheesan is the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Kerala legislative assembly. This comes after Malayalam actor Rini Ann George and writer Honey Bhaskaran levelled allegations of obscene conduct against Rahul Mamkootathil, who is an MLA from the Palakkad assembly constituency, as claimed by the DYFI, the youth wing of Communist Party of India (Marxist). Similarly, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha also took out a protest march towards the residence of VD Satheesan. Earlier in the day, Mamkootathil resigned from his position as the Kerala Youth Congress President. The allegations of "obscene conduct" by Mamkootathil have been levelled by writer Honey Bhaskaran and model Rini Ann George. Both women have accused the Congress MLA of sending inappropriate messages and engaging in obscene conduct. As this happened, Satheesan addressed allegations of obscene conduct against Congress MLA Mamkootathil. He assured a thorough investigation by the Congress, emphasising that no leniency will be shown if the allegations are found to be serious. "The party will look into the allegations. We will check the gravity of the allegations. If it is very serious, we will take necessary action. There is a procedure; he will get an opportunity to present his side. Then only will we make a decision. We will make a decision immediately; there won't be any delay. There are no complaints before the party. If someone is making any allegation, we will look into it. We will take it very seriously, we will take proper action, there will be no mercy," he said. Meanwhile, Mahila Congress leader Bindu Krishna said, "Mahila Congress has conveyed its stance to the party. It is for the party to respond, and the party will take an appropriate decision. I have not received any complaint against Rahul Mamkootathil earlier. No girl should ever face such an experience. No girl should have to suffer unpleasant experiences in cyberspace either." Earlier, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty demanded Mamkootathil's resignation from the MLA post amid allegations of obscene conduct. "If the accused is a public representative, he should resign from that position," Sivankutty said while adding, "There is a controversial issue that has been discussed in the public sector in Kerala for the past two days." Sivankutty said that the top leaders of the party, who have been informed about the incident, have an obligation to report the crime to the police, as per the law. "Those leaders have some legal responsibilities. According to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), if any person comes to know about a crime, they are obliged to report it to the police. Not reporting serious crimes to the police is a violation of the law. The government will take fair action in this matter. All assistance will be provided to women to file complaints. The law guarantees that it will take its course," he added. Honey Bhaskaran alleged in a Facebook post that Rahul Mamkootathil messaged her on her social media account. She said initially it was about travel, and she responded to it, but there was a series of messages from him. When she realised he had no intention of stopping, she stopped responding to his messages. She said that she got to know through Youth Congress workers that he had badmouthed her, and that she had initiated the conversation. These charges came shortly after Actress and model Rini Ann George accused the Congress MLA of sending her offensive messages on multiple occasions and inviting her to a hotel. George stated that when she threatened to inform his party, the leader challenged her to do so. She did not disclose the leader's name or party. George claimed she had told the party leadership about the incident, alleging that wives and daughters of several politicians had faced similar experiences with the leader. She further alleged that despite her complaint, the leader continued to receive opportunities within the party. George said she decided to speak out after seeing similar allegations by other women on social media, many of whom remained silent. "I decided to speak as I saw recently on social media that many women have faced similar issues. None of these women are speaking a word about it. So I thought of speaking for all," she added. On Wednesday, BJP also staged a protest march to the office of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, demanding his resignation. (ANI) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and MoS PMO Jitendra Singh, who also oversees the Space Department on Thursday said that Indian astronauts who took part in the Axiom-4 mission and are getting ready for the Gaganyaan mission have lived up to several flagship mantras which has been propagated and practised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, while addressing a press conference alongside ISRO Chairman V Narayanan and astronauts, Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Nair said that Atmanirbharta has been at the centre stage of all processes and the experiments being undertaken in several test missions and otherwise. "Our Astronauts have lived up to three or four flagship mantras, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been constantly practising, propagating over the last nearly 12 years ever since he's been at the helm. Indigenous, Atmanirbhar Bharat. The astronauts were Indians, and that too from the proud Indian Air Force. The technology which they got, the kits that they carried for the experiments, were developed by the Indian resources, none of them from outside, and of course, the same is going to happen with the #Gaganyaan as well. So that is living up to Atmanirbharta," the Union Minister said. He further said that these kits were developed indigenously by different departments. "First was the Department of Biotechnology, we have entered into a formal MoU with the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Space. The idea behind it is that one day we might have a space physician...We have the contributions of the IITs, IISc Bengaluru, so the second mantra is 'whole of government, whole of nation approach'. Thirdly, experiments conducted in space, be it in life sciences, have been conducted by the Indian but the benefits will be given to all of mankind. Through this, we have set the example of Vishwa Bandhu Bharat," he said. Jitendra Singh further said that the Indian space programme has adopted global benchmarks and its strategies are aligned with them. "In the last few years, we have started following the strategies followed by the rest of the world. Our benchmarks, strategies and the parameters are global. This entire story began somewhere in 2018. Independence Day was going to be in a few weeks. All of us decided and promised each other to maintain silence so that we could have the announcement done by the Prime Minister from the Red Fort. You know what it means when the PM himself announces. That was the first momentous occasion when we heard the Prime Minister on the Independence Day of 2018, declaring to the nation that we are now ready to send an Indian into space," he said. Shubanshu Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 after completing NASA's Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission and landed in Delhi on August 17. 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. India's first human Space mission, "Gaganyaan" programme, has entered its final phase, with the first human spaceflight now scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair and Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla will be a part of the crew for the Gaganyaan mission. (ANI) The Delhi High Court has granted protection from coercive action to Vicky Ramancha, accused of supplying spurious drugs worth USD 18 million to a company. The Economic Offence Wing of Delhi Police is investigating the case following the registration of an FIR. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna directed that no coercive action be taken against Ramancha until the next hearing date. "It is hereby directed that till the next date of hearing, no coercive action be taken against the Petitioner," Justice Neena Bansal Krishna ordered on August 19. Meanwhile, the court has directed Ramancha to join the investigation and ordered the filing of a status report/reply within four weeks on his anticipatory bail plea. The matter is listed for hearing on September 22. Senior advocate Manu Sharma and advocate Samar Khan appeared for Ramancha. His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the trial court on August 11. Ramancha, through advocate Samar Khan, has now filed a petition seeking anticipatory bail. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner submitted that he shall join the investigation on August 25. Petitioner is accused of selling counterfeit drugs, specifically Ozempic, to foreign entities. The spurious drugs were seized by the US agency FDA, the police said. On August 11, the Patiala House court rejected the bail plea of Vicky Ramamcha in view of the seriousness of the allegations and noted that spurious drugs directly affect public health. While rejecting the plea, the court said, "The extraordinary remedy of anticipatory bail is inappropriate given the gravity of allegations, flight risk, and potential for evidence tampering." "The allegations involving supply of spurious drugs pose direct threats to public health and safety requiring robust legal response," ASJ Laller observed in the order. Accordingly, the anticipatory bail application is dismissed on the grounds that the jurisdictional complexity presents mixed questions of fact and law requiring comprehensive investigation that cannot be conclusively determined at this preliminary stage, the ASJ ordered on August 11. Vicky Ramamcha is accused of orchestrating an elaborate international criminal conspiracy involving the supply of counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs, specifically 'Ozempic', to foreign entities. The allegations are of a sophisticated transnational fraud operation that allegedly caused financial losses exceeding USD 18.8 million to the complainant company. The alleged scheme involved fraudulently inducing the complainant company to pay USD 18,834,382 for pharmaceutical drugs, subsequently supplying counterfeit Ozempic drugs that were seized by the US FDA, and creating false documentation showing legitimate pharmaceutical chains. The prosecution alleged that the applicant used documents from the Courts to lend legitimacy to fraudulent agreements. (ANI) Attorney Craig McClellan of The McClellan Law Firm in San Diego has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America 2026 (32nd Edition) for Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Litigation Plaintiff. SAN DIEGO, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Founding Partner and Attorney Craig R. McClellan of The McClellan Law Firm in San Diego, California, has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America (32nd Edition). He was recognized for his work in Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Litigation Plaintiff. The Best Lawyers in America, or Best Lawyers, is a nationwide organization that reviews, rates, and recognizes attorneys who have made a positive impact for their clients and on the legal community as a whole. The organization uses its unique Purely Peer Review methodology to make selections. This system primarily relies on peer nominations, which are used to avoid biases or any "pay-for-recognition" situations. Attorney Craig McClellan has been recognized by Best Lawyers each year since 1993, which means he has earned recognition for more than 30 years. While only some attorneys will be recognized by Best Lawyers once in their careers, very few will be consistently recognized across decades. Best Lawyers has also given Attorney McClellan higher honors on several occasions. Specifically, he was named a "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers for Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, San Diego (2025); Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, San Diego (2019); Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, San Diego (2014); Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, San Diego (2014); and Product Liability Litigation, San Diego (2012). This most recent recognition The Best Lawyers in America 2026 (32nd Edition) highlights his continued efforts to provide his clients with legal counsel that combines impressive skill with genuine passion for helping them through difficult times. With his focus and commitment, everyone at The McClellan Law Firm expects that he will continue to earn Best Lawyers recognition for many years to come. Interested parties should visit the official Best Lawyers website to view Attorney Craig McClellan's biography page: https://www.bestlawyers.com/lawyers/craig-r-mcclellan/13344. More information about Attorney McClellan and The McClellan Law Firm in San Diego, California, can be found at www.mcclellanlaw.com. Media Contact Carlie Ramos [email protected] SOURCE The McClellan Law Firm A meeting of the District Road Safety Committee was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav to review the progress on directions issued during the previous meeting, as per an official release. The meeting was attended by representatives of all concerned departments, the Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic and Security), and all Sub-Divisional Magistrates. During the deliberations, the Chairman underscored the critical importance of strict adherence to road safety norms and directed departments to establish specific timelines for the replacement and installation of road signage in accordance with the prescribed standards. It was emphasised that uniform and clearly visible signage is instrumental in minimising accidents and ensuring smooth and safe mobility for all road users. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Central) was directed to undertake the removal of encroachments along the road passing through Khuda Lahora and Khuda Jassu to facilitate unhindered traffic movement. Further, the Chief Engineer was instructed to submit a certificate confirming that all bus queue shelters across the city are disability-friendly, thereby ensuring inclusivity and convenience for commuters, especially persons with disabilities. The departments concerned were also asked to carry out pruning of trees along roadsides wherever branches obstruct the visibility of traffic signals so that safety and traffic discipline are not compromised. The Deputy Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the installation of bollards at all strategic points, noting that this measure contributes significantly to organised traffic management and enhanced pedestrian safety. In conclusion, the Deputy Commissioner reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring active coordination among all stakeholders. Departments were urged to ensure effective and timely implementation of directions so that Chandigarh continues to strengthen its commitment to safer roads and inclusive mobility. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on August 25 and 26. During his visit, he will inaugurate 1,449 houses and 130 shops, built at a cost of Rs 133.42 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), from Nikol, Ahmedabad. The project will provide modern homes with improved facilities to families living in slum areas. Under the leadership of PM Modi and the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, PMAY has transformed lives in Gujarat. Under the In-Situ Slum Redevelopment component of the PMAY (Urban), PM will inaugurate the rehabilitation work of a total of 1,449 houses and 130 shops constructed at a cost of Rs 133.42 crore in Sector-3 of the slum popularly known as Ramapir Tekra in Sardar Patel Stadium Ward of the West Zone of Ahmedabad city. This project has been carried out under the Slum Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Policy-2013 of the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department of the Government of Gujarat. Across Gujarat, under PMAY (Urban), 9.66 lakh houses have been sanctioned against the target of 7.64 lakh, with construction of about 9.07 lakh houses already completed. Gujarat received six national awards in 2019 and seven in 2022 from the Central Government under PMAY (Urban) across various categories. Under PMAY (Rural), from 2016-17 to 2024-25, the Government of India set a target of 8,43,168 houses, of which 6,00,932 have been completed. For the spill-over target of 2,78,533 houses in 2025-26, 39,092 have been completed between April 1 and August 20, 2025, while 2,39,441 are under construction and scheduled for completion by March 2026. From 2016-17 to August 20, 2025, a total expenditure of Rs 8,936.55 crore has been incurred under the scheme. Moreover, from 2025-26 onwards, the State Government has introduced an additional assistance of Rs 50,000 per house at the roof-cast level under the PMAY (Rural), fully funded from the state's share. This support is aimed at helping beneficiaries achieve the 2024-25 housing targets as well as future goals. So far, 34,759 beneficiaries have received assistance amounting to Rs 173.80 crore under this provision. Under the State Government's 'Mukhyamantri Protsahak Sahay Yojana', beneficiaries who complete house construction within six months of receiving the first instalment are given an additional incentive of Rs 20,000. So far, 74,930 beneficiaries have received assistance worth Rs 149.86 crore under this provision. To support women in households, the State Government also provides an additional Rs 5,000 per beneficiary for bathroom construction along with housing. Till now, 82,845 beneficiaries have availed this benefit, amounting to Rs 41.42 crore. In addition, beneficiaries are eligible for Rs 25,920 for 90 days of employment under MGNREGA and Rs 12,000 for toilet construction under the Swachh Bharat Mission. In total, each beneficiary is entitled to assistance of Rs 2,32,920 under this scheme. The Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) Scheme, launched by the Central Government in 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, aims to provide affordable rental housing for the urban poor and workers. Within three months of its announcement, Gujarat became the first state to receive project approval by converting 393 houses into rental units in the Suda area of Surat city, under Model-01. Gujarat is one of six states selected by the Central Government to implement the Light House Project under the Global Housing Technology Challenge (GHTC). In Rajkot, 1,144 houses have been built using monolithic concrete construction technology with tunnel formwork. (ANI) The dairy sector in North Gujarat is witnessing a remarkable transformation as Banaskantha, Mehsana, and Sabarkantha dairy cooperatives scale up their processing capacity and innovation. North Gujarat is a robust economy of rural livelihoods and development. The dairy cooperatives such as Banas Dairy (Banaskantha), Dudhsagar Dairy (Mehsana), and Sabar Dairy (Sabarkantha) have emerged as national and international leaders in milk processing, cold-chain infrastructure, and value-added dairy products exports from North Gujarat, the Chief Minister's office said in a press release. These cooperatives operate under the umbrella of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets products under the renowned brand 'Amul'. Banas Dairy, one of Asia's Largest Dairy Cooperatives, founded in 1969, is headquartered in Palanpur, Banaskantha and generated a turnover of more than INR 21,200 crore in FY 2024-25. Banas Dairy's 20 manufacturing units are spread across Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. It is successfully processing 10 million litres of milk daily. With over 1,600 milk societies and 4 lakh farmers engaged, Banas Dairy plays a significant role in rural development. The product portfolio has expanded from traditional dairy items to honey and edible oils. The successful collaboration between Suzuki Motor Corporation and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for a biogas plant signals a shift towards sustainability and growth. This diversification, paired with robust processing and logistics infrastructure, makes Banas Dairy a model for export-oriented cooperative growth. The Mehsana District Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Ltd, widely known as Dudhsagar Dairy and established in 1960, has been pivotal in transforming Mehsana into a hub of dairy innovation and has generated a turnover of approx. INR 8,054 crore in FY 2024-25. From humble beginnings with 3,300 litres per day, Dudhsagar Dairy now collects over 34.88 lakh litres of milk daily. Leveraging its deep-rooted cooperative network, the dairy manufactures a wide range of milk and milk products--catering to both domestic and international markets. The strong cold-chain and quality control systems have enabled consistent supply and safety, laying the foundation for global competitiveness. The Sabarkantha District Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Ltd, also known as Sabar Dairy, has a daily milk handling capacity of 33.53 lakh litres and is considered one of India's largest milk handlers, with operations spread across several Indian states and an FY 2023-24 turnover of approximately. INR 8,939 crore, Sabar Dairy has built a strong reputation for quality dairy production, especially in milk, ghee, butter, and cheese. It has consistently invested in processing facilities and cold-chain logistics to ensure freshness and quality. These three major cooperatives exemplify the "farm-to-market" strength of the North Gujarat dairy cooperative model. Farmer empowerment: Fair pricing and year-round procurement support the livelihoods of dairy farmers of the region. Infrastructure expansion: Investments in cold chains, biogas, and soil testing labs align with global best practices. Export potential: With rising global demand for Indian dairy products, these cooperatives are well-positioned to scale exports. As North Gujarat aspires to become a global dairy export powerhouse, the success of Banas, Dudhsagar and Sabar Dairies offers a scalable, sustainable blueprint driven by world-class infrastructure. These developments exemplify Gujarat's globally renowned dairy industry as the state prepares to host the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences (VGRC). The conferences will showcase Gujarat's dynamic growth story for the dairy sector. (ANI) The Coordination Committee of All District Bar Associations of Delhi has announced a complete abstention from work across all district courts on August 22 and 23, 2025, in protest against the recent notification issued by the Lieutenant Governor (LG), which allows police depositions to be recorded from police stations instead of courts. The decision came after an urgent meeting held on Thursday evening, where the Committee expressed strong resentment against the move, terming it "arbitrary, unlawful, and against the fundamental principles of justice." Earlier, on August 20, the Committee had submitted representations to the LG of Delhi, the Union Home Minister, the Union Law Minister, the Chief Minister of Delhi, and the Delhi Home Minister, strongly objecting to the notification. It highlighted that the order conflicts with a July 15, 2024, circular issued by the Union Home Secretary. The Committee urged immediate withdrawal of the notification and warned that failure to do so would compel lawyers to protest. Despite the representation, the notification has not been withdrawn. Consequently, the Bar bodies have unanimously resolved to paralyse court functioning for two days. "No advocate shall appear before any court, either physically or virtually. Strict action will be taken against those who defy the call," the resolution states. Tarun Rana, Secretary of the New Delhi Bar Association (NDBA) and Additional Secretary General of the Coordination Committee, said, "This directive is not only anti-lawyer but also anti-justice and against the larger public interest. Recording depositions at police stations would seriously obstruct the trial process and undermine judicial independence." The Committee further announced that it will convene again on August 23, 2025, to assess the prevailing situation and decide the future course of action, hinting at a possible escalation if the government does not withdraw the notification. (ANI) Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay on Thursday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in Tamil Nadu, urging the abolition of the competitive examination. "Because of your stubbornness, you (PM Modi) continue to impose the NEET exam, and it pains me to even speak about what is happening here because of it. NEET must be abolished. Will you do this? You will never give us what we want or do what is right for us," Vijay said while addressing the gathering at his mega rally in Madurai. Raising the issue of the Sri Lankan Navy "attacking" 800 fishermen, the TVK chief said, "Narendra Modi, this is your third term in power at the centre. Did you come to govern in order to serve all the people, or to conspire against our Muslim brothers? The Sri Lankan Navy has attacked 800 fishermen. Therefore, to ensure the safety of our fishermen, get Katchatheevu (island) from Sri Lanka." Vijay also hit out at the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), terming it a "slave alliance". "Having power in hand and to cheat people, you have a fascist BJP slave alliance," Vijay said, adding, "TVK is not a party that makes underground deals, forges alliances, and cheats the people. We are not afraid of anyone. The people of Tamil Nadu, the women, and the youth stand with us." Intensifying his attack, the TVK chief took a jibe at the opposition AIADMK over its condition in the state while remaining firm on his criticism against the BJP. "Do you know who MGR is? As long as he was alive, no one could even dream of occupying the Chief Minister's chair. Look at the state of the party that MGR founded today. Its innocent cadres are suffering in silence, unable to express their pain openly. No matter what disguise the BJP puts on, it will never succeed in Tamil Nadu," Vijay said. Accusing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of being in a secret alliance with the BJP, the actor-turned-politician lambasted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin over the law and order situation in the state. "Uncle Stalin, if you have a conscience, please answer the questions we are asking. In the government you are running, is there honesty? Is it free from corruption? Is law and order being maintained properly? Are women and the general public safe? Tell us, my dear uncle, tell us," Vijay said. "DMK government is secretly maintaining ties with the BJP. When DMK is in the opposition, they shout 'Go back Modi!' but once they are in power, (they) welcome Modi. DMK has a secret alliance with the BJP. Does drama as if they are opposing the BJP," he added. Meanwhile, TVK's Aadhav Arjuna, who is also the General Secretary for Election Campaign Management, also attacked the AIADMK over "losing their way" from the ideas of MGR and Jayalalitha. "AIADMK is making efforts to allow the BJP to enter Tamil Nadu by the back door," he added. Attacking MK Stalin, Arjuna said, "In 2026, TVK will initiate a youth revolution, with Vijay as Chief Minister, who can fulfil Anna's ideas. Chief Minister M K Stalin failed to fulfil Anna's ideology. He has left the path of Aringnar Anna." This comes as Vijay intends to present his party, TVK, as a third front in Tamil Nadu politics, an alternative to both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK. The TVK will be contesting the Tamil Nadu assembly elections for the first time since its founding in 2024. The state elections are scheduled to be held in 2026. (ANI) Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi along with his wife Sunita Dwivedi, President of Army Women's Welfare Association (AWWA) today pledged to donate their organs at Delhi's Army Hospital (Research & Referral), giving a significant boost to the Armed Forces Organ Retrieval & Transplantation Authority (AORTA). The initiative aims to encourage awareness and inspire the Armed Forces community to lead the nation in organ donation, said a statement from the Ministry of Defence. Under the leadership of Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AORTA has emerged as a national leader in organ retrieval and transplant efforts. The Indian Army has already created a record, with more than 26,000 personnel pledging organ donations in a single campaign. Speaking on the occasion, General Upendra Dwivedi described organ donation as a service to humanity and an extension of the Armed Forces' spirit of sacrifice and courage. He urged service personnel & their families to come forward and set an example for society. The COAS also lauded AORTA for its consistent efforts in spreading awareness and motivating Armed Forces personnel about the importance of organ donation. Recognising the vital role of healthcare workers, the Army Chief presented on-the-spot Chiefs' Recommendation Cards to three frontline staff engaged in organ transplant care, including a housekeeper who diligently maintained hygiene and sanitation for patients. This gesture reinforced the Army Medical Corps' commitment to compassionate patient care. The event included a heartfelt tribute to donor families who extended the gift of life through organ donation. These families were felicitated in a solemn ceremony for their compassion and courage. (ANI) Authorities in Madhya Pradesh's capital city Bhopal on Thursday carried out a demolition drive against the illegal construction of the Machhli family on government land in the Kokta locality, officials said. The family came under the scanner after Shawar Ahmed alias Machhli and his nephew Yasin Ahmed alias Machhli were arrested last month for possession of MDMA drugs under the state's anti-drug campaign 'Nashe Se Doori Hai Zaroori'. The police have since been identifying and cracking down on their alleged illegal properties and criminal network. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Neeraj Chaurasia told ANI, "Properties belonging to this family (Machhli family) were investigated and the constructions which were found to be illegal, or encroachments on government land, were identified and addressed before the revenue court. After that, a demolition action against encroachment and illegal properties is being carried out. Earlier, at the end of last month, action was taken at six locations and the one location which was left is being demolished today." Chaurasia added that the demolition is being conducted peacefully, with around 250 police personnel deployed on site to ensure law and order. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vinod Kumar further elaborated on the action, saying, "The entire construction here is on government land, therefore it is being demolished today. The tehsildar court is responsible for hearing the matter of removing illegal encroachment on government land, so this matter was heard in the Tehsildar court and an order was issued for removing the structure. The Municipal Corporation also issued a notice of this illegal construction. Today, approximately 15,000-20,000 square feet of area where illegal construction was made is being demolished. Previously, the action was taken at six locations." He further added that the operations would continue in the future too if more illegal constructions were identified. Further investigations are underway as it is their duty to identify illegal constructions on government land and take action accordingly. Earlier, on July 30, the administration had launched a similar demolition drive against six illegal properties allegedly used as hideouts and bases by drug peddlers Yasin Ahmed and Shahwar Ahmed of the Machhli family. (ANI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday announced at Central Stadium that Kerala has been declared as India's first fully digitally literate state. The Kerala CM said, "This is indeed a proud moment for Kerala and for every Malayali across the globe. Today, our state has achieved a milestone that fills us with immense pride. Kerala has become the first fully digital state in India. I want to extend my special congratulations to our youth, whose dedication and involvement made this achievement possible." "Just as Kerala once became the first fully literate state in the country in 1991, today we have repeated history by setting another benchmark. Both achievements came under the leadership of a Left Democratic Front government, and this underlines the commitment and determination required to bring society together for such transformative progress," the Kerala CM added. Explaining the origin of this benchmark, the Kerala Chief Minister said, "The success story began in Pullampura Panchayat, which became the first fully digitally literate panchayat in Kerala. Overcoming challenges, volunteers, local representatives, and students together ensured that even ordinary citizens, including the elderly and homemakers, became digitally empowered. Today, those who once had little exposure to computers or smartphones are paying bills online, using services, and actively engaging on social media." Rhe Kerala CM also remarked that this achievement is "a model for the entire country". He said, "Kerala's achievement is remarkable when compared with national and global figures. In India, only about 38% of households are digitally literate. Against this backdrop, Kerala's accomplishment is not just a milestone for us but a model for the entire country." Moreover, he also explained the whole process of evaluation. "This project was massive in scale. Over 83 lakh households were surveyed, and 22 lakh learners were identified. Out of them, nearly 21.87 lakh people successfully passed the evaluation -- including more than 15,000 senior citizens above 90 years of age." The Kerala Chief Minister also praised Kerala's youth for their committment and contribution towards this process. "What made this effort possible was the contribution of 2.57 lakh volunteers, including college and school students, NSS, NCC, Kudumbashree workers, literacy mission members, and other community groups. Their selfless service without expecting anything in return is proof of the social responsibility and commitment of Kerala's youth," he said. Highlighting the inclusivity of all the communities, including the tribal areas, he said, "We must also recognise that inclusivity was the guiding principle of this mission. No community, no region was left behind. Even in tribal areas like Idamalakudy and Attappady, the program achieved remarkable success. This is not the end, but just the beginning." "In the next phase, all essential certificates and documents will be digitised and linked with DigiLocker, making Kerala the first state in India to implement such a universal system. Citizens will also be trained to identify cybercrimes and misuse of social media, ensuring responsible digital literacy," explaining the next phase, Kerala CM added. Moreover, the Kerala Chief Minister also emphasised the need for the internet as a basic right. "Of course, digital literacy cannot exist in isolation. That is why Kerala declared the internet as a basic right and launched the K-Fon project, providing affordable high-speed connectivity across the state. Already, over 1.5 lakh internet connections have been delivered, and public Wi-Fi hotspots are being established to ensure no urban-rural divide." "Today, more than 900 government services are already available online, and with K-SMART, local body services are also fully digitised. People no longer need to run from office to office for certificates or complaints; everything can be done online. Even Malayalis living abroad can now access essential services without coming home," he added. The Kerala CM also remarked that this achievement is the real Kerala story. "This is the real Kerala story, building a knowledge-based, inclusive, and technologically empowered society. Through digital empowerment, Kerala is showing the nation what a progressive future can look like. And we will continue moving forward together," he said. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday extended support for the candidature of former Supreme Court judge B Sudarshan Reddy for the post of Vice President. Speaking to the reporters, Kejriwal said, "AAP has supported the candidature of former Supreme Court judge B Sudarshan Reddy for the post of Vice President. At the time of his nomination, from our side, Sanjay Singh was present. Just now, Justice Reddy had come to meet me, and we discussed the current situation in the country. We discussed the election strategy. We will do our best to ensure B Sudarshan Reddy wins." "Justice Reddy has had an impressive career as a judge. If a person like him becomes the Vice President of the country, the respect for the post of Vice President will increase...I urge everyone to support him...," he added. Kejriwal also congratulated and gave best wishes to Justice Reddy and added that he is hoping to congratulate him on September 9, in case he wins. AAP National Convenor also urged political parties from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to vote for Justice Reddy as "it's a matter of Telugu pride". "Justice Reddy is Telugu, and this is a matter of Telugu pride for the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The political parties from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana should vote for the nation and Telugu pride," he said. Earlier today, former Supreme Court Justice B Sudarshan Reddy filed his nomination for contesting the Vice Presidential elections and pledged to discharge the role with impartiality, dignity, and a steadfast commitment, if elected. Reddy filed the nomination in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. In a statement released after filing his nomination, Justice (Retd.) Reddy said, "Today, I had the honour of filing my nomination papers for the office of the Vice President of India as a joint candidate of the Opposition parties. I did so with a deep sense of humility, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the values enshrined in our Constitution." Reflecting on his career and principles, he added, "My life in public service -- as a judge of the Supreme Court of India, as a student of law, and as a citizen rooted in the democratic traditions of this Republic -- has taught me that the true strength of India lies in the dignity of every individual, the protection of constitutional morality, and the unity in our diversity. This election is not merely about one individual." The election for the Vice President of India will see a direct contest between Justice Reddy, backed by the INDIA bloc, and NDA's nominee C P Radhakrishnan. The Election Commission had earlier announced that polling for the Vice Presidential election would take place on September 9, with counting to take place the same day. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday touched base with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar, seeking support for the candidature of CP Radhakrishnan, who has been named as the Vice Presidential candidate of NDA. The Vice Presidential elections are scheduled to be held on September 9, with counting to take place on the same day. This comes after the INDIA bloc's Vice-Presidential nominee and former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy on Thursday filed his nomination papers for the upcoming VP election, describing the moment as an honour and pledging to discharge the role with impartiality, dignity, and a steadfast commitment, if elected. Reddy filed the nomination in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. In a statement released after filing his nomination, Justice (Retd.) Reddy said, "Today, I had the honour of filing my nomination papers for the office of the Vice President of India as a joint candidate of the Opposition parties. I did so with a deep sense of humility, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the values enshrined in our Constitution." The election for the Vice President of India will see a direct contest between Justice Reddy, backed by the INDIA bloc, and NDA's nominee C P Radhakrishnan. NDA's candidate CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday filed his nomination papers for the Vice Presidential elections in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal were also present at the occasion. Radhakrishnan filed his nomination in the presence of about 20 proposers and 20 supporters. The election for the Vice President of India will see a direct contest between Justice Reddy, backed by the INDIA bloc, and NDA's nominee C P Radhakrishnan. The last date for filing nominations is today, 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 the Vice President 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. The post of Vice President fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health reasons. (ANI) The activation launching August 23 invites guests to style their hair, have their new look projected on a 7' LED sphere, and interact with drag queens Cyn City, Kerri Colby and Cynthia Lee Fontaine AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bed Head, the brand known for its innovative line of haircare and styling products, is pulling up to Austin Pride louder, bolder, and more unapologetic than ever. The company announced today that it will launch the Hold Your Head High experience at the Pride Festival on August 23 with a salon inspired activation that's all about fearless self-expression. The activation featured at Republic Square Park invites pride-goers to be the center of attention with a giant, interactive pop-up salon where they can get their hair touched up with Bed Head products and strike an iconic pose for all Austin Pride to see literally. Each participant's image will be projected onto a massive LED sphere towering over the installation, turning individual self-expression into a collective celebration. "In a moment when visibility and solidarity matter more than ever, we're proud to stand tall with the LGBTQIA+ community," said MarKetha Rosborough, Head of Brand Marketing at Bed Head. "For almost 30 years, Bed Head has been about empowering unapologetic individuality. We see that spirit beautifully alive at Austin Pride a place where people are free to be their most authentic and creative selves. We're here to amplify every headstrong voice." The activation will also be joined by Texas' own drag queen extraordinaire, Cyn City, who will style people's hair at the salon station. Iconic queens from RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 14's Kerri Colby and Season 8 and 9's Cynthia Lee Fontaine will also be in attendance, both embodying fearless beauty and individuality. Bed Head has long championed the LGBTQIA+ community - from collaborations with RuPaul's Drag Race legends to ongoing support for queer creatives and artists. Bed Head is now making a statement at Austin Pride by empowering everyone to let their style define them. "Beauty is power, and for me, it starts at the crown - literally. Whether I'm on stage or on the street, my hair tells a story. Bed Head gives people the tools to express themselves unapologetically, and that kind of fearless beauty? That's what turns heads and breaks boundaries," said Kerri Colby, contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 14. Samples of Bed Head's premium products including After Party, Hard Head, Masterpiece and Dirty Secret, will be distributed by brand ambassadors at the activation and throughout the Pride Parade. For more product information, visit ULTA or visit the Bed Head product page on Amazon . Bed Head invites all pride-goers to hold their heads high - and let their hair speak volumes. For more information, visit www.beadhead.com/us. About Bed Head Bed Head is the original rebel hair brand built by professional artists to empower creative self-expression. With bold packaging and premium products trusted by stylists, we help individuals break the rules - not their hair. Our mission is to champion creativity in a world that pressures conformity. Credits Client - Bed Head: MarKetha Rosborough, Head of Brand Marketing (US) Philip Downing, Creative Director Creative Agency: Lucky Generals Media Agency: Cream PR Agency: FleishmanHillard SOURCE Bed Head by TIGI An interstate and cross-border drug syndicate has been busted, resulting in the arrest of six people in Chandigarh, police said on Thursday. A contraband worth nearly Rs 1.25 crore has been recovered from their possession, officials added. The operation was carried out under the supervision of SP (Crime) Jasbir Singh, with close monitoring by DSP (Crime) Dhiraj Kumar, and led by Inspector Satvinder, SHO of Police Station-Crime, Sector 11. According to SP (Crime) Jasbir Singh, the chain of arrests began on August 5 when ASI Naseeb Singh, during patrolling duty in Chandigarh, received secret information and apprehended a woman named Pooja, daughter of a notorious peddler from Sector 38, with 54 grams of cocaine. Her interrogation revealed links to a larger supply network. "On the basis of her disclosures, multiple raids were conducted in the Tricity area and Punjab, which eventually led to the arrest of five more accused, exposing the interstate as well as international dimensions of the racket," the official added. Those arrested include Sameer, a 21-year-old resident of Sector 25, who was supplying drugs to local peddlers and was found in possession of 58 grams of cocaine and 9 grams of heroin. He reportedly sourced his supply from Mohd. Juned, also of Sector 25, was arrested with 45 grams of heroin. Juned was allegedly in direct contact with Pakistan-based handler Zubair Rana through Instagram and WhatsApp and procured narcotics from his counterparts in Amritsar. Nihal Singh, a 31-year-old resident of Amritsar who had already been booked earlier this year in Panchkula under the NDPS Act, was caught with 36 grams of heroin, police said. Another accused, Sahibjeet Singh alias Sabhu, aged 24, from Ajnala in Amritsar, was arrested with 23 grams of heroin. He is said to have been handling accounts for drug transactions and working as a courier for the network, apart from having a past involvement in an NDPS case in Panchkula, the police further said. The sixth accused, Amritpal Singh alias Gopi, also 24 and from Ajnala, was identified by police as the kingpin of the syndicate. He was found with 538 grams of heroin and was allegedly coordinating directly with the Pakistan-based supplier. According to investigators, he arranged cross-border deliveries using drones and employed local receivers to collect the consignments. One of these associates, Yugraj from Amritsar, was recently arrested by the Punjab Police after being caught while collecting a drone drop containing 560 grams of heroin. Altogether, the Chandigarh Police recovered 654 grams of heroin, 112 grams of cocaine, and a scooter used in trafficking during the operation. Investigators estimated the value of the seized drugs at about Rs 1.25 crore. The police said that the arrested individuals formed a crucial part of an organised network that spanned from Chandigarh to Amritsar and extended across the border into Pakistan. The accused were allegedly in constant touch with Pakistan-based handler Zubair Rana, who belongs to the Padhana area of Lahore and is suspected to be the mastermind behind sending narcotics into India through drones, officials stated. Officials said the arrests have not only dismantled a significant drug supply chain in the region but also exposed the methods used by international smugglers to push drugs into India. "While Pooja and Sameer supplied narcotics to local addicts in Chandigarh, Juned, Nihal, Sahibjeet, and Amritpal were part of the wider cross-border syndicate connected to Pakistan." Police officers stated that the accused were attempting to expand their network further into the Tricity, targeting new buyers and peddlers. All six accused are currently in judicial or police custody. With investigations continuing, the police are tracking financial transactions, digital communications, and cross-border linkages to establish the full extent of the racket, he added. Senior officials of Chandigarh Police said the operation marks a decisive step in the effort to choke the supply of narcotics into the city and dismantle networks operating at both local and international levels. (ANI) Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru development portfolio, tabled the Bill. The Legislative Council passed the Bill after a brief discussion. It was passed in the Legislative Assembly a few days ago. Speaking after tabling the Bill, the Deputy Chairman Shivakumar said, "This amendment clarifies that the Greater Bengaluru Authority doesn't interfere in the functioning of the corporations in violation of the 74th Amendment of the Constitution." Replying to queries from members Govindaraju, TA Saravana, HS Gopinath, he said, "Different parties are in power in the government and corporations. This amendment ensures that the government doesn't have any overbearing power over the corporations." "Some people have talked about ward restructuring based on population. As per the 2011 census, there were about 18000 people in each ward, but now it would be 30,000. We will take members' feedback when we are adding new areas to the corporations," he added. Earlier in May, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the implementation of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, replacing the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). On May 25, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) division would be completed by September 15, and the Greater Bengaluru Authority would be formed after that. (ANI) The incident occurred while he was attending a session of the Revenue Assembly at the Institute of Land and Disaster Management (ILDM) in PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram, according to the Revenue Minister's office. Soman reportedly collapsed during the session. Though he was administered first aid and immediately shifted to a private hospital in Sasthamangalam, doctors were unable to save him. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep grief over the passing of the veteran leader. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister remembered Soman as a popular legislator who rose through the trade union movement. He said Soman's interventions for addressing people's issues, both within and outside the Assembly, were exemplary, and noted his steadfast commitment to labour rights. "Soman was a workers' leader who always stood firm in defending the interests of the working class," Vijayan said. Born on September 14, 1952, in Vazhur, Kottayam district, to Kunju Pappan and Parvathi, Soman entered public life in 1974 through the All India Students' Federation (AISF). He was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2021 from the Peerumade constituency, defeating Congress candidate Syriac Thomas by a margin of 1,835 votes. Over his career, he held several key positions, including Chairman of the Welfare Standing Committee in the Idukki District Panchayat and Chairman of the Kerala State Warehousing Corporation. At the time of his demise, Soman was serving as the Vice President of the AITUC Kerala and was also a member of its National Working Committee. (ANI) The Chadi for the Machail Mata pilgrimage reached the Chasoti area in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Wednesday, where a devastating cloudburst occurred on August 14, claiming over 60 lives. Rescue operations are still underway. Controlled explosions are being carried out to break down large boulders obstructing the area, as rescue teams continue to search for those still missing. Sunita Devi, a participant in the ongoing pilgrimage, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, recalling how the pilgrimage was filled with joy and music in previous years. Speaking to ANI, she said, "Chadi was welcomed with music and celebrations till last year, but this year there is a pain in my heart that I cannot express what happened recently. I hope such a disaster does not happen in future." Sunita Devi also offered prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives and sought blessings from the goddess to avert such calamities. Meanwhile, the cloudburst led to sudden flash floods during the pilgrimage, resulting in widespread destruction and the deaths of more than 60 people. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CISF, Indian Army, and the local administration are engaged in rescue efforts, now in their eighth day. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CISF, Indian Army, and the local administration are working on the eighth day of the rescue operation. A day earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that it might be impossible to find anyone alive in the Kishtwar incident, stating that the disaster took place due to a cloudburst rather than a breach of glacial lakes. "Finding the missing persons alive now looks nearly impossible. In these circumstances, we will try to retrieve as many bodies and hand them over to their loved ones. According to the information we have received so far, the disaster that happened in Kishtwar was due to a cloudburst and not a glacial lake breach," Omar Abdullah told reporters. The Chief Minister added that the government would appoint a team of experts to assess the vulnerability of other regions and submit a detailed report to help prevent similar incidents in the future. "Now we have to appoint a team of experts to identify areas which might be in danger. A few months ago, the same thing was seen in Ramban; at that time, the financial loss was more, and the loss of life was less. This time the loss of life was more, but to avoid such a situation in future or if it arises, what steps can be taken by the government to reduce the loss, for this we will have to appoint some experts and ask for their report," Abdullah said. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday attended the Hindu Gaurav Diwas event organised on the fourth death anniversary of veteran BJP leader Kalyan Singh. Paying tribute, he described Kalyan Singh "Babuji" as a leader whose life was dedicated to Indian culture, nationalism, and public service, adding that his legacy has today become the foundation of the state's development. CM Yogi recalled that born in a humble farmer family in Aligarh, former UP Chief Minister Kalyan Singh imbibed the values of nationalism from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. "As a teacher and later as a BJP worker, he devoted his life to Bharat Mata and Bhartiyata. "On behalf of the people of UP, every devotee of Lord Ram, and the state government, I bow in tribute to him," CM Yogi said. Highlighting his political journey, CM Yogi noted that as Health Minister in 1977, Kalyan Singh gave a new direction to health services. "In 1990, at a time of lawlessness, he restored order and emphasised good governance. As Chief Minister, he carried forward both heritage and development together." CM Yogi said Kalyan Singh sacrificed his post in 1992 for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and later took full responsibility when the disputed structure in Ayodhya was demolished, ensuring no devotee of Lord Ram was harmed. "With his courage, he paved the way for the grand Ram temple," he said. The Chief Minister added that today's environment of development, good governance, and security in Uttar Pradesh rests on the foundations laid by Kalyan Singh during his tenure. "Under PM Modi's leadership, the double-engine government is carrying forward his ideals. This is the true tribute to Babuji," he remarked. Attacking the opposition, CM Yogi accused them of dividing society under the name of "PDA" "When violence erupted in Aligarh, Bareilly, Muzaffarnagar, and Meerut, they ignored the plight of Hindus, Dalits, and backwards communities. Only the BJP stood with them," he asserted. He also accused opposition parties of threatening judges, undermining the Election Commission, and conspiring to turn infiltrators into voters. (ANI) Former Telangana Governor and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday hit out at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, calling his address in Madurai today as being "empty". Soundararajan argued that the BJP's mention in Vijay's speech today was indicative of the party becoming strong in Tamil Nadu. "The way he was talking shows that the BJP is becoming strong. He portrays himself as a lion. He only revealed his empty speech today. He spoke about fishermen and minorities. Our PM talks about 'sabka saath, sabka vikas', and doesn't leave the minorities," the BJP leader told ANI. Meanwhile, BJP leader H Raja called Vijay a "fascist" and labelled his speech as "nonsense." "What right does he have to ask for the vote of the people of Tamil Nadu? Except for minting money through films, he has not done anything for the state. What he spoke was nothing but nonsense. He is a fascist. I condemn what he has said today," Raja told reporters. Earlier in the day, Vijay set the tone for the forthcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections, asserting that his party's "ideological enemy" was the BJP while the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) remains its "political enemy". While addressing a mega rally in Tamil Nadu's Madurai, Vijay said that the contest in the 2026 assembly elections would be between the ruling DMK and his party, TVK. Vijay also hit out at the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), terming it a "slave alliance". "Having power in hand and to cheat people, you have a fascist BJP slave alliance," Vijay said, adding, "TVK is not a party that makes underground deals, forges alliances, and cheats the people. We are not afraid of anyone. The people of Tamil Nadu, the women, and the youth stand with us." Intensifying his attack, the TVK chief took a jibe at the opposition AIADMK over its condition in the state while remaining firm on his criticism against the BJP. "Do you know who MGR is? As long as he was alive, no one could even dream of occupying the Chief Minister's chair. Look at the state of the party that MGR founded today. Its innocent cadres are suffering in silence, unable to express their pain openly. No matter what disguise the BJP puts on, it will never succeed in Tamil Nadu," Vijay said. Vijay intends to present his party, TVK, as a third front in Tamil Nadu politics, an alternative to both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK. The TVK will be contesting the Tamil Nadu assembly elections for the first time since its founding in 2024. The state elections are scheduled to be held in 2026. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, i alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat, 2047 articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has set the objective of advancing Viksit Gujarat, 2047 for which the state government has constituted the Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission (GARC) under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister's Principal Advisor, Hasmukh Adhia, with a mandate to recommend necessary reforms in the administrative framework and governance processes of the state, stated a release. In this context, GARC has so far submitted three recommendation reports to the State Government, with a total of 25 recommendations currently at various stages of implementation. Under the guidance of GARC Chairman Hasmukh Adhia, the fourth recommendation report, comprising nine key recommendations, was submitted to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday. In 2024, on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed the resolve that "Our government will continuously work towards strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and realising the dreams of the people." In alignment with this vision, and under the leadership of the CM, Gujarat is implementing a democracy-driven development model from the village to the state level. The fourth recommendation report of GARC incorporates significant recommendations on decentralised planning. The recommendations on decentralised planning and budgeting outlined in this report are expected to usher in a new era of people-centric development, transparency, and accountability. It envisions that, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, planning processes at the village, taluka, and district levels will become more democratic, representative, and citizen-focused across the state. On the occasion of the submission of the fourth report of GARC to the Chief Minister, the Chairperson Adhia, was joined by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister M.K. Das, Advisor to the Chief Minister S.S. Rathore, Principal Secretary of the Administrative Reforms Department Harit Shukla, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Avantika Singh, Secretary, Vikrant Pandey, Secretary of the Planning Department, Ardra Agarwal and officials of GARC. The fourth report of GARC presents recommendations that bring fundamental changes to Gujarat's planning framework, ensuring direct benefits to citizens. These recommendations represent a crucial step in strengthening decentralised planning and placing villages at the centre of the development process. Key recommendations of the report include: a seven- to eight-fold increase in the district planning budget over the next five years, transformation of District Planning Boards into District Planning Committees with majority representation of elected representatives, adoption of a fixed planning calendar, creation of integrated committees at the taluka level, and the introduction of Village Development Plans. The budget for district planning, which has remained stagnant for years, is now recommended by the Committee to receive a substantial annual increase of nearly Rs 10,000 crore over the next five years. This enhanced allocation will enable the development of more roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, while also creating greater employment opportunities. Importantly, it will strengthen grassroots governance by ensuring increased participation of local communities in the development process. Since 1973, District Planning Boards have existed for planning at the district level. This report recommends that, instead of these boards, all district-level planning approvals should now be granted by District Planning Committees, as mandated by the Constitution of India. Furthermore, elected representatives at the district level will be given priority in these committees, thereby strengthening the panchayati system, while the district's in-charge Minister will continue as the Chairperson. With this change, the authority to decide development plans at the district level will rest with the people's elected representatives, bringing the true spirit of democracy to life. Moreover, in the District Planning Committees, elected representatives at the district level will be given priority, thereby further strengthening the panchayati system. The Minister in charge of the district will continue to serve as the Chairperson of the committee. With this framework, the authority to decide district-level development plans will rest with the people's elected representatives, thereby realising the true spirit of democracy. The Commission has recommended the introduction of a fixed calendar for planning to streamline processes from project identification under various schemes to administrative approval, tendering, and issuance of work orders. As per this calendar, the planning process for the following year will commence at the village level during June-July of the current year. All administrative procedures will be completed in a manner that ensures actual execution begins from April of the next year. This approach will enable the timely completion of works within prescribed deadlines, ensure optimal utilisation of funds, and guarantee quality outcomes. At present, multiple committees exist at the taluka level for approving development works under various government schemes. However, the lack of coordination among these separate committees often creates difficulties in the approval process. To address this, the Commission has recommended the establishment of a single "Integrated Taluka Planning Committee" for approving all works at the taluka level. This unified system will reduce delays, minimise confusion, and enable faster, coordinated decision-making. Ultimately, citizens will directly benefit from the timely implementation of development works. Each village will prepare its own Village Development Plan (VDP), which will then be approved by the Gram Sabha. At the taluka and district levels, the selection of works for approval under development planning will be made strictly on the basis of these Village Development Plans. Now, villagers themselves will decide which development works should be undertaken in their areas. This will ensure that people in rural regions become active participants in development, fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi's vision of Swaraj -- "the village decides its future." At the village level, citizens will also set priorities for essential services such as education, drinking water, roads, and health centres. Inspired by the vision of PM Modi that true empowerment of development lies in villages making their own decisions and participating in their progress, the recommendations of GARC's fourth report will serve as a strong foundation for realising the dream of Viksit Gujarat @ 2047 within the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Under the leadership of CM Patel, these recommendations will strengthen citizen-centric planning from villages to talukas and districts, making governance more effective, accountable, and participatory. To further strengthen the system of decentralised planning in the state, the fourth report of GARC has put forth several additional recommendations. These include adopting a uniform procedure for project selection across all schemes under the Planning Department (excluding MLA Local Area Development), introducing a technology-driven tracking system, redefining the parameters for identifying developing talukas, and ensuring performance-based accountability. (ANI) Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Thursday said that the 2025 monsoon session of Parliament will be remembered for Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as Vice President of India. Terming Dhankar's resignation as a "volcano that erupted" in Rajya Sabha, Ramesh argued that it was the first time in the history of this nation that a Vice President's resignation was taken, and he was silenced simultaneously. "The 2025 monsoon session concluded today, and only one reason will be known for it, that is, on July 21, a volcano erupted in Rajya Sabha, this volcano was called Jagdeep Dhankhar. In the last 75 years, it has happened for the first time that a Vice President resigned, and he was silenced. We have not heard or seen him in the past month. The country and all the MPs want to know about him," the Congress leader said. Ramesh, Congress general secretary incharge of communications, further stated that the opposition wanted to hold a debate on two issues, including the Pahagam terror attack, followed by Operation Sindoor and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar. Still, he said the government failed to answer questions regarding the halting of military operations and didn't allow discussion on SIR. "Since July 21, the opposition has wanted discussions on two issues - the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor and SIR in Bihar. Long debates took place on Operation Sindoor in both houses of the Parliament. However, we received no response from the government regarding the questions we raised about the sudden halt of Operation Sindoor. The most sensational revelations about Operation Sindoor came after the Parliament debate, when the IAF chief spoke. There was also no clarification from the government on Trump's claims of stopping Operation Sindoor. Only Pandit Nehru was blamed. The government stood firm and did not allow any discussion on Bihar SIR," the Congress leader said. "On August 20, the Union Home Minister brought three bills which are against the constitution. What is the aim of these three bills? The meaning of these bills is that if you don't get washed in the BJP's washing machine in 30 days, then you will have to resign. We protested against it. The main fight is happening in Bihar," he added. Continuing his attack on the government, Ramesh questioned the silence surrounding Dhankhar's resignation and criticised the Election Commission for not responding to allegations of "vote theft." "Why did they ask for the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar? What message did they want to send?... When democracy is being murdered, the Election Commission of India is not giving any answer on the 'Vote Chori' and the Chief Election Commissioner is threatening the Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, the votes of 65 lakh people are being snatched," Ramesh said. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah told the EC to carry out SIR in Bihar as they are aware that Dalits and OBCs would vote for the INDIA alliance and not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "When there is no democracy or a constitution in the nation, what is the point of zero hour, question hour?... It is not 'Chunav Aayog' but 'Churao Aayog'. Only the names of voters are being removed in the SIR exercise...PM Modi and the Union Home Minister told the Election Commission of India to carry out this exercise as they know that the Dalits and OBCs will not vote for the BJP, but the INDIA alliance. They want to snatch the votes as this is the only way to win the elections," Ramesh asserted. (ANI) According to officials, the pharmaceutical company uses nitrogen gas during the medicine manufacturing process. The incident reportedly occurred due to a suspected nitrogen leak, leading to a drop in oxygen levels and causing severe suffocation among the workers. Six workers were found critically injured at the site. All were rushed to a nearby hospital, where four were declared dead on arrival. The remaining two are undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and are said to be in stable condition, police added. The Palghar Police stated that the process of registering a case is underway and statements from witnesses are being recorded as part of the investigation. Earlier this week, 582 passengers stranded on the Mumbai Monorail between Chembur and Bhakti Park near Mysore Colony were safely rescued by the Mumbai Fire Brigade of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Among the rescued, 23 passengers who experienced suffocation were treated on-site by a doctor from the 108 ambulance service and were subsequently discharged. Two passengers, Kismat Kumar (20) and Vivek Sonavane (28), were shifted to Sion Hospital for further treatment. According to Dr Mukesh, Assistant Medical Officer (AMO), both were treated on an OPD basis and are currently stable. (ANI) To ensure consumer convenience and a transparent system, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) is installing smart meters on a large scale. The target is to install 2.73 crore smart meters across the state, of which 35 lakh smart meters have already been installed. The Yogi government aims to provide every consumer in the state with transparent, safe, and world-class electricity service, making the smart meter project a top priority. According to an official statement, a false narrative is being spread that smart meters run fast and inflate consumption. In reality, smart meters are completely safe, transparent, and consumer-friendly. They use the same consumption measurement technology as existing electronic meters. The only difference is that smart meters enable online reading and billing, eliminating human intervention and ensuring accuracy.A false impression is being spread that smart meters run fast and show higher consumption. On August 20, as part of a statewide campaign, 550 smart meters were inspected across Uttar Pradesh, including in Lucknow and other districts. During checks in the state capital, meters of consumers such as Kanti Yadav (Vishal Khand), Rajni Singh (Chinhat), Deepak Singh (Faizabad Road), and Kamini Pandey (Indira Nagar) were all found to be recording accurate consumption. Not a single meter was found to be running abnormally. Against the 34,05,066 smart meters installed till August 15, a total of 1,66,304 check meters have also been set up. If any consumer has doubts, a check meter can be installed at their premises for verification. Consumers are also being informed of the inspection reports to ensure complete transparency. After installing prepaid smart meters, consumers can monitor their hourly consumption through UPPCL's smart consumer app. This makes it easier to identify which appliance is consuming the most electricity. Consumers can also recharge from the comfort of their home. Consumers with prepaid smart meters are being given a 2 per cent discount on the prescribed tariff. Balance information is provided through SMS alerts from time to time at 30 per cent, 10 per cent, and zero balance levels. After that, a 30-day grace period and an additional three days' time is given to recharge their connection, post that the process for disconnection takes place between 6 PM and 8 AM, barring the holidays. Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation has appealed the consumers to stay away from rumours and adopt this technological change positively. (ANI) Grants intended to address health related social needs experienced by Medicaid members CHICAGO , Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has awarded nearly $10 million this year to more than a dozen community organizations that provide support for behavioral health, housing and food security across Illinois. These grants benefit Illinois Medicaid enrollees who rely on these community organizations for support. Illinois has seen significant increases in mental health issues, particularly among school-aged children where it can harm individual educational attainment and lead to more serious health conditions. At the same time, the Illinois Department of Public Health reports that housing insecurity has become closely related to chronic illness and mortality, while access to basic health care has become more difficult. "We work with community organizations across the state that provide early intervention to reduce the long-term effects of health-related social needs," said Nancy Wohlhart, President of Medicaid for BCBSIL. "These partners have local expertise and demonstrated records of success in the communities they serve." Improving Child and Adult Behavioral Health Because Illinois has seen a significant increase in pediatric mental health issues, BCBSIL has focused $1.5 million of its investments to expand school-based mental health services for Medicaid members through Arukah Institute of Healing, Cartwheel Care, and Erika's Lighthouse. BCBSIL also is helping to fund the expansion of care options to support behavioral health care with the DuPage Crisis Stabilization program, NAMI of DuPage's Living Room Program, and other sober living providers throughout the state. The company's grant to the DuPage County Health Department helped to open a Crisis Recovery Center that is an alternative to emergency rooms for people having behavioral health crises. By providing specialized care, the center can reduce emergency room visits and lower the cost of care. Continuing Investment in our Housing Program BCBSIL also works to expand affordable housing options for Medicaid enrollees. In 2025, the BCBSIL Housing Program devoted $5.5 million to community organizations that help Medicaid members find secure housing, also reducing hospital admissions and ER visits. BCBSIL's grant to the Southern Illinois Health Foundation helped open Vivian's Village, a 16-unit supportive housing community in Cahokia Heights. This is part of a broader five-year $12 million commitment to addressing housing insecurity. Addressing Food Insecurity With more than 87,000 BCBSIL Medicaid members reporting food insecurity, BCBSIL provided $3 million to fund several community-based organizations including Dion's Chicago Dream, VNA Health Care, Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness, and T. Castro Produce to provide access to healthy foods and nutrition support while improving health outcomes for diabetes, hypertension and obesity. This food program has distributed more than 60,000 food boxes since 2023. BCBSIL focuses its investments on meeting the needs of Medicaid and other community members by addressing health related social needs, including economic opportunity and stability, nutrition, neighborhood and built environment, locally defined health solutions and optimal health solutions. Its community investments align with the State of Illinois' Section 1115 Medicaid Waiver and will continue into 2026. Learn more about BCBSIL's community impact. About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving 9 million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Learn more at bcbsil.com and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday attended the event organised for former CM Kalyan Singh on the latter's death anniversary and paid his respects to "Babuji", praising his tenure as Health Minister as well. "In 1977, as Health Minister and in 1990 as the Chief Minister of UP, Babuji showed how good governance could be brought to the state and how the rule of law could be established here. In his short regime, he demonstrated how heritage and development can coexist," Adityanath said while addressing the gathering at the third 'Hindu Gaurav Diwas' event here. Earlier in the day, Adityanath in Etah launched a scathing attack on Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing them of pushing the country into an identity crisis after centuries of Mughal loot and British exploitation. Speaking at the inauguration of the Rs 750 crore Shree Cement Plant, he said the two parties never worked for inclusive development, serving only their families while leaving traders and women unsafe. In contrast, he asserted, the double-engine government's clear policies and zero tolerance for crime have taken Uttar Pradesh to new heights of development. According to an official release, CM Yogi recalled how Etah district, once synonymous with crime and mafia rule, has now transformed into a hub of investment and industry. He added, "Eight to nine years ago, Etah was known for land encroachment and unsafe conditions where the poor had no voice. Today, it is known for law and order, power generation, and industrial growth." The Chief Minister highlighted that the nearby Jawaharpur thermal power plant generates 1,500 MW of power, while Shree Cement's unit has created 500 direct jobs and more than 3,000 indirect opportunities. "This investment is not just about jobs but also about strengthening trade, transport, and distribution networks -- the real foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat," he added. Recalling the Congress era, CM Yogi said even cement was once rationed and available only through connections, making house construction extremely difficult. "How could development happen with such intent and policies?" he asked. Contrasting this with today's growth, he said that India, which fell to 11th place in the world economy by 2014 due to Congress and SP policies, has now risen to 4th place under PM Modi and is set to become the third-largest economy within two years. Uttar Pradesh, too, he said, has been increased from the seventh-largest state economy in 2017 to the second-largest today. He credited the turnaround to strict action against the mafia and rioters, which restored investor confidence. "UP has received investment proposals worth Rs 45 lakh crore, out of which Rs 15 lakh crore have already been grounded, creating employment for 60 lakh youth," he informed. He added that 60,244 youth, including many from Etah, were recruited into the police on merit, without discrimination. Under Mukhyamantri Yuva Yojana, 70,000 young entrepreneurs have received interest-free, guarantee-free loans to establish their own enterprises. (ANI) As a part of the state government's commitment to the overall welfare of the people, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha presided over an important review meeting with all District Magistrates of the state on Thursday. An official release mentioned that the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of all the ongoing projects across all the districts of the state. The release also mentioned that CM Manik Saha also emphasised the need to take necessary steps for more welfare-oriented activities. Earlier this week, Dr Manik Saha paid tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his 117th birth anniversary. 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. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing them of pushing the country into an identity crisis after centuries of Mughal loot and British exploitation. Speaking at the inauguration of the Rs 750 crore Shree Cement Plant, he said the two parties never worked for inclusive development, serving only their families while leaving traders and women unsafe. In contrast, he asserted, the double-engine government's clear policies and zero tolerance for crime have taken Uttar Pradesh to new heights of development. According to the release, CM Yogi recalled how Etah district, once synonymous with crime and mafia rule, has now transformed into a hub of investment and industry. He added, "Eight to nine years ago, Etah was known for land encroachment and unsafe conditions where the poor had no voice. Today, it is known for law and order, power generation, and industrial growth." Recalling the Congress era, CM Yogi said even cement was once rationed and available only through connections, making house construction extremely difficult. "How could development happen with such intent and policies?" he asked. Contrasting this with today's growth, he said that India, which fell to 11th place in the world economy by 2014 due to Congress and SP policies, has now risen to 4th place under PM Modi and is set to become the third-largest economy within two years. Uttar Pradesh, too, he said, has been increased from the seventh-largest state economy in 2017 to the second-largest today. He credited the turnaround to strict action against the mafia and rioters, which restored investor confidence. "UP has received investment proposals worth Rs 45 lakh crore, out of which Rs 15 lakh crore have already been grounded, creating employment for 60 lakh youth," he informed. He added that 60,244 youth, including many from Etah, were recruited into the police on merit, without discrimination. Under Mukhyamantri Yuva Yojana, 70,000 young entrepreneurs have received interest-free, guarantee-free loans to establish their own enterprises. The Chief Minister also highlighted Etah's traditional identity, noting that the bells and ghungroos of Jalesar remain an integral part of temple worship and music gatherings. Linking this cultural heritage with modern development, he said UP is preparing its roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047. "In the Assembly and Legislative Council, a 24-hour discussion was held on key sectors, and experts will now visit every district to train youth and prepare district-level roadmaps with public participation," he said. Assuring full government support, CM Yogi said, "The state will honour every promise made under its industrial policy. With modern infrastructure, four-lane connectivity, and welfare schemes, Etah will soon scale new heights of development." (ANI) A 33-year-old man from Chennai, identified as Prabhakaran, died after collapsing on his way to attend the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Madurai district, hospital authorities confirmed on Thursday. Prabhakaran had left Chennai last night with friends in a van to attend the event. The vehicle stopped near Chakkimangalam in Madurai, where he stepped out to relieve himself. When he did not return, his friends found him unconscious and rushed him to the intensive care unit of Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital, where doctors later declared him dead, said the hospital dean. Ahead of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections, actor-politician and TVK chief Vijay began his mega rally in Madurai district on Thursday afternoon. Vijay intends to present his party, TVK, as a third front in Tamil Nadu politics, an alternative to both the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The TVK president held the party's second state conference in Madurai, marked by a massive show of strength as party workers gathered in large numbers to participate in the rally. Vijay set the tone for the forthcoming assembly polls, asserting that his party's "ideological enemy" was the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) remains its "political enemy". While addressing a mega rally in Tamil Nadu's Madurai, Vijay said that the contest in the 2026 assembly elections would be between the ruling DMK and his party, TVK. "Our priority is the safety of women, elders and children. Our government would be friendly to whoever needs special attention, like farmers, youths, transgender people, the elderly without care, and people with physical disabilities. TVK is not a party that was established solely for political benefits. Our only ideological enemy is the BJP and our only political enemy is the DMK," Vijay asserted. Drawing historical parallels, Vijay said, "Tamil Nadu has seen big political changes in 1967 and 1977. A similar history will repeat in 2026." (ANI) All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday took a veiled dig at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, asserting that AIADMK is the only party capable of defeating the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the state. "Some (TVK chief Vijay) think that only they can save this state by using catchy words. You all know who I am talking about. The only party with the power to defeat the DMK is AIADMK. It's AIADMK, which has the highest members in a political party in Tamil Nadu. It's the AIADMK that ruled Tamil Nadu for many years," Palaniswami said while addressing a gathering. "Some people form a political party and speak like they have achieved a huge victory...We are not like that. We have been identified by our hard work. Whether it's a farmer, weaver or even a politician, those who work hard come up (ahead) in AIADMK," he added. His remarks come days after actor-turned-politician Vijay held a massive rally in Madurai, where he targeted both the DMK and AIADMK, aiming to project his party, TVK, as a third front ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Vijay lashed out at AIADMK for aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), calling it a "slave alliance". "Having power in hand and to cheat people, you have a fascist BJP slave alliance," Vijay said, adding, "TVK is not a party that makes underground deals, forges alliances, and cheats the people. We are not afraid of anyone. The people of Tamil Nadu, the women, and the youth stand with us." Intensifying his attack, the TVK chief took a jibe at the opposition AIADMK over its condition in the state while remaining firm on his criticism against the BJP. "Do you know who MGR is? As long as he was alive, no one could even dream of occupying the Chief Minister's chair. Look at the state of the party that MGR founded today. Its innocent cadres are suffering in silence, unable to express their pain openly. No matter what disguise the BJP puts on, it will never succeed in Tamil Nadu," Vijay said. (ANI) Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi held an interaction with a delegation from Janata Dal (Secular) on Thursday at Nirvachan Sadan. JDU(S) delegation was led by its National General Secretary and Authorised Representative, KR Shivakumar. The Election Commission of India said that the meeting is a continuation of the interactions being held by ECI 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 in accordance with the existing legal framework, with all stakeholders," the poll body said in a release. During the past 150 days, a total of 4,719 all-party meetings were conducted, including 40 meetings by CEOs, 800 by DEOs, and 3879 by EROs, engaging over 28,000 representatives of various political parties, ECI said. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan on Thursday said that through Special Intensive Revision, an attack has been carried out by the Centre on the Constitution. "From the very first day, the opposition has been continuously raising the issue of SIR, but we have not received any assurance from the government, nor has there been any discussion. When such a significant issue is before us, all other topics pale in comparison. Through SIR, an attack has been made on our country's Constitution," Iqra Hasan said. A press conference was held by the Leader of the Opposition, to which the Election Commission responded, but we know what kind of responses those were. The Election Commission did not answer even a single question," she added. The INDIA bloc has intensified its protest against the "vote theft" allegations on the Election Commision of India and the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar. The opposition parties protested against the revision of voter lists since the commencement of the Parliament monsoon session on July 21. The Monsoon Session of Parliament was adjourned sine die on Thursday. (ANI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of people who died by suicide due to the harassment of micro financiers. CM Siddaramaiah said, "A compensation of Rs 5 lakh each will be given to the families of those who died or committed suicide due to the mistreatment of microfinanciers." The Chief Minister made this announcement in the Legislative Council on Thursday. "Farmers are committing suicide due to debt. In the same manner as the compensation given to their families, Rs 5 lakh will also be given to the families of people who committed suicide due to the scourge of micro finance. Our aim is to reduce the suicide rate to zero," he said. The CM replied to a question from BJP member C N Manjegowda that a decision was taken in this regard after discussing this with the Finance Department and the Chief Secretary. People in the rural areas of the state are committing suicide due to fear of harassment by micro financiers. After examining this issue and enacting the Karnataka Microfinance and Small Loans Act by bringing an ordinance in 2024, the number of suicide cases has decreased significantly. Before the law was implemented, eight people died in 2023 and 6 in 2024. Twenty-four people had committed suicide before February 2025. The CM said that the number of people committing suicide has decreased after the implementation of the act. JDS member C N Manjegowda, who questioned in the Legislative Council, said that even after the Micro Finance Act came into force, there have been 27 cases. "17 people have committed suicide. The answer that a case has been registered is not satisfactory. They say that microfinance harassment is being monitored through police beats, but in many places, there are examples where the police themselves have been involved in evicting people from their homes," he said. (ANI) Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, on Thursday, expressed disappointment over the disruptions that marred the proceedings of the House in the Monsoon Session during his valedictory address. The 268th Session of the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Thursday, with Deputy Chairman Harivansh regretting that repeated disruptions deprived the House of meaningful discussion on various matters of public importance during the Monsoon Session. "Despite the best efforts of the Chair to facilitate meaningful and disruption-free discussions on the listed business, this Session was regrettably marred by repeated disruptions, leading to frequent adjournments. This not only resulted in the loss of precious parliamentary time but also deprived us of the opportunity to deliberate upon several matters of public importance," said Harivansh. Despite efforts to facilitate meaningful discussions, the session saw frequent adjournments, resulting in a loss of precious parliamentary time. The session's productivity stood at 38.88%, with the House functioning for only 41 hours and 15 minutes. Members had the opportunity to raise 285 questions, 285 Zero Hour submissions, and 285 special mentions, but only a fraction could be taken up. "Overall, the House functioned for only 41 hours and 15 minutes. The productivity of this Session stood at a disappointing 38.88 per cent, something that calls for serious introspection. Members had the opportunity to raise 285 Questions, 285 zero-hour submissions, and 285 Special Mentions. However, only 14 Questions, 7 zero-hour submissions, and 61 Special Mentions could be taken up. While these contributions are of value, they represent only a fraction of what this august House is capable of achieving when it functions to its full potential," said the Dy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. The Monsoon Session commenced on July 21. It was repeatedly disrupted by Opposition members who demanded discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. 15 government bills were passed or returned during the session. A special discussion was held on Operation Sindoor, a decisive action taken in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, with 64 members participating over two days. "During the Session, as many as 15 Government Bills were passed or returned. The House also held a special discussion on India's strong, successful, and decisive Operation Sindoor, undertaken in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam a matter of great national importance. The discussion saw the participation of 64 Members over two days and was replied to by the Hon'ble Minister of Home Affairs," said Harivansh. During the Monsoon Session, the Minister of Commerce and Industry made a suo motu statement on India-US bilateral trade, providing insights into India's expanding economic engagement. "The House also benefited from a suo motu statement by the Hon'ble Minister of Commerce and Industry on India-US Bilateral Trade, which provided valuable insights into India's expanding economic engagement," said Harivansh. In addition, the House was duly apprised of the vacancy in the office of the Vice-President of India. The Election Commission has announced that polling for the Vice Presidential election will take place on September 9, with counting of votes scheduled for the same day. The last date for filing nominations is August 21, while withdrawals can be made until August 25. The Vice Presidential post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21 citing health reasons. The Deputy Chairman also bade farewell to six Members from Tamil Nadu, who completed their term on July 24, 2025. "I hope the lessons of this session will guide us towards more constructive and purposeful deliberations in the future," he said. The Deputy Chairman expressed sincere appreciation for the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, Secretary-General, and the entire team of officers for their cooperation and dedicated efforts. He also extended warm greetings and best wishes to all members on the forthcoming festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Milad-un-Nabi, Onam, Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Diwali. (ANI) The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution recommending to the Union Government that the country's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, be conferred posthumously to Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar, the founder and first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, in recognition of his "tireless services for the development and progress of the state and the nation." The resolution was moved as a private member's proposal by Ajay Solanki, Congress MLA from Nahan in Sirmaur district, and adopted by voice vote with support from both treasury and opposition benches. "This House recommends to the Central Government that, in view of the tireless services rendered by the creator of Himachal and its first Chief Minister, the late Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar, for the development and progress of the nation and the state, be conferred the Bharat Ratna," the resolution stated. Speaking on the floor of the House and later speaking to the media, Solanki said he considered himself fortunate to present the proposal. "Dr Parmar was a leader of such vision that today Himachal is counted among the leading states of India because of the foundation he laid. When Himachal Pradesh was formed in 1948, many doubted what the hill people could achieve. Yet, bringing together 30 princely states, he created Himachal," Solanki said. "It was because of him that Himachal attained full statehood in 1971. He never compromised on his principles, lived with unmatched simplicity, and even as Chief Minister, travelled by bus. After resigning, he returned home on the first seat of a bus, carrying his small bag, with only Rs 5,000 in his bank account. In the politics of Himachal, such examples are rare," he added. Solanki highlighted Parmar's role in introducing the Land and Tenancy Act, spearheading land reforms, and bringing horticultural and dairy revolutions to the state. "Today's green Himachal is the result of his visionary policies. He ensured that neither he nor his family used political power for personal gain. His entire family continues to live and serve the people. There are many instances in the country where Bharat Ratna has been conferred posthumously Dr Parmar's stature is above partisan politics, and leaders across parties salute his contributions," Solanki said. Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, speaking to reporters after the session, recalled Parmar's central role in shaping modern Himachal. "As you know, Dr Parmar is regarded as the architect of Himachal Pradesh and was its first Chief Minister when it was a Part C state. Under his leadership, on April 15, 1948, 30 small princely states were merged to form Himachal Pradesh. He was also a member of the Constituent Assembly and contributed to the framing of the Constitution," Pathania said. "Himachal became a Part C state, then a Territorial Council, and after sustained struggle, was granted an Assembly in 1963. The hill areas of Punjab were later merged into Himachal, giving the state its present form, and on January 25, 1971, it achieved full statehood with Dr. Parmar at the helm. The resolution brought by Ajay Solanki today under Rule 101 was supported by both sides of the House and passed by voice vote. This will now be sent to the Central Government. I personally feel that, given his contribution during the freedom movement and in building Himachal, he truly deserves the Bharat Ratna," he added. Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar (1906-1981), born in Chanaur, Sirmaur district, is celebrated as the architect of Himachal Pradesh. A visionary leader, he united 30 princely states into the new entity of Himachal Pradesh in 1948, served as its first Chief Minister in its various administrative stages, and guided its journey to full statehood in 1971. Known for his integrity, simplicity, and commitment to the hill people's identity, Parmar championed land reforms, horticulture, and rural development, laying the foundation for the state's social and economic progress. (ANI) Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Thursday expressed optimism about the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, stating it's a significant step towards protecting young people from the potential harms of online gaming. According to Majumdar, the bill addresses instances where youths have lost substantial amounts of money in online games, even resorting to suicide due to financial losses. Speaking to ANI, Sukanta Majumdar said, "This is a very good act and this bill prevents, as we have seen many instances of youths losing all their savings in online games, committing suicide due to loss of money. This bill will prove very useful in guiding young people in the right direction... The public was expecting such a bill to be passed..." The bill aims to prevent young people from falling prey to harmful online gaming practices, promoting responsible gaming behaviours. It introduces stringent due diligence requirements for online gaming intermediaries to prevent the dissemination of prohibited content. The bill mandates the establishment of a robust grievance redressal system to address user complaints related to online gaming activities. He further criticised the opposition for raising protests and sloganeering while Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was presenting the Bill in the House. "The behaviour of the opposition is immature. They were saying no to a bill which aims to protect the lives of the youth," he added. Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed 'The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill'. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had moved 'The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill' as passed by the Lok Sabha for consideration and passing in the Rajya Sabha. Highlighting the aspects of the bill, the Union Minister explained that there are three aspects of the bill - "E-sports, Online Social Gaming and Online Money Gaming" out of which 2/3rd segment (E-sports and Online Social Gaming) will be promoted and encouraged. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Vaishnaw said, "Online gaming is an important subject which has emerged as an important sector in the digital world. It has 3 segments - the first segment is e-sports, in which people form a team and play, learn coordination, and have strategic thinking. Our players have also won many medals. In this bill, e-sports will be promoted, an authority will be created for it and it will get legal recognition. The second is Online Social Games, which includes solitaire, chess, Sudoku, etc. In this bill, online social games will be promoted, encouraged and an authority will be created." The Union Minister stated the third segment - 'Online Money Game' as has become "Public Health Risk." He further said, "2/3rd segment of the entire world of online gaming is being promoted, but there is one such segment, 3rd online money games, due to which a big problem has arisen in society, especially among middle-class youth. It gets addicted and the family's savings are spent. It is estimated that 45 crore people are affected by it and more than Rs 20,000 crore has been destroyed in it. WHO has declared it a gaming disorder. Online money gaming has become a public health risk. Problems like psychological disorder, compulsive behaviour, and violent behaviour are arising from it. Many families have been destroyed due to it. This has become a huge problem. Its major aspect is money laundering, and its effects have also been seen in terrorist activities. There were efforts to stop this problem, but this problem kept on increasing." Union Minister Vaishnaw also hit out at the opposition for creating a ruckus in the House while the Minister was moving the bill for passing. He said, "From time to time many irregularities arise in the society, at such times it is the responsibility of the Government and the Parliament to take action against the irregularities and bring solutions which can stop these irregularities in the society. We all know that earlier, many families were getting destroyed due to chit funds. The Modi government dealt with the problem by bringing a law on it. Whenever the interests of the middle class and youth are discussed, PM Modi ji has always prioritised their interests, setting revenue and economy aside to focus on their needs. The same subject is before the Parliament today. If the Opposition works on this subject today, we also understand that they also talk about the interests of the middle class and the youth, but they are not concerned about this at all; they work only and only for their political objectives." The bill's implementation is expected to have a significant impact on the online gaming industry in India, with potential benefits including, increased transparency, player protection and responsible gaming practices. (ANI) MIAMI, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boats Group, a leading global marketplace for boats, today announced a significant expansion of its AI and data capabilities, delivering real-time market intelligence, deeper insights, and smarter marketing tools for sellers. These updates reflect Boats Group's ongoing investment in its products to provide maximum value in an increasingly competitive industry. Turning data into actionable insights In a market where buyer expectations are evolving rapidly, having timely, accurate information is key. Boats Group's enhanced tools give sellers a clearer picture of buyer behavior, market trends, and inventory opportunities, helping them make confident, informed decisions. Real-Time Search Data: Sellers gain visibility into what buyers are actively searching for, revealing current demand and emerging trends. Sellers gain visibility into what buyers are actively searching for, revealing current demand and emerging trends. AI-Powered Market Insights: Next-generation AI overlays existing market intelligence to guide sellers in optimizing inventory, predicting buyer preferences, and identifying new opportunities. Next-generation AI overlays existing market intelligence to guide sellers in optimizing inventory, predicting buyer preferences, and identifying new opportunities. Expanded Registration Data: Integration of registration data with sold boat information offers a more complete view of market activity. Integration of registration data with sold boat information offers a more complete view of market activity. Custom Audiences for Retargeted Marketing: Enhanced data capabilities allow dealers to reach the right buyers with targeted campaigns, ensuring inventory visibility and engagement. "Boats Group operates in a highly competitive marketplace, and we are committed to continuously investing in tools and insights that help our sellers stay ahead," said Mike Grabowski, Chief Product Officer at Boats Group. "Our focus is on turning the scale and quality of our audience into actionable intelligence, so sellers can optimize their inventory, connect with buyers more effectively, and grow their business with confidence." These updates underscore Boats Group's dedication to providing sellers with the most comprehensive, real-time view of the boating market. By combining audience-driven insights with advanced AI and data analytics, Boats Group empowers sellers to act decisively, respond to trends quickly, and maximize the impact of their inventory and marketing efforts. About Boats Group Boats Group operates the world's leading online marketplaces for buying and selling boats, including Boat Trader, YachtWorld, and boats.com. With a global audience of millions of boat buyers, we provide data-driven marketing solutions, AI-driven tools, financing services, and industry insights to help OEMs, dealers, and brokers maximize their sales potential. Media Contact: Courtney Chalmers VP of Marketing, Boats Group Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-877-354-4069 SOURCE Boats Group The incident took place on the Herat ring road in Guzara district when a passenger vehicle carrying Afghan migrants returning from Iran collided with a cargo truck and a motorcycle, officials confirmed. The crash triggered a massive fire that quickly engulfed the passenger vehicle. Khaama Press, citing Taliban-controlled Radio Television Afghanistan, reported that three people were injured in the accident. Local authorities stated that seventeen children were among those who perished in the flames. Eyewitnesses recounted that the fire consumed the vehicle within minutes, severely hampering rescue operations. Efforts to recover bodies were hindered as the flames spread rapidly, Khaama Press reported. Officials noted that the majority of the victims were migrants who had recently crossed back into Afghanistan from Iran in hopes of restarting their lives. This tragedy adds to a series of deadly road incidents in Afghanistan. Last year, more than 60 people died in two separate accidents on the Kandahar highway. The European Union delegates in Kabul has offered condolences following a devastating road accident. In a statement EU expressed solidarity with the victims' families, calling the tragedy a stark reminder of Afghanistan's urgent road safety challenges, Khaama Press reported. The EU's condolence message expressed concern over Afghanistan's infrastructure and the impact of road disasters on vulnerable groups such as returning migrants. (ANI) India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, on Wednesday (local time), discussed with the Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, Senator John Cornyn from Texas, focusing on strengthening bilateral trade and cooperation in hydrocarbons, particularly between the US state of Texas and India. In a post on X, Kwatra expressed gratitude for Cornyn's consistent support for the India-US relationship and highlighted the importance of trade engagement rooted in mutual respect. "Had a productive discussion with Senator John Cornyn, Co-Chair of India Caucus in the US Senate. Grateful to him for his support to the bilateral relationship. Discussed issues of mutual interest and highlighted the importance of bilateral trade engagement grounded in mutual respect. We also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation further in hydrocarbons, particularly between Texas and India," Kwatra wrote in his post. Earlier, Ambassador Kwatra also held a conversation with Congressman Andy Barr, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions & Monetary Policy and Vice Co-Chair of the India Caucus in the House of Representatives. "Had a productive conversation today with Congressman Andy Barr, Chairman of House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions & Monetary Policy. We continued our exchange of thoughts on the many possibilities of enhancing US-India bilateral trade & investment partnership. Thankful for his strong leadership and consistent support for the relationship as vice-Co-Chair of India Caucus in the House of Representatives," he stated in a separate post on X. The engagement comes amid economic concerns over US President Donald Trump's imposition of additional tariffs on India due to New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil. Meanwhile, the White House on Tuesday (local time) defended Trump's decision to impose steep tariffs on India, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, citing the need to put secondary pressure on Russia over the Ukraine war. "Look, the president has put tremendous public pressure to bring this war to a close. He's taken actions, as you've seen, sanctions on India and other actions as well. He's made himself very clear that he wants to see this war end," Leavitt said during her briefing. (ANI) Protests are taking place across Pakistan as Baloch families continue to raise their demands against the enforced disappearances and killings of people, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee shared the details on Wednesday. BYC wrote in a post on X, "From Quetta to Islamabad to Karachi, Baloch families are sitting on roads, in heat, in rain only because the state has left them no other path. Their demand is simple: Stop enforced disappearances. Stop killing our children. Release the missing." BYC shared details of protests taking place in Quetta, Islamabad and Karachi. It shared that in Quetta, on August 5, the mother of 17-year-old Ehsan Syed, shot dead by Pakistani forces near Lak Pass, Mastung, set up a protest camp outside Quetta Press Club. BYC noted that for over 10 days, she sat under the sun, demanding justice for her son. However she faced harassment, intimidation, and surveillance. BYC added, "On August 15, Quetta police arrested her inside the protest camp -- along with her little daughter. Both were illegally detained, tortured, and later deported back to Mastung." In Islamabad, on June 14, families of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders along with enforcedly disappeared victim families tried to stage a sit-in outside National Press Club, BYC said. It further noted that the federal police blocked them, using abuse and threats to silence their peaceful protest. As per BYC the families continued with their demands namely the release of their leaders, ending enforced disappearances and stopping the extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. In Karachi, outside the Karachi Press Club, the family of Zahid Baloch, a 25-year-old student of International Relations at Karachi University, continued with their sit-in, BYC shared in its post. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1958160868648407547 Enforced disappearances in Balochistan have been a grave human rights issue for decades, rooted in the region's long-standing political and ethnic tensions. For the last several decades, Baloch nationalists, students, activists, and intellectuals have been targeted, allegedly by state security agencies, for demanding greater autonomy or rights. (ANI) Reality TV Judge Frank Caprio, known for his compassion in the courtroom, passed away at the age of 88 following a "long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer" on Wednesday (local time). According to a statement issued on Instagram by his official page, the Rhode Island traffic judge, who gained his fame through his reality show "Caught in Providence", was "beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people." "Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him," the statement read. "He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world -- just as he did every day," it added. According to the New York Post, Judge Caprio became a judge in 1985 and retired in 2023. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in December 2023. Less than 24 hours before the announcement of his death, Judge Caprio, in a post on Instagram, expressed his gratitude to the people for their "prayers, love, and support" as he was battling cancer in the hospital and noted that he and his family were "grateful". "Judge Caprio wishes to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your prayers, love, and support while he is in the hospital. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to him. He and his family are deeply grateful. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers today," the post read, along with a photo of the Judge giving a thumbs up from his hospital bed. According to the New York Post, his reality show has received four Daytime Emmy nominations, including three in the category of Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program, with Judge Caprio himself earning a nomination for Outstanding Daytime Personality. (ANI) The Netherlands has announced the deployment of approximately 300 troops and advanced air defence systems, including two Patriot systems, a NASAMS system, and anti-drone capabilities, to Poland from December 1 to bolster NATO's Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) logistics hub in addition to providing support to Ukraine amid the Russian conflict. According to a statement released by the Dutch Ministry of Defence on Wednesday (local time), the move aims to protect NATO territory and deter Russian aggression amid the ongoing conflict. "From December 1, Defence will deploy two Patriot air defence systems, one NASAMS, and anti-drone systems, along with approximately 300 military personnel. This integrated unit will secure the logistical centre of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) in Poland," the Dutch Ministry of Defence said in a post on X. The deployment is part of a broader effort to safeguard the NSATU hub in Poland, which facilitates the delivery of military equipment to Ukraine. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasised the strategic importance of the deployment, stating, "The Ministry of Defence provides advanced capabilities. These are scarce, but the Netherlands is capable of providing them. This deployment contributes to three important goals: defending NATO territory, discouraging Russian aggression, and providing continued support to Ukraine. This way, we keep the Russian threat as far at bay as possible." As per the statement, the integrated unit will provide layered air defence to counter potential threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles, fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. "This is an integrated unit comprising three different capabilities. In addition to both Patriots, it includes a Nasams air defence system and anti-drone systems. With this, the Netherlands, together with partners, provides layered air defence against potential threats from ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, fighter jets, helicopters, and drones," the statement added. The Ministry further noted that the deployment will start on December 1 this year and will continue till June 1, 2026. This move comes days after several European leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, where the leaders focused on the role of European nations in offering post-war security guarantees to Ukraine as part of broader efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (ANI) The International Criminal Court (ICC), along with France and Belgium, has strongly condemned the US for imposing sanctions on ICC judges and prosecutors, labelling it a "flagrant attack" on the court's judicial independence. In a statement on Wednesday (local time), the ICC deplored the US sanctions, vowing to continue its mandate undeterred, calling on its 125 member states to provide "firm and consistent support" for its work in delivering justice for victims of international crimes. "These sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all regions. They constitute also an affront against the Court's States Parties, the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world," ICC stated. According to the statement issued by the US Department of State, the sanctions targeted four ICC officials, including Judges Kimberly Prost from Canada and Nicolas Guillou from France, along with Deputy Hawkins Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan from Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang from Senegal. Prost was sanctioned to authorise the ICC for an investigation into US personnel in Afghanistan, while Guillou authorised the ICC for the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant for alleged charges related to Israel's military activity in Gaza. Shameem Khan and Niang are being sanctioned for continuing the ICC's actions against Israel. France also expressed outrage over the sanctions, particularly those targeting French Judge Nicolas Guillou, calling them an attack on the ICC and its member states. "France calls on the United States to withdraw all the sanctions adopted on the basis of the presidential Executive Order of 6 February 2025, which are contrary to the principle of the independence of the judicial system," the French embassy in the UK stated. France reaffirmed its solidarity with the targeted judges and its unwavering support for the ICC's mission to combat impunity, pledging to work with European partners to ensure the court's independence. Belgium echoed these concerns, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot emphasising the ICC's role as a "cornerstone of the rules-based international order" and reiterating Belgium's call for the EU to activate its Blocking Statute to shield the court from external pressure, asserting that "the fight against impunity must not be obstructed." "Belgium once again strongly regrets the new sanctions imposed by the United States against judges and deputy prosecutors of the International Criminal Court. As with previous sanctions, Belgium reaffirms its unwavering support for the ICC, its independence and its staff. The ICC is a cornerstone of the rules-based international order, serving justice for victims of the gravest crimes on behalf of 125 States Parties across all continents... The fight against impunity must not be obstructed. Justice must remain free," Prevot said in a post on X. (ANI) A US Navy warship remained ablaze for nearly 12 hours while anchored off Japan's Okinawa, with two sailors sustaining minor injuries during the incident, CNN reported, citing the US Navy's 7th Fleet in Japan. https://x.com/US7thFleet/status/1958273545928077705 The fire started on board USS New Orleans, an amphibious transport dock ship weighing 25,000 tons, around 4 pm local time on Wednesday. It was brought under control only by early Thursday morning, as per NHK. The cause of the fire is under investigation as per the Navy's statement. Japanese broadcaster NHK also showed tugboats spraying water at the vessel while firefighting crews from both US and Japanese sides worked through the night. "A fire has broken out on a US vessel off the coast of White Beach. The crew is currently engaged in firefighting efforts, but we have requested the Japan Coast Guard to provide firefighting assistance," a Coast Guard official said, as per NHK. The USS New Orleans, which carries more than 360 sailors and has the capacity to transport 800 Marines, was anchored off the White Beach Naval Facility at the time of the incident. The Navy confirmed that two sailors were treated for minor injuries in the ship's medical bay, as CNN reported. According to CNN, firefighting teams from another American ship, USS San Diego, as well as the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and other US Navy units based in Okinawa, joined the effort. The Navy said these reinforcements "provided critical support to the firefighting efforts." The White Beach facility is a key hub for deploying US Marines and equipment aboard amphibious ships such as the New Orleans, which measures 684 feet in length, as per CNN. (ANI) The combined net profit of 20 banks reached 14.9 trillion won (USD 10.66 billion) in the January-June period, marking an increase of 2.3 trillion won, or 18.4 per cent, from 12.6 trillion won a year earlier, figures from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) showed. Interest income fell marginally by 0.1 trillion won, or 0.4 per cent, to 29.7 trillion won over the same period. Yonhap News Agency quoted the FSS as saying that non-interest income came to 5.2 trillion won, up 3.4 trillion won, or 53 per cent, over the cited period. (ANI/ WAM) Following Israel's plans to escalate its military offensive in Gaza City and expand illegal settlements in the West Bank's E1 area, leaders across the world have issued strong condemnations over the matter, warning of catastrophic humanitarian consequences in the region. The global outcry issued by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and others follows Israel's security cabinet approval of a plan to seize control of Gaza City, accompanied by the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists, and the advancement of a settlement project that would effectively divide a future Palestinian state. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a post on X, stated that the actions could risk the region plunging into a "cycle of permanent war." "The military offensive in Gaza that Israel is preparing can only lead to disaster for both peoples and risks plunging the entire region into a cycle of permanent war," he stated in his post, which was made during his discussions with Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the Gaza plan a "dangerous escalation", warning that it would result in more "forced displacement, killings, and massive destruction", which would further add to the sufferings of the already deprived Palestinian population in Gaza. He urged an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a reversal of Israel's decision to expand illegal settlements in the E1 area, which he said violates international law and undermines the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian state. "It is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, and to avoid the massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza would inevitably cause. Simultaneously, the decision by the Israeli authorities to expand illegal settlement construction, which would divide the West Bank, must be reversed. All settlement construction is a violation of international law," Guterres stated in a post on X. The German government has also expressed opposition to the intensification of Israel's military operations in Gaza, following Israel's approval of a plan to capture Gaza City and its decision to call up around 60,000 reservists, Al Jazeera reported. Government spokesperson Steffen Meyer told reporters that Germany is finding it "increasingly difficult to understand how these actions will lead to the freeing of all the hostages or to a ceasefire," as quoted by Al Jazeera. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also condemned Israel's approval of the E1 settlement plan, stating, "If implemented, it would divide a Palestinian state in two, mark a flagrant breach of international law and critically undermine the two-state solution. The Israeli government must reverse this decision." According to Al Jazeera, the proposed settlement development in the E1 area, a stretch of Palestinian land located east of Jerusalem, envisions around 3,500 housing units to be built adjacent to the existing Maale Adumim settlement. Within Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid blasted the government's decision to mobilise 60,000 reservists for the Gaza City offensive, calling it a "delusion" that burdens the nation's soldiers while promoting "draft-dodging" among certain groups. "60,000 reserve orders were issued this morning to realise the delusion of conquering Gaza. The worst government in the country's history continues to discriminate between one blood and another. With one hand, it promotes draft-dodging, and with the other, it burdens the load. We will not win the war with them," Lapid stated in a post on X. As per Al Jazeera, since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of at least 62,122 people and injuries to 156,758 others. Meanwhile, the October 7 attacks on Israel left 1,139 people dead and over 200 taken hostage. (ANI) Moscow [Russia], August 21 (ANI/ Izvestia): After the imposition of sanctions by Western countries, Russia was able to raise its own production and agro-industrial complex to a high level. This was stated on August 21 by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in an interview with Kabar news agency. "What changed when sanctions were imposed on Russia? On the contrary, after the sanctions, they were able to raise their own production and agriculture to a high level. The products that were previously imported are now being exported," he said. In addition, commenting on the UK sanctions imposed against the Kyrgyz Capital Bank of Central Asia and other companies in the country, Japarov said that he would not allow harm to the interests of Kyrgyz citizens and the development of the country. On August 20, the United Kingdom imposed restrictions against five organisations and three individuals as part of anti-Russian sanctions. The list includes Leonid Shumakov, the head of the A7A5 project for the ruble-linked cryptocurrency, the Kyrgyz Capital Bank of Central Asia and its director Kantemir Chalbaev, businessman Zhanyshbek Uulu Nazarbek, Grinex, Tengricoin, Old Vector. In response, Russia imposed sanctions against 21 British nationals. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the "stop list" included people who spread disinformation about Russia and the special military operation (SVO), as well as increased support for the Kiev regime. (ANI/ Izvestia) THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CB&I today announced it has been awarded a large* contract by Lithium Nevada LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corp., to execute the engineering, procurement, fabrication, and construction (EPFC) of 36 flat-bottom atmospheric tanks at Thacker Pass ("the Project"). This rendering illustrates several of the field fabricated tanks that will be produced by CB&I for the Thacker Pass lithium mine. The tanks will be situated adjacent to the sulfuric acid plant and will store liquid sulfur and sulfuric acid which play an important role in the operation of the facility. Thacker Pass, located in northern Nevada's Humboldt County, is the world's largest known measured lithium resource (measured and indicated) and reserve (proven and probable). The Project is managed by engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contractor, Bechtel. As demand for lithium is expected to increase over the next decade, Thacker Pass will play a vital role in reducing U.S. reliance on foreign critical minerals and creating a secure domestic lithium battery supply chain. "We are proud to support Lithium Nevada and Bechtel in delivering a lithium project of national significance," said Mark Butts, CB&I President and CEO. "Thacker Pass will help enable a U.S. supply of lithium and create well-paying jobs during construction and operations. Our team is honored to contribute CB&I's legacy of tank engineering and construction excellence to this important project." The atmospheric storage tanks produced by CB&I for the Thacker Pass lithium mine will store various process solutions, chemicals, and products that are used during the multiple stages of purification to extract lithium from clay deposits. These tanks, designed to meet stringent environmental, seismic, and safety requirements, will be constructed using CB&I's proprietary field construction methods and state-of-the-art fabrication capabilities. "CB&I's expertise in large-scale storage infrastructure for complex industrial processes that require precise specifications and reliability makes them a great fit for Thacker Pass," said Richard Gerspacher, Lithium Americas Executive Vice President, Capital Projects. "CB&I's proven track record, global expertise, and experience with industrial storage solutions makes them an ideal partner for this critical infrastructure component to support North America's largest lithium mining project." "CB&I is an example of the industry-leading contractors and suppliers that have joined the team delivering Thacker Pass," said Bechtel Deputy Project Director, Dan Dawson. "We welcome them to the project and look forward to seeing the tanks take shape as the plant comes together." *CB&I defines a large contract as between USD $50 million and $100 million. About CB&I CB&I is the world's leading designer and builder of storage facilities, tanks, and terminals. With more than 60,000 structures completed throughout its 135+ year history, CB&I has the global expertise and strategically located operations to provide its customers world-class storage solutions for even the most complex energy infrastructure projects. CB&I is owned by a consortium of financial investors led by Mason Capital Management LLC. To learn more, visit www.cbi.com. Forward-Looking Statements CB&I cautions that statements in this communication that are forward-looking, and provide other than historical information, involve risks, contingencies, and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about the expected timing and execution of projects, and statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions, or goals. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Those statements are based on various underlying assumptions and are subject to numerous risks, contingencies, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including, among others: adverse changes in the markets in which we operate or in credit or capital markets; our inability to successfully execute on contracts in backlog; changes in project design or schedules; the availability of qualified personnel; changes in the terms, scope, or timing of contracts, contract cancellations, change orders, and other modifications or actions by our customers and other business counterparties; changes in industry norms or codes or applicable laws; actions by lenders, other creditors, customers, and other business counterparties of CB&I; and adverse outcomes in legal or other dispute resolution proceedings. If one or more of these risks materializes, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. This communication reflects the views of CB&I's management as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, CB&I undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. SOURCE CB&I STS Delaware LLC New Zealand's spy agency has sounded an alarm against China, saying Beijing is the "most active power" trying to interfere in the country's politics, society, and businesses, The Straits Times reported on Thursday. In its annual threat assessment released on Thursday, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) said the country is facing the "most challenging national security environment of recent times." The agency said, "while several states seek to manipulate New Zealand's government and society, China remains the most active." It named China's United Front Work Department as the arm responsible for interference operations abroad, according to The Straits Times. "Not all of its activity amounted to foreign interference, and some could be beneficial," the report noted. But the overall warning was clear that China is deliberately working to expand its influence within New Zealand. The agency further said, "Under China's national security legislation, individuals and organisations in China must comply with requests from the country's security services, as per The Straits Times. The report pointed out that the Indo-Pacific has become the main ground for strategic rivalry between global powers. In this competition, China is described as a "particularly assertive and powerful actor," seeking to entrench its influence across the region, as per The Straits Times. "It has demonstrated both a willingness and capability to undertake intelligence activity that targets New Zealand's national interests," the NZSIS said. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended a trilateral meeting with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts on Wednesday in Kabul. The foreign ministers reviewed the decisions made in earlier meetings and discussed ways to strengthen ties between the three countries. Wang Yi also held a separate bilateral meeting with Afghanistan's foreign minister, where both sides discussed expanding cooperation in different sectors. (ANI) Calling healthcare an "obvious place to strengthen cooperation" between India and Denmark, Danish Ambassador Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen on Thursday said his country's expertise and world-class companies could play a crucial role in supporting India's growing needs in the sector. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of FITT FORWARD 2025 Tech showcase at the IIT Delhi, Kristensen praised India's entrepreneurial spirit and the quality of research being translated into startups. "Healthcare is an area where Denmark has a lot to offer. We have world-class companies and India has significant needs, so it is an obvious place to strengthen our cooperation," Kristensen told ANI, underscoring the scope for joint efforts in building solutions for India's growing healthcare requirements. The envoy also stressed that Denmark's global leadership in the green transition could complement India's large-scale ambitions. "In Denmark, we have experience not only in upscaling but also integrating renewable energy into our grid. India has already made impressive progress in solar, but going forward, integration becomes the real challenge. That's where Denmark can help--how to do it in a cost-efficient way. India has the scale, and if you can scale, costs come down," he said. Kristensen noted that the bilateral partnership is already expanding beyond trade and investment into innovation and research. Over 220 Danish companies are currently operating in India, employing more than one lakh people, and many are planning to step up investments. Pointing to Denmark's position among the world's top 10 innovative economies, he said that collaboration with Indian startups has emerged as a strong pillar of the relationship. The Tech Innovation Centre in Bengaluru is facilitating cooperation between Danish and Indian startups, and next week, Copenhagen will host the India-Nordic Startup Summit, which will see participation from several Indian firms. "With India's scale and Denmark's expertise, our partnership has the potential to deliver solutions not only for our two countries but also for the world," Kristensen said, adding that he sensed a "strong commitment" from Danish companies to strengthen ties with India. (ANI) The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday approved bail pleas of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in eight cases linked to the May 9 violence, Geo News reported. The ruling came during the hearing of multiple cases registered against Khan after the 2023 nationwide protests and attacks on government and military installations. A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, along with Justices Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, heard the petitions. The bench had been reconstituted to take up the bail pleas, Dawn reported. However, despite the relief, Khan's release is unlikely soon.He has been in prison since 2023, serving a sentence in a case related to state gifts, and is also serving a sentence in the 190 million pound case. Several other trials tied to the May 9 riots are still pending against him. The PTI welcomed the Supreme Court decision, calling it a "Victory For Imran Khan" in a post on X. PTI has also posted a video of Imran Khan on his X account. "Keep one thing in mind: when the night becomes darkest, it means morning is about to come", said Imran Khan, PTI quoted. Earlier, Khan's bail plea in the same matter was dismissed by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on June 24. He later challenged that decision in the Supreme Court, according to Dawn. The May 9 unrest erupted after the former prime minister's arrest in Islamabad last year. PTI workers staged violent protests across major cities, with attacks reported on government buildings and army installations, including the Corps Commander's residence in Lahore. Earlier, Khan has nominated Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai for the post of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly (NA) and Azam Khan Swati for the Senate, Dawn reported. "Azam Khan Swati has been nominated as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate," PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja said on Wednesday. He further said that Imran has requested five names to decide on his nominee for the opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly. (ANI) According to The Express Tribune, citing the Deputy Commissioner of Swabi, Nasrullah Khan, the last bodies were retrieved based on a report by Additional Assistant Commissioner of Tehsil Topi, Usman Khan. With the search and recovery efforts now complete, local authorities have shifted their focus to relief and rehabilitation for the affected communities. The cloudburst struck early Monday morning, triggering intense flash floods, landslides, and falling boulders that devastated the region, The Express Tribune reported. Dalori Bala suffered the worst, with 15 houses completely destroyed and another 25 partially damaged. A total of 37 people have died in Dalori Bala, including men, women, and children, The Express Tribune reported. Additional fatalities included two women and two children in Sarkoi Payan village and one youth who drowned in floodwaters at Kernal Sher Khan Kallay. Rescue operations continued for nearly 60 hours, carried out by Rescue Swabi, Al-Khidmat Foundation, the Pakistan Army, and other welfare groups. Twenty-six bodies were recovered on the first two days, while the remaining 13 were found on Wednesday, The Express Tribune reported. Officials reported that the scale of devastation was worsened by massive boulders tumbling down the surrounding mountains, which crushed homes and trapped residents under heavy debris. Essential services such as drinking water, electricity, and communication lines have been disrupted in Dalori Bala and nearby areas, including Dalori Payan, Sarkoi Payan, Mangal Chai, and Bada, The Express Tribune reported. Efforts are now underway to restore basic infrastructure and provide aid to the survivors. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], August 21 (ANI/TPS): Earlier on Wednesday, fighters from the IDF's (Israel Defense Forces) Kfir Infantry Brigade eliminated about ten terrorists in Gaza in hand-to-hand combat and in cooperation with the Air Force. Deputy Company Commander in the Kfir Brigade: "Thanks to the alertness and vigilance of the battalion's fighters, we were able to eliminate about ten terrorists - we will meet any mission required." (ANI/TPS) Gaza [Palestine], August 21 (ANI/WAM): The United Arab Emirates is continuing its humanitarian support for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip by carrying out today the 76th airdrop of aid under Birds of Goodness Operation, part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, in cooperation with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and with the participation of Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Singapore and Indonesia. The shipment included quantities of essential food supplies, prepared with the support of Emirati charitable institutions and organisations, to meet the needs of the population amid the dire humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. With the completion of this airdrop, the total aid delivered by air under the operation has surpassed 4,020 tonnes of food and other essential supplies, reaffirming the UAE's unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and strengthening their resilience. These initiatives highlight the UAE's pioneering role in international relief efforts, mobilising regional and international cooperation and reinforcing the nation's approach of giving to alleviate the suffering of those affected by crises. (ANI/WAM) Available on https://umrah.nusuk.sa/, the platform aims to improve service quality and enrich the pilgrim experience, Saudi Press Agency reported. Nusuk Umrah is a new option for international Umrah pilgrims, complementing existing channels like accredited agents. The service allows users to customise their trip by choosing from integrated packages or booking individual services such as visas, accommodation, transportation, and tours. The launch of the service is part of the ministry's efforts to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by hosting a greater number of Muslims and providing high-quality and convenient services that enhance the Hajj journey, SPA said. (ANI/WAM) According to initial reports, two shepherds were herding cattle with a ranger vehicle when a masked assailant emerged from the trees armed with a pistol. The first details provided to The Press Service of Israel by a local resident from the scene of the incident, the attacker fired two shots and attempted to seize control of the vehicle. One of the shepherds fought back bare-handed, during the fight the ranger overturned. The wounded shepherd sustained light injuries and is receiving treatment from Magen David Adom paramedics at the scene. The attacker fled, and IDF forces together with security personnel are conducting searches in the area. (ANI/TPS) The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for an attack in Panjgur that left four Pakistani army personnel dead. According to BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, fighters launched a raid in the Surdu area of Panjgur on Tuesday night, eliminating a key operative of the Pakistan army. The statement revealed that Ghulam Sarwar had earlier established and commanded a so-called death squad under the protection of the Pakistani military. This squad, which had been active for years in Gichek and other parts of Panjgur, was later led by his son, Islam Sarwar. The group allegedly supported the army's operations, carrying out targeted killings, enforced disappearances, and other violent acts. In return, the army reportedly allowed them to freely engage in drug trafficking, kidnappings for ransom, and extortion through road checkpoints. During the operation, BLA fighters seized three Kalashnikov rifles, an M-4, additional weapons, two vehicles, and three motorcycles from Islam Sarwar's hideout. The site, according to the BLA, also served as a torture chamber, where electric shock devices and other tools of abuse were found. Islam Sarwar was accused of abducting and killing a young man in Panjgur just two months earlier. Jeeyand Baloch warned that the Pakistani army and its allies would be held accountable for crimes against the Baloch people. The BLA's latest offensive is part of the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan, where separatist groups are demanding greater autonomy and recognition of Baloch rights. In recent years, attacks on military and paramilitary forces, along with government facilities, have intensified. Separatist factions argue that the Baloch people face systemic marginalisation and exploitation, despite the province's wealth in natural resources. In response, Pakistan's military has pursued counterinsurgency campaigns to suppress the rebellion. However, human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over reports of forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and excessive force during these operations. Numerous accounts point to the widespread issue of disappearances, with civilians and activists allegedly detained without due legal process. Rights organisations argue that such tactics fuel fear and deepen mistrust, further straining relations between the Pakistani state and the Baloch population. (ANI) The talks came at a time when Islamabad and Beijing are looking to deepen cooperation under CPEC 2.0 and strengthen their regional influence amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. "During the Dialogue, the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of Pakistan-China relations and discussed important regional and global issues. They also exchanged in-depth views on multiple facets of bilateral cooperation, including CPEC 2.0, trade and economic relations, multilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties," the ministry said. https://x.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1958442447832535243 The ministry noted that both ministers reaffirmed their "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership," adding that Pakistan-China friendship is vital for peace and stability in the region. "They also agreed to continue close coordination and communication, both bilaterally and at multilateral forums," the ministry added. Wang Yi's visit to Islamabad followed a trilateral meeting in Kabul with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts, where the three sides discussed ways to strengthen ties and reviewed past decisions. He also held separate bilateral talks with Afghanistan's foreign minister, focusing on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. Earlier this week, Wang Yi also travelled to India, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit scheduled in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. According to the Prime Minister's Office, PM Modi thanked President Xi for the invitation and confirmed his participation. The Chinese foreign minister, who is also a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, praised his discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the 24th round of boundary talks co-chaired with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. During his meeting with Wang Yi, Modi stressed the need to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border and reiterated India's commitment to a fair and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary issue. (ANI) SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market is observing significant growth owing to the increasing prevalence of urological disease and expansion in emerging economies. The cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market is expected to reach US$729.30 million by 2031 from US$459.11 million in 2024; it is anticipated to register a CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2031. Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy are common urology procedures offering effective diagnosis and treatment of urinary disorders. These techniques involve flexible and rigid scopes fitted with high-definition cameras and illumination systems which allow clear visualization of the bladder and urethra. A key development in this field is the growing use of robotic-assisted surgery, which is significantly improving the accuracy, effectiveness, and overall results of urological treatments. The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. In general, the cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market comprises a vast array of products expected to determine the market growth in the coming years. Check valuable insights in the Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy Market report. You can easily get a sample PDF of the report - https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00040986 Overview of Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy Market Report Findings Increasing Prevalence of Urological Disease: The rising incidence of kidney stones, bladder cancer, prostate enlargement, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other conditions affecting the bladder and kidneys is fueling the need for cystoscopy and ureteroscopy procedures for timely diagnosis and treatment. As per National Kidney Foundation, more than 500,000 individuals visit emergency departments each year due to kidney stone complications. It is estimated that around one in ten people will develop kidney stones during their lifetime. Hematuria, or the presence of blood in the urine, often signals underlying chronic conditions such as bladder cancer. A February 2024 article reports that hematuria is frequently asymptomatic and appears in 45% of routine urine tests. It is also a prevalent symptom of kidney damage, present in approximately 8094% of cases. Furthermore, a study from Michigan Medicine, published in November 2023 , notes that nearly 40% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. Among those, 3044% are likely to suffer a recurrence after a single episode, with about half of them experiencing a third infection if they've had two UTIs within six months. Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy are minimally invasive procedures that allow physicians to examine and treat issues within the urinary tract. Cystoscopy inspects the bladder and urethra, while ureteroscopy targets the ureters and kidneys. Both involve using slender instruments fitted with lights and cameras, enabling real-time visualization of internal structures on a monitor. Their reliability and precision make them widely used for diagnosing and managing persistent urological conditions such as hematuria, kidney and bladder stones, and UTIs. As chronic urinary tract disorders become more widespread, the demand for these procedures grows, expanding the cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market. Expansion in Emerging Market: The rapid economic growth in developing countries such as China , India , and South Africa is due to the increased healthcare funding and adoption of advanced technologies. These efforts aim to modernize healthcare systems by upgrading urological services, promoting early disease detection, and improving access to health insurance. W ith increasing healthcare budgets, hospitals in these countries become more advanced, with better facilities and modern operating rooms. Over the last ten years, healthcare investment in these regions has surpassed the global average, enabling sophisticated medical procedures like various types of endoscopy. For instance, healthcare spending as a share of GDP in India and several Southeast Asian countries has increased from about 3% to roughly 5%, with support from both public and private sectors. As a developing country, India has become a popular destination for medical tourism, offering high-quality diagnostic and treatment services for urological conditions at much lower costs than in Western nations. According to the India Tourism Statistics 2023, the country received 6.43 million international visitors in 2022, with about 7.4% coming for medical care. The Indian government has launched initiatives such as increasing partnerships with international hospitals, streamlining visa processes for medical travelers, and increasing designated centers to assist foreign patients. In 2023, the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) deployed mobile endoscopy units providing medical services to remote areas. These units provide services such as colonoscopies, endoscopies, and basic liver tests, allowing early diagnosis and treatment in rural regions. Olympus played a vital role in this initiative by supplying the necessary equipment. Moreover, Olympus works with AIG and other healthcare institutions in India to provide more than 150 yearly endoscopy training programs. They also provide maintenance and repair services to ensure equipment reliability, which helps improve the region's healthcare quality. Geographical Insights: In 2024, Asia Pacific led the market with a substantial revenue share, followed by North America and Europe . Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Get Research Sample Copy of the Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy Market: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00040986 Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy Market Segmentation Based on product type, the cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market is bifurcated into cystoscope and ureteroscope. The cystoscope segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. By procedure, the cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market is segmented into stone management, bladder cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, others. The stone management segment dominated the market in 2024. The cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market is segmented by technology into fiberoptic and video. The fiberoptic segment dominated the market in 2024. The cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market is segmented by usage type into reusable and single-use. The reusable segment dominated the market in 2024. By end user, the cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. The hospitals segment dominated the market in 2024. The cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market are segmented into five major regions: North America , Europe , APAC, Middle East and Africa , and South and Central America . Competitive Strategy and Development Key Players: A few major companies operating in the cystoscopy and ureteroscopy market include Olympus Corp, Karl Storz SE & Co KG, Richard Wolf GmbH, Ambu A/S, PENTAX Medical, Advin Health Care Pvt Ltd, Coloplast Corp, Cook Medical Holdings LLC, Electronics Services Centre (ESC Medicams), Stryker Corp, Rudra Surgicals, Laborie, Teleflex Inc, NIDHI MEDITECH SYSTEMS, Pioneer Healthcare Technologies, Boston Scientific Corp, Ottomed Endoscopy, Becton Dickinson and Co, SCHOLLY FIBEROPTIC GMBH, and MicroPort Scientific Corp. and Co, SCHOLLY FIBEROPTIC GMBH, and MicroPort Scientific Corp. Trending Topics: Neurosurgery Devices, Neurosurgery Equipment, and Neurosurgical Robotic Get Premium Copy of Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy Market Size and Growth Report by 2031 at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00040986 Conclusion The Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy market is growing rapidly because of the increasing number of urological disorders, the rising elderly population, and the demand for less invasive procedures. Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy are essential diagnostic and treatment tools for urinary tract infections, bladder cancer, kidney stones, and ureteral obstructions. Advanced technologies such as flexible and digital endoscopes have improved both the accuracy of procedures and patient comfort, encouraging more people to seek these services. Moreover, greater awareness of the need for early diagnosis and better healthcare availability in emerging economies are boosting the number of procedures performed. The outpatient and ambulatory surgical center segments will likely grow quickly due to shorter recovery times and lower costs. However, high device prices and potential procedure complications could limit market growth in certain areas. Currently, North America leads the market thanks to established healthcare systems and high awareness. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience significant growth owing to the developing healthcare facilities and increasing healthcare spending. Key companies are focusing on new ideas, partnerships, and expanding into new areas to strengthen their market presence. Overall, the market outlook is strong, driven by ongoing advancements and rising patient demand that support long-term growth. The report from The Insight Partners, therefore, provides several stakeholdersincluding cystoscopy and ureteroscopy equipment manufacturers, cystoscopy and ureteroscopy systems distributors, and otherswith valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. Trending Related Reports: 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: [email protected] 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 SOURCE The Insight Partners Taiwan's defence spending is set to touch 3.32 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) next year, according to Premier Cho Jung-tai, as reported by Focus Taiwan. Focus Taiwan noted that the Taiwanese Premier made the remarks on Thursday, highlighting that the planned budget increase underscores Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding national security. As per Focus Taiwan, the proposed defence spending for the fiscal year 2026, after factoring in expenditures for veteran affairs and the Coast Guard, would touch NT$949.5 billion (US$31.18 billion), representing 3.32 per cent of GDP, Cho said at a Cabinet press briefing in Taipei. Cho said that the new calculation method followed North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) standards. "We are demonstrating to the world and to our own people our determination and capability to safeguard national sovereignty and security," the Taiwanese premier said. Under the same calculation, the proposed NT$949.5 billion would still require legislative approval, and represents an increase of NT$176.8 billion, or a year-on-year rise of 22.9 per cent, Hsieh Chi-hsien, head of the Comptroller Bureau at the Ministry of National Defence (MND), said at the briefing as reported by Focus Taiwan. Even without taking into account veteran and Coast Guard expenses, the proposed budget for the MND alone will see a 20.1 per cent rise compared with 2025. It was also reported by Focus Taiwan, referring to MND, that spending on military investment will increase by NT$23.2 billion, or 16.76 per cent, reaching NT$161.6 billion due to payments for arms purchased from the United States. The calls for Taiwan to raise defence spending to at least 3 per cent of GDP have grown amid rising military pressure from China in recent years. According to Focus Taiwan, the last time Taiwan's defence spending exceeded 3 per cent of GDP was in 2009, during the presidency of Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang (KMT). (ANI) Families of missing Baloch individuals in Karachi and Quetta continued their demonstrations on Tuesday, seeking the return of their loved ones, as another young man from Kech district was reported to have come back home after spending ten months in detention, as per a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP). At the Karachi Press Club, family members of Zahid Ali Baloch mentioned they had been holding a sit-in for 15 days straight, even in the face of heavy rain. Zahid's father, Hameed Baloch, told the media that his son was taken by security forces on July 17 while he was waiting for transport in Karachi, and has been missing for over a month. "It has been 33 days now, but we still do not know where our son is or in what condition he might be," he stated. He made a plea for Zahid to be presented in court if there are charges against him, describing his disappearance as "an unbearable trauma for a family," according to the TBP report. In Quetta, the protest camp of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) marked its 5,915th day outside the Press Club on Tuesday. VBMP chairman Nasrullah Baloch mentioned that they had received a report concerning the disappearance of Mir Yousaf Qalandrani, the son of a tribal chief and local council head, who was allegedly arrested in Karachi on August 17, as reported by TBP. He noted that three of Yousaf's brothers were among the many members of the Qalandrani family who were detained during a military operation in 2010 and remain missing to this day. "The unlawful detention and disappearance of Mir Yousaf and others not only represents a serious violation of human rights but also a clear insult to the Constitution of Pakistan and international human rights standards," he said, as quoted by the TBP report. Nasrullah Baloch called on the judiciary, parliament, and human rights organisations to take notice, warning that enforced disappearances were undermining public trust in state institutions. "This issue is not solely one concerning the Baloch nation, but rather pertains to all of humanity and the integrity of human rights institutions," he articulated. Meanwhile, in Turbat, Kech district, a young man named Suhail Ahmed, son of Abdullah Lashkaran, returned home on Monday after being missing for ten months. His family stated that he was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani troops in October 2024, according to the TBP report. (ANI) Citizens of Karachi have expressed outrage at the authorities for hiding behind the excuse of "unprecedented weather" and failing to take adequate measures to cope with the current monsoon conditions. According to Geo News, the inefficiency described as "unprecedented" by local and provincial governments is all too familiar to residents, who face these challenges year after year. As per Geo News, while climate change may be intensifying rainfall, citizens argue that the real disaster lies in poor urban planning and a chronically inadequate drainage system. As a result, major roads are transformed into rivers, prolonged power outages become routine, and flight operations at Jinnah International Airport are frequently disrupted. Geo News also reported that several residents of Karachi have taken to social media, sharing photos and videos of severe urban flooding in familiar trouble spots such as Sharea Faisal, MA Jinnah Road, II Chundrigar Road, and numerous underpasses, areas that are routinely submerged during each monsoon spell. To date, at least 17 people have lost their lives in incidents of electrocution, building collapse, and drowning. Geo News reported that, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are affecting southern Pakistan, with further rainfall forecast for Thursday and Friday. The department has warned that continued heavy showers could increase the risk of urban flooding in Karachi. Public figures have also voiced their frustration. Fatima Bhutto posted on X (formerly Twitter): "This corrupt party can't manage rain even though it rains every monsoon season since the dawn of time. What do you do for the people with your power? NOTHING." Politician Ali Bhutto Junior wrote, "Our Karachi is drowning--heavy rainfall and a lack of initiative to fix the city's infrastructure. Contractors work and pocket money while the very geography of the city, built on river deltas and flood plains, is naturally designed to collect and drain water." (ANI) Amid US decision to impose 25 per cent additional tariffs on Indian goods for purchase of Russian oil, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday that China, not India, is the biggest purchaser of Russian oil and EU is the biggest purchaser of LNG and that the logic of singling out the country for secondary tariffs in perplexing. Answering queries during a joint press briefing with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Jaishankar said India also buys oil from the US, and that amount has increased. "We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil, that is China. We are not the biggest purchasers of LNG, that is the European Union. We are not the country which has the biggest trade surge with Russia after 2022; I think there are some countries to the South. We are a country where the Americans have said for the last few years that we should do everything to stabilise the world energy market, including buying oil from Russia. Incidentally, we also buy oil from the US, and that amount has increased. So honestly, we are very perplexed at the logic of the argument that you (the media) had referred to..." Jaishankar said, answering a query. US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade deal that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. A few days later, he imposed another 25 per cent tariff, taking the total to 50 per cent, citing India's continued imports of Russian oil. Jaishankar said sustaining energy cooperation with Russia through trade and investments is also important. He stressed the need to address trade imbalance. "We reaffirmed our shared ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including by increasing India's exports to Russia. This requires swiftly addressing non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments, enhancing India's exports to Russia in sectors like agriculture, pharma, and textiles will certainly help correct the imbalance," he said. Jaishankar and Lavrov discussed developments in Ukraine and West Asia, with the External Affairs Minister laying thrust on dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. "On regional issues, we discussed developments in Ukraine, West Asia, the Middle East and Afghanistan. India's approach continues to emphasise dialogue and diplomacy as essential to resolving differences." Jaishankar said the defence and military cooperation is robust and Russia supports 'Make in India' goals. "Our defence and military technical cooperation also remains robust. Russia supports India's 'Make in India' goals, including joint production and technology transfer." External Affairs Minister said he took up the issue of Indians serving in the Russian Army. "While many have been released, there are still some pending cases, with some missing persons. We hope that the Russian side will expeditiously resolve this," he said. Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to Russia during which he co-chaired the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) and addressed the India-Russia Business Forum meeting in Moscow. (ANI) The new target, an update of a five-year 5 trillion yen investment goal rolled out in 2022, is intended to further spur investment at a time when the two countries are working closely to promote a "free and open Indo-Pacific" in the face of an assertive China. According to sources, the target may be included in a joint statement following summit talks between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Modi. Modi's three-day visit to Japan, starting August 29, will be his first since May 2023, when he attended the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, as per Kyodo News. The previous investment target, announced during former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to India in March 2022, aimed for 5 trillion yen in public and private investment and financing over five years. Both countries' governments are also seeking to agree on a new framework to explore cooperation in economic security, such as for procuring stable supplies of critical goods, the sources said. The framework would designate semiconductors, essential minerals, communications, clean energy, artificial intelligence and pharmaceutical products as key areas for discussion, according to Kyodo News. The two sides are additionally arranging to announce what they call an AI cooperation initiative for the emerging technology and related startups, they said. "We hope promoting cooperation between Japanese companies (and their Indian counterparts) in fields where Indian firms have strengths would contribute to the growth of the Japanese economy," one of the sources said. During his stay, Modi may travel to Sendai, in Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan, to view an experimental shinkansen bullet train car and visit a major Japanese manufacturer of chip-making equipment, according to the sources. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], August 21 (ANI/TPS): The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is coordinating the move of the population from Gaza City south for its own protection as Israeli forces move into the area. As part of preparations for this, officers from the Gaza Coordination and Liaison Directorate at the IDF conducted initial warning calls to medical officials and international organisations in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, letting them know to make their own preparations. In their calls, the officers emphasised to medical officials that hospital infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip is being adjusted to accommodate the sick and wounded, along with increased imports of required medical equipment in accordance with requests from international aid organisations. The following are the main points of the messages sent to the Gaza City area medical officials: "I am talking to you about the possibility of the army entering Gaza City - there will be a complete evacuation from Gaza to the south of the Strip. This requires you to prepare a plan for transferring medical equipment from north to south, so that you can provide a response to all patients in the south of the Strip and prepare the hospitals to receive patients who will arrive from the north. It is important to us that you receive this from an official source. We are going to provide you with a place to be, whether it's a field hospital or any other hospital." (ANI/TPS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday exchanged views on efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1958514579719200901 In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Had a very good conversation with my friend President Macron. Exchanged views on efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia." "Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership," the post added. https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1958527005819097420 In response, Macron shared a post on X, saying, "I have just spoken with Prime Minister @NarendraModi. We coordinated our positions on the war in Ukraine in order to move towards a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and Europe's security." "On trade issues, we agreed to strengthen our economic exchanges and our strategic partnership in all areas; this is the key to our sovereignty and independence," the post added. Mentioning the AI Action Summit held in Paris last February, Macron wrote, "Following up on the AI Action Summit held in Paris last February, we are working towards the success of the AI Impact Summit to be held in New Delhi in 2026. For more effective multilateralism, we agreed to work closely together in preparation for the French presidency of the G7 and the Indian presidency of the BRICS in 2026." In February, PM Modi visited France for three days, where he participated in various programmes related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), commerce, energy, and cultural linkages. He also co-chaired the AI Action Summit, a gathering of world leaders and global tech CEOs. Following PM Modi's visit to France, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that India-France relations have reached new heights, as PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held high-level discussions aboard the French presidential aircraft. The joint statement released after PM Modi's visit to France said the two leaders reiterated their call for reformed and effective multilateralism to sustain an equitable and peaceful international order, address pressing global challenges, and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic domains. The two leaders stressed the urgent need for reforming the United Nations Security Council and agreed to coordinate closely in multilateral forums, including on UNSC matters. The two leaders agreed to strengthen conversations on the regulation of the use of the veto in case of mass atrocities. They held extensive discussions on long-term global challenges and current international developments and agreed to intensify their global and regional engagement, including through multilateral initiatives and institutions. Acknowledging the paramount importance of advancing scientific knowledge, research and innovation, and recalling the long and enduring engagement between India and France in those areas, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi announced the grand inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation in New Delhi in March 2026 by launching its Logo. Recalling the deep and longstanding defence cooperation between France and India as part of the Strategic Partnership, President Macron and PM Modi welcomed the continuation of the cooperation of air and maritime assets in line with the ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed in 2024. (ANI) A Chinese citizen who exceeded the duration of his student visa has received an eight-year prison sentence for unlawfully exporting ammunition and various military supplies to North Korea via China, as reported by The Epoch Times (TET). Shenghua Wen, 42, residing in Ontario, California, was sentenced to 96 months in a federal penitentiary by US District Judge Stephen V. Wilson in Los Angeles on August 18, as announced by the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. Wen has been in federal custody since last December, following his arrest at his home in Ontario. He pleaded guilty in June to one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and another count related to acting as an unauthorised agent for a foreign government, according to TET. The US Attorney's Office elaborated on Wen's operation, which started before he arrived in the United States. Wen entered the US with a student visa in 2012 but stayed beyond its expiration date in December 2013. Before his arrival, Wen had met with North Korean officials at their embassy in China, where he received directives to acquire goods for the regime. After being approached by two North Korean officials in 2022, Wen commenced shipping firearms and other items from the Port of Long Beach in 2023. He disguised these shipments through methods such as submitting false export documentation. In 2023, Wen managed to ship at least three containers containing firearms. One shipment reached Hong Kong in January 2024 before it was forwarded to Nampo, North Korea, according to the TET report. In September 2024, Wen ordered around 60,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition meant for delivery to North Korea. In total, North Korean officials transferred approximately USD 2 million to Wen for the acquisition of firearms and other materials for their government. In a sentencing memorandum submitted by prosecutors in early August, Wen obscured the financial transaction from North Korean officials by routing the funds from a bank in China to Hong Kong and later depositing them into his girlfriend's accounts. Wen also sought to obtain a thermal imaging system designed for reconnaissance and target identification, capable of being mounted on drones, helicopters, and various aircraft, as stated in the court document, TET reported. Additionally, North Korean representatives requested that Wen source US civilian aircraft engines to progress Pyongyang's military drone capabilities, according to prosecutors. Wen was also tasked with procuring military uniforms intended for a potential "surprise attack on South Korea," as outlined in the court document. "Once in the United States, the defendant operated with a high level of sophistication, evidenced by the complex criminal scheme he devised and the operational security he utilised to conceal his unlawful activities," the court document states. Prosecutors urged the judge to impose a 63-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, according to the TET report. (ANI) Tibetans living under Chinese rule continue to face adversities, owing to which many are driven to end their lives. In a recent incident, Gonpo Kyi, the sister of imprisoned Tibetan businessman and political prisoner Dorjee Tashi, reportedly attempted suicide after repeated assaults and mistreatment by Chinese police in Lhasa, Tibet, according to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). According to the CTA report, on 18 August, when Gonpo Kyi traveled to Lhasa to meet her brother and his lawyer, Chinese police allegedly dragged her through the streets and brutally beat her, leaving her seriously injured. Her peaceful appeal was instead met with violence, the CTA stated. Thereafter, the Chinese authorities once again harassed her by keeping her in confinement at the Yak Hotel and prohibiting her from leaving. When Gonpo attempted to leave the premises, she was manhandled again, dragged to the ground and thrown back into the hotel. She was unlawfully confined, with officials in plain clothes stationed inside and outside the building, keeping their eyes on her every movement and activity, as per the CTA report. The report shared by the Central Tibetan Administration also claimed that the next day Chinese authorities again barged into the hostel and brutally beat the victim. Out of desperation and anger, Gonpo Kyi jumped off the second floor of the building, in protest against the Chinese government and the police. She sustained severe injuries to her waist and legs, leaving her critically wounded. Meanwhile, the authorities deliberately delayed providing her with urgent medical care. "I came to see my brother, which is my legal right under Chinese law. Instead, they have locked me up like a prisoner, denying me the chance to deliver letters or meet my brother and his lawyer. I am suffering from severe injuries to both my leg and waist, and it is undeniable that Dorjee was wrongfully imprisoned, treated as if he were a criminal forced under a black cap," the CTA quoted Gonpo Kyi as saying in a video recorded between 18 to 20 August from the hotel where she was forcibly held. In one of the clips, a woman from the Chinese police confronted her, demanding she stop the recording; however, Gonpo stood firm in her stance while exposing the barbarism of the Chinese government. The incident occurred on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region under Chinese rule. (ANI) The Center for Uyghur Studies (CUS) has released a new report titled "Exposing China's Propaganda Campaigns in MENA," detailing how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is conducting wide-ranging propaganda and influence operations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). According to the study, Beijing's efforts are designed to project China as a benevolent partner while suppressing criticism of its human rights abuses, particularly against Uyghur Muslims. The report argues that these information campaigns go beyond trade promotion, serving as a strategic tool to silence dissent and win diplomatic support for China's policies. The CCP's propaganda strategy in MENA seeks to secure regional backing for initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and to neutralize international outrage over the persecution of Uyghurs. Tactics include Arabic-language state media broadcasts through outlets such as CGTN Arabic and Xinhua, content-sharing deals with local newspapers, and Arabic-language social media campaigns. The report also highlights the use of inauthentic online accounts, often working in coordination with Russian and Iranian propaganda, to spread disinformation and distort debates. CUS notes that China relies heavily on soft power mechanisms like Confucius Institutes; 23 currently operate in MENA to promote a sanitized image of Chinese culture while omitting references to repression. Thousands of Arab students studying in China under government scholarships are exposed to curated narratives that avoid mention of mass internment, surveillance, and religious erasure in the Uyghur homeland. Economically, China's growing trade ties, which reached $368 billion in 2022, have created dependencies that encourage local governments and media outlets to avoid criticism of Beijing. China's propaganda consistently portrays Beijing as a defender of the Muslim world and a supporter of Palestinian rights, while dismissing reports of Uyghur persecution as "lies of the century." During crises like the 2023 Gaza conflict, Chinese media positioned China as a peace broker while painting the U.S. and its allies as biased and interventionist. The report also warns of China's export of surveillance technologies such as Huawei's "Safe City" systems to MENA states, which reinforce digital authoritarianism. These technologies, developed in Xinjiang to monitor Uyghurs, are now being used by Arab governments to tighten control over their populations, often under the banner of public security. CUS concludes that Beijing's efforts have already shaped public opinion in the region, with surveys showing rising approval of China, sometimes surpassing views of the United States. Most Muslim-majority countries in MENA have refrained from criticizing China's treatment of Uyghurs, with many even endorsing Beijing's stance at the UN. Human rights groups warn this trend undermines accountability, freedom of expression, and solidarity with oppressed communities. The report urges MENA governments, civil society, and international partners to intensify fact-checking, support independent journalism, and promote media literacy to counter CCP disinformation. It also calls on global technology platforms to expose and dismantle covert Chinese networks and advocates for coordinated international responses to defend informational integrity in the region. (ANI) Investment supports deployment of AI-ready, high-density infrastructure and local-zone hyperscale solutions across Southeast and Midwest markets DALLAS, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DartPoints, a leading regional provider of colocation, cloud and interconnection solutions, today announced the first phase of its post-investment growth strategy following the equity investment from NOVA Infrastructure. With a focus on delivering scalable, AI-optimized digital infrastructure for enterprise and high-performance computing (HPC) needs, DartPoints will expand its presence in key markets with more than 25 MW of additional utility capacity through early 2027. The expansion includes purpose-built data center growth in Greenville, SC; Columbia, SC; Columbus, IN; and Cincinnati, OH. Each site will feature infrastructure capable of supporting up to 120 kW per cabinet, designed for architectural flexibility. Configurations will include private suites, cage builds and cabinet-level deployments. Customers can choose from traditional air cooling, direct-to-chip liquid cooling or hybrid systems tailored to their specific workload needs. This flexibility allows DartPoints to support a broad range of use cases, from AI model training and HPC clusters to enterprise virtualization, while maintaining performance, efficiency and scalability. "Our vision of delivering AI-ready environments in the next ring of U.S. markets is now becoming a reality through our partnership with NOVA Infrastructure," said Scott Willis, CEO of DartPoints. "By building closer to the people, applications and data that drive modern business, we're enabling enterprises to meet the demands of latency-sensitive, distributed workloads. This expansion proves we're putting our capital to work to deliver on that promise." Designed to support AI and high-density compute environments, the new builds will empower enterprises with localized, scalable infrastructure. With this expansion, organizations are no longer limited to Tier 1 markets. They gain access to advanced infrastructure near where their users and applications reside. DartPoints' facilities will support next-generation thermal demands using both direct-to-chip liquid cooling and high-density air systems to accommodate AI inference, machine learning and data-intensive workloads. "We're designing for tomorrow's workloads, whether that's training models, running inference or scaling secure, multi-tenant cloud services," said Brad Alexander, CTO of DartPoints. "Our sites will incorporate hybrid cooling technologies to support higher densities, while preserving the flexibility that multi-tenant environments require." These deployments build on DartPoints' longstanding focus on regional engagement and economic development. While national discourse around data center growth often centers on environmental concerns and infrastructure strain, DartPoints' approach brings high-value digital infrastructure to mid-size and underserved markets. This supports local tech ecosystems and attracts complementary industries. "Local relationships are at the heart of what we do," added Willis. "In markets like Greenville and Columbus, we're not just expanding our campuses, we're helping catalyze digital economies and creating opportunity from the ground up." With construction underway and phased deployments scheduled through early 2027, DartPoints is actively engaging enterprises, managed service providers and high-growth, workload-intensive technology platforms seeking high-density colocation and interconnection solutions. The new facilities will be AI- and HPC-ready from day one and offer seamless connectivity to major public cloud platforms and Internet exchanges. About DartPoints DartPoints is a leading provider of high-performance enterprise colocation, cloud, and managed service solutions, enabling advanced workloads including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-performance computing. Listed on the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S., DartPoints empowers businesses with enterprise-grade infrastructure, operational resilience, and low-latency connectivity. Learn more at www.dartpoints.com. About NOVA Infrastructure Founded in 2018, NOVA (http://www.novainfra.com) is a value-added, middle market infrastructure investment firm focused on North America. NOVA seeks to make investments that pair the downside protection features of the infrastructure asset class with operationally focused, value-added upside strategies. NOVA targets investments in environmental services, transportation, energy/energy transition, and digital sectors. Media Contacts DartPoints Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA) +1 866.695.3629 ext. 19 [email protected] SOURCE DartPoints Parading through the narrow alleys and dancing to the beats of traditional musical instruments, Dipankar Buddhas were seen celebrating the Panchadan festival on Wednesday in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Observed annually on Triodashi, two days prior to Kushe Aunsi or Father's Day according to the lunar calendar, the Buddhist festival of Panchadan is marked by the ceremonial tour of Dipankar Buddha around the city. "On the day of Panchadan, the five Buddhas are toured around the city of Bhaktapur where the devotees make offerings and perform rituals. The Dipankar Tathagat is paraded around the city. Along with him, the Shakyamuni and the Vajracharya are also given alms during the Panchadan, which has remained since long time," Sunil Vajracharya, a devotee, told ANI. In this Buddhist festival, gifts are made by the laity to the monks. Buddhist antiques are displayed, and gigantic effigies of Dipankar are paraded around the town. Since monastic Buddhism has long been extinct in Nepal, the recipients of the gifts today are the Buddhist priests, the Shakyas, and the Vajracharyas, who go begging alms at the houses of their clients. However, the main highlight of the festival is the giving away of five elements (wheat grains, rice grains, salt, money, and fruit). Traditional collections of artifacts are displayed in monasteries and households on this occasion. On this day, people donate based on their capacity - rice, money, and other items. "There is a belief that you will earn a special place, and it is counted as a good deed once you donate or give alms. The volume of donations is dependent on one's capacity," Surya Bahadur Chitrakar, one of the devotees waiting for the Dipankar Buddha to show up at their place, told ANI. On this day, Buddhist artifacts are displayed in monasteries and households, and giant idols of Dipankara Buddhas are paraded around town. People worship the Dipankara Buddhas and offer Panchadan. According to legend, the Panchadan festival has been celebrated every year since Nepal Sambat 512 (AD 1390). This ceremony has ancient roots and is said to have originated from traditional practices among Buddhist Bhikshus, or monks, of Kinnaur, Tibet, Lahoul, and Spiti, where they used Cordyceps sinensis as food. With a history that is centuries old, it has continued to develop over time into multiple talents and features, which have culminated over the years. This festival seems to have evolved from that tradition of offering alms, and the continuation of this practice even now possibly projects a strong Buddhist heritage among the Newars. "Dipankar Tathagat are not the Buddha whom we have been worshipping. They are one of the stages towards the completion of Buddha. It is believed that they took rebirth, and it is a stage towards becoming Buddha. While living the life as Dipankar, they used to collect alms. Wherever they used to live, those areas followed the tradition of giving alms," Vajracharya added. The five elements given during the Panchadan symbolise the essential elements of life. As per folklore, the grain symbolises or represents food and eating, which are the most important things in life. Salt represents purity and preservation; oil represents health and prosperity; pulse, a symbol of life, represents both fertility and life; and money represents wealth and good fortune for everyone. (ANI) China's Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has said that the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for SCO Summit later this month "will be a very important event not only for the SCO but for the bilateral relationship between the two countries" and a working group from China and India is "preparing to make this visit a successful". He said China attaches great importance to PM Modi's visit. Xu Feihong referred to the outcomes of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India earlier this week. Wang Yi co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives' dialogue on the Boundary Question between India and China with the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on August 19 and held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar a day earlier. The Chinese Foreign Minister also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 19. Xu Feihong said the Chinese Foreign Minister and Ajit Doval had important discussions on the boundary issue. "This time, during the Chinese FM visit to India, he had a very important talk with Mr Doval on the boundary issue. They reached a consensus on 10 points. Two groups will be set up by our two sides over the border issue. One group will be for border delimitation into appropriate sectors. The second group will focus on proper management of the border and border areas....We should not define the border issue as relationship between our two countries. The border issue is on one side, and cooperation between India and China is on the other side," Xu Feihong told reporters. "The visit of Prime Minister Modi to China will be a very important event not only for the SCO but for the bilateral relationship between the two countries. A working group from China and India are preparing to make this visit a successful one. We attach great importance to this visit," he added. During his visit, Wang Yi had handed over a message and an invitation from President Xi to the Prime Minister for the SCO Summit being held in Tianjin on August 31-September 1. In a post on X on Wednesday, Xu Feihong had highlighted ten points of consensus from the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives (SRs) of China and India on the boundary question. He said that the two sides spoke positively of the progress made in the implementation of the important leader-level consensus in Kazan, and shared the view that peace and tranquility has been maintained in the China-India border areas since the 23rd Round of SR Talks. "The two sides reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas, emphasized handling the issue properly through friendly consultations, to promote overall development of the China-India bilateral relationship," he said. "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 China-India Boundary Question signed in 2005," he added. The Chinese Ambassador to India had said the two sides agreed to set up an Expert Group, under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on the China-India border affairs (WMCC) framework, to explore Early Harvest of boundary delimitation on appropriate Sectors. He said the two sides agreed to set up a Working Group, under the WMCC framework, to advance effective border management in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas."Agreed to create General-Level Mechanisms in the Eastern and Middle Sectors, in addition to the existing General-Level Mechanism in the Western Sector, and hold the next round of General-Level Mechanism meeting in the Western Sector at an early date," he said. "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 thereof," he said. Xu Feihong said the two sides exchanged views on trans-border rivers cooperation and agreed to give full play to the role of the China-India Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers and keep communication on the renewal of relevant MoUs. The Chinese side agreed to share hydrological information during emergency situations based on humanitarian considerations. "Agreed to re-open the three traditional border trading markets, namely Renqinggang-Changgu, Pulan-Gunji and Jiuba-Namgya. Agreed to hold the 25th Round of SR Talks in China in 2026," he said. (ANI) China's Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has said that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had important discussions with NSA Ajit Doval during his visit to India earlier this week, and the two countries will set up two groups on the border issue. He said one group will be for border delimitation into appropriate sectors, and the second group will focus on proper management of the border areas. During his visit, Wang Yi co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives' (SRs) dialogue on the Boundary Question between India and China with the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on August 19 and held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar a day earlier. The Chinese Foreign Minister also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 19. Xu Feihong said India and China should not define the border issue as the relationship between our two countries. "This time, during the Chinese FM visit to India, he had a very important talk with Mr Doval on the boundary issue. They reached a consensus on 10 points. Two groups will be set up by our two sides over the border issue. One group will be for border delimitation into appropriate sectors. The second group will focus on proper management of the border areas....We should not define the border issue as relationship between our two countries. The border issue is on one side, and cooperation between India and China is on the other side," Xu Feihong told reporters. The Chinese envoy also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to China for the SCO Summit. "The visit of Prime Minister Modi to China will be a very important event not only for the SCO but for the bilateral relationship between the two countries. A working group from China and India are preparing to make this visit a successful one. We attach great importance to this visit," he said. During his visit, Wang Yi handed over a message and an invitation from President Xi Jinping to the Prime Minister for the SCO Summit being held in Tianjin on August 31-September 1. PM Modi conveyed his acceptance. In a post on X on Wednesday, Xu Feihong had highlighted ten points of consensus from the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives (SRs) of China and India on the boundary question. He said that the two sides spoke positively of the progress made in the implementation of the important leader-level consensus in Kazan, and shared the view that peace and tranquility has been maintained in the China-India border areas since the 23rd Round of SR Talks. "The two sides reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas, emphasized handling the issue properly through friendly consultations, to promote overall development of the China-India bilateral relationship," he said. "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 China-India Boundary Question signed in 2005," he added. The Chinese Ambassador to India said the two sides agreed to set up an Expert Group, under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on the China-India border affairs (WMCC) framework, to explore Early Harvest of boundary delimitation on appropriate Sectors. He said the two sides agreed to set up a Working Group, under the WMCC framework, to advance effective border management in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas."Agreed to create General-Level Mechanisms in the Eastern and Middle Sectors, in addition to the existing General-Level Mechanism in the Western Sector, and hold the next round of General-Level Mechanism meeting in the Western Sector at an early date," he said. "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 thereof," he said. Xu Feihong said the two sides exchanged views on trans-border rivers cooperation and agreed to give full play to the role of the China-India Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers and keep communication on the renewal of relevant MoUs. The Chinese side agreed to share hydrological information during emergency situations based on humanitarian considerations. "Agreed to re-open the three traditional border trading markets, namely Renqinggang-Changgu, Pulan-Gunji and Jiuba-Namgya. Agreed to hold the 25th Round of SR Talks in China in 2026," he said. India and China also agreed to uphold multilateralism, enhance communication major international and regional issues, maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system with WTO at its core, and promote a multipolar world, that safeguards the interest of developing countries. (ANI) Noting that United States has benefited greatly from free trade but now is using tariffs as a bargaining chip, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has said his country is opposed to US decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods and said that "silence or compromise only emboldens the bully". Addressing an event in the national capital, the Chinese envoy said his country welcomes all Indian commodities to enter the Chinese market. In an apparent reference to the Trump administration imposing tariffs on different countries, Xu Feihong said that at present, tariff wars and trade wars are disrupting the global economic and trade system. "Power politics and the law of the jungle are prevalent, and international rules and order have suffered severe impacts," he said in hard-hitting remarks. "The Global South is highly concerned about how China and India can strengthen cooperation and take the lead to help developing countries overcome difficulties and safeguard international fairness and justice," he added. The Chinese envoy said the essence of trade is to complement each other's advantages and achieve mutual benefits and win-win results, not a calculation of who loses and who gains, nor should it become a tool for pursuing individual selfish interests. "The United States has long benefited greatly from free trade, but now it is using tariffs as a bargaining chip to demand exorbitant prices from various countries. The United States has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India, and has even threatened more. China firmly opposes it. In the face of such acts, silence or compromise only emboldens the bully," he said. Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade deal that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. A few days later, he imposed another 25 per cent tariff, taking the total to 50 per cent, citing India's continued imports of Russian oil. Xu Feihong said China will firmly stand with India to uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its core. He said India and China are engaged in discussion on resolution of direct flights. "China is willing to work with India to continue friendly exchanges in all walks of life so that people of our countries can visit each other like relatives...We welcome all Indian commodities to enter the Chinese market," he said. "We are willing to work with India to enhance development of our strategies and enlarge the cake of cooperation," he added. India and the US initiated talks for a just, balanced, and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in March this year, aiming to complete the first stage of the Agreement by October-November 2025. The US is keen on greater access to India's sensitive agriculture and dairy sectors, which provide livelihood to a large section of people. On April 2, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order for reciprocal tariffs on various trade partners, imposing varied tariffs in the range of 10-50 per cent. He subsequently kept the tariffs in abeyance for 90 days, while imposing a 10 per cent baseline tariff, providing time and space for making trade deals. The deadline was to end on July 9, and the US administration later pushed it to August 1. He announced reciprocal tariffs on India ahead of the deadline. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament earlier this month that the government is examining the impact of tariffs and will take all necessary steps to safeguard the national interest. Xu Feihong told reporters later that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had important discussions with NSA Ajit Doval during his visit to India earlier this week and the two countries will set up two groups on the border issue. He said one group will be for border delimitation into appropriate sectors and the second group will focus on proper management of the border areas. During his visit, Wang Yi co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives' (SRs) dialogue on the Boundary Question between India and China with the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on August 19 and held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar a day earlier. The Chinese Foreign Minister also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 19. Xu Feihong said India and China should not define the border issue as the relationship between our two countries. "This time, during the Chinese FM visit to India, he had a very important talk with Mr Doval on the boundary issue. They reached a consensus on 10 points. Two groups will be set up by our two sides over the border issue. One group will be for border delimitation into appropriate sectors. The second group will focus on proper management of the border areas....We should not define the border issue as relationship between our two countries. The border issue is on one side, and cooperation between India and China is on the other side," Xu Feihong said. The Chinese envoy also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to China for the SCO Summit. "The visit of Prime Minister Modi to China will be a very important event not only for the SCO but for the bilateral relationship between the two countries. A working group from China and India are preparing to make this visit a successful one. We attach great importance to this visit," he said. During his visit, Wang Yi handed over message and invitation from President Xi Jingping to the Prime Minister for the SCO Summit being held in Tianjin on August 31-September 1. PM Modi conveyed his acceptance. In a post on X on Wednesday, Xu Feihong had highlighted ten points of consensus from the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives (SRs) of China and India on the boundary question. He said that the two sides spoke positively of the progress made in the implementation of the important leader-level consensus in Kazan, and shared the view that peace and tranquility has been maintained in the China-India border areas since the 23rd Round of SR Talks. "The two sides reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas, emphasized handling the issue properly through friendly consultations, to promote overall development of the China-India bilateral relationship," he said. "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 China-India Boundary Question signed in 2005," he added. The Chinese Ambassador to India said the two sides agreed to set up an Expert Group, under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on the China-India border affairs (WMCC) framework, to explore Early Harvest of boundary delimitation on appropriate Sectors. He said the two sides agreed to set up a Working Group, under the WMCC framework, to advance effective border management in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas."Agreed to create General-Level Mechanisms in the Eastern and Middle Sectors, in addition to the existing General-Level Mechanism in the Western Sector, and hold the next round of General-Level Mechanism meeting in the Western Sector at an early date," he said. "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 thereof," he said. Xu Feihong said the two sides exchanged views on trans-border rivers cooperation and agreed to give full play to the role of the China-India Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers and keep communication on the renewal of relevant MoUs. The Chinese side agreed to share hydrological information during emergency situations based on humanitarian considerations. "Agreed to re-open the three traditional border trading markets, namely Renqinggang-Changgu, Pulan-Gunji and Jiuba-Namgya. Agreed to hold the 25th Round of SR Talks in China in 2026," he said. India and China also agreed to uphold multilateralism, enhance communication major international and regional issues, maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system with WTO at its core, and promote a multipolar world, that safeguards the interest of developing countries. (ANI) Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi met with Ambassador P Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, and Ambassador Abhay Thakur, India's envoy to Myanmar, on Thursday. https://x.com/adgpi/status/1958541076488433889 "Ambassador P Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in New York and Abhay Thakur, Ambassador of India to Myanmar, called on Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi," Indian Army "Their discussions focused on the present role & contributions of the Indian Army to various peacekeeping missions, geostrategic developments in South East Asia, strengthening India-Myanmar ties and promoting peace & stability through military and diplomacy: ADG PI," the post added. Earlier in the day, Dwivedi launched two web applications to improve the operational efficiency of Military Engineering Services (MES). The two apps, MES Integrated Monitoring and Management Software for Arbitration (MIMAMSA) and Electronic Measurement Book (e-MB) have been developed by Indian Army in collaboration with Settlez ADR Institute Pvt Ltd and ILEX Softhub Pvt Ltd. "MIMAMSA is a digital solution for enabling online Arbitration between the contractor and MES. e-MB transforms the time-consuming traditional manual paper-based process of measurement recording, verification and payment documentation by various stakeholders into a digital workflow. The applications foster efficiency, transparency and mark another step towards e-Governance," the Indian Army wrote on X. On Monday, COAS Dwivedi interacted with thirty meritorious higher secondary students from the tribal communities of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of the ongoing National Integration Tour - "Dweep se Delhi," as per a release. According to the release, General Upendra Dwivedi commended the students for their achievements in various fields and urged them to continue striving for excellence with commitment and perseverance. He also lauded the efforts of the Andaman and Nicobar Command for empowering the youth of the islands and enabling them to experience the vast opportunities our nation offers. The students, equally represented by boys and girls, belong to the Karen and Nicobarese communities from North Andaman, South Andaman and Nicobar districts. Known for their deep cultural roots and resilience, these tribes embody harmony with nature and a strong sense of community. (ANI) Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha about the condition of migrant workers from Maharashtra in Gulf countries, outlining the challenges faced by them and the measures taken by the Government to safeguard their welfare. Responding to a question raised by Dr Medha Vishram Kulkarni, the Minister said, "As per data available, the total number of Emigration Clearances (ECs) granted to Indian workers from Maharashtra (including to Gulf countries) during the period from 01 January 2020 to 31 July 2025 is 30,295." Highlighting the nature of complaints received from Indian workers abroad, Singh stated, "Majority of complaints/grievances received from Indian workers in the Gulf countries pertains to delay in payment/non-payment of salaries, retention of passports, unfair working conditions, sub standard accommodation, extended working hours, ill treatment/harassment etc." On the steps being taken to address these concerns, the Minister underlined the Government's commitment, saying, "The Government of India accords highest priority to the safety, protection and wellbeing of Indian workers abroad. There are established channels to enable them to reach out to the Embassy/Consulate in case they need any assistance. They can contact the Embassy/Consulate through walk-in, email, multilingual 24x7 emergency numbers, Whatsapp number, grievance redressal portal like MADAD/CPGAMS/eMigrate, and social media etc. There are dedicated Labour Wings for handling such matters. Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras have been set up in key locations such as New Delhi, Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah to provide guidance and counselling to the Indian workers." Singh further detailed how complaints are handled, adding, "On receipt of any complaint or grievance from Indian nationals including labourers, the Embassy/Consulate pro-actively takes it up with the concerned Foreign Employer (FE) and, if needed, the work place of the aggrieved worker is also visited. The issues are also taken up with the local Labour Department and other concerned authority of the host country for redressal." To ensure accessibility, he said, "Indian Missions/Posts regularly organize Open Houses and Consular Camps in remote areas to get feedback from Indian workers residing in such areas and to address their grievances, if any. On receipt of complaint from or on behalf of the emigrant, the same is taken up pro-actively with concerned Foreign Employer (FE) and the work place of the aggrieved worker is also visited, if required. The complaints pertaining to employment issues are also taken up with the local labour department and other relevant authorities of the host country for prompt redressal." The Minister also spoke about safeguards for women workers, stating, "Further, as additional safeguard for protection and safety of the Female workers (including domestic sector workers), Government has authorized only State run Recruiting Agencies (RAs) to recruit Indian female workers holding ECR category passports for overseas employment in Gulf and other notified ECR Countries through the e-Migrate Portal. Moreover, there is a minimum age criteria of 30 years for female workers holding ECR category passport for overseas employment to protect them against exploitation." On financial and legal aid, Singh said, "The Embassy/Consulate also utilizes the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) from time to time to provide financial and legal assistance to Indian nationals in distress on a means-tested basis. Under ICWF, the major assistance includes Boarding & Lodging, Air Passage to India, Legal Assistance, Emergency Medical Care, Transportation of Mortal Remains to India, and Payment of Small Fines and Penalties." (ANI) The Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad held an online discussion reviewing four years of the Islamic Emirate's rule in Afghanistan, Tolo News reported. Speaking at the event, Sardar Ahmad Shakib, the Islamic Emirate's ambassador in Islamabad, emphasised the Emirate's balanced and economy-focused foreign policy. He said, "In foreign relations, the Islamic Emirate continues to pursue a balanced policy with an emphasis on economic-oriented diplomacy. Afghanistan today is neither dependent on one bloc nor in conflict with another one, but rather seeks relations with all countries on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests," Tolo News reported. Meanwhile, Mansoor Ahmad Khan, Pakistan's former ambassador to Kabul, stated that tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan still persist and must be resolved. He added, "Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship has, you know, continued to show an interesting pattern. A state-to-state friction has existed between Pakistan and Afghanistan for the last five to six decades. This friction was evident in the 1980s, the 1990s, and from 2001 to 2021, particularly during the US and NATO presence. And even after the Taliban assumed the reins of the state," Tolo News reported. Political analyst Najib Rahman Shamal also commented, "The Pakistani government should reconsider its approach toward Afghanistan, taking into account Afghanistan's circumstances and the Islamic Emirate's past four years of rule, in order to ensure peace in the region," Tolo News noted. One of the main issues straining relations has been Islamabad's repeated claims about Afghan soil being used against Pakistan, an issue that, over the past four years, has frequently led to verbal disputes and even armed clashes between the two sides, Tolo News reported. The discussion underscored that addressing the longstanding tensions and disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains crucial, and both sides must engage in constructive dialogue while considering the Islamic Emirate's past four years of governance to promote stability and peace in the region. (ANI) KYOTO, Aug 21 (News On Japan) - Kyoto's former Thunderbird 681 series has been reborn as a restaurant experience under the concept of a 'FUTURE TRAIN,' using an abandoned elevated railway. Inside, the restaurant features areas modeled after dining cars, as well as a bar counter and box seating, offering unique original menus. Restaurant producer Sebastian Masuda explained, Dining cars and onboard sales are disappearing. I wanted people to think, Isnt food on the train delicious? Thats why we created this experience-based restaurant. In the future, I hope to add more cars so it can become the worlds longest restaurant. At the grand opening scheduled for late September, the front car will be unveiled as a space where visitors can enjoy immersive art experiences. Source: MBS CGTN Poll: Chinese modernization drives Xizang's leaping development CGTN) 10:28, August 21, 2025 As this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region, CGTN recently conducted a global survey among 6,747 respondents across 38 countries. The result reveals that most of the respondents laud the all-round progress in Xizang's social and economic development, widely praise the historic transformation brought by democratic reforms, and recognize Chinese modernization as the fundamental driving force for Xizang's leaping development. Affirming Xizang's modernization achievements The survey shows respondents' positive assessments of Xizang's social and economic achievements, with the top five recognized accomplishments being: "continuous improvement in healthcare standards" (83.8 percent), "ensured right to education for citizens" (83.8 percent), "remarkable achievements in ecological protection and governance" (83 percent), "rising life expectancy with full protection of subsistence and development rights" (82.5 percent), and "enhanced infrastructure development" (81.9 percent). Additionally, 80.6 percent acknowledge the rising income levels of the people in Xizang, 80.6 percent affirm the effectiveness of poverty alleviation efforts, and 78.4 percent commend Xizang's robust economic growth and substantial outcomes. The survey indicates that 74.8 percent of respondents attribute Xizang's leaping development to Chinese modernization. Notably, the respondents aged 25 to 34 show the highest degree of recognition, exceeding the average by 6.2 percentage points and reaching 81 percent. Regionally, respondents from Africa (85.1 percent), South America (81.8 percent), and Asia (76.1 percent) demonstrate the highest levels of endorsement. Recognizing China's governance approach in Xizang Respondents also widely recognize the democratic reform in Xizang. Over 60 percent of respondents said the feudal serfdom system subjected impoverished serfs to exploitation and oppression. Meanwhile, 58.8 percent affirmed that the reform comprehensively liberated persecuted residents. Regional approval rates rank highest among respondents from Asia, Africa, and North America, all exceeding the average. Over the past six decades, Xizang has fully implemented the policy on freedom of religious belief, with continuous enhancement in safeguarding the right. The survey indicates that 75.8 percent commend the modern upgrading of religious sites and facilities in Xizang. Meanwhile, 79.1 percent acknowledge sustained improvements in social welfare protections for religious personnel. Additionally, 83.5 percent positively evaluate Xizang's cultural heritage preservation outcomes, recognizing this initiative as effectively protecting, inheriting, and developing outstanding ethnic minority cultures. Meanwhile, 84.6 percent highly affirm the steady improvement of public cultural infrastructure, considering it vital for preserving and promoting Xizang's culture. Expecting a prosperous, stable Xizang The survey demonstrates strong consensus that Xizang-related affairs are China's internal matters, with firm opposition to external interference. A total of 63.8 percent of respondents affirm that Xizang has been an integral part of China's territory since ancient times. Meanwhile, 56.1 percent maintain that Xizang affairs are purely China's internal affairs, rejecting any external meddling. Another 72.7 percent assert that spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism should strictly adhere to local religious traditions, with reincarnation processes fully complying with religious rituals and historical conventions, opposing the Dalai Lama's erroneous statements on reincarnation. Regarding attitudes toward Xizang's development prospects, 74.5 percent express confidence in its future. Regionally, respondents from South America, Africa, and Asia demonstrate the highest confidence, all exceeding the mean. The top 10 countries are Kenya, Indonesia, Peru, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mexico, and Pakistan, all with approval rates above 85 percent. The survey was jointly conducted by CGTN and Renmin University of China through the Institute of New Era International Communication, among 6,747 respondents from 38 countries around the world in the form of an online sample library survey. The surveyed countries cover major developed countries and the Global South. The respondents are people aged 18 to 65, and the sample is in line with the age and gender distribution of the population censuses of various countries. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Technology provides important assistance so customers can accurately and conveniently process transactions NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EDEKA Paschmann in Dusseldorf is the first supermarket in Germany to use Diebold Nixdorf's (NYSE: DBD) Vynamic Smart Vision I Shrink Reduction solution at its self-service checkouts. The AI-enabled technology addresses errors at the self-service checkout both unintentional and deliberate and offers retailers protection against the most common cause of loss in self-checkout. In addition, the systems are equipped with Diebold Nixdorf's automatic, AI-powered age verification. Both solutions help EDEKA Paschmann reduce friction for shoppers and store staff alike, tackling the areas that cause the majority of interventions and checkout delays. EDEKA Paschmann equipped its self-service checkouts with AI-powered shrink reduction and age estimation solutions from Diebold Nixdorf Vynamic Smart Vision I Shrink Reduction uses cameras to analyze customer behavior and activities at the self-service checkout in real time. If the system detects a missed scan or incorrect operation, customers receive a nudge via a message on the checkout display informing that an item has not been scanned correctly. Once the shopper self-rectifies and scans the product which was missed, the transaction continues without major interruption to the checkout process. Employees are only informed if the system displays another error message, so they can provide support to complete the checkout process correctly. Short, real-time video sequences of the anomaly detected by the system help to better illustrate the process to customers and explain how certain operating errors can be avoided in future. With Vynamic Smart Vision I Age Verification, EDEKA Paschmann is deploying another AI-enabled solution from Diebold Nixdorf. By using a consumer-facing camera and a sophisticated algorithm, shoppers can authorize the purchase of age-restricted goods like alcoholic beverages. This gives staff members time for more important tasks such as customer service or ensuring product availability, as they only need to assist shoppers who score below the age threshold or those who do not wish to opt in. Both solutions do not involve facial recognition or the storage of images or other customer information, making them fully GDPR-compliant. Falk Paschmann, managing director of EDEKA Paschmann, said: "The well-being of our customers is a high priority. We want to make the shopping experience as appealing as possible for them with state-of-the-art store technology. This also applies to the payment process. With Diebold Nixdorf's Smart Vision technology, we are making the self-service area even more attractive, as we give our customers the assurance that all transactions are carried out correctly and, in the case of age-restricted goods, more quickly." Leyla Feghhi, head of Retail Sales in the DACH region at Diebold Nixdorf, said: "We are delighted to see Vynamic Smart Vision I Shrink Reduction in use for the first time in Germany at EDEKA Paschmann. With this AI-powered solution, we already cover more than 20 of the most common causes of shrink. At the same time, the technology enables employees to better assess situations so they can respond appropriately. This prevents customers from being suspected of theft every time they accidentally scan an item incorrectly, and staff from having to engage in difficult personal interventions." In the future, EDEKA Paschmann also plans to use Vynamic Smart Vision | Fresh Produce Recognition, Diebold Nixdorf's AI-powered solution for automatic recognition of fruit and vegetables. About EDEKA Paschmann EDEKA-Markte H.W.Paschmann GmbH & Co. KG" consists of 11 stores with a total sales area of over 20,000 m and more than 900 employees. It belongs to the EDEKA Group and, at the regional level, to the Rhein-Ruhr wholesale company in Moers. Each store is individually tailored to its location and structural conditions. Further information can be found at https://edeka-paschmann.de/. About Diebold Nixdorf Diebold Nixdorf (NYSE: DBD), Incorporated, automates, digitizes and transforms the way people bank and shop. As a partner to the majority of the world's top 100 financial institutions and top 25 global retailers, our integrated solutions connect digital and physical channels conveniently, securely and efficiently for millions of consumers each day. The company has a presence in more than 100 countries with approximately 21,000 employees worldwide. Visit www.dieboldnixdorf.com for more information. X: @DieboldNixdorf LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/diebold Facebook: www.facebook.com/DieboldNixdorf YouTube: www.youtube.com/dieboldnixdorf DN-R SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated SHIKOKU, Aug 21 (News On Japan) - Sculptures of nude women, once a common sight in parks and public squares, are now at the center of growing debate. In Takamatsu, a port city on Japans Shikoku Island, two statues of naked girls in a park are scheduled to be removed this month as part of a renovation project. City officials said complaints had been raised that the figures were too stimulating and inappropriate for children, with some parents noting that elementary school students felt embarrassed when passing by the works. The decision has deeply disappointed the 94-year-old sculptor Seiichi, who created the works to commemorate the completion of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. A womans body is not something shameful, he said. I wanted to show the natural beauty of human growth, the vitality of life, and the strength of women who give birth. That is the most beautiful thing. Seiichi explained that he chose female forms because of their unique ability to carry and nurture life. To him, the statues were intended not as sexual objects but as symbols of vitality and human dignity. The debate extends beyond Takamatsu. In Kobe, 39 sculptures line the main streets of the city center, 14 of which are nude female figures. The prevalence of such works is tied to Japans postwar history. Experts note that while prewar public monuments often depicted political leaders or military figures, in the 1970s, local governments turned to public artespecially female nudesas symbols of peace and cultural sophistication. Kobe, branding itself as a city of sculpture, commissioned many such works during its urban development campaigns from the late 1960s onward. Yet not all statues have survived. One nude sculpture removed during bridge repair work in Hyogo in 2021 has been left in storage for more than three years, with no new installation site found. Covered in blue sheets and lying on its side, the bronze figure now rests in a materials yard. Opinions among residents are divided. Some argue that the works are harmless and part of the familiar city landscape, while others worry about the effect on children or say they feel uncomfortable seeing the figures in graduation photos. A few have suggested consolidating nude sculptures in one designated area where those interested can visit. The issue has also prompted comparisons with other countries. An Asia University professor noted that nude statues are rarely found in public spaces overseas, suggesting that Japan take this opportunity to reconsider what kind of art should be displayed in its cities. Commentators caution that unlike issues of social welfare or discrimination, disputes over public art are matters of cultural values, making it difficult to determine right or wrong. Some argue that simply removing works and leaving them in storage is the saddest outcome, and that local governments should seek more open discussions with residents about the role of art in shared spaces. Others warn that hiding nude statues could itself reinforce the idea that the human body is shameful. Instead, they suggest that the works could serve as a starting point for education, encouraging healthier discussions about art, the human form, and sexuality. Source: KTV NEWS Aug 21 (News On Japan) - The founder of video-sharing site FC2 has been handed a suspended sentence for allowing the distribution of obscene videos accessible to an unspecified number of people. According to the ruling, FC2 founder Takahashi Yoshihiro, 51, in 2013 made obscene videos publicly available on the site, enabling general viewing. Throughout the trial, Takahashi admitted to the charges. In its ruling on August 21st, the Kyoto District Court stated that the act "spread obscene videos across society and significantly harmed the countrys healthy sexual order." However, the court also noted that Takahashi pledged never again to be involved in operating the site. He was sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for five years, and ordered to pay a fine of 2.5 million yen. Takahashis legal team has indicated plans to appeal the sentence, citing dissatisfaction with the severity of the ruling. Source: TBS KAGOSHIMA, Aug 22 (News On Japan) - Typhoon No. 12 crossed the Kagoshima mainland before weakening into a tropical depression off Miyazaki Prefecture on the morning of August 21. Authorities are urging continued vigilance against landslides and other disasters. The storm made landfall in Kagoshima on the evening of August 20 and transitioned into a tropical depression over the Pacific around 9 a.m. the following day. Kagoshima Prefecture recorded torrential downpours of around 120 millimeters per hour, prompting emergency warnings for record-breaking rainfall. In Kagoshima City, accumulated rainfall since August 20 exceeded 300 millimetersabout 1.5 times the citys average for the entire month of August. In Minamisatsuma, a 69-year-old woman was rushed to hospital with suspected hypothermia, and a community center was left partially submerged. A local resident described the damage: "From above it looked like the whole area had turned into a reservoir. This morning the tatami mats were lifted up and everything was covered in sand. Ive never seen anything like this before." Although the risk of a linear precipitation band forming has passed, saturated ground remains unstable. Authorities warn that the danger of landslides and further flooding remains high and are calling for strict caution. Source: TBS TOKYO, Aug 22 (News On Japan) - Prime Minister Ishiba announced at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which opened in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, that Japan will train 30,000 professionals in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa over the next three years. TICAD, now in its ninth edition, is a Japan-led conference for discussing Africas development, with 49 countries participating this year. Ishiba, serving as co-chair, delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. Ishiba said: "The median age of Africas population is 19. Young people are full of energy. Over the next three years, we will support the training of 300,000 human resources, including 30,000 for AI-related industries." In addition, Ishiba introduced a new initiative to strengthen cooperation by treating India, the Middle East, and Africa as a single economic zone under the "Indian OceanAfrica Economic Zone Initiative." Source: FNN OSAKA, Aug 22 (News On Japan) - Sakai City announced it will launch a long-delayed balloon project on October 4th, allowing passengers to view the Nintoku Emperors Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from above. The city had planned to start the project two years ago, but the launch was postponed after helium gas was found leaking just before operations were to begin. Officials said they scheduled the opening to coincide with the Expo period in order to draw visitors and raise the citys profile. Mayor Hideki Nagafuchi said, "We hope that after the Expo, people who come back to Osaka will also visit Sakai to experience the grandeur of the Mozu burial mounds." The ride will cost 4,200 yen per adult, with a discounted price of 3,200 yen for Sakai residents. Source: KTV NEWS 2026 Lawyer of the Year Medical Malpractice Law: Plaintiffs ( Cleveland ) Of Counsel Attorney Marilena DiSilvio "Being recognized by our peers is a valued acknowledgment of the talented people we have assembled at Elk + Elk," said Kelley. "Every honor, individual or firm, is a reflection of the work our entire team puts in every day to guide our clients and fight for the results they deserve." In addition to these individual honors, The Best Lawyers in America recognized the following Elk + Elk attorneys for their outstanding work and client advocacy: James (Jay) M. Kelley III Medical Malpractice Law Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation Plaintiffs Phillip A. Kuri Personal Injury Litigation Plaintiffs Curtis M. Fifner Personal Injury Litigation Plaintiffs Marilena DiSilvio Medical Malpractice Law Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation Plaintiffs Selections for The Best Lawyers in America are based entirely on peer review, honoring attorneys for professional excellence and leadership in specific practice areas and regions. The "Lawyer of the Year" distinction is awarded to the lawyer with the highest overall peer feedback in a given category and location. About Elk + Elk Elk + Elk is a personal injury law firm representing clients across Ohio, Kentucky, and Washington. The firm handles medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, birth injury, slip and fall, and other complex litigation. Learn more at elkandelk.com SOURCE Elk + Elk King Mohammed VI has pardoned 591 convicts on the occasion of Youth Day celebrated on August 21 in Morocco, said the Ministry of Justice in a statement. The list of the beneficiaries of the royal pardon includes inmates who were granted pardon over their remaining jail terms, convicts who had their prison terms reduced, and one prisoner who saw his sentence commuted from life imprisonment to fixed jail terms. Some convicts benefited from pardon over their imprisonment terms but their fines were maintained. Other convicts saw their fines canceled, while others benefited from both a pardon over their prison terms and fines. The King usually grants free pardon to inmates and convicts on religious and national holidays. Morocco has lowered the level of its diplomatic representation at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, currently held in Yokohama, Japan, following the scandalous participation of polisario militias in the event under high Japanese security protection. The ridiculous show was cooked up and generously financed by the Algerian military regime with tax-payers money while Algerians are suffering from shortage of basic necessities, poor infrastructures, transport services, medical care In a bid to avoid getting embroiled in a diplomatic row with Rabat, Japan has reiterated through its FM Takeshi Iwaya Tokyos firm position affirming that it does not recognize the Polisario separatist group. 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. Japan, host country of the conference, has not invited the Polisario to the gathering but the separatist group was brought in by the African Union, co-organizer of the African-Japanese event. The move raises questions over the respect of TICAD rules and principles saying that only countries recognized by the United Nations are allowed in. Some experts say Polisario presence in the conference is a mere pro-forma attendance without any political legitimacy. Its appearance in such events is always used for propaganda. It comes always after intensive lobbying made by Algeria and its acolytes inside AU as the Polisario is a fictitious entity lacking all statehood attributes. The separatist groups presence at the summit without an official invitation prompted Japanese organizers to deploy substantial security personnel to prevent unauthorized contact between Polisario representatives and legitimate state delegations. The containment strategy effectively isolated the group from formal proceedings and diplomatic interactions that constitute the conferences primary purpose. Security arrangements specifically prevented Polisario representatives from accessing official seating areas, relegating them to peripheral positions outside formal diplomatic zones. The delegation received no speaking opportunities during plenary sessions and was excluded from official receptions and bilateral meetings where substantive diplomatic engagement occurs. Japanese authorities issued only temporary passes rather than official visas, emphasizing the groups non-recognized status. Meanwhile, the Algerian regime continues its unconditional support for the Polisario Front, mobilizing all its diplomatic and logistical resources to secure the separatist participation in international gatherings despite its awareness of the position of host countries. The reckless Algerian junta continues gambling on a losing horse for five decades, leading to their country bankruptcy, isolation, and deepening socioeconomic and political crises. Moroccos National Airports Office (ONDA) has awarded contracts worth 4.4 billion dirhams for major expansion projects at Marrakech-Menara and Agadir Al-Massira airports, advancing the kingdoms strategic infrastructure development plan to accommodate growing aviation demands. Jet Contractors secured the Marrakech-Menara expansion contract valued at 2.2 billion dirhams. The project will enlarge the passenger terminal to 142,000 square meters, increasing annual capacity from nine million to sixteen million travelers. This significant expansion positions Marrakechs airport to handle the sustained growth in tourist arrivals to Moroccos premier cultural destination. The Agadir Al-Massira project, also valued at 2.2 billion dirhams, was awarded to Societe Generale des Travaux du Maroc (SGTM). The comprehensive development includes terminal extension and reorganization to boost capacity from three million to seven million passengers annually. Additional infrastructure improvements encompass road networks and exterior facilities to support increased traffic flow. Both projects form integral components of Moroccos national Airports 2030 strategy, unveiled by ONDA to modernize and expand airport capabilities across the kingdom. The initiative responds to sustained aviation traffic growth and positions Morocco as a regional hub for air travel between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. ONDA Director General Adel El Fakir announced during the strategys February presentation that all airport projects would be completed before 2028, except for Casablancas facility, whose completion is scheduled for 2029. The accelerated timeline reflects Moroccos commitment to infrastructure development ahead of major international events and tourism growth targets. These investments align with Moroccos broader economic vision, enhancing connectivity to support tourism, trade, and investment flows. The expanded facilities will incorporate modern technologies and improved passenger services, meeting international standards while accommodating projected traffic increases through the next decade. Nevada Requires Heat Mitigation Planning Under New Law Assembly Bill 96 directs Clark and Washoe counties to add cooling spaces, water access, and shade strategies to local master plans by 2026 to combat extreme heat. Nevada has enacted Assembly Bill 96, a law requiring the states largest counties to add heat mitigation strategies to their master plans as temperatures continue to rise. The measure applies to Clark and Washoe counties and mandates planning for public cooling spaces, drinking water access, cool building practices, and shaded paved areas, with a preference for drought-tolerant tree cover. The law, assigned Chapter 225, was signed on June 3 and takes effect July 1, 2026. Lawmakers said the goal is to help cities and neighborhoods particularly underserved communities withstand the growing impacts of extreme heat. Russia and India are interested in collaborating on joint energy projects, including oil and gas production in Russias Far East and Arctic shelf, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday after meeting with his Indian counterpart in Moscow. Earlier this month, the United States announced an additional 25% tariff on India over its imports of crude from Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order enacting an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, explicitly targeting Indias ongoing imports of Russian crude oil. The overall 50% tariff on Indian goods is set to take effect on August 27. Since the U.S. threat to India over its purchases of Russian oil India is actually the second-largest oil customer for Moscow after China Russia and India have talked up their strategic partnership with high-level meetings and visits. At the end of the meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Moscow today, Russias Lavrov said, as carried by Russian news agency Interfax, We have achieved good results in cooperation in the area of hydrocarbons, Russian oil supply to the Indian market. We have a mutual interest in implementing joint energy production projects, including those in Russia, in the Far East and on the Arctic shelf, the Russian minister said. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India by the end of the year, Lavrov added. Meanwhile, India appears to continue to rely on Russian crude oil despite the U.S. pressure not to buy it. Indian state refiners have returned to the spot market for purchases of Russian oil, company officials familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday, as discounts for Moscows crude grades deepened. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) have bought Russian Urals and other crudes for September and October delivery, as the discounts for Urals widened to $3 per barrel, the officials said. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Libyas eastern-based parliament is preparing to approve a 2019 maritime pact that would allow Turkey to explore for oil and gas in Libyan waters, according to people familiar with the talks in Benghazi and Ankara. Most obstacles to the accord have been cleared, they said, a striking reversal for the eastlong aligned with commander Khalifa Haftars Libyan National Army and historically opposed to Turkish involvement. Tripoli, which already maintains close ties with Ankara, backs the deal. If ratified, Turkish survey and drilling vessels could begin work in a corridor between Turkey and Crete, bolstering Ankaras claims in the eastern Mediterranean and likely aggravating disputes with Greece and Cyprus. The pending vote follows a cautious detente between Turkey and Haftar: a Turkish navy corvette, TCG K?nal?ada, is visiting Benghazi; Ankara is weighing military training support; and Haftars son, Saddam, met Turkeys defense leadership in April. Turkey is also keen to revive billions of dollars in stalled construction contracts and has restarted direct flights to Benghazi, while major Turkish contractors scope reconstruction and materials production in the east. Eastern authorities increasingly see the accord as a way to attract investment. The maritime move comes as Libyas energy sector regains momentum. On August 19, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported over 1.38 million barrels of crude produced in the prior 24 hours, plus ~50,000 b/d of condensate and 2.48 bcf of natural gas, reaffirming its focus on production stability, domestic supply, and export obligations. Output reached a 12-year high of ~1.23 million b/d in May despite periodic clashes around Tripoli, and NOC targets 2 million b/d by 2028 through capacity expansions and stronger infrastructure. Libya launched its first field tenders in 17 years in March, drawing 400+ bids across 22 blocks, and ExxonMobil signed an MoU this month to assess offshore blocks off the northwest coast and the Sirte Basinsignals of returning foreign interest. Libyas light, low-sulfur barrels remain highly prized, with reserves leading Africa and ranking ninth globally. Regionally, the potential Turkish exploration underscores shifting geopolitics. With Russia preoccupied in Ukraine, Oilprice.com's Simon Watkins writes that Washington and London are pushing to cement influence across the Middle East and North Africa, backing economic stabilization tied to energy development in states like Syria and Libya. In Libya, BP and Shell recently signed frameworks with NOC to evaluate redevelopment of large onshore fields and other assets, while a Mellitah Oil & GasHill International agreement aims to lift gas output from 2026. These movesalongside U.S. and European engagementmake it harder for rivals to reassert dominance. Still, the maritime file is fraught. Greece in May tendered exploration blocks south of Crete that overlap waters Libya claims; the European Union has argued the mooted LibyaTurkey arrangement infringes third-state rights and conflicts with the UN Law of the Sea. For Libya, the near-term challenge is operational continuity: safeguarding fields and export terminals, ensuring power and water for upstream operations, and keeping cross-faction revenue disputes in check. If stability holds and planned investments proceed, Libya could add meaningful barrels just as global supply is expected to loosen into late 20252026while Ankaras prospective offshore campaigns would add a new layer of complexity to the eastern Mediterranean energy map. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Significantly expands U.S. commercial opportunity with ability to charge fees per scan assessed Investor Webinar - 11.30am AEST (9.30am AWST) on 22 August 2025 PERTH, Australia, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Artrya Limited (ASX: AYA) (Artrya or the Company), a medical technology company commercialising its Salix AI-powered cloud platform, for the near real time, point of care assessment and management of coronary artery disease, is pleased to announce it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) for Artrya's proprietary, Salix Coronary Plaque module. This regulatory clearance is a major milestone in Artrya's U.S. market launch which commenced in July and will greatly expand the revenue opportunity with current and future customers. Key Points Major milestone as Artrya receives FDA 510(k) clearance for the Salix Coronary Plaque module Salix Coronary Plaque module enables near real-time, point-of-care detection of high-risk plaque - a key predictor of heart attack [1] often missed using current manual practices Salix Coronary Plaque module integrates seamlessly with FDA-cleared Salix Coronary Anatomy platform which is already commercial with Tanner Health Significantly expands U.S. commercial launch with ability to charge a fee per scan assessed with Salix Coronary Plaque module - U.S. Category 1 CPT reimbursement rate US$950 [2] for each assessment John Konstantopoulos, Co-Founder and CEO of Artrya, said: "We are thrilled to have received FDA clearance of our Salix Coronary Plaque module, which opens up a much greater revenue opportunity for us in the U.S., our largest market. The team have worked tremendously hard to prepare and support the submission which we lodged on the 16th of June, and we intend to build on this as we approach our next submission for the Salix Coronary Flow module. Our momentum is definitely building, with the core Salix Coronary Anatomy platform now commercial in Tanner Health, and integration of Northeast Georgia Health System and Cone Health progressing well. Once live, we simply enable the Salix Coronary Plaque module in their workstream, providing their clinicians access to our highly detailed assessment of coronary artery plaque in under ten minutes. We know these clinicians tremendously value the speed, ease and efficiency that our Salix platform and plaque module offers, as they seek to rapidly diagnose patients and provide those in need with lifesaving treatment. As we move forward, our ability to generate revenue from our U.S. customers for each CCTA scan they assess with our Salix Plaque module, provides us the ability to scale rapidly. This is underpinned by the ability of our customers to receive an attractive Category 1 reimbursement of US$950[2] for each plaque assessment they perform." FDA 510(k) clearance of Salix Coronary Plaque module Artrya has received FDA 510(k) clearance of the Salix Coronary Plaque module, a proprietary artificial intelligence-enabled module for detecting and quantifying coronary artery plaque. The Salix Coronary Plaque module enables a near real-time, point-of-care assessment of plaque and stenosis for patients who have undergone a coronary CT angiogram (CCTA). A CCTA scan is now the recommended front line diagnostic scan for assessing patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. The Salix Coronary Plaque module is already embedded within the same user interface as the Salix Coronary Anatomy platform and can immediately be enabled in the live version of the platform following this FDA clearance. This makes the expanded Salix technology offering available to clinicians, with assessments available to them in less than 10 minutes and without changing or using multiple systems, as required with competing technology. [1] Low-Attenuation Noncalcified Plaque on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Predicts Myocardial Infarction: Circulation. 2020;141(18):1452-1462. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.119.044720 [2] Cardiovascular Business CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT Commercial opportunity for Salix Coronary Plaque module Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of death and the largest category of U.S. healthcare expenditure, with costs projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2035[3]. Coronary artery plaque remains difficult to detect with current methods and in over 50%[4] of the population, the first sign of the disease is sudden death. More than 4.4 million[5] CCTA scans are performed each year in the U.S., growing at over 6% annually[6]. The U.S. government has also increased reimbursement rates paid for assessing CCTA scans, due to the high incidence and benefits for earlier intervention. Now that Artrya's Salix Coronary Plaque module is cleared, it automatically qualifies for a Category I CPT code for automated plaque analysis of CCTA scans, with reimbursement of US$950 per assessment from January 1, 2026. Artrya's go to market strategy for the U.S. is built around three strategic partnerships with mid-sized U.S. hospital systems. The first of these, Tanner Health, signed a commercial agreement for clinical use of the Salix Coronary Anatomy platform in July 2025 and the integration of Northeast Georgia Health and Cone Health is progressing and will be completed in coming months. This is Artrya's most immediate commercial opportunity and will be the focus before adding additional customers. Artrya is also collaborating with several major U.S. hospital centres to participate in the upcoming SAPPHIRE study. These centres will use the Salix Coronary Plaque module and will gain awareness and understanding of the benefits that Salix can provide. A key strategy moving forward will be to build on this awareness and clinical utility to seek to transition these centres to commercial customers. Investor Webinar The Company's Co-Founder and CEO John Konstantopoulos, will host an Investor Webinar at 11.30am AEST (9.30am AWST) on 22 August 2025, to discuss the FDA clearance and the business outlook. A recording of the webinar will be available on the Investor Centre section of the Company's website for 60 days after the call. Shareholders will also have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session at the end of the briefing. Date: 22 August 2025 Time: 9:30am AWST / 11:30am AEST To pre-register for this conference, please use the following link below: https://artrya.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9ke5TnZATEGINQn6ZUq-VQ - Ends - This ASX Announcement is authorised for release by the Board of Artrya Limited. [3] Cardiovascular Disease: A Costly Burden for America Projections Through 2035. American Heart Association [4] Comprehensive plaque assessment by coronary CT angiography. Nat Rev Cardiol 11, 390402 (2014) [5] Frost & Sullivan Analysis Artrya Prospectus [6] Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology (DIAC) - Rising Demand for Cardiac CT Positions Market for Major Growth About Artrya Artrya Limited (ASX:AYA) is an Australian medical technology company developing AI-powered solutions to improve the detection and management of coronary artery disease. Its proprietary software analyses coronary CT scans to Identify key biomarkers of heart disease, supporting clinicians in diagnosing patients more accurately and efficiently. Artrya's mission is to advance cardiac care through Innovative technology, with regulatory and commercial activities underway across key international markets. For more information visit www.artrya.com or follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/artrya Forward Looking Statements This Announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including estimates, projections and other forward-looking information (Estimates and Projections). Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "expect", "anticipate", "likely", "intend", "should", "could", "may", "predict", "plan", "propose", "will", "believe", "forecast", "estimate", "target", "outlook", "guidance" and other similar expressions within the meaning of securities laws of applicable jurisdictions and include, but are not limited to, indications of, or guidance or outlook on, future earnings or financial position or performance of Artrya. The Estimates and Projections are based on information available to Artrya as at the date of the Announcement, are based upon management's current expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs in regards to future events in respect to Artrya's business and the industry in which it operates which may in time prove to be false, inaccurate or incorrect. The Estimates and Projections are provided as a general guide and should not be relied upon as an indication or guarantee of future performance. The bases for these statements are subject to risk and uncertainties that might be out of control of Artrya and may cause actual results to differ from the Announcement. No representation, warranty, or guarantee, whether express or implied, is made or given by Artrya in relation to any Estimates and Projections, the accuracy, reliability, or reasonableness of the assumptions on which the Estimates and Projections are based, or the process of formulating any Estimates and Projections, including that any Estimates and Projections contained in this Announcement will be achieved. Artrya takes no responsibility to make changes to these statements to reflect change of events or circumstances after the release. For more information: Corporate Enquiries Investor & Media Enquiries John Konstantopoulos Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tel: +61 8 6478 7816 Email: [email protected] David Allen or John Granger Hawkesbury Partners Tel: +61 499 100 038 or +61 410 577 155 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Artrya Limited Russia and India are looking for ways to continue trading oil, and Russia has offered what it calls a special mechanism to the India side to ensure thisdespite U.S. President Trumps threat to impose an additional tariff of 25% on Indian exports if the country keeps buying Russian oil. The news about a special mechanism broke earlier this week, with Reuters citing Russian diplomats from the embassy in New Delhi as talking about it but without providing any details. I want to highlight that despite the political situation, we can predict that the same level of oil import [by India], Reuters quoted Roman Babushkin, the Russian charge daffaires at the New Delhi embassy, as saying. Indian refiners earlier this month began shunning Russian crude on the spot market, after President Trump said India had to stop buying crude oil from Russia. India did not respond well to the threat, with the government essentially saying it would keep doing what was best for India, regardless of the U.S. agenda, even as refiners began contracting U.S. and Middle Eastern oil cargoes. However, the shunning of Russian oil was short-lived, and Indian oil importers soon resumed purchases, taking advantage of a deeper discount for Russias flagship Urals blend, since Chinese refiners have been unable to absorb all additional volumes freed by their Indian counterparts temporary turn away from Urals on the spot market. Related: US National Security Probe Targets Wind Industry The mechanism that Russia is now offering India perhaps includes an additional discount, to stimulate demand, the Reuters report suggested, as it cited Russian Trade Deputy Commissioner Evgeny Griva as saying that Indias imports of Russian oil were a good bargain for the buyers, with discounts at between 5% and 7%. Meanwhile, Trumps trade adviser Peter Navarro earlier this week lashed out at India for buying Russian oil, calling the trade opportunistic and deeply corrosive of the worlds efforts to isolate Putins war economy in an op-ed for the Financial Times. India has become the second-biggest buyer of Russian crude since 2022, and Russia has gone from a minor oil supplier to the subcontinent into its top supplier, thanks to those discounts. With Indias dependence on imported oil still over 85% of demand, every discount matters, and refiners have saved quite a lot of money with Russian purchases. If Indian buyers stop importing Russian oil, the countrys total import bill could swell by $9 billion this fiscal year, the State Bank of India calculated recently, and this will further increase by $11 billion over the next fiscal year. Interestingly, one energy analyst recalled that it was the U.S. administration that encouraged Indian oil buyers to switch to Russian crude in the first place, to avoid a global price shock after sanctions kicked in back in 2022. Joe Biden went to India after the invasion of Ukraine and begged them to take Russian oil, the Indians hardly imported any Russian oil, and they begged India, please take the oil, so that crude prices would remain low, and they did. Now were flipping around and saying, why are you taking all this oil, the president of Rapidan Energy Group, Bob McNally, told CNBC recently in what was a timely reminder of the literal global nature of oil markets and prices. President Trump also has zero interest in a price shock, which would be the most likely result of a sudden halt in Indian purchases of Russian crude, with some 1.7 million bpd in trade disrupted. It seems, however, that it may not come to that, after all, if Russia and India find a way to continue trading without fear of punishment from the U.S. with that new mechanism. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oil prices have been trading in a narrow range over the past week, with Brent crude sinking to an intra-day low of $65.01 per barrel (bbl) on 13 August before rising to an intra-day high of $67.06/bbl on 15 August with momentum skewed to the downside thanks to a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Recent meetings between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders have weighed on prompt prices, pushing them below several key moving averages. Trump has revealed that arrangements are being made for another meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, the first between the two leaders ever since the war began three and a half years ago. Zelenskyy has described his latest talks with Trump as "very good" and acknowledged potential U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, although no specifics of Washington's support have been divulged. "The odds of a peace deal are rising, which would very likely lead to easing sanctions on Russian oil product,s moving global supplies to more of a surplus," Dennis Kissler of BOK Financial said in a note. Meanwhile, upcoming refinery maintenance in the U.S. coupled with fading summer demand, has been weighing on WTI prices. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), crude inventories at the Cushing hub have increased for six consecutive weeks and currently stand at 23.1 million barrels. However, inventory levels remain significantly below the five-year average clip of 35.1mb. The high pressure on WTI has triggered a widening spread between Brent and WTI, growing from a low of $2.24/bbl in late June (for the prompt contracts) to $3.87/bbl intraday on 19 August. Related: Despite Delays Surinames Oil Boom is Fast Becoming a Reality Meanwhile, Erin has become the first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, reaching Category-5 status on 16 August following an unusually rapid atmospheric pressure drop. However, its trajectory has swung north eastwards along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. through the week, taking it away from critical oil and gas infrastructure. The 2025 hurricane season has so far been relatively quiet, with storm duration also curtailed. Hurricane activity in the country tends to escalate from mid-August onwards, and current models are pointing to another potentially active season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continues to forecast an above-average season, but has moderated its May pre-season predictions. NOAA now sees the country being hit by 5-9 hurricanes in the current season, with 3-5 being major ones (above Category 3). Despite these developments, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered see very limited potential for Russian energy commodities returning to Europe any time soon. Last week, we reported that fears that oil prices will crash if Trump manages to negotiate a truce with Putin are overdone. First off, StanChart says that Russia has been producing unsustainably at its maximum capacity with long-term consequences for its reservoirs. The countrys oil production averaged 9.01 million barrels per day (mb/d) in H1-2025, about 610,000 b/d lower than the 2021 annual average before the invasion of Ukraine. A lifting of export sanctions will mean a return of Western service companies and Russia being able to access quality replacement parts; however, Russia just doesnt have a lot of spare production capacity to flood the oil markets. Second, the removal of the oil price cap on Russian oil would disincentivize India and China, the biggest buyers of discounted Russian. Indias imports of Russian crude have surged since the war began, jumping from $2.31 billion four years ago to $52.2 billion in 2024. Further, Europe is unlikely to put itself at Putins mercy again by buying large quantities of Russian oil and gas. In the same vein, StanChart sees limited scope for Russian pipeline gas returning to European markets. According to the analysts, Russian LNG represents the biggest tail risk, with a possibility of formerly sanctioned cargoes returning to Asia. European benchmark gas Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) for September delivery has continued its recent slide, falling to a 15-month intra-day low of 30.30/MWh on 18 August, before settling at EUR 32.21/MWh on Wednesday. As discussed in last weeks Commodity Roadmap. However, Europes gas injections have slowed down relative to the five-year average over, with data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) showing that inventories increased by 2.30 billion cubic metres (bcm) w/w to 85.99 bcm (74% of technical maximum fill capacity) but 8.11 bcm below the five-year average fill. Last weeks refill rate was nearly 8% below the five-year average and 3% lower than the same week in 2024. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The outline of a military component of security guarantees for Ukraine is already taking shape, a top Ukrainian official said as the United States reiterated that European countries will have to shoulder most of the burden in providing the guarantees. Work has begun on setting up the military component of the guarantees, which are being discussed as part of a settlement of the war with Russia, Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys chief of staff, said on X. "Our teams, above all the military, have already begun active work on the military component of security guarantees," Andriy Yermak wrote on August 20 after a meeting of national security advisers from Western countries and NATO. "Ukraine is ready for any format of dialogue on a fair end to the war," said Yermak, but he warned against repeating the "mistake of 'Budapest,'" a reference to the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, which was aimed at ensuring security in exchange for Ukraine giving up nuclear weapons left from the Soviet era. Russia violated the memorandum when it annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and when it started a full-scale invasion in 2022. Yermak also said Ukraine was also working on a plan with its allies on how to proceed "in case the Russian side continues to prolong the war and disrupt agreements on bilateral and trilateral formats of leaders' meetings." Later on August 20, US Vice President JD Vance said Europe should be prepared to take the lead on providing the security guarantees. "I don't think we should carry the burden here. I think that we should be helpful if it's necessary to stop the war and to stop the killing. But I think that we should expect, and the president certainly expects, Europe to play the leading role here," Vance said on Fox News. "No matter what form this takes, the Europeans are going to have to take the lion's share of the burden," he said. US President Donald Trump said earlier this week on Fox News that on the question of security, European countries "are willing to put people on the ground. We're willing to help them with things, especially, probably...by air." Trump provided no details about what US airpower would be provided but said it could support a deployment of European troops that France and Britain are thinking about providing under a so-called Coalition of the Willing. "We'll give them very good protection," Trump said. Security guarantees were a main topic of discussion on August 18 when Trump hosted Zelenskyy and the leaders of several European countries at the White House. The meeting followed his summit last week in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Trump's attempts to draw the two sides to the negotiating table, Putin has shown no sign of backing down from demands for territory, including land not under Russia's military control. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Over the past year, the worlds biggest banks net zero enthusiasm has quickly and quietly dried up. Top lenders have backtracked, diluted or outright abandoned their environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies. The return of President Donald Trump has been highlighted as a turning point for green finance with firms across the financial industry turning sour on ESG commitments. Trump has made no secret of his disdain for such policies, branding ESG investing as a way to attack American business. The President, who ran for office on the motto drill baby drill, moved quickly to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Agreement with his bullish attitudes triggering firms to follow suit. Net zero club gets Trumped Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs announced in the month after Trumps election win it would exit the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), which was convened in 2021 by the UN Environment Programme finance initiative. Just months later in January, JP Morgans sealed a Wall Street exodus after Citi, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo all quit the group. The exits of The Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal and Toronto-Dominion Bank at the end of January erased the fingerprint of North America on NZBA. The ripple effect has spread to London, where HSBC and Barclays both ditched the club over the last month. Barclays, whilst reiterating ambitions to become a net zero bank by 2050, argued the group no longer has the membership to support our transition. A spokesperson for NZBA told City AM the group remains focused on supporting the many banks that are leading this transformation despite the mass exodus. They added amid a changing climate to environmental policies the need for bold, resolute action from the banking sector has never been greater. Banks climate policies melt under heat Maia Mesanger, sustainable finance research senior associate at BloombergNEF, told City AM: Although financial institutions are reconsidering their climate goals, the concrete implications of the journeys they started will likely continue to progress. She said the consideration of climate risk in investing and lending was contingent on policymakers continuing to enforce such practices. But Scott Lane, founder and chief executive of ESG business solutions service Speeki, told City AM: its easy to blame Trumps anti-ESG crusade for the retreats but argued the real issue was internal. The biggest factor behind the scrapping of these initiatives is that they were half-baked and never given the chance to demonstrate value to shareholders and customers, he argued. In February, HSBC slapped a 20-year delay on its net zero target, which followed the bank shelving plans to build a dedicated carbon credits desk. Barclays and Natwest have also dropped their climate goals from bonus schemes for senior executives, arguing it would better reflect the lenders long-term climate goals. And in March Lloyds Banking Group watered down its net zero pledge that prohibited bankers long-haul flights. Lane said: Banks and the like made micro improvements, set far-flung net-zero goals, and ran empty marketing campaigns based on promises and no one felt any tangible business value from them. This echoed calls from Aberdeen chair and former HSBC chairman Sir Douglas Flint, who told a City conference earlier this year the financial services industry had made a huge mistake in ESG investing. It became a marketing thing, he said, lets tell everyone were saving the world, were saving the planet. Banks trim the green The row backs from the Citys banking giants come as top bosses look to slash costs across operations. Barclays CS Venkatkrishnan, known as Venkat, is in the middle of a three-year plan that targets a reduced reliance on the lenders investment bank, which made up over 50 per cent of its first-quarter income. Meanwhile, HSBCs Georges Elhedery has spent his near-12 months since taking the helm at the lender deploying strategies to reduce expenses, namely a significant scaling down of European operations. Lane said investors will be eying failed ESG investments that have not materially benefitted the company. [Banks] spent a bit of money, wasted some time here and there, and kicked the can down the road, he said. Now, shareholders are demanding to know why money is being spent on unproductive initiatives. Bill Winters, boss of Standard Chartered, scorned his banking peers last month for only speaking about climate issues when it was fashionable. Shame on them, the FTSE 100 chief said, though did not name specific firms. But a report from the UK banking regulator in April revealed the industry was battling an uphill battle to meet commitments. The Prudential Regulation Authoritys (PRA) report said it observed a common challenge among firms in the complexity involved in constructing and implementing CSA (climate scenario analysis). It added they face difficulty in using the outputs from CSA to assess their overall exposures to climate-related risks. Data remain a significant challenge the PRA said, with firms struggling to access information on both climate projections and the data necessary to link those to their asset and lending portfolios. This included the likes of location data that without, banks were unable to effectively evaluate their exposure to physical climate risks, such as floods, heatwaves, or wildfires, which are tied to specific geographical areas Cloudy ahead A global index ranking from Z/Yen showed the worlds leading financial hubs were ditching ESG policies. It marked the second consecutive report where almost all of the top ten hubs had their green finance rating slashed by double digits. In the latest release London, despite topping the rankings, lost 36 points. A report from business information system CRIF in June revealed over half of UK senior financial professionals believe their leadership will place less focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies in the coming years. Lane said the inconvenient Trumpian political headwinds, and financial services executive who want to stay in his good books along with the desire to appease shareholders through cost-cutting had provided a good excuse to drop sustainability from the agenda. Though, should the political pendulum swing so ESG once more becomes fashionable, Bill Winters may be welcoming his peers back to the club. By CityAM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Via The Cradle Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed 12 cooperation agreements during Pezeshkians official visit to Minsk on Wednesday, strengthening ties between the two nations in defiance of US sanctions. A joint statement was signed alongside the dozen cooperation agreements which cover politics, international law, health, pharmaceuticals, industry, environment, tourism, art, media, free trade zones, industrial and special economic zones, and investment. Officials said the documents lay the foundation for long-term bilateral cooperation. Iranian and Belarusian presidents, IRNA Pezeshkian described the visit as one of the turning points in relations between the two countries, adding that relations with Belarus are being pursued at the highest possible level. He emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran places no restrictions on strengthening its relations with Belarus and that both sides would fully implement the 20232026 cooperation roadmap. The Iranian president pointed to practical steps including joint investments, expanded customs cooperation, increased goods and passenger transit, and resolving private sector issues. He also called for stronger media and cultural exchanges with the aim of presenting a real image of the two countries. At the joint press conference, Pezeshkian criticized the US and its European allies, saying they are trying to spread unilateralism and dictate their viewpoints on other countries. Such an approach has not been and will not be tolerable by you and us. He added that western countries, led by the United States, are seeking to carve out our path in accordance with their own wishes, but that Iran and Belarus can overcome sanctions and problems by working together seriously. Pezeshkian thanked Minsk for supporting Tehran against the aggressive attacks of the Zionist regime and the United States against Iranian soil and peaceful nuclear facilities, calling them a clear aggression against international law and an explicit violation of the UN Charter. Lukashenko called Iran a reliable partner, saying, We can discuss all topics of interest and areas of cooperation, and elevate our relations to the highest levels, later asking Pezeshkian to send his regards to Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Both presidents highlighted multilateral organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS as frameworks to expand cooperation beyond Western-led structures. Via Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Asias liquefied natural gas imports are set to reach the second-highest on record in October, but even these elevated volumes will not be near enough to meet the pledges of North Asian countries to buy American LNG and energy under the trade deals. Asia is set to import as much as 3.61 million tons of U.S. LNG in October, according to Kpler estimates reported by Reuters columnist Clyde Russell. The October import volumes, if they materialize, would mark the second-biggest monthly Asian imports, only behind the 3.75 million tons of LNG imported in February 2021. With China sitting mostly on the sidelines amid trade talks and extended trade truces and delays of tariffs, it will be South Korea and Japan that are expected to boost significantly purchases of U.S. LNG and other energy products in the near term. In the U.S.-South Korea trade deal from the end of July, South Korea committed to buying $100 billion worth of U.S. LNG and other energy exports, a move hailed by U.S. President Donald Trump as a win for American workers and energy producers. It is not clear what the timeframe is for the $100 billion South Korean imports of American energy. Last year, South Koreas LNG imports from the United States stood at 5.71 million tons. At current Asian spot prices of $11.65 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), these volumes would be worth just $3.45 billion, according to calculations by Reuters Russell. Japans LNG import volumes from the U.S. in 2024 would be worth just below $4 billion today. The White House says the U.S.-Japan trade deal includes major expansion of U.S. energy exports to Japan. 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, but none is equipped to process 100%-pure US crude, Shunichi Kito, president of the Petroleum Association of Japan, has said, as quoted by Argus. Its unrealistic that North Asian trade partners, as well as Europe, will raise their U.S. LNG exports too much to meet trade-deal levels, analysts say. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Norwegian oil and gas producer DNO ASA has resumed production at its two operated oilfields in Iraqs semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, following a halt of several weeks after drone attacks in the middle of July. DNO temporarily halted operations at its Tawke field in Kurdistan following three explosions on July 16, one involving a small storage tank at Tawke and another involving surface processing equipment at Peshkabir. At the time, the company expected to restart production once the damage assessment is completed. In a second-quarter results release, DNO said on Thursday that while months-long repairs are pending and security concerns remain following drone strikes on DNO-operated fields in Kurdistan, DNO has ramped up gross production on a test basis to 55,000 boepd, about evenly split between the Tawke and Peshkabir fields. In mid-July, explosive drone strikes by unidentified parties impacted operations of a number of international oil companies in Kurdistan, including DNOs operations at its Tawke license, in which the company holds 75% and is the operator. No individuals were injured, but surface processing equipment at Peshkabir and an oil storage tank at Tawke were hit. With revenues secured through local sales, in addition to long-term repairs, DNO is planning to recommence drilling to return to pre-Iraq-Turkiye Pipeline shutdown production levels of 100,000 boepd, the Norway-based company said. Other producers also suspended operations at Kurdistans oilfields following the attacks, while Kurdistans crude oil exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean remain shut in, as they have been since March 2023. Before the halt to exports, oil supply from Kurdistan averaged more than 400,000 barrels per day (bpd). The federal government in Baghdad and the regional Kurdish government in Erbil continue to quarrel over who should be responsible for the oil exports and the subsequent revenue distribution. The federal authorities say Baghdad should have sole discretion in handling oil exports and oil revenues. Despite Baghdads claims that oil exports would resume at any moment, the key outlet of Kurdistans oil remains shut. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Nayara Energy, the Indian refiner partially owned by Rosneft that became a sanction target for the European Union, has turned to sanctioned tankers to keep buying Russian oil, Reuters has reported, citing data from LSEG. The report cited an unnamed source from the shipping industry as saying that Russian business entities were helping the Indian refiner stock up on crude. According to the data, Nayara Energy has imported at least seven cargos of Russian crude on tankers that include sanctioned vessels, carrying a total of 700,000 barrels. Nayara Energy accounts for some 8% of Indias total refining capacity. It operates a 400,000-bpd refinery in Vadinar, which is the second-largest in the country. The facility is 49% owned by Russias Rosneft. Reuters noted in its report that India does not recognize unilateral sanctions, such as the ones that the European Union keeps imposing on Russia in packages 18 to date and a 19th in the works. The country only recognizes and complies with UN sanctions. Earlier this month, media reports said that Nayara had shrunk its crude oil purchases significantly, going from an average daily of 366,000 barrels this time last year to just 94,000 barrels. Last month, in a first move against customers of Russian oil, the EU expanded sanctions on entities doing business with the countrys oil industry, including via asset freezes, travel bans, and bans on providing resources. The bloc sanctioned Russian and international companies managing shadow fleet vessels, traders of Russian crude oil, and a major customer of the shadow fleet the Nayara Energy refinery. Earlier this week, the Russian embassy in New Delhi said it had found a new mechanism that would keep Russian oil flowing into India despite the threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to slap an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports unless it stops buying crude from Russia. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com President Donald Trump has threatened to put a stop on new wind and solar power projects, saying in a social media post that they caused higher electricity prices wherever they were built. Any State that has built and relied on WINDMILLS and SOLAR for power are seeing RECORD BREAKING INCREASES IN ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY COSTS. THE SCAM OF THE CENTURY! We will not approve wind or farmer destroying Solar. The days of stupidity are over in the USA!!! MAGA, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The presidents remarks follow an announcement earlier this week that banned the installation of solar panels on farmland. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the decision, writing on X that 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. Banning offshore wind power installations was one of Trumps first orders when he took office but he does not really feel any differently about onshore wind, citing bird deaths, noise, and environmental destruction. Even so, the Energy Information Administration said this week that half of new generation capacity additions in the U.S. this year could be solar power. Ever since the president took office, life has become rather hard for wind and solar developers. The biggest blow came from the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which, however, left them a loophole, if they were fast enough with construction, because the end of subsidies was set to take effect from 2027. From that moment on, wind and solar developers are on their own and on the support of any private financial backers that may be interested in their projects. The growth in wind and solar capacity, not only in the U.S. but elsewhere as well has indeed coincided with an increase in electricity prices. Now, with the boom in data center growth, the increase in demand for electricity that has already begun in the U.S. will only accelerate, making the addition of new generating capacity urgent. The Department of Energy is responding to this urgency by planning growth in natural gas and nuclear capacity. Critics, however, argue that climate change concerns aside, these take much longer to build than a wind or solar installation, especially the latter. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com German prosecutors confirmed Thursday that a Ukrainian national has been arrested in Italy on suspicion of coordinating the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, one of the most damaging strikes ever carried out against European energy infrastructure. The September blasts ruptured Nord Stream 1, which had carried 55 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually to Germany, and left Nord Stream 2 inoperable before it could begin operations. The suspect, identified as Serhii K., was detained by Italian police in the Rimini province under a European arrest warrant. German prosecutors allege that he played a coordinating role in a group that rented a yacht in Rostock using forged documents. The vessel was allegedly used to reach waters near Bornholm, where divers placed explosive charges on the pipelines. He faces accusations of conspiracy to cause an explosion, anti-constitutional sabotage, and destruction of critical infrastructure. The destruction of Nord Stream 1 cut off one of Europes largest gas arteries, forcing utilities to increase LNG imports from the United States, Qatar, and West Africa. Spot prices surged as traders scrambled for cargoes, and governments accelerated storage programs to safeguard winter supply. The loss of both pipelines reshaped Europes energy balance, reinforcing long-term plans to diversify away from Russian pipeline flows. Responsibility for the sabotage has remained disputed. Moscow has repeatedly accused Western governments, while Kyiv has denied any involvement. Denmark and Sweden closed their investigations in 2024 without indictments, leaving Germanys inquiry as the only active probe. Berlins Justice Ministry described the Italian arrest as a significant investigative advance in a case that has weighed on European energy security since 2022. Berlin has meanwhile hardened its stance on future Russian gas flows. In late May, German officials pledged to do everything possible to block any revival of Nord Stream, reinforcing a policy shift that cements LNG and alternative pipeline supplies as the backbone of Europes energy mix. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com GUIYANG, China, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. ("FTA" or the "Company") (NYSE: YMM), a leading digital freight platform, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Second Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Highlights Total net revenues in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB3,239.1 million ( US$452.2 million ), an increase of 17.2% from RMB2,764.3 million in the same period of 2024. in the second quarter of 2025 were ( ), an increase of 17.2% from in the same period of 2024. Net income in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1,264.8 million ( US$176.6 million ), an increase of 50.5% from RMB840.5 million in the same period of 2024. in the second quarter of 2025 was ( ), an increase of 50.5% from in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP adjusted net income [1] in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1,352.1 million ( US$188.7 million ), an increase of 39.3% from RMB970.9 million in the same period of 2024. in the second quarter of 2025 was ( ), an increase of 39.3% from in the same period of 2024. Fulfilled orders [2] in the second quarter of 2025 reached 60.8 million, an increase of 23.8% from 49.1 million in the same period of 2024. in the second quarter of 2025 reached 60.8 million, an increase of 23.8% from 49.1 million in the same period of 2024. Average shipper MAUs[3] in the second quarter of 2025 reached 3.16 million, an increase of 19.3% from 2.65 million in the same period of 2024. Mr. Peter Hui Zhang, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of FTA, stated, "In the second quarter of 2025, FTA demonstrated strong resilience in navigating both opportunities and challenges in the external environment. By leveraging digitalization and intelligent technologies, we further helped shippers reduce logistic costs and improved operational efficiency across the road freight industry. By quarter-end, our platform had expanded to 1.2 million shipper members and nearly one million trucker members, underscoring the growing engagement from both sides of our ecosystem. In addition, our refined trucker credit rating mechanism further boosted our shipping capacity, driving the fulfillment rate above 40%, a year-over-year increase of 7 percentage points. Looking ahead to the second half of the year, we remain committed to fostering a healthier freight matching ecosystem and empowering enterprises with greater logistics competitiveness." Mr. Langbo Guo, President of FTA, added, "In the second quarter, our steadfast focus on improving fulfillment efficiency and user experience reinforced the healthy development of both shipper and trucker ecosystems. Total net revenues reached RMB3.24 billion in the second quarter of 2025, a 17.2% increase from the prior year period, underpinned by transaction service revenue of RMB1.33 billion, which grew 39.4% year over year. Notably, net income rose 50.5% to RMB1.26 billion, and non-GAAP adjusted net income increased by 39.3% to RMB1.35 billion. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to our user-centric strategy and to delivering sustainable, long-term value to both our users and shareholders." [1] Non-GAAP adjusted net income is defined as net income excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to acquisitions; and (iv) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this press release. [2] Fulfilled orders on our platform in a given period are defined as all shipping orders matched through our platform during such period but exclude (i) shipping orders that are subsequently canceled and (ii) shipping orders for which our users failed to specify any freight prices, as there are substantial uncertainties as to whether such shipping orders are fulfilled. [3] Average shipper MAUs in a given period are calculated by dividing (i) the sum of shipper MAUs for each month of a given period by (ii) the number of months in a given period. Shipper MAUs are defined as the number of active shippers on our platform in a given month. Active shippers are defined as the aggregate number of registered shipper accounts that have posted at least one shipping order on our platform during a given period. Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Net Revenues (including value added taxes, or "VAT," of RMB1,255.6 million and RMB1,294.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2025, respectively). Total net revenues in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB3,239.1 million (US$452.2 million), representing an increase of 17.2% from RMB2,764.3 million in the same period of 2024, primarily attributable to an increase in revenues from freight matching services. Freight matching services. Revenues from freight matching services in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB2,747.9 million (US$383.6 million), representing an increase of 18.0% from RMB2,328.7 million in the same period of 2024. The increase was mainly due to the rapid increase in transaction service revenues. Freight brokerage service. Revenues from freight brokerage service in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB1,177 .9 million ( US$164 .4 million), representing an increase of 1.1% from RMB1,164 .8 million in the same period of 2024, primarily attributable to an increase in service fee rate, partially offset by a decrease in transaction volume. Revenues from freight brokerage service in the second quarter of 2025 were .9 million ( .4 million), representing an increase of 1.1% from .8 million in the same period of 2024, primarily attributable to an increase in service fee rate, partially offset by a decrease in transaction volume. Freight listing service . Revenues from freight listing service in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB242 .9 million ( US$33 .9 million), an increase of 14.5% from RMB212.1 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to the growing number of total paying members. . Revenues from freight listing service in the second quarter of 2025 were .9 million ( .9 million), an increase of 14.5% from in the same period of 2024, primarily due to the growing number of total paying members. Transaction service. Revenues from transaction service amounted to RMB1,327 .1 million ( US$185 .3 million) in the second quarter of 2025, an increase of 39.4% from RMB951 .9 million in the same period of 2024, primarily driven by increases in order volume, penetration rate, and per-order transaction service fee. Value-added services.[4] Revenues from value-added services in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB491.2 million (US$68.6 million), an increase of 12.8% from RMB435.6 million in the same period of 2024. The increase was primarily due to growing demand for credit solutions. Cost of Revenues (including VAT net of government grants of RMB992.8 million and RMB918.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2025, respectively). Cost of revenues in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1,238.4 million (US$172.9 million), a decrease of 5.6% from RMB1,312.1 million in the same period of 2024. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in VAT, related tax surcharges and other tax costs, net of grants from government authorities. These tax-related costs net of government grants totaled RMB1,087.1 million, representing a decrease of 7.6% from RMB1,176.3 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to a decrease in tax costs net of government grants related to the Company's freight brokerage service. Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB433.8 million (US$60.6 million), compared with RMB372.3 million in the same period of 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in advertising and marketing expenses for user acquisitions. General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB170.3 million (US$23.8 million), compared with RMB219.2 million in the same period of 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower share-based compensation expenses. Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB189.6 million (US$26.5 million), compared with RMB232.1 million in the same period of 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower salary and benefits expenses. Income from Operations. Income from operations in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1,139.6 million (US$159.1 million), an increase of 101.6% from RMB565.4 million in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income.[5] Non-GAAP adjusted operating income in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1,230.1 million (US$171.7 million), an increase of 76.0% from RMB699.0 million in the same period of 2024. Net Income. Net income in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1,264.8 million (US$176.6 million), an increase of 50.5% from RMB840.5 million in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income. Non-GAAP adjusted net income in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1,352.1 million (US$188.7 million), an increase of 39.3% from RMB970.9 million in the same period of 2024. Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS[6] and Non-GAAP Adjusted Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS.[7] Basic net income per ADS was RMB1.20 (US$0.17) in the second quarter of 2025, compared with RMB0.79 in the same period of 2024. Diluted net income per ADS was RMB1.19 (US$0.17) in the second quarter of 2025, compared with RMB0.79 in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP adjusted basic net income per ADS was RMB1.28 (US$0.18) in the second quarter of 2025, compared with RMB0.92 in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP adjusted diluted net income per ADS was RMB1.27 (US$0.18) in the second quarter of 2025, compared with RMB0.91 in the same period of 2024. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of June 30, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, long-term time deposits and wealth management products with maturities over one year of RMB29.5 billion (US$4.1 billion) in total, compared with RMB29.2 billion as of December 31, 2024. As of June 30, 2025, the total outstanding balance of on-balance sheet loans, consisting of the total principal amounts and all accrued and unpaid interests of the loans funded through our small loan company, reduced by an allowance for estimated losses, was RMB4,861.8 million (US$678.7 million), compared with RMB4,199.6 million as of December 31, 2024. The total non-performing loan ratio[8] for these loans was 2.1% as of June 30, 2025, compared with 2.2% as of December 31, 2024. In the second quarter of 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was RMB1,313.3 million (US$183.3 million). [4] The Company provides a range of value-added services including credit solutions, insurance services, electronic toll collection, energy services and other services on the FTA platform. [5] Non-GAAP adjusted operating income is defined as income from operations excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; and (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to acquisitions. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this press release. [6] ADS refers to American depositary shares, each of which represents 20 Class A ordinary shares. [7] Non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS is net income attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to acquisitions; and (iv) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments, divided by weighted average number of basic and diluted ADSs, respectively. For more information, refer to "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this press release. [8] Non-performing loan ratio is calculated by dividing the outstanding principal and all accrued and unpaid interests of the on-balance sheet loans that were over 90 calendar days past due (excluding loans that are over 180 days past due and are therefore charged off) by the total outstanding principal and all accrued and unpaid interests of the on-balance sheet loans (excluding loans that are over 180 days past due and are therefore charged off) reduced by an allowance for estimated losses as of a specified date. Business Outlook The Company expects its total net revenues to be between RMB3.07 billion and RMB3.17 billion for the third quarter of 2025, representing a year-over-year growth rate of approximately 1.3% to 4.6%. As previously announced by the Company, to ensure the sustainability of its freight brokerage service, the Company has decided to increase the service fee rate for freight brokerage service to reduce the service's reliance on government grants and potential uncertainties. The Company understands that such changes may increase costs to shippers. The Company expects that, starting from the third quarter of 2025, the transaction volume of its freight brokerage service will significantly decline, resulting in a decline in revenue from freight brokerage service, while the cost of revenue for the service will increase, which may adversely affect the Company's profit to a certain extent. Excluding freight brokerage service, net revenues are expected to range from RMB2.16 billion to RMB2.26 billion, reflecting an estimated year-over-year growth rate of 23.4% to 29.1%. These forecasts are based on the Company's current and preliminary view of the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change and cannot be predicted with reasonable accuracy as of the date hereof. Declaration of Cash Dividend The board of directors of the Company has approved a semi-annual cash dividend for the second half of 2025 in the amount of US$0.0048 per ordinary share, or US$0.0960 per ADS, payable on or around October 27, 2025, to holders of record of the Company's ordinary shares at the close of business on October 13, 2025. The aggregate amount of the dividend is expected to be approximately US$100 million. Cash dividends are expected to be paid to holders of the Company's ADSs through the depositary, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, on or around October 27, 2025, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("US$") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at a rate of RMB7.1636 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of June 30, 2025, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company makes no representation that any RMB or US$ amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all. Conference Call The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on August 21, 2025, or 8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss its financial results and operating performance for the second quarter 2025. For participants who wish to join the conference using dial-in numbers, please complete online registration using the link provided below prior to the scheduled call start time. Participant Online Registration: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10048934-d9a9v4.html Upon registration, each participant will receive details for the conference call, including dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN. To join the conference, please dial the provided number, enter your PIN, and you will join the conference. A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company's investor relations website at ir.fulltruckalliance.com. About Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (NYSE: YMM) is a leading digital freight platform connecting shippers with truckers to facilitate shipments across distance ranges, cargo weights and types. The Company provides a range of freight matching services, including freight listing, freight brokerage and transaction services. The Company also provides a range of value-added services that cater to the various needs of shippers and truckers, such as financial institutions, highway authorities, and gas station operators. With a mission to empower enterprises with greater logistics competitiveness, the Company is shaping the future of logistics with technology and aspires to revolutionize logistics, improve efficiency across the value chain and reduce its carbon footprint for our planet. For more information, please visit ir.fulltruckalliance.com. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company uses non-GAAP adjusted operating income, non-GAAP adjusted net income, non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per share and non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS, each a non-GAAP financial measure, as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted operating income as income from operations excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions and (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to acquisitions. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted net income as net income excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to acquisitions; and (iv) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders as net income attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to acquisitions; and (iv) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per share as non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of basic and diluted ordinary shares, respectively. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS as non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of basic and diluted ADSs, respectively. The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool. The non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect all items of expense that affect its operations. The Company reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures. Non-GAAP adjusted operating income, non-GAAP adjusted net income, non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per share should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to operating income, net income, net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and basic and diluted net income per share or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review FTA's non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. FTA's non-GAAP financial measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this release. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements which are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to," and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: FTA's goal and strategies; FTA's expansion plans; FTA's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in FTA's revenues, costs or expenses; industry landscape of, and trends in, China's road transportation market; competition in FTA's industry; FTA's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its services; FTA's expectations regarding its relationships with shippers, truckers and other ecosystem participants; FTA's ability to protect its systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; PRC laws, regulations, and policies relating to the road transportation market, as well as general regulatory environment in which FTA operates in China; the results of regulatory review and the duration and impact of any regulatory action taken against FTA; the impact of health epidemics, extreme weather conditions and production constraints brought by electricity rationing measures; general economic and business condition; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. Mao Mao E-mail: [email protected] Piacente Financial Communications Hui Fan Tel: +86-10-6508-0677 E-mail: [email protected] In the United States: Piacente Financial Communications Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: [email protected] FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data) As of December 31, June 30, June 30, 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 5,810,347 4,399,195 614,104 Restricted cash 100,533 72,864 10,171 Short-term investments 15,002,903 12,337,664 1,722,271 Accounts receivable, net 19,643 34,868 4,867 Amounts due from related party 14,317 1,999 Loans receivable, net 4,199,645 4,861,809 678,682 Prepayments and other current assets, net 2,122,902 2,076,124 289,816 Total current assets 27,255,973 23,796,841 3,321,910 Restricted cash 40,000 30,000 4,188 Long-term investments1 9,876,118 14,458,261 2,018,295 Property and equipment, net 289,611 345,100 48,174 Intangible assets, net 393,477 367,063 51,240 Goodwill 3,124,828 3,124,828 436,209 Deferred tax assets 92,882 133,724 18,667 Operating lease right-of-use assets 115,654 101,324 14,144 Other non-current assets 98,532 242,985 33,919 Total non-current assets 14,031,102 18,803,285 2,624,836 TOTAL ASSETS 41,287,075 42,600,126 5,946,746 LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable 31,227 29,477 4,115 Prepaid for freight listing fees and other service fees 571,185 646,856 90,298 Income tax payable 336,220 361,465 50,459 Other tax payable 898,396 570,070 79,579 Operating lease liabilities 41,204 43,452 6,066 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,141,758 1,026,709 143,319 Total current liabilities 3,019,990 2,678,029 373,836 Deferred tax liabilities 95,570 89,059 12,432 Operating lease liabilities 23,928 8,694 1,214 Other non-current liabilities 12,414 10,923 1,525 Total non-current liabilities 131,912 108,676 15,171 TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,151,902 2,786,705 389,007 MEZZANINE EQUITY Redeemable non-controlling interests 443,070 581,897 81,230 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Ordinary shares 1,343 1,343 187 Additional paid-in capital 45,823,723 44,996,952 6,281,332 Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,223,944 3,129,673 436,886 Accumulated deficit (11,372,284) (8,909,513) (1,243,720) TOTAL FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD. EQUITY 37,676,726 39,218,455 5,474,685 Non-controlling interests 15,377 13,069 1,824 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 37,692,103 39,231,524 5,476,509 TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND EQUITY 41,287,075 42,600,126 5,946,746 1. The Group's long-term investments consist of RMB11,551 million long-term time deposits, RMB1,106 million wealth management products with maturities over one year, RMB770 million available-for-sale debt securities, RMB316 million equity method investments, and RMB715 million equity investments without readily determinable fair value as of June 30, 2025. FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data) Three months ended Six months ended June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2024 2025 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Net Revenues: Freight Matching Services 2,328,695 2,247,107 2,747,919 383,594 4,198,360 4,995,026 697,279 Freight brokerage service 1,164,763 965,666 1,177,906 164,429 2,129,932 2,143,572 299,231 Freight listing service 212,070 234,905 242,920 33,910 425,581 477,825 66,702 Transaction service 951,862 1,046,536 1,327,093 185,255 1,642,847 2,373,629 331,346 Value-added services 435,588 452,802 491,187 68,567 834,636 943,989 131,776 Total net revenues (including value-added taxes or "VAT" of RMB1,255.6 million and RMB1,294.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2025, respectively) 2,764,283 2,699,909 3,239,106 452,161 5,032,996 5,939,015 829,055 Operating expenses: Cost of revenues (including VAT net of government grants of RMB992.8 million and RMB918.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2025, respectively)(1) (1,312,072) (698,559) (1,238,371) (172,870) (2,343,960) (1,936,930) (270,385) Sales and marketing expenses(1) (372,288) (377,850) (433,842) (60,562) (712,435) (811,692) (113,308) General and administrative expenses(1) (219,157) (186,009) (170,347) (23,780) (483,624) (356,356) (49,745) Research and development expenses(1) (232,140) (193,358) (189,620) (26,470) (479,848) (382,978) (53,462) Provision for loans receivable (71,057) (81,851) (75,028) (10,474) (151,381) (156,879) (21,899) Total operating expenses (2,206,714) (1,537,627) (2,107,208) (294,156) (4,171,248) (3,644,835) (508,799) Other operating income 7,798 40,165 7,662 1,070 15,808 47,827 6,676 Income from operations 565,367 1,202,447 1,139,560 159,075 877,556 2,342,007 326,932 Other income (expense) Interest income 305,337 245,509 251,304 35,081 620,700 496,813 69,352 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 6,306 (10,825) 205 29 6,723 (10,620) (1,482) Investment income 18,697 19,333 20,002 2,792 37,181 39,335 5,491 Unrealized (losses) gains from fair value changes of investments (4,522) 33,462 37,032 5,169 (11,910) 70,494 9,841 Other income (expenses), net 1,395 618 (11,024) (1,539) 3,465 (10,406) (1,453) Share of (loss) gain in equity method investees (882) 163 (2,590) (362) (930) (2,427) (339) Total other income 326,331 288,260 294,929 41,170 655,229 583,189 81,410 Net income before income tax 891,698 1,490,707 1,434,489 200,245 1,532,785 2,925,196 408,342 Income tax expense (51,190) (211,771) (169,655) (23,683) (105,910) (381,426) (53,245) Net income 840,508 1,278,936 1,264,834 176,562 1,426,875 2,543,770 355,097 Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests (568) (1,162) (1,147) (160) (1,117) (2,309) (322) Less: measurement adjustment attributable to redeemable non- controlling interests 17,942 11,522 21,493 3,000 23,686 33,015 4,609 Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders 823,134 1,268,576 1,244,488 173,722 1,404,306 2,513,064 350,810 FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data) Three months ended Six months ended June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2024 2025 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Net income per ordinary share Basic 0.04 0.06 0.06 0.01 0.07 0.12 0.02 Diluted 0.04 0.06 0.06 0.01 0.07 0.12 0.02 Net income per ADS* Basic 0.79 1.22 1.20 0.17 1.35 2.41 0.34 Diluted 0.79 1.21 1.19 0.17 1.34 2.40 0.33 Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net income per share Basic 20,805,892,860 20,850,255,050 20,824,102,531 20,824,102,531 20,834,974,344 20,837,086,248 20,837,086,248 Diluted 20,905,548,181 20,958,643,962 20,933,997,672 20,933,997,672 20,905,238,796 20,946,325,399 20,946,325,399 Weighted average number of ADS used in computing net income per ADS Basic 1,040,294,643 1,042,512,753 1,041,205,127 1,041,205,127 1,041,748,717 1,041,854,312 1,041,854,312 Diluted 1,045,277,409 1,047,932,198 1,046,699,884 1,046,699,884 1,045,261,940 1,047,316,270 1,047,316,270 * Each ADS represents 20 ordinary shares. (1) Share-based compensation expense in operating expenses are as follows: Three months ended Six months ended June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2024 2025 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Cost of revenues 2,734 3,849 3,513 490 5,478 7,362 1,028 Sales and marketing expenses 12,875 19,558 15,703 2,192 23,560 35,261 4,922 General and administrative expenses 79,197 55,768 36,131 5,044 198,740 91,899 12,829 Research and development expenses 21,495 23,498 22,126 3,089 44,479 45,624 6,369 Total 116,301 102,673 77,473 10,815 272,257 180,146 25,148 FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD. RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data) Three months ended Six months ended June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2024 2025 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Income from operations 565,367 1,202,447 1,139,560 159,075 877,556 2,342,007 326,932 Add: Share-based compensation expense 116,301 102,673 77,473 10,815 272,257 180,146 25,148 Amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions 13,021 13,021 13,021 1,818 26,042 26,042 3,635 Compensation cost incurred in relation to acquisitions 4,281 8,562 Non-GAAP adjusted operating income 698,970 1,318,141 1,230,054 171,708 1,184,417 2,548,195 355,715 Net income 840,508 1,278,936 1,264,834 176,562 1,426,875 2,543,770 355,097 Add: Share-based compensation expense 116,301 102,673 77,473 10,815 272,257 180,146 25,148 Amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions 13,021 13,021 13,021 1,818 26,042 26,042 3,635 Compensation cost incurred in relation to acquisitions 4,281 8,562 Tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments (3,255) (3,255) (3,255) (455) (6,510) (6,510) (909) Non-GAAP adjusted net income 970,856 1,391,375 1,352,073 188,740 1,727,226 2,743,448 382,971 FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD. RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data) Three months ended Six months ended June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2024 2025 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders 823,134 1,268,576 1,244,488 173,722 1,404,306 2,513,064 350,810 Add: Share-based compensation expense 116,301 102,673 77,473 10,815 272,257 180,146 25,148 Amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions 13,021 13,021 13,021 1,818 26,042 26,042 3,635 Compensation cost incurred in relation to acquisitions 4,281 8,562 Tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments (3,255) (3,255) (3,255) (455) (6,510) (6,510) (909) Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders 953,482 1,381,015 1,331,727 185,900 1,704,657 2,712,742 378,684 Non-GAAP adjusted net income per ordinary share Basic 0.05 0.07 0.06 0.01 0.08 0.13 0.02 Diluted 0.05 0.07 0.06 0.01 0.08 0.13 0.02 Non-GAAP adjusted net income per ADS Basic 0.92 1.32 1.28 0.18 1.64 2.60 0.36 Diluted 0.91 1.32 1.27 0.18 1.63 2.59 0.36 SOURCE Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. U.S. oilfield services provider Weatherford International has expanded its business in Russia despite EU and U.S. sanctions on the countrys energy industry, the Financial Times has reported, citing financial performance figures for the company. In the first half of this year, Weatherfords revenues from its Russian operations rose to 7% of the total $2.4 billion, from 5% of the total for the first six months of 2024, the report said, noting the oilfield service provider generated some $332 million in cash and assets in Russia as of end-June this year. That was up from $233 million a year earlier. The FT also reported Weatherford had posted some 100 job openings for its Russian business since late February, when U.S. sanctions targeting, among other things, the oilfield services sector, went into effect. Weatherford itself reported in its second-quarter financial results that higher drilling activity in Russia had offset lower activity in North America and Latin America. Well construction activity in Russia, however, declined during the second quarter, as it did in North America, the company also said. Weatherford reported revenues of $244 million from its Russian operationstaken together with its European and sub-Saharan African business for the second quarter, up from $199 million for the first quarter of the year, up 23% on a sequential basis but down 5% on an annual basis. Weatherford is one of two U.S. oilfield services majors that still operate in Russia. Baker Hughes and Halliburton sold their Russian business to local companies after the war in Ukraine began in 2022 and exited the country. The other one is SLB, formerly known as Schlumberger. The FT cited a senior fellow from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center as suggesting the oilfield service providers had likely restructured their Russian operations in such a way as to avoid breach of sanctions by effectively ring-fencing them from the rest of the business. There is at least a 50/50 chance that revenues generated within Russia stay in Russia and are reinvested there rather than flowing back to the parent company, Sergey Vakulenko told the FT. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com With the midday sun beating down Wednesday, a tow truck backed a flatbed trailer carrying the front, ground floor section of what will become the four-unit Townhomes at Watson Place onto a formerly vacant lot at 25th and Corby Streets. A crew threaded two wide straps under the belly of the rectangular section, which features four front doors and multiple front windows. Then it was go time: A crane parked at the back of the lot slowly raised the modular housing unit into the air, swung it over a row of basements and lowered it onto the sill plates, guided for the last inches by crew members with ropes tied to each corner. The eagle has landed, quipped Adam Hootnick, founder of Housing Growth Partners. While modular housing isnt necessarily new, the company is taking a new approach using modular housing constructed off-site, in this case in York, Nebraska toward addressing the modern-day shortage of high-quality, attainable housing that is impacting Omaha and much of Nebraska, starting in North Omaha. By the end of the day Thursday, the crane will have lifted three more rectangles into place. While the new townhomes wont be completed and ready for occupancy for a few weeks, Hootnick said, modular construction can shorten a building process that might otherwise take 12 to 18 months. When theyre done, the two end units will offer three bedrooms and 2.5 baths and measure 1,260 square feet. The other two will have two bedrooms, 1.5 baths and span 1,020 square feet. Each will have a detached garage in the back. The three-bedroom units will list for $230,000 and the two-bedroom ones for $207,000 and are open to any qualified buyer. Spark, a nonprofit group, is financing the project with support from the Middle Income Housing Investment Fund administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. A study led by the Nebraska Finance Investment Authority, he noted, set a goal of producing at least 35,000 affordable housing units by 2028. Reaching that goal will take innovation, Hootnick said. Done indoors in a controlled environment, modular construction can be completed more quickly and with higher quality, greater consistency and less waste than onsite construction. And with labor in short supply, it allows builders to tap a pool of workers who might historically have been excluded from such jobs, including women and people with disabilities. Technology also can play a role in that. If Nebraska is serious about doing 35,000, I dont think theres any other route, Hootnick said. Shannon Harner, NIFAs executive director, said during a crane day event Wednesday before the big lift began that the actual need across the state is between 100,000 and 120,000 units. While four units is a small step toward meeting that need, it is a start. This is such an important step forward in the potential solutions to affordable housing across our state, she said. Hootnick said HGP began with conversations among his family about how to address the housing conundrum. His father-in-law, Michael Alley, is a founding partner of Omahas Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, which has been involved in the site plan and other details. His mother-in-law, Laura Alley, also worked at the firm, and both have been involved in community matters. His wife is in real estate. The conversations, Hootnick said, revolved not just around how to get roofs over residents heads but how to get them into homes that have the best chance of appreciating in value and building wealth and stability for residents over time. That means building not just one house but a block or a neighborhood. Modular housing offered a way to get to that scale quickly. While we are not saying this is the only way to build, or the only way well ever build, we believe its a super-important innovation, he said. ... Knowing how much native support there is in Omaha for innovation ... we just felt like this was the right place to start this. The group also has held events focused on engaging residents in the area. The townhomes eventually will be open for walk-throughs, probably in October. Theyre already listed for sale by PJ Morgan Real Estate. A banner on another vacant lot nearby, meanwhile, hints at more to come, this time in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Omaha. Watson Place, Hootnick said, will grow to 30 or more homes in the next year. Thomas Warren, chief of staff for Omaha Mayor John Ewing, said his boss and longtime friend talks of how much pride he and his family felt when they bought their first home when Ewing was 15. Warrens family home near 25th and Pinkney Streets still is owned by family members. Ewing recently proposed an initiative in which the city would issue $40 million in bonds, with the proceeds used to stimulate the construction and of affordable housing within the urban core sooner than initially planned. The low-interest bonds would be immediately purchased by a donor, who over time would be paid back by the same tax-increment financing mechanism that is funding construction of Omahas $421 million streetcar project. Omaha needs many tools to fix the chronic housing shortage, said Warren, speaking on Ewings behalf. HGP is demonstrating one way of reaching that goal. Aliene Hayes, who lives across the street from the soon-to-be townhomes, said she is glad to see new homes go up. She and her husband, Kenneth Hayes, have lived in their tidy home for about 20 years. The lot where the townhomes are rising has been empty a long time, since a vacant house was torn down, she said. Before that, the house was a problem. Other than that, this is pretty much a quiet area, said Hayes, who pulled lawn chairs into her shady yard to watch the crane at work. We enjoy being here. Hootnick said modular construction already has caught on in places such as Colorado and the West Coast. HGP has a network of builders in the region who are involved in the business, most of which send their products to such areas because they net higher prices. The challenge in Nebraska was making the numbers work, which is where some of the partners came in. I hope the residents of this neighborhood and the community at large see this as an innovation story, he said. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation, A man who bilked the state of Oregon of $1.8 million in carbon credits that he later sold to buy trucks and motorcycles pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering, tax evasion and first-degree theft. A Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced Merlin Thompson, 55, of Tillamook to two years in prison and required him to pay full restitution of $50 a month because of his indigent state. At that rate, it will take him 36,000 months3,000 yearsto repay whats owed. He is accused of scheming to set up three fake electric vehicle charging stations under his company, Thompson Technical Services, to apply for Oregon carbon credits, which he resold for $1.8 million. Was this helpful? If so, Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). Hawai'i credit union partners with equipifi to provide greater financial flexibility and an elevated banking experience to members by offering Buy Now, Pay Later on their debit card purchases LIHUE, Hawaii, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gather Federal Credit Union (Gather FCU), a financial institution with over $881 million in assets and serving over 39,000 members in Hawai'i, announced that it has added Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) to its suite of online banking products. Named GatherFLEX, this is the first BNPL product offered by a credit union in the state of Hawaii and will help strengthen the financial wellness of its communities by giving them greater flexibility in paying for purchases and managing their budget. "GatherFLEX gives our members greater control and flexibility over their money," said Justin Ganaden, EVP of Gather FCU. Post this Named GatherFLEX, this is the first BNPL product offered by a credit union in the state of Hawai'i and will help strengthen the financial wellness of its communities by giving them greater flexibility in paying for purchases and managing their budget. Gather FCU has selected equipifi, a leading BNPL platform designed for financial institutions, to power GatherFLEX. Now, whenever Gather FCU members make eligible purchases on their existing credit union debit card, they will be able to split the payments for these transactions over time. Members will also be able to get extra funds in their checking accounts with GatherFLEX's pre-purchase feature. Through equipifi, GatherFLEX offers are personalized to each member's financial context and goals, meeting them where they are with timely access to extra funds when they need it. Members view and accept their BNPL offers in their digital banking experience and receive the funds in moments. "GatherFLEX gives our members greater control and flexibility over their money," said Justin Ganaden, Executive Vice President of Gather Federal Credit Union. "By partnering with equipifi, we're able to deliver a convenient and seamless solution to our digital banking experience, empowering our members to manage their finances on their own terms." "BNPL is a must-have tool for consumers to stretch their budget and to achieve their long-term financial goals. For years, they have been asking for it from their trusted financial institutions," said Bryce Deeney, CEO and co-founder of equipifi. "Credit unions have been quick to respond with the solution their members need. By launching BNPL, Gather Federal Credit Union is committing to a better banking experience for their entire membership." BNPL is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 25.5 percent between 2022-2026 in the U.S.. About Gather Federal Credit Union Gather's story began in 1954 when ten hard-working pineapple farmers pooled their resources and did something none of them could have done alone: they started a federal credit union. They believed that together, they could provide a better life for their families. Today, Gather Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit cooperative that provides a full array of financial products and services to more than 39,000 member-owners on Kauai and Niihau. By gathering together and leveraging combined resources, Gather's member-owners provide a better life for our island communities. For more information, visit one of our seven branches island-wide or gatherfcu.org. About equipifi equipifi is the leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform for financial institutions in the United States. This is a white label solution designed to align with consumer purchase habits, payment preferences, and financial goals. The equipifi platform seamlessly integrates with leading banking cores and digital banking platforms to deepen customer engagement, grow market share, increase revenue, and provide a single place to view, accept, and manage BNPL plans on their existing banking app. For more information, please visit http://www.equipifi.com/ . SOURCE equipifi By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Six teens including a suspected intoxicated 13 year old driver sent cops on a high-speed chase on Interstate-18 in Portland. Use of police road spikes caused the car to stop and crash. The driver booked and returned to his grandparents. This is another sign of parent-less teens along with a City that permits all kinds of low-level lawlessness (trespassing, protest vandalism, open drug use). Portland has struggled with street takeovers where flash-mob crowds gather for illegal drag racing and dangerous car antics. These street takeovers encourage car criminality. Progressives see it a different way. Erika commented online, This is why funding schools is important by the way! Studies show that children who do after-school activities are less likely to become criminals . For liberals taxes is the only answer to every problem. Yet the Oregonian noted that as school funding boomed test scores fell. 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 Artificial intelligence could slash waste, cut carbon emissions and ease staff burnout in the hospitality sectoryet many operators are barely scratching the surface, according to new research from the University of Surrey. The study, published in Sustainable Development, in collaboration with partners in Spain, found that AI technologies could give hotels, restaurants and cruise lines a competitive edge while dramatically improving their environmental and social impact. But a mix of risk aversion, lack of expertise and poor collaboration is holding the sector back. The findings show AI's potential is far more ambitious than simply streamlining bookings or employing chatbots. It can: Cut food waste at the source by analyzing kitchen data to identify overproduced dishes, suggest recipes using surplus ingredients and even recommend menu changes. Slash energy and water consumption with smart building systems that adjust heating, cooling and lighting in real time based on occupancy, weather forecasts and energy prices. Personalize sustainability for guests by tailoring eco-friendly recommendationsfrom vegan breakfasts to local green activitiesto individual preferences. Improve staff wellbeing through intelligent scheduling that matches staffing levels to demand, reducing stress and turnover. Dr. Viachaslau Filimonau, Reader in Hospitality Innovation and co-author of the study at the University of Surrey said, "We have shown that smaller businesses fear the upfront costs of AI systems, while larger chains often trial projects but fail to scale them. Expertise is uneven, and data-sharing across the industry is raremeaning successful innovations aren't replicated elsewhere." The study recommends targeted staff training, industry-wide partnerships and government-backed incentives to speed up uptake. It also calls for hospitality leaders to embed sustainability goals into their AI strategies from the outset, ensuring that environmental and social gains are measured and reported. Mark Ashton, Associate Professor in Hospitality Management at the University of Surrey, said, "Our findings make clear that AI is not a silver bulletbut with focused effort, it could help the industry tackle waste, energy use and labor challenges in one move. For hotels and restaurants serious about meeting sustainability targets, the time to act is now." Researchers spoke to 35 senior hospitality professionals across the UK and Spainfrom general managers and CEOs to sustainability directors and tech chiefsrepresenting hotels, restaurants, coffee chains, cruise lines and catering firms. Using in-depth, semi-structured interviews, the team captured candid, behind-the-scenes accounts of what's working, what's failing and why. More information: Viachaslau Filimonau et al, Exploring How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Can Enable Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry, Sustainable Development (2025). DOI: 10.1002/sd.70146 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: Satellite image shows three tropical waves in the Atlantic on June 28, 2024. The wave to the far right developed into Hurricane Beryl, which became the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record. Credit: NOAA A research team has developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can automatically identify and track tropical easterly waves (TEWs)clusters of clouds and wind that often develop into hurricanesand separate them from two major tropical wind patterns: the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the monsoon trough (MT). The work is published in the journal Monthly Weather Review. "With this wave tracking tool, we have a new way to detect different patterns, and the types of systems that can grow into hurricanes," said Will Downs, a Ph.D. student at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, who led the development of the system. "It's one important step toward improving forecasts and giving communities more time to prepare." The artificial intelligence (AI) model, created by Downs and his collaborators, addresses long-standing gaps in forecasting. Existing tools have struggled to track TEWs in regions like the Caribbean, and no automated method has existed to tell the ITCZ and MT apartuntil now. Using four decades of weather data from 1981 to 2023, Downs trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs)a form of AIto detect and differentiate these systems in real time. His model combines historical observations from the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch with reanalysis data of past weather and climate conditions. Forecasters at the NHC now have real-time access to the wave tracker. "It has captured the waves where they seem to be going, with remarkable accuracy so far," said Sharan Majumdar, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the Rosenstiel School and Downs' advisor. "The robust dataset it produces will help researchers more effectively study the behavior of these wavesfrom weak clusters of clouds to developing tropical cyclones." The analysis also found that tropical waves in the Caribbean tend to be weaker than in the open Atlantic yet remain detectable with AI. It identified a westward expansion of the monsoon trough in the Atlantic over recent decades and shifts in the Pacific during strong El Nino events. Downs's fascination with storms began in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, when his family evacuated to rural Louisiana. After Hurricane Isaac struck in 2012, he began tracking storms online, a passion that eventually led him to pursue a doctoral degree at the Rosenstiel School studying cyclogenesisthe process by which hurricanes form and intensify. The project also benefited from collaboration with fellow atmospheric sciences Ph.D. student Aidan Mahoney, who interns at the NHC. "What started as a quick question about tropical wave analysis turned into many long discussions about the complexities of tropical wave dynamics," Mahoney said. "Will developed an expert understanding of the training data, which allowed him to create the best possible version of the tracker." More information: William B. Downs et al, Using Deep Learning to Identify Tropical Easterly Waves, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, and the Monsoon Trough, Monthly Weather Review (2025). DOI: 10.1175/MWR-D-24-0195.1 Journal information: Monthly Weather Review 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: In a new study, researchers from Penn State and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory analyzed human deep space communications and found that human transmissions are frequently directed toward our own spacecrafts near Mars (lower left), the sun, and other planets. Credit: Zayna Sheikh If an extraterrestrial intelligence were looking for signs of human communications, when and where should they look? In a new study, researchers at Penn State and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California analyzed when and where human deep space transmissions would be most detectable by an observer outside our solar system and suggest that the patterns they see could be used to guide our own search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). "Humans are predominantly communicating with the spacecraft and probes we have sent to study other planets like Mars," said Pinchen Fan, graduate student in astronomy and astrophysics at the Penn State Eberly College of Science, science principal investigator of the NASA grant supporting this research and first author of the paper. "But a planet like Mars does not block the entire transmission, so a distant spacecraft or planet positioned along the path of these interplanetary communications could potentially detect the spillover; that would occur when Earth and another solar system planet align from their perspective. This suggests that we should look for alignment of planets outside of our solar system when searching for extraterrestrial communications." A paper describing the research appears in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, and the authors presented their findings at the 2025 Penn State SETI Symposium, hosted by the Penn State Extraterrestrial Intelligence Center. "SETI researchers often search the universe for signs of past or present technology, called technosignatures, as evidence of intelligent life," Fan said. "Considering the direction and frequency of our most common signals gives insights into where we should be looking to improve our chances of detecting alien technosignatures." The researchers analyzed logs from NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), a system of ground-based facilities that permits two-way radio communications with human-made objects in space, acting as a relay to send commands to spacecraft and receive information they send back. The research team carefully matched up DSN logs with information about spacecraft locations to determine the timing and directionality of radio communications from Earth. Although several countries have their own deep-space networks, the researchers said that the NASA-run DSN should be representative of the types of communications coming from Earth, in part because NASA has led most deep-space missions to date. "NASA's Deep Space Network provides the crucial link between Earth and its interplanetary missions like the New Horizons spacecraft, which is now outbound from the solar system, and the James Webb Space Telescope," said Joseph Lazio, project scientist at JPL and an author of the paper. "It sends some of humanity's strongest and most persistent radio signals into space, and the public logs of its transmissions allowed our team to establish the temporal and spatial patterns of those transmissions for the past 20 years." For this study, the researchers focused on transmissions to deep space, including transmissions to telescopes in space as well as interplanetary spacecraft, instead of transmissions intended for spacecraft or satellites in low-Earth orbit, which are relatively low power and would be difficult to detect from a distance. 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. The researchers found that deep space radio signals were predominantly directed toward spacecraft near Mars. Other common transmissions were directed toward other planets and to telescopes at sun-Earth Lagrange pointspoints in space where the gravity of the sun and Earth keep the telescopes in a relatively fixed position as viewed from Earth. "Based on data from the last 20 years, we found that if an extraterrestrial intelligence were in a location that could observe the alignment of Earth and Mars, there's a 77% chance that they would be in the path of one of our transmissionsorders of magnitude more likely than being in a random position at a random time," Fan said. "If they could view an alignment with another solar-system planet, there is a 12% chance they would be in the path of our transmissions. When not observing a planet alignment, however, these chances are minuscule." To improve our own search for technosignatures, the researchers said, humans should look for alignment of exoplanetsplanets outside our solar systemor at least when exoplanets align with their host star. Astronomers frequently study exoplanets during alignment with their host star. In fact, most of the currently known exoplanets were detected by looking for the darkening of a star when a planet crosses in front of, or transits, its host star from Earth's line of sight. "However, because we are only starting to detect a lot of exoplanets in the last decade or two, we do not know many systems with two or more transiting exoplanets," Fan said. "With the upcoming launch of NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, we expect to detect a hundred thousand previously undetected exoplanets, so our potential search area should increase greatly." Because our solar system is fairly flat with most planets orbiting on the same plane, the majority of DSN transmissions occurred within 5 degrees of Earth's orbital plane, the researchers explained. If the solar system were a dinner plate with all the planets and objects sitting on that plate, human transmissions tended to follow along the plate's surface, rather than shooting out into space at a stark angle. The research team also calculated that an average DSN transmission could be detected about 23 light-years away using telescopes like ours. Focusing efforts, they said, on solar systems that are within 23 light-years and especially whose plane is oriented with its edge toward Earth could improve our search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The team now plans to identify these systems and quantify how frequently they could have received signals coming from Earth. The DSN transmission patterns found could also be applied to searches for laser transmissions from exoplanets, the researchers said, though they noted that lasers would have much less spillover than radio transmission. NASA is testing its interplanetary laser communication system, and extraterrestrial civilizations may opt to use lasers instead of radio waves. "Humans are pretty early in our spacefaring journey, and as we reach further into our solar system, our transmissions to other planets will only increase," said Jason Wright, professor of astronomy and astrophysics in the Penn State Eberly College of Science, director of the Penn State Extraterrestrial Intelligence Center, and an author of the paper. "Using our own deep space communications as a baseline, we quantified how future searchers for extraterrestrial intelligence could be improved by focusing on systems with particular orientations and planet alignments." Computations for this research were performed on the Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences Roar supercomputer. More information: Detecting Extraterrestrial Civilizations That Employ an Earth-level Deep Space Network, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2025). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf6b0 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters 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: Stephanie McNamara works on a dune in Chile where researchers have planted different kinds of obstacles. Credit: Stephanie McNamara Last summer, Stephanie McNamara got her first glimpse of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado. The park is a monument to sand, where dunes stretch across 30 square miles and tower nearly 750 feet high, making them the tallest such formations in North America. McNamara, a graduate student in geophysics at CU Boulder, had recently joined a project studying features like these. But it was one thing to read about dunes and another to experience them in person. "We have what we call saltating grains, which are small sand grains that skip across the surface of the dune. You could feel those on your legs, then, all of a sudden, they're in your mouth," McNamara said. "Unless you're in a dune field, it's hard to think about everything that's blowing around." The graduate student is part of a research effort led by Nathalie Vriend, associate professor at the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder. Among other questions, the lab explores how dunes evolve over timeshifting and surging across the landscape through processes like those that were scraping McNamara's legs. The sci-fi classic book "Dune," and its recent film adaptations, takes place mostly on the fictional world of Arrakisa desert planet where sand stretches endlessly in every direction. But dunes abound even in a water world like Earth. Sand dunes occupy an estimated 5% of our planet's land area. They sit on six continents and come in all shapes and sizes. The most common dunes, barchans, are shaped like crescent moons, while others look like stars or castle walls. Some dunes even sing. Just like the dunes in the national park, these formations are relentlessly, sometimes stubbornly, alive. Understanding exactly how dunes move has become an urgent pursuit, Vriend said. The world is growing hotter and drier, and deserts across the globe are spreading, swallowing homes, farmland and even entire villages. Vriend's research group uses a variety of tools, including ground-penetrating radar and computer simulations, to reveal the physics and mathematics that govern dunes. The team ultimately wants to answer a pressing question: Can humans efficiently shift or even halt the flow of the planet's largest dunes? "Here in the U.S., we encountered this problem 100 years ago when we had the Dust Bowl, when dust and sand were ravaging through farms and completely destroying harvests," Vriend said. "We're still facing this issue today, and as a result, we need to understand how sediment moves, how it transports." Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder Desert songs Vriend had her own moment of discovery early during her time as a doctoral student at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. As part of a research trip, the mechanical engineer hiked to the top of one of the Mojave Desert's famous singing dunes. These dunes create an eerie humming noise that can echo for miles in every direction. "I remember going down this dune, and this sound started to boom out on the desert floor, and my whole body started to vibrate," said Vriend, who came to CU Boulder in 2022. "Being a tiny part in a big, big landscape like a dune landscape is very humbling." Years later, Vriend and her advisor at Caltech, Melany Hunt, helped uncover what makes singing dunes singit has to do with how small avalanches of sand vibrate as they slide down the face of a dune. Vriend and her former graduate student, Karol Bacik, have summarized the state of science on the dynamics of dunes in a paper published in the Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics. She noted that the physics that underlies large dunes is surprisingly complex. "If [sand] rests on your hand, it forms a little heap, and it's solid. Then you pour it out, and it acts like a fluid and flows," Vriend said. "If you throw it up in the air, and the wind is blowing, it flies away like a gas." Researchers in Chile will explore whether obstacles can shift the path of dunes. Credit: Stephanie McNamara This all makes tracking the flow of dunes a tricky undertaking. Depending on their size and the prevailing winds, dunes can move anywhere from a few feet to dozens of feet every year. In a previous experiment, Vriend and her colleagues set out to discover what might happen when the winds blowing on a dune suddenly reverse direction. She led the experiment as a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. To simulate the complicated dynamics of a dune field, the team turned to a massive apparatus called a circular flume. The machine is, essentially, a ring of water that measures more than 6 feet across and spins like a turntable. The spinning flume creates underwater currents that wash over piles of sand, not unlike winds blowing in the desert. The researchers discovered that nearly two-thirds of the dune never moves at all during such a reversal. Instead, only the top layer of sand seems to shift, flowing from one direction to the othera bit like a baker icing, then re-icing a cake. 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. Spreading sand For millions of people around the world, these dynamics aren't just the stuff of scientific papers or scifi blockbusters. Rather, they can become a matter of survival, McNamara said. In the United States, for example, sand dunes around Lake Michigan engulf houses, roads and other infrastructure. In Mauritania, sand from the Sahara Desert has consumed entire communities and is threatening the nation's capital of Nouakchott, home to roughly 1.5 million people. Those trends will likely only get worse in the decades to come, the researchers added. Nathalie Vriend taking samples from a dune. Credit: Nathalie Vriend That's because, in many regions of the world, deserts are growing and spreading at an alarming ratethe result of a confluence of factors, from warming temperatures due to climate change to human landuse practices like deforestation. According to one study, this rapid "desertification" may have already affected the lives of more than 200 million people. But can humans efficiently alter the flow of dunes, a process that has continued unabated for countless eons? Humans have tried various approaches over the years to doing just that, from putting up fences to planting vegetation. But those strategies have limitations, and some can even be counterproductive. McNamara, Vriend and their colleagues want to use their knowledge of dune dynamics to improve the process. Earlier this year, McNamara traveled to Chile where she joined researchers led by Tomas Trewhela at the Universidad Adolfo Ibanez. They worked on sand dunes around Vina del Mar, a community on the Pacific Ocean. The team planted several large obstacles, including poles with arms made from pool noodles, into the dune. The group is now monitoring the experiment to investigate how various obstacles may aggravate or stall sand transport. Vriend is currently reinstalling the circular flume in her lab on the CU Boulder campusan infrastructural challenge, since the machine weighs 400 pounds. "Can we actually affect where a dune is going to migrate?" McNamara said. "What happens if we have a dune, and we put rocks in front of it, for example?" The graduate student saw firsthand why questions like these are so important during a research trip in June to the Indonesian island of Java. There, she met people whose lives had been overturned by geological disasters, including residents who had lost their homes to repeated flooding. "The human impact is what drives my research," McNamara said. "It's really going to stick with metalking to these families and seeing where they're living, hearing about the impossible decisions they have to make." More information: Nathalie M. Vriend et al, The Dynamics of Sand Dunes, Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics (2025). DOI: 10.1146/annurev-fluid-112723-062843 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: Data from DESI is mapping the large-scale distributions of millions of galaxies throughout the universe. DESI's measurements also enable new calculations for the mass of the universe's neutrinos through different lenses provided by different theoretical frameworks. Credit: DESI Collaboration These are exciting times to explore the largest unanswered questions in physics thanks to high-tech experiments and very precise data. That's particularly true of dark energy, the name given to the mysterious driver of the universe's accelerating expansion. In a report published in the Physical Review Letters, a collaboration of researchers has released new data strengthening the case that dark energy's influence on the universelong believed to be constantis actually changing over cosmic time. The team and external collaborators show how the data can be understood as a signal of matter being converted into dark energy. The new findings stem from an isolated mountain in southern Arizona called Iolkam Du'ag. Here, the Tohono O'odham Nation stewards Kitt Peak National Observatory, where the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, or DESI, peers deep into the universe's past using 5,000 robotic eyeseach focused on a different galaxy every 15 minutes. Working every hour of nearly every night, DESI has already mapped millions of galaxies and other types of ancient, luminous objects, many from when the universe was less than half its current size. In the current study, the researchers focused on an interpretation of black holes as tiny bubbles of dark energy. Because black holes are made when massive stars exhaust their nuclear fuel and collapse, this cosmologically coupled black hole, or CCBH, hypothesis requires the conversion of stellar matter into dark energy. This conveniently links the rate of dark energy production, and matter consumption, to something that has been measured for decades by the Hubble Space Telescope and now the James Webb Space Telescope: the rate of star formation. "This paper is fitting the data to a particular physical model for the first time and it works well," said DESI collaboration member Gregory Tarle, professor emeritus of physics at the University of Michigan and corresponding author of the new report. A major focus of the study is the mass of ghost-like particles called neutrinos, the second most abundant particle in the universe. Scientists know these particles have masses that are greater than zero, and so contribute to the matter budget in the universe, but their exact values have yet to be measured. Interpreting the new DESI data with the CCBH model gives a measurement greater than zero, in agreement with what scientists already know about these ghost particles and an improvement over other interpretations that prefer zero, or even negative, masses. "It's intriguing at the very least," Tarle said. "I'd say compelling would be a more accurate word, but we really try to reserve that in our field." Uendert Andrade, a Leinweber research fellow at U-M and co-coordinator of DESI's Year 3 Baryon Acoustic Oscillations analysis team, provided data products and guidance used in the new report. The study's U-M authors also included Dragan Huterer, a professor of physics, and Michael Schubnell, a research scientist. DESI is an international experiment that brings together more than 900 researchers from over 70 institutions. Left: A key figure from the report, exploring what the cosmologically coupled black holes, or CCBH, hypothesis implies about the mass of neutrinos, or "ghost particles." Right: An annotation of this figure simplifying its main ideas. Credit: Graph: SA Ahlen at al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2025 DOI:10.1103/yb2k-kn7h Annotation: Claire Lamman/DESI Collaboration 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. Exorcising the ghost particles The CCBH hypothesis was introduced about five years ago by study co-authors Kevin Croker, assistant research scientist at Arizona State University, and University of Hawaii professor Duncan Farrah. Mathematical descriptions of black holes as tiny droplets of dark energy, instead of "spaghettifying" monsters wrapped in one-way layers, have been explored by researchers for over half a century. Yet, the idea that the dark energy within such black holes could be influencing the universe at large was unorthodox. It made enough sense mathematically, however, to attract a small nucleus of curious researchers who started examining how well the hypothesis accounted for observations and cosmological data. "Historically, this is the way physics is done. You come up with as many ideas as you can and you shoot them down as fast as you can," said DESI researcher Steve Ahlen, emeritus professor of physics at Boston University and an early collaborator on the CCBH development. "You don't shy away from ideas that are new and different, which is clearly what we need to come up with these days when there are so many mysteries." The first data to bolster the CCBH hypothesis came from the unexpected growth of supermassive black holes at the centers of dormant elliptical galaxies, relative to the growth of those galaxies' stellar populations. But it was data from the first year of DESI, which showed the dark energy density tracking the rate of star formation, that convinced Croker and Farrah to join forces with the DESI Collaboration. "Working with DESI on the three-year data, it's been a game-changer," Croker said of working as a DESI external collaborator on this project. "You've got some of the sharpest and most creative researchers in the field lending their hands and hearts. It's an absolute privilege." Other than packets of light called photons, neutrinos are the most abundant particles in the universe. In the time it takes you to read this sentence, hundreds of trillions of neutrinos will pass through your body. But neutrinos rarely interact with their surroundings, meaning they're constantly zipping through other matter, completely undetected, which is why they're sometimes referred to as ghost particles. Scientists know neutrinos have mass, but precisely how much is challenging to measure on account of their ethereal nature. While enormous experiments currently running on Earth work to pin down these numbers, the night sky offers a powerful and complementary avenue for answers. DESI's galactic maps contain information on how fast the universe has grown over the past 10 billion years, in turn providing a cosmic inventory of matter and dark energy. But matter comes in three types: cold dark matter, baryons and neutrinos. Early universe measurements from the afterglow of the Big Bang measure the amount of dark matter and baryons long ago. But according to DESI, it seems like there is less matter today when compared to the ancient past. This leaves little room for the neutrinos. "The data would suggest that the neutrino mass is negative and that, of course, is likely unphysical," said Rogier Windhorst, Regents' Professor at ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration and co-author of the new study. Interpreted with the CCBH hypothesis, however, that unphysical issue disappears. Because stars are made of baryons, and black holes convert dead star matter into dark energy, the amount of baryons today has decreased relative to the Big Bang measurements. This allows neutrinos to contribute to the matter budget in the way expected from other measurements. "You find that the neutrino mass probability distribution points to not only a positive number, but a number that's entirely in line with ground-based experiments," Windhorst said. "I find this very exciting." The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument is mounted on the U.S. National Science Foundation's Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatorya program of NSF NOIRLabin Arizona. Credit: KPNO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/B. Tafreshi CCBH: More bang for the buck While this result gets top billing, the work also highlights other helpful features of the CCBH model. "The CCBH hypothesis quantifiably links phenomena you would not initially expect to be related," Farrah said. "It is the mixing of scales, large and small, that runs so counter to our trained linear intuition." Matter slows down the growth of the universe, whereas dark energy speeds it up. Because matter is converted to dark energy in the CCBH hypothesis, accelerated expansion happens earlier and so the expansion rate today, the Hubble rate, is a bit larger. This extra boost brings the cosmological measurement of the Hubble rate closer to other measurements, like those from distant exploding stars called supernovae. The CCBH hypothesis also explains the observed amount of dark energy: It's not just some magical number set when the universe was born. Dark energy comes from dead stars, so there isn't any until you have stars, and stars do not form until the universe has grown sufficiently large and cool. Once stars are produced, the amount of dark energy made is directly related to how many stars are made. "Working on this project has been both challenging and incredibly fun," said study co-author Gustavo Niz, a researcher at the University of Guanajuato, Mexico. "This is just another milestone in establishing CCBH as a viable theory. It will take more data, rigorous analysis and broader scrutiny to determine whether it can become a new paradigm for explaining our universe. Of course, it could also be ruled out as new data emerges." Croker said the hypothesis performs well when looking at the universe in the rough, "but data from other experiments that study individual black holes isn't as compelling. That's why the hypothesis is interesting. Many different observers can actually test it, hammer it out in real time." According to Ahlen, that's the way science goes. But for scientists who have been working on DESI from the beginning, it's exciting to see that data coming in is enabling researchers to test new and different hypotheses. "This is so cool, to be at this point after working on an experiment for so long, to be coming up with exciting results," said Tarle, who led the team that built DESI's robotic eye system. "It's just wonderful." More information: S. P. Ahlen et al, Positive Neutrino Masses with DESI DR2 via Matter Conversion to Dark Energy, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/yb2k-kn7h Journal information: Physical Review Letters YONGIN, South Korea, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GC Biopharma, a leading global pharmaceutical company based in South Korea, announced today that it has revealed the delivery mechanism of Hunterase (idursulfase beta), a recombinant enzyme replacement therapy for Hunter syndrome (MPS II). The research findings, detailing the role of N-glycosylation in lysosomal targeting, have been published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, a prestigious SCIE-indexed journal. Hunter syndrome (MPS II) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) gene, resulting in a deficiency of the IDS enzyme, which is essential for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). This deficiency leads to the progressive accumulation of GAG within lysosomes, causing a range of symptoms. Thus, effective treatment relies on delivering the therapeutic enzyme to lysosomes to facilitate GAG breakdown. For effective lysosomal targeting, the N-glycan structures of the therapeutic enzyme must contain mannose-6-phosphate (M6P). M6P acts as a targeting signal, guiding the enzyme to bind to cells, facilitating its uptake and delivery into lysosomes to degrade GAGs. The research utilized high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry to analyze the site-specific N-glycan structures of idursulfase beta (Hunterase). A total of 42 N-glycan structures were identified, with two sites, Asn221 and Asn255, found to be predominantly modified with bis-mannose-6-phosphate (bis-M6P), a structure containing two phosphate groups. The research team explains that this bis-M6P structure ensures the efficient and stable delivery of idursulfase beta (Hunterase) to lysosomes. The research team also demonstrated idursulfase beta's high-affinity binding to the M6P receptors using surface plasmon resonance. Additionally, fluorescence-labeled cellular studies confirmed efficient uptake and lysosomal delivery of idursulfase beta (Hunterase). Moreover, several N-glycan structures of idursulfase beta (Hunterase) were found to be modified with sialic acid, which is known to prolong the enzyme's circulation in the blood, extending its half-life. Hunterase (idursulfase beta), according to GC Biopharma, is highly effective for treating Hunter syndrome due to its targeted lysosomal delivery, driven by N-glycan structures modified with M6P and prolonged circulation enabled by sialic acid modifications. "This study analyzed the lysosomal delivery mechanism of Hunterase (idursulfase beta), supported by robust scientific evidence," said Jae Uk Jeong, Head of R&D at GC Biopharma. "With clear evidence of its therapeutic effectiveness, patients with Hunter syndrome can have greater confidence in using Hunterase throughout their treatment journey." About GC Biopharma GC Biopharma (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Yong-in, South Korea. The company has over half a century of experience in the development and manufacturing of plasma derivatives and vaccines, and is expanding its global presence with successful US market entry of Alyglo(intravenous immunoglobulin G) in 2024. In line with its mission to meet the demands of future healthcare, GC Biopharma continues to drive innovation by leveraging its core R&D capabilities in engineering of proteins, mRNAs, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery platform to develop therapeutics for the field of rare disease as well as I&I (Immunology & Inflammation). To learn more about the company, visit https://www.gcbiopharma.com/eng/ This press release may contain biopharmaceuticals in forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Biopharma's management. Such statements do not represent any guarantee by GC Biopharma or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. GC Biopharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. GC Biopharma Contacts (Media) Sohee Kim [email protected] Yelin Jun [email protected] Yoonjae Na [email protected] SOURCE GC Biopharma 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: Recent graduate Lauren Michael has coauthored a study of long-term Block Island bird data, revealing stable numbers at this important migration site. Credit: University of Rhode Island Block Island welcomes scores of tourists all summer long, with the Block Island ferry pulling into port 15 times a day. Come fall, new visitors arrive: migrating birds by the thousands. This fall, a new University of Rhode Island graduate is publishing some good news on their numbers. Lauren Michael, who received her master of science degree in biological and environmental sciences in May, analyzed 66,288 birds from 22 species that visited the island between 1970 and 2021. Her coauthored paper, with URI professor of natural resources science Scott McWilliams and Steve Reinert '75 '78, on songbird levels on Block Island will be published in the November issue of Ornithological Applications. The Hopkinton resident came to URI with a decade of experience studying birds at sites across North America, before making her way to the island nine miles off the coast of Rhode Island that is an important stopover site for migratory birds. The bird monitoring station, known as the Block Island Banding Station, was established by Elise Lapham in 1967. She operated the station each fall and spring alongside her daughter, Helen Lapham, and Kim Gaffett, who joined in 1981. Gaffett, now a naturalist at the Block Island office of The Nature Conservancy, has continued the banding operation to this day. Michael says that stepping into a project started before she was even born was a humbling experience and credits the Laphams and Gaffett for their decades of commitment to the study of birds on Block Island. "Without their dedication, this project would not have been possible," she says. "The Block Island Banding Station is one of the longest continuously running bird banding stations in the country. All of these women were volunteers and dedicated decades of their lives to this study." The banding station was established on Block Island by Elise Lapham in 1967, providing the foundational work for long-term study of bird populations on the island. Credit: University of Rhode Island Island destination While Block Island is known as a draw for the young each summer, that's true of the fall bird visitors, too, for different reasons. In the fall, young birds undertake their first migrations south. Inexperienced, they are disproportionately pushed to the coast, while adult birds opt to stay inland, where it's safer, away from open water. This southern New England "coastal effect" gets an added push from overnight north-west winds, meaning huge numbers of these young birds are pushed out over the water and end up on Block Island. As a result, most of the birds captured on Block Island are young. The exhausted and inexperienced birds find a good stop-over in the fruiting shrubs that cover the island, getting a brief rest and nutrition before continuing their journeys. Michael's paper strikes a somewhat positive note as bird populations in North America have declined at an alarming rate, with an estimated loss of 3 billion birds since the 1970s. Many songbirds saw drastic declines through the 1980s, possibly from changes in weather, local land use and habitat, or cyclical breeding. Eighteen of the species studied on Block Island saw a sharp decline in the 1970s and 1980s, followed by stabilization, recovery, or slower decline for the remainder of the study. These steady numbers are cause for celebrationand education. With increasing pressures on these birds, determining which species are at the greatest risk is vital. 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. The team used "breakpoint" models to identify changes in abundance trends over time. Although applying this kind of model to bird banding data is novel, these models have been used in ecological research and in other disciplines. These models are applicable anytime you see or expect an abrupt change in slope in response to something, Michael sayssimilar to a stock market crash, response to a new social policy, or a physiological response to a medical treatment. In wildlife biology, they're used to identify changes in physiology, find ecological thresholds, or detect sudden changes in abundance. While species analyzed on Block Island have not fully rebounded to their 1970 abundance, their sustained recovery since the declines in the 1970s and 1980s indicates that environmental conditions may be adequately supporting these smaller current populations. "Had we interpreted these trends using the entire 52-year time series, outside of a breakpoint model, as other studies have, we would have concluded that these species had simply declined," says Michael, "rather than acknowledging that though they may have dramatically declined in the 1970s and 1980s, they have been recovering over the last several decades." Michael found that 18 species with breakpoints exhibited a consistent pattern: a steep decline in abundance within the first two decades of the study, followed by stabilization, recovery, or a more gradual decline. After the breakpoint, most species were stable; many even showed increases. Fourteen of the 18 species recovered relative to 1970 levels, and twothe Blue-headed Vireo and Eastern Phoebeeven made a full return. Only Gray Catbirds continued to decline after their breakpoint in the late 1970s, though at a much slower rate. Michael hopes to take the inspiration she found on Block Island to make environmental education and science communication a larger part of her career, leaving URI with a memorable souvenir of her academic studies in the Ocean State. "Block Island is an incredibly unique place to study birds," she says. "This was more than data; it's really the culmination of decades and decades of people's lives and dedication. I was honored that I got to be a small part of it." More information: Lauren E Michael et al, From declines to recovery: 52 years of changes in autumn migratory songbird abundance at an island stopover site in southern New England, Ornithological Applications (2025). DOI: 10.1093/ornithapp/duaf045 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: Artistic interpretation of CHIME's Outrigger array over North America localizing RBFLOAT to its host galaxy. Credit: Danielle Futselaar/MMT Observatory An international team of scientists, including Northwestern University astrophysicists, has spotted one of the brightest fast radio bursts (FRBs) ever recordedand pinpointed its location with unprecedented precision. The millisecond-long blastnicknamed RBFLOAT (short for "radio-brightest flash of all time" and, yes, a nod to "root beer float")was discovered by the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) and its newly completed "Outrigger" array. By combining observations from sites in British Columbia, West Virginia and California, scientists traced the burst to a single spiral arm of a galaxy 130 million light-years awayaccurate within just 42 light-years. Because they occur so far away and vanish within the blink of an eye, FRBs are notoriously difficult to study. If scientists can pinpoint an FRB's exact location, however, they can explore its environment, including characteristics of its home galaxy, distance from Earth and potentially even its cause. Eventually, this information could help shed light on the nature and origins of these mysterious, fleeting bursts. The study, "FRB 20250316A: A Brilliant and Nearby One-Off Fast Radio Burst Localized to 13 parsec Precision," published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, marks the first time the full Outrigger array was used to localize an FRB. "It is remarkable that only a couple of months after the full Outrigger array went online, we discovered an extremely bright FRB in a galaxy in our own cosmic neighborhood," said Northwestern's Wen-fai Fong, a senior author on the study. "This bodes very well for the future. An increase in event rates always provides the opportunity for discovering more rare events. The CHIME/FRB collaboration worked for many years toward this technical achievement, and the universe rewarded us with an absolute gift." "This result marks a turning point," said corresponding author Amanda Cook, a postdoctoral researcher at McGill University. "Instead of just detecting these mysterious flashes, we can now see exactly where they are coming from. It opens the door for discovering whether they are caused by dying stars, exotic magnetic objects or something we haven't even thought of yet." An expert on cosmic explosions, Fong is an associate professor of physics and astronomy at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. She is also a member of the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) and the NSF-Simons AI Institute for the Sky (SkAI Institute). Four days of solar energy packed into a single blink Flaring up and disappearing within milliseconds, FRBs are brief, powerful radio blasts that generate more energy in one quick burst than our sun emits in an entire year. While most pass unnoticed, every once in a while, an FRB is bright enough to detect. FRB20250316A, or RBFLOAT, was one of these rare events. Detected in March 2025, RBFLOAT released as much energy in a few milliseconds as the sun produces in four days. "It was so bright that our pipeline initially flagged it as radio frequency interference, signals often caused by cell phones or airplanes that are much closer to home," Fong said. "It took some sleuthing by members of our collaboration to uncover that it was a real astrophysical signal." And while many FRBs repeatpulsing multiple times across several monthsRBFLOAT emitted all its energy in just one burst. Even in the hundreds of hours after it was first observed, astronomers did not detect repeat bursts from the source. That means astrophysicists couldn't wait for another flare to gather more data. Instead, they only had one shot at pinpointing its location. "RBFLOAT was the first non-repeating source localized to such precision," said Northwestern's Sunil Simha, a postdoctoral scholar at CIERA and study co-author. "These are much harder to locate. Thus, even detecting RBFLOAT is proof of concept that CHIME is indeed capable of detecting such events and building a statistically interesting sample of FRBs." Location of RBFLOAT next to its host galaxy. Credit: Yuxin "Vic" Dong/MMT 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. FRB forensics hint at a magnetar To investigate RBFLOAT's origin, the scientists relied on CHIME, a large radio telescope in British Columbia and the world's most prolific FRB hunter. Smaller versions of CHIME, the Outriggers, enable astronomers to triangulate signals to precisely confine the specific locations of FRBs on the sky. With this array of vantage points, the team traced the burst to the Big Dipper constellation in the outskirts of a galaxy about 130 million light-years away from Earth. The team precisely pinpointed it to a region just 45 light-years across, which is smaller than an average star cluster. Follow-up observations from the 6.5-meter MMT telescope in Arizona and the Keck Cosmic Web Imager on the 10-meter Keck II Telescope in Hawai'i provided the most detailed view yet of a non-repeating FRB's surroundings. Simha analyzed the optical data obtained from Keck, and Northwestern graduate student Yuxin "Vic" Dong used the MMT to obtain deep optical images of the FRB's host galaxy. Their investigations revealed the burst occurred along a spiral arm of the galaxy, which is dotted with many star-forming regions. The RBFLOAT occurred near, but not inside, one of these star-forming regions. Although astrophysicists still don't know exactly what causes FRBs, this evidence bolsters one leading hypothesis. At least some appear to come from magnetars, ultra-magnetized neutron stars born from the deaths of massive stars. Star-forming regions often host young magnetars, which are energetic enough to produce quick, powerful bursts. "We found the FRB lies at the outskirts of a star-forming region that hosts massive stars," Simha said. "For the first time, we could even estimate how deeply it's embedded in surrounding gas, and it's relatively shallow." Keck's rich dataset and FRB's precise location enabled the team to perform first-of-its-kind analysis of the galaxy's properties at the FRB's location. These uncovered characteristics include the density of the galaxy's gas, star-formation rate and presence of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. "The FRB lies on a spiral arm of its host galaxy," added Dong, who is the principal investigator of the MMT program. "Spiral arms are typically sites of ongoing star formation, which supports the idea that it came from a magnetar. Using our extremely sensitive MMT image, we were able to zoom in further and found that the FRB is actually outside the nearest star-forming clump. This location is intriguing because we would expect it to be located within the clump, where star formation is happening. "This could suggest that the progenitor magnetar was kicked from its birth site or that it was born right at the FRB site and away from the clump's center." The start of something spectacular With the CHIME Outriggers now fully running, astronomers expect to pin down hundreds more FRBs each yearbringing them closer than ever to solving the mystery of what causes these spectacular flashes. The localization power of the Outriggers, combined with CHIME's wide field of view, marks a turning point for the FRB search. "For years, we've known FRBs occur all over the sky, but pinning them down has been painstakingly slow," Dong said. "Now, we can routinely tie them to specific galaxies, even down to neighborhoods within those galaxies." "The entire FRB community has only published about 100 well-localized events in the past eight years," Simha said. "Now, we expect more than 200 precise detections per year from CHIME alone. RBFLOAT was a spectacular source to begin building such a sample." "Thanks to the CHIME Outriggers, we're now entering a new era of FRB science," said study co-author Tarraneh Eftekhari, who is CIERA's assistant director. "With hundreds of precisely localized events expected in the next few years, we can start to understand the full breadth of environments from which these mysterious signals emanate, bringing us one step closer to unlocking their secrets. RBFLOAT is just the beginning." More information: FRB 20250316A: A Brilliant and Nearby One-off Fast Radio Burst Localized to 13 pc Precision, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2025). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf62f on arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2506.19006 Journal information: arXiv 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: Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/kt15-x472 A study conducted by researchers from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has demonstrated how nitrogen vacancies (V N ) resolve asymmetric carrier injection in GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs), providing a practical way to improve device efficiency. Researchers investigated the asymmetric carrier relaxation in GaN/AlN quantum wells (QWs), where electrons cool significantly slower than holes, leading to energy loss and reduced LED performance. Their study is published in Physical Review Letters. Through first-principles calculations and nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations, researchers analyzed the role of V N introduced at the GaN/AlN interface. These defects created intermediate states that acted as "steps" for electrons, reducing their relaxation time from 8.61 ps to 0.15 ps, which is comparable to holes (0.12ps). The defect states strengthened electron-phonon coupling, further accelerating carrier cooling. Moreover, researchers identified eight configurations of V N , with four located in the critical energy interval (E g 2) between the conduction band minimum (CBM) and higher states. Systems exhibited continuous band structures and strong nonadiabatic coupling, enabling ultrafast electron relaxation. In contrast, defects outside trapped electrons without improving cooling. Extrinsic dopants like silicon were ruled out, as their energy levels failed to align with the required states. The study provides a blueprint for optimizing GaN-based optoelectronics by strategically engineering defects. The approach could improve the efficiency of ultraviolet LEDs by mitigating carrier imbalance, which currently suffer from sub-10% quantum efficiency. In addition, this study highlights the role of defects as tools for controlling semiconductor properties. More information: Yuxin Yang et al, Overcoming Asymmetric Carrier Injection in III-Nitride Light-Emitting Diodes through Defect Engineering, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/kt15-x472 Journal information: Physical Review Letters 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 Thousands of years ago, ancient humans undertook a treacherous journey, crossing hundreds of miles of ice over the Bering Strait to the unknown world of the Americas. Now, a new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that these nomads carried something surprising with thema chunk of DNA inherited from a now-extinct species of hominin, which may have helped humans adapt to the challenges of their new home. The researchers published their results in the journal Science. "In terms of evolution, this is an incredible leap," said Fernando Villanea, one of two lead authors of the study and an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at CU Boulder. "It shows an amount of adaptation and resilience within a population that is simply amazing." The research takes a new look at a species known as Denisovans. These ancient relatives of humans lived from what is today Russia south to Oceania and west to the Tibetan Plateau. The Denisovans likely went extinct tens of thousands of years ago. Their existence, however, remains poorly understood: Scientists identified the first known Denisovan just 15 years ago from the DNA in a fragment of bone found in a cave in Siberia. Like Neanderthals, Denisovans may have had prominent brows and no chins. "We know more about their genomes and how their body chemistry behaves than we do about what they looked like," Villanea said. A growing body of research has shown that Denisovans interbred with both Neanderthals and humans, profoundly shaping the biology of people living today. To explore those connections, Villanea and his colleagues, including co-lead author David Peede from Brown University, examined the genomes of humans from across the globe. In particular, the team set its sights on a gene called MUC19, which plays an important role in the immune system. The group discovered that humans with Indigenous American ancestry are more likely than other populations to carry a variant of this gene that came from Denisovans. In other words, this ancient genetic heritage may have helped humans survive in the completely new ecosystems of North and South America. Signals of adaptive introgression at MUC19. Credit: Fernando A. Villanea et al A little-known gene Villanea added that MUC19's function in the human body is about as mysterious as Denisovans themselves. It's one of 22 genes in mammals that produce mucins. These proteins make mucus, which, among other functions, can protect tissues from pathogens. "It seems like MUC19 has a lot of functional consequences for health, but we're only starting to understand these genes," he said. Previous research has shown that Denisovans carried their own variant of the MUC19 gene, with a unique series of mutations, which they passed onto some humans. That kind of admixture was common in the ancient world: Most humans alive today carry some Neanderthal DNA, whereas Denisovan DNA makes up as much as 5% of the genomes of people from Papua New Guinea. In the current study, Villanea and colleagues wanted to learn more about how these genetic time capsules shape our evolution. The group pored through already published data on the genomes of modern humans from Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico and Colombia, where Indigenous American ancestry and DNA are common. They discovered that one in three modern people of Mexican ancestry carry a copy of the Denisovan variant of MUC19and particularly in portions of their genome that come from Indigenous American heritage. That's in contrast to people of Central European ancestry, only 1% of whom carry this variant. The researchers discovered something even more surprising: In humans, the Denisovan gene variant seems to be surrounded by DNA from Neanderthals. "This DNA is like an Oreo, with a Denisovan center and Neanderthal cookies," Villanea said. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. A new world Here's what Villanea and his colleagues suspect happened: Before humans crossed the Bering Strait, Denisovans interbred with Neanderthals, passing the Denisovan MUC19 to their offspring. Then, in a game of genetic telephone, Neanderthals bred with humans, sharing some Denisovan DNA. It's the first time scientists have identified of DNA jumping from Denisovans to Neanderthals and then humans. Later, humans migrated to the Americas where natural selection favored the spread of this borrowed MUC19. Why the Denisovan variant became so common in North and South America but not in other parts of the world isn't yet clear. Villanea noted that the first people who lived in the Americas likely encountered conditions unlike anything else in human history, including new kinds of food and diseases. Denisovan DNA may have given them additional tools to contend with challenges like these. "All of a sudden, people had to find new ways to hunt, new ways to farm, and they developed really cool technology in response to those challenges," he said. "But, over 20,000 years, their bodies were also adapting at a biological level." To build that picture, the anthropologist is planning to study how different MUC19 gene variants affect the health of humans living today. For now, Villanea said the study is a testament to the power of human evolution. "What Indigenous American populations did was really incredible," Villanea said. "They went from a common ancestor living around the Bering Strait to adapting biologically and culturally to this new continent that has every single type of biome in the world." More information: Fernando A. Villanea et al, The MUC19 gene: An evolutionary history of recurrent introgression and natural selection, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adl0882. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl0882 Journal information: Science 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: EU countries most affected by wildfires. Wildfires have so far ravaged more than one million hectares (2.5 million acres) in the European Union in 2025, a record since statistics began in 2006, according to an AFP analysis of official data. Surpassing the annual record of 988,524 hectares burned in 2017, the figure reached 1,015,731 hectares by midday Thursday, representing an area larger than Cyprus. This calculation is based on a total compiled by AFP from estimates by country from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), at a time when Spain and Portugal are still battling wildfires. Four countries in the European Union -- Spain, Cyprus, Germany, and Slovakia -- have already experienced their worst year in two decades of existing data. Spain is struggling with numerous fires in the west of the country, which have claimed four lives. By far the most affected EU country by fires, with more than 400,000 hectares burned, Spain accounts for nearly 40% of the EU total. Portugal, which holds the unenviable EU record of 563,530 hectares burned in 2017, is the second-most affected EU country. As of August 21, it has never had an area of this size (nearly 274,000 hectares) burned so early in the year. Romania follows with 126,000 hectares while in France 35,600 hectares of forest have been reduced to ashes, mostly in the southern Aude region, which was ravaged by a massive fire in early August. Wildfires are continuing in Spain and Portugal and Europe as a whole has already had a record year for destruction, according to an AFP analysis of data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). These calculations by EFFIS, a component of the European climate monitor Copernicus, only take into account fires that have burned areas of at least 30 hectares. Outside the EU, Britain is also experiencing a record year, following fires in April during an early heatwave, as well as in northern Scotland at the end of June. In the Balkans, Serbia is also recording its worst year since statistics began. By August 19, forest fires in 22 of the 27 EU countries had already emitted 35 megatons of CO2 since January, an unprecedented amount at this point in the year according to EFFIS, indicating the annual record set in 2017 of 41 megatons could be surpassed. During the previous record year, in 2017, wildfires had killed more than 200 people in the EU, notably in Portugal, Italy, Spain and France. In 2025, the provisional EU death toll due to fires is 10, according to an AFP count: two people dead in Cyprus, one in France, and seven in the Iberian Peninsula. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Mountain ash is the tallest flowering plant on Earth. Credit: Craig Nitschke The first time I saw the Ada Tree, I felt tiny. It was October 2015, just days after arriving in Victoria to study mountain ash forests. During a visit to the Central Highlands, we went to see the Ada Treeone of the largest mountain ash specimens, standing 76 meters tall (equivalent to a 20-story building), with a trunk 5 meters wide. Mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) is the tallest flowering plant on Earth. The tallest known individual, called Centurion, is in Tasmania, reaching almost 100 meters high. Mountain ash can store between 450 and 819 tons of carbon per hectare, which is more than the Amazon rainforest on a per hectare basis (a 100 meter by 100 meter square). But these forests are slowly changing. Credit: University of Melbourne Forests are growing thinner as temperatures rise Our research, now published in Nature Communications, quantifies these changes and their drivers. Our research team, based at the Universities of Melbourne and New Hampshire (U.S.), analyzed 50 years of forest measurements. We found that these forests are growing thinner as temperatures rise. For every degree of warming, the forest loses 9% of its trees. By 2080, when temperatures are expected to be three degrees warmer, these forests could lose a quarter of their trees and their stored carbon, relative to pre-industrial conditions. To understand why warming leads to tree loss, we need to look at how forests work. Trees in every forest compete for essential resourcessunlight, water and nutrients, all of which are in limited supply. When one tree gets more resources, others get less. This is nature's zero-sum game. As forests develop, trees grow larger and require more resources to survive, leading to what scientists call "self-thinning." Larger trees gradually intercept more and more of the available resources, leaving smaller trees with insufficient supplies to survive. Climate warming accelerates these natural processes by reducing the resources available to all trees. Warmer air pulls more moisture from the soil and leaves, making it harder for trees to get enough water. Suppressed trees, growing in the shadow of their larger neighbors and with shallower roots, face a higher risk of dying under these conditions. The concern is that as trees grow, they incorporate carbon into their trunk, branches, roots, bark and leaves (mostly the stem). So when they die, the trees rot and release carbon into the atmosphere. This can turn forests from a carbon sink (removing carbon from the atmosphere) to a carbon source (releasing carbon into the atmosphere). Measuring forest density To track these changes in forest density over time, we analyzed data from long-term forest monitoring plots in Victoria's Central Highlands, some dating back to 1947. These records were originally collected by the Forestry Commission of Victoria, later maintained by the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and its predecessors. Foresters measured thousands of trees across more than 100 forest sites, recording each tree's size and whether it was alive or dead. They returned to these same sites every few years for decades, creating a detailed record of forest changes over time. By comparing these measurements with climate data over the same period, we discovered a consistent relationship between warming temperatures and decreased forest density. This pattern held true across different sites and throughout the study period. Impact on tree-planting programs This discovery comes at a critical time. Around the world, massive tree-planting programs like the trillion-tree campaign are being launched to fight climate change. Our findings suggest these efforts need to account for how many trees the forests will be able to support in a warmer future, not just how many they can carry now. The impact will vary across the globe by latitude. Forests in cold regions will likely thrive and store more carbon as temperatures rise, while forests in warmer, seasonally dry regions like Australia's mountain ash forests will naturally thin out as they become more water-limited and store less carbon. What we are seeing in these mountain ash forests has global significance. By 2080, these forests could lose a quarter of their trees, releasing more than 100 million tons of stored carbon. This equals the emissions from a million cars driving 10,000 kilometers per year for 75 years. Our findings echo results from other research initiatives across Australia. Citizen scientists contributing to the Dead Tree Detective project have been documenting similar climate impacts on trees nationwide. These studies all point to the same conclusion: Australian forests are already responding to climate change. 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. Helping forests adapt So can we help these forests cope with a warmer future? While we can't stop climate change immediately, we can help forests adapt. One promising option is ecological thinning, where some trees are selectively removed to give others access to more resources and a better chance of survival. It is a bit like thinning lettuce in your veggie patch: if every seedling is left to grow, they crowd each other and none develop properly. But if you thin the row early, keeping only the most robust plants, each head gets the space, light, and nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. Forests work the same way. By thinning the forest, we can reduce competition. The remaining trees have better access to sunlight, water and nutrients, helping them grow faster and become more resilient to climate extremes. Decades of research around the globe shows that thinned forests are usually more resilient to drought, with trees showing better growth and survival during dry periods. Studies from Europe and North America consistently demonstrate these benefits across different forest types and climates. However, we need more research on ecological thinning in Australia. We need to better understand how it affects our unique eucalyptus forests and their ecosystem services, and to triage which stands should be thinned first. We can't thin every forest, so we should focus on the densest regrowth in drought-prone areas where the benefits could be greatest. The Ada Tree was already ancient when Europeans arrived in Australia, having survived centuries of change. But the changes it faces now are different, happening faster and more intensely than any in its long history. Understanding how forests respond to warming helps us protect them better. Through careful management, we can help these forests and their carbon stores survive in a warmer world. More information: Raphael Trouve et al, Global warming reduces the carrying capacity of the tallest angiosperm species (Eucalyptus regnans), Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62535-x Journal information: Nature Communications 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 photo provided by Michael Brown with the International Union for Conservation of Nature in August 2025 shows a herd of northern giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) in Uganda's Kidepo Valley National Park. Credit: Michael Brown/IUCN via AP Giraffes are a majestic sight in Africa with their long necks and distinctive spots. Now it turns out there are four different giraffe species on the continent, according to a new scientific analysis released Thursday. Researchers previously considered all giraffes across Africa to belong to a single species. New data and genetic studies have led a task force of the International Union for Conservation of Nature to split the tallest mammal on land into four groupsNorthern giraffes, reticulated giraffes, Masai giraffes and Southern giraffes. Key studies have emerged in the past decade highlighting significant differences between the four species, said the IUCN's Michael Brown, a researcher in Windhoek, Namibia, who led the assessment. Naming different giraffes matters because "each species has different population sizes, threats and conservation needs," he said. "When you lump giraffes all together, it muddies the narrative." Northern giraffeswhose range includes parts of Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Central African Republicface threats from political instability and poaching. Masai giraffes in Kenya and Tanzania face pressure from habitat loss, as open savannas are converted to cattle pastures and fields. This photo provided by Michael Brown with the International Union for Conservation of Nature in August 2025 shows a northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in Uganda's Kidepo Valley National Park. Credit: Michael Brown/IUCN via AP Considering four giraffe species "is absolutely the right decision, and it's long overdue," said Stuart Pimm, a Duke University ecologist who wasn't involved in the analysis. While in the past researchers scrutinized giraffes' spots, the new categories made use of newer methods including extensive analysis of genetic data and studies highlighting key anatomical differences, such as skull shape. What appear like horns sticking up from the foreheads of giraffes are actually permanent bony protrusions from the skull, different from deer antlers that are shed annually. Over the past 20 years, scientists have also gathered genetic samples from more than 2,000 giraffes across Africa to study the differences, said Stephanie Fennessy at the nonprofit Giraffe Conservation Foundation, who helped in the research. This photo provided by Michael Brown with the International Union for Conservation of Nature in August 2025 shows a Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi) in Tanzania's Lake Mburo National Park. Credit: Michael Brown/IUCN via AP This photo provided by Michael Brown with the International Union for Conservation of Nature in August 2025 shows a reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata) on Kenya's Laikipia Plateau. Credit: Michael Brown/IUCN via AP This photo provided by Michael Brown with the International Union for Conservation of Nature in August 2025 shows a southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) in the deserts of Namibia. Credit: Michael Brown/IUCN via AP It used to cost tens of thousands of dollars to sequence each genome, but advances in technology have brought the cost down to about $100, making it more accessible to nonprofit and conservation groups, she said. According to population estimates from the foundation, the most endangered giraffe is the Northern giraffe, with only about 7,000 individuals left in the wild. "It's one of the most threatened large mammals in the world," said Fennessy. Southern giraffes are the most populous species, with around 69,000 individuals. There are around 21,000 reticulated giraffes left in the wild, and 44,000 Masai giraffes, according to the foundation. "If not all giraffes are the same, then we have to protect them individually," said Fennessy. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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 Researchers at the University of California, Irvine and other institutions have spotted a contradiction in worldwide wildfire trends: Despite a 26% decline in total burned area from 2002 to 2021, the number of people exposed to wildfires has surged by nearly 40%. The study, published in Science, revealed another statistic that may come as a surprise to people who rely primarily on Western news sources: While high-profile wildfire disasters in the United States, Canada and Australia often dominate headlines, the researchers found that 85% of all human exposures to wildfires during that period occurred in Africa. Just five central African countriesCongo, South Sudan, Mozambique, Zambia and Angolaaccounted for half of all global human exposure. In contrast, the United States, Europe and Australia collectively constituted less than 2.5% of the total. "Nevertheless, the western U.S. and particularly California are hot spots of intense fires globally," said senior author Mojtaba Sadegh, an associate professor of civil engineering at Idaho's Boise State University who earned a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering at UC Irvine in 2015. "Our previously published study shows that California experiences a disproportionately large share of U.S. fire impacts, accounting for 72% of human exposures despite comprising 15% of the nation's burned area." The researchers analyzed population data and more than 18.6 million fire records from 2002 to 2021 to find that an estimated 440 million people worldwide were exposed to a wildfire encroaching on their home during this perioda number roughly equivalent to the entire population of the European Union. They discovered that human exposure to wildland fire increased by 7.7 million people, an average of 382,700 persons per year during the study period. This surge in human exposure was prompted not by a global jump in fire activity but primarily by population growth and migration into fire-prone landscapes. Another factor illuminated by the research is a significant rise in the intensity of wildfires in North and South America. This is linked to the climate change-driven amplification of "fire weather," which includes conditions like increased heat, lower humidity and strong winds. Extreme fire weather has grown by more than 50% over the past four decades globally. When combined with such human activities as land development and historical fire suppression practices, this trend has led to an escalating risk of destructive fires in regions like California. The frequency of conditions conducive to extreme-impact wildfires (like the 2025 Los Angeles fires) quadrupled from 1990 to 2022 across the state. In Europe and Oceania, the study noted a decline in wildfire exposures, mainly because of population shifts from rural to urban areas. This highlights how both social and environmental factors play critical roles in shaping wildfire risk. 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. "The global paradox of decreased burn area and increased human impacts we uncovered is due largely to an increasing overlap between human settlements and fire-prone landscapes," said co-author Amir AghaKouchak, UC Irvine Chancellor's Professor of civil and environmental engineering. Underscoring a growing human vulnerability to wildfiresparticularly in regions that receive little international attentionthe research emphasizes the urgent need for proactive mitigation strategies to protect communities from the burgeoning threat of wildfires. These include vegetation management techniques like prescribed fires, public education and engineering solutions to reduce human-caused ignitions. "As climate change intensifies fire weather and global populations continue to expand into fire-prone zones, proactive mitigation will be increasingly critical to reduce the risk of future wildfire disasters," AghaKouchak said. More information: Seyd Teymoor Seydi et al, Increasing global human exposure to wildland fires despite declining burned area, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adu6408. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adu6408 Journal information: Science 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: Persian limes. Credit: Peter Follett, USDA Agricultural Research Service Researchers from the USDA's Agricultural Research Service are opening new markets for America's fruit growers. Fruit flies are major economic and quarantine pests that impact fresh fruit production and impede international trade. Flies lay their eggs on fruits, making the infested fruit their host, resulting in millions of dollars in damage annually. For international trade, fruits must undergo quarantine treatment or other mitigation measures to control possible infestation by fruit flies and other high-risk pests. In Hawai'i, Lisbon lemons and Persian or Tahiti limes, both commercially popular cultivars, are new crops recently planted on the rich-soil island of Maui. Currently, the fruit is being sold locally, but harvest volumes may eventually surpass local demand. Export from Hawai'i is an option to best utilize the production of high-quality lemons and limes. ARS researchers evaluated whether the Hawai'i-grown lemons and limes can serve as hosts for Mediterranean fruit flies, Oriental fruit flies, and melon flies. In the studies, host status testing was conducted using no-choice laboratory and field cage tests as well as field collection of fruits. Their research findings show promise in the safe overseas export of commercial quality and non-damaged Lisbon lemons and Persian limes. "We inspected the fruits and found that the non-damaged fruits are natural non-hosts of fruit flies and pose a low risk of moving fruit flies during overseas export," said Peter Follett, a research entomologist at the Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, HI. Follett added that Hawaii may be able to develop an export protocol based on non-host status or a systems approach to reduce the pest risk to an acceptable level for trading partners. As beloved citrus fruits with several nutritional benefits, lemons and limes are in demand worldwide. These research findings should make it easier and more economically beneficial for growers to export these fruits to a multitude of markets. The studies were conducted in collaboration with the ARS Southeastern Fruit and Nut Research Laboratory in Byron, GA, and the ARS San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center in Parlier, CA. More information: Peter A. Follett et al, Non-Host Status of Green Lemon Fruit (Citrus limon (L.) Burman f. cv. Lisbon) to Oriental Fruit Fly, Mediterranean Fruit Fly, and Melon Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii, Insects (2025). DOI: 10.3390/insects16050447 Peter A. Follett et al, Host Status of Persian Lime (Citrus latifolia Tan.) to Oriental Fruit Fly and Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawai'i, Insects (2024). DOI: 10.3390/insects15100799 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 At a trailhead surrounded by sagebrush, a naturalist welcomes a group of visitors to Mono Lake beside a sign that reads "Oasis in the Desert." Guide Ryan Garrett, his face alight, greets the group of vacationers and entreats them to see the value in the saline lakeit teems with migrating birds, it's around a million years old, and it's affected by water use in Southern California more than 300 miles away. In the early 20th century, Los Angeles built a massive aqueduct to take water from the Owens Valley and soon dried up Owens Lake. Reaching for even more water, L.A. leaders pushed farther and began tapping water from the mountain streams that feed Mono Lake. Visitors demonstrate how tufa towers are formed by mixing a solution of calcium and carbonate during a tour of Mono Lake. "Are they still taking water?" one woman asks. "Yes, they are still diverting water," Garrett replies. As they continue, Garrett explains how Mono Lake rapidly declined from the 1940s to the 1980s. They pass interpretive signs showing how much the water level dropped: 7 feet by 1951, 25 feet by 1963. By 1982, the lake had fallen 45 feet from the natural level local people had once known. Starved of inflows, the lake lost about half its volume and became twice as salty. As they walk toward the shore, the group is dwarfed by the lake's famous craggy formations called tufa nearly 20 feet above them. Garrett stops to describe how the towers of calcium carbonate grew underwater around freshwater springs over thousands of years, then were left exposed as the water dropped. "If we were here in 1941, we would be underwater," he says. The free tours, offered twice a day in the summer, take visitors down the South Tufa trail, located in the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area. Some tour leaders work for the state parks; others are guides from the Mono Lake Committee, a nonprofit group. Garrett is the committee's education director. At the shore, he squats and dips a clear cup into the salty water. There are an estimated 4 to 6 trillion brine shrimp in Mono Lake. "I got one!" he says, passing around the cup, where a tiny brine shrimp is swimming. The species is found nowhere else in the world. The lake is filled with several trillion of them. Reaching into the water, he shows his open palm. It's covered with dark flecks. They're the pupae of alkali flies, a traditional food source of the Native Kootzaduka'a people. He urges everyone to taste one. "It tastes salty," one man says with intrigue. A California gull runs open-beaked through a cloud of alkali flies at Mono Lake. These flies and brine shrimp are essential food for migratory birds, including eared grebes, Wilson's phalaropes and California gulls. They need the lake to be at a healthy level and not too saline. The lake's threatened health became a rallying cry in the 1980s, when "Save Mono Lake" bumper stickers appeared on cars across California. In 1994, state regulators ordered the L.A. Department of Water and Power to take steps to raise the lake 17 feet by taking less water from the creeks, leaving more to flow into the lake. 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. Despite that, Garrett says, "Mono Lake is not at the healthy management level." He opens his backpack and takes out a collapsible metal pole, extending it 9 feet. He stands it vertically on the sand to show the lake is still far below the target level agreed on 31 years ago. "So, the question now becomes, is Mono Lake doomed?" he says. "Is this the highest it can get? No, absolutely not." Garrett notes that conservation efforts in L.A. have significantly reduced water use over the last three decades. Visitors to Mono Lake's South Tufa area walk along the shore, which was once covered in water as deep as the tallest tufa towers. The 1994 decision included a backstop: If the lake level doesn't rise enough, the State Water Resources Control Board is to hold a hearing to determine if the rules need to changean assessment that both environmental advocates and the DWP's managers say they hope will happen soon. "What's super, super exciting is that hearing is right around the corner," Garrett says. "So right now is the best time to learn about Mono Lake, because the next great effort to save Mono Lake is about to begin." As the tour ends, Jerardo Reyes, a roofing contractor from Rialto, says he hadn't known about Mono Lake and came away wanting to learn more about the places Southern California gets its water. He and his wife Jeannette had stopped to see the lake with their four children. Reyes says he believes that while L.A. needs water, the lake also needs it, and "you've got to find a balance." "It's a beautiful lake," Reyes says. "I hope this lake is here for my kids to see, and my grandkids to see, in the future." 2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Uwill expands student support to address food insecurity, housing instability, transportation challenges with acquisition of tbh NATICK, Mass., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Uwill , the leading mental health and wellness solution serving more than 4 million students at 500+ institutions worldwide, announced the acquisition of tbh , a pioneer in providing support for students and young adults facing basic needs insecurity and mental health challenges. The acquisition reflects the continued expansion of Uwill's platform to provide holistic mental health support to students. By integrating clinical counseling and crisis intervention with services that address basic needs such as food, housing, and transportation, Uwill is helping remove barriers that can impact student success. "Today's students are balancing academic demands, jobs, and family responsibilities - sometimes without reliable access to essentials like food, housing, or transportation," said Michael London, founder and CEO of Uwill . "Supporting student mental health means addressing these fundamental needs." According to the Hope Center at Temple University's latest student basic needs survey , three in five college students reported they have experienced food or housing insecurity in the past year. A study in the American Journal of Health Promotion of college students at a large public university found that those facing food, housing, and financial insecurity were four times more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Founded in 2020 by graduate students who saw the impact of financial stress and mental health on their peers, tbh now enables colleges to help students identify and access federal, state, and local available resources and benefits 24/7/365. By combining tbh's technology and AI-powered basic needs support with Uwill's teletherapy and mental health infrastructure, institutions can deliver integrated student support, at scale, without increasing staff burden. "This integration makes it possible for a college to connect students facing basic needs challenges with immediate support, helping them to apply for rent relief, and providing them with access to mental health support, all in a single platform," said Asaf Zilberfarb, co-founder of San Francisco based tbh. "It's about reimagining what holistic support can look like to ensure that every student has not just the resources to get by, but the opportunity to thrive." tbh's platform, already used widely by colleges, K12 districts, and employers, will add a new dimension to Uwill's mental health and wellness environment. Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection 24/7/365, on-demand medical care, prescription management, wellness programming, realtime data, and support. The addition of tbh follows Uwill's acquisitions of Christie Campus Health (2023) and the Virtual Care Group (2024). About Uwill: Uwill attributes its success to supporting every single student as quickly as possible and is the leading mental health and wellness solution for schools and students. In 2025, Uwill was recognized as the 79th fastest growing private company in the US according to Inc, its second consecutive year in the top 100 (2024 #27, 2025 #79). Uwill also ranked as the #1 fastest growing company in the state of Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal (2025) and the 18th fastest growing company in North America (2024) according to Deloitte. As the most cost-effective way to enhance a college's mental health offering, Uwill partners with 500+ institutions worldwide, including Northeastern University, the Ohio State University, Princeton University, Santa Fe Community College, and University of Alabama - Online. For more information, visit uwill.com . Contact: Brett Silk, [email protected] SOURCE Uwill, Inc 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: Qianquian Zhang-Wus research highlights the strengths multilingual scholars bring to their work and ways to support multilingual students. Credit: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University Multilingual scholars can benefit from reflecting on their own experience, a Northeastern University researcher concludes. Qianqian Zhang-Wu, an assistant professor of English, says multilingual educators usually focus on how learners move back and forth between languages, but they can empower themselves by looking inward. "We usually look outward at how our students use language," says Zhang-Wu, who is the multilingual writing coordinator for Northeastern's writing program. "But we ourselves can be marginalized in many ways, racially, linguistically. There isn't enough space for us to look inwards." Zhang-Wu solicited the personal reflections of more than a dozen academic researchers from six continents to write about their experiences. Her goal: create a space where researchers can turn their focus to themselves and explore the complexities of thinking in multiple languages but teach in English. The articles are compiled in the recently published book: "Autoethnographic Explorations of Lived Raciolinguistic Experiences Among Multilingual Scholars: Looking Inward to Move Forward." There is power in reflection, she says, as there is power in language. Writers in the book applied raciolinguistic theory to their personal experiences, Zhang-Wu says, exploring the ways that language, race and power influence one another. Anyone who speaks English has an accent, she says, but scholars who have an accent from their mother tongue are often perceived as deficient. "Regardless of your English proficiency, you're considered linguistically incompetent by default simply because of your race," she says. "Recent linguistic theory draws attention to colonial history and reminds people that language is not neutral. With this book, I tried to push people to use that theory to reflect on their own lived experiences." In one article, a linguistics graduate student from Mongolia working on her Ph.D. in Australia writes that the way people perceive her accent makes her feel inadequate and afraid of making mistakes. But "our speech is not the determining factor," she continues. "Rather, our appearance takes precedence. Even before we say a word, our physical presence conveys a message." That message, Zhang-Wu says, is often that the scholar's language research isn't as important as research conducted by a native English speaker. Zhang-Wu grew up in Nanjing, China, and came to the United States as an international student to pursue graduate studies in education and bilingual research. In an article published in the collection, she writes that her name and Chinese accent contribute to her concern about being perceived as a "perpetual foreigner." "I pushed myself to triple-read every email I was about to send to eliminate any typos or grammatical errors," she writes, "so that I could prove myself 'qualified' to be an atypical English professor." 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. By collecting stories from multilingual scholars, Zhang-Wu hopes to highlight the unique strengths that multilingual scholars bring to their work. From her own experience helping multilingual students with their writing, Zhang-Wu says that her research focus has broadened to include how to support them in a predominantly white and "standard" English-dominant environment. That work is the focus of a second book Zhang-Wu released this year, "Rethinking Multilingual Writers in Higher Education: An Institutional Case Study," which explores the distinct and unique experiences of multilingual students in American universities. Not all international students arrive in the U.S. with the same linguistic capabilities, she says, so students benefit from being treated as individualssome of whom need language support and some who are already fluent in English. "We're fighting forward for many things by looking inward," Zhang-Wu says. "Some are using their lived experience to fight for better research to advocate for students. Some people just feel empowered by reflecting on their own experiences." 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain When companies are acquired, conventional wisdom suggests that employee nostalgia for their pre-buyout days is a problem to be eliminated so workers can more quickly adapt to the new owners' ways of doing business. A new study, "How Nostalgia Facilitates Post-Acquisition Target Employee Retention: An Agenda for Future Research" published in the journal Strategic Organization, led by UC Riverside School of Business professors Boris Maciejovsky and Jerayr Haleblian, suggests this thinking is wrongespecially when the new owners want to retain the most talented, productive, and informed workers. Nostalgia, they found, serves as a comforting and stabilizing force during takeover periods, when employees feel vulnerable, fear losing their jobs, status, or advancement opportunities, and are thus inclined to send out resumes. "Rather than viewing nostalgia as living in the past, we demonstrate how it serves as a bridge between employees' pre-acquisition identity and their post-acquisition reality," explained Haleblian, the business school's Anderson Presidential Chair in Business. "This temporal bridging is crucial for maintaining organizational commitment during transitions." Drawing from psychology research in emotion regulation, social identity, narrative identity, and attachment theories, the study shows nostalgia isn't mere sentimentalityit's a powerful tool that helps preserve identity and meaning during disruptive times, said Maciejovsky, an associate professor of management. "We challenge the prevailing view that nostalgic emotions are maladaptive responses to change," Maciejovsky said. "Our research shows that nostalgia can transform negative reactions into positive outcomes, thereby mitigating the talent loss that often jeopardizes acquisition success." For employees, nostalgia is often triggered by the upheaval of a corporate acquisition that replaces familiar leadership with unfamiliar faces. By understanding these emotions, the authors argue, managers can see that longing for the past is not resistance but a desire to preserve meaning and identity. The implications are significant in today's business climate, where acquisitions of startup companies to gain talent and innovations are commonplaceespecially in the tech sector, where the strategy is called "acqui-hiring." Yet retention is poor: in the U.S., 47% of key employees leave within the first year of an acquisition, and 75% within three years, creating a human capital gap that can reduce company value by 1015%, according to Mentorloop.com. The study provides practical guidance for managers, outlining two main approaches to support employees during acquisitions. The first involves identity-preserving interventions, such as maintaining familiar company symbols like names, logos, workspaces, and practices. It also includes honoring historical narratives that connect current practices to valued traditions, while ensuring that the missions of the acquiring and acquired companies remain carefully aligned. 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. The second approach centers on relationship-focused interventions, which emphasize building strong connections among employees through team-building activities, heritage celebrations, and shared experiences that foster a sense of social connection. "Companies like American Airlines have successfully used heritage celebrations, featuring paint schemes from acquired airlines like TWA, to honor predecessor companies while facilitating integration," Maciejovsky said. "These aren't just feel-good gesturesthey're strategic interventions that tap into nostalgia's regulatory benefits." The study emphasizes tailoring nostalgia interventions to different employee categories. Workers with knowledge critical to a company's value benefit most from identity-based interventions, while "cultural carriers" can help bridge old and new organizational cultures through relationship-focused strategies. The study was co-authored with Tim Wildschut and Constantine Sedikides of the University of Southampton, UK. The authors call for future research to test the limits of nostalgia in organizational change, how buyouts differently affect the acquirer and target employees, and how nostalgia impacts other life changes. "Transparency about change is important, but so is understanding how emotions like nostalgia can be strategically managed," Maciejovsky said. "Like any powerful tool, nostalgia can have unintended consequences if we don't use it wiselybut when applied thoughtfully, it can transform acquisition challenges into retention advantages." More information: Boris Maciejovsky et al, EXPRESS: How Nostalgia Facilitates Post-Acquisition Target Employee Retention: An Agenda for Future Research, Strategic Organization (2025). DOI: 10.1177/14761270251372754 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 It's beautiful, ethereal: When we hear the sound of the Swainson's thrush in the Pacific Northwest's woods, we know our summer is truly here. Our bird is back, with its signature song gracing our long, summer twilights. And yet, this is not really "our" bird at all. It is a bird of two worlds. Arriving here by late May for its mating season, the Swainson's thrush is gone by the end of September to its overwintering grounds, as far south as Central and South America. Like all long-distance migrants, it faces a perilous journey. For this is a bird that must contend with the combined effects of changes throughout its range, including loss of habitat to development, logging, agriculture and climate change. The Swainson's thrush has declined along parts of the Pacific Coast and elsewhere, and it could be vulnerable to loss of habitat. Other signature migratory birds of the Northwest are in trouble. The rufous hummingbird is in steep decline. Its population has cratered by 65% since the 1970s, and the rate of loss is accelerating, due in part to climate change and loss of habitat, scientists have found. The Seattle Times traveled to two places to get a closer look at the Swainson's thrush: the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, east of Eugene, Oregon, and Costa Rica. The Swainson's thrush is known very differently in Central America. "We call it the gray mouse," said Luis Sandoval, professor in the Urban Ecology and Animal Communications Lab at the University of Costa Rica in San Jose, raising binoculars in November with his ornithology class for a dawn campus bird walk. In Costa Rica, the Swainson's thrush does not make its signature song, with its lilting, upward arpeggio. The males only sing this distinctive song during the breeding season up north, to defend territory and probably to attract a mate. But in their southern range, the birds are not breeding. So, it's just, "drip, drip, drip," a steady, sedate, contact call. It, plus the bird's drab plumage and scuttling ways, looking for insects in the understory, earned the Swainson's thrush its moniker in Costa Rica, where it's regarded as a very common, ordinary bird. Not a master songsterand not even a very smart flier, Sandoval said. The campus is frequently littered with carcasses from Swainson's colliding with buildings, he noted. There is a lack of understanding, Sandoval said, of the lives of migratory birds, and the fragile connections, north and south, that sustain them. These birds need healthy habitat everywhere they livewhere they breed, where they overwinter and in the stopover places in between. Swainson's thrushes, for instance, wing thousands of miles to return to the Pacific Northwest to the very same acre where they nested the previous year, guided by stars, landmarks and even magnetic fields. Matt Betts, an ornithologist and lead principal investigator at the Long Term Ecological Research site at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest has had the experience, Betts said, of banding a migratory bird at the Andrews and picking up the same bird in the same place, a year later. Betts is part of a team of scientists studying how habitats in the Pacific Northwest can help support migratory species at this end of their range. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. A cooling refuge At the Andrews, the old-growth forests provide refuge for birds in a warming world, the scientists found in a 2022 paper. Older forests can help slow the effects of climate warming on some breeding bird populations, by providing just a bit of insurance, in the form of more food and a greater variety of it, and places to escape the heat, the scientists learned. Their findings were devised by placing tracking devices on migratory birds and temperature loggers at various heights of the canopy, so they could see where the birds went as temperatures climbed. Turns out, they went where we would: into the cool, shady, big, old trees. The paper illuminates solutions to help preserve bird biodiversity. Retaining old-growth forests and managing second-growth to have greater complexity could help blunt species' declines, the scientists found. Yet in the Pacific Northwest, clear-cutting of forests limits the availability of the microclimate refuge provided by older forests. Heavy cutting is the reality in the Western United States and elsewhere, where old and natural forests are cut for lumber and replanted as plantations. Even if forest cover overall does not declineand even increasesthe type of forest that remains matters, scientists found in a 2022 paper. Simplified, younger forest is not equivalent habitat. Older forests are more complex, both in terms of the number of tree species there, and the structural variety of the stands, with old trees, young trees, open areas, dead and downed wood, and a natural understory of herbs, grasses, berries, ferns and more. A complex natural forest is full of places to nest and roost. There is a lot of food in the insects and berries and seeds found in a variety of plants, dead and downed wood, and canopy. Birds want and need all of those things. So, in degraded areas, one of the best boosts for birds is to bring back diverse, natural forests. Don't just plant trees, grow them In Costa Rica, at the environmental nonprofit Finca Cantaros, Executive Director Lilly Briggs knows well that the Swainson's thrush we think of as ours are also theirs. The research station at Finca Cantaros near San Vito de Coto Bros, at the far southern end of Costa Rica, is pass-through territory for Swainson's thrush, heading north and south. Birds tagged with radio transmitters have been detected on the Motus Wildlife Tracking System station at Finca Cantaros and in B.C., in a tracking program led by Birds Canada. Radio telemetry has in the past 20 years transformed the understanding of migratory birds, noted Tim Billo, a lecturer in the College of the Environment at the University of Washington. With small transmitters that send a signal picked up on radio receivers, researchers have begun to sketch in the incredible travels of the so-called ordinary birds in our midst. Many species well-known in Washington on the east and west slopes of the Cascades, from rufous hummingbirds to hermit warblers, western tanagers, Townsend's warblers, orange-crowned warblers, gray catbirds, yellow-breasted chats and many more, travel long distances from their summer forest breeding grounds in Washington to overwinter in Mexico, Central America and South America, Billo noted. "Most people have no idea about the great distances some of our smallest and even largest and most conspicuous birds travel," Billo wrote in an email. "And they have little idea about where they are going and the importance of habitat conservation in those areas." Betts is astounded by the feat, for instance, of the rufous hummingbird: "It weighs less than a nickel, and tops out at 3 inches in length, and it is one of the longest-distance migrants," Betts said. Rufous hummingbirds travel between Alaska and Mexico every year, a distance of about 3,900 miles. It was a bird tagged in Costa Rica that showed up at a Birds Canada tracking station that got Briggs, originally from Vancouver Island, B.C., thinking. Why not restore some of the landscape in San Vito de Coto Brus, cleared for agriculture in the 1950s, and replant it to forest, for the birds transiting two places she knew and loved? When a former farm came up for sale in San Vito in 2019, the dream became a reality. Briggs and her husband, David, have since been joining with local community members to replant a forest for Swainson's thrush and other migratory birds that need these places to stop over on their long journeys. Volunteers have helped plant the forest growing now on what in 2019 was cattle pasture. They also take care of it, to keep it thriving. "A lot of people say plant trees. You also have to grow them," Briggs said. From girls to grandmothers On a forest walk at Finca Cantaros in November, women of all ages hiked through a forest amid the soft music of yellow-throated toucans, as morning mist wound through the canopy. The women were from the local village of San Vito, and this was a weekly outing, sponsored by Finca Cantaros. The hikers hushed with wonder as they spotted an owl in one of the trees. Its silent, wild presence was something they might not have noticed before this program, called Women Committed to the Earth. After the walk, they shared snacks and stories and made art together. Some bring their children, to make it a family affair. The idea is to not only grow a forest, but a sense among the volunteers of themselves as conservationists, Briggs said. That, and the bond between these local women, their children and this place, is what ultimately will protect the forest, and the birds that rely on it, into the future, Briggs said. Because people take care of what they care about. "You have to think outside the box," Briggs said. "What might not look like environmental education absolutely is." 2025 The Seattle Times. 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: Credit: CC0 Public Domain The recent publication of the University of Edinburgh's Review of Race and History has drawn attention to its "skull room": a collection of 1,500 human craniums procured for study in the 19th century. Craniometry, the study of skull measurements, was widely taught in medical schools across Britain, Europe, and the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the harmful and racist foundations of craniometry have been discredited. It's long been proven that the size and shape of the head have no bearing on mental and behavioral traits in either individuals or groups. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, however, thousands of skulls were amassed to enable research and instruction in scientific racism. Edinburgh's skull room is by no means unique. Unlike phrenology, a popular theory which linked personality traits to bumps on the head, craniometry enjoyed widespread scientific support in the 19th century because it revolved around data collection and statistics. Craniometrists measured skulls and averaged the results for different population groups. This data was used to classify people into races based on the size and shape of the head. Craniometrical evidence was used to explain why some peoples were supposedly more civilized and evolved than others. The vast accumulation of data drawn from skulls appealed to Victorian scientists who believed in the objectivity of numbers. It equally helped to validate racial prejudice by suggesting that differences among peoples were innate and biologically determined. Medical history The study of skulls was central to the development of 19th-century anthropology. But before anthropology was taught at British universities, markers of supposed racial difference were studied by anatomists skilled in identifying minute differences in skeletons. The study of skulls entered the university curriculum through medical schools, and particularly through anatomy departments. For example, when Alexander Macalister was appointed as professor of anatomy at Cambridge in 1884, some of his first lectures were on "The Race Types of the Human Skull." Macalister's annual report for 1892 in the Cambridge University Reporter describes how he had increased Cambridge's cranial holdings from 55 to 1,402 specimens. In 1899, he reported the donation of more than 1,000 ancient Egyptian craniums from the archaeologist Flinders Petrie. Much of Macalister's skull collection remains housed in the university's Duckworth Laboratory, which was established in 1945. As the prestige of craniometrical research increased, institutions had to compete for cranial collections as they went on the market. Statistical accuracy depended on vast series of craniums being measured to produce representative "types." This created an increased demand for human remains. 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 1880, the Royal College of Surgeons purchased 1,539 skulls from the private collection of Joseph Barnard Davis. This was added to their existing cache of 1,018 craniums to create Britain's largest craniological collection. This collection was largely destroyed in 1941 when the college building was bombed during World War Two. The remaining skulls are no longer held by the Royal College of Surgeons. Oxford's University Museum of Natural History included rows of crania in their anatomical displays in the 19th century, as did the University of Manchester's medical school (the medical school is no longer on the same site). This investment in skulls ensured that racial researchers had enough material to study and use in their teaching. Catalogs kept by universities in the 19th and early 20th centuries reveal not only the size of their skull collections, but also the origin of individual specimens. Historical trauma Some medical schools, such as Edinburgh's, repurposed skulls procured by phrenological societies earlier in the century to enhance their holdings. Others, including Oxford's, made use of skulls unearthed by archaeologists to conduct racial research into the country's past. This research attempted to trace the movements of Celts, Normans, Saxons, and Scandinavians across the British Isles. Yet because craniologists wanted to capture the full extent of racial variation, skulls from abroad were especially prized. Medical graduates of British universities posted to the colonies sent foreign bones to their old professors. In research for my forthcoming book on skull collections, I've found that Cambridge's cranial register includes a skull sent from a former student stationed in India. He had plucked it from a cremation site in Bombay despite the outrage of gathered mourners. Brazen grave-robbing and colonial violence were central to the international network that furnished British universities' skull rooms. The racist ideology that spurred the collection of skulls 150 years ago has been completely discredited. However, some anthropologists believe these bones may still shed light on human origins, relations and migrations. Yet ethical factors now equally shape institutional policies towards human remains. The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford took its infamous "shrunken heads" off display in 2020. Increasingly, universities and museums have confronted the historic injustices and inter-generational trauma perpetuated by their retention of human remains. Since the 1970s, Indigenous groups from around the world have launched campaigns to repatriate their ancestors' bones. Research institutions have become increasingly responsive to these requests. In London, the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons no longer displays the skeleton of Charles Byrne, the so-called "Irish Giant." Byrne had explicitly denied consent for his remains to be dissected and mounted before he died in 1783. The skulls in British universities are a testament to a vast theft of human remains from almost every territory on Earth. Yet they have the potential to become powerful symbols of reconciliation if their discriminatory histories are acknowledged, and remedied through their return. A spokesperson for the Duckworth Laboratory, University of Cambridge, said, "We, like many institutions in the UK, are dealing with the legacies and past unethical practice in assembling the collections in our care. The Duckworth Collection and the Department of Archaeology are dedicated to fostering an open dialogue and building robust relationships with traditional communities and other stakeholders. This commitment is seen as an integral part of a continuous, reciprocal exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and cultural values. "The aim is not only to address past inequities but also to enrich contemporary academic and cultural understanding through a respectful and equal partnership. In this vein, the Duckworth Collection is actively expanding its work with archival documentation and improving our records and database. In essence, the Duckworth Laboratory's approach to repatriation and community engagement is marked by a commitment to openness, inclusivity, and a recognition of the need for an ongoing dialogue." 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 A rare whale died off the coast of Honduras after ingesting a plastic bag in what's been described as a "tragic event." The marine mammala young pygmy sperm whalewas spotted in distress near the island of Utila on Aug. 19, according to a news release from the Kanahau Utila Research and Conservation Facility, an environmental nonprofit. Over the course of the day, the roughly 6-foot whale repeatedly tried to strand itself, signifying serious illness. Researchers attempted to assist, but the creature eventually succumbed to its injuries. Afterwards, a necropsy was conducted, shedding some light on the whale's poor health. The procedure revealed the animal's stomach contained a torn plastic bagwhich measured about 11 inches acrossand a parasitic infestation of nematodes. These "may have contributed to digestive blockage," the release said. "This rare and tragic event highlights the devastating impacts of ocean plastics on Utila's marine life," the release said, noting that the whale was "the first confirmed record of this species on Utila and one of very few in Honduras." Pygmy sperm whales are found in warm and tropical waters around the world, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Weighing up to 1,000 pounds, they're distinguished by their flat heads, compact bodies and curved dorsal fins. "Little is known about (the) species because of limited information, and they are considered rare," according to NOAA. Like other ocean animals, they face threats from marine debris as ingestion of plastic and other kinds of garbage can clog their guts. Utila is located about 20 miles from mainland Honduras. 2025 Miami Herald. 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: Artist's impression of the entangled logic gate built by University of Sydney quantum scientists. Credit: Emma Hyde/University of Sydney To build a large-scale quantum computer that works, scientists and engineers need to overcome the spontaneous errors that quantum bits, or qubits, create as they operate. Scientists encode these building blocks of quantum information to suppress errors in other qubits so that a minority can operate in a way that produces useful outcomes. As the number of useful (or logical) qubits grows, the number of physical qubits required grows even further. As this scales up, the sheer number of qubits needed to create a useful quantum machine becomes an engineering nightmare. Now, for the first time, quantum scientists at the Quantum Control Laboratory at the University of Sydney Nano Institute have demonstrated a type of quantum logic gate that drastically reduces the number of physical qubits needed for its operation. To do this, they built an entangling logic gate on a single atom using an error-correcting code nicknamed the "Rosetta stone" of quantum computing. It earns that name because it translates smooth, continuous quantum oscillations into clean, digital-like discrete states, making errors easier to spot and fix, and importantly, allowing a highly compact way to encode logical qubits. GKP codes: A Rosetta stone for quantum computing The curiously named Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill (GKP) code has for many years offered a theoretical possibility for significantly reducing the physical number of qubits needed to produce a functioning "logical qubit." Albeit by trading efficiency for complexity, making the codes very difficult to control. Research published in Nature Physics demonstrates this as a physical reality, tapping into the natural oscillations of a trapped ion (a charged atom of ytterbium) to store GKP codes and, for the first time, realizing quantum entangling gates between them. Led by Sydney Horizon Fellow Dr. Tingrei Tan at the University of Sydney Nano Institute, scientists have used their exquisite control over the harmonic motion of a trapped ion to bridge the coding complexity of GKP qubits, allowing a demonstration of their entanglement. "Our experiments have shown the first realization of a universal logical gate set for GKP qubits," Dr. Tan said. "We did this by precisely controlling the natural vibrations, or harmonic oscillations, of a trapped ion in such a way that we can manipulate individual GKP qubits or entangle them as a pair." Lead author and Ph.D. student Vassili Matsos looking at the Paul trap quantum computing device in the Quantum Control Laboratory at the University of Sydney. Credit: Fiona Wolf/University of Sydney Quantum logic gate A logic gate is an information switch that allows computersquantum and classicalto be programmable to perform logical operations. Quantum logic gates use the entanglement of qubits to produce a completely different sort of operational system to that used in classical computing, underpinning the great promise of quantum computers. First author Vassili Matsos is a Ph.D. student in the School of Physics and Sydney Nano. He said, "Effectively, we store two error-correctable logical qubits in a single trapped ion and demonstrate entanglement between them. "We did this using quantum control software developed by Q-CTRL, a spin-off start-up company from the Quantum Control Laboratory, with a physics-based model to design quantum gates that minimize the distortion of GKP logical qubits, so they maintain the delicate structure of the GKP code while processing quantum information." Dr. Tingrei Tan (left) and his Ph.D. student Vassili Matsos inspect the Paul trap used in this experiment in the Quantum Control Laboratory at the University of Sydney Nano Institute. Credit: Fiona Wolf/University of Sydney A milestone in quantum technology What Mr. Matsos did is entangle two "quantum vibrations" of a single atom. The trapped atom vibrates in three dimensions. Movement in each dimension is described by quantum mechanics and each is considered a "quantum state." By entangling two of these quantum states realized as qubits, Mr. Matsos created a logic gate using just a single atom, a milestone in quantum technology. This result massively reduces the quantum hardware required to create these logic gates, which allow quantum machines to be programmed. 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. Dr. Tan said, "GKP error correction codes have long promised a reduction in hardware demands to address the resource overhead challenge for scaling quantum computers. Our experiments achieved a key milestone, demonstrating that these high-quality quantum controls provide a key tool to manipulate more than just one logical qubit. "By demonstrating universal quantum gates using these qubits, we have a foundation to work towards large-scale quantum-information processing in a highly hardware-efficient fashion." Across three experiments described in the paper, Dr. Tan's team used a single ytterbium ion contained in what is known as a Paul trap. This uses a complex array of lasers at room temperature to hold the single atom in the trap, allowing its natural vibrations to be controlled and utilized to produce the complex GKP codes. This research represents an important demonstration that quantum logic gates can be developed with a reduced physical number of qubits, increasing their efficiency. More information: Matsos, V. et al. Universal quantum gate set for Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill logical qubits, Nature Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-03002-8 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: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain It won't have any crew, but the U.S. Space Force is set to send the Boeing-built X-37B spacecraftwhich looks like a miniature space shuttleback for a long-duration mission to orbit during a late-night launch Thursday. A SpaceX Falcon 9 is set to lift off with the spacecraft on the USSF-36 mission from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-A, targeting liftoff at 11:50 p.m. during a launch window that runs until 5:11 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. A backup option is available during a window from 12:00 a.m.-5:31 a.m. Saturday. Space Launch Delta 45's weather squadron forecasts a 65% chance of good conditions at the opening of the window, which improves to 80% by the end of it. Similar conditions are forecast if delayed 24 hours. The first-stage booster is making its sixth trip to space and will aim for a recovery at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Landing Zone 2, which means parts of Central Florida could be in store to hear one or more late-night sonic booms. The spacecraft is designated an Orbital Test Vehicle and is about 29 feet long with a 14-foot wingspan. This is the second of two versions of the spacecraft that so far have combined to fly seven times since April 2010, spending more than 4,200 days in space. In comparison, the space shuttle orbiters were 184 feet long with a 78-foot wingspan. Boeing's uncrewed spacecraft fits into normal rocket fairings (nosecones), and has flown five times on United Launch Alliance Atlas V rockets, once on SpaceX Falcon 9 and once on Falcon Heavy. The Space Force did not announce the planned duration of this mission, designated OTV-8, but OTV-7, which used the other of Boeing's two spacecraft and launched in 2023 atop a Falcon Heavy, didn't land until this past March, spending more than 434 days in orbit. The last time this particular spacecraft flew, launching in 2020, it didn't return to Earth until more than 908 days later. The spacecraft has made landings both at the former Space Shuttle Landing Facility at KSC as well as in California at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Just what the X-37B carries to orbit is mostly classified, but the Department of Defense states it uses the vehicle to test technologies for long-duration missions and bring them safely back to Earth. The latest mission will have more capacity for experiments, flying with a service module attached to the rear for the third time. For this mission, the Space Force did announce some payloads. One is in partnership with the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office testing out next-generation laser communications and another is "the highest performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space" for the Defense Innovation Unit, according to a press release. The lasers aim to target existing commercial satellite networks in low-Earth orbit, with the Space Force deeming them more reliable, secure and capable of transmitting more data than traditional radio transmissions. "OTV-8's laser communications demonstration will mark an important step in the U.S. Space Force's ability to leverage proliferated space networks as part of a diversified and redundant space architectures," said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman in the release. "In so doing, it will strengthen the resilience, reliability, adaptability and data transport speeds of our satellite communications architecture." The physics-focused quantum inertial sensor is designed to figure out navigation without relying on GPS, but instead detect the rotation and acceleration of atoms while on orbit. 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. The DOD touts it as technology that could be useful outside of low-Earth orbit as there is no global positioning support in cislunar space, the area between the Earth and the moon, or in deep space. "OTV 8's quantum inertial sensor demonstration is a welcome step forward for operational resilience in space," said Space Force Col. Ramsey Horn, the commander of Space Delta 9. "Whether navigating beyond Earth-based orbits in cislunar space or operating in GPS-denied environments, quantum inertial sensing allows for robust navigation capabilities when GPS navigation is not possible." For Boeing's part, the space plane has been a successful highlight, while some of its other projects, including Starliner and NASA's Space Launch System rocket, have faced budget overruns and mission delays. This launch comes less than six months since the last mission's completion. "With each successive flight, the X-37B has demonstrated adaptability and flexibility by hosting diverse experiments and pioneering new orbital regimes," said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems. "This mission continues that legacy by fielding cutting-edge technologies that advance our nation's space capability and improve the resilience of future architectures." 2025 Orlando Sentinel. 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: The X-37B on Earth. Credit: Boeing/USAF The U.S. Department of Defense's mini-shuttle heads to orbit once again Thursday night. The hunt will be on shortly, to once again recover a clandestine mission in low Earth orbit. SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon-9 rocket from launch pad LC-39A at the Kennedy Space Center Thursday night August 21st, with the classified USSF-36 mission. The U.S. Space Force has announced that this is the eighth mission for its fleet of two Orbital Test Vehicles (OTV-8). This is the automated 'mini-space shuttle' about the size of a large SUV, that launches like a rocket, and lands like a plane. The four hour launch window opens at 11:40 PM EDT/(3:40 Universal Time on the 22nd) and should put on a good show for the Florida Space Coast. As is always the case with classified payloads, the U.S. DoD is mum concerning its orbital destination, but published NOTAM warnings for the launch suggest it's targeting a 49.5 degree inclination in low Earth orbit. The X-37B has proven to be a versatile platform in the past, targeting an HEO (highly elliptical) orbit on OTV-7, and remaining in orbit a record 780 days on OTV-5. The X-37B offers a key advantage to the U.S. DoD, as payloads can be swapped out on successive missions. China also has its own version which has thus far competed three orbital missions, and India is developing its own version, the TDV (Technology Development Vehicle). The record for the first automated shuttle flight goes to the late Soviet Union's Buran, which completed one orbit (its only flight) on November 15th, 1988. Much of what the mission does in orbit is secret, though Space Force has announced that OTV-8 will test inter-satellite laser communications and quantum inertial sensor technology in space. Both capabilities could prove handy in the event of a network or GPS outage during a conflict, and could also be employed in a moon or Mars-based orbital satellite network. The good news is, following OTV-8 in orbit should be pretty straight-forward this time around. You just need to know where and when to look. Space-Track won't publish elements for the mission, but Heavens-Above will likely put up a link to spotting OTV-8 in the past (they've done so before for previous missions). Preliminary TLEs provided by Marco Langbroek suggest a series of good passes of OTV-8 on the mornings after launch, including this one on the morning of August 23rd around 6:38 AM EDT: Expect OTV-8 to appear as a fast-moving +2nd magnitude "star" on a zenith pass. "OTV missions maneuver a lot (orbit raising and lowering)," says Marco Langbroek, who wrote an in-depth analysis of the upcoming OTV-8 mission. "So on any given pass it can be early or late with respect to predictions if it has just maneuvered." Satwatchers provide a valuable volunteer service tracking clandestine missions in orbit. Not only can they refute claims that secret missions were "lost" after launch (it has happened before) but they can also document tests of reconnaissance and anti-satellite capabilities, as one satellite approaches another. Good luck and clear skies on your quest to spot OTV-8 on its latest clandestine mission in Earth orbit. 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: Sun around the clock, clear skies, mirror-like water, and abnormal conditions in the North Atlantic. These factors created the marine heatwave in Northern Norway in 2024. Credit: Stine Hommedal / IMR On August 5, 2024, a marine heat wave began along the coast of Lofoten in Northern Norway. It lasted for 21 days, with sea temperatures measured at a record high. This caused salmon lice to thrive. The sea temperature was measured at a record-high 18Ca full 4 degrees above normal. "It's the highest temperature recorded in the area since the Institute of Marine Research established monitoring stations here in the 1930s," says marine scientist Silvana Gonzalez. Scientists now know what caused the heat wave. Their study is published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. In August 2024, Lofoten experienced unusually calm winds, unusually warm temperatures, and unusually clear skies. "These are perfect conditions for a marine heat wave. When there's no wind, the layers in the water column don't mix as they normally do when it's windy. And when there are no cloudswith the sun shining almost around the clockthe surface layer of the water heats up quickly," says Gonzalez, who is also affiliated with the Bjerknes Center for climate research. Extreme pressure differences in the North Atlantic In addition, climatic extremes in the North Atlantic contributed to the warming. Specifically, the differences in sea-level pressure between Iceland and the Azoresa phenomenon scientists call the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). "We say the NAO is positive when the difference between the low pressure over Iceland and the high pressure over the Azores is greater than usual. In July and August 2024, the pressure difference was the highest ever recorded since measurements began in 1948," explains Gonzalez. The heat wave began in the upper 1015 meters of the water near the coast of Lofoten. Over time, it expanded northward, away from the coast, and deeper into the ocean. "It eventually reached depths of 3050 meters, and in shallow areas of Lofoten, it extended all the way down to the bottom," says Gonzalez. The heat wave ended in Lofoten at the end of August. "In the southern Barents Sea, it continued at least until the end of September, which is as far as our current analyses go," says Gonzalez. Summary of contributing factors to the development of the August 2024 marine heat wave in northern Norway. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02618-1 Salmon lice in overdrive For the salmon farming industry in the north, the marine heat wave meant anything but a good summer. Researcher and salmon lice expert at the Institute of Marine Research Anne Dagrun Sandvik reports that the number of salmon lice in fish farms along the coast of Northern Norway began to rise sharply at the end of July. Eventually, the growth became explosive throughout the region. The pace of the salmon lice life cycle depends on temperature. At higher temperatures, the lice mature more quickly and begin reproducing sooner. In addition, the lice become more aggressive and attach more easily to the salmon when it gets warmer. This leads to more liceboth adult and juvenileat the same time. "Even an increase of one degree affects the salmon lice, and when temperatures rise 34 degrees above normal, as measured by both fish farmers and our monitoring stations, the effect becomes very significant," says Sandvik. She highlights lice numbers from the area stretching from Kvalya in Troms to Loppa in Finnmark as an example. "Fish farmers count lice every week and report the numbers to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. In this area, the lice numbers have typically stayed below 2.5 million adult female lice during the summer. A couple of weeks into August, the number had doubled, and by early October, it was estimated that there were 20 million adult female lice in the farms here," says Sandvik. 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. The researchers also calculated how many lice larvae were being produced at the peak of the outbreak. "In the farms north of Kvalya, 60 million adult female lice collectively produced 105 million lice larvae per hour during the first week of October," Sandvik explains. "The explosion of salmon lice is just one example of how marine heat waves can deeply affect marine ecosystems, fisheries, and aquaculture," says Gonzalez. The heat wave in 2024 was caused by a convergence of unusual circumstances. At the same time, marine heat waves have increased in both frequency and intensity in Norwegian waters over the past decades. "That's why it's important to conduct more research into the local and regional phenomena that trigger marine heat waves. In the long term, the goal is also to be able to forecast them as early as possible, so that industries like aquaculture can take precautionary measures," Gonzalez explains. More information: Silvana Gonzalez et al, Drivers of the summer 2024 marine heatwave and record salmon lice outbreak in northern Norway, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02618-1 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment Provided by Bjerknes Centre for Climate 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: Student Audreanna Johnson views her cell phone near a cell phone locker at Ronald McNair Sr. High School, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. Credit: AP Photo/Mike Stewart Jamel Bishop is seeing a big change in his classrooms as he begins his senior year at Doss High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where cellphones are now banned during instructional time. In previous years, students often weren't paying attention and wasted class time by repeating questions, the teenager said. Now, teachers can provide "more one-on-one time for the students who actually need it." Kentucky is one of 17 states and the District of Columbia starting this school year with new restrictions, bringing the total to 35 states with laws or rules limiting phones and other electronic devices in school. This change has come remarkably quickly: Florida became the first state to pass such a law in 2023. Both Democrats and Republicans have taken up the cause, reflecting a growing consensus that phones are bad for kids' mental health and take their focus away from learning, even as some researchers say the issue is less clear-cut. "Anytime you have a bill that's passed in California and Florida, you know you're probably onto something that's pretty popular," Georgia state Rep. Scott Hilton, a Republican, told a forum on cellphone use last week in Atlanta. Phones are banned throughout the school day in 18 of the states and the District of Columbia, although Georgia and Florida impose such "bell-to-bell" bans only from kindergarten through eighth grade. Another seven states ban them during class time, but not between classes or during lunch. Still others, particularly those with traditions of local school control, mandate only a cellphone policy, believing districts will take the hint and sharply restrict phone access. Doss High School Principal Julie Chancellor stands by a new cell phone policy sign at the entrance to the school on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. Credit: AP Photo/Dylan Lovan Students see pros and cons For students, the rules add new school-day rituals, like putting phones in magnetic pouches or special lockers. Students have been locking up their phones during class at McNair High School in suburban Atlanta since last year. Audreanna Johnson, a junior, said "most of them did not want to turn in their phones" at first, because students would use them to gossip, texting "their other friends in other classes to see what's the tea and what's going on around the building." That resentment is "starting to ease down" now, she said. "More students are willing to give up their phones and not get distracted." But there are drawbackslike not being able to listen to music when working independently in class. "I'm kind of 50-50 on the situation because me, I use headphones to do my schoolwork. I listen to music to help focus," she said. Doss High School student Mia Rivera demonstrates how she puts her phone away before the start of school on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. Credit: AP Photo/Dylan Lovan Some parents want constant contact In a survey of 125 Georgia school districts by Emory University researchers, parental resistance was cited as the top obstacle to regulating student use of social and digital media. Johnson's mother, Audrena Johnson, said she worries most about knowing her children are safe from violence at school. School messages about threats can be delayed and incomplete, she said, like when someone who wasn't a McNair student got into a fight on school property, which she learned about when her daughter texted her during the school day. "My child having her phone is very important to me, because if something were to happen, I know instantly," Johnson said. Many parents echo thisgenerally supporting restrictions but wanting a say in the policymaking and better communication, particularly about safetyand they have a real need to coordinate schedules with their children and to know about any problems their children may encounter, said Jason Allen, the national director of partnerships for the National Parents Union. "We just changed the cell phone policy, but aren't meeting the parents' needs in regards to safety and really training teachers to work with students on social emotional development," Allen said. A cell phone locker is seen at Ronald McNair Sr. High School, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. Credit: AP Photo/Mike Stewart 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. Research remains in an early stage Some researchers say it's not yet clear what types of social media may cause harm, and whether restrictions have benefits, but teachers "love the policy," according to Julie Gazmararian, a professor of public health at Emory University who does surveys and focus groups to research the effects of a phone ban in middle school grades in the Marietta school district near Atlanta. "They could focus more on teaching," Gazmararian said. "There were just not the disruptions." Another benefit: More positive interactions among students. "They were saying that kids are talking to each other in the hallways and in the cafeteria," she said. "And in the classroom, there is a noticeably lower amount of discipline referrals." Gazmararian is still compiling numbers on grades and discipline, and cautioned that her work may not be able to answer whether bullying has been reduced or mental health improved. Social media use clearly correlates with poor mental health, but research can't yet prove it causes it, according to Munmun De Choudhury, a Georgia Tech professor who studies this issue. "We need to be able to quantify what types of social media use are causing harm, what types of social media use can be beneficial," De Choudhury said. A cell phone locker is seen at Ronald McNair Sr. High School, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. Credit: AP Photo/Mike Stewart A few states reject rules Some state legislatures are bucking the momentum. Wyoming's Senate in January rejected requiring districts to create some kind of a cellphone policy after opponents argued that teachers and parents need to be responsible. And in the Michigan House in July, a Republican-sponsored bill directing schools to ban phones bell-to-bell in grades K-8 and during high school instruction time was defeated in July after Democrats insisted on upholding local control. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, among multiple governors who made restricting phones in schools a priority this year, is still calling for a bill to come to her desk. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Experienced leader to mobilize philanthropy to empower entrepreneurs to change the world SOMERVILLE, Mass. and HOUSTON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Greentown Labs the world's largest climatetech and energy incubatortoday announced the appointment of Stacey Harris as its first Head of Philanthropy. In this role, Harris will expand the nonprofit's capacity to activate philanthropic capital, strengthen local economies, and accelerate the global transition to more energy, fewer emissions, and a prosperous planet. Harris brings more than 15 years of experience mobilizing resources for mission-driven organizations at the intersection of innovation, social impact, and philanthropy. She has led major funding portfolios and built multi-million-dollar partnerships across six continents with organizations such as Make-A-Wish International, Movember, Net Impact, and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. Known for her creativity, strategic clarity, and values-driven leadership, she has advised climatetech startups, funds, and nonprofits on growth strategies and capital activation. Her career has consistently focused on unlocking capitalwhether philanthropic, corporate, governmental, or individualand aligning it with impact. Greentown is more than an incubator: it is innovation infrastructurea nonprofit, mission-first platform that strengthens local economies while accelerating global solutions. Locally, Greentown serves as community infrastructure for innovationa shared platform that empowers entrepreneurs, creates good jobs, connects ecosystems, and anchors prosperity. Just as national parks are gateways to nature, and schools and museums are gateways to knowledge and culture, Greentown is a gateway to innovation and shared opportunity. Greentown connects two of the world's most influential global ecosystemsMassachusetts, the hub of innovation, and Texas, the center of the energy transitionand bridges the networks within and between them. In doing so, Greentown leads the way as a powerful link between key climate and energy hubs, multiplying impact far beyond any single city or stateand charting a course toward clean energy, resilient communities, and the jobs of the future in cities around the world. At Greentown, Harris will design and lead a philanthropic strategy that complements the organization's corporate partnershipscrafting campaigns, cultivating donors, and ensuring resources flow directly to the entrepreneurs who are inventing solutions for a prosperous planet. Drawing on her experience in economic development, she will also connect philanthropy to job creation and ecosystem building, ensuring Greentown's impact resonates across communities as well as industries. "Philanthropy has the unique power to accelerate innovation where it matters mostby backing the people and ideas that can change the world," said Harris. "At Greentown, I see an incredible opportunity to partner with local communities in Massachusetts and Texas, while also mobilizing catalytic funds that fuel entrepreneurs globally. I'm energized to work across donors, foundations, and industry to ensure these founders have what they need to go further, fastertogether." At this pivotal moment, Greentown is calling for all hands on deck to accelerate climate and energy innovationfaster. This involves inspiring states and local governments to lean in, individuals and family offices to step up, foundations to mobilize resources, and industry to invest boldly. Harris's unique experience working across all of these dimensions positions her to bring them together in service of Greentown's mission: empowering entrepreneurs to build a more prosperous, low-carbon future. "Stacey brings national reach, local roots, and the entrepreneurial spirit we need," said Georgina Campbell Flatter, CEO of Greentown. "She understands that philanthropy isn't just about raising fundsit's about building a movement, sustaining an ecosystem, and accelerating change together." Donors, foundations, and partners interested in learning how they can support entrepreneurs building our climate and energy future can get in touch with Harris here or meet her at Greentown's Climatetech Summit this November. About Greentown Labs Greentown Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accelerating climatetech innovation and commercialization by empowering entrepreneurs and enabling collaboration. As the largest climatetech and energy startup incubator in the worldwith locations in Somerville, Mass. and Houston, TexasGreentown convenes the climatetech ecosystem to provide entrepreneurs the community, connections, labs, and resources they need to thrive. Greentown is home to more than 200 startups and has supported more than 625 since its founding in 2011; these startups have collectively created more than 16,500 jobs and raised more than $9.6 billion in funding. For more information, visit www.greentownlabs.com or follow Greentown on LinkedIn. Greentown Media Contact: Reena Karasin Senior Director of Communications and Marketing [email protected] SOURCE Greentown Labs 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: Apollo 15 astronauts Jim Irwin (right) and Dave Scott examine the interior of the Rio Grande Gorge from the west rim during a field traverse. Credit: NASA Neil Armstrong almost made a mistake. He had found an interesting rock sticking out of a formation. Curious to see what the rock was made of, he needed to examine its interior more closely. So he reached for his hammer and took a swing. The rock was far more brittle than he anticipated, and instead of cleaving in two it shattered. One of those shards flew away with so much force that it left behind a bloody gash in this forearm. Thankfully, Neil's miscalculation didn't take place on the moon, but on a training exercise in Big Bend, Texas. He was learning how to be a geologist, not a fighter pilot or astronaut, and it's a good thing he had expert guides with him, so that he wouldn't make such a rookie mistake during an actual mission. Early on NASA leaders like James Webb, the administrator during most of the 1960s, recognized that the Apollo missions had to also be science missions. This was a scientific opportunity unlike any other. The chance to get up close and personal, literally hands-on, with the moon itself. But at the time, the idea that the Apollo missions should have a scientific component was not popular at all. NASA was a political tool. It was an administration tasked with a very specific set of purposes: to propel the United States into space, and, after Kennedy's famous speech, to beat the Russians to the moon. And while science is a part of making that possible, it's not the end goal. So Webb and other leaders faced stiff resistance. The public and political leaders were not interested in spending vast sums of money ona little science expedition (things haven't improved much in the decades since). And even many scientists were opposed to it! They were worried that the absolute buckets of money being poured into Apollo would mean that moon science would take resources away from any other kind of science, especially planetary science, which was a field still in its infancy. But nowadays NASA is seen as a science-first organization, and it was the Apollo missions that enabled that switch. And the science prioritized in the Apollo missions wasn't planetary science or astronomy or even physics. It was geology. If you haven't noticed yet, the moon is made of a bunch of rocks. I know, I know. I wish it was cheese too, but it's rocks. Rock outcrops. Rock plains. Rock mountains. Big rocks, little rocks, fat rocks, skinny rocks. All rocks, all the time. The Apollo astronauts were going to spend quite a bit of time on the lunar surface. And the thinking waswell, if science can't be a priority, we should at least give them something useful to do while they're waiting for their ride back up. Right away geologists like Dr. Bert King answered NASA's call to become personal astronaut trainers. Well, not training in being an astronaut, but training astronauts to be geologists. Very quickly the geologists found that the astronauts did not much enjoy classroom lectures. These were fighter pilots and risk-takersthey started getting agitated, fidgety, and made their complaints quite plain. So the geologists switched gears and took them on field trips, squeezing in training sessions whenever time would allow. The first training session took place in the Grand CanyonDr. King figured that the awe-inspiring majesty of the canyon would serve as a lure to draw the astronauts into the science of geology. They were moderately successful, with some astronauts becoming absolutely engrossed, and others less so. But the geologists had one thing in their favor. Regardless of their personal interest in geology, the astronauts were a highly competitive bunch, and a belief quickly spread that the better you were at fieldwork, the more likely you would be selected for a landing mission. 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. This belief was misguidedmission planners couldn't care lessbut the geologist teachers did nothing to dissuade their students from this notion. After the Grand Canyon, training exercises took place in Big Bend, the Philmont Ranch in New Mexico, and other places in the American Southwest. The geologists knew that these places were nothing like the moon. Most importantly, much of the geology of the Southwest is driven by plate tectonics, weathering, and water-driven processesall of which the moon lackbut the variety and scale of geological formations allowed the teachers to give a master's-level crash course in field geology to the astronauts in the limited time they had with them. Those places were also close to local infrastructure, as the nightly beer runs would attest. In those training sessions the geologists taught the astronauts the ins and outs of fieldwork. What to look for. What certain structures or patterns signified. How to identify areas or objects of interest. How and when to collect samples. How to take proper measurements and what tools to use. How to describe verbally what they were seeing. How to compose a photograph that served scientific, not touristic, purposes. Each of the Apollo missions carried a package of scientific instruments, called appropriately enough the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package. Except for Apollo 11, because the full package wasn't ready yet (science wasn't the priority, remember), so they had the Early Apollo Scientific Experiments Package. And this package was everything you could ever need in a field expedition: a passive seismometer, a magnetometer, a solar wind detector, an ion detector, a heat flow detector, and an active seismic experiment. Plus all the usual low-tech geology gear. Hammers. Picks. Pokey sticks. Tongs. Scoops. Tubes. Drills. Reacher grabber things. Gnomons. Rakes. Trenchers. Wire brushes. Lenses. Scales. Bags. Containers. Buckets. And don't forget the toolboxes to carry it all. Plus their most important tools of all: their own eyes and hands. The astronauts, with all that geology training, could see things that mission control couldn't. They could walk over and grab stuff. They could investigate it and decide if it was worth keeping. They could do active field research on our first encounter with an alien world. By the time of Apollo 17, a literal geologist, Harrison Schmitt, went to the moon. And although there was technically a mission plan, he was basically calling the shots himself. And what they learned would transform everything we knew about the moon. 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 wildfire burns on Mount Underwood near Port Alberni, Canada on August 12, 2025. The threat from a wildfire that engulfed a mountain in western Canada was downgraded Wednesday, with local officials saying there was "no longer a risk to life and safety" in the area. The Mount Underwood fire on Vancouver Island was one of several major blazes this summer in Canada, which is enduring its second worst wildfire season, based on data going back to 1983. Nearly 20,000 people in the city of Port Alberni, in British Columbia province, had been on standby to evacuate for more than a week. "We are deeply relieved that the fire has not grown and, with that stability, are rescinding the evacuation alert," Port Alberni's Mayor Sharie Minions said in a statement. "This has been a challenging event," she added. Across Canada, 7.6 million hectares (18.8 million acres) have been scorched this yearan area roughly the size of Panama. That puts 2025 past the 7.1 million hectare mark from 1995, which had been the country's second worst wildfire season on record. But this year is not expected to pass 2023, when 17.3 million hectares burned, an extraordinary toll that focused global attention on the growing threat of wildfires boosted by human-induced climate change. The Mount Underwood fire was part of a worrying trend of increased wildfire activity near the coast. A wildfire burns on Mount Underwood near Port Alberni, Canada, on August 12, 2025. Experts have said that historically coastal areas did not burn, but more serious wildfires near the ocean are being recorded, even if they remain less intense than blazes farther inland. Canada is experiencing a rise in conditions that are conducive to fires, experts say, linking the trend to climate change, which has caused elevated temperatures, reduced snow, shorter and milder winters, and earlier summer weather. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: An endangered Pacific pocket mouse, native to Southern California, stands on natural substrate. Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Endangered Pacific pocket mice, native to Southern California, were once thought to be extinct until a tiny remnant population was rediscovered in the mid-1990s. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance established a conservation breeding and reintroduction program to save the species from extinction. Though there has been significant success with breeding and reintroduction, the species is still at risk of losing genetic diversity, which reduces its survival and reproduction. In a study published in Science, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance researchers demonstrate how genetic rescue can be used as an effective strategy for the conservation of this species. This strategy includes introducing Pacific pocket mice from genetically distinct populations for breeding purposes to boost genetic diversity and, in turn, the health of the population. The research findings provide a contrast to commonly held perceptions about the risks of outbreeding depression that currently limit the use of genetic rescue in conservation programs. "When species are restricted to small, isolated populations, genetic erosion can lead to poor health. Our study examined the trade-offs between genetic erosion and outbreeding depression in Pacific pocket mice, and we find that the benefits of genetic rescue outweigh the risks of keeping these populations in isolation," said lead author, Aryn Wilder, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Conservation Genetics researcher. The researchers suggest shifting the focus from maintaining the genetic uniqueness of populations to maximizing the genetic health of the species. They also highlight the important role that zoos and managed care facilities play in preventing species extinction. "Erosion in diversity seen in wild populations was reversed when we mixed mice from different populations," said Wilder. "The genetically healthier population had higher survival and reproductive success. Although different numbers of chromosomes carried by the mice from different populations increase the risk of incompatibilities in the mixed breeding program, the non-mixed mice have even lower fitness, indicating a greater risk of extinction if the populations remain isolated." San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance researchers have been studying the factors, including genomic variation, that maximize the health of populations and ensure the successful production of the fittest offspring for release into the wild. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance brought in 49 mice from the wild and produced more than 700 mice at its facility, including 94 births last year. In 2024, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and partners also began releasing Pacific pocket mice to a second site, resulting in 100 pups born in the wild at that site. With two-thirds of Earth's species undergoing population decline, the implications of this research extend beyond Pacific pocket mice and demonstrate the value of genetic rescue for species facing extinction. It also highlights how zoos can serve a vital role in conservation of at-risk species. More information: Aryn P. Wilder, Fitness benefits of genetic rescue despite chromosomal differences in an endangered pocket mouse, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adn4666. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn4666 Journal information: Science Provided by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance ATLANTIC CITY An elite rider in the Tour de France will travel an average of 25 to 28 mph over flat terrain. That takes extensive training. For those riding the fastest e-bikes, that speed is immediately accessible with the assistance of an electric motor. That speed can mean accidents, and more significant injuries. You have a body that is moving at a rate of speed that is much greater than that of a pedaled bicyclist. That kinetic energy has to be disbursed somewhere, and it ends up being dispersed inside of the body, said Dr. Kelly Willman. Willman, a trauma surgeon and the trauma medical director at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, said every summer has its characteristic cause of injury. This year, that is clearly e-bikes. As of July, weve had a 60% increase compared to 2024, Willman said in a recent interview. For few hundred dollars, or a few thousand for higher-end models, riders can use those electric motor-assisted bikes to travel farther and faster. Depending on the source of the information, e-bikes are a $25.9 billion global market, up more than $10 billion in the past decade. As almost anyone who has been on a boardwalk, a bike path or a Jersey Shore street can attest, the number of e-bikes in the region has skyrocketed recently. So has the number of injuries. 5 things to know about the ongoing e-bike debate The death of a 14-year-old Egg Harbor Township boy in July has spurred calls for state action on e-bike safety. Here's what to know. The trauma center tracks the number of incidents from collisions, from gunshots, from falls and bar fights, and all of the other ways for a human body to be badly damaged, including accidents involving e-bikes. Last year, there were a total of 54 accidents involving e-bikes that were serious enough to require a trip to the trauma unit. As of July, that number had reached 37 for 2025, with five months left in the year. For 2024, August and September saw the most e-bike accidents, Willman said. She did not have the exact data but believed the emergency room and the areas urgent care centers have seen a similar increase. Cuts, abrasions and even some broken bones would not mean a trip to the trauma center, she said. This summer has seen an increase in official attention to e-bike safety, with state lawmakers considering measures requiring the conveyances to be registered and insured. Residents and officials raised concerns in multiple communities last year, but the death of a 14-year-old Egg Harbor Township boy in an e-bike accident on the bike path in Somers Point last month has galvanized those efforts throughout the region. Linwood has introduced requirements for helmets and lights for riders, and other communities have joined calls for state action. A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter, D-Somerset, Union, would require all e-bikes to be registered with the state Motor Vehicle Commission and to be insured. State Sen. Vince Polistina, Assemblyman Don Guardian and Assemblywoman Claire Swift, all R-Atlantic, said they were drafting a bill that would require e-bike operators to take safety courses and follow road rules that apply to vehicles. Authorities still investigating fatal Somers Point e-bike crash as residents petition for stop signs Authorities are still investigating an accident that killed a 14-year-old Egg Harbor Township boy who was riding an e-bike last month, officials said Thursday during a Somers Point City Council meeting. Currently, under New Jersey law, class I and II e-bikes fall under the same rules as bicycles, meaning they can be operated without a license and on boardwalks in the mornings. Those under 17 are legally required to wear a helmet, but adults are not. Class III e-bikes legally fall under the same rules as mopeds. They can reach speeds of up to 28 mph. But Willman and others say many young riders have found ways to disable the limitations on class I and II e-bikes to go faster than 20 mph. Juvenile riders make up a little more than a quarter of the e-bike accidents in the trauma center, Willman said. The remaining 74% are adults. The most significant injuries are not the most common, she said. Those are described as closed-head injuries, which impact the brain. That can include bleeding between the skull and the brain or within the brain itself, which can lead to dangerous swelling. Some of them require emergent decompression, Willman said. If someone is confused, having trouble breathing or showing other symptoms after a head injury, it may require emergency surgery to reduce the pressure inside the skull. Another serious injury involves the spinal cord. Along with body surfing, Willman cited e-bikes as a potential for injuries to the vertebrae in the neck. Wildwood calls for regional approach to e-bike safety E-bike safety, and how to improve it, was the main topic at the Wednesday meeting of the Wildwood Board of Commissioners. The most common injuries involving e-bikes are broken bones or fractures. Lot of orthopedic injuries, Willman said. They include broken wrists, broken ankles and injuries to the extremities. Some accidents can change lives, requiring extensive rehabilitation or resulting in lifelong disability. The brain and the spinal cord injuries are always the most intense, Willman said. Those injuries usually have a profound effect on your quality of life. Younger riders are more likely to incur internal injuries, with the handlebar damaging spleens, livers or other internal organs. In some instances, riders hit curbs or gravel when traveling at high speeds and can be thrown from the bike. Many times, there is a collision with a car. I never want to dissuade anybody from using a helmet, but I also dont want people to wear a helmet and have them have a false sense of confidence, Willman said. This isnt permission to act recklessly. A good helmet offers some protection but wont protect a spinal column, a wrist or a spleen in a crash. Ocean City mayor backs registering, insuring e-bikes An Assembly bill now in committee could require that e-bikes be registered and insured. The mayor of Ocean City says it wont fix everything but would help, if enacted. Helmets are a great start, but theyre not the end-all, be-all, Willman said. I would say the biggest thing is being aware of your surroundings. Willman is also a mom, and talked about her worries when she drives toward the bike path in Atlantic County and sees young riders ignore traffic rules. It kills me how many times I see kids just zip across the street. They dont slow down. They dont look, she said. Drivers are not expecting someone operating a bike at such high speeds, Willman said. In some instances, e-bike operators are under the influence. In addition to riders doing the basics, like stopping at stop signs and paying attention, Willman said there will need to be changes to the state law so that traumatic injuries related to e-bikes do not continue to climb. Were expecting too much of kids. Were giving them, basically, these motorcycles and expecting them to follow the rules of the road, when they have no idea what the rules of road even are, she said. NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexkin, a premium skincare brand from South Korea, today announced its official entry into the U.S. market. Dedicated to sciencedriven skincare, Hexkin combines advanced collagenrelated technologies with dermatologistrecommended formulations to deliver effective results with a gentle user experience. The brand has grown rapidly across Asia, earning consumer trust with products that balance efficacy and skin comfort. Hexkin Revitalizing Firming Collagen Mask Hexkin's Brand Honors Rooted in traditional Korean skincare wisdom and informed by modern dermatological science, Hexkin emphasizes sensitivity-friendly formulas: all products are dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, formulated without alcohol or artificial fragrance, and certified Vegan and Cruelty-Free. Among its flagship offerings, the Collagen Mask Series leverages hydrolyzed collagen, peptide complexes, and botanical extracts to nourish the skin and enhance elasticity and radiance. Science and CuttingEdge Technologies, Working in Synergy Guided by a "sciencefirst" R&D approach, Hexkin pairs hydrolyzed collagen with peptides to support firmness and elasticity while softening visible signs of aging. A multiweight hyaluronic acid system delivers layered hydration, while ceramides and panthenol help reinforce the skin barrier. Select formulations further incorporate PDRN and exosomerelated technology (including exosomecertified solutions) to support vitality and delivery efficiency. Complementary plant activessuch as Centella and niacinamideadd soothing and brightening benefits. This philosophy spans Hexkin's comprehensive lineup of masks, essences, creams, cleansers, and eye care to create a coherent routine that addresses hydration, repair, brightening, and antiaging. A New Experience for Sensitive Skin Hexkin focuses not only on visible improvements but also on longterm skin health. The brand is crueltyfree and minimizes potential irritants in its formulas, balancing texture, comfort, and performance. Whether addressing early signs of aging or supporting a fragile barrier, Hexkin offers safe, reliable options designed for daily use. Innovation Across a Complete Routine With its U.S. debut, Hexkin introduces multiple innovative lines to meet diverse skin needs. Beyond its Collagen Mask Series, the brand's portfolio includes essences, creams, cleansers, and eye care, developed in close collaboration with dermatology experts. Each formulation is continually refined to deliver both immediate improvements and lasting benefits. Hexkin: A New Era in Skincare By uniting scientific rigor with skinkind formulations, Hexkin brings its proven approach from Asia to the U.S., offering consumers effective skincare with a gentle touch. Looking ahead, the brand will expand its global presence and continue delivering sciencebacked solutions aligned with compliance and sustainability principles. Contact: PR Team +1 9295155101 [email protected] SOURCE Hexkin John, Jim and Susan Fitzgerald have always been proud of their late brother Tom's military service. The trio was among a crowd of about 80 people who came out to honor Vietnam veterans at the Post 22 American Legion Hall in Rapid City. The pinning ceremony, hosted by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, on Tuesday, recognized the service of about 45 veterans. Tom Fitzgerald was the only posthumous honoree of the day. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 through 1970 during the Vietnam War. He died in December 2024. John Fitzgerald said Tom talked about serving in the Mekong Delta, "a key battlefield area he patrolled (in a) boat. He had a 16-foot Boston Whaler with a 50-caliber swivel on it, and they took some gunfire on there." After the event, Susan Fitzgerald said, "It was wonderful." "Up in Spearfish we honored everybody that came back. We had a strong veterans club up in Spearfish," she said. "It's a close-knit area." Johnson said the central message of the pinning ceremony part of a national effort is "a grateful nation thanks and honors you for your service. One thing we know is that we did not give these men and women in uniform a very good welcome home back in the 1960s and 1970s. Today is about making amends for that misstep." The effort is a joint partnership of the government and veteran-focused nonprofits. Johnson said he's doled out about 1,200 pins to Vietnam veterans. The work is part of his duties as a representative. Johnson is also a candidate in the Republican primary for governor. At Tuesday's ceremony, Johnson called the veterans up in groups of four to five to receive their pins and say a few words about their service. Barbara Connett told the crowd she enlisted in the Air Force out of Mitchell in 1973, right after high school. She served at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. "One of my sad jobs was to pick up the messages and highlight the death notifications, which was really, really tough," she said. She retired in 1997 after a long career with the military. Army veteran Danny Lane Noss served from 1970 until 1993. He said he volunteered during Vietnam but was sent to Korea. "So you go where you're told, you do the job to the best of your ability, and that's your mission. So I'm a Vietnam era veteran. I'm very adamant about that. I will never say that I'm a Vietnam veteran, because I did not physically spend one day in country," he said, noting he was also stationed in Germany during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early 1990s. "I've got a pet peeve, and that's when I come up to somebody and talk to them, and they say, 'Well, you know, I didn't shoot at somebody, or I didn't have anybody shoot at me, so I don't feel like I did anything.' And that makes me so mad I could slap them," he said, noting six to 10 people support "every person that ever fires a gun." "I never fired a gun in 22 years, three months, I never had one fired at me. But that doesn't make me feel like I was less of a soldier," Lane Noss said. Other soldiers talked about operations in Vietnam. Clark Mull was part of the 17th Assault Helicopter Company. He deployed to Vietnam in 1967, ending up in an area called Plantation that was near Bien Hoa Air Base. Their travails also took them to Dong Tam, Can Tho and elsewhere in the country. "We got the hell shot out of us down there," he said. Army veteran Dean Bullock told the Journal he enjoyed hearing stories from the veterans. Bullock was crew chief on a Bell U-1 Iroquois helicopter (a Huey, to use the veteran's parlance). He was stationed in Bien Hoa. "I flew many missions to Tay Ninh (City in Vietnam), many missions. Black Virgin Mountain, my chopper took a shotgun blast off at the side of that mountain," he said. "Peppered the door pretty good." Johnson said events like Tuesday's mean a lot to the veterans, "but it means a lot to our team as well as we hear about these incredible years that these men and women donated to our country." The pinning ceremony project started as a short-term program, with elected officials across the country getting out to honor Vietnam veterans. "We don't think our work is done. There are thousands of veterans still to be honored in this state, so we purchased a few extra commemorative lapel pins, and we're going to make sure that we're giving those out over the course of the next 18 months," Johnson said, noting his office has also asked for an extension of the program. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reolink, a global innovator in intelligent visual technology will showcase two major product breakthroughs at IFA 2025: its Next-Gen AI Security System and a new 4K camera. These launches underscore Reolink's commitment to delivering user-centric smart security solutions that set new standards for modern surveillance. IFA, one of the world's top consumer electronics trade shows, will take place from September 5 to 9 at Messe Berlin, Germany. Attendees can find Reolink in Hall 1.2, Booth 131. AI Security For Every Moment AI Security for Every Moment In July, Reolink introduced Local AI Video Search with the launch of the Elite Floodlight WiFia privacy- first feature that lets users instantly locate footage by entering natural-language prompts such as "man in red shirt" or "white SUV." This on-device innovation was just a preview of what's next. At IFA 2025, Reolink will debut its Next-Gen AI Security System, the smart engine behind a new era of surveillance. As the core AI system powering all upcoming smart features, this system enables a wide range of advanced capabilities, from Perimeter Protection to Video Captioning and Customer Flow Analysis. Built to address real-world security challenges with greater precision and personalization, Reolink's Next-Gen AI is built to see, interpret, and respondlike never before. Meet the New 4K PT Camera with AI Video Search Reolink will also unveil its latest camera, combining 4K ultra HD resolution with smooth pan-tilt capabilities to deliver sharp, detailed coverage from every angle. Offering a true 360 coverage, it helps eliminate blind spots and ensures that no important moment goes unnoticed. Equipped with the AI Video Search feature, this next-generation security camera also makes it quick and easy to find key moments, giving users enhanced flexibility and smarter control over their security. Interactive Zones and Full-Range Solutions At IFA 2025, Reolink invites visitors to explore advanced AI features across immersive demo zones simulating real-life scenarios, showcasing how Reolink's Next-Gen AI Security System provides unmatched precision and security for every moment. Complementing these AI-powered experiences is a showcase of Reolink's full-range smart security portfolio. Select top productsincluding the Duo 3 PoE for ultra-wide coverage, the Argus 4 Pro with all-day ColorX night vision, and the Elite Floodlight WiFidemonstrate how Reolink's technology flexibly supports homes, businesses, and mobile setups alike. Whether it's PoE, WiFi, or 4G, Reolink offers a seamless ecosystem designed to adapt to every security scenario. For more information about Reolink at IFA 2025, please visit the Reolink website. About Reolink Reolink offers smart security solutions for homes and businesses, aiming for a seamless security experience with its wide range of products. Serving millions globally, it provides video surveillance and protection, standing out for its commitment to security technology innovation. SOURCE Reolink Innovation Inc. Mexicana de Aviacion announces flights from AIFA to Tulum International Tulum, Q.R. Mexicana de Aviacion says they will fly to Tulum with its new aircraft starting August 25. As of August 25, the airlines Embraer E2 will take off for Tulum for the first time from the (Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA). The new E195-E2 jet, which will be used for the Tulum route, is known for its quiet operation, modern cabins and advanced aerodynamics. It is also known for its fuel efficiency, able to generate fuel savings of up to 30 percent. The Mexican State Airline, Aerolinea del Estado Mexicano S.A. of C.V. (Mexicana de Aviacion), is adding Tulum International to its route as part of a government strategy to consolidate air connectivity to the region. The airline will offer a mid-morning departure, 10:00 a.m., from AIFA, landing at Tulum International 1 hour and 55 minutes later. Current prices for an August flight are just over 3,600 pesos. The new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft has capacity for 132 passengers. In July, Mexicana de Aviacion received the first of 20 new E195-E2 plans ordered. According to Mexican State Airlines General Director General Leobardo Avila Bojorquez, of the remaining 19, four more will arrive in 2025, seven in 2026 and the remaining eight in 2027. Ministry of Finance reports CIBanco and Intercam being absorbed by other Mexican banks Mexico City, Mexico Two of Mexicos three financial institutions accused of money laundering by the U.S. Treasury have reached agreements. Both CIBanco and Grupo Financiero Intercam are in the process of being absorbed by other Mexican banks. The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit said thanks to the coordinated efforts of Mexican financial authorities with members of the national banking sector, agreements have been reached for CIBanco, SA, Institucion de Banca Multiple (CIBanco) and Intercam Banco, SA, Institucion de Banca Multiple, Intercam Grupo Financiero SA de CV (Intercam Banco). Agreements were reached within the context of the temporary interventions initiated on June 26 by the National Banking and Securities Commission. The Ministray says in the case of CIBanco, after evaluating various alternatives, it was decided to transfer its trust division to Banco Multiva SA, a Full-Service Banking Institution, Grupo Financiero Multiva. This transaction ensures the continuity of existing contracts and full protection for the trusts and their beneficiaries. Kapital Bank will acquire a significant portion of Intercam. A significant portion of Intercam will be acquired by Kapital Bank. According to a Hacienda Mexico statement, Kapital will acquire a significant portion of Intercam Grupo Financieros operations, which includes assets from Intercam Banco and various entities within it. This process will allow for continued service to its customers and savers. In this context, both transactions ensure the continuity of financial services and the protection of savers rights, in strict compliance with the Credit Institutions Law and its applicable provisions. The Ministry said that various institutions within the financial system expressed interest in participating in the process under schemes aimed at maximizing the value of operations and safeguarding the stability and continuity of the Mexican financial system as a whole, reflecting the strength of the national banking system. In May, Kapital received the Made in Mexico distinction from the Mexican Ministry of Economy. Financial authorities will continue to monitor the process to ensure an orderly and transparent transition, and appreciate the trust shown by savers and the general public. Operations are subject to authorization by the authorities, so progress will continue to be reported, the Ministry said. In June, the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) implemented orders prohibiting certain transmittal of funds involving CIBanco S.A., Institution de Banca Multiple (CIBanco), Intercam Banco S.A., Institucion de Banca Multiple (Intercam) and Vector Casa de Bolsa, S.A. de C.V. (Vector), each of which FinCEN found to be of primary money laundering concern in connection with illicit opioid trafficking pursuant to the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. Two 25-year prison sentences handed down for murder in south Quintana Roo Othon P. Blanco, Q.R. Sentences for murders that took place more than a decade ago have finally been handed down. The State Attorney General (FGE) says Luis Eduardo Aban Ac will serve 25 years for the 2012 murder of a Chetumal man. They also reported that Pablo Cruz de la Rosa has been sentenced to 25 years for the 2013 murder of a resident near the community of Ucum. Both were found guilty of aggravated homicide. Police said in a statement that Luis Eduardo Aban Ac was sentenced to 25 years for events that occurred on October 27, 2012 during a violent altercation at a blacksmiths shop located on Jose Maria Morelos Avenue in central Chetumal. The now convicted man and another man arrived at the location to collect a debt, but then left the premises, bought some beer, and sat on a bench to drink it. The male victim arrived at the location and argued with him, then exchanged blows. The victim pulled something out of his backpack to repel the attack, at which point the other two men threw a rock at his face, causing injuries that led to his death. Pablo Cruz de la Rosa was also found guilty of aggravated homicide in events that occurred on the afternoon of April 14, 2013 when he went on board a motorcycle to the victims home, who got on the vehicle to go to a sugar mill located between the communities of Ucum and Sac-Xan. At that location, the suspect was talking to the victim and at some point, Pablo took a revolver-type firearm from his pants pocket and shot his companion five times, killing him. In additional to prison sentences, both have been ordered to pay a fine and material and moral damages. Pehlgaum is a picturesque town located on the banks of the Lidder River in the Vale of Kashmir, some 60 miles from the capital of Srinagar. It is the starting point of the pilgrimage route to Shiva at his temple in Amarnath. It is a popular tourist destination, and many, many Hindus begin their annual Amarnath pilgrimage there. In April this year, Islamist terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out a murderous attack in Pehlgaum. Armed with automatic rifles, they assaulted a large group of tourists, killing 26 and injuring 20 more. The survivors spoke of how, with mounting horror, they realized that the terrorists were deliberately singling out Hindus and executing them. Not that the terrorists were too discriminatinga Christian and a Muslim also died. Like all other acts of terror, this was tragic, brutal, and entirely unnecessary. Before the bodies had even cooled, however, media outlets were drumming up anti-Muslim sentiment. Not anti-terrorist or anti-Lashkar-e-Taiba, but anti-Muslim. News anchors, red in the face, thumped desks, brayed for vengeance, and stopped shortjust barelyof calling for a pogrom of Indian Muslims. Early in May, the Modi government announced Operation Sindoor, a series of airstrikes into Pakistani territory targeting supposed terrorist camps. The name was telling: Sindoor is the vermillion streak worn by Hindu wives. The government sought, clearly, to evoke Hindu honor violated by Muslim hands. Troops massed along the Line of Control with Pakistan, cross-border shelling intensified, and warplanes carried out bombing sorties. For a long week, India appeared to be preparing to invade Pakistan. That did not happen, of course. Pehlgaum reopened for tourism. And YouTubers (on either side) made a lot of money with commentary videos. So passed the 78th year of Indo-Pakistani strife: intense, hateful, and entirely inconclusive. This did not have to be so. Now, imagine what could be in its stead. A subcontinent where the princely statesall 565 of themendure. Not as relics of a bygone age but as proud bastions of local government and cultural stewardship. Where the Rajahs and Maharajahs, far from being sidelined and paupered, stand fast as custodians of their peoples heritage, blending, wisely, tradition with progress. In this India, loyalty to ones gaon (village) and shaher (city), ones khan-dan (clan/lineage), remains a sacred trust, holding samaj (society) together in a web of gratitude and obligation. This is not a fantasy of empire or a yearning for the age of zamindars (landlords) and jagirdars (baronetcies), still less nostalgia for colonial etiquette, but a recognition of the fact that for most of her history, India was a latticework of little sovereignties, of subsidiary nodes of loyalty and patronage more intimate than distant provincial and national capitals. Let us zoom in. Mysore. Picture the Maharajah lighting a bowl of camphor to greet the dawn: not as a show of piety but because it is his charge. Down the Albert Victor Road drift flower girls and chartered accountants on their way to Hardinge Circle or the City Bus Station. Just over a mile north rise the spires of the Cathedral of St. Philomena. In its eaves stand Brahmin pundits (religious scholars) and Latin clergymen engaged in gentle (and occasionally spirited) debate. All these folk tied by cords of duty to the palace standing in the lees of the Chamundi Hills. The conservative vision of man, society, and God that emerges from this reality is neither libertarian minimalism nor a whitewashed dream of Volkisch purity. It assumes, simply, that to be governed well is to be knownby ones rulers, ones priest, ones neighborsand that such bonds are a very precious bequest. March up along the Carnatic coast and you will find Madras. Sunstruck, vibrant, awash with pilgrims and traders, where the Nawab of Arcot receives emissaries from the Mughal Imperium and the Bengali Subah (province). In nearby George Town, Armenian merchants cast their bids at peppercorn auctions; a few gullees (localities) over, in Mylapore, sonorous Vedic hymns emanate from loudspeakers strung up around Kapaleeshwarar Temple, vying for attention with the bells of San Thome Basilica. North again, past the emerald rice paddies and coconut plantations of the Krishna and Godavari catchment areas, we reach the Deccan Plateau. Here the air is dry: Marathi jagirdars hold court in modest durbars hearing petitions about irrigation disputes and cattle thefts. Their goodwives, draped in nine yards of saree, lead the annual worship of Bhavani, patron goddess of Shivaji, lord of the Maratha Confederacy. Yet their charity is not reserved solely for the Tulja Temple, where resides Bhavani. Nothey patronize Jesuit schools and Carmelite convents in Berar, Hyderabad, and Poona, too. They understand that piety wears many guises. In Assam, Bengal, and the wide, rolling lands of the Indo-Gangetic doab (two-river plain), the same subtle tapestry unfolds. Tea planters in Bengal and Assam, some Muslim, some Hindu, some Christian, patronize local melas (fairs) honoring the local gods even as they send their children to Salesian and Dominican tutors in Darjeeling. Southward, in the Bengal delta, the baul (peripatetic bards) sing songs to Krishna and Jesus, Radha and the Blessed Virgin. Calcutta remains the jewel of the Subcontinent: Trams rattle down the Upper Circular Road, hauling passengers the length and breadth of the city. Parsi and Greek merchants man their stores along the dingy, crowded lanes of New Market, Chowringhee, and the Esplanade; bright-eyed students debate beneath the cool portico of Presidency College; lovers walk arm-in-arm down the colonnade of the Victoria Memorial. Westward, beyond the rugged hills and badlands of Bihar and Chattisgarh, lies the heart of the ancient realm of Aryavarta. Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Allahabad, Benarescapitals of realms present and pastlive still. Indeed, the very soil of the corridor between the Ganges and the Yumna seems to remember the countless dynasties that have come and gone. Each contributes to the great striated humus of civilization that has called this land home. It is perhaps here more than anywhere that a true Indian conservatism could take hold, one rooted in place, tempered by a thousand thousand dialects and devotions, suspicious of all grand abstractions save that which emerges: India, mother and daughter both, and the glory of the subcontinent. We cannot in our recollection of else-when forget that other curious lot: the living embodiment of a love that spans continents, reuniting brethren long-sundered, sprung from the mingling of the Bengali and the Briton, the Konkani and the Lusitanian, the Tamil and the Irishthe Anglo-Indian. Neither wholly Indian nor wholly foreign, they are Indias hinge. In the counting houses of Bombay, the tearooms of Calcutta, the cantonments of Meerut and Mysore and Oudh, and the signals cabins of Madras, they keep the arteries of the realm open. It is they who ensure that the writ of law does not choke on the dust of custom, nor justice and freedom die in the fires of zeal, that the dispensaries, ordnance manufactories, and irrigation pumps run. They are the persnickety troubleshooters, engineers, and planners. In them are the best of the West and the East distilled. They love their clubs, their kedgeree, their Simla summer soirees, and their Bombay duck as much as any old India hand; unlike them, though, they love also the bright tropical sun. Nowhere else are they so much at home, for like India, they are, in the truest sense, mingled. No one else better embodies Indias genial contradictions or accepts anomaly as the grain of life. What better sigil, then, for this never-when realm than the old Star of India? Not the bland tricolor nor the crescent and star, but a rayed, five-pointed star of argent, studded with diamonds and encircled by a sunburst with 52 rays of gold, and in the center of the sunburst a ribbon of azure with the motto: Heavens Light, Our Guide. No vaunting claim to remake man, no demand for conquest or creedal uniformityonly the humble plea that the Lord God might limn peasant and prince alike, under heavens light. In this vision, the Indian subcontinent is not a furnace of endless grievance, but a many-pillared hall of stone, centered in a common hearth of loving tradition. To an outsider, it may seem like madness that no Indians of goodwillor Bangladeshis or Pakistanis, for that matterare advocating for this alternative. Indeed, the vision outlined here underscores the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. It is the hope of Unity in Diversity given living form. The reasons are many and not lightly told. Perhaps we can take them up at some later time.